Summer Walk, Whitley Bay Seafront & Spanish City - Tuesday 31st July 2018.
On Tuesday 31st July, walk number five on the Camera Club's programme of visits to places of local interest took us
to the coast at Whitley Bay. The aim of the evening was to explore the sea front via the newly refurbished promenade
and see the recently restored and rebuilt Spanish City.
Meeting in the Brierdene car park the fourteen strong group crossed the footbridge over the Brierdene burn and then
headed south to join the promenade. Passing the Rendezvous Cafe and the popular skate park, there were numerous
photographic opportunities with views of St Mary's Lighthouse and the impressive new walkways with bright colour
coordinated shelters, street furniture and railings giving an art deco look and feel to the area.
Approaching the Spanish City, the weather was perfect as the summer evening light cast a warm glow on one of the
north east's most iconic landmarks. Opened in May 1910 the building has had many uses and at various times has
been a concert hall, a menagerie, a ballroom, a theatre, a bingo hall, an amusement arcade, a cinema and was the
grand entrance to the fairground. It was twice commandeered by the war office and was painted grey and camouflaged
during the war. Lack of investment and changing fortunes led to it falling into disrepair, and it was closed to the public
and in real danger of being demolished and lost forever until ambitious plans were announced to regenerate the area.
Work undertaken over several years has included the repair or replacement of many previously lost original features,
including the tower tops and cupolas complete with the 100 year old dancing ladies statutes. This restoration has been
done to a very high standard both inside and outside, and club members enjoyed photographing all aspects of this
unique building before returning to our start point after an enjoyable evening.
Davy Bolam.
to the coast at Whitley Bay. The aim of the evening was to explore the sea front via the newly refurbished promenade
and see the recently restored and rebuilt Spanish City.
Meeting in the Brierdene car park the fourteen strong group crossed the footbridge over the Brierdene burn and then
headed south to join the promenade. Passing the Rendezvous Cafe and the popular skate park, there were numerous
photographic opportunities with views of St Mary's Lighthouse and the impressive new walkways with bright colour
coordinated shelters, street furniture and railings giving an art deco look and feel to the area.
Approaching the Spanish City, the weather was perfect as the summer evening light cast a warm glow on one of the
north east's most iconic landmarks. Opened in May 1910 the building has had many uses and at various times has
been a concert hall, a menagerie, a ballroom, a theatre, a bingo hall, an amusement arcade, a cinema and was the
grand entrance to the fairground. It was twice commandeered by the war office and was painted grey and camouflaged
during the war. Lack of investment and changing fortunes led to it falling into disrepair, and it was closed to the public
and in real danger of being demolished and lost forever until ambitious plans were announced to regenerate the area.
Work undertaken over several years has included the repair or replacement of many previously lost original features,
including the tower tops and cupolas complete with the 100 year old dancing ladies statutes. This restoration has been
done to a very high standard both inside and outside, and club members enjoyed photographing all aspects of this
unique building before returning to our start point after an enjoyable evening.
Davy Bolam.