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swindonlink.com • October 2012 5
Britain’s friendliest fishmonger comes from West Swindon

Simon Belcher from Toothill, who was featured on the September front page, came away from the Cardiff Festival of the Sea on 1 and 2
September with a special and unexpected accolade.
The 39 year old was a member a top placing in the festival competi- prepare fish at home. sively revealed he was on the way
of a team chosen from Sainsbury’s tions, unbeknownst to the entrants, “I think my willingness to take to the championships. “So many
stores across Britain entered in three there were secret judges patrolling on whatever was asked impressed people read about me and came
competitions at the 80th National the festival site observing them at the judges. I’m so pleased to win over to say good-luck, even former
Federation of Fishmongers British work. At the prize giving, to his ut- because, whilst the other competi- colleagues at Asda popped in.
Fish Craft Championships. Fish- ter surprise, he was called forward tions came with a vase and a cash “It really was a picture of a thou-
mongers from supermarket chains, to be presented with the National reward, the challenge cup is one sand words; although the story was
independent shops and workers Federation of Fishmongers Golden of only two trophies where the online, the picture and the headline
from the fish trade were tested in Jubilee Perpetual Challenge Cup. fishmonger’s name is inscribed on it said it all. Thanks very much to
their skills in dressing, cutting and “I was completely taken aback forever. It makes me feel special that everybody for their support.”
presenting fish. when all the competitors from dif- I’ve been recognised in this way.” Simon first trained as a fishmon-
Whilst Simon wasn’t selected for ferent supermarkets turned to me Simon said he was surprised by ger 17 years ago after a call went
and said you’ve won,” said the number of well-wishers who out for somebody with little sense of
Simon. “I really didn’t know visited him after The Link exclu- smell when he was working at Asda.
what I had won as I was un-
aware that there was another
competition going on. You WARNING
could have knocked me over.” Side Effects of Hypnotherapy can include feeling:-
The judges were on the look
out for a stand-out individual, Happy, Calm, Motivated,
for both their professional fish Relaxed, Stress Free & In Control
skills, but also the way he or she To find out more about how hypnotherapy can help
engaged with colleagues, other
competitors and members of phone/text 07795 151567 for a FREE initial consultation
the public. When a judge asked
for a fishmonger at ten minutes
notice to put on a demonstra-
tion for people visiting the Stress, Anxiety, Depression,
festival, Simon immediately Sleep Disorders, IBS, OCD, PTSS,
stepped forward and put on a Eating Disorders, Panic Attacks
well received show on how to

Simon with his trophy. Photo: For costs visit www.oldtownhypnotherapy.co.uk
Richard Wintle www.calypix.com

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