Blaydon

infobox UK place

country = England
official_name= Blaydon
latitude= 54.963
longitude= -1.7187
population = 8,758 [ [http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941274&c=blaydon&d=14&e=16&g=366694&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=75 Census 2001 Neighbourhood Statistics] ]
metropolitan_borough= Gateshead
metropolitan_county= Tyne and Wear
region= North East England
constituency_westminster= Blaydon
post_town= BLAYDON-ON-TYNE
postcode_area= NE
postcode_district= NE21
dial_code= 0191
os_grid_reference= NZ2460

Blaydon (or Blaydon-on-Tyne) is a town in the North East of England in the Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead

Administration

The House of Commons constituency seat of Blaydon is held by MP David Anderson, elected in the general election of May 2005 after the retirement of John McWilliam.

The area has traditionally been a Labour stronghold and has been held by the Labour Party since 1945. The Labour candidate David Anderson received 51.5% of the vote in 2005, with the Liberal Democrat candidate, Peter Maughan, second at 37.9%.

Blaydon ward elects three councillors to Gateshead Council. As of the May 2007 election, they are Malcolm Brain, Kathryn Ferdinand and Steve Ronchetti (all Labour).

The Town

Despite being a largely urban and industrial town, there are various rural aspects of Blaydon. These include Shibdon Pond at the former site of Blaydon Main Colliery. Shibdon Pond is a nature reserve situated at the Eastern end of the town. Many species of waterfowl live on the pond and surrounding marshland, and a hide is available for ornithologists. English Nature has designated Shibdon Pond as one of Tyne and Wear's Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The subject of a regeneration campaign, Shibdon Dene (sometimes inaccurately called 'Blaydon Dene') is another recreational area consisting of a pathway between a great number of fine trees.

Blaydon has two main churches, Saint Cuthbert's (Church of England) and Saint Joseph's (Roman Catholic). They are situated opposite each other, on either side of Shibdon Road in the town centre. Both are impressive structures, and the interiors reflect the style of architecture used in their construction.

Blaydon has a shopping centre, known locally as the precinct. A brutalist 1970s creation, it contains the town's major shops including newsagents, Greggs, Superdrug, Boots, a Co-operative Group store and, at the nearby car park, a McDonalds. There are also several food and grocery outlets. Although many pubs were demolished during the refurbishment of the town in the 1970s, a number of pubs still exist in and around the precint. There are also several clubs: the Staffs (formerly the Railway Staff Club), the Social Club, and the Blaydon House Sports and Social Club (formerly the Conservative Club). The latter occupies the house of the nineteenth-century Doctor Morrison, and is reputedly the oldest building in Blaydon. Live jazz and rock music is regularly performed there.

Blaydon contains a number of schools, including Blaydon West primary and St Joseph's, a Roman Catholic primary school. It also has St Thomas More RC, a high achieving Roman Catholic secondary school.

Economy

Once the powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution in Gateshead, Blaydon's traditional industry was coal mining. However, since the decline of mining in the 1950s and 1960s, the economy has diversified. As well as a small number of commuting professionals, residents of Blaydon are often involved in engineering and manufacturing with many businesses operating from premises in Blaydon Haughs (or 'The Spike'), on the banks of the River Tyne.

Blaydon was for a time the head office of Associated Cooperative Creameries (later renamed ACC then ACC Milk). ACC Milk was sold to Dairy Farmers of Britain in 2004 although the dairy, a chilled and frozen distribution centre remains in Blaydon on Chainbridge Road.

Education

Blaydon is part of the Gateshead Local Education Authority. It has a number of primary schools (both faith and secular schools). However, it has only the one secondary school, St Thomas More RC. St Thomas More serves the Roman Catholic population of the western part of Gateshead borough.

Transport

Historically Blaydon was a major railway hub for both passenger and freight services, as it occupied an important geographical position in relation to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Blaydon served as the Eastern terminus of the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway (N&CR) when the first section (to Hexham) was opened in March 1835. The current line that runs through Blaydon is the Tyne Valley Line of the National Rail network. Northern Rail operate train services to and from Blaydon railway station, but such services are very limited.

However, Bus services are extensive and Blaydon Bus Station is a compulsory stop for all routes operating through the town. From Blaydon it is possible to get to the major destinations of Newcastle, Hexham, MetroCentre and the Team Valley Trading Estate, as well as to the local towns of Ryton, Crawcrook, Chopwell and Dunston.

In recent years it has been suggested that Blaydon's location and existing transport infrastructure make it a suitable place for a Park and Ride centre, serving Newcastle and helping reduce congestion in the city. Extending the Tyne and Wear Metro along the Tyne Valley Line would also gain local support, but as of October 2007 there have been no plans to do so.

ports

The Blaydon area is the origin of the well-known traditional song "Blaydon Races", written by local musician and showman George 'Geordie' Ridley in 1862. The town's athletic club - the Blaydon Harriers - organise a road running race (called the Blaydon Race) every year on June 9. The route of the race follows the route outlined by Ridley in his song. The traditional starting point lies outside Balmbra's pub in Newcastle's Bigg Market, and the race follows a course along Scotswood Road before crossing the River Tyne and ultimately finishing in Blaydon town centre. Local councillors, societies and notaries have in recent years organised an annual Blaydon Festival with music, sport and arts events that coincides with the week of race day.

The town's proximity to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, as well as links such as Geordie Ridley's Blaydon Races, has meant that almost all locals support Newcastle United, but there are a small minority of Sunderland AFC supporters in addition. The town does not have a football club of its own, but junior teams have had notable successes in competitions in recent years.

As well as the Blaydon races, The Blaydon Harriers organise regular race meetings on the Shibdon Pond fields (and other venues) throughout the year. These are usually well-attended both by participants and spectators. The Harriers' colours are orange and black.

The Rugby club Blaydon RFC play in the English National Division Two (a very high level considering the size of the town). The Crow Trees rugby ground is situated in the eastern end of the town, towards Swalwell. Blaydon RFC play in red shirts and white shorts. The former England international Mick Skinner played for Blaydon.

Notable people

*Bert Tulloch, former professional footballer with Blackpool

References

External links

* [http://daveanderson.org.uk Dave Anderson MP Official Website]
* [http://www.gateshead.gov.uk Gateshead Council website]
* [http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/DocumentLibrary/People/Strategies/WardCensusJun04/Blaydon%20Jun04.pdf Census 2001 Summary of the Blaydon Local Authority ward. Provided by Gateshead Council]
* [http://www.blaydonrfc.co.uk Blaydon RFC Official Website]
* [http://www.blaydon.frankgillings.com Video and pictures of Blaydon]