Industry’s fundraising efforts recognised with Fishermen’s Mission awards

Two Devon-based fish and chip restaurants and a national supplier have been honoured for their fundraising contributions by maritime charity The Fishermen’s Mission. 

At the charity’s Annual General Meeting held yesterday at Trinity House, Tower Bridge in London, Pier Point Bar and Restaurant in Torbay was named Fish & Chip Shop of the Year, while Rockfish, with nine sites in Devon and Dorset, received the Outstanding Achievement Award. Peterborough frying range supplier KFE was also recognised with the Digital Supporter of the Year award.

The awards were presented by Alison Godfrey, director of business development at The Fishermen’s Mission. This year’s AGM, themed Staying Afloat, celebrated the loyal supporters and volunteers who help sustain the charity’s work with the fishing community.

Pier Point was acknowledged for putting The Fishermen’s Mission at the centre of a number of fundraising events, often matching the amounts raised, as well as volunteering staff to dress up as Albert and rattle donation buckets. Rockfish was commended for raising over £48,000 in the last two years through its educational morning tours of Brixham fish market, with all proceeds donated to the charity. These tours provide insight into the fishing industry from the landing and processing of fish to breakfast at the Brixham restaurant.

KFE stood out for its festive initiative, a 12 Days of Christmas online auction, which raised nearly £2,000. Prizes included items such as batter mix, training sessions and tickets to the National Fish & Chip Awards, with shops bidding to support the cause.

In addition to recognising its key fundraisers, the charity announced Her Royal Highness Princess Anne as its new patron. It also introduced a new health initiative, the “C Aware” campaign, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. The campaign aims to raise awareness of cancer within the fishing community, encourage early screening and diagnosis, and provide support to those affected.

Other inspirational fundraisers were also honoured, including nine-year-old Brooke Gover from Fraserburgh, who sold stickers at school to raise money for Christmas gifts for elderly fishermen and their families. Davies Fish Shop, a fishmonger in Cromer, North Norfolk, was also recognised for collecting over £5,000 last year through its Albert collection boxes.

The Fishermen’s Mission receives no government or lottery funding and relies entirely on donations. In 2024, the charity distributed more than £400,000 in grants, made over 1,600 harbour visits to check on active fishermen, and supported more than 20,000 clients across the UK fishing community.