A Paper Bag for the Soul: Fenton's of Colwyn Bay

The Diaries of C.H. Palmer

Published this week in the new issue of Fallon's Angler is my piece on the Diaries of C. H. Palmer 1933-1938 which emerged from an old cardboard box earlier in the year.  The diaries were contained within two innocent looking hard backed exercise books.  They read like the notebooks from a lost Orwell novel.  Should you wish to know more you may buy the magazine here.

The Bishopsgate Haunting

Return to Free-lance Island

In kitchens across Arcadia kettles are being boiled dry, Elgar is on the radiogram and dogs and cats are being kissed once again.  From the pantry the last drop of an old bottle of Victory Gin is being raised to all those heroes and heroines who made the days between the opening day of Port Eliot Festival and the closing night of Caught by the River Thames Festival such a magnificent inspiration and joy.  Oh yes! Indeed, 'we live under fantasy oak trees' as Gruff once sang and did again on Sunday night.  My good friend and comrade in arms the photographer Neil R. Thomson chronicled both weekends and his work can be seen in the districts known as here and there.

Caught by the River Thames

This Saturday and Sunday, 6th & 7th August in the Year of Our Lord & Other Terrier Explosions 2016 I shall be proudly executing my duties as Master of Ceremonies on the Words on Water Stage for Caught by the River at the inaugural Caught by the River Thames Festival .  You will find our tented ground on the banks of the river in the gardens of Fulham Palace, a short walk from Putney Bridge Underground Halt.  On Saturday I will also be reading aloud a selection from the early years of 'Letters from Arcadia' correspondence between myself and my long term collaborator in ink and key, the author Dexter Petley who is in England for one week only.  Dexter will also be reading from his recently published and much raved about memoir 'Love, Madness, Fishing'.  There are many other attractions besides and I look forward to your good company should you be in attendance.  Tickets may be obtained below.

Port Eliot Festival

The White Road leads Westward to Port Eliot Festival where over the next few days I will be Master of Ceremonies in the Caught by the River Tent.  On Sunday I will be in conversation with my old mucker Dexter Petley who will be reading from his recent memoir 'Love Madness Fishing''.  We shall also be reading from our archive of 'Letters From Arcadia'which first appeared on Caught by the River during its genesis almost ten years ago.  Should you be in attendance I look forward to your good company in the gardens where we feel secure.

Catalogues from Arcadia

Bought recently as part of a large consignment from the noble dealer Mr. Myerscough of Hastings a selection of London catalogues.  For immediate sale to those who wish to shop between-the-wars and just afterwards 'Under the Counter, Madam' at the shop in the alleyway known as my website.