Whitby's fishing community invited to tell stories to narrate town's sculpture trail

Scarborough Borough Council is seeking authentic voices from the Whitby fishing community to be part of the town’s new interactive Walk with Heritage sculpture trail.
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Working and retired local fishermen are invited to record the tales of their industry and memories of their heritage, which will be used to narrate the sculpture trail on the Love Exploring app that people listen to as they explore.

Those who have grown up with or lived around Whitby’s fishing industry are also encouraged to get involved.

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The council is particularly interested in gathering stories that relate to the themes, icons and personalities represented in the trail’s nine life-size sculptures by local artist Emma Stothard, which have been named Penny Hedge, Bridgender, Fish Wife, Net Mender, Gansey Knitter, Frank Meadow Sutcliffe, Crow’s Nest With Lookout, Skipper Dora Walker and Herring Girls.

Herring girls.Herring girls.
Herring girls.

Voices will be recorded in interview style sessions on the afternoons of Thursday June 24 and Friday June 25 in the upstairs function room at Whitby Fishermen’s Society Club on The

Cragg, Pier Road.

The council is able to arrange an alternative more accessible venue for anyone who has specific mobility requirements.

Those who would like to share their stories or find out more information, should contact Matthew Joseph by email at [email protected] or by calling 07786 621924.

Skipper Dora Walker, one of Whitby's maritime sculptures.Skipper Dora Walker, one of Whitby's maritime sculptures.
Skipper Dora Walker, one of Whitby's maritime sculptures.
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Audio clips from the recorded conversations will be added to the Walk with Heritage trail on the Love Exploring app - which is available to download for free on Apple and Android devices - and which also features other trails and attractions throughout the borough of Scarborough.

Matthew Joseph, Scarborough Borough Council Community Regeneration and Support Officer, said: “The sculpture trail has been a real hit in the short time since it launched and is fast

becoming one of Whitby’s ‘must see’ attractions.

“Using the voices of those who know the town’s fishing community the best will add extra authenticity to the narration that accompanies the trail.

“Local people will be able to get a sense of ownership as they will be the ones bringing the fishing industry to life through their expert knowledge and experiences.”