I worked as a Rigger at Smith's 19 84 .It was the toughest job ever. Bell to bell,no safety, filthy conditions. Some ships I remember Tidesurge Tide reach,. Plum leaf Sir Tristan.
i worked there from 1967 till 1983 served an apprenticeship as a shipwright Alan Blakey served part of his apprenticeship with me [Dennis Hall] nick name "Des"
My Grandad worked in Smiths Dock, And drank in the "Woll". My Mum has great memories of life around the Bullring as a child, she lives in Morpeth now but her heart is still in "Shields".
In 1954 a new dock at the Smith's Dock complex in North Shields was opened by James Thomas the First Lord of the Admiralty. It was 216.1m (709ft) long, 28.9m wide and 8.2m deep, making it the largest dock on RU-vid m.youtube.com › watch First Lord Opens New Smith Dock (1954) - RU-vid
I enjoyed the history of boxer Charlie Minto who my father spoke highly of when I was a boy. I believe he had something to do with Manny Burgo Sr, Joe Myers, and Bibby Richard's who were all professional boxers. They were all immigrants from different parts of Portugal, Africa, Ghana, and Jamaica who boxed out of a place called The Blood Kit where Oddfellows is situated now. Also at the gym was Stan Hawthorne, Johnny Miller and Billy Bunker Bean trained. They would visit the Colonial House to play snooker/ billiards and listen to Jazz music.
Thanks for the information Terry. Charlie Minto was very much involved with the boxing scene locally during the 1930's and 1940's. He coached, match made, promoted, refereed and judged boxing across the region. He actually coached out of Colonial House itself at one point. He also promoted tournaments at Appleby Park and at the Plaza in Tynemouth. The names I have seen him associated with did include Joe Myers, who came to Shields from British Honduras, and as you know was a coach himself at North Shields Boys Club. The other two names I have come across coached by Charlie were Kayo Kalio and Billy Wills, but he no doubt brought on many more young lads in the fight game. Davey Young
Thank you so much for retelling the story of my Great Great Grandfather. I think he would be proud looking down on your production, as we are if his heroism!
@@thenorthshieldsheritologyp990 it was beautiful done. Sadly aunty Kath passed away last year but it would have brought a tear to her eye. I still recall the day we finally marked his grave, it was so moving and the Last Post was a fitting tribute. The fact you bring these stories back to life is a beautiful thing. Incidentally my Mothers side her cousin is also one of North Shields celebrated son's, Thomas Brown. Another astonishing story and incredibly sad. Thank you all
