I would like to take the opportunity on behalf of all the members, to welcome two new members to the group, Frances Dodds and Shirley Thompson. You will find some of their work on the poetry page. Take a look I think you will like what you see.

Fred.

BALTIC CAMPUS OFFICIAL LAUNCH 2008.

Past and present staff, students, community groups and school children were invited on four consecutive days for the launch of the new Gateshead College. Blaydon Writers were invited on Wednesday 2nd July as part of the community groups. Elizabeth Burdiss, Stella Rutherford, John Frostick and Bob Mather attended. They didn't know what to expect but it was to be a most exciting and interesting afternoon.

They were welcomed in the Theatre by David Cheetham the Principal. He told us there were also a Sports Academy, a construction centre and 800 apprentices working for Nissan. His speech was followed by The Villa Alice rappers, Road to Mothers Rouen, Katie Doughty-singing and playing the piano accompanied by Johnny Kearney on guitar and Nicholas Pounder. All are from the Performing Arts groups and were superb.

Everyone returned to the Reception area for the unveiling Ceremony and today Maureen Duffy did the honours. We then went to a Restaurant where we had canapes, chicken kebabs and a fruit drink called Baltic blush. They were all made by the Catering Students. Everything tasted delicious.

We began the tour in the entrance hall divided into small groups. Each floor has an access area where students can sit and have refreshments and chat .We went through the studios where art and design projects were on view. All media, photographs and artwork were on display. There were rooms full of computers. Modules are used so students can study away from college. It does away with paper work and they have access anywhere

We entered an enormous library spread over two floors. There were thousands of books about every possible subject and once again more and more computers. In the middle of the room was a floating staircase that was surrounded by prisms that shed more light. It was fantastic and futuristic.

We went along endless corridors that held meeting and conference rooms and staff services. We passed the Memory Station where all programme problems were sorted out. There was a language centre, Biology laboratory and several rooms for sitting exams.

On the second floor one side was filled with silent rooms. Someone could use it to study and no sound could be heard inside it. We passed a beautifully laid out Japanese Garden where one could sit and relax.

We proceeded to the most spectacular part of the building. It was like being in a five star Hotel. There were showers with various coloured lights to help one relax. There was a spa, sauna, a wet steam room, a flotation suite, a massage department, hair saloon and a gym. It was fabulous.

We went to the music department where students record and perform. All the rooms are soundproof. They were for technology, music, multi media, video, with all the correct equipment in each room.

We passed the Advice and information centre where students can apply for jobs. There is a higher education centre, a post room. On one side of the building were several large rooms which were hired out to external companies to hold courses or lectures.

There was a Creche with a mini kitchen where babies and young children's meals were cooked. Students don't have to stay at home to look after children these days as in the past. Further on was a Xerox copy shop and rooms for people with learning difficulties.

We looked into the Enfield Caf6 managed by students who supply great food and great service. There is no alcohol on the premises but people can bring their own wine that can be corked at a charge of £2. The general public are invited to use this Restaurant. To book a meal call 0191 490 2457.

We passed the students kitchen, with Steve, head chef in charge. We couldn't enter as it has P.P.E. outside the door, (personal protection equipment) A pin number has to be inserted for health and safety regulations. Further along were the changing rooms for students and staff.

In another entrance was a shop Next to this was the Business Development Centre with large conference and hospitality rooms. These were rented and used by external companies. It must be pointed out that every room has exceptionally tall glass windows to enable lots of light in. It's environmentally friendly.

We were very impressed by our two guides Martin Scott and Andrew Herron. They told us all this information and were so pleasant and helpful to us old fogies. Many thanks from us. It was a wonderful afternoon in a wonderful building.

Stella Rutherford. Blaydon Writers.

__________________________________________________________

Baltic Campus at Gateshead College,

Beautiful building for the sharing of knowledge.

Hello Folks, Have you been inside the Baltic Campus at Gateshead

College yet? What an experience!

Even if you don't want to do a course, do a visit. I am green with envy

that young people have the opportunity to learn anything they want;

within such beautiful surroundings; with such vibrant staff and an

enthusiastic Head- Master who will make the earth move for you.

Spacious classrooms and libraries full of books to help you: Food outlets

to feed you: Quiet places to set the world to rights and computers, and

computers. Don't take my word for it - go and see - and ask questions.

THIS IS YOUR COLLEGE. Happy studying.

Elizabeth Burdis.

VISIT TO THE EVENING CHRONICAL AND JOURNAL OFFICES ON TUESDAY 29™ APRIL 2008

Present: Elizabeth and Ralph Burdis Bryan and Betty Harbottle Bob Mather Stella Rutherford.

There was no meeting to-day as we visited the offices of the Journal and Evening Chronicle, We made our way there and met in the Reception Office.

It's a four storey building with a big parking bay at the back for the vans that deliver the papers three times daily all over the North East.

We started off on the ground floor where we watched the newly printed editions come off the printing press. They came down chutes then parcelled into bundles then wrapped in string. They continued moving on the chutes to the door which leads to the car park. They were collected, put onto the vans which speeded away.

We proceeded to the next floor and looked at the coils of wire and chutes which were at the top of the printing presses. Unfortunately if the press stops for any reason all the papers on the chutes fall off and are wasted. The whole run has to start again with a fresh batch.

We went to the second floor where the reporters work. They were divided into groups all dealing with different advertisements, That is where most of the money comes from. The Guide showed a whole page of an advert from Lidl and asked us how much we thought it had cost. A few guessed but were wrong. It cost £8,000. It was unbelievable.

We saw enormous rolls of paper and watched one being changed. We also saw a man re-joining various left over rolls of paper that are carefully smoothed out and recycled.

We finally went to the News room and it was a buzz of activity. We were introduced to Ray Marshall who compiles, writes and designs a monthly paper called REMEMBER WHEN. It is full of stories and pictures from at least fifty years ago and even some from 1930. He asked if we had any. He took Bob's name and telephone number as he wants to hear yarns about when he worked at Swan Hunters Shipyard.

We walked back down the stairs to the ground floor feeling quite tired but happy. The tour lasted for one and a half hours.

Stella Rutherford.

Gateshead Council’s Short Story Competition 2008

Story line; ‘Once Upon A Time’. Title; The Tale Of Three Toms

Congratulation to one of our members, Bryan Harbottle.

Bryan took second place in the over 18 category of the competition and he along with the other finalists will have his story published in Gateshead Council’s talking newspaper. The paper is produced by AIRS, and has a large circulation on cassette tapes.

‘Good one Bryan, you deserve it.’ From all of your fellow members at Blaydon Writers.

Elizabeth believes libraries are treasure chests of information. She enjoyed a computer session with Jackie Thompson at Dunston Library and recommends it to everyone. Jackie opened a window on the world for her and what's more it's FREE. If you haven't tried it, be brave and have a go today.

Back L to R, Bob Mather, Fred Watson, Ray Wilson, Elizabeth Burdis, Anna Meisel, Ann Crompton.

Front L to R, Bryan Harbottle, Betty Harbottle. Stella Rutherford.

On Wednesday 27th of February we took a tour of the BBC Studios at Barrack Road Newcastle. The trip was organised by our secretary John Frostick - who unfortunately could not be with us on the day - and transport via the community bus was organised by Stella Rutherford. Good one, John and Stella.

The tour, which was completely free of charge, began at 10 am, after the morning TV schedule concluded. Our guide, a lovely young lady called Anna Meisel, was pleasant, informative and able to answer any questions thrown at her, as she conducted us around the BBC’s Pink Palace.

First stop was the TV studios, where we were allowed to sit in Carol Malia’s chair behind the news desk, while Anna explained about the lighting, cameras, autocue and much, much more. Next we moved to the soft area with its weather screen and the famous red sofa. Anna put a weather chart on the screen and Elizabeth Burdis gave us her own very comic version of the weather forecast. From the studio we moved into the nerve centre, The Gallery, where a five-man team led by a producer, control every technical aspect of the programmes.

Moving on we passed through a busy newsroom then down several corridors to the radio studios, saying hello in passing to Mike Parr who was vacating the studio we went into. After having the workings of the empty studio explained to us we then moved into a live studio where Jonathon Miles cheerfully chatted to us between spells at the mike during his morning programme.

A short but very informative tour that packs in much more detail than I have mentioned above and we would like to thank the BBC and Anna Meisel for a very pleasant and informative time.

F. W.

Meet The Gang.

Whether you are a new or regular visitor to our website, you can meet our writers and listen to readings of some of our work at The Sage Gateshead in September.

We will be in attendance and taking part in 'Creative Gateshead' a showcase concert for Gateshead Arts Association.

Where? The Sage Gateshead, Hall two.

When? Friday the 14Th of September 7.45pm

See information below copied from the Sage event diary Sept/Oct.

'Creative Gateshead' is a showcase concert for Gateshead Arts Association, which represents the interests of amateur arts groups in the borough. It's an exciting group of artists who have been the bedrock of local talent for many years and are coming together for an evening of celebration and performance excellence. To ensure this is a memorable occasion they've engaged the master of comedy Bobby Pattinson as Host of Ceremonies. There'll be floral exhibitions and displays, choirs, music; dance and much more to enjoy in what will be a truly memorable event. Presented by Gateshead Leisure and Culture. Tickets: £8

Fred

This year is flying by and our sessions with Ellen Phethean, (Poet,writer and playright) will soon come to a close. Aaaaaaahh.. We have found her critiques very helpful and her guide lines inspirational. If you have the luck to be tutored by her, give it all you have got. Thank you Ellen and Gateshead Council also, for making it happen for us. Au revoir only, we hope. Stella Rutherford has moved to a bungalow and she and Bob are settled in so we look forward to some good stories again. Fred the Web has been to Spain and we are glad he is back. We wish his wife better health! So you out there, are you writing? Why not? Everybody has at least one book in them, so it is said. Take your pen out and give it a treat.

Elizabeth Burdis

Two new pages have been added to the site this week.

The first, 'Longer Stories' is a page where you can read stories that are longer than our normal short stories.

The second, 'Books By Members,'is a page where you can find books published by some of our members.

Fred

Hello Everybody,

Here we are again: raring to go! Blaydon Writers, refreshed after their Christmas revels, greet all web-wanderers and wish you a Happy New Year Our last session of 2006, with the well known poet and playwright, Ellen Phethean was highly enjoyable. Ellen held our interest using Robert Frost's poetry to illustrate points. We learn so much from her workshops. Roll on the next one!

New Year Resolutions- Create a masterpiece ? —Win a competition?— Well... maybe—or just work harder at writing and so gain more pleasure from LIFE?

Tap the keys of your P.C.s

Open up the web, organised by Fred.

Be our friend, write to the end.

Let us know if you enjoy the show!

Cheers,

E. Burdis

WOW! Dear readers, Blaydon Writers have been awarded five hundred pounds from Gateshead Council's Executive fund.This is to enable us to engage the services of ELLEN PHETHEAN, a gifted writer, playwright and poet, to give us special tutelage. She has worked with some of us before and did a very good project at the Sage for the Tall Ships.

So we thank Gateshead Council for ensuring we 'Prime Timer' have a full and interesting life.

Keep in touch Internetters. You may like to join in this project.

Finding Rosy, is a new fantasy aventure for children in the 8-12 age range. Written by Fred Watson it is due to be launched on the 17th November, But you can read two chapters for FREE now, if click onto the Finding Rosy link, on the Links page.

Blaydon writers are happy to recommend a cheap taxi scheme to most Art venues, in Gateshead and Newcastle. If you are a resident of Gateshead, and over sixty, you can visit theatres, galleries, Odeons and even use it to attend college if doing an art course

Membership costs twenty pounds for a year. Each journey that costs up to ten pounds, will only cost you TWO pounds. You may take three other people with you from your address, and it will still be only two pounds fare.

Take the kids to the pantomime, eh? So join up and get out, the nights are getting darker.

This scheme is run by Equal Arts Charity.

Phone Alice at 4775775 for more 'info'

Thanks are due to John Kelters one our members, his book has succeded in reviving the memory of Jimmy Thorpe the tragic sunderland goalkeeper. Thanks in no small measure to John, Jimmy is not forgot. There is now a plaque at the Stadium of Light,and a framed history with photographs in Jarrow town hall, also Jimmy's grave now has a headstone.

Good Work John.

John's Book is published by Jarrow and Hebburn Local History Group and is for sale priced £5.

Stella Rutherford, a hard working and much-valued member of the Group, is to be

Congratulated on being short-listed for ‘The Evening Chronicle, Great Family Read’

Competition.

Good on Ya, Stella, you deserve it.

After having my arm twisted, I reluctantly agreed to try and write some poetry. I say try because, I hadn’t and still haven’t a clue how to go about it.

Try the Internet, I though, so popping poetry in the box, I pressed go and was nearly but not quite immediately swamped – my dial up connection is extremely slow – by poems great and small. I trolled the pages, and read and liked many, but realised that it was true, I didn’t have clue. So I decided to call it a day, or night even – cheap rates on dial up.

Then I spotted’ ‘Poetry4kids’ a really brilliant site that has lots of fun poetry for kids. The upshot was, me trying my hand at a funny. See what you think it’s on the kid’s page.

Anyway I’m blithering on in my usual way, what I meant to tell you was, I’ve added some new links to the link page.

Fred.

John Kelters, has recently had a book published that will be of interest to followers of “The Beautiful Game” no matter which team they support.

1 Jimmy Thorpe

The tragically true story of a 1930’s goalkeeper with Sunderland, who died following the game he loved.

The book tries to explain the cruelty shown, by club and football authorities towards this young gentleman’s family and ultimately his memory.

For more information on the book and where it can be found, ring John on 0191 4193172.

Two Blaydon Writers, Elizabeth Burdis and Stella Ruterford attended the celebratory gathering of Gateshead Community Network.

Progress has been made in the last four years, involving focus groups.

Anyone in Gateshead can vote on Health, Learning, Safety or Employment. Don’t be shy--- Join in! The council wants to know.

Elizabeth Burdis.

The BBC website GET WRITING has been rediscovered as a most helpful tool to improving writing.

If like most writers you read a lot, we've added a couple sites to the links page you might find usefull, both are sites where you can buy and sell secondhand books

Email: Blaydon Writers