Submitted by kathryn.jones on

Feeling isolated? Want to make some new friends? Join us for a cuppa and learn some new skills!

Blyth Tall Ship is thrilled to be delivering a series of maritime heritage courses to improve the mental health and wellbeing in the communities of Blyth Valley and the North East. Learn the Ropes is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The courses are open to all, just click on them below for further details and booking. Courses are 6-12 weeks long. No previous experience is necessary and all training is provided in a friendly and welcoming environment.

For 2024: To help us to continue to provide these courses for our community we are introducing a fee for returning students. This is to help cover the associated cost of materials, heating, refreshments etc for each course. If this is your first time taking a Learn the Ropes course you can take it for free. You are also welcome to make a contribution if you wish. Space is still allocated on a first come first served basis.

Returning student fees/suggested contribution:

Heritage Knitting - £60

12 week course, Wednesdays 10:30- 12:30 from 24 April 2024.  Keep heritage skills alive!  In the course you will design your own cushion cover based on a variety of traditional patterns used in Gansey knitting.  You should leave the course with something you have designed and knitted yourself.  Skill levels will be assessed at the beginning.  Participants needing a challenge can be given further advanced gansey projects and patterns.  At minimum: to join this course you need to be able to knit basic stitches.

Sewing with Sailcloth - £60

8 week course, Mondays 1-3pm from 15 April 2024.  Come along and learn the art of sewing with canvas sailcloth fabric!  You will start with a sampler piece to practice different techniques on.  Then you will learn about making and cutting patterns and seam stitching by hand. Then it will be time to select your project!  You will leave the course with either a tote bag, tool roll, or hammock you have sewn yourself. 

Shanties - Free

12 week course, Fridays 10:30-12:30pm from 26 April 2024.  A very welcoming weekly singing session open to all.  Registration essential.  Come round for a cuppa and a chat.

Ropework - £30

6 week course, Wednesdays 1-3pm from 27 March 2024.  Come along and learn a variety of sailing knots and when to use them.  We will teach you how to how to finish off a rope (sailmakers whipping) as well as a bit of splicing.  At least one few of the course will be dedicated to making your very own knot presentation board which will be yours to keep.  Parts of this course may take place on our tall ship The Williams II while it is moored along the Quayside.  Access may involve climbing a small ladder to get onboard and to access the lower decks.

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