GC3A2GV Windy Miller searched in vane (Traditional Cache) in North East England, United Kingdom created by soodyer

This cache has been archived.

Workyticket: As there appears to have been no cache to find for months, we are archiving the cache listing to prevent it from continually showing up in search lists, and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements.

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GC3A2GV ▼

A cache by soodyer Message this owner

Hidden : 1/1/2012

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

A nano placed in Windmill Hills park, site of Wind Vane, one of Gateshead's many public artworks.

The cache is situated in Windmill Hills Town Park. This small landscaped area was the first of Gateshead's public parks and was given to the people of Gateshead on 18 November 1861, but it had been a park in all but name for some years before this. As an open area near to the town centre it was used for fairs or 'hoppings', sports days, concerts, election meetings as well as being a pleasant place to go for a walk. Holly House, one of the town's oldest buildings still standing is situated on the north east of the hills. Reputed to have been built in the seventeenth century, it was altered in the late eighteenth century. It was used as a private house until the beginning of the twentieth century when it was bought by the Corporation and used as a reception centre by the Welfare and Social Services Department. It was abandoned in 1971 and now stands vandalised and derelict but it cannot be demolished without the permission of the Department of the Environment. A campaign to preserve the house has attracted the attention of the local press but at the time of writing there are no plans for any restoration work.

Within the park, is a 10 metre high artwork, "Wind Vane", and the the artist, Richard Woods, worked closely with local school children and their design formed the inspiration for the work. The sculpture is constructed from stainless steel and incorporates a rotating section.

This contemporary wind vane commemorates the windmills that once stood in the area. Wonderful views of the Tyne Gorge can also be accessed from the viewing platform. It was funded by Gateshead Council.

The main park gates are inscribed with the following poem:
'Twas there wor mothers dried wor claes to keep us nice and clean
That at the Sunday school and Church we might be decent seen
And o' the Sunday afternoons wor fathers teuk us there
To get the town stink blawn away and snuff the country air

Of course, one of the best things about Gateshead (apart from all the public artworks - check out them all at (visit link) ) is that when you look across the Tyne you can see Newcastle upon Tyne in all its glory! So rest awhile and take in the sights.

The park and cache are wheelchair accessible.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Gnxr n frng naq erfg sbe n zbzrag.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)