For Mother’s Day, I Love North Shields team member Caroline Oswald is sharing an incredible discovery—one that has never been made public before. She has uncovered recordings of her mam, Veronica Irving, singing in the New Clarendon pub in the 1980s. The singalongs, started by Amber Films during their five-year residency, changed Veronica’s life. She became a singer, performing most nights for the rest of her life.
In one particular recording, made exactly when Veronica was the same age that Caroline is now, the warmth of the moment shines through—especially as the whole pub joins in towards the end.
Caroline has only just started listening to her mam’s tapes, 18 years after she passed away. These recordings capture not only Veronica but also many other singers, often introduced by name, as well as conversations and the general banter of pub life across North Shields.
Now, she is reaching out to the community—does anyone remember the singalongs at The Clarendon, The Chain Locker, The Porthole, The Queen’s Head, The Station Hotel, High Point Hotel, or Jacksons? There’s a chance that someone’s relative, or even they themselves, could be on these tapes.
If these singalongs bring back memories, get in touch—Caroline would love to hear from you!
