I Love North Shields FREE NS800 ISSUE

ILove North Shields.

MAY2025

COMMUNITY: North Shields 800

FEATURED: Liam Fender

BUSINESS: The Auction House

LEISURE: Walking Route North Shields

jimedwardspaintings

Hello NorthShields

NorthShields800ASummertoRemember Whatamilestone theNorthShields800celebrationsarehere,andit’s trulysomethingspecial!Thesummerispackedwithamazingevents, andthere’ssomuchonoffer Let’smakethisaseasontoremember andcreatememoriesthatwilllastalifetime.

Tomarkthisoccasion,we’rereleasingaFREE800-pagedigitalspecial editionavailableonlinewww.ilovenorthshields.com, showcasing everythingwe’veworkedonoverthepastyear.It’safullrecordofthe stories,friendships,andcommunityspiritthathavemadethis publicationsomeaningful.Thisspecialeditionhighlightstheimpact ourinitiativehashad,shiningalightongrassrootsorganisations, volunteers,andlocalbusinesses It’sapieceofsocialhistorythat futuregenerationswillbeabletolookbackon,reflectingonthe journeyleadinguptotheNorthShields800

We’resothankfultoalltheamazingvolunteerswho’vepouredtheir time,energy,andheartintothisproject you’vetrulybeenitsdriving force It’sbeenareallabourofloveandabeautifulactofgiving!

Ahugethankyoutoouradvertisersandsponsorsofthisspecialissue We’realsoincrediblygratefultoDrishtiDesignandHotlinePromotional Productsforsupportingourtotebags,andtoSiraStudiofor collaboratingwithusontheshortdocumentaryfilmscelebrating NorthShields Andfinally,aheartfeltthankyoutothegenerous sponsorswhocoveredourprintrunsoverthelastyear thismagazine wouldn’thavemadeittoprinteachmonthwithoutyou!

Aswetakeasummerbreak,we’llbebackwithquarterlyissuesin SeptemberandDecember Duringthesummer,we’llstillbeactiveon oursocials, hostingourweeklyCreativeCafé,runningmonthly editorialmeetings,andshowingupatlocalmarkets Ifyouare interestedinworkingwithus,sponsoringaprintrunoranissueplease getintouch

Haveagreatsummereveryone!

Simmie Harper X

Contributors

Founder/CreativeDirector

SimoneHarper

ilovenorthshields@outlookcom

Linkedin@simonebranson

FrontCover

JimEdwards @jimedwardspaintings

Editor-in-Chief

CarolineOswald

Authors CarolDavison

DianeWailes

MarkTavender

MimRobson

MikeCoates

RachelChapman

Tatjana@thatstats

SueWilkinson

SuzanneCoulson

Events MarianneButler

TikTok|Illustrator

JodhiMaeRutherford @pinkpalava

Photographers

LisaYoungPhotography

@yevphotography

MeganRamsey @megramphotos

AboutUs

ILoveNorthShieldsisan independentcommunity drivenpublication

Contact

Facebook@ilovenorthshields

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o m m u n ity

CVideoCollab

SIRASTUDIOisavideoproductionand photographycompany,which relocatedtotheFishQuayfrom Harrogate,NorthYorkshire,inJuly2024. Blownawaybythecreativityandbuzz inNorthShields,itshusband-and-wife directors,SimonandRachael,offered tocollaboratewithusintheyearthat NorthShieldscelebratesits800year history,bymakingaseriesofshortfilm documentariesthatshinealighton someoftheinspiringbusinessesand communityprojectsthatarehere,on ourdoorstep

Rachael,said,“NorthShieldsreallyisa fantasticplacetoliveandwork. Everyone’sbeensowelcoming,the sceneryisincredible,thepositivityis brimming,andthereissomuchgoing on,it’salmostimpossibletokeepup! WorkingwithILoveNorthShieldsonthe seriesofvideosisarealprivilege ThroughSimmieandtheILNSteam,we aremeetingsomanyamazingpeople, andlearningsomuchaboutthe history,thepresentandthefutureof NorthShields.Wespecialiseindrone workandstory-ledvideosfor commercialandcommunity organisations,soit’sreallynicetobe abletocapturesomegoodshots,work creativelyonsomecoolprojects,and doourbittospreadthewordabout theminthisyearofcelebrations.

PhotoRachael,SimonandLuna

StrikeaPose

Beforethenewstatuetakesitsthrone, theplinthisYOURstage!We’rekicking offthePlinthPoseChallenge! HowtoPlay:

Stepontotheplinth

Strikeyourbestpose dramatic,silly, heroic,ortotallyoutrageous!

Bonuspointsifyou'reliftingan'ILove NorthShields'bag!

Snapapic&sendittous!

Location:WalkwayFishQuay Tagusorsendtheminto ilovenorthshields@outlook.com

Photo1 @topofthepupsnorthshields

Photo2:DeanandCatalina

Asperyourrequestforideasregardingavision forthefutureofNorthShieldsIwantedtoshare withyousomethoughtsandideas.

Firstly,Iamwellawareofthecurrenttrend towardstheclosureofshopsonthehighstreet duetomultiplefactorssuchasfootfall,highrents andtheongoingworksdisruptingtrade However, asatownwearesochockfullofpotentialthatI refusetowriteusofforputusdownwithouta fight.

IhavebeensayingforsomeyearsthatNorth Shieldswouldbenefitfromeitheracentralhotel orsomegoodoldfashionedB&B's.Perhapsclose tothefishquayinlinewiththeoverallvisionfor theculturalquarterzone Unfortunatelythe closesthotelwehaveisattheroyalquaysand wehavenooldfashionedB&B'sinthecentre althoughwedohaveairB&Bpropertieshowever theylackthepersonaltouchofanactualB&B hostexperience

IusedtotravelregularandtheonethingInoticed isthatifyouwanttostaysomewhereusuallyit costsmoretostayinthecentrethanitwouldto stayinthesurroundingarea IfforexampleI wantedtogotowhitleybayorTynemouthIcould spendmoneythereastheyhavehotelsbutwhat iftherewereanalternativewherebyyouoffer reasonablypricedB&B'sinNorthShieldsandthen allowtouriststomakeuseofthemasthegems arenotonlyonourdoorstepbutinthe surroundingtowns Tynemouthisonlyawalkora busorametroawayasiswhitleybay Our excellenttravellinksmaketheideaofbudget B&B'sorabudgethotelmakesense.

NewsFromTheQuay

MeetPenelope

She'sIrish,she'sloud,andshethrowsonehellofa party sayhellotoPenelopeO’Shea’s,thebrand newIrishtavernopeneditsdoorsontheFishQuay! Frominteractivedartsandpooltablestoafull lineupoflivesports

Bigthingsarebrewing at63WPercySt,North ShieldsNE290DS The soon-to-openvenueis thebrainchildofRyan, who’llbebehindthe bar HispartnerLaurais headingupthedesign. Completingthetriois Willow,theirmuchlovedyorkipoo Localsarealready buzzingaboutwhat’sto come!

@aperture alehouse

AnotherfantasticadditiontoNorthShields Arbor Seven,acoffeeshop,kitchen,andsocialspace,is openingsoon! 7BrandlingTerrace,NorthShields

Obviouslythiswouldhavetobeimplementedin conjunctionwithotherthingswhichwouldgive peopleareasontobookherebutifthereareno placestostaythenthepointisabitmoot anyway

Foodforthought DeanJolly

ApertureAlehouse

ArborSevenComingSoon

TOMMY SMALLS & FRIENDS

Text&PhotographybyDianeWailes

ArethesethemostlovedandphotographedhorsesinNorth Shields?Quitepossibly!

‘TommySmallsandFriends’urbansmallholdingonWindermere Terraceisahiveofactivityandanimallove!Youmighthave spottedReginald-abeautifulpiebald‘GypsyCobb’-pullinga neatyellowtraparoundthetown.Thenthere’sDavid-whata greatnameforahorse-whowaskeentogethismuzzlerightto thebottomofalargebinofhay Andnotforgettingthetwo smallesthorses,BuddyHollyandKennyRogers.

The‘friends’inthesmallholdingalsoincludeducksandchickens, whoprovidearegularsupplyofeggs Andtalkingofregular supplies-keenlocalgardenersshouldtakenotethatit’salsoa fantasticsourceofhorsemanure,whichcanworkwonderson yourcompostheap!

Thesmallholdinghasbeentuckedawayinthebackstreetsof NorthShieldssince2017andtheseanimalfriendsarethepassion ofAlexisandJames,theirparentsAlexisandTom,andgrandma, Mary Allofthemdevotedtotheirmenagerieofanimalsand,with strongrootsinthetown,they’reequallypassionateaboutNorth Shields

It’s‘thegoodlife’,butdefinitelyNorthShieldsstyle!

Instagram @tommy_smalls_and_friends

ABOUT NORTH SHIELDS 800

NorthShields800isacommunityeffort,withthepeopleofthetownworkingtogetherto hostayearofcelebrationsforits800thanniversary.

NorthShieldswasfoundedin1225asavillageofsimplehutscalledshielsonwhatisnow theFishQuay.ThefishingportservedTynemouthPrioryandlatergrewintoathriving harbourandtown.

Aprogrammeofeventshasbeenselectedtoappealtoawiderangeofaudiencesandto celebrateNorthShields’maritime,mining,railwayandindustrialheritageaswellasits reputationasavibrantdestinationforartsandcultureandathrivinglocationforbusiness. Itwillincludeaspectacularparadeofsailandablessingofthefishingfleet,aparade alongtheFishQuay,exhibitions,streetartmurals,heritageprojectsandcreative collaborations.Itwillbringperformingartstothestreets,stageeventsatlocalvenuesand captureandrecordmemoriesofthetowninyearsgoneby.

Itisbeingorganisedbythecommunity-ledNorthShields800Committeewhichhasbeen meetingsincemid-2023,chairedbyTynemouthMPSirAlanCampbell.Itsmembersinclude heritagegroups,thefishingindustry,theartsandculturalsector,charities,churches, communitygroups,localvenuesandbusinesses

ThecelebrationscoincidewithanambitiousregenerationprogrammeforNorthShields andtheFishQuay Atthesametime,NorthShieldsCulturalQuarterishelpingthecreative economygrow,withsupportfromNorthEastCombinedAuthority

Moreinformation:www.northshields800.com

BarryśFruitandVeg

WarrensKitchen

Community NORTH SHIELDS 800 COMMUNITY DAY LINSKILL CENTRE

LocalpeopleareinvitedtoaCommunityDayat theLinskillCentretocelebrateNorthShields’ history,heritageandcultureapartofthetown’s 800thanniversary.Thiswilltakeplaceon Saturday28Junefrom10amto4pm,withfree entrytoaprogrammeofsixtalks,music, displaysanddemonstrations,andacommunity marketplacepromotingtheroleofaround30 localorganisations.

AlanFidler,fromNorthumbriaWW1 CommemorationProjectwhohasbeenleading preparationsfortheday,withsupportfromNorth ShieldsHeritologyProjectandtheOldLowLight HeritageCentre,said:“Ourtownhassomuch history,heritageandculturetocelebrate,andwe reallyhopethatlocalpeoplewillcometoour event,hearsomeofthetalks,listentothemusic thathelpstomakeourareaspecialandvisitthe displaysandactivitiesbylocalorganisations workinginmanydifferentways”

Thetalkswillcoverabroadrangeoftopics includingtheearlyhistoryofNorthShieldsandits conflictovertradingrightswithNewcastle, women’sworkonthefishquay,thedevelopment oftheRiverTynefromtheearliestdaysuptothe presenttime,thelegendofthewoodenDollies, thelegacyofanacclaimedlocalartistanda coastalrescueservicethatwasthefirstofitskind

MusicintheBurnettHallwillincludeNorthumbrian pipes,seashanties,primaryschoolchildrenand communitychoirs

TheNorthumbrianpiperswillbeginthemusic programme,withRichardHeardfromNorth Shields,whoisamemberoftheNorthumbrian PipersSociety,explainingaboutthehistoryofthe pipes,withmusicbyinternationallyacclaimed musicianAndyMay,whoisalsoanaccomplished Northumbrianpipemaker,andGosforth-based pipinggroupRobson’sChoice

PupilsfromNewYorkPrimarySchoolwillsingThe SpiritoftheNorth,abeautifulsongaboutlocal prideincommunityandheritage,repeatingthe performancethatdelightedguestsatthelaunch ofNorthShields800

TheMarinersandMarrasMariners,whodescribe themselvesas‘arumoldbunchofcommunity singers’willentertainwiththeiruniquemixofsea shanties,Northeasttraditionalworkingsongsand poetry

AhighlightwillbewhenLinskillCommunityChoir, ledbyIreneAndersonandPaulMacDermott presentforthefirsttime,Riversong,aheartfelt tributetotheirhometown Writtenbylocal residentRaymondAnderson,thisoriginalscript bringstolifetherise,fallandregenerationof NorthShields,toldthroughverse,narrationand song Thechoirhasbeenrehearsingthis performancesinceJanuary

Laterintheafternoon,theCan’tSingChoirwill leadasingalongoutsidetosongsofthesea,the river,thetown’sfishingheritage,andmuch-loved localarea.SeveralorganisationsincludingNorth ShieldsHeritologyProject,NorthShieldsSteam RailwayAssociation,alocalgroupof Northumbrianpipers,largelymembersofthe NorthumbrianPipersSociety,NorthumbriaWorld WarOneCommemorationProjectandtheOld LowLightHeritageCentrewillhavedisplaysin roomsaroundthebuilding,showcasingtheir work IntheTrevelyanHall,around30local organisationswillpromotetheirroleinthelocal community,manyofthemrelyingonvolunteers

Outside,intheTrevelyanyard,theTynemouth VolunteerLifeBrigadewilldemonstrateits breechesbuoycoastalrescueequipment TynemouthRNLIwillalsobepresentwithsomeof theirequipment

Finally,therewillbeacraftbeersstallandthe Linskill’scaféandbarwillbeopenduringtheday TheeventhasbeenfundedbyNorthShields800 withadditionalsupportfromRadarTaxisandthe SecuritySystemsandAlarmsInspectionBoard (SSAIB)

Moreinformation:www.northshields800.com

NORTH SHIELDS 800 COMMUNITY DAY TALKS PROGRAMME

Thereisnoneedtobookforanyofthetalks–justturnupandyouwill besignpostedtotheroomswherethesearetakingplace

NorthShields–anoverviewof800yearsbyMikeCoates 10.30am–11.30am

MikeCoates,authorofseveralbooksonthehistoryofNorthShields,will provideanoverviewof800yearsofhishometown,describingthehighs andlowsofthetown’sfortunesandhow,overcenturies,conflictwith Newcastleovertradingrights,impactedonNorthShields’earlyhistory

That’sWomen’sWorkbyNinaBrown 10.30am–11.30am

NinaBrown,afoundingtrusteeoftheOldLowLightHeritageCentre,will talkaboutwomenwhohaveplayedanimportantpartinthelocal fishingandmaritimeindustries,includingthe‘Scotchherringgirls’,who travelledfromtheScottishislandsinspring,workingatportsalongthe way,followingthe‘silverdarlings’

HistoryoftheRiverTyneanditsthreeconservatorsbyPhilCollinson 12noon–1pm

PortofTynemarinemanager,PhilCollinson,willtalkaboutthehistoryof theRiverTynefromtheearliestoftimestothepresentday,explaining howthreestatutorybodies–theCorporationofNewcastle,theTyne ImprovementCommissionandthePortofTyne–weresetupto conservetheeconomicviabilityoftheriverandthesafetyofits navigation

Dolly,aNorthShieldsLegendbySusanLynn 12noon–1pm

AlocalhistorianwithstrongfamilytiestoNorthShieldswilltalkabout howthewoodenDollyhasbecomealegendandanimportantpartof NorthShieldsstreetscapeandseafaringhistoryforover200years, startingin1814withtheoriginalDolly,aship’sfigureheadfromacollier brig.

ThehistoryoftheTynemouthVolunteerLifeBrigadebyDaveBell 1.30pm–2.30pm

DaveBell,honorarycaptainandhonorarylifememberofthe TynemouthVolunteerLifeBrigade(TVLB),willtalkaboutthehistoryof theorganisation-thefirstofitskindwhenitwassetupover160years ago–includingsomeofitsrescuesandthefamousNorthShields peoplebehindit.

LydSawyer–theSheriffofShields,byDaveYoung 1.30pm-2.30pm

DaveYoung,afoundingmemberoftheNorthShieldsHeritologyProject, whohasextensivelyresearchedlocalartists,willtalkaboutLydSawyer, whorosefromhumblebeginningstobecameoneoftheVictorianera’s mostgiftedartphotographers,winningmorethan50ofthehighest honoursinthephotographicindustry

Formoreinformation,gotowww.northshields800.com

NORTH SHIELDS 800 AN OVERVIEW

Bylocalhistorian,MikeCoates

Inabout1225NorthShieldsoriginatedonthenorthernsideoftheTyne,whereitmeetsthe seaonapromontorycalledPrior’sPoint AfterdraininglandbythePowBurn,creatingsafe anchorage,thepowerfulPriorofTynemouth,owneroflandacrossNorthumberland,whose rightsdatedbackto1092withacharterbyKingStephen,encouragedthedevelopmentof atownhere,obtainingrevenuefromexportingmainlyfishandcoal.

Butby1213,chartersgrantedtoNewcastlebyKingJohnforthemonopolyoftradeonthe Tyne,ledtobitterquarrelsbetweenNewcastleandNorthShields.By1267NorthShieldshad grownsufficientlytocreatetensionwithNewcastleandapartyofarmedBurgesses, believingNorthShieldstakingtheirtradewasabreachoftheirrights,setfiretothemilland houseshere,markingthestartofalonghistoryofactionbyNewcastle

Thetownwasrebuiltandby1292therewereover100houses,manywiththeirownquays, andtradesothrivingthatmanybakersandbrewersleftNewcastletosettlehere Around 1433thetown,atitslargest,wasflourishing Themonksboughtavessel,increasingtheir commercialactivities,exportingfish,saltandcoalandfishingboatsweresailingasfaras Icelandicwaters.

JealousyofNorthShieldstradingcontinuedandin1510Newcastle’sleadingtownsmen addressedagreatnumberofpeoplethreateningtokillthePrior.Inretaliation,about500 people,paidbythePrior,marchedtoNewcastle,tomurdertheMayor,aldermenand others,anddestroytheirships TheyriotedinNewcastlefor11days,imprisoningmany inhabitantsatTynemouth.

Laing Art Gallery

YourStories

In1530Newcastlewasagainsuccessfulin placingtradeconstraintsonShields.The DissolutionoftheMonasteriesin1539, includingTynemouthMonastery,ledtothe towndecliningandby1564,itwasdeplorable withpeoplestarving.

Inthemid-1600s,reformerRalphGardner,a prominentNorthShieldsbusinessman, frustratedatthetown’sdecline,began challengingNewcastle’smonopolyover trade,campaigningParliamentand publishing‘England’sGrievanceDiscovered’. Hiseffortsledtoimprisonment.

By1763withrecoveredtrading,Shields shipownersandmerchantsbegantobuild houses,creatinganewtownabovetheriver, thebeginningofthe‘hightown’

In1833,almost200yearsafterGardner campaigning,aCustomsHousewas establishedatShields,thenin1848Northand SouthShieldsweredeclaredthe independentPortofShields.

By1851theharbouratShieldscould accommodate1,000vesselsand75%ofover 20,000vesselsenteringtheriverannually didn’tproceedinlandpastShields Withthedevelopmentofsteamtrawlers,the fishingindustrywastransformedandby 1890,81vessels,thelarges trawlersintheworld,were Shields.

Bytheearly1900supto2 werelandingtheircatche tonsannuallyduringtheh withthousandsofNorthS dependentonthefishing 2,361tonsoffishwerelan Shieldsisthenowthebig England.

Today,thequaywhereth years,isbustlingwithaw restaurantsandbarsand majorprogrammeofreg

Forfurtherinformationre “ThePowBurnNS800edi theOldLowLightHeritag

ByCarolDavison

NORTH SHIELDS 800 BLESSING OF THE FLEET

TerryMcDermott,chairoftheNorthShield’s Fishermen’sHeritageProject(NSFHP)is keepingeverythingcrossedthatFridayJune 20thbringsadayofglorioussunshine.Hehas beenputtinghisheartandsoulinto organisingaveryspecialafternoonof festivitiesonthatdatetomarkthe800th birthdayofNorthShields,somethingwhichhe hopeswillbringthelocalcommunitytogether tocelebratethefishingheritageofthetown.

ImetupwithTerryoveracuppaintheLow LightsTaverntohearmoreabouttheJune20th celebrationsandalsotheworkofthe Fishermen’sHeritageProject Terry,whofished outofNorthShieldsbeforejoiningthe MerchantNavy,isapassionateadvocatefor keepingthehistoryofourfishingindustryalive througheducationandonthisnote,hepointed outthatthelogo‘NS800’,thetermbeingused todescribeNorthShield’sbirthdayyear,isnot factuallycorrect Heexplainedthesystemof portregistrationcodesandthateach commercialfishingvesselisgivenaunique registrationmadeupofthetwo-letterport identificationcodefollowedbyitsregistration number AsNorthSunderlandhadalready claimedtheprefixNS,NorthShieldswas allocatedSN “That’swhyyou’llonlyhearme callittheSN800,notNS800,”heclarified.

Terryco-foundedtheNSFHPwiththelateHenry Howardbackin2015 Theybelievedthatthe fishquaydeservedastatuetocommemorate itsfishermenandsoestablishedtheprojectto raisefunds.Hedescribedhowtheystartedwith ‘ahandfuloffreshair’andwithin18months hadraised£75,000 Thefundraisingeventually culminatedintheunveilingofTheFisherman statueontheFiddler’sGreensitein2017and theHerringGirlstatueontheWesternQuayin 2023 Tenyearsonandnowinhisseventies,his energyisasstrongaseverandhetalks enthusiasticallyaboutthefutureoftheproject

Highontheagendaisthecontinuationof schooltripstotheGrimsbyFishingHeritage Centre NSFHPfunds,supportedbylocal benefactors,havefullyfinancedthesetripsfor localschoolchildrenaged7and8forthelast coupleofyears

Withthelocalfishingindustryindecline,he feelsit’simportanttoeducatethechildren abouttheirheritage,thoughitseemsseeing themhappyisjustasimportanttoTerry

Hewasquiteemotionaldescribinghowsadly, someofthechildrenonprevioustripshad neverbeenoutsideofNorthShieldsbefore The triptoGrimsbywasconsequentlyanew adventureforthemwithevenarideonthe coachcausingmuchexcitement–especially theensuingsing-along!Heproudlyshowedme aboundfolderwhichcontainedamassof thankyoulettersfrombothteachersand pupilsandit’sclearthatthesevisitsarea valuableresourceforschoolsatatimeof fundingshortagesandanimportantlife experienceforthechildren TheNSFHPalso ensuredthatlocalschoolchildrenwere involvedintheunveilingoftheHerringGirl statueandoneofthelettersfromayoungboy describeditas‘thebestdayofhislife’, somethingwhichbroughtateartoTerry’seye. It’smakingpowerfulmemorieslikethisthat TerrywantstoseeintheNS800(SN800!) celebrations

TheeventwhichhasbeenorganisedbyNSFHP andsupportedbyNorthTynesideCouncil,isdue tokickoffat12pm Aprocessionofoverthree hundredschoolchildrenwillbeledbypipers fromtheFishermanstatueonFiddler’sGreen alongthequaysidetoastageontheWestern Quay Therethechildrenwillsingsome traditionalsongsandPeterDadeofthe Fishermen’sMissionwillperformablessingof thefleet Followingthechildren’sperformance, therewillbeaprogrammeoffolkmusicbylocal musiciansandaspectacularparadeofsixty boatsontheriver,includingawatercannon displaybytheSvitzerTynetug Finishingat5pm, andwiththepromiseofafewwellknownfaces inthecrowd,theeventshouldbeadayto remember!

CompleteitineraryfortheJune20theventwill bepublishednearerthedateandwillbe availableviawww.northshields800.com

Leisure

NorthShieldsFishQuay|@thatstats

WANDER NORTH SHIELDS: A DAY OF INTRIGUING

HISTORY, STUNNING VIEWS AND GOOD FOOD

ByTatjana@thatstats

There’sacertaincharmtoNorthShields,amixof saltyseaair,thechatteroffishmongers,andthe humofcosyrestaurants,bars,andcafés.Oncea bustlinghubofshipbuildingandfishing,thetown hasproudlydevelopedintoaperfectblendofoldworldcharacterandmodernvibrancy,whereits deeprootedhistoryiskeptaliveforeveryoneto experience.

Originatingaround1225asasmallfishingport servingTynemouthPriory,andthisyearin2025 proudlycelebratingits800thbirthday,NorthShields iscertainlynotlackinginthingstoexplore.Beingit fascinatingstoriesfromlocalfishermen,historically significantsightssuchastheremainsofClifford’s Fort,throughtoprominentfigureswhocalledNorth Shieldshome,youcouldspendweekshere unearthingfascinatingtales

Whatthough,ifyouonlyhadoneday?Fearnot,geta tasteofNorthShieldsfollowingthisself-guided whistle-stopwalkingtour Perfectforbothfellow localsrediscoveringtheirtown,andvisitorswanting toknowwhatit’sallabout,thiswalkingtouris blendinglocalhistory,fabulousfood,andscenic mouthofTyneviews,leavingyouwantingmore,and rightlyso

ROUTEOVERVIEW

Distance:4miles

Duration:2hours(excludingstops)

Terrain:Mostlyflat,somecobbledstreetsnear theFishQuay,hillydescendingtotheFishQuay andascendingtoNorthumberlandPark

WALKINGTOUR

WithgreattransportlinkstothenearbyPortofTyne, Newcastletowncentre,andsurroundingareas,start yourwalkatthenewlydevelopedNorthShields Interchange(1) Partofthecurrentlystillongoing multi-millionAmbitionforNorthShields redevelopmentplan,thetransportinterchange,town squareandBedfordStreethavebeentransformedto welcomingspacesforvisitorsandlocalsalike Feel freetospendsometimeheretakinginyour surroundingswhilegrabbingyourfirstfoodytreatof thedayatoneofthemanyindependentbakeriesor cafes,suchasRPlace,Warren’sKitchen,orPia’s ArtisanBakery

@thatstats|RiversideEmbankmentWalkway

Deliciouspastryandhotdrinkinhand,headtothe RiversideEmbankmentWalkway(2)foryourfirst properexpansiveviewofthestunningmouthofthe Tyne,andNorthShieldsLowTownandFishQuay. Havingbeenacompletelyovergrownandunsightly bankwiththesteepestflightsofstairsleadingdown tothetown’sbustlingUnionQuay,thenewlycreated step-freewalkwayhasinstantlytransformedthelook andfeelofthiscrucialquaysidelink Thisisnotonly foritsstunningviewsandhandyaccesstotheFish Quay,butalsoforitsimpactonhealthandwellbeing.Youwillalwaysspotsomeoneusingthe walkwayfortheirdailyexerciseormakinguseofthe manystrategicallyplacedbenchestakinginthe tranquilviewsandlandscaping,andsoonthe impressivesculptureofMaryAnnMachambreaking outofchains,representinghermomentoffreedom asshearrivedinNorthShieldsin1831fleeing enslavementinAmericabystowingawayonaship

ArrivingatNorthShieldsLowTown(3),theoldestpart ofNorthShields,onceamazeofwindingstreetsand alleywayshometomanylonggonedirtyseedy drinkingdens,makesuretostopandsayhellotothe HerringGirl(4) Amonumentcommemoratingthe importanceofwomeninthefishingindustry,itisnot onlyremindingusoftheoriginalherringgirls,who followedthefishingfleetdowntheeastcoastof EnglandfromScotland,butalsothemanyfishwives andwomenworkinginsmokehouses Showing remarkablephysicalstrengthandresilience, processing,packing,carrying,andsellingthecatch broughtin,alltheseremarkablewomenwere,despite thedeeplyembeddedseafaringsuperstitions, underpinningthesuccessofthefishingindustryand contributingsignificantlytothelocaleconomy

ContinuetheroutewalkingdownMaitland’sQuay, alongUnionQuay andpastNorthShields’working F s g e m

n a usuallyfindanexhibitionworthvisiting,walksand talksworthattending,andlocalartworthexploring Whileyou’rethere,findyourwaytothebalconyto enjoyauniqueviewoftheriverandClifford’sFort (7),thenextstoponourwalkingtour

Builtinthe17thcenturytostrengthenthedefencesof themouthoftheTyne,littleremainstoday,butsome ofthefortwalls,gunembrasures,andmotesite The fortsitespannedfromwhatisnowtheMolten Buildingtothenorth,allthewaytotheOldLowLight’s courtyardtothesouth,withsomeofthesurviving buildingsnowconvertedintofishcuringhouses, offices,andtheOldLowLightitself

OldLowLight|@thatstats

Leisure

Leavingthishistoricsite,don’tforgettopeekinside thevariousfishmongersliningthecourtyardto admiretheimpressivearrayoffreshfishand seafoodonoffer,andmaybewetyourappetitefora possiblelunchstoplater Turningthecornerpastthe wallsofthearchitecturalgemthatistheMolten Building,headtowardsFiddler'sGreen(8),an impressive10ftstatuelookingouttosea,tospenda momentcommemoratingthemanyNorthShields fishermenlostatsea

o o eda e ay, s a ay oud eadyou intoTynemouth,butyouwouldliketoheaduponeof thepathsalongthebankinsteadtoenjoyanother greatvantagepointofthemouthoftheTyne Asit’ll betimeforlunch,youcaneitherstopatOxfordStreet CarParktoenjoyasnackfromthePenBalCoffee van,orheadbacktotheLowTown,whereyou’llfind anarrayoftakeawayorsit-inlunchoptions,suchas LindisfarneSeafoodsforkipperorcrabsandwiches, LowLightsTavernformostdeliciouspies,Waterfront forfishandchips,MoltenCafeforfantasticgelato,or anyoftheothergreateateriesalongUnionQuayfor amixtureofdifferentcuisines

Afterlunch,headupthehillalongTannersBankand crosstheroadintoNorthumberlandPark(10),a tranquiloasisinthemiddleoftown Theparkyousee todaywasregeneratedin2012,buttherehasbeena parkheresince1885,whichhasbeenenjoyedasa publicgreenspaceeversince.ThishistoricVictorian parkhassomuchtoofferandissobeautifullylooked after,youcouldspendhoursexploringthebeautiful flowerbeds herbgarden pond andintriguing

NorthumberlandPark|@thatstats

TynemouthRoadentrance,headbrieflyeastalong themainroadbeforetakingHudsonStreettogetto thecornerofTyneStreet,whereyoupasstheoldest puboftheboroughwithafemalefigureinfront,a ‘WoodenDolly’(11),oneofmanyinNorthShields. Originallyfigureheadsoflocalshipwrecks,these figureshavebeenafeatureofthetownforover200 years

The Fish Quay would have been a hive of activity with thousands of people making their living from this busy port. @thatstats|FishQuaySands

ContinuingyourwayalongTyneStreet,you’llbe passingthebeautifulTrinityBuildingsaswellas BeaconHouse,whichwastheoriginalHighLight guidingshipssafelyalongtheriver Itwasreplaced bytheNewHighLight(12)acrosstheroadin1807, whichinturnwasdecommissionedinthe1990sand isnowaprivatehome.Spendamomenthereto appreciatethesurroundings CanyouspotNorth Shields’hiddenfishscape,orthestatueofoneofour famousresidents,StanLaurel?Thatisindeedone halfofthecomedyduoLaurelandHardy,wholived onDockwraySquareinlate1800 Itissaidthesteps leadingdownthebankfromDockwraySquare inspiredthefamouspianosceneintheduo’sfilm “TheMusicBox”.

LOCALINSIDERTIPS:

Ifyou’reintriguedtofindoutevenmoreabout NorthShieldsandexplorethiswonderfultown further,wewouldhighlyrecommendfollowing NorthShieldsHeritageTrailortheBluePlaque Walkonyournextvisit

Foranyvintageandsecondhandlovers,you won’tbedisappointedinNorthShields.Checkout themanyindependentstoresandcharityshops tobefoundalongHowardaswellasBedford Street

@thatstats|NewHighLight

KeepheadingalongTyneStreetuntilyoureachthe topoftheRiversideEmbankmentWalkwayagain, andtakeonelastpanoramicglanceoverNorth Shields’stunningriversidebeforeheadingup throughHowardStreet(13)towards NorthumberlandSquare Builtinthe18thcentury duringBritain'sGeorgianera,bothdevelopments wereseenastheflagshipoftheNewTown,and today,wellover200yearslater,wecanstillenjoythe elegantarchitectureofwhatisnowtheCultural Quarter Manycreativeventureshavechosenthis areatobetheirhome,soyouwillfindgalleries, workshops,aswellasvintagesellershere.The recentlyredevelopedNorthumberlandSquare(14) surroundedbystunningGeorgianterracesisa particularlybeautifulandtranquilspace,anda perfectlaststoponthiswalkingtour,whereyoucan sitback,relaxyourtiredfeet,andplanyourevening adventures

WehopeyouenjoyedexploringNorthShields withus.We’dlovetohearyourexperience andareintriguedtoknowwhatelseyoumay havediscoveredonyourtrip.Shareyourstory withusonInstagram@ilovenorthshieldsor emailusonilovenorthshields@outlook.com.

NorthShieldsisconstantlychangingand developing Keepyourfingeronthepulseby following@ilovenorthshieldsand @northshields peopleonInstagramandnever missthelatestbar,caféorrestaurantopenings, getnewsaboutexcitinglocalprojectsbefore anyoneelse,andstayupdatedonlocalevents youdon'twanttomiss

Ifyoudon’tneedtorushoff,wewouldhighly recommendendingyourdayinNorthShieldinone ofthefantasticNewTownbars Greatplaces aplenty,makingachoicewillbedifficult,soyou couldconsiderTheExchange1856,Chalet86,The TwoPennies,BabaYagas,andmanymore

NorthumberlandSquare|@thatstats

LIAM FENDER NORTH SHIELDS 800

MUSIC AND COMMUNITY

ByMarkTavender

Thisyearmarksthe800thanniversaryof NorthShields,andthetownispullingoutall thestopstocelebratethismilestone Throughouttheyear,avibrantcalendarof eventswillshowcasethetown'srichhistory, culture,andcommunityspirit.From spectacularparadesandexhibitionstolive musicandheritageprojects,there's somethingforeveryonetoenjoy.

Thisanniversaryisasignificantmomentfor thepeopleofNorthShields,providingan opportunitytoreflectontheirtown'spast, celebrateitspresent,andlookforwardtoits future It'sachanceforthecommunityto cometogether,strengthenbonds,and createlastingmemories.Thecelebrations willnotonlyhighlightNorthShields'unique identitybutalsoboostlocalprideand attractvisitors,contributingtothetown's economyandvibrancy.

Theyearlongcelebrationskickedoffinfine styleatTheExchangeon31January2025 andoneartistwhoepitomisesthecreative talentthatexistsinthetowntreatedusto twoofhissongs-ManDownandLoveWill Conquer.

LiamFenderisoneofNorthShields’finestatalentedmusicianandmultiinstrumentalist-andIsatdownwithhima weeklatertodiscusshismusicandwhat NorthShields800meanstohim

Westartedbytalkingabouthowhefirstgot intomusicandwhatNorthShieldswaslike whenhewasgrowingup

‘MyDadworkedinarecordingstudioand he’ddragmealong Iusedtolovejust hittingthedrums HewasinabandandI usedtogoalongandwatchhim,’recalls Liam

Musicwassomuchpartofhislifefroma youngagethathefindsithardto rememberthefirstgighewentto

‘ButIdoremembertheFishQuayFestival.It wasquiteexcitingasakid,andpretty unimaginablenow Ithinkitwasoneofthe biggestfreefestivalsinEuropeatthetime,’ saysLiam.

Ipointoutthatthetownsoundedvery vibrantbackthenandaskhimifthings havechangedsince

‘Yesandno’,hesays.‘It’salwayshada roughandreadyedge.’

Likeallgoodthings,theFishQuayFestival cametoanendandthelastonetookplace in2005-ithadtobesuspendedbecause ofsafetyconcerns,avictimofitsown success

‘Butithadalsobecomemorecorporate andalittlebitcontrivedandlessaboutthe town,’saysLiam.

BynowLiamwasaconsummate songwriterandmusicianbuttherewere fewopportunitiesforemergingartistsinthe towntogainexposureandrecognition.The musicscenehadbecomealittleonedimensionalwithbandsplayingmainly coverversionsinthepubsandclubs.

‘Sometimesyoucouldsneakoneofyour ownsongsin,’recallsLiam

Slightlydisillusioned,Liamtookastepback fromthemusicsceneandtookupa regular9to5job,whichheenjoyed.It providedaconsistentroutineandcertainty whichthemusicscenecouldnot

By2020,hisappetiteformusicand songwritinghadreturnedandhehadbeen offeredadealbyasmallindependent recordlabel But2020hadotherthingsin mindandinMarchofthatyear,wewereall inlockdown.Liamfreelyadmitshedidn’t copewellwiththeregimebutsaysthe experiencemadehimchangehis perspectiveabouttheworld.

‘IwasquitepoliticallyactivebutnowI’m verymuchfocussedonwhatIcandolocally andimmediatelyaroundme.Whenyousee theselittlecommunitythingshappening, that’swhatgivesyouhope,’Liamsays

Liamhasaverykeensenseofcommunity andIpointoutthatthiscomesacrossinhis musicvideoforhissong‘TimesComes Around’ShotintheheartofNorthShields involvinglocalpeopleitcouldbeviewedas ashowreelforthetownandwhatitisliketo livehere,wartsandall

‘Italmostcameacrossasapre-promotion videofortheNorthShields’CulturalQuarter butIhadnoideathatanyofthiswas happeningatthetimeweshotit!’Liam pointsout.

LiamhopesthattheNorthShields800 celebrationswillbringarenewedsenseof prideandculturalidentitytothetown.He believesthattheincreasedattentionand investmentintheareawillprovide opportunitiesforlocalartists,including himself,toreachawideraudience

Whileacknowledgingtheobviouspotential benefitsoftheculturalquarterdevelopment andtheNorthShields800celebrations,Liam alsoexpressessomeconcernabout gentrificationandtheneedtoensurethat thelocalcommunityremainsinvolvedand benefitsfromthesechanges He emphasisestheimportanceofsupporting grassrootsmusicvenuesandfosteringa sustainablemusicsceneintheareathatis accessibletoall,regardlessof socioeconomicbackground

Despitehisgrowingsuccessand undeniabletalent,Liamremainsremarkably modestandself-effacing.

Heattributeshisachievementstosimply ‘stickingatitlongenough’butisalsoquick toacknowledgethathisbandmembersare abigpartofit Heknowsthathecanrelyon themtobethereforhim,bothonandoff stage.Hepointsoutthatnotonlyarethey hisbandmates,theyarehisgoodfriends Thismakesforaverycreativeand collaborativeenvironmentwhereeveryone feelscomfortablecontributingtheirideas.

Heexpressesgenuinesurpriseatbeing consideredaleadingrepresentativeof NorthShields'burgeoningmusicand creativescene Hishumilityisevidentinhis reluctanceto‘blowhisowntrumpet’orselfpromote,atraitthatheacknowledgescan beachallengeinthemusicindustry.His down-to-earthnatureandfocuson communityandconnection,ratherthan personalaccolades,furtherunderscorehis genuineandunassumingcharacter

Ashepointsout,‘I’mjustLiamfrom Shields.’butNorthShieldsisveryluckyto havehim.

NORTH SHIELDS GETS READY TO BID THE AUCTION HOUSE

ByMarkTavender|PhotographybyYvehenSlabun

FortheresidentsofNorthShieldsandthesurroundingareas,thenameHuscroftshas becomesynonymouswithuniquefindsandatouchofnostalgia Situatedbetween TynemouthandNorthShields,thisfamily-runbusinesshas,foryears,beenatreasuretrove forthoseseekingdecorativesalvage,vintagegems,andintriguingantiquities.Now,the ownerofthisbelovedshopisembarkingonanexcitingnewchapter,branchingoutintothe worldofauctionswiththeupcominglaunchofTheAuctionHouseonTynemouthRoad This venturepromisestobringafreshdynamictothelocalantiquesscene,offeringanew platformforbuyingandsellingcherisheditems.

Thenewventureistakingshape,promisingtobringthethrilloftheauctionhousetothe localcommunity.IrecentlyhadthepleasureofsittingdownwithMaxandMatty,his businesspartner,todelveintotheirjourneyandwhatwecanexpectfromtheirnew endeavour

Ourconversationbeganwiththebuzzofactivitysurroundingtheiropening."It'sbeenquite good,really,"Maxreveals,explainingtheinfluxofitemsandcuriousvisitors.Itisclearthere isalreadyastronglocalinterest,withpeopledroppingintobrowseandevenbringingin theirowntreasuresforevaluation

Max'sjourneyintotheworldofantiquesisfarfromtraditional.Itallstartedwithcarboot salesalongsidehissister,whichsoonevolvedintoasoloventure "Iwasalmostmakingas muchmoneydoingcarbootsasIwasafull-timejob,"herecallswithachuckle Thiswas backinthedaysbeforetheinternet,relyingonpublicationslike"Loot"andevenabitof"skip diving"tosourceuniquefinds.AcareermovebroughthimtotheNorthEast,puttinghis passiononholduntiladecadeagowhenshowslike"SalvageHunters"reignitedhisspark

LMattyRMax

"IsaidtomywifeIwantedtoquitthecareerI've beeninfor16yearsanddosomething,"saysMax. Whatstartedasbuyingandsellingafewitems onlineevolvedintothepurchaseoftheveryshop thatwouldbecomeHuscrofts Itseemsfate playedahand,asMaxhadadmiredthebuilding yearsprior,mistakingitforanantiqueshopwhen itwasapawnbroker.Ipointoutthatitsounded likeitwasmeanttobe"IguesssoIsuppose, maybeitisfate,Idon'tknow,”saysMax

Thename"Huscrofts"carriesapersonaltouch, honouringMax'swife'sfamily."Herfamilydidalot formeandIwantedthenametocontinue,”he explains.It'sthispersonalconnectionthataddsa uniquecharmtothebusiness

Mattyjoinedtheteamnearlytwoyearsago, bringinghisexperienceinauctions,house clearancesandasharedpassionforantiques "Westarteddoinghouseclearancestogether," Mattyexplains,"Weweretwoseparatebusinesses butworkedwellwitheachother"Itwasthis partnershipthateventuallyledtotheideaofan auctionhouse "Ithinkthewaythatwe'regoing, weshouldhaveanauctionhousenow,"Max recallsMattysuggesting,leadingthemtoexplore potentialauctionvenues.

Maxalreadyownedasecondpropertynearby whichheprimarilyusedforstorageuntilit becameanextensionofhisantiqueshop.Itis thesepremisesthatarenowgoingtobeusedas TheAuctionHouse

Theupcomingauction,scheduledforJune2nd,is generatingsignificantexcitement.Thiswillbe precededbya2-weekviewingperiodwhere potentialbuyerscanattendtheauctionhouse andviewitemsthattheymaywanttobidfor BothMaxandMattyarekeentomakethe experienceaccessibletoeveryone,notjust seasonedcollectors."Wearepurposelytryingto makeitaccessibleforeverybody,"theyboth emphasize,referringtowhattheycalla"newbie tab"ontheirwebsiteexplainingtheprocessfor first-timebuyersandsellers

Theyaimtorecreatethebuzzoftraditional auctions,wherepeoplegatherinaroom,rather thanrelyingsolelyononlinebidding Mattytells methatsomeauctionhouseshavelostthat feelingofexcitementofattendingaliveauction becauseofpeoplejustsittingathomesubmitting bidswhilsttheauctionisongoing "Butwe’vegot nointernetassuchtoallowforlivebiddingto takeplace,”Mattyconfirms,emphasizingtheir commitmentofprovidinganin-person experience

Sustainabilityisalsoanimportantaspectofthe business "Theindustryisveryenvironmentally friendly,"Maxstates,highlightingthevalueof quality,second-handitemsthatarebuilttolast BothMaxandMattylamentthedisposablenature ofmodernsociety,contrastingitwiththe enduringappealofwell-madeantiques.

Asourconversationdrawstoaclose,wediscuss thepracticalitiesofrunninganauctionhouse, fromcataloguingitemstohandlingpayments MaxandMattyarecommittedtotransparency andfairness,aimingtooffercompetitive commissionrates.They'realsoplanningvaluation days,includingoneattheNorthShieldsMarina,to encouragepeopletobringintheirtreasuresfor appraisal

MaxandMattyarebuildingmorethanjustan auctionhouse;itwillbeacommunityhub,a placewherehistory,passion,andalovefor uniquefindscometogether AsMaxputsit,"Ican saywithhandonheartthathavingtheantique shophasbeenalifestylebusinessforme It'sjust beenapleasure,youknow?"

With340itemsalreadycatalogued,there'splenty tosee FromVictoriansilvertoboxlotsofrecords, thevarietyisimpressive.MaxandMattyare activelytakinginconsignments,sothecollection issuretogrow.

HavingmetandchattedwithMaxandMattyitis abundantlyclearthatTheAuctionHouseismore thanjustabusinessventure It'salabouroflove,a celebrationofhistory,andatestamenttothe enduringappealofuniqueandwell-loveditems "It'sexciting,"Maxadmits,"butit'sabitnerve wrackingaswell"

Matty

YELEANOR VISITS ILNS CREATIVE CAFE

“Iwenttothedoctorandsaid,‘IthinkI’mpregnant’Thedoctorreplied,‘Ifyouthink this,youprobablyare.Comebackwhenyou’resure.’”

ThatwasjustoneofthebrilliantstoriesEleanorsharedattoday’sILNSCreativeCafé, hostedbyteamPaulineStewart Eleanorwasbornin1946neartheferrylandingand haslivedherwholelifeinNorthShields Shehadusallhookedwithhermemories

WhatdoesshemissmostabouttheoldShields?Theshops “Youcouldgeteverythingbackthen,”shesaid,“fromahorsetoahorseshoetoabox ofnails!”Thetownwasfullofcharacters,andthestreetsbuzzedwithlife,especially withalltheshipsarrivingfromaroundtheworld.

Oneofthemostcommonquestionspeopleusedtoask?“Where’sTheJungle?” anodtotheinfamousvenuethateveryoneseemedtoknowabout

Welearnedwhysomewomenleftapricetagonthesolesoftheirshoes,howpub chairsstuffedwithhorsehairweren’tthecomfiest,andhowwomenworkingatTyne Brandusedtohidemessagesintins,hopingasoldiermightfinditandwriteback

Eleanordoesn’ttouchaspirin homeremediesarethewaytogo andhonestly,we could’velistenedtoherforhours ThesearethestoriesthatkeeptheheartofNorth Shieldsbeating.

Shareyourstorywithus,orjustdropinforacuppa,welovetomeetyouinperson. Everyoneiswelcome!

ILoveNorthShieldsCreativeCafe:EveryMondaybetween11-14hrsattheLiveWell WithCancerCommunityHub,NileStreet38NorthShields.

Eleanor

GRANNY’SATTICBARGAIN STCOLUMBA’S

ByCarolineOswald

ThefamousGranny’sAtticsalesatStColumba’sUnitedReformChurchonNorthumberlandSquarearea thingtobehold.NormaMcAvoy,trustee,explains:“Itallstartedasjustawhiteelephantstallintheflatsnext door”Theeventgrewalongwithitspopularityandnowoccupiesthewholechurchhall,withstallsselling clothes,shoesandbags,jewelleryandfancygoods,householdandbric-à-brac,books,recordsandDVDs, toys,curtainsandbedding Getthereearlyifyouwantthebestbuysaspeoplewerereportedlyqueuing alongthestreettogetinwhenitwaslastheldinNovember!

ThereusedtobetwoGranny’sAtticsalesayear,inspringandautumn,butlastyearanadditionalsummer salewasheld,whichwasagreatsuccess:“It’samazing,”saysNorma,“theyallswarmin!Thehallisalways packedwithstuff”Sowheredoesitallcomefrom?WhenIaskhowthechurchappealsfordonations,Norma claims:“Wedon’tneedtoadvertise.Peoplejustkeepbringingthings.It’sallthroughwordofmouth.”There aredefinitelybargainstobehad:“It’scheaperthanthesecond-handshops,”Normaproudlystates,“wehad somefabulouswintercoatsatapoundeachlasttime!”Somevaluableantiquesareoftenonsale,andthey sometimesgetprofessionaldealersturningup Perhapsthatiswhypeoplestartedvoluntarilypayinga20p entryfeeeventhoughitwasn’toriginallyrequired Thecharityshopsarenotmissingout,either Afterwards, alltheleftoveritemsarearrangedinatidyorderatthebottomofthehalltobecollectedbyStOswald’s Hospice Othercharitablecauseschosenbythechurchalsobenefitfromtheprofits,suchasTynemouth VolunteerLifeBrigade,whichwasnominatedlastyear.

AswellastheGranny’sAtticsales,StColumba’sisapopularwarmstopduringtheannualNorthShields ChristmasMarket,withspecialexhibitionsinthechurchbuildinganduniquehandmadegiftsandcardsfor salealongsidedeliciousrefreshmentsservedonvintagechinateasetsinthehall Freshlymadeaffordable mealsarealsoavailableinthechurchhallallyearroundeveryTuesdayfrom10:30amto1:30pmatCafe 221 ThereisaSaturdaycoffeemorningrunbytheHANDS(HereAndNowDoingSomething)ladies’group and‘EarlyBird’breakfastsareprovidedtothoseinneedfrom7to9ameverySundaymorning Otherregular activitiesheldatStColumba’sincludetheParents&ToddlersgrouponWednesdaysand‘MessyChurch’arts andcraftssessionsonSundayseverysixweeks.TheirmainworshipserviceiseverySundayfrom10:30amto 11:30amfollowedbyteaandcoffeeinthehall Thereisasecondservicefrom6:30pmto7:30pmonthelast Sundayeveningofthemonth.

Therewillbeextraeventsthisyeartomarkthe800thanniversaryofNorthShields,sinceStColumba’srootsin thetowncanbetracedbackasfarasthe17thCenturythroughsevenlocalchurchesofdifferent denominations,withacombinedhistoryofalmost1000years ThecurrentbuildingonNorthumberland SquaredesignedbyJohnDobsonwasfirstusedbythecongregationoftheUnitedPresbyterianChurchin 1857 In1929theSquareBuildingTrustwassetupbyRowlandLishman,elderofthechurchandlocal philanthropist,tobuildlow-costhousingforpoortenants.Thetrustmaintainslinkswiththechurchtothisday andthiswillbeexploredinasummerexhibitiontocelebrateNS800,withthethemeofpast,presentand future.ThiswillbeinconjunctionwithStColumba’sStrawberryFayreon7thJune,thesamedayasthe YMCA’sPicnicintheParkeventinNorthumberlandSquare Afterviewingtheexhibitioninthebeautifulchurch interioryouwillbeabletomovethroughtothehalltosamplerefreshmentsincludingscones,strawberries andtraybakes

TalkingabouttheteasbringsNormabacktoatreasureditemshepurchasedatoneoftheGranny’sAttic sales,anexquisiteoldsetofcrockery:“Icouldn’ttakemyeyesoffit Ineededanotherteasetlikeaholeinthe head,butIdecidedtobuyitsothatitcouldstillbeusedandenjoyed.Itinspiredmetostarthosting afternoonteasinmyhomeforgroupsoffriends Theyloveit!”Thisyear’sGranny’sAtticsaleswillbeheldon 9thAugustand1stNovemberatStColumba’sU.R.CChurchHall,NorthumberlandSquare.Getalongand grababargain!Tofindoutmoreaboutwhat’sonatStColumba’s,goto:wwwnorthshieldsurcorguk

NORMA

NORTH SHIELDS FISH QUAY FESTIVAL

ByCarolineOswald

ImeetCarolAlevroyianniandRichardBroderick (Brod)inCarol’skitchen,surroundedby memorabiliafromtheNorthShieldsFishQuay Festival.Thepairworkedontheannualmusic andartseventforoveradecade,helpingshape itfromhumblebeginningsintoamajorcultural celebration.Theirimpactisclear.

In1986,CarolwasworkingforNorthTyneside CouncilasartsofficerwithPrincipalArtsOfficer, TimArcher:“Wewereatinyteambasedinthe BuddleArtsCentre. TheFishermen’sAssociation approachedusastheywantedtohaveapartyin thefishshedstocoincidewiththeTallShipsRace thatyear Theyintendedtoinvitepeoplefromthe townaswellasthefishingcommunity.”Brod interjects:“BearinmindtheFishQuaywasnotlike itistoday Thoseshedswerefallingdown There wasnofishmonger Youhadtobuyfishbythe stone!”Nevertheless,Carolwentalongtomeet NorrieMorse,fishermanandboatownerand JohnCarter,ofCaleyFisheries Intheenditwas toolatetoorganiseanythingforthatyearbutthe ideawassparked Timsawtheopportunityto createsomethingspecialupNorthcelebrating thefishingcommunityalongsideCoventGardenstylestreettheatreandlivemusic.

Atthetime,economicdevelopmentmoneywas availableforareasofindustrialdecline North ShieldsdefinitelyfitthisdescriptionandTim securedmoneyfromtheUrbanRegeneration Fund(URF)toholdthefirstFishQuayFestivalin 1987.

TheannualFishermen’sRegattawasalost tradition,withdecoratedboatsgoinguptheriver toNewcastleforadayout Timwantedtobring thatbackandtalkedtheFishermen’sMissioninto movingthe‘BlessingoftheFleet’ tothefestivaldatetoo.

ThelateMayBankHolidaywaschosenforthe bestchanceofdecentweatherandtogetthe schoolsonboard(Brodpointsoutthey disregardedthefactthattheFishQuayhadbeen underwateratthistimeofyearonmorethanone occasion,beforethewavetrapwasbuiltinthe 1990s)

Timwantedtoinvolvethelocalcommunityas wellasthefishingindustry.Heneededabigger teamofpeopletomakethefestivalhappenand recruitedFreeformArts(laterNorthernFreeform), ledbyMartinGoodrich Martinappealedforlocal artistswhowantedtowork.Brodwasputintouch withFreeformbyfellowartist,SallyBrown Martin asked“Canyoumakestuff?”towhichBrod replied,“Aye,abit”Martinconfirmed:“Okay, you’rein.Doyouknowanyoneelse?”Sincethe paywasabitbetterthanthedole,Brodagreed, bringinginfriends,GrahamRobinsonandPete Curran

Theywerejoinedbysecretweapon,Boris Howarth,ofWelfareStateInternational,avibrant collectiveofartistsproducinglarge-scaleevents andcelebrations “Iwaslearningatthekneeofa master,”Brodreminisces.“Heknewhowtoget peopleinvolvedinacarnival Idon’tknowwhere wewouldhavebeenwithouthim.”Freeformwere allaboutusinganartisticapproachtochange environmentswithincommunities,involvinglocal peopleintransformingtheirsurroundingsby redesigningenvironmentssuchasgardensand schoolplaygrounds

Theideabehindthe1987FishQuayFestivalwas simple:thefishingfleet,exhibitions,streettheatre, musicandfood “ThefirstyearwehadRayStubbs onthejazzstagebytheferrylanding,”Carol remembers Broddisagrees “No,itwasonthe WesternQuay!”Memoryisafunnything,and otherdisagreementsaboutthefinerpointsofthe festivaloftencomeup.

Carolinsists:“Weonlyhadajazzstageinthefirst year,butitwastoofaraway Themainstagewas ontheWesternQuay”Carol’sdad,Norman Brown,akeenamateurjazzmusician,suggested artistsforthejazzstagebutsadlydiedbeforethe firstfestivaltookplace.Theheadlineactthatyear wastheworldmusiccollective,GrandUnion Orchestra.Anexhibitionwasheldinthefishsheds wherethefishermenhadwantedtheirpartythe previousyear.Thewallswerelinedwithmarine plytodisplayworkbylocalartistssuchasIvan Lindsay AmberFilmsdistributedafolderof photosdocumentingthefishingindustryforall thefishshopstodisplay TheSeafishauthorityran cookerydemonstrations Therewasahuge displayofwetfishandinteractivesessionson ropemaking,netmendingandstallsselling keepsakesmadefrommaterialsfrombroken-up ships.“Thequalityofstuffonsalethatfirstyear wasthebest!”Carolproclaims Asaformer journalistmarriedtoacclaimedpress photographerJohnAlevroyiannis,Carolwanted tomakethe1987FishQuayFestivalfront-page news TheSundaySunsaidtheywouldputiton theirfrontpageif150,000peopleturneduponthe Saturdayandifshecouldgetthemayortodance atthefrontoftheparade!Bothofthesethings occurredandtheFishQuayFestivalmadethe headlines

AfterafantasticfireworkdisplayonSaturday night,Sundaymorningwasforthe‘Blessingofthe Fleet’ Freeformhadsetupabovethepostoffice onSavillestreetwheretheyworkedonthestreet pageantandsitedecorationsandsupportedthe fishermenandtheirwivestodecoratetheboats foraparadeuptheriver Brodrecalls:“Wealso hadachildren’sarenafullofworkshopsand activitiesandheld‘It’sAKnockout’style competitionssuchasthe‘FishO’limpets’ We sprayedalargestretchofpolythenewithoiland fairyliquidacrosstheWesternQuayandhad hosepipesconnectedtothefirehydrants.There weredaftraces-peopleputfishdowntheir trousers.Itwasinthedaysbeforehealthand safetyanditcouldgetdangerous!”Carolwas exhaustedafterthefirstfestivalwasover.Aswell astheorganisation,thesmallteamhadtodo muchofthephysicalsetting-upthemselves It wasonlylaterthatsherealisedthereasonforher tirednesswasthatshehadbeenpregnantwith herson!

Afterthesuccessofthefirstweekendfestival, fromthefollowingyearitranacrosstheSaturday, SundayandMondayofthebankholiday weekend TheFishQuayFestivalbecamebigger andbetter,thankstoinvestmentfrombusinesses withgenerousadvertisingbudgets:“Siemens gaveus£20,000theyeartheyopenedon Silverlink!”Carolrecalls Othersignificant sponsorswereBritishGas,NorthernElectric, GuinnessandNorthernRockFoundation “Mostof themoneycamefromsponsorshipandtradeon thesitewithacorebudgetfromthecouncil”It soonbecameEurope’sbiggestfreefestival,with upto600,000peopleattendingoverthreedays

FreeformArtsshapedthelookandfeelofthe wholeeventeachyear,creatinguniquestage decorationsandmemorablepageantsfeaturing imaginativecreationssuchasgigantic figureheadsandahugeswanmadefromtheold printingplatesfromtheChronicleandJournal newspapers.Theyworkedwithmanylocal schools WhenIsharemymemoriesofFreeform comingintomyschoolin1987tohelpusmake octopuscostumesandteachusaspecialsong anddance,Brodstatesthatthiswasinfactthe followingyear:“ShowmeaparadeandI’lltellyou theyear!1989wasthebestyearfortheboat decorationandparades.Wemadefigureheads foralltheboats Onehadathemeinspiredbythe filmSouthPacificwithavolcanoaroundthe funnel

YourStories

Itcaughtfire!”TheMortalOrchestrawasa particularlystrikinggroupofCatalonianstyle ‘gigantes’madebyBrodandGraham:“PaxNindi fromtheArtsCouncilcametoseeus.Weended upgoingontour!”TheyalsohadavisitfromChair oftheArtsCouncil,SandyNairn,whoendedup runningtheNationalGallery:“Hewasmeanttobe pickedupbymyfriend’sboatsowecouldshow himthefishscapefromafar Buttheboatwas stuckwithmyfriendoutontheriver-ithad brokendown!WejusttookhimtothePrinceof Walesforapintinstead”Freeform’sfishscapeart installation,completedin1988,stillstandsonthe banksidetoday

Theweatherdidnotusuallycauseanyproblems -thetorrentialrainactuallyaddedtothe atmosphereofAsianDubFoundation’ssetand oneyeartheRoyalNorthernSinfoniaorchestra hadtobeswiftlyrelocatedtothefishshedswhen theheavensopened!In1999CarolhadtocutBob Geldof’sperformanceshortincasethesteeldeck stagewentlivebecauseithadbecomesowet withtherainbleachingin In2001,Iremember gettingsunstrokeasIwaitedhourswithmyfriend andherdaughterforthemanufacturedpop bandHear’saytoappear “Therewasroad congestionformiles,”remembersCarol.“People werefloodingdownthebankside Isawfaces pressedupagainstthemeshfences.”This momentwasprobablythebeginningoftheend forCarol:“Ididn’treallyagreewithbringingthe popactsin”Brodsawthewritingonthewall whenthedecommissioningschemeforthe fishingboatsstarted:“Therewashorrifictension

Wecouldn’ttalktothepeopleaboutdecorating theirboatsiftheydidn’tknowwhethertheywould stillbehere.Theywereaskedtodestroytheirown boats Beautiful,woodenboats Youcanforgive themforbecomingresentful.”

ThentheTyneandWearDevelopment CorporationbegantheregenerationoftheFish Quay “Thefishermencouldseeitwasn’tabout them.Unlessyouhadabigboat,youwere stuffed”

CarolworkedontheFishQuayFestivalupuntil 2002,afterwhichitbecameasmaller-scale, morefamilyorientedevent Itendedcompletely in2006duetobudgetcutsbythecouncil The effectofwhatwasachievedoverthatperiodof timeshouldnotbeunderestimated:“Ifyoubring artistsintoaplace,moneyfollows.Itwasagreat timefortheartsinNorthShields”Thecreative spiritestablishedbytheFishQuayFestivalhas notleftthetown,whichmaintainsarichand culturalscene.

Manymembersoftheyouthbandsinvolvedin theFishQuayFestivalwentontodevelopcareers asprofessionalmusicians “Theysawthatbeinga popstarwasnottheonlyoption”Carol’sown childrenhaveundoubtedlybenefitedfrom growingupbackstage Hereldestsonworkson bandtoursafteryearsworkingwithstagetech companies.Heryoungest,attheageofsix,was taughthowtostiltwalkbyfestivalperformers He spenthis18thbirthdaystilt-walkinginBeijingand hasasuccessfulcareerasaprofessional musicianperformingattheRoyalAlbertHalland touringwithbandsliketheBaghdaddies “I rememberhimbeingstrappedtomeand sleepingthroughtheSaturdaynightfireworksas atinybabyin‘88”

CarolmaintainsthattheFishQuayFestivalisone ofthethingsofwhichsheismostproud:“As ArtisticDirectorforallbuttwoyearsbetween1987 and2002,Iwasprivilegedtobeabletobring amazingartiststothearea”Thefestivalenabled lastingcreativepartnershipsthatarestill benefitingthelocalareatoday

CarolandBrodweredeepintoplanningthe2025 WhitleyBayCarnivalwhenwespoke.“Wewanted somethingliketheFishQuayFestival,”saysCarol Now,actsfromthosedaysreturn DrumDin, MestreMemeuofOlodum,andTheMortal Orchestra

WhitleyBayCarnivalruns23–25May! Fridaykicksoffwithaticketedopeningevent. Saturday’sparadestarts11amfromWhitleyBay Metro,withanall-agesCarnivalBallthatevening. Sundayfeatureslivemusic,streettheatre,the HeritageGames,minicarshow,anda4:30pm CarnivalFinale

Moreinfo:whitleybaycarnivalcouk

HavingmovedtoNorthShieldsayearago,I’ve quicklydiscoveredthatthereisalottoloveabout thistown.Theproximitytothesea,andsunrises overthewater,beautifultreesinNorthumberland Park,PrestonCemeteryfullofflowersinspring,and thebigboats(ofcourse).Ialsolovethepeople wholiveherewhoaresoproudoftheirconnection tothetownanditshistory,andwho(aswehave seenbytheamazingresponsetoILoveNorth Shieldsmagazine)continuetocelebratewhat NorthShieldshastooffernow,withexcitementfor futureofthetown.Withthisinmind,Ithoughtitonlyrighttoaskpeopletocontributetheirstories tothisarticle Iasked “WhatdoyouloveaboutNorthShields?Whatareyourhappiest memorieshere?Doyouhaveanyhopesforthefutureofthetown?”Theresponseswerefullof fondness,joyfulmemories,hopeandnostalgia-weevenhadacoupleofpoemssentin!So,here areafewmorereasonstoloveNorthShields wI’vebeenherefor19years,Iloveitand

“IloveNorthShieldsbecauseofitsreal senseofhistoryandcharacter.Myown familygoeswaybackandthereisacloseknitcommunitywheremostpeopleyou meetwillknowsomeoneyouknow.Equally, perhapsduetobeingaporttown,North Shieldswelcomesnewpeopleandideas withopenarmsandthereisalways somethinginterestinggoingon”–

Caroline Oswald

IlovedNorthShieldswhenIwaseabairnandwhenIwasolder hspeciallyduringthesummer golidaysespeciallywhenthe rassbankswerecutandwe wouldgetapieceofcardboard andslidedowntothebottom, happydays”-

MichaelTate

MyhappiestmomentinShieldswasmeetingmypartner, Claire.ItravelledfromLondoneveryFridayafterwork, htravelledfor4hourstoseeher.Eventuallymoveduphereand aven'tlookedback.ThepeopleherearesofriendlyandIlove thebeaches.ThankyouClaireforintroducingmetothis beautifulpartoftheworld”–

ChristopherSims

MimRobson@mimrobsonartist “IlovedtheFishQuayFestivalbackinthelate80's, early90's!WeusedtoparkatTynemouthandwalk along.IrememberoneyearwhenIwasabout5,the sunwasblazingandtheplacewasheavingwith thousandsofpeople.Therewassuchanatmosphere ofnoiseandjoy.”–LouiseTolson

“NorthumberlandParkisabeautifulplaceforawalkin allseasons.Itispeacefulandserene,andoccasionally ashyWaterRailcanbespottedamongstthereedson thelake,withsometimesaMallardoraCootfor company.TheElizabethanHerbGardenisalsoaplace ofinterest,withusefulinformationonmanyspeciesof herb.ThePetCemeteryisfascinating,withit’sendearing tributestomuchmissedanimalcompanions.The friendlinessofthelocalshopkeepers,whoremain resilientandgoodnatured,evenduringthecurrent chaosonBedfordStreetduringthere-pavingand landscaping.Thelocalhumourisshownonthedelivery vanatNorthShieldsQualityButchers,whichstates“No sausagesarekeptinthisvanovernight!”TheOldLow LightsHeritageCentreonShieldsQuayisanothergem whichoffersawarmwelcome,anddocumentsLocal Historyinit’sfascinatingexhibitions.Theviewing platformgivesfantasticviewsoftheriver,anditisa greatvenueforconcertsandlocalhistorytalkstoo.It alsohasaverypopularcafe!”-

JaneDiaz

“I'velivedinShieldsallmylife,74yearsatlastcount.I havememoriesofthefishfactorysmellthatactuallystuck toyourclothesandifmamhadhungoutthewashingit neededrewashing!ForthetownsfutureIwouldliketosee moresocialhousingwithinthecentreitselftohelpimprove footfallintheareaandhelpsupportthoselessfortunate thanmyself,moreinfrastructurefortheyouthofthearea wouldalsobeagreatbenefit”–GrahamEdwards

VisitstoHadaway’swetfishshop&tothetwobrotherswhoownedthefamousfruit&vegstallnexttotheoldWoolworths MyDadjustturned90lastyear&workedatthe nowgoneSwanHuntersShipyards&tothisdaystillgoeseveryweektoLindisfarneSeafood ontheFishQuayforhiscrab&prawnsthathedresseshimself MyUncleJimmyusedto dmanagethecarpetdepartmentinagainalonggoneNorthShieldsinstitution,Walkers epartmentstore BeforesettingupFortheLoveoftheNorthin2017Iusedtoworkinthe librariesinNorthTyneside.I’vearealspecialaffinitywiththetown&it’sfabtoseeallthe positivedevelopments.”- PaulHull “IloveNorthShields becauseI'veseentheplace growandevolvesinceI arrivedhere25yearsago, andmykidshaveflourished here.It'swheretheyproudly saythey'refrom.Andrightly so IalsoproudlytellpeopleI livehereandit'swhereI havemetsomany wonderfulfolkandmadelife longfriendships.”-

Ailsa RutterOBE

“IloveNorthShieldsbecauseofthe deeprootsIhavehere.Mygreat, greatgrandmother,Septima,married ayoungriverpilotcalledWilliamin JChristChurchonachillyMondayin anuary1868 Herfather,Joseph,lived onHudsonStreetandownedapaddle steamerontheriver.Hewasdeclared tbankruptin1870andforcedtomove lothelowtown,wherehemarriedthe andladyoftheShipInnonBellStreet. There’ssomuchhistoryhereandso manyghoststhatmakemefeel Oconnectedtotheriverandthetown. fallthedifferentplacesI’velived,this istheonethatfeelslikehome”–

DianeWailes

“NorthShieldsrunsthroughmyveinsasmyMamwhowasborninthe1930’swasoneof elevenchildrenborninDeanSt.Sheworkedawhileatthe(longgone)Hilcarters “departmentstorethatoverlookedtheFishQuayontheglovescounter.NorthShieldswas ourtown”

WONDERFULPEOPLE

IsitonthebenchinthemiddleofShields, Sthemostwonderfulplacetobe. auchavarietyofhumanbeings, ndinterestingeventstosee

Eventhepigeonswillprovideentertainment, theyknowwheretofindcrumbsofbread, theydon'thesitatetoswoopdowninaflash, Ycausinghavoc,justmissingyourhead. oung,elderly,andeveryoneinbetween, Interminglingtogether, Strangerstoeachother,meetingupasone, AYou'dthinktheyhadbeenfriendsforever. sI'msittingonthebench,thinkingtomyself, it'ssuchauniqueplacetobe, puzzlingwhy,anditstaresrightinmyface, It'sthewonderfulpeopleIsee!

-WendyJackson

“We'vemadeNorthShieldsourhomeforthelast 15years.We'vemadeahome,afamilyand careershereaswellassomanyfriends.Ilove NorthShieldsforallitsdiversity,forallthe friendshipandsupportandreally,forallthe opportunitiesithasprovidedus Wewouldn'tlive anywhereelse!Ohandfinally,weloveitsomuch weevenreplayedourYorkshireweddingfrom20 yearsagoonthebeachheretoo”

Stu,KirstyandAva

BEGINNINGS(AMEMORY): NORTHUMBERLANDPARK(1969-74)

Youwerethereatthebeginning, theWeddingMarchringinginourears andahoneymooninLochaber, thenhometoablazingcoalfire incannyNorthShields

Itwasalongtimeago, butyouwerethereatthestart, yourangledpathsweavingaspell, climbingthroughloftytrees towardsanearlysummersky Wewalkedhandinhand.

Youwerethereforourfirstborn, pickingdaisiesfromyourlawns, herfirstfalteringstepstaken whilstyourgreenhouses, burstingwithdahlias, soakeduptheheatoftheday Therewerepicnicsinthepark, PaintedLadiesdriftingpast, Mallardsgreedyforbread, andWoodpeckersdoingwhat Woodpeckersdobest Itwasamagicalbeginning beneaththepark`scanopyoftrees, oldmenplayingbowlsnearby, thegentletapofwoodonjack, andbirdsongonawarmingbreeze.

Yes,itwasalongtimeago, andafarcryfromtheherringgirls guttingfishdowntheroadontheQuay justastone`sthrowfromourbackyard.

GeoffHolland

“IalwaysconsiderNorthShieldsasmyhometown.BorninPrestonHospital..RaisedinPercy Main&EastHowdon..WenttoTynemouthHighSchool...StartedmarriedlifeinSeymour Street....ChildrenborninPrestonHospital.. PlayeddartsinNorthShields&DistrictLeague...SawmyfirstmovieintheComedyCinema...Passedmydrivingtest. WalkedtotheFishQuay fromNorthumberlandDockalongthebanksoftheTyneviaAlbertEdwardLockGates...Love visitingtheFishQuaySandsarea.Happy800thAnniversary!I’veshared74yearswithNorth Shieldsinmyheart.”-AlanCottiss

A r t

JIM EDWARDS CITYSCAPE PAINTINGS

JimEdwardsisbestknownforhisdepictionsoficonicbuildingsandbridgesofthe NorthEastHisworkfallsintotwogenres,contemporarycityscapesandabstract paintingsinspiredbymanmadeformsandbuildingsBothstylesfollowatheme ofarchitecturallyinspiredstructuresanddominatinglinearform.

Edwards'cityscapepaintingsarenotstudiesfromlife,norishetryingtocapturea particularviewpointHispaintingshavetheirorigininmemory,howheremembers theworkingsandlandmarksofthecity,ratherthanastraightforward representationThecompositionsevolvefromacombinationofimaginationand selectivememory,whicharethenalteredandexaggeratedCertainbuildingsare forgottenorsimplified,creatingapersonalviewofthecity.

InAugust2015,Jimopenedhisnew59LimeStreetStudioGallery,rightinthe creativeOuseburnarea,ofNewcastleuponTyneBycombininghisstudiowitha galleryenvironment,he’screatedauniquespacetopaintin,whilstshowcasing hislatestpaintingsandlimitededitionprints.

jimedwards1@hotmail.co.uk www.jimedwardspaintings.com

P o e t r y

SonnetNE29

byRaineRutherford

ShallIcomparetheetoasummer'sday? Thouartmorerainyandlesstemperate. Whenthinkingofwistfulthingstosay, theattemptbecomesratherdesperate. ThoughhowdoIlovethee?Despitethetrepidations. Growingupinsuchadrearyoldplace hassowidenedmyimagination. Thecrashingcoaststothemetrostation, thehomelyhearthsforintoxication, mytown'seyesarenothinglikethesun, butIwouldnothaveitanydifferent. Iloveyourskiespaleandyourriverdun. Youarerough,soft,newandold, Youholdstoriessorich,waitingtobetold.

M u s i c

byMariaMaza(TynemouthPhotographicSociety)

MOUTHS OF THE TYNE COMMUNITY CHOIR

PsychologistWilliamJamessaid,“Idon’tsingbecauseI’mhappy;I’mhappybecauseIsing” Thiswasover100yearsagobutIliketothinkhewasenvisioningthefuture,andinparticular, theMouthsoftheTyneCommunityChoir(MotT) Thisfriendly,welcomingchoirmustbethe happiestbuncharound.

I’mbiased,ofcourse.WhenIjoinedinSeptember2023,Iwasimmediatelymadetofeelpart ofthiswonderfulgroup Sincethen,thechoirhavewelcomedmorenewmembers–includingmoremen-andpreviousmembershavereturned Witharound30voices,we’re smallenoughtoknoweveryone–butbigenoughtomakeahugenoise Beingacommunity choir,there’snoauditionprocessandnoneedtoreadmusic;anyonewhowantstosingcan joininthefun.Ourrepertoirecoversfolk,pop,classical,gospel,andblues,allsungacapella, meaningwe(andtheaudience)canreallyhearthesoundwemake Ourchoirleaderis BridieJackson,amulti-talentedaward-winningsinger/composerandcommunitymusician. Bridieguidesusthroughthesong-learningprocess,keepingussoundingthebestwecan Shesays,“IfeelprivilegedtostandinfrontoftheMotTchoireveryweek.Theysoundamazing andarecontinuallyimproving I’vealwaysbeenimpressedbytheirwillingnesstosinginany genre-theyloveachallenge!”

MotTstartedin2008asasix-weekcoursecalledFindYourVoice Sosuccessfulwasthis,that theparticipantsdecidedtocontinuesingingtogether...andtherestishistory.Membership wasboostedwhentheyjoinedforceswiththeDollywasherschoirfromBackworth Thereare twooftheoriginalcourseparticipants(andthreeDollywashers)forwhomTuesdayhas alwaysmeantchoirnight Therehavebeenmanyhighpointsalongtheway,suchas appearancesattheMouthoftheTyneFestival,beinginvitedtosing(twice)atBeamishpit villagechapel,andsingingattheExchangeastheopeningacttoAnthonyLo-Giudice's dancetheatreproduction,ROMA

Furtherhighlightsincludesingingatourotherfabulouslocalfestivals,amazingfundraising concerts,andtakingpartinawhalesongchoirattheOldLowLight.Thateventmadethe BBCnews!ThechoirrecentlycontributedtoARiver’sLament;aprojectrunbymusician OliverArmstrong.Throughaseriesofworkshops,weexploredwhattheRiverTynemeantto us(home,community,inspiration),graduallydevelopingthesethemestocomposeasong Recordedaspartoftheproject,we’relookingforwardtoshowcasingittocelebrateNS800. WerehearseintheBaptistChurch,HowardStreet,Tuesday730-900pm Formore information,seeourFacebookpage,orbetterstill,joinusfora(free)tastersession We’d lovetoseeyou

Facebook:MouthsoftheTyneCommunityChoir Email:mouthsofthetyne@hotmail.com

THE CREATIVES WIPE OUT MUSIC

ByMarkTavender

Basedinamodestlyappointedofficewithinthe One ThreeOnecreativehubonBedfordStreet,North Shields,adedicatedteamoffivequietlypowersa significantportionofthelocalandnationalmusic scene.ThisisWipeOutMusic:Matt,Liam,Brent, Pippa,andBradley(thelatterworkingremotely), carryingthetorchlitbytheirlatefounder,John Esplen.OneThreeOneitselfisatruemeltingpotof creativesacrossvariousdisciplinesandfuelingthe culturaleconomyofthetown.

OversteamingcupsofcoffeeatTheLounge,acozy cafeonHowardStreet,thestoryofWipeOutMusic unfolds.Fromitshumblebeginningsasaspin-offof JohnEsplen'slegendaryOvergroundRecords,alabel thatchampionedpunkiconslikeSteveIgnorantand 999,thecompanyhassteadilygrownintoa multifacetedandindispensablemusicservices provider Theircomprehensiveofferingsencompass everythingfrommusicpublishinganddistributionto complexbroadcastrightsmanagementand personalized,dedicatedartistservices They've becomeavitallinkinthechainthatconnectsartists withtheiraudience,ensuringthattheirmusicreaches thewidestpossiblereachwhileprotectingtheirrights andinterests ‘Johnwasdeeplyrootedinthepunk rockscene,andthatethospermeatedeverythinghe did Therewasaprofoundemphasisongenuine relationshipswithpeople,unwaveringhonesty,and absolutetrust,andthat’ssomethingwewanttoand willcontinuetouphold,’Mattexplainswithconviction.

Thisdeeplyingrainedphilosophysetsthemapartfrom thelarger,oftenimpersonal,corporateentitiesthat dominatetheindustry,whereprofitoftentakes precedenceoverthewell-beingandartisticvisionof themusiciansthemselves

Therearesomesimilarcompaniesthatoperateona massivescale,essentiallyjustbigcorporationsthat artistssignto,butthere’snorealrelationshipthere A lotofwhatthesebigcorporatecompaniesdois heavilyautomated,andthere’softenlittletonodirect contactwiththeartist’Thislackofpersonal connectioncanleaveartistsfeelingisolatedand undervalued,theircreativevoicesdrownedoutinthe relentlesspursuitofcommercialsuccess. Liamadds,‘Thosebigcompaniesaredealingwith literallymillionsofcopyrights,whereaswe’resittingon amoremanageable,butstillsubstantial,roughly 20,000.’

ThismorefocusedapproachallowsWipeOutMusicto providealevelofpersonalizedattentionandsupport thatissimplynotfeasibleforlargercorporations Brentchimesin,‘Inthosescenarios,youcaneasily signawayyourrightswithouteverspeakingtoareal person.’Thiscanhavedevastatingconsequencesfor artists,whomayunwittinglyrelinquishcontroloftheir musicandtheirlivelihoods.

‘Andforthosetypesofcompanies,it’softenjustabout acquiringthebiggestvolumeofcopyrightspossible,’ Mattelaborates.‘It'sanumbersgameforthem,not abouttheindividualartists’

Photocredit LisaYoung

Thisstarkcontrasthighlightsthefundamental differencebetweenWipeOutMusicandtheir corporatecounterparts ForWipeOut,it'sabout nurturingtalent,fosteringcreativity,andensuringthat artistsreceivetherecognitionandcompensationthey deserve.

Thisunwaveringpersonaltouchiswhattrulydefines WipeOutMusicandsetsthemapart Theypride themselvesonprovidingdirect,hands-onartist support,acrucialelementinhelpingmusicians navigatetheoften-confusingcomplexitiesofthe modernmusicindustry.Fromnegotiatingcontractsto securingsyncdeals,theirdedicatedeffortshavepaid offhandsomely,withnotablesyncdealssuccessfully placingtheirartists'musicinpopulartelevisionshows andmajormotionpictures.JOHN's"TraumaMosaic" wasfeaturedin"TheRookie,"MelanieBaker's"Double DeckerDeathMachine"gracedanepisodeof "WaterlooRoad,"andTVDeath's"VillageMentality" madeanappearancein"TheKillersGame"These placementsnotonlyprovidevaluableexposureforthe artistsbutalsogenerateadditionalrevenuestreams, helpingtosustaintheircareersandartisticendeavors.

‘Whenyou'retalkingtodifferentmusicsupervisors aboutthemusicthatyourepresent,you'vegottobe genuinelyenthusiastic,’Mattemphasizes,highlighting theteam'sinfectiouspassionforthemusicthey champion.‘Youhavetotrulybelieveinwhatyou're presenting’

Thisauthenticityandgenuinebeliefintheirartists' musicispalpableineveryinteraction,andit'sakey factorintheirsuccess.

WipeOutMusic'sevolutionincludesthestrategic integrationofSingingLightMusic,broughtintothe foldbyBradley,furtherexpandingtheirsuiteof servicestoincludeevenmorecomprehensive distribution,broadcastrightsmanagement,andartist developmentinitiatives Pipparecalls,‘Bradleysetup SingingLightin2019…Heneededmoremanpowerto handlethegrowingworkload,andIwasdesperately lookingforajobafterfinishingmymusicdegreeat university.Matt’sband(thefantasticPigsx7)were partofhisroster,sothat’showweinitiallyconnected I’mstillverymuchlearningtheropesonthepublishing sideofthings,butit'sbeenanincredibleexperience’

Thismergerofexpertiseandresourceshasallowed WipeOutMusictobroadentheirreachandprovidean evengreaterlevelofsupporttotheirartists,helping themtonavigatetheever-changinglandscapeofthe musicindustry

Whenaskedaboutthecompany'sorganizational hierarchy,laughterfillstheroom ‘It’svery complicated,’Mattadmitswithasmile,explainingthe sharedownershipstructure

Music

'Youhavetotrulybelievein whatyou'representing.’

‘I’mjustamereworkerbee!’Pippajokes,showcasing theteam'sstrongcamaraderieandlighthearted atmosphere.

‘Thereisn’treallyastricthierarchyassuch,’Matt clarifies ‘Wheredecisionsneedtobemade,we’lljust haveachat,andsofar,sogood.Wegenerallycometo aconsensusaboutanythingreally’

ThiscollaborativeandopenapproachhonoursJohn Esplen'senduringlegacyofopenness,transparency, andmutualrespect,ensuringthateveryone'svoiceis heardandvalued

WipeOutMusicthriveswithintheNorthEast's burgeoningandvibrantindependentmusicscene. Theirdiverserosterofartistsreflectsabroadand eclectictasteanddemonstratestheprofoundimpact thatasmallbutdedicatedteamcanhave From emergingtalentstoestablishedacts,theyare committedtoprovidingunwaveringsupportand guidance,helpingtheirartistsachievetheirfull potential Theirunwaveringcommitmentto independentmusicandtheirartistsistheirlasting legacy,andtheycontinuetobeadrivingforceinthe NorthEastmusiccommunity

TheirunassumingofficeonBedfordStreetis,inreality, avitalcoginthecomplexandever-evolvingmusic industrymachine Whiletheircrucialworkmightoften gounnoticedbytheaveragegig-goerandcasual musicfan,theircontributionisundeniableand essential.Theyensurethatartistictalentgetsthe supportitneedstoflourishandreachitsfullpotential, enrichingtheculturalandmusicallandscapeatthe sametime

[Andforthoselookingtodiscoverexcitingnewmusic, Pippaenthusiasticallyrecommendscheckingout AmeliaCoburn,CortneyDixon,andTapwaterlucy,all talentedartistsonWipeOutMusic’srosterandall scheduledtoappearattheupcomingAStone’sThrow FestivalinNorthShieldsinMay Theseartists representthefutureofindependentmusic,andtheir performancesatthefestivalarenottobemissed]

Discovermoreabouttheirworkandtheartiststhey representatwipeoutmusiccom

Theirwebsiteprovidesawealthofinformationabout theirservices,theirroster,andtheircommitmentto independentmusic.

JOHN MILTON PEACOCK THE MAN BEHIND COASTFEST

BySuzanneCoulson

Ifyou’veeverbeentoCoastFest,you’llknowthe man behind the madness — John Milton Peacock,betterknownasPeasy.Youwon’tneed tosearchhardtofindhim;justlookforthesixfoot-nowt bloke in a bucket hat, racking up more steps than a Great North Runner as he darts between venues, solving problems, checking line-ups, and making sure the whole thingrunslikeadream.

When he’s not orchestrating organised chaos across North Shields, you’ll find him trailblazing across social media turning promotion into performance art with coast fest updates, wisecrack, and the occasional parody of wellknownbedtimestoryshows(ofwhichhehasjust enough experience to stay out of legal bother… mostly) WithCoastFest25bringingakillermixof local legends, national artists, and dancefloor fillers to North Shields over three mighty days, I caught up with the man behind the hat to talk about what it takes to keep a grassroots festival growingyearonyear

Likemanygreatideas,CoastFestwasbornovera pint “Coast Fest came from, just like all the best ideas, down the pub,” John laughs “We were chatting and thought – wouldn’t it be great to have our own music festival in North Shields? There are hundreds of bands and fantastic singers from the area” Originally imagined as a modest outdoor gathering for 100–200 people, the project was initially interrupted by the pandemic. But rather than pack it in, the team kept the idea alive, determined to make somethinghappenoncerestrictionslifted

“Wehadsomegrantfundinginplacejustbefore Covidhit,”heexplains “Obviously,Covidputthe blockerson.Butassoonaswewereallowedback out,wedecidedweweregoingtobuildamusic festival,andthenextthingyouknow,wehad nationaltouringheadlinersandtheeventwesee today!”Threeyearslater,whatstartedasawild ideaintheboozerhasgrownintooneofthemost eclecticandanticipatedweekendsonthelocal musiccalendar.

“It’sgonefrom0to100reallyquickly,”John admits,recognisinghowsupportfromlocal bandsandthewidercommunityhassnowballed yearonyear Whatbeganasasmall-scaleevent withjustacoupleofstageshasgrownintoa multi-venuefestivalspreadacrossNorthShields, nowproudlyboastingfivestages Butit’snotjust thescalethat’sevolved–it’sthespirit Foranyonewho’sbeenpartofCoastFest–whetherasoneofitsmanydedicatedvolunteers orapuntersoakinguptheatmosphereoutfront –it’sclearthatthefestivalhasblossomedintoa vibrant,inclusivecelebrationofcreativity,culture, andcommunity.Itdoesn’tjustaddtoNorth Shields’culturalidentity–it’sleadingthecharge inputtingthetownfirmlyonthemusicmap. Alongsidethestellarlivemusicline-up, festivalgoersyoungandoldcannowenjoy interactiveactivities,family-friendly entertainment,andadiversearrayoffood vendors.Witheverypassingyear,CoastFest continuestogrow–notjustinsize,butinsoul

Withmorethan160artistsperformingacrossthe weekend,Johnadmits,“It’ssodifficulttochoose,” whenaskedwhohe’smostlookingforwardto seeing.“They’reallhandpickedbyourteamor havebeenrecommendedbyotherpromotersor festival-goers,soit’sreallydifficult Butasfaras headlinersgo,Ithinkwe’vegotareallystrong line-up OntheFriday,we’vegotLaidbackLuke andgrimeartistWindowKidjoiningusonthe Fridaynight,whichcoversthedancesideofit,” recognisingthatFridaynightis‘partynight.’ Lookingaheadtotherestoftheweekend,John continues:“GlasvegasandLiamFenderare headliningontheSaturday,andIlovebothof thoseartists.JamesAllanfromGlasvegasis probablyoneofthebestsongwritersintheUK,so I’mreally,reallyexcitedforthat.”

“AndthenontheSunday,we’vegotThe LindisfarneStoryBand,whichisamazingbecause RayfromLindisfarneandtherestoftheguys supportusquitealotthroughSundayforSammy, asthey’reoneofourmainsponsors

When it comes to local talent, John finds it even hardertopindownafavourite:“It’sreallydifficult to choose which one, but there are a few standouts. Craig Redpath’s new material is absolutely fantastic, and I can’t wait for him to release it – I’ve heard his early demos and they sound really good, so I’m looking forward to seeinghimlive.”“There’sabandwhohaveplayed all three Coast Fests called Bear Park – they’re always fantastic, we always have them back They’resignedtoGaryPowellfromTheLibertines’ labelandthey’remakingreallygoodheadwayin theareaatthemoment–andnationally.”

Acknowledgingthechallenge,helaughs:“There’s absolutely stacks. It’s really difficult. There’s so much talent and such an eclectic line-up –there’sloadsgoingon.ButIthinkthebestthingto do is come down to Coast Fest for yourself, and hopefullyyou’llfindyournewfavouritebandand uncoversomegemsfromthelocalarea”

Ask any festival organiser for a weird or wild moment,andyou’llusuallygetagoodstory Ask John or anyone else within the band of brothers supportingCoastFest,andyou’llgetagreatone “The weirdest, most unexpected problem was whenCoachellasentusaceaseanddesistletter one day before the festival, telling us to change our name,” John recalls “We were called ‘Coastella’–kindofatongue-in-cheekparodyof CoachellaoverinAmerica,becausewe’reonlya smallfestival,youknow,andwethoughtit’dbea bitofalaughtocallitthat Itwasactuallyoneof thecommunitywhocameupwiththename,soI can’treallytakeanycreditforit”Withthefestival setup,readytoopenitsgates,thetimingcouldn’t havebeenworse.“Withonedaytogobeforethe festival started we received a cease and desist letter telling us that if we didn’t shut the festival down,theywouldshutitdownforus”

Whatfollowedwasalong,tensenight “I had a contact through a friend of ours – a music lawyer over in Hong Kong – who worked through the night with me because I stayed awake all night that night I was advised not to send this email, but I wrote it and sent it across anyway, and they allowed us to keep our name for ten days” The result? A scramble to rename the festival – fast. “We had to change the name toCoastFest,andifI’mhonestwithyou,itwasa namewehadtomakeuponthespot,thereand then IwishI’dbeenmorecreativewithit,but yeah–herewearewithCoastFest.Peopledon’t come for the name – they come for the music andtheatmosphereandallthegreatthingsthat goononsite”

Lookingback,Johnacknowledgesitasoneofthe morehair-raisingmomentsinthefestival’s journey

“Thatwasdefinitelyoneofthemorehairy momentsofthefestivalorganisationprocess, especiallyforourcloseteamwhohadtokeepit quietfor24hours–whichwasquitedifficult” Butdespitethedrama,thefestivaldidn’tfalter–it thrived Ifanything,theunexpectedspotlightonly fuelledthebuzz,withcuriouscrowdsturningup justtofindoutwhothisunderdogfestivalwas thathadmanagedtorattlethepantsoffaglobal giantlikeCoachella.CoastFesthadarrived-and madedamnsureeveryoneknewit

So,YouWanttoPlayCoastFest?

CoastFestisproudlybuiltonshowcasingtalent fromthegroundup,andwhilsttheirline-upmight beinthebagforthisyear,they’realwayslooking fornewactstofeature

“Ifyou’reanartistandyouwanttogetonthebill, justsendusyourstuff,”Johnsays “Wekeepthe submissionsinboxopenallyear: coastfestsubmissions@outlookcom Sendyour bio,links,presskit whateveryou’vegot We listentoeverything.It’sprobablymyfavourite partofthejob discoveringsomeonetotallynew whoendsupabsolutelysmashingit.”

FirstTimer?Here’sWhatYouNeedtoKnow Ifyou’veneverbeenbefore,Peasysaysit’sthe perfectyeartostart.

“Bringthefamily Tryabitofeverything Evenif youthinksomething’snotyourstyle,giveitago youmightjustloveit’andwithitslaid-back atmosphere,loadstoexplore,thereisreallyis somethingforeveryone–withinteractive activities,foodvendorsandastellarlineup,you won’tbelostforthingstodoorsee.

WhenaskedwhatCoastFestwouldn’tbeCoast Festwithout,Johndoesn’tmissabeat “The community.TheNorthShieldscommunityhas beenabsolutelyfantastic,andhosearethe peoplethathavemadethefestivalwhatitis today Ourfestivalorganisationteamismadeup solelyofvolunteers,includingmyself,andweall rallytogetherforthegoodofthecommunity And thenwehaveouramazingsupporterswhocome alongeverysingleyearandsupportthebands andhaveagreatweekend,soyeahdefinitely, CoastFestwouldn’tbeCoastFestwithoutthe NorthShieldscommunity”

TicketsatWegotTickets/CoastFest25 Instagram@coast.festival Facebook@CoastFest–NorthShieldsMusic Festival BandSubmissions@ coastfestsubmissions@outlook.com.

HWHO DO Y ARE? SARAH MILLICAN

ByDianeWailes

Award-winningcomedian,SarahMillican,iswellknownasaSouthShields lass-butarecentepisodeofthepopularTVshow,‘WhoDoYouThinkYou Are?’hasalsouncoveredafascinatingNorthShieldsconnection Sarah’s great-great-greatgrandfather,JamesHoult,earnedhislivingasadiver, whichmightnotsoundveryremarkablenow,butinthemid-1800swas highlyunusual Infact,Jameswasoneofthefirstpeopleevertoearnhis livingasadiver,originallyinWhitstableinKent,andthenlaterinNorth Shields.

Theworkwasincrediblydangerous,involvingtheuseoftherecentlyinventedOpenDivingHelmet Thiswasessentiallyasmalldivingbellwith glasswindows,thatfittedovertheheadandwasfedwithairfromthe surface.Leadweightswereslungaroundthechesttostopthediverpopping backuptothesurface Thewholecontraptionreliedonthediverstaying uprighttopreventtheairthatwastrappedinthehelmetfromescaping It’s difficulttothinkofamoreriskyoccupation!

Jamesstartedworkasasalvager,recoveringgoods-andsometimes bodies-fromsunkenvesselsofftheKentcoast.Theworkcouldbevery profitableasdiverswereallowedtokeep40%ofthevalueofwhateverthey recovered ButajobwithasteadierincomebeckonedandJamestookthe decisiontomovetoNorthShields,forajobworkingfortheTyne Commissioners,locatingsunkenwrecksandotherdebrisintheTyne.Inspite ofthedangers,Jamescontinuedinthisrolefor21years,helpingtokeepthe riverclearofdebrisandsafeforothervessels

JamesHoultdiedofnaturalcausesin1867,aged55.Hewasburiedinan unmarkedgraveinPrestonCemetery(inSectionG,oppositetheGardenof Remembrance) AnarticleintheShieldsGazettesaidthathehadbeen“very muchrespectedforhisgenialandaffabledisposition“ Hewasalsoan extraordinarilybraveman,andsomeonewhomusthavehadnervesofsteel, todothejobhedidforsolong.

CHRIS ARMSTRONG SOLID BASE NPS

I’velivedinNorthShieldsmywholelifeandhavealwaysfeltproudtocallthisplace home Iloveitshistory,itspeople,andthewayyoucanpopintojustaboutanypub, haveapint,andendupchattingtosomeonewithagreatstoryoracrackingsense ofhumour

Forthepastsixyears,I’vebeenrunningSolidBaseNPS,anaccountancyandsoftware supportbusinessbasedrighthereinNorthShields Weofferaccountancy, bookkeeping,andpayrollservices pluswe’respecialistsinaccountancysoftware likeQuickBooks,Xero,SageCloudandSage50 Beforeallthat,Iwasactuallyachef!I spentmanyyearsworkinginfast-paced,high-pressurekitchens.It’sacareerthat demandsprecision,timing,andorganisation allskillsIfoundtranslatedsurprisingly wellintotheworldoffinance.Truthfully,I’vealwaysenjoyedprocesses,order,and doingthingsproperly Thatmightsoundabitdulltosome,buttomeit’sincredibly satisfying!Itooktoaccountancyquicklybecauseitmadesensetome,andI’vereally thrownmyselfintolearningthetechsidetoo I’mnowacertifiedadvisorforahostof differentsoftwaresolutionsandlovehelpingpeoplegetsetupinawaythatmakes runningtheirbusiness(ororganisation)awholeloteasier OneareaI’mparticularly passionateaboutissupportingnon-profits Althoughweworkwithbusinessesacross manysectors,SolidBaseisalsoproudtobeacharityfinancespecialist.Werecently workedwiththeSageFoundationonawhitepaperaroundOrganisationalFinancial LiteracyandUKNon-ProfitSustainability,whichwasamulti-yearresearchproject.It reallyhighlightedthefinancialchallengesmanycharitiesface especiallywhenit comestoreporting,managingrestrictedfunds,andjugglingdifferentfunding streamsanddepartments

That’swherewecomein We’vehelpedlotsofNorthEastorganisationsgetsystems inplacethatsimplifythings,sotheycanspendlesstimestressingabout spreadsheetsandmoretimemakinganimpactintheircommunity Forsmallbusinessesandstart-ups,thechallengeisoftenthesame there’snot enoughtime,resourcesorin-houseknowledgetocovereverything That’swhywe offerbothhands-onsupportandfulloutsourcingoptions,dependingonwhatworks best.We’realsooneofthetop8%ofQuickBooksexpertsinternationally,whichmeans wecanoffertailoredtraining,support,andmigrationserviceswhetheryou'rea noviceorlookingtoimprovewhatyoualreadyuse. AndwithMakingTaxDigital(MTD)changescomingintoeffectsoon,now’sthetime forbusinessestomakesuretheirsystemsareuptoscratch.

Ifanyonewantsachatabouthowwecanhelp,I’dlovetohearfromyou. �� chris@solidbasenpscouk �� 07811422735 �� wwwsolidbasenpscouk �� ChristopherArmstrong|LinkedIn

SHOWBIZ25 CONNECT & GROW SPARKS ENERGY, INSIGHT, AND ACTION FOR NORTH TYNESIDE BUSINESSES

ThehistorichallsofTheExchange1856were buzzingwithconnection,curiosity,and inspirationonThursday10thApril,asover50 localbusinessownersgatheredforShowBiz25: Connect&Grow–amorningdesignedtofuel successthroughmindset,innovation,and meaningfulnetworking.

HostedbyNorthTynesideBusinessForumand exclusivelyopentoitsmembers,theeventdelivered exactlywhatitpromised:freshperspectives, practicaltools,andavibrantatmospherethat celebratedthepowerofpeoplecomingtogether withpurpose

MichaelJames,ChairoftheForum,openedthe morningbysettingthetone:“Todayisabout connection.It’saboutsharpeningouredge,thinking differently,andgrowingstrongertogether”Hewas joinedbyMikeGrahamslawofNorthernInsight Magazine,theeventsponsor,whoechoedthe importanceofcommunity-drivenbusiness.

BigIdeasandGame-ChangingAdvice

Thespeakerline-uppackedapunch.Kickingthings offwasLisaBean,whosekeynote“Show,Don’t(Just) Sell”hadattendeesscribblingnotesandnoddingin agreement Withinfectiousenergy,shechallenged businessownerstorethinkhowtheymarket themselvesonline:“Useyouredge Showyourvalue Letpeoplefeelyourimpactbeforetheyeverbuy fromyou.”

Next,JeniSmithbroughtthescienceandsoulof strategicnetworkingtolife.Withinsightsfromher DurhamUniversityresearchandyearsinthefield, shesharedtangibletacticsforturning conversationsintocollaborations Asoneattendee putit,“Thattalkmademerealisenetworkingisn’t aboutluck–it’saboutintention”

PascalFintoniclosedthespeakersessionswitha hands-onlookathowAIcansupportbusiness growth,notreplaceit.Fromvirtualassistantsto smarterleadgeneration,PascalhelpeddemystifyAI andshowhowitcanboostproductivityand customerengagement:“Technologyshouldserve yourstory,notsilenceit”

Therealmagichappenedbetweensessions over breakfastsandwiches,coffeerefills,andshared“aha”moments Fromfirst-timeattendeestoseasoned entrepreneurs,theenergyintheroomwaselectric Attendeefeedbackwasoverwhelminglypositive. “Greatevent!Excellentspeakers,veryinsightful”was thesentimentechoedbymany

TheNorthTynesideBusinessForumisrunbya managementgroupmadeupofmembersfrom variousindustrysectorsintheBoroughandgives supportintheformofnetworking,eventsand signpostingforgrowthanddevelopment Membershipisfreeandopentoanybusinessofany sizewithatradingaddresswithinNorthTyneside.The BusinessForumissupportedby,butnotrunbyNorth TynesideCouncil

JoinToday!

Ifyou’reabusinesswitha tradingaddressinNorth Tyneside,don’tmissouton thisfantasticopportunity JointheNorthTyneside BusinessForumtodayand takethenextstepingrowing yourbusinesswiththe supportofourcommunity

TYNEMOUTH LODGE ANNIVERSARY

ByCarolDavison

Whilst events are being planned down on the Fish Quay to commemorate the 800th anniversary of North Shields, at the top of Tanner’s Bank, another anniversary has recently been celebrated at the Tynemouth Lodge. Marking Damian King’s 25th year as manager, regulars came out in force on March 29th to party like it was 1999 – well it was actually 2000 when a youthful Damian started thejobagedjusttwenty-eightbutwhat’sayear between friends? He had been bar manager at the Grand Hotel for seven years before moving downthebanktoTheLodge,awareofthegood reputation of iconic landlord Hughie Price and hiswell-keptcellar.Hugh,whoboughtthepub in 1983 and has been trading for the past 42 years,isparticularlygratefultoDamianasheis now able to enjoy his retirement in the Lakes, knowingthepubisbeingwelllookedafter.

TheTynemouthLodgeHotel,itsfulltitle,isactually nolongerahotelthoughafteragoodsessionat the bar, some of the regulars wish it were! It is a GeorgianGrade2listedbuildingandhashadits licencecontinuouslysince1799soisuptherewith theLowLightsTavernasoneoftheoldestpublic houses in North Shields It is situated next to the old Tynemouth House of Correction which was built in 1792 and served as a local prison and courthouse until 1890. Originally, the prisoners’ meals were cooked in the hotel’s cellar kitchen and taken through to the prison via an underground tunnel which linked the two premises.Visitingcircuitjudgeswouldstayinthe accommodationprovidedatthehotelandbefed andwateredthereafteralongdayofdolingout punishmenttolocalcriminals

Back in the 1890’s, the Tynemouth Lodge was home to scandalous landlord John Rutherford The former policeman turned publican had a tumultuous marriage to a barmaid and was eventuallyjailedforhermurderin1898.

It’s unsurprising that with such a history, the Tynemouth Lodge is said to be home to a ghost ortwo Successivetenantsinanupstairsflathave reported seeing a lady in Georgian style clothing andabonnetchasingyoungchildrenintheearly hours of the morning Then there’s the bar ghost, reputed to be the spirit of William Mould, a customer who according to an 1879 newspaper article, “ordered a brandy but before the man couldgettheliquortohislips,fellbackwardsand expired”Theplaceofhispassing,theseatnextto the porch, is known to locals as ‘Deadman’s Corner.’ Damian noted that he regularly gets complaintsofamysteriouschillinthatspot,even intheheightofsummer,andthatonabusynight, this is the last seat to be occupied, superstitious customers avoiding what some call ‘Turnbull’s waitingroom.’

Leavingitsdarkhistorybehind,TheLodgeishome to much happier times and is a successful establishmentwithaloyalclientele.Withitsopen fire, William Morris style wallpaper, green leather seats and brass tables, it is every inch the traditional English pub Known for its great real ale, The Lodge will be celebrating forty years of consecutive entries in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide in 2026. Popular at the bar is Bass, Black Sheep and Tyneside Blonde from the local HadrianandBorderBrewery Inadditiontogetting a decent pint, the pub has a popular ‘no TV or music’ policy in the bar which is a draw to many customers who relish the opportunity to meet friends and enjoy a conversation without having tobattlewithbackgroundnoise

When chatting to the locals about what draws them to the place, a warm welcome by friendly, engaging bar staff was up there with the good beer. Onecustomertoldmehowheappreciated being greeted by name when he walked in and explained that he liked the place that much, he would travel to The Lodge from his home in Newcastle before eventually persuading his wife tomovecloser!

What passersby might not know, is that The Lodge has a cracking beer garden at the back The sheltered spot is a sun trap on a summer’s afternoonandasitbacksontoNorthumberland Park, a leafy and picturesque one at that On a quiet afternoon you can enjoy a drink and listen to the lush soundscape from the park and on a busier weekend afternoon, enjoy entertainment during one of the regular music and barbeque eventsorganisedbyDamian.

Duringthecolderwintermonths,thebeergarden iscoveredwithamarqueewhichallowsthemto runeventsyear-round.Damianinitiatedtheidea ofthisbeertentasatemporarymeasureduring the period of social distancing following the Covid outbreak, but recognising the potential in this extra space, decided to keep it long-term The staff have great fun dressing the tent up festively for the annual Christmas Carol singalong event which raises funds for the RNLI. It is also home for a week in October to Little Cat Theatre’s annual Halloween offering, the spooky, sell-out‘ScaryTales’shows

Sowhat,IaskedDamian,thewell-read anthropologygraduate,haskepthimatthe Lodgeforquarterofacenturyinanotoriously transientbusiness?“Lackofambition,”hejoked beforedescribinghisloveoftheplaceandthe camaraderiebehindthebar “There’salways beengreatstaffherefromdayonewhichmakes itagoodplacetobe”Thefactthatmanyofthe barstaffhaveworkedthereforyearsis testamenttoDamian’ssuccessfulmanagement style,creatingasafeandhappyworking environment Withnoplanstomoveon,wecan allberestassuredthattheLodgeremainsinsafe hands.

TheTynemouthLodgeHotelcanbefoundat24 Tynemouth Road, North Shields NE30 4AA. For more information about the history of the pub and event information, please check out their websiteandfollowonFacebookandInstagram.

Summer Events

7thJune

cnicinthePark ommunityfunday orthumberlandSquarehostedby MCANorthTynesideLiveMusic, fle,refreshments.

nd these events + more at North Shields 800 www northshields800 com

6th July

TynemouthRNLILifeboatDay 10-16 hrs

Cliffords Fort, North Shields

12th-13th July

MouthoftheTyneFestival Free street entertainment, a jazz stage, parade on Front Street.

more info at www.northshields800.com

15th August

FAMILYFUNDAY

Northumberland Park

Giant Games, Bouncy Castle, Football, DJ.

Do you have an event you wish us to cover or promote? get in touch! ilovenorthshields@outlook com

CULLERCOATS FESTIVAL 2025

AT THE WATER'S EDGE 13-14 JUNE

There’ssomethingaboutCullercoatsFestival itsneaksuponyoulikethefirstwarmday ofsummer,thenfillstheairwithmusic,colour,andthatlovelyfeelingthatyou’reexactly whereyou’remeanttobe It’sbackthisyear,andweareproudtoannouncewe'vewona grantfromTheNationalLotteryCommunityFund:AwardsforAll Thingsbuilduptoadaysupportedbyacoupleofgreatmusicaleventstheeveningbefore. atwo-daycelebrationofcreativity,connectionandgoodoldseasidejoy.

TinyArtProject

CullercoatsCanineCapersDogShow

ThebrandnewCullercoatsCanineCapersDogShowwilltakeplace inthefieldbehindtheQueensHead dogsdoingwhattheydo best:showingoff,waggingtheirtails,winningrosettes,andmaking everyonesmile.TheCullercoatsCanineCapersDogShowwilltake place,June14 from11-4pm th

OurthemethisyearisAttheWater’sEdge featuringthebrilliantTinyArtProject littleA7 sizedburstsofcreativitythatappearinshop windows,theLibrary,theWatchHouseand aroundthevillage Howmanycanyouspot?

FridayFun

There’safamily-friendlyCeilidhwithPhoenixFolkat 6pmatStGeorge’sHall,followedbyoneforthegrownupsat8.Ifyoufancysomethingabitmoremellow,a stringquartethostedbythebrilliantBradleyCreswick willbeplayingatStGeorge’sChurchat7pm.

Events

Saturday14June

CarolMaliaopensthecelebrationat

TheCrescentClub&thewhole villageseemstojoinin.Frombeach yogaat8amtoswingdancingby mid-afternoon,it’safulldayof creativityandcommunity!

Over at the Crescent Club’s Buffet Room, Harry Gallagher opens our Poetry offer with his friendly & familiar style. Followed by Peter Mortimer and lots more poetry throughouttheday Storytellingsessionsfor the little ones are happening at 11am and 1pm at Cullercoats Primary School. And if you fancy ending the day with a chuckle, headtoCBKHQat7pmforaComedyNight Whynot?

ArtisanPopUpMarket

StGeorge’sChurchHallwillbebuzzingwith the return of the Artisan Pop-Up Market (10:30am–3pm) Lotsofbrilliantmakersand artists all under one roof ideal for summergiftsoralittletreatforyourself. Find out more about the maritime heritage of Cullercoats at The Watch House - and tastethefamouscakes!

There’s a full day of dance demos, tasters and performances, from capoeira and kizombatobellydancingandsalsa joinin the workshops at the Methodist Church. You can also try offers and tasters from CBK Adventures, Cullercoats Tennis Club andBurnsSchoolofMartialArts

Fillingthevillagewithmusic

This year’s line-up brings together local favourites and rising stars. Whether it’s choirs or toe-tapping bands there’s something for everyone from Bands on the braestartingwithSpanishCityRollers(from 11 am) to the Cullercoats Primary School Choir at noon. Settle down in the afternoon to the Watch House Shanty Crew and Mariners and Marras, and then Hoodoo Blues round things off. The Tyne Idols bus is with us all day with new talent giving their all - A budding new Sam Fender lands maybe?

Alabouroflove,poweredbypeople

CullercoatsFestivalisacelebrationmade withheart createdbyvolunteers,for everyone Everyworkshop,performance,and eventhappensbecausepeoplehave generouslysharedtheirtime,ideas,and energy.

There’sstilltimetogetinvolved Ifyou’rea localbusiness orjustsomeonewholoves whatthefestivalstandsfor yoursupport canmakearealdifference Socomealong.Bringthefamily.Havea dance Stayforapint Orapoem Orboth Wecan’twaittoseeyou!

Checkoutthefullprogrammeandfindout howtogetinvolved: www.cullercoatsfestival.org

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