Lottery grant fuels North Shields 800th celebrations
Cash boost will back wave of projects to mark town’s 800th anniversary. Tony Henderson reports
Ten projects will be funded by a lottery award to celebrate the 800th anniversary of North Shields.
The £132,160 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund comes as North Shields 800 is running a wide-ranging programme of activities, events, exhibitions and performances that celebrates the town’s past, present and future.
The grant is supporting 10 projects that will share and safeguard the maritime, industrial, railway and arts heritage of North Shields. It has been awarded to the Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust, which will manage the funds on behalf of North Shields 800.
The projects aim to educate and inspire younger people, capturing traditional songs, music and stories, documenting the lives of local people through the past centuries, and celebrating some of the town’s oldest buildings, such as the Old Low Light on the Fish Quay.
North Shields 800 has brought together 50 local organisations to help plan and develop the celebrations.
Projects supported by the Heritage Fund grant, with thanks to National Lottery players, include:
North Shields Voices – Memories and voices of residents will be captured by volunteers via social media and pop-up exhibitions in empty shops, and shared.
The Old Low Light – Using volunteers, the heritage centre will create changing exhibitions telling the story of North Shields fishermen, education and famous women.
Deeds, Words, Danger – 20 young people from schools as well as women's groups will take part in a theatrical performance celebrating the life of local suffragette Norah Balls.
North Shields Textile Map – Bringing communities together to learn more about locations including Northumberland Square, the Fish Quay and Meadow Well.
800 Years of Harmony – A film documentary showcasing the town's famous musicians including Sam and Liam Fender, Neil Tennant and Hilton Valentine.
Threads of Time – A humorous VIZ publication and exhibition led by Globe Gallery to reach non-traditional heritage audiences.
North Shields by Rail – An exhibition documenting the importance of the railways to the development of the town and its industries.
Nile Street Celebrations – Bringing businesses and communities together to celebrate Nile Street while looking at the evolution of North Shields town centre.
I Love North Shields – A celebratory magazine capturing the North Shields 800 anniversary.
Community grants scheme – Supporting local community groups and organisations to provide neighbourhood and estate-based activities and events. A minimum of 20 organisations will be allocated grants up to £1,000.
More information about all the North Shields 800 events, projects and activities can be found at www.northshields800.com, or follow @northshields800 on Facebook and Instagram.
Simeon Ripley, chief executive of the Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust, said: “As an active partner in the North Shields 800th Anniversary Committee, Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust is delighted that the National Lottery Heritage Fund has provided a generous grant to support the delivery of an exciting programme of heritage-focused celebratory activities and events this year.
“These will provide local people of all ages with the opportunity to learn about different aspects of their town’s fascinating history and accomplishments. They will undoubtedly add to the range and quality of the wider programme of celebrations on offer across North Shields during this very important year.”
Helen Featherstone, at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “800 years of heritage means that North Shields has a lot of history to celebrate!
“We’re delighted that, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we can support this programme of events that will delve into the varied heritage of North Shields and allow its communities to explore and uncover the fascinating stories that have shaped the town.”