The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass

Episode 9  A Fresh Start… women’s education and training In the 60’s and 70’s many people moved to Washington New Town with few friends or family to support them when they started a family. Adult education programmes provided by organizations such as the Workers Educational Association -the WEA - and more recently celebrated by Never Stop Learning were very important in the lives of loca...

Episode 10 Shopping and Leisure : Step into Another World The Galleries Shopping Centre opened in 1974 and many Washington New Town residents have memories of shopping and working  there. People were able to shop indoors once the roof was built and they stepped into another world of supermarkets such as the SavaCentre store for the first time. People in in the new town were doing all sorts of...

In this episode we explore the ways in which the new town development worked alongside the natural world with, for example, tree planting and daffodil days built into the planning. We hear about the value of nature reserves and parks such as James Steel Park and the Wetlands Centre as well as the ongoing appeal of allotments and 'council gardens'. Sixty years on, Washington has a legacy of woodlan...

Washington was heavily involved in the coal industry – men working in the dirty and dangerous pits and women supporting them in many ways above the ground. The new town development coincided with the gradual closing of the mines. New industries followed: some ex-pitmen went to work at the RCA record pressing plant which opened in 1970 and until 1980 Timex was also an employer. Major employers BAE...

In this episode we look at some examples of how music and arts developed in the new town. Since 1972, Arts Centre Washington has been the place where many music, theatre and arts activities and performances have taken place, including radio ballad pioneer Peggy Seeger's concert at the Davey Lamp Folk Club. Washington has also been the birthplace of many well-known artists and performers: musicians...

In this episode, we explore The Underpasses—examining the ideal of safe routes to school and the reality of 'betwixt and between' spaces. This episode brings together fascinating stories and creative expressions from Washington, brought to life by the community and special guests. It featurse Underpass , a ballad written and performed by David Brewis . Underpass (after Jake) David Brewis When I wa...

In this episode, we take a nostalgic journey back to 1977, when US President Jimmy Carter visited Washington Village. Howay Jimmy is a heartfelt reflection on this historic event, written and performed by Paige Temperley , with stories and insights from members of the Washington community. Hoaway Jimmy   Written by Paige Temperley Hoaway Jimmy come on down And look at our new town The streets...

In this episode, we delve into local legends, spine-chilling ghost stories, and the haunting tales of women accused of witchcraft in Washington’s history. Featuring Lady of the Biddick House , written and performed by Paige Temperley , this episode brings the past to life with captivating stories and performances. Lady of the Biddick House Paige Temperley  Lady of the Biddick House had her little...

In this episode, we explore the story of the iconic Curly Wurly Bridge and its role in shaping the transformation of Fatfield. Featuring A Spanish Village , written and performed by David Brewis , this episode captures the historical and cultural significance of this beloved landmark. A Spanish Village / Its Own Kind of Paradise David Brewis  Out of the dust A garden will grow Vines intertwined K...

In this episode, we dive into Washington's fascinating roads, roundabouts, and its controversial district numbering system. We also explore the community stories and creativity behind Town of Roundabouts , written and performed by Paige Temperley . The Town of Roundabouts Paige Temperley Photographs I took So many shades of colour Stapled in a book  Suppose I never looked around The corners o...

Listen to our trailer to get a feel for our new podcast. ‘The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass' - Stories of Washington New Town’, is a podcast ballad partnership between Washington Heritage Partnership, We Make Culture, University of Sunderland, Baseline Shift and Arts Centre Washington. Since April 2024 this partnership, podcaster and musician Grace Stubbings and the Washington communit...