Aberdeen Steam Fishers' Provident Society

DD3223/1 Governance

- DD3223/1/1 Minutes

- DD3223/1/2 Society Information

DD3223/2 Administrative

- DD3223/2/1 Administrative files

- DD3223/2/2 Membership files

DD3223/3 Financial

DD3223/4 Dissolution of Society

Comprising records of the Aberdeen Steam Fishers' Provident Society, also known as the Aberdeen Steam Fishermens’ Benevolent Society and Aberdeen Fishermens’ Provident Society. The Society was set up in 1900 to act as a form of insurance for fishermen’s families due to the dangerous nature of their work. It was ‘an independent insurance scheme against accidents sustained at sea by fishermen sailing from Aberdeen. Benefits are provided if they are incapacitated temporarily or permanently by injury, the funds being contributed by those at work’ (Aberdeen P&J 30 Nov 1964). The Society was established due to several storms that were disastrous to the Aberdeen fishermen community. Crews of all vessels fishing from the Port of Aberdeen were asked to contribute one penny a day for every day the boats were at sea. Hence the ‘Penny a Day’ scheme was created (and another colloquial name for the Society). The Society also maintained ground in Allenvale Cemetery (in July 1927 the minutes note that a larger tombstone was required, which was donated by Sir James Taggart).

In 1998 the Society was disolved due to the dwindling number of members. In order to do so, 75% or upwards of members had to agree to dissolution (under the terms of the Friendly Societies Act). 112 members voted in person, and with additional postal votes, the Society ceased active membership.

Open

Open for consultation at Old Aberdeen House, open Mon-Wed 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30. It is advisable to make an appointment. Some restrictions will apply to files containing personal information under Data Protection legislation.

Please see the Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives catalogue at https://archives.aberdeencity.gov.uk/CalmView/.

Catalogued by Archivist Kim Smith, 2022.

Received by the City Archivist from the Aberdeen branch of the Fishermen's Mission.