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.

Saturday 28 June 2014

World's first dog show - Newcastle

Interesting fact of the day from my desk calendar: on this day in 1859, the world's first dog show was held in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Tuesday 10 June 2014

Newcastle's 'Lovelocks' bridge

Part of the 'lovelocks' bridge in Paris has collapsed under the weight of padlocks attached to it.   Let's hope it doesn't happen to the High Level bridge in Newcastle.

Couples attach a signed padlock to the Pont des Arts and throw the key into the river Seine as a sign of their love. The trend has now extended to bridges all over the world, and Newcastle (or Gateshead) is no exception -  the midpoint of the High Level Bridge has become the point for couples attach their "lovelocks" - on the metal grill that prevents people from jumping from the bridge into the Tyne (how romantic), symbols of optimism and despair entwined.




Or if you are a gay couple, haven't got a padlock, or are too tight to buy one from Poundland, you can declare your love by drawing a pair of cocks: