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Meet Barry Hutchings: The man with a passion for hats
From punk rebellion to timeless elegance, Barry Hutchings’ lifelong love affair with hats is about far more than fashion. In a hat-shy modern world, he champions confidence, craftsmanship and old-world etiquette, mourning the decline of tipped brims and celebrated styles. From berets to Stetsons, Barry’s collection tells cultural stories—and fuels his Hat Club mission to revive individuality, tradition and the simple joy of wearing your identity proudly under a well-chaped brim.
234 years on Tyneside: E Turnbull & Son’s seven generation legacy continues to thrive
In a year that saw Washington deliver his first State of the Union, revolution rumble through France, and Mozart debut Cosi fan Tutte, life in North Shields was also quietly changing. In 1790, local craftsman John Turnbull set up shop as a furniture maker and undertaker in the Low Town beside the Fish Quay—laying the foundations for what would become one of the town’s longest-standing family businesses. Fast forward 234 years and E. Turnbull & Son is still serving the community, now led by seventh-generation descendant Ben Broadhead. From hand-written ledgers to horse-drawn carriages, wartime tragedy to modern, personalised services, the story of Turnbull’s is woven into the history of North Shields. We sat down with Ben to explore the family legacy, the evolving craft of funeral directing, and why community remains at the heart of everything they do.
Leslie Forman: Mental health, mosaics, and an olive branch
Men’s mental health is too often pushed aside — but North Shields creative Leslie Forman is helping to change that narrative. Through candid conversation, community support and the healing power of art, Lez has transformed personal loss and struggle into purpose. From founding men’s mental health groups to using mosaic-making as a form of therapy, his journey is one of resilience, honesty and a deep-rooted love for his hometown.
The Engine Room: all hands on deck
Tucked away beneath a coffee shop on Tanners Bank is a small venue with a big heart — and an outsized impact on North Shields’ cultural life. The Engine Room isn’t just a bar or a place to catch a gig; it’s the result of one man’s lifelong devotion to live music, risk-taking, and community. From punk gigs in the late ’70s to promoting sold-out shows and finally opening his own venue against the odds, Mark Elliott’s story is woven into every note played there. This is the story of how passion, persistence and a love of loud guitars helped create one of the North East’s most cherished independent music spaces.
Your Stories: Men On Boats
Three generations, one shared curiosity: a springtime return to North Tyneside in search of the names and stories that shaped them. Though “Hartley” is the family banner today, it’s the Rodgersons and Pattisons—lifelong servants of the sea, the Customs, and the river—that anchor their history here. From boatmen on Bedford Street to master mariners at the Hit and Miss Wharf, their ancestors lived lives tied to the tides. As we trace their footsteps - visiting old streets, uncovering dramatic tales, and standing by long-rested graves - they discover just how deeply North Shields runs in their blood, even if their legs are far steadier on land than their ancestors' ever were.
Unveiling the punch: Legacy of boxing in North Shields
Through the eyes of local author Terry Patterson, we dive into North Shields’ rich boxing heritage. From the Tyne Boys Club of the ’50s to the famed “BLOODKIT” gym, Terry recalls legends like Manny Burgo Senior and Stan Hawthorn. His own journey began despite being born with club foot, guided by coach Joe Myers. After setbacks and tragedy, Terry continued shaping the sport across several clubs. Retiring in 1986, his story reflects the resilience, passion, and community spirit that define local boxing.
Part Two: North Shields resident built a 13-foot wooden sailing boat in his attic
Only a few decades ago shipyards lined the Tyne and regularly blocked views at the end of North Shields streets. Here, Caroline Oswald recounts...
Letters in response: I Love Big Boats
Ellen hadn’t always loved big boats. In fact, her affection for them was hard-won; a peace treaty forged after years of nautical distrust. And it all began, as these things often do, with Leonardo DiCaprio.
Local Hero: Tish Murtha
North Shields’ own Tish Murtha turned her camera on the world she knew best, capturing working-class life with unflinching honesty and heart. From the streets of Newcastle to iconic series like Elswick Kids, her photos reveal resilience, humour, and stories often overlooked. Discover why this local hero’s work continues to inspire, decades after she first picked up a camera.
To Wave or Not to Wave?
Settling into her Tyneside flat, Mim Robson has grown used to the quiet companionship of the neighbours she sees from her kitchen window—especially the older man who washes up directly opposite. For four months, the two have carried out their routines in silent parallel, never acknowledging each other. Raised in a village where everyone waved, Mim now wonders whether a greeting is welcome in a town setting—or whether it might create an unspoken obligation to wave forevermore. Caught between friendliness and caution, she poses the dilemma: to wave, or not to wave?
