Interview exclusive: Simon Donald – him off the Viz

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Simon Donald in the Viz office, 188

Dive into our exclusive interview with Simon Donald, the irreverent force behind Viz and infamous characters like Sid the Sexist. From launching a 12-page cult comic in a Newcastle bedroom to selling a million copies an issue, Simon reflects on family, fame and life beyond Viz. With tales of rock stars, stand-up and North Shields roots, this is the story of the man far beyond ‘Him off the Viz.’

North Shields – an overview of 800 years

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North Shields began life around 1225 on the banks of the Tyne, sparked by the ambitions of the Prior of Tynemouth. Its early growth clashed with Newcastle’s trade monopoly, leading to centuries of fierce rivalry, riots, and recovery. From booming medieval trade and fishing fleets to decline, reform, and resurgence, the town’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Today, 800 years on, the quay is thriving once again. Discover the full story in Mike's book, The Pow Burn NS800 edition.

The Iron Man: literary legend Peter Mortimer 

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Peter Mortimer in his Cullercoats Garden (Image credit: Sue Wilkinson)

Step inside the Cullercoats home of poet, playwright and Iron Press founder Peter Mortimer and you enter a world of myth, manuscripts and fearless imagination. In this candid interview, he reflects on five decades of radical writing, from “Broke Through Britain” to time spent in Shatila refugee camp, and his deep ties to North Shields. Thoughtful, witty and still chasing new challenges, Mortimer proves creativity has no finishing line.

Baba Yaga’s Café and Bar

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Staff at Baba Yaga from left to right: Madé, Jack, Gabby and Kester.

The eclectic heartbeat of North Shields' creative scene. In the ever-evolving landscape of independent music and art venues, Baba Yaga’s in North Shields stands out...

POETRY: By the Low Lights

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by John HartleyNothing much happensSometimes. Your hush says it all.We huddle together;Heels kicking holes in the wall.It smells like the riverHas washed up the...

A Flight Through Time

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Andrea Hewitson, a talented author from Rowlands Gill, has released her debut children’s novel, A Flight in Time.

By Keith Newman | Highlights PR Andrea Hewitson, a talented author from Rowlands Gill, has released her debut children’s novel, A Flight in Time. The...

Local Author: Shields Sherlock- The Books of B Baskerville

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Have you ever walked the streets of North Shields and thought this would be a great place to dump a body? No? Well, local...

Dark Rock, by North Shields author B Baskerville.

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Dark Rock

Dark Rock is a razor-sharp, relentless, and intelligent thriller. Bond? Bourne? Meet Bly, the Newcastle-born Spy, who is ready to show the world why...

“Leap headfirst into the unknown”: local author Daniel Tawse tells his own story

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Depicted: Daniel Tawse Image credit: Daniel Tawse local author

Growing up in North Shields gifted Daniel Tawse a deep-rooted sense of belonging—one that continues to shape his stories, characters and settings. From small northern towns to big-city awakenings, his novels draw on lived experience, community, and the magnetic pull of home. In this excerpt, he reflects on queerness, nostalgia and why returning to the North East has helped him find his most authentic voice as a writer.

Use it or Lose it:YOUR Local libary

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By Pauline Stewart Over the past 25 years, Joyce has always been incredibly helpful and knowledgeable whenever I've visited the library in North Shields, especially...

MUST READ

The Lives of Little Ones

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I wrote a piece in December’s issue about a project I’m working on called 100 Days of Little Stories. As part of the project...
When the Light Goes Out rebuilding a father-son bond

When the Light Goes Out

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