The Anstruther Rotary Club meeting of August 23^rd heard a very worthwhile talk from Sharon Kane from the Fishermen’s Mission.

Sharon described the hardships faced by professional fishermen and their families. Fishing is the most dangerous of all peacetime occupations, and this can bring very considerable worry to fishing families. Some fishermen also experience poverty. The role of the Mission is to make available practical help, emotional comfort and emergency welfare support when these are needed. To this end the Mission, which has 14 offices around the UK, is ‘on call’ at all times. 

Sharon especially highlighted the Mission’s support of retired fishermen who today number around 50,000 people – considerably more than the 13,000 currently working in the industry in UK waters. The Mission exists solely thanks to private donations, and it was good to hear of the many businesses in the East Neuk which over the years have given extremely generously. The Mission’s funds also come from charitable trusts and through ordinary people participating in sponsored events.

Sharon concluded by raising the important topic of safety at sea. This is an important dimension of the Mission’s work, and it is currently supporting the use of buoyancy oilskins which are less cumbersome than more traditional safety devices. Club president John Wood proposed the vote of thanks.