Reposted by Fiona
A fabulous, resonant account of good work in my community, led by school students and by parents with @citizensuk.org, to respond to anger with hope - focused on teen mental health, bus fares, a local playground and dog poo. All v local matters with much wider import, as the achievements show.
‘People will listen’: turning anger into community pride in North Shields
A tour of local ‘wins’ shows how the charity Citizens UK is working with residents to build a better, fairer society
www.theguardian.com
December 13, 2025 at 1:59 PM
A fabulous, resonant account of good work in my community, led by school students and by parents with @citizensuk.org, to respond to anger with hope - focused on teen mental health, bus fares, a local playground and dog poo. All v local matters with much wider import, as the achievements show.
Listening to a series of essays on Radio 4 called " Beautiful Strangeness " by Rebecca Stott. About the process and aftermath of death . Very uplifting and thought provoking.
December 11, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Listening to a series of essays on Radio 4 called " Beautiful Strangeness " by Rebecca Stott. About the process and aftermath of death . Very uplifting and thought provoking.
Reposted by Fiona
This is particularly crap - reducing languages & music to extracurricular activities
"the university said it is "exploring how it can provide opportunities for students to get involved in music as an extracurricular activity", and is looking at how it can "retain elements of [our] language centre""
"the university said it is "exploring how it can provide opportunities for students to get involved in music as an extracurricular activity", and is looking at how it can "retain elements of [our] language centre""
November 6, 2025 at 1:14 PM
This is particularly crap - reducing languages & music to extracurricular activities
"the university said it is "exploring how it can provide opportunities for students to get involved in music as an extracurricular activity", and is looking at how it can "retain elements of [our] language centre""
"the university said it is "exploring how it can provide opportunities for students to get involved in music as an extracurricular activity", and is looking at how it can "retain elements of [our] language centre""
Reposted by Fiona
More devastating news from the East Midlands:
"All modern language and music courses are being suspended for new students at the University of Nottingham."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"All modern language and music courses are being suspended for new students at the University of Nottingham."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Music and modern languages courses suspended at University of Nottingham
In a statement the institution also says it is
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 1:14 PM
More devastating news from the East Midlands:
"All modern language and music courses are being suspended for new students at the University of Nottingham."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"All modern language and music courses are being suspended for new students at the University of Nottingham."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Fiona
This is appalling, devastating for the staff and students involved (and their families & communities) and shocking in its extent. This is jobs and lives - and a whole sub-discipline (and I know other disciplines are also at risk).
We can not just stand by.
Solidarity to Leicester's geographers.
We can not just stand by.
Solidarity to Leicester's geographers.
Human Geography at Leicester is facing closure. Staff contracts are to end in June 2026; students are to be relocated to other universities, or taught out by a maximum of two (!) teaching-only staff. Other departments and subjects are facing closure, too. Please join the demo!
November 6, 2025 at 12:47 PM
This is appalling, devastating for the staff and students involved (and their families & communities) and shocking in its extent. This is jobs and lives - and a whole sub-discipline (and I know other disciplines are also at risk).
We can not just stand by.
Solidarity to Leicester's geographers.
We can not just stand by.
Solidarity to Leicester's geographers.
Reposted by Fiona
This is the Tyneside we need to hold on to, in the face of racist marches designed to intimidate our neighbours.
'To be a Geordie is to share in the spirit of this city: standing together, looking out for one another, and opening our hearts to those who need friendship and safety'
Newcastle's messages of unity ahead of planned city centre protests
'To be a Geordie is to share in the spirit of this city: standing together, looking out for one another, and opening our hearts to those who need friendship and safety'
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
September 27, 2025 at 9:27 AM
This is the Tyneside we need to hold on to, in the face of racist marches designed to intimidate our neighbours.
Reposted by Fiona
Anti-racist demonstrators blocking Tommy Robinson’s fascists from marching through the centre of Newcastle - successfully so far
But being kettled and apparently the police are agreeing an alternative route for the far right
But being kettled and apparently the police are agreeing an alternative route for the far right
September 27, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Anti-racist demonstrators blocking Tommy Robinson’s fascists from marching through the centre of Newcastle - successfully so far
But being kettled and apparently the police are agreeing an alternative route for the far right
But being kettled and apparently the police are agreeing an alternative route for the far right
Farewell to Danny Thompson, bassist extraordinaire , the backbone of so many folk performances over the years. May he rest in peace.
September 24, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Farewell to Danny Thompson, bassist extraordinaire , the backbone of so many folk performances over the years. May he rest in peace.
Lovely time in Whitley Bay enjoying the annual Sandcastle competition and our picnic lunch. And for once the transport gods were on our side.
August 10, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Lovely time in Whitley Bay enjoying the annual Sandcastle competition and our picnic lunch. And for once the transport gods were on our side.
Back home from my holiday and immediately want to get rid of stuff at home after staying at an immaculate hotel. Was very nice having housekeeping and lovely meals served to me.
July 29, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Back home from my holiday and immediately want to get rid of stuff at home after staying at an immaculate hotel. Was very nice having housekeeping and lovely meals served to me.
Currently drying out at Inverness railway station awaiting my train home . Scotrail don't appear to do seat reservations so sharp elbows may be needed. Lovely ride to Edinburgh awaits followed by the equally lovely last leg to Newcastle .
July 28, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Currently drying out at Inverness railway station awaiting my train home . Scotrail don't appear to do seat reservations so sharp elbows may be needed. Lovely ride to Edinburgh awaits followed by the equally lovely last leg to Newcastle .
Beautiful Eilan Donan castle near Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland, this morning.
July 26, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Beautiful Eilan Donan castle near Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland, this morning.
Am in Inverness for a few days for a Great Railways holiday. View from the hotel.
July 24, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Am in Inverness for a few days for a Great Railways holiday. View from the hotel.
I have just travelled 5 hours by train to Inverness. Treated myself to First class so enjoyed a quiet comfortable journey and it didn't feel like 5 hours. Staying in a red sandstone B&B tonight very comfortable though expensive. The main event starts tomorrow c/o Great Railway Journeys.
July 23, 2025 at 10:02 PM
I have just travelled 5 hours by train to Inverness. Treated myself to First class so enjoyed a quiet comfortable journey and it didn't feel like 5 hours. Staying in a red sandstone B&B tonight very comfortable though expensive. The main event starts tomorrow c/o Great Railway Journeys.
The saddest of days as we remember the #7/7 London bombs. When I visit the capital I stay near Russell Square and always pay my respects. #Neverforget .
July 7, 2025 at 8:10 AM
The saddest of days as we remember the #7/7 London bombs. When I visit the capital I stay near Russell Square and always pay my respects. #Neverforget .
Reposted by Fiona
UCU members at @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social are striking today over University of Edinburgh plans to make £140million in cuts and threaten jobs
We're fighting against these reckless proposals
Share to show your support ✊
We're fighting against these reckless proposals
Share to show your support ✊
June 20, 2025 at 9:03 AM
UCU members at @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social are striking today over University of Edinburgh plans to make £140million in cuts and threaten jobs
We're fighting against these reckless proposals
Share to show your support ✊
We're fighting against these reckless proposals
Share to show your support ✊
Reposted by Fiona
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
Come on folks, the #parkypetition is in danger of falling behind the run rate - we need c650 signatures a day if we’re to hit our 100k target by September 10 and today we’ve only done about 500. Let’s have a big push to get above 46,000 tonight
Come on folks, the #parkypetition is in danger of falling behind the run rate - we need c650 signatures a day if we’re to hit our 100k target by September 10 and today we’ve only done about 500. Let’s have a big push to get above 46,000 tonight
June 16, 2025 at 7:34 PM
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
Come on folks, the #parkypetition is in danger of falling behind the run rate - we need c650 signatures a day if we’re to hit our 100k target by September 10 and today we’ve only done about 500. Let’s have a big push to get above 46,000 tonight
Come on folks, the #parkypetition is in danger of falling behind the run rate - we need c650 signatures a day if we’re to hit our 100k target by September 10 and today we’ve only done about 500. Let’s have a big push to get above 46,000 tonight
Happy 84th birthday to the one and only genius that is Martin Carthy.
May 21, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Happy 84th birthday to the one and only genius that is Martin Carthy.
Great tour of Newcastle Civic Centre. Went up on the roof of the tower with its spectacular view of the city centre and we're entertained by the man who plays the carillon bells.
May 17, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Great tour of Newcastle Civic Centre. Went up on the roof of the tower with its spectacular view of the city centre and we're entertained by the man who plays the carillon bells.
Never forget:
40 years since the Bradford City stand fire at Valley Parade.
40 years since the Bradford City stand fire at Valley Parade.
May 10, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Never forget:
40 years since the Bradford City stand fire at Valley Parade.
40 years since the Bradford City stand fire at Valley Parade.
Just think! I could be cutting my grass on this lovely sunny day but instead I am in East Yorkshire near Beverly enjoying the sights and drinking Yorkshire wine at #LittleWoldVineyard.
March 20, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Just think! I could be cutting my grass on this lovely sunny day but instead I am in East Yorkshire near Beverly enjoying the sights and drinking Yorkshire wine at #LittleWoldVineyard.
Reposted by Fiona
This is the story I meant to highlight in my last bloot - and yes, the final sentence of the story is excellent
March 17, 2025 at 6:20 AM
This is the story I meant to highlight in my last bloot - and yes, the final sentence of the story is excellent
Blossom , Cleveland road North Shields, just now
March 13, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Blossom , Cleveland road North Shields, just now
Reposted by Fiona
open.substack.com/pub/rorycell... At last! The Parky Charter petition is here - please sign and share
At last - the Parky Charter Parliamentary Petition!
Please sign for better Parkinson's care
open.substack.com
March 11, 2025 at 8:40 AM
open.substack.com/pub/rorycell... At last! The Parky Charter petition is here - please sign and share