Cafe huts, Holey Rock and ice cream – history of our seafront
From cafe huts to ice cream parlours – two historians have compiled a new book which is packed with details on Roker and Seaburn’s past.
PhilipCurtisandAlanBrett have included 250 photos in their newest publication on everythingfromtheformation of Roker Pier to the popularity and demise of Holey Rock.
Alan explained some of the history that avid readers will findinthebookfromBlackCat Publications.
There is John Richardson who ‘hired out bathing machines and swimming costumes as well as serving tea fromhiscafélocatedinawooden hut on the beach’. He had a ‘lucrative sideline selling sand off the beach which was removed by horse and carts’.
The book also looks at Roker Pier which was opened by theEarlofDurhamonSeptember 23, 1903.
The Cat and Dog Steps is a favourite spot for sunbathers but the construction of the promenade there came at a cost, said Alan.
"A large proportion of the Cannonball Rocks were removed or covered over by the new prom.
“The Holey Rock – named afterthecavesthatranthrough it – was popular with locals and visitors. When rock falls made it unsafe the caves were bricked up and, in 1936, the Holey Rock was demolished.
Nearby,Pierrottroupesand Biddlecombe Jumbles entertainedcrowdslastcentury.Later,teadancesandrefreshment stalls drew visitors.
Both Roker Parks are featured in the book – the football ground and the public park with its tennis courts, bowling greens, pond and bandstand.
The Illuminations are featured such as Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Alan added: “This year’s Festival of Light saw a funfair on Cliff Park which included an Observation Wheel and roundabouts. A more permanent landmark is Bede’s Cross, firstunveiledin1904,although it has been taken down and reerected twice during both the FirstandSecondWorldWars.”
Alan added: “Benedetto Notarianni and Leonello Guidi
were the first to open ice cream parlours and cafés in Queen’s Parade at Seaburn in the 1930s. This led the way to the development of Seaburn with hotel, fairground, boating lake and miniature railway followinginthefootstepsofthe twoItalianicecreampioneers.
The Council-owned Seaburn Hall was a popular venue
for dancing and the top bands.
"Apartfromwhentheywere off-limits during wartime, the beaches of Roker and Seaburn have also attracted visitors in great numbers.
“Seaside cafés in the past were kept busy even if it was only to sell hot water to customers to make their tea. At Roker, the Bungalow Café has survived (with the name reversed) while its neighbours the North of England Café and Beach Café are long gone.
"At Seaburn, the Queen’s Café is still open unlike those belongingtotheGuidi,Pompa, Just, Atkinson and Metcalfe families. While Notarianni’s is also now closed, the Minchella family,whoarerelatedthrough marriage, still serve up ice cream and fish and chips in, appropriately, one of Notarianni’s former premises.
Roker and Seaburn is available from Sunderland Museum, Sunderland Antiquarian Society, Fulwell Post Office, Clay’sGardenCentreandwww. summerhillbooks.co.uk.Price £4.99.