Saturday and Sunday
29/30 November 2008

'By the time the doors opened at 9am, the queue of eager anglers stretched almost as far as a Frank Warwickcast. Five-deep they stood, stamping their feet to ward off the November morning chill and making the small-talk only anglers can produce.

'Three hours after the floodgates opened, the tide of show-goers now ebbs and flows around every stand as the murmur of curious carpers fills what space there remains. In every sense of the term, there's a buzz about Sandown this year and from this reporter's first impression, it seems to be an extremely positive one.

'Only time and statistics will tell if the CarpSociety Winter Show at Sandown broke all records, but the signs are promising and that can only be a good thing for the sport we all love.'

With thanks for Mpress media for producing 'The Sandown Times' at regular intervals throught the show, from which the above excerpts were taken.

'STANDING ROOM ONLY AT SANDOWN

Could this be a record breaker?

The Sandown Winter Show has become a bit of a classic, a MUST for all serious carp and specimen anglers alike.

This year was no exception, and following months of preparation, some 4000 plus carpers came through the doors over the two days.

Alongside the major retailers such as Wickford, Tony's, Climax and Trakker, were household names such as Korda, Delkim, Gardner and many others. A supporting cast of smaller but significant suppliers such as Rigmarole, MCF, Atomic Tackle were also amongst the 60 stands.

New books from publishers Medlar Press, MPress and Bob Buteaux were launched with authors signing personal copies.

Forums featuring the leading specimen anglers also included selected clips from Hugh Miles and Martin Bowlers' much acclaimed publication, 'Catching the Impossible'.