A Legend Speaks…

A cold November evening doesn't really have that much going for it. Temperatures dropping, rain forecast, fish not really feeding. What to do? Well, over 60 of our members and guests gathered at New Greens Hall on this particular November evening to be regaled with tales of yesteryear by VAC member Mike Wilson.

Now Mike is the very last person who would describe himself as a legend, but the simple fact of the matter is that this particular cap fits! Mike was at the very forefront of the development of carp fishing into the sport we now know so well. He had a hand in many of the tackle innovations that we now take for granted (he was using glass leger weights forty years ago, despite them "just" being launched onto the market in 2008). He ran the Savay fishery that has become a modern day carp mecca. He stocked many of those gorgeous fish into Savay, and boy could he catch them!

Mike presented an enthralling slide show and talk on the development of carp fishing and Savay itself in the early years. Looking around the hall, you could see modern day carp anglers hanging on his every word. The sense of history, excitement and innovation that Mike put across was a heady mix. His tales and anecdotes, combined with hundreds of pictures of those stunning fish, captivated an audience with ease.

We had a few special guests in attendance on the night too. Ian "Chilly" Chillcott came down to sign copies of his new book. Dave Gawthorn, two-time BCAC champion, came along for the evening. John Harry, author of the book "Savay" came down to see his old mate speak. However, special mention must go to Ruth Lockwood of ECHO (English Carp Heritage Organisation), who came down to give a brief talk on ECHO and their works. Ruth is one of the most passionate speakers out there – she presented a talk on the dangers of the deadly carp virus KHV, and what we could do as anglers to help minimise the risk. Ruth really knows her stuff – she and ECHO are doing massive amounts of work on behalf of all anglers. If you see an ECHO stand at any of the fishing shows, please go and say hello. She'll give you a warm welcome, and she'll always have time for a chat. Thanks Ruth!

This was a very special evening. The feedback from the audience was that everybody had a really great time. This is another event that we would definitely like to repeat, and Mike certainly has enough stories stored up to cope with another evening. A huge vote of thanks, Mike, for letting us have a glimpse of how it was. After three hours of chat and banter, I think you convinced us all that, in your own words……….

"There's nothing new in carp fishing"