ROBERT Campbell many
have retired from the
fishing industry, but that
has not stopped this Kilkeel
man devoting a large part of
his life to helping support
those who have, or continue
to, work at sea.
As a result of his many years work,
including his role as a volunteer with
the Fisherman’s Mission, Robert has
been honoured by The Merchant
Navy Welfare Board (MNWB).
And, at a special presentation in
his hometown last week, Robert
received his ‘Award for Services to
Seafarers’ Welfare’ to acknowledge
the huge role he has, and continues
to play, with members of the local
fishing community, including the
overseas workforce who have joined
the Kilkeel fleet.
Robert retired in 2009 following a
42-year career at sea.
Prior to being the owner and
skipper of the ‘Village Queen’, for 31
years, he worked on two other
Kilkeel trawlers, the Melita and
Whitehill.
Robert said he was honoured to
have his name added to the Board’s
roll of honour, and revealed he had,
more recently, learned he was
nominated by local Fishermen’s
Mission representatives Lesley
Hammond and Ingrid Perry.
Humbled and flattered in equal
measure, the Mourne man explained
he has supported the Mission since it
first launched in Northern Ireland.
“I have been a volunteer with the
Fishermen’s Mission for over 20
years now, and am also the caretaker
of its centre down at the harbour,” he
explained.
He has built up a strong rapport
with the migrant workers based on
local boats, who have come from the
likes of Ghana, Sri Lanka, the
Philippines and India, and now fondly
refer to him as ‘Papa’.
He is also the ‘skipper’ of a social
hub for retired seafarers in Kilkeel,
the ‘Seadogs’, who meet each week,
and, over a cuppa, reminisce about
their days at sea as well as other
issues.
A keen fundraiser, Robert takes on
all duties that need doing from
cleaning the toilets to caring for
fishermen and the families of
fishermen who have lost loved ones.
He has been described as ‘more
than one in a million and an enigma
in his life and work’.
“I never expected to get anything
like this, let alone be put up for an
award,” he admitted.
“It all came as a bit of a shock, but
I am delighted.”
He added: “It’s just nice to be able
to do your bit.”
Since 1988, the MNWB – which is a
registered charity – has presented an
‘Annual Award for Services to
Seafarers’ Welfare’ to individuals who
have provided an exceptional level of
welfare service to seafarers and
those connected to the fishing
industry, either in a voluntary or
professional capacity.
Nominees must have a history of
making a positive and proactive
contribution to the welfare of
seafarers over a period of time.
