Saturday 15th April 2023 at 11 am

On 13th April 1894 4 year old Jane Ridgeway fell into the Newcastle canal opposite the junction of London Road and James Street in West End. A steam tram had stopped at The West End Hotel terminus and it’s conductor, 22 year old Timothy Trow, heard her shouts for help and jumped in to save her. Despite not being able to swim he vaulted the railings and walked through the canal to save her. However, he became overcome with cramp in the cold water and sank like a stone. They were both pulled out by others. Jane survived but unfortunately Timothy did not.

In 2014 for the 120th anniversary we got together local religious, civic and community groups to see whether we could do something to remember his heroics. It was a great success and has become a well respected annual event. We even did 2 years on Zoom during the various Covid-19 lockdowns.

Please join us this year to remember one of our few genuine local heroes. There will be light refreshments in the Methodist church cafe sponsored by Unite the Union