Relevant
permissions are being obtained and matters of Health and Safety,
Food Hygiene and Security will be dealt with as priority, but
all systems are “Go!” for six months of hectic planning and
organising. The event is timed to coincide with the National
Seafood Fortnight, September 5th to 21st that
the Sea Fish Industry Authority recently publicised.
Jim Portus, Chairman
of the FishStockBrixham organising Committee, said, “We had
been searching for a suitable venue for so long that I had almost
given up hope, yet the solution was right under our noses. Last
year because of building schedules and expected disruption,
we made the decision to abandon plans for the August Bank Holiday
Monday Fish Market Open Day. This new, replacement event, has
been under wraps in planning stages ever since, but a venue
simply could not be found that ticked all the boxes. Now and
happily, we have been told by Brixham Harbour Authorities and
Dean & Dyball that construction works within the Harbour
Estate will be at such a stage by mid-September we can go ahead
and plan our prestigious quayside event.
“This will be a top-class
showcase for all that the world-renowned fishing port of Brixham
is famous. The home fleet of day-boats, trawlers and scallopers
make Brixham Number One in the league of English Fishing ports,
with more than 40 different species of quality fish landed throughout
the year. Many of those fish are little known to local consumers
and we want to encourage them with an all-embracing experience
to delight the senses, particularly their taste buds.
“FishStockBrixham will
be a multi-aspect event. We will take visitors on a journey
from “Boat to Throat”. Brixham fishermen have been at the forefront
of technological innovation for centuries and today they are
building on that legacy as consumer emphasis has switched to
issues of sustainability, fostering the marine environment,
delivering healthy protein in a varied diet, rich in Omega 3
and with low “food-miles”. We can all be proud of the rich heritage
on our doorstep that is such an important employer and economic
provider. This will be a community celebration for all the family.
“We will involve local
schools, colleges, restaurants and fish-related businesses by
providing a platform on which their skills can be demonstrated
to best effect. The “Seafood Pavilion” in the Market Hall will
host live theatre-style cooking and fish-craft demonstrations.
Stallholders will be a mix of seafood providers, complementary
food and drink producers, marine environmental scientists, fishing
gear technologists and others.
“There will be an Arts,
crafts and acoustic performance area in which Brixham and local
artists can show off their talents alongside the best from local
schools. We are very pleased that Alex Bolton and Melanie Border
at the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust have accepted the
task of engaging with schools to develop this themed area. The
emphasis will be on the numerous ways in which fishing and the
marine environment interact and touch all our lives. From our
enjoyment of the seaside, rock-pools, boats and harbours, to
the food we eat, the nourishment we get and the subsequent waste
we dispose of, much of it down the drain and into the sea. There
is a prize fund for the pupil, class and school that presents
the most informative and attractive display in the medium of
his/her choice.
“The crowd will be entertained
throughout the day by local live bands on a sound-stage, facing
seaward so as not to upset residents. Children will be well
provided with exciting things to do, such as learning Circus
Skills, painting and performing.
“We are looking for sponsors
and have already secured funding towards costs from South Western
Fish Producer Organisation Ltd and Seafood South West, a three-County
initiative recently launched that aims to build on the successes
of the Seafood Cornwall model. We are hoping that Astra Zeneca
and Dean & Dyball will support the event from their community
funds. We will contact shortly local restaurants and similar
businesses inviting them to take space in the Seafood Pavilion
and to provide “Signature” recipes for a high quality, full
colour, combination Programme and Recipe Book, with the emphasis
being on the less-well-known species sourced locally. Local
fish-related businesses, seafood providers, complementary food
and drink producers, marine environmental scientists, fishing
gear technologists and others will all be invited to participate
in this high-quality Festival that will round-off a busy year
for Brixham and Torbay .
“Our beneficiary Charity
will be the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen (The
Fishermen's Mission ), who provide care, compassion, and support
to working, retired and disabled fishermen and their families.
They are there for those families in times of hardship and grief,
providing financial, practical and emotional support. They are
the Fishermen's Charity. 2008 is the 25th anniversary year for
the Mission in its present location on Overgang Hill, looking
over the fleet with watchful awareness.
“Anyone from Brixham
who would like to get involved in this event by bringing suitable
skills or who has a business connection to fish and would like
to be part of the show, please contact Jim Portus by
phoning 07860542071 or by e-mail to swfpo@btinternet.com
“A FishStockBrixham website
is soon to be launched, with thanks to Brixham fisherman's wife,
Sarah Ready. www.fishstockbrixham.co.uk
“The Fishermen's Mission
can be contacted by phoning Len Scott on 01803859123. www.fishermensmission.org.uk
Jim Portus,
Chairman FishStockBrixham.
19 March 2008 |
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