Author Archives: Picture Stockton Team

The Theatre Royal and Plaza

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A recent comment on the Theatre Royal in Yarm Lane led me to older comments about the similarity of the building to the Plaza Cinema: https://picturestocktonarchive.com/2014/01/16/the-theatre-royal-2/#comment-89897

One of the images shows the Theatre Royal after it was damaged by fire in 1906, the interested bystanders appear to be standing in front of The Garrick, in the background is the Holy Trinity School.

The other image is of the Plaza Cinema in Bishop Street, it must have been a theatre originally as the box arrangement stuck on the front of the building was built to house the projectors when it was converted, this feature was fairly common on quite a few old theatres, most of which have long since disappeared. After the fire at the Theatre Royal it was replaced by a roller skating rink which later became that well known venue The Maison De Danse.
On one of my earlier postings I listed the cinemas I had visited in Stockton over the years, I didn’t mention the Plaza as I didn’t know it existed, never having been there, I was pleased when this photo was sent to me, it came with another shot from the other end of Bishop Street with the Grand in the foreground and the Plaza in the background.

Images and details courtesy of Bruce Coleman.

The Eagle Boys Club

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Two silver trophies awarded in the 1940s to boys attending and competing at The Eagle Boys Club in Stockton. This club met at Woodlands, a large house on Yarm Lane next to Leybourne Terrace. The club was run by Frank Showell, when he was not teaching at the nearby Oxbridge Lane School. Mr Showell is described elsewhere on Picture Stockton as being “a wonderful teacher and a great motivator”. The names of the club members are engraved on the plaques, they include – Dennis Noble, A. Todd, R. Wiley and W Palfreeman. Has anybody any memories about this club?

Photograph and details courtesy of Cliff Thornton.

Royal Rink, Yarm Lane, Stockton

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The Royal Rink (roller skating) was built on the site of the Theatre Royal, and later became the Maison De Danse (No.21 Yarm Lane). This in turn became Riley’s Snooker & Pool Bar, The Players Lounge and most recently a bar called Room 21. Was the rink converted into the Masion or was it rebuilt? Did the Maison look anything like this on the inside? with the curved roof being quite distinctive.

Image and details courtesy of Jonathan May.

Stockton Charity Cup

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Can anyone help? This photograph shows the Stockton Domino Charity Cup. I’m not sure of the names of people or the year. It must belong to someone in my wider family history as the cup was passed on to the grandson of my uncle. My uncle’s name was James Fallon. Please let me know if anyone knows anything about it.

Photograph and details courtesy of Susan Mahoney.

“Tyne Bridge” passing beneath Middlesbrough Transporter

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These two photographs were taken on Friday 24th March 1972. “Tyne Bridge” was a 167,000 tons ore-bulk-oil (OBO) carrier, built at Swan Hunter’s Haverton Hill Shipyard (formerly Furness Shipbuilding). It was heading out for sea trials, guided by 6 tugs. The visible tugs are (left to right) Ayton Cross, Ormesby Cross, and Leven Cross. The top 12 feet of the ship’s mast was hinged to obtain clearance under the transporter. I took the photographs from British Rail’s wagon repair depot, in the one-time Port Clarence goods station.

Photographs and details courtesy of Brian Johnson.

Staff at Head Wrightson

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My dad’s name is Peter Fawbert and he is to the left of the photograph. He was born in 1943 and worked at Head Wrightson from being an apprentice until he was 30, so I imagine he was in his teens/early twenties when this photograph was taken, which would put it at around 1960-1970. I do know that he was a fitter and turner. The guy to the right is his friend Peter Such (I think that’s the correct spelling). They remained friends after leaving Head Wrightson.

Photograph and details courtesy of Meriel Fawbett.

Stockton Boys – Cricket Winners of the Pallister Shield, 1962

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From left to right: Johnson (Roseworth), Crowe (Roseworth), Cullen, Crawford (Fredrick Nattress), Brennan (Roseworth), Sheridan (Holy Trinity), Close, Allen (Richard Hind), Dodds, (Fredrick Nattress), Orpen (Holy Trinity), Smyth (St. Bede’s), Irvin (Newham Grange), Lakey (Roseworth), Jones (Richard Hind).

Photograph and details courtesy of Mick Dea.

Goliath Crane, Middlesbrough Dock Point Facility

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During the 1970s, engineering companies were manufacturing the oil platforms for the North Sea. A pride of accomplishment when the finished modules were sent out on barges down the River Tees and out to sea. The workers involved in the construction of the rig and the movement of the parts by the crane “Goliath” to where they were needed. You might say that my passion for Goliath when I worked there and it’s sad to what it looks like now – reminds me of the song “Big River” by Jimmy Nail.

Photographs and details courtesy of Michael Hymer.

Days in the 1st Thornaby (10th Teesside) Company Boys Brigade

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Life experiences were gained with participating as a member in the Boys Brigade. Goals achieved through many disciplines of activities and badges attained to show your progress. Sharing responsibilities and respect with others in the company with pride in what is achievable, both individually and as a team. The photograph only shows me, though the trophy represents the first aid team and coach/officer in 1970. Many bonds of friendship were established at that time and held in high esteem as one remembers back. The officers then coached in many ways with enthusiasm and dedication in their duties. A mantle to carry forward for future generations to aspire, a wonderful organisation to have been a part of in my life.

Photographs and details courtesy of Michael Hymer

St. Bede’s Secondary Modern School, 1959 – 1961

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Frank Rochford aka Brother Francis taught at St.Bede’s School, Green Lane, Stockton in the 1950’s and 60’s. Brother Francis was held in high regard and ran both the football and cricket teams. When St. Bede’s merged with St. Mary’s Girls School in the late 60’s the De La Salle Brothers left Stockton.

Brother Francis at a later date left the order and got married and lived in Scotland on the outskirts of Edinburgh. He had two children Paul and Mikela. In 2012 Frank was awarded an M.B.E. in recognition of his voluntary work with CRUSE, a bereavement charity. Sadly, Frank passed away in February 2021, aged 88. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Intermediate football team 1959-60 season: Back (L to R): Jimmy Shepherd, Harry Pytelin, Kevin Mulgrew, Mick Cuerden, Pater Smyth, Tommy Murphy, Richard Hunter, David Hall.

Front (L to R): Tony Castle, Alan Brett, David Cook, Bobby Goldsmith (captain), Connie Walsh, Terry Mack.

Senior football team 1960-61 season: Back (L to R): Billy Taylor, John Turner, Alan Blakemore, Peer Smyth, Derek Brown, Tommy Murphy.

Front (L to R): Bobby Goldsmith, Jeff Nolan, Jonny Richardson, Tony Castle, Kevin Mulgrew.

 

Cricket Team 1960-61 season: Back (L to R): Turnbull, ??, Bernard Prior, Tony Castle, Colin Ledger, Kevin Mulgrew.

Front (L to R): Pete Smyth, Tony Maxwell, Mick Cooper, Jeff Nolan, Billy Taylor, Lol Hindmarsh.

 

Photographs and details courtesy of Mick Dea (great deal of help from Dave Whittaker for helping with the names).