Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'

Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'
[ Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum' ]

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Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago

Posted by Norman Dunn on 22/4/2025, 10:48 am

I didnt want my Forum to be for only Hebburn & why I chose the name 'Hebburn and our Neighbours'. I think I neglect our neighbour Gateshead a bit so here's a header pic of the well known & loved Saltwell Park.
I remember going there as a child and loved going on the Lake rowing boats, the 'Maze' and the Aviary's with various birds etc. Happy days..

Re: Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago

Posted by Mac Hardy on 22/4/2025, 10:55 am, in reply to "Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago"

Wonder what they are all looking at ? Could that be the lake ?

Re: Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago for Mac H

Posted by Mac Cummings on 22/4/2025, 12:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago"

I think perhaps the birds. By my recall the folk are roughly in the area where the Aviaries were!

Re: Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago for Mac H

Posted by Mac Hardy on 22/4/2025, 1:42 pm, in reply to "Re: Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago for Mac H"

Thanks Mac C and Norman.

Re: Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago

Posted by Norman on 22/4/2025, 12:15 pm, in reply to "Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago"

The Lake and a rowing boat can be seen centre of the photo Mac.

Re: Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago

Posted by Ian Turnbull on 23/4/2025, 8:12 pm, in reply to "Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago"

Another undated postcard

Re: Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago - and NOW

Posted by George on 24/4/2025, 11:24 am, in reply to "Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago"

Norman, I visit this park each month and I am sure you will be pleased to know it is as beautiful as ever. The long pathway through the middle of the main green has been removed and the area returned to its original state. The cafe on the promenade at the top of the green has been refurbished and a new clock installed. Refreshments include more than the packet of crips as of our youth. Most people will be aware that Saltwell Towers was saved from demolition a few years ago and is also as a cafe. The nearby maze is now in perfect condition using original plant material. The putting green is no longer in existance. In its place there are some modern art structures. The bandstand in the park is preserved but is not the original.That is in Beamish who accepted it loan whilst the park was being renovated. Beamish supplied a replacement bandstand which is not what was agreed. Attempts to bring back the original are ongoing.
The path on left of photograph where two women are passing leads to the bowling greens which are not in the best of condition but work continues. The area in front of the crowd is where the row boats moored. Whilst I love this park, I am conscious of how Gateshead Council has neglected other areas such as Felling Park. The focus is obviously on Saltwell. When Felling had it's own authority, it also had an outstanding place of beauty. However, a visitor to Saltwell Park will find it as attractive as ever.

Re: Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago - and NOW

Posted by Norman on 24/4/2025, 11:57 am, in reply to "Re: Saltwell Park just over 100 years ago - and NOW"

Thanks for your information George.
I loved getting taken there when I was young. Lovely icecreams, then out on the lake, then to the Maze & the aviaries. Happy days