JOHN Hays, the founder of Hays Travel, has died. JOHN Hays, who started the travel firm in 1980, collapsed and died today while working at its head office in Sunderland. His wife, Irene Hays, co-owned the business. The pair were praised in October 2019 when they saved the jobs of […]
Community
Bairn… canny… toon… bait… Which bits of our dialect would you elect?
THE North East is known for its friendly nature, but sometimes the language in the region can be, well… interesting. We asked our readers which words they find the most annoying – and got some interesting responses. I find it so weird that people call sweets ‘ket’ — Sam […]
Latest plans to transform Sunderland’s Riverside have been unveiled
INVESTOR Legal & General and developer Landid have shared new CGI impressions for two new office buildings at Riverside, which will be part of Sunderland City Council’s plan to bring 10,000 new jobs into the city. If planning permission is granted, work on the first of the two buildings […]
Best North East walks as locals plan new adventures during second lockdown
TYNE and Wear residents are determined to get outdoors and enjoy walks during the second lockdown. Even with shorter days and harsher weather, locals are keen to explore further afield. Franco Cantonais, one local resident of Jesmond, Newcastle said: “I could probably draw every inch of it [Jesmond Dene] from […]
Fenwick Christmas window virtual reveal – here’s everything we know
THE iconic Fenwick’s Christmas window in Newcastle is traditionally a huge draw for parents and grandparents with children in tow, all queueing up to enjoy its fantasy festive spirit and marvel at its puppets and construction. This year – thanks to the pandemic – it will be unveiled virtually online. […]
Wearsiders condemn Labour deputy leader’s bad Parliamentary language
SUNDERLAND residents have slammed Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner for calling a Tory MP ‘scum’ during last week’s free school meals debate in Parliament. Rayner’s comment has sparked strong criticism on Wearside, with locals condemning Rayner’s conduct. Her comment was directed at Conservative MP Chris Clarkson, after he had […]
UoS academic: ‘I remember what it was like growing up hungry in a cold house’
FOOTBALLER Marcus Rashford’s ongoing campaign to end child food poverty has been making headlines, as the Covid-driven poverty crisis deepens. The Manchester United and England striker is calling for an extension of free school meals to 1.4million more UK children, an increase in the value of Healthy Start fresh fruit […]
UK’s largest charity Christmas card retailer kicks off festive season in Sunderland
CARDS for Good Causes, the UK’s largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation, has opened its doors in Sunderland as Christmas card sales have already seen a significant rise this year. Sam Boal went along to discover more. THE pop-up shop, which is run by volunteers, opened in Sunderland’s Bridges shopping […]
‘Fang-tastic’ Halloween events in the North East (Covid-safe, of course!)
WONDERING how to celebrate Halloween this year, within Covid guidelines? Here’s a list of nine ‘fang-tastic’ Halloween events in the North East to attend safely this year: from parties to pumpkin picking, spooky cooking, ghost tours and arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone!
Food charity condemns MPs’ rejection of free school meals support
THE government’s decision to not back free school meals for children until Easter will have a huge impact on the local community, according to charity Hebburn Helps. Conservative MPs overwhelmingly voted against the proposal, which was defeated 322-261 in Parliament. The motion was put forward by the Labour party, […]