To Orwell Today,
re: EILEEN BLAIR'S GRAVE

She is buried in St. Andrew's and Jesmond Cemetery.

If you are coming from the north of the city, go on the Great North Road to just outside the city centre and over the Blue House roundabout, heading towards the city centre. Pass Forsyth Road, and take the next left up a small cul de sac. This small road leads to the cemetery entrance. If you are coming from the south of the city, drive through the city centre past the Haymarket and go onto the Great North Road northbound towards Gosforth. You need to drive to the Blue House roundabout and do a U-turn to then drive past Forsyth Road and the little turning to the left after it.

The nearest Metro station is probably West Jesmond.

Eileen is buried about 100 metres from the entry house on the right side. Walk up the main pathway and the grave is on the right, in between some other graves.

Next time you are in the area I can take you there. I live close by and I go to university near there too. If you are ever in the area drop me an email or give me a call and I'll show you where it is (and we can chat about Orwell a bit too :-)

Stephen Maule

Greetings Stephen,

Thanks for those excellent directions to Eileen's grave.

Having just been in Newcastle I can picture the route entirely, especially the parts about the roundabouts. It never ceases to amaze me that in the entire country of England a person hardly ever comes to a stop-sign. I think the person who invented the roundabout was a genius.

I hope that someday I will return to England and if and when I do I'll let you know for sure.

All the best,
Jackie Jura