A campaign to establish a museum celebrating the North East's shipbuilding heritage is holding its first community event this August, offering an update on progress alongside stories, family activities and street food.
Campaign progress and community day
The event, set for August 21, will take place at St Andrew's Church in Ellison Street, Hebburn, from 4pm to 5.30pm. It is open to all and comes as the campaign, led by 33-year-old Bronwyn Mogie from Hebburn, continues to gain support. A petition launched by Bronwyn has reached 1,784 signatures.
The group is calling for a Shipyard Heritage Museum dedicated to the industry that shaped the Tyne, Wear and Tees for generations. Bronwyn's own family shipyard history dates back to the 1800s.
Vision for a heritage and learning centre
The proposal would see investment through Jarrow's existing £10m regeneration programme fund the museum. It would cover not only South Tyneside yards like Palmer's, Readhead's and Hawthorn Leslie, which inspired Bronwyn, but also yards across the Tyne, Wear and Tees. The venue would honour the workers and surrounding communities.
Plans have expanded beyond a traditional museum to include a learning centre, aiming to create a lasting legacy and future opportunities. The campaign's Facebook page has reached 1,000 followers, and a working group has been formed to advance the idea.
Location and family focus
No specific site has been chosen yet. Bronwyn said: "We're looking at the wider North East and want to make sure wherever it is eventually based properly represents the shipbuilding heritage of the Tyne, Wear and Tees."
The community day is designed to help younger generations understand the region's history. The Indian Snack street food truck will serve Indian food, burgers, loaded fries and wraps during the event.
