Hi,

Was wondering if anyone knows anything about Westley Richards as a rod maker. I've just landed a rod in Mullock's fishing auction - a 7 foot brook rod called The Windrush.

Thanks,

Paul

They are best known as a gunmaker, they sold rods for a few years around the early 1980s I think but I'm guessing they were made somewhere for them. As I recall they were mid-range and probably a bit too expensive for what they were at the time but perfectly OK rods.

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“There is no more lovely country than Monmouthshire in early spring. Nowhere do the larks sing quite so passionately, as if somehow inspired by the Welsh themselves. There is a blackbird on every thorn and a cock chaffinch, a twink as they call him there, on every bush...... It moved me profoundly. I had been spared to see another spring, and I thank God for it.”

Oliver Kite
“A Spring Day on the Usk”
A Fisherman’s Diary

Paul,
Westley Richards sold rods for at least 100 years.
I don't believe that they were 'makers' but had rods, (and reels,) made by others and badged for W R.
I'm guessing that they used several makers, including Walker Bampton among others.

Was yours the one with the alloy reel seat? Nice size.

Post some pics, others may recognise the maker.

Brian

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Picked it up yesterday. It's in great condition and doesn't look like its been used much. Any ideas who made it?
Is it the one you were talking about enigma309?

Thanks,

Paul

Paul, nice looking rod in a great size.
Yes, it,s the one I saw in Mullocks.

Is the tip top secure? Looks replaced - be a nice fix.
How does it cast?
I don't know who made it but someone more knowledgeable may tell you.

Brian

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“Let’s TACKLE Cancer” supporter

To be honest Brian I haven't even seen the rod in person yet. My brother picked it up for me and I'll only be getting it at Christmas so I don't know how it casts and he isn't a fisherman.
What he did tell me is that it measures 7ft2 1/2 inches from tip top to the rubber butt so it looks like the tip may just have been rewrapped and hasn't been shortened (if I can rely on the 7ft written on the bottom section).

Looking forward to getting it out on my local river next year now!
Paul

There were a number of rod makers in Redditch supplying the various retailers of the time with their own "branded" products.

From the style of the writing, I'd guess that this one was made by James Aspindale & Sons.

But just a guess though.

Regards,

Doc

Hi,
The Windrush was advertised in the 1954 catalogue in 2 sizes.7ft and 8 ft.Prices £8.2/6 and £8.12/6.Dark green silk whippings throughout.
Hope this is useful
Salmo mike