Your Stories

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.

 By Barry Hutchings Warning! The following is a load of ole waffle and contains no inner truths.   1972. The Illicit hat trade was out of hand....

When the Light Goes Out by Alex Wright Growing up as a young boy of divorced parents is a storm of love, loss, fear, and...

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.

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!

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...

Fifty years ago this year, the fishing trawler Gaul, vanished off the coast of Norway, taking the lives of all thirty-six men aboard. On...

For Mother's Day, I Love North Shields team member Caroline Oswald is sharing an incredible discovery—one that has never been made public before. She...

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.

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.