Dick Walker Honoured
~ A Blue Plaque Has Been Unveiled At His Birthplace ~
I’ve previously made tribute to Dick Walker (“Richard Walker Tribute” refers), so, understandably I’m very pleased to hear that this honour has been bestowed upon him. Though I do feel if any sportsman was deserved of a knighthood, it was Dick. Many celebrities who have contributed far less in their careers have been knighted due to their standing in the media, and little else.
Walker's birthplace at 32 Fishponds Lane in Hitchin
The genius that was Biggleswade angling legend Dick Walker has been officially recognised in the form of a prestigious blue plaque on the house in which he was born on May 29, 1918.
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.
Original article curtesy of: www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk
Happy hippo hunting 
Niblet
My dad gave me Richard Walker’s book to read when I was 13 or so.I remember looking at the picture of his record 44lb carp and saying 1 day I want to catch a fish like that.I was lucky enough to fulfil my dream with a big French 63lb’r but the point being what an inspiration he was to my angling.A 44lb wild UK fish without all the high protein baits that are used today is truely a remarkable achievement that will never be beaten.
Richard Walker deserves all the recognition of his angling achievements and this plaque on his house is a nice touch for such a great Angler
Hadleigh,
It would be wonderful if it were possible to put a figure to how many anglers Dick Walker has inspired? It’d have to be in the millions wouldn’t it; who else has done that, or ever will for that matter???
Niblet