The Name Of The Rose? No, Just A Thorny Topic In The North East

How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished! (2 Samuel 1:27 for those of us who always thought it was an original post match from John Motson's post-match analysis, rather than something more profound from the Bible.)

Driving through various dormitory towns around Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham yesterday, it was a surprise to come across these two signs. I guessed that they were named after the original Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher and David Beckham or were puns or jokes thereof.

How amazing, I thought to find these names in any form whatsoever in the North East of England. Amazing and ironic. They were, in different ways the enemies of the region. Margaret Thatcher was seen as the destroyer of the coal and shipping industries and divider of communities. David Beckham was seen as the scourge of Newcastle United and Sunderland, by scoring such devastating goals that often led to crushing defeats by Manchester United.

I feel the William Wallace Bar or the Bonny Prince Charlie Hairdressing Salon will coming soon. And, who knows, but in years to come will we see the Mourinho Bar or a pub called the Sir Alex Ferguson?

Don't hold your breath - that might be just one step too far. And as they say down the Bigg Market, after a few pints on a Saturday night:- 

What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.