Motor retailer Vertu has struck a chord with the Dunston Silver Band after confirming its support for the Gateshead institution. The partnership was originally supported under the Bristol Street Motors banner and celebrates the band that has been a cultural leader in the area for over a century.
Vertu has cemented its relationship with the band with the donation of new uniforms and a renewed financial commitment. Its backing has enabled the band to open its doors to beginners of all ages as part of the new Dunston Community Band.
Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu and the newly appointed president of Dunston Silver Band, said: “It’s a real honour to serve as president of such a historic and much-loved local band. I once played trombone with the band after moving to the North East to join Reg Vardy, so this partnership is very close to my heart. I’m proud of what the band has accomplished, and proud that Vertu can help drive its continued success and impact.”
Keith Lee, committee member and trustee of Dunston Silver Band, said: “Vertu’s support has been instrumental, not just in helping us look sharp on stage, but in enabling us to keep making music, compete at the highest level, and bring live performance to local audiences. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited for what’s to come.”
A special tribute has been made to Neil Ramsey In recognition of his contribution to the industry over nearly 40 years. Mr Ramsey steps down in the summer as secretary of Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF), which he has been actively involved with for 35 years and he stood as President of the organisation from 2005 until 2007. He will remain a board member.
The membership organisation champions regional SMEs in the North East construction sector and is closely linked to Constructing Excellence North East. During his career, he completed his training with Wimpey Construction before moving to Mowlem Management. He returned to the North East in 1989 joining Kendall Cross, becoming chairman in 2000. He was managing director at Galliford Try Partnerships North and, more recently, director at Turney Wylde Construction.
He was one of Constructing Excellence North East’s first board members when it was established in 2003 and has also held positions with the National Federation of Builders, as its regional president and as national chair in 2007.
The special tribute to him was made at the Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) Awards 2025.
He said: “It was a huge surprise to be recognised by Constructing Excellence North East at its annual awards. It was very humbling. There have been many memorable achievements whilst involved with my various industry positions but the formation of the lobbying body for regional contractors, Construction Alliance North East, established by Ken Parkin, was of huge importance. Another standout moment was cementing the NCBF’s relationship with Constructing Excellence North East.”
Catriona Lingwood, chief executive of Constructing Excellence North East, said: “I have known Neil for many years and he is, first and foremost, a wonderful person who has dedicated a huge amount of time to the industry. He deserves special recognition for his contribution to Constructing Excellence North East and the various membership organisations he has been involved in.”
A Newcastle planner credited with taking planning into the digital age has been named Young Planner of the Year in a prestigious competition. Sam Wightman received the North East award at a glittering ceremony of the Royal Town Planning Institute at the Crowne Plaza hotel, Newcastle. The RTPI is the international body which represents town planners in 88 countries across the world.
Ms Wightman who joined Newcastle City Council’s planning department as a student then graduate planner received the award for promoting innovation and digital change in planning.
In her role Ms Wightman has helped implement a digital site assessment tool, evaluate back-office planning systems, and developed new approaches to housing policy. She also organised the National Open Digital Planning Conference in 2024.
She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have received this award promoting digital change in planning. It was fantastic to celebrate with my brilliant team by my side and to represent the council and the great work we’re doing to make planning more digital. The evening was a real celebration of the talent and dedication across the region, I am so proud to have been part of it.”
Law firm Hay & Kilner is continuing its sponsorship of theatre performance in Gosforth in a partnership which has brought life-saving equipment to the suburb. Last year Gosforth Central organised an outdoor theatre performance in Gosforth Central Park by the Three Inch Fools theatre company. The event, sponsored by Hay & Kilner, raised £1,000 for the park.
The funds enabled Gosforth Central to install a new community defibrillator from cardiac health charity, Red Sky Foundation. The defibrillator, which will be accessible 24/7 in Gosforth Central Park, is a resource that can make a significant difference in emergency situations.
Jonathan Waters, managing partner at Hay & Kilner, said: “It’s crucial that we come together as a community to support one another. By installing this defibrillator, we hope to create a safer environment for everyone enjoying the amenities of Gosforth Central Park”.
Sergio Petrucci, founder of Red Sky Foundation, added: “It’s brilliant to see yet another unit installed in Newcastle adding to the collection available for public use. The location of this one has already been proven to a success as it’s been accesses three times already! It’s a known fact that early CPR and defibrillators really do save lives; we’re encouraging people to learn this life-saving skill with our own education programmes.”
