Staff and participants of Humber-wide charity CatZero were delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal, Company Court Member, to Hull Marina, where Her Royal Highness visited staff, participants, local dignitaries and supporters on Wednesday, October 6.
CatZero, a charity supported by both of the Company’s charitable trusts, works to change the lives of disadvantaged people across the region and helps them to find long-term meaningful employment. From unemployed people struggling to find work to bespoke help for families reaching crisis point and troubled young people, CatZero’s unique approach allows the team to meet the specific needs of its participants. By breaking barriers, building trust and confidence in participants by using self-analysis, development, and challenge, their on-going support is vital, with the ethos ‘Once CatZero, Always CatZero’ a key mantra of the organisation.
Joined by CatZero patron and celebrated sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the event began with drinks and canapes at Solita restaurant before the arrival of the princess. The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber Councillor Lynn Petrini and her consort, Mr Graham Petrini, the High Sheriff of the East Riding of Yorkshire Richard Shepherdson, Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire Jim Dick and supporters Wynne Griffiths (former Young’s Seafood CEO), Mr Stephen Martin (Arco) and Alexander Marr and Andrew Marr (J Marr Seafoods) also attended.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who served as Prime Warden of the Company 2017-18, chatted with interest as she was shown around the charity’s yacht and introduced to staff and participants by CatZero skipper and director of sailing Danny Watson. A keen sailor herself, HRH was interested to learn that sail training is at the heart of the majority of CatZero’s programmes.
CatZero director Dave Bertholini said: “This is an excellent time to welcome Her Royal Highness to the Humber region, as CatZero continues to expand its services to young people, families, the unemployed and veterans.
“For some time, CatZero has been working with The Fishmongers’ Company, through former Young’s Seafood CEO and CatZero supporter Wynne Griffiths. The Fishmongers’ Company recently hosted several of our young participants on a trip to London. Enabling them to understand more about fish processing and the wider industry, the trip was invaluable for some of the participants as they begin to consider their future careers, particularly across the Humber region.”
HRH The Princess Royal served as Prime Warden for The Fishmongers’ Company from 2017-18 and has been a member of its Court since 2012. Her Royal Highness’s late father, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, was also a Prime Warden, serving from 1961-62.
Danny Watson commented: “As our relationship with The Fishmongers’ Company progresses, following a very successful event at Fishmongers’ Hall, London, earlier this week, we believe this period in CatZero history – and as we celebrate 12 years as a charity – was the perfect opportunity to welcome Her Royal Highness to meet our participants, and to find out more about our work.”
CatZero works across Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Hull and uses a 72ft Challenge yacht as a tool to help with confidence and team building during its programmes. From taster sails to longer 8-day sails, the yacht also provides some of the younger participants with responsibility and an all-important structure.
© The Fishmongers’ Company 2024
