1 year ago · cornishman · 0 comments · Sticky

BBC2 – This Fishing Life

Fishing boats

The first episode of a six part series on BB2 -“This Fishing Life” was focused on Mevagissey – one of the few remaining working fishing villages in Cornwall. Some of  the programme which was filmed in 2018 during devastating storms nicknamed the Beast from the East, viewers were introduced to Jack West, 26, whose family had spent thousands on refitting a boat.

A synopsis for the hour-long show stated: “Whilst other fishing communities are feeling the pinch, Mevagissey on Cornwall’s south coast bucks the trend, with 74 working boats in the harbour. Protected from the prevailing winds, with fish stocks that are beginning to return, and with boats being handed down from father to son, Meva is blessed.

“Fishing is in the blood here – for more than 250 years the men of Meva have followed their fathers to sea, eager to honour the family traditions. Now the next generation of ambitious young skippers are ready to make a go of it.

“Jack West fished with his dad growing up, and the family have decided the time is right to invest in Jack. Having spent thousands on the Anne Louise, the pressure is on to get out to sea and start earning some money.

“The Galwady Mor is owned by one of Mevagissey’s most successful fishing families, the Blameys. 27-year-old Chris is the fourth generation to go to sea. This year he takes over the responsibility of skippering the Galwady from his father Peter. The passing down of a lifetime’s knowledge is priceless, but Chris knows he will face different challenges to his dad. Whilst fish stocks are returning to Meva, there is not the abundance there once was.

“Mevagissey is a village built on fish – pilchards in particular.

The Fishermen’s Mission. Skysail supports the Fishermen’s Mission.  Skysail is keen to give something back to the Fishing Community.  If anyone would like a painting commission I give all the proceeds (framing not included) to The Fishermen’s Mission.  Please contact me for a quote. I prefer abstract, but will tackle watercolour, oils and mixed media, any size.  I am happy to show you examples of my work.   Please visit me on instagram. Laura Wood Art

Laura Wood Art

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