Episode 5

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Published on:

18th Nov 2024

The Curly Wurly Bridge

In this episode, we explore the story of the iconic Curly Wurly Bridge and its role in shaping the transformation of Fatfield. Featuring A Spanish Village, written and performed by David Brewis, this episode captures the historical and cultural significance of this beloved landmark.

A Spanish Village / Its Own Kind of Paradise

David Brewis



Out of the dust

A garden will grow

Vines intertwined

Kept safe from the roads

By the road

The children can play

Away from the smoke

And wait for the sun

Square pegs in round holes

So beautiful


Ah, who needs the sun?

The hills will do us right

The sea breeze can reach

Right along the river

Its own kind of paradise


Guests:

Washington Community Podcasting Group, Roger Morris (Fatfield Resident), Mike Laws, Linda Laws, Ged Parker (Washington Development Corporation), Washington Newtown Architects, David Robson, Ricard Robinson, Ursula Robson, Martin Stephenson, Peter McAdam, Liz Greener, April Welby.

Music and Production

  • Produced by: Grace Stubbings & the Washington Community Podcasting Group
  • Music by: David Brewis & Paige Temperley
  • Executive Producers: Caroline Mitchell & Jude Murphy

About the Project

This episode was developed in collaboration with:

  • Washington Heritage Partnership
  • Sunderland City Council’s Washington Area Committee
  • Sunderland Culture at The Arts Centre Washington
  • Baseline Shift
  • We Make Culture

Supported by:

  • The University of Sunderland
  • The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for making this project possible.

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About the Podcast

The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass
Collecting and Sharing Stories of Washington New Town
‘The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass' – Stories of Washington New Town is a podcast collaboration between Washington Heritage Partnership, Sunderland Culture, We Make Culture, University of Sunderland, Baseline Shift, and Arts Centre Washington. Since April 2024, podcaster and musician Grace Stubbings, along with the Washington community podcasting group, has been gathering and sharing stories of life in Washington.

Musicians Paige Temperley and David Brewis (Field Music) have worked with community members at Arts Centre Washington to transform these stories into songs. Drawing inspiration from the radio ballads of Charles Parker, Ewan MacColl, and Peggy Seeger, the podcast combines music, interviews, sounds, and archive recordings.

The podcast was made possible due to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and our thanks go to Lottery players