Millennium Bridge

Move over darling, we're the capital of enterprise

Innovation builds a future, before your very eyes

Leads you on a historic walk, where two unite as one

Long may it continue, region is exceedingly strong

Eye-catching, blinking marvellous, action innovative

Near the Baltic centre, imaginative and creative

Newcastle, Gateshead, we form a complementary exchange

In combining our resources, we bring a sea of change

Unique, the tide starts to turn our way, economics strike

Makes transport easier for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Become famous, going to be landmark, in its own right

Renowned, boasts a waterfront, buzzing every day and night

In a thriving golden mile, unrivalled anywhere

Dynamic setting, for lovers of art everywhere

Gathers, attracts visitors, it certainly does thrill

Engineering feat, testimony to the region's skill.

John Neal, Chester-le-Street.

Twins

Two babes came to earth

So small and sweet

To make the life of the mum complete.

But alas, one was forbidden to stay

And went back to God the very same day.

His brother, however, was allowed to try

This earthly life and gave a loud cry

To be cuddled and kissed and held by his mother,

Too small and frail to be missing his brother.

His brother down from God's plane looked on

And whispered his love that would always live on.

To surround his mum and identical twin

For it was God's will indeed, that he should say with him.

For it was decreed that his heavenly task

Was to guide his twin whenever he asked,

For guidance and strength to get through each day

And also to help in his work and his play.

So you see, dear friends, God has a plan

That is not always clear to woman or man,

Some souls are needed to work up above

To lead us and teach us all about love.

These blessed people are special indeed

For they are not sullied by evil or greed.

So one babe was given and one taken back,

But, grieving mother, you never will lack.

God's peace and His love which will fill you with joy

For you have lent Him your own little boy.

Margaret Beetham, Newton Aycliffe.

Store Time

Children crying out aloud,

People pushing through the crowd.

Background music sweetly singing.

All the counters' tills are ringing.

Look at the length of the queue

Time for a pot of tea for two.

Upstairs to the cafeteria

For a slice of Madeira.

To the first floor, down again.

Some just shelter from the rain.

Customers' voices fill the air,

Choosing bargains with great care.

"What price is this or that?"

"Oh, I do like the hat."

Assistants hurry to and fro

They are always on the go.

Now the people are very few

Another day almost through.

Soon the legs will have a rest

Nice store, one of the best.

Thomas Conlon, Kirk Merrington.

I Wonder

How did the dog get a bark?

What causes the terror of a shark?

The cat has a soothing purr,

What makes a sleeping wolf stir?

What gives the eagle a good eye?

And why do pigs live in a sty?

The kangaroo was given a pouch,

On that we can vouch.

The white swan has a graceful neck.

Why do hens scrat and peck?

Bee is the queen and lion the king

That is an amazing thing.

Why does badger forage at night?

Why does mouse give elephant such a fright?

The wise old owl from yonder dell

All the answers to you can tell.

Janet Degnan, Bowes.

My SS Girl

She is my carer and my friend

She has patience without end.

Tall and slim, her short white hair

Is beautifully cut to leave her neck bare.

Her uniform, in white and green

Is always well ironed and spotlessly clean.

Every morning about nine o'clock

She comes to my door (no need to knock).

"Good morning," she calls in a cheery voice

"It's breakfast time - what is your choice?

"Toast or cereal?" I say: "And a big mug of tea."

Aren't I lucky to have such care now I'm 83?

Joyce Stewart, Darlington.

Pipkin

She watches us as she walks about,

Miaow is her little shout.

Four paws and tail up high,

As she passes him by.

Is this a boy she can see,

Sitting on the settee?

Up she jumps on his lap,

For a little comfy cat nap.

Danny O'Keeffe, aged 11, Startforth, Barnard Castle.

General Election

Now the election is all over,

I would like to thank every voter,

Who was fit and able,

And found time to visit the ballot table.

To the lazy and those that didn't bother,

A compulsory £50 fine would have made them dother.

It's a right freely given,

Not to have used it is a sin unforgiven.

My own personal choice was Mr Blair,

Who I think talked honest and fair.

As for the Tories and Mr Hague,

Still tones of Maggie Thatcher's harsh policies in a way.

Mr Kennedy and company of the Lib-Dem,

I think in government would create mayhem.

At the election under Labour the nation did well,

To have changed the formula would have created hell.

Now Labour has the backing for a second term,

A prize they fought for and truly earned.

George Sowerby, High Etherley, Bishop Auckland.

Mum

I though it was a butterfly that touched my cheek one day.

I thought it was the breeze that came and blew my tears away.

I thought it was the sunshine that gently held my hand.

I thought it was the rustle of the leaves just where I stand.

I was missing you mum, so very, very much,

But then I suddenly realised, this was you, your loving touch.

You haven't really left me, you're around me every day.

And this was your way of telling me, in your own special way.

So if there's other people out there and you're feeling real despair,

Just quietly look around you, your loved ones are always there.

Pat Walker, Hipswell, Catterick Garrison.

Echoes

Echoes of empty promises

Echoes of dreams unfulfilled,

Deep inside an emptiness

Which leave the heart quite chilled.

There seems no one to turn to,

For there are no ears to hear,

I'm vulnerable and alone now

No one to see the tears.

There seems nowhere to go now

All paths seem inter-twined,

Overgrown by seeds of the past

So that the future seems hard to find.

I still see the sunshine out there.

I still strive for inner peace,

But for a while life's stopped for me

All hope has come to cease.

Marge Mason, Newton Aycliffe.