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Swalwell Hoppings
Swalwell Hoppings were held from at least the 18th century on ground beside Ridley Gardens. Originally they were probably more than just a fair, being more of a carnival with horse races and sporting events. The Hoppings were still popular in the 1950s when roundabouts and sideshows would appear on the 'Hopping Field' in the late spring and stay for about a week.
A popular local song, Swalwell Hopping, was written by John Selkirk, a Gateshead man, in 1807, and refers to the exploits of the notorious Crowley's Crew, the ironworkers from Swalwell and neighbouring Winlaton and Winlaton Mill.
The Hoppings ceased in the 1960s.
Comments
I remember going to the Hoppings as a little girl. Also, the shuggy boats ( the swings shown here that held two people). I also remember going to Whitley Bay in a coach one year. Something to do with "club" money raised at a pub located a few streets away from where I lived on Masefield Avenue.
Posted by: Victoria Arnett- Baker at May 8, 2010 10:16 PM