Alan Edgar (Eggy1948)

Never heard that one before Reedy - spent many mindless minutes - 1961 to 1965 - waiting outside main entrance doors to receive the punishment one did not deserve but never saw any names carved into any material.

This is a letter to an ex pupil, David Williams, posted on the Sixtownships History Group :- "Dear David As you will be aware, Bedlington Grammar School has changed over the years and has been part of an enlarged Bedlingtonshire Community High School for some time. Development of the current school is due to continue with a major new building programme scheduled to start during the summer of 2015. Once work on the 12-month project has been completed (around summer 2016), all of the original buildings, including the Grammar School, will be demolished. Some former BGS pupils, who are aware of these events, have indicated that they would like to visit the old school before it disappears. The purpose of this message is to assess the level of interest (if any) in a possible 'farewell tour' (or tours) to the old Grammar School before the bulldozers roll in. Any arrangement could be for this year, or next year, and may be best done during the summer holidays when there are no current pupils around. The advantage of making it summer 2016 is that it would then be possible to see the new building at an advanced stage. However, the disadvantage of this option is that it is a long time in the future. Please let me have your views in respect of your interest (either way) and preferred date. Mansel Dinnis md@manseldinnis.co.uk Richmond House, Landing Lane Hemingbrough, Selby North Yorkshire, YO8 6RA Tel: +44 (0)1757 638103 Mob: +44 (0)7790 772878

Hung out as long as I could. 100% it is.

Could be Christopher, pity we can't get Google street view to line up at exactly the same angle as the old photo - you have me 75% convinced!.

Never thought of Westlea - being a kid from the Oval Westlea was never a place I ventured. Only been there once and that was to Netherton CIU approx 12 years ago for a wild night - 80 year old aunts birthday do. I await the photos as I have just had a quick Goolge view, aerial and road, and although there is a street of two bedroom semis, with bay windows, there are no buildings behind them!

Foxy Had a spare half hour so had a Google street view around the council built estates, Top End, Station,The Oval, Grange Park, Dene View etc, and I can't see anything to match the design of the houses in the photo. There aren't many houses with no window on the first floor above the front door - so I assume 2 bedrooms. The ones I did find with only one first floor window did not have a bowed window, like the ones in the photo. Neither could I find a council built estate that had parallel rows of houses - can't tell if the row in the background are 2 bedroom semis = chimney stack in the middle of the roof. That's enough for one day, mused gallons of internal fluid, will have to stop and have a pint!

I think this lady's timing is excellent, her facial expressions perfect- it's a shame when you have to blow your own trumpet to get recognition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev0YwOOm8Os

Symptoms - one more name - David Morris - added to the photo - courtesy of Sydney Armitage on the Sixtownship History Group fb site

I know the photoshopped postcard has appeared many times and the validity of a Zepplin raid over our town scoffed at. I am not saying this is true but whilst searching for info on Dr Trotters monument trying to establish the possible date the fake was first published) I found a couple of links where the story of a Zepplin route, dropping bombs, is documented. The info is :- 14/15 Apr 1915 Wed/Thu. 7.30-9.00 p.m. The Zeppelin L9, on her first mission, made landfall just north of Blyth, and at Cambois she was attacked with rifle fire from the 1st Battalion Northern Cyclists. She dropped bombs at West Sleekburn and then followed a winding course to the south passing over Choppington, Bedlington, Cramlington, Seaton Burn and Forest Hall; 14 bombs were dropped en route, all falling on fields. She then headed for Wallsend harmlessly dropping 9 bombs on the way. 6 IB were dropped at Wallsend, one hitting a cottage and slightly injuring a woman and a girl. 2 more bombs were dropped before L9 turned east and crossed the coast at Marsden. (L9 caught fire in its shed at Fuhlsuttel, Germany 19 Sep 1916). The source is :- http://www.bpears.org.uk/Misc/War_NE/w_section_08.html

Thank you for that sir, looks like a bleak year for some. Even thought the WP8 allows for larger screen devices to be connected I will be carrying on as normal with my Desktop PC, with 19" screen, for some time. How will I manage in capture the beauty of the countryside without 40 megapixels? Just continue using my eyes + Specsavers lens and live in my world. As Joan Jett & The Blackhearts would sing - Oh, woe is me I don't got no money All I got's a name The future's lookin' hazy But who can I blame! Please never allow old codgers, like me, to bring you down to their level. Keep looking, moving and progressing ever forward. Even though we are blind to the benefits that will evolve from it don't ever give up.

Thanks

What I should have said was - 'Is this the Toll Booth that belonged to the Toll House?'

Norma Squires & her mam posted another photo of Dene House, from the Hairpin bend side of the river and also asked the question - 'Whats that small building, on the right, next to the bridge wall'. Does anyone know if this is The Toll House that Reedy listed in the original post?

Technicolor romance Maytime in Mayfair (1949).

The wife says this year I have to share my humbugs with everyone, so - All the best to everyone :- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12h_x3Y0ifg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW3QVLlK-kE&feature=youtu.be

The Grapes always had one in the 60s & 70s - source of income for some - ex miner from Dr Pit, hurt in detonator blast - income was UB + selling veg from multiple gardens + bookies running (including half's from punters). So it's Online bookies accounts that have crippled the benefits system and forced entrepreneurs to claim extra. I blame Thatcher.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/La-Vacanza-Bernard-Moscardini/dp/1907294279

Subject: Glasgow characters Some nicknames that have been given to Glasgow characters by their friends and workmates: "Two Soups" his real name is Campbell Baxter. "The Colostomy" - the girlfriend of a married man (i.e. the wee bag on the side). "The Boomerang Kid" - whenever anyone at work asks a question, he always replies: ' I'll get back to you on that. ' "The Parachute" - lets everyone down at the last minute. "Vaseline" - his real name is Willie Burns. "Rembrandt" - loves saying to colleagues: ' Let me put you in the picture...' "Bo Derek" - a chap called Derek with terrible body odour. "The Genie" - magically appears whenever anyone opens a bottle. "Dulux" - his pals reckon he's only got one coat. "Soapy" - washes his hands of any problems that crop up.. "The Yeti" - always on the sick. Many unconfirmed sightings of this guy, but nobody can prove he actually exists. "The Gas Man" - he's serviced loads of old boilers. "The Hostage" - when anyone asks for help he always replies: 'Sorry, my hands are tied.' "The Olympic Flame" - he never goes out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f85c2MnT6E0

Thanks Maggie, that made me laugh - passed that link on to those who will be able to understand it! "Geordie John Lewis Christmas Advert 2014 Parody #GeordieThePenguin - YouTube" www.youtube.com

Thanks Maggie - passed that on, to those who will be able to understand it! Geordie John Lewis Christmas Advert 2014 Parody #GeordieThePenguin - YouTube

Cheers

On the sixtownships site , many theories, examples below, but nothing concrete or any links to any info:- Pam Farquhar - William Leech gave the land to the people of Bedlington on condition it would never be built on Michael Eastlake - I heard that William Leach had bequeathed the area for the children of bedlington to play, that said I also think the land is unstable to build upon and now has massive drainage works towards the millfield end. If building work was possible think a prime spot like that would have been snapped up. Geoff Glass - Someone have this land as a gift to The citizens of Bedlington Town but only to be used for recreational purposes only I think that is why the Picnic was held there As it's considered Free Land and no building is allowed.