Thursday 25 August 2011
Punt sighted through the gaps.
SEAFOOD SKILLS COURSES HELP SEAFOOD & CATERING BUSINESSES ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST
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| Trainer Annie Sibert demonstrating techniques during the Fish Filleting training day held at South Devon College, Devon. |
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| Fish Filleters at Kingston Maurward College, Dorset. |
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| Employees of Phillip Dennis Food Service (Lundy Fish) during their in-house Fish Filleting training day in North Devon-2 |
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| Candidates during their Fishmongery Course held at South Devon College, Devon. |
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| Employees of Cornish Processor's Iceberg Ltd during a Fish Filleting Training day at Truro and Penwith College, Cornwall. |
*** Book Now for Autumn Courses ***
Following a success of a series of specialist seafood courses held in the South West earlier in the year, more will be offered in the autumn. Seafish certified, short courses in fish filleting, fishmongery and seafood quality, are run by Seafood Cornwall Training, the ‘not for profit’ fish industry training school. The courses are part of the wider Regional Skills Project developed and supported by South West Food and Drink (SWFD) to boost the sector.
To date 55 staff from 22 businesses from Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Bristol have taken part in the low cost, high quality training programme. More seafood businesses are being encouraged to sign up for the new courses under the auspices of the project, which will run until the end of December.
Sarah Crosbie, Manager of Seafood Cornwall Training, explained: “The feedback we have received from businesses to date has been excellent. The courses are suitable for those involved at all stages of the supply chain, from the catcher to the chef, and the benefits can be seen across the board. Training definitely makes a difference. It is about empowering people with skills and knowledge so they can perform their role in the workplace to the best of their ability. It lifts productivity and morale and that has got to be a good thing."
Each of the three courses, funded by SWFD, can be delivered to businesses in their own premises to enable easy access to training. Additional open courses will be organised in locations across the region subject to demand. Anyone based in the South West that is involved in the cooking, catching, preparing, processing, marketing, selling or distribution of fish, is eligible and should register their interest now so that sufficient training dates can be scheduled.
Pablo Munoz, Managing Director of Cornish fish processing company, Iceberg Ltd, sent three employees on a recent fish filleting course and said: “Our employees found the course very informative, gaining a thorough grounding in the skills required for efficient fish filleting. We look forward to attending more courses run by Seafood Cornwall Training in the near future.”
The three, one-day courses are certified by Seafish and led by Seafish Approved Instructors. As the courses are supported by SWFD, there will be only a small charge. Places are limited so anyone interested is advised to contact Seafood Cornwall Training for further information and to book.
Christine Marshall, Executive Director of South West Food & Drink, added: “Whilst the land-based sector have access to public funding for skills training at this important, practical level, there is very little equivalent funding available to the seafood industry. This project aimed to fill that gap. The first series of courses delivered in the South West appear to have been very well received and we hope to be able to support many more businesses and individuals with skills training from Seafood Cornwall Training between now and December 2011.”
The Introduction to Seafood Quality course is delivered by the national lead trainer in Seafood Quality, Adrian Barratt. The course delivers a mix of theory and practice on the assessment of whitefish and flatfish using samples of fish at different stages of deterioration. The course will provide candidates with the essential sensory skills and background knowledge to confidently asses and record the freshness of both fresh and cooked fish.
Training in Fish Filleting is delivered by Seafish approved trainer, Annie Sibert and focuses on teaching candidates basic skills such as skinning, filleting, steaking and boning different species of round and flat fish. More experienced candidates or those requiring refresher training are also welcomed, as tuition can be tailored to suit individual requirements.
The Introduction to Fishmongery course, also delivered by experienced fishmonger Annie Sibert, is aimed at those looking to develop a retail seafood business as well as those currently working in the retail seafood sector. Fishmongers who wish to have their skills recognised though attaining a Seafish Certificate of Competency, are also welcomed on the course. The course includes topics on Health and Hygiene, Food Safety, Customer Service and Sales, Knife Skills and Seafood Quality, as well as a practical session creating an effective fish counter display. An early morning visit to a fish market can form part of this course.
Tamsin Hoskin, owner of Fishey Gils, who has recently established a small business selling fish at farmers’ markets in West Cornwall, attended the fishmongery and fish filleting courses and said: “The courses were brilliant! I have improved my techniques to prepare fish as well as gaining more confidence to sell to customers. I am seeing a growth in repeat custom and recommendations as a result.”
Deborah Driver, the wife of a Brixham fisherman who is hoping to set up her own retail business, added: “As a fisherman’s wife, I cook fish all the time but the course definitely showed me some new techniques and how to fillet fish a little more professionally. The session on putting together an attractive fish display was brilliant. It helped me think creatively about how to display fish, to attract customer’s attention.”
Julia Noon, the owner of the Swanage Bay Fishmongers in Dorset, commented: “The course was very informative and I’ve learnt a great deal to help my business, especially about fish quality. It was fun and great to share experiences with other people about their seafood businesses, in fact one of my fellow participants has visited my shop to exchange further ideas. I would definitely recommend the course as it is really good value.”
Lisa Osman from PROVISO catering in Dorset: “Both members of the kitchen team thought the course instructor Annie Sibert had enthusiasm and passion beyond all expectations and this was complimented by her extensive commercial experience. Annie was encouraging and knowledgeable and at the end of the day everyone felt they’d really learnt something worthwhile for their current job and future careers.
“I would have no hesitation to recommend this training programme or attend other courses run by Seafood Cornwall Training, as the initial benefit of improved staff morale, as well as the longer term improvement of knife handling, more than compensated for the initial outlay. Equally it has encouraged the team to utilise species of fish that might have been overlooked before which will definitely benefit my business.”
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Tome Leaper donates memorial statue 'Tom' to the Musee de Peche at Concarneau.
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| Photo with thanks to the Facebook page for the Musee de Peche, Concarneau. |
"Friday evening, in the Fishery museum, some representatives of the Twinning committee Penzance-Concarneau proudly offered a bronze statue representing a fisherman throwing a rope. Some other representatives of the M’Bour (Senegal) twinning committee with Concarneau, and from the local fishermens' association also attended the ceremony. Jean-Jacques GOUSSET, from the museum, underligned the symbolic nature of the statue, “the way to represent the fisherman is highly human, it is a respectful gesture for all fishermen who daily risk their life. “tThe towns of M’Bour, Penzance and Concarneau are joined together thanks to this symbol” said the spokeman from the fishermen association.
The statue was created by Cornish artist Tome Leaper from Newlyn.
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Who's up for a Cornish Sardine photo challenge?
Over the last few years huge shoals of sardines have shown up off the coast of the Philippines and have been captured on film by underwater photographer Dr Alexey Stoyda who travelled there especially to capture the images. Maybe the same dramatic scenes exist in the waters of Mount's Bay and the huge shoals of Cornish Sardines could be captured by an intrepid underwater photographer or diver - who knows?
Any of the local sardine skippers will happily point you in the right direction.
Coming this Bank Holiday weekend - Newlyn Fish Festival 2011
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| Duncan and Sue Lucas from Passionate About Fish will introduce you to one of the biggest displays of fish you’re ever likely to see! |
Don't miss the chance to celebrate all things fishy on August 29th in one of Cornwall's most distinctive and original fishing ports. Satisfy your appetite with the best seafood you can get whilst enjoying great cooking demos, live entertainment or bidding at the seafood auction.
August Bank Holiday Monday sees the annual Cornish celebration of the sea, fishing and seafood at the 21st Newlyn Fish Festival, where you will find more fish than you can shake a mermaid’s tail at!
Click here for information and entry times
Click here download the official programme for this year
Click here for the latest press release!
Chef Paul Ainsworth to open this year's festival!
Renowed and TV celebrity Chef Paul Ainsworth will be opening the Newlyn Fish Festival at 10:00 am. Paul was selected to compete to represent the South West in the finals of the Great British Menu against some of the most respected chefs in the country.
The festival is in aid of the Fishermen's Mission in Newlyn which plays a vital role in supporting fishermen and other seafarers who use the port.
The festival is in aid of the Fishermen's Mission in Newlyn which plays a vital role in supporting fishermen and other seafarers who use the port.
Fishstock Brixham 2011
FOUR WEEKS TO GO! - if you happen to be up in you'm we'm land (South Devon that is) make a beeline for Brixham's big fish fest of its own.
Tension is mounting and the crew are getting very excited as plans start to gel for this year’s Seafood and Music Celebration of the fishing industry and maritime heritage of Brixham, with the aim to raise much-needed funds for the Fishermen’s Mission. With only 3 weeks to go ‘til Saturday 10th September, festival committee chairman and local fishing industry spokesman, Jim Portus revealed some of the tempting details of the one-day extravaganza that transforms the new Fish Market Hall into an exhibition centre and the Quayside into Seafood Cookery Kitchens of the highest quality.
Speaking after the penultimate meeting of the organising team, Jim said, “We seem to have most of the ducks-in-line for a great late-summer day out for all the family in this jewel-in-the-crown of Torbay that is Brixham. “Stagecoach SW will be running Park & Ride buses all day and to Midnight from Churston Park & Ride Car Park to the Town Centre, so there’s no need to worry about congestion! Why not take the Ferry from Torquay, with Greenway Ferry & Pleasure Cruises or Western Lady Ferries? “We have a team of Brixham chefs, including Rob Bateman, Andy Sewell, Gordon Gout and Simone Cook whose Fishstock Brixham Piazza this year is sponsored by Kitsons Solicitors. Visitors can expect the finest local fresh fish cooked to perfection al-fresco under the Kitsons Marquees. Brixham Sea Farms and River Teign Shellfish will provide the Mussels. Blue Sea Food Co, Really Interesting Crab Co and the Potted Crab Co will provide the crabs. Members of SWFPO and SWIFA will provide the fish and scallops.
What a treat! “South Devon College chefs will take turns offering seafood cookery lessons throughout the day to local Primary School children in the Yeovil College Feast-Bus. The children will learn how to handle, prepare and cook deliciously simple seafood dishes that their parents will sample at the end of each class session. We are proud of the Berry Head Hotel, Ashfords’ Solicitors and the Billingsgate Seafood Training School for sponsoring this great facility. Also the S D College students will be running a Devon Cream Teas area where the public can relax and enjoy traditional scones and tea under the Y.E.S. Marquee, next to the Acoustic performers stage.
Ady Delaney and John Charlton from Eat Right UK will also provide children with hands-on food preparation sessions, as will Felicity Sylvester and the Brilliant Fish team. “Intoto Kitchens and Castle’s Kitchens have again provided us with wonderful cooking facilities that the team from Sound Events (Exeter) will turn into “Live Theatre Kitchens” with Plasma Screens to aid public enjoyment of the Chefs’ demonstrations. Richard Hunt (The Grand Hotel), David Jones (Manna from Devon), David Galpin (S D College), Russell Goodwin (Occombe Farm), Andy Sewell (Quayside Hotel) and Felicity Sylvester (Brilliant Fish) are the seafood specialist chefs booked to appear and to do “Ready Steady Cook” style demonstrations. Duncan & Sue Lucas (Passionate about Fish) will show-off their fish-mongering knife skills. Moshi Moshi Japanese Sushi chefs make a welcome return. Ian Perkes, Roberts Fisheries and Dave Walker will put on Fresh Fish displays for you to buy-to-try the recipes you will see demonstrated.
“Fishing boats, young and old and of all varieties will be on show, thanks to owners Dave Langdon, Alex Philip, Nick Bright, Ginger Wright, plus the Vigilance and Pilgrim Trusts. Also alongside will be the STS Stavros S Niarchos and the all-weather RNLI Torbay Lifeboat. These fine vessels will be complemented with marine and maritime heritage displays, sponsored by Astra Zeneca from MCA Receiver of Wrecks, RN Fisheries Protection Squadron, Marine Management Organisation, Millennium Marine Divers, Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust and many more. “The children will have plenty to see and do while Mum & Dad & Grandparents too enjoy the Seafood & Music. Melody the Mystic Mermaid will tell her tales of life under the ocean waves, Play Torbay will provide face painting, colouring and craft, Funtasia Bouncy Galleon and Tea-Cup have rides for fun, Maya Plass provides a Learn to Sea experience (as seen on BBC Countryfile). Birdline Parrot Rescue will have some of their magnificent birds on show.
“This year’s music and dance line-up is simply fantastic, with such local bands as M.I.U., Slytherin and Blue Tattoo. Paddy’s Whiskers perform a lunchtime set after a warm-up session by the fabulous Port Isaac Fishermen’s Friends, who are staging a concert in the evening in Brixham at All saints’ Church in aid of the Fishing in Sculptural Heritage (F.I.S.H.) Fund. After the cooking show and through the evening there will be lots more music to Midnight with Ashbird, Morning Rush, The Morrisons, The Normals and culminating in The Blues Brothers Collective. “There’s an acoustic stage for those who like to relax with their Pint or glass of wine. Philip Henry and Hannah Martin open the show, there are sets by Maggie Duffy & Mike Weed, Southern Comfort and Dave Johnson. Shanties by The Old Gaffers and Swashbuckle, folk music from Kaeravel and the beautiful sounds of Welsh singer Lisa Angharad, the face of S4C Wales. “Those who like dancers to entertain we have the Beats of Polynesia troupe from London, who have a close connection with Brixham. Kalash ATS Belly dancers are back by popular request! Brixham’s Bollywood Belles will also provide workshops. Cats Eye Morris and Shuffle the Deck Clog dancers round-off a packed bill of music and dance to delight all.
“It’s all for the Fishermen’s Mission. It’s all for only £5 per person, accompanied under 15s FREE. There’s plenty of hot food and drink provided by carefully selected concessions, including vegetarian options. (It’s not all fish!) Bay’s Brewery and the Crown & Anchor provide a bar service, plus fine wines and ciders. There really is no better way to end the summer holidays than to spend the day and evening too at Brixham Fish Market on Saturday 10th September at Fishstock Brixham 2011. Gates open at 10am. The shows start at 11am. The last band finishes and the bars close at Midnight! ENDS.
Fishstock Brixham 2011 E-mail mail@fishstockbrixham.co.uk Website www.fishstockbrixham.co.uk Tel: Jim: 07860542071 Dale: 07816513934 Karen: 01752690950
Monday 22 August 2011
The funeral of Roger Thomas (Chloe T)
Roger's daughter Gemma and family, would very much like as many people as possible to know, especially any fishing friends from Brixham and Plymouth.
Funeral details are as follows:
Roger Thomas (Chloe T)
Friday 26th August
St Peters Church - Newlyn
TIme 10.00am
View St Peter's Church Newlyn. in a larger map
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