THE HISTORY OF THE ERIC TOLHURST CENTRE
The building was originally known as the assembly rooms and owned by Mr J Grantham, a local Blyth business man. The building has been used for many different purposes and has had several different names. It has been utilised for entertainment, political meetings, religious meetings, social functions, dancing (including an annual masquerade ball held by Blyth tradesmen), salerooms, factory, shipbuilder’s draughting office, gymnasium, youth training schemes and most recently as the Eric Tolhurst Centre, accommodating many voluntary and community focused organisations. Many well-known politicians, including Cabinet Ministers of the time, have spoken here, and one of the religious meetings was addressed by General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, in April 1901.
In the early 1900's the building was a venue of entertainment, for which it was best known as Wests’ Picture House and the Gaiety Theatre of Varieties. The programme including stage turns and motion pictures by what were then known as the bioscope. Price of admission was 3d. (1 1/2p). Following the death of Mr. Grantham in 1910, the building was bought by Mr. J. Cooknell, a Blyth business man who owned a small clothing factory and shop in the town.
During the First World War (1914/1918) the roof of the building was blown off and later repaired. Following the death of Mr. Cooknell in 1918 the property was left to his widow and later to his two surviving sons, Norman and Walter. During the Second World War (1939/1944) a mine meant for shipping in the nearby harbour landed in Back Ballast Hill and again the roof was blown off. After the war (circa 1947) building materials were in short supply and special permits from the government were needed to obtain the strong roofing supports and coverings needed to repair the building. The job was further complicated by the fact that the building is not a rectangle, but narrows towards the riverside. The work was carried out by the Cooknell brothers themselves, who then used the premises for manufacture of plastic tableware and parts for televisions. In 1960 a severe fire caused considerable damage to the building, however because of the strong metal roof supports installed in the 1940s, repairs to the property were not too difficult and the business was resumed.
In 1969 the building was sold to Mr E. Taylor who manufactured greenhouse equipment. Shortly after this the premises were sold to Blyth Valley Council who used it as a training centre for young people who had recently school without employment.G. YOUNG. (Great grandson to Mr. J. Cooknell) The Eric Tolhurst Centre (as the building is now known) was officially opened on the 11th November 1996 by HRH Princess Anne, Countess of Snowdon. The building houses many different charities and non-profit organisations whose services are all aimed at improving the lives of people of Blyth the and surrounding areas.
