The Kathleen and May Heritage Centre, located on Dock Road in Connah’s Quay, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the town’s and area’s maritime and industrial heritage. Through exhibitions, interactive displays, and educational programs, it brings history to life, sharing the stories of shipbuilders, sailors, and industrial pioneers. As a hub for learning and engagement, the centre welcomes visitors, history enthusiasts, and locals, offering opportunities to explore and connect with the community’s past or spend a fantastic day out. By safeguarding tradition, the centre inspires future generations to appreciate and carry forward Connah’s Quay’s unique heritage while ensuring these stories remain vibrant and relevant.
Home to the Connah’s Quay Sea Cadets, the centre fosters leadership, teamwork, and maritime skills among young people. A dedicated team of volunteers, including local professionals, members of the Deeside and District Historical Society, the Buckley Society, and local councillors, contribute their expertise to its success. Their efforts keep the centre thriving as a space where history is preserved and celebrated. Visitors are encouraged to engage with its exhibitions and programs, making history an immersive experience. As a cultural landmark, the Kathleen and May Heritage Centre stands as a testament to the town’s past while strengthening the bond between heritage and community.
Our heritage centre takes its name from the Kathleen and May ship, built in 1900 by Ferguson and Baird at their Connah’s Quay shipyard for the Coppack brothers. It is the last surviving three-masted topsail schooner in the UK. Originally named Lizzie May, after Captain John Coppack’s daughters, she was launched in April 1900. In 1908, she was sold to Martin J. Fleming of Youghal, Ireland, and renamed Kathleen and May after his daughters. Over the years, she played a vital role in coal trading and even carried gunpowder during World War II. Today, she stands as a tribute to our maritime past and remains a significant part of the National Historic Fleet.
Our mission is to connect past and present, inspire future generations, and serve as a dynamic community centre that fosters deep connections, celebrates heritage, and sparks creative energy among all.
We envision a revitalized Connah’s Quay Dock where rich maritime heritage and modern vibrancy merge, creating a thriving community hub with enriching experiences, renewed unity, and joyful gatherings for all.
We value learning from our history to shape tomorrow, ensuring information is accessible for all, while actively preserving and digitising our heritage so its timeless lessons endure among future generations.
Friends of Kathleen & May
In early 2025, Friends of Kathleen and May refurbished the site after securing funding and a Sea Cadets takeover. A dedicated team of professionals devoted to community and heritage contributed expertise to launch a new era for Connah’s Quay Docks.
Putting the Quay Back in Connah's Quay
Funding was secured to revitalize Connah’s Quay docks, supporting local development. A café operated at the site, serving the community until the pandemic forced its closure. The initiative aimed to reconnect the town with its maritime heritage, fostering renewed engagement.
The Quay Waterman's Association
In the 1980s, the Quay Watermans Association took over, renovating the hall and using it as a venue for gatherings focused on the quay's maritime history. Their efforts preserved local heritage, fostering discussions and celebrations of the area's seafaring traditions.
Interest Group of Local Fishermen
In the 1950s, local fishermen formed interest groups, holding meetings at the site of the current heritage centre. They exchanged knowledge, discussed fishing techniques, and strengthened community ties, laying the foundation for the area's rich maritime traditions preserved today.
" Love going here, always nice food and do different events for the kids throughout the year, affordable too! "
" Great little place run by the community for the community, I go every month to the table top sale, cafe serves fresh food everyday. Some interesting information on the walls about the local community history with old photos as well. "
" Run by volunteers who are trying to preserve the heritage of Connah's Quay docks. Good food, again all prepared by volunteers, call in and support their valiant efforts. "
