Around the success of the kilns Marsden Village was created to house the workers employed at the kilns. Following the closure of the kilns during WWII the village was no longer required but it was to be 1968, before the decision was made to demolish it with the land to be used as public space. In a subsequent BBC documentary it was known as 'Marsden - the village that vanished'.
Sunderland continued the use of art in public places that I have come to really enjoy on my journey down the North East with its Riverside Sculpture Trail running from the Wearside Bridge to the beach at Roker. The article highlights five of the sculptures.
Walking on my own gave me plenty of opportunity to stop and sit by the cliff edge and just enjoy the moment. Too often in life we chase after happiness thinking if only I did this or that, went here or there, seen more of her and less of him, had more of this and less of that and on and on ‘ad infinitum’. Sometimes, all it takes is to sit still and let happiness, contentment and tranquility come to you. And best of all, the happiness of a summer’s day with blue sky, warm sun, tumbling sea and buzzing bees, is free.
- Continuing along the cliff, I was turned inland to bypass a gully (Ryhope Dene) just after Pincushion rock and below the village of Ryhope. Here, I walked through ferns over fout feet high, fearful of all the ticks I could pick up. From the top of the brae I had clear views across the cliffs and the sea to the village of Seaham to the south, my end point for the day. Although there were still some hours of daylight left, the conditions were akin to those of a sunset as the sun started to drop down on the horizon, lighting up the clouds, Seaham harbour and the horizon beyond. I slowed down on this last part, trying to hold on to the quality of the day, to make it last as long as possible, reluctant to see it end.
Eventually, with other passengers, I travelled by taxi back to Sunderland and my bed for the night. The others would not let me contribute to the taxi saying they admired me for what I was trying to do (walk the coast) and I was humbled by their generosity.