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CAST
Citizens Assembly South Tyneside
Now is the time for community-driven, people-powered change in South Tyneside.
News & Views
2025 funday roundup:
4 pages - 6 weeks of fun!
The CAST plug:
In Conversation with
David Haldane
Community Noticeboard
Citizens Assembly
South Tyneside
Contact us:
southtyneside@assembly.org.uk
CITIZENSASSEMBLYST
Click HERE and join CAST
Welcome to your
MONTHLY
newsletter
Holy moly, this late
summer edition is an epic!
With a round-up of our 2025 family
funday festival, an update on the
drive to Transform Democracy on
South Tyneside, a CAST plug plus
the solution to last newsletter’s
summer stumper crossword, it’ll
keep you going till October!
We utterly smashed our attendance
numbers this year at our fundays - with
Hedworthfield Field CA taking the trophy
and blowing the record out of the water
with over 180 kids joining us for free fun,
free munch and free prizes!
DON’T FORGET: all links are orange!
If you’re reading the PDF version of the
newsletter, all links are orange so if it’s
orange - click it!
Join our mailing list here
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News & Views
Transforming Democracy on South Tyneside...TOGETHER
With our FR££ family fundays taking the front seat during the summer holidays, we haven’t been out
with the petition as much over the last couple of weeks.
That said however, the campaign continues onwards and upwards! So, to get us all back in the groove,
we thought a quick review would remind us all what the issues are and why they’re so important.
Out of our 54 elected representatives, a group of
just 9 Labour Group councillors - the Leader of
the council and a hand selected team of 8
colleagues - control all of the borough’s
decision-making powers.
The other 45 elected councillors (18
Independent, 9 Green and the 18 other Labour
Party councillors) have little to no voice in the
policy-making process.
That’s NOT democratic.
Did you know the STC constitution allows for the cabinet to be reduced to just
THREE councillors - the Leader and two hand-picked colleagues?
Just another reason why this campaign is so important!
Unless the constitution is changed, no matter who holds the majority after the next election, decision-making
power can be concentrated into the hands of an even smaller number of councillors.
Do you trust ANY party not to use this clause?
No matter what your political outlook, this is NOT democratic.
ARTICLE 7 - THE CABINET (Page 44)
7.1 Form and composition
7.1.1 The Cabinet must comprise the Leader of the
Council and at least two (2), but not more than nine (9),
other Elected Members of the Council.
Why not join us on one of our stalls?
Whether you’re a Cllr, MP or just an interested
observer, come out with us and find out
what local voters are really saying!
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News & Views
50% of the elected councillors
but 100% of the decisionmaking
power?
That’s NOT democratic!
south tyneside alliance group: 12
the real independents: 4
independents: 2
independents:
18 cllrs
labour party:
27 cllrs
green party:
9 cllrs
What South Tyneside thinks
Our online survey continues...check out these
stats! Have your say - scan the QR or go to
https://bit.ly/3yZ3X2H
DON’T FORGET:
YOU MUST BE REGISTERED
TO VOTE TO SIGN!
Scan the code or go to
https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
st
Data correct as of 1 Sept. 2025
**THIS PETITION IS A LEGAL CHALLENGE TO THE FUNDAMENTAL
SET-UP OF SOUTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL**
A STATUTORY PETITION TO END ONE-PARTY CONTROL OF DECISION-MAKING
When we reach our target and submit the petition, the council MUST BY LAW, give YOU the
choice to change how decisions are made. They CANNOT refuse. Legislation means that MAY
2026 would be the date for the referendum.
So, if you GENUINELY want change, sign the petition! Follow us on Facebook
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News & Views
What else is going on across the borough?
National petition to review decision to abolish local
independent Healthwatch
As part of the NHS 10-Year Plan, Healthwatch is set to be abolished.
Since 2013, it’s made a significant impact - helping people to access advice and voice their concerns. Many
Healthwatch users have contacted them with their worry that there will no longer be a local, independent voice
representing and supporting patients and people who draw on social care, their families and carers.
A national petition has been launched asking the government to:
revisit its decision to abolish local independent services that speak up for the public
consult with the public to codesign a service which meets their needs and supports the NHS to realise its
ambitions
invest in and strengthen independent services
Take a look at the petition and add your name https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/732993/
Save the Greenbelt @ Fellgate:
Police brought in following wildlife shootings
Appeal for information
Police and locals have appealed for information following the targeting of swans and
ducks in the greenbelt area earmarked for a contentious new 'garden village'
housing development.
Continuing issues at Fellgate Pond have seen swans and ducks snared by fishing line
and hooks but this has now escalated to the shooting of the swans. Although now back at the
pond, the adult female, Kandy, was shot in the neck and had to be taken for emergency treatment.
A statement made by the Fellgate Save Our Greenbelt Group read:
‘We are utterly heartbroken. This is a senseless act of violence against a defenceless animal. The police,
animal welfare organisations and the press will be informed. Sadly, we have also had two unexplained deaths
of tufted ducks recently on that pond which may now be linked. We are asking for the community’s help. If
you saw anyone in the area carrying an air rifle, or with a gun bag, or if you have any information at all, please
come forward. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence. Someone knows something and we
cannot allow whoever is responsible to continue harming our wildlife.’
If you have any information, please contact the group: www.facebook.com/groups/1486910681875307
David Haldane (left) with host Ed Waugh
Protect Our Dark Skies - the campaign continues...
Despite vehement local opposition, STC have installed 10m (almost 33ft) high street lights in a residential area
along the coast in South Shields...but the campaign to keep the skies dark remains alive as campaigners fight to
have the lights removed.
They’re currently building funds to fight to overturn the council’s decision and you can help them out! Designed
by acclaimed local artist Sheila Graber, the group have a range of T-shirts highlighting the importance of dark
skies to the ecosystem across The Leas. Check the fab designs out here
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Divest Tyne & Wear
May/June update
The race to the finishing line for radical pensions changes is on!
And the big news is that the megafund that invests OUR local council
pensions in fossil fuels looks likely to be even bigger than predicted. But as
our supporters know - we're hot on its heels!
With a beefed-up campaign coalition group, staging a protest later this month, we're urging
the Border to Coast megafund to reduce fossil fuel investment, especially in companies
backsliding on their Paris Agreement promises...and we'd love you to join us!
BORDER TO COAST PENSIONS PARTNERSHIP (BCPP)
Why it matters so much
Our six local authorities will pass control of most of their pension
investment to BCPP which becomes a megafund when the Pensions Bill
becomes law.
BCPP is already huge with assets of £65bn and more pension funds are
keen to join. If they’re all accepted, BCPP's assets could total £110bn.
Support our lobby of BCPP's annual conference - details below or:
join our new BCPP Fossil Free coalition
contact Tyne & Wear Pension Fund if you're a member
contact your local council to say you don't want your local tax
ending up in fossil fuel investments in this way
Our website has facts and figures, and we're happy to help - just get in
touch
SIGN THE PETITION TO
REDIRECT OUR PENSIONS
TO A GREEN FUTURE!
Pensions Minister, Torsten
Bell, has the power to get
our pensions invested in
the transition to a
sustainable future.
Will you ask him to do it?
Sign the petition here
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25 Sept.:
Leeds lobby of Annual Conference of megafund Border to Coast Pensions Partnership, 09:00-10:30. Join our
group in Leeds or support in other ways - email to make arrangements.
rd
3 Oct.:
Tyne & Wear Pension Fund quarterly committee meeting, South Shields Town Hall, 09:30 start. You're very
welcome to join our monitoring group and witness the decision-makers making investment policy. Email to
arrange to meet beforehand or travel together.
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7 Nov.:
Tyne & Wear Pension Fund annual meeting. NOT open to Pension Fund members or the public - only employers in
the scheme are invited. There are several hundred - is yours on the list? Ask them to raise fears that fossil fuel
investment risks the futures of members.
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15 Nov.:
COP30 Newcastle rally, march, stall - gathering at 11:00 for speakers, music, followed by
march, then Stalls Festival from 12.30 with refreshments. If you'd like to join our group -
get in touch for more info!
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15 Nov.:
COP30 Climate Action Sunderland event stall: we're hoping to attend with a stall, hope
to see you there! Get in touch if you'd like to help with planning.
Join the Divest T&W
mailing list!
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CAST
family fundays
2025!
With 5 venues of
free fun, munch
and prizes...
...this year’s
funday festival has
been another riproaring
success!
Our family
fundays are funded
100% by CAST and the
National Lottery
Community Fund...
...we
receive NO
other funding!
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have you made our
2025 hall of fame?
the weather wasn’t the best to kick off
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our 5 annual funday programme but
we made up for it with a shed load of
free fun...all summer long!
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not there?
maybe this page?
think our fundays are just for the
little ‘uns? not on your nelly!!
there’s something for everyone to
enjoy...even the mayor...
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our amazing band of performers,
creatives and facilitators have done it
yet again and brought their magic to
100's of families across the borough!
freddie worrell: award-winning māori artist
emma’s exotic animal encounters: professional creepy crawlies!
paula wilkinson: women’s rugby world cup fanzone facepainter
jk bouncy castles: award-winning inflatable entertainment
out & about north east cic: street games and activities
i.t.s. entertainment cic: equality and diversity in music
dean james: music wellbeing practitioner
crafted dimensions: 3d printing in jarrow
And
finally...
at the heart of their communities,
each venue offers a massive range of
clubs, activities and events.
check them out - use ‘em, don’t lose ‘em!
harton & westoe miners welfare
boldon ca
ocean road centre
hedworthfield ca (fellgate)
barnes institute (whitburn)
bilton hall (jarrow)
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the CAST team enjoy a beer...and
plan next year’s festival!
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What’s the buzz?
Did you pick up your FR££ bee seeds from our fundays?
Why are they so important?
We need bees and other pollinators such as butterflies, hoverflies moths and even wasps (at least 1500
insect species pollinate plants in the UK). Most plants, including our food crops, rely on pollination for
survival. These insects are vital to stable, healthy food supplies and the varied and nutritious diets we
need...and bees are perfectly adapted to pollinate!
By transferring the pollen stuck to their furry bodies between flowering
plants, they keep ‘the cycle of life’ turning. But they’re under threat and more
than ever, we need to recognise the importance of bees and pollinators in
general. 35 UK bees species are under threat of extinction and all species
face serious threats with loss of habitat and food sources, exposure to
pesticides and the effects of climate breakdown. More than ever, we must
recognise the importance of bees to nature and to our lives...and turn that
into action to ensure they don't just survive but thrive.
So get those seeds planted or just scatter them around whenever you go out!
https://www.sciencefacts.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Plant-Life-Cycle-for-Kids-Stages-Diagram.jpg
The loss of habitat is one of the most pressing problems facing British bees: they've lost 97% of their
flower-rich habitats in the past 60 years.
Bees pollinate 75% of our main food crops worldwide, including some of our favourite produce like
apples, strawberries and tomatoes.
Scientists estimated in 2012 that it would cost over £1.8 billion every single year to pollinate UK crops
by hand.
https://friendsoftheearth.uk/donate/bee-saver-kit
...not all bees are created equally?
The hive behaves differently depending on the
season.
Summer bees are the workforce of the hive.
Born into abundance, raised quickly and trained
to get straight to work, their lifecycle is just 5-6
weeks due to constant foraging, hive cleaning,
tending to the brood and even regulating the
temperature of the hive by fanning their wings.
Summer bees are smaller, built for the sheer pace
of summer life but this vital activity comes at a
cost with such a fleeting lifespan.
Want more seeds?
We get our seeds - and bee info - from Just Bee
based in Manchester.
Want local honey? Try Boldon Bees!
Conversely, winter bees are bred for endurance.
As the temperatures drop, the Queen slows her
egg laying and her offspring develop a different
make-up to their summer relatives.
Winter bees have larger, fatter bodies with higher
levels of vitellogenin ( a protein supporting
immune function and fat storage) - this change
allows them to survive for up to 6 months.
They don’t forage, they become the hive’s
‘heating system’, clustering around the Queen,
slowly consuming the honey stored in the
summer and vibrating their wings muscles to
generate heat. The ‘cluster’ temperature stays
o
around 20-30 C, even if it’s freezing outside!
Summer and winter bees rarely overlap. Each
generation knows its own season - winter bees
slowly phase out by spring, replaced by a new
generation ready to take on the foraging role.
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CAST summer stumper!
Did you outwit our cryptic commander Cat e Chism?
In our last newsletter we
posed this cryptic
summer stumper.
Did you manage to outwit the
CAST crossword compiler?
Check your answers here...and
we’ll have a brand new cryptic
conundrum for you in the
Christmas edition!
ACROSS
1 Sounds like Charles Windsor won't give up
on his first wife (5,3,3)
9 “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I
have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I
go to than I have ever known.” (7)
10 Two-legged animals (6)
12 An operator without tea in caviar fish (7)
13 Three-point cereal hat (7)
14 Trendy group (5)
15 Former model sees flash! (7,2)
17 Perfect for one in message service initially
leading (9)
20 Met head on in the mirror (5)
22 A quick pint ha ha November, volatile
liquid (7)
24 New kill arranged around nib (7)
25 Mouth-watering request (6)
26 Irwin Allen had a towering one in the
1970s! (7)
27 Scent for Abe jumbles philanthropists (11)
DOWN
2 Tibetan icon, always asleep (7)
3 Stop rages or put in peril (9)
4 New boats clog the Dutch way (5)
5 i.e. pups barking at the unknown while
mobile (7)
6 Fashionable openings out of the rain (7)
7 Haile Selassie, Empress Taytu Betul and
Haile Gebrelassie (11)
8 When acting tread these with care (6)
11 Arctic murder (2,4,5)
16 Winnie's Eeyore is one (9)
18 Cost (7)
19 Ornamental wooden pattern (7)
20 Faux fox coat (4,3)
21 Check we hear just makes it over the bar
(6)
23 Space around the north ground (5)
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The CAST plug!
The WORD plays host to a world class
local(ish) cartoonist!
Meet former Shields Gazette graphic artist David
Haldane - one of the top cartoonists in the world.
Former Shields Gazette graphic artist David Haldane will be
provoking laughter at The Word in South Shields this month.
In Conversation With David Haldane follows his sold-out illustrated talks at the prestigious
Lit & Phil in Newcastle and Blyth Library, where Blyth-born David studied his craft of turning
news into hilarious and poignant cartoons.
A cartoonist and illustrator who has a national and international profile, David worked for the
Shields Gazette from 1977 to 1983. His work featured regularly in Punch magazine (often on the
cover) from 1978 until its close in 1992 and he now creates cartoons for The Observer, The
Express, The Mirror, The Guardian, The Telegraph, Daily Mail and the Sunday Times. He still
contributes to Private Eye and other satirical publications.
During the 1980s, he contributed sketches to the original series of Spitting Image and worked
on OINK - a comic for young adults created by Tony Husband. His children’s book, The Zoo
Goes to France, was published in 1983. However, it is for producing daily front page cartoons
for The Times from 2005 until 2017 that David made his historical mark, transforming him into
one of the best cartoonists in the world.
David Haldane (right) with Ed Waugh
CAST friend and South Shields playwright, Ed
Waugh, host for the event said, ‘I've known
David for 20 years and he's very sharp and very
funny - you have to be to create top-class
satirical cartoons every day at very short notice
[...] David's career stories are both deep and
hilarious. It will be a fantastic event for people
who want a laugh and those who want to find
out about some of the stories behind the many
thousands of tremendous cartoons David has
created and had published’.
David Haldane (left) with host Ed Waugh
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Wednesday, 24 September, 1pm
Tickets are £3 and can be booked by ringing 0191 427 1818 or going to:
https://theworduk.org/whats-on/top-cartoonist-david-haldane-in-conversation-with-ed-waugh/
The event is part of The Word’s WRITE Festival
Got an event? Want a plug? Just drop us a line!
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Background artwork available at: https://www.pyramidgallery.com/product/agent-orange-pen-ink-cartoon-david-haldane/
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CAST
community noticeboard
LOVE TO SING?
GO DO YOUR THING!
Raise Your Voice is a vibrant Hebburn-based choir celebrating
community, inclusivity and the joy of singing together.
Open to all voices, they create a safe supportive space where music
brings people closer.
Check them out on Facebook here
community links:
just click them for more info!
Divest ClimateReads
Book Group
GET YOUR OUTSIDE SPACE WILDLIFE READY
It’s been a long, warm summer - now it’s time to prep your outside
space to host your winter residents and visitors.
Only bats, hedgehogs and dormice truly hibernate in the UK but many
species enter a state of torpor and appreciate shelter.
It’s easy to turn your garden into 5 star accommodation for nature
without being a DIY whizz!
Just follow these instructions: build a bee hotel or a full bug mansion!
The Big River Makers
Market
Bright Futures
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS
Celebrating the integral role of older people in our community.
Age Concern support all residents of South Tyneside over 50 and are
hosting a week-long festival of activities, information sharing and fun
across the borough.
Why not catch up with them at a venue near you?
Check out their event plan here
ALZHEIMER’S SCOCIETY SOUTH TYNESIDE
nd
Singing for the Brain: 2 Monday of every month 1:30–2:30pm
Dementia carers’ group: last Wednesday of every month 2:45–4pm
Both @ Monkton Hall Park Church
Memory Café: last Thursday of every month 2–3:15pm
St Gregory’s Church Hall
For more info on ALL groups, contact 0191 427 5443
KEY Community Bus
Save South Tyneside
Hospital Campaign
Tyne & Wear Centre
Against Unemployment
WANTED!
Community Volunteers
https://bit.ly/3ZDj2zI CITIZENSASSEMBLYST southtyneside@assembly.org.uk
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