CARBUNCLE??

Had a ticket for a free preview film screening this morning so I caught the 9.30am bus to Gateshead.

The film was " Pride". Based on a true story the film depicts a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender activists who raised money to help families affected by the UK miners' strike in 1984. The National Union of Mineworkers was reluctant to accept the group's support due to the union's public relations worries about being openly associated with a gay group so the activists instead decided to take their donations directly to a small mining village in Wales — resulting in an alliance between the two communities. The alliance was unlike any seen before but was successful. I loved the film. It was funny, sad and heartwarming. Some great acting too from Imelda Staunton, Bill Nighy, Dominic West, Paddy Considine to name just a few.

After the film I did a bit of shopping in Gateshead. The weather was lovely so I just took my time wandering about.

The Forum Challenge today is Style Sunday. So what do you think of this style of architecture in Gateshead.?? The main building is a TESCO with student accommodation above. It seems as though a lot of people don't think much of it as it was on the shortlist for The Carbuncle Cup. The Carbuncle Cup is an architecture prize given annually by the magazine Building Design to "the ugliest building in the United Kingdom completed in the last 12 months" The winner has just been announced - and Gateshead didn't win - thank goodness. Not an award it would be proud to receive. The winner was Woolwich Central in south east London which was designed by the same team as was responsible for Gateshead.

Off to London tomorrow afternoon to meet up with my daughter and son in law. Staying in a hotel near Gatwick overnight before we all fly out to Nice on Tuesday. Just for a couple of days. No blipping or comments while I am away so until I get back take care and have a good week.

Steps today - 8,305