About 2 years ago in early March, I went walking along a stretch of the river Anker between Polesworth and Tamworth, looking for a suitable venue for one of our club matches. I found a lovely stretch of water at the rear of Pooley Hall Heritage Centre, and stopped to talk briefly to a solitary pensioner who was catching roach and chub on the 'stick'. After a few minutes chatting I said farewell and continued my walk along the river. Upon reaching the end of the stretch I turned around and started walking back. I could see the old guy about 80 yards ahead. Suddenly I heard him shout, followed by a splash as he fell into the river. I sprinted over to where he had been standing and peered into the water. It looked deep and there was no sign of him. All of a sudden a hand came out of the water, I grabbed it, and with my left hand holding the long grass on the bank I managed to pull him out. Needless to say he was somewhat surprised to see me again. He was very cold and soaked through. After recomposing himself he thanked me for pulling him out, and insisted on showing me his net of roach and chub. He assured me that he was ok and needed no further help. I'm not sure if he would have got out of the river on his own, but he was lucky I was there, as there was no one else anywhere in sight.
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