I've never been to 'the' pool (I was invited once but declined as it was winter and I didn't want a memory of bare and barren banks) but over the years I have read so much about it that I didn't think another book on the subject would really grab me like it did. I have copies of Redmire Pool by Clifford and Arbery, A Century of Carp Fishing, Historical Carp Waters etc. etc. - in fact so many books referencing Redmire - but this gave something different; a very personal history of the pool, from those there at the very beginning and brought right up-to-date.
The front cover is a beautiful illustration of Dick Walker with 'Ravioli', by Clare Hatcher and the book is littered with excellent photographs (quite a few new ones I sense, that I hadn't seen before).
There are nearly forty contributions from anglers who fished the pool over the years (everyone you would expect, some being extracts from historical writings) to include some very personal anecdotes and reflections on the water, the time they spent there and the people they were with. This includes at least three of 'our own'; our President, May Lang, Stu Harris (Sweetcorn Kid) and Mark Walsingham (Skeff) with the latter giving a real insight into the recent restoration.
Some of my favourite contributions included Pete Climo describing how he first went on an unauthorised visit with two other 'carp-mad teenagers' on their motorbikes, making a run for it when they were shouted at for trespassing. The book immerses you in the magic of Redmire in the fifties, sixties and beyond; you can feel the breeze up in the trees with Roger Bowskill, and what it must have felt like to look down on the monster mirror and the two great commons (that were witnessed too many times to not be true). Chris Ball gives a lovely account under the chapter title of 'The Monster Carp of Redmire Pool.
I adore this photo of Billy Walkeden; look at the shape on that common!
Stephen Harper has recently become a friend following his publication of a friend's book and our work with Wensum Anglers Conservation Association, but I wouldn't have written this unless I could be completely sincere. In fairness, I defy anyone not to agree the production is excellent.
There you go, definitely one for your Christmas List if you haven't scribed it yet.
http://www.harperanglingbooks.co.uk/redmire.html
