Memories of the visit to the North East of Muhammad Ali

"My Company, Mill Garages were responsible for transporting MH and his entourage in 1977 on his visit to Tyneside. We were involved from the outset with Jim Stanley (Scrap Metal) and Johnie Walker (Jarrow Boys Club). We went on to take Veronica shopping in Fenwicks. The cars (Mercedes-Benz) by this time were synonymous with the visit and when it pulled up in Northumberland Street crowds gathered quickly. His stay included visits to a Mosque in Westgate Road where he was worshipped like a God. He wore a white suit and the congregated ensemble prostrated themselves on the ground when we entered the room."
MICHAEL ROLLINGS

"Although I was not born 'til 1980 I recall my parents talking about this on many occasions and my aunt lived in trinity walk  (where the mosque is situated), all my family said the visit brought the whole community together, infact I heard the Queen visited the same week and more people came out to see a glimpse of the greatest who they named “king of South Shields” for that reason. Muhammad Ali has had a massive impact and influence on my life, not just a boxer, what he did for the civil rights movement was amazing and in my eyes is up there with Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, that’s the reason I named my 3 year old son Clay." 
PAUL MASSINGHAM

"It was a wonderful visit by Ali and I was very fortunate to be at the Blessing of his marriage, and then even more fortunate as he came, with his entourage, to my house for tea. In a rash moment I said to his Road Manager they could do that for a ‘private’ visit, which it was.  He was a lovely polite and quiet man. I shall never forget his visit. The coloured photo is when the party left the house - Ali holding the baby.  Ali was so tired and wanting a little peace and quiet that he only had a cup of tea and asked if he could disappear for a while and lie down. He did that and Veronica just circulated and it was all very relaxed. In fact it was all so laid back I only thought of getting his autograph when they were leaving!  It was such a happy day and happy memories."
HEATHER STEPHENSON 

"I was at Eldon Square Recreation Centre in Newcastle City Centre with my then infant son that Saturday afternoon in 1977 to catch a glimpse of Ali who was there for a special live ITV broadcast of their 'World Of Sport' programme. For me it remains an unforgettable experience whereas my son aged 6 months at that time has not unsurprisingly got any recollection... haha, he did though grow up to be a big fan of Ali."
MICHAEL THOBURN

"Muhammad Ali visited the West End Boys Club with his entourage and I still remember shaking the champs hand."
RICHY JASSAL

"I worked at Eldon Square Recreation Centre at the time and MA did a talk in. I was lucky enough to meet him and get his autograph for my dad. I think that’s my best claim to fame. We’ve had interesting lives haven’t we."
BARB GUBBINS

"He signed a book for my relative who was working at the Holiday Inn where he stayed. It's a treasured possession! She said he was such a lovely bloke very kind to all the staff."
PAUL CRYAN

"I remember him coming down York Avenue in Jarrow in an open top bus, he was an amazing sight. I seem to remember him wearing a royal blue outfit but might be wrong, it was a long time ago!"
LOUISE BORRELL

"One of my first jobs as a reporter was covering Muhammad Ali’s wedding for the Shields Gazette - who would have thought nearly 50 years later I’d be at play at Live Theatre Newcastle by Ishtiaq Din about the impact that momentous event had on local families."
SUSAN WEAR

"These were taken as he approached Gypsies Green in South Shields. I was in the crowd, eleven years old, with no clue why the famous boxer had come to our little town to get married. It all felt a bit surreal."
LISA CRAIG

In 1977 my mother was working as a make up artist at Tyne Tees TV. These are her words:
"I was sent on an O.B to an interview with Mohamed Ali just incase he needed makeup. In fact he didn't actually need any but I was determined to touch him, my absolute hero. So with a clean powder puff I patted his face just allowing my finger tips to touch his skin. He was so charming and funny and he had the most beautiful hands, not what you would expect for a boxer. A very special memory."
JULIE ROXBURGH

"I met Muhammad Ali back in 1977 when I was 10 years old, my mam babysat his daughter at our house, I had the pleasure of boxing with him and meeting all his family and bouncers, it’s one of the greatest memories that I will never forget." TONY AYRE