Short Film - Ben Bengey - North Devon's Young Fishing Industry Ambassador

An inspirational young fisherman from Ilfracombe in North Devon is fast becoming the voice for the future of fishing in the UK. Ben Bengey's charm and passion for his work make him the perfect young ambassador for the industry. Ben features in a new short film - A Life in the Day of a Young Fisherman - one episode in a ten part series of five minute documentaries on the people whose lives revolve around boats and fishing in North Devon.

Ben understands the importance of sustainability in his work and wants to share this with others. In September Ben took his film to London for the launch of Blue New Deal, an initiative from the New Economics Foundation (NEF) and explains "It was about UK coastal communities and the jobs and people behind it all. So I went to talk about fishing and tell people that fisherman are not as bad as the news shows and we do put things in place to stop overfishing, like the ray box and the Trevose box."

One scene in "A Life in the Day of a Young Fisherman" shows Ben returning a lobster to the sea despite it being within the legal size for keeping. He says he'd "rather put it back... may have kids... grow a bit bigger" and adds "I don't see any reason to keep 'em. You're just messing with your own future, to be honest". Ben lives and breathes a life on the sea - at just 19 he has his own boat, Silver Spirit, which is licensed for both commercial fishing and passengers so when he's not out potting for lobsters and crabs (or volunteering for the RNLI) he's running fishing trips and he spends his spare time on his boat fishing with his mates for the sheer pleasure of it. He sums up his film with the words " I just want to be out on the water, every day, every hour."

Boat Stories Producer, Jo Stewart-Smith says "Right from the beginning I wanted to make a film about a young fisherman starting out - who was serious about making a go of it in this tough, fickle, roller coaster business. It's not a choice many youngsters make - there are far easier ways of making a living. But as someone wrote after watching our film 'Ben is following his dream and making a go of it.' The Boat Stories films are a valuable way of informing people about the fishing industry, Ben says "It's really good as like I said on the news (ITV Westcountry interviewed Ben to launch Boat Stories as a web series) people don't have a clue what we do and it's great to show people!" 

You can watch Ben's film and read more about him and his work on the Boat Stories website www.boatstories.co.uk.

Charity raises support for wildlife through Christmas cards and gifts.

A characterful puffin and an icy fox are just two images a local wildlife charity has chosen for its 2015 Christmas cards. Devon Wildlife Trust has been fundraising through Christmas card sales for several years now and in 2014, nearly £6000 was raised to support its vital work for wildlife across the county.
This year, Devon Wildlife Trust has added a number of new lines. A puffin flying in the snow, a swan and her cygnet, an icy fox and a handsome robin along with the popular multi-image card make up the stunning designs. The Wildlife Trusts 2016 calendar is also available and features 13 stunning images of the UK's wildlife. Orders can be made online, by phone or by post.
Devon Wildlife Trust is also offering a special Christmas gift for countryside lovers. A year's membership of Devon Wildlife Trust provides the opportunity for countless free days out in some of Devon's most stunning landscapes. As an extra Christmas offer, gift membership also includes a choice of free illustrated book.
Devon Wildlife Trust is also urging people to think of treating the wildlife-lovers in their life with a very special Christmas gift. Adopting a species makes an unusual present. Choices include bee, hedgehog, bat, otter, dormouse and dolphin - with the recipient receiving a cute soft toy, activity book, fact sheet and more.
Jasmine Atkinson, DWT's Communications Assistant said 'Our Christmas cards are already flying off the shelves and the new designs are proving popular. Buying cards and calendars from Devon Wildlife Trust is a great way to help wildlife from the comfort of your living room!' Jasmine added 'It is sometimes difficult to find unusual presents. Our Christmas gift membership offers a present that will last all year and is perfect for friends and family who love wildlife and the Devon countryside'. Cards are printed on sustainably sourced card and really show off some of Devon's best-loved animals. All the profits from the sales of Devon Wildlife Trust's cards and gifts go directly to support its work for the county's wildlife.

People who wish to purchase cards should visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org or call Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244. The cards are also available through the Cards for Good Causes outlets across the county and from The Trust's Cricklepit Mill headquarters in Exeter.

 

BARNSTAPLE STORIES - FREE ORAL HISTORY DROP IN EVENT AT THE GUILDHALL 27 NOVEMBER 2015

Local community film makers North Devon Moving Image are working on an exciting new project to unveil and preserve Barnstaple's hidden heritage through your personal stories and photographs.  They will be holding a free drop in event at Barnstaple Guildhall on Friday 27 November 2015 between 10am and 3.30pm where you can contribute to the project.

Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of NDMI says "We are fascinated by tales and images of old Barnstaple and there is nothing quite like hearing about the past from those who have lived it or who have stories passed down through their families."

The drop in day will be an informal and friendly event where people of all ages will have an opportunity to share their stories of Barnstaple.  Interviews recorded and photographs scanned on the day will be used to produce a series of short films which will then be shared online and on the touch screen display at St Anne's Arts Centre in Barnstaple.

Amanda adds "The Barnstaple Stories event will be an opportunity for people to come along and share their own memories and pictures of Barnstaple in days gone by.  It will be an informal event with free tea, coffee, cake and a chance to put your feet up after a hard morning's shopping. We are hoping that we will hear stories connected to local landmarks and significant historical events as well as romantic and poignant anecdotes and preserve them in the form of short films for future generations."

Previous NDMI Oral History Project

Old photo Barnstaple High Street - Mac Fisheries and WH Smith Shops

The Guildhall is fully accessible with a lift to the first floor and at 12.30pm on the day there will be a free guided tour for anyone who is interested.

For further information contact Amanda McCormack, Creative Director, North Devon Moving Image 01271 860610 northdevonmovingimage@outlook.com

 

Barnstaple Guild Hall

All Photos copyright Amanda McCormack North Devon Moving Image CLC (All rights reserved)