The Fishermen’s Mission plays a large part in Fishers Wharf – because it has played a large part in the lives of fishermen and their families over the years. I knew a little of its work but not enough to understand how important it was to those in need.
Research led me to Rosina Ada Newnham, the lady superintendent at the Grimsby Fishermen’s Mission from 1904 -1936. I was intrigued – a woman in a man’s world – she must have been quite exceptional to hold such a position for so long. I tried to find out more.
I had contacted the previous Port missioner Tony Jewitt and also had stumbled upon a Facebook post by George E Gilmour who had worked at the mission during the 1960s. I wanted to learn a little about the work and what brought them to the service in the first place. They gave me details I would never find in a book.
I searched the internet for information regarding the work of the mission during the Great War and came upon an article in the Eastern Daily Press. The journalist mentioned being loaned a leather-bound edition of the Toilers of the Deep for 1915. I tried to hunt down a copy but had no luck.
My thoughts went back to Miss Newnham, and I remembered George. Did he have any knowledge of her? I worked my way back through his messages – and caught my breath when I read: ‘I have a leather-bound copy of the 1915 Toilers of the Deep. You are welcome to borrow it if I can get it to you.’
On my next visit to Cleethorpes, I planned a trip to collect it from his home in Lincoln and spent the most wonderful two hours in his company. I got to look at the artefacts he had saved – a wooden collecting box shaped like a ship’s bell, various badges that would have been sold to raise funds, photographs and books. Lots of books! I loved hearing the details of life with his beloved Norma as they moved from mission to mission with their family.
And as he handed over Toilers of the Deep, he told me I could keep it. I shall treasure it always. It is full of details – of the ongoing work, of those who helped and subscribed funds. I am honoured to be its custodian.