YOUR CART
- No products in the cart.
Subtotal:
£0.00
BEST SELLING PRODUCTS
Christ Church bell ringers: ringing the changes of Shields for more than 200 years
For nearly 240 years, the soundscape of North Shields has been shaped not just by gulls and foghorns, but by the proud, resonant peal of Christ Church’s ten historic bells. First installed in 1788—after an ill-fated original set was lost at sea—the bells have rung out from their ship’s-oak beams through royal birthdays, national celebrations, and countless Sunday mornings. Today, the tradition is kept alive by a warm, multigenerational band of bell ringers who climb the church’s spiral stairs every Tuesday evening to “ring the changes.” Led by ringing master Karen Dickinson, the group blends centuries-old technique with modern camaraderie (and homemade cake), welcoming newcomers of all ages to be part of one of the town’s oldest living rhythms.
Serenading the Streets: The Spanish City Rollers
If you’ve yet to experience the Spanish City Rollers in full swing, you’re missing a musical spectacle as unmistakably upbeat as a seagull strutting along the Whitley Bay shoreline. This vibrant brass ensemble has become a beloved fixture of North Tyneside, blending swanky brass lines, sunny melodies, and their trademark Hawaiian shirts into a feel-good soundtrack for the community.
Your Stories: Back to my roots – a family history from Cardiff to the quayside
What starts as a simple curiosity about family roots quickly becomes a powerful journey of connection, identity, and pride. Believing himself Welsh through and through, the writer uncovers a rich North Shields heritage stretching back centuries — shipyard workers, barbers, and everyday lives full of character. Through names, memories, and stories passed down, a picture forms of a place never visited but deeply felt. This is more than genealogy; it’s a homecoming to a history that still lives on today.
Earl John Charlton: “It doesn’t cost anything to acknowledge a homeless person – but it makes a big difference”
After 16 years living rough on the streets of London, Earl John Charlton has turned his life around—and is now using his experience to help others. Now based in North Shields, Earl is a support worker and the inspiration behind the powerful new film Someone’s Daughter, Someone’s Son. With raw honesty and a big heart, Earl shares his story of recovery, resilience, and hope—and his vision to help end homelessness for good.
I Love Big Boats
Since moving to North Shields, I’ve become obsessed with the sheer spectacle of big boats on the Tyne—those vast floating giants that glide silently past as life ticks on around them. From spontaneous waves to app-assisted ship spotting, this piece is a love letter to the boats that remind us how big, strange, and wonderful the world can be.
Part One: How a North Shields resident built a 13-foot wooden sailing boat in his attic
From a backyard canoe to crafting lifeboats at a historic boatyard, Peter Irving’s journey is a testament to passion and skill rooted deep in North Shields’ maritime heritage. Discover how a young apprentice’s determination and craftsmanship helped shape some of the region’s finest vessels—and what comes next in his incredible story. Don’t miss Part Two in the June issue!
Lovaine Community Garden: brightening up Shields’s streets since 2010 and how you can get involved
What was once a forgotten bomb site is now a thriving hub of greenery, creativity, and community. Since 2010, Lovaine Community Garden has blossomed into a welcoming space where nature, well-being, and togetherness grow side by side. Just minutes from the North Shields Metro, this resident-led garden offers more than just plants — it’s a sanctuary for those without access to green space, a stage for local musicians, a setting for mindfulness and art, and a place where everyone is invited to connect, unwind, and get involved.
Not all heroes wear capes… Some carry bin bags!
When high sea winds scatter litter across North Shields, most people shake their heads and walk on — but local hero David O’Toole is inspired to do something valuable for his community. What started as a solo clean-up outside the flats on Brewhouse Bank has grown into a thriving volunteer movement: the North Shields Litter Pickers. Fuelled by community spirit and a storm of social media likes, David’s simple act of kindness has inspired dozens of locals to roll up their sleeves and show their town some love.
Local hero: Meet beloved lollipop lady Heather McKean
Every morning and afternoon on Coach Lane, a little zebra crossing becomes a place of joy, thanks to Heather McKean. Dressed in her hi-vis and armed with her trusty lollipop, Heather isn't just a crossing attendant—she's a local legend. With high fives, warm smiles, and an uncanny ability to remember every name, she turns a simple road crossing into a daily dose of sunshine. For the children (and even a few grumpy drivers), Heather is more than a friendly face—she’s a highlight of the day.
Project Nile Street – Brightening up our streets
Nile Street is ready for a revival—and Project Nile Street is leading the charge. Born from a personal passion and a deep-rooted connection to the area, this grassroots initiative is set on restoring the street’s character, charm, and community spirit. With proud shopfronts, colourful doorways, and a renewed sense of pride, Nile Street is poised to become a beacon of local resilience and creativity. But this transformation can’t happen alone—it needs you.
