Clive Gray’s Legacy: 15 Years of Growth and Transformation

Fifteen years ago, Blyth Tall Ship was little more than an idea—an ambitious feasibility study exploring how maritime heritage could be used to inspire and support people facing barriers to employment and well-being. Today, it is a nationally recognised charity that has helped over 500 unemployed individuals into work, provided well-being programmes to over 300 people post-pandemic, and welcomed 100,000 visitors from around the world.

Reflecting on his journey, Clive Gray shared:

"It’s been an honour, a privilege, and a ‘life’s work’ founding and growing Blyth Tall Ship. What started as a one-year feasibility study while I explored Ordination after an international business career and a commission in the Marines, is now celebrating 15 years of delivering innovative employability and well-being programmes enabled through the medium of maritime heritage skills."

Blyth Tall Ship’s impact extends beyond individual lives. It has cultivated a strong volunteer force of over 400 people, including engineers, sailing crews, and a thriving sea shanty choir. It has also preserved and revived disappearing heritage skills, ensuring that maritime craftsmanship remains a living, breathing part of the community.

"Nobody starts a charity to make money, but to address social justice and human flourishing issues that are not supported by government or industry, and we have done that in spades. The beauty is that we have also supported industry by providing a pipeline of trained engineering professionals, delivering team-building programmes, and improving public well-being—all while creating a vibrant, one-of-a-kind community."

The journey has not been without its challenges. Clive and the team navigated a double-dip recession, Brexit, and COVID-19, all while continuing to grow and evolve. Their resilience was recognised in 2022 when Blyth Tall Ship won the prestigious National Lottery Award for Heritage.

As Clive steps down, he does so with immense pride, knowing the charity is in a strong position to move forward:

"I am leaving Blyth Tall Ship in its best shape since its inception, but I recognise that there are still huge challenges ahead in our changing society. While I shall miss some elements of BTS, stepping into my new role as a Pioneer Minister in the Methodist Church allows me to address human flourishing and social justice problems across the North East—finally realising the original exploration I started 15 years ago. Look after Blyth Tall Ship for me so it continues to serve the community and transform lives for years to come."

Welcoming Siobhan Sargeant: A Vision for the Future

As Blyth Tall Ship moves forward, it does so under the leadership of Siobhan Sargeant, a seasoned leader with 20 years of experience in the charity and business sectors in the North East. Siobhan brings a deep understanding of the power of community-driven organisations, and she is ready to build on Clive’s legacy while guiding the charity into its next phase of growth.

Sharing her excitement about joining Blyth Tall Ship, Siobhan said:

"I’m delighted to join Blyth Tall Ship as CEO as we embark upon the next stage in our charity's development, and I'm genuinely excited about the possibilities which lie ahead of us. I've been in the charity and business sectors in the North East for 20 years, and I’m still in awe of the passion and drive from charity supporters at all levels, which keeps organisations in our region alive and thriving—even in times of great hardship. I’ve never seen this displayed more fearlessly than here at Blyth Tall Ship."

Siobhan recognises that the strength of Blyth Tall Ship lies in its people—the trustees, staff, volunteers, and supporters who keep the organisation moving forward.

"From dedicated Trustees who share their unique skill sets to ensure compliance and map out courses for our future, to teams of staff who work tirelessly to meet the needs of increasingly large numbers of beneficiaries who often come to us in challenging circumstances, to our armies of volunteers, so driven by a love for our cause that they give their time, experience, and enthusiasm without charge."

But for Siobhan, Blyth Tall Ship is about more than just training and heritage—it’s about creating a sense of hope and belonging.

"Together, they create a community where learners, visitors, and supporters come together to celebrate heritage but leave with a sense of hope, possibility, and drive for the future. Blyth Tall Ship creates valuable shared experiences and meaningful learning opportunities, but what we really create is friendship, hope, and a renewed sense of self. I'm proud to be a part of this journey."

Looking to the Future

With Siobhan at the helm, Blyth Tall Ship is set to expand its impact and ensure its long-term sustainability. Plans are already in motion to develop new income streams, including an immersive visitor attraction that will bring its maritime archive to life. The charity will continue to preserve and celebrate its maritime heritage while creating opportunities for those in need.

While change can be bittersweet, one thing remains certain: Blyth Tall Ship’s mission is stronger than ever. With a dedicated team, a passionate community, and a new leader ready to steer the ship forward, the future looks bright.

We thank Clive Gray for his incredible contributions and wish him the very best in his new role. And we warmly welcome Siobhan Sargeant, as she takes the wheel and leads Blyth Tall Ship into its next adventure.