NE Issue 58 - 10 Years Anniversary by Wayne Groves

Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself? - Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am. So there. At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far? - Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves. I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out? - Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor.

Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents? - Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird. As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about? - My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out. How has the response for Hebburn been so far? - Overwhelmingly positive. And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series! You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this? - Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about? - The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m

We l c o m e N o t e . Now here is a milestone we didn’t think we would hit, NE is 10 years old, we have been going fo r a d e c a d e , t e n w h o l e y e a r s o f showcasing everything that is great about our fantastic region, showing o u r l o v e fo r t h e N o r t h E a s t . L e t s s e e what the next ten years will bring. As always, if you have something you want to see in a future issue then d o n ’ t fo r g e t t o d r o p u s a n e m a i l t o wayne. groves@neonlinemagazine. com P l u s r e m e m b e r t o fo l l o w u s o n Fa c e b o o k , Tw i t t e r & I n s t a g ra m fo r our regular updates on events and competitions. Till next time Ta ke c a r e Wa y n e

EDITOR & DESIGNER Wayne Groves wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com

O2 Academy Newcastle/City Hall www.o2academynewcastle.co.uk Sage Gateshead www.sagegateshead.com Ocean Beach Pleasure Park www.oceanbeach.co.uk Quasar Elite South Shields www.quasarsouthshields.co.uk For all queries or if you would like to feature or advertise in NE Magazine email wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com Unless stated otherwise all competition entries should be sent to win@ neonlinemagazine.com Plus you can catch up with us online for news, events, blogs, competitions and more at www.neonlinemagazine.com Follow us on Facebook - www.facebook. com/pages/N-E-Online-Magazine Join us on Twitter @NEOnlineMag1 And Instagram @neonlinemagazine

CONTRIBUTORS Peter Mann BSc Inside Mann Media & PR insidemannmedia.wordpress.com petermann78@hotmail.com Madhouse Media www.madhousemedia.co.uk SPONSORS Playhouse Whitley Bay www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk Cineworld Boldon www.cineworld.co.uk The Theatre Royal Newcastle www.theatreroyal.co.uk/

{THIS} {ISSUE} P6 - Elizabeth Liddle P12 - Dean Stobbs P18 - The Mann, The Myth, The Legend P24 - Sneaky Blinders P30 - Return Of The Screen-Con P38 - NE AOTY 2022 Holly Rees P46 - NE 10 Years Anniversary P54 - Cineworld Round-Up P66 - NERD Arcade P74 - Playhouse Whitley Bay P84 - Vandebilt P88 - Northern Threads P92 - Northern Football Alliance P98 - Life’s Planetarium P102 - Author Zoe Billings 5

It has most certainly been a long time coming, but, as we head through the summer of 2022, the delightful, northern songbird that is Elizabeth Liddle, is readying herself for the release of her debut EP, ‘Somewhere.’ A stunning, five-track record which includes the singles ‘Lonely,’ Waiting On The Next One,’ and ‘You Don’t Owe Me,’ the song choices definitely encapsulate all which this musician is about. Elizabeth has, coincidentally, timed the release of her EP with three, major gigs, two of which are immediately before the launch as she first heads over

to Sedgefield (20 August) for the Hardwick Festival, then, the following night, in Newcastle (21 August) she takes her spot on the Lindisfarne Support on Central Park. Busy times ahead for someone who is taking it all in her stride, and you’ll certainly not see her fluster and bluster, just put on performance after performance. This, the two gigs alone, affords promise of a blistering, yet dreamy summer for Elizabeth Liddle, an artists whom is raved about across the region, Kate Murphy, NARC Magazine, says: “She brings you right up to the piano in the masterful way

artists like Adele can, telling you her stories like it’s just the two of you in the room, in a voice that’s both crisp and rich. “Already sounding like she has been doing this for a decade, this is one singer-songwriter to watch out for.” Mind you, that last statement, it certainly rings true, she having been on our radar for a good few years now; meanwhile David Shaw, Darkus Magazine, added (when she released her debut single) that there is: “Blending rich, soft vocals with a piano lead, Elizabeth captures the attention of a room. “The release of her debut

single, “Lonely” has been long anticipated.” Elizabeth, with the style, panache, and presence she possesses, would certainly not look out of place performing for Jools Holland, among his stellar guests – the world as they say, is her oyster. After she releases her debut EP, and following on from sold out performances at Independent (Sunderland) and Bobiks (Newcastle), Elizabeth finds herself returning to the latter city, in the middle of September (11), to headline The Cluny 2. She, like everybody else, family (especially the number one fan, and mother to the star, Diane Lowerson), friends, and music lovers alike, cannot wait for that one, it’ll be a heart-warming,

dreamy affair. In describing the debut EP, Elizabeth said of ‘Somewhere’ that the:“Five-track debut EP will include ‘Lonely,’ ‘Waiting on the Next One,’ and ‘You Don’t Owe Me.’ “In addition to her previous three releases, I will add two more dreamy singles to the EP, including the title track, ‘Somewhere.’ “The EP artwork was designed by Dave Clark, the co-writer of ‘Somewhere,’ and includes lyrical Easter eggs within the painting as well as interesting details pertaining to my character. “A continuation of the inspired theme of 70s, female, singersongwriters, the entire EP was recorded and produced by

myself and Dee Dowling and is just the beginning of many more releases to come.” ‘Somewhere,’ the stunningly eloquent, and eagerly anticipated debut EP from Elizabeth Liddle, will be available from the usual outlets, on 26 August, whilst you get tickets for her upcoming, headline show, at The Cluny 2 ‘An Evening With Elizabeth Liddle,; via https:// www.fatsoma.com/e/v3k05u7t/ elizabeth-liddle-the-cluny-2in-newcastle-upon-tyne?utm_ source=social_share&utm_ medium=social&utm_ campaign=social_share – tickets priced £10 (+£1 booking fee) Images courtesy of Moments Photography North East, and Eddy Maynard

DEAN STOBBS MUSIC WELLBEING PRACTITIONER

A definite go to when it comes to mental health, all with which it surrounds, is music, it matters not what genre, just pull up a seat, relax, and listen to your favourite music – it really does help. South Tyneside musician, Dean James, who for more than fifteen years worked in the NHS, and in mental health, has taken ‘Mental Health in Music’ to the next level, thanks to the degree in which he earned at the Gateshead Academy of Music. Pulling out some Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll music as the lead with ‘Dean James and the Black Dogs,’ the musician, now in his mid-forties, has brought forth a new business enterprise in ‘Dean Stobbs MWP,’

putting his BSc Hons in Music & Sound degree to use in becoming a Mental Wellbeing Practitioner (MWP) – using musical medicine to help raise ones self-esteem through the power of music. According to his website www. deanstobbsmwp.com, his role, mission statement if you will, “is to work into our mental health and education sector, with the aim to bring awareness of the mental health issues that are affecting our communities. “I will reduce stigma through education, and raise self-esteem through the medium of music.” Speaking to Dean, as we have done on many occasions when concerning his music, it’s easy to place his passion in the

progression of mental health awareness, and what that means to him. The pathway in which he currently fins himself on, is a change to what he has done previously, making the move into further education, and, in turn, a new career if you will, for the betterment of both himself, and for others. “I decided, three years ago, and with all that was happening around me, that I needed some sort of way out,” began Dean. “It was because of that I ended up at South Tyneside College. “I was struggling to sleep, among other things, whilst asking for a way out. “I sat, and talked things through

with my partner, then, next thing you know, I’m enrolling on a course – it was certainly the best thing I’ve done. “I missed out on so much because of the pandemic as well, everything just, stalled, but I managed to succeed, educationally, and now, I’m looking forward to do the Masters.” There was some trepidation when Dean returned to higher education; it is a challenge at the best times but, in going back into something you’ve already done, will add some extra pressure. “I never wanted to go back into mental health, if I’m honest,” added Dean.

“But, one of the modules on the course re-opened that door for me. “That, and the educational establishment itself was calling out for someone to talk to both staff, and students. “I therefore put what was, at the time, a basic presentation, and spoke to the staff first, and then my fellow students, seeing what was affecting them, and what could be done to help them. “My portfolio therefore saw me looking at trying to do something, similar to what I’ve got now.” What of the degree itself though? Challenges befall everyone in life, and, as a

student, of any age and gender, there can be untold troubles, a lot of which aren’t visible. “It taught me that you can’t go into anything unprepared,” explained Dean. “The pandemic though, it certainly had a knock-on effect and brought mental health, in all of us really, to the fore. “It makes no difference whether you are a musician or not, it effects everyone, and with that, music relates to everyone and enhances individual experiences. “There’s a sorcery, an alchemy around music.” Having suffered himself from mental health issues, including that of PTSD, Chronic Anxiety

etc, Dean is well-placed to have some inkling, an idea, as to how to progress. It also rings truthful that, if someone has been through it themselves, it’s a little easier to talk to them instead of your textbook answers. “Me, I’m human, an optimist, and always look at keeping the proverbial glass half full,” continued Dean. “You have to be mindful yourself, empty your head, and create a little space in your life. “Yes, I’ve got plenty happening, but you do have make that time for you. “I’ve got several clients. Long-

term ones, who’ve come to me over the past six months or so. “They are people that I’m helping both musically, as well as with their confidence, communication. “I’ve also got a few music projects ongoing, workshops, you just have to keep the ball rolling, moving forward, and see what happens” Services provided by Dean Stobbs MWP include that of 1-1 Guitar/ Vocal Tuition, Outreach Program, Songwriting Workshops, and Mental Health Awareness Training; to keep up-to-date, and for further information, check out his Facebook https://www.

fa c e b o o k . co m / D e a n - S to b b s MWP-103115622407804 and the website www.deanstobbsmwp. com You can find this, and much more, via FINE AND DANDI https:// www.fineanddandi.co.uk/

ROMESH RANGANATHAN COMES TO THE CITY HALL FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2019 WITH A BRAND NEW SHOW TICKETS ON SALE 10AM FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 Romesh Ranganathan is back with a brand-new show, The Cynic’s Mixtape, and it’s his most brutally honest show yet. Fresh from The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, A League Of Their Own and Judge Romesh, he’s putting showbiz aside to deliver a carefully-curated

selection of all the things he has found unacceptable since his last tour, including why trying to save the environment is a scam, why none of us are truly free, and his suspicion that his wife is using gluten intolerance to avoid sleeping with him. Romesh’s cynicism has become his trademark, but since being nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2013 Edinburgh Comedy Awards this deadpan humour has become one of Britain’s most respected and popular comics. Now, though, it’s time for the

Asian Provocateur to return to his stand-up roots for a while – there’s things he needs to point out, discuss and have a good moan about. Care to join him? Show drops 2019, don’t miss it. Tickets for Romesh Ranganathan are on sale Fri 28 Sep from 10am and are £26.50. Tickets can be purchased online at www. theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge)

LOCK & GRAY OFF TO THE USA

I’ve been unsure about whether or not to provide any kind of update regarding the pending release of ‘Against the Odds: The Jackie Kallen Story,’ but, sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet so to speak. Here, I’ll tell you about that biography, some of the behindthe-scenes process, and a little bit more… I began researching, interviewing, and penning Jackie’s ‘ultimate biography’ back in late 2018; it sounds a long time ago now, doesn’t it., however, a lot has changed since those winter days and nights, and in the three-anda-half-years since. The first full year (2019), other than having a lot of work on, was fine, and the aim was to have everything done and dusted later that year for a possible release in 2020, then covid hit. What was initially eighteen months of work quickly spiralled,

doubled, and as that pandemic caused havoc, I was hit with a disconnected nerve in the back of my neck – but somehow, I’ve carried on, slowly but surely. What the extra time afforded me, allowed of me, was more research time, a lot more content to go into the biography, once my strength and motivational levels had built back up again that is. Some of that extra research, content, stemmed from something that I’ve been doing myself, more off than on, for the past decade, more the past few years, and that’s family history, something which is fun, enjoyable, time-consuming, annoying, rewarding, all at the same time. Attaching that to Against the Odds however was something else, but also something in which we decided to run with, which became a mind-blowing run, and, for me at least, my favourite part of Jackie’s biography.

Then came this year, 2022, and, with biography having passed 82,500 words (that’s a lot for me, probably more than my university dissertation) and, as the months come and go, it’s literally been a case of working out the front and back cover artwork, and whatever images, from Jackie’s long, illustrious, and distinguished life, should be included – there’s a lot in which to choose from. Where do we go from here though, well, I guess it’s a case of third time lucky on the publication front (the next biography I wrote, it’ll be time-lined slightly different) and, after several discussions with publishers David and Kelly McCaffrey at Britain’s Next Bestseller/Live It Publishing, it’s looking like it’ll be a September publication. But, we’ll get there, life’s constant curveballs just need to be overcome, as usual. Whilst doing all that, there’s also

the small matter of ramping up the PR bandwagon, no easy task when flying solo, but the release will get some coverage, of that I’m certain – I’m even doing local radio interviews, nerve-wracking but fun! Not forgetting work, and health, it really is endless. Then there’s also that often asked question of, what’s next? Well, initially, the next book, which’ll be my fifth, is already in its early stages as I pen what is a potted history of the Northern Football Alliance League, with whom I’m heading into the seventh season as the leagues’ Press Officer. I’d held back on looking at doing something else but, with how the past few years have been, and although the league has an official history in print already (Jon Tait’s Goalmouth, 2015), I felt it would be more than viable to bring forth a more up-to-date, maybe even detailed, version. The Northern Alliance would first see the light of day back in 1890 and, but for the war years, and a spell of being eaten up by the then North Eastern League, in the twenties and thirties, has ran pretty much every season over

that time. To aid with the successful completion of the book, I’m asking for help of clubs, old and new, of which there are many, and any former committee, managers, and players, that can shed further light on the league’s illustrious history. I’m aware as to the size of the

project at hand; but, I’ve a love for football, and sporting history, so I’ve no problem with the time it could take – and I’ve already made a good start on it, so it’s ticking the right boxes, so far at least. And then there is the future itself, because now, due to Against the Odds, I’ve certainly lumbered myself with that book-writing bug, and especially an interest in writing biographies, historical content- and yes, of course there are ideas in the pipeline, this is me after all. If anyone can assist Peter Mann in his new, literary project, or any other in the future, please email petermann78@hotmail.com, also, follow his author page at https:// www.facebook.com/petermannauthor/ and on Twitter https://twitter.com/petermannwriter

Hi Colin, welcome to NE, can

David here from Beyond. So I’ve just found out that my Charity Single (in aid of the Batten Disease Family Association) which is A double A-side “Stay The Same” & “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” With Santa Ste has been announced as one of 11 official contenders in the race to the Christmas No1 in the top 100 Official UK Charts this year along side Ed Sheeran & Elton John, Adele, Abba and Gary Barlow! The Single is out now digitally and on limited edition CD this week. The more steams, downloads and CD’s purchased the better! Getting into the top 40 will be hard enough never mind number 1!

It would be amazing if we could get the single into the main charts this year and raise awareness of Batten Disease which is a terminal illness in very young children. If I could ask you all a massive favour and if you wouldn’t mind over the next few weeks streaming, downloading and buying a copy of the CD so we can get this into the charts. Its a bit of fun but for a serious cause and why shouldn’t the Christmas Charts have something different for a change? Could you imagine a Geordie Record store owner getting a Christmas No1!!! Totally overwhelmed with the support from everyone so far and from the Official UK Charts.

All profits will go to the charity... CD available from: www.beyondvinyl.co.uk or www. beyondrecords.uk/ Click HERE to Stream Also i’m excited to announce the Now or Whenever in-store run for release week in January: Fred, Jed, a guitar, keyboard, albums, signatures, selfies, questions, answers, hopes, regrets. And an exclusive splatter vinyl if that’s your thing. Pre order now to get a free ticket to Spector’s performance at Beyond Vinyl on 10th January 2022: https://beyondvinyl. co.uk/product/spector-now-orwhenever/

Welcome to NE, can you please introduce yourselves to our readers who might not know you? Hi we are Sneaky Blinders – rock/ pop covers band. We are Neil (Drums), Mike (Bass), Dave (Guitar/Vocals), Maggie (Keys/Vocals) and Dionne (Lead Singer)

I have to ask about the name, Sneaky Blinders, so where did that come from? The name came from everyone throwing suggestions on the Facebook page and Sneaky Blinders won.

So how did Sneaky Blinders come to be?

Mike and Neil were originally in another band who were looking for a guitarist. Dave came for an audition just at the time we were thinking of forming a new band. Dave introduced Maggie and that followed by Maggie introducing Dionne Are you a covers only band or do you play original material too? We are a covers band You recently played the Scoop Festival at the end of July, wias that your first big festival, or have you

MIKE – I’m a member of the Sherlock Holmes fan club DAVE – There is literally nothing interesting about me (hahahaha) MAGGIE – I’m an identical twin DIONNE – I was once caught in a hurricane and have stood in the eye of the storm

played festivals before? We have played at the Druridge Bay campout in 2020, so it’s not our first, but we were all really looking forward to the Scoop as it’s our first real post lockdown festival.

Tell us a random fact about each of you? NEIL – I’m a Manchester United fan (unfortunately haha)

When you are not busy gigging, what do you all do, either for work or in your free time? NEIL – I watch other bands, spend time with family and have a young sproodle called Heidi who takes some tiring out MIKE – watching NUFC and listening to music DAVE – outside of the band I’m a chartered accountant and have a guitar build and repair shop MAGGIE – Time other than gigging is spent primary school

We were there on the Friday evening, some of us even camped out that night too after the gig so it was a great time had by all! If you could play with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why? NEIL – Prince, I’m a great fan MIKE – AC/DC, again simply due to being such a fan DAVE – I learned to play guitar listening to punk records and have always dreamed of being in The Clash MAGGIE – It would have to be the late great Freddie Mercury for me DIONNE – I have a wide taste in music so hard to pick. I love great singers so would pick a classic such as my namesake Dionne Warwick but could also jump to a more modern performer like Becky Hill (love her at the minute)

teaching, running the Glee Club, swimming, knitting, playing the church organ and painting portraits. DIONNE – Gigging in another (all girl) band, renovating my house and for work I own a Pizza Hut delivery so spend a lot of time making pizzas (haha)

Sneaky Blinders? You can find us on Facebook as Sneaky Blinders we’ve been trying to build the page over the last year or so and would love to get to 1000 followers (currently at 866!!!) All our gig listings are on there, plus a few live videos and photos etc.

How can people follow you and keep up to date with all things

Is there anything you would like to add?

Have a look on our facebook to see our gig list as we’d love you to come and see us when you can and also a shout out to any Newcastle venues who are looking for bands. We play a lot of venues in other areas but not as many in this area so if you are looking just contact us via our FB page https://www.facebook.com/SneakBlinders

LOCK & GRAY OFF TO THE USA

What can we say about the return of the North East’s biggest and best convention, it was everything we hoped it would be and more! It has been several years since the last Screen-Con, but it really was like they were never away. Seeing all of the regular traders and costumers was fantastic, just reminding you what a fantastic community it is to be a part of.

As always, Alan and Vicki Elliot have done an incredible job putting together so much to make it another top quality event. At a time when people are still getting used to big events and crowds after covid, they have not only made sure that the venue was nicely spaced out and safe for the customers, but that there was plenty

for them to see and do. Known for the quality of their guests, this event was no different as we were treated to Star Wars royalty with Tim Rose (Admiral

Ackbar) and Brian Muir (sculpted Darth Vader) alongside North East actor Craig Conway (Dog Soldiers, Doomsday), who all took the time to sign our charity banner as well. They entertained the crowd when they took to the stage to do a Q&A session and of course signing photos and posing for pictures with all of the attendees. For NE, it was made even better as we were once again asked to host our charity tombola, which is always hard work, but so much fun. Manning the table with James, Allan, Chris and Darren, we literally never stopped from doors opening, with constant queues all day, not only did you clean us out of prizes, but thanks to everyone that

bought tickets we raised a massive £605 for Our Milo. https://www. facebook.com/Milothesoldier We also had the pleasure of judging the Cosplay competition, which was so hard as the costumes were all fantastic, but the win went to Bradley Calvert who was Master Chief from Halo, that was one impressive costume indeed! Another welcome addition to this year’s Screen-Con was the Best 360 Photo Booth UK who were there giving our costumers and attendees a very unique experi-

ence. Instant 360 degree videos in costume, which really looks fantastic as it is so different and can be shared to your socials in minutes, if you haven’t seen any of the videos go check them out, you can even book them for your party or event. https://www.facebook. com/Best360PhotoBooth The best part of the convention though, is the same as always, catching up with so many friends. For me that will always be the highlight of these events, seeing so many friends all together at the same time, giving you the chance

to catch up and have a good laugh together, which after the past couple of years, was very much needed. It’s not always easy getting everyone together, but when you do it truly is magical, and that is a big part of events like Screen-Con, it brings so many people together, you make new friends and catch up with old friends in a geeky setting, what more could you want. Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait as long till the next one. Photos by Singe Vert Photography & Amy Mains.

[ne 2022 artist of the Year]

[ Holly Rees ] In this issue of NE Online Magazine, we go for a quick Q&A with our Artist of the Year, the legendary, Holly Rees; it’s festival season, so what better subject in which to grill the talented musician on. She may be youthful, but she’s very experienced in the music industry, having released numerous pieces of music, and played, well, just a few gigs/festivals, both at home, and abroad.... And yes, she mentions Glastonbury, and Canada, it would be daft not too really!! NE ONLINE - Tell us about you first festival, way back when? HOLLY REES - I think my first festival slot was way back in 2018 at Hit The North. One of the

bookers had found me on soundcloud and liked my stuff and reached out and invited me to play a few shows, including the acoustic stage for HTN at Box Social. It was a great space, and the place was packed, which was really special. Despite my fond memories of that day, it’s difficult looking back on those good memories now knowing everything we know now since everything came out about SSD (who organise Hit The North) - the accounts of sexual harassment, racism and abuse of power, and still the lack of accountability from those at the top (even now, over a year later) means I now won’t play an SSD show, and stand in solidarity with anyone affected.

It’s really important to me that any show, at any level, is safe for everyone, both staff and audience. NEO - What has been your favourite festival and why? HR - There’s a few that really stand out - Evo Emerging in 2018 is definitely up there: I opened the Cluny 2 stage, and honestly that day was one of the best days of my life. I remember having an absolute blast playing and being really overwhelmed (in a good way!) by how many people came down to see me, I really didn’t expect to have such a lovely reaction, so that was such a high. And the line-up for the rest of the day was amazing too, I remember rushing around trying to catch as many bands as I

could. It was just a fantastic festival - I still have a copy of the festival poster up on the wall above my desk. I also released ‘Magpie’ as a single that weekend too, the day before the festival, which was the first time I’d properly released a single so that was just a really exciting weekend for me. I also released my first every proper music video that weekend too - me and Ryan (Gadabout Films) had gone up to Weardale to film it, which premiered on NARC Magazine the day before the single came out. Just a class weekend all round. Another fave that I have to mention is Blueberry Jam festival in Flin Flon, Manitoba on my Canadian tour. I played quite a few really lush festivals over there, from Calgary Stampede to Canadian Music Week Festival, but the festival up in Flin Flon was just so much fun. The people were so welcoming, and it was just a brilliant experience - I played two stages; as well as the main stage, I

also played a small acoustic stage where I got to share some of the more intimate, softer songs, and the opportunity to do both at the same festival was really something. Flin Flon has a place in my heart forever, for sure. NEO - This summers have started, what you done, how they going? HR - So far it’s been lush - we kicked it all off with Munro festival back in May, which was really fun! It’s always a buzz playing to a new crowd, and the audience that weekend were just lush. This month we’ve recently played the Cumberland as part of Ouseburn Festival which was really good fun. NARC had organised a class line-up, set up outside under the gazebo, and it was just full on summer festival vibes. We actually played an acoustic full band set here last year, but it was really fun to get to go full bash this time with the kit and guitars - I got to try out some new pedals too which is always fun. Like I say the rest

of the line-up was mint as well, I finally got to catch the Timewasters (some young talent who are absolutely smashing it), an as always brilliant set from Faithful Johannes and also another new band for me, the Weekend Faithful, who were just really, really

good, and finished off the festival perfectly for me. NEO - What other festivals are in the pipeline this year? HR - We’ve actually got a really busy August which is fab, it feels like a long time coming but we’re finally hitting the road again 6th August to head down to Manchester for What She Said Club! We’re supporting TRUNC (previously The Elephant Trees) with Arbon, and it’s just set to be a cracking night. I’ve been itching to come back and play Manchester for ages, and I’m so excited to finally make it down there with the band! Before that though I’m playing a solo acoustic set down in Stockton, for the Stockton International Riverside Festival, and that should

be a lot of fun. Then the weekend after we have a couple more shows lined up - heading to Between Woods And Streams Festival up in Morpeth on the Saturday (13th)! We’re playing the Generator stage at 6pm, and that’s just going to be another great day. The line-up is really, really good - a couple I’m really excited to catch on the Saturday are James Leonard Hewitson, Cortney Dixon, The Lake Poets, Hector Gannet, and The Futureheads headlining!! (If you’re down on the Friday too you should definitely also go see Kkett and The Shooting Of). Honestly this whole line-up is dripping with talent, I’m really grateful to be a

part of it. On the Sunday (14th) we’re headed down to Darlington for a full band acoustic set at South Park bandstand to headline Tracks Darlington’s Pride In The Park event! Should just be a really lovely way to spend a Sunday honestly, fingers crossed the weather stays hot and sunny! I’ve got one last festival on the cards too - playing Sunderland SU’s Big Gay Festival at Freshers in September. After so long waiting to get back to gigging, it feels so so good to have such a busy summer. I can’t wait to try out some of our new material, and then head back to the studio to get it ready to share. NEO - What festival, anywhere in the world, would you like to appear on and why? HR - Oooh this is a good one! I think I maybe would have said Reading/Leeds or Download just to fulfil some fantasy from my years being there as a teen, but this year’s Glastonbury line-up was unreal. Imagine being a part

of that. So yeah if I could play any festival, maybe that; OR, Courtney Barnett’s touring festival ‘Here and There’ - that would be amazing. For now though, I’m so grateful to be playing any festival that asks us. I’ve missed this so much. Keep up-to-date with all things Holly Rees via her socials on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/

hollysounds and Twitter https:// twitter.com/hollysounds and check out her website via http:// www.hollyrees.co.uk/ also, if you catch her at a gig, or festival, say hi, and enjoy her music – we do.... Image credits - Cumberland 2022 (Adam Littlemore); Munro 2022 (Will Gorman); Evo Emerging 2018 (Ryan Peebles)

Can you believe NE is 10 years old this month? We have been bringing you the best of the North East for a decade!!! The time really has flown. We’ve come a long way from our preview issue back in

August 2012 with the Angel of the North on the front cover courtesy of Ariel Photographer Ian Berry, a fantastic image done before the use of drone photography, back then it was literally a camera on the end of a rather long pole, how things have changed in those 10 years. Originally starting life as a free monthly non-profit online magazine, editor Wayne Groves found all the content and Joseph Archer did all the design work to make it look great. The magazine ended up becoming a big job and sadly after 7 issues, it was too much for Joseph to work on, so NE became a bi monthly magazine with Wayne doing all aspects of it, find-

ing the content and learning how to create and design the issues as he went along. A few years later saw Peter Mann come on board writing most of the features and eventually becoming a partner in

the magazine as both Wayne and Peter both believe in helping as many people as they can, making a great partnership and friendship too. Over the years we have been lucky enough to interview people like

Chris Ramsey, Jack Dee, Jeremy Bulloch, Femi Taylor, All Saints, Shaun Ryder and Linda Lusardi to name a few, plus so many celebrities have taken the time to sign our charity banner when we have attended events, like Alan Shearer, Frank Bruno, Kevin Keegan, Gazza, Chubby Brown, Nigel Benn, David Prowse, Craig Charles, Jerome Flynn, David Warner, Sylvester McCoy and many many more. The aim of NE has always been to help highlight and promote the incredible people of our great region, from singers, artists, writers, fighters, charities and businesses, as well as promoting all of the fantastic events held around the region. Over the years we have become good friends with a lot of the people we have featured and it is always an honour when they

come to us for help with future projects.

Another big thing is being able to help and promote so many incredible charities. From running the Great North Run to Boxing for the

Charity Title at Fight Fest Championships, or running the charity tombola at several conventions like Screen-Con, Sci-Fair and Woodhorn, we have helped do it all and more, but you can’t beat the generosity of the people from the North East, they will always go all out to help those less fortunate than themselves, as they keep showing time and time again.

putting together each issue, that to us means job done! As a business model, it’s pretty poor and it certainly won’t make us any money, but we don’t do it to make money, in fact we do not make a penny from the magazine. NE has always been our way of giving back, of helping others to

Now with other magazines that sell their advertising space, they all have to prove how many readers each issue gets, to justify charging for those adverts, whereas we are done so very differently. As a rule we don’t care if we have one reader or a million readers per issue, as long as at least one person featured has benefited from being in that issue, by getting a new customer, or a booking, or someone has bought a ticket or donated to that cause, whatever it may be. That to us means it has been worth all of the hard work we have done

do well, of showing some love, after all, we should all try and help each other in any way we can. So here we are, ten years later and this, our 58th issue. It’s a massive milestone to reach, yet it doesn’t feel like we have been going a decade, that just sounds crazy! But it has been one hell of a journey and we can’t wait to see what the next ten years bring. But we would like to thank each and every single person that has featured in NE over the years, I would love to thank you all by name, but there’s too many to mention, unless we make this a real bumper edition. I would also like to thank you, our readers, it really does mean the world to us that you take the time to flick through an issue, maybe even give us a little share and in turn spreading the love for NE, without you we wouldn’t still be going. So here’s to another ten years folks, Happy 10th Birthday NE.

We have double the fun now as we have teamed up with Cineworld Boldon and the new Cineworld Dalton Park to give you a quick run down on a few films that are coming soon and really have got us excited. Plus make sure you check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with their daily competitions and updates. Boldon and Dalton Park

Nope 12 August 2022 Running time: 130 minutes

“What’s a bad miracle?” Oscar® winner Jordan Peele disrupted and redefined modern horror with Get Out and then Us. Now, he reimagines the summer movie with a new pop nightmare: the expansive horror epic, Nope. The film reunites Peele with Oscar® winner Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah), who is joined by Keke Palmer (Hustlers, Alice) and Oscar® nominee Steven Yeun (Minari, Okja) as residents in a lonely gulch of inland California who bear witness

to an uncanny and chilling discovery. Nope, which co-stars Michael Wincott (Hitchcock, Westworld) and Brandon Perea (The OA, American Insurrection), is written and directed by Jordan Peele and is produced by Ian Cooper (Us, Candyman) and Jordan Peele for

Monkeypaw Productions Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Michael Wincott, Steven Yeun, Brandon Perea Director: Jordan Peele CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH TRAILER

As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about? - My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out. How has the response for Hebburn been so far? - Overwhelmingly positive. And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series! You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this? - Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

See How They Run 09 September 2022 Running time: 98 minutes In the West End of 1950s London, plans for a movie version of a smash-hit play come to an abrupt halt after a pivotal member of the crew is murdered. When world-weary Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) and eager rookie Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan) takes on the case, the two find themselves thrown into a puzzling whodunit within the glamorously sordid theater underground, investigating the mysterious homicide at their own peril.

Cast:Adrien Brody, David Oyelowo, Sam Rockwell, Saoirse Ronan, Reece Shearsmith, Pearl Chanda, Ruth Wilson, Sian Clifford, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Charlie

Cooper, Pippa BennetWarner, Harris Dickinson Director:Tom George CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH TRAILER

Bodies Bodies Bodies 09 September 2022 Running time: 94 minutes When a group of rich

20-somethings plan a hurricane party at a remote family mansion, a party game turns deadly in this fresh and funny look at backstabbing, fake friends, and one party gone very, very wrong.

Cast: Lee Pace, Amandla Stenberg, Pete Davidson, Rachel Sennott, Maria Bakalova Director: Halina Reijn CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER

Don’t Worry Darling 23 September 2022 Running time: 123 minutes Alice (Pugh) and Jack (Styles) are lucky to be living in the idealized community of Victory, the experimental company town housing the men who work for the top-secret Victory Project and their families. The 1950s societal optimism espoused by their CEO, Frank (Pine)—equal parts corporate visionary and motivational life coach— anchors every aspect of daily life in the tight-knit desert utopia. While the husbands spend every day inside the Victory Project Headquarters, working on the “development of progressive materials,” their wives—including Frank’s elegant partner, Shelley (Chan)—get to spend their time enjoying the beauty, luxury and debauchery of their community. Life is

perfect, with every resident’s needs met by the company. All they ask in return is discretion and unquestioning commitment to the Victory cause. But when cracks in their idyllic life begin to appear, exposing flashes of something much more sinister lurking beneath the attractive façade, Alice can’t help questioning exactly what they’re doing in Victory,

and why. Just how much is Alice willing to lose to expose what’s really going on in this paradise? Cast:Gemma Chan, Chris Pine, Harry Styles, Olivia Wilde, Florence Pugh, Kiki Layne Director: Olivia Wilde CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH TRAILER

Unlimited Card Love Cinema. Join the club from £9.99 a month. You will receive... Preferential Discounts Unlimited members get 10% off all food and drink bought in-cinema at any time of day, every day!* Plus, you’ll also receive discounts for all nonfilm screenings such as Live Opera in HD, Live National Theatre, Live sport in 3D and live gigs etc. (All discounts subject to terms) Get access to Exclusive advance screenings

As an Unlimited member, you can be among the first to see great movies at our special screenings. Just keep an eye on our Unlimited newsletter for your invitation. Discounted Meals & Shopping Unlimited members benefit from exclusive deals set up by their local cinema*. These offers vary from cinema to cinema, but are a great way to save pennies. (All deals are subject to terms) *Until further notice

Watch as many films as you like Are you mad about movies? Feed your fascination by watching as many films as you like at Cineworld every month from just £17.90. There’s literally no limit to the number of times you can visit! Apply for your card now at www.unlimitedcineworld. com/uk/pages/apply. aspx?step=1 using promo code RAF-63KG-29XM-00SB31WU.

reclaimedradio.com

Hi Michael, welcome to NE, it’s great to finally have you in the magazine, can you introduce yourself to our readers? Hi, I’m Michael, just a local lad from the North East ( North Shields) almost married with 6 children and a dog!

chat about all things geeky. We also sell all manner of geeky merchandise including manga/

anime figures, magazines, retro video games, consoles and more!

You are one of the guys behind the fantastic NERD ARCADE, but for anyone that hasn’t been before, what exactly is NERD ARCADE? Yes! Me and my business partner Michael Coxon Co own Nerd Arcade. A retro haven inclusive to all, we have over 30 original retro arcade machines from the 80s & 90s, we have a chill out area where you can relax, have a cuppa and

And what options do people have at NERD ARCADE? For only £8 you get 2 hours play on all of the arcade machines which are set to free play giving you plenty of time to complete house of the dead or get the fastest lap on our ridge racer dlx We offer meal deals with the local cafe next to us. You can hire out the arcade for any event such as birthday parties, stag, and corporate.

Please get in touch you’d like to know more. How did it all come about? Basically, I’ve been admin for a retro facebook group called North East retro den for a few years now and my passion has grown from collecting video games to arcade machines. You feature some classic arcade machines, but is there any specific arcade that you really want to get your hands on? As it happens NBA Jam has been one I’ve been wanting for a while now and I’ve just this week managed to get my grubby mits on one! What is the best part off running NERD ARCADE? I’d say playing the games but to be honest it’s meeting like-minded people who share our passion which excites me more. You also host the very popular NERD Fright Fest event at The Boilershop in Newcastle, what can people expect and why should they buy tickets for it? Nerd Fright Fest. Possibly the most entertaining event you’ll find

in the North East for all the family We have a Ghostbusters ECTO1 car, Jurassic Park jeep, Gremlins movie set, North East Legion Star Wars costuming group, North East Ghostbusters cosplay group with green screen, over 40 traders selling all manner of geeky and spooktacular merchandise. A dedicated gaming room full of new and retro consoles to play on, retro arcade machines all free to play.

Cosplay competitions and gaming tournaments with epic prizes to win like a Nintendo switch console! And we will be raising money for the Cash For Kids charity on the day. Running these kinds of events can be a bit of a nightmare, can you tell us what goes into organising a NERD event? Roughly 6 months prep for each event. After nerd Fright Fest there is no rest! We start preparing for Nerd fest 2023 and so on. The event will be raising some much needed money for Cash for Kids, what was your reason for supporting this charity in particular? We believe in 2022 no child should go hungry or without warm clothing or live in fuel poverty. We will always do what we can to help disadvantaged children in the North East. How can people buy tickets for it? Tickets are available now from Eventbrite here https://www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/nerd-frightfest-tickets-323333949547?aff=eb dssbdestsearch and outlets such as

nerd arcade, Retro Bay Cafe and That Retro Game Shop, also available on the door on the day at the Boiler Shop Newcastle. When you are not hard at work at NERD ARCADE what do you get up to in your spare time? Spare time?? Never heard of it haha Tell us three random facts about yourself? I’ve been in a movie on the big screen (as an extra). I’ve cycled from the West Coast to East Coast of England in a day. I don’t like tomatoes. I have to put you on the spot for

the next couple, so Sega or Nintendo? Nintendo. Playstation or Xbox? PlayStation. What would you say is your favourite game of all time? Mario 3. Where can people follow NERD ARCADE and keep up to date with offers and events? Nerd Arcade on Facebook and North East retro den 1 on Instagram

Cloudbusting The Music of Kate Bush

As the longest running and most universally applauded homage to the music of Kate Bush, Cloudbusting has been championed by BBC ONE as one of the most authentic tributes in the world. Their passion for Kate’s music has won over sceptical fans everywhere, challenging perceptions of what a tribute band can be and resulting in sell-out performances across the UK. ‘Utterly, surreally brilliant’ - Mick Wall, Classic Rock Magazine Exploring Kate’s unique repertoire, Cloudbusting take you on an extraordinary journey as they explore the themes of Love & Anger.

Whether exhilarating or tormented, joyful or anguished, innocent, bitter or even taboo - one thing for sure is that it’s never a simple path in Kate’s song book! The two-hour stage production will also feature all the hits you would expect to hear - Wuthering Heights, Hounds Of Love, Running Up That Hill, Babooshka - all with breath-taking vocals and superb musicianship. Many of Kate’s original collaborators from stage and studio have been inspired to join the band on stage, including bass player Del Palmer, drummer Preston Heyman and dancer Stewart Avon Arnold, all of whom performed with Kate on her legendary Tour

of Life live shows back in 1979. ‘I could have been listening to Kate herself!’ - Preston Heyman The show is enhanced with stunning back-projection visuals which reflect the character and mood of the songs, making a Cloudbusting concert an event that no Kate Bush fan will want to miss! Saturday 10th September 2022 Click here for tickets https://www. playhousewhitleybay.co.uk/events/ cloudbusting-the-music-of-katebush-the-love-anger-tour/

The Cinder Path is a sizzling and fast-moving drama, set against the backdrop of WW1. Our tale begins in the rolling hills of Northumberland where Charlie Macfell, becomes an innocent witness to the murder of his cruel and sadistic landowner father. Believing himself to be the only

person aware that his childhood friend Arthur Benton is the killer, Charlie tries to set old injustices to right by protecting his friend from prosecution. With a talented cast of 15 brilliant actors and singers you will find yourself entranced from beginning to end.

This is theatre at its absolute best filled with laughter, tears, a brilliant story, and an unforgettable musical score. Sunday 29th January 2023 Click here for tickets https://www. playhousewhitleybay.co.uk/events/ the-cinder-path-2023/

Smile For A Night Variety Show A fantastic family afternoon of entertainment brought to you by CBBC and panto stars Danny Adams and Clive Webb, in aid of Newcastle children’s charity Smile For Life. The slapstick legends will take you on a tour of local acts including singers, dancers and comedians,

as well as performing their own slide-splitting comedy capers.

ONLY mind reading raccoon “Derek”.

Some of the finest Geordie names will take to the stage, including comedian Lost Voice Guy, winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2018 and magician Graeme Shaw, who was awarded the British Champion of family entertainment in 2020, and will be bringing along the worlds

Come along for a thrilling afternoon of fun – you won’t be disappointed! Sunday 25th September 2022 Click here for tickets https://www. playhousewhitleybay.co.uk/events/ smile-for-a-night-variety-show/

COMING TO

Vandebilt share debut album ‘The House That Vandebilt’ on Friday 5th August Formed over a love of dance music Vandebilt are the ideas of Jordan Miller (songwriter/producer), Joe Collins (singer/songwriter), Jack Wade (drums/producer) and Dan Martin (guitar/songwriter). Initially a recording project the group turned live with a free show at Newcastle’s prestigious venue The Cluny. At full capacity the show made such an impact the band began to work with DJ and producer Smoove on forming a full band sound from studio tracked demos.

LOCK & After a year touring with Smoove & Turrell playing renowned venues across the UK (Band on the Wall GRAY OFF Manchester, Jazz Cafe London, Brudenell Social Club Leeds) the band set about recording their debut album. Beginning with writing trips to France and recording sessions in Liverpool the band returned to TO THE their hometown studio ‘Motorhouse’ (Jordan Miller/Jack Wade) to track the album. Following the two year pandemic the band headed back to Liverpool to record and mix the album in entirety with Robert Whiteley USA (Whitewood Recording Studio). ‘The House That Vandebilt’ is a French house influenced pop record filled with earworms, hooks and synth sounds. Stand out tracks ‘Dream in Colour’ and ‘Diana Ross’ are unforgettable. The record nods to giants in the field such as Daft Punk and Hot Chip. Funky riffs, driving baselines, harmony choruses, the album has it all and it’s unashamedly honest. Welcome to Sunderland’s best kept secret. Welcome to Vandebilt. https://open.spotify.com/album/4S99lOJfA2zMaZqbhLwnnI?si=KCCd1LxNQpWbTeH42BTl2A

Vandebilt Online:

The House That Vandebilt

THE SOUTH (featuring members of The Beautiful South) play STOCKTON – Arc on Saturday 11th June 2022! With the slow return to normal on the Live Music front, The South can get back on the road and do what they do best - perform the songs of that great British pop institution, The Beautiful South, to the thousands of fans of these timeless classics. The South are an impressive 9 piece band who feature former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles. Since Dave Hemingway, the original singer, left the group at the end of 2016, Gaz has moved across to

front the band with Alison and taken on vocal duties. Since the demise of The Beautiful South in 2007, this exciting live band have spent 11 years touring the theatres and festivals of the UK up and down the country, bringing back the full sound and arrangements of these treasured songs - A Little Time (the number one single), Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Song For Whoever, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Good as Gold, Don’t Marry Her plus many more singles and album tracks as well as a few choice South originals. These songs span an impressive 18 year career starting way back in 1989! The South are: Alison Wheeler (Vocals), Gaz Birtles (Vocals), Phil

Barton (Guitars), Steve Nutter (Bass), Dave Anderson (Drums), Karl Brown (Percussion), Gareth John (Trumpet), Su Robinson (Sax) and Andy Price (Keyboards). Let’s Carry On... Regardless! Tickets are available from - http:// thesouth.co.uk/tour-dates/

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Hi Chris and welcome to NE, can you introduce yourself to our readers? Hello, I am Chris Morton, I live in Newcastle upon Tyne. I am the founder of Viking Hypnotherapy and I am a qualified professional Clinical Hypnotherapist and NLP Performance Coach. You are the man behind Viking Hypnotherapy, but what is Viking Hynotherapy? Viking Hypnotherapys’ business motto is having “The Strength to CLICK HERE TO Conquer Anything”. Wherever

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you are today this is just a situation you’re in now, this is not your life, we all have the power to change our lives and I am basically your guide for this. Utilising the power of positive suggestion to bring about subconscious change to your thoughts feelings and behaviours. NLP is an approach to communication, personal development, psychotherapy and also Life Coaching.

ferent? A hypnotherapist is completely different to a hypnotist. A hypnotist is using the tool of hypnosis to induce a trance state to an audience or part of a magical stage show but they are not licensed to practice hypnotherapy. A hypnotherapist is a certified insured professional who uses hypnosis to help a client overcome mental or physical conditions.

NEW ADIDAS ORIGINALS Have theseFIND comedy hypnotist How different is Hypnotherapy YOU CAN US AT

compared to a hypnotist, is it the ROAD, shows,SOUTH where they put you NE33 under 2HZ 14 OCEAN SHIELDS BUY same thing or is it completely dif- and then get you to do silly things

2022/23 Bay Plastics Northern Football Alliance campaign

PREVIEWING THE NORTHERN FOOTBALL ALLIANCE LEAGUE 2022/23 SEASON A summer of changes has befallen the Bay Plastics Northern Alliance ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, with several clubs either departing, resigning, or amalgamating, and a plethora of new members in the Third Division, there will be a healthy, 63 members, come kick-off, on Saturday 6 August. Prudhoe Youth Club Seniors, who finished second in the Premier Division last season, took promotion into the Ebac Northern League Second Division, whilst Killingworth, defending champions, will look to go again. Along with their now annual challengers, they’ll also be joined by three, First Division sides, in Newcastle Independent (champions), Cramlington United, and AFC Newbiggin (Northumberland FA Stelrad

Minor Cup winners), with North Shields Athletic being relegated, and Cullercoats resigning their senior team. In the First Division, the newcomers there are the Second Division champions, Stobswood Welfare, alongside Newcastle East End, Newcastle Blue Star Reserves, and Willington Quay Saints, with Whitley Bay Sporting Club having been relegated. The Second and Third Divisions’ is where everything gets a little more interesting, with changes aplenty across both, half a dozen sides being promoted into the Second, and some eleven, new sides, being granted membership and entering the Third. Blaydon Community, champions of last season’s Third Division, are promoted, along with Blyth Town U23s, Ellington, Newcastle Independent Cabrito, North Sunderland, and Walker Central (as well either Alnwick Development or Red House

Farm; as for the Third Division, it’s a near, completely new setup when the new campaign kicks off. With a handful of sides being promoted to the Second, a whole host of newcomers join the Third, they being Amble, Benton, Blyth Rangers, Cramlington Blue Star, Gateshead Redheugh 1857, Hazlerigg Victory, Heddon United, Stocksfield, Wallsend Boys Club U23s, and West Moor & Jesmond U23s, whilst Ashington Reserves have been relegated into the division. This means that, with 63 member clubs, the 2022-23 Northern Alliance season will see the following, divisional line-ups on the opening day. Bay Plastics Northern Alliance Premier Division (16 clubs) AFC Newbiggin, Alnwick Town, Burradon & New Fordley, Cramlington United, Gateshead Rutherford, Haltwhistle Jubilee, Killingworth, Newcastle Blue Star,

Newcastle Chemfica, Newcastle Independent, Percy Main Amateurs, Ponteland United, Seaton Delaval, Wallington, Whitley Bay Reserves, Winlaton Community. Reeves Independent Northern Alliance First Division (16 clubs) Bedlington, FC United of Newcastle, Forest Hall Celtic, Gosforth Bohemians, Hebburn Town U23s, Hexham, Newcastle Blue Star Reserves, Newcastle East End, North Shields Athletic, Rothbury, Seaton Burn, Stobswood Welfare, Wallsend Boys Club, West Moor & Jesmond, Whitburn & Cleadon, Willington Quay Saints. Team Valley Carpets Northern Alliance Second Division (16

clubs) Blaydon Community, Blyth Town U23s, Cullercoats (formerly Cullercoats Reserves), Ellington (formerly Ellington Development & AFC Newbiggin Central), Heaton Stannington A, Morpeth, Newcastle Chemfica Amateurs, Newcastle Independent Cabrito, Newcastle University A, North Sunderland, Ponteland United Reserves, Red House Farm, Seaton Sluice, Walker Central, Whitley Bay Sporting Club, Wideopen. Bluefin Sports Insurance Northern Alliance Third Division (15 clubs) Alnwick Town Development, Amble, Ashington Reserves, Benton, Blyth Rangers,

Cramlington Blue Star, Gateshead Redheugh 1857, Gosforth Bohemians Reserves, Hazlerigg Victory, Heddon United, Stocksfield, Wallsend Boys Club U23s, West Moor & Jesmond U23s, Whickham U23s, Whitley Bay Sporting Club A. In addition, the draws for the opening rounds of each of the divisional cup competitions, and that of the George Dobbins League Cup, were conducted this past week, the former set to be played on Saturday 3 September 2022. The draw for each of the divisional cup competitions were as follows – Team Valley Carpets Challenge Cup First Round Alnwick Town – Percy Main Amateurs; Burradon & New Fordley - Gateshead Rutherford; Killingworth – Cramlington United; Newcastle Chemfica – Whitley Bay Reserves; Newcastle Independent – Winlaton Community; Ponteland United – Newcastle Blue Star; Seaton Delaval – AFC Newbiggin; Wallington – Haltwhistle Jubilee Team Valley Carpets Combination Cup First Round FC United of Newcastle – Seaton Burn; Hexham – Willington Quay Saints; Newcastle Blue Star Reserves – Newcastle East End; North Shields Athletic – Forest Hall Celtic; Rothbury – Stobswood Welfare; Wallsend Boys Club – Gosforth Bohemians;

West Moor & Jesmond – Hebburn Town U23s; Whitburn & Cleadon – Bedlington Team Valley Carpets Amateur Cup First Round Blaydon Community – Cullercoats; Ellington – Blyth Town U23s; Morpeth – Red House Farm; Newcastle University A – Seaton Sluice; North Sunderland – Newcastle Independent Cabrito; Walker Central – Ponteland United Reserves; Whitley Bay Sporting Club – Heaton Stannington A; Wideopen & District – Newcastle Chemfica Amateurs Team Valley Carpets Neville Cowey Cup First Round Amble – Wallsend Boys Club U23s; Benton – West Moor & Jesmond U23s; Blyth Rangers – Alnwick Town Development; Cramlington Blue Star – Heddon United; Gateshead Redheugh 1857 – Hazlerigg Victory; Stocksfield – Gosforth Bohemians Reserves; Whickham U23s – Whitley Bay Sporting Club A; Ashington Reserves receive a bye into Second Round As for the opening day of the new season – the fixtures for August are up on the league website,

then the following matches have been scheduled…. BAY PLASTICS NORTHERN ALLIANCE PREMIER DIVISION Alnwick Town – Ponteland United; Burradon & New Fordley – AFC Newbiggin; Cramlington United – Winlaton Community; Haltwhistle Jubilee – Seaton Delaval; Killingworth – Gateshead Rutherford; Newcastle Blue Star – Percy Main Amateurs; Newcastle Chemfica – Whitley Bay Reserves; Newcastle Independent – Wallington REEVES INDEPENDENT NORTHERN ALLIANCE FIRST DIVISION Bedlington – FC United of Newcastle; Forest Hall Celtic – Newcastle East End; Hebburn Town U23s – Wallsend Boys Club; North Shields Athletic – Gosforth Bohemians; Rothbury – West Moor & Jesmond; Seaton Burn – Newcastle Blue Star Reserves; Whitburn – Hexham; Willington Quay Saints – Stobswood Welfare TEAM VALLEY CARPETS NORTHERN ALLIANCE SECOND DIVISION Blyth Town U23s – Newcastle Chemfica U23s; Cullercoats – Morpeth; Ellington – Heaton

Stannington A; Ponteland United Reserves – Red House Farm; Newcastle University A – Whitley Bay Sporting Club; North Sunderland – Blaydon Community; Seaton Sluice – Newcastle Independent Cabrito; Wideopen & District – Walker Central BLUEFIN SPORTS INSURANCE NORTHERN ALLIANCE THIRD DIVISION Ashington Reserves – Cramlington Blue Star; Gateshead Redheugh 1857 – Hazlerigg Victory; Gosforth Bohemians Reserves – Amble; Wallsend Boys Club U23s – Benton; West Moor & Jesmond U23s – Alnwick Town Development; Whickham U23s – Blyth Rangers; Whitley Bay Sporting Club A – Heddon United You can keep up-to-date with all things Northern Football Alliance, from fixtures, results, and cup draws, via their socials on Facebook htt p s : / / w w w.fa c e b o o k . co m / northernalliance2019 and Twitter https://twitter.com/ nfalliance1890 and on the official website at http://www. northernfootballalliance.org.uk/

LIFE’S CUTTING-EDGE PLANETARIUM TO SHOWCASE JAMES WEBB IMAGES The people of the North East will be able to fully immerse themselves in the stunning pictures just released from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope at Life Science Centre’s planetarium. Life is the only place in the region where people can experience the incredible first pictures, including the deepest view of the universe ever taken, in a large format setting. The planetarium takes big-screen space travel to a new dimension, and using the new Digistar 7 technology making it the world’s most advanced planetarium system, using state-of-the-art projectors to give ultra-rich, high-resolution visuals and provide an immersive

experience. The venue can now present films light-years beyond the reach of traditional planetaria. The $10 billion James Webb Telescope is the world’s largest and most powerful space telescope, the result of 20 years’ work by scientists from NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. On Monday 11 July, U.S. President Joe Biden unveiled the deepest, sharpest infrared image of the Universe ever captured, the first of several to be revealed over that immediate period. Life was one of the first venues to receive the images, which will be showcased in a specially-created new planetarium show, ‘Falling with Style,’ which opened last month.

‘Falling with Style’ has been created by Life’s in-house producer for the centre’s new Lightyear programme, a range of space-themed activities inspired by the Disney/ Pixar film which opened in cinemas last month. In ‘Falling with Style,’ audiences will take a flight through the glittering arial nightscapes of our home planet. En-route, they’ll launch objects into orbit around the Earth, and stop off at the international space station for a taste of life in the

cosmos. They’ll also be able to take a deep dive into the extreme limits of the universe and be fully immersed in the incredible new visuals from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb telescope. Callum Griffiths, the planetarium’s producer, said: “The new system completely envelopes the audience, essentially holding a mini universe inside of it that is fully mapped with the most up-to-date data. “It displays an incredible level of realism and is the perfect platform to present the stunning new James Webb pictures.” Meanwhile Linda Conlon, Chief Executive of Life added: “We’re proud to have the largest and most advanced planetarium in the North, and to be the first to showcase these incredible new images from NASA. “The region has a growing reputation for innovation in space – it’s great that our visitors can now experience ‘next generation’ virtual space travel right here at Life.” Life’s Lightyear programme will run throughout the summer with a range of activities in the science centre. Life Science Centre is open daily

10:00 – 17:00 (recommended last entry 15:00); everything is included in the price of a science centre ticket. Some activities have age restrictions or recommendations. Book online and save at least 5% on standard prices. ABOUT THE NEWCASTLE CENTRE FOR LIFE The International Centre for Life (Life) is a thriving science hub in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. The NHS and Newcastle University are key partners on site and the ground-breaking research and patient treatment that take place here have led to international recognition. From the thousands of babies born with the help of fertility treatment received onsite, to the patients with debilitating diseases who have benefitted from research and clinical treatments, Life has made a difference to so many.

There is nowhere quite like it in the world – a place where researchers, clinicians, science communicators and educators work side-by-side on one site, sharing expertise and ideas and creating a unique circle of science. Life Science Centre is at the heart of this circle. Welcoming about 250,000 visitors a year, its mission is to help people of all ages, from all communities, explore science and to discover its relevance to their own lives and to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. This mission has never been more relevant than it is today. Keep up-to-date with everything at the International Centre for Life via their website https://www.life. org.uk/ Images with permission of the venue.

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AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

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AUTHOR ZOE BILLINGS

It’s No Mystery Why Author Sets Book in Northumberland A North Yorkshire author who fell in love with Northumberland after a recent visit has based her second children’s book in the county. The Secret of Flittermouse Cliffs is the second in the Great Friends from Grey Owls series written by Zoe Billings from Poppleton near York. The series follows the adventures of Liz, Barrie, Jenny and James, four secondary school pupils who find themselves getting caught up in all kinds of challenges.

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In the Secret of Flittermouse Cliffs, the four are back at Grey Owls after their summer break,

and are now in year 8. There are difficult challenges for Liz, and the other three really band together to support her to have any hope of joining the October half term outdoor activity trip, up in the beautiful wilds of Northumberland. Arriving in Northumberland they look forward to a week learning rock climbing, abseiling, archery, kayaking and gorge walking, not to mention a game of rounders on the wide golden beach with the castle standing proudly at the end. But all is not quite what it seems. A missing carabiner and a newspaper headline plunge the four into their second thrilling adventure where, if they don’t manage to solve the mystery, lives might be at

stake. “I fell in love with Northumberland after visiting friends. The county is full of beauty from rolling hills to deserted beaches and majestic castles. It was the ideal location for the book, said Zoe. The series of books promote in children the values of honesty, kindness, hard work and courage, while tackling modern issues in a sensitive way, empowering children to be confident as they enjoy real page turning adventures. Click here to buy the book https:// www.amazon.co.uk/s?i=digital-te xt&rh=p_27%3AZoe+Billings&s= relevancerank&text=Zoe+Billings &ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1

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After a few delays due to Covid, it was great to finally see the return of Ryton Retro. Now for those unfamiliar with this event, it is a retro gamers idea of paradise that takes place at Ryton’s Masonic Hall. This 5th instalment was entitled “Wrestlefest” and there was a full room dedicated to those classic wrestling games and even a full display of old school wrestling figures and memorabilia. Getting to play the Royal Rumble again after about 25 years was fantastic and brought back so many memories. As always it was a complete sell out, so be warned, when event 6 is announced don’t hesitate in

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Upstairs there were two more rooms both full of various games consoles and even a few old school computers too, there was even a few consoles on the landing, so every bit of space is used to to its fullest. There really was something for everyone, all your favourite consoles, from Sega Master Systems and Mega Drives to NES, Super Nintendo’s and Gamecubes and more.

getting your tickets, as every single show has sold out and we expect number 6 to be no different. Ryton Retro consists of 5 rooms full to the brim, you have the bar area and tuck shop with some classic old school sweets on offer, the main room which had several stalls and a mix of original arcades and pinball machines as well as the customary tombola. The final room on the ground floor was the wrestling themed room which held a host of original games consoles all with various versions of wrestling games.

It was great to see the parents turn into kids again as they rolled back the years playing on those old school games, then showing their children how to play the

games they grew up playing. That is a magical sight indeed. Seeing the younger kids play games like Pacman, Space Invaders, Paper Boy, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Royal Rumble to name just a few was fantastic, they really got into them, even if they did think the graphics looked a bit funny. Seeing people of all ages all having fun is what the event is all about and Ryton Retro 5 did not disappoint. The stalls that were at Ryton Retro were Magical BubbleSuds, selling lots of funky bath bombs and soaps, Radgie City which stocks a mix of prints, t-shirts and hats all with a North East twist (Sam Fender is a big fan and has been spotted wearing their clobber), Wrestle HQ which sells everything to do with wrestling and finally Sweet Surprise with a collection of retro treats. As always Studio 8 were on hand with their custom arcades and controllers for people to play on and even buy. Food wise you had the Fire&Dough with their awesome fresh Pizzas. If that wasn’t enough there was the customary big Raffle, which had so many fantastic prizes, and the tombola, all helping to raise funds for Ryton Retro’s chosen charity which this year was Marie Curie

Newcastle. So it’s fair to say, it was yet another fantastic, sold out, fun event, we really can’t thank David Kirkland enough for not only putting in the graft to make sure the event is packed full of arcades, pinball machines, games consoles and stalls, but also for making it such a great day out. Everything from the online build up on the facebook page (give it a follow, you won’t be disappointed) to the posters and facts that he had dotted around the venue. He even had several standees for fans to get photo’s

with, one guy even got to take the Kylie standee home, he certainly was “lucky, lucky, lucky”. As always we appreciate the invite and we cannot wait for Ryton Retro 6!!!! Find them on Facebook here @ rytonretro

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NE Issue 58 - 10 Years Anniversary

Articles inside

NERD Arcade

Dean Stobbs

Sneaky Blinders