I Love North Shields.
AUTUMN 2025 COMMUNITY: North Shields 800 FEATURED: Dayne Henderson BUSINESS: New to Shields TRENDING: Elevation Wall Mural Festival
@DianeWailes
ISSUE 14 | #NS800
I LOVE NORTH SHIELDS.
05 OCTOBER
2025 S A L T
LIVE! #MADEINNORTHSHIELDS
M A R K E T
S O C I A L
Hello North Shields
Contributors Founder/Creative Director Simmie Harper simmie@ilovenorthshields.com Head of Operations Tatjana @thats.tats Deputy Editor Caroline Oswald Support Comittee Seeta Halder Poetry Editor Richard O'Brien
A Special Summer
Mike, Owen, Ruby, Leslie, Vanessa, Ruth @gpo_visuals,
What a summer it has been! This year’s North 800 PhotoShields credit @nostalgia_kid celebrations are fully underway with special events, exhibitions, sculptures, music, murals, and much more to come! The ILNS team have been busier than ever, spoilt for choice with so many exciting things to report. From the spectacular Fish Quay event organised by the Fishermen’s Heritage Project and excellent exhibitions and talks at the Old Lowlight to bunting, crochet and poetry bombing decorating the town, the people of Shields have come together to celebrate the 800th anniversary in style. We enjoyed meeting people in person at events such as Picnic in the Park and the Linskill Community Day. The turnout was great on our first photo walk and we are looking forward to more of these in the future. Throughout the holiday season our tote bags have travelled far and wide, putting North Shields on the map! Thanks to all our new sponsors for the range of colours now available. They are now accompanied by more merch including ILNS hats, t-shirts and hoodies looking ahead to the winter! In our September issue we hope you will enjoy reading about the past, present and future of North Shields. There are reminiscences about pigeon lofts and pub singalongs of the past. We find out more about the year’s events from Dominic Smith, the creative force behind North Shields 800. Finally, we celebrate the exhilarating Elevation wall mural festival, providing a trail of public art that has lifted the town’s spirits and which is sure to attract visitors for years to come. We’re excited so see what the rest of the year has in store and we can’t wait to meet more of you face-to-face at our social event in October. Caroline Oswald
Authors Carol Davison Diane Wailes Geoff Holland Mark Tavender Rachel Chapman Noreen Rees Sue Wilkinson Tatjana Suzanne Coulson Wayne Bordoli Event Team Maggie McColl Emily Knowles Rosie de Artist Jodhi Mae Rutherford Photography Collective Rachel Riley Gary Ormston David Hall Photographers Lisa Young Wayne Bordoli Mark Warner Web Team Martin Sarosi Roger Newbrook Kimberley Waugh A special thank you to our models for helping us showcase the new I Love North Shields merch: Bella & Heywood • John & Willow • Leslie • Mike • Owen & Ruby • Ruth • Vanessa About Us I Love North Shields is an independent community driven publication. Made by and for the community. www.ilovenorthshields.com This issue is funded by North Shields 800 and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
News
I LOVE NORTH SHIELDS UPDATES The I Love North Shields website has had a big refresh, making it more user-friendly and easier to explore. Tatjana has been working hard behind the scenes with our development team to make this happen, and we’d like to give a huge thank you to Martin Sarosi and Roger Newbrook for their support in getting us here. A special thanks also to Kimberley Waugh for helping us tackle the backlog and uploading new content—your efforts make sure our community stories are always up to date. www.ilovenorthshields.com
I Love North Shields LIVE! Join Us at the ILNS Social – October 5th! Be part of our very first I Love North Shields Social Event at Salt Market Social, celebrating all things local – artisans, food, drink, music, and community spirit #madeinnorthshields
ILNS Collab Hub We’ve created a new space on our website where community, creativity, and collaboration come together. The Collab Hub is all about how we can work together — whether that’s sharing your story, partnering on a project, or showcasing your business through print, social media, merch, or events. There are plenty of ways to connect and cocreate with us. Join our community, collaborate on exciting projects, support local events, or bring your ideas to life — together we can celebrate everything that makes North Shields unique!
New ILNS Merchandise is Here You can now order your I Love North Shields hoodie, t-shirt, and beanie online — available in a range of colours and sizes. Each item is printed on demand and handcrafted locally, so please allow up to 3 weeks for delivery. Show your love for Shields and wear it with pride!
Join our Newsletter Love hearing about what’s happening in North Shields? Our newsletter brings you the latest, from local stories and hidden gems to updates on what we’re working on behind the scenes. It’s the easiest way to stay connected with the people, places, and events that make our town special. No spam, just the good stuff.
News
@nostalgia_kid
I LOVE NORTH SHIELDS SOCIAL PHOTO WALK ONE
On a bright Saturday morning, our very first I Love North Shields Photowalk brought together a fantastic mix of photographers, locals, and new faces. Organised in collaboration with David Hall @nostalgia_kid, Gary Ormston @gpo_visuals, and Rachel Riley @rachel_riley_photography, the event was a chance to swap online likes for real-life conversations — and to explore North Shields through a shared love of photography. We began at the Fish Quay Loading Bay with coffee and a warm welcome by David, before setting off in search of fresh cover shots and images for this issue. Along the way, we visited both of the town’s new mural sites, met the artists behind the work, and paused to chat with local fishermen. Headstand Mike @ joined in — a lively addition to the day’s content! The walk ended at The Exchange with well-earned refreshments, buzzing conversation, and a few new volunteers for the ILNS team. The photographs captured have been nothing short of inspiring, and we can’t wait to share more of them in future issues. The group has an exciting new project in the pipeline as part of the North Shields 800 celebrations, more information to follow!
´ Next Photowalk: Saturday 18th October, 2025 æ #ILNSphotowalktwo ¼ Meet at Loading Bay, Salt Market Social — 10:00 am
Wear Your Love for North Shields! Every purchase supports the work we do,keeping I Love North Shields alive through our magazine, community projects, and events. All items are made to order locally. T-shirt £20 | Beanie £20 | Hoodie £50
@rachel_riley_photography
NEW ARRIVAL
News After we’d all practiced on the ERGs we were shown the boat we would each be rowing in turn. Heather told us that an average boat costs £7,500 and the oars £750 each.
DUCKS TO WATER By Noreen Rees My only experience of rowing is at the gym— boring, tedious, hard work and being static. I’m also very wary of the sea after I managed to capsize in a two man kayak in huge waves off Blyth beach. So I approached the rowing taster session that had been specially organised for ‘I Love North Shields’ at Tynemouth Rowing Club, with some trepidation. Would I find my inner Grace Darling? Or would I just flounder like…well, a flounder? So, on the designated Saturday morning, our coach Heather was waiting for us at Tynemouth Haven, outside the rowing club clubhouse. Although it was a windy day, we were sheltered from the worst of it by the mighty bulk of the North Pier. Also, Heather had chosen to hold the session during a neap tide, which meant that any waves were small. There were six of us novice rowers—myself, and the North Shields contingent—Mim, Caroline, Tatjana, Carol and Simmie. Of course rowing can also be a team sport, generally involving a crew and a cox but on this occasion we were going to be rowing on our own. To prevent us drifting off to Scandinavia though, Heather was to tie each person to herself with a nylon rope. Initially, Caroline felt she was under pressure as she comes from a long line of mariners, and felt that even though she’d spent many hours on the water with her dad, that she hadn’t gained her sea legs. We began with a session on the ERG rowing machines which were similar to those North Tyneside Council had in their gyms until recently. Carol seemed to think she had no co-ordination. However she did say, ‘I think that when you’re actually rowing [on the water] you’ll feel more what the waves are doing.’ Heather told us that we needed to keep our backs straight and pull on the bar, making an elliptical shape, ‘like an emery board.’
Competition boats were more expensive. She was particularly protective of the oars, showing us how to carry them with the blade in front of us. Our boat was slim, sleek, and had metal bars on each side (riggers) which stuck out at right angles to the hull and contained the rowlocks, and oars. It took a bit of manoeuvring the boat on the trailer through the boat hut, especially as the riggers stuck out so much, but eventually it was on the sand, ready for us to get the hang of the oars, which we all did with some degree of success. Mim was first to try rowing in the sea. We were encouraged at the beginning of the session to rock the boat from side the side, using our body weight to prove it was very stable. As Heather told us, ‘It’s not impossible to capsize, but highly unlikely. Heather also assured us that when we were in the water we would all be tethered to her. This worked very well, until the rope was somehow dropped in the water, and Mim found herself rowing freely. She remained calm—after all the boat was only in a metre of water—and soon rowed herself towards the shore where Heather was able to grab the rope again. Once on the water, Carol did seem pretty confident, and rowed several strokes parallel to the shoreline before being pulled round by Heather. I think we all felt confidence in Heather to guide us. She was strong, knowledgeable and experienced, having rowed for Team GB last year. When it was Tatjana’s turn to row on the water, Heather declared her to be a ‘natural.’ Caroline looked as if she meant business in a wet suit bought for her niece’s birthday celebration. She really didn’t let her dad down at all. Simmie had had to go early so unfortunately (!) didn’t get the chance to row in the sea. Another time, perhaps? And me? I listened to all the advice from Heather, including the quotes from rower Alex Gregory (see his videos on YouTube). Heather’s words of wisdom included, ‘Everything should point towards your feet.’ ‘The oar doesn’t move, the rower does’ which seems logical given that the seat slides. Advice on technique taken on board (literally) I tried to get in the water, one foot at a time. It was better than I hoped for, and was helped by Heather holding the boat, and the fact that the water only came up to my knees! Then I held the oars, remembering to put my thumb on top of each, leaned forward, keeping my back straight as directed, and pulled back. It felt exhilarating, especially as the ILNS group started to cheer. I felt strong. I felt brave. Was I channelling my inner Grace Darling? Definitely.
Community
Happy Retirement Steve Phillips is retiring after 50 years as a butcher, serving customer in and around North Shields. His shop on Saville Street will definitely be missed; his burgers were legendary! As one loyal customer told us, “Steve is lush and is very generous in time, care and giving a little extra to those who need it. He’s just a lovely guy!”
Plinth Challenge A proud moment as descendants of George Roper — Master Cordwainer of Clive Street (1793–1865) — completed the Plinth Challenge in style… repping our I Love North Shields tote bags with pride! Over 200 years of family history in North Shields celebrated with a perfect group shot overlooking the Tyne. Local pride, heritage, and community all wrapped up in one brilliant moment.
Best wishes for your retirement, Steve, from everyone at I Love North Shields.
Book Launch A much-loved figure in North Shields, shopkeeper and cricket enthusiast Prabhu Sharma has just published his long-awaited book Ramayana Yatra. Blending travel writing with cultural insight, it’s a warm and fascinating account of his many journeys to sacred sites linked to the epic Hindu text, the Ramayana. You can pick up a copy directly from his corner shop at Grey Street and North King Street.
How to Play 1.Step onto the plinth. 2.Strike your best pose—dramatic, silly, heroic, or totally outrageous! 3.Bonus points if you're lifting an 'I Love North Shields' bag! 4.Snap a pic & send it to us! Location: Walkway Fish Quay Tag us @ilovenorthshields or send them in to hello@ilovenorthshields.com
Community
New Sculpture
@coastal.portraits
A striking new metal sculpture has appeared on the coast next to Tynemouth Priory, radiating coastal pride, industrial grit, and pure North East character in one bold design. It’s a standout sight at both sunrise and sunset — ideal for photographers, content creators, and anyone who loves capturing the beauty of our coastline. If you’re cycling the C2C coast-to-coast route, make this your next stop. Snap a photo, take a break, and soak in the view. Send your fun pics to: hello@ilovenorthshields.com
Vicki Cuthbertson @sirastudio
North Shields’ Regeneration
Watch our new video with Vicki Cuthbertson, Head of Culture and Regeneration, now live on the I Love North Shields YouTube channel. Created in collaboration with Sirastudio — specialists in corporate, commercial, and community photography and video, based right here in North Shields. YouTube @Ilovenorthshieldsofficial
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Did you know?
Headstand Mike
@gpo_visuals
You’ve probably spotted him by now — legs in the air, head on the ground, looking far too comfortable upside down. That’s Headstand Mike. Mike Swann is on a mission to pull off 800 headstands to celebrate North Shields 800. From the Fish Quay to the market square, Mike is literally turning the town on its head. No one knows where he’ll pop up next…Keep going, Mike! We are all behind you! Instagram @headstand_mike
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Aaron Li-Hill
The new statue in North Shields, Our Woven Voices, which was unveiled in July near the Magistrates' Court, would have been two feet taller if not for an administrative error! One of the sculpture’s creators, Aaron Li-Hill, revealed that the plinth was meant to be 75 cm deep, but due to a mistake by the contractors, it was constructed only 15 cm deep. Aaron explained that the original plan had been to cover the sides of the deeper base with mini artworks created by local residents, but unfortunately, the shallower base has made that impossible. Another consequence of this error is that people can easily step onto the base — and it's suspected that someone doing just that, perhaps posing for a selfie, accidentally snapped off one of the statue’s hands. Aaron has since repaired and thoroughly reinforced the hand and is hopeful that the sculpture will now stand the test of time. There are also plans to add low-level hedging around the statue to help prevent further damage, while still allowing visitors to observe and enjoy it.
#TOTEBAGONTOUR
Thailand
Scotland
Rome Virtual Map
Corfu
Sidney
How to Add Your Tote Bag Photo to the Virtual Map Head to our Virtual Tote Bag Map Click the “+” (Add Photo/Pin) button. Upload your tote bag photo and add the location where it was taken. Hit save, and your bag will appear on the map for everyone to see! That’s it — you’re officially part of our global tote adventure.