And the special group tour of Albert Park and the Teesside Archives at the Dorman Museum was captured in verse for posterity.
The day was organised by Middlesbrough Council’s Neighbourhoods Service to look at the town’s story for newcomers and long-term residents alike.
The event was also attended by Julie Easley from Tees Women’s Poets, who used the occasion to pen powerful poems that highlighted the strength and roots of the town and its people.
Jolande Mace, Middlesbrough Council’s Strategic Cohesion and Migration Manager, said: “We had a fantastic and diverse group from all sorts of backgrounds and there really was something for everyone.
“The town’s history is brought to life in the Museum and the Archives, and they vividly show how Middlesbrough is a town built on migration and stamped in steel all over the world – including the Sidney Harbour Bridge.
“It was fantastic to have Julie along and I love how she has been able to capture the day so well in verse.
“I particularly like her poem This Town which was written by capturing people’s feedback of the day itself.”
Members of the group included international students and a former president of the Teesside University Students’ Union, residents from Acklam, Marton and Linthorpe and a resettled family from Afghanistan.
The Museum and Archives visit was followed by a picnic lunch at the Bandstand and a trail through Albert Park, answering cryptic questions about landmarks in the park, creating bookmarks using nature, and identifying trees from their leaves.
The group even managed to discover some tree species, including the Caucasian Wingnut and the Turkey Oak.
Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Middlesbrough’s very foundations are built on migration and diversity, from the people who came here and created an industrial powerhouse to the proud Teessiders who have made their homes across the globe but remain fiercely proud of their roots.
“It’s all too easy to take our amazing heritage for granted, but a guided tour can really help to bring that history to life, both for those who’ve been here all their lives and those who have settled here more recently.
“Everyone involved clearly had a fantastic time, and Julie’s evocative poetry means they have a timeless souvenir of a great day out.”
