Lost trawlermen memorial gets a major city boost
SCULPTURE’S PERMANENT HOME
MOVES to complete a permanent memorial to Hull’s lost trawlermen at St Andrews Quay have taken a major step forward.
A memorial sculpture by artist Peter Naylor depicting the crew of a trawler was unveiled close to the Sailmakers Arms in 2017 in a ceremony performed by the then Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu.
However, it was removed and placed into temporary storage in late 2019 ahead of construction work starting on new flood defences at the site, which is also where an annual service is held commemorating the estimated 6,000 fishermen who sailed from Hull during the last century but who never returned.
The flood defence work included the creation of a bow-shaped wall and stairs at the site which will eventually form part of the new-look project.
Now with the flood defence works completed, Hull City Council acting on behalf of the fishing heritage group STAND has formally approved the appointment of a contractor to reinstate the memorial as part of a new landscaped garden area.
Subject to Covid, the decision means the work is likely to be carried out in 2022 with an expected construction period of between 12 and 20 weeks.
The area will feature three themed zones, home, dock and sea, with each one including hard and soft landscaping using a variety of materials to reflect the history of the fishing industry and the docks.
Civil engineering firm ESH Construction will carry out the design and build project in a contract valued at £200,000.
The cost will be met from money raised by STAND from numerous public events and appeals held over the years.
The group was originally formed in 1989 when ex-fishermen John Crimlis came up with the idea of holding an annual service of commemoration.
Mr Crimlis, who died in 2019, lost two brothers on Hull trawlers.
The council also initially paved for the way the land next to the Humber to be used for the memorial after agreeing a long-term rent-free ground lease with Orchard Street, the commercial property firm which owns the site including the nearby retail park.
Hopes of an earlier completion were dashed when the pandemc struck, causing additional delays.
In a new council decision record report confirming the award of the contract, director of regeneration Mark Jones said: “The council has been working closely with Stand for several years to deliver a memorial to those lost at sea through the city’s fishing industry at St Andrews Quay.
“The council acts as accountable body for the funding for the project and Stand has requested that the council appoint Hull Citycare Limited to project manage the project on its behalf.
“In addition, the council has been asked to procure a landscape contractor to carry out the works.”
The report says Hull Citycare will manage the project on behalf of the council through to its completion.