Meet the Docklow TeamDocklow is a 100% family business, where over the years we have made many many friends. Heres a bit of background on us...
Mike Bozward - Owner
Mike has recently returned from a trip of a life time to China. It was one of his life's ambitions to see the Great Wall, and now he's done it!
In 1972, Mike & Josie bought the farm with the intention of one day making it into a fishery. In the 70's he commuted daily to Longbridge in Birmingham to work in the toolroom at British Leyland. Upon returning home after a long day & drive he would then start again, and begin farming. "West End Farm" was a complete ruin in the 70's so to see "Docklow" as it is now is an incredible transformation. You can occasionally find him in the bar of an evening having a relaxing pint of mild chatting with guests and friends.
Mike with Broadcaster & Celebrity Angler Keith Arthur - October 2008
Apart from food, Mike enjoys all the country sports from fishing to shooting, but loves spending time on the river banks or down by the lakes. All the thousands of trees at Docklow have been planted by him, and aparently he grows a mean cucumber!
Biggest fish - unconfirmed, records dont go back that far.
Josie Bozward - Owner
Josie was born and raised locally in Worcester so it was a bit of a shock to get married and become a farmer vertually immediately.
She has many stories about how the family was raised, and how she and Mike single handly transformed an old bog and run down farm into the fishery. Whilst Mike was working in Birmingham, Josie
A self confessed fan of Billy Jo Spears, regularly on a saturday she enjoys a good jive, if she can find a partner! Always the first on the dancefloor.
Simon Bozward
Simon is an avid Aston Villa supporter who has watched the good but mostly the bad at Villa park over the years.
He owns the tackle shop which in its self is very impressive and stocks all the leading baits and tackle. Also fancies himself as a bit of a fisherman, and has toured France, Spain and Ireland in recent years in search of big fish. Although from the tales back it sounds more social than anything else!
Jonathan Bozward
The eldest son, Jonathan has recently returned from California after a long break. He officially retired from his London Private Bank duties after 20 years in June 2008 to enjoy a different standard of living in the countryside.
Mondays are his quiz evenings in the bar, which helps break the ice with other people staying.
Mother & son at Josie's birthday party - October 6th 2008
Although not much of an Angler now, as a teenager he finished 2nd in the Docklow Annual Cup match, losing by a few ounces and won seven Residents matches consecutively before starting work in the Bank. A record that is held today!
A supporter of Hereford United with his biggest fish, a large Barbel off the River Wye and countless doubles in the summer of 2009!
"Dog" Ellis
Ellis joined our fold in 2006, as a young pup. He's the luncheon meat muncher, and is partial to 8mil cubes. He definately has a dog's life and is always roaming the farm, making new friends and chasing wildlife.
He is named after the Aston Villa chairman Deadly Doug Ellis, so guess who's dog he belongs to?
Kate Holder
Kate has been working at the farm since she was 13 years old. She is a fitness freak, keeping herself in trim by captaining the local ladies Hockey team. Kate also has run the last two London Marathons, completing the last one in a splendid 3 hours 58 minutes! She raised a staggering £7,000 for Breast Cancer and The county air ambulance in one year.
She can be found in the office two days a week and the rest of the time running the superb tackle shop.
Rob Bufton
Is another local lad and the jack of all trades. Rob does the bar three nights a week and can be found with a chainsaw or lawn mover in hand mostly helping Simon with all the out door jobs.
He believes in supporting local football teams, so follows Arsenal and Leeds?...interesting!
He is also a keen fisherman, fishing the Major Bill on his days off. So he is one of the few Bar man in life who actually talks the truth about his fishing!
Colin Brookes
Colin is our newest member of our team at Docklow, joining us in March 2010. He becomes our Head Chef for the Fishermans Arms restaurant. Colin previously was the head chef at the Chateau Impney in Droitwich, which if you know it, was one of the Midlands premier venues. Great to have you on board Col.
Brooksy has two children, who keep him busy in his spare time. He is avid fan of Worcester Warriors Rubgy Union. We're wearing him down to start fishing!
Johnny Irwin
John works in the shop Thursday through to Sunday. He is the pools guru so if you want to know what method or how its fishing, he is definately the man to ask. John is a very good angler himself, or at least that what he tells everyone. His favourite lake is the Moby Dick (which is close to his caravan!).
His biggest fish is a 24lb 10oz Common Carp.
John with a nice barbel caught on our river teme stretch
A very sporty and friendly chap, who is partial to a couple of pints of Mild in the bar in the week. Just dont get him onto football, you'll be there all night!
Lesley Bufton
Lesley is the daughter of the legendary neighbouring farmer, Bill. Les is responsible for your fantastic breakfasts in the week, so dont be cheeky else she'll burn your toast deliberately!
Responsibility on a saturday is cleaning supervisor so she makes sure the accomadation is clean for you. One of her team is her dear mother, Yvonne...ah bless.
Lucy Jones
The most educated young lady you could ever meet, boasting 10 GCSE's all A's and now taking 4 A'levels!
A bit like a baby sister to Jonathan & Simon, she is a local girl too, who recently passed her driving test. No more kangaroo jokes about pulling away. Well done Lucy...
Lucy is one of our fine waitress's serving in the restaurant most weekends.
Natalie
You can hear Nat's father if your fishing on the match Pool working at his Land Rover business. After a disguished school career at the local Minster school, and obtaining a degree in History, she helps light up a bar room with her cheeky grin and smile.. She is one of super bar ladies a couple of nights a week.
Nat achieved a stunning Honours degree last year from Oxford on the impact of 19th century suicide!.... Well done Nat
Rebecca
Bex joined us like Cheryl and Lindsay in the spring of 2009 and like the other two has made a really positive impact to our bar. When shes not partying with Kate in the club haven of Leominster, Rebecca keeps super fit. A workaholic who is always busy. Proud to have you on board
Cheryl
Jonathans right hand lady on bar nights. Our Chez is mustard on the faces rounds but her geography is a bit rusty! Super friendly lady who we've proud to call one of the team
Lindsay
We've got the whole family near enough working here now, as Lindz and Chez are sisters, joined by Louise on a saturday. All three girls are absolutely great!...but we would say that wouldnt we!
Nigel Dovey
"Dove" works Saturday & Sunday mornings doing all the odd jobs. Catch him while you can! Although not a fisherman, Nige is a big sports fan enjoying football mostly. This is another one of Mike's school friends from the 60's Bromyard days! Certainly is a job for the boys!
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