Archive Group
This months feature is different in that we are introducing you to
two completely different people, both of which have a connection
to Arlesey.
Firstly, Richard Walker, the inventor of the ‘Arlesey Bomb’, a piece of
fishing tackle still in use today, next William Kitchener, born in Arlesey
in 1946 who went on to play football professionally. Both of these men
had a small part to play in the history of Arlesey.
Plans for our exhibition on Saturday October 22nd in the Village
Hall are coming together nicely. We’ve had several local organisations
booking space so there will be a lot for you to see, please put the date
in your diary and come down and have a look.
Once again we would ask you to get involved with the Archive
group,simply contact Janet at the Council offices, 01462 733722, or the
chair of the group, Jim Randall on 01462 733169, we’ll be happy to have
you along to one of our quarterly meetings. The next meeting is on
October 11th in the Vicars Inn starting at 7.30 p.m. please come and
join us.
Dick Walker
The Arlesey Bomb is
an angling weight
developed by
Richard Walker
at the lake
in Arlesey.
Walker
fished for
perch in
the lake,
and very large
Image:
perch could be caught
Steve Maddox
in the deepest water. The
Arlesey Bomb was developed to allow
him to cast the long distances required. It is tear-shaped, with a loop
at the top to attach the line. Its shape makes it aerodynamic to cast,
but unlikely to snag on the river or lake bottom. The incorporation of a
swivel also prevented the line getting twisted.
Richard Walker was born at 32 Fishponds Road in Hitchin,
Hertfordshire in 1918; he lived there until 1928. His father was a
professional soldier and his mother an employee of the Post Office.
He started fishing at an early age, being taught by his grandfather
in Hertford. He was educated at the Friends’ School in Saffron
Walden and St Christopher School in Letchworth. He went to Gonville
and Caius College at Cambridge University, but his studies were
interrupted by the Second World War, during which he worked for the
Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. He flew regularly over
Germany and was deafened in one ear by a shell which exploded just
outside the aircraft.
After the war he joined Lloyds and Co, manufacturers of high quality
grass cutting machinery as technical director.
His inventions included the electronic bite alarm and the arlesey
b