I LOVE NORTH SHIELDS | ISSUE 6 by Community Driven Publications

I Love North Shields.

ISSUE 6 COMMUNITY: Angels Live in Our Town MUSIC: Interview Hels Pattison ART: Interview Sharon Percy BUSINESS: Baba Yagas Loft

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ISSUE 6

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Hello North Shields

Contributors Founder/Editor-in-Chief Simone Harper ilovenorthshields @outlook.com Front Cover Angels Live in Our Town Photo by @gpo_visuals

MONTHLY MEETINGS ILNS CREW

Wow, we’ve been nominated! I’m absolutely over the moon to share that I Love North Shields is a finalist in the Heart of the Business and the Heart of the Community Award categories for the North Tyneside Business Awards 2024! But honestly, this isn’t just about me—it’s about the whole team and everyone who’s been involved in creating this magazine. I Love North Shields has always been about us, about the people, and everything we’re achieving together for North Shields. No matter what happens, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve managed to build in just 5 months! It’s been an incredible journey, there is still lots to do but I believe we will get there one way or another! A huge congrats to the other amazing finalists in the Heart of the Business category too—Chelsea Jackson from Insulcon Technical and Katherine Lishman from Waters & Gate. What an honour to be alongside such inspiring women!

🙌 Big shoutout to all of you who’ve supported us so far—we wouldn’t be here without you! #ntbizawards24

Simmie Harper X

Authors Barry Hutchings Bazoox (Author for The Mag) Caroline Oswald Carol Davison Diane Wailes Jake Rusby Mark Tavender Mim Robson Rachel Chapman Proofreaders Mim Robson Katie Stewart Art Director Kimberley Rumble kimberleycreative.co.uk @kimberley_creative Graphic Designers Holly Hammell-Purvis @h.llyhp TikTok Jodhi Mae Rutherford @pinkpalava Photographers Lisa Young Photography Wayne Bordoli Photography Megan Ramsey Photography Coastal Captures Supported by

Contents

Community News

North Shields in the News

If the Kids are United

The Red Bench Project

The Launch

Dockwray Square

All Together Then

Front Cover by Gary Ormston

Show us your art

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Contents

Elevating the Town

Curious Caravan

Interview Sharon Percy

Snake with tits

Interview Hels Pattison

History

Herring Lasses

Tom Hadaway

Baba Yagas Loft

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Local Legend John Ellis Walk & Talk Great turn out for the walk and talk with local legend John Ellis. We gathered at @philsplaice on the Fish Quay to start our walk. Recommended!

@projectnilestreetns If anyone would like to share hands on support with paint works, we need LOTS of help in this area, if you don’t mind climbing a ladder and painting please get in touch!

Local historian and author Mike Coates. Mike has just re-issued his book about the Pow Burn and is now available in the shop at the Old Low Light heritage centre on the Fish Quay. This is a must read for those interested in our local history!

Spotted! Before you dive in, make sure to follow these instructions! With only a few printed issues in circulation, it’s fantastic to see how the magazine is getting out there and being enjoyed by more people! Thank you for sharing Pauline Stewart!

North Shields Cat Hedge Goes Viral Our instagram reel featuring the iconic North Shields Cat Hedge has hit an incredible 670K views on Instagram! @ilovenorthshields

Big changes are coming to the Cultural Quarter! The Exchange is expanding, and with the real estate agent moving to Monkseaton, this space is set to become another fantastic addition to North Shields.

Community

NORTH SHIELDS IN THE NEWS Look what the tide has brought in—it's Ganesha! Local dog walker Peter spotted a statue floating in the sea and set it upright, quickly drawing attention as passers-bys stopped to snap pictures. Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity revered in Hindu mythology, symbolizes wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. Known for clearing the way for new beginnings and bringing good fortune, could this be a sign of fresh opportunities and blessings for North Shields? As one of the most beloved gods in Hindu culture, Ganesha carries deep meaning. His elephant head represents wisdom, and his large ears reflect his attentiveness to the prayers of his devotees. People invoke him to ensure smooth journeys, success in new ventures, and life changes. The sudden appearance of Ganesha on our shores feels almost prophetic, signaling a time of prosperity, connection, and new beginnings for the North Shields community. Celebrating 100 Years: Doreen Dawe Born and raised in North Shields, Doreen Dawe, has celebrated her 100th birthday on September 11th with loved ones in her hometown. Her celebrations began early with a VIP coastal tour in a Mercedes, followed by a party at the Sandpiper pub in Cullercoats, surrounded by friends, neighbours, and a festive atmosphere filled with balloons and cake. Born in 1924, Doreen recalls attending Collingwood and Ralph Gardner High Schools. She contributed to the WWII war effort as a skilled worker at the Plywood Factory and later worked for 17 years at Swan Hunter shipyard, playing her part in Tyneside’s industrial legacy. Charles McManus from North Shields, has accomplished an impressive feat by running to all 60 stations on the Tyne and Wear Metro network in a single day. Charles McManus, 18, completed the 125km (77-mile) challenge in memory of his father, David, who passed away in 2017. Starting from South Hylton at 03:00 BST on Sunday, McManus navigated the entire network, including the airport, the coastal loop, and both lines south of the Tyne. His remarkable effort, nearly equivalent to running three marathons consecutively, concluded at 20:35. The North Shields resident has raised over £5,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity and St Oswald's Hospice, which provided care for his father. Image Credit: St Oswald's Hospice Ann Thompson, lollipop lady Ann Thompson , North Shields’ beloved lollipop lady, passed away 15th September, at 79 after over 50 years of service at St Joseph’s RC Primary School. Known for her kindness and dedication, Dot helped generations of children cross the road safely. Her sister, Marjorie, described her as "strong, independent, and always smiling". Dot loved gardening, flowers, and her beloved Newcastle United, raising her hand and cheering "Get in!" whenever the team won. Awarded an MBE in 2008 for her commitment to road safety and charity, Dot’s legacy of care and devotion will be fondly remembered by all. Do you have fond memories of Dot? We would love to hear from you!

Business

BABA YAGAS LOFT By Pauline Stewart Originally established in Whitley Bay two years ago Baba Yaga’s has finally wandered on those chicken legs and set up a new venue in North Shields. Believe me, you’re in for a treat! This classy café/bar has a relaxed, cosy atmosphere with dark floral ceiling, malbec coloured walls and is scattered with local art. The venue has a sunny garden and two floors, so there is plenty of space to kick back and enjoy your favourite tipple. With brother and sister team Madé and Kester both living in North Shields they sensed the great vibe that is growing and decided to invest their unique expression here, firmly believing that recent exciting developments and creative talents on display (such as the recent street art by Prefab and Mul, amongst others) truly reflects the character of North Shields, its remarkable people, culture and community. Huge shout out to all the local businesses that have welcomed them to the area – Lovaine Community Garden, Harveys, Barrys Fruit & Veg, Low Lights, Hyem and Longsands Apres to name a few. A massive thank you from them to all their family, friends and regular customers for all the ongoing support and love. Especially the OG Baba Yaga, Big Ern. With live music and other events planned such as; Dean Jolly’s Poetry Nights, Cocktail & Craft with Maggie from @SomethingFromTheCraftRoom, live music and other workshops, there is always something to look forward to. The venue is looking for music and artists to support and provide a cultural space for so if you have any interest please contact @babayagasns on Insta or @babayagaswb on Facebook. How wonderful that they take no commission or fees for local artists to showcase their talents, attesting that the collective passions of the community are at the heart of Baba Yaga’s – making this venue everything it promised to be!Go say hello to the team at 61 Church Way, Jackson, Gabby, Ben, Zuni & Charlie! Food will also be on the menu soon! More surprises to come so be sure to pop in to keep up with the latest developments and collect your edition of the latest I Love North Shields Magazine and other local merchandise.

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Business

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Business

THE LOW LIGHTS TAVERN A TALE OF PIES AND POP STARS By Carol Davison | Photography by Coastal Captures Saturday night in the Low Lights Tavern and the place is jumping with revellers of all ages enjoying a cracking night out in the oldest bar on North Shields Fish Quay. Its three rooms are packed and loud conversation and laughter mixes with lively folk music being played by a group of local musicians ensconced at a corner table. It’s hard to believe that this much loved, bustling bar was lying derelict just twenty years ago. Originally built in 1657, the building is known to have operated as a pub from at least the early 1800’s. Its fortunes took a slide in the 1990’s when Scottish and Newcastle decided to let it go after a nudge from the Monopolies Commission, and it was sold privately whereupon it fell into a massive state of disrepair. Thankfully it was rescued and resurrected by a new owner in 2006 though somewhat controversially, it was transformed into a wine bar and its mainstay clientele, the fishermen, were discouraged. The current owner, Glaswegian Danny Higney, has reversed this attempt to gentrify and he smiles recalling the quantity of champagne found in the cellar when he bought the place eight years ago. His aesthetic is far more traditional, and he feels it important that the Low Lights retains its heritage, helping to keep the rich culture of the fishermen and the Fish Quay alive. Explaining that he has no plans to modernise, he said, “I love it that people can stand at the bar and have a pint in the same spot where their grandfather stood and when they go for a pee, stand in the same place he stood. But the Low Lights is not just a haunt for local quay folk, and the place is a destination for great pub food which is described as honest fare done well. Their home-made pies, cooked from scratch in the kitchen, are legendary and they serve up to 800 a week. Though the meat pies are most popular, veggie and vegan options are also served. Danny recalls a group of lads coming in to have the hearty steak pie and mash to line their stomachs before a good session. “Just get a plate of chips,” he advised them, “have the pie and you’ll be ready for your bed!”

Their Sunday lunches are just as popular with around 200 served each week. They don’t take bookings so it’s very much a ‘turn up and see’ situation. If there’s no table free when you arrive, just sit back, enjoy a drink and good company while you wait – it’s all about relaxing explains Danny. With five hand pumped ales on offer, including the popular Low Lights ale and Bass, people are more than happy to do just that. The thing which really differentiates the Low Lights Tavern from the other fourteen bars on North Shields Fish Quay is its music scene. Irish, Northumbrian and Scottish folk are favourites and though there are organised events several times a month with musicians such as The Black Corner Band, unplanned outbreaks of music from a talented core of regulars are just as popular. Instruments are lined up against the wall in the back room and Danny encourages these spontaneous sing-alongs which are reminiscent of the traditional Irish bars he loves so much in Galway. The Low Lights also boasts one of the longest running buskers’ nights which is held every Monday evening with host Bongo Bob and of course it would be remiss not to mention the Fender factor. Sam’s connection to the pub doesn’t need retelling but is nonetheless part of the fabric of the place. His fans call in to see his Brit Award, repurposed as a beer pump, and to catch a glimpse of the man himself when they know he’s in town. His love of the pub is well-documented, so it was no surprise to learn that they regularly receive fan mail for him there - which they reassure is always passed on! The Low Lights really is one of the gems on the quayside. It’s a step back in time with not a cocktail list or tapas menu in sight. Just a traditional pub with a great atmosphere, the warmest of welcomes and a very canny pint.