Richard Walker Letters 1983 (2) – 12th May and 1st July both hand written and signed Dick – the first is one page letter with reference to the Victor Rod and glad that the rod had finally arrived - there was no need for any thanks as again it was strictly a commercial affair and no company wanted to invest thousands of pounds in the production of rods that weren’t up to scratch - and they were keen to have expert opinion from one or two anglers of long experience but who aren’t in the public eye like the recipient. Interestingly to Richard - Cloverley had already raised one valuable point – ferrule plugs. The second letter dated is wonderful three page letter going into the design and calculations with regards to the thickness of the top which to Dick surprise and pleasure, the results were exactly what all the calculations had predicted. Dick then gives his opinion with regards to hooking a carp upwards of 5lbs or so and his suggestions with regards to hook sizes and bait to use such as sweetcorn or luncheon meat. He also refers to catching carp from the river at the end of his garden between 2lb and 5lb and 12 or 10 hook was about right. He then goes on to discuss the price of the Victor Rod which he would have liked to have got the price a little bit lower but to have done so would have had to mean cutting corners and using cheaper materials. He then went on to discuss the 1983 season and not having been able to fish just yet, having baited up the swim at the bottom of the garden week in advance but in the end he decided to let some young friends fishing instead. They got quite a few fish but nothing better than one or two Chub of 1.5-2.5lbs - whereas the crafty old 5lb and 6lb under the Willow Bush are still there and he can see them when the water clears. He also refers to the fact that he would prefer to see young fishermen catch them instead. Unfortunately the final paragraph refers to further cancer treatment which he was undergoing and being extremely positive with regards to the future