GROWING up in the 1970s one of my favourite programmes was ‘Tales of the Riverbank.’

In a time when children’s television was only on at certain times and there were only three channels, I remember looking forward to it.

It was the story of Hammy Hamster and the water rat and Turtle and guinea pig (although I might be making that up.)

There were real live animals and got up to lots of adventures with real human voices.

And it always ended by alluding to another adventure and saying “But that’s another story.”

Anyway, last week I had four days off and had my own tales of the riverbank.

The first was a busman’s holiday for me as I had to take my new grandson to Riverbank ward at the hospital with his mum.

We were shown into a small room and were quickly seen by the consultant Anna.

It was a worrying time but Anna’s professionalism and care and kindness really helped reassure baby’s mum and myself.

The issue was quickly solved, for which we are grateful.

The second tale was on an actual riverbank on the Avon at Pershore.

Thursday, June 16 marked the beginning of the coarse fishing season on the rivers.

So I duly turned up and set up my rod. After about an hour my rod tip bent over and I knew I had a good fish.

Reeling it in was tricky, especially as close to my peg were a number of lilies to which the fish headed straight away.

Finally, it was there in the net. A beautiful three pound, olive green tench.

It was beautiful and, after holding it for a moment, I gently returned it to the water, no worse off for its little adventure. I was delighted.

I had never caught a tench before and they are particularly tricky to find on the Avon. But even if I had caught nothing it would still have been a wonderful day.

The dragonflies, the water gently flowing past, the fresh air and the scenery. All relaxing and good for the soul.

Of course, I had lots of other adventures during my days off that I could tell you but that’s another story.