Despite the recent dearth of good fishing around Cardigan Bay, two of our long standing Cymdeithas trustees (and other townsfolk) were recently snagged by the UK media, grilled with questions about local seafaring traditions, then released back to the wilds of Aberaeron to fight another day.
Apologies for the unashamed click-bait but this is a just a quick heads-up to advise readers that Cymdeithas president Elinor Gwilym and Cymdeithas publicity officer Phill Davies were interviewed by BBC Radio 4 about the Aberaeron Mackerel Fiesta and, more generally, how other maritime activities have shaped the local community.
The content is due to be aired on Thursday 12th September at 3pm on the BBC Radio 4 Open Country programme. The 30 minute episode will also be repeated on Saturday 14th September at 6.07am. For anyone missing these live broadcasts the programme will be made available for catch-up listening on the BBC Sounds app on mobile phones and tablets.
A summary of the programme content is provided below as well as a link to the BBC Radio 4 website which provides complete information about this episode.
Aberaeron's Mackerel Festival: Open Country
Jon Gower is in Aberaeron, Ceredigion, to explore how mackerel (and other fish) have shaped the people and landscape.
Jon joins the pretty harbour town’s annual mackerel festival, where the humble mackerel is given thanks at the end of its season with a funeral procession, complete with wailing widows, a blessing from a local reverend and, most years, a sunset cremation on the beach. Here, Jon meets local townsfolk to hear how fishing connects the generations far back in their families and how livelihoods, mackerel populations and the landscape of this town are changing with the climate crisis.
He also hears from Phill Smith and Elinor Gwilym, from the Cymdeithas Aberaeron Society, who talk about how the charming aesthetic of the town is influenced by its connection to fishing, with the colourful harbour houses originally built for sea captains.
Producer: Eliza Lomas for BBC Audio, Bristol
Great to see further publicity for Aberaeron and many thanks to all who organise and support the Mackerel Fiesta!
Regards, Steve
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