I've spent the last
couple of weeks working mostly in North East England, around
Newcastle, Darlington and Middlesbrough. This area is normally
referred to as 'The North East', even thought it's South of where I
live! I took my camera with me and photographed a few things of
interest.
The hotel I was
staying in last week (in Newcastle) has barriers to stop non-guests
parking in their car park.
Next to it was a
level crossing (where a railway line crosses the road) without any
barriers, just lights and a sounder.
Shows the priorities
– it's more important to stop people parking where they shouldn't
than it is to stop them driving in front of a train!
One day I was
working in Hartlepool and paid a visit to the Headland area of the
town. This is the old part of town, which was walled in the Middle
Ages (to protect it from Scots!). Very little of the medieval town
survives, but the later (mostly Victorian) buildings have been kept
to the old layout and more modern buildings have been designed
sympathetically to blend in.
I saw this very nice
park, the building at the end is a public toilet but that doesn't
mean it shouldn't look nice.
There's a small
beach, tide was in when I was there, along with the remains of the
town wall.
And this interesting
church.
Being on the coast
Hartlepool was once a fishing town, and this has been remembered on
these railings.
I also saw this very
well preserved Vespa scooter. Not sure what model it is, but it has a
pre-1963 registration.
On the A19 road
between Hartlepool and Newcastle I'd seen a sign saying 'Transport
Museum', at the same exit as the Nissan factory. I followed the
signs, (which changed to 'Aviation Museum'), to the factory, and
found the museum up a narrow road next to the main gates.
It's one of those
wonderfully ramshackle museums run by enthusiasts, with exhibits
being worked on, all sorts of bits and pieces just sitting around,
and a great air of 'just explore the place'.
First shed I went to
was full of military aircraft.
See what I mean
about 'full'!
Ex-Greek Air Force
Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
Ex-Argentine Air
Force FMA Pucara (found in the Falkland Islands)
Next shed has some
vehicles and equipment awaiting restoration. I particularly liked
this fire engine.
Next to that was
shed with a collection on military vehicles.
One I can remember,
a Canadian built Dodge. The British Army used these at the start of
WW2, and after the war they were sold off. When I was a teenager in
the 70s, I can remember local firm still had one – shows how well
built they were.
Note white star –
after US entry in WW2, a lot of Allied vehicles has this added to aid
identification.
In addition to the
ex-Army Can Am (a previous Friday bike), there was this Raleigh
Runabout – not sure any army ever used them!
Another shed had
some trams, you couldn't go past the barrier just behind these two
due to ongoing work.
Outside there was a
Vulcan Bomber.
And a Lightning
fighter.
Well worth the £5
entry. Museum website.
I spent a few hours
in Newcastle city centre. To tie in with the ongoing Rugby World Cup
being held in England, a large television screen had been set up in
the street showing games (Scotland v Japan when I was there). Was
very popular and had drawn a large crowd.
Saw this really good
vintage clothes shop!
And this clock.
There's a street
called Westgate Road (known locally as 'the hill') that has lots of
motorcycle shops. I saw one which specialised in classic bikes,
unfortunately it was shut but I managed this photo through the
window.
(Blue 'blob' at the rear wheel is the company logo on my shirt!)
As I'm finishing
this job in two weeks and starting one without travelling, this was a
good opportunity to take advantage of being away from home.
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