Paddleboard Pursuits: Preparing for Coastal Adventures

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paddleboard - Paddleboarding by Tiana via Pexels

Embarking on a coastal paddleboarding adventure begins with preparation, confidence, and a respect for the sea. From choosing the right board to understanding tides, weather, and safety essentials, every detail shapes your experience on the water. Coastal paddling offers a unique mix of freedom and challenge—gliding past shorelines, navigating gentle swells, and exploring hidden coves. With the right skills and gear, each trip becomes an opportunity to connect with nature and discover the coastline from an entirely new perspective.

Unveiling the punch: Legacy of boxing in North Shields

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boxing

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.

Letters in response: I Love Big Boats

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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.

Christ Church bell ringers: ringing the changes of Shields for more than 200 years

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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.

Something for the weekend: Silverlink Park Local Nature Reserve

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Tucked beside the A19 within Cobalt Business Park, Silverlink Park Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is an 18-hectare haven that showcases just how dramatically a landscape can be transformed. Once a former rubbish tip, the site was reshaped into a country park in 1996 and later awarded LNR status in 2005, recognising its remarkable biodiversity and growing ecological importance.

I Love Big Boats

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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.

Linskill Nursery’s Wild Garden: A Natural Wonderland for Little Explorers

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Little explorers now have a brand-new space to roam at Linskill Nursery in North Shields, where the newly completed Wild Garden is ready to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for nature. Thoughtfully designed to support outdoor learning, this magical garden offers planting areas, sensory zones, and plenty of room for imaginative play. It’s more than just a playground — it’s a hands-on learning environment where children grow alongside the natural world.

Lovaine Community Garden: brightening up Shields’s streets since 2010 and how you can get involved

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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.

Something for the weekend: The Tyne Cyclist and Pedestrian Tunnel

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Beneath the River Tyne lies a unique piece of history—the Tyne Cyclist and Pedestrian Tunnel. Opened in 1951 as Britain’s first purpose-built cycling tunnel, it links Howdon and Jarrow with twin passages for walkers and cyclists. With original 1950s wooden escalators and Grade II listed status, this 270-meter tunnel remains a remarkable blend of engineering heritage and modern-day utility.

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