Open Writing

The 18th April, 1953, was an important date for the Boys Brigade in South Shields. It was on that date the battalion's jam jar collecting matured and its new headquarters at B B House in Westoe village was opened by Lord Maclay, the then Brigade President.

Taylor and Gidney (1983) describe how money was raised to buy the former Seamen's Mission Hostel, and the interest shown by the regional press and radio.

There were many distinguished guests and with others, I had the privilege of being part of the Guard of Honour. However, it is an incident before the event that I remember most clearly. I was crossing Sunderland Road at Westoe when I saw a mature, tall gentleman wearing Victorian-like clothes, including a winged collar and bow tie, get off the bus from town. He preceded me up to Westoe Village, and it was only when we were nearly at B B House that I realised I was following the Rt Hon. J Chuter Ede, the town's Labour MP.

Fifty years later, I wonder how many former Home Secretaries now use public transport or walk to events?

During the next three decades, B B House was used for a wide variety of local, regional and national events. A recreation/sports hall was built in its grounds and named after the battalion president, John Chalmers. Unfortunately, due to the fall in recruitment and increasing maintenance costs, B B House was sold and then demolished in the late 1980's. On the plus side, it left Shields battalion one of the richest in the country.

The next major event in Great Britain in the 1950's was the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London on 2nd June, 1953. It was the first Coronation to be screened on national T.V. and it certainly stimulated the purchase or hire of a 'magic box'. As the big day approached, I recall seeing workmen on roofs of houses fitting a large 'H' shaped aerial, which was essential for good reception.

Nationally, the Brigade was invited to send a delegation, and representatives were chosen from throughout the country. The northeast region was allocated twelve places, and I was lucky enough to be selected as one of these. Along with John and Brian Taylor (no relation) from the 9th Company (Birchington Avenue Methodists), I made up the trio from the South Shields Battalion.

Brian then worked in the sports equipment department at A.J. Wares Ltd, who at the time had a large store in King Street. I envied him his job. Many years later, I believe he went on to be a director of the Company.

I remember the Coronation Week very well. Nationally, the Whit Bank Holiday Monday was combined with the one-day holiday for the coronation and was added to a weekend. This gave everybody a four-day break.

We were to travel to London on the Monday, stay overnight at allocated accommodation and return late on Tuesday. There was also a Coronation Social planned at St Andrew's Church on the Wednesday, and a cricket match v Marsden C.W. at Wood Terrace on the Thursday. It was a busy week!

At eighteen years of age, this was the first time I had visited London. I nearly did not make it. One of the essential prerequisites for the event was that everyone attending should wear a dark-coloured suit and white shirt. The white shirt was no problem but I did not own a suit and we certainly could not afford to buy one.

I was just in the process of refusing the invitation when the extended family again came to the rescue. Dennis, my brother-in-law in Birmingham, although a little larger than me, had a suitable suit and was prepared to lend it to me. This was parcelled up and sent to Reed Street. It fitted okay and my first visit to London was saved.