Key Milestones of the North East Maritime Trust
Updated, 20-Aug-26
2002 Founder members of NEMT visit Seahouses with their recent purchase.
2002 Coble and Keelboat Society discusses proposal for a maritime restoration workshop.
2003 C&KS considers means of creating a restoration workshop at Corporation Quay, South Shields.
2003, August A committee is formed to develop the proposed establishment of the South Shields workshop.
2003, 19th August C&KS meets South Tyneside Council to discuss take over of the former Eurostag workshop at Unit 2/3 Wapping Street for establishment of NEMT.
2004 NEMT operating autonomously as an unincorporated trust.
2005, 13th September NEMT incorporated as a limited liability company.
2005, 1st November NEMT granted licence to occupy Unit 2/3 Wapping Street for one year.
2006, 7th September Feasibility study commissioned at the request of STC as a prerequisite for being granted security of tenure; such secure tenure being necessary to obtain funds for development.
2007, 6th February Charitable status awarded to NEMT.
2007, March Feasibility study (Preliminary Options Appraisal) published and forwarded to STC.
2007, 2nd April The lifeboat Henry Frederick Swan given to NEMT by members of the trust who had purchased it in 2005.
2008, 9th April Twenty Five Year Lease offered by STC but without security of tenure as STC would have a break option at twelve months notice. The “Council would not wish to prejudice any future regeneration scheme in the area”.
2013, October Lease for the workshop (Fisherman’s units 2/3) commenced. For 30 years to 30th September 2043.
2016, March Lease commenced for the Boatyard (former Fred Crowell workshop). Date of termination 30th September 2043.
2019, April 22nd Henry Frederick Swan Restoration.
When someone told Tony Henderson the author of an article in the Newcastle Chronicle “The Henry Frederick Swan was the first restoration project undertaken by the trust when it was established in 2005 to keep alive traditional wooden boat building and repair skills.” they were being economical with the truth as anyone who has been following my website can check for themselves by viewing the posts up to and including the one for September 2011.
The post for September 2011 shows the fleet of vessels belonging the North East Maritime Trust minus the coble, Peggy.
Peggy was the first boat to be cast off by NEMT, i.e. denied that they had any part in her restoration, and it was not long before the Rachel Douglas, Favourite, and the Sovereign followed her. Pease note the denial that NEMT had anything to do with the restoration of any of those boats began as Mr A Renwick assumed the Chairmanship of NEMT on the death of his predecessor.
Mick Dawson
20th August 2026