Mission’s Fish Fiesta planned for next month and special weekend in April

The Fishermen’s Mission is gearing up for two important events, the Fish Fiesta at the beginning of March followed by the Mission Weekend towards the end of April.

The fiesta, organised by mission superintendent Paul Govier with the assistance of NAFC Marine Centre director David Gray and Da Haaf catering manager Vicki Mordue, will take place in the NAFC on Friday 6th March at 7.30pm.

Mr Govier said: “Following a positive meeting we hope that we will be able to put a whole fresh new outlook on the event. The fare will mainly be fish but Vicki will also be offering some meat and vegetarian dishes. She will be calling on her many years of experience to produce a buffet with new twists on old favourites.

“We are also looking forward to an after-dinner talk by the new director Professor Gray, as he talks about the college and also some of his experiences as a marine biologist – Shetland’s own Jacques Cousteau.”

The Mission Weekend this year has been pencilled in for 24th to 26th April, with special guest senior superintendent George Shaw from Peterhead.

On the Friday evening a concert will be held in the Lerwick Town Hall, while on the Sunday there will be a Harvest of the Sea service with Sunday nightcap in the Lerwick Methodist Church. The service will also include the commissioning of Mr Govier as superindent.

Sandwiched between that will be a dinner dance on Saturday 25th April in the Lerwick British Legion. Tickets cost £25 and all the money raised will go towards a sponsored trek to the Great Wall of China by Mr Govier and Jonathan Stickle. Contributions can be made online at www.justgiving.com/paul govier1 Finally, Mr Govier wishes to point out that the name of the local branch has been changed to Fishermen’s Mission Shetland Islands. He said the previous “Lerwick” tag did not reflect the workload of the job.

“To me this is a great step forward, and hopes it makes everyone feel more inclusive,” he added.