Hundreds gathered for a South Shields live event which really did raise the roof 50 years ago
Shields landmarks were taking the headlines in 1977
South Shields has plenty of great choices for entertainment.
But 49 years ago this week, it was a free and live event which raised the roof in the town centre.
After weeks of confusion, the roof of South Shields Old Town Hall was hoisted back on to the-then 222-year-old building in the town’s Market Place.
The roof, or cupola, had been due to be lifted earlier that month, but a crane drivers’ strike caused a postponement. Finally a 100-ton telescopic crane, which was brought from Teesside, arrived to carry out the delicate operation.
When driver Kenny Moore finally got the project under way, an eager crowd of passers-by gathered to witness the crane pick up the 20-ton cupola and gently swing it onto the roofless town hall - completing the job in just 15 minutes.
Another South Tyneside landmark was making just as many headlines.
The Tyne Dock arches - four in total and each 15 metres wide - had carried the coal trains from the local collieries to Tyne Dock for shipping around the world.
But 36 years ago they were surplus to requirements and were set for demolition to make way for a new wider road into the heart of town.
Concern was growing that their imminent demolition would lead to traffic problems. The Shields Road running under them was to be closed for four months while the historic structures were pulled down.
The 1977 news also included;
The daredevil American Hell Drivers were coming to South Shields to perform live at Bents Park. It was £1 for seats, 60 pence for adults, and children at 60 pence and 30 pence. It was described as the ‘Greatest Show On Earth’ and promised highlights such as driving on two wheels, head-on collisions and 90 minutes of action.
An advert also encouraged people to bring along their old cars before the show to sell for cash.
If something more sedate was your thing, how about a spot of shopping in King Street where Grants the jewellers was selling eternity rings.
Share your own memories of South Tyneside life in 1977 by emailing [email protected]