Wigan Album

circa 1982 on lock no8 in Higher Ince. I didn't know the young fisherman but he was having a good night and fishing a long line on a shortish pole and it was something I had done myself about ten years earlier in exactly this spot, only I was doing that because I couldn't afford a proper rod and reel.
I'd just invested a fortune - 179 English pounds in a Minolta X300. Where better place to waste the free black and white film that came with it than up the locks. Today, as I consider the digital options and contemplate investing a further King's ransom it was saddening to find my Minolta on e-bay for 9 American dollars. I wouldn't sell it anyway.

The lad was chuffed to bits with his catch, and rightly so. He was equally chuffed when I asked to take a photo. I think he lived over Hemfield Road and I promised to send him a print. Of course, sadly, I never did. I hope he's still around and sees this, and, that he's as happy now as he was that night.
Sorry it took twenty odd years.