Welcome to the July/August Edition of Citylife.

It's summer in the city and you've got no excuses for staying indoors. From chilling out to music in the parks to summer tennis coaching, there's something for everyone.

We've also got lots of news on how we're making the city clean, green and a great place to live for people and wildlife. Find out how you can help put some buzz back into and get an update on the city's red squirrels.

News

Help make Harry number one
There is still time to make Harry Pyle of the Cowgate Neighbourhood Response Team the Council Worker of the Year

Now we’re smoke-free
Now that smoking is no longer allowed in the majority of indoor workplaces, our enforcement officers will be out and about to help make sure businesses and members of the public understand what is expected under the new law.

A ton of fun!
One hundred children will join teams from the other four Tyne and Wear authorities at Gateshead International Stadium to try out and develop their competitive skills.

Newcastle – a great place
Parts of Newcastle city centre feature in a shortlist of ‘the greatest places’ in the UK.

Diamond nursery celebrates
Newcastle’s oldest nursery will celebrate in style this summer after reaching a milestone birthday.

Positive thinking
A new project is helping young people in Byker to understand different cultures.

Your views are important to us
We need your views to help us improve our services.

City of Newcastle upon Tyne, Local Government Act 2000 - Part III
As from 24 May 2007, the City Council has adopted a new Code of Conduct that defines the standards of conduct which will be required of members of the City Council in carrying out their duties.

The future’s orange for Newcastle’s eateries
Carrots are going to be the most sought-after vegetable in Newcastle after being chosen as the symbol of healthy eating and good food hygiene in a new award scheme for the city.

Have your say on student housing
In the last edition of Citylife we told you that a report looking at Purpose Built Student Housing was being prepared.

Keeping tabs on childcare
We’ve started looking at the availability of childcare places in the city.

Showing the way in Europe…and the World!
Guests from as far away as Brazil, Nigeria, The Philippines, India and South Africa visited Newcastle this June – to take a look at what we’re doing to involve you in the decisions which affect you.

Features

The Round raises the curtain
Newcastle’s newest theatre opens its doors for a very special sneak peek over the Ouseburn Festival weekend in July.

More silverware for Shearer
Shearer’s Bar is Best Bar None – and that’s official!

New service to stop homophobia
What is homophobia? If someone is harassed because of their sexuality, this is homophobia.

Summer Events 2007
Everything you need to know to keep you busy this summer.

Newcastle launches Safeguarding Adults Unit
We're giving vulnerable older people more support and protection.

Quick and easy winnings
Paying your Direct Debit is easy. And for competition winner Miss Doreen Francis of Jesmond it was a quick and easy way to win £500.

Teenage Kicks bring relationship advice to city youngsters
A new scheme aimed at cutting teenage pregnancy and halting the spread of sexually transmitted infections in Newcastle has been launched this summer.

Another brick in the wall
Newcastle’s latest home for artists and creative businesses is open.

Ice to meet you
We introduce you to three more of the traders now in the new Green Market at High Friars – Angelo’s, Dances with Unicorns and Incanation.

Getting a-head
The Grainger Market is now the place to be for film lovers who want their very own piece of movie memorabilia.

Plumbing the heights
If you were asked to think about a plumber, it’s safe to say that Jane Bell isn’t the person who would first spring to mind.

Star People
Children, their carers and people who work in healthcare were the stars of the show as they were presented with awards to celebrate children with disabilities and those who help them.

Focus on Schools

Building schools for the future
Students at Walbottle Campus can’t wait to start learning in their new school.

A winning team
It’s official - this football team is the best under 13s squad in the country!

A fond farewell
The end of term meant the end of an era for students at Walker Technology College when kitchen worker Ann McBeath retired after 33 years.

A special room for pupils
A very special room to stimulate children’s senses has opened at Grange First School in Gosforth.

Grow for it!
Youngsters at Dinnington First School really ‘dig’ their new garden.

Going wild
Pupils at a Newcastle school turned to an expert when they wanted some tips on looking after their new wildlife garden.

A magic first birthday
These youngsters think that going to nursery is just magic.

Regulars

Keep cool this summer
Most of us enjoy sunny summer weather, but extreme heat can seriously damage your health.

Help us in our search for our stars
Thousands of you come into contact with our staff every day. They could be collecting your rubbish; taking your council tax payment; or caring for you at home.

Bridging NewcastleGateshead
The latest news from your area.

Community News
All the news from your neighbourhood

Safe Neighbourhoods – Making your area safer
Safe Neighbourhoods is working with local people in Newcastle after you told us you would like us to find ways of solving problems or concerns about crime, community safety and anti-social behaviour in your local neighbourhood.

Improving Your Environment

Bottles to Benches
Byker pupils were invited to ‘take a seat’ for a unique lesson in the benefits of recycling.

Recycling news
All the latest recycling news, including plastic recycling, getting rid of your old yellow pages and keeping your personal information safe.

Don’t let your food go to waste
Many of us will remember not being allowed to leave the dinner table until we’ve finished everything on our plate. Well, now we could be taking the food away for you!

Do you love your city?
It’s no fun stepping out of your front door and seeing piles of litter, or trying to avoid pushing your buggy through piles of dog mess. Dirt and grime get us all down.

August Bank Holiday bin collections
August Bank Holiday bin collections

Wanted: Red and alive
Gosforth Park Nature Reserve may look peaceful to visitors, but it’s at the frontline of a desperate battle.

The plight of the bumblebee
The birds are singing. Children are playing. But what’s that summer sound we’re missing? It’s the buzz of our bumblebees.

Elisha gave names to both the animals
Elisha Thompson was a very special guest at Pets’ Corner in Jesmond Dene after winning our competition to name the attraction’s two new pygmy goats.

Sleep soundly – seven nights a week
If your sleep is being ruined by next door’s stereo or barking dog, our Night Watch service can help.

What do you do all day? A tremendous job!
Mark has every kid’s dream of a job, he climbs trees for a living