Why I can’t wait for Series 2 of Whitehouse and Mortimer Gone Fishing

Two middle-aged blokes on a riverbank may not sound like riveting TV, but Tim Gibson reckons it’s the best thing he’s watched in years

By Tim Gibson

I’ve never been fishing in my life. Not properly, anyway. I vaguely recall dangling a rod over the side of a boat off the Devon coast when I was young and catching a few mackerel. But in as much as the skipper used fish-finding devices to locate our haul, baited our rods and took over the minute we had a bite, I don’t think it counts as a genuine angling experience.

    Gone Fishing is the perfect showcase for Mortimer’s charm. His interactions with Paul Whitehouse are unscripted, natural and revealing.  

Which is why I have been surprised by my enthusiasm for Whitehouse and Mortimer Gone Fishing on BBC Two. The first series aired last year and I’ve watched each of the six episodes at least a dozen times. My only disappointment about the imminent screening of Series 2 (the first episode goes on out Friday, 2 August) is that it means the first series has been removed from the BBC iPlayer.

So yes, I’m a fan. It helps that Bob Mortimer is the funniest man alive and by far my favourite comedian. In fact, after listening to his brilliant Desert Island Discs I think he may be my favourite human being. He’s humble, wise, clever and kind. Or at least that’s how he comes across.

Gone Fishing is the perfect showcase for Mortimer’s charm. His interactions with Paul Whitehouse are unscripted, natural and revealing. Both stars show a lot of leg while discussing subjects as diverse as heart surgery (they’ve both had big ops in recent years), fears about mortality and fading celebrity, and family life.

The series is from the same stable as The Trip, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon’s acerbic restaurant-review series. But it has a kinder heart, is far more authentic. Whereas Coogan and Brydon were playing fictionalised characters who happened to have their names, Whitehouse and Mortimer are very much themselves. Just two old mates, chatting on the riverbank.

None of which sounds like a hugely exciting premise for a TV show. And yet, once you get into it, you’ll find it utterly addictive. It’s not even as if the dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny, although it certainly has its moments. The joy comes from watching two people with an obvious rapport spark off one another, muck around with a complete lack of self-consciousness, and ruminate on life's mysteries.

The scenery is stunning: the show is expertly filmed by Fleabag director Tim Kirkby. If you love the UK’s distinctive rural scenery, you’ll wallow in aerial footage of verdant swards and low-down shots of the sun rising over mist-strewn pastures.

Likewise, if you’re interested in fishing, you’ll no doubt enjoy the occasional asides about species, techniques and locations. Whitehouse is an accomplished and knowledgeable angler. But he wears his expertise lightly, making it accessible even for a fishing ignoramus like me.

But the real strength of the show is its protagonists. They bring warmth, wisdom, wit and humour. I didn’t think my love for Bob Mortimer could get any deeper, but this show confirms that it knows no bounds.

Whitehouse and Mortimer Gone Fishing is an antidote to the stresses of modern life. A show with real heart. And that’s why I am counting down the minutes until 8.00pm on Friday, 2 August.

Published: 2 August 2019

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Just testing: Subaru Outback 2.5i SE Premium Lineartronic

You may also enjoy: Why alcohol-free beer may be the perfect summer tipple

Jobs currently available

New job
Electronics Hardware Design Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Gillingham, Kent
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913361
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking an Electronics Hardware Design Engineer for a manufacturing company based in Gillingham, Kent.

You will be working within the company’s Electronics Engineering team, developing electronic designs to fulfil customer and legislative requirements within the challenging context of a high-volume, high quality and harsh manufacturing environment - with Electronic Control Unit products for use in the current portfolio and for future propulsion systems.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Develop new electronic designs for Electronic Control Units
  • Evaluate customer and internal requirements and identify gaps in current products
  • Prepare product designs to meet internal and customer requirements
  • Develop complete schematics, Bill of Materials and other technical documentation
  • Develop a worst-case analysis for each requirement
  • Create and maintain Electrical DFMEA
  • Apply BOD, BOP and defined engineering standards procedures and methodologies to execute project activities
  • Provide technical assistance to PCB ECAD teams
  • Release design documentation
  • Support Validation teams during the Design Validation and Process Validation phases
  • Support Test teams located in the Manufacturing Plants
  • Prepare reports, technical presentations and status for internal and customer use
  • Ensure reports and presentations include clear analysis and summaries for decision-making
  • Define, prioritise and execute tasks required to meet project objectives (cost, quality and timing)
  • Escalate risks and issues to core team members and management in a timely manner
  • Apply problem-solving in the execution of project activities
  • Maintain and update Bill of Design guidelines
  • Ensure that designs meet cost targets, manufacturability requirements and end-of-line recycling targets
  • Develop and maintain test equipment

Required skills/experience include:

  • Proven electronics design experience
  • Experience with Functional Safety ISO26262 and FMEDA
  • Experience with Electrical DFMEA
  • Experience with effective problem-solving methodologies
  • Experience in automotive electronics hardware development
  • Software tools: MS Office, ECAD programs (XPedition Enterprises preferred), Simulation tools
  • Fluent in English speaking and writing

Required qualifications:

  • University Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or suitable equivalent qualification and experience

This role offers excellent benefits including a generous relocation allowance.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
HR Advisor
Sector: Recruitment and HR
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913357
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking an experienced HR advisor to provide high-quality, locally focused HR advice and service as well as work on group-based projects – for a company based in Tiverton, Devon.

Hours of work:

Monday to Friday – 30-35 hours per week, to be worked over 5 days.

The company will consider candidates looking for school working hours (min 5.5 hours daily) and can offer flexibility on working hours, however, daily support is required to meet operational objectives.

You will be based in Tiverton, working independently and will be responsible for providing vital generalist day-to-day operational support, including but not limited to delivery of the HR goals as well as objectives, absence management, employee relations matters and support for Line Managers.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Providing support to colleagues and managers working within the company’s policies and procedures to achieve positive outcomes.
  • Undertaking exit interviews for leavers and administrating the leaver’s process.
  • Auditing and reviewing HR policies, procedures, and documentation on a regular basis in line with legal obligations or business requirements.
  • Overseeing and assisting with investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes to endeavour to resolve at an informal level wherever possible. Escalating all processes to the HR Manager for initial input.
  • Preparing template letters, documentation and forms necessary for the HR Admin team to complete for employees (eg invitations to hearings, flexible working requests, letters of correspondence etc).
  • Supporting the company and the HR Manager with improving attendance for all employees including long-term sick leave.
  • Assisting the HR Manager with the upkeep of company policies and procedures and implementation of new/amended procedures.
  • General HR-related tasks/project work as directed by and with the consultation of the HR Manager.

Key skills/experience required:

  • Experience from a generalist background is essential to apply HR practices throughout the cycle of employment.
  • Competent in dealing with employee relations matters, grievances, performance and disciplinary.
  • Managing absence both short and long-term with knowledge of occupational health.
  • Compiling and updating company procedures and applications in practice.
  • Adaptable, self-motivated, team worker with a can-do attitude.
  • Minimum CIPD Level 3 in Human Resources Practice or similar or substantial professional experience.
  • Excellent communicator both written and verbal.
  • Administration experience and preparation of contractual documentation.
  • Use of Microsoft Office suite including Teams, hosting meetings online.
  • Organising in-house events, training events for example.

The role offers excellent benefits – discussed on application.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Service Desk Controller
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: £25,000 - £27,000 per annum
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913358
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Service Desk Controller for a company based in Witham.

This is an incredibly important role within the company as you will be the primary point of contact for the customers and will be responsible for scheduling the engineers' diaries. This is a fast-paced role, therefore you must be able to work well under pressure and display ownership of tasks from start to finish.

Duties include:

  • Providing product and technical information, together with advice tailored to customer requirements.
  • Handling customer enquiries via telephone or email and ensuring customer communication is a priority.
  • Identifying customer product requirements and where necessary liaising with suppliers with the purchasing department.
  • Allocating jobs to engineers.
  • Communicating efficiently with all internal departments to ensure the correct product is allocated against each job card.
  • Coordinating resources to reduce customer waiting time.
  • Ordering products from suppliers and liaising with the purchasing department.

Role requirements:

  • Ability to communicate efficiently, verbally expressing your ideas clearly and confidently at all levels, via email and the telephone.
  • Skills to systematically establish facts and principles for problem-solving to resolve customer enquiries.
  • Ability to understand and produce customer or internal reports.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Technical Sales Manager
Sector: Sales
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: West Midlands
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913354
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Technical Sales Manager for a manufacturer to establish new distribution networks and relationships within the Worcester/Gloucester/Birmingham areas – maintaining excellent customer relations with full account and budget responsibilities.

This is a home-based role but you will be required to travel to group sites as well as make customer visits, as and when required.

International travel is also a requirement.

Business-to-business direct sales experience in the electrical / tools / PPE sector would be ideal.

The role will involve:

  • Taking responsibility for managing and effectively establishing customer accounts within the region/customer base.
  • Generating customer business in line with discount and rebate structures.
  • Being accountable for the achievement of sales targets set for set region.
  • Keeping management informed of sales activity against target achievement by the submission of weekly and monthly reports and via Sales Force.
  • Taking responsibility for following up leads, answering sales calls and responding to enquiries through to order placement.
  • Effectively handling customer complaints by investigating problems and developing solutions with the Product Management team and factories as appropriate.
  • Following up on all sales leads and customer quotations.
  • Monitoring competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products, and merchandising techniques.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more