Getting the Word Out

Firstly, thank you to council members Arlene, Felicity and David who helped promote our event launch within the local area via mention in a community flyer.  

In an attempt to get the word out beyond online means, we designed a flyer and printed out copies for distribution.

Some of the businesses targeted for promotion include Soundware music store, Runwell, Starbeck Bakery, The Sandwich Company, Sapori Café, Blue Bell pub, etc.  Overall we found owners and employees to be friendly and supportive – all were happy to allow our flyer to be displayed and distributed.

 Thus, our advertising consisted of Facebook, Twitter, email, mentions in council flyers, self-distributed flyers, and word-of-mouth (Vintage lunch club, Student Life, colleagues, professors, friends).   

Gratitude for the local support

Vintage lunch club at Barney & Jude’s has proven to be our greatest source of knowledge and local input.  In an earlier post, we relate how reverend Colin offered to drive us around the area for a quick tour—this post will focus other individuals who have also offered their time and support.  Firstly, Florence is an incredible anchor, relating her personal stories and networking us with other members of Vintage.  She introduced us to Mrs Appleby who later brought in personal photographs, two dating before WWII and another form the 1960’s.  These will be featured in the exhibition. 

Additionally, Eric consistently humours us by sharing his memories and perspectives on Sandyford; he gives a personal touch to much of the research.  Something particularly fascinating is that he forages and makes jam from the findings.  Eric produces pounds of jam at a time, usually giving it to various churches for them to sell.  Last Thursday he unexpectedly brought in two jars of his homemade jam for a colleague and me, this was quite touching.

Today we met up with Michael at Sapori café in on Starbeck Ave.  He chatted with us and kindly bought our drinks, after which he led us to St. Dominic’s church on New Bridge St. There we were introduced to John, then had a comprehensive discussion on the history of the church and its influence on the congregation – those of which include Sandyford residents.  Michael and John, thank you for the lovely tour and for sharing perspectives on church, social life, and worship.  

We've met some truly kind people on this journey to creating our first ever exhibition.  We will give the event and panels our best effort for those who have been so helpful.     

A Guided Tour of Sandyford

Two weeks ago we had sent an enquiry email for a meet-up with individuals who had shared their contact information with us.  We were able to meet with several of these people on Thursday, which proved to be quite a lucrative day.  This post is an overview of our meeting with Colin, from whom we gained further insight into neighbourhood history and residential controversies.  So on Thursday 27 Feb, we made an early appearance at Vintage where Colin generously offered his time to share his books, maps, and knowledge of the area with us.  After we made notes and took a few pictures of these resources, Colin offered to drive us around the Sandyford area for a guided tour.   

The group ended up discussing such sites as Ouseburn River, Jesmond Vale, Heaton Park, and Armstrong Park among others.  It seems that the relationship between Sandyford and the neighbouring areas of Byker and Heaton share common histories dating to the advent of Industrialization.  Big names responsible for the regions modern development  were frequently brought up which include Armstrong, Stephenson, Dobson, and Grainger.

We learned that there are various housing options in Sandyford, yet the current demographic consists primarily of young University students.  As it stands, the student population has slowly and only recently overcome that of the local long-term residents -- something that has caused somewhat of a stir between these communities whose values occasionally conflict.  We plan to develop a further understanding of this residential dichotomy on a panel exploring controversies within the area.  

Something particularly charming we noticed about the area are the small corner shops throughout.  We’re additionally working on compiling a list of the various businesses within Sandyford past and present, the goal being to incorporate a varied approach towards business and trade.  Research collection is still in progress, so contributions to any of our categories mentioned in the last post are very welcome.   

Thank you Colin for your help and generosity.