Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 07/10/2026I am in #Hertford for a few days change of scenery and to see a friend from London for a day as I cannot face London these days. It is over 30 years since I moved to the North East so will pretend that I never lived here and just wander about. 100
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 06/09/2026BBC News - North Tyneside re-use shop sells 30,000 items in three months - BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... This is such a great idea. You can donate to the shop as well as via the tip.bbc.co.ukNorth Tyneside re-use shop sells 30,000 items in three monthsThe North Tyneside re-use shop sells 30,000 items in three months, sending cash to local charities. 000
Reposted by Fiona Alison Stenning @alisonstenning.bsky.social · 23/06/202685% of staff in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at risk of redundancy at Exeter, with over 500 at risk in total. Solidarity to all at risk - 0105
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 17/06/2026Lovely visit to Raby castle, Co. Durham today. The walled garden has been redesigned , the cafe is very civilised and the Castle is beautiful. 000
Reposted by Fiona Shelter @sheltercharity.bsky.social · 14/06/2026Today is the 9th anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire. We take this time to pause in remembrance, while standing in solidarity with the bereaved, the survivors, and the residents in calling for justice. 💚 They will forever be in our hearts. 💚 056
Reposted by Fiona Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 24/04/2026The Kinder Scout Mass Trespass took place on this day 1932, organised by Manchester communist leader and Jewish anti-fascist Benny Rothman, secretary of the British Workers' Sports Federation. The Peak District was designated the UK’s first national park in April 1951. 1023395
Reposted by Fiona Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 14/04/2026The Titanic hit an iceberg at 11.40pm on this day 1912. Wallace Hartley, leader of the band that carried on playing, came from Colne, Lancs. There is a plaque to the musicians in the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, and a monument on Liverpool waterfront to 244 engineers who died. 58019
Reposted by Fiona Alison Stenning @alisonstenning.bsky.social · 17/02/2026“Geographical training and knowledge, in short, is more important than ever. We say this loudly and clearly, lest our universities forget.”timeshighereducation.comThe UK universities cutting geography have lost their bearingsFrom climate change to geopolitics, the knowledge, skills and insights of geographers have never been more relevant, say five professors 0139
Reposted by Fiona Jenny Pickerill @jennypickerill.bsky.social · 17/02/2026Our new piece out today in Times Higher Education about the threats to Geography in the UK - particularly fieldwork - please do share. It links to a recent snapshot survey on the challenges being faced in UK HE, which highlights the inequities of the challenges, but also fears of what is yet to cometimeshighereducation.comThe UK universities cutting geography have lost their bearingsFrom climate change to geopolitics, the knowledge, skills and insights of geographers have never been more relevant, say five professors 37153
Reposted by Fiona Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 06/02/2026Remembering the Munich Air Disaster on this day 1958. 23 died - Man Utd's Busby Babes, officials, journalists. 21 survived. The last rites were read twice for Matt Busby, Man U manager and ex-City player. He survived. The whole city mourned. 411427
Reposted by Fiona Alison Stenning @alisonstenning.bsky.social · 13/12/2025A fabulous, resonant account of good work in my community, led by school students and by parents with @citizensuk.org, to respond to anger with hope - focused on teen mental health, bus fares, a local playground and dog poo. All v local matters with much wider import, as the achievements show.theguardian.com‘People will listen’: turning anger into community pride in North ShieldsA tour of local ‘wins’ shows how the charity Citizens UK is working with residents to build a better, fairer society 0166
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 11/12/2025Listening to a series of essays on Radio 4 called " Beautiful Strangeness " by Rebecca Stott. About the process and aftermath of death . Very uplifting and thought provoking. 000
Reposted by Fiona Alison Stenning @alisonstenning.bsky.social · 06/11/2025This is particularly crap - reducing languages & music to extracurricular activities "the university said it is "exploring how it can provide opportunities for students to get involved in music as an extracurricular activity", and is looking at how it can "retain elements of [our] language centre"" 044
Reposted by Fiona Alison Stenning @alisonstenning.bsky.social · 06/11/2025More devastating news from the East Midlands: "All modern language and music courses are being suspended for new students at the University of Nottingham." www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukMusic and modern languages courses suspended at University of NottinghamIn a statement the institution also says it is 1139
Reposted by Fiona Alison Stenning @alisonstenning.bsky.social · 06/11/2025This is appalling, devastating for the staff and students involved (and their families & communities) and shocking in its extent. This is jobs and lives - and a whole sub-discipline (and I know other disciplines are also at risk). We can not just stand by. Solidarity to Leicester's geographers. 0115
Reposted by Fiona Alison Stenning @alisonstenning.bsky.social · 27/09/2025This is the Tyneside we need to hold on to, in the face of racist marches designed to intimidate our neighbours. 0235
Reposted by Fiona Jean Blaylock @jeanblaylock.bsky.social · 27/09/2025Anti-racist demonstrators blocking Tommy Robinson’s fascists from marching through the centre of Newcastle - successfully so far But being kettled and apparently the police are agreeing an alternative route for the far right 76322
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 24/09/2025Farewell to Danny Thompson, bassist extraordinaire , the backbone of so many folk performances over the years. May he rest in peace. 000
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 10/08/2025Lovely time in Whitley Bay enjoying the annual Sandcastle competition and our picnic lunch. And for once the transport gods were on our side. 010
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 31/07/2025chng.it/GTdqBhKXV6chng.itSign the PetitionStop Mass Redundancies at Lancaster University – Hold Senior Management Accountable 000
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 29/07/2025Back home from my holiday and immediately want to get rid of stuff at home after staying at an immaculate hotel. Was very nice having housekeeping and lovely meals served to me. 000
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 28/07/2025Currently drying out at Inverness railway station awaiting my train home . Scotrail don't appear to do seat reservations so sharp elbows may be needed. Lovely ride to Edinburgh awaits followed by the equally lovely last leg to Newcastle . 000
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 26/07/2025Beautiful Eilan Donan castle near Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland, this morning. 010
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 24/07/2025Am in Inverness for a few days for a Great Railways holiday. View from the hotel. 010
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 23/07/2025I have just travelled 5 hours by train to Inverness. Treated myself to First class so enjoyed a quiet comfortable journey and it didn't feel like 5 hours. Staying in a red sandstone B&B tonight very comfortable though expensive. The main event starts tomorrow c/o Great Railway Journeys. 000
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 07/07/2025The saddest of days as we remember the #7/7 London bombs. When I visit the capital I stay near Russell Square and always pay my respects. #Neverforget . 010
Reposted by Fiona University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 20/06/2025UCU members at @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social are striking today over University of Edinburgh plans to make £140million in cuts and threaten jobs We're fighting against these reckless proposals Share to show your support ✊ 06247
Reposted by Fiona Rory Cellan-Jones @rorycj.bsky.social · 16/06/2025petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71... Come on folks, the #parkypetition is in danger of falling behind the run rate - we need c650 signatures a day if we’re to hit our 100k target by September 10 and today we’ve only done about 500. Let’s have a big push to get above 46,000 tonight 2414587
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 21/05/2025Happy 84th birthday to the one and only genius that is Martin Carthy. 000
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 17/05/2025Great tour of Newcastle Civic Centre. Went up on the roof of the tower with its spectacular view of the city centre and we're entertained by the man who plays the carillon bells. 010
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 10/05/2025Never forget: 40 years since the Bradford City stand fire at Valley Parade. 000
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 20/03/2025Just think! I could be cutting my grass on this lovely sunny day but instead I am in East Yorkshire near Beverly enjoying the sights and drinking Yorkshire wine at #LittleWoldVineyard. 000
Reposted by Fiona Rory Cellan-Jones @rorycj.bsky.social · 17/03/2025This is the story I meant to highlight in my last bloot - and yes, the final sentence of the story is excellent 1739257
Reposted by Fiona Rory Cellan-Jones @rorycj.bsky.social · 11/03/2025open.substack.com/pub/rorycell... At last! The Parky Charter petition is here - please sign and shareopen.substack.comAt last - the Parky Charter Parliamentary Petition!Please sign for better Parkinson's care 2023863
Reposted by Fiona Alison Stenning @alisonstenning.bsky.social · 04/03/2025This could have been my daughter. Hundreds of young people cycle along this route, abandoned by @ntcouncilteam.bsky.social after 4 years of planning. How many more children will be injured (or worse) before the council decides to face the opposition, find design solutions and build a safe route? 0114
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 02/03/2025A carpet of crocus flowers in North Shields cemetery this afternoon. 021
Reposted by Fiona Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 02/03/2025Yorkshire service to remember WW2 plane tragedy 80 years on. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukElvington service to remember WW2 aircraft tragedy 80 years onA service is being held to remember the last German aircraft to be brought down over British soil. 1132
Reposted by Fiona Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 06/02/2025Remembering the Munich Air Disaster #OTD 1958. 23 died - Man Utd's Busby Babes, officials, journalists. 21 survived. The last rites were read twice for Matt Busby, Man U manager and ex-City player. He survived. The whole city mourned. 24311
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 25/12/2024This afternoon's sunset viewed from the new footpath above the Fish Quay, North Shields 241
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 15/12/2024How joyous to wake up to the Sheffield carols sung in pubs and village halls on #Radio4 this morning. 000
Fiona @hectoria.bsky.social · 20/11/2024After a lovely walk home last night in pristine crunchy snow the scenery today much less pleasant. The beautiful new paving in North Shields is not good in slippy post snow. 000
