In 1848 a couple crossed the Tyne by ferry to marry.
Now their great grandson has created a tribute poem and film to them for display on board the present-day service.
Noel Connor, an award-winning artist and writer, originally from Belfast, penned the poem in memory of Ellen Hannah and Thomas Connor, who were married in North Tyneside on October 16, 1848.
His poem, Crossings, has been showcased on board the Shields Ferry to mark National Poetry Day on October 1. It will also feature in an exhibition at the Globe Gallery in North Shields.
Ellen and Thomas, who had settled in South Shields from Northern Ireland, caught the ferry, known back then as the ‘Ha’penny Dodger’, on their wedding day to travel to St Cuthbert’s Church in North Shields – the only Catholic church in the area at that time.
Neither was able to read or write. When they were married, they could only make crosses beside their names in the official marriage register, a register which is now housed in the North Tyneside Registry Office, overlooking the river.
Noel travelled to Tyneside to unveil his latest work, which has been displayed on board the Spirit of the Tyne ferry since Thursday.
He said: “This poem is very close to my heart as it’s a tribute to my great grandparents and their connections with Tyneside.
“I wanted to commemorate them in my work and was determined to share their story, ‘the wordless ones’ who couldn’t read or write or leave some record of themselves. I hope I’ve managed to do that in ‘Crossings’.
“So little is known of them, no photographs, no letters. It was important for me to recognise and celebrate my connection to them and the North East and the River Tyne.
“Making the film and the poem accessible and conversational for the ferry passengers was a vital objective of the project. Not many people buy poetry books anymore so we have to look at new ways to get it out there.
“I’ve always relished bringing poetry to people in unexpected places as a way of triggering their own memories, knowing that everyone really has a fascinating story to tell.
“It’s been great for me to come to the North East and unveil my poem on National Poetry Day. I hope that people enjoy seeing the film on the ferry – and can identify with the story that lies behind it.
“It’s a work which is about real people’s lives. Not many people will know that there was only one Catholic church here at that time, which is why the ferry comes into the story.
“It’s lovely that the ferry was part of their wedding day. It’s an historic and much-loved service on the River Tyne.”
Kevin Leonard, customer service operations manager at Nexus, said: “It’s an honour for us to present Noel’s poetry film on our ferry. It’s a fantastic tribute to his great grandparents. He’s done them proud.
“I am sure our customers will love encountering it.”
Noel’s poem will be on display on the Shields Ferry until tomorrow, October 3.
