Schools to make film of Maryport’s Titanic liner link

By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 12:43, Wednesday, 02 February 2011

Maryport youngsters will delve into the town’s links with the Titanic to mark next year’s centenary of its tragic maiden voyage.

The Titanic

Thanks to a £9,400 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Maryport Church of England Junior School will be leading a group of 12 local schools to make two short films called The Wreck of the Titanic.

The town has connections with the ill-fated ship as it was the pride of the White Star Line, whose founder Thomas Ismay was born in the town.

Another Cumbrian was Joseph Bell, the ship’s chief engineer, who was among the 1,500 people who perished.

He is credited with keeping the ship’s boilers working to ensure that lights stayed on as long as possible helping passengers to make their way to the lifeboats.

The pupils will help to make two short films.

One will relate to the history of Maryport and its connections with the ship and the other will re-create a silent movie called Saved from the Titanic.

These will be premiered locally, at the Wave Centre later this year before becoming part of the special event in Carlisle next April, which will also features dramatic performances and a piece of specially commissioned music.

Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, Sara Hilton, said: “Local children have the chance not only to learn more about their town’s special connection with the Titanic but they will be contributing to their local museum and a regional event.”

It is hoped that the two films will form part of the Titanic display at the Maryport Museum and will be included on a DVD to be made available for every school taking part in the project.

Cumbria County Council’s Maryport Cluster extended services advisor, Nicola Woolley, said: “It is wonderful to be able to offer the children of Maryport a chance to be involved in activities that not only expand their local knowledge but extend their opportunities to learn new skills.”

First published at 11:45, Wednesday, 02 February 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk