Brixham fishmarket tours net almost £5,000 for Mission

Cold hands and feet were warmed up with a delicious fish breakfast at Mitch Tonks’ Rockfish Brixham on 23 October, after this year’s final tour of Brixham fishmarket, in aid of the Fishermen’s Mission.

This year, the Mission was delighted to receive a cheque for £4,600 from the market tours, and £325 from the Vigilance, the famous Brixham sailing smack, which offered a trip after the tour once a month.

Image: Left to right: Robert Horrobin of the Vigilance, Debbie Pennington, secretary for Brixham fishmarket tours, Helen Lovell of the Fishermen’s Mission, and Christine Hodgetts, the fishmarket tour organiser.

Christine Hodgetts, who started organising the tours with her husband David after the Brixham market was rebuilt over 10 years ago, said: “They have raised over £20,000 to date, and they are already planning dates and events for next year.”

Debbie Pennington, who now manages the bookings, said: “It was an easy decision to get involved for such a good cause. I come from a fishing family, with my father, my two brothers and nephew all going to sea.”

On the October tour, which attracted 30 people, participants were treated to a 6am start on the quay to experience the sights and sounds behind the scenes at England’s largest fishmarket, where up to 40 different species are sold. They learnt about how the fish are sorted and graded, and about the traceability of the catch.

Adam Mudge and Luke Netherton guided the participants along the quayside to explain the different vessels fishing out of Brixham, how they operate, the role of the crew, and the services Brixham Trawler Agents provides to support the fleet.

After the cheques had been presented, Helen Lovell from the Fishermen’s Mission provided an insight into its work to support the welfare of fishermen and their families.

To find out more about Brixham fishmarket tours, visit: bit.ly/2WpwMxw