Keeping past alive with sweet music

Mar 19 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal

THIS sweet couple are a one stop shop for preserving Geordie traditions.

Not only is confectioner Alan Clough celebrating his family’s 75th year behind the counter of their Newcastle sweet store, he and wife Catherine are on a mission to keep alive the region’s rich history of song and dance.

When Alan isn’t behind the counter of popular Heaton Road Shop Clough’s Sweets, he enjoys the traditional miners’ pastime of rapping with swords.

Meanwhile Katherine I’Anson-Clough teaches clog dancing and Geordie folk songs at a number of schools across Tyneside.

Then when the pair come together they form Best of Fettle, reciting Geordie poems, jokes and ditties.

To celebrate 75 years of Clough’s Sweets, Alan and his brother Ian, 72, have produced a book celebrating the history of the shop since 1934 when their father swapped his life as a sales rep for life behind the counter.

“We’ve been here ever since,” Alan, 61, said. “I’ve never regretted spending my whole life here. It’s always been an important part of the community. Even the students have taken it to their hearts. That’s why we’ve made the book, because so many people take an interest in the shop. I suppose I’m the Willy Wonka of Newcastle.

“There’s still nothing better than seeing the excitement on children’s faces when they pick their sweets.”