THE FELL M A G A Z I N E
July / August 2013 - Issue 3
Your FREE comprehensive guide to life within the NE8, NE9 and NE11 postcodes.
What’s Inside? Fantastic Local Events Brilliant Local Businesses Interesting Local Stories Fun Puzzles ...and much, much more!
Sponsored by:
Contents 4.
From The Editor’s Desk
6.
What’s On?
8.
134 Years and Counting - Part 3
10.
Silver Groups @ The Sage Gateshead
11.
Hadrian’s Wall - The Low Fell Connection
12.
Imagine & Be Inspired
13.
Thomas Wilson - Mr Low Fell
14.
Does Your Pension Smell Of Cheese?
15.
Indian Cookery Experience @ Angeethi
16.
Low Fell Spirit Is The Key To Success
17.
Gateshead Look For Home Comforts
18.
Sudoku Challenge
19.
Competitions - Win Free Stuff!
The Fell Magazine July / August 2013
Editor James Tennant
Want to contribute or suggest an improvement? Saw something you really liked? Want to tell us off for making a speeling mistoke? (Hilarious, we know.) All you need to do is send your comments, articles, corrections and suggestions to info@low-fell.com. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Regular Columnists Jeff Bowron
Jeff Bowron is a local Freelance Sports Journalist who has followed the fortunes of Gateshead FC for over four decades.
Anthea Lang
Local history nut. Enjoys teaching and making people smile. Author of “Low Fell in Old Picture Postcards.”
Alice Venus
Alice is new to Gateshead, having moved from the South last year, but her family is orginally from the North East. She works as a freelance copywriter.
Contributors Kenneth Bunn Mark Lockey Sara Forrest
Socialise Twitter:
@TheFellMag @Low_Fell
Facebook:
/lowfellgateshead /thefellmagazine
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Chris Minnis Paul Steel Front cover photograph by Laura Pearman www.pearmanphotography.co.uk PLEASE NOTE: The Fell Magazine is politically and religiously neutral. Any of the messages or opinions found in the paid-for advertisements do not necessarily represent the views of The Fell Magazine.
Remember to let these businesses know you found them in The Fell Magazine!
For over 30 years Craigielea has served the community of Gateshead, offering first class nursing, residential and dementia care for older people. With excellent facilities and catering, along with a dedicated staff, Craigielea offers high quality nursing and personal care to those that need it. We can provide events, activities and outings at no extra cost to our residents, along with an on-site hairdressing service too! Our fees reflect our not-for-profit, charitable status, and residents who are eligible for funding from the Local Authority towards their fees are fully funded and are not charged top up fees. Telephone 0191 487 4121, or contact us via our website www.craigieleacare.co.uk for further details. CRAIGIELEA – FOR CARE YOU CAN TRUST CHARITY NO. 516997 Visit us online - Low-Fell.Com
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From The Editor’s Desk Summer is here! Finally...
like to extend this issue’s thank you to everyone who is involved.
That late snow and cold weather was beginning to wear me down but Summer has arrived now, so that’s all forgotten!
OK, onto the issue!
Summer is a time of holidays and relaxation for many of us (teachers and parents especially!), so I do hope you’re all managing to give yourselves some well deserved time off to enjoy the season. As usual there are a few thank-yous to hand out this issue. Alice Venus has been very helpful once again, editing articles for us and making sure I haven’t missed any glaring errors! Jeff Bowron writes his third Gateshead FC article for The Fell Magazine – something I’m also very grateful for. A big thanks to Adrian of Pumpkin Pictures and Kenneth Bunn too for supplying this month’s competition prizes, and a thank you to Laura Pearman who has very kindly submitted this issue’s front cover. The Fell Magazine simply wouldn’t be possible without its long list contributors and advertisers, so I’d
As mentioned, Jeff Bowron writes about Gateshead FC and lets us know what’s expected of the team in the upcoming 2013/14 season. Mark Lockey has provided the final part of the history of Gateshead Fell Cricket Club which I’ve found fascinating to say the least. Anthea Lang is back with another look at Low Fell’s history and we’ve got articles from a couple of new contributors in the shape of Paul Steel and Sara Forrest too! There’s another great comic from Stephen Archibald and more Sudoku puzzles to get your teeth into as well. Rememer, if you want to get involved with the magazine, all you need to do is get in touch! We’re always on the lookout for contributors of all types so please don’t hesitate to send us an email if you have any ideas. We’re also keen to hear your thoughts
Advertise with The Fell Magazine Advertising with The Fell Magazine is the best way to promote your business within the NE8, NE9 and NE11 neighbourhoods. Those postcodes cover Low Fell, Saltwell, Bensham, High Fell, Allerdene and Lyndhurst, as well as the Team Valley Trading Estate. It’s also not as expensive as you might think. With costs starting from as low as £80 per issue, our prices will suit most budgets. So if you’d like more information about our advertising rates, please use the contact information on the right to get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you. Remember, it’s not 1 advert you’re paying for, it’s 15,500! 4
The Fell Magazine
about the magazine too. Tell us what you think we’re doing right and what we’re doing wrong. This is your magazine and we want to make sure you it includes articles that you want to read. By the time the next issue swings round Summer will be over! That’s a scary thought indeeed, especially considering how fast time seems to fly working on this magazine! Autumn will be here and it will be bringing, as it always does, a stunning change to our landscape. That’s not a bad thing though because, as far as the seasons go, Autumn’s definitely the prettiest! The football season will also be back in full swing which I’ll be happy about. Sorry non-football fans - it must seem like it’s never away! OK, that’s enough from me. Please read on and enjoy the magazine! See you in a couple of months!
Contact Information Email:
info@low-fell.com
Phone:
0779 205 8918
Address:
6 Denewell Avenue, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 5HD
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What’s On? PLEASE NOTE: All times and dates are subject to change - please double check times and dates with club/organisation/society separately. Please get in touch with us to promote your NE8, NE9 and NE11 non-profit events for free! 13th Gateshead Scouts 0191 488 8688 Miller Youth Centre Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00pm - Beaver Scouts Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:00pm - Cub Scouts 21st Gateshead Sea Scout Group 0191 492 2484 Scout Hut, Back of Beaconsfield Road Wednesdays 6:15 - 8:00pm - Cub Pack Fridays 5:30 - 6:30pm - Beaver Colony 6:45 - 8:30pm - Scout Troop Gateshead Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society 0191 477 6924 Joseph Swan School Monday 7:30 - 9:30pm Low Fell Singers 0191 487 6431 Hardman Centre Mondays 7:15 - 9:15pm Silver Rock at the Clubhouse 0191 499 8055 Clubhouse, St. Georges Church Silver Rock is an exciting project which gives people over 50 the chance to learn and perform favourite songs from the 60s, 70s & 80s. Times and dates below valid until March 28th. Tuesdays 11:00 - 12:30pm Banjo Group (Tom) 1:00 - 2:30pm Drum Kit (Phil) 1:30 - 3:00pm Bluegrass (Tom) 3:00 - 4:30pm Accompanying From Keyboard Chords (Phil) Wednesdays 11:00 - 12:30pm Silver Sambanistas (Phil) 1:00 - 3:30pm Drum Kit 1:1 Sessions (Phil) 4:00 - 5:30pm Rock Steady (Phil) Thursdays 10:00 - 11:00am Beginner Mandolin (Tom) 10:30 - 11:30am Don’t Fret (Ian) 11:00 - 12:30pm Silver Rock Choir 11:00 - 12:00pm Silver Mandolin Orchestra (tom) 11:30 - 1:00pm Sing ‘n’ Strum (Ian) 1:00 - 2:30pm Pick ‘n’ Mix (Tom) 2:00 - 3:00pm Beginner Guitar (Ian) 2:30 - 4:00pm Silvers Rock (Phil) 4:00 - 5:30pm Roots Rock (Ian) Fridays 11:00 - 12:30pm Solid Rock (Phil) 11:00 - 12:30pm Beginner Bass Guitar (Ian)
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2:00 - 3:30pm Quicksilver (Juliette) 4:00 - 5:00pm Silver Skiffle (Ian) 4:00 - 5:30pm Sound Check (Phil)
Gallery Talk: Graphic Art 22 August 7.30pm (No booking required)
St John’s Parish Church Gateshead Fell Rev Andrew West 0191 4422463 churchonthefell@gmail.com
A talk on Graphic Art to compliment a major new exhibition at the Shipley Art Gallery.
Our main service every Sunday is at 10.00am. Shipley Art Gallery Events For further information, please contact the Shipley Art Gallery on (0191) 477 1495
This talk is organised by the Friends of the Shipley Art Gallery. Non-members are very welcome to attend. Free entry for Friends of the Shipley, £2 for non-members.
Knitting Group 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. 10.30am-12.30am Weaving Group 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. 10am -1pm Lace making Group Thursdays 10am-12am Quilting Group Thursdays 1.30pm-3.30pm Embroidery Group First Saturday of each month. 2pm-4pm Northern Guild of Silk Painting Last Saturday of each month. 10am-3pm.
Family Events
Shipley Scamps Every Wednesday in term time 10.15am - 11.15am Shipley Scamps provides a great opportunity for you and your young family to enjoy being creative in an informal atmosphere.
Bring your favourite story to design and make your own accordion picture book. You can then illustrate your own book with prints, drawings or collages.
The sessions are suitable for children aged 2 4 and offer a range of creative activities along with singing and stories. Sessions are £2 per child.
Puppet Theatre Tuesday 13 August 10am – 1pm
Gallery Talk: Collecting New Art 25 July 7.30pm (No booking required) Rebecca Morrill, curator and representative of the Contemporary Art Society in the North East talks about ‘Collecting New Art’. This talk is organised by the Friends of the Shipley Art Gallery. Non-members are very welcome to attend. Free entry for Friends of the Shipley, £2 for non-members. Doors will open at 6.30pm, with light refreshments being served at 7pm.
Tales from a Forgotten City Tuesday 30 July 10am – 1pm Join artist Ruth Fettis as she leads a workshop for families, based the current exhibition on display at the Shipley, Tales of a Forgotten City. Visitors are invited to make things that become part of the Forgotten City of print souvenir postcards to take away. £2 per participant. Book Making Tuesday 6 August 10am – 1pm
£2 per participant.
Design your own puppet theatre or circus stage with scenery and characters. Create your own story, featuring friends or family or follow a favourite fairy tale. £2 per participant. Puppets Workshop Tuesday 20 August 10am – 1pm Following on from the Puppet Theatre workshop, this week we’ll be designing and making puppets. Create your own characters based on friends, family or from a favourite fairy tale. £2 per participant.
Tales of a Forgotten City Concert Friday 26 July 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Bike Blinging! Tuesday 27 August 10am – 1pm
To celebrate the opening of the ‘Tales of the Forgotten City’ exhibition, Bridie Jackson & The Arbour will perform an unplugged set.
Bring a blinged-up bike to the gallery and on arrival, bling up your Hi-Vis jackets and helmets with help of gallery staff. There will be prizes for the best bling!
Lead artist of the exhibition, Ruth Fettis will also give an introduction as well as a drop-in activity which will enable visitors to work with Ruth to create a souvenir from the evening. Free entry, doors open at 7pm.
Supported by Sustrans www.sustrans.org.uk £2 per participant.
What’s On? Low Fell Running Club 0191 487 0518 WinG (Way Out In Gateshead) The Courtyard (near Whinney House) Tuesday 6:50pm Wednesday 6:50pm Gateshead Older People’s Assembly Get Together Group St Peter’s Church Hall, Kell’s Lane, Low Fell For information, please call Kerry Pattison on 0191 438 1721 Sign in from 1.15pm group starts 1.30pm to 3pm. The group meets monthly, on the 2nd Monday of the month and is open to anyone over the age of 50. Subs are only £1 per session and this included tea/coffe and biscuits. We host a variety of activities from regular guest speakers, consultation and focus groups to trips and fun and games. Friends of Saltwell Park The Friends meet monthly, usually on Saturday mornings, with guest speakers and visits. Meetings are open to Members of Friends of Saltwell Park. For details of how to become a Member please contact Diane on 07949 267 602 or visit www.ourgateshead.org/FriendsofSaltwellPark to view events and download an application form.
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31st Gateshead Scouts For information, please call Jan Askwith on 0191 487 7723 St Ninians Church Hall, Ivy Lane, Low Fell Monday Beavers 6.30pm - 7.30pm Friday Cubs 6.00pm - 7.30pm Scouts 7.30pm - 9.00pm Low Fell Bridge Club Contact John Wears - 0191 482 2933 St Helens Hall Looking for new members. Friendly club. Please call for information. :) Gateshead Flower Club Please contact Miriam Holmes on 0191 482 5746 The monthly meeting featuring guest demonstrators who show various styles of flower arranging is at St. Ninian’s Church Hall on the third Wednesday each month except August and December and the next on is on July 17th at 7 pm. As this is a special year celebrating 50 years we are having an evening dinner with entertainment at Lumley Castle in August. Other events are planned throughout the year such as outings to Floors Castle, garden visits, floral workshops and a Christmas afternoon tea. New members and visitors are always welcome.
Visit us online - Low-Fell.Com
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Sport
134 Years and Counting... Part 3 Mark Lockey
On 1 January 1997 the England and Wales Cricket Board formed and immediately proposed to establish a national network of Premier Leagues across the country for the top club sides. This proposal was agreed and in 1999, together with eleven other North East clubs, Gateshead Fell formed the North East Premier League (“NEPL”). Various conditions had to be met, such as ground standard and facilities, to ensure that the NEPL was the pinnacle of club cricket. This remains the case to this day. As the club was preparing for life in the NEPL, a young cricketer called Graeme Onions was captaining the Fell’s junior side. Onions received a contract with Durham CCC’s academy at an early age and as such did not play in the clubs first team; however the successes he has achieved with Durham and England have made club members extremely proud. As a resident of Low Fell, Graham still visits the club when not away from the area on cricketing duties. The improved standard of the NEPL allowed the club to attract high quality professionals. Australian Marcus North was engaged for the 2000 season, and returned for the 2002 and 2003 seasons. Marcus later went on to play 21 test matches for Australia (scoring 5 hundreds) and was involved in both the 2009 and 2010/11 Ashes series’. After a poor season in 2003, when the club finished bottom of the NEPL, off-spinner Nicky Phillips was signed to captain the side having been released from Durham CCC following 10 years of first class cricket. Within 2 years Phillips guided the club to a 3rd placed finish. In that 2005 season Phillips lead by example claiming 58 league wickets including the remarkable feat of 5 wickets in 5 balls against Philadelphia CC. The fell won their first trophy in over 10 years during the 2006 season when they collected the Just Sport Trophy. However the season will also be remembered for the outstanding 204 not out scored by powerful South African professional Martin Bekker against Tynemouth CC. Coming in just 166 balls and including 22 fours and 5 sixes, Bekker remains the only player to ever score a double century in NEPL history. It was another South African, Cliffe Deacon, who led the club to Just Sport Trophy success a season later in 2007 when he single handily destroyed Newcastle City CC in the final, claiming 5 wickets for just 4 runs from 7 overs. The Fell’s good fortune with overseas professionals continued when Tom Latham arrived from New Zealand for the 2010 season. Turning 18 years old just 2 weeks prior to arriving in Low Fell, Latham took only 3 games to record his first hundred, 104 not out against Blaydon CC. 8
The Fell Magazine
Graeme Onion
s playing for En
gland
Two more hundred’s followed (and seven fifties) ensuring Latham smashed the NEPL run scoring record, ending with 1,114 league runs (av. 58.63). Just 18 months after leaving the Fell, Latham made his international debut for New Zealand in a One Day game against Zimbabwe in Dunedin, and is firmly in contention to play in the test series against England in 2013. George Lamb stated that he had a vision for Gateshead Fell Cricket Club to be a social centre for various groups, organisations and parties. Coming to the end of 2012, nearly 135 years since the club was formed, this is very much the case. The club has over 500 members who use the bar facilities regularly, a large function room which is used throughout the year, and ties with local clubs such as Gateshead Juniors FC and Saltwell Harriers. Although the club still faces similar difficulties to those in 1938, a growing number of members and an active committee ensures that this Low Fell club will be around for a lot more years to come.
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Community
Silver Groups @
The Sage Gateshead
Photo credit – Sally Baitch
We caught up with some of the participants from Sage Gateshead’s Silver Programme, who run music activities for over 50s throughout the region – including at Sage Gateshead, Gateshead Old Town Hall and the Clubhouse at St. George’s on Durham Road. They were performing on the concourse at Sage Gateshead, singing and playing all sorts of songs from Abba to KT Tunstall and beyond. “I’ve been playing guitar since about 1963 when I bought one in a junk shop for two quid. My dad said I was mad and I think he was right. I really enjoy the sessions, the camerarderie and the fun – and the music of course!” Bill (plays in Silvers Rock, Classic Rock, Roots Rock and Skiffle groups) July 19 heralds the next Silver Rock Extravaganza at the Clubhouse on Inskip Terrace, near the fire station. This is a great chance to find out what it’s all about and hear some of the groups - for details of this and other upcoming events at the Clubhouse, visit silverrock.org.uk or call 0191 499 8055 to get involved. “We travel every day from Whitley Bay, so that shows how much we like it or we wouldn’t travel all that way! We sing a great variety of songs – and anyone who wanted to come along would be more than welcome.” Marilyn (plays in various groups) You can hear interviews and performances from the Silver groups at soundcloud.com/thesagegateshead – and all the information about how to get involved is at sagegateshead.com
Chris Minnis
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Community
Hadrian’s Wall -
The Low Fell Connection Kenneth Bunn
It’s true, Low Fell really does have a direct connection with this World Heritage Site. It’s Low Fell’s Kenneth Bunn whose new book ‘Walking in Hadrian’s Wall Country’ is an opportunity to follow in his footsteps….when the summer comes of course. The book is crammed full of historical information, lots of photos, and specially drawn accurate maps, so everything is easy to follow with some spectacular Roman Forts and sections of the actual Wall. There’s also medieval castles, inspirational landscapes, and even Arthurian Legends. You may also be surprised to learn that the Romans had another Gateshead Connection, with an early fort in a field site at Watergate near Whickham, before they decided to move further north. It can only be seen today with aerial photography. Ken explains to The Fell Magazine how his latest book came about. Maps tracks and trails have been a ‘Way of Life’ for as long as he can remember. He has written about and illustrated almost every walk he has ever done, resulting in an unrivalled record of North Country walks and history. He continues to create and lead new walks throughout the region. Over the years only those who actually walked with him had access to his write-ups.
Then two years ago Trailguides Publishers persuaded him to put a walks book together. The result was ‘Walks Around Rothbury and Coquetdale’. It was felt a second book should follow and ‘Walking in Hadrian’s Wall Country’ seemed a natural choice. The Fell Magazine asked Ken to explain how his books evolve. It starts by looking at maps and selecting good walking routes and major attractions. Then boots on and with his wife Anne, time to walk the walks, take lots of photos, and record all relevant details. Now with a very detailed knowledge of a particular route, to draw the most accurate maps, fill in the historical research, select the most appropriate photos, and write the words. The hard part comes next, matching text and photos to fit the page formats and designing front and back covers for the book. And that’s how it’s done. So, when you see someone walking around your area in the future you may just wonder what interests do they have. We feel sure there’s a lot of local people with interesting personal stories to tell…. Fell Magazine is waiting to hear from you. Ken’s book ‘Walking in Hadrian’s Wall Country’ is available from Trailguides on www.trailguides.co.uk or from Amazon and Waterstones.
*Win Kenneth’s book on page 22! Visit us online - Low-Fell.Com
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Imagine & Be Inspired
Community
Susan Marsh
Imagine is a relative newcomer to the retail scene in Gateshead and sells a wide range of high quality gifts and items to enhance your home. We offer great products that range from traditional to quirky – and at great prices. Based in Coatsworth Road, Imagine opened its doors in November last year and in a short space of time has gained a reputation for innovative items for the home, gifts for family and friends and that ideal present for every occasion. Whether it be a key ring, mug, vase or painting, Imagine is where you will find just what you are looking for. And if you can’t find it or need some ideas for that special surprise just ask and we will find it for you! With products priced from 50 pence there is something for everyone and every pocket. Imagine is the brainchild of Susan Marsh who dreamed of owning a shop where people could come and browse for products to enhance their homes or to show family and friends that they care. A former nurse with a busy life, Susan was tired of endless searching for the perfect gift or unique little something to make a house a home, so she decided to fill the gap in the market and open her own shop. When Susan spotted the ideal location in Coatsworth Road she grabbed it with both hands and has never looked back. Living and working locally has also enabled Susan to be active in the community and support local charities, such as children’s nurseries, playgroups and teenage cancer support groups. Her local knowledge and contacts have enabled her to transform the former florist shop into a haven of vintage chic and modern collectable items in less than eight months. Imagine has already gained a reputation for quality goods and superb personal service.
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Far from resting on her laurels Susan is now looking to the future to make Imagine bigger and better with an even greater choice of gifts and home furnishings. She has forged relationships with renowned suppliers including Parlane international, Sia Home Fashion, East of India and Hill Interiors to offer customers an ever-expanding range of high quality goods. If you find anything you like on one of these websites tell us and we will source it for you at no extra cost. We have just launched our own Facebook page (Imagine gifts Gateshead) as well as our new online store: http://www.imagine-gifts.com. So you can now access details of the current products and order online, or place a request for an item to be delivered to your home or collected in store. Imagine’s access to thousands of products means we can organise a wedding gift list service and give your guests a stress-free way to find the ideal product. Please visit our shop - or view our range online. We promise to make it a memorable experience. Imagine and be inspired!
Community
Thomas Wilson - Mr Low Fell (1773 - 1858) Anthea Lang
Thomas Wilson
Aeneas Mackenzie, a renowned nineteenth century historian from Newcastle called Thomas Wilson “The modern boast of the parish”. This was no idle statement as Wilson truly was central to Low Fell’s development as a desirable suburb in which to live during the 19th century. However, this was not a man apparently born to achieve great things. Of very humble origins, Wilson worked in the local collieries, probably as a trapper boy, from the age of 8. Uneducated, as he grew to adulthood he possessed a burning desire to improve himself and began attending classes after work in Samuel Barrass’s small school near what is today Engine Lane. Keen to learn, he made such strides that, in 1807, he was able to apply for a position as a clerk in the counting house of William Losh. He would never return to the coal mines. Two years after he began working as a clerk, Wilson went into partnership with Losh and Thomas Bell to begin a new venture – an ironworks in Walker. In 1827, Losh, Wilson and Bell installed a rolling mill and the same year they were listed in a trade directory as steam engine manufacturers. In 1849, the firm were sub-contractors for the new High Level Bridge.
As Wilson prospered, he returned to his roots in Low Fell and built a new house– on the site of where Lowrey’s Lane car park is today. He called this house ‘Fell House’ – this may have simply been due to the fact it was built in Low Fell but in 1810, Wilson had married a Mrs Mary Fell of Kirklinton so the name may equally have derived from her. The couple went on to have a number of children, one of whom married William Henry Brockett an up and coming quayside merchant with a penchant for politics. This interested his new father-in-law and between them the Brockett and Wilson factions had huge influence over Gateshead Council during its early years. Both men were among the first to be elected councillors and due to the number of people who voted for him, Wilson was immediately elected an Alderman. But Wilson was a man of many interests and one of his loves was writing dialect poetry. He churned this out over a period of years, writing many topical poems relating to the burning issues of the day. ‘Stanzas on the Intended Line of Road from Potticar Lane to Leyburn Hole’ was a humorous attempt to describe the arguments over the proposed formation of what would become the new main Durham Road. In the poem, Wilson described a number of local landmarks as well as the drowning of a mother’s illegitimate baby, gambling, the superior fresh water obtained from Carter’s Well and being so drunk at the Buck that he could not recognise his own mother! “Aw say, lads, hae ye heard what they’re ganni te dee Wi’ the road frae Newcastle to Lunnen? They’ll shift it, they sa, if the grit folks can ‘gree, Where the coaches will flee ‘stead o’runnin.
Where aw’ve oft been sae blin’, as te nut naw me mother, An then by the meeting, and Boggin’s Dike Neuk, Where the gamlers, lang syne, us’d te bilk ane another. Then reet owre the Fell, and by Carter’s Well, Where the watter like wine’s a’ways runnen, And is better by far than the poor blashy yell The folks get I’ Newcassel or Lunnen.”
But perhaps Wilson’s most important achievement from a Low Fell point of view, was to establish the Institute on Durham Road. Designed by Thomas Oliver and built by a local builder Thomas Liddle, this building was a landmark in the new suburb. Inside was a school, a reading room, and a library. The first event held here was a dahlia show on 2 October 1841 which attracted large crowds. Unfortunately, after Wilson’s death in 1858, the Institute gradually lost popularity becoming a “British Workman” (a temperance bar), a working mens club and then for much of the twentieth century, a bank. Wilson died in 1858 – during his lifetime he had seen Low Fell changed from a wasteheap with a few stone cottages and numerous pit heaps to Gateshead’s most desirable Victorian suburb. He is remembered today not only by his poetry and his Institute but in local street names - Wilson’s Lane and also Wilson Terrace (now incorporated into Durham Road). Anthea’s new book, ‘Saltwell Park: The Story of the ‘People’s Park’, is available now at Sockett’s and the Central Library for only £4.99 - a bargain we think.
‘Bout Potticar Lonen they leave the awd road, Where hill upon hill rises ever se high, Up whilk the poor animals now drag their load, For aw the warld like claveren up the sky. Then they Nicholson’s pass, and the pond at Brick Dean, Where the mother her love begot babby did drown, And where its white ghost has been frequently seen By the half-fuddled folks comin’ late frae the town. Soon they reach Whinney House, and the sign o’ the Buck,
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13
Finance
Does Your Pension
Smell Of Cheese? A mountain of maturing cheddar cheese is to be used as security for a pension fund. Twenty million kilos of Cathedral City cheddar will now be used to back up the pension fund of workers at Dairy Crest, blessed indeed are the cheesemakers. In the event of the pension fund running into financial trouble, the pension scheme will be able to sell blocks of cheddar to make up the shortfall.
What assets are supporting your income in retirement? Cheese and Whiskey can be converted into hard cash but what about those Companies that have no assets to convert? The plight of Company pension schemes is never far from the headlines with the pensions of millions of people facing severe financial problems.
Like many large companies Dairy Crest has unsuccessfully been trying to eliminate its massive pension funding gap, which has, if you will forgive, me more holes than a Swiss cheese. In 2010, drinks giant Diageo agreed to transfer millions of barrels of whisky to a pension fund partnership in a bid to reduce it’s own pensions hangover.
The Pension Protection Fund is an emergency lifeboat fund should your Company pension scheme be unable to meet its liabilities which is a great comfort, but your pension won’t be at the level it should have been and there are restrictions as to how you take your benefits. It is a lifeboat not a luxury liner, but a welcome sight nonetheless if you find yourself in stormy pension seas. Hopefully you will never need it.
There have been numerous other examples of this type of desperate funding but the Cheddar has to be most odorous and while it might raise a smile, it also raises serious questions;
Also, with falling returns from private pension funds it is now estimated you need a pension fund twice the size of one 10 years ago to produce the same level of income in retirement due to falling pension income rates.
So what’s the good news? The most significant good news is of course we are all living longer and enjoying more healthy years when we stop work, about 18 on average. Also, the Government has declared its intention to introduce a flat rate pension of £144 per week which means there will be an end to means testing in retirement and penalizing those that have saved whilst rewarding those that never bothered. This has to be a good thing as it simplifies the system and stops rewarding the feckless. And the winner is.. All of those who Contracted Out of SERPS! You really are going to win if sometime since 1988 you Contracted Out as the new flat rate pension will give a lot of the benefit SERPS (and later the State Second Pension) would have provided regardless of your National insurance record and you will still have your Contacted Out pension fund to do with as you please. So not all bad news is it?
www.pensionmatters.net - psteel@pensionmatters.net - 0191 404 6806 / 0800 612 454 * Pension Matters is a trading style of Estate Matters Financial Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
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The Fell Magazine
Paul Steel
Community
Indian Cookery Experience @ Angeethi
Indian restaurant Angeethi, which opened in late 2012 in Low Fell, has hosted a group of 60 school children from nearby Kells Lane Primary School for an educational Indian cookery experience. The two-hour visit introduced the Year 4 children to the rich Indian culture and its cuisine, and aimed to increase their awareness of healthy food and cooking practices. The children sampled dishes such as poppodums with mint yogurt, Chicken Makhni and Saffron Pulao, and learned about the origin and use of herbs and spices in Indian food and their health benefits. They also had the opportunity to visit the restaurant’s kitchen, and shaped their own Naan breads after the technique was demonstrated by Angeethi’s highly skilled chef. Each child received a Participation Certificate, and all went away having enjoyed the educational yet fun experience. Priya Mishra, owner of Angeethi, said: “We’re delighted that the visit was such a success, and it was a pleasure to host the children; we were all very impressed with how receptive and enthusiastic they were. “We pride ourselves on authenticity, quality and tradition – staying true to the fundamentals of healthy cooking, always using the freshest of ingredients and locally sourced produce, and reflecting Indian heritage in every dish on the menu. We wanted to communicate this to the children, and we hope that their visit here has inspired them and shown them simple and enjoyable ways of cooking fresh, healthy Indian food.”
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Community
Low Fell Spirit Is The Key To Success Sara Forrest
Self-employment is on the rise. According to the latest official figures, more than 35,000 people joined the ranks of the self-employed during the last year – lifting the total number in the UK now working for themselves to just short of 4 million. Two years ago I decided to join this growing group of people and set up business on my own. I wasn’t happy in my current job and I’d always loved the idea of working with animals so I did my research, put together a business plan and set up “I need a Walk” offering pet care services to the local Low Fell community. Self-employment was a huge change and I can’t deny that on starting out I had many fears, particularly when I thought about managing the financial side of things. However, looking back I have no regrets and I have a lot of thanks to give to local businesses and Low Fell residents for their unwavering support. I have been astounded by willingness of local shop owners to help by allowing me to leave flyers for their customers; Pets n bitz, G Hunter & Sons, and The Salad Bowl to name but a few. I’ve even been supported by the local vicar who kindly displayed my poster in his church. And it doesn’t just stop there ….local residents have been behind me one hundred per cent helping to spread the word. In return I am determined to provide an individualized and personal service to my customers, whatever their pet care needs. I was recently asked by a customer to help surprise his bride to be by assisting their dog Hamish in the role of ring bearer on their wedding day. Low Fell residents Matthew and Rachel Haggerty were married in Felton in April and I took Hamish along to ensure the rings made it to the church on time. Hamish came down the aisle with rings in paw, to gasps of surprise and the bride was delighted. It was fantastic to help make that happen. Having the backing of my community has given me a personal boost and help grow my customer base, but it’s also opened my eyes to the genuine kindness of people living in Low Fell. Supporting local business has a positive impact for the local economy but it also builds a sense of camaraderie unlike no other! 16
The Fell Magazine
Gateshead Look For Home Comforts
Sport
Jeff Bowron
After a traumatic season saw the club avoid relegation on the final day of the season Gateshead FC are looking for a much improved campaign in 2013/14. The Tynesiders had to use eight different venues to stage home games in the second half of the season due to the ongoing pitch problems at the International Stadium. The new Conference Premier season begins on August 10th but before then nine pre-season games will be played during the build up. Only three are designated home games starting with the visit of SPL newcomers Partick Thistle on Saturday July 6th. This game will take place at New Ferens Park, Durham City FC, while work continues to get the International Stadium pitch in prime condition for the big kick-off. Darlington provide the opposition on the final Saturday of the month, July 27th, the Quakers into their second year after reforming from the ashes of the former Football League club. The pre-season programme is completed with the visit of a Newcastle United X1 for a game that takes place on Friday 2nd August at 7:30pm.
Gateshead have been installed as a 40/1 shot to win the Football Conference and tipped to finish 13th in the table. Six players have been brought in, three of them strikers, during the summer with more to follow over the next few weeks. Newcastle United product Ryan Donaldson, however, has joined Conference rivals Cambridge United while top scorer Josh Gillies could be on his way to Carlisle United. Richard Brodie, tracked by Gateshead for several years, is one of the six new faces and is keen to get going at his local club.
Experienced former Wolves, Northampton and Hartlepool striker Colin Larkin has also joined the club along with Barrow’s top scorer for the past two years, Adam Boyes.
Brodie was a joint winner of the Conference Premier Golden Boot during his time at York City which secured him a £275,000 transfer to Crawley Town.
The defence has also been bolstered by the signing of former Bradford City and Oxford left-back Luke O’Brien and centre-back Joe Tait from Darlington.
Last season the 26-year-old had a half season loan spell in the Football League with Morecambe and an illfated loan at Grimsby Town.
Former favourite, attacking right-back Craig Baxter (pictured above), has rejoined the club and with a couple of midfield additions Smith is confident about his side’s prospects.
“I’m delighted to be playing for my home town club,” said Brodie “it is a big attraction for me and a good move at this stage of my career. “It’s great to be back and I will back
Gateshead FC Pre-Season Programme 2013 Sat. 6th July
Partick Thistle
H 3pm
Wed. 10 July
Barrow
A 7:30pm Holker Street
Sat. 13 July
Workington
A 3pm
Wed. 17 July
Whitley Bay
A 7:30pm Hillheads Park
Sat. 20 July
Stalybridge Celtic
A 3pm
New Ferens Park
Borough Park
Bower Fold
Wed. 24th July Blyth Spartans
A 7:30pm Croft Park
Sat. 27th July
H 3pm
Darlington
Int’l Stadium
Tues 30th July West Auckland Town
A 7:30pm Darlington Road
Fri. 2nd Aug.
H 7:30pm
Newcastle Utd XI.
myself to produce the goods as I have proved myself at this level in the past.”
Int’l Stadium
“I am pleased with the quality of player that has been attracted to the club so far this summer,” said Smith “they are all good players and will make us stronger. “Last season was traumatic. Getting back to playing on home soil will be crucial as playing our home games away from Gateshead made life very difficult. “It’s important the fans return in numbers now that we are back at the International Stadium as I know many of them couldn’t travel to the likes of Hartlepool and Carlisle.” Season Ticket and admission prices have been frozen for 2013/14. The Early Bird discount ticket is available until Sunday 21st July - full details on the club website: www.gateshead-fc.com.
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Sudoku Challenge Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares contains all the digits from 1 to 9. Good luck!
There are prizes to be won on the next page!!
Pinball Comic!
The Secret of Drawing! by Stephen Archibald
To learn more about Stephen and his work, please head over to pinballcomic.deviantart.com. 18
The Fell Magazine
Fun & Games
Fun & Games
Competitions - Win Free Stuff! Win a print of the Quayside!
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// This fantastic photograph, named ‘Night Tyne’ has been donated as a prize by Low Fell resident and photographer, Adrian (aka: Pumpkin Pictures). It’s a lovely shot of the quayside at night. For those of you who don’t know Adrian’s work, you should go head to his website, pumpkinpictures.co.uk today!
How To Enter:
It couldn’t be easier to win this prize. Simply email us or write to us and let us know your name and whether you live in the NE8, NE9 or NE11 postcode. We’ll pick a winner randomly.
Win ‘Walks in Hadrian’s Wall Country’! //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Kenneth Bunn`s book on walks in Hadrian`s Wall Country has been kindly put forward as a prize for one luck reader! If you’re into hiking, then this book will be an excellent guide to some of the best walks Hadrian’s Wall has to offer!
How To Enter:
Visit our page on Facebook (facebook.com/lowfellgateshead) and like us! In addition, please write on our wall saying you that you’d like to enter the competition! Good luck!
Last Issue’s Competition Winners! Win a signed print from John Coatsworth! ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Winner: Susan Nicholson
Win some chocolate tea from Choclateas! /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Winner: Sandra Preston We’ll announce the winners in the next issue of The Fell Magazine, so make sure you keep an eye out for it! Also, if you have a cool prize to give away to our readers, just get in touch and let us know!
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