IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Henry Nelson Street, SOUTH SHIELDS, NE33 2EZ

Whereas the south side of this street is mainly take aways, this northern side is residential, with many boarding houses.

Taken opposite the corner of Ocean Road. An Alderman George Scott was mayor of South Shields 1887-89 and it may just be that this street was named after him.

In three short years, this sculpture has been almost overwhelmed by surrounding shrubs - see also Image

Located at the junction of Ocean Road and Lawe Road, this would appear to be a very recently installed sculpture.

Located at the junction of Ocean Road and Lawe Road, this would appear to be a very recently installed sculpture.

The north side of Ocean Road is lined with guest houses. Numerous fast-food outlets are found on the opposite side of the road.

A queue outside Colman's renowned chip shop takeaway and the sit-down restaurant adjacent is equally popular this evening. The queue means that everyone has to wait, but in my opinion this just serves to increase one's appetite, expectations and appreciation. It also enables one to eavesdrop on conversations, enjoy various tableaux as passers-by wend past, chat with other queue members and admire Ocean Road. Here on this little avenue in this seaside town it is possible to enjoy cuisines from all over the globe; there are several Indian/Bangldeshi/Pakistani curry houses, Nepalese, Turkish, Greek and goodness knows what else here and the scents waft, drift and billow across the warm pavements, testing your commitment to humble fish and chips as you await a shout from the hard-pressed team of servers sweltering inside to indicate that your particular order is ready, bagged and awaiting you to carry it away, warm and bulging for your supper.

The queue for Colman's of South Shields fish and chip shop takeaway. Queue members wait patiently, in typical British fashion, for their order to be placed and then fulfilled. They converse in reserved murmurs. They respect personal space. They, like me, seem to have some reverence for this business with its high quality products, reliable service and consistent standards fostered over many decades in a highly competitive and ever changing market. What can be better than fish and chips, enjoyed in a seaside town like South Shields? Where the sea air freshens up land lubbered lungs, creating a healthy appetite for locally sourced food, tradition and a well deserved treat; crunchy flavoursome batter, white fish and mushy peas, with crisp, golden chips and plenty of salt and vinegar...