Visitors, fishermen, dignitaries, and others gathered in St. James’ Square today to honour fishermen that have passed who are responsible for “making Grimsby famous around the world.”
The Fishermen’s Mission, The Seafarers’ Charity, and Stella Maris all joined forces to host the first ever annual “National Fishing Remembrance Day” today, Sunday, May 12th.
Gi Grimsby News visited the ceremony and spoke to the individuals present.
Suesan Brown, the Lincolnshire Area Officer for The Fishermen’s Mission, explained that the day was incredibly important and was crucial to honouring the memories of all those fishermen lost.
“We still lose up to 10 fishermen every year with injuries on top of that. I just want people to consider that, when you go to get your fish and chips on a Friday, you look at the cost, but also remember the true price of that meal.”
We also spoke with Marc Evans, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fishermen’s Mission, who said that “this is a really important milestone in the history of fishing, with this being the first national remembrance day. To have that event to remember those who have been lost, but also to raise awareness and to recognise the fishing community as it exists today, and all of those families and all the others that are associated with it.”
The ceremony was poignant and provided a great opportunity to mourn the loss of some of the fantastic people who lived and worked in our town in such a dangerous yet rewarding career.
Featuring guest speakers including Andrew Clark DL, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and the Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries, The Rt Hon Sir Mark Spencer MP, the ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony, while a talented bagpipes player played a piece of their own arrangement based upon a text from over 100 years ago based on the lives of fishermen.
Also at the ceremony was Steve Beasant, Deputy Mayor of North East Lincolnshire.
Steve explained how he felt it was “an honour and a privilege” to be in attendance, stating that “it’s very important” that people remember what the fishing industry contributed towards Grimsby.
“We’ve got a lot to thank them for, and we have a lot to owe them. If it wasn’t for the fishermen, we wouldn’t be Great Grimsby.”
Also in attendance from North East Lincolnshire Council was Council Leader, Councillor Phillip Jackson, who said:
“I think it’s very appropriate that the first national service has been held in Grimsby as it was the largest fishing port in the world at one time, and we need to remember those who lost their lives bringing fish back to Grimsby.”
“It’s a huge part of our maritime history, and it was the fishing industry that precipitated the growth of Grimsby Town to what it is today.”
“The maritime direction of the town is now changing as we are beginning to move into more of the offshore wind sector and renewable energy. But we are still using those skills that the fishing community had in the past, so it’s important that we remember them going into the future.”
David Ornsby, the Operations Manager at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, added that “it’s wonderful that the event happened today in Grimsby. The Fishing Heritage Centre has celebrated the remarkable lives of fishermen for over 30 years, and there’s been a huge number of local people affected by a family loss in the fishing industry. Therefore, it’s so very important that, as a town, we remember those people that made Grimsby famous around the world.”
Dignitaries were not the only visitors, however, as individuals like Alan Todd were also in attendance.
Alan is the son of a fisherman, and he came to pay his respects in a slightly different fashion. He came along with his “tribute Vesper”, which depicts the lives of his father, Jeffrey Richard Todd, and grandfather, Charles Alfred Sleeth, who was also a fisherman.
With a potential date earmarked for next year’s service, Grimsby awaits the day to pay respect to those who made us Great Grimsby.
Take a look at some of the images from the ceremony below.
