Welcome to the July/August edition of Citylife. We're in holiday mood this issue. The Vamos festival is bringing a taste of Latin living to Newcastle and there are also lots of exciting summer events for all ages - and all weathers!
Scotswood's Alive and KickingThe Scotswood Footy ‘n’ Fun Day took place in May on the fields between Scotswood Sports Centre and Grainger Park Boys’ Club.
Show Racism the Red CardEmmerdale's Charlie Hardwick and Newcastle United's Kieron Dyer joined some of the city's children at the Civic Centre to support Show Racism the Red Card.
New executive team for Newcastle City CouncilCouncillor Peter Arnold stepped down as Leader of the Council. He was succeeded by Councillor John Shipley who represents Parklands.
National Consumer Direct advice line goes liveYou can now access a new, national consumer helpline and online sevice - Consumer Direct.
Are you interested in how we spend your money?Then why not get involved in the development of our budget
Major step forward for Newcastle's regional conference centre and super casino bidThe Casino Advisory Panel has confirmed that Newcastle City Council’s submission for a super casino will go through to the next round, which will decide where the UK’s first super casino will be built. The city is now one of eight left in the running.
New web training to keep children safe from abusePeople who work with children can now access an innovative way of child protection training via the website aimed at small organisations.
Bowled OverIt may not have been Newcastle United’s year, again, but one local team is celebrating after becoming National Champions.
Summer in the City – Newcastle LibrariesMake the most of the summer - enjoy the huge range of events that are taking place in libraries across the city.
Summer in the City – Sure Start WestgateWhat's on with Sure Start Westgate during the summer
A royal improvementAt the beginning of July, the curtain comes down at the Theatre Royal for three and a half months while the stage is extended by 76 square metres and a new flying system is installed.
A feast for the imaginationAfter a two year £9 million refurbishment, which the council helped support, the Newcastle Playhouse re-opens at the end of August.
New square unveiledThe city also has a brand new public space. Waterloo Square, the latest and largest development on St James’ Boulevard, is now complete.
Summer in the City - Free family entertainment and children's craftsWhat's on for children at the Grainger Market this summer
Year of Exercise and Sport - Newcastle United trump Catalans againNewcastle United beat Barcelona
Bridging NewcastleGatesheadBridging NewcastleGateshead is a 15 year project set up by the government to tackle problems caused by low demand and abandoned housing and the effect it has on local communities.
Tales from the TyneTyne Bridge Publishing is launching a new book about life and work on the River Tyne in times gone by.
We're getting onWe’re always trying to find new ways to help our staff get new skills and qualifications
Persian Book CollectionFrom romance to adventure, intrigue to fact, readers can now choose from over 200 books in our new Persian Book Collection.
Signals look good for MichaelMichael Little has had plenty to celebrate recently. As well as turning 21, he won this year’s Bob Brown Youth Award for being the best trainee in our Neighbourhood Services section
Stuck with a crossword clue? Got some homework to do? Don't worry.Now you don't even have to leave the house to use the huge range of reference materials at our libraries.
Summer in the City – Newcastle Libraries’ Disney on Ice CompetitionNewcastle Libraries and Disney on Ice are offering a great competition to see the Princess Classics Show
Summer in the City – Summer in the Parks 2006This summer enjoy music and entertainment in many of the city's parks.
Summer in the City – Rangers’ EventsRangers' events for children this summer
Summer in the City – Newcastle Children’s Information ServiceThe Children's Information Service point you in the direction of childcare this summer
Putting Maggie back in touch with the worldMaggie Lamb got help from Newcastle's Sensory Support Team
Summer in the City – Scotswood Natural Community Garden Annual Family Fun day and the parent and toddler group
New Lord Mayor marks ceremonyIn May, Newcastle City Council welcomed Councillor Diane Packham as the new Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne
Year of Exercise and Sport – You’re never too old The Year of Exercise and Sport aims to get everyone leading a more active lifestyle, regardless of their age.
Summer in the City – Newcastle LeisureThere's loads going on at your local leisure centre swimming pool.
Summer in the City – Play and Youth Service Activities Our Play and Youth Service has activities to suit all tastes this summer
Summer in the City – ‘Bounce’ into SummerYoung people aged 5-16 and living in Newburn, Lemington, Denton and Westerhope can 'bounce' into summer this year.
Summer in the City – BBC Blast on TourBBC Blast's mobile media village will be at Exhibition Park
Year of Exercise and Sport - Take a run in the sun2006 is the Year of Exercise and Sport (YES) in Newcastle. It's a chance for you to get involved in sport, exercise and health-related activities.
Summer in the City – Museums and galleriesFind out what's going on at the Shipley Art Gallery, the University Gallery Saturday Art Club and the Hatton Gallery
Summer in the City – Newcastle MelaNewcastle Mela, August Bank Holiday weekend
Year of Exercise and Sport - Help establish a new traditionJoin in the Elswick Cup 5 k race.
Summer in the city – Ouseburn FestivalA range of music, arts and theatre will take ove the Ouseburn Valley on July 21, 22 and 23.
Food safety Summer tipsWe're enjoying wonderful weather, it would be a shame to spoil it with food poisoning.
A twinkle in their eyes Being a parent is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Now there's a group to help expectant couples cope with the changes that are in store.
Eyesore gets the elbowWork has started on the demolition of Westgate House – the unpopular 70’s office block which straddles Westgate Road.
Quick and easy winningsPaying your Council Tax by Direct Debit is quick and easy.
Year of Exercise and Sport - say 'YES' to win Lord Mayor's CupPupil's passion for the Year of Exercise and Sport helped them to win the Lord Mayor's Cup.
Age no barrier to enjoying games As we already know, older people are playing a full part in the Year of Exercise and Sport 2006. The enthusiasm the over 50s have shown for exercise and sport is ample proof that, no matter what your age, you never lose your capacity for having fun and playing games.
VAMOS! Latin & Lusophone FestivalNewcastleGateshead 7 - 16 July. 10 explosive days celebrating the best in Latin and Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) cultures.
Health of Newcastle is getting better - but there is still more to do...... That is the view of Newcastle's leading public health experts in a new report.
Year of Exercise and Sport - Get more from Leisure PlusDo you work in Newcastle? Have the people in your workplace been saying they need to get more active?
Help us in our search for our stars We'd like to hear from you if you think a member of Newcastle City Council staf has given you service which has exceeded your expectiations.
A new library for NewcastleWe've chosen a company called Kajima to build the new library, which is part of a £40.2m Private Finance Initiative. The project also includes a new library for High Heaton.
One Big WeekOne Big Week was one big success – with local people giving great ideas on how Scotswood and Benwell should be shaped in the future.
Moving homeWe go through many different stages in our lives, which all bring new challenges. This brief guide tells you more about the information and services we can offer you at Newcastle City Council
An Inca-redible band!Their music may come from a far off continent, but the Peruvian band Apu are a Geordie institution.
Historic city square to be restored to its former gloryOld Eldon Square is set to benefit from the £180m development of Eldon Square.
Year of Exercise and Sport - Gymnastic stars set to amaze crowds.Be inspired to balance on the beam by watching a major gymnastics tournament between the senior women's teams of Great Britain and Romania.
Get paid to study!If you're 16 or older and you're in full time education you could get financial support while you study
Are you a parent caring for a child with a disabilty?Are you interested in improving services for children with disabilities?
Finding the right route for youNew information pack to help young people decide what courses are best for them
Young offenders help childrencharity, North East Children's cancer run, Newcastle Youth Offending Team
Let's go 'Aura' wayWe've chosen the company that will work with us on the £180m Building Schools for the Future project
Pupils step out on the catwalkChildren at a Newcastle school swapped the playground for the catwalk last month
Fostering unit helps promote fire safety awarenessOur fostering staff heling to promote fire safety messages and highlight the work of foster carers
On the move!Board game to helping chilren with the move up to secondary school
An Indian Summer for studentsA group of 26 Newcastle students are getting ready for the trip of a lifetime to a remote region of India
Building the West EndOver 100 projects taking place in the West End to reduce crime, improve schools, tackling health issues, improving homes and helping people into work
Time to spare?Why not become a volunteer?
Open - and that's officialIt's been all change at Denton Burn Community Centre
Diary will help you take controlEpilepsy Action has produced a 'Take Control' diary to help people with epilepsy record their daily experiences
AbilityNet sessions for parentsAbilityNet will host free Parent Information Days in Newcastle
Martha and Mary go greenIt's always nice to have a cuppa and chat to friends. But it's even nicer when you can sip your tea while sitting outside in the sun
Get cancer advice on the high streetMacmillan Cancer Support's Mobile Cancer Information Centre will visit Newcastle on 14 and 15 August
Could your project cash in?A new grant is available for voluntary and community organisations in the city
There's a lot going on at Shandon WayAre you hoping to get healthy and active this summer? Shandon way Community Centre in Kenton can help
At the heart of ScotswoodDo you want to know what's happening in Scotswood? Then go along to Scotswood Neighbourhood Centre
Show your support for Samaritans first 24:7 DaySamaritans first-ever national findraising and awareness day
Turning waste into winningsAnnouncing the winners of the "Don't Bin it, Win it" recycling prize draw
Gardeners show off!The Allotment Garden Show on 3rd September
Watch out – noise annoysCelebrating Noise Action Week and the first anniversary of Night Watch
Changes to community housing officesHow Your Homes Newcastle are improving service at community housing offices.
Do your bitFind out how you can make a start to improve the environment.
Changes to Bulky Collection ServiceWe are introducing some charges for our Bulky Article Collection Service from July 1
Down your wayWe want to make it easier for you to find out what's happening in your area and to make a difference to what happens there.
Wildabout the garden - butterfliesMost butterflies can’t fly long distances without feeding and resting. But their traditional habitats and food plants are being lost. This is leading to the decline of many species. So make your garden or yard a lifeline for them.
Have your say on rights of wayDo you like to walk, cycle or ride? Your views are needed to help improve rights of way in Tyne and Wear.
Recycle your old Yellow PagesRecycle your old Yellow Pages New Yellow Pages are being delivered in Newcastle during July.
Improved service offers a better deal to tenantsYour Homes Newcastle has launched an improved service for repairing tenants' homes.
Scoop that poopNational Poop Scoop Week starts on June 26 - a timely reminder to dog owners that they should always clean up after their dog.
Newcastle's Battlefield is a winnerA project that’s creating new woodland and meadow grassland has won a national award.
Envirocall performanceWe want to make sure you’re happy with the service you get from Envirocall. That is why we constantly monitor our performance and ask customers if they’re happy with the service they get.
August Bank Holiday – Changes to bin collections in NewcastleAugust Bank Holiday changes to bin collections in Newcastle
Cutting the CO2 in conferencesCivic Centre is offering a Carbon Neutral Events service to conference organisers
Access to nature made easierFind out where to spot wildlife in the North East by logging on to Northumberland Wildlife Trust@rsquo;s new website, www.nwt.org.uk.
Turning green to goldA heap of litter or a box of recycling is probably the last place you'd expect to strike gold. But that wasn't the case for pupils at Trinity Deneview School.