Piper Chris Bone leads the procession from the Church Photo: Ray Duff
By Ray Duff: On Sunday, large crowds converged at a local church on the Durlocks to join with the clergy and civic dignitaries, led by the Mayor, for the annual town Blessing of the Fisheries—an event which has its roots in the 1880s.
After gathering in the church, the procession formed up behind a local piper, who then led everyone down via North Street and Radnor Street on to the Stade, passing two aptly named inns on the seafront, to the ceremony area. The congregation then formed up to watch the event, beginning with a welcome by the Reverend, followed by scripture readings and hymns such as ‘Eternal Father’ (The Seafarers’ Hymn), ‘Praise to the Lord’, and ‘Will Your Anchor Hold’.
The congregation gathers on The Stade above the Inner harbour Photo:Ray Duff
The Reverend addressed the congregation, relating how he recalled that alongside his father they owned a half-share of one of the Deal luggers, many of which also took part in the Dunkirk rescue in 1940, with only seven making it back. He recalled that one of these had damage from attacks which was very carefully repaired afterwards.
Father Peter Harnden officially Blesses the Fisheries Photo:Ray Duff
He also related how, aged just eight, he accompanied his father and the crew to fish in Hythe Bay, during which a squall blew up, causing a great deal of difficulty both to haul in the nets—some covered initially in starfish with the catch interspersed between—and eventually having to return to shore with the vessel pitching and yawing. These experiences gave him a lifelong appreciation for the hazards that all seafarers can face almost daily. He finished by pointing out his concerns that local communities have been hard hit by the loss of fishing fleets for a number of reasons.
The Salvation Army band readies to accompany the hymns Photo:Ray Duff
This was followed by prayers, led by the local parish vicar, and then by the actual Blessing wherein the sea, its harvest, the equipment, and the men and women who make their way upon the waters are all blessed. The sea, the boats, and nets are sprinkled with holy water and incensed, after which there is a closing prayer.
The Mayor of Folkestone Cllr Jackie Meade leads to civic dignitaries Photo:Ray Duff
The procession then formed up to return to the church whilst singing the hymn ‘Lead us, heavenly Father’. On arriving back at the church, the congregation listened as the Reverend gave a closing blessing and prayers before everyone proceeded to the church garden for the annual tea and cake.