Pixel8 Film Festival - sail aboard the Lady Hamilton and catch Chris Bean's story.

Lady Hamilton from William Darby on Vimeo.

From dugout to Nelson's mistress and Rowney's Muse, step aboard as Chris Bean  charts his fishing career through a succession of boats he has steered a zillion times around Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay in search of his daily fish.

Cornish Captain Bean's (whose woolly hat has the appearance of having been with him from birth) intimate narration of a fisherman's life which, after a promising career start at the renowned Camborne School of Mines, eventually ends up with him on, rather than under, the surface of the world.

This, the second of two fishing story movies shot by two adventurous University College Falmouth students for their end of year project - all the films will be premiered at Pixel8 in June. Hat's off to Alex Hudson and William Darby for not only committing to a full week aboard a modern fishing boat (as in filming The Beamer) but also in showing enough commitment by obtaining the same safety certificates as is required for all fishermen these days - so if the degree fails to get you a job guys you won't have any trouble finding work aboard one of the Cornish fishing fleet!

'Toughest Place to be a Fisherman' - are you up for it?

Here's a unique opportuntiy and real challenge thrown down to the fisherman of Cornwall - check out the clips below from the previous series to see what you could face:

BBC2 is looking for a fisherman to take part in the second series of the current affairs documentary: Toughest place to be…a Fisherman.

This series takes British workers to do their jobs in some of the most challenging and difficult circumstances in the world, and this time we’re looking for a fisherman! It’s an exciting opportunity to experience and learn about a culture far removed from your own and to try out your job on the other side of the world.

If you’re interested in this challenge and in finding out more then please contact Emily for a chat about the project. All calls are confidential and you will be under no obligation whatsoever to take part.

Emily.lawson@bbc.co.uk Tel 0208 0085966

Here's a few comments to wet the appetite from the previous series:

"I feel that the crew were very good professionals with a big heart, and always open to suggestions".

"The experience was unforgettable! To have a camera filming your every move, changes your way of seeing things".

"If they asked me if I would do it again, I wouldn't think twice, the answer would be yes. Thanks for the opportunity"!

Here's the BBC2 web page devoted to the series - obviously they want someone who is willing to accept any challenge that comes their way - and it could be in any part of the world - sounds like something any self-respecting adventurous fishermen would stride through in their waders no worries!

What are you waiting for!

Ken Rashleigh RIP.

Part-time fisherman, full time Chemistry teacher for many years at Mounts Bay school and all round lovely guy Ken Rashleigh passed away recently - but can you identify the well known Newlyn face alongside the man - taken in 1982 aboard Ken's tosher, Galilee which he co-owned with John and Frances MacWilliams.

A tale of two butts.

An unsettled start to the day with threatening clouds hovering over the Bay.........

not that they will deter the patriarch of the Pascoe dynasty as he breaks through a sparkling sea......

with his morning's mackerel aboard.......

Sennen men come round to.......

take on some new pots......

watched by one the thugs of the sea bird world, from the port's black-back gull population......

time must ticking towards the tuna tangons call to action.......

a romantic fishy tale, turbot pair up for life - as any long-line fisherman will tell you, they would often sea the other half swimming up alongside their partner as the line was hauled...........

lucky lemons get the otolith treatment from CEFAS Sam........

and a quiet conger poised king cobra like.........

some red gurnards come complete with table decoration for the more discerning buyer......

more like dawn than dusk.......

'Through the Gaps' featured in the Blog review section of local newspaper, The Cornishman for a second time - appreciated Gareth!.........

a chance for an enthusiastic and committed fisherman to join Plymouth Marine Laboratory's research programme aboard their vessel  ...........

head to the Boats for Sale page for more info on the Sea King GRP fishing punt......

what an offshore near gale leaves behind at the high water mark......

keeping the quay in the sun......

don't forget the Orion Gallery now provides superb coffee with an uninterrupted view over the Bay.......

well stocked with pirate shirts ready for the big world record pirates in one place day in June.

'The Beamer' a short film by Alex Hudson and William Darby.

Filmed entirely aboard the Newlyn beam trawler Elizabeth N, skippered by Michael Nowell.


The film was shot and edited by Alex Hudson and William Darby, third year students at University College Falmouth. This and The Lady Hamilton short will premiered on the big screen at Pixel8 in June.

Hake with a Spanish sausage twist.

In a heavy based pan, fry off for till soft a few shallots and an one onion in some olly oil, then add a handful of diced carrot and five minutes later add chopped chirizo and after a further five minutes add a can of butter beans - the oil from the chorizo will add colour to  dish........

 the hake fillets, seasoned and drizzled with oil should be cooked skin side down for a few minutes on a high heat to crisp that skin before putting in a pre-heated oven (200°).........

a herb like a parsley or chervil chopped and added after serving.......

making sure, the secret of every good fish fish, that the plates have been given a couple of minutes in the ting ting machine to warm them through prior to serving.......

the combination of crispy skin and new potatoes.....

serve with the bean stew poured over the fish before topping with the herb of choice.

Falmouth Film festival - Pixel8 coming 24-26th June!

Picture worth 1000 words

Apart from all the other amazing flicks on show, be sure to take your seat in front of the big screen and catch two fishy films:

 'The Beamer' - Life aboard a Newlyn beam trawler filmed earlier this year by third year Falmouth film students.

'The Lady Hamilton' - day-hauling with Mr Sushi, Chris Bean and his Falmouth family fishing operation aboard their tosher - named after Lord Nelson's mistress and artist George Romney's muse - as they work the inshore grounds of Falmouth Bay, targetting red mullet and wrasse.