The Past Has Been Bottled

Bought last Sunday morning in sacred halls on the edge of the old patch a collection of beer bottle labels from the days when we were so young but did not know it.

Arcadia in Edwardia

Where Poppies Blow

My review of John Lewis-Stempel's 'Where Poppies Blow - The British Soldier, Nature, The Great War' appears today on Caught by the River.

Shadows and Reflections in the Year 2016

My Shadows and Reflections of the Year 2016 have been published today on Caught by the River.

From a Shop Window in Calcutta c. 1925

Once upon a time in Arcadia in the year 1925, a lady or a gentleman went into the premises of Manton & Co. (Gunmaker to H.E. the Viceroy) at 13, Old Court House Street, Calcutta.  There, they purchased a 3 1/2ins. Brass Crank Wind Mahseer Winch with a distinctive fish shaped handle finished in horn.  This was then sent to be nickel plated at the famous Manton's workshop.  The reel has survived and is today in the year of 2016 for sale In the Shop Window of my website. 

'Long, long ago' in 1970

Once upon a time in Arcadia, after Advent in fact, on 13th February 1970 BBC Radio 4 broadcast 'Gone Fishing', 'A compleat compendium of fact, folklore, fun and fancy on the gentle art of angling'.  So popular was the broadcast that an LP was produced that was based on the broadcast.  It included 'Sea Fishing - A Survey' by Clive Gammon, 'Poaching a Salmon' by Angus MacVicar, 'Dodging the Wife' by Roderick Wilson, 'Assessing the prospects on a stretch of river' by Fred J. Taylor as well as a 'Fishing Quiz' whose answers were printed on the sleeve.  Produced by Maurice Kanareck with sleeve design by Roy Curtis-Bramwell the LP has become a cult classic.  You may only find it for sale 'Under the Counter, Madam', a quiet corner of my website,  or in selected Charity Establishment Shops. 

Tootal Explosion! at The Social Christmas Market: Today from Midday