A group of ex-fishermen have come together at their annual reunion to talk about how they helped make Grimsby what it is today.
The almost 80 strong group spent hundreds of years collectively trawling along the North Sea and further afield to feed the nation and now come together at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre every year to keep their memories alive.
From skippers to deck hands, the men worked in numerous roles, all important in making a trip to sea successful.
Some found the night particularly special, speaking to people they’d not seen in decades. For Dennis Avery, former skipper of the Ross Tiger and now tour guide, it’s always a pleasure to see some of his former crew.
“It’s good to have this event. People come up to me and say, “now Dennis how are you” and I was their skipper almost 50 years ago now.”
“To be skipper was interesting and the togetherness on the ships carries on at this reunion – it’s just great.
“When we come to this reunion it isn’t just the people you speak to who were part of the trade either: it was their dads and their grandads that were in the fishing industry too.
“The town was built on fishing and these events and the centre in general is key in keeping that heritage alive – it must never be forgotten.”
Fellow skipper John Roberts, who now lives in Wakefield, makes the trip every year to come and see some of his former work mates.
“My family and I love coming to look around the centre – it’s good to keep tabs with people and I thoroughly enjoy coming back and seeing people I’ve not seen in years.
“We talk about the sea, what life was like back in the day and how things have changed since we were fishermen.”
The group are committed to keeping their memories alive with some even writing memoirs about their careers – retelling stories of their days out on the boats.
David Ornsby, Operations Manager at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, helps run the reunion and is dedicated to giving the former fishermen a space to come together and see one another.
“These men risked their lives for weeks on end just to put food on the table so giving them these yearly reunions is the least we can do.
“The centre is ultimately a museum about them so to welcome the fishermen through the doors is a great feeling – we wouldn’t be here without those men.”
Helping to set up the event was the Fishermen’s Mission, a charity dedicated to supporting fishermen (both past and present) and their families. Representing them on the evening was the new Area Manager, Rebecca Austin. “It a fantastic evening,” she said.
“I felt truly privileged to attend and witness the strong sense of community, shared memories, and lifelong connections that make Grimsby’s fishing heritage so special. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people and industry that helped put our town on the map and shaped its history
“I’m looking forward to many more reunions and to continuing to celebrate and support this very special community and its rich heritage.”
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