With Ant and Dec, the Geordie duo back on our screens presenting I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, it would seem a perfect time to remind the nation that there are few more things
With Ant and Dec, the Geordie duo back on our screens presenting I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, it would seem a perfect time to remind the nation that there are few more things we should be grateful to Newcastle for giving us!
A Footballing hot pool
Not everyone’s cup of tea but for those who appreciate the beautiful game for what it is Tyneside has produced some of the best footballers ever seen. Some names include Chris Waddle, Peter Beardsley, Michael Carrick, and of course the Premier League all-time leading goal scorer: Alan Shearer. It was also the home of the Sir Bobby Robson, the gentleman of the game.
Paul Gascoigne
Gazza is such an eccentric character that he deserves a number all to himself. Arguably the most talented footballer that Tyneside has ever produced but also the most unpredictable and unfortunately now damaged that the game has ever seen. From the tears in Turin to that great goal against Scotland in Euro 96, we can only hope that his footballing skills can outlive the memories of the Gazza we know today.
A Musical dynasty
Perhaps dynasty is too strong of a word but some of greatest musicians of the past fifty years have emerged from the banks of the Tyne. Sting, Mark Knopfler, AC/DC leadman Brian Johnson and Bryan Ferry just to name a few but of course there are the likes of Cheryl Cole, a beaut to look at but hardly awash with musical talents.
Byker Grove
If you were a kid growing up in the 90s, 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays had to mean Byker Grove and the tales of the fictional youth club. If gave us PJ and Duncan as-well as a host of other famous faces. Google it.
The Angel of the North
Possibly the best statue in the country, I mean come on for who doesn’t want to look at 66 ft tall, 177 ft wide bronze angel?
The Great North Run
The world’s biggest half marathon takes daft runners on a 13.1m trip from Newcastle to South Shields and it sums up what Newcastle is all about; sprit. The Geordies are often labelled the friendliest and the GNR proves just that for even in the pouring September rain, residents are out on the streets with oranges, jelly babies and ice pops. Running across the Tyne Bridge as the Red Arrows fly over is also something special to feel.
Newcastle Brown Ale
It’s an acquired taste that the Americans seem to love for it’s the most imported beer in the U.S and when you’re away from Newcastle, it’s a polite reminder of what you’re missing.
Greggs
We don’t like to admit it but most of us love a cheeky Greggs whether it’s their sausage and bean melt or a delightful chocolate muffin, we’ve all succumb to the temptation now and then. And we’ve got the Geordies to thank for this, the first Greggs store opened in Gosforth in 1951.
Lucozade
Believe it or not a Geordie chemist called William Owen created Lucozade or Glucozade as it was named back in 1927, honestly I’m not lying to you.
Rowan Aktinson
One of the UK’s creates comics is a Geordie, the man who has brought us Captain Blackadder, Jonny English and Mr Bean was born in Consett just outside Newcastle.
The Accent
And finally, perhaps the reason we all love the likes of Ant and Dec or Cheryl Cole so much… the accent. We can’t quite put out finger on why it’s out favourite but the moment you hear it you can’t deny it gives you the happiness only rivalled by Christmas.
Image: Glen Bowman
