Our Charities

Ever since the first Swanage Fish Festival in 2015, we have chosen to support three charities which are closely aligned to the fishing industry; The Fishermen’s Mission, The Swanage Lifeboat and the National Coastwatch Institute, Swanage. Our main aim is to provide monetary support and spread the word about these wonderful charities who look after the fishermen who risk their lives on a daily basis to fish the seas around us. All three charities are closely interlinked, working together to keep our fishermen safe whilst out on the water, on the quayside and whilst at home throughout their working life and retirement. These services are essential for the fishing industry as without them, our fishermen would not be able to harvest their catch safely, putting their boats, their livelihood and themselves in danger.

The Fishermen’s Mission

Ebenezer Mather, watched in sadness as 189 fishermen died close to shore ay Eyemouth in 1881, where no one was able to effect a rescue. A month later, Ebenezer had set up the National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, to provide a ministry and help improve the health of the fishermen. Gradually the Mission gained its own fleet of boats which had hospital facilities, a tobacco store, clothing store, a free library and club room, hotel and recreation ground. All for the benefit and well-being of the fishermen.

The name The Fishermen’s Mission has been used since 2006 with the opening of mini centres around the country with essential services such as showers, hot drinks, washing machines and WiFi. As well as new outreach programmes focussing on the mental and physical wellbeing of fishermen and their families. The FishMish is also an essential service for families when a member has been injured or even killed through accidents at sea, for emotional, monetary and legal support and advice. The only national charity which works solely to support fishermen and their families.

The National Coastwatch Institute

The NCI is a organisation and a registered charity providing a visual watch along the coast and should not to be confused with HM Coastguard. Known as ‘Eyes along the Coast’ this service was founded in 1944 after two fishermen died after their boat sank just off Bass Point in Cornwall. As the name suggests, the volunteers keep watch from strategically positioned stations and work closely with other safety organisations such as the RNLI, HM Coastguard and the MCA, to maintain a prompt and efficient response to anyone at risk on the sea. All volunteers are provided with training in visual observation techniques, marine chart-work, Ordnance survey mapping, critical reporting, radio procedures and radar.

The Swanage Station is located at Peveril Point and was manned by HM Coastguard from 1830, however it was closed in September 1994 despite many protestations. Fortunately, like-minded people led by NCI Captain Starling-Lark, joined forces and with the agreement of Swanage Town Council, the Peveril Lookout opened as an NCI Station in April 1995. Swanage currently has 62 watchkeepers including 7 trainees with a further 12 volunteers on the waiting list. You are always welcome to visit the Lookout and have a tour if the staff are not too busy and on various weekends during the summer there is often the delicious addition of tea and cakes and the book stall for fundraising purposes!

The Swanage Life Boat Station

The Swanage Life Boat Station is the third of our treasured charities, to whom we are dedicated to donate funds. The station has been in existence since 1875 and was recently re-built in 2016 to accommodate a new Shannon class all-weather lifeboat. This station is a popular focal point for visitors throughout the year, fascinated by the work carried out and the technological improvements. However, the flares are sorely missed by those on the beach who knew to watch for the lifeboat flying down the ramp on its way to another life saving mission!

You are able to visit the station during the winter (October to March) and the summer (April to September) for station tours and question and answer sessions. However, these times are dependant on volunteer and operation requirements.

We, at the festival, have friends and family who volunteer both at sea and on the land for this amazing service and we know first hand the commitment, dedication and passion these volunteers have for their work as well as the magnitude of the danger they place themselves in when reacting to a call for help. We are only too pleased to assist with the essential costs necessary to make this service as efficient and as safe as possible, for example, covering the costs of new sou'westers, wellington boots and life preservers.

We are extremely proud to stand by these hard working charities and to raise funds towards their running costs and future-proofing of their service. Without these brave, committed and loyal people, our fishermen would be very much in danger and at greater risk of perishing during their working lives.