There can be no preparation or training for when tragedy strikes. The sinking of the Joanna C has hit right at the heart of our coastal community. The loss of two crew members, Adam Harper from Brixham and Robert Morley from Pembrokeshire reminds us of the very real dangers faced by those who work at sea.
Over the course of last week and over the weekend, flowers, cards and candles, have been laid at the foot of Brixham’s Man and Boy statue. A symbol of Brixham’s fishing heritage and a memorial to those whose lives have been lost at sea. Across the South West, communities have come together to hold memorials, light candles in windows to show Adam and Rob the way home and fundraising efforts have launched to help support their families.
These moving tributes show that we are one community in grief and that both Adam and Rob were well loved and respected by friends, family and colleagues alike. Their memory will live long into the future.
Supporting our fishing community
Such a huge loss to our community is also a reminder of what we must do to support charities such as the Fishermen’s Mission. The cancellation of the Brixham Trawler Race has been a huge blow to many of the local charities that benefit from the funds raised.
Over the years thousands of pounds have been donated to organisations across the Bay that benefit the local community and those that work and have worked in the fishing sector. Such opportunities to raise money and engage the whole community are few and far between and should not be missed.
Therefore, I will be speaking with the Secretary of State for Transport to see what might be done to restart this historic and valuable community event not least to remember those that have lost their lives at sea, but to raise money for those charitable organisations who do so much good across the coast.
A tale of two cities
Well, three.
The enormous frustration of seeing Devon placed into Tier 2, despite some of the lowest numbers in the country is beyond disappointing. We Devon MP’s fought hard to see us excluded from any potential link to Bristol which is currently in Tier 3 but many of us did not expect to be placed in a higher category than we were before the November lockdown.
South Hams has the lowest rate in the country, even lower than Cornwall. Exeter, Torbay and Plymouth’s numbers are dropping, hospital capacity is stable, and the Exeter Nightingale has opened its doors as a precaution. So, our ranking is confusing and acts as a stranglehold on businesses and our local economy, much of which recovered over the boom that was our summer.
These last weeks as we prepare for a vaccination programme to be rolled out, are likely to be the most frustrating of all. I know all too well of the pain caused by the Tier System and by national lockdowns, whether it be economic, mental or physical. So, while I share in those frustrations, I will continue to work with businesses and individuals to help them through this difficult period, as well as push for Devon to be classified at Tier 1.