Widening Horizons July 2010

horizons widening

July 2010

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Your guide to what’s on this summer

Keeping you informed | www.northtyneside.gov.uk

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horizons widening

July 2010

North Tyneside Council produces Widening Horizons for the residents of the borough.

Inside this issue Mayor’s message

5

Summer fun

6

New pool - new name!

16

Sports stars honoured

20

Filling in the holes

35

Age Takes Centre Stage

36

Business Forum is good news

44

Keep it local

62

The magazine is printed five times a year and distributed to every home in the borough.

Linda Arkley talks about the latest issues facing the residents of North Tyneside.

Our aim is to keep you informed about what the council and its partners are doing to improve life for people in North Tyneside.

The Mouth of the Tyne Festival launches a 10-page guide to what’s on this summer.

If you would like to comment on any of the articles in Widening Horizons, please write or send an email to: Steve Forshaw Marketing & Communications (3rd floor right) Quadrant The Silverlink North Cobalt Business Park North Tyneside NE27 0BY Email: steve.forshaw@northtyneside.gov.uk The next issue of Widening Horizons will be distributed from September 13.

North Tyneside Council wants to make it easier for you to get hold of the information you need.

We are able to provide our documents in other formats including Braille, audiotape, large print and alternative languages. For further information please call (0191) 643 5080.

The new £9.7m Hadrian Leisure Centre in Wallsend is all set to open its doors.

The achievements of sporting personalities from across the borough are recognised in this year’s Sports Awards.

Find out about the latest moves to improve the state of the borough’s roads.

A preview of this autumn’s festival for the over-50s – and how to book for certain events.

A new partnership between the council and local business will benefit North Tyneside.

Two pages of classified adverts featuring small businesses from around the borough.

Please recycle this magazine when you have finished with it.

Front cover: The Blue Flag flies proudly over Cullercoats Bay. Full story – page 19.

NTC GRAPHICS 05/10 3121JWI

3

Wallsend Festival2010 Wallsend celebrates its 10th annual festival in the week leading up to Festival Day on Saturday, July 3.

As the festival takes place during the World Cup, this year’s theme of ‘Around the World’ will highlight the area’s rich connections with people and cultures from around the globe.

During the week, there will be exhibitions, performances and concerts – building up to a day of live music, dance and entertainment in the centre of Wallsend on Saturday July 3.

Performers include Wallsend Churches Choir and Backworth Colliery Band, in addition to musicians from the Punjab and the Congo.

Other activities will include fun sports activities, craft market, arts workshops and a children’s fairground.There will also be displays of model railways and vintage cars.

For more details, visit www.wallsendfestival.org or phone Wallsend People’s Centre on (0191) 263 5039.

Bank holiday bin collections All bin collections of rubbish and recycling between August 30 and September 4 will be a day later than usual

Normal day:

Monday,August 30 Tuesday,August 31 Wednesday, Sept 1 Thursday, Sept 2 Friday, Sept 3

Tuesday,August 31 Wednesday, Sept 1 Thursday, Sept 2 Friday, Sept 3 Saturday, Sept 4

Garden waste

No change Sunday, Sept 5

Friday, Sept 3 Saturday, Sept 4

Phone: 4

0345 2000 103

Revised day:

Email: recycle@northtyneside.gov.uk Website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk

Mayor’s message Dear resident,

Welcome to the summer edition of Widening Horizons.

It is a year since I became Elected Mayor of North Tyneside and it has been a busy 12 months, with many challenges and opportunities.

Much of my work has been to make sure the council has a safe financial future, that we are able to reduce our borrowing and balance our books.

I really do think we have made some progress, however I know we have more work to do. We need to make sure all our plans are properly thought through and the money is in place to make them happen on time. As Mayor, I will continue to work to ensure that happens.

We have delivered on the Warm Zone initiative that can save money for residents. We have reduced the price of school meals. We have also launched the Widening Horizons 4 All initiative while the new Wallsend Pool – called the Hadrian Leisure Centre – will open on July 5.

In terms of Backing Businesses in difficult economic circumstances, we have introduced a business hardship rate relief scheme, helping businesses to survive the recession. Provided free car-parking in town centres, enabling businesses to compete with out-of-town shopping centres.

And we have launched a new town centre marketing campaign.

As part of our drive to Get More for Less and keep your Council Tax down, we have put in place a new partnership with Kier to deliver improved housing repairs and maintenance. And we have launched the new Ease Extra card, offering savings to young people.

Despite the difficult financial situation, we have still been able to deliver some exciting new initiatives based on the priorities we set out when elected.

To make North Tyneside Safer, Cleaner and Greener we have installed 100 extra dog waste bins across the borough, in response to your requests.

Completed 19 new 20mph schemes to make key roads safer. And fully implemented the new recycling scheme.

For our Families and Children we have completed the Rowan Croft (Killingworth) and Linskill (North Shields) extra care schemes, providing high quality accommodation for some of our most vulnerable residents.

A key priority for me is to Shape and Change North Tyneside. Based on your priorities, so far we have launched four revitalised Area Forums, which will help allocate additional spending on road and pavement repairs.We have also

signed a £3m contract with Tarmac to improve the maintenance of the borough’s roads.

I know we have more to do and we need to get all sections of the community involved. As Mayor, I want to hear from everyone – wherever they live in the borough. If you have any ideas, please feel free to contact me.

We have much work to do in the Regeneration of North Tyneside.

The North Bank of the Tyne project, which will see the creation of a ‘learning village’, will help to revitalise Wallsend.We must continue the work to promote North Shields, redevelop the town centre and work harder with traders to support their needs. And we need to complete the Dome and Spanish City redevelopment – this project has taken too long and I understand the frustration of local people.

The coming year will be no less challenging but it will also offer some real opportunities.

I believe that by carrying on with the work we have been doing, and by listening to your priorities, we can continue to make North Tyneside a great place to live and work.

Linda Arkley 5

Friday, July 9 to Sunday, July 11 Featuring spectacular live music, street theatre and special one-off performances, this year’s festival promises to be a wonderful weekend.

Comedians, acrobats, magicians and unicyclists will be among the colourful performers entertaining the crowds on both sides of the river.

The action takes place in Front Street and the Priory in Tynemouth and Bents Park and the seafront in South Shields.

Folk rocker Seth Lakeman launches the festival on the Friday evening with a special concert at the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay (see page 10 for details).

James Morrison tops the bill on Saturday with a sold-out evening concert at the Priory.

Supported by soul singer Diane Birch, the Brit award-winner follows in the footsteps of other high-calibre acts that have headlined the festival.

The Lightning Seeds, led by Ian Broudie, top the bill at the Priory on Sunday – the day of the World Cup final.

Many fans will be hoping the appearance of the band, whose Three Lions became England’s unofficial anthem, will herald soccer glory for Wayne Rooney and Co. A highlight of this year’s festival is bound to be the speciallycommissioned Fête de Mariage (the Wedding Party) which takes the form

6

widening horizons • July 2010

of a Saturday night procession and performance on the South Shields seafront, starting at 9.15pm at Gypsies Green.

The Bollywood-style show involves dozens of performers and musicians along with processional images including a life-size elephant. It culminates with a spectacular firework display visible from both sides of the river.

This year’s Sunday pageant – which features pupils from a number of schools in North Tyneside – is also inspired by India.

So look out for tigers, cobras, bhangra grooves and Bollywood moves as the pageant gets underway. It starts at 11.15am at Priory Primary School in Tynemouth.

Tynemouth Priory Stage – Sunday Noon – Kirsty Almeida 1pm – Violadores del Verso 2pm – Beth Jeans Houghton 3pm – Batucada Sound Machine 4pm – Easy Star All-Stars 5pm – The Lightning Seeds

Tynemouth Jazz Stage Saturday Noon – The Late Hour Boys 2pm – New Orleans Rascals 4pm – La Retaguardia Jazz Band Sunday Noon – Les Rois du Fox-Trot 2pm – Hot Antic Jazz Band 4pm – Rae Brothers New Orleans Jazz Band

ONS Z I R O H G WIDENIN eside n y T h t r o Arts N

The festival is supported by Tyne Metropolitan College and Port of Tyne

Travel Information

Free Shuttle Bus

Metro

Saturday

Saturday

North Shields ferry landing to Tynemouth Village – every 30 minutes between 11.30am and 5pm.

A normal service will operate – with trains every 12 minutes (Saturday) and 15 minutes (Sunday). Last trains – Tynemouth to South Shields (10.55pm), Tynemouth to Newcastle (11.10pm).

Park and Ride (£3 per car) Beaconsfield (next to Blue Reef Aquarium) to Tynemouth Village – every 20 minutes between 11am and 6.20pm.

Tynemouth Village to Beaconsfield – every 20 minutes between 11.15am and 6.35pm.

Sunday Beaconsfield (next to Blue Reef Aquarium) to Tynemouth Village – every 20 minutes between 11am and 7.20pm.

Tynemouth Village to ferry landing – every 30 minutes between 11.40am and 5.10pm.

Sunday North Shields ferry landing to Tynemouth Village – every 30 minutes between 11.30am and 6pm.

For more information on all the acts taking part in this year’s festival, visit: www.mouthofthetynefestival.com or ring the Events Unit on (0191) 643 7409.

Please note: Details of some events may change at short notice.

Tynemouth Village to ferry landing – every 30 minutes between 11.40am and 5.40pm.

Tynemouth Village to Beaconsfield – every 20 minutes between 11.15am and 7.35pm.

7

What’s on this summer June 28 to July 3

Wallsend Festival

Wallsend celebrates its 10th annual festival with a week of events leading up to Festival Day on July 3.

Coinciding with the World Cup, this year’s theme is ‘Around the World’ – highlighting the area’s rich connection with people and cultures from around the globe. During the week there will be exhibitions, performances, concerts and other special events building up to a day of live music, dance and entertainment in the centre of Wallsend.

For more details, contact www.wallsendfestival.org or call The People’s Centre (263 5039) or John Fleet (643 6419).

July 4

Classic Cars in Corbridge MG Northumbria, a Backworth-based club for classic car enthusiasts,

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widening horizons • July 2010

will be appearing at the show at Tynedale Park, Corbridge, which features more than 300 classic vehicles, live music, stalls and other attractions.

11am to 4pm.

For more details, visit www.mgnorthumbria.org July 10

Cullercoats Harbour Day

A family fun day organised by the RNLI, with activities in the harbour, on the beach and in the water. For more details, contact 252 1820.

July 10/11

Whitley Bay International Jazz Festival

This year marks the 20th and final Whitley Bay International Jazz Festival.

As always, it will feature the very

best in classic jazz, from ragtime to swing. Musicians will be appearing at the Village Hotel from all over the world, including the US, Japan, Australia and Germany.

For more information, visit www.whitleybayjazzfest.org or call 281 2935.

July 10/11

Tynemouth Beach Volleyball Tournament

Why not take part in the 18th tournament? New teams are welcome to join in for an enjoyable weekend of beach volleyball.

For more details, contact Sue Snowdon on 387 1159.

July 18

July 29 to 31

Vintage bus enthusiasts can take a trip back in time as the eighth annual rally motors into Whitley Bay.Visitors can take free bus rides along the seafront on some of the 40 classic buses due to be on show from 10am at The Links.

Bus-related memorabilia will be on sale.

Also free train rides at the Stephenson Railway Museum.

For more information, contact John Fleet on 643 6419.

Our finest young footballers will take part in a three-day tournament at Churchill Playing Fields,Whitley Bay. A range of teams, including under-8s to under-15s will be competing. Stars such as Alan Shearer and Michael Carrick played in this tournament in their younger days.

For more details, call 643 7409 or email events@northtyneside.gov.uk

July 18

July 30/31

A family fun day organised by the RNLI, with activities including motorbike and car shows and helicopter displays.

Contact 257 0913.

Join the brave and noble knights from the Harlech Medieval Society as they demonstrate the reality of medieval combat at Tynemouth Priory and Castle.

Contact 257 1090.

Vintage Bus Rally

Tynemouth RNLI Day

July 25

Whitley Bay Sandcastle Competition

This year marks the third sandcastle competition. Hundreds of people are expected to gather and test their sandcastle building abilities, in return for prizes! Drop by anytime between 11am and 2pm on Whitley Bay beach, beside the Boardwalk Café. Judging will take place at approximately 2pm.

For more information, call 643 7409 or email: events@northtyneside.gov.uk.

North Tyneside Youth Football Tournament

Medieval Clash of Knights

July 31 to August 1

Newcastle Falcons Touch Rugby Tournament

A fun touch rugby tournament on Tynemouth Longsands featuring the Newcastle Falcons. For more details, contact Melanie Magee on 300 1847 or email: melanie.magee@falconsfoundation.co.uk August 6 to 8

Vincent Motorcycles

A display of classic machines at Rockcliffe Rugby Club. For more information, contact Michael Farwell on 251 0080.

August 15

Book Fair at Tynemouth Station

Browse through fact and fiction – on all genres and subject matters. Up to fifty stalls will be selling a wide range of antiquarian and second-hand books to suit all tastes and all pockets, from specialist leather-bound volumes to paperbacks. From10am to 4pm. Free entry.

For further information, contact Ylana First on 257 2180.

August 21/22

Health and Horticulture Show

Featuring the best of the region’s fruit and vegetable growers. New for this year’s show at The Parks Sports Centre, North Shields are home produce classes. On the Sunday, Radio Newcastle’s ‘Gardenmania’ will broadcast from the show.

For further information, contact the allotment service on 643 7449.

August 28/29

Model Railway Show

The Blyth & District Model Railway Society presents a family-friendly exhibition at the Parks Sports Centre on the August bank holiday weekend – 10am to 5pm (Saturday) and 10am to 4pm (Sunday).

Call 258 3628 or email: bdmrs@sky.com August 29

Great North Bike Ride

The 10th anniversary ride – from Seahouses to Tynemouth in aid of the Chris Lucas Trust. Last year, more than 2,000 cyclists took part.

For more details, visit www.greatnorthbikeride.com August 30

Big Green Seaside Station Day

The event at Tynemouth Metro Station will provide you with top tips and easy solutions about being more environmentally friendly. A fun-packed programme of green-themed entertainment for all the family!

All details correct at time of going to print.

9

a galaxy of stars Playhouse features From crooners to comedians, a host of household names are topping the bill at The PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay this summer.

Mercury Prize nominee Seth Lakeman returns to North Tyneside to launch this year’s Mouth of the Tyne Festival with a concert on Friday, July 9.

His breakthrough album Freedom Fields took him from the folk club circuit to a whole new audience and he has developed his sound since – rooted in folk but with a fuller, rockier feel.

A change of pace is signalled by The Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas, which celebrates the talents of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Junior and Dean Martin.

The 12-piece orchestra and talented cast – not to mention a host of hits – will take you back in time to the glamorous world of Vegas in the 50s and 60s.

This is followed by a week-long run of Jesus Christ Superstar, presented by a new theatrical production company, Day 8 Productions, which is based in Whitley Bay.

Starring local lad Kevin Gilroy as Judas, the evergreen musical recounts the last seven days of Jesus of Nazareth and features classic songs such as I Don’t Know How To Love Him.

And make a date in your diary for two shows coming up in October – Peppa Pig’s Party is a must for the little ones on October 13 and 14 while Claire Sweeney stars in Tell Me On A Sunday on October 16.

Forthcoming events

Friday, July 2 – Bon Jovi Experience (£16 and £14.50 conc.)

Saturday, July 3 – Saturday Stage School presents Bugsy Malone (£8.50, £7.50 conc.)

Thursday, July 8 – Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown (Over 18s only, £20) Friday, July 9 – Seth Lakeman (£18)

Saturday, July 10 – Me and My Life – The Tremeloes (£16.50, £15 conc.)

Sunday, July 11 – The Platters (£16.50, £15 conc.)

Monday, July 12 to Saturday, July 17 – The Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas (see opposite for details)

Tuesday, July 20 to Saturday, July 24 – Jesus Christ Superstar (Tues,Wed £10.50,Thurs to Sat, £13.50)

Sunday, August 1 – Joe Pasquale (£17, £15.50 conc.)

Thursday, August 12 and Friday, August 13 – Ken Dodd’s Happiness Show (£19.50, £18.50) Saturday, August 14 – Dominic Kirwan (£17.50 and £15 conc.)

Thursday, August 19 to Saturday, August 21 – Guess How Much I Love You (£12.50, £9.50 child, £39 family) Thursday, August 26 – The Bootleg Sixties (£16)

Friday, August 27 – Fireman Sam (£13, £11 conc.)

Saturday, August 28 – The Texas Tenors (£17.50, £16 conc.)

Friday, September 3 – Backworth Male Voice Choir and Northumbrian Water Ellington Colliery Band (£8)

Booking information

In person: Monday to Friday (10am to 4pm) and Saturday (10.30am to 2.30pm) Online: www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk Booking hotline: 0844 277 2771 Accessibility bookings: (0191) 251 5484 Group bookings: (0191) 260 6006 New audience: Seth Lakeman is at the PLAYHOUSE on July 9.

10

widening horizons • July 2010

All information correct at time of going to print

MONDAY, JULY 12 TO SATURDAY, JULY 17

Mon & Tues 8pm (£20 - £22.50, £19.50 conc.) Thurs 2.30pm ((£20 - £23.50, £20.50 conc.)

Wed & Thurs 8pm and Sat 2.30pm (£20 - £24.50, £21.50 conc.) Fri & Sat 8pm (£20 - £26.50)

0844 277 2771

www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

11

Fancy a day out?

North Tyneside has some great attractions to keep both young and old busy during the summer.

Why not step back into the past with a visit to Segedunum Roman Fort in Buddle Street,Wallsend.

Segedunum, known as the gateway to Hadrian’s Wall, features a large interactive museum and a viewing tower with superb views across the world heritage site.

During the summer, the fort is open every day between 10am and 5pm.

Admission charges are £4.35 (adults), £2.60 (concessions) and children (16 and under) are free. For more details, phone (0191) 236 9347.

You can continue the heritage theme with a trip to Stephenson Railway Museum in Middle Engine Lane, North Shields.

The Stephenson houses an array of steam engines – including Billy, a forerunner of the world-famous Rocket – and electric and diesel locomotives.

The museum is open between 11am and 4pm on weekends, bank holiday Mondays and during school holidays.

Admission is free and train rides cost £2.10 (adults) and £1.05 (concessions).

For more details, phone (0191) 200 7146.

Reached by a short causeway, the iconic St Mary’s Lighthouse at Whitley Bay provides a fascinating day out for young and old alike.

Climb the 137 steps to the top or explore the surrounding rockpools, beach and wetland habitats. Admission charges are £2.30 (adult) and £1.20 (seniors or child). For more details, phone (0191) 200 8650.

Pet roadshows

Wednesday, July 28 (noon to 3pm) and Thursday, July 29 (2 to 5pm) at Battle Hill Primary School, Berwick Drive.

If you own an animal, why not come along and have your pet micro-chipped for free? There’s plenty of advice and information on hand.

Also available: • Free flea treatment • Free worming • Free cat neutering • Dog neutering (£25) For more details, contact John Wilson on (0191) 643 7273.

The Big Lunch Sunday, July 18 (11am to 3pm) at the Good Life community garden, Chester Avenue, Longbenton (behind the Innisfree Social Club).

Activities include horse rides, birds of prey, puppet making, seed planting, face painting and bouncy castle. Admission is £2 (adults) £1 (children).The event also features a hog roast (£2.50).

The Big Lunch is hosted by Justice Prince CIC, in partnership with the council and Longbenton Community Action Team.

12

widening horizons • July 2010

Have fun

at your local park

Your local park is definitely the place to be this summer – with a host of family-friendly activities ranging from bat walks to pond dipping.

To mark this year’s Wallsend Festival, nature and heritage walks are being held at Wallsend Park on Saturday, July 3.

And if it’s fresh air and entertainment you’re after, why not take the family to one of the Big Summer events being held in North Tyneside during the next few weeks?

The free events at Killingworth Lake on Wednesday, July 28 and Northumberland Park on Wednesday, August 11 (both noon to 3pm) feature street artists, funfair rides, arts, crafts and sporting activities.

The cost is £1.50 for 3 years and over (£2.95 including a picnic box).Tickets are available from the Rising Sun reception.

And don’t forget the ever-popular annual summer dog oscars at Wallsend Park on Saturday,August 28, from 11am to 3pm.

The event, organised with the support of the Friends of Wallsend Parks, includes categories such as ‘looks most like owner’ and ‘waggiest tail’.To enter your dog, call Wallsend Park Lodge on (0191) 643 7897.

Please check park noticeboards for full details of all events and activities taking place during the summer.

Full details are also available in the summer parks events leaflet, which can be downloaded from the council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk To book an event at the Rising Sun Country Park, please call into reception (9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday).

All events must be paid for at the time of booking.

Apart from the bigger events, there is also a wide variety of activities taking place across the borough – including treasure hunts, bike rides and woodland walks.

Meanwhile, this year’s family fun day at the Rising Sun Country Park on Thursday, August 19 will includes a range of activities in and around the Countryside Centre for children aged 5 to 13.

The free event, which marks National Children’s Play Day, runs from 11am to 2pm. No booking is required.

The Rising Sun also hosts this year’s teddy bears picnic on Wednesday, August 25, which features entertainers, funfair rides, water and sand play to keep the under-7s entertained.

13

town centres

What’s on in the From music to magic, the borough’s town centres are full of entertainment every Saturday during July.

Why not take a break from your shopping and enjoy the free events taking place in Whitley Bay, North Shields and Wallsend?

Saturday, July 3

Whitley Bay – The Little Hampton Academy Steel Band perform two shows along Whitley Road. (10.30am to 12.30pm) North Shields – Visit Northumberland Square and join in the fun at the teddy bears’ picnic. (11am to 2pm) Wallsend – Now in its 10th year, the Wallsend Festival takes place in the town centre. Includes live music, a fairground, a vintage car show and much more. (10am to 5pm)

Saturday, July 10

Whitley Bay – Mr Twister and Magic John will be taking to the streets, modelling balloons and performing a magic show. (2 to 3pm) North Shields - Mr Twister and Magic John will be performing in the town centre. (3.30 to 4.30pm) Wallsend – The Amanda Nicole School of Dance hosts a dance event at the bandstand by the Forum Shopping Centre, featuring performances by ANSD Urban Dance Troupe, ANSD Cheers Squad and North Tyneside B Boys. (11am to noon)

Saturday, July 17

Whitley Bay – Organised by Find Your Talent and North Tyneside Music Service, there will be plenty of entertainment along Whitley Road, including music, singing, dancing, steel pan and samba.Two performance areas – one at each end of the street. (10am to 4pm).

North Shields – The Rhythm Kings (former jazz champions of Europe) play classic jazz along Bedford Street, from 12.30pm.

Wallsend – The Rhythm Kings play at the bandstand outside the Forum Shopping Centre, from 3pm.

Saturday, July 24

Whitley Bay – The Amanda Nicole School of Dance hosts a dance event along Whitley Road. (11am to noon) North Shields – The Blyth & District Model Railway Society will be exhibiting at the Beacon Shopping Centre.There will be a large model railway layout for enthusiasts to check out, while members of the society will be on hand to answer questions. (11am to 3pm) Wallsend – The Backworth Colliery Band will be playing at the bandstand outside the Forum Shopping Centre, from noon.

Saturday, July 31

Whitley Bay – Tyne Bridge Women’s Morris will perform their traditional clog dance along Whitley Road, from 11am.

North Shields – Tyne Bridge Women’s Morris will be performing along Bedford Street, from 1pm.

Wallsend – Mr Twister and Magic John will be modelling balloons and performing a magic show. (11am to 1pm) Double take: The Queen and Ozzy Osbourne have previously entertained town centre shoppers – or have they?

14

widening horizons • July 2010

fun to start!

It’s time for the

The borough’s summer playschemes, which run from August 2 to 27, offer a wide range of activities to keep your child occupied.

This year the fun includes sports and team games, arts and crafts, extreme sports, street dancing and swimming plus outings to local attractions.

The playschemes cost 50p per child per day and run from 10am to 3pm with a supervised lunch break between noon and 1pm. Lunch is not provided but children can bring a packed lunch.

Although the playschemes are aimed at 8 to 13 year-olds, children under 8 are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult (16 or over).

A parent or carer must complete a consent form on the first day a child attends a playscheme. (Council playschemes operate an open access policy, whereby children are free to leave if they choose.)

Longbenton (Mon);White Swan Centre (Tues,Wed); John Willie Sams Centre (Thurs, Fri); Oswin Tce Community Centre, North Shields (Mon,Tues); New York Primary School (Wed); St Paul’s Community Project, Willington Quay (Thurs, Fri); Carville Primary School (Mon,Tues); Hadrian Education Centre, Hadrian Park (Wed); Howdon Community Centre (Thurs, Fri); Springfield Community Centre, Forest Hall (Mon); Seaton Burn Community College (Tues); St John’s Parish Centre, Percy Main (Wed); Meadow Well Centre, Avon Avenue (Thurs, Fri).

The playscheme at Shiremoor Adventure Playground, Brenkley Avenue, runs from July 26 to September 3 and is open Monday to Friday.

Play Rangers The team will be busy at selected parks during the summer weekends (between 1 and 7pm) – providing activities including sports and team games, arts and crafts as well as ‘back to basics’ natural and imaginative play.

Locations include Killingworth Lake Park (June 26, July 25, Aug 29); Howdon Park (June 27, July 31, Aug 21); Springfield Park (July 3, Aug 1, Sept 11); Churchill Playing Fields (July 4, Sept 12); Richardson Dees Park (July 10, Aug 22); Norham Playsite (July 11, Aug 14); Whitley Park July 17, Aug 15, Aug 28); Tynemouth Park (July 18, Aug 7, Sept 4); Northumberland Park (July 24, Aug 8, Sept 5).

Consent forms are available at all venues (see listings) or by ringing the Play and Urban Games team on (0191) 643 8382 or 8383.

Summer playschemes From August 2 to 27, 10am to 3pm.

Rockcliffe First School (Mon,Tues); Churchill Pavilion, Churchill Playing Fields (Wed);Whitley Bay Young People’s Centre, back Hillheads Road (Thurs, Fri); Balliol Youth Centre,

15

Sophie’s choice

for leisure centre name The new state-of-the-art swimming pool and sports centre in Wallsend opens on Monday, July 5 at 12.30pm.

“I came up with the name as the competition was around the time that Hadrian’s Wall was going to be lit up.

The £9.7m facility, based at Burnside Business and Enterprise College on St Peter’s Road, is called Hadrian Leisure Centre.

“The fact the pool and sports centre will have the name I suggested is something that will stay with me forever.”

The name was suggested by 14 year-old Sophie Carlson, a pupil at the college, who entered a council competition for Wallsend schools to find a name for the facility.

The scheme had been called Sport and Leisure @ Burnside since the college’s existing modern sports facilities were made available to the public in 2008.These include a six-court sports hall, fitness rooms, dance and exercise studios and changing facilities.

Sophie found out she had won when Elected Mayor Linda Arkley and outgoing Chairman of the Council Cllr Michael Huscroft paid a surprise visit to the college’s Year Nine assembly.

Mrs Arkley made the announcement in front of Sophie’s fellow pupils and handed over the winning prize of £250 worth of sports vouchers. She also revealed that each of Sophie’s classmates would receive a free swim in the pool.

Sophie said:“When I saw everyone come into assembly, I thought it was to do with the new pool but had no idea I’d won. I felt shaky, but happy, when I found out.

16

Widening horizons • July 2010

On July 5, there will be the addition of a new 25-metre six-lane swimming pool, teaching pool and Contours fitness gym.The pool’s design is based on the award-winning Lakeside Centre in Killingworth.

The name Hadrian Leisure Centre was selected because Wallsend’s Roman history proved a popular theme among many of the entries.

ing mber e m the e er es at m i We’r t y ch p l, whi y hap o n a o P m the ing lsend l Wal y roll a b , n i 2 g i 1 or 19 the ed in s on e c i open r ly the p to on back y a d ing ! open swim 5p a

Emperor Hadrian was incorporated into three other suggestions and the pupils behind them each received free swimming vouchers.

Mrs Arkley said:“The new pool and fitness gym, when combined with the other facilities already on offer, will make Hadrian Leisure Centre an experience second to none.

“It’s a development that forms an important part of the regeneration of Wallsend, which includes the delivery of the North Bank of the Tyne Project and the establishing of a ‘learning village’.”

Pictured left: Sophie with Cllr Huscroft, Mrs Arkley and Young Mayor John Akinropo.

Hundreds have their say More than 300 people completed a questionnaire about Hadrian Leisure Centre in the February issue of Widening Horizons.

The council has used the questionnaire to shape what’s available and when at the new facility. Everyone who submitted a completed form received a one-day free pass to any of the council’s Contours facilities.

There was also a prize draw for three people to win free Contours memberships.The winners were Carol Maitland, of North Shields, and Matt Blakely and Louise Bell, both from Wallsend.

Opening times announced

The new pool and fitness facilities will be open throughout the week, daytime and evenings, seven days a week: Monday to Thursday, 7.15am to 10pm; Friday, 7.15am to 9pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8.15am to 6pm.

The college’s other facilities, which are already available to residents, include a six-court sports hall, fitness rooms, dance and exercise studios and changing facilities.These are open Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 10pm (term time); Friday 6pm to 9pm (term time); Monday to Thursday 9am to 10pm (school holidays); Friday 9am to 9pm (school holidays).They are also open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Enjoy a tour of Hadrian Leisure Centre

Special offer for new Contours members

Special previews of Hadrian Leisure Centre, consisting of tours lasting around 30 minutes, are being held ahead of its opening.

Anyone who signs up for a 12month Contours membership at Hadrian Leisure Centre within the first six weeks of opening will get one month free of charge.

They will be taking place on the following dates: Monday, June 28 – 11am, 2pm and 6pm Wednesday, June 30 – 11am, 2pm and 7pm Friday, July 2 – 11am, 2pm and 5.30pm Places are limited and should be booked in advance, please phone 643 2025.

Contours memberships start from as little as £18 per month and include unlimited use of the new swimming pool, fitness classes and the fully equipped gym.

There is a large selection of packages including off peak, senior, junior and joint memberships.

For more information, contact 643 2610 or 643 2611.

17

New numbers will cut call costs The council has introduced new telephone numbers, which will help cut costs for people seeking help and advice.

Almost 50,000 people each month phone the council’s contact centre on a range of subjects – from requesting housing repairs to reporting potholes.

The council is the first in the North East to introduce 0345 dialling codes, which replace the previous 0845 prefix for calls to its contact centre.

This means that some mobile phone users who were being charged between 20p and 40p per minute could now potentially make calls to the council for free.

Callers from a landline will still be charged at a local rate.

Supporting residents in difficult financial times is a priority for Elected Mayor Linda Arkley.The introduction of the new numbers follows cabinet approval of a new financial inclusion strategy, which aims to help residents and businesses.

Practical measures include helping people claim the benefits they are entitled to, increasing skills in money management and accessing free advice about money.

Cllr Pam McIntyre, cabinet member for Community Engagement, said: “At a time when our residents are seeing their incomes reduced, it is important that the council does what it can to support them.

“This includes ensuring the cost of calls they need to make to us is kept as low as possible.

“I’m delighted that we’re the first council in the North East to use 0345 numbers. It means our residents can benefit from any discount schemes they have in place with their telephone service provider.”

The contact centre is open from 7.30am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and is often the first port of call for people who want to talk to the council. Last year, 582,927 calls were made to the council’s contact centre.

While customers are getting used to the new numbers, both the new and existing numbers will run in parallel until the 0845 numbers are phased out in 2011.

Key council phone numbers

0345 2000 101 – General enquiries 0345 2000 102 – Housing and Kier repairs 0345 2000 103 – Envirolink 0345 2000 104 – Council tax and benefits 0345 2000 105 – Report a racial incident 0345 2000 107 – Payments 0345 2000 108 – Families Information Service Email contact.us@northtyneside.gov.uk or visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk

18

Widening horizons • July 2010

Flying the Blue Flag All of North Tyneside’s beaches have been awarded prestigious Blue Flag status by the Tidy Britain Group for the first time in five years.

The council is flying the flag over its beaches at Whitley Bay (south), Tynemouth Longsands (south), King Edward’s Bay and Cullercoats Bay. The Blue Flag is an international award, which recognises clean water, litter-free sands and top-notch facilities.

All four beaches have also earned Quality Coast Awards, which commend beaches that are clean and where visitors can enjoy a range of activities.

It means the borough has received more awards for its beaches than any other area of the North East.

Cllr Glynis Barrie, cabinet member for Community Services, said:“We’re delighted that all our beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status.

“We know that our fantastic coastline is one of the main reasons people visit North Tyneside, so a full complement of beach awards is great news.

“Tourism is actually worth more than £240m to the local economy and supports the equivalent of almost 4,000 full-time jobs.

“It’s one of the Elected Mayor’s priorities to boost tourism further and this is being supported by a big programme of events as well as a strategy to regenerate the whole of North Tyneside’s coast.

Delighted: Cllr Barrie with Arwyn Jones, director of development at the Tidy Britain Group.

“We also have a three-year seafront recovery plan that will include better seating, waste bins, improved presentation and spring planting of flowers and shrubs.”

In previous years, Cullercoats Bay met the standard set out in the European Union’s bathing water directive but narrowly missed the required water quality standard for a Blue Flag.

The council has worked with the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water to improve water quality in the area.The organisations will continue to monitor the situation and water quality results.

A dog ban is in force from May 1 to September 30 on Cullercoats Bay, King Edwards Bay,Whitley Bay (south) and Tynemouth Longsands (south).

This means dogs are only allowed on a section of Whitley Bay beach north of Panama Gardens and at the northern end of Tynemouth Longsands.

Beach code of conduct: • Don’t take glass bottles onto the beach • Take heed of dog bans • Keep dogs on a lead on the promenades • Put nappies and plastic containers in the bin • Don’t take cars or motorcycles on to the beach

19

Sporting stars honoured Top sports personalities in the borough have been honoured at the second North Tyneside Sports Awards.

As part of the council’s Widening Horizons 4 Sport initiative, sports performers, clubs, coaches and volunteers were all recognised for their achievements.

More than 110 guests attended the ceremony, which was held at the council’s Quadrant HQ and hosted by sports presenter Roger Tames.

It featured dance displays by Amanda Nicole School of Dance and North Tyneside B-Boyz and a demonstration of judo techniques by members of The Parks Judo Club.

Junior Team

Winner: North Tyneside Disability Athletics.

The squad managed to achieve success last year as national medal winners.

They also represented the northern region in the DSE National Junior Disability Athletics competition, where they were ranked third.

Runners-up: Monkseaton High Football Academy under-19s and Tynemet College NESA football team.

Junior Sports Volunteer Winner: Chelsea Cairns.

Junior Disabled Sports Personality Winner: Aran Guthrie.

Aran has won three gold medals in national athletics championships. He also competes in football, boccia and cricket, finishing third in national competitions for the three sports.

Runners-up: Ryan Morton and Sarah Scott.

Junior Girls Sports Personality Winner: Hannah Lewis.

Chelsea has been a Young Sporting Ambassador for two years. She regularly helps out at a number of North Tyneside competitions and has volunteered at Wallsend Girls Club for many years, where she now manages and coaches two teams of her own.

Hannah regularly competes in national and international judo competitions.

Last September she represented England at the UK school games, winning gold.The following month she was ranked number one for her age and weight group in Great Britain after winning gold at the British Championships.

Runners-up: Megan Lennox and Samuel Lemberger.

Runners-up: Fawn Lamb and Samantha Malone.

Services to Sport: Paul Hanson, Director of Community Services, presents the award to Paul Phillips.

20

Widening horizons • July 2010

Senior Sports Volunteer: Cllr Les Miller presents the awa Mike Shipway. Looking on are r Jo Stewart and Rene Waugh.

ONS Z I R O H G WIDENIN yneside T h t r o N Sport Junior Boys Sports Personality Senior Sports Volunteer Winner: Andrew Cook.

Winner: Mike Shipway.

Andrew is captain of the under-16 Whitley Bay ice hockey team and also plays for the under-18s. He captained the England under-16 team and is a member of the North Tyneside Schools leadership academy.

Mike was the main driving force behind Tynemouth Sailing Club receiving the RYA OnBoard achievement award.

Runners-up: Callum Leach and Darren May.

Senior team

Winner:Whitley Bay FC. Whitley Bay FC defeated Glossop North End in the final of the FA Vase at Wembley Stadium in front of 12,000 spectators. (The team retained their title in May by defeating Wroxham FC.) Runners-up:Whitley Bay Hockey Club women’s first team and Seatonians Senior A Netball Squad.

ard to unners-up

Runners-up: Jo Stewart and Rene Waugh.

Senior Disabled Sports Winner: Blyth Duncan.

Blyth has played for the England Deaf Cricket team side since 1995. He is currently preparing for this year’s World Cup in New Zealand.

Runners-up: Jon-Joe Clenell and Mary Laver.

Senior Sports Personality Winner: Matthew Parr.

Figure skater Matthew Parr is the 2009 and 2010 British national champion.

He recently competed in his first senior world championships, scoring a personal best in the short programme and improving on his score at the 2009 European championships.

Runners-up: Adam Hall, Andrew Scott and Mark Dack.

Sports Coach

Winner: Ian Chandler.

Ian is the manager of Whitley Bay FC and guided them to victory in the FA Vase at Wembley in 2009 and this year.

He also scored when the Bay won the vase in 2002.

Runners-up: Richard Stephenson and Stephen Sharp.

Services to Sport Winner: Paul Phillips.

Paul is a science teacher at Marden Bridge Middle School. For the past 21 years he has taken a group of Year Six pupils on a football trip to Aberdeen and, for almost as long, has coached the school’s under-11 football team.

He also takes children on skiing and adventure holiday trips.

Contribution to Sports Development

Winner: North Tyneside Badminton Partnership.

North Tyneside Badminton Partnership is increasing take-up of the sport. In 2009 it was named as a world leader among community badminton networks.

Runners-up: Neil Carmichael and Seatonians Netball Club.

21

It’s a great summer of sport!

Whether your child loves tennis or trampolining, there are plenty of sporting experiences for young people to try this summer.

The Widening Horizons 4 Sport programme includes sports camps held across the borough at local sports clubs, community centres and leisure centres.

There is a wide range of activities, including judo, tennis, athletics, cricket, rugby, archery, golf and many more!

To find out more, log onto www.sportnorthtyneside.org.uk Widening Horizons 4 Sport ‘Summer Camps 2010’ ● Age: 8-15 years ● 10am to 3pm (including supervised lunch) ● £25 for 4-day camps or £7 per day ● Activity for all abilities ● Please wear suitable clothing, bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink To book your place on any camp, contact Sports Development on (0191) 643 7447.

Multi-sport Activity Camps The activity camps are a new addition to this year’s summer programme.

The camp combines a mixture of sports activities such as kwik cricket, football, boxercise, dance mats, fun games, arts and crafts.

August 2 to 5 at Burradon Community Centre.

August 9 to 12 at Churchill Playing Fields.

Soccer SkillZone at Burradon Community Centre Soccer SkillZone allows budding footballers to improve their passing, shooting and close dribbling skills.

Our soccer coach breaks down skills into stages that are easily learned and practised many times so children become competent and comfortable with their new abilities. Book for the full camp and get a free boot bag.

August 16 to 19.

Star:trac Athletics Camp at Churchill Playing Fields With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games just around the corner, it’s a great time to get involved in athletics. Star:trac athletics allows budding athletes to improve their skills and try out new events under the guidance of qualified coaches. Includes long jump, sprints, hurdles, javelin and much more. Book for the full camp and get a free Star:trac goodie bag.

August 23 to 26.

See www.sportnorthtyneside.org.uk for specialised disability sports camps Friday Family Fun Days Widening Horizons 4 Sport aims to get as many residents as possible involved in sport and physical activity.The WH4S free fun days are the perfect way to get the whole family in on the action!

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widening horizons • July 2010

August 6 at Rising Sun Country Park; August 13 at Lockey Park,Wideopen; August 20 at Longsands,Tynemouth and August 27 at Richardson Dees Park. (all 10am to 2pm.)

KidZone Summer Holiday Programme Come along to our KidZone activities at our leisure centres from July 26 to September 3 and try out a range of sporting activities for boys and girls (ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 15). Activities include trampolining, skateboarding, Mr Twister magic show, waterwalkerz, dance mats.To book a place, contact your local leisure centre.

Look out for a month-long festival of adult disability sport during July.

The Sports Development team is working with clubs and organisations to provide taster sessions and physical activity for any North Tyneside resident over 16 with a disability. For more details, phone Gina on 643 7434 or Rachel on 643 7440.

North Tyneside’s outdoor education centre at High Borrans in the Lake District is staging an adventure week from August 9 to 13 for 10 to 14 year-olds.

The activities, supervised by qualified staff, include canoeing, climbing, trekking and team building.The price of £100 includes transport, equipment and meals.

Application forms are available from Sports Development on 643 7447 or www.sportnorthtyneside.gov.uk Closing date for entries is July 9 and successful applicants will be notified by July 16.

Arts events are

widening horizons

From shopfronts in Whitley Bay to Segedunum in Wallsend, the Year of the Arts has already widened horizons across the borough.

Audiences have enjoyed the coast’s first reggae and ska festival; a new play by our local older people’s theatre group; a celebration of steel band music; a unique fusion of poetry and boxing; top performers from Cuba and South Africa and much more.

This diversity of arts events, including several more ‘firsts’, continues during the summer.

For the first time, the Mouth of the Tyne Festival has a Friday evening launch, with leading folk performer Seth Lakeman getting things under way at the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay on July 9 (see pages 6 and 7 for the festival programme).

Alongside the 20th Whitley Bay International Jazz Festival (July 9 to 11 at the Village Hotel, Cobalt Business Park), there’s the first Whitley Bay Jazz Fringe, featuring some of the best local contemporary bands at the Trojan Rooms and The Boardwalk (July 11).

Meanwhile, a new art gallery – The Links Art Gallery in Whitley Bay – will launch its programme with the first Whitley Bay summer show,‘Coast Lines’, and is welcoming submissions from artists throughout the borough (professional or amateur) for the inaugural exhibition, starting on July 26.

Theatre Tantaraa, our innovative youth theatre that runs workshop programmes in Killingworth,Wallsend and North Shields, will be showcasing a new play at the Saville Exchange (July 30 and 31).

September sees a series of activities to mark the centenary of the death of one of America’s greatest artists, Winslow Homer, who spent 18 months in Cullercoats in the late 19th Century.

And one event to highlight – legendary punk poet John Cooper Clarke is coming to the PLAYHOUSE on October 22, as part of North Tyneside’s performance poetry series.

For more details, and to sign up for the monthly Year of the Arts email bulletin, go to www.northtyneside.gov.uk/arts

RIZONS O H G N I WIDEN Tyneside h t r o N s t Ar

Arts Fest at the House of Objects

The House of Objects – the borough’s creative recycling centre at the Rising Sun Country Park – is staging an ‘Arts Fest’ on August 22 as part of the Year of the Arts programme.

The centre will move outdoors for a celebration of creative recycling, including sculpture workshops with professional artists.Visitors can make their own artworks from a wide range of materials, including rope, metal, glass, wood and plastic.

The day will also feature storytelling, live music, street theatre and circus arts – and the chance to sample the homemade produce in the Rising Sun restaurant. Admission is free.

For more information about membership and activities, and to find out how to donate materials, contact (0191) 643 2240, email houseofobjects@northtyneside.gov.uk, or check the council website.

Rhyme time: John Cooper Clarke plays the PLAYHOUSE in October.

23

Join in the fun

Would you like your child to have fun, meet new friends – and keep active at the same time?

Healthy 4 life is a free programme that helps overweight children and their families make positive lifestyle changes.

There are two clubs – one for 7 to 11 year-olds and the other for 12 to 14 year-olds – and each runs for 10 weeks after school at various venues across the borough.

Children can take part in fun sports and activity sessions while parents can learn about healthy eating and how to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Please note – a parent or guardian must accompany children attending the younger-age club.

To find out more about your nearest club, contact the Children’s Health and Activity Team on (0191) 643 7454 or email: chat@northtyneside.gov.uk Meanwhile, the newly-named Hadrian Leisure Centre (formerly Sport and Leisure @ Burnside) has a couple of new Saturday sessions aimed at children who love modern dance.

Urban funk (8 to 12 year-olds) takes place between 9.30 and 10.15am while mini hip hop street dance (4 to 7 year-olds) runs from 10.15 to 11am.

The price is £1.90 with an Ease Card and £3 without.

Trampolining sessions with a qualified coach are on Saturdays (10 - 11am; 11am - noon) for 4 to 15 year-olds. (Someone over 16 must accompany children aged 4 to 7.)

The centre has also launched hula hooping – a fun exercise activity for over 16s – on Tuesdays between 7.30 and 8.30pm.

Body pump classes, using barbells and free weights to tone and condition your muscles, are on Sundays between 11am and noon – prices are £3.80 with an Ease Card, £4.70 without and free to Contours members.

For more details on any of the above classes, contact (0191) 643 2025.

No strings with this session!

No Strings is a new badminton session for casual players – there’s no need to book a court, just turn up!

Come along on your own, or with some friends, meet new people and enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

No Strings – the first such franchise in the North East – is fun and convenient and there’s a co-ordinator on hand to pass on tips and organise mini-games.

Sessions take place at Hadrian Leisure Centre (643 2025) on Wednesdays (7 to 8pm) and at The Parks (200 6364) on Thursdays (noon to 1.30pm).

For 16 and over – 14 if accompanied by an adult. (£2.20 with an Ease card, £2.80 without. Off peak £2 – only at The Parks.)

24

widening horizons • July 2010

Heard any good books lately?

North Tyneside’s libraries are the first in the North East to enable members to download free audiobooks.

After registering they will be able to

“And it means people who would

website to win one of four iPods – one

local library no longer need to carry

And anyone who signs up for the

Cllr Pam McIntyre, cabinet member for

enter a competition on the council’s

for each quarter of the borough.

normally hire audiobooks from their bulky CDs or cassettes.”

It’s free to join North Tyneside libraries

scheme has the chance to win one of

Community Engagement, said:“We’re

and you don’t need to fill in a form or

celebrate its launch.

service.

will take place and entrants will be

The service is available all day, every

“There are a host of benefits, for

hundreds of audiobooks, including the

for popular titles plus there are no

four iPods as part of a competition to

day and enables people to choose from

latest bestsellers.

People can register for the scheme on the council’s website at

delighted to be offering this great new

example, there is never a waiting list fines if an audiobook is kept longer than its hire period.

provide identification. Four prize draws

entered into the draw for whichever

area of North Tyneside the library they

use is in – North Shields, North West, Wallsend or Whitley Bay.

The closing date for entries is Tuesday,

August, 31.

www.northtyneside.gov.uk by inputting their library membership number, which will enable them to access the NetLibrary website.

Well read: Elected Mayor Linda Arkley and Cllr McIntyre try out the new service.

25

Northumbria Police Taking the cash out of crime

Northumbria Police plans to restrain around £2.3m of criminals' ill-gotten gains as part of Payback 4:The Big Squeeze.

In April, the force launched its fourth major crackdown aimed at taking the cash out of crime.

In three days of early morning raids across the force area, 18 people were arrested.

Luxury cars, nearly £10,000 cash, jewellery, drugs and weapons were seized and evidence of money laundering uncovered.

The Big Squeeze has targeted low-level offenders and those who profit from serious, organised crime.

Property assets are frozen and cannot be disposed of. Asset recovery proceedings are then carried out alongside any criminal proceedings.

Neighbourhood Inspector Pam Bridges, based in Wallsend, said: "We're determined to tackle those who benefit from crime at every level, whether it's those who live in luxury or those you might live next door to who have assets gained through crime.

“We hope Payback 4 has sent the message out to criminals that no matter who you are, and where you are, we will come for you.”

2626

widening horizons• July 2010

Young cricketers bowled over Young cricketers have been bowled over by funding stumped up by Northumbria Police.

Over the last four years, it has led to improved behaviour both on and off the pitch and in the classroom.

The move is part of the government's Community Cashback scheme, which ploughs criminal assets back into community projects.

Insp Geoff Cross said: "This is a great initiative for young people.

It helps improve their behaviour and teaches skills in working with others as part of a team, which they can use throughout their lives.

Scores of youngsters will be on top form this season thanks to a £5,000 donation to pay for coaching sessions as part of the 'Chance to Shine' project run by Tynemouth Cricket Club.

The project encourages teamwork and fosters the sporting spirit as well as the physical skills of the game.

"The money has come from confiscating assets such as houses and cars from offenders, which is put back into the hearts of our communities by Community Cashback."

More police news - pages 28 and 29.

local news Keep your bike safe Police in Whitley Bay are reminding cyclists to take extra care to make sure their bikes are safe from thieves.

The advice comes after several bikes were stolen from rear yards and outside shops.

Insp Jim Gray said: "We want to remind cyclists of all ages to take extra care. It only takes a moment for an opportunist thief to strike.

"If you do see someone acting suspiciously around bikes in your area then contact the police.You could help to prevent a crime."

Cyclists are being advised to take some simple security measures, including:

Lock your bike securely whenever you leave it, even for a short time, and when it's in a garage or shed.

Lock the bike through the frame as well as the wheels and other removable parts.

If it is kept in a shed, use a good quality lock on the door.

Make a note of the manufacturer's name, marks or serial numbers and take a photograph of the bike, so if it is stolen and later recovered it can be identified.

Get it security marked – it will be less attractive to thieves and if it does get stolen then recovered, it will be easier for the police to return it to you.

Register your bike with the Property Recording Service on our website at www.northumbria.police.uk

Shed alarms mean better security Northumbria Police is helping residents in North Tyneside to keep their sheds secure by handing out free alarms to victims of crime.

To make sure the devices go to those who need them most, officers are talking to crime victims across the borough to use the alarms.

Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector David Felton, of North Tyneside Area Command, said: "People often keep items of value in sheds, including gardening and power tools, bicycles, and other sports equipment.

Police and council in joint operation Officers from Killingworth Neighbourhood Policing Team and the council's Safer Estates Team carried out a joint operation to tackle drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in Forest Hall.

Police searched houses in Rocket Way, made three arrests and seized drugs and cash.

Safer Estates Team staff served three council tenants with letters warning their tenancies were at risk due to anti-social behaviour.

Insp Paul Young said: "It's important that residents feel safe in their neighbourhoods.We will continue to work with the council to take any necessary action to curb troublesome tenants."

mation re infor , For mo vention ime pre r c t a u o e ab sit t e's web c r fo e h ce.uk visit t bria.poli m u h t r www.no

“This can easily add up to hundreds of pounds and this added protection will help keep it safe."

27

Operation nets 15 arrests Fifteen people have been arrested for offences on the Meadow Well Estate as part of Operation Iron.

The North Shields initiative saw neighbourhood officers, council staff and other partners deal with issues ranging from motorcycle disorder and under-age drinking to Metro fare evasion.

Sgt Adrian Smiles said: "We asked the community which areas they wanted police to concentrate on.This helped us to make sure that we dealt with the issues that most concern local people."

Officers and council wardens targeted motorcycle disorder on the waggonways – seizing two motorcycles from owners who had previously received warnings for riding illegally, and arresting a 14 year-old youth for dangerous driving.

Meanwhile, police and trading standards officers found two stores selling alcohol to a child in a crackdown on under-age drink sales. Several adults were given £80 fixed penalty notices for buying alcohol for under-18s.

Officers also worked with Nexus and the police’s Metro Unit to tackle disorder and fare evasion as part of high-profile patrols on the system.

Elected Mayor Linda Arkley, who is chair of the North Tyneside Strategic Partnership, said:“We want the borough to have clean, green and safe neighbourhoods.

“It’s through organisations working together, in partnership with communities, that we can continue to make a difference to the quality of life for our residents.”

28

widening horizons • July 2010

Crackdown: Community support officers Kev Cresswell (left) and Kian Mokhtary with the seized bikes.

Joint approach safeguards travellers Police and Nexus are working together to tackle anti-social behaviour in and around bus stations and Metro interchanges.

The joint approach, which has been successful for some time, has now been captured on posters prominently displayed at bus and Metro interchanges in North Tyneside.

Chief Insp Max Black said: "We carry out a great deal of police patrols around bus and Metro interchanges and we know passengers are reassured by the sight of uniformed officers.

"The new posters at Wallsend bus station and Four Lane Ends interchange will be seen by thousands of commuters each day and I hope this provides further reassurance.

"It's part of our policing pledge to ensure police patrols in your area are where and when you need them most. By working closely with our partners at Nexus we can tackle those people who are acting in an anti-social manner."

Northumbria Police local news

Extra police patrols for local parks Police patrols are being stepped up in parks in Whitley Bay and Wallsend this summer to tackle potential youth disorder problems.

Neighbourhood policing teams are working with council park wardens at Churchill Playing Fields,Whitley Bay and Richardson Dees Park,Wallsend.

Insp Jim Gray, from Whitley Bay, said: "People will see extra uniform officers and council staff on patrol and we hope people will be reassured and talk to officers to discuss any problems they have noticed. “Officers are visiting local schools to talk to pupils and are contacting other park users, including sports and leisure groups, to tell them about this operation.�

Recent work by officers has already resulted in an 18 year-old local man being charged with five offences, including criminal damage to cars, assault and threatening behaviour, after an incident in March.

Cllr Glynis Barrie, cabinet member for Community Services and Safer Neighbourhoods, said: "Our many parks are some of the borough's best assets, so it's very disappointing when a small minority spoil the opportunity for people to enjoy them.

"This joint operation is another example of how, through working closely with the police, we're tackling anti-social behaviour issues that are of concern to our residents."

Contact us Why not sign up for a free on-line e-newsletter and find out what your local neighbourhood policing team has been doing to make your community safer?

Simply go to the police website: www.northumbria.police.uk/your_ neighbourhood North Tyneside page, choose which area you are interested in and enter your email address in the newsletter sign-up box.

Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings take place regularly across North Tyneside. Residents can meet their local officers and discuss any policing concerns.

Council representatives will also be present to deal with any queries.

Check out forthcoming dates by logging on to the force website.

If you have any policing concerns, please contact your local neighbourhood policing team on 03456 043 043 ext 69191.

On patrol: PC Paul McKenzie with park warden Bill Nilan in Whitley Bay.

29

Litter pickers get busy Community-spirited organisations across North Tyneside have been springing into action to support the council’s environment campaign.

The Friends of Brierdene, Sustrans and Whitley Bay Young People’s Centre are just some of the groups that have organised litter picks for this year’s Big Spring Clean.

The Big Spring Clean panel will assess all the clean-up events and award the title of Best Community Clean-Up for the group that has put in the most effort.The winning group will receive £250 to spend on improving their local area.

If you haven’t yet entered your clean-up event, you have until the closing date of June 30.

The council can support community clean-ups by providing high visibility vests, bags and litter pickers.

To register a clean-up event or to find out if one is happening in your area, visit the Big Spring Clean section of the council’s website, at www.northtyneside.gov.uk Email: bigspringclean@northtyneside.gov.uk Phone: Kathryn Waugh on (0191) 643 7276.

Where has the worm turned?

Your help is needed in finding one of the most threatened reptiles in the country.

Often mistaken for snakes, slow worms are smaller in size with eyelids, and are in fact lizards without legs.

They are protected by UK law and the council is looking to discover how many of the creatures are in North Tyneside and Newcastle.

You can find them in relatively open spaces such as allotments, gardens, parklands and wasteland, although they tend to hide under discarded rubbish like sheets of wood or carpets.

If seen, let us know by completing the slow worm online survey on the council’s website at www.northtyneside.gov.uk Additionally, people can respond by email to: Biodiversity@northtyneside.gov.uk, or write to: North Tyneside Council, Jackie Hunter, Quadrant West (3rd Floor), 16 The Silverlink North, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY. The information required is: ● ● ●

How many slow worms were there?

What date was the sighting?

Where were they? For example, place name, address or grid reference.

All returned surveys must be in by Friday October 1. Each entry will be entered into a free prize draw to win a £25 book voucher.

B I G SPRIN G C LEAN

Doing their bit: The Friends of Brierdene.

30

widening horizons • July 2010

A question of waste

The council is putting the problem of waste – and how to deal with it – under the spotlight.

recycling and recovering value from our

In 2002, North Tyneside produced its

that the public get involved with the

first Waste Strategy, which set out how

the council would deal with waste over

waste,” he said.

“However, what’s vitally important is choices that have to be made, which is

why we’ll be inviting residents to give

the next four years.

their views on a draft strategy.”

Since then, it has made a number of

The council will begin consultation on

improvements, including the introduction

the draft strategy later this year. It will

last year of wheeled recycling bins, that

be visiting groups and community

waste recycled from homes in the

more detail, as well as putting copies of

have helped to double the amount of

borough.

But the council recognises it needs to

centres to explain the proposals in

the strategy in local libraries and on the

council website.

do more.That’s why it’s working on a

A future issue of Widening Horizons

will be the blueprint for dealing with

document.

new Sustainable Waste Strategy, which waste from now until 2030.

Cllr Ed Hodson, cabinet member

for Environment, said:“We have a huge responsibility to protect the

environment we live in.

“It’s vital that we become a more

will also feature a summary of the

Current recycling boost Recycling organisation Valpak is providing residents in the borough with bags to recycle their used batteries.

When full, the bags should be placed on top of all glass waste in the recycling caddy in the grey wheeled bin and left for collection. Once collected, residents receive a new bag.

Instructions appear on the bags about how to use them.

Valpak is the UK’s leading environmental compliance scheme, managing the recycling obligations of more than 5,000 UK businesses under producer responsibility laws.

Keen-eyed: The picking line at a recycling depot in North Tyneside.

Each worker has responsibility for removing a particular type of recyclable material.

sustainable borough by producing less rubbish, recycling even more and putting much less in landfill.”

Cllr Hodson said the recycling team had looked at some new waste

treatment technologies and investigated new ways of working at other councils.

“As a result, we’re looking to set even more challenging targets for reducing,

31

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

When did you last visit the Regular check-ups at your dentist are important to maintain good oral health.

They allow your dentist to see if you have any dental problems and help you keep your mouth healthy.

Leaving problems untreated could make it more difficult for them to be treated in the future, so it's best to deal with the problem early or, if possible, prevent them altogether.

At each check-up, your dentist should:

• • • •

Examine your teeth, gums and mouth.

Ask about your general health and any problems you’ve had with your teeth, mouth or gums since your last visit.

Ask about, and give you advice on, your diet, tobacco and alcohol use, and teeth-cleaning habits.

Discuss with you a date for your next visit.

After your check-up, your dentist will recommend a date for your next visit.

The time to your next check-up could be as short as three months or as

If you need help, you’ve got a PAL!

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) provides advice and support about NHS services.

If you need help, have concerns or would like general information about the NHS, a team of PALS officers is based in North Tyneside.

Members of the team can assist with information and advice about services provided by hospitals, GPs, dentists, the ambulance service, other NHS services within the community, and specialist services including mental health.

32

widening horizons • July 2010

The team acts independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with NHS staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations to negotiate a prompt solution.

The service is available between 9am and 5pm on freephone 0800 032 02 02.You can also email northoftynepals@nhct.nhs.uk or text (for the deaf community) 01670 511 098.

How to spot cancer - pages 56 and 57.

long as two years (or up to one year if you're under 18).

Generally, the lower your risk of dental problems, the longer you can wait before your next check-up.The time between check-ups may vary depending on the condition of your teeth, gums and mouth, or other changes in your health or lifestyle.

To find an NHS dentist, please call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 to find out which dentists in your area are taking on new NHS patients and how to register with them.

Help card can help you Handy pocket-sized cards have been developed to help patients indicate when they need extra help and support accessing NHS services.

The NHS help card features a blank panel on the front where any special requirements can be written down, and there is also an option to identify preferred language for interpreting and translation purposes.

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

dentist?

North Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT) is in the process of recruiting more dentists to existing practices across North Tyneside, with a new practice planned for Whitley Bay. If you are experiencing severe dental pain outside of normal working hours, please contact the out-of-hours dental service on 0845 608 0324.

Dr Mike Guy, medical director for NHS North of Tyne, working on behalf of Newcastle and North Tyneside Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and Northumberland Care Trust, said: “The NHS help card will be available free to any patient who wishes to have one, as well as relatives, friends and carers.

“It will be integral in helping us to continue to deliver a highly patientfocused service.

“The card puts the onus on the NHS to respond and support patients for example if patients need assistance to hear their appointment being called, be guided where to go, understand English, support a friend or relative

and understand what is happening if they have a learning disability.”

You can pick up a card at GP practices, pharmacies and health centres across the borough.

Further information on the NHS help card is also available at www.northeast.nhs.uk/helpcard.

What can it be used for?

People can use the NHS help card, for example, if:

• They are unable to walk far.

• They are confused, lost or don’t know where to go.

• They cannot speak or hear.

• They do not understand English.

• They have a learning disability.

Family members, friends and carers can also use the NHS help card.

33

Townsfolk turn out to support troops

Local residents turned out in force to support volunteer servicemen and women – past and present – as they marched through Wallsend.

The troops, including many who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, were celebrating receiving the Freedom of Wallsend.

Elected Mayor Linda Arkley and the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear,

34

widening horizons • July 2010

Nigel Sherlock, took the salute and inspected the troops from the Territorial Army’s 103 (1st Newcastle) Field Squadron Royal Engineers.

In one of his last engagements as the Chairman of the Council, Cllr Michael Huscroft also attended the ceremony.

The troops formed up in the car park opposite theTown Hall before marching down High Street East past cheering crowds and shops decorated with flags and bunting.

The squadron, which is now based in Newcastle, was originally located in Wallsend. It was awarded the Freedom of Wallsend in 1960, prior to the borough of North Tyneside being formed in 1974.

On the road to

less potholes!

Pothole problems have been a particular gripe for many residents in recent months – but a solution is now well underway.

The severe winter weather caused thousands of potholes across the 500 miles of roads in the borough. But the council’s highways team has pulled out all the stops to tackle the problem and more than 4,000 potholes have been repaired since January.

And the recent award of a long-term contract to Tarmac, one of the industry’s leading road maintenance and repair companies, is aimed at improving the quality of roads across North Tyneside.

Tarmac is currently undertaking full resurfacing schemes on a number of main roads and this will continue throughout the rest of the year.

Meanwhile, Derek Smith, the council’s senior engineering manager, has ensured teams of staff have been repairing the damage – seven days a week.

“We have changed the way we fix potholes, said Derek.“We have done a lot of research as it’s important to get it right and make sure the repairs last and provide value for money.”

Extra government funding and money allocated by the Elected Mayor means the council has directed an additional £600,000 for urgent road repairs.

This means the council has been able to explore innovative solutions, such as improving the way it repairs potholes. By filling the holes with hot, and therefore more flexible, material the repairs are proving more effective.

Systems are in place to ensure the council has up-to-date information to plan its roads maintenance programme.

All the main ‘A’ roads are inspected monthly, while estate roads are checked every six months.

An independent survey is also carried out annually and this provides an overall assessment of the road quality.

In North Tyneside, the council has earned a rating of ‘good performance’ for its roads management.

The council is aiming to develop a Highways Asset Management Plan that will bring together computerised data on every aspect of its highways – not just road surfacing but also information on the drainage gullies, bollards are so on.

This will provide an overall picture of the work required to keep the borough’s roads well maintained and allow the council to plan repairs more efficiently over a number of years.

Long-term contract: Derek Smith (left) and Elected Mayor Linda Arkley with surfacing supervisor Christopher Cawley, of Tarmac.

35

AgeTakes Centre Stage

The 15th festival for the over-50s takes place in October with a month of great activities, events and special offers across North Tyneside.

Local older people’s groups, in partnership with the council, are putting the finishing touches to the full festival programme, which will be featured in the next edition of Widening Horizons, published in September.

This year’s festival starts on Friday, October 1 with a fabulous free celebration at Howdon Community Centre to mark UK and UN Older People’s Day. But you can start planning right now for this year’s coach outings and the Sail Away Cruise to Haarlem. And get ready to celebrate the achievements of people over 50 in North Tyneside by nominating an individual or group for an Age Takes Centre Stage Award.

36

widening horizons • July 2010

Age Takes Centre Stage Awards 2010

This year we invite nominations in two categories: ● Older People Together – celebrating the achievements of groups (base in North Tyneside and in which at least half the members are over 50) that give older people more opportunities to enjoy life and contribute to the community. ● Individual Achievement in Volunteering - for a person aged over 50 who has given a lot to the community in North Tyneside as a volunteer.

City of Flowers: Haarlem has a rich history.

We welcome all nominations particularly those for building friendship and neighbourliness in our community.

Nominations close on August 30.

The awards are sponsored by Age Concern North Tyneside and presented at a special awards ceremony hosted

by DFDS Seaways on board the cruise ship MS Princess of Norway at Royal Quays.

2010

Look out for more information in the Age Takes Centre Stage Awards leaflet available in libraries and from Age Concern North Tyneside, Bradbury Centre, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields, NE29 6QP. You can also call (0191) 280 8498, email info@agetakescentrestage.org.uk or visit www.agetakescentrestage.org.uk

Amongst Friends coach outings You can choose from four special coach outings during October, organised by Amongst Friends Whitley Bay, with Chris Cooper Travel, as part of Age Takes Centre Stage 2010.

• Thursday 7th – The Borders, including Jedburgh and Kelso, then home via Coldstream and a short stop at Seahouses.

• Thursday 14th – Scarborough, via Guisborough.

• Thursday 21th – Harrogate, via Knaresborough.

• Thursday 28th – Leeds.

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

Join Age Takes to the Sea 2010 – and sail away to Haarlem from just £84 per person!

Achievers: Last year’s award winners.

Sailing from North Shields to Holland at 5pm on Monday, October 18, arriving at North Shields 9.30am on Wednesday, October 20.

Arrive in Holland on Tuesday morning to be picked up by coach to visit the beautiful Dutch town of Haarlem.

The price of £84 per person includes: • Two nights on board ship, with a lower berth, outside, en-suite cabin, based on two sharing (single cabins are available from £108 pp).

• Buffet breakfasts each way on board ship.

• Live on-board entertainment.

• Coach transfer to Haarlem, with five hours to explore the town.

Known as the 'City of Flowers', this compact city is a maze of narrow streets and canals, with lots of pretty medieval houses, museums and places of interest. Haarlem has a rich history and a thriving cultural scene, so there are plenty of things to see and do, for example:

(Pre-book your evening meals and save up to 25 per cent, compared with onboard prices.)

• The Grote-Kerk of St. Bavo – a Gothic cathedral built in the 14th and 15th centuries.

• Frans Hals Museum - houses a large collection of Haarlem art, dating from the 15th Century.

• Teylers Museum – the oldest museum in the Netherlands, with an extensive collection of paintings by the old masters as well as a large collection of fossils, minerals and scientific instruments.

Offer terms and conditions: Subject to availability.

Credit card & telephone booking fees apply.Visit www.dfds.co.uk/terms for full details.

To book: visit www.dfds.co.uk/age or phone 0871 882 0887 and quote “Age Takes Centre Stage”.

37

It’s time to have your say!

People in North Tyneside are being asked their opinion of plans to improve local bus links.

Nexus has unveiled plans to overhaul bus routes it pays for in North Tyneside and the proposals include better links to GP surgeries, the Freeman and North Tyneside General Hospitals, employment sites at Cobalt and Balliol, and Tyne Metropolitan College.

Links to shopping areas have also been improved and there are new local community services in places including Whitley Bay,Wallsend, Killingworth and North Shields.

Local people are being asked what they think of the proposals, drawn up with the input of bus companies and the council, during a consultation running until August.

The full proposals can be found online at www.nexus.org.uk/busstrategy where there is also a feedback form to fill in. Documents will also be available in libraries.

Nexus are also holding a series of roadshows, where you can find out more information, ask questions and give your views.These are taking place at: ●

●

●

●

●

Beacon Centre, North Shields – Friday, June 25 (10.30am to 2.30pm).

Park View,Whitley Bay – Tuesday, June 29 (11am to 3pm).

The Forum,Wallsend – Thursday, July 1 (10.30am to 2.30pm).

John Willie Sams Centre, Dudley – Tuesday, July 6 (10.30am to 1pm).

White Swan, Killingworth – Tuesday, July 6 (3.30pm to 6.30pm).

Once the views of local people have been considered, Nexus plans to launch the new local links in spring 2011.

Tobyn Hughes, Director of Strategy for Nexus, said:“While bus services in North Tyneside are good in most cases, we are making sure every community has local links that get people where they want to go, when they want to travel.

“We are presenting our views on where the bus network can be improved, based on detailed research – but we want local people to tell us if we have got it right.”

The consultation covers those bus routes that Nexus pays for using local authority funding – around 10 per cent of the whole network. Commercial companies such as Arriva and Go North East operate other routes and the proposals are designed to fit around these.

Nexus has designed changes it can provide using existing funding, by focussing its spending more cost-effectively and withdrawing the LinkUp demand responsive service in favour of fixed bus routes.

If the consultation demonstrates a need for further changes or new services, Nexus hopes to be able to pay for these by working in different ways with bus operators or seeking new funding routes.

38

widening horizons • July 2010

Have your say: Nexus is seeking your views on plans to overhaul some bus routes in the borough.

Campaign aims to

protect over-60s It takes years to build up memories – and just seconds for them to go up in flames.

That’s the warning from Tyne and

Wear Fire and Rescue Service in a new campaign aimed at helping

people over the age of 60 keep

safe from fire.

Research has shown that if you are

over 60, you are twice as likely to

be killed or injured in a house fire.

In the coming weeks, fire and

rescue service staff – in uniform and carrying photographic ID

badges – will be visiting people

over 60, offering home safety checks and fitting free smoke alarms where necessary.

Mick Nielsen, the fire and rescue service’s district manager, said:

“Everyone has a right to be safe in their own home.

“Fire costs lives and families can be

devastated when a loved one dies or their home is destroyed but

these tragedies can be prevented.

“We are appealing to local

If you or someone you know is over

homes to help them remain safe

check, call freephone 0800 032 7777

residents to allow us into their from fire.”

Please note, all Tyne and Wear Fire

60 and would like a free home safety

and Rescue staff carry photographic

or visit www.twfire.gov.uk

into your home without proof of ID.

identity badges. Do not let anyone

39

Have you got the skills to foster?

More foster carers are urgently needed in North Tyneside.

There are now more children and

young people than ever before who

need a loving and stable home.

are needed to meet the varying needs

of foster children.

“Fostering has really enhanced our life” Alison and Abraham are two of North

Fostering can be anything from taking a

Tyneside’s latest fostering recruits.

a month, to looking after them on a

The pair have signed up as respite

child into your home for one weekend

a month but it is flexible and you can

do more or less if you wish.

“When we have a child to stay, our aim is to create a normal, caring

environment for them in our home.

They join in with our day-to-day

activities and we try to include some fun stuff that we know they’ll enjoy.”

carers and, for one weekend a month,

Abraham said:“We receive lots of

Today, for many people, fostering is a

child’s full-time carers can take a break.

fostering service.They’re just at the

skilled profession and playing a vital role

They’re both employed – Alison as an

willing to come out and see us.

IT, yet they’ve found it easy to fit

“We’re very happy we made the

full-time basis.

career – combining family life with a

working alongside other professionals

to improve the life chances of the child they care for.

Carers can come from all walks of life

as a diverse range of skills and qualities

they take care of a child so that the

assistant head teacher and Abraham in

fostering into their busy lives.

Alison said:“Fostering has really enhanced

our lives.We commit to one weekend

support from North Tyneside’s

end of the telephone and are always

decision to foster. It’s added a whole

new dimension to our lives that we really enjoy.”

Have you got the skills to do one of the most rewarding jobs around?

You could also earn up to £1,000 per month.

For an informal chat, or to request an information pack, contact the council’s fostering service on (0191) 643 2540; email fostering@northtyneside.gov.uk or visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk New dimension: Alison and Abraham are very happy with their decision to become foster carers.

42

widening horizons • July 2010

Thinking for Change

Local adult learners have been recognised nationally for their work in bridging the generation gap in North Tyneside.

Their Thinking for Change project picked up the ‘outstanding group of learners’ award in the National Adult Learners’Week Awards.

Thinking for Change is an inter-generational schools programme, now in its fifth year. Run by Age Concern North Tyneside and funded by the council, it involves five different schools each term.

Older volunteers help children to develop a questioning attitude to social and moral issues, and explore themes such as friendship, war, the environment, difference and perception.

Questions have included; how do you measure greed? Should we try to be satisfied with what we’ve got?

Do people stay the same on the inside as they get older?

Research has shown that questioning work of this kind can improve children’s curiosity, reasoning, attainment and behaviour.

At the same time, the older volunteers learn new skills, take up training, develop self-confidence, make new friends and contribute to their community.

Around 100 residents, aged over 50, have taken part in the sessions so far.

Volunteer Terry, 57, from Killingworth, said:“It’s a revelation for many youngsters to find it possible to voice and hear different points of view without falling out. I love to see them becoming more confident. Children with problems help each other and they even help me with my disability.”

For more information about volunteering with the project, contact Michelle Whitworth, Age Concern’s lifelink co-ordinator, on (0191) 234 7200 ext 213.

The Adult Learners’Week Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of extraordinary adults who have transformed their lives for the better through learning.

Try a taster session

It’s never too late to open the doors of opportunity with adult and family learning.

From maths to modern languages, from construction to computing, adults and families across the borough have been having fun while gaining new skills – and you can join them.

North Tyneside’s Adult and Family Learning Prospectus is now being delivered to every home in the borough.Take a look at what’s on offer, or try a taster session. Courses are flexible and many are free.

Enrol from June 30 to unlock your potential. For more information, contact North Tyneside’s Adult Learning Alliance on (0191) 643 2288.

Sept

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Bridging the gap: Volunteers Julie,Terry, Helen and John.

43

New Business Forum is good news for borough Thriving local businesses are vital to the economic wellbeing of the borough and providing a range of jobs for residents.

That’s why the council is creating a Business Forum – a partnership with North Tyneside’s business community, aimed in particular at medium, small and micro enterprises.

The Business Forum will help businesses come together to voice their concerns, both on a business-tobusiness level and also with a range of key public sector agencies.

It will also provide the council with a new way of engaging with business, so it can hear their views directly on key issues and help ensure continued economic growth for the borough.

Elected Mayor Linda Arkley said: “The forum will provide a source of advice, training, information sharing and networking opportunities for all. It will also seek to work with other business groups and associations, such as the North East Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses.

“The ultimate aim will be to strengthen our business base and ensure our companies are well informed, well connected and given every opportunity to thrive within North Tyneside.

44

widening horizons • July 2010

“That is not only good for business but good for our borough and our residents, who depend on us supporting our business base and encouraging sustainable economic investment into North Tyneside.”

All businesses will be able to access the services of the Business Forum and be encouraged to attend and contribute to a programme of events, workshops and publications.

All sectors across North Tyneside have been consulted on the forum and how it should operate.

A business–led steering group, representing a cross-section of the business community, has held its first meeting.

Eric Donjon, of Entek International Ltd, which employs 125 people in Camperdown is keen for the Business Forum to be established.

“I have been in North Tyneside for 25 years and something such as this is much needed,” said Mr Donjon, who has won two Queen’s Awards for Export for his manufacturing business, which produces polyethylene separators for car batteries.

“It is very important for the business community to have a route to talk directly to the council and to come together to share our expertise.

“There will also be benefits for the council as it will be able to find out from the businesses about their experiences and what is happening for employers across the borough.”

New drop-in sessions The initiative is part of the council’s commitment to ‘Backing Business’ and making sure North Tyneside is a business-friendly location, where new ventures are given help to become established.

The council’s work to support businesses includes: ●

●

A comprehensive individual business start-up programme, assisting residents to develop their business ideas to the point of trading and beyond.

A retail and town centre grant scheme encouraging more investment in our town centres.

●

●

●

●

●

Commercial premises assistance to support growing businesses and those seeking premises.

Hardship Rate Relief providing direct assistance to businesses when they need it most.

General business advice and signposting to the most appropriate regional and sub-regional support agencies.

Supporting business to bid for council contracts. Around £12m worth of contracts has been awarded to local businesses in the last 12 months, and almost a third have gone to small and mediumsized enterprises in the borough.

Intensive one-to-one support on tendering to assist local businesses identify opportunities, provide an understanding of public procurement and gain the knowledge to enable them to win public sector contracts.

New venture: Some of the people who have helped to set up the Business Forum.

The Families Information Service provides advice and information on a range of services for parents, carers, children and young people.

You can find out about childcare services, family support, health and wellbeing, education, and sport and leisure activities.

During the summer, the FIS is holding a series of drop-in sessions at venues across the borough.

Tuesday, July 6 – North Shields Customer Service Centre (Unicorn House).

Monday, July 12 – Whitley Bay Customer Service Centre (Victoria Terrace).

Monday, July 19 – Wallsend Customer Service Centre (Park Road).

Monday, July 26 – Killingworth Customer Service Centre (White Swan).

Tuesday,August 3 – North Shields Customer Service Centre (Unicorn House).

Monday,August 9 – Whitley Bay Customer Service Centre (Victoria Terrace).

Monday,August 16 – Wallsend Customer Service Centre (Park Road).

Monday,August 23 – Killingworth Customer Service Centre (White Swan).

All times 10 to 11am, except North Shields (10 to 11.30am).

For information about other sessions and holiday activities, please contact FIS on 0345 2000 108 or visit the council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk

45

Supporting job creation in North Tyneside The council’s commitment to promoting the borough as an attractive place for firms to invest is being borne out by its work with Britain’s largest retailer.

Tesco has chosen Quorum Business Park as the base for its general insurance services, operated by Tesco Bank, and is planning to create 1,000 jobs.

The council is leading a response group, involving various public sector partners, to help Tesco achieve its recruitment and training targets by October.

The response group has developed a two-week programme to prepare potential employees for the recruitment process.This includes customised training based upon Tesco’s values, expected behaviour, interview preparation and an analysis of skills and training needs.

46

widening horizons • July 2010

The company’s new centre at Quorum will look after sales and customer service for its home and motor insurance business.

Sarah Chapman enrolled on the training course with Contact Centre Professional (CCP) having asked her local Jobcentre Plus advisor about the opportunities.

Sarah, who had previously worked in bars, fast food outlets and as a countryside ranger, enjoyed the training – especially the mixture of classroom and practical activities – and was keen to apply for one of the vacancies with Tesco Bank.

Sarah said:“My tutor prepared me for everything, beginning with the application form.We ensured that I sold all my attributes and recognised the skills that I could transfer from previous roles.

“The final stage was a face-to-face interview and role play.Without the help of CCP, I could never have got through this process. I thought I had made some mistakes in the role play but was confident about the interview, so I wasn’t sure which way it would go.”

A week later,Tesco informed Sarah she had been successful and invited her to start training in July.

“I’m really looking forward to my new job,” she said. “There were times when I doubted myself and thought I wouldn’t be able to get a good job.”

New opportunities: Daniel Appleton, Vicky Dodds and Daniel Sisk are among those taking advantage of the training course.

offers start-up advice

A new team is now hard at work in North Tyneside – offering free advice to people who want to set up their own business.

The Business Factory – based at 86 High Street West,Wallsend – aims to generate new business ideas and stimulate the growth of enterprise in the borough.

The service, which is delivered by TEDCO on behalf of North Tyneside Council, includes an ideas team that runs workshops for potential entrepreneurs.

In addition to the ‘money-making ideas’ sessions, the team has several alternative enterprise workshops scheduled – including ‘an introduction to eBay – how to get the best results working online’.

This workshop is ideal for people who may have considered online trading, in particular eBay, but are unsure how to use it.

The session provides an informal introduction to the popular auction site and explains how to use it effectively to get the best results for your business.

The team will also be delivering a series of workshops that will help you to decide whether or not franchising is the right option for you.

People taking part will look at what franchising involves, the personal skills required and the advantages and disadvantages of running a franchise.

The Business Factory also has an ideas bank, which is full of current business opportunities and franchises.

The ideas team will be holding these FREE workshops across North Tyneside in the coming weeks.They are open to anyone over 16, living in North Tyneside.

• June 29 – Money-Making Ideas (12.30 to 3.30pm, Shiremoor Library).

• July 5 – Franchising (5.30 to 8pm, the Village Hotel).

• July 9 – eBay (9.30am to 12.30pm, Howdon Community Centre).

For more information about The Business Factory, to book a place on a workshop or to talk to one of the ideas team: Phone – (0191) 263 6092 Email – ideas@tedco.org Website – www.businessfactorynt.co.uk

47

Dome celebrates

its centenary The Spanish City Dome is celebrating its 100th anniversary by opening its

doors to the public as part of the

Plans include a project to record the

seaside memories of young and old alike,

floral displays, a poetry reading, touring

Heritage Open Days programme.

exhibition and artistic events.

Visitors will be welcomed back inside

The final phase of the external

The Heritage Open Days programme –

co-ordinated by English Heritage – is the

nation’s biggest and most popular free celebration of architecture, history and culture.

from September 9 to 12 (10am to 4pm

improvements will be completed by the

It is supported by North Tyneside Council,

the history of the Dome and Pleasure

the strengthening of the roof terraces to

year for the public to visit and take a step

With the final phase of the outside

The return of the ‘dancing lady’ statues to

each day) to see an exhibition charting Gardens over the past century.

autumn.This includes roof repairs and

allow public access.

repairs now underway, there will also be

the top of the Dome will mean the

view the restored building.

flying the flag for Whitley Bay and the

a limited number of opportunities to

The council wants as many people as

which provides a number of venues each back in time.

landmark building will once again be

borough.

possible to have the chance to share in

the Dome’s centenary celebrations during the year.

49

Cabinet portfolios Local elections Elected Mayor announces new cabinet portfolios Elected Mayor Linda Arkley has announced her new cabinet, following the recent local elections.

Cabinet members are – Cllr Judith Wallace (Deputy Mayor and cabinet member for Finance), Cllr Glynis Barrie (Community Services and Safer Neighbourhoods), Cllr Pam McIntyre (Community Engagement), Cllr John Goodfellow (Housing), Cllr David Lilly (Children,Young People and Learning), Cllr Leslie Miller (Adult Social Care), Cllr Nigel Clothier (Regulatory Services) and Cllr Ed Hodson (Environment).

The new Chairman of the Council is Cllr Duncan McLellan and his deputy is Cllr Margaret Finlay.

The following candidates were elected in the local elections in May.

Weetslade – Alex Cowie (Lab) Whitley Bay – Pamela Brooks (Lab)

Battle Hill – Dave McGarr (Lab) Benton – Stuart Hill (Lab) Camperdown – Anne Arkle (Lab) Chirton – Amanda Normand (Lab) Collingwood – Steven Cox (Lab) Cullercoats – Kenneth Barrie (Con) Howdon – Maureen Madden (Lab) Killingworth – Linda Darke (Lab) Longbenton – Joan Walker (Lab) Monkseaton North – Leslie Miller (Con) Monkseaton South – Ian Grayson (Lab) Northumberland – Marian Huscroft (Lib Dem) Preston – Kate Osborne (Lab) Riverside – Bruce Pickard (Lab) St Mary’s – Pam McIntyre (Con) Tynemouth – Sarah Day (Lab) Valley – Brian Burdis (Lab) Wallsend – Margaret Finlay (Lib Dem)

The current composition of the council is Conservative (25 including the Elected Mayor), Labour (29) and Liberal Democrat (7).

Full details on the election results for North Tyneside and information on all councillors is available on the council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk The annual guide to councillors will appear in the next issue of Widening Horizons, which will be published in mid-September.

North Tyneside Strategic Partnership

Strategy takes shape

In the last issue of Widening Horizons, we gave an update on North Tyneside’s new Sustainable Community Strategy, being developed by NTSP.

The strategy covers the next three years and is the ‘plan of plans’ for the borough, based around a long-term vision for 2030 covering economic, social and environmental wellbeing:

Vision for 2030

We want North Tyneside to be a place of opportunity, prosperity and vibrancy.

A place where people are happy, healthy, safe and able to participate in a flourishing economy and achieve their full potential. ● The North Bank of the Tyne is established globally in the renewable energy and marine industries. ● Innovative higher education. ● Businesses achieving their potential and renewed, easily accessible town centres. ● Our coast and cultural assets are enhanced and enjoyed by residents and visitors. Our local environment is clean, green, attractive and sustainable. ● Health inequalities are reduced, people enjoy healthy lifestyles and receive the care and support they need. ● Children and young people have high aspirations, enjoy their childhood and acquire skills to support their own and the borough’s wellbeing and prosperity. ● Neighbourhoods are friendly, inclusive, safe and connected. People feel a sense of pride and belonging to our area, are involved in volunteering and take part in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.

●

●

●

Our borough is welcoming and everyone has the chance to contribute to their community. Differences between people are valued and respected, and everyone has similar life opportunities.

A range of quality housing options and local facilities.

North Tyneside plays a full part in the renaissance of the North East region.

How do we achieve this?

The strategy outlines actions to be carried out by the organisations that make up NTSP that will move us towards achieving the vision.

These are not actions that the organisations do already as part of their ‘day job’, rather they cover the key things that can only be achieved through working together and making best use of our collective resources.

In the current economic climate, there is more impetus than ever for partners to share resources to continue making improvements for residents.

At the time of writing, the strategy is progressing through the necessary approval processes and is expected to receive final approval at the full council meeting in late June.

Copies will be available in libraries and service centres in July, and on the NTSP website. If you would like a paper copy, please contact NTSP.

Contact NTSP Telephone: (0191) 643 5608 Email: ntsp@northtyneside.gov.uk www: www.ntsp-online.org.uk

NTSP brings together representatives from the council, primary care trust, police and emergency services,Tyne Met College, Jobcentre Plus, voluntary and community groups, and the private sector. Partners work together to improve the quality of life for people living and working in North Tyneside.

51

A new plan

for the borough

The council has started to prepare its Core Strategy – a new plan to guide the development of the borough up to 2027.

the retention of the Green Belt.

set out in the Core Strategy.

As part of the process, a consultation

The consultation exercise will help in

Work on these plans is already in

preferred options for the whole of the

Strategy, which will be published and

until the council has adopted the Core

document setting out a series of

It also indicates the type of additional

policies that will be required in relation

to other issues of significance, such as

the preparation of a draft Core

These documents will provide more

detailed policies and proposals to

supplement the strategic framework

progress but they will not be finalised

submitted to the Secretary of State in

Strategy.

The preferred options and rejected

examination before its adoption.

Cllr Ed Hodson, cabinet member for

consultation and discussion only.

The Core Strategy will also provide a

publication of the Core Strategy

borough has been published.

alternatives are presented for

They represent council preferences

but nothing has yet been decided.

The Preferred Options consultation

document identifies possible new key

sites for housing and employment,

together with areas of search for gypsy

and traveller sites and potential waste management facilities.

2011. It will be subject to an

basis for the preparation of other plans

Preferred Options report.

These are:

“It represents an important and

for different parts of the borough. ●

Coastal Area Action Plan (Whitley

●

North Shields Area Action Plan

● ●

Bay and Tynemouth area)

Wallsend Area Action Plan Waste Management Plan

Local landmarks: The new Core Strategy will guide the development of the borough until 2027.

52

Widening horizons • July 2010

Environment, said:“I welcome the

exciting opportunity for local people

to have a say in the future of North

Tyneside and how it is likely to change.

“The borough needs a robust strategy to guide future development in a

sustainable manner and enable it to

deal successfully with the economic, social and environmental challenges

that lie ahead.

Quadrant East, Cobalt Business Park)

between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday (4.30pm Fridays).

It is also available for inspection at all public libraries and customer service

centres in the borough during normal

Members of the public can also view

the Preferred Options report and

obtain further information at the

following exhibitions: Killingworth Centre

Monday, July 5 to Saturday, July 10

working hours.

North Shields (Beacon Centre)

all residents enjoy the benefits of a

Copies can be viewed and downloaded

Wallsend (Forum)

environment, with a wide range of jobs

http://northtyneside-

Whitley Bay (Park View)

housing. The new Core Strategy will

Comments can be made online.

John Willie Sams Centre, Dudley

us achieve this objective.“

The aim is to involve members of the

ASDA,Whitley Rd, Benton

early stages of the preparation of the

August 11

“We need to ensure that North

Tyneside continues to be a place where healthy lifestyle in a pleasant

and a choice of available quality

provide guidance and direction to help

The Preferred Options report,

together with supporting documents,

can be viewed from Monday, July 5 at the council offices (main reception,

from the council’s website

consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal

public and other groups during the

Core Strategy. All comments, ideas and

suggestions are welcome.

Monday, July 12 to Saturday, July 17

Monday, July 19 to Saturday, July 24

Monday, July 26 to Saturday, July 31

Monday, August 2 to Saturday, August 7

Monday, August 9 to Wednesday, Opening hours at all venues are 10am

to noon and then 2 to 4pm (Monday

to Friday); 5 to 7pm (Thursdays only);

North Core Tynesid e Co Strate uncil gy

C o re Prefe Strategy June rred O ption 2010 s

10am to 12.30pm (Saturdays only).

The Planning Policy team can be

contacted by phone – (0191) 643

2310, fax – (0191) 643 2426 or email –

Larg e imag e coul d go

Planning.Policy@northtyneside.gov.uk here

Representations on the Core Strategy

Preferred Options report should be

made to any of the above addresses

by Friday,August 27.

53

CHANT project provides a helping hand According to figures from the Stroke Association, every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke, and a third of those who survive have to live with aphasia (language impairment).

Communication difficulties, coupled with mobility problems, mean people can become socially isolated. Many people benefit from speech and language therapy but often need help to make long-term adjustments to their day-to-day lives.

CHANT – a partnership involving the council, the NHS and the Stroke Association – provides a bridge to existing resources on behalf of people with aphasia and their carers.

The project works closely with partners in the voluntary and public sector and builds on existing speech and language therapy, and stroke information services within the NHS. The main aim of CHANT, which stands for Communication Hub for Aphasia in North Tyneside, is to help people with long-term aphasia return to meaningful activities.

It also helps to integrate people back into the community, including work and leisure, and provides support to partners and carers.Training about communication disability and access is available free to other services and employers.

If you are interested in talking about aphasia, becoming a volunteer, attending a course or finding out more about the project, phone (0191) 295 2790 or write to The Health Centre, The Green,Wallsend, NE28 7PB.

54

widening horizons • July 2010

Art and aphasia

What is aphasia?

CHANT is working with the North Tyneside Adult Learning Alliance to offer tailor-made courses, such as IT basics.

Aphasia is most commonly caused by brain damage from a stroke. It can affect all aspects of communication, including expressing yourself (speech and writing) and understanding (other people’s speech and reading).

It can also affect a person’s ability to use numbers.

With help from fine art students at Newcastle University, the project is also running a course called Art and Aphasia.

Joining forces with NETA (North East Trust for Aphasia) some of the work from the art course will be showcased in an exhibition at the Ex Libris Gallery (next to the Hatton Gallery) at Newcastle University from July 12 to 16.

The exhibition will be on show at Segedunum during October until November 5 and then Quadrant West (Council HQ) until early December.

Project will highlight

coastal erosion risk New information on coastal erosion will be published during the autumn – and the residents of North Tyneside will be among the first to benefit.

The council is working closely with the Environment Agency on a project that will produce coastal erosion risk information – similar to the flood maps already available on the internet.

Coastal erosion risk information will be based on the best available scientific information and brings together data from several different sources, including information the council has collected along its 11km of coastline over many years.

The council and the Environment Agency will use the information to help plan future coastal defence projects and allocate funding to schemes that can be most effective.

The information could also be used by developers when investigating potential sites along the coastline and will be an additional source of information for council planners.

North Tyneside is not an area where there is an imminent risk to properties from coastal erosion. However, it is still important the council takes the issue seriously.

Change to our coastline is a natural and ongoing process.Where the sea meets the cliffs and shores, it causes the sediment or rocks to be broken down and washed away.The rate of erosion can differ along the coastline depending on the type and character of the rock.

Erosion can happen under any conditions but its rate tends to increase when waves are powerful and water levels are high – for instance during storms or high winds.

Rates of erosion are expected to increase by the end of this century because of increasing storms and rising sea levels, brought about by climate change.

The council has already adopted a Shoreline Management Plan, which covers the areas of Northumberland and North Tyneside from St Abbs to Tynemouth.This explains what the council and other agencies will do to protect the coastline and manage any risks.

The coastal erosion risk information will be available on the Environment Agency website at www.environmentagency.gov.uk/coast from early autumn.

Over the next 18 months, the remaining parts of the coastline will be included until the whole of the English and Welsh coastline is complete.

Details about the project will also be available at a number of events across the borough and paper copies will be placed in local libraries.

55

Be aware of early symptoms We know that people are more likely to survive cancer if it’s found at an early stage so spotting cancer early can make a real difference.

When cancer’s found early, treatment is often easier and more likely to be successful.

So finding cancer sooner rather than later can make a real difference.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of cancer is important and it is also really important that you know your body so that you notice when something is different.

There are more than 200 different types of cancer – causing many different symptoms – and although experts have agreed on some of the most important signs and symptoms to look out for, it’s not possible to know all of them.

Health experts in North Tyneside are urging you to visit your GP to get checked out if you notice any unexplained or persistent change.

Dr Meng Khaw, director of public health for North Tyneside Primary Care Trust, said:“If it is something serious, finding it early and getting treatment started can make a real difference.”

Thousands of people beat cancer every year and this is helped by an early diagnosis that means treatment can be more effective.

56

widening horizons • July 2010

Advances in the way cancer is diagnosed and treated have led to real improvements over the years.

More than nine out of ten men with testicular cancer are now effectively cured.

According to Cancer Research UK, the number of people overall who die from cancer has been falling and half the people diagnosed with cancer today will still be alive in five years’ time.

And now more than three quarters of children with cancer survive, compared with only a quarter back in the 1960s.

More than 40 per cent will still be alive in 10 years’ time and the average tenyear survival rate for cancer has doubled over the past 30 years.

For many types of cancer, including prostate cancer and melanoma skin cancer, the number of people who survive has improved greatly.

Death rates from three of the UK’s most common cancers – breast, bowel and male lung cancer – have dropped to their lowest level for almost 40 years.

Even for those cancers where survival overall is poor, the chances of surviving are better the earlier the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed.

The Healthy Communities Collaborative (HCC) works across North Tyneside to raise awareness of the symptoms of the three most common cancers, breast, bowel and lung, and the importance of early diagnosis.

of cancer The HCC project was judged ‘outstanding’ at the Health and Wellbeing Partnership’s healthy community awards earlier this year for its efforts to raise awareness of the symptoms of breast, bowel and lung cancer across North Tyneside.

It was commended on the work it has done over the last 12 months to raise awareness of cancer symptoms.

This has included setting up cancer awareness sessions at a local high school and targeting those with learning disabilities and BME groups to ensure everyone has access to information about what to look out for in their bodies.

Lesley Davie, project manager of the HCC, said: “North Tyneside has some of the highest death rates from bowel, breast and lung cancer compared to other areas of the country. Research has shown that a major factor is that people delay visiting their GP when they suspect something is wrong.

“Through the HCC, we want people to be more aware of what to look out for and to go and see their GP as soon as they think something might be wrong.”

If you would like to find out more about the HCC project, or get details on becoming a volunteer, please contact Lesley Davie on (0191) 643 2890 or email: lesley.davie@northtyneside-pct.nhs.uk.

Symptoms to look out for Bowel cancer ●

●

●

● ●

●

A feeling that you want to go to the toilet even after you have just been A persistent change in bowel habit, for example diarrhoea or constipation, that lasts for more than four weeks.

Sudden weight loss without dieting Unexplained, extreme tiredness Bloating, swelling or severe pain in the tummy or bottom Bleeding from the bottom without a reason, such as piles, or bleeding when straining

Breast cancer ●

●

● ●

●

●

●

A lump or thickening in an area of the breast A change in the size or shape of a breast Dimpling of the skin A change in the shape of your nipple, particularly if it turns in, sinks into the breast or becomes irregular in shape A blood-stained discharge from the nipple A rash on a nipple or surrounding area A swelling or lump in your armpit

Lung cancer ●

Awareness session: Lesley Davie (left) and colleagues visit a school in North Tyneside.

Inset, Dr Meng Khaw.

●

● ●

●

● ● ●

Having a cough most of the time A change in a cough you have had for a long time Being short of breath Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with signs of blood in it An ache or pain when breathing or coughing Loss of appetite Fatigue Losing weight

If you have any concerns about your health, please contact your GP.

57

hate incidents New way of reporting A new system of recording and managing racist and homophobic incidents is being introduced across the council and its partners in July.

ARCH – which stands for Agencies against Race Crime and Harassment – is an internet-based program that allows easy reporting to a designated officer.

The methods used to make victims feel unsafe or unwelcome can include violence, damage to property, graffiti, threats, name-calling or hate mail.

The ARCH system will be monitored to ensure referrals are followed up within an agreed time.

It allows easy monitoring of where and when incidents are happening – and the nature of those incidents – making it easier to see hotspots and take action to prevent re-occurrences.

Once reported, information about the incident can be electronically referred to one or more agencies of the victim’s choice, such as Integrated Youth Services or Victim Support, and – if the victim wishes – the police.

Reports can be made anonymously and you don’t have to have been a victim yourself to report an incident.

Racism and homophobia can stop victims leaving their home and contributes to fear and anti-social behaviour.

ARCH was developed by Newcastle City Council and is also used in Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside.

Later, the system will be rolled out to schools and used for other types of hate incidents.

Frontline council staff are receiving ARCH training and the system is due to become live in North Tyneside in July.

For more information about ARCH, please contact Wendy Brown on (0191) 643 7242 or email: arch@northtyneside.gov.uk

Threatening: Certain types of graffiti can make people feel unsafe.

5858

widening horizons • July 2010

Free insulation for homes in North Tyneside You could save around £300 on your annual fuel bill by taking advantage of the North Tyneside Warm Zone offer.

For a limited period,Warm Zone is offering free cavity wall and loft insulation if: ● You are over 60 or ● You have a child under six or ● You receive certain benefits or ● You live in a ‘fuel poor’ home or ● You live in a council home Even if you don’t qualify for free insulation,Warm Zone also has a hugely discounted Able to Pay scheme, available for between £99 and £149 (subject to a free, no-obligation survey.)

What is Warm Zone?

Are you claiming all your benefits?

North Tyneside Warm Zone is a government-backed partnership involving the council, Northern Gas Networks and Scottish Power and supported by North Tyneside Primary Care Trust.

North Tyneside Warm Zone offers a free and confidential service to help you claim the benefits you are entitled to – whether you are in or out of work or retired.

The not-for-profit project aims to improve energy efficiency and ensure every household in the borough has affordable warmth.

So far, it has helped North Tyneside residents secure more than £2.5m in new income and the average annual gain per household is £3,000.

All it takes is one phone call and Warm Zone will help you make the necessary claims.

North Tyneside Warm Zone is the only home insulation scheme supported and endorsed by North Tyneside Council. It uses trusted local contractors – helping to support local jobs – and the quality of work is independently monitored.

The insulation work only takes between two and three hours and is guaranteed for 25 years.

Thousands of local residents have already taken advantage of the scheme.

For more details, please phone (0191) 223 4199.

59

New children’s hospital nears completion

The Great North Children’s Hospital at the RVI in Newcastle will be fully open by the Autumn.

● ●

The new hospital will have a wider range of paediatric services than any other outside of London, which means children will have access to the best possible care – all under one roof.

●

Situated in the centre of Newcastle, the hospital is easily accessible to local children and families as well as those from further afield.

●

A paediatric Accident and Emergency unit will provide extra reassurance to parents that should their child need critical emergency care, medical teams are on standby to ensure quick diagnosis of the treatment required.

Newcastle Hospitals is extremely proud of how the new hospital is taking shape. Key facilities and developments include:

●

●

State-of-the-art medical facilities 185 single rooms with en-suite facilities First class facilities to allow parents to stay overnight A purpose-built Teenage Cancer Unit with its own ‘penthouse suite’ 50-seat MediCinema, screening the latest movies for young patients Large centralised children’s outpatient department

For further information, please contact Carole Shipley, Directorate Manager, Children’s Services.

Phone (0191) 282 0786.

Health centre is open 365 days a year

A new health centre in the borough is proving very popular with local people.

Residents can use the walk-in service and GP practice at the Battle Hill Health Centre, just off Battle Hill Drive in Wallsend, every day of the year – from 8am to 8pm.

The GP opening hours ensure an accessible, convenient-to-all service, with three surgeries a day, seven days a week.

Staff at the health centre, which opened last August, are working with other local NHS services, including neighbouring practices, to improve and extend the range of services available locally.

A number of out-patient clinics are already running at Battle Hill, including general plastics and renal anaemia iron therapy service – provided by Newcastle Hospitals.

Battle Hill Health Centre is run by Freeman Clinics, a partnership of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and local GP practices, set up to provide convenient and easy local access to a range of healthcare services, including diagnostic services such as X-rays and ultrasound scans.

The health centre is accepting registrations from patients who wish to register with the GP practice – members of the public who live locally are eligible.

For more details, please visit www.battlehillhc.co.uk or phone (0191) 295 8520.

60

widening horizons • July 2010

Your chance to influence council services

The council’s overview and scrutiny committees are inviting residents to raise issues that are important to their community.

Overview and scrutiny has an important role to play by reviewing and scrutinising services – with the aim of improving them for the people of North Tyneside.

It does this by supporting the Elected Mayor and her cabinet in the development of policies and services.

It also contributes to open and transparent decision-making within the council and strives to achieve better customer satisfaction and value for money.

Overview and scrutiny is a series of committees and study groups made up of local councillors who do not serve on the ruling cabinet. Councillors operate across party political lines to undertake work that will bring the greatest benefits to local residents.

Overview and scrutiny also offers a direct route for residents to get involved in the work of the council, either through attending meetings and factfinding sessions or submitting written evidence.

●

●

Anti-social behaviour related to under-age drinking.

Transfers of care from hospital.

Following a suggestion from a resident, relating to access to beaches for wheelchair and pushchair users, overview and scrutiny examined the condition of public amenities along the borough’s coastline.

A report was produced for cabinet, which highlighted health and safety issues along the coastline and suggested improvements.

Overview and scrutiny has now started to draw up its work programme for the next 12 months and councillors are keen to hear what issues residents feel are important.

If you think it would be useful for overview and scrutiny to examine a particular issue please let us know.

The topic must affect a large group of people in North Tyneside.

The committees do not investigate individual complaints.

Please contact the Overview and Scrutiny Team, Quadrant, Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, NE27 0BY or email scrutiny@northtyneside.gov.uk Copies of the overview and scrutiny agendas and minutes are available on the council website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk/meetings

Fact-finding: Councillors see for themselves what amenities are available along the coast.

Over the past 12 months, councillors have examined a wide range of topics, including: ● Support for businesses during the current economic climate. ● The Metro reinvigoration programme.

61

Keep it local North Tyneside Council is committed to helping small businesses.

If your company is based in the borough, you can advertise on this page – free of charge.

Just send the following details and we’ll put your entry in the next available issue: • Name of company • Brief (20 words maximum) description of your business • Phone, email or web address

Paws Dog Salon

190 High Street East,Wallsend. Formerly Shirley’s dog salon.We offer a full grooming service, including nail clipping.We also stock a range of pet food and accessories.

Tel: (0191) 263 1743

Please note: space is allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Adverts not used in one edition will receive priority for the next.

The next issue of Widening Horizons is published on September 13. Deadline for adverts is August 2.

Send your details to: steve.forshaw@northtyneside.gov.uk You can also write to Steve Forshaw at the address on page 3. (Terms and conditions available on request.)

New Look Roofline

A new look for your home. Replacement fascias, soffits and guttering.Various colours and styles, free quotes.

Contact Dave or Kevin – 07914 846 637 Email: Red32@talktalk.net

Emily Jane Bridal Wear

Amanda Nicole School of Dance

Tel: (0191) 253 5303

Email:Amanda@amandanicole.co.uk

Supplying once-worn wedding and bridesmaids gowns. Range of accessories, handmade jewellery and wedding stationery. Items required for resale.

Email: emilyjanebridalwear@hotmail.co.uk

Brambles Blinds

Family business, established 1986.Vertical, venetian and roller blinds at excellent prices. Free estimates. Showroom – Algernon Industrial Estate, Shiremoor.

Tel: (0191) 253 1000

Wellness Creator

Based on the eight natural remedies – body massage, aromatherapy etc – for healthy living, managing stress, achieving relaxation and more.

Tel: 0800 158 8487 or 0782 733 6473

www.wellnesscreator.co.uk

Plessey House Lifestyle Services

For all your handyman and domestic cleaning needs. Discounts are available for the over-60s or regular users of our services.

Tel: (0191) 252 8728 or 0754 9106 161

62

widening horizons • July 2010

Classes available from two year-old to adult, in all dance styles.We employ professional, CRB-checked instructors, certified in first aid and safeguarding and protecting children.Tel: (0191) 289 2262

www.amandanicole.co.uk

Saxon Environmental Services

Professional pest control service, covering the North-East. Domestic and commercial premises. Ants, wasps, rodents and others. Free site survey.

Tel: 0776 925 1744

Email: dave@saxon-es.co.uk

www.saxon-es.co.uk

Rod Bennett Commercial Property Commercial property sales, lettings, management, lease renewals and rent reviews. Free initial advice and quotations.

Tel: (0191) 259 6765

Email: mail@rodbennett.co.uk

Chakra Holistic and Beauty Therapies

Based in North Shields, providing a wide range of beauty and complimentary therapies. Buy one treatment get second half-price with this advert (conditions apply). Contact Jan Thompson.Tel: 0794 081 2634 Email: chakraholistics@live.co.uk Professional register – www.fht.org.uk

LNS Consultancy - Accountants

A professional and modern practice, providing excellent accountancy and taxation services to both personal and corporate businesses.

Tel: (0191) 280 4098

www.LNSconsultancy.co.uk

Scarlett

Become your own boss, selling gorgeous jewellery and handbags.

Tel: 0772 950 8450

Email: clairdurkin@hotmail.com

Keystone Estates

Local family-run company specialising in quality lettings, sales and property management across North Tyneside.

Tel: (0191) 252 6762

RJ Ryland Funeral Services

An independent family firm providing a personal 24-hour service, with private rest facilities. Pre-arrangement plans available for peace of mind.

Tel: (0191) 252 6500 or 257 0222

Smartspeed Consulting Ltd

Pigg by Design

Tel: (0191) 645 3086 Email: info@smartspeed.co.uk www.smartspeed.co.uk

Email: jonny@piggbydesign.co.uk

Premier Smart Repairs

Tutor Bureau

Tel: 0775 7593 817

Tel: (0191) 252 6271

Business improvement specialists.We help businesses to deliver their products and services quicker, cheaper and to a higher standard.

High quality vehicle cosmetic repairer – scuffs, scratches, alloys, interior repairs, windscreen repairs and odour removal all undertaken. Free quotations.

Email: premier.sr@blueyonder.co.uk

www.rylandfuneral.co.uk

Freelance graphic designer for print and web. Full branding to one-off works, paper to card, websites to clothes.Tel: 0797 6621 276

www.piggbydesign.co.uk

Private home tuition from qualified, experienced, CRB-checked tutors for all ages and all subjects across the North East.

Email: enquiries@tutorbureau.co.uk

Paul Harris Photo

Pure Design (Newcastle) Ltd

Email: paul@paulharrisphoto.co.uk

Email: joan.nicklin@blueyonder.co.uk

Photographer – weddings, events, portraits in home/studio (pets, babies, children, teens and adults), commercial, studio and equipment hire.Tel: 0780 5585 969

www.paulharrisphoto.co.uk

NMA Building Services,Wallsend Domestic and commercial work undertaken. All aspects of property maintenance. Free estimates, fully insured, work guaranteed.

Tel: (0191) 209 6625 or 07590 278 900

Email: neilarmstrong33@me.com

Slimming World

Bailey Green Primary School,West Bailey, Killingworth – every Thursday, 7pm. Come along and join a warm, friendly group. Lose weight the extra easy way. Contact Rachel on 07950 822 853 Email: rachelfalcus@hotmail.co.uk

www.slimmingworld.com/slimwithrachelfalcus

One-stop service, specialising in logos, corporate identity, leaflets, exhibitions, web design. Delivering your finished product when and where it’s needed.Tel: (0191) 266 0243

www.puredesignnewcastle.co.uk

LKTdesign Ltd

Design for print, graphic design, web design, wedding and baby stationery, corporate identity, business stationery, leaflets, posters and interior art.

Tel: 07989 185 645

Email: info@lktdesign.co.uk

www.lktdesign.co.uk

Kellys DIY Ltd

Based in Front Street, Monkseaton for over 40 years. Everything for your DIY needs – joinery, plumbing, electrical, decorating, key-cutting, timber and timber-cutting.

Tel: (0191) 252 4677

North Tyneside Council does not accept any responsibility for the businesses listed above.

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