Middle Waters: A Trawlerman’s Tale

In this book, 'Middle Waters', Bosun Ron Telford tells true tales of when the only place Grimsby fishermen were allowed to catch any fish was the Shetland and Orkney Islands. A few boats did have quotas to fish around the Faroe Islands but this did not last long. The boats that were left after the Deep-Water Industry collapsed, were called 'Cat' boats. They had smaller crews and shorter trips to sea. The work was still as dangerous, with the crews working long hours, having little sleep and then home again. After seventy-two hours in dock, sailing again, hoping to earn a good living from the sea. These are my stories and I tell of the many sacrifices we endured by not seeing our children grow up or spending time with our loved ones. Now I am retired from the sea I enjoy spending time with our grandchildren and great grandchildren and I realise how much I missed of my own children. I am extremely proud of them all. I currently work at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, as a Tour Guide on the Ross Tiger. Working here has helped me recall my working days as a trawlerman, telling the general public, first hand, my experiences of my time at sea. I get so much pleasure from seeing their faces as I recall my days as a trawlerman and the hardships endured to put fish on the table and earn a living. IT TAKES A SPECIAL PERSON TO BE A FISHERMAN!