Up close October 2008

Upclose

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The Magazine For NorthTyneside

October 2008

Take part in

Xperience08 the region’s biggest festival of extreme sports

Age Takes Centre Stage listings guide

Students celebrate first class results Keeping you informed | www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Get active In the year of sport

Working closer with communities

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Electoral Register It’s canvass time You should now have received an Electoral Register form asking for information on who lives in your home.

Make sure your details are correct Return the form as soon as you receive it If you do not return the form you will be prevented from voting in any further election or referendum.

You may also have difficulty getting a mortgage, obtaining credit or opening a bank or building society account.

If you have not received your form, please contact North Tyneside Council’s Electoral Services office.

By law you must complete and return the form to North Tyneside Council. Failure to do so can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

The canvass runs approximately from the beginning of August until the end of November each year. It is a statutory duty of the Electoral Registration Officer to update the Electoral Register each year.

Telephone (0191) 643 2270 Email elections@northtyneside.gov.uk For more information visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Working closer with communities

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October 2008

Up Close is produced by North Tyneside Council.

To discuss news - contact: Steve Forshaw Marketing & Communications Quadrant, Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside NE27 OBY Phone: 643 5080 email: steve.forshaw@northtyneside.gov.uk

To contact the council:

Customer services

0845 2000 101

Housing repairs

0845 2000 102

Envirolink

0845 2000 103

Council tax and benefits

0845 2000 104

Racial harassment

To discuss advertising or distribution - contact: Claire Edge (at the above address) Phone: 643 2111 email: claire.edge@northtyneside.gov.uk

0845 2000 105

Families Information Service 0845 2000 108

North Tyneside Council wants to make it easier for you to get hold of the information you may need about the services it provides.We are able to provide our documents in alternative formats including large print and community languages. Audio tapes are available at libraries. Please call 0191 643 5080.

North Tyneside Council endeavours to ensure all the adverts and advertising features in Up Close are accurate. It cannot, however, take responsibility for their content.

Inside this issue Blooming great!

6

Autumn listings

8

It’s time to get active!

14

Environment update

16

A day in the life . . .

20

Health update

26

Age Takes Centre Stage

29

First class results

38

North Tyneside Strategic Partnership

46

Taking into account your views

54

Councillors’ surgeries

58

Find out who took the honours in the North Tyneside In Bloom contest and the annual Horticulture and Health Show.

Our regular guide to what’s on around the borough during October and November.

North Tyneside launches a Year of Sport – with around 100 events that you can get involved in.

Four pages of ‘green’ news – including recycling and the 5-50-500 campaign.

Find out how the council ensures businesses in the borough are meeting food safety standards.

News from your local primary care trust, including details of how you can have your say What’s on and where – all the details about this year’s festival for people over 50.

Students in the borough celebrate another great set of A-level and GCSE results.

A look at the Sustainable Community Strategy and how a new survey can improve services.

Four pages examine how local people are being given the opportunity to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

Complete details of where and when you can speak to your local ward councillor.

The next issue of Up Close will be distributed from November 17.

NTC Design Sept 08 | 1405

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NORTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL Children,Young People and Learning Directorate

Admission to Schools - September 2009 The procedure for dealing with applications for admission/transfers to North Tyneside schools in September 2009 began in the week commencing Monday, September 8, 2008.

This applies to all parents/carers who are resident within the area of North Tyneside.

North Tyneside will be offering an Online Admissions Service for entry in September 2009. If you have access to a computer and you wish to complete your application online, you can find a link to this service at www.northtyneside.gov.uk or go directly to schooladmissions.northtyneside.gov.uk/admit_transfer to access this service.

Full details of the local authority’s admission procedures, and how to apply, are available in the information brochure “The Essential Guide to North Tyneside Schools” and on the website at www.northtyneside.gov.uk.

• If your child is starting school for the first time in September 2009 and they attend a North Tyneside nursery school they will be issued with The Essential Guide to North Tyneside Schools brochure and a Common Application Form. If you are applying for a first/primary school, which is NOT within North Tyneside, you will need to apply directly to the local authority that the school belongs to.

• If your child attends a North Tyneside primary or middle school and is due to transfer to the next stage of their education, he/she will also be issued with the same brochure and form.

• If your child DOES NOT attend a North Tyneside primary or middle school but is due to transfer to the next stage of their education, you will need to complete a North Tyneside form.

In all of the above cases, the form needs to be completed and returned on or before Friday, October 24, 2008 to your child’s current nursery/school or direct to the Access Team at Stephenson House, Stephenson Street, North Shields,Tyne and Wear, NE30 1QA. Telephone (0191) 200 5020.

As well as the availability of the brochure on the North Tyneside website, copies will also be available at all North Tyneside schools, libraries and customer service points.

Gill Alexander Strategic Director for Children, Young People and Learning

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Elected mayor

Measures will be put in place

Dear Resident

Welcome to the latest edition of Up Close.

It’s only right to start my column this month by offering again my sympathies to all those people affected over the weekend of September 6/7 by the flooding.

I would also like to thank all the council staff who turned out at short notice to help those residents affected by the flooding – I know from being out on both Saturday and Sunday that our employees, working with the emergency services, did everything they could to ease people’s distress.

Certainly the feedback I have had has been very positive. I would also like to express my gratitude to those ward councillors who were out and about on both days – thank you for your time and support.

Now that the immediate crisis is over, we are turning our attention to a number of issues.

Firstly we are putting in place proactive measures should this situation occur again. We will be monitoring weather forecasts closely and council staff will be on standby to issue advice and support to homes that could potentially be affected.

Fence-to-fence

Fuel 4 Kids

Instead of simply responding to problems on an individual basis, council teams will be moving into an area and addressing all of the issues in one fell swoop.

Primary school children have been provided with cereal, toast, fruit juice and fresh fruit before the start of their school day.The response has been fantastic and I look forward to the initiative being rolled out across the rest of North Tyneside.

The fence-to-fence project is a new way of dealing with environmental, highways and open space issues across the borough.

We have currently identified eight areas for fence-to-fence improvements we will be gathering feedback on the success of the project and rolling it out to other areas of the borough in due course.

Clean neighbourhoods

We have recruited an additional 14 neighbourhood patrol officers who will be working with residents to ensure the streets of North Tyneside are litter-free.

The last few weeks have seen an important mayoral pledge start rolling out across the borough.

Outstanding results

And last, but not least, I must congratulate A-level and GCSE students across the borough. We have seen some outstanding results.

Good luck to everybody with their future study and careers.

Residents tell me that clean neighbourhoods are a key priority and this is part of our commitment to deliver those clean streets for you.

In the longer term, we will be working closely with our partners at Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency to devise a long-term solution to the problem. It’s fair to say weather patterns are changing and we need to be geared up to deal with those changes.

On a more positive note, the past few weeks have seen the start of a number of important council initiatives.

Please feel free to contact me directly by email: john.harrison@northtyneside.gov.uk or by fax: (0191) 643 2431.

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Everything in the garden is lovely!

Another poor summer has failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the borough’s keen gardeners and those who take an interest in all things horticultural.

The tussle to win a first prize in the North Tyneside In Bloom contest was as keenly fought as ever – producing some superb displays of plants and flowers that brightened up the borough.

The range of categories included new garden, residential care, church grounds, wildlife garden and young gardener. In addition to the first, second and third prizes, 12 merit or special awards were also handed out at the discretion of the judges.

Meanwhile,The Parks Sports Centre in North Shields hosted the third Horticulture and Health Show.

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The two-day event continues to go from strength to strength with around 350 entries in 69 classes, including pot leeks, marrows and tomatoes.

Gardening demonstrations, plant swaps, arts and crafts, healthy living sessions and Radio Newcastle’s Gardenmania Show, broadcast live from the sports centre, were among this year’s highlights.

In Bloom winners

New garden – Nigel and Pamela Bryant Small garden – Mrs R Spencer Medium garden – Peter Scott Large garden – Malcolm Scott Back/front yard & container/hanging basket – Tom Hetherington Residential care/sheltered accommodation – Hunter’s Hall care home Pub/hotel – Oaktree Lodge

Church grounds – St Peter’s, Monkseaton Business Park – Lost World Adventure Golf Conservation/Wildlife garden – Malcolm Scott Contribution to the environment by a school – (joint first) Southlands School, Richardson Dees Primary Young gardener – Lewis and Freddie Nisbet

Horticulture and Health Show winners (major classes)

Best allotment association display – North Terrace Allotment Association Best children’s entry – Molly Goodwin Best novice – Dr C Whittaker Best onion – D Pringle Best pot leek – Alfred Seago Best fruit and veg – Tony Cuthbert Best flowers – E Bonas

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Main picture: Peter Scott’s colourful garden, which won the medium garden category in this year’s North Tyneside In Bloom competition.

Inset pictures: Scenes from the Horticulture and Health Show at The Parks.

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Autumn Summer may be over but there are still plenty of events taking place in the borough during October and November.

Scarecrows, fireworks, bees and angels are just some of the things you can see in North Tyneside during the next couple of months.

Fans of extreme sports have also been catered for – with the region’s biggest festival of BMX, skateboarding and surfing taking place during an action-packed weekend at Tynemouth in late October.

The ever-popular Age Takes Centre Stage festival runs throughout October, featuring a host of special events, taster sessions and coach outings.

(For a full list of Age Takes Centre Stage events, see pages 29 to 36) Meanwhile, the award-winning Rising Sun Country Park has a varied programme of events, ranging from hen-keeping for beginners to an open day at the organic farm.

Sunday, October 12

Tynemouth Station Book Fair – up to 50 stalls selling books to suit all pockets and interests, including paperbacks, local history, children’s, sci-fi, antiquarian and secondhand. The book fair is on the west concourse with the popular flea market on the east concourse.

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events

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Saturday, October 18

Whitley Bay Scarecrow Festival – the annual festival is back again as local traders join in the fun and display scarecrows in their shop windows.

There are many weird and wonderful creations on show.

Hen-keeping for beginners – Spend a day at the Rising Sun organic farm and develop your knowledge about keeping chickens.

10am to 4.30pm.This is a Soil Association masterclass, aimed at adults.

Pre-booking is essential. Cost - £25 for Soil Association members, £50 for non-members. Coffee and lunch included.Wear old clothes.

Saturday, October 25 to Sunday, November 2

Autumn clue trails – Explore the Rising Sun Country Park with a map and question sheet. Suitable for over-5s with adult assistance. Collect sheets and pencils from vending machine in the countryside centre. Cost £1.

Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26

Xperience08 – Experience exhilarating extreme sports at the region’s biggest festival of BMX, skateboarding, surfing and winter sports.

The award-winning Tynemouth coastline will host some of the best surf masters, stunt riders and BMXers for an action-packed weekend. Be inspired by some of the world’s best and then get stuck in!

Watch international surfing champions test the waters in the North East

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Open (part of the UK Pro Surf Tour).

Head inside the big top for displays by Team Extreme pro riders on BMX and skateboard ramps.You can also watch snowboarding stars on a quarter pipe outside.

Also surfer tasting sessions, skate and BMX tuition and the chance to go snow tubing on real snow! Local bands and DJs will add to the weekend’s cool vibe.

www.xperience08.com

Tuesday, October 28

Farm Day at the Rising Sun organic farm – Activities include apple games, story telling, food tasting, horse care, bee-keeping, wool spinning and scarecrow making. (Please bring old children’s clothes, hats and gloves if you wish to make a scarecrow.

12.30 to 3pm. No charge and no booking necessary. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, October 29

Pre-Halloween event – Bring along your pumpkin to the Rising Sun Countryside Centre and make a lantern, have a twilight walk, listen to stories and enjoy hot soup around the fire. 4pm to 8pm. £3 per person.

Pre-booking essential.This event is aimed at families (not suitable for under-3s). All children must be accompanied by an adult (no more than two children per adult).

More events on page 11

Tynemouth

Gang Show

Tickets are now on sale for Tynemouth Gang Show 2008, which takes place this year at the People’s Theatre, Heaton.

The ever-popular show, performed by members of Tynemouth Scout Association, features comedy sketches, songs from the charts and the more traditional scout singsongs.

The show runs from Monday, November 24 to Saturday, November 29. Performances start at 7.15pm each evening and 2.30pm for the Saturday matinee.

Tickets are available from Gillie and Partners Opticians in North Shields (257 2335) or direct from the theatre booking office.

Prices are £6 for Monday evening and the Saturday matinee, £7 for Tuesday to Friday, and £8 for Saturday evening.

For more details, visit: www.tynemouthscouts.org.uk/gangshow

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Open day

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Free entry

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Marden Bridge Sports Centre Whitley Bay Sunday, October 26 1pm to 5pm Come along and try various

activities, supervised by qualified sports coaches

Activities and demonstrations

include football, trampolining, skipping, fun badminton, family games and much more

Also available – bouncy castle,

penalty shoot-out and face painting

Join one of the clubs, including

karate, netball, volleyball or hockey or sign up for the football leagues

For more information, visit the council website www.northtyneside.gov.uk and click on: Leisure and culture Sports, health and fitness Marden Bridge Sports Centre or contact the centre on 1010

Upclose • October 2008

200 8844

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult

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Thursday, October 30

Cooking around the fire – Have a relaxing afternoon of cooking and eating at the Celtic Village at the Rising Sun.You will learn how to set and manage a fire safely, then cook vegetable soup and bread. Ingredients provided, just come along and see why food cooked on a ‘real’ fire beats a barbeque. 1pm to 3.30pm. £1.50 per person. Pre-booking essential.This event is suitable for all age groups. All children must be accompanied by an adult (no more than two children per adult).

Saturday, November 1

Tudor Lives – Explore the fascinating story of daily life nearly 500 years ago.

A new exhibition opens at Segedunum Roman Fort,Wallsend. (Runs until April, 2009).

Monday, November 3 to Friday, November 7

Fairtrade week – Visit the restaurant at the Rising Sun County Park and choose from an assortment of cakes made from Fairtrade products, with Fairtrade tea or coffee, for £2.35. Other Fairtrade products will be on display.

Opening times: 10am to 3.30pm.

Sunday, November 2

North Tyneside fireworks display – The borough’s annual display takes place on The Links. Fairground rides for children and refreshments available.

Starts 7pm. In the event of bad weather, the display will take place the following day. For more details – 643 7409.

Wednesday, November 5

Fireworks display – Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum. 6.30pm (display lasts around 15 minutes) £2 per person (adults and children) For more details – 236 9347.

Autumn events

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Saturday, November 8

Backworth Male Voice Choir – at White Swan Centre, Killingworth. Starts 7pm.Tickets available from reception at the White Swan or pay on the door.

More details, Andy Rutherford 253 0612.

Monday, November 10

The life-cycle of a honey bee – Get a glimpse into an alien world at the Rising Sun Country Park with beekeeper Malcolm Thompson, assisted

by Geoff Weston. Meet at the countryside centre at 6.30pm for 7pm start. For all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. No charge but a donation to the Friends of the Rising Sun would be greatly appreciated. No booking necessary.

Thursday, November 27

Willow angels – Get into the Christmas spirit at the Rising Sun countryside centre. Our tutor will guide you through the process of making a beautiful willow angel that will make an ideal present or decoration (Please bring secateurs if you have them.)

Lunch and refreshments provided.

10am to 3pm. £33 per person. Suitable for adults only. Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.

The Shuggies help to launch festival

Local group the Shuggies are among those taking part in the launch of this year’s Age Takes Centre Stage festival at the Shiremoor Centre on October 1.

The group, part of the Older People’s Forum, performs songs and sketches about matters that concern older people.

Whether it’s a church hall or the Stadium of Light, sheltered housing or St James Park, the Shuggies are ready to tread the boards and entertain.

For more details about the group and its activities, phone 280 8496.

Age Takes Centre Stage festival listings – starts page 29

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New carers’ guide launched The council has produced its first-ever guide for carers in the borough.

Carers look after family, partners, friends or neighbours because they are ill, have a disability or are finding it hard to cope.

The guide contains key contacts for organisations that can provide support, as well as advice and information to help people who have a caring role.

Copies are available from the Carers Centre, Neptune House, Neptune Road, Wallsend (phone 200 1111) or from North Tyneside Council by writing to: Service User and Carer Engagement Officer, Adult Social Care, Unicorn House, Suez Street, North Shields, NE30 1BB (phone 200 5530).

It has developed the North Tyneside Carers’ Guide in partnership with the Carers Centre and the Learning Disability Federation.

Claire Easton, acting manager of the Carers Centre, said: “Carers often find it difficult to find out what their rights are and what services are available.

The guide covers a variety of topics such as managing work and care, carers’ rights, and money, benefits and legal matters.

“The National Strategy for Carers, which was published in June, recognises the need for carers to have easy access and up-to-date information about services in their area.

“The Carers’ Guide fulfils this need and is an excellent resource for carers in the borough.”

The last census in 2001 revealed that 11 per cent of the population in North Tyneside provide unpaid care.

Benefits advice for care home residents People living in residential care on North Tyneside are being offered a helping hand so they don’t miss out on their benefits.

The council has teamed up with Age Concern North Tyneside and The Local Pension Service for the scheme, which focuses on people aged over 65, living

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in residential care who pay for their own care.

It aims to ensure they are not missing out on benefits such as Attendance Allowance, which is a benefit not affected by savings or income, not taxable and can be worth up to £67 per week.

Forms will be sent to all care homes for completion by the resident or their

carer so benefits entitlements can be checked.They are being distributed on an area-by-area basis and are currently being sent to homes in the north west of the borough.

For more information, contact Debbie Fishwick at North Tyneside Council on 200 5040.

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A series of six new cycle maps are available for anyone who wants to explore the region on two wheels.

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Cycle maps show the way

The free maps – which are available in paper format and electronically – cover North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and south-east Northumberland.

The new maps replace the old Tyneside cycle map and have been designed to be much more user-friendly.

They show the local road and rail network, on and off-road cycle routes, places of interest, crossing points, cycle shops and cycle parking.

They also double as a handy street map if you’re on foot!

To receive a new North Tyneside map, please contact:

Graeme Clark, cycling projects officer, Development directorate, North Tyneside Council, Quadrant, Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY. Phone: 643 6086, or email: graeme.clark@northtyneside.gov.uk

To receive a copy of the other maps, please phone or email: South Tyneside Newcastle Gateshead Sunderland South-east Northumberland

tel: (0191) 424 7666. email: trevor.male@southtyneside.gov.uk

tel: (0191) 232 8520 email: Phil.Wharton@newcastle.gov.uk

tel: (0191) 433 3108 email: neilfrier@gateshead.gov.uk

tel: (0191) 553 1576 email: Clive.greenwood@sunderland.gov.uk

0808 100 8 9 10 JAElliott@northumberland.gov.uk

Smoke control areas

Residents are being reminded that wood or coal cannot be burnt in a domestic open fire.

Smoke control orders, which were introduced during the 1960s and 70s following the passing of the Clean Air Act, control emissions from domestic chimneys.

Smokeless fuels that are allowed include anthracite, sunbrite, coalite and homefire, which emit very low quantities of sulphur and ‘particulates’ when burned.

More information on authorised fuels and a list of exempt appliances can be found at: www.uksmokecontrolareas.co.uk

Smoke control areas cover most of North Tyneside.The map is currently being digitised and should be available on the council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk – by the end of October.

To check if your home is within a smoke control area, please call the Pollution Team on 643 6641.

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Get active in the Year of The Beijing Olympics and Paralympics may be over but the council is ensuring the borough’s celebrations continue.

North Tyneside’s Year of Sport aims to get as many residents as possible involved in sport and physical activity, give a helping hand to talented athletes and recognise unsung sporting heroes.

Flags and banners are being displayed across the borough to mark the initiative and get people in the mood for sport.

There will be around 100 events that people can take part in, a Talented Sports Performers grant scheme plus Sports Personality Awards.

Each month during the Year of Sport, there will be a variety of activities, which have the Olympic and Paralympic values as themes.

For more information, visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk

September – Friendship Year of Sport launch First aid for sports coaches course October - Citizenship Age Takes Centre Stage activities, including surfing, badminton, football and skipping

June – Inclusion North Tyneside Skipping Festival July – Courage North Tyneside Festival of Sport Stride out to the Lighthouse North Tyneside Football Tournament

December – Respect Mince Pie March – Health Walk

August – Healthy Active Lifestyles Summer holiday activity programme

January – Determination Badminton Championships at the Parks Sports Centre February – Inspiration Sporting taster sessions March – Culture North Tyneside Sports Personality Awards – nomination forms available in December

North Tyneside’s top sports personalities will be celebrated at a special ceremony next year.

To celebrate the Year of Sport, the council is hosting the inaugural Sports Personality Awards in March 2009.

As well as showcasing talented performers, the awards aim to celebrate the work of sports coaches, officials and volunteers.

Later this year, the council will be inviting applications for a variety of awards, including volunteer of the year, team of the year, coach of the year and personality of the year.

To be eligible for nomination, each performer must be an active and current member of a sports club in North Tyneside and/or live in the borough.

The awards ceremony will take place at Quadrant on Wednesday, March 25, 2009.

Upclose • October 2008

May – Celebrating Diversity Disability Athletics Event

November – Internationalism Equity in your coaching course Strictly Dance event at Marden Bridge Sports Centre

Celebrating the borough’s unsung heroes

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April - Excellence North Tyneside 10K Road Race

Backing our sports stars

Budding sports stars are being given a helping hand to reach their potential as part of the Year of Sport.

The council has created a Talented Sports Performers grant scheme for top athletes in the borough.

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Sport Grants of up to ÂŁ250 are available for male and female sports performers, who compete at regional level or above in their chosen sport and are aged over eight.

They must also be an active member of a sports club in North Tyneside and/or live in the borough.

The grant could go towards competition travel and subsistence or the purchase of specialist sports equipment.

A panel of judges will meet on a quarterly basis to consider applications.

For more information, contact 643 7447 or email: sportsdevelopment@northtyneside.gov.uk

Keeping active: Dame Kelly Holmes tries her hand at rugby during the borough’s Festival of Sport in July.

The double Olympic champion, who is an ambassador for the Youth Sport Trust, is also pictured with pupils at Cullercoats Primary.

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New approach will deliver better response

Residents in Wideopen are among the first to benefit from the council’s new ‘holistic’ approach to improving the environment.

The fence-to-fence project aims to deliver a better response to the way the council looks after its highways and open spaces.

Rather than respond to issues identified by residents on an individual basis, the council is piloting a whole street approach.

Multi-skilled teams made up of staff from four different service areas – housing, highways and transportation, neighbourhood services and highways frontline – will focus on eight areas of the borough.

Fence-to-fence: Elected mayor John Harrison with the new team.

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They will carry out a list of improvements – from relaying the road surface and mending pavements, to tackling graffiti and repairing fences.

And any problems between the boundary fences of properties on either side of the road, flagged up by residents or the council team, will be considered for immediate improvement.

The fence-to-fence approach will include both minor and major projects.

Minor work - including road resurfacing, minor highway and environmental improvements are being carried out at Carlton Terrace, North Shields; Forest Avenue, Forest Hall; Kenilworth Road, Monkseaton; Links Avenue, Cullercoats; Oswin Terrace, North Shields; and Stalks Road,Wideopen.

The scheme at Station Road,Wallsend, will include a new parking area and footways, as well as work to address ponding problems between Cross Avenue and Wiltshire Drive. Minor highways and environmental projects will also be carried out.

And the final scheme – at Holystone roundabout in January 2009 – will involve a widening programme delivering improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, as well as highways and environmental repairs.

Residents will be encouraged to give feedback on the new approach and comments used to help improve the delivery of future environmental and highways improvements.

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Residents have their say on new bins Hundreds of people have had the chance to give their views on the council’s plans for an improved kerbside recycling scheme.

A 240-litre wheeled bin for recyclable materials, with an in-bin caddy for glass collection (possible option pictured) is set to replace the existing black box service.

The council has been showing options for the replacement bins at various public events to gauge opinion on some of the choices available.

Events that the bins have been to so far include World Environment Day, a

Environment update

family fun event at Whitley Bay and Area Futures events.

Benefits of the new bin will include:

Collection of unsorted recyclable materials An increase in collection capacity Collection of cardboard

A lidded container for better storage Less litter

North Tyneside recycled more than 26 per cent of household waste during the last financial year.

New team takes to the streets A new community-minded team is at work to ensure North Tyneside has clean and attractive neighbourhoods.

Fourteen clean neighbourhood patrol officers are focusing on key environmental priorities such as street cleansing, litter, refuse storage and collection, fly-tipping and graffiti.

Their role involves offering advice and information to residents, and working closely with the local community and other organisations to develop environmental projects.

“We’ve already achieved a lot – the quality of our environment beats national standards, there has been a 44 per cent increase in the frequency of grass cutting and we’ve launched successful initiatives such as the Big Spring Clean.

“However, we’re not complacent, which is why our team is always looking at ways to provide a better and more efficient service to residents.”

The officers also have the power to enforce environmental legislation, especially litter, waste and dog fouling.

Elected mayor John Harrison said: “We’re committed to working with communities towards achieving a litter-free North Tyneside.

“This new team forms a key part of making this a cleaner and greener borough.

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Pledges are being delivered Fifty five ways of caring for the environment are being put into practice in North Tyneside.

The council’s 5-50-500 environmental campaign – launched on national Environment Day in June – is planning to deliver on five pledges and 50 promises within 500 days. And the campaign is already making an impact.

We pledged to reduce the carbon footprint of five council buildings

We are following a programme of work set by the Carbon Trust to improve our Killingworth site, the Lakeside Centre, North Shields Library and the Town Hall.The Energy Saving Trust is also supporting the council to reduce energy and make carbon savings from housing, vehicles and within the community.

The council and Highbridge, owners of Cobalt Business Park, are also exploring whether wind turbines could be put on the top of our headquarters at Quadrant.

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Upclose • October 2008

We pledged to make North Tyneside a Fairtrade borough

The council has formally backed a resolution to become a Fairtrade borough.

This commits the council to serve Fairtrade mark – or equivalent – tea and coffee at its meetings and in its offices.

But it also means the council will be backing the local community’s support for the aims of the Fairtrade campaign.

The North Tyneside steering committee – a partnership of public, private and third sector representatives – is driving forward the bid for Fairtrade status.

Businesses in the borough can get involved by logging on to the Tyne Town website http://www.tynetown.co.uk -produced by the council to promote town centre businesses and register whether they stock Fairtrade products.

The site will help customers find out where to find their Fairtrade favourites and will gather information needed to produce a Fairtrade shopper’s directory for the borough.

We pledged to tackle bad driving and parking outside our schools

From September, new mandatory traffic orders came into force at every school in North Tyneside.These mean that anyone parking on a zig-zag line outside a school can be fined.

In addition we are working to deliver on 50 promises relating to climate change, energy, waste, sustainable communities, and transport and access.

We promised to issue 500 reusable bags and we have exceeded that target already, issuing 800 so far.

And we promised to create a wildlife garden in Whitley Bay Cemetery. An untidy and unused section of the cemetery has now been transformed into an area that enhances the nature conservation interest of the site, while providing a tranquil area for the public.

We also delivered our promise to organise the borough’s first ever Green Festival last month (pictured above).

More than 5,000 people enjoyed the event and 10,000 low-energy light bulbs were given away.

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Environment update

Rising Sun is shining brightly

The flag is flying over the Rising Sun Country Park for a fourth successive year after it was named one of the best parks in England and Wales.

The park, which has its entrance off Whitley Road, Benton, has won a Green Flag award – the national standard for parks and green spaces.

A 400-acre green oasis, it boasts an organic farm, nature reserve, countryside centre, numerous ponds, woodlands and extensive grassland areas.

The park is run by the council in partnership with the Rising Sun Farm Trust. It also works in partnership with a range of organisations on specific initiatives for which it has successfully attracted funding.

Margaret Hall, chair of the Rising Sun Farm Trust, said: "Working in partnership with North Tyneside Council has really made a difference to the park.

“The park as a whole is really buzzing.

We are seeing lots of visitors to the farm where they can see the animals, buy their organic vegetables and walk the trails. It really is a green oasis.

“The Green Flag is a recognition of how well the resource is being used to benefit the community.”

The Green Flag Award scheme began in 1996 and is managed by the Civic Trust. It aims to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country and create a benchmark of excellence.

The Rising Sun Country Park won a Green Flag for the first time in 2005.

Bringing new use to old objects

Hundreds of youngsters enjoyed a day of creative recycling at the Rising Sun Country Park.

The event encouraged the exploration and making of new things out of

discarded remnants and unexpected treasures used in every day life.

Local artists Jyl Friggens, Neil Cannavan, Andy McDermott and Emma Pace led workshops, which were attended by around 250 children.

The event heralded the establishment of a permanent centre for recycled materials,“The House of Objects”, which will be based in the park from 2009.

The House of Objects will offer a wide range of materials to anyone in the locality and the wider region.The centre will organise and promote a range of cultural initiatives concerning educational and creative recover and reuse of materials.

Event organiser Elaine Mason said:“I don’t know who enjoyed it more, the children or us.

“It was a great day for everyone. Lots more people have now heard of the House of Objects and can’t wait for it to open.”

Green oasis: Cllr Eddie Darke, cabinet member for Safe and Active Communities, and Margaret Hall, chair of the Rising Sun Farm Trust, unveil the flag, helped by staff at the Rising Sun.

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A day in the life. . . of an

environmental health officer Trevor Greener, the council’s Environmental Health Food Safety team leader, has a special interest in everything that residents eat.

For together with his colleagues, he overseas the practices of more than 1,500 food businesses across the borough.

It is up to the team to work with businesses and the public to ensure that every time a food purchase is made, it meets stringent national food safety standards.

And that means keeping a check on everything – food bought as part of a weekly supermarket shop, eating out in the borough, food manufactured at one of the 30 food processors in North Tyneside, a visitor buying an ice-cream at the seaside, or meals served in hospital.

“It’s quite a big job – we visit around 500 to 600 businesses in the borough every year,” said Trevor, whose day can start with routine early-morning Anyone who would like further advice about food safety can check out the Food Standards Agency website: www.foodstandards.gov.uk/

You can contact the council’s environmental health team by telephone on 643 6653 or by email: environmental.health@northtyneside.gov.uk

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Upclose • October 2008

checks of fish landed at North Shields Fish Quay.

“And food safety legislation is continually being updated so our role is not just about checking that food doesn’t pose a risk to the health of residents, but also that we ensure businesses handling food are well aware of their legal responsibilities and how they can improve on the way they do things.”

Funding provided through the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has enabled North Tyneside’s food safety team to carry out seminars and provide coaching sessions for 300 businesses in the borough.

This is part of a campaign to improve food safety management in catering businesses through the use of the Safer Food Better Business manual.

And those who successfully complete the sessions – like Smithy’s sandwich shop at Cullercoats, on Trevor’s schedule for today – are rewarded with a window sticker to demonstrate to customers their commitment to food safety.

“We understand it can be difficult for businesses to keep up to speed with food safety requirements and we are there to support them. But food business owners should be aware they have a legal responsibility to register their premises with the council, ” said Trevor.

Failure to take advice can often result in businesses being caught out by the 800-plus food sampling and other checks carried out each year by the team.

“We can drop into any business, any time, unannounced to take food samples for microbiological tests. We’re not just checking the safety of the food but also making sure that consumers are getting what they expect from the label.”

Trevor and his team are always on their guard for national alerts on health, some recent examples have been salmonella in chocolate and methanol-contaminated counterfeit vodka.

Feedback from the public is important to the work of the food safety team.

“We get calls about a whole range of things – customers complaining about finding a nut and bolt in their prepacked meal to cockroaches or mice in a restaurant.

“And we work closely with the health services in investigating cases of food poisoning. Foreign holidays account for many of the notifications to our office, however a good proportion are picked up locally.

“It’s important for public safety that we investigate causes of food poisoning, such as salmonella or campylobacter.”

Consequences for businesses caught out are strict. Environmental health officers have powers to close down a

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r

business, and/or confiscate food products immediately if public health is at risk.

Such failings will have even more public consequences for all food businesses in the future, as a new national scheme - being introduced by the Foods Standards Agency - will see every premises given a star rating that takes into account their hygiene, food safety management, structure and practices.

Local authorities will also have a responsibility for delivering an electronic system that enables the public to access these scores.

But Trevor adds:“It’s not just businesses who need to be cautious.

Everyone needs to adopt some commonsense approaches to handling food, such as making sure you wash your hands after handling raw meat.”

Food safety: Trevor Greener and (inset) with Jean Smith, of Smithy’s Delicatessen.

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Hard-hitting campaign

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Emergency services, councils and the NHS in the region have joined forces to launch a hard-hitting bonfire and fireworks campaign.

It includes a TV advert, a website (www.ruinlivesinaflash.com), posters, leaflets and school talks.

The campaign encourages people to attend organised firework displays and warns people about the dangers of illegal bonfires and fireworks misuse.

It also focuses on reducing anti-social behaviour and reminding parents and traders to make sure under-18s don’t get hold of fireworks.

Iain Bathgate, chief fire officer for Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said:“We are asking the public to play their part in helping us to keep everyone safe during the bonfire period.

“Bonfires and fireworks can hurt or even kill people, so we are urging everyone to attend professionally-organised displays and report any illegal bonfires to the council.That way, we can all have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night.”

To report an illegal bonfire – phone 0845 2000 103

Centenary celebrated Events have been taking place during September to celebrate the centenary of the Town Hall at Wallsend.

The council and other organisations, including Tyne and Wear Museums, police, fire and local history societies, staged a month-long programme of activities.

They included the Wallsend 100 exhibition at the Town Hall, walking tours around the town, a creative writing competition and open days

looking at the history of the local police and fire services.

0 0 1 d n e s l l a W

Meanwhile, more of the borough’s past was unveiled during this year’s heritage open days, which took place during September.

Venues included Segedunum, Stephenson Railway Museum, St Mary’s lighthouse, the Tyne tunnels and local churches.

Visitors were allowed to look round sites that are either not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entrance fee.

wn Hall Wallsend To lebrations e Centenar y C

ser Working clo es with communiti

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National Fraud Initiative data matching exercise 2008/09

By law, North Tyneside Council has to protect the public funds it administers. It is required to share information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, in order to prevent and detect fraud.

Under section 6 of the Audit Commission Act 1998, the council is required to take part in the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matching exercise. Data will be provided by the council to the Audit Commission for the NFI and will be used for cross-system and cross-authority comparison for the prevention and detection of fraud.

The National Fraud Initiative takes place every two years and during 2006/07 identified ÂŁ140m of fraud and error across the UK. Data included in data matching has been expanded by the Audit Commission and for the 2008/09 exercise, the council is required to submit data to the commission relating to:

Payroll and pensions payroll Trade creditors' payment history and standing data Housing Housing benefits (provided by Department of Work and Pensions) Students eligible for a loan (provided by Student Loan Company) Private supported care home residents Transport passes and permits (including residents' parking, blue badges and concessionary travel passes) Insurance claimants Licences – market trader/operator, taxi driver and personal licences to supply alcohol.

Where data matches raise anomalies, these will be sent back to the council for further investigation.

Further information is available on the council’s website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk/nfi or the Audit Commission website: www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nfi.

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Cameron’s set for a Christmas to remember

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Winning design: Cameron Burn with his sketch of an angel.

While most people blow out candles on their birthday, one North Tyneside pupil is going to help light up the borough.

Cameron Burn, a pupil at Marden High School, won a competition to design a Christmas light, which will form part of this year’s illuminations.

His winning angel design is currently being constructed in France and will be erected in Northumberland Square, North Shields.

Cameron will switch it on himself on the evening of November 21 – the same day as his 13th birthday – and the rest of the borough’s lights will begin to turn on shortly afterwards.

Cameron, who lives in Cullercoats, said: “When my art teacher Miss Noble told me I’d won I was absolutely chuffed.

“To find out I will be switching on the lights on my birthday makes it even more special. I would like to thank Miss Noble for sending my design into the competition.”

He added:“I chose to design a light in the shape of an angel because I wanted something that was to do with the true meaning of Christmas, which I thought would be more significant to everyone.

“I made sure it was a simple kind of design, rather than something complicated, so that it would be easier to make.”

The light is sponsored by SEC Lighting Services, as part of the council's PFI street lighting arrangements, and is being constructed by Christmas lights manufacturer Blachere.

This year’s Christmas displays in North Tyneside are set to be the best ever. St Mary’s Lighthouse will be lit up again while Whitley Bay’s lights will all be replaced and extended into the whole of Park View and South Parade.

North Shields’ lights feature a major expansion into Northumberland Square, while Wallsend’s will include last year’s winning light design by Bethany Horn.

Meanwhile, there will be an extra four illuminated Christmas trees on roundabouts across the borough, bringing the total to eight.

Include your event in our festive guide

The next issue of Up Close is published towards the end of November and will feature a festive guide to events in North Tyneside.

If you have a Christmas event taking place in the borough that you would like us to feature in the magazine, then drop us a line.

Due to our publication deadlines we require the information by Wednesday, October 8. Please send brief details of the event and your contact details so we can get in touch if we require further information.

Contact pete.warne@northtyneside.gov.uk or write to Pete Warne, Christmas Events,Town Hall, High Street East, Wallsend, NE28 7RR.

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Primary Care Trusts are the local part of your N such as thoose provided by GPs, district nurses, h

New managing weight programme Adults in the borough can get fit and manage their weight thanks to a new programme.

The PCT’s adult weight management strategy aims to improve the health of local residents by helping them achieve a healthy weight.

As part of this approach, the Healthy Hearts programme offers people a one-to-one assessment with a health trainer after having an appointment with their GP. A range of services can then be offered, such as attending a 12-week lifestyle intervention ‘lighten up’ programme - focusing on nutrition, physical activity and behaviour change - or working on a one-to-one basis through the healthy living centres.

HPV programme offered to schoolgirls

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is now being offered to 17 and 18 year-old girls in North Tyneside.

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All girls born between September 1, 1990 and August 31, 1991 (Year 13 for those at school), will be invited for a course of vaccinations to protect them against cervical cancer.

Upclose • October 2008

Human papillomavirus is a virus that infects the deepest layer of the skin and, for example, the lining of the cervix.

There are about 100 types of HPV, of which13 are known to cause cervical cancer, and two of these (types 16 and 18) cause more than 70 per cent of all cases.

This vaccination programme is in addition to the existing HPV programme that is being offered to all 12 and 13 year-old girls which also began this month. It means another 300,000

In addition, support to increase physical activity through a wide range of exercise opportunities based within leisure and voluntary services will be available.When the 12-week programme has been completed, people will be offered follow-up appointments with their GP to ensure lifestyle changes are not forgotten about once the programme has finished.

girls will be offered protection – potentially saving up to 400 more lives.

Girls aged 12 to 13 years will be offered the HPV vaccine during Year 8.

Three injections will be needed over a period of about six months. During 2009 and 2010 there will be a catch-up programme, so all girls leaving school after 2010 will have been protected against cervical cancer later in life.

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our NHS and run community healthcare services, ses, health visitors and specialist therapists.

Schoolchildren weighed in obesity drive More than 4,000 schoolchildren in North Tyneside have had their weight and height measured as part of a drive to reduce obesity in children under 11 by 2010.

Patients asked for views Patients are being asked for their views on a proposed NHS Constitution which, for the first time, will bring together the rights and expectations of NHS staff and patients.

The national consultation will run until October 17 and focuses on what should be included in the document and how to put the constitution into practice.

The draft constitution is the result of initial consultations with three groups – patients, the public and NHS staff.

The proposed NHS constitution contains a set of principles and values to guide everything the health service does. It will: • Safeguard the future of the NHS and reinstate the commitment to provide a health service to every one – without discrimination – free at the point of need • Bring together in one place, for the

first time, the rights of patients so that everyone knows what they are entitled to and what to do if they don’t get what they should

• Explain the responsibilities of public, patients and staff, and how they link to the values of the NHS • Recognise that staff are the key to quality services.

Key rights proposed for the patient include: • The right to NHS approved drugs, if recommended by your doctor • The right to a clear and rational explanation about all decisions around funding for your treatment

• The right to make choices – based on good information and involvement – about your NHS care • The right to have a say in the planning and development of local services.

For further information about the constitution, click on http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_085812

North Tyneside PCT’s public health nurses made their annual visit to local schools and recorded the data, which is treated confidentially. Parents were then sent letters containing the results and were offered further advice and support if their child was found to be overweight.

As part of a national effort to improve children’s health and well-being, PCTs are required to measure the weight and height of children in reception class (ages four to five) and Year 6 (ages 10 to 11) on an annual basis during the summer term. The national child measurement programme is now in its third year.

One of the ways the PCT is attempting to combat childhood obesity is by working in partnership with the council to launch a new programme for children under 11.

A new ‘get active’ club is set to start in October and will run for 12 weeks.

Those under 11 who are overweight can take part in a weight management programme by attending a Carnegie Club in the borough.

The club has been created by experts at Leeds Metropolitan University as a way to help overweight children and their families become fit, healthy and happy.

For further information about the club, contact Diane Legg on 643 7454.

More PCT news on page 28 27

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Don't miss out on your flu jab has to be developed to ensure it will be effective against the condition. It is therefore important that people get the jab every year.

Dr Mike Guy, medical director of NHS North of Tyne primary care organisations, said: "Anyone can get seasonal flu but it is obviously more serious for older people and those with serious medical conditions.

Flu is much more severe than a cold.

It can lead to complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia and may be life-threatening for people who are already ill.

"Immunising carers is also important as it helps keep them healthy and protects the person they are caring for from the risk of flu.

People aged 65 and over, and those of any age with a serious medical condition, are being urged to have their annual jab to protect themselves against seasonal flu, which can have serious implications for those in the 'at risk' groups.

New campaign encourages patients to choose ‘Good news – you choose’ is the

message being given to patients in the North East, who now have more control over where and when they have hospital treatment.

Older people and those of any age with chronic medical conditions, particularly heart, chest, liver or renal conditions, are entitled to a free seasonal flu jab as well as those people who are the main carer for an older person or someone with a disability.

Each year, the seasonal strain of flu changes – which means a new vaccine

North Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT) is working with NHS organisations across the region on a major campaign involving TV adverts, radio, billboards, buses, posters and leaflets.

The campaign aims to increase the number of patients who exercise their right to choose a hospital appointment at the most convenient time and place for them.

Find out more at www.nhs.uk/choices or at your local library.

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Upclose • October 2008

"Most people recover from flu within a week or two but for some people it can be more serious and sadly potentially fatal."

People are urged to make an appointment with their GP surgery to make sure they get their jab before the flu season begins.

More information about the national flu immunisation programme can be found on www.immunisation.nhs.uk

This gives people more flexibility so that they can fit appointments around their work, family or any other commitments.

Patients can make their choice in a number of ways. They can speak to their GP or another member of staff while in the surgery. They can also use the internet or telephone the dedicated appointment line.

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Age Takes Centre Stage

Festival Programme 2008 1st - 31st October

The Age Takes Centre Stage Planning Group is proud to present the 13th festival for people over 50 in North Tyneside. A wide range of organisations help us to put on a whole month of special events, celebrations and opportunities to try new activities and we hope you will enjoy this year’s programme.

If you can remember the 1960s this festival is for you! Look out for some great music, memories, fashions and fun at the Festival Launch at the Shiremoor Centre. Everyone over 50 is invited to celebrate the International and UK Day for Older People at this free event.

Later in the month you can enjoy the Songs and Stories from the Sixties or have another go at some Sixties games. Meanwhile we take a trip back to the 1860s with a Victorian Day Out at Stephenson Museum during half term (when you can bring grandchildren along too). And in between you can try archery, salsa, or croquet, tour the River Tyne by ferry, see North Tyneside’s landmarks on a coach tour, or go further afield with six Heyday outings and the DFDS mini-cruise to the beautiful town of Delft.

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Due to popular demand there are SIX special coach outings in October, organised by Heyday with Chris Cooper Travel as part of Age Takes Centre Stage 2008.

Thursday October 2nd Scarborough via Guisborough Thursday October 9th Keswick via Rheged Tuesday October 14th Carlisle via Houghton Hall Thursday October 16th Richmond and Hawes Thursday October 23rd Ripon and Skipton Thursday October 30th Leeds Market

The cost is £11.50 per person for each outing.

The coaches pick up at Killingworth, West Allotment, Shiremoor, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, North Shields, Wallsend and Central Station.

Please telephone Chris Cooper Travel for availability: Telephone (0191) 421 1894. Once booked, cheques can be sent to Chris Cooper Travel, 8 Spoor Street, Dunston, Tyne & Wear. NE11 9BD

Pick up an entry card at any festival event to enter our Prize Draw.You could win:

• a £100 holiday voucher for a 2008 holiday with Chris Cooper Travel • an Age Takes Centre Stage hamper • 2 free Heyday annual memberships

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Events to enjoy all month Compost Awareness Special Offer recycle your waste and improve the garden too residents over 50 can apply for a free Home Composter delivered to your door.

Send your details and a photocopy of documentary proof of age, e.g. birth certificate, over 60 bus pass or passport to: Cleaner Neighbourhoods Home Composter Offer, North Tyneside Council, Harvey Combe, Killingworth, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE12 6WH (or take to your nearest Customer Service Centre). For more information call 219 2086 or 219 2493. Get help and advice to get going at the Free Home Composter Starter Sessions during the festival.

Visit Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum - and enjoy your local history for £1 with a copy of this programme. Tel 236 9347.

Take the ultimate undersea safari at Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth. Enjoy close encounters with our new seal cove, tropical sharks, giant octopus, seahorses and otters! A knowledgeable Aquarist will take you on a guided tour which will include a rockpool encounter - where you can meet a few of our creatures! We will end the tour with tea/coffee in the Café.

2pm every Thursday in October. £3.50 with copy of festival programme. Please book. Tel 2581031

IT at the Oxford Centre – check out a range of short IT sessions to improve your skills, including using emails & attachments, buying and selling on eBay. Free. For more details and to book a place call 200 7540.

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Borrow a book from Killingworth library on Mondays in October and get a voucher for a FREE drink in the Cygnet Café at White Swan Centre, Killingworth.

Tel 643 2040.

Cygnet Café special – come and try the special-priced two-course lunch, noon – 2pm every Wednesday at White Swan Centre, Killingworth Tel 200 8328.

Afternoon Offer at Jarrett’s Coffee Shop Bring a friend for free with 2 for 1 on coffees & teas on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (1.30-2.30pm) or drop in for a cuppa & scone/teacake for £1.50 at the same times. Bradbury Centre, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Tel 280 8484.

Swimming for £1 All holders of EASE cards can swim for £1 at Tynemouth Pool and The Lakeside Centre in Killingworth throughout off-peak times (9am-12, 1-4pm weekdays) all October. Tel 643 7447.

Miles for Medals Swimming Challenge – take part in a month-long challenge to swim 18 miles throughout the month of October. (a mile for each of the swimming medals won at the 1964 Olympics in Japan). Pick up your reward card from the reception at Tynemouth Pool or The Lakeside Centre in Killingworth.

Tel 643 7447.

Make a splash with Low impact Aquafit from 12.15-1pm every Thursday in October at Tynemouth Pool. £4.30 (or £3.20 with an EASE card) Please book. Tel 200 6192.

Badminton for £1 – all holders of EASE cards can play badminton for £1 throughout off-peak times (9am-12, 1-4pm weekdays) all October at the Lakeside Centre, Southgate, Killingworth. Tel 223 4177.

Skipping Sixties Go back to the school yard and take part in a skipping session for all abilities, with a skipping coach on hand. Come along for a social and fun activity from 7 – 8pm every Monday in October at Marden Bridge Sports Centre, Hillheads Road, Whitley Bay. Free. Tel 643 7447.

Health Walk or Carpet Bowls – Set off from the Oxford Centre, West Farm Ave, Longbenton to walk to places of local interest at 1pm every Wednesday in October (except 1st). Please wear suitable footwear. If it is raining we will play carpet bowls in the centre. Both activities finish with refreshments by 3pm. Free. Tel 200 7540.

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Age Takes Centre Stage Carpet Bowls on Fridays – learn and play a friendly game from 1.30 - 3.30pm at Howdon Community Centre, Denbigh Ave. Free. Tel 200 7344.

Festival Programme 2008

Salsa-cise Try a relaxed and social introduction to salsa from 7-8pm on Wednesdays in October at Marden Bridge Sports Centre, Hillheads Road, Whitley Bay. £4 or £2.30 with an EASE card – please book. Tel 643 7447.

Older People’s Exercise Class Gentle exercise to music with Joan Holmes from 10.30 – 11.30am Fridays in October at Howdon Community Centre, Denbigh Ave. Free. Tel 200 7344.

Free Gym at the Newcastle Fitness Room at Howdon Community Centre, Denbigh Ave, from 9am- 6.30pm every Thursday in October. Please contact reception to book an induction in advance as part of your first visit. Tel 200 7344.

Bums, Legs and Tums Exercise Class from 6-7pm on Thursdays in October at Marden Bridge Sports Centre, Hillheads Road, Whitley Bay. £4, or £2.30 with an EASE card – please book. Tel 643 7447.

66 World Cup Challenge Get more active and improve your football skills by taking part in weekly challenges to gain points. Will you get enough points to lift the World Cup? Teams and individuals welcome from 6-7pm every Monday in October at Marden Bridge Sports Centre, Hillheads Road, Whitley Bay. Free but please book. Tel 643 7447.

Tennis taster sessions – learn or improve with helpful coaching from 8-9pm every Wednesday in October at John Spence Community High School, Preston North Road, North Shields. Free. Tel 643 7447.

"What is ease card?

The ease card entitles you to discounts on North Tyneside Council's sport and leisure activities within North Tyneside.

Simply go along to any North Tyneside Council leisure centre to get yours."

Age Takes Centre Stage Awards During October the Age Takes Centre Stage Awards are presented on board the DFDS Seaways Ship MS King of Scandinavia at Royal Quays. These celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups aged over 50, and their contribution to the community on North Tyneside.

Age Takes to the Sea 2008 – the Delft Experience - from only £80 per person As well as hosting the Awards Ceremony, DFDS Seaways are offering a special two-night cruise break. Sailing from North Shields at 5.30pm on Wednesday, October 15th, the visit includes an excursion to Madurodam - a wonderful model of Holland in miniature - then on to the pretty town of Delft and a visit to the famous Delft Blue Pottery Factory before heading off to catch the return sailing - arriving back in North Shields at 9am on Friday, October 17th.

To book visit www.dfds.co.uk/age or call DFDS Seaways on 0871 882 0887 and Quote: X0125. Must be booked by September 30th. (A £10 telephone booking charge applies – there is no charge for booking online). DFDS Seaways full terms and conditions apply as printed in the 2008 DFDS Seaways Short Break Brochure. The offer is subject to availability and minimum numbers. Credit card charge applies.

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The North Tyneside Healthy Communities collaborative cancer symptoms awareness project, as part of the North Tyneside Strategic Partnership, is pleased to support the festival and at the same time promote an important health message.

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Festival Diary

Friday 3rd Drawing for beginners – have a go with help from tutor Joan Dunn, from 10am - noon at Woodlea Tenants Centre, Woodlea Court, North Shields. Free.

Tel 287 7021.

Look out for the Cancer Symptoms Awareness NHS information stand at festival events. This Healthy Communities project aims to help local people become aware of the symptoms of breast, lung and bowel cancer, seek early help from their GP and enjoy a longer life.

Did you know that life expectancy in North Tyneside is lower than the national average and cancer is a major cause of this difference? Over a third of local people who are diagnosed with cancer, are likely to get lung, breast or bowel cancer and most will be in the 50+ age group. Early diagnosis will ultimately help reduce the number of deaths from these three common cancers, which can all be successfully treated provided they are diagnosed in the early stage.

Meet our primary care trust staff and local volunteers and pick up information leaflets, try our quiz, or ask for advice at the display during festival events. For more details call Lesley Davie on (0191) 643 2890.

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Saturday 4th Coffee Morning at Tynemouth Library, Front Street. Call in from 10am - noon and enjoy the Hobbies Display. Free. Tel 200 5856.

Wednesday October 1st Celebrate the International Day for Older People With a Little Help from Your Friends at the Festival Launch – this year with a 1960s theme! There’ll be music, dancing, displays and lots of activities from 10.30am – 3pm at the Shiremoor Centre, Earsdon Road, with the official launch at 11am. You can enjoy the Sage Silver Samba Band, classic cars, vintage bicycles and fire engine, a 1960s memory room, Costumes welcome. Free. Tel 280 8498.

Thursday 2nd Heyday Outing to Scarborough via Guisborough - see page 30.

Explore your Family History – an introduction by Mildred & Mike Robson to sources of information and how to get started on researching your family. From 1-3pm at Age Concern North Tyneside, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. With follow up session 10am – noon on 28th Oct. Free (please book). Tel 280 8484.

Come Dancing – Ballroom demonstration by Malcolm McBean & Debbie Allison - take the floor and join in.

Starts at 3pm at Wallsend Masonic Hall.

Organised by Churches Working Together.

Tickets £2 (inc refreshments) from Bradbury Centre, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Tel 257 6127.

Monday 6th – Friday 10th Restaurant Special at the Rising Sun Countryside Centre – tea or coffee and a scone or cake for £2.20 with a copy of this programme. From 10am – 3.30pm at the Rising Sun Countryside Centre, off Whitley Road, Benton. Tel 200 7842.

Monday 6th Home Composter Starter Session help and advice about getting going with your new home composter (see page 30) 10am - noon at White Swan Centre, Killingworth. Free. Tel 219 2086 or 219 2493.

This year’s Festival Free Film is Grow Your Own, showing at 1pm and 3.30pm at the Saville Exchange, North Shields.

These showings have been supported by North Tyneside Council Allotments. You can book four FREE tickets per person (aged over 50 and living in North Tyneside) and 10 tickets for a group at The Buddle, Wallsend.

Tel 200 7132

Walk to Play - Walk through a historic section of North Tyneside starting at Tynemouth Priory and finishing at Tynemouth Toy Museum. After a short walk through Tynemouth, you can play or watch a swift round of mini-adventure golf, then move onto the toy museum, which will be opened exclusively to participants of the walk presenting a range of toys and memories from the 1960s, (open til 2pm).

Meet at 10.30am at Tynemouth Priory, Front Street. £1. Please book. Tel 643 7447.

One-to-one computer introductions at Central Library, North Shields – one and a half hour’s help to use the internet and set up an email account.

From 1.30pm. Free but please book.

Tel 200 5424.

One-to-one computer introductions at Central Library, North Shields – one and a half hour’s help to use the internet and set up an email account on the People’s Network. From 1.30pm. Free (please book.

Tel 200 5424.

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Age Takes Centre Stage

Festival Programme 2008

T-shirt design on computer. Bring in a photo to have text added, or design a personal logo. 2-4pm at Age Concern North Tyneside, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Workshop is free, Printing T-shirt is £8-12 (depending on style). Booking essential. Tel 280 8484.

Travel by camera by Whitley Bay Photographic Society A show of digitally produced audio-visual sequences with music. 3 – 4 pm (doors open at 2.30) at the Club Room, 3 Waverley Avenue, Monkseaton (behind Metro Station). Free, but booking essential as places are limited. (steps at this venue) Tel 252 4911.

Tuesday 7th Croquet for beginners – learn to play with help from members of Tynemouth Golf Croquet Club. 10am - noon at Tynemouth Cricket Club, Preston Avenue, North Shields.

Free but please book. Tel 251 5283.

Café Re – enjoy refreshments, music, good company, conversation, music, video, humour and worship, 2-3.30pm at Oxford St Methodist Church, Whitley Bay. Free.

Tel 253 1730.

Tyne Tour – 3 ½ hour cruise with commentary on the Tyne Ferry – serenaded by the Sage Silver Samba band under the Millennium Bridge. Meet at North Shields ferry landing for 11.35am. Arranged jointly with South Tyneside Older People’s Festival.

Café on board, or bring a picnic. Tickets £4 from Bradbury Centre, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Tel 280 8484.

Wed 8th Badminton for all Beginners and experienced players welcome, rackets, shuttles and help provided. Hosted by Badminton England and the Linskill Badminton Club 9.30-11.30am at The Parks Sports Centre, Howdon Rd, North Shields.

Free. Tel 290 3358.

Learn to text Drop in between 10am – 1pm with your mobile phone and practise text messaging. Age Concern North Tyneside, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Free. Tel 280 8499.

High Tides with Ruth Henderson Meet prize-winning local author Ruth Henderson and hear about her newly published debut novel. 2pm at the White Swan Centre, Killingworth. Free. Tel 643 2040.

6 for 60 An introduction to a range of six sports and activities from badminton to dance, and volleyball to table tennis.

11.45am – 2pm at The Parks Sports Centre, Howdon Road, North Shields. 60p. Tel 643 7447.

Walkabout in the Park Twohour guided walk around the Rising Sun Country Park. Meet 1.30pm at the Rising Sun Countryside Centre, off Whitley Road, Benton. Wear sturdy footwear and bring waterproofs. £1. Tel 200 7841.

Travels in Peru and Bolivia Talk by Kathy & Harry Kilbert plus Cream Tea at the Heyday Whitley Bay Friendship Centre 2pm at Cullercoats Methodist Church, Broadway. £1. Tel 237 3796.

Salsa Taster Hosted by the Howdon Home League. 2pm at St Paul’s Church, Willington Quay. Tickets £1 (inc refreshments) from the Bradbury Centre, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields.

Tel 257 6127.

Archery Taster Session - a coached introduction to archery for people over 50 of all abilities. From 7-9pm at the Sport & Leisure@Burnside, Burnside Business and Enterprise College, St Peters Road, Wallsend NE28 7LQ. Free. Tel 643 7447.

Thursday 9th Coffee Morning at Wallsend Library, Ferndale Avenue. Call in from 10am - noon and enjoy the photographic display. Free.

Tel 200 6968.

Heyday Outing to the Lake District Keswick via Rheged - see page 30

Making Changes – what would you like to do next? look at new directions and how to get there at this informal Back on Board workshop. 10am – 3pm at Age Concern North Tyneside, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Free, lunch included.

Booking essential. Tel 280 8497.

Ten Pin Bowling Challenge hosted by Heyday Friendship Centres. 11am at XS Superbowl, Whitley Road, Benton. Join in as an individual or bring a team of four along. £3.50 for two games and tea/coffee.

Tel 252 4967.

Coffee Morning at Whitley Bay Library, Park Road. Call in from 10.30am - noon. Free.

Tel 200 8500 Camcorder Editing Day with the Coast Video Club – drop in between 10am – 3pm at the Thomson Hall, Wallington Ave, Marden Estate to see club members’ videos, and see how they edit camcorder footage, add effects and music. Free.

Tel 257 6818.

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Coffee Morning at Shiremoor Library, Earsdon Rd. Call in from 10.30am - noon and enjoy the hobbies display. Free.

Tel 200 7839.

Reminisce over coffee with Life Choices, share some memories and make new friends at Chapelville, Chapel Place, Seaton Burn (behind Seaton Burn Club) 10.30am – 12.30pm. Free. Transport available. Tel 270 9801.

Holly Wood comes to North Shields for the Live at Home Concert -1.30pm at North Shields Methodist Church Hall, Hawkey’s Lane. Free. Refreshments 50p.

Tel 272 8368.

Friday 10th Intergenerational Resource Centre Open Day. See examples of projects between young and old and find out about intergenerational volunteering - Call in between 10am to 3pm at Wallsend Town Hall, High Street East. Free.Tel 07974 074 344.

Coffee Morning at Battle Hill Library, Berwick Drive. Call in from 10.30am - noon. Free. Tel 200 6976.

Cycling Opportunities for All – enjoy an afternoon on adapted cycles suitable for all abilities. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders. 2pm at The Parks Sports & Leisure Centre, Howdon Road, North Shields. £2. Tel 0797 4720002.

Little Acorns Sing at an afternoon of entertainment at the Oxford Centre, West Farm Ave, Longbenton, come along from 1pm – 2.30pm. Free. Café open. Tel 200 7540.

Sunday 12th Guided Local History Trail of Wallsend. Discover hidden features and local tales. Meet 1pm by Wallsend Forum (outside Anson Pub) for 1 ½ hour short walk with members of Wallsend Local History Society. Free. Tel 252 8545.

Monday 13th Coffee Morning at Coast Road Library, North Shields. Call in from 10.30am - noon. Free. Tel 200 5857.

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Coffee Morning at Forest Hall Library, Whitfield Rd. Call in from 10am noon and enjoy the photographic display. Free. Tel 200 7839.

Upclose • October 2008

The Best of the Borough Tour Guided coach tour of the landmarks of North Tyneside, see the regeneration taking place plus refreshment stop at the new Council Centre at Quadrant. Fully accessible coach including space for 4 wheelchairs. Leaves 2pm from Wallsend Bus Station, returns 4.30pm. Tickets £2 – please book from Wallsend Town Hall by October 6th.

Tel 200 6565.

Warm up for Winter – a warm welcome and lots of ideas for keeping warm, well and saving money over the coming months. From 3.30 – 6pm at Jarrett’s Coffee Shop, Age Concern North Tyneside, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Free.

(Soup & tea/coffee £1.95). Tel 280 8484.

Tuesday14th Coffee Morning at Wideopen Library, Canterbury Way. Call in from 10.30am - noon, see the Age Concern Craft Group’s papercrafts and embroidery, find out about a new Reading Group you could join and discover what else is going on locally. Free. Tel 200 7900 Heyday Outing to Carlisle via Houghton Hall - see page 30

Walk Northumberland – Six-mile walk to Shaftoe Crags with the Heyday Whitley Bay Friendship Centre. Leaving from Whitley Bay Sainsbury’s Car Park at 9.30am. Car share available. Free. Tel 252 0549.

Intergenerational Conference on Climate Change. A day for young and older people to explore and discuss this environmental challenge. 9.30am - 2.30pm at the Langdale Centre, Howdon. Free.

Booking essential. Tel 07974 074 344 Women’s Badminton From 8-10pm at John Spence Community High School Sports Hall, Preston Road, North Shields.

Hosted by North Tyneside Women & Girls

Badminton Club. Rackets and shuttles provided. Free for new players. Tel 290 3358.

Games of the 60s Remember when you could play out from dawn till dusk? Ever wished you could try it all again? The Sports Development Team is providing two hours of games and activities from the 60s.

Come along from 6.30-8.30pm and listen to some 60s music and relive your youth.

Sport&Leisure@Burnside, Burnside Business and Enterprise College, St Peter’s Rd, Wallsend. Free.

Tel 643 7447.

Wednesday 15th Papercrafts Easy ways to make beautiful cards and gifts from 10am – noon at Woodlea Tenants Centre, Woodlea Court, North Shields. Free.Tel 287 7021.

Shipwrecks around Whitley Bay Illustrated talk by Morag Horseman at Tynemouth & North Shields Heyday Friendship Group.

1.30pm at Tynemouth Social Club, Front Street.

(Steps at this venue).

Free.Tel 259 2774.

Healthy Eating Cookery Demonstration Marjorie Goodchild shows how to make sweet and savoury dishes. 2pm at Holy Saviour's Church Hall, Manor Road, Tynemouth (Hearing Loop and live subtitles).

Hosted by HoHo (Hard of Hearing Organisation).Tickets £1.To book - 252 3807.

Wed 15th – Fri 17th DFDS Mini Cruise to Amsterdam for the Delft Experience see page 31 Thursday 16th Heyday Outing to Richmond & Hawes - see page 30

Coffee Morning at Monkseaton Library, Woodleigh Rd. Call in from 10.30am - noon. Free. Tel 200 8538.

Wii Games in Whitley Bay – try tennis, golf, ten-pin bowling or baseball on the Nintendo Wii from 10am – noon at Age Concern North Tyneside’s Whitley Bay Centre, Park Rd. Free. Tel 280 8499.

Coffee Afternoon at Dudley Library, John Willie Sams Centre. Call in from 1-3pm and enjoy the ‘Keep young & beautiful’ display. Free. Tel 643 4345.

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Age Takes Centre Stage Pie & Pea Lunch followed by bingo.

Come along for a sociable lunch from 12.30-2.30pm at Howdon Community Centre, Denbigh Avenue. 50p but please book. Tel 200 7344.

One-to-one computer introductions at Central Library, North Shields – use the internet and set up an email account. From 1.30pm. Free but please book. Tel 200 5424.

Holly Wood comes to Killingworth – an afternoon of popular songs, entertainment and refreshments at the White Swan Centre with Killingworth Community Consortium. 2pm. Tickets 50p please book by calling 200 8328.

Friday 17th Coffee Morning at Cullercoats Library, St George’s Rd. Call in from 10am - noon and enjoy the Hobbies Display.

Free. Tel 200 8537.

Try Ten pin bowling on Nintendo Wii from 1.30-4.30pm at Age Concern North Tyneside, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Free but please book. Tel 280 8499.

Home Composter Starter Session - advice about getting going with your new home composter (see page 30) 2-4pm at Shiremoor Centre, Earsdon Road. Free. Tel 219 2086 or 219 2493.

Men’s Night Out for Good Health.

Buffet, quiz, try Wii bowling or golf, health checks and easy ways to better health (but no nagging!) from 6-9pm at the New Tunnel Club, Chatton Street, East Howdon. (Ladies – bring a 50+ man to the health night and enjoy a buffet & pamper session in the Lounge). Free but please book. Tel 287 7021.

Monday 20th Songs & Stories from the Sixties with Tom and Marge 1.30 at Balliol Centre, Chesters Avenue, Longbenton. With Young at Heart. Hearing Loop. Free. Tel 280 8498.

Online shopping. Find out about buying food and goods online – securely. From 2-4pm at Age Concern North Tyneside, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Free but please book. Tel 280 8484.

Tuesday 21st The Best of the Borough Tour Guided coach tour of the landmarks of North

Tyneside and see the regeneration taking place. Refreshment stop at the new Council Centre at Quadrant. Leaves 10am from Four Lane Ends Interchange, returns 12.30.

Tickets £2 – please book from Wallsend Town Hall by October 14th.

Tel 200 6565.

Café Re – enjoy refreshments, music, good company, conversation, music, video from 2-3.30pm at Oxford St Methodist Church, Whitley Bay. Free. Tel 253 1730.

Christmas Papercrafts – make festive cards & gifts from 2-4pm at Age Concern, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. £2 – please book. Tel 280 8484.

Give us a Kiss – see this short comic gem

by Cecil Taylor about a couple who can only talk to each other through their pet budgie!

A Bruvvers Theatre Production at the White Swan Centre, Killingworth at 2pm. Tickets £5 (North Tyneside residents 50+ get two tickets for the price of one). Tel 643 2040.

Recreational Badminton Play at your own pace, or take advantage of North Tyneside Council’s sports development coaching. 6.30-8.30pm at Sport and Leisure@Burnside, Burnside Business and Enterprise College, St Peter’s Rd, Wallsend.

Free but please book. Tel 643 7447.

Wed 22nd Recreational Badminton (As above) 12 - 2pm at Parks Sports Centre, North Shields. Free .Tel 643 7447.

Festival Songs of Praise with Churches Working Together. Join in with some well-loved hymns and stay for refreshments. 2pm at St Paul’s Church, Willington Quay. Tel 257 6127.

Festival Programme 2008

Camcorder Editing Day with the Coast Video Club – between 10am – 3pm at the Bradbury Centre, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. See how to edit camcorder footage. Free. Tel 257 6818.

Heyday Outing to Ripon & Skipton see page 30

Songs & Stories from the Sixties with Tom and Marge 1.30 at Trinity Church Hall, Station Road, Wallsend with Hand in Hand.

Free. Tel 280 8498.

Behind the Scenes at Central Library, guided tour from 2pm. Free but booking essential – book at Central Library reception or tel 200 5424.

Friday 24th Silver Surfers Come and try surfing with an expert instructor. All equipment provided, just bring your swimwear and a towel. 10am – noon on the Long Sands, Tynemouth. £10 – please book by calling Rubber Soul on 257 5032.

Coffee Morning at Shiremoor Library, Earsdon Rd. Call in from 10.30am noon . Free. Tel 200 7839.

Games of the 60s Remember when you could play out from dawn till dusk? The sports development team is providing two hours of games and activities from the 60s.

Come along from noon – 2pm to The Parks Sports Centre, Howdon Road, North Shields and listen to some 60s music and relive your youth. Free. Tel 643 7447.

Ten Pin Bowling Challenge hosted by Heyday Friendship Centres.

6.30pm at XS Superbowl, Whitley Road, Benton.

Come as an individual or bring a team of four along. £8.50 for two games and a basket meal. Tel 252 4967.

Thursday 23rd Fit as a fiddle Volunteer Open Day Find out how the project can help you to encourage others to choose healthy eating and activities. 10am 2pm Age Concern North Tyneside’s Whitley Bay Centre, Park Rd. Free but please book. Tel 280 8499.

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Age Takes Centre Stage Behind the Scenes at Central Library, North Shields – guided tour from 2pm. Free but booking essential – book at Central Library reception or tel 200 5424.

Saturday 25th Older People’s Health Information Day - displays, demonstrations and health checks from 10am – 1pm at North Shields Methodist Church,Hawkey’s Lane.

Organised by North Shields Live at Home Scheme. Free. Tel 272 8368.

Monday 27th Knit Together - Bring your own knitting or join in our knitting at a sociable morning from 10am- 12noon at Age Concern North Tyneside, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Free. Tel 287 7027.

Calendar Making with a computer.

Bring in digital photos or use copyright-free images to make your own 2009 calendar.

From 2-4pm at Age Concern North Tyneside, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Free but please book. Tel 280 8484.

ActiveAge Salsa-cise Join in to learn these Latin dance steps without needing a partner. 2pm at The Meadows, Waterville Road, Meadow Well. Free. Tel 280 8484.

Evening Eaters Individuals or small groups are invited to a sociable meal out. Organised

by Age Concern North Tyneside. Meeting at 5.30pm at Pane e Vino, 185 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay. Cost depends on meal. Please book by October 13th by calling 280 8484.

Tuesday 28th A Victorian Day Out at Stephenson Museum, Middle Engine Lane. Take a trip back to the 1860s with local news, crafts, memorabilia and costumes. Open 11am 4pm with steam train rides from 12.20 3pm. Costumes welcome. Free.Tel 200 7146.

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Upclose • October 2008

Wallsend Pensioners’ Social Afternoon – 1-4pm at Wallsend Memorial Hall, Frank Street. Tickets £2.50 Tel 262 8761.

Wednesday 29th An I-Spy Stroll at Royal Quays. Meet at The Parks Leisure Centre, North Shields at 10.15am. Answer the quiz on this stroll to win a prize. Free. Tel 280 8484.

Songs & Stories from the Sixties with Tom and Marge 1.30 St John’s Community Centre, Percy Main. Free. Tel 280 8498.

Country & Western Afternoon - with the Howdon Home League. Fancy Dress optional.1pm at St Paul’s Church, Willington Quay.Tickets £2 inc refreshments) from the Bradbury Centre, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields.Tel 257 6127.

Thursday 30th Heyday Outing - Leeds Market. See page 30.

Tai chi for Arthritis – Try this ancient form of gentle exercise. beginners welcome 11am – noon at Woodlea Tenants Centre, Woodlea Court, North Shields. Free. Tel 287 7021.

Older People’s Stakeholder Event see press for more details nearer the date.

Behind the Scenes at Central Library, North Shields – guided tour from 2pm. Free but booking essential – book at Central Library reception or tel 200 5424.

Friday 31st Halloween Tea Dance From 1.30-4pm at the Linskill Centre, Linskill Terrace, North Shields. Tickets £2.50 (include tea) from Age Concern North Tyneside, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields. Tel 280 8484.

Festival Programme 2008

Age Takes Centre Stage is North Tyneside’s annual festival for people aged over 50. For more information, including photos from previous years, visit our website: www.agetakescentrestage.org.uk Ideas and offers for the 2009 festival are warmly invited. For more details call 280 8498 or email: info@agetakescentrestage.org.uk

It is a joint project involving local organisations promoting older people’s issues, in partnership with North Tyneside Council. For more information about any of the organisations, please call: Age Concern North Tyneside

Tel 280 8484

Churches Working Together

Wallsend & North Shields Tel 257 6127 Heyday Friendship Centres Tel 252 4967 North Tyneside Council Tel 200 7539 Older People’s Forum Tel 280 8496

For a large print programme please call (0191) 280 8498.

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Schools celebrate

first class results

A-level students in North Tyneside are celebrating another great set of results.

The borough saw an overall pass rate of 99 per cent - an increase of one per cent on last year - with five high schools achieving a 100 per cent pass rate.

Overall, 17 per cent of entries were awarded an A grade.

At Whitley Bay High School, where 99.5 per cent of all exams entered were awarded grade A-E, Leuan Lewis, 18, was delighted with straight As in geography, chemistry and biology, meaning he secured his place at University College, London, to study medicine.

Fellow student Richard Coldwell was similarly proud of his 3 As and a B and is heading for Durham University to study law.

Celebrations: Emily Burnside, Richard Coldwell and (far right) Leuan Lewis and colleague Jennifer Armstrong.

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Upclose • October 2008

Meanwhile, Seaton Burn College celebrated its first Oxbridge-bound student, Emily Burnside.

Emily gained A grades in chemistry, biology and physics and a B in maths, and was accepted to read Natural Sciences at Jesus College, Cambridge.

"I was very nervous beforehand but so pleased with the results,” said a delighted Emily.

“It's been hard work but I've been helped immensely by the school and been given so much encouragement, particularly from the head teacher, head of sixth form, and my biology teacher who has taught me throughout.”

Elected mayor John Harrison said: “The A-level results demonstrate that youngsters in North Tyneside are

working hard, aiming high and getting the results they deserve.

"The council is committed to nurturing the aspirations of our young people and enabling them to achieve their ambitions, and I wish them all a very positive future."

Cllr Norma Redfearn, cabinet member for Children,Young People and Learning, said: “A-level examinations involve tremendous hard work and commitment by students and teachers, and everyone should feel very proud of their success.

“As a council, we must make sure that children have high hopes and aspirations in order to see a brighter future. We will continue to work together with schools, students and families to ensure every child has the opportunity to achieve.”

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Education The number of students in North Tyneside achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE was 67.5 per cent – a rise of almost five per cent on 2007 and an improvement for the third year running.

This year’s results also saw the highest-ever percentage of pupils achieving five or more A*-C grades including maths and English – 51.5 per cent.

Among those celebrating success was St Thomas More High School in North Shields.

The school achieved its highest-ever pass rate, with 84 per cent of students gaining five or more A*-C grades (69 per cent with maths and English) and more than 20 pupils gaining either 9 or 10 straight A and A* grades.

Churchill Community College, Wallsend – named as a ‘national challenge’ school in June – exceeded its government-set benchmark with 31 per cent of pupils achieving at least five A*-C GCSEs including maths and English.

Overall, 61 per cent of pupils at the college attained at least five A*-C grades.

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Tucking in: Pupils at Moor Edge Primary, Killingworth.

Pupils fully fuelled for learning North Tyneside’s primary children are fully fuelled for learning.

Pupils at schools in the first phase of the Fuel 4 Kids breakfast scheme benefited from a free breakfast on their return to school in September.

They tucked into cereal, toast, fruit juice and fresh fruit before the start of the school day.

The scheme is being phased in across the rest of the borough’s primary schools over the coming weeks.

Fuel 4 Kids aims to provide primary school children with the right food for learning, by offering a free healthy breakfast in school in each morning, and snacks of fresh fruit and milk throughout the day.

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Research shows a healthy breakfast – a meal that is often missed – provides the nutrition a child needs to be at their best at school.

Upclose • October 2008

Small changes make a big difference, and by making a healthy breakfast available free for every primary school child, North Tyneside pupils will get the start to the day they need to help them learn.

Encouraging breakfast and good eating habits at an early age can also improve their health, assisting growth and development and also helping to prevent obesity.

Elected mayor John Harrison said: “We are absolutely committed to working with parents to improve the health, well-being and achievement of all our children.

“Through Fuel 4 Kids, we hope that by providing children with the right start to the day via breakfast, plus healthy snacks, we will help them develop their full potential, achieving more at school and going on to a successful future.”

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Education

Tea-time is treat for good behaviour Tea-time with teacher is helping to encourage good conduct at a local primary school.

Pupils at Carville Primary in Wallsend are selected to take afternoon tea with the head teacher, which involves all the trimmings of a traditional English tea, including dainty sandwiches, homemade cakes and tea taken from cups and saucers.

The treat is part of the 'Good to be Green' behaviour management scheme, based on a traffic light system with children awarded a green card for good conduct, a yellow card for a warning and a red card for consequences.

Pupils who have had a straight run of green cards across each half term are rewarded.

Head teacher Claire Johnson said the children's response to the scheme has been brilliant.

" We've seen a significant improvement in behaviour right across the year groups since its introduction.

“The traffic light system is simple and effective - and very easy for pupils to understand. They are all working very hard to make sure they don't get a red or yellow card.

“The most important thing is that the system rewards the children who behave well day in and day out."

She said the pupils had noticed the changes in themselves and their

Tea-time: Elected mayor John Harrison takes tea with pupils at Carville Primary.

classmates, with one boy in year five saying 'we're really bothered about being good and staying on green.

People who used to be naughty now try really hard not to be'.

The reward scheme also includes regular monthly treats such as 'circus skills' and 'party animals', as well as the half-term tea party.

Elected mayor John Harrison and Cllr Norma Redfearn, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Learning, were invited to have tea with the well-behaved youngsters.

"We want our young people to enjoy learning, and good behaviour in school is a vital part of this,” said Mr Harrison.

“It's wonderful to hear about these young people becoming more respectful individuals."

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Fact-finding visit: Baroness Andrews meets some of the residents at Clifton Court.

A government minister has seen at first hand the council’s exciting plans to transform its sheltered accommodation.

North Tyneside has been awarded around £100m in Private Finance Initiative (PFI) credits from Communities and Local Government (CLG) to fund the ‘Older People, Homes for the Future’ project.

The initiative will transform 32 sheltered housing schemes to provide high quality independent living.

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sheltered scheme

Special visitor for scheme in Beaumont Park, Whitley Bay.

She met tenants and the council team before being given a presentation of the plans and a tour of the scheme, which demonstrated the inadequacy of the current accommodation.

Roy Marston, manager of Older People, Homes for the Future, said: “We were delighted to welcome Baroness Andrews to North Tyneside. The tenants and our team really enjoyed meeting her.

Baroness Kay Andrews, parliamentary under secretary at CLG, found out more about the initiative during a visit to the Clifton Court sheltered accomodation

“It gave us the opportunity to illustrate some of the challenges currently faced by older people in our sheltered accomodation and to demonstrate how we plan to meet the needs and aspirations of our tenants.

Cutting-edge green technology could feature in the sheltered housing schemes, thanks to a partnership between the council and Northumbria University.

through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), which helps support the cost of employment, equipment, training and travel associated with the initiatives.

Building green houses Graduate Alex Hope will assess the renewable energy potential of the sites and advise on the most appropriate technology.

It is believed to be the first time that the use of renewable energy is being explored across an entire public sector housing initiative.

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Known as an associate, Alex’s position is part-funded by a government grant

Upclose • October 2008

“An open invitation has been extended to the baroness to return in the future to see the progress of the project.”

A further associate, who is still to be appointed, will work on evaluating design proposals in terms of aesthetics, spatial layout and building construction to ensure the very best sustainable homes for the future.

The pair will liaise with contractors interested in tendering for the work to drive up standards and ensure the latest technologies and best practices are incorporated in the proposals.

Alex, who lives in North Tyneside, graduated with a BSC in Environmental Management. His dissertation explored the ways renewable energy could be used to heat and power residential care homes.

He said: “I’m an environmentalist, I live in North Tyneside myself, and believe what I’m doing can benefit the whole community, not just older people.

“Over the next couple of years there will be lot of changes as new cutting-edge technology starts to break through, so it is set to be a really innovative project.”

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Services of Remembrance Civic Services of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, November 9 at the following locations.

Wallsend - the War Memorial, Burns Closes (11am) From 10.40am, the elected mayor, deputy chairman and council party will march in procession from Holycross Cemetery to a service at the Burns Closes War Memorial.

They will be accompanied by the uniformed services, ex-servicemen and women, and other organisations.

North Shields - the War Memorial, Hawkey’s Lane (11am) A parade of service units and representatives of local organisations, will leave the forecourt at Tyne Metropolitan College, Hawkey’s Lane, North Shields at 10.40am.

Service organised by the Whitley Bay, North Shields & District Royal British Legion. The chairman and civic party will attend.

Longbenton - War Memorial, St Bartholomew’s Church, Benton (11am) The parade will leave the Forest Hall Ex-Servicemen’s Institute at 10.30am and march along Station Road to St Bartholomew’s for the service at the War Memorial, followed by a church service. Service organised by the Forest Hall Royal British Legion. The deputy mayor will attend.

Whitley Bay - War Memorial, The Links, Whitley Bay (3pm) The parade will leave the Royal British Legion, Victoria Terrace, at 2.30 pm and march down Park Avenue to the War Memorial for the service. Service

Surfer rescued

Beach lifeguards Sandy Kerr and Will Hogg have helped to save the life of a surfer who got into difficulties off Tynemouth Longsands.

organised by the Whitley Bay, North Shields & District Royal British Legion.

The chairman and deputy chairman, elected mayor and deputy mayor will attend.

The public are invited to attend any of the services.

Remembrance Day

Act of Remembrance and two minutes silence.

White Swan Centre, Killingworth – Tuesday, November 11.

A civic service of remembrance will be held at the Post-1945 Jigsaw Memorial at 11am. The service will be attended by the elected mayor and the chairman of the council, and will be followed by the laying of wreaths and remembrance crosses.

e-policing news NORTHUMBRIA POLICE

Receive news from your local neighbourhood policing team direct to your mailbox.

The alarm was raised after the surfer was spotted about 500 to 600 metres off Sharpness Point, failing to make any progress through the huge waves.

The rescue craft was launched but due to the constantly breaking surf, Sandy and Will had to work their way back and forth along the shore, picking a safe route through the surf.

They eventually managed to grab the exhausted surfer and haul him aboard the rescue boat.

Warren Taylor, the council’s environmental recreation manager, said: “This was an extremely difficult rescue, carried out quickly, professionally and with one aim in mind – to get through the surf and bring back the surfer, who was in serious difficulties.”

The borough’s beach lifeguards all hold the Royal Lifesaving Society’s national qualification. Up to 16 are on duty at the four beaches during the summer months and this figure can rise to 22 during the busy holiday periods.

We’ll send you information about our latest initiatives and useful crime prevention advice as well as how you can get in touch with your neighbourhood policing team.

Free online registration Visit www.northumbria.police.uk Enter your postcode in the “where I live” section, this will take you to the North Tyneside area pages. You will then be given the option to register for your free e-policing newsletter.

To contact your neighbourhood policing team directly call: 03456 043 043 ext 69191

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Can you make a difference?

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more permanent accommodation.

A national charity is looking for volunteers who can make a “In return, all our volunteers receive full difference to the lives of vulnerable training, expenses and 24-hour support.” young people in North Tyneside.

Nightstop North East – part of the Depaul Trust – has a network of householders, called hosts, who provide safe accommodation on a night-by-night basis.

The charity is holding an open day in Whitley Bay on Saturday, October 11 for people who are interested in offering a spare room to a disadvantaged young person.

Anyone interested in becoming a host can call in at the Methodist church hall on Oxford Street between 1pm and 4pm to talk to staff and find out more about the project.

“We are looking for people that want to make a lasting difference to a young person’s life,” said project worker Liz Fry.

“They offer a spare room and a secure environment for a young person to spend the night, while we work on finding them

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Upclose • October 2008

It is estimated that more than 75,000 young people become homeless each year, often through no fault of their own.

Family breakdown is the most common cause of youth homelessness and young people can find themselves alone and desperate in their time of need.

During the last year, Nightstop projects around the UK provided more than 5,200 ‘bed nights’ – keeping young people off the streets and out of danger.

If you can’t make the open day but are interested in finding out more, please call Liz Fry or Tracy McDonald on (0191) 253 6161 or email: liz.fry@depaultrust.org or tracy.mcdonald@depaultrust.org

Case study

At the age of 16, Laura was thrown out by her parents after telling them she was pregnant.

For a few nights she managed to stay with friends but soon had to find alternative accommodation. She was referred to Nightstop, where she was placed with a local family for the weekend.

During the following week, she stayed with several volunteer hosts and the extra time enabled Nightstop to find the right accommodation for Laura – a hostel and then a flat of her own, where she is now living with her new-born baby.

She said: “Without Nightstop, I would have found it very difficult to manage.

When I was homeless, I felt depressed and vulnerable. The people I stayed with were kind and understanding and helped me get through a difficult time.”

Laura is now planning to go back to college to continue her education.

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New fund launched

A new fund to help residents improve their neighbourhoods has been set up by the council.

There will be one award of up to £10,000, two of up to £5,000 and a number of awards up to £1,000.

And it will be residents themselves who will decide where the money should be spent.

The money can be used for a variety of projects, such as providing plants for a green space or staging a community fun day – just so long as it improves the neighbourhood.

The Elected Mayor’s Well-being Fund for Neighbourhoods follows the success of three similar schemes: Children and Young People Community and Voluntary Sector Organisations Older People

Elected mayor John Harrison said: “The well-being funds are improving thousands of lives across the borough.

“I’ve seen at first hand what a big difference the funds are making, which is why I’m delighted to announce this latest scheme.”

During 2007/08, the existing wellbeing funds made awards to more than 200 individuals and organisations, totalling £337,000.

After six months ‘camping out’ in a local school, churchgoers have returned to their newly-refurbished building.

St Andrew’s Church in Benton has undergone a £1m redevelopment to make it more accessible for church and community groups.

The money was raised by the sale of the former Christ Church building in

An initial review of applications to the Well-being Fund for Neighbourhoods will be made to ensure they meet the criteria. Successful applicants will then be invited to an event on November 27, where they can hear about the other applications and vote to decide who gets funding.

The awards cannot be used to fund things that should be provided by either the government or the council; profit-making activities or projects that promote anti-social behaviour.

How do I apply?

To apply to the Elected Mayor’s Wellbeing Fund for Neighbourhoods, you will need to complete a written application form, supported by at least four households in the same neighbourhood.

If you have any queries or require a form, please contact: Felicity Shoesmith, Quadrant, North Tyneside Council, The Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park,North Tyneside. NE27 0BY Phone: 643 7071, or email: felicity.shoesmith@northtyneside.gov.uk

Completed application forms must be returned to Felicity Shoesmith by 4pm on Monday, October 20.

Forest Hall and various grants, including one of £48,000 from the well-being fund for community and voluntary sector organisations.

Members of the congregation also joined in the massive fundraising effort – pledging nearly £170,000 between them.

Elected mayor John Harrison was among those who took part in the official rededication ceremony, cutting a ribbon to declare the building ‘open’.

Another group to benefit from the well-being fund is the Seaton Burn Community Partnership, which received a grant for its new allotment workshop.

The workshop, made out of a former steel shipping container, is situated at the community allotment at Blagdon Terrace, Seaton Burn.

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North Tyneside Strategic P

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A successful year for the borough

The NTSP’s Sustainable Community Strategy for North Tyneside presents an ambitious vision for the borough, painting a picture of what life might look like in the year 2030.

alongside information on North Tyneside’s Local Area Agreement.

Some of the highlights include . . .

What emerges is a positive picture of progress in the borough during the year, with a whole range of activity that has taken place reflected in the report – work undertaken by the council, primary care trust, voluntary sector, the police and other partners all represented.

A detailed report on how far we are moving towards achieving that vision has been produced by the partnership.

Measures of performance are included to show where progress has been particularly strong or where further action is needed.

The report covers the period April 2007 to March 2008. Major themes with which the NTSP is concerned are included,

2005/06 Performance

2006/07 2007/08 Performance Performance 14.8%

14.5%

Pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C or equivalent

54.2%

61.9%

62.6%

Children under age 11 classed as obese

15.1%

14%

Adult smoking rate

No data collected

Number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents (per 100,000 population)

No data collected 53

26.5%

25.6%

28%

23.4%

18.8%

9,414

8,511

7,345

Working age people on ‘out of work’ benefits

Relevant land assessed as having deposits of litter and detritus below the acceptable level Number of overall crimes reported

15.4%

61

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Trend

North Tyneside Strategic Partnership (NTSP) brings together representatives from voluntary and community groups, health organisations, businesses and industry, learning providers, police and emergency services, Jobcentre Plus and North Tyneside Council.

Partners pool their resources, carrying out a wide range of initiatives.

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An enterprising borough

North Tyneside has been actively marketed as a premier location for business, both nationally and internationally. The demand for business land has been consistently strong for the past five years.

Levels of economic prosperity have grown significantly. The employment rate has improved in the borough and earnings of residents have grown faster than in the rest of Tyne and Wear.

However, despite this real success, pockets of deprivation remain. This ‘gap’ poses a major challenge for the partnership to address.

A learning borough

The new £10m Beacon Hill Special School opened in early 2008, part of a major investment programme to build schools for the 21st Century. Facilities include a business and enterprise suite.

A focus on raising standards continued with all secondary schools achieving significantly above national targets for five A* - C GCSEs and a programme to support personalised learning launched.

The rate of 16 year-olds staying on in education or training increased in 2007.

A healthy borough

The overall rate of childhood obesity in the borough has declined. Work with parents is underway to identify barriers to adopting healthier lifestyles.

Upclose • October 2008• Tel: (0191) 643 5608 • Email: ntsp@northtyneside.gov.uk • www.ntsp-online.org.uk Contact NTSP

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The gap between the national and local death rates for both cancer and cardio-vascular disease is being reduced. But the overall life expectancy gap between the borough and the national average is still to be reduced.

The proportion of adult residents who smoke has been reduced to 26% – more than 43,000 people.

The council and primary care trust are working hard together to expand stop smoking services.

An accessible borough

Congestion problems on the borough’s roads are declining and there has been a welcome reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents.

Access to the internet is improving.

New customer service centres have opened at Shiremoor and Dudley, both with increased access to the People’s Network.

A borough of sustainable neighbourhoods Fear of crime is falling – 61 per cent of residents said in the 2008 residents survey that they felt safe after dark, 6 per cent more than the previous year.

Anti-social behaviour has been reduced by as much as 40 per cent on some housing estates and the work of the council’s Safer Estates Team has gained national recognition.

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Event looks at ‘closing the gap’

This year’s NTSP Away Day was held at the Riverside Centre in July and focused on how partners can work better together to ‘close the gap’ between the most deprived areas in North Tyneside and the rest of the borough.

Representatives from the council, primary care trust, police, VODA, GONE, Jobcentre Plus, North Tyneside Coalition for Disabled People, learning & skills council, Age Concern and the private sector looked at how their organisations can make a difference to the key issues facing the borough.

Making access to education, training and employment easier for residents, so that they can fulfil their full potential, was among the issues discussed.

Motivating people to live healthier lifestyles; being ‘greener’ in how we treat our environment and feeling safer in our communities were also subjects for debate.

Many ideas came out of the day, including getting employers to be more

supportive of vulnerable people when they gain employment, through mentoring schemes and targeted recruitment.

Communicating better with our communities; making sure that messages get through to all different groups within the borough and making best use of new technology were also suggested.

Those who attended the Away Day felt it was a great opportunity to work with other organisations on the same problems.

The partnership is committed to delivering the 2030 vision and will continue to look at better ways to get there quicker.

Elected mayor John Harrison, chair of the partnership, said: “The NTSP Away Day gave all partners the chance to think about our plans, talk about our aspirations for the borough and plan for a better future together.

“We can’t get there alone but together we can make a real difference to people’s lives. And that’s what the partnership is all about.”

More efficient use of energy has been promoted through the Warm Zone scheme with more than 9,500 doorstep assessments being carried out and measures to reduce fuel poverty taken in over 100 homes.

For a copy of the report, see news section at: www.ntsp-online.org.uk

find out about the Place Survey: page 49

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Make your life

Work Have you been out of work for any length of time?

Are you bringing up children alone and unsure of your options?

Do you need to update your skills?

Are you disabled or suffering from illness or struggling to find work?

A new programme in North Tyneside can give you the support to find a job

Find out about the support available and forthcoming events.

For more information tel: 0191 200 7198

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North Tyneside Strategic Partnership

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Survey will improve services A postal survey being carried out over the next few months will assess what people in North Tyneside think of their local area and public services.

The aim of the questionnaire – called the Place Survey – is to provide better services and improve the quality of life for residents.

It covers the following topics:

About the local area (defined as within 15 to 20 minutes of respondent’s home)

Local public services (specifically police, health, fire and council services)

Information (how well informed re spondents feel about eight aspects of public services)

Local decision-making (respondents’ involvement and ability to influence)

Getting involved (membership of groups affecting decisions about the local area)

Respect and consideration (perceptions of how people treat each other and are treated themselves)

Community safety (feelings of safety, anti-social behaviour and how public services respond to local area issues)

Results from the survey will also allow people to compare their area with other parts of the country, and for local public services to track their own performance over time, based on their residents’ views.

Ipsos MORI will carry out the Place Survey in North Tyneside. The findings will be sent to the government, which will compare how different local authority areas perform. This information will then help public services such as the council, police, health and fire services to understand how to provide better services to local people.

In North Tyneside, 5,000 people (selected at random) are being invited to fill in the questionnaire – with a minimum of 1,100 responses needed

by December 19.

So please take this opportunity to let us know what you think of your local area and services.

If you receive a questionnaire, please fill it out and return it in the pre-paid envelope provided, before December 19.

Fact-finding: The aim of the Place Survey is to find out what people think about local public services, including the police.

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North Tyneside’s Adoption Team is committed to finding families for children of different ages and backgrounds.

Although we are successful in the number of children placed for adoption, we always need more people who are prepared to adopt and we particularly need to recruit couples and individuals who feel they can provide a loving home for an older child, or two or three brothers and sisters together.

Here are some of the more frequently-asked questions about adoption, along with a case study of a child who was eventually adopted. If you would like to know more, please contact the team on (0191) 200 1013.

What is adoption?

It’s a way of providing a new family for children who cannot be brought up by their parents.

Who are the children that need adopting?

There are many reasons why children cannot be looked after by their birth parents. Nationally, as many as 4,000 need an adoptive family each year.

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Upclose • October 2008

Can you provide a loving home?

Page 50

Children can come from a variety of religious and ethnic backgrounds. Many are of school age and more than half have brothers or sisters who also need to be placed.

Who can adopt?

You need to be over 21 and have the time, space, energy and commitment to give a child a secure, loving place in your family.

There is no upper age limit for adoptive parents and we welcome enquiries from parents whose children have grown up but still feel they have plenty to give to a child who needs a family.

Individuals can apply as well as couples and you don’t have to be married or in a civil partnership to adopt.

What if I’m gay?

Since the law changed in 2005, it is now possible for same sex couples and individuals to adopt.

What if I’m disabled?

We focus on the person and what they have to offer a child, rather than their disability. So yes, you can apply to become an adoptive parent.

How do we start the process?

Telephone the Adoption Team on (0191) 200 1013 and the duty social worker will explain more about the process.

How long does it take?

The process is quite long as you need to attend our ‘preparing to adopt’ sessions. Your social worker will then complete an in-depth assessment to find out if you have what it takes to become an adoptive parent.

The assessment process can take up to eight months and includes criminal record checks and undergoing a medical. You will also need to provide the names of people who would be willing to provide a reference.

What happens next?

Your social worker will take your completed assessment to the council’s Adoption Panel. The panel is made up of individuals from different backgrounds. They read your assessment and make a recommendation as to whether you should be approved as an adoptive parent.

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Case history

Adoption

Jessica was taken into care when she was six months-old.

Her parents, David and Michelle, had a history of drug and alcohol misuse and their continued drug use made it impossible for them to keep Jessica at home.

The couple’s first child, Melissa, had previously been taken into care and later adopted.

Although there was a history of problems in the family, social workers still did everything they could to keep Jessica at home.

When it was clear this would not work, Children’s Services applied for a court order to allow them to take Jessica into care. She was placed with foster carers in North Tyneside and David and Michelle were able to see her everyday.

Sadly, they stopped going and although they were invited to all the meetings to discuss Jessica’s future, they rarely attended and refused to work with professionals to address their drug and alcohol problems.

A decision then had to be made about adoption. This is never easy and is not made by one person but by an independent panel of people from varying backgrounds.

They have to read the social workers’ reports and recommend whether the child should be placed for adoption.

The head of Safeguarding Children in North Tyneside makes the final decision and, in Jessica’s case, it was decided that she should be adopted.

Where an older brother or sister has already been adopted, the team always approach the adoptive parents first, as it is important to try to keep brothers and sisters together.

In this case, Melissa’s adoptive parents were overjoyed to become parents to Jessica as well.

The children are now getting on really well and loving life in a secure home with their new mum and dad.

The above names have been changed for confidentiality Picture posed by models

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Art is the missing link While the bricks and mortar are taking shape in the regeneration of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside’s new artistic director Keith Barrett is working to add an essential ingredient.

For he is helping local people put culture at the heart of the town’s future success – making it a place where people enjoy living and want to visit.

And in the process, he hopes to help the community identify their vision for Whitley Bay, so they can guide the growth of the town they live and work in.

“A good environment enhances people’s lives, and means that visitors wish to return,” said Keith, who has been awarded a commission with the council.

“My role will be to help the community capture the core positive characteristics of Whitley Bay, and help to identify ways in which the arts can contribute to the regeneration scheme.

“This could be in terms of helping to shape the fabric of the town, or with ideas for permanent public art works, or it could be through other disciplines such as performance events that bring communities together.”

Keith, who lives in North Shields, is an environmental artist who specialises in using natural materials, and builds works that enhance people’s experience of their environment.

He has been commissioned by communities throughout the UK, and in the United States and Italy.

New commission: Artistic director Keith Barrett.

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Upclose • October 2008

He also specialises in using arts to help people engage with their environment and he combines that with a conviction that communities have to be about people.

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Regeneration As chair of a residents association in North Shields for 10 years, he helped bring the community together to tackle social problems ranging from dereliction and vandalism, to serious anti-social behaviour and environmental neglect, and to build a strong community identity.

The group earned government funding to create the borough’s first ‘Home Zone’ and worked with artists to build permanent art works, winning a bronze Green Apple award – along with the council – for best environmental practice.

It is these skills that Keith hopes to harness in Whitley Bay.

“I think it’s important that as many people as possible are involved and encouraged to use the arts to express their future vision for the development of Whitley Bay,” said Keith.

“They can help tie together the various elements of the regeneration scheme and bring it further into town, particularly addressing the gateways to Whitley Bay. “The seaside provides such a fantastic natural environment, together with the interesting architecture of the town. I love the quirkiness of the Dome and the Spanish city.

“Seaside towns around the country are places of fantasy and have an impact on people visiting them. British people are at their most relaxed and most imaginative at the seaside and that is reflected in sometimes very eccentric architecture.

“It influences the very character of a place and it’s that character that we want to ensure is incorporated into the regeneration of the town.”

For further information about Keith, log into his website at: www.keithbarrett.co.uk

A new co-ordinated approach will guide the regeneration of the borough’s coastline.

The council has identified the coastal zone as one of four priority areas for future regeneration – along with the North bank of the Tyne, the A19 corridor and the borough’s retail centres.

And the authority is setting up a Coastal Zone Project Board, bringing together key players to drive forward the new strategic approach.

The board will help to create a masterplan for the area from St Mary’s Lighthouse, down to North Shields Fish Quay.

It will not only oversee the completion of existing regeneration initiatives at Whitley Bay but will also address issues ranging from creating visitor attractions to protecting sea defences.

The council has submitted a bid to the government-funded ‘Sea Change’ programme.

This could lead to future investment in key coastal projects, including the restoration of Tynemouth Station, recently featured in English Heritage’s launch of its ‘Heritage at Risk’ programme.

The development of the Coast Regeneration Framework will include identifying suitable uses for key sites – including the former Tynemouth open-air pool site, one of six areas marketed to potential investors last year.

And it will link into other council plans and regional organisations that guide economic development, tourism, the protection of the natural environment and growth of the borough’s towns and retail centres.

This will provide a longer-term investment plan for the coastal area, which will link into external regional resources.

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Stanfdfirst

Taking into account your views Giving residents more say

Empowering local people to have a real impact on the decisions taken that affect their lives is an ambition that North Tyneside Council is working hard to deliver.

By 2030, the target is that people in every neighbourhood in the borough are actively involved in shaping their community and the services they need.

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Listening to you: The skatepark at Whitley Bay and the A-Z guide to council services are just two of the things provided by the council in response to residents’ comments.

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Engagement The annual independent residents survey has confirmed the council is improving how it delivers this goal.

However, 37 per cent of people think the council rarely takes their views into consideration when decisions affect them, and a third of people said they thought the council is too remote and impersonal.

To ensure every resident has the opportunity to get involved in the decision-making process – and importantly understands how they can do that – the council has developed a ‘Community Engagement Framework’.

This isn’t just a document but a whole approach setting out how the council will work in partnership with communities – keeping them informed about what the council is doing; talking to them about what they want and need in their neighbourhood; what they like and dislike about public services; listening to what people say and using their views to shape the decisions taken, but also feeding back to them.

To make sure this happens, the council has made a commitment that engagement will be a key principle in its decision-making – communities will inform all the key decisions that the council makes.

And to ensure it does this effectively, a centralised team has been established to coordinate all engagement – and make sure the council shares information better across all its departments.

Putting engagement into action The council has various ways to help it engage with residents.

This month, all residents have been invited to the latest in our programme of open ‘area futures events’. These are held in each of the four areas of the borough regularly during the year.

Anyone can join in the discussions about services and how the council and its partners can improve their area.

The views given at these events help the council to make key decisions, such as allocating money in the council’s budget to issues identified as priorities by local people, and in shaping the area plans that set out in detail what the council will do in the four parts of the borough to deliver its Council Plan priorities. Watch out for information in future editions of Up Close or in your local communities.

A residents panel, made up of 1,200 people across the borough who have agreed to share their views about services and the needs of their community, also take part in regular discussions on specific topics. For example they have helped the council shape the Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy that will guide how the council and its partners work to reduce crime and nuisance.

When the council is considering major

projects that will change the way it delivers services, special engagement programmes are also built into the plans – which focus on getting the views of those people potentially affected by changes.

For example, tenant focus groups, together with meetings with individuals and their families in their homes, are all helping engage residents in the decision-making around the Homes for the Future project that is transforming 32 sheltered housing schemes. And our plans to modernise adult social care have involved talking with 650 people.

Traditional engagement opportunities – giving residents an opportunity to comment on planning and licensing applications, or other matters important to communities - will continue to feed residents’ views into the decision-making process.

The elected mayor also has a programme of engagement to meet residents in their communities. The role of councillors is also being developed so they are community leaders, who have an important role to play in engaging with communities.

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Engagement Giving power to communities

Engagement is not just about getting individual views from residents – it is also about getting the whole community to work together to make decisions about their local neighbourhood.

North Tyneside Council has been chosen as one of 18 national champions for people power and has

been set a challenge to work more closely with communities and give people more say.

The council’s Cabinet has agreed to introduce neighbourhood agreements across the borough by 2010, involving local people setting the standards of service they want to see in their community.

Burradon and Camperdown was the first area in the borough to sign up to a neighbourhood agreement.

The Burradon and Camperdown Partnership was launched in 1997 to tackle an area affected by drugs and crime, high levels of empty homes and anti-social behaviour.

A community agreement established how residents would be involved in influencing decisions affecting their homes, their estates and their community.

By working in partnership with the council, police and Places for People, residents have contributed to a 40 per cent drop in crime; all homes on the estate are not only occupied but in high demand, and a new primary school with community facilities has been built.

The council is currently working with residents at The Green, Wallsend; Battle Hill; Moorside; West Allotment; Earsdon; Seaton Burn and Percy Main to draw up their agreements.

This includes the council actively exploring opportunities to transfer current assets to community-based organisations.

To find out how to get involved, please keep reading Up Close and the council’s website or email: neighbourhoods@northtyneside.gov.uk

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Panel ‘is a good mix of people’

Teacher Brian Wardle, of Whitley Bay, has been a member of the borough’s residents panel for two years. He was contacted after agreeing for his name to go forward when completing the annual residents survey.

“The panel is a good mix of people from all parts of the borough,” said Brian (right). “It’s a good social network and you can feed in, not just your own thoughts, but also the issues that friends and neighbours have mentioned to you.

“I joined because I felt quite passionate about some of the issues in my local area but I also used to live in Wallsend so wanted to get involved in the whole spectrum of issues affecting the borough.

“It’s very satisfying seeing some of your ideas being worked through and being implemented, for example the work to tackle anti-social behaviour. I have been impressed the council has listened.

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You said we did

You said you wanted more places to play - we have opened the skatepark at Whitley Bay and we've provided more safe places to play across the borough.

You said you wanted safer, cleaner, greener neighbourhoods - we are developing a Decent Neighbourhood Standard to spell out how this will be delivered.

You said you wanted better road and pavement repairs - we have piloted an approach to co-ordinate work by different council departments more effectively, which takes a ‘whole street’ approach.

You said you wanted council services to be accessible and local - we have opened new and improved centres, including Unicorn House in North Shields; The White Swan Centre, Killingworth; The John Willie Sams Centre, Dudley and the Shiremoor Centre and library.

You said you wanted better sports and leisure facilities - we have opened the Lakeside Centre in Killingworth; Sport and Leisure at Burnside, improved Tynemouth Pool and are refurbishing Whitley Bay Pool.

You said you wanted to be made better aware of council services - we have introduced the A-Z of Council Services and deliver Up Close to every home in the borough.

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Councillors’ wa BATTLE HILL WARD Cllrs Dorothy Bradley and Chris Croft (1) Every Tuesday noon Town Hall, Wallsend (2) Every Friday 6pm Town Hall, Wallsend (3) First Saturday each month 10am Church of the Good Shepherd, Wallsend (4) Second Wednesday each month 5pm The Main Hall, Hadrian Park Education Centre, Old First School, Addington Drive, Hadrian Park, Wallsend (5) Last Wednesday each month 6pm King’s Hall Residents Association, Millfield Drive, Wallsend Cllr Mary Glindon (1) First Saturday each month 2.15pm Battle Hill Library, Battle Hill Community Centre, Berwick Drive, Wallsend (2) Every Tuesday 9.30am Hadrian Park and Bewick Park Youth and Community Centre, Old First School, Addington Drive, Hadrian Park, Wallsend 10.30am Battle Hill Library, Battle Hill Community Centre, Berwick Drive, Wallsend BENTON WARD Cllrs John Goodfellow, Pat Greenwell and Leslie Birkenfield (1) First Thursday each month 5pm to 6pm Clousden Hill Meeting Room, Forest Hall Road, Forest Hall (2) Second Wednesday each month 5pm to 6pm Lynholm Grove Meeting Room, Forest Hall (3) Third Saturday each month 9am to 10am Forest Hall Library, Whitfield Road, Forest Hall (4) Fourth Friday each month 5pm to 6pm Fairways Community Association Hall, Benton CAMPERDOWN WARD Cllrs Jayne Shotton, Jim Allan and Ray Glindon (1) First Saturday each month 9am John Willie Sams Centre, Market Street, Dudley 10am White Swan Centre, Killingworth 11am Kirkdale Court (Well Being Centre) Burradon Road, Burradon

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(2) Every Tuesday 9am at Kirkdale Court (Well Being Centre) Burradon Road, Burradon 9.45am at Jubilee Court Recreation Rooms, Annitsford CHIRTON WARD Cllrs John Stirling, Amanda Normand and David Corkey (1) First Monday each month 3pm St Oswin’s Community Centre, Oswin Terrace, North Shields (2) First Thursday each month 10am Cedarwood Centre, Avon Avenue, North Shields (3) First Saturday each month 10.30am Balkwell Community Centre, Heaton Terrace, North Shields (4) Last Thursday each month 10am Cedarwood Centre, Avon Avenue, North Shields (5) Second and third Thursday each month - noon The Meadows, Waterville Road, North Shields (6) Last Friday each month 4.30pm St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, Albion Road, North Shields COLLINGWOOD WARD Cllrs Julia Macaulay, Charles Hobkirk and Barbara Stevens (1) Every Tuesday 11am to noon St Aidan’s Church Hall, Lynn Road, North Shields 12.15 to 1.15pm Preston Grange Community Centre, North Shields (2) First and third Saturday each month 10am to 10.45am New York and Murton Social Club, New York (3) Second Saturday each month 11am to noon New York Primary School, Lanark Close, New York CULLERCOATS WARD Cllrs Lawrence Goveas MBE, Shirley Mortimer and JonJo Macnamara First Saturday each month 10am to 11.30am Marden Residents’ Association, Bavington Avenue, Cullercoats Cllr JonJo MacNamara Second Saturday each month 10.30am to 11.30am Cullercoats Community Centre, Belle Vue Terrace, Cullercoats

HOWDON WARD Cllrs Maureen Madden, John Hunter and David Charlton (1) Every Monday (except bank holidays) 4pm to 4.30pm Howdon Community Centre, Denbigh Avenue, Howdon (2) Second and fourth Saturday each month (except bank holidays) 10am to 10.30am at Howdon Library, Churchill Street, Howdon (3) First and third Saturday each month (except bank holidays) 10am to 10.30am Richmond Gardens Recreation Rooms Howdon KILLINGWORTH WARD Cllr Linda Darke (1) First Saturday each month 10am White Swan Centre, Killingworth (2) Third Wednesday each month 7pm Palmersville Recreation Rooms, 11 Palm Court, Palmersville Cllrs Nigel Clothier and Norma Peggs (1) First Saturday each month 10am to 11am Holystone Drive Recreation Rooms, Holystone 11.15am to noon Elizabeth Drive Recreation Rooms, Palmersville (2) First Wednesday each month 6pm to 7pm White Swan Centre, Killingworth (3) Third Saturday each month 10am to 11am White Swan Centre, Killingworth 11.15am to noon Palmersville Recreation Rooms, 11 Palm Court, Palmersville LONGBENTON WARD Cllrs Kevin Conroy, Eddie Darke and Joan Walker (1) Every Friday (excluding bank holidays) - 6pm The Oxford Centre, West Farm Avenue, Longbenton (2) First Saturday each month noon The Oxford Centre, West Farm Avenue, Longbenton (3) Third Thursday each month 7.30pm West Moor Residents’ Community Building (4) Last Friday each month 5.30pm St Andrew’s Church Hall, Ashleigh Grove, Benton (5) Last Saturday each month 10am West Moor Residents’ Community Building, West Moor

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rs’ ward surgeries 2008/09

For details of forthcoming council meetings and area forums, visit the council website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk

MONKSEATON NORTH WARD Cllrs Mrs Joan Bell, Bill Prendergast and Leslie Miller (1) Second Saturday each month 9am to 9.45am St Mary’s Church Hall, Ilfracombe Gardens, Monkseaton (2) Fourth Saturday each month 9.30am to 10.15am Cross Keys Community Centre, Elmwood Road, Monkseaton MONKSEATON SOUTH WARD Ken Mewett, Frank Austin and George Partis First and third Saturdays each month 9.30 to 10am Whitley Bay Residents’ Club, Rink Road, Whitley Bay. 10.15 to 10.45am The Hunting Lodge Public House, Earsdon Road, Monkseaton.

NORTHUMBERLAND WARD Cllrs David Ord, Graeme Brett and Marian Huscroft (1) Last Saturday each month 10.30am High View North Residents’ Association 11.15am Elmfield Gardens Recreation Rooms (2) Every Friday 6pm Town Hall, Wallsend (3) Every Tuesday noon Town Hall, Wallsend PRESTON WARD Cllrs Mrs Linda Arkley, Glynis Barrie and Simon Button (1) Second and fourth Wednesday each month 6pm to 7pm The Scout Hall, Preston Reading Rooms, Preston Village, North Road, North Shields (2) Second Saturday each month 9.30am to 10.30am Christ Church Primary School, Kielder Terrace, North Shields 10.45am to 11.45am North Shields Methodist Church, Hawkeys Lane, North Shields RIVERSIDE WARD Cllrs Frank Lott, Bruce Pickard and Norma Redfearn (1) First Wednesday each month 1pm Royal Quays Community Centre, Prince Consort Way, Royal Quays, North Shields

(2) First Thursday each month 1pm East Howdon Community Centre, East Howdon (3) First Saturday each month 3.45pm Percy Main Primary School, Nelson Terrace, North Shields (4) Second Friday each month 1.30pm St Paul’s Church, George Street, Willington Quay (5) Last Wednesday each month 5pm Howdon Sure Start, 11A Howdon Lane, Howdon ST MARY’S WARD Cllrs Ed Hodson, Pam McIntyre and Judith Wallace (1) First Saturday each month 9am to 9.45am Whitley Lodge First School, Woodburn Drive, Whitley Bay (2) Third Saturday each month (except December) 9am to 9.45am Earsdon Community Centre, Church Way, Earsdon TYNEMOUTH WARD Cllrs Ian Macaulay, Diane Page and Ken Jordan (1) First Saturday each month 10am to 11am St Augustine’s Church, Washington Terrace, North Shields (2) Last Tuesday each month 6.30pm to 7.30pm North Shields East End Community Centre, Upper Pearson Street, North Shields (3) Last Friday each month 6.30pm to 7.30pm St Saviour’s Church Hall, Manor Road, Tynemouth VALLEY WARD Cllrs Carole Gambling, Brian Burdis and Tommy Mulvenna First Saturday each month 9.30am to 10.15am Emmerson Court, Shiremoor 10.30am to 11.15am Eccles Court, Backworth 11.30am to 12.15pm Cheviot View Sheltered Accommodation, West Allotment WALLSEND WARD Cllrs Margaret Finlay, Michael Huscroft and Nigel Huscroft (1) Every Tuesday noon Town Hall, Wallsend (2) Every Friday 6pm Town Hall, Wallsend

WEETSLADE WARD Cllr Muriel Green (1) Every Thursday 8.30am to 9.30am John Willie Sams Centre, Market Street, Dudley 9.30am to 11am Estate visits and home calls 11am to noon Wideopen Library 1pm to 2pm Community House, 1 Oak Street, Seaton Burn (2) First Saturday each month 9am to 10am Morpeth Avenue Recreation Rooms 10.15am to 11.15am John Willie Sams Centre, Market Street, Dudley Cllrs Duncan McLellan and George Westwater (1) First Monday each month 10am to 10.45am Wideopen Library 11am to 11.30am John Willie Sams Centre, Market Street, Dudley (2) First Saturday each month 10am to 10.30am Seaton Burn Community College, Dudley Lane, Seaton Burn (3) Second Saturday each month 10am to 10.30am Morpeth Avenue Recreation Rooms (4) Third Wednesday each month 6pm to 6.30pm Seaton Burn Community College, Dudley Lane, Seaton Burn 6.45pm to 7.15pm John Willie Sams Centre, Market Street, Dudley (5) Third Saturday each month 10am to 10.45am Wideopen Library 11am to 11.30am John Willie Sams Centre, Market Street, Dudley WHITLEY BAY WARD Cllrs Michael McIntyre, Alison Austin and Margaret Marshall First, second and third Saturday each month 9am to 10am Whitley Bay Customer Service Centre, Victoria Terrace, Whitley Bay

Please note: surgery arrangements may change from time to time.

Residents are advised to check the latest details by contacting their local customer service centre or library.

You can also visit the council website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk

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Work with us and help us achieve our goals

Council vacancies

Children,Young People & Learning Adult Learning Alliance Tutor/Assessor

£23,749 to £26,835 pa pro rata Permanent, up to 37hpw Open Post We are interested in applications across most subject areas and are particularly seeking to add tutor/assessors in the following subjects: • Arts and crafts • Basic skills (maths and English) • British Sign Language • Bricklaying • Carpentry and joinery

• • • • • • • • • •

Cookery ESOL Family learning ICT (general IT skills and digital media, digital art, video and photography) Local and social history Modern languages (especially German, Greek, Italian and Spanish) Painting and decorating Plastering Plumbing Teaching assistants/Early Years and Childcare

To join the tutor/assessor panel, you will hold a degree level or equivalent teaching qualification or be working towards one.

For further information ring the Alliance on 200 1627.

We are committed to a four-year plan that will transform the way we deliver services, do business with our partners and relate to our communities. To help us with this, we have a wide range of jobs to suit people with varying skills and experience and are looking for staff that will be dedicated to helping us achieve our goals.

All post reference numbers preceded with DE require an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau, all posts preceded with DS require a standard disclosure.

Successful applicants will be eligible to join the staff discount public transport ticketing scheme.

North Tyneside Council is committed to the safety and protection of its young people.

Upclose • October 2008

£11,577 - £11,907 pa pro rata, various hours. Ref: DE000103 Open Post

You will assist pedestrians in crossing the road at prescribed points on the highway network. Holidays must not be taken during the school term.

Cleaner

£11,577 - £11,907 pa pro rata Various hours and locations Ref: DE000843. Open Post To provide a clean working environment for service users.

Full training will be given.

the usual suspects?

N in Could you be part of the next generation of police officers?

Do you want a job that’s both challenging and rewarding?

A job working with people, where you can really make a difference.A job that’s got excellent career opportunities and will change your life forever.

To find out more visit

www.northumbria.police.uk Ref: UP/C-NT0808

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Development Directorate School Crossing Patrol Officer

Th di

If N p

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Who’s laughing now?

Excessive drinking isn’t a joke.

Acting drunk and disorderly in public can lead to an arrest and a possible fine of £80

Northumbria Police is committed to responding to community concerns in North Tyneside.

That’s why we are taking a stand against anyone acting violently or displaying anti-social behaviour whilst under the influence of alcohol.

If you would like to speak with your local Neighbourhood Team about these issues, please call 03456 043 043 ext. 69191

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LINk

is on the way

Are you interested in health or adult social care services?

You might be an individual or group that uses these services; a voluntary or community organisation with an interest in a particular issue or an individual who has ideas about how to improve services.

Do you want to provide information and help find the evidence that can lead to changes in the way these services work?

If the answer is ‘yes’ then the new Local Involvement Network (LINk) wants to hear from you.

LINk is the organisation for individuals and groups who want to help shape the health and adult social care services that make so much difference to our lives.

LINk is independent from the local authority but has the power to ask for information, make reports and recommendations, go into some types of service to see what they do, and then raise issues directly with both health and local authorities. Health and local authorities have to respond to the concerns raised by LINk. A partnership involving Age Concern North Tyneside, the Community Health Care Forum and the Voluntary Organisations Development Agency has been funded to establish the North Tyneside LINk. Recruitment of individuals and organisations to LINk starts this autumn.

You can express an interest in becoming a member by registering your name and address with us at LINk@voda.org.uk. Or write to LINk, c/o VODA, The Shiremoor Centre, Earsdon Road, NE27. Full details and an application form will be sent out in October.

LINk co-ordinator Dave Shaw says: “There are lots of good ideas about improving services that are locked away inside all of us. LINk will work best if we can unlock all of the ideas and work together to achieve real change.”

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win

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Aspire is the newly-refurbished stylish bar situated in the centre of vibrant Tynemouth.

a champagne meal for four people

Terms and conditions: Closing date for entries is October 21.

Open to North Tyneside residents only. One entry per person. Entrants must be over 18 years-old. Prize comprises a meal for four and a bottle of champagne, up to the value of £100. There will be no reimbursement for any part of the £100 that is not spent in Aspire at the time of redeeming the prize.

The winner will be the first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date. The winner will be notified by telephone after the draw has taken place and must be prepared to take part in post-competition publicity.

The winner of the August competition was Mrs C Rothwell, of Forest Hall, who won a hamper of Divine chocolate.

Many thanks to all who entered.

Aspire offers a wide range of cocktails, champagne, quality wines and cold beers. Our cocktails range from classics, such as Cosmopolitan, Woo Woo, Bramble and Mai Tai, to champagne cocktails including the French 75, kir royale, grand mimosa and many more.

Aspire also offers fantastic value, including: • 2 for 1 on all cocktails – Monday and Tuesday night • Selected drinks - £1.50 every Thursday • A tantalisingly tasty new Bistro menu

Celebrating?

Make it special and an event to remember – Aspire is available for private hire. We aim to provide a second-to-none service and our management are available to discuss your individual needs.

Live DJs and entertainment, open late every night.

With our fantastic, friendly and helpful staff, a warm welcome and excellent service is guaranteed.

To win a champagne meal for four people, just answer this question: Where is this year’s Age Takes Centre Stage festival being launched?

Completed entries should be marked Up Close competition and sent to:

Communications Team, North Tyneside Council, Quadrant, Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY

(Please include your full address and a daytime telephone number.)

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