Some people are entrenched in the history of The Game Fair and few more so than renowned fly angler (not to mention artist and author) Charles Jardine who stepped down from the Casting Pool platform at the end of this year’s show.

After 38 years of fly-casting demonstrations, Charles has decided to move aside and encourage younger blood into the arena.

He won’t be leaving The Game Fair scene entirely – he will continue to have a presence at The Game Fair with his charities Fishing For Schools and Castaway (the latter launched during the weekend) but will no longer be entertaining the crowds with his casting demos.

Charles said: “After a great deal of soul searching and inner arguing I have, after over three decades (and to be fair several false retirements) decided, with a hugely heavy heart, to make this year my last Game Fair as far as casting demonstration go.

“It has been an absolute blast; it really has… but we need new blood, fresh faces, ladies, others, to pick up the baton and run the next part of the fly-casting relay.

“I have never wanted to outstay my welcome… And there will be a time when I might hang on a little bit, too, long. Let’s not do that.

“Thank you so much, for all the plaudits, the applause, the cheers… but mostly, thanks for your kindness and being the best audiences down the 30-odd years, one could ever wish to perform for. It has been an absolute privilege.”

The Game Fair’s angling consultant, John Hunter, said: “I think the privilege has been ours over so many years to watch one of angling’s greats entertain us on such a consistent basis.

“Watching his final demonstration on Sunday, it doesn’t seem right that someone who draws such appreciate crowds and still retain such energy should be hanging up his casting rod but it seems his mind is made up.

“Charles stepped out of retirement a few years back when I first joined The Game Fair and I am so grateful he did but the Casting Pools won’t be the same without him.”