‘Last trawl’ for carol concert

Organisers of the carol service on board heritage trawler Jacinta say numbers have fallen to such a degree that it is no longer feasible to hold the event.

Apart from 2013, when high tides forced the service to be switched to the former Mount Methodist Church, the carol service has been held every year since 1996.

Fleetwood folk would make their way to the trawler, berthed in Fleetwood’s fish dock, and climb aboard for a festive carol service with a difference.

The service was held in the ship’s spacious fish room, which can hold 100 people and would always be brightened up with Christmas decorations.

But the Jacinta Trust has decided the event has been on its ‘final trawl’.

Lionel Marr, chairman of the Jacinta Trust, said: “It would have been staged this Sunday had it gone ahead.

“It’s a shame but I suppose all good things have to come to an end at some point.

“Last year we had 34 people at the carol service, which was considerable down on previous years.

“This year, when we were planning to hold it again, a number of our most loyal regulars were telling us they couldn’t attend because they would struggle to climb aboard.

“People are getting older, including the children.

“One little girl who always attended with her parents is now a midwife!

“So we reluctantly took the decision to finally bring it to an end.

“It has always taken a great deal of work to prepare for it, decorating the ship and
sorting out coffee and biscuits.

“Without the numbers, it wasn’t really feasible to hold it this year but we want to thank everyone who came each year and wish them all the best for Christmas.”