I Love North Shields | MARCH ISSUE 2025

I Love North Shields.

MARCH 2025 COMMUNITY: North Shields 800 Launch MUSIC: Interview Aaron Duff of Hector Gannet FEATURED: Barney Miller BUSINESS: The Seven Stars

The Salt Market Social @coastalcapturesne

ISSUE 11

The Salt Market Social @coastalcapturesne

Hello North Shields March is here, and we are fast approaching a huge milestone—our first anniversary in May! That means a year of incredible content, all made by and for the community of North Shields. This is a massive achievement for everyone involved. ‘I Love North Shields’ is truly community-powered, and none of this would be possible without your support and time. This month we bring you another amazing issue made by and for you!

As we look ahead to May, we’re facing a pivotal moment. How do we grow?

How do we build a future for this magazine? We’ve been running on passion, creativity, and sheer determination, but we now need to restructure and focus on how we work moving forward. We might decide to publish every two months after May in order for us to prepare for the next leg and give us more time to fine tune our mission.

A dedicated community space would be a dream—a place for our 30+ volunteers to meet, create, collaborate, and continue creating content for North Shields. It would allow us to offer internships, host drop-ins for people to share their stories, offer workshops, sell our mag and merchandise and most importantly, print more copies to reach even more of our community.

We’re immensely grateful for the sponsored copies we’ve been able to print each month, but the demand is growing, and we simply can’t keep up with demand! Going fully digital is the easy option but we believe in print to be inclusive and accessible for everyone in our community.

Our core team meets every second Monday of the month, this group is community powered and delivers content each month! In order for us to grow we are always looking for people who want to be part of our team If you’re interested, we have listed voluntary roles on our website—we’d love to have you join us and tap into your knowledge and expertise!

And now for something exciting—we are working on an ‘I Love North Shields’ social event! An event for us all to connect, collaborate, and meet you in person. We can’t wait to share more details with you soon—it’s going to be extraordinary!

For now, we are still here, still pushing forward, and doing everything we can to keep promoting North Shields as the place to be.

This magazine started as an idea last May—an idea brought to life by the community. And now, as we look ahead, we ask: what’s next for ‘I Love North Shields’? Let us know your thoughts! If you believe in what we’re doing and want to help secure our future, please get in touch! p.s. We have also added I Love North Shields badges to our shop. For just £5, including postage, you can show your support for us and North Shields!

With love and peace!

Simmie Harper X

Contributors Founder/Editor-in-Chief Simone Harper ilovenorthshields @outlook.com Linkedin @simonebranson Front Cover The Salt Market Social @coastalcapturesne Authors Alex Wright Bazoox aka Gene Scandall Caroline Oswald Carol Davison Diane Wailes Jake Rusby Mark Tavender Marianne Butler Mim Robson Olive Bishop Pauline Stewart Rachel Chapman Tatjana @thats.tats Sue Wilkinson Suzanne Coulson Illustrator Katie Stewart TikTok | Illustrator Jodhi Mae Rutherford @pinkpalava Photographers Coastal Captures @coastalcapturesne Lisa Young Photography Wayne Bordoli Photography Yevhen Slabun @yevphotography Megan Ramsey @megramphotos

About Us I Love North Shields is an independent community driven publication, supported by the public, operating as a not-forprofit, community-interest company.

Contact Facebook @ilovenorthshields TikTok @ilovenorthshields Twitter @iluvnorthshields Instagram @ilovenorthshields www.ilovenorthshields.com

Community

Warren's Kitchen

Hidden Gem North Shields is packed with history, art, and community pride, but one of its hidden gems—the "Fishscape" on Nater’s Bank—has slipped into the background again. Created in 1987 to mark the first Fish Quay Festival, it got a well-deserved refresh in 2019. Fast forward a few years, and it’s not really visible. With drones capturing stunning views, Instagram full of local treasures, and ferries gliding past daily, "Fishscape" could easily be back in the spotlight where it belongs. These landmarks start conversations and bring people together! We love it!

Big thanks to @soul2sand for answering the call for drone footage— your work is amazing! See the footage on instagram @ilovenorthshields

Men's Walking Group A new men's walking group, led by Mark Elliott and peers, kicks off every Monday from 12pm to 12:30pm at The Li'l Community Hub. Men – and their dogs – are invited to join in for a leisurely stroll, with a chance to connect and enjoy a cuppa along the way.

No booking required – just show up!

For more details, visit The Li'l Community Hub + Soundbites C.I.C.

Warren’s Kitchen recently celebrated its first anniversary! To thank the North Shields community, they offered free slices of birthday cake on this special day! Since opening in February 2024, Warren’s quickly became a local favorite, known for its homemade food and welcoming atmosphere.

Guests enjoyed a cuppa and joined the celebration at Bedford House on Saville Street!

Warren’s Kitchen – Bedford House, Saville St, North Shields NE29 6Q

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Remembering the Past Caroline and Simmie visited Alexandra, director of Remembering the Past at Linskill in North Shields. This amazing volunteer-led charity has been preserving North Tyneside’s history since 1997, collecting personal stories, sound recordings, and memorabilia from local life. Their digital archive features treasures, including a brilliant project on the role women played in shipbuilding during WWI. Want to explore or contribute? Visit www.rememberingthepast.co.uk or contact them at 0191 258 4623 / enquiry@rememberingthepast.co.uk.

Let's help keep these stories alive for future generations! Stay tuned for more updates!

Community

The Harvest Deep

Salt Market Stairs

Who's ready for a glimpse into North Shields' fishing industry? Peter Robinson has spent the last 10 years documenting the industry, and now it's all ready to be shared for everyone to see! Join him this July for his photography exhibition—celebrating a decade of local heritage! Stay tuned for more details on the Harvest from the Deep exhibition and book coming soon!

Instagram @eyeofthetyne

The Unofficial Opening That Got Everyone Talking! After what felt like a lifetime, the Salt Market Stairs are finally here (well, unofficially)! The announcement had people in stitches, with locals celebrating this "architectural marvel" in true North Shields fashion—plenty of banter, a free coffee bribe, and a legendary shoutout to Bertie Forster. Social media lit up with hilarious reactions, with some dubbing it the “stairway to heaven” for Fish Quay pints, while others questioned if their legs were up for the challenge. One thing’s for sure—these steps are already a local icon.

Fancy a free Jungle Coffee? Just snap a pic, tag Salt Market Social, and use #SaltMarketStairs to claim your wellearned caffeine fix. Stairs might not usually be headline news, but in North Shields, we celebrate the wins!

See the full footage @saltmarketsocial

Fish Quay Swimmers

Your Request During a recent stroll down the Fish Quay, local resident, Anthony highlighted a couple of key improvements. The new walkway could really use an access slope for wheelchair users, as they currently have to travel a long distance to find one. Another much-needed addition? A zebra crossing, which would make a huge difference for pedestrian safety with all the foot traffic and busy roads.

Share your news ilovenorthshields@outlook.com

“I’ve always said I’d love to live somewhere I could swim in the sea every day. Turns out that place is my hometown. I love North Shields.” – Kevin, founder of Fish Quay Sands Swimmers Kevin has launched a new Facebook group, Fish Quay Sands Swimmers, for anyone who loves a good sea dip!

Weekly dips are in the works, and there’s even a plan for a charity swim to support a local Shields cause.Join the group, stay updated, and let’s support this new initiative in North Shields!

Facebook: : Fish Quay Sands Swimmers

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News

LAUNCH NORTH SHIELDS 800

By Caroline Oswald The mood was buoyant as the ILNS team joined a crowd of North Shields folk to ascend the stairs into the auditorium of the recently refurbished Exchange 1865 venue for the official launch of the town’s 800th anniversary celebrations. As the guests began to take their seats adorned with souvenir programmes, badges and pens, the excitement was palpable. Not just for that afternoon‘s line-up, but for the whole year ahead.

TV’s Rachel Sweeney provided a warm welcome and we settled in for the show. First up were pupils from New York Primary School singing a specially composed piece entitled ‘Spirit of the North’. The children sang their hearts out in harmony about the region’s proud industrial past and hopes for the future. Afterwards Sweeney commented on how she had nearly been moved to tears by the emotive lyrics and uplifting tune. Next Sir Alan Campbell MP and Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE gave stirring speeches praising the town’s rich heritage, community spirit and cultural development. Then we were treated to a video presentation featuring a potted history of North Shields and its people as well as a preview of the coming celebrations. Recognition was given to notable names from the past such as Thomas Brown, Ellen Lee and MaryAnn Macham. There were messages from well known locals including Look North’s Carol Malia, Steve and Karen from Hits Radio and Lindisfarne’s Ray Laidlaw. Young Mayor of North Tyneside, Coby Black and various members of the NS800 committee also shared their affection for North Shields and what they were most looking forward to in 2025.

The projected events include parades and and a blessing of the fleet on the Fish Quay, Fishing Industry Week, Picnic in the Park, the unveiling of the Mary-Ann Macham sculpture, the Elevation wall murals project, the ‘Flight Home’ art trail, ’A Stone’s Throw’ music festival, the documentary ‘North Shields: 800 Years of Harmony’, the ‘Living River’ video and a special issue of ’I Love North Shields‘. Local history exhibitions are planned at the Old Low Light, Stephenson Railway Museum, North Shields Library and the Linskill Centre. There will also be projects to showcase children’s artwork and involve young people in becoming cultural ambassadors. The evocative soundtrack to the video was recorded by esteemed North Shields band, Hector Gannet, who generously put on two free gigs at the Exchange over that same weekend to mark the NS800 launch. The event continued to reflect the town’s music scene, finishing off with a powerful solo performance by Liam Fender. In typical unassuming style, the local lad introduced himself by simply stating, “This is a song” and promptly walked off afterwards with a quiet “Thanks” as the crowd burst into rapturous applause.

Following the formalities, guests were invited to partake in tea, coffee, cake and scones, whilst queuing up to have a chat or photo taken inside the specially provided ’selfie frame’ with the local dignitaries and celebrities, who took it all in good humour. This friendly and informal ending to the proceedings perfectly encapsulated the down-toearth spirit of North Shields, where people are treated equally no matter who they are or where they are from. Despite their humility, the folk of North Shields are immensely proud of their town. They also certainly know how to throw a party, so the 800th anniversary celebrations of North Shields will definitely make 2025 a year to remember!

News

NORTH TYNESIDE BUSINESS FORUM on the Hunt for the Beating Heart of the Community Previous winners Amanda Patterson, Megan Jones and Stephen Hull.(Highlights PR)

The Heart of the Community Award is back for 2025, ready to shine a light on the businesses and organisations that go above and beyond to support, uplift, and empower North Tyneside. This prestigious accolade honours those who put people first, making a real, lasting impact on the lives of residents while fostering a spirit of togetherness and generosity throughout the borough.

For years, this award has recognised outstanding initiatives that have left a legacy of kindness, innovation, and resilience. These winners don’t just do business; they build stronger, more connected communities.

Michael James, Chair of the North Tyneside Business Forum, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative: “This is always my favourite award from the whole Business Awards. Every nominee goes above and beyond their daily work to support the community. Their passion and generosity make a real difference in North Tyneside.”

Past winners have included the North East Nipple Project and Tynemouth Decorators.

2024 Winners, North East Nipple Project is run by Megan Jones and Amanda Patterson from Wallsend who have transformed lives through their free areola tattooing service for women recovering from breast cancer reconstruction. Their compassionate work has not only restored confidence but also provided emotional healing, proving that community care is about more than just services—it’s about changing lives.

“Our inspiring past winners have set the gold standard for the Heart of the Community Award,” said Michael James. “There are many other people, businesses and organisations in North Tyneside who champion those in need with compassion, creativity, and collaboration and we need to find them to give them the recognition they deserve.”

The North Tyneside Business Forum invites businesses and organisations to showcase how they’re making a difference. This year, the award will feature three distinct themes that highlight key pillars of community impact: Positive Impact (Until end of March 2025) – Recognising those who have made a tangible, meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Collaboration (April–June 2025) – Celebrating businesses that work together with other organisations, charities, and local groups to achieve greater impact.

Wellbeing (July–September 2025) – Honouring initiatives that prioritise the health, happiness, and welfare of the North Tyneside community.

Nominations will be open for six weeks during each phase, with a winner announced at the end of each period. These quarterly winners will then advance as finalists for the prestigious Heart of the Community Award, which will be presented at the North Tyneside Business Awards 2025 in November.

Amanda Patterson said: “It was a real surprise to win the award, and we are grateful to everyone who voted for us.

It’s lovely to know that our work is helping so many people to regain their confidence after having breast surgery.”

Anyone can nominate a business that is making a real difference, and self-nominations are welcome throughout the year. Submissions will be carefully evaluated by the North Tyneside Business Forum management team, with input from external judges, including representatives from the NTC Economic Growth team and VODA directorate.

The previous year’s winner Tynemouth Decorators is a family-run business who have painted a brighter future— both literally and figuratively—through their tireless support of local organisations like Pathways 4 All, as well as international projects such as painting schools in Gambia. Their hands-on involvement in initiatives like DIY SOS reflects a steadfast commitment to giving back and creating spaces filled with hope.

“The Heart of the Community Award is more than just an accolade—it’s a celebration of the heart and soul of North Tyneside. It’s about recognising those who give back, lift others up, and create a ripple effect of kindness, support, and positive change. I’d urge you to nominate and honour the people and businesses that truly embody the heart of our community,” added Michael James.

“We’ve helped dozens of good causes by giving away free paint and by helping in projects like the BBC DIY SOS TV programme, we enjoy doing things like this and never expected to get an award, but we are very honoured,” said Tynemouth Decorator’s owner Stephen Hull.

For more information on how to nominate or get involved, visit www.northtynesidebusinessawards.co.uk/heart-ofthe-community-award

Community

PHOENIX DETACHED YOUTH PROJECT MIKE BURGESS

By Diane Wailes Mike Burgess is retiring in June from his role as Project Manager of the Phoenix Detached Youth Project in Meadow Well. Mike says it’s been “a privilege and honour to serve the Meadow Well community”. Over the past 21 years, Mike and his small team of qualified detached youth workers have worked in-depth with 5,895 young people, supported 279 into work, 186 into training and 30 into university. And in that time he’s also raised an astonishing £3.5 million to support young people and the local community. Amazing achievements for which Mike was awarded an MBE in 2017 - which he claims stands for “Mike Burgess, Extremely Maverick”.

Mike started his working life as a joiner, and he’s also a coach for the British Canoe Union. A diploma in youth and community work, experience in outdoor education, and years of experience have given him a great combination of knowledge and practical skills to help young people.

The Phoenix Detached Youth Project was set up in February 2004, to help youngsters and their families in the most deprived part of North Tyneside; including vulnerable and marginalised young people who the mainstream services were often unable to reach. Mike vividly illustrates the lifelong impact of local deprivation with the shocking statistic that people in Whitley Bay live on average 13 years longer than residents from Meadow Well. But our conversation was far from gloomy. The Project’s work over many years has turned around the lives of many young people - and Mike is keen to stress that, “It’s the young people themselves who have done some amazing things”.

There have been many success stories. The people who have been helped by Phoenix who’ve gone on to be ambassadors for the Project; the young man who dropped into the office one day to make a £50 cash donation as a thank you for the help he’d received; another who brought in a pile of selection boxes as gifts for the young people who are being helped, as he once was.

Mike says that things were particularly tough during the Covid lockdowns. Many children in Meadow Well didn’t have access to a computer. In many families, kids had to wait until their mum or dad got home from work before they could have access to a phone to do their homework. So the Phoenix Project partnered with a businessman who’d grown up in the area, to secure laptops for 115 families.

Mike explained that each child was also sent an individual letter from this generous donor, which included the powerful message, “the limited thinking is only in your head”.

All of the activities that happen at the Phoenix Project are led by the young people themselves. It can take many months - even years - to build up the level of trust needed to help the youngsters.

One group of young girls, who called themselves ‘The Norhamers’, were supported by the project from the age of 12 right through to their mid-20s.

Another group of young men were interested in rap music, so Mike arranged for them to work with The Sage in Gateshead to develop their music skills, and two members of the group are now making a living as MCs. It’s clear that there are very many young people in North Shields whose lives have been influenced in a positive way by Mike. He measures the success of his work by the extent to which young people come to respect themselves and others, and secure jobs.

It’s clear that when he retires in June he’s going to be a tough act to follow.

You can find out more about the Phoenix Detached Youth Project, and how you can support this important work, on their website: pdyp.org

Creators

MEET CAROL DAVISON I’m a Preston Hospital baby and a North Shields girl through and through. My path in life went via Whitehouse primary, Preston High school and Tynemouth Sixth form.

Being a home bird, when it was time for university, I only made it up the Coast Road on the 308 to Newcastle. I later joined Northumbria Police as a constable, spending the first twenty years at North Shields police station, the first couple as a foot beat officer in the town centre. I have happy memories of a bustling place with buses in the Square, the Chronicle man selling papers beneath the clock, loads of people about and no empty shops – plenty of shoplifters to keep me busy mind!

After thirty years’ service I retired in 2021 and had the luxury of time on my hands.

There was plenty to do – a bottomless list of DIY and gardening chores – and I picked up new hobbies: swimming down at King Eddies, knitting socks on circular needles, learning Korean on Duolingo (thanks Squid Game) and lots of other random things to keep my brain busy. I also picked up my old hobby of creative writing and took a few courses via New Writing North which really helped me get back in the swing of putting pen to paper.

My eyes lit up when I saw a post about the creation of the ‘I Love North Shields’ magazine. I enjoyed writing at home, entering short story competitions and the likes, but I was spending a lot of time on my own and missed interacting with people. I thought this would be a great opportunity to develop my writing and get out and about. I was really nervous about going along to the first meeting however as I had no professional experience of writing and wasn’t hugely confident in my ability. I think I would probably have bottled it had it not been for a pep talk from my daughter!

Over the coming issues you will learn more about our ILNS community content creators

I need not have worried as from my very first encounter with Simmie and the ILNS team, I was made to feel welcome and valued. It’s hard to believe we’re now approaching issue ten and I’m chuffed to have had articles published in most of them.

In the process, I’ve met some amazing local people and been lucky enough to get a behind the scenes look at places I wouldn’t usually get to see, for example when interviewing Barney Miller from the Salt Market last week, I ended up on the roof enjoying spectacular views of the river. I feel privileged to have access to these people and places and to tell their story – and there are so many stories to tell! The energy at our monthly meetings is electric with everyone enthusiastically throwing new ideas into the ring for the next issue. My hope is that we can get the funding to print even more paper copies and make the magazine accessible to a bigger audience.

Following the loss of the Shields Guardian, it seems people are once again enjoying having a local publication to pick up and read.

And finally, my favourite part of North Shields? It has to be Northumberland Park.

Watching the changing seasons, catching sight of a rare bird and enjoying the best cheese scones in the café. It also brings back warm memories of my daughter growing up: sledging down snowy banks and making a den in the trees. We had a tradition of going on September 1st to our ‘special’ tree and picking up conkers which we’d put in a bowl in the hallway. Though she’s flown the nest and living away now, you’ll still find me in the park at the start of September, visiting our tree and slipping a stray conker into my pocket…

Community

Terry's big reveal (L), Eddie Rowleys family and group photo of some of the invited guests. @Mark Pinder

REDISCOVERED LOW LIGHT’S ART UNVEILED

By Carol Davison Painted in 1956 by local amateur artist Eddie Rowley, the mural of The Abergeldie was literally part of the fixtures and fittings of the Low Lights Tavern, having been painted directly onto the wall above the fireplace. The painting came from a sketch Eddie had made one morning sitting down on the fish quay, and The Abergeldie, a steam trawler built in Aberdeen in 1915, just happened to be moored alongside The Gut as he drew.

When Danny Higney bought the bar in 2016, the mural was long gone, presumably lost when the pub fell into disrepair in the early 2000’s so he was understandably amazed when a customer walked into the bar last year to return the painting which they had found during a loft clear out. It seems that far from being destroyed, the painted section of wallpaper had been carefully removed and mounted on a piece of plywood to preserve it during a period when the pub had fallen on hard times and was closing down.

Danny felt the rediscovery of this piece of Low Light’s history deserved a celebration, and having had the painting restored by local artist Mark Taylor, an invited audience packed out the back room of the Low Lights on 15th January to see it unveiled. Eddie had sadly passed away several years ago, however proud members of his family, including daughter Judith were there to represent him.

After some heartfelt words from Terry McDermott, chair of the North Shield’s Fishermen’s Heritage Project, there were claps and cheers as he pulled back the black cloth to reveal the Abergeldie mural, back where it belonged above the fireplace and where it had been painted almost seventy years earlier.

Terry’s daughter, Kerry Hayes, followed the unveiling by singing a powerful rendition of the sea shanty, ‘Fiddler’s Green.’

With the official business over, the guests were treated to a cracking Low Light’s pie and pea lunch and lubricated by a few canny pints, the room was filled with anecdotes galore which brought a lot of hearty laughter – and the odd teary eye. Judith Rowley recalled that after he last visited the Low Lights towards the end of his life, her dad wondered what had happened to his painting. She wished he had still been alive to see it restored and said he would have been both overwhelmed and proud of this celebration of his work.

The Low Light’s unveiling event came at a fitting time, as North Shields begins a year of celebrations to mark its 800th birthday and we can look forward to many more events which are planned to mark the incredible people and heritage of our beloved quayside and town.

They joined retired fishermen who remembered the Abergeldie, one of whom, Tom Webb, had not only sailed aboard her, but had nearly lost his life, falling overboard into the North Sea during a storm.

The Abergeldie was painted in 1956 by local painter and decorator, Eddie Rowley

Community

Thomas Webb @Mark Pinder

THE ABERGELDIE MAN OVERBOARD!

By Carol Davison It was during the late fifties that Thomas Webb, then only 26 years old, set out to sea from North Shields Fish Quay one Christmas Eve as relief third hand on the Abergeldie steam trawler. The crew were bound for The Holes, an area of deep water 140 fathoms deep situated 120 miles out into the North Sea. Three hours into the journey, they hit a storm and Tom recalled battling through heavy seas to reach The Holes where they were repaid by trawling a massive haul. Night had fallen as the crew prepared for the first lift of the 120 score catch. As Tom leant over the side with a Gilson hook to help land the catch, he failed to hear a warning from skipper, Sam Cullen, to watch out for the water. As others ran for safety, Tom was swept overboard by mountainous waves. He described his horror as he struggled to stay afloat in the wild sea and watched the Abergeldie drifting away into the distance, leaving him alone in the darkness.

After a ten-minute search, the crew spotted Tom. Pulling alongside, the skipper’s brother, George Cullen, tried to pull him back aboard but he lost his grip, and Tom fell back into the sea.

This time he drifted further away, and he thought he was finished. He had been in the water too long, almost twenty minutes, and his body was numb with the cold. A determined Abergeldie crew located him again however and this time the skipper came down to assist.

Sam Cullen had had some fingers blown off during the war and had only two left, but courageously, he was able to reach over and hook them into the neck of Tom’s oilskin, successfully hauling him back on board.

Frozen to the bone and soaked through, Tom was taken below deck where he was stripped and had some warmth pummelled back into his body. He hoped that after being given a tot of rum he could sleep and recover from his ordeal. He was surprised when the men started throwing socks and other dry clothing at him and he was ordered to return straight to the deck by the skipper. At the time, this upset him, but he realises now it was the right call as he would otherwise have lost his nerve and never returned to sea.

Reflecting on that time, Tom believes his life was saved as he was wearing a yellow oil frock and sou’wester. “Had I had the black one on, I dare say they would never have found me in the darkness.” Now living in South Shields and approaching his 90th birthday, Tom explained that he had visited the Low Lights Tavern several years ago with his partner to show them the mural of the Abergeldie.

He was disappointed to discover that it was no longer hanging above the fireplace and its whereabouts unknown. It was a great surprise when he found the painting had been rediscovered and he was honoured to have been invited to the unveiling.

When asked how he felt about seeing it again, his eyes welled up, the emotion of traumatic memories clear. “Spot on,” he said simply as he gazed up at the Abergeldie, the boat on which he almost lost his life.

Community

Howay the Lasses!

Introducing a brand-new monthly column all about Newcastle United Women!

Born in Newcastle and a North Shields resident for over twenty years, Mark has dedicated more than three decades to education and now runs his own Forest School business, working with schools across North Tyneside, Northumberland, and Sunderland. A lifelong NUFC fan, Mark holds a season ticket for Newcastle United Women and writes match reports for the True Faith fanzine @true_faith_fanzine

For a bit of history, they were founded in 1989, becoming affiliated with the Newcastle United Foundation in 2016. Back-to-back promotions (2022-23 and 2023-24) moved the Lasses up from Tier 4 (finishing their time in Tier 3 as a fully professional team, with a 10-0 thrashing of Huddersfield Town) and unless you’ve been living in a cupboard for the past three years, you’ll be aware that they became an official part of Newcastle United following the Saudi Arabian PIF take-over in 2021. Being based at Kingston Park the Lasses regularly attract 3,000+ crowds and have played at SJP six times, with their highest attendance being 28,500.

This season is their debut in the Women’s Championship (Tier 2, one below the Women’s Super League - WSL). In the summer break before the current season a whole host of changes occurred to the team, with Demi Stokes (from Manchester City and squad member of the Euros winning Lionesses) being the highest profile arrival. The capture of SAFC women’s long standing (and Player of the Season) goalkeeper Claudia Moan was a major coup. They joined NUWFC stalwarts such as Katie Barker (wearer of the No. 9 shirt), Charlotte Potts and Amber-Keegan Stobbs this season’s Captain and named after a certain former manager.

As it stands, at time of writing, the Lasses are currently seventh (of 11 clubs) on 19 points, only four points off top spot. Everyone expected this League to be a really tough challenge, but they haven’t looked out of place and have achieved some notable results – beating Sunderland 2-1 away at the SoL being the highlight;

Sunderland were close to winning promotion last season but dropped away at the death and are a very experienced team at this level.

To put the Lasses standing in context, Portsmouth who were also promoted to the Championship last season (Tier 3 being split into Northern and Southern leagues) with us are currently bottom of the league on two points.

The Lasses have only lost twice so far this season, the most recent being away at Bristol City (relegated from the WSL last season – it’s one up, one down in this league) and a sickening last minute 0-1 loss to Durham, who have been in the Championship for ten years, (we battered them and their ‘keeper played a blinder’ – sound familiar?). The Lasses drew 1-1 away at London City (promotion favourites) and beat league leaders Birmingham City 0-2 away.

If you’ve never been to see the Lasses play, I strongly suggest you get a ticket - £8 for an adult £2 for bairns. The Lasses play SAFC Women at SJP on 23 March, it’ll be a great opportunity to attend the Cathedral on the Hill for the derby. It’s a great atmosphere – the Kingston Park regulars will be there in full voice and will make you feel welcome.

Howay the Lasses!

Community

Monthly column by Bazoox aka Sean G Cleland Since my last installment Newcastle United have had a mixed bag of results, but still find ourselves back at Wembley for the Carabao/League Cup Final on March 16th, and challenging for a Champions League position in the EPL. Bromley and Birmingham City have also been respectively disposed of in the 3rd and 4th rounds of the FA Cup. We were hammered 1-4 at St James' Park by an impressive and tactically astute Bournemouth in the Premier League, only three days after comfortably beating Wolves under the Gallowgate lights.

It looked as if normal sevice had been resumed a week later when United put Southampton to the sword 3-1 at the St Mary's Stadium.

Yet extraordinarily this was followed up by yet another home deficit, this time 1-2 against Fulham, to inflict our fourth home league defeat of the campaign.

So heading into our Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal(United being 2-0 up from the first leg at the Emirates), I sensed a little nervousness amongst some of my friends and acquaintances.

Arsenal were travelling to Tyneside on the back of a whopping 5-1 victory over Manchester City.

I was confident we'd see the job through though, and with only a few minutes on the clock it looked like our Rolls Royce Alexander Isak had put the tie to bed.

Unfortunately VAR came to the Gunners rescue with what can only be described as an incredibly marginal decision.

A quarter of an later and we could rest a lot more easily. Another marauding run culminated in Isak crashing the ball against the inside of the post, where it fell to Jacob Murphy to net from an acute angle.

Early in the second period it was game over.

Hesitantly playing out from the back Arsenal were forced into a mistake, where the ball fell to Anthony 'Flash' Gordon to bury the opportunity with aplomb.

So 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate, this truly was an Eddie Howe and Toon masterclass all round.

So stick that in your pipes and smoke it Arteta and you arrogant Gooners.

We will now face Premier League leaders Liverpool(who overcome Spurs in the other semi-final) at Wembley.

The remainder of our EPL fixtures in February are against teams currently above us(as I type). Manchester City (A), Nottingham Forest (H) and Liverpool (A).

These will be followed with a tie in the 5th round of the FA Cup. Newcastle United are going along quite nicely thank you, and it looks like it's going to be an enthralling last few months of the season.

There has recently been some very sad news for the Newcastle United family and North East football in general, with the passing of Alan Shoulder.

A Durham lad and a miner, Alan came to prominence during non league Blyth Spartans enchanting run to the 5th round of the 1977/78 FA Cup. It was a real Roy of the Rovers story when Alan then joined Newcastle United to form a lethal front line partnership with the superb Peter Withe.

Indeed to this day Alan stands in exalted company, having been only one of a dozen strikers in the last 50 years to have scored 20 league goals in a season for the Toon.

Alan Shoulder just loved football and was still playing in the Northern League when he was 53.

United's 1964/64 promotion winning goalkeeper in Gordon Marshall has also recently passed away.

Deepest condolences go out to Alan and Gordon's families and friends.

John Tudor, one of my earliest heroes in the black and white stripes and erstwhile striking partner of Supermac, has also died after a long battle with Dementia.

Gentleman John banged in 74 goals for United in five action packed seasons.

John also had the greatest Toon football chant sang in his honour, Handel's very own "Hallelujah....John Tudor, John Tudor".

RIP Great Man.

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Community

METRO MUSING COFFEE, COMMUTES AND THE BATTLE OF THE BLADDER

By Suzanne Coulson @thesuzycblogspot | Illustration by @katiestewartartist Another day, another metro.

I might be jinxing myself here, but in the time I’ve been commuting, everything has been hunky dory. No delays. No people talking on speaker whilst holding their phones to their mouths (whyyy!), and no charva tunes belting through the carriages. It’s all good. I’m calm, collected, and zen whilst I wait for my bestie, the platform voice woman, to tell me when my metty’s due!

As the metro approaches, it’s looking canny steamed up. Busy! As I alight, a bloke has already begun shuffling and hugging his bag on the seat to prove it’s really important, really heavy, and obviously has its own metro ticket! The carriage is busy but not crammed. I could stand. I could perhaps perch on the end of a seat in the middle, having to make weird eye contact as knees rummage together awkwardly with the person opposite. Nah – today I’ve decided I’ll miff this bloke off.

‘Sceeeuuuuuuuuze meeeeee,’ I smile, as I’ve already taken my bag off and (whether he likes it or not) I’m firmly planting myself next to him. He’s got swift reflexes as he realises that I’m not waiting, and he removes said backpack from the seat just in time.

Now comfy, I sit with my new flask and sip my coffee. This is my third of the morning: one in bed each morning as I wake and read the news, one whilst rushing around getting ready, then the third gives me my pep talk for the day whilst travelling.

Now, speaking of caffeine… I may have borne, what is now, a grown adult, but the bladder control is shot, and I am dying for the loo! It’s not lost on me that this is karma getting one back on me for not giving two hoots about the bloke’s backpack next to me.

Halfway to work, I’m praying that the bladder holds out; otherwise, this bloke’s going to have a worse day sitting next to me! I sit cross-legged, still drinking the coffee like an absolute sadist. Deep breathing and pelvic floor exercises (which they say no one can tell you’re doing, but I reckon my pained face had a few commuters on the verge of reporting me!).

I get off at Central and sideways closed-leg walk/run to the office, all while trying not to picture waterfalls, running rivers, or any other liquid that might trigger my bladder to betray me—a game of bladder roulette, if you will. I make it—just!

Lesson learned? You’d think so, wouldn’t you? But no, as I sit at my desk reflecting on my journey and sipping yet another coffee, I’m already plotting tomorrow’s commute. Will I skip a third cup and spare myself the agony? Probably not. Life’s too short, and mornings are too cruel without caffeine.

Strangely, evening journeys don’t suffer the same fate at all. By then, the caffeine’s worn off, the flask is empty, and I’m simply coasting home, unbothered by Metro politics or bladder bother. Just me, staring out of a window at a sunset I barely notice, wondering what’s for tea.

'Metro Musings' began as a hobby for I Love North Shields writer Suzanne Coulson during her daily metro commutes. What started as a way to pass the time on packed trains soon blossomed into a collection of happenings, observations, quirks, and the occasional metro mishap.

Suzanne met the talented illustrator Katie Stewart at an I Love North Shields meeting and a match was made - with Katie being introduced as one renowned for sketching metro passengers. Katie, a visual storyteller, brings the colorful characters and moments of metro life alive, adding an extra layer of charm to Suzanne's words.

Together, they’ve created a delightful snapshot of our beloved transport system.

Community

Annessa Rebair

NEW TO SHIELDS ANNESSA REBAIR

By Jake Rusby ‘There’s no place like home.’

These famous words were uttered with her eyes closed by Dorothy in The Wizard Oz, and they’re echoed by North Shields ‘newbie’ Dr Annessa Rebair, though she is saying them with her eyes wide open.

After spending the best part of 30 years working up and down the UK – from Dundee in the North to Bristol in the South, Annessa, born a stone’s throw from North Shields, has eventually found her way back home.

The former mental health nurse turned university lecturer has been there, done that – she even spent a year travelling the globe during her three-decade long absence from our town – and is now ready to grow her roots in the place that has always felt like ‘home’.

Annessa, says: “I always felt like I would come back and stay. My family is very small now and I have a network of very close friends I’ve known for almost all my life. They are my family too.

“I was working in Bristol as a Matron when I saw a job come up back in the North East, lecturing at Northumbria University, and it was like a sign telling me to go back. I could almost hear home calling me.

“It feels so good to be back again, I feel like I’ve returned to where I’m meant to be.”

As well as changing up her day-to-day job – she is now Assistant Professor and Subject Lead for Mental Health Nursing – the move has also inspired a new sideline business for Annessa, who is now a trained civil celebrant.

Again, for Annessa it feels like this new venture is the completion of another circle:

Community “I volunteered at St Oswald’s Hospice when I was 16 – I was a bit of a weird teenager, I guess! Being so young, I was totally fascinated and in awe of how the nurses would care and prepare people going through the toughest of times.

“During my nurse training I thought I was going to work within palliative care, but went down the mental health route, and don’t regret it for a second: I feel like I’ve achieved a lot during my career as a nurse and for that I feel very blessed.

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“Finding that real connection with people and their energies is something I’ve developed over the years, and working as a celebrant enables me to share this in the most important rites of passage of people’s lives.”

And there is nowhere else that Annessa, who presides over funerals, weddings and naming ceremonies, would rather be carrying out her work:

“It’s a great place to be. This coastline is like nowhere else – when I was living away, I would sometimes yearn to be standing on the Haven beach with the North Sea wind on my face. It just seemed to make everything alright.

“All you need is here: the surety of the Northern culture, great access to the countryside and the city, incredible history, and thriving arts and music scene.”

“There is something for everybody. Why would you want to be anywhere else?”

See www.blest-ceremonies.com for Annessa’s celebrant work.

Your Stories

LOCAL HERO NORAH BALLS A champion for women

By Rachel Chapman International Women’s Day 2025, on March 8, is focusing on accelerating action for women’s equality. One local woman who devoted her life to this cause was suffragette and community activist Norah Balls.

The daughter of a North Shields mariner, she became an active member of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), led nationally by Emmeline Pankhurst. She later became involved in many aspects of community life focusing on supporting and improving the lives of girls, women, and families. For many years served as a councillor and a magistrate.

On her retirement in 1951 – when she was reported to be on 28 different committees she moved from North Tyneside to an apartment in Bamburgh Castle, and lived in the village for almost 30 years, continuing her good works.

Her life has been researched by Nina Brown a volunteer and trustee at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre, who said: “Women today stand on the shoulders of women like Norah Balls. During my research, I discovered a champion for women, with great courage for a cause, adventurous and with a strong belief in service to her community.”

By her own admission, Norah Balls “never joined anything to be a sleeping partner” and as a WSPU member toured the region addressing meetings, often facing angry crowds. At a meeting with quarrymen in Yorkshire, rocks were thrown at her. Far from being afraid, she picked them up and took them home for her rockery.

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When Home Secretary Winston Churchill visited Newcastle in 1909, she challenged him over votes for women.

A year later she joined over 300 suffragettes in London angry that Prime Minister Asquith had reneged on a promise to introduce a bill for partial female suffrage. They tried to force their way into the House of Commons to deliver a petition to the Prime Minister. She was arrested on three occasions, including for assaulting a police officer on what became known as Black Friday, on 18 November 1910 when some women activists were injured.

Like many suffragettes she ended her campaign at the start of WW1, directing her efforts to setting up a canteen in Whitley Bay for soldiers.

She later helped set up the Girl Guides in Northumberland, becoming the first County Secretary and in 1932 was awarded the Oakleaf for her outstanding contribution to Guiding.

She was involved in the development of the Electrical Association for Women to educate women to make the best use of electricity in their homes, becoming its local chairman, promoting its work and speaking at conferences countrywide.

A founder member of the Tynemouth Business and Professional Women’s Club, she said at a meeting in 1943 that women were now doing work “which we were always told that women had not the mental or physical capacity to do – women of all classes”.

In 1944 she became a JP and asked if there were any other magistrates that had been on both sides of the dock. In 1946 she became an independent councillor for Dockwray Ward, North Shields, an area of deprivation, serving on health, education and children’s committees.

In 2022 the Old Low Light Heritage Centre opened a display about her achievements and worked with North Tyneside Council to install a blue plaque outside her former Tynemouth home.

Featured BERNII MAC BECOMING THE ARTIST AND VOCAL COACH

By Wayne Howard I have known Bernii for a while as a fellow dog walker. On first meeting she comes across as shy and reserved but behind that veneer as soon as Bernii starts to speak it is obvious through her enthusiasm she is a music business powerhouse. Moving back to the North East after a long music career in the UK and New York she has been building her business and a support network for musicians that is Becoming the Artist.

Featured The music business is relationships and your community of fellow musicians and artists can play an important part in your success” Originally from Jesmond she now lives in North Shields. Coming from a musical family, her parents met when they played in The Royal Northern Symphonia, Dad being lead Clarinet who also played jazz got a 15-year-old Bernii her chance on vocals. She plays violin and a little piano but soon found that “I didn't just want to be standing there holding something I wanted to be up front with the mic jumping around and that's why I gave (violin) up and I took up singing”. After time at school in Canada and a time in California she studied musical theatre at Bristol and furthered her music education at Brighton Institute of Modern Music where her own mentor was Carleen Anderson of The Brand New Heavies and spent nine years developing her career as well as performing, songwriting, giving singing lessons, running three music nights, performing and touring with her own band as vocalist and songwriter and also mini tours with a Blues band as vocalist with some very notable musicians who in some cases have gone on to have stella careers as session musicians and performers.

Having reached this stage, hardworking, very driven, and ambitious she left for New York with a dream to play the world stage, after all the training, and honing her craft the desire was there to make it work. Becoming the Artist is literally an umbrella. An online supportive community mentored by Bernii but led by a small but growing worldwide online community of artists with mentors with huge experience in all areas of the music industry, the impressive profiles of the Mentors are on the Becoming the Artist website. A recent invited guest reviewer and contributor was Marcella Detroit. It's an opportunity to perform music in front of a supportive audience and receive criticism, encouragement and career advice from Bernii and a carefully selected panel of guest mentors and realise that “no matter what point you are at in your career you will always do better if you take care of yourself as a person as well as the Artist”.

The premise for BTA was born from experience, a young performer with the ambition and belief to make a huge leap of faith to go to another country in search of success and the ultimate disappointment at the poor treatment she received from individuals that where in trusted positions which affected her mental health and wellbeing and also the excess and negative aspects of ambition and the social side of a music lifestyle, the music business is a ladder and sometimes snakes get in the way but with the knowledge and enthusiasm gathered by the panel of BTA it gives performers the opportunity to learn from their experience and use it to develop their own careers. This was showcased at The Exchange, featuring a panel discussion and live music, with funding provided by North Tyneside Council and the Cultural Quarter.

“I think it's really important that we personally learn what the music business is like rather than just suddenly be thrust into the limelight and all of these big shows like sometimes happens with reality TV shows “, how current is that.

A large part of BTA is the support and mentoring available, from Bernii who suffered from stage fright and self-doubt and has recently become a Mental health first aider but also from a highly trained and amazingly knowledgeable panel of over 20 music insiders from all aspects of the business who are the guest mentors, and there is also a Mental Health Practitioner and a spiritual wellbeing advisor. Extremely well connected and further hints at the career success she has achieved the panel of mentors include the aforementioned Marcella Detroit and Mo Pleasure of Earth, wind and Fire and the Average white band. The underpinning message is of a love of music and respect for the audience and joy of performing, “I find it easier to personally perform to a large audience than a small group as I feel more vulnerable, and that's also the beauty in it as well” For advice support and high-quality vocal coaching visit www.becomingthevocalist.com

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Hometown Headliners Aaron Duff of Hector Gannet

By Caroline Oswald | Photography by Megan Ramsey

I met Aaron Duff at the Exchange 1856, where the previous weekend, he and his band, Hector Gannet, had filled out the 500capacity music venue two nights in a row. The gigs were a free gift to the people of North Shields to celebrate the launch of the town’s 800th anniversary celebrations. “Was that just last weekend?” Aaron asks, still in a daze about the whole thing. “The buzz was amazing. I can’t believe how many people turned up.

We haven’t even released anything for two years!” This attitude is typical of the unassuming North Shields lad, who seems in awe of any appreciation directed towards the band. He was genuinely taken aback when I said I had attended some of his first gigs.

However, it shouldn’t be surprising that Hector Gannet have built up such a loyal following, having earned their place at the heart of the community by playing an inherent role in the town’s cultural scene over the past few years.

Aaron’s first band, The Middens, took their name from the notorious black rocks at the Mouth of the Tyne, upon which many ships were wrecked. They recorded a cover of ‘Red, Red Robin’ to support North Shields FC on their journey to win the FA Vase at Wembley in 2015.

They cut their teeth at local venues when they were still at school: “We used to play at the Maggie Bank even though we were too young to be in there.” At this point our photographer, Megan, pipes up: ”I used to play there, too! Did I give one of your band members a dog?” After enquiring about the breed, Aaron confirms that yes, Jack still owns the dog and is still in his band today. This is just typical of Shields, where you can usually find a connection to anyone you meet. We also talked about seeing Sam and Liam Fender at the Magnesia Bank, and reminisced about how it was a great pub and live music venue.

There is a deep sense of nostalgia among Shields folk for past haunts that are now long gone. After all, there used to be hundreds of pubs in the town to cater for all the thirsty fishermen. Aaron reckons his grandad had frequented most of them, and he loved listening to his tales. His fascination with local history was fuelled when he discovered footage from the North East Film Archive about the fishing industry featuring his grandparents.

The vision of his grandad all those years ago, full of life and releasing the cod from the nets, caused Aaron to experience an epiphany that inspired him to write a musical score for the film. “When I came across the footage and wrote the soundtrack, I knew I had to get a band together.” Thus Hector Gannet was born, named after the fishing trawler that sank during a heroic rescue mission with Aaron’s grandad on board.

Thankfully he was one of the lucky few to survive.

It was fitting that the band’s emotive debut performance of the 45-minute piece accompanying the film at the Old Low Light as part of the ‘Moving North: Coastal’ project on 24th September 2017 coincided with the unveiling of the Fiddler’s Green memorial on the Fish Quay, dedicated to fishermen lost at sea. The occasion brought the people of Shields out in force, expressing their reverence for the past as well as joy at being alive in the present through a whole day and night of music, poetry and song.

After a floating lineup fluctuating between solo and group performances, Hector Gannet eventually evolved into what they are today: Aaron as the main songwriter and frontman on guitar and vocals, Jack Coe on drums, Martin Wann on guitar, Joe Coady on bass, and their producer Alex Blamire on keys and percussion.

The original soundtrack Aaron composed has evolved too, and they were able to share a new interpretation of it last year at the Glasshouse in Gateshead: “We acted as a support act for ourselves before the main gig, which was a bit strange and extra work to set up. But it was the perfect venue for sharing the historic footage.”

Though he draws much inspiration from history, Aaron is cautious about dwelling too much on the past: “Looking so far back all the time can turn a place into a ghost town.

"We need to focus on how the past can influence the present and the future, to inspire people to keep going. Everything has to move on.” He is positive about recent changes in North Shields: “It’s promising that new things are opening. It starts from people just doing it. People actually choose to move to Shields now!”

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Admittedly it is not the same town that his grandparents knew, with shops on every street corner providing everything you would need.

However, there is plenty going on in the area of arts and music thanks to a multitude of new venues including the Salt Market, the Three Tanners and the Engine Room, which is owned by Aaron’s dad.

Here you can find the old sign for W.M. Wight’s shop, which was a fixture on the Fish Quay for 90 years.

The family rescued the sign from scrap, giving it a new lease of life as a prominent feature in the bar to symbolise the convergence between old and new.

For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for new beginnings. Hector Gannet released their first album, ‘Big Harcar’, in 2020.

Theirs was the last gig I attended before the lockdown and the first one after it was lifted. Aaron admitted the pandemic’s negative effect on ticket sales when people were finally allowed to venture out again.

However at their first post-lockdown show in North Shields, also at the Exchange, it appeared that the whole town had turned up to catch up on many missed months of live music. Also running the Wheel House cafe on the Fish Quay with his partner, Aaron has had to deal with not only lockdown restrictions but also road closures, parking problems and the cost of living crisis. The Engine Room pub next door was recently featured on Radio 6 music to highlight how independent grassroots music venues can struggle to keep going in the current climate.

Despite the setbacks, both establishments are still in business and continue to provide Aaron with a constant connection to an array of Shields characters: “Most people I talk to down there know members of my family from the fishing community.

There are so many stories untold. I don’t consciously put them into my music, but they come out in a more subtle way. I just sit down and see what happens, it’s hard to explain. I often slip into some sort of subconscious state and all these things take over. It’s bizarre when things come out and I can’t understand where they came from.

Sometimes I can work backwards and work out what it meant, but not always. Things can stick in your head and drift out two years later.”

The work of Amber Films in the 1980s has obviously also had an influence on Aaron, with his song ‘In Fading Light’ named after their drama set in the declining North Shields fishing industry.

The company worked closely with the local community to produce the film, actually buying a boat and using local fishermen to train the actors.

They also bought a pub, The New Clarendon, to firmly root themselves in the community over years of filming. In a similar way, Hector Gannet are hoping to involve the people of North Shields in a new production of their own. They are offering North Tyneside residents the opportunity to participate in an exciting project in conjunction with local organisation, Crew Gal Academy.

Anyone interested in music video production and recording music is welcome to apply for the chance to contribute to the creative process as part of an upcoming release by the band, including a song written especially to commemorate the 800th anniversary. “I was inspired by what we would be trying to celebrate past, present and future; how the past pushes the future forward. It’s really about being part of a people, a community,” Aaron elaborates.

The songwriter admits that he had been thinking about the 800 years long before any official mention of it. The year 1225 is actually referenced in one of Hector Gannet’s first songs, ‘Until My Bonnie Can Be Revived’. A fan favourite, it is only available as a bonus track on the vinyl version of their first album. Perhaps they could revive the Bonnie song for the anniversary? Aaron isn’t ruling anything out. Going with the flow seems to have worked for the band, allowing them to put on such a diverse selection of live performances, from acoustic sets at intimate venues such as The Wheel House, The Engine Room and Old Low Light to all-out rock shows in larger auditoria including their sell-out show at Whitley Bay Playhouse: “It amazes me how the songs evolve and take on a life of their own after they’ve been recorded.

At the Playhouse we changed some of the songs and played them totally differently,” Aaron explains. Last year for the Durham Brass Festival, he adapted his music to be performed with a brass section. Asked if there was anyone else musical in his family, Aaron answers: “Not really, just my mum and my grandad who played in the brass bands.” You can’t get more Northern than that.

“I could never live anywhere but Shields. Not even in Cullercoats!”

Featured “It’s promising that new things are opening. It starts from people just doing it. People actually choose to move to Shields now!”

Aaron is aware that Hector Gannet’s songs are so specific to the region, sung in his authentic accent and referencing local landmarks. He is unsure how they could translate further afield: “Our music is hard to define. People find it difficult to categorise.”

The music has been described by some as folkinfluenced indie rock, and they have even been credited as having created a new genre of modernist folk. Aaron’s influences lie in the folk rock of the 1960s and 70s, most famously Lindisfarne and Alan Hull, but the first music he heard was a compilation by the Rolling Stones in his dad’s car: “I was blown away.” He is also a fan of The Clash and Joe Strummer, and his appreciation for rock comes across in impassioned and electric full-band performances of epic songs such as ‘All Hail All Glory’ and ‘The Haven of Saint Aidan’s’. Aaron also cites Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave as having had an impact on him, and he is equally capable of drawing in audiences with more tender, stripped-back renditions of contemplative compositions including ‘The Wailing Wall’ and ‘Last of the Buffalo’. Aaron’s poetic lyrics span universal themes such as death and rebirth, history and humanity. The band’s critically acclaimed second album, ‘The Land Belongs to Us’, reveals a deep love of nature and concerns about the environment, and they have lent their support to conservation initiatives including the Tyne Kittiwake project.

These common concepts conveyed through distinctive yet timeless melodies should surely give Hector Gannet’s music a broad appeal: “I try not to be precious about songs. People can keep coming back to them and interpret them how they wish.

Someone asked if ‘The Launch’ is about someone dying. It was meant to be a birth, but I like to hear other points of view. I don’t want to literally paint what I’m trying to say.” He has even heard of the ethereal song ‘Into the Deep’ being played at funerals, evidence of his music starting to become part of the fabric of people’s lives. Aaron is coy when discussing the spiritual nature of some of his songs: “I believe in something but I don’t know what it is. The unknown, I suppose.”

The band do sometimes share their music with other parts of the world, having played around the country with artists including Sea Power, Richard Thompson, Lanterns on the Lake, Kathryn Joseph, Kathryn Williams and Pete Doherty. They have also played tours in America, although Aaron doesn’t like to travel much: “I’d rather stay at home.” They have also played many outdoor festivals including Coast Fest, A Stone’s Throw and Pilgrimage to the Islands on Lindisfarne, another place that looms large in their music.

One of their most memorable live performances has to have been supporting fellow Shields lad Sam Fender at St James’ Park: “He could have asked anyone, and he asked us!” Sam also invited Geordie musician ‘Ernie’ to support him, demonstrating his continued championing of local artists. Aaron credits Sam with shining a light on Shields and elevating the town’s reputation for music and culture. Among other local musicians that Aaron holds in high esteem is the prolific Bugman: “He’s underrated - nobody else writes like him.” He is also a fan of the unique storyteller Nev Clay, who has only just released his second album in over years. Then there’s new Northumbrian band, The Early Purple: “I saw them at the Glasshouse in Hall 2, an example of how a band can transform a venue. There was cabaret seating and the atmosphere was lush.”

Having made such a contribution to the resurgence of the arts and music in North Shields themselves, it is only natural that Hector Gannet should be at the centre of the proceedings for its 800th anniversary. At the official NS800 launch at the Exchange ahead of the band’s first evening gig, a video was shown that previewed the year’s coming events. With the intersection between past, present and future as its theme, Aaron was pleased at how the council’s choice of his song ‘Water Lilies’ seemed to fit so well on the soundtrack, the lyrics gently floating out across the audience: ‘As the moment becomes a memory, a new day may paint pictures in your garden…’

Another highlight of this 800th year will be when Hector Gannet support Elbow at Tynemouth Priory for the Mouth of the Tyne Festival in July. Sam Fender played here just before his meteoric rise to worldwide fame. The atmosphere was electric among his fans, who sensed that this would be the last time he would be able to play for them in such a small venue on his home turf. The exposure to a wider fanbase probably won’t mean as much to Hector Gannet as the actual location of the gig itself, set on a headland containing over 2000 years of history. It seems that fate has brought Hector Gannet exactly where they are meant to be at this particular point in time, becoming part of the heritage of North Shields themselves.

Whatever happens in the future, Aaron is certain of one thing: “I could never live anywhere but Shields. Not even in Cullercoats!”

To find out how you could participate in the next part of Hector Gannet’s story, go to: www.crewgal.com or www.hectorgannet.com.

Your Stories

THE LOST PUBS OF NORTH SHIELDS SMITH’S DOCK

By Sue Wilkinson IIt’s hard to imagine now, but Smith’s Dock was once the beating heart of North Shields’ drinking scene. In the mid-to-late 1800s, fueled by the river’s industrial boom, the area was home to over 25 bustling public houses. Established in 1851, the famous ship repair yards of Smith’s Dock had even deeper roots, eventually employing around 5,000 workers at its peak. Local folklore paints a vivid picture—pints lined up on the bar, ready for dock workers to down two or three in a swift 30-minute lunch break before rushing back to the yards.

Opposite the docks, the Bull Ring, notorious as a bull baiting ring in the 1700s, was a hotbed of drinking culture. Pubs like the Dock House, Hylton Castle, The Lamb, The Wheatsheaf and the Centurion were huddled together along the narrow back streets.

Today the shipbuilding repair industry has long gone and the terraced houses and pubs have been swept away. The Crane House is one of the few structures still standing. After the pub closed in 2004, it was converted to flats, but its splendid glazed tile frontage remains. The Wolsington House is another rare survivor. There has been a public house on the site since 1834 when it was known as John Veitch’s Alehouse.

This was demolished to make way for the present building in 1902. It served Smith’s Dock’s legion of workers and local people over the First and Second World Wars.

Sadly, the pub closed 20 years ago and remains up for sale. Today this public house with superb views of the Tyne lies boarded up, a ghostly symbol of a different age.

The Lost Taverns Not far away, high above the riverfront lie two of Smith’s Dock’s “lost inns”, close to Ropery Stairs.

The now demolished Tyne Inn on Tennyson Street was once a popular small pub with a colourful past. In 1883 the Shields Daily News reported the accidental shooting of a female customer by one of the landlord’s sons, Thomas Wood, who was showing off with a loaded revolver!

Nearby, the Berwick Arms on the corner of Trinity Terrace was once the haunt of colourful characters including author, Robert Westall. The pub called time in the late 1900s, another casualty of the closure of Smith’s Dock. It’s been converted into housing but its striking facade of copper, yellow and green faience glazed tiles can still be seen.

Back on the waterfront, there are traces of one of North Shields’ old breweries. High Brewery has been partly demolished but its original warehouse has been converted into modern apartments.

Although the building is much altered, the old brewery sign remains at the top of the brickwork.

The lost pubs of North Shields continue to fascinate us today although they have disappeared off the face of the landscape. Sadly, their memory is now fading fast…

Read the longer feature on the Tammy Tour Guide blog www.tammytourguide.wordpress.com

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WRITTEN IN THE STARS A TALE OF TWO PUBS FROM ODDFELLOWS TO THE SEVEN STARS

By Caroline Oswald | Portrait photo by Gaby Zak The first record of a pub called the Oddfellows Arms in Shields was in the late 1800s on Grey Street, owned by the aptly named John Grey. According to Eileen Burnett, the author of ‘North Shields and Tynemouth Pubs’, John Grey was a member of the fraternal society, the ‘Independent Order of Oddfellows Kingston Unity, Blyth and Tyne district, Duke of Wellington Lodge’. After John died, the Oddfellows Arms continued for several years into the 20th century under the management of his wife and several others afterwards.

It was only in the 1980s that the pub moved to its new premises on Albion Road, still keeping the name Oddfellows. It was next door to CW Peirs chemist, above which the unusual decision was made to open a nightclub. The Karlson was accessed by a very wide flight of stairs to the right of the Oddfellows, next to the chemist. The club was later extended to take up the full top floor of the pub as well, and the staircase was covered in. As Mark the barman, who worked in the Oddfellows at the time and still does to this day in its new incarnation, the Seven Stars, recalls: “The flight of stairs that were within the pub were sometimes used as an unofficial route to get up to the club. They were really wide as well - they are still there leading up to what is now a flat.”

Albert, an ex-doorman who worked at the club in the late 1980s when it had changed its name to Marlows, confirms this: “A large staircase at the back of the pub connected to the nightclub.” Mark says that Marlows started as a private members’ club: “You just had to flash your card and pay two pounds to get in.” There was a strict dress code - no jeans, no tattoos, no trainers: “I turned one lad away for wearing jeans,” Albert remembers. “He went in the lane, took them off and came back with them over with his arm. I still didn’t let him in!” There were four doormen, sometimes five - two on the front door, two upstairs and one for extra security. This may seem excessive for a small venue, but it was certainly needed in those days. Upon researching the club online I came across the following post: “I only went in once, my mate (who was a regular) got smacked over the side of his head with a tumbler-style half-pint glass that was all the rage in the mid eighties. It didn't break but tore the top of his ear, which started bleeding. Whilst the offender was dealt with, he mopped the blood up with a bar towel and kept on drinking.”

This sort of occurrence seems to have been the norm, with further tales from Albert of pool cues, balls and bar stools being used as weapons as well as the occasional firearm being waved around: “There was bother nearly every weekend.” Despite this, Marlows was Albert’s favourite place to work: “My now wife and some friends worked there. Billy who owned it was a good lad to work for. There was always great music. It just had a good vibe.” He preferred it over other clubs where he worked in Shields such as Weavers and Savilles (the Garrick’s Head), which was a no-charge pub so there was even more trouble there. There had been a decline in pub culture at the time and landlords were trying to make ends meet by obtaining late licences. Unfortunately this meant that the people who did go out just drank a lot more for a lot longer. Then there were the drugs. Albert ended up in some serious gangland situations when he tried to curb the dealing in the clubs: “Gunmen turned up at my flat when my two young girls were asleep in bed. I knew then I had to get out.” After a brief name change to ‘Top Deck’, the nightclub eventually shut down.

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Whilst all the excitement had been going on upstairs, the Oddfellows had been establishing itself as a proper traditional pub and under the management of Graeme Oswald it gradually developed a group of loyal customers. There was a darts team, poker team and even a cricket team! With a selection of real ales and an everlasting cauldron of free soup in the corner, it really was a valued venue in the community.

Someone once said that it reminded them of a cosy living room, which is not a bad comparison. After all, it was originally built as a house in the 1800s. The pub’s name was reflected in its clientele, peppered with an interesting array of Shields characters. John the Hat, Shopping Bag John, BBC Steve, Pickled Onion Steve, the list goes on- and that’s just the Johns and Steves! Ernie Scott of the Master Musicians soon started bringing his pianists and other instrumentalists from all over the world to the pub after their formal recitals at Christ Church to play impromptu sets, stunning the locals with their professional musicianship.

Even the Berlin Jazz Quartet made an appearance. One time a friend interrupted a world-class pianist in the middle of a classical piece to shout out a request: “Come On Eileen!” To everyone’s amazement, he changed tack and launched straight into the 80s party classic by Dexys Midnight Runners. When the old honky-tonk piano finally gave out, Ernie sourced a better one from Collingwood Primary School, which he pushed along the road with two mates like a scene from Last of the Summer Wine.

The Oddfellows gained rave reviews and awards from consumer organisation CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). It was referred to as the town’s best kept secret. It survived many of its fellow establishments, that area at the top of North Shields suffering the highest number of pub closures at one point in time: Ye Olde Hundred, the Queen’s Head, the Coburg, the Albert Inn, the Victoria, even the Spring Gardens. For a while the Oddfellows stood alone as the only place to go. When Graeme moved away, the pub was leased out.

Although remaining open, it eventually became run down, needing extensive repairs. The decision was taken to sell the Oddfellows and it was put up for sale. It was obviously a great miss during this time, and there were even several meetings between the locals to discuss running it as a community pub. Then along came Rob and Ewan, determined to give the place a new lease of life. Full of optimism, they agreed the new lease with the new property owner and signed the papers to take over the pub. The very next day, the country was plunged into lockdown.

While some may have considered this a huge setback, Rob set about using the following year to breathe new life into the place: “It was a major investment. We gave the place a whole makeover by replacing the windows, carpets and toilets. All the woodwork was stripped back and redone and the seats recovered.”

Along with the revamped interior came new signage on the front: ‘Seven Stars - Free House’. Rob explains: “We wanted to give the pub a new identity and a fresh start while maintaining a connection to the history of Shields.” There were two pubs in North Shields called the Seven Stars, both dating from 1822. One was at the bottom of Bedford Street and the other was on Bell Street next to the Seven Stars Quay, causing quite some confusion being so close together. My dad and his cronies, who had been Oddfellows regulars for years, were looking forward to returning after the lockdown, but they were anxious about recapturing the same familiar atmosphere at this new Seven Stars. There were all sorts of rumours flying round, for example that it was being turned into a fancy cocktail bar!

Finally the day came when pubs were allowed to reopen. However, Rob didn't want to rush and decided to wait until two weeks later to open the Seven Stars: “We wanted to wait until the dust settled and people had got the craziness about being allowed out again out of their system.” When the wait was over, my dad and all the other regulars discovered that their worries had been unfounded. The refurbishments had been completed in such a way as to retain the character of the old pub. The seating and the bar, although spruced up, were laid out in much the same way as before. Social distancing had resulted in certain notable alterations, but this just made the place more spacious and comfortable. Gone were the dartboard, the poker tables, the piano, the one-armed bandit and of course the shared soup. The beer garden out the back with covered seating areas was also given a refurb and became a real bonus for outdoor drinking.

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Nowadays, the highlight of the Seven Stars has to be the range of drinks on offer, introduced by Rob, the licensee. There is an ever-changing selection of cask and craft beers from local breweries including Three Kings, Darwin and Flash House.

There are also cask and keg ales from around the country and speciality bottled beers from Europe: “It’s like a constant beer festival. I think we have more draught products than any other pub in North Tyneside,” Rob states proudly. He also stresses that they don’t sell cheap lager, which ensures a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere: “It’s a real community who come together. There’s the teatime crowd, the evening crowd and the late-night crowd.” As Mark observes from behind the bar: “You can practically time some of the customers coming in.”

It is true that you will find people of all ages and sections of society in the Seven Stars. “Many of the old regulars have returned, although the pandemic has caused some to change their lifestyle. More young people are starting to come out now. They have lost two years of a crucial time in their lives when they should have been socialising. Some mix with the older folk while others prefer to go out the back and play games amongst themselves.” Although many people know each other, they are always friendly to visitors too. Regulars positively delight in having the chance to chat to a new face.

Once a friend and I arranged to meet there when she was visiting after having moved abroad. She burst in and flung her arms around a stranger thinking it was me. Despite having spilled her drink, the lady was most gracious and we all became acquainted, still greeting each other to this day. You will also be left alone if you prefer a quiet drink. I once met a lone woman by the bar reading one of their selection of books: “This is one of the only places I’d feel comfortable coming on my own. It’s so easygoing.” Even the odd local celebrity frequents the place from time to time, but, in true Seven Stars style, they are treated the same as everyone else.

There is no TV, loud music or karaoke, but live acoustic music can still be enjoyed around once a month on a Sunday.

Displayed on the walls is the work of local artists for customers to buy or simply enjoy, along with fascinating old photos and maps of the local area. The pub is also dog-friendly, so it makes the perfect stop-off on a dog walk. When asked about the many new drinking establishments that have sprung up in the vicinity such as the Enigma Tap, the Two Pennies, Longsands Après, Chalet ‘86 and Baba Yaga’s Loft, Rob replies: “They are great new places, all catering for their own markets.

At one time, people had no reason to come to this area, but now there are so many options within half a square mile!”

Whereas once the pub was surrounded by empty warehouses and later a car park, now there is smart new housing and even more new venues set to open nearby: “People no longer need to travel to Newcastle or even Tynemouth for a night out. It’s all on their doorstep.”

Weekends are busiest at the Seven Stars, especially Friday and Saturday nights. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 2pm and from 12pm on a Saturday and Sunday. Mark, who has now worked in the pub for over 30 years, proclaims: “I would go so far as to say The Seven Stars is the most traditional pub in Shields.” A bold claim indeed, considering some of the town’s pubs are hundreds of years old. However, it really does have all the ingredients that make a classic cosy pub. Rob knows which is the most important: “Without people, there’s no pub.”

The Seven Stars, summed up by local poet Dean Jolly, who wrote a special composition dedicated to the North Shields establishment: At the Seven Stars I buy my first pint John's on his third Thistly Cross of the night The beer garden's lovely this time of day Last of the sun slowly moving away Gajy appears with his signature hat and smiles at us with his face full of tats Out comes our Pat with a vape and a drink She says her John's let her out of the clink Then out through the door comes Pickled Onion Steve Who's nickname I still cannot quite believe Even Ernie who plays the church organ Isn't called organ Ernie but that's not important I pop back inside and Rob pours me another And low and behold there stands Dylan my Brother Drinking a porter with Matt, Joe and Keaton A right regular old mother's meeting!

Michael and Les stand there doing the crossword Stuck on three across 'An Exotic Bird' Les thinks its a motmot but 3 down’s showing lupin Which makes me suspect that it must be a toucan If you fancy a good old-fashioned boozer With interesting folk it ain't no snoozer This one of a kind isn't like other bars So aim for the good old Seven Stars

Music INSIDE CREW GAL SKILLS BOOTCAMPS Welcome! Prepare to be inspired!

Crew Gal Skills Bootcamps are recruiting, and it’s the most fun you’ll have learning Music, TV and Film industry skills in the North East!

This is a well-timed oasis of opportunity with a predicted shortfall of these skills within the entertainment sector and many upcoming projects. Expect hands-on experience and behind-the-scenes insights into studio recording, scripting, props, creative imagination, wardrobe, hair and makeup, etiquette, marketing and vision boarding—all alongside like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Gain real industry experience as part of your course, you’ll have the opportunity to work on live projects within each creative. The creative screen production learners produce an original music video with a local artist, with past collaborations including Snakes with Tits, SEASONS, Hels Pattison, Richie Harrison and Specky Cult, plus upcoming music videos with Lauren Amour and Shannon Pearl.

Upon completion, you’ll gain a Level 3 qualification. This experience not only boosts your Music, TV and film industry skills but also builds confidence in networking, communication, location scouting, and time management—all invaluable in creative industries and beyond.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Their exclusive collaboration with Hector Gannet! Learners will work on a live project with the band, gain production credits, and help create a piece that highlights the local community’s rich heritage. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW WELCOME! Join the Crew - Come see what’s on the horizon and meet the Crew!

Head to crewgal.com for more information on courses and how to sign up.

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BEHIND THE SCENES BARNEY MILLER "THOUGH SALT MARKET SOCIAL IS ON MY DOORSTEP ON NORTH SHIELDS FISH QUAY, I MUST ADMIT IT WAS ONLY LAST YEAR THAT I ATTENDED ONE OF THEIR EVENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME AND IT WAS A REVELATION. "

BY CAROL DAVISON @yevphotography

I was surprised at how big the venue was then blown away by the unconventional and stylish space that lay behind the blue corrugated façade. Industrial chic had been given a quirky twist with the placement of funky upcycled pieces such as an old Waltzer car and spray painted piano. On the ceiling, steel pendant lights hung alongside strings of colourful Chinese lanterns and disco balls. Street art adorned the walls, and the length of the bar had a Prefab 77 paint job.

Keen to find out more about the background and ethos of the business, I met up with Salt Market owner, Barney Miller. His car dealership, Tynemouth Motor Company Select, is on the ground floor of the building and despite being in that business for more than thirty years, it was apparent that his other passion was for collecting - anything and everything it seemed.

During my tour of the expansive Salt Market building, I saw that there was something weird and wonderful to catch your eye in every corner and on every wall. Even a barely used back corridor was decorated with the zany, like the female mannequin wearing boxing gloves. Barney explained that he had started going to auctions in his early twenties and had been buying off-beat lots ever since. The eclectic style of Salt Market Social was starting to make sense.

@coastalcapturesne

@coastalcapturesne

Barney bought the old Cosalt building back in 2017 with business partner and long-standing friend John Fairs. Though the place had come with planning permission for apartments, after input from pal Jim Mawdsley, who had a music and hospitality background, they decided to try out a pop-up venue instead. This took both time and money, building a staircase, two stages and adding essentials such as soundproofing and ventilation. Stalled by Covid, there was a great sigh of relief when Salt Market Social eventually opened its doors in August 2020.

@coastalcapturesne

Featured What started as a monthly pop-up is now a hugely successful venture with a packed calendar which has something for everyone, be it enjoying a tribute band, attending a comedy night or watching the match on the big screen. Every musical taste is catered for, from Indie to Country, from Ibiza anthems to Soul. With a 450-person capacity, modern kitchen facilities for four hot food vendors and adaptable seating, the Salt Market lends itself to other events too and is even available for private hire. They have street food events, night markets for arts and crafts and cater for wedding receptions. They even hosted an event for the annual Whitley Bay Film Festival, the Salt Market taking on a Reservoir of Dogs vibe for a themed film showing. The newest addition to the Salt Market’s entertainment programme are day parties - afternoon clubbing – which have proved extremely popular. Barney is a big fan of these events which finish at 7pm. “You can have a great time, enjoy your weekend and still be home for Strictly,” he joked. “Your Sunday isn’t ruined, and you can still get to B&Q,” he added with a grin.

@coastalcapturesne

Though Covid delayed the Salt Market’s opening, it is partly responsible for the expansion of the business downstairs into what is known as the Loading Bay – literally the car showroom’s loading bay. Barney initially introduced the Jungle Coffee van there to serve hot drinks to his click and collect customers. A hot food business was added to the mix when Medhead started serving up Mediterranean street food from his Airstream trailer. Barney warmed the place up with cosy sofas and colourful wall art and it soon became a cool place for passersby to call in during a Fish Quay stroll.

A recent addition to the Loading Bay is the equally trendy Salt Bar, a weekend pop-up where you can listen to music from a live DJ and enjoy a beer or something fancier from the cocktail menu. In keeping with the Salt Market’s eclectic décor, the Salt Bar has a vivid graffitistyle mural by Brown Ox Art as a backdrop and even the bar itself is out of the ordinary, having been salvaged during a refurbishment of the main dressing room in Newcastle’s City Hall – a rescued piece of history where many a music icon would have stood back in the day.

Though the Salt Market is undoubtedly a true Fish Quay success, it is an unfinished story.

Standing outside on top of the building, Barney teased about future plans for its large, undeveloped flat roof space with stunning river views - a beach bar, a wedding venue?

Just watch this space!

@coastalcapturesne

www.saltmarketsocial.co.uk

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I LOVE SKY

By Mim Robson @mimrobsonartist I think I probably took the sky for granted when I was little. I realised this when I was in my twenties and I met a family friend who had lived in the village but had recently moved to the nearest town. I asked her how she was enjoying being in her new home and she said she liked it, but she missed our village’s “big skies”. I wasn’t so oblivious that I hadn’t noticed that the sky was big. But I hadn’t ever considered the idea that one place could have bigger sky than another. That afternoon, I went for a walk and realised how big a section of sky I’d been gifted as part of my upbringing in that place, it was vast.

This sense of privilege was reinforced in my thirties when I spoke with a friend who grew up in London and she mentioned that she had never seen a really starry night before. I was amazed that someone could have reached their thirties having not seen a sky full of stars, when I had so often stepped out of my front door and gazed at infinite numbers of stars, seen shooting stars, galaxies, comets, the lot. I realised how much a countryside childhood, whilst having its challenges in some ways, provided so much daily wonder. These brief conversations stayed with me and reminded me that just because something is always there, you must not forget to celebrate it.

So, now I pay a lot of attention to the sky. Since living at the coast, I’ve been making a habit of going out to watch the sun rise over the sea in the mornings. After doing this for a few days, I discovered that there is a whole community of sky-lovers here who have a selection of different modes of worship. Of course, there’s the sunrise dippers, who brave the North Sea at 6am to be immersed in shimmering orange blue water whilst seeing the day in.

Then there’s the morning runners, and the dog walkers, who make something special of their daily routine by sharing it with some spectacular skies. And then there are those who simply wrap up warm, find a bench, and hold a vigil as the sky does whatever magic it feels like that day. I’ve taken to the stillness of watching the sky in these moments and through this have made new friends and acquaintances who I only know from watching the sky together first thing in the morning.

They, who have lived here longer, all seem to know everyone else that passes by, and again the source of their connection seems to be mostly sharing those early morning skies. I wonder if something similar happens, and a sky community exists on the west of the country, for sunsets over the sea.

As part of my sunrise-watch I often take a timelapse video on my phone. A good friend, who either knows me well enough to choose the perfect gift, or was growing weary of receiving wobbly hand-held timelapses, bought me a tripod for my birthday. This has greatly improved my sunrise sit-ins, both in terms of filming and in terms of comfort, and attention. I can now set the camera up on the tripod, press record, and sit with my hands warm in my pockets (I quickly learned to bring a hot water bottle too) and watch the sky without looking through a screen. The fact that it is filmed on my phone means that I can’t take photos every few minutes, which is no doubt what I would be doing on a good sunrise day. As a creative spirit, and a fairly restless soul, it is a task for me to make the time to just sit and be still, and these mornings with the sky bring me some of that essential, rare stillness.

I was there the other morning, chatting with a couple of the sunrise crowd after a pink-cloud corker, as the sun, now risen, shone a tinge of winter warmth on our faces.

I had looked at the weather forecast – rain tomorrow, but sun the rest of the week. I mentioned this, naturally presuming it would be very interesting to all because the weather is never not interesting in England. But rather than the peaking their interest, my weather premonitions fell flat. Instead, my morning friends looked out over the golden glimmering sea and reminded me with kindness that it isn’t tomorrow or the day after that we are out here looking at the horizon for, but right now, the present. I wonder if after another year or two of sunrises I will have learned how to really be there when I’m there, and whether I might be able to learn how to carry that presentness through the rest of my day.

I am prone to looking back, in that I love nostalgia.

Perhaps that is why I record the timelapses – a chance to capture a memory of something beautiful that I could never explain in words.

Your Stories When I watch the timelapses back, I see that so many amazing things happened in the sky during sunrise that I didn’t see in real time. Colours and clouds and patterns that shifted imperceptibly over the hour I observed the horizon show up as clear, dramatic changes on the timelapse. Whilst on the whole (in real time) the sunrises feel like one slow movement, hard to identify when one moment has passed to another, there are occasions when I glimpse a shift happen. Last time I went, I arrived a little too late (as usual – you really want to be there at least half an hour before official sunrise time to catch the best of it) and as I parked up the whole sky was a glorious, luminous orangey-pink – peak sunrise. I stopped, took it in for a minute, then hurried on with setting up my tripod. This probably only took about a minute, but when I looked up again, things had changed. The moment had passed – the sky was still full of beautiful colour, but the luminosity, the flash of magic had gone. There must be so many moments like this throughout each day – where life shines – that are hard to see because they are fleeting, because time is ever-moving on, perhaps we are busy, or distracted, or the whole day rolls into one. I sometimes wonder what beauty, colour, patterns and unseen things would become clear if we could rewatch our whole day (or life, perhaps) on timelapse speed.

But, that isn’t really doing much for my quest for presentness is it. A few months ago I was warming up on a walk post sunset-sit, and came across a man setting up a telescope looking out over King Edwards Bay across to the moon. The man was a friendly fellow who was welcoming to anyone who wanted to have a go on the telescope, was involved in Sunderland Astronomical Society and puts on stargazing events in Northumberland Park – in short, he was a sky-guy. The moon was big and bright, Hunters supermoon, and it was exciting to see it in more detail through the scope.

After about five minutes, one of my sunrise companions happened to wander by and the three of us looked out beyond the sea and shared our admiration for the sky together – we even saw Saturn. Since that night, I’ve kept in touch with moon-man, and he invites me to come and get involved whenever there are fun things to see in the night sky. One thing I love about all of the people I’ve met sky-watching is their enthusiasm to share it – “have you seen the sky?!” being an oft heard phrase amongst those of us who go out looking. Most of us have seen the sky at some point, yes – but have you seen the sky today? Now? Perhaps as well as an eagerness to share, something many sky-lovers have in common is an ability to see and celebrate the present moment.

I set up a whatsapp group last year called ‘Sunrise and Sunset Club’. It now has around 25 members and is a wholesome affair with friends, friend’s friends, mums, dads, aunties and next-door neighbours joining to share sunrise and sunset photos from wherever they happen to be.

The members are dotted around the country, a couple are in Europe, and we occasionally get a holiday sunset. There’s not a lot of chat, just sky really. Not every photo shared is a spectacular sunrise/sunset, and there aren’t photos every day.

But some mornings, it seems all of us have been treated to a glorious sunrise, and in come captures from each end of the country celebrating a beautiful morning.

As whatsapp groups go, it’s not a bad way to start the day. We’ve been treated to some outrageous northern lights skies over the past year. One night in October after a heads-up that they were expected, I went out to Seaton Sluice beach to see what was what. As I drove through Whitley Bay I noticed that the roads were unusually busy, and as I passed St Mary’s Island it became apparent that the majority of cars were people rushing out to see the sky.

There was something exciting about this collective sky buzz. I walked out onto the beach in the dark and found I was in the company of around 50 strangers, all looking out quietly over the waves into the darkness as some hazy greens and reds showed promise.

I set up the old tripod, and kept warm with my hot water bottle and a flask of cocoa. I got chatting to a woman stood nearby, who was visiting the area for work, and made a spontaneous decision to come out to see the aurora. We spent the next few hours waiting, watching, chatting and laughing. It proved not only to be the most incredible display of northern lights I have ever seen, but also the beginning of a friendship. The next day, this new friend joined me and an old friend at Collingwood Monument to watch the sunset over North Shields, and we laughed some more.

We are still in touch and meet up, despite living miles away, and of course, she joined the sunrise/sunset whatsapp group. I’m grateful to the sky for all of the moments of peace, excitement and awe it has offered me, the connections I’ve made under it and the colour it brings to my days. It gives me reminder that all things pass, and it is a daily call to stop, look up and allow time for wonder.

Do you love the sky too? Wanna talk about sky?

Got glorious sky photos/stories/thoughts you want to share? Get in touch at ilovebigboats@hotmail.com (yes, I still love big boats).

“have you seen the sky?!”

Leoni

By Leoni Harper (16), Shiremoor You weren’t always there, And yet your absence feels like abandonment.

Please don’t leave me, I plead every night, But you already have.

I love you, I love you, I love you, Even though you left me, I need you.

You gave me my hair, And my last name, A reminder of you, always and forever.

My family line, It means so little to me at times, But I know that it’s a part of me.

But not just that, I am so much more.

I’m who I present to others, I’m who I present to myself, I’m who I present to everyone.

I am my loss, I am my gain, And I am me.

I am myself, And myself is me.

Always.

PROPS FAMILY RECOVERY SERVICE A LIFELINE

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By Suzanne Coulson North Shields is a place where great things are happening - from local businesses thriving to creative initiatives taking root. Yet, like any community, there’s an underbelly we must acknowledge, especially when it comes to the silent battles that families face in the shadows of addiction.

It’s crucial we shine a light on these challenges and, more importantly, on the support available to help those who are struggling. One such beacon of hope is the Props Family Recovery Service, a service dedicated to providing crucial support to families dealing with the chaos and heartbreak of substance misuse.

The programme offers both group and one-to-one sessions, with group sessions particularly beneficial due to the non-judgmental, supportive atmosphere they create. These sessions provide a space for participants to share experiences and help each other work through their recovery.

Understanding the full scope of addiction is difficult, especially when you are not the one battling the substance. It’s almost impossible to explain to friends or family the heartache of watching someone you love spiral deeper into drug and alcohol abuse. The dark thoughts, desperate actions, and never-ending setbacks can feel overwhelming and isolating. What’s often overlooked in the pursuit of helping the individual is the devastating toll addiction takes on their loved ones. The emotional, physical, and financial burden can be all-consuming, and the journey is one that leaves lasting scars — even as the person in need of help begins to find recovery.

A notable change in the service’s approach is the expansion of their referral age range. Originally accepting referrals for those aged 11 and up, Props now supports children as young as five, responding to the growing need for early intervention in the community.

Founded in 1997, Props Family Recovery Service emerged from a deep commitment to providing support for families caught in the grip of substance misuse. The service’s founder, Dr. Robert J. Myers, introduced the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) programme, which quickly became a cornerstone of their work. The CRAFT programme is designed to help caregivers, rather than focusing on confrontation, by equipping them with practical strategies to foster recovery in their loved ones. The programme is centred on building and reinforcing positive family and social connections, helping individuals make lasting changes while ensuring that both the person in recovery and their family’s wellbeing are nurtured.

When I reached out to Props to explore the support they provide, I was flooded with emotions. It took me back to my own experience of supporting a loved one through addiction, and how Props was there for me at a time when I felt utterly alone.

Reflecting on that time, I recall how essential their support was - they were the first to listen without judgment, the first to hear the words I had kept inside for so long. Without them, I’m not sure I would have been able to navigate the emotional turmoil and support my loved one through their darkest moments.

During my visit to the Linskill Centre, I learned more about the practical services Props offers to those in need. One of their flagship programmes is the 10-week CRAFT programme, which addresses key issues such as drug and alcohol awareness and the recovery process.

For those not yet ready to commit to the full 10 weeks, Props adopts a compassionate approach, gently guiding individuals until they feel ready to take the next step in their journey. They also offer family mediation to help loved ones support one another through the process.

Addiction brings chaos in many forms, and families often feel its effects in both emotional and financial turmoil. From the strain of emotional abuse to the loss of stability, families are left grappling with a situation that often feels hopeless. Props works to mitigate these challenges, providing families with not just practical tools, but also the emotional support they need during such a difficult time.

One of the key issues discussed was the misconception that addiction only affects certain types of people. Addiction, however, does not discriminate. It can affect anyone - regardless of age, background, or circumstance. While many people struggling with addiction mask their pain, there are certain signs to watch for, including withdrawal from social interactions, mood swings, unexplained weight loss, agitation, and financial instability. These signs can often be overlooked or misinterpreted, but they’re important indicators if you suspect someone may be dealing with addiction.

It’s essential we come together to support one another. Acknowledging the struggles faced by families impacted by addiction is just the beginning — shining a light on the services that exist to help them is a collective responsibility. Props is one of the key organisations doing that work, offering hope and a pathway to recovery for families across the area.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, or if you are a family member in need of support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you’re ready to start your recovery or just need someone to talk to, they provide compassionate, non-judgmental support every step of the way.

Visit their website at www.props.org.uk or contact them directly at: Phone: 0191 226 3440 9am-9am

Your Stories

CYNTHIA NEPTUNE MAGICIAN

By Noreen Rees There was a time when I envied Cynthia Neptune. Well, why wouldn’t you? Cynthia was definitely someone you could aspire to be—making an onstage entrance in her magician’s costume of purple velvet jumpsuit and matching cloak adorned with silver moons and stars. And she would literally perform magic, drawing in her audience, weaving her spell. What a wonderful life Cynthia led. Or so it seemed…But the reality turned out to be a little different, and ultimately more moving.

I first became aware of Cynthia Neptune in the 1980s, at the magic shows sponsored by North Tyneside Council in the Panama Dip amphitheatre at Whitley Bay. Top of the bill was always Cynthia. At that time women had only recently been given equal pay status to men, but clearly in her field she was the equal of any man, even though she was tiny in stature. She’d partially learned her trade though her magician husband, Johnny. She and Johnny also passed on their skills to Johnny’s daughter, Shirley Clayton who later performed as ‘Auntie Rainbow.’

Perhaps the first mention of Cynthia in the local press appeared in The Newcastle Journal of 14th October, 1976 when audiences in Sunderland were promised a performance of ‘conjurers Johnny and Cynthia Neptune which traces the history of illusion and legerdemain [sleight of hand] from Primeval times to the Golden Age of Music Hall.’

I was told by a fellow magician who worked with Cynthia in the 1990s that her signature trick was ‘The Chinese Sticks.’ This involved two identical sticks with a cord running all the way between them.

At first the audience are led to believe that the cord connects the two sticks.

However, as the trick progresses, it’s revealed that the sticks can be pulled apart, but the cord running between them can still be pulled up and down. No doubt there was a logical explanation to this illusion but I imagine the audience never discovered it.

As a children’s entertainer Cynthia knew how to captivate an audience of under tens. And part of that was down to audience participation. She involved the children in her magic, either by using them as temporary conjurer’s assistants, or by getting them to call out answers. There seemed to be no rowdy behaviour at any of Cynthia’s shows, because the children were very much part of the act, and totally engrossed.

Cynthia was very keen on showcasing young talent, and as well as the Panama Dip Summer shows, she also performed for a time in Wallsend, allowing young people aged four to twelve their chance to shine onstage by presenting an act. There were no auditions, and no big prizes, just sweets and applause. There were occasional fancy dress competitions incorporated with the shows as well, with winners from all over North Tyneside and Newcastle.

Your Stories

For many years Cynthia and Johnny worked together presenting magic shows. Johnny, however had a life-limiting condition and sadly, died in November 1984. Cynthia had always known about his illness, so while Johnny worked full time as a magician, Cynthia worked as a bank clerk.

She’d felt she needed to save enough money for the time that inevitably Johnny would have to give up his career. But after Johnny’s death, Cynthia had her time in the limelight, quite literally. In her mid-fifties she became the most successful female northern children’s entertainer, sometimes presenting thirty shows a week. At the height of her powers she became the first woman president of the Northern Magic Circle, very much respected for her work. She was also elected as President to the International Brotherhood of Magicians, based in St Louis, USA. Cynthia died on 5th August, 2012, and her funeral was held at St Peter’s Church, Monkseaton, attended by her many friends, and members of the Magic Circle. During the service a special ceremony known as ‘broken wand’ was held where Cynthia’s stage magic wand was broken over her coffin.

Today her legacy is that young magicians living in the North East are able to learn tricks and skills though the Neptune Junior Magic Club, based at Magic Box in Newcastle. Martin Duffy, a fellow professional magician who knew both Cynthia and Johnny when he was a member of the club recalls going to a children’s party with Cynthia and watching her perform. It made a huge impression on him that someone—particularly a woman—could do magic tricks, he recalls. Martin also remembers Johnny teaching him how to walk on stage. ‘Lead with the foot that will turn your body to face the audience.’

Martin later worked at a magic shop in London where he met Paul Daniels, and also performed at Pontin’s for several years. Today he is the secretary of Newcastle Magic Circle.

Graeme Shaw, also a member of the Junior Magic Club as a boy, was given a job at Magic Box when he left school, is now the owner and runs the Neptune Junior Magic Club. When he was learning to perform, Cynthia would sit at the back of the room to encourage him to project his voice.

There are many more examples of young magicians from Neptune Junior Magic Club who are now full time professional magicians, thanks to Cynthia’s encouragement and teaching.

Up and coming magicians like Jack, aged eight from the Neptune Junior Magic Club says, ‘Doing magic has given me confidence and helped me make new friends. I enjoy shocking people or making them laugh, and like being on stage.’ His fellow performer, Aidan says, ‘The Neptune club has really helped me. Graeme, Danny and all of the guests offer their time to share skills and knowledge, and have inspired me and many others to perform and explore magic.

The club has helped my confidence and stage presence, and has motivated me to become a better performer. Without the club I wouldn’t have had the confidence to stand on stage and perform, and I wouldn’t be the magician/performer I am today.’ So, it’s clear that Cynthia Neptune not only changed the perception of what it is to be a magician, but also left a lasting legacy.

@coastalcapturesne

Music

SEVENTEEN GOING UNDER STORIES FROM DOWN UNDER

By Mark Tavender Music possesses a unique ability to transcend geographical boundaries and cultural differences, traversing vast distances to touch the hearts and minds of people around the world.

Whether carried by the wind, transmitted through radio waves, or shared digitally across continents, music's power to evoke emotions and inspire action knows no bounds. It serves as a universal language, capable of uniting humanity in a shared experience of beauty, sorrow, joy, and hope.

Imagine a song travelling across the globe, landing in the hands of a listener thousands of miles away, and sparking an entirely new work of art. That's exactly what happened when Sam Fender's music reached Peter White, over 11000 miles away in New Zealand.

An author and journalist, Peter first became aware of Sam Fender’s music whilst watching an episode of The Graham Norton Show on New Zealand national TV in 2019. Sam and his group were playing ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ and Peter was immediately hooked.

‘I was particularly impressed by the use of the saxophone in the song, I hadn’t really heard anything like it before,’ Peter tells me over a Zoom call.

Peter explored the rest of his music and bought a copy of ‘Dead Boys’ EP which further resonated with him - he had experience of young male suicide, having lost a good friend to it when he was in his 20s.

But it was while working as an Uber driver when Fender’s music started to take hold. As he was driving around he would listen to Sam’s songs.

‘I listened to Seventeen Going Under and thought it was such an extraordinary song, full of different characters with so many subplots and twists - I just fell in love with it,’ says Peter.

Peter kept playing Fender’s music as he worked and remembers how all the characters in the songs came to life for him. He says he often had to pull over to the side of the road to make some notes - and slowly, but surely, the idea came to him to write a book based on the lyrics.

The first song to give him the idea was ‘Spit of You,’ which is ostensibly about the singer’s father. ‘But I kept thinking more about the boy and his grandmother mentioned in the song and based the story on that,’ Peter tells me.

The stories ‘Leave Fast’ and ‘Seventeen Going Under’ came to him quickly and by now Peter was in a groove and stories were coming to him more or less organically.

I ask him about his writing process and how he goes about putting them together. He admits to printing out the lyrics to the songs so he can see them written down and this helps his stories come to life.

‘Often it’s only three or four lines that provide the inspiration for the story,’ Peter explains.

Aside from the stories themselves, one of the most fascinating aspects is that they are based in and around North Shields. Peter is keen to point out that it is important that any local references are accurate. Despite the geographical distance, Peter has meticulously researched the area to ensure authenticity, bringing the setting to life for readers everywhere. It’s no mean feat considering he lives on the other side of the world.

According to Peter, Sam Fender is not that well known in New Zealand (yet!). This meant he had to take a 1500 mile, 4 hour flight to Australia just to see Sam Fender play live, which he did in 2022.

Given Fender’s relatively low profile in New Zealand, I ask Peter how the book publishers there received his idea.

‘There were some concerns about copyright issues.

Also I knew it wouldn’t really sell in New Zealand so I sent about 12 letters to different publishers in the UK. Most of them rejected the idea but then one night I received an email from Austin Macauley Publishers who said they loved it!’

Now his book is widely available in the UK at online sites such as Waterstone’s, WH Smiths and Amazon.

Inspired by individual songs, Peter has crafted a collection of interconnected short stories, each capturing the raw emotion and vivid storytelling that defines Fender's music. They perfectly capture memories of what it's like growing up and do not shy away from tackling tough subjects like male suicide, bullying and difficult familial relationships.

The book offers a unique and poignant exploration of Sam Fender's music through a new lens. For fans seeking a deeper dive into the stories behind the songs, this book is a must-read.

You can purchase a copy of the book from Amazon

Your Stories

DON’T BE GAY FINDING IDENTITY AND FIGHTING STEREOTYPES

By Alex Wright Growing up as a heterosexual man, the fear of possibly being gay loomed like an unspoken threat. "Gay" wasn’t just a label; it was an insult, a fear to be avoided at all costs. Among friends, many insults were followed with “that’s gay” and no one wanted to be labelled the "gay boy." This mindset made talking about sexuality off-limits, and exploring it? Even more so.

Deep down, I was scared, scared of what being gay actually felt like, and scared that I might even be gay. This fear held me back more than I ever realised. So, I found a tribe. A group that embodied masculinity as I understood it, obsessed with physical strength, chasing sex, and being perceived as popular. Whether my friends actually believed this or not, it was the framework I clung to, shaping my view of masculinity.

Then life took a turn. After failing sixth form, I went back to college and embraced creativity.

Suddenly, my world expanded. I found myself in an environment that celebrated diversity, encouraged self-reflection, and challenged everything I thought I knew. My projects forced me to look inward, and for the first time, I started peeling back the layers of fear.

Surrounded by friends in the LGBTQ+ community, I saw the strength in embracing one’s truth. They taught me that real confidence comes not from fitting into a mould but from allowing yourself to exist as you truly are. It was liberating.

The weight of trying to be something I wasn’t fell away, and my confidence grew, not from projecting masculinity but from embracing my own identity.

And when I finally allowed myself to explore my fears, I found what I had always known, I was heterosexual.

But it was only through self-exploration, without the suffocating pressure of outdated masculine ideals, that I was able to truly own that identity. I realised it was okay to question, okay to be curious. It was okay to think, what if I’m gay? because ultimately, it’s okay to be gay.

Society places immense pressure on the LGBTQ+ community to "come out," to declare who they are for the comfort of those around them. It’s as if we need labels to neatly categorise people.

Some straight men struggle with being around gay men, as if attraction is something contagious. There’s a discomfort, an insecurity, not because of others, but because of themselves.

And that was me. Internalising my homophobia and afraid of what self-reflection might reveal should I feel the need to explore my own sexuality. But at 21, I had my own coming-out moment. Not to the world, but to myself. I was a heterosexual man, finally confident in who I was, thanks to the LGBTQ+ community, who had shown me the importance of exploration, selfexpression, and the freedom that comes with it.

While they battle a society that struggles to understand them, many men battle themselves, pushing back against a more open world out of fear. But if we could all self-reflect a little more, if we channelled our fears into growth instead of repression, maybe we’d all live freer, happier lives.

Sometimes, it’s not others we fear, it’s ourselves.

The fear of asking questions we don’t have answers to. But if you lean into curiosity, if you allow yourself to explore, you might just find confidence, comfort, and clarity.

Go out there and discover who you truly are.

Instagram @woemanoutdoors A supportive community nurturing our physical and mental wellbeing oudoors

🌱

Hobby

LEE HOLLIS-RICHARDS

THE DELECTABLE GARDEN Hi, Lee here from The Delectable Garden. Last month, I introduced you to my garden. This month, I’d like to dive into one of my favourite spring traditions—making my own Easter wreaths using plants and flowers from my garden. Let’s get started!

Wreath-making is more than just a creative outlet for me—it’s also a social event. I’ll prepare lunch, and invite friends and neighbours over for a relaxed afternoon of crafting. It’s a lovely way to connect with others and build a sense of community. Everyone brings cuttings from their own gardens, allowing us to share the experience and add variety to the wreaths.

So, why do I grow my own flowers and foliage and forage for my wreaths? It’s simple—it’s free, and it’s a great way to make use of the plants I already have! Most of my plants live in pots, which makes them perfect for small gardens or patios. It’s a sustainable and space-efficient way to garden.

Some of my favourite plants for wreath-making include Eucalyptus, especially the smaller, bushier variety like Eucalyptus gunnii ‘France Bleu’. Skimmia japonica is another favourite—it’s an evergreen shrub that adds colour and interest throughout winter. I also love using aromatic herbs like rosemary and bay, which provide lush foliage and fill the air with their lovely scent.

Foraging is another aspect I truly enjoy. I like to take my dogs and secateurs out into the local woodlands, I always follow The Woodland Trust Responsible Foraging Guidelines, taking only what I need and leaving plenty behind for wildlife to thrive.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your wreath: secateurs, a metal wreath frame (easily found online), florist wire, moss, and your cuttings.

Step-by-step guide: 1. Roll the moss into tight balls and wrap with florist wire to attach to the frame until completely covered. This forms the base for the wreath.

2. Insert pine sprigs around the outer edge of the moss. You can place them straight out or angle them to create movement. The length of the sprigs will determine the overall size of your wreath.

3. Next, arrange a ring of ivy in front of the pine by inserting cuttings angled to the right, continuing all the way around the wreath.

4. For the front, either repeat bunches of foliage around the wreath or insert them strategically at “clock” positions (e.g., eucalyptus at 12, 3, 6, and 9; olive at 2, 5, 8, and 11).

5. Step back to assess your wreath, adding more foliage as needed. Use florist wire to secure any loose sprigs, then finish with decorative elements like little chicks, dried citrus slices, pinecones, or flowers.

Foliage I used: eucalyptus, skimmia japonica, hellebore, olive, pine, ivy, and moss.

To keep your wreath fresh: Water it regularly, use evergreen plants, and replenish flowers or sprigs as needed.

I hope this encourages you to try wreath-making for yourself. Let me know how your wreaths turn out, share them with me on Instagram @TheDelectableGarden Lee Hollis-Richards www.thedelectablegarden.co.uk

53

Poetry

FISH QUAY: 1970

By Geoff Holland 1.

The tackle of boys baiting halibut, whiting, catfish.

Lines limp from quay caught between town and river.

The cry and call of sea birds, herring boats breaking water, haul and catch squeezed into wet holds.

The swish and slap of water, load and unload.

2.

Sharp hulls rest, nets with holes hang like tired men, whilst skipper and crew climb worn stone stairs to beds and bodies, sleep and snore.

3.

The chuckle of trawlers lingers in the early sun.

The tide rises and falls.

The smell of fish fades.

Born close to the mouth of the River Tyne, Geoff has never lived more than one mile from the North Tyneside coast. He worked in canny Shields for 23 years and his written and photographic work has appeared in a wide range of publications

Poetry

HEY, LOOK AT US (PANAMA SWIMMING CLUB)

By Geoff Holland Hey, look at us hairy-chested freestylers on Whitley’s wild coast all-weather water babes stripped ready for a dip we are open water bathers as tough as Old Nick.

Hey, look at us, we defy Nature’s laws.

Just look at us in our goggles and hats and slim Speedo suits we are cold water athletes stronger than nails we are harder than rock as slippery as seals.

Hey, look at us and our pale northern skin.

Just look at us as the tide ebbs and flows and the breakers roll in we are four-season swimmers with steel in our veins who ride the white horses on a rough North Sea swell.

Hey, look at us!

History

“Tribute to the Memory of Thomas Matthews Comedian, Aged 45.

Who crossed that Bourne from Whence no Travellers return.

On May 10th 1850.”

Erected by William Purvis

THE COMEDIAN HEADSTONE THOMAS MATTHEWS

By Diane Wailes This intriguing inscription can be found on a headstone tucked away in Christ Church cemetery, barely visible behind a hedge. A comedian sounds like an unlikely occupation for a Victorian in North Shields, so who was Thomas Matthews - and who was the man who paid for his headstone?

A bit of research in North Shields library reveals that William Purvis was Thomas’s boss, and had been for 18 years. And it was William - better known as ‘Billy’ - who was the more famous of the two. Billy Purvis was actually a legendary entertainer, possibly the most famous showman in the north of England for more than 30 years. He was famous for his clown act, conjuring tricks, Northumbrian pipes, hornpipe dancing and 20-minute versions of Shakespeare plays. You name it, Billy could turn his hand to it!

Thomas Matthews was Billy’s stage manager and his right-hand man. The description on his headstone is the only direct evidence that Thomas performed on stage himself. They performed their shows in a touring booth known as ‘Purvis's Splendid Pavilion’ - a portable wooden theatre, complete with a canvas roof and elaborate scenery. In the style of a circus, their show would tour towns and villages across the north east, setting up for one or two nights before moving on. Billy and Thomas often hired in extra acts to wow the crowds - a juggler, a sword swallower, and a ‘balance master’ who performed with chairs, eggs, coach wheels and a ‘balloon of fire’. One of their acts even featured a live bear!

The Splendid Pavilion was a regular visitor to North Shields, and shows were held on empty ground at the top of Bedford Street. One of Billy’s favourite sayings was, “North Shields is the sunny side (of the Tyne) but South Shields is the money side”. And the pair were certainly canny with money, charging double the North Shields ticket price when they held a show in Tynemouth, where the rich folk lived.

When Thomas died in 1850, his obituary described him as “a good servant” to Billy Purvis. But the fact that Billy paid for an impressive headstone to be erected in Christ Church suggests a real friendship between the two men.

A book about the life of Billy Purvis described his as ‘The First Professional Geordie’. But perhaps there was more to it than that. Maybe, just maybe, Billy and Thomas were the first professional Geordie comedy duo. Now who does that remind you of?!

History

OUT OF THE WOODWORK THE NOT SO WOODEN JOURNEY OF THE DOLL

By Christopher Paul Cook For those which have happened to grow up in the North Shields within the last century, the staple figure of the Wooden Doll has come to be not only part of the sheer fabric of childhood, but also that sight of familiarity which instils the feeling of being home.

This being thanks to the strong, independent woman carved which have long stood so to connect almost as if one of the family for so many. Despite having this connection, little is still known of her true origin and everchanging lifespan of statues which stand proudly today.

The original Wooden Doll accounted for as “no slim, simpering, Goddess-looking creature, but a bluff, saucy, hearty-looking hussy” by then local historian Paul Trumpeter during the 1780s, was in fact a spearhead placed afront the cargo collier called the Alexander & Margaret.

The ship, which held a mere ten crew and single cannon, was captained by North Shield’s David Bartleman and named in tribute to his own father and mother. To the captains’ misfortunes whilst assail the Norfolk coast, he was forced to give up the voyager when attacked by pirate Falls’ eighteen cannoned Fearnought. Though the capture would be later taken to Great Yarmouth, father Alexander would somehow regain and the Wooden Doll to be a statue firstly on Front Street, Tynemouth and later Low Street in North Shields in 1814.

From, in line with traditions of seamen carving keepsakes for good luck, local urchins did too until the eventual cut off of her head in the year 1850.

Throughout the next ten decades three more incarnations came and went until it was decided to build a newer, more resolute version to stand stage central to North Shields Northumberland Park. This version however would depict not a “hearty-looking hussy”, but the Northern Scottish herring girls which fleeted seasonally towards the fish quay to clean, salt and barrel catch up until the 1950s.

This one reflected more the working class in being of a hardworking fishing woman carrying a basket, shawl and creel. Unveiled in 1958, this statue was a mahogany piece and produced by the same workshop nationally renowned for their mice carvings into oak furniture.

Gracing the town until its 1992 update, the new copy of the Wooden Doll would go on to cement itself on the exact same spot before being removed for refurbishment in 2020 as part of the council’s investment into Nile Street. Once finished, the cleaner statue was proudly returned to the joys of the locals.

Few months later however, the doll had to be removed once again not through further investment, but callous vandalism. After two years restoration work, the doll would return but sadly not to where accustomed but, for protection, to outlook from inside North Shields library.

Thankfully with the towns 800th birthday celebration, North Tyneside Council have agreed to finally return the doll back to where it belongs, Northumberland Park.

Fashion

FASHION FUN WITH HISTORY WARDROBE

By Caroline Oswald As my cousin arrived to collect me and our friend, she thrust a pair of maroon rubber ankle boots my way: “Here, put these on!” Then she produced a yellow tin adorned with the symbol of a black daisy: “And see if you can put some of this on your face.” I opened the lid to find various coloured sticks of what looked like theatrical makeup inside.

Since the orange hue that I tried didn’t appear to be bold enough, she urged me to apply the bright pink stick to my lips.

While I was doing so, she proclaimed that the makeup was probably made around the time I was born. As implied by the trademark daisy, it was an original set by the famous fashion designer, Mary Quant.

The daisy motif was also on the heel of the boots, confirming those too to be of the same make. Finally, my cousin pulled from her handbag a vintage perfume entitled ‘Havoc’. Having doused ourselves in the 40-odd-year-old fragrance, also by Mary Quant, we were suitably prepared for an evening learning all about this iconic figure of British fashion. The ticketed event by History Wardrobe, entitled ‘Mary Quant Fashion Icon’, was sold out and it even seemed like there had been an extra row of chairs laid out to accommodate the large audience on the first floor North Shields library.

We chose from the complimentary wine or fruit juice and took a seat. As a member of staff was explaining health and safety procedures, a voice piped up from backstage to confirm that we should feel free to take photos. Then on walked the woman behind the voice and the evening’s presenter, Lucy Ridley, wearing an eyecatching twin-piece suit in yellow and black tartan and a black wig in the style of the five-point cut made famous by Vidal Sassoon and favoured by Quant. Against a backdrop of black and white daisies and surrounded by a display of vintage clothing and artefacts, Lucy launched into her lecture about Mary Quant.

We were taken back in time to hear how young Mary had begun to learn dressmaking skills at school during the Second World War, and how she ended up customising her uniform to the annoyance of her teachers and the envy of her peers.

Straight away the audience were reminiscing about their own school days, as Lucy displayed typical fashions of the day and described items Mary would have been making in sewing class.

Fashion She used examples of full-skirted fifties fashion with flowing materials to demonstrate exactly what Mary had started rebelling against from a young age.

We learned how this rebellious streak continued after Mary’s studies when she refused to follow her parents into a career in teaching and took up an apprenticeship at a milliner’s instead. Lucy went on to tell entertaining anecdotes about Mary’s exploits including meeting her husband, Alexander Plunkett-Greene, with whom she set up the renowned London fashion boutique, ‘Bazaar’.

Lucy proudly proclaimed that the outfit she was wearing was a Bazaar original, and proceeded to show us a photo of Mary Quant actually wearing it that she had found in a book.

Quant continued to rebel against the norm in her mission to create more fun, youthful and practical styles for the younger generation in the 1960s. Lucy made full use of the props surrounding her to illustrate the extent of Quant’s empire and the range of weird and wonderful products produced over the years. She clearly enjoyed modelling various pieces for us, from a beautifully shaped orange coat to a ridiculous hooded pink rain poncho! There were other weather-resistant items on display, such as a brown version of the ‘Quant Afoot’ boots I was wearing and PVC coat with white collar and cuffs from the ‘Wet Collection’.

As the name suggests, you could indeed end up wet wearing these items. Lucy explained that Mary teamed up with rainwear company Alligator after some of her so-called waterproof items actually let the rain in. My cousin confirmed that this is true of the boots, but she had nevertheless enjoyed wearing them in the winter because of the pretty daisy imprints they leave in the snow.

However, when Lucy tried to wear the boots, she found that the heels had disintegrated and she mourned the tragedy of them never having been put to their intended use. The message was clear as she urged: “If you’ve got it, WEAR IT!” Mary Quant clothes were indeed meant to be worn, and many of the people present had grown up wearing them, either when they first came out or as treasured finds in vintage shops. Thus everyone thoroughly enjoyed this engaging trip down memory lane.

Whilst Lucy’s lighthearted lecture provided plenty of laughs at Mary Quant’s more outlandish ideas, this never detracted from her obvious enthusiasm and admiration for the trailblazing designer. At the end of the evening Lucy emerged to a round of applause wearing what everyone believed to be an original Mary Quant dress. She then revealed that it was in fact a modern dress from River Island, proving that Mary Quant’s fashion legacy lives on to this day.

We can look forward to more local events by History Wardrobe in the coming year including ‘Halfway to Hollywood’ and ‘A Very Victorian Christmas.’ One of their presenters, Lucy Adlington, is also a celebrated author, and she will be launching her new book in the presentation ‘Unravelled - Four Red Sweaters’ at The Word in South Shields on 30th March: “Join Lucy as she recounts powerful true stories of friendship, survival and resilience during the Holocaust, from a Kindertransport refugee to a daring armed revolt, all centring on knitting skills and an intriguing selection of humble woollens.”

Find out more at: www.historywardrobe.com

Lucy provided the perfect combination of informative presentation with audience participation, asking questions and inviting us to interact with the objects on display. These included not only Mary Quant clothing and accessories but knitting and sewing patterns, duvet covers, tea and coffee caddies, perfume, makeup, brightly coloured tights and unbelievably tiny underwear.

There was even a magazine featuring an advert for the full range of rubber boots! When I showed her mine, Lucy exclaimed that she had never met anyone who had a pair they actually used. She had previously given examples of other Quant originals that people had preserved over the years by not wearing, including a pair of kneelength suede boots.

Caroline Oswald

Business

BEHIND THE SCENES THE OBSERVATORY

By Suzanne Coulson If you’ve ever taken in the delights of the North Shields Fish Quay or Fish Quay Sands, you cannot have missed the unique architectural gem perched near the waters edge.

Welcome to The Observatory, a remarkable property that combines history, innovation, and mouth of the tyne views. Many will have passed the distinctive glass-curved marvel on their coastal walks, their curiosity stirred, eager to step inside and uncover its hidden treasures – and treasures it has! The Observatory is a one-of-a-kind space - part home, part gelato café, with a studio gallery and kiln workshops woven into its design.

I Love North Shields caught up with owner Henry Amos, architect and owner, to explore the inspiration behind its striking exterior - while also uncovering what lies beneath, offering us all a little taste of The Observatory and the Molten Gallery Café.

Can you share a little history of The Observatory? When was it built? How long did it take to build? The Observatory is in an amazing location, 30 yards from the sea, and built off the foundations of the original development in North Shields. It is in Clifford's Fort, a scheduled ancient monument from 1770's, and is directly on the site of the guard house. So the lower walls are partly the original stone fort walls, which then has the younger 200 year old brickwork, then some newer brickwork and then the timber frame and glass structure on top. The guard house site, has been a workshop when the fort became a site for creating mines to mine the river against enemy shipping, and then a smoke house. After that it was a freezer store, and burnt down in the 1980's.

The latest version of the guard house site is multi use, with gelato kitchen, cafe and glass making studio and glass gallery on the ground and first floors. The Observatory is in the top 2 floors of the finished building, accessed from a private garden and staircase. The top floor commands a view up to 30 miles out to sea, to watch the ships and boats on the river, and the various wildlife.

Can you share the inspiration behind creating The Observatory? What sparked the idea to use car windscreens for windows?

The windshields came from my interest in re-use of scrap float glass in creative ways, in the general permaculture approach to architecture, and after completing an MA at Sunderland in Glass and various other glass courses - I needed a stable, finished, safe and scrap glass source which had a curve.

Business And I kept adding ideas... which when it is your own project you can do, but that takes longer.

Technically, there is no book of how to build with van windshields, so we drew in 3D all the building with every connection, every cleat, and had them all made. Curiously, we had a couple left at the end. It seems appropriate to use shields in Shields

Researching the use of windshields yielded two projects - one using flat glass, and one using broken windshields beaten over a frame. Working out how to mount, fulfil technical safety issues, create levels to view the outside and tessellate onto a rectangular plan, with the ecological requirements, utilised ideas from many of the projects I have seen over the years.

Lee, of Coast Windshields was great at giving us 15 different broken ones which we measured very carefully then modelled and put into our model to select the 2 sizes we then went on to use. He then helped enormously with installation. We have since used written off coach windshields and 3 other types of vehicle glass as well as shower glass and scrap double glazed units around the externals of the building. The glazing was intended to do several things. To create a space out of the cool easterly winds here on the coast, that can be sat in and to grow food, as there is no land attached to the building.

30% of national energy goes into buildings and nominally the same amount goes into our food. We have had cucumbers in November - very tasty.

Another was to have passive solar gain into the building itself, helping the overall ecological approach to the building - scooping up heat in the morning from sunrise through to early afternoon. There is much less glazing to the west, to the landward side, reducing heat loss, and heat gain, and keeping the inner spaces quieter. There have been some lucky gains with the gaps between the glass, which I had thought would act as a massive sundial but is much more useful as blades of ventilation to cool occupants on a sunny day.

What challenges did you face in bringing this vision to life, and how did you overcome them?

The design and then the planning process was a long one. Four and a half years. Matched by the lease negotiation. But the bigger challenges were technical and resources. We are a small environmentally facing architectural practice - Brightblue Studio - and we had been working building the Wildlife Discovery Centre up at Hauxley near Amble, so we brought our architecture led design and build company to bear on this project - the only way such a unique structure could be built with any certainty, let alone the complexity. Funds for this project also were a challenge as we work on environmental and social community projects, so profit margins are different to more commercial architectural work.

When did The Observatory first open its doors for bookings, and what has the response been like from visitors?

We opened less than a year ago and have only had one week without a booking since opening.

You can see on the Holiday Cottages website the reviews: most people love the unique sense of the place and how chill it is to sit on the top floor and just take in nature and river ship traffic. We provide binoculars and long chairs so people can really relax, and then just outside the Fish Quay is a great place to eat or drink. Walking and more are all straight from the door - all sorts of walks and rides, along the Promenade round to Tynemouth, or across the Ferry to South Shields. We have been surprised just how much pleasure it has given people and we take pleasure in that.

What inspired you to expand The Observatory with the gelato cafe, studio gallery, and kiln workshops?

The idea for the building was to be a destination in many ways, and to celebrate all that the extra ordinary location generously gives it. My interest in creating new glass out of scrap, virgin glass, has developed over the years. I had a glass studio just next door 20 years ago, when the old smoke houses were derelict - renting it for £50 a month.

Everything I made smelt of smoke and fish. Then up at Tynemouth Station, we opened an architectural office, with a weekend glass selling studio. The Observatory is the next step and somewhat more ambitious. Since returning to the Fish Quay to work and understanding how the glass studio up at Tynemouth worked, a cafe, with a real focus on flavour, arose from the location, to combine sustainable practices and to have some fun. The gelato is a way to explore different flavours in an exciting and tasty way: try the salmon gelato! The first floor has enough space for the kilns and making studio, with a studio gallery at the seaward end, so we can have openings, glass classes, events, hire out the space and generally have fun and more people involved, as we discover more ways to use this part of the Fish Quay North Shields.

The Observatory is a shining example of the hidden gems waiting to be discovered right on our doorstep. .

So next time you’re wandering the Fish Quay, don’t just pass by - step inside, look a little closer, and uncover the magic that makes North Shields so special.

Shop Local

HARVEY’S OFF LICENCE CORNER SHOP If you haven’t been to Harvey’s yet, you’re missing out! Tucked away at 20 West Percy Street, this little corner shop has become a real gem in North Shields since it opened just a year ago. It’s not just your average off-licence—it’s a friendly, welcoming place packed with unique finds and everyday essentials, all wrapped up in proper community spirit.

Here’s why everyone’s talking about Harvey’s: A Favorite in North Shields In just a year, Harvey’s has built a loyal following by offering great products with a generous dose of community spirit.

1. Expanding Selection of Indian Spices From cinnamon sticks to star anise, Harvey’s caters to home cooks looking for authentic flavors. With even more spices on the way, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves to cook.

2. Exclusive Local Products Harvey’s is the only shop in the area to stock Mrs. Darlington’s Made with Love jams, marmalades, and chutneys—favorites include ginger curd and blackcurrant jam. They also offer Farmhouse Biscuits for just £2 per pack, perfect for gifting or snacking.

3. Fresh & Authentic Indian Snacks Enjoy freshly made samosas and onion bhajis for just £1 each, or place an order for authentic Indian cuisine for gatherings of 10 or more.

4. Elegant Extras Harvey’s adds a touch of luxury with Yodeyma perfumes, featuring oriental, woody, and amber scents to treat yourself or gift a loved one.

5. Offering services like PayPoint, free cash withdrawals, and Yodel parcel pick-up, 6. Harvey’s is great—it’s a local lifeline for quick errands and convenience.

Convenient Hours Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 8 PM, Harvey’s fits perfectly into your schedule.

Address: 20 West Percy Street, NE29 9ODS Phone: 07563 214333 Facebook @Harvey’s North Shields

vol. 1

RACHAEL MEYER, HUMANIST CELEBRANT SHARING STORIES OF LIFE AND LOVE IN AND AROUND NORTH SHIELDS, NEWCASTLE AND THROUGHOUT THE NORTH EAST. NON-RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES FOR EVERYONE. WEDDINGS: RACHAELMEYER.COM FUNERALS: GRANDGOODBYES.COM

Business

I LOVE NORTH SHIELDS

RECOMMENDS In this section, we spotlight hidden gems and fresh finds in North Shields! Have you discovered a new café or local spot that stands out? Whether it's dog-friendly, offers amazing coffee, or has a unique vibe, we’d love to hear why it caught your eye. Perfect for newcomers, visitors, and residents alike—share your recommendations with us!

Low Quay Brew Co.

This is the place to be!

A proper gem on the Fish Quay with amazing house-brewed beers, a cracking atmosphere, a warm welcome and they are dog friendly." – Tatjana

📍 Where to Find It:

Low Quay Brew Co. 3 Northumberland Street, North Shields, NE30 1DS 07742 819864

📞

Photography @thats.tats

The Auction House North Shields is coming soon!

Opening dates will be shared across all their social media platforms as soon as they’re ready. Plenty of viewing days will be available prior to the auction, where attendees can leave a bid or bid in person on the day.

Selling Rate: 20% + £2 per lot Buyers Rate: 15% flat rate VAT Exempt for 12 months. Parking for up to 40 cars is available right opposite the auction house, with seating and standing room on site. Telephone Bidding: Limited to 3 lines Max & Matty are excited to see you there!

Instagram: @auction_house_north_shields

📍 178 Tynemouth Road, North Shields NE30 1EG

Recommended

VIDEO GAMES

BY OLIVE BISHOP

For those who may have heard of Stardew Valley, there isn’t much to say that you won’t have heard already. This darling indie game is comfort and warmth incarnate, with a welldeserved glowing reputation. In Stardew Valley, you begin by leaving a rigid 9-to-5 job in order to take over your grandfather's old farm in Pelican Town, which resides in the titular valley. What begins as a simple routine of growing and selling crops quickly builds into a heartfelt adventure full of endearing characters, gorgeous visuals and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a town you’ll wish you actually lived in. It would be a disservice to label this as simply a ‘farming simulator’, as there is no end to the other activities in this game.

You can build romances with the villagers, explore caverns and deserts, learn how to cook, fish and so much more. Rebuilding the local community center becomes the heart of this game as you watch the town and its residents flourish, experiencing each and every charming moment with them as they grow as people alongside the town. There is no fixed end to Stardew Valley, which takes place in yearly cycles containing recurring events and festivities; my personal favourites are watching the jellyfish migrate in “The Dance of the Moonlight Jellies”, shopping for rare goods at the “Night Market” and exchanging secret gifts in “Feast of the Winter Star”. The cobbled streets of Pelican Town will become as familiar as your own home - you’ll find yourself wanting to start just one more day for a long, long time.

Stardew Valley is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android.

Events

MARCH 2025 The Old Low Light www.oldlowlight.co.uk/whats-on

1st March, 10:00 MINDFULNESS SESSION Led by Michael Atkinson of the Centre for Mindfulness and Wellbeing.

6th March, 11:00 WALK: TYNEMOUTH TOUR Pat Stevens will lead this walking tour celebrating the lives of four remarkable women who made significant contributions during the 19th and 20th centuries. Each lived in Tynemouth at different times in their lives.

11th March, 11:00 TALK: WOMEN AT WORK Marking International Women’s Day, retired Shields Gazette journalist Janis Blower looks at the experiences of women in employment across decades of social and industrial evolution, including some who were trailblazers in their field.

18th March, 13:00 SCULPTURE UPDATE Artist, Keith Barrett, who has lived and worked in North Shields for the past 35 years, will give an update on his work to create a sculpture of escaped enslaved woman Mary Ann Machem, who became part of the North Shields community in the 19th century.

The Old Low Light www.oldlowlight.co.uk/whats-on

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

Events

More events in North Shields this month 7th March, 19:00 VIOLINIST EMMA FISK AND GUITARIST JAMES BIRKETT PLAY VENUTI AND LANG at The Old Low Light oldlowlight.co.uk/whats-on

8th March, 20:15 SHE THE SHOW 14th March, 20:00 PHIL CAFFREY ALBUM LAUNCH 20th March, 19:45 THE WILD MURPHEYS 29th March, 20:00 THE SATURDAY COMEDY SHOW - WITH JEN BRISTER at The Exchange 1856 theexchange1856.com/whats-on

20th March, 13:00-16:00 ARTISTS AGENCY CO CAFE a monthly drop in for artists and small creative businesses. at The Exchange 1856, find more info at helixarts.com

6th, 13th, 20th & 27th March, 13:30 MUM & BABY YOGA Local mum and yoga teacher Stacey leads this “Mama focused but Baby led” session at Jasmine Yoga every Thursday afternoon. with MamaStaceyYoga: facebook.com/namastacey.yoga1

22nd March, 12:00-22:00 9TH BIRTHDAY PARTY! With food by Fire & Stone Pizza and music by Oh Boy! at The Flash House Tap Room flashhousebrewing.co.uk

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Directory

NORTH SHIELDS-BASED CHARITIES & COMMUNITY GROUPS Live Well With Cancer + North Bank Café (Nile Street) Sarah’s Star (supporting people with incurable illnesses), based at the Linskill Mindstars (children’s mental health) (Albion House, West Percy Street) MAPSS - Mental Health & Physical Support Services + Little Community Hub (Bedford Terrace) Warm Welcome Hubs (various) + YMCA Community Meals North Tyneside YMCA Phoenix Detached Youth Project Pearey House Centre for Visually Impaired + Iris Community Café, Show Racism the Red Card - UK-wide charity based in Linskill Centre Yes You Can North East CIC Deaf Awareness:NE (daNE) - local charity based in Linskill Centre Smart Works - helping women into employment (collection point Hadaway & Hadaway, Solicitors) Meadow Well Connected The Bay Foodbank, Meadow Well North Tyneside Art Studio - Linskill Centre (supporting mental health) North Shields Fishermen’s Mission Linskill ‘engAGE’ community programme for over-55s Linskill Shedders Group GENTS - Guys Especially Need To Speak / It’s OK not to be OK walking group to support men’s mental health Independent North Shields (Football club) Supporters Association Churches Together in North Shields Sew Soe - Sewing for Self, Others & the Environment North Shields Litter Pickers Heritologists Remembering the Past Project (based at the Linskill Centre) ‘Lest We Forget’ Poppies Group North Shields 173 (remembering the Wilkinson’s Air Raid Disaster) Woeman: A supportive community nurturing our physical and mental wellbeing oudoors

BUSINESS SUPPORT North Tyneside Business Forum The Business Factory

Directory

PICK UP POINTS MARCH 2025

Feedback

Baba Yaga's Loft 61 Church Way NE29 0AE | North Shields Tue-Sun | Open 11 AM - 11 PM Instagram: @babayagasns Town Centre: Post Office 12-12A Nile Street NE29 0BD | North Shields

We’d love to hear your feedback! Could you take a moment to fill out our survey and let us know how we can improve ‘I Love North Shields’ and why you think what we’re doing is important for the community?

Barry's Fruit and Veg 70 Bedford Street | North Shields www.facebook.com/eggsandveg The Old Low Light Heritage Museum NE30 1JE | North Shields Tue-Sat | Open 10 AM - 3 PM www.oldlowlight.co.uk

THANK YOU! www.surveymonkey.com/r/ 5DPFRG9

The Exchange Howard Street | North Shields www.theexchange1856.com

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These are the amazing local businesses supporting us in this issue: Harvey's Off Licence Low Lights Tavern Rachael Meyer, Humanist Celebrant Sweet Patisserie Victoria Print Studio We believe in creating good content and sharing information within our community. If you like what we do and want to help us continue, we offering ILNS Supporters Options.

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Love North Shields is an independent community driven publication, supported by the public, operating as a registered not-for-profit, community-interest company.

I Love North Shields.