I'm counting on you to share your Decimal Day memories - including a performance by a star singer
South Tyneside was gearing up for one of the biggest changes for decades - Decimal Day was on the way 55 years ago.
I’m wondering what you remember about the day when pounds, shillings and pence was consigned to the past.
A whole system of new coins to learn
Did you get the shiny new coins in your change on February 15, 1971? Or did you sit through lessons at school totting up what things would now cost?
Or maybe you remember the day because a star of the era was performing in South Shields.
The date also marked Debut Day for singer-comedian Harry Secombe, who was to make his first-ever appearance in cabaret in the North East that night.
Harry Secombe was drawing crowds in the borough
The popular Goon was set to perform at The Tavern nightclub in South Shields. The Baily Organisation had been trying to book Secombe for some time, but his busy film, theatre and television commitments had prevented it.
If you want more of a reminder of the year, Jeffrey Hunter was starring in Find A Place To Die at the ABC in South Shields where the main feature was called Anybody’s and the Saturday morning feature for children was Adventure Story: Shaggy.
Householders who had deep freezers were urged to get their meat supplies from Eric Mason’s butchers which was on the corner of Selbourne Street and Broughton Road. Beef, lamb and pork could be ordered and delivered to your home.
Share your own memories of Decimal Day and life in the borough 55 years ago, by emailing [email protected]
In case you missed it;
Support your Shields Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.