A commercial fisherman from Llangrannog whose skills and experience saw him recruited for popular BBC One Wales reality TV series The 1900 Island, says the experience brought home to him the hardship endured by his forefathers.

A chance encounter with a BBC producer last summer saw Mickey Beechey hired as fishing expert for the landmark documentary filmed on Llanddwyn Island.

The four-part series chronicles how four families, all with a longing to escape the demands of the modern world, struggle to cope and feed themselves as they head back in time over 100 years.

“This producer approached me as I was fishing off Llangrannog – unshaven and in my oilskins,” Mr Beechey told the Cambrian News. “She can’t have been put off by my appearance as she asked if I’d be interested in taking part in the series.

“I decided to give it a go as the subject was something I was interested in. Llangrannog is an historic fishing village, like others along the west Wales coast.”

Mr Beechey ended up being employed on the series for around five weeks, endeavouring to teach the ‘1900’ families ways to catch fish.

“The methods we used were the same we use today, even if the equipment was very different,” he said.

“Yes, one or two family members were a bit slow on the uptake, but in fairness it was really hard for them – it was bloody hard work for me to be honest so it was always going to be much tougher for them."

The 1900 Island is screened at 8pm on Thursdays.

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