Renovation of ‘The Tall Ship’ at Blyth – The Williams 2
After a recent visit by Clive Gray to the Rotary Club, members and friends were invited to visit the tall ship which is being restored by Clive and his team in Blyth Harbour.
The Blyth Tall Ship charity is a project to help the community and in particular, to teach young people traditional skills that will enable them to find employment in carpentry, ship building and engineering etc. It is situated at the Apprentice Workshop, 1 Quay Road, South Harbour, Blyth.
After a recent visit by Clive Gray to the Rotary Club, members and friends were invited to visit the tall ship which is being restored by Clive and his team in Blyth Harbour.
The Blyth Tall Ship charity is a project to help the community and in particular, to teach young people traditional skills that will enable them to find employment in carpentry, ship building and engineering etc. It is situated at the Apprentice Workshop, 1 Quay Road, South Harbour, Blyth.
The ‘Blyth Tall Ship adventure' as it is known, is being led by ex-commando Clive Gray. He is aiming to recapture the spirit of traditional seafaring by re-creating the original voyage of William Smith, a former resident of Blyth. Smith was the first person to discover Antarctica in 1819, but was never recognised or acknowledged for his discovery. So, Clive and his team will re-create this voyage in a re-built and refurbished ship called the Williams 2. It is hoped that this will inspire future generations of young people to fulfil their potential by:
working and running in a training centre - a traditional workshop that introduces a variety of skills through the medium of heritage boat building, whilst working alongside retired engineers, carpenters, joiners etc.
When the project is complete the team will be able to run an expedition to celebrate the discovery of the Antarctic Landmass in their restored and refitted heritage vessel learning a whole range of new skills that will hopefully enable them to be better equipped to face the challenges of an ever changing society. On completion it is hoped that a museum and visitor attraction will be established alongside other partners on the quayside at Blyth.
Whitley Bay Rotary Club would wish them well in this adventure and were grateful to be given the opportunity to visit the centre.
If you are interested in finding out more about Whitley Bay Rotary Club, please contact us either on enquiries@whitleybayrotaryclub.co.uk or by telephoning 07419 736989.