My how times have changed!
This is how Ayresome Road near Newport Bridge looked in the 1920s! The photograph belongs to Joe Binks, aged 75, from West Lane, who was given the photo by his grandmother.
It shows local children and people in the costume of the day going about their business. In the background, according to Joe, the large building is the former Carter House which he says was named after the local councillor who lived there.
Joe was born in Letitia Street, Newport and proudly says he has lived in West Middlesbrough all his life. If you know anything about this photograph – when it was taken, by whom, may be you’re in the picture or you lived in Ayresome Road all those years ago, let us know!
Archibald allies?
This fantastic picture was sent in by Stuart Wales of Whinney Banks. Stuart, pictured in the centre, remembers posing for this picture at Archibald Primary School in 1960, but he can’t remember what it was for! He is keen for anyone else in the photo to get in touch, so if you recognise yourself, know who any of the people are, or have an old photograph of your own to send in please phone us on (01642) 230555 or write to us at Memory Lane, WMNT website, Melbourne House, Newport Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 5QH.
Caption: Stuart (circled) at Archibald Primary School, 1960
Newport Bridge – West Middlesbrough’s most famous landmark
The Tees (Newport) Bridge – or simply Newport Bridge as it’s more commonly known - is West Middlesborough's best known landmark.
Officially opened in 1934 by the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George IV and Queen Elizabeth), it was the second major bridge to be built over the River Tees.
The bridge is an impressive 400 feet long and 160 feet high from road level.
Until 1990 when the road section was permanently fixed down, it was a vertical lift bridge - the centre road section was raised to allow shipping traffic to pass.
The bridge is still a striking landmark and an example of the region’s excellence in engineering - as well as a gateway into West Middlesbrough.
Newport Bridge was used as the inspiration for WMNT’s logo when the partnership rebranded in May 2003.
If you have any photographs or stories that you would like featuring in Memory Lane, please get in touch by phoning us on (01642) 230555 or drop us a line at Memory Lane, WMNT website, Melbourne House, Newport Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 5QH. Remember to include your name and address so that your pictures can be returned.