A historic fishing museum is calling on the public to help create a new book

In 1968, as the building which is now the museum’s home faced demolition, the Filey Historical Society was given a last-gasp chance to preserve 800 years of fishing history in the North Yorkshire seaside town.

Built in 1696, the space became a museum three years after Michael Fearon and his fellow volunteers were approached by the then-Filey Urban District Council.

“They offered it to us at the 11th hour,” says Fearon, looking ahead to the museum’s annual opening between Good Friday and October.

“We had no experience, no knowledge and no money. But we knew if we didn’t take it on, it would be demolished.”

The museum has received a Small Attraction of the Year award from tourism group Discover Yorkshire and, in the words of Welcome to Yorkshire, is “an absolute joy”. Now organisers are looking to enter the publishing world with the help of memories from locals.

“There’s been a fishing industry in Filey for at least 800 years, but it’s almost finished now.

“We’d like to document it, and want any stories or information with a view to putting together a book.

“It’s remarkable that such a small town was responsible for such a huge fishing fleet, especially as there’s no harbour.

“At one time, there were as many as 30 yawls – boats large enough to stay at sea for several days – fishing out of here, and they would sit on the beach when they weren’t at sea.

“The lifeboat is also a key part of the story – for 150 years at least, all the lifeboat crew were fishermen.

“With a history like that, there’s bound to be lots of dramatic stories and events that we don’t know about.”

• Contributors can telephone Michael Fearon on 01723 513640.

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