Could you help name new North Shields Square after important historical figure?

[Sandrafamilytree]

Thanks for the update! I'm certainly curious to know who has been chosen.

[Radcliff]

and still it has no official name,

[River Tyne Lass]

Hi Sandra & Radcliff
I am very curious to find out the name for the new Square too. 
It does seem very strange that they launched this naming project without seemingly having a ceremony date.  I presumed it would have happened at the ceremony when the new bus station opened. 
Hopefully, the naming ceremony will happen before winter sets in.  There is  large blank billboard in the square - I wonder if the name will be displayed on this .. eventually?

[River Tyne Lass]

There has been no further news about this for such a long time so I have made further enquiries higher up.

I have just received word today that preparations are afoot to have an unveiling ceremony sometime in the New Year at which the new name will be announced.

[River Tyne Lass]

At long last there is a date for the event of the naming of this Square ..

15 March 2024

Sorry, I forgot to ask about time but I will chase it up again.

[River Tyne Lass]

Just an update re the time.

The ceremony for the naming of the new square will start at 10 am this Friday 15 March.

[River Tyne Lass]

I went to the ceremony yesterday morning on way home... And the winner is..

Thomas Brown!

All very worthy contenders but I am very pleased!  He was my vote.

[Sandrafamilytree]

I am pleased Thomas was chosen.

He got my vote too. An incredible story.

Here's a bit of extra information for anyone who doesn't know of it.

https://www.warhistoryonline.com/news/thomas-brown-statue-north-shields.html

Thomas died in a house fire in 1945, trying to rescue his sister.  He was so brave.

I'm planning to go to Local Studies next week and will be able to have a look at the memorial. I really hope it is respected and not vandalised over time.

Thank you very much for keeping us regularly updated. It has been a long wait! 

[River Tyne Lass]

Thank you for the link Sandra which is very interesting.  I did know he sadly had his life cut short through a house fire.  Thomas was buried at Preston Cemetery, North Shields.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/59984787/thomas-william-brown

Yes, I too hope the memorial will be respected and not vandalised.  It would be disgraceful if it was.

I hope you enjoy your time at the local studies next week Sandra.  You are welcome re regular updates on this thread.  I agree that it has been a long time coming. and I am delighted Thomas was the winner chosen