South Tyneside plaques celebrate people and industry
Blue plaque honour for actor and comedian. Tony Henderson reports.
A Tyneside actor and comedian is to be honoured with a blue plaque.
The South Tyneside Council plaque will be to the late Terence Dominic “Terry” Joyce, from Hebburn.
Known for roles in TV series such as Hebburn, Super Gran, Badger, Byker Grove, The Machine Gunners, Dramarama, and Steel River Blues. He was also a popular stand up comic.
Alongside his stage and screen career, he was a committed supporter of local causes, regularly giving his time and talent to fundraising events and community initiatives across South Tyneside.
Terry’s blue plaque is one of three selected for 2026.
Another will honour Pam Vedhara, who died in 2018, aged 61.
A tireless advocate for race equality and young people in South Tyneside, she was a founding trustee of the Compact for Race Equality in South Tyneside (CREST) and developed the nationally recognised Safestop Scheme, significantly reducing youth-related anti-social behaviour.
Pam was awarded an MBE in 2013 for her contribution to local government and young people.
The third plaque will commemorate the Cookson chimney, located beside The Customs House in South Shields, which is the last surviving structure of the town’s historic glass industry.
From the 18th to 19th centuries, glass making was vital to the town, with Cookson’s Works pioneering sheet-glass production across the UK. Glass made in South Shields was used to build the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition of 1851.
The chimney, carrying a date stone of 1865, is 30 feet in height.
In 1785, the works was owned by Isaac Cookson and the family remained the leading glassmakers in the district until the middle of the 19th century when the works passed to R. and W. Swinburne and Company, who manufactured glass at the site until 1876.
The glassworks were acquired in 1892 by the Harton Coal Company and demolished to give access to the Harton Low Staiths, with only the chimney surviving.
Coun Judith Taylor, lead member for culture, leisure and the visitor economy at South Tyneside Council, said: “South Tyneside has a proud and fascinating history, shaped by remarkable people, places and industries. Our Blue Plaque scheme helps ensure that these stories are not forgotten.
“The plaques reflect the breadth of our heritage and the lasting impact that individuals and landmarks have had on our communities. The scheme relies on the knowledge and passion of local people, and we would encourage residents to consider putting forward nominations for the next round.”
The closing date for plaque applications is August 31.