Newlyn's 15th fish festival gave an upbeat feel to an industry believed by many to be in its death throes.John Buchan, star of the Trawlermen TV series, officially opened the day's events.

The Scot skipper's nerves could not be calmed and his notepaper shook like a leaf but his well thought out spiel won applause.

An estimated 20,000 people wandered around the fish market fancying the seafood dishes and watching the exhibitions that promoted conservation and awareness while the gig races, maritime and helicopter displays packed the piers.

Among the many vessels on display was The Reason Why. The seven-metre long hand built plywood boat will take part in the 2,931-mile race from the Canary Islands to Antigua in December.

The race is expected to take Zennor Gig Club rowers Paul Harris and Steve Gardner between 50 and 80 days in the Woodvale Pairs Boat.

At the end of the day the crowd congregated around the quay to watch the mermaid who was supposed to have been trapped in ice apparently break free when the block was thrown into the harbour.

Acting her part in the story by Mercedes Kemp, Heidi Dorschler swam under the market swishing her mermaid's tail before surfacing with an angry roar.

The annual event is organised by the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen as an opportunity for the public to learn about the fishing industry as it adapts to the needs of a changing world.

Tony Woodhams, chairman of the local advisory committee to the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, said the strong focus on fish and the variety of seafood was the main aspect that had people talking the next day.

"The consensus overall is that this was an improvement upon last year," he said.

Figures are not yet available, however, the money raised at the festival will be donated to Newlyn's Fishermen's Mission.

The Christian charity is part of The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen and serves the spiritual, material and welfare needs of all fishermen and their families.

article copyright THE CORNISHMAN 

Comments (0)