Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne And Wear

St Vincents orphanage - re Henry Ritchies memory

My father (same name) was there between 1933-41 and also has many memories. Talk to him if you are able to start his memory cells. e mail:     norman.phillipson@talktalk.net

ON BEING A CINEMA MANAGER!!

Having written the last article on Children’s Matinees so many memories flitted through my brain, so I had to write them down! And no doubt I shall add to them over the weeks.

Going back to the old Corona at Felling, I just remembered that I was very young fresh out of the Navy and full of my own importance!... [more]

OFF TO SCHOOL I GO!!

It’s so strange that you can remember so many things from early childhood, all those years ago! And it still feels clear as if it was yesterday and they bubble up into your brain after lying there undisturbed in the pits of time with no effort from you..,such as finding a jar of Pond’s Vanishing Cream on the dressing table in... [more]

THE PASSING OF A GRAND OLD THEATRE

The old Grand Theatre at Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne was one of well over 65 theatres and cinemas in the city in the heyday of entertainment.

Kenneth More in repertory, Winifred Atwell playing her first date in England, Bobby Thompson and the Merry Magpies, The Tattler Girls, many many Pantomimes, Revues and Variety Shows, Musical Comedy, the list could go... [more]

St Vincent de Paul Orphanage in Brunel Street

I spent 10 years in this orphanage, with many memories. Was anyone else there from 1931-1941, or does anyone have any information or photos?

OH YES HE IS! OH NO HE ISN''T!!!!

(ANOTHER PANTO STORY)

It’s like some eureka moment from no ware! Out of the fog of time come more memories of the early days in theatre, this time yet another Panto story.
We were doing Aladdin in a large theatre in the north, packed to the last seat in the Gods with happy children and their mums and dads. Now... [more]

It's Panto Time! Oh yes it is!

You ever been to a panto? Oh yes you have!!! Remember! You go into a large packed hot old theatre full of sticky shouting children and adults trying to look as if they are not enjoying themselves. The house lights dim and the orchestra comes out into the orchestra pit and they settle down, resplendent in dinner suits that have seen... [more]

Now We Are Five!

Ah well here goes!
The old Grand Theatre plays a very large part in my early years (you will find I go on a bit about the place!).
My dad owned the Grand and my first recollection of it was at pantomime time. Dad's Chorus Mistress said I could dance on with the other little children in the juvenile chorus.... [more]

Northumberland Tyne and Wear Photographic Memories

This is a classic view of Neville Street, with the entrance to the Central Station on the left and St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in the background. The awning in the foreground is the entrance to the Station Hotel, which was well spoken of in the tour guides of the time. Here, rooms cost 4s a night and dinner 3s 6d; the County... [more]

Northumberland Tyne and Wear Photographic Memories

Here we see Grainger Street before work began on electrification of the street tramway. This is a busy picture - there are lots of things going on, and it might be worth getting the magnifying-glass out. Note the young lad on the right; he has no shoes. Over on the left outside Harkers are two large hampers on a barrow. Harkers might be getting a... [more]

Northumberland Tyne and Wear Photographic Memories

The arrival of a ship for loading or unloading brought the Quayside to life. The steam lorry belonging to brewers William McEwan & Co might be a clue to the cargo. McEwans was founded in 1856 at the Fountain Brewery, Edinburgh; the beers were sold under two names, McEwans or Younger, depending on the area. This means that McEwan 80/- is the same as Younger IPA... [more]