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.

Friday 11 July 2014

Gateshead City of Culture

You can't run more than a few yards in Gateshead without being accosted visually by its rich cultural heritage. Never mind the high profile, nationally recognised offerings -the Baltic Art gallery, Sage concert hall, Angel of the North, the Millennium Bridge -  the place is teeming with other public works of art: Askew Road ribbons, High Street pregnant wimmin Buddha thing (cant' remember if that is still there or not), Sputnik style steel balls on the quayside, random arches and ornamental gates to name but a few. Controversial? Yes, at times. Expensive? Probably.  But I think they definitely enrich the urban environment and put Newcastle's efforts to shame.   

I came across this sculpture today when I was out running. Never seen it before, never even knew there was a park here - despite driving and running past here many times. Its a small park off Bensham Road between Coatsworth Road and the roundabout heading towards Gateshead town centre.  Good panoramic view of Newcastle from here.


Lovely day for a strike