RootsChat.Com

England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Northumberland => Topic started by: Ronin56 on Saturday 13 November 10 12:15 GMT (UK)

Title: Blyth News Archives
Post by: Ronin56 on Saturday 13 November 10 12:15 GMT (UK)
Does anybody know of any links to local newspapers archives? I have a recollection as a boy of being taken to Blyth Spartans football ground to see the Newcastle United football team parade the F.A. Cup. Press photos were taken and I may be on one of them as a 5-6 year old (mid-fifties).
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: Michael Dixon on Saturday 13 November 10 19:54 GMT (UK)


 Newcastle won the FA Cup in 1951, 1952 and 1955.

 Blyth Library holds an archive of editions of the Blyth News, on film.

 Trivia Angle.  Blyth Spartans also won the Cup in 1952 and 1955 , the Northumberland Senior Cup !

 Michael
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: Ronin56 on Sunday 14 November 10 02:27 GMT (UK)
Probably '55 then, I'd be 7 and old enough to remember, also the link with both teams winning the cup in their respective competitions makes the visit more likely. Guess I'll have to wait for a return home and a visit to the library to see if my recollection is correct. Thanks Michael!
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: pityackafromblyth on Friday 19 November 10 13:07 GMT (UK)
Ronin56,
Blyth News archives may be held at Blyth library.  But one tale I heard is that when the Blyth News closed down, all their 'belongings' were destined for the tip, until they were salvaged and saved by 2-3 Blyth residents/local history enthusiasts.  If you Google Blyth, you should find some sites, and one is run by Gordon Smith, who was one of the salvagers.  It may be of interest and help.
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: Michael Dixon on Friday 19 November 10 14:27 GMT (UK)
PYfB,

There is no "may be" about it- Blyth News archives, on film, are held in Blyth Library.

 Access to them are free ( then nominal fee to get copies of articles, photocopies.)
 Wheras salvager(s) charge commercial fees !

 Michael
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: Bill_r on Friday 19 November 10 15:12 GMT (UK)
PYfB,

There is no "may be" about it- Blyth News archives, on film, are held in Blyth Library.

 Access to them are free ( then nominal fee to get copies of articles, photocopies.)
 Wheras salvager(s) charge commercial fees !

 Michael


Michael,

Do you have to be a member of Blyth library before you search the records? 
I live in the Midlands so I don't suppose I would qualify to join.

Ps. I was born in Cowpen Quay.

Bill.
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: Michael Dixon on Friday 19 November 10 18:59 GMT (UK)

 Bill,   I am about 90% sure that you don't have to be a member of Blyth Library to access the local and family history records ( in the cubby hole- a wee room- upstairs) To be sure ring Lib on 01670-361352)

Early closing- 12.30 on Saturday

Michael
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: Bill_r on Friday 19 November 10 20:43 GMT (UK)
Thanks Michael,

I can't see me coming until next year now, but I'll keep a note of this info.

Bill.
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: c-side on Friday 19 November 10 22:52 GMT (UK)
I think what PYfB is referring to, Michael, is the original work - particularly photographs.  I heard that most of them ended up in the foundations of the Co-op department store  :o

Christine
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: james2 on Saturday 02 April 11 10:50 BST (UK)
I have just joined this site and read the letters with intrigue. I was a school mate of Gordon Smith through junior school.(Plessey Road School) until 1953. Do you know if he is on this site and if so how do I contact him. In later years he frequented the "Top House" pub in Blyth. Any Help???
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: peeem on Saturday 02 April 11 13:21 BST (UK)
Bill_r, Michael is correct, You do not have to be a member of the library. I met a friend there just this morning to look up some old Blyth News articles. He is not a member but has no problem with the services they offer.
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: Bill_r on Saturday 02 April 11 19:55 BST (UK)
Thanks Peeem,

Unfortunately my last two visits didn't allow me time to visit the library,( two old family friends passed away ).

Hope the next visit is under happier circumstances.

Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: Michael Dixon on Saturday 02 April 11 20:06 BST (UK)

 Coincidences. !!
1)I moved to Newcastle 4 years ago. But I was in Blyth Library today ( in the cubby hole) looking at Electoral Rolls for Bebside ( from 1929)

2) Seeing mention of the "Top House" pub, filled me with shame as it was the pub ( previously called Cowpen Colliery Inn) where I started under-age drinking.

(Trivia angle. In those days pubs charged a few pence more for drinks in their lounge,  than those in the bar. But C.C.Inn charged the same prices, supposedly because customers in the two wee lounges ( snugs) had to go outside to get to the indoor lavatories)

Michael

Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: peeem on Saturday 02 April 11 23:04 BST (UK)
Sorry to hear your bad news Bill_r. Better luck next time.

Eeh Michael, we might 've passed on the stairs.

Re the Top House, I remember the two little lounges. We used to pop our heads in to see who was sitting in there with somebody they shouldn't  ;D.

Oddfellows Arms was my first under age drink. Strange that I found out later that my mother was born in Smiths Buildings just over the road. I think they were demolished in the mid to late fifties.
Title: Re: Blyth News Archives
Post by: eddie21455 on Sunday 14 August 11 18:24 BST (UK)
I have just joined this site and read the letters with intrigue. I was a school mate of Gordon Smith through junior school.(Plessey Road School) until 1953. Do you know if he is on this site and if so how do I contact him. In later years he frequented the "Top House" pub in Blyth. Any Help???
he still gets in the top house