The River Keeper 1978 - The River Test Romsey

[Joe Winstanley]

I came across this old documentary on the Broadlands fishery on the River Test.

Not barbel related, but I thought it may be of interest to some. I enjoyed it anyway, it's not unlike Tom's River.

 

[Neil Maidment]

I met Bernard Aldrich several times in the early mid 1970s. I think he retired in 1993.

Two of my late uncles salmon fished Broadlands at various times during the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. Sometimes through an arrangement with Christchurch AC which involved a limited number of permits. They had to be applied and fully paid for in advance before the start of the season. The applicants had to attend the specific meeting at the Kings Arms Hotel in Christchurch (a few yards from The Bridge Pool) with cash in hand to secure the ticket and defined dates. My uncle Ron also fished as a direct ticket holder and as a guest. I accompanied them on a couple of occasions and sometimes fished as Ron's guest.

Ron was the salmon & trout angler in the family and enjoyed success on the local southern chalk streams. He is credited with the 3rd heaviest salmon to be caught from the Dorset Stour (Nettlebeds at Throop) at 40lbs 08oz. I have several of Ron's books on salmon fishing and related topics. Here's his signed copy of "The Ever-Rolling Stream" by Bernard and an image of Ron in Davis Tackle Christchurch with Mrs Davis.

His younger brother Mick also got into the act. Here's an image of a very wet but happy Mick with a fine Broadlands salmon. It came from the Fish Hut pool which can be seen in the closing credits of the above video. Also, an image from the mid 1960's of the two of them with a salmon.

 

[Joe Winstanley]

Some great photos and memories there Neil.

 

[Tim Marks]

Great stuff !