Sunday, April 15, 2012
Newcastle Visit. Part 1. Stroll in city centre.
Newcastle and Northumberland visit. Part 1.
In the last week I have become fascinated with all things Newcastle. It was a wonderful few days of exploring with my family.
The first morning was a stroll round the centre - using eyes and cameras to spot the fascinating and whimsical architectural features.
But first.....study the map.
It can be something quite trivial that might turn a girl's head and allow love to grow - something not marked on the map.
What a sense of fun from within the world of city planners.
Who was Anne Huxtable?
She doesn't exist, as far as I know.
This is a whimsical notion created to delight all those that notice. It could be the first sentence of a novel - who amongst you will write it?
It is not the only such plaque. Next time I must find more - maybe the one that tells of "Mrs Mary Howard who adjusted her hat in the reflection of a window in this shop, June 3rd 1921"
There are clocks in plenty on the buildings of Newcastle, fine sturdy timepieces. Bill set about photographing many of them.
Northern Rock - not so solid was it? But it was not this small northern bank that caused the economic crisis.
Spectacular gilt clock at Northern Goldsmiths, who were the first UK stockist of Rolex watches.
The clock was erected in 1932.
This clock, circa 1910, is high above what is now Waterstone's book shop.
Meanwhile I was enjoying finding photographs of reflections. Here is the same green clock.
The monument features Earl Grey.
He introduced the Reform Act of 1832 which led to a widening of British democracy.
My grand daughter, Ecky, as we entered Central Arcade.
Fabulous art nouveau details.
There is an indoor market which sells just about everything under a roof very similar to the one in the arcade.
Newcastle meat pies.
One can still pay to weigh things in the public weigh house - 30p a time.
We went into the cathedral.
A reminder that Easter had been only a couple of days before.
Like me, Ecky likes to light candles in churches.
Tucked behind the cathedral is a bizarre building.
Can you see the rabbit?
The Vampire Rabbit of Newcastle.
Our next place of interest might not find its way on to many tourist itineries - the philosophical and literary library. It is a gentle place to study, meet friends and enjoy a cup of tea. You have to be a fully paid up member to make use of all the facilities. Ashley is not a member.
Beautiful building.
First edition Charles Dickens with reflection of domed glass roof.
Bust of Thomas Bewick - a wood engraver.
It is only the members who can climb the spiral staircase to the books on the upper deck.
There is also a children's section.
Ecky is normally reading much more adult books than this.
Time then to think about some lunch. But not before Bill found more clocks.
Studying the menu. Ecky chose slightly spicy potato wedges and apple juice.
I had a jacket potato with spicy lamb meatballs and spicy tomato sauce.
So, that was our first morning.
In the afternoon we went to the science and history museum. That will feature tomorrow.
But first.....study the map.
It can be something quite trivial that might turn a girl's head and allow love to grow - something not marked on the map.
What a sense of fun from within the world of city planners.
Who was Anne Huxtable?
She doesn't exist, as far as I know.
This is a whimsical notion created to delight all those that notice. It could be the first sentence of a novel - who amongst you will write it?
It is not the only such plaque. Next time I must find more - maybe the one that tells of "Mrs Mary Howard who adjusted her hat in the reflection of a window in this shop, June 3rd 1921"
There are clocks in plenty on the buildings of Newcastle, fine sturdy timepieces. Bill set about photographing many of them.
Northern Rock - not so solid was it? But it was not this small northern bank that caused the economic crisis.
Spectacular gilt clock at Northern Goldsmiths, who were the first UK stockist of Rolex watches.
The clock was erected in 1932.
This clock, circa 1910, is high above what is now Waterstone's book shop.
Meanwhile I was enjoying finding photographs of reflections. Here is the same green clock.
He introduced the Reform Act of 1832 which led to a widening of British democracy.
Fabulous art nouveau details.
There is an indoor market which sells just about everything under a roof very similar to the one in the arcade.
Newcastle meat pies.
One can still pay to weigh things in the public weigh house - 30p a time.
We went into the cathedral.
A reminder that Easter had been only a couple of days before.
Like me, Ecky likes to light candles in churches.
Tucked behind the cathedral is a bizarre building.
Can you see the rabbit?
The Vampire Rabbit of Newcastle.
Our next place of interest might not find its way on to many tourist itineries - the philosophical and literary library. It is a gentle place to study, meet friends and enjoy a cup of tea. You have to be a fully paid up member to make use of all the facilities. Ashley is not a member.
Beautiful building.
First edition Charles Dickens with reflection of domed glass roof.
Bust of Thomas Bewick - a wood engraver.
It is only the members who can climb the spiral staircase to the books on the upper deck.
There is also a children's section.
Ecky is normally reading much more adult books than this.
Time then to think about some lunch. But not before Bill found more clocks.
Studying the menu. Ecky chose slightly spicy potato wedges and apple juice.
I had a jacket potato with spicy lamb meatballs and spicy tomato sauce.
So, that was our first morning.
In the afternoon we went to the science and history museum. That will feature tomorrow.
