An oral history of Bensham

This fascinating book records the everyday life and events of people who have lived and worked in Bensham and the surrounding areas of Teams, Saltwell and Coatsworth over the last century. These personal and often humorous anecdotes recall some difficult times, of financial struggles and food shortages, along with fond memories of shops and local characters. Also included are reminiscences of war, work in the collieries and flour mills, street parties on a rainy Coronation Day in 1953, riding the trams,and schools, teachers and playground games.

Everyone knew everyone else in the streets, especially the kids, so when it was anyone’s party, we would all join in. I remember knocking on Geordie Nichols door to go to his party because they’d forgotten to ask me – and I wasn’t going to be left out! That’s the way it was.

Accompanied by over one hundred archive illustrations, this volume offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past lives of people and places in and around this part of Tyne and Wear, as told by the people who make up this community.