Remembering early years at Readhead's in South Shields

Living in the digital age means that most of the photos we take these days are kept on mobile phones, tablets or computers.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Apr 2018, 08:41 BST- 1 min read

Updated 24th Apr 2018, 12:16 BST

A meeting of South Shields sawyers and wood builders. George Riddle and his father, also called George, are pictured on the left of the photo.

Many people intend to have the most precious images printed out and kept for posterity, avoiding the risk that they may be lost if the device defaults. Yet, despite such good intentions, few of us actually do.

So when local historian and owner of the Hebburn and our Neighbours website, Norman Dunn, sent me the attached photos and booklets it got me wondering as to just how many of today’s pictures and treasured mementos will actually survive into the future?

These items date back to the turn of the 20th century and feature George Riddle, as Norman explains.

“I got them sent by friend Barry Cram, whose late dad Davy was an amateur historian in Hebburn.

“I think Davy knew George Riddle on the photo.

“George Riddle was a wood sawyer at Readhead’s Shipyard in Shields. I have also attached his union payment book as well, which may interest your readers.

George Riddle, wood cutting machinist, fourth left on the front row.

“Maybe some readers will see their great,great grandfathers on these rare images. Maybe the location will get recognised.”

You can view Norman’s message board at http://mb.boardhost.com/Norman1944/index.html?1519933340