Medal for saving someone from drowning in the Tyne

[fhaccord]

Can anyone throw any light on this medal?
I cannot find any newspaper reports or info on the Coal vendors.
The date is the same day the Turbinia was launched in the Tyne but the events may not be related.
Thanks
Frank

[philipsearching]

It's so shiny that I can't read the inscription, - could you transcribe it?

Regards
Philip

[fhaccord]

Hi
Apologies for the quality of the pic. The inscription reads:
"Presented to John Evans by Robert Patrick and the North Elswick Coal Vendors for saving from drowning in the Tyne Mr E Young 2nd Aug 1894"
Thanks
Frank

[philipsearching]

I haven't had any luck finding a newspaper report either!  I don't think there was an organisation of coal vendors - the most likely explanation is that Mr E Young was (or was related to) a coal merchant and his colleagues in North Elswick had a whip-round and bought the medal to say thank-you to John Evans.  Robert Patrick would probably have been a prominent local coal merchant.

It might be worth getting in touch with http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/engage/blog/family-history-in-tyne-and-wear/ to see if they can help.

All the best
Philip