Oyez! Hear ye South Tynesiders as we share town crier scenes from the borough's past
A shout out for the South Tyneside town criers of the past
Oyez, oyez, oyez! Gather round for a load of memories of town criers doing their bit in South Tyneside.
Who knew. Today is International Town Criers Day and to celebrate, we scoured through the Shields Gazette archives for scenes from the past.
The day was founded 29 years ago to preserve the pageantry and tradition of the profession, and it is still celebrated widely in the UK.
Get in touch if these South Tyneside scenes bring back happy memories for you.
In 2012, wartime spirit returned to South Shields as an allotment plot went back in time to host a Second World War-themed event which included a town crier.
The Greenhope Oasis Community Garden, based at All Saints Allotments in Brockley Avenue, South Shields, held a Dig for Victory day as part of the celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Young George Formby impersonator James Bassett performed songs by his idol, while dancers from Tabitha Bushel Dance Academy braved the rain to perform.
Visitors could make their own wartime toys including peg dolls and wooden aeroplanes, while a hut was kitted out with a range of wartime memorabilia courtesy of South Shields Museum.
Other attractions included announcements made by town crier Jim Chambers.
Jim was back in action in weeks later when he led the the colourful Festival Parade in South Shields. The Whitburn-born man was appointed to signal the event’s start outside South Shields Town Hall, before leading an 800-strong parade through the town to a Summer Fair at Bents Park.
The traditional town crier was outside South Shields Town Hall once more in 2022, proclaiming the beacon lighting celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.
We want your memories of all of these great scenes whether it was from 2012 or 2022.
Or maybe there is another aspect of South Tyneside’s past you would like to spotlight, such as a favourite pub, club, restaurant, shop or department store.
Perhaps there is a school of the past you would like us to feature so you can reunite with former classmates.
Whatever the reason for getting in touch, tell us more by emailing [email protected]