Your Stories

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.