Blyth Building, what was it?

[Phodgetts]

Hi all, this building (now for sale) in Blyth is diagonally opposite the site of the old crossing box on Renwick Road. Does anyone here remember what the building was used for up until the closure of the railway station in August 1964? I have been told that at one point it was a Monumental Masons. Can anyone clarify that and what period of time that was?

In the railway picture the building can be seen, but the cattle dock obscures the lower half of the building.

Thanks in advance

Philip

[Michael Dixon]

 Philip,

 Before named Renwick Road, this bit of the street/road was called Alexandra Crescent. Over the railway crossing it became Cowpen Road.

In my time ( 1950-60s) the Seqhinis had their little ice cream factory in the close vicinty.  ( maybe behind that building ? ) Although memory is not my strength, I do remember a Monumental Masons been in the area.

There is a 1916 trade directory on line but no solution there. Blyth Library should have more current directory which might provide the answer.

 Michael

[Malcommon]

Hi Philip,  I have been asking Ken Hedley if he has any idea about what this building was but he couldn't remember.
I will ask Gerry Evans and Bill Henderson when I see them at the Spartans quiz on Tuesday.
regards  Malcolm

[Michael Dixon]

Philip,

 I was browsing some publications in Newcastle Library today.

On Monumental Masons ( or sometimes called Marble Masons).

In 1930s there were two in Blyth-- T & G Cocks of  High St and W H Endean of Croft Road.

In 1956 Telephone Directory only Bart Endean is listed- 29 Croft Road ( Telepnone Blyth 478  lol

In 1958 There ditto for Bart and K Kell at 12 Second Avenue


 1968 Directory ( Blair Publications) for Northumberland listed Endean and Kell at addresses as above.

Blyth Library should have more publications available fro Blyth than Newcastle Library holds !

Michael

[emmadog]

I'm with Michael Dixon on this one,  as soon as I saw the photo  Seghinis came to mind.  As I remember it they were on the ground floor in the 60's as my younger brother used to go to judo classes on the first floor.

Will find out for definite tomorrow as my aunt (aged 84) is coming to stay  and she live off Renwick Road so may know a bit more.

Barbara

[c-side]

It's amazing how easy it is to forget.  Seghini's were definitely around there but there was also a sweet factory, whose name I can't bring to mind right now, and that was my first thought when I looked at the picture.

Christine

PS  I will eventually remember the name at the most inappropriate moment!!

ADDED - Was it Redheads Sweet Factory?

[Michael Dixon]

Christine,

Perhaps !

 Redheads had a sweet factory in my day mid C20th, up Station St, on Keelmans Terrace, a neighbour of the " Big Club". ( turn left anfd then on to Comrades Club)

Michael

[Phodgetts]

Thanks everybody for your time and efforts. Amazing how quickly the use of unassuming buildings gets forgotten. Here is a side view of the building on the right hand side of the crossing gates. I cannot make out what the advertisement board has on it, though the advert on the board on the left side of the road is for the Essoldo.

[emmadog]

I have spoken to my aunt and she says that Seghinis was behind the building in the photo and that there was never a monumental mason in that area and she and her husband were in the funeral business in Blyth for many years.  The hire business had been there for many many years but she cannot think what if was before.

With regards to the other photo with the Essoldo poster, she said that my great uncle used to paste all the hoardings in Blyth (news to me).

Barbara