Memorial bench unveiled for Richard Slocock

Memorial bench unveiled for Richard Slocock

Friends, family and Wild Trout Trust members recently gathered on the banks of the River Piddle to unveil a carved limestone memorial bench honouring Richard Slocock, who died in January 2024.

The bench, sculpted by Simon Burns-Cox, stands outside St Laurence’s Church in Affpuddle, beside the water that Slocock loved above all others. He managed fisheries in Dorset for more than 40 years and was a pioneer of catch-and-release wild trout fishing, as well as a tireless champion of chalk streams. Those who fished with him knew him affectionately as “the Guardian of the Piddle”.

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Role in founding the Wild Trout Trust

In the mid-1990s, Slocock joined forces with Charles Rangeley-Wilson to conceive what would become the Wild Trout Trust, driving the organisation for many years, including as Chairman.

Rangeley-Wilson spoke at the unveiling, as did another friend, Charles Dutton. Those attending were given an engraved pint glass to mark the occasion.

The gathering then moved to Mr Slocock’s home, where his wife Sally and their family hosted lunch before an afternoon of mayfly fishing, the proceeds from which helped fund both the bench and the day’s events. Guides Ronnie Butler, Ian Pople and David Burton were on hand, with flies provided by Fulling Mill and support from Grassby’s of Dorchester and Dorchester Fishing Club.