"Salty Cove” is the working title of the third in a trilogy of beautiful books celebrating the Cornish fishing industry. It presents a collection of professional black and white portraits of those connected to the Mevagissey fishing industry and their accompanying life stories. A living piece of social history "Salty Cove" is dedicated to the unique, amazing and hard-working people from this beautiful part of Cornwall.
All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the charity the Fishermen's Mission. They work with fishermen both active, retired and their families. Supporting individuals and families in need, let us tell you about one aspect of our welfare support. Mark and his partner Laura, they started to experience financial hardship. Increased regulation of local fishing grounds and restrictions on catch species left Mark struggling to generate an income. Each time he started to make progress there would be a problem with the boat or an accident at work that would send him backwards again. For 18 months Mark would regularly work long hours for next to nothing, and feeling they had nowhere to turn, they contacted the Fishermen’s Mission for help. The charity supported Mark and his family for 3 months in person and via telephone calls, helping them address their rent and bill arrears by facilitating a grant which would prevent the family from having to face the devastating crisis of homelessness. Their local area officer provided emotional and pastoral support to Mark and Laura as they struggled to cope with the stress of their situation.
Due to be released in June 2022, Salty Cove follows the successful 2014 title “Salt of the Earth” by David and Jan Penprase which featured a moment in history of the Newlyn fishing community. This was followed in 2017 by “Sea, Salt and Solitude” by Chris Hewitt and Deborah Richards which focussed on North Cornwall.
Salty Cove is a creative fundraiser in aid of the Fishermen’s Mission. Julian Waring, Fundraising Manager for the charity says:
“This book is three years in the making and reflects the energy of our dedicated volunteers in Mevagissey who have kept this project alive during the hard times of restrictions. It all started with a conversation with Lauren Brokenshire, a resident from Mevagissey.”
Lauren comments:
“Coming from a fishing family, the Fishermen’s Mission is close to my heart. I’ve been a fundraiser for this charity for many years now and I can’t thank the Mevagissey team enough for their dedication to Salty Cove and making my vision a reality”.
Our volunteer photographers Matt and Sally, along with writers Barbara and Jill, have spent many long days, come rain or shine, taking images and recording stories to create this unique coffee table book, bringing to life the fishing community of Mevagissey.
Volunteer writer Barbara Hocking said:
“This wonderful book will tell the story of the second largest harbour in Cornwall; it holds dear for "one and all", the many generations of fishing families in this close community. The personal social histories of families past and present will come to life off the pages, both written and photographically. It holds time still, speaking of what Cornwall prides itself on in being a welcome port in a storm to sailors and visitors alike and why it's held worthy of preserving, just as it is, for the future. Kernow bys vyken!” (Cornwall for ever!)
Everyone has volunteered hundreds of hours to make this project a success. We are delighted to say Salty Cove will be printed in Cornwall, with the only costs being in the formatting and the printing.
This Crowd Funding Page will help make Salty Cove a reality. By donating a small amount of money towards the costs you will get your name or family name printed in Salty Cove, a printed book! If Mevagissey has a special meaning to you and you wish to support this project, please donate today and then let your family and friends know, share this amazing experience.
You can follow the progress of Salty Cove by checking the ‘News’ article feed at www.fishermensmission.org.uk and through our social media platforms - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter we are - thefishmish