Fishing Fleet Blessing Rescheduled

It's fingers crossed for fine weather on Saturday for the annual Blessing of Nelson¹s Fishing Fleet rescheduled after being cancelled by bad weather on July 19.

Seafarers Memorial Trust spokesman Mike Smith says the fireworks display was held as scheduled on the Friday night, but for the first time its eight year history, the weather was against the event on Saturday.

He said everything was in place for it to go ahead this Saturday, starting at 12 noon. Vicar General Te Hawa Whakaruru will lead the service, with assistance from Reverend Jeff Cotton and Father Raymond Soriano. Music will be provided by the Nelson Male Voice Choir, the Hira School choir, lone piper Robbie Duncan and the Nelson City Brass Band. ³

The Seafarers Memorial Trust holds this event to commemorate those who have lost their lives at sea and to bless the fishing fleet for future journeys. It is also an opportunity for Nelsonians to recognise the contribution of the fishing and seafood industry to this community,² Mr Smith said.

With the help of the Rotary Club of Nelson, the trust will be offering scallop and fish picnic lunches for a $2 donation per serving and barbecued mussels for $1 a serving. There will be an auction of the Catch of the Day - fresh fish and mussels unloaded at the Sunderland Marine Pier will go under the hammer shortly after the blessing ceremony, with proceeds going to the Seafarers¹ Trust.

Other highlights include a tug boat display from Port Nelson, a man overboard helicopter rescue demonstration, the release of pigeons and the loud and colourful day-time mescalita fireworks display.

Although the Blessing of the Fleet is a free community event, the public will be asked to make a small donation to the Seafarers¹ Memorial Trust to be used in community projects. A free service from Newman¹s Milestone Association clipper buses will run from Wakatu Square from 11.15pm. If Saturday is wet the Blessing of the Fleet will be held on Sunday 20 July.

Postponement will be broadcast on Radio Nelson stations (ie Newstalk, Classic Hits etc)

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