Newbiggin by the Sea
About Newbiggin by the Sea
Country : England
Region : North East
County : Northumberland
District : Wansbeck
Population :7 100
Newbiggin by the Sea is located in south east Northumberland,  15 miles northeast of Newcastle, on England's north east coast.

The area to the north is known as the Northumbrian Heritage Coast, and boasts mile after mile of exquisite beaches, bays and lovely seaside villages, including Craster, Alnmouth and Seahouses. 
Until 1910, Newbiggin was primarily a fishing village. A Colliery was sunk in 1908, which opened after many difficulties being experienced by its engineers in 1910. At its peak, in the 1940s, the colliery employed 1400 men and produced 470,000 tons of coal. The colliery closed in 1967. During its 59-year history 41 men lost their lives.
( The Northumberland Communities website )
By the late 1800s, Newbiggin was a popular beach resort. Facilities included a number of hotels and boarding houses. Many prominent families from Northumberland and Newcastle had summer residences here. A promenade along most of the bay, with a bandstand and several shelters along its length was built between 1929 and 1932.
 In recent years a lot of effort has been employed to regenerate the town. A new sea defence system has been constructed. Repairs and improvements to the promenade have been made, following a storm in 1984 which destroyed part of the original promenade. There have also been improvements made to the Quay Wall [Piazza], including the building of a new bandstand from where musicians perform on Sundays during the summer.
( The Northumberland Communities website )
 Visitors today can still enjoy a traditional treat of home made ice cream, served at the Rivera Café in the Piazza. A visit to the Cafe is worthwhile to see the original 1930's Art Deco Shop.
( Newbiggin by the Sea Tourist Information )
 The Mechanics Institute
The building housing the local bookmakers and Newbiggin by the Sea Sailing Club bears little resemblance today to the way it looked when it was first built back in 1891. Originally a small two storey building, it provided reading, smoking and billiard rooms for working class men in the town, not just specifically mechanics.Membership grew quickly, and within 5 years 150 men were listed as members. A local artist Elizabeth Mary Frazer, must have believed the Institute was a worthy cause, because 1000 books were donated upon her death. 
The building was altered significantly in 1914.
The Sailing Club, which occupies the upper floors of the building today, was founded by local residents in 1961. Social and changing facilities are provided, but the Club has ambitious plans to extend creating even better facilities with improved access. 
( Newbiggin by the Sea Official Site )

 
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