I can relate to topic,
Think my best carp fishing days were in the mid / late 90's, without boring people to death with nostalgic memories, but my early Horseshoe days were something never to be forgotten.
After that, things changed, couldn't do it anymore, a very long drive and work and family stuff meant I gave up and sold my ticket., did a lot of day ticket fishing in and around Sussex, and a few club lakes too, then the noddy carp anglers arrived en mass, all the argos gear with no idea, no manners or respect.
Had a great spell with pole fishing on a certain sussex venue that had lots of crucians in their front lake.
Then moved on to find a few Dorset and Kernow venues that were relativily undiscoverd back in the day.
What I am trying to say is, don't loose the feeling, at my age, can't go as much as I ever used to, but still have a Sussex club water I can think will do me.
My one regret is that I have never caught a Barbel!
Sorry for a bit of a rant