A trip across the Big Pond ….

England – A country rich in traditions and ancestry, many of which have had a direct influence on our United States. For the last decade, New York State has been involved with promotions involving fishing through I Love NY’s International arm. Markly Wilson has been our contact person and he was the reason I originally hooked with Gerry Davies of Twyford 10 years ago. We’ve connected one way or another every year since then, mostly with Gerry and his wife Gina coming over to fish. Gerry brought a team of English anglers to compete in our Niagara County Pro-Am tournament last summer – and stayed over to fish Orleans, as well – and he will be bringing a team representing England once again this summer. But I digress…

Wilson was able to arrange some support for several regions and counties to attend The Big One fishing trade show in Farnborough, home of the famous air show. It is being advertised as the largest fishing show in Europe this year and our intent was to take advantage of a stronger U.S. dollar to promote our fishing resources around the Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The Lake Ontario Sportfishing Promotion Council picked up the booth cost; Gerry and Gina Davies offered their accommodations in nearby Twyford and John Watson of Charvil opened his home up to Mike Waterhouse from Orleans County who was accompanying me on this trip. They would also serve as our transportation to and from the airport, as well as to and from the show. We arrived on Thursday and today was set up. Today’s weather was incredible. It was roughly 60 degrees with plenty of sun and blue sky – just what the doctor ordered. We walked around in tee shirts as we prepared to set up our booth. The only glitch we encountered was when we headed off to set-up today was when we traveled to Thorpe Park by mistake. Davies had remembered that the show was there and, in fact, it was there for 20 years. However, the venue changed last year so we encountered a bit extra driving around the English countryside. I wasn’t complaining, although gas is a bit more expensive here than at home. The show site looks impressive and the promoters were most accommodating. We’re looking forward to telling our fishing counterparts over here about our fantastic natural resources.
One of the big problem has been getting our bodies adjusted to the time difference. As I write this, it’s after midnight – but 7 p.m. back home. However, sleep isn’t on our agenda to any excess. We need to be at the show by 8 a.m. tomorrow and the drive is just under an hour. Waterhouse will be driven by Gerry’s brother Ray and their intentions are to meet us at 7 a.m. So it looks like we’ll be getting up at 6 a.m.

We just finished a wonderful evening with the Watson family, John and his wife, Sarah; Holly and Kenny as the kids. Kenny was part of the fishing team last year and he hopes to make a return trip this June. He’s still talking about last year’s trip, especially how much the Sanborn Volunteer Fire Company took good care of him by letting him wear their gear and let him sit in the trucks. Memories that will be with him for the rest of his life, for sure. We played a few games of Wii and shared some stories and fellowship – what it’s all about.
Time to hit the sack. I hope this is a good enough foundation to continue with a story tomorrow, if time allows for it. It will be a full day, full of surprises, memories and meeting new people. Cherio, mates!