Blyth, Cowpen, Windmill Inn

[Michael Dixon]

Was Keenlyside shop at the bottom ( eastern) end of Plessey Road- near Bridge Street ?

Michael

[Phodgetts]

Yes Michael. Opposite the Police Station on the corner of Plessey Rd and Bridge Street and opposite to the BHC offices. A Social Services office occupies the site today the original shop having been demolished, though I do not know when.

Philip

The old building was still in situ when the new Bridge House was built, but I do not know when that was built. The current building is called Compass House. I wonder if the old building was demolished to make way for the new?

[Michael Dixon]

 Corr Blimey I worked in that building 1959-1961. It was the offices of Northern Gas Board, Blyth Division
 ( I was a "Boy Clerk"). The offices were on first floor. I was about where third window is ( although because of my juniority I didn't get to sit next to a window) .

The ground floor, entrance at the rear, was base for gas fitters.

Not many fond memories of the place.

Michael

[Michael Dixon]

 The building in middle of photo was once the Labour Exchange.

Michael

[AlisdairGB]

The building in middle of photo was once the Labour Exchange.

... and I think may at one time have been the Post Office (?)

[Phodgetts]

Yes, it was indeed the Post Office.

P

[HenryWood]

[...]
the buildings between it and the photographer have long since gone and the site occupied by what is today a petrol station and car sales garage. I remember it being a Ford garage and looking on with excitement at the launch of the then new Ford Capri MK2.

Hope it generates some interest and possibly memories for some.

Enjoy.

Philip

About the garage, would that have been when it was the Co-op garage? Do you remember it before then, a very old corrugated iron structure with a Mobil pump and they did mainly panel beating? It was called the Ochiltree Garage,  rented out by two chaps from the owner who also lived very nearby.

Also, there is a mention of smallholdings and farms later in the thread, one being Yorkie's farm. I believe another farm in that area at the time, and possibly the biggest, was Percy's farm.

[winshipstreetlad]

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The garage next to the Kings Arms was a Coop garage for years. and do not forget the imfamous Cowpen working mans club it was a CIU affilliated.(  now All Gone)(It was once a large private houseand & very immpressive it would of been in it;s day) all next door to the Windmill.. . I had quite a few pints in all three places back in the 1960/70's.

[Phodgetts]

The large impressive house. Do you mean Cowpen Hall? Now the site of Maccy Dee's. I have some old photos of the hall.

P