First Record On Vinyl

A Memory of Consett.

I bought my first record in the record shop on Middle Street, around 1964. My father was the Blacksmith and had the Blacksmith's Shop in Consett, near Templetown and used to shoe Shire Horses and other horses there. I remember being lifted up onto the back of a huge Shire Horse when I was about five. I have loved Heavy Horses ever since.

Father also made wrought iron work - including I believe, the railings outside the Priest's house next to the Catholic Church. When we went to a funeral in Consett a few years ago, we passed the Catholic Church and it was a funny feeling to touch those railings and realise they were fashioned by my father's hands all those years ago. I cannot find any photos of the Blacksmith's Shop back then, but I know there is a garage there now, which still bears that name (or was a few years ago). Happy childhood memories.

My husband has a lot of photos of Consett Iron Company which he took while it was being demolished.