Above: a stretch of the Tyne framed by the Millenium and Tyne bridges, taken from the viewing platform of the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. (https://baltic.art)
The main purpose of the site is to highlight creative, environmental and small-scale commercial projects on Tyneside. From personal fitness training to jewellery-making, dog-walking to theatre, photography to urban farming, I hope to offer small entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, writers and theatre-makers, many of whom are friends, together with some charitable organisations, the opportunity to advertise their activities and help them be seen and heard, hopefully assisting some to get back on their feet after the catastrophe of COVID-19.
An important feature is to highlight a few of the many events and activities happening in and around our beautiful city. Plenty of detail can be found at https://newcastlegateshead.com.
You’ll see from certain entries that I’m very “eco”, “green”, whatever you want to call my attitude. I try to encourage people to hunt around for healthy, organic food and sustainably produced goods. There are loads of small enterprises selling many of the important things we need in our daily lives, most of these goods of a higher quality than what you’ll buy in Tesco, for example, and they’re not as expensive as you might think. It’s a matter of giving yourself a bit of time every so often and just going out and looking around. I always opt for buying local goods rather than those the big supermarkets all too often import from China.
If you run a small or micro enterprise, try looking up Captured, the leadership development programme of Newcastle University’s Business School. https://research.ncl.ac.uk › captured Before long I'll create links so that you can go straight to whichever section interests you. Eventually each section will have its own page. There are also photos and video clips to go in. At the moment some of the entries have just a line or two. Please bear with me, I'm very much an amateur when it comes to anything like this and this is definitely a work in progress.
HEADINGS
ART AND CRAFTS CINEMA AND THEATRE ENVIRONMENTAL GALLERIES HEALTHY LIFESTYLE HOSPITALITY MUSEUMS MUSIC PET CARE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOPS
Jane makes cards, calendars and bespoke portraits of a wide variety of animals. Below are her portraits of my dog, Tess, and a swan, named Sheila by a friend, one of a much-loved pair always seen swimming around together in Saltwell Park. She named the male Steve. Sadly we recently lost Sheila, presumably through age-related problems. Check out JEM Illustrations for Jane’s popular portraiture classes.
CITYSCAPES JIM EDWARDShttps://www.jimedwardspaintings.com
Jim is well known for his iconic, unusual paintings of buildings and bridges of the North East. I’ve also seen a couple of interesting interiors of pubs. Based on Lime Street in the Ouseburn area of Newcastle, his work covers contemporary cityscapes and he also produces work in an abstract style. Manmade forms and buildings inspire much of his work, architecture often portrayed using an unusual linear form. All this makes Jim’s paintings immediately recognisable.
JEWELLERY MAKING SARAH LAQUIZ (Find Sarah on facebook).
Sarah produces an exciting, often striking range of sterling silver earrings, rings and necklaces and works as a jewellery-making trainer at the Glamorous Owl, details of which are under SHOPS.
This art gallery in the centre of Newcastle opens its site with the words, “HAVE A PIECE OF THE NORTH EAST IN YOUR HOME”. Many genres of art are sold by local artists in this interesting, maze-like gallery and the names of some of their artists appear on their site.
This is an amazing, award-winning enterprise and their site is absolutely worth a read. From art courses to exhibitions and a wide range of creative events, they are an important, city centre venue for creative activity of all kinds.
The New Bridge Projectthe newbridgeproject.com
“A celebration of art made in Shieldfield by local artists, makers and NewBridge’s own artist community!”
New arts venue Scotswood Road, opening 2023 www.bohoarts.co.uk
Boho Arts is a new venture aimed at becoming a major creative arts hub in Newcastle. The first thing they’re doing is transform an old, unused building into a buzzing venue, offering creative possibilities for the whole community.
The mirrors designed and produced by this husband and wife team are astonishing. They hand-make mirrors and mosaics and are based in the Café Under The Spire (mentioned under HOSPITALITY).
OTHER VENUES 36limestreet.co.uk northeastartcollective.co.uk slugtown.co.uk Ouseburnopenstudios.org www.littlebuildingslive.com
Star and Shadow Cinema is volunteer-run and dedicated to culture coming from and/or programmed by the grass roots. Cinema and music are its strong points and it operates on a philosophy of participation as opposed to passive observation. As they say on their site, what is important is taking part rather than “buying your ticket, sitting or standing in the dark and then heading home”.
“Live Theatre has an international reputation as a new writing theatre.” Once a year they have a play submissions window, which was open this year for budding playwrights from the North East. I’ve always been up for trying all manner of things, life for me being a classroom which never closes. My most recent activity is writing plays and I’ve submitted one to Live. While it would be amazing to see some of my work staged, that’s not the most important thing. It’s really just damn good fun writing them. Look out for the 2023 submissions window and have a go. It costs nothing to enter and you’ve as much chance as anyone.
“Great theatre is just around the corner. The leading amateur theatre company in the North of England and one of the largest and oldest established in the country.” This theatre also has an annual submissions window for new playwrights. “The People’s Theatre is one of the best in the region when it comes to putting on a good show”. – NE Lifestyle Magazine.
An impressive building in North Shields houses this theatre, where they say, “… we support arts and culture and by creating an inspirational environment, where skill and knowledge can grow, we actively engage with artists to help them develop and stay connected.”
An arts venue and café, Gosforth Civic Theatre “is home to, and run by, Liberdade Community Development Trust, a charity that works with people with learning disabilities and autism, giving them a place to belong, work and get involved in the arts and their community”.
“Northern Stage reaches beyond the ordinary”. It is the “largest producing theatre in the North East of England… Our work is informed and transformed by the region. … We produce and support the production of great theatre from regional, national and international audiences in live and digital forms”. Theatres today do more than simply stage plays. Northern Stage, for example, has a Participation Team involved in community work. Lindsay Nicholson (featured above modelling earrings) is Social Engagement Practitioner on this team, her job being to facilitate and make theatre with young people in our area. Knowing Lindsay, with her no-nonsense, go-getting commitment, she’ll make a hell of job of her role.
Last but not least comes our famous Theatre Royal, located in a stunning Grade 1 listed building on Grey Street, only one of nine Grade 1 listed theatres in the country and “at the heart of arts and entertainment in the north east”. You’ll catch anything from the sinister “An Inspector Calls”, through “La Traviata” and “The Rocky Horror Show” to one of the craziest I went to a few years back, “Spamalot”. It’s a beautiful theatre, inside and out, and the atmosphere is tremendous. OTHER THEATRES www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk
ENVIRONMENTAL
OUSEBURN FARMhttps://www.ouseburnfarm.org.uk Ouseburn farm is one of those jewels you don’t often find in the centre of a major city. A small urban farm, environmentally run and staffed by professional people and volunteers, with gardens and catering facilities, it’s extremely popular with families. I had a very happy time there as a volunteer gardener till recently before my old “rock-climbing knee” started acting up. I loved seeing the faces of children who, in some cases, may never have been close up to farm animals nor realised how much work is involved in caring for them. A skeleton staff stayed on during the worst of the pandemic, caring for the livestock. This dedicated staff then had to cope with an attack of avian flu. It’s down to their hard work that the farm quickly recovered and is as vibrant and popular as ever.
GALLERIES
SHIPLEY ART GALLERY https://shipleyartgallery.org.uk Described as the “North East’s leading gallery for craft and design”, housing a Designated Collection of national importance”, the Shipley in Gateshead is the first art gallery I’ve ever had just minutes behind my house.
Documentary photography covering the lives of frequently marginalised people, whether from our region or anywhere else in the world, is the strength of this gallery at the foot of Dene Street, Newcastle. I recall going to one exhibition – I believe of Middle Eastern conflict – and just staring at the harrowing scenes of children bombed out of their homes. I left wondering why I, like so many of us over here, whinge about the fact that a bus turns up late when that sort of horror is happening in many parts of our planet. A trip to this gallery is an education not to be ignored.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
NIL LIVING – ZERO WASTE AND REFILL SHOP https://www.nilliving.com Everything from natural soaps, laundry liquids and dish washer stuff to biodegrable dog toilet bags and loo rolls for humans can be found here, along with pastas, flours, oats, seeds, rices and spices and a great deal more. They specialise in refilling your plastic and glass containers with a wide variety of materials, joining the growing number of small enterprises doing their utmost to educate people about the urgency of protecting our environment. Their stall is in the centre of the Grainger Market, where you can buy an amazing range of food and goods. One of my favourite units among the 100+ in the market is Matthew’s Cheese, where they go for unusual, interesting varieties and which I’m a great fan of. Find Matthew’s Cheese on facebook. If, like me, you like your coffee, try Pumphreys (https://www.pumphreys-coffee.co.uk). They have a wide variety of coffees and teas in stock and will happily advise you about the qualities of different kinds. There’s a good variety of street foods served in the market and a small bar. It’s worth visiting just to have a wander around to savour the wonderful atmosphere. You’ll find details of all the other units at https://www.ourgraingermarket.co.uk.
Apart from being a brilliant bakery, this small enterprise is deeply committed to social involvement. Check out their site to find out about training and charity work in the local community.
PURE KNEAD https://www.pure-knead.co.uk
This really is an amazing little bakery on Dean Street, stocking the most delicious breads and, for the sweet-toothed, I’m told the cakes are to die for. Their approach to healthy baking is based on their “ethos of pure ingredients and knowledge which combine to make quality products in the PureKnead style and flavour”.
TYNE PT STUDIO (Locate this on facebook. The website is going to be updated.)
Just behind the Café under the Spire (mentioned under HOSPITALITY) lives Erika, a personal trainer from Finland who has converted part of her house into a highly effective gym - and it is effective, I’ve used it. A Psychology graduate, Erika’s approach to personal wellbeing is balance between physical and mental activity. She is a committed, experienced personal trainer and if you’re interested in astronomy you’ll have plenty to talk about – she’s an enthusiastic star-gazer. Incidentally, there’s a group based in Newcastle for Finnish people living here. They’re a fun bunch and you’ll find them on facebook: Finnish People in Newcastle upon Tyne. On meeting Erika about a year ago, I donned my linguist’s hat once more and started learning Finnish. My classroom never closes.
HOSPITALITY These pubs are dog-friendly.
THE OLD GEORGE www.craft-pubs.co.uk›oldgeorgeinnnewcastle
Snuck away just off Grey Street, the Old George is Newcastle’s oldest pub (1582) and one visited by Charles I while incarcerated nearby. It’s popular with the crowds on their way to St James’s to see the “Toon” play, and hopefully win, something they’re getting quite used to right now. One of the things I like is the layout. There are three rooms around a long, central bar, meaning you can sit privately or, in the main bar, be close enough to chat to the staff when they’re not too busy. Manager Andrea runs a friendly, efficient team and if you’re in the main bar you’re close enough to enjoy the company of this staff, who interact naturally and with great good humour with their customers. There’s also a function room you can book for special occasions. There’s a nice food menu and a range of beers with plenty of outdoor seating.
The former Newcastle Arms, on Akenside Hill just off the Quayside, is also a mini-brewery. With a wide range of great ales, an excellent food menu and a really welcoming staff, it’s a great place to chill out and make new friends, especially on a hot day in one of their outdoor areas. The upper terrace is served by its own bar and is a sun trap.
THE LADY GREY https://www.ladygreys.co.uk
Located on Shakespeare Street opposite the Theatre Royal’s stage door, this cosy pub is one you’ll often see theatre staff and actors having a drink in. About 5 years ago, after an amazing production of Macbeth, my friend and I headed straight for the pub and found the cast of English National Theatre had beaten us to it.
“Our mission is to spread the word about the wonders of local beer, to make friends, build a community and bring people together.” This indie brewery boasts a wonderful kitchen and is in Ouseburn, just minutes from the Quayside.
The Cluny is one of the north’s major venues for live music. Situated opposite Ouseburn Farm, there’s an extensive outdoor seating area, it serves lovely food and has the wide range of craft ales expected of any self-respecting pub today. An interesting summer feature is the annual duck race on the river Ouse. You buy a plastic duck, decorate it, maybe adding a face, and at a signal, it sets off to swim up the Ouse, the winning owner taking home some wine or beer. Check out the CLUNY ANNUAL DUCK RACE on Google. They remind you not to fit anything like outboard motors to your duck. It’s real fun. You can paint the face of some horrible president/prime minister – today you’re spoiled for choice - and, if you’re not bothered about winning, hope a big gull snaps it up and rips it to shreds. All proceeds from this major international sporting event go to local charity.
The Ship is directly opposite the Cluny, with Ouseburn Farm in between. It’s vegan and the food is delicious.
RED HOUSEhttps://www.pubsnewcastle.co.uk › RedHouse This maze of a building is worth a visit if only to savour the inner, early 18th. century architecture. On a fine day, sitting outside beneath the Tyne Bridge takes some beating. They’re well known for their interesting pie menu. You choose a pie from one list, then the kind of mash you fancy from another, followed by the kind of peas you want, finished off with the sauce. If you head off under the bridge you’re right under Newcastle’s famous kittiwake nesting area. Take care! But, after all, it’s their city as well as ours.
THE KILNhttps://www.kiln.cafe How many eateries are there where the crockery you’re eating from gets made on site? While you’re dining at Kiln Café and Ceramics, you can sometimes watch plates and dishes being hand-thrown by the resident potters. They also sell wonderful bread and their menu is great. CAFÉ UNDER THE SPIRE https://m.facebook.com › caféunderthespire The old expression “Familiarity breeds contempt” springs to mind here. I’ve lived in Gateshead, just minutes from Newcastle, several years now and must have passed this 19th century church (St. Cuthbert’s) hundreds of times before discovering what a wonderful, quirky little restaurant it is. Erika from Tyne PT Studio introduced me to it earlier this year and we’ve been half a dozen times. In the summer it’s fun for kids, having loads of outdoor play space with swings. Cotfield Mirrors is based here. For further information on Gateshead, go to https://www.ourgateshead.org.
MUSEUMS
The Discovery Museum https://discoverymuseum.org This museum is housed right at the Newcastle end of the Redheugh Bridge. It has a display of scientific and engineering exhibits from our local history. The Great North Museum: Hancock https://greatnorthmuseum.org.uk Locally referred to as The Hancock, this museum specialises in natural history and ancient civilisations. MUSIC
WINDOWS https://www.jgwindows.com I buy over 90% of my CDs from this shop in Newcastle’s Central Arcade. I’m a lover of all kinds of music, particularly classical, and am more than happy with the reception I get from the staff. Pop in to see first-hand the wide range of instruments and electronic hardware they stock, especially if you’re interested in buying an instrument or receiving lessons on playing it. dsmusic.com/blogs/amateur-orchestra-uk-directory/north-east The above link gives details of small classical music groups in our region. Covid had a devastating effect on cultural venues of all kinds and anything we do to support them is going to be warmly welcomed. You might be surprised to discover just how much is going on in our region. Let’s also not forget the internationally renowned Sage, home to Royal Northern Sinfonia. https://sagegateshead.com.
PET CARE
DIFFERENT STROKES Joy Kelly (Look for DIFFERENT STROKES on facebook.) Joy and her partner Craig have walked Tess (pictured below) many times and I can’t speak too highly of the service they offer. They have a van with correctly fitted cages, are fully insured and have done pet first aid training. They’re two really nice people, great with dogs and Tess was very happy with them and the other dogs they take with them. They are in demand and quickly become fully booked, but it’s worth checking out their details for future reference.
Tess hiding under the bed on Bonfire Night. “I’m NOT coming out till all that stupid human noise stops!” Joy has an interesting and unusual sideline – taxidermy. Whenever they’re out with their canine clients, she’s on the lookout for road-kill and it’s astonishing what she can do with some unfortunate rodent hit by a car.
ROBINSON’S PET STORE (GRAINGER MARKET) https://www.robinsonspetstore.com Whenever I get home from town, I’m convinced Tess knows if I’ve been to this amazing little shop. For a space so small, they stock a truly surprising range of pet products. Established in 1929, RPS is Britain’s oldest store specialising in products for all domestic pets. I’ve bought several goods from them, ranging from harnesses, flea treatments and toys to a wide variety of food, including several kinds you don’t find in the high street retailers. RPS believes strongly that the sale of animals in shops is wrong. As they say on their site, “PETS ARE NOT PRODUCTS.”
THE CINNAMON TRUST https://cinnamon.org.uk This organisation, quoting from their Google ad, is “… the only specialist national charity which seeks to relieve the anxieties, problems and sometimes injustices, faced by elderly and terminally ill people and their pets, thereby saving a great deal of human sadness and animal suffering”. While it’s based in the south, they have a nationwide network of volunteers and there’s information online about how you can get involved up here. PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL MCGUINESS https://www.paulmcguinessphotography.com Shortly after I got Tess from the shelter, Paul took us on a photo shoot around Saltwell Park, where I live. This resulted in some beautiful photos of her running, playing and just plain posing, some of which I printed off and framed. He’s a professional photographer who turns his hand to many kinds of photography, from cuisine, weddings, family groups to pet portraits and more.
SERVICES PRINTING & DISTRIBUTIONWe.Do.This.Ltd. Distribution of a wide variety of goods and materials around the region is the specialism of this Newcastle business on High Bridge, just off Grey Street, run by Gary Richardson. Delivering anything from flyers to posters and many other kinds of promotional material will be organised efficiently and with speed. SHOPS THE GLAMOROUS OWL https://www.theglamorousowl.com Apart from selling all manner of interesting gifts, Claire and her team are different in that they offer jewellery courses, guiding you through the jewellery-making process.
LD MOUNTAIN CENTREhttps://ldmountaincentre.com Some years ago I spent a small fortune here (money very well spent) for environmental adventures I went on during a strange period after my personal life had turned upside down. The gear I bought, boots, tent, sleeping bag and all the rest, saw me coping with all kinds of terrains and temperatures around the UK, through the Pyrenees and on to New Zealand, via Lake Baikal in Siberia, where I had an amazing fortnight working with Russian ecologists monitoring the purity of the world’s biggest lake. Forget much of what you’ve heard about Siberia – in August it’s scorching! Admittedly in winter it’s a tad nippy. This is a brilliant shop managed and staffed by people who really do know what they’re talking about.
UPSIDE DOWN PRESENTShttps://www.61side.co.uk A quirky, fun little gift shop on the Quayside selling lots of Geordie-themed stuff. I’ve bought various gifts for friends, among them an interesting set of coasters featuring the construction of our world-famous Tyne Bridge.
SEVEN STORIES https://www.sevenstories.org.uk A museum and visitor centre dedicated to children’s literature, one of the many interesting features of Ouseburn.
Keel Row Books https://keelrowbooks.comThe North East’s leading specialist bookshop for rare, fine, collectable and first edition books, this shop is definitely worth a careful browse.
ABOUT ME
I’m a retired teacher/lecturer/translator, have done copy-editing and proof-reading of academic articles and post-graduate theses and have published work in the field of Russian literature. My interests are 19th/20th century European literature and History and anything at all involving languages. I’m a keen environmentalist and my voluntary work with Durham Wildlife Trust won me the Earthwatch Award which took me to Lake Baikal.