Happy Christmas to you all

Under a leaden coloured sky there is merriment in homes across the land but let’s cast a thought to those not so fortunate. At Midnight Mass the word ‘buffeted’ was the focus of the Rectors speech, he thought it was the most apt word to describe events of 2017, Brexit, Trump, Genfell Tower, terrorist attacks, fires, floods and discord across the globe.

Whilst many of us woke this morning with the joy of Christmas in our hearts, let’s cast a thought to the many for who it is just another day of survival, poverty, disruption and a bleak future.

For those of you who are brothers of the art of the angle, may the memories of this last season bridge the gap to the end of March. To those of you who switch the focus to grayling, pike and perch may your lines tighten on a crisp winters day. I leave you to enjoy the festive season with this verse:

On the dust-covered hillsides,

In the quiet of the night,

‘Twas shepherds out feeding,

Who first saw the light:

A window to heaven

As the sound filled the sky.

Sing glory to God

For the Maiden and her Child.

I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Christmas is soon upon us…

As detailed in previous posts there has been little fishing since May, few car boots visited and only three items of vintage tackle purchased.

Work has been all consuming, sometimes I think to the detriment of life rich tapestry but young Tales’s focus has also shifted to four wheels, poles apart form his passion of fishing.

I hope over the Christmas break we’ll find a day to fish the Itchen in search of a Grayling.

We will downsize our collection of vintage tackle in 2018, sad to see it unused and stored in boxes in the loft, so watch this space as we select what to keep and what to let go.

It has been good to read others stories and posts on the art of angling, some of the photography has been sublime, motivating and artistic.

Hopefully I will find time to post something before Christmas Eve, however, may I take this opportunity to wish you all the best over the Festive Season.

Tight lines to you all.