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ALL TOGETHER NOW with North East entertainer Dawn Wilkinson

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49 year old Dawn Wilkinson was born in Byker…

‘One of me first jobs was working in a bingo hall then I worked in a care home from 2003.’  

She also sold postcards, bookmarks and DVD’s on EBay…..

‘Just as a hobby really but I was making more money doing that so I started selling full time. Been doing it for about 20 years’ explained Dawn.

‘Then in 2020 Covid happened I thought life’s too short. I felt I hadn’t found me real purpose in life. I went to bed one night and said to the universe ‘Any opportunities you send my way I’ll say yes to’ – and luckily, they’ve all been legal.’

Dawn and her mam Maureen Waters

Did any opportunities come your way?

‘The president at Wallsend Spiritualist Church asked me to write a panto for Christmas 2024. I said yes even though I’ve never wrote one in my life. But I’d programmed myself to say yes hadn’t I. So, I asked the universe to send me some help. Next day me mam saw an advert for Peter Mortimer (North East playwrite) he was running a writing course for six weeks in Cullercoats. So, we signed up.’

‘At first Peter wasn’t interested in me talking about panto but when I wrote a few pages, he ended up playing Prince Charming in the read through. When we put ‘Tinderfella’ on in 2024 he came to see it. We’ve since played it twice in Wallsend Spiritualist Church. It went down well. Our biggest show was at Wallsend Memorial Hall in December 2025.’

‘I also got to know Neil Armstrong from Washington Arts Centre, he’s wrote loads of plays and he’s an actor. He advised me about adding extra characters ‘You’ve really got to include a baddie in this Dawn’. I value these opinions and advice. If they’re taking time to read it, I’ll take notice.’

How important is it to work with others?

‘Me mam and me saw an advert for Alison Stanley (Hard, Tits Up) playwriting course, that was six weeks in Cramlington. Names like Alison Stanley and Laurels Theatre in Whitley Bay were being mentioned by many people, that’s a sign from the universe to go isn’t it.’

‘So, we started going to Laurel’s and I wanted to put something on. We ended up putting ‘Tinderfella’ on, then we put on a comedy show. Alison has been very supportive. I cannot thank her enough for what she has done.’

‘Also, people like Ed Waugh (Wor Bella, Carrying David, Cramlington Train Wreckers) and Steve Wraith (NE actor) have been very supportive. While some other creatives could see you as competition they don’t, they are very positive. Life works better when you work together.’

Have you found working in creative arts difficult?

‘Since Covid I think you’ve got to find pleasure in every single day and I’m a true believer that your mood is affected by the people you surround yourself with. Your energy is your currency, spend it wisely.’

‘My philosophy is to spend time with people who bring you joy. That’s what I like about the writing. I’m meeting all these creative people and there’s nobody I’ve met who are money orientated. It’s all about the love of creating.’

‘The thing I’m passionate about is helping people’s mental health. Isolation doesn’t help anybody. One of my friends committed suicide during Covid times. He was only 29. It came as a shock. People can put a front on, you think they’re all right.’

‘During that time, we were all focusing on ourself but there were nice things about community coming back. I used to get notes through my door asking if I was ok – I lived in a bungalow then so they must have thought I was old – but it was nice that someone was out there willing to help. So, I’m more community minded now. You know I think why we’re here is to make life easier for each other.’

‘At Wallsend Memorial Centre I run short poetry classes, writing short plays, we’re looking at song writing even a drama class. For writing we are sharing our stories and encouraging each other. It’s amazing seeing people’s confidence coming up. It’s all them, I just facilitate it and give them a space where they are not afraid to have a go. You’ve got to make mistakes.’

‘It’s finding the therapy that works for you. For me, writing funny poetry is a release. If people have a problem, I tell them to write a poem about it and they can’t believe the positive effect it has on it – it’s like magic.’

‘I’ve wrote three books about how to sell on EBay. In 2023 I wrote my fourth book ‘How to Manifest a Life of Pleasure’ and printed it through Amazon. When I got it back, I was so proud I took it all over with me. It’s a self help book it’s not to make money. The book is full of advice and exercises to help you achieve a happy life.’

‘People who have read it say ‘Dawn, it’s so simple. We know this already but have just forgotten.’ It reaffirms things. You can read it in a couple of hours and start to apply the principals to your life and things will change.’

‘We can only create our own pleasure. Nobody will just hand it to you. Writing, comedy, poetry brings me pleasure I’m just enjoying it. Me and my mam also have a radio show on Koast radio in Ashington. We play music and interview guests.’

‘At first, I only went on to talk about my book and they offered me a show. They liked the banter between me and my mam. Well, I was programmed to say yes wasn’t I, so yeh I wasn’t sure if they were serious when they asked me at first, but we do The Positive Vibes show every Saturday 2-4pm. Our guests have included Leah Bell, Trevor Wood, Michael Wood, Helen Atchison and Kelly Rickard.’

What’s next?

‘I’m working on a ‘Tinderfella’ murder mystery which is coming to Wallsend soon and I’d love to see one of my plays on a professional stage like Newcastle Theatre Royal, it’s an iconic building. I’d also like to start my own podcast interviewing local authors, comedians and play writes. We’ve got so much talent up here in the North East. If six years ago you said to me, I would get on stage and do all this creative work I wouldn’t have believed you.’

Catch Dawn on the Comedy Gala Night at Whitley Bay Playhouse on 22 November 2026.

Alikivi    October 2026

THE GATESHEAD GREY with researcher & broadcaster Richard Hall

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Featured on here have been a few stories about myths, legends and mysterious happenings, so when talking to North East entertainer Dawn Wilkinson about her work for a future post, she mentioned if I had heard of the Gateshead Grey. No, tell me more.

It was a story about a 5 year old boy called Robert who was visited by a UFO in 1940, subsequently the alien grey was killed with a coal shovel by his Uncle Ernie and buried under St Cuthberts Church in Bensham. Well, I’m in.

North East radio late night talk show host Alan Robson remembers numerous callers phoning the show who had remembered the incident and reading about it in local newspapers.

So, what did happen? A quick on line search revealed more information about the story plus an unexpected email from another source gave me a name to contact. Richard Hall had made a documentary about the Gateshead Grey in 2008. You can watch it here >>

The Gateshead Grey

Richard was born in 1967 in Ashington where his father was under manager of the coal mine. The family moved to Shotley Bridge in County Durham where he was educated at Blackfyne Comprehensive School in Consett. He obtained a scholarship and sponsorship from NEI Parsons Ltd to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Newcastle University, finally graduating in 1990. 

‘I worked as a professional engineer from 1986 to 2002 for Rolls Royce Industrial Controls and later for Joyce Loebl Limited. In 2002 I set up a computer repair business and did that until around 2008.’ explained Richard. 

‘In 2008 I started making videos on various subjects and published the work on my website richplanet.net. Since then, I have made hundreds of videos and films about a wide range of subjects. From 2009 to 2015 I had my own TV show on the Sky Satellite platform.’

How did you first come across the story of the Gateshead Grey?

‘I put an advert in the Evening Chronicle for a lecture I was giving at Caedmen Hall in Gateshead about UFOs. The main witness, Robert Hall (no relation) saw my advert and contacted me and told me about his story. He gave me a copy of an article that had been written about his case by former detective and UFO researcher Gary Heseltine. So, I decided to look into it as I lived locally at the time.’

What was the outcome from your research into the Gateshead Grey?

‘At the time I was persuaded by the evidence that something along the lines of his claims did happen. Since then, having investigated many more cases, I am more sceptical about people’s claims – having learned just how un-reliable witnesses can be – for lots of different reasons.’

‘However, in Robert’s case, many things in his narrative are true. For example, Sergeant Brooks did have a beat on Saltwell Road at that time, there was a coal yard where he said, Mona Hollands shop did exist and the names of the children. So, if he was fabricating his story, he has carefully woven many real provable details into his account.’

‘I do feel something happened. One woman I managed to trace, who was one of the girls who Robert said were frantically climbing over the railway fence to get away from the scene, wrote me a note after I tried to speak to her – warning me strongly never to contact her. Her reaction to me simply asking if anything happened was indicative that she was petrified – or not allowed to even talk about it.’

‘I cannot put my hand on my heart and say it happened as Robert described. If I was to pick up the case again, I would start by transcribing all of his interviews and have them analysed by a statement analyst who will be able to say confidently whether he was fabricating or recalling real things.’ 

‘I have used expert statement analysist a lot in more recent investigations – in order to determine the veracity of witnesses. I am totally open minded on Robert’s story.’

How did you first get interested in media work?

‘I heard an interview in the 1990s with Bob Lazar who claimed he had worked on recovered UFOs at area 51 in America. Since then, I have always had an interest in UFOs. Around 2005 I became aware of the UFO Disclosure Project ran by Dr Stephen Greer, which further cemented my interest in the subject.’

‘I started making my own videos and films on the subject around 2008. From around 2011 I started delving into other areas where I believe the truth is being hidden from the public at large, and have produced many films on controversial subjects.’

Have there been any unusual events or surprises when researching a story?

‘I’ve had a death threat in a phone call, plus death threats by email. There have been many surprises. When you set off to investigate and find your own evidence and seek out witnesses who have not spoken before, the picture is never exactly as it has been portrayed in the media.’

‘One surprise was to meet a key witness in the Derek Bird mass shooting incident in Cumbria 2010, who stood and watched the gunman at close range for over a minute and described him as a completely different person to the alleged gunman.’ 

‘Other surprises involve being visited or telephoned by police to warn me about certain investigations. When I started investigating the Jill Dando case, I got a phone call from former Tory MP and author Jeffrey Archer, that was a big surprise. Being jumped on by mainstream journalists and filmed has happened several times.’

What are you working on now?

‘I am writing a book entitled ‘Revising Everything’ looking at the creation of the Universe, the Earth, life, gods, history, power, technology etc. My take on everything basically which corrects or ‘revises’ a lot of the untruths that people carry around in their heads.’

For further information go to the official website >>>

RICHPLANET TV – Exposing Media Lies

Alikivi    October 2026

HEY HO LETS GO RADIO – in conversation with radio presenter Keith Newman

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I listen to all styles of music it’s been a constant through my life. Even when you’re sad there are tunes that can pick you up. I’ve seen bands like Crass the more abrasive side of punk but I love the power pop as well. I may be a big punk rock fan but also love ABBA… explained Radio Northumberland presenter Keith Newman. We talked about his passion for music and the special moments when you are a teenager blown away watching your first concerts and meeting a band.

Thanks to local historian Steve Elwood for the advert taken from the Evening Chronicle.

It was May 79 and The Dickies were doing a signing session in HMV, Newcastle. Banana Splits was their latest single and they were signing copies. I nicked off school to get there it seemed like everybody else had the same idea cos it was rammed with queues of kids to see the band.

HMV had a big window at the front and with all the pressure of the kids pressed up against it, it smashed into the shop – and me with it.

Police were called, the kids scattered – I never got me autographs. But it was on the telly and my mother saw it and I got knacked. Years later when interviewing Stan Lee from The Dickies I mentioned the HMV incident and he couldn’t believe I was there. We got on great after that.

Actually, the first band I saw was The Dickies at Newcastle Mayfair, most anticipated gig was first time for the Ramones at Newcastle City Hall.

Keith on stage with the Village Idiots.

In 1980 we formed a punk band called The Village Idiots, we rehearsed in a portacabin in Leazes Park, Newcastle. We played three gigs in all, shouting and screaming, we couldn’t play – it was just noize.

Our first gig was on a bill with four other bands playing for the patients in Prudhoe Mental Hospital. Before going on we were interviewed live for Hospital radio. When I told the interviewer the name of the band his face dropped and quickly cut us off. Subsequently we were banned off the radio – a very punk thing to do.

We opened for Total Chaos at The Garage in Newcastle it was a real punk venue. Total Chaos were a proper band and we were on with them – couldn’t believe it! Thing is I remember we were bad but now I get some people saying yeah I was at that gig and The Village Idiots were great. I say no we weren’t. We were crap. Really we were.

It’s a strange thing…three gigs and immortality…we’re down in folklore! There’s even a photograph of us in the book about North East bands Closest Thing to Heaven. After the Idiots I joined a band called Damian – and they could play. Very goth, Iggy Pop – Lou Reed sounding – we also had two female backing singers.

I also run a PR company called Highlights PR and how I got started in radio was through a business contact. Ultra Radio were based in Ashington and I asked to be punk DJ. That went well until the licence ran out so myself and another DJ, Stewart Allen, formed Radio Northumberland 15 years ago.

It’s only on the internet at the minute although plans are to go DAB next year plus we’ve just moved into a new studio in Alnwick. We’re always looking for some sponsorship to help with the costs – anybody out there just get in touch.

The show New Wave with Newman has built up a decent following. It’s live every Monday night where I play Ramones, Undertones, Skids those types of bands. 1979 was my favourite year for music.

The show also showcases a lot of local bands, its great to see their development, Slalom D from Sunderland have done really well after releasing two albums and playing Rebellion Festival in Blackpool.

The show not only gives me the chance to play the music I love but to meet my heroes. The first interview I did was Jake Burns from Stiff Little Fingers, then The Dickies – I even took Stan Lee shopping in Newcastle for a new ipad.

Keith and Marky Ramone.

But the one that got me really nervous was with Marky Ramone. I found he was doing a DJ set in Newcastle. He was so cool and recorded a few spoken intro’s that I used on my show ‘Hi this is Marky Ramone from the Ramones and this is ‘Sheena is a Punk Rocker’. Fantastic.

I first saw them in 1980 at Newcastle City Hall and bought the t-shirt from the gig which I never took off. I remember next day I was going to a corner shop in Forest Hall to get me ma’s tabs – yep we could in those days – and I could see a coach outside. As I got near it pulled away.

I went in the shop and the assistant said ‘eeh see those lads on your t-shirt – they’ve just been in here. They were Americans asking for milk and cookies’. I couldn’t believe it I ran outside but the coach was away up the street.

For years I wondered if it really was them so when I talked to Marky I asked him about it and he told me Johnny Ramone had OCD and after every gig he had to have milk and cookies.

I also interviewed CJ Ramone on zoom and that was interesting how he talked about the legal wranglings about getting a percentage of the merchandise. Another Ramone drummer I talked to was Ritchie, I arranged to meet him before soundcheck and we caught up in an Italian restaurant. He was really nice we chatted for an hour. The kitchen staff and waitress were Ramones fans so they came over – yeah it was great he was really easy going and signed my albums.

Thing is I’ve interviewed Skids, Undertones and Baz Warne from The Stranglers – just loads of these supposed to be nasty punks – when they were all really nice to talk to. Martin Metcalfe from Goodbye Mr McKenzie was the latest. I rate them as a good band.

What does music mean to me? I just love music. I do the radio, I do the Tyne Idols Bus Tour, I do a lot of PR work with bands like Eddie and the Hot Rods and music festivals – that’s me bread and butter. Yes, music has been important in my life not just for relaxation but for work.

It’s also good to see when friendships are formed through the radio show. We have listeners in Scotland, Teesside and Cumbria, and strangely the most popular area is Sunderland. There are listeners now in USA and Canada – probably folk who used to live in the North East.

There are a lot of shows on Radio Northumberland where you hear the authentic Geordie voice which a lot of listeners like. Yes we’re really grateful to the people who tune in.

www.radionorthumberland.com

http://www.highlightspr.co.uk

www.tyneidols.com

Alikivi   October 2024