Thursdays in London used to mean the delivery by first post or the collection at your nearest newsstand of The Field. In it you could read about new methods, new fishing waters and all new developments of interest to fishermen (in Arcadia we like to call ourselves anglers). Not only could you appreciate its vigilant service and its forthright articles you could also answer the call to visit many of its advertisers, London tackle shops which are now lost to all but memory. Carter's of South Molton Street or Homers of Forest Gate. And if you were secretary of one of London's many now defunct angling clubs and had a water to stock you could telephone Mr. Donald Leney at The Surrey Trout Farm who sold all manner of coarse fish in addition to game, as his advert put it 'Hardy stock from large wild parents'. The advert promised 'Live delivery Guaranteed', 'Anywhere by Lorry'.
Established in the year 1853 The Field is still going as a monthly and Mr. Charles Rangeley-Wilson of the Parish of Thornham in Norfolk writes authoritatively on angling for them, but for those of you who hanker after a fix on a Thursday you are always welcome to call in at my stall at Spitalfields Antiques Market between the hours of 07.30 and 15.00 where I have been buying and selling Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul for over 7 years. There you will also find conversation over a cup of tea that ranges from Hardy Fishing Tackle to Large Wild Parents spotted at Car Boot Sales.
