Mayor's salute to gun battery museum

Published Friday, 27th October 2017

HARTLEPOOL’S Mayor has recognised the contribution made to the town by the Heugh Battery Museum with a special presentation.

The battery, on Hartlepool’s Headland, entered the history books on the morning of 16 December 1914 when German warships off the coast fired more than a thousand shells on the Hartlepools, killing a total of 130 people and wounding more than 500 others.

It returned fire in what was the only battle to be fought on British soil during World War One, and one of the Battery’s soldiers, Theo Jones of the Durham Light Infantry, became the first British soldier to be killed by enemy action on home ground in the war.

Today, the museum – which is run by volunteers – preserves the battery and uses exhibits and demonstrations of its artillery equipment to educate people of all ages about the site’s famous role. Other on-site attractions include a reconstructed First World War trench and a coffee shop – and the museum is dog-friendly too!

The Mayor Councillor Paul Beck praised the work of the museum when he welcomed Museum Manager Diane Stephens and Museum Volunteers Garry Carden and Andrew Abson to the Mayor’s Parlour, presenting them with civic keepsakes including a plaque.

He was also delighted to hand over an Anglo-German book about the 1914 bombardment of Scarborough – a gift for the museum sent by the German Consul-General in Edinburgh Peter Voss who visited it earlier in the summer.

(Left to right) Heugh Battery Museum Volunteers Garry Carden and Andrew Abson and Museum Manager Diane Stephens with Councillor Paul Beck after the presentation.

Volunteers Garry Carden and Andrew Abson and Manager Diane Stephens with Councillor Paul Beck

Councillor Beck said: “The Heugh Battery played a historic role in the First World War and is of the greatest importance to our town and its story.

“The volunteers are doing a marvellous job and a visit to the museum is a fascinating day out for people of all ages. I hope everyone will join me in supporting the museum by paying it a visit and, above all, spreading the word to draw in visitors from far and wide.”

Diane Stephens added: “We really appreciate all the encouragement and support we are receiving from the Council. We are passionate about preserving the battery and visitors of all ages enjoy its hands-on, interactive format.”

* The museum is holding a ‘Fabulous 40s’ fundraising night on Saturday 18 November in the Corporation Sports and Social in Whitby Street from 7pm until late, featuring 1940s themed entertainment including music by The Seatones. Forties-style dress is optional! Tickets cost £10 from the venue or from the museum – visit www.heughbattery.co.uk