Voices from the North East

Life in Lockdown – Stories of Change and Reflection Marking 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 stories Guests 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?

Things get ‘mucky’ and a bit ‘clarty’ in this episode as we reflect on some wonderful northern words!

Ever been fascinated by how the machinery of domestic life has evolved over time? Then this episode of "Voices from the North East Podcast" is for you! Join Paul and Justine as they take you through a riveting exploration of the washing evolution, depicting a tale where washboards and mangles have made way for high-efficiency washing machines and even robotic vacuum cleaners. Reflecting on the demanding physical labour involved in the past, they underline the roles this demanding household chore played in shaping our cultural understanding of gender roles and domestic responsibilities. Progress is a double-edged sword, isn't it? As we step further into the episode, Paul and Justine invite listeners to reflect on the instances of resistance to change and nostalgia for traditional routines and rituals. They highlight the presence of local laundrettes still providing services to the communities, serving as a symbol of resilience and adaptation. Drawing a parallel between newer inventions like robo vacs and older ones like washing machines, this episode encourages you to rethink the ever-changing narrative of technological advancements.

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?”

Justine and Paul welcome you back to series 7. We start with memories of sweets 🍭 you just can’t forget! There’s a lovely interview between Jacqueline and her daughter Adele too. Oh and we plug our new radio show! Wednesdays 6-8PM U.K. time you can find us on www.koastradio.co.uk or your smart speaker or 106.6FM locally playing tunes (including your requests) and talking about the North of England.

“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/

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

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.

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).

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!

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!

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

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