The Toy Museum

The Toy Museum in Tynemouth is the result of Tony and Maureen and Bracken's passion for toys. There are over 7000 toys on display and you can tell that every single one of them is well loved. The museum was set up to house their ever growing collection of bears, dolls, cars, robots and childhood memorabilia.

Part of the collection that really appeals to me is the selection of vintage robots which are fantastic. They remind me of old 1950's sci-fi films and the TV series 'Lost in Space' which I used to love. Because there is such a mix of toys from the 1890's until the present day there is something for everyone of all ages. My visit to the museum took me back to my childhood, it had everything I loved and collected from Star Wars, Batman and toy cars. I'm sure the massive collection of dolls, bears and comics will have the same nostalgic effect on every visitor.

One of the things that surprised me on my first visit was the sheer size of the museum and the astonishing variety of toys on display. The museum is TARDIS- like in size, much bigger than the building facade suggests.

I was made to feel hugely welcome on my visit and was shown some of the behind the scenes storage areas brimming with toys of all type. It's great when you meet people with passion, people who love what they do, Tony and Maureen are collectors with a passion for toys. I am sure that everyday their collection inspires warm memories of may a viewers childhood.

If you are in Tynemouth and fancy doing something nostalgic and fun then pop in and say hi to Tony and Maureen. Please check out their fantastic website here: http://www.tynemouthtoymuseum.co.uk/

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All photos by www.anthonydorman.com

(TVLB) Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade

If there is one institution or place in Tynemouth that should never be taken for granted is the TVLB Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade. For a number of years I used to wonder what the unusual old wooden building overlooking the mouth of the Tyne was. Last year I ventured inside the Watch House and was amazed at what a wonderful place it is, full of history and character.

The TVLB was founded in 1864 due to a number of serious shipping disasters that plagued the surrounding area. It was the first station of its kind anywhere in the world and is still very active today. The TVLB is separated into two distinct parts: the Life Brigade, which is an active emergency rescue team based at the watch tower and the museum itself; which is open 6 days a week (I mentioned Billy the museums' caretaker earlier in this blog). It is worth visiting just to listen to his funny stories about everything from his younger days in Australia hunting crocodiles to the often humorous events within the museum. The museum is a treasure trove full of local history and brimming with interesting artifacts.

I feel that it is important to feature this museum as it is truly astonishing. If you love history, anything nautical or antiques this place is a must see local attraction. The museum relies on visitor donations as it is free to enter. If you are visiting Tynemouth or are local please pop in and be transported back in time and donate what you can to keep the building and organisation going. It is important to note that the Museum Watch Tower is home to a brigade of volunteers who will probably be the first response to any accident or emergency in the area. Not only will you see antiques in the museum but also modern rescue items. You may even see a couple of volunteers reviewing maps of the local area or other such invaluable training procedures.

So if you are out for a walk and see this unusual building please pop in and support the TVLB by simply visiting one of the area's hidden gems or by telling a friend how much you've enjoyed your visit. I have taken a number of people into the museum in the last 12 months and every one of them has loved the experience. This place is something real, something special and unique. If you have never visited and are local please visit, if you have been before then why not visit again.

Please visit the TVLB website for more information and links:

http://www.tvlb.org/

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Country House Tearooms

I made arrangments to meet up with one of my longest suffering friends Maria yesterday and do a bit of a tour around Tynemouth to get some more blog photos and information. Somewhere I have wanted to feature for a while is County House Tearooms.

So on the finest of Tynemouth mornings we made our way there. I said hello and introduced us to everyone and was made to feel very welcome. I have been before with my girlfriend and we both love the place but I was interested to see what my friend Maria thought. She loved it, explaining that she could happily sit there all day. We both loved the antique decoration, the fabric, chandeliers and heavily guilt framed paintings and mirrors. I recently recommended Country House to my parents and they loved it comparing it to one of their favourite Whitby locations. There is a fantastic and varied selection of home cooked food on offer and a yummy  choice of scones and cakes to die for. The food like the surroundings is scrumptous, comforting and wonderfully presented. There is a great atmosphere inside and you will be made to feel very welcome as we were.

Photos by Anthony Dorman

Country House Tearooms is a great place to have a cozy romantic coffee and cake with a loved one as well as a perfect meeting venue for friends. Its the kind of place I would happily sit with a book and relax with lovely food and friendly service. Country House Tearooms has two floors with different decor as you can see from the photos above and is approximately 350 yards from Tynemouth seafront on Percy Park Road. They are open Tue-Fri 10-4PM and Sat-Sun 10-5PM

There is a new facebook page for the tearooms here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Country-house-tearooms/215431135148462?ref=ts&sk=wall

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