I Love North Shields

17/06/2026

17/06/2026

17/06/2026

❤️ YOUR VOICE MATTERS TO US
A huge thank you to everyone who has already taken part in our ILNS Community Voice Survey 2026.
Your input is incredibly precious to us.

As a Community Interest Company (CIC), I Love North Shields exists to benefit our community. Everything we do is guided by a simple principle: listening to local people and championing the things that matter most to North Shields.

That's why we'd love to hear from you.
What matters most to you?
What do you love about North Shields?
What challenges would you like to see highlighted?
What stories should we be telling?
What community issues deserve more attention?
What are we doing well, and what could we do better?

Whether you're a resident, business owner, community organisation, volunteer or regular visitor, your views will help shape the future direction of I Love North Shields.
We don't want to make assumptions about what our community wants. We want to listen and hear your feedback.

Every response helps us better understand the priorities, hopes and concerns of the people we serve, ensuring we continue to focus on the things that matter most to our community.

If you haven't already completed the survey, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could spare a few minutes to take part.
❤️ Your opinion matters.
❤️ Your ideas matter.
❤️ Your voice matters.

Survey link:
https://ilovenorthshields.com/ilns-community-voice-survey-2026-help-shape-the-future-of-north-shields

Thank you for helping us shape the future of I Love North Shields and ensuring that local people remain at the heart of everything we do.

17/06/2026

North Shields today

17/06/2026

🌿 THE HIDDEN GARDEN MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE 🌿
Behind a simple wooden gate in the heart of North Shields lies one of the town's most remarkable hidden spaces.

Lovaine Community Garden is a volunteer-run garden, wildlife haven and creative community space that has been lovingly nurtured over many years. What was once a neglected and overgrown site has gradually been transformed into a thriving oasis filled with flowers, trees, birdsong, music, creativity and community spirit.

Hidden from the bustle of everyday life, the garden offers a place to slow down, connect with nature and spend time with others. From wellbeing activities and creative projects to live music performances and seasonal celebrations, Lovaine Garden has become a special place for many local people.

Everything you see is cared for by a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time to maintain and protect this unique community asset for future generations.

🌿 COMING UP AT LOVAINE GARDEN 🌿
📅 Open Day 20 June | 10am–3pm

Part of The Great Community Garden Crawl organised by VODA.
Enjoy: • Live music • Refreshments • Handmade local stalls • A chance to explore the garden
🎶 Nev Clay & Lesley Roley 20 June | 7pm
An intimate evening of live music in one of North Shields' most unique venues.

🌞 Summer Solstice Celebration 22 June | 6.30pm–8.30pm
Hosted by Sonder23.
As you swipe through these photos, you'll discover the hidden entrance, beautiful planting, creative spaces, live music events and the volunteers who help make it all possible.

Have you visited Lovaine Garden before? We'd love to hear your memories, stories and favourite moments in the comments below. 💚

📍 Lovaine Place, North Shields

17/06/2026

When we recently asked in our Facebook member group what shops people would love to see return to North Shields town centre, one name came up again and again: Wilko.

For many people, Wilko was where you picked up everything from paint and DIY supplies to cleaning products, garden essentials, stationery, pet supplies and those little household bits you never seemed to find anywhere else.

The story of Wilko began in 1930 when James Kemsey Wilkinson opened a small hardware store in Leicester. Over the decades it grew into one of Britain's best-known high street retailers, with more than 400 stores and around 12,000 employees across the UK.

So what happened?
In August 2023, Wilko entered administration after a difficult period of trading. A combination of rising costs, supply chain problems, increased competition, pressure on traditional high street retail and challenges modernising the business all played a part. As suppliers reduced deliveries and financial pressures mounted, the company was unable to secure a rescue deal.
By October 2023, all of Wilko's stores had closed, bringing an end to a much-loved British high street brand and resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs.

Although the Wilko brand later returned online and in a small number of new stores under different ownership, many town centres across the country still have an empty space where their local Wilko once stood.

It certainly seems to be one of the shops North Shields residents miss the most.

What was your favourite thing about Wilko? And if you could bring back one shop to North Shields town centre, what would it be?

17/06/2026

Our high Street is looking better by the day

17/06/2026

North Shields daily life

16/06/2026

Deep North serves outrageously good donuts and coffee in Tynemouth and have several North East locations.

🚕 Visit: 34 Front Street, Tynemouth, North Shields. NE30 4DZ
📲 Tap: https://www.instagram.com/deepnorthuk

16/06/2026

OWNER FOUND Dachshund Rescued From The Tyne
A small dachshund is safe after being rescued by the Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat crew this morning.

The dog was spotted in the middle of the River Tyne channel heading out to sea before being brought aboard the lifeboat by crew members.

Tired and frightened, the dog has been taken to a local vet for monitoring.

Unfortunately, the dog had no collar tag and no microchip, so its owners have not yet been identified.

If this is your dog, or you recognise it, please contact Tynemouth RNLI through their page or lifeboat station.

A huge well done to the RNLI crew for another successful rescue.

Please share to help reunite this little adventurer with its family. ❤️