EASTER Saturday’s chilly weather didn’t stop anglers turning out in their numbers for the launch of the newly-expanded Tackle Den on the Spine Road, writes Jon Berry.

What used to be a popular but cramped cubby hole catering to the Water Park’s fishermen has now doubled in size, and can offer a full service to anglers of all disciplines.

Manager John Claridge laid on a seemingly never-ending supply of hot and cold drinks, an outdoor bivvy display and a rig and bait demonstration from three famous carp anglers – Nick Helleur, Garth Ethelston and Jake Wildbore – for those who braved the cold.

The success of the Tackle Den is good news for local anglers, who would previously have needed to abandon their swims for Swindon to be sure of getting one of those essential items that inevitably disappear from our tackle boxes during fishing trips.

In addition, the team there – John, Steve and Tom – are all experienced local anglers and able to dispense free advice to all comers.

I was delighted to see them investing time in advising a young girl how to catch her first roach in the company of her granddad; the future of angling in the Cotswolds looks to be in safe hands.