South Tyneside History
| Title | Zion Hall |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | STH0005891 |
| Photographer | Unknown |
| Town or Village | South Shields |
| Date | 07 November 1933 |
| Original Format | Black and white photograph |
| Period | 1930s |
| Copyright | South Tyneside Libraries |
| Further Information | Film Show at Zion Hall, November 1933. This was a Methodist Chapel that later converted to a slipper factory, then became the site for Plessey's factory. The Zion Unemployed Recreation Centre in Laygate was opened on Monday 25th April 1932, in the disused Zion Chapel and Schoolrooms by the Mayor of South Shields, Councillor Robert Chapman. In February 1932, the Mayor had called a Conference of Clergy, Ministers, Rotarians, Social Workers and others interested in the welfare of the unemployed, and the South Shields Unemployed Recreation Committee was formed. The Chapel was equipped with a stage, and used as a lecture and concert hall and on Sunday evenings at 8pm a service was held. The schoolrooms were converted into recreation and games rooms. There was also a library. The unemployed made household utensils, furniture, toys and models. They formed an orchestra, concert party, male voice choir and literary and dramatic art club. On the ground at the corner of Bents Park and Mowbray Poad they had twelve acres of allotments. A ship's lifeboat was converted for fishing. Outdoor games and sports were organised. There was also a soup and meal kitchen, providing meals a 1d. for a man or 2d. for a family. |
