Remember Whitley Bay’s holiday heyday?
‘SCOTTISH FORTNIGHT’ MEMORIES WANTED
MORE than 16,000 people flocked to Whitley Bay’s newly-reopened Spanish City last weekend.
Let’s hope the leisure hub’s welcome return, after nearly two decades, sparks a return to form for the Tyneside coastal resort.
Whitley Bay’s popularity as a tourist destination has declined in recent decades, but a new project aims to recall and document the town’s heyday as a holiday hotspot.
The Scottish Fortnight Heritage Project is being launched next month by Cath Walshaw.
She said: “Does anyone recognise this bonny lass? The photo appeared in a holiday brochure for Tynemouth and Whitley Bay in 1977 with the caption ‘Festival Queen of North Tyneside’.
“I’d love to ask her about her role as Festival Queen and add her memories to the Scottish Fortnight Heritage Project.”
In past decades during the last week of July and the first week of August, Whitley Bay would be host to thousands of Scottish holidaymakers.
The names of local guest houses often reflected a Scottish theme. There was the Aberfeldy Hotel on Park View, the Glencoe Hotel on South Parade, and the Glenogle Guest House on Victoria Avenue.
The 1950s, 60s and 70s encapsulated the tradition of British seaside life and how we used to holiday before mass air travel and foreign package deals arrived.
Thousands flocked to the beach, buying a pot of tea from the cafe to
take on to the sands.
The Spanish City buzzed with excitement with its thrilling rides, playing loud rock ‘n’ roll music for the fairgoers, and offering opportunities for a chance meeting and the possibility of a holiday romance.
There was bingo, ballroom dancing, golfing tournaments, sandcastle competitions and a lively pub scene.
Whitley Bay thrilled and delighted its visitors and the local guest houses and hotels were full.
Project worker Cath added: “Everyone with a story to tell about Scottish Fortnight is welcome to come along.
“There will be an opportunity to meet up with other landladies from the holiday industry and to look at a display of old postcards and brochures.
“I’m putting on the event because I think it’s important to capture this special time in Whitley Bay’s history and its place in the development of the town.”
She went on: “I hope lots of landladies, shop owners and Whitley Bay residents will come along to share their special memories.
“Bring along your photos, visitors’ books, brochures and souvenirs. Anything goes as we celebrate Whitley Bay’s sparkling past.” ■■The Scottish Fortnight Heritage Project holds its first meeting in the Big Local Shop, 305, Whitley Road, on Thursday August 9, at 10.30am. If anyone has mobility issues and wants help with transport to the venue, contact Cath on 07552588034.