I Love North Shields | Community-Powered Magazine, Events & Merch

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!

Our Town by Roslyn Renwick honours North Shields’ enduring spirit, celebrating its history, people, and everyday life. Through vivid images of fishing roots and daily rituals, the poem asserts that the town’s streets are more than places—they are living memories shaped by community pride and resilience.

Is North Shields just the town centre and Fish Quay? Or does it stretch as far as Marden, New York, or even Shiremoor? Ask a local and you’ll get a passionate answer—though not always the same one. From council wards and constituency maps to postcode databases and Google boundaries, everyone seems to draw the lines a little differently. But maybe the true definition of North Shields isn’t found on a map at all. Maybe it’s cultural, emotional—even personal. After all, if it feels like home, who’s to say it isn’t?

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.

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.

Tucked behind The Meadows Community Centre, something vibrant is growing — and it’s not just the vegetables. With murals, sculptures, and nature-inspired installations, The Meadows are creating a unique art trail through their community garden. What began with a striking mural on the building’s front has blossomed into a creative journey featuring buzzing bees, painted shipping containers, and collaborative works from local artists like Mark Shields and Durham Spray. This evolving outdoor gallery not only brightens the space but also invites more people in to enjoy, connect, and even lend a hand.

When high sea winds scatter litter across North Shields, most people shake their heads and walk on — but 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.

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.