I Love North Shields.
NOVEMBER 2024 COMMUNITY: Dot the Lollipop MUSIC: Interview Sabrina Kennedy HISTORY: Oldest survivor of the Kindertransport BUSINESS: Victoria Print Studio
Megan Ramsey Photography
ISSUE 7
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Hello North Shields Issue 7 is here, and what a whirlwind of a month it’s been! We had the absolute pleasure of attending the North Tyneside Business Forum Expo. Diane and I set up our stall, connected with loads of brilliant local businesses, and proudly promoted our magazine. We’re also super excited about the awards on November 14th—whether we win or not, we’re just thrilled to have made it this far! We collaborated with North Shields based photographer Megan Ramsey, who nailed this month’s gorgeous front cover featuring local singer Vanessa Clarke. The I Love North Shields team has been busy, busy, busy! Mim checked out the Prefab77 and Mul Draws Expo at the Hancock Gallery, while Wayne and Suzanne gave us the lowdown on Howayfest, which lit up venues all across town. Jodhi has been smashing it with eye-catching TikTok content—don’t forget to follow us at @ilovenorthshieldstok for all the fun! Mark sat down for a great chat with Sabrina Kennedy, with stunning photos from local talent Lisa Young. Jake caught up with Alona Mochulska, who’s new to the area, and Diane had a really touching conversation with Gay, one of the last survivors of the Kindertransport, now living right here in North Shields. Pauline met up with Barry’s Fruit and Veg as they celebrated their 2-year anniversary, and Caroline paid tribute to Dot the Lollipop, while Richard O’Brien gave us the inside scoop on the Poetry Book Society. Working with everyone involved has been a real joy, and we’re proud to keep bringing you unique content from the heart of North Shields. But that is not all, we’ve just launched our fab new tote bag in collaboration with Elevation Walls and Prefab77, celebrating the iconic 'Siren' mural—grab one while you can! It’s been a month of inspiring people and exciting new connections, and we’re already gearing up for the next issue. With Christmas around the corner, get in touch if you’d like to advertise in our festive edition—your support helps us keep promoting the best of North Shields. P.S. The Comma is Going! Big thanks to everyone who took part in our poll—your feedback means the world! Thanks for all your support!
Simmie Harper X
Contributors Founder/Editor-in-Chief Simone Harper ilovenorthshields @outlook.com Front Cover Subject: Vanessa Clarke By Megan Ramsey Photography Authors Bazoox (Author for The Mag) Caroline Oswald Diane Wailes Jake Rusby Mark Tavender Mim Robson Rachel Chapman Suzanne Coulson Contributions Kristine Grey Dan Bowen Tatjana @That's Tats Illustrator 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 Yevhen Slabun Linkedin company/ilovenorthshields Facebook @ilovenorthshields TikTok @ilovenorthshields Twitter iluvnorthshields Instagram @ilovenorthshields ilovenorthshields@outlook.com ilovenorthshields.com
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Contents
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Check Out Our New Tote Bag design!
North Shields In The News
Dot the Lollipop - A Real Shields Lass
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Barry’s Fruit and Veg
New to Shields Alona Mochulska
If the Kids are United
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23 Brotherly Love of the Sea
Mount Toubkal Challenge October 2024
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24 In Conversation With... a 102 Year Old
Contents
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Read Our Howayfest Review
Sabrina Casts a Spell
Review Exhibition Review: Covert Couture
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The Poetry Book Society
Memoirs of a Northern Lass
The Oldest Survivor of the Kindertransport
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Linskill family
That’s Tats!
Q&A with Victoria Print Studio
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News THE NEW TOTE BAG We are buzzing to finally share our brand-new “I Love North Shields” tote bag with you! This brilliant collab with @prefab77_ and @elevation_walls is all about celebrating our town’s 800 years of history, and honestly, there’s no better time for a fresh start here in Shields!But this isn’t just any tote bag—it’s a symbol of our community pride! And get this—it features the stunning mural 'The Siren' which honours our rich fishing heritage and the incredible women who were the backbone of it all. How amazing is that? Elevation’s on a mission to turn North Shields into a living gallery! They’re creating an art trail that brings us all together and makes sure our town is on the map for generations to come. Now, just picture us all strolling around with these totes, spreading good vibes and nodding to each other because, hey, we’re part of something special. You’ll spot someone else rocking one and know you’re in on it! Order your tote bag now for £7,- through our shop, the link in our bio, or swing by a one of pick up points. The time is now North Shields, onwards and upwards! Huge thanks to @gpo_visuals @stufearn @prefab77_ @elevation_walls for choosing to collaborate with us! And a big thank you to everyone in our community supporting us.
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News
NORTH SHIELDS IN THE NEWS Heart of the Community Award Text and Photo by Keith Newman | Highlights PR Three North Tyneside businesses have been recognised for their significant contributions to the local community, as finalists for the prestigious Heart of the Community Award, part of the annual North Tyneside Business Awards. The award celebrates businesses that have made a meaningful difference in the area, with nominees selected by members of the public. The finalists, North East Nipple Project from Wallsend, The Willow Chippy in Wallsend, and I Love North Shields in North Shields, were shortlisted by the Business Forum’s management group after reviewing dozens of nominations from the community. The winner will be announced at the North Tyneside Business Awards ceremony on 14th November at the Village Hotel. Each of the finalists were nominated by members of the public and each has contributed significantly to local people in their area. I Love North Shields was created by Simmie Harper and is a local magazine highlighting the unseen faces and stories of North Shields. It’s gained significant community support and Dutch born editor and founder Simmie who moved to North Shields in 2023, says,
“This nomination is an honour. It’s been incredible connecting with the community and sharing stories that often go unnoticed. I feel privileged to represent such a wonderful town.”
VOTE HERE FOR I LOVE NORTH SHIELDS Michael James, Chair of the North Tyneside Business Forum, said, “This award is very special as it comes directly from the people who benefit and use these businesses. Every one of them is already a winner but the public will vote for the award winner. Voting will remain open until 6pm on 14th November. Best of luck to all, and I look forward to welcoming them at the ceremony.” The North Tyneside Business Forum is run by a management group made up of members from various industry sectors in the Borough and gives support in the form of networking, events and signposting for growth and development. Membership is free and open to any business of any size with a trading address within North Tyneside. The Business Forum is supported by, but not run by North Tyneside Council. The Forum is FREE to join and is for any business with a trading address in North Tyneside. E: business.forum@northtyneside.gov.uk www.northtynesidebusinessforum.org.uk
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Community 8 ISSUE 7
New Album Sam Fender
Pop Up Gallery
North Shields legend Sam Fender is teasing new music and we’re buzzing for it! His new single, "People Watching," launched last month and we love it!
Local artists took center stage at a Pop Up Gallery in North Shields, showcasing their work for free over two weekends in September and October 2024. Organized by City Park Studio.
New Venue Spotted
Wall Mural Verne Road
Longsands bar is set to relocate to a new venue located on Albion Road, North Shields.
Check out the wall on Verne Road.This piece was created by Kourosh Edalat, a talented artist from KED Studio.
North Shields People
Project Nile Street
Brilliant photo by Diane Wailes @northshields_people which was picked up by @dfdsukire and shared thousands of times on their socials! Onwards and upwards for North Shields!
Spotted! By @northshields_people! A good turnout for today’s Project Nile Street litter pick. Although one passerby did ask if we were doing community service (not the voluntary kind)!
Community
DOT THE LOLLIPOP A REAL SHIELDS LASS By Caroline Oswald Dorothy Ann Thompson MBE, who sadly passed away last month, was better known as, ‘Dot the Lollipop’, even to friends and family. The ‘lollipop lady’ for St Joseph’s RC Primary School in North Shields, Dot helped children across the road to safety for 53 years. She knew all the children by name and always had a smile and time for a chat. In 1977 Dot came second in a competition to find the best lollipop person in the UK. The children admired her so much they even recorded a song about her! Dot loved being outdoors and was always gardening at the school, at home and for friends. She was often seen cycling around Shields in the height of winter with shorts on, her bike bags heavily laden with shopping. She never bought processed food and knew all the lads on the Fish Quay by name from her visits to buy fresh fish. She would often make her way down there to the Low Lights pub from establishments further up the town such as the Top House and Charlie Robson’s. In 2008 Dot was awarded an MBE for her road safety and charitable work. She enjoyed more publicity in 2020 when she celebrated 50 years of being a lollipop person. Dot had thought about hanging up her lollipop but the COVID-19 pandemic made her believe her ‘bairns’ needed her love and care more than ever. Dot looked after people all her life, and she had this reciprocated when she later moved into Kingfisher Care Home. Many of the people caring for her had been children that she had once helped across the road, and they all remembered her. When Dot passed away on 13th of September, her impact on the local community was evident. Hundreds of tributes flooded in online. St Joseph’s school displayed a wreath in the form of a lollipop sign on their front gates, made by local florist, ‘Flowers from Charlotte’. On 14th October, as the funeral procession took Dot over her old school crossing one last time, the street was lined with children clapping and displaying a banner which read, “THANK YOU DOT THE LOLLIPOP, WE LOVE YOU”. The huge turnout was testament to how much Dot meant to the people of North Shields. £275.00 was raised for the Fishermen’s Mission and £348.81 for the local RNLI. There were more floral lollipop bouquets and everyone wore bright colours, in homage to Dot’s bold sense of style. She had revelled in dressing up and decorating her bike for the parades in the Fish Quay Festival. North Tyneside Council has dedicated a bench to Dot on the Fish Quay, a place so dear to her heart. No doubt many folk who will pause to sit there over years to come will have benefited from the guidance of Dot the Lollipop.
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Books
MEMOIRS OF A NORTHERN LASS By Diane Wailes Carol Mary Belshaw is 93 years young and her memory is as sharp as a pin; a treasure trove of recollections of a life spent in North Shields. Carol says she’s never wanted to live anywhere else. Born in 1930, Carol’s family moved to Balkwell Green in Chirton when she was a baby. She was one of the first intake into the newly opened St Joseph’s Primary School on Wallsend Road, then it was on to senior school at St. Cuthbert’s on Albion Road. She remembers that one of the lessons was ‘housewifery skills’ - being taught how to launder clothes, mop floors and polish the brass. The school didn’t have its own cookery room so the girls had to walk to Queen Victoria School on Coach Lane for cookery lessons, returning home with baskets full of pasties and steamed puddings. Carol left school when she was 14 and started work as a hairdresser in Bell Brothers department store, above the furriers on Bedford Street. Her teenage years (not that the word ‘teenager’ was used back then) are full of happy memories of dances: Wednesdays at the Oxford Galleries in Newcastle; tea dances at the Empress Ballroom at the Spanish City; then on to the Plaza in Tynemouth on a Saturday night. The Rex Cinema on Billy Mill Avenue was another popular hotspot. Carol remembers it as being quite plush, with beautiful marble steps leading up to the top floor screens, and usherettes in smart uniforms selling ice creams and pop. Carol married her beloved husband, Matt, in 1952. Their wedding reception was held in the North Eastern Hotel on Nile Street; look carefully and you can still see the remains of the imposing-looking building. In those early days, Matt worked as a coal teamer on the staithes, loading the coal from local pits onto boats. It was a tough job, knocking the pins out from under the coal wagons, which then emptied into the boats below. In the winter the coal froze hard into solid blocks. The lads had to stand on top of the load to loosen it - dangerous work as there was always a risk they might fall through the hole in the bottom of the wagon, down into the ship’s hold, if they didn’t move sharpish when the coal began to shift. The housewifery skills Carol had learned at school came in handy as they didn’t have a washing machine and she had to wash Matt’s coal-black trousers in the bath! Carol’s children have been keen to capture these and many other wonderful memories. With their help, Carol has recorded them for posterity in a book called ‘Memoirs of a Northern Lass’. It’s a lovely record of the life of an ordinary - but also extraordinary - working woman, in a town that’s seen many changes over the years. Copies of the book are available in North Shields library, and to buy from the Old Low Light Heritage Centre or direct from her family, email: andrewj_belshaw@icloud.com
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RACHAEL MEYER, HUMANIST CELEBRANT SHARING STORIES OF LIFE AND LOVE IN AND AROUND NORTH SHIELDS, NEWCASTLE AND THROUGHOUT THE NORTH EAST. NON-RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES FOR EVERYONE. WEDDINGS: RACHAELMEYER.COM FUNERALS: GRANDGOODBYES.COM
Living
Q&A WITH VICTORIA PRINT STUDIO Victoria was born and raised in the North East of England and educated at CCAD The Northern School of Art. After living in creative hubs like London, Italy, Paris, and New York for over two decades, she found herself drawn back to North Shields, her true home. A passionate designer, Victoria now runs Victoria Print Studio, offering customised wallpaper and fabric design services, and she has a heart for giving back, volunteering for local charities. What do you love most about North Shields? The community spirit! There’s such a strong sense of togetherness here, and I love being part of it. How does the North East inspire your work? I’m always finding new angles for wallpaper designs with each new project. There’s always something new happening or popping up, and the people here are a constant source of inspiration. How do you usually spend your weekends in North Shields? You’ll usually find me at my stall at Tynemouth Market, surrounded by my creatively talented market family. It’s a wonderful space to connect with the community. What are your must-see spots in North Shields? I’d say Engine Room, Three Tanners, Low Lights, and Juke Shed for some great live bands. One of my favorite happy places is the little beach on the Fish Quay—grab a cuppa and a crab sandwich from Lindisfarne Seafoods. There are so many gems around here—just take a wander, and you never know what might be around the corner! Where can people find and order your products? You can visit my website, or check out my Instagram and Facebook page. Or, if you’re local, come see me at Tynemouth Market every weekend! What changes or opportunities would you like to see for creatives in North Shields? I think the creative community is already thriving with meet-ups, social events, and collaborative projects. But I do miss having a daily gathering place like a hub. It would be wonderful to have open studio days, where everyone’s spaces are open to the public, creating more opportunities for connection and collaboration.
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