Wednesday 15 October 2008

ABC Wednesday 'M' is for...

Middlesbrough
(It might be a dump, but it's my dump!!)
The Town Hall from Centre North East
An unusual view of our Transporter Bridge - one of only two in the UK (The other is in Newport, Wales)
The once mighty Dorman Long Steel Works - whose crowning glory must surely have been the construction of this...
Have you guessed what it is yet?? Click here to reveal all
And here's the plaque to reveal all..
And finally, a little known fact about Middlesbrough Football Club..
The Legendary - Wilf Mannion
Do you see the red circle Middlesbrough Crest in the background? There were two (now replaced with Middlesbrough's new Shield logo) and I helped make them!!
Originally this crest contained the year of the club's rescue by chairman Steve Gibson (1986). I was responsible (in a previous employment) for cutting and laying out the enormous crests (about 3metres in diameter) prior to them being sent for spraying - I excluded the 1-9-8 and 6 from the process as rumour had it that Steve Gibson was trying to get the club to look forward rather than back and wanted the year of Middlesbrough's bankruptcy removed. I still have the unpainted aluminium numerals - God knows why!!
Oh, and one other thing - the famous Wembley Arch - constructed by local firm Cleveland Bridge - has hundred's of Middlesbrough FC items stuffed in its girders and tubing - scarves, gloves, footie tops, programs etc - the workers' way of saying that Middlesbrough will always be at the heart of Wembley!!
(And probably the only way Middlesbrough will ever get back to Wembley!!)
For more magical M's visit the ABC Wednesday Blog

15 comments:

Rinkly Rimes said...

When I looked for 'M' I didn't expect to see 'our' Sydney Harbour Bridge. I suppose your photo shows them Meeting in the Middle! Very informative, anyway.

Rune Eide said...

No reason not to be proud of the place you live! I hven't been there, but I might turn up some day, especially after your presentation!

Liz Hinds said...

What a great story about the Wembley arch - and your bit in the construction of the crests.

The transporter bridge. That rings a bell. Is that the one that was sold to native Americans in the last series of Auf Wiedersehen?

Unknown said...

Yes Liz - that's the one!!

Runee - I AM proud of Middlesbrough (in a self deprecating sort of way!!)

Rinkly - it's only 'Our' Sydney Harbour Bridge by virtue of its construction! It'll always be yours!

Jane Hards Photography said...

This is brilliant, so personal. Lve the first shot. Now as a "baggie" I sympathise with you about getting to Wembley.

Reader Wil said...

I would never have guessed that the bridge under construction was the Sydney Harbour Bridge!
Great photos!

Bear Naked said...

That doesn't look like a dump to me!!
I am always pleased to read your blog, you have some interesting things to share with all of us.

Bear((( )))

Kim from Hiraeth said...

Great views of what looks like a great place!

Leslie: said...

I've been over the bridge to Newport and maybe one day will cross your bridge, too! :D

Michele said...

Yeh, well to me it doesn't look like a dump at all! I think it's quite unique and I would love to explore the area... a great post and great to read and neat pictures!!

Neva said...

You live in a lovely place....it does not look like a dump to me!!!

Powell River Books said...

Not a dump at all. Looks like pretty nice digs. I invite you to come see my "Margy's Mouse Mechanism". -- Margy

Gerald (Ackworth born) said...

Twice I've been to Middlesbrough. Once went over the transporter bridge with our son sitting on his potty in the back of the hatchback!

Then in the 80s went to a convention there and stayed in a hotel which sold out-of-date crisps. We were actually the last people staying there as the bulldozers moved in after we left.

Anonymous said...

You mean Middlesborough have been rescued?

CJ xx

Unknown said...

Who says it's a dump? I think it is beautiful : ). Hope your weekend is happy!