The life of Fred Grey, an influential teacher at South Shields Grammar School and a renowned natural historian, was celebrated by The Customs House through a series of educational walks, workshops and an exhibition.

Reflecting Grey’s interest in birds, The Customs House organised walks at Marsden Bay and Cleadon Hills, areas noted for their natural heritage and wildlife. The project worked with The Shields Gazette to organise the South Tyneside Wildlife Photography Competition, where people were encouraged to submit their photographs of South Tyneside’s wildlife. 24 participants also boosted their skills through project training sessions, and wildlife and art workshops.

Volunteers conducted archive research into Fred Grey’s life, which culminated in the Following Fred Exhibition at The Customs House Arts Centre. Materials from public and private collections which highlighted Grey’s ornithological expertise were identified and recorded. The exhibition attracted over 1,500 people, including local residents and international visitors.

Esen Kaya, project manager said: “Following Fred informed, taught and entertained those who accessed it, bridging the gap between the past and the present. The exhibition showed how heritage can be both imaginatively interpreted and entertainingly explained for the general public. It is hoped that Fred Grey’s personal heritage story might act as an inspiration.”