CL print - Newcastle City Council

Welcome
To the July/August edition of
Citylife magazine.
I just want to say a huge welcome to
Anna Foster from Metro Radio who has
kindly agreed to find time in her hectic
“rock ‘n’ roll” life to have a bit of a
gossip with us.
Well, Summer is here and things are
hotting up! In this edition we tell you
all about our Summer sports activities,
so get your trainers on for some fitness
and fun.
On a more serious note - do you know
your local councillor? Find out who they
are and how to contact them. And on
page 28 meet our new Lord Mayor and
hear about his sporting challenge.
Before I go, I would just like to
congratulate Jane Bell who features on
our front cover. She works for us and
has just won Apprentice of the Year –
what a star!
Well, have a smashing summer and the
Citylife team will look forward to
speaking to you in September.
Kind regards
Julie Knox – Editor, Citylife.
Competition Winners
From the March/April’s Citylife
Moscow Ballet performs Swan Lake winners were: L Gordon,
Gosforth; N Slee, Newcastle upon Tyne; C, Sunderland;
R Rosenquist, Newcastle upon Tyne; K Kirby, North Tyneside;
M Easton, Hillhead Estate; B Gray, Chapel House; D Ash,
Newbiggin Hall Estate; S Elliott, Lemington; J Espie, High
Heaton; B Harker, Fenham; and M Hayward, Gosforth.
Getting Spiritual - clairvoyant competition winners were:
S Burnip, Jesmond; E Stirling, Heaton; K Horwood, High
Heaton; G Heron, Chapel House; A Whitley, Blakelaw;
K Leckey, West Denton; and M Atkinson, Fawdon.
The Gusto restaurant and bar competition was won by
I Coghill, Gosforth. The Beach Boys competition was won
by S Elliot, Lemington. D Willia, Throckley won a pair of
tickets to see Guo Yue as did J Black, Gosforth. E Storey,
Fenham and S Murphy, Brunswick Village won a pair of
tickets each to see the Tianjin Opera Troupe.
From the May/June edition Citylife
The Lennex Davis competition has been withdrawn as his
concerts at Gosforth Civic Hall were cancelled. The winners
of the Great North Miners book were: L Totton, West
Denton; A Hamilton, NE2; and S Mooney, High Heaton.
The tickets to see Oh! What a Night were won by P Robson,
Walkergate; L Watson, Heaton; and A Frizzell, Hillheads
Estate. We’ll bring you the winner of the Bindi competition
in the next issue of Citylife.
Front cover:
Jane Bell, Apprentice of the Year
Design by Paul Burgess Graphic Design
Photos by Steve Brock (unless otherwise credited)
Citylife is produced by
Newcastle City Council
and printed by NCJ
Media Ltd.
Contents
6 Help with rent and
council tax
8 Our new recycling
scheme
12 Know your
councillors
19 Summer reading
challenge
30 Be cyberbullying
aware
33 Have your say
on alcohol
34 Better support
for carers
36 Newcastle’s
first Pride
Parade
If you’ve got any
questions or suggestions
for Citylife, we want to
hear from you. Please call
0191 211 5073 or email:
citylife@newcastle.gov.uk
Useful numbers
Newcastle City Council switchboard
0191 232 8520
Council Tax and Housing Benefit enquiries
0845 111 4101
Payments for Council Tax; parking fines;
and other council bills (debit and credit
cards only) 0845 111 4199
Envirocall – the one-stop environmental
hotline 0191 274 4000
Neighbourhood Helpline 0300 1000 101
Find out more at www.newcastle.gov.uk
If you would like a free
copy of Citylife in large
print or on tape, please
call 0191 211 5073.
19
34
Gordon enjoys the
carers’ day out
Citylife info
There are six issues of Citylife every year.
The next edition is due out at the end of
August.
Contacting us
You can contact Citylife by:
Phone: 0191 211 5073
Email: citylife@newcastle.gov.uk
Post: Freepost CITYLIFE
Distribution
Citylife is supposed to be distributed to
every home and business in Newcastle. If
you are not getting your copy, or you know
someone who isn't, please let us know.
Phone 0191 211 5073. We sometimes have
problems delivering Citylife to flats and
houses of multiple occupation because we
cannot get access to them. If you live in a
flat and would like to discuss this problem
with us, phone 0191 211 5073.
2 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 3

NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...
Citylife podcast
Too busy to read Citylife? You can listen on-line or
download our podcast to your mp3 player. Go to
www.newcastle.gov.uk/citylife
What a load of rubbish
Every day we pick up around 27 tonnes of litter from our
streets, that's the equivalent of four double-decker buses,
every 24 hours.
Our staff do a great job, but we'd like
you to do your bit to make our city
look even cleaner and greener.
Our surveys tell us that dropping
rubbish is near the top of your list of
bugbears about living in Newcastle.
That's why we've developed a zerotolerance
approach to litter-bugs. If
we catch you dropping litter, and that
includes anything from a crisp wrapper
to a cigarette end, anywhere in the
city you'll be slapped with a £50 fine
and a possible court appearance.
But tough enforcement is only part
of the solution, we’re also
Search for a Star
encouraging people to change their
ways and stop treating the city like a
giant rubbish tip.
Our environmental campaign,
ourNewcastle, aims to make you aware
of the difference you can make, by
taking part in clean-ups or by
recycling as much as possible. See
pages 8 to 11.
The message is simple, from recycling
waste to picking up litter to saving
energy, if it will make our
environment more enjoyable or help
preserve it for future generations, we
want you to do it.
✁
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They work in ...................................................................................
Please tell us why you think they should get an award ............................
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What makes them shine? ....................................................................
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Your name .......................................................................................
Your address ....................................................................................
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Once you've completed the coupon send it to: Freepost CITYLIFE
Search for a Star. Don’t forget to put all your coupons in one envelope.
Please note: Competition is open to nominations for Newcastle City
Council staff only.
High Level
Bridge
The High Level Bridge reopened
on May 30 to great fanfare and
few will be happier than the
city’s pedestrians, cyclists and
bus travellers.
Not only is the treasured Grade 1
listed structure back in action to
provide a quick, direct link between
the centres of Newcastle and
Gateshead, but it’s also free from the
cars and lorries which can make daily
journeys an ordeal.
After a complex, three-year
restoration, the public transport-only
route, one-way from north to south,
will preserve Robert Stephenson’s
classic structure for another 50 years.
Gone is the single carriageway, with
buses slowing to a crawl to inch past
each other on the narrow lanes. Buses
and taxis are now restricted to 20mph,
making the experience all the more
pleasant.
And whilst a few commercial and
business drivers are unhappy that they
can’t cross the bridge, this is for
important safety reasons. We can all
feel lucky that the bridge is back in
service. At a cost of £40 million, the
bridge’s owners Network Rail had to
dig deep into their pockets to ensure
the viability of the project.
So next time you cross the bridge and
gaze at the spectacular views of the
quaysides, enjoy it to the full.
Udecide
Newcastle City Council’s
Udecide team is celebrating
after scooping an award for
“Innovative Engagement”.
Presented by the Academy for
Sustainable Communities, the award
recognises a locally run pilot scheme
where children and young people were
allocated a pot of public money and
were given the the opportunity to
decide how to spend it.
The inclusive process involved children
aged from three to19, from a wide
variety of backgrounds and
geographical areas of the city. In all,
£120,000 was made available from the
Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.
More than 2,000 children and young
people were involved with the project,
helping to influence ideas for events
and later voting on them.
The scheme was integral to a
successful Big Lottery bid, which
generated more than £1m for play in
Newcastle over three years.
In addition, in May 2008 Udecide gave
children a say over the allocation of
£2.2m of Children’s Fund monies for
the city.
Other supported projects ranged from
samba drums for a special school and a
play area at a project for homeless
families, to kit for a boys' and girls'
boxing club
and trim
tracks at a
number of
schools.
City for Peace
Thursday 10 July sees the launch of Newcastle - City for Peace,
a celebration of friendship between people and communities.
There will be music, dance and films
plus stalls and stands from a wide
range of organisations and
communities. The Lord Mayor of
Newcastle will officially launch City for
Peace, with the help of celebrity
guests.
Why not come along, enjoy the fun
and help celebrate everything that
makes Newcastle a neighbourly and
inclusive city? There's no need to
book, just come to the Banqueting
Hall of the Civic Centre between 10am
and 3pm on 10 July.
City for Peace has the backing of many
groups in Newcastle committed to
working for understanding, respect and
harmony among all our people and
communities.
The idea came from Hari Shukla, an
honorary freeman of Newcastle ‘The
aim is to focus attention on those who
are disadvantaged and discriminated
against’ said Hari ‘from the victims of
racism, homophobia or bullying to
those excluded by circumstances such
as homelessness, poverty or disability’
‘We're asking all citizens to play their
part. It's a great city but we can do
more - will you commit yourself to
working for understanding and respect?’
For more information phone Angela
Hamilton on 0191 211 5019 or email
angela.hamilton@newcastle.gov.uk
Meet
Anna Foster
Firstly can I start by saying it
is a miracle that I have made
it to print!
Yes when Julie, the lovely editor of
Citylife, offered me the chance to talk
to you every couple of months in a
brand new column I jumped at the
opportunity but did worry that being a
mother, wife, cleaner, cook, slave to
Tony Horne in the Morning on Metro
Radio and athlete in training for The
Great North Run, time would indeed
run away with me. However, here I
am, ready and raring to go...well as
A sign of fire safety
Pupils at Northern Counties School in Jesmond, Newcastle
have been the first in Tyne and Wear to have a fire safety talk
with a difference.
Firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and
Rescue Service recently visited the school, to
deliver a fire safety lesson in sign language.
While the Service has an ongoing education
programme, this was the first time sessions
have been communicated in sign language.
Northern Counties School provides
education and care for children with complex
communication needs, including a large
number of deaf children who use sign
language.
Children saw a specially subtitled fire safety
video, a chip pan fire demonstration and had
a look around a fire appliance.
Watch Manager Steve Graham, whose six year
old son, Euan, is profoundly deaf and attends
the school, went along to help his colleagues
by signing what they said to the children.
Steve explains: "The children really enjoyed
having fire appliances at the school.
Capturing their imagination with exciting
displays helped us get across our serious fire
raring as you can be when you get up
at twenty five past four every day!!
The last few weeks have been fairly
hectic in the Foster household, as well
as living the “rock ‘n’ roll” lifestyle of
a thirty five year old mother of three
(that is to say lots of ferrying,
washing and hoovering!) I have also
been pretty busy in and out of the
studio.
For the second year in a row I spent
the middle of June hosting the
MetroCentre fashion shows which was
good fun. However, being surrounded
by size eight, 20 year olds is never
good for a lass’s confidence. So I did
what every self respecting girl does in
that situation, I gorged myself on
some rather splendid comfort food at
Newcastle’s newest restaurant, Starters
and Puds.
It’s just next to The Theatre Royal on
Shakespeare Street and is situated
underground which makes it a cosy
place to eat. I had mini sticky toffee,
chocolate torte, banoffee pie and
treacle tart! You can try spanish
meatballs, steamed mussels or Thai
spring rolls, what the heck, have em
all! Plus any establishment that has
leopard print loo seats is worth a
return visit in my book!
After all that unashamed eating, I
have balanced out the guilt by
starting to train for this years Great
North Run. I will once again be
Competition
donning my two bras and unattractive
leggings to pound the streets from
Newcastle to South Shields.
As ever I will be running for Metro
Radio’s charity Cash for Kids and hope
to raise lots of money this year. If you
fancy getting fit, losing weight and
supporting children in our area, then
email me at Anna.Foster@metro
radiouk.com and you could be a part
of the very slow Team Foster!!
Of course, with the summer hols
looming if you are a parent like me
you will be desperate to find ways of
entertaining your offspring over the
next couple of months.
I have always been a big fan of The
Laing Art Gallery is really worth a
safety messages."
Kevin Gardner, District Manager for Newcastle
said: "Trying to prevent fires from happening
through education is a major part of the work
we do, and reaching vulnerable groups who
may be at greater risk of fire is a priority for us."
The school’s headteacher, Judith James,
said: "We are very grateful to Tyne and Wear
Fire and Rescue Service for providing this
unique lesson to our pupils. They learnt a
huge amount and we’re delighted this has
happened."
Kevin continued: “Tyne and Wear Fire and
Rescue Service does more than put out fires
and carry out rescues. The Service also
works to prevent them from happening in
the first place. This is just one example how
we do this.”
For more information on how to stay
safe from fire visit www.twfire.gov.uk or
www.direct.gov.uk/firekills
We have a meal for two to give away to the fabulous
new bistro Starters and Puds. To enter our competition
just answer the following question: Where is the new
Starters and Puds bistro situated?
Northumberland Street Westgate Road Shakespeare Street
Name ...............................................................................................
Address ............................................................................................
........................................................................................................
Post Code ............................ Phone ...................................................
Send to Freepost CITYLIFE by 25 July.
Remember to put all of your coupons into one envelope
✁
visit. Entry is free and there are lots
of arty activities on over the summer
to keep the bairns from driving you
crazy.
Tony is heading for sunny Australia,
but the show will be in the capable
hands of Brian Moore, the Dogsbody
and myself. So, please drop me an
email at the above address over the
summer. I will reply but I must warn
you my typing is just like my running
...Very slow!
Happy holidays!
Anna xx
Steve Graham with his son Euan
4 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 This article is paid for by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service 5

Are you a
benefit
claimant?
If you are, we need you to tell us
about any changes in your
circumstances which could affect
your Housing and Council Tax Benefit.
Changes in circumstances you need to tell us:
• If you change address.
• If you stop or start receiving Income
Support or Jobseekers Allowance.
• If there are changes to members of the
household. For example births, deaths or
people moving in or out.
• Details of any benefits awarded or benefits
ending. These include Working and Child
Tax Credits, Incapacity Benefit, Disability
Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance,
Industrial Injuries, Carer’s Allowance, Child
Benefit, Severe Disablement Benefit and
Retirement Pension.
• If you start or stop work for any reason.
• If your landlord changes the amount of
rent you are charged.
• If there is a significant change in your
savings or investments, either they go up
or down. These include any bank,
building society, ISAs, shares, bonds,
savings certificates, and so on.
• If you buy or sell a property or if you rent
one out.
This list is a guide only. If you are in doubt
about what change should be reported
please phone us on 0845 111 4101 for advice.
How to report a change
• Phone – 0845 111 4101;
• In person at any of our customer service
centres;
• Email – benefits@newcastle.gov.uk; or
• In writing - Housing and Council Tax
Benefits, P.O. Box 1UP, Newcastle Upon
Tyne, NE99 1UP.
Changes to Housing
Benefit for private
tenants
The government has changed Housing
Benefit to make it fairer and easier to use.
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a new
way of working out Housing Benefit for
some tenants on a low income who live in
private rented accommodation.
The change affects tenants renting their
home from a private landlord. LHA applies
when a private tenant makes a new claim for
Housing Benefit. LHA also applies if a
private tenant already claims Housing
Benefit and they change address or have a
break in their existing claim for more than
one week.
LHA is based on:
• the area the tenant lives in and the rents
most people in the area are paying;
• who lives in the property; and
• what money the tenant has coming in
and what savings they have.
It is not be based on how much rent is
charged (but on a flat rate allowance known
as the Broad Rental Market which is set by
the Rents Service).
In most cases Housing Benefit is paid direct
to the person claiming Housing Benefit. And
wherever possible it is paid directly into a
bank account. It is up to them to then pay
their rent directly to their landlord. If you do
not have a bank account, you can get advice
on how to open an account from us.
For more information contact the Benefits
service on 0845 111 4101 or e-mail
benefits@newcastle.gov.uk
Make the
move to Direct
Debit and
discover the
easiest way to
pay your
Council Tax!
Why pay by Direct Debit?
Paying your Council Tax by Direct
Debit saves us time and money,
helping us pass these savings onto
you.
There are many other reasons why
you should make the move to Direct
Debit.
It’s more convenient
• Saves you time – no more trips to
our offices.
• No queues, no fuss, no stress.
• Choice of three dates to pay each
month.
For peace of mind
• Your bill is paid automatically.
• No chance of forgetting to pay.
It’s safer and more secure
• No need to carry cash payments.
• Gives you greater control over
your money.
• You get the Direct Debit
guarantee.
How do I apply?
Paying your Council Tax by Direct
Debit couldn’t be easier! All you
need is a bank or building society
account then just fill in the form
enclosed in your Council Tax bill and
send it back to us.
If you can’t wait that long, call us on
0845 111 4199 or visit your local
customer service centre and we’ll
give you a form to fill in.
You can also find the form for paying
Council Tax by Direct Debit at
www.newcastle.gov.uk/
counciltaxdirectdebit
And, more information on Council Tax
is available from
www.newcastle.gov.uk/counciltax
Contact Centre offers a
five star service!
Staff in the corporate Contact Centre are delighted with a new
survey that asked customers how well they are doing. One customer
said “This was a five star service” and another said “I’d give the
Contact Centre ten out of ten.”
Our corporate Contact Centre currently deals
with calls to the switchboard, Council Tax and
Housing Benefit enquiries, parking payments,
e-payments and the new Neighbourhood
Helpline. We handle 900,000 calls each year
and we are looking to expand the range of
services we offer.
Around 400 customers took part in the
survey and researchers phoned them to ask
questions about how helpful, polite and
knowledgeable Contact Centre staff are. 91%
of customers said they were satisfied with
the overall service provided.
We also consulted residents taking part in a
citywide customer service focus group about
their experience of contacting us by phone.
One commented “I would suggest that the
council encourage people to use the
telephone more often…”. Another said “I
rang about Council Tax because I wanted to
change the day of payment. I received a
follow up call to see how the prior call had
gone …that is good service!”
In fact, 95% of customers found our Contact
Centre staff to be helpful. Councillors were
also given an opportunity to have their say
and one remarked, “As far as I can assess,
my constituents receive a better service due
to the Contact Centre.”
The research included a number of ‘mystery
callers’ carried out by experienced
researchers posing as customers.
A massive 98% of customers are satisfied
with the opening hours of the Contact
Centre. Phone calls are taken from 8am to
6pm, Monday to Friday so that customers
arriving home from work can call to speak to
an experienced officer.
Staff in the Contact Centre have not stopped
to catch their breath, though! Earlier this year,
the council decided to keep the non
emergency helpline going – after the
government withdrew funding. It had proved
a popular and successful service with local
people. It was re-launched as the
Neighbourhood Helpline on a new number
0300 1000 101. This 24 hour service deals with
council related anti-social behaviour such as
noise nuisance, litter, vandalism and so on.
But we’re not stopping there - by the end of
this year we hope to have gained national
recognition for our efforts by getting the
Customer Service Excellence Standard
(formerly known as Charter Mark).
Councillor Anita Lower, Executive Member
for Community Safety and Regulation said "I
am extremely pleased by the positive
feedback we have been given. The whole
team has worked exceptionally hard to build
a good reputation and now our customers
are letting us know just how good they think
the service is. It's a fantastic result for our
Contact Centre."
Setting the standard
in customer service
For several years now, customer service
centres (CSCs) across Newcastle have been
dealing with face-to-face enquiries from
customers. Residents, visitors and
businesses use the centres to contact us for
information and advice about over 90 council
services. We regularly ask customers for
their views on how we are doing.
Once again, the results of our customer
satisfaction surveys are outstanding this year.
We asked customers how helpful and
efficient our staff are, if they felt they were
treated fairly and how satisfied they were
with our overall service. Our Outer West CSC
even scored 100% on two of their results,
being helpful and efficient. Whilst at Kenton
CSC, 99% of customers surveyed felt they
were treated fairly. Staff at the Civic Centre
CSC continue to deliver consistently high
quality services each year, scoring 97 % for
helpfulness, efficiency and fairness. The
popular East End CSC is well used and
appreciated by its customers with 94% of
respondents satisfied with the overall service
they received. Staff at the East End CSC are
looking forward to moving into a new larger
building just a few doors away at the end of
the year which will provide more private
interview rooms and more payment points to
improve levels of service.
6 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 7

Recycling gets rolling
Our new recycling scheme – which will replace the
black boxes with new recycling wheelie bins - hit the
streets last month. We’re already seeing improvements
in the amount of materials we collect.
David’s
boxing
clever
David Large of
Walker is delighted
with the new
system
“We’re keen recyclers and
it’s great to be able to
recycle so much on our
doorstep. We’re especially
pleased that you can now
recycle cardboard as well
as paper so easily.”
How to use your new
recycling wheelie bin
Your recycling wheelie bin comes with a black caddy
which sits inside the top of your bin.
Use the caddy for:
Use the main part of the bin for:
Remember:
Glass goes in the caddy, NOT the bin.
The materials in the main part of the
bin are sorted by hand, so any glass
put in this section could cause injuries.
It could also lead to the paper and
cardboard collected being contaminated
with glass. If this happens, the paper
mills won’t recycle it.
United fans score
in the Recycle
and Win draw!
Three generations of a Toon-barmy family scored big time
when they enjoyed a VIP day out at the Newcastle v
Chelsea match after winning the top prize in the Recycle
and Win! prize draw.
Why
recycle?
We can dump valuable materials
in a hole in the ground or we can
recycle them. It’s not a difficult
choice is it? But just in case you
need some more persuasion…
• One recycled tin can would save
enough energy to power a
television for three hours.
• One recycled glass bottle would
save enough energy to power a
computer for 25 minutes.
• One recycled plastic bottle would
save enough energy to power a 60-
watt light bulb for 3 hours.
• £36m worth of aluminium is thrown
away each year.
• Glass is 100% recyclable and can
be used again and again.
• Recycled paper produces 73% less
air pollution than if it was made
from raw materials.
• It takes just 25, two litre pop bottles
to make one adult-size fleece.
Don’t forget: You can also make a
difference by buying less; choosing
products with less packaging; re-using
things instead of throwing them away;
and buying recycled products.
We’ve started collections in Gosforth,
Lemington, Newburn and Walker and
we’ll be extending the service to the
whole city over the next nine months.
In the meantime, please do your bit
and carry on using your black box
until you get your wheelie bin. If you
The new recycling bin and inner caddy
don’t have a black box, let us know
and we’ll get one out to you.
Don’t worry – we won’t be wasting the
black boxes. We’ll be using the ones
we collect from residents during the
roll-out as spares and then recycling
them when we’ve finished.
If you have any questions about the recycling collection or if you
don’t have a black box, contact The Bin Hotline.
Phone: 0191 278 3022 or 278 3023 (8.30am – 6pm Monday –
Friday) email: binhotline@newcastle.gov.uk
David Cox, 61, of Newburn won 5
seats and meals in Reed Print's
Gallowgate Club Suite at St James'
Park. Mr Cox shared his prize with his
two children, son-in-law and grandson
who are all lifetime supporters of
Newcastle United.
Mr Cox (pictured above), a retired
firefighter, and his whole family have
all been keen recyclers since we
launched our recycling service in 2003.
Mr Cox said: "The day was fantastic
from start to finish. We still can't
believe we won this wonderful day out
- just for recycling. If more people
recycled, it would help the
environment and reduce Council Tax
waste bills!"
Mark Reed, Managing Director of Reed
Print added: "Reed Print actively
encourages our clients to use recycled
paper and paper from sustainable
forests. We're delighted that our
donation has helped to encourage
more people to take on board the
recycling message!"
Other lucky winners won a £500 cash
prize, three first class National Express
east coast rail tickets, organic
champagne and shopping vouchers.
The Recycle and Win! draw is open to
any Newcastle residents who use their
black recycling boxes or their new
wheelie bins. Just make sure you put
your box or bin out on collection day
and you could be a winner too!
8 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 9

Eager to help the
environment
Pedal-powered smoothies are on the menu at Kids’ Kabin
in Byker thanks to a £4000 grant from leading green
support services company Eaga.
we can actually go ahead’’ said Dan
Alliband from the BAN Waste group.
Eaga supports projects that educate,
raise awareness and demonstrate
engagement in addressing
environmental issues at a grass roots
level.
To find out more about making an
application, contact the Community
Foundation on 0191 222 0945.
Kids’ Kabin which provides activities
for children aged eight to 16, will run
a six-month project developing
environmental machines built around
bicycles. As well as the smoothie
maker, they’re planning to set up a
cycle-powered amplifier for the music
studio.
Will Benson from Kids Kabin said: “We
have been given a great opportunity
with this grant to allow children to use
creative approaches in understanding
environmental issues. Children learn in
different ways and by using this handson
method they can get a real grasp of
the amount of energy different
electrical appliances use.”
Eaga handed out a total of £80,000
with the help of the Community
Foundation to organisations around
the region in a bid to get their
environmental projects off the ground.
Newcastle Healthy City Project
received a £13,200 grant which the
BAN Waste project will use to work
with local communities on a range of
projects to reduce food waste.
One of the projects will be installing
wormeries – which use worms to
munch through food waste and turn it
into top quality compost – in five
locations across the city.
“We are delighted to receive this grant,
BAN Waste has been wanting to carry
out this work for some time and now
August Bank Holiday
Bin Collections
Normal
collection day
Monday 25 August
Tuesday 26 August
Wednesday 27 August
Thursday 28 August
Friday 29 August
Revised
collection day
Tuesday 26 August
Wednesday 27 August
Thursday 28 August
Friday 29 August
Saturday 30 August
These changes apply to your refuse, garden waste and
recycling wheelie bins.
There is no change to black box collections.
New website makes it easier
to report faulty streetlights
SEC Lighting Services, the company which maintains and replaces our
streetlights, has set up a new website.
You can find out more about the streetlight replacement and report
faults online. www.lightsoninnewcastleandnorthtyneside.co.uk/
Laura Armstrong, from Eaga helps out Will Benson and some Kabin crew
The Spacenet
Pupil power takes park
into the space age
Summer visitors to the Iris Brickfield community park in
Heaton will be able to enjoy a great new range of play
equipment which was all chosen by local children.
We had £50,000 to spend - £45,000
from the developers of Chillingham
Garden Village and £5000 from the
local ward committees.
We wanted to make sure that we spent
the money on things the community
wanted. So we asked local schools,
nurseries, park users and community
groups what they’d like to see.
They came up with some great ideas
and the park now has bird and bat
boxes and an improved pond. We have
also put in new recycled plastic
benches and bins around the park.
There was £45,000 set aside for play
equipment – enough for three
separate pieces. We wanted pupils at
Chillingham Road and Ravenswood
Primary Schools to choose how we
used it so we worked with Udecide to
give them a vote.
We gave every child in both schools a
leaflet with pictures and descriptions
of seven different pieces of
equipment. They told us which ones
they liked best – and least - by
ticking smiley or sad faces.
This gave us a short-list of five. Our
Enviro-Schools team and Stephen
Green, the local Neighbourhood
Response Manager, then organised a
special event for 30 pupils from each
school in partnership with the
Udecide Team.
The children saw presentations on
each piece of equipment and asked
questions about them. They then
voted for or against each piece using
special electronic pads.
Their top three, which were being put
into the park as Citylife went to press,
were:
• Spacenet, a rope structure that kids
can climb;
• Funtrail, an adventure trail which
promotes fitness and active play;
and
• A selection of play equipment,
which includes a set of swings,
seesaws and roundabouts for young
children.
The Enviro-Schools team works with
schools across the city to help
children and young people learn
about caring for our environment
in a fun and enjoyable way. To find
out more, call Alistair Wilson on
0191 277 3572 or email:
alistair.wilson@newcastle.gov.uk
Our expert panel prepares to be grilled
Decision time
Casting their votes
What is Udecide?
Udecide is a new way of giving
children and young people more say
in Newcastle. You can find out more
on page 26.
10 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 11

Know your Councillors
Know
Benwell & Scotswood
Blakelaw
Fawdon
Fenham
Kenton
your
Councillors
Over the next four pages we
introduce you to the city’s
councillors and give you
details of their ward surgeries.
To get the latest ward surgery
information, call members’
services on 0191 211 5042.
Sir Jeremy
Beecham
DCL DL
Labour
39 The Drive
Gosforth
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE3 4AJ
0191 285 1888
Rob
Higgins
Labour
11 Highwood
Road
Denton Burn
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE15 7UR
0191 274 7623
Hazel
Stephenson
Labour
36 Thorntree
Drive
Denton Burn
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE15 7AR
0191 274 1159
Gerry
Keating
Liberal
Democrat
2 Lavender
Gardens
Jesmond
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 3DE
0191 281 8507
Philip
Lower
Liberal
Democrat
27 Oulton Close
Meadow Rise
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE5 4SX
0191 271 5625
Bill
Schardt
Liberal
Democrat
3 Maudlin Place
North Fenham
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE5 3LE
0191 242 1448
Ron
Clark
Liberal
Democrat
'Ruach' 32
Fawdon Lane
Fawdon
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE3 2AB
0191 284 4763
David
Faulkner
Liberal
Democrat
3 Bloomsbury
Court
Gosforth
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE3 4LW
0191 284 5662
Brenda
Hindmarsh
Liberal
Democrat
The Beeches
4 Fawdon Lane
Fawdon
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE3 2AA
0191 285 1528
Terry
Cooney
Labour
19 Caldew
Crescent
Slatyford Estate
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE5 2XN
0191 274 3696
Colin
Daglish
Liberal
Democrat
65 Netherby
Drive Fenham
Newcastle upon
Tyne NE5 2RU,
0191 274 8075
0191 274 6969
01670 855 983
PJ
Morrissey
Liberal
Democrat
15 Pangbourne
Close
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE15 8UX
0191 243 1426
Ged
Bell
Labour
c/o Members'
Services Unit
Room 150,
Civic Centre
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE99 2BN
0191 230 0399
Margaret
Carter
Labour
c/o Members'
Services Unit
Room 150,
Civic Centre
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE99 2BN
0191 284 8088
Stephen
Lambert
Labour
32 Ivy Road
Gosforth
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE3 1DB
0191 213 1641
Byker
Castle
Dene
Lemington
Newburn
North Heaton
George
Allison
Veronica
Dunn
Nick
Kemp
Ian
Graham
Ian
Laverick
Anita
Lower
Sharon
Bailey
Bob
Renton
Wendy
Taylor
Lawrence
Hunter
Liz
Langfield
Joanne
Park
Mike
Curthoys
Mike
Lynch
Linda
Wright
Doreen
Huddart
Karen
Robinson
Greg
Stone
Labour
113 Allendale
Road
Byker
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE6 2SY
0191 265 8995
Labour
18 Merchants
Wharf
St Peter's Basin
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE6 1TR
0191 276 1358
Labour
36 Ravenswood
Road
Heaton
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE6 5TU
0191 240 3068
0777 621 3186
Liberal
Democrat
5 Colnbrook
Close
Kingston Park
Newcastle upon
Tyne
NE3 2TP
0191 286 7869
Liberal
Democrat
21 Grey Street
Brunswick Village
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE13 7DT
0191 236 6818
0788 511 1146
Liberal
Democrat
27 Oulton Close
Meadow Rise
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE5 4SX
0191 271 5625
Liberal
Democrat
2 Heathdale
Gardens
High Heaton
Newcastle upon
Tyne NE7 7QR
0191 209 9992
0775 645 4291
Liberal
Democrat
36 Etherstone
Avenue
Cochrane Park
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE7 7JX
0191 266 5168
Liberal
Democrat
12 Boundary
Gardens
High Heaton
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE7 7AA
0191 281 7018
Liberal
Democrat
58 Combe Drive
West Denton
Park
Newcastle upon
Tyne NE15 8XD
0191 267 4156
0770 693 9999
Liberal
Democrat
41 Ingoe Street
Lemington
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE15 8DQ
0191 264 6738
0771 161 5262
Liberal
Democrat
16 Rokeby
Avenue
Lemington
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE15 8AE
0778 797 6480
Liberal
Democrat
5 Clipstone
Close
Throckley
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE15 9LU,
0191 267 4045
Liberal
Democrat
33 Apperley
Denton Park
Estate
Newcastle upon
Tyne NE5 2JT
0191 264 1376
0788 288 5047
Labour
27 Hewley
Crescent
Throckley
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE15 9PU
0191 267 3562
0752 255 1741
Liberal
Democrat
144 Biddlestone
Road
Heaton
Newcastle upon
Tyne NE6 5SP
0191 240 1084
0798 433 3804
Liberal
Democrat
441 Chillingham
Road
Heaton
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE6 5QU
0191 265 7813
Liberal
Democrat
28 Victoria
Street
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE4 7JU
0191 261 9753
0774 786 2582
Denton
East Gosforth
Elswick
North Jesmond
Ouseburn
Parklands
Peter
Arnold
Liberal
Democrat
30 Chapel
Grange
Westerhope
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE5 5NF
0191 264 4811
Graham
Middleton
Liberal
Democrat
c/o Room 150
Civic Centre
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE99 2BN
0191 243 4357
0799 970 0701
Sharon
Middleton
Liberal
Democrat
17 Styford
Gardens, South
West Denton
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE15 7RQ
0191 243 4357
Mike
Cookson
Liberal
Democrat
7 Honister
Avenue
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 3PA
0191 285 7725
0798 049 8445
Peter
Leggott
Liberal
Democrat
29 Keyes
Gardens
Jesmond
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 3RA
0191 285 8255
David
Slesenger
Liberal
Democrat
2 Westfield Park
Gosforth
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE3 4XX
0191 285 3337
Dipu
Ahad
Labour
37 Benwell
Grove
Benwell
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE4 8AN
0781 236 8173
Doreen
James
Labour
15 Dobson
Close
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE4 7EA
0191 273 3550
0785 1340 866
Derek
Malcolm
Labour
c/o Members'
Sevices Unit
Room 150,
Civic Centre
Newcastle upon
Tyne
NE99 2BN
0191 211 5042
Ron
Armstrong
Liberal
Democrat
73 Grosvenor
Avenue
Jesmond
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 2NQ
0191 281 0030
Peter
Breakey
Liberal
Democrat
57 Larkspur
Terrace
Jesmond
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 2DT
0191 281 9625
Catherine
Pagan
Liberal
Democrat
69 Osborne
Avenue
Jesmond
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 1JT
0191 281 4657
Gareth
Cooper
Liberal
Democrat
108 Heaton
Park Road
Heaton
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE6 5NR
0788 777 4666
Gareth
Kane
Liberal
Democrat
157 Stratford
Road
Heaton
Newcastle upon
Tyne NE6 5AS
0191 265 9850
0798 600 5382
Stephen
Psallidas
Liberal
Democrat
63 Teviotdale
Gardens
Heaton
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE7 7PX
0191 209 4115
David
Down
Liberal
Democrat
9 Chelton Close
Hazlerigg
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE13 7NF
0191 236 3161
0780 956 6995
Diane
Packham
Liberal
Democrat
9 Moorfield
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 3NL
0191 285 0454
John
Shipley OBE
Liberal
Democrat
Leader of the
Council’s Office
Civic Centre
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE99 2BN
0191 211 5151
12 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 13

Know your Councillors
Know your Councillors - Ward Surgeries
Christopher
Bartlett
Labour
77 Roseberry
Crescent
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 1EX
0191 209 4352
0796 756 4595
Pauline
Allen
Liberal
Democrat
45 Laburnum
Avenue
Walkerville
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE6 4PP
0191 263 5947
Nick
Forbes
Labour
Labour Group
Office
Room 254
Civic Centre
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE99 2BN
0191 211 5154
South Heaton
Henri
Murison
Labour
Flat 3
40 Chillingham
Road
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE6 5BJ
0191 228 9251
Walkergate
Peter
Allen
Liberal
Democrat
45 Laburnum
Avenue
Walkerville
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE6 4PP
0191 263 5947
Westgate
Joanne
Kingsland
Labour
34 Valley View
Jesmond
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 2JS
0191 212 1076
Geraldine
Ormonde
Labour
c/o Room 150
Civic Centre
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE99 2BN,
0191 211 5042
Dave
Besag
Liberal
Democrat
24 Glenthorn
Road
Jesmond
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 3HN
0191 281 0685
Geoff
O'Brien
Labour
6 Percy Terrace
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE3 1RS
0191 285 9882
0191 227 3745
Chris
Boyle
Liberal
Democrat
3 Mowbray
Street
Heaton
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE6 5NY
0775 369 1204
Nick
Cott
Liberal
Democrat
11 Broomfield
Road, Gosforth
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE3 4HH,
0191 246 1571
0774 085 1241
Irim
Ali
Labour
8 Middleton
Avenue
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE4 9NB,
0191 241 4489
South Jesmond
Bob
Walker
Liberal
Democrat
6 Manor House
Road
Jesmond
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 2LU
0191 281 4657
West Gosforth
Bill
Shepherd RD
Liberal
Democrat
27 Bath Terrace
Gosforth
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE3 1UH
0191 284 8473
Wingrove
Joyce
McCarty
Labour
166 Wingrove
Road
Fenham
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE4 9BX
0191 273 4727
Tom
Woodwark
Liberal
Democrat
34 Valley View
Jesmond
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 2JS
0191 429 8675
0789 999 1527
Jackie
Slesenger
Liberal
Democrat
2 Westfield Park
Gosforth
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE3 4XX
0191 285 3337
Nigel
Todd
Labour
1 Croydon Road
Fenham
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE4 5LN,
0191 273 6418
John Stokel-
Walker
Labour
1 Keyes Gardens
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE2 3RA
0191 285 3447
Marc
Donnelly
Liberal
Democrat
17 Ladybank
Chapel Park
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE5 1UH
0191 264 1302
0770 920 0804
Kevin
Graham
Labour
51 Yetholm
Place
Newbiggin Hall
Estate
Newcastle upon
Tyne NE5 4ED
0191 271 0126
0779 146 4476
Walker
Dave
Wood
Labour
51 Borrowdale
Avenue
Walkerdene
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE6 4HL
0191 263 0017
0780 123 1294
Westerhope
Neil
Hamilton
Liberal
Democrat
10 Ingleton
Drive
Throckley
Newcastle upon
Tyne NE15 9DR
0191 267 2448,
0777 956 0073
Woolsington
George
Pattison
Labour
202 Trevelyan
Drive
Newbiggin Hall
Estate
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE5 4BD
0777 182 6790
Margaret
Wood
Labour
51 Borrowdale
Avenue
Walkerdene
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE6 4HL
0191 263 0017
Pat
Hillicks
Liberal
Democrat
50 Grosvenor
Way, Highgrove
Westerhope
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE5 1RU
0191 267 0228
Sharon
Pattison
Labour
202 Trevelyan
Drive
Newbiggin Hall
Estate
Newcastle
upon Tyne
NE5 4BD
0788 161 1808
BENWELL AND SCOTSWOOD
2nd Saturday of each month:
Except August, December and Bank Holidays
Denton Burn Library, West Road 10am - 11am
3rd Saturday of each month:
Except August, December and Bank Holidays
Benwell Library, Atkinson Road 10am - 11am
4th Saturday of each month:
Except August, December and Bank Holidays
Ferguson's Lane Community Association
10am - 11am
BLAKELAW
1st, 3rd and 5th Monday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
Blakelaw Library, Binswood Avenue
5.45pm - 6.45pm
2nd and 4th Monday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
Fenham Library, Fenham Hall Drive
5.45pm - 6.45pm
BYKER
1st Saturday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
Byker Community Centre, Headlam Street,
Byker 10.30am - 11.30am
1st Saturday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
St Martin's Church Hall, Roman Avenue
9.30am - 10.30am
2nd Saturday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
Allendale Community Centre,
Allendale Road, Byker 10am - 11am
2nd Saturday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
The Chevron, Gordon Road 11am - 11.30am
Last Thursday of each month
The Willows Club, Scrogg Road 6pm - 7pm
CASTLE
1st Tuesday of each month
St John's Church, Kingston Park Shopping
Centre 6pm - 7pm
3rd Tuesday of each month
Robert Allen Court, Brunswick
6.15pm - 7.15pm
Brunswick, Hazlerigg and Dinnington
15 minutes before Parish Council meetings
See parish notice boards for variations
DENE
Last Thursday of each month*
(Except Christmas and New Year)
St Georges Church Hall, Boundary Gardens
6.30pm - 7.30pm
DENTON
Every 2nd and last Monday of each month:
Except Bank holidays and between
Christmas and New Year
Interview Room, Outer West Customer
Service Centre, West Denton Shopping
Centre 9.30am - 11am
EAST GOSFORTH
1st Saturday of each month
Street Stall on Gosforth High Street
(next to BOOTS) 10am - 12 noon
3rd Tuesday of each month
Gosforth Residents Association Community
Centre, Christon Road 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Other locations will be arranged in the
ward - see local community notice boards
Contact the Community Co-ordinator on
0191 211 6289
ELSWICK
2nd and 3rd Saturday of each month:
Except August
The Library, Cruddas Park Shopping Centre
11am - 12 noon
4th Saturday of each month: Except August
Benwell Health Resource Centre, Adelaide
Terrace 11am - 12 noon
FAWDON
Every Thursday Fawdon Community Centre,
Fawdon Park Road 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Second Monday of each month
Customer Service Centre, North Kenton
5.30pm - 6.30pm
FENHAM
1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays (LAB)
Slatyford Tenants Hall, Pooley Road
11am - 12noon
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays (LAB)
Fenham Library, Fenham Hall Drive
6pm - 7pm
1st Monday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays (LIB DEM)
Fenham Library, Fenham Hall Drive
5.45pm - 6.45pm
4th Saturday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays (LIB DEM)
Denton Residents Hall, Slatyford Lane
10am - 11am
KENTON
1st Saturday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
Kenton Bar Drop-in Centre, Mallowburn
Crescent 10.30am - 11.30am
1st Saturday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
Kenton Neighbourhood Centre, Hillsview
Avenue, North Kenton 10.30am - 11.30am
2nd Saturday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
Montagu Estate Residents Association
(MERA) Hall, Wyndley Place, Montagu Estate
10.30am - 11.30am
3rd Tuesday of each month: Except August
Cowgate Leisure Centre, Harehills Avenue
5.30pm - 6.30pm
LEMINGTON
1st Thursday of each month: Except August
Lemington Centre, Tyne View
10.30am - 12 noon
2nd Saturday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
Lemington Centre, Tyne View
10.30am - 11.30am
3rd Wednesday of each month: Except August
Waverley Primary School, Maple Close,
Dumpling Hall 6pm - 7.30pm
NEWBURN
1st Saturday of each month (LAB)
Blucher Methodist Church, Blucher Colliery
Road, Blucher Village 11am - 12 Noon
1st Wednesday of each month (LIB DEM)
Community Centre, corner of Newburn
Road/Park Road 10am - 11am
2nd Saturday of each month (LAB)
The Grange Centre, Newburn Road
11am - 12 Noon
2nd Wednesday of each month (LIB DEM) -
from July The Grange Centre, Newburn
Road, Throckley 10am - 11am
3rd Saturday of each month (LAB)
Newburn Library, High Street, Newburn
11am - 12 Noon
3rd Saturday of each month (LIB DEM)
Walbottle Institute, Walbottle Road,
Walbottle Village 10am - 11am
4th Saturday of each month (LIB DEM)
Blucher Methodist Church, Blucher Colliery
Road, Blucher Village 10am - 11am
4th Thursday of each month (LAB)
Walbottle Institute, Walbottle Road,
Walbottle Village 5.30pm - 6.30pm
NORTH HEATON
2nd Wednesday of each month*
(Except Christmas and New Year)
Ravenswood Youth Centre, Ravenswood
Road 6 pm-7.30 pm
NORTH JESMOND
1st Thursday of each month: Except August
Jesmond Library, St George's Terrace,
Jesmond 6pm
3rd Saturday of each month: Except August
Jesmond Library, St George's Terrace,
Jesmond 10am
OUSEBURN
2nd Monday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
Caring Hands, Wretham Place, Shieldfield
11.30am - 12.30pm
2nd Thursday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
United Reformed Church, Heaton
Road/Cardigan Terrace
6.30pm - 7.30pm
3rd Saturday of each month:
Except August and Bank Holidays
St Ann's Tenants Association Hut, Breamish
Street, Battlefield 10am -11am
PARKLANDS
1st Saturday of each month
Gosforth Library and Customer Service
Centre 11am - 12noon
3rd Wednesday of each month
Brunton Park Community Centre,
Princes Road 6.30pm
Councillors can also be contacted by
telephone at any reasonable time.
SOUTH HEATON
Last Friday of each month
Molineux Grafton Community Rooms,
Heaton Park Road 6pm-7pm
Last Saturday of each month
Charles Street Community Centre
9am - 10am
Last Saturday of each month
Trewitt Road Community Centre
10.30am - 11am
SOUTH JESMOND
No surgeries. Councillors can be contacted
at any reasonable time.
WALKER
1st Thursday of each month
Walker Library, Welbeck Road
6pm - 7pm
2nd and 4th Friday of each month
Lightfoot Sports Centre, Wharrier Street
6pm - 7pm
3rd Thursday of each month
Monkchester Community Centre,
Monkchester Road 6pm - 7pm
WALKERGATE
1st Saturday of each month: Except August
and Bank Holidays
Walkergate Primary School, Sutton Street,
Walkergate 11am - 12noon
Councillors also hold advice stops in
streets across the Ward - residents are
informed in advance
WEST GOSFORTH
1st Saturday of each month (Not Bank
Holidays) Gosforth High Street - Street
Surgery (directly outside the main entrance
to the shopping centre) 10am - 12 noon
2nd Wednesday of each month
Gosforth Customer Service Centre and
Library 1pm and 2pm
Councillors can also be contacted at any
reasonable time
WESTERHOPE
2nd Thursday of each month
Room 1, Westerhope Methodist Church,
Stamfordham Road 9.30am - 10.30am
WESTGATE
4th Monday of each month
Prior to, and in same venue as ward
committee meeting 6.30pm
4th Saturday of each month: Except August
or Bank Holidays. Moorside Primary School,
Beaconsfield Street (Shared surgery with
Wingrove Ward) 10am - 10.45pm
4th Saturday of each month: Except August
or Bank Holidays. St Matthew's Church,
Summerhill Street 10.45am - 11.30am
There will also be regular city centre
surgeries - please contact your councillor
for details.
WINGROVE
1st Tuesday of each month: Except August
and Bank Holidays Community House, 4
Clarewood Green, North British Estate off
Stanhope Street 6pm - 7pm
2nd Tuesday of each month: Except August
and Bank Holidays
Robert Stewart Memorial Church Hall,
Wingrove Road 6pm - 7pm
3rd Tuesday of each month: Except August
and Bank Holidays Community Centre,
Morpeth Street, Spital Tongues 6pm - 7pm
4th Saturday of each month: Except August
and Bank Holidays Moorside Primary
School, Beaconsfield Street - (Shared
surgery with Westgate Ward) 10am - 10.45am
4th Wednesday of each month: Except
August and Bank Holidays CHAT Shop,
Philip Street, Arthur's Hill 6pm - 7pm
WOOLSINGTON
1st, 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month
(Except August) Library, Newbiggin Hall
Shopping Centre 10am - 11am
2nd and 3rd Sunday of each month
(Except August)
Westerhope Comrades Club, Newbiggin Hall
Shopping Centre 11 - 12 noon
4th Sunday of each month (Except August)
Poacher's Cottage, Callerton Village
11am - 12 noon
For the latest information on when
ward surgeries are held, please call
member services on 0191 211 5042
or look on our website at
www.newcastle.gov.uk
14 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 15

everyone’s tomorrow
Putting
Building bridges
Active ageing receives
a public health boost
A new three year programme, funded by the New
Leaf New Life Big Lottery well-being programme, is
now underway.
It is aimed at encouraging
greater participation of people
over 50 in physical activity.
Initially the programme will
focus on developing new active
ageing programmes in both the
city centre and Inner West areas
of Newcastle, offering older
people more opportunities to
stay fit and active.
One example of this new
programme is a 50’s+ cycling
programme called ‘On Yer Bike’
which currently runs from
Exhibition Park. Aimed at the
total beginner and novice cyclist,
this 13 week programme seeks
to build confidence and develop
cycling skills in a safe and
supportive environment led by
fully qualified cycling instructors.
New worker Michelle Mordue is
delighted with the response: “It
is proving to be so popular that I
am already taking names for a
reserve list in the hope of
developing a second programme
later in the year.”
If you want to learn more about ‘On yer bike’ or any future
partnership working or networking opportunities, phone
0191 255 1985 or email michelle.mordue@qualityoflife.org.uk
WorkFirst
In the last edition of Citylife, we told you about our
in-house recycling scheme helping people with
disabilities to access work.
This time, we are focusing on our
WorkFirst team, which matches the
needs and skills of adults with
disabilities, with those of the local
labour market.
Our team is dedicated to helping
adults to develop their work-ready
skills. We do whatever it takes to help
someone achieve their goal of
employment in the city.
Everyone who takes part in the
scheme has their own keyworker who
works with them to develop a
personal development plan. This
helps them to work towards short to
medium term goals and looks at their
longer term plans for employment.
Keyworkers help people access further
education and training. This includes
basic skills and travel training, so
they are supported until they are able
to travel independently.
Once they have gained the skills and
knowledge they need for the work
that they are looking for, the
keyworker then helps them to get a
job they are interested in.
This includes supporting the job
seeker to find information on local
jobs in job centres and in the papers.
Keyworkers also help with on-line
applications, cold calls and mail
shots.
They support the job seeker through
the interview process and they are
there to help them to settle into the
work.
The keyworker even offers an aftercare
service supporting the employer
to maintain and develop the role.
They also regularly check to make sure
that every thing is working out for
both the employee and the employer.
Steve Williamson, Team Leader, said
”WorkFirst offers a unique service to
both job seekers and employers.
We have proved that adults with
disabilities can be very successful in
gaining the right skills to access a
huge variety of local jobs. They now
have more choice and more
opportunities and can be very
successful with the right
encouragement and support from the
WorkFirst team”.
WorkFirst is part of our Supported
Employment Initiatives.
If you would like more information
phone Steve Williamson on
0191 278 8100.
Watch out for our next feature in
September on WorkStep.
Edward Denham
Edward was referred to the WorkFirst team in 2003. His first
work experience placement was at the Marriot Hotel Gosforth.
In 2004 Edward’s keyworker
approached the head of human
resources. She in turn spoke to the
chef who ran the department that
Edward was working in. They agreed
to employ Edward under the
supported permitted work rules.
Edward is still working at the
Marriott and is a well established
member of the kitchen staff team.
He is liked by his colleagues and
managers. He is eager to do his
work and learn anything new.
Edward continues to be supported
by WorkFirst with any employment
issues and development needs that
may be identified by the Marriott
Hotel or Edward.
between young
and old
Increasingly we are getting clear messages about
the importance of providing opportunities for young
and old to come together to share ideas, experiences
and get to know one another.
We would like to find out more
about what is already happening
in the city and to feature projects
which bring the generations
together in the next issue of
Citylife.
This will coincide with UK Older
People’s Day on 1 October 2008
which will have a major focus on
intergenerational work.
If you have a good story to tell,
please contact Citylife on
0191 211 5073 or email
citylife@newcastle.gov.uk no
later than Monday 21 July 2008.
If you are looking for ideas,
contact the Centre for
Intergenerational Practice and
sign up for their newsletter
by logging onto
www.centreforip.org.uk or
generations@bjf.org.uk or
01782 844 036.
Safe at home with Telecare
Most of us want to live independently in our own
homes for as long as we can.
Telecare can give us the
reassurance that help is never
far away when needed, and it
doesn’t take away any of our
independence.
Many of us are already familiar
with community care alarms.
Telecare can offer that little bit
more as it can detect hazards
such as fires, floods or gas leaks,
or health and safety risks like
falling or if you forget to take
medication.
Telecare uses new technology to
monitor your home
environment. When any of your
Telecare devices are activated
they automatically dial our 24-
hour response centre, who can
send a mobile warden to help or
call the emergency services.
Telecare doesn’t interfere with
your everyday life, so it is often
the least restrictive care option
for older people, people with
physical or learning disabilities
or mental health issues, and
people who are carers for
others. The capabilities of the
devices and services are
advancing all the time, and in
some cases a special Telecare
package can be created to meet
your needs.
To find out more about Telecare
phone 0191 278 8699 or email:
telecare@yhn.org.uk web:
www.yhn.org.uk
Samiulla Ahmed
Sami as he likes to be known was referred to WorkFirst at the
beginning of 2005. At this time Sami wanted to explore
working in retail.
While his keyworker searched for a
placement he encouraged Sami to
look at local vacancies. And he
supported him with job searches at
his local Job centre.
At this time Sami received training
in retail from Shops for Jobs and
decided to open up his work search
from retail to labouring, cleaning
and office work.
Sami started with the recycling
scheme at the civic centre in June
2006. At this time the scheme was
unpaid and was being used as an
opportunity for employment training.
At the end of November 2006 Sami
was appointed into a 15 hour post
with our Neighbourhood Services
team.
Sami is now an established staff
member who is willing to pass on
what he has learned to the new
staff in his section.
In April 2008 Sami was feeling more
confident and felt ready to increase
his hours building up to full time.
His WorkFirst keyworker made a
referral to the WorkStep programme.
WorkStep supports people who have
disabilities into employment of
more than 16 hours a week.
Sami Ahmed said “WorkFirst has
helped me develop my skills and
get into real employment”.
Courses Fair
Monday 14 July, 10am to 8pm
St James Park, Alnwick Suite
• Find the right course for you
• See displays of current learners’ work
• Enrol on a course
Have fun, improve your employment prospects and get a
qualification in a friendly and supportive environment. It may
not cost as much as you think! Courses range from Plastering
to Level 4 NVQs.
For more details, phone 0191 277 7497.
Look out for the Guide to Lifelong Learning dropping through
your letterbox in July.
www.newcastle.gov.uk/lifelonglearning
16 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 17

All change
for our
libraries
Newcastle Libraries have an exciting
programme of new library developments,
Gosforth Library is now open, High
Heaton and Benwell Library will be
completed before the end of the year and
the new City Library opens next summer.
Libraries are also being transformed in many other
ways. New technology means that you don’t always
have to go to a reference library to consult reference
books when you want information, we can make them
available on PCs, some you can even access from
home, all you need is your library membership number.
Self-service machines are being introduced in all of
our new libraries but don’t worry, your friendly
library assistants are still there to help you choose
books or find information.
The way people access music and film has changed
and fewer people are borrowing CDs from libraries.
You can now download music using the computers in
some of our libraries and we hope to extend this to
all of our libraries. We want to find out if you would
like to borrow computer games or films on high
definition blu-ray DVDs as well.
Because we want our service to be responsive to
your needs we are asking Citylife readers to help us
by completing our questionnaire, so please cut this
out and hand it in at any library or council customer
service centre in Newcastle.
What’s your
favourite book?
Our former Lord Mayor Councillor Peter
Arnold, shared his views about reading with
Tianna Burns, aged 9 and poet Craig
Bradley who took part in the celebrations
to mark 100 years of Benwell Library.
She asked the Lord Mayor about the types of
stories he likes and how often he reads. He
revealed that he loves to read for pleasure
every day and that he enjoys all types of books
from mysteries to Russian poetry. However, the
book he would take to his desert island would
be ‘Kim’ by Rudyard Kipling. Tianna on the
other hand, likes fairy books and the Tracy
Beaker stories by Jacqueline Wilson.
Opening times and Access
Would you use a library
• in a building shared with other community services. Yes No
• with longer opening times using self service at some times of the day. Yes No
New City Library (please tick the times you prefer)
Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm 8am-8pm 8.30am-8.30pm
Friday and Saturday 9am-6pm 8am-5pm 8.30am-5.30pm
Sunday 10am-4pm 11am-5pm
Do you have any other suggestions for opening times? ..............................................................
Using computers to find information
What do we need to do to make this information more accessible to you?
• Show us how to use computers Yes No
• Make the information simple to access and use Yes No
• Publicise the information Yes No
Any other ideas? .....................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
How you can help us
Would you be interested in helping Newcastle’s Library Service by becoming a friend or working
as a volunteer?
• Become a community champion Yes No
• Sharing your specialist knowledge (of local history for example) Yes No
• Helping at library events Yes No
• Help choose new books Yes No
Audio visual services
• Are you ready to download music? Yes No
• Would you borrow computer games? Yes No
• Should we provide Blu Ray high definition DVDs? Yes No
Please use the space below if you have any other comments and questions
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
You do not have to give your name, address or phone number but if you want more information or
would like to get involved in any way, please tell us how to contact you
Your name ................................................................................................................................
Your address .............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
.................................................... Your phone number .............................................................
Your email address .....................................................................................................................
Please send to Freepost CITYLIFE or hand in at any of Newcastle’s Libraries.
Thank you for your help
Tony Durcan, Head of Culture, Libraries, and Lifelong Learning
✁
This year’s National Summer Reading Challenge is all about
sport, so if you’re aged 4-11 why not join in with this free
‘Team Read’ at your local library?
• Lots of new books to read
• Games and sports
• Competitions
• Science workshops
• Wii Fit ‘experience’
You can win a certificate, as well as your very own
Olympic bronze, silver or gold medal!
So what are you waiting for? Come along to the
special ‘Team Read’ events, workshops and activities,
which will run from 21 July to 6 September and on
the following days have lots of fun along the way in
this National Year of Reading!
Day Library Time
For more information about any library activities:
Phone: 0845 002 0336 Click on www.newcastle.gov.uk/libraries
Monday Newbiggin Hall 2pm – 3pm
Tuesday Benwell 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Fenham 2pm – 3pm
Outer West 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Thursday Blakelaw 2pm – 3pm
Cruddas Park 2pm – 3pm
Denton Burn 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Jesmond 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Kenton 10.45am – 11.30am
Newburn 2pm – 3pm
Walker 2pm – 3pm
Friday East End 10.30am – 11.30am
Fawdon 11am – 12noon
Gosforth 10am – 11am
Moorside 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Saturday Blakelaw 10.30am – 12noon
All events are free. Some events may have a limited
number of spaces. Remember all children under the age
of eight must be accompanied by a parent or carer.
Newcastle
Mela 2008
24 and 25 August.
12 noon – 7pm
The Mela is a free event, based around
Punjabi, Pakistani, Bengali and Hindi
cultures. It is open to anyone who wants to
learn more, be entertained and meet new
people, as well as enjoy different music, art
and food.
This year’s line up includes the hottest
contemporary Asian acts, as well as
traditional displays of music and dance.
Taking place in Exhibition Park, the Mela
promises to be a weekend packed full of
fun. There will be music, games, stalls and
exhibitions to help everyone have a bank
holiday to remember.
For more information go to
www.newcastlemela.co.uk or phone
0191 277 2067.
Voucher
Bring this voucher along to the Mela
information tent to be included in a free
prize draw to win prizes such as a meal
for two and Leisure Plus passes.
Name ........................................................
Address ....................................................
...................................................................
...................................................................
...................................................................
Have you visited the Newcastle Mela
before?
Yes No
Please do not send to Citylife.
✁
18 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 19

Calling all
young
explorers
If you’re looking for family fun and
adventure this summer, you’ll find it in
one of Newcastle’s quirkiest and most
fascinating places – the Ouseburn Valley.
And just to make things really
interesting, a great new guide to the
valley puts children in charge, and adults
in the hot seat.
Called Ouseburn Explorer, the colourful booklet of
four easy-to-follow walks gives children questions so
they can quiz their adult companions, and hidden
answers for their eyes only.
It’s the latest publication from the city’s Newcastle
Community Heritage Project, whose aim is to widen
access to local heritage.
“We think this will be a great way for children and
adults alike to really look at and learn about the
Ouseburn,” says project staff member Alison
Stancliffe. “There are curiosities everywhere you turn
in the valley. Strange chimneys, odd turrets, orange
water, flying horses and so much more. Do one walk
and you’ve found out some tall tales to tell, do
them all and you become a mine of information!”
Designed to last up to an hour each, the four walks
focus on different aspects of the valley. They explore
the area’s hidden history and the little river that
gives the valley its name. Children can look beyond
the buildings to the creatures living in and around it,
including the Stepney Bank Stables’ famous horses.
The Stables and Seven Stories already attract lots of
families to the Ouseburn Valley, and Ouseburn
Explorer is a great way to unlock even more of its
secrets. It will be on sale at Seven Stories and
Stepney Bank Stables in the Ouseburn, and in
Newcastle’s tourist information and museum outlets,
for £3.99.
Or, you can order a copy by sending a cheque for
£4.50, payable to `Newcastle City Council’, to
Newcastle Community Heritage at the Ouseburn
Byker Regeneration Centre, Spillers Quay, Newcastle
upon Tyne, NE6 1BU.
You can also find out more by logging onto
www.newcastlecommunityheritage.org
Competition
Citylife has teamed up with Newcastle
Community Heritage to offer two lucky readers
a free copy of the Ouseburn Explorer booklet.
Just answer the question below -
Which river does the Ouseburn flow into?
…………………………………………………
Name ………………….……………………….
Address ……..………………………………….
.................................................................
.................................................................
Send to FREEPOST CITYLIFE no later than 25
July. Don’t forget to put all your coupons
into one envelope.
Be a Quayside
Detective!
Unlock the secrets behind 12 special
buildings on the quayside and find out about
12 people connected with them, on an easy
to follow trail.
Our colourful sticker trail booklet has a great
panorama of the quayside as well as lots of
fascinating facts. It comes in a handy pack complete
with crayons and pictures. The Quayside Discovery
Trail is on sale at Newcastle’s Visitor Information
Centres, for £1.50.
Competition
To win a copy of the Quayside Discovery Trail
answer the following question -
What was the name of the banker’s daughter
who eloped from a house on the Quayside?
…………………………………………………
Name ………………….……………………….
Address ……..………………………………….
.................................................................
.................................................................
Please send your answer to FREEPOST
CITYLIFE no later than 25 July. Don’t forget
to put all of your coupons in one envelope.
✁
✁
Summer fun for families
Fun with FiS
The Families Information Service holds information
on what’s going on across the city during the
summer holidays from libraries and museums to
leisure centres and theatres.
We can send you information about activities for
different age groups or a general information pack
about what’s going on. There are activities for the
whole family such as fun days, play schemes for the
younger children and plenty of ideas to get active
and creative for teens.
If you need part or full-time childcare over the
holidays you can also contact us to find out about
your nearest holiday scheme or childminder.
Call us on 0191 277 4133, email us at
fis@newcastle.gov.uk or check out
www.newcastle.cyp-directory.org.uk to find out more.
Parks and rangers’ events
Saturday 12 July, 1.30pm – 3pm
Creepy-crawly hunt and pond dip
Benwell Nature Park
Join the rangers to discover what strange animals
you can find in the park’s pond and mini-beast area.
Under 13s must be accompanied by an adult.
Disabled access is limited.
Sunday 13 July, 2pm – 4pm
Minibeast hunt Information Room, Millfield House,
Jesmond Dene. Come and join our hunt for some
minibeasts. Disabled access is good.
Sunday 13 July, 2pm - 4pm
Music in Nuns Moor Park
For information, phone 0191 211 6205.
Sunday 13 July, 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Salvation Army Band Leazes Park at the bandstand
Tuesday 22 July, 2pm – 4pm
Nature Trail
Information Room, Millfield House.
Become a wildlife explorer as you trek through
Jesmond Dene. Contact Lynette on 0191 284 6884.
20 July - 17 August, 2pm - 4pm
Summer Sundays
There will be afternoons of music and children’s
entertainment at various parks throughout the city
Phone 0191 211 6215.
Sport in the Parks At various parks throughout the
city there will be afternoons of sports coaching
during the summer school holiday in August.
Phone 0191 211 6215.
Every Wednesday during the holidays from 23 July,
1pm - 3pm
Street Games Hodgkin Park North
Phone 0191 211 6205.
Sunday 14 September, 11am – 4pm
Newcastle Allotment and Garden Show
Civic Centre, Banqueting Suite For an entry form,
contact the Allotment Office on 0191 232 8520.
Sunday 14 September, 11am – 4pm
‘Paws in the Park’ Dog Show. Paddy Freeman’s Park
Lots of stalls to visit and classes for your dog to
enter. Phone 0191 211 6214.
For an up to date list of park and ranger events
visit: www.newcastle.gov.uk/parkevents, or pick
up a leaflet from a library, leisure centre or
Customer Service Centre.
Activate your summer
Isn’t it great to feel alive during the summer months?
When it’s lovely and warm, you just want to get a bit more active don’t you?
Newcastle Leisure has a whole host of things you
can do this summer – even if the sun doesn’t quite
make it out from behind the clouds as much as
you’d like. And with the kids off school, there’s
plenty for them to do.
You can find sports centres and pools at the
following locations:
• Eldon Leisure in Eldon Square
• City Pool on Northumberland Road
• Gosforth Pool
• East End Pool, just off Shields Road
• The Lightfoot Centre in Walker
• Outer West Pool and Impulse Gym just off West
Denton Way
• Elswick Park and Pool
• Scotswood Sports and Social Centre on Denton Road
• Newburn Activity Centre
• Cowgate Leisure Centre
Most of the following activities take place between
21 July and the end of August. Please make sure to
call the centre to check whether they are open
outside of the times mentioned.
Newcastle Leisure centres are closed on Bank
Holiday Monday, 26 August.
Fusion card
Many events for children at Newcastle Leisure
venues are free or discounted with a Fusion card.
To find out how your child can get one, visit one of
our centres.
To find out what Fusion is about, visit
www.newcastlefusion.co.uk.
Celebrate the
great outdoors with
Newburn Activity
Centre
There are exciting activities taking place
at Newburn Activity Centre this summer.
Our adventure activities will keep the most active of
youngsters entertained and tired out by day’s end.
Activities revolve around the river in bell boats,
kayaks and speedboats, while biking will explore the
countryside. And if the weather is a little murky,
we will be scaling the heights with indoor climbing
and archery.
At the same time, younger family members can access
our soft play for the summer holiday price of only £1,
or take part in our Monday teddy bear’s picnics.
There is a lot more taking place.
Call 0191 264 0014 to get a copy of our leaflet and
book early to avoid disappointment.
Bouncing higher summer days
You can join in crafts, water sports, street games and
much more on Wednesdays between 12.30pm and 4pm
• 30 July
• 6 August
• 13 August
• 20 August
£1 or free to Fusion card holders.
Activities must be booked and paid for in advance.
Parental consent forms are required.
For more information about times and prices,
phone 0191 264 0014.
20 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 21

Fun for kids at Eldon Leisure
Free to Fusion card holders, Junior Allsports takes
place on weekdays between 10am and 12noon and
2pm and 4pm. Or, if they want to try something
different, you could sign the kids up for the
climbing course on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The
two-day courses take place between 10am and
1pm and there’s an intermediate course on
Tuesday 26 and Thursday 28 August. These are
also free to Fusion card holders.
If their interest is more gym-based, Impulse
Evolution takes place every weekday between
1pm and 5pm. You will have to come with them
to do an induction if they haven’t worked out at
Impulse before. Participants have to be between
13 and 15 years old.
The dancers (10-15 years old) in your family can
sign up for Hip Hop Aerobics on Wednesday
afternoons, and if dancing isn’t their thing they
could do Kids’ Karate for eight – 15 year olds.
East End Pool
Summer at the East End Pool means fun
and fitness as well as a huge range of
leisure activities. Whatever your age or
ability – there is something for you.
In the water:
• Adult swimming
• Women only swimming
• Fun sessions
• Underwater hockey
• Toddler session
• 50s+ swimming
• Competitive swimming
• Aqua natal swimming
• Swimming lessons
• Disabled swimming club
• Sauna
• Steam room
In the dance studio:
• 50s+ exercise class
• Bodyblast
• Step aerobics
• Total body conditioning
• Bodytone
• Pilates
• Ab attack
• Boxerkick
• Stepping stones
• Karate
• Yoga
• Cardiac rehab sessions
Starting at the East End Pool:
• Weekly guided walks at 10am every Tuesday and
Thursday
• Bike rides every Thursday at 9.30am (bikes are
provided)
Walkers and cyclists should meet in the Street Café
in the centre.
For more information about costs,
call 0191 277 1277.
Fusion sessions
Swimming – free to children with a valid Fusion
card.
• Monday 2pm – 4pm
• Tuesday to Friday 10am – 12noon
• Tuesday 5pm – 6pm
• Wednesday 4pm – 6pm
Family Fusion session
Sunday 10am – 1.15pm (last admission 12.30pm)
Also at the centre
The East End Library has a large range of books to
cater for every need as well as a children’s library,
CD and video section, and free internet access.
For more information about what’s going on at
the centre, phone 0191 278 8444.
Win a bike competition!
During the summer holidays everyone
who use the East End Pool can fill out
a form and be entered into a prize
draw for a bike. The winner will be
drawn on 29 August. You must go
into the East End Pool to be eligible.
City Pool
Not all of our summer activities are
aimed at the younger members of your
family. There’ll be adult only swimming
in the City Pool’s main pool throughout
the school holidays.
All adult-accompanied children under eight can
have a free swim in the learner pool.
For more information call the City Pool on
0191 277 1844.
Elswick Park and Pool
For tiny people
• Women and toddlers’ swims
Wednesday between 9.30am and 11am
For the kids
• Free junior swimming sessions
Tuesday and Thursday 10.30am – 11.30am,
Friday
1.30pm – 2.30pm
• Inflatable sessions
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday and Saturday 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Sunday
10.30am – 11.30am
Tennis, basketball and football coaching will be
available through out the summer holidays, phone
for more information.
For the grown-ups
• Adults only swim Monday 8pm – 9.30pm
• Over 50s swim Monday 10am – 11am
The sauna, steam room and gym are available at a
discount with a swim.
Fusion Sessions
Wednesday Swim 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Saturday Gym 10am – 11.30am
Sunday Family Swim 10am – 11am
For more information, phone 0191 277 3456.
West Gate Centre
for Sport
There’s plenty to keep the youngster
occupied this summer at the Centre for
Sport.
Youth Gym Monday and Wednesday 1pm – 2pm
Trampoline Monday 1pm – 4pm (one hour sessions)
Skateboarding
Alternate Tuesdays starting 22 July,
1.30pm – 3pm and 3pm – 4.30pm
Skipping
Alternate Tuesdays starting 29 July,
1.30pm – 3pm and 3pm – 4.30pm (to be confirmed)
Games
For the under fives, Thursday 1.30pm – 2.30pm
except during the Sports Festival
For sevens and over, Thursday 2.30pm – 4pm
except during the Sports Festival
Games include Kwick Kricket, rounders, relay races
and so on.
Multi Sports session
Friday 1pm – 3pm
Register now for the West
Gate Centre for Sport Sports’ Festival
20-22 August, 11am – 4pm
Join us in a three-day extravaganza of sport
coaching and fun games. We have the best coaches
available to improve your basic skills in football,
basketball, trampoline and much more. This course
will be one of the highlights of your summer
holidays. Book your place now, don’t miss it!
For more information phone 0191 241 7700.
Outer West Pool and Impulse Gym
Children’s fun inflatable sessions
Monday 2pm – 3.30pm
Tuesday 10am – 11.30am and 2pm – 3.30pm
Wednesday 10am – 11am and 2pm – 3.30pm
Thursday 10.30am – 11.30am and 2pm – 3.30pm
Friday 10am – 11.30am and 2pm – 3pm
Saturday 10am – 11.30am and 2pm – 3.30pm
Morning sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and
Saturdays, and afternoon sessions on Wednesdays
and Fridays are free to Fusion card holders.
Sundays only – A grown-up can swim for free when
accompanied by a child holding a Fusion card.
ASA Aquatics programme
• Children’s crash course Monday 18 – Friday 22
August, 9.15am – 10am
• Children’s once a week swimming lessons (Stages
1 to 5 and levels 6 to 8)
• Adult swimming lessons
• Flip n fun (Diving Stage 8)
Scotswood
Sports and Social
Centre
Activities for children over the
summer holidays.
Monday and Friday, 1pm – 3pm, £2
• Trampoline
• Badminton
• Table tennis
• Fitness room for children over ten years old.
Wednesday, 1pm – 3pm, £1
• Outdoor football
• Volleyball
• Handball
• Street Cheer (cheerleaders)
Monday, Wednesday and Friday,
1pm – 3pm, £2
• Soft play for the under sixes.
For more information, phone 0191 274 3716.
Impulse Evolution – the gym project for 13 to 15
year olds
• Monday to Friday 1pm – 5pm
• Saturday
8.30am – 4.30pm
• Sunday
9am – 12 noon
Free sessions for Fusion card holders on Saturdays
between 2pm and 3.30pm.
Also available from the
Outer West Pool
• Late swimming every Tuesday evening until
8.30pm
• Over 50 session, Wednesdays 11am – 12 noon –
no children
• Women’s evening, Wednesdays 5.45pm – 8.30pm
• North and Outer West Walkie Talkies programme
for July and August.
For more information, visit the Outer West Pool
reception or call 0191 277 7980.
Gosforth Pool
Learn to swim
• Children’s crash course lessons
(10 half hour lessons cost £39)
Contact the pool for starting dates and times
• Baby lessons, 21 July – 1 August
10am – 10.30am
• Individual tuition
(£13.50 per half hour. Fusion card discounts
available)
Free Fusion sessions
Inflatables
• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday
• Sunday
2pm – 3pm
10.30am – 11.30am and 2pm – 3pm
10.30am – 11.30am and 2pm – 3pm
10.30am – 11.30am and 1.30pm – 3pm
10.30am – 11.30am
2pm – 3pm
10.30am – 11.30am
Gym induction sessions
• Monday 9.30am – 12noon
• Wednesday 1.30pm – 4pm
• Friday 2pm – 4pm
• Saturday 10am – 3pm
Only for the adults
• Monday 7.05pm – 8.45pm
• Tuesday 5.30pm – 8.45pm (ladies only)
• Thursday 7.05pm – 8.45pm
For more information
phone 0191 284 3696.
Your Newcastle
Leisure centres can
be found at
City Pool
Northumberland Road, NE1 8SE
Phone 0191 277 1844
Cowgate Leisure Centre
Harehills Avenue, NE5 3HD
Phone 0191 286 9521
East End Pool
Hadrian Square, Byker, NE6 1AL
Phone 0191 278 8444
Eldon Leisure
High Friars, NE1 7XY
Phone 0191 277 1277
Elswick Park and Pool
Beech Grove Road, NE4 6SQ
Phone 0191 277 3456
Gosforth Pool
Regent Farm Road, NE3 3HD
Phone 0191 284 3696
The Lightfoot Centre
Wharrier Street, NE6 3BR
Phone 0191 278 2800
Newburn Activity Centre
Grange Road, Newburn, NE15 8ND
Phone 0191 264 0014
Outer West Pool and Impulse Gym
West Denton Way, NE5 2QZ
Phone 0191 277 7980
Scotswood Sports and
Social Centre
Denton Road, NE15 7HB
Phone 0191 274 3716
West Gate Centre for Sport
Westgate Community College,
West Road, NE4 9LG
Phone 0191 241 7700
For more information about Newcastle
Leisure, visit
www.newcastle.gov.uk/newcastleleisure
22 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 23

The Lightfoot Centre
Walker is United
(Show Racism the Red Card)
Saturday 19 July, 10am – 3pm
A family festival to celebrate diversity and
combat racism.
Activities include:
• A girls’ football tournament
• Soccer skills
• Hair braiding
• Face painting
• Arts and crafts
• International food
• Dance mats
• Kids’ gym
• Drumming workshops
• Bouncy castle
• Hip hop dance performances
• And lots more
The Lightfoot play scheme
Mondays to Fridays (except Bank Holiday -
25 August) 10am – 12 noon and 1 – 3pm
Activities include: trampolining;
team games; kids’ gym, dance mats, football,
Cowgate Leisure
Centre
Our summer activities are provided in
partnership with Cowgate community
forum, the Play Service and Children’s
Services.
The Cowgate Leisure Centre play scheme
Monday to Friday (except Monday 25 August and
Wednesday 27 August), 10am – 12noon and
1pm – 3pm
Activities include trampolining, team games,
football, soft play for under sevens and lots more.
Phone 0191 286 9521.
Art and food
Tuesday and Thursday, 10am – 12noon
Arts and crafts sessions and food activity sessions
offering great fun, educational skills and creativity.
For more information, contact Lyndy Mountain on
0191 277 1775 or Rachael Arnott on
0191 277 1784.
Family fun day
Wednesday 27 August, 10am – 3pm
Fun, games and activities for all the family,
including face painting, balloon art, soft play,
trampoline, bouncy castle, arts and crafts, football,
basketball, fitness inductions and much more.
All children under eight must be accompanied by an
adult and everyone should be dressed appropriately
for activities.
For more information phone 0191 286 9521.
skating, soft play and small bouncy castle for
under sevens; and much more.
Under-eights must be accompanied by an adult
and everyone must wear appropriate clothing for
the activities (including socks for trampoline)
For more information, phone 0191 278 2800.
Fusion community
fun runs
Each young persons’ fun run is about two
miles along tracks suitable for all ages and
abilities. You will receive a free t-shirt and
bottle of water for taking part.
The runs take place on:
• Sunday 27 July, starting and finishing in
Hodgkin Park
• Sunday 3 August, starting at the Lemington
Centre and finishing at Newburn Acitivity
Centre.
Pick up an entry form from your local sports
centre or phone 0191 278 3093.
Bouncing Higher
Did you ‘Bounce On’ last year? Well,
bounce higher this year with a great mix of
sports, adventure, arts and play acitivites for
children and young people.
Get bouncing at
• Newburn Activity Centre
• The Lemington Centre
• All Saints Community College
• Westerhope Institute
For more information, phone
0191 278 3093.
Have smashing fun
with tennis
Have you watched Wimbledon and felt
inspired to pick up a racket?
Throughout the summer, Newcastle Tennis
Development Scheme is offering a range of junior
and adult courses. All abilities are catered for and
equipment is provided.
If you’ve got a Fusion card, the cost is £8. If you’re
an adult, prices start at £15 with a LeisurePlus card.
The courses take place at
• Bohemians’ Tennis Club
• Benwell Hill Tennis Club
• David Lloyd Club
• Gosforth Tennis club
• Walbottle Campus
The Newcastle Tennis Development coaches will also
be visiting schools, giving young people the
opportunity to try their hand at mini-tennis, tennis
or skills festivals.
For more information, phone 0191 278 3093.
Soccer Weeks
We’ve got football happening all over the
city this summer. For your chance to join in,
check out:
Monday 21 July to Friday 25 July
at West Gate Centre for Sport
10am – 2.30pm - Boys and girls aged eight to 14
10am – 1pm - Boys and girls aged five to eight
Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August
at West Gate Centre for Sport
10am – 12noon - Boys and girls aged four to seven
(Beginners’ course - ‘Mini Kickers’)
Monday 4 August to Friday 8 August
at Lightfoot Sports Centre
10am – 2.30pm - Boys and girls aged eight to 14
10am – 1pm - Boys and girls aged five to eight
Monday 11 August to Friday 15 August
at West Gate Centre for Sport
10am – 2.30pm - Boys and girls aged eight to 14
(FUSION Fun Day - Friday 15 August ONLY)
Monday 18 August to Friday 22 August
at Lightfoot Sports Centre
10am – 2.30pm - Boys and girls aged eight to 14
(FUSION Fun Day - Friday 22 August ONLY)
All soccer activities are provided by Newcastle
Football Development Scheme.
For more information phone 0191 278 3093.
Take part in the MCC
Spirit of Cricket
Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am – 3pm for
seven to 10 year olds.
Monday 4 August to Friday 8 August
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am – 3pm for
11 to 14 year olds
All cricket activities at Newcastle Football Centre,
Benwell with the Newcastle Cricket Development
Scheme
For more information phone 0191 278 3093.
North East Heritage
Skills Fair
Come and get your hands dirty at the North East Heritage
Skills Fair!
There’s everything from
blacksmithing, lime pointing and
stone masonry to horse-logging,
woodland crafts and steeplejack
displays. You can meet the
skilled tradesmen in your region,
see the crafts people in action
and then roll up your sleeves
and have a go yourself.
The fair is at the Gibside Estate
near Rowlands Gill, Burnopfield
in Gateshead on 11, 12 and 13
July, 10am – 4pm daily and
admission is free!
For more information phone
0191 232 9279 or visit
www.nect.org.uk
Be amazed this summer
NewcastleGateshead is the place to be this summer.
Get face-to-face with a former
Prime Minster 150 feet in the air or
witness a massive eighth bridge
being built from bamboo across
the Tyne. Don’t miss being part of
some of the most talked about
events of 2008, all part of
Newcastle Gateshead’s world-class
festivals and events programme.
Hotel Monument
15 Aug-15 Sept, Grey’s Monument
Renowned Japanese artist,Tatsu
Nishi’s vision to create a fullyfunctioning
hotel room at the top
of Grey’s Monument is set to
become reality when Hotel
Monument opens, subject to
planning, on 15 August. Day
visitors and overnight guests will
be able to enjoy views from the
top and meet Earl Grey, around
which the room will be carefully
constructed. For information and
how to book tickets visit
www.hotelmonument.org.uk.
Bambuco bridge
across the Tyne
In July an Australian company,
Bambuco, will use 20 tons of
bamboo to create a massive
temporary bridge between the
Tyne Bridge and Gateshead
Millennium Bridge. Its construction
will be a real spectacle with a crew
of skilled riggers displaying
extraordinary nerves of steel and
amazing agility. On the evening of
Friday 18 July, a magical evening
event will celebrate the moment of
its completion and mark the start
of SummerTyne. The bridge will be
on display over the festival’s
opening weekend - though
crossing is strictly reserved for the
skilled Bambuco team!
www.NewcastleGateshead.com
30 and 31 August 2008 in
Exhibition Park
A two-day festival in the lungs
of the city, including:
• local music • arts
• food • kids’ activities
• traders and campaign groups
• community entertainment and
• practical ways you can make a
difference to the environment
Visit www.newcastlegreengathering.com or email
info@newcastlegreengathering.com for more information.
Walk through time
with City Guides
Ever walked past some old building in the heart of the city
and thought ‘I wonder who lived there?’ Or saw a statue of
some long forgotten hero and wondered who it was? Well,
there’s a team of experts who are able to answer your
questions and take you on an amazing tour of the city.
Members from the Newcastle
Association of City Guides are all
qualified to reveal the secrets of
the city and have specialist local
knowledge on a wide range of
topics, from architecture to the
city’s famous sons and
daughters.
Before they hit the streets, each
guide must complete a rigorous
eighteen month training course
in all things Newcastle.
Following that, the Green Badge
qualification, accredited
nationally by the Institute of
Tourist Guiding, allows them to
visitor guide professionally
across NewcastleGateshead.
Recipients of that highly
regarded award include Maureen
Toward who has been a Green
Badge City Guide for around
four years and a Newcastle City
Guide since 1991.
She said: “Our guided tours
give people the opportunity to
have a look behind the scenes of
our city’s famous streets and
landmarks. It’s also great when
you can point out to local people
some of our hidden gems and
tell them about their history.”
John North, who has recently
Maureen and John show you the way
been awarded his Green Badge,
qualified as a Newcastle City
Guide six months ago.
He said: “I’ve always been
enthusiastic about the city’s
buildings and history so being a
city guide has given me the
chance to promote Newcastle
and Gateshead’s rich and diverse
heritage.
“The guides also allow us to
highlight the lives of those who
have contributed to the life of
the city including Bewick, Grey
and Armstrong and the
Stephensons.”
You can pick up “Explore
Heritage” including the full 2008
programme of guided tours from
Tourist Information Centres and
Libraries, phone 0191 277 8000
to have a copy sent out to you or
download a PDF from
www.newcastle.gov.uk/
exploreheritage.
This year the leaflet also lists
guided tours in some of our best
buildings and how to access
those “hidden gems” not always
open to the public.
For more information about our
latest guided tours go turn to
What’s On, on page 42.
24 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008 Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 25

Mini beast fun for
Gosforth school kids
A group of school children from Gosforth kick-started the month of
May hunting for mini beasts and pond-dipping with staff from
Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
Year one pupils from Archibold First School
visited the Trust’s St Nicholas Park Wildlife
Garden to learn more about creatures which
live both on and off dry land.
Meeting up with the Trust’s people and
wildlife officer Lynette Whitehouse, the
children learnt about the need to have
respect for wildlife and how to identify and
handle certain creatures found in the garden.
This term the pupils are learning all about
mini beasts from their habitats, appearances
and characteristics to their lifecycles and
food cycles.
Lynnette Whitehouse said “It is great when
school children visit us as it gives us the
opportunity to tell them all about the
environment in which they live. It makes
them more aware of what is going on
around them”.
The final word must go to the year one
pupils whose enthusiasm was not
dampened by the rain. Thomas Davidson
said: “The pond-dipping was my favourite
because I caught two stickleback fish and
one was huge!”.
Below: Archibold pupils search for mini beasts
Elswick Park and Leisure
Centre refurbishment
We have recently got new funding to help with the refurbishment of
Elswick Leisure complex.
We hope to create a more modern
environment which will promote the benefits
of well-being. We aim to increase awareness
about obesity and cardio-vascular diseases
within the local community.
The leisure centre will continue to provide
a range of aqua-therapy activities and there
will be new cardio fitness facilities on site.
A new secure cycle shelter will encourage
visitors and staff to cycle to and from the
leisure centre.
The leisure complex is in Elswick Park
grounds. Elswick Park has historic links to
Charles I (1539 – 1628) and associations with
the monks of Tynemouth Priory.
The land was given to the Newcastle
Corporation around 1975 and after redevelopment
it was opened to the public in
1980. The park still provides a home for
wildlife and contains a diverse range of
trees.
Citylife will keep you up to date on the
redevelopment and will let you know when
work is expected to be completed.
Newburn
swimmers dive
into the money!
Newburn swimming club has taken the
plunge and bought brand new diving
blocks thanks to you!
The club was voted as one of the winning
projects to be awarded almost £4,000 from
the Udecide participatory budget
This unique grant scheme gives local people
the power to spend some public money, to
benefit their community. This means that
residents get to share some of the
responsibility for what happens where they
live, and make some real changes.
Local people did just that by listening to
over 30 suggested projects at an unusual
event at the Centre for Life.
Adrian Allen, Head Swimming Coach for
Newburn Swimming Club said “ The event
was special because it gave residents the
chance to make their own decisions and
vote about how the money would be spent.
It really was a great opportunity for local
people to make a real difference to the
places where they live. Thanks to the grant,
we now have modern diving facilities at the
club, and we would like to encourage more
young people to come along to the club and
join in the fun”.
Newburn swimming club is open to anyone,
whether looking for fitness or fun. It is also a
competitive club that trains swimmers up to
national level
For advice and information on Udecide
phone Maggie McKenna on 0191 211 5893 or
go to www.newcastlepartnership.org.uk
If you would like to get involved in Newburn
Swimming Club go to the Outer West Pool
on the first Saturday of the month at
2.45pm or email adrian13allen@hotmail.com
Don’t forget to use our walk-in
centre during weekend evenings
People are being reminded that if they suffer a minor injury or ailment
– especially during the evening of a weekend - they can access the
walk-in centre which recently opened in the east end of Newcastle.
Based at the new £8 million Molineux Street
NHS Centre, Byker, the walk-in centre
provides another way patients can access
healthcare in the community.
If you suffer from ailments or minor injuries
such as cuts, burns, strains, sprains and
minor eye injuries you can now be treated at
the centre, instead of having to go to hospital.
The walk-in centre is open 8am to 10pm,
seven days a week, and no appointment is
needed.
Patients will be seen by experienced nurse
practitioners, some who can prescribe
medicines. For minor injuries of children
under two years old – parents should take
their child to the Royal Victoria Infirmary
minor injury unit which is open from 9am-
4pm or your nearest hospital accident and
emergency department.
Phone: 0191 275 5862 to find out more
information or to check if your injury can be
treated.
Give your views on urgent
healthcare services
A public consultation to improve access to urgent healthcare has been
launched in Newcastle.
The consultation, which started on 1 May
2008 and lasts for three months, gives local
people the chance to air their views and
experiences about urgent healthcare
services.
These are the services people need if they
suddenly become ill, or have an accident,
whether serious or minor. They include
services available during the day in GP
surgeries, overnight, at weekends and over
bank holidays from the out of hours GP
service, walk-in centres, minor injuries units,
accident and emergency departments,
ambulance services, emergency admissions
to hospital and NHS Direct.
We want your views on draft plans, shaped
following earlier discussions with the public,
for the way these services should be
delivered in the future.
If you are interested in responding to the
consultation, which will end on 25 July, go
to www.northoftyne.nhs.uk/urgentcare or
phone 0191 202 2023.
Consultation on
new health centre
development in Newcastle
Local people are being asked for their
views on the development of a new health
centre in Newcastle to improve access to
GP and other healthcare services.
They are also being asked to comment on
the development of a further two new GP
practices in the city.
A consultation is running until 5 August to
seek comments on where the new health
centre should be sited and what services
should be included.
The health centres will each include GP
services providing bookable and walk-in
appointments, available from 8am to 8pm,
seven days a week. They will include a range
of other healthcare services such as x-ray,
ultrasound, echocardiography and specialist
services, for example, musculoskeletal for
muscle and bone problems and skin clinics.
The two additional new GP practices in
Newcastle will provide the usual range of GP
services but could also focus on other
services such as childhood obesity, teenage
pregnancy, alcohol and substance misuse
and mental health services.
The developments follow an announcement
by the Department of Health to boost
capacity in primary care services. This was
following the initial findings of a major
review of the NHS by Prof Lord Ara Darzi.
In Newcastle the areas under consideration
for the new health centre and new GP
practices are Cowgate/Blakelaw,
Byker/Walker, Great North Park, Elswick,
Scotswood/Benwell and Lemington.
During the next three months there will be
meetings with local communities to seek
comments on the new development.
Further information is available at
www.northoftyne.nhs.uk/improvingaccess
or by phoning 0191 202 2014.
26 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 This page is paid for by Newcastle Primary Care Trust www.newcastle-pct.nhs.uk 27

City welcomes new Lord
Mayor and Lady Mayoress
Councillor David Wood was formally elected as the new Lord
Mayor of Newcastle at a ceremony at the Civic Centre this May.
As well as representing the Walker area
of the city, Councillor Wood was given
the title of Newcastle’s first citizen.
He will be supported during his civic
year by the new Lady Mayoress, his
wife and fellow Walker councillor
Margaret Wood.
Citylife spoke to Councillor Wood
about becoming the new Lord Mayor.
What do you hope your civic
year will bring?
I hope to be able to bring my own
personality to the role of Lord Mayor
but still remembering what a
tremendous honour and privilege it is
to represent this wonderful city.
What is your chosen charity?
I’ve decided to choose two charities
which I’ve been involved with for
many years. Our city’s hospitals do an
amazing job, so I’ve chosen the
Newcastle Hospitals Trust Charity to
be one of my official charities. I’ve
also chosen to support fuel poverty
charity National Energy Action.
What are you looking forward to
as Lord Mayor?
The duties and role of the Lord Mayor
are many and varied and I hope to be
able to visit as many local groups and
schools as I can during the year. The
position of the Lord Mayor belongs to
everyone in the city and hopefully as
many people as possible can share in
whatever way they can.
Is the role as you expected?
Being Sheriff and Deputy Lord Mayor
for the past 12 months has given me
an insight into the role. Whilst being
a councillor for nearly 20 years, I
never really appreciated how busy the
role could be. Most of all I
underestimated how much residents of
the city appreciated the role.
Challenge the
Lord Mayor
During his civic year the Lord
Mayor would like the opportunity
to meet Newcastle's young sports
people and experience a wide
variety of sporting activities from
aerobics to yoga.
We invite you to challenge the Lord
Mayor to participate in your
favourite sporting activity.
If the Lord Mayor cannot meet the
challenge himself, he will provide his
'Champion' to assist him.
To arrange a challenge write to the
Lord Mayor's Office, Lord Mayor's
Chambers, Civic Centre, Newcastle
upon Tyne, NE1 8QA, telephone
0191 211 5050 or email
lord.mayor@newcastle.gov.uk.
Lord Mayor’s Award Scheme
Earlier this year, our Community Development Unit arranged a
focus group to seek residents’ views on the introduction of a
citizens’ awards scheme in Newcastle. We listened to your views
and the recommendations from the focus group were considered at
the Honours Panel in early March.
They felt that there clearly was a need to celebrate and recognise the
contribution which individuals made to life in the city and that these awards
should be reserved for those who have made an exceptional contribution.
The new scheme will be known as the Lord Mayor’s Awards and
administered through the Lord Mayor’s Office. It is hoped that the first
awards ceremony will take place in the autumn of 2008.
For further information on the awards scheme phone 0191 211 5050
or email lord.mayor@newcastle.gov.uk.
Help build Civic Centre’s history
If you remember the building of the Civic Centre or know
anyone involved in its construction, we want to hear from you.
This November sees the building
celebrate its 40th anniversary and
Newcastle City Council would like those
who worked on the building to get in
touch and share their experiences.
We would also like to hear from staff
who were working in the building
especially those who were involved in
its official opening which was
performed by His Majesty King Olav V
of Norway on the 14 November 1968.
If you have any special memories of
this day or if you worked on the
building please write to Ian
Humphries, Lord Mayor’s Office, Lord
Mayor’s Chambers, Civic Centre,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QA or
email lord.mayor@newcastle.gov.uk.
Free for every Citylife reader *
2008 is our 80th anniversary - and we'd like Citylife readers
to celebrate with us!
Saturday 26 July
Every reader (over 18's) can request
their free tickets and receive:
• admission
• one drink
• snack supper
Over the past three years, readers
of Citylife have enjoyed some great
nights here. If you've never
experienced the electric atmosphere
of live greyhound racing - then
don’t miss this opportunity.
How do I get my tickets?
Simply call the stadium reception
on 0191 210 5300 and quote
Citylife.
First 200 callers only. Please
remember to quote Citylife when
ordering your tickets.
*Over 18s only please
Highland cows help
breeding birds
Our rangers recently welcomed some new arrivals to
the grasslands at North Walbottle.
Some Highland cattle, well known for
their shaggy coats and long horns, are
spending the summer there, managing
the grass in an environmentally
friendly way. By their munching, the
cows will create a more interesting
grass sward of differing lengths. Their
droppings will attract insects which
the skylarks will feed on.
The fields, which were once part of
the Coronation Pit, have been used for
hay cropping for the last six years.
The return of cattle will help the
skylarks, those lovely birds whose
soaring song is a sign that summer is
finally here. Skylarks are a protected
species whose numbers have declined
by more than half in recent years.
They are highlighted in our
Biodiversity Action Plan as a species
which needs our help to survive.
Skylarks nest on the ground, where
they are very vulnerable to
disturbance by dogs. Dogs running
loose in the field will frighten the
birds away from their nests and their
chicks may die. The skylarks see dogs
as predators, even if they don’t
deliberately chase them. So it is
important that visitors stay out of the
fields and keep to the public
footpaths around the outside.
Highland cattle have a reputation for
carefully avoiding the birds’ nests, and
as cows are vegetarians, the birds are
not afraid of them!
If you would like to know more about
farmland birds such as the skylark and
grey partridge, a free leaflet is
available which will help you identify
the birds.
You can also contribute valuable
information towards our survey by
completing a questionnaire about the
farmland birds you have seen. You can
get the leaflet by phoning our
ecologist, Derek Hilton-Brown on
0191 277 7195 or you can email him at
derek.hiltonbrown@newcastle.gov.uk
or you can pick one up from the
Rangers at the Visitor Centre, Tyne
Riverside Country Park at Newburn.
Tyneside Cinema - the waiting is over
The Tyneside Cinema opened the doors of its spectacular revamped
home on Pilgrim Street on 22 May.
Visitors can come and marvel at the
amazing transformation of this much
loved building. You will be dazzled
by the colours and designs of the
mosaics on the ground and first floor;
slip back into the reassuring
restoration of the classic cinema; and
enjoy the sumptuous leather seats
and sofas in the classic circle.
Why not stop and linger for a drink
and something to eat in the muchloved
coffee rooms, together with the
Intermezzo Café Bar on the ground
floor? There is also a third place for
you to enjoy a drink or discuss the
merits of the latest film in the
dazzling third floor Tyneside Bar.
It will not just about seeing a film, it
will be a great night out in
sophisticated surroundings!
For more information check out their
website www.tynesidecinema.co.uk
and the local press for details of
programmes. You can contact the
Tyneside cinema box office on
0845 217 9909.
Newcastle United’s commitment to
the community
Newcastle United is using the power of football to raise educational
standards and promote healthy lifestyles in the city.
Newcastle United Foundation is the club’s new charity arm. It aims to use the local
passion for football to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people
and families in our region. We are supporting the Foundation to run a number of
community and education projects which will benefit residents.
Kevin Keegan tells kids – Get
Match Fit!
Manager Kevin Keegan launched the
brand new ‘Match Fit’ initiative when
he visited St Vincent’s Primary School
in Walker to talk to the children about
healthy eating and keeping fit.
Match Fit aims to increase physical
activity and health awareness in
children under 11 in the East End of
Newcastle. Over the next three years,
the club will be sending messages to
youngsters that good food, fitness and
football can be fun and enjoyable!
Match Fit is funded by the Premier
League PFA Community Fund and
delivered in partnership with Newcastle
City Council and Newcastle PCT and as
part of the Lean East campaign.
For more information about Lean
East and Match Fit go to
www.leaneast.org.uk.
Young Toon Fans get a kick out
of playing football
Young people in the West End of the
city are getting their ‘Kickz’ playing
football thanks to Newcastle United.
The Club is running free sessions for
12 to 18 year olds at Westgate Centre
for Sport every Monday, Wednesday
and Friday night.
60 young people will get a chance to
train with professional football coaches
and play matches. They are encouraged
to learn and develop new skills, and make
new friends in a fit and healthy way.
During the season, the youngsters had
a chance to visit St James Park to
meet Manager Kevin Keegan and
played a competitive match against
the Sunderland Kickz Project at the
Club’s Academy.
Kickz aims to engage young people in
constructive activities and increase
playing and coaching opportunities. It
helps to break down barriers between
the police and young people and
reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
Kickz is delivered in partnership with
a number of partners, including
Northumbria Police, Newcastle City
Council and the Youth Offending Team.
If you live in the West End and would
like to find out more about Kickz,
phone Newcastle United community
department on 0191 461 1330.
28 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 29

Come and play!
It’s a really exciting time for us, but
you might be wondering what exactly
it is we do.
Play is a vital part of a child’s
development and is really important
to their health and happiness.
It also helps them develop skills for
life, understand the environment around
them and it brings families, friends and
even whole communities together.
We know many of you are worried about
letting your children play outside
because of heavy traffic, a lack of space
and the occasional ‘no ball games’ sign.
So we’re here to provide fun and safe
environments for our children.
We also provide year round and
holiday activities for children aged
five to 12 at our five play-centres in
Nunsmoor, Benwell, Scotswood, Byker
and Walker, and at community centres,
church halls and schools.
There have been several developments
recently which will help to improve
and increase the play opportunities for
our children even more.
Newcastle Play Strategy
We have written a plan which looks at
all the play areas, parks and green
spaces, across the city and what we
can do to improve them for everyone.
It also looks at what else can be done
to make it easier for children and their
families to play more safely in the city.
Lottery funding for
children's play
Earlier this year we successfully bid
for £735,000 of Lottery money and
Una MacDermott and her team
Hi! I’m Una MacDermott and, as I’m Head of Play, I’ve
probably got the best job title at the entire council!
attracted an extra £365,000 to
improve our play facilities, and we’ve
now been able to introduce:
• a street play project based in
Cruddas Park;
• new playworkers working with
children with disabilities;
• a new games area in Denton;
• refurbishments to play areas in
Waverly Park, Kingston Park Green,
City Stadium, Heaton Park,
Westerhope Park; and
• a holiday playscheme in Gosforth.
‘Playbuilder' status
We were also successful in a bid for
£1million to develop our play areas.
The funding will be used to develop
adventurous play using
environmentally friendly materials to
create attractive community play
spaces across Newcastle.
To celebrate all these changes we held
a competition with local children to
design a new logo for us. We had
loads of fantastic entries, but our
favourite was designed by Liam
Surtees of Walkergate. The design will
now appear on all our leaflets, letters
and uniforms. Congratulations Liam!
We’ll also be celebrating our National
Play Day with special family play
events on Northumberland Street and
in Exhibition Park between 10am and
3pm on 6 August. I really hope we see
you there!
If you want anymore information
about Newcastle Play Service and the
play opportunities we provide,
please contact me on
0191 278 2852 or email
una.macdermott@newcastle.gov.uk.
Also check out www.newcastle.gov.uk
for information.
Are you cyber-bullying
aware?
Both students and parents at some of our schools have been
learning about the dangers of cyber-bullying.
We gave our youngsters tips on
staying safe while using the internet
and their mobile phones, and what to
do if affected by cyber-bullying.
Special workshops for their parents are
also being run by our RESPONSE antibullying
team.
“It's vital that children and young
people, who are particularly good at
using new technology, use their
mobiles and the internet safely. As
technology develops, so do bullying
techniques and schools, parents and
young people have to work together
to prevent it and to tackle it head on
wherever it happens,” said Michelle
Crawford from the team.
The RESPONSE team works across the
city to help our schools develop the
way they tackle bullying, including
providing training for school staff and
helping schools develop student peer
mentoring programmes.
The team have also developed a
secure online system for schools to
report incidents of bullying and detail
their response, and an anti-bullying
accreditation scheme, Accreditation
for Action.
Staying safe from cyber-bullying -
advice for children and young
people
• Always respect others online as you
would on the street.
• If you publish a picture or video
online, anyone can change it or
share it. Think before you send - it
could be out there forever!
Diplomas in Hair and Beauty and
Business Administration and Finance
will now go on offer to students
aged 14 - 19 from September 2009.
The first series of the diplomas – in
Construction and the Built
Environment; Engineering; Society
Health and Development,
Information Technology; and
Creative and Media - will be on offer
to students aged 14 to 19 at city
secondary schools and Newcastle
College from this September.
• Treat your password like your
toothbrush - change regularly and
never share. Try not to give out
your personal details to online
contacts. This can include:
Messenger ID, e-mail address,
mobile number, home address or
any pictures of you, your family or
your friends.
• Block the bully. Find out how you
can block unwanted messages.
• Never retaliate. If you receive
unwanted messages, don’t reply as
this could make the problem worse.
• Save the evidence.
• Make sure you tell someone. Share
what is happening with your mum
and dad or carer, your teacher, your
friends, or other members of the
family.
Advice for parents and carers
• Talk to your children: understand
the ways in which they use the
internet and their mobile phones.
Use the above anti cyber-bullying
code as a starting point for
discussion.
• Use the tools: most software and
services on the internet has built in
safety features - such as MSN
block contact list and save
conversations, and setting social
networking profiles to private. Find
out how to use them.
• Speak to your internet service
provider and mobile phone companies
to see what protection they offer.
New diplomas for
Newcastle
The government has announced Newcastle will be among the
first cities to offer new subjects for teens.
The diplomas will be offered at three
different levels, with the two highest
being the equivalent of GCSE A*-C
grades and A-level qualifications.
Newcastle is one of only 10 areas
in the country approved by the
government to deliver all of the
first five diplomas, which form part
of the government's 14 - 19 reform.
For information on the diplomas
phone Tim O’Grady on
0191 211 5318 or go to
www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19
Howzat! Cricket
tickets reward perfect
school attendance
Over fifty pupils who went a whole month without missing a
minute of school were rewarded with free cricket tickets
after we teamed up with Durham County Cricket Club.
One winning pupil with 100%
attendance and no late marks in all of
March won four tickets to see Durham
Dynamos take on Yorkshire Carnegie at
the Riverside Stadium.
Durham mascot, Chester the Lion, also
visited Wharrier Street Primary School
in Walker to present the school's
winning pupil with their tickets during
assembly.
Private fostering
Is someone else looking
after your child?
• Are you making arrangements for
someone else (not a close relative
of yours) to look after your child
for 28 days or more?
• Have you already made
arrangements for someone else to
look after your child?
The law says that you must tell
your local children’s services
about this.
Chester the lion and one thrilled Newcastle student
"Regular attendance at school is very
important if children are to do well. It
will help them aim high and have the
best possible chances in life,” said
Gillian Sanders, our Attendance
Initiatives Development Officer.
Pupils were also rewarded for perfect
school attendance throughout May
with a prize draw for free family
tickets for the Centre for Life.
Are you looking after someone
else’s child?
• Have you agreed to start looking
after someone else’s child (not a
close relative) for 28 days or more?
• Are you already looking after some
else’s child? If so, you could be
privately fostering.
The law says that you must tell your
local children’s services about this.
Children’s services must provide you
and the child with support and advice
and ensure the child is safe.
If you live in Newcastle and you think this may affect you, please phone
the Initial Response Service on 0191 277 2500.
Five minutes with...
Christine Clark,
School Choice Adviser
We have recently employed Christine as our School Choice
Adviser. We thought we would see how she is settling in and
find out all about the services she will be offering.
What is your new role?
I am the new School Choice
Adviser, which means that I am
here to provide advice and support
to families about choosing the
right secondary school.
How will chidren and parents or
carers benefit from the services
you offer?
I can provide support to families to
help them to make the best and
most realistic choice of secondary
school. I explain the admissions
process and how the appeals
process works. I can get specific
information about uniforms and
travel arrangements. And I can find
out how schools have performed in
Ofsted reports.
What is the best bit about your
job?
Working with local parents and
The campaign wanted to bring
together all the breastfeeding mothers
in the city, to feed at the same time
and promote the acceptance of
breastfeeding.
children to find a school which is
right for them and helping to take
away some of their worries and
concerns. I really feel like I am
making a difference.
Do you work across the city or in
specific areas?
I work across all areas of the city.
But I will be focusing on the
transfer between primary and
secondary schools.
What do you have planned in the
next year?
I plan to visit all secondary and
primary schools in the city to meet
Parent Support Advisers and Parent
Link workers. I will be putting
together promotional material
which will be sent to all schools,
libraries, and children’s centres.
Where do people go to if they
want more information?
You can contact me on my mobile
07775 800 763 or by email
christine.clark@newcastle.gov.uk
I’m waiting for your call!
Christine’s post is funded by an
annual grant from central
government for three years. It
provides arms length support for
parents during the transfer
between primary and secondary
school.
You can also phone Christine on
0191 277 4462.
The Big Breastfeed
Breastfeeding mothers across the city came together to join in
the Big Breastfeed campaign at the Monument in May.
As part of the awareness week, there was
also an information stand at High Friars,
Eldon Square where people could get
more information about breastfeeding as
well as free gifts bearing the “Breastfeed
fit 4 life” slogan.
The campaign is being run by
Newcastle Breastfeeding Support
Group
For more information about the
campaign and how to get involved,
phone Natasha Moulding on
0191 272 7824.
30 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries
31

Delivering support
to every child
We want all children in the city grow up to be well-rounded, happy, healthy
young adults who feel able to make a valued contribution to their families and
society as a whole.
Our Inclusion Services aim to support
children and young people to achieve
their full potential by working in
partnership with our local schools and
a variety of other partners.
It is vital that our young people are
able to attend, enjoy and achieve
whilst at school. We are ambitious for
all young people and are keen to
support them all to succeed at school
and into adulthood.
We are sure that all parents and
carers share this and we want to work
closely with you all to help us to
achieve this.
These are some of our Inclusion
Services you and your child may
come into contact with -
Healthy schools team
We work to reduce younger
pregnancies and support young
women who are pregnant. We are
tackling obesity and trying to
increase the take up of school
lunches. We are also focusing on anti
bullying, substance misuse by young
people, emotional health of children,
travel to school and participation in
high quality PE and sport.
We are striving to achieve National
Healthy School Status (NHSS) for all
schools.
Educational
Psychology Service
We work with children and young
people from birth to 19 who may
experience problems with learning,
getting along with others or who
have other physical or medical
difficulties.
We aim to work closely with parents
and carers to help children whatever
their difficulty, overcome barriers to
achievement. We want them to
become the best they can and be
included in their community.
Schools, with the permission of
parents and carers, can make a
referral to our service.
Education Welfare
Service
We deal with issues relating to school
attendance. We can also offer
support with issues such as bullying,
exclusion from school, special
educational needs, child employment
and child protection issues.
We play an important role in
establishing and maintaining links
between school and home. We offer
support to families to help children to
make sure they take full advantage of
the educational opportunities
available to them.
Our service accepts referrals from
schools, parents, children, and other
family members, statutory and
voluntary agencies.
For more information phone
0191 277 4500 or email
ews.education@newcastle.gov.uk
Special Educational
Needs Teaching and
Support Service
(SENTASS)
Our team of specialist teachers and
support assistants work with children
and young people with special
educational needs in schools across
the city
We have a special team that works
with very young pre-school children
with special educational needs in
their homes and through support
groups.
Our service works closely with
parents, carers and adults in schools
and other settings. We offer training,
support and guidance with speech,
language and communication, autism,
dyslexia, co-ordination difficulties,
physical disability and hearing and
visual impairment.
The Jump Ahead project is an
innovative school-based project which
works with young children with
attention difficulties and problems
with co ordination. It provides lots of
fun activities which help these
children improve their skills whilst
involving their parents in the
approach.
We are launching Dyslexia Friendly
Schools across the city to encourage
and support schools to be dyslexia
friendly. We want to make sure
children and young people get the
best possible support and reach their
potential.
Special Educational
Needs Development
and Administration
Service
We provide additional funding to
schools for children and young people
with complex Special Educational
Needs (SEN). We carry out statutory
assessments and reviews of children
and young people with SEN. We also
deal with placements and transport
for children with SEN.
Behaviour Support
Service
We support children and young
people, their schools and families
with emotional, behavioural and
social issues.
We have a team of teachers, support
assistants and educational
psychologists working in partnership
with schools to help children and
young people to maximise their
potential for learning.
We support schools in developing
their Social and Emotional Aspects of
Learning curriculum (SEAL). This
helps children and young people to
develop their social skills, empathy,
motivation, managing feelings and
self awareness.
If you would like more information
on any of the Inclusion Services,
please phone Jane Crawford on
0191 211 5303 or email
jane.crawford@newcastle.gov.uk
You can read more about the work of
another Inclusion Services at the
Linhope Pupil Referral Unit in West
Denton in the next edition of Citylife.
The Future
is here!
By the time you read this,
the first schools transformed
by our Building Schools for
the Future project will have
reopened!
Phase one of our £180 million
Building Schools for the Future project
is nearing completion. This means new
facilities for 16 of our schools, which
are being either refurbished or entirely
rebuilt – the biggest ever investment
in schools in the history of Newcastle.
In June, the first new schools to be
completed – Canning Street Primary
and Thomas Bewick Special School -
enjoyed their first lessons in their
new look homes.
Four more schools, Walkergate Primary,
Kenton College, Walbottle Campus
(first phase) and Stocksfield Ave
Primary will move to new schools in
September, while the first phase of
the refurbishment of Benfield School
was also completed in June.
The work includes:
• new buildings, classrooms and
outside spaces designed to
encourage and inspire learning, and
access to new technologies to
support teaching;
• better sports and PE facilities helping
promote health and fitness; and
• a wider range of extended services,
facilities and activities for out-ofschool
access by young people,
families and communities.
The completion of the first stage of
the Building Schools for the Future
programme makes 2008 a very exciting
year for the Newcastle school children
who will benefit from rebuilt and
refurbished schools, and also for the
schools from the second phase of the
project, where work will be starting
next year.
We are determined young people in
Newcastle have the very best learning
opportunities and the highest quality
facilities. The Building Schools for the
Future programme is allowing us to
make sure every child in Newcastle
gets the education they deserve.
The project is managed by a Local
Education Partnership made up of
Newcastle City Council, Aura Learning
Communities and Building Schools for
the Future Investments.
Aura Learning Communities is a
consortium including Sir Robert
McAlpine, Robertson Capital Projects
and PB (Parsons Brinckerhoff).
Have
your
say on
alcohol
How do you want the
authorities to tackle
this issue?
• Binge Britain: Hospital
admissions 'rise 300%' since
introduction of 24-hour
drinking.
• Ban the bargain booze.
• Police report 50% more
women drunks.
• Is British drinking out of
control?
There isn’t a day that goes by
without newspaper headlines
like this warning us about the
dangers of alcohol. But what are
the facts?
Did you know that the North
East has more people who drink
at harmful levels than the rest of
the country?
We have fewer services for treating
people with serious alcohol
problems and longer waiting
times. We also top the league of
binge-drinkers in England.
Alcohol misuse affects individuals,
families and communities. It is a
major factor in anti-social
behaviour and crime. It affects
everything from the quality of
home life, family finances,
education, health and how safe
we feel on public transport.
This is a serious problem for the
city and one that the Newcastle
Partnership aims to target with
the city’s first ever multi-agency
alcohol strategy. The strategy sets
out how all the agencies are
going to deal with this issue
including the police, the council,
the Primary Care Trust and the
voluntary and community sectors.
There are four main areas that
the strategy deals with:
• stopping alcohol from being a
problem in the first place by
sending out safe drinking
messages and targeting
binge-drinkers
• improving services for problem
drinkers and their families
• taking strong legal and
enforcement action to stop
under-age drinking, alcohol
related violence and
irresponsible drink promotions
in pubs and shops
• working together to
co-ordinate services and plans
to ensure Newcastle is a
healthier and safer for everyone
The Newcastle Partnership is
asking for your views about
what you want tackled first. Have
your say on what you think the
authorities should be doing and
what are the key alcohol issues
that affect your life and
community.
Your views will be gathered
along with those from GPs,
police officers, the licensed
trade, pub landlords, teachers,
students, health professionals,
community groups, elected
members, the council and many
others. All of these views will
direct how the partners of the
Newcastle Partnership will work
together to tackle this issue. It’s
important that you have your
say on how we make Newcastle
a safer and healthier place to
live and work in or visit.
To read the full consultation document and strategy please go
to www.newcastlepartnership.org.uk
The Newcastle Partnership includes Newcastle City Council,
Northumbria Police, Newcastle Primary Care Trust and other public,
private, community and voluntary sector organisations who work
together to improve the quality of lives of Newcastle’s residents.
Alcohol
Questionnaire
Let us know your views on
alcohol and you could win
£50 of Eldon Square
vouchers. All the information
you provide will be treated as
strictly confidential.
Please rank the top three statements in order that you would
like to see tackled by the Newcastle Partnership and partners:
(1 being most important and 3 being least important)
• Improve services for people with serious drinking
problems and their families
• Reduce the number of people going into hospital
with drink related illnesses or injuries
• Educate people about harmful drinking levels
/units
• Penalise shops who sell alcohol to children
• Have tough consequences for people who cause
anti social behaviour or commit crimes when drunk
• Work with licensed premises and supermarkets to
stop irresponsible drinks promotions
• Work with schools to educate young people about
the dangers of harmful drinking
• Tackle problems in the city centre as a
consequence of binge drinking
• Tackle problems of drink related disorder
• Encourage people to take more responsibility for
their own drinking habits
Finally - is there anything else you think we should be doing?
...........................................................................................................
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Prize Draw
If you would like to be entered into the prize draw to win £50
of Eldon Square shopping vouchers, please fill in your name
and address and return to Freepost CITYLIFE by the 31 July
✁
Name ................................................................................................
Adress ..............................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
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32 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 This page is paid for by Safe Newcastle 33

Better support
for carers
So how can being involved with Carers Centre
Newcastle make a difference to you as a carer?
Your Homes Newcastle -
first in North East to get top
marks from watchdog
Dawn got in touch with the
carers centre when she and her
family were coping with the
devastating news that her
husband had fibromyalgia (a
debilitating disease). This meant
a change in their financial
situation as well as having to
deal with the physical and
emotional challenges of his
condition. We arranged for a
Welfare Rights Officer to visit the
family and this resulted in
benefits being secured. A
support worker encouraged
Dawn to take a break from
caring and consider her own
needs. With encouragement,
Dawn went on a confidence
building course which has had
astounding results. She now has
a voluntary job, has completed
her jury service, is tackling her
driving test and is looking
forward to more successes in
the future.
Linda contacted the carers
centre for help in managing her
son’s individual budget.
She cares for her adult son as
well as her mother. Linda now
receives support at meetings,
enjoys massage sessions and
going for a meal with the
Evening Dining Out Group. She
enjoyed a day of relaxation at
Minsteracres Retreat Centre
organised for Carers Week by
the centre.
Carers Centre Newcastle is an
information, advice and support
service for unpaid carers in the
city. Carers make a significant
contribution to community care,
yet their role is not always
recognised or understood. One
in eight people in Britain is now
a carer and most of us can
expect to be a carer at some
point in our lives. Not all carers
live in the same household as
the person they care for, but all
have taken on a major
commitment to care for a
dependent relative or friend on
an unpaid basis and this can
have a significant impact upon
their own lives.
Contact Carers Centre Newcastle on 0191 260 3030 or go to
www.newcastlecarers.org.uk
Carers enjoy a walk at Minsteracres
Glen Lumsden of the Hancock pub signs up to smoke free with
Angela Wallis, Health Improvement Officer
Getting the
smoke free
message across
It is one year since the smoke free legislation was
introduced and our work to make Newcastle a smoke
free city has been a huge success.
We have carried out more than
1,800 visits to shops, businesses
and entertainment venues
across the city. Ninety nine
percent have complied with the
new rules that prohibit smoking
in enclosed public spaces.
We’ve also continued to offer
advice and support to businesses
and respond to phone calls from
the public who want to tell us
about alleged breaches of smoke
free legislation.
And the last twelve months have
also seen tough new measures
put in place to stop young
people from starting smoking in
the first place. From October it
became illegal to sell tobacco
products to anyone under the
age of 18 – an increase from the
previous age limit of 16 – and
shopkeepers must clearly
display signs explaining the new
age restrictions.
Our Trading Standards service
has been working hard to make
sure retailers are aware of the
new age limit. We sent under 18s
into 46 shops across the city to
try to buy cigarettes and not a
single sale was made.
Smoke Free Newcastle is a
group of people representing
statutory and voluntary
organisations and is coordinated
by Newcastle Primary Care Trust
and Newcastle City Council. The
aim is to improve the health of
people living and working in the
city and contribute to a better
environment for all.
If you want to give up smoking,
the Newcastle and North
Tyneside NHS Stop Smoking
Service offers practical advice
and support on giving up. Phone
0191 219 5111 for more
information and details of stop
smoking sessions or visit
http://gosmokefree.nhs.uk/.
We’ve just been given the findings of our latest government inspection - and
it’s exciting news for tenants and leaseholders of Newcastle City Council. We
have been rated as providing an ‘excellent’ service which has excellent
prospects for further improvement.
We are the Arms Length
Management Organisation
(ALMO) that Newcastle City
Council set up in April 2004 to
manage its 32,000 council
homes. The inspection was
made by the Audit Commission,
an independent public spending
watchdog. On a scale from zero
Over 15,000 homes have been
improved
Our work on supported housing impressed inspectors
to three stars they gave us a
three star ‘excellent’ rating, which
is the highest rating possible.
This makes us the first housing
organisation in the north east to
achieve that standard.
The inspectors were particularly
impressed with our work on
supported housing and financial
inclusion. They praised us for
putting customers firmly at the
heart of everything we do. They
singled out our approach to
tackling anti social behaviour in
estates and our multi-million
pound Modern Homes
refurbishment programme for
particular praise.
Their report says we have a
'strong performance culture' and
that tenant involvement in our
broad range of services is
excellent. It also highlights the
fact that eight of our most
important teams have been
awarded the government’s
coveted Charter Mark status in
recognition of their superb
customer service.
Inspectors found that customer
satisfaction with our services is
increasing year-on-year with more
than 78 percent of tenants
satisfied and the report praises our
'welcoming and knowledgeable'
staff. The overall appearance of
estates and multi-storey blocks is
good and we deal with the
majority of complaints we receive
within ten days.
The report also recommends
how we can continue to offer
three star services and
highlights areas where we can
improve. If you’d like to read
more about the inspection
please visit our website at
www.yhn.org.uk or the Audit
Commission website at
www.audit-commission.gov.uk/
reports
The search is
on for the
North East's
best neighbour
We are working with the
Evening Chronicle to
promote the No 1 Neighbour
Awards, which will recognise
and reward the contribution
that great neighbours can
make to communities.
The winner of the No 1
Neighbour of the Year award will
take home £1,000 and a hand
crafted trophy at a ceremony
hosted by radio and television
personality Kathy Secker.
Two of the categories - 'North
East Neighbour of the Year' and
'North East Contribution to the
Community' - are open to
everyone in the North East -
whilst the other three categories
- 'YHN Tenant or Leaseholder of
the Year', 'YHN Community
Award' and 'YHN Young Person's
Community Award' - are
exclusively for tenants and
leaseholders living in YHNmanaged
homes in Newcastle.
Nomination forms are available
in Your Homes Newcastle
Housing Offices across the city
or through the YHN website at
www.yhn.org.uk. The closing
date for nominations is August
13. If you're nominating
someone, make sure you give
examples of what makes your
neighbour special!
34 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 This page is paid for by Your Homes Newcastle
35

Pride Parade
and the Pink
Picnic
Get your glad rags on and start
painting your banners in
preparation for Newcastle’s first
ever Pride Parade.
The parade, organised by Northern Pride, will
be taking place on Saturday 12 July and will
begin at 12pm at Newcastle Civic Centre.
It is a new and exciting lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender (LGBT) ‘not-for-profit’
festival for the North East. Residents will be
coming together to ensure that Pride
celebrations become part of the region’s
cultural celebrations.
You will be able to learn more about LGBT
history or dance the night away, admire the
work of LGBT artists or chill out at a Pink
Picnic. There is definitely something for
everyone!
The parade will end at Leazes Park to kick off
the Pink Picnic at 1pm. It will be a relaxed
affair with lots of activities to take part in.
Young people and families with children will
have lots to do when the Play and Youth bus
rolls up.
Whether you want to try your hands on the
DJ decks or get your face painted, there will
be activities to suit you whatever your age.
The sporty among us will be represented too,
with football and rugby teams showing us
how it’s done. For those of us who haven’t
played sport since school there will be an
opportunity to take part in relaxed and
informal ‘taster’ sessions.
There will be lots more besides: with
information stalls, music and much more.
Of course, if that all sounds a bit energetic
then you could just pack a picnic, chill out
and watch the world go by!
For more information on Northern Pride
phone Sian Broadhurst LGB Community
Development on 0191 277 7539 or
email commdev@newcastle.gov.uk.
Seven Stories Writers and Artists Group
Seven Stories Writers and Artists Group (SSWAG) began life two years ago. Two
courses at the Centre for Lifelong Learning had attracted a group of talented
students who returned year after year.
SSWAG members live across the North East, as far
apart as North Yorkshire and Alnwick, and are
passionate about producing good books for children,
from picture books to books for teenagers. They
meet once a month to discuss their work and find
new ways to improve their skills.
They even have associate members in Canada.
Illustrator Anne Yvonne Gilbert recently left
Newcastle and moved there with her husband
graphic artist Danny Nanos. They believe that this
unique group of writers and illustrators is a very
exciting venture and they are hoping to start a
satellite group in Toronto.
SSWAG is very proud to be exhibiting some of its
members’ work at Seven Stories. They wanted to
show residents just how many stages actually go
into creating a book.
You can see everything from the very first glimmer
of a scribbled idea, to first drafts and all the
intervening stages up to completion and
Recent cycling improvements being pedalled across
the city and aimed at making Newcastle more cyclefriendly
include:
• 45 new free public bike racks, with more planned
for the future. The racks give you somewhere safe
and secure to leave your bike, and reduce the
number of bikes chained to railings on the street.
New racks are available on St Mary’s Place East,
Saville Row, Pilgrim Street, Quayside, Clayton
Street and Newgate Street. Racks are also
available in the car parks at Eldon Gardens, Dean
Street, Oxford Street, Manors and Grainger Town,
which are monitored by car park attendants and
include lockers.
• £272,000 investment in cycle routes across the
city, including both off-road cycle paths and
dedicated cycle lanes.
• New maps of the locations of city cycle routes
and lanes, and sites of bike racks across the city.
• Publication of a magazine, “Get Cycling in
Newcastle”, available in libraries, schools, pools
and leisure centres and the Tourist Information
Centre, giving advice on getting started in
cycling, choosing the right equipment, safety
and maintenance tips along with guides on the
routes and cycle lanes of Newcastle.
The recruitment of the city’s first dedicated Cycling
Officer responsible for the co-ordination of the
city’s cycling policy.
“As a compact city, Newcastle is ideal for cycling. A
bike is one of the best ways of getting around there
is – it’s free, clean, green and it keeps you fit - and
publication. This is quite a unique opportunity to
see how they create stories and illustrations.
The group feel they are very lucky to be so closely
involved with Seven Stories, which is the only
exhibition space in the UK dedicated to the
celebration of children’s literature. It is an exciting,
vibrant, and stimulating environment which
encourages and inspires the group.
Come and see the exhibition which tells the story of
who they are and how they work. You may even find
yourself inspired whatever your age or experience!
The exhibition is open during Seven Stories normal
opening hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm,
Sunday 11am – 5pm. If anyone is only going to the
SSWAG exhibition (and not the other Seven Stories
galleries) then entrance is free.
You can phone Seven Stories directly on
0845 271 0777 or Alisoun Gardner Medwin on
01661 852 318 or email sswaginfo@yahoo.com
for more information.
Pedal power for Newcastle as city
gets on its bike
Newcastle is getting into gear with a series of new developments aimed at cutting
congestion, confronting climate change and helping people to be fit and active – by
leaving their car at home and getting on their bikes.
we want to encourage more people to do it, and to
support the people who already do,” said Gary
MacDonald, our Transport Policy Manager.
“The new routes and racks open up the city to
cyclists and give people greater opportunities to
bike to work, to the shops, and on trips out and
the more people who are getting on their bikes, the
better it is for our environment, the better it is for
their health, the better it is for congestion, and the
better it is for business too, as more bikes mean
less cars on the road.”
Stella Carmichael, Fairtrade council officer, Malcolm Gluck, Chris Jewitt, chair of Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership
Fabulous Fairtrade!
Newcastle is a Fairtrade City. Fairtrade promotes a way of trading that means
a better deal for growers and small scale producers in developing countries.
It aims to guarantee producers in the Third World a
fair price for goods including bananas, chocolate,
cotton, coffee and tea.
It has been a busy few months for our Fairtrade
team as they continue to get the message out that
fairly traded goods are great quality and buying
them makes a real difference to some of the world's
poorest people.
BBC Newsreader George Alagiah, Patron of the
Fairtrade Foundation, came along to a Fairtrade
business breakfast in Newcastle. He talked to
leading business people in the city about how they
can support the movement.
Newcastle hosted a Fairtrade wine tasting with
renowned wine buff Malcolm Gluck lending his
Newcastle City Council
Changes to the complaints procedure
From 8 May 2008, the responsibility for
considering complaints that a councillor may
have breached the Code of Conduct for Members
has moved to the standards committees of local
authorities. Previously, such complaints had to
be made to the Standards Board for England.
What this means to you
If you want to complain about the conduct of a
member of Newcastle City Council, or a member
of one of our parish councils, you must submit
your complaint to:
The Standards Committee
Newcastle City Council,
c/o Mrs V A Dodds, Monitoring Officer and
expertise to the event that was held at the city's
Art Works Galleries.
Newcastle also hosted the second meeting of the
Regional Fairtrade Forum where we brought together
people from across the region to decide how the
North East can best promote Fairtrade.
And on 20 September, there will be another Fairtrade
Fayre in the Grainger Market in Newcastle, where
you'll have a chance to buy fairly-traded goods and
meet the people who make and sell them.
To find out more about Fairtrade in
Newcastle phone Stella Carmichael on
0191 211 6117 or you can email
stella.carmichael@newcastle.gov.uk
Code of conduct for members: complaints process
Head of Legal Services,
Civic Centre,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE99 2BN
Any complaint should be made using an
appropriate complaint form which can be
requested from the Council’s Head of Legal
Services or Head of Democratic Services at the
above address.
The committee can only deal with complaints
about the behaviour of a member. It will not
deal with complaints about things that are not
covered by the Members Code of Conduct. If you
make a complaint to the committee it must be
about why you think a member has not followed
the Code of Conduct.
Name the mascot
and win spectacles or
sunglasses worth up
to £150!
To celebrate their
second birthday,
Gosforth Eye
Company
encouraged local
youngsters to get
creative when
they asked them
to design a
company mascot.
The winning mascot was created by Craig Watson of
Kenton School and it will be used throughout the
business, on their newsletters and their website.
In the second part of their celebrations, they are
looking for a name for their mascot. So get your
thinking caps and send in your entries. The winner
will win spectacles or sunglasses to the value of £150!
Please send your entries no later than 25 July
directly to Gosforth Eye Company, 223-225
High Street Gosforth, NE3 1HQ or email
Denise@gosfortheyecompany.co.uk.
Please include your name, address and contact
telephone number. Please do not send your
entries to Citylife.
Bringing people and
opportunities together
Community Transport Newcastle is part of a
national charity helping local people to
access local opportunities. They operate from
two sites in the East and West End of
Newcastle and have four areas of activity
which you may be interested in.
Training
They have built up an excellent reputation for
delivering high quality training and provide work
experience to local people. People who take part
can receive nationally recognised qualifications.
Furniture recycling service
Local people can donate good quality furniture
which can be made available to others in the
community. This reduces waste and recycles
resources for the benefit of the environment. They
will even pick up and deliver the items for you!
Volunteering
Whether you are looking for something rewarding to
do with your leisure time, or looking to develop your
confidence or gain work experience, they have a
volunteer role for you.
They are happy to accept whatever time you have to
offer and will pay out of pocket expenses. The
community bus is getting more popular, so they
would particularly like to hear from you if you would
like to volunteer as a driver.
If you would like to find out more phone
0191 265 9267 or email
julietait@communitytransport.org
36 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 37

Council Diary 30 June 2008 - 26 August 2008
All the meetings listed
below are open to the
public. Times are correct at
time of going to press, but
please check in case of any
changes. Unless otherwise
stated, all meetings take
place in a Committee Room
in the Civic Centre.
No meeting
Audit Committee
Phone Jo Miller on
0191 211 5119
City Council
Phone Linda Couch on
0191 211 5121
30 July 2008 at 11.30am
Conservation
Advisory
Committee
Phone Linda Couch on
0191 211 5121
Constitutional
Committee
Phone: Judith Curran on
0191 211 5119
24 July 2008 at 5pm
Corporate Parent
Advisory Committee
Phone Elaine Campbell on
0191 211 5183
11 July 2008 at 9.30am
1 August 2008 at 9.30am
22 August 2008 at 9.30am
Development
Control Committee
Phone David Long on
0191 211 5129
16 July 2008 at 4pm
Executive
Phone Bernard Dale on
0191 211 5121
7 July 2008 at 5pm
Holocaust Memorial Day
Working Group
Phone Andrew Rothwell on
0191 211 5610
Neighbourhood
Committee
Phone Elaine Campbell on
0191 211 5183
14 July 2008 at 9.30am
Newcastle Great
Park Advisory
Committee
Phone Susan Armstrong on
0191 211 5122
24 July 2008
25 September 2008
Planning and Transport
Strategy Committee
Phone Judith Curran on
0191 211 5119
7 July 2008 at 4.30pm
Procurement Committee
Phone Ian Stearman on
0191 211 5166
Shared Housing
Working Group
Phone Steve Laws on
0191 211 5118
18 July 2008 at 4pm
Standards Committee
Phone Jo Miller on
0191 211 5119
SCRUTINY PANELS
17 July 2008 at 1pm
Children and Young People
Scrutiny Panel
Phone Victoria Demchenko
on 0191 211 5184
8 July 2008 at 4pm
Environment Scrutiny Panel
Phone Terry White on
0191 211 5119
28 July 20087 at 2pm
Health and Adult Services
Scrutiny Panel
Phone Rob Smithson on
0191 211 5184
15 July 2008 at 3pm
Scrutiny Management
Committee
Phone Elaine Campbell on
0191 211 5183
21 July 2008 at 4pm
Regeneration Scrutiny Panel
Phone Rob Smithson on
0191 211 5184
14 July 2008 at 1pm
at the Mansion House
Neighbourhood Scrutiny Panel
Phone Steve Laws on
0191 211 5118
WARD COMMITTEES
If no venue given, please ring
extension number listed.
22 July 2008 at 7pm – In ward.
Dates, times and venues to be
confirmed
Benwell and Scotswood Ward
Committee
Phone Amy Redpath on
0191 211 6264
24 July 2008 at 7pm
(Venue to be confirmed)
Blakelaw Ward Committee
Phone Helen Warneford on
0191 211 6286
15 July 2008
(Venue to be confirmed)
Byker Ward Committee
Phone Cardine Collinson on
0191 278 3129
24 July 2008 at 6.30pm
Castle Ward Committee
Phone Sue Wannop on
0191 211 6263
7 July 2008 at 7pm
(Venue to be confirmed)
Dene Ward Committee
Phone Amanda Quinn on
0191 278 3196
17 July 2008 at 6pm
Denton Ward Committee
Phone Dorothy Procter on
0191 277 3533
14 July 2008 at 7pm
East Gosforth
Ward Committee
Phone Ann Gilks on
0191 211 6296
To be confirmed
Elswick Ward Committee
Phone Susan Johnson on
0191 278 3136
22 July 2008 at 2pm
Fawdon Ward Committee
Phone Rob Gillie on
0191 211 6265
24 July 2008 at 10.30am
Fenham Ward Committee
Phone Amy Redpath on
0191 211 6264
To be arranged
Kenton Ward Committee
Phone Amy Redpath on
0191 211 6264
24 July 2008 at 6pm
Lemington Ward
Committee
Phone Andy Eastwood on
0191 277 3540
15 July 2008 at 6pm
Newburn Ward
Committee
Phone Andy Eastwood on
0191 277 3540
2 September 2008
North Heaton
Ward Committee
Phone Susan Johnson on
0191 278 3136
North Jesmond
Ward Committee
Phone Paul McKinnell on
0191 211 3183
23 July 2008 at 6.30pm
Ouseburn Ward Committee
Phone Elizabeth Grace/Cass Winlow
on 0191 278 3193
To be arranged
Parklands Ward Committee
Phone Amy Stillwell on
0191 211 6272
Wednesday 9 July 2008
(Time and Venue to be confirmed)
South Heaton
Ward Committee
Phone Caroline Collinson on
0191 278 3129
8 July 2008 at 6.30pm in a
committee room at the Civic Centre.
South Jesmond
Ward Committee
Phone Paul McKinnell on
0191 278 3183
To be confirmed
Walker Ward Committee
Phone Debra Lagun on
0191 278 3180
8 July 2008 at 6.30 pm - In Ward
9 September 2008 at 6.30pm
- In Ward
Walkergate Ward Committee
Phone Carol Lamb on
0191 278 3199
10 July 2008 at 6.30pm
Westerhope Ward Committee
Phone Judith Paxton on
0191 277 3533
Westgate Ward Committee
Phone Elizabeth Grace on
0191 278 3193 and Cass Winslow
on 0191 211 6289
16 July 2008 at 6.30pm
(To be confirmed)
West Gosforth
Ward Committee
Phone Ann Gilks on
0191 211 6296
15 July 2008 at 7.15pm - In Ward
Wingrove Ward Committee
Phone Susan Johnson on
0191 211 3136
2 September 2008 at 6.30pm
- In Ward
Woolsington
Ward Committee
Phone Helen Warneford on
0191 277 7938
What’s
happening in
the East
End?
The official opening of Belmont Green
took place on Saturday 3 May following
months of hard work by the local
community to design a pocket park on
Walker Road.
The new park complements the improvements
to footpaths, the addition of a cycle lane and
additional planting on Walker Road between
Monkchester and St Anthony’s Road. Janet
McLean, a former resident of the area who
had played an important role in planning and
design in the area, officially opened the park.
Janet was joined by Nick Brown MP and
Councillor John Shipley in complimenting
local residents for their contribution and
recognising Belmont Green as a further
improvement to the Walker Riverside area.
Over 200 residents and children came along
to see their hand-made cobbles, the new
French oak seats and a granite circle which
includes dozens of words chosen by local
school children and residents.
The residents worked closely with Belmont
Area Residents’ Group, Newcastle City
Council, Places for People and Bridging
NewcastleGateshead.
Bridging NewcastleGateshead is working to create great places to live in parts of
NewcastleGateshead. Want to know more? Visit www.bridgingng.org.uk, email
info@bridgingng.org.uk or call 0191 277 2666.
Back row: Anne Mulroy, Director of BNG; Nick Brown MP; Cllr John Shipley, Leader of
Newcastle City Council (centre back); Karen Brown, Walker Riverside team and Father
Dominic Madzimure of St Anthony’s of Egypt joined residents including former resident
Janet McLean (centre front) to open Belmont Green.
What’s happening in the West End?
Door to door salespeople are being
shown the cold shoulder by elderly
residents as part of a clampdown on
rogue traders. A ‘no cold calling zone’
has been set up in streets around
Scotswood in a bid to cut doorstep
crime. Posters and flyers warning
prospective traders that they are not
welcome have been posted around the
controlled zone, which is among the first
of its kind in the region.
Forty bungalows in Ferguson’s Lane, Yewcroft
Avenue and Broadmead Way have been
equipped with sophisticated ‘dome cameras’,
making it possible for residents to assess
each visitor through a preset channel on their
televisions. The scheme is run in partnership
between the city council, Your Homes
Newcastle, Northumbria Police and the
residents’ association and is funded by Your
Homes Newcastle, Safe Newcastle and
Bridging NewcastleGateshead.
Louise Stobbart, of the Scotswood and West
Benwell Neighbourhood Management
Initiative said: “The main aim of the scheme
is to deter bogus callers or anyone who
might try to prey on the more vulnerable
members of our community. We want to
make people feel safer in their own home.”
Residents have also been issued with
information packs containing contact
numbers and window stickers to be
displayed as a further deterrent.
Residents in the Benwell area joined forces
with the Benwell Neighbourhood
Management Initiative in May to give their
neighbourhood a week-long spring clean.
The aim of the week was to improve the
environment and this year’s activities all had
an environmental theme. Activities included
a community litter pick competition led by
the neighbourhood wardens, a junk music
workshop and making and selling hanging
baskets. The week rounded off with a
relaxing teddy bears’ picnic in Ladykirk Road
community garden. Carolyn Wood, Benwell
Neighbourhood Manger said: “The aim of
this week was to give the area a spring clean
and ultimately make Benwell an even better
place for now and the next generation.”
38 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 This page is paid for by Bridging Newcastle Gateshead 39

COMMUNITY NEWS...COMMUNITY NEWS...COMMUNITY NEWS...COMMUNITY NEWS...
COMMUNITY NEWS...COMMUNITY NEWS...COMMUNITY NEWS...COMMUNITY NEWS...
Biking for
Bobby!
Dave Johnston and Peter
Harrison work for our Leisure
Services at Eldon Leisure.
Dave and Peter have been
Newcastle United season ticket
holders for over 15 years and
are loyal supporters of Bobby
Robson and the Toon army.
When they heard about the Sir
Bobby Robson Foundation they
decided to try and raise some
money. They will be cycling from
coast to coast. Their route will take
them from Whitehaven to Penrith
and onwards to Barnard Castle.
On day three they will cycle to
Tynemouth covering a staggering
160 miles.
If you would like more
information you can phone Dave
and Peter at Eldon Leisure on
0191 277 1277 or email Peter at
peter.harrison@newcastle.gov.uk.
Donations can also be sent
directly to The Sir Bobby Robson
Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton,
Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE7 7QG.
Please quote charity reference
number SBR /06/08.
An international success!
Residents in Cowgate had great fun at a recent International Family
Day held at Cowgate Neighbourhood Centre.
Building on the success of last year’s
event, residents came along to join in
with the celebrations and fun was had
by all.
There were various activities including
face painting, wall climbing,
tattooing, Chinese arts and crafts, nail
art and t-shirt painting.
Hidden talents were spotted at the
karaoke stand, and families teamed up
to take part in the quiz. There was
bingo throughout the day and a
chance to taste a selection of dishes
from around the world.
The day was a huge success and was
supported by Cowgate Community
Forum, Family Health and Community
Project, The Youth Service, Play Service
and supportetd by Arts Development,
Ward Co-ordinators, Sure Start Blakelaw
and Leisure Services.
For further information regarding
activities in the Cowgate area,
contact Amy Redpath, Kenton Ward
Co-ordinator on 0191 211 6264.
Low cost love affair?
Have you flown easyJet, Jet2 or Ryanair for pleasure or business
during the last three years? If so, Dr Mark Casey at Newcastle
University would like to speak to you.
The arrival of low cost airlines in the
region has changed our holiday and
travel experiences over the last
decade. Low cost airlines now provide
an affordable link between Newcastle
and major cities across Europe.
Mark wants to talk to Newcastle
residents (aged 18 and over) for his
research on how the arrival of low cost
air travel has changed the way we
travel and holiday.
His research is focused upon the many
potential benefits and positive
experiences low cost air travel has
given to Newcastle residents. Has the
arrival of low cost air travel increased
the number of trips you take each year?
Do you own a holiday home which you
can now easily visit using low cost
airlines? Have you visited countries and
cities using low cost airlines which you
thought you would never be able to
see? For those residents who also travel
for business, have the low cost airlines
allowed your business links with Europe
to grow stronger?
For more information or to take part
in Mark’s research please email him
at casey.mark10@yahoo.co.uk before
15 September 2008.
All interviewees will be entered into
a prize draw (to be drawn late Oct
2008) with the chance to win £50
in easyJet vouchers.
Ouseburn
Festival
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July
2008
The 12th annual Ouseburn Festival will
take place across the Ouseburn Valley.
Always a highlight on the region’s
events calendar, this year’s festival aims
to celebrate the region’s diverse culture
by bringing together communities and
groups from the Ouseburn Valley to
provide entertainment for all the
family!
There is a huge range of activities
available for all ages – from horse
riding and boat building to plays,
exhibitions, open studios and music.
There’s so much to do, its guaranteed
fun for all the family! Visit
www.ouseburnfestival.org for
continued updates.
For further information on the
Ouseburn Festival please contact
Claire Dupree at
info@narcmedia.com or call
07748 907914, or Angela Barker at
angela.barker@newcastle.gov.uk or
call 0191 275 5612.
SunWalk 2008
Charity Walk the Walk is holding
their next SunWalk in Newcastle
on 7 September.
Families and friends of all ages will
take on a 5k, 10k or half marathon
power walk. Whilst they are all getting
fit and having fun, they will be raising
money for breast cancer charities.
For more information about the
SunWalk and information on how to
register go to www.walkthewalk.org
Waywood launches
new selling gallery
Waywood launched its new selling
gallery in May. Waywood Art
Boutique is a place for buying and
selling contemporary art.
You can shop for unique small
presents or invest in a piece of art for
the office or home.
Gallery staff and artists are on hand to
advise on choosing, purchasing and
displaying art for investment or pleasure!
Opening times are 11am – 3pm
Wednesdays to Saturdays at 31 High
Bridge Street, Newcastle.
Pregnant women go
back to basics
Expectant parents in Newcastle can benefit from a new
business providing antenatal classes.
Birth Basics has been set up by
Janine Rudin, who has been
providing antenatal classes in the
area for five years.
She runs two types of classes to meet
the needs of expectant women.
Positions, Movement and Relaxation
for Labour courses are women-only.
Women can relax and bond with their
baby. They can practise positions for
labour and simple breathing
techniques to ease tension and
anxiety. This course costs £40.
Birth preparation courses are for
expectant women and their birth
partner. The course is packed full
of information on different ways of
coping with contractions and how
birth partners can provide support.
It also covers complicated labour,
caesareans, plus recovery from birth
and coping strategies for life with a
new baby. This course costs £60.
New classes have started at the
Trinity Centre Gosforth. Or you can go
to the Linshill Centre in Tynemouth.
One-to-one sessions are also
available for people who are unable
to attend a group course.
For more information go to
www.birthbasics.co.uk or you can
email janine@birthbasics.co.uk
Queen’s award for Scotswood
volunteers
Congratulations to the volunteers at Scotswood Neighbourhood Centre who have
been granted the Queen’s Award for all their hard work. The drop-in centre
based at 221 Woodstock Road, Scotswood, offers a range of advice and support
services.
Ouseburn Market – 13 July
Visit the arts, crafts and flea market from 11am - 4pm in the atrium
of the Star And Shadow Cinema, Stepney Bank, Ouseburn.
Its a great place to grab a bargain or
pick up something a bit different.
There will be 15 stalls offering a
diverse range of products from
independent designers and artists as
well as private traders offering good
quality second hand and vintage
goods.
Hot and cold drinks will be served from
the bar area along with some great
music from a DJ from 1pm onwards.
Entrance is free to the public.
The venue is wheelchair friendly and is
located at the top of Ouseburn Valley
opposite the Tanners pub.
For further info please visit
www.myspace.com/ourmarket or email
starandshadowmarket@googlemail.com
Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery
Ken Scott our Bereavement Services Officer has been working with
the Friends of Jesmond old cemetery.
It is a group of people who voluntarily work in the cemetery and tidy the graves
of the famous Newcastle citizens buried in the cemetery.
They are looking for more volunteers to work with them.
If you are interested contact Ken Scott on 0191 211 6940
or email kenneth.scott@newcastle.gov.uk
Adults needed for new Guide unit
Girlguiding Newcastle is on the lookout for adult volunteers to help
with the opening of a new Guide unit in Heaton to meet rising
demand for places from local girls.
All other Guide units in the area are
currently full and another group is
needed to provide places for girls who
are waiting to join Guides. It is hoped
that the new unit, for girls aged 10 to
14, will open in September 2008.
Volunteers in guiding can get just as
much enjoyment out of it as the girls
– many go on international trips and
go to concerts.
Volunteers are needed to work directly
with the girls, either at weekly Guide
meetings or in another supporting role.
Win a meal at the Tavistock Italia
Tavistock Italia is now widely regarded as one of the premier
eateries in Newcastle, having wowed critics and customers alike with
its special blend of understated elegance and irresistible charm.
Citylife has teamed up with
restaurant owners Tavistock Leisure,
to offer two lucky winners the chance
to dine for free and sample the
restaurant’s sophisticated
atmosphere.
One winner will receive an evening
meal for four, to be taken on a day of
Competition
To enter, tell us which of the following is in Italy?
Antwerp Genoa Houghton le Spring
Help is needed at this new unit and in
Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Ranger
units across Newcastle.
To volunteer for Girlguiding Newcastle
at this or any other unit please
contact the County Office on
0191 224 4021, email
ggeastnewcastle@btinternet.com or
visit www.girlguidingnewcastle.org.uk
their choosing (subject to availability)
with a complimentary bottle of house
wine thrown in.
The second lucky entrant will be able
to enjoy a ‘lazy Sunday afternoon’ at
the jazz club with a free Sunday lunch
for four and a complimentary bottle of
house wine.
Name …….......................................…………….……………………….
Address ……..…………………………………........................................
........................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
Send to Freepost CITYLIFE by 25 July.
Don’t forget to put all your coupons in one envelope.
✁
Terms and conditions: Competition prize is subject to availability. The meals
must be taken at the Tavistock restaurant on Newcastle’s Quayside and can not
be redeemed in conjunction with any other offer. No alternatives will be given.
40 www.newcastle.gov.uk
Citylife: July/August 2008
Citylife: July/August 2008 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 41

What’s On
LET US KNOW
Post Freepost CITYLIFE
Fax 0191 211 4888
Email charlotte.sly@newcastle.gov.uk
Deadline for the September/
October edition is Friday 8 August.
EXHIBITIONS
DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Blandford Square 232 6789
18001 0191 232 6789
www.twmuseums.org.uk/discovery
Sound & Vision This exhibition examines
the difference between analogue and digital
broadcasting and traces the history of
broadcast media over the last 100 years. Free
LAING ART GALLERY
New Bridge Street 232 7734
18001 0191 232 7734 (text phone)
www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing
Mon - Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm
Until Sun 13 July
Love Love is a new National Gallery
touring exhibition which looks at the ways
artists have responded to the pains and
pleasures of love over the centuries.
From Sat 26 July
Painting in the Open Air Yorkshire artist
Ashley Jackson's haunting moorlands
landscapes have made him one of the
country's most successful watercolourists.
Untold Stories: Experimental Chinese
Ink Painting Traditional Chinese ink
painting will be given a new lease of life
in this new exhibition. Free
UNIVERSITY GALLERY
Northumbria University 227 4424
www.northumbria.ac.uk/universitygallery
Mon-Thurs 10am- 5pm, Fri and Sat
10am-4pm. (Closed Bank Holidays)
Until Fri 18 July
Stephen Chambers Prints
Brita Granström Painting from life
From Fri 1 August
The People Show
Sponsored by Cravens. Free
MUSIC
SUMMER MUSIC IN JESMOND
Jesmond United Reformed Church
281 4676
Programme includes Pongos Youth Choir: 'A
Musical Tour' including traditional, gospel
and Eastern European music (5 July),
Engelspiel: 'Great Things' - British music
for soprano, baritone, flute and Bob Bell
(organ) - 'Not an Organ Recital' - organ
music in lighter vein (26 July). All
performances are at 12 noon and are free
but there is a retiring collection.
Fri 8 to Sun 10 August
The Distraction Weekender
£5 per day (no advanced tickets)
NEWCASTLE ACADEMY
Westgate Road 0844 477 2000
www.newcastle-academy.co.uk
Tues 10 July at 7pm Goo Goo Dolls £19.50
Wed 27 August at 7pm
The Animals with Steve Cropper £19.50
THE SAGE GATESHEAD
443 4661 www.thesagegateshead.org
Fri 18 – Sun 27 July
SummerTyne 2008 This year's festival
includes big names, the Americana
Weekend with free outdoor programme,
family events and activities. The season
also features KD Lang, Sinéad O’Connor
and Martha Wainwright. SummerTyne is
part of NewcastleGateshead’s world-class
festivals and events programme, managed
by culture10, based at NewcastleGateshead
Initiative.
OTHER EVENTS
SELEFEST 2008
Hexham Parks
Sat 12 July from 12.30pm to 6pm
On the Sele in Hexham Parks, a free
festival for young people that’s all about
expression, with live bands, board, blade,
BMX, Team Extreme professional riders,
graffiti wall, acrobatics, dance, acoustic
acts and more. For eight to 25s, plus the
young at heart. Under 13s accompanied.
Details on www.tynedale.gov.uk, or on
the day ring Hexham Tourist Information
Centre 01434 652 220.
PICNOPOLIS
Gateshead Quays
Sat 16 to Mon 25 August
As part of the EAST ’08 festival, Tokyo
Picnic Club (TPC), founded in Japan as a
contemporary art unit, is going to
celebrate Newcastle/Gateshead as
PICNOPOLIS - the city of picnic. With a
gigantic airplane with the grass on its
back and smaller babyplane installations
around the city, TPC connects the public
spaces, the local food industries, and the
people of Newcastle/Gateshead.
For more information go to
www.picnicclub.org/picnopolis_ncgh.
THEATRE
THE JOURNAL TYNE THEATRE
Westgate Road 0844 493 9999
www.thejournaltynetheatre.co.uk
Fri 11 (4.30pm) and Sat 12
(11am and 2pm) July
Milkshake! Live ‘My First Concert’
For the first time ever Milkshake! is hitting
the road with a colourful LIVE concert!
Get ready for a new, action packed all
singing, all dancing musical extravaganza.
Fifi & Bumble, Peppa & George, Rupert
Bear, Little Princess, Noddy & Tessie Bear
and Mr. Bump & Little Miss Daredevil all
together on one stage! £14.50 and £12.50.
Fri 22 (2pm and 5pm) and Sat 23 August
(11am and 2pm)
CBEEBIES at the Theatre
There'll be plenty of excitement and
surprises as the Jakers, Bill & Ben, Boo
and even the Koala Brothers get in on the
action as they join together with Tommy
Zoom to combat the dastardly deeds of
Polluto. £14.50 and £12.50.
Wed 13 September at 7pm
The Best of British Variety Tour
Featuring Cannon & Ball, Paul Daniels,
Frank Carson, Jimmy Cricket, Brotherhood
of Man and the Krankies. £25
PEOPLE’S THEATRE
Stephenson Road 265 5020
ptag.org.uk
Tues 15 – Sat 19 July at 7.30pm
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to
the Forum
NEWCASTLE CITY GUIDES
WHAT’S ON COMPETITION
A slapstick comedy musical about mistaken
identity in Roman times by Stephen
Sondheim. Book by Larry Gelbart and Burt
Shevelov. £9 (£7)
THEATRE ROYAL
0844 811 2121
www.theatreroyal.co.uk
Death defying acrobats and classic
musicals are just some of the
entertainment coming to the Theatre Royal
this summer. The Flying Dragon Circus
makes its European premier in Newcastle
on 15 to 19 July. It’s a ground breaking
celebration of the very best of Chinese and
European circus traditions. The family
entertainment continues with the return of
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat from 1 to 13 September
featuring Any Dream will Do‘s Craig
Chalmers.
Date Month Tour Meet at Time
13 July Stories behind the Stones The War Memorial, Wordsworth 2.30pm
Street, Gateshead
16 July West Wall and Blackfriars Grey’s Monument 7.15pm
22 July Pages of History Lit and Phil, Westgate Road 6pm
27 July A Taste of Newcastle Grey’s Monument 2.30pm
30 July Saints and Sinners Grey’s Monument 7.15pm
3 August Armstrong’s Garden Pets Corner, Jesmond Dene 2.30pm
6 August Nasty Newcastle Castle Keep 6.45pm
10 August Newburn Newburn Library 2.30pm
13 August Bridges of the Tyne Castle Keep 6.45pm
17 August Arty Facts Grey’s Monument 2.30pm
20 August Civic Centre (Tickets must Outside the Council Chamber 6.45pm
be obtained in advance)
24 August As aa cam thro Sandgit Quayside Law Courts 2.30pm
27 August Top of the Town St Thomas’ Church, Haymarket 6.45pm
These walks are no smoking. To book or for more information go to the Newcastle
Tourist Office, 28 Market Street, NE1 5BQ or telephone 277 8000. £3 (£2)
Heartbreak Productions have given Citylife tickets to see their productions to
celebrate their return to Jesmond Dene. We’ve got a family ticket for Midsummer
Night’s Dream and a pair of tickets to see Charley’s Aunt or Henry V.
To win just tell us what is the name of the famous Shakespearean theatre?
The Globe The World The Sphere
Please tick which show you would like tickets for.
Henry V 23-25 July
A Midsummer Night’s Dream 26-27 July
Charley’s Aunt 31 July- 3August
We’ve also got two family tickets to see Barney at the Journal Tyne Theatre
on 30 August.
To win just tell us what colour is Barney?
Sun sets on
theatre fun
This summer the play’s the thing as our region’s stages present a wide
selection of dramas and musicals including future classics and
children’s favourites. Here are some treats to tempt you.
Below: The lovable purple dinosaur
Barney comes to the Journal Tyne
Theatre on Sat 30 and Sun 31
August. Barney Live! The Lets Go
Tour takes children of all ages on a
magical journey to a toy factory
including an Imagination Machine.
£12 (£10). For tickets and
information phone 0844 493 9999.
Left:
A Midsummer
Night’s Dream
Below:
Charley’s Aunt
Heartbreak Productions returns to
Jesmond Dene with another selection
of Shakespearean and classic stories.
They start with Peter Pan on Fri 18
to Sun 20 July. Henry V will follow
from Wed 23 to Fri 25 July. The
Shakespearean classic A Midsummer
Night’s Dream takes place on Sat
26 and Sun 27 July. Their summer
season closes with Charley’s Aunt on Thurs 31 July to Sat
3 August. For tickets and times call Northern Stage on 230 5151 or
go to www.quaytickets.com. (See competition on page 42).
Above: The Theatre Royal plays host to the world wide smash
Disney’s High School The Musical from Mon 21 July to Sat 2 August.
Sing along with Troy, Gabriella and their friends in this uplifting musical
featuring songs Breaking Free and We're All In This Together. £11.50 -
£32.50. For tickets and information phone 0844 811 2121.
Right: New York
matchmaker Dolly Levi
sets out to capture the
heart of wealthy
merchant Horace
Vandergelder in the
classic musical
Hello, Dolly.
The show, featuring
songs Hello, Dolly and
Motherhood, stars
Anita Dobson in the
lead role and Darren
Day. The show, at the
Sunderland Empire,
Purple Yellow Pink
Above: Eurovision Song Contest
fans will be able to relive the
Name …….....................................................…………………………………
excitement as the Theatre Royal
Address ……………...........…………………………........................................
presents Eurobeat – Almost
THE CLUNY
Eurovision from Mon 7 to Sat 12
36 Lime Street 230 4474
..................................................................................................................
July. Why not dress up and
www.headofsteam.co.uk
Click and go!
Post code .…….…....….…..… Phone ……….....…....…...………………………
All start at 8pm
support your favourite country in
Log on to the best listings
Fri 18 July The Brute Chorus
Send to Freepost CITYLIFE by 18 July.
this interactive musical with Les
service in Tyne & Wear
The Bubble Project £5
Don’t forget to put all your coupons in one envelope.
www.newcastle.gov.uk/cityeye
Dennis and Mel Giedroyc.
Sun 20 July Watermelon Slim £12
£10.50 - £26.50.
For tickets and information runs from Mon 18 to Sat 23 August. £12 - £30.
42 www.newcastle.gov.uk Citylife: July/August 2008
phone 0844 811 2121.
For tickets and information phone 0844 847 2499.
43
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