Northern Waters A Trawlerman’s Tale
Northern Waters A Trawlerman’s Tale by Ron Telford, published by Michael Terence Publishing in 2023, is a 260-page exploration of the fishing industry’s social history through the eyes of a seasoned bosun. This book presents true tales from Telford’s career, beginning as a young deckhand and advancing through his experiences at Nautical College to earn a Third Hand’s Certificate. It captures the challenges faced by fishermen from ports like Grimsby and Hull, detailing the dangers and risks involved in their work to provide for their families.
Readers will find a vivid recounting of life at sea, including the skills required by the skipper to locate fish, the teamwork necessary for handling the catch, and the technical expertise of engineers maintaining the vessel. Telford reflects on the unpredictable weather, equipment issues, and the camaraderie among the crew, as well as the emotional toll of leaving loved ones behind for long periods. This edition offers a personal glimpse into the realities of a profession that has largely faded from modern memory, preserving the legacy of those who once braved the northern waters.
Official synopsis Publisher
Bosun, Ron Telford is keen to preserve the social history of an industry that no longer exists; believing that some record should be kept showing the dangers and risks that the men of Grimsby, Hull and other ports of the UK endured to put ‘fish on the table’.
In this book of true tales, Ron starts at the beginning of his career as a young deckie learner, progressing to deck hand and attendance at Nautical College to obtain a Third Hand’s Certificate.
Ron relives the trip and describes events from setting sail and as the trip commences to the sudden changes in weather and the obstacles that had to be overcome. He remembers well the skill of the Skipper, who had to find and catch the fish, the teamwork of the crew who had to clean and store the catch and the expertise of the engineers who kept the ship mechanically sound.
Ron Telford also recalls the many problems encountered with the weather, equipment, trawl, net mending, various types of fish, the meals and the camaraderie amongst the crew. And of course, he recollects homelife – once the trip was over, having only 72 hours ashore – together with the heartache of having to leave loved ones in order to earn a living.
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