Heather's blog
News and and updates from the Coalition's Heather Armstrong...
6 December 2011
The biggest charity gig since Live Aid? Well, not really but it's going to be a great 4 nights...
For 4 consecutive nights in January 2012 (Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th, Friday 13th & Saturday 14th) at the Bridge Hotel in Newcastle, bands from all over the North East will be coming together to raise funds for the Coalition's Youth & Community Programmes.
Tickets are only £4 each. Log on to Facebook and see the links below for details for each night:
• Wednesday night
• Thursday night
• Friday night
• Saturday night
Tickets are available from me or here.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, on 01661 868 424 or by using our Contact Form. Oh and don't forget to wear a hat!
1 December 2011
A big thank you to CJ Performance Cycles!
I'd just like to say a BIG THANK YOU to CJ Performance Cycles for their terrific donation to our recent Fund Raising Week.
The company very kindly donated a great little JD Bug scooter, which we made the top prize in our fund raising raffle. It certainly drew a lot of attention and helped us raise money for our cause.
CJ Performance Cycles, who are based in Cramlington, have shown tremendous support for our North East charity. Thanks again!
22 October 2011
Fund raising week
Venue: Metro Centre, Gateshead
Date: 24th to 30th October 2011
Please look out for us at the Metro Centre this half term. We'll be there raising funds to support the Northumbria Coalition.
Remember the Northumbria Coalition Against Crime is a registered charity and our Youth & Community Programmes give vital support to vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and families in the north east of England.
If you'd like to join us to help raise funds please contact me, Heather Armstrong, on 01661 868 424 or by using our Contact Form.
28 July 2011
Family Fun and Community Safety Day
Venue: Saltwell Park, Gateshead
Date: 29th August 2011
Why not spend your Summer Bank Holiday Monday this year at Saltwell Park in Gateshead with the Coalition?
We’re hoping our craft stalls, traditional games, live music and more will attract families for a fun day out, as well as providing Community Safety advice and helping to raise money for our projects.
We’re also looking for volunteers for this event, whether it’s support with promotion, running games, providing advice or anything else you could do on the day. Please get in touch if you’d like to help out.
Contact me, Heather Armstrong, at the Northumbria Coalition Against Crime on 01661 868 424 or by using our Contact Form.
26 May 2011
Prepare to be spooked!
Prepare to be spooked by stories of ghostly encounters, UFO sightings and other paranormal events, all involving police officers.
On Wednesday 1st June we're holding a special event at Northumbria Police Headquarters entitled 'Police, Poltergeists and the Paranormal.' A lecture will be given by local paranormal expert Mike Hallowell, who this year alone claims to have been contacted by 11 police officers who have witnessed things 'beyond their understanding.' Both believers and sceptics are welcome to attend.
Mike is currently writing a book with John Triplow about a case in Essex that the pair have been investigating involving a police officer who has experienced spontaneous fires at home and an assault by an invisible assailant inside his car!
Hear more about this and other strange happenings by coming along. Tickets cost just £5, with proceeds going to the Northumbria Coalition Against Crime.
There's only a few places left so hurry up and contact me now to attend. Call 01661 868429 or e-mail me at heather@ncac.org.uk.
14 March 2011
21st Anniversary Celebration Ball - 14 May 2011
1990 was the year our charity the Northumbria Coalition Against Crime was formed to tackle crime and fear of crime in the North East of England.
To mark our 21st birthday in 2011 we're holding a Celebration Ball on Saturday 14th May at the Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel.
As well as a nostalgic look back at our achievements over the years, there'll be lots of entertainment on the night, including:
• Live music from The Precious Things
• A fun auction led by former Northumbria Police Chief, Crispian Strachan
• Quizzes, games, disco and more!
We also have a fabulous dinner and drinks menu organised, for what will undoubtedly be a black-tie and ball-gowns night to remember. Tickets will be £35 per head.
Please let me know if you would like to receive further information about our Celebration Ball and please also indicate if would like to bring guests, or even purchase a full table for the evening. This will help the Coalition understand the level of demand for places, and help you to reserve your place(s) early without commitment.
Contact me either via the Contact section of this site, or by calling 01661 868 424. I'd love to see you there!
16 January 2011
An invitation to our AGM - 16 February 2011
Our Annual General Meeting will take place at 1pm on Wednesday 16th February 2011 at Northumbria Police HQ, Ponteland in the Bailey Hall. Afternoon tea will be served after the meeting giving an opportunity to network with partners, members and meet the Coalition team.
As well as the more formal aspects of our AGM, there'll be presentations from Coalition staff and guest speakers. During the presentations we will share highlights, successes and challenges experienced over the past 12 months. We'll also provide a glimpse into the future, including our objectives for 2011.
2011 is the Coalition's 21st year. We're planning various celebrations, details of which will be outlined at the AGM.
I would be grateful if you could complete and return our AGM reply slip (Word document) by post, fax or preferably by email to Stephanie@retailersagainstcrime.org by Monday 7th February. Directions and agenda for the event will be sent to you in due course.
Hope you can make it.
16 December 2010
Christmas fund raising and a BIG thank you
Just a quick note to say we'll be at Tesco, Kingston Park on Christmas Eve. It's not to get the turkey in. Instead we'll be doing some fund raising to help support the Coalition in the New Year.
So if you're planning on getting the turkey in at Tesco on Christmas Eve (or just to do some last minute shopping) keep an eye out for us. We'll be at various collection points and there'll be a tombola too.
I'd also like to add a BIG thank you to anyone involved in, or supporting us at our recent fund raising week in the Metro Centre, abseil jump and Race Night. Altogether, we raised almost £3,000 for our cause. THANK YOU!
If anyone can help out with our fund-raising at Tesco on Christmas Eve please let us know through the Contact section, or by calling 01661 868 424.
20 October 2010
Bet you have a great night at the races!
If you weren't at our Race Night last year you missed a great night out.
But don't worry, the Northumbria Coalition Against Crime is having another Race Night in November and this time it's going to be even better. Bring your friends and family along and you’re guaranteed a good laugh. It's all happening on Saturday 6th November between 7.30pm and 11.00pm at West Denton Fire Station.
Even if you can’t make the Race Night you can still be part of the fun by picking a tri-tote number for £1.00 with a chance of winning up to £100!
If you can display a poster in your workplace or local shop to help advertise the event we would be very grateful.
It's a fun night out and it's all for a great cause. So get along, have a laugh and at the same time support vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and families in the north east of England.
To find out more, or to order tickets just get in touch, either via the Contact section of this site, or by calling 01661 868 424.
Giddy up now!
6 October 2010
I've done it, so you can too
Listen, I'm not the bravest person in the world. I don't like heights at all. In fact, I reckon being halfway up a step ladder is pretty scary.
But I've still managed to abseil from the roof of the Vermont Hotel in Newcastle to raise money for the Coalition. And if I've done it, so can you!
Your next chance to do the Geet Big North Abseil is on Sunday 24th October. It costs just £25 and any money you raise will go to the Coalition's Youth and Community Programmes.
There are a limited number of places, so if you're interested please call 01661 868 424 or get in touch using the Contact section of this site as soon as possible.
Go on. Don't be scared!
26 September 2010
Two great ways to help with our fund raising week
We'll be raising funds for the Coalition in the MetroCentre again soon, starting on Saturday 23rd October through to Sunday 31st.
The Northumbria Coalition Against Crime is a registered charity. Our Youth & Community Programmes give vital support to vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and families in the north east of England.
There are two ways you can help us with our fund-raising week:
1. GIVE US STUFF YOU DON'T WANT ANYMORE
We need things for the adult tombola - such as toiletries, candles, unwanted gifts etc - and for the kids tombola - toys, teddy's, stationary etc. Whatever you've got that you no longer want, we'll take it.
To donate an item, or if you have any questions, simply call 01661 868 424 or get in touch using the Contact section of this site.
2. COME ALONG AND GIVE US A HAND
Whether it's just for an hour or so, or for the whole week, we're looking for volunteers who can help us raise funds at the MetroCentre. It's not all just tin-shaking. I promise you'll have a lot of fun and at the same time you'll be supporting a charity that makes a difference to the lives of children, young people and families in our region.
Please help. Call 01661 868 424 or get in touch using the Contact section of this site if you'd like to volunteer.
Please let me know urgently if you want more information.
22 June 2010
Another chance to do something geet big and scary!
If someone asked you a second time to jump off a building near the Tyne Bridge, would you do it now?
Why not take the plunge and join in the next Geet Big North Abseil event at the Vermont Hotel in Newcastle on 25 July 2010.
The abseil, from the roof of the Vermont Hotel, is reputed to be the highest abseil in the North East. The entrance fee is £25.00 per person. Get sponsored, and however much you raise can go to the Coalition's Youth & Community Programmes.
This really is a geet big way to help us and it's an exhilarating experience too.
Please let me know urgently if you'd like more information or a place at the event. Call 01661 868 424.
15 March 2010
Do something geet big and scary for North East youngsters
If someone asked you to jump off a building near the Tyne Bridge, would you do it?
If the answer's "yes" - or even just "maybe" - then why not take the plunge and join in at the Geet Big North Abseil event at the Vermont Hotel in Newcastle on 28 March 2010.
The abseil, from the roof of the Vermont Hotel, is reputed to be the highest abseil in the North East. The entrance fee is £25.00 per person. Get sponsored, and however much you raise goes to the Coalition's Youth & Community Programmes.
This really is a geet big way of helping us change the lives of North East youngsters who are in danger of turning to crime. I did it last year, and to be honest it's a bit scary. But it's also an exhilarating experience and it's for a great cause.
Please let me know urgently if you'd like more information or a place at the event. Call 01661 868 424.
25 January 2010
Three reasons to join us at our AGM on 16 February
Here's three reasons why you should get along to our Annual General Meeting at 2.00pm on Tuesday 16th February at The Lancastrian Suite, Dunston, Gateshead.
Firstly, you'll get to find out more about the Coalition - what we've been up to recently and what our plans are for 2010.
Secondly, you'll have the opportunity to meet some of our members, partners and staff. There's nothing wrong with a bit of networking, is there?
And finally. We'll be serving afternoon tea!
Anyone is welcome at our AGM, but if you would like to attend you will need to book your place by Monday 8th February.
For more information please contact Nicola Dixon at the Northumbria Coalition Against Crime on 01661 868 424, or use the contact form on this website.
18 January 2010
Schoolkids learn of dangers of throwing things at buses
The Northumbria Coalition Against Crime has launched a new project to help tackle the problem of missiles being thrown at buses in the Newcastle area.
Over half (55%) of criminal or anti-social incidents linked to bus journeys in Newcastle involve objects being thrown at vehicles. Missiles thrown include bricks, stones, blocks of ice, planks of wood and metal bars. There have even been cases of buses being shot at using air guns. Windows are often smashed - which can be a terrifying experience for anyone travelling on a bus.
Thankfully, injuries are rare, but passengers and drivers have occasionally been struck on the head by objects that have smashed through bus windows.
During January, February and March 2010, the Coalition will be working with north east public transport organisation Nexus to raise awareness of the problem among schoolchildren in the Newcastle area.
Younger children in particular can be unaware of the dangers of throwing missiles at buses. The sessions in twenty schools throughout Newcastle are being targeted at Year 6 children - aged between 10 and 11 years.
The project is being run as a pilot. If successful, it may be rolled out to other areas of the north east.
Anyone interested in finding more about this project should contact me (Heather Armstrong) here at the Coalition. Please use the contact form on this website, or call 01661 868424.
18 November 2009
Thanks for a great week and a brilliant night
A BIG MASSIVE THANKS to everyone who mucked in and helped out with our Fundraising Week and Race night. You were fantastic!
Thanks to your efforts we raised over £3,000 for the Coalition - money that will help us in our work with young people in the North East.
Thanks also to everyone who made a donation and who came along to our Race Night at West Denton Fire Station last Friday. Your contribution is really appreciated and will help make a big difference to many young lives.
Special thanks to Katy, one of our volunteers, who was there for every day of the Fundraising Week at the MetroCentre.
Special thanks also to Shilpa, another of our volunteers, who put in a huge effort organising the Race Night. Everyone had a great time. We're hoping to post a few photos to our Facebook site soon. Nothing too embarrassing I hope!
And the good news is we're planning to hold both events again next year, so if you couldn't make it this time around, we'll hopefully see you there in 2010.
If anyone has any great fundraising ideas for next year, or can offer support of any kind, please get in touch.
1 November 2009
It's good to volunteer
Could you give up one hour of your time per week to support a young person at risk of offending?
We're always on the look out for volunteers for our award winning mentoring project. This month we're offering training to volunteers, but you'll need to get in touch soon to take part. If you can't make it this month, get in touch anyway. There'll be more training opportunities coming up soon.
So why volunteer? Well here's three good reasons for a start:
• It makes you feel good
• It looks good on your CV
• And it gives you a whole new set of skills you'll find useful for life
Help us steer young people away from crime. You don't need any qualifications. You don't need all the answers. All you really need to do is listen.
For more information contact us now.
20 October 2009
Race Night - 13 November 2009
Join us for a brilliant night of fun and entertainment at our Race Night on 13 November 2009 at West Denton Fire Station, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Here's what's in store:
• Races/Betting
• Music
• Food/Drinks (cheap as chips!)
• Raffle, with great prizes to be won!
Tickets cost just £5, with proceeds going to support our Youth Projects.
For more information and to buy tickets, please get in touch.
Everyone at the Coalition would love to see you there.
1 April 2009
Is knife crime a problem here?
Knife crime has grabbed the attention of the national media recently. But figures show that the North East doesn’t have anything like the knife-carrying rates of other parts of the country.
What concerns us is that this media coverage could increase levels of fear among young people in our region and actually lead to more knives being carried.
As a result, we’ve launched our 'It’s a Sharp Life' project. Over the next few months we're running sessions in schools and youth clubs across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to dispel some of the myths surrounding knife crime.
Those taking part will contribute towards a booklet on the issue which we'll be publishing later in the year.
Watch this space!
Download a copy (pdf) of the Spring 2009 issue of 'Coalition News' here.
