On Sunday 24th September 2023 STAND were proud to unveil The City’s Memorial to the Lost Trawlermen of Hull on St Andrews Quay, Hull.A special service and blessing of the Memorial was attended by around 350 people to remember over 6,000 deep sea fishermen who went to sea, dedicating their lives to feed the nation and paying the ultimate price.
The Memorial is a permanent tribute to these men and will provide a place of peace and thoughtful reflection for the many loved ones who were left behind and until now, have had no place to come and remember those whom they have lost.
After so many years of fundraising, planning, designing and numerous setbacks, it is a poignant moment for STAND to witness the long awaited Memorial come to fruition. Over the years there have been many individuals, groups, businesses and companies who have supported STAND, not only with thier kind and generous donations but also with their time, planning, designing, construction, advice and encouragement.
It is hoped that visitors to the Memorial will engage with the different elements in the garden which provide insight into Hull’s once great fisihing industry, the city’s losses and into an understanding of what the real cost of fish really means to a community.
The focal point of the whole Memorial is the sculpture, designed by local artist, Peter Naylor. The trawlermen figures stand tall, silhouetted against the backdrop of the River Humber. Their features have been cleverly and sensitively designed representing no one individual trawlerman but all trawlermen and their hands are raised as hello or goodbye; for some trawlermen it was their last goodbye.
After the special event, an email was received from the daughter of Mary Denness, one of the ‘Headscarf Revolutionaries’ which sums up the sentiments of so many people:
” The Memorial garden and sculpture provide a place for loved ones to go to remember, lay flowers, have a chat, say prayers – the importance of this to the families and friends of those connected to the fishing industry cannot be underestimated. My late mum wrote a two part poem called Maggie which expressed the need for a resting place,
“…and if there is just one thing I wish I had, it’s another resting place for you instead of the sea
Where I could put flowers and in my reverie be alone with you for a while…”
STAND have made this sentiment into reality and for many families this will be seen as the final resting place for the men they lost at sea.” Lorna Denness
The City’s Memorial to the Lost Trawlermen of Hull is accessible to visit at all times all year round and STAND hopes it will become a special place of remembrance for all those who visit.
The photos are a selection from the day
For more photos – select GALLERY on the Main Menu
THE OPENING SERVICE
The Service was led by Rev Tony Cotson, our STAND Chaplain
The main prayers were offered by the Bishop of Hull, Rt Rev Dr Eleanor Sanderson.
The Chair of STAND, Ruth Creasey gave thanks to all who have helped bring the Memorial to fruition and paid tribute to all lost loved ones with special mention to STAND Chairman, Ron Wilkinson who passed away recently.
Vic Wheeldon, STAND Trustee read ‘The Pilot’s Psalm’.
Rt Hon Alan Johnson delivered a poignant address.
THE UNVEILING AND BLESSING OF THE MEMORIAL
Rt Hon Alan Johnson unveiled the Memorial site by ‘releasing the knot’ across the entrance to declare the site officially open.
The Humber Rescue Lifeboats came out into the Humber to pay their respects.
T.S.IRON DUKE HULL SEA CADETS – Observation of the 2 minute silence at the Memorial
The Bishop of Hull anointed each of the trawlermen figures with oil and blessed the Memorial.
Wreaths were laid by STAND and The Fishermen’s Mission.
The many people who came to share in such a special day laid flowers at the Memorial and spent time in remembrance of lost
loved ones; enjoyed time talking with family, friends and visitors and sharing in the moment together.
Peter Naylor is the artist and designer of the Memorial sculpture of the trawlermen. He also designed the entrance to represent the gantry of a stern trawler; the corten steel wall for the photos and the frames for the information boards.
Peter Clement wrote and composed a beautiful song entitled ‘ Silhouette’ which was played at the Service. You can hear the song on our website – on the Main Menu locate ‘Hull’s Trawling Heritage in Song’.
All photos courtesy of John Creasey and Mike Waudby