Thankfully, the days of the notorious press gangs are long gone as a Newcastle based maritime charity looks for new volunteers.
The Northumbria Unit of the Maritime Volunteer Service are holding an informal information night to let prospective new volunteers see what the charity does on the region’s rivers.
Nationally, the organisation has more than 25 active units spread around the UK coastline at major port & river areas, with more units planned. Northumbria Unit is based in Benton and at St Peter’s Marina although their vessels can operate from the Tweed to the Tees. Last year, they were deployed extensively at the Sunderland Tall Ships Race.
The aim of the MVS is to keep the country’s maritime traditions alive. Practical training in seamanship, small boat handling, engineering and communications helps to achieve this.
Membership is open to both men & women irrespective of ethnic origin or disability from the age of 18.
As well as finding out more about the MVS, attendees will have the unique chance of a guided tour around one of Newcastle’s most historic buildings. The event on Thursday 11 April at 6pm at The Custom House on Newcastle Quayside also includes a tour of the building.
Sitting at the heart of Newcastle Quayside’s iconic frontage, The Custom House was built in 1765 but has undergone various adaptations over the years in response to increasing trade on the Tyne. Trinity refurbished and moved into star listed Georgian building in 2004. It is now home to over 80 practising barristers covering a wide range of legal areas.
MVS Volunteer Officer Angela Carrington said;
“We are very grateful to our hosts Trinity Chambers for their support and we look forward to welcoming members of the public who want to know more about our work in the region.”
To register for the free event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mvs-information-evening-plus-tour-of-the-custom-house-quayside-tickets-58396636913?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-