This comprehensive 1996 account of the fishing industry documents how it has changed since the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, fishing boats landed on the beach and the fish market was actually on the seafront. On a more personal level, Catching Stories is a living record, told in their own words, of the individuals who made up Brighton’s fishing community. Their past is remembered with humour and honesty, as are the bygone traditions and lifestyles of their families.
It was produced at a time when the style of oral history was largely a verbatim report of what was said, with a light touch of editing. While this captures the true voices of the contributors, to a contemporary reader it can appear unstructured or repetitive, but this unique and valuable document of social and oral history and the fascinating glossary of fishing terms reveals the details of a traditional profession in an informative and unique way.
Catching Stories is now out of print but is available as a PDF download of the original text on a pay-what-you-like basis. You can download it by clicking here. To make a donation for this booklet, please click on the button below.
