WHEN LAMPS ARE LIGHTED IN THE TOWN

I came across these photographs when I was looking through some today and this old hymn sprang to mind, I don't think it is sung very often today but it was a favourite of mine in childhood and was often sung in Sunday School. It is, of course, a children's hymn. Most of our fishing fleets have now disappeared. The Bible tells us that Jesus often walked beside the sea of Galilee and chose some of the strong fishermen to be his disciples. What made them leave their work to follow him?

When lamps are lighted in the town, The boats sail out to sea;

The fishers watch when night comes down, They work for you and me.

We little children go to rest; Before we sleep, we pray

That God will bless the fishermen and bring them back at day.

The boats come in at early dawn when children wake in bed;

Up on the beach the boats are drawn, And all the nets are spread.

God hath watched o'er the fishermen far on the deep dark sea,

And brought them safely home again, where they are glad to be.

(Maria Matilda Penstone 1859-1910)

The photos show nightfall on Whitby.

Familiar to viewers of the recent TV programme Heartbeat