GUIDES CROSSING THE BAY SINCE 1548

Michael is from a long line of Fisherman and believe me what Michael and his dad John don't know about fishing really isn't worth knowing!

Born in Flookburgh in 1972 Michael grew up fishing with his dad and Grandad on Morecambe Bay. Michaels' family regularly fished for muscles, shrimps, cockles, plaice, flukes and anything each they could catch for that matter!

Michael was approached by the Trustees of the Guide over Sands Trust as Cedric Robinson MBE was coming up to retirement and Cedric said ' i will only stop if it is Michael who takes the job on'

Michael works on the bay day in day out, in today's society there aren't many fishermen left! His dad John is almost retired now at the grand age of 76 however Michael is still actively fishing as fishing is not only his job but his passion.

Michael and his partner Joanne really are a dynamic duo when it comes to the walks, Joanne works hard behind the scenes planning, organising and liaising with many charities to fulfil all of the walk dates.

Joanne also assists Michael on the test days where Michael and Joanne go out on their tractors and test the sands, plan the route and mark the way by the traditional laurel branches commonly known as brobs.

There is a lot behind the scenes work that goes into every walk, a lot think it is just a walk across the bay but each walk really does take a immense amount of planning and organisation.

Michael has truly fitted into the role within the next 12 months or so Michael and his family will move into Guides Farm, a grade II listed building located in Grange over Sands, traditionally the Guide receives a payment of £15 per year for the role as Guide and the farmhouse. To date their horses are already living they while the farmhouse undergoes a major refurbishment.