downsmail.co.uk


Gone fishing: angler closing shop to retire


AFTER seven years in the same spot onWestMallingHigh Street, Jeff Davis is reeling in his busi- ness to cast afresh in his own time. Jeff,who took over fishing tackle


store West Malling Angling in 2011, is retiring. The 63-year-old, fromKingsHill,


took over the business after the clo- sure of the London firm for which heworked as IT director. Three years on, he decided to in-


vest in something he enjoyed doing and the rest, as they say, is history. Jeff said: “I’ve loved running the


business and know hundreds of the customers by name and their stories; it’s like being an agony aunt and, of course, there are plenty of fishing tales to be shared. “Leavingmy loyal customers be-


hindwill be the biggestwrench for me.” The father-of-four, who has nine


grandchildren, is planning to have his first holiday in seven years, and to spend more time fishing – “be-


where you’re among friends that share the same interest and amongst nature.One day you’ll see a kingfisher and the next it will be some other riverbank species.” Mr Davis says competition from


online shopping has affected trade, but a lack of youngsters coming in to the pastime threatens the future of the sport, which he predicts could be obsolete in 20 years. He adds: “In spite of these


changes, anglers are keen to take expert advice and try before they buy. I had hoped to ensure the business continued, but it has been on themarket for three years.” Mr Davis will be trading, with


fore being given a list of jobs” he says. He agrees that for many, fishing


is a chance to escapework, thewife and indulge in some solitude in the great outdoors. But he says more women are picking up the rod. “It’s a fantastic, sociable activity


discounts available, until Christ- mas. His business and stock re- mains on themarket. A spokesman for West Malling


Parish Council said: “I’ve lived in West Malling for more than 20 years and in that time it has always been a fishing shop. It’s a real shame to be losing a specialist shop like this in the town.”


News Crash appeal


POLICE are appealing for wit- nesses to a road accidentwhich left amotorcyclist seriously injured. Officers were called to Station


Road, Ditton, at 8.07pmon Friday, September 14, after a report that a Volkswagen Beetle and a Suzuki GSX-R 600motorbike had collided. It happened near the junction


with the London Road and themo- torcyclist was taken to a London hospitalwith leg and chest injuries. Anyonewith dashcamfootage or


information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting ref- erence 14-1706, or email west.divi- sion.media.appeals@Kent.pnn.poli ce.uk.


Audio prize


A TEACHER from Leybourne has won £10,000 to turn his work into an audio book forAmazon. The Society of Unexampled Bril-


liance by PaulWarnes will be nar- rated by ex-Spooks actress Miranda Raisin. The novel was se- lected from 100 entries to take the firstAudible NewWriting Grant. Mr Warnes (56) teaches literacy


part-time at TheMalling School in EastMalling.He received his prize from author Mark Billingham in Harrogate.


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