Published on 26 June 2018
Discover more about the most notable shipwrecks along our North East coast and the lifesaving equipment developed to protect those at sea at our latest Summer Community Lecture Series.
From 1850 to 1865 20,000 ships were lost around the British coast with a huge loss of life. Kathleen Gill’s lecture will look at some of the most notable shipwrecks on the North East coast, the development of life saving apparatus and focus on the role of Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade, founded in 1877.
Most of Kathleen’s working life was with Sunderland City Council, mainly with Social Services. She has been a volunteer with Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade for over 10 years and for many of these headed their museum in the Roker Watch House. Since retiring she has set up a genealogy research service, Northumbria Roots, to indulge her love of family history.
Our Community Lectures are open to all. Each entertaining lecture is given by authoritative speakers between May and August.
Shipwrecks and Life Saving takes place tomorrow (June 27), in the Sir Tom Cowie Lecture Theatre, Prospect Building, St Peter’s Campus. Lectures start at 2.30pm and last about one hour. There is no need to book but those attending are asked to arrive at the Prospect Building between 2pm and 2.30pm to register before the lecture begins.
There is (pay) parking in the grounds of the campus and St Peter’s Metro Station is within a few minutes walking distance. Alternatively the regular 700 bus service runs from the Park Lane Bus Station to St. Peter’s Campus itself.
This summer there are six free and entertaining Community Lectures, welcoming authoritative guest speakers on the theme of river ships.
For more information about the 2018 Community Lectures Series contact Paul Haustead on (0191) 515 3265, or email events@sunderland.ac.uk (link sends e-mail)
2018 Community Lectures Series
June 27 - Shipwrecks and Life Saving, Kathleen Gill
July 18 - Life and Death at Sea in the 19th Century, George Patterson
August 8 - What can Nelson tell us about climate change? Dennis Wheeler
August 22 - “A ship of brilliant qualities”, Jack Curtis