The annual Lost Fishermen & Seafarers Service took place on Sunday 16th October at
3.00 pm, at North Shields Baptist Church, Howard Street, North Shields. 80-100 people attended the seventh annual service and uniformed organisations, representatives of the Fishing, Fishing Industry, Fishing Families, Fishermen’s Mission, Retired Fishermen, Seafaring and the Merchant Navy took part in the service.
The Dignitaries were the Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne & Wear, Elizabeth Bryson RD, DL, RNR, representing Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Tyne & Wear, Susan Winfield, OBE, the Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn and the Rt.Hon. Alan Campbell MP, Tynemouth. The service was led by Superintendent Peter Dade, Mission Area Officer for North Shields and the speaker was The Venerable Simon Golding CBE, Fishermen’s Mission Trustee and Chairman Support Group, North Shields Mission. Special Guest was Commodore David Dickens, CBE RN, Chief Executive Fishermen’s Mission. Taking part in the service and leading the Mission colour party was Senior Superintendent (Retired) Geoff Chandler, former Supt at North Shields. Also in the colour party and taking part in the service was Superintendent Claire McIntosh, Mission Area Officer for South East Scotland and Eyemouth.
At the start of the service, as a symbol of the Fishing Industry, three Caley fish boxes and a piece of fishing net were brought forward.
A symbol of the Fishing was Retired Fishing Skipper, Ray Morse, net mending.
A video was shown of The Fishwives Choir singing medley “Dance to your Daddy/Eternal Father.” The leader of the choir, Jane Dolby, set up the choir after her husband died tragically as a result of a fishing accident and in response to the support she received from The Fishermen’s Mission.
This was a service of reflection and remembrance, for all fishermen & seafarers lost from the waters of the North East & beyond. During the service there was a time to light candles in memory of all fishermen & seafarers who have been lost.
Immediately following the service wreaths were laid at the Seafarer’s Anchor Memorial, Tyne Street/Howard Street, in memory of all fishermen & seafarers who have been lost at sea.
Supt Peter Dade
Mission Area Officer
