Voices from the North East

Life in Lockdown – Stories of Change and ReflectionMarking the Anniversary that is March 23rd 2020.In this episode, we take a personal look back at life during lockdown through the voices of those who lived it. From the eerie quiet of empty streets to the surreal rituals of wiping down shopping and Zoom quizzes, our guests share their memories of an unprecedented time.We hear about the fear and uncertainty of the first announcements, the loneliness of separation, and the unexpected moments of joy—gardens becoming sanctuaries, rediscovering local nature, and communities pulling together. But we also confront the realities of loss, the emotional weight of social distancing, and the lessons learned as the world began to reopen.How did the pandemic change us? Were we kinder? Did we truly appreciate what we had? And, perhaps most importantly, have we already started to forget?Join us for a heartfelt reflection on the strangeness, struggles, and surprising silver linings of life in lockdown.

Join Justine and Paul for another episode of the Voices from the North East Podcast. Join us as we further explore Northumberland's connection to the famous Gunpowder Plot, from secret worshiping to the dramatic conclusion of the plot itself! #Northumberland #Voicesfromthenortheast #gunpowderplot

In Episode 1 of our special mini-series on The Gunpowder Plot, we dive into one of England's most infamous conspiracies – and this time, we're peeling back the layers to reveal a surprising twist. Everyone knows the name Guy Fawkes, but few realise the deep connections that tie this explosive plot to Northumberland. Join hosts Paul and Justine as they uncover the hidden story of Thomas Percy, a Northumbrian noble at the center of the plot, and the powerful Percy family's role in a Catholic rebellion against the crown. We'll set the scene in the tense, religiously divided England of 1605 and discover why Northumberland played a crucial part in a plan that could have changed British history forever.

In this episode, we introduce to you a little known tale of the ghostly miner of Ashington. - only a handful of stories of this ghost exist - and one of those was from my own Grandfather. So we share this with you for your enjoyment ... and you never know, more folks might come forward with a tale or two of a spirit walking the colliery rows of the once great mining town!

In another chilling short episode of our ‘Haunted Northumberland' from The Voices from the North East Podcast, we introduce you to the haunting tale of the Blue Boy at Chillingham Castle. Known as one of Northumberland's most famous ghost storiesGuests report hearing faint cries echoing through the stone walls, only to see a mysterious blue glow appear in the dead of night. Join Paul and Justine as they share some of the tragic history behind this spectral figure.

Welcome to the first episode in our Haunted Northumberland special series! In this chilling debut, we introduce you to the eerie legend of the White Lady of Cresswell Pele Tower. Set on the mist-laden shores of Northumberland, this tale takes us to Cresswell Beach, where a lone figure dressed in flowing white is said to wander the sands, searching for something—or someone—lost to time. Locals and visitors alike have reported sightings of her ghostly presence, blending with the fog that rolls in from the sea. Join us for the White Lady of Cresswell Pele Tower - after you listen we're sure you'll want to visit for yourself. https://linktr.ee/Voicesfromthenortheast

Sylvia returns to share another unsettling tale of wickedness and horror from the North East. This time it's not only a tale of murder, but also life after death, not for the victim, but for the murderer! Settle in and put your headphones on for another Halloween treat of an episode! Make sure you're subscribed so you can enjoy the upcoming ‘Haunted Northumberland' episodes which will follow on from this!

In this episode we remember a household gadget so versatile it could cook toast, warm bedsheets and heat your whole home! Can you guess what it was? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Things get ‘mucky' and a bit ‘clarty' in this episode as we reflect on some wonderful northern words! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Welcome to another episode of the podcast - in this episode we're talking about wash day - Monday was wash day and yes it was women's work! Hard women's work! We're going to take you from the 50s to the 80s and into now discussing the social changes and technological changes that changed this once stable activity. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesfromthenortheast/message

In this episode we look back at what the homes we lived in meant to us beyond the cost (though we look at the eye-watering difference between costs in the 70s and now). Regulars on the the show reminisce about the feel of their first home, the comfort and the memories it has left them with. As you listen ask the question “what does the word home mean to me?” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Justine and Paul welcome you back to series 7. We start with memories of sweets

“Whisht! Lads, haad yor gobs, An Aa'll tell ye's aall an aaful story Whisht! Lads, haad yor gobs, An' Aa'll tell ye ‘boot the worm!” Find out more about this after listening to the episode > https://hauntedpalaceblog.wordpress.com/2022/03/01/the-lambton-worm-the-dragon-slayer-and-the-radical-politician/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Justine and Paul discuss the project - the lost camp - and reflect on what's been learned, what's been lost and implications for local history in the future. Remember to get in touch you can email podcastnortheast@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesfromthenortheast/message

In episode three Justine and Paul explore the site of the missing camp. The once grand North Seaton Hall estate. Revisiting the location today and exploring its history before and after WW2. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesfromthenortheast/message

We explore the possibility that the camp we are searching for evidence of might not be a POW camp, what if it was an internment camp? This in itself brings up questions like ‘what the heck was the practice of internment?'. Join us as we do our best to explore what this was, what our camp was and if we can find the evidence we seek. (Disclaimer: as much as possible is researched but occasionally conversations run away from us, feel free to expand on our work with your own research). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesfromthenortheast/message

In a special short series Paul, Justine and the regular voices on the podcast try to find evidence of a POW camp that was right on their doorstep! The series will take listeners on the research journey, in every direction, including down the wrong path occasionally as they search of documented evidence of The Missing Camp! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Retired Nurse Christine Young talks to us about Nurses training at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle in the early 70s. This episode is our tribute to the NHS and those amazing folk within it! This episode will have you smiling and laughing in equal measure! Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Join us as we explore the long forgotten poets of the North. From poems about miners strikes to song about snow storms! We chat with Kirstie Blair a University researcher about her amazing research into industrial poetry and we read aloud some amazing poems! For more into and poems visit pistonpenandpress.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Helen Aitchison, author of ‘Veteran's Voices' talks to us about compiling a moving book which shares the stories of North East Veterans young and old. We are so very pleased to be able to talk to Helen about her work, her motivations and this excellent book! Veterans' Voices: Courage, conflict and camaraderie https://amzn.eu/d/65TRUYl --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Halloween Special 2022. Take a trip to Wallsend with us and discover the haunting of Willington Mill. Sylvia from the Haunted Palace blog is back with us again to share another amazingly scary tale from the North East. Happy Halloween! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Ralph Maughan tells us his Grandfather's story, from a childhood right out of a Catherine Cookson novel to an adult life spent defending miners rights! It's a beautiful story, moving and uplifting. It's a real honour to be able to tell this on our podcast. Plug in your headphones and listen to Ralph tell you about his hero. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

As we embrace the heatwave of 2022 we turn the clock back to the heatwave that everyone who was there still talks about, you know it, the long hot summer of 1976. Here's some wonderful memories for you to sit back with a cold one and enjoy, there's a bonus interview with James too oh and I even managed to get a Carry On from quote into this episode! Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

This is a great episode! Justine and I talk to Rob McGinley about Ashington during the Second World War. From the thought of plans flying over the town to the tragedy of one that crashed into 5th Row! Remember if you've a story to share you can reach out via our email - podcastnortheast@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

In this episode we talk to JoJo, the founder of the north east theatre company Workie Ticket about their work and upcoming show Magnolia Walls. JoJo worked with Alice who we also get to chat to about the research which has fed into creating the new production. To find out about the show and company follow this link https://www.workietickettheatre.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Regulars George, Judith and Jacqueline are joined by a new voice, Justine Fox (not to be confused with Co-host Justine Wright). We're talking about recycling in the 50s, 60 and 70s and Justine (Fox) talks about what's going on in Ashington now in 2022. Enjoy this on fans, all the best, Justine and Paul --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

We start series 5 celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee- by remembering the celebrations from yesteryear! Join Justine (yep she's now officially Co-host!) and I as we introduce a fab new voice to the show as well! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Northern culture is amazing, it's diverse and bright and colourful and loud and proud! So when we heard Durham was bidding for city of culture status we wanted to know more. Thanks to Tony Harrington we now do, and so will you after this episode! It's a really exciting time for Durham and the north east cultural sector! This was yet another treat for us as interviewers and hopefully a treat for you our wonderful listeners. Enjoy this special episode and stick with us, series 5 is just around the corner! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

A special episode this week - I was very lucky to speak to Georgina Ascroft who works for Museums Northumberland. This episode uses part of a longer interview. In this episode Georgina talks about the 1916 Woodhorn Pit disaster and some of the ways funds were raised for the families effected by it. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

We talk to the incredible author and all round wonderful person L J Ross about how social history in the North East has influenced and continues to influence her incredible writing. This is a special episode listeners, a conversation with a great author and compassionate Northerner! Enjoy! PS. Louise's latest novel Bamburgh is out in paperback on April 30th 2022! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

In this episode I'm chatting with a new voice on the show. Nik shares amazing family photos of life in Ashington from the 40s onwards on her Instagram account (@Hawthorn_Road) they're amazing. I asked Nik to choose three photos to chat to me about. With a bit of luck we'll talk about more in future episodes! To get the most out of this episode watch it via our Facebook page where I'll include the actual photos Nik is describing. Just search for the podcast on Facebook. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

What a wonderful way to close series 4 (don't panic series 5 is in development!) Jacqueline and Adele chat about Easter - from chocolate eggs to painted eggs! Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Cragside House and estate. Join me as I explore some fascinating finds inside the grand old house on the hill ! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Let's rewind to the 60s and 70s and talk about first jobs. Co-op electric veg van in North Seaton to the local paper shop and later stacking the shelves on the last shift at Presto! (P.S I make a mistake in this ep, I refer to Presto being where Wilko is now, that's wrong, Presto was always up at the top end of town). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

I asked Mam and Dad to chat about the books they remember from their childhood to the books they love now. Mam talks about loving reading all her life, Dad talks about finding his love for reading late in life thanks to his discover of books written by Author L J Ross ! This is a fab short episode to celebrate world book day 3rd March 2022 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

A short episode to mark that delicious day - Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday). Mam and Dad chat about favourite toppings, and pancake making disasters! Enjoy this episode while you tuck into your own pancakes this year! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

From the Beano and the Bunty to Jackie and Judy and 200AD! Our regulars take a nostalgic trip to the corner shop to remember magazines, comics and annuals from yesteryear! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

In this episode our regular voices chat about the medicines and remedies Mams and Grans would swear by! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Remember the sweet treats from the shop at the end of the Row? Milk lollipops, penny sweets, sherbet or rhubarb and sugar from home. In this short episode (short because I'm fighting off covid-19 at the moment) four of the usual voices on the show chat about their favourite treats from yesteryear. Enjoy. Don't forget to search for and like the show on Facebook so you don't miss any content. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Do you remember these Northern words? From Cree to Bogie and bleezer and many many more. Tune in and see how many words and phrases you can remember for yesteryear! Don't forget our Facebook page to stay up to date. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Happy 2022 everyone! We are starting a new series with a drink “down the club” with some of our regulars reminiscing about the hay day of the social clubs in Ashington. Enjoy the trips down memory lane! Don't forget to share the show with friends and family - help us keep our shared local history and stories alive. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

The final spooky special for the Christmas/New Year season. Just before we welcome in the new year let's say goodby to the old year with one last spooky story. All the best for 2022 everyone, in the words of the song “things can only get better”. Enjoy ‘found in the sand' written and recorded by me. All the best, Paul. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

The Alnwick Vampire - Sit back in a candlelit room and enjoy the story of the vampire you may be unfamiliar with. Sylvia from the Haunted Palace blog joins the Voices from the North East podcast again to fill us in on some spooky folklore just in time for a Christmas fright! Enjoy! Check out the blog for more spooky folklore here: https://hauntedpalaceblog.wordpress.com/about/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

“It's Christmasssssssss!!” My favourite time of year! The regular voices of the podcast come together to discuss their fondness for the season! From food on the big day to toys remembered all their lives! This is an episode not to be missed, you'll laugh, smile and night even shed a tear or too! There is also the Netty Before Christmas poem by Neil King specially recorded to end this episode and series 3! Enjoy, and Merry Christmas to all

From Wood Chip on the walls to carpet up the bath! In tonight's episode the regulars discuss those home decorating trends we were so proud of once but might look back at now quite differently! Happy decorating!! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

This is the story of Private William Nutter. His letters were found in my loft and after a great deal of research and reading I'd like to tell you about his War. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

On the night of November 7th 1941 a German plane appeared from the sea, swept over the church point and headed towards the town. In a matter of minutes it would change the town forever. This special episode is released to form part of the festival of remembrance 2021. I was lucky to be invited to join the Newbiggin Genealogy Group for a walk through their towns history. It's fascinating and moving and a wonderful listen. Please plug in your headphones and take a few moments to listen to this fascinating and harrowing tale. If you enjoy the podcast please take a minute to leave a review where you can and please pass the show on to friends, family and other interested parties, the aim is to keep local history alive through the voices from the north east podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

A bonfire night special. Here I asked my Mam and Dad to interview each other about their bonfire night memories. Everything from ads at the cinema to Accident's in the garden and taking me and my brother to community displays in the 80s and 90s. Hope you enjoy this wonderful trip down memory lane - sparklers in hand! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

The second episode in series 3 dedicated to Halloween and the spooky folklore of Northumberland. This tale covers Rimside Moor and the Devils Causeway from Alnwick/Wooler down to Morpeth. I hope you enjoy this spooky tale - connect with the show via the links here: https://linktr.ee/Voicesfromthenortheast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Our first Halloween Special ! (There are 2 this year) In this first special I was so lucky to talk to Sylvia who curates a great blog all about spooky folklore. Check out the blog for more stories http://hauntedpalace.co.uk --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message

Neil King recounts tales of his uncle Joe. “The only blind man who drove to the blind club”. These stories cover a few decades and take place in Ashington and Cresswell. From dangerous driving to dangerous crabbing by the sea Neil recounts fondly stories of his ‘uncle' Joe. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesfromthenortheast/message