THE River Tyne’s rich industrial heritage will be the focus of a new project, led by the Customs House in South Shields.
Men of the Tyne is a photography and creative writing project which will see local writer Tom Kelly and filmmaker Andy Hagan capture and document men’s memories of life working on or near the river and the changes they’ve seen and experienced over the years.
And they are hoping that anyone who would like to share their stories and memories will get in touch.
Kay Pryer, cultural development project manager at The Customs House, said: “We are looking for men who worked on the Tyne from 1950 onwards in either the shipyards or any related industry that was based on the Riverside.
“The aim of the project is to encourage people to reminisce about their days working on the River, so that their stories and memories will be recorded for future generations to learn about the industry that once took pride of place here.
“We also want to bring together a group of men from the same background who will continue to meet up once the project is completed.”
Tom Kelly said “I am really excited about the project as it is important we remember that the Tyne led the world and never to forget our great shipyards - I will always remember the Esso Northumbria in 1969 dominating Wallsend streets.
“So much of my writing has been taken up with the Tyne, from Kelly the musical written with Alan Price, to the decline of the yards.
“I am really looking forward to working on Men of the Tyne.”
The project, which is being delivered in partnership by the South Shields venue, Age UK North & South Tyneside, and North and South Tyneside Council, will commence with workshops taking place from June to September across North and South Tyneside. Julie Blackie, community development and volunteer manager, Age UK NT said: “The men we work with have wonderful stories to tell and this project will enable many more people to hear and enjoy them.”
As well as collecting stories, the creative team will also deliver four workshops to primary schools in North Tyneside where pupils will be able to research past pictures and stories.
The project will culminate with a tour of the River led by Customs House executive director, Ray Spencer on October 13, when the men’s stories will be told. He said: “My hope for this project is that it becomes a tool for future generations to learn about the men of the shipyards who made the river Tyne one of the leading shipbuilding and ship repairs locations in the world.”
Anyone interested in taking part in the project or finding out more about it should contact Kay Pryer on 0191 427 3741 or kay@customshouse.co.uk