(Image: Supplied)
An Irish poet has brought his great-grandparents’ wedding-day crossing of the River Tyne to life in a 'moving' short film.
Poet and artist Noel Connor’s poem tells how his great-grandparents, Ellen Hannah and Thomas Connor, took the Shields Ferry — then known as the “Ha’penny Dodger” — from South Shields to North Shields in October 1848 to reach St Cuthbert’s Church, then the area’s only Catholic church.
Mr Connor, originally from Belfast, said: "It’s really satisfying to have my work showcased on the Shields Ferry.
Irish poet Noel Connor aboard the Shields Ferry (Image: Supplied)
"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."
Irish poet Noel Connor at the Shields Ferry (Image: Supplied)
His short poetry film, Crossings, was screened aboard the Shields Ferry on National Poetry Day, October 1, and will be shown until Saturday, October 3.
The couple’s marriage was recorded at North Tyneside Registry Office, which overlooks the river.
Neither Ellen nor Thomas could read or write, so both signed the register with a simple cross.
He said: "So little is known of them, no photographs, no letters.
Irish poet Noel Connor aboard the Shields Ferry (Image: Supplied)
"It was important for me to recognise and celebrate my connection to them, the North East and the River Tyne.
"Making the film and poem accessible and conversational for ferry passengers was vital to the project.
"Not many people buy poetry books any more, so we have to find new ways to get poetry out there.
"I’ve always relished bringing poetry to people in unexpected places to trigger their memories, because everyone has a fascinating story to tell."
Mr Connor said: "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.
"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 backed the project and welcomed Mr Connor aboard the Spirit of the Tyne to unveil the poem.
Kevin Leonard, Nexus’s customer service operations manager, said: "It’s an honour for us to present Noel’s poetry film on our ferry.
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"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."
The poem is also featured in an exhibition at the Globe Gallery in North Shields.