The connection between Antarctica and the port of Blyth grew stronger as a unique scuplture was unveiled by Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland.
The first land south of the parallel 60° south latitude was discovered by a Blyth sea captain, William Smith who sighted Livingston Island on 19 February 1819. A few months later he returned to explore the other islands of the South Shetlands archipelago, landed on King George Island, and claimed the new territories for Britain. His ship, The Williams was built at Blyth.
Now, Blyth Tall Ship are keeping the tradition and history alive by renovating The Williams II and giving young people the chance to learn valuable practical skills to further their career prospects.
Councillor Gordon Webb, a County Councillor as well as a Blyth Town Councillor has used his County Councillor’s Local Improvement Scheme Funding to pay for the sculpture.
“I did it because I don’t think enough people in Blyth know about Captain William Smith from our town. He grew up here and was educated in Blyth and discovered the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Island, in the Brig “Williams” which was built in the Blyth shipyard of Alexander and John Davison. This is part of the history and heritage of Blyth and I think we should be proud of it. I thought doing something like this would remind people of it and the Blyth Tall Ship project that will follow in his footsteps”, he said.
Please see www.blythtowncouncil.org.ukand www.facebook.com/BlythTC
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Photo: Her Grace The Duchess of Northumberland, Blyth’s Mayor Cllr Warren Taylor and Cllr Webb (Highlights PR)
Media Information Keith Newman Highlights PR Keith@highlightspr.co.uk07814 397951