Fascinating Fish Hawkers Evening

Enormous thanks to Black Gold comprising singers Sue and Kim and narrator Richard who gave us a fascinating insight into the the Fish Hawkers - the women who kept the families together whilst the fishermen risked their lives bringing home the catch and were often found selling the catch door to door. The history of Brixham's fishing industry which started in the 13th century was explored together with the social history of people making up the town which has become the country's premier centre for the trade. The triumphs and disasters throughout the century were explored with shanties and sea songs woven into the narrative. The zenith was between 1820 until the First World War with its history marred with tragedy such as the storm of 1866 which claimed over 100 lives. At one time over 270 fishing boats plied their trade and before you could say Jack Sprat, the railway was built to take fish to Billingsgate Market in London in just a few hours. Black Gold refers to the increasingly valuable cuttlefish trade - the black ink an intrinsic part of it. The group raises money for the Fishermen's Mission which supports families who have suffered death or injury of a member in the trade. Ticket sales at the Galmpton Village Hall Institute raised £135 with £75 raffle money going to the Fishermen's Mission.

Sue, Kim and Richard from Black Gold narrate the Fish Hawkers history

Detail of a replica embroidered Fish Hawkers's apron made for a project several years ago