Caught by the River

Blog.

23rd March 2009

Last week began with a visit from the Richardson’s. John & Sue came up to London to take a look at the cafe in Foyles, on Charing Cross Road, the venue we have chosen for an exhibition of the art and illustration that is a big part of our forthcoming book (‘Caught By The River; A Collection of Words on Water’).

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They came with gifts, which included these beautiful quill floats (above) made by John. He makes them to order so if they take your fancy for next season contact him via The Two Terriers Press. We also took delivery of some greetings cards that he had just (hand) printed. They will be available from our shop sometime this week.

John is an artist, working mainly in lino cutting, wood cutting and print making. The anglers amongst you will no doubt have seen John’s work for Waterlog (magazine) and the Medlar Press.

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He has done a bunch of linocut maps to illustrate some of the rivers featured in the book. They will be shown at Foyles for a month from June 16th.

On Tuesday we had a meeting with Rick & Louis from Port Elliot Festival. The CBTR tent is going to be in the quarry area, down by the boat house. We’ve got some interesting stuff lined up and expect to tell all next week. It runs July 24 – 26 and tickets are on sale now.

Loads of great records released over the last couple of months. This is the video for the lead track – ‘Hold Time’ – from the new M Ward record. A big favourite in our house.

I also recommend, ‘Roll Your Moneymaker – Early Black Rock ‘n’ Roll 1948 – 1958’ on Trikont, Alela Diane ‘To Be Still’ on Names and a truly mind-blowing collection of tracks by late ‘50’s, Brit Rock ‘n’ Roller, Vince Taylor, on Ace. He wrote ‘Brand New Cadillac’ as covered by The Clash on ‘London Calling’ and it features on the comp, which goes by the name of ‘Jet Black Leather Machine’ which is exactly what it sounds like.

On Thursday we went to The Forum in Kentish Town to see our band Doves. It was the final night of a short run of dates that precede a tour ‘proper’ next month. I’m reading in the press that due to Elbow it’s Doves ‘time’. If it helps them get the respect they deserve then I’ll take those comments but it’s been Doves time for a long time you know. The record is out on April 6th and it’s their best yet.

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The next day, Andrew & I walked several miles of The Wandle Way. From where the river appears at Waddon Ponds up to Morden Hall Park. The admirable work of The Wandle Trust – in cleaning up and caring for the river – is evident all along this stretch. Firm proof of it’s good health was exhibited by the playful antics of a very large school of chub and chublets in a deep, clear pool on one of the more industrial parts of the walk. We stopped for a breather and were dazzled by the silver flashes from the water. It was a glorious day and here was a sight to behold.
This Thursday see’s several local schools release trout fry in to the river at Morden as part of the ‘Trout in the Classroom’ programme. More information on that and the work of the Wandle trust can be found here.

JB