Shipbuilder: Charles Rennoldson & Co, South Shields
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Charles Rennoldson Charles was the sixth son of James Purdy Rennoldson and was a man of high ideals and progressive ideas. He served his time at the yard of John Softley & Sons of South Shields before joining the family firm of JP Rennoldson & Sons. However the partnership with his brother in the aforementioned firm was dissolved on 21st of June 1913 with the objective of him commencing business on his own account. Charles held strong views on the welfare and co-operative interest of all his employees and practiced what he preached. He provided recreational facilities, care for the sick or injured , a Cadet Corps and even a rifle range for the boys. He instituted a welfare scheme by giving £1000 to a fund which was then supported by weekly contributions from every man and boy. Charles was immensely popular and inspired loyal devotion from everyone. He acquired, on lease from the TIC, vacant land in Pilot Street, only seperated from the the old yard of JP Rennoldson & Sons by a narrow lane leading to Readhead's Landing. The yard was previously that occupied by Softley & Sons; Readhead, Softley & Co, TD Marshall and Robert Wallis. There was space for four berths and to the east of the yard there were appliances for frame turning, machining and joinery works. Charles or CR as he was known died in 1924 and was not around to witness the effects of the post-war recession and the closure of the yard later in the year. The yard was put up for sale in 1926 without any intersted being shown in it and eventually purchased by National Shipbuilders Security in 1930 with the object of clearing the site for shipbuilding. However one distinctive building remained and that was a curious tower with grilles on the top that was intended to house a carillion of bells. Charles had an aversion to the use of a hooter or siren to sound the start and end of the working day and had intended to install the carillion in their place. However his death and the commencement of the First World War prevented this plan being fulfilled.
Above sketch of the Carillion Bell Tower is courtesy of Amy C Flagg Charles' legacy On July 7th, 1930 the South Shields High Docks offices were re-opened as a Junior Instruction Centre to help 14 year old school-leavers do useful training, thanks to the generosity of Charles Rennoldson, who had been the Vice-Chairman of the South Shields Junior Advisory Committee. The following photo shows the open yard, with the boys engaged in drill and physical culture.
Above photo is courtesy of John Bage The following photo shows the Staff, JW Dowson, Engineering Instructor; J Smailes, Superintendent; WN Coupland, Gymnastics Instructor and WC Cartner, Handicrafts Instructor;-
Above photo is courtesy of John Bage The following picture shows a group of the boys from whom sports teams were chosen. The old dry dock is in the background.
Above photo is courtesy of John Bage The following picture shows the General Office being used as a joiners' shop, where carpentry, joinery, carving and staining were taught.
Above photo is courtesy of John Bage The following picture shows the Secretarial Room which was devoted to drawing, including mechanical and woodwork drawing and workshop mathematics.
Above photo is courtesy of John Bage UNDER CONSTRUCTION |
