Newcastle Upon Tyne memories
Here are memories of Newcastle Upon Tyne and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Newcastle Upon Tyne or a Newcastle Upon Tyne photo.
Trams, Markets And Bright Yellow Trolly Buses
With big hugs from waiting family on one of the many platforms that was Central Station, we hurried though the noise and clouds of steam towards the station exit and into the sunlight...my eyes gazing in wonderment at all the the grand buildings, trams and bright yellow trolly buses, we had nothing like it in our Hampshire town, our railway station had but two platforms and the largest building was the Empire picture house. The queues were long for the big yellow trolly bus,but well worth the wait....for me it was a mad scramble up the stairs and right to the front, to get the best veiw...or best veiw possible considering the amount of smoking going on...on the top deck,one look over my shoulder and it was all headscarfs, flat caps and tab ends, a bus-load of British backbone that would ensure that we would win the war one day soon. On our way we would pass a brewery with a smell that lives with me to this day, along with the... Read more
Steamtrains, Servicemen And Central Station.
The journey up to and across London to King's Cross Station for a 4-year old boy was exciting enough, but our adventure had only just begun. Holding my mother's hand tightly, we searched carriage after carriage for our seats on the packed but magnificent steam engine that was to take us at breakneck speed to Newcastle and the safety of my nana's house in Stanhope Street. Settled in our seats (thanks to a kindly soldier and a sailor) with our case in the above netted luggage rack and our sandwiches and flask of tea on our laps we waited ready to go. The train was full of servicemen and women either returning from or going off to war, even the corridors were crammed full with both men and women sitting on kitbags, including our two heroes who had given us their seats....I always hoped they made it. The 300 mile or so journey was a fantastic collection of sights,sounds and smells as we sped on our way, the greenery of the fields with... Read more
Tynemouth
Does anyone remember a cafe inside Tynemouth Pier in the 1950s? I can't trace it.
Happy Holidays
My Grandfather had a riding school and livery stable just off Mathew Bank near to Jesmond Dene, I was born in Newcastle not far from the Blue House on the North Road in 1936 but my family moved to Richmond Yorkshire when I was six weeks old. My mother worked in Fenwicks on Northumberland Streetin the early 1930s. I had many a happy holiday staying with my grandparents, saw Pantomimes at the Empire also saw Ted Ray when it was also a music hall. A regular at the Tatler News Theatre. I also had an aunt who had a butchers shop in the Big Market. Loved the trolly buses.
Catholic Orphanage 1930
I am looking for anyone who might have gone to school with my Mom, Agnes or my Aunt, Eleanor. They were placed in care around 1928 or 1929 due to financial difficulties in their family. Initially they were separated because my aunt was very young, but eventually they were reunited. Their last name was Fennelly. I believe they stayed there until they aged out. I hope someone can help me. Lois
My Birthplace
I lived in Newcastle-upon-Tyne from being 3 so I really can't remember much. I lived with my mother because my dad was in the army, he came home in 1945 and we had a big party in the street, it was lovely. We had parties in the street for quite a few things, it was fab. Years later I married and went to Australia, we went back in 1994. It was weird, nothing was the same, our house was no longer there and everything was flat, all the pubs on Scotswood Road were all gone. I remember standing in queues with my mother for meat and rations with ration books so now I can look back on my birthplace with memories.I would like to look on find my family but I don't know my father's birthday.
Newcastle
This is a bit of a long shot...My father came from Newcastle and as a small child I have recollections of visiting there. Now the hard part...my father died many years ago and I was about 8 years old the last time I saw him. My mother is also dead and not having any details at all it's hard to trace any relatives there. My father's name was Frank Willis. I was told his parents were something to do with Mecca in those days.My dad moved to Birmingham and married my mom, Katheline Downing. Any info would be great.
Beginning in Fenham Barracks
We arrived in Newcastle in September from Malaysia, (Malaya) where my father had been stationed with his regiment and housed in that fortification of red brick buildings, embraced by a red brick wall: Fenham Barracks. After a couple of weeks I became acclimatised to the "cold" and, upon venturing outdoors, found a wealth of new-found friends and every day was packed with simple fun! One of our favourite games was duelling with the kids from Spittal Tongues, which was just over the barrack wall. We would climb on top of this structure and taunt the local kids, who would then hurl stones and insults at us to which we would recriprocate in kind - only we came off better as we had the protection of our gardian:The Wall! The approach to bonfire night found us sneaking from the barracks to raid their bonfire stock in order to improve ours and in this the hapless Spittal Tongues junior community were helpless. A little beyond the back entrance to the barracks was a... Read more
Newcastle University
I attended the University from 1970 - 1973 studying Surveying and Mathematics with Messrs Carmody and Newton. I lived in Havelock Hall for two years, and was involved with the JRC committee that ran the social side of Hall life. Mr Calvert was the Hall Warden. During my term as JCR President, the band Wings with Paul McCartney came one night to give a performance as the start of his comeback after the Beatles had broken up a couple of years previously. I rented an apartment in my final year to get a quiet place to study.
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
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 Mother's bedroom and thinking, ok I will try it out! Stripping off and spreading it all over my little body and going downstairs and opened the door to the lounge very quietly and going in, Mother and her friends were playing Bridge and me being invisible I knew they could not see me, so why are they laughing? After being frog marched out of the room, smacked and scrubbed down, I was told that it was NOT that sought of cream! Was I really that silly?
When I was five Mother burnt my Teddy Bear on the fire and packed me and my trunk off to boarding school. It... Read more
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! And didn't know anything! My first day there was hard to forget, I went into the stalls and walked down towards the stage and this cleaner called Annie came out of the toilet she had been cleaning and shouted at me to get off her still wet mopped floor. Down the aisle she came running at me, waving her dirty wet mop at me and I shouted "But I am the manager!". "So what?!" she shouted back. So I got out of there quickly, back to my tatty little office and hid till she had gone! A good start to my first day! That evening, standing on the front of house... Read 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 on for ever of those who tread the boards of the Grand!
I grew up in the place! I was often told that I caused many BAD moments as a child! (Read my blog!) My dad ran the place and I was there at the end of its days as a very young House Manager together with my cousin Steve and Babs Davidson with Patrick Dowling’s Repertory Company's production of ‘Night Must Fall’.
Having signed a great many ‘last tickets’ the evening came to an end and we stood at the footlights and said farewell to the audience of 62 old folk, three of them having... Read more
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 long since gone like so many happy places you remember with fondness from younger days.
Now Ebenazer was played this year by an old Shakespearian actor who felt he was a bit above all this slapstick tomfoolery! But he made the best of it and soon got the audience shouting “Oh no he isn’t!” and “Oh yes he is!” and “Look behind you!” and hissing and booing for all they were worth! So he was well into his stride and forgetting that he was quite old he dashed around the stage like a mad hatter! Having a great time and enjoying every moment!
In the interval... Read 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?
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. I had been in most of the dressing rooms that day and as my dad was there I had been treated to a few potato chips in one room some fudge in another and a bit of cake in another and a sip of stout ... and so on.
Being full of excitement and food I linked arms with the other children and danced on to the stage to a packed house! And as we danced along behind the Principle Boy doing her opening song I WAS SICK as I went past her! And I can still remember as it all trickled down her legs what she said 'You... Read 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 better days and tune up the instruments and sit waiting for the Conductor.
Right!
Now let me fill you in with what happens on this cold December night’s production of 'Dick Whittington' many years ago when theatre and panto was still in its heyday. The theatre is now hushed and if you look at the stage you can see the stage lights under the hem of the stage curtain and shadowy feet moving into position ready for ‘Overture and Beginners’ as its called. The Conductor in his best white tie and tails climbs up onto his rostrum, shuffles his music, coughs and raises his baton, taps it... Read more
SWEET SIXTEEN
Memories of First Dates
When I was young and very green! , no let’s say not worldly wise! Even know I could die with embarrassment looking back on my attempts to emulate the big screen stars.
My Dad owned a lot of cinemas and naturally I spent a lot of time in them, so learning how it was done (kissing that is!) The first kiss I had makes me still cringe, I spent 2 minutes kissing her bottom lip and chin before I realized I was in the wrong place, the next one I kissed I thought she was going to be ill when lips glued together she opened her mouth I panicked and ran off as I had never heard of 'French kissing'.
Or, how about sitting in the Circle back row of the local cinema kissing...we had had lots of sweets and ice cream and I had smoked a lot of Woodbine cigarettes and I was sick all over the back of this chap... Read more
Memories of Tyne and Wear
W Egdell Newsagent
At the tender age of thirteen I joined the other six paper boys working for Mr Preston at Edgell and sons on Fenham Hall Drive. For four years I braved all weathers at six in the morning, seven days a week, for one pound twelve shillings.I enjoyed delivering papers although winter mornings were cold. Mr Preston was a strict man to work for but his wife who worked in the shop was a lovely woman and would say hello and admire my dimpled cheeks. My only gripe was that on a Sunday morning the bells of St James's and St Basil's would ring out and as I hate bells they would go on for what seemed a lifetime. No lying in on a Sunday morning for the locals unless of course you were deaf. .... Kev
FENHAM DO YOU REMEMBER
I never knew my grandparents they died before I was born. I have recently learnt that my grandparents were from large families. My maternal grandfather lived in Fenham, William Robert Wilson, who married a Smiley (I don't know if this is how you spell it). My grandfather was a Regimental Sergeant Major with medals, and after leaving the army was a tram driver, and grew fantastic leeks. From what I have been able to gather so far, the family that I cannot remember meeting, lived in High Fenham, and my elder brother can remember us all visiting them. If you have a Smiley grandparent or great grandparent from the Fenham area please contact me. Even though she was not my biological grandparent she was the only grandparent I knew and I loved her. If you have a Wilson grandparent or great grandparent from the Fenham area please contact me. I would dearly love to learn about my maternal family tree, my brother met my great aunts and great uncles but is a bit hazy... Read more
1940's And 50's
I was born in 1942 and lived in Ovington Grove behind The Lonnen. My memories would fill several books, but for starters:- the Regal; Quadrini's; Number 2 blue bus; Holy Cross Church; Cowgate then Wingrove Schools; playing football by the hour in the street; rag and bone man in a pony and trap; ice cream cart pulled by a horse - how people rushed for the manure to put on their roses; wearing black boots every day bar Sunday; chapped legs in the winter in our little shorts; girls always seemed to get chilblains; the terrible winter of 1947; taking a picnic to the Moor consisting of bread and jam and a bottle of sugared water; the pit still being worked at Denton Burn; the bus sheds on Silver Lonnen; Sunset brickworks and quarry, where we played and caught newts; cycling to Ponteland to catch tiddlers. It's easy to look at it all through a golden haze of nostalgia but for the first time ever every man had... Read more
'wor Jackie And Other Memories
David Kemp’s item about Fenham brought back some great memories for me. In the 1940s and early 50s, I lived in Robsheugh Place, round the corner from Ovington Grove. Now I live by the beach in Western Australia, where melanomas are more common than chilblains, but still remember the winter torture of chapped inner thighs! Holy Cross Church dominated our street, although I was never inside it. I remember the cheerful assistants at Cedar Road Co-op, who seemed to know all the customers by name, and collecting the ‘divis’ – those strange-shaped tin coins we saved up for Christmas – I’ve probably still got some. At 'The Stores', they carved butter from huge slabs and sliced the bacon to order. I also recall the black-faced miners returning from their shift and the occasional wisps of smoke from ‘The Ovens’ (Crematorium). Some of my earliest memories are of snow and ice, probably the winter of 1947 – Robsheugh was on a steep hill and the older kids tied their sledges together... Read more
Growing up in Gosforth 1960-1980
I am young enough to remember Gosforth as a thriving High Street and as a boy buying models from Boydells and my first singles from Woolworths, getting the 45 back and forth with my older brother to go to school too - we were 7 and 8. Witnessing the carnage as traffic volumes and lack of parking killed off many of the shops which became building societies, estate agents and shops full of bric-a-brac. After two decades of traffic congestion I believe the High Street is once again becoming a focal point for the community. At the top of this shot in the rain I shunted my mum's brown Mini into the back of a VW Beetle on my first 'accident.' I'd been driving for less than a year. At the age of 8 or so I narrowly escaped being flattend by a white Rover whilst cycling across a junction after the lights had changed. I'm still here!
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Places this week
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- Streatham, Greater London
- Amble, Northumberland
- Cononley, West Yorkshire
- Fleetwood, Lancashire
- Hampton Wick, Surrey
- Heywood, Lancashire
- Knockentiber, Ayrshire
- Easington Colliery, County Durham
- Bridge Of Gairn, Aberdeenshire
- Parkgate, Merseyside
- Chiddingfold, Surrey
- Barkingside, Essex
- Lowestoft, Suffolk
- Delamere, Cheshire
- Strood, Kent
- Knypersley, Staffordshire
- Nazeing, Essex
- Crook, County Durham
- Hawley, Hampshire
- Newcastle, County Down
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