My mum died when I was 8 and that community pulled together for my family, they really did.
I was born in North Shields in Woodley Crescent in 1951 to my parents Jimmy Craven and Madge and my grandparents are Jimmy Craven and Annie Craven.
The Linskill Centre
I live in Seaton Delaval now, but up until 1999 [I lived in the town]. I come down twice a week now. I love coming bank to Linskill on a Monday and a Friday, ‘cos this is my old school. I do Zumba on a Monday and Friday. My family bring me back down to North Shields as well. I went to Western Board School and then I came to Linskill.
The town centre, I find it very depressing when I come to North Shields to the shops, because I do have childhood memories and memories of the past and I love North Shields. I loved the Square when I walked through to go to school, so I hope they do do something with the regeneration.
The Milburn Toffs
He was the assistant band master. They did lots of carnivals in the 1920s and 30s for charity and to help children and things like that. He played the clarinet, which we still have in the family. I can actually remember sitting on his knee and I blew the clarinet and he fingered the chords, we all did as children.
I lived in Dean Street which is down by Smiths Docks. My mum died when I was 8 and that community pulled together for my family, they really did.
Pam was interviewed in 2025 as part of the North Shields Voices project.