Part of the Amble Puffin Festival 2016 Saturday 28 May
It seems so long ago now – the pace of this year is incredible – but at the end of May we held a Blessing of the Fleet service on Radcliffe Quay, Amble, Northumberland as part of the annual “Amble Puffin Festival”. This was the first such service ever , or certainly for a very long time!
At least 100 people joined in singing the sea hymns and took part in the readings & prayers in what was a lovely day of sunshine! Some of the Fishermen and Retired Fishermen that the Mission has helped over the years were present at the service. Some of the Retired Fishermen from North Shields also took part in the service.
Superintendent Claire McIntosh, Mission Area Officer Eyemouth, who covers South-East Scotland and North Northumberland joined us for the service and took part. Superintendent Peter Dade, Mission Area Officer North Shields, who covers from Amble to Hartlepool said he was delighted with the event and hoped to repeat it next year.
Albert, the mascot of the Fishermen’s Mission, managed to collect just over £50 in his bucket as well, for the Mission.
Peter said he would like to thank Simon Baxter, Hon Agent for Fishermen’s Mission in Amble & Harbour Master for all his support. He also thanked Warkworth Harbour Commissioners for allowing them to hold the Blessing of the Fleet and to the Old Boathouse for supplying the power to the event.
The Old Boathouse, Amble, recently won the Coastal Fish Restaurant of the Year at the Fishing News Awards.
Photo shows l-r: Supt Claire McIntosh, Albert, Supt Peter Dade and Michael Mitchell , fishing skipper who was featured in the Mission’s Spring Network magazine 2016 regarding the Rising Sun incident.
The next major event is Mission Aid in North Shields on Saturday 2nd July, in aid of the North Shields Fishermen’s Mission.
Superintendent Peter Dade
North Shields Fishermen’s Mission
