CITY AND COUNTY The Journal of the Northumberland & Newcastle Society. May 2020 EDITORIAL CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES to join the objectors will find advice on As editor of City and County, I try to be their campaign Facebook page. even handed when including features on In addition, Peter Lowe was not able controversial issues. The Society’s strapline to support NEPG in their campaign to ‘Protecting and Enhancing our Landscape, reinstate Areas of High Landscape Value Culture and Built Environment for Future (AHLV), on his understanding that it Heritage’ will inevitably be interpreted appeared to reinforce an anti wind farm as a conservationist mantra by most. policy on behalf of the Society. NEPG However, one shouldn’t disregard the fact members responded that this campaign that contemporary interventions could would provide the basis for considering all well be considered to have enhanced the forms of proposed development in these county and be considered valuable heritage areas. It should be reiterated that there is in the future. It has been difficult to assess no such Society policy and that the work the views of the majority of our Members, of NEPG over a number of years has been as a recent online poll on our Facebook aimed at assisting the County Council page produced very few responses and develop rational and objective criteria for even fewer opinions are provided by post. assessing windfarm proposals, an aim which As mentioned in previous editorials,the has been largely successful and welcomed issue of deciding the Society’s policy on by the planners. controversial matters is therefore difficult, with committee Members, Chairs and CONTENTS ultimately the Society’s Chair having the 2-3 Editorial final say, based on very little Members’ 4-5 County Committee feedback. 5 News from the Office In the case of the Elizabeth Landmark, 5 Picture Puzzle and Quiz John Matthews’ response to the objectors’ 6 Art call for the Society to back them was non- 8 From the Archive committal, as the two Committees had not 10-12 Tyneside Committee agreed on a consistent view. My editorial 13 Chairman’s Message in the February issue was meant to provide 14 Outrage a balance with the well-known campaign 15 Picture Puzzle Keep the Wannies Wild and it acknowledged 16 Recent Events that there were diverse views amongst 18 New Book Members. It was not intended as a policy 19 Corporate Members statement and Members who feel the need 19 Diary Dates • Front cover: All Saints Church cc Heworthjb 19 New Members 2 RAY LONSDALE - SCULPTOR After leaving school Ray Lonsdale from South Hetton in County Durham, qual- ified as a maintenance fitter and began working at Coles Cranes in Sunderland, which closed in 1996. Following the fac- tory’s closure Ray set up his own steel fab- rication business, where he produced bins, seats and railings for local authorities and private clients. He always had an interest in art and at school he was always encouraged to go onto to art college. But it wasn’t until 2007 that Ray decided to start his career in art and changed the name of his business to Two Red Rubber Things (apparently only

two people know the reason for this name). The interest in producing artwork devel- oped from 2002 and Ray’s first piece won a competition at the Biscuit Factory. Over the next five years Ray completed more and more artwork and there was a grad- ual changeover from steel to artistic steel work. Ray now has thirty life size statues under his belt and another six large scale pieces, including the Emily Davison sculp- ture (page 6-7) in Morpeth and the ‘Fid- dlers Green’ sculpture of a fisherman on the Fish Quay in North Shields. More details of Ray’s work can be found on his web site: https://www.tworedrubberthings.co.uk Nigel Jenkins Editor

3 COUNTY COMMITTEE PLANNING IN THE COUNTY Since February 2019, Northumberland must take account of these views, they should County Council has had a new Director of not favour any person, company, group or Planning, Rob Murfin. He was previously locality, or appear to be doing so. Decisions Chief Planning Officer at Sheffield City need to be taken in the wider public interest Council, and before that, Head of Planning on what can be controversial proposals. Services at Derbyshire County Council. The National Planning Policy Framework Since settling into post, he has toured and (in this case) the Northumberland the county presenting planning training Local Plan are the key documents that help sessions to parish council members. His inform planning decisions and then at the great enthusiasm for planning, and a clear- more detailed level, the list of Material (and sighted approach to handling planning Non-material) Considerations and the objectives and processes was apparent weight that should be attached to each in in that which I attended as a member of any particular case. An application might Newton on the Moor & Swarland PC. broadly accord with the local development Having often been mired in discussions plan and appear suitable for approval unless about planning applications where local material considerations indicate otherwise. feelings have run high, I found it refreshing At Parish level, proposed developments to be reminded of the clear basic principles. can appear unsatisfactory or downright Planning decisions must strike a balance objectionable to individuals and Parish between ‘harm and benefit’ whereby, Councils for a variety of reasons, and under the Presumption of Development many residents will submit responses to recommendation, permission is granted the County Council. Parish Councillors unless the “adverse impacts of doing so would are well aware of material considerations, demonstrably outweigh the benefits”. The though not all local residents are, and often Local Government Association publication ‘waste’ objections by focussing on non- ‘Probity in Planning: advice for councillors material factors such as “I will lose my view” and officers making planning decisions’ (no-one has a right to a view) or “I wouldn’t (LGA, 1992, rev. ed. 2019) states that: trust the applicant an inch – he’s just out Planning decisions are based on balancing to make money” (only the application and competing interests and making an informed not the applicant can be judged). Knowing judgement against a local and national policy most people’s dislike of change, Rob Murfin framework in the wider public interest. suggests that an objective appraisal should Planning affects people’s lives and land and distinguish ‘change’ from ‘harm’ as well property interests, particularly the financial as applying other tests. For those of you value of landholdings, and the quality of their who aren’t familiar with the list of material settings. Opposing views are often strongly considerations, they are Design & Visual held by those involved. Whilst councillors Impact; implications for Privacy, daylight, 4 & sunlight, Noise, smell, & pollution, Access & traffic, Health or Health & PICTURE PUZZLE Safety, Crime (if relevant); the impact on Ecology & landscape and the Economy; Planning history & related decisions; and Cumulative impact. However, though they are a matter of law, the weight given to each is a matter of judgement by planning officers, and “Planning Committees enjoy extensive discretion within the rules”. As I write this, I realise that at every stage of the process it’s easy to lose sight of the ‘clear basic principles’ I mentioned at the beginning, which is why planning decisions so often reach a conclusion on a majority The February issue’s picture puzzle was the rather than a unanimous vote. interior of St Michael and All Angels, Al- Suzanne Stanley nham, which has been recently beautifully refurbished, with loose seats replacing the NEWS FROM THE OFFICE pews, making it much more flexible in use. Unfortunately, it seems to have been far too Subscription reminders remote for any Member to recognise. Members will receive a letter from me around one month before your subs are due. Thank you to everyone who has signed up to our new Direct Debit system ‘Go Cardless’. If you have received your reminder letter and have not yet paid, please go ahead and do so as soon as possible – your subscriptions are vital the Society’s future welfare. Thank you.

A warm welcome to our new members: Mrs C Pyle N&N QUIZ Jesmond Residents Association We hope everyone is in good health and good Ms J Jewitt spirits during the lock down, and to help stimulate the little grey cells, here is a rather AGM tricky quiz, compiled by Chris Sayers of the At the time of writing the AGM is still Events Committee. postponed due to the ongoing lockdown You can either print the quiz off and return situation. However, the accounts will be it to the office or complete it online by going available to view on the website in early to https://forms.gle/UvH7TT5tD4MGYS9FA May. The closing date is 31 May 5 ART EMILY WILDING DAVISON SCULPTURE – A PIECE OF PUBLIC ART by debates over whether to replicate Emily (as with busts of notable figures in the Town Hall) or to design something that reflected, but acted more as an expression of her, what she stood for, and as a stimulus to debate and exploration. This continued as a key conversation when NCC committed to funding a sculpture in 2018 as part of marking the centenary of some women getting the vote. The choice of sculptor was hotly debated with many frustrated at the appointment of a male sculptor, let alone one based in County Durham. In the long run, however, this proved an inspired choice as there was a skill, materials, scale and energy brought by Ray Lonsdale which melded the industrial past of the region (and the country) and male and female energy. The welded Corten steel is of the same material as The Angel of The North and numbers of other works Reflecting on this statue in Carlisle Park, throughout the NE Region (many by Ray). Morpeth as an example of Public Art that marries past, present and future, there are a To represent or replicate! Ray’s decision number of themes that emerge. was to represent, although an initial design incorporating a child was fiercely resisted The statue was long in the minds of those (as subliminally suggesting women are who had worked to share the memory of only connected Emily and the fight for women’s (universal) with children, suffrage. Although she was London born, let alone that she was of a major local family who had Emily never moved there. She and her mother returned had a child). to Northumberland after her father’s death. The final design This is not the place to rehearse her history, was agreed, rather it is interesting to reflect on how she literally the day inspired a piece of public art. work was to Many attempts over years sought to create begin. a statue of Emily. These were accompanied

6 That design incorporated the figure tipping a bowl of food out – a mark of the acts of hunger striking undertaken by Emily (who was force fed 49 times) and many other suffragettes in their fight. Finally, a mark of Ray Lonsdale’s work is that he writes a short poem as part of each sculpture:

SHE KNEW, KNEW THEY WOULD COME WITH A FUNNEL AND PIPE. THAT THEY WOULD COME MOBHANDED, RESTRAINING HER BODY BUT STRENTHENGING HER CONVICTION WITH MISGUIDED METHODS. SMALL BRUTAL VICTORIES ACHIEVING THE GREATER DEFEAT. Another consideration was accessibility AND SHE WAS CONTENT – for the less mobile, wheelchair users, children and all. The landscaping, and The chosen site was another interesting design are felt to have worked together circumstance. Carlisle Park, in the centre effectively to ensure this and since the of the Town, was gifted to Morpeth Town unveiling (11th September 2018) has Council in 1916 and formally opened proved highly successful. Visitors and in 1929. It was gifted by the Countess of local people are nearly always seen taking Carlisle who was vehemently opposed photos, children (and not only children) to the Suffragettes! Fast forward to 2018 clambering onto the sculpture. And so a and a site clearly visible from the main piece of Public Art has been taken to the road into the town, inside the main gates hearts of many. Significant events / current was identified. County Council landscape protests involve it – with, for example staff, particularly Alison Jones then ‘Emily’ often sporting a WASPI (Women worked to reshape the area to provide an Against Statutory Pension Inequality) sash. appropriate setting (with relevant colouring Local schools have been inspired to create of the planting). Given the site there were their own murals and have these mounted further discussions regarding the scale of in the vicinity…. the sculpture. Some felt ‘actual size’ was essential. However, the view that the site Public Art bringing the past alive in the required greater scale prevailed and the final present with the generations of the future… sculpture sitting powerfully and visibly is approximately 1.5 times. Penni Blythe, Emily Inspires! 7 FROM THE ARCHIVE

CPRE and the N&N 1985 – 1993: A North-South divide? The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) was founded in 1926 – 2 years after the N&N Society - and has over 40,000 members. CPRE Northumberland is one of two North East branches alongside Durham. The love and concern for our little corner of England is mutual and our relationship cordial, collaborative and forward thinking. But it has not always been so. . . A fat file in the office covering the period 1985 – 1993 shows that there was mounting pressure for the N&N to become a formal branch of CPRE which led to a decade long game of ping pong, and some ruffling of feathers, despite the two organizations sharing ‘a common interest in rural conservation and sound development.’ It possibly came about due to controversial proposals around this time, which included wind farms at Kielder, test drilling for nuclear waste storage in the Cheviots, open cast mining and power stations in the Druridge Bay area. The correspondence on record begins in 1985 when Oswin Craster, N&N Chairman, sent a letter to Robin Grove White, CPRE’s Director, in which he said that ‘we have no wish to lose our independence by becoming a branch of CPRE.’ The N&N letterhead gives its address as Higham Place and included the strapline ‘A County Association of the CPRE.’ The CPRE central committee applied a degree of pressure on the N&N to become a branch. Their council decreed that County Associations were to be treated as County Branches in relation to planning matters, consultations, committee minutes and publicity. Also, each was to contribute an annual percentage from county members to the CPRE’s central coffers. This was considered untenable. At the time, N&N finances were ‘extremely precarious.’ And Craster felt there was a real risk that the N&N could and probably would fold. In 1988, the N&N Management Committee agreed that we would cease to be a County Association, but would give an annual donation to CPRE’s central funds. CPRE came back with subsequent ‘deals’ including a proposed three-year loan of a CPRE development officer, in exchange for our member mailing list (which at the time was c.800), plus a fight- ing fund of £2000 for 3 years. But all subscription income was destined for London, with a percentage paid back to the N&N, who would be allowed to keep its own name, but could ill-afford its Higham Place premises or its part time secretary. The N&N again said ‘no’, and ‘discussions were terminated.’ Around that time, CPRE’s North East committee appointed a branch development officer to recruit new members, and between 1987 and 1991 CPRE NE membership went from 22 to 179 members in Northumberland. In 1992 CPRE suggested again that the N&N become a branch but this was again declined. The Friends of the Lake District and the Exmoor Society were canvassed for opinion – they too had preferred to remain financially independent and administratively autonomous whilst continuing to work closely and am- icably with CPRE on shared objectives at grass roots level. It appears that it was never an issue of ‘what’ but ‘how’, and one CPRE member voiced 8 concern over the ‘centralisation on London’ and CPRE’s ‘preoccupation with the Home Counties attitudes and values’, going on to say that ‘Northumbrians have a strong sense of regional identity and will not accept any suggestion of southern condescension. They are a very different breed from those with whom the national office may be more familiar’. And the issue caused the resignation of the N&N Vice President Prof McClelland over a mis- timed comment about the CPRE in City & County by former Chairman Philip Deakin in his 1993 New Year message, although an apology was later sent, with an explanation that Philip’s comment had been penned when negotiations were ‘at an all-time ebb’. We resisted becoming a county branch, for two main reasons. Firstly, the N&N Society (which started life in 1924 as the Newcastle Society) was unique in its position in oversee- ing both town and country, whereas the CPRE focussed on rural issues only. Secondly, it was felt that there were ‘substantial gaps between us on aspects of finance and membership administration.’ We have remined independent ever since, and a Northumberland branch of CPRE was eventually set up in early 1993, with both organizations currently reciprocal members. CPRE North East’s quarterly newsletters can be found on the CPRE Durham webpage: http://www.cpredurham.org.uk/newsletters.html?LMCL=PTfOWQ Jackie Salmon Society Manager

railtons_halfpage_N&Nmag_2018.indd 1 18/04/2018 09:259 TYNESIDE COMMITTEE Tales from the Tyneside Committee, April 2020 As all City & County readers will know the late Winter and early Spring of 2020 has brought the most unpredictable and extraordinary event in many peoples’ memories. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to all who are suffering in these troubled circumstances and we look forward to better times ahead. The coronavirus crisis has propelled us into uncertainty with prophecies of doom and disaster being regular features of media reporting. In this unsettled atmosphere I hope I’m not tempting providence by highlighting some good news stories from the N&N’s Tyneside Committee. Living with Beauty Readers may recall references in previous editions of City & County to the N&N Tyneside Committee’s detailed submission to the UK Government’s Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission (BBBBC). In January the Commission published its ‘Living with Beauty’ report, making specific reference to our comments on illogical financial incentives that favour demolition of structurally sound buildings over renovation and regeneration. ‘Living with Beauty’ Promoting health, well-being and sustainable growth The report of the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission, January 2020 Fair tax for existing places. VAT is charged at 20 per cent on repair, maintenance and adaptation work to buildings. However, new buildings are not charged VAT. This incentivises demolishing existing buildings and starting again. It discourages regenerative development. It encourages greenfield over brownfield development. Government VAT rules are therefore not in alignment with its policies on planning, as set out in the NPPF. This should change. As the Northumberland and Newcastle Society put it to us in their evidence earlier this year: ‘It is desirable to make better use of existing buildings in city centres given not only the colossal challenges facing traditional urban based business but critically the need to better use finite natural resources ... we want to dispel the perception that renovation represents poor value for money in comparison with demolition and reconstruction.’ The built environment sector is currently responsible for 35-40% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. To meet our legally binding commitment to becoming a carbon neutral nation by 2050, we need to incentivise the reduction of emissions from buildings. It is estimated that the carbon embodied in new residential buildings can account for more than 50% of their lifetime greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling buildings is normally more sustainable than demolishing them and starting afresh. For example, constructing a new-build two-bedroom house uses up the equivalent of 80 tonnes of CO2. Refurbishment uses eight tonnes. Even with the highest energy- efficient specification the new build would take over 100 years to catch up. The embodied energy in the bricks of a typical Victorian terraced house would drive a car more than ten times around the world. ‘The greenest building is the one that is already built.’ When looking specifically at the demolition of listed buildings, the loss becomes more profound. What many historic buildings and conservation areas have in common is their 10 adaptability. They often have had to be adaptable to remain functional throughout a longer life-span. Their continued existence and use also highlights their built quality as they have had to be long lasting. Indeed, over 20% of our residential building stock is now over 100 years old. A further 16% dates from before the Second World War. However, there are currently few policies targeted at extending the life of these buildings or reducing their carbon emissions. Historic buildings that are underused and vacant could provide much needed homes and spaces for businesses. For example, it is estimated that there are over 2,400 underused or vacant mills in the North West and West Yorkshire. If refurbished, these historic mills could provide over 52,000 new homes, without the substantial carbon emissions from equivalent new builds. The retention and use of historic buildings also brings about secondary social and economic benefits. Research indicates, for example, that the quality of the historic environment is as important a factor as road access when businesses decide where to locate. The greater the density of heritage assets, the better the performance of the creative industries and the greater the level of specialisation towards the creative industries. All of this highlights the inconsistency of the VAT position within a system that seeks to ensure the most sustainable and popular outcomes. The need to address this commands increasing public recognition, having been championed by the Architects’ Journal in its RetroFirst campaign. Many of the submissions that the Commission received included strong calls for this reform, including those of the TCPA, the UK Green Building Council, the Home Builders Federation and Historic England. • Policy Proposition 23: align tax for existing and new places. We believe that the government should make bringing derelict buildings back into use VAT free, or charge at most a reduced VAT of 5%. It should do the same for core improvements to existing buildings, including reroofing, extensions, conversions and renewable heating. It is not necessary that VAT be reduced for DIY or interior decoration, which do not have corresponding environmental significance. We believe that it is possible that such a move could; • Provide a £15.1 billion stimulus to the wider UK economy and 95,480 extra jobs by 2020; and • Lead to almost 240,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent savings from 92,000 homes. Similar VAT reductions have resulted in an increase in consumer demand and employment in the Isle of Man and the Netherlands. The above is an extract from ‘Living with Beauty’ (page 92): https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/861832/Living_with_beauty_BBBBC_report.pdf ‘Living with Beauty’ presents compelling social, economic and environmental arguments and demonstrates our potential to influence government policy through effective submission of evidence. It’s worth noting that the Local Government Association has included many references to ‘Living with Beauty’ in its response to the Government’s White Paper on planning policy. We will continue to follow ‘Living with Beauty’ developments with great interest. 11 the Tyne and Wear Buildings Preservation Trust (TWBPT) and following the reopening I was very kindly given access to view the restoration of this outstanding Grade I listed building. The accompanying photographs don’t do justice to this amazing building, but they do illustrate what can be achieved by sensitive and thoughtful renovation. Notwithstanding All Saints Church current coronavirus restrictions, visitors In October 2019 after many years of neglect, are welcome to view All Saints’ rebirth All Saints Church in Newcastle’s Lower and marvel at another of Newcastle’s Pilgrim Street was reopened following architectural gems. I’m very grateful to Rev extensive renovation work on behalf of Dr Bill Schweitzer of All Saints Presbyterian the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Church and Martin Hulse of Tyne and England and Wales. It had been placed Wear Buildings Preservation Trust for their on Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ register in help in facilitating my visit. TimWickens 2015 and there were real concerns it would (Chair Tyneside Committee) deteriorate to such an extent to be beyond saving. The renovation was overseen by

12 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE When I took on the Chairmanship of the Society last May and said that we faced several challenges as we moved towards our centenary year, this was certainly not one of them! At that time, the terms “social-distancing, self-isolation and shielding” in the present context were unknown and to many people “lockdown” was simply something which only happened occasionally on Pointless! Sadly, as the current unparalleled situation developed, and with the health and safety of our members our priority, we followed Government guidelines and regretfully suspended all our meetings, events and lectures and this included for I believe the first time in our history, postponing our AGM. As circumstances change [and they appear to be very fluid as I write] and things return to something like normality towards the end of the year, we hopefully will be able to resume our events programme albeit with distancing guidelines likely to be still in place. We can then work out when we can re-schedule the AGM, probably at a new venue as so many of you will want to attend! The extraordinary times we are now facing will change many aspects of our lives and the future world economic situation will no doubt determine and focus priorities. At a National level, the UK Government will have many decisions to make, as promises made at the last election become unaffordable. Local councils already greatly stretched, will also need to refocus as will many housing developers as the demand for new homes reduces. Simply put, they will not build if they cannot sell and we may find that the number of homes proposed in our region and indeed in the UK are subsequently reduced purely on economic grounds. It may however provide an opportunity for central government and all our local authorities to have a serious rethink on housing density levels and to recognise the importance of open spaces and green corridors in urban areas. Tim Wickens and I have been in contact quite regularly and the Tyneside Committee has been responding to and making comments on various applications, however as you can imagine the number has dwindled and emergency powers at Newcastle City Council mean that decisions are being made by two or three councillors and the Head of Planning. No doubt this will be the same at Northumberland and North Tyneside Councils. This may mean that some contentious developments get approval or decisions may be deferred. This will also have a bearing on larger issues such as the Dewley Hill and Druridge Bay opencast mining proposals which were referred to the Government and are still in abeyance. The financial viability of approved developments may determine what actually gets constructed in the near future. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members for supporting the Northumberland and Newcastle Society by continuing to pay annual subscriptions, without which the Society would not be able to continue. As a registered charity, we have always sought additional funding from various sources to supplement our funds, but this is likely to be even more difficult in coming months. Subscriptions are therefore vital. With individuals and families under so much financial pressure it seems somewhat inappropriate to ask for further support, but there is an opportunity to help if you can. I sincerely hope that everyone is keeping safe and look forward to seeing you all in the not too distant future. John Matthews Chairman 13 OUTRAGE ‘OUTRAGE’ AT SHODDY PLANNING Radio 4 Extra recently repeated an Archive at the built environment with fresh eyes on 4 programme, first broadcast in 2016, and join the battle. He was outraged by entitled ‘Return to Subtopia’ and presented lack of visual awareness, by unimaginative by Gillian Darley. Subtopia was the planning, by banality and indifference to term coined by Ian Nairn, architectural architecture and its context, by insensitivity critic, writer and broadcaster. Like John and ‘prettification’. He wrote of “the Betjeman, he was distressed at the loss of steamrollering of all individuality of place significant and characterful architecture in to one uniform and mediocre pattern” the pre- and post-war rush to build new and “the legalization of the urge to dump housing, schools and workplaces, and at on a national scale”. Who knows what the worst excesses of modernist design. In he’d make of the proliferation this century a famous special issue of the Architectural of vast mundane and featureless housing Review entitled ‘Outrage’ (June 1955), estates and roads in the ever-growing he wrote a searing attack on “the soulless clamour for more housing. As it was, the destruction of Britain by shoddy post-war situation – and maybe an innate tendency planners”. The subsequent flood of support to self-destruction – caused him to drink resulted in various initiatives including himself to death shortly before his 53rd the formation of the Civic Trust, with a birthday in 1983. He was born 90 years view to halting the subtopian spread that ago, in 1930. Nairn had so conspicuously exposed. He Only three films, in a series called ‘Nairn was a relentless campaigner in print and across Britain’, are available to view on BBC on the BBC, and inspired many to look iPlayer, though the Corporation holds some 30 films he made for them. We see him in his Morris Minor travelling From London to Lancashire, From Leeds into Scotland, and navigating the Trans-Pennine Canal (this episode is slow television at its best). We now, like Nairn then (1972), are painfully aware that the mellow canal-side brick buildings and elegant chimneys represent the work and social life of communities that no longer exist (though we mustn’t forget the pollution and ill-health that accompanied them). The Archive on 4 programme ‘Return to Subtopia’ is also still available on BBC iPlayer and is an excellent summary of Nairn’s life and his impact. In it we hear Jonathan Glancey who in 2010 made four films entitled ‘Outrage revisited’,

14 which followed in some of Nairn’s footsteps (it wasn’t always possible because of subsequent developments), and also Gareth Gardner, a photographer who, when the programme was made in 2016, was about to embark on a project called Middle England, re-tracing Nairn’s route in pictures (see www.garethgardner. com). Nairn also wrote many books, and co-authored the Surrey and Sussex volumes of Pevsner’s Buildings of England series. He was regarded as an elegant and poetic writer, sometimes at odds with Pevsner when they worked together, Pevsner favouring facts, Nairn writing with passion. In his own works such as London (1966), Towns (1967) and Paris (1968), he highlights the obscure and unusual, and provides an evocative picture of the places he has explored. In view of what many of us regard as an increasingly bland Britain with its retail and industrial parks (the word park bearing more relation to the vast expanse of car park involved than to anything green and recreational) and off-the- peg housing estates, it’s easy to believe that not much has changed since Nairn’s time. We must look out for and relish the occasional felicitous example of planning and design. Suzanne Stanley

15 RECENT EVENTS SEVEN BRIDGES - The crossing of the Tyne gorge. An illustrated talk by Michael Taylor MBE 27th February 2020 – Stannington Village Hall When I learned that Michael Taylor was to present this talk I knew we would be in good hands and in for a treat. He is so well known within the engineering community of our region, not only for his breadth of Civil Engineering knowledge but also for his proven ability to put over his enthusiasm to aspiring about twice its present width, so the length of young engineers. Michael is a Chartered this bridge is estimated to have been 768ft. Civil Engineer, a Fellow of the Chartered A new bridge built in 1270, was swept away Institution of Highways and Transportation in the great flood of 17 November 1771. and is a member of their Panel for Historical This was replaced by a temporary structure Engineering Works. As Chairman of the the following year, then an elegant nine-arch North East Heritage Panel of the Institution stone bridge designed by Robert Mylne and of Civil Engineers (ICE), he is instrumental opened in 1781. in producing a series of excellent leaflets The whole area was cleaned up in 1779 and exemplifying the rich heritage of bridges in the Georgian Bridge widened and fitted with our region. He is a member of the Robert gas lighting in 1801. There then followed Stephenson Trust and a qualified Newcastle unfulfilled proposals by Robert Stevenson City guide. A lifelong member of the Scout (1828) and John and Benjamin Green Association, he was awarded MBE for services (1839) to improve the capacity of this river to young people in 2006. crossing, culminating in George and Robert During his introduction, we were treated to Stephenson’s High Level Bridge proposal some fascinating ciné clips from the Tyne for the Newcastle to Berwick railway line, Bridge mid-1920s construction film by accepted in 1848 and opened in 1850. Dorman Long, with construction methods Meanwhile, William Armstrong’s armaments manifestly pre-dating modern Health & manufacturing operations upstream were Safety legislation! Michael pointed out that becoming increasingly hampered by the there are really 30 bridges to discuss rather inadequate clearances of the Georgian Bridge, than the seven in the title, and he started so he came up with the idea – and funding with the original bridge of 122 AD at Pons – for a rotating Swing Bridge, based on his Aelius, the Roman fort occupied from 2nd to hydraulic gun turret technology, to replace 4th century AD. At that period the Tyne was the centre spans of the Georgian Bridge. These were demolished in 1868 to enable larger ships to move upstream, with work on the Swing Bridge beginning in 1873, opening for road traffic on 15 June 1876 and for river traffic on 17 July 1876. At the time of construction it was the largest swing bridge ever built. 16 The next bridge discussed was the Redheugh Bridge, the original being designed by Thomas Bouch (of Tay Bridge fame) and opened in 1871, but replaced by a new structure in 1901 by Sir William Arroll. This in turn was replaced by the present concrete bridge constructed 25m downstream and opened in 1983. Michael then explained that in the 1890s when rail traffic over the High Level Bridge was increasing, and the inconvenience of trains having to reverse out of The 1901 Redheugh Bridge Central Station to continue northwards could no longer be tolerated, the need for an additional railway bridge to the west of Central Station was accepted. The North Eastern Railway therefore built the King Edward VII Bridge to a design by Charles A Harrison, opened by King Edward VII on 10 July 1906. That brought us to the Tyne Bridge, designed by Mott, Hay and Anderson, comparable to their Sydney Harbour Bridge version, both deriving their design from the Hell Gate Bridge in New York City. The Dorman Long construction team was notable for including Dorothy Buchanan, the first female member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. The bridge was completed on 25 February 1928, and officially opened on 10 October by King George V and Queen Mary. Linking with the November N&N talk by Philip Meikle of Nexus, the next bridge on our menu was the QE2 Metro Bridge. This was developed as part of the Tyne and Wear Metro system, for which it was purpose-built. It was designed by W. A. Fairhurst & Partners, and constructed by Cementation Construction Ltd. and Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company. The two sections of the bridge were built simultaneously from each bank and eventually met in the centre in August 1978. It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 6 November 1981, nine days before regular Metro service across the river began. Finally, Michael presented the Gateshead Millennium Bridge - arguably now as iconic as the Tyne Bridge. This is a pedestrian and cyclist tilt bridge linking Gateshead Quays arts quarter and Newcastle Quayside. The award-winning structure was conceived and designed by architect Wilkinson Eyre and structural engineers Gifford Graham and Partners. It was lifted into place in one piece by Asian Hercules II, one of the world’s largest floating cranes, on 20 November 2000 – an amazing sight recalled by many of the audience. It was opened to the public on 17 September 2001and dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II on 7 May 2002. To end with, there was the icing on the cake: a reminder of the 8th bridge over the Tyne –the Bamboo Bridge of 2008. This was a temporary outdoor sculpture (not for transport) in the form of a simple suspension bridge spanning the Tyne, made entirely from bamboo wood (20 tonnes of it). The public art was designed and built by Australian Arts Company Bambuco for the Summer Tyne Festival, part of the ‘Newcastle Gateshead’ initiative. It had a three-day run, 18 – 20 July 2008, after which it was dismantled. I said at the outset that we were in for a treat, and indeed Michael’s excellent presentation exceeded that expectation. Les Brunton

17 NEW BOOK THE LITTLE BOOK OF NEWCASTLE by Sadler & Serdiville. The History Press, 2011. I came across this delightful book by local authors, John Sadler and Rose Serdiville, when ordering their latest book ‘Cromwell’s Convicts’ of which there will be a review in a later issue of City & County. The Little Book of Newcastle is full of history, anecdote and delightful vignettes. It seems few subjects or personalities in both the city and Northumberland have been left out, and yet the book is compact and an easy read - perfect for lockdown relief and interest. Who knew that Butch Cassidy’s mother (Ann Sinclair Gillies) was born in Brandling Village, and that the police box at the top of Bigg Market was the first in England? There are of course those tales we know well, like the Battles of Otterburn and Flodden, but the Rout of Newburn Ford in 1640 may not be so widely known. We move through from Richard Grainger’s plan of ‘breathtaking vision and boldness’ for Newcastle, shifting the axis of prosperity away from the traditional riverfront towards the upper town, to T. Dan Smith in the 1960s and a different vision for the ‘Brasilia of the North’. ‘Where Grainger invested in quality, Smith did not; he built fast, upwards and on the cheap.’ The construction of the Metrocentre in the 1980s is described as Sir John Hall’s ‘grand temple complex of retail’ Notable citizens go from Aelfrith (died AD 616) to Cheryl Cole via Bede, Harry Hotspur, Emily Davison, Jimmy Nail and many others. If you are looking for Viz and the Fat Slags, you will not be disappointed. We also learn that when Champagne was invented by Dom Perignon in 1668, he judged the bottles from Newcastle to be best for containing the pressure of his new wine. Newcastle became the largest glass producing centre in the world in the early 18th Century. And who knew that the origin of the word ‘be-reaved’ came from the Border Reivers in the 16th Century? There is much here to discover and amuse. Available from Amazon. Paperback £9.99. Virginia Armstrong 18 DIARY DATES

AGM 2020 At the time of writing the AGM is still postponed due to the ongoing lockdown situation. However, the accounts will be available to view on the website in early May.

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NEW MEMBERS Mrs C Pyle Jesmond Residents Association Ms J Jewitt

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CITY AND COUNTY is edited by Nigel Jenkins and is distributed to members. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Society or the Editor. Articles and photos welcome.

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NEXT COPY DEADLINE July 14th 2020

19 ProtECtiNg aNd ENhaNCiNg oUr laNdSCaPE, CUltUrE aNd bUilt ENViroNmENt For FUtUrE hEritagE • Established in 1924, we are one of the oldest civic societies in England. • We currently have over 500 members. • Our work is carried out by three committees of volunteers: • The Tyneside Committee works with other bodies to protect the historical built environment and to encourage high quality design and character in new developments in the City of Newcastle, its suburbs and North Tyneside for future generations to enjoy. • The County Committee helps protect the cherished environment of the County of Northumberland - its landscape, towns and villages, while remaining aware of the need for sensitive development. • The Northumberland Environmental Policy Group works with Northumberland County Council on Policy, Local Plans and wind energy development in Northumberland. • We run a varied programme of subsidised social events throughout the year, organised by our Events Committee. We invite quality speakers to talk on a broad range of topics. These include lectures, talks, tours and visits to places not usually open to the public. • We are a registered charity. JOIN US What our Members say: ‘The N&N is a wonderful Society! It is both trying to address the task of preserving the best in Northumberland and Tyneside, but enjoying itself as well, with great talks and visits about our great North-East heritage.’ ‘We are new to the area and this is a great way to meet people and find out more about where we live.’ ‘Like-minded people – A Society I recommend to anyone interested in local history and current events alike.’ Find out more and join online at www.nandnsociety.org.uk

ANNUALANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONSSUBSCRIPTIONS Membership Type Direct Debit/BACS Cash/Cheque Single Direct Debit & BACS£25 / Cash & Cheque £30 Single:Joint £35 / £40; Joint / Family*£40: £55 / £60; Business: £100 / £110;£50 GroupGroup: £35 / £35; Student: £15£25 / £15; School*: £100 / £100 £25 Student *New£10 category £10 Business £80 £80 CONTACTCONTACT US US Office:Office: The SocietyAdministrator, Manager, NorthumberlandNorthumberland && NewcastleNewcastle Society,Society, Jesmond Jesmond MethodistMethodist Church,Church, St St Georges Georges Terrace, Terrace, Jesmond, NewcastleNewcastle upon upon Tyne Tyne NE2 NE2 2DL 2DL Email:Email: [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: Telephone: 0191 0191 281 281 6266 6266 Charity No. 247885 Company No. 5528804 Charity No. 247885 Company No. 5528804