Bradford fish and chip shop owner honoured for fundraising efforts

The owner of a fish and chip takeaway in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has been recognised for his outstanding fundraising contributions to The Fishermen’s Mission.

At the charity’s Annual General Meeting, held Tuesday 14th April at Trinity House in London, Towngate Fisheries in Idle, received one of the organisation’s special 145th Anniversary Partners in Hope Awards.

The event welcomed over 100 guests, including the charity’s Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, who addressed attendees and met award recipients afterwards.

Mark Drummond commented: “We’ve been fundraising for The Fishermen’s Mission for more than 15 years and have raised over £15,000. It was a big surprise to receive an award for being a long-standing fundraiser.

“I didn’t realise that The Princess Royal was their new patron. Queen Elizabeth II held the role for many years, and not all charities were assigned a new patron after her passing. It’s wonderful that Princess Anne has taken on the role and was able to attend the AGM, and it was a pleasure to meet her.”

Following the ceremony, Mark had the opportunity to speak to HRH, with fish and chips the topic of conversation.

“We did talk about fish and chips,” he said. “HRH had recently visited Colmans for their 100 year anniversary celebrations, so we spoke about that. I also told her that the best fish and chips are from West Yorkshire!”

Presenting Mark his award, Alison Godfrey, director of business development at The Fishermen’s Mission, said: “Fish and chips shops have always been great supporters of our work, giving a home to Albert, our collecting boxes.  Towngate Fisheries have given a home to Albert for over 15 years and their generous customers have raised several thousands of pounds during this time. Mark Drummond, owner of Towngate Fisheries, is well respected in the industry and is a multiple award-winner for his support of those who work in the fish and chip trade. Mark has been a stalwart, a long-standing friend and both he, his team and his loyal customers richly deserve our deepest gratitude.”

Other award winners from the industry were Whitby Seafoods; Sue MacKenzie, owner of The Fish Shop Camberley and president of the National Fishmongers Association; Jude Kereama, chef and owner of Kota in Porthleven; and two Michelin star chef Nathan Outlaw.