News…

Firstly, let me apologise for not making as many blogposts as I have done in the past. To be perfectly frank, Nick is not as fit as he was last year, but let’s keep that between us, shall we? It is our intention to stay local – SouthWest region – this year for various reasons: The cost of fuel is crazy! People are feeling the pinch and not so happy to be asked to donate… fair enough I suppose. So fundraising is a big issue.

We have decisions to make about the way forward for Reels on Wheels, to keep it working for everyone and make sure it’s cost-effective and cost-efficient!

We went to Balsdon’s Vehicle Services in Okehampton, a couple of weeks ago for the Buddy Bus MOT – clean bill of health! And the chaps gave us a discount, because they can! Thank you guys! here’s Al (the Boss, with Austin) and cheeky chappy Austin – in the office that day! They are brilliant and customer service is fab! Good tea and coffe, magazines and friendliness in abundance – we recommend them highly!

Great, aren’t they?!

Nick left for Wales this morning, and here’s why… At the recent Reels on Wheels Fishing festival, the top prize was a weekend fishing at The Birch Syndicate Lake, Peterstone. This prize was won by Peter – a 72 year old member of the Manderson Trust for Disabled Anglers. Peter shouldn’t really have been there, as he has terminal cancer and was due for chemotherapy, but he didn’t want to miss the event! He has never won anything in his life till that day and two of the chaps from the Trust are accompanying Peter to The Birch today to meet up with Nick and enjoy a weekend’s fishing at a premier Syndicate water.

The response from all the guys at Peterstone has been wonderful (as always) and there will be many willing hands to help carry bags and tackle to the swims. Breakfast will be huge and Martin (Cronin) has been watching the lake closely to see where the fish are showing. It’s a hard lake, but in my own experience (remember the 14 lb Pike I caught last December, ‘cos I do!), the rewards can be outstanding.

The weather hasn’t always been kind to Nick & Co. when out and about – I recall many comments about “The Man from Atlantis” and “webbed feet” last year, but maybe the sun will shine on them all this weekend. Who knows? Stranger things have happened!

I wish them all good fishing and tight lines, as Peter enjoys his prize in great company at an immaculately-kept water. My one regret is that I’m here with dogs, cat, parrot and teenage daughter and not fishing alongside them!