April 17, 2010 Two Reds - Two Shields

A view across the River Tyne from North Shields to South Shields where two red objects can be seen.

The Red Buoy in the foreground is on the North Shileds side just along from the Fish Quay - Four huge red shipping buoys salvaged from the river have been installed on the land to the east of the fort, reclaimed in the nineteenth century. These are also acting as markers at the confluence of two national and one regional cycle routes.

The red object on the South Shields side is the Groyne which dates back to the 19th century - 1866 - South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade is formed, using the watch house on the South pier as their base. They were the first brigade to make a rescue using the breeches buoy. Also this year an outbreak of cholera badly affects the town.