NE Online Magazine Issue 67 - Stu Roper Fitness Fighter

Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself?

- Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am.

So there.

At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far?

- Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves.

I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out?

- Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor.

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Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents?

- Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird.

As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about?

- My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out.

How has the response for Hebburn been so far?

- Overwhelmingly positive.

And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series!

You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this?

- Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about?

- The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m

We l c o m e N o t e .

So here we are welcoming in a b ra n d n e w y e a r a n d w e a r e a l r e a d y planning ahead, we have started the way we mean to continue, which is always a good thing or else you would have nothing good to read.

O2 City Hall www.o2academynewcastle.co.uk Ocean Beach Pleasure Park www.oceanbeach.co.uk Quasar Elite South Shields www.quasarsouthshields.co.uk

As always, if you have something you want to see in a future issue then d o n ’ t fo r g e t t o d r o p u s a n e m a i l t o wayne. groves@neonlinemagazine. com

For all queries or if you would like to feature or advertise in NE Magazine email wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com

P l u s r e m e m b e r t o fo l l o w u s o n Fa c e b o o k , Tw i t t e r & I n s t a g ra m fo r our regular updates on events and competitions.

Unless stated otherwise all competition entries should be sent to win@ neonlinemagazine.com

Till next time

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Ta ke c a r e Wa y n e

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CONTRIBUTORS Peter Mann BSc Inside Mann Media & PR insidemannmedia.wordpress.com petermann78@hotmail.com Madhouse Media www.madhousemedia.co.uk SPONSORS Playhouse Whitley Bay www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk Cineworld Boldon www.cineworld.co.uk The Theatre Royal Newcastle www.theatreroyal.co.uk/

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{THIS} {ISSUE} P6 - Ed Byrne Tragedy Plus Time P12 - Orca Boxing Championship P18 - Newcastle Vikings American Football P28 - Stu Roper Fitness Fighter P38 - Cineworld Round-Up P50 - Peter’s Book Tales P58 - The City: Revolution P64 - Playhouse Whitley Bay P70 - Northern Threads P74 - NSPCC North East Network P80 - Lust for Life at The Exchange 1856 P86 - Hacienda Classical P90 - Tyne Theatre & Opera House Round-Up P96 - Plant Your Pants P100 - Martin Kemp – Back To The 80’s 5

A comedian talking about the death of his brother might not exactly sound like a great idea for a comedy show…but you couldn’t be any more wrong, because when that comedian is Ed Byrne you just know you are going to be laughing, because Ed Byrne is hilarious, but a show about his dead brother…funny, really? The simple answer is yes!

For Tragedy Plus Time, Ed’s latest hit show, Ed bravely ventures into the world of grief and loss in the only way he knows how, with comedy, a decision prompted by the passing of his younger brother Paul, aged just 44, in February 2022, and one that Paul himself would without a doubt have approved of, which is evident when you learn about their relationship during the show.

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Now the hard part about reviewing any show is trying not to give too much away, I really don’t want

to spoil anyone’s enjoyment of the show, but trust me when I say this, you will be close to tears

emotionally one second and then in tears laughing the next. Ed really does bring this whole story together with nothing short of pure genius, this is not your typical stand up comedy show, it is so much more and after watching it myself I can honestly say it truly does deserve the full five star reviews that it has been getting.

agree with pretty much everything he says…or at least I did.

This is a side splitting rollercoaster of a show, you will visit every single emotion and yet you will enjoy every single minute of it, most of it laughing uncontrollably. Not what you expect when you know the premise of the show, but that is why Ed Byrne is a comedy genius and this is his absolute masterYou will find yourself thinking piece. He truly opens up about one “did he really just say that” and before you can even process it you of the hardest moments of his life and tells you all about it in such will be creased laughing. It really is one of those shows, it is close to a great and honest way that you the knuckle due to the content, but forget it truly is such a heartbreakhe nails it. We all have these kind ing moment for him, because you are too busy laughing along with of relationships with our family or friends and you can’t help but him as he takes you through it all,

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through the madness of it all and the absurd way in which we sometimes deal with things like this.

Please don’t just take my word for it, if you get the chance to catch this show I honestly can’t recommend you going enough. I left the

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theatre hurting from laughing and still contemplating my relationships with family and friends, this show will make you think about the end in a whole new way and I am glad for it. Five stars are not enough for this show, it deserves so many more.

A big thank you to Ed for taking the time before the show to sign our charity banner and chat with us, it really was appreciated. A big thank you to Bex Colwell and Stuart Arnold for making it happen.

For more info on the show and for tickets visit https://edbyrne.com/

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SOUTH TYNESIDE

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OBC: The New Face of Unlicensed Boxing South Shields is set to witness the birth of a new era in boxing as Orca Boxing Championship (OBC) makes its debut on March 9th at Temple Park. Spearheaded by owner Dean Black and backed by a dynamic team including event manager Mark Bagnall, matchmaker Lee Hamilton, and marketing/design manager Lewis Farrow, OBC is poised to revolutionize the nation of unlicensed boxing.

With a showcasing delivering

commitment to raw talent and an electrifying

experience, OBC is gearing up to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the sport. Stay tuned as OBC prepares to take the UK by storm, promising an unforgettable showcase of skill and determination in the ring.

With a stacked card already announced and fights still being matched, this show is already shaping up to be a cracker, you really would think this promotion had been running for years and not having their debut show.

The promoters are not only wanting to pit the best fighters against each other to make sure that the crowd get a real value for money show, but they also

want to give the fighters a great platform for them to showcase their talent, after all, they train long and hard, sacrificing loads just to be able to climb into the ring and test themselves against the best there is. Fighters have been getting their own custom artwork to help promote themselves and the show, which you will no doubt already have seen floating around the various social channels.

Now this may be their very first show, but they are so confident in the brand that they are already planning ahead for future shows, including a huge annual event that will take place in 2025 at The

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Stadium Of Light in Sunderland, I mean who doesn’t want to fight in a huge stadium event like this?

So fighters have already been told, win or lose, impress the crowd, put on a great fight and next year you could be fighting on the big show!

So if anyone thought this was just going to be a small local show with a handful of mediocre fights, think again, OBC are wanting to get off the ground running and put on a cracking entertaining show for North East fight fans to enjoy. Everyone involved are all established people on the fight scene, from the medics to the

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ring girls, the DJ to the shows MC, they all know their stuff and will bring that knowledge

and experience together to make sure it is a fantastic event.

As always, these events need support, so if you know any of the fighters make sure you contact them to get your tickets.

Or you can secure your seat by clicking on the link to the OBC Skiddle page http://skiddle.com/e/36735843 Maybe you can give their facebook page a like and share, tell your friends about the show, if you have never been to a fight show before, why not give it a try, you will enjoy the action and the atmosphere from the

off. You will find OBC Boxing Championship on facebook at htt p s : / / w w w.fa c e b o o k . co m / profile.php?id=61551662277063 If any north east businesses want to get on board as a sponsor, drop

the team a message and have a chat, see how you can both help each other. You can see some of the sponsors already on board on the socials being shared and of course at the event itself.

For more info drop an email to

orcaboxing@gmail.com So there you have it, OBC Boxing Championship at Temple Park, South Shields on Saturday March 9th.

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New name, new Head Coach, and the Vikings, now the Newcastle Vikings, are readying themselves to #BurnTheBoats once more, but this time in the BAFA Premier Division North, following an undefeated promotion season last time around.

Having topped the NFC1 Central, with ten wins for ten, Bryce Stevenson’s Northumberland Vikings then saw off the Chester Romans, and the Nottingham Caesars, to crown themselves ‘Kings of the North’ and earn that much-coveted promotion.

In the National final however, they came up agonisingly short, despite a commanding lead at

the half against the Hertfordshire Cheetahs – the Vikings, they’d have loved it all, but it mattered not with promotion wrapped up following twelve straight victories.

Their NFC1 Central campaign began back in April last year, the first of three home outings as they took care of the Scunthorpe Alphas, 24-13, at Druid Park.

The first of four regular season shut-outs was recorded in week two, with a 42-0 win over the Lancashire Wolverines; successive shut-outs was then achieved against the Wolverines (44-0 away), Darlington Steam (50-0, home), and the Alphas

(28-0, away).

The Vikings then added a fifth shut-out, in their first playoff game, a 31-0 defeat of the visiting Chester Romans, before the Caesars were beaten 34-13 in the Division One North game; at the end of it all, and going into the D1 Championship game 12-0, the Vikings stormed into a 21-0 interval lead, however the Cheetahs stormed back in the second to tie the game at 21-21 and force OT, the southern outfit eventually taking the contest 2721.

Since then however, it’s been very much a winter, off-season of change over at Druid Park, as

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they prepare themselves for the biggest season of their careers, in the Premier North.

Now former Team Manager (dogs-body) Lee Davison, looked back on last seasons’ success when saying that: “As we bring 2023 to a close, I would like to thank every member of the Vikings and every fan for their continued support and encouragement in 2023.

“We made history within our club securing promotion to the top flight this year and I am immensely proud of that achievement.

“It’s truly a testament to the hard work of our players and coaches, and the amazing support we have.

“Our players, deserving of top-level competition week in and week out, now have the opportunity to live that reality in 2024 and reach their own potential.

“With most of our recent management team announcements now made, many are likely aware that I am stepping down from the role of Team Manager ahead of the 2024 season.

“The decision was hugely difficult but it was the right time for both myself and the club to make the change to ensure we

have the infrastructure in place for the coming season.

“After informing the team privately back in October, i remained in post to help with a restructure and the appointment of a new team to help take the club forward, something I now feel we have.

“I know they have some very exciting announcements lined up in the near future.

“Whilst I will be taking a step back from day-to-day management, I will be attempting to stay involved wherever possible in less active roles, as well as continuing to lead the North East Academy for one final year with some exciting new projects due to launch.

“My time with the Vikings has been one of the most challenging, but rewarding, experiences in my life.

“There’s been so many highlights both on and off the field during my time in charge; from multiple division titles and unbeaten seasons, to the international game in Iceland, and of course, finally accomplishing our goal of promotion to the prem.

“Personally, being able to

continue to play, finally in front of my son too, and scoring in the promotion securing game are all memories that will stay with me and I’m incredibly thankful for.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the players, coaches and staff for their unwavering support and hard work during my time at the helm of the club and I wish you all the best for 2024.”

The departure of Davison wasn’t the only one, although he’ll likely still be around the day-today goings-on at Druid Park; the biggest change though was the departure of Head Coach Bryce Stevenson, he being replaced by the incoming, Kevin O’Reagan.

Read more about him and his accomplishments via https:// newcastlevikings.co.uk/news/ kevin-oreagan-new-head-coach/ An extremely accomplished coach, from coaching with Durham Saints and winning a National Championship at university level, to taking the helm at the Vikings in 2018 and winning back-to-back division titles before becoming Head Coach at Newcastle University.

O’Reagan then led them to promotion as D1 National

Championship runners-up before solidifying their position in the Premier Division by reaching the National quarter-finals.

Speaking of his ‘homecoming’ and taking the reigns at the Vikings, O’Reagan added: “It’s both humbling and a fantastic honour to be asked to return ‘home’ and once again take the reigns of this amazing club.

“I was there at the formation of the club in 2014 with a group of likeminded peers and coaches who continue to have a profound impact on me to this day.

“I helped the club through the Associate process and navigated promotion from D2 as a player.

I answered the call and helped to establish the team as a top contender in D1 in my first stint as Head Coach.

“I watched from a distance as the team continued to grow and thrive under Coach Stevenson’s leadership while I conducted business in UniBall.

“I have always been a Viking, and will always be a Viking.

“This team is special, from the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes, to the players who strap it up and go to war on the field.”

General Manager David Robson commented: “It’s Fantastic that Coach O’Reagan has accepted

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our offer to be Head Coach going into the 2024 season. His work ethic, commitment and experience across the board is astonishing and just what we need going into our first season in the Premier Division North.

“I’d like to thank our players and staff for their continued patience and support during this period of change within the club at a key time.”

Stepping up to Premier Division football, when the new season kicks off in mid-April, the Vikings will see themselves going up against that of East Kilbride Pirates, Edinburgh Wolves, defending champions Manchester Titans, Merseyside Nighthawks, and Tamworth Phoenix (see graphic for fixtures).

Hitting the ground running, alongside that of the Vikings new HC, is their new General Manager, David Robson, he being deemed as being “the final piece to the senior management team for 2024.”

David has been with the Vikings family for a number of years, dating back to 2018, immersing himself in enhancing the fans’ match-day experience.

Last year would see David’s influence expand as he became an integral part of the Vikings’ commercial endeavors, he being

pivotal in securing sponsorship and being instrumental in the new kit in which was unveiled last season, a huge step forward for the club.

The Vikings’ outgoing Team Manager, Lee Davison, added about the promotion to GM of David Robson: “Dave has been a huge asset and help to the Vikings and myself personally

since he joined, and his influence has grown steadily.

“He is passionate about the Vikings and full of ideas to help the organisation reach the next level off the field, as well as on it.

“He’s the right man for the role, and it’s the right time step into it.

“He deserves the opportunity and I’m excited to see what he can do.”

The Vikings will begin the new, regular season campaign, with a trip to Scotland on 14 April, where they’ll face the Edinburgh Wolves, before three consecutive home matches, at Druid Park, Woolsington, the first being the visit of East Kilbride Pirates on 21 April, followed by the visit of the Manchester Titans a week later, on 28 April.

There’ll no doubt be plenty of activity at the club in the build-up to the new season, so keep up-to-date and follow the NEWCASTLE VIKINGS on social media via Facebook htt p s : / / w w w.fa c e b o o k . co m / NewcastleVikings and X/Twitter https://twitter.com/Vikings_ https://newcastlevikings.co.uk/ Images courtesy of club photographer, Michael Oakes, and the Vikings.

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Ethan was a funny, caring, gorgeous, mischievous & cheeky little lad who lived for his football, loved school & loved entertaining everyone around him.

At the age of 8 years old, on the 2nd December 2020, Ethan was diagnosed with parameningeal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

Ethan faced cancer, and his subsequent treatment, as he did with everything in life, like an absolute warrior. Sadly, Ethan lost his life on 5th August 2021, just a week after his 9th Birthday.

Ethan was all about Friends, Family, and Fun, so while Ethan’s Arc has been created to help raise awareness, along with vital funds to support research into finding more targeted and less harsh treatments for Rhabdomyosarcoma, it is also a way of keeping Ethan’s name alive by bringing people & communities together, through various fun

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and/or challenging opportunities & activities.

Ethan’s dad Mark had this to say about Ethan’s Arc… “we have raised £27,000 so far in the short time we’ve been going, from walking Coast to Coast along Hadrian’s Wall, riding ladies bikes from Berwick Upon Tweed to South Shields, charity Boxing matches, Great North Runs, Junior Great North Runs, Children’s Cancer Runs, Music events, Pub Quiz’s …….

Ethan’s school - Harton Primary, have also continued to remember him, and raise money in Ethan’s memory through a number of different events. They also surprised us recently by naming their newly built Sports Hall in his honour Ethan’s football team - South Shields u12’s, along with good friends from Hebburn Town

u12’s, held a football match to remember Ethan, where both teams played for the Ethan Adams Memorial Cup. The idea is that this will become an annual event” You can read more about Ethan’s arc at https://www.alicesarc.org/arc/ethan-adams/ Sadly Ethan isn’t the only child to have an Arc, find out more about the Arcs and what they are all about here https://www. alicesarc.org/about/ If you can donate, or would like to fundraise then please do, if not even just giving this a share would be a big help to Ethan’s family and others going through similar times.

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STU ROPER FITNESS FIGHTER Hi Stu and welcome to NE. Now I’ve been lucky enough to know you for many years can can you introduce yourself to our readers who may not know you?

I’m Stu Roper, strength coach and professional kickboxer from Fulwell, Sunderland. I’m 42 years old and the owner of Armageddon Fit Strength and Conditioning Academy and co-owner of the Combat Academy Sunderland.

Now you are a very well-known and well respected face on the fight scene, but for those who don’t know you can you explain a bit about your background in Martial Arts, how you got started?

When I was 25, I was going through a bit of a tough time, I’d separated from my missus for a while and was struggling with life

and work etc, I had fallen into the habit of having a drink every night. I was just feeling absolutely awful about everything. I saw an ad for JCkickboxing classes in the local church hall and thought, why not? I’d never done any form of martial arts in my life, but had always liked the look of them! So I took both of my sons with me and after the first session, I just knew I was hooked!! It felt amazing coming out after that first class, physically and mentally.

You recently announced that you have joined The Combat Academy family and have brought them to Sunderland; tell us how that all came about?

I’ve known Mick for a number of years through the kickboxing circuit. I have always got on well with him and always respected his coaching style. I have always admired the quality of kickboxers that he has produced over the years too! When I was in Ireland with one of my students who was competing for a British title over there, we were being driven from Dublin airport to the venue in Belfast and had seen a post on facebook about Mick being awarded a lifetime achievement award for

services to martial arts (i believe).

I turned to our Jay and said “I’d love to work with Mick you know” and he said “why don’t you message him”… so I did! I messaged him (cheekily) asking if he’d ever thought about running a Combat Academy in Sunderland, to which he replied he’d love to work with us! The Combat Academy Sunderland was born right then and there! The rest is history.

What is your role within TCA? I’m head coach along with my youngest son Jamie, we launched it together and we have our longest serving student Ryan Foster coaching and teaching alongside

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us So what kind of classes and training do you offer at The Combat Academy Sunderland?

We have our Little Ninjas kids classes for ages 4 to 8, our Juniors classes ages 8 to 12, then we have our Adults classes and Ladies only classes too. We offer training to anyone wanting to learn, hobbyists, people wanting to get fitter, people who want to work their way through the grades/belts, as well as those who want to work toward competing too.

If someone has never trained before but is interested in learning martial arts what advice would you give them?

I would advise them to absolutely

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try it. There are loads of brilliant martial arts clubs in the north east, honestly, find your local club, drop them a message, give them a ring and arrange to get in for

a taster session. You will not be disappointed!! There’s nothing better, after a long day of work/ life than training with a group of likeminded individuals, getting all stress and anger out on the pads or bags! You always leave each session feeling lighter and more peaceful mentally! Its therapy for the majority of us that do it.

What are the plans for The Combat Academy Sunderland moving forward?

Well, when we launched the Combat Academy Sunderland, we broke a couple of martial arts records…the most members signed up in 2 days and the most members signed up in the first month!

So we want to continue that trajectory and continue to help people

improve themselves physically and mentally in Sunderland. The next step is to build a fight squad and become established on the circuits as one of the best in the country!

Are you still involved with Armageddon Fit Strength and Conditioning Academy?

Yeah I still own and work there too.

Will you still be competing yourself?

Currently I am still competing professionally. I had 4 fights last year (2023) and still looking to remain active, for as long as I am able to basically. I know that my remaining time is limited, but as long as I can still train at the level I’m training at (keeping up with our Liam and Jay basically) then I’ll continue to fight the best around. I fought on MTGP Sheffield this year and they have invited me back on their London show this year, that’s the biggest show in the country, so I’m still

pushing myself!

You have fought all over the UK and abroad, against some of the toughest guys out there, but what has been your greatest achievement or proudest moment as a fighter?

For me, my greatest achievement would be representing England when I fought in France. The experience of being paid to fight

abroad, all expenses paid was absolutely brilliant. The way the promoter looked after us was like nothing id experienced too. It was such a great time and one I’ll remember forever. My proudest achievement was being crowned the ISKA British K1 champion in only my 3rd ever pro k1 bout.

If someone came along to train with you at TCA and wanted to

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actually compete, what advice would you give them?

Put in the work, turn up every session, give 100% and enjoy the process. Be willing to learn and become comfortable with being absolutely exhausted haha. it’s a lonely, selfish sport. The amount of hours you have to put in to competing at the top level, so make sure you’ve got an understanding partner/spouse at home.

So when you are not fighting or coaching what do you like to get up to with your free time?

I’ve got a 4 year old Bull Mastiff, I enjoy getting out with him a couple times a day down the beach.

If I get a day off I’ll usually head in land and get a few hours trekking up and down hills and along rivers as well. I care for my mam too when I’m not working, she has Parkinson’s disease, so I try to do as much as I can for her.

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Tell us three random facts about yourself?

I’ve struggled with anxiety, depression and ptsd for 17 years, have it largely under control now practising mindfulness, meditation and counselling.

I’ve had false teeth since age 11.

I was lead singer in a couple of bands during my 20s

Where can people follow you and TCA? Instagram @Armageddonfit Facebook - Armageddon Fit Strength and Conditioning Academy https://www.facebook.com/ ArmageddonFitTrainingAcademy The Combat Academy Sunder-

land Ladies Kickboxing - https:// www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100094488919589

land Adults kickboxing - https:// www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100094448121333

The Combat Academy Sunderland Kids kickboxing - https:// www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100094595594239

The Combat Academy Sunderland - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094879893483

The Combat Academy Sunder-

Is there anything you would like to add?

I’d like to thank you first of all for inviting me into your publication!

Thank you to every one of our clients and members of Armageddon Fit who’s supported us for the last 13 years since we started, thank you to all the Combat Academy Sunderland members for making us the most successful martial arts club to have opened!

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We have teamed up with Cineworld Boldon to give you a quick run down on a few films that are coming soon and really have got us excited.

Plus make sure you check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with their daily competitions and updates. Boldon

Madame Web 14 February 2024 Running time: 120 minutes

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“Meanwhile, in another universe…” In a switch from the typical genre, Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel publishing’s most enigmatic

heroines. The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who may have clairvoyant abilities. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women destined for powerful futures... if they can all survive a deadly present.

Cast: Mike Epps, Dakota Johnson, Tahar Rahim, Emma Roberts, Adam Scott, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, Zosia Mamet, Sydney Sweeney Director: S.J. Clarkson CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER

Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself?

- Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am.

So there.

At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far?

- Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves.

I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out?

- Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor.

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Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents?

- Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird.

Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about?

- The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m

As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about?

- My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out.

How has the response for Hebburn been so far?

- Overwhelmingly positive.

And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series!

You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this?

- Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

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Bob Marley: One Love 14 February 2024

Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER

Running time: 104 minutes BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity.

On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.

Cast: James Norton, Anthony Welsh, Michael Gandolfini, Tosin Cole, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Umi Myers, Nadine Marshall, Lashana Lynch

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Dune: Part Two 01 March 2024 Running time: 160 minutes Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Cast: Javier Bardem, Dave Bautista, Josh Brolin, Charlotte Rampling, Stellan Skarsgard, Christopher Walken, Rebecca Ferguson, Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux, Zendaya , Stephen McKinley Henderson, Souheila Yacoub, Austin Butler, Timothée Chalamet, Tim Blake Nelson Director: Denis Villeneuve CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER

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Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself?

- Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am.

So there.

At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far?

- Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves.

I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out?

- Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor.

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Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents?

- Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird.

Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about?

- The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m

As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about?

- My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out.

How has the response for Hebburn been so far?

- Overwhelmingly positive.

And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series!

You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this?

- Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

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Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire 22 March 2024 Running time: 120 minutes In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters,

who’ve developed a topsecret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age. Cast:

Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Patton Oswalt, Annie Potts, Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Kumail Nanjiani, Finn Wolfhard, Celeste O’Connor, Logan Kim, McKenna Grace Director: Gil Kenan CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER

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As I guess has been with most people, it’s been a tough few months in my world, and with it I’ve kind of struggled to do any major kind of reading (but still managed more than my little sister, not even sorry hehe).

I think, when I finished my column off at the end of 2023, I’d not long since started reading my first LJ Ross offering (a local author); I’m miles behind the rest of the world as she’s now penned quite a few detective, murder mysteries, and this, ‘Holy Island’ (LJ Ross) was her first offering.

Based, as you can guess from the title, on Holy Island, the book revolves around the lead detective, and the inhabitants of the islands, entrenched in the throes of a serial killer, with a little twist or two thrown in – in all honesty, nothing beats a good murder mystery and Ms Ross’ first offering leaves you wanting more, and is certainly a must read.

Next up I went for some action adventure over December and, having previously read one of Andy McDermott’s offerings, ‘The Hunt for Atlantis,’ some time ago, knew what to expect, and was not disappointed.

‘The Valhalla Prophecy’ (Andy

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McDermott) is a rollercoaster thriller across the world as the good guys, and the bad guys, on both sides of the coin, search for Valhalla, and all that it entails – expect lots of action, some colourful language, plenty of violence, and the usual quips in which

McDermott, and his heroes, are prone to.

Over the festive season I decided that, and because of the way my health has been in recent years, I was going to go outside the box, away from the norm, read books

I wouldn’t normally read – most of what I do read are thrillers, or sci-fi/fantasy, with the occasional biographical thrown in for good measure.

I do possess a handful of books that are different to my normal reads, however, the one I went with first to start the year off was actually a more recent purchase and was ‘The Lost Bookshop’ (Evie

Woods) to which I had no expectations or hopes really of.

Was I surprised, yes; did I enjoy it, yes again if I’m honest; so it’s given me the thought process to try more books I wouldn’t usually go for, So, what of ‘The Lost Bookshop,’ it is literally about that, a lost bookshop, one that I guess disappears and reappears over time, and is entwined within the lives of others, others who lead very different lives, and in very different times.

It’s an enjoyable read and I feel that Ms. Woods really put a lot of heart and thought into the finished product as well, even going as far as adding a twist to it that I never saw coming, although when you think about it, it makes sense.

of piece of literature, a lot of which were of a historical nature and included that of ‘Ipswich Town: A History’ (Susan Gardiner), ‘The Three Lives of the Kaiser: A Biography of Franz Beckenbauer’ (Uli Hesse), and ‘Beyond the Wall: East Germany 1949-1990’ (Katja Hoyer), the latter of whom I’ve enjoyed a couple of video interviews of over the holiday season as well.

Another of those, and as I’ve mentioned I, on occasion, have two of the go at any one time, is one of my current reads so will be discussed in April’s Book Tales

Looking back at Christmas though and, as is usually the norm for myself, I was the receipt of a number

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column, by which time I should also have had a couple of breaks.

Of those breaks, one which I’ll again detail more next issue (hopefully) will see myself making an ancestral trip to Sudbury, Suffolk, at some point next month – researching my family history on-and-off for a number of years

now, I’ve a healthy connection to the West Suffolk border town, so it’s time to take a couple of weeks there and do some on-the-ground research.

Through this connection, I’ve, like you’d expect of me, been purchasing numerous books about the area as a whole, several of which

are on the reading list for pre/during trip – ‘A Country Busman: Corona Coaches’ (John Hibbs), and ‘Suffolk Artists of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries’ (Josephine Walpole), whilst another of the 20+ I have (and rising) is the late 1940s publication, ‘A Full Life in the Country’ (Keith Jeremiah), which is being used for the History Short Course (University of East Anglia) I’ve spent the winter working through.

So, I’ve two on the go, and most certainly plenty of literary offerings to look forward to as well, both owned, and upcoming releases.

Speaking of which, upcoming releases that is, I’ve been noticing a few publications in the works for the coming weeks and months (my own aside, more on that next issue as well, I hope).

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Total Football: The Origins and Development of Football’s Most Entertaining Philosophy.’

Interested in this, then you can get it from Amazon HERE. And finally, I’ll close with another author I’m familiar with and read her releases to date – Jane Guildford Lowes; if you’ve not checked out her socials yet then do so, more if you’re into your military history.

Margaret Hedley was the first author interview I conducted for these pages, twelve months plus ago now, having read and enjoyed the first two books of her ‘Women of the Durham Coalfield; trilogy, and I’m delighted that the final part is now very much in the offing.

‘The Last Women of the Durham Coalfield: Hannah’s Granddaughter,’ is due for publication, next month, and concludes that wonderful tale of Margaret’s ancestors; it’s already been getting some pub-

licity as well, and not just because the foreword has been penned by Hilary Rodham Clinton.

This publication, and many more offerings, can be seen via The History Press Local https://www.facebook.com/thehistorypresslocal Another new publication, in April, belongs to someone I’ve no knowledge of (yet) but is also a north-east writer, James Jackson.

This caught my eye because it is about football, so I’ll be looking into that a lot more – his pending publication is title ‘The Life of

Like Margaret Hedley, Ms. Lowes has two books available, both of which are local, family history reads – ‘The Horsekeeper’s Daughter,’ and ‘Above us the Stars’ (need to go back into these, more the latter).

Jane has recently announced, in late January, that she working on (several things really) but a new book that is due out later this year via Tempest Books and is titled, ‘Invisible Campaign: Bomber Command’s Minelaying Operations 1940-45’ – having read her previous offerings, I know that this will be researched to the hilt, and be a great read to match.

You can follow Jane Guildford Lowes on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/HorsekeepersDaughter and X/Twitter https:// twitter.com/LydiaJane13 As for myself, I’m still in the usual places with my Facebook Media Page https://www.facebook.com/ petermannmedia and Author Page https://www.facebook.com/petermannauthor and X/Twitter https://twitter.com/petermannwriter

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Writing books can take on many different forms, for people from different walks of life, and there’s no written rule, per se, as to who does what, and when – if there’s interest, write it.

The same can be said about when you write a book, and have it published, be it early, or late in life – if it’s achievable, the do it, that’s what people like north-east writer, Haydn Watson, has done.

Having already lived a life, first in engineering, then teaching, and now retired, Haydn writes books, and is soon to have his third offering, via The Memoir Club, published, entitled ‘What Have We Done?’ it following that of ‘A Life Navigated,’ and ‘Garn Yem.’ “I began writing some ten years ago,” began Haydn, as he chatted about entering a literary world.

“It all started as a personal tale of my younger life and

resulted in a set of stories based on my teenage years.

“I had no inclination to have them published at that stage and just printed a few of them for friends and relatives.

“Then I remembered the life of my late father-in-law, Fazel Rehman.

“His life was quite a tale that included trekking from his village in Afghanistan aged 11, with a camel train to Karachi.

“Then, at 16 he joined the Merchant Navy and sailed in the Atlantic Conveys.

“He was torpedoed twice and survived twice, and

would go on to spend two years in the United States, finally arriving in the UK, meeting and marrying my late mother-in-law in South Shields.

“I decided to write his story which led to ‘A Life Navigated,’ which was published in 2020 (Diadem Books).”

With ‘A Life Navigated; being the biographical tale of a man witnessing many harsh and dangerous experiences throughout life, overcoming many challenges, ‘Garn Yem,’ the second offering from Haydn Watson, and this via The Memoir Club, is something different indeed.

A selection of stories penned near a decade ago now, and brought together to form one piece of prose, it focusses on the author’s earlier life, with friends, and set during the seventies.

“It has factual incidents within the book and I’ve changed the names of the

characters, so that I would not create any concerns for the individuals in the narrative,” explained Haydn about his most recent release.

“There are some individuals who agreed to have their names included and the book has a lot of humour alongside a little sadness; the 70`s though, it was a period where political correctness was a vision for the future and the book overall is dedicated to friendships formed during that time.”

Whether writing fiction, or non-fiction books, an element of research is needed, more with the latter of the two, literary types.

For Haydn, his offerings are, perhaps, a combination of the two, but on the main, biographical in nature, whereas is next offering is perhaps his greatest challenge, especially when you consider the topic in question.

“It is a fictional story about the Holocaust,” continued Haydn.

“I have created characters and a storyline that follows a father and son on a perilous

journey.

“It’s a story of hope and determination, in the face of terrible persecution.

“The title is a question that reflects a statement asking why us? And secondly, what did we do to stop it?

“For anyone reading my books, they should expect to see honesty, and detailed research.

“The research element has fascinated me and I learned so much working on ‘A Life Navigated.’ “’Garn Yem’ was a joy to write and many people have enjoyed the settings and

locals I have created.

“It being a local narrative with many places and venues named in the North East.

“From a personal perspective, writing has given me so much pleasure, and I am indebted to many people including my partner Christine, my friends David Bartley, Ian Braun, Mel Paterson, and Ray Innerd, whilst my children, Layla, Emma, Geoff, Adam, and Philippa, have been wonderfully enthusiastic throughout.”

Haydn Watson’s two publications, ‘A Life Navigated,’ and ‘Garn Yem,’ can be purchased from that of The Word Shop, South Shields; Featherbed Books, Houghton le Spring; and The Accidental Bookshop, Alnwick and direct from the author via haydnwatson@ sky.com Alternatively, ‘Garn Yem,’ and his upcoming release, can be ordered via Lynn Davidson at The Memoir Club via memoirclub@ msn.com and read more about his second book via https://thememoirclub. b l o g s p o t . c o m / search?q=haydn+watson

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From World Tours with Madonna to creating worlds in your imagination: We’re ‘Kickstarting’ a dystopian music adventure SUNDERLAND, UK – Sybil Productions Ltd

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England is in disarray. The City of London has hoarded all the resources, walled itself off and cut off power to the outside world.

Nikolas used to live in the City, but he was in the North East when the walls finally closed and the power went off. Now, separated from his family and finding himself among a community of rebels,

he’s trying to get back home – whatever home looks like now.

This is the story of The City: Revolution, a ninety-minute epic music adventure crafted by Marcus Brown, keyboard player, programmer and composer and his team of writers and musicians.

After two-decades as a top session player in LA, several world tours as Madonna’s principle keyboard player (including Drowned World, Re-Invention and Confessions in the 2000s) and working as SEAL’s live keyboard player and bass player (2008-2016), Marcus has

returned home to the North East of England to work on his own music for the first time.

Marcus says, “I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world many times over, working with some of the best musicians and artists in the world. It’s a different feeling entirely being back in the place I was raised, sat at the piano my grandad bought me, writing music for The City: Revolution - my own music, for my own project. This is the first time I’ve felt comfortable taking the lead and releasing something myself, instead of

helping to realise the vision of others. It feels really special to be back home in the North East, feeling the ambition for the creative sectors here, while exploring new ambitions for myself.”

He joins writer, Vikki Price, as the creative force behind the story, which was inspired by current events: “Many of us are frustrated at a whole lot that’s happening in the world, after three really tough years for communities. Its frighteningly possible that a powerful elite would tire of the public’s calls to correct the balance of inequality, or tackle climate change, and eventually just wall itself off to stop having to deal with it. People find the story of The City: Revolution thrilling and emotional because it feels close to home: a frighteningly possible, not too distant future. A lot of the feedback we get is that listeners really relate to the world we have created through the way Marcus has crafted the music and the songs,

and the life people like Gareth have been able to bring to the characters.”

Marcus is pulling together a top team of musicians, writers, producers and vocalists to work on the project. He brings in bandmate from his years of international tours, Steve Sidelnyk (drums: Madonna, Massive Attack, The Style Council, Sophie

Ellis Bexter), and long-term mentor, producer and composer Tony McAnaney (writer/soundtrack: Crocodile Shoes, Spender, The Riff Raff Element). Stage and voice actor Gareth Williams (Evita, Cats, Grease) is working with the team providing voice over and character development, and writer and cofounder of The City: Revolution, Vikki Price, takes the singing parts for Tess – an engineer, rebel leader

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and key ally to get Nikolas back to his family behind the walls.

When will The City: Revolution be available to buy? Marcus says, “We’re looking at a general release date around October/Novemeber 2024. People who can’t wait that long can order a pre-release from our Kickstarter which has the options to listen to the demos as they stand now or pre-order limited edition vinyl, and much more.

Our Kickstarter supporters will also be able to follow our progress behind the scenes, from finding out about the cast joining us in Spring, right through to what’s happening as we approach the general release later in the year.”

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The City: Revolution’s Kickstarter campaign launched at midnight on Sunday 21st January 2024.

Within 72 hours it had hit its £5k target and been designated a ‘project we love’ by Kickstarter.

Marcus and Vikki hope to build on this success: “We just want to say a big thank you to our backers and our supporters who made the

first 72 hours of our Kickstarter so successful. We hope to keep up the momentum and attract more listeners to our community on Kickstarter so that we can really make the best production we can for our backers. We also want to thank Sunderland Software City, Tech Seeds and PROTO Gateshead for their support and giving us the confidence to grasp the net-

tle and put The City: Revolution out there!”

Kickstarter page: https://www. kickstarter.com/projects/vikkirprice/the-city-revolution-theoriginal-audie You can also view the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=h5PKHPeFeuw&t=5s

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MTB Brickwork was set up in march 2023, myself Michael and my business partner Lee. Having both been working in the building trade for 20 years, working together building houses for the past few years, we decided to take a risk and set up our company. MTB BRICKWORK Ltd was formed.

We earned an excellent reputation working across various new build housing sites in the north east, winning an NHBC pride in the job award in the process.

and are adapting well to the different daily routine of pricing work and dealing with customers.

We offer all aspects of building work and while we may not do every part of the work, we over see each project to make sure any trades we bring in, meet our own very high standards. Our reputation is built on quality, and trust.

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We both wanted a fresh challenge

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Bowie Live! 🎼Thursday 6/6/2024 🎟On sale Friday 10am

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Bowie Live is the highly anticipated new tribute production from some of the UK’s finest musicians, performers, artists and technicians.

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Friday 19th April 2024

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Monday 20th May 2024

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DJ Schak and the region’s businesses come together for the first NSPCC North East Network The UK’s leading children’s charity - the NSPCC - was joined by some of the region’s top business leaders and celebrity guest DJ Schak in Newcastle last for an evening of awareness raising to help prevent child abuse in the North East.

The first ever NSPCC North East Network took place at the Ouseburn’s latest entertainment venue and event space, The Grove, which also saw a live performance from Tyneside pop soul singer Beth Macari and attendance from the likes of Ward Hadaway, UK manufacturer Happy Feet Play Mats and the Tyneside video animators, Honeypot Creative.

NSPCC keynote speakers - including people from Childline, the charity’s flagship counselling service for children - fundraising professionals and members of its school services team, informed guests how they keep children safe and how they can be listened to, but warned there is still a lot of

work to be done.

In an emotionally charged evening on the banks of The Tyne, guests were told that last year there were 1,107 sexual offences against children under the age of 16 recorded by police in Tyne and Wear. 1,300 children were the subject of a child protection plan and there were 2,345 children in care in the same area.

NSPCC community fundraiser and North East Network organiser, Hayley Lynn, said: “We were really excited about our first ever North East Network at The Grove and we’re delighted to have had the support of so many businesses and DJ Schak. It was a chance for businesses, future ambassadors and fundraisers to learn what role they can play in our efforts to prevent child abuse. It was also great to see so many people networking, having fun and meeting likeminded people.”

“Our local services bring together our work in schools, campaigning, and direct services. Support from regional businesses and organisations means we can reach and

work with more children, young people, families, and partners across the North East.”

Tyneside’s DJ Schak, famous for his global hit ‘Moving All Around’ said: “I had such a good time meeting a room full of like-minded people, who are all working towards the same goal of helping to keep children safe and making the world a better place. That is one of the most important things in my life, and I’m so looking forward to the future.”

NSPCC North East Network organisers have said it will host another event soon in its bid to engage more people in the NSPCC’s work than ever before.

The Grove’s co-founder, Charlie Dancer, added: “We were so proud to be able to host this event at our new venue. We grew up with the NSPCC as young people and we know first-hand the power of what services like Childline can bring.

We’re looking forward to forging an on-going relationship with the NSPCC and helping the charity reach new audiences in the North East.”

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New music is always good to come across, it soothes the soul, and brings a warmth to the heart; being introduced to the magic that is Andrew Bradley, a Northumberland-based musician, does just that.

It’s hard to think he’s been around for as long as he has, more than fifteen years, but he’s starting to spread his wings and, since the inception of a global pandemic in 2020, he’s ensured people remember him with the release of THREE EP’s and soon to be TWO albums – yes, he’s been busy.

The type of music in which he releases, you’d be surprised really – there’s a crossover of sorts in there, but it’s very much worth a listen.

Talking to him, shows how much he’s both done, and wants to do, telling ourselves at NE Online Magazine that: “I’ve been involved in some musical aspect for around fifteen years now,” admitted Andrew.

“My dad used to play the guitar, and I just picked it up from him.

“Playing was just a hobby for my dad, and I’d like to make something of it.

“When I started, it was just myself and four mates, in a band really, and we gigged a lot, having fun,

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making a little money, whilst also playing at some busker nights at the same places as Sam Fender.

“That first band I was in, we just started drifting away from music, but I still wanted to be involved myself because you really do miss it after a while.

“I was constantly gigging up until 2018, toured Scotland, played the O2 Academy, now, I’d like to get things moving forward and I’m looking at getting a band together for what is currently, my solo music.

“Hopefully that’s something I can sort for next year; I won’t stop writing though as that, it keeps me focussed.

“I began with releasing some stuff online, that was something like, six years ago now, as well as releas-

ing hard copies, cd’s, but they can be difficult to sell at times.

“There’s also been some single releases, then the three EPs that I released in 2020, prior to the albums, last year (Hypnoteyes) and this (Parasomniac).”

What about the style in music, the topic, to some, may leave a lot to be desired; looking at the titles of his release alludes to just that with, prior to the recent album releases, those three Eps were entitled Outer Space, Shadow Puppets, and Monsters There is, as always, a reason behind the route in which Andrew takes with his music.

“I do try to keep things similar,” continued Andrew.

“The style of music I perform, and really, there’s no real reason for that, I just know, and feel, that they’re the more creative topics for myself.

“I also feel that, over the past few years at least, my music is getting better because of it.”

As for the music itself, the aforementioned, trio of EPs, and te soon-to-be, duo of albums, we asked him what, and how “The three EPs, they were all released in 2020,” explained Andrew.

“They were all written and released during covid; I just picked up the guitar on the first day of the first lockdown, and started work-

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Lust for Life 2024: Clem Burke, Glen Matlock and Katie Puckrik reunite for second UK tour – North Shields date 7th March North Shields – Exchange1856 show: 7th March 2024 “One hell of a gig.” – Tim Keppie, Record Collector magazine “Puckrik leads a performance of riotous energy and no mean volume.” - Chris Roberts, Classic Rock magazine “If you’re my generation, this is a blast.” - Neil McCormick, chief music critic – The Telegraph “Great gig. Great band. Brilliant night.” - Marc Riley, BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Following glowing reviews, soldout venues and many, many fun nights, the all-star line-up celebrating Iggy Pop’s classic Lust For Life album have announced a second UK tour. Legendary Blondie drummer, Clem Burke, will once again be joined by former Sex Pistol and punk pioneer, Glen Matlock on bass; broadcaster and Pet Shop Boys dancer, Katie Puckrik on vocals; Iggy Pop and David Bowie collaborator, Kevin Armstrong on gui-

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tar; Luis Correia, who’s toured internationally with Earl Slick on second guitar; together with classical pianist, composer, and touring member of Heaven 17,

Florence Sabeva on keyboards.

The band will again perform the Lust For Life album in full, as well as revisiting songs from

across the individual band members’ careers with legendary artists including Blondie, David Bowie and the Sex Pistols.

Some of them will be songs the band performed on the last tour but there will be a few surprises thrown in as well. Three of the band members, Glen Matlock, Clem Burke and Kevin Armstrong, have toured with Iggy Pop and each has made an album

with him: Glen Matlock (Soldier) in 1980, Clem Burke (Zombie Birdhouse) in 1982 and Kevin Armstrong (Blah Blah Blah) in 1986.

Fronting the band, the irrepressible Katie Puckrik proved a rock ‘n’ roll revelation to many on the last tour. As Clem Burke said: “Katie is fantastic and she’s joined the ranks of the other

brilliant women I’ve been fortunate to play with: Debbie, Annie, Nancy, Wanda, The Go Go’s and Joan!”

Katie Puckrik: “Touring Iggy Pop’s Lust For Life in 2023 felt like a homecoming. My broadcast career had long steered me away from my original calling as a performer, from dancing onstage with The Fall and Michael Clark Company, touring the world with Pet Shop Boys, and singing in Sparks’ opera The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman, both on the original cast recording and in performance. So to embody the funny/dirty/tart/ smart songs of the magnificent Iggy Pop was an electrifying rebirth. Every single gig was a communion with a frothing room of Pop-aholics, and it’s thanks to the crowds who danced and hollered along to Lust For Life, The Passenger, and the rest of Iggy’s anthems, that we get to do it all over again. Once again I’ll be elevated by some of Iggy, Bowie

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and Blondie’s most beloved players, including Clem Burke, Glen Matlock and Kevin Armstrong, and I’m warning you—this band is a joy machine!”

Glen Matlock: “To be on stage with these fellow like-minded guys and gals and celebrate our collective musical ancestries is always a pleasure, so come on down and let’s all hit the roof together.”

Clem Burke: “I’m really looking forward to once again playing with this great group of friends and musicians. All aboard for more Funtime!”

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All shows on the tour will also feature Suzi Ronson as special guest. The former Bowie stylist and wife of the late Spiders from Mars guitar hero, Mick Ronson, will be sharing stories from her new book ‘Me and Mr Jones: My

Life with David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars’.

Suzi Ronson: “I am so excited about joining my friends on the Lust For Life tour as their special guest. I’ll be telling stories from my forthcoming book ‘Me and Mr Jones: My Life With David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars’ and look forward to shar-

ing memories from such an electrifying time for British music and culture. This tour is a must for all Iggy Pop, David Bowie and Mick Ronson fans.”

Thu 07 Mar – Exchange 1856 – North Shields Support from TV Death All tickets available via: https:// lustforlifetour.com/

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Live After Racing presents HACIENDA CLASSICAL ‘Live After Racing’ announce Newcastle Racecourse show taking place on Saturday 29th June 2024!

Delighted to announce that Hacienda Classical, the widely acclaimed live orchestral clubbing series featuring DJ Graeme Park and Manchester Camerata Orchestra comes to Newcastle Racecourse ‘Live After Racing’ on Saturday 29th June 2024.

With a live DJ soundtrack from Graeme Park allied to the full orchestra, additional musicians, vocalists and special guests in a fully live experience, Hacienda Classical brings arrangements of much loved, defining records within its wide repertoire of tracks.

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Hacienda Classical sees musical director Tim Crooks lead the collective of artists and musicians on stage in performing well known favourites and new versions of club classics all mixed continuously into one non-stop set.

First performed in 2016, since the show first debuted, the collaboration has proved remarkably enduring.

Hacienda Classical has well outperformed any expectations since the outset and has seen tremendous reactions from audiences and critics many of who have awarded the show top marks. Even at the very first Bridgewater Hall show, The Times gave it the full five stars declaring that “the atmosphere was incredible.”

Similar rave reviews followed from the Royal Albert Hall as NME called it “probably the best rave since 1997” whilst Mixmag termed the event. “a near twohour blend of house music’s greatest players with an audience dancing and singing from the off.”

Hacienda Classical has continued to receive 5-star reviews from the like of The Independent - “It doesn’t get much better than this. A powerful, poignant performance.” - and its home-

town paper, Manchester Evening News.

“The Hacienda made Manchester the centre of the clubbing universe in its 80’s and 90’s heyday and surely what this night proves is that much of that success was down to the people inside it”.

Hacienda Classical’s biggest single audience to date came as it opened Glastonbury Festival’s Pyramid Stage and other festival appearances including Isle Of Wight, Kendal Calling The Big Feastival, Kew The Music, Lytham Festival as well as individual concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall and its annual homecoming at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl with its seventh concert which took place in July 2023.

announcing Madness to perform on the Friday night after racing, we’re really excited to welcome Hacienda Classical to close out the final day of our much-loved Plate Festival. After, what’s sure to be a fantastic afternoon of quality horseracing, Hacienda Classical will be performing some huge and iconic anthems to sign off the 2024 Northumberland Plate Day in style.”

Hacienda Classical promises a superb night of entertainment performing the very best club classics from the legendary Manchester club that defined dance music culture in the UK and

across the world.

Don’t miss your chance to see them perform live after racing on Saturday 29th June.

Tickets are available from: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ event/1F005F7CEB27646E For further information on HACIENDA CLASSICAL visit https://www.fac51-thehacienda. com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Fac51TheHacienda Twitter - https://twitter.com/ Fac51hacienda Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fac51thehaciendaofficial/

Executive Director of Newcastle Racecourse, Paul Elliott, commented, “This year’s Northumberland Plate Festival is shaping up to be one to remember. After

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TV Gastronaut Stefan Gates brings science stunts and spectacular experiments to Newcastle Thursday 22nd February 2024

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body, such as why do men have nipples? Packed with biological secrets and answers to questions we’ve all had; Rude Science is a perfect introduction into getting Award-winning presenter and children into science and becoming more curious about our STEM author Stefan Gates is bodies. bringing the acclaimed Rude Stefan Gates has presented Science book to life in an excitmany shows for the BBC, such ing new family show coming to Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre and as Cooking in the Danger Zone, Food Factory and more, alongOpera House on Thursday 22nd February 2024. side appearing as a guest on Fun for all the family this Febru- programmes such as Blue Peter and The Alan Titchmarsh Show. ary half term, expect enormous bottoms, pee-powered fireworks As a children’s author, he has and more in a celebration of bod- had success with books such as ily sciences. Following the sucIncredible Edibles, Fartology and Rude Science. Now turned cess of Fartology, Stefan Gates’ 2022 book Rude Science asks into an exciting live show, Rude Science will be a perfect activity all questions about the human

for the February half term, with fart machines, snot cocktails, pee-powered fireworks and even ear-wax oozing mannequins to keep the children entertained!

Theatre Director Joanne Johnson exclaims, “We’re excited to be offering Rude Science as a fun theatre trip for the family this February half term. It makes a perfect introduction to live shows, and is sure to keep them entertained! Throughout the year we have lots of family shows, and we’ll be bringing many more into 2024.”

Tickets are £16.50 for adults and £14.50 for children, plus fees.

You can buy tickets from: https:// www.tynetheatreandoperahouse. uk/portfolio/rude-science/

Tall Stories presents The Gruffalo’s Child exploring Newcastle on tour Tuesday 27th – Wednesday 28th February 2024 The perfect wintery production adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning storybook The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood...

Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist... does he?

After seeing her book brought to life on stage, Julia Donaldson commented, “Tall Stories bring their own special magic to their stage productions based on my books. Children will love entering the atmosphere of the deep dark wood and enjoy the catchy songs.

The Big Bad Mouse is worth waiting for.”

Axel Scheffler also enjoyed the show saying, “The snowy deep dark wood based on my illustrations is brought to life by Tall Stories and it almost becomes a character in its own right in their production. A favourite moment for me is when the Gruffalo’s Child sits on the Gruffalo’s lap and the book cover image is created on the stage. I think the young audience will enjoy it very much.”

Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.

Directed by Olivia Jacobs, Tall Stories’ co-founder. The cast includes Harriet Waters, Maxwell Tyler,

Samuel Tracy and understudy Pip Simpson.

“Warm, witty and beautifully made… a fantastic family favourite”***** LondonTheatre1 “Perfect children’s entertainment”**** The Scotsman “Fun, daft and a little scary!”**** Time Out Touring the UK The Gruffalo’s Child embarks on an extensive tour across the UK from September and will delight young audiences and their families in the Tyne Theatre & Opera House.

For more information and to watch the trailer click here www.gruffaloschildlive.com / www.tallstories.org.uk To check out more recently announced shows, head over the Tyne Theatre & Opera House website: https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/whats-on/

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THE FAST SHOW REUNITE FOR 2024 UK TOUR TO CELEBRATE 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 30 years since the The Fast Show first burst onto our television screens, “the defining comedy sketch show of the Nineties” (The Independent) is back, live on tour and coming to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Tuesday 26th March 2024.

Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse are reuniting with Simon Day, John Thomson, Arabella Weir and Mark Williams for 13 shows across the UK throughout March this year.

This celebratory live tour will be a huge treat for fans of the multiaward winning quick-fire TV sketch show and provide a real behind-the-scenes insight into some of their favourite characters and catchphrases as they come alive on stage once again.

The cast will chat together about how it all began, how they made the TV show, and created the characters and the fun they had doing it. This will be interspersed with performances of some of their best-loved sketches monologues and songs, with on-screen inserts and a moment to remember their former collaborator, the late, great Caroline Aherne.

Fans will be thrilled to see the return of many of their favourite characters, including: Ted & Ralph, Jesse, Swiss Toni, Does My Bum Look Big In This?, Dave Angel, Jazz Club, The Suit You Tailors, Ron Manager, The Mad Painter, Rowley Birkin, Bob Fleming, Competitive Dad, Professor Denzil Dexter, and The Girl Who Boys Can’t Hear.

Charlie Higson said: “Taking the Fast Show out on tour is very much like making love to a beautiful woman.”

Paul Whitehouse said: “I’m afraid I was very drunk.”

The Fast Show first aired on BBC2 on 27 September 1994 and became one of the nation’s best-loved comedy shows, having a huge influence on subsequent TV sketch shows. Join the team, 30 years on, for a unique evening of celebration this March.

Oooooh, Suit You. No Offence!

Niiiiiiiiiice! Brilliant!! Scorchio!!!

Tickets cost £37.50 - £34.50 plus fees and can be purchased from: https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/portfolio/phil-mcintyre-live-proudly-presents-anevening-with-the-fast-show/

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Celebrating 40 years, Indie Rock legends James performed a sold out show at Newcastle City Hall on their “James Lasted” tour with the now nine-piece James band accompanied by orchestra Orca 22 and choir Manchester Inspirational Voices Gospel Choir all conducted by Joe Duddell. This is no ordinary tour for James the scale of this operation means that it is being done as a celebration of their forty years rather than a financial money-maker. An event fans will cherish forever as its unlikely to happen again. Luckily the new arrangements of some of the bands most loved and recognisable songs have been captured in the new album Be Opened By The Wonderful .

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Plant Your Pants this spring to discover the life within your soil

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People across the UK are being invited to plant a pair of cotton pants this spring and then dig them up two months later to see for themselves the life within the soil.

The Plant Your Pants campaign, run by education charity The Country Trust, launches on the first day of spring (20 March 2024) and invites everyone to take part in a journey of soil discovery to find out what really is going on down there.

Along the way, partici-pants will be encouraged to look, touch,

listen to and smell their soil.

Healthy soil will break down or degrade cotton more quickly than soil with low levels of microbial life. If you’re left with just the elastic, it’s a good sign that your soil is active and healthy.

The Country Trust is an education charity that connects disadvantaged children with the land that sustains us all through hands-on, sensory experiences of food and farming. Last year 23,000 children visited working farms with The Country Trust to learn at first-hand about how food is grown and the vital importance of soil to all our lives.

The charity’s national Plant Your

Pants campaign is wonderfully simple - just plant a pair of (ideally pre-loved) cotton pants in soil on or around the first day of spring in March, and then dig them up eight weeks later to see what has happened to them.

Jill Attenborough, CEO of the Country Trust, said: “We all depend on soil for our existence but as Leonardo Da Vinci said 500 years ago, ‘We know more about the movement of celestial bodies than about the soil underfoot’.

The response to Plant Your Pants last year exceeded all our expectations, and we can’t wait to get the nation planting pants again.

“It’s our mission as a charity to

enable tens of thousands of disadvantaged children every year to discover that what we eat and grow affects our own health and the health of our planet, through inspiring, transformative visits and activities. Plant Your Pants is a way of sharing that experience with everyone - young and old, gardeners, non-gardeners, whether you have a window box, a flowerbed or a veg patch. Gardeners, like farmers, have a big responsibility as stewards of this amazing world beneath our feet, and we hope that through participation in Plant Your Pants, we can all experience the excitement of discovery and find out more about how small changes can make a big difference.”

Soil provides 95% of our food, but how many of us really know what is in it, how it is formed, and what life it sustains beyond the plants we can see growing in it? Soil shows us how our climate is changing and holds many of

the answers to our urgent climate questions. It is one of the most important carbon sinks on the planet with the capacity to capture and store carbon in plant roots and systems which, even on a small garden scale, can be very effective.

Tom Fairfax, a regenerative organic farmer based in Northumberland who hosts Country Trust Farm Discovery school visits and is a Plant Your Pants campaign champion, said: “Healthy soil is teeming with life, much of which can’t be seen by the naked eye, so getting our hands in the soil and seeing the way it acts on a pair of cotton pants is a brilliant way to experience its magic. We have ignored the soil for too long and this has had a negative impact, not only on the environment, but also the quality of the food grown in it and our health. We all have a role to play in improving our soil, all we have to do is open our senses to the ground

around us and listen to what it has to tell us.”

Anyone can get involved with Plant Your Pants – it’s free to register online and you can add your pants to the interactive map. The activity can be enjoyed by individuals and families at home or by groups at allotment and gardening clubs, schools, youth and community groups or larger public access gardens.

You don’t even need a garden – a window box or patio planter will do. Between March and the big reveal in June, the Country Trust team working with farmers and soil scientists will send ‘participants’ informative and fun updates that will use all our senses to explore the soil and encourage positive action to improve its health.

Find out more and register now at www.countrytrust.org.uk/ plantyourpants

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Back to (driving) school – Young Driver re-opens its Darlington venue for the first time since the pandemic - Innovative lessons reduce accident rates for newly qualified drivers by more than a half - Youngsters as young as 10 drive a real car around a specially created road system - Young Driver will re-open at Mowden Park RFC later this year A specialist driver training scheme, which allows 10-17 year olds to get behind the wheel in a bid to create a new generation of safer drivers, is re-opening its popular Darlington venue.

Young Driver ran at Mowden Park RFC from 2017 until the pandemic, when the site became a Covid testing centre. In the three years it operated, more than 7,000 driving lessons were given to under 17s keen to get a head start in their learning to drive journey.

Young Driver will once again utilise the car park at the site, with lessons re-starting on Saturday 18th November, and taking place on regular weekend dates throughout the year.

Young Driver is the UK’s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons, having delivered over 1.3 million lessons at venues across the UK. Youngsters have lessons in dual controlled Vauxhall Corsas and other similar cars, with highly qualified approved driving instructors.

A road system is created, with

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traffic signs, roundabouts and junctions, along with special areas to practice manoeuvres such as steering control and parking.

The emphasis of the lessons is on safety and fun and encouraging youngsters to consider how to drive responsibly, giving them time to perfect driving skills such as gear changes, braking and steering without the pressures of public roads.

Shockingly, one in five newly qualified drivers crashes within six months of passing their test. But for those who have taken a Young Driver course, the rate of accidents in that worrying first six months drops dramatically, to fewer than four per cent.

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing at Young Driver, said: “We are really excited to be re-launching in Darlington after all this time. The venue was a really popular one before it had to close. It is a large

space so we can offer lots of different driving activities for young people, whether they’re a beginner or have already had lessons at any of our venues.

“Clearly something needs to be done to tackle the seriously high accident rates of our young drivers. Training drivers over a longer period of time allows youngsters to have a solid understanding of how to drive a car before they get anywhere near a real road. But the lessons are also lots of fun and they’re a great general confidence boost for teens and pre-teens, who take the responsibility very seriously.”

Driving tuition is available for disabled youngsters. Thirty or sixty-minute lessons must be booked in advance and prices start from £42.99.

For more information visit www. youngdriver.com or call 0333 577 9010.

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MARTIN KEMP - The Ultimate Back To The 80’s DJ Set comes to YORK – Barbican on Friday 29th March 2024!

The Spandau Ballet star, Martin Kemp will be taking to the decks and spinning all the best of the hits from the 80’s in his smash hit show.

Dig out your best 80`s attire, grab your dancing shoes, and prepare to enjoy a night of pure ‘Gold’! Yes, fancy dress is encouraged!

Join Martin as he trades his bass for the decks and spins the biggest and best hits from the 1980’s! An Unstoppable Singalong!

In a recent interview on ITV’s

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This Morning program, asked about his Ultimate Back to the 80’s DJ nights, Martin said “It’s amazing! People absolutely lose themselves, singing to every word. It’s the most euphoric atmosphere I have ever been in, in my life!”. This is the perfect event to come together with friends and loved ones.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of the 80s with Martin Kemp at the helm. Secure your tickets now and get ready for a night of nostalgia, dancing, and pure 80’s joy!

Support comes from Miami Twice - an accomplished duo paying tribute to the music of the

1980s.

Tickets for the MARTIN KEMP – Back To The 80’s DJ Set – York Barbican show are available from: https://bit.ly/Tickets_MartinKemp_YorkBarbican Doors – 7.30pm Tickets - £24.00 advance For further information on MARTIN KEMP, check out his website – https://www.martinkempdj.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Martinkemp/ and https://www.facebook.com/martinkempofficial Twitter – https://twitter.com/ realmartinkemp Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/martinjkemp/

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Ethan was a funny, caring, gorgeous, mischievous & cheeky little lad who lived for his football, loved school & loved entertaining everyone around him.

At the age of 8 years old, on the 2nd December 2020, Ethan was diagnosed with parameningeal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

Ethan faced cancer, and his subsequent treatment, as he did with everything in life, like an absolute warrior. Sadly, Ethan lost his life on 5th August 2021, just a week after his 9th Birthday.

Ethan was all about Friends, Family, and Fun, so while Ethan’s Arc has been created to help raise awareness, along with vital funds to support research into finding more targeted and less harsh treatments for Rhabdomyosarcoma, it is also a way of keeping Ethan’s name alive by bringing people & communities together, through various fun

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and/or challenging opportunities & activities.

Ethan’s dad Mark had this to say about Ethan’s Arc… “we have raised £27,000 so far in the short time we’ve been going, from walking Coast to Coast along Hadrian’s Wall, riding ladies bikes from Berwick Upon Tweed to South Shields, charity Boxing matches, Great North Runs, Junior Great North Runs, Children’s Cancer Runs, Music events, Pub Quiz’s …….

Ethan’s school - Harton Primary, have also continued to remember him, and raise money in Ethan’s memory through a number of different events. They also surprised us recently by naming their newly built Sports Hall in his honour Ethan’s football team - South Shields u12’s, along with good friends from Hebburn Town

u12’s, held a football match to remember Ethan, where both teams played for the Ethan Adams Memorial Cup. The idea is that this will become an annual event” You can read more about Ethan’s arc at https://www.alicesarc.org/arc/ethan-adams/ Sadly Ethan isn’t the only child to have an Arc, find out more about the Arcs and what they are all about here https://www. alicesarc.org/about/ If you can donate, or would like to fundraise then please do, if not even just giving this a share would be a big help to Ethan’s family and others going through similar times.

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