ABC Magazine: Wansbeck Edition June/July 2023

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WELCOME TO ABC MAGAZINE

Welcome to the Wansbeck edition of ABC, your bi-monthly local magazine.

ABC is distributed free of charge to thousands of homes in Ashington, Stakeford, Pegswood and surrounding areas. You can also read it online, visit www.yourabc.co.uk for more information.

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Cover image: Bothal Castle by Gail Johnson

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All information at time of going to press. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other clause. Some web links and QR codes within this publication contain affiliate links which means we may earn a commission from any purchases you make at no extra cost to you. R Wilson Advertising does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

AN EXCITING FUTURE FOR ASHINGTON TOWN CENTRE

A regeneration programme, worth almost £30m, is set to revitalise Ashington town centre.

The Cabinet have approved the establishment of the Ashington Regeneration Programme, which is set to boost the town’s economy and drive forward the implementation of the Ashington Town Investment Plan.

The report highlights the fact that Ashington is on the edge of significant change, with major projects underway that will fundamentally alter the town’s purpose, vitality and investment potential.

The new programme brings together significant funding from the council, the North of Tyne Combined Authority, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the recently announced award from the Government of £16.4m for transformational investments at Wansbeck Square and Portland Park sites.

These capital projects are a key part of the long-term vision for the town centre which, later in the year, will focus on improving pedestrian movements from the new Ashington Station through the high street into Portland Park, and includes creating an attractive link from Woodhorn Road to Portland Park at ‘Grand Corner’.

The Programme will support the development of proposals for a cinema facility and public realm at Portland Park, further extending the leisure facilities on offer in this part of the town centre. A design team will be appointed in summer to drive forward plans.

Plans for the redevelopment of Wansbeck Square will also get underway thanks to the

Programme, with the objective of creating an attractive town centre gateway from the new railway station, including high quality public realm, landscaping, space for events and activities and, potentially, a new community facility.

The Programme also brings together funding of £2.4m from the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Town Centres and High Streets Investment Fund and the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This grant to the council is funding the public realm improvements, and saw the launch last November of targeted business support to Ashington traders and potential entrepreneurs, being delivered by Advance Northumberland.

This funding will also support a full programme of distinctive cultural events and activities in and around the town centre, designed and delivered by a Creative Team, that will run from Autumn 2023 to March 2025.

The creation of the Ashington Regeneration Programme adds to the significant investments already planned in the town. This includes the reopening of passenger rail services to the Northumberland Line, including Ashington Station, by summer 2024, and the development of a state-of-the-art ‘Gen Zero’ Northumberland College campus at Wansbeck Business Park, funded by the Department for Education.

The combined effect of all the investments in Ashington will revitalise the town centre and wider area, generating new visitors, footfall and spend as well as supporting further employment growth at Wansbeck Business Park and Ashwood Business Park.

There will be opportunities for the public to find out more about all the exciting investments later in the year as the Programme develops.

County Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, said: “This is a major milestone in the redevelopment of Ashington town centre. The new Programme brings together a suite of emerging investments which will significantly contribute to the economic growth of the town and build on the game changing opportunities of the new passenger rail service to transform the town’s future.”

ASHINGTON MENS’ WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS

Ashington Men’s walking football team practice every week, and are on the lookout for new members.

The classes give men an opportunity to roll back the years and get back to playing and enjoying the sport they love, just at a slower pace.

The club runs sessions every Monday evening, and they are open to anyone. Whether you are an ex football player, a novice who has never played before, or are recovering from an injury or a health condition, everyone is welcome.

Jake Preece, Sports Development Officer at Northumberland County Council said:

“No matter what your age, if you can walk and kick a football – there is room for everyone. Walking Football is a fantastic team sport, which helps counter social isolation but the mental and physical health benefits from regular gentle exercise are also enormous.

“Walking Football is experiencing a massive surge in popularity, and there have been some men’s groups running in the county for a couple of years. Some of those participants have told us they are getting better cholesterol readings, balance, mobility and quite a few are losing weight so there are some great health benefits involved too.”

from Sport England, funded by the National Lottery, and delivered by the Football Foundation, which is supporting residents of Ashington to get more active.

The Ashington Town Mens’ Walking Football Group meet on Mondays between 6-7pm at Josephine Butler Campus, Ashington.

“Walking Football is experiencing a massive surge in popularity, and there have been some men’s groups running in the county for a couple of years.

This is an Ashington Football Club project supported by the Northumberland County Council programme 'Get Onside', an exciting new activity programme

Sessions involve gentle functional exercise to improve balance, coordination, flexibility and strength, warm-ups, coaching drills and games. Extra support is given for those with medical conditions. Wear loose comfortable clothing, soft soled shoes, and bring a bottle of water.

It is £3 per session, but the first session is free. There is no need to book in advance.

If you want to get involved or to find out more contact Jake Preece on email: jake.preece@ northumberland.gov.uk

If you are interested in playing football, but find the pace of the traditional game a little too much, then walking football could be for you.

NORTHUMBERLAND LINE UPDATE

The Northumberland Line will bring passenger trains back into service between Ashington and Newcastle. It will provide new stations between Ashington and Newcastle Central Station, taking 35 minutes, and with no need to change trains. Alternatively, you can switch from the Northumberland Line at Northumberland Park to Tyne and Wear Metro for onward journeys to the Airport, Tynemouth and South Shields. The freight trains that currently use the railway will still be able to do so, helping support the economic aspirations of both Lynemouth Power Station and the Port of Blyth.

With summer 2024 being the target date for trains to be running, here is an update as to what is happening at each station….

Northumberland Park

Northumberland Park will be the first stop for trains travelling from Newcastle. Preparation for mining remediation works, which will ensure the voids left by historic mining are completely filled in started in May. This work is expected to take between three and six months to complete. Construction of the new station will start once the mining remediation has been completed.

Seaton Delaval

Seaton Delaval will be the second stop for trains travelling from Newcastle. Station construction started in late spring this year. In preparation for this, precast concrete units will soon be delivered to the site. To the north of Seaton Delaval, works to upgrade the level crossing in New Hartley are continuing.

Newsham

Newsham will be the third stop for trains travelling from Newcastle and construction of the station and platform are underway. Works will also soon be starting on the construction of the footbridge, which will allow passengers to transfer between the platforms at the new station. North of Newsham Station, works to upgrade the signalling at Plessey Road Level Crossing are continuing.

Blyth Bebside

Blyth Bebside will be the fourth stop for trains travelling from Newcastle and construction of the station is due to start later in 2023. Ground investigations are ongoing to confirm if any works are needed to fill in former mine workings and to make the ground stable before station construction starts.

Bedlington

Bedlington will be the fifth stop for trains travelling from Newcastle and works to enable the station’s construction began in early May. Early works will include clearing vegetation from land at Park Terrace, establishing a site compound and demolishing the existing platform. Works to upgrade the level crossings to the north and south of the station site have begun and are ongoing. Works to bring the disused railway sidings at Furnace Way, to the south of Bedlington, are also progressing well, with new tracks now installed. Construction works for a new maintenance yard have also recently started.

Ashington

Ashington will be the final stop for trains travelling from Newcastle. Station construction started last year and recently the focus has been on the creation of a new car park area. Works to upgrade the track and signalling into the station are also progressing well.

To find out more about the Northumberland Line, and for regular progress updates, visit www.northumberlandline.uk

HERITAGE AND SINGING

By Dr Andrew Mowat, Librarian and member of Ashington and District Male Voice Choir

When I joined the Choir, just after the pandemic lockdown, I didn’t really know anything about coal mining. My wife comes from Northumberland, but not the coastal strip. But I think I now understand the Ashington & District Male Voice Choir’s unique selling point: it maintains that proud tradition of what being from the North East is about. Connection with communities based on the coal mining industry.

We’re really lucky having musicians like Derek Hobbs and Neil Morton, and writers like Mike Kirkup and Ernest Nattrass, because they have given us a full basket of songs which we can

perform to keep that tradition alive. The Collier’s Requiem, Yard Seam Bothal High, The Woodhorn Disaster, Song of the Coal, sit alongside the more traditional Dance to ye Daddy, Keel Row, Bobby Shafto, Water of Tyne and others as testament to what being from this area is all about.. And we’re also lucky to be able to perform that music – alongside some more modern and uplifting songs from Gospel, Musical and National traditions – in settings like the Morpeth Gathering and the Living Museum of the North in Beamish. We do have a quite a few concerts later in the year to look forward to and, if you’d like the choir to come and sing for an event, we’re always game for new venues.

New members are welcomed and supported: if you are interested, please visit our website www.ashingtonmalevoicechoir.org, find us on Facebook, or call Colin on 01670815534. We look forward to hearing from you.

Interested? Call Stuart 07950 770021 for more

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY: STROKE PHYSIOTHERAPY AT SYNERGY

Stroke physiotherapy is a type of physical therapy that aims to help individuals who have experienced a stroke recover from the physical impairments that can occur as a result of the condition.

It is an important aspect of rehabilitation after a stroke and can help individuals regain movement and function, improve balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of future strokes.

Here at Synergy Physiotherapy in Bedlington, we specialise in stroke physiotherapy services. Our clinic has a team of experienced physiotherapists who are knowledgeable about stroke and other neurological conditions and are dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals.

The first step in our process at the clinic is an initial assessment. During this evaluation, a physiotherapist will assess the client’s physical abilities, including their strength, range of motion, and balance. They will also ask the client about their medical history and any previous strokes or other health conditions that may affect their recovery.

Based on the evaluation, our physiotherapist will create a customised treatment plan for the client. This plan may include a variety of interventions, including exercises to improve strength and range of motion, balance training, gait training, and functional activities to help the client perform everyday tasks.

One important aspect of stroke physiotherapy is neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize after injury. Synergy’s physiotherapists use techniques that promote neuroplasticity, such as task-specific training and repetitive practice, to help clients regain movement and function.

In addition to in-clinic physiotherapy sessions, we

also offer home-based physiotherapy services for clients who are unable to travel to the clinic. Homebased physiotherapy sessions are tailored to the client’s individual needs and may include exercises, stretches, and functional activities that can be performed in the home environment.

Another important aspect of stroke physiotherapy is education. Our physiotherapists work with clients and their families to provide education on stroke recovery and prevention. This may include information on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, that can help reduce the risk of future strokes.

Overall, stroke physiotherapy at Synergy is a comprehensive and individualised approach to stroke rehabilitation. With the help of experienced physiotherapists, clients can work towards their recovery goals and improve their quality of life.

If you have any further questions, please call us today to speak to one of our team members who will be more than happy to speak to you.

After experiencing a stroke, physiotherapy could help you become independent again. Synergy Physiotherapy Clinics can help. Here they explain more.

“Stroke physiotherapy at Synergy is a comprehensive and individualised approach to stroke rehabilitation.”

Synergy Physiotherapy Clinics, 1-4 Stokers Building, Front Street East, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 5DS Tel: 01670 531 144 www.synergyhealthcare.co.uk

Synergy Physiotherapy Clinic in Bedlington

TYNE IDOLS TOURS

To celebrate the enormous wealth of talent born in our region, Tyne Idols organise and host unforgettable experiences, promotions and tours throughout the North East. Their hugely popular tours take place aboard their classic double decker bus, and provide hours of local fact-finding fun. Here are a small selection of the tours available, for details of all events and excursions, visit www.tyneidols.com.

NewcastleGateshead Tour - Wednesday 12th July, 7 pm Join the team for their famous music and film heritage tour departing Bewick Street, Newcastle (opposite Central Station) at 7.00pm and returning roughly three hours later — they’re usually a bit late returning because there’s so much to see and talk about! Hosted by Mr Ray Laidlaw, the former drummer with the legendary folk-rock band Lindisfarne. includes two stop-offs at very popular watering holes, promising as always to be a fun-packed evening out! Tickets £20 per person.

North Tyneside Coastal Heroes Tour - Sunday 16th July, 4 pm.The Coastal Heroes Tours celebrates local legends of TV, film and music. Hosted by the irresistible Mr Ray Laidlaw, the three hour tour will also include some very special guests, and there will be two refreshment breaks. Leaving from the Gibraltar Rock pub. Tickets £20 per person.

South Tyneside Coastal Heroes Tour - Sunday 24th September, 3 pm.Monty Python, Thelma & Louise, Dire Straits, George Harrison, Nellie the Elephant and Little Mix… they all have links to South Tyneside. On this tour you’ll hear the stories, the connections, the coincidences and the gossip, in a three-hour trip with two refreshment stops and a running commentary from Mr Ray Laidlaw. Tickets £20 per person.

The Turn That Racket Down Tour with the 'New Wave With Newman' Team from Radio Northumberland

Sunday 13th August, 3 pm. Showcasing songs and stories that your parents wouldn't have liked — spanning Punk, New Wave, ’80s Heavy Metal and more, right up to Sam Fender. Starting at The Exchange, North Shields at 3pm, a three-hour tour of Newcastle and North Tyneside with special guests, stories and tall tales about the North East Music Scene. PLUS… to be followed by an ’80s cover set by The Nutopians. Tickets £20 per person.

For all bookings and ticket information please call Julie Clay on 07944 338026 or email julieclay23@gmail.com. For general enquiries please email info@tyneidols.com. www.tyneidols.com

MUSIC YOURPARENTS HATEDIII FROM1950STO PRESENT PlusI80s cover TheNutopianssetbyTheat afterExchange Tour

with the New Wave With Newman Team from

Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 3pm-6pm starting from The Exchange, North Shields TICKETS £20 each — for bookings and tickets call Julie Clay on 07944 338026 or email juliecevents@gmail.com For more info visit tyneidols.com

WHAT’S ON

COMMUNITY CHOIR

Thursdays 7pm - 9pm

Anyone wishing to come along and join Choir Master Richard and the group should call the Centre to book a place.

LINE DANCING

Monday, Friday & Saturday 7pm to 10.30pm

Come along and Line Dance to traditional music or dance to the latest pop music.

SEQUENCE DANCE

GROUP

Sunday & Tuesday 7pm - 10pm

New Members Wanted!

Come along & enjoy an evening in the company of a lovely friendly group of people. New joiners please call the centre first to book your place.

CARPET BOWLS

Wednesdays 7pm to 9.30pm

Part of the centre for over 30 years. A very friendly group of people, some of whom have played Bowls at the highest level for County & league competitions. They have also raised thousands of pounds over the years to donate to various charities.

Come along and learn the skill attached to Carpet Bowling from some of the best Bowlers of their time. Contact the centre.

PILATES CLASS

Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm

With Gill Glass. Enjoy this popular way of exercising and help losing those few extra pounds with the aim of getting fit. Call 07742 885165 to book your place.

Also, if you have the skills to help run any of the activities listed above or something new - please get in touch!

For more information or to book an activity call Neal on

Email: neal@choppington.org

Is there an activity you’d like to participate in but can’t find a location offering it? Contact us & we’ll see if we can make it happen! BECOME A MEMBER £5 PER YEAR OR £4 FOR OAP & JUNIOR

01670 822 028

PARANORMAL NORTHUMBERLAND

Northumberland is known for its spectacular countryside and coastline, as well as its rich history and culture. It's no surprise, then, that the county is also home to a wealth of myths, legends, and fantastical tales. In his latest book, "Illustrated Tales of Northumberland," local author Rob Kirkup brings readers a selection of these captivating stories, many of which are set in the county's many castles.

One such tale is set in the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, where a warlock commands a skeletal army to prevent Sir Guy the Seeker from rescuing a maiden in distress on a stormy night. Another legend suggests that King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table may be resting in eternal slumber beneath the Northumberland countryside, waiting to rise again in England's hour of need.

While some of the tales in the book are based on factual events, others have mystical roots, but all are nonetheless intriguing and fascinating. Kirkup, a dedicated ghost hunter from the north east, has had a lifelong fascination with the supernatural and has established himself as an expert in the field with over

50 investigations and several published books on the subject.

"Illustrated Tales of Northumberland" is the latest in Amberley's "Illustrated Tales" series and offers a unique insight into the county's rich folklore and legends. It is available in both print and digital formats, making it a great choice for residents and visitors alike, as well as those interested in heritage and visitor attractions.

Paranormal Northumberland is available to buy now from www.amberley-books.com and all good bookshops. Or to buy this book online while supporting your local independent bookshop, visit* : uk.bookshop.org/lists/a-good-read

£2,495

Also available:

A spine-chilling collection of stories of hauntings, apparitions and paranormal activity from Northumberland.

SCAN TO BUY

*Article contains affiliate links. By shopping with Bookshop.org, we may ear n a commission at no extra cost to you.

NEWLY REFURBISHED ICONIC BLYTH BEACH HUTS AVAILABLE TO BOOK

Their brightly-coloured facades are instantly recognisable and they’re one of the most photographed sights on the Northumberland coast Now you can spend your summer holiday enjoying one of Blyth’s recently refreshed beach huts.

Local building and joinery contractors have recently refurbished the iconic beach huts, located near South Shore, including a fresh coat of paint, general repairs, replacement or repair of shutters and locks and the renewal of decking at the front of the huts.

Northumberland County Councillor, Jeff Watson cabinet member with responsibility for healthy lives said:

“The twenty colourful beach huts are an iconic feature of the town and our county, and much loved by residents and visitors alike. They have stood pride of place on the beach front for almost 15 years, but were in need of a refresh to keep them looking well maintained and vibrant.”

The huts are owned by Northumberland County

Council, and managed by Active Northumberland, and let out to local residents and visitors to the area.

The cost of the work was met by the county council, took two weeks to complete, and the updates have been met with glowing reviews.

Each hut has a timbered interior, with a bench seat and small work surface. A kettle, 4 deck chairs and coat hooks are provided. Huts are available for long term bookings, as well as on a daily rental basis, with prices starting from only £40 per day.

Anyone wanting further information about booking the huts, situated on the main promenade in Blyth, can find it by logging on to www. activenorthumberland.org.uk, calling the Active Northumberland Contact Centre Tel: 01670 620200 or email: enquiries@activenorthumberland.org.uk

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FILM RELEASES

ecutive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original “Raiders of the Lost Ark” in 1981, is once again composing the score.

ASTEROID CITY

Genre: Action, Adventure

Age Rating: 12A

Release Date:23 June

The itinerary of a Junior Stargazer/ Space Cade convention (organized to bring together students and parents from across the country for fellowship and scholarly competition) is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events. Starring Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLEDEAD RECKONING PART 1

Genre: Action, Adventure

Age Rating: 12A

Release Date: 10 July

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY

Genre: Action, Adventure

Age Rating: 12A

Release Date: 30 June

Harrison Ford returns as the legendary hero archaeologist in the highly anticipated fifth installment of the iconic "Indiana Jones" franchise. Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Accompanied by his goddaughter, he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA.

Directed by James Mangold, the film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as ex-

In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan’s past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.

directed by Christopher Nolan, the film stars Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer, with a supporting ensemble cast that includes Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon and Rami Malek.

BARBIE

Genre: Adventure, Comedy

Age Rating: TBC

Release Date: 21 July

To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken. Eccentric and individualistic, Barbie is exiled from Barbieland because of her imperfections. When her home world is in peril, Barbie returns with the knowledge that what makes her different also makes her stronger.Starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Will Ferrell.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA

TURTLES: MUTANT

MAYHEM

Genre: Action, Animation

Age Rating: TBC

OPPENHEIMER

Genre: Biography, Drama, History

Age Rating: TBC

Release Date: 21 July

The biographical film follows the life of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory during the Manhattan Project in World War II, and his contributions that led to the creation of the atomic bomb. Written and

Release Date: 31 July

After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

Details correct at time of going to press. Please check details with your local cinema before purchasing tickets.

DISCOVER THE NORTH SHIELDS HERITAGE TRAIL

The North Shields Heritage Trail highlights the towns rich history and culture of the town. It starts at the Ferry Landing and finishes at North Shields Metro Station. The walk is just under two miles, and takes in seventeen local information panels which serve as guides along the way. Each information panel contains relevant and insightful information about the current location. The walk neatly divides itself between High Town and Low Town sections, and can be done in either direction. At the halfway point, walkers have to ascend the Union Quay Stairs, carrying a bike is not recommended.

Over the next 3 editions of ABC Magazine we will take a look at the Trail and explain a little bit about each of the 17 points.

Here is a look at the first 6 points of interest….

1. HARVEST IS FROM THE DEEP

The first of 17 information panels is on the North Shields Ferry Landing.

The crest and motto from the old Tynemouth Parish reflect how people from hereabouts have traditionally made their living. North Shields began as a fishing village, established by the Monks of Tynemouth Priory in the 13th century, and the wooden quays erected to unload the fish soon began to be used for shipping out coal from local collieries.

For much of the town’s history, the sea and coal have been its lifeblood and though the mines are now gone, the Fish Quay remains as a vibrant reminder of nearly 800 years of culture and tradition. Life on the river. If you had stood at this point at almost any time over the last few hundred years, the scene before you would have been quite different. The

riverside would have been a hive of activity with all kinds of ships and boats moored along the shore and thousands of people making their living either directly or indirectly from the bustle of a busy port.

People have been crossing the River Tyne by boat for as long as there have been communities on either side of the water. The earliest mention of a ‘ferry boat’ dates from the 14th century and there is a reference to ‘ferry boates’ carrying horses as early as Tudor times. Steam ships known as ‘Penny Ferries’ began to operate the route in 1828 and, from 1847, the ‘Ha’penny Dodger’ would take foot passengers by the direct route, straight across the river. Also, between 1862 and 1909, paddle steamers ran a passenger service up river as far as Elswick, with 21 stops along the way.

From as early as 1825 when a suspension bridge was proposed, serious thought was given to alternative links between North and South Shields. A number of ambitious plans for bridges and tunnels were conceived and abandoned before the Tyne Tunnel eventually opened in 1967. Prior to that vehicular ferries carried about 400,000 cars across the river each year. The Shields Ferry, operated by Nexus, is now the only surviving ferry service on the Tyne. It carries almost half a million passengers each year.

2. BULL RING

Panel 2 ‘is near Collingwood Mansions.

This part of North Shields was once a very busy place. This area was the town's MarketPlace, and nearby Low Street was known as the ‘Bull

Ring’ from the practice of bull baiting which is said to have gone on there in the 17th century.

The Northumberland Arms, the large, imposing building at the end of this row was, for over a century, a first class hotel. Latterly, however, it became notorious the world over as a magnet for thousands of hard-living mariners who came ashore for entertainment. Its nickname of ‘The Jungle’ came about because of all the stuffed animal heads and trophies which once bedecked its walls – a legacy of the time when the building was the town house of the Duke of Northumberland in 1806. Smith’s Dock.

A dry dock facility was built at nearby Limekiln Shore as early as 1752 which was later leased by the ship building company which had been founded by Thomas Smith in 1810. T and W Smith eventually bought the land and constructed a growing dock there in 1850. One of the first ships to be launched from the yard was ‘The Termagent’. T and W Smith amalgamated with H S Edwards and Sons and Edwards Brothers in the 1890s to create Smiths Dock Ltd, for a time proclaimed as the largest ship repairers and dry dock owners in the world. The company continued operations right up until the 1990s.

3. A NEST OF VICE

Panel 3 is where Borough Road meets Clive Street.

Who can estimate the amount of immoral conversation that passes, the unlawful schemes plotted, or the low, filthy literature read in common lodging houses and the intemperance that prevails in this nest of vice?’ So wrote the Shields Daily News in 1855, speaking about

continues on next page ➤

the warren of streets and alleyways which made up this part of North Shields, known at the ‘Low Town’. Virtually all of these buildings have gone now.

4. THE HADDOCK SHOP

On the quayside by the old dry dock.

Just around the corner is an old dry dock which once belonged to the Shields Dry Dock and Engineering Company Ltd. However it quickly became known locally as ‘The Haddock Shop’ as it specialised in the building and repair of steam trawlers. Since the development of the Dolphin Quays, ‘the Haddock Shop’ has become a basin for leisure craft. The steep banks which divide the riverside area from the upper parts of North Shields have played a big part in shaping the character of the town.

There was once a warren of narrow streets and stairs which connected the two areas and where many of the towns population made their home. The main thoroughfare was Bedford Street which originally followed the course of a stream, long since culverted, which emerged under a bridge at the junction of Liddell Street and Clive Street. The pub known as ‘The Seven Stars’ had the address of ‘No 1 Wooden Bridge’. A landmark higher up Bedford Street was ‘Tiger Stairs’, named after the ‘Tiger Inn’ which stood at their foot.

5. WOODEN DOLL

Right next to the Prince of Wales pub.

The female figure which stands outside ‘The Prince of Wales Tavern’ is the latest in a series which have stood on that spot, the entrance to Customs House Quay, for much of the last 200 years. The original ‘Wooden Dolly’ was the figurehead of a collier brig named the ’Alexander and Margaret’, which was attacked and ransomed off the North East coast by a privateer in 1791. It became famous the world over amongst sailors who began cutting pieces off, to keep for good luck whilst voyaging at sea. The original became so defaced that it was replaced in the mid nineteenth century and there have been several others since.

The current version was sculpted in 1992 and there are photographs on display in the pub, showing the carving in progress. The fourth ‘Dolly’ was carved for the coronation of 1902 by Miss May Spence. It broke with tradition in taking the form of a fish wife with her basket. It remained here until 1957. A replica now stands in Northumberland Square in the centre of North Shields. Moored just off the quay near here, the ‘Wellesley’ was a major feature of the river between 1873 and 1914. The vessel had begun life as ‘HMS Boscawen’, a 74 gun ship of the line, but was converted into a training establishment where neglected boys who might otherwise fall into bad company could be schooled and trained for life at sea.

6. LOW TOWN

At the opposite end of the Fish Quay to the Low Light

The riverside area is the oldest part of North Shields. The ‘Low Town’ refers to the settlement that grew up along the river, between the Low Lights in the east and the Bull Ring in the west. There were over 100 inns and taverns in ‘Low Town’, many notorious in their day and described as ‘dirty seedy drinking dens of vice and intemperance, where drunkenness and prostitution were commonplace and many immoral schemes were plotted’.

Maitland’s Quay is a section of quayside on the old North Shields waterfront behind Bell Street, running from Maitland’s Lane to Mullin’s quay. The bustling waterfront provided the inspiration for a number of local artists.

The many sketches of North Shields by William Henry Charlton provide an invaluable record of the town and the river over a century ago. Born in Newcastle in 1846, Charlton revisited North Shields many times over a period of more than a decade, serving as a testament to the vibrancy of this busy, working port and the inspiration he drew from it.

LOOK OUT FOR THE PANELS AROUND NORTH SHIELDS

HELP REDUCE ENERGY COSTS WITH THERMOS ROOF

Conservatories are a great space to enjoy whilst looking out onto your garden. They are bright, spacious and give you a great sense of closeness to the outdoors. However, as most conservatory owners will know, whilst they bring all of those benefits, it is usually short-lived and can only be enjoyed for two or three months of the year, the rest of those months being either freezing cold or blisteringly hot.

At Thermos Roof, we have been insulating conservatory roofs since 2005 for two main reasons: to increase its insulating performance and enhance its internal aesthetic appearance.

Experience will have shown you that in winter, heat is sucked out of your room and into the conservatory as soon as you open the door. During the summer, it becomes a dazzling sauna that’s so hot you need a fan to cool you down. At Thermos Roof, we can transform your conservatory from a room you barely use, into a space you can enjoy all year round as the temperature is comfortable and constant. You will even be able to watch TV or use a computer without sunglasses.

What is most impressive is that we can do this all in one day! With no mess!

We retain your existing polycarbonate or glass roof and insulate it from the inside, finishing it in an attractive gloss white tongue and groove PVC cladding that matches the rest of your conservatory construction. The materials we use are lightweight;

therefore, no roof strengthening is required, no planning application is necessary and no long periods of mess and upheaval in your home. In addition to this, the look and finish of your Thermos Roof will be as fresh in 10 years as it is today.

The performance of the lightweight insulation system will equal that of vastly more expensive options, with less mess and waste and less time to install, saving you thousands of pounds and allowing you to enjoy your conservatory immediately.

We can install a Thermos Roof to conservatories of any size or shape, transforming them into a flowing extension of your living space wherein the external weather conditions do not dictate its use; it will become warm in winter and cool in summer.

In addition to the above benefits, our team will eliminate mould and condensation, reduce rain, noise and serve to cover up an unsightly dirty roof. The gloss white finish will make it brighter

in the evenings by reflecting light and will give your conservatory that WOW factor, making it a great place to relax or work.

All installations come with a five-year warranty. We guarantee that you will be amazed by both the improved appearance and the insulating performance of your new roof.

We offer a free quotation service for the installation of your Thermos Roof and, should you require it, we can also undertake maintenance works to repair or replace gutters, fascias, soffits, window sills, roof panels and leaking roofs.

■ Please give us a call today on 01670 828 695 to start the ball rolling to making full use of your Conservatory!

www.thermosroof.co.uk

With most of us facing high energy bills, why not reduce these costs and save money instantly with a Thermos Roof insulation system in your conservatory. Here they explain more.

SAVE £££’S THIS WINTER!

Having a well insulated conservatory can help reduce your heating bills this winter like never before.

Don’t shut your conservatory off from the rest of your house this winter. With a ThermosRoof Installation you can open it up and use it like any other room in your home, safe in the knowledge it’s not costing a fortune to heat.

Start saving right away. Give us a call for an instant price over the phone. You’ll notice the difference before we’ve even finished the installation. Start using your cosy new room immediately.

We can carry out a full install in a single day, leaving zero mess and instant results. We retain your existing roof profile & do not remove your current roof. A 5 year warranty is included.

Prices from £799

NECTARINE SUMMER CRUMBLE

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 mins

Cooking time: 35-40 mins

INGREDIENTS

For the fruit filling:

• 6 ripe nectarines (approximately 800g)

• 50g granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp cornflour

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the crumble topping:

• 150g plain flour (or 100g plain flour and 50g ground almonds)

• 100g cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

• 75g granulated or demerara sugar

• 50g rolled oats

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Flaked almonds

METHOD

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan) Gas mark

4. Lightly grease a 23cm x 23cm (9x9-inch) square baking dish.

2. Prepare the fruit filling: Rinse the nectarines, cut them in half, remove the stones, and slice into 1cm thick wedges. Place the nectarine slices into a large mixing bowl.

3. Add the granulated sugar, cornflour, lemon juice,

and vanilla extract to the nectarines. Gently mix until the nectarine slices are coated evenly. Transfer the fruit mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

4. Prepare the crumble topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the plain flour (and ground almonds if using), cubed butter, granulated sugar, rolled oats, and salt. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the nectarines in the baking dish, ensuring that the fruit is fully

covered. Add some flaked almonds for texture.

6. Bake the nectarine crumble in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.

7. Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy the nectarine crumble warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraiche.

NOTE: If nectarines are not available, you can substitute with an equal weight of peaches or plums.

This quick and easy crumble recipe makes a delicious fruity dessert.

If

We

Price of Family Trust £1,800

FO2, Ashington Workspace, Lintonville Parkway, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9JZ

WORLD'S BIGGEST PLAY SCULPTURE OPENS IN NORTHUMBERLAND

Lilidorei, a magical and mystical world of play, was conceived by the Duchess of Northumberland, and has received funding from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. The £15 million project has created 50 new jobs and will be an all year round destination for the region.

Pronounced Lil-ee-door-ee, the attraction is a magical kingdom ruled by Lord Elfwin from high up in his tower of Elfwin Drin (the largest play structure in the world). Lilidorei is home to 9 clans – some friendly, some less so, who all worship Christmas. Despite their HUGE presence within Lilidorei, they cannot be seen by the human eye. The lucky team of Secret Keepers know more about them than most, so they can give you clues as you use your own imagination to create your own story.

Lilidorei aims to create an environment that encourages both imaginary and physical play. Although there are no inhabitants in the village, you may hear them when walking around from the immervise soundscape that has been created and you can explore each of the clans habitats and find out more about how they live.

Visiting is divided into 3 play sessions, a morning session from 9am - 11,45am, an afternoon session from 12.30pm - 3.15pm

and a tea time session running from 4pm - 6.45pm. Pre-booking via the Alnwick Garden Website is essential, and please note there is limited availability throughout the summer holidays.

The play park is the second major project supported by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal to open in Northumberland, and aims to emulate the early success of the Ad Gefrin museum and distillery.

The Deal’s main objective is to deliver sustainable and inclusive economic benefits across the North of England and South of Scotland over the ten years of the programme. Both Lilidorei and Ad Gefrin were awarded funding from the initiative to create jobs and bring visitors to the region.

The park was officially opened by Jane Percy, Duchess of Northumberland, who said: “Lilidorei has lived in my imagination for the past 12 years, and I am delighted to bring my creative vision to life. We want to encourage children away from screens and into this magical giant playground where their imaginations can run wild.”

Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council and Borderlands Partnership Board Member, said: “The Duchess wanted to bring some magic to Northumberland through Lilidorei and the result looks truly magical.

"Alnwick is already an important location for tourism, and this development is sure to attract more visitors to the town and the county. It is also fantastic to see another Borderlands supported project through to completion, demonstrating that we are delivering on our promises to create jobs and drive growth.”

Dehenna Davison MP, Levelling Up Minister, said: “I am delighted to see our ambitious plan to level up the Borderlands region come to life with the opening of a fantastic new visitor attraction in Alnwick.

“Our £5.5 million investment in this exciting project will see Lilidorei create new local jobs, activities for local children and bring even more tourists to the local area.

www.lilidoreialnwick.co.uk

A magical children’s play park, the largest of its kind in the world, has opened at the Alnwick Garden.

The £15 million project has created 50 new jobs and will be an all year round destination for the region.

Olivia Priest has a BSc and MSc in Sports Injury Management. Her treatment approach involves a consultation and detailed care plan that uses various effective techniques to help you recover, manage and heal from a wide range of injuries and conditions.

ON PAGE 42

Woodland Burial & Crematorium

Northumberland Crematorium

Nestled within the woodlands, our stone built, 78 seat chapel sympathetically settles into it’s natural surroundings. Officially opened by the Duchess of Northumberland in October 2022, the calming and modern chapel is spacious with its vaulted ceiling and is flooded with natural light. Webcasting and tribute screens are available. The chapel can be used for both cremation and burial memorial services.

Woodland Burial

Burial plots are located in Clarefield Meadow & Coquette Glade, both are wild flower meadows surrounded by native woodlands. Memorial trees such as Oak, Rowan and Apple Blossom scatter the meadow, in years to come this will turn the meadow into a thriving woodland and nature reserve. Ashes plots and traditional burial plots can be purchased in advance or at time of need. We have woodland and wildflower scattering areas.

Pet Burials

Griffon Wood offers a beautiful, natural and peaceful final resting place for your beloved pets and companions. Losing a pet can be like losing a member of your family, and it is important to give them the farewell and remembrance that they deserve.

Visiting

Our site is open 7 days per week and visitors are welcome during daylight hours. We are situated just off the A1, 8 miles North of Morpeth and 11 miles South of Alnwick. Our junction has both North and South entrances signposted as 'Bockenfield'.

Bockenfield Wood, Felton, Northumberland NE65 9QJ

Site office hours: Monday – Friday 08:30 – 4:30

Tel. 01670 708 479

Email: info@northumberlandwoodlandburial.co.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

COUNCIL 0345 600 6400

POLICE NON-EMERGENCY 101

NHS 111

If you need help assessing how urgently treatment is needed.

POWER CUT? CALL 105

SMELL GAS? CALL 0800 111 999

NORTHUMBRIAN WATER

0345 717 1100

DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE

0808 247 200

Freephone 24 hours per day

CHILDLINE 0800 11 11

Confidential helpline for children & young people

RAPE CRISIS 0800 035 2794

Mon - Thu (6pm - 8.30pm) for women and girls over 13 who have experienced any form of sexual violence.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

0800 9177 650

CRUSE BEREAVEMENT

SUPPORT 0808 808 1677

Helpline for the bereaved and those caring for bereaved people.

FRANK 03001 236600

24 hours a day. Information about drugs for those who use them, their friends and family.

GAMCARE 0808 8020 133

Confidential counselling and advice for anyone affected by gambling dependency.

SAMARITANS 116 123

24 hours a day. Confidential emotional support helpline for anyone in a crisis

RSPCA 0300 1234 999

To report cruelty, neglect or an animal in distress.

AGE UK 0800 169 6565

Free information on issues affecting older people.

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY DEMENTIA SUPPORT 0333 150 3456

If you are affected by dementia, worried about a diagnosis or a carer, trained staff are ready to give you the support you need.

SHELTERLINE 0808 800 4444

8am - 12 midnight. Legal and housing advice line for anyone with a housing problem.

NATIONAL DEBTLINE

0808 808 4000

Help for anyone in debt.

MISSING PEOPLE 116 000

Advice, help and support for anyone whose relatives or family members are missing.

CARER’S UK 0808 808 777

Wed, Thu only 10am - 12noon and 2pm4pm. Advice and information for all carers.

BENEFIT ENQUIRY LINE

0800 882 200

Advice for disabled people and carers.

CITIZEN’S ADVICE 03444 111 444

Help and advice for consumers in the UK.

NEWCASTLE AIRPORT

0871 882 1121

TRAVELINE 0871 200 22 33

Advice for your journey by public transport by bus, coach, train, metro or ferry.

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A GOOD READ

By Tash Donovan

LETTERS FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE

by Emma Carroll

Lucy Barton is both a mother and a daughter. She has a floundering marriage and is in hospital with complications following what should have been a routine operation. Her husband who dislikes hospitals and declines to visit, arranges instead for her estranged mother to sit with her.

Strout’s novel is about a mother and daughter relationship steeped in sadness. Lucy spent her childhood craving maternal love, while her mother seemed incapable of providing it.

This poignant and deeply moving novel explores the complexities of family, love, and forgiveness. Told from Lucy’s viewpoint, the story takes us on a journey through her childhood and into adult life, as she reflects on events in her past and her relationship with her mother.

The novel is written in a simple and straightforward style that somehow belies the emotional depth of the story. Strout’s writing is evocative and powerful; she’s a master of capturing the nuances of human emotion. The characters and their relationships are richly drawn, and relatable. Lucy’s relationship with her mother is at the core of the novel, and Strout explores its dynamics with sensitivity and insight.

Themes of family, love, and forgiveness are woven throughout and Strout’s writing reflects on the passage of time, the power of memory and the strength of the human spirit. There is much in this novel that is not stated explicitly. The reader is left to do some work and the result is a wise, thought-provoking book.

MILKMAN

by Anna Burns

I will preface this by saying that Milkman, the 2018 Man Booker Prize-winning novel by Anna Burns, is an excellent but challenging read. It deals with resilience and resistance set in the heart of a divided community. Burns weaves a captivating story centred around an 18-year-old protagonist, known only as “middle sister,” and the community in which she lives. The novel is set in an unnamed city, though it bears a strong resemblance to Belfast during the Troubles. It grapples with the complexities of political conflict, societal expectations, and the power of rumour and gossip.

As “middle sister” navigates her life, she attracts the advances of the eponymous Milkman, a middle-aged paramilitary figure who begins to stalk her. The novel’s

portrayal of the menacing and intrusive nature of the Milkman’s pursuit encapsulates the larger oppressive atmosphere of the community. The pervasive sense of paranoia and suspicion is conveyed through the use of a first-person narrative, filled with intricate details, creating a vivid and visceral experience for the reader.

One of the challenges involves Burns’ use of stream of consciousness. Her prose is often dense and demanding, featuring long, sprawling sentences with minimal punctuation, a stylistic choice reflecting both the chaotic environment and the protagonist’s internal turmoil.

The most striking aspect of Milkman is the absence of proper names for characters and places. This lends a surreal-but-universal quality to the story, evoking many conflict-ridden societies. The novel explores the impact of gender, politics, and power on the individual, as well as the collective psyche of a community, often using humour so dark it might make the reader squirm.

With its unflinching portrayal of the protagonist’s struggles and resilience, it serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity. While the novel’s challenging style may not appeal to all readers, those who persevere will be rewarded with an unforgettable and thought-provoking literary experience.

THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON

by Kelly Barnhill

The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a captivating and enchanting Newbery Medal-winning novel. Set in a world of magic and wonder, it tells the story of Luna, a young girl unknowingly filled with powerful magic after being fed moonlight by the good witch Xan. The novel follows Luna, Xan, a wise swamp monster named Glerk, and a tiny, talkative dragon called Fyrian as they navigate the complexities of Luna’s magical abilities and unravel the mysteries surrounding their world.

Barnhill’s lyrical prose and vivid world-building draws readers into the story, and the characters are both endearing and complex. The book is a delightful blend of fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age, with a touch of darkness that lends depth to the narrative. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of knowledge, providing valuable lessons for both young readers.

The plot is intricately woven, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged throughout.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a beautifully written, heart-warming tale that effortlessly blends fantasy and reality. It will captivate readers of all ages, leaving them with a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the magic in their own lives.

To buy these books online while supporting your local independent bookshop, scan the QR code or visit*: uk.bookshop.org/lists/a-good-read

*Article contains affiliate links. By shopping with Bookshop.org, we may ear n a commission at no extra cost to you.

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