Fishermen’s Memorial In Place At Last
29th August 2023
The memorial garden commemorating the 6,000 fishermen who set out from Hull never to return is finally complete, after efforts going back two decades.
The City’s Memorial to the Lost Trawlermen of Hull was commissioned by local fishing heritage group STAND (St Andrew’s Dock Heritage Park Action Group), and work by local firm Wright Civil Engineering began at St Andrew’s Quay in April. The final touches were made on 10 August.
The memorial’s focal point is shaped like a ship’s bow, and includes the original Corten steel sculpture of 13 trawlermen by local artist Peter Naylor. There are special features throughout that reflect the fishing industry and a montage of photos depicting life and work at sea.
Along the nearby path are three information boards focusing on aspects of the industry and the fishing community. Hull Maritime, the project transforming some of the city’s maritime treasures, awarded STAND a grant to create and install the three boards.
The site is wheelchair-friendly and provides benches in the ‘bow’ area looking out over the Humber.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “It’s great to see the Memorial Garden nearing completion.
The finishing touches are made to one of the information boards
“It has been made possible because of STAND’s continued dedication and commitment as well as the support and generous donations received by individuals, local community and businesses.
“It will become the perfect setting for many people to come and pay their respects and remember loved ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice and never came home. They will never be forgotten.”
Ruth Creasey, chair of STAND, said: “It’s great to see The City’s Memorial to the Lost Trawlermen of Hull finally come to fruition after more than 20 years of fundraising and setbacks.
“STAND is truly grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey. It is sad to think that Ron Wilkinson, STAND chairman until his passing on 4 April, will not see the fruits of his hard work and commitment, but I am absolutely sure he would be proud of the completed memorial and what it will mean to the people of Hull, especially to those who have lost loved ones at sea.
“The memorial will be a legacy to Ron and to all those people who have been involved in the history of the project, but who have sadly passed away.”
The official opening of the memorial will take place on Sunday, 24 September at noon.
This story was taken from the latest issue of Fishing News. For more up-to-date and in-depth reports on the UK and Irish commercial fishing sector, subscribe to Fishing News here or buy the latest single issue for just £3.50 here.
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