Canny Old Blaydon

From the album 'A Legend Evermore'. This is a collection of nineteen songs telling the history of the Blaydon/Winlaton area of Tyneside. 'Winlaton Coal' is the first song then carry on through the playlist to hear the full story, ending with Summerhill Sunset.
The town of Blaydon grew rapidly from 1850 to 1900. It was a Victorian town with thriving shops and commerce. Nearby there was much industry and coal mining.
At the heart of the town was the Co-op (the Store). The man behind it was the charismatic Joe Cowen. It was the first in the north east.
In the late 1960s much of the central town and nearby terraced rows were the subject of compulsory purchase orders, clearance and demolition, to be replaced by the modern town of today. It is now 50 years ago but older folk still remember and talk about their old town with great fondness. There was a close knit community, everyone knew everyone. Canny Old Blaydon - happy days. Nice though to see the modern town thriving with its busy shops, ample parking and good transport links.
www.rolyveitch.20m.com

[@CCJazzmen]

Love the history, keep it going..

[@BlaydonAces]

Thanks. Yes I will. I have a few ideas in my mind. Good fun to take the shots and put a little video together.

[@yvonnesimpson4584]

Happy memories

[@BlaydonAces]

Me too. Such a shame the old town wasn't kept and just renovated.

[@trevorashworth7307]

Great. Am 74 now and lived in Winlaton. Went to Blaydon at least once a week.Woolworths was the former Empire and up until it was demolished still had the rake of the floor.Hursts were the bus operator from Winlaton to Newcastle and Blaydon.The Hursts buses were blue with primrose coloured wheel hubs.Got my first bike from Jack Percy's .When Jack Rodgers closed Jack took on the Meccano sales.Rodgers always sold top quality tools(still have some Moore & Wright tools bought there) Rodgers had an open fire not two or three foot behind the counter(No health and safety then) Old Blaydon did have character,still miss it.By the way great music Roly.

[@BlaydonAces]

Hello Trevor thanks very much for your nice comment. It means a lot. I'm 75, born in Blaydon. So I knew the old town very well. I used to buy pieces of Meccano at Rogers and was often at Jack Percy's too. Good memories of happy times. Best wishes. Roly

[@trevorashworth7307]

@@BlaydonAces Thanks a lot for replying so promptly.Do you still play at the Black Bull?

[@BlaydonAces]

@@trevorashworth7307 I still help run the jazz club there but only play occasionally. Usually we bring different bands now, once a month.

[@colinmason2708]

Thanks for this. Amongst my earliest memories - just about remember bits of old Blaydon - must be getting on 55 or so years ago - when staying at me Grandad and Grandmas - being taken to spend pocket money in Woolies in Blaydon - Vinyl floor with wooden floor at the back ( or the other way around :-) ) - I know its "progress" but it does make me a bit sad to think how it used to be.

[@BlaydonAces]

I think a lot of older Blaydon folk feel the same way. The clearance of the old town was so comprehensive. I have fond memories of the old place.

[@alanwann9318]

Note, all communal gathering places are being removed today

[@davidknowles7466]

Absolutely first class I'm abit young to remember most of it but it always puts a smile on my face, and your right it'll never come back..

[@BlaydonAces]

Hello David. Glad you like the song and images and thanks for the comment.

[@davidrichardson9172]

Thanks so much for putting this together. What a surprise to see my grandparents shop 'Ashtons' on Robinson Street. The Terrace Inn was right opposite on the other side of the street. Christine Richardson

[@BlaydonAces]

Thanks Christine. I was born in Blaydon (1946) and remember the old town with great affection. My wife was born in Thomas Terrace.

[@paulmiles4735]

anybody remember the Mitchinsons from George street?

[@Anna-jt3xu]

No fatties no phones happy people