Remember these ads for things you had to have in the 50s?

Hall Brothers boasted of their luxury coaches in their ads.

Mrs Robson, who lives in Morpeth, highlights some of the adverts for goods sold in stores that traded in Shields at that time.

“I hope the old Gazette (which is dated Thursday, February 9, 1950) may be of interest to you,” writes Mrs Robson.

Do you remember Dandy Cleaners and Dyers?

“I found the old advertisements very interesting, especially the individual ones of articles for sale.

“Seeing the shop adverts reminded me of what a busy shopping centre Shields was in those days compared to now.

“I also liked the photograph (featured in Time Of Our Lives) of the three toddlers on the new Marsden Estate, which I remember being built in the late 1940s after the war.”

What are your memories of the goods for sale?

A 1950 advert for travel firm Graham and Warren.

Do you miss the shops that used to sell them?

What can you tell me about Dandy cleaners and dryers? Perhaps you worked there or were a regular customer?

It is interesting to note that a new fire and surround could be bought at Rippons, in Denmark Street, for £10/19/6.

It doesn’t seem very much these days, but back in 1950 it was a pretty penny.

Chris B Watson offered 'the latest in mens wear'.

And if you had a few pennies to spare, perhaps you were tempted to travel with Hall Brothers or Graham & Warren?

Do you remember where you spent your summer holidays in 1950?

If you did get away, once home again, you could have used the services of Central Surplus Stores and Chris B Watson to buy work and utility clothing.

Please get in touch with your memories of what it was about shopping in Shields that was so special.

Bargain clothing on offer at Central Surplus Stores of Jarrow.

Meanwhile, here’s an appeal from a reader who has unearthed some old sheet music and doesn’t want to just bin it.

Mrs S Kinson writes: “If, on your travels into the past, you meet anyone who collects old sheet music, let me know.

“I have a few pieces from the 1940s and my tutor from 1936 when I was a pupil of Miss G Ochleford, of Chichester Road.

“As I am having a clean-out, it would be a shame to bin them if there was a collector out there.”

If the appeal hits the right note with you, please get in touch with me and I’ll pass your details on.