BIGGUNS BIT

2011-10-08T08:05:00.005+01:00

Popped over to Grimsby to see this on Thursday, only " years to go, great evening and wonderful to see it in the flesh.

gone solo

2011-09-07T21:25:00.002+01:00

all my route learning done, lots of video (taken by me on the coach) lots of notes, new sat nav loaded with over 100 favourites (collected by me on the coach). I got home updated the software on the sat nav and it "blew up" oh shit! OR WORDS TO THAT AFFECT.
I did my 1st solo this week, Scarborough to Brecon (via, Filey,Bridlington,Hull,Doncaster,Nottingham,Birmingham,Newport,Cardiff,Pontypridd,
and Merthyr Tydfill)and return to Hull, no problems at all until the M62 was closed on the way back from Doncaster.

New Job

2011-08-18T18:18:00.002+01:00

I start driving these from tomorrow, done lots of training and start route learning tomorrow.

BS Show

2011-05-24T01:36:00.001+01:00

A little bird tells me another tackle company wont be taking up it's table at the show, they are still doing well though with under 20 tables sold or free.

Jasper

2011-04-27T12:45:00.000+01:00

Our little fella has finally succumbed to his Arthritis,we made the decision to stop him suffering anymore and had him put to sleep yesterday. To all the people who met him on the banks of the Trent he wont steal anymore of your bait, share your pack up, swim out in your peg or watch your fish as you land them. Remember you never saw a rat in your peg while he was around!

The way I feel at the moment!

2011-04-05T10:20:00.002+01:00

Nelson : "Order the signal, Hardy.

Hardy: "Aye, aye sir."

Nelson: "Hold on, that's not what I dictated to Flags. What's the meaning of this?"

Hardy: "Sorry sir?"

Nelson (reading aloud): "' England expects every person to do his or
her duty, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious
persuasion or disability.' - What gobbledegook is this?"

Hardy: "Admiralty policy, I'm afraid, sir.
We're an equal opportunities employer now. We had the devil's own job
getting ' England ' past the censors, lest it be considered racist."

Nelson: "Gadzooks, Hardy. Hand me my pipe and tobacco."

Hardy: "Sorry sir. All naval vessels have now been designated
smoke-free working environments."

Nelson: "In that case, break open the rum ration. Let us splice the
mainbrace to steel the men before battle."

Hardy: "The rum ration has been abolished, Admiral.
Its part of the Government's policy on binge drinking."

Nelson: "Good heavens, Hardy. I suppose we'd better get on with it
............ full speed ahead."

Hardy: "I think you'll find that there's a 4 knot speed limit in this
stretch of water."

Nelson: "Damn it man! We are on the eve of the greatest sea battle in
history. We must advance with all dispatch. Report from the crow's
nest please."

Hardy: "That won't be possible, sir."

Nelson: "What?"

Hardy: "Health and Safety have closed the crow's nest, sir. No
harness; and they said that rope ladders don't meet regulations. They
won't let anyone up there until a proper scaffolding can be erected."

Nelson: "Then get me the ship's carpenter without delay, Hardy."

Hardy: "He's busy knocking up a wheelchair access to the foredeck
Admiral."

Nelson: "Wheelchair access? I've never heard anything so absurd."

Hardy: "Health and safety again, sir. We have to provide a
barrier-free environment for the differently abled."

Nelson: "Differently abled? I've only one arm and one eye and I refuse
even to hear mention of the word. I didn't rise to the rank of admiral
by playing the disability card."

Hardy: "Actually, sir, you did.. The Royal Navy is under represented in
the areas of visual impairment and limb deficiency."

Nelson: "Whatever next? Give me full sail. The salt spray beckons."

Hardy: "A couple of problems there too, sir. Health and safety won't
let the crew up the rigging without hard hats. And they don't want
anyone breathing in too much salt - haven't you seen the adverts?"

Nelson: "I've never heard such infamy. Break out the cannon and tell
the men to stand by to engage the enemy."

Hardy: "The men are a bit worried about shooting at anyone, Admiral."

Nelson: "What? This is mutiny!"

Hardy: "It's not that, sir. It's just that they're afraid of being
charged with murder if they actually kill anyone.
There's a couple of legal-aid lawyers on board, watching everyone like
hawks."

Nelson: "Then how are we to sink the Frenchies and the Spanish?"

Hardy: "Actually, sir, we're not."

Nelson: "We're not?"

Hardy: "No, sir. The French and the Spanish are our
European partners now. According to the Common Fisheries Policy, we
shouldn't even be in this stretch of water. We could get hit with a claim for
compensation."

Nelson: "But you must hate a Frenchman as you hate the devil."

Hardy: "I wouldn't let the ship's diversity co-ordinator hear you
saying that sir. You'll be up on disciplinary report."

Nelson: "You must consider every man an enemy, who
speaks ill of your King."

Hardy: "Not any more, sir. We must be inclusive in this multicultural
age. Now put on your Kevlar vest; it's the rules. It could save your life"

Nelson: "Don't tell me - health and safety.
Whatever happened to rum, sodomy and the lash?"

Hardy: As I explained, sir, rum is off the menu! And
there's a ban on corporal punishment."

Nelson: "What about sodomy?"

Hardy: "I believe that is now legal, sir."

Nelson: "In that case.................................
kiss me, Hardy

I've just posted this on the BS forum, for those who don't know there is a lot of criticism of the chairmans involvement in FISH N TIPS magazine.

2011-03-18T12:54:00.002Z

This magazine has been "slated" everywhere, the Cemex boys gave it lots of criticism, as did lots of other forums. Steve I haven't got a problem with you "personally" associating yourself with it, but when you try and involve the BS in it saying it is good publicity, I think that is scandalous coming from the chairman.

Over the last 5 years the downturn in membership figures has been a thorn in the committee’s side (as I well know). You and Fred need to take a long hard look at the irreparable damage you have both done to the BS. Mainly on the internet forums, where Freds rantings and ravings have got him into hot water with moderators on frequent occasions and ending up with him being banned/suspended, one of which was the BS's own forum and you backing him at the time... (Not really the impression the BS, PR man should be giving to the outside world is it?).

Richards new car.

2011-03-13T12:50:00.005Z

I'm going to see this this afternoon, he's just got it along with a new converted coach to transport it!

A day with monty dalrymple

2011-03-11T22:40:00.021Z

Ah well as monty has mentioned it on his blog "man hugs" were the order of the day (after 4 years I can't really complain)when we met, great to meet up with fellow northerner "gruff" a very nice man (from good stock are donny folk)who I will see a lot of next year. A strange thing happened just after we met, he took his trousers off!! Maybe he knew something we didn't.

Off too the river and Monty picked me out his favourite swim, you can fish out the back of your car, "yeh said I pull the other one.. "I've had loads of chub from just under that tree".

A cuppa 1st I said and a wee dram, so the kettle went on and the malt came out.

Out came the Paul Johnson MK1v Avon paired with my Chris Lythe wide drum and loaded with 6lb line, a bucket mashed bread size 2 hook and a big bit of flake, just sit back and wait for it to wrap round, so thats what I did. Despite numerous bait changes, crust, lobbies, cheesepaste and pellet it never did wrap round but countless cuppas later we called it a day.

A wonderful day and really good to see monty again after such a long time it won't be as long next time.

Sound of Music - So Long... Farewell

good friday

2011-03-11T08:16:00.001Z

ah well it's here at last on my way to Yat Rock to meet the legendary monty, I'll see if I can get a pic or 2 of the great man for you all.

Wed

2011-03-10T10:43:00.002Z

G sneaked one out right at the death, lovely day and at least it wasn't frosty when we packed up. Great win for Spurs last night.

end of season sortie

2011-03-07T21:17:00.003Z

I am having my last 10 days or so down south (as usual) went to the Kennet today met up with Graham E amd Chas K, couple of barbel came out but not to us 3.
I did however have a new PB weighed exactly 7lbs frightened me to bloody death when it leapt clear of the water 20 yds downstream.

Its a bit nippy and white!

2010-12-01T13:14:00.003Z

Lots of snow and very cold temps -11oc the other night. Hope you all wrap up well.

WORK

2010-11-05T12:56:00.001Z

Work work work!!!!

What a bloody day!!!

2010-10-14T16:30:00.002+01:00

I actually had a day off today, what shall I do I thought, go fishing? nah no rain rivers are low can't really be bothered.

Sue "seeing as you are off"
Back garden, the grass needs its last cut, there's some big trimming to do on the trees.
Front garden the bushes need cutting back (she saw the postie fighting his way through the jungle!) The front path needs cleaning and while you're at it the patio and path at the back........

Ok then definitely no fishing.

Got the rather old petrol mower out, it wont start (no fuel), drive to garage to get gallon of unleaded. Fill up tank, pull on the starter string (you guessed it string breaks inside the flywheel! BLOODY HELL!!

Try and find new secateurs she bought the other week (no chance), use old pair, break old pair trimming tree, get other old pair same result!!! Find new ones.finish trimming bushes at front.

Brush front path, break brush! metal handle snaps a foot from the head use brush with short handle, cut hand on sharp edge!! Bloody Bloody Hell!!!

Decide to take trailer round to front of house for all the trimmings (trailer has flat tyre!) FOOOOOK!!!!!

Cut grass with strimmer.

Going to "Hull Fair" tonight, daren't go on any rides!!

Sorry its been so long!

2010-10-04T13:18:00.005+01:00

It's been a hell of a busy month (sept).
Beth been installed at Northampton Uni for nearly 3 weeks now, she's coming home at the weekend, it's Hull fair! It will be good to see her though.She had a bit of a bad time last weekend when she burnt her hand and ended up in A&E but seems to be on the mend now.

All my BS Membership Sec stuff handed over so I'm out of it now. Good luck to Dave and Mal.

Had a great day on the Trent last week, I took the 2 auction winners John and Nathan, a bit different to what they normally fish but both had a great time with plenty of barbel.

Dave and Mal Brown joined us along with Paul W.

After a few "wallis casting" lessons, Mal had her 1st barbel on a "cane" a cracking 9lber following it up with another not long after.

Dave also had his 1st trent barbel and couple of chub.

I had a couple so well pleased as I was "guiding" a lot of the time. Paul well what can I say another blank thats 7 on the trot on the big river!! (sorry mate)

A level results day!!!

2010-08-19T10:23:00.002+01:00

Crying, tears, jubilation, sorrow, laughing, exultation and that was only the dog!!

Beth got her results this morning and she got her 1st choice and is going to Northampton Uni. (roll on september)
Well done Beth, we are over the moon.

lost phone

2010-08-12T17:38:00.001+01:00

I dropped my phone in loch lomond today!!! got it back but the phone is iffy, I will be in touch with everyone when I can, if you have my mob no can you send me a txt after monday

1hats going on?

2010-08-03T10:31:00.000+01:00

BS Forum what is popey doing the've now shut down the main discussion forum and started up a tackle and stuff only forum. No discussion at all of anything non barbel related so no questions directed to the committe! Wish I'd thought of that when I was moderator would have made my job so much easier.

Popeys big stick

2010-07-31T20:50:00.000+01:00

He don't like it when you probe a bit does he!

Tony just for you!

2010-07-24T23:53:00.002+01:00

I know you like a beer or 2!

New BS Membership Secretary

2010-07-24T23:49:00.002+01:00

Hot off the press the new membership secretary looks like it will be frampadoodle!!!!!!

thank your for my husband back!

2010-07-24T09:59:00.002+01:00

Since there is a picture of me at the top of bigguns blog i thought i might add my tuppence worth. Just in case you dont recognise the picture - this is wife of biggun! helper to the BS - which i understand means Barbel Society - not all the cr*p that has been going on the past couple of months - not just this latest tirade of rubbish. you are all grown men and women but some - when given the partial anonimity of the computer in any forum - become worse than spoilt children. you should not need a moderator. you should be able to understand that any forum is not your personal playing field. if there is anything to be said of an inflamatory nature it should be private. in particular on the BS forum there is a considerable junior memebership who look to their peers - you "grown ups" for help and inspiration. if they see you calling each other names it shows them its ok for them to do it too. is this what you really want to teach the younger generation? to my mind the way the BS forum is set up is as a family culture. but if you want to make it a club where anything goes i it should have a disclaimer at sign in saying "adult content - some posts may offend!".
on a personal note - thank you for giving me back my husband (i hope i dont regret saying that). more time for his family and his fishing. and no more late nights at work for me printing various bits of paper for you all.
although i possibly do more for the society tnan some members this cannot go on the forum because it is a private forum - and should stay like that. the memebers of the BS, including the committee should protect what they have properly otherwise more people will go the way of others and walk away to leave it to bullies who think it is their own 'playground' with their own rules. and they can sit back and delegate (as i was informed at the conference) at their hearts content till they get a committee of clones to do their bidding. this will never help the BS to move into the 21st century. all it needs is for "like minded people to sit back and do nothing" to ensure the BS stays as it is for ever.

It's a sad sad day

2010-07-23T15:00:00.008+01:00

Well after nearly 5 years on the Barbel Society Committee, 1st as website Editor then as Membership Secretary and now combining the Fisheries Managers post. I have decided enough is enough.

A few years ago, a good friend and fellow blogger (lets calll him "canes2tony") said to me you will never change "him" and he is right,I and others thought we could take the BS forward but the man's hide is thicker than a rhino's, I guess his Ivory Tower is invincible.

All 3 moderators on the BS Forum have resigned due to pressure from above to re-instate a committee member who was suspended by me after consultation between us. The chairman thinks that a committee member is above all the other forum posters and is above the being able to be edited and suspended. Not in my book I had been a moderator on there since the forum was closed to the public many years ago.

I was being asked to break the conditions of the Data Protection Act, in other words break the law by the Chairman. After the foolish prank he pulled at the running Waters show this year, 3 of the present committee, me and I won't name the other 2 but it's not hard to guess who, one a long standing member and very good friend, the other a new member on the committee but also someone who has been a friend for quite a few years have resigned in the space of 24 hours with the distinct posibility of more soon.

The BS will carry on with Mr pope at the helm, the new blood will see the light at the end of the tunnel and notice that it is just turning the corner and coming up behind them. Nothing changes.

Good luck to all my friends on the committee, and too the rest............................................... nah its not worth it!!!!!!!

Ah well! it means more fishing for me instead of sat behind the pc for hours on end.

Ouch!!

2010-07-13T17:14:00.004+01:00

I have been a professional driver (taxi and bus driver) for 20 years now . Over the last 6 months I have had a pain that started in my right shoulder which has now moved up through my neck and into my head and in a morning my fingers are red and I have pins and needles in the tips. My cervical vertebrae crack and groan every time I move my head making me think it is gonna fall off and roll off down the bus! . I had been fearing the worse (brain tumour 6 weeks to live!)
I visited the Doctor this week and he in formed that I wont be dying before my time, diagnosis is Cervical Spondylosis so I will have to live it.

Anti inflammitaries have been prescribed and a referral to the NHS Direct Physio Clinic, who did ring back and after a 15 minute phone consultation (he did ask if I was on sick!! mmmmm)are sending a course of execises to "open up the gap in the right sided vertabrae to ease the pressure on the nerves" his words not mine!.
I will keep you all informed of my progress.

Ooooooh!

2010-07-07T13:23:00.002+01:00

I've had a couple of weeks trying a 3 day diet (3 days on 4 days off).
Leapt gently onto the scales this morning and lo and behold! 19st exactly, I'm a happy (slimmer) bunny.

All over now!

2010-06-25T10:16:00.002+01:00

Last day yesterday so drove back up North, had a lovely day on a small River only 5yds wide, lots of streamer weed and fish flashing couldn't tempt a barbel but had a couple of chub. Ah well back to work today.
Soon be August have my holidays proper!!

2010-06-24T10:48:00.004+01:00

After our storming qualification in the world cup, I see the yanks have left us to finish off the Krauts again!

My last night down south so decided on the RDAA ticket on the Loddon, lovely evening crowned off by the obligatory kingfisher flying past about 9pm home to its nest. No barbel but it's been a great week especially meeting up and fishing with really good mates.

Fishing highlight of the week must have been the wild brownie from the Coln.
Txt of the week from Chaz "I've just got home and eaten my weight in chinese"!

2010-06-23T15:43:00.002+01:00

A quick 3 hour session last night on the Kennet with Chaz and Matt lovely evening in the shade but no fish.
0I'm watching the footy (come on England!) then my last session (back up north tomorrow) on the Loddon, can't decide on Twyford or Reading ticket?

Monday

2010-06-22T10:14:00.004+01:00

I had decide on a bit of fly fishing while I was down south, the Test was mentioned (mega bucks but not on my wages!).
I had talked to an angler over the weekend who mentioned The Bull at Fairford (River Coln) so I looked it up on the internet (£25 half a day, 70 miles up the motorway) it looked a very nice streamy little river.
So at 11.30 I set of for the "easy" drive down the M4! at 2pm I had just cleared J10 after coming on at J7! not bad 9 miles in 2 1/2 hours, I finally arrived just after 3pm. I was not dissapointed though, what beautiful part of the country just inside the Gloucs border, I went into the pub sampled the draught (well you have too!) paid my money walked to the river and what a sight.
I waded for about half an hour, trout and grayling everywhere but way to clever for me and the "PJ" had a couple of takes on the dry but missed em both. Talked to the river keeper a very helpful chap, he said nymphs had been catching (well they never caught me!). I really tried to tempt a fish and ended up just below the road bridge, I missed a couple of more on the dry fly.
The church bells rang out 8.15pm so I decided on another 15 minutes. Well my "expertise" paid off in the end with a lovely brownie of just over a lb on the dry fly, no more casts after that and an easy drive home.
What a great day.

Sunday June 20th

2010-06-20T19:36:00.003+01:00

Another section of the Kennet today, met with 2 of my best barbel friends Dick and Graham, the weather was not conjusive to good fishing (hot and bright sunshine) not a fish was seen. As we walked to the river Chaz and Denise were already set up and fishing. We did see a red deer with her fawn and Dick's peg was occupied by an adder that quickly disappeared when it saw him! Ah well no fish again but there's always tomorrow. A bit of fluff flinging me thinks.

Saturday June 19th

2010-06-20T19:34:00.003+01:00

Had a nice day on the River Kennet with Chaz and Denise, no fish to report but great to meet up with 2 lovely people.

Opening few days

2010-06-18T19:07:00.003+01:00

Tuesday;
Drove down south to meet up with best mate Paul at my sis-in-laws, fixed her wireless broadband and got paid with a lovely evening meal.

We set off and arrived on the bank and walked the full stretch but decide on a double swim near the car park! (much easier to make the tea!) We had a cracking 1st few days, we fished on the Twyford book (their hardest venue lived up to its reputation), never bothered to weigh anything (infact we never caught anything to weigh). We moved onto another venue on Thursday morning it really looked the part, same result though apart from half a dozen perch on the float.

We had some lovely breakfasts though and he does do the washing up. ,

The PJ Split Cane Fly Rod

2010-05-27T00:38:00.005+01:00

Saturday saw me taking delivery of a 7ft, 4#wt, flamed blank split cane fly rod, hand made by Paul Johnson. So this evening I drove over to the Upper Don, I had a wonderful evening, a couple of fish were rising and there were a few May Fly hatching. The only problem was the light rain which put a stop to the hatch. I did manage to winkle out a wildie on a "blue dun" the 1st fish on the PJ.

Rod Pics

Tonights Pics

2010-04-29T23:00:00.000+01:00

Well done to Roy Hodgson and the whole Fulham squad a fantasic achievment to reach the Europa Cup final.
Such a shame the "scousers" couldn't make it an all English final.

Busy Busy Weekend.

2010-04-18T20:15:00.003+01:00

A "long"weekend off work, Saturday 350 mile round trip to Northampton Uni in the warm sunshine, the only downside was having to get up at 5 am to be there just after 9. It is Beth's preferred choice of University after "government funding cuts" led to the cancellation of the "degree" course at Edgehill Uni in Lancs, she wanted to do. Nice Uni (Northampton) good accommodation/lecturers and presentation, providing she gets the required UCAS points she will start there in September.

Arrived home at 4.30pm taxi arrived at 6.30 to take us out for an "Indian" with workmate Graham and his wife Sue, lovely meal, great beer, good company. After "Scholes' " late late winner in the Manchester derby and Spurs demolition of Chelski, I was a happy bunny as we got home a bit the worse for wear after midnight.

Sunday after a short "lie in" we watched the Chinese Grand Prix great 1-2 for Maclaren.
Left home at 1pm for a trip over the Yorks Wolds to Knaresborough and a meeting with master reel maker Chris Lythe to pick up my Barbel Master special.
Took "The Berridge" with us he was very impressed with Pauls work.

Diet again!

2010-04-12T12:34:00.002+01:00

Seems all I "blog" about at the moment but it is going well, (the bathroom scales are relieved!)
19st 6lbs this morning so my goal of 19 st by the BS show is looking attainable.

Diet again

2010-04-05T16:33:00.002+01:00

Had a couple of lapses over the holidays and been at work everyday but when I got weighed this morning I was 19st 11lbs so more than happy. I think I will start some exercising this week bike and treadmill should keep the weight loss going.

Fishing now.
I have made my mind up to do a bit of "fly fishing" and "tenching" this close season (I know I say it every year and do nothing about it) this year I am determined to have a "chuck".
I'm looking for some small stream fly fishing, I only fish the Dry Fly, I can't be doing with nymphs/emergents/wets. So if any one can help, this side of the Penines would be preferable.
Bryce and Scottie if you look in maybe have a day on the Nidd again?.

e mail mike@mikeberridge.co.uk

Diet!

2010-03-31T01:55:00.002+01:00

Lightly stepped on the scales yesterday morning and lo and behold, 1st time for probably a couple of years I've been below 20st stone, only by 1/2 a pound but it all counts.

Lost and Found

2010-03-29T11:34:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday Paul.

Bloody Cars

2010-03-27T01:37:00.001Z

Not used to spending cash on my car nowadays (it used to cost a fortune when I was a taxi driver) my Omega failed it's MOT and cost me £240 just for tyres!!!!!!

2010-03-26T10:41:00.000Z

My 1st attempt at a regular blog, most will remember my diaries from a few years ago on my website, they were all about fishing this will be a little more general.

Thursday March 25th. Ever since I gave up smoking over 25 years ago, I retired from playing rugby league at about the same time. I have piled on the weight from being a fit 15 stone prop forward, I am now a rather large gentleman, approaching 60, but have enjoyed every minute of the food and drink thats made me like this. When I returned from my sortie down south for the last week of the season I decided to weigh myself (I thought I had stayed around 19-20 stone) the scales creaked when I stood on them and went to 21stone!! It was a big shock and I decided to really make an effort to lose weight. I have tried quite a few diets over the years and I did get down to 18 stone a few years ago but my weight has crept up again. The BS "RunningWater" show is on the weekend of May 9th and I would like to get down to 19stone by then, my holidays are in August and I will try to be 18stone when we go to Scotland, in a years time maybe 16st if I try really hard..

I started dieting last tuesday (16th) I am cutting down my drinking, ( Stella was a very good friend every night, just 2/3 bottles but it adds up to a case a week). Cereal for breakfast and salad for tea and lots of fruit, I am not eating between meals.

I got weighed this morning and have lost 12lbs already so a good start must keep it up.

Tuesday March 23rd, I decided to move some boughs and branches from a 25ft tree I had cut down in my garden last autumn. The trailer was empty, so the power saw came out. A nice sunny afternoon (Ah! remember the Kinks), Sue was asleep on the settee (she's not too well at the moment).One trailer full to the tip, filling up again a 6ft bough twisted as I lobbed it in and hit me on the head knocked my glasses into my nose (blood everywhere) couldn't find my glasses and 2 bangs on my head. (clumsy old sod she said) seems right.

Monday March 22nd, had a phone call from Chris Lythe my new "Barbel Master" ready in 3 weeks, with special reel foot and non-standard ratchet.