Hartlepool residents are invited to join a unique adventure and help shape the future of the town’s maritime heritage.
People are invited to come along to a special drop-in event on Saturday 27 September from 10am to 12.45pm in Community Hub Central, York Road, to find out more about exciting new volunteering opportunities as part of Hartlepool Borough Council’s ambitious Tides of Change project.
This is the chance for local people to get involved with the brand-new Maritime Skills Academy being developed by the Council.
Tides of Change is using a development grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and funding from Tees Valley Combined Authority to draw up proposals to reimagine the visitor experience at the Museum of Hartlepool and the paddle steamer Wingfield Castle, bringing Hartlepool’s seafaring story to life in bold, unforgettable ways.
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of the Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “This is a fantastic chance for residents to learn new skills and help preserve important parts of our maritime history for future generations.
“The Tides of Change project is a cornerstone of Hartlepool’s £150 million waterfront transformation, and we’re thrilled to offer hands-on opportunities for local people to get involved and make a real difference.
“We would once again like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for the funding we’ve received which is helping make this possible.”
Saturday’s event will give people the chance to find out how they can get involved in:
The Friarage Project: Work side-by-side with expert boatbuilders from the North East Maritime Trust to restore The Friarage, a classic coble fishing boat. Get hands-on and learn real conservation skills, or help capture the journey through photography and historical research.
The Friarage
Wingfield Castle conservation: Dive into the world of paddle steamers! Volunteers will get hands-on to help clean, conserve and maintain the ship’s historic features, document artefacts and collect personal stories and memories to help re-tell the vessel’s story and look after Hartlepool’s maritime heritage for the long term.
The PS Wingfield Castle
No previous experience is necessary – full training is provided. Everyone is welcome—whether you’re retired, looking for a new adventure, or dreaming of a career in museums or heritage.
If people can’t make it to Saturday’s event, they can get more information by emailing tidesofchange@hartlepool.gov.uk