I grew up listening to my father and my aunt reminiscing fondly about Stanhope Road. For my walk today I decided to walk the length of it. I wonder what they would make of it now, even I can see changes in the short time I have known it - butchers closed to make way for sandwich shops which in their turn have closed. McRaes the baker, home of the most wonderful cupcakes before they were popular - closed also. The flats still look sturdy though and I know just how big those Tyneside flats can be - lots of property up for sale though.
I passed West Park which is still waiting for Spring to arrive, and remembered the lovely display of Christmas tree lights from the flats opposite. Then on to the roundabout where the derelict flats have been demolished - something new to be built there then. I continued up to the junction with Boldon Lane, pausing only for a couple of charity shops, and then turned left and headed up towards All Saints church and the junction with Harton Lane.
By now I was wondering why I don't walk more. I do love it. there's the chance to be nosy, see what people have in their gardens, what's advertised in shop windows, who's about. The chance also to let your mind wonder back over things to do, things you should have said, things you plan. I went down Harton Lane in such a haze that it was only at the last minute that I remembered my uncle pointing out to me the part of the hospital where Catherine Cookson used to work. And then, I swear, I saw a car covered in astroturf parked in a driveway. Don't believe me? Then go for a walk and check it out!
And so, past the Grey Hen, up Mortimer Road and back to my starting point. Took me barely an hour. I should do it more often.
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