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Exploring the Past, Present, and Future of Ballast Hills: A Lifelong Learning Taster Session

This past Monday, the BHBG project was pleased to contribute to Explore Lifelong Learning in Newcastle with a 90-minute taster session titled Ballast Hills Burial Ground: Past, Present, and Future. Delivered by Mike Greatbatch and Myra Giesen, the session welcomed 33 attendees and prompted a lively exchange of ideas and questions about the site’s history, ongoing research, and future possibilities.

Several participants expressed interest in volunteering, highlighting the growing local interest in BHBG’s unique story and its role in the wider heritage landscape. We are especially grateful to Explore for providing a platform to share the project and connect with new audiences.

In other exciting news, we recently submitted a funding application to continue our research into Ballast Hills, where Explore is named as one of our partner organisations in the bid. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome; we would love to build on this momentum.

If you or your organisation would like to discuss opportunities to get involved or partner with the BHBG project, please contact Dr Myra Giesen. We are very interested to hear from anyone interested in collaborating.

To explore the full range of thought-provoking and accessible courses available through Explore, visit www.weareexplore.org.uk.

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Phoenix Folk’s ‘Listening Party’ in collaboration with Ballast Hills Burial Ground!

On Sunday, 13th April from 7pm ‘Phoenix Folk’ will be hosting an online listening party for their collection of fiddle tunes telling the lost stories of ‘Ballast Hills’.

They will also be joined by poet Harry Gallagher.

The zoom will include a chat about the inspirations and stories behind the collection and also playing some of the digital tracks from the album.

To sign up to the zoom and access the codes from the website: CLICK HERE

If you want to hear more from ‘Phoenix Folk’ they also have an upcoming live in-person performance on the 2nd May @ Cullercoat’s Watch House. Titled ‘Beneath This Ground’ this performance promises to be an eclectic mixture of fiddle tunes and poetry retelling the stories buried at Ballast Hills.

All music and poetry has been created by Marina Dodgson, Maurice Condie and Harry Gallagher, make sure to register now: https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/events/folkwatchhouse-beneath/

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Upcoming Newsletter Sign Up!

Our second newsletter is nearly ready!

Email us @ballast.hills@newcastle.ac.uk with the subject line ‘Subscribe’ to receive April’s edition and be added to our monthly mailing list

A sneak peek at this April’s updates;

  • Take a look back at our launch event we hosted at Newcastle City Library
  • Learn more about what our volunteers uncovered during March’s gravestone cleaning
  • What do you call Ballast Hills? Plaguey Fields, Grannies Park, BH Playground, Park, Cemetery, or Burial Ground
  • Hear from one of our Descendents Group members about their experience with uncovering their family history locally at Ballast Hills

If you missed our March edition you can find it here on our blog under the ‘Newsletter’ tab on the homepage ➡️

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Our Project ‘Launch Event’🌳

On March 22nd, we had the pleasure of hosting our launch event at Newcastle City Library! The event was a huge success and was a lovely opportunity for project leads, volunteers, descendants and everyone interested in BHBG to meet and share their own experiences of the site.

During the afternoon we were lucky enough to welcome ‘Phoenix Folk’ and Harry Gallagher who performed a range of music and poetry in reflection and solidarity with those buried at BHBG.

We are so happy to share with you the collection of music and poetry composed by the amazing ‘Phoenix Folk’ in collaboration with BHBG! https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/product-category/book/

Take a look at some photos from the event…

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BHBG Project: Calling for Your Historical Documents

We warmly invite anyone with documents related to BHBG to share them with us. Photographs, burial interment records, or any other items that capture the history of BHBG remain invaluable. By sharing your documents, you help us to carefully curate these treasures and make them more accessible to descendants of those buried or memorialised at BHBG.

When you send your items, please include any additional context that can offer insight into their origin and significance. We also kindly request that you grant permission for us to share these items and use them in exhibits.

Our project aims to build a comprehensive collection that honours the legacy of the individuals interred or memorialised at BHBG. All contributions are treated with respect and care, and every record and photograph that enriches our collective understanding of our history is appreciated.

If you have a document, a photograph, or any item that you believe could enrich our collection, please send it to our project team. Should you require any assistance with scanning or sending your document(s), do not hesitate to contact us for guidance.

Your support is crucial to our work, and we are grateful for your help in preserving the legacy of BHBG for future generations. We eagerly await your contributions and thank you in advance for your generosity.

037027: Ballast Hill Park Byker Newcastle upon Tyne Unknown 1936. Newcastle Libraries – https://www.flickr.com/photos/39821974@N06/4081253840/

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REMINDER: BHBG Launch Event @ Newcastle City Library🌳

Unlocking the Past, Enjoying the Present and Planning for the Future!

FINAL FEW FREE TICKETS REMAINING:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ballast-hills-burial-ground-past-present-and-future-tickets-1255686093909

March 22nd 2025, 13.30-15.30.

For those who have already secured tickets, expect live performances and reflections by experts on the current developments happening on site…

We look forward to welcoming you!!

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URGENT: Volunteers Needed to Complete the Pathway Before 3D Scanning!

Time is running out! We need your help to finish preparing the pathway before 3D scanning starts on 12 March. Our gravestone cleaning is halfway complete, but we can’t move forward without more volunteers. If you can spare even a couple of hours, please sign up for a session between 7–9 March using the Gravestone Cleaning Form.

Available Sessions:

  • Friday, 7 March – Morning, Early Afternoon, Late Afternoon
  • Saturday, 8 March – Morning, Early Afternoon, Late Afternoon
  • Sunday, 9 March – Morning Only

What to Bring:

Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. If you have gardening gloves, soft brushes, knee pads, or brooms, bring them along—most equipment will be provided. Please bring your own water and snacks.

If you’d rather support volunteers in other ways instead of cleaning, let us know at ballast.hills@newcastle.ac.uk.

🚨 We urgently need more hands! Please sign up today and share this with others who might be able to help. 🚨

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Ballast Hills Burial Ground Featured on BBC Look North!

We are thrilled that our work at Ballast Hills Burial Ground was featured on BBC Look North (North East and Cumbria) as part of the Evening News. The segment, which airs at 12:20, highlights the ongoing research and engagement efforts surrounding this historic site.

This feature is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the project, shedding light on the rich history of Ballast Hills and the stories it holds. Media coverage like this helps us reach a wider audience and invites more people to learn about and contribute to the work being done.

If you missed the broadcast, you can still catch it on BBC iPlayer until tomorrow (27 February 2025) at 6:58 pm. The episode will no longer be available after this time, so be sure to watch it while you can!

📺 Watch the segment here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0028fkp/look-north-north-east-and-cumbria-evening-news-26022025

A big thank you to Phoenix Folk for the music and hello.co for the drone footage of BHBG.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the project so far. Your enthusiasm and engagement continue to be invaluable in uncovering and preserving the history of Ballast Hills. See the previous post to register for the project launch on 22 March 2025; please note spaces are limited.

If this is your first time hearing about the project and you would like to learn more, explore our research, or get involved, feel free to reach out!

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BHBG: Unlocking the Past, Enjoying the Present, & Planning for the Future

Official Launch Event

Date: Saturday, 22 March 2025
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM GMT
Location: Bewick Hall, Level 2, Newcastle City Library, 33 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AX
Book: here

The Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG) Project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Curioisty Award, has been up and running since July 2024. We are now in a position to hold a launch event that will highlight all the work completed so far and outline what is planned for the future.

This event will bring together descendants, researchers, historians, musicians, and community members to explore BHBG’s past and its ongoing relevance today. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Uncover History: Gain insights into the historical and social context of BHBG and its importance in Newcastle’s past.
  • Learn About the Project: Hear from project leads Dr Myra Giesen and Dr Shane McCorristine from Newcastle University about key findings and next steps.
  • Engage with Research in Action: Discover how community collaboration, archival work, and on-site investigations are shaping a deeper understanding of the burial ground.
  • Experience History Through Music and Poetry: Enjoy performances by Phoenix Folk and poet Harry Gallagher, bringing BHBG’s stories to life.
  • Hear About Some of the People Buried There: Learn from Mike Greatbatch about individuals interred at BHBG and their connections to Newcastle’s history.
  • Get Involved: Ask questions, share knowledge, and learn how to contribute to the project.
  • Enjoy Refreshments: Take a break with tea, coffee, and biscuits while chatting with fellow attendees.

This event is made possible through AHRC funding and partnerships with Newcastle City Council (Planning), Newcastle City Library (History & Heritage), Ouseburn Trust, and North East Museums (Tyne & Wear Archives). By working together, we aim to raise awareness of BHBG’s historical significance and foster a greater appreciation for its role in Newcastle’s heritage.

To learn more about the BHBG Project, visit the About section of our blog.

Join Us!

The event is free, but spaces are limited. Secure your place by registering today!

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Gravestone Cleaning at BHBG: A Team Effort

The gravestones at Ballast Hills Burial Ground have witnessed centuries of history, but time and the elements have taken their toll. Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, including business groups through the Ouseburn Trust’s Corporate Volunteering Scheme, these important historical markers are getting much-needed care and attention.

Wednesday’s gravestone cleaning session made a real difference. The work has helped prepare the stones for upcoming 3D scanning and condition assessments, crucial steps in documenting and preserving this historic site. We are now almost halfway through the cleaning, and the progress so far is remarkable. However, to complete the task before March, we need more volunteers to help see it through.

The Ouseburn Trust’s Environment Volunteer Team and, more recently the Corporate Volunteering Scheme have been a valuable part of this effort. By offering businesses and organisations the opportunity to contribute to local projects, the scheme enables employees to make a tangible impact while developing teamwork and practical skills. The group from the Department for Work and Pensions who joined us Wednesday worked incredibly hard, and their efforts are visible across the site. Their contribution exemplifies how businesses can engage with the community while supporting important conservation work.

For companies looking to take part, the Ouseburn Trust provides structured volunteering opportunities that align with corporate social responsibility goals. Sessions can be tailored to suit group sizes and availability, ensuring a rewarding and productive experience for all involved. Whether it is gravestone cleaning, habitat restoration, or other hands-on projects, corporate teams can play a significant role in preserving the Ouseburn Valley’s rich heritage.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the project will focus on completing the gravestone cleaning and moving forward with 3D scanning and condition assessments. With continued volunteer support, we can ensure these historical markers are documented and preserved for future generations.

Information about volunteering for more cleaning opportunities will be posted here along with the March recording days. Feel free to reach out to be placed on the call-out list by emailing ballast.hills@newcastle.ac.uk.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who have contributed so far—your hard work is making a lasting difference!

Photo credit for the first four photos goes to John Hipkins, while the last two were taken by Myra Giesen.