Blyth History.

[TriciaK]

I was so pleased to see Blyth looking its best on Breakfast TV this morning, at the start of the Tall Ships race to Gothenburg. A beautiful sunny day there.
I think Blyth had had strong links to Gothenburg for many years, if not centuries. I believe there's a thread on here which goes into the history of Blyth's old Missions to Seamen hostel, which was started by a Swede?
My Dad's ancestors used to sail out of Blyth to Sweden, probably with coal. We have a painting of one of their boats, The Messenger. He was the Master, not the owner.

[dolly dimples]

Hi, I was at Blyth  today, and I have never seen so many people here for years, it was indeed super weather. There was craft stalls, market stalls and the funfair, everywhere was busy. I did not go to the quayside as am keeping that for Monday, so hoping the good weather stays with us..
                                   Dolly 

[pityackafromblyth]

A very good coverage of the Tall Ships on both BBC and TyneTees.  I think it was TyneTees which showed old black and white newsreels of Blyth in their coverage yesterday- British Pathe.  As a result of which I have just had a look at their site.  It is worth a visit. Search in there for Blyth, Northumberland and there are a good half dozen newsreels.  Most of them without sound.  However, there is one from 1938, with commentary, showing HMS Falconet being launched at Blyth. The footage is very clear and there are numerous shipyard workers shown in relative close-up.
But damned computers - I also searched Pathe for Northumberland, and there are quite a number of newsreels re the county.  Looks like my chores for today have been kicked into touch, and I will be spending this afternoon looking at that content, and ending up being contented.

[blythian]

For any Keenlyside hunters, the Old Manse on Cypress Gardens is up for sale, the foundation stone being laid by Mrs J Keenlyside Jun. July 1901 to commemorate 21 years of ministry by Rev P. Peace MA (1885 - 1906).

The Mrs J Keenlyside Jun is Rebecca (i'm guessing) who married Jacob Keenlyside Junior (4x G Uncle) Never expect a house to have a foundation stone.

http://www.rookmatthewssayer.co.uk/properties/the-old-manse-cypress-gardens-blyth-499950-ref-7032719/#propertycontent

[TriciaK]

I think that was the building that was used as the Home Guard office during WW2. My Mum worked there as a secretary for a while. We were living with my grandparents just over the road in Marine Terrace.
I don't remember anything about the Keenlysides though.

[pityackafromblyth]

Commercial Inn, Market Place.  This has been mentioned before, including yossarian's anecdotes on page 18 of this thread.  Does anyone have any knowledge of the interior lay-out; licencees, etc.  As it was out of bounds to the majority of us Blyth teenagers, i.e. threats from our parents, I think it was the only pub I never visited in the 1960's.  On another website I found reference and anecdotes as to what went on in there !  Rude, crude, and lewd is an accurate description, so I cannot mention it in here.
I often wonder how it managed to keep its licence at the annual licensing session at the Magistrates Court.
I may have posted this previously - on www.shipsnostalgia.com there is a thread 'Watering Holes Around the World'.  Bars in far flung spots visited by sailors whilst overseas, and there amongst them was the Commercial, Blyth, with the remark, " The closest thing on earth to the bar room scene in the Star Wars film. !!!

[AlisdairGB]

Sorry to take this topic off on a tangent, if mods want to delete I'll not be offended.

At my suggestion Blyth Town Council have agreed to fund commemorative plaques ( often called Blue Plaques, but they don't have to be blue) in Blyth.

There will be a consultation on where these plaques should be placed, either to commemorate a famous building or resident. The consultation will be formally announced soon, in the likes of the News Post Leader or NE24 magazine, but as people outside Blyth may not receive either publication, nominations may be made direct to BTC.

Letters should be addressed to Blyth Town Council, Arms Evertyne House, Quay Road , Blyth, NE24 2AS, or EMail info@blythtowncouncil.org.uk

Obviously we cannot guarantee that every nomination will be accepted, but I would hope that every nomination will be considered.

Thanks, Cllr Alisdair Gibbs-Barton

PS, obviously discussion on here about suggestions is fine, but you should contact the council for a suggestion to be considered.

[pityackafromblyth]

The Blyth dredgers - I know of the Cowpen, which was in the harbour from 1913 until 1964; and also the Cambois, dates unknown by me.  Also the Cresswell, which I think was a later addition.
So can anyone provide a chronological list of the dredgers used by Blyth Harbour Commission ?
Just been on google and found a few facts, and the odd photo of the Cowpen. It is recorded that it shifted 15 million tons of spoil from the harbour in its time.
I can recall seeing the Cowpen sailing out of the harbour to dump its load.  How far out to sea did it(they) travel in order to do so ?

[TriciaK]

Sorry no idea Pityacky - I do remember a dredger though, in my days of playing on the beach and swimming (late 40s to early 50s).

 It was always 'between the piers' which makes sense as it would follow the busy shipping lane from the docks. We swam further along, further south.