MIDDLESBROUGH Local History Month returns for 2016 with a wide range of fascinating walks, talks, tours and events running on every day of May.
Each event brings opportunities for everyone to explore Middlesbrough’s history and heritage from Linthorpe Pottery to the 1966 World Cup, via Captain James Cook, the Transporter Bridge and the Empire theatre.
Middlesbrough Council Arts, Events & Festivals Development Officer Phil Douglas said: “There is a growing interest in local history in Middlesbrough and we are lucky enough to have so much of it that we can put such a strong programme together every year.
“The event is a real partnership from start to finish and we want to thank all the community and voluntary groups who come together and give their time to making Local History Month such a popular event.”
Local History Month is launched on Tuesday, May 3, at Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough’s only Grade I listed building which has recently reopened following a substantial renovation. From 6.30pm-8pm historian Martin F Peagam will tell the story of the Hall.
Following on from the launch event is a whole host of interesting excursions. A series of walks and talks by the Friends of Linthorpe Cemetery and Nature Reserve will focus on the history of Cannon Street, local tradespeople such as Hinton, Forbes, Newbould and Archibald and notable clergymen and religious figures.
Cycling through the ages is a chance to enjoy local two-wheeled history while riding, Captain Cook’s Ice Excursions will be explored, the workings and social life of ICI, 1966 and all that with writers Harry Pearson, John Nicholson and Daniel Gray.
One big highlight for many will be the rescreening of Middlesbrough on Film. First screened in October 2013 then in May 2014, the archive footage has become essential viewing for many in the town, showing as it does the ports, pubs, shops and ships, Charlton’s Champions and the opening of the Transporter Bridge.
The history of the ‘Tranny’ will be explored in its own right, while Rene Porteous will be giving guided tours of the home she shared with her late husband, the artist Glynn Porteous. The house is recognised as a work of art in its own right.
Industry will be explored through the Development of the Infant Hercules, tours of the Empire theatre are on offer, a talk on Christopher Dresser, a James Cook schoolroom walk and a Fairy Dell history walk, a talk on 100 years of public transport in Middlesbrough, a talk on Middlesbrough’s Winter Gardens and many Boro related tours also form the month of local history.
One talk taking place is Players with Strange Shaped Balls – the story of rugby. As hard as it is to believe now, football wasn’t always the most popular sport round these parts. Historian Martin F Peagam will explain why cricket led to rugby, why rugby lost out to football and why one local club has a sprinkling of Hollywood glitter.
- For a full programme of events including times, places and costs, visit www.historymiddlesbrough.com or visit Discover Middlesbrough on Facebook.