Page 29 - recollections of a life in Porthleven

The old fisherman walked over to the side of the quay and then asked another
question, ‘Where are the withies? They should be in the harbour water
soaking now, it's time they were soaking. Time is all but here to start making
the pots for the crabbing season.

Again I look at him and told him that no one makes pots any more. These
days they are made from some sort of man-made material. And you order
them from some sort of fishing dealer. ‘What’? He said in a curious voice,
'does no one make their fishing pots and nets today? I smiled at him. 'No' I
said 'they buy what they need'. He raised and lowered his shoulders and then
said 'you will tell me next boy they don't mend there gear'. I gave him a quick
smile. Who is this old fisherman? I asked myself.

Then there was a strong gust of wind and it started to rain. 'Come on boy
lets get into the stores'. He was up and away getting to where the old salt
cellar before me. When I caught up with him he turned and said 'things are
not as they should be. We can't get in to the stores. They are locked. And
there are things fixed to the doors. Come on it was just a few drops of rain
lets sit on the bench. As I have a number of questions to ask you'.

We sat and I looked into his face, very nervously. I did not recognise his
face but he had a very strong Porthleven accent. 'Right boy' he said in a raised
voice 'why are the stores closed? 'It's a gift shop' I replied. 'What about the
net lofts above? You will tell me they are not lofts any more. And the band
room is no longer. ‘Where is Ernie the band leader’?

'So the net lofts are no more', the old fisherman said. 'Yes, that's right Sir', I
replied. 'Do not call me Sir'. He shouted back at me. I took a deep breath and
thought to myself, 'let's get out of here, time to leave'.

But, I was intrigued to learn more about this person, old fisherman, or
whoever he was. 'Here I go' I said to myself, I'm sure I was shaking like a
leaf. 'Who are you?' I asked him, looking into his face (with fear in mine).
Surprisingly he gave a wonderful smile and with tenderness and pride in his
voice he said, 'I am from the past. A fisherman from Porthleven many years