What inspired you to become a content creator for I Love North Shields?
I saw a post on Instagram requesting interesting stories for a new North Shields newspaper. I wanted to write about my 89-year-old dad building a boat in his attic. I met up with Simmie, Diane and Carol and was so excited by the prospect of this new publication for our town. I realised the potential for sharing so many other interesting stories for everyone in the community to enjoy.
Can you tell us about your favourite place in North Shields and why it holds a special meaning for you?
This may be true for many Shields folk, but I hold a great affinity for the Fish Quay. Grandparents from both sides worked there and my great-grandfather was the skipper of a fishing trawler. I have happy memories of my mam singing in the Porthole pub and working above the W.M. Wight store, spending more time down in the shop chatting to locals than doing her work. It was the ideal base from which to enjoy the many excellent Fish Quay Festivals. I was delighted to discover that The Engine Room had rescued the old shop sign and incorporated it into their bar, which is located very close to where my mam and my aunties grew up.
What type of content do you enjoy creating the most, and what message do you hope to convey to our readers?
I am fascinated by people. Shields has so many characters with unique tales to tell. I will never tire of hearing about the interesting lives of others. I hope that I can convey to our readers a sense that everyone in our community is important and we can always learn something from other people.
What does community pride mean to you, and how do you think your work contributes to it?
It is people that make a community. Everyone makes a distinct contribution in their own way. There are so many people doing things that are of interest to others, however big or small. Sharing this information connects people through their common interests and goals. It is essential that people know about opportunities to participate in their community, for example providing custom to a local business, attending a club or special event or contributing to a wider community initiative. Bringing people together in this way creates a sense of community pride, encouraging people to value and take care of each other and the place in which they live.
Can you share a memorable project or piece you’ve worked on for I Love North Shields?
I was privileged to be able to write about the late Dorothy Ann Thompson MBE, aka ‘Dot the Lollipop’. She seemed to have touched so many people’s lives, both through her work as a lollipop lady and her life in general. Having worked with children for many years myself, I appreciated her dedication to her ‘bairns’. I was moved by the outpouring of affection in the community when she died and the heart-warming tributes that flooded in. It meant a lot to her family and those who knew her to share this through ILNS.
