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Albert at Chalk Springs

T H E F L Y D R E S S E R S ’ G U I L D

Sussex Branch

Newsletter

December 2 0 1 1

Albert Horne

Albert’s vice! It‟s not often that I unexpectedly receive an item of angling memorabilia, but a couple of months ago I opened my mail to find this wonderful old bankside fly-tying vice as a gift from Albert Horne. Albert is 86 years old and first learnt to tie flies in his fingers on the River Ely in Cardiff in 1929. Still a keen fly tyer and qualified casting instructor he‟s a great fan

of FF&FT. He wrote: “I enclose a vintage item from a vintage game angler. It was given to me when I was a teenager. It goes in a fencing post or tree trunk when you want to tie a fly by the waterside. It‟s yours with my blessing”. Thank you Albert. It is my job to give a valuation to every item that appears in my column but in this case I‟ll make an exception. It‟s priceless!

Chris Sandford (FF&FT July 2008)

Albert taught so many of us to start fly tying and he is the last of the previous generation to leave us. Whenever I met him he never failed to ask about my son Mark who was just 13 when Albert began to teach him. At that time we met in the back room of the pub at Withdean. Juniors were not permitted in the bar so Mark and I had to wait outside until Albert was ready and then I slipped him through the bar as inconspicuously as possible. Mark is now 37 and still fondly remembers the "Old gang" of Ron James, Frank Darrah and Albert, none of whom are now with us.

My own recent memory of Albert was at the casting clinic in 2010. Mark Brown had brought along some Michael Evans rods and lines for us to try. Albert had picked up one of these. I was standing about five yards to his left. Albert did a few false casts to get the feel of the rod and then did a gentle double haul then turned to me with a huge grin on his face and lifted the rod butt slightly. I could clearly see that there was no line left on the reel, just backing! He soon had an audience who wished we had a video camera with us.

John Plowman

Albert Horne We lost a real friend to fly fishing when Albert Horne a life member of GAIA passed away at the age of 89 on October 20

th in Worthing hospital after a short illness.

Born in Cardiff where he spent half of his life before moving south. He started fishing with his father before the age of ten possibly on the river Taff that runs through Cardiff. During the Second World War he started work in a munitions factory where he was almost killed by flying shrapnel during a bomb raid the only time he says he came near to being killed. He then joined the Fleet Air Arm serving on carriers in the north Atlantic and Pacific. After the war he returned to his work as a carpenter and we believe concentrated on coarse angling becoming chairman of the Bute angling Association and won many

of the clubs trophies. I believe his fly fishing started before the war when he met up with casting champion Lionel Sweet from Usk whose shop still survives today run by Jean Williams. From Lionel he developed his fly casting that he admits he did not perfect for a number of years. He became at some point an instructor with the Welsh Fly Fishing Association. Fished mainly in reservoirs travelling by train and motorbike regularly to the Bristol waters and I assume he used the Welsh version of the Diawl Bach a wet fly created by Mr Evans the chemist from Cardiff, distinctly different to the Bristol version. He also fished on the Wye and Usk where he fished on occasions. He told tails of being instrumental in starting to clean up the river Taff that ran black with coal dust and chemicals from factories. Married in 1950 to Doreen who passed away a few years ago followed by two daughters Jacqueline and Elaine. He had a small building business using his skills and sadly in 1970 he fell off a roof crushing his back. Unable to return to his work he moved to Houghton in West Sussex to run a small country pub but was short lived as the owner decided to sell up. Then moved to Lancing where he resumed working as a carpenter for a house building company as a finishing foreman. He returned to coarse fishing with the Pulbourough Angling Society on the river Arun but slowly returned to fly fishing as with the advent of Stillwater fisheries that developed in the south. He not only fished at Chalksprings on the Duke of Norfolk‟s estate at Arundel but built all the timber buildings and office that still stand today before and after retirement. There he taught many to cast and fish building up a reputation as an instructor. He became involved with the Sussex branch of the Fly Dressers Guild becoming chairmen but will be remembered for giving tying instruction up to the time of his passing away. During that time he developed may fly patterns and perhaps the most famous is the Prime Dandy a damsel that he alone caught in excess of 2000 trout. He was able to supplement his only income the OAP pension by selling his flies to anglers and had several long term clients who used his Sea trout flies. His patterns included the Diawl Bach, Lily, Rainbow Warrior, Duncton Ghost and the Welsh Dragon all can be seen on the branch website; http://sussexflydressers.org.uk/patterns_index.html He was always happy to show beginners and the experienced how to overcome tying problems and often gave his patterns away and latterly was tying Salmon Brooch pins. His knowledge was extensive of the many patterns created both past and current. Also was full of stories from the past that he enjoyed to tell and often took over from a tying lesson. It would only take one word to stimulate Albert into telling a story around that word. He tells a story while in Cardiff that he sang with Shirley Bassey in a club and I have recently learnt that he was indeed a very good singer and could have become professional. For a number of years he helped the West Sussex branch of the Salmon and Trout

Association on the committee often demonstrating tying or giving casting instruction, eventually becoming branch President. Mention should be made of his casting ability perhaps now outdated by modern casters but I doubt if many can match his ability. He would demonstrate by pulling all the line off the reel casting the whole 30 yards sometimes with backing in one action. How many of us can do that with so much ease I wonder! One of his deepest lifetime interests was helping the British Legion and that he shared with his father. He was Chairman and President of many old comrade organisations in Sussex linked to the British Legion. He also played a major part for some time running the British legion club in Lancing where he was much respected by the members and by the way he would chair meetings. His respect was well demonstrated at the funeral service with eleven flag bearers in the chapel with a bugler blowing the last retreat, a moving experience. We have lost one of the great characters in the fly fishing world that I had the privilege of knowing for some twenty odd years and miss very much.

Phillip Ellis

Albert Horne 1922-2011

In 2004 a report noted: “Albert did get everyone‟s attention for his casting demonstration when he cast the “fly” 34 yards without false casting, laying back, or use of the upper arm. He made the comment that most anglers spend too much time false casting and spend half of their fishing time with their line in the air!

It is now 74 years since Albert was shown how to tie a fly with his fingers and present it to a trout by a dry-fly purist, the late Major Charles Eastman. Then in 1930 his father introduced him to Lionel and Molly Sweet of Usk, who in turn introduced him to the well-known Harry Powell of Usk. – all treasured names in the history of Welsh angling. Molly was a professional fly dresser who taught Albert to tie, and Lionel was world casting champion for 13 years.” It is worth noting that, at that time, when tying he used no vice – the hook was held in the thumb and forefinger of one hand, and the thread etc in the other! As a boy, he tied flies at Arthur Bales‟ Tackle Shop in Frederick Street, Cardiff city centre, for coppers; this is where he first used a vice – in the middle of the shop was a round steel pillar with a wooden shelf around it where there was small engineering vice. Whilst serving on escort carriers during the war he made his own vice.

In recent years, he was in great demand for his salmon flies, with customers from all over the UK and beyond, and from all levels of society. One incident at a recent Parham Game Fair was a request for an “Executioner” salmon fly on the “smallest double hook you have” – Albert tied half a dozen on size 16‟s to his great surprise – and then tied a further six on size 10‟s and six on 12‟s for him! It is also worth noting that Albert was a member of the very exclusive British Fly Casting Club (normally reserved for tournament casters) and the “55 yard Club” – just try to see how far you can cast!! His demonstrations and coaching at our casting clinics will be sorely missed. His funeral was attended by many representatives of both his fly-tying comrades from the Guild, including the Guild President, Mike Humphreys, and from the many casting instructors. Albert would have appreciated fully the service held in the tradition of the British Legion, with no less than eleven standards in attendance – a fitting tribute to a fine gentleman.

Albert Horne – Tributes Peter Neave: I have always been so touched by the welcome and generosity and willingness to share friendship and knowledge at fly tying evenings. Albert was in the forefront of this. Peter Buss: The World is a poorer place with Albert‟s passing. Ian May:

I have some very fond memories of a genuine character. I'm sure all at Sussex FDG and wider afield will miss him immensely. Allan Lakin: I had only had the privilege to have known Albert for a few years. I know that we will all miss Albert and his help, his stories, the fascinating flies that he tied, and the most likeable character that he was. John Burt: I'm sorry you have to be the bearer of news that will dismay us all. John Plowman: I will really miss the old "Diawl Bach". Philip White:

One of the 'old school', he will be missed. We go back a good many years when he used to phone up Lathkill for the very best Olive ostrich herl we could get for his Damsels as well as other bits and pieces. Albert, being Albert, kept in touch with a note every so often and even

sent Mary a couple of salmon brooches only last Christmas. The world is a lesser place without him. Michael Brayne:

Sad news indeed, Albert was the Jack Hargreaves of the FDG, he will be sadly missed by many. Bas Reece:

I'm sure that all of us are saddened by the news. Each of will have a memory of Albert. Many years ago I fished for the Fly Dressers in the old Bensons comp at Bewl. I hadn't met the Captain - Albert. But he called me to say,' be at Bewl by nine and look out for an old goat with a stick'. I had met Albert!! I have met him at Chalk Springs and he always had time to chat and his knowledge of Fly Fishing gave me tips to help me progress. Definitely a character who will be missed. Bob Burbidge:

Albert was one of a kind and a real gentleman. His gentle manner and love of all things piscatorial was an inspiration to all that met him. He was an exceptional fly tier and fly caster, his expertise and advice will be missed. I am sorry that over the last few years he was not up to going to Ireland on one of our fishing trips as he dearly wished to go, but I am sure he will now be regaling all with his tales around the big lakes and rivers where all good and kind fishermen eventually go to fish. Paul Knight:

Very sad news and a great loss – one of the last great characters from his generation and always was very supportive of S&TA and all the staff. Mark Carr-Brown: He was a true gent and a pearl of wisdom and I will miss his stories of old. Paul Davis:

I'm really upset - the world will be missing a gentleman and a truly nice person. Michael Guest: It is indeed the end of an era and I feel very fortunate not only to have made his acquaintance but to have been one of the last students to receive his very special and unique wisdom and skills as a teacher. He will undoubtedly be missed but never forgotten! Phillip Ellis:

We have lost one of the great characters in the fly fishing world that I had the privilege of knowing for some twenty odd years and miss very much. Andy Steer I was lucky enough to be taught by Albert. I will miss his stories and watching him tie flies to a standard that I can only dream of achieving.

Albert’s Article on the Diawl Bach. Fly Dresser Spring 1994

Jim at Stammerham Farm 2010 (Carp on the

Fly)

Jim (Brian) White My first attempt at Chris‟s Chalk Springs Challenge was my first coming together with Jim. I had no expectations, as Chris had this trophy as his personal possession. This year however he decided not to show too much interest, therefore the rest of us had a level playing field. I remember waiting for the draw for the lakes. Getting the South Lake 1

st, I went to the deep pool by the hut,

armed with a Damsel Nymph, I noticed several nice fish out in the middle of the pool. With one of my casts I saw a large rainbow come from the edge at a pace, straight for my fly, which it hit hard. Thus giving me a 7lb 2oz rainbow. In the first few minutes, when it became known I had a good fish, the rumours went round. Jim and I both had a fish of around the same size. Chris had seen mine, but I did not see Jim‟s and set about getting my other three. The session before the BBQ, I was on the West Lake and I noticed Jim had bagged up. Therefore I needed my last fish. After a real struggle I luckily got my 4

th fish.

My last three fish were all around 2lb. I was sure Jim had something better. Chris, Ian and Jim were waiting at the hut for the weigh in, and it appeared Jim had a good chance with me as his danger. They weighed us both in, then a huddle and a re-weigh. By now it was close between us. Then outside for the result, which had me with a rainbow of 7lb 2oz, Jim with a rainbow of 7lb 1oz. With our other 3 fish weighing exactly the same, (what are the odds on that happening)? I remember Jim‟s attitude was very sporting and suggesting next year I wouldn‟t be as lucky. I will always remember Jim as a good friend with a wicked sense of humour, that he never missed a chance to take the mickey.

Bill Smith Jim (Brian) White

If you‟re wondering why the Brian, Jim‟s name was Brian and it was odd when with Denise his wife called him Brian, and the rest of us called him Jim. One other occasion when fishing Duncton on the branch trophy day, Jim, Paul Bond and myself had an amusing start to the day. Having been issued with our orders by Peter Winder, we 3 decided to fish the New Lake and wandered off down there. We were told to start at nine o‟clock on the whistle. We were there all tackled up and thought it must be near enough. I cast out my first cast, making myself comfortable and an 8lb rainbow came up and took my fly. I had quite a fight and landed it with relief. Jim mean while had cast out and was into a fish which he duly landed. Whilst all this was going on Paul had a buzzer on and while sorting himself out, he flicked his buzzer out and to his surprise, he was into a fish, which he landed. Shortly after this happened the whistle went to hoots of laughter. Ten minutes or so later a gentleman came and stood beside me and said that he watched us come down and start and we were really special as within 5 minutes we all had a fish on the bank. My lasting memory of Jim, is of a good friend with an impish sense of humour and very supportive of his family and friends.

Bill Smith

Auctions 2011

A Big Thank you

We have successfully completed our two 2011 auctions, one primarily fishing tackle and the other fly tying materials, tools and books. Both auctions were a success, and made a substantial contribution towards our branch‟s financial kitty. The money we earn from the auctions help to pay for our guest speakers (5 planned for this year}, advertisements to attract new members, without whom we cannot grow and develop as a branch. The auctions are a really big team effort, with up to 12 people giving their time for free to ensure that each auction runs smoothly and successfully. I won‟t name them individually, as they know who they are, however I would to thank each of them for everything that they did towards making each evening a success. A special vote of thanks is due to Mike Humphries, our auctioneer. Twice a year Mike drives from Rickmansworth to help us run our fund raising auctions. Mike brings a lifetime of auctioneering expertise, wit and humour to extract the best possible price for the vendor (and hence a percentage for the branch). As a branch we are indebted to Mike for his unfailing support.

Finally, a big thank you to all of you who travelled in to support the auctions, by biding and taking home some real bargains. The more people there are at the auctions, results in more bids. Which in turn results in more money being put into branch funds. If you did not manage to make either of this years‟ auctions, I have to tell you that you missed some real bargains, but not to worry, as we hope to hold two more auctions in the autumn of 2012. See you there.

Tony Harrison

Chairman’s Chat

FLY FISHING FOR BASS On the 3

rd of November we all enjoyed a talk by Justin

Anwyl on Fly Fishing for Atlantic Bass. Justin is a Salt Water Fly-Fishing Guide and IGFA Captain casting instructor endorsed by Orvis, he is based at Chichester, specialising in the double haul cast. Contact www.bass-fishing.co.uk. One of the Club members notices that I was furiously taking notes and suggested that I publish a résumé in the Newsletter, so here goes. Justin‟s talk contrasted fly-fishing for bass in the UK and Striped bass in Connecticut, USA. I have confined my notes to our bass. Briefly his experience is that: Venue

Early morning, starting before sunrise is the most productive time to fish.

Large spring tides produce the highest water velocities that can wash the prey past the ambushing bass.

Water temperatures of 14 or 15 degrees are best.

The current legal size limit is 36 cm but he considers it to be far too small, he recommends 48 cm.

If a water temperature gradient develops, fish tend to stay in the warm water, which may be at the surface or the bed depending if there is an overturn.

The best months (season) are from and including April to October.

River mouths are one of the best venues with bait fishing being washed in and out in water above their swimming speed.

Bass feed in the fastest part of the tidal cycle ie the mid-rise and fall.

Shallow water is a very productive area for fish.

Watch for sea birds feeding on bait fish – as when mackerel fishing.

Be mobile and follow the birds. Tackle

7 or 8 wt road with a tip action.

15 lb leader of clear mono 7 to 8 ft long.

Floating and sinking lines depending on fish feeding depth.

A large arbour reel with plenty of backing.

Retrieve flies at about 25 degrees to the horizontal.

Suitable flies, Deceivers, Clousers deep water minnow, cockroach, grey ghost mullet fry.

Big baits for big fish

Blue flies when mackerel are around

Dark flies in bright conditions and vice versa.

Light, breathable felt soled waders Prey

Lugworm over the mud flats especially when spawning

Prawns and shrimps

Ragworm over sand

Small crabs

Cuttlefish when “spent” after mating

Mackerel

Whitebait – sprat and herring fry Safety

Fish with a friend.

Know the tides and the exit route –

In fog return at 90 degrees to the flow – NOTE THE TIDE CHANGE !!.

Carry a waterproof mobile „phone with the Harbour Master‟ s number in.

Wear a manually inflated life jacket. I have NOT mentioned the striped bass stories as they make me jealous! Anwyl believes in and practices catch and release as bass are slow growing and should be given a few years to spawn for the sake of future sport. A very interesting evening.

Tony W

Fly Tying Competition Patterns 2011-2012

The patterns for the fly-tying competition are shown below. If you do not have a copy of the relevant Flydresser the tying details are on the Branch website, or a photocopy can be obtained from Roy Gurney.

Entries for the Branch competition must be handed in to Paul Bond (or Roy Gurney if Paul is not around) by 22

nd

March 2012. After judging, they will be submitted to the main Guild competition, which entry closes 1

st April

2012. The more entries from the Branch, the greater chance of Sussex winning the prize for the number of entries – so get tying!!!

Paul Davies has advised he has a limited quantity of the hooks for the Pike fly – Carrie Stevens size 2 – price £5 for 10 hooks. If the supply runs out you will have to find the nearest equivalent (for which you will not be penalised).

Novice

Soldier Palmer variant (summer 2010)

Hook: Size 10 heavy wet fly

Thread: Orange

Tail: Fluorescent orange floss eg Globrite #5

or 6

Rib: Fine gold oval tinsel or wire

Body: Orange Seals Fur

Hackle: Natural red game or ginger cock

hackle

Intermediate AND Open

Dafydd Lloyd (Autumn 2010)

Hook: Size 8 wet fly

Thread: Dark brown

Body: Creamy Yellow silk ribbed with flat gold

tinsel to give bands of equal width

Hackle: Red game cock hackle

Wing: Mixed Bronze and Grey Mallard

Salmon

Hydro Fly (Spring 2011)

Hook: Size 2 Bartleet or similar

Tag: Fine oval gold tinsel

Tail: GP topping

Butt: Red wool

Rib: Medium silver oval tinsel

Body: Blue flat tinsel

Hackle 1: Soft hot orange cock hackle

Hackle 2: Natural guinea fowl hackle

Wing: Grey Squirrel tail under dyed blue grey

squirrel

Cheeks: Jungle cock

Head: Black

Pike/Saltwater

Red Ghost Special (winter 2010)

Hook: Carrie Stevens streamer hook Size 2-4

Thread: White then black

Tag: Flat Silver tinsel (fine)

Rib: Flat Silver (medium)

Body: Red Floss

Underwing 1: Red Bucktail

Underwing 2/veil: Golden Pheasant topping

Wing 1: Peacock herl

Wing 2: Golden Pheasant

Wing 3: Dyed Red and Grey hackles with silver

pheasant cheeks and jungle cock

Head : Black

Dry Fly (suggested for Albert Horne Memorial

Trophy)

Rolled Wing Olive (Winter 2010)

Hook: Size 14 down-eye dry

Thread: Light tan or olive

Tail: Olive hackle fibres

Body: Stripped natural peacock quill

Wing: Rolled teal or Mallard Wing Quill

Hackle: Light ginger Cock hackle

Head: Clear varnished thread

If you buy online from the Fly Tying Shop and don't want

to pay postage you can collect your order on Thursday

evenings at Patcham. What you need to do is enter the

code FDGFreeShip at the checkout.

Published by the Sussex Branch of the Flydressers’ Guild

Chairman: Tony Woolnough 01273 483833

Secretary: Paul Bond 01273 420410

Treasurer: Roy Gurney 01273 506184

Editor: Andrew Steer, 37 Blatchington Road,

Seaford, East Sussex BN25 2AF

Phone: 01323 899257

E-mail: a.v.steer@talk21.com

Visit our web site

Sussexflydressers.org.uk

Fishing Organizer Salmon fishing in the land of the midnight sun (Norway). 1 weeks fishing costs £1650 per person, includes food, accommodation, transport, tuition and tackle. Best times are June or July. Flights from Gatwick to Trondheim. Leave UK a.m, start fishing p.m. 6 days fishing. Also Teaching courses in Scotland £1250 per person per week. Based on the River Dee, Aboyne, and River Spey, Grantown. For more information on either: salmonexpert@yahoo.co.uk www.salmonfishingtrips.co.uk Or phone Vic on 07773008960

Southern IFCA To Look Again At Raising

Bass Minimum Landing Size

The Southern Inshore Fishery and Conservation

Authority's Technical and Advisory committee (TAC) will

be discussing the benefits to the region of increasing the

minimum landing size for bass in the region which

covers Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Picture Credit: Bass picture © Cefas

The meeting, on Thursday November 17th, is open to all

members of the public and will be held at Bournemouth Town

Hall. The TAC will then report to the full Southern IFCA

committee at their next public meeting at 2.00pm on Thursday

15th December in the Council Chamber, Poole Civic Centre.

The full committee have the power to make a byelaw to

change the bass MLS in its area. Again, this meeting is open to

all members of the public as observers.

The Bass Anglers' Sportfishing Society, with support from the

Angling Trust, will be leading the call for the committee to raise

the minimum landing size to 48cm - the size needed to ensure

that a bass taken at any time of year should have spawned at

least once. If you can, make sure you attend these meetings

and show the local authority the level of support there is for

these proposals from anglers.

For more information visit:

www.ukbass.com and www.southern-ifca.gov.uk

North Kent I have been contacted via the North Kent Fly Dressers Guild web site by Maureen Robinson, Her husband Barry a prolific fly fisherman and competitive fly dresser recent passed away. Maureen contacted me as Barry had a huge amount of equipment and materials she now has to sell. I have created a web page with pdf's that can be downloaded listing rods, reels, book and fly tying materials and vices etc. please could you forward this information on to your guild members, Maureen's contact details are on the web page. http://www.northkentfdg.co.uk/Barry_Robinson.html Many thanks Regards Cliff Hawkins Sent From IPad using BT Imap Mail

RG

The Bass Anglers' Sportfishing Society, with support from the

Angling Trust, will be leading the call to raise the minimum

landing size of bass to 48cm

Picture Credit: Bass picture © Cefas