The QT

Sunday 13 October 2024
13/10/2024

21 February 2024

Boxing Clever – The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid’s Tale is based on the famous dystopian novel of the same name by the celebrated Canadian author Margaret Atwood. It tells the story of an America where the government has been overthrown by a totalitarian movement that hides behind religious dogma and is hellbent on removing women’s reproductive rights. Apparently in 1985, this …

Brighter picture for cinema with new boss

Tyneside Cinema, a much-loved North East cultural institution that in recent years has been too much in the news for the wrong reasons, has a new boss. Nicola ‘Nic’ Greenan took up her post as chief executive officer on February 12, ending a long period in which interim management has had to deal with a …

Time to set our councils free

I vividly remember, shortly after I was elected Leader of Newcastle City Council in 2011, a political friend asking me why on earth I’d chosen to ruin my career by taking on such a poisoned chalice. The then Chancellor George Osborne and Eric Pickles (the then Secretary of State for Local Government) were proposing deep …

A recipe for rehabilitation

A shaft of light shines down through the leaded window of Newcastle Cathedral. It momentarily dazzles me as it glimmers on the quivering blade of a knife.  It’s in the hands of a young man not long out of prison. As I stand opposite him, we both understand the situation perfectly. Without questioning I hand …

Opening chapter revealed for The Story

The opening date for a new attraction tracing County Durham’s heritage has been confirmed for early summer. Based at the Grade II listed Mount Oswald manor house in Durham City, The Story will offer a new home to five historic collections, which are being brought together for the first time. More than 15,000 objects and …

Go Wilde in the country

Farmer Dave Wilde — trusty border collie, Joe, zigzagging at his heels — strides towards his flock of grazing sheep, and surveys the scene from the top of the hill: “I’ve found my perfect job,” he says with a broad smile. Welcome to the field of dreams — New Warlands Farm, near Burnopfield, in County …

Chain reaction creates sustainable fashion

Of the 32 billion garments produced for the fashion industry every year, 64% end up in landfill.  At a time when millions of people globally are living through a climate disaster and millions more are facing a cost-of-living crisis, it’s a damning statistic that two thirds of the designer goods we purchase annually are carelessly …

Basketball’s economic bounce

Short breaks to the Baltics have become increasingly popular for savvy British holidaymakers seeking a cultural shot in the arm at a competitive price.  Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are as friendly on the eye as they are on the wallet and, with frequent flights from across the UK, it’s little wonder that the tourist industry …

Traders accuse Hexham of commercial suicide

If you live in, or visit, the picturesque Northumberland market town of Hexham you’ll know exactly what this means — ‘thank goodness it’s nearly over’.  Town centre roadworks — or to use county council speak: The Hexham Public Realm Improvement Scheme — have dragged on for nearly 10 months.  According to some furious traders, if …

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