1881

A black-and-white portrait of Ebeneezer Mather with a long white beard, wearing a light-coloured suit and shirt. The image is framed with a soft vignette effect. Below the portrait is a handwritten signature reading "Ever yours, E.J. Mather" and the caption: "Founder of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen."

1881
October
Black Friday at Eyemouth 

189 fishermen died close to the shore, watched by their wives, children and a devoted Christian from the Thames Church Mission, called Ebenezer Mather.

A black-and-white historical photograph of six fishermen wearing uniform-style jackets and peaked caps. Four men stand at the back, while two men sit at the front, one wearing a cloak and hat. The group is posed outdoors in front of a brick building and wooden structure.

1881 
November

Ebenezer Mather decides to set up the National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, to provide a ministry to fishermen and help improve their health. It had the motto ‘Preach the Word; Heal the Sick’.

1882

A black-and-white illustration depicting a sailing vessel named "The Ensign" leaving Yarmouth on her first voyage. The ship has large sails and is accompanied by a steamship. On the right, a crowd of people on the pier wave and point as the vessels move out to sea. The sky is cloudy, and other ships are visible in the distance.

1882
The Ensign sails from Gorleston

The first Mission vessel to sail out to fishermen in their open boats.

1886

The ornate blue and gold cover of "Toilers of the Deep, Vol. I," featuring a detailed illustration of sailing ships at sea. The title is framed within an arch, with the text "Monthly Record of Mission Work Amongst Them" written on a central shell motif. At the bottom, it reads: "Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, 181, Queen Victoria Street, E.C. 1886."

1886
First Edition of Toilers of the Deep printed 

The news and letters of the NMDSF (National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen). This tradition is maintained to this day and copies of the books are held at our Head Office and also the British Library.

1887

A vintage black-and-white portrait of a Skipper Joe wearing a double-breasted jacket and a cap with the initials "M.D.S.F." on it. He has distinctive mutton-chop sideburns and a neutral expression. The photograph is mounted on a card with the studio name "A. Yallop, Gorleston-on-Sea Studio" printed at the bottom.

1887

The Mission now owns 6 vessels with 60 employees. Every crew member had their own ticket with their photo and their service records.

1896

A black-and-white portrait of Queen Victoria wearing a lace veil, a small crown, and a diamond necklace and earrings. The image is taken from a side profile, highlighting her solemn expression and elaborate jewellery.

1896 

Queen Victoria bestows her royal patronage, making us the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishers (RNMDSF).

1911

A black-and-white photograph of a vintage fishing trawler named "Faithful Star" with the registration number "LO 107." The vessel is at sea, emitting smoke from its funnel, with a small sail raised at the stern. The boat's name and number are painted on the bow.

1911

The Mission ships developed, standing as one of the most interesting vessels afloat. Considered a cruising hospital, place of worship, a tobacco shop, a clothing store, a free library, a club-room, a hotel and a recreation ground.

1930

A sepia-toned historical photograph of a large brick building - Queen Mary's Hotel in Grimsby - with the sign "Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen" displayed prominently on the facade. Several people stand outside on the pavement, with a lamppost and street in the foreground. The building has multiple windows and a central entrance with a small balcony above. The word "Grimsby" is handwritten at the bottom.

1930
Queen Mary’s Hostel in Grimsby

By this time, centres were a focal point for fishermen and their families; one local publication wrote, ‘At sea, men fought a battle to earn a living and to survive. At home, their wives brought up families always fearing the worst, the dreaded knock on the door of the man from the (Fishermen’s) Mission bringing bad news.’

 

 

1939

1939

RNMDSF relocates to Padstow during the Second World War.

1968

A black-and-white portrait of a man wearing glasses and a uniform cap with the "M.D.S.F." insignia. The cap has a white cover and a dark visor. The man is looking slightly to the right. The word "polyfoto" is handwritten on the card.

1968
Triple Trawler Tragedy

Loss of three trawlers from Hull in just three weeks, 58 men were lost. Fishermen’s Mission staff deliver the terrible news and go on to support the bereft families.

2006

Old style logo for the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen - Fishermen's Mission.

2006
Name changes to the Fishermen’s Mission for day-to-day use

Although we are still officially the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, we now use the Fishermen’s Mission or sometimes the FishMish!

2008

A silver commemorative plaque mounted on a brick wall, bearing the Fishermen's Mission logo at the top. The text reads: "R.N.M.D.S.F. TROON These premises were opened on 31 October 2008 by Mr. John Duncan, Q.P.M., Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Ayr." The plaque is partially covered by black fabric tied around a metal bar above.

2008
First 24/7 mini-Centre opens in Troon

A new approach to providing services for fishermen, with 24-hour door code access. Showers, hot drinks, washing machines and Wi-Fi connections are available. We now have several more mini-Centres around the British Isles.

2012

A woman wearing a Fishermen’s Mission t-shirt and sunglasses stands next to a large promotional banner. The banner features a close-up photo of another woman in a Fishermen’s Mission jacket, accompanied by the text: "At home, at the quayside, at the heart of our fishing communities. Ready to support." The banner also displays the Fishermen’s Mission logo and contact information. The scene is set outdoors under a tent with cloudy skies in the background.

2012
Outreach Programme launches 

A dedicated planned approach to get out and about to meet fishermen and their families to let them learn about all our services,  how we can help and get to know us better.

2017

A man wearing a Fishermen’s Mission jacket stands on the deck of a ship, smiling towards the camera. Behind him, the ship's wake churns the sea, creating white foam against the deep blue water. The scene is bright and sunny.

2017
New uniform time!

Time to lose the older style reefer coats and to go with a more modern, comfortable and approachable uniform with something for all seasons.

2018

A colourful poster for the SeaFit event in Peterhead, aimed at fishermen and their families. The text highlights free health checks, dental treatment, mental health support, and more. The event takes place at the Sea Cadets Building, Seagate, Peterhead, from 2nd to 4th October. No appointment is necessary. The poster features logos for The Fishermen’s Mission, Seafarers UK, and the tagline "All Absolutely Free!" Contact number: 07917 754386.

2018
SeaFit Project begins

Our most successful wellbeing initiative. In partnership with the Seafarers’ Hospital Society, it is a flagship for delivering healthcare at the quayside.

2020

Three fishermen wearing yellow and orange waterproof gear work on a fishing boat, handling a crab pot covered in seaweed and barnacles. The sea is visible in the background. Overlaid text reads: "Support Available for the Fishing Industry."

2020
Covid sends us all home

But the work continues – Despite everyone now working from home, we were able to continue to provide our support services. Previously office-based Head Office staff call clients at home to check they were ok. So very much appreciated!

2022

A silver car branded with The Fishermen’s Mission logo and colours. The side of the car features the Fishermen’s Mission logo, text reading "Life Support for Fishermen and Their Families," and several circular stickers promoting support and donations. Logos for the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and Trinity House are also displayed.

2022
Change of colours

A rebranding programme changes our colours to reflect more of the colour seen on fishing boats and in the ports. The new cars are lovely!

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