Here - Newcastle City Council

Are you thinking about
missing a mortgage payment?
If you’re struggling to make ends meet it can be
tempting to miss a mortgage payment so you can
pay other bills. But it’s the worst thing you can do.
If you don’t pay your mortgage, you could end up losing
your home.
Don’t take the risk - talk to us instead.
We can give you free advice and information about the
different options and support available. And we can help
you work out the best plan for you.
Call the Housing Advice Centre on 0191 277 1711
Telephone advice line is open from 8.30am -12 noon and
1pm - 4.30pm Monday to Friday. We also have a 24 hour
answer-phone to take your messages.
Email: housingadvicecentre@newcastle.gov.uk
Contacting the council
Call into our customer service centres (CSC) Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm:
Gosforth CSC and Library Regent Farm Road, NE3 3HD
Kenton CSC Hillsview Avenue, NE3 3QJ
Outer West CSC Denton Park Shopping Centre, West Denton, NE5 2QZ
East End CSC Shields Road, Byker, NE6 1DL
Civic Centre CSC Sandyford Road, City Centre, NE1 8PU
West End CSC and Library Condercum Road, Benwell, NE4 9JH
There are other advice and support
services in Newcastle
Citizens Advice Bureau St Cuthbert’s Chambers,
35 Nelson Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 5AN citycab@newcastlecab.org.uk 08701 264 015
Newcastle Law Centre
info@newcastlelawcentre.co.uk 0191 230 4777
Shelter Housing Aid Centre 1-2 Blackfriars Court,
Dispensary Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4XB
0844 515 1601 tyneside@shelter.org.uk
Newcastle City Council Welfare Rights Service
0191 277 1051 www.newcastle.gov.uk
National advice and support services
Community Legal Advice
0845 345 4 345 www.clsdirect.org.uk
Consumer Credit Counselling Service
0800 138 1111 www.cccs.co.uk
Financial Services Authority (FSA)
0845 606 1234 www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
National Debtline
0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Payplan 0800 917 7823 www.payplan.com
Council tax and benefit enquiries 0845 111 4101
24 hour automated payments line 0845 111 4199
Envirocall 0191 274 4000
Repairs Centre for YHN tenants 0845 113 8888
Adult Social Care Direct 0191 278 8377
Switchboard for general enquiries 0191 232 8520
Textphone for people with hearing difficulties 0191 211 4944
Neighbourhood helpline - 24 hours 0300 1000 101
To find out how to contact your councillor or MP 0191 211 5042
Welcome
Welcome to the September
edition of Citylife.
We’ve got lots to see and do for all the
family. Many of your favourite
buildings are open to the public for
Heritage Open Days. And don’t forget
that this year’s Mela is in September
this year rather than the usual August
holiday weekend. The Juice festival for
children and young people makes a
welcome return in the October half
term.
In this edition we are asking for your
help to bring World Cup football to
Newcastle in 2018. Get online and
lend your support to the campaign.
On a more serious note – would you
know what to do if there was a major
emergency in the city? We’ve got
some hints and tips and a chance for
ten lucky readers to win a home
emergency kit.
We’ve been looking at your answers
to our Citylife survey and over the next
year we will be trying out some of your
ideas. It’s not possible for us to do
everything you suggested, the ideas
and comments were so wide ranging.
Thank you to the readers who
completed the survey and we hope
you all continue to enjoy Citylife.
Meg Woollam and the Citylife team
Our cover picture shows Peter
Beardsley and Liam Doyle from
Heaton Manor School who are
backing Newcastle and Gateshead’s
bid to host World Cup matches.
To find out more, go to page 5.
Design by Paul Burgess Graphic Design
Photos by Steve Brock (unless otherwise credited)
Distribution by Amaro
Citylife is produced by
Newcastle City Council and
printed by NCJ Media Ltd.
Don’t
miss...
5 Help us back the
World Cup bid
6 Get in the Mela mood
14 Fire, floods or flu –
what would you do?
20 Science in the city
– have your say
36 Juice festival
Citylife information
There are five issues of Citylife this year. The next edition is due out in
November.
If you’ve got any questions or suggestions for Citylife, we want to hear
from you.
You can contact us by phone 0191 211 5073,
email citylife@newcastle.gov.uk or by post to Freepost Citylife.
Distribution Citylife is distributed to homes and businesses across Newcastle.
If you are not getting your copy please let us know. We sometimes have
problems delivering to flats and houses of multiple occupation because we
cannot get access to them. If you live in a flat and would like to talk to us about
your Citylife delivery please contact us on 0191 211 5073.
If you would like a free copy of Citylife in large
print, on tape or CD, please call 0191 211 5073.
www.newcastle.gov.uk/citylife - download the podcast!
Competition and prize draw terms and conditions are available at
www.newcastle.gov.uk/citylife
5
6
Dancing at Mela
Competition winners
Bobby Robson signed England shirt: David Wesley, NE5 5JS.
Mandy Charlton Photography: Rita Smith, NE6 4SY; Jenny Burns, NE2 1XY;
Lisa Cassidy, NE3 1US. Jimmy Forsyth book: Lynne Drew, NE15 8LU;
Mrs L Hutchison, NE15 9NT, Paris Fardoust, NE6 2AW; Mary Creasey, NE1 2QR;
Birgitte Bell, NE3 2AR. The 1950s Look book: Jean Bullivant, NE15 7BT;
Linda Gregory, NE15 7BX; Mrs E Richardson, NE6 3AT; Mrs J Espie, NE7 7QR;
Lynn Robson, NE5 2DY; Caroline Bullivant, NE15 7AY. Ouseburn Explorer:
Mrs Chambers, NE4 5BY. Princess Wishes: Mr I Ball, NE15 9LQ; Sarah Hunter,
NE5 2XB; Mrs S Leonenko, NE6 5LW; Kirsty Brown, NE6 4UJ; Mrs T Day,
NE3 4UP; Mrs M Rowntree, NE5 4SX; Margaret Rutherford, NE5 5LH
Miss Leatheart, NE4 9LS; Chris Richardson, NE7 7JY; Lynne Cornell, NE7 7FB
www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 3

News
Our new chief
executive
We have appointed Barry Rowland as our new
Chief Executive.
Barry has worked at the council 30 years, starting at the
council as a trainee in the Environmental Health Department
in 1979 and earning promotion to a succession of jobs
particularly in, what was, the Cityworks division.
His front-line experience means he
has an excellent knowledge of
neighbourhood issues and is keen
to make sure our city continues to
be a vibrant, clean and safe place
to live, work or visit.
Barry said “I am delighted that the
council has the confidence to offer
me the job. It is my dream job and
I look forward to working alongside
other leaders from across our
community to drive forward the
interests of our city and region.”
Helping the homeless to
help themselves
We’re working with Tyneside Cyrenians to change lives with
help and advice for homeless people in Newcastle. Central
government has recognised our good work and made us
regional champions. This means we are given £70,000 to
promote good practice. We’ve also received £2.25 million to
spend on improving buildings in the city.
We can now improve three more hostels, one in Byker, one
in Westgate Road and one in Elswick to continue our work
in giving homeless people a better chance in life.
New NE1 street rangers
Twelve new street rangers will be walking the city centre to
help keep it a great place to do business. A rapid response
‘clean team’ of six will also keep it spick and span for
workers and visitors alike.
The rangers are launching a three pronged attack on anti-social
behaviour, improving the business environment and providing a
‘meet and greet’ for people coming to our city centre.
Working with local businesses, they’ll act on suggestions for
improving our city centre. They’ll help keep our business
community vibrant, attracting new companies to the area.
Centre West
– a new
beginning
If you’ve spent time in Elswick in recent years,
you’ll have seen just how much things have
changed.
Local people came together with the council to kick-start the
New Deal for Communities programme nine years ago –
and the results are there for all to see.
After cutting crime by almost half, improving over 2000
homes, and helping over 1300 people into jobs, it’s time for
a new start.
New Deal has become Centre West – a charitable company
with a community vision.
Local people will be its driving force, working with the
council and other partners to make sure the changes keep
on coming, even after the New Deal funding comes to an
end next year.
New Deal has made a real difference – and that’s official: a
recent opinion poll showed that almost two thirds of local
people feel it has improved life in the area.
Now it’s time to move forward as Centre West, using local
investments like the redevelopment of the West Road Fire
Station site to create income for community action.
To find out more, contact Centre West on 0191 277 2888
or check out www.centre-west.com
Support your local
runners!
The Great North Run is taking place on 20
September 2009 and 52,000 runners will make their
way as fast as they can from Newcastle to South
Shields.
It’s always a boost for those taking part to be cheered
on, so find your way to the route and give them a lift.
You can also check out the Great North Run cultural
programme – art, music and drama inspired by this
iconic run.
Visit www.greatnorthrunculture.org to find out
more.
Help us back the bid!
Newcastle and Gateshead could see FIFA World
Cup football in 2018 if our bid to be host city is
successful.
As well as being passionate about football we can offer
visitors superb facilities, great entertainment and a vibrant
nightlife – so hosting World Cup football could really boost
our economy.
To bring FIFA World Cup football to Newcastle and
Gateshead visit www.newcastlegateshead.com/2018
where you can register your support. If you can’t log on at
home you can get free internet access at any library or
customer service centre.
Visit strengthens German ties
At the end of July we celebrated 60 years of twinning
between Newcastle and Gelsenkirchen with a visit by
the German Lord Mayor.
The Oberburgermeister (German for Lord Mayor) and his
colleagues enjoyed a weekend of activities which included
the opening of an exhibition of posters at our new City
Library. This marked another anniversary - 20 years since
the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Gelsenkirchen was a host city for the World Cup in Germany
in 2006 at the impressive Veltins Arena. Their staff have
helped the Newcastle and Gateshead team in preparing our
host city bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
Oberburgermeister Baranowski, together with our own Lord
Mayor, Councillor Mike Cookson, were at St James' Park for
the charity match between the England and German teams
who played the semi-final of the 1990 World Cup organised to
benefit the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. The two lord
mayors presented the trophy to the winning England team.
Councillor Cookson said "Newcastle enjoyed hosting our
colleagues from Gelsenkirchen and the weekend of events
has moved on our relationship with Gelsenkirchen beyond
partnership to true fellowship".
Lord Mayors Mike Cookson and Frank Baranowski open
the poster exhibition at City Library
Of course our local footballing heroes are backing the bid.
Alan Shearer said “To see St James’ Park named as a
World Cup venue for 2018 would be fantastic and fitting for
such a great stadium.”
Peter Beardsley said: “I remember in Euro ’96 the way the
North East people embraced the Romanians, Bulgarians
and the French was incredible.”
Next year, Gelsenkirchen is European Capital of Culture
along with other Ruhr cities and a group of our young
people will perform a drama there.
We’re looking for individuals or groups from Newcastle
to develop new projects, ideas and exchanges between
our two cities. To find out more please contact Ann
Bridges on 0191 277 8904 or email
ann.bridges@newcastle.gov.uk
Peter Beardsley and Paul Gascoigne lift the charity
match trophy watched by the lord mayors.
Photo supplied by www.crestphotography.co.uk
4 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 5

Get in the Mela mood
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September held in Exhibition Park 12 noon - 7pm
The Newcastle Mela is a free event organised by Newcastle
Asian Arts and Music (NAAM). It’s open to anyone who
wants to learn more, be entertained and meet new people in
the heart of Newcastle. In recent years the Mela has
evolved into a multicultural celebration of diversity.
On Saturday there’ll be a family fun and sports day featuring
performances from the African, Chinese, Filipino, Persian
and Asian communities. There’ll also be a showcase of local
British talent and fashion, street theatre and performance,
and the Mela’s Tyneside’s Got Talent show. The Get Active
team will have their dance mats available throughout the day.
Sunday will be a celebration of Punjabi, Pakistani, Bengali
and Hindi cultures. The main stage will play host to
international and national musicians and dancers. There are
workshops to participate in including dance, music and DJing.
The BBC’s ‘Bang Goes the Theory’ will be presenting
amazing live science shows and hosting interactive science
stalls. For more science you can try at home, visit
bbc.co.uk/bang.
For more information contact 0191 277 2067 or visit
www.newcastlemela.co.uk
Official sponsors of the event are Unison, O2 and
Newcastle City Council
Serving up skills at the Kenton Cafe
Staffed and run by adults with a learning disability, the new
Kenton Café in the Kenton Leisure Centre opened recently.
We are transforming the way we offer day services to local
people with disabilities, making sure we provide more
opportunities like the Kenton Café. The café is one way we are
helping people get real, life-long skills, make friends and build
relationships with other people while offering a great service.
The eight people working there would normally attend day
centres where, although they get training and support, they
wouldn’t be an active part of the community.
With support from Newcastle City Learning and funding from
Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities the café
gives people working there training in:
• customer service skills
• health and safety
• confidence building
• food hygiene.
The café serves sandwiches, snacks and drinks on
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11.30am till 1.30pm.
For more information phone 0191 285 9957.
Get a spicy flavour with the Mini
Mela too
The Mini Mela will be taking place in the Grainger Market
and on Grainger Street from 24 to 26 September 2009
from 9am to 5pm. Come down and get a flavour of the
big event.
At your service! From left to right Linda Richards,
Maureen French and Debbie Hodge.
6 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
Shieldfield Nursery – one of this year’s
Star Award winners
All 17 staff at Shieldfield Nursery were nominated for
a Star Award by a very satisfied parent whose two
children attended the nursery.
She said her children had received outstanding love,
attention and care and an Ofsted inspector ‘was amazed
by the parental response he had received within
half an hour of opening’.
The nursery cares for 46 children at
any one time. It’s open all year
round from 8am until 6pm and
provides care and education for
children from zero to five years old.
The nursery follows the same early
year foundation curriculum as schools.
It says a lot about the nursery that the
newest person to work there has
already been there for six years, while
the longest serving member has been
there for 37 years.
If you want to nominate a member of
council staff for a Star Award, fill in the
form below.
Search for a Star
✁
I would like to nominate .................................................
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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About you
Your name ......................................................................
Your address ..................................................................
.........................................................................................
............................................ Postcode ...........................
Phone .............................................................................
Email ..............................................................................
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: Star awards are open to nominations for
Newcastle City Council staff only.
Above: Lily, Laura, Joel and Logan at
Shieldfield Nursery. Left: Joel with the star award
Community involvement opportunities
Dementia Care Partnership offers care and support to
service users and their carers across Newcastle and
Northumberland.
DCP provides: flexible home care and support
services; day opportunities; independent support living
houses; carer support groups; and specialist training.
Due to the high demand for our services we have paid
and unpaid opportunities for members of the
community to get involved.
For more information go to www.dementiacare.org.uk
Contact crystal@dementiacare.org.uk or call
0191 217 3302 or 0191 217 3313
Our Vision is for society to respect and accept all
people with dementia as active, valued and involved
members of their communities.
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 7

Walking
Taking public
transport
Cycling
Car sharing and
This article is paid for by the Department of Work and Pensions
eco-driving
Will Citylife be changing?
In the April we asked for your views on Citylife.
We got nearly 800 replies to our questionnaire.
This has given us lots of ideas about how we
can improve Citylife.
Most people said they found Citylife useful and enjoyed
reading it. Community news and what’s on were most
popular, closely followed by features about improvements
around the city, recycling and environment, health and
wellbeing and information about council services.
We asked if you thought there was enough about your local
area, half of you thought there was. We will be including
more articles about areas outside the city centre in future.
Our ward committees are also looking at how they can pass
on news and information to local residents.
Citylife is the magazine to read for information and news
about council services and organisations we work with, such
as Your Homes Newcastle and local health and emergency
services. We don’t want to repeat information and news you
get elsewhere but we will try and include more about what is
happening in your community.
About a third of you said you would prefer a smaller size
Citylife. We looked at this and found it would cost more if we
moved from the current size and type of paper.
Keeping costs down is important to us and so we think it is
best not to change the size of Citylife.
You can read the full findings of the Citylife survey at
www.newcastle.gov.uk/citylifesurvey
If you didn’t fill in the survey form we would still like to
hear from you. If you have ideas and suggestions about
Citylife you can email citylife@newcastle.gov.uk or
phone us on 0191 211 5073.
All make our air fresher
To find out more go to
Air pollution is bad for our health and our environment.
Vehicle emissions are one of the main causes of air
pollution in towns and cities.
walk bus cycle metro train car-share eco-drive
8 www.newcastle.gov.uk September to October 2009
September to October 2009
Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries
9

✃
Slim your bin –
Recycle
reduce, reuse
Reuse
Label know-how
and recycle
It can be difficult to work out which products to choose and
which to avoid.
Many goods carry the three arrow recycling symbol, but this
does not make them green. It simply means that some part
of them could be recycled somewhere.
If a product is described as recycled, look for the figure
beside the recycling symbol that tells you the percentage of
recycled material the item contains.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo on furniture and
other wood products means that the timber has come from a
sustainably managed forest.
Every year we collect thousands of tonnes of
rubbish from Newcastle’s bins. Lots of it is
valuable material that could have been reused,
recycled or turned into compost.
We don’t want to just chuck it into a hole in the ground.
That’s bad for the environment and it’s expensive because
we have to pay landfill tax.
So we’re doing all we can to work with you to reduce our
waste.
We have a special plant at Byker which separates out
materials that can be composted such as food waste.
We also have the blue recycling wheelie bin and brown
garden bin collections.
The amount of recycling collected has gone up by 44.92%
since we gave households the new, blue recycling wheelie
bins.
That’s great news but it’s not enough. We all need to do more.
You can help by reducing what you buy, reusing as much as
you can, recycling more and buying recycled goods.
We’ve put together some tips to help you get started.
Reduce
• Use reusable boxes instead of foil or cling film.
• Swap disposable products, such as nappies, tissues and
razors, for reusable ones.
• Reuse empty bottles and tubs for storage.
• Use your recycling wheelie bin or on-street recycling
facilities.
• Make your own compost from food waste.
• Buy products that can be recycled easily such as cans
and glass jars.
• If you can’t recycle it, maybe someone else can. Many
charities recycle mobile phones and printer cartridges to
raise money.
Buy recycled
There are two ways to do this – buying secondhand goods
and buying products made from recycled materials. Some
items, such as paper and glass, are recycled to make the
same products. Other materials are reused in different ways
such as fleeces and pillow fillings made from plastic bottles.
You can find out more about recycling and recycled
products at www.recyclenow.org.uk
Waste Awareness Week
13 to 17 October – see back cover for details
Take the waste pledge
The average Newcastle resident produces nearly half a
tonne of rubbish per year. If we all do our bit, we can
make a big difference.
Fill in the pledge below and we will send you more tips and
hints about how to be waste aware.
• Mend things rather than chucking them away.
• If you can’t use it perhaps someone else can. Take your
old books, bric a brac and clothes to your local charity
shop or advertise them on www.toon.org.uk
Yes – I pledge to reduce waste
I will
buy products with recyclable or refillable packaging
avoid over-packaged goods and buy loose items
instead
avoid disposable products
compost at home
shop with a reusable bag
buy products made from recycled materials
Going green?
It’s in the
bag!
• Avoid items with lots of packaging.
• Buy large containers of products such as washing-up
liquid and washing powder to minimise packaging waste.
• Stop junk mail. Contact the Mailing Preference Service,
DMA House, 70 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8SS.
Phone 0207 291 3310 or www.mpsonline.org.uk
• Buy loose fruit and vegetables.
• Get your utility bills online – it reduces paper.
The ourNewcastle jute
shopping bag is strong,
sturdy and looks good
too.
They’re also a bargain –
at only £1 each. You can
buy the bags at our tourist
information centres in the
Central Arcade and the
Guildhall, Quayside.
Name ..............................................................................
Address ...........................................................................
.........................................................................................
.........................................................................................
Email ...............................................................................
Phone .............................................................................
Send to Freepost Citylife
10 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 11

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Open day
Come along and see the work that we are
doing to make Newcastle safer for those who
live, work, visit and socialise here
Saturday 3 October 10.30am to 3pm
Brunswick Methodist Church
Brunswick Place (beside Fenwick’s)
Free tea and coffee
Visit www.safenewcastle.org.uk
Phone the Community Safety Unit on
0191 277 7832
Email safenewcastle@newcastle.gov.uk
20 mph speed
limits on
neighbourhood
streets
We’re introducing 20 mph speed
limits on most of the neighbourhood
streets across the city over the next
three years. This limit will be outside
most schools.
We’re reducing speed limits because many residents have told
us they’re worried about the speed of traffic in their streets.
Speed causes accidents in urban areas and lower speeds
allow drivers to avoid collisions more easily. A pedestrian hit
at 35 mph has a 50/50 chance of being killed, but if hit at
20 mph the risk of being killed falls to one in 40.
20 mph speed limits will make our streets safer for us all.
Are you missing out?
You may be paying too much rent and council tax. Isn’t
it time you found out?
• Do you pay rent and council tax?
• Have you been affected by the credit crunch?
• Do you have less than £16,000 in savings and investments?
If the answer is yes to all of these questions then you may
be entitled to help towards your rent or council tax.
What should you do next?
Complete the attached coupon or visit www.newcastle.gov.uk
and apply online. For more information phone us on
0845 111 4101 quoting ref CL/NCC/1
I wish to apply for housing and council tax benefit
Name …………………………….……………………………
Address …………………………….…………………………
……………………………………........................................
......................................... Postcode .................................
Phone …………………………………………………………
Email ............…………………………………………………
Signature.………........……...………………………………..
Date ………..................................................………………
Please return to: Benefits Team, P.O.Box 1UP,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1UP
‘Mamma Mia!’ comes to Newcastle
The global smash hit musical plays the Metro Radio
Arena Newcastle 12 December 2009 until 17 January 2010
The international tour of “Mamma Mia!” will play at the Metro
Radio Arena Newcastle for five weeks from 12 December
2009 to 17 January 2010. This will be the show’s first visit to
Newcastle and the international tour's only UK date in 2009.
Inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs,
writer Catherine Johnson’s enchanting tale of family and
friendship unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve
of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity
of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back
to the island they last visited 20 years ago…
Visit the ‘Mamma Mia!’ website for more information at:
www.mamma-mia.com
Tickets:
From £15 to £35 for Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday evening
performances and all matinee
performances, and from £20 to
£39.50 for Friday, Saturday and
Sunday evening performances.
Booking Information:
• Booking line: 0844 493 6666
• Metro Radio Arena Box Office
(Mon to Fri 10am to 5pm and Sat 10am to 4pm)
• www.metroradioarena.co.uk
• Group bookings (10+) please call 0191 260 6006
Did you know?
• Mamma Mia! has been seen by over 32million people
worldwide
• Mamma Mia! has already grossed over $2billion at the
box office
• Opened in more than 180 cities since the first production
in London nine years ago.
• A total of eight global productions are generating over
$8million a week in ticket sales.
Winner takes a pair of tickets
The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs
propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and
friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time
of their lives! For a chance to win one of two pairs of
tickets to the show at the Metro Radio Arena, tell us
the first names of ABBA’s line up
..........................................................................................
Name ...............................................................................
Address ............................................................................
..........................................................................................
......................................... Postcode ................................
Phone ...............................................................................
2008 to 2009 International tour cast
Publicity photos by Brinkhoff/Mögenburg
Send to Freepost Citylife by 25 September.
Don’t forget to put all your coupons in one envelope. ✃
12 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 13

✃
Fire, floods or flu
– what would you do?
Are you ready for an
emergency?
What would you do if the lights went out; you had to
be evacuated from your home or if there was a flood
or a fire?
We can’t always be ready for anything but it is a good idea
to be prepared if there is an emergency. A lot depends on
what has happened, but some simple steps could make a
real difference to how you and your family cope.
We have put together a booklet called ‘What to do if there is
an emergency’ to help you if there is an emergency. You can
get it at www.newcastle.gov.uk/homeemergency or pick up a
copy at customer service centres or libraries.
Create your own
‘home emergency plan’
Help may not be able to reach you immediately. You may
have to survive on your own for a time or have to leave
home at short notice.
Plan what you’d do in an emergency. Regularly check and
update your plan, keep it handy and practice it with
everyone in your household.
Then think about what you’d need and put together an
emergency kit. It could include useful phone numbers,
copies of important documents, a wind-up or battery
operated torch and a wind-up or battery operated radio
(don’t forget to check the batteries regularly), food and
water, medication and a first aid kit, children’s essentials –
like nappies, food, and a favourite toy. If you’re at risk of
flooding, have a few flood boards or sandbags ready to
block doorways and airbricks.
In an emergency
Go in, stay in and tune in!
• Tune into local tv or radio news for updates.
• Stay inside until you are told it is safe or are told to leave
by the emergency services.
• Close all doors and windows.
If it is a fire
• Get out
• Stay out
• Dial 999
A family putting together their home emergency kit
If you are evacuated
• You will only be asked to leave your home for your own
safety.
• Stay calm, follow advice from the emergency services
and ask for help if you need it.
• You will be told where the nearest council rest centre is or
you can stay with friends or family if they aren’t affected
by the incident. Take your ‘home emergency kit’!
• If you have time and it’s safe to do so:
- turn off the water, gas and electricity supply.
- lock your doors and windows.
• Check on neighbours who might need help or let the
emergency services know about them.
• If you have pets, make sure they are in a proper petcarrier
or on a lead.
• Don’t go back to your home until you are told it’s safe.
Remember. If you’re well prepared for an emergency, it will
help us and the other services deal with the situation better.
Don’t wait to find out if your plan works. Try it out now!
For further information, please call 0191 211 4992 or
email resilience@newcastle.gov.uk
Competition
Win a home emergency
kit!
Your home emergency kit
depends on your needs
and the basic items don’t
have to be expensive.
To help, we have put
together 10 starter kits to
give away. Just answer
the question below and
send it in.
What should you do with your home
emergency plan?
Regularly check and update it
Put in a drawer an forget about it
Give it to a neighbour to keep
Name ............................................................................
Address .........................................................................
.......................................................................................
....................................... Postcode ...............................
Phone ...........................................................................
Send to Freepost Citylife by 25 September.
Don’t forget to put all your coupons in one envelope.
If you would like a free copy of the booklet
‘What to do if there is an emergency’
please tick this box
Emergency contact
numbers
Keep this list handy
Emergency services –
Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard 999
Northumbrian Water 0845 717 1100
National Gas Emergency Service 0800 111 999
Electricity (NEDL) 0800 66 88 77
Environment Agency Floodline 0845 988 1188
NHS Direct 0845 46 47
Council – Newcastle Emergency
Information Line,
during an emergency only 0300 1000 101
Where to get advice
We’re central to emergency planning in Newcastle and
work on this with the emergency services, health
service, voluntary agencies and other local authorities
across Tyne and Wear and the North East.
‘Swine flu’ has brought planning for a flu pandemic into the
spotlight once again and this is just one of many
emergencies that we plan for.
Other emergencies could include flooding; health alerts
such as a heat wave; major road, rail or air accidents, and
city centre terrorist attacks.
The most important part of our response to a major incident is
to provide clear information so we’ve set up a helpline. If there
is an emergency, the helpline staff will advise you what to do.
The Newcastle Emergency Information Line is
the same number as the Neighbourhood Helpline
0300 1000 101. This does not replace 999.
Discover our city’s cultural
treasures during Heritage
Open Days – it’s free.
Heritage Open Days is the nation’s biggest free
celebration of England’s fantastic architecture, history
and culture.
From Thursday 10 to Sunday
13 September, you can go
along to nearly 200 buildings,
tours and activities in Tyne
and Wear – 57 of which are
in Newcastle itself.
But it’s not all about old
buildings, there’s something
to interest everyone.
You get free access to places
that aren’t normally open to
the public, for example Maple
Terrace Masonic Lodge and
Alderman Fenwick’s House.
You also get free entry to some venues that normally charge
a fee, for example Holy Jesus Hospital and Seven Stories,
The Centre for Children’s Books.
Plus there are also some really special events, such as a
tour around Byker redevelopment and ‘Time for Tea’ at
Newcastle Arts Centre.
Pick up your 72 page booklet about Tyne and Wear
Heritage Open Days 2009 from tourist information centres,
customer service centres and libraries.
Or look on our website www.twhods.org.uk or
www.heritageopendays.org.uk or contact Fiona Cullen,
on 0191 277 7192, email fiona.cullen@newcastle.gov.uk
14 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 15

For the first time ever, if you’re aged 50+ you’ll
get your very own week of celebrations from
Monday 28 September to Saturday 3 October.
Building upon the success of last year’s Older Persons’ Day
event in Newcastle, this week-long festival will see a wide
variety of organisations coming together to provide you with
free exclusive health, well being, arts, theatre, heritage and
musical events for older people throughout the city.
everyone’s tomorrow
It’s never been so easy to try
something new...
Tyneside Cinema and Northern Stage all open their doors
and invite you to a number of dedicated screenings,
discounted performances, behind the scenes tours and
talks, drama, writing and music workshops.
For UK Older Persons’ Day itself, Thursday 1 October, the
Elders’ Council is working with the new City Library to
host a special event called ‘Image 2009’. Here, more than
20 associations and charities will be showcasing their
activities to show you the vast opportunities that older
people have in Newcastle for enjoying life. Included in this
will be demonstrations in tai chi, chair exercises, dancing,
singing, painting, hands-on IT gadgets, craftwork, bird
watching, gardening and many other activities.
So whether you are an individual looking for a new hobby, or
a group looking for new ideas, then make sure you pop
along to any or all of the events and be inspired by what
Newcastle has to offer you.
Your views count!
Our Place Survey last autumn asked about how happy
you are with the area where you live, the council and
the services we give. Most people were very positive
about their local area as a place to live.
In the survey you asked us to improve roads and pavements
so we’ve provided more money for this and improved
pavements. And roads are getting better.
You asked for more things for teenagers to do so we’ve
provided activities for them on Fridays and at weekends.
You said that clean streets and reducing crime are important
to you, so we’re tackling litter, reviewing street cleaning and
have set up local problem solving groups to tackle concerns
about crime. Also, teams will work on the streets with young
people to involve them in urban arts, sports and music.
It is very important that you let us know what we are doing well
and where we’re going wrong. Only then can we make sure
that improvements take place where they are most needed.
This autumn you may get a questionnaire through your door
- please fill it in and return it to us.
To find out more about this survey, call Ann Atkinson on
0191 211 5037 or email ann.atkinson@newcastle.gov.uk
Making improvements to Stanhope Street
Putting the ‘art’ in Arthur’s Hill
West End residents are celebrating an artistic revamp for one of Newcastle’s most popular local shopping areas.
Men’s keep fit class
The huge range of activities for you to try includes salsacise,
pilates, tai chi, men’s keep fit, table tennis, aquafit, badminton,
Rookie Golf, swimming lessons, tea dances, health walks and
exclusive tours of the Victoria Tunnel. All brought to you by
our Leisure Services, Your Homes Newcastle, Groundworks,
Rookie Sports, Community Heritage Project, Newcastle Age
Concern and the Elders’ Council Newcastle.
As if this isn’t enough to get your heart racing, Newcastle
United Football Club has also donated a number of free
tickets for their home game against Queen’s Park Rangers.
Please note that you can only take advantage of this offer
by ringing the telephone number below!
If relaxation is more your style, then why not pop along to
the Healthy Living Centre, MEA House, where a variety of
pampering activities will be on offer such as Indian head
massage, reflexology, aromatherapy and reiki to sooth away
your aches and pains. Or feed your soul in one of their
special tea and scone afternoons.
Culture vultures will also be spoilt for choice during the
festival as the Sage Gateshead, Baltic, Theatre Royal,
Silver Singers
How to get involved:
For more information about the times, dates, venues
and offers associated with the festival contact the
Quality of Life Partnership on 0191 233 0200 or go to
www.informationnow.org.uk
Residents took part in a colourful parade in July to mark
the Stanhope Street’s completion.
We’ve worked with Centre West on the £1.35 million scheme
at Stanhope Street. It now boasts stunning metal sculptures,
vibrant banners and distinctive railings - and even the litter
bins are decorated. Meanwhile, new parking bays, paving
and a giant zebra crossing are helping to tackle congestion.
“These changes are great for mums and kids,” said local
mother Naseem Bashir, admiring the street’s new ‘pocket
park’ with her four children. “It’s good for the children to
have somewhere they can play safely near home.
“My daughter Hajirah keeps
talking about ‘my lovely little
park’ and is hoping activities
can be organised there.
“I often have to cross
Stanhope Street, as my
in-laws live on the other side,
and it’s much easier and safer
now that the traffic has been
slowed down,” she added.
Arthur’s Hill residents Stan and
Katrina Ramsey also brought their five
children along to see the new-look
street: “The whole area’s looking
brilliant, a hundred per cent better,”
said Stan. “I really like the whole
concept for such a busy street.”
The changes are the latest in a
string of improvements through
Centre West, formerly known as
New Deal for Communities. There’s more information
about Centre West on page 4 in the News section and
also visit www.centre-west.com
Above right (top): Naseem Bashir with her family
Above right: Resident Stan Ramsey with wife Katrina
and family with the Dilston Road artwork.
16 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 17

Our plans for the next
three years
The current economic climate means that we must do even more to help people and businesses with
the real challenges they face. That is why we have set out an ambitious programme in our 2009 to
2012 Corporate Plan. We are already making good progress on what we agreed with government and
we’ve also had some big achievements. We want to improve the quality of life and environment for
those who live and work in the city, and for people who visit.
How are we doing?
We’re making progress across all the areas of the
Corporate Plan, especially by:
• lowering the number of secondary school children who
miss school
• increasing the number of looked after children reaching
Level 4 in English and Maths at Key Stage 2
• reducing serious violent crime and theft
• improving the cleanliness of our streets
• increasing the number of vulnerable people able to live
independently.
Just one of our
success stories
We know that this is going to be another challenging year
and we are taking action to improve services so that they
meet your needs.
Next year, amongst other things, we’ll be working with:
The economy - helping people, including the
unemployed, to start up new businesses through our local
Enterprise Support Centres.
Housing - working with others to co-ordinate housing and
debt advice across the city.
Healthy children - promoting free physical activities for
children through the Fusion scheme and encouraging
healthy eating.
Health - getting the city’s residents to take the plunge with
free swimming for under 16s and over 60s.
The environment - continuing the ‘Our Newcastle’
campaign to make Newcastle a cleaner, greener and
safer city.
Last year, we did really well in the following areas:
Economy - city centre businesses voted to set up the
Business Improvement District Company ‘NE1’ to boost the
city centre and encourage more visitors.
Safe Newcastle - overall crime has reduced by 2.5%
with 718 fewer crimes. Serious theft, serious violent crime,
and assault with injury have all reduced.
Children and young people - two thirds of the city’s 16
year olds achieved five or more A* to C graded GCSEs -
more than the national average for the first time. The new
Excelsior Academy has opened, as well as improvements at
Kenton College, Walbottle Campus, Canning Street,
Stocksfield Avenue, West Jesmond, Walkergate and
Thomas Bewick. Newcastle’s first Youth Council was also
set up.
Learners prepare for job interviews with
Morrisons
A young swimmer keeps fit.
Adult care - launching personal budgets in one area of
the city to give more choice and control to service users.
‘Personal budgets’ is cash given to people who are eligible
for help from our adult social care services. Read more
about this on page 24.
Opportunities for all - helping our residents get a job
through Newcastle Futures, including those on out-of-work
benefits and lone parents.
Tree planting is just part of making our city a greener
place to live.
And we’ll be using our resources well - we’ll continue to
make sure that we spend our money on the things that are
important to you.
To find out more about what we will do in the coming
year, you can read the Corporate Plan on our website
www.newcastle.gov.uk/corporateplan
Older people - we launched Social Care Direct, which is
already making it easier to get services, information and
advice.
Housing - we successfully bid with Gateshead and
Bridging NewcastleGateshead (BNG) for Housing Growth
Point status. We got nearly £3.75million to speed up
building new houses and to build better houses.
Empowerment - last November, the “U Decide”
community programme won the international Eurocities
Award in the Participation category.
Culture - our new City Library opened in June this year.
We also opened the new library in High Heaton and
re-opened Benwell Library in the West End Customer
Service Centre and Newcastle's first 'Library Express' at
Fawdon Community Centre.
Environment - 39,000 more houses now have the garden
waste recycling scheme and 100,000 now have blue
recycling bins. The upgraded Sandhills Green waste facility
in the west of the city has opened.
Resources - we delivered below-inflation council tax rises
for the fifth successive year.
Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs) bring
government and businesses together to help people
into jobs. They open up employment and training
opportunities. They also help people make the most of
their ability and talent.
LEPs work with businesses to help people to get back
into work through interviews, mentoring, on the job
training or work trials. Newcastle Futures and
Jobcentre Plus are making sure that businesses have
the chance to recruit people who they may not have
considered before and who are eager to work. The
LEP also helps employers to get money and practical
help to train their workers in the skills they need.
Newcastle Futures has helped 848 Newcastle
residents to get a job in the past year. LEPs under
development include the new Morrisons store at West
Denton in May 2009; and for the new Debenhams
store this summer for between 100 to 150 people.
For more information on LEPs go to
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
For job vacancies please contact your local job
centre.
18 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 19

Science in the city - have your say
Complete this survey and you could win one of five family tickets for the Centre for Life!
Newcastle is a Science City and we want to
work with people living in Newcastle to raise
awareness of the world-class science that takes
place in the city.
Being a Science City means local people will get the chance
to be involved in and work with some of the world’s top
scientists and business people. Together they will create a
science community with people from different backgrounds
with a variety of skills.
We would like you to fill in this short questionnaire to tell us
what you think about science in Newcastle. It should take
about ten minutes and, by completing it, you will be helping
us understand what people in Newcastle think about science
and its benefits. You could also win a family pass to the
Centre for Life by telling us what you think. The survey is
completely confidential and the results will be published on
the Newcastle Science City website
www.newcastlesciencecity.com at the end of September
2009. You can also visit the Science City website and click
on the questionnaire link to complete it online.
Science and the North East
1. Do you agree:
That it is important to know about science in our
everyday life?
Yes No Not sure
That science and technology are making our lives
healthier, easier and more comfortable?
Yes No Not sure
2. The North East is recognised as a centre of
excellence for: (tick three)
Engineering Financial services Shipbuilding
Energy and the environment Computer technology
Tourism Science of ageing
North sea oil extraction Agriculture
Science and you
3. How would you rate your understanding of these
subjects?
Subject Good Above Average Below Poor
average
average
Science
Technology
Engineering
Maths
4. Since school have you studied:
Science Technology Engineering
Maths
None of these
5. Would you advise anyone to study:
Science Technology Engineering
Maths
None of these
6. In the news, are you interested in:
New medical studies
New inventions and technology
New scientific discoveries
7. Would you watch a programme on television about:
Science and nature
Stars and planets (astronomy)
New inventions and technology
Advances in medicine
Sports
Health issues
8. Have you visited any of the following in the last
12 months:
Aquarium or wildlife park Museum
Computer fair
Science festival or lecture
Life (the International Centre for Life)
9. What would make science-related activities more
relevant or helpful to you and your family?
.................................................................................................
.................................................................................................
.................................................................................................
.................................................................................................
10. Would you like to be involved in science events held
in your neighbourhood?
Yes
No
11. Had you heard of Newcastle Science City before you
picked up this questionnaire?
Yes
No
12. Do you know what Newcastle Science City is?
Yes
No
If yes, please could you tell us a bit about what you
understand by “Science City”?
(There are no right or wrong answers!)
.................................................................................................
.................................................................................................
.................................................................................................
.................................................................................................
About yourself
To help us learn more about what people think about Science
City, it is important that we ask you a few questions about
yourself. Your answers will be kept completely confidential.
13. Your gender:
Male
14. Your age:
Female
Under 18 18 – 30 31 – 45
46 – 55 56 – 70 70 or over
15. Your occupation:
.................................................................................................
(please tell us if you are working, studying, retired,
caring for someone, etc.)
16. Please enter your postcode
(we are asking this so that we have an idea of where
people live in the city):
17. Your ethnic background:
White (British, Irish, any other white background)
Mixed (White and Black Caribbean, White and Black
African, White and Asian, any other mixed background)
Asian or Asian British (Indian, Pakistani,
Bangladeshi, any other Asian background)
Black or Black British (Caribbean, African or
any other Black background)
Chinese
Any other ethnic group
.................................................................................................
Thank you for completing the questionnaire. Your views are
important to us.
Please return the questionnaire to Freepost Citylife by
7 September 2009: To enter our prize draw, please give
us your name and address. You’ll have a chance to win
one of five family passes to the Centre for Life.
Name ......................................................................................
Address ...................................................................................
.................................................................................................
............................................... Postcode ................................
20 This page is paid for Newcastle Science City
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 This page is paid for Newcastle Science City
21

Ten out
of ten!
The Green Flag Award winners have just
been revealed – and Newcastle has scored a
stunning ten out of ten!
Heaton Park – just one of our Green Flag winners
The parks entered for Green Flag 2009 have all been
successful in achieving the excellent standard required.
They are:
• Benwell Nature Park
• Brandling Park
• Elswick Park
• Gosforth Central Park
• Heaton Park
• Leazes Park
• Nunsmoor Park
• Paddy Freeman’s Park
• Tyne Riverside Country Park
• Walker Park
Achieving Green Flag standard for Elswick Park for the first
time means a great deal to Rob Delap who manages the
park. He said “For me it is the end of four years of hard
work to get to the point where Elswick Park is nationally
recognised as a place of beauty and excellence. A place the
local community can look at with pride. I am really chuffed!”
The national scheme recognises the best parks in the
country. Judging is based on how well the park is managed,
cleanliness, signage, facilities and community involvement
are all considered. The awards are a great credit to
everyone who helps to look after our parks: park-keepers,
rangers, recreation development officers, grounds
maintenance staff, neighbourhood response, cleansing and
playground maintenance teams, and not least of all, our
volunteers and friends groups who give their time so freely.
All change at Jesmond Dene!
Big changes are afoot at Millfield House in
Jesmond Dene.
The centre will be open as usual until the end of the
school holidays. After that it’ll close until the bigger and
better Millfield House opens in the summer next year.
A new café will open onto the garden and the new
visitor centre will give information to visitors, be a base
for the Ranger Service, school visits, events and
community activities.
To find out more phone 0191 277 3538.
Allotment and
Garden Show 2009
The eighth annual Allotment and Garden Show, the
biggest in the North East, will be held at the civic
centre in Newcastle on Sunday 13 September from
11am to 4pm.
With some of the best leeks, vegetables and flowers in the
country, the show is an important feature in the calendars of
gardeners across the region.
Entry is free to everyone.
You’ll find:
• allotment produce for sale
• home-made jams and preserves for sale
• free children’s craft activities
• BBC Radio Newcastle’s live gardening questions
programme from 1 to 2pm
• charity sale of flowers and vegetables at the end of
the show
• parking at the civic centre for £1.
For more information contact the allotments officers on
0191 277 3565.
Visitors to last year’s show
Chris is
sowing
the seeds of
success at
Newcastle
University
Chris McTaggart, 28 from West Denton,
has started his new job at Newcastle University as part
of the grounds maintenance team.
Chris, who is profoundly deaf, is a brilliant lip reader and
signer and can communicate verbally. He’s had support and
training in grounds maintenance (gardening) and use of
handheld and self-drive horticultural machinery with
‘Nature’s Landscape’ – a service run by the council. Chris
has gone from strength to strength in getting this job.
Ian Walker, Chris’ manager at Newcastle University said, “I
am very pleased with how Chris has taken to his new role.
His knowledge, enthusiasm and capabilities are excellent.”
Chris said “My time at Nature’s Landscapes gave me the
confidence to apply for my new job. The support from my
manager, colleagues and Workstep officer was brilliant. I
would recommend the Workstep programme to anyone
interested in getting full time unsupported work.”
Chris is now studying for his NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture.
Workstep is a service run by Newcastle City Council and is
supported by the government. It helps people with
disabilities or long-term health problems to find and stay in
paid employment.
If you would like more information about the Workstep
programme, please contact Workstep on 0191 277 2098.
Pictured above: Chris at work at the university
Leave the car at home
We are working with Smarter Choices to celebrate
‘Go Smarter Week’ between 16 and 22 September.
Smarter Choices help people think about how they
travel around Tyne and Wear without a car.
This annual celebration aims to encourage people to
leave their car behind and walk, use the bus or metro or
cycle into town. There’s a range of activities planned,
like a band playing at central station during rush hour to
make the commute a little more enjoyable. A ‘bike
doctor’ will be at Monument Metro, as well as lots of
advice and support to help you travel, quicker and
greener for at least one week of the year!
For more information visit www.gosmarter.co.uk
or call 0191 203 3438.
Nature in the city
Living in Gosforth fifty years ago, Barbara Hogg used to
wheel her children in a pram to Exhibition Park because
they were fascinated by the wildlife in the lake.
Her memories have given
birth to a community
project so children today
can delight in nature in the
city. The ‘Lake Side
Explorer’ group has the
support of the
Northumberland Wildlife
Trust (NWT), the city
council and the trust which
has Heritage funding to
regenerate the whole park.
Exhibition Park
The group submitted landscape architects Mike Evans' plan
to Changing Spaces, winning first stage approval and
£50,000 of the £90,000 needed. They would welcome the
interest and involvement of schools and members of the
community who care for the natural environment.
For more information, or to give your ideas and
experience, please get in touch with either Jason
Gaskell of the NWT on 0191 284 6884, email
jason.gaskell@northwt.org.uk or Keith Pimm on
0191 281 2606, email keithpimm@btinternet.com
Free for the
first 200 Citylife
readers at
Newcastle
Greyhound
Stadium
Saturday 26 September 2009
• admission • first drink • pie and pea supper
Everyone who comes to our readers' nights has a great
night out! If you've never tasted the electric atmosphere
at Newcastle Dogs, then don't miss this!
How do I get my tickets?
Call the stadium reception on 0191 210 5300 and quote
Citylife. First 200 callers qualify. Gates open at 6.30pm,
first race at 7.45pm, last race at 10.30pm.
Newcastle Greyhound Stadium,
The Fossway,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE6 2XJ
www.newcastledogs.com
This offer is for
over 18s only.
22 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 23

✃
You choose how we help
you at home
Are you over 65 and live in the west of Newcastle?
If you do, and you need some help at home, you could be
among the first to benefit from exciting new ways we help
people in their home. Our teams in the west will be
introducing ‘personalised care’ for people new to our
services from the end of September this year.
What is personalised care? It’s putting people at the centre
of deciding what they need and the best way these needs
can be met. This means people have more choice, control
and flexibility over how they get help.
Over the next 18 months our way of helping people at home
will change to this new personalised care system. People, with
the help of their family, carers or social workers if they wish,
Win a magnificent makeover!
One of the city’s award-winning salons is offering our
readers a fantastic makeover.
Hair and Beauty Mechanics on Thornton Street in Newcastle
offers a full range of hair and beauty treatments and
Schwarzkopf organic colours. From cuts and colours to
massages, body scrubs and spray tans, Hair and Beauty
Mechanics use only top quality brands and products to make
sure their clients look great from head to toe. To book your
appointment, phone 0191 260 5417.
Hair Mechanics are giving one lucky reader the chance to
win a makeover. The prize will include a colour, cut and
finish with Dermalogica face mapping and touch of colour
Bodyography make up.
For a chance of winning tell us:
On which street are Hair and
Beauty Mechanics based?
will play a greater role in deciding what care they will need.
We then say how much money we have available to pay for
the help they need. This money is called their individual, or
personal budget. They will be able to make their own
decisions about how this money is spent, and will get
information and help to make the best decisions for them.
Some people may decide to take their money as a cash, or
direct payment, but they don’t have to.
If you, or someone you know, currently gets help from
us, and you’d like to know more about the new
personalised care system, please call us on
0191 278 8377.
Check your swine
flu symptoms by
contacting the
National Pandemic
Flu Service
If you think you may have swine flu, the NHS is
asking you to contact the new National
Pandemic Flu Service.
The new service has been launched to help assess people
who think they have swine flu and give antivirals to those
who need them.
The service is a new dedicated website
www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu and phoneline
0800 1 513 100 or Textphone 0800 1 513 200.
The typical symptoms
of swine flu are a high
body temperature of
38 degrees celsius or
above, and two
symptoms from the
following list.
• headache,
• tiredness,
• chills,
• aching muscles,
• limb or joint pain,
• diarrhoea or
stomach upset,
• sore throat,
• runny nose,
• sneezing,
• loss of appetite.
If you do have swine flu symptoms, you will be given a
unique access number and told where your nearest antiviral
collection point is. You should then ask a flu friend – a friend
or relative who doesn’t have swine flu – to go and pick up
your antivirals.
The flu friend must show their own ID as well as yours. The
authorisation number and ID information will be checked to
ensure it matches the information provided when the
assessment of symptoms was completed.
Protect your children
from measles
Newcastle health experts are urging parents to
make sure their children are vaccinated after the
largest outbreak of measles has been reported in
the region for almost 20 years.
There have been 99 cases reported in the North East so far
this year and over 100 suspected cases are under
investigation.
Dr Meng Khaw, director of public health for NHS North of
Tyne said: “This measles outbreak is very alarming,
especially as the majority of these cases could have been
prevented as most were in children who were not fully
protected with MMR.
“The most important message to parents
is to make sure your children have been vaccinated with two
doses of the MMR jab.”
If you are concerned that your child may have measles
please contact your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
............................................................
Name ..............................................................................
Address ...........................................................................
.....................................................................................
Postcode .......................... Phone ..........................................
Email address ................................................................
Please tick here if you want to receive details of Hair and
Beauty Mechanics offers and discounts. Your contact details
will be passed to Hair and Beauty Mechanics.
Please send your entry to Freepost Citylife by 25
September 2009. Put all your coupons into one envelope.
Multi-million pound investment in local health services
A new GP-led health centre on Ponteland Road opens
next to the Aldi supermarket in the Blakelaw and Cowgate
area towards the end of August. It has been developed by
the Freeman Clinic Ltd, comprising Newcastle upon Tyne
Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Norprime,
representing GPs practising in North Tyneside.
The centre includes a GP practice and has walk-in
services for minor injuries and minor illnesses open from
8am to 8pm seven days a week. It has a range of
services including x-ray, ultrasound and
echocardiography (heart tests). There are also services
to help people live healthier lifestyles.
Another new GP practice opened at the beginning of
June in Armstrong Road, Scotswood. It is being
developed by Primary Care NE, comprising a group of
Newcastle GPs and Northern Doctors Urgent Care who
currently provide out of hours GP services across
Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland.
24 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 This page is paid for by Newcastle Primary Care Trust www.newcastle-pct.nhs.uk 25

✃
What you said about social care service
Earlier this year we sent out three surveys about our adult social care services - one to older
people who receive a home care service, one to their carers and one to people who received
small adaptations or equipment to help them live at home.
These surveys tell us what people feel about our services,
and help us design new or improved services.
The overall results of the survey were very positive with
almost everyone satisfied with the home care service they
receive. Two thirds of their carers said that these services
also helped them.
Almost everyone who received equipment or a minor
adaptation to their home was satisfied with the service and
felt safer in their home.
Improvements to Direct Payments
Direct Payments allow people to buy in their own care
services rather than have a social worker arrange them.
• We will encourage more people to take up Direct
Payments.
• We want carers to get Direct Payments to give them a
break.
• We’re making it easier to apply for Direct Payments for
equipment and small adaptations.
Other improvements we’re making
• We’ll monitor companies who provide services on our
behalf more closely, especially how they keep people
informed of service changes.
• We have published a booklet for carers to tell them about
help, advice and support available.
• We’ve employed two specialist social workers to work
with carers.
• People who received equipment or minor adaptations will
be contacted once a year to check that the equipment is
still OK and meets their needs.
For more information about the surveys please
contact Louise Reeve on 0191 277 7508.
It’s My Life! 1960’s Newcastle
Late September sees the publication of a nostalgic
new book from Tyne Bridge Publishing. We’ve put
together memories and loads of images from that
legendary time!
It was a time when anything seemed possible and
everything was changing fast - the city, the clothes, the
shops, and the music. Remember the Animals?
Recapture that electrifying 1960s atmosphere with this
evocative mix. On sale from late September at £10
www.tynebridgepublishing.co.uk
It’s My Life! competition
For a chance to win a copy tell us:
What was Newcastle’s most
famous 1960s band named?
The Birds
The Animals
The Dinosaurs
Name ................................................................................
Address ............................................................................
..........................................................................................
......................................... Postcode .................................
Please send your entry to Freepost Citylife by 25
September 2009. Put all your coupons into one envelope.
26 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 27

Bridging NewcastleGateshead (BNG) 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.
East End move is a success
In November last year the East End Customer Service
Centre (CSC) moved along Shields Road to a new
purpose built modern building.
Six months on, a customer satisfaction survey shows a
massive increase in satisfaction with the building itself and
98.5% of people were happy with the service overall.
Our east end residents are well served with the Walker
Centre also achieving 98% in overall satisfaction.
New West End is superb!
The West End CSC and Library opened in late 2008 and
customer satisfaction is already top notch with 94.5%
satisfied overall.
The library gets top marks too for its staff, the building and
its security. 87% of respondents were satisfied with the self
service book lending system. Overall, the centre is proving
a very welcome new addition to the local area.
Civic Centre just gets better
The Civic Centre CSC has once again produced consistently
high customer satisfaction rates with almost everyone
satisfied with the service overall. The scores are also on an
upward trend for location, space, accessibility and safety
and security. Many positive comments were made including
“The staff are helpful, friendly and polite” and “I’m pleased
with the fast efficient service I receive.”
Nunsmoor’s cycling
mommas
Kerry Nesbitt, one of our women’s sport development
officers, set up the Nunsmoor Cycle Mommas
scheme with Nunsmoor Children’s Centre and Cycle
Trex to get women with young children more active.
Her first goal was to give women some free time to
cycle in. She arranged for the children’s centre to look
after the children in their crèche so that the mums
could become comfortable cycling.
Once mums got their confidence, they prepared to
carry a child on their bike too. They put on the child
seat and add weight so that mums can get used to
having a different balance. When the mums are
comfortable with this, mum, child and bike can get out
and about together in a safe environment.
Kerry is looking to set up other cycling mommas
around Newcastle. You don’t need a bike, a seat or a
helmet to take part. All you need is yourself, some
comfortable clothes and shoes and a child.
If you’d like to get involved, phone Kerry on
0191 277 3644.
What’s happening in the West End?
Bishop’s Avenue in Elswick is the street of many colours after every house in the street was given
a vibrant paint job as the latest part of a multi-million pound facelift project in Arthur’s Hill.
One local resident commented “It’s brightened up the West
End and become an immediate landmark. It’s given us all a
lift, brought out the community spirit and made people
smile.” Houses have also had their front doors fitted with
new chrome letterboxes, numbers and door knockers, while
railings have been smartened up with matching silver paint.
Since 2006, the area renewal scheme – delivered by a
partnership of Newcastle City Council, Bridging
NewcastleGateshead (BNG) and Centre West - has
upgraded 564 houses in Arthur’s Hill, Elswick Triangle and
Wingrove, with work progressing on a further 370 properties
on Wingrove Gardens, Wingrove Avenue and Dilston Road.
Benwell Neighbourhood Management Initiative and officers
from the Environmental Education and Engagement team from
Newcastle City Council have been out and about in the North
Belmont Green in Walker beat off stiff competition in the
Local Government Chronicle’s Street Design Awards to
win the Urban Green Space category.
The park was revamped in 2008 by a partnership of Belmont
Area Residents’ Association, Newcastle City Council, BNG,
Groundwork and Walker Riverside. New benches have been
installed and individual cobbles - created by local residents -
fitted to create a pathway. It includes a mosaic circle and
lavender has also been planted. Executive Director of
Environment and Regeneration for Newcastle City Council,
David Slater said “We are delighted to have won this award.
Benwell terraces to share
information with residents about
recycling during a week of action.
So far, 144 green bins and 166
blue recycling bins have been
given out. A big thank you to all
the residents that have opened
their door and listened to the team.
If you would like more
information about this work,
please contact Avril on
0191 277 1478 or call into
Benwell Neighbourhood
Management Initiative, 80
Ellesmere Road, Benwell.
What’s happening in the East End?
Freshly-painted houses
on Bishop’s Avenue
It is well-deserved recognition for all the efforts and hard
work of so many people who came together to create a
fantastic community space.”
Local school children, residents and BNG partners
involved in the regeneration of Walker Riverside,
attended the Week of Action from 29 June to 3 July
to improve Walker Riverside Park.
Work carried out
during the week
included tree
management, shrub
pruning, litter picking
and painting.
Steve and Ken,
members of Friends
of Riverside Park,
taking part in the
Week of Action
The Walker Riverside Information Centre has changed its
opening hours. You can now drop in for chat about what’s
going on in Walker Riverside on Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday 10am to 3pm or call 0191 275 9207 to speak to a
member of the team. Or find out all the latest information
and developments at www.walker-riverside.co.uk
28 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 This page is paid for by Bridging NewcastleGateshead
29

Going to school
every day
Getting a good education by going to school every
day gives your child the best possible chance in life
and is the key to their future success. In Newcastle
we want all children, parents and carers to accept
how important learning is. Your child will get the
best out of their education by going to school all
day, every day. It is also important that they arrive
on time.
Families must make sure their child attends regularly and
tell the school if they’re going to be off. If they have to be off,
send them back to school as soon as possible.
The law says you must ensure your child aged five to 16
goes to school. If you fail to make sure your child attends
school, the local authority may take legal action.
We know that some parents occasionally find it difficult
getting their child to school every day and on time. Help
your child to prepare for school the night before and get
them to school in good time. If your child has a problem, talk
to the school. They may ask the Education Welfare Service
(EWS) to help you with issues affecting attendance.
If you have any questions in relation to school
attendance, please speak with your school or contact
the EWS on 0191 277 4500.
Our children learn
to travel
A local centre to help children with special
educational needs to travel independently has won
a national award.
Called ‘travel training’, the children learn how to use
public transport with dummy bus stops, road crossings
and even a fake metro station. Based at a school in
North Tyneside, children from Newcastle use the
centre regularly.
The centre has been named ‘Outstanding Special
Needs Initiative of the Year' at the 2009 Times
Educational Supplement awards in London. One judge
said, ‘This entry was simply terrific. Its commitment to
pupils and the originality it displays in teaching them
were outstanding.’
For more information contact Special Educational
Needs Transport on 0191 277 4646.
Thanks Mike!
This summer saw Mike Booth retiring as head
teacher of Walbottle Campus, after seeing
students achieve the best results in the
school’s history under his leadership.
Retiring head teacher of Walbottle Campus Mike Booth
chatting with students Ben Sayer and Ashleigh Barrow,
watched by Donna Tams and David Luke
Last year alone, the number of students getting the gold
standard of five or more GCSEs at grades to A* to C
including English and maths went up by 8%, the second
biggest rise in the city.
The number of students getting five or more GCSE at
A* to C overall has also risen by 15% in just two years.
Mike also oversaw the school’s move into its cutting edge
new home as part of the Building Schools for the Future
programme, the biggest ever investment in schools in the
history of Newcastle.
We’d like to wish Mike, and all the teachers who said
goodbye to our schools this summer, all the best for the
future.
North Moor Parents
Get2gether
This go-ahead group is applying for charitable status to
make them an independent group in their own right and
open up lots of funding opportunities.
Two successes this year were the group getting money for
‘Fit-and-Fun day on a Sunday’ and a ‘Magical Community
Trip’ to Alnwick Gardens.
North Moor Parents Get2gether is the parents’ panel of
Sure Start North Children’s Centre. They’re always
looking for new members so if you’d like to get involved
please contact Liz Jackson on 0191 213 4100.
Apply now for next year’s school places
Already hundreds of Newcastle parents are planning
ahead for the autumn term 2010. The deadline for
applying for a place at reception class, middle or
secondary school, is 23 October 2009.
More and more families across the country are applying
online. In Newcastle parents can:
• search for schools by distance from home
• read the admission rules for schools they are interested in
• see what offers were made to parents and carers in
previous years
• link to inspection and performance reports about schools
• link directly to individual school websites of their choice.
Our web pages have lots of information about the different
All aboard the youth
clubs on wheels!
Our youth service with a difference hit the streets
this summer – youth clubs on wheels.
The two mobile youth units - based in especially
kitted-out buses - give young people safe and fun
places to socialise with their mates. They go to parts
of the city where there are fewer places they can go –
especially at evenings and weekends.
The buses also have dedicated youth workers on board
to give young people information, advice and guidance,
and there’s even space for them to do their homework!
Pictured above: Daniel Walsh and Maran Ghiti were
some of the first young people in the city to visit
our new mobile youth services.
schools and tips for making your application. And once you
have all the information you need, you can apply for a place
online. Log on to www.newcastle.gov.uk/admissions
Applying online is quick, safe and secure. You get instant
confirmation that your application has been received. You
can view or change your application right up to the deadline.
And you will find out about your school offer by email before
you receive the letter by post.
Before making an application, whether online or on paper,
we advise you to visit schools, and go to their information
sessions. These will help you through the process.
For help and information call Newcastle Families
Information Service on 0191 277 4133 or log on to
www.newcastle.gov.uk/admissions
Places to go and things
to do – Plings
We are one of twenty two local authorities piloting Plings
technology. Plings makes getting involved much easier for
young people. It helps them find out about activities they are
interested in through websites, mobile phones, digital TV
and social networking.
We’re leading the way by sending activity information to the
Plings website, www.placestogothingstodo.co.uk It has
hundreds of listings, with information on sports, youth clubs,
uniformed clubs, arts and cultural activities, volunteering
opportunities and much more!
Playing out
Jordan and Megan Greener get arty on Northumberland St.
Northumberland Street became a playground as our Family
Information Service and Play Service grassed over one of
the busiest shopping streets in the city. Youngsters got to
get their hands dirty with arts and crafts projects while
parents got advice about their childcare needs.
Phone the Families Information Service on 0191 277 4133
or email fis@newcastle.gov.uk for more information.
30 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 31

✃
Council diary 3 September to 3 November 2009
All the meetings listed below are open to the public. Times were correct at time of going to
press, but please check in case of any changes. Unless otherwise stated, all meetings will take
place in a committee room in the civic centre.
City Council
7 October 2009 at 6pm
Phone Linda Couch on
0191 211 5121
Development Control Committee
4 September 2009 at 9.30am
25 September 2009 at 9.30am
16 October 2009 at 9.30am
Phone Peter Moody on
0191 211 5129
Executive
16 September 2009 at 4pm
Phone Bernard Dale on
0191 211 5121
Neighbourhood Committee
15 September 2009 at 4.30pm
Phone Judith Curran on
0191 211 5119
Housing, Planning and Transport
Committee
17 September 2009 at 3pm
Phone Judith Curran on
0191 211 5119
Overview and
Scrutiny panels
Overview and Scrutiny Board
23 September 2009 at 4.30pm
Phone June Hunter on
0191 211 4942
Policy Performance and Budget
15 September 2009 at 3pm
20 October 2009 at 3pm
Phone June Hunter on
0191 211 4942
Strengthening the Economy
21 September 2009 at 4pm
14 October 2009 at 4pm
Phone Adam Taeger on
0191 277 7523
Health and Wellbeing
28 September 2009 at 2pm
26 October 2009 at 2pm
Phone Steve Flanagan on
0191 277 7522
Managing Environmental Impact
22 September 2009 at 5.20pm
27 October 2009 at 5.20pm
Phone Adam Taeger on
0191 277 7523
Quality Places to Live
14 September 2009 at 1pm
14 September 2009 at 2pm - Joint
Meeting with Communities
12 October 2009 at 1pm
Phone Susan Forster on
0191 277 7525
NHS Changes
22 October 2009 at 1pm
Phone Paul Staines on
0191 277 7524
Communities
14 September 2009 at 2pm - Joint
meeting with Quality Places to Live
21 September at 1pm
19 October 2009 at 1pm
Phone Paul Staines on
0191 277 7524
Children and Young People
17 September 2009 at 4pm
15 October 2009 at 4pm
Phone Steve Flanagan on
0191 277 7522
Ward committees
If no venue is given, please phone
the telephone number listed.
Benwell and Scotswood
8 September 2009 at 6.30pm
6 October 2009 at 6.30pm
3 November 2009 at 6.30pm
Phone Paul McKinnell on
0191 277 3628
Blakelaw
24 September 2009 at 7pm
22 October 2009 at 7pm
Phone Ann Gilks on 0191 277 3571
Byker
15 September 2009 at 6.30pm
Phone Caroline Collinson on
0191 277 3564
Castle
17 September 2009 at 6.30pm
Phone Sue Wannop on
0191 277 3536
Dene
7 September 2009 at 7pm
Park Primary School
Phone Andy Eastwood on
0191 277 3496
Denton
3 September 2009 at 6pm
West Denton Community
Association, Hillhead Road
Phone Dorothy Procter on
0191 277 3548
East Gosforth
14 September 2009 at 6.30pm
St Nicholas Church Hall Annexe,
Station Road, South Gosforth
Phone ward co-ordination admin on
0191 277 3614
Elswick
14 September 2009 at 6.30pm
West End Women’s and Girls
Centre, Old Elswick Library
Phone Susan Johnson on
0191 277 3640
Fawdon
22 September 2009 at 6.30pm
Mormon Church, Hauxley Drive,
Fawdon
Phone Chris Mason on
0191 277 3527
Fenham
17 September 2009 at 7pm
Phone Paul McKinnell on
0191 277 3628
Kenton
16 September 2009 at 6.30pm
Phone Rob Gillie on 0191 277 3569
Lemington
24 September 2009 at 6.45pm
Waverley Primary School, Lemington
Phone Chris Mason on
0191 277 3527
Newburn
16 September 2009 at 7pm
Walbottle Institute
Phone ward co-ordination admin on
0191 277 3614
North Heaton
1 September 2009 at 7pm
3 November 2009 at 7pm
Phone Debra Lagun on 0191 277 3625
North Jesmond
1 September 2009 at 6.30pm
3 November at 6.30pm
Phone Amy Redpath on 0191 277 3635
Ouseburn
23 September 2009 at 6.30pm
Ouseburn Community Centre,
Mowbray Street
Phone Cass Winlow on
0191 277 3554 or
Elizabeth Grace on 0191 277 3518
Parklands
24 September 2009 at 7pm
Grange Community Centre, Norham
Road, Gosforth
Phone Amy Stillwell on 0191 277 3612
Aurora awakes!
The Moscow Ballet is returning to the North East,
bringing Sleeping Beauty to the Journal Tyne Theatre
on Friday 20 November.
Every little girl knows the story of Sleeping Beauty, the baby
princess cursed to die if she pricked her finger by a wicked
fairy. Her fairy godmother manages to soften the curse to
make her sleep instead. But when Aurora pricks her finger,
and falls asleep. She’s woken up with a kiss by her prince.
You can book ticket for this beautiful ballet by phoning 0191
243 1175 or visiting www.thejournaltynetheatre.co.uk. Tickets
cost £20, £18 and £16 and may be subject to a booking fee.
The Moscow Ballet has given us 10
family tickets for our readers to see
Sleeping Beauty. For a chance to win,
tell us how Aurora was woken up
A kiss A pinch A punch
Name ...............................................................................
Address ............................................................................
..........................................................................................
........................................ Postcode .................................
Phone ..............................................................................
Please send your entry to Freepost Citylife by 25
September 2009. Put all your coupons into one envelope.
South Heaton
9 September 2009 at 7pm
Phone Caroline Collinson on
0191 277 3564
South Jesmond
8 September 2009 at 6.30pm
Phone Amy Redpath on
0191 277 3635
Walker
16 September 2009 at 5.30pm
Phone Debra Lagun on
0191 277 3625
Walkergate
8 September 2009 at 6.30pm
Phone Andy Eastwood on
0191 277 3496
Westerhope
10 September 2009 at 6.30pm
Westerhope Community
Association,
Hillhead Road
Phone Dorothy Procter on
0191 277 3548
Westgate
28 September 2009 at 6.30pm
Newcastle City Library
Phone Cass Winlow on
0191 277 3554 or
Elizabeth Grace on 0191 277 3518
West Gosforth
16 September 2009 at 6.30pm
Gosforth Customer Service Centre
and Library, Regent Farm Road,
Gosforth
Phone ward co-ordination admin on
0191 277 3614
Wingrove
15 September 2009 at 7.15pm
Nuns Moor Centre Studley Terrace
20 October 2009 at 7.15pm
Spital Tongues Community
Association, Morpeth Street
Phone Susan Johnson on
0191 277 3640
Woolsington
8 September 2009 at 7pm
Phone Ann Gilks on 0191 277 3625
Have you got some
time to spare?
Or are you desperate for volunteers?
The Volunteer Centre Newcastle makes connections
between people who want to volunteer and organisations of
various sizes which have opportunities for them. The
services are free for both volunteers and organisations.
The centre is currently looking for organisations that can
offer volunteer roles in IT, data entry, web design, office
based administration, children and family support, or any
animal charities. They get over 150 new enquiries each
month from volunteers and are always looking to develop
new opportunities across the city.
They upload their opportunities to the national website at
www.do-it.org.uk where you can see what roles are
available. Volunteer Centre Newcastle also has newsletters
for individuals and volunteer managers on
www.volunteercentrenewcastle.org.uk
You can contact Volunteer Centre Newcastle on
0191 232 6616 or info@volunteercentrenewcastle.org.uk
32 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 33

Community News
Community News
Fun for all in
Denton
An event for families and residents is being held in
Denton where there’ll be lots of fun for all - including
sports, music, arts, and food stalls.
Local residents will also get the chance to tell our staff about
any problems they have locally about living in and around
CDE roads.
In the Brownies,
Rainbows or
Guides
Is the little (or not so little) girl in your
home interested in the world around them?
North East Skills
returns to Newcastle
North East Skills, the region’s largest careers and
training event for young people is returning to
Newcastle in September 2009.
With a great range of employers, educational organisations
and training providers, North East Skills will give thousands
of young visitors the chance to find out more about career
opportunities, and the world of work in a fun and interactive
way.
The event is at the Metro Radio Arena on Tuesday 29 and
Wednesday 30 September 2009.
Money for the voluntary
and community sector
If you’re part of a voluntary or community organisation,
or a school, you may be interested in bidding for some
money from our Sustainable Communities Project Fund
or Voluntary and Community Sector Business Fund.
The Sustainable Communities Project Fund is a pot of
money to give short term funding for one-off projects that will
benefit communities which have been affected by
regeneration schemes over the last three years.
You must be able to show that you’re
• managing environmental impact
• improving wellbeing, health and independence
• creating and sustaining quality places
• creating safe, inclusive and empowered communities
• improving outcomes for children and young people
Do you think:
• there’s enough car-parking?
• public space around blocks of flats is neglected?
• the condition of retaining walls and fences is getting
worse?
• there’s not enough public transport, especially for elderly
people?
• there’s too much “dead” open space?
• footpaths through the estate are a problem for some
residents?
We want to hear your views and thoughts on local issues so
came along to the Church of the Holy Spirit in Dunblane
Crescent, have your say and enjoy a free fun day out!
It’s on Saturday 17 October 2009 from 11am until 4pm.
For more information please contact Denton Young
Peoples Project, phone 0191 264 7566 or email
info@dypp.org.uk
Denton Young Peoples Project
Church of the Holy Spirit
Dunblane Crescent, Denton
Newcastle NE5 2BE
Krocodile Klub
Krocodile Klub is a night club run
by and for people with learning
difficulties. It was set up by the
Lawnmowers Independent
Theatre Co and provides and
exciting and vibrant evening of
dance, music and friends.
The September Klub is happening on 11 September at
Gateshead Civic Centre between 7 and 11pm. The October
Klub is on 16 October at Gateshead Old Town Hall, same
times.
For more information about the Krocodile Klub call 0191
4789200, email info@thelawnmowers.co.uk or visit the
website www.thelawnmowers.co.uk
Then there’s no better place for them to learn about
the things they’re interested in and have fun with other
girls than with Girlguiding Newcastle.
The Rainbows (five to seven years), Brownies (seven
to ten years) Guides (10 to 14 years) and Senior
Section (14 to 25 years) are there to give girls a mix of
exciting activities to help them explore their world.
For more information about where your nearest
meeting is contact Linda Harbottle at Girlguiding
Newcastle on 0191 267 4405 or email
mail@girlguidingnewcastle.org.uk
To book to visit North East Skills, contact 01823 362800
or go to www.northeastskills.co.uk
Keep bowling!
The RSM Carpet Bowls Club is holing an open
afternoon on 12 September from 2pm to 4pm at the
Robert Steward Memorial Church in Wingrove Road
Fenham.
Everyone is welcome to attend and try their hand at carpet
bowls. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be freely available and
club members will help anyone who needs advice.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an
adult.
For more information contact Helen on 0191 273 3604
Newcastle Tenants’
Federation
Newcastle Tenants’ Federation is an independent
voluntary organisation which has represented tenants’
and residents’ groups since 1977.
The federation can help you set up a residents’ group,
helping you form a committee and showing you how to
develop a constitution. They’ll teach you the correct
protocols, to help you to work in partnership with the council
and Your Homes Newcastle. You can also apply for funding
to help pay for the group’s running costs. The federation
also provides free training on how to be a good chairperson,
treasurer or secretary.
If you would like help in setting up a tenants’ and
residents’ group, phone 0191 232 1371. To find out more
about the work of the federation, visit their website
www.newcastletenantsfed.org.uk. From 7 September
2009, they’ll be relocating to 63 Westgate Road.
The Voluntary and Community Sector Business Fund
gives money to start up new, viable trading activities, or to
expand existing business activities which will contribute to
their social aims and overall sustainability.
For the 2009 and 2010 financial year, both funds have
£150,000 for grants of between £1,000 and £10,000. There
will be a further £150,000 in 2010 and 11.
You can download an application pack providing
more detailed information about this fund from
www.newcastle.gov.uk/scpf or contact
Michael Robinson 0191 211 5834, email
mike.robinson@newcastle.gov.uk
Play chess
September is a great time to join one of the city
chess clubs. There are clubs at Eldon
Leisure Centre, Jesmond, Forest
Hall and Newcastle University.
For details please contact
John Turnock on
0191 281 7506, email
jturnock@sandyford.ndo.co.uk or
ask at the City Library.
There is a weekend tournament
for all levels of play (and juniors)
on 25 to 27 September.
For details contact Paul Bielby
on 0191 548 7600 or email
paulbielby@btopenworld.com
34 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 35

A juicy selection of
fun for half term!
The Juice Festival – celebrating local children’s and
young people’s creative talents – has a hoard of great
events and activities to keep youngsters busy this half
term. Highlights include:
First Draft which sees young people create a series of 10
minute plays, brought to life with the help of professional
writers, actors and directors.
Shhhhh… by Bare Toed Dance Company (25-26 Oct).
The historic Stephenson Works building will be transformed
into a magical world of sleep for children to discover (ages
six months to six years).
Paws and Claws with Catherine Rayner (28-30 Oct) is an
opportunity to work with the winner of this year’s prestigious
Kate Greenaway Award for Picturebooks at Seven Stories.
Other specially created, interactive events for families will be
in venues including City Library, Discovery Museum,
Centre for Life and Great North Museum.
For details of these and lots more Juice Festival events,
activities and performances see www.juicefestival.co.uk
If you can’t log on at home you can get free internet
access at any library or customer service centre.
Parentline Plus
need volunteers
Parentline plus is a national helpline that supports
parents through difficult times – any concerns or
worries from new babies through to adult children.
The charity needs volunteers who have been in a
parenting role to help answer calls on the helpline. Full
training will be given and out of pocket expenses paid.
You can find out more at one of our information sessions on
Monday 14 September 2pm
Tuesday 15 September 6pm or
Saturday 19 September 11am
The sessions will last approx one hour. Please phone
the office by calling 0191 281 4881 to book a place on
one of the sessions. Full training is given over four
Saturdays in September
and October.
If you need help
and support on
parenting you can
call 0808 800 2222 or
visit the website at www.parentlineplus.org.uk
What’s on
Exhibitions
Discovery Museum
0191 232 6789
(Textphone 18001 0191 232 6789)
www.twmuseums.org.uk/discovery
Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 2 to 5pm
North East Beat A celebration of the region’s music. Free
Guild Hall
Quayside
Sun 13 to Sun 20 September
West End Art Club Exhibition. Free
Laing Art Gallery
0191 232 7734 (Textphone 18001 0191 232 7734)
www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing
Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 2 to 5pm
Until Sun 18 October
Thomas Bewick: Tale-Pieces A major exhibition of
engravings by Northumberland-born artist, engraver and
naturalist, Thomas Bewick (1753 until 1828). Free
From Sat, 19 September
The Great British Art Debate
Karaoke, hands-on art installations and cult films will all be
on offer at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle as the gallery
takes a look at the work of 19th century artist John Martin.
September sees the start of the Great British Art Debate at
the Laing – a series of events and exhibitions exploring how
art affects the lives of people in Britain today.
Northumbria University
0191 227 4424 www.northumbria.ac.uk/universitygallery
Mon to Thurs 10am to 5pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 4pm
Closed Sundays
Fri 11 September to Fri 23 October
Frans Widerberg Paintings and Prints 1989 - 2008
From Fri 30 October
Norman Cornish. Free
Waygood Art Boutique
High Bridge www.waygood.org 0191 265 6857
Wed to Sat 12 to 5pm Until Sat 26 September
Heather Allen Small. Self portraits by this Berlin based artist
Until Sat 19 September. Free
Other events
Alzheimer’s Society 30th Anniversary
Memory Walk
It’s the Alzheimer’s Society 30th Anniversary this year and
we are planning our biggest and best ever Memory Walk,
supporting four North East Alzheimer’s Society branches,
and including three walking routes ending up at Baltic
Square, Gateshead, for a celebratory event. The Tyneside
Memory Walk is taking place on 27 September 2009 and
people can sign up to take part via www.memorywalk.org.uk
or by emailing lucy.hudson@alzheimers.org.uk
Let us know
Post: Freepost Citylife Fax: 0191 211 4888
Email: charlotte.sly@newcastle.gov.uk
Deadline for the November to December edition is Friday
5 October.
Heritage Open Days in the City Library
Thurs 10 September 2.30 to 3.30pm
New for Old: Newcastle’s controversial libraries
Illustrated talk by John Charlton at the City Library
Sat 12 September 2.30 to 3.30pm Lost Shipyards of Walker
Illustrated talk by Ken Smith at Walker Library
Sat 12 September 10 to 11.30am
Fire! Fire! The Great Fire of Gateshead and Newcastle
1854 Exciting workshop for children eight to 12 years old
(must be accompanied by an adult) at the City Library
Sat 12 September 12.30 to 1.30pm, 1.30 to 2.30pm and
2.30 to 3.30pm
Newcastle in the 17th Century Workshop with Dr Dorothy
Hamilton with gems from the special collections at the
City Library.
These events are free but booking is essential by
emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk or phone 0191
277 4100. You can also find further details of all events in
the Heritage Open Days booklet which is available from
all libraries and at www.heritageopendays.org.uk
The British Legion Club
West Jesmond Avenue, 0191 285 6953
French dancing to live music. Every 2nd Sunday at
1.45 to 4pm. No partners or experience required. £2
Reinventing the City
From Sat, 19 September to Sun, 11 October
Reinventing the City is an enlightening one-off festival across
NewcastleGateshead this autumn, exploring Tyneside’s reimagination
of itself through 200 years of industrial and postindustrial
change. Tyneside has always been at the forefront
of change and over the years artists have criticized,
promoted and documented the process. This fascinating new
programme discovers the art and architecture, the characters
the visions and the plans that made Tyneside what it is today.
For more information go to www.reinventingthecity.org.uk
Service of thanksgiving and celebration to mark
the 75th anniversary of Diabetes UK
St Nicholas Cathedral, Monday 5 October, 7pm. There will be
tea and coffee in the cathedral refectory from 6pm onwards.
Music
City Hall
0191 261 2606 www.newcastlecityhall.org
Tues 6 October at 7.30pm Back to the Cavern starring
Gerry and the Pacemakers with special guests Len 'Chip'
Hawkes ex Tremeloes and The Complete Beatles.
£19.50 and £17.50
Tues 13 October at 7.30pm Newton Faulkner
– the acoustic-guitar virtuoso returns with his eagerly
anticipated second album ‘Rebuilt by Humans’. £16
36 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 37

Sun 18 October at 7.30pm
Maximum Rhythm 'n' Blues "A Night at the Flamingo"
With The Alan Price Set featuring Zoot Money and Bobby
Tench with special guests Chris Farloe and Maggie Bell.
£24, £22 and £20
The Cluny Ouseburn
0191 230 4474
Wed 23 September It Bites £17.50
Sat 26 September Chuck Prophet £12.50
Sun 11 October Kate Walsh at the Cluny 2 £10
Thurs 15 October Eileen Jewell at the Cluny 2 £12
Sat 17 October Earl Gaines £12. Doors at 8pm
King’s Hall, University of Newcastle
Sun 27 September at 7pm
The Avision Ensemble and the Division Lobby
Tickets on the door, or from JG Windows Ltd on
0191 232 1356 or email info@jgwindows.com £10
Shipley Art Gallery
Tues 29 September 2009 at 7pm Concert Royal
Presented by the Friends of Shipley Art Gallery. A programme
for 2009 celebrating the 350th anniversary of the birth in 1659
of Henry Purcell ‘one of the most Celebrated Masters of the
Science of Musick in the Kingdom, and scarce inferiour to any
in Europe.’ Refreshments (inc. in ticket price). Raffle £10
Theatre
The Journal Tyne Theatre
Westgate Road 0844 493 9999
www.tynetheatre.co.uk
Sun 20 September at 2pm
The Tales of Peter Rabbit Join Peter Rabbit and Benjamin
Bunny on their adventure through the forest to Mr
McGregor's garden to fetch a nice juicy lettuce, the one
place Peter was told not to go! Adults £9.50, child £8.50
Newcastle City Guides
Thurs 1 and Fri 2 October at 6.30pm 8pm and 9.30pm
David Gest – My Life! A Musical Concert Extravaganza
The play encompasses the story of Gest's life with comedy
and music. It includes over thirty top five records, all
performed by the original artists. In addition to that, there will
be Gest's characters he made famous in the jungle when he
appeared on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!
£24, £34, £44, £54
Tues 13 to Sat 17 October at 10.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and
7pm Skellig Birmingham Stage Company is proud to be
launching a new tour of David Almond’s best-selling, multi
award winning book. Originally produced in a critically
acclaimed production at the Young Vic directed by Trevor
Nunn, this brand new production directed by Phil Clark will
open at The Old Rep and tour for a limited six week run.
Adults £13 and £14, child £12 and £11, family ticket £42,
schools £7.50
People’s Theatre
Stephenson Road, 0191 265 5020, www.ptag.org.uk
Tues 22 to Sat 26 September at 7.30pm
Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick A must for all
Carry On fans by Terry Johnson
Tues 13 to Sat 17 October at 7.30pm
The Cherry Orchard By Anton Chekhov and adapted by
Michael Frayn £9.50 (£7.50)
Theatre Royal
0844 811 2121 www.theatreroyal.co.uk
Shows include Porridge with ex Eastender Shaun
Williamson taking on the role of Norman Stanley Fletcher.
Take That fans can sing along to their hits in Never Forget.
October includes Rainman featuring Neil Morrissey and
Oliver Chris, Michael Rosen’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
plus the RSC returns with As You Like It. The Theatre
Royal will also be hosting the Newcastle Musical Theatre
Company’s production of The Producers from 22 to 26
September.
Date Tour Meeting at Time
6 September Geordie Gentlemen Cardinal Hume Statue 2.30pm
13 September “Lest we Forget” # St Thomas Church Haymarket 2.30pm
4 October Charles Avison’s Newcastle St Andrew’s Church Newgate Street 2.30pm
7 October Ghostly and Grisly Quayside Tales* Guildhall 6pm
11 October St Nicholas Cathedral Outside Cathedral 2.30pm
14 October Ghostly and Grisly Quayside Tales* Guildhall 6pm
18 October West Walls and Blackfriars Grey’s Monument 2.30pm
21 October Ghostly and Grisly Quayside Tales* Guildhall 6pm
25 October Newcastle Guildhall* Guildhall 2.30pm and 3.45pm
28 October Ghostly and Grisly Quayside Tales* Guildhall 6pm
* Booking essential # Tour free as part of Heritage Open Days
Tours cost £3 (£2) free for accompanied children under 16 years (No unaccompanied children).
To book and for more information phone 0191 277 8000.
38 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009
Pop, paint, impressions and opera
New romantic revivals, comedy, classical music and touching drama will be on view
across the city. Have a look to see what’s going on.
Newcastle will be transported back to the 80s when the city
plays host to New Romantic legends Spandau Ballet
(pictured above, back in the day). Headed by Tony Hadley,
the reformed band will be coming to the Metro Radio Arena
on Monday, 26 October at 7.30pm. They’ll be performing
their smash hit records including To Cut A Long Story Short,
Chant No. 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On), True and the
classic single Gold.
For more information go to www.metroradioarena.co.uk
or phone 0844 493 6666. £37.50, £45 and £60.
Big Impression star Alistair McGowan (above top right)
comes to the city on Friday, 23 October at 8pm. The
Journal Tyne Theatre is one of the dates on his first solo
stand-up tour in ten years. He will be resurrecting his
celebrity impressions for this brand new, one-man show and
will introduce audiences to a host of new never-before-heard
voices along the way. Expect sharp observations, poetry
and romance, animals and surrealism, love and anger,
wordplay and 'greenery' as well as footballers and film stars.
For more information go to www.tynetheatre.co.uk or
phone 0844 493 9999. £15
Britain’s Got Talent star Paul Potts (above right) makes a
return to the City Hall on Thursday, 8 October at 7.30pm.
The last two years have been an epic journey of incredible
hard work and dedication. The Britain's Got Talent winner's
debut album One Chance sold over 3.5million copies and
got the top spot in 15 countries. See Paul Potts performing
songs from his second album Passione.
For more information go to www.newcastlecityhall.org
or phone 0191 261 2606. £27.50.
Following sell-out
seasons at Live
Theatre Newcastle
and The National
Theatre, The
Pitmen Painters
(right) arrives at
Theatre Royal
Newcastle from
Tuesday, 29
September to
Saturday, 3 October.
Lee Hall’s play is a humorous, deeply moving and timely
look at art, class and politics.
For more information go to www.theatreroyal.co.uk or
phone 0844 811 2121. £8.50 to £27.
September to October 2009 Use the internet free at all Newcastle libraries 39

40 www.newcastle.gov.uk
September to October 2009