A documentary film is set to chart the rich history of the iconic Shields Ferry service and its impact on Tyneside.
Sunderland-based New Enterprise Studios (NES) has secured £50,000 from the heritage Lottery Fund to shoot the film that will provide insight into both the history and legacy of the famous Shields Ferry crossing.
The project, which gets underway in 2023, aims to look at the history of ferries that have crossed the River Tyne, and the development of those services and how they have impacted on their local communities.
Read more: Shields Ferry 'here to stay' - promise to protect river crossing with 'plan B' to solve funding woes
A diverse group of participants from across Tyneside will appear on camera, including passengers and crew as documentary-makers look to chart the unique impact of the services on the region.
There have been ferries crossing the Tyne since the 14th century and is currently the only service that remains on the route, serving a focal point of its community today. It makes almost 25,000 crossings a year carrying nearly 400,000 passengers.
A spokesperson for Nexus, the public body which owns and operates the Shields Ferry, said it was excited to be taking part in the project.
Head of Customer Service Operations, John Souter, said: “We are looking forward to collaborating on this exciting new documentary project which will tell the fascinating story of the Shields Ferry.
“There has been a ferry crossing the Tyne for more hundreds of years and it has become an iconic part of everyday life in our region. It is part of the fabric of our region.
“The River Tyne has such a rich heritage, and the ferry crossing is undoubtedly a key part of that story. We can’t wait to see the finished documentary programme.”
Project Manager at New Enterprise Studios, Wayne Madden, added: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players.
“The Shields Ferry has been a vital link in our region for centuries, and it’s a fantastic feeling to know this documentary will help preserve our region's history for future generations to come.
"I’m very excited about the prospect of making this documentary and helping to both educate and inform people.”
NES Managing Director, Wayne Thompson, said: "When I set up NES, I did so with a clear goal of helping others, helping them to learn and helping them to take pride in their region.
"This project is a wonderful chance to do both of those things and we're immeasurably grateful to be supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to enable us.”
Participants will learn skills in Journalism, Photography, Videography and more; with an educational programme also being scheduled to accommodate public workshops and engagement. Volunteers will also receive appropriate training in archival skills; so they can efficiently care for the preservation and legacy of their work.
The public are encouraged to become involved in the project from its inception as much as possible.
Those who feel they may have materials to share regarding the Ferry and its history can contact the production directly by emailing tynedoc@newenterprisestudios.com to discuss further.
Read More:
- North East council gets back £15m loaned to troubled Essex authority that has £1.5bn debt
- Metro boss says new trains 'can't come fast enough' after old fleet struggles in freezing weather
- More than 7,000 people have their say on plans to shut down leisure centres in Gateshead
- Bus chiefs told they must improve reliability as North East passengers left to endure 'utter misery'
- 'Incredibly disappointed' MP meets minister over major delays to Newcastle school being built
