The mighty brolly is not dead.
This past summer and autumn i've used a 20+ year old JRC oval brolly, fits in my rod bag and goes up in seconds.
Once the weather got wetter and colder (latter part of November) I bought a new JRC extreme brolly system, as with its zip on/off front and ground sheet it offers much better protection from the elements.
The new one is a bit more faff to put up but worth it when its pissing down and only a few degrees outside.
Once the warmer weather comes around i'll be back under just a brolly, but probably just the main brolly of the JRC extreme, as it offers better head room than the old oval, which is essential to those of us with back problems and cant sit hunched up under the older style brolly with their more intrusive spoke systems.
The only adaptation I intend to make to the new brolly is to remove the magnetic attachments for the two front storm poles and go back to the screw on ones, as my old storm poles also screw into the ground and are more stable.

I've been using hemp oil from tesco, and molasses from an animal food supply shop near me, and used both as a coating for layers pellets.
Been putting the pellet into a plastic tub, add the oil or molasses and leave to gradually absorb.
It doesn't soak all the way in, mostly on the outer layers.
Cheap way of getting a scent in the water.
Also, a little bit of molasses inside your pva bag coats the inside and helps stop damp particles like tiger nuts melting through before casting out.

https://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/

In reply to Post #7
Update.

Just to give a balanced view, I have used Barrs again since this prior issue, and ordered a largish batch of leads.
Leads arrived quickly.

In reply to Post #4
Did you get a set of the mini's?
What do you think so far?

One of my old Micron M has just started playing up (phantom screaming runs!), so may be looking for something new myself.

One thing i've noticed with my advanta stove and gas cannisters is that the can needs to be screwed on pretty tight.
I believe its just a case of the metal prong bit not quite going far enough into the rubber seal properly, as i was experiencing what i thought was low pressure but just a tweak of the can got it roaring again.

In reply to Post #2
Agree with Zack on this one, have weighed my weigh sling several times and get differing weights depending on how much water its retaining (soaked in to the mesh) at the time.
Its varied between 1lb 4oz and 1lb 10oz.
Much better to use the tare function each time to be accurate.

Having grown up with Jack Hargreaves Out of town and Old country, then John Wilson Go fishing, I have to say the loud/brash presenting style of Ali Hamidi and Danny fairbrass, backed up by Neil Spooner and Tom Dove does grate a bit.
And no thats not a personal attack on them as people, just my personal opinion on their way of doing things.
John Wilson could get a bit exitable at times too, lets not forget that.
Do I enjoy watching them all catching some carp?
Of course I do, some programs/episodes more than others, in particular the cassien session.

Prebaiting swims for the program to be a success?
Of course they did, John Wilson was no different, they were all there to make a TV program so stacked the odds in their favour.

We all have a choice in what we watch, we can turn over if its not to our particular taste.

With the multitude of programs, and videos on things like youtube, theres something out their for all of us.

Did a few sessions on there in the mid 90's.

My advice would be to keep a close eye on your gear!.
Lots of footpaths around the main perimiter of the lake, with everybody and anybody able to wander about, ranging from families with kids to drunks and ****ers.
Also had a few cars broken into in the carpark, so common sense applies-dont leave anything in your car!

I know its a long time since I was there and it may have got better over the years.

Its a big lake, large open expanse of water, but there are lots of areas where you can find them close in as well.

I only had the one fish from there, simply because it was totally the wrong water for me at that time, as I wasnt experienced enough or geared up to fish a big pit like that.

Used to do the social bit with mates on a club water when much younger.

Much prefer to be quiet and chill out on my own these days, dont mind the occasional beer when I fish but always fully capable of fishing properly. A quiet radio on after dark, but only loud enough for me to hear it.

More than happy to have a chat with other syndicate members (those that will speak to me!) but expect them to be sensible and stay back from the water etc, as i do if in someone else's swim.

Lucky, in that most of the other guys on the lake are of a similar mind set, we're there to primarily try to catch on a lowish stock venue so tend to concentrate on the fishing.