| Administrative History | 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. |