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An innovative exploration of Blyth's ship building and Antarctic heritage from the 1800s

Helping out at Blyth Tall Ship Building
Joseph helping out at the Blyth Tall Ship workshop. Credit: Blyth Tall Ship.

Heritage Grants

Date awarded
Location
Wensleydale
Local Authority
Northumberland
Applicant
Blyth Tall Ship
Award Given
£876900
“I have been able to earn a livelihood, which has boosted my confidence and self-esteem. I was so proud to look at things such as a traditional ships knee that I made from start to finish myself.”
Joseph, Apprentice
Blyth Tall Ship is establishing itself as a nationally significant maritime centre, leading the field in traditional maritime skills training.

Building on the recent regeneration of the quayside, this project aims to raise awareness of Blyth’s leading role in the discovery of Antarctic landmass in 1819.

The project developed the quayside into a museum and visitor attraction for people to learn about boat-building and maritime expeditions, including that of Captain William Smith in 1819. National Lottery funding also helped to facilitate the first Blyth Tall Ship Regatta in 2016 and the development of the Port of Blyth archive.

A training and apprenticeship scheme tackles Blyth’s high level of third generation unemployment, targeting 16-30 year olds not in employment, education or training by teaching them traditional boat-building skills. Each trainee achieves an NVQ in Marine Engineering whilst helping to restore historic vessels, including a traditional wooden brigantine.

To find out more, visit the Blyth Tall Ship website.

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