Blaydon
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Tadramgo
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{{infobox UK place|
|country = England
|official_name= Blaydon
|latitude= 54.963
|longitude= -1.7187
|population = 8,758<ref>[http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5941274&c=blaydon&d=14&e=16&g=366694&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=75 Census 2001 Neighbourhood Statistics]</ref>
|metropolitan_borough= [[Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead|Gateshead]]
|metropolitan_county= [[Tyne and Wear]]
|region= North East England
|constituency_westminster= [[Blaydon (UK Parliament constituency)|Blaydon]]
|post_town= BLAYDON-ON-TYNE
|postcode_area= NE
|postcode_district= NE21
|dial_code= 0191
|os_grid_reference= NZ2460
}}
'''Blaydon''' (or '''Blaydon-on-Tyne''') is a town in the North East of [[England]] in the [[Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead]]
==Administration==
The [[British House of Commons|House of Commons]] [[Blaydon (constituency)|constituency]] seat of Blaydon is held by [[Member of Parliament|MP]] [[David Anderson (UK politician)|David Anderson]], elected in the [[general election]] of May 2005 after the retirement of [[John David McWilliam|John McWilliam]].
The area has traditionally been a [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] stronghold and has been held by the Labour Party since [[1945]]. The Labour candidate David Anderson received 51.5% of the vote in 2005, with the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] candidate, Peter Maughan, second at 37.9%.
Blaydon ward elects three councillors to Gateshead Council. As of the May 2007 election, they are Malcolm Brain, Kathryn Ferdinand and Steve Ronchetti (all [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]]).
== The Town ==
Despite being a largely urban and industrial town, there are various rural aspects of Blaydon. These include Shibdon Pond at the former site of Blaydon Main [[Colliery]]. Shibdon Pond is a nature reserve situated at the Eastern end of the town. Many species of [[waterfowl]] live on the pond and surrounding [[marshland]], and a hide is available for [[ornithologists]]. [[English Nature]] has designated Shibdon Pond as one of [[Tyne and Wear]]'s [[Sites of Special Scientific Interest]] (SSSIs). The subject of a regeneration campaign, Shibdon Dene (sometimes inaccurately called 'Blaydon Dene') is another recreational area consisting of a pathway between a great number of fine [[trees]].
Blaydon has two main [[church]]es, [[Saint Cuthbert]]'s ([[Church of England]]) and [[Saint Joseph]]'s ([[Roman Catholic]]). They are situated opposite each other, on either side of Shibdon Road in the town centre. Both are impressive structures, and the interiors reflect the style of architecture used in their construction.
Blaydon has a shopping centre, known locally as the precinct. A [[brutalist]] 1970s creation, it contains the town's major shops including newsagents, [[Greggs]], [[Superdrug]], [[Boots]], a [[Co-operative Group]] store and, at the nearby car park, a [[McDonalds]]. There are also several food and grocery outlets. Although many pubs were demolished during the refurbishment of the town in the 1970s, a number of pubs still exist in and around the precint. There are also several [[working men's club|clubs]]: the Staffs (formerly the Railway Staff Club), the Social Club, and the Blaydon House Sports and Social Club (formerly the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] Club). The latter occupies the house of the nineteenth-century Doctor Morrison, and is reputedly the oldest building in Blaydon. Live [[jazz]] and rock music is regularly performed there.
Blaydon contains a number of schools, including Blaydon West primary and St Joseph's, a Roman Catholic primary school. It also has [[St Thomas More RC]], a high achieving Roman Catholic secondary school.
[[Image:AStormOverBlaydon.JPG|thumb|left|upright|The DFB dairy on Chainbridge Road, Blaydon]]
==Economy==
Once the powerhouse of the [[Industrial Revolution]] in Gateshead, Blaydon's traditional industry was [[coal mining]]. However, since the decline of mining in the 1950s and 1960s, the economy has diversified. As well as a small number of commuting professionals, residents of Blaydon are often involved in [[engineering]] and [[manufacturing]] with many businesses operating from premises in Blaydon Haughs (or 'The Spike'), on the banks of the River Tyne.
Blaydon was for a time the head office of [[Associated Cooperative Creameries]] (later renamed ACC then ACC Milk). ACC Milk was sold to [[Dairy Farmers of Britain]] in [[2004]] although the dairy, a chilled and frozen distribution centre remains in Blaydon on Chainbridge Road.
==Transport==
Historically Blaydon was a major [[railway]] hub for both passenger and freight services, as it occupied an important geographical position in relation to [[Newcastle-upon-Tyne]]. Blaydon served as the Eastern terminus of the [[Newcastle and Carlisle Railway]] (N&CR) when the first section (to [[Hexham]]) was opened in March [[1835]]. The current line that runs through Blaydon is the [[Tyne Valley Line]] of the [[National Rail]] network. [[Northern Rail]] operate [[train]] services to and from [[Blaydon railway station]], but such services are very limited.
However, [[Bus]] services are extensive and Blaydon Bus Station is a compulsory stop for all routes operating through the town. From Blaydon it is possible to get to the major destinations of Newcastle, Hexham, [[MetroCentre]] and the [[Team Valley]] Trading Estate, as well as to the local towns of [[Ryton, Tyne and Wear|Ryton]], [[Crawcrook]], [[Chopwell]] and [[Dunston, Tyne and Wear|Dunston]].
In recent years it has been suggested that Blaydon's location and existing transport infrastructure make it a suitable place for a [[Park and Ride]] centre, serving Newcastle and helping reduce congestion in the city. Extending the [[Tyne and Wear Metro]] along the Tyne Valley Line would also gain local support, but as of October 2007 there have been no plans to do so.
==Sports==
The Blaydon area is the origin of the well-known traditional song "[[Blaydon Races]]", written by local musician and showman George 'Geordie' Ridley in 1862. The town's [[Sports club|athletic club]] - the Blaydon Harriers - organise a [[road]] running race (called the [[Blaydon Race]]) every year on [[June 9]]. The route of the race follows the route outlined by Ridley in his song. The traditional starting point lies outside Balmbra's pub in Newcastle's [[Newcastle-upon-Tyne#Nightlife|Bigg Market]], and the race follows a course along Scotswood Road before crossing the River Tyne and ultimately finishing in Blaydon town centre. Local councillors, societies and notaries have in recent years organised an annual Blaydon Festival with music, sport and arts events that coincides with the week of race day.
The town's proximity to [[Newcastle-upon-Tyne]], as well as links such as Geordie Ridley's Blaydon Races, has meant that almost all locals support [[Newcastle United]], but there are a small minority of [[Sunderland AFC]] supporters in addition. The town does not have a football club of its own, but junior teams have had notable successes in competitions in recent years.
As well as the Blaydon races, The Blaydon Harriers organise regular race meetings on the Shibdon Pond fields (and other venues) throughout the year. These are usually well-attended both by participants and spectators. The Harriers' colours are orange and black.
The Rugby club Blaydon [[RFC]] play in the English [[National Division Two]] (a very high level considering the size of the town). The Crow Trees rugby ground is situated in the eastern end of the town, towards [[Swalwell]]. Blaydon RFC play in red shirts and white shorts. The former [[England]] international [[Mick Skinner]] played for Blaydon.
==Notable people==
*[[Bert Tulloch]], former professional [[association football|footballer]] with [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* [http://daveanderson.org.uk Dave Anderson MP Official Website]
* [http://www.gateshead.gov.uk Gateshead Council website]
* [http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/DocumentLibrary/People/Strategies/WardCensusJun04/Blaydon%20Jun04.pdf Census 2001 Summary of the Blaydon Local Authority ward. Provided by Gateshead Council]
* [http://www.blaydonrfc.co.uk Blaydon RFC Official Website]
* [http://www.blaydon.frankgillings.com Video and pictures of Blaydon]
[[Category:Towns in Tyne and Wear]]
[[pl:Blaydon]]