Latest news with #NorthShields
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Ferry skipper father shows son the ropes
A new recruit on the Shields Ferry is proving to be a chip off the old block by following in his father's footsteps. Stephen Beck joined the passenger ferry which links North and South Shields across the River Tyne as second mate and is in training to pass the maritime equivalent of a driving test Among those showing him the ropes is his father - also Stephen - who has 30 years of experience as the craft's skipper. The 23-year-old said it was great to be able to tap into all that knowledge. Mr Beck Sr, 61 and from Gateshead, said: "The ferries must be in the blood, because he really has the knack of driving them. "He's a chip off the old block. "I've been showing him the ropes, as I do with all our new recruits, and it does seem like he's got this natural ability for the job. "It's brilliant that the ferry-driving baton is being passed from father to son in our family." Mr Beck Jr, also from Gateshead, added: "Part of the appeal of the job was a chance to work with my dad. "He has huge experience and knowledge of the ferry - it's great that I've been able to tap into that. "He's not too much of a taskmaster...I'd say firm but fair so far, he's not had to tell me off for anything just yet." He added: "It was a bit daunting at first, getting behind the controls of the ferry with your dad at your shoulder giving the lesson. "It's a bit like learning to drive a car, once you get the hang of it you're absolutely fine." Operator Nexus said it was the first time it had such a family connection and it was heartwarming to see how proud they were to work together. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. 'A lot of people think I'm related to Sting' Cayman Islands weatherman gets new job on Tyne ferry Nexus
BBC News
7 days ago
- BBC News
Shields ferry skipper shows trainee son ropes
A new recruit on the Shields Ferry is proving to be a chip off the old block by following in his father's Beck joined the passenger ferry which links North and South Shields across the River Tyne as second mate and is in training to pass the maritime equivalent of a driving testAmong those showing him the ropes is his father - also Stephen - who has 30 years of experience as the craft's 23-year-old said it was great to be able to tap into all that knowledge. Mr Beck Sr, 61 and from Gateshead, said: "The ferries must be in the blood, because he really has the knack of driving them. "He's a chip off the old block."I've been showing him the ropes, as I do with all our new recruits, and it does seem like he's got this natural ability for the job. "It's brilliant that the ferry-driving baton is being passed from father to son in our family." 'Bit daunting' Mr Beck Jr, also from Gateshead, added: "Part of the appeal of the job was a chance to work with my dad. "He has huge experience and knowledge of the ferry - it's great that I've been able to tap into that."He's not too much of a taskmaster...I'd say firm but fair so far, he's not had to tell me off for anything just yet."He added: "It was a bit daunting at first, getting behind the controls of the ferry with your dad at your shoulder giving the lesson."It's a bit like learning to drive a car, once you get the hang of it you're absolutely fine." Operator Nexus said it was the first time it had such a family connection and it was heartwarming to see how proud they were to work together. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Antiques Roadshow guest can't stop grinning as he learns whopping value of 'rust bucket' bike bought from clearance shop and suspected was fake
A guest on Antiques Roadshow couldn't stop grinning when he learned the whopping value of a 'rust bucket' bike bought from a clearance shop. During a previous episode of the BBC show, expert Adam Schoon was presented with a late 19th century child's bicycle. He commented: 'Well I'm a really keen mountain biker used to carbon fibre, Kevlar, aluminium, and you bring me a rust bucket. Where did you get your rust bucket?' The owner revealed he had purchased the item from a house clearance shop in North Shields. 'I just saw it laying there and I had a feeling, 'I think that's going to be worth a bit of money',' he explained. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The guest admitted he did some research before purchasing and added: 'So I thought 'how am I going to get this on the cheap?' So I went and picked a few of the items in the shop and I made the guy an offer for the whole lot.' He said that in the end, the bike cost him 'about £200'. The bicycle was missing a handle so the guest added 'an old file handle' and varnished it. He also repaired the seat and filled in any holes in the woodwork. 'Fantastic,' Adam commented. 'Well when I first saw it I didn't know whether it was a fake or whether it was real.' The expert pointed out the two handmade rivets and iron tyres. 'Originally, if this is right. It would've had a leather seat, just a little bit of token comfort. You're sat basically on a spring and that's it,' he explained. Adam revealed that it was a real, American 'period' bicycle and dated to the 1880s. He said: 'In this condition, it's clearly worth £2,000, you have done well.' The guest was visibly shocked and grinned as he exclaimed: '£2,000! Incredible!' Another guest on Antiques Roadshow was left floored by the whopping value of a 'grotty' item that had been abandoned in her garage for 20 years. During a previous instalment of the BBC show, expert Marc Allum was presented with a designer piece of luggage at Beaumaris Castle. 'It's a pretty kind of grotty looking old piece of luggage this, it looks like it's had a really hard life,' Marc commented. The guest had acquired the Louis Vuitton chest after a family friend passed away and didn't originally realise the possible value of it. He dated it to around 1890 and noted that though it needed 'quite a bit of work' he still gave an impressive valuation. 'As this stands, it's worth in the region of £2,500 to £3,500 at auction. It's a really nice thing,' Marc explained.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sam Fender given North Tyneside Freedom of the Borough
Singer Sam Fender has been described as "more than a musician" as councillors voted to award him the freedom of his home town from across the political spectrum lined up at North Tyneside Council on Thursday to unanimously bestow the North Shields artist its highest three-time Brit Award winner was nominated back in January by Tory councillors who praised both his music and opposition leader, Councillor Liam Bones, dubbed Fender "a proper 21st century Geordie icon", while Mayor Karen Clark called the 31-year-old - believed to be the youngest person to receive the title - "a positive role model". The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the original nomination read: "Sam Fender is more than just a musician – he is a cultural ambassador for North Tyneside. "His music has helped define the borough's modern identity and his influence is a driving force behind the growing recognition of North Shields as a creative hub."His ongoing commitment to the area through advocacy, philanthropy and inspiration makes him an outstanding candidate." Fender, whose latest album sold 100,000 copies in its opening week, follows ex-Police singer Sting as a Freeman of the was given the honour in 2010, but only officially collected it in 2023. Follow BBC Newcastle on X , Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Vote set for Sam Fender's Freedom of North Shields nomination
Sam Fender is one step away from being bestowed with North Tyneside's highest honour - the Freedom of the North Shields-born musician was nominated by councillors in January for his "unwavering commitment" to the people and culture of North will gather next week to cast their votes. If voted through, the three-time Brit Award winning musician will join the likes of local musical legend Sting, who finally accepted the honour in person 13 years after he was first awarded it. The nomination states the awarding of the Freedom of the Borough would also be fitting this year as it coincides with the 800th anniversary of North Shields."His music resonates deeply with people from all walks of life, particularly those in working-class communities," the nomination document read. "His lyrics speak powerfully about the realities of life in North Tyneside, tackling themes of social deprivation, mental health, and resilience." North Tyneside councillors have praised Fender for "consistently using his platform to champion the North East", ensuring the region's voice is heard. His latest album, People Watching, was named as the biggest opening week for a British album since Harry's House by Harry Styles in racked up 107,100 chart units in its first seven nomination was accepted by the local authority's overview and scrutiny co-ordination and finance committee in March and recommended for full council consideration. A decision will take place as part of North Tyneside Council's annual meeting on 15 May. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
