Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'

Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'
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St. Oswald's

Posted by peter cook on 11/10/2025, 9:38 am

An old undated postcard photo showing St. Oswald's church, Hebburn which is due to close soon because of poor attendances these days.

Re: St. Oswald's

Posted by Norman Dunn on 11/10/2025, 10:12 am, in reply to "St. Oswald's"

I visited the church recently with a party of Hebburn History Society members concerned after hearing the sad news 2 churches are closing. That was the first time I'd been in St Oswalds (cos I was brought up as a RC) & it's absolutely beautiful inside. The craftsmanship from those 1800s artisans was so impressive so I hope the building can be utilised for something else rather than demolished.
Its been on the TV this week as people & children at St Oswald's School dont want to see it close.I know between St Oswalds & St Cuthberts the total attendance is about 24 so that is the reason they are closing. Those 24 are invited to go to St Johns Church next to Hebburn Hall.
People want their children christened at these churches but after that they arent seen again.
As was said recently USE it or LOSE it.

Re: St. Oswald's

Posted by Carol in hampshire on 11/10/2025, 10:26 am, in reply to "Re: St. Oswald's"

All my family attended st oswalds from around 1880's

Re: St. Oswald's

Posted by Stan Wears on 11/10/2025, 10:57 am, in reply to "Re: St. Oswald's"

I drove 160 miles to photograph the inside and outside of St. Oswalds and St Cuthberts. It appears to me that no one is interested in both losses. There is no history of them and neither are listed buildings. The Diocese office has confirmed that. I agree with what Norman has said but remain shocked that no one else has tried to do what I've done. My photos will be sent to Norman and the history group. This kind of thing is happening all over the UK because people don't attend and support their church.

Re: St. Oswald's

Posted by Carol in hampshire on 11/10/2025, 11:19 am, in reply to "Re: St. Oswald's"

Stan I am surprised that there is no history on the church. I found lots of things happening in the church on the site FINDMYPAST even my grandfather playing the organ
Carol

Re: St. Oswald's

Posted by Stan Wears on 11/10/2025, 12:26 pm, in reply to "Re: St. Oswald's"

Carol its the architecture I'm after and things like who made the organ, who built the church and where the materials originated.. I did this with St Aloysius and usually I end up with in depth research. I talk to stone masons and all kinds of people. However, I am able to confirm that lots of church records in both St Aloysius and these two are missing around certain dates. Around the 1920's children's deaths were higher than adults and suddenly records vanished or were not kept. I believe Dr. Swainston was the Hebburn doctor. Anyway, hope I've cleared up some points Carol?!...

Stan

Posted by Carol in hampshire on 11/10/2025, 12:58 pm, in reply to "Re: St. Oswald's"

Thank you Stan dr Swainston was my doctor

Re: St. Oswald's

Posted by Allan C. on 11/10/2025, 12:45 pm, in reply to "St. Oswald's"

Ann and I were married there 60 years ago last month.

Neither of us were attendees of the Church, Ann High Lane Row Methodist Church and me St. John’s.

Never back there as lived other end of Hebburn.

My mother’s sister’s daughters all 3 married at St. Oswald’s and their funerals held there.

Re: St. Oswald's

Posted by Allan C. on 11/10/2025, 12:46 pm, in reply to "Re: St. Oswald's"

Sorry the 3 were St. Cuthbert’s girls

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