I Spy

I spy with my little eye - Dunston Staiths.  A lovely place for a Sunday morning walk along the nearby path.  The Staiths are where the coal from the North East coalfields was loaded onto big ships and is reputed to be largest wooden structure in Europe.  It opened in 1893 and closed in the 1970's.  Obviously a very industrial area in its day.  The Staiths were restored and opened to the public as part of the Gateshead Garden Festival,  After the festival the nearby land was used for housing and a very nice riverside walk.  It also has a lovely community cafe that Mr YB and I often stop off at.

Sadly, the Staiths have suffered some damage due to arson attacks but are still opened to the public several times a year.  

My great grandad (John Joseph) worked there as a trimmer for about 30 years until he retired in the early 1930's.  The main task of a trimmer was to ensure that the coal was evenly distributed to ensure the ship didn't sink.    

My extra shows 6 of the 7 main bridges over the Tyne.