A Grand Afternoon Out

I have written

A Grand poem

On the Long Sands

For visitors to read

From their windows

Keith Armstrong

There’s nothing like the bracing sea air for a bit of inspiration; the sound of the waves from the promenade to wash away worldly cares and make room for those creative juices. That’s why I’m always glad when there’s an an excuse for a trip to the seaside, and none better than for the launch of the book Grand Times, The Story of The Grand Hotel Tynemouth which was the culmination of Keith Armstrong’s writer in residence at The Grand Hotel together with graphic designer Peter Dixon.

I made my way up the amazing spiral staircase of the hotel to The Orchid Room with its wonderful view across the sweeping bay where Keith performed a selection of his poetry from the residency. In addition we were treated to other favourites such as the moving Splinters about Keith’s father who was a shipyard worker at Swan Hunters.

Splinters by Keith Armstrong

We were then free to browse the display of Peter Dixon’s photographs taken in and around the hotel as well as archive photos from bygone days. Peter has designed a book, beautifully laid out, everything presented with great clarity charting the history of the hotel which was first built in 1872 as a holiday home for the Duchess of Northumberland and converted to a hotel just 5 years later. Keith edited the content which also includes the current team of dedicated staff, the hotel’s facilities and the famous visitors past and present from Laurel and Hardy to Stephen Tompkinson and not forgetting Sir Bobby Robson:

For the love of Sir Bobby

We will drink in the sea

For the love of Sir Bobby

we will dance with our kids

For the love of Sir Bobby

We will rise again

Keith Armstrong

Afterwards over a leisurely drink in the bar downstairs, I am cornered with the question that I have been trying to avoid and that I knew Keith would ask as he always does. ‘So just when will this website be ready?’ Having trailed all the way to the wilds of Hexham on a winter’s day to record his work for it, Keith is perfectly entitled to ask. Rather embarrassed, my answer has been the same for the past 6 months, ‘Hopefully in the next week or so'.’ However, listenupnorth.com is now closer than ever to being ready for launching onto an unsuspecting world, even complimentary bookmarks at the printers, so this time I think I can mean it. At least I think I can.