Fly Fishing is in our DNA. It’s a way of life and at Orvis UK it’s at the heart of everything we do. We love the community that we have around us.
We work with some amazing people in the fly fishing community. We couldn’t do what we do without our partners and friends and so, what could be better than an early season fishing day on the Kimbridge Beat of the River Test with some of the people that have helped us along the way. After a wet winter and early Spring, the river was running high although not unfishable and there were quite a few trout caught.
Everyone arrived, happy for a day on the beat with friends to be greeted by fresh coffee and a bacon roll lovingly prepared by the Orvis UK crew – Aaron, Katie and Faith.
The Orvis Saltwater Festivals and events have grown exponentially over the past few years and we couldn’t have made them such a success without the support of partners such as James Cuthbertson of Lakedown Brewing Company and Rowan Bailey of YETI. Their generosity and enthusiasm know no bounds and so any opportunity to say thank you is a pleasure. It was great to have them on the bank and naturally, there were a few chilled beers from Lakedown Brewing Company in the YETI cooler.
It was wonderful to welcome our friends from Bakewell’s fishing hub, Mallon & Green – John Green, co-owner and Don Stazicker, part-time team member, renowned fisherman and writer for Trout & Salmon magazine. Nick Weston and Chris (known as T Bone Chops) joined us from Hunter Gather Cook, and Nick brought some of his delicious home-made cold smoked venison.
James Doyle, the maestro of all things fishing at Orvis UK, was there to talk about, demonstrate and let everyone have a go with the new Helios rod and lunch on the bank was a tasty spread of homemade sandwiches and quiches from Thyme and Tides in nearby Stockbridge (the shelves were emptied by Emma and Claire from Zambuni Communications!), dips and fruit.
Nothing can beat being in nature, enjoying a shared passion with friends and having face to face conversations. That’s where the magic happens.
