THE memorial fund set up in the wake of the Purbeck Isle tragedy has been going from strength to strength.

The community has rallied round to support the fund, which is spearheaded by the Weymouth and Portland Licensed Fishermen’s and Boatmen’s Association.

There are now more than 160 places across Dorset where people can donate to the fund which aims to support the families of the lost fishermen.

Treasurer of the Association and committee member for the fund Billy Motte said: “The memorial fund is gaining great momentum, receiving donations from far and wide.

“Locally, the response has been absolutely overwhelming.”

He urged people to continue to get involved and donate.

He added: “Do please continue to give generously as the more money we can raise, the greater the help we can offer to the families of those affected by this very sad tragedy.”

People should make cheque donations payable to Purbeck Isle Memorial Fund as the official charity bank account has been set up by the committee running the fund.

Cash donations or cheques can be dropped in to the Dorset Echo offices on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth, Antelope Walk in Dorchester or East Street in Bridport.

Or they can be posted to Purbeck Isle Memorial FundPurbeck Isle Appeal, Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XD.

Anyone wishing to pay by credit card can do so at dorsetecho.co.uk/donate.

Donations can also be made at more than 160 locations, including The King’s Arms, Sailor’s Return, Rendezvous, Royal Oak, Ship Inn, Weyfish and Weymouth Angling Centre in St Edmund Street, Wetherspoon’s William Henry and The Swan, Alf’s Fish and Chips and Vaughan’s Bistro.

Donations can also be made over the counter at the Halifax branch in Weymouth.

If anyone would like a collection tin for their business, please call the Echo newsdesk on 01305 830999.

To discuss ideas with the charity, email them at purbeckislememorialfund@ gmail.com or go to the Sailor’s Return, St Nicholas Street, Weymouth.

Many messages

CROWDS gathered outside the King’s Arms after Mr McFarlane’s funeral.

Inside was a picture of Mr McFarlane smiling with his surf board.

Another surf board was placed inside for people to write tributes on.

One read: “Farley. You will be missed big man. Fish on!”

Tom said: “Dave Farley – a legend.

“You will be truly missed. Cheers mate.”

On a wall of the pub a plaque has been put up to the crew of the Purbeck Isle.

The plaque, which has a fish motif on it, reads: “Farley, Rob and Jack.

“You will be sorely missed and always loved. May 2012.”