By Diane Wailes
People often talk about how the appearance of North Shields has changed over the years. But how many older readers also remember the smell? For Sam Thompson – born in Preston Hospital in 1957 – it’s the smell of the Fish Quay that provides one of his strongest childhood memories. In particular the fish guano factory near the Pow Burn, which was controversial with Shields people right up until the early 1960s. Its choking smell – in Sam’s words “it honked” – hung over the Fish Quay as rotting fish and bird poo were transformed into fertiliser.
Sam spoke to ‘I Love North Shields’ about his family’s long connections with the river. Going right back to his great-great- grandfather – Monsieur d’Vaire – who arrived from France in the late 1800s and worked for many years collecting fares on the ‘Ha’Penny Dodger’ foot passenger ferry that criss-crossed the Tyne.
Sam’s grandfather, James Poulter, stuck with the river life, working as a fitter and a strong Union man in the shipyards. When war broke out in 1914 he was sent south to complete his army training, but was recalled shortly afterwards when skilled shipyard workers were deemed essential to the war effort. Sadly, not everyone understood that fact and James was unfairly the recipient of a number of white feathers from women who didn’t realise that his was a vital, reserved occupation.
Moving forward a generation, Sam’s father – also called Sam – had the huge responsibility of being chief engineer on the Esso Northumbria, the largest vessel ever to have been built in Britain at that time. He was the man in charge of the engine room during her sea trials in 1969, and away at sea for up to six months at a time.
Sam’s favourite part of North Shields is still the Fish Quay and although he feels sad that businesses are struggling and town centre footfall isn’t what it was, he does feel hopeful about the future. In spite of the naysayers there are definite signs of improvement. And as for what makes our town special, Sam shared a very interesting story. In his current job as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities, his experience has been that in areas like North Shields people are very supportive and willing to help – big lads on the metro stepping up straight away to lend a hand to someone in a wheelchair who might need a little help to get on or off the platform. That doesn’t happen everywhere, but it happens in North Shields!
