Northern Waters: A Trawlerman's Tale

Bosun, Ron Telford is keen to preserve the social history of an industry that no longer exists; believing that some record should be kept showing the dangers and risks that the men of Grimsby, Hull and other ports of the UK endured to put 'fish on the table'.

In this book of true tales, Ron starts at the beginning of his career as a young deckie learner, progressing to deck hand and attendance at Nautical College to obtain a Third Hand's Certificate.

Ron relives the trip and describes events from setting sail and as the trip commences to the sudden changes in weather and the obstacles that had to be overcome. He remembers well the skill of the Skipper, who had to find and catch the fish, the teamwork of the crew who had to clean and store the catch and the expertise of the engineers who kept the ship mechanically sound.

Ron Telford also recalls the many problems encountered with the weather, equipment, trawl, net mending, various types of fish, the meals and the camaraderie amongst the crew. And of course, he recollects homelife - once the trip was over, having only 72 hours ashore - together with the heartache of having to leave loved ones in order to earn a living.