Information courtesy of Lesley Budge

One of Fleetwood’s oldest and best known ex-trawler skippers, Mr. Thomas Fairclough, died at his home in Seabank Rd, Fleetwood, on Boxing Day.
A native of Fleetwood, he followed the sea for over 50 years, starting as a boy of 12 with his father in smacks.

He went on to own the smack Elizabeth & Ann and finally went to sea in steam trawlers becoming skipper and sailing for several local firms, chiefly J. N. Ward & Sons. He retired from the sea 25 years ago but worked ashore for several years.
He was a member of the Hesketh Lodge of Freemasons and a director of Fleetwood Bowling Club. In recent years he was a familiar figure in the Marine Gardens where he loved to talk about the sea.

Mr. Fairclough’s wife died 25 years ago, and he is survived by one son, Mr. Thomas Fairclough, who is also a trawler skipper, and three daughters.
The funeral was held at Fleetwood Cemetary following a service at his home conducted by Supt. W. Jackson of the Fishermen’s Mission. A memorial service will be held at the mission a week on Sunday.