Gateway Features

[Andy Millne]

Does anybody have any photos of the new gateway features coming into the town? @Malcolm Robinson?

[Malcolm Robinson]

They should all be done this week so we will have decent pics after that Andy...........

 

 

[mercuryg]

I've only seen the dog so far, and I think it's excellent!

[mercuryg]

Update: Seen three now, only missing the one up Netherton way. Here's my reviews!

Dog (by twenty acres) - excellent; seen a lot of comments about how we are in danger of becoming known as the 'Dog Town', along the lines of 'can't we be identified with something else'? Fair comments, but missing the point: The little terrier is OUR dog and is famed and favoured by dog lovers across the world, so it remains part of the culture of the town. That's why, when you walk into the Red Lion, you don't see sculpture of a Lion, but of a Bedlington Terrier. (an aside - I wonder who does the research into local history when they open a 'Spoons? They have done a pretty good job in the Lion, and in other ones I've been in.)

St Cuthberts Cross (opposite the Chester's) - on first viewing, from a passing bus on a gloomy day, I thought it rather dour and dark; having seen it glinting in the sunlight, and close up, it's a different proposition! It's actually pretty majestic, suitably imposing and rather grand, so another success. The St Cuthbert story is an important one in the town's rich history - even if it may in fact be a myth!

The Locomotive (Attlee Park car park) - brilliant, a superb evocation and a wonderful addition to the town. The engine and iron works are integral - and often overlooked - to Bedlington, and this little train will bring a smile to the face of anyone who comes across it. One gripe - is it possible to move the bright green litter bin, which will be in shot of a camera from most angles? It's the only blight on a brilliant effort.

All credit to Malcolm and the team at WBTC, who have made a fine effort to enhance the attraction of the town.

While on the subject, my mum came up with an idea; whether it is viable or not, in terms of cost (probably not!) it's one that fits with Malcolm's vision to enhance the Bedlington 'brand': miniatures of the gateway features, Bedlington souvenirs. After all, while not putting the town in the same league, how many visitors to Paris come home with a baby Eiffel Tower? Or, how many visitors to Woodhorn by a mining-related souvenir? Worth a thought?

 

[Andy Millne]

Great review Merc. I second the idea for miniatures. They can go in the shop along with the key rings and bottle openers. Click the shop link in the menu if you missed them. 

[Andy Millne]

No photos yet?  

[mercuryg]

9 minutes ago, Andy said:

Great review Merc. I second the idea for miniatures. They can go in the shop along with the key rings and bottle openers. Click the shop link in the menu if you missed them. 

Just been messaging Malcolm; he's already considering a miniature of the loco, as apparently the Dutch museum in which it resides sells kits! I wasn't aware of the keyrings and bottle openers until he mentioned them to me.

[mercuryg]

15 minutes ago, Andy said:

Great review Merc. I second the idea for miniatures. They can go in the shop along with the key rings and bottle openers. Click the shop link in the menu if you missed them. 

Andy, it won't let me click on the shop link, it keeps disappearing!

 

[Andy Millne]

Which device/browser are you using?

[Alan Edgar (Eggy1948)]

Is the 'Shop' tab/link available to non members visiting the site?

Should the 'Shop' link be posted on social media, facebook, for Bedlington residents and expats to see? 

[Brett]

Seen the market cross on the way through this afternoon. Really good idea and will seek out the rest. 

Assuming this will be included in the already existing heritage trail? 

[John Fox (foxy)]

2 minutes ago, Brett said:

Seen the market cross on the way through this afternoon. Really good idea and will seek out the rest. 

Assuming this will be included in the already existing heritage trail? 

St Cuthberts Cross

[Brett]

I was driving and just caught it out the corner of my eye. Could have been any obelisk to be fair. 

[mercuryg]

22 hours ago, Andy said:

Which device/browser are you using?

Firefox

[Andy Millne]

Managed to see some of the photos courtesy of @Mark

I like them. Still to see the train at Attlee Park though.

[Maggie/915]

Excellent love the new Gateway Features

[Andy Millne]

Thanks @Maggie/915 That completes the picture for me. The train is magnificent! Does the dog have an ear infection though?

Edited February 5, 2017 by Andy Millne

[mercuryg]

15 hours ago, Andy Millne said:

Thanks @Maggie/915 That completes the picture for me. The train is magnificent! Does the dog have an ear infection though?

Yes, I think the dog is the least inspiring of these; the St Cuthberts Cross looks better in the flesh, as the picture doesn't show clearly that the actual cross is gleaming gold.

[Malcolm Robinson]

Lets wait until they are FINISHED folks............

 

[mercuryg]

35 minutes ago, Malcolm Robinson said:

Lets wait until they are FINISHED folks............

 

Malcolm, are they getting an information plaque to explain the significance?

[Malcolm Robinson]

Exactly so Merc..........I've written them and they are on agenda for Thursday night's meeting!  

 

Might need someone to go over them......

[mercuryg]

11 minutes ago, Malcolm Robinson said:

Exactly so Merc..........I've written them and they are on agenda for Thursday night's meeting!  

 

Might need someone to go over them......

No probs, let me know if you do.

[John Fox (foxy)]

21 hours ago, Andy Millne said:

! Does the dog have an ear infection though?

No it hasn't but there's councillors in the East hoping it gets one.

[_pauls]

I can't help wondering about the placement of the train in Attlee Park - from the road it is slap bang behind a bin, a road salt bin and a dog waste bin. Unless those are going to be moved at some point it kind of spoils the effect as you drive into the town.

[Malcolm Robinson]

Been organised even before you wrote it _Pauls 

 

I hesitate to say we are not all amateurs!

 

They have all been placed at 90 degrees to the section of the road as you come in.  

 

Like them or loath them they "announce" when you enter Bedlington Town, in other words they are gateway features....