Ormerers happy with their haul
UNSEASONALLY mild conditions saw a large number of islanders take to the shores yesterday and on Sunday as the year’s first ormering tides provided the chance to follow the Christmas turkey dinners with a traditional local dish.
After a big turnout on Sunday those venturing onto the rocks around Lihou Island yesterday might have feared slimmer pickings, but that was not the case.
Shaun Phillips and his sons Scott and Kieran were wet but happy after a haul of three dozen of the shellfish between them.
A family tradition awaited their catch. ‘We’ll be cooking them with Bovril, bacon and onions,’ said Scott. ‘That’s gran’s old recipe.’
Nothing quite so fancy for Paul Hamel. ‘Fried with chips and salad,’ he said was his favoured recipe.
John Dowding had accompanied his friend Milton Carre, despite his not being able to enjoy the fruits of their search. ‘I’m allergic to shellfish,’ he said.
With nine ormers to show for about two hours’ work, Mr Carre was pleased with his haul. ‘I found seven in one spot and two elsewhere,’ he said.
All of the gatherers spoken to reported seeing a lot of under-size ormers, which bodes well for the future.
After today, the next ormering tides will be from 17-19 January.
