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The search is on for information about the colourful – and often clandestine – history of Newcastle upon Tyne’s gay scene.

Organisers of a new history walk are calling on members of the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities to share their memories and stories so that they can be included in the two mile city trail.

The Pink Triangle may the hub of today’s gay scene, but in the 1950’s and 60s it was the Bigg Market - now better known as the centre of Newcastle’s hen and stag party scene.

The LGBT Heritage Walk has been developed by members of the STaG gay and bisexual men’s group and is based upon the memories and anecdotes of men who have experienced Newcastle’s gay scene through the years.

Steve Paske, who has been involved in developing the walk, says it has helped to capture many wonderful, and sometimes poignant, memories of Newcastle’s gay scene over several decades.

Now he’s hoping further research can uncover new information which can be incorporated into the walk and wants to hear from others within the LGBT communities, particularly older people.

“Most of the memories included in the walk are those of gay men,” said Steve.

“We know that other people within the LGBT communities will have their own memories and we would welcome any additional information so that we can build a fuller picture of how Newcastle’s gay scene has developed and thrived over the years.”

The walk takes people from Central Station – where a bar at The County Hotel, nicknamed Nancy’s after the manageress, was once the place to be seen – to the Haymarket – where the former Senate bar was the meeting place for the Tyneside Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) in the late 70s.

Steve is also hoping to obtain funding in order to produce a leaflet setting out the walking route and Newcastle’s LGBT history.

People can get in touch to share memories and information by contacting Steve at stevepaske@talktalk.net or writing to Steve Paske, C/O 13 Walker Terrace, Gateshead, NE8 1EB.

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