Sea Sunday in Falmouth

With one of the worlds largest natural harbours surrounded by steep banked creeks Falmouth has for centuries been a safe haven for seafarers. There was a time when the town functioned for the needs of ships and crew, thriving on the cargo, (sometimes bounty), and news that each new vessel brought.  The streets and  quays were a cacophony of languages from all over the globe as traders, smugglers, soldiers, villians and everyone in between went about their business side by side.

Falmouth remains a haven for seaferers although today the harbour fills largely with sea craft full of visitors on holiday there are still ships full of merchant seafarers seeking refuge from the dangers at sea. During the Summer months the streets fill with a multitude of accents and languages once again as holidaymakers explore the towns historic streets and alleyways where, thankfully, villians and cut throats no longer operate! Many more languages can be heard at Falmouth docks as seaferers arrive a long way from home and loved ones.

Seafarers enjoying a rest at the Flying Angel Cabin. (the flying angel being the internationally recognised symbol of the mission)

Falmouth’s, ‘Mission to Seaferers’, is one of over 260 safe haven ports in the world. Based at the Docks it is manned by volunteers with big hearts providing support to some of the worlds 1.3 million seaferars who have one of the toughest jobs in the world. For us the idea of pirates at sea is a chapter in a childs book for these men and women they are a very real threat at work. While we enjoy the luxury of internet and telephones to seek comfort and reasurrance from loved ones at home many of these brave sea goers do not and it can be weeks, months or years before they can make contact. Volunteers are able to offer advice,  advocacy, practical and emotional support and if, due to accident or illness a seafarer finds themself airlifted to hospital volunteers are there to help.

Mrs Josephine Bagpuss, one of the most important and much loved volunteers at the centre, offers a welcome snuggle to a visitor.

Sea Sunday in Falmouth will take place on Sunday 21st of July paying tribute to the towns maritime connections and those who risk their lives daily at sea across the world. The Royal Naval Association in conjunction with the Town Council will lead a parade from Falmouth Moor at 10am with Reverend Stephen Tudgey leading a service at the King Charles the Martyr Church at 11am.

For more information about the Seafarers Mission and Sea Sunday please contact Chairman Penny Phillips pennyjphillips@yahoo.co.uk