Page 3 - NFF News March 2019

A Message from your President
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow NFF Councillors for electing me as your president for the forthcoming year, I feel it is a great honour and look forward to representing the Federation in this, it’s 87th Year.
On behalf of myself and the Council I would like to thank Andrew for his tireless work these past three years as President.
The 2018 British Fish Craft Championships were again very kindly hosted by Billingsgate Market and my thanks go to all the sponsors, competitors and not least, competition organiser, Gary Hooper and his team, who helped to make the day such a great success.
Last year also saw the launch of the Master Fishmongers Standard, I believe it is a fantastic opportunity for Fishmongers across the country to gain the recognition they so rightly deserve for their long hours and dedication to the trade. With this in mind, I would like to encourage any fishmongers not already involved, to look at participating in this scheme, It is a great chance to showcase your story, your passion and your business.
With the recent news that Tesco's is looking to close some of its fish counters, which is really disappointing for the industry, consumers can always look to their local independent to fill the gap. Tesco's have been great supporters of the Federation and especially the British Fish Craft Championships in recent times and we wish those effected by the changes the best of luck for the future.
The National Federation of Fishmongers is the UK's largest trade federation for fishmongers and associated trades, as an independent fishmonger myself I’m passionate about my profession and proud to be a member. I would encourage all members to help in promoting the Federation to your colleagues and fellow fishmongers as we look to grow our membership.
Wishing you all a prosperous 2019!
Giles Shaw.
AGM Round Up
Fishmongers’ Hall, London. Monday 28th January 2019
Monday 28th January saw the 86th Federation AGM take place. At the meeting Council members formally considered and approved the audited accounts and annual report for the year ending September 2018.
The AGM saw Giles Shaw of Wellgate Fisheries, Clitheroe, unanimously voted to serve as your next President. Your new Vice President will be Rex Goldsmith. Rex is also the Chairman of our London Association Branch and the owner of the Chelsea Fishmonger, London. The Company Secretary and Honorary Treasurer role will be taken by Andrew Kenny of Cross of York.
The meeting also saw all Past Presidents, Honorary and Council members reelected to serve on your behalf over the coming year. Honorary member, Mrs Helen Leftwich, was voted onto the Council as a full associate member, in order to take a more active role.
At the following Council meeting, the election of the Executive & Finance Committee took place. This year the Committee will be: Giles Shaw, Rex Goldsmith, Andrew Kenny who will be joined by Gary Hooper, Tim Silverthorne, Clive Miller, Chris Parker and Helen Leftwich.
Federation members will have copies of the minutes of the AGM enclosed with this newsletter.
Any member who would like to receive copies of both the audited accounts and the annual report, please contact 01234 211686 or email us on chooper@fishmongersfederation.co.uk where they are available on request.
Meet Your New Vice President
Rex Goldsmith
I started in the fish business in 1978 as a schoolboy working in a local fish business. I carried on working there when I left school.
In 1990, I started working as a fishmonger for a large supermarket chain. After a while, I became disillusioned by their quality so set up on my own, buying a small fish stall in the car park of a farm shop in Surrey.
In 2004, I opened the Chelsea Fishmonger in London. The site had been a fish shop since 1906, but had been closed for two years. The shop is still going strong today.
I’ve always had a passion for all things ‘fish’. As a boy I used to catch brown trout in the local stream and sell them to local pubs.
I have a passion for cooking (especially fish and seafood) which I feel is very beneficial to my business, as I like to talk to customers about recipes and cooking methods.
I’m very much looking forward to serving as your Vice President over the coming 12 months and representing the Federation.”
Rex Goldsmith
National Federation of Fishmongers www.fishmongers.info
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