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Published: December 20th 2017
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Woolly says – The sky was dark and gloomy as our bus took us towards the centre of Newcastle, although I had done some research I had found little to go on, so unbeknown to the women it was going to be more of a stroll rather than a mission to find. I hummed happily to myself as we waited at another set of lights……. 'cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine, the fog on the Tyne is all mine, the fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine, the fog on the Tyne is all mine’ The band Lindisfarne might be more famous for other tracks but this one was very catchy. I’m not sure that the other passengers were enjoying it quite as much as my small friend, but they smiled happily at him as we climbed down and set off to have a look around. Woolly says – As we ambled towards the quayside I thought it time to give my little group a bit of knowledge about the city. Newcastle upon Tyne is known for its regional accent which is known as Geordie, having become fluent from yesterday’s trip I couldn’t envisage a problem with being able to talk to anyone and I was happy to translate for the women. The city developed around the Roman settlement, Pons Aelius, sadly no Roman remains have survived, although the river probably has something buried deep. The city grew as an important centre for the wool trade in the 14th century and later became a major coal mining area. The port developed in the 16th century and along with the shipyards lower down the River Tyne, was amongst the world's largest shipbuilding and ship-repairing centres. Today Newcastle is probably better known for having been the home to Sting (a member of the police, though why a member of the police is famous escapes me rather), Declan Donnelly and Anthony McPartlin (who I thought lived in the Australian jungle), Jimmy Nail (apparently he had some crocodile shoes and acted in a few things), Eric Burdon (bit of an Animal if the rumour is true), Mark Knopfler (had some Dire Straits according to the papers) and Brian Johnson (had a few problems with his AC/DC currents), so a few people have been
born here by the looks of it.
I really must increase his music knowledge! Woolly says - My first point of interest was easy to spot from a distance as the one hundred and thirty foot column towered above the city. Grey's Monument is a Grade I listed monument to Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl of Grey, built in 1838, in honour of the Earl, for the passing of the Great Reform Act of 1832. As Jo desperately tried to get enough light for a picture I had already seen something that make my tusks tremble in anticipation. I apologise now for the poor photography the sky was not my friend Woolly says – having dashed across the road I found myself in front of The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, founded in 1091, the original Norman church was destroyed by fire in 1216, the current building was completed in 1350 with it achieving Cathedral status in 1882. The tower was rather fine and as we pushed through the doors I was greeted by warmth and a rather wonderful display of stained glass windows. Not a huge place of worship, but each window told a different story, some more modern in look, each one was beautifully made and well worth a look at. As we approached the altar an intricately carved marble monument commemorated Admiral Lord Collingwood (1748–1810), who took over command at the Battle of Trafalgar (21st October 1805) after the death of Admiral Lord Nelson, it was a fitting place for any hero to rest. Leaving the lovely cathedral behind I led everyone on with the hope that the castle might hove into view, I wasn’t wrong, as we turned the very next corner there it was in all its smallness.
Small indeed although rather lovely none the less but more of a fort than a castle. Woolly says - Built in 1080 by Robert Curthose, William the Conqueror's eldest son. Its role was to protect the river, today it is a small museum, I looked at the girls and the size of the remaining parts and we decided to move on. A huge railway bridge now blocked our way but having glanced around I spotted some steps leading down, with no one else volunteering a route I trotted downwards to find myself under the famous Tyne Bridge. The Bridge was designed by the engineering firm Mott, Hay and Anderson, who later designed the Forth Road Bridge, officially opened on 10th October 1928 by King George V it has since become a defining symbol of Tyneside. In the millennium year a second bridge was added, both stand as fine examples of architecture both old and modern.
The drizzle was turning to rain and the skies were growing darker and darker, I was enjoying the walk but hoped that it might involve something inside next! Woolly says – I suggested a snack and with the eager nods from the others we climbed back up the steps in search of an outlet that would meet all of our tastes, a hard task to be fair. As I crunched on my shortbread, Jo nibbled her toasted teacake and Zoe warmed her fingers round a huge mug of hot chocolate we debated on our course of action. I hadn’t found much else to do in the city itself when researching and as none of us fancied an art gallery it, before I could throw a trunk, the choose was taken right out of my paws, I listened in dread as the words ‘Christmas’ and ‘Shopping’ pounded into my ears, ‘NO’ I cried but as usual I was ignored.
Having picked him up and promised him some pistachio’s for later as well as a look at Fenwick’s Department store windows he seemed happy enough.
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D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
England
Amazing