Newcastle 900 Celebrations (1980)

OK, then, here it is: my latest purchase from eBay. Please, though, don't tell the wife.

(click image to enlarge)

You'd have to be a certain age to remember it, of course; but in 1980 the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne celebrated its 900th anniversary since its founding by the Normans. The 900-year-old thing is not strictly true, though, as we know that there were previous settlements on the spot going back to at least the Roman period. But it has been known as 'Newcastle' since 1080 when the, er, 'New Castle' was built.

I was a disinterested teenager at the time, so I recall almost nothing of the occasion. It seems, however, to have been quite an event. For one thing, I have acquired, at some point, the following book...

... And there were plenty of other items of tat on offer too, of course, including loads of other publications and memorabilia - much of which, dare I say, may still be kicking about in your loft. Anyway. there is a good deal to found online regarding the 'event', with the best place to start being the excellent Skyscraper City page on the topic. 

There are also a few nice pics here.

And a little reminder that the 'Newcastle 1,000' celebrations are fast approaching, too. Only 55 years to go.