Summer 2015 www.gateshead.gov.uk
Westfield Health National Garden Volunteers’ Residents’ British Transplant Festival Legacy Month Games 2015 Survey For information on getting married in Gateshead and how Gateshead Council can help make your perfect day, contact the Register Office 0191 433 3000 or visit: www.gateshead.gov.uk/registrars Welcome Recycle more from Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Henry Page 9
Welcome to the Summer issue of Council News. This is our first issue since the local and national elections and we bring you up to date with any Leader of the Council, changes as to who Councillor Mick Henry represents you on the Council. We’re asking for your views in our short residents’ survey which you’ll find in the middle of the magazine - and offering you the opportunity to get involved in Mr Bloom our new online Residents’ Panel. goes to There’s a nostalgic look back at the National Garden Festival which took school place 25 years ago and which was the catalyst for so many regeneration Page 17 projects; information on a great new bookshop now open within St Mary’s Visitor Centre, and a call out to all would- be volunteers as we celebrate Gateshead Volunteers’ month this June. We get ready to welcome the many inspirational athletes taking part in this year’s Westfield Health British Transplant Tell us Transplant Games: Games 2015, who will be competing at what you venues across Gateshead and Newcastle Phoebe’s story between 30 July-2 August. And in July think we also host the English Schools’ 85th Page 31 Track and Field Championships at Gateshead International Stadium, with more than 1,600 young people taking part. Residents’ There’s news on the transformation Survey of the historic Brandling Arches into business premises as part of the Pages 18-19 regeneration of central Gateshead, as well as updates on the Hive and what we’re doing to make Gateshead a Gateshead Council News is designed and published by Gateshead Council’s Communications ‘greener’ borough. Service. Every effort is made to ensure that all information is correct at time of publication. All this plus highlights of up and coming An online version can be viewed at www.gateshead.gov.uk events, a look at what’s been happening It is distributed by Flyer Distribution UK Ltd to homes and businesses across Gateshead. in your local area, our new online social For delivery queries please contact: 0191 228 9730. care website and why Shadon House Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd Care home is such a hit with users and Front cover: Caesar the Dog at the Angel of the North, picture: Iain Lynn families. Different formats: If you would like to receive Council News in large print, Braille, on cassette, CD or mp3, please contact Diane Brennan on 0191 433 3444 or [email protected] © Gateshead Council, Regent Street, Gateshead NE8 1HH. 0191 433 3000
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 3 NEWS News in brief National award Let’s dance Gateshead Council has won a More than 2,400 children from over prestigious national award for its work 75 schools across Gateshead took with people with learning difficulties. part in the annual Festival of Dance at Sage Gateshead in March. The At the UK Housing Awards in London, two-day event attracted around 4,000 the Council’s Learning Disability spectators and took its inspiration this Accommodation and Support Group year from classic film musicals such as was presented with an award in the Annie, Grease and The Lion King. ‘Meeting Specialist Housing Needs’ category. This recognised how we work Job Law with other services to support and help Job Law, run by Gateshead Citizens people with learning difficulties to live Advice Bureau (CAB) Enterprises, more independently, by combining offers people a ‘legal aid’ service suitable housing with a focussed care at half the usual commercial cost package. as part of a ground breaking new service. So far it has helped over 150 The awards, which recognise outstanding work by social housing providers, are people and recouped over £530,000 Housing services manager Lisa Philliskirk organised by the Chartered Institute of in compensation for them. For more with Councillor Mary Foy details visit www.cabenterprises.org. Housing and Inside Housing Magazine. uk/job-law or call 0191 440 8114. Top college Gateshead College has been named as the top performing further Election results education college in the North East Almost two-thirds of voters voted in last month’s and the third best in the country, local and general elections. according to new government performance figures. Around 62 per cent of people who were registered to vote actually cast their vote on May 7, with more Yacht company sails into than half choosing to do so at their local polling Gateshead station. Luxury yacht company, West Nautical, In the end, though, the results delivered no change has opened its first UK office in the in the Council’s political makeup, with 55 seats North East, taking up office space in held by Labour and 11 seats held by the Liberal Baltic Place on Gateshead Quays. It Democrats. Following Councillor McNicol’s decision currently has four employees in the to step down as Labour Councillor for Dunston Hill Gateshead office with plans to double New Labour Councillor and Whickham East, the newly elected Councillor, in size this year. Chris McHugh also Labour, is now Councillor Chris McHugh, who can New flights be contacted on 0773 469 7272. More flights are scheduled to take In summary, Labour was found to have captured 52 per cent of the vote, up off from Newcastle to Italy and slightly on the previous year, while the Conservatives secured 12.2 per cent, up Mexico, with fortnightly flights now by more than a quarter on their 2014 performance. The Liberal Democrat vote available from Thomson Airlines and fell slightly from 16.7 per cent to 15.1 per cent. First Choice - on offer from Summer For full details of Gateshead Councillors visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/voting 2016. Flights to New York with United Airlines began at the end of May. For the latest deals sign up for Newcastle Airport’s newsletter www. newcastleairport.com/newsletter-page North East Funding Fair More than 500 representatives from 330 voluntary and community groups attended the NE Funding Fair 2015, organised by the Council. They met would be funders to get the advice and help they needed to help them secure funding in the future.
4 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 NEWS Talented trio Oscar winning producer Lord David Puttnam, Sage Gateshead General Director Anthony Sargent and Royal Northern Sinfonia have all become Freemen of Gateshead. This is in recognition not only of their significant contribution to the success of Sage Gateshead, but also the key ambassadorial role they have played, and will continue to play, on behalf of the borough. Council Leader Mick Henry, said: “The phenomenal success and worldwide renown that Sage Gateshead now has, is due in no small part to these three Anthony Sargent, Lord Puttnam and Bradley Creswick from the Royal Northern Sinfonia incredibly talented people. It’s hard to imagine how Sage Gateshead would “Anthony has been inundated with with new musicians, young and old, look, or sound, today without the skill, offers from across the world to emulate in communities across the region, is a talent and dedication of them all. the success he has had as General powerful symbol of what we always Director at Sage Gateshead. wanted Sage Gateshead to become.” “David was an inspirational Chair with a real passion for creativity in all its “And while Royal Northern Sinfonia For Sage Gateshead information visit forms and he continues to be a major continues to work with some of the www.sagegateshead.com supporter of Sage Gateshead. greatest musicians in the world, its work Clavering Court The ‘Dunston Rocket’ may have a range of on-site facilities. It has a gone, but the regeneration of the number of residents’ lounges, a roof Ravensworth Road site continues, with terrace, a warden call system, secure the addition of a new purpose built entry system, parking and a south development designed specifically for facing patio and garden. It has step- the over 55s called Clavering Court. free access, lifts, extra wide doors and is close to local amenities including a This offers a range of one and two supermarket that opened on the site bedroomed flats for rent and shared last year. ownership. A recent open day attracted more than 150 people who came to Future phases of work on the site will find out more and to view the show include health facilities and family homes. apartment. A small number of shared ownership The shared ownership apartments, the apartments are still available. majority benefitting from a balcony or For more details contact the sales outside terrace, are for sale starting from agent Pattinson on 0191 488 8898 £26,250 for a 25 per cent share. If it’s and you can still apply for one of the affordable to do so, you can buy further rental properties, call Thirteen on shares in the property up to a maximum 0300 111 1000. of 75 per cent of market value. Shared ownership enables you to Residents’ survey - win an iPad mini! buy a share in the property and pay an affordable rent for the remaining This issue of Council News features a brief residents’ survey in the centre pages. share. Owners can make alterations or We would like as many of you as possible to take part and everyone who improvements and can sell their share submits a survey (either online or by post) will be entered into our prize draw to in the property at any time. win an iPad mini. Clavering Court built by Keepmoat So, please take a few minutes to complete it once you’ve finished reading Regeneration Ltd and owned by the Council News – we’d really appreciate your views. Plus you can find out how to Thirteen Group, offers its residents take part in online surveys in the future – see pages 18-19 for details. the privacy of their own home and
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 5 NEWS
70th Anniversary of HenPower success the liberation of Alan Richards, 77, from Wood Green, Bergen-Belsen used to spend his days alone at home watching the TV or going to the pub. On 15 April 1945, the Bergen-Belsen But his involvement in the HenPower concentration camp was liberated project, run by charity Equal Arts, by the British Army led by the 113th marked the start of a new chapter in his Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal life. Artillery, the successor regiment This hugely successful project helps to the 2/5 Durham Light Infantry tackle isolation and loneliness in older Battalion. people, through caring for hens and This strong North Eastern link was providing weekly activities such as recognised at an event hosted creative writing, music and movement at Caedmon Hall on 19 April, and photography. As a leading figure in where members of the Newcastle the project, Alan was selected by Prime and Gateshead Branch of the Minister David Cameron to receive the Durham Light Infantry Association, prestigious Point of Light Award, that the Jewish communities from celebrates those people who make a Award winning Alan Richards Gateshead and Newcastle, and difference to people’s lives. representatives from Gateshead Alan said: “Three years ago when I first In the HenPower project we are a team, Council , came together to give heard about HenPower I thought it was and I accept this on behalf of us all.” thanks for the liberation and to a ridiculous idea. I never imagined it remember the Camp’s survivors. For more information visit would come to this and I would get so www.equalarts.org.uk or ring Guest of honour was 94 year old involved and enjoy it so much. 0191 477 5775. Richard Atkinson, a World War II DLI veteran who joined up in Felling, was evacuated at Dunkirk, fought with the 8th Army in North Africa, Rise in visitors landed at Juno Beach on D-Day, and was briefly part of the liberating The number of visitors to Gateshead forces that arrived at Bergen-Belsen. Town Centre continues to grow, attracted by the increasing number and range of shops, leisure attractions, car parking and great bus and Metro All change at BALTIC connections. BALTIC’s current Director, Godfrey As of April 2015, weekly footfall through Worsdale will be leaving the world the centre of town is now 353,670 class arts venue in July to take up people. That’s an increase of 14.5 per the role of Director at The Henry cent compared to April 2014 (325,064 Moore Foundation. In the seven weekly visitors). successful years he has been in post And it is estimated that spending has he has seen BALTIC welcome its six also increased by 14.5 per cent. millionth visitor, be shortlisted as Museum of the Year in 2013 and hosted the prestigious Turner Prize. Have you voted yet?
There’s still time to nominate an You can view the individual or organisation for a categories and Gateshead Award. These annual nominate online at awards celebrate volunteers, www.gateshead.gov. organisations, carers and others uk/gatesheadawards who have made an outstanding For more information phone contribution to their community. the Mayor’s secretary on: So, if you haven’t already put a name 0191 433 2011 or email: forward – you have until Friday [email protected] 17 July to do so. Godfrey Worsdale outside BALTIC
6 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 NEWS
Surprise, surprise! Plan for the future approved A vital plan that will shape development and deliver economic growth, houses and jobs has been approved by councillors on both sides of the Tyne, after being deemed sound and legally compliant by an independent, government-appointed inspector. The Gateshead and Newcastle Planning for the Future Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan sets out locations for thousands of new homes, land for economic development such as offices, retail Andrea with pupils Ellie Hepple and Ty Hutchinson space and major new roads. It will guide development to 2030 and Andrea Beverley, catering manager at The children put their toast and cereal beyond and includes provision Winlaton West Lane Primary School, aside to surprise Andrea with a huge for 22,000 expected new jobs beat off rivals from West Yorkshire, bouquet of flowers to congratulate her and 30,000 extra homes across Wales and major national catering firms on her award. Newcastle and Gateshead. to win this year’s Education Award Increased in the national Cost Sector Catering Sustainable Awards. Around 93 per cent of Key Stage 1 Key to the plan is controlled growth pupils at the school currently enjoy a in a number of neighbourhoods and The award was presented at a glittering cooked lunch, well above the Gateshead detailed studies have taken place awards ceremony in London in April average of 85 per cent. And adult meals to ensure that development takes which Andrea couldn’t attend - so have also increased, with many more place in the most sustainable way pupils decided to stage their own awards school staff now choosing to eat lunch possible. ceremony during their Breakfast Club. in the dining hall with the pupils. The majority of development will be focused on brownfield land and in regeneration areas, and also aims to New Mayor prioritise new sites in the urban core. Council Leader Mick Henry, said: Councillor Alex Geddes is Gateshead’s “This is an important document new Mayor. Formerly the Deputy for everyone in Gateshead and Mayor, he has now taken over from Newcastle. It gives us the blueprint Councillor Neil Wetherley. that will ensure successful and A Councillor for Ryton, Crookhill thoroughly planned growth, to and Stella Ward since 2011, the new boost our economy and provide Mayor worked for Gateshead Council much needed housing for Social Services department until he thousands of people.” retired in 2007. wedding anniversary. He will be Details of the plan can be found supported in his role by the Deputy Married with two grown up children, on our website: Mayor, Councillor Allison Thompson. he is looking forward to his new role. www.gateshead.gov.uk/ “I’m very proud and honoured to be He has nominated Gateshead Autism corestrategy Mayor of Gateshead. The year ahead Group, The Samaritans of Tyneside, will give me the chance to meet local The Freeman Heart and Lung people, as well as undertaking my Transplant Association, Show Racism formal ceremonial duties. “ the Red Card and Mick Knighton Dog owners! Mesothelioma Research Fund (part During a typical year, the Mayor of the British Lung foundation) as his will attend around 300 functions Clean up after your dog chosen charities. ranging from receiving a Royal visit or using a poop scoop or bag. foreign delegation to visiting primary For more information phone the schools, local community centres Mayor’s Secretary, 0191 433 2011 To report dog fouling issues or a couple celebrating a diamond or visit www.gateshead.gov.uk 0191 433 7000
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 7 NEWS Garden Festival legacy This summer marks 25 years since the opening of the National Garden Festival on 200 acres of reclaimed and decontaminated former industrial land in Gateshead. The festival attracted over three million visitors, showcased the North East, and provided the springboard for projects like the Angel of the North. It is widely acknowledged to have been the most successful of all the garden festivals that took place in the 1980s and 90s. It brought in £22 million of sponsorship and transformed derelict gasworks, cokeworks and railway sidings into new communities. The ferris wheel at the National Garden Festival. Picture courtesy of Newcastle Chronicle. After five years in the making, the festival opened on 18 May 1990, “At the time, we all knew that the “Hundreds of millions of pounds worth beginning 157 days of entertainment, Garden Festival was important. But I of investment and regeneration have horticultural shows, arts and think it’s only now that we can truly see gone into Gateshead in the last 25 years exhibitions. The 1.7 mile long festival the long term impact that it had on the and the Garden Festival was one of site featured its own steam railway, Region. the key turning points that made it all possible.” tram route and monorail system. A “It showed the world what was possible. staggering 1.2 million bulbs, two million It proved that Gateshead had the shrubs and three tonnes of grass seed drive and passion to turn polluted and were planted. underused land into a spectacular Attractions included over 100 event space, and then go on to develop gardens from around the world, one vibrant new communities. of Europe’s largest Ferris wheels and “Without the Garden Festival we would an international contemporary art not be where we are today, in terms exhibition. The site also had its own of many regeneration and cultural indoor and outdoor arenas plus a projects. The Angel of the North cricket field and water sports area. was a direct result of the confidence Council Leader Mick Henry, said: that national organisations had in “The festival is widely acknowledged Gateshead and, from there, we gained Do you remember Caesar the dog? 25 as having changed the landscape of BALTIC, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, years ago ‘Caesar’s Sofa’ was one of the Tyneside , physically, culturally and Sage Gateshead and a huge number of many artworks on display at the National other regeneration projects, including Garden Festival. To mark the occasion he emotionally like few other events. made a return visit to the site! Trinity Square.
We need your views on… Gateshead Town Centre Whether you live, work or just visit the Town Centre Thank You we are keen to get your views on what it currently We want to say a big thank you to those of you who have offers and what it should offer in the future. participated in the last two surveys since the redevelopment You can do this by visiting of the Town Centre. The information you have given us has www.gateshead.gov.uk/consultations proven invaluable and has enabled us to know what kind of and completing a short survey by 18 July. new investments we need to attract and how we can further If you would like a survey mailed out to you please improve the Town Centre. contact Dawn Merry on 0191 433 3316 or email: If you would like to read about the main findings from the last [email protected] If you complete the two surveys please visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/consultations survey you will be entered into a prize draw to win an and feedback is available within past consultations. iPad mini.
8 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 AT YOUR SERVICE Waste not, recycle more When it comes to recycling our Recycling” featuring local people, not View the video on the recycling household waste, we can always actors, which shows how simple it can pages at www.gateshead.gov.uk do more. Not only is it good for the be to increase the amount you recycle. environment, but it also helps to To check out what you can recycle We’ve made the video on behalf protect important local services, as see our advert on the back page. of the South Tyne and Wear Waste it costs us a lot less to recycle waste Management Partnership using than it does to dispose of it, either by funding from WRAP, an organisation burning or burying it in landfill. which promotes initiatives to help the Now, Gateshead Council has released UK use its resources more sustainably. Did you know? a video entitled: “Don’t Waste your • Households from Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside recycle on average around 6kg of household waste every fortnight - but this could be more than doubled if everyone used their blue bin and recycled everything that could be recycled. • Less than 5 per cent of household waste from Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead goes to landfill. One third is recycled and two-thirds is sent to an energy-from-waste plant on Teesside to produce electricity.
Moving forward with greener vans A Gateshead You may have seen a council van bearing the slogan ‘I’m a hybrid van’ wedding and wondered what that means. Well, If you’re thinking wonder no more. Our fleet of 12 of getting hybrid Ford Transit vans has helped married and us reduce the amount of diesel fuel are looking for we use by about 3,500 litres a year, information saving around £5,000 and reducing the on how to do amount of carbon being pumped into White van, green van, hybrid van! this, our new the environment by around 10 tonnes wedding a Gateshead a year. brochure will Wedding Vehicles and an accompanying video, the perfect partnership help you. They look and behave just like ordinary which can be viewed online. The video Ford Transits but have additional hybrid is available to view: https://www. Packed with drives which convert energy from youtube.com/watch?v=xUIFttAMBtA information on potential decelerating into electrical power, venues and practical advice on Other steps we are taking to improve which can then be used to aid forward what you need to know in order vehicle emissions include a live, on- motion. to say ‘I do’, this useful brochure board visual and audible warning is available from council outlets Our experience of using hybrid- system to improve drivers’ driving style, including the Civic Centre main powered Transit vans has now 10 all-electric battery-powered Transit reception desk, Registrar Office been highlighted in a report by the vans and two electric cars. government’s Office for Low Emission reception and Saltwell Towers. You can also view it online at Our Debt Advice Team can help. www.gateshead.gov.uk/ Need debt registrars advice? 0191 433 3174 [email protected]
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 9 AT YOUR SERVICE New social care website
Information and advice about adult to contact them. This directory is open Pension scams social care and support is a click to all providers in Gateshead, so if you away at: www.gateshead.gov.uk/ offer a service, go to the website and From April this year people over 55 adultsocialcare add your details via our online form. can release funds from their pension. If you’re under 55 you cannot release New pages on the Council’s website are your pension, unless suffering from now up and running, giving details of Find out more about: severe ill-health. Unfortunately, there how we can help and guide you to find are criminals who see these changes the right services if you need care and • The Care Act 2014 as an opportunity to deprive you of support, now or in the future. • The different ways you can ask your pension. Pension scams can We’ve updated and pulled together for help take many forms, but you should be information – all in one place – making • How you pay for care particularly wary of the following: it easier for you to find out what you • How to request an assessment · Being told you can release your need to know. And we’ve designed of adult social care needs it so that it works seamlessly on pension fund despite being • Services available from external smartphones and tablets. under 55. providers · A cold call, text message, website As well as the services we offer, you’ll • Maps and directions to services ‘pop-up’ or cold caller claimng you’re also find a searchable directory of other entitled to a free pension review ‘social care services’ providers. This And lots more…. check it out or can access a one-off investment gives other agencies an opportunity to for yourself at www.gateshead. opportunity. tell you about what they do and how gov.uk/adultsocialcare · People who claim they can ensure a return in excess of 8% per year. · A proposal to put all your money in a single investment. 25 years of the CrecheMobile · A suggestion to transfer all of your Gateshead’s CrecheMobile has lots to pension fund overseas cheer about this year as the project · Any person who calls and claims celebrates its 25th anniversary. certain documents require You may have seen the colourful immediate signature. double-decker bus at an event in your Your pension is meant to provide you local community during that time, or with a degree of financial security, have hired it for a festival or party where so you should never rush a decision. crèche facilities were needed, or as a Always make sure any financial advice one-off mobile venue. you receive is made by a person It began life back in 1990 as a Council approved and regulated by the project but is now an independent across Gateshead at venues including Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) project with a qualified team working Edberts House and the Nest Estate. and check their register to make sure. with children 0-11 years across A visit for families to Beamish and a Before signing anything, contact the Gateshead. It can be hired for use as a celebratory ceilidh are also on the cards. Pension Advisory Service on 0300 crèche for festivals, corporate events, To find out more about Gateshead 123 1047. If you make an error and weddings and christenings, or as an CrecheMobile and what else is prematurely transfer funds, contact information or advice base supporting happening, visit their website: Trading Standards or the Police, local organisations. www.crechemobile.co.uk, although it will probably be too late During its anniversary year it will be phone 0191 477 3699 or email to retrieve your money offering three weeks of free activities [email protected] Pension scams are likely to become even more prevalent in the comings months. Visit www. thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/pension- Looking for a good tradesman? liberation-fraud website for useful advice. For more information call our Our registered trader scheme has it covered. fair trading team on 0191 433 3987. www.gateshead.gov.uk/registeredtrader or call 0191 433 3987
10 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 AT YOUR SERVICE Quality care at Shadon House “The world of the elderly would be a different place if all care facilities were What people said like Shadon House” “It was my first time in here or in That’s just one of the great comments any type of care. I would have no left on the Care Homes UK website by hesitation in coming back. It has relatives and users of Shadon House - been better than any prescription a Council owned Dementia Resource drug.” Centre in Birtley. As a result, it’s been named as the top care home performer “My mother moved to Shadon in Gateshead by Care Home UK. House from hospital and the Scoring 9.9 out of 10 from reviews difference between her arrival left on the website, this rating also and departure was amazing. Our placed Shadon House as the 6th visits were a joy, the staff were highest performing care home in the enormously helpful and nothing North East out of 325 residential care was a problem.” establishments. period. And while they are at Shadon House, they and their families can enjoy “The level of care and compassion The centre provides short stay lots of facilities including a summer shown by all staff is phenomenal.” assessment and respite support to house, multi-sensory garden, cinema, people with a dementia condition or dance hall and bar. You can read the rest of the who have significant memory loss. comments at People can stay in the centre anywhere For more information call Shadon www.carehomes.co.uk from an overnight stay up to a six-week House on: 0191 410 2816
Local heroes Victims First Another clutch of North East heroes are to be immortalised on Newcastle’s An independent refrerral service for Quayside. victims of crime has already helped 550 people since it was set up by Gateshead-born actress Jill Halfpenny Northumbria Police and Crime and Ruth Dodds, one of the founders Commissioner Vera Baird in April of Gateshead’s Little Theatre, have this year. both been chosen to be included in the Newcastle Gateshead Local Heroes Victims First Northumbria offers Walk of Fame. Foster, Robson Green, Lindisfarne victims one point of contact for and Cardinal Basil Hume. All were a range of a support and advice They will be joined by legendary nominated by the public. services to cope and recover from footballer Jackie Milburn, businessman their experience. and philanthropist Guy Readman and NewcastleGateshead Local Heroes guitarist Mark Knopfler (pictured) – is delivered and managed jointly by For more information contact which means the man responsible for Gateshead and Newcastle Councils in the services’s Freephone number the theme music to the film ‘Local Hero’ partnership with NewcastleGateshead 0800 011 3116 or visit www. has now become a local hero himself! Initiative. victimsfirstnorthumbria.org.uk Wonderful “To be voted a Local Hero by the people of Tyneside is a wonderful honour which I will treasure,” said Mark, who Home repairs is hoping to travel back to his home Gateshead Council has extended its home repairs and town later this year to see his bronze maintenance contract with Mears for a further two years. The plaque installed on the Walk of Fame on extended contract was agreed in partnership with The Gateshead Newcastle’s Quayside. Housing Company and will manage £14 million of work to the council’s housing The latest group of local heroes will take stock each year. The extension was awarded to reflect the improvements that their place alongside previous heroes Mears have made over the past three years with 98 per cent of tenants satisfied which include Sir Bobby Robson, Alan with the delivery of repairs and maintenance to the 20,000 Council homes in Shearer, Sting, Ant and Dec, Brendan Gateshead.
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 11 NHS NEWS ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Three into one A new NHS clinical Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), improving preventive health care in commissioning led by local doctors, nurses and health care homes.” group is now in professionals, replaces the previous The new CCG has 65 member practices, place to coordinate NHS Gateshead CCG, NHS Newcastle with its chair rotating annually between the planning and North and East CCG and NHS Newcastle GPs based in Newcastle and Gateshead. buying of NHS West CCG. For 2015/16, the chair will be Dr Guy health services “Our focus is now on tackling the key Pilkington and the assistant clinical in Newcastle issues that affect the whole area, like chair is Dr Mark Dornan. and Gateshead, meeting the challenge of the NHS Five following the Further information about the Year Forward View and moving towards completion of a merger of three new clinical commissioning co-commissioning of primary care. We organisations. group can be found at www. are also working towards much closer newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk or Dr Mark Dornan (pictured) explained: integration of health services with social follow us on Twitter @NHSngccg “The new NHS Newcastle Gateshead care through the Better Care Fund, and
National recognition for new ways of delivering care A pioneering project to improve Mark Adams, Chief Officer at NHS receive national recognition as we have the health of care home residents Newcastle Gateshead CCG, said: “I am made real progress in improving care in Gateshead has won national delighted to see Gateshead’s success for patients over the past two years.” recognition as part of an announcement by NHS England. The Gateshead Care Home Initiative, which is backed by NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG and Gateshead Council, has been selected as one of 29 ‘vanguard’ areas within England. The new status, which recognises the area’s success in reducing hospital admissions among the borough’s care home residents, puts the health service locally in the national spotlight as an example of good practice. Achievement Dr Daniel Cowie, a local GP and clinical lead for the CCG, said: “This is an immense achievement and shows the tremendous work that GPs have done locally to help some of Gateshead’s most vulnerable residents.” “Over the past two years, we have seen a nine per cent reduction in admissions to hospital from people living in care Mental health: feedback published for Deciding homes, and this new status will enable Together us to build on that and share what we have learned with other areas.” Since November 2014, we have been The aim of the work is to develop a asking service users, carers and local model of care that provides easily Gateshead Care Home Initiative sees people about their experiences of accessible and high quality care that individual GP practices each allocated specialist mental health services. is centred on the needs of the services to a specific care home, making it user, and supports the role of carers. possible to offer greater continuity of The sorts of services include those care and more effective prevention of that support people with complex You can view the published illness through regular home visits, with mental health issues like severe documents on our website at: the number of admissions dropping as depression, schizophrenia, psychosis, www.newcastlegatesheadccg. a result. and personality disorders. nhs.uk
12 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE NHS NEWS Successful bid set to transform access to GPs A successful funding bid by local doctors is set to make it easier for Gateshead residents to see a GP. The bid to the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund, which was led by Gateshead Community Based Care (CBC) Ltd with support from NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), will provide over 800 additional appointments every week, as well as more home visits for the borough’s most vulnerable patients. The Gateshead Extra Care project, aims to improve GPs’ shared use of technology and increase flexibility around appointments. Flexibility Dr Bill Westwood, Director of Gateshead and record information on the patient’s admissions among people living in CBC, said: “We know that patients are medical file in real time. care homes, and this is another big step towards better care for our most keen to have more flexibility in the Dr Mark Dornan, Assistant Clinical Chair vulnerable patients.” way they see GPs, but also value the of NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG, continuity of care that they receive.” said: “This is fantastic news for patients Once recruitment has taken place, the “This project will provide a far more in Gateshead, whether they are busy new general practice hubs will plan flexible service that is suited to modern working people needing more flexible to open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday lifestyles, as well as meeting the services, or older people with a need for and 9am-2pm at weekends, with a increasing demand for home visits for closer support at home. mixture of pre-bookable appointments and walk-in services as well as more frail patients and people with Choice complex conditions.” video consultations or a telephone “Patients will have a much wider consultation if the patient prefers. The £2 million scheme will develop choice of ways to see a GP, with longer three new ‘general practice hubs’ opening hours, the option to see a GP The home visiting service will be offering services for patients with minor near work and in the future explore the delivered from two centres operating illnesses seven days a week, as well options for video consultations if they 4-8pm Monday to Friday and 8am-8pm as two ‘home visiting hubs’ providing prefer.” at weekends. The service will operate 90 hours of clinical time each week to mainly through face-to-face visits, but support patients in their own homes. “In March, Gateshead was selected as a will also explore using technology with The use of the same IT system as national ‘vanguard’ area in recognition care homes to ensure that patients can practices will ensure that GPs can access of our success in reducing hospital use video-style consultations.
Long term conditions: The British Heart Get involved Foundation – House of Care Projects If you want to get involved in shaping and improving local NHS We are working on a British Heart prevention of CVD and implement a services come along to one of our Foundation (BHF) project to new approach to the management meetings – held in the Bewick change how long term conditions, of long term conditions – the Year of Suite at Gateshead Civic Centre. particularly cardiovascular disease Care Approach. They take place on Thursday (CVD), are managed. The project is The aim of this approach is to 24 September and Thursday26 called the BHF House of Care Project. enable patients with CVD and their November, at 2pm. The House of Care refers to the carers to be engaged, informed system changes that are needed to For more information visit and empowered to better care deliver this new way of working. www.newcastlegatesheadccg. for themselves, and enable health nhs.uk or call 0191 217 2787 The focus of the project is to professionals and voluntary sector to improve identification and support self-care.
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 13 HEALTH MATTERS Malnutrition in older people It’s thought that over 5,000 of Gateshead’s older population are malnourished or You may know somebody who at risk of malnourishment. is experiencing malnourishment but it can be hard to spot. Here’s Malnutrition is a deficiency of energy, what you can do about it? protein and other nutrients from food that causes harm to a person. People · Look out for things like loss of who are malnourished are more likely appetite, loose fitting clothing to develop illness, be admitted to or jewellery or swallowing hospital and have a worse quality of life. problems.
There are lots of possible causes which · See their GP or community include living alone, bereavement, nurse immediately for an mental illness or not having enough assessment. They can exclude money or cooking skills can be reasons. a serious underlying cause, and People with particular health problems refer if necessary to a dietitian. can be at greater risk. · You can also make contact with Gateshead Council has been working Age UK Gateshead, Gateshead with other agencies and charities to Carers, Alzheimer’s Society, or plan how to tackle the problem and the bereavement charity CRUSE the myth that that a smaller appetite or for further advice. Local food weight loss in older people is normal. of food according to our physical conditions. banks can also provide help. We’re working on how to prevent malnutrition or identify it early. Age UK The council has also run training events · www.OurGateshead.org has Gateshead has been raising awareness for health and social care professionals details of local lunch clubs. in the people they come into contact to raise awareness, knowledge and · www.ageuk.org.uk/gateshead with, including carers. They have had skills. And there is a project to support has information and advice on a number of ‘Eat Well’ sessions and volunteers to help at mealtimes in how to enrich and fortify your organised shopping trips for older some of our rehabilitation centres for food. people to learn more about nutrition people who have just been discharged and the need to eat a healthy balance from hospital.
Teams unite to tackle mental health stigma One-in-four of us will experience a recreation sector to makes activities mental health problem. Yet it is still welcoming, positive and inclusive. something the majority of people still Football teams, Gateshead FC, Cardinal find difficult to talk about or share their Vipers, Leam Rangers, NE Athletic and problems with others. The fear of being basketball teams Newcastle Eagles and avoided or stigmatised is a barrier that Gateshead Phoenix are the first teams stops people getting the help and in Tyne and Wear to sign the Charter. support they need. Mike Coulson, general manager of During Mental Health Awareness Gateshead Football Club, said: “Sport Week last month, sports teams joined benefits the mind just as much as forces to tell people that the power the body. Whatever your game is, the of sport can play an important part in challenge of taking part is rewarding for someone’s mental wellbeing by signing the mind, helps with stress and helps the Mental Health Charter for Sport and you focus on the here and now.” Recreation. Darius Defoe of basketball champions The Charter, developed by the Sport For anyone over 18 years old, Newcastle Eagles, said: “If any of our and Recreation Alliance, Professional who needs support because of poor team mates need picking up, or need a Players Federation and supported mental health, contact Tyneside little bit of help, we’re here to help get by mental health charity Mind, was Mind on 0191 477 4545 or go to them through it.” created to use the power of sport and www.tynesidemind.org.uk
Make sure you use factor 15+ suntan lotion to protect your skin in hot weather.
14 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 HEALTH MATTERS
Mums know breast Did you know? A group of volunteering mums, who • Breast milk is known to contain have experience of breastfeeding, antibodies that protect babies have spent four weeks learning how against infections to give the best advice and support to new mums who are breastfeeding or • Breastfeeding has been linked considering breastfeeding. to lower levels of obesity in children Supporting • Breastfeeding is good for mums Called the Breastfeeding Peer as it lowers the risk of getting Supporters, the new ‘graduates’ are breast and ovarian cancers now supporting new mums and The lastest group of Breastfeeding Peer • Breastfeeding saves you money facilitating the Bosom Buddy sessions at Supporters Gateshead’s Children’s Centres, where – infant formula and sterilising/ breastfeeding mums can drop in for feeding equipment can be higher than the rest of the North East), advice and support. costly this is still below the UK average of 73 Some graduates will also attend per cent. After six to eight weeks, this • It can help build a strong bond antenatal feeding education sessions to drops to 35.9 per cent, compared to the between mum and baby meet the new mums to be. UK average of 47.2 per cent. Figures show that while more than 68 For more information about the benefits of breastfeeding visit the NHS Choices per cent of Gateshead mothers start website www.nhs.org.uk or talk to your community midwife or health visitor. to breastfeed their children, (which is To find out more about Bosom Buddies call 0191 433 6300. Creative Age project BALTIC is taking part in an 18-month in the North East to widen their offer for project helping to make the arts and people with dementia. creativity more accessible to people “Traditionally, memory-based activities living with dementia. are offered to people living with Led by older people’s charity Equal dementia, a memory-related illness, and Arts, the ‘Creative Age’ project is a this can cause anxiety in some. pioneering scheme that aims to offer a Inclusive series of day services at cultural venues across the North East and Cumbria, These creative sessions are inclusive, including The Maltings in Berwick, the friendly and focus instead more on National Glass Centre in Sunderland people’s imagination and ideas.” and Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Funded by Comic Relief, the series of Art (mima). day services will start with Creative Age For more details call Equal Arts Douglas Hunter, director of Equal Arts, at BALTIC. It’s the first time the gallery on 0191 477 5775, email explained: “We felt there was an ideal has provided day services for those [email protected] opportunity to encourage arts venues living with dementia. or visit www.equalarts.org.uk
NHS Health Checks Plus Two Gateshead pharmacies, already Carole Wood, Gateshead Director the outcome. In some areas of doing the regular NHS Health of Public Health, said: “The purpose Gateshead, uptake of cancer screening Checks, are now advising about of this pilot is to see if NHS Health programmes is as low as 46 percent cancer screening and the signs and Checks are a good opportunity to for bowel cancer, 63 per cent for breast symptoms of cancer. talk about the signs and symptoms cancer and 67 per cent for cervical cancer.” of cancer with people and the Whitworths Pharmacy in Wrekenton Local GPs know about this pilot which importance of screening. and Lobley Hill Pharmacy are taking runs from 1 June to 31 December 2015. part in a new pilot scheme, NHS “In Gateshead, we have higher rates of To book an NHS Health Check Plus Health Check Plus, that is FREE for cancer than the rest of England, and appointment, contact Whitworths 40-74 year olds who haven’t already we would like to improve the uptake Pharmacy on 0191 487 8733 or been diagnosed with a cardiovascular of cancer screening programmes. Lobley Hill Pharmacy on 0191 420 disease. In most cases, the earlier cancer is 0213. diagnosed and treated the better
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 15 FEATURE Getting Gateshead on its feet
Over 30 local community groups and charities have embraced Gateshead’s Year of Walking and come up with some fantastic ideas to get more people in Gateshead walking. With funding from the Council’s walking grants scheme, Bensham based charity, Sight Service has trained walking leaders to help guide people with visual impairment around carefully planned routes. Enjoyment Sue Taylor, chief executive of Sight Service for Gateshead and South Tyneside, said: “This was a great opportunity for us to develop walking sessions for a group of residents in an activity that is otherwise inaccessible to them. These guided walks will help our Sight Service’s walking group visually impaired users enjoy the health benefits of walking, along with the Val Leonard, St Chad’s children’s services “The Walking Grant has given us the enjoyment of meeting new people, and co-ordinator, said: “The Walking Bus opportunity to buy items, such as caps really get involved in Gateshead’s Year helps young children take part in and umbrellas, to help protect the of Walking.” a healthy activity in a safe and co- children against the sun and rain and ordinated group. high visibility vests for safety.” St Chad’s Primary School Community Project also got a grant and now It’s good for parents to know that To find out more about the walking collects up to 50 children each evening their children are being collected from groups involved and to take part visit from local primary schools in the school safely in a positive and active www.OurGateshead.org Bensham and Saltwell areas. way.” Walking Football Festival Gateshead’s first ever Walking region took part in a day of friendly Football Festival took place recently at competition – showing that age, Gateshead International Stadium. reduced mobility and lack of fitness can be no barrier to getting fit and still Over sixty men, aged 50 to 77 years, enjoying sport. put on their trainers to compete in the much slower form of the beautiful The highlight of the hugely successful game. Teams from across the day was the guest appearance of ex-Newcastle United and Sunderland captain Bobby Moncur, who gave up his time to present all participates with Harder than it looks! their medals and of course, the trophy for the overall winners who were from North Tyneside. The Festival was organised by the Council in partnership with Gateshead Walking football aims to encourage College. people over 40 remain physically active and has been developed as part of For information on walking football, Walking football supporter Gateshead Council’s Get Active Project, contact 0191 433 8112 Bobby Moncur (centre) funded by Sport England. [email protected]
16 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 LEARNING AND LIFESTYLE A blooming great time Children’s favourite Mr Bloom recently pit, scrambling and climbing area and spent the day with the young pupils of tree house. St Augustine’s Primary School in Leam Headteacher Miss Carolyn Duffy, said: Lane to celebrate the opening of their “Outdoor play is a key part of a child’s new Early Years outdoor area. educational development. It helps The school invested £100,000 to develop their language and social skills develop this area which took four and also gives them the opportunity to months to build and turn into a space experiment and problem solve. where the nursery and reception age The children had a fantastic day with Mr children could play and learn a range of Bloom who really got them involved real life situations. and showed them how much fun Green space gardening and growing vegetables can The area now has a large patio and be.” canopy area with lots of green space for Mr Bloom played by Ben Faulks, is a growing and planting, including raised character from the award winning beds and a poly tunnel, in addition Cbeebies programme, ‘Mr Bloom’s to a sensory garden, mud kitchen, Nursery’ which teaches children about workman’s shed, amphitheatre, sand allotments, gardening and nature. Mr Bloom with some gardening pupils at St Augustine’s Primary School Foster carers honoured Gateshead Council’s annual Foster Carer Douglas said: “These awards celebrate Achievement Awards 2015 took place some of the remarkable work that goes recently to recognise the dedication on behind the scenes. Many people and hard work of all of the Council’s don’t understand the complexities foster carers and thank them for the involved in looking after other people’s invaluable work they do. children, but as a Council we do and we like to show our appreciation.” This year awards were given for outstanding support to children, Foster carer Pauline Mason received support to the fostering service and two awards. In addition to a Twenty awards for those who have gone the Five Year Service Award, Pauline also extra mile in the care they provide. received an Outstanding Support to There were a record number of carers Children Award. She was nominated for receiving awards for achievements in the exceptional level of commitment training, with over thirty carers passing and care she gives the young boy she their Level 3 Diploma for the Children looks after. and Young People’s Workforce. Foster Carer Pauline Mason (left) with For more information about Cabinet Member for Children and her granddaughter (centre) and fostering for Gateshead Council visit: Young People, Councillor Angela Councillor Angela Douglas www.gateshead.gov.uk/fostering
Page turner The North East now has a bookshop such as Amberley Publishing are also a range of activities, and is a base for solely dedicated to the region’s history stocked. St Mary’s Heritage Group. – and it’s in Gateshead. As well as local history books, the The bookshop is open from The new St Mary’s Bookshop, which bookshop sells bookmarks, notebooks Tuesday-Saturday, 10am- is within St Mary’s Heritage Centre, is and postcards and hosts regular 4pm. St Mary’s Visitor Centre believed to be the only bookshop in coffee mornings, authors’ events, book is at Oakwellgate next to Sage the region to stock a wide range of launches and much more. Gateshead. local history titles relating to Tyne & St Mary’s also offers a facility for Call 0191 433 4699 email Wear by local publisher Summerhill researching your family history, hosts [email protected] Books. Books by other publishers
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 17 CONSULTATION Residents’ Survey Your views matter! We want to know how you feel: Tell us • about your local area what you think • about helping to improve it • about the way the Council runs things • about the impact of budget cuts on your daily life
You can complete the survey online at www.gateshead.gov.uk/consultation Win an iPad mini which will help us to save money. But if you prefer, you can fill in the survey below Once you’ve completed the and return it to us by Freepost (you don’t need a stamp). survey you can enter our The deadline for returning your completed survey form is 3 July 2015. prize draw to win an iPad mini
New online Residents’ Panel We are planning to set up a new Residents Panel later this year to carry out a number of short online surveys. This will enable us to collect information about issues such as health, housing, community life etc. and means we will no longer need to commission surveys, helping us to save money. It works like this. You sign up to be part of the panel and every few months we’ll email you with a link to an online survey. We want as many people to take part as possible so we’ll make the surveys quick and easy to complete, and there will be more prize draws. If you do not have internet access you can get support at your local library. If you’d like to be involved in the online Residents’ Panel, details are given at the end of the survey.
Residents’ Survey 2015
Q1 Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your local area as a place to live? Please tick one box only
Very Fairly Neither satisfied Fairly Very Don’t satisfied satisfied nor dissatisfied dissatisfied dissatisfied know
Q2 What do you like most about your local area and what do you think needs improving? Like most Needs improving
Q3 How do you think you could help to improve your area and what support would you need from the Council? My ideas of how I could help How the Council could support me to do this
18 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 CONSULTATION
Q4 Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the way the Council runs things? Please tick one box only
Very Fairly Neither satisfied Fairly Very Don’t satisfied satisfied nor dissatisfied dissatisfied dissatisfied know
Q5 The Council receives significantly less funding from the Government and has had to find new ways of delivering services with less money. Has this had a noticeable impact on your life? Please tick one box only
Yes, a great deal Yes, a fair amount No, not very much No, not at all Don’t know
Q6 If you answered ‘Yes’, please tell us how your daily life has changed as a result.
About you To help us know a little of the background of residents who have returned the survey, it’s important that we ask a few questions about yourself. Your answers will be completely confidential. However, if you prefer not to answer a question, please leave it blank. Q7 Your age 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+
Q8 Your gender Male Female
Q9 Are your everyday activities limited because of a long term health problem or disability? Yes, limited a lot Yes, limited a little No
Q10 Your ethnic group White British White Other Mixed Asian or Asian British Black or Black British Prefer not to say Other ethnic group (please state) ______
Q11 Do children aged 17 or under live at your address? Yes No
Q12 Your postcode ______This will not identify your individual address. This information will help us to see if Your the responses we receive are representative of the views of people across Gateshead. views matter! THANK YOU for completing this survey
If you would like to be entered into the prize draw* to win an iPad mini please tick the box If you would like to be part of our future online Residents’ Panel please tick the box If you have ticked either of the above boxes, we will need your contact details:
Name ______
Address ______
Email ______Tel number (home and/or mobile) ______
REMEMBER, you can complete this survey online: www.gateshead.gov.uk/consultation or post it to us using our Freepost address below by 03 July 2015 (you don’t need a stamp) Gateshead Council, Council News, FREEPOST NEA 3381, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE8 1BR
* Prize Draw terms and conditions: 1. Winners will be selected at random after the closing date. 2. Only one entry will be made for each individual respondent. 3. Entries received after the closing date will not be entered into the prize draw. 4. The prize draw is only open to residents of Gateshead. 5. No correspondences will be entered into other than with the winner. 6. Any prizes that fail to be claimed within 6 weeks of the draw date will be redrawn. 7. We accept no responsibility for the prize being lost, damaged or delayed in the post.
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 19 LEARNING AND LIFESTYLE Adoption: could you… would you… will you?
Taking the first step towards adoption is often the hardest and you’ll have lots of questions before you go ahead. But there are many ways you can find out more. You can pick phone us and have an informal and friendly chat to one of our experienced social workers, who have supported many families. We know that adoption isn’t right for everyone but we can help you to decide if it is right for you. There’s also lots of information on our website www.gateshead.gov. uk/adoption as well as at www. first4adoption which could help you start your journey to adoption. Or, if you prefer you can come along to one of our information evenings, meet new Adoption Support Fund to help either Thursday 6 August or Thursday some of the team and hear what it is adoptive families who need a little 1 October 5.30-7.30pm in the Lamesley like first hand from one of our adopters. bit more help to access therapeutic Room at Gateshead Civic Centre (free And now is an even better time to services. parking after 5pm). become an adopter as we can offer So, if you are thinking about adoption For more information call 0191 433 you even more support. As well as but not sure where to start…start your 6388, email adoptionandfostering@ support services such as counselling, journey with us. Call us or come along gateshead.gov.uk mediation services, financial support to one of our information evenings on and short break care, there is now a
Learn something Singing with Sting new A musical project involving primary school pupils from across Tyneside The new got a special treat recently when learningSkills the inspiration behind the project, Directory for musical legend Sting, joined them for Autumn will their sing-a-long performance. be coming through The pupils had been learning the your door songs from Sting’s show ‘The Last this August. Ship’ as part of an education project run by three of Sage Gateshead’s top Packed with hundreds of learning vocal coaches, Sharon Durant, Ed courses starting in September, you Milner and Claire Tustin. can learn new skills to help your career or job search, or take up a The singer joined them prior to the new hobby from watercolours to first of his sell -out performances beginners Italian, computers to at Sage Gateshead, the proceeds Sting with actor Jimmy Nail with local keep fit. of which were going to Sage school children at Sage Gateshead. Gateshead’s 10th birthday appeal, Photo: Mark Savage You can enrol in person (details which will support future will be in the directory) and online from week beginning 3 education work in local schools and Street Community, Bede, Caedmon, communities. August at www.gateshead.gov. Lingey House, St Philip Neri, uk/adultlearning or call 0191 Gateshead schools taking part in ‘The St Wilfred’s and Winlaton West Lane 433 8516/6450 from 3 August, Last Ship’ music project were South Primary schools. 10am-4pm
20 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 FEATURE Volunteers’ Month 2015 June is bursting out all over with saw over 35,000 hours of volunteering volunteer opportunities, events and logged during the month and 387 new Do you need volunteers? activities as we celebrate our third volunteers recruited. Contact us and we’ll help your Volunteers’ Month. To keep you up to date, we’ve pulled organisation find the people you Aimed at raising awareness of the together our online guide to what local need. fantastic work and contribution of groups and organisations are doing Call Kate Marshall on 0191 3255 our local volunteers, it’s also a way of during June – from taster events, drop- or email encouraging new people to come ins and other activities. Full details of [email protected] forward and take that first step to are available on our website: becoming a volunteer. Last year’s event www.gateshead.gov.uk/volunteering A volunteer’s story Some highlights of the month are set out below. Joanne McLeod Mon 7 June, 10am-2pm: Blaydon Find out about volunteering and from Gateshead Library, 0191 478 4103. Gateshead take part in a volunteering activity to was keen to Volunteer Centre roadshow including improve the facilities. volunteer. She some ‘instant’ volunteering activities! has learning Throughout June: Path Head Water difficulties but Wed 17 June, 11am-1pm: Gateshead Mill. [email protected] with the help Advice Centre, Swan Street, 0191 478 Contact Trevor Underwood at above of a ‘buddy’, 5100. Information sessions to find out email for details of taster sessions she got the more about becoming a Gateshead including bricklaying and gardening. confidence Advice Centre Volunt-hero. and support to volunteer Sat 13 June: Birtley Junior Football independently. This is her story. Club, 07769 349 450. Open day to find “I wanted to volunteer because it out more about volunteering at the gets me out of the house to meet Club. new people and learn new skills. Sat 13 June, 11am-2pm: Springwell I was at Tesco’s during Volunteers’ Community Association, Community Month last year and there was Centre, 0191 433 5003. Open day to a Volunteer Centre stall where I recruit new volunteers, includes arts found out about the Gateshead and crafts stalls, soft play and face Supported Volunteers Programme. painting. The programme helps people with a learning disability to volunteer. Sat 27 & Sun 28 June: Winlaton Vulcans Rugby Group, 0191 414 2502. “I did an Open College Network Level One qualification in volunteering. The qualification made me more relaxed and helped Can you help? me to go to my volunteering. If we’ve whetted your appetite for volunteering, why not give it a go? “I now volunteer with Sight Service The two organisations below need volunteers. and help out in a charity shop in Northumbria Blood Bikes - This local charity uses volunteers to provide a Gateshead which is a lot of fun. motorcycle courier service transporting urgently required medical items for our A buddy helped me to get my hospitals – every night and at weekends and bank holidays. Its volunteers also confidence and then we felt I didn’t raise funds, and help at events. Couriers must be 25+. Contact them via need the buddy anymore, so I www.northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk, or email [email protected] went independently. I went to a celebration event where I met the Dog walkers - The Cinnamon Trust helps support elderly Mayor of Gateshead and received a or ill pet owners by looking after their pets. They certificate for the qualification and urgently need dog walkers in Gateshead. If you can for the volunteering I do.” help phone Sally at the Trust on 01736 758707, email [email protected] visit www.cinnamon.org.uk For information about the Gateshead Supported Volunteers To find out more about volunteering opportunities Programme and becoming contact Kate Marshall on 0191 433 3255, visit a buddy, contact Gateshead www.gateshead.gov.uk/volunteering or Volunteer Centre on Gateshead Volunteer Centre on 0191 478 4103. 0191 478 4103.
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 21 JOBS AND ECONOMY Gateshead has the power Dozens of buildings across Gateshead first phase of the work, with up to 12 are set to save on energy costs and schools, academies and other public carbon emissions, in a new multi- organisations to benefit from a second million pound project to install solar phase later this year. panels. As well as providing cheaper energy to Up to 50 public buildings, including customers, the project will be entirely schools, leisure centres and offices, as self-financing with income from energy well as 1,000 council homes, will be generation repaying installation and installed with roof mounted panels. maintenance costs. All the public The panels will generate clean, green buildings will be supplied with solar electricity worth an estimated £750,000 electricity at discounted rates. each year and saving 4,000 tonnes of The Council is working with British Gas carbon emissions annually. Solar, which is installing all the solar The first solar panels have been PV systems in these first two phases, Chris Morrison, Head of Solar at British installed at Gateshead College’s as part of the wider “Warm up North” Gas (left) with Jim Gillon from Energy Academy for Sport and Birtley Leisure partnership that exists between British Services at Gateshead Council, during Centre. Three schools and Gateshead Gas and nine North East councils. the installation of panels at Birtley Leisure Centre. Civic Centre are also included in the Calling all Gateshead landlords Top marks for If you are a landlord, leaving your After the lease period the management property empty can cost you over of the property returns to you and regeneration £7,000 a year. But now thanks to you have the option of letting out the Government funding, Gateshead property yourself, selling the property, Three regeneration projects that Council can help you upgrade and or you could ask the Council to renew the Council has been involved bring your empty property back into its lease. If you renew the lease, we in over the last few years were use through our ‘Empty Property will invest in your property to bring it shortlisted for the Royal Institute of Private Leasing Scheme’. up to the required lettable standard; Chartered Surveyors (RICS) North find suitable tenants; deal with the East Renaissance Awards. The scheme works like this: If your administrative and legal side of the property has been empty for more than Trinity Square Housing was tenancy and arrange normal repairs six months, we can lease it from you shortlisted in the residential and maintenance. for a minimum of five years. It will be category for its student managed by The Gateshead Housing There are limited funds available for accommodation, Blaydon Company, and let at an ‘affordable’ rent this scheme, and it is managed on a Regeneration was shortlisted in (80 per cent of market rent) to people first come first served basis. However, the commercial category and with a housing need. we have to ensure that the property Heathfield House, Low Fell was a is suitable for the scheme in terms of finalist in the category for building Any improvements needed would be condition, size, and location. conservation. done by us up to an agreed amount, with the cost of this work taken from For more information contact the rent once the property has been let. Chris Geddes, empty property Once the costs have been recovered, officer on 0191 433 3376 or email: you will receive rent from the property. [email protected] Felling town centre update Construction work continues to other shops - mostly existing tenants transform Felling town centre. Work - but in brand new premises. It ‘s began in November with developers expected that the new supermarket The Felling Syndicate and Caddick and retail units will open in early 2016. Developments, leading the project. The Felling development will be The new development, which is the fourth major town centre expected to create up to 120 jobs, will development carried out in include an Asda supermarket plus Gateshead during the last five years.
22 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 JOBS AND ECONOMY
Underneath the arches Which way next? A row of historic stone arches that carry Connexions Careers Advisors trains through Gateshead have been give young people in Gateshead transformed, offering more than 7,000 impartial information, advice sq ft of new business space, bringing and guidance on education, jobs to the area and helping to support employment and training the local economy. opportunities. The development of Brandling Street Careers advisor Rachel Jobson Arches is a partnership between (pictured) said: “We aim to give Network Rail, Gateshead Council and young people the confidence and the Railway Heritage Trust. It has Gateshead. It’s also a key part of the motivation, together with some created a new business area as well regeneration of central Gateshead and practical support, to identify and as improving connections between helps to link developments such as prioritise the steps they need to central Gateshead and Gateshead Trinity Square with the likes of Sage take to achieve their goals.” Quays. Gateshead, BALTIC and Gateshead Mark Tarry, area director for Network College.” Rail, said: “This project is breathing new The £917,000 investment was life into a previously under-used part completed by Network Rail with of Gateshead. Three of the units are financial contributions from the Council already let with serious interest in the and Rail Heritage Trust. others.” If you are interested in renting one of Cabinet Member for Economy, the new units, please email Councillor Mary Foy added: “This Graham Mackay at exciting project has transformed [email protected] a historic structure in the heart of Over the last 12 months, Rachel has been supporting 17 year old Keiran Jacques. Rachel said: “Keiran had an interest in ICT, particularly gaming, The Land of Oak & Iron so we discussed a Games Design Exciting new plans to conserve and submitted. If successful, the project summer course at Gateshead celebrate the rich local heritage of one will start in early 2016, with a heritage College which led him to enrol on of the area’s most historic landscapes is centre planned to encourage visitors to Level 1 course in this option. Whilst reaching the next stage as part of a long the area. at college I supported him with any term initiative. problems he had and helped him The project also aims to protect and get his bursary. After five months The Land of Oak & Iron Project focuses enhance ancient woodland and offer he realised this course was not on the Derwent Valley and surrounding community archaeology schemes and for him so I met with him again to area, which has a fascinating industrial educational packages for local schools, discuss his options and next steps. history of pioneering ironworks, steel while a skills project for young people furnaces, waggonways and sword and volunteers will help sustain activity. Kieran said: “I’m really grateful for making. the support that I got from Rachel By celebrating the area’s heritage, and Connexions. She helped give Development plans are now drawing the project aims to create tourism, me the confidence to start my to a close, and a £2.2 million application regeneration and employment course last year and helped when to the Heritage Lottery Fund – part of opportunities that will deliver local I decided to leave and change my a £3.4 million scheme – is about to be economic benefits. career path. She listened to me The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape and gave me advice that pointed Partnership is made up of Gateshead me in the right direction. I have Council, Durham and Northumberland now started a Motor Vehicle Study County Councils, a number of Programme with TCV Training and community groups, charities and so far this is going well”. government bodies including To make an appointment with Groundwork North East and Cumbria a careers advisor call and the Environment Agency, as well 0191 433 2785 or ring/text as private-sector partners such as 0776 893 8080 or visit Prudhoe-based SCA. www.connexions-tw.co.uk Nine Arches Viaduct, Derwent Valley
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 23 JOBS AND ECONOMY Fast track into an apprenticeship Do you know a young person leaving school this summer who is looking for an apprenticeship?
apprenticeship and earning money in as little as six weeks. There are over 50 jobs available in Business Administration, Customer Service, Retail, ICT, Hospitality, Teaching Assistant and Health and Social Care. The programmes are designed to give learners the best chance of getting an apprenticeship as quickly as possible by getting experience on the job. Not only will they train with us at our Gateshead training centre, but they will complete a work placement to get them real experience in a real job. In most cases there will be a job available at the end of the work placement. Once they have completed the programme, they will get access to our apprenticeship vacancies where they can link up with an employer waiting to employ an apprentice. With our programme, they will have the Gateshead Council’s learningSkills team apply and get accepted without waiting confidence and experience to get a job. has limited places available for our for exam results. Apprenticeship Fast Track programme To apply call 0191 433 8727 or All school leavers will start with a starting this August and September. complete the online enrolment form traineeship or programme of study at www.gateshead.gov.uk/enrol We have employers waiting to take on to get fully prepared and ready for an and attend one of our regular apprentice school leavers, and they can apprenticeship and they could be in an enrolment sessions.
Unique gifts from The Hive Looking for a special or unique gift, will find a huge range of unusual and or something really different for your fabulous products, from homemade home? scented candles, to bags, jewellery, scarves and gifts inspired by south Pop down to The Hive in Gateshead Asian art. Town Centre where you will find a whole range of exciting, innovative Want something different and original products and a fascinating place to to wear? Try The Hive for eco fashion, browse. recycled and organic clothing and accessories and sheepskin boots. The Hive is a great new addition to the Greetings cards, homeware, giftware, town centre, increasing the number leathercraft, framed prints and wall and range of independent retailers Hive. Accommodation and business art are also available - and beautiful in Gateshead and complementing development support is available for cakes! high street brands with unique and just £50 per week. individual items, while attracting new And if you’re a small, new business Email Dave Crompton at visitors to the area. and want to be part of the recent [email protected] success story of the town centre, If you’re looking for a special gift or or phone 07885 224 581 for there is room to move into The just something gorgeous for you, you more details.
24 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 IN YOUR AREA Red Kite runners News in brief The Red Kite Runners’ Club is now…. Gibside Farmers’ Market up and running! This new community running club led by a committee of The next Gibside Farmers Market volunteers and qualified run leaders, takes place on Saturday 20 June at has already attracted an amazing 162 Gibside, 10am-4pm. Fresh seasonal members since launching in April. foods and high quality crafts direct from local producers, plus tasting and From people who have never run cooking demos. before to marathon runners, the club really does cater for all abilities. With Ryton Local Produce Market new ‘Couch to 5k’ training sessions Saturday 25 July and Saturday 29 beginning every six weeks, leaders August, 10am-1pm. Takes place in deliver a combination of scheduled and front of the Old Emma Pit Wheel progressive programmes, as well as between Barmoor Hub and Ryton. cross training, race days and one to one Treat yourself to some delicious fresh sessions. produce such as uniquely flavoured Red Kite Runner Chair, Marianne Dodds sausages, freshly baked bread, and said: “We believe running can change home grown fruits and veggies. your life, both physically and mentally, raising your self-esteem and confidence Join them each Tuesday and Blaydon Open Summer Rose as well as increasing your fitness levels. Thursday, 6.30pm at Blaydon Rugby and Flower Show Club, Hexham Road, Swalwell. Our philosophy is simple, running The Winlaton Centre, North Contact them via Facebook. should be fun, and you can achieve Street, Saturday 18 July, 1-4.30pm. com/Redkiterunners or email anything if you put your mind to it.” Admission free and free parking. [email protected] For details call 01207 644 376 or email [email protected]
Whickham Autumn Show Takes place on Saturday 5 September Felling football fever at St Mary’s Centre, Church Chare, Whickham, 2-5pm. Presentations Felling footballers take centre stage Colegate, Bede and The Drive primary of prizes and raffle, 4.30pm. this July as the annual John Hird Cup schools. Free admission. For details call competition showcases the talents of Admission is free and everyone is 0191 433 8100 or email young footballers from eight primary welcome to come along and cheer [email protected] schools in or near the Felling area. their team on. All team members This 5-a-side knockout event takes receive a medal and the winners Clara Vale Open Gardens place at Gateshead International receive a cup from Mrs Maureen Hird, On Sunday 28 June visit the village Stadium on Monday 13 and Tuesday whose husband John was Councillor gardens and allotments, wander 14 July, 1-3pm. Current holders, for Felling from 1992 until his death through the orchard and join South Street Primary School will be in 2005. in family events on the Nature keen to repeat their success of last Reserve. Plus craft stalls, plants and Contact Councillor Paul McNally year but they’ll face stiff competition refreshments on sale in the Village on 0191 478 1636, cllr.pmcnally@ from teams from Lingley House, Hall from 10.30am-4pm. gateshead.gov.uk Windy Nook, Brandling, Falla Park, Contact Chris Outterside at [email protected] or call is 0191 452 6219.
Barmoor Hub Summer events A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party will take Summer is bursting with lots of events packed with fun and activities for place at Barmoor Hub on Saturday all the family. 11 July, 10am-3pm. Complete with bouncy castle, children’s activities, Sat 13 June, 11am-2pm: Teams Festival, Eslington Park plant and book stalls, crazy teapots Sat 27 June, 12 noon-4pm: Low Fell Summer Fayre, Play Park Kells Lane and scrumptious food. Sat 4 July, 12 noon-3pm: Dunston Festival, Dunston Park Free admission. Afternoon tea £3.50 Sat 4 July, 11am-4pm: Whickham Community Festival, Chase Park including a free glass of Pimms. Sun 19 July, Blackhall Mill Summer Fair, Blackhall Mill Green Email [email protected]
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 25 IN YOUR AREA Communities take responsibility
A group of residents are having a The group also tends flower beds and big impact on their community after has written to residents to encourage deciding to take problems of litter and dog owners to clear up after their dogs, dog waste into their own hands. distributed leaflets explaining the facts about dog fouling, and have been The Crawcrook and Greenside Local working closely with the Council’s Dog Environment Group have mobilised Warden to help identify perpetrators. their members to carry out litter picks and leaflet campaigns in a bid to Barbara Williams, secretary of the get local people to take litter more Crawcrook and Greenside Environment seriously. Group, said: “Our volunteers are passionate about the local environment One of their major concerns has been and keen to play a part in making our dog fouling, with group members communities places to be proud of. regularly patrolling problem areas and With the support of Gateshead Council using a special chalk-based spray paint we believe we are making a positive to ensure the community can’t ignore difference.” the scale of the problem. Pride “Councillor Linda Green, Cabinet Member for Communities and Members of Crawcrook and Greenside Local Environment Group Volunteering, added: “It’s great to see local people taking a pride in their area and coming together to do something The Council has supported the themselves to protect it. Greenside and Crawcrook group by offering practical advice, loans of “In the past, the Council has always equipment, disposable items such as generally been there to pick up after plastic bags, and arranging to dispose people, but I’m afraid that’s no longer of the large quantities of litter they the case. Our present financial situation collect. means we no longer have the resources to do that. But we know there are lots of You can contact the Greenside and people who would love to demonstrate Crawcrook Environment Group their civic pride by doing something by emailing practical and worthwhile for their localenvironmentgroup @gmail.com area. We are already working with a number of local groups to help them For advice on setting up your group get organised, and we are aiming to to help improve your area, contact Group member Maureen Greener cleans develop this right across the borough in Jayne Calvert on 0191 433 7424. up someone’s dog mess! the future.”
Teams Life Centre Wrekenton Hub The former community centre Teams Life Centre is buzzing with Nichols said: “Teams folk have is filling up fast with lots of activities with hundreds of local responded enthusiastically to our organisations and activities under people taking advantage of all programme of events and activities one roof. From childrens’ clubs, the great things on offer. From and have really supported us. We’ve Cubs and Brownies to adult community choirs for adults and also had a lot of help from the education classes and adult social young people to family learning Council, our ward councillors and a care services. classes and health and fitness solid base of Teams volunteers who sessions, there’s something for all have been invaluable in the practical You can also get information from ages including a wide range of lively day-to-day running of the Centre.” Gateshead Housing Company and clubs for children and teens. from early July, Wrekenton Library For more details of what’s going on will be operating from the Hub. The centre was transferred from the at the centre phone 0191 478 1003 Council to Dunston Family Church or email [email protected] For more information visit just over a year ago. Manager Ed www.OurGateshead.org
26 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 IN YOUR AREA Low Fell’s got talent! A young and up and coming band are wide range of artists across the decades Join the Boys’ making their musical mark in Low Fell. including Amy Winehouse, Blondie, The Attention Seekerz – whose line The Kinks, The Jam, Fall Out Boy and The Brigade up consists of brother and sister Luke Killers. You can hear them for yourself and Eva Potts on bass and lead guitar, by going to the ‘The Attention Seekerz’ Eleanor Sherwood on vocals and Olivia YouTube channel. Binns on drums, met while they were at To find out about future events, or Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy. to enquire about booking the band, They have been together for over a year search The Attention Seekerz on and have already played several gigs in Facebook or contact them by email the local area, performing covers from a at [email protected]
A new Boys’ Brigade group now meets in Windy Nook Methodist Church, offering a range of activities and team building exercises including a play parachute! James Symth, Captain of 1st Windy Making their mark: the Attention Seekerz Nook, The Boys’ Brigade, said: “I would encourage any young boys in the area looking for a new challenge to come along and join us. There will be a great programme Step change for local church of activities coming up over the next few months and I look forward St Patrick’s RC Church in Felling has which will enable us to restore the to welcoming as many of the local received a grant of almost £90,000 historic fabric of the building, as well kids as possible.” to restore the stone steps at the as enhance the spiritual experience Sessions are on Mondays 6.30- entrance to the church. of those who enter St. Patrick’s 8pm. For more information call Church by the imposing main The 118 year old church steps had James Smyth on 07904 846 980 entrance. The project will also benefit deteriorated to such an extent that the various groups that make use they were unsafe and could not be of the under-croft, which will have used. Water penetration also resulted a renovated, dry and welcoming in damage to the entrance to the entrance.” Tune in undercroft – so some major repairs were needed. The grant has also led to the Young people production of an interactive book from Dunston Delighted “The History of St. Patrick’s RC are being invited Fr. Ian Patterson, parish priest of St. Church, Felling 1895-2014”, which to ‘blow their own Patrick’s, said: “Our parish community documents the history of Catholicism trumpet’ at Dunston Community and the ‘Friends of St. Patrick’s’ are in Felling – available as a free Centre where they can learn how delighted that the Heritage Lottery download from Apple’s iBook Store. to play a brass instrument. Fund has awarded us this grant, Thanks to funding from Gateshead Council and support from Bristol Street Motors, the regionally Last Tango in Dunston renowned Dunston Silver Band is creating a Junior Band, loaning Ballroom dancing and cake - what’s not to love? Social sequence dancing is a instruments and offering tuition great way to exercise, stay fit and make new friends. Qualified teachers George by dedicated teachers at the and Jean are on hand to support and guide new dancers as well as encourage community centre. the more experienced. Or why not just come along to enjoy the music, the company, and our lovely home-made cakes? For more information of what’s involved please call Keith on The fun happens every Wednesday afternoon at Dunston Community 07759 219 444 or 0191 460 Centre 1.30-3.30pm, only £2.50. Phone 0191 460 4270 for more details. 4270.
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 27 IN YOUR AREA Designer bags at Morrisons When the new Morrisons at Birtley Council Leader Mick Henry said: opened recently, shoppers were able to “The regeneration of the town centre is put their buys into a unique carrier bag. bringing new facilities for local people, more retail choices and new jobs. The bag was designed by Corban Bruce, 10, from St Joseph’s Primary, who beat “It’s hugely gratifying that 66 per cent of off the competition from other pupils in those employed at the new Birtley store the area. A limited edition of 2,000 bags were previously unemployed. were given out on the opening day. Revitalise Corban also cut the ceremonial “The whole project is a great example ribbon to mark the stores opening. of how this Council can work with He was assisted by veteran Morrison’s the private sector to secure the employee Paul Roxborough from Birtley improvements that local people want who started his career in 1978 at the to see in their community and to former Safeway Store, before working revitalise and refresh the local area.” at Morrisons. Corban with his winning design
Tackling loneliness New Care Centre Many people often struggle with five engagement workers have been A new care centre is now open loneliness to the detriment of their employed to encourage people to take in Wardley providing residential health and wellbeing, leading to a part in social activities and help them nursing and dementia care. greater need for healthcare. But a new access the support they need to lead Wardley Gate Care Centre is project based in the Inner West, aims to fulfilling lives. The service has since managed by the Enhance Care combat the impact such isolation has been extended with further funding Group which has over 30 years on the lives of people, especially the from an additional nine GP Surgeries care experience. elderly, who have difficulties accessing in Central and Outer West areas of All rooms are en-suite and cater services and activities on their own, or Gateshead. for singles and couples alike, have nobody to talk to regularly. To find out more, contact with communal areas for people Led by community organisation Bernie Gill or Michelle Scott on to socialise and take part in a Teamwork Development Trust CIC 0191 490 0945 or email variety of activities. The dedicated and Teams Medical Practice a team of [email protected] dementia friendly unit provides care and support to improve people’s independence and self- esteem. You can take a look at what it offers yourself by coming along to Winlaton survey the open day on Friday 19 June, In our last issue of Council News, confident about reporting issues to 1-4pm where you can also enjoy we told you about the student police. Of those who had reported some fun family activities. volunteers from Gateshead incidents of anti-social behaviour, Wardley Gate Care Centre, College who were carrying out a the majority said they noticed Lingey Lane, Wardley NE10 8EU, survey about crime and anti-social improvements since the incident had call 0191 469 1110 behaviour In Winlaton. Well, they’ve been reported. asked their questions and the “We will take on board these findings results have been analysed, based and build on the areas where the on responses from around 310 community have identified areas Come dine with us households. we can improve or have identified Dunston Community Centre’s lunch Neighbourhood Inspector Michael concern them the most.” club serves a delicious home-made Robson summed up the results 3-course meal for only £2.50 every If you have any concerns about saying: “The data suggests residents Monday at 12 noon. A friendly crime and disorder where you do not feel their property has atmosphere and welcome is live please contact your local been specifically targeted by anti- guaranteed. To find out more or neighbourhood policing team on social behaviour or crime and feel to book your place at the table 101 extension 69191. phone 0191 460 4270.
28 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 OUT AND ABOUT
New gym at Gateshead Future stars Gateshead will once Leisure Centre again welcome the TRACK AND FIELD Olympic hopefuls CHAMPIONSHIPS of the future as the GATESHEAD English Schools’ 85th Track and Field Championships takes place at Gateshead International Stadium. The athletics championships that launched the careers of top athletes such as Paula Radcliffe and Mo Farah, will take place on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July. Athletes represent their counties over the two days, with more than 1,600 young people between the ages of 14 and 18 taking part in the full range of track and field events.
If you’ve not been to the gym at can swipe, scroll and click through to Tickets go on sale on Monday Gateshead Leisure Centre for a while, websites, TV, emails, social networking 15 June and can be booked then you’re missing out as it’s had a sites and apps to stay connected while online at www.gateshead.gov. major refurbishment and is going down exercising. uk/whatson or at the Box Office a storm! at Gateshead International Take in the scenery and make exercise Stadium. For more information Possibilities fun with the outdoor Virtual Training contact 0191 433 5704 or The gym has a fresh new look and programmes where you can take in the [email protected] feel with bright colours, new lighting, views of the Golden Gate Bridge in San carpets and brand new state of the Francisco or the Italian Lakes. There’s art Technogym equipment. There’s a full range of programmes to suit all also a new functional training area abilities. offering unlimited training possibilities You can also track and record your for different areas such as strength, workout simply by logging onto your resistance, stability, flexibility and personal mywellness account which speed. New group sessions will offer will give you access to real-time training a fun and enjoyable work out for all data, results and indoor and outdoor abilities to help move, train and play. programmes. The new equipment also offers the Gateshead Leisure Centre, Alexandra world’s most advanced cardio screens. Road. Phone 0191 433 5733 With swipe-screen navigation you www.gateshead.gov.uk/glc Steaming home A historic steam locomotive that in Northumberland before arriving at worked in Gateshead’s coal industry the Swalwell Opencast Disposal Point. is to make a return visit after 40 years But on June 20-21, it will return to away. Tyneside for a special gala event at Once a familiar sight roughly where Tanfield Railway near Sunniside, where Metrocentre now stands, Mech Navvies it will work with other locally linked No. 71515 left the region in 1974 and is steam locomotives. Both passenger now based in South Wales. It was built and demonstration coal trains will be in 1944 to a war time ‘Austerity’ design running by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns For more information: in Newcastle, and spent a time working www.tanfield-railway.co.uk
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 29 OUT AND ABOUT Live on the ledge: Kittiwake Cam BALTIC is renowned for its innovative available to speak with visitors and to contemporary art exhibitions, but a give a greater insight into the lives of fascinating ‘live’ installation has taken the kittiwakes. up residence on the north wall of the Important building with a potential audience of millions. We’re talking about the The River Tyne is home to an important kittiwakes who have made BALTIC their breeding population of around home as they prepare to breed. 975 pairs of kittiwakes, including a colony of around 700 pairs at Understanding NewcastleGateshead Quayside. Viewing the building as just another Kittiwake and chicks (by Dougie Nisbet) The kittiwake colony on ‘cliff face’, the birds can be viewed NewcastleGateshead Quayside is on Durham Wildlife Trust’s ‘Kittiwake recognised as being the furthest inland Cam’ as part of a major project to get a make their nests, lay and incubate their nesting site of kittiwakes in the world. glimpse into the lives of the kittiwakes eggs. You can see the chicks hatch and throughout their breeding season and watch them grow before they fledge Visit www.durhamwt.co.uk/ to develop a deeper understanding of and return to sea in late Summer. kittiwake-cam to view live footage. the birds’ needs. The footage will also form part of an Kittiwake Cam is funded by a £10,000 grant from the Heritage Click onto: www.durhamwt.co.uk/ exhibition at BALTIC, which runs until Lottery Fund. kittiwake-cam and watch as they 14 June. Members of Baltic Crew will be
Woollen wonders Summer activities A truly magical, life-sized knitted garden If you’re looking for something to has sprung up at the Shipley Art Gallery. do with the kids this summer, why not try one of the many holiday Featuring the work of 2,500 knitters and activity sessions and sports camps crocheters aged from 2 to 99, Blooming available across Gateshead’s Marvellous is a lifelike garden which leisure centres from Monday 20 features woolly flora and fauna, garden July to Friday 28 August. gnomes and small creatures – all made out of wool! Whether you’re interested in netball, climbing, football or swimming, Artist Pauline Stanley was inspired there’s something for everyone to create the garden after seeing the and you can choose from a daily plasticine garden that featured at session to five day camps. Chelsea Flower Show in 2009. Pauline’s aim was to create an event that Looking for more of a thrill, sign up appealed to everyone to take part in, for Adrenalin Daze and experience whilst exploring knitting as an art form. the thrill of everything from tubing to sledging, to high ropes to our The exhibition has toured all over the assault course. UK, all the time growing at each venue as new knitted items are added to it. If the sun’s shining and you need In Gateshead, the Knitted Gardeners’ The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday to cool down, head to one of the Group, which featured knitters of all from 10am to 5pm, closed on Sundays fun sessions available daily in all ages and abilities, met weekly for and Mondays. Admission is free. our swimming pools including six weeks to knit items that are now rafts and rings, water slide, tots and For more details visit included In the garden. toys and our inflatable obstacle www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk course, aquarun! If your little one Blooming Marvellous can be seen at the or find the Shipley on Facebook, can’t swim, sign them up for our Shipley Art Gallery until 5 September. Twitter, @theshipley and Flickr. junior swimming lessons! For full details on all the Want to get fit? holiday activity sessions and camps, contact your local Sign up online for your GO membership Gateshead leisure centre or – prices from £19 per month. visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/ www.gateshead.gov.uk/GO holidayactivities
30 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 OUT AND ABOUT Celebration of life The inspirational Westfield Health 25 sports ranging from archery to but importantly it will also leave a British Transplant Games 2015 will badminton, to tennis and track and field lasting legacy in terms of increased take place at venues across Newcastle at various venues including Gateshead awareness of organ donation.” and Gateshead between 30 July-2 International Stadium, Gateshead Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and August. The games have been staged Leisure Centre, Gateshead College and Leisure, Councillor Peter Mole said: at various UK locations since 1978 with Saltwell Park. “Gateshead has a long established the aim of raising awareness of the NHS Chair of the Local Organising reputation for staging major sporting Organ Donor and Anthony Nolan Bone Committee, Graham Wylie, said: “We events and we are delighted and Marrow Registers and promoting the really want the people and businesses privileged to co-host this fantastic value of organ donation. of the North East to get behind this event.” Almost 1,000 recipients of life-saving great event. Not only will it deliver organ transplants will take part in direct economic benefits for the area, Volunteers needed - see page 35
Phoebe’s story “After the operation, where they met the McIlvaney there was a three month family, Kristin, Jamie and Erin (now Five year old Phoebe incubation period where aged 4). Pace from Low Fell is Phoebe couldn’t be around Lesley-Anne added: “Since then looking forward to the general public because Phoebe and Erin have become best taking part in this year’s of her compromised friends. We try to see each other as event. immune system but she much as possible but the highlight of responded really well to Phoebe had a liver our year is the Transplant Games. treatment and almost three transplant in 2011 after Phoebe (left) with friend being diagnosed at the Erin at last year’s and a half years on, she still “At our first Games, we just got Queen Elizabeth Hospital Transplant Games faces lots of challenges that involved with the Donor Run – that’s with liver failure as a other children don’t have to open to the public as well as the result of a virus. Mum Lesley-Anne face – but she’s doing really well.” transplant athletes. But now Phoebe and Erin take part in 25m Sprint, said the whole experience came as a In 2012 Phoebe and her mum Obstacle Course and Ball Throw. massive shock. “I couldn’t quite take it attended their very first British They absolutely love it!” in. It just all happened so quickly. Transplant Games in Medway, Kent
It’s free to spectate at all the events – to find out more and for a full list of events, times and venues visit www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk To join the NHS Organ Donor Register and help save lives Text: SAVE to 62323, call 0300 123 2323 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk
A weekend of sport Race for life Saltwell Park turns pink on Sunday A festival of sport will be staged Great North CityGames returns 7 June as hundreds of women turn in the North East on 12 and 13 bringing world-class competition to out for the Gateshead Race for Life September, as the Morrisons Great one of the UKs most iconic locations. at Saltwell Park. North Run returns to the region. Taking place on a unique, purpose- built athletics arena in the heart of For information visit www. The weekend will start on Saturday the city, spectators can get up-close cancerresearchuk.org/raceforlife with the Morrisons Great North to the action, and it’s completely free 5k, followed by the ever-popular to spectate. Morrisons Junior and Mini Great North Run with over 6,000 young The following day will see thousands Leisure Centre athletes, school friends and families of runners, joggers and walkers taking on 1.5k and 4k courses on the take on Britain’s biggest running opening times NewcastleGateshead Quayside. event, the Morrisons Great North From July, some of our leisure Run, which last year became the In the afternoon, the Gateshead centre opening times will change. first running event in the world to Quayside is transformed into an Up to date information can be celebrate its millionth finish. outdoor athletics arena, as the found at www.gateshead.gov.uk/ leisure or pop into your local centre For further information visit greatrun.org/north and greatcitygames.org for details.
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 31 WHAT’S ON Highlights
¡VAMOS! Festival Gateshead Heritage – A History in SummerTyne Americana Festival 4 – 14 June Pictures Exhibition 17 – 19 July Until 27 June Various locations across Newcastle Sizzling celebration of American music and Gateshead. St Mary’s Heritage Centre, open in and around Sage Gateshead. Taking Tuesday – Saturday, 10am - 4pm. to the stage will be a host of Americana ¡ VAMOS! Is a festival that celebrates legends as well as a plethora of newer Prints and pictures of Gateshead as it used Spanish and Portuguese speaking breakthrough acts. cultures in Newcastle and Gateshead, to be, from the industrial heritage and urban combining cuisine, art, film, theatre, streets to the changing face of the river and A taste of this year’s acts include dance, music, literature, fashion, sport the countryside. A small number of mounted Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, and education. prints are on sale. Roseanne Cash and The Shires. www.vamosfestival.com www.gateshead.gov.uk/heritagecentre www.sagegateshead.com
Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 June June North East Retro Gaming (NERG) July
Monday 8 June Gateshead International Stadium, Step Monday 6 – Saturday 11 July John Barrowman back in time for a full weekend of pure Ladies of Spirit by Georgina Reid Sage Gateshead, 7pm. All-round old school gaming. Entertain yourself Little Theatre, Saltwell View, 7pm. entertainer John Barrowman appears with a choice of over 100 different Tickets £8 (concessions available), in concert in support of his new album arcade classics. All set to free play! Day contact 0191 478 1499 or email which features new arrangements of tickets £15 plus booking fee. [email protected] many of John’s favourite songs. www.northeastretrogaming.com Saturday 11 July Wednesday 10 June Thursday 25 June Whickham Fake Festival Party in the Park Blooming Great Tea Party Returning to Fellside Park for a second A Gateshead Carers Week event - free Come along to your local library, enjoy year the Whickham Fake Festival brings fun for all the family with live music, our tea party and raise funds for Marie you world-class tributes to the Foo lawn games, a prize scavenger hunt Curie. Whickham Library, 10am, Leam Fighters, Queen and Oasis - all in a and for the first time ever, Scrufts Dog Lane Library, 10.30am and Birtley giant marquee with a bar and outside Show! From 11am-2pm, at Pets Corner, Library, 2.30pm. Gateshead Central entertainment zone. 12.30-11pm Saltwell Park. Library event is on 26 June, 10am. Free. For more information and tickets visit Friday 12 June Saturday 27 June www.fakefestivals.co.uk Celebration BBQ SkyRide, NewcastleGateshead Quayside Saturday 12 July A Gateshead Carers Week event - BBQ Blaydon Open Summer Rose at Carers’ Allotment, Plot 42, Sandown Join us for a traffic-free bike ride. and Flower Show Allotments, Arkle Street, 11am-2pm. All There’ll be loads of free things for the The Winlaton Centre, North Street, welcome. www.gatesheadcarers.com whole family to do on the day, so get 1-5pm. Admission free and free parking. call 0191 490 0121 email enquiries@ your bikes ready and come along! For details call 0191 433 8100 or email gatesheadcarers.com www.goskyride.com/newcastle [email protected] Saturday 20 June Sunday 28 June Summer Ceilidh Saltwell Park Stroll At St Mary’s Visitor Centre, 7.30- Saltwell Park, 2.30pm. Walk around this 10.30pm with the Sunniside Up! Ceilidh beautiful Victorian park discovering Band and caller Pam Gibb. £5 Box stories of past and present. Meet and Office: 0191 433 6965 or buy online at finish at park entrance opposite the www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson Little Theatre. £4 adults, over 60s. £3, accompanied under 16s free. No need to book.
32 Gateshead Council News Summer 2015 WHAT’S ON
Until 12 July Until Tuesday 4 August Thursday 20 August Tony Swain: Undetailed Progress Great North Greats Powerfruit At BALTIC. Tony Swain uses familiar This exhibition at Gateshead Blaydon Library, 10.30am Create sections of newspaper that are pieced International Stadium tells the story amazing electrical currents using together as a support for paintings of of individuals and communities of the everyday fruit and vegetables at our fragmented landscapes and abstract North East and their everyday triumphs silly science workshop. For ages 8-12. patterns that are fixed onto gallery and groundbreaking achievements. Tickets £3. To book call 0191 433 6965 walls. Free, Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat/Sun or buy online at 7am-7pm. www.gnrmillion.org or email www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson Saturday 18 July [email protected] Salvation Army Community Day Saturday 22 August Never Mind the Ramones 2: Sunderland Road, 10 .30am-1pm. August Music and Spoken Word Event Lots of stands, free refreshments, kids activities All free! Thursday 6 August Gateshead Central Library, 12noon. Minecraft Mayhem Following the success of last year’s Saturday 18 July event, come along and enjoy an Crawcrook Library, 11am. Bring your Saturday Special: Wizard of Oz afternoon of fabulous local music and tablet or phone and create worlds to performance poetry. There will be Blaydon Library, 11am. Follow the share with your friends throughout the an eclectic range of stalls, children’s yellow brick road to Blaydon and join summer holidays. Free fun for 7-11 year activities and refreshments. Free. us for an exciting, fun-filled event. olds. Fortnightly throughout August. Dress as your favourite Oz character Saturday 30 August and have a chance of a prize. Get your Friday 14 August Whickham Autumn Show ruby slippers on and come and join the Storytime at St Mary’s Heritage fun. Free admission but small charge for Centre St Mary’s Centre, Church Chare, activities. Whickham. 2-5pm. Presentations of St Mary’s Heritage Centre, 10.30am. prizes and raffle, 4.30pm. Free. For Bring your baby or toddler and enjoy Friday 24 July details call 0191 433 8100 or email our popular rhyme and storytime. Lasts Northern Pride presents www.gateshead.gov.uk Acoustic Pride about 30 minutes with refreshments available afterwards. Just turn up! Celebration of the contribution, talent Runs every Friday until 31 December. September and individuality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, Monday 7 - Saturday 12 September featuring Carol Laula and Gina Le Faux. Get Up and Ties Your Fingers by At St Mary’s Heritage Centre, 7.30pm. Ann Coburn Tickets £9 from Northern Pride Little Theatre, Saltwell View, 7pm. www.northern-pride.com/shop/tickets Tickets £8 (concessions available), Friday 31 July – Sunday 2 August contact 0191 478 1499 or email [email protected] Rock Ridge Rumble Thursday 20 August 1950s Rockin’ weekender, Burdon Plain, Creatures Up Close Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September Marley Hill. Four day event featuring Central Library, 2pm and 2.45pm. Get Great North Run the UK’s top rock n roll/rockabilly bands, hands on with some amazing insects, The most high profile half marathon together with some of the country’s amphibians and reptiles. Borrow a book in the world returns on 13 September finest DJs spinning the wax. Held in and find out more about some of the welcoming 52,000 runners to the North a large marquee with free camping exotic creatures. For ages 5+. East from all over the world. Great North included on site in the ticket price. For Tickets £3. To book call 0191 433 6965 City Games and Junior Great North Run details visit www.rockridgeevents.co.uk or buy online at hosted on 12 September. Find out more www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson at www.greatrun.org
For full listings or to book tickets at This is just a taste of events across For latest exhibitions and events at Sage Gateshead call 0191 443 4661 or Gateshead. For more see BALTIC visit www.balticmill.com visit www.sagegateshead.com www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson
If you want to advertise an event for free please add your listing to the community website www.OurGateshead.org
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 33 THE NORTH EAST’S BIGGEST 10k sunday 5 JULY ENTER AT greatrun.org
WANTED! Volunteers for Gateshead Make 2015 your year to become a volunteer
To find out more contact 0191 433 3255 [email protected] www.gateshead.gov.uk/volunteering www.do-it.org.uk Let’s Ride Newcastle Gateshead Saturday 27 June NewcastleGateshead Quayside 11am – 3pm Ride Gateshead and Newcastle on BE THE traffic free streets. Sign up at goskyride.com VOLUNTEER BRITISH TRANSPLANT GAMES 30TH JULY TO 2ND AUGUST 2015 NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD Join in this celebration of life and help to show off our great region by becoming a Games Ambassador. Download an application form at: www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk Call: 0191 433 8112 Email: [email protected]
4720 BTG Volunteer Advert.indd 1 03/03/2015 11:33
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Hub number: 0800 014 9092 Landline: 0191 283 1145 Email: [email protected] www.ourgateshead.org hpac.gateshead.gov.uk livewellgateshead @LiveWellGhead STOP DON’T WASTE YOUR RECYCLING
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