Latest news with #BBCNewcastle
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Historic ship visit 'a poignant reminder'
The visit of a historic Norwegian cargo ship to the River Tyne has a special significance for one local man. The S/S Hestmanden, which served as a convoy vessel during World War Two, will be berthed in Newcastle until Thursday as part of a UK tour marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. For Chris Flanighan, its arrival is a poignant reminder of his grandfather, Karluf Thorsen, who fled Nazi-occupied Norway and served throughout the war in the merchant navy. He said: "This ship symbolises the life he lived, and the risks he took". Built in 1911, S/S Hestmanden played a vital role in transporting medicine, food, fuel, ammunition, and weapons during the war. It also formed part of a covert flotilla of fishing boats used to smuggle soldiers, agents and freedom fighters between Norway and Shetland, and on return trips helped to evacuate refugees and Allied soldiers. Now a national treasure in Norway, it serves as a floating war sailors' museum, preserving the legacy of those who kept the supply lines open. Mr Flanighan, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, has spent years uncovering the legacy of his grandfather. "He left Norway around the age of 17 or 18 and didn't return home until he was 22," he said. "Germany had occupied Norway, and he was part of the convoys supplying the Allied effort from Britain. "This ship symbolises the life he lived, and the risks he took". In a tribute to his grandfather's legacy, Mr Flanighan has been invited to join the Maritime Volunteer Service on one of their vessels as part of a ceremonial escort up the river. "When I heard the ship was coming to Newcastle - the last stop on her UK tour - I was over the moon," he said. "It's not just a ship visit. For me and my family, it's like she's coming home." During the visit, people have a chance to go on board the floating museum until Wednesday and explore its interactive exhibitions. There will also be events including a wreath-laying ceremony at Norwegian war graves in Jesmond. Capt Stephen C. Healy of Trinity House, Newcastle, said: "This historic visit reaffirms the deep maritime bonds between Norway and the north-east of England. "It is a tremendous privilege to help honour the legacy of the war sailors." Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. How the 'Shetland Bus' helped Norway resist Nazi Germany Maritime Volunteer Service
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Homes evacuated due to suspected unexploded device
People have been evacuated from their homes following reports of a suspected unexploded device. Northumbria Police said it received reports about the device on Swinhoe Road in the Great Park area of Newcastle at 12:20 BST. It said a number of nearby properties had been evacuated as a precaution and emergency services were in attendance. The force's explosive ordnance disposal team was due to attend the scene, it added. Great Park Community Centre posted on social media that it had shut for the day after being advised to evacuate. Follow BBC Newcastle on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Playpark where 176 bombs found closed 'for months' Northumbria Police
BBC News
28-04-2025
- BBC News
Teenager injured in Newcastle suspected hit-and-run
A 15-year-old boy suffered head injuries when he was struck by a car in a suspected hit-and-run, police said. The crash took place shortly after 14:40 BST on Sunday at the junction of Binswood Avenue and Sunnyway in Blakelaw, Police said the teenager had been riding an electric pedal bike when he was hit by a Peugeot 5008 which was later found abandoned on Colwyne boy is in hospital in a stable condition and police are appealing for anyone with information on the crash to come forward. Officers said the car was silver and had a 2012 registration plate. Follow BBC Newcastle on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Flood-prevent system to be built in city park
A new drainage system will be built in a city park to help prevent flooding. Newcastle City Council approved installation of a basin system and repairs of drainage pipes in the north-west of Exhibition Park's boating lake. Flooding has caused issues on the city's Town Moor, including the cancellation of event LooseFest in 2023, and in 2012 run-off water from the space cascaded into Exhibition Park. It is hoped the drainage system will trap and store excess water to prevent the lake from bursting its banks during heavy downpours. The council's planning committee unambiguously agreed to the plans, which involve excavating about 8,400m3 of soil for the basin. A 722ft-long (220m) drainage bund would trap and store excess water, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. The aim is to prevent water reaching areas like Brandling Park and surrounding homes. The council's report stated: "Brandling Park flood alleviation works were carried out, comprising raising the height of a wall and installation of two flood gates, resulting in surface water to be held within Brandling Park." WATCH: Floods hit Newcastle's Town Moor The report found that during heavy rainfall, water had the potential to flow on to Great North Road. It continued: "Due to this reason, and that the design of the proposal is considered to appear as a natural feature within the Town Moor, the proposed layout is considered acceptable." In August 2023, up to 60,000 people were turned away from LooseFest as organisers said heavy rain had left the site unsafe for festival-goers. Meanwhile in 2012, run-off water from the sodden Town Moor cascaded into Exhibition Park, close to the Central Motorway. Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. 'Unsafe' music festival called off at last minute Floods hit Newcastle's Town Moor Local Democracy Reporting Service Newcastle City Council
BBC News
27-04-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Flood-prevent system to be built in Newcastle's Exhibition Park
A new drainage system will be built in a city park to help prevent flooding. Newcastle City Council approved installation of a basin system and repairs of drainage pipes in the north-west of Exhibition Park's boating has caused issues on the city's Town Moor, including the cancellation of event LooseFest in 2023, and in 2012 run-off water from the space cascaded into Exhibition Park. It is hoped the drainage system will trap and store excess water to prevent the lake from bursting its banks during heavy downpours. The council's planning committee unambiguously agreed to the plans, which involve excavating about 8,400m3 of soil for the basin. A 722ft-long (220m) drainage bund would trap and store excess water, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. The aim is to prevent water reaching areas like Brandling Park and surrounding council's report stated: "Brandling Park flood alleviation works were carried out, comprising raising the height of a wall and installation of two flood gates, resulting in surface water to be held within Brandling Park." WATCH: Floods hit Newcastle's Town Moor The report found that during heavy rainfall, water had the potential to flow on to Great North continued: "Due to this reason, and that the design of the proposal is considered to appear as a natural feature within the Town Moor, the proposed layout is considered acceptable." In August 2023, up to 60,000 people were turned away from LooseFest as organisers said heavy rain had left the site unsafe for in 2012, run-off water from the sodden Town Moor cascaded into Exhibition Park, close to the Central Motorway. Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
