I LOVE NORTH SHIELDS | ISSUE 6

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

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Contents

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Community News

North Shields in the News

If the Kids are United

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The Red Bench Project

The Launch

Dockwray Square

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All Together Then

Front Cover by Gary Ormston

Show us your art

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Contents

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Elevating the Town

Curious Caravan

Interview Sharon Percy

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Snake with tits

Interview Hels Pattison

History

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Herring Lasses

Tom Hadaway

Baba Yagas Loft

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News LEFT TO RIGHT : STU FEARN MBE, @MANPOWER (GEOFF KIRKWOOD),@PREFAB77_NEW (PETE MANNING), YMCA CEO DEAN TITTERTON, FILMMAKER RYAN LILBURN @THELILBURN AND DIGITAL ARTIST @JAYHALIM.

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN: TURNING UP THE HEAT FOR NORTH SHIELDS AND GIVING BACK Street art and dance music in the mix for community meals fundraising collaboration. A powerful street art mural, a party with a world-famous secret DJ guest, digital projections, filmmaking and an iconic social club are all part of a unique fundraising collaboration in North Shields. The fundraiser is a joint project between mural artist Prefab 77 aka Pete Manning, international DJ and producer Geoff Kirkwood aka Man Power, community activist Stu Fearn, digital artist Jay Halim and filmmaker Ryan Lilburn. They are using the rising tide of North Shields’ creative economy to help raise money for YMCA North Tyneside’s Community Meals campaign.

Held on Wednesdays in Cafe 1879 in North Shields YMCA, the free, hot community meals are available to everyone regardless of their circumstances with children’s activities included. King Street Social Club is the focal point for the project. The site is now also the home of @areyouaffiliatedkingstreet, a full-time alternative music venue operated by Geoff Kirkwood, with a program featuring some of the world’s most exciting live bands and DJs. On 27 September, a special secret guest who is a global name in electronic dance music played Are You Affiliated, with money raised going to the YMCA’s community meals. Advance tickets for the event have sold out despite the headline act remaining a secret. A very limited number of tickets were available on the door. On the exterior wall of King Street Social Club, Pete Manning has created largescale mural, Angels Live In Our Town, part of a series of @prefab77_new artworks around North Shields as part of Elevation, an ambitious street art festival taking place in 2025.

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News

The artwork is a tribute to the hardworking women of the town’s fishing industry.

As well as two established regional artists, the fundraising project also involves new creative talent from North Shields, with the artist Jay Halim providing live digital projections for the event and film maker Ryan Lilburn producing a documentary video.

YMCA North Tyneside Chief Executive Dean Titterton said: “This fundraising collaboration and the King Street Social Club event will raise vital funds for our Community Meals. We are so thankful to the artists and community for supporting this fantastic initiative.

“YMCA North Tyneside has been at the heart of the North Shields and North Tyneside community for over 145 years and we aim to create environments where people can be healthy, happy and connected."

“Our offer of regular community meals on a Wednesday provides a comfy, warm, fully inclusive, safe non-judgemental space for everyone to access a hot meal, all while tackling social isolation, and ensuring our locals feel like they belong to their community.”

Geoff Kirkwood said: “This all literally came from a quick chat in a coffee shop. The fact that idle conversations can lead so quickly to such joined up projects tells you everything you need to know about how energised and equipped North Shields is right now. This took about two weeks to get off the ground. It bodes so well for Pete and Stu’s Elevation Festival next year. “I think it’s important to document this time though. Pete and I are two artists from the region who came up in a less creatively fertile time and I think we both feel blessed that there’s so much talent we can work with now.”

“The documentary video will feature interviews with stakeholders, community members from the Social Club, people who attend the party, and those involved with the community meal, to provide an honest and authentic picture of the full range of experience and opinion in North Shields.

“Pete, Stu and myself all want to use our work to benefit the community in this town. When we got talking, it came to light that me and Pete both have a strong connection with King Street Social Club, where I’ve been hosting music events for the past two years. Not only did Pete work there as teenager, it was the spot where my great-grandfather owned a general dealer’s shop until conditions in the region forced it to go bust and sent him back to work in the shipyards in his 60s. Between us we’ve come up with a plan that combines street art, dance music, the local community and international talent to create a world-class artwork and a world-class experience that will raise money for an essential community intervention.”

Mural artist Pete Manning aka @prefab77_new said: “North Shields holds a special place for me and I’ve always felt that the town and people punched well above their weight. My father and mother both grew up in North Shields and it has always chafed me to see the town visibly in decline. Now times are changing and you can feel that North Shields is attracting young entrepreneurs, talented people with a drive to make the town amazing again. Next year is the 800th anniversary of the founding of North Shields and Elevation is making it a landmark destination for artists around the region and world, with the mural project bringing street art to this cult town.”

Community activist Stu Fearn said: “I’m part of mural festival Elevation, working with several artists including Pete at @prefab77_new. His first mural, The Siren, has created a huge community response. It was funded by residents, and we have sold prints to fund more work. I brought Pete and Geoff together because we all want more for North Shields, and this project was born. What better than raising funds through this highly collaborative project to support YMCA Community Meals.”

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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!

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Community

Can you write a newspaper report about animals escaping from a zoo in North Shields?

We’re happy to share that I Love North Shields has two new junior reporters from Collingwood Primary School!

Simmie had the awesome job of announcing the winners in person after reading all their fantastic stories. It was really hard to pick just two because everyone did such an amazing job!

Collingwood Primary has so many talented young writers, we are over the moon to welcome Hunter Purkins and Jasmine Burn as our first junior news reporters. Keep up the great work, you two! We can’t wait to see what you’ll write next! www.collingwoodprimary.org.uk

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Community

@TT2 LTD

North Tyneside pupils get STEM boost The operator of the Tyne Tunnels, TT2, has made a generous donation to a North Shields high school to buy a high-tech laser cutting machine to support science, technology, engineering and manufacturing (STEM) learning.

A new £7,000 laser cutter will allow Norham High School to update its Key Stage 3 Design Technology curriculum and support the development of pupils at Key Stage 4 in Art & Design. It will be used to teach computer-aided design and manufacture where pupils will be able to create and make high-quality products from exciting briefs. The laser equipment will be used across all year groups and many different curriculums including a newlyplanned STEM project in science.

The school’s drama department are also planning on using the cutter to manufacture props and a show backdrop for its 2025 production of the musical, Hairspray. Charlotte Whelan, assistant faculty lead technological and creative studies at Norham High School, said: “There truly are not enough words to describe how grateful we are to TT2 for their generous donation. It is so difficult to get additional funding for schools. To have the support of a company like TT2 gives us hope that there are more companies out there who will champion our young people and community even further.

“Many pupils from our school go onto creative courses and have STEM careers and this will massively support them in their future endeavours.”

CEO at TT2, Adrian Wallace, said: “STEM is so, so important to the future of our children and our world. Technology moves at such a pace and manufacturing tech can be very expensive for schools to buy so we are very happy to be able to support Norham High School.”

Q: “I’d like to make ‘learning something new each day’ a part of my life…Any suggestions on how best to incorporate this into my days? I am a social person, but don’t necessarily have friends that share my interests i.e. exploring mixed media (have the art supplies), but don’t always feel like doing things…”

– Carol, North Shields A: It's great that you’re keen to make "learning something new every day" a part of your life, Carol!

With so many interests, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but don’t worry, there are simple ways to make this more manageable and fun. First off, remember you don’t need to be perfect or an expert right away.

Learning is about progress, not perfection. Start by setting small, realistic goals. If you want to explore mixed media art, for example, begin with just 10 minutes experimenting with a single art supply. If it’s a course you’re into, commit to watching just one short lesson a day. Small wins keep you motivated and build momentum.

To make it easier, try attaching your learning to an existing habit. Maybe while having your morning coffee, you spend 5-10 minutes sketching or reading something new. Micro-learning, even in short bursts, adds up over time and helps you stay engaged without feeling like it’s a big task. Setting up an inspiring space can also make a big difference. Have your art supplies or learning materials within reach, so it’s easy to start when you feel like it. Visual cues like sticky notes or a vision board can serve as gentle reminders of what excites you.

Even though your friends might not share your interests, you can still connect with like-minded people through online communities or local workshops.

Finding others who share your passion can boost your enthusiasm and keep you motivated.

Finally, be kind to yourself. Some days you’ll be all in, and other days you might not feel like it—and that’s okay! The goal isn’t perfection, it’s enjoying the process and exploring your curiosity.

By staying flexible and focused on what brings you joy, you’ll find learning something new becomes a natural and enjoyable part of your day. Enjoy the journey!

Emma McKenna x Do you have a question for Emma?

Subject: Ask Emma Email ilovenorthsields@outlook.com

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Community

IF THE KIDS ARE UNITED Monthly column by Bazoox (Author for ‘The Mag’) As I type Newcastle United have had an unbeaten start to the 2024/25 season. We have taken 7 points out of a possible 9 from our opening three games in the EPL. The Toon have also successfully navigated their way through a difficult away tie, against Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.

They had previously been able to build up the commercial structure of their business unhindered, and basically were able spend what they liked on players.

In all honesty the football we have played so far hasn’t been great. Some supporters were left disappointed at the close of this summers transfer window, due to United's lack of activity in the final week.

It's now not going to be as easy for us, and is going to take a little longer than we all would have liked for our club to bring the real success we all crave.

That's just the way it sometime goes unfortunately, and make no bones about it nobody in the Premier League wants to do Newcastle United any favours. For far too long we were seen as a club stuck in the doldrums in a far off north eastern backwater.

The takeover in October 2021 which saw the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund become majority shareholders at St James Park, caused a lot of envy and resentment amongst the other Premier League clubs.

This mainly came from the six clubs who had previously been allowed to form an elitist cartel, and seemingly could control the men in the suits at the EPL and FA. The Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules that are currently in place protect these clubs.

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Things can change very quickly though, and I advise fans to keep an eye on the upcoming tribunal, and then the much anticipated high court hearing between Manchester City and the EPL. My family and I have recently suffered the heartbreak of the passing of my beloved mother.

She was born on the 4th of September 1939, the day after the declaration of the Second World War (a proper war baby).

Raised on the Ridges Estate she was the the ninth child of ten. Along with my late father, my Ma ensured that me, my younger brother and cousin Neale had a wonderful childhood.

Wor Graeme was born at teatime on the 21st of August 1971.

Community Coincidently Malcolm Macdonald had just scored a hat-trick on his home debut for Newcastle, and had been carried off the field unconscious. In doing so he had instantly became a hero to the St James' Park faithful.

Ma had a hard time having Wor Lad, but when she was back on her feet one of the first things she did was iron a red number 9 on the back of my Toon jersey.

Supermac was definitely my first hero in the black and white stripes and went on to become a legend, although I have loved other players since.

But I lost my real hero, the one who had stood by me and championed me whenever the chips were down, when it was time for my Ma to go. Jean Cansdale (neè Crammond) will be sadly missed but forever dearly loved.

The first international break in the football calendar is now upon us, and this will give Eddie Howe and his staff time to work on the Toon players' fitness.

By the time of my instalment in Octobers edition of 'I Love North Shields', I reckon United will be right back in their stride. By that time we will have played another four league games.

We have two very winnable away games against Wolves and Fulham, followed by the visit of Pep Guardiola's formidable Manchester City. It's then off to Everton and they have had a horrendous start to the season.

During this period we will also visit League 2 AFC Wimbledon in the next round of the Carabao Cup. Oh how I would love us to get back to Wembley this season and bring a bloody trophy back home for a change.

Bazoox (Author for ‘The Mag’) www.themag.co.uk

Some of you may know Olly Armstrong is heavily involved in North Shields’ cultural scene and does a lot of good work supporting creatives to realise their talents what you may not know is that he is a very good musician and songwriter himself.

He often performs at local open mic nights but he has now gone one step further and released a couple of tracks that are worth adding to your playlist. As the summer starts to disappear, Olly serves up a couple of uplifting, feel good tunes about love and hope. There is a video to accompany the release too - shot in Northumberland Square just as the sun is setting, it involves local people, of all ages, coming together and highlights the strength of our community and the power of coming together to make something happen.

‘Throw Your Arms Around Somebody’ encourages us to connect with people we love.

Sometimes life is hard and it’s easy to forget others around us may be feeling lonely or isolated - Olly’s message is not to forget them. Its backing track 'The Slow Resolution of Sorrow' is a slower tempo track but nevertheless a song about hope and being resolute in times of sadness. The song reassures us that we can navigate the stormy uncertain waters of life.

Instagram @olly4everyone Youtube @olly4everyone

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NEW TO SHIELDS LOUISE TOMLINSON

By Jake Rusby Danish author Karen Blixen once wrote: “The cure for anything is salt water – tears, sweat or the sea.” For North Shields newcomer Louise Tomlinson, this quotes rings truer than for most. Just two years ago, in September 2022, Louise lost her husband Marc, and her two young children – George and James – lost their dad. And as her family works their way through grief, the sea has come to play a central role in their healing.

Louise, now 44, was born in Forest Hall, but relocated to County Durham in 2004, after meeting her future husband while working at a software company in Newcastle. The pair married and spent the next two decades embarking on adventures together – they even spent their last wedding anniversary climbing Scafell Pike. It was on an adventure in Scotland that tragedy struck the family; Marc was camping with his brother when he suffered a fatal heart attack.

Louise says: “He died on the day of the Queen’s funeral. Marc was really outdoorsy, and that’s how I got into it all really. Ironically, he was actually in the Mountain Rescue for a long time, too, and they were needed when he died. He had a very dry sense of humour and he’d probably have found that funny.”

Last year, a visit to North Shields to take part in the New Year’s Day Dip kick-started a new relationship for Louise and her boys – with the North Sea. All of a sudden, two-hour round trips became the norm every weekend, as the trio splashed and swam their way through their trauma, together, often heading out at 4am, under a blanket of stars, to catch the sunrise at King Edward’s Bay.

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@JAKE RUSBY

Before long Louise had met an assortment of like-minded sea-lovers through Dip Club, which has become a huge part of her life. She also runs regularly.

In February of this year, Louise finally ‘took the plunge’, and moved back to her native North East, buying a house on the marina where she and her boys can see the water every time they gaze out of the window.

Louise, who is a freelance artist but also teaches part-time, says: “It felt like the sea was calling me back to the North East. I felt quite isolated where we were; we needed to be in a wider community. I’m so glad we did it.

We’ve made so many friends and we feel part of something.

“I have got a lot of life left and I’m a positive person. I’m the boys’ only role model now and I try to show them every day how to be resilient. They sea-dip with me, and I think that’s helping them, too.

“The grief won’t ever leave, but being where we are and doing what we do is helping. I think of grief like a coat that never quite fits, but you still have to wear it.”

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Join Us in Celebrating North Shields!

Become a Sponsor of I Love North Shields Unlock the power of community and connect with the heart of North Shields!

At I Love North Shields, we’re on a mission to share the stories that make our town unique. As a sponsor, you’ll play a vital role in this journey while boosting your brand’s visibility and reputation in the community.

Why Partner With Us? Make an Impact: Support content that enrich our community.

Gain Exposure: Reach a dedicated audience passionate about North Shields.

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Join us in this exciting venture and be part of something bigger.

Ready to make a difference?

Contact us at: ilovenorthshields@outlook.com and learn more about sponsorship opportunities!

Thank you for supporting our community driven publication made by and for the community of North Shields! www.ilovenorthshields.co.uk 30 ISSUE 6

Community

HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE RED BENCH PROJECT?

By Simmie Harper This is a cause that holds deep meaning for many, including my family - I hope we will be able to see one in North Shields soon! The Red Bench Project was created by a group of individuals deeply affected by the loss of loved ones to suicide and the overwhelming desire to make a difference. While there’s no easy answer, they believe that small, compassionate actions can save lives.

Their goal is to place Red Benches in locations where people may go during moments of deep reflection. These benches serve as a silent cry for help. If someone sees a person sitting alone at a Red Bench, they’re encouraged to sit down, say hello, and check in. That simple gesture could change the course of someone’s life. Each bench features plaques with the number for The Samaritans, a website address, and a QR code linking to helpful resources. Whether someone is struggling with mental health, abuse, debt, or loneliness, the project aims to guide them to the support they need.

The Red Bench Project is expanding, with benches already installed in South Shields, Marsden, Hebburn, and even the Lake District, with more to come. But this initiative can’t succeed alone.

They are calling for support - whether through spreading the word, fundraising, or partnering with mental health organizations - to help the project grow and save more lives.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.theredbenchproject.co.uk. Every small action can make a huge difference.

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Your Stories

THE LAUNCH A BOAT BUILT IN A NORTH SHIELDS ATTIC IS FINALLY LAUNCHED! A boat built in a North Shields attic is finally launched! On the first day of his boat-building apprenticeship at the age of 16, my dad could have hardly predicted that he would continue to employ his skills over seven decades later. After a lifelong love affair with boats, both building and sailing them, North Shields-born Peter Irving decided to pick up the tools again in his 80s to finally build the boat that he had designed and built as a model 30 years previously.

After putting together the Northumbrian lugger in kit form in his attic, Peter had to take the vessel apart to reassemble it and complete the process in a purpose-built boat shed in his back yard. This is where the project started bringing together the canny folk of North Shields, whether helping to build the shed, move the boat into different positions, sourcing and supplying materials and equipment or simply just offering support and encouragement along the way. Six years later in the summer of 2024, the boat was finally finished, painted and adorned with her name, Veronica, after my late mother.

A pre-launch party was held for the people of Shields to come and admire the beautifully built craft. They arrived in abundance, an indication of the rarity of such craftsmanship in this day and age. The following Friday, on the 23rd of August, it was time for the long-awaited launch. Ernie Scott, an active member of the North Shields community who was recently featured in ILNS for his Master Musicians International venture, had introduced Peter to his cousin, Derek, former Commodore of Coquet Yacht Club.

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Your Stories This experienced yachtsman provided much support and expertise and the day could not have gone ahead without him. The day before we were horrified to learn about the impending arrival of Storm Lilian, with weather warnings of high winds and floods in the region. However, the weather was predicted to calm after the morning, so we went ahead and departed from North Shields at around midday, with Derek taking as many people as possible in his Landrover and towing Veronica on a trailer behind.

The fun did not stop upon our return to North Shields. Ernie had organised for two renowned concert pianists, Tyler Hay and Mark Viner, to hold a special recital to celebrate the launch of Veronica. As always, they put on a spectacular show, performing several “piano four hands” duets, with both of them playing the piano at the same time. They were delighted to accompany us all afterwards to continue the celebrations at the Seven Stars pub, where others who could not attend the launch were waiting to congratulate Peter on his achievement. The pub locals finally had the answer to the question they had constantly been asking him for the past six years: “When’s the launch, Peter?” You would think that my father would now want a rest after all this as he approaches 90, but this is not the end of the story for Veronica. The next stage is to install a mast, sails and rigging. Who knows what adventures await!

HOW TO CELEBRATE, NORTH SHIELDS STYLE!

By Diane Wailes With discussions underway about how the town should celebrate its 800th birthday next year, we could take a leaf out of the book of Arthur Jefferson, the father of Stan Laurel and a flamboyant theatrical impresario.

In 1900, Arthur was tasked with organising a procession through the streets of North Shields to celebrate the Relief of Mafeking (a famous battle of the Boer War). The epic event featured a procession of marching bands, servicemen, carriages, horses and an estimated 8,000 school children! There were theatrical tableaux, and a nine-yearold Stan Laurel appeared in one of them as ’Bugler Dunne’, a hero of the war. The parade went from Dockwray Square through the town to Northumberland Square. A huge bonfire was lit on Clive Street and there were various sporting events - including a challenge to climb a greasy pole - with the prizes including hams and soap!

The celebrations went on all day and in the evening there was a torch-lit procession, followed by a massive firework display. The Shields Daily Gazette reported that, “Dockwray Square was magnificently lit up and presented a dazzling sight. A band played in the area and there was a capital pyrotechnic display given in the presence of thousands of people”.

Definitely food for thought for the North Shields 800 celebrations!

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Your Stories

DOCKWRAY SQUARE

By John Hartley | Photograhy by Diane Wailes “Sought-after area of North Shields offering park and river views” says the estate agent’s blurb. “A vibrant Georgian Square,” says another, with “panoramic views up and down the River Tyne”. Much the same was probably said in the mid-to-late 1700s when the square was first built. With that sort of description it is not surprising that the Square would become home to a Hollywood legend.

Yes, all right; Stan Laurel was only seven when he moved there, and only stayed for four years before heading off to Scotland, but they all count, right? His is the house on the left, at the top of the first corner if you’re travelling clockwise. It didn’t look like that then, though… Number Eight, his home, was only about halfway up the street in 1897 when he first moved in.

Initially populated by the wealthier residents of North Shields, keen to distance themselves from the hustle and bustle of the Low Town, Dockwray Square provided homes to aspire to. Tobacco manufacturers, registrars, school teachers and solicitors were amongst the occupations of those living there at the 1841 Census.

It is this level of aspiration that probably prompted my Great Great Grandfather, Joseph Rodgerson, to move there from his Grocer’s shop-cum-home on Bell Street, during the first decade of the twentieth century. By the 1911 Census the social class of the residents was beginning to fall, however, with fishermen, mariners and shipyard labourers now rubbing shoulders with the medical practitioners and druggists.

The Square’s inhabitants would quickly realise the area’s water and drainage facilities were less than satisfactory, however. Any improvements made were insufficient to stop the once privileged area becoming little more than a slum. Immediately before World War Two there were seven households living at Number Eight alone, with cinema attendants, brewery hop ploughers and dock labourers more likely to be found living there.

By the mid-1950s Dockwray Square had been demolished, replaced by an array of contemporary flats just in time for the new occupants to go and see the Beatles play down the road in Newcastle on just their fourth 1963 visit. The flats lasted longer than the Beatles but, by housing standards, not by much. In the 1980s they too were pulled down, eventually being replaced by the homes you see now. Whether or not Dockwray Square finds itself with another famous resident this century remains to be seen …

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Your Stories

HAT NEWS

By Barry Hutchings A Stream of Curmudgeonly Consciousness that has Little to do with Hats!

1972. The Illicit hat trade was out of hand. Cheap, poorly made fezzes had flooded Frankfurt.

Boorish berets from Baghdad had buried Bermuda and New York was awash with beanies and baseball caps. Style had been sacrificed on the altar of bad taste.

Something had to be done. My chief called me in and told me I had to fly to North Shields and investigate the ‘Geordie connection’. I wasn’t looking forward to this. North Shields was notorious for rain, rain and more rain. When Simmie Harper met me at North Shields International it was still raining. Simmie was my contact. A tough, world-weary reporter who wrote for Chirton Publishing. She was the tenacious investigative journalist who discovered that there was something fishy down on the quay. She drove me to the offices of her magazine, entitled, ‘I’m Indifferent to North Shields’, with the strapline, Meh! In France they would have called it, Bof!, and it would have been full of existential angst. I would have read it too. But here, in North Shields, it was articles about rain, scaffolding and leaking roofs.

“The idea is,” said Simmie. “Is to chip away at hope. We don’t want hope. We want misery. Our goal is to crush whimsy. To smother art. To persecute poets and clear out their foul poetic smell!”

I was aghast. “Surely you don’t mean that,” I protested.

She winked. “You’ve understood. There is something rotten in the state Tynemouth. And I mean to get to the bottom of it.”

She told me what she had learnt. Agents from Whitley Bay had set up an aspiration dispersal field. The, ‘I can’t be arsed generators’, had been hidden in a network of lighthouses and statues. The benign grin of Stan Laurel and the upright stance of Admiral Collingwood were emitting particles of ‘…meh’ on the quantum level. A super position had been created and when the wave function is collapsed, North Shields will be doomed to a constant light drizzle in a lattice of multi-dimensional scaffolding. Roofers will be in the ascendancy. Something had to be done.

To this end, I proposed a hat wearing event. If enough hats were worn, hats of a particular comedy value, hats of a rakish style, then a few infectious smiles might be formed. And this, coupled with the natural Geordie good cheer, would lead to a runaway hat singularity… a big bang of good will if you like, and from it… the end of rain and the beginning of summer. Until that is, the clocks go back. But rest assured, in the alternative universe created, North Shields will be loved, art will thrive, and songs will be sung. And poets? Nah… banish them to Whitley Bay and be done with them.

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Your Stories

ALL TOGETHER THEN

By Keith Bruce Street trips. We don’t seem to do them any more. Yet they were all the rage in Shields during the fifties and sixties. Entire communities used to go out for the day together on 29 seat Bedford ‘trip buses’ – we never called them coaches – usually provided by Taylor Bothers or Priory. All organised by one of the neighbours in the street. Probably a Betty.

It was typically during the long school summer holidays, and took weeks to arrange. Lists of names were made and ticked off. Money was collected and recorded in a tally book. Excited kids counted down the days (we didn’t work in ‘sleeps’ back then) until the great morning arrived and we all hoped for decent weather.

Packed lunches of sea-side sandwiches were prepared consisting mainly of boiled eggs and Stork margarine. Only they weren’t called ‘packed lunches’. This was our bait.

Whole families would gather in streets like Limewood Road to wait for the trip buses. The throng steadily growing as departure time arrived. Betty had the book to make sure everyone was there. The chatter from all the kids growing louder the longer they had to wait until, eventually, the chugging of Bedford engines was heard and two old buses turned into the road to be greeted by a huge cheer.

We stormed aboard as soon as the door slid open, kids tumbling noisily inside, three to each double seat. The grown ups stayed at the front but most of the kids preferred the back seats.

Apart from that jug lugged lad with NHS specs who sat on the engine cover next to the driver.

Then it was off to far flung exotic destinations like Morpeth, Saltwell Park or some recreation ground near Blyth with a concrete ship (is that still there?).

And the journey seemed to take forever. We spent all morning trundling through neighbouring towns and high streets with the kids singing. Then someone would shout, “Ooh, they’ve got a Woolworths!” Nowadays it would probably be ‘Gregg's’ but time moves on much faster than those old trip buses ever did.

Eventually we’d arrive at the destination and all the kids were off the buses first. Followed by parents, aunties and uncles carrying blankets, flasks and bait. The first thing the womenfolk did was find out where the tea hut was so they could have a constant supply of hot water.

The blankets were used by families to stake their claim on a patch of grass. In view of the lake at Saltwell Park or near the paddling pool not far from the Big Hill in Morpeth. And there we stayed for the rest of the day, playing happily in the great outdoors, rolling down hills, plodging in pools or being threatened by angry swans on the boating lake until it was time to get sleepily back on the trip bus for the long journey home.

When I reached adult life I was shocked to learn you can get to all these places in about an hour on public transport. But no one bothers any more. We’ve all got a car each now and the days of a street outing are fading memories. Despite this being the ‘Social Media’ ages we are not as sociable as we used to be.

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Your Stories

In Response To...

I LOVE LITTLE THINGS We had some lovely responses to Mim Robson’s I LOVE LITTLE THINGS article in Issue 5, and it seems lots of you love little things too! Here are a few responses, and some photos of your little things shelves and collections

Teeny Tiny Things My love of teeny tiny things started when I was a little girl who loved doll’s houses. I now keep precious tiny treasures and new teeny finds on this corner shelf I found in a jumble sale. A wooden heart my son made in Kindergarten. A picture of 6 year old me wearing a hat, that my mum kept on her dressing table for many years.

A parade of plastic penguins. A Russian Dolly thimble.

Posy the Doll used to live here too until Mim and I started the teeny tiny things exchange and she went off on a big adventure in an envelope. Teeny things remind us to be happy with small simple moments, to slow down and look closer in a mad-busy, often bonkers world.

Hannah Davies - writer / poet @davieswords www.hannahdavies.co.uk

I’ve been and displaying little things since I was tiny! I now make my own Curiosity Cabinets, been to a carboot to find more tiny things today!

Two very tiny and cherished possessions of mine are a glass ant, found in a tiny glass blowers studio in Murano, Venice, and a pair of brass dolls house scissors that actually cut!

- Lisa Marie Newman

My daughter had a loft bed and could access the top of the shelves in her bedroom only from the top of her bed, and up there she made a secret shelf of collected items! It fills a shoebox now and will be cherished forever!

- Jane Atkin

I picked up this display unit on a street stall, bought it for a tenner and have a little curated collection of stuff that I really like! - Caroline Hayes

I have a collection of small things too that fit in a wooden tray with compartments (a bit like old metal type tray). Special small bits and pieces end up there - Pie Waller

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Your Stories

In Conversation With... a 101 year old

Mim Robson met for a chat with her 101 year old Grandpa, Harold. Harold has lived on the North East coast for 77 years, was married to his beloved wife Joan for 68 years, and has raised 3 children here. He now has 7 grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren. Mim asked him a few questions about what he has seen, experienced and learnt over his 101 years.

M: What have been the changes, the most significant changes that you’ve seen over your lifetime?

H: Well, all sorts of changes are quite significant I suppose… well we used to have trams in the streets, and trolley buses, and they’ve all gone out. I suppose there’s been an awful lot of gradual changes which in their own way are significant but…

M: I suppose then, to reword it, how would you say life is different now to how it was when you were in the first twenty or thirty years of your life?

H: It’s far more informal now, than it used to be. I think that’s one of the major things.

M: I suppose things like the internet have brought a lot of change to the outside world but it’s not really brought much change into this house.

H: That’s a good point. Obviously such things as internet, computers, all that sort of technicality of things have brought changes, and it depends whether you’re involved in it or not, because I haven’t really been interested in it. For instance, as you well know, I’ve not got a computer, I’ve not got a mobile phone, and I don’t need either of them.

M: I suppose one of the things you have got is a TV. H: Yes, that was certainly a change. I can remember the first television we had, there wasn’t any colour, it was all just black and white.

M: What was it like seeing the TV for the first time, was it odd?

H: Exciting I suppose really, the fact that you could actually see things happening.

M: Was the cinema going when you were a child?

H: Oh yeah. The cinema was probably far more active than it is now. For instance I remember in Whitley Bay, there was a cinema at the top end of West Monkseaton, one in the middle of Whitely Bay, there was one, I don’t know if it’s there now, in the Spanish City area, so quite a significant change, really coupled with the advent and the increasing use of television, there was a decrease in cinema you see, because you could see it in your own front room.

M: And the cars have changed I guess? There will be more cars now…

H: Yes, the design of cars, and the quality, and of course quite a lot of makes of cars over my years have gone out of existence. I remember my father always had an Armstrong Siddeley, they were super cars. But again there were all sorts of cars, there was Austin, there was Rover, there was Morris.

Rover, I’m not sure, does Rover still exist? They were typical of a lot of businesses over the period, where the smaller businesses couldn’t compete, and they were swallowed up by the bigger ones.

M: I guess that’s changed a lot too, when you were

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younger there were probably a lot more independent, small businesses...

H: Oh yes, yes very definitely, like the small green grocers shop for example. For several years, we got all our green groceries from a chap who came in his van. He would come and call and you would choose them on the spot and he would deliver straight in.

M: Was there a lot of that then, people selling from vans?

H: Quite a lot at that time – the greengrocer, there was a fishmonger, I don’t think the butchery trade did it that way, a baker. So quite a few… far more small one man operatives. They’d have everything in their van, and of course it was very convenient… they’d come round, and you could pop out and go into the van, see what he’s got, and deliver. That probably started going out of existence even in the 1950’s.

M: What about the seafront, do you think the seafront has changed a lot over the years?

H: In my time, the seafront has hardly altered at all.

Except that for several years they had beach huts along the promenade, but they were being vandalised or not being used so much so the council took them away probably in the 1970s, something like that. It’s just been sort of gradual changes that you don’t really… the Spanish City now, behind the Spanish City where there is now a school, it was a permanent fairground, which you probably went to.

M: I did go to that. When you go down to Whitley Bay seafront you can see remnants of it as a sort of holiday town...

H: Oh yes, particularly there were times… like Glasgow Week, certainly not till the 60's, possibly the 70’s, they had a holiday week, and there would be hundreds of people that would come down and holiday in bed and breakfast places in Whitey Bay. And of course, the beach used to be packed with people just having their picnics on the beach, and paddling, building sandcastles, it was a much simpler life, really.

Your Stories M: Did you used to go down to the beach with your family and do that sort of thing a lot?

H: Yes, we would go down quite a bit. Mainly at the weekends of course. I suppose when the children were really young, I mean of course I would be at work, Grandma would meet other of our friends with young families, they’d have a picnic on the beach or…

M: I guess the Rendezvous Café, that’s not really changed that much over the years...

H: No it probably hasn’t, it’s very much as it was.

M: So… what are some of the most memorable or interesting moments of your life?

H: [long pause]… well there’s so many really… difficult to pick out, quite obviously various moments within the war years, they had a significant effect on me I think… I remember those…

M: Where did you go?

H: Well I was in Northern Ireland, then various places in England, mainly on the south coast area, and then of course I was in Italy, and then Greece, so all those are very much... significant in my life. And various occasions you remember, obviously getting married… [long pause] … creating a sandpit in the back garden of our first house for Ian… oh all sorts of items sort of stick out, you remember this, you remember that...

M What other memories can you think of?

H: Well I remember one of the things I loved to do as a boy, when I came up and holidayed up here, and then as an adult, was going up to the top of the lighthouse, and you could see how it worked, and all the rest of it. That was always good fun. And in those days, and I don’t think they do it now, you were allowed actually out onto the outer ring, you crawled out through a little doorway which was about that high, well that was always exciting.

M: Yeah they definitely don’t let you do that now.

Did you used to get a certificate for climbing it?

H: I don’t think so.

M: I’ve got about three.

H: But of course in those days, also, they had an open air rock swimming pool, more or less opposite the bottom of Victoria Avenue, where the Rex Hotel is, if you go beyond there, around the corner, then down below there, that was quite a popular swimming area. The pool was probably not more than twice the size of this room.

M: Yeah, I think I’ve been there actually.

H: Yes you may well have been, because presumably the pool is still there, since its a natural formation.

M: Did you swim or paddle in the sea quite often?

H: Well with the children, yes, we used to go down there…. no, it was just part of life as it was… a simple existence.

M: Yeah, I think life’s got a bit too complicated.

H: Yeah, well you see going down and swimming in the sea or in the open air pool at Tynemouth, which still exists… more or less no water in it now… but, life was so much simpler in a way… and all the fairground activities in the Spanish City.

M: There was perhaps more sort of going and making your own fun I suppose.

H: Well changes are, over the years they’re quite significant, but at the time that they happen they’re so gradual that you hardly realise it, you know. I mean the fact that the greengrocer used to come down with his van and deliver on the spot, and the fact that you used to see far more travelling ice cream vans, well now they’ve turned be far more located permanently at a spot.

M: Big changes over… sort of incremental really.

Because I was thinking it must have been a real shock for you to go into the first supermarket. But then I remembered that when I was younger the supermarkets were much smaller – they’re only now very big.

H: Yes, the change is gradual, gradual but quite significant at the time.

The conversation concludes next in next month’s issue with more memories and reflections from a long life on the North East coast.

If you have any memories about the topics discussed here, or thoughts on how life has changed over the years, do get in touch and share them at ilovebigboats@hotmail.com

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Art Did you know?

The Globe Gallery’s name comes from its original location in the Globe Boot Company, one of North Shields' oldest shoe shops. This connection to the local community has always been at the heart of Globe’s identity! 97 Howard Street North Shields NE30 1NA www.globegallery.org

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Art

CAPTURING NORTH SHIELDS IN A NEW LIGHT: THIS MONTH’S COVER

BY GARY ORMSTON

By Simmie Harper Gary Ormston may be from Walker, but his deep connection to North Shields has shaped much of his life and photography. As a child, Gary would visit the indoor market with his dad to buy old computer games and grab food at the Fish Quay, a routine that sparked his love for the area. His connection grew as he attended the Fish Quay Festival, especially when Galaxy Radio hosted it, and studied Art and Design at local print studios during his GCSE and AS levels. Now, photography brings him back to Shields, particularly for the serene sunrise and sunset views along the river.

Gary’s photography stands out for its blend of cityscapes and street scenes, guided by his pursuit of natural light. "I’m always chasing the sunlight," he explains. Whether at sunrise or sunset, the light's interaction with architecture and everyday moments brings a cinematic quality to his images. He often centres his shots on famous landmarks, providing familiar reference points while offering a fresh perspective.

Over time, Gary’s style has evolved from a broad focus on anything and everything to a more refined approach. Influenced by his love of cinema and street photographers like Adam Lang and Nostalgia Kid, Gary has developed a unique style that merges street photography with cinematic elements. This blend gives his work a cohesive and distinct look, making Newcastle appear like scenes from a movie.

Gary’s aim is to capture local landmarks in a way people don’t usually see—quiet, atmospheric moments at dawn or dusk. His photography highlights the unnoticed beauty and calmness of everyday urban environments. "I want people to see their city from a new perspective— something familiar yet unique," he says, using light and shadow to create mood and drama.

The weather in the North East, with its limited sunlight, poses challenges for Gary’s work. But instead of letting it hinder him, he embraces it. Rain, mist, and fog offer the chance to create more dramatic, moody shots that bring out a different kind of atmosphere.

To explore Gary’s photography, visit @gpo_visuals.

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Art

SHOW

PYROGRAPHY WORK BY ANGELA BROWELL FACEBOOK @BURNINGART AB

SHOW is a monthly feature showcasing visual artists who are from, live and/or work in North Shields. If this is you, please send your name and contact details, social media or website address, and/or 3-5 images of your work to ilovenorthshields@outlook.com Subject: SHOW

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vol. 1

by Art a lay a p ink @p

Art

ELEVATING THE TOWN What if the walls around North Shields became a canvas for artists?

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You may not have heard of Elevation but the name gives a strong clue as to what it’s about, and if you live in North Shields odds on you’ll have already spotted the first phase of the project.

In June, a beautiful mural called ‘The Siren’ appeared on a wall on Albion Road, courtesy of North Shields-born - and now internationally recognised - street artist, Prefab77. It’s a taster of a new project being planned as part of the North Shields 800 celebrations next year that hopes to create eight large-scale murals. The Elevation Murals Project is the initiative of local resident and former councillor Matt Wilson. He has brought together a group of local people who share his belief that high quality public art can elevate a place, and provide a real feel-good factor.

“I discovered I shared a love of street art with my neighbour, Stuart Fearn, and we quickly began fizzing with the possibilities of creating some large scale pieces in North Shields.

Everyone we spoke to about it encouraged us that it was a great plan, and the tie-in with NS800 was obvious. My wife Grace, who runs an Architects business in North Shields came up with the name ‘Elevation’. The double meaning is really clever. I wish I’d come up with it!”

You don’t have to travel far to find places that have been given a new lease of life by the introduction of street art. The headland at Hartlepool is a great example with several artworks that make the area a nicer place to live and visit. Even closer, Ouseburn is a well-known public art hotspot.

Below: RNLI-themed mural in Hartlepool created by Durham-based artist Lewis Hobson

Below: Typographic artwork by Ricky Also at the Elements Street Art Festival in Ouseburn.

Follow Elevation on Instagram @Elevation_walls

Finally, we want to give our huge thanks to Prefab_77 for his generosity and commitment towards the Elevation murals project, and to the town of North Shields.

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Art Elevation: the act of being raised up; the external face of a building or structure

The heart of Elevation is to transform some of the blank, boring walls around the town and along the Fish Quay with artworks that are inspired by our town’s unique spirit and story.

That’s where you come in. The Team want to hear what comes to mind when you think of the 'spirit' or 'story' of North Shields.

Your ideas will be used to help inspire the mural artists, so that the works they create tell stories that are important to you. So please take just a couple of minutes to complete the Elevation survey to give us your own, unique take on North Shields.

Go to: https://bit.ly/ElevationNS

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6-Issue Subscription to I Love North Shields - £39 Stay connected with the heart of our community and discover untold stories, local events, and the rich heritage of North Shields. Subscribe today for just £39 and enjoy six engaging issues delivered straight to your door!

Price includes Package, Postage & Delivery

@H.LLYHP

Art

CURIOUS CARAVAN Powered by Joy The Curious Caravan is a pop-up immersive experience created by Amy Golding, a theatre-maker from North Shields. Amy was the Founder and Artistic Director of Curious Monkey Theatre for 12 years. She now works as a freelance artist.

“Curious Caravan started with a moment of serendipity,” Amy explains. “I met a woman at an online theatre conference during lockdown who happened to have an old caravan. We redesigned, painted, and adapted it. From there, we were off! Theatres were closed, so we took the caravan to the heart of communities, meeting people on their doorsteps and over garden fences, inviting them to gather outside the van for socially distanced tea, cake, and stories. It was incredible to connect with people after so much isolation. I remember parking outside a block of flats in Byker where many older people lived, and some hadn’t been outside or spoken to anyone in months. Sometimes, just being there to listen to people was enough.”

“The project quickly grew, and the caravan has since toured various communities, festivals, and events, collecting and caring for people’s stories. Most recently, it appeared at Northumberland Square during North Tyneside Together Festival in August.

Alongside a team of story collectors an illustrator captures people’s memories in realtime, sketching them as keepsakes for people who visit.

The concept is simple, but it can be deeply moving. Every time we take the caravan out, we experience magical moments. It’s really about spending time together, connecting people who might never have met, and listening, face-to-face away from technology.

Sometimes, someone will share something they’ve never told anyone before.

These go into the ‘secret box,’ where they’re kept safe.”

The welcoming caravan is adorned with colourful bunting, bubbles, pop-up performances, and umbrella dances. It’s a hub of activity with plenty of tea and cake to go around. There’s also a playful mythology surrounding the caravan: it's said she has travelled far and wide, from India in the 60s to her current home in Shields. She’s rumoured to have a TARDIS- like interior, with multiple floors of library space for the collected stories, and a rooftop jacuzzi accessible via the secret elevator. Travelling through time and space, the caravan’s flux capacitor is powered by joy.

Amy and her team have big plans for the caravan. It will serve as a platform for pop-up performances and creative experiments, with plans to return to Shields soon. Keep an eye out!

Give them a follow on Instagram for updates... @curiouscaravan_ne

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Art

AN INTERVIEW WITH ACTRESS SHARON PERCY

By Carol Davison It was only fitting that I met up with local actress Sharon Percy in North Shields’ Cultural Quarter. It was a sunny Friday afternoon, and Sharon came bouncing into Brown’s bar with a huge smile, looking like a million dollars despite having just finished a hectic week at work in her day job as an employment advisor in the Beacon Centre’s Working Well Hub. Sharon seemed to know everyone and was bombarded with hugs and hellos from customers and bar staff. “I used to work here,” she explained modestly, underplaying her energetic personality. This steered our conversation towards how fantastic the Exchange was as a music and theatrical venue, and I reticently admitted to having seen the Katie Price panto there earlier in the year. My confession was rewarded with an unexpected Pricey anecdote, Sharon recalling how she had been working at the Exchange at that time and had met Katie at an after-show party. “I was wearing a pair of sparkly Converse, and she absolutely loved them,” Sharon revealed. Katie insisted on buying them there and then and Sharon was happy to oblige. “Mind, I’m glad I got my money before she went bankrupt,” she joked, her breezy character a far cry from the officious Sheila who she played in the 2016 hit film, ‘I, Daniel Blake’.

Recalling her role in the Ken Loach film, a job centre worker who obstructed Daniel at every turn with her jobsworth attitude, Sharon explained that she had only been privy to her lines and not the full script during filming so didn’t understand the context of her part. It wasn’t until the premiere, when she saw the film in its entirety that she realised the negative impact Sheila had had on the main characters. She said her jaw dropped as she watched the story unfold and spent the whole screening worrying that she would become public enemy number one!

Sharon’s acting career started early when she joined the Tyne Theatre Acting School aged eight.

Having completed a performing arts course at Newcastle College, she was spotted by Live Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Max Roberts who gave her her first professional acting role in the play ‘Your Home in the West,’ cast alongside Robson Green and Charlie Hardwick.

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Art

Local CARICATURIST ROBIN MCNALLY TIM ROTH

This was to be the start of a long professional career and Sharon has worked steadily in theatre, film, TV and radio ever since. Her television credits include ‘Cracker,’ ‘Vera’ and ‘Woolfblood’ and as well as ‘I, Daniel Blake,’ her film credits include ‘Billy Elliot’ and ‘School for Seduction’ with Kelly Brook.

Her role as Jill in ‘Cooking with Elvis’ took her to the Edinburgh Festival and then onto London’s West End where she starred alongside comedian Frank Skinner.

As a mother of two, Sharon decided to stay in the Northeast and ruled out acting jobs which took her too far away from home. She acknowledged that this proved limiting for her acting CV at times, so is over the moon that things seem to be on the up for the film and entertainments industry in the North.

She highlighted the planned Crown Works film studios which promise to bring thousands of jobs to the area and forward-looking companies such as Crew Gals. Such is her faith in the North, Sharon has recently moved from her London agent to the more local ‘Newtown Artist Management’ based in Washington as she feels it is important to be represented up here. The move has paid off and she has already bagged a role in a new feature film, ‘Little Red,’ a horror film based on Little Red Riding Hood being produced by the writer and director of ‘The Descent’ and ‘Dog Soldiers,’ Neil Marshall.

Whilst it looks like promising times ahead for Sharon’s acting career, she is ever the pragmatist and feels lucky to have her ‘day job,’ a role which she clearly loves, helping to get people job ready and into work.

Having spent the afternoon chatting with Sharon, I’m quite sure that with her positive and effervescent personality, she is an absolute asset to the Working Well Hub and is clearly nothing like Sheila! www.sharonpercy.com

It was telling that of all the people in the crowded bar that Friday afternoon, Robin McNally selected Sharon to draw as he sat quietly on his own, enjoying a pint. We were alerted to Robin’s artistic endeavours as we packed up to leave, an acquaintance of his sitting at a neighbouring table, beckoning to us. Out of curiosity, we went over and were shown the sketch Robin had been making. He was quite embarrassed. “I told him not to show you. I’m not even finished it yet.” The pencil sketch on the back of a menu was cracking, showing Sharon’s dress and shoes in fine detail. I was disappointed we hadn’t decided to stay for another drink so he could have finished it. Robin, a regular in some of North Shields’ town centre bars, used to work on the oil rigs but at sixty-eight, is now retired. He told me he has been drawing all his life and keeps his hand in by doodling caricatures of interesting people he spots when he’s out and about. He picks up a pencil when he sees someone with a feature he can work off like large glasses or a big moustache - with Sharon, it had been her stand out fish patterned dress.

Robin explained that occasionally, people approach him and ask if he can draw them, but he tends to decline, preferring to capture people unawares.

He said that as soon as someone catches on they are being drawn, they start to pose and act unnaturally which he feels spoils the end product. Meeting Robin reaffirmed my realisation that there really is creativity everywhere you look in this amazing town – even in the corner booth of your local bar.

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Music

SERENDIPITY AND CHAOS. WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE SNAKES? Text & Photography by Wayne Bordoli Photography What’s in a name? Snakes with Tits is a marketing gem. It defiantly attracts interest and definitely adds a bit of mystique to the band and raises sniggers and questions the legitimacy of censorship and the prim disapproval of the Nanny state. Their Fans revel in being called “Tits” and their occasional hilarious blogs on social media are referred to as “Tit Talks”. Kim explained it was a kick back at the (hard to imagine it’s still a thing) misogynistic and infantilized attitude to female musicians and their body parts.

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“You do what?! Yes, I play drums, and I manage this with my little lady brain”.

They foremost want to be seen as musicians. Snakes with Tits was first conceived from a chance dancefloor meeting between bassist Shellie and drummer Kim. Would you like to be in a band? That was three years ago. Kim says “I’d just started playing drums and didn’t feel able to commit to a band until I felt more accomplished”. April 2023 was the point Shellie, Kim, and friend of 20 years guitarist Scott formed the nascent Snakes With Tits, and their reputation has gathered momentum ever since. The recent addition of second guitarist, Doctor Who fedora and long coat wearing Ben has equalised the gender balance. Ben is beyond happy to join the band and refers to the serendipity of meeting and being immediately accepted by like minds as a creative equal, and the acceptance into the chaos of a non-hierarchical mini society that manages to confound the preconception that lack of leadership stifles productivity and creativity by producing some very interesting and challenging and thoroughly exciting productions. The band call themselves ‘genre resistant’ and I can see why - it’s misleading to hear a snatch or fragment of song and assume that that is the sum sound of the band. A snapshot would reveal influences from Shoegaze, punk, classic rock and blues often in the same song. Such is the egalitarian nature of the band where all have an equal creative input into their songwriting process.

This doesn’t happen in many bands. They switch from ethereal shoegaze intros into blistering, exhilarating punk or thunderous rock in a fashion they call Mamgaze, or Radgewave, but one thing is for sure it’s definitely not middle of the road dad rock.

They list influences like an encyclopaedia index, but specifically name check such as My Bloody Valentine, Ride and Black Sabbath, especially referencing Toni Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler as individual inspirations with guitarist Scott offering the tantalizing list of Dick Dale, Link Wray, Rory Gallagher and Alvin Lee. The single tyranny was released first of September and is a pulsating mad, slice of Surf Punk the sleeve artwork by North Shields artist, Chris Cook is as darkly comic as the band. @snakeswithtitsband Waynebordeliphotography

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Music

WAYNE BORDOLI PHOTOGRAPHY

38 ISSUE 6

Music

MAKING GREAT MUSIC: IT’S JUST WHAT SHE DOES Interview by Mark Tavender | Photography by Wayne Bordoli Photography There is such a rich seam of musical talent along our stretch of the coast that it is impossible to get to see or hear it all. Fortunately, word soon gets round about who’s currently making waves and who you should be next on your list of acts to see...one such talent is Hels Pattison.

Ever since she was a little girl, Hels, along with her twin sister, Charlie, has been impressing audiences with her silky vocal tones. If you had asked her then what she wanted to be when she grew up she would have said ‘Country music star!’ without a moment’s hesitation. She would do the occasional gig with her sister - “An incredible guitarist”, Hels is quick to point out - and even went as far as releasing an album which garnered positive reviews from The Crack Magazine. But as they grew older, vol. 1 decisions were made and off they went to university. Her sister ended up qualifying as a mechanical engineer and, without her sister to collaborate with, Hels decided to go to Canada and carve out a life there. Apart from the occasional karaoke performance, writing and performing took a back seat. But then, as is true for so many, Hels life changed again in 2020 when the pandemic swept in. She decided to move back to the UK and Tynemouth. By 2022, she was working at The Ticket Office in Whitley Bay and soon realised she was surrounded by like-minded creatives. Her passion for writing music and performing was re-ignited. “It was impossible to not start writing again. I had watched other people who were acoustic singer/songwriters doing incredible stuff and thought ’I can do that!’

But I couldn’t play.”

Hels taught herself to play guitar and threw herself into the local scene doing open mic slots. She was honing her craft all the time but was aware that many of her songs were too similar ‘Quite a lot of my songs had the same strumming pattern and the same rhythm because it was the only thing I could do.

But then I met Zac. Zac, an accomplished musician, had moved to the North East from Portsmouth and they moved in the same friendship circles. “He gave me the confidence to believe in myself”. Her songwriting went up another level and after an open mic slot at Alfie and Fin’s in Tynemouth where she performed her brilliant song ’Ruby,’ she was encouraged to record it as a track and was offered a spot at this year’s Coast Fest, courtesy of local music promoter John Peacock. It is a song that has become a firm favourite for local gig goers and has received radio play on BBC Introducing. “It’s a bit awkward really because it is about someone who is actually called Ruby. I never really thought it would catch on,” she says. I ask if she knows whether Ruby has heard the song? “Yeah!” says Hels.

“She turned up at one of my gigs!” It wasn’t long after meeting Zac that other members were recruited into the band - Alex Ferry, the bassist, was already friends with Zac and Anneka Johnson followed not long after as the band’s drummer. There was an immediate connection. Although 'Ruby' remains a fan favourite, Hels is eager to showcase her versatility. Her debut EP delves into a more ambient country folk style, offering listeners a fresh take on her music. The first track ‘Better Person’ will be released on 4 October 2024. It’s a song about how meeting Zac gave her confidence in her songwriting again, something she says she had not had since the days when she used to perform with her sister. That will be followed by ‘On The Horizon’ on 9 November before the full EP ‘Just What I Do’ is released in January 2025. For those who cannot wait to hear the new songs, she will be performing an acoustic set of the full EP at The Lost Wanderer in Newcastle on 21 October 2024.

Hels and her band have other gigs lined up too; 8 November 2024 - Pilgrimage To the Islands Festival 23 November 2024 - The Cumberland Arms (supporting Lost Lot) It’s already been a busy year for Hels Pattison but her music career remains on a firm upward trajectory. With a growing fanbase and a bright future ahead, she is poised to become a major player in the North East music scene. Catch her live at one of her upcoming gigs and experience the magic of her music for yourself.

Find out more here: Insta: @HelsPattisonMusic www.youtube.com/@HelsPattisonMusic

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40 ISSUE 6

Poetry

What’s Seen, What’s Missing S. J. O’Brien Docked up above the Fish Quay, the sea fret almost clouds our view of what’s to come.

We wait in silence against the winter wind for a glimpse of a white-winged gull hunting for scraps of chum.

A pod of eiders lazily float in sparse rafts near the Gut. Elders know that there used to be more before – before I came to this cold country, before I was born.

We sit in silence against the winter wind and take stock on our daily lists of what’s seen, what’s missing.

An oatmeal-coloured Iceland gull spends its first winter along the coast of the harsh North Sea. It won’t be the first, nor the last, to live like this.

CRAFTS & VESSELS We want to read your poems responding to the history, landscape and culture of the North East, North Tyneside, and above all, North Shields!

If you'd like your work to be considered for a future issue, please send no more than three poems in a single Word document to craftsandvessels@gmail.com.

Poetry editor Richard O'Brien (from the Creative Writing team at Northumbria University) will get back to you within a few weeks with any editorial suggestions.

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Poetry

BOOK REVIEW

By Toni Hurford Mohandas K. Gandhi inspired much of the peaceful protest against colonial rule in India.

He's often known as 'Mahatma' Gandhi which means 'Great Soul'. We learn he found that a difficult title, one which made it harder for him to simply be with some people.

Do you have an untold story to share?

We’re looking for unique and untold local stories! Let us help you share it with the community.

Get in touch today, and let us tell your story!

Email: ilovenorthshields@outlook.com

This is a highly approachable book with an open, conversational style. It generously shares Gandhi’s clarity of thought. Quite inspirationally, he shares how he made ‘experiments with truth’, throughout his life. His experiments included restrictions to his diet, and ideas around holistic healing. Less obviously, these experiments with truth also involved his social contact with others and his own development as a result of the contact he makes - on the basis of being honest, I think, in a variety of ways. His path developed its own term, Satyagraha, which may mean 'holding firmly to truth' or 'truth force'.

It delighted me how his ideas grew and changed with his experiments. So often answers are presented simply as 'the' answer. He shares the development in his thinking as he seeks to practice wisdom. With that he grew, taking others some way along with him, as he still does.

Those ideas could be challenging, and his willingness to be stubborn and at odds with others sometimes came through.

But his respect for others and ability to make friends, even of opponents, stands out. He challenged people on his own side too. It seems he was helping people to grow. With faith in that possibility in all.

His self respect under severe challenge (including imprisonment and in the face of abuse) also stood out. Perhaps because he was less concerned with himself than with truth. I love his expression of 'pocketing an insult' and his example in doing so.

I loved his love of books (and honesty about how few he'd read). His recommendations are high on my reading list.

He offers so much to any reader, possibly also to any community, in considering how best to adapt, cohere and face the modern world.

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Poetry

LOCAL AUTHORS E.J. MCKENNA TO RELEASE DEBUT NOVEL “NO GOOD DEEDS” North Tyneside’s own E.J. McKenna is making waves with the debut novel, No Good Deeds, a gripping historical fiction set in the American Wild West. Fans of sharp, actionpacked tales and fierce female leads will want to mark their calendars for October 2024, when the novel hits shelves in paperback, hardback, and e-book formats.

Published by Historium Press in America, No Good Deeds follows the intense journey of Annie Schaeffer, a woman forced into a life of violence from an early age. After being sold to a travelling show by her outlaw father, Annie survives by honing her deadly skills. Now an adult, Annie is searching for independence, only to find herself caught up in the dangerous world of the Needham Boys gang.

As she navigates a treacherous landscape of loyalty, betrayal, and moral conflict, Annie’s determination to carve out a life on her own terms drives this thrilling narrative.

McKenna weaves an intricate plot around the relationships Annie builds within the gang, particularly with Nathan Healey, a man whose conflicted loyalty to both the gang and Annie complicates everything.

With classic Western themes with a twist, No Good Deeds offers readers a wild ride through the the American frontier.

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Raised in the Northeast, McKenna’s interest in American history shines through in the richly detailed world she has crafted. "The contrast between the established European societies and the harsh realities of frontier life fascinates me.” she explains.

McKenna’s passion for storytelling is matched by her credentials. With a degree in English and American Literature from the University of Kent, she has worked as a freelance writer and even helped launch a creative writing app in 2023. You may have even seen her appear in ILNS! Her love of strong female characters is evident in No Good Deeds, as she positions Annie as a force to be reckoned with in a male-dominated world.

As the October 2024 release date approaches, readers should be on the lookout for No Good Deeds in their local bookshops. The novel will also be available for purchase online, ensuring readers everywhere can dive into Annie Schaeffer’s action-packed world.

Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, strong female protagonists, or just a great page-turner, No Good Deeds is a must-read this autumn. Be sure to grab your copy and support a talented local author.

History

JOHN FOSTER SPENCE (1818-1901) - THE ‘GRAND OLD MAN OF SHIELDS’

By Rachel Chapman Over the centuries, North Shields has been the home of many great people committed to improving the lives of others. One such person was Quaker, John Foster Spence (1818-1901), who was prominent in the religious, social, and political life of the town.

On his death, the Shields Daily Gazette said ‘he was indeed the ‘Grand Old Man of Shields’ and that ‘few men in the universe could show a record more brilliant with services to the community’. Today one of the one of the town’s schools – John Spence Community High - is named in his honour. So, who was he, and how did he earn such accolades?

John Foster Spence ran the family’s successful drapery business on the corner of Howard Street and Tyne Street until two years before his death.

For six decades he served the community as a councillor, Mayor, alderman, magistrate and was an active member of more than 70 local committees and societies, which led to him being awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Tynemouth in 1894 for his lifelong devotion to the improvement of the town and its people. As a young man, in 1840, he was involved in a campaign to build a Customs House in North Shields to free the port from Newcastle’s control and played an important role in the River Tyne Commission which improved the river for shipping. He took a great interest in seafarers and was the first and only chair of the Tyne Sailors’ Homes (then the Tyne Sailors’ Homes) on New Quay from 1856.

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History OLD LOW LIGHT HERITAGE CENTRE – OCTOBER EVENTS Exhibition | Date: Until December Location: Old Low Light Heritage Centre. Exhibition takes a broad look at the Merchant Navy during the 20th and 21st centuries, including many local stories.

Heritage Walk | Date: 3rd October Location: Preston Village.

Organised by the Old Low Light Heritage Centre. Peter Jackson will explore the fascinating history of Preston Village, pointing out sites where historic buildings, industries and businesses stood and describing characters who lived and worked there.

The driving force behind the establishment of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade in 1864 following a tragedy when a steamship was grounded on rocks resulting in the deaths of 25 people, he remained an active member until his death. Whenever the alarm was raised, he could be seen running the two miles from his home, Chirton Cottage, to help.

He played a key role in the development of Northumberland Park, seeing this as an opportunity to provide much needed employment for local people. For almost 50 years he was on the board of the Tynemouth Poor Law Guardians and was a familiar figure at the workhouse on Christmas Day having his dinner with people much less fortunate than himself.

He took a deep interest in the work of the Royal Humane Society and was their local representative. He did a great deal towards educational advancement and was instrumental in founding the local technical school in Tyne Street in 1891.

With other leading local Quakers, he and his family were also involved in the abolition of slavery movement.

Local historian Mike Coates has researched the life and achievements of John Foster Spence, along with several others who helped to shape the town. His book, ‘North Shields Inspirational Folk’, has informed this article.

Mike said: “He was one of the great characters who helped to shape the town of today, working tirelessly to bring about improvements and staying active until shortly before his death. His newspaper obituary commented that he did ‘inestimable good in his day’.”

A display about John Foster Spence can be seen at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre, where Mike Coates’ book is also on sale.

Heritage Talk | Date: 12th October Location: Old Low Light Heritage Centre. David Young will shine a light on Charles Udor Minto MBE, a former middleweight boxing champion in Nigeria, who came to North Shields in 1925 and became an active community leader, lobbying successfully for a social centre for Black residents of the town.

Heritage Walk | Date: 17th October Location: Tynemouth Village.

Organised by the Old Low Light Heritage Centre. Peter Jackson will explore the religious, military and maritime history of Tynemouth and explain how it came to be the popular place to live and to visit that it is today.

Music Event | Date: 19th October Location: Old Low Light Heritage Centre. Wonderful young Soprano Anna Dias, accompanied by highly acclaimed pianist David Murray.

Heritage Talk | Date: 22nd October Location: Old Low Light Heritage Centre. Author the Rt Hon Baroness Joyce Quin will talk about the second volume of Angels of the North, produced with fellow author Moira Kilkenny. Celebrates the achievements of 35 notable women of the North East, including some from North Tyneside.

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History

HERRING LASSES Each year, from early summer to late autumn, North Shields became a focal point for the “herring girls,” a group of women who journeyed down the east coast of England alongside the fishing fleet. Originating from northern Scotland, including Gaelic-speaking islands, these women played a crucial role in the herring industry. Arriving in North Shields around August, they stayed with local landladies and were supported by the Fishermen’s Mission and local churches.

During their time in North Shields, they were essential for cleaning and curing the herring catch, a task critical for preserving and preparing the fish for sale. The herring industry thrived between 1900 and 1913, a period marked by significant catches. However, as the industry declined, the tradition of the herring girls eventually ended by the 1960s. Local fishwives also played a vital role in North Shields' fishing community. These women were known for their remarkable strength, packing fish into heavy creels—sometimes weighing up to six stone— which they carried on their backs. They sold fish door-to-door or at local markets, demonstrating immense physical resilience and contributing significantly to the local economy.

Support for these women and their families often came from the Fishermen’s Mission and local churches, which provided essential aid during challenging times. The Fishermen’s Mission, in particular, was instrumental in helping families deal with the hardships and tragedies associated with life at sea.

In addition to the herring girls and fishwives, local women worked in the smokehouses and fish processing factories on the Fish Quay. Their roles were crucial in the fish preservation and processing stages, underpinning the success of the fishing industry.

Women in North Shields also contended with seafaring superstitions, which were deeply embedded in the maritime culture. These beliefs influenced daily life and practices within the fishing community. The legacy of the herring girls and fisherwomen of North Shields endures, reflecting a rich history of hard work, resilience, and community spirit that continues to shape the maritime industry.

Do you have an untold story or photographs related to the herring girls in North Shields? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at ilovenorthshields@outlook.com.

48 ISSUE 6

History

GOD BLESS THEE, TOM HADAWAY

By Diane Wailes There was a time when everyone in North Shields knew the name ‘Tom Hadaway’. A blue plaque marks the house where he was born, on Howdon Road in 1923: ‘Tom Hadaway, Playwright …. Tom’s gift was to find music in the speech of the ‘common folk’ of North Shields, who were the inspiration for his work’.

Tom didn’t start writing until he was in his 40s.

When he was asked what inspired his writing, he said, “I was born in the dockside area of Shields and adopted when a child. I went to school at 'Ralphies' and left at 14 to go to work on the Fish Quay. There I found a rich vein of life in the people who lived and worked in the streets around me - colliers, fishermen and seamen. ……. All the people I have ever met are in my plays”. Tom worked as a fish merchant on the Fish Quay all his life. But once he started writing, his natural gift for storytelling soon got him noticed. In parallel with his life on the Fish Quay, he become a writer for the Live Theatre Company in Newcastle, which included two young, upcoming actors called Tim Healy and Robson Green. Talking about one of Tom’s plays, Tim Healy said, “I was very new to the business, I'd only been acting for a year. I thought the script was excellent then, but assumed that was the norm. Little did I realise I was actually handling gold dust”. This new, raw writing talent was spotted by the BBC, who broadcast eight of Tom’s plays in the 1970s. I remember how exciting it was to see our area reflected so brilliantly on TV and to hear authentic north east dialect and accents.

In total, Tom wrote more than twenty plays and three screenplays - including an episode of ‘When the Boat Comes In’. One of his best known plays was ‘God Bless Thee Jacky Maddison’, which was shown on the BBC in 1974. It’s a story about a miner’s love for a local fisher girl; a Romeo and Juliet tale based on the true life story of someone Tom knew.

Some viewers (presumably from ‘down south’) complained they found the accents hard to understand, but many North Shields people will still remember the beautifully written play, which describes the strength - and stubbornness - of northern women. When Tom Hadaway died in 2005, his death was the lead story on BBC Look North. And in 2018, on what would have been his 95th birthday, a blue plaque was unveiled at his birthplace by his old friend, Tim Healy, who described him as “the finest playwright of all time." With the 800th Anniversary of North Shields just around the corner, perhaps it’s time to bring his plays to life again and revive the memory of Tom Hadaway, one of our town’s most talented sons.

Extract from ‘God Bless Thee, Jacky Maddison’ by Tom Hadaway “And the women! Have you noticed the women? How they can take a man's place? They're very special are the women round here. Why, from childhood, trained in the mending of nets. The splitting and curing of fish. Collecting mussels for bait! Some can bait a thousand hooks between one tide and the next. And hawking! They walk for miles, and carrying a load as would cripple a donkey. Then the boats come in, they're plunging into that water up to their middles to haul it ashore. Why! They even do the fighting! Just the other day, I heard these two lads having an argument, and you know what one said to the other? "Gan on! Fetch thee missus oot, an' A'll fight her an all."

That's the way it is 'round here lad! You know, t's said, if a fisherlad marries any other lass than one from the village, he might as well cut off his right hand.”

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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

52 ISSUE 6

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.

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Events

OCTOBER 2024 Howay Fest until 19 Oct, various venues A vibrant festival of culture including live music at North Shield’s Salt Market Social, Three Tanners Bank, and King Street Social!

Find more info at howayfest.co.uk.

Help & Enjoy 2 Oct, 10am at Northumberland Park An opportunity to socialise and help to maintain this beautiful park.

Find more info on eventbrite.

Board Game Club 2 Oct, 5pm at Tin Soldier, Albion House Find fun, friendship, and fantastic gaming adventures!

Find more info at northumbriantinsoldier.com.

Holistic Wellbeing Fayre 5 Oct, 10am at Linskill Centre Expect taster sessions, tarot and Mediumship, crystals, candles, wax melts and lot's more. Find more info on facebook.

Flo Perlin 11 Oct, 7pm at Three Tanners bank A live show from a contemporary folk singer-songwriter from London, with Iraqi and Belarusian heritage. Find this and more at ents24.com.

Wellbeing Weekender 12-13 Oct, in Tynemouth An inspiring weekend dedicated to wellness, family fun, and coastal adventures. Find more info at shoreyoga.com.

Black History Month Special 16 Oct, 7pm at The Klurb, North Shields Catholic Club A magical creative night of play, poetry, storytelling and live music.

Find more info on eventbrite.

Artists’ Agency CoCafe 17 Oct, 1pm at The Exchange, North Shields Enjoy a cuppa, connect with local artists & creative business owners, with a micro-teach on content creation. Find out more at helixarts.com.

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Stained Glass Beginner’s Course 18 Oct, 9:30am at The GlassHouse, Albion Road Learn the basics of Stained Glass in this one day workshop.

Find this and more at glasshousestudio.co.uk.

The Show Must Go On 18 Oct, 7:30pm at Tyne Audio Ltd, North Shields Pop up Musical Theatre Cabaret! Find more info at tyneaudio.co.uk.

Heritage Talk: Angels of the North 22 Oct, 1pm at The Old Low Light A talk with the authors of this book featuring inspirational women from North Tyneside. Find more info on eventbrite.

Artists’ Agency: Useful Stuff for Artists 22 Oct, 1pm at Helix Arts, North Tyneside Business Centre A free day jam packed with 'useful stuff' for artists of all career stages.

Find more info on eventbrite.

Halloween Social Bike Ride 25 Oct, 5:30pm at Tynemouth Priory A spooky social bike ride from Tynemouth Priory, riding on the seafront cycleway to Whitley Bay and back. Find more info on facebook.

Magic Lantern 28 Oct, 7:30pm at The Engine Room, Tanners Bank A live show from British Australian singer-songwriter and composer Jamie Doe, supported by Little Clouds. Find more info at terns.co.uk.

Curated by Marianne - October Events Marianne is a seasoned website and mobile app designer and developer with 15 years of experience. Based in Whitley Bay, she will soon be running her business, DRISHTI, out of Harbour House in North Shields! Connect with her on Instagram @drishti.design or on LinkedIn.

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

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Directory

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

BUSINESS SUPPORT North Tyneside Business Forum The Business Factory

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Directory

HERITAGE GROUPS Heritologists Remembering the Past Project (based at the Linskill Centre) Fishermen’s Heritage Project ‘Lest We Forget’ Poppies Group North Shields 173 (remembering the Wilkinson’s Air Raid Disaster)

FACEBOOK GROUPS North Shields People North Shields Fish Quay Opinions North Shields Nostalgia North Shields Past ,Present and Future I Love North Shields Community Group

MUSIC VENUES The Exchange Three Tanners Bank The Engine Room The Salt Market Salt Social Bar King Street Social Club The Klurb Social Club The Juke Shed Low Lights Tavern

TOURISM Old Low Light Heritage Centre Clifford’s Fort, Fish Quay North Shields NE30 1JE Email info@oldlowlight.co.uk For further information www.oldlowlight.co.uk The Globe Art Gallery 97 Howard Street North Shields NE30 1NA www.globegallery.org

VETERINARY Ayres Veterinary Hospital facility at Unit 7, Royal Quays, Coble Dene

Survey

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

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

Join Us We’re working on a piece of local social history to mark the 800th anniversary of our town, and we’d love for you to join us! If you’re interested in documenting what our community looks like right now, get in touch and help us create this little piece of history.

Are you up for a writing assignment? Want to design a couple of pages and put your stamp on it? We’d love to have you on board!

Linkedin company/ilovenorthshields Facebook @ilovenorthshields TikTok @ilovenorthshields Twitter iluvnorthshields Instagram @ilovenorthshields ilovenorthshields@outlook.com ilovenorthshields.com

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I Love North Shields.