First World War 'Victory Tea' in North Shields
THE end of the First World War was celebrated by the whole nation.
Many celebrations took the form of street parties and the people of Tyneside joined in with enthusiasm.
These 'Victory Teas', as they were often known, were often held months after the end of hostilities.
One of dozens of reports of Victory Teas in the Shields Daily News is dated September 11, 1919 and, in three short paragraphs, it covered the celebrations at the Bull Ring, North Shields.
The area between Duke Street and Smith's Dock was heavily draped with flags of the Allied nations, and houses were elaborately decorated.
The adults of the area sat down to tea while the children were catered for elsewhere.
Festivities were opened by Mr and Mrs Brownlee who can be seen seated on the far side of the table dressed in dark clothes.
To their right is Mrs Kastanos of the fish and chip shop who is credited with having prepared the meal and, to her right, beside the tea urn, is Mrs Amess from the bird shop.
Standing at the right are Mrs Olsen and her daughter, Agnes who kept lodgings in the white-painted building in the background, next door to "Russian Peter" Gustafson's outfitter's shop.
Closest to the camera is possibly Mrs Ling, then Florence Grant, Mrs Nobbs, Mrs O'Day and Mrs Twelves. Mr Brownlee and Mr Kastanos each gave all of the local children a threepenny piece.
On the following day there were sports and games, including a greasy pole competition with more money for the children.
If anyone has further information ask for Local Studies on (0191) 200 5424 or leave a message at any branch of North Tyneside Libraries.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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