THE QUAKERS ARENA

Time is running out for the Quakers’ league status

Administrators causing a mega hiatus

The club has survived a record 125 years

But I fear it’ll all end in crocodile tears

Attendances crashing down with resulting poor finance

Needs no Einstein to evaluate this precarious stance

The club left Feethams allegedly premiership bound

Only to find optimism hitting solid ground

A portly entrepreneur was the party partly to blame

Who promised to fill the boardroom with honours and fame?

Managers came, including astute big Dave Hodgy

Selections by him were not considered dodgy

So it’s soon crossroads time with the town and FA

Do we watch Darlo or the local RA?

One thing for sure, we have a excellent Arena

So let’s all pull together to avoid Hartlepool’s laughing hyena

Alan Reed, Darlington

SPRINGTIME

Each morning it is a lovely sight to see

The pink and white blossom

Upon the wayside cherry tree.

Wallflowers with heavenly scent

Only sun and gentle breeze

Can spread their perfume all about.

Tulips brightly standing erect

Jewel-like colours mixed together

Along the garden wall with good effect.

The most outstanding colour to see

Are the new green shoots upon

Every bush and stately tree.

Birds are nesting, so sweet their song

All is so peaceful and calm

At eventide, when the day is done.

Elizabeth Sayers, Spennymoor

KISSING KICKS

Blaydon is calling, pulse racing

Shearer’s hopes life, respond, kick

Alan, Geordie tones,

As football of the North,

Tries to come home.

Shearer’s hopes trip off the pitch, dip.

St James’ stripes kiss the chilled pitch,

Turf-bruised kicks.

Thoughts rail, do not fail.

Hopes, men’s leaping hearts beating

Feelings shown, all the lads and lasses go,

Down the Scotswood Road,

To see the Blaydon Races,

To see the movement on the pitch,

The teams’ action moving time.

Toon tune, Toon tune, win soon,

For the people, win soon.

Alison Carr, Bishop Auckland

VIEWPOINT

I’d veto vile issues,

If only I could.

I don’t need the bad news,

Just give me the good.

Ken Orton, Ferryhill Station