Hull to get permanent trawlermen’s memorial

A permanent memorial garden in Hull to pay tribute to the 6,000 fishermen from the port who went to sea and never returned is set to be created thanks to additional funding from Hull City Council, reports Paul Scott.

The original memorial installation at St Andrews Quay was temporarily removed to storage in late 2019, ahead of a major Environment Agency programme to enhance flood defences along the riverbank.

St Andrews Dock Fishing Heritage Group (STAND) raised approximately £220,000 towards the original cost of the scheme, including a contribution from the council of £40,000. The council has now made an additional £25,000 contribution, and has leased the necessary land on behalf the charity, enabling plans for a permanent memorial to progress.

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The council has been working closely with STAND as we recognise the importance of this memorial. Our fishing heritage is so incredibly important to the city, and it is vital we remember the thousands of fishermen who sailed from Hull and lost their life at sea to provide fish for the city and beyond.

Hull’s memorial to lost trawlermen has now secured a permanent location.

“They paid the ultimate sacrifice, and this memorial will give families a place to remember their loved ones.”

The council says it plans to reinstate the sculpture by artist Peter Naylor, which depicts the crew of a trawler, within a landscaped memorial garden that will recognise ‘the historical importance of the dock to the local community’.

Ron Wilkinson, chair of STAND, thanked the council for its ‘most generous donation’ to the Lost Trawlermen’s Memorial Fund.

“Their financial and administrative support has played a vital role in bringing to fruition what has been a long and extremely challenging project,” he said.

“Our charity, and I believe the relatives of the men and boys who gave their lives, will be forever grateful.”

Hull Maritime, the project transforming some of the city’s maritime treasures, has also awarded STAND £1,500, through the community grants scheme, for the installation of information boards.

The council plans to enter into a works contract on behalf of the charity, which it says will be going out to tender shortly. Work is expected to start on the site later in the year.

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 £3.30 here.