Not an entirely random name for a blog, but close. I am not a goat herder - in the usual meaning of that word; nor does the Urban Dictionary definition apply to me either (for a decade at least): an extremely drunk male who having lost all self-respect and standards, loses his powers of discrimination when pulling females. It is said that Gateshead derives its name from a settlement near an early Tyne crossing where goats once roamed. The goats are long gone, but me - I like to roam these parts - or rather run - exploring new places, rediscovering old ones in and around Gateshead and Newcastle when I'm out jogging. This blog is a collection of my photos, thoughts, observations, rants, loves and hates about Newcastle and Gateshead.

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Central Square, Orchard Street, Newcastle

Newcastle

I had a meeting today in the office block on Central Square.  What a great building - some fantastic views over the Tyne and Newcastle City centre from the top floor - couldn't resist getting my phone out and taking some pics.  It felt a bit weird looking down on the Metro bridge for some reason.




Tuesday 11 February 2014

Old Snooker Club New Bridge Street

This is a view of the old snooker club from the Manors pedestrian bridge over the central motorway. The building which spans New Bridge Street has been empty for some time and has been colourfully adorned with paint. Not sure if this is graffiti or an art installation but it looks good. A welcome addition to a pretty drab building. 


Smokey Joe second hand shop

I like this shop on Pilgrim Street, pass it most days, but have never bought anything though. I'm amazed at all the stuff that's crammed in there.

I took this photo a while back - quite like it. 

Sir Bobby graffiti wall demolished



Driving past here the other day and I noticed that the wall of graffiti behind the Sage has been demolished.  It was as part of the Baric Systemd building (I think) which has also been demolished .  The graffiti was part of the CoMusica Graffiti Wall project.

Sunday 9 February 2014

Kung Hey Fat Choy - Chinese New Year, Stowell Street, Newcastle


It was the first time in ages that I have been  to see the Chinese New Year celebrations in Newcastle for about twenty years. It was very busy, with crowds thronging the square around the Chinese Arch at the St James's end of Stowell Street.   I couldn't see exactly what was going on, but it was the Chinese dragon / lion dance with the accompanying noise of drums, cymbals and lots of firecrackers. The multi-storey car park behind the Gate on Stowell street evidently provides the best vantage point from which to watch the proceedings.  After parading around the square,  the lion / dragon procession heads along Stowell Street- visiting each premises in turn, bestowing good luck on those who have left a red envelope and cabbage dangling outside their door for the lion.