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Bill (William ) Thew. Morpeth U3A
"Living in the Colliery houses, Broadpool Green, an idyllic spot built in the middle of a "Parkland" with surrounding fields, trees, copses and views to Sheriff Hill and Penshaw Monument."
"A night watchman together with his coke brazier and canvas shelter. He was an elderly man who stayed there all night tending the red oil lamps along the road workings.
When the snow arrived it was everyone to the "Chapel Fields", these being the fields between Whickham and Swalwell. What a ride this was and what a walk back."
The Church Green wasn't green and was a rough surface where the annual "Hoppings" came and where all other events were celebrated, such as the Coronation of George VI with singing, processions and bonfires etc.
In Church Chare the large hall was used for Silent Films and when the chairs were moved for roller skating.
"The Woodman's Arms Public House was a house with two rooms, the bar and the singing room or best end."
"The Gibside Estate was used during the last war as a training ground for the Army and the Home Guard for grenade and Sten gun practise etc., the canteen being in the now derelict hall."
" When Gateshead Council took over Whickham Urban District Council the village lost its identity and became a suburb."
I enjoyed my childhood in Whickham, and these are just a few of my recollections.