Chaucer Buildings, Newcastle

I went to Newcastle for the match and I got off the bus in Grainger Street. This is where I found my blip shot. The building was mentioned recently on an Instagram account that I follow (undercover_newcastle) They highlight different buildings/landmarks around the city that you might not notice as you wander around.

Chaucer Buildings were constructed in around 1870. The Venetian Gothic sandstone building is three stories high and is Grade II listed. The top half of the building is a Masonic Hall and the Freemasons' motto 'Audi Vide Tace' (Hear, See, Be Quiet) is visible alongside its coat of arms on the third floor.

The lower floors have always been used as shops and offices, with Mark Toney's cafe having occupied the ground floor since 1962, making it Newcastle's oldest surviving cafe. Giovanni Marcantonio arrived in Newcastle as an immigrant from Italy in 1892, and began selling ice cream from a cart before going on to open a shop in the Grainger Market in 1902. The family have ran the business ever since and have been renowned locally for over a century for their delicious ice creams.

After getting my blip I had a slow wander up to the football ground. An early 12.30pm kick off today. Newcastle were playing West Ham. The match was " a seven goal thriller ". Lots of ups and downs. Newcastle took the lead after only 6 mins - Isak scored a penalty. Then things went wrong for the home side and West Ham scored 3 goals. The score stayed at 1 - 3 for a long time and the home fans were getting worried that the match would end in defeat. However Newcastle didn't give up. They had a good few shots on target but the ball stayed out of the net. Then Newcastle were awarded another penalty on the 77th minute which Isak scored. And to wrap things up substitute Harvey Barnes ( not long back from injury ) scored 2 goals and the final score was Newcastle 4 West Ham 3. What a relief. There were some minus points - 3 players went off injured ... and Gordon got a red card which means hes suspended and can't play in the match on Tuesday. Things never run smoothly for Newcastle United. But at least we can celebrate a win today

After the match I didn't linger in town but caught a bus straight away. It was packed - but I had a seat. Got off in the village and collected 5 parcels from Tesco. Then I walked home.

The weather today was dry and VERY sunny.

Steps today - 9,540.