Fred Nicod's father was in a restaurant in London late 1800s & a Frenchman looking for a seat asked him if he could share the table. The Frenchman was Alphonse Reyrolle and after talking and finding that Alphonse had a small electrical business in London, Fred's father talked Alphonse into setting up a business in 'little old Hebburn'.
How great was that? because eventually they employed over 12000 men and women from around our area and always paid good wages. My dad worked there on the machines for 48 years as they were jobs for life.
Sadly Reyrolles no longer exists & Housing Estates stand on their Land.