Schools in Amble

[janwhin]

When I was wiling away an odd half hour at Woodhorn some months back, I came across a summary of the development of schools in Amble which was very comprehensive. (boom boom!)
Yesterday, my sister referred to the Middleton Street library having previously been a school but it's not included in this summary. I think I can vaguely remember it being some sort of hall, but does anybody have any knowledge of what it has been??

[Alan J.]

It was built as a Mechanics Institute and known locally as the "Chute." Generations have played billiards and snooker there and used it for it's reading room facilities. It was a meeting place for the youth of the town. Once the popularity of these games waned it was surplus to requirements and became the library after the one near the old fire station at the bottom of Queen street closed.

[janwhin]

Thanks Alan J, I was relying on you

So was it still operating once the Boy's Club started up?

I can remember the library by the fire station and upstairs in Dilston Terrace/Church Street. Spent many happy hours. There was an excellent librarian called Miss Farrow, I believe she married and lived in the bungalow opposite Craiggs garage at Radcliffe.

[Alan J.]

Yes the "Chute" would be going into the 60's. The library in Dilston Terrace was up stairs next to the council chamber, this is now converted into flats.

[leslie]

Alan you remember Harry Sancto?? he ran it for years . we had a card school on a Sat afternoon in back room. he used to take a penny a pot from us! think there was two or three full size Billiard Boards.

[leslie]

The Tute was built as a Mechanics Institute in 1903.It had a Billiard room. reading room and Library . (middleton st.)

[Alan J.]

Magnus Arthur was also the man who ran it, sold crisps, pop etc. He lived on Church street, down from the church, next to the archway which led to Browns joiners workshop. He was Barry Davies grandfather. There were two full size tables.

[geoffglass]

I remember the Chute and both of the Caretakers Magnus & Harry
Harry was also a chimney sweep & window cleaner
Harry lived in church street beside the bus stop& I think Magnus lived Next
to St Cuthberts Church also in Church Street
I spent many a night in the Chute Happy Days
GEOFF GLASS