Heritage Open Days - Day 2

Another Heritage Open day event today - again in Newcastle.  Town was jam packed  - lots going on.  Down on the Quayside there was The City Games and The Junior Great North Run.  In the town centre there were two separate marches - the English Defence League (EDL) and a counter - demonstration by Newcastle Unites march.  Police all over the place and many road closures.  I caught the tail end of the Newcastle Unites march - see my extra shot.

Todays tour was around The Armstrong Building at Newcastle University.

The Armstrong building is the oldest building on the campus and is the site of the original Armstrong College. The building was constructed in three stages - the north east wing was completed first at a cost of £18,000 in 1888. The south-east wing, which includes the Jubilee Tower, and south-west wings were opened in 1894. The north-west front, forming the main entrance, was completed in 1906 and features two stone figures to represent science and the arts.  There has been a lot of renovation work done in recent years which has uncovered original features which were covered up in the 1970's.  Low ceilings which were constructed then have been taken down and beautiful high ceilings have been revealed. As we walked around we could see more work taking place - including replacement of windows.   It was an interesting tour - our guide was very knowledgeable as he has been heavily involved in the restoration.  The tour took us through the building and up the building and involved lots of steps.  It took 1 ½  hours. My blip shot shows the main entrance to the building and a view from one of the windows.

Did a bit of shopping in town before coming home.  It's been dry all day but its been a rainy evening.

Heard from Neil this evening.  He works near an Aldi so had popped in for some lunch.  They were selling off a load of " Summer Stuff " so he bought --- a carafe, an ice cream maker, a croquet set and a tent.  Random eh. He's running in the Great North Run tomorrow.  He seems well prepared this time and has actually trained.  Hope the weather stays fine - and Good Luck to all those taking part.

Steps today - 12,025