Hollowshore Fisheries was set up by Gerald Walpole in approximately 1961, fishing for local Shellfish which was then brought home and cooked at Harty Ferry Watchhouse using a traditional drift watered fire belonging to Bill Harrison, a former Fisherman at Harty Ferry. Gerald also purchased local fish from Whitstable, Billingsgate, the daily fish auctions at Folkestone Harbour and occassionally Grimsby, the fish which he purchased he sold locally in most of the Countryside Villages from his Morris 8 van. Gerald continued functioning the Business this way until Barry 'Bluey' returned home from his 3 year apprenticeship with Boston Deep Sea Fisheries in the Central and Southern North Sea, once home Barry decided it was time to purchase his own Fishing Vessel and for Father and Son to then go onto sell his own catch. Bluey Walpole now head of the family run business owns a Trawler named 'Louise F1' which can usually be spotted down on her Mooring at Harty Ferry in the Swale Estuary which is Skippered by his youngest Son Barry Walpole “Wink” who also owns a Commercial Fishing Boat named “Charlie Girl LI 546” which can also sometimes be spotted down at Harty Ferry. Bluey’s Wife Marie & youngest Daughter Abbie run a Family Fish Shop down in Fishermans Yard, Oare selling all Locally caught Produce alongside Home Smoked Fish, Fresh Fish & Shellfish. We can’t wait to meet you!
