Latest news with #RiverTyne
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Ferry skipper father shows son the ropes
A new recruit on the Shields Ferry is proving to be a chip off the old block by following in his father's footsteps. Stephen Beck joined the passenger ferry which links North and South Shields across the River Tyne as second mate and is in training to pass the maritime equivalent of a driving test Among those showing him the ropes is his father - also Stephen - who has 30 years of experience as the craft's skipper. The 23-year-old said it was great to be able to tap into all that knowledge. Mr Beck Sr, 61 and from Gateshead, said: "The ferries must be in the blood, because he really has the knack of driving them. "He's a chip off the old block. "I've been showing him the ropes, as I do with all our new recruits, and it does seem like he's got this natural ability for the job. "It's brilliant that the ferry-driving baton is being passed from father to son in our family." Mr Beck Jr, also from Gateshead, added: "Part of the appeal of the job was a chance to work with my dad. "He has huge experience and knowledge of the ferry - it's great that I've been able to tap into that. "He's not too much of a taskmaster...I'd say firm but fair so far, he's not had to tell me off for anything just yet." He added: "It was a bit daunting at first, getting behind the controls of the ferry with your dad at your shoulder giving the lesson. "It's a bit like learning to drive a car, once you get the hang of it you're absolutely fine." Operator Nexus said it was the first time it had such a family connection and it was heartwarming to see how proud they were to work together. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. 'A lot of people think I'm related to Sting' Cayman Islands weatherman gets new job on Tyne ferry Nexus
BBC News
7 days ago
- BBC News
Shields ferry skipper shows trainee son ropes
A new recruit on the Shields Ferry is proving to be a chip off the old block by following in his father's Beck joined the passenger ferry which links North and South Shields across the River Tyne as second mate and is in training to pass the maritime equivalent of a driving testAmong those showing him the ropes is his father - also Stephen - who has 30 years of experience as the craft's 23-year-old said it was great to be able to tap into all that knowledge. Mr Beck Sr, 61 and from Gateshead, said: "The ferries must be in the blood, because he really has the knack of driving them. "He's a chip off the old block."I've been showing him the ropes, as I do with all our new recruits, and it does seem like he's got this natural ability for the job. "It's brilliant that the ferry-driving baton is being passed from father to son in our family." 'Bit daunting' Mr Beck Jr, also from Gateshead, added: "Part of the appeal of the job was a chance to work with my dad. "He has huge experience and knowledge of the ferry - it's great that I've been able to tap into that."He's not too much of a taskmaster...I'd say firm but fair so far, he's not had to tell me off for anything just yet."He added: "It was a bit daunting at first, getting behind the controls of the ferry with your dad at your shoulder giving the lesson."It's a bit like learning to drive a car, once you get the hang of it you're absolutely fine." Operator Nexus said it was the first time it had such a family connection and it was heartwarming to see how proud they were to work together. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- BBC News
Dunston Staiths to reopen for event after 'safe route' found
A historical timber structure on the River Tyne is to reopen to the public this weekend after a "safe route" was found on damaged than 130 years old and previously used to load coal on to ships, Dunston Staiths, at Gateshead, had been due to open earlier this month for the first of a series of events during spring and the first open day was cancelled, with the Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust (TWBPT) saying damage had been found in some areas due to be accessed by has now confirmed an event on Saturday will go ahead, with groups of 10 led by staff and volunteers between 18:00 BST and dusk. TWBPT, which took on responsibility for the structure in the 1990s, previously said without repairs, the damage "could result in trip hazards and other safety risks".The issues were identified by a structural engineer late last month as part of an assessment of the effects of winter weather. 'Local heritage' Describing the decision to open the structure this weekend as "good news", the organisation said: "To address their concerns about trip hazards for visitors, the team have planned a safe route on the Staiths for small, guided groups."This different approach to public access might mean the Staiths can also open for the other planned open days between now and September, including the next one on 7 June, if temporary repairs can be completed in time." Kari Vickers, deputy manager at the trust, said there had been an "incredibly supportive" public response when the previous event's cancellation was added: "It's clear that people really value Dunston Staiths and how significant it is to our local heritage."We all want it to be an active part of the future of this area so we'll keep exploring ways to keep it open and safe for people to discover and enjoy."The staiths was previously one of 30 along the river in the days when the north-east of England supplied coal to the more than 500m (1,650ft) in length, it is reputedly the largest timber structure in Europe and is now part of the nine-mile (14km) Tyne Derwent Way trail connecting sites along the river, including St Mary's Heritage Centre and the Gibside estate. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
