Tag Archives: Woolworth’s

Wor Woolies

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Our May talk will elicit fond memories for many. In his richly illustrated and entertaining talk, featuring historic images and his own photographs, retail consultant Graham Soult will tell the story of Woolworths through its buildings.

woolworths_northumberland_street_old_postcard_1935_resizeded

Can you spot Woolworths on the left?

Starting with the retailer’s UK launch in 1909, he will take us through all the highs and lows, including its first stores in the North East, its spectacular growth from the 1920s to the 1960s, and its subsequent decline and closure. Having visited and photographed all the former Woolworths stores in the North East, Graham’s talk ends with a reveal of what they have all now become.

Book now

Our talk will take place on Wednesday 22 May 2019 at St Gabriel’s Church, Heaton Road NE6 5QN at 7.30pm (Doors open at 7.00pm. You are advised to take your seat by 7.15pm). All welcome. FREE for Heaton History Group members. £2 for non-members. Please book your place by contacting maria@heatonhistorygroup.org / 07443 594154.

Beavans on site of High Main pub

Meet me on the corner

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Not a detailed timeline but we couldn’t pass up the chance that the opening of the new pub on the corner of Heaton Park Road and Shields Road gives us to show pictures of the same building at different points in its history. Most people associate Beavan’s with the building on the opposite side of Heaton Park Road which still bears its name, but this lively street scene shows that it was previously on ‘High Main’ corner and seems to have extended down Heaton Park Road.

jBeavans on site of High Main pub

Thank you to Beamish Museum for letting us use this photo. It’s interesting to see the now demolished shops and houses further down Heaton Park Road. And notice that some of the children have bare feet. But can you help us date the photograph? The fashions should give us a clue.

And what about this one, showing Woolworth’s occupying the site? Sometime in the 1960s? Who remembers shopping or working there? Did anyone own one of those sidecars?

Woolworths on Shields Road

And, for comparison, the new pub.

High Main Pub 2013

And in case you were wondering where the name came from:

Plaque outside the High Main pub

Thank you to Graham Soult for permission to use these two photographs.

There must be lots of people with information or memories of Woolie’s, Beavan’s (even if not in these premises!) or of other shops on Shields Road. We’d love you to post your comments here or email them to Chris Jackson.