Writers

Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge Centenary

Introduction

This is a photo of the famous Middlesbrough Transporter BridgeTo celebrate the 100th birthday of Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge, listenupnorth.com and writers' block NE joined together to run a writing competition.  Taking this magnificent structure as inspiration, we wanted to encourage the best in creative writing and so put a call out for poems, short stories and monologues.  The response was not only local, but further afield including London, Liverpool, The Isle of Wight, Norfolk and even Canada!
Links to all winning entries can be found at the bottom of this page.



It was a hard job for our judges to choose the winners but we are very pleased with their decisions and I'm sure you'll agree they represent an eclectic mix of what the Transporter Bridge represents to different individuals.  Evident through each piece of work submitted was the great passion and affection that everyone has for The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge.
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It was a great privilege to record both writers and actors performing the winning entries at WritersBlock NE.  We had great fun but unfortunately due to the location adjacent to the bus station, there may be the occasional background engine!  We hope this will not distract from listening, rather lend itself to the ambience of a bustling Middlesbrough town.

Background

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Increasing industry and population during the 19th century resulted in an mounting traffic and the need for a conduit between the two banks of The Tees.  On 17th October 1911 amidst great pageantry and celebration, The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge was opened to link the town to Port Clarence.  Of cantilever construction, it is essentially two independent structures joined over the middle of the river with a passenger and vehicle gondola suspended by steel cables which runs on a wheel and rail system above.  This fascinating icon continues to operate as a working bridge to this day.

Additional Info

Winners of The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge Centenary Writing Competition
Short Stories
Fear and Falling in Port Clarence written & read by Michael Cail
Happy Birthday Stanporter written by Pat Brudenell & read by Bonnie Hibbs
Ladislav's Love by Rebecca Perl & read by Chris Stewart
Retirement written & read by Ben Frew
Somewhere Different by Helen Victoria Anderson
The Bridge of Steel written by Ben Bone & read by Adele Milward

Poetry
Big Blue writtten & read by Allison Davies
I've Seen It All written by Louise Kerr and read by Chris Stewart
Metal Colossus in Blue written & read by Irene Styles
We Shall Be written & read by Helen Steadman

There will be more winning entries added over the coming weeks
For further info about The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge and Centenary Events: CLICK HERE
For further Teesside gems click onto Hidden Teesside


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Please click on the links to the right to find out more about Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge Centenary's work featured on listenupnorth.com. You will also have the option to listen online or download it.