The focus of ‘Stories of the Tyne’ was the river, but the real stars of the show were the people. An innovative learning event took place on the ‘Pride of the Tyne’ ferry to celebrate Adult Learners’ Week on 17th May.
Organised by the Workers’ Educational Association in the North East, ‘Stories of the Tyne’ was an afternoon spent on the ferry travelling up to the mouth of the river, where it meets the North Sea, then up through the industrial landscape to the outskirts of Newcastle.
This was no ordinary river cruise however. Its cargo was a range of experts in Tyne history, from retired shipyard and fish quay workers to volunteers from Segedunum Roman Fort and Bedesworld. Ordinary people became ‘Living Historians’ for the afternoon, sharing their own knowledge and memories of living and working on the river. Along with local songs from WEA volunteers and refreshments provided by ASDA in South Shields, the trip passed quickly and as the boat docked again, the passengers reflected cheerfully on the new things they had learned from each other.
For more information please contact
The Workers’ Educational Association, North East Region, Joseph Cowen House, 21 Portland Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1QQ
Paula Baxter 0191 2126100 pbaxter@wea.org.uk
Joy Nanarrow 0191 2126100 jnancarrow@wea.org.uk
Photo by Andrew Heptinstall