The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass

About The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass

‘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

Publisher

Washington Heritage Partnership

Category

education · history · music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Oct 2024

Latest episode

23 Jun 2025

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Jun 2025

   Shopping and Leisure: Step into Another World

   Residents including Ian Murray and Mandy MacDonald share memories of shopping, leisure activities, pubs, clubs, and the impact of the Galleries Shopping Centre in Washington New Town.

2. 

   23 Jun 2025

   A Fresh Start: Women's Education and Training

   This episode explores the history and impact of women's education and training programs in Washington New Town, highlighting organizations like the Workers Educational Association and The Bridge, which provided vital support and opportunities.

3. 

   11 Mar 2025

   Nature

   In this episode we explore the ways in which the new town development worked alongside the natural world with, for example, tree planting and daffodil days built into the planning. We hear about the value of nature reserves and parks such as James Steel Park and the Wetlands Centre as well as the ongoing appeal of allotments and 'council gardens'. Sixty years on, Washington has a legacy of woodlands and wildlife such as otters and kingfishers. As Nasim Rebecca Asl's poem portrays there's a darker side to the heritage on which the new town was built. Mesothelioma is growing in my grandpa’s greenhouse Nasim Rebecca Asl Magnesia and some asbestos products were manufactured for decades at Washington Chemical Works. Hundreds died from illnesses caused by the material. We plant seeds together in your greenhouse on a Monday after school. Your weathered hands unwrap germinated sprouts from kitchen roll, pointing out their tiny roots to me. They’re new. All we can do is bury these treasures in black plastic pots and water the soil with our sweat. Wait. One Tuesday we transplant the shoots to a flower patch right by the fence. My tiny hands wear yours like gardening gloves as you guide the plants from box to ground. We give them space to breathe. After tea, your fingers envelop mine and help me control my sprawling letters, show me how to build words, how to read. We don’t yet know what’s taken root in you - there’s a shadow blossoming in the greenhouse of your body, its cancerous petals unfurling in your lungs. We water. We laugh. We monitor. The saplings shoot up. It’s Wednesday when we bind their fragile spines to bamboo poles, and twine their bodies to the stakes. They can’t yet bear their own weight, but I hope they grow in your image. One small flower, one large support: our shadows match theirs. On Thursday, we’re side by side outside admiring the sunflowers as they swivel with the earth to find their god. They’ve outgrown me. I look up to both of you. You tell me they seek the sun but I think they’re always searching for your face. Grandma calls us in for tea. She wipes mud from my knees, the way she’d brush powder from your overalls when you came home from the chemical works. Her tummy rumbles. I turn to ask you a question, but you’re doubled over, clawing for breath. It’s Friday. You’re gone. The flowers have rotted too, returned to mulch with you. I don’t know who uprooted them in the end. Your bungalow, where I learned to tie my laces and how to live outside myself, is sold, but sometimes I take the bus back through my childhood because it passes by your fence, now painted blue. I can’t help but crane my neck to stare back down Coach Road, to see the sunflowers still haloing the fence, their sunlight crowning your head. Guests: Washington Community Podcasting Group, with Chas Ferguson, Ged Parker, Nick Jobson, Kim Hunter, Gloria Finnigan, Thomas Finnigan, David Duffy, Sheila Oxley, Irene Ridley, Jim Metcalf, Olive Metcalf and Ian Murray Music and Production Produced by: Grace Stubbings & the Washington Community Podcasting Group Music by: David Brewis Poem by Nasim Rebecca Asl 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...

4. 

   11 Mar 2025

   Art and Music

   In this episode we look at some examples of how music and arts developed in the new town. Since 1972, Arts Centre Washington has been the place where many music, theatre and arts activities and performances have taken place, including radio ballad pioneer Peggy Seeger's concert at the Davey Lamp Folk Club. Washington has also been the birthplace of many well-known artists and performers: musicians Brian Ferry and Alan Price and the painter Paul Stangroom. Listen on for a story about the young Dave Stewart stowing away with a band at the Black Bush Folk Club! David Brewis' song highlights how the RCA record plant in Washington contributed to the global music industry in the 1970’s. Thirteen years of vinyl record production! We wonder, now vinyl is resurgent, whether there will ever be another record pressing plant in Washington? Thirteen Years David Brewis Thirteen years, thirteen years From Armstrong’s future vision eyes The modernist’s flyby archetype To a victim of changing styles ‘Til Presley’s on sale again Thirteen years, thirteen years Truly different from anywhere Neatly laid in mile-wide squares From the A19 to the A1(M) So mediterranean We’ve got thirteen years, thirteen years To stay up to the minute To say new town new Thirteen years, thirteen years A million square feet of factories How many more of welded steel? Black PVC needle-ready But the king’s already left We had thirteen years, thirteen years To stay up to the minute To stay new town new To stay up to the minute To stay new town new Guests: Washington Community Podcasting Group, David Robson, Doug Walker, Bill Elliot, Martin Stephenson, Peter McAdam, Barbara Fiddy, David Young, Mike Laws, Linda Laws, Tony Erskine, Rosanna Erskine, Paul Stangroom, Bob Hope, Neil Armstrong, Harry Hindess and Catherine Taylor. With thanks to Von Fox Promotions for the Davy Lamp excerpts and to Centre Stage for the Paul Stangroom interview. 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.

5. 

   11 Mar 2025

   Mining and Industry

   Washington was heavily involved in the coal industry – men working in the dirty and dangerous pits and women supporting them in many ways above the ground. The new town development coincided with the gradual closing of the mines. New industries followed: some ex-pitmen went to work at the RCA record pressing plant which opened in 1970 and until 1980 Timex was also an employer. Major employers BAE systems and Rolls Royce added to Washington’s industrial success story. The Nissan car manufacturing plant started in 1984. Within 20 years Washington’s industries were transformed. A Miner’s Town Written by Paige Temperley Rattle of the cage on the ropes Just a young apprentice full of hope In a town where everything was coal Mother waits at home A fiery furnace now awaits Noise that no-one can escape Boys lean on each other or you’ll break When darkness calls If I’d known then what I know now I’m not so sure that I’d go down Bound together underground A Miner’s town Man Rider leads you to the pit For another dark day in the abyss Morale’s for keeping up remember kids ‘Til we reach the surface Heat it hits you in the face Whatever was up there has been replaced Danger becomes just another day A constant service If I’d known then what I know now I’m not so sure that I’d go down Bound together underground A Miner’s town Dash through the showers lads There’s a pint to be had Last orders half ten Home, bed and go again Maybe soon we’ll see the light Until then we’ll sell our time Same risks keep us tight Think we’re due another strike If I’d known then what I know now I’m not so sure that I’d go down Bound together underground A Miner’s town Guests: Washington Community Podcasting Group and Mac Stephenson, Ged Parker, Jim Metcalf, Brenda Naisby, Irene McAdam, Mike Laws, Harry Hindess, Linda Chapman and Martin Chapman 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.

6. 

   18 Nov 2024

   Howay Jimmy

   In this episode, we take a nostalgic journey back to 1977, when US President Jimmy Carter visited Washington Village. Howay Jimmy is a heartfelt reflection on this historic event, written and performed by Paige Temperley, with stories and insights from members of the Washington community. Hoaway Jimmy Written by Paige Temperley Hoaway Jimmy come on down And look at our new town The streets are lined And soon you’ll find There’re full of roaring crowds Hoaway Jimmy come on down And give our hands a shake We’re dressed up to the nines And we’ve asked the band to play ‘Cause things like this don’t happen every day… Flags at the ready Lets wave those stars and stripes A striking combination of red, blue, and white Hello Mr President With one we share a name And here you are on your first trip of Presidential fame Pedal to the floor he arrives our doorstep Like that of those before and so the story goes Hoaway Jimmy come on down And look at our new town The streets are lined And soon you’ll find There’re full of roaring crowds Hoaway Jimmy come on down And give our hands a shake We’re dressed up to the nines And we’ve asked the band to play ‘Cause things like this don’t happen every day… Green thumbs at the ready Let’s head down to the green We all know what happened to that poor tulip tree Hello Mr President For you we have a gift A miners flame safety lamp used in colliery F Pedal to the floor he arrives our doorstep Like that of those before and so the story goes Hoaway Jimmy come on down And look at our new town The streets are lined And soon you’ll find There’re full of roaring crowds Hoaway Jimmy come on down And give our hands a shake We’re dressed up to the nines And we’ve asked the band to play ‘Cause things like this don’t happen every day… Hoaway Jimmy, Hoaway Jimmy, Hoaway Jimmy, Hoaway Jimmy x2 (whoas in background) Hoaway Jimmy come on down And look at our new town The streets are lined And soon you’ll find There’re full of roaring crowds Hoaway Jimmy come on down And give our hands a shake We’re dressed up to the nines And we’ve asked the band to play ‘Cause things like this don’t happen every day… ‘Cause things like this don’t happen round our way… ‘Cause things like this don’t happen Mmmmm… Guests: Washington Community Podcasting Group, Laurie Endean-Olsen, David Warden, Olive Metcalfe, Jim Metcalfe, City Swing, April Welby, Mike Laws, Barbara Fiddy, Shaun Hair. 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...

7. 

   18 Nov 2024

   The Underpasses

   In this episode, we explore The Underpasses—examining the ideal of safe routes to school and the reality of 'betwixt and between' spaces. This episode brings together fascinating stories and creative expressions from Washington, brought to life by the community and special guests. It featurse Underpass, a ballad written and performed by David Brewis. Underpass (after Jake) David Brewis When I was just a bairn Barely bar-stool high I’d nestle in the club To see what stories might pass by And every now and then I’d hear the most alluring lass Tell a handsome washy chap She’d show him round her underpass Underpass Take a tour around my underpass A three-dimensional, architectural Oh, so peculiar wonder It’s my underpass It could be your underpass And though it may sound crass I love you so I’d cycled through a few On my evening paper round I’d never thought to wonder What enchantments might abound Within their lustrous concrete walls Such prefabricated class No troglodyte could tarnish Her exemplary underpass Underpass Take a tour around my underpass A three-dimensional, architectural Oh, so peculiar wonder It’s my underpass It could be your underpass And though it may sound crass I’d ask you, dear, to dash The romance may not last I love you… now Guests: Washington Community Podcasting Group, Dr. Ian Cook, Northumbria University, Professor Caroline Mitchell, University of Sunderland, Jude Murphy, Tommy Anderson, Chris Morland, Claire Kingston, Jamie Murray, Ged Parker (Washington History Society), Roger Morris, Jennifer Tindall, Mike Clay. 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.

8. 

   18 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.

9. 

   18 Nov 2024

   Ghosts and Witches

   In this episode, we delve into local legends, spine-chilling ghost stories, and the haunting tales of women accused of witchcraft in Washington’s history. Featuring Lady of the Biddick House, written and performed by Paige Temperley, this episode brings the past to life with captivating stories and performances. Lady of the Biddick House Paige Temperley Lady of the Biddick House had her little heart ripped out Love forbidden, so profound, she was upstairs he was down You see, it can’t be, if there status in-between But believe, she’d a need for a man with thumbs of green Lady of the Biddick House, slow and surely she snuck out Love forbidden, so profound, only rose bushes surrounded Them as they fell, deeper under true loves spell In society’s cell he was the Beast and she was Belle A story she knew all too well Wouldn’t let it die with them Lady of the Biddick House decided to stick around Holding onto love once found, she would show them ‘not allowed’ Obsess and digress, trapped in a lifetime’s distress Many centuries guest, draws a spirit of unrest Lady of the Biddick House learned her home would be knocked down Mr Ferry’s garden now, must make way for a new town The roses he grew, with his hands he would remove But the Lady refused, threw them back to what she knew Lady of the Biddick House, heart forever bleeding out… Guests: Washington Community Podcasting Group, Roseanna Erskine, Paige Temperley, Gloria Finnigan, Jim Metcalfe, Liz Greener, Anderson. 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.

10. 

    31 Oct 2024

    The Town of Roundabouts

    In this episode, we dive into Washington's fascinating roads, roundabouts, and its controversial district numbering system. We also explore the community stories and creativity behind Town of Roundabouts, written and performed by Paige Temperley. The Town of Roundabouts Paige Temperley Photographs I took So many shades of colour Stapled in a book Suppose I never looked around The corners of this town Until I wrote it down Amenities and folk Shops and village pubs Don’t fix what isn’t broken They were right there on the door And now we long for more Reminiscent of before 60 Years we’ve seen of this new town But it feels like it’s always been around Through these roads we’ve been lost and we’ve been found In the town of roundabouts Districts they stood tall Set apart by numbers Wasn’t long before they’d fall People just wanted a name A village they could claim A place to call home 60 Years we’ve seen of this new town But it feels like it’s always been around Through these roads we’ve been lost and we’ve been found In the town of roundabouts Fields of grass Pictures taken on a Kodac Memories to last Rumoured Crocodiles Beautiful wildlife Time it goes so fast 60 Years we’ve seen of this new town But it feels like it’s always been around Through these roads we’ve been lost and we’ve been found In the town of roundabouts In the town of roundabouts In the town of roundabouts Guests: Washington Community Podcasting Group, Brenda Naisby, Tony Erskine (Artist for Washington Development Corporation), Ian Murray, Roseanna Erskine, Sarah Murray, Doug Walker, Bob Hope, Kim Hunter, Gloria Finnigan, Thomas Finnigan, Olive Metcalfe, Ellaine Davidson. Music and Production Produced by: Grace Stubbings & the Washington Community Podcasting Group Music by: David Brewis & Paige Temperley Excutive producers: Caroline Mitchell and Jude Murphy 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.

11. 

    31 Oct 2024

    Trailer

    Listen to our trailer to get a feel for our new podcast. ‘The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass' - Stories of Washington New Town’, is a podcast ballad partnership between Washington Heritage Partnership, We Make Culture, University of Sunderland, Baseline Shift and Arts Centre Washington. Since April 2024 this partnership, podcaster and musician Grace Stubbings and the Washington community podcasting group have been working with people and organisations in Washington to collect and share experiences of life in a new town. Musicians Paige Temperley and David Brewis (Field Music) have been working with community members and young people at Arts Centre Washington to turn stories of Washington into songs. The songs, interviews, sounds and archive recordings have been woven together to create unique ballad podcasts. The group have been influenced by the radio ballad work of Charles Parker, Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger who made radio ballads about working class stories in the 1950s and '60s for the BBC. You can listen to Episode 1 immediately after this trailer. Subscribe now to hear episodes 2-5, which will be released in November 2024.

Podcast Authority Score: 3 / 100

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