We are deep in development of project ideas! under the working title of GUTS!


Polly Rowley Sams, musician, theatre maker, builder herring lover from Newcastle who is collaborating on this adventure into Gutsy workers past and present and myself (and Tina ofc)
Went on an earlish morning hunt for Herring early in the morning in London. with marginal success! listen to the audio below for our walk around Billingsgate Market. Also video below see polly guttin the Mackrel we got given by Reggie. we then BBQd it late at night and it was delicious.

And our learning continues! next time we hope to get a box of herring to practice the infamous quick action on..

More on some of our creative development...

We may be quiet but this is because we are in deep in development of some of the ideas and inspiring stories shares on this trip!
We were to be showing some of these ideas in a Scratch performance at Camden Peoples Theatre this week, which sadly has had to be delayed due to covid. Details of where and how you can see any of this will be shared.

This project is big and We are in for the long haul so please do get in touch, I am on the Fish Work flex everyday!

Here's a couple pics of playing with some incredibly talented actors in the room at LIMEHOUSE TOWN HALL.

Fish Quines ​great article here http://www.mcjazz.f2s.com/FishQuines.htm

​WELL THEN. What a way to end a journey following the fish workers than aboard a fishing boat that brought the fish to harbour?! and not just any boat, but the only working Smack (type of boat) in operation.  well thats just what happened when Nora, Tina and I arrived in our final FINAL destination of LOWESTOFT. 


so lucky to get a grand tour of the 100 year old Excelsior from Alice Jan and Leon in Lowestoft. An Audio below of us knocking about on the boat, chatting about herring workers and getting shown the ropes with expert guidance. 

I also got given these wonderful ceremonious hand crafted herring, made by Jan and this Herring worker painted egg, crafted by Alice. 
 

sublime ending to this trip. my gratitude for the time, generous ity, knowledge and encouragement from folks today and all the days is really hard to put into words.  We have learnt so much, and met so many incredible folks on this journey-  that is definitely just the start of many ways to unearth and celebrate the struggle of the herring workers. watch this space...

but If you are looking for me and can't find me, I'll probably have joined the Excelsior crew... <3

.Leon taking up through how the fish are caught and netted.

More on the Excelsior Here: ​http://www.theexcelsiortrust.co.uk/our-ship/excelsior-lt472www.theexcelsiortrust.co.uk/our-ship/excelsior-lt472

we made it!! and it was a slog that last 50km into a strong head wind and with Tina creaking and me creaking. but we made it. and in time to nosey around the astute Time n Time Museum.
mostly we super enjoyed soaking up the vibe in G Yarmouth! it feels exciting and lively and a melting pot. 

more to come from Time and Tide when they open their herring workers exhibition later this month, with Pictures from the excellent Craig Easton. 
https://www.craigeaston.com/fisherwomen

https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/

Great day in Sheringham.

55km cycle here, very hilly and no tail wind. Had far too many comments from MAMMALs about whizzing past me which is really getting my goat after the hundreds of miles.

(I know I know the best intentions)

It'll be cool when a woman cycling solo isnt a spectacle that produces the response "good girl!".

Arrived to shout of "this is a one way street!" From an angry resident, but that was soon put to rights in settling into a coffee in the The Little Theatre Sheringham. So nice to be in an active theatre community venue that is buzzing with local activity.

SHERINGHAM MUSEUM

Had the pleasure to get shown round the museum by local heritage experts, Lesley, Jan, Ron, Wendy, Ken Janet and resident artist, Colin. (Painting pictured below).

Check out the SHEITHS for the knitting needles! didnt realise what weapons they are, and how that adds to badass workers on their time off.

Great to learn about the photographer Olive Edis who lived locally and photographed fishermen/ workers and the elites. Beautifully crafted, and as Wendy pointed out, Sheringham attracts Strong Women. She married in her 50s too (and was maybe queer? - that is hearsay but got me excited!)

Great conversation about the power, economic independence and strength of the herring women crews too.

Cool to see the wind farm exhibition too, as wind has not only pushed us down the coast but is also strongly present in the absence of fishing as an economy that is live and growing up and down the east coast. Here unlike in Grimsby, maybe some of the servicing jobs Have gone to Fishermen.

VERY grateful for the time, knowledge and enthusiasm, and most of all- for my Netted scarf, made by Fisherman and Netter Ken.

Link to Sheringham Museum here: http://www.sheringhammuseum.co.uk/

AUDIO TO COME

1st july lincolnshire to sandringham

120 km across flat land, lush river cycles down through lincolnshire to boston andnonwards to kingslyn and some norfolk woods!