The River Angler

Norfolk is one of my favourite English counties. There’s something of a bygone era feel to it and a sense of serenity washes over me whenever I visit. I was invited along to see the work carried out by the John Wilson Fishing Enterprise at Shallowbrook Lakes near Norwich, along with my fellow Lifelines compiler Rod Sturdy, his wife Jennifer and good friends Graham and Sue Tibbs. Graham was an artwork contributor to the book.

On arrival we were warmly greeted by Lisa Wilson. For those that don’t know; Lisa is the daughter of Britain’s most famous angling TV presenter; the late, great John Wilson MBE. John was a natural presenter and exuded charisma, with a larger than life personality…. just what’s required for a successful TV show. This was borne out by its almost unrivalled popularity with viewers; including the non angling fraternity who just loved his approach and style. His show ran for 15 odd years on terrestrial television and he followed that with a successful career on Sky.

I met Lisa’s mum who was John’s first wife. Both Lisa and her mum chatted freely and openly about John, his family life and angling career. As a life long fan of John Wilson, I can only say how honoured I was to meet them both and to share in so many candid memories of the great man.

There were around 20 youngsters being briefed by Lisa on what the day would entail and a bit of history about her late father. They were soon fishing in groups, each one headed by a qualified coach. What become evident very quickly was just how much they were focused on the fishing. We witnessed genuine concentration and a willingness to learn.

I think it is fair to say that these are young people who have had a tough time and are trying to cope with their mental health issues. They attend schools specifically tailored to help them with their significant and complex needs. Some schools have now recognised that as part of the overall support and provision package provided, angling and nature can play an important role in their therapy.

It was very evident to us that the excellent work Lisa and her team provide, made an acute difference to those pupils attending. There were moments of joy, moments of laughter and it looked like a sense of belonging, something that can so often be missing in individual’s lives.

We had a wonderful day and felt privileged to be invited along to see first hand the great work being carried out by the JWFE team. We will endeavour to support this project as much as we can through the sales of our book ‘Lifelines’ and we truly hope the project goes from strength to strength.

Both Rod and I are delighted to announce that our book ‘Lifelines’ has been selling better than expected. We produced 500 copies (300 hardback and 200 paperback). There are only about 100 copies left, which is tremendous considering the launch was late December 2021.

The good news is that this success has generated a significant revenue; all of which has already been passed on to our two chosen good causes; The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and The John Wilson Fishing Enterprise.

Also, we have submitted our accounts to our auditors so they can sign them off. We will of course keep you updated on that progress.

In brief I can at least give you some idea of what the finances look like;

Total raised from Crowdfunding minus the Crowdfunder.co.uk fees totalled  £6468.97

Our initial costs came to £5,823.43, leaving us a credit of £645.54.

We received 194 copies of the book to sell at the book launch and to fulfil the crowdfunder promotional deal (where anyone prescribing to the promotion received a free hardback copy of the book).

We have sold out of physical copies and this generated an additional sum of £2,654.46.

This created a total of £3,300.000, once the balance of the crowdfunding monies were added to the total. This money was then split equally between our two beneficiaries.

Since then, we have received a further £1964.88 in royalties from our wholesaler (Arthur H Stockwell). This has also been transferred to our chosen good causes and they received £982.44 each.

Rod and I would like to thank all those good people that have purchased a copy or two. We hope you have enjoyed the stories and marvelled at the artwork. A reminder that without the dedication and selfless support of the authors and artists, this project would not have been possible; so thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Rod and I are now looking at alternative means of taking the book forward, so we can generate income for these two enterprises for many years to come. We hope to have a second run of books (including leather bound limited editions) and we are also looking into producing a audio book version.

We will be running an auction at some point where we have one master copy of our book signed by every contributor and a hand drawn illustration of Chris Yates signed by the very talented artist (Pete Wilson) and Chris. This is a one off piece and we have already received an offer of £250!

As soon as the auditors have completed their work I will post in detail the results.

We will also be visiting Lisa Wilson at her project headquarters in Norfolk, to see how your money is being put to good use; helping those with mental health issues by introducing them to our great sport. The therapeutic benefits of angling and nature has finally received national recognition as a therapy; something we have always known of course!

Support two great charities by contributing towards the publishing of this excellent book.

Lifelines – an anthology of Angling Stories. Crowdfunder.co.uk

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all of our lives.  Loved ones have passed away, others lost their jobs and many have suffered physical and/or mental hardships.

We really wanted something positive to come from these dark days. To somehow make a difference.  Both Rod and I are passionate, lifelong anglers and we had the seed of an idea to produce an angling book; something that would afford a glimmer of light during these dark days.

Not the normal run of the mill “how to catch” or “look at what I’ve caught” style of fishing book.  We envisaged a collection of short stories, all based around angling but more as a theme rather than the sole purpose.

This book is an anthology of musings, reflections, adventures, humorous capers and fictional indulgencies.  We have called the book ‘Lifelines’ because it so aptly describes what angling has been for so many people and how we as anglers can offer a lifeline to those less fortunate.  

Some of the stories contained in this book highlight how deeply angling has acted as a spiritual and healing catalyst for many.  Both mental and physical scars can and have been alleviated by the pursuit of angling and it has offered so many people a road back to a much better and happier place. 

Our line up of authors includes titans of the angling world as well as internationally renowned authors, presenters, entertainers, journalists, film makers, professionals and of course regular, everyday people.  What connects them all is a strong bond; a lifelong passion for angling:

Paul Whitehouse

Luke Jennings 

Chris Yates

Hugh Miles

Charles Rangeley-Wilson

Dr Andy Orme

Martin James MBE

Dave Steuart

Chris Ball

Lisa Wilson

Martin Salter

Magnus Irvin

Terry Theobald

Dom Garnett

Stewart Allum

Peter Cockwill

Richard Baker

Lars Christensen

David Kiely

Russ Smith

Clem Booth

Vic Gent

Geoff Maynard

Nicolas Walmsley

Jay Roberts

Rod Sturdy

Nathan Walter

Fennel Hudson

The forward has been compiled by our good friend John Bailey.  As an internationally acclaimed author, journalist, presenter and broadcaster, no one could have written a more fitting forward than John.  His words really set the scene from the word go.  He is a craftsman and wordsmith and one of the finest anglers to have lived.

The book includes a very candid and humorous piece from Lisa Wilson, daughter of the UK’s best known and much loved angling presenter; the late Mr John Wilson MBE.  Although the angling world is a much poorer place with John’s passing, his memory is kept alive by his daughter Lisa, who now heads the John Wilson Fishing Enterprise.  A fitting tribute to the great man.

The book will be published by the family run Stockwell Publishers, based in Devon.  They have been producing quality books since 1898.  The book will be available in either paperback or hardback editions.

In all there are 27 stories and one poem, accompanied by some wonderful hand drawn illustrations.  We are extremely fortunate to have some very talented and gifted people producing artwork for us;

Chris Turnbull

David Miller

James Hague

Pete Wilson

Josh Fisher

Graham Tibbs

Stuart Allum

All Proceeds from this book will go to charity.  The money will be split 50/50 between The John Wilson Fishing Enterprise and The Royal Marsden Covid-19 Appeal.  Both of these charities are very special.  

The aim of the John Wilson Fishing Enterprise is to promote mental health as a key objective, particularly for children and adults who fall under the social care umbrella. Its emphasis is to provide fishing opportunities and the chance to connect with the outdoors and provide therapy through the art of fishing.  The fishery is located within a nature reserve and this opens up the opportunity of combining fishing with nature walks, as the two are so intrinsically linked in our opinion.

Lisa Wilson, who is a Level 2 Professional Social Worker told us “attendees are monitored by qualified social workers who are on hand to cover the usual processes and to conduct observational assessments”.   

We probably all know someone who has been affected by cancer and The Royal Marsden Cancer Hospitals have done so much for kids with cancer as well as adult patients alike. The General Fund has been set up to help support cancer research, staff, both Royal Marsden Hospitals and cancer patients through these uncertain and difficult times. Having seen them in action when my nephew Conor was treated, they were just amazing.  They are truly wonderful people.  I need say no more. 

Both Rod and I feel incredibly privileged to have accumulated such a wonderful, talented group of writers and illustrators to make this project possible.  We cannot thank them enough.  

Now we need YOUR help.  Everyday anglers, friends and colleagues that can make a difference and enable this project to realise its full potential. 

Please try and help us fund the printing of this book.  Anything you can give will help.  Those that can donate £100 will receive a complimentary copy of the book and will also be acknowledged as generous benefactors within the book’s credits.

There will be unpaid, independently appointed accountants to inspect all transactions and audit the books, so that you can be safe in the knowledge that every possible penny will go to our two worthwhile charities, minus only printing related costs and of course fees to Crowdfunder.

Thank you for your support.

Nathan Walter

Rod Sturdy

Lifelines – an Anthology of Angling Stories. – Crowdfunder.co.uk

via Environment Agency confirms another rule change for Cuadrilla’s fracking site

The petition to stop habitat destruction on our waterways made the Nationals today:

Support the petition and help save our rivers:

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/216090