Old friend of Coastwise and film maker Jo Stewart-Smith gave members what she called the "Back Story to the Boat Stories", so she clearly meant Stern Stories…..I think.
With the help of EU funding via the FLAG scheme she was able to assemble a series of short films available for download from the www.boatstories.co.uk website.
Jo outlined some of the interesting background –
Jeff Huelin, Ilfracombe fisherman, lobster fishing,
Bideford Pilot and Harbourmaster Roger Hoad making the transfer to moving vessels offshore to guide them up the difficult channels of the Taw and Torridge, and
17-year old Ben Bengey carving out a living as a freelance boat operator at Ilfracombe when his earlier career choice had been to be a porn star !
Coastwise members loved the "Every Dive is an Adventure" film (view at www.boatstories.co.uk/every-dive-is-an-adventure.html), depicting the Ilfracombe and North Devon Sub Aqua Club investigating a marine reef and a wreck site. Jo told us that the visibility was very poor for video filming, but luckily a very skilled underwater stills photographer saved the day, as every film represents a substantial investment in time, planning and funding.
Members also saw what may be the last of the Taw salmon netters – Stephen and Sheila Taylor, both going strong well into their eighties – having some good banter, and, yes, actually catching a salmon !
This was clearly a labour of love for Jo, but has yielded a wonderful trove of local oral and visual history.