Way way back in the day, before Facebook was a thing, I'd started my blog and was looking for other hunting bloggers in the UK. I found a blog called Bashing Bambi and struck up a correspondence with its author - Fat Tim.
Reluctant ex- squaddie, railway man, and game keeper, Tim had left the army a little earlier than he’d have liked, so twenty five-odd years later he was still regaling anyone within earshot with tales of his youthful daring-do.The railway was just a method of having the money to take more punts at the sealed bid sale. His passion was directing operations from a quad bike; keepering, and as shoot captain.
When he found out I’d only shot one deer so he offered to take me stalking.
We'd agreed to meet up at Pollgate station. His arrival was fairly dramatic, his rotting Jimmy arrived sideways. He literally drove it as though he’d stolen it. His opening gambit was also quite a surprise too- David Mellor was DJing on classic FM "I've always hated that Tory c++t, but that spanish bird was fantastic, you would wouldn't you?”
Tim was prolific stalker and massive Rigby fan, as a keen reloader his life’s work was the reintroduction of the .280 british, he got as far as making two rifles, as well as several pointless wildcats. {if any of you want to take up the 280 project ping me a message, I’ll hook you up with its current custodian}
He was happiest as the keeper at Wooton where he will be remembered not just for the sport he put on, but his skills at barbecue and litany of dad jokes.
Many adventures later, after several years of declining health Tim passed peacefully at home sometime yesterday, and is now telling dad jokes around the campfire in the happy hunting grounds.
