Boats 'n' Barbeques!

WHEN THE BOAT COMES IN

The boat I'm talking about is the Shields ferry that runs between North and South Shields.  We popped down to take a look at this icon on a blue-skied, sunny Sunday afternoon at the new ferry landing at North Shields. 

The boat was tethered (anchored?) taking on passengers who were about to make the seven minute journey to South Shields.

 
The famous Chain Locker pub that overlooked the North Shields side has gone, to be replaced by the majestic 'Chain Locker Apartments' (for rich yuppies only!) with its listed exterior called 'The Crane House'.
The infamous 'Jungle' that also overlooked the Tyne at North Shields has long gone, to be replaced by beautiful Collingwood mansions apartments.

Me and Collingwood Mansions

How the world has changed, hmm? 
And then we saw SWANS.  Yes, SWANS - on the River Tyne no less.  Oh, yes, the world has certainly changed!  I remember clearly, when nursing at the A & E department at Newcastle General Hospital (oh, dear, that's gone too) if anyone fell in the River Tyne, they were unlikely to survive the filth and pollution of the Tyne.  Now there are salmon -and SWANS. 


I came here to do a bit of last minute research for a story I was writing for the ALIBI television channel's annual story-writing competition.  Fingers crossed for me, dear readers, please?  The story is about an old Scottish busker whose already gammy legs meet with a crowbar after a trip on the Shields ferry to perform at South Shields Market.  It's called

 'MACK THE KNIFE'.

BARBEQUES ON BALMY EVENINGS

Me and Phil in Sausage mode!

After we'd pulled up shrubs, potted tubs and baskets, mowed the poor old dilapidated lawn, we were ready for some fun, the garden being SET FOR SUMMER!!

Mr Jim Cat ran up a tree and pawed at us forever from his lofty position!

                

Rosie Cat went to bed!

We set up up the barbeque, hungry and ready for a good old beanfeast.  We cooked sausages and burgers for Phil and Dave; a lovely bit of salmon (NOT from the River Tyne, I don't expect); a big old salad bowl - YUM!

Maybe Summer's here, finally, CONSTANT READERS 

Talk Soon