Members of the public are being asked ‘Which local hero is missing’ as we call for nominations to add to the plaques featured as part of NewcastleGateshead’s ‘Walk of Fame’ style trail.
Opened last year by Lady Elsie Robson, wife of the late Sir Bobby Robson, the trail currently features 20 local heroes nominated by the public who are commemorated with a bronze plaque on NewcastleGasteshead’s iconic Quayside.
From Ant and Dec to Alan Shearer, Dame Margaret Barbour to Professor Peter Higgs, Local Heroes is all about those individuals either from or with strong links to the area that have made a significant contribution to NewcastleGateshead over the past 60 years.
One of the Local Heroes chosen by the public last year was TV personality Robson Green, who said: “I really was amazed when I learned of the project last year. To be selected alongside so many inspirational people, from sporting legends to scientists, was truly humbling and I look forward to seeing who will be honoured with a bronze plaque this time around.”
Councillor Linda Green, Cabinet Member for Communities and Volunteering for Gateshead Council said: “Last year’s winners of NewcastleGateshead Local Heroes are now celebrated and immortalised with a bronze plaque placed around our famous Quayside. We need you to tell us who else should be there. Who else has made a difference to life in Gateshead, or has put our area on the map? Get nominating and make sure your local hero is recognised!”
Councillor Hazel Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods for Newcastle City Council, said: “We had a superb response from last years’ call for nominations and I’m delighted how the public have embraced Local Heroes. We had some truly inspirational individuals suggested to us and just shows how Newcastle has nurtured so many talented, inspiring and notable individuals over the years, from scientists to sports personalities.
Local Heroes is a wonderful way to permanently celebrate their achievements and I encourage people let us know who they think deserves a plaque on the Quayside.”
Paul Callaghan, chair of destination management and marketing organisation, NewcastleGateshead Initiative said: “I’m looking forward to joining the panel this year to decide which of the area’s most notable personalities will be added to the NewcastleGateshead Local Heroes ‘walk of fame’. Situated on the Quayside – one of our most famous locations and favourite tourist spots – the project really helps to tell the story of the destination through its people. I’d urge the public to once again get behind the project and nominate for 2014.”
Members of the public have until Tuesday 30 September 2014 to submit their ideas for new Geordie heroes that they would like to see added to the trail. Their nominations will be put to a panel who will then select up to six new heroes to be immortalised in bronze.
Local Hero nomination cards are available to complete at libraries and customer contact centres across Newcastle and Gateshead (full details of participating centres can be found online at: www.NewcastleGateshead.com/LocalHeroes) or you can nominate:
Online: www.NewcastleGateshead.com/LocalHeroes
Via: Twitter and Instagram: #NGlocalheroes
By post: Gateshead Council, Council News FREEPOST NEA3381, Gateshead, NE8 1BR.
Ends
For media enquiries contact:
Diane Brennan
Senior Corporate Officer (Communications & Policy)
Gateshead Council
T. 0191 433 3444
E. dianebrennan@gateshead.gov.uk
Lee Hansom
Communication Officer
Newcastle City Council
T. 0191 211 6053
E. lee.hansom@newcastle.gov.uk
Notes to editors
• NewcastleGateshead Local Heroes is delivered and managed jointly by Gateshead and Newcastle City Councils in partnership with destination marketing organisation, NewcastleGateshead Initiative.
• The plaques are laid along the stretch of pavement of the ‘Quayside Mile’ route which goes from Baltic Square to the Swing Bridge, across the river and back along the River Tyne to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
• The current plaques are for Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer, Lindisfarne, Professor Peter Higgs, Dame Margaret Barbour, Brendan Foster, Ant and Dec, Robson Green, Kathryn Tickell, Cardinal Basil Hume, David Almond, Professor Sir John Burn, Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, Doreen ‘Granny’ Jardine, Stephen Miller, Sting, Julia Darling, Sister Winifred Laver, Alderman Edward Cowen, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.