Vigilance of Brixham

*Dinner held May 2023

Chapter's Fish Dinner, held on May 18th, was the first of our Dinner Series which gives customers the chance to meet the wonderful people behind our British produce.

After a delicious 4 course menu featuring Channel monkfish, Dartmouth crab and lobster, and Lyme Bay turbot with Wye Valley asparagus, we held an auction to raise funds to help restore the historic sailing trawler Vigilance.

Vigilance was built in 1926 at Uphams Shipyard in the town and is one of the last remaining Brixham sailing trawlers; there are only 8 such ships left in the world.

Neil Murray, the vigilance skipper, said the vessel was 'desperately in need of funds. We are passionate about preserving Vigilance, but she needs lots of work to keep her sailing'.

We are delighted that our generous customers raised £450 on the evening!

Martin Purnell and Nigel Ward, co-founders of Channel Fisheries Limited and holders of a Royal Warrant, were our delightful hosts on the evening and Martin said: "I co-founded Channel Fisheries with my brother-in-law in Brixham in 1981 and I have great affection for the town and its fishing industry. It is important to preserve these wonderful boats which helped establish Brixham as the world famous port it is today. Every penny is helping and the amazing generosity of your lovely customers has been greatly appreciated!"

Vigilance is currently being worked on in Plymouth at Sterling and Sons. She has been stripped to a hull and is being virtually rebuilt from the keel upwards.

The Charity have raised sufficient funds to get her seaworthy up to the waterline from the national heritage fund and many various initiatives. They now need to raise further funds to fit her out and bring her back into full sailing condition.

If you are interested in the fundraising efforts for the Vigilance and would like to contribute scan their Just Giving QR code or contact the finance director directly at finance@vigilanceofbrixham.co.uk.