In reply to Post #557
Merry Xmas Peter and co. Thanks for another year of tales from yonder.I do love our you Generation lived, and have seen similar in my life time too,, maybe that's why,,
always out doors exploring,, a brilliant life,
Thank you.
Merry Xmas Peter and co. Thanks for another year of tales from yonder.I do love our you Generation lived, and have seen similar in my life time too,, maybe that's why,,
always out doors exploring,, a brilliant life,
Thank you.
In reply to Post #559
I realy thank the both of you two pete,s god bless and have a great christmas
I realy thank the both of you two pete,s god bless and have a great christmas
In reply to Post #559
I realy thank the both of you two pete,s god bless and have a great christmas
I realy thank the both of you two pete,s god bless and have a great christmas
In reply to Post #561
Another great episode Pete, well done for sharing mate.
Happy Christmas to you and yours.
Regards
Greg
Another great episode Pete, well done for sharing mate.
Happy Christmas to you and yours.
Regards
Greg
In reply to Post #562
Thanks greg very much appreciated have a good one
Thanks greg very much appreciated have a good one
In reply to Post #563
As I have mentioned before I had many friends that were gypsies one such individual was fiddler lock he would go around the local pubs playing his fiddle, especially at Christmas and the new year I can remember him playing the fiddle around the campfire in a place called the berries that is on our village, they would be singing and dancing to the sound of his fiddle. I Was Only a nipper at the time,I would go down and sit with them they bought me sweets treacle toffee in big slabs and apples and oranges.
They were very religious people, I liked old jack he was quite a rogue he taught me to shoot a catapult,he would put a tin on the end of a stick and let me shoot at it until I hit it ya learning he would say, but what I loved most was riding the big hoarse he was brown and white a beautiful animal and so friendly I would ride him around the paths in the berries there was no saddle, I would hold him around his neck or by the mane not once did I fall off, mrs lock lived until she was 108,and I can remember the caravan burning,dolly lock who was a daughter lived to over 100 years old,they lived off the land,I would sit with jack when he was making clothes pegs he would cut two pieces of withy to size then bind a piece of tin around them to hold the top together you never see those pegs around today. I Remember dolly knocking our front door mother would open it hello misses do you want to buy a few pegs or lace today,mum always bought a few pegs,she would be given a posy of flowers thanks bless you misses.
I can also remember the tramps calling saying can you spare a bit of tea for my billie can,they knew were to call mum always gave them a bite to eat and filled there can thank you lovely he would say we would not see him for at least another twelve months they were men of the road. We Also had the knife grinder call he would use his bike to turn the stone that sharpened our knives and axes it cost only pennies you never see them today they have disappeared never to return.
The locks were true romany gypsies,along with the prices,and the stevens,their caravans were beautifully painted,when parked up most had a couple of lurcher dogs tied to the back of the van, they would use these to catch a rabbit or two I went with jack one evening he caught a couple of hares,and a couple of rabbits,they were soon in the pot that hung over the fire. I can still see them in my dreams sitting around the camp fire all smoking the clay pipes they were wonderfull days, alas we will never see the likes again. more a bit latter
As I have mentioned before I had many friends that were gypsies one such individual was fiddler lock he would go around the local pubs playing his fiddle, especially at Christmas and the new year I can remember him playing the fiddle around the campfire in a place called the berries that is on our village, they would be singing and dancing to the sound of his fiddle. I Was Only a nipper at the time,I would go down and sit with them they bought me sweets treacle toffee in big slabs and apples and oranges.
They were very religious people, I liked old jack he was quite a rogue he taught me to shoot a catapult,he would put a tin on the end of a stick and let me shoot at it until I hit it ya learning he would say, but what I loved most was riding the big hoarse he was brown and white a beautiful animal and so friendly I would ride him around the paths in the berries there was no saddle, I would hold him around his neck or by the mane not once did I fall off, mrs lock lived until she was 108,and I can remember the caravan burning,dolly lock who was a daughter lived to over 100 years old,they lived off the land,I would sit with jack when he was making clothes pegs he would cut two pieces of withy to size then bind a piece of tin around them to hold the top together you never see those pegs around today. I Remember dolly knocking our front door mother would open it hello misses do you want to buy a few pegs or lace today,mum always bought a few pegs,she would be given a posy of flowers thanks bless you misses.
I can also remember the tramps calling saying can you spare a bit of tea for my billie can,they knew were to call mum always gave them a bite to eat and filled there can thank you lovely he would say we would not see him for at least another twelve months they were men of the road. We Also had the knife grinder call he would use his bike to turn the stone that sharpened our knives and axes it cost only pennies you never see them today they have disappeared never to return.
The locks were true romany gypsies,along with the prices,and the stevens,their caravans were beautifully painted,when parked up most had a couple of lurcher dogs tied to the back of the van, they would use these to catch a rabbit or two I went with jack one evening he caught a couple of hares,and a couple of rabbits,they were soon in the pot that hung over the fire. I can still see them in my dreams sitting around the camp fire all smoking the clay pipes they were wonderfull days, alas we will never see the likes again. more a bit latter
In reply to Post #564
Happy new year all, the weather here is atrocious what with the wind not really the weather to be down the woods or in hill country, but when I was younger graham and I would fish in all weather we have sat many times with a big plastic bag around us to keep out the wet and wind, but that was years ago in the sixties we had not got the money in those days but we still caught fish, I remember one night we fished at Acton Burnell we had been set up for about two hours the wind got up and the sky was streaked with lightning, then came the rain, it lashed down the rain was to hard to even get back to our van, we only had umbrellas, we pulled them down right over us and stuck it out and we caught fish tench, mostly around five pounds they were put back without weighing I think it was the worst night I have ever fished .
Another time saw Graham and I up in hill country, we were shooting the ducks, coming in to rest on the trout pools, it started to snow, I said to graham had we better head for home no said he we will be ok. I suppose we were in the middle of a fir wood with the pools down below the tree kept most of the snow off us, the wind got up god it was blowing the duck, still came in I had a big lab at the time his name was blaze, graham had wounded a bird my lab would not come out of the water, the duck kept diving old blaze waited his time up popped the duck and he had him. Graham lets go while we can we put the ducks in our bags, sixteen in all over the fence we got and made our way up the field to the road, god the road was partially blocked we ain't going to get thought that I said good job we had brought grahams land rover, the drifts were at least two ft deep in places then it happened we went into the ditch, what are we going to do now graham we tried digging it out no way would it budge, i'll have to walk to the farm I said to graham, away I went I pulled my coat around me and started to walk then I saw a vehicle coming towards me, it was the council snow plough, he stopped he knew me where ya going at this hour pete, we are stuck I was going to the farm to get the tractor, jump in he said I thought you knew these hills well, I do but we got to greedy shooting the ducks, and left it to late he soon had us on our way ya owe me a pint he said smiling all over his face no probs we both replied.
We got to the nearest pub which was at dorrington, my finger were dropping off bloody hell they were cold, we took the dog with us and sat beside the roaring fire, it was new years eve, and the pub was full we sold all our ducks had another pint and made for home graham invited me in we sat before his fire and both had a glass of malt tomorrow would be another day the start of the new year it was 1982, it seems a long time ago there was a good many more adventures to have over the coming years. I will tell you about them latter, graham and I have been friends over fifty years we have fished and shot together and have got drunk together, but he now lies in a hospital bed seriously ill I have just rang and I am told he is a lot better today he is awaiting another operation and has been in terrible pain, if anything happened to him my wife and i would be broken hearted mind you he is a tough old bugger i'll tell you more latter.
Happy new year all, the weather here is atrocious what with the wind not really the weather to be down the woods or in hill country, but when I was younger graham and I would fish in all weather we have sat many times with a big plastic bag around us to keep out the wet and wind, but that was years ago in the sixties we had not got the money in those days but we still caught fish, I remember one night we fished at Acton Burnell we had been set up for about two hours the wind got up and the sky was streaked with lightning, then came the rain, it lashed down the rain was to hard to even get back to our van, we only had umbrellas, we pulled them down right over us and stuck it out and we caught fish tench, mostly around five pounds they were put back without weighing I think it was the worst night I have ever fished .
Another time saw Graham and I up in hill country, we were shooting the ducks, coming in to rest on the trout pools, it started to snow, I said to graham had we better head for home no said he we will be ok. I suppose we were in the middle of a fir wood with the pools down below the tree kept most of the snow off us, the wind got up god it was blowing the duck, still came in I had a big lab at the time his name was blaze, graham had wounded a bird my lab would not come out of the water, the duck kept diving old blaze waited his time up popped the duck and he had him. Graham lets go while we can we put the ducks in our bags, sixteen in all over the fence we got and made our way up the field to the road, god the road was partially blocked we ain't going to get thought that I said good job we had brought grahams land rover, the drifts were at least two ft deep in places then it happened we went into the ditch, what are we going to do now graham we tried digging it out no way would it budge, i'll have to walk to the farm I said to graham, away I went I pulled my coat around me and started to walk then I saw a vehicle coming towards me, it was the council snow plough, he stopped he knew me where ya going at this hour pete, we are stuck I was going to the farm to get the tractor, jump in he said I thought you knew these hills well, I do but we got to greedy shooting the ducks, and left it to late he soon had us on our way ya owe me a pint he said smiling all over his face no probs we both replied.
We got to the nearest pub which was at dorrington, my finger were dropping off bloody hell they were cold, we took the dog with us and sat beside the roaring fire, it was new years eve, and the pub was full we sold all our ducks had another pint and made for home graham invited me in we sat before his fire and both had a glass of malt tomorrow would be another day the start of the new year it was 1982, it seems a long time ago there was a good many more adventures to have over the coming years. I will tell you about them latter, graham and I have been friends over fifty years we have fished and shot together and have got drunk together, but he now lies in a hospital bed seriously ill I have just rang and I am told he is a lot better today he is awaiting another operation and has been in terrible pain, if anything happened to him my wife and i would be broken hearted mind you he is a tough old bugger i'll tell you more latter.
In reply to Post #565
Happy new year Pete, Wishing Graham a speedy recovery..
Chin up friend...
Happy new year Pete, Wishing Graham a speedy recovery..
Chin up friend...
In reply to Post #566
Thanks pete graham is seriously ill, I hope he recovers he has a operation on the 8th jan so we will see his daughter is going to the hospital tomorrow its in Sutton coldfield appreciate your kind words I hope you have a great year. god bless m8
Thanks pete graham is seriously ill, I hope he recovers he has a operation on the 8th jan so we will see his daughter is going to the hospital tomorrow its in Sutton coldfield appreciate your kind words I hope you have a great year. god bless m8
In reply to Post #424
In reply to Post #565
Now they say we may have snow, for once I really hope not the weather,, has caused enough damage already my heart goes out to some areas that has had severe flooding. Well lets get on with my story I used to fish a place that belonged to a cousin of the queen, or so I was told. There was two lakes covered in lilies I never got permission only told to be on my way by a well dressed gentleman with a plum in his mouth god were they posh, I could only just reach the big knocker on the door, and then to be told be on your way, I thought no way I am going to fish those lakes, and I did one morning in June, it was a glorious day I got there about six thirty in the morning, you could see it could be hot latter.
I had a look around and decided to fish between the lily bed, in a piece of clear water, I was only using the old tank aerial Rods, the dad, had got made for me, I used a big porcupine quill, to be honest you could not get much else it was only a few years after the war, I used a wooden reel with silk line I managed to cast with it quite well. I would scrounge a few lead shot from the fishing shop manager, he really helped us youngsters, I would nip them onto the line and managed to cock the float, it was casting that could cause a few problems well that's if you did not clear a place behind where you fished, I would coil the line behind where I stood then I would give it the the big heave ho out it fled, landing nicely in the clear water. I waited until the float cocked then I would sit and wait I could see a few bubbles around the float it trembled then vanished under the surface up with the rod, I was in god did it go, I got it to the side of the bank but could not get my hands around the fish, so in the water I got and lifted it out I scrambled out i just stood and stared at the fish, it was a Tench a lovely shade of green I had no scales to weigh the fish but looking at him i guessed he was around three pounds the biggest I had ever caught.
I stood trembling with excitement how many more would I catch, the next was even bigger around four pounds, had I found my heaven, i certainly thought so until i hear a shout come here lad and bring the rod with e, no way was I going over there, I made my way through the rhododendron bushes, and hid the rod and climbed up the nearest tree, it was a big old oak, I got to the top and just sat there no one could see me if they looked up I could see the keeper, and there were others I heard the big chap say he wanna have done any hurt sir e was only fishing. I do not want anyone on the estate do you hear Travers do you understand, yes sir he answered he then walked away with the other keepers. I stayed up that tree until they had gone. I caught another two before it was time to go home I got to my bike there was a note attached to the handlebar, it said if you fish the lakes again keep out of sight of the big house, and hide your bike, else where if I catch you I will take the appropriate action, good luck young un I hope we don't cross paths again, it was signed Bob Travers head keeper. I never did and fished it many times, I never saw Travers or heard from him again. well a bit more latter.
Now they say we may have snow, for once I really hope not the weather,, has caused enough damage already my heart goes out to some areas that has had severe flooding. Well lets get on with my story I used to fish a place that belonged to a cousin of the queen, or so I was told. There was two lakes covered in lilies I never got permission only told to be on my way by a well dressed gentleman with a plum in his mouth god were they posh, I could only just reach the big knocker on the door, and then to be told be on your way, I thought no way I am going to fish those lakes, and I did one morning in June, it was a glorious day I got there about six thirty in the morning, you could see it could be hot latter.
I had a look around and decided to fish between the lily bed, in a piece of clear water, I was only using the old tank aerial Rods, the dad, had got made for me, I used a big porcupine quill, to be honest you could not get much else it was only a few years after the war, I used a wooden reel with silk line I managed to cast with it quite well. I would scrounge a few lead shot from the fishing shop manager, he really helped us youngsters, I would nip them onto the line and managed to cock the float, it was casting that could cause a few problems well that's if you did not clear a place behind where you fished, I would coil the line behind where I stood then I would give it the the big heave ho out it fled, landing nicely in the clear water. I waited until the float cocked then I would sit and wait I could see a few bubbles around the float it trembled then vanished under the surface up with the rod, I was in god did it go, I got it to the side of the bank but could not get my hands around the fish, so in the water I got and lifted it out I scrambled out i just stood and stared at the fish, it was a Tench a lovely shade of green I had no scales to weigh the fish but looking at him i guessed he was around three pounds the biggest I had ever caught.
I stood trembling with excitement how many more would I catch, the next was even bigger around four pounds, had I found my heaven, i certainly thought so until i hear a shout come here lad and bring the rod with e, no way was I going over there, I made my way through the rhododendron bushes, and hid the rod and climbed up the nearest tree, it was a big old oak, I got to the top and just sat there no one could see me if they looked up I could see the keeper, and there were others I heard the big chap say he wanna have done any hurt sir e was only fishing. I do not want anyone on the estate do you hear Travers do you understand, yes sir he answered he then walked away with the other keepers. I stayed up that tree until they had gone. I caught another two before it was time to go home I got to my bike there was a note attached to the handlebar, it said if you fish the lakes again keep out of sight of the big house, and hide your bike, else where if I catch you I will take the appropriate action, good luck young un I hope we don't cross paths again, it was signed Bob Travers head keeper. I never did and fished it many times, I never saw Travers or heard from him again. well a bit more latter.
In reply to Post #569
My dear friend graham who is in hospital struggling for his life I have fished with him for over fifty years he has been mentioned my stories more than once he has been my right arm since I have had arthrtis we have had some great laughs when we all went on holiday together with our families. I really hope he pulls throught those that know him on our village and the surrounding country side love him to bits and pray he well get better god bless m8
My dear friend graham who is in hospital struggling for his life I have fished with him for over fifty years he has been mentioned my stories more than once he has been my right arm since I have had arthrtis we have had some great laughs when we all went on holiday together with our families. I really hope he pulls throught those that know him on our village and the surrounding country side love him to bits and pray he well get better god bless m8
In reply to Post #570
I will tell you a few tales about my friend graham who I have fished and shot with for fifty one years, I shed a tear as I write this as I will never fish with him again, I watched how he struggled for breath yesterday I think he knew my wife and I were there, they had sent for his family so my friends life is ebbing slowly away. Since I have had arthritis he has been my right arm only last season we fished for the carp and barbel and caught a few nice fish, how things have altered in the last few months. I first met graham in 1963 little did I know he would remain my friend all these years, he told me he liked fishing so did I, so off we went in a little white mini car that had seen better days you could see the road through the floor, as we sped along, we toured the lakes of Shropshire, looking for places to fish we found plenty some legal some not. One such lake I shall not name as the same owners still have it. It was a wonderful place lilies, everywhere you looked pink, and white, the side of the lake was a big lawn with a big wooden conservatory, graham said we will sit in there at night, you can't do that why not we can lie on those big chairs, they have got in there it was nearly next to our rods. So three nights latter saw us casting our rods out. we were soon comfortable lying on these lovely chairs they were infact rockers, god we could soon fall asleep I watched and saw grahams indicator which was silver paper slowly move towards the butt ring.
I shouted graham you have got a run but all I could hear was his snoring, I lifted the rod and i was in he eventually staggered to me and grabbed his rod, I could see it was big one by looking at the bend in his rod, he played it to the bank, we did have a landing net, of sorts which we had bought between us, I slid it under this fish I had difficulty getting it in, its a bloody big eel, graham how big, very big said I, as we shone the torch we could see how big he was. We had some old spring balance scales with us he weighed in a 6 pounds a very good fish we were lucky to land it on the tackle, we had, out he cast again with a couple of big lobs,for bait you could collect your own while fishing from the lawn, I said hope we don't get caught there was only one way out over the field behind where we were fishing, I thought to my self we wont get another then away went his rod again he picked the rod up and he was in once again you jammy bugger I said this time it was three pounds he had another of two pounds, well that's my mate graham I shall miss him very much I must admit i wonder if I will fish again we will see so god bless m8 I hope you catch many fish in your dreams. More a little latter
I will tell you a few tales about my friend graham who I have fished and shot with for fifty one years, I shed a tear as I write this as I will never fish with him again, I watched how he struggled for breath yesterday I think he knew my wife and I were there, they had sent for his family so my friends life is ebbing slowly away. Since I have had arthritis he has been my right arm only last season we fished for the carp and barbel and caught a few nice fish, how things have altered in the last few months. I first met graham in 1963 little did I know he would remain my friend all these years, he told me he liked fishing so did I, so off we went in a little white mini car that had seen better days you could see the road through the floor, as we sped along, we toured the lakes of Shropshire, looking for places to fish we found plenty some legal some not. One such lake I shall not name as the same owners still have it. It was a wonderful place lilies, everywhere you looked pink, and white, the side of the lake was a big lawn with a big wooden conservatory, graham said we will sit in there at night, you can't do that why not we can lie on those big chairs, they have got in there it was nearly next to our rods. So three nights latter saw us casting our rods out. we were soon comfortable lying on these lovely chairs they were infact rockers, god we could soon fall asleep I watched and saw grahams indicator which was silver paper slowly move towards the butt ring.
I shouted graham you have got a run but all I could hear was his snoring, I lifted the rod and i was in he eventually staggered to me and grabbed his rod, I could see it was big one by looking at the bend in his rod, he played it to the bank, we did have a landing net, of sorts which we had bought between us, I slid it under this fish I had difficulty getting it in, its a bloody big eel, graham how big, very big said I, as we shone the torch we could see how big he was. We had some old spring balance scales with us he weighed in a 6 pounds a very good fish we were lucky to land it on the tackle, we had, out he cast again with a couple of big lobs,for bait you could collect your own while fishing from the lawn, I said hope we don't get caught there was only one way out over the field behind where we were fishing, I thought to my self we wont get another then away went his rod again he picked the rod up and he was in once again you jammy bugger I said this time it was three pounds he had another of two pounds, well that's my mate graham I shall miss him very much I must admit i wonder if I will fish again we will see so god bless m8 I hope you catch many fish in your dreams. More a little latter
In reply to Post #571
My dear mate graham passed away this morning at twenty past two, he has been my fishing partner for nearly fifty one years I don't know how ill manage without him god bless m8 rest in piece
My mate Graham who died today aged 77 god bless
My dear mate graham passed away this morning at twenty past two, he has been my fishing partner for nearly fifty one years I don't know how ill manage without him god bless m8 rest in piece
My mate Graham who died today aged 77 god bless
In reply to Post #572
So sorry to hear your sad news Pete, a close friend can never be replaced but, you have the memories of all the times you spent together enjoying the countryside, they will last forever
So sorry to hear your sad news Pete, a close friend can never be replaced but, you have the memories of all the times you spent together enjoying the countryside, they will last forever