Nostalgic memories of Wallsend's local history

Share your own memories of Wallsend and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Displaying Memories 11 - 20 of 47 in total

I used to go and see ted stout as a child believe he was my dads uncle, we also have family connections to the family names, bloxom, and surtees, my grandfathers name was james Daniel smith who moved from the howden area to birtley co durham, does anyone have any information on this family tree you could share with me
I was born in Preston Hospital in January 1955. I lived in Charlotte Street and went to St columbas School. I remember being sent to get me mams shopping at the Co op in coach road.I still remember her co op cheque number 4575 this was used to get the Divvi. When I was young I played out in the cobbled back lane and my friend made a clubhouse in her coal house. We used to have concert parties in the back lane ...see more
This photo was taken about 1961 in Wylam Gardens. The girl on the right was called Rita D.
I was strolling past a while ago, This wonderous place we used to go. When I got this thirst that needed quenched, So I turned on heel and in I went. With a feather boas you could've knocked, me down you see I was so shocked! Could this really be the place we came and laughed with girls like Louise Graham? No juke box lending atmosphere, just dimmed back light,and awful beer. Now I've never ...see more
Wallsend is sliding down the slipway, to use a shipyard metaphore. Now just widswept open spaces, stand where the workman stood before. They've allowed all of the trades to die, and made the workforce unemployed. Now just evaporating memories, of working lives we once enjoyed. This river's steadfast reputation, was throughout the world renowned. You could have searched the whole world over, no ...see more
I saw the old hop scotch in Battle Hill, when out on tonights walk. I had a flashback of wor Sandra, Scrolling numbers with some chalk. Ali Ridley, Lesley Gibson, and other lassies roond wor way. Would wear their Dunlop Greenflash, and hop scotch here sometimes all day. Those chalk marks have long since faded, but in my memory linger still. I still recall that sweet sweet laughter, Of friends and neighbours on "The Hill!"
We sailed a ship on concrete oceans. Well over forty years ago. Imagination fuelled the voyages, To far flung places we would go. These days she's firmly anchored, Surplus to childrens needs. So sad to see her list to port, Amongst a sea of weeds.
Having had a great neet oot, on just twenty quid or less. I'd boonce aleng the High Street, until I reached Kebab Express. Ad pull oot all me loose change, and through my lucid gaze. I would slaver on and dither, With all the other drunken strays. "Take it oot of the son" I'd say with an ootstretched hand. To John behind the coonter, he could always understand. They always did fantastic pizzas, and tasty ...see more
Catching Bumble Bees in coffee jars, and Sticklebacks in bowls. Kicking the tops off Moth balls, catching newts and water vowels. Chasing after Butterflies, magnifying slugs. Gazing up at starry skies, collecting Lady Bugs. Plodging in the clearest stream, Wellies squelching in the mud. I'd love to be that boy once more, if i only could. We seemed to have so little then, but things aren't always how they ...see more
Sat just off Byker High Street, On this cold and wet March day. The intermittent windscreen wipers, On the car wash rain away. The patter on the car roof, Of the raindrops as they fall. Remind me of the caravan, When I was only very small. Fortunate am I to close my eyes, And transport anywhere with ease. Why stay in rainy Byker? I can go any place I please! James Bridgewood,