Irish poet’s family tribute showcased on the Shields Ferry

Noel Connor, an award-winning artist and writer, originally from Belfast, penned the heartwarming poem in honour of his relatives Ellen Hannah and Thomas Connor, who were married in North Tyneside in October 1848.

Noel was inspired by his family’s connection to the River Tyne. Watch the poem here: Crossings – YouTube

His poem, titled ‘Crossings’, has been showcased on board the Shields Ferry to mark National Poetry Day, Thursday 1 October. It will also feature in an exhibition at the Globe Gallery in North Shields.

Ellen and Thomas, who had settled in South Shields from Northern Ireland, caught the ferry, known back then as the ‘Ha’penny Dodger’, on their wedding day to get to St Cuthbert’s Church in North Shields.

This is because it was the only Catholic church in the area at that time.

Neither of the couple were able to read or write. When they were married, they could only make crosses beside their names in the official marriage register, a register which is now housed in the North Tyneside Registry Office, overlooking the river.

Noel has travelled to Tyneside in person to unveil his latest work, which is displayed on board the newer of the two Shields ferries, Spirit of the Tyne, for customers to enjoy.

He said: “It’s really satisfying to have my work showcased on the Shields Ferry. This poem is very close to my heart as it’s a tribute to my great grandparents and their connections with Tyneside.

“I wanted to commemorate them in my work and was determined to share their story, ‘the wordless ones’ who couldn’t read or write or leave some record of themselves. I hope I’ve managed to do that in ‘Crossings’.

“So little is known of them, no photographs, no letters. It was important for me to recognise and celebrate my connection to them and the North-East and the River Tyne. Making the film and the poem accessible and conversational for the Ferry passengers was a vital objective of the project. Not many people buy poetry books anymore so we have to look at new ways to get it out there. I’ve always relished bringing poetry to people in unexpected places as a way of triggering their own memories, knowing that everyone really has a fascinating story to tell.

“It’s been great for me to come here to the north east and unveil my poem on National Poetry Day. I hope that people enjoy seeing the film on the ferry – and can identify with the story that lies behind it.”

He added: “It’s a work which is about real people’s lives. Not many people will know that there was only one Catholic church here at that time, which is why the Ferry comes into the story.

“Their marriage was registered over on the north side of the Tyne on 10 October 1848. I learned that they signed the register by making two very nervous crosses on the marriage certificate as they were both illiterate. That was the reality for so many other people back in those days.

“It’s lovely that the ferry was part of their wedding day. It’s an historic and much-loved service on the River Tyne. It’s been there for hundreds of years.”

Shields Ferry operator Nexus said it was delighted to be part of the project.

Kevin Leonard, Customer Service Operations Manager at Nexus, said: “It’s an honour for us to present Noel’s poetry film on our ferry. It’s a fantastic tribute to his great grandparents. He’s done them proud.

“We were delighted to welcome him on board to unveil the poem on National Poetry Day. I am sure our customers will love encountering it.”