About us
We are a group of local residents who have come together as Newlyn Fishing, Industry and Seafarers Heritage (FISH) Trust, which has been approved as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Reg.1188966), with the objective:
“To advance the education of the public in the history, culture and heritage of Newlyn, Cornwall, in particular but not exclusively through the provision of exhibitions, lectures, workshops, traditional crafts demonstrations and other events.”
Our short biographies, below, give a flavour of the knowledge, skills and life experiences that we bring to the Trust, in addition to being supported by a wider group of people and partner organisations enthusiastic about telling Newlyn’s story.
Board of Trustees
Derath Durkin (Chair)
Derath is a (loosely) retired Church of England vicar, who has also been the CEO of a mission organisation, as well as holding several senior sales and marketing roles. She continues to minister in a cluster of local churches, project manages their intern program and assists in policy writing. She is a Governor of a local school and has served on various Charity Boards.
Michael Larsen (Treasurer)
Michael has been involved in finance for all of his career, most recently as a senior executive at Harbert Management, a US-based alternative investment firm. Previously he was with a Swiss investment firm in Geneva and spent 20 years globetrotting with Citibank / Citigroup. A Newlyn resident, Michael is vice-chair at Aspire Academy Trust, a large Cornish multi-academy trust, where he chairs the Finance, Audit and Remuneration Committees, and for more than 5 years was an appointed member of the DfE’s South-west Advisory Board (HTB).
Jeanette Ratcliffe (Secretary)
Jeanette is an archaeologist with 40 years experience in carrying out heritage projects in Cornwall and Scilly. The daughter of a fisherman, born in West Cornwall, she has completed commercial fishing training and helped fishermen access grants. A member of Newlyn Archive’s committee and the harbour authority’s Advisory Board, she is passionate about both the history of the port (promoting it through guided tours) and its sustainable future.
Cathryn Bick
Born and raised in Newlyn, after attending local schools, Cathryn joined the family fishing business, W Stevenson and Sons. An active member of the local community, who has held various positions, including School Governor of Newlyn Primary School, Cathryn enjoys playing badminton, helps run Mounts Bay Junior Badminton Club and is Chairperson of Cornwall Youth Badminton. She enjoys working with all those involved to bring the Trust’s ambitious project to fruition.
Will Bick
A member of an established local fishing family, Will grew up and still lives in Newlyn and works in the local area. He began his career in estate agency under the Government apprentice scheme, which he has now completed. In his spare time he enjoys playing sport and is a chairperson of a local sports club. He is keen to see Newlyn thrive in the future.
Laura Elliot
Laura is an art historian and museum professional with expertise in public programming, funding and development, who has worked in national institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the William Morris Gallery. She also has key skills in curation, research, collections and archives management. Laura has strong family connections in West Cornwall and is passionate about Cornwall’s rich artistic and industrial heritage.
Lucy Blue
Lucy is a professor of maritime archaeology at the University of Southampton and the director of a charity (the Honor Frost Foundation) that supports the development of maritime archaeology in the eastern Mediterranean. She has conducted archaeological and ethnographic research in the western Indian Ocean, the eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf, and has a deep interest in old boats and the coastal communities that use them! A resident of Newlyn, Lucy is keen to bring visibility to the community’s rich maritime past and support its sustainable future.
John Gallagher
John is a Barrister and Recorder of the Crown and County Courts. Until 2023 he was Chancellor and Vicar General of the Diocese of Rochester. He is Master of the Bench of Grays Inn, and past Master of The Worshipful Company of Pewterers. Dividing his time between London and West Cornwall, John is a PCC member and Diocesan Synod Representative of St Sennen’s Church. His other interests include rugby, particularly the Pirates, and Cricket.
Vacant Position
Constitution & Policies
For more information about Newlyn FISH Trust, please download our Constitution and Privacy Policy