Blyth Tall Ship sets sail for growth

A Northumberland heritage charity is charting an ambitious course for growth, expanding its community programmes, skills training and youth engagement initiatives.

Blyth Tall Ship has entered a new phase under chief executive Siobhan Sargeant, who has spent just over a year reshaping the organisation’s direction and broadening its reach across the region.

At the heart of the charity is the historic Williams II, a 111-year-old vessel that continues to act as a focal point for its work. 

While maritime heritage remains central, the organisation has evolved into a multi-purpose community hub, offering a wide range of educational, training and family-focused activities.

Over the past year, Blyth Tall Ship has expanded its existing programmes and introduced new initiatives designed to support both learning and income generation. 

Volunteer numbers have grown, with participants gaining hands-on experience alongside skilled shipwrights, learning traditional techniques that might otherwise be lost.

The charity also delivers practical training in areas such as woodworking, helping individuals build confidence, develop new skills and improve employability. 

Alongside this, its sailing programme has seen significant growth, offering accessible day sails and longer voyages for people of all experience levels.

Its archive centre, based at Bates Terminal in the Port of Blyth, has continued to attract visitors interested in maritime history, genealogy and local heritage. 

Siobhan, pictured below, said “The main area of growth has really been our archive development. 

“Thanks to our experienced and dedicated archive volunteers we have now catalogued the entire collection and began the digitisation process meaning we can look to accreditation. 

“Recent exhibitions and events have opened new doors for us with funders and raising the profile of the archives has meant we have seen a record number of donations to the collection this year.”

Plans are now underway for a major relocation in 2026, which will allow the charity to welcome larger groups, expand its exhibition programme and re-engage schools from across the region.

A key development for the coming year is the launch of Harbour Sparks, a new National Lottery-funded initiative aimed at young people aged 11 to 18. 

The programme will combine STEM learning with creative and practical activities, including storytelling, writing and hands-on skills, with elements delivered directly in schools.

Community engagement remains central to the charity’s mission. 

Free events, including open days and seasonal celebrations, have helped attract hundreds of visitors, offering accessible opportunities for families to learn, take part and connect.

The organisation is also expanding its outreach work, taking elements of its archive and training programmes into community settings to reach new audiences and reduce barriers to participation.

With a busy events calendar ahead, including its first appearance at Blyth Carnival and involvement in Harbour Day, Blyth Tall Ship is continuing to strengthen its role as a key cultural and community asset in the region while laying the foundations for future growth.

Siobhan added: “We’ve a growing programme of activities and a clear focus on inclusion and opportunity and our aim is simple: to inspire people through history, hands-on experiences, and the unique opportunity to connect with heritage.”

To find out more about the Blyth Tall Ship, click here.

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