Fennel on Friday: Press Send!
It's rather timely that Fennel on Friday resumes today, the 14th of February, as it is Bernard Venables' birthday. My old friend and mentor would be 113 today and probably supping a pint of his favourite Wadworth's 6X. He'd be glad to know that – as the the birds begin singing again in celebration of spring – I have once again found my voice.
Back to blogging
The last Fennel on Friday email was sent in November, though not with any regularity since July. That's eight months without our regular weekly update. What on earth have I been doing that's kept me from my blogging, podcasting and video commitments?
Well, truth is, I have been enjoying some 'unplugged' time. After 23 years of Priory activities, I felt I deserved a break. This enabled me to enjoy some spectacular adventures and participate in important projects – some of which carry the Priory banner and some which do not.
Lots to catch up on
A trawl through my Instagram account (which I've been using to share short updates) shows that I had an extended 'woodland escape', a grand fishing adventure to France, a very special day on a southern chalk stream, an outstanding buschcraft campfire cooking trip, fishing trips to the Welsh Dee with friends, a successful experiment making walnut ink, and purchased a matching pair of very nice centrepin fishing reels. I'll be blogging about all of these in the coming weeks.
I've also been busy on the writing front, releasing the extended edition of Fly Fishing (albeit with 9 rogue and inevitably very collectable copies making it out to readers before I realised I'd sent an unproofread file to the printers), attending the book launch and signing event for the new 'Redmire' book (in which I have a chapter), releasing two more editions of Fennel's Gazette, and completing the much-extended version of my major book Wild Carp. The latter will be available to buy from me from April, then through book shops from 16 June.
Regarding the important projects, I'm sourcing a lake for the conservation of wild carp, have become editor of the Grayling Society's publications, have accepted the honour of becoming secretary of the soon-to-be-relaunched Angling Writers' Association, and am leading on some important research into workplace pressure with the University of Chester (Fennel's Priory is a reaction to such pressure, thus I'm really enjoying exploring 'the cause of the effect').
A glimpse of what's to come
So although I've been quiet, I've been busy doing a great deal – all nice and energising things that support our 'enjoy' mantra. I hope the blogs will inspire you to do similar. Before then, here's a glimpse of some of the things to come.
A grand fishing adventure to France with Shaun Harrison and Tim Pike
Bushcraft 'campfire cooking' weekend with Wilderness Pioneers
A very special day on a southern chalk stream with Tony Meers
Successfully making walnut ink
My new customised 'Wensum' centrepin fishing reels
Redmire Pool book launch at The Carp Society show
P.S.
Signed copies of Fennel's Journal books are available, now with a 'bundle deal' where if you buy a hardback for £20 then you can get the paperback version half price. Ideal if you want to have one copy for best and one for your adventure bag. (Also if you want a copy to give to a friend.)