The Fishermen's Mission UK’s first ever Fishermen’s Mission shop in Cornwall's Helston
Two Michelin starred Cornwall-based chef, Nathan Outlaw, is opening the UK’s first ever Fishermen’s Mission shop in Helston later this month.
The shop, in Meneage Street, is a brand new venture for this 200-year -old charity, which is supported by Her Majesty the Queen and a lifeline for countless fishermen whose job is described as the most dangerous outside war.
According to Julian Waring, Centre Manager of the mission’s Newlyn base and project manager of this event, they’ve chosen Helston as the home of the first shop because the town is special.
'People don't realise the dangers fishermen face every time they go out on the sea to carry out their work, nor do they realise that many are self employed so when things go wrong they rely on The Fishermen’s Mission to support them both emotionally and financially.'
Julian explained: “We did lots of research with the help of Cornwall Council and discovered the location is fantastic - footfall is high, crime is low, it’s easily accessible, there is a rich history and tradition, it’s the gateway to the Lizard and there has always been great support for fishermen and the Mission from RNAS. Even more importantly, lots of effort is being put into the town by the local Business Improvement Partnership and there has already been a great deal of support for the shop.”
Nathan Outlaw - famed for his innovative and inspirational fish dishes - is another keen supporter of the Fishermen’s Mission. Over the years he has raised substantial sums for the Mission through campaigns and events often held at his restaurants in Rock, Port Isaac and London.
Nathan said: “I've been supporting The Fishermen’s Mission with their work for several years now. It's the least I can do as, without fishermen, I would have no fish to serve my customers!
“People don't realise the dangers fishermen face every time they go out on the sea to carry out their work, nor do they realise that many are self employed so when things go wrong they rely on The Fishermen’s Mission to support them both emotionally and financially. The opening of The Fishermen’s Mission's first charity shop will bring a public face to the charity and hopefully, encourage more people to support this worthy cause.”
Donations are already arriving at the shop - books, clothes, toys and small items of furniture - but Julian is hoping that as well as being a channel for funds the shop will also help to raise the profile of the charity and perhaps become a place where fishermen can meet.
Anyone with donations is asked to visit the shop at 34a Meneage Street, or contact Julian on 07917 754349 or NewlynCentrecm@fishermen’smission.org.uk.
