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A THREE day fish handling skills extravaganza gets under way this weekend to prove that the art of being a fishmonger have not been forgotten.
The 2010 Young's British Fish Craft Championship at Cardiff Bay starts on Saturday and finishes on Bank Holiday Monday and will include demonstrations of fish craft skills by members of the National Federation of Fishmongers.
There will also be fish cookery demonstrations by local chefs and the Welsh Oyster Opening Championship where deft fingers will show off their dexterity in the speedy opening of 30 native oysters.
One man hoping for better luck is Mike Crates who has been competing in the British Fish Craft Championships for 38 years.Despite scooping second place 18 times, the crown has eluded him.
“I’ll be going in there, all guns blazing,” he says. . “I have won almost all the individual events, but have never got the overall title, so I hope 2010 will be my year.”
“I keep coming back because I love the buzz of competing, and the home crowd always give us a big cheer. I’ve been asked to be a judge, as I’m very experienced now, but I’d rather be out there taking part.”
Another Welsh competitor is Jonny Jenkins who works for Vin Sullivan in Bleanavon, who has won the title on two previous occasions. He will be sharpening his knives with a view to winning back the title he last held in 2008. “I have won the title on alternate years, so 2010 might be my year to win a hat-trick of titles,” he says.
The event will also provide a chance for the public to buy wonderful fresh fish at bargain prices.Experienced fishmongers will be on hand to provide helpful advice on how to pick the freshest fish, pass on useful tips on choosing best buys and give demonstrations on how to expertly prepare your catch.
The event will be held in Roald Dahl Plass and is organised by the National Federation of Fishmongers, and will be a key event in the hugely popular Cardiff Harbour Festival which includes tall ships, an open air market, craft stalls and live music.
“Last year we attracted large crowds to the event, and our auditorium was packed throughout,” says Jonathan Adams, National Federation of Fishmongers craft committee chairman. Fish consumption is on the increase and the event provides an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the versatility of fish and to provide the public with new and exciting ways of preparing and cooking it,” he added.
Should fisheries be closed during breeding time to allow stocks to reach more sustainable levels?
