Angling legend Dick Walker is honoured with a blue plaque

The inscription on the plaque on No.32 Fishponds Road in Hitchin reads: ‘Richard Stuart Walker, Celebrated Angler, Author, Journalist, Broadcaster was born here.’

Universally acknowledged as the greatest angler and angling writer of all times, Dick Walker lived by the river in Ivel Gardens, Biggleswade from 1978 until his death in 1985. Walker’s Pitch, the fishing tackle shop in Biggleswade High Street, was named in his honour by owner Simon Carr.

Family and fishing friends attended a special unveiling ceremony at which Dick’s son Simon, a keen local historian, paid thanks to the support of the Hitchin Historical Society and former Hitchin resident Ben Wiseman, who first suggested the commemorative plaque.

Dick’s widow, Pat Marston Walker (who still lives in Ivel Gardens), said: “It’s a very proud day for all of the Walker family and I’m sure that anglers all over the country will be pleased to hear that his memory will live on through this blue plaque.”

Copies of Dick’s latest book, Be My Guest, which celebrates the silver anniversary of his untimely death, are still available at Walker’s Pitch.