Big donation for Lowestoft Fish Fayre

Peter Greig-Smith, Chief Executive of Cefas, recently handed over a cheque for £2,000 to the organisers of this year’s Lowestoft Fish Fayre at a ceremony held at the Lowestoft laboratory.

The annual Fish Fayre attracts thousands of visitors to the fish docks. The event provides a variety of family entertainment, including demonstrations, stalls, trade stands, displays of fish, access to boats and ships in the dock and a programme of music. More importantly, it raises money for the charity the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. Last year the one-day event raised £16,000.

From Left to Right: Peter Greig-Smith, Chief Executive of Cefas; Mr Ronnie Capps, Chairman of the Fish Fayre Committee; and Supt. Kris Goring, Port Missioner for the Fishermen's Mission.

Cefas has been a major contributor to the Fayre’s success over many years. Lowestoft port missioner, Superintendent Kris Goring, confirmed that financial support from Cefas enabled the committee to stage the event.

Ronnie Capps, the Chairman of the Fish Fayre committee, could not express too strongly how much that support was appreciated. ‘Their support is most welcome and it helps us to raise more money each year. The event continues to thrive despite the decline in the fishing industry, and the needs of the mission becoming greater.’

Scientists have volunteered time on the weekend to be on hand at the exhibition to answer questions and to tell the public more about the work of Cefas. Scientific demonstrations, ‘hands-on’ activities, live fish in tanks, competitions and even the Cefas research vessels have all been a feature of Cefas’ involvement in the past. This year’s offering is still being decided, but it will definitely involve a competition for local youngsters.

Peter Greig-Smith said: ‘We are working at a national and international level, and that makes it pleasing to get involved with the fishing community locally. It is not just fishing we are involved in; it is the protection of the marine environment. The Fayre brings together those two aspects. It is a big event for us.’

Author, broadcaster and entertainer Keith Skipper will officially open the Fish Fayre at 10.15 on the morning of 19 June. The Fayre is open until 5 pm.

More information on the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen can be found on their website: http://www.shetlandseafoodnews.com/rnmdsf/