AUTUMN 2025 | I Love North Shields

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

News

#ILNSPHOTOWALKONE Since I retired from teaching 5 years ago, I’ve morphed into a wandering photographer, focussing on anything weird, abstract or unusual. I realise, as the years pass, that I’m trying to take photographs that don’t look like photographs! I’m a frustrated artist at heart. Being born and bred in North Shields it’s natural to photograph your local turf as it’s what you have the strongest feelings for and opinions about.

Chris Charlton @chrisjcharlton90

I tend to be a lone operator as a photographer but always hankered after meeting with fellow photo addicts -so joining in with the ILNS photo walk seemed ideal as it pushed me out of my comfort zone. It turned out to be well worth it. No matter how many times you might have photographed a place it’s never the same due to the time of year /day and varying light conditions, so I approached the walk with an open mind. I was also sure that we would all be inspired to take very different images even though we were all walking the same route. Personally, I’m always attracted to small details rather than grand vistas and I use a 120mm telephoto lens which forces me to crop in tightly to a scene and concentrate on the minutia.

Typically, the sea fret started to roll in as we set off, but I actually preferred that rather than harsh summer sunlight as it gives a pastel effect, muting colours and softening shadows. I first noticed the piles of old fishing nets and tackle along the quayside and decided to make a set of images focussing in on the patina of the old ropes, floats and rusting pieces of metal. After years of use the rope colours had subtly faded and the nets looked worn and clearly showed that they had had a life. A pot of paint which looked like it had been refilled with different colours a hundred times caught my eye and I wondered how many fishing boats had benefited from a quick touch up over the years? It was good to chat to people as we strolled on and put faces to Instagram handles that I had followed for years.

Everyone looked totally absorbed! It wasn’t competitive, it was collaborative, and I began to think that the collection of images we were creating might make something cohesive and worthy. I noticed that the women in the group were far better at approaching people to ask if they could take their photographs and I took full advantage of their confidence by sneaking in over their shoulders with my long lens to make some ‘salty sea dog’ portraits. It’s called cheating!

Taking the images is only half of the joy of photography and processing them afterwards on my Mac is always where I finally see what I was trying to achieve in the moment. I often put images together either in multiple exposures or as a series of 2,3 or more images to tell the whole story. I was totally inspired by the walk, and I hope that there may be more in the future. In this way we can build up a photographic record of the town in what is its 800th year.

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#ILNSPHOTOWALKONE Liam McNaughton @l88xmc “It was my first time doing photography in North Shields and I’ll definitely be back for another photo walk. This guy, for me, is the quintessential fisherman! My main reason for going was networking — seeing old faces, meeting new ones… what a great group of people. I’m already looking forward to the next one.”

Gary Ormston @gpo_visuals "When I was asked to host a photo walk with Dave and Rachel I was buzzing. I’ve done a few in the past and there’s been none for a while, so getting involved with this project was great. A photo walk is always an awesome idea as it brings people together some may know each other and others meeting for the first time and getting to share ideas and tips is awesome."

News

#ILNSPHOTOWALKONE Rachel Riley @rachel_riley_photography In true North East fashion we had all sorts of weather in a short space of time for our first photo walk. My favourite being when the sea fret rolled in. I loved how it partially covered the Herd Groyne lighthouse across the river. My favourite shot I took that day was this one with the boat coming home and the seagull perfectly in flight.

Diane Wailes @northshields_people My interest in photography was reignited a couple of years ago when I joined Tynemouth Photographic Society which, in spite of its name, is based in North Shields. Photography can be a bit of a solitary hobby so I was very keen to do the walk and have a chance to chat to other photographers. And afterwards it was fascinating to see the variety of shots and the different things people had focused on. Roll on the next walk!

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#ILNSPHOTOWALKONE Adam Lang @lang_shot_photography “I always enjoy photo walks — they’re a great way to catch up with photographer friends and make new ones along the way. The walk around North Shields was a welcome change of scenery for me, as I usually shoot around Newcastle City Centre. The hosts were fantastic and made everyone feel welcome. I can’t wait for the next one.”

David Hall @nostalgia_kid "Let's get people documenting and communicating their community, creativity is the goal" Pictured Mike Swann @headstand_mike Muralist Nina Valkhoff @ninapelirroja

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.

Community

Meeting you in person How wonderful to meet people in person who have a connection to I Love North Shields — from the proud parents of authors and artists featured in the magazine to a lady who found her dream job through our Instagram page! Here is Jeanette Furnell, niece of Eddie Rowley, the artist behind the long-lost painting of the Lowlights Tavern holding up the article we published.

Co-Create a Flag for North Shields!

We’re inviting the community to get creative and help design an I Love North Shields flag that represents the spirit, history, and people of North Shields. Share your ideas, sketches, or designs — we’ll pick a winning design to bring the new flag to life! #ilovenorthshieldsflag Send your designs to: hello@ilovenorthshields.com

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New Podcast Studio

Little Library for Nile Street The latest addition to Nile Street! When we put out a call for a Little Library — top of Rachel’s wish list for Project Nile Street — the amazing Stu Fearn stepped up. He had one going spare and gifted it to the project. Thank you, Stu — you’ve made a lot of people very happy!

The team at Rplace is now giving it a full revamp, and it’s set to be something truly special.

Project Nile Street is growing every day, powered by community spirit and generosity.

We were invited by Heywood to try out video podcasting — Pauline, Caroline and Simmie had an absolute blast! It was relaxed, fun and such a good way to learn the ropes.

Heywood runs Stuff Podcasts, a studio right in the heart of Shields, where they make it easy for anyone to record and share their story. Whether you’re just curious to give it a go, or you’re ready to launch a full series, they provide the space, the tech, and the know-how to get you started.

Best part? They even sent us an edited version to use on our socials.

If you’ve ever thought about podcasting, we can’t recommend them enough.

Check out www.stuffpodcasts.co.uk Instagram @stuffpodcasts_studio

Community

Have You Spotted Rosie on Nile Street?

Local Artists Giving Back They kindly offered us a window to promote North Shields — and when we put out a call, Stanis answered. She’s now leaving her mark on the town, transforming that window with her brilliant artwork, completely free of charge.

When she thanked us for the opportunity, we reminded her: she’s the one who saw a chance and grabbed it with both hands. Since then, Stanis has already secured two paid commissions — one to paint a container and another for a shop window. Proof that when local people support each other, amazing things happen.

Want to bring some colour to your walls, shopfront, or even a back alley? Get in touch with Stanis — she has the talent and heart to make it happen.

Contact: @chlopczor.pl for commissions

Rosie has officially joined our team — and she’s sprinkling magic across North Shields! Her latest wall artwork proudly reads “I Love North Shields”, making our streets a little brighter and a lot more fun.

She’s also whipped up the poster for our upcoming Salt Market Social event, and we can’t get enough of her creativity.

Got a blank wall, a quirky project, or a space that needs some sparkle? Rosie’s your artist!

Contact Rosie for commissions.

Instagram: @rosie.the.artist Email: rosiestronach.art@gmail.com

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Spotted! Street Art in the Wild

Community Art Walls What if building site boards could be more than just barriers? In North Shields, that’s already becoming reality. One wall is already in use — transformed into a space where people can share art, messages, and ideas. It’s free, open, and welcoming to all. Some love it, some aren’t so sure — but that’s the beauty of giving everyone a canvas. With more sites, we could grow this into a whole network of community creativity spots across town.

What do you think? Join the conversation in our Facebook members only group: @ilovenorthshieldscommunity

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Community

North Shields in Bloom

Back lane between Park Terrace & Donkin Terrace

The Fairy Door Tree

A few photos from Belford Terrace — the gardens are looking absolutely gorgeous!

Have you spotted any beautiful flowers in your street or garden?

Share your snaps in the comments or tag us in your posts and stories — let’s show off North Shields in full bloom! @craftyvarie thank you so much for sharing

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One of North Shields favourite trees in Northumberland Park has been chopped down, maybe it was diseased or unsafe — but still, it’s a little sad to see it go. This tree was special — over the years, you would spot little bits of artwork tucked into its bark, carvings, woodwork, and surprises left behind by creative locals. Hopefully, a new tree will be “adopted” for some quiet creativity and woodland art in its place. Nature always makes room for something new

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Then and Now

Back Alley Finds All over North Shields, people have been leaving little free gifts in their back alleys — plants, books, furniture, you name it. It’s a small act that can make someone’s day.

What if we did this together? One planned day where the whole community joins in — leaving something for a neighbour, sharing what we no longer need, and spreading a bit of joy. Who’s up for making it happen? Let’s pick a date and turn our back alleys into little treasure trails!

North Shields History in Plain Sight Once a bustling shop, this building still carries the faint traces of its past — look closely and you’ll spot the clues. Here’s an idea: who’s up for adding a small creative detail that nods back to its history? Maybe a recreated poster in that space on the right? It could make a fantastic project — weaving a bit of the past into our present streetscape. Who’s up for this? The owner sure is! Contact us so we can connect you.

Send your details to: hello@ilovenorthshields.com

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Community

The Community Shelf Tucked away on Lovaine Avenue, the Community Shelf is more than just a table of treats — it’s a small but mighty fundraising effort for good causes. Each month, all proceeds go directly to a different charity, with Emily — the baker behind the shelf — taking nothing for herself.

“It really means the world to me when people support the Community Shelf,” says Emily. “I don’t make any money from it — but I do make my living through other parts of my business, like wholesale bakes for shops, meal prep for busy people, new parents, or those recovering from hospital stays. I also put together picnic and lunch boxes, and I’m available for weddings and private orders too!”

The shelf is regularly stocked with homemade cakes, jams, chutneys, and savoury bakes, often made using surplus allotment fruit and veg kindly donated by local growers. Emily turns these into something tasty, helping to cut food waste while raising money for causes close to her heart. Proudly EHOinspected and holding a 5-star food hygiene rating, Emily’s work blends community spirit, sustainability, and delicious food.

Find it: Lovaine Avenue, North Shields, NE29 0BX. Pop by, enjoy a bake, and know that every contribution is helping to support a different charity each month.

Follow & Support Emily: Instagram @rosewoodandlovaine

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Community Upcycle Garden Discover the tranquil community garden at the Linskill Centre — a gentle, quiet spot perfect for slow days, fresh air, and the simple joy of growing your own food. The Community Upcycle Garden began in 2021, during Covid, to give local residents a safe outdoor space to grow their own produce. Since then, it has flourished, with volunteers cultivating fruits and vegetables for Café 32, as well as ingredients for community cooking sessions. Seasonal plant and produce sales help raise funds to support the garden’s work. With a strong environmental ethos, everything in the garden is donated and upcycled. Fish boxes from North Shields Fish Quay become planters, while waste hops from a local brewery are used as fertiliser.

Countless other creative ideas turn ‘waste’ into something useful and beautiful. Volunteers are always welcome — just pop into reception at the Linskill Centre, Linskill Terrace, North Shields, to find out more.

Pictured: Alan Fidler

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NEW MERCH. I LOVE NORTH SHIELDS

@gpo_visuals

Mike and Vanessa are showing their love for North Shields — and you can too! Our official I Love North Shields merch is here, and every purchase helps us keep the magazine, community projects, and events alive. All items are made to order locally.

T-shirt £20 | Beanie £20 | Hoodie £50 | Tote Bag £5

Community

HANDS GROUP HERE AND NOW DOING SOMETHING Caroline and Simmie recently had the privilege of speaking to the long-established HANDS group at St Columba’s Church.

HANDS — short for Here And Now Doing Something — is a brilliant name for a group of women who have been quietly shaping their community for decades.

We were invited to talk about I Love North Shields, but we left with something far more valuable: insight, history, and a powerful reminder of the people who came before us.

Around 30 women, mostly older and not active online, shared how they often miss events simply because they don’t hear about them.

Many told us how the magazine helps them stay connected to what’s happening in the . Their roots run deep — many are descendants of families who’ve shaped North Shields’ identity over generations.

Their stories were moving, their charity work inspiring, and their impact ongoing. They even organised and offered us a stall at the Strawberry Fayre, another example of how they continue to bring people together and support local initiatives.

We made many new friends and will make sure to bring plenty of magazines next time we visit. This meeting was a reminder that true community inclusion means reaching those who aren’t online.

Without this generation, we wouldn’t be where we are today — and keeping everyone in our community connected means giving them ownership of their place in our story.

A big thank you to Norma for inviting us and introducing us to this extraordinary group of women whose kindness and commitment to North Shields continues to shine.

: Say Hi to Frank!

Frank, a big fan of I Love North Shields, came to our stall with his mum and told us how much he loves it when people wave at him.

Next time you see him around town, give him a wave — it’s sure to make his day!

Text and Photography by Diane Wailes If you were up and about very early on one of the cold, wet mornings in January, you might have seen a solitary figure, his head down, determined, running through the empty streets of North Shields.

Fast forward to a sunny Monday at the start of June, and it was a very different scene as Leodhais Macpherson completed the extraordinary challenge he’d set for himself: to run 128 marathons in 128 days; the equivalent of the 3,332 miles from Newcastle to New York. Welcomed into the grounds of Tynemouth Priory, he completed his final marathon to the ecstatic cheers - and more than a few tears - of a crowd of well over 1,000 people. I was there, with something in my eye!

Leodhais probably won’t mind me saying that he’s a fairly typical North Shields lad - mid-twenties; always been active; keen on running; doing a 9 to 5 job. But it was a devastating family tragedy the loss of his brother Conor to suicide, in 2018 - that spurred him on to undertake the incredible ‘marathon-a-day’ challenge. Leodhais wanted to do something to honour Conor’s memory and to raise money for charity in his name. An online search revealed only a handful of people worldwide who’d done so many marathons, day after day, but Leodhais was determined to give it a go. He set his fundraising target at an ambitious £10,000.

He planned to finish the challenge on June 2nd, Conor’s birthday, which meant that the challenge had to begin in the coldest, darkest month of the year.

Megan Ramsey @megramphotos

Featured

LEODHAIS MACPHERSON

Featured

Leodhais described his typical day to me: 4:30am alarm call then out for a halfmarathon run off to work from 8:30am to 4:30pm back home for another halfmarathon eat enough food to replace the 5,000 calories burned every day and then bed.

Day after day, without a break, with no time for his body to recover.

The first few weeks were the hardest, as his body adapted to the new regime. And he was very grateful for the support of Sean Maley, Sports Physio at the Linskill Centre, who donated his time every Friday to treat his aches, pains and injuries.

Varying his route along the coast and the local waggonways helped to alleviate the boredom. Weight was lost - 10kg in total and 7 pairs of trainers were worn away. But as his body began to adapt, the mental strain of the challenge grew. Leodhais told me that at the outset he’d underestimated how difficult it would be to deal with the emotional side of things. The challenge forced him and his family to open up and talk about the incredibly painful reality of Conor’s death; a very difficult process but one that he now says has been transformational for the whole family.

Around the half-way mark, the radio presenter, Jamie Laing, talked about the challenge on one of his podcasts, and from that moment things really took off. The original £10,000 target was soon forgotten as donations began to pour in. The media became interested, with Leodhais having to take annual leave to fit interviews into his jam-packed days.

And so, gradually, the weeks ticked by, the miles built up, and the finish line approached.

If you were at Tynemouth Priory on 2nd June when Leodhais completed his epic challenge, I suspect that it’s a day you’ll never forget.

With a saxophonist playing the theme to ‘Local Hero’ and the air charged with emotion, the crowd clapped and cheered him over line, and into the arms of his family.

And for the icing on the cake, Leodhais then dropped to one knee and proposed to girlfriend, Jaimie, who’d supported him through all those long, painful months.

She said, “yes!”

I asked Leodhais how he’s feeling now. His immediate answer was “pleased it’s over and also very content”. He’s sure that one of the biggest positives to come out of the challenge is the way it’s helped people to open up about mental health issues and suicide - and he gave me an example from just last week, when a man stopped him to say that his story had give him the confidence to speak out about his own mental health struggles.

And then, of course, there’s the money raised - over £87,000 so far, to be split between the RNLI and local suicide prevention charity ‘If U Share Care’. A trust is being set up in Conor’s name, with Leodhais about to become an ambassador for ‘If U Share Care’, ensuring that every penny raised will be spent building positives out of a family tragedy.

So how is life when you stop running a marathon every day? Well that obviously frees up a lot of time for other things - family, friends, his new fiancé and a well deserved holiday. But Leodhais is already in training for the Great North Run in September, followed by the New York Marathon in November - the final part of his Newcastle to New York ‘journey’. He’s also involved in outreach in local schools - vital work, talking to young people about the importance of looking after your mental health and speaking up when you need help. At the end of the day, it’s raising awareness of these life-saving issues that has made all those cold, dark mornings, aching muscles and sore feet worthwhile.

So, as we finished our coffee and our chat, I asked Leodhais if there was anything else he wanted to say? And his answer … just a huge thank you to everyone - family, friends and supporters - who helped and encouraged him every day, and to all the local people who turned up to get him over the finish line and to make the final few steps of his challenge so memorable!

ç Instagram @ncl_to_nyc

@gpo_visuals

#NS800

Featured

INTERVIEW WITH DOMINIC SMITH THE CREATIVE LEGACY OF NORTH SHIELDS 800

By Caroline Oswald What a year North Shields has had so far, with so much happening to celebrate the town’s 800 years! Dominic Smith from Counterculture has been leading the creative direction team behind North Tyneside Council’s ‘North Shields 800’ programme of events. He shared with us what has been going on behind the scenes to make it all happen as well as his future hopes for the community.

A local resident with family in North Shields and a varied background working with the arts in different communities, Dominic is invested in North Shields 800 and the creative activities it supports. Before he became involved with NS800 in autumn 2024, the council had already begun issuing callouts and holding committee meetings to find out what people would like to do. “We wanted to incorporate a broad range of subjects and ideas to bring enough variety for everyone,” explains Dominic. There was certainly no shortage of ideas, but it was important to ensure the engagement of the local community. Having worked as both an artist and a curator in the past, Dominic feels well placed to help organisations to develop their programs, in particular the unique challenge of NS800: “This isn’t a standard project. Because of my background I can see things from different perspectives. We’ve had to find out what people are doing and get a sense of the enthusiasm for the various types of activity that are going on.”

For example, Dominic stresses how there was a significant amount of consultation surrounding the wall murals commissioned

by Elevation to make sure the public art would be well received: “It’s a big thing to introduce into a town. The murals are literally huge!”

Fortunately the larger-than-life artworks by local and international artists have been embraced as a welcome addition to the area. Dominic also enthuses about other artistic activities going on in conjunction with NS800: “At the Globe gallery, Kitty McKay has been running workshops on painting with Plasticine, which was invented by William Harbutt from North Shields. I didn’t know it was originally intended for this purpose!” The Old Lowlight heritage centre has offered a wealth of events to celebrate the 800th anniversary. They have organised several local history talks throughout the year as well as exhibitions, including that of photographer Pete Davison, who has been documenting the lives of North Shields fishermen for the past ten years. There has also been a series of workshops, for example one by artist Gaynor Devaney to create a textile map representing the town. “I’m blown away by the quality of the work, and it’s all about heritage and community”, Dominic declares. He was impressed by the success of the Linskill Community Day, a volunteer-led event which brought together many local organisations: “Everyone really cares, whatever their involvement, whether it’s the council, charities or community groups.”

The Parade of Boats and Blessing of the Fleet was another successful and well attended event, led by the Fisherman's Heritage Project involving the Fisherman's mission and local school children with processions and musical performances on the Fish Quay.

I point out that not everyone in the community seemed to know about this along with some of the other NS800 activities.

Featured Dominic explains: “The publicity team have worked hard behind the scenes, keeping people informed via newsletters, social media and the NS800 website. However, sometimes the message only begins to get through to people towards the end of the project rather than at the start.” Delays in funding have prevented some people from being able to advertise their projects in advance: “The challenges have come down to the technicalities of bid writing. Even if only some small changes are needed, you have to go right back and start again from the beginning to resubmit. It can be very time consuming. As with any projects involving a lot of people, you have to be mindful that everyone gets what they need from it. Everyone cares deeply about the region and works very hard to achieve success.” Despite the challenges, Dominic maintains that it is all worth it in the end: “Having worked in the arts for 30 years, I sometimes wonder why I do it, but then I deliver a project where the confidence of people has grown so that they can meet their needs, and it’s all worth it. Through the arts we can take risks and learn about ourselves in a different environment. It’s so valuable. I don’t think I’ve ever been bored in my work.“ NS800 activities have not been limited to the Cultural Quarter. As well as on the Fish Quay and at the Linskill Community Centre, there have been projects in the wider parts of Shields, for example at the Meadows community centre in Meadowell and the Phoenix Detached Youth Project in Chirton.

Dominic has previous experience working with engagement and outreach programmes in similar areas including the West End of Newcastle and County Durham: “Culture works when people engage with it.

Communities that thrive are communities that trust each other. People can communicate their needs better and have that heard within all the sectors - heritage, culture, business and education.”

What does Dominic envisage for North Shields after the anniversary is over? “If we can get this right, people can get to the end of it having enjoyed it and looking forward to the next phase ahead. So many partner organisations have come together as part of NS800.

The structures and the knowledge gained through working in this joined-up way will reap benefits for a long time to come.” At the time of writing, Dominic was still looking forward to events towards the end of the year, such as ‘Deeds, Words and Danger’, a series of heritage workshops by Workie Ticket Theatre inspired by local suffragette, Norah Balls, and the the music documentary ‘Shields in Harmony’ by North East Fuse and Liam Fender. “I didn’t realise the full extent of the local music scene. It’s really exploded. It would be great for that to be recognised more outside of the region, to bring people in just for the music.”

Dominic also refers to plans in place for future projects on the Fish Quay and in Nile Street, where there has already been much creative activity due the community initiative, ‘Project Nile Street’. I Love North Shields has helped to promote and support this alongside many other artistic endeavours, and Dominic recognises the part that the magazine has played in the overall cultural life of the town: “I’ve always been a fan of zines. They’re not expensive.

It’s something anybody can get involved in, it’s a cultural act. I Love North Shields has become a central point of information.

Social media is so fast. Magazines are an immersive medium with no distractions. The stories in ILNS are rich, you can delve in deep. It’s a permanent record for the archives. It allows people to get to know each other in the town. If it was distributed more widely it could also attract people from elsewhere.“ After NS800 is over, Dominic would like to get back to the studio to concentrate on some of his own work as an artist: “I’ve produced some critically questioning work involving digital and new media. As I get older I find myself wanting to slow down. I’d like to return to darkroom processes, screen and relief print. Art can be a place where we can slow down and reflect. It enriches our lives at the end of the day.” It is a simple but powerful aim - to enrich people’s lives through art. There is no doubt that Dominic has been able to achieve this through his work with North Shields 800, and hopefully the creative legacy he has helped to facilitate will continue for many years to come.

Featured

NORTH SHIELDS RECEIVES HERITAGE BOOST FOR NS800 CELEBRATIONS This year marks an extraordinary milestone for our town — 800 years since North Shields first appeared on the map. From humble beginnings as a cluster of fishing huts built to serve Tynemouth Priory, the community has grown into the bustling, characterful town we know and love today.

To honour this anniversary, North Shields 800 has been awarded a major grant of £132,160 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This funding supports a wide-ranging programme of heritage projects and community events, helping to tell the story of North Shields through the voices, creativity and energy of its people.

The grant was awarded to the Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust, who are overseeing the delivery of ten exciting projects, all designed to shine a light on the town’s rich maritime, industrial, artistic and musical legacy.

“This funding means local people of all ages can get involved in exploring our fascinating past,” said Simeon Ripley, CEO of the Trust. “It will make this year’s celebrations more inclusive, more creative — and more deeply rooted in our local stories.”

Celebrating Shields — Past, Present and Future.

From street theatre to pop-up exhibitions, from handmade textile maps to musical documentaries, the projects supported by the Heritage Fund are as diverse as the community itself.

The spirit of North Shields 800 is grounded in collaboration. Over 50 local groups have been involved in shaping the programme, and more than 50 volunteer opportunities have been created — with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Most events are free or low-cost, and digital resources are available online, helping everyone get involved.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re thrilled to support North Shields in uncovering and celebrating its incredible history,” said Helen Featherstone, Director for the North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

So whether you’ve lived here all your life or are just discovering the town, this autumn is the perfect time to explore its stories — and maybe share your own.

To find out more, get involved, or view the full programme, visit www.northshields800.com or follow @northshields800 on Facebook and Instagram.

Projects supported by the Heritage Fund grant with thanks to National Lottery players include:

North Shields Voices: Local stories and memories will be collected by volunteers and shared through social media and shop-front pop-ups.

The Old Low Light: New exhibitions will explore the town’s fishing heritage and spotlight lesser-known stories, including that of North Shields’ women.

Deeds, Words, Danger: A powerful theatrical piece inspired by suffragette Norah Balls, created by local students and women’s groups.

North Shields Textile Map: A creative project stitching together local landmarks and neighbourhoods in fabric form.

800 Years of Harmony: A film tribute to North Shields’ musical greats — from Sam and Liam Fender to Neil Tennant and The Animals’ Hilton Valentine.

Threads of Time: A humorous, VIZ-style print and exhibition project reaching new audiences through satire and art.

North Shields by Rail: An exhibition exploring the role of the railways in shaping the town and its industries.

Nile Street Celebrations: A street-wide celebration of North Shields’ changing high street and community spirit.

I Love North Shields Magazine: A special edition (yes, that’s us!) documenting the 800th celebrations through community voices and visuals.

Community Grants Scheme: Supporting over 20 grassroots organisations to deliver local events, from estate-based activities to neighbourhood celebrations.

Featured

FOOTBALL CLUB NORTH SHIELDS 800 North Shields Football Club hosted a fantastic community day as part of the town’s 800-year celebrations. Families enjoyed inflatables, rides, food stalls, and live music from local talents including Alex Shearer and Short Back and Shields.

The event, organised by Dennis Scarth, Chris Lowther, and volunteers, aimed to celebrate the town’s heritage while raising funds and awareness for the club. Regular Sunday car boot sales and future events — including a Christmas market — are also in the plans. @lisayoungphotography_

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MOUTH OF THE TYNE FESTIVAL Our community reporters, Lisa Young and Suzy Coulson, attended the Mouth of the Tyne Festival on two separate days — and both agreed it was an absolute blast! From the stunning location to the incredible music, the atmosphere was unforgettable.

We shared their reviews across our social media channels so everyone could keep up with the festival buzz.

Lisa Young top left

Suzy Coulson top right

LINSKILL NS800 COMMUNITY DAY Tatjana and Caroline set up a stall to represent I Love North Shields at the Linskill Community Day. It was wonderful to meet so many people in person — we made lots of new contacts and learned even more about our amazing community.

Tatjana and Caroline

Featured

PICNIC IN THE PARK NORTH SHIELDS 800 North Shields showed its true colours at this year’s Picnic in the Park. Despite heavy showers, families, friends, and music-lovers filled Northumberland Square for an afternoon of food, stalls, and live music. The North Tyneside Steel Band brought the sunshine with their set, while die-hards danced on in waterproofs until the very end — proof that a bit of rain can’t dampen our community spirit.

BLESSING OF THE FLEET NORTH SHIELDS 800 The Blessing of the Fleet was a highlight of the North Shields 800 celebrations — a day of tradition, reflection and true community spirit on the Fish Quay.

Crowds gathered to watch the spectacular boat parade along the Tyne, with vessels large and small joining the celebration.

You can relive it all in the stunning time-lapse video now on our I Love North Shields YouTube channel, beautifully created by Sirastudio. It’s absolutely fab — don’t miss it!

8 Watch here:

@Ilovenorthshieldsofficial

Copyright Hazel Plater. All Rights Reserved

Featured

The Chase by Nina Valkhoff | Wayne Bordoli

THE ELEVATION WALL MURAL FESTIVAL BURSTING WITH COLOUR AND COMMUNITY PRIDE

By Caroline Oswald

Mural mania is sweeping the town as the walls of North Shields are coming to life during the Elevation Wall Mural Festival. One by one, previously non-descript walls are suddenly

becoming awash with colour and fantastic designs. As each mural takes shape, residents follow the artist’s progress with excitement and speculate over where the next one will appear.

The Elevation community arts charity was

created when a group of volunteers wanted to mark the 800th anniversary of North Shields with

the production of some public art. “We all love our town, but some of the buildings are a bit drab

then started to scour the town for suitable

locations for more large-scale murals: gable ends, old factories, residential houses. Over an 18-month

period they identified 35 walls and approached the proprietors for permission to use them. In the end, eight walls were chosen to be decorated by individual artists over the months of July and August. The artists were selected by a panel made up of various members of the community and were given the brief of capturing the spirit of North Shields. Ahead of the festival, Matt and his team

were full of anticipation: “It will be very affirming for North Shields.”

and in need of a lick of colour”, explained former councillor Matt Wilson, who initiated the project along with fellow trustees Diane Wailes, Stuart Fearn and Grace Wilson.

As the festival unfolded over the summer, the people of North Shields watched on with wonder as

International urban artist Prefab77 kickstarted the

proceedings in style. ‘The Chase’ at the bottom of Norfolk Street depicts a beautifully detailed and dynamic natural scene featuring species of bird

concept with the beautiful fishing-themed mural entitled ‘The Siren’ on the end of the former Ye

Olde Hundred pub on Church Way. Inspired by this transformation, the small charity managed to secure funding from various sources, including North East Combined Authority, businesses,

private donors and the proceeds from selling artworks generously donated by Prefab77. They

each artist applied their individual style to reflect aspects of the town’s history, culture and nature.

Netherlands artist Nina Valkhoff started the

Scan the QR code with your phone camera for more information online

Featured Featured and fish native to the area. The I Love North Shields Photo Walk happened to be passing by just as Nina had finished, and celebrated with

on the wall of Lin’s Seafoods right in the middle of the Fish Quay, a fantastically intricate portrait of a fisherman set against a backdrop

Mike, who is attempting to complete 800 headstands all around the area before the year is out. On the same day the ILNS Photo Walk also

The feedback from the public is overwhelmingly positive, indicating restored

group photos and entertainment by Headstand

visited the mural completed by Scottish artist

KMG on the 55 Degrees Fisheries building on the Fish Quay. Photographers stood on the specially marked spot on the pavement to capture the

boldly painted image of the Titan ‘Oceanus’, inspired by the discovery of Roman altars by the Tyne dedicated to the river gods.

of boats on the water.

pride in North Shields and a feeling that the

town is becoming brighter and more inviting.

Nina Valkhoff’s ‘The Chase’, won ‘Best in the UK’ and silver in the worldwide ‘Best of July’ awards

by Street Art Cities (www.streetartcities.com), which leads to the mural being entered into the global street art 'Best of 2025’ awards in January. This achievement has definitely put

North Shields on the map as a global street-art destination.

The mix of local and international artists and

bringing in more visitors to the town can only encourage a welcoming atmosphere and lead to positive social and economic changes in the future. The Elevation project was rooted in the

idea that well-conceived public art can have a profound effect on the perceptions of an area, not just by others looking in but also the local

residents. Research suggests that relatively few

people from our area travel into Newcastle to visit art galleries. Therefore Elevation decided to bring some quality art to the people, free of charge, with all the mental health and wellbeing benefits it can bring. Members of the Community celebrating Anthony’s mural | Wayne Bordoli

Local artist Anthony Downie paid homage to the beauty of everyday buildings and back lanes on the gable end of a home on Trevor Terrace with ‘North Shields No.4’. To mark the mural’s completion, Kirsty, the owner of the adorned house, organised a joyful community gathering

local community have been actively involved in the creation of the artworks by submitting their design ideas or preparing and painting the backgrounds. For example, young people

from the Phoenix Detached Youth project were involved in Mark One87’s mural at North Shields Football Club.

with music by folk singers Mariners and Marras and free food by Scott & Wilson.

Then came Bournemouth-based artist Ricky Also,

who emblazoned the side of the new Arbor Seven cafe on Brandling Terrace with a Sam Fender lyric, paying tribute to the local music scene in his distinct graphic style with ‘I Beg That Sound’. At

the same time, Ricky’s pal, local street artist Mark

One87, celebrated the town’s fishing heritage with his stunning Fish Quay scene ‘The Spirit of Shields’ at North Shields Football Club. Prefab77 also

honoured the fishing community with ‘Net Worth’

New wave of creativity in North Shields @brodymacfigueras | Diane Wailes

Featured Each mural has a QR code for people to scan so they can continue to submit their opinions, impressions and feedback, as well as read more

increasing community pride and attracting more people into the area, maybe the Elevation wall mural festival is only the beginning of what could

at least ten years, but the intention is to create a much longer legacy. Matt and the Elevation team also hope it will inspire others to become involved

At the time of writing, there are still more Elevation murals to come. Residents are keeping an eye out

about each individual artist. The murals could last

in the community, for example engaging schools in related projects. The festival already seems to have sparked a new wave of creativity, with unofficial smaller-scale artworks popping up on

buildings here and there. With street art festivals transforming cities across the world into open-air art galleries, engaging people of all backgrounds,

be a bright future for the town of North Shields.

around town, wondering where the next one will

appear. Tag @elevation_walls and @ilovenorthshields in your photos on Instagram, and find out the latest information by following these accounts or check out their websites www.elevationcio.com and www.ilovenorthshields.com

MORE ABOUT THE MURALS

By Mark Tavender, Caroline Oswald, Wayne Bordoli, and Tatjana @thats.tats

Street Art Cities “Best in July” Global Awards Runner-up

The Chase – Nina Valkhoff Depicting a dynamic underwater hunting scene, this beautifully detailed mural features fish and fowl familiar

to the North East Coast. Two gannets and a cormorant vie to catch a herring beneath the waves, the seaweed and currents swirling around them. Fishing is at the heart of the history of North Shields, famous for its fearless fishermen and hardworking herring girls. However, this

6 6 The Chase, Norfolk Street | Wayne Bordoli

image of the struggle for survival could have occurred long before the fishing community came into existence.

With its colour palette of blues and hues, this

representation of local wildlife blends seamlessly into the town’s natural landscape of sea and sky.

The Siren – Prefab77 Prefab77's ‘The Siren’ mural on Albion Road has profoundly impacted North Shields' art scene. This striking monochrome artwork, a heartfelt tribute to the town's fishing industry women, resonated deeply with the community. Community-funded and strategically located near the artist's family history, it sparked immense local pride and engagement. ‘The Siren’ served as the pivotal catalyst for the entire Elevation

Mural Festival, transforming North Shields into a vibrant outdoor gallery and demonstrating the immense potential of public art for urban regeneration and fostering a lasting sense of shared identity.

1 1 The Siren, Albion Road | Wayne Bordoli

Featured North Shields No.4 – Anthony Downie

2

Anthony’s mural is a celebration of North Shields' back

lanes, depicting these unassuming areas of a town, which are firmly part of our daily lives. The mural challenges the common perception of North Shields, which often defaults

to its coal and fishing industries, and aims to capture the ‘golden hour’ of light, the ephemeral beauty, found in these

often-overlooked community spaces. Beyond the visual impact, the mural exemplifies how public art, when created by artists with deep local ties, can transcend mere

North Shields No.4, Trevor Terrace | Wayne Bordoli

decoration to become an integral part of a community's narrative, fostering a sense of collective ownership and pride that extends far beyond the visual impact of the murals themselves.

3

I Beg That Sound – Ricky Also ‘I Beg That Sound’ is a colourful celebration of the passion and pride of North Shields musicians. In his signature style of mixing traditional typography and

graphic design with an energetic injection of graffiti art, Ricky Also has incorporated a Sam Fender lyric to pay tribute to the town’s musical history as well as its

ongoing vibrant music scene, full of originality and authenticity. Bold, bright letters dance around to their own rhythm, forming an uplifting message about the transformative power of music.

I Beg That Sound, Brandling Terrace | Wayne Bordoli

4

Oceanus – KMG Following KMG’s signature mythological theme, this mural depicts the Titan Oceanus, the father of the river gods, believed to rule over the saltwater tidal areas such as the River Tyne, particularly North Shields and the Mouth of the Tyne. This connection draws from the archaeological discovery of altars in Newcastle dedicated to the water gods Neptune and Oceanus, showing how important The Tyne was to the Romans.

Oceanus, true to its myths, is depicted with the tail of a serpent and horn of a bull, swimming with other creatures of the sea, a sea serpent and a squid.

Oceanus, Tanners Bank | Wayne Bordoli

Net Worth – Prefab77

5

'Net Worth,' is a profound visual tribute to North Shields' rich fishing heritage. Following the success of 'The Siren,' Prefab77's 'Net Worth' continues the artist's

dedication to his hometown, weaving together the town's past and present. The mural is a reflection on

the fishing industry's historical significance and its ongoing impact on the community, serving as a powerful reminder of North Shields' enduring spirit and the resilience of its people.

Net Worth, Union Quay | Wayne Bordoli

Featured

7

The Spirit of Shields – Mark One87 This striking mural is a spectacular homage to North Shields’ fishing industry. It contrasts a modern-day boat battling the wild North Sea with a glowing vision of the old Fish Quay, creating a balance between past and present.

The artwork reflects the hardworking, no-nonsense spirit of the people of Shields, many of whom, across generations, have worked in or been connected to the fishing trade.

From the outset, the aim was to honour both the town and the football club’s history, rooted firmly in the industry that shaped them, captured perfectly in the club’s proud motto: The Spirit of Shields, North Shields Football Club | Wayne Bordoli

“Harvest from the Deep.”

FOLLOW THE MURAL TRAIL Route Overview Distance: 4 miles

Duration: 1.5 hours (excl. stops) Terrain: Mostly flat, some cobbled streets near the Fish Quay, hilly descending to the Fish Quay and ascending to Howard Street

Tag @elevation_walls and @ilovenorthshields in your photos on Instagram Go to elevationcio.com and ilovenorthshields.com for mural updates.

Tatjana @thats.tats

“The Elevation

project was rooted in the idea that well-conceived

public art can have a profound effect

on the perceptions

of an area, not just

by others looking in but also the local residents.”

Proud community admiring Anthony Downie’s mural | Wayne Bordoli

History

THE LOST LETTERS OF THE 6TH BATTALION CAR BOOT FIND

By Diane Wailes

It’s amazing what you can pick up at a car boot sale - bits of costume jewellery, box set DVDs, an old envelope stuffed with letters ... it’s not always easy to spot the treasure! That was certainly the case with a bundle of yellowing papers and tattered envelopes, picked up at a car boot sale almost 10 years ago. It was only when they reached the hands of keen genealogist and military history enthusiast, John Caffery, that their true worth came to light.

John, who lives in Washington (Co. Durham, not D.C.) invited I Love North Shields to take a look at just a few of the old letters that he’s been researching for 8 years, and to explore the North Shields connections.

Their historical significance left us speechless!

The letters were written by men who’d fought with the 6th Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers, and their families. Some were written by men in the trenches, seeking to reassure their loved ones back home.

Others were written after the war by grieving widows and parents. They were collected in 1921 as material for a book that was to be written about the 6th Battalion’s actions during the Great War. Sadly, the book was never completed and the letters looked destined to be lost - only to reappear almost 100 years later as a car boot sale find!

When I visited John, his dining room table was piled high with years of research to uncover who the men were, and find out about their lives.

John told me how important it is that we remember these young men and what they went through: “It’s so important that we don’t forget our history.”

One letter in particular caught my eye. William John Black was aged 25 when the 6th Battalion, made up entirely of volunteers, sailed to France.

The crossing was calm and the men expected to spend a few weeks training when they reached French soil. But there’d been heavy fighting near Ypres, in Belgium, and reinforcements needed after the first use of poison chlorine gas by the Germans.

History 29th April 1915 Dear father,

And so, just 6 days later, on 26th April 1915, the Battalion found itself engaged in intense fighting, advancing towards the village of St. Julien. Their losses were dreadful, with almost half the Battalion either killed or wounded.

Three days later, William sat in a trench and took several small sheets of paper and a pencil from his pack. With steady, small, neat handwriting he sent news back home to his father, in Cleveland Road, North Shields.

William’s luck eventually ran out in 1917 when he received gun shot wounds to his left knee. He was discharged from military service in July 1917 and returned home to North Shields, married, and found work as an accountant with Tynemouth corporation. He died in August 1975 aged 85, and was buried in Preston Cemetery.

The letters that came to light by chance at a car boot sale - and that could have so easily been lost forever - provide a unique insight into the lives and thoughts of ordinary young men, living through extraordinary events. The patience and care that John has taken to research each soldier’s individual story is remarkable and honours the sacrifices they made. The letters are an important historical record and they’re about to be handed over to the Northumberland Fusiliers Museum in Alnwick Castle, for safekeeping.

If you would like to find out more, you can hear about the letters in two audio podcasts by ‘Hive Storytellers’, with a third podcast due to be released on 11th November 2025. www.hivestorytellers.org

I am sitting here in the open trench were we have been since we came out of action, with reference to the action it appears we went to support and reinforce the cream of British and Scotch Regiments in the first line of trenches close up to the Germans. We came under Artillery fire first, and then machine gun and rifle fire, and how on earth any of us got there alive beats me, nevertheless some of us managed it.

I do not think anybody disgraced the good reputation of the sixth, and I can assure you that when poor old Capt Dryden comes back to join the Company he will get one of the finest receptions ever accorded a British officer rejoining his regiment, for the magnificent and glorious manner in which he led us prior to his being shot down, of course we were all naturally a little put out when we arrived in the trenches which we reinforced, as there appeared to be so few of us left and our casualties may appear large at present but the bulk of our men are only slightly wounded ….

I understand we have been congratulated in Divisional Orders by the Canadian General, and if all rumours be correct we will be mentioned in dispatches, so I think we have done our little bit for old England, and are still prepared to do more if necessary, I now have left 1 razor, knive, fork and spoon, 1 towel and a piece of soap ….

I think Joe can get me some baccy as he knows what kind to get, but you might get some matches from Sinclair's in Newcastle, specially packed in tin cases ready for immediate despatch to the front.

I am still fit and well and in no way have felt the strain of the last few days, of course I was a bit nervy the big Jack Johnsons* which are not very pleasant things to come in contact with, as they are no respecter of persons, so we dodge into our funk holes and treat them with silent contempt …. I will keep you posted with my doings as often as possible, with best love to all at home.

Your loving son Billie (*”Jack Johnson” was the nickname given by Allied soldiers to the German 150mm howitzer shell).

History

coastalcapturesne

A PIGEON LOFT WITH A VIEW

TOM YOUNG’S FLIGHT OF FANCY

By Carol Davison. Photography by Coastal Captures Most North Shields locals will be familiar with The Salt Market Social, a fashionable haunt on the Fish Quay known for its quirky décor and eclectic mix of music and entertainment events. What some people might not be aware of, however, is that its phenomenal roof space – arguably offering the best views of the river – was once home to one of the costliest pigeon lofts in the North, and a story worthy of a place in Fish Quay history.

Local businessman Tommy Young ran his company, T. Young and Son Sailmakers, from premises on the site that now houses Dolphin Quays. His business made him a millionaire, and in the 1980s, he proudly travelled to work in a stunning blue Rolls-Royce.

Yet despite his wealth and success, Tommy’s passion remained firmly grounded in his working-class roots – he was an avid pigeon fancier, having joined Percy Main Homing Society back in 1957 at the age of twenty-two. He told The Journal in a 2004 interview, “It doesn’t matter how much you’ve got, I’m no different to the rest of the lads.” Despite this sentiment, it is part of local lore that Tommy would ferry his pigeons to meets in the back of his Roller, something captured wonderfully in the 1986 Tyne Tees documentary World Wise ’86: The Fancy.

As his business grew and time became scarce, Tommy devised a plan to build a topnotch pigeon loft on the flat roof of his workplace, situated a few doors up from the North Eastern Rubber Company and overlooking the river. This allowed him to pop up and see his beloved birds during quiet moments at work – mixing business and pleasure at its best!

History

Business

In the late 1980s, as part of the Fish Quay development plan, Tommy sold his business and land to Cosalt, a marine supply firm from Grimsby. The old buildings along this stretch of the river were demolished, and in their place appeared Dolphin Quays and the Cosalt Building – the standout blue structure we now know as The Salt Market. The sale of his business came with an important caveat: Tommy insisted that he would only proceed with the deal if the new owners gave him roof access to the Cosalt Building to re-site his pigeon loft. The developers agreed to this unusual request and, in addition, provided him with an office – all free of charge, including utilities – with a lifelong lease.

With negotiating skills like that, it’s no wonder Tommy was such a successful businessman!

And so it was that when Salt Market owner Barney Miller bought the Cosalt Building in 2017, he also acquired Tommy Young and his 150 pigeons as sitting tenants. Rather than viewing this as a hindrance, Barney embraced the situation, welcoming Tommy and his feathered friends as part of the building’s story – so much so that he named his company Blue Pigeon and commissioned local brewery Flash House to create a pale ale, Tommy Y, in his honour. He recalls with a smile how, in the early stages of developing the building as an entertainment venue, he had to check with Tommy whether pigeons had ears and if they might be disturbed by loud music. Tommy reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry bonny lad, the building’s yours now – do what you want.” Tommy continued to visit his birds three times a day until he fell ill and sadly passed away several years ago. Though the pigeons are long gone, traces of this local legend quietly endure. The shells of the lofts remain up on the roof, with the nameplate Sea Pigeon still attached to one of the doors. Downstairs, in his old office – now the Salt Market’s green room – Tommy’s cork desk still has pride of place, sitting comfortably alongside many retro pieces collected by Barney.

It is a welcome reminder that behind many of the repurposed buildings on the quayside lies a rich past, shaped by passion and larger-than-life characters like Tommy. Whether sipping a pint of Tommy Y or glancing up at the old loft on the roof, visitors can still feel the presence of the man who once mixed business with birds and left his mark high above.

World Wise ’86: The Fancy – Tyne Tees documentary, available to view free online via the North East Film Archive.

coastalcapturesne

History

Explore Tynemouth’s Hidden Gem

The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House Museum (Spanish Battery, NE30 4DD) is a treasure trove of shipwreck relics, dramatic rescue stories, and stunning views from the South Tower. Now that the season has ended, the museum is open by arrangement only. To visit, check their latest updates or contact the team directly: info@tvlb.org | www.tvlb.org

Ö

Poetry

the sycamore gap.

By Hanzala Mojibi was it all too offensive, that i existed? was it rude that i stood still, silent, a night watch on the northern wall? is it rooted deep, a primal urge to undo that which was here before you? or just, just, just an ephemeral itch? i wish violence wasn't your first language— i would have liked to talk. i had questions.

Bio: Hanzala Mojibi is a PhD scholar from India, currently working with Trauma and Absurdism in Northumbria University. His poems have found a place in publications such as Sahitya Akademi’s Indian Literature journal, The Wire, gulmohur quarterly and DoubleSpeak magazine, among others.

Poetry HOME

by Ruth Rogerson Fish and ships and Low Lights pies, Biting winter walks, transfixed at pink skies.

Heritage and roots and retaining tradition, Watching alien ships dodge the Black Middens.

Good food and good people and guts at the gut, Thinking of leaving but staying put.

Boozers and bulldozers and gentrification, Air Bnbs increasing staycations.

Pop-ups and drop-outs and declining High Streets, Can't recall the last time I heard the word 'geet'.

A land and a longing that seeps to the bone, That's North Shields for me - there's no place like home.

@gpo_visuals

Art

Maggie and Kitty

PAINTING WITH PLASTICINE NORTH SHIELDS’ COLOURFUL CONNECTION This summer, Globe Gallery on Howard Street has been buzzing with colour, conversation, and community spirit thanks to Painting with Plasticine — a playful series of free workshops led by North Shields artist and researcher Kitty McKay. Part of the North Shields 800 celebrations, the sessions invited people of all ages to “paint” using sheets of brightly coloured Plasticine. Participants created images and postcards while sharing personal memories of the town — from much-missed landmarks like Hawkeys Lane Lido to stories of fishing life, family traditions, and everyday places that make Shields special.

But the workshops were more than a fun night out. They were also a nod to a remarkable piece of local history: Plasticine was invented in 1897 by William Harbutt, who was born in North Shields in 1844. Originally designed as a clean, reusable modelling material for his art students, it became a household name around the world — and later a star of stop-motion animation, bringing to life beloved characters like Morph and Wallace & Gromit.

By bringing Plasticine back to its birthplace, McKay’s project connects past and present in a tactile, creative way. Every piece made during the workshops will feed into a larger collaborative artwork — a celebration of community identity and shared heritage.

The final installation will be revealed later this year, keeping anticipation high. Until then, the project stands as proof that even the simplest material can hold a powerful story — and that creativity, history, and community are a winning combination.

Funded by the UK Government, Historic England, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

¼ Globe Gallery, 97 Howard Street, North Shields More: globegallery.org

Art

VESSEL TYNE BRAND HOARDINGS, FISH QUAY, NORTH SHIELDS Appearing on the historic quayside, Vessel is a bold, artist-led celebration of North Shields’ heritage and creative spirit. The large-scale printed artwork will transform the hoardings at the former Tyne Brand site, drawing on the area’s rich industrial and maritime past.

The project is rooted in four interwoven strands, shipping, canning, printing and pottery, each reflecting a piece of the site’s story. Maritime colours, seaweed patterns, typography and shipping codes shape the design, reimagining these histories for today and connecting the rhythms of the past with the energy of the present.

In-Place are a collective of four artists based in North Shields, whose public work seeks to challenge, question or enhance our relationship to place. They first came together three years ago for a print project, and their shared commitment to exploring location and identity has shaped this new work.

The collaborative design process included multiple site visits, consultations with local stakeholders, and exploration of regional archives, ensuring that the work remained grounded in the specific history, industry, and character of the area. Pupils from Spring Gardens Primary School took part in a creative, hands-on workshop. Their poetic statement is woven into the design, bringing a youth voice to the project.

As Vessel takes shape, updates will be shared through social media. A limited edition print will be released soon, offering another way for the community to connect with the work. This is a project made for North Shields, a reminder that the stories of this place continue to evolve, and that artists and communities can shape how they are told.

‘Vessel’: Art by In-Place, Design by Ronan Devlin Studio.

Funded by North Shields Cultural Quarter. www.inplace.org.uk

Art

@gpo_visuals

HARVEST FROM THE DEEP Pete Robinson’s Harvest from the Deep exhibition has been a highlight of the summer at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre, drawing crowds with its powerful tribute to North Shields’ fishing heritage. Through striking images, the exhibition captured the grit, beauty, and history of life at sea — leaving visitors with a vivid portrait of the town’s fishing community.

Originally set to close on 30 August, the exhibition may be extended due to popular demand, giving even more people the chance to experience it.

The accompanying photo book was equally well received, selling out on opening night. A second run is now available at local outlets and online via eyeofthetynephotography.co.uk.

@gpo_visuals

NEW MERCH. BELLA & HEYWOOD I LOVE NORTH SHIELDS

Wear Your Love for North Shields!

Show your pride with our official I Love North Shields merch — now available!

T-shirt £20 | Beanie £20 | Hoodie £50 www.ilovenorthshields.com

Music

Music

@Waynebordoliphotography

NECRONOISE THE DARKWAVE PULSE At just 21, Michael Longstaff — better known as NecroNoise — is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing names in North Shields’ alternative music scene. What began as a bedroom project experimenting with synthwave’s retro pulse has evolved into a darkwave sound that’s cinematic, atmospheric, and completely his own.

NecroNoise’s music layers moody melodies with immersive synth textures, drawing listeners into a world that’s both brooding and beautiful. But Michael isn’t only focused on creating tracks — he’s also working to lift up the wider scene. That’s why he launched Necro’s Nights, a series of live events across Newcastle and Gateshead showcasing gothic, industrial, and underground acts. These nights are all about giving artists a platform, keeping events affordable, and making sure audiences feel welcome and included.

It’s an approach that’s catching attention. Local music fan Wayne was curious to find out more about NecroNoise after hearing about his growing reputation and the buzz around Necro’s Nights. Like many, Wayne wanted to know what makes this young artist stand out — and why so many people are talking about him. The answer lies in the way Michael combines creativity with community. His events are carefully curated for both sound and atmosphere, giving emerging talent the same respect and stage presence as more established acts. Whether it’s an intimate synth-led set or a high-energy industrial performance, Necro’s Nights always feel like more than just gigs — they’re meeting points for music lovers who want to be part of something different.

In a town already bursting with creative talent, NecroNoise is carving out a distinctive path. His music lingers long after the last note fades, and his commitment to fostering a stronger, more inclusive scene is making an impact well beyond North Shields. “I want to make a scene for everyone where you can just enjoy your night and dance and not have to worry about anything else. With the Alt scene, you find a lot of alternative people get mistreated or bullied when they grow up. Not being the one that fits in with other people. That’s what giving them that space where they can come and express themselves.

To discover the full story behind NecroNoise read the full interview online : ilovenorthshields.com/necronoise

Music

@eyeofthetynephotography

KRAKEN WAKER RIDING THE WAVE OF HEAVY METAL AND GOOD VIBES

By Mark Tavender

North Shields is full of surprises — and one of its loudest exports right now is Kraken Waker, a three-piece heavy metal band blending raw riffs, witty lyrics, and a camaraderie that shines both on stage and off.

I met Gav (bass and vocals), Scully (drums and vocals), and Ubes (guitar and vocals) at The Seven Stars to talk about their journey — from their early days in a four-piece to becoming winners of Newcastle’s Metal for the Masses and stepping onto the stage at Bloodstock Open Air, one of the UK’s biggest metal festivals.

Their sound? Think Red Fang meets Alice In Chains with a satirical, tongue-in-cheek lyrical twist (yes, they even have a song about billionaires in space). Their live shows are as unpredictable as they are unforgettable — bubble machines, toy octopuses, and plenty of big riffs.

With their debut album Be Good winning acclaim and momentum building fast, Kraken Waker are a band that proves North Shields’ creative spirit rocks harder than ever.

8 Read the full interview with Gav, Scully, and Ubes on our website: ilovenorthshields.com

NEW MERCH. I LOVE NORTH SHIELDS

JOHN & WILLOW

Wear Your Love for North Shields!

Show your pride with our official I Love North Shields merch — now available!

T-shirt £20 | Beanie £20 | Hoodie £50 www.ilovenorthshields.com

DAYNE HENDERSON

THE ENIGMA BEHIND THE MASK Text and photography by Wayne Bordoli “Inanimate object fetishes can be categorized into two types: form fetishes and media fetishes. In a form fetish, the shape of the object is important. In a media fetish, the material of the object is important.” – Psychology Today.

“I love the idea of master craftsmen, like traditional leather workers or any expert craftsperson. I can’t wait to be 70 and still making gimp masks— what a tale!” – Dayne Henderson I visited Dayne at his studio, known affectionately as the “Gimp Shack,” located on an industrial estate in North Shields. He is heavily tattooed, physically imposing, and deeply rooted in Goth/Alt culture. Yet, he's eloquent, brimming with nervous energy, and very much a product of North Shields, influenced profoundly by his family and upbringing.

“I live just over the road and went to Norham High. I'm close to my family, still very much in a North Shields bubble,” he says, expressing no desire to relocate to the capital. “I go against the grain, but if I had been in London, or taken a different route, I might have burnt out faster.”

Megan Ramsey @megramphotos

Featured

@Waynebordoliphotography

Featured Dayne attended King Edward Primary and Norham High School, performing poorly in his GCSEs. He then studied Fashion and Clothing at Tyne Met College, achieving a triple distinction.

At Northumbria University, however, things became turbulent.

“I failed the first year at Northumbria. I'd already covered a lot of the foundation year content at college, and their cookie-cutter approach didn't suit me,” he explains. “They told me my designs weren't commercial enough. Ironically, a similar design later caught Lady Gaga’s attention.”

Feeling stifled by commercial constraints, Dayne transferred to Sunderland University’s Fashion Product and Promotion course. There, he found creative freedom.

“Sunderland let me be myself,” he recalls. “I began experimenting with latex. My aesthetic has always been futuristic and industrial—super tight.” Dayne’s final collection was exclusively latex, earning him a first-class degree After graduating, Dayne honed his skills at a company in rural Lincolnshire, producing hardcore latex garments. Homesickness soon brought him back to North Shields, where, just three months into working independently, he received a commission from Lady Gaga for her 2014 Artrave: The Artpop Ball Tour.

“I initially thought it was a prank,” he laughs. “I tweeted Gaga’s stylist a photo captioned ‘Gaga likes rubber,’ and within hours I was designing nineteen outfits for her and her dancers. The experience was terrifying but career-defining.”

More recently, Dayne created a striking headdress for Skin from Skunk Anansie, worn at Glastonbury 2022.

Despite these high-profile projects, Dayne maintains a discreet online presence. “I prefer private commissions; my clients get a personal experience. Being a one-man brand, I'm already spread thin. Retrospectively documenting over a decade of work online is overwhelming,” he admits.

Dayne’s work has graced prestigious venues, including Torture Garden clubs, Berlin Alternative Fashion Week, and Newcastle Fashion Week, and he's collaborated on projects with Channel 4’s Great British Sex Survey, Plan B’s music video ‘Wait So Long,’ and artists like Asnikko, Cobra, and Bambi Thug, Ireland's Eurovision 2024 entry.

Regarding his design philosophy, Dayne explains, “My work is about continuity, not seasonal collections. It’s my identity, constantly evolving.” Music profoundly influences his designs, ranging from T-Rex to techno, providing the mental clarity needed for creation.

Dayne’s pieces juxtapose a harsh industrial aesthetic with latex’s sensuality. He explains, “Latex transforms the wearer, offering an exuberant, larger-than-life identity. My designs blend defensive spikes, inflatables, and muscular silhouettes—powerful yet protective —rooted in my Meadowell upbringing and inspired by formidable women in my life.”

“I INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A PRANK,” HE LAUGHS. “I TWEETED GAGA’S STYLIST A PHOTO CAPTIONED ‘GAGA LIKES RUBBER,’ AND WITHIN HOURS I WAS DESIGNING NINETEEN OUTFITS FOR HER AND HER DANCERS. THE EXPERIENCE WAS TERRIFYING BUT CAREER-DEFINING.”

Featured

A MORE RECENT CELEBRITY HOOKUP WAS A HEADDRESS FOR SKIN FROM SKUNK ANANSIE One emotionally charged piece, featuring three breasts, symbolizes the strength and resilience of his mother’s battle with breast cancer.

Creatively inclined yet frustrated by conventional mediums in childhood, Dayne found his niche in tactile processes. “Costumes and masks fascinated me—wrestlers, Power Rangers—I always loved tight suits and masks.”

Coming out as gay at 14, Dayne embraced his identity through bold fashion choices, pushing boundaries with 7-inch platforms and a straitjacket worn to school. This defiance became central to his artistic ethos.

Inspired by Leigh Bowery, Thierry Mugler, and Gareth Pugh, Dayne’s work reflects their groundbreaking, provocative aesthetics. “Leigh Bowery’s selftransformation into art profoundly impacted me,” he notes. Mugler introduced him to latex fashion, while Gareth Pugh’s success affirmed that Northern designers could achieve international acclaim.

Latex itself mirrors Dayne’s character—strong yet fragile. The meticulous, hand-crafted process demands patience and resilience, qualities he admits sometimes elude him outside creativity.

Despite occasional doubts and mental health pressures, his passion remains undiminished.

“I prefer creating without client constraints,” he confesses. “Putting monetary value on something you love is challenging. I never intended to run a business—Peter Pan syndrome—but creativity remains my driving force.”

Aware of regional limitations, Dayne hopes to inspire local youth: “I’d love someone from Shields to discover my work and realize you can succeed differently.

Today, true punk is following your path, wherever it leads.

Read the full interview here: www.ilovenorthshields.com

AWARE OF REGIONAL LIMITATIONS, DAYNE HOPES TO INSPIRE LOCAL YOUTH: “I’D LOVE SOMEONE FROM SHIELDS TO DISCOVER MY WORK AND REALIZE YOU CAN SUCCEED DIFFERENTLY“

Business

MEET BETH FARMER LYONESS PRESS

We couldn’t be happier to be teaming up with Beth Farmer from Lyoness Press on our new I Love North Shields merch.

Beth’s not just a printer — she’s an artist through and through. With over eight years’ experience, a Fine Art degree from the Glasgow School of Art, and a history of working with all sorts of communities — from people in recovery to refugees and artists with disabilities — she puts her whole heart into everything she creates.

When we started planning this range, we knew we didn’t want anything mass-produced. We wanted quality, we wanted it made locally, and we wanted to support a small business that shares our values. Beth ticked every box.

From her studio at OneThreeOne, she hand-prints every hoodie, tee, beanie, and tote on 100% organic cotton, using sustainable processes and a lot of love. She’s all about slow fashion, attention to detail, and making sure every step is done responsibly — and that really matters to us.

So when you grab a piece from this range, you’re not just repping North Shields — you’re backing local talent, keeping traditional skills alive, and getting something made to last.

Check out more of Beth’s work: lyonesspress.co.uk @lyoness_press facebook.com/lyonesspress

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Music Business

Photo from left to right: Madé, Jack, Gabby and Kester.

BABA YAGA'S THE DIY VENUE POWERING LOCAL ART AND MUSIC

By Mark Tavender Baba Yaga’s in North Shields has quickly become one of the town’s most genuine and creative spaces. Run by brother-and-sister team Kester and Madé, it’s a place built on a DIY ethos, a love of music and art, and a real desire to support local talent.

The name comes from East European folklore, where Baba Yaga is a mysterious figure representing change, unpredictability, and transformation – a fitting symbol for a venue that’s constantly evolving. Kester and Madé’s own travels and life experiences feed into the laid-back, open atmosphere they’ve created.

Their first spot in Whitley Bay grew naturally into a busy weekend hangout, so opening in North Shields felt like the next step. “There’s always creative things going on here,” says Madé. “People are putting effort into the town and creating good vibes.”

Baba Yaga’s stands out for the way it champions local artists. The walls are filled with an everchanging mix of styles, and they never take commission on sales – something rare in the art world.

It’s an open door for both new and established artists to show their work. They also host poetry nights, spoken word events and craft workshops, making it a space where all kinds of creativity can thrive.

Music is a big part of the plan. The Whitley Bay venue was great for intimate acoustic sets, but the North Shields space allows for more. There are plans for live lounge-style sessions on Sunday afternoons and livelier gigs on Saturday nights – the kind of events that could turn Baba Yaga’s into a key name in the local music scene.

Kester and Madé are always looking for ways to make the space work better for musicians, artists and audiences. “We just want to keep improving and support what’s already happening in North Shields,” says Kester.

At its heart, Baba Yaga’s is about more than gigs and exhibitions – it’s about people. It’s somewhere regulars feel at home, where new friendships are made, and where staff are treated well. That genuine community feel, mixed with a willingness to try new things, makes Baba Yaga’s a special addition to the town.

Instagram: @babayagasns | Facebook: Baba Yaga’s Read the full interview here: www.ilovenorthshields.com

Business

Bait Box Sandwich Coffee Bar Hudson Street has a tasty new addition — Bait Box Sandwich & Coffee Bar has officially opened its doors, serving up fresh sandwiches, hot drinks, and a warm welcome. Located at 11, 66 Hudson Street, North Shields (formerly Whitley Bait), the shop is already attracting locals looking for a quality sarnie, a proper cuppa, or just a friendly spot to take a break. Open from 8am to 2pm, If you haven’t been yet, pop by and see what the buzz is about — another great reason to shop and eat local in Shields.

David @dianewailes

Fuel’d Health Kitchen & Coffee House

Harbour House and Northern Rye

Harbour House Officialy Open Just around the corner, a once-empty warehouse on Little Bedford Street has been transformed into something pretty special. Harbour House — dreamed up

by Skye-Alexander Ferry and Amy-Bose Wilson — is North Shields’ brand-new creative hub, and it’s already buzzing with life.

A brand-new addition to Albion Road, Fuel’d has opened its doors, bringing fresh energy, honest food, and a friendly community vibe to North Shields.

Founded by David Yang, Fuel’d is all about “food that gives a f**k” — nourishing, made-from-scratch meals designed to fuel both body and mind. The menu features everything from breakfast pancakes and granola bowls to wraps, flatbreads, smoothies, protein shakes, and speciality coffee, all created with fresh, seasonal ingredients. With a bright, welcoming interior and outdoor seating perfect for sunny mornings or weekend brunch with friends, Fuel’d has quickly become a spot to watch. David’s mission is simple: to offer good food, good vibes, and a space where everyone feels welcome.

Welcome to the neighbourhood, Fuel’d — we’re glad you’re here.

Instagram @fueldupnorth

From yoga and wellness at We Rise®, to fresh bakes from Northern Rye, beautiful blooms from Muscari, and design and digital creativity from Cargo and Drishti Design— the building is now home to some of the North East’s most exciting independent brands. What makes it even better? It’s all self-funded, rooted in local talent, and designed with community in mind. Harbour House proves that you don’t have to head into the big city to find world-class creative spaces — they’re being built right here, in North Shields.

We popped by to see it ourselves and can honestly say it’s a space full of energy and opportunity. Welcome, neighbours — we can’t wait to see Harbour House grow and become part of Shields’ creative scene!

Instagram: @harbourhouse_

Your Stories

Suzy getting to grips with 'Lines 12'

NORTH SHIELDS A SMALL PRESS POETRY MAGAZINE

By Geoff Holland

Britain had finally emerged from the economic fallout of the Second World War and the 1960s 'Cultural Revolution' was gathering pace when, in May 1965, American beat poet Allen Ginsberg arrived at 'Better Books' in London offering to read his poetry anywhere for free. The offer was quickly accepted and shortly afterwards he gave his first ever reading in Britain at an event which was later described as, “the first healing wind on a very parched collective mind”.

Immediately plans were made for a much larger event and, on 11th June 1965, the grandly-named ‘International Poetry Incarnation' took place at the Royal Albert Hall in front of a staggering 7,000-strong audience. The event brought together a diverse group of people, including a number of poets who would go on to have a huge impact on the British poetry scene in the years to follow. These included, Adrian Mitchell, George MacBeth, Christopher Logue, Pete Brown and Mike Horovitz.

From the perspective of the general public, the counterculture movement had well and truly arrived and the event came to be seen as one of the cultural high points of the 'Swinging Sixties'. However, for some time there had been a growing number of like-minded folk throughout the country, “cranking out little magazines on duplicators and presenting small poetry and music gigs”, as Mike Horovitz was to write some 50 years later.

These “little magazines”, known as small press poetry magazines, continued to flourish and grow offering space for writers outside the mainstream, many of whom were taking their first tentative steps along the literary road. Barely out of our teens, we were hooked on this thrilling new world, but with no similar publications for aspiring poets in our neck of the woods we were left with only one option.

And so it was, in August 1969, from our small terraced house in a quiet part of North Shields, that Ellie and I published the very first issue of 'Lines' poetry magazine, a simple six poem effort with a self-designed cover. All poems were by local folk, collected from a well-attended poetry event we had organised in a tiny upstairs room in the Haven Cafe on Tynemouth's now-trendy Front Street a few months earlier. We were up and running.

Your Stories We set ourselves a target of quarterly issues, and by the time the 19-poem 'Lines 5' issue was published a year later, we had made contact with a number of like-minded organisations, each of us promoting the others in our low cost publications. We were also now in receipt of financial assistance from the Northern Arts Association enabling us to produce a professionally printed cover, although with a still simple design.

As our reputation grew our tentacles were stretching further afield, with each issue now being distributed in surprisingly diverse places, not least in New York's then notorious Bronx district. Consequently, a broader range of aspiring writers were submitting their work to us and steady growth continued over the next 12 months resulting in our 2nd birthday issue containing 27 poems and a number of poetry book reviews.

By now I had become involved in a locallybased fledgling Arts Workshop, using my evergrowing list of contacts to organise poetry readings by nationally-acclaimed poets. This role nicely complimented the work we were doing with our poetry magazine with many of the visiting poets gladly contributing some of their poems to the magazine.

Consequently 'Lines 10' was something of a watershed containing a poem by Roger McGough, one of the best-selling poets of his generation and a member of the musical trio, 'The Scaffold ' famous for their UK number 1 hit single 'Lily the Pink'. Also included was South Shields-born, Japan-based James Kirkup who had recently published his fine book, 'A Bewick Bestiary' based on the wood engravings of Northumberland-born Thomas Bewick, one of whose engravings was reproduced in this issue.

We were now on the look out for artists and creative photographers to help us add a sprinkle of eye-catching texture to an otherwise visually plain magazine. So, by the time 'Lines 11' rolled off the press we were able to include some distinctive pen & ink artwork by two talented artists. We were also lucky to be able to include another poem by James Kirkup and one by our favourite Liverpool poet Brian Patten, whose first three collections of poetry, 'Little Johnny's Confession', 'Notes to the Hurrying Man' and 'The Irrelevant Song' had established him as one of the finest up and coming young poets.

These were exciting times and in June 1972 our growing reputation moved up a further notch with the publication of 'Lines 12'. Not only did the magazine have its first artist-designed front cover, 2 additional artworks, a total of 31 poems and a host of book reviews, but we again included poems by both Roger McGough and James Kirkup.

And, if that wasn't enough to satisfy the modern poetry connoisseur, the issue also contained poems by Mike Horovitz and George MacBeth, two of the poets who had performed at the ground-breaking Albert Hall poetry event back in 1965. Whilst George had recently published his 'Collected Poems 1958-1970' and was producing poetry programmes for BBC Radio, Mike was raising a few establishment eyebrows with his recently published and absolutely fascinating epic poem 'The Wolverhampton Wanderer' in a book which was lavishly illustrated by a proverbial 'Who's Who' of avant-garde artists.

Visually, the next issue, 'Lines 13' was the best we had produced to date with the striking front cover carrying an outstanding wood engraving by long-established illustrator Margaret Levetus. Born in 1919, Margaret had studied at the Central School of Arts & Crafts where she was taught wood engraving by John Farleigh, noted for his illustrations of work by George Bernard Shaw and D. H. Lawrence. After driving ambulances during the war, Margaret became a free-lance illustrator, her work including book jackets for publishers Chapman & Hall and drawings for the Radio Times. Inside the magazine were another two of Margaret's wood engravings, further poems by Mike Horovitz and James Kirkup and, for the first time, poems translated from the Catalan.

Despite the magazine’s reputation now having become firmly established, especially after the success of the last two issues, and with the future looking pretty bright, this issue turned out to be the last. We had taken the magazine as far as we could, and so we made the difficult decision to call it a day. We had, after all, achieved far more than we had ever anticipated we would and, after 13 issues spread over 3 eventful years, we had hopefully helped a bucket load of aspiring poets to reach an audience which would have otherwise been lost to them. We had met some wonderful folk along the way, not least Adrian Mitchell who wrote, on hearing of the demise of 'Lines', “very sorry to hear about the death of Lines, the obituary you wrote was beautiful, come see us when you can”. Yes, it had been fun.

Your Stories

SINGING THE SONGS OF THEIR LIVES THE LOST VOICES OF NORTH SHIELDS

by Caroline Oswald When my late mother, Veronica, responded to an advertisement in the paper by the Amber Film & Photography Collective appealing for people to attend singalongs in their North Shields pub, little did she know how it would open up the door to a new life.

Eighteen years after she passed away, I am finally dusting off the boxes full of cassette tapes she recorded at the time. Pressing play on the first one, I am instantly transported back to a lost world of forgotten songs, singers, bar staff, compères, characters and community craic.

Megan Ramsey @megramphotos

Amber Films bought the New Clarendon in 1986 to become immersed in the North Shields community and document everyday lives through photography and film. During their five-year residency, the pub was used as a base for the filming of several productions. Shields Stories (1988), featuring Robson Green in his debut role, is a ten-part drama series exploring local lives shaped by economic cuts, social change and resilience. The feature drama In Fading Light (1989), starring Joe Caffrey and Maureen Harold, examines interpersonal relationships in the town’s declining fishing industry. Dream On (1991) starred Amber Styles, one of the production company’s main actors, along with Maureen Harold and Anna Marie-Gasscoigne. The feature drama blends magic, fantasy, dreams and realism in its exploration of women's lives. The New Clarendon provided the backdrop for several scenes in these productions, with genuine punters creating an authentic pub atmosphere. Amber’s actors and associated artists often hung out there, mingling with the locals, as evidenced by my mum’s old photos that accompany the cassettes, including some of acclaimed documentary photographer Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen.

One of the first cassettes I listened to was marked ‘Clarendon ‘87’. It could just as easily have been 1957, with singers belting out old-time songs accompanied by ‘Blind Alan’ on the pub piano. In no way offended by this name, Alan Deeming was a formidable talent who could play an impressive repertoire of songs in any key the singers requested. The piano starts tinkling away and we are off.

A woman called Mary begins the night by singing ‘When That Old Wedding Ring Was New’. A man named Albert sings a traditional Scottish song, after which the audience jokingly shout their feedback: “Five out of ten!” Then the female Geordie compère announces: “Right, can we ask Veronica to give wuh a song now?” As my mum’s renditions of ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man’ and ‘On a Clear Day’ ring out of the cassette player, my childhood home is once again filled with the beautiful soprano tones that were so familiar to me growing up. What strikes me most is the quality of her singing and her apparent confidence. The Amber singalongs were the first time my mum ever began performing in public, and she happened to be exactly the same age that I am now.

The compère comes on again: “Put your hands together once again for Veronica, please!” After some applause, she continues: “Er, we had a little lady start the night off tonight for wuh, when nobody was really bl**dy interested, so I think we’ll ask her to sing again. Come on, Sarah. Are you getting up? Howay, Sarah!” Then an interjection on the tape by mum in her best Queen’s English: “Sarah is the mother of Amber Styles, local film star”. The crowd continues: “Howay, Sarah! Sing the Clarendon Song! ‘Just a little Street’. Howay, Bonny Lass!” Sarah sings the song adopted as the pub’s unofficial theme tune, with the aptly written lyrics: “It's just a little street, where old friends meet, I'd like to wander back someday.

Your Stories To you, it may be old and sort of tumbled down, yet it means a lot to folk in my hometown.” As the whole room begins to join in, I get a glimpse into the unique sense of community that was created inside the little old pub on Appleby Street.

The second side of the tape offers further surprises. Entitled ‘German Film’, I soon realise that this recording documents the filming of ‘From Marx & Spencer to Marx and Engels’, Amber’s 1988 collaboration with the East German film company, DEFA. Focusing on everyday life in the fishing and shipbuilding industries in the town of Rostock, the film aimed to portray the realities of socialism in the GDR. Again, my mum announces in her poshest voice: “A German film company is on an exchange visit. They are making a film which will be distributed throughout Germany in the cinemas and will also be shown on Channel 4 in the Spring. The date is Saturday 26th of September, 1987.” After a brief interruption by my ten-year-old self singing and giggling with my friend, Mam apologises and continues: “We now move on to the Clarendon.

The heat is overpowering from the arch lights but the singers do their best.”

Various performers offer renditions of old classics including ‘The Loveliest Night of the Year’ and ‘(I Wonder Why) You’re Just in Love’. A man sings a capella. Mam explains: “That was Rodney trying out a new song.” Eileen sings followed by Taffy, who was heard having a telling-off earlier by the compère for his drunken heckling. After a couple more songs, the compère warns: “Just wait a minute till I check the watch.” A man’s voice comes from across the room: “Ha’past nine!” I presume this to be Taffy again, given her response: “Hey, don’t work yaself! When I shout mouse, you hop out! I’ve told ye!” She goes on: “Er, I think we’ll ask Veronica to give wuh another song.” Taffy talks over again: “When ye going on ya holidays again, Eileen?” “A week past Thursday.” “Hurray, back to peace and quiet, then!” And so the banter goes on.

After my mum sings ‘Over the Rainbow’, the compère announces: “I think we’ll have a funny song now, eh?” Taffy shouts: “No dirty songs in this bar!” She sings ‘The Hipso Calypso’ and then asks: “Right Rodney, are you gonna give wuh another song? You know, one you can get through?”

Rodney sings and then I hear a name mentioned I had almost forgotten. My mum used to help a sweet elderly lady who had no family, taking her to the singalongs whenever possible. She enjoyed playing the bones and her Irish drum. “Howay, Victoria, give wuh ‘You are My Sunshine.’ Come on!” She launches into a modified version of the song: “You are my sunshine, my box of Woodbines, a box of matches, and a bottle of rum, and a bottle of whisky, to make you frisky…”

She finishes to rapturous applause and encouraging comments: “You did very well, there.” “She did, like.”

Finally the evening draws to a close: “I think we’ll have the last song of the night now because time’s getting on. We’ll have ‘Aloha’.

And who’s gonna get up on the floor with Eileen and do it? Veronica?” Everyone puts each other forward for whatever the task may be: “Go on!”

“I’m not getting up!” “You’ve not got to sing or nowt. You’ve just got to stand up! There’s a stool behind you.” Then an exchange reminds us of the fact that all this is all still being captured by the German film crew: “Eee the bl**dy camera will get broke down, ye b**ger!

Eee dear me! God help the cameras now! ‘You Are My Sunshine’ and all the dirty songs!” It becomes apparent that Alan the pianist will need some extra cues due to his visual impairment: “Just tell us when ya ready to roll…”

German voices murmur: “Just tell us when you’re ready.” Someone offers: “I’ve got a bl**dy good mind to go and stand behind him.“ A proper old-fashioned sounding bell rings to signal last orders at the bar. “Hold on, Alan, we’re getting a bl**dy sorting out, here. It’s like Al Capone! Right, Alan…” The compère states: “Right, I think it’s time for the last song of the evening, ladies and gentlemen.” Alan starts playing to cries of: “No, not yet, Alan!” The Germans exclaim: “Stop! Stop! 309, take four!”

More shouts of: “Right, Alan!” The host announces the last song of the evening again: “Very sorry to be a party pooper, but that’s it.

We’ll have ’Aloha’. Right, Alan!” Everyone sings together. A final heckle: “I tell you what it is, that bl**dy film unit will all collapse tomorrow!

That’s the finish for that film because it’ll all go black!” Ignoring this, the compère rounds things off: “Right, will you put your hands together for all the singers in the room tonight?

A big hand for Alan on the piano! And Tilly behind the bar! Thank you and good night.

Don’t forget the singalong’s on tomorrow night as well.” Some final commentary from my mum: “The filmmakers request a shot of Alan’s hands playing the piano.” Alan is heard playing an instrumental of ‘To You Sweetheart, Aloha’ along with general pub chatter: “Brian, can ye get me umbrella, please?” “Whey aye, man, it’s up there.” Then a German voice: “We’ve seen it in July and now we have it in this film. I hope we will see it in springtime on Channel 4.” Despite not knowing exactly what they’re referring to, I feel certain that some of ‘it’ was definitely captured on my mum’s little portable cassette player, too.

Your Stories This tape is only one of many. The New Clarendon singalongs sparked a new era for my mum, who continued to sing in public nearly every night of the week for the rest of her life. I have recordings of happy times spent in venues including the Porthole, the Chain Locker, the Collingwood Arms, the Queen’s Head, The Percy Arms, the Station Hotel, the High Point Hotel, the Holystone and Jacksons in Byker. Some pianists mentioned by name are Gordon at the Porthole and the Chain Locker, Norman, Audrey, Frank, Brian and Doris at the Station and Jean at the High Point. Singers include Norman, Brian, Cath, Malcom, Gordon, Tony, Liz, Jean, Tracy, Ray, Barry, Brenda, Michelle, Jack and Eve. Some would just be regulars at specific venues, others would travel around as part of the whole scene. There was always a compère to manage the proceedings, like the unnamed lady in the New Clarendon or Pat at the Station Hotel. Usually each singer was only allowed two songs, three at the most, and it was taboo to sing someone else’s trademark song. My mum learned the lyrics to hundreds of songs off by heart, in the days before you could look them up on the internet. She had to adapt to the different style of each pianist, keeping up with their individual tempo. The advent of karaoke made things easier but this took away some of the authenticity, and sometimes it did not sound as good as it was not possible to change the key to suit the singer. I still have my mum’s notebooks containing lists of songs with her preferred key noted beside each one.

On some of the earlier tapes you can hear the singers and pianists debating the key before eventually getting going.

Until recently, the Amber Collective were unaware that their documentay efforts in 1980s Shields had also been documented in this way. In the future I hope to digitise the whole collection in order to share it with the community. Maybe some of the people on the recordings are still around, or their relatives, who may like to have the same time-travelling experience.

Equally, the recordings should be of interest to anyone keen on social history. The songs are all interspersed with intriguing dialogue and humorous incidents, such as the compère’s constant attempts to manage unruly participants: “Well, I’m sorry girls, but that’s it, cos the barman’s got a metro to catch!”

Then there are the poignant moments which will catch you by surprise. At one point, my mum starts singing and then everyone joins in: “We all have a song as we go through our lives, that will go on and on, through the years of our lives. It’s a wonderful song that you brought to me, and I look on this song as my symphony.

This is the song of my life, this will go on through our lives…” Hopefully the songs and memories of all these people, who weren’t celebrities, just ordinarily Shields folk, will be preserved for many years to come.

The Triangle A Little Piece of North Shields History Tucked away between Cardonnel Street, Seymour Street, and Upper Penman Street, The Triangle has been part of North Shields life for over a century. Originally built for working families, its rows of terraces and Tyneside flats were even made “play streets” in the 1950s – safe spaces where children could run, cycle, and kick a ball without the dangers of heavy traffic.

It’s also been home to some brilliant community creativity. Local artist Keith Barrett once worked with residents and schoolchildren here on a Homezone project – filling the streets with artworks inspired by the people who live here. Those pieces brought colour, character, and pride to the neighbourhood.

Keith is now working on something equally special for our town – the Mary Ann Macham bronze statue for the Riverside Embankment Walkway, part of the North Shields 800 celebrations.

But it’s fair to say The Triangle could do with a little TLC again. Imagine…

A whole building painted in a bold mural telling the story of the area.

Restore the wall mural on the corner Guerrilla flower bombing – bursts of colour in planters, hanging baskets, and surprise corners.

A colourful welcome sign on the roundabout to say, “You’ve arrived in The Triangle – North Shields!”

Places like this are part of our town’s soul – and sometimes, all it takes is a splash of paint, a sign of pride, and a little love to make them shine again.

What would you love to see happen in your area?

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Have you spotted your tote bag on our map yet? From North Shields to New York, our totes are popping up all over the globe — carried on holidays, markets, festivals, and even a few unexpected places! A huge thank you to all our amazing tote bag sponsors so far — your support keeps I Love North Shields thriving and helps us spread a little bit of Shields spirit wherever the bags travel. The totes are selling fast and showing up everywhere and we’d love to give more local businesses and supporters the chance to get involved. If you’d like to sponsor a batch of tote bags, gain some fun exposure, and be part of a community project that’s literally putting Shields on the map, we’d love to hear from you.

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Events

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Antiques & Household Auction Monday 1 September, The Auction House, North Shields, 10am–4pm A chance to browse and bid at this monthly antiques and household sale.

I Love North Shields Social Market #1

The Night Market UK – End of Summer Friday 5 September, Salt Market Social, 6pm– 11pm Street food, DJs, and late-night shopping at the Quay.

NXS800: A Symphony in 8 Movements Saturday 6 September, King Street Social Club, 7pm–10pm An experimental orchestral concert created specially for North Shields 800.

Buskers on the Beach Thursday 4 & 11 September, Crusoe’s, Tynemouth, 6pm–9pm Local musicians perform live on the sand with a stunning sea backdrop.

North Tyneside Together Festival Saturday 13 September, Northumberland Square, 11am–4pm Community stalls, live entertainment, and activities celebrating diversity.

Cullercoats Dolphin Watch Family Day Saturday 13 September, Cullercoats Watch House, 10am–3pm Family-friendly wildlife activities and talks.

Heritage Open Day Walk – Clifford’s Fort & Harbour Stories Saturday 13 September, Old Low Light Heritage Centre, 10am–1pm Discover the history of Clifford’s Fort, the lifeboats, and Tyne Harbour.

Tynemouth Station Book Fair Sunday 14 September, 9am–3.30pm Second-hand and collectors’ books at this popular fair.

North Tyneside 10k Road Race Sunday 21 September, 10am start, Parks Sports Centre St Mary’s Lighthouse One of the region’s most scenic runs.

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Sunday 5 October, Salt Market Social, all day & evening Stalls, workshops, music, food and community – #supportlocal Autism Better Together – Drop-in Tuesday 14 October, 1pm–4pm, Tynemouth Scouts Hut. Monthly social space for autistic adults, families, and friends.

ILNS Photowalk #2

Saturday 18 October, meet 10am at Loading Bay, Salt Market Social | Bring your camera and join our second community photowalk. | FREE Nerd Fright Fest 2025 Sunday 19 October, Parks Sports Centre, North Shields A family-friendly carnival of retro gaming, spooky fun, and entertainment.

Keep It Country Festival Sunday 26 October, O2 City Hall, Newcastle Country music artists from across the UK and beyond.

Newcastle & Nearby Newcastle Anime Convention Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 October, Event Northumbria, Sandyford Road, Newcastle A lively weekend of anime, gaming, cosplay, panels, and live stage performances—one of the UK’s biggest fan conventions.

Family Silent Disco Saturday 4 October, Newcastle Cathedral Two fun sessions under the cathedral’s vaulted ceilings: a daytime disco for kids and families, and evening sets for grown-ups.

Miss Saigon (Musical Revival) Saturday 4 – Saturday 25 October, Theatre Royal, Newcastle The iconic musical returns for a limited run—an epic love story brought to life with stunning performances and unforgettable music.

Fu Fighters (Foo Fighters tribute) Saturday 27 September, Salt Market Social, 7pm A high-energy tribute to the rock legends.

Pink Floyd by Candlelight Saturday 11 October, Hexham Abbey Experience Pink Floyd’s greatest hits performed by candlelight in the dramatic setting of Hexham Abbey.

September – Old Low Light Heritage Centre Exhibition: North Shields – 800 Years in the Making (Tue–Sat, 10am–3pm) Textile Capriccio Map Workshops (1, 8, 15 & 19 September, 1pm–3pm)

Hexham Autumn Plant Fair Saturday 4 October, Hexham Auction Mart, 11am–3.30pm A seasonal showcase of rare and exotic plants, perfect for gardening enthusiasts and collectors.

Coldplay by Candlelight Friday 17 October, Holiday Inn, Gosforth Park, Newcastle. An intimate orchestral tribute to Coldplay performed in a candlelit setting—an atmospheric night of live music.

Events

NOVEMBER North Shields & Tynemouth Autism Better Together – Drop-ins Tuesday 4 November, Ark Royal Room, Wallsend Library, 1pm–4.30pm Tuesday 11 November, Tynemouth Scouts Hut, 1pm–4 | Free monthly sessions for autistic adults, families, and friends.

Tynemouth Bonfire & Fireworks Tuesday 11 November, Tynemouth Cricket Club, from 5pm A spectacular bonfire and fireworks night postponed from 5 November.

Tynemouth Station Market Every Saturday & Sunday, Tynemouth Station, 9am–3.30pm Crafts, food stalls, and community atmosphere every weekend.

Tynemouth Station Book Fair Sunday 9 November, 9am–3.30pm Browse rare, second-hand, and collectors’ books at this monthly fair.

North Shields Reads Running until 30 November, North Shields Library & Community Hub A town-wide initiative encouraging shared reading experiences.

North Shields Voices (Storytelling & Archive Project) Running until 31 December, Linskill Centre Collecting and preserving local stories as part of North Shields 800.

Newcastle & Nearby Bonfire Night Celebrations Newcastle Racecourse Saturday 1 November, Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth Park | Family fireworks spectacular with funfair, food stalls, and live entertainment.

Gregory Porter – Live in Concert Wednesday 12 November, Utilita Arena, Newcastle | The Grammy-winning jazz and soul singer brings his powerful voice to the North East.

Disney on Ice – 100 Years of Magic Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 November, Utilita Arena, Newcastle | A family spectacular celebrating Disney’s greatest stories and songs.

Northern Craft Beer Festival Saturday 15 November, Boiler Shop, Newcastle Sample some of the UK’s best independent breweries in this buzzing beer festival.

Christmas Market Opening Weekend Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November, Newcastle City Centre | The city’s festive season begins with continental stalls, crafts, gifts, and food.

FREE VISITS TO UNIQUE GARDEN OF MEMORIES As we are finding out during this anniversary year, North Shields has so much to be proud of.

This includes a unique memorial garden – believed to be the only one of its kind in the country -at the Linskill Centre, dedicated to more than 1,800 local men who lost their lives in the First World War. Their names are listed on boards, street by street.

If you haven’t visited this garden yet, there will be an opportunity on Saturday 13 September at 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm, when volunteers from the Northumbria World War One Commemoration Project will share stories of some of the people involved in such a devasting loss to the community. Watch out on social media for how to book a free place. Volunteers will explain how and why the garden was created more than ten years ago, as part of a project which gained The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Project coordinator, Alan Fidler said: “There will be people in our town who don’t know about this garden which remembers the vast number of local men who lost their lives in the Frist World War. Our research uncovered so many stories of bravery and also about the impact on the people left behind.

“We thought that during this anniversary year, when we are focusing on the town’s history and heritage, local people might like to visit our garden and find out more about these stories.”

The Tynemouth WW1 Memorial Garden is at the Linskill Centre, Linskill Terrace, North Shields NE30 2AY.

Gary Ormston @gpo_visuals