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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A Header photo re- Getting old and our memories decline a bit

Posted by Norman on 31/3/2026, 12:23 pm

Last week I bought a Postcard off Ebay that I thought 'What a beautiful photo'.
Ive just received it this morning, scanned it to put in my archive. It was Saved alphabetically & next to the exact same photo that has been in my archive for donkeys years.
Here is that beautiful postcard taken in Gateshead.

Re: A Header photo re- Getting old and our memories decline a bit

Posted by Joseph on 31/3/2026, 1:46 pm, in reply to "A Header photo re- Getting old and our memories decline a bit "

Moment in time, what a fabulous photo.

for Norman

Posted by Mac C on 31/3/2026, 4:03 pm, in reply to "A Header photo re- Getting old and our memories decline a bit "

I am struggling to place that one. Gateshead Yes but where. Any ideas?

Re: for Norman

Posted by Liz Dance on 31/3/2026, 4:22 pm, in reply to "for Norman"

It isn’t Gateshead High Street, I am wondering if it could be Saltwell or Durham Road, it looks as though it was a very busy road.

Re: for Norman

Posted by George on 31/3/2026, 4:44 pm, in reply to "Re: for Norman"

Cotesworth Road or Coatsworth Road (depending which end you start at).

Today

Posted by George on 31/3/2026, 4:58 pm, in reply to "Re: for Norman"

Re: Today

Posted by Norman on 31/3/2026, 6:10 pm, in reply to "Today"

Sorry I missed your question Mac.
Coatsworth Rd stretches from Bensham Bank going south towards Saltwell Park.

Re: Today

Posted by Carol in hampshire on 31/3/2026, 6:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Today"

Coatsworth road used to be a vibrant shopping place.
Used to visit a family in Gibson street

Re: Today

Posted by Liz Dance on 31/3/2026, 7:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Today"

Gateshead used to be such a vibrant place, so many different shopping areas, it’s such a pity that the place is so derelict now.

Re: Today

Posted by George on 31/3/2026, 9:57 pm, in reply to "Today"

The building with the curved windows on the right was/is the Honeysuckle Hotel. Until 1949 the Central School on nearby Whitehall Road used a room in this building for their lunchtime canteen. No, beer wasn't on the menu.

Re: Today

Posted by Carol in hampshire on 31/3/2026, 11:06 pm, in reply to "Re: Today"

George your knowledge is amazing. I love reading your posts
Carol

Re: Today for Carol

Posted by George on 31/3/2026, 11:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Today"

That's very kind of you Carol. All it really means is I am older than most other people.

Amazing Gateshead -

Posted by George on 1/4/2026, 10:07 am, in reply to "Re: Today for Carol "

Look at the initial photo posted by Norman. Behind the shops on the left, hidden from view, is something absolutely astonishing. Click on this link to see another world. The world of the 18th century being reconstructed. Claremont Place.
I am not an agent for house sales or anything like that. These just happen to be the best photos I could find. Gateshead Library run an historical walk each month. It was on one of these walks last year when we were introduced us this amazing place.
When the link opens, scroll down to see the first of 36 photographs. Remember, it's difficult to believe but what you will see is really the FRONT of Coatsworth Road. In the right hands, Gateshead has more to offer than doom and gloom.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/details/1fd32ba7-bc22-46ed-b083-2d91bafeda5c

Re: Amazing Gateshead -

Posted by Liz Dance on 1/4/2026, 10:45 am, in reply to "Amazing Gateshead - "

It is such a pity that Gateshead is now so run down but, there still are some decent properties around.

My mother’s family were all from the Sunderland Road area, my dad’s family came from the Teams, in the early 1950’s those areas were very prosperous, loads of very interesting shops, thanks for sharing your information George, brings back memories.

Sunderland Road - For Liz

Posted by George on 2/4/2026, 9:37 am, in reply to "Re: Amazing Gateshead - "

I also lived and went to school in the Sunderland Road area. I lived in Emily Street and also on Sunderland Road just near the top of that street. I attended King Edward St. School during the war and just after. I think you and I met in Bill Quay when I transported a reading machine from your mum's house to Scotland for someone who had eyesight problems.

Re: Sunderland Road - For George

Posted by Liz Dance on 2/4/2026, 11:27 am, in reply to "Sunderland Road - For Liz"

Mum’s family lived in John Street and Jane Eyre Terrace, you might remember the bakery in Sunderland Road the name just escapes me I think it was Maggie Watts, she was our relation, nice bakery in those days.

My mum went to King Edward School, my grandfather and uncle ran a small general building company.

You are correct George we did meet shortly after my mum passed away, you very kindly offered the meet Barry Mortimer en route to Scotland where he lived, I had bought a reading machine for my mum but after her death it was no longer needed so Barry asked for it, seems like ages ago butit is only 6 years ago.

Re: Sunderland Road - For George

Posted by George on 2/4/2026, 11:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Sunderland Road - For George "

The bakery was famous and known as Meggie Watson's. Strangely enough, although the shop was dedicated to cake produce, it was the only shop I knew which sold carlings at this time of year (Easter).

Re: Sunderland Road - For George

Posted by Liz Dance on 3/4/2026, 9:25 am, in reply to "Re: Sunderland Road - For George "

I never knew that George, you have so much information tucked away in that mind of yours fascinating stuff, thanks for sharing.

Re: Sunderland Road & John Street - For Liz

Posted by George on 3/4/2026, 3:09 pm, in reply to "Re: Sunderland Road - For George "

Children from John Street who were in my class at King Edward School 1942 - 1949. Louise Clark. Arthur Lamb. Alan Seaton. Edward Key. I wonder if any of them are still with us today - it's getting lonely.

Re: Sunderland Road & John Street - For George

Posted by Liz Dance on 3/4/2026, 4:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Sunderland Road & John Street - For Liz"

George, my mum’s family name was Reay, unfortunately her and her siblings would have probably have already left the school before you started, the other family name was King quite a few from that family, you might remember both names?

Re: for George

Posted by Mac Cummings on 1/4/2026, 9:50 am, in reply to "Re: for Norman"

Thanks George. That was never an area I knew well.

Re: for George

Posted by George on 1/4/2026, 11:39 am, in reply to "Re: for George"

It's probable that the shops on Coatsworth Road were originally stables at the rear of the houses in Georgian and early Victorian times.

A missing element.

Posted by George on 1/4/2026, 7:08 pm, in reply to "Re: for George"

The loss of buildings of good structure is sad but is the real missing element people ? Old photos show dozens of shoppers and those just out and about. All dressed in their fine clothes. Today in Grainger Town with all the elegant buildings still around, people are few and rarely in their best "bib and tucker" - or perhaps they are. Black 'n White stripes are very fashionable I notice

Re: A missing element.

Posted by Malcolm on 1/4/2026, 9:28 pm, in reply to "A missing element."

"Best bib & tucker" is a nice old phrase, I've not heard in a while!
But appropriate dress, for the occassion, whatever that may be?
As I was thinking today, I normally dress pretty scruffy, to be honest.
My excuse? I run a dog boarding kennels: So, I spend my days feeding cleaning (yes, poop scooping) and playing with them.....
A change from my previous "job" running a pub, so "smart casual" impeccably pressed shirt/trousers etc.
But tomorrow? Back to impeccable.....as I'm in the High Sheriffs' Court......

NO, NOT what you think..... Jury Service!

However, I came out of the supermarket the other day, and passed a guy in full Scottish regalia, who was walking in.... and not the first time I've seen this....looks SO smart...

"Best bib & tucker" without a doubt!!!

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