The most popular walk was along the College Road. Up the bank towards Bearpark and then turn left towards Ushaw College. This was the routine both summer and winter. A bit cold weather did not make us housebound. The traffic was very light and we walked on the road most of the time. Sometimes we used the path through Ernie Lang's farm and down the path towards the Gill which was a piece of woodland leading down towards Bearpark colliery. There was a pitch and toss session there most Sunday afternoons and there was always the lookouts posted to give the warning to scatter if the Police raided the pitch and toss school. A few times we saw men scattering in all directions to avoid the Police as these pitch and toss sessions were against the Law.
We would follow the path to the left along the edge of a wood which bordered the College Golf Links. Usually we would search the edge of the wood for lost golf balls and we usually got a tanner off the golfers for each ball handed over. Spring time we also used to bird nest. At the far end of the wood we turned left through a small metal wicket gate and over the Golf Links back on to the College Road. There we would turn right in the direction of Old Esh. A "must" most Sunday afternoon was a visit to " see the pigs" at the College farm. The pig stys housing the pigs were situated along side the road. Usually there were sows with litters and we would spend ten minutes or so watching the pigs. Then down the College bank to the cross roads with the Esh Winning road. Turning left at the crossroads we set off back towards Ushaw Moor. Along past Deerness View and Joyce Terrace and past Ushaw Moor Colliery and so back to Ushaw Moor and home for a good Sunday tea of my mothers baking of meat pies, fruit pies and jelly and Carnation milk. Happy Days. Reading this in the year 2009 must seem boring to younger visitors to the site. We made our own amusement in those days. No telly. The patter amongst the lads was always good and flowed like a good wine. We were happy with the free and simple things in life. We knew the countryside and appreciated it as we never destroyed anything that grew and always respected the laws of the countryside.
The Golf Links was a nine hole golf course belonging to Ushaw College. The College in those days housed hundreds of young men studying to become Catholic priests. There were acres of playing fields and the Golf Links were played on on a regular basis.
This was a short walk as other walks were many miles long. There was always a good tea to look forward to at the end of the walk.
My favourite walk now is along the banks of the Tyne with the noise of industry on the North bank of the river and the noise of the Metro cars on the railway on the South bank. It has been landscaped and wildlife is reurning, weasels, woodpeckers, squirrels, rabbits, foxes and owls can be seen on the river banks.
Brian Mc.
>> Hebburn.
Brian - it seems to me that you were happy because you were totally integrated in, and absorbed by, your existence. You were contented and not in need of false values. Thank you for your well written and evocative post. Brian is back!
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff Brian, I was walking with you all the way you were spot on. Is your Jim still living in New Brancepeth? near the Post Office. Alf R
ReplyDeleteBrian I got your e-mail, and replied to it, but the e-mail link failed. Basically I was saying keep it up, your writing is very, very good! I do not expect you to contribute masses of amounts but a regular, say monthly, article from you would be right up my street. I cannot speak for Alf and Co but I know they are enthusiastic about your writings. Yes a pint with Brian would be very pleasant. I imagine I will be 'up north' sometime during the next year - and if so I will flag it up on the site.
ReplyDeleteBrian, I had trouble trying to reply to your email. Alf
ReplyDeleteIs this Brian Mc Brian Mcloughlin who i nearly jumped on from an army truck on the square at Yeovil 1960. Get back to me please Peter.
ReplyDeleteYes that is the same sprog that you nearly jumped on. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. Returned to Yeovil at the end of 1963 after I returned from Kenya and before I was posted to Germany. Last time I saw Houndstone Camp was on the TV in the early 70s when the Ugandan Asians were billeted there.
ReplyDeletehi brian that sure was a long time ago and it's nice to know you are still up and running i've seen your comments here but was never good enough on the computer to do anything about it i struggle a lot any way good to here from you .Peter
ReplyDeletehello brian good to hear from you i've been trying to get in touch with you for a long time now but never been good enough on the computer till now i'm still not clever but i fumble my way around and somehow i get there . Wishing you good health. Peter
ReplyDeleteHello Brian, good to hear from you. I've been trying to get in touch with you for along time now but never been good enough on the computer till now.I'm still not clever with it but i fumble around and somehow i seem to manage. What is your email address (hope you don't mind me asking)?. Peter.
ReplyDelete