VIDEO: Latest Boat Stories short film captures Clovelly herring fishermen

With this being my first blog post of 2015, I'd like to start by wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Last year, you might recall me blogging about a short film, documenting lobster conservation off the Devon coast? Well the fifth and latest film in the 10-part Boat Stories series is one I think you folks will love, particularly those that stay at our Devon caravan parks.

Titled 'Fishing For Clovelly Herring', the documentary is the latest in the Boat Stories series from North Devon Moving Image and film maker Jo Stewart-Smith.

The film focuses on local Clovelly fisherman Stephan Perham, keeping traditions alive catching herring from his picarooner.

Jo was keen to create the short documentary after first meeting Stephen seven years ago. She said: “A fisherman who heads out on his own in a tiny open boat, with only oars or sail, into Bideford Bay; passionate about what he does, determined to keep a tradition going – against the odds – captured my imagination and I always knew he would make a great film and tell a great story.”

The Clovelly Herring Festival tops the event lists of many visitors on their Devon holidays, and it's footage of this that closes the film perfectly. The festival celebrates the traditions of herring fishing in Clovelly, helping to keep the older methods and practices going.

Stephen Perham said: “If you can't get people to start eating the herrings, then youngsters like my nephew Joe won't have any future in it.

“It's the knowledge of the coastline, the tides, mending and setting nets, you lose all those skills. And once they've gone you'll never get them back. Never.”