Whitby Fishing School award presented in honour of Tony Hornigold

A man who played an instrumental part in setting up Whitby Fishing School had an accolade presented in his memory at the school’s annual awards ceremony on Friday.
By Duncan Atkins
Published 18th Nov 2019, 15:54 BST
Updated 20th Nov 2019, 16:53 BST
Apprentice of the year collected by guest Sue Baldwin, on behalf of winner Bradley Thompson, with Holly Rowley. 195011cApprentice of the year collected by guest Sue Baldwin, on behalf of winner Bradley Thompson, with Holly Rowley. 195011c
Apprentice of the year collected by guest Sue Baldwin, on behalf of winner Bradley Thompson, with Holly Rowley. 195011c

Accomplished sailor Tony Hornigold passed away earlier this year, but played a big role in setting up the school, based at the Mission to Seafarers' Centre.

So it was fitting that the Tony Hornigold Endeavour Award was presented for the first time, with Jack Gardner the young recipient.

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A citation praising Jack’s skills said: “This young man was exactly the sort of learner the school looks for, proving to be reliable, and hard-working.

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The George Traves award for Exellence winner Tyler Wilkin, presented by Andrew Hodgson. 195011aThe George Traves award for Exellence winner Tyler Wilkin, presented by Andrew Hodgson. 195011a
The George Traves award for Exellence winner Tyler Wilkin, presented by Andrew Hodgson. 195011a

“He completed his studies with minimal fuss and undertook his sea duties diligently.”

After completing his diploma, Jack was offered a permanent position on board Dominator, where he still works today.

“We have no doubt that this young man will make a fruitful career in the fishing industry.”

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Apprentice of the year Award (Seafishing pathway) was won by Bradley Thompson, who came to Whitby from Maryport, and was keen to start a career in the commercial fishing industry.

The Tony Hornigold Endeavour award winner Jack Gardner, with Anne Hornigold and Martin Willis. 195011bThe Tony Hornigold Endeavour award winner Jack Gardner, with Anne Hornigold and Martin Willis. 195011b
The Tony Hornigold Endeavour award winner Jack Gardner, with Anne Hornigold and Martin Willis. 195011b

He worked extremely hard during the classroom phase of the course and served the duration of his practical training on board Sardia Louise.

“During his seagoing phase he stood out to us when we started to get requests from other local skippers asking for him to work onboard their fishing boats," said the school.

"Word had got out around the harbour about how good this young man really was.”

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Sue Baldwin, Bradley's landlady, received the award on his behalf.

Special guests and award winners congregate. 195011dSpecial guests and award winners congregate. 195011d
Special guests and award winners congregate. 195011d

Tyler Wilkin was the winner of the George Traves Award for Excellence.

Tyler was determined to pass both the academic and practical modules of his course, proving to be reliable, polite and a cheerful character in and around the fishing school.

"From day one of the course we could see that this young man was very passionate about working in the maritime industry.”

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Director Andrew Hodgsonn said to date, the school is just reaching its 400th enrolment, with a good percentage of these learners finding employment in the fishing and wider maritime industry.

“They have something in common – they are the role models for the next generation of seafarers, and above all, they are the UK’s young seafarers of tomorrow,” he added.