Coastal View Issue 117 by Coastal View and Moor News

Free Online at www.coastalviewandmoornews.co.uk The Community Newspaper for the Towns and Villages of East Cleveland, Redcar & North York Moors, telling the real news and views of the people of our region Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

O’Grady’s lockdown support

here have been many individual stories about people in our communities doing great things for others during lockdown and this is one of them. We spoke to Roy Myers, owner of the O’Grady’s pub in Redcar about what he and his staff, plus many other contributors have done during these strange times we are currently living in. How and Why? “In the first Lockdown, my Dad - who lives in Ripon - had to shield and isolate. The family live away so we were concerned how he would cope at 86 years young. A young lady in Ripon was delivering home cooked meals from her kitchen, Annette Marie

Kite. Her mother is a friend of our family so I got in touch “I paid for the vegetables for her for the year, and still do from one of our suppliers in Ripon (K E Bland). “Approximately two months ago she had a fall and could not do the meals, so restaurants in Ripon stepped in, and OGradys sent meals down for one of the weeks. “O’Gradys staff felt a lot of pride in making this gesture and asked me the question “Why can’t we do this in Redcar?” “The staff have planned, financed and delivered the following; and will continue over a six week period. The energy and ideas have been brilliant!

“They asked Redcar Facebook users to nominate people who they may be able to help in some small way. The results are here for all to see! “Our Restaurant has now become a Foodbank and all donations are gratefully accepted. Customers, friends and suppliers have made fantastic financial and food donations and O’Gradys thanks every single one of them for their kindness and generosity. Without them it would not be possible.” Staff and Contributors: Staff involved: Allan, Mike, Chris, Joanne, Ron, Doreen, Ian, Dave, Helen, Roy and Jan Other donations: Charlie Challinor – CJ Carpets, Sarah Jane

Ashcroft, Alistair Reed, Steve Scothorne, Matt Burrows – Mr Chinleys Emporium, Julie Shackleton, Rob Butler, Simon Whinyates, Nikki Louise Donnelly, Louise Dent, Simon Mawson, Dave and Nikki Smith, Bryan Lillivick, Darren Stapleton and Norman Watson. Roy went on to say: !We have completed a football blind card, and will continue these fortnightly to add to the money pot. We plan to organise an Easter Egg bonus ball and various other fundraisers over the period. “Donations have landed in the form of money, food donations, delivery assistance and voluntary work. “The foodbank donations will support “Footprints in the Community”, a local charity helping to alleviate poverty in Redcar. “In addition to this, O’Gradys is providing hot meals twice weekly for the “Ladies of Steel” to distribute to the most vulnerable people in Dormanstown. “Finally, we are in the process of collating toiletries to donate to “Link Charitable Trust” of Redcar, a mental health charity working to support vulnerable people especially during this pandemic. “We are supporting them further by providing them with a training room free of charge, packed lunches for their twice-weekly arranged walking days (which will resume when lockdown subsides) and a meeting space and hot meal for their men’s group (again, post-lockdown).” Well done to O’Gradys and to everyone else involved in making these amazing and generous acts of kindness possible. If you know someone who is going above and beyond for their local community then please let us know, so we can tell their story! Send emails to editor@ coastalviewandmoornews.co.uk

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Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Welcome to Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117

s I write this it’s the first day of the meteorological Spring and St David’s Day. The days are getting longer, the weather is getting better, well at least it’s stopped snowing for now and in less than four weeks time we will be springing forward the clocks to give us even longer days. It’s been almost one full year (March 7th) since Steve or myself left the village other than for doctor’s or vet’s appointments but the end of lockdown is now within our sights. The main thing that has kept us going over the last 12 months is being able to publish a newspaper, a reason to get up on a morning over these long dark Winter months. This has by no means been an easy task, but then it never really is but times are hard for so many of our advertisers. As you are all probably aware by now it’s the advertisers who cover the costs of producing each paper and for lots of them it’s not been easy either. But those who have been able’ have stuck by us and supported the paper making sure our local communities keep getting their own paper containing the news from our area which is important to them. We can never thank our loyal advertisers enough for the help and support over these ‘strange’ times we are living in at the moment. But let’s not forget the people who deliver your paper direct to your door, our great dedicated team of distributors. They have had to turn out in all kinds of weather, battling with rain, hail, ice, sleet and snow recently. For this, we thank them all. Our amazing NHS workers all over the country have been doing a great job. Not just looking after people getting sick with covid or any other ailments but for the vaccination programme which they have rolled out, especially in the North East at such a swift rate; even Matt Hancock the Health Secretary paid tribute to the efficiency of the North East in his recent news conference. On the subject of vaccines, Steve and I had our first one last week

and for the ones of you who are sceptical about having it, don’t even think twice. We received a phone call from our local GP Surgery, went two days later and within 10 minutes we were in an out. It was effortless, painless and the nurses were so pleasant and kind. Thanks Brotton Surgery, you’re doing a great job. By the way no nasty side effects either just a bit of an aching arm for a couple of days. When you get the call, don’t hesitate – say yes and do the right thing. As we gradually come out of lockdown more and more of our local businesses and institutions will be re-opening which means we will again be able to leave the paper in some outlets as before eg libraries, public buildings and shops. Hopefully next month we will be able to give you a more up to date list of these. On page 30 in this issue you will find details of what the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has announced regarding the easing of lockdown. This information was taken from the GOV>UK website and we hope you will find it useful. Before we finish for this month I want to tell you about a conversation Steve and I had yesterday as we talked about the things we have learned since the outbreak of this horrid pandemic. We already knew about the amazing communities we have in our area but there are some who have gone above and beyond to help others. This is what makes our area GREAT and from a personal point of view we will never forget all the acts of kindness shown to us over the months. We knew we had some good friends out there but we didn’t realise just how many. A MASSIVE thank you, to you all. Keep well, stay safe and be kind to one another. We hope you enjoy reading this issue.

holls

Lynne & Steve Nic

Next issue available from April 7th 2021 Editorial and Advertising deadline for this issue March 26th 2021 Coastal View & Moor News is published, produced and distributed by Genesis Media Promotions, 67 Guisborough Road, Moorsholm, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 3JA. Tel 01287 669418. Printed by Reach Printing Services Ltd Middlesbrough Copyright Genesis Media Promotions 2021

Genesis Media Promotions accepts no liability from any contract entered into with any advertiser. The publication of advertising in this newspaper does not imply any approval or recommendation by Genesis Media Promotions of those goods and services advertised. Any views stated in Coastal View & Moor News are not necessarily those of Genesis Media Promotions who remain impartial from and are not connected with any political parties and other organisations. We conform to the newspaper industry’s voluntary Code of Practice, administered by the Press Complaints Commission. If you feel that we have made an error in a report, or have fallen below our high standards please write in the first instance to Lynne Nicholls, Genesis Media Promotions, 67 Guisborough Road, Moorsholm, Saltburnby-the-Sea, TS12 3JA. Telephone 01287 669418 or email editor@coastalviewandmoornews.co.uk. For information about the Press Complaints Commission, including details of how to make a complaint telephone 0207 8310 0022 or visit www.pcc.org.uk

This month 25,000 copies! Due to many public buildings, libraries etc not able to be accessed by the general public and restrictions in some shops we have been unable to leave the paper in many of our normal outlets. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to get back to normal as soon as possible. We would like to remind you that Coastal View can be read via Facebook and Twitter as well as on the website at www. coastalviewandmoornews. co.uk Thank You

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Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Octogenarian with serious mobility issues gives up computers so a child has chance to do schoolwork

● FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER: Phil Brown with an iPad he is donating to a schoolchild.

big-hearted 83-year-old man with serious mobility issues has given up a computer and an iPad so that a child in the borough will have a better chance of doing schoolwork at home during lockdown. Phil Brown, a retired policeman who has lived in Guisborough since 1975, first donated a laptop computer and then an iPad to the #compsforkids campaign which aims to ensure every schoolchild in Redcar and Cleveland has a laptop or tablet. Dozens have been donated to the communityled campaign spearheaded by Redcar group Ladies of Steel, Marske and New Marske

Community Information Group (MNMCIG) and Redcar businessman Ja Reed of EnterIT who has been refurbishing the computers for free. However hundreds are still needed and the campaign is being backed by the council which is organising collections and working with schools to arrange the refurbishment of the computers. Mr Brown lives alone and has had a number of falls and has mobility issues, so computers are crucial for him to communicate and follow his passions, including family history, and he still has a new computer. The widower, originally from Barnsley, explained that the experience

Plaque stolen in Saltburn

By Mike Morrissey

n historic plaque marking motor speed record attempts on Saltburn beach has been stolen. Police are seeking the culprits who wrenched the metal plaque off its plinth in the gardens overlooking the pier in mid-February. The parish council put up the plaque a few years ago on the supporting wall near the telescope. It marked car speed trials by motorists including Sir Malcolm Campbell between 1906-37 - and helped to put Saltburn beach on the international map. Councillor Stuart Smith put a plea on Facebook for anyone with information to ring the parish council on 01287-623477.

of his own grandson motivated him to donate. He said: “It’s going back a few years but my grandson was diagnosed as quite badly dyslexic and was given a computer. The difference was really dramatic, he had a file for this and a file for that, and he began to fly. He ended up with a degree at Leeds University to do with business and computers, and he now actually teaches at a school. It shows the difference a computer can make to a child. My opinion is every school child should be given one if they haven’t got one.” In a joint statement, Karen King of MNMCIG, Ja Reed of EnterIT and Chris Powlay of Ladies of Steel, explained new hard drives were being bought where necessary and the computers were already making a big difference. The campaigners have been told of families with two or three children trying to do their schoolwork on one mobile phone. They said: “We’d like to personally thank Mr Brown for his wonderful donation and every last person who has donated. You are making a big, practical difference to children and young people right here on our doorstep.” Councillor Alison Barnes, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “This is lovely gesture from Mr Brown and it shows just how much people want to help those who are amongst the more disadvantaged of our young people, and give them a better and fairer chance to succeed. It’s a community campaign that we’re backing and the work of people like the Powlay family at Ladies of Steel and Ja Reed at EnterIT is truly outstanding. We have had several encouraging and warm messages from teachers, who have been frustrated because they couldn’t always

support a particular child. Now, through this initiative, they have been able to help them. It’s a wonderful campaign.” The devices are allocated by schools who can directly identify those in most need. Organisers stress that any laptops or tablets will be wiped of personal data free of charge and then upgraded before being passed on to your local schools. To donate a laptop or tablet, simply place the device in a sealed bag, call ahead to your local library or one of three other drop-off centres and you’ll be asked to sign an agreement form when you arrive. Library numbers are: Grangetown Library, 01642 454417; Marske Library, 01642 485440; Ormesby, 01642 314716; Skelton Library, 01287 650487; Redcar Library, 01642 444141; Guisborough Library, 01287 632668; South Bank Library, 01642 513699; Loftus Library, 01287 640582; Saltburn Library, 01287 623584. Alternatively, call ahead to Redcar Heart building, 01642 444100; Inspire2Learn in South Bank, 01642 467138; or the South Tees Business Centre, (just off the A66 near South Bank), 01642 438438 A plastic carrier bag sealed with tape will do for sealing. When dropping off a laptop or tablet, please remember to comply with social distancing. Cash donations will not be accepted by staff at the centres. The devices will be given to schools for allocation to the families most in need. More information about how to donate also available at the Ladies of Steel Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/ LadiesofsteelDormanstown

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Trees for Moorsholm Rec

● Cory Arnold, Next Step Shop Apprentice

Footprints in the Community’s Next Step Shop secures new funding and a new apprentice!

By Rachel Wall - Volunteer Coordinator

ext Step Shop is part of local charity Footprints in the Community, which is dedicated to reducing poverty and isolation in Redcar and the surrounding area. Next Step Shop has started 2021 in a very positive way, by securing a grant to expand its services and growing its existing team with a new young apprentice. The current Next Step Shop is based at 10 Queen Street in Redcar. It is a subsidised members’ shop, for anyone facing food poverty. The shop is usually the 'next step' for clients of Redcar Area Foodbank, who are still struggling to afford to feed themselves and their families after accessing Foodbank services. When someone needs support longer-term, the Next Step Shop is there to help. If people can afford to pay a small contribution of £2.50 towards their shopping, they can become a member and visit the shop on a weekly basis. For £2.50 they receive 10 items of food, with a retail value of £10-£15. Usually the food will be tins and packets, however sometimes fresh food is also available, such as fruit/veg and bread products, which can be taken in addition to the 10 items. Footprints in the Community has been looking for a way to bring this vital service closer to the communities who need it the most. They are now one step closer to making this a reality. Thanks to funding through Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council Community Grant, they will open a second Next Step Shop later in the Spring, at a new venue in Grangetown. Recruitment for the new shop will be starting soon, with opportunities for both

employed and volunteering roles. Just in time for National Apprenticeship Week 2021 (8-14 February), Next Step shop is also celebrating welcoming a new apprentice to their team. Cory Arnold from Redcar has been a volunteer with various Footprints in the Community projects for the last two years, including at Footprints Community Café, Lunchbox and Next Step Shop. During the pandemic Cory became a vital part of the shop team, making up parcels of everyday food essentials for delivery to shop members. His commitment to his volunteering role was recognised by Footprints, who wanted to help him start his career with the apprenticeship scheme. Cory said, "Volunteering has helped me with my general confidence and it’s something that I’ve really enjoyed doing. I'm happy to be able to continue helping local people, now that I’m an apprentice at Footprints in the Community.” Next Step Shop Manager Michael Kelly said “We are really pleased to have secured this new funding and our new apprentice! We know that for many people who are struggling to pay for necessities, Next Step Shop is a vital service; so it’s really important to be able to extend this support to another area of Cleveland. It’s just one of the Footprints in the Community projects helping people struggling with food poverty in the Redcar area, into 2021 and beyond.” To find out more about the work of Footprints in the Community visit www.footprintsinthecommunity. co.uk Referral agencies can find out more about shop membership by emailing nextstep@ footprintsinthecommunity.co.uk

By Councillor Steve Kay

ver the last few decades, one of my main projects has been to plant and maintain trees on Moorsholm Recreation Field, which is also a village green. When I first became a councillor, I decided that Moorsholm was short of trees. There were some mature sycamores and ash trees in St Mary’s churchyard, but that was about it. I needed a suitable site, where trees could flourish in a protected environment, and decided the Rec was a place where they would have a real chance of survival. At the time, there were only a couple of trees on the Rec. I could, however, see the potential for many more, around the perimeter, where they would not interfere with sporting activities. Having raised a small amount of money, former resident, David Williams, and I planted a willow about halfway along the Rec’s western boundary. But, without any nearby neighbours, it looked rather lonely, so I decided to involve the council. In the event, I hit the arboreal jackpot because the council agreed to plant 45 deciduous trees around the inner perimeter. I didn’t ask too many questions about the cost but, in today’s money, you’re talking about several thousand pounds. Over the intervening years, many of the trees have matured, but some have perished, and I’ve made a point of replacing them where necessary. In January, a half-dead ash, not far from the pavilion, was felled by the council. On the advice of Peter Sherry, the council’s arborist, I’ve had it replaced with two hornbeams, whilst filling another gap with a maple. As its contribution to the battle against climate change, Redcar & Cleveland Council

● Cllr Steve Kay on Moorsholm Recreation Field is proposing to plant thousands of trees across the borough. Moorsholm Rec is well ahead of the curve! POSTSCRIPT: I’d like to thank all the householders, farmers and organisations, throughout Lockwood Ward, who’ve planted trees in recent years. Trees, that enhance our villages play such an important role in carbon capture.

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Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Teesside International Airport celebrates 80th Birthday

eesside International Airport is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, as it looks to make 2021 a transformative year full of opportunity despite the coronavirus pandemic. The airport was born in January 1941, when the airfield for the World War Two bomber base, then named RAF Middleton St George, was opened. In April of that year, it would go on to welcome its first Whitley bombers of the RAF’s 78 Squadron. During the war, it was allocated as a base for the Royal Canadian Air Force, who remained there until 1945, flying Vickers Wellingtons, Halifaxes and Avro Lancasters. It was during this time that Canadian Andrew Mynarski, one of the airmen stationed at the base, was awarded the Victoria Cross. His bravery in trying to rescue his trapped Lancaster bomber crewmate as their plane went down over France in 1944 has never been forgotten and a statue in his honour still stands proudly on the airport’s grounds. Construction of a runway extension and airport passenger facilities started in 1957 and were completed in 1963, before the airport was brought into public ownership for the first time in 1964. The first civilian flight from the renamed Tees-side Airport, a Mercury Airlines service to Manchester, took off on 18 April of that year. In 2002, the airport was bought by Peel who operated it for a number of years before it was brought back into public ownership once again by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority. Since then, the airport has gone from strength to strength. It has re-established its connection with London Heathrow after more than a decade; developed new routes to domestic and holiday destinations with partners such as Eastern Airways, Loganair, Balkan Holidays and JetsGo Holidays; signed a new long-term deal with KLM providing important worldwide connectivity; met a major milestone earlier than expected in attracting

● Wimpey carrying out runway construction in1939 (Picture Geoﬀ Hill)

● Teesside Airport’s terminal in operation in July 1967 (Picture courtesy of The Northern Echo)

No.419 Squadron RCAF Lancaster at the airport when it was RAF Middleton St George (Picture Geoff Hill) Ryanair as its low-cost carrier and, next year, the UK’s biggest holiday company, TUI, will be offering flights to Palma, Majorca. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The airport has been an important part of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool for the past 80 years, much loved and well used by holidaymakers, business travellers, companies on-site and the RAF alike. “In this time, the airport has been central to our economy and social lives; it has welcomed famous faces including members of royalty, senior politicians and celebrities, and it is linked with incredible acts of bravery and heroism. This is not just down to Andrew Mynarski but all the members of Bomber Command, who night after night, month after month flew deep into Germanoccupied territory not knowing if the mission they were on would be their last.

“When we brought the airport back into public ownership to save it from closure, we pledged to turn it around and make it a success once again and that is exactly what we are doing. “Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we’re ahead of the game in our 10-Year Rescue Plan, having secured a low-cost carrier and welcomed many other airlines. We’re now pushing ahead with a transformational redevelopment of our terminal building to bring it up-to-date and make sure everyone who passes through our terminal has the best experience possible. “But the airport is much more than just flights. As part of my plan for jobs we’re continuing to push ahead with the Southside development to create a business park, a plan that will deliver thousands of good-quality, well-paid jobs for local people. “If we hadn’t bought our airport, 2021 would have been the year we commiserated the

closure of our airport rather than celebrating 80 extraordinary years in operation. “2021 is the year our airport takes off again and to mark this, we’ve created a new commemorative logo. I can’t think of any more fitting a celebration than securing the airport for the next 80 years – and more.” To support the increased services and passenger numbers, the terminal building is currently undergoing a huge redevelopment to its checkin and security areas, bringing back into use previously mothballed areas of the airport. The work, set to be complete in April, will transform the passenger experience, with the creation of new bars, two renovated executive lounges, a coffee shop and the return of duty free. Many of the airport staff have been working at Teesside for decades, with a number giving more than 30 years’ service. The longestserving member of staff is Neil Appleton, who works in the airport’s Mechanical Transport department as a fitter. He joined the airport in April 1977, so will be celebrating 44 years’ service this year. He said: “In the almost half-decade I’ve been here, I’ve seen it all – the airport’s brilliant times and the airport’s difficult times. But it’s always been a pleasure to work here and feel like you’re doing something important – I wouldn’t have stuck at it for so long if it wasn’t! “There’s a real sense of optimism and positivity with all the staff when we see all the work that’s being carried out, even though the coronavirus has been an awful blow for everyone. How far it’s come and the routes we’re now attracting are brilliant and show it has a bright future. “I’m really proud to have done my bit throughout the years and look forward to using it for leisure rather than work and taking advantage of the new flights when I do eventually retire!”

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Council to review car parking across Redcar and Cleveland

edcar & Cleveland Borough Council is to consider a car parking strategy which aims to improve car parking for residents, visitors and businesses across the borough. The Council’s cabinet will meet on Tuesday 9 March to consider a number of proposals that will guide the management of the Council’s car parking between 2021 - 2024. A number of the key proposals are well known issues to residents and have been drawn up to address the concerns. Some of the other proposals are new and will be subject to consultation with residents if agreed by Cabinet. The overall strategy looks to support vital work to reduce carbon emissions in the borough by incentivising the use of electric vehicles. Other key aims for the council are to make parking in and around retail centres as easy as possible, as well as introducing mobile parking apps and new cash-free ways of parking. The council would also seek to have more coherent charging across car parks as some venues in the area have charges and other similar facilities do not. The proposals being considered can be viewed within the cabinet papers. Work is already underway on some of the proposals whereas others are new schemes, which, if agreed, will be subject to public consultation. The car parking strategy does not make any changes to the established arrangements for Christmas parking or Blue Badge parking. Some of the proposals include: Free parking for electric vehicles 12-month pilot • The council will incentivise the use of electric vehicles by commencing a 12-month pilot, where free parking will be offered across all council car parks to those who use electric vehicles and other zero emission vehicles. Review the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to better manage parking at Newton-underRoseberry • Newton-under Roseberry is a very popular spot for visitors. At busy periods, many people park on the main highway impacting upon residents and the flow of traffic. Additional restrictions would help to make the village safer. • There is currently a parking charge levied on visitors at the nearby Guisborough Forest and Walkway, as well as the Roseberry Topping car park operated by North York Moors National Park. As an extremely popular visitor destination, it is proposed to introduce charges for the car park at Newton-under-Roseberry. Consider introducing parking restrictions in Hutton Village

• Hutton Village Road is a popular place to park for people wishing to access Guisborough Woods. To ensure that the area remains safe, as well as assist with traffic flow in and out of the village, the implementation of parking restrictions which are enforceable will be considered. To introduce Pay and Display car parking along Marine Parade in Saltburn alongside a residentonly parking zone. • This is a highly sought-after location for car parking, in a prime tourist location. In line with other similar locations in the borough, such as Redcar Esplanade, it would be appropriate to introduce a fee to park. There is however a recognition that at peak times the demand for parking can impact on residents in the “Jewel Streets”. To protect resident parking and that of their visitors it is proposed to introduce a free permit scheme, that would also allow parking on Marine Parade. The council would consult with residents to ensure they are not adversely affected by any resident permit scheme. • Cabinet will also be considering schemes specific to Saltburn, including the introduction of a separate car park at the Pumping Station (opposite Cat Nab), extending Cat Nab car park and increasing capacity on Marine Parade. The proposals would see 194 extra car parking spaces across the three locations, including extra electric vehicle charging points and disabled bays. Designate and publicise Majuba Road as a campervan-friendly car park for overnight use • Redcar and Cleveland’s attractions, especially coastal, attract a number of visitors by campervan throughout the year. Having designated locations where the caravans can park overnight is an attempt to add some structure to this parking. This may also require additional enforcement of motorhome/campervan parking in other areas of the borough. Consider the implementation of time limited parking and improved signage at Windy Hill Lane, Marske • This is the main car park in Marske centre for those wishing to access the retail offer, library, primary schools, and the football club. Introducing time limited parking would increase the turnover in the car park and enable more people to access the village’s amenities. Introducing car parking charges at Flatts Lane Country Park • Flatts Lane Woodland and Country Park is a popular, well used spot in Greater Eston, attracting local visitors as well as those from further afield wishing to take in the site or visit Eston Nab and moor. The onsite offer closely

mirrors the offer at Guisborough Forest and Walkway, it is therefore proposed that car parking charges are introduced at Flatts Lane to mirror the fees for Guisborough. If approved, it is envisaged that some proposals could even be introduced ahead of summer this year, including enforceable restrictions introduced at Cowbar, as well as additional barriers and restrictions preventing overnight parking installed on the Stray, and improved visitor amenities in Majuba Car Park. A spokesperson for Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “Many of these proposals are based on feedback we have received from residents.

“Our borough is diverse and beautiful and home to many different types of businesses. We have popular coastal destinations such as Saltburn and Redcar which attract lots of local day trippers looking to enjoy time by the sea. “Our aim is to ensure visitors and businesses have access to first class car parking, whilst protecting the interests of our residents. We also want to move with the times and make it easier for people to pay for parking and introduce electric vehicle charging points. “This is just the start of the process. If Cabinet agree to proceed with the schemes, residents will be able to be involved in the consultation process to give their feedback on the new proposals.”

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Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

March 31st

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Middlesbrough College students give it their best shot in fight against COVID

aring students from Middlesbrough College have volunteered on the front line in the vaccination effort against COVID-19. More than 20 students studying Health and Social Care courses at all levels are working alongside nurses and doctors at The James Cook University Hospital. Debi McKeown, lead nurse for Therapeutic Care, has been coordinating the eager volunteers who’ve been praised for their efforts. She said: “The students are doing a fantastic job to help us get people vaccinated in the hospital. “They’ve been showing patients where they

need to go, making them cups of tea, chatting with them to make them feel less nervous and even running samples to our labs. “It’s made even better by the fact they’ve all personally chosen to be here at such an important time for the NHS. They’re all absolutely amazing and I really can’t praise them enough.” The Middlesbrough College group represents all levels of learning – including Level 3, Access courses and foundation degree courses – and all are working towards careers in healthcare. Rachel Page hopes to be a midwife and is studying on a foundation degree course at the College, through its partnership with The

Desperation Appeal

Open University. The 44-year-old has been working on the hospital’s Maternity Ward, offering company and support to expectant mums. She said: “When the pandemic hit, I knew I had to use my skills to help, and being part of the vaccine rollout effort has been a great experience. I’m so pleased to have played a part. “Being on the Maternity Ward is also really useful for me as I’m finding out more about being a midwife.” Michelle Fleming, 35, has recently secured an apprenticeship with the Ambulance Service, she said: “Helping out with the vaccination programme was quite daunting at first but it was hugely rewarding and I met some lovely people. “It was a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-

on experience and with University interviews coming up it shows we’ve got some knowledge of inside the hospital. It’s been great to be involved in.” Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive at Middlesbrough College, added: “Our students never fail to impress with their can-do attitude and willingness to help others. “The volunteers are doing all of us proud and I know they’re putting into practice the specialist skills they’ve learned from their tutors who’ve worked in hospitals. “This group just goes to show that we’re a caring college that is at the heart of the community. The last 12 months might have been unsettling for many but our students have shown fantastic resilience.”

Challenge Alex to

save you money on your mortgage By Philip Chisholm - Secretary

of Marske Brass Band

arske Brass Band was established in 1875, over our 146 years the community has taken our performances to their hearts. There are historical parts of our community that stand out as ancient landmarks, St Germain's Church and Saltburn Pier while the Brass Band is a living, breathing medium and part of our towns fellowship, a resource our people look to, to celebrating events and occasions within the towns of Saltburn Marske and the North Yorkshire Coastline towns. The Band has not been able to create any performance income since March 2020! Meanwhile the support bills, insurance, instrument and band room repairs and refurbishment continue to call heavily upon our cash reserves. The Band has worked very hard to save £10K towards our £20K proposed Junior band room extension, our working yearly cash of £4K has been spent, sadly we are now eating into this cash far too quickly and desperately without an end in sight. As a result I would like to appeal to our

towns folk to help raise cash for Marske Brass Band 1875. If you would like to give and support Marske Band contact Philip Chisholm Secretary 12 Stirling Road Redcar TS10 2JU 07802 936 414

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Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

‘The Grinkle Monster’ comes to life in East Cleveland by local artist Gillian Gilmour on behalf of East Cleveland Good Neighbours

he Grinkle Monster has been entertaining the young people of East Cleveland since the beginning of the 1st lockdown 2020 and now he has his very own book to raise funds for the local community of East Cleveland. The book brings together all the wonderful illustrations and breathes life into ‘The Grinkle Monster’ who has been visiting the rural communities in East Cleveland with tales of

history and local legends. Gillian Gilmour creator said, “The Grinkle Monster is about bringing to a younger audience a sense of pride in the rich cultural history of the area in these very difficult times”. Gillian lives in a small village in East Cleveland. She is an artist, teacher, and Town Councillor, who taught Art, Textiles and English for many years in a secondary school in Leeds.

Much of her artwork has been inspired by the history and heritage of this area. Gillian is a volunteer for the local group East Cleveland Good Neighbours who have provided vital support across the 13 villages of East Cleveland. It is throughEast Cleveland Good Neighbours that the Grinkle Monster was born as an activity for younger members of our community.During this work,the Good

Neighbours have provided timely craft packs for our children and families; each bag contained an episode of the Grinkle Monster with wonderful crafts and activities to enjoy at home. The book brings together the first 12 episodes with fun and engaging activities to enhance the times spent together indoors. It is funded by Loftus Town Council and Tees Valley Rural Action. Our local independent bookshop community hasrallied behind the cause and you can purchase the book through click and collect or by post from the following local stores. Chapter One, Loftus;Artcentric CICand Book Corner, Saltburn. All funds raised will go directly to East Cleveland Good Neighbours; an army of over 80 local resident volunteers who believe in looking after their community and raising community spirit through these difficult times. They provide vital services and bring the rural communities of East Cleveland together,by providing healthy cooked meals to the isolated, a vital food bank for those in need, craft and activities for families and a much-needed virtual community through their Face Book group and page. Linda White from East Cleveland Good Neighbours says “It was clear from the start of Covid that it was important to keep the community connected and engaged. It has been wonderful to watch the Grinkle Monster develop and travel throughout the year. It’s certainly been an interesting journey and amazing opportunity for families to connect and celebrate our local culture”.

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Raising money for Friends of Cancer Research UK

By Wendy Wilson

uisborough and District Friends of Cancer Research UK would like to say a huge thank you to Rachel and Karen for raising the fantastic sum of £1,000 for World Cancer Day on 4th February. Instead of a walk they ran 16 miles in the rain. We would also like to thank everyone who kindly sponsored them. If anyone would like to donate to such a worthwhile cause

Historic morning at Saint Leonard’s Church in Loftus

the contact email address is :- https:// fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/ guisborough-friends-of-cruk or send a cheque donation to 8 High Peak Guisborough Yorkshire TS14 7NG, made payable to Guisborough and District Friends of Cancer Research UK. All money raised is to help people in the North East. Every donation matters, no matter how small and it will make a huge difference. If anyone would like to join our small group, please ring 01287 634571.

● (Photograph of the organ at Saint Leonard’s parish church Loftus, with the Rector Father Adam Gaunt, organist Richard Bendelow, Robin and Robert from York Pipe Organs).

News from Ringrose Community Orchard

By Stuart White

owards the end of January, the children from‘Tess, Child Minder’ made one of their regular visits to the orchard. On this occasion they came along with fat balls they had made with Tess and hung them from a tree and the bird feeder. I am sure these fat balls will be thoroughly enjoyed by our feathered friends. Also on the subject of feathered friends, on 30th January Joyce and I undertook the RSPBs Garden Bird Watch for the required period of one hour. During this time we spotted a total of 14 different species, including a Coal Tit, Long Tail Tits and a pair of Bullfinches. It was great to see such a number using the feeding stations and the natural food available, a fine testimony to the planning for wild life undertaken by our enthusiastic volunteers. Despite the cold weather the orchard remains a popular venue for families,

couples and friends who pass through during their daily exercise. Some are even brave enough to stop for coffee at the picnic table! There are still flashes of colour and a variety of evergreens for visitors to enjoy. Bluebells and daffodils are breaking through, whilst snowdrops are to be seen in the orchard and along the Cleveland Way steps leading to The Hills. When weather permits Chris Axford helps with general maintenance, whilst I have been pruning the fruit trees and my wife Joyce has tidied and renovated the rockery. All our volunteers are looking forward to the spring, and, like everyone, an easing of the lockdown restrictions so that we can re-convene as a group and plan for summer planting and wild flower seed sowing. Finally, our thanks go to local photographer Dorothy Pell for these wintery scenes of the orchard and the Cleveland Way border.

n the morning of Monday 15th February 2021 work commenced on phase one of the church organ restoration project at Saint Leonard’s Parish Church in Loftus, which will restore and compete the historic instrument dating from 1902. Phase one of restoration works will primarily restore the Pedal Organ, and much of the pipework from the pedal section of this fine Edwardian instrument will now be removed and taken to the workshop of York Pipe Organs in York City Centre.

Father Adam Gaunt, Rector of Loftus explained, “This is truly a historic day as we begin this exciting and once in a century restoration project! And to do so in-spite of the coronavirus pandemic makes the occasion even more exceptional! “While we still require an additional £18,694.26 to complete our fundraising efforts for the full completion of the project, we have now secured sufficient funding to begin a phased restoration programme; I am delighted that the team at York Pipe Organs have been so accommodating and willing to work

with us on a phased approach. I am also deeply grateful to the many individuals, charitable trusts, and grant making bodies who have already generously donated to this exciting project." Should anyone be moved to make a donation to this restoration project, all donations (no matter how large or small) would be gratefully received and acknowledged. Donations marked “Organ Project” can be left in a sealed envelope in Saint Leonard’s Church Loftus, or posted to, Father Adam Gaunt, The Rectory, 11 Micklow Lane, Loftus, TS13 4JE.

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Taking education higher

with Middlesbrough College The balance is perfect for a part time course- there’s a lot of work, but the lectures are delivered in a way which works for someone who is employed full-time.”

Lee Bowdler BA (Hons) in Education Now working as a Primary School Teacher

Thousands of students are applying to study with Middlesbrough College this September, but it’s not just school leavers who are taking the next step towards their dream job. Adults looking to upskill in their role or retrain for a whole new career are coming to Middlesbrough College to benefit from its industry-leading facilities and tutors. Through the College’s partnership with The Open University and Pearson Education, students can apply to a range of full and part-time University level courses. One student who made a life changing move is newly qualified Primary School Teacher, Lee Bowdler, who has recently completed a BA (Hons) in Education. Lee said: “I thoroughly enjoyed studying at Middlesbrough College.

Fahima Al-Hafiz BA (Hons) in Business & HR Management Now working as a Housing Accounts Officer

Fahima Al-Hafiz studied the BA (Hons) in Business and Human Resource Management degree and is now a Housing Accounts Officer at Darlington Borough Council. Fahima said: “As a mature student I was apprehensive applying to study for a degree level course, however right from the beginning Middlesbrough College put me at ease. The guidance and one to one support I received from my tutors was excellent.” Middlesbrough College offers students the opportunity to take the next step in their education with Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Foundation degrees and Top-up degrees. This unique and affordable pathway to learning allows students to study a degree alongside work and family commitments.

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Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Mayor hails success of Tees Flex’s first year in face of coronavirus pandemic M

ayor Ben Houchen has praised the success of the Tees Flex on-demand bus service as it was revealed that in its first year it has helped local people across the Tees Valley make 45,800 journeys so far. The service was launched by Mayor Houchen as part of a three-year pilot in February 2020, just weeks before national lockdown measures came into place as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the virus, the service has offered a vital lifeline to help keep the region’s most isolated communities connected with essential services and critical care workers on the road. The Tees Flex fleet has been hitting the roads of the rural parts of Darlington & Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar & Cleveland throughout lockdown, clocking up more than 400,000 miles – the equivalent of circling the globe ten times – and averaging nearly 1,000 journeys a week. As well as ensuring local people can continue to access essential services and key workers can quickly and easily get around, Mayor Houchen has also made the Tees Flex buses available as part of the pandemic response. During the first wave, Mayor Houchen worked with the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust so that the Tees Flex buses could be used to help vulnerable patients get to and from hospital during the coronavirus pandemic free of charge. And as the vaccine was rolled out, Mayor Houchen teamed up with Hartlepool Borough Council to use the buses to help get home care workers from the town to the University Hospital of North Tees for their coronavirus jab. With the estimated wait time before pick-up at just over 20 minutes, Tees Flex is proving a popular choice with local residents and more than 9,300 people have set up accounts. Mayor Houchen said: “It’s fantastic to see Tees Flex having such a positive impact on local people, just one year into its pilot. “Tees Flex is about keeping our rural communities connected and making sure that local people can get around the region easily and cheaply, whether that’s to access essential care and services, or simply to meet with friends and family when restrictions allow.

“Of course, this has been a year unlike any other and one in which the importance of being able to safely visit and provide support for vulnerable family members, neighbours or friends has really been driven home. “Despite social distancing measures and buses running at a reduced capacity to keep people safe, these figures and the feedback received from riders show us that the service is doing exactly what is needed. “This comes just days after we deployed the Tees Flex fleet to support the vaccination effort and help home care workers in Hartlepool to travel to get their jab, allowing them to continue their important work caring for the elderly and vulnerable with the peace of mind that they are protected.” The Mayor is not the only person to praise the service, which has an average user rating of 4.9 out of 5 – or a 98% customer satisfaction ration – on the service’s own app. Chrissie, a Hartlepool resident who uses the Tees Flex service regularly with her guide dog, Bridget, said: “I use Tees Flex for all of my essentials such as going shopping, collecting prescriptions and attending medical appointments. “The service is clean and safe and the new vehicles are lovely. The Tees Flex drivers are extremely kind too, picking me up and dropping me off in all manner of unusual places. It is no exaggeration to say that they have changed my life and are a now a regular part of it, which is so important with having no relatives in the area. They have even offered to drop groceries off for me! Before lockdown, I used Tees Flex on a Saturday to go for a walk along the Headland for the first time in fourteen years! Tees Flex has given me that freedom back.” Alan Lamb, a driver on the Tees Flex service, said: “The first twelve months has been a great success and we’ve seen passenger numbers growing into a great set of regulars, with new customers giving the bus a try each day too. “In the current climate, it’s a privilege to play an active role in the daily lives of our lovely customers, helping them to make important journeys and to maintain a sense of normality. For lots of residents, the service provides a lifeline that wasn’t there before and has created a real sense of community spirit.”

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● Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen with one of the Tees Flex Buses When asked about his kind offer of delivering groceries to Chrissie in Hartlepool, Alan said: “All of the lads are kind and considerate and would all do the same if we could help someone out!” Operating six days a week, Tees Flex can be booked via a smartphone app, a website or over the telephone. Single and return journeys can be made to requested pick-up and drop-off points within

one of three serviced areas to secondary destinations including train stations and hospitals across that borough. The service has been funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and is currently operated by Stagecoach on an initial three-year pilot. If the pilot is a success, there is the potential for the service to be rolled out further across the region.

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Bridge over troubled water Councillor Bruce Mackenzie (now sadly deceased) and I reported: “On Sunday 2nd July, our villages were subjected to the heaviest rainfall in living memory. The result was flash floods which had a devastating effect. No village escaped the water which destroyed bridges, moved parked cars, and worst of all, flooded many homes. “Skinningrove suffered the most with 101 dwellings affected. Many were inundated with beck water, full of silt and sewage. In some homes the water was three feet deep and it was only by a miracle that someone wasn’t drowned. “But, the awful effects of the torrential rain were not confined to Skinningrove. At Carlin How, the cellar of the Club was flooded and the A174 blocked for hours. Near Moorsholm,the footbridge, at Swindale Lane ford, was completely destroyed. From all quarters there were reports of water entering homes.” MOVE FORWARD 20 YEARS: During the recent pandemic restrictions, I’ve done a lot of walking and last summer, noticing that the replacement bridge was in a very poor state of repair, I reported its poor condition to the council’s Countryside Team. With treads rotten, and rails broken, it was overgrown with vegetation ● Cllr Steve Kay on the new bridge and felt generally unstable. The at the ford on Swindale Lane Team immediately replaced ten rotten treads and reinforced the By Councillor Steve Kay rails. Even better, it was decided that the old edcar & Cleveland Council has erected a bridge had had its day and would be replaced new footbridge at the ford on Swindale as soon as possible. Lane, near Moorsholm, because the previous Considering the recent atrocious winter, I was amazed when the Team completed the work of structure had deteriorated beyond repair. The purpose of the bridge is to allow walkers replacing the bridge in January. It is of a sturdy to continue along the Lane, without getting their structure, complete with non-slip treads, and feet wet when the ford is submerged beneath the looks as if it will outlive the two decades’ life waters of Oven Close/Swindale Bec, .as is often of its predecessor. the case, after heavy rain, or snow. P.S. At the suggestion of Moorsholm resident, The old bridge had lasted around 20 years, after Trevor Watson, I’ve been promised some hard its predecessor was washed away in the terrible surfacing to link both ends of the bridge with floods at the turn of the millennium. the road. And, I’ve also asked for single steps at In the Summer 2000 issue of our newsletter, either end to make it easier to mount the bridge.

● Rosalind Stuart, from The Girls’ Network, with students at Redcar and Cleveland College.

Inspiring brighter futures with The Girls’ Network

tudying Childcare at Redcar and Cleveland College, Amber Thorpe counts herself lucky to have been in just the right place at the right time. The college is taking part in a new scheme launched in the Tees Valley with The Girls’ Network, offering young women the unique chance to work with a mentor. Among the first batch of students to be matched by the programme locally, Amber, 19, said: “It may seem a strange thing to do at first, but trust me, it makes sense very quickly and then it makes so many other things easier and more achievable.” The programme’s work with the college officially got underway at the end of last year and Amber has now met with her mentor, Hazel Rockingham, three times. While the restrictions of the pandemic have meant they haven’t been able to meet in person, both are already seeing the benefits of the scheme. Hazel, who has 26 years of experience working in various industries, many at management level,

said: “I am delighted to be working with Amber and I feel privileged to help her shape and realise her goals.” That is the idea behind The Girls’ Network, a national programme that aims to inspire and empower girls aged 14 to 19 from the least advantage communities. With projects running in eight locations across the country the new Tees Valley network received funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority. For the mentors, it seems, there are benefits too. Hazel, said: “Taking part in the mentoring programme has allowed me to share knowledge and at the same time has highlighted areas for my own development.” Rosalind Stuart, who heads up The Girls’ Network locally, said: “The Tees Valley is not short of inspirational professional women, so this is about making connections between them and students. We have been overwhelmed by these amazing women who have stepped forward to get involved.”

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18/02/2021 14:39:37

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Saltburn Valleys

Four new trustees appointed

he SVCIO stands for the Saltburn Valleys Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The charity is working to promote the conservation, protection, preservation and improvement

of the land, gardens, woodlands, walkways, play areas, waterways, wildlife and natural environment, historic monuments and properties in the three Saltburn Valleys of Hazel Grove, Saltburn Gill and Saltburn

Valley Garden. Message from the Chair,Philip Thomson “2021 started with no less of a challenge than before. Regrettably Covid 19 has not

Ian Sproxton After moving to Saltburn just over two years ago I joined Saltburn Countryside Volunteers and enjoy supporting the practical aspects of their work in Rift’s Wood and at Marske Mill. I also support KICAS and the Marine Conservation Society in their beach cleans and litter surveys – in addition to carrying out regular litter picking in the course of walks around Saltburn. I have an interest in the environment and am convinced that intervention from groups like the Saltburn Valleys CIO is needed to protect the landscape for both wildlife and amenity value. The three valleys constitute a much valued and enjoyed part of Saltburn’s environment and heritage. All three areas need and deserve continued support. I became actively involved when it became apparent to me that without input from volunteers the landscape amenity, natural habitats and local heritage could suffer.

Ken Bladen My main interests are photography, walking and traditional folk music of the British Isles. I have been involved with Saltburn Woodland Valley’s Ancient Hazel Project to take photographs of the various activities. I have also been photographing the three woodland areas over the different seasons. I care deeply about these magical areas and would like to contribute to their care and protection. I would like to photograph any work that takes place to document the changes and contribute to the website, displays in the centre, projects and photobooks to record and celebrate these outstanding woodlands. I am looking forward to working with committee members to maintain and improve these woodlands, and devise projects to involve the community and generate sources of funding.

Katie Metcalf I have lived in Saltburn most of my life and have volunteered as a countryside ranger for the last 15 years. I am Chairwoman of Saltburn Countryside volunteers who manage the wildflower meadow, work in the woodland, beck and valley as well as carrying out butterfly, moth and bat surveys. I understand how the woodland works and am passionate about conservation,biodiversity and the eco systems within the valley. It is important to balance people and nature as they are both good for each other, especially now. I work part time as a children’s critical care nurse and have two young children so I am busy. However I am determined to preserve our local environment for our children and future generations.

assisted with progressing our aspirations in addressing the ‘At Risk’ status of the Valley Gardens section of Saltburn Valley and in order to move forward we need to consider our approach to delivering against

the SVCIO objectives. We have recently added four new trustees to our board who will help to strengthen our current team. Introducing the four new trustees in their own words

Helen McCreeth I am a senior University administrator working with colleges across the North East of England. I have lived in Saltburn for seven years and get out as often as I can with my dog into the surrounding countryside. Having seen the valleys change over this time, I can see the need for them to be conserved and developed for the benefit of future generations.

Victims of Theft and ignorance

By Philip Thomson

he Lower Path, just off Marine Parade, nestling beside the Hazel Grove valley, has been transformed by the dedicated endeavoursof a few volunteers. For those not too familiar with this developing ﬂoral haven, make a point of visiting in the spring after Lockdown has been finished. Within two years of dedicated hard work this forgotten section of Saltburn has seen a new lease of life. Overgrowth has been cut back, shrubs pruned and a vast number of plants have been carefully arranged in weed free soil. The hard work has been sadly undone in many instances with damage to plants by dogs being allowed to run ‘off lead’ and with owners not collecting dog poo which is abandoned in the very beds tended by the volunteers. A campaign has been mounted to have the Lower Path designated as a place where dog owners will have to maintain their dog on a lead. This can only be achieved after an Order is placed. The Council have unfortunately been working on this for over a year and there is no sign of any restrictions being brought in. Now matters have deteriorated further with the theft of planted flowers. A recently planted Phormium has been unearthed and stolen. Apart from the cost of initial purchase and replacement the sheer uncaring audacity of removing plants in this manner is heart breaking. A call to the community to encourage and support this inspiring group is hereby made. No more plant thefts! No more letting dogs run amok and abandoning dog poo for others to clear away.

Now you see it

Now you do not

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

The Friends of I

t has been said that The Friends of Loftus Library are “A force to be reckoned with” and so it would seem. Back in 2017 a proposal was on the table to close Loftus Library and relocate into a neighbouring building. To say that the users of the library and people of Loftus were unhappy about this must be the understatement of the year. A public meeting was called where a representative from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council witnessed and noted the enraged people who had filled the library to air their views and put forward the many reasons why such a move was going to go down as well as a lead balloon. Moving swiftly on, with the library safe, Friends of Loftus Library was formed and it was just the start to creating an exciting innovative hub for the town, catering for both children and adults alike. Every school holiday saw a variety of activities organised for the children, ranging from Circus skills, a visit from a magician, science fun, healthy cookery classes and a wide variety of crafting classes, all organised and managed by The Friends of Loftus Library. For adults there were regular coffee mornings, fund raising events, Macmillan Cancer Cake Day to name but a few – and there was always a tombola on the go. Friday mornings saw the weekly craft sessions take place in the meeting room and once again laughter could be heard as members grappled with new skills. Forging links with Mackenzie Thorpe’s Gallery in Richmond, one children’s Easter craft session saw activities using the vast selection of inspirational materials the gallery had donated to the library. Later we visited the gallery as part of our links with the Co-op Food store, working alongside the Town Council and Loftus WI. Future visits were planned. Aware of the way Loftus groups work together, when the Co-op rebranded and organised a staff training day it was agreed the Meeting Room would be an ideal venue and an opportunity to show the appreciation groups had for the support always on hand from the Co-op. Loftus WI provided the

sandwiches, Willow Cake Bakery provided the cakes and Friends of Loftus Library were on hand to provide refreshments throughout the day. In 2018 Friends of Loftus Library, along with two other worthy causes were chosen as a recipient of the Co-op local community funding ensuring the forthcoming months would have secure funding for future activities and events. In 2019 we saw the kitchen modernisation replacing a decrepit out of date set of units. Obviously, this was funded by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, but it was the Friends of Loftus Library who brought attention to the issue as often is the case when Loftus seems to be left behind in the great highway of modernisation and fund allocation. Forget Harrod’s Christmas Windows – Loftus Library is the window to see – so popular we are now planning to re-instate this phenomenon with seasonal displays. As we speak plans are taking place to modify the internal window so displays can become easier to organise – watch this space! We had so many plans, but COVID-19 has temporarily put a stop to all that – but the plans are being kept under the desk till playtime and one day the bell will ring again! In the meantime why not become part of this great forward-thinking group? We are always on the search for new members to bring along ideas and suggestions. Loftus Library has recently stocked up with some new exciting books. Take the opportunity to collect and drop off. Simply phone the library 01287 640582 tell the library staff the type of books you like and hey ho they will sort out a selection, leaving a pile in the foyer for your collection. Library operates between 10am and 4pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday When finished simply return to the drop off table again in the foyer. With the plans for the improvement of Loftus, Friends of Loftus Library are to be part of the planning so now is a good time to be involved and take plans forward for Loftus – which is the place to be with the people to be with. Denise, Nesbitt – Chair, Friends of Loftus Library

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Loftus Library

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

£10 million too much at this time

ouncillor Philip Thomson, Leader of the Conservative Group on Redcar & Cleveland Council and an elected member for Saltburn Ward, has welcomed the announcement by Tees Valley Mayor on the pausing of investment on extending the Trans Pennine Express train schedule through to Saltburn. Councillor Thomson agrees that £10million invested at this time in extending the scheduled train service from Redcar to Saltburn is premature. Councillor Thomson has long been an advocate of promoting the considered development of Saltburn since starting the world famous Victorian Weeks when President of the Langbaurgh Business Association. However, Councillor Thomson considers that before any further expanded promotion of the town there needs to be a considerable investment in its infrastructure. Whilst brining more visitors to the town may seem good for business it does not necessarily reflect the needs of residents. Saltburn by the Sea has natural attractions that delight visitors, even in inclement conditions. Without the provision of adequate highways, parking, street cleansing and toilets and consideration for the needs of local inhabitants any further augmenting of visitor numbers is

not a good strategy. The Saltburn Valley Gardens are on the ‘At Risk’ Register of Historic England and require considerable investment and ongoing maintenance commitment to refurbish this tarnished jewel. This is where investment should be being directed. Redcar & Cleveland has a wealth of coastline. The presence of these beaches should be better understood, serviced and marketed. Four years ago Councillor Thomson had contacted Network Rail to request the refurbishment of Redcar station which should be a focal point for visitors and business interests coming to Redcar & Cleveland Borough. It had been run down and vandalised to an extent that it gave quite the wrong image of the town of Redcar, as a gateway to the Borough. Although work is now underway to design and fund recovery of the old station, this has not been achieved in parallel to other proposed developments. Councillor Thomson welcomed all the assistance that Ben Houchen has given to the Borough through a vast series of funding support and international exposure in recent years. It is right to pause for consideration and ensure that public funds are directed correctly, as at the end of the day residents do share in raising these monies.

Request for temporary closure of Riftswood pathway

ouncillor Philip thomson, an elected member for Saltburn Ward, has requested temporary closure of part of the footpath through Riftswood in Saltburn. Councillor Thomson said the Council has a Duty of Care to walkers using this Right of Way. The footpath has been deteriorating for many days as a result of heavy rainfall in the area. Maintenance budgets are stretched in woodland areas and pathways are not receiving the investment and maintenance required to maintain them in a fully serviceable condition. This particular footpath also forms part of the Cleveland Way and supports many hundreds of walkers throughout the year.

Councillor Thomson has indicated that the Borough has many challenges currently arising out of the very heavy rainfall being experienced and that these are spread throughout the area. He recognises the extreme work load that is now placed upon limited resources but has requested that this work be prioritised in the overall work programme wish list. Riftswood has recently had the first of two chicanes installed on this footpath to reinforce the message that no mountain bikes or any cycle can be used on a Public Right of Way which is designed solely for pedestrians. Cycle usage has not assisted in maintaining good surface standards and has exacerbated erosion where it is taking place.

Vaccination priority for Police

ouncillor Philip Thomson, leader of the Conservative Group on Redcar & Cleveland Council, has written to Matt Hancock requesting that when the list of priority categories for Covid-19 vaccination is being reviewed, that front line services include all those in police forces. Residents of Saltburn, where Philip Thomson is a Councillor, have voiced their concerns that the police seem to have been given a lower status in the vaccination queue.

Councillor Thomson fully recognises the exposure that front line officers have to members of the public in carrying out their everyday duties and wishes to make sure that the concerns of residents are listened to in the decision making process. He is also aware that in many instances a minority of members of the public have taken advantage of the theoretical presence of the virus on their persons to use it as a defence against arrest. Police forces are already challenged enough without this hazard of exposure in performing their daily duties as public servants.”

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Jacob Young MP: Let's put up a statue The MP for the birthplace for Captain Sir Tom Moore rather than of Captain Cook promises to fight BLM activists' "stupid idea" to topple tear down the statues of Captain Cook Young, Conservative MP for statues of the famous explorer Redcar, has written to the Culture Jacob

imon Clarke, Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has promised BLM activists he will fight their "stupid idea" to erase the memory of Captain Cook "with all the energy I possess". And launching a petition to rally Teessiders to protect the memory of Middlesbrough's most famous son, Mr Clarke added: "I know our community will be on my side".

James Cook was born in 1728 in the village of Marton - now a suburb of Middlesbrough within Mr Clarke's constituency. Cook signed up to the Royal Navy and rose up the ranks to become captain whose talents in exploration, navigation and cartography made his name famous across the globe. He is known worldwide for his three voyages of discovery in the Pacific and Australia in particular. But despite being loved and admired by the vast majority of Teessiders, it has emerged that statues commemorating Captain Cook have been targeted for "toppling" by BLM activists. Mr Clarke said: "To those seeking to denigrate statues of Captain Cook, as the MP for his birthplace let me say this: Middlesbrough is immensely proud of our most famous son. "He was a labourer’s son whose extraordinary courage and abilities meant he was entrusted with a series of major voyages of science and exploration. "He was by all accounts a good and decent man, and he rose to worldwide renown. "His statues will stay in place and we will continue to celebrate his achievements. I will be taking a petition to Parliament on this subject and will get a link up in the next few hours so you can make your voice heard. "I can promise I will fight this stupid idea to try to erase his memory, and keep fighting with all the energy I possess, and I know our community will be on my side." Link to the petition below: https://www.simon-clarke.org.uk/form/captaincook-petition-

Secretary calling for a statue to be erected in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore. Sir Tom captured the heart of the nation as he marked the approach of his 100th birthday by taking part in the national effort to tackle Coronavirus. By committing to 100 laps of his garden, Sir Tom raised more than £30 million for charities supporting the NHS. As a result, he became a symbol of determination when the nation needed it most. His 100th birthday was marked by flypasts by the RAF and British Army, he received over 150,000 cards, was appointed honourary colonel, and to top it all, was knighted by the Queen. Sadly, on 2 February, Sir Tom died at Bedford Hospital having been treated for pneumonia and then testing positive for Covid-19. But the image of Sir Tom and his walking frame has become an enduring icon of the first national lockdown. And after a year of debate about statues, Jacob Young MP says that rather than tearing down the statues of historical figures, let's instead raise one in honour of Sir Tom in his home county of Yorkshire. Writing to Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Mr Young said: "Dear Secretary of State, I am writing to ask for a statue of Captain Sir Tom Moore to be erected in Yorkshire, his region of birth, as a monument to remember the amazing works he performed for charity and for the country. "Just weeks before his 100th birthday, Captain Tom picked up his walker and offered to play his part in the national effort to tackle Coronavirus,

raising more than £30 million for charities supporting the NHS. This incredible act of selflessness should serve as an example for us all and truly represents the best of British. "In that spirit, I can think of no better way to pay tribute to him and ensure future generations are inspired by his achievements than placing a commemorative statue at the heart of his home, in Yorkshire, where he was so proud to be from. "There has been a lot of debate about statues over the past year, but few people have embodied the feeling of national togetherness in a way that Captain Tom has. For that reason, he deserves our full gratitude as a country, and I urge you to consider raising a statue in his honour. "I look forward to hearing from you."

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

You’re never too old to care

Meet Redcar and Cleveland foster carers who have stepped up later in life

retired couple have just become foster carers for the first time. Retired publicans Bob Baker, 80, and Janet Baker, 74, of Redcar, were already giving a home to teenagers leaving care, as part of the council’s Supported Lodging programme. Now they’ve started looking after younger children as foster carers and are urging other retired people to consider both fostering and supported lodging. Janet, who still works part-time, explained she and Bob ran the now closed The Angler’s Rest Inn in Glaisdale, near Whitby, for 15 years. She said there were advantages of being an older person giving time and a home to teenagers. She said: “I think you have a bit more patience. We have four children and five grandchildren – so we’ve done it all, really. You have an idea of what the challenges will be. “You do have to have a medical and be able to get out and about, but the key thing is just being there for them. Age is not a barrier to giving these young people some help. Our own children are up and grown and away – so there is the space in the home which I’m sure other retired people will identify with.

“One thing which has been a big challenge is the Covid pandemic. You have teenagers from all sorts of backgrounds who just don’t understand that they must follow the rules, they want to be out. So there are challenges but there’s a very satisfying side too which easily outweighs it.” Bob, who only retired as a relief pub manager at the beginning of the first lockdown last year, explained they had been part of Supported Lodgings - a scheme where people receive financial support for providing a room for up to three years for young people who are leaving care. “That gave us a lot of experience,” he said. “We had two Eritrean teenagers with us, a long way from home with very little English and that had its challenges, as you can imagine. But they were keen to get to college and they’re both doing well now. You get a big sense of reward. We had another young man who had had a hard time but is now flying in his apprenticeship - we were sent word he was doing well. It’s a great feeling.” Janet, who said the couple currently have both a 14-year-old fostered boy and an 18-year-old man in the house, stressed that fostering was

Work begins on £3 million affordable housing development in New Marske

eyond Housing has launched its new development scheme for 23 new homes in New Marske, for affordable rent. The development site is located off Gurney Street in sought-after, rural New Marske. The project will consist of 23 new-build homes including two-bedroom bungalows and two and three-bedroom homes, all for affordable rent from March 2022. Beyond Housing’s £2.5 million contract with Gus Robinson Developments has additional funding of £1 million from Homes England, the

non-departmental public body that funds new affordable housing across the country, to make the development project worth in excess of £3.5 million. Elaine Dance, Assistant Project Manager at Beyond Housing, said: “At Beyond Housing we are committed to building quality homes in desirable neighbourhoods and the New Marske development should prove popular with our customers. “We are pleased to be working with Gus Robinson Developments to deliver high-quality, affordable homes that contributes to our ambitious objective of creating 2,000 new homes by 2025.” Steve Bell, managing director of Gus Robinson Developments, added: “This new partnership is an exciting milestone for us, as it’s our very first contract with Beyond Housing, which will see us deliver much needed affordable new homes in New Marske. “It’s fantastic to see the scheme coming to life. Our design team have worked closely with residents over the last few months and we’ve listened to their feedback to ensure we deliver beautifully designed homes that meet the needs of local people.”

very different from Supported Lodging with a longer checking period. “It can take a while, but the good side is you learn exactly what is needed and you develop these important relationships with people in the council who will be providing support and advice as you go on.” Bob recalled the day they were finally approved as foster carers towards the end of last year. “We were approved in the morning and we had a call to take in a young man for foster care placed with us very quickly, already lined up, which shows there is a real, sometimes quite urgent need. “It is challenging - there’s no point pretending it’s all easy. But, at the same time, it’s so rewarding.” Bob explained that the couple take in rescue dogs from Romania, which some of the young people enjoy. “The dogs have been looking for a safe home, too, and some of the young people have a real bond with them.

“We’re just happy to have this safe home and to help.” Councillor Alison Barnes, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “Well done to Bob and Janet and to all our amazing foster carers. They are all making a hugely positive contribution to the lives of young people, creating a difference both now and for their future. As the couple show - age does not need to be a barrier. If you can provide a safe and nurturing home environment, you could also help.” To find out more about fostering log on to www.fostering-redcar-cleveland.gov.uk , call 01642 444087 or email foster@redcar-cleveland. gov.uk OR could you offer a home for an older teenager or young person. Financial payments would be available for those who have a room for young people aged 16 and over. Call 01642 488433 or email Susanne.rhodes@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

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Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Saltburn Surfers

Nursery group kickstart Saltburn Community Wellbeing Programme in partnerhsip with MFC Foundation

new photography zine capturing Saltburn's Surfers and its coastline has been released by photographer Matthew Johnson. The photos taken in January 2021, following government regulations, capture the beauty of the North East Coast and showcase the area's surfers and their love for the sport, come rain or shine. Matthew said: “Having grown up on this stunning coastline, it felt like the right time to work on a project closer to home, with a group of enthusiasts who love this part of the world as much as I do. “Waiting out the lockdown here, away from London, gave me a greater appreciation for the coast where I grew up. Surfers have always been part of life in Saltburn, and even when I was very young I remember watching them from the pier and the excitement of seeing people do tricks and sometimes falling in. “Saltburn would not be Saltburn without the surfers in the sea.” After connecting with some old friends and finding out more about the local surfing scene,

Matthew photographed over 37 surfers on the beach following the social distance rules. “It was fantastic to meet so many people coming in or out of the sea, all of them surfing at different levels but enjoying it all the same. It was especially nice to do it at a time when the beaches weren't so full of people, so you really feel the majesty of nature, especially on a day when the weather is really intense. For the surfers I met, being able to get out in the see has been so important for them over the last year and many of them expressed the immense joy they feel of being in the waves,” Matthew added The 32-page zine, which is available to order now features over 37 images of surfers, accompanied by nine landscapes of Saltburn. You can order a copy of the Zine now here: https://matthewjohnsonphotographer.com/ shop/p/saltburn-surfers-zine

osedene Nurseries has launched a community wellbeing programme in partnership with Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation to support families in Saltburn. Over the next six months, Rosedene Nurseries, a family-owned nursery group which operates across Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, will coordinate a programme to encourage the physical and mental wellbeing of families in Saltburn. The nursery group has a jam-packed programme with workouts, cookery classes and mindfulness meditations. Adding to the wellness activities, the childcare provider hosted ‘wear red for Roary day,’ where children donated what they could to support MFC Foundation. Boro mascot, Roary, got kitted out in his signature red to deliver a virtual exercise class for the children to boost energy and positivity. This video was shared to parents and employees

who could get active at home. Additionally, the Foundation, who work to improve the lives of young people and adults across the region, have partnered with Rosedene to provide wellbeing support to the local communities, including Saltburn, as well as helping with distribution of food parcels to those who need it most at this time. Alice McCullagh, director at Rosedene, said: “The wellbeing of the children who attend our Saltburn nursery, their families and our employees is a priority to us, especially after the last 12 months. Our nursery teams have recognised the need to support our Rosedene community in Saltburn and I would like to thank Laura Weir, our Stockton Hub Manager for leading the project. “We have always been inspired by the work that the MFC Foundation carry out and are thrilled that they have partnered with us for our wellness initiative. Roary’s exercise class was a massive boost for everyone, both in terms of physical and mental wellbeing.” Head of MFC Foundation, Helena Bowman, said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Rosedene Nurseries and it is clear from the work we have done together so far there are many shared beliefs and values. “By working together for the greater good of everyone, we can help each other through these most challenging of times and beyond.”

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Almost 2,700 new laptops and tablets for disadvantaged students have been delivered across Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland a £400 million investment that will support schools and young people for years to come. The news comes after the Department for Education last month announced a further 300,000 laptops and tablets to help even more disadvantaged children and young people learn at home. Schools are already receiving top-ups to their original allocations – with those with the highest proportion of disadvantaged pupils being prioritised first. The 1.3 million devices the government is providing sits alongside a package of extensive support for the most ● Simon Clarke MP and Jacob Young MP disadvantaged children. This includes partnering with • Middlesbrough Council has now received 1,783 laptops and tablets and Redcar and the UK’s leading mobile network operators Cleveland 916 to help support disadvantaged to provide free data to disadvantaged children and young people while they learn families, alongside a further £300 million being invested in tutoring programmes at home. building on the existing £1 billion Covid • More than 1 million laptops and tablets have Catch Up Fund. now been delivered, with more on the way. To further strengthen remote education imon Clarke MP and Jacob Young MP provision, the government has also provided have welcomed the announcement more than 54,000 4G routers to schools that pupils across Middlesbrough and and colleges across England, ensuring no Redcar and Cleveland have benefited child is prohibited from receiving a quality education due to a lack of internet access. from 2,699 laptops and tablets to date, To further bolster the quality of remote as the Conservative Government hits education for all students, the Government an important milestone in its rollout of has strengthened the minimum standards for devices to support disadvantaged young remote learning provision, so every child, people. no matter where they learn, receives the More than 1 million laptops and tablets great education they deserve. have now been delivered to schools and Simon Clarke, Conservative MP for local authorities across England, as part of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland,

said: “No child should miss out as a result of the disruption caused by this pandemic. "That is why it has been our priority to equip those children most in need with the resources they need to succeed. “I very much welcome that young people across both Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland are continuing to benefit from the raft of measures the Government has put in place to help schools deliver high-quality learning." Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar, said: "The devices we‘ve received go towards ensuring no child’s education is hindered, regardless of their background or circumstance. “While we hope that all our children will be back learning in the classroom as soon as possible, I’m glad these devices will help to give them the world-class education they deserve as they learn at home.” Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I know what a challenging period this has been for pupils, teachers and parents but it has been nothing short of inspiring to see schools and staff going above and beyond, as they always have done, to give our pupils the very best education possible. “Online access has been an important part of this work and will continue to be as we help young people catch-up after the disruption caused by the pandemic, which is why the delivery of these one million laptops is so vital. They represent one million children who will not let their education be overcome by this virus.” “I want parents to know that we’ll continue to do everything we can to protect our children’s education at this unprecedented time and ensure they have the tools they need to get on with and make the most of their lives”.

WILLS PROBATE CONVEYANCING POWERS OF ATTORNEY 01287 636401 nickbrundallsolicitors.co.uk 14 Chaloner Street, Guisborough, North Yorkshire, TS14 6QD

Ryanair launches Winter sun flights to Palma on back of strong sales

yanair has recently launched its new winter schedule from Teesside with new ﬂights on sale now to Majorca, continuing throughout the winter following strong bookings. Europe’s number 1 low-cost airline has confirmed its twice weekly service to Palma will continue to operate throughout the winter flying every Tuesday and Saturday from Teesside. Securing low-cost flights was a key part of the airport’s ten-year turnaround plan. This expansion to the most popular summer destination for British holidaymakers comes just days after the prime minister set out his roadmap out of lockdown, with almost all restrictions hoped to be lifted by 21st June. Welcoming the news, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is yet another huge vote of confidence in our airport and just weeks after announcing the return of Ryanair they are making the Palma service year-round. This is the evidence that proves that if local people are given a proper choice they will back their local airport. “2021 was billed as the year that the airport was due to close under Peel ownership, but instead it’s now owned by local people and celebrating its 80th year in style with new airlines, a new look airport and a new winter schedule. “Our airport is going from strength to strength and we’re putting the building blocks in place to make sure it can rise from the ashes to the success we need our airport to be as it’s going to play such a key role in our recovery from Covid.” Teesside Airport is undergoing a multi-million-pound transformation to its main terminal building ahead of passengers returning to the airport this summer. To book your tickets, visit www.ryanair.com. General flight information and more details on the airports coronavirus safety measures can be found at www.teessideinternational.com.

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Government’s roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England P

M Boris Johnson has announced the government’s roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England. • Government publishes four-step roadmap to ease restrictions across England and provide a route back to a more normal way of life • Each step to be assessed against four tests before restrictions ease, starting with the return of schools on 8 March • PM is clear that the decision on each stage will be based on data not dates, and government will move cautiously to keep infection rates under control The roadmap, which has now been published on gov.uk, outlines four steps for easing restrictions. Before proceeding to the next step, the Government will examine the data to assess the impact of previous steps. This assessment will be based on four tests: • The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully. • Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated. • Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS. • Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern. There will be a minimum of five weeks between each step: four weeks for the data to reflect changes in restrictions; followed by seven days’ notice of the restrictions to be eased. The Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser have made clear that this will give adequate time to assess the impact of each step and reduce the risk of having to re-impose restrictions at a later date. As the Prime Minister said, getting children back into school has been the top priority, and so from 8 March all children and students will return to face to face education in schools and college. By this point, everyone in the top four vaccine priority cohorts – as determined by the independent JCVI – will have received the first dose of their vaccine and developed the necessary protection from it. Also from this date: • Wraparound childcare and other supervised children’s activities can resume where they enable parents to work, seek work, attend education, seek medical care or attend a support group • Care home residents will be allowed one regular visitor provided they are tested and wear PPE • The Stay at Home requirement will remain, but people can leave home for recreation outdoors such as a coffee or picnic with their household or support bubble, or with one person outside their household • Some university students on practical courses will be able to return to face to face learning As part of step one, there will be further limited changes from 29 March, the week in which most schools will break up for Easter. Outdoor gatherings of either 6 people or 2 households will be allowed, providing greater flexibility for families to see each other. This includes in private gardens. Outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, will be allowed to reopen, and people can take part in formally organised outdoor sports. At this point, the Stay at Home order will end, although many lockdown restrictions

will remain. For example, you should continue to work from home where possible, and overseas travel remains banned, aside for a small number of reasons. The subsequent steps are set out as follows: Step 2, no earlier than 12 April: • Non-essential retail, personal care premises, such as hairdressers and nail salons, and public buildings, such as libraries and community centres, will reopen. • Most outdoor attractions and settings, including zoos, and theme parks, will also reopen although wider social contact rules will apply in these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households. Drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances will also be permitted. • Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, will also reopen - but only for use by people on their own or with their household. • Hospitality venues can serve people outdoors only. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol, and no curfew - although customers must order, eat and drink while seated. • Self-contained accommodation, such as holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen. • Funerals can continue with up to 30 people, and the numbers able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15 (from 6). Step 3, no earlier than 17 May: • Outdoors, most social contact rules will be lifted - although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal. • Outdoor performances such as outdoor cinemas, outdoor theatres and outdoor cinemas can reopen.. Indoors, the rule of 6 or 2

households will apply - although we will keep under review whether it is safe to increase this. • Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will also reopen. • Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower) will also be allowed, as will those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4000 people or half-full (whichever is lower). • In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower). • Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. Other life events that will be permitted include bar mitzvahs and christenings. Step 4, no earlier than 21 June: • It is hoped all legal limits on social contact can be removed. • We hope to reopen nightclubs, and lift restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3. • This will also guide decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings and other life events. In the meantime, the vaccination programme continues at pace, with the announcement of a new target to offer a first dose of the vaccine to every adult by the end of July. Information from GOV.UK website In response to the PMs statement, Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen said: “Throughout the last 11-months my two over-riding priorities have been safeguarding the health and wellbeing of people from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and protecting the business and livelihoods of local people.

“With the vaccine programme going from strength-to-strength and almost 18 million people across the country having received the lifesaving jab, including tens of thousands of the most vulnerable across our region and our amazing NHS workers, the cautions roadmap outline by the Prime Minister is the right approach to unlocking our country, restarting the economy and getting back to a more normal way of life. “People and businesses have made huge sacrifices so that we can beat this virus, communities across the region have pulled together like never before and it has been heartening to see the level of community spirit, creating light during one of our darkest periods. “The last 11-months have been incredibly difficult for local people, businesses and communities, but now there is light at the end of the tunnel. With the route out of lockdown now clear, we can start on the road to recovery. It is right to be cautions, but we cannot go backwards, we cannot go back into lockdown, schools cannot be closed again, our economy cannot be shuttered again. “Teesside has had its fair share of knocks and this pandemic has been one of the heaviest we have received, but we always come back stronger because our comeback is always bigger than the setback.” Simon Clarke, Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: "After what has been an incredibly trying year, I wholeheartedly support the Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown. "Boris was clear that this must be the final lockdown and that the removal of restrictions will be evidence-based, cautious, and crucially, irreversible. "It is only thanks to the UK's first-rate vaccination programme, which has so far seen 1.3million people receive their first jab, that we are now in this advantageous position. As such we should all be incredibly grateful to the NHS, the British Army and everybody who has been involved in the rollout of the vaccines for this national success. "While we all yearn for the return to normality, and I know there will be those who feel restrictions should be lifted sooner, it is vital that we make this lockdown the last. "Let's see out these final months, get it right and ensure we do not see a return of restrictions once they have been lifted. "We should look forward to the summer with optimism, even if that optimism is cautious." Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar, said: "The Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown is as welcome as it is sensible. "Boris has announced a plan for restrictions to be lifted based on the data, not on arbitrary dates. And while we all want to see an end to restrictions, we also all want to make sure that when we leave lockdown this time, it is for the final time. "We all owe a great debt of gratitude to everybody who has been involved in rolling out the vaccination programme. It is only thanks to that national endeavour that we are now so well-placed to plan for life after lockdown. "There is still a way to go and, for now, we need to stick rigorously to the rules. But provided we each do our best to keep each other safe so that the vaccines can do their work, we will begin to see restrictions lifted and in the fullness of time, we will return to the way of life we love."

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Skelton Revealed

his book was published by Boroughgate Books on 15th February 2021. It has been produced by members of Skelton History Group for the Skelton Townscape Heritage project, which provided the financial support. The village of Skelton-inCleveland has a documented history that spans eleven centuries. That history, and its associated heritage, is explored in this book. The chapters cover topics such as: • The Victorian shopping experience • The heritage displayed on the mosaic mural • The archaeology of the medieval borough • The fun of a medieval-themed summer’s fete • The varied architecture within the Conservation Area • The creation of the trail of twenty-seven mosaics • The arrival and impact of the railways • The social changes experienced by the families of the ironstone miners, who came by the thousand to work “down the pit” Skelton Townscape Heritage project In 2016, a project commenced in Skelton-in-Cleveland, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Its primary objective was to improve the appearance of the High Street, creating a look that better reflected its heritage. A programme of supporting activities ran alongside the High Street renovation. These investigated other aspects of the village’s history and heritage, making some of it visible to residents and visitors through mosaics and this book. Skelton History Group Skelton History Group was formed in the summer of 2012. From the outset, the members were adamant that they wanted to do their own research rather than listen to others talk about what they had done. Based in the council-run library, the group staged numerous exhibitions there. However, this is their first venture, as a group, into publishing the results of their research in book form. Boroughgate Books Set up in 2015, this is a small, independent publisher of books in the Local History genre. Links Skelton Townscape Heritage https://skeltontownscapeheritage.org.uk/ Skelton History Group https://skeltonhistorygroup.org.uk/ Boroughgate Books https://boroughgate-books.co.uk/

The night sky in Marske

nother photo taken from my back garden, this time of the Moon. The telescope used was a 14 inch aperture Newtonian reﬂector and the camera used was a Skynyx Lumenera 2-1 mono, operating in video mode. Around 225 frames were recorded in a 15 second video through the telescope and then the best quality 50% of those frames were used to produce the final still result. Stephen Doody MSc FRAS

Christmas Hamper Appeal

he Link Charitable Trust, (LCT) a mental health charity based in Redcar and Cleveland, launched an appeal last year to provide Christmas Hampers to young people and families who might be on their own and struggling over the holidays. A lot of people experienced a hard and difficult Christmas last year. Thanks to the generosity of the residents of Redcar, Cleveland and the surrounding area; the charity are pleased to announce that in total they provided support to over 400 people. These individuals were made up of care leavers, families and young people living on their own and each one received food hampers, gift hampers and a share of £800’s worth of supermarket vouchers. This would not have been possible without the outpouring of support that the charity received. One lady got in touch with them to say: “We are so very overwhelmed with your kindness of gifts and food for me and my family, I'm truly grateful, thank you.” In total, The LCT received £3642.37 in monetary donations, as well as bags upon bags of gifts, foods and readymade hampers. Tina Blinkhorn, CEO of The Link Charitable Trust, said: “The support received this year has been absolutely fantastic. This is the third year we have carried out this appeal and we have seen the need skyrocket due to Covid 19 and the impact on people in the area. “We were worried that we might struggle to meet the demand however everyone has really dug deep and rallied around those in need this Christmas. From all of us here at The LCT thank you. Your support has been noticed and we are eternally grateful.” A teacher from Zetland Primary School was so moved by the help that they sent an email to The Link Charitable Trust stating: “I would like to say thank you again for the work that you do, I have seen some of our families that received items from yourselves and I can say that this has made a big difference to them.” The charity would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Cause Hampers, who provided 36 hampers to aid young people and their families. Mike Fairbrother of Teesside at Christmas, whose amazing appeal provided them with over 170 shoe boxes for their cause. Steel River Drinks and B.O. Davies Charitable Trust, who provided financial support for the cause as well as Sainsbury’s for the amazing hampers and shop vouchers they donated. Finally, the staff and trustees of The Link Charitable Trust would like to say a huge thank you to you. Without the public's help and support none of this would have been possible.

This appeal was dedicated to Julia Donaldson, of Zetland FM, who sadly passed away in October due to Covid 19. Julia was a valued member of society and a strong advocate for change and support in the Redcar and Cleveland area. She had agreed to become a non-executive trustee at The LCT shortly before her passing and members of the charity were devastated to lose her positivity and commitment to help.

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Direct trains from Middlesbrough to London starting this year following start of station upgrade • Platform extension set to be complete by May • Direct trains to London for first time in decades • Plans include new platform and station upgrade

ees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has revealed that direct trains between Middlesbrough and London will return by the end of this year, as work gets under way on the station’s £34million upgrade. In order to allow for more services and the longer LNER Azuma trains that run on the East Coast Main Line to the capital, platform 2 is being extended with construction work set to be complete by May, ahead of the restoration of the direct London service in December. The Mayor visited the station to see first-hand how the scheme was progressing which, just a year ago, was still a design on a page. Since then, the Mayor and Combined Authority have been working with Network Rail to significantly speed up the delivery of the improvements. Further phases of the scheme will see major customer service improvements at the station including opening up the redundant, derelict and dilapidated station undercroft to provide a new entrance into the station subway and newly refurbished workspaces. There will also be upgrades to the road to the front of the station, improving access between the station and the town centre. A further phase will see a new platform 3 built to the north of platform 2 to further increase train capacity within the station. This is the first significant public investment in a Tees Valley rail station since the opening of James Cook University Hospital Station in 2014 and is the first part of the Mayor’s ambitious plans to transform the rail network across the

● Ben Houchen at Middlesbrough Station region in order to improve rail travel for local people. Mayor Houchen said: “For years people have been promising to improve Middlesbrough station and produced nothing more than shiny pictures. When I became mayor, I promised to deliver the investment Middlesbrough Station desperately needed and to secure the return of direct trains to London. “I’ve provided £22.5million and secured the rest from government to make the redevelopment a reality and we are now getting on with the jobs. Work on platform 2 will be completed in just a matter of months and LNER Azuma trains

will be rolling into the station from London in December. “The work at Middlesbrough station isn’t just important for restarting a direct train service from the town to the capital, it is also critical for improving local train services so that thousands of passengers in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool can get the fast, frequent and better quality train service that they deserve. “Access to good-quality, reliable and affordable public transport is a key part of my plan for jobs. It’s pointless creating good-quality, well-paid jobs if hard working local people cannot easily get around the region. Increasing the frequency

of services and train routes is a key part of my plan for workers, local jobs and wages.” Transport Secretary and Minister for the Northern Powerhouse Grant Shapps said: “The massive improvements being made to Middlesbrough Station underline our commitment to levelling up the North East, investing in the connections which deliver better journeys and kickstart economic growth. “The long-awaited return of services to London is just one part of the massive investment being put into transport across the region, from work to restore the AshingtonBlyth line and millions to upgrade the TransPennine route.” Matt Rice, Network Rail’s Route Director in the North and East, said: “We’re delighted to be able to continuing playing our part in delivering the long-held aspiration to secure a direct-toLondon train service without unduly impacting the services that already serve the town.” Graham Meiklejohn, Regional Development Manager for TransPennine Express, said: “Today marks the start of a phased delivery of range of significant improvements at Middlesbrough railway station, both on the tracks and within the historic building. We are pleased to be working in collaboration with the Mayor and the Tees Valley Combined Authority to enhance the station, its access to the town and the facilities provided to customers.”

Could you offer advice and support to Cleveland Police? Why not join the Redcar and Cleveland Independent Advisory Group, where you can help influence local policing decisions on a wide range of issues? Email everyonematters@cleveland.pnn.police.uk for more information and make a difference today!

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

What’s On - Music & Events

Guisborough Photo Group Update By Rick S.- Competition Secretary

uisborough Photo Group is well in to it’s 2020-2021 season, but due to Covid 19, we still cannot meet in the Methodist Church Hall, but we still meet via Zoom meetings at the normal time 7:30 on Thursday evenings. Each Member gets an invite via an E-mail, check your e-mails and trash bins. Competitions are still going ahead be it only PDI’s, with each member able to submit up to three entries.- 4th competition entries A colour were due on 7th January with the result on 28th The competition was judged by Dave Murrells from the Hartlepool Camera Club. The Advanced section was won by Chris Reed with Opening Bud, second place Bab’s Singleton with A Good Stretch and third place going to Enid Harrison with In the Green. There were four Highly commended and three Commended, in what was again another tight competition. The Intermediate section was won by Geoff Walker with Restoration Red, second

Place Marilyn Beacham with Flame, and third place going to Geoff Walker Isolation Walk Guisborough 2021, with three Highly commended and two Commended. All the results can be found on our Facebook page and web site. The 5th competition entries My Idea of Beauty were due on 4th February with the result on 25th February The Bingo Competition which is a fun was due on the 18th February with the results on 18th March The 6th competition which is the last in the season and is an open one,is due 4th March 2021. With the Results on 25th March. The AGM is on 15th April but we will have to see how thing are then. More information on club web site www. guisboroughphotogroup.org.uk Or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ groups/984715171574093/ More updates next month

● Restoration Red

● Opening Bud

● A good stretch

● In the Green

● Flames

● Isolation Walk Guisborough 2021

Free online Zumba classes

By Kelly Major

ince lock down I have offered Free Zumba fitness online classes for teenagers aged 12-18 to support mental, physical health and isolation. I noticed my own children were not getting PE as part of their home learning which made me determined to help as many people as I can - I also offer NHS staff it for free too. I do classes three times a week Mondays and Tuesdays 7pm and Saturday mornings 9.30am and after a coffee and wellbeing chat catch up. I am a fully qualified instructor, qualified in Zumba Gold- (elderly) Zumba Adults - Zumba kids and Kids Junior - I am also booked in for strong and Toning training and I hope to deliver more classes free to support the community however i work full time as an alcohol coordinator at hillside surgery so I am doing this in my spare time to help others. I am fully insured to teach live and online classes via EMDUK - I use PPL Music and pay for licences for any not. My usual classes are Loftus Town Hall, Staithes

Club, Danby Village Hall, Ruswarp Village Hall, Whitby Metropole and Kofit Guisborough. I plan after lock down expanding my areas to continue supporting communities - I have danced in Zumba classes for 11 years and have been trained for over two years to teach. I feel very humbled that such small areas have come together and communities have formed friendships with others. We booked Hinderwell village Hall to complete a Zumbathon for RVI Ward 4/14 children's cancer hospital in Newcastle following the loss of my Godson Jayden Lindsey from Loftus however as this was the 25th of April - it got cancelled- The money made from tickets over £500 was still sent to the hospital to support the children. We plan on holding this event and raising more cash when we can. We have wellbeing days planned to take into communities and i am also linked in with Helen from youth focus in supporting children in the area. I was recently on the radio for the support i have been doing via good neighbour's support and it would be great if this newspaper will help

to spread the news around the availability of the classes for youths. I have had one mum personally message me discussing how her daughter was getting bullied at school and how since starting the classes they have give her daughter a new lease of life, raised her confidence and improved her wellbeing. I have teenagers who come to my classes who discuss they were bullied for been overweight and they find my classes welcoming and fun. My Classes are completed via Zoom and as

long as you have wifi- phone, tablet, ipad, Smart TV or laptop you can complete the class- People can email me on kellymajor1986@hotmail.co.uk or contact me via my Facebook page. If you take a look you will be able to read the comments see photos of all the girls and reviews and class support given over the last years and how ladies have discussed this has supported them through an extremely difficult time, especially the ones socially isolated Kelly Major - Zumba Fitness | Facebook

What’s On - Music & Events

By Kate Bramley

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

The World of Theatre

s I write this column we are awaiting the first news of how the current lockdown will be eased and hopefully this is the start of the longer process of reopening society and bringing back the live performances that we know and love. All theatres have had to find new ways to survive and to serve their audiences this past year and none have excelled more, in my mind, than the National Theatre. Historically, I had felt that although the quality of their performances was never in doubt they did not excel at reaching beyond their London venue or new theatregoers who hadn’t experienced live performance before. Their decision last year to release a major portion of their catalogue online for free was a bold move and welcomed by millions of viewers. Their subscription service NT at Home https:// www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/ntathome is equally admirable, both reasonably priced and diverse in content. Last month’s showing of the West End/ Award-winning tour of ‘War Horse’ was a particular highlight, as was the adaptation of Andrea Levy’s ‘Small Island’ which I have seen both live and streamed and they are equally impressive. In a world where we expect high production values for online

theatre content the National Theatre are well poised to deliver and do not disappoint. Of course it is harder for smaller companies to compete with that sort of production quality but my thought is that they shouldn’t have to, but must try to find their own unique and distinctive online path that perhaps will compliment live performance going forwards. I think this ‘hybrid-live’ area, that I am already trying to explore with my own company, could lead to positive developments for remote and rural audiences for a long time to come. So I thought I would end these thoughts with a request for your thoughts! What have you missed most about live theatre being paused? Would you feel confident about heading out to live outdoor or indoor spaces across the summer months? What sort of plays would you love to be able to see next in our region? I’d love to hear any of your experiences and thoughts for the future as we all try to look forward to brighter days ahead and you can contact me via the editor of Coastal View editor@coastalviewandmoornews.co.uk or by heading to www.badappletheatre.com . More next time!

Re opening of pubs W

hile you are celebrating the pubs reopening please take a minute to think on how the landlords and landladies have struggled to keep their heads above water for the last 12 months. While a lot of people have been on furlough and getting 80% of their wages or more, most landlords are self employed. Yes, they got help from Government in forms of grants but had to wait till last in the queue, yes they got the furlough pay back but had to pay it out, then wait for it to be paid back and yes many were able to serve takeaways but had to invest to set up the service. There are a lot of bills that still have to be paid and the grants and takeaway money may not have covered them. They may have used all their savings or had to borrow money to keep going and they still had their personal bills to pay like everyone else. The stress behind the scenes is very seldom seen. So before you go out to the pub please remember the service maybe slower, some of your favourite bar staff may not have their jobs anymore, prices may have gone up and will definitely be higher than you have been paying from the supermarket for the last year. Landlords have had to invest in sanitizers, screens and PPE to keep going and keep you safe. Remember none of this is the bar staff or landlords fault. They are just trying to survive like a lot of self employed people. So remember - Stay safe, take care and be kind. Russ and Sarah Clark The Cleveland Bay - Redcar

THE CLEVELAND BAY INGS ROAD, REDCAR, TS10 2DD

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Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Tudor Croft Gardens

e sincerely hope you are well and looking forward to getting outside more as the virus ever so slowly recedes and the weather warms up. This is to update you on our plans for this year. Sadly, the present restrictions prevent us from opening the garden this month for you to visit and enjoy the snowdrops and early spring flowers. However, in the sincere hope that we will be able to open in the summer we have chosen eight dates (more than ever) when the gardens will be at their best. These dates, all from 11am until 4pm will be: Saturday May 22 Sunday May 23 Saturday May 29 Sunday May 30 Saturday June 26 Sunday June 27 Saturday July 3 Sunday July 4 If there are any changes to the above we will, of course, advise you nearer the time. In addition, many of you have asked if it would still be possible to buy snowdrops from us this year. We are therefore making them available by post for the first time. Initially we are starting with two special

collections, each of three named, really good snowdrops. Collection ‘A’ Galanthus Reginae-Olgae A famous early flowering species which usually appears as early as September. Named after Queen Olga of Greece, who was the Duke of Edinburgh’s grandmother. It is very fragrant. Galanthus ‘Fly Fishing’ This special snowdrop is so named because the flower dangles from a very long pedicel, like a fish on a line. A much sought after snowdrop which we’re happy to share. Galanthus ‘Desdemona’ A very beautiful and vigorous large double with heart shaped markings. Desdemona flowers in

Gisborough Priory open for 2021

n Wednesday 3 March 2021 Gisborough Priory will open its doors to visitors once again. The site will be open from Wednesday to Sunday each week, as well as Bank Holiday Mondays, until 31 October. Opening times are 10am to 4pm. The visitor entrance is next to St Nicholas’ Church on Church Street in Guisborough.Our

volunteer custodians from Gisborough Priory Project will be on site as usual but unfortunately due to the current government guidelines the Visitor Centre is not accessible to visitors and there will be no toilet facilities available. Everyone is welcome to explore the ancient priory ruins and beautiful woodland gardens, where snowdrops and other signs of spring are currently emerging. There is no charge for entry but donations towards the costs of running the site are most welcome. Note that all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Dogs must be kept on a lead. The site is managed through a partnership between Gisborough Priory Project and English Heritage, now in its seventh year. Over the last six years more than 100,000 people from all over the world have visited. In addition to our custodians, volunteers keep the flower borders and woodland gardens looking good throughout the year. More volunteers are always needed to help with all these activities. More information can be found at www. gisboroughprioryproject.org.uk

PARKINSON’S UK Redcar & District Support Group Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions we are still unable to hold exercises classes or support group. When restrictions are lifted and we get permission/guidance from Parkinson’s UK the activities will restart. Parkinson's UK have published a booklet 'Parkinson's and Coronavirus - your questions answered' This is free, and can be obtained either on-line (www.parkinsons.org. uk) or from Parkinson's UK Order line: phone: 0333 0030 523. Need more help ring: helpline (free phone) 0808 800 0303 or... email enquiries@parkinsons.org.uk.Parkinson’s In March Parkinson’s UK launched an emergency fundraising appeal. If you would like to donate here is the link: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/donate?_ ga=2.67662420.459029844.1586949088-1133737345.1546950349 Parkinson's helpline (free phone) 0808 800 0303 Email: enquiries@parkinsons.org.uk Website: http://parkinson.org.uk For further details contact Doreen on 01642 471667 or 07900 348518 We're the Parkinson's charity that drives better care, treatments and quality of life. Charity No. 258197

early February and increases well. Collection ‘B’ Galanthus ‘Tilebarn Jamie’ This is one of the very first snowdrops to flower and is always in much demand. It’s great joy to see because it usually starts the snowdrop season off. Galanthus ‘Magnet’ One of the best mid-season snowdrops. Healthy and tall with a strong honey perfume. The flowers hang delicately from a long, arching pedicel. Galanthus ‘Armine’ An elegant, tall snowdrop with large, wellproportioned flowers and distinctive inner green horseshoe shaped markings. Reliable, and flowers late in the season. Each of these collections is offered at the special price of £25, which includes post & packing, planting instructions and individual

What’s On - Music & Events

35 identification labels. Bought separately the snowdrops in each collection sell for more than £30. The snowdrops will be delivered to you carefully boxed, wrapped in moss and ready to plant. They will gradually increase in your garden. They also make wonderful gifts for family and friends and will be available for as long as stocks last. To order please just email us at: tudorcroft@ btinternet.com letting us know which collection you would like ( A or B) and giving your postal address for delivery. We’ll then send you an invoice with payment instructions. We accept cheques or bank transfer. We do hope you enjoy these special snowdrops over many years and we look forward to seeing you at Tudor Croft in the summer. With best wishes, Mike and Gel Heagney

Teesside United

ncertainty caused by loss of income, livelihood and career opportunities has caused widespread stress and a rise in mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The worrying effect of these things, along with potential redundancies as businesses close, is that it will, for some people, be so overwhelming that they may feel there is no hope, that there is nowhere to turn for help or that there is no way out of the problems they face. Because of this The Boro Walkers Association are launching the “Teesside United” campaign promoting mental health awareness during these dark times. Peter Livingstone Chairman of the Boro Walkers Association said: “During these unprecedented times you or someone you may know will be affected by this ongoing pandemic. Because of this we wanted to make a positive announcement of support to everyone across the Tees Valley with a simple message: Together as one we are strong. Together as one we are Teesside United”. He continued: “If you or anyone you know are feeling isolated, vulnerable,feeling depressed or suffering with high levels of anxiety you’re not alone, help is at hand. We have designed a simple E-CARD which has some really important contact numbers should you or someone you know be feeling down. The card has telephone numbers and direct web access to some fantastic services ready and waiting to help”. The E-CARD can be saved direct to your phone and could be the best save your ever likely to make. Local business owner and long-time friend of Peter, Neil Stephenson said: “I lost my brother Craig at the beginning of lockdown to suicide and it hit me and the family really hard. We knew that if there had been something like this available when Craig was experiencing some dark moments things might have been a little different. “It’s so important to break down the stigma about talking about our experiences, feelings and emotions when things are not going well. It is essential that we get the message out to everyone that there IS help out there and things CAN change for the better. It’s critical that people know how

to find the help they need and to not be afraid to ask for it. The E-Card is a fantastic initiative and could really help save someone’s life”. Peter commented: “The loss of Craig struck a chord with most of the Boro Walkers members as most of them have felt his pain over the past year. So as a group we decided it was time to act and came up with the idea of pulling together all local support groups to form Teesside United. By joining forces we have worked together to design the E-card which includes important contact numbers for help and a link to a website that gives direct support. “We urge everyone to save the card, as this could probably be the best save you could ever make. Once saved, you immediately have the information stored to your phones gallery and this could possibly help save someone's life.” Peter and the Boro Walkers Association have also gained support from all four Borough Council’s across the Tees Valley. And it’s also got the backing from Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchenalong with a host of well know local faces including Chris Kamara aka Kammy and Former Premier League Referee – Jeff Winter.

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

A word from the Oﬃce of the Police and Crime Commissioner…..

n our last edition, we had just had the news of a third national lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. We were also asking you how much you were prepared to pay towards the cost of policing as part of your Council Tax next year. Thank you to those who took the time to share your views. We took them into consideration when we made our recommendations to the Police and Crime Panel in early February. We’re pleased to say he panel unanimously supported our proposal. In this edition we have provided more details about the increase and how it will be used to support and improve policing. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has also been told that elections for Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) will go ahead on 6 May 2021. The elections were postponed last year as a result of England’s first national lockdown. Our team is now working towards that date when we look forward to welcoming a new Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland. In the meantime, it’s business as usual. The Tees Rural Crime Forum is

● Police oﬃcer numbers in Cleveland are on track to reach the highest levels in several years, after an increase to the precept. launching a consultation for residents, landowners and business owners in Cleveland’s rural areas, so we can better understand their concerns and worries about crime. Working with Cleveland Police, we’re also looking for community representatives to sit on an independent group, to provide advice and support to police in Redcar and Cleveland. If that sounds like something you would

Inspection Report Acknowledges Cleveland Police Improvements

new inspection report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has recognised the improvements made by Cleveland Police. The follow-up report detailed progress in relation to Crime Date Integrity, the National Child Protection Inspection and the vulnerability cause for concern that was issued in the PEEL 2019 inspection. There were several notifiable improvements from the inspection, including: • The force is better at assessing the vulnerability and risk to victims of domestic abuse, including repeat victims. • Control room staff are better at identifying risk and this is reflected in the grading of the incident. • Multi-agency safeguarding arrangements are in place across the force area for children and young people. • The force has made promising improvements to its recording of crime. • The force has improved its allocation of crime. • Custody staff are complying with statutory duties regarding detention. • The force has improved its use of legal powers to prevent reoffending, particularly domestic abuse prevention notices (DVPNs) and conditional bail. • Victims are believed following deployment and record observations

on body-worn video. • The force has improved its pursuit of justice on behalf of victims of domestic abuse. The Inspection also identified some areas in which the Force must continue to improve, including the response to missing children, recording standards around antisocial behaviour and ensuring that information and the recording of information is consistent. Chief Constable Richard Lewis said: “Our officers and staff have been so invested in making these improvements, and the positive steps forward are down to their hard work. “I have a solid plan and have set a clear direction on the work that we still need to do. We have reached the first checkpoint on the marathon that is our improvement journey, and we are at a steady pace. Change takes time. This isn’t about ticking boxes. We’re not trying to make surface level improvements, we’re making real, lasting changes that reset how we think and operate. “Covid-19 has impacted us all, and our workforce dealt with this inspection during the turbulent months of 2020. Like each organisation, the pandemic has impacted upon plans that we had, but we are adjusting to new ways of working and are still on the right track. I know that we now have an opportunity to rebuild an organisation and service that is better and stronger, and I’m confident we have the right people to get us across the finish line.”

● Survey launched to capture crime concerns of rural residents

be interested in – keep reading! We’d like to think that when the next edition is published, lockdown and the pandemic will slowly be becoming a memory and we can begin to look forward to meeting more Cleveland residents in person again. If you would like to know more about the OPCC and its work, please go to our website: https://www.cleveland.pcc.police.uk/ Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland Increase to council tax boosts police recruitment This year’s policing precept will help Cleveland Police exceed national recruitment targets Police officer numbers in Cleveland are on track to reach the highest levels in several years, after an increase to the precept. Cleveland Police and Crime Panel unanimously supported the inflationlevel increase of 1.99% proposed by Acting Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Oldroyd. This works out as a £5.19 annual increase for Band D properties – or just 10p per week. Funds raised by this year’s precept will help the Force to meet their plans to have over 1,450 police officers either on duty or in training by March 2022. This means Cleveland will not just hit national targets a year earlier than expected, but exceed them by 65 officers. If achieved, the number of Cleveland police officers will have increased by over 250 in three years- an increase of over 20%. Numbers have not reached this level since 2013. Recognising the financial worries many households are facing in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mrs Oldroyd opted for the lowest possible increase, whilst ensuring the Force is equipped with the resources to improve. Mrs Oldroyd said: “It felt most appropriate in the current economic circumstances that the increase is limited to £5 for a Band D property, as households across Cleveland feel the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.

“With a 1.99% increase, we will be able to support Cleveland Police to surpass Government recruitment targets and continue on their journey of improvement under the leadership of Chief Constable Richard Lewis.” Cleveland residents were consulted on the police budget for 2021-22 in an online survey. More than half of respondents said they would be willing to pay more to support policing in their council tax. For more, go to our website. Community members wanted to advise and support police The OPCC and Cleveland Police are looking for people in Redcar and Cleveland to support the work of the police in their spare time. New members of Redcar and Cleveland Independent Advisory Group (IAG) are being recruited to provide support and advice to the force. The IAG is made up of people from the local community, who give independent advice with the aim of improving policing and community safety services. They help ensure services meet the needs of local communities. There is an IAG in each of Cleveland’s four boroughs – Hartlepool, Stocktonon-Tees, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland. Borough-based IAGs feed into a strategic panel for the whole of the Cleveland force area. Membership is voluntary. Although the post is unpaid, prospective members must be prepared to be vetted by Cleveland Police The IAG meets every three months. In exceptional circumstances, the Chair may ask members to meet and discuss an emerging issue. Meetings are currently being held virtually due to social distancing restrictions. To become a member of the IAG, send a summary of your background, interests, community links and reasons for joining to Sarah Wilson, OPCC Officer for Consultation and Engagement. The summary should be no more than 200 words. For further details contact Sarah Wilson on 01642 301 446 or sarah. wilson@cleveland.pnn.police.uk

For more information, go to our website. Survey launched to capture crime concerns of rural residents Rural residents, landowners and business owners in Cleveland are being asked to share their concerns about crime and safety in a twice-yearly survey. Developed by the Tees Rural Crime Forum, the bi-annual survey will seek to understand what crimes rural communities are most worried about and what they believe agencies should be doing to protect them. The Rural Crime Forum brings together Cleveland Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, local authorities, Environment Agency, Cleveland Fire Brigade, the Wildlife Trust and the National Farmers Union. Led by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), the group meets regularly to discuss ongoing rural issues and to identify opportunities to work together to reduce crime. Acting Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Oldroyd said: “Rural communities may have very specific needs and concerns that require tailored strategies to address. “Their comments and feedback will help the Tees Rural Crime Forum bring different areas of expertise together to ensure Cleveland’s rural communities feel protected, safe and included.” A Cleveland Police Spokesperson said: “It is vital that we work together with partner agencies and the local community to tackle issues with rural crime. We want do as much as possible to make people living in these communities feel safe as they each have their own specific needs and concerns which we need to listen to and act on.” The survey can be accessed at the following link: https:// www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ RuralCrimeSurvey/ Until next time, stay safe - and look after each other Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Rural Ewe Crime Update Welcome ello and welcome to March’s edition on Rural Ewe everyone. How are you? Are you feeling more or less optimistic as this pandemic rolls on? Are you looking forward to a change in season with warmer weather and longer days? I’m sure you’re all still being effected by the current lockdown, but on the positive side, and we really do have to stay positive at the moment don’t we, there is an end in sight with the vaccine rollout and the figures dropping everyday. Hopefully in the very near future we’ll get back to some sort of normality, and be able to hug those close to us again, and plan a little for the year ahead in the meantime stay safe and look after yourselves. So on to this month’s concerns and issues that affect you in the rural communities and of course the more urban villages and towns. I’d like to start this month with a national issue that is getting a great deal of press and social media attention, and that is “Dog Thefts” However before I go any further I would like to make it clear, that although we have had a very small number of these thefts, all reports are taken seriously and looked at. I know for the owners this is a huge loss, as our pets are like family to us, and we all need to be the eyes and ears out there to stop this happening to another poor family. An incident happened at 1.30pm Saturday, February 13th in Hartlepool, as a man in his 20s took his English Bulldog for a walk and was pushed to the ground after he was approached by a man. The suspect grabbed the dog’s lead and attempted to run off. Fortunately the victim was able to keep hold of the dog and then headed home with the dog unharmed, while the suspect made his escape.Officers believe that the incident, onWiltshire Way in Hartlepool is likely to have been “opportunist.” A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “Whilst there was an increase in reported dog thefts nationally in 2020, Cleveland Police has received a small number – three – reports of incidents relating to dog theft to date this year. "Further advice on protecting your dog against theft can be found on the Blue Cross website, along with steps to take if this happens.” Below is a statement from the National Police Chiefs’ Council who are tackling this issue and have offered advice on the best action to take. Police are urging dog owners to take reasonable security measures to keep their pets safe. Officers are warning that criminals are exploiting the huge increase in prices and demand for puppies over the Coronavirus restrictions. The charity “DogLost” has seen reports of thefts rise by 170% in the last year from 172 dogs in 2019 to 465 in 2020. National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Acquisitive Crime, Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “Dog theft can be a devastating crime for families and causes considerable distress to owners. Whilst it is still a very rare crime, it’s sadly something we have seen increasing recently. “During the Coronavirus pandemic criminals have adjusted their activities and are taking advantage of the big demand for pets over the lockdown period. The cost of a puppy has considerably increased over the past year making this a lucrative market for organised criminals to exploit.” Police across the country are taking robust

● “Dog theft can be a devastating crime for families and causes considerable distress to owners action to target those responsible for dog theft. Recently in Greater Manchester officers arrested three people after a member of the public reported seeing someone carrying seven English Bulldogs puppies (pictured below) into a property. Two 21-year-old men and a 20-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of burglary. Whilst in Wales Dyfed-Powys Police has returned nearly 30 dogs to their rightful owners after officers found 80 animals at a property in Carmarthenshire (some pictured below). One person was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and another on suspicion of burglary. Inquiries continue. A joint operation between Avon and Somerset Police and Wiltshire Police resulted in the arrest and charge of two men following the alleged theft of several dogs at a property in Bristol. In Cambridgeshire two dogs were reunited with their owners after officers executed a warrant. Two men, in their 20s and 40s, were arrested. Last month in Aberdeenshire Police Scotland officers traced Skye the Cocker Spaniel after she was stolen in November from her kennel. A 25 year old man was arrested and charged. Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman added: “We rely on the public providing us with information and would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it to their local officers. Whilst these offences can be very difficult to investigate police understand how upsetting they are and will robustly follow any lines of inquiry. “Dog owners can take reasonable security measures to prevent thefts like checking privacy settings on social media before sharing pictures of your pet online, as this can attract the attention of some criminals. The Blue Cross website has a wide range of advice on how to prevent theft of dogs and steps to take if this happens. “I also want to encourage those who are buying dogs to really consider where the pet has come from and ensure that it is being purchased legally. Advice can be found online on the checks you should make before purchasing a new dog or puppy.” Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said: “Losing a much loved family pet can cause great distress and it’s a sad fact that criminals will seek to profit by this vile crime. “We are taking action to cut crime by bolstering

the police with 20,000 extra officers and our £20 million Safer Streets Fund will provide Police and Crime Commissioners with additional cash to spend on crimes such as theft. “Let me be clear – pet theft is a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and it must be confronted wherever it occurs.” Rural Survey: As with most years now, Cleveland Police and the Office of Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCC) are running a rural survey to get your opinions on what affects you, along with your

main areas of concern, such as Poaching, Theft of Machinery etc. This will not only enable our executive to plan and resource these areas, it will also help Cleveland Police put together our new rural strategy for 2021 – 2024 which again helps with policing policy, but more importantly gives you a voice to make a change. For more details on the survey and how to access it see the OPCC page opposite. Off Road Vehicles: We are currently working of planning more operations for the coming year in an attempt to tackle off road vehicles that can blight our rural communities. I’ll be working closely with your local neighbourhood teams on this along with our very proactive Off Road Bike Unit, under the operation name of Operation Endurance. Rural Watch: If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the police on 101 or, in an emergency, 999. Speak to our Crime Prevention team To speak to our Crime Prevention Unit about generally protecting your property and reducing your chances of becoming a victim of crime, email crime.prevention@cleveland.pnn.police. ukif its more rural related the please contact me at Ruralcrime.webmail@cleveland.pnn.police. uk Take care everyone, and you know where I am if you need me. #LookingAfterRuralEwe Kind Regards Paul Payne – Rural Crime Prevention Oﬃcer Twitter: @ClevelandRural Emergency No: 999 Non Emergency No: 101 CrimeStoppers: 0800 555 111 - Online: www. crimestoppers-uk.org

Appeal after several East Cleveland farms burgled Investigations are on-going after several reports of farm burglaries around the Loftus area of East Cleveland

e’ve received at least seven reports of farm buildings or shipping containers being targeted, with power tools, hand tools, a tractor and even frozen food being taken. In one case the tractor was later discovered damaged in a nearby field. Sadly in one case a nesting bird was killed while the suspects gained access to the storage container it was in. Officers are following several lines of enquiry including CCTV and scenes of crime but we are also appealing for anyone with information or who may have seen anything suspicious. The break ins are believed to have taken place overnight Wednesday 24th to Thursday 25th February and it appears a group of people wearing balaclavas were involved. We would appeal for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or captured it on their CCTV or dash cam to contact Redcar CID via the 101 number, quoting Ref 029880. We would also encourage farmers, landowners and those living and working in our rural areas to consider joining our Rural Watch scheme: https://www.cleveland.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wsi/watch-schemesinitiatives/rw/rural-watch/ You can learn more about how to protect your property and possessions here https://www. cleveland.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/rural-crime-prevention We can also email or post you a rural crime prevention leaflet if you contact us on ruralcrime. webmail@cleveland.pnn.police.uk Our Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner chairs the multi-agency Rural Crime Forum which meets regularly so issues can be raised and ideas/solutions exchanged between agencies and rural communities. The forum would welcome more farmers’ and countryside dwellers’ input. For more information you can email Rural Crime as above, or the OPCC: pcc@cleveland.pnn.police.uk

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Hollie Bush Writes

A whimsical look at our area

Loftus blows its own Victorian trumpet I

t's always interesting to know what others make of us, and this first chapter of an account of a long gone summer visit to Loftus by a man (who was also of great interest himself), and which I came across recently, is worth recycling. This piece was written in the high summer of 1859 by a man called John Hollingshead. He was a journalist and writer who went on to become one of the country's leading impresarios and who, as a theatre manager, 'discovered' (to use the modern term) Gilbert and Sullivan. He wrote the piece for a magazine called 'All the Year Round', which since it was edited by Charles Dickens, a close friend of Hollingshead over many years, has led many in East Cleveland to devoutly believe that it was the world famous Dickens himself writing of his experiences in this area. This, alas, is wrong, but does not take away the interest. It is worth saying that despite his London centric life, Hollingshead was greatly interested in life outside the capital and with the aid of the new fangled railways travelled widely around the country giving impressionistic pictures of the cities, towns and villages of the UK. On one occasion he travelled all the way from London to Birmingham by a working narrow boat to get a picture of a life 'on the cut', and on another he journeyed to Manchester in a railway travelling post office. He had an interest in the new industries of the day, and I strongly suspect it would have been a visit to Middlesbrough, the boom town of Ironopolis, that led him onwards to Redcar and Loftus. I suspect that after nearly a decade of this column, you are looking for a bit of a break from me, and so on this occasion, let Mr Hollingshead speak - in this case of Loftus and a very quieter and different Loftus to today's town - for himself, and in his unedited dulcet Victorian prose, on this page. This is the first chapter; the second in the next Coastal View. “A favourable specimen of a moorland village in the hills, is Lofthouse, in Cleveland, about half way between Redcar and Whitby. Attracted by a handbill advertisement of a " Grand Village Band Contest'' at this place, on Friday, September 30, 1859, I procured a dog-cart at Redcar, and was driven over the greatest part of the way, like the hero of Lammermoor, along the sands, but with not quite such a melancholy result. “At length, winding slowly down a hill which we had reached into a valley; past a waggon heavily laden with provisions, which was toiling over to the village festival, while the group of shouting schoolboys who were interested in its contents were making shortcuts to Lofthouse, by scampering over the stubbly fields; past the village clergyman and his favourite monitor, driving over on the same cheerful errand in a substantial four-wheeled chaise; past another waggon, loaded with gravel- coloured peasants mixed with women, boys, and girls, on shafts, back, front, and sides, and almost on the wheels; past a solitary omnibus from Guisboro', specially chartered by one of the competing bands, in

which an ophicleide, as large as a village pump, appeared to hold the post of honour, and dingy Sax-horns were nursed by rough-looking musical nurses, as if they were children of priceless worth; past many pedestrians who were jolting down one hill, and toiling up another, on their road to the scene of the musical prize fight; past all the signs of a not very distant attraction, down into the valley, across a stone bridge, and up through a dark wood, until at last we drove up to the door of the principal inn in Lofthouse, the Golden Lion. “There was nothing very peculiar in my appearance, except that I was an alien and a stranger in a place unaccustomed to public visitors; but my general impression is that Lofthouse was wholly unable to make me out. Several dogs came up to examine me, lolled out their tongues and wagged their tails, and then disappeared in one or other of the open doorways. “A large shopkeeper, in a small general way of business, surveyed me from between a number of miscellaneous articles that stood in his shop window amongst dead blue-bottles and expiring wasps. A young lady in full evening costume, even to allow dress and crinoline (the daughter of a leading draper in the village), came out to her father's door, and after surveying me for several minutes, retired into the dim recesses of the shop, totally incapable of making me out. Another young lady at a rival draper's, who was adorning herself for the mid-day festival, after examining me several times, for periods of from one to five minutes each, from her chamber window, continued her toilet, at last, in despair, because she, too, was unable to make me out. A number of boys with vacant faces and open mouths, who stood motionless in the road at the front of the Golden Lion door, with their heads bent forward, their hands thrust into their pockets, and their knees disposed of at different degrees of inward inclination, were also perfectly unable to make me out. An aged bandy-legged man in drab cloth gaiters, who came to, and went from, the threshold of an opposite doorway, like the figure over a Swiss fancy clock, was probably making himself quite ill in his fruitless endeavours to make me out. A tottering old woman in an adjoining doorway was another observer of the single alien and stranger, and she, like the others, was incapable of making me out. “The Golden Lion, and its landlord, were far above any such idle curiosity on such a busy day (for them), and while they were as ignorant as anyone in the village as to who I was, or who I might be, they made me pretty clearly understand that they cared very little to know, as long as I stood out of the way. The usual hotel form of " showing" me " to a room," was certainly gone through, and I availed myself of it to deposit my great-coat, and my travelling bag; but, noting that six Lofthouse men were engaged at the window in hanging out a flag, and that preparations had been made for turning this and all the other sleeping apartments into tap- rooms at a later period of the day, I gave it up, without a murmur, into the hands of resolute festivity, and proceeded down stairs to the old- fashioned stone-floored

● A Victorian Cartoon of John Hollingshead

parlour, that was also kitchen, tap-room, and bar. “Here I found the first band that had come into Lofthouse to try its musical skill, very busily engaged in trying the Lofthouse rum and ale; while, hanging up by hooks from the ceiling, amongst many bundles of dried winter herbs, were several cornopeans to be used in the harmonious fight. The usual plan of bandapproach appeared to be, to stop about two hundred yards outside the houses, and then to tramp in, playing a decant march. “Upon drawing up before the Golden Lion, the players formed a circle, and finished off with another decant tune, which seemed to say to all Lofthouse, "We are Farndale; beat that if you can!" Before the arrival of another party of combatants, these performers retired to one of the drinking rooms, where the landlord gazed upon them with a silent but fatherly interest, having more regard to what they drank than to what they played. “They sat upon tables, and along benches against the wall; they puffed pipes until they were almost invisible in clouds of tobacco smoke; they disposed of their brass instruments in the window, until the hostelry looked, from the outside, like a military trumpet-maker's shop. Their faces were flushed with beer, if not with anticipated triumph, and they were encouraged to seek victory by the presence of certain gentle beings who had sworn to wear their colours to the last. “A couple of Yorkshire " Arabs" had somehow drifted up from some city of large population in the county, and, while one offered to clean boots at a penny a pair, the other stood up with his nose just above the beer mugs on a table, and sang a popular song, until a member of a brass band extinguished him with the mouth of a yawning ophicleide. I am sorry to have to admit, in all candour, that these were the only two boys in the village who seemed quite capable of making me out.

● Today's Golden Lion

“I now give the rules and the programme, as they were given in excellent print to me: REGULATIONS. "That the district shall embrace all villages within a distance of thirty miles. That each band intending to compete shall consist of not more than fourteen members, each member having been enrolled in the said band at least three months before contesting. That each band shall have the privilege of choosing one piece of music, the other to be selected by the judge. That no professional shall be allowed to play with any band." LOFTHOUSE GRAND VILLAGE BAND CONTEST. On Friday, September 30, 1859. N.B.- Placards announcing the name of each band, as they play, will be displayed upon the platform; reference then can be made to the programme. The order of playing will be decided previously by drawing lots. PROGRAMME. Test piece, to be played by each of the bands - " Grand Parade March" . . . Jones. AISLABY BRASS BAND, 9 Performers.- Leader, Mr. R. Corney. Selection . " La Somnambula" . . Bellini. BILSDALE BRASS BAND, 12 Performers. Leader, Mr. W. Hart. Selection . " Twelfth Mass" . . Mozart. FARNDALE BRASS BAND, 11 Performers.- Leader, Mr. Potter. Selection . " Lucrezia Borgia" . Donizetti. GUISBRO' BRASS BAND, 12 Performers. Leader, Mr. Bannister. Selection . " II Trovatore" . . Verdi. LOFTHOUSE SAX-HORN BAND, 10 Performers.- Leader, Mr. J. Walker. Hallelujah Chorus . . . Handel's Messiah. The contest will commence at one o'clock.“ (To be continued) Hollie Bush comments; Loftus (then, of course, before the coming of the railways and the towns renaming from “Lofthouse”) was a lot smaller than we now know it. On the 1865 Ordnance Survey, it stretched from the foot of the hill by the Arlington pub, up to the Market Place and along the High Street to the junction with what is now Station Road. A few rows like North Street ran off for a few

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Care bears! Dedicated foster couple among first to be handed special teddy bears for vulnerable children

yards, but otherwise that was it. I’m not sure if the Golden Lion Hollingshead stayed at was the grand building dominating the Market Place we know now. There was a former Golden Lion, and it could be that it was the older building he lodged in. At the time of the report, Loftus was on the cusp of huge changes. A town up to then dependent on agriculture, work in the Alum Works at Hummersea and some inland stone quarrying was going to be hit by the full force of carboniferous capitalism in the years immediately after Hollingshead's visit. As always, change and decay was all around us as we see. That is as true today as in 1859. Hollie Bush “The Hero of Lammermoor”. This refers to Sir Walter Scott’s gothic horror novel, ‘the Bride of Lammermoor’, involving the tragic love of heiress Lucy Ashton and Edgar, the Master of Ravenswood. As with all good Victorian novels, tragedy comes at the finale when Edgar dies when a speeding pony and trap go over a cliff en route to a duel where he is to fight for Lucy’s honour. “an ophicleide” This was simply an oversize tuba “several cornopeans” A cornopean is an instrument long dead today, .It comes from the French “cornet à pistons”, originally a post horn with valves. The name Cornopean comes from the Latin cornus (“horn”) and the English paean, a hymn of praise.

Hollie Bush can be contacted directly if readers want to comment on articles, or to suggest topics (the odder, the better) that help to define the East Cleveland we all live in. Email: holliebush@gmx.com

dedicated foster couple among the first to be handed very special teddy bears to be given to children coming into their care have told how fostering has brought them joy. Adele Lisle and Ian Scott, of Redcar, were the among the first in the Tees Valley to take part in a partnership with not-for-profit organisation Ted’s Light which gives teddies to foster carers who take in younger children. The council also organised a special online recruitment day for people thinking about foster care. Ted’s Light was established in memory of a little boy who lost his life and is backed by Tees Valley-based athlete Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. The charity also provides night lights for the children to make the early days of not being at home less scary. Foster carers have given positive feedback, with one couple explaining two children have been cuddling the bears and taking them to bed every night. Adele, a nurse, has been fostering with Ian for two years, has provided both short-term respite care and more longer term care for children. She said: “Something as simple as a teddy bear can make all the difference in the world, especially in that very early period. “I always wanted to be a foster carer, even from school days. I knew someone who was fostered and they were treated differently. I never thought it was fair. “It’s so much better these days and it is so rewarding and it can bring such joy. I won’t say there aren’t challenges – there certainly are – but the rewards are very real. For me, it’s about seeing the changes in behaviour when they start to open up and trust you. The smiles are so rewarding and when you move them back home or to long term fostering, or when the school says they are settled and doing well, I feel a real sense of achievement. It can take time, but it is wonderful when it happens.” Ian, who doesn’t have children of his own, said his role was like that of a ‘funcle’ (fununcle). He said: “I am very close to my nieces and nephews and so I knew that was something I could do, just let them have some fun and create some positive childhood memories for them. It’s actually an important thing we can give them, along with reassurance and just

letting them know they’re safe. It is extremely rewarding at times but I’d advise anyone to find out all they can. The council gives good support and the recruitment event with other foster carers will be a very good way to find out the good – and the challenging side – of fostering.” Councillor Alison Barnes, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “This all about protecting our most vulnerable children and I would like to pay tribute to all our foster carers, just like Adele and Ian, who do amazing work. I’d also like to

thank Ted’s Light for providing the bears which can provide a little comfort and reassurance to children. I’d urge anyone who thinks they could provide a good foster home to find out more. You could change a life.” The council’s specialist foster team has been given 20 teddys from Ted’s Light but there’s more ready and waiting to make the journey on the ‘Ted Express’ to Redcar & Cleveland. To find out about Ted’s Light or to donate go to https:// www.tedslight.com/

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Wayfarer’s Travels:

Tozeur – Sahara

ozeur is a desert oasis city in South West Tunisia; it`s not the easiest of places to reach and we had a hard long day traveling across barren desert to get there. Tozeur is the gateway to the Sahara and is an excellent base for exploring the less wellknown part of Tunisia. Its huge date-palm plantations are among the largest and most beautiful in the country. Dates have boosted the local economy for centuries, in fact it is known as the “Land of Dates” (Bled el Jerid). We`d half expected to find some ramshackle hotel or even tents to bed down in but were staggered to see this lovely hotel in the middle of nowhere. The interior was just as impressive and the swimming pool one of the most magnificent we`d experienced. The food also was superb with a huge buffet offering every type of cuisine you could imagine. As well as having a large and unusual old medina, Tozeur makes an excellent centre for exploring several other fascinating places such as the vast Chott salt lake. Beware leaving the narrow central track though – the rusting skeletons of various vehicles bear witness to the consequences. Next on the list has to be the troglodyte villages of Matmata. These Berber underground homes lie in an arid, pockmarked landscape in the parched valleys of southern Tunisia's Djebel Dahar region. The dwellings are built by first digging a deep circular pit into the sandstone, which is soft enough to work with simple hand tools, and then fashioning the various rooms off it. If that isn`t enough to whet your appetite, last but far from least was a return trip on the old wooden Lizarde Rouge train which runs from Metlaoui to Redeyef, near the Algerian

● The Hotel

The Reader

border, and passes through the spectacular Selja Gorges, taking some 40 minutes for the journey. This certainly was a tour with a difference. Wayfarer

CASTLE OF THE EAGLES

For any further information on this or any other destination, e-mail:- Wayfarer@ntlworld.com

News from the Local WI’s Saltburn WI

By Diane Falla

nother month in Lockdown, and another month when we have had to keep in touch by phone, email and zoom. It isn’t the same as meeting in person but better than stopping completely. The only thing we can do together is walk in twos for our daily exercise. The cold and snowy weather put a stop to that on a couple of occasions but that didn’t stop us, we had a hastily arranged coffee morning on zoom instead. February is the month when WI members are encouraged to make green hearts to “show the love” for our environment. To this end we delivered a pack to everyone of our members containing everything needed to make a green felt heart. It is amazing how many miles one can walk around Saltburn to cover every address. At our monthly meeting (on zoom of course) Ronagh Craddock spoke to us about Climate change, the challenges that it presents and some of the solutions to meet the ambitious targets being set to reduce carbon Emissions. We followed up the next week on our weekly zoom with a lively discussion on recycling. It was amazing to hear how many different ways there are to recycle materials locally. (Not just by using our domestic recycling bins) Until we can again invite you to our meetings please keep in touch with all we are doing on our website, our Facebook page or you can get in touch at saltburnwomensinstitute@outlook.com

By Mark Felton

e`ve all heard of the daring escapes from Colditz Castle but how many have heard of the huge Vincigliata Castle, high in the Tuscan hills, and the brave escapes from there? The castle became to be known as “The Castle of the Eagles. Senior British officers were held prisoner there on the orders of Mussolini. Against all the odds, these extraordinary middle-aged POWs plan a series of daring escapes, culminating in a very complex tunnel deep beneath the castle. Another “must read” which kept me in suspense until the very end. The Reader

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Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

... your well-being in our hands

Staying positive in lockdown A

fter six weeks of yet another lockdown – as of writing this article – time seems to be standing still for a lot of us. Spending many more hours than usual inside isn’t good for us, but it can be very difficult to motivate ourselves to do anything different. With the first lockdown it seemed easier in many ways – it was spring, and walks were more enjoyable. The trees were slowly turning green, there were wonderful displays of bluebells and wild garlic in the woods, and I seem to remember it being a remarkably dry spring. This time it’s different. It’s the THIRD lockdown we’ve had, and it’s no longer a novelty! I can’t believe how much snow we’ve had – more than for several years. I’ve been taking photos on all our walks, right since the very beginning last year, just to have a photographic record, and it’s been fascinating. I have an app on my phone which allows me to order a free Photobook every month, which I usually use for holidays and days out. I hate missing a bargain so decided to keep up my monthly book of photos as a record of the lockdown – certainly not expecting it to still be useful almost a year later! It’s been great to look back over the months as the rules changed; most of the time the walks have been around our village, which we’ve certainly explored more than ever before (well, we’ve only lived here for 42 years, and as the rules loosened we had visits to Saltburn, Skinningrove and the beach. Then, joy

of joys, we could go further afield and we treated ourselves to a few days in Cardiff, and even managed to get to Turkey in September – only to be quarantined for two weeks on our return – that was definitely two weeks when I didn’t take any photos! The ones I took on holiday made up for it. Then, autumnal walks meant different colours, and we seldom went to the woods as the weather was becoming much wetter. Winter walks varied between being wet and snowy – I think there were three different bouts of snow in January, and this February almost as many – including almost being snowed in! Amazingly this happened after the snow had stopped, but the wild wind took over and blew the soft, powdery snow across the lanes, making it impassable to many cars, luckily only overnight. I’m pretty sure that we haven’t seen the last of the snow, and that our March Photobook will contain snowy photos, too – my birthday is towards the end of March and I remember more snowy birthdays than warm ones, so this year may be the same – as well as being my second birthday in lockdown, in all probability! I’m certainly looking forward to spring walks again – the main bonus from the lockdowns is that we’ve been for a walk almost every day, and will continue to do that. Today’s walk was to give me inspiration to write this article, as I’d no idea what to write about! Hopefully it has been worth reading. Evenings are getting lighter, warmer days will soon be here, and

I’m looking forward to walks in the woods to see the bluebells again. When things will be back to “normal” nobody knows – but hopefully many of us will have found things to appreciate in our strange lives that we will be able to continue enjoying when lockdown ends.

And let’s all have fingers crossed that this lockdown will be the last! Judith Watson, Smart Therapies, Moorsholm and Guisborough 01287 660745/07934 430 981 judith@smart-therapies.com

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Easy Peasy Spicy Smoked Mackerel Fish Cakes I made this one with a few leftovers from sunday lunch and a packet of smoked mackerel. You can coat them with either polenta or fresh breadcrumbs. Serves 4 4 oz cooked peas mashed with a fork 8 oz cold mashed potato 1 small finely sliced spring onion 1pack smoked mackerel 1 tsp Thai curry paste Chop up the mackerel, mix with onion. paste and peas until blended together Add potato mix and form into 4 or 8 balls Flatten slightly and place in a fridge for 30 minutes Prior to shallow frying, coat with seasoned ﬂour. egg wash and fresh bread crumbs or polenta. hef Shallow fry for 3-4 minutes in hot oil until crispy cret C e S e Th Serve with green salad and salsa. Bon Appetito

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

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Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Redcar Bears

Speedway

rom this month we have a new writer for the Redcar Bears column, Ryan a 27year old Speedway enthusiast since 2012 who dabbles in darts, boxing, football table tennis and cricket (Strictly speedway only here Ryan!). I hope you all enjoy Ryans news and views on the Bears in the seasons to come. In May, Speedway will be back and the Redcar Bears are looking to go one better than 2019 and lift the SGB Championship title. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic professional team speedway has not been seen on these shores since 2019. 2019 was a year of uncharted territory for the "Agila" Bears who lifted their first piece of major team silverware with a memorable KO Cup final win over their arch rivals, the Newcastle Diamonds. One of the stars of their 2019 campaign, Erik Riss, has opted to sit out British Speedway in 2021 and concentrate on riding on the continent due to uncertainty surrounding British Speedway's start date. Due to a lack of heat leaders available to the club they have also had to release former Leicester Lion Joe Lawlor. With the 2021 season just around the corner I thought it important to look at the six confirmed starters for the Bears Charles Wright Some Championship sides have stolen the headlines by signing former Grand Prix stars to spearhead their assault on the 2021 SGB Championship title but one major piece of business has gone

● Charles Wright under the radar, Redcar retaining the services of the 2019 British Champion. Charles, from Stockport is the Bears captain and out and out number 1 and is in the prime of his career and will do everything within his powers to lead the Bears to the play-offs and beyond. Charles is a top rider who will be doubling up with his hometown club, the Belle Vue Aces in the SGB Premiership. I expect he will regularly score double figures throughout the campaign. Kasper Andersen Everybody's favourite Dancing Dane was an inspired mid-season signing during the 2019 campaign. Kasper is a quality rider who will only get better. He is a popular member of the squad and is desperate to help the Bears secure major league honours in 2021. Expect Kasper to provide excellent support to the Bears heat leaders over the course of the 2021 season. Jordan Stewart "Jordy" has flourished over his three years with the club. The club asset has improved from riding in the reserve berth to challenging the club's heat leaders and securing a place with Ipswich in the Premiership. The Australian will

be looking to move into a heat leader position next season and I believe he is well capable of doing just that. Jordy is eager to move up the Speedway ladder and see's Redcar as the place to help him do just that. Michael Palm-Toft "MPT" returns to the Bears after being a successful part of the 2019 season. The Dane will be hoping to push on this season after opting to stay in the UK in 2020 and thus not racing. MPT will be riding in the second heat-leader slot at no.5 and the Bears hierarchy will be hoping that he will be able to thrive under the added weight of expectation. The diminutive Dane has been keeping fit by doing a lot of cycling during the off-season, let's just hope he remembers to bring the right bike when the tapes go up! Anders Rowe The former Somerset starlet is a new

signing this season after his original team, the Somerset Rebels opted to sit out this campaign. Anders, unlike many, spent lots of time on a bike in 2020 whilst riding in Poland, something which he will be doing again in 2021. He is a rising British prospect who can only prosper from regular track time as he is also riding for the Ipswich Witches in the Premiership. Anders will also have a slight edge at the start of the season as he will have had plenty of track time out in Poland and with that in mind I expect him to be challenging for a spot in the top 5 midway through the season. The Bears management are on the hunt for the 7th rider to complete their line-up. When asked for an update on the search for a rider, Bears co-promoter Jitendra Duffill had this to say: "We have 6.60 points remaining for our final rider. A rider on that average or similar would become our 3rd heat leader, but the

Barry Simpson R.I.P.

his month we have the extremely sad and upsetting news that the Bears long standing Start Marshal Barry Simpson has passed away. Barry was very well known not only on Teesside, but across the whole of the British Speedway community and was a sponsor, supporter and above all good friend of Redcar Speedway. Barry was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in March 2020 and passed away peacefully in his sleep from the cruel disease on Wednesday 17th February. Barry had been the club’s Start Marshal since 2006, when

search for somebody of this ability, who is also willing to commit to racing speedway in the UK in 2021 has proved difficult so far. “We tried hard to sign Lewis Bridger, who would have fitted the bill perfectly, but we knew it was a bit of a long shot and unfortunately, it didn't come off. We would like to bring in a new asset, as this is now looking to be our best option, but riders are understandably nervous about travelling due to Covid restrictions at the moment. So we have decided to sit tight for now and see what developments occur over the next few weeks. “We believe that our options can only improve from here, because the best option available to us at the moment would bring us in two points under the limit. That would mean a season of struggle and we are too ambitious to settle for that when there are still three months until our first scheduled fixture.”

speedway first returned to Teesside after a 10 year absence. He had also performed his role at the very highest level, officiating in the Grand Prix series on more than one occasion. Barry was a talented motorcyclist in his own right and had competed on both the shale and grass when he was younger. He had a huge passion for speedway and had sponsored not only the Bears, but many riders over the years through his business Simpson Racing UK. He was the first person to be enrolled onto the ‘Speedway on Teesside Roll of Honour’ in 2020. Everybody at Redcar Speedway would like to express their deepest condolences to his partner Ali and Barry’s family and friends. He leaves a huge hole in our club and in our hearts, and will be sorely missed. RIP.

Sport

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Guisborough Town manager looks ahead to new season after current campaign falls victim to Covid F

By Bill Perfitt

or Guisborough Town’s recently appointed newManager Steve Bell and his assistant Paul Crager the new 2021-2022 season can’t come soon enough after the frustration of a Covid lockdown-interrupted current season. Although the pair were appointed four months ago in November 2020 they have actually only been in charge of one full competitive match so far – the FA Vase home defeat against a strong Liversedge side back in December! So it has been a hugely frustrating few months since then with no football due to suspension of the season because of the Covid-9 pandemicand now Steve and Paul are raring to get going again as soon as circumstances permit. Steve commented: “To say it’s been a frustrating time for everyone since our latest lockdown is a complete understatement. We think there’s now a very good chance to season will be declared null and void which is something both myself and my assistant manager Paul totally support. “As a management team we have both made a conscious decision to switch off from the day to

day running of the team until we had something tangible to work towards. “We are both absolutely itching to get stuck into the job again but we want do it when the time is right and safe to do so from the point of view of our supporters and facilities such as the café and club bar open to create a proper atmosphere. “As much as we all love the actual football, along with most people I miss the social side just as much. ‘MORE IMPORTANT’ “There are definitely more important things in life than football and I hope that when I’m moaning a year on from now about a long away trip somewhere on a Wednesday night – with half the team injured – that I can look back and appreciate just how difficult it was like without any football,” added Steve. Since he took over the managerial reins at the KGV Stadium Steve has made a total of five new signings but clearly has only had the one game against Liversedge to assess his new charges. On the possibility of further new signings he commented: “It’s still too early right now for any more player recruitment for next season. “However, the five players we have brought

● Guisborough’s new management duo of Manager Steve Bell (right) and Paul Crager (left) can’t wait to get started again once arrangements for the new season are clariﬁed in the light of the lifting of lockdown in are fantastic signings for the club – and we won’t be stopping there. “Hopefully, we can get some specific dates

soon about what’s happening for next season and once we do we can really get cracking again,” added Steve.

North Riding Football League Update By Andrew Snaith

Preparing for lockdown lift

he North Riding Football League welcomes the return of organised sport on 29th March dependant on Coronavirus rates at that time. An official response is expected shortly via the league's social media channels. Over the lockdown break, clubs like Redcar Town FC have been busy completing work on their grounds. There have been extensive works

completed at Mo Mowlam Park, including the installation of a smart front gate and improvements to hard standing at the side of the pitch. For clubs based in the North Yorkshire area, coach Paul Pickering has moved into the area. Based at Dishforth, Paul has a number of years' experience coaching level 7/8 clubs in South Yorkshire. He can be contacted on: coachpap@ outlook.com.

Redcar Town FC Players Wanted Redcar Town u15 girls looking for players All posi�ons considered. Goalkeeper needed too. Girls in school years 9 & 10. Experienced preferred but not essen�al. Danny 07710 135151

Rosey has been busy during lockdown making and fixing down our new Main pitch Scoreboard. A massive thank you to our sponsors Rose and Sons, I.Sleep and Peddlers for enabling this project to be completed.

Sport

Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Marske United’s season is now over W

By Mark Hathaway

ith the news on Wednesday that the 2020/21 season will be curtailed at Steps 3-6 of the non-league pyramid, Marske United’s season is now over and this will be the second season in a row that the season hasn’t been completed. The FA’s statement is below: “The FA's Alliance and Leagues Committees have now considered the large amount of data and information submitted by clubs across the National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6 as part of a survey to gather views on the continuation or conclusion of the 2020-21 league season, in addition to the information set out in the Government’s roadmap this week. Submissions were made by 99.1% of clubs at Steps 3 and 4, and 95.8% of clubs at Steps 5 and 6. We would like to thank the clubs for submitting their views and the time taken in providing responses during what we appreciate is an incredibly challenging period for everyone. The results of the survey showed that over 76% of all clubs across Steps 3-6 indicated a preference to curtail the 2020-21 league season if it could not be restarted with limited spectator numbers and hospitality before 1 April 2021. During this process, taking into account views of clubs and leagues it was decided that extending the 2020-21 league season beyond the end of May 2021 would not be a viable option. This was due to various considerations, including the financial implications for many clubs, player contracts and the extent of the fixture scheduling issues caused by the national lockdown and various postponements which had resulted in there being 81% of matches left to complete for Steps 3 and 4, and 75% at Steps 5 and 6. Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, The FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committees have reached a consensus that subject to the approval

of FA Council, the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season. The Committees will now present their collective recommendations to The FA Council for ratification”. The club would like to thank everyone – players, management, sponsors, supporters and committee – who have contributed towards the 2020/21 season, which can be viewed as a success in terms of progress in the FA Cup, where the club were just one win away from making the 1st round proper, and the FA Trophy as well as winning the held over North Riding Senior Cup. Marske United Football Club off the field activities Following the pause in football, Marske United have still been active in their off the field activities and working with the community. Following a request from TEES Community Clothing Bank in Saltburn for men’s clothing. The club put out a request for supporters help to donate any clothing that could be used by TEES. The response from the supporters and community to the appeal was fantastic. Tees received over 90 sacks of items during the 2-hour slot for receipt of items, with a good number being provided by Marske United supporters. A truly amazing effort and one which the Tees Community Clothing Hub was extremely grateful. The Club have also been working in partnership with Age UK and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to plan to put on FREE Digital Training for the over 55’s at the Marske Sports and Recreational Partnership facility (once safe and able to do so). To enable the club and Age UK to plan for numbers etc anyone who is interested in registering for this worthwhile training is asked to contact Neil Bankhurst from Age UK: neil. bankhurst@ageukteesside.org.uk or call 01642 805500. This training is aimed at ALL Levels of digital knowledge and we are sure everyone can learn something new.

Marske Sports and Recreation Partnership have been chosen as one of the local Co-op community causes for this year. This fund will hopefully enable the clubhouse to be refurbished and make it more accessible to all groups enhancing the community spirit. If you are a Co-op Clubcard member you can nominate MSRP as your nominated local cause. Every time you shop in ANY Co-op facility the Co-op will donate a percentage to this fund. To find out more about how to register please log onto to www.coop. co.uk/membership and choose MSRP as your local recipient. You can also pick up a card in your local Co-op (cost £1 but gives rewards and benefits to yourself). Your local Co-op staff will also be able to advise on how you register or change your nominated recipient. The Club are also working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council as a Community champion to deliver information with regards to the Communication and engagement of information regarding Covid-19 to the community utilising our strong media presence. This has already seen success with the numbers

that have been visiting the testing facility at Redcar Leisure Centre and the facility at Loftus. The club will be putting this information on their website (www.marskeunitedfc.org) and the clubs Twitter and Facebook sites. Check regularly for updated information. The club continues to engage with the local colleges to provide learning opportunities for students in Public Service, physiotherapy, media/ sports analysis, and event planning. This is proving of great benefit to the students during this difficult period. Hopefully through the football club we can help them develop their skills. Marske United are open to talk to any community groups, charity or business to explore how we could work together for the greater good of the community and the area. The club will be hoping to arrange a virtual Easter Draw details to be released soon. For all things Marske United and what the club are doing check out www.marskeunitedfc.org STAY SAFE AND THE CLUB THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

Sleights FC Update By Andrew Snaith

leights Football Club are delighted to have a return to football on 29th March subject to government advice. They are hoping the return will include both adult and junior football and that the respective football leagues are able to liaise with the cricket competitions so all can be finished satisfactorily. Andrew Snaith, chairman of Sleights FC said: "I spoke to Ed Turner, our first team manager, and he was very keen to continue the season if we could. "The Beckett League contacted all clubs to see if they wanted to carry on with all competitions, just the cups or abandon things. "Hopefully the other clubs have agreed with us and want to carry on. "There's still a lot to play for and we're still in both league cups, indeed, we're the holders of the Ryedale Hospital Cup since Good Friday

Delighted to have return to football

2019!" "We've kept in touch, both adult and junior coaches, to continue the development of our club and I thank Mark Jackson for his considerable help with that." Sleights are one of the supporting sides for the new development at

Eskdale School. The new 3G floodlit facility has also been backed by Whitby Fishermens Society FC and Fishburn Park FC. The project received a £573,736 grant towards the project from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation last July and has

been working with key stakeholders to dispose of the pre-commencement planning conditions required to get to the build phase. Other key partner funders include Scarborough Borough Council who contributed £252,135. Keep an eye on sleightsfc.co.uk and the club's Facebook and Twitter

pages for more updates on the restart of football at the AC Building and Property Maintenance Sports Ground.

The Community Newspaper for the Towns and Villages of East Cleveland, Redcar & North York Moors, telling the real news and views of the people of our region Coastal View & Moor News Issue 117 March 2021

Sport

Volunteers needed to kick Rugby League World Cup 2021 off to great start

ees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen is backing calls by the Rugby League World Cup 2021 for local people to join “The Power Squad” of volunteers to help make the event a huge success. The call came after Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out a roadmap to come out of lockdown, which includes a target to lift

all limits on social contact by June 21, with stadiums returning to full capacity ahead of the tournament. Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium is hosting the match between the Cook Islands and Tonga at 2.30pm on Sunday 7 November 2021, and applications are now open for people to join the pre-tournament preparations or to help

out on the match day itself. Roles will include wayfinders and stewards, information givers and event facilitators across the Tees Valley’s five boroughs, including at the Cook Islands’ training base at Darlington’s Mowden Park, with the action focusing on Middlesbrough in the run-up to the big day. Should any coronavirus restrictions still be in place, volunteers will be briefed and these will be followed. The Cook Islands take their name from Middlesbrough-born Captain James Cook, who visited many of the nation’s southern islands. The team will be based in at Darlington’s Rockliffe Hall from October 16 while they compete in the competition. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is your chance to be a part of one of the first big events that will be taking place in the region when national coronavirus lockdown restrictions are lifted in the summer. “For the first time in more than a year, we will be able to come together to celebrate and be part of something really exciting. I know at the top of many people’s lists is to be able to go to see live sport again and Rugby League is growing in popularity right across the region. “The tournament will attract people from far and wide to our area giving our hospitality sector and tourist economy a muchneeded shot in the arm following the difficulties they have faced over the past 12 months. “We were building up a huge momentum in securing top events before the pandemic, with concerts by the likes of Take That and the BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and this will kick-start the next phase of us attracting even more. “I’d encourage local people from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool to volunteer to help make this a massive success but, most importantly, to have fun after a hard year.” Applications close on 23 April, with a selection process taking place between May and July and training to be provided during August and September. General tickets are due to go on sale at the end of March with group sales available now. For more details, visit www.rlwc2021.com/volunteers

Whitby already planning for 2021/2022 season W

By Andrew Snaith

hitby Town's Northern Premier League voted to declare the season null and void; this was the before the announcement of a resumption of competitive football on 29th March. The decision is unlikely to change with the leagues above- National League North and South voting to call a holt to their campaigns. Interestingly, a number of clubs who voted to continue have banded together to try to resurrect the season, but it's unlikely there'll be any promotion or relegation from the divisions above. The National Leaguethe top tier of non-League football, which sits below League Two, will continue behind closed

doors as normal after a recent vote. The Alliance League will be meeting again to clarify these votes.

Whitby Town joint-manager Nathan Haslam has asked for clarification on whether things will be brought to a halt in the NPL and a meeting will take place where the voiding is likely to be rubber-stamped. Whitby are one of a number of sides who voted to end the season prematurely with no gate money coming in from crowds. The Blues have already begun planning for season 2021/22 when things are likely to start as normal, with high hopes of crowds being allowed in. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that every adult in the UK will have been offered a first Covid-19 vaccine by the end of July. There is a no official announcement from the NPL on the

restart, but it's likely to be in mid-August as usual. The Seasiders will be replacing the roof of their Scratching Shed on the east side of the Towbar Express stadium. The development was re-built in 1998 as part of their promotion to the NPL from the Northern League. They have already revealed that those who bought season tickets for 2020-21, which saw just three home games played in front of spectators, will have those tickets honoured for 2021/22. Some supporters offered to pay again to assist the club. You can find the latest information from Whitby Town FC on www.whitbytownfc.com and on the club's social media pages.