Talk of the Town August 2015

EDITION 170

CIRCULATION 4,800

AUGUST 2015

SALTBURN’S FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE www.tottsaltburn.co.uk 1

2

SALTBURN’S TOWN TALK Letter from the Editor For many years now I’ve wanted to start a science news column in the magazine but had been unable to find anyone willing to write it. I don’t generally have time to write articles myself but I have ideas. Another idea is I’d like to start a series on ‘life on Saltburn Beach’. That’s natural history of course and could include fossils, as well as current wildlife. A few years ago I tried to keep going a series of articles on ‘What I’ve been reading this month’ but it became too much when nobody else seemed to want to write it. I’m a bibliophile, so that was disappointing. However, I’m now delighted to announce that we finally have a science column, written by Megan Bridge. See page 17. As a Star Trek fan I wanted to call it ‘News from the Final Frontier’ but decided that simply ‘Science News’ was best. Science is in the news every day and there’s no shortage of subjects to write about.

We live in a scientific age and although some readers might feel that it is not relevant to a community magazine, I would argue that it is relevant to all our lives.

It’s great to see that the government has finally listened to scientific advice for a change and is now recommending to us that we halve our sugar consumption. This is clearly not enough, but I guess it’s a start. We need some carbohydrate in our diet but we don’t need any refined white sugar at all. It has quite rightly been called ‘pure white and deadly’ and the food industry should stop putting it in our food and schools should stop selling it in dispensing machines to kids. It is completely appropriate that sugar is now being called ‘the new tobacco’ and those who profit from it can deny it all they like but the scientific evidence is there for all to see. British governments have traditionally sacked their scientific advisors who tell them things they don’t want to hear but they can’t sack the entire British medical establishment. Science, see? Relevant to all our lives, and extremely interesting too. Love, Ian.

Send letters, adverts and contributions for the next issue (by Friday, 14th August 2015) to: The Editor, Talk of the Town c/o Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, Saltburn Food Festival: Foodie fans have an array of treats Cleveland, TS12 1AQ. Telephone: 01287 623903 (or email: coming up with Saltburn Food Festival on Sunday, 2nd talkofthetown@tyasi.freeserve.co.uk). Talk of the Town has a August. See our story on page 21, and see Saltburn Farmers’ website: www.tottsaltburn.co.uk and the Friends of Talk of the Town can be found on Facebook.

Market facebook page for further news and updates.

The Guisborough and District Branch of the WI Report: Ladies of Saltburn WI met on Thursday, 9th July Embroiderers’ Guild: We don’t have a meeting in August when the speakers for the evening, Cath Lynn a club member so the next one will be on September 5th, where our guest and husband Tony Lynn, both keen photographers and local speaker will be Corinne Young and her subject will be historians, gave an illustrated presentation on digital Flowers. Visitors are welcome whether non-switchers, cameras. We were taken through the different camera types beginners or more advanced sewers. The car park behind the there are on the market, their functionality and council offices is free on Saturdays. For more information applications. Cath and Tony then showed us many pictures of historical WI events and excursions to highlight techniques of please call 01642 314860.

Ripples: Saltburn’s pop-up shop at The Workhouse, Dundas picture composition and format. In the age of iphones and Street West (off Station Square) will be open again on ipads more photographs are being taken than in any other time Saturday & Sunday, 15th & 16th August, from 10.00am to in history, but many people fall into the trap of not printing or 3.00pm. The shop stocks a large selection of locally crafted organising pictures into digital albums. We were entertained gifts including quilts, handbags, pottery, jewellery, socks, and interested in the pictures taken of club activities over time shawls & other knitted and crocheted items - some of which and realised the value and enjoyment photographs can bring. are sold to raise funds for Teesside Hospice. So why not visit This being the WI Centenary Year, clubs are celebrating with a us over the Folk Festival weekend, have a browse and treat host of different activities: Victorian tea parties, campanology, yourself (or someone special) to a unique and useful gift. archery and bowling are all on offer to our club For further details, contact Pat on 07789 123722 (or members. Several club members will attempt climbing the 210 email: kath.west45@virginmedia.com). steps to the top of the newly refurbished Transporter Bridge in Emmanuel Church Hall Table Top and Collectors’ Sale: Middlesbrough on Sunday, 12th July, or take the other option Our next dates are Saturdays, 1st, 22nd and 29th August and of using the recently installed glass lift. July was an extremely then 5th and 19th September. FREE ENTRANCE and a warm busy month for Club members as the Annual Craft and Produce welcome to everyone. With over 26 stall holders, selling lots Show took place on 11th July in the ECHO building at of bric-a-brac, books, toys, baby goods, and all sorts of Emmanuel Parish Church. On the 24th July was the Annual Barbara collectables, and some crafts, there is something for everyone. Mystery tour trip, a highlight of the outings calendar. More on Home made refreshments and light lunches are on sale all these last two events in next month`s report. We have no day. Our all day breakfast and lunches and popular home meeting in August but meet again on September 10th at 7.30pm baked stall are always available. Our kitchen is very busy and for a Social Evening in the upstairs room, Methodist Church popular. We also do afternoon teas as well now. Try our Hall, Milton Street, Saltburn. New members are always freshly baked scones with home made jam and cream! welcome.

Contact Denise Marshall on 07929 589538.

Barbara Spanner Cover Illustration: Saltburn in Bloom volunteers preparing hanging baskets by Lesley Curwen Disclaimer: Talk of the Town tries to make sure the articles and announcements made on its pages are accurate, but views expressed in letters and articles printed in Talk of the Town are not necessarily those of the editor. Any offers in adverts included in Talk of the Town are made by the advertisers; details should be confirmed with them. Always confirm event details with the organisers, in case of alteration or error. Talk of the Town is printed by DC (Yorkshire) Print, Unit 34a, Lidgate Crescent, Langthwaite Business Park, South Kirkby, West Yorkshire, WF9 3NR. Website: www.dcprintyorkshire.co.uk Tel: 01977 642331. Proprietor/Editor of Talk of the Town: Ian Tyas c/o Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ. (Ian Tyas tel: 01287 623903.)

3

100 Years of Girl Guiding in Saltburn-by-the-Sea Girl Guiding was founded in the UK in 1910 with Agnes Baden-Powell in charge.

The 1st Saltburn Girl Guides formed in 1915. Over the years they have provided many girls with a strong foundation in community life and self confidence. These photographs are a tribute to all those who have been involved in the movement through the years.

Guides with 50 year celebration cake.

A Pitchforth photograph taken in July 1921 of the 1st Saltburn Heather patrol at the East Cleveland Girls Guides Rally. Guides include P. Gibson, D. Dodson, M. Hick, B. Shaw, H. Bramley and F. Hinchley.

50 year celebration parade held at Huntcliff School leading the parade are Mrs Tonkin and Mrs Tate?

Brownies with Bunty Newman attending 50 year parade at Huntcliff School.

Brownies at an event at Hob Hill with Mrs Sue Sotheran who was awarded the MBE in the 2015 Queens Birthday Honours list.

Cath and Tony Lynn

Saltburn Photographic Society Members meet at Whitby on Wednesday, 5th August at 7.00pm for an outdoor photographic session.

In conjunction with Saltburn 500 Club’s World Wars Exhibition, there will be a display of members’ work on Sunday, 9th August 2015.

4

The 2015/16 session opens Wednesday, September 16th, Milton Street, Methodist Church Hall at 7.30pm.

For more details of the above please contact Tony on 01287 622519.

Saltburn 500 Club Looking for that special gift and card?

Choose from our vast range of products incl: Woodwick scented candles, Jellycat soft toys, Thomas Kent clocks, Arran Aromatics toiletries, Emma Bridgewater & Cath Kidston pottery & much more.

Now also available online.

Visit us at www.bramblesgiftshop.co.uk 4, Station Street, Saltburn by the Sea, TS12 1AE Tel: 01287 623 368 www.bramblesgiftshop.co.uk

Saltburn Councillors’ Surgeries Saltburn Councillors’ Surgeries, each month - all on Saturdays 1st Sat. Library 11-12 Cllr. Craig Hannaway 2nd Sat. Library 11-12 Cllr. Philip Thomson 3rd Sat. Outside Sainsbury’s Cllr. Stuart Smith 9.30-10.30 and 11.30-12.15 4th Sat. Library 11-12 All Councillors Cllr. Hannaway: 07515 863440. Cllr. Smith: 07557 540628.

Cllr. Thomson: 01287 624883.

The latest fund-raising event, towards the refurbishment of the War Memorial, is to take place on Saturday, 8th August and Sunday, 9th August in the Community Centre on Windsor Road. There will be a table-top sale on the Saturday and refreshments will be available. The Sunday brings the repeat of a display which was very popular last time it took place – there is a display of all things relating to the First World War. All monies received on the two days will go towards the refurbishment cost so please go along and support Saltburn War Memorial.

This summer band season has seen quite a few teething problems, due partly to the transfer of responsibilities. I think anybody who knows Jackie Taylor knows that she is a very hard act to follow; please be patient and I’m sure that things will soon be on an even keel again.

Saltburn is looking beautiful, at the moment, thanks in no small way to the efforts of the volunteers in the Saltburn in Bloom team. I know what is involved in bringing in new volunteers and I’m sure that the team will welcome a few spare minutes you could give them. The reward is being able to stand back and say “I played a part in that” as you look at the floral displays around the town.

I am hoping that the display of Christmas lights will be as successful as the floral displays. We are still trying to raise funds towards the cost of going fully LED so please come forward with any suggestions!

Trevor Welburn Secretary, Saltburn 500 Club/Friends of Saltburn trevor.welburn@btinternet.com 5

Once Upon a Time in the Wapentake It was not long after I’d moved up here, during the first Spring I’d spent in Saltburn. I was walking down towards the Italian Gardens and the trees in the valley seemed, almost all, to be weighed down with blossom, pink and white. I’d spent much of the winter immersed in ‘Lord of the Rings’, so my first thought when surrounded by this magical beauty was ‘this is the kind of place you’d expect the Elves to live in.’

It must have been quite a loud thought because I was overheard by a long-term inmate or resident of the town who responded with ‘Ay, but we don’t see much of those fellers anymore.’

He was joking of course, but I was reminded of his remark when reading in my newspaper of the recent engagement of the Duke of Varmland. Prince Carl Philip, Duke of Varmland, is heir to the throne of Sweden and his bride to be, Sofia Hellqvist, is a former glamour model, famous for once having posed wearing nothing but a boa constrictor. The forthcoming marriage is creating a great deal of excitement which has, however, nothing to do with boa constrictors, rather it is because the lady comes from the town of Alvdalen, some forty Swedish miles north of Stockholm (a Swedish mile is equivalent to ten kilometres).

Alvdalen lies deep in forest country, and is so isolated that the inhabitants speak a language unique to themselves, which they call Elfdalian. The Swedish government has, for a long time, been very supportive of minority language, such as Roma, Yiddish, or Suomi (the language of the reindeer herders) but they have not been at all supportive of the language of Elf Dale, which has been effectively illegal until very recently. It is in danger of disappearing forever; fewer than three thousand people speak it, of whom only fifty are children. It is thought that, if the future Queen of Sweden is a speaker, the language may be saved.

Later the same week I heard a programme on Radio 4, where they played recordings of Elfdalian. It is much softer, more melodic than Swedish (and, according to the experts, a much older language). Also played was some Elfdalian music. I can only describe it as being like certain Irish tunes, but coming from a very long way away.

And then, a few days later I was reading about runes, the form of writing used in Scandinavia until the advent of Christianity introduced a Latin alphabet similar to the one we use. Runes ceased to be used centuries ago, (except by a few would be magicians who used them in making spells) or so it was believed until scholars discovered a cache of letters and journals dating from the early twentieth century in which runes were still being used for everyday purposes.

By now I was not at all surprised to read that they had originated in a place called Alvdalen.

So we have a people living deep in the forest, where perhaps they survived for centuries by hunting, with bow and arrow perhaps, and gathering herbs and berries, a people who speak an ancient, beautiful language, and make an ethereal, dreaming kind of music, a people who write using runes, whose very existence seems to have been denied, and who live in the Valley of the Elf. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck… I 6

think these people must be elves.

To accept the existence of elves as real life, flesh and blood creatures who have survived into this modern world (and few countries are as consistently modern as Sweden) requires some fairly drastic rearrangement of what we think our world is like, especially if we imagine elves (or fairies, which are much the same thing) to be the size of butterflies with butterfly sized wings. The earliest accounts of the Fair Folk describe them as though they were at least as tall as we are; it is Shakespeare who gets the blame for introducing the idea of teeny-weeny fairy folk, but even he had the King and Queen of the Fairies as human sized (with human passions) and the Queen was called Titania (Titan = Giant).

In last month’s article I described continuity in the history of this, and other lands: how successive waves of incomers brought new customs, technologies, languages and religions, which the locals adopted. But, perhaps, not everybody was happy to abandon their old ways. Instead they might have moved deeper into the woods, surviving as best they could and, in the process, acquiring a knowledge of nature’s secrets that the dwellers in the towns and on the farms would interpret as magic and come to fear.

And perhaps they might be joined by others, fleeing from or driven from the world beyond the wood: Marian, goddess of the old religion and her twelve merry men, one day to be joined by Hereward and Wild Elric, and other hooded scoundrels, by outlaws, rebels, poets and the wrongfully accused. One day perhaps they were joined by the gypsies, newly arrived in the land to find that in England it was death to be a gypsy, death to pretend to be a gypsy, death even to befriend a gypsy, and the only safety was deep in the forest.

I had a problem with gypsies as a child. They were in the same place as witches, pirates, the fair folk and ghosts. No sooner had I come to realise that they weren’t real, they lived only in our storybooks, than, one day, as I walked down the lane, I came across a gypsy encampment.

They didn’t look quite like the ones in the picture book, but they were unmistakably gypsies. I learnt also that witches, who never existed, were killed in huge numbers because somebody thought that they did.

And then we had May Day, a procession through the town led by Jack in the Green, a man disguised as a tree, and the crowning of the May Queen. With May Day came a Travelling Fair, and the exotic band of men and women who spun the Waltzers and doled out the candyfloss. They were always known as the Fair Folk. It was confusing.

And so, somewhere between sleeping and awakening, or somewhere deep in Saltburn Woods, I might expect to meet an Elf (looking a bit like Bjork, who comes from a country where almost everyone believes in Elves.)

One day, I thought. But I never thought that one day an Elf would be a Queen. For real.

Tim Beswick

Real Meals Purveyors of Fine Foods

Real Meals for Summer Picnics and Quirky cooking ingredients Curry kits to Moroccan spices, come and take a look Open 7 Days a week for breakfast, lunch and cake!

Don’t miss our Mackerel Baps with Mango Salsa at this year’s food festival - Sunday, 2nd August Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 6.00pm, Saturday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Sunday 10.00am to 2.00pm.

For more details contact: REAL MEALS, 25 MILTON STREET, SALTBURN, Tel: 01287 622266.

Email: enquiries@realmeals.co.uk, Website: www.realmeals.co.uk

Councillors’ Column The Northern Powerhouse is under way. Devolutionary arrangements have been negotiated, bringing together seven authorities centred on Tyneside. This will have a similarity to the power dissemination model awarded to Greater Manchester.

Teesside is next in line and discussions in London last month brought Tees Valley Combined Authority ever closer.

We are advised Combined Authorities are statutory bodies created to formalise joint working and decision-making between Councils in order to accelerate economic growth. It is hoped that this working together can indeed create a climate for economic growth. Redcar & Cleveland has seen insufficient of it in recent times. Its Master Plan aspires for 14,000 new jobs in this borough by 2025.

Associated with this potential increase in working population comes an increase in demand for house building.

This to accommodate an influx of workers, an increase in the number of households as a result of the demise of traditional families, and to recognise the prolonged occupation of residences by our ever aging population.

Such forecast of economic regeneration is most welcome as statistics of economic growth within the Borough are not encouraging for this ambitious jobs target. Good news of course for Sirius. Well done so far.

That apart, tourism is the bed rock of Redcar & Cleveland’s economic growth aspiration and while residents can empathise with this, the practicalities of promotion need to be fundamentally redrawn. Having tourist coach buses trying to park in the Promenade Car Park or taking up the spaces of four or five cars on Marine Parade instead of being directed to the Council Car Park on Hob Hill lacks traffic management

forethought. The continued promotion on Yorkshire.com of ‘the town’s smuggling past... brought back to life in the Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre’ is not helpful. (It closed in 2008.)

Neither, is the failure to have a contingency plan to keep at least part of the pleasure beach accessible to those wishing to build castles on the ground.

The Tyneside package considers the possibility of removing its Police and Crime Commissioner. Perhaps, given concerns expressed on Teesside about the management of Cleveland Police Authority resources, this may be a consideration for Tees Valley. Recent formation of the East Cleveland Community Organisation (ECCO), seeking to consider at a more local level issues such as the apparent failure to adequately address recent flooding issues and perceived reduction in front line policing, is a reflection of concern for greater involvement by local people in community issues.

22,000 borough residents recently received a Housing Market Assessment survey form. An extremely detailed questionnaire may have daunted recipients but this, together with other data collection, fuels the next Local Plan preparation, continuing its pedestrian march towards a 2017 publication date.

In more immediate terms a petition is being organised seeking demonstrable support to prevent the development of land to the West of Saltburn. Residents and visitors are encouraged to look out for forms and consider completing.

Results will be made available to the Inspector at the Public Inquiry in October.

Philip Thomson 7

A Gilt Edged Invitation It’s arrived! The first decision – what to wear? Not everyday a gilt edged invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party drops through the letter box.

Will this outfit travel well as against that one? Are we going to change in Kings Cross station and leave travelling clothes in left luggage?

You see, decisions have to be made and the right ones.

Decision made (relief) black lace dress, rose pink jacket and fascinator. High heels are a no no because of the lawns so it’s down to peep toes or full shoe. Another decision. Weather forecast not so good, rain and windy – decision made, full shoe. Travelling arrangements? Valerie Salter, Chairperson of Teesside Federation booked us (one person per WI) onto the 9.30am train from Eaglescliffe straight through to Kings Cross. Luckily for me, Lynn Mitchell, secretary for Saltburn and a member of the Board of Trustees, was going to the garden party too. Geoff, Lynn’s husband, volunteered to take us to Eaglescliffe to catch the train.

On arrival at Kings Cross the ladies cloakroom quickly filled up with ladies changing into their glad rags. Questions were being asked (a little belated) e.g. ‘does this fit?’ or ‘will it look better worn this way?’ The people actually wanting to use the facilities had to wait until all dressing was finished.

Dressed – taxi now required. Lynn and myself shared with new friends forged on the journey to London. Arrived at Buckingham Palace. The quick thinking taxi driver had seen the large number of ladies being instructed by police to go down to the end of the queue. He by-passed them (beat them) and dropped us off at the end of the queue before the queue became any longer. It meant we didn’t have long to wait to reach the gateway, show our credentials and go through into the forecourt where we were asked to wait a few moments.

The weather was dry but windy which blew several hats and feathers across the forecourt. It was a sight to see burly policemen with big guns across their chests chasing after the offending head gear.

At last, through the main door (what else?), through two rooms and onto the balcony overlooking the lawns and what a sight to behold. 8000 WI ladies in every colour and style imaginable.

We made our way across the lawns to a position to see the royals. One marquee was serving tea. Decision time again – no tea yet, too much to see.

3pm HRH Camilla came down to the garden with Princess Alexandra, the Duchess of Wessex (Sophie) and the Duchess of Gloucester. We were fortunate to be close to Princess Alexandra.

The Royal personages retired to their Pavilion for

CHARITY OF THE YEAR We are really happy to announce that Earthbeat has been chosen to be Sainsbury’s charity of the year for 2015/2016.

We will use this opportunity to publicise our work at the Earthbeat centre - not only for Earthbeat, but also for the fantastic businesses that share the building with us and those people who are running classes at the centre.

A huge thank you to all those people who took the time to vote for us - we really appreciate it. Thank you!

Tony and the Earthbeat crew 8

refreshments with their guests and we headed to our pavilion for sandwiches, cakes, ice-cream and tea. We then went to stand near to the Beefeaters that were waiting to escort the Royal party back to the Palace, and we were well placed to see all four of them. The National Anthem was played and we were given our instruction how to leave the gardens and catch the train home.

Last decision – do we change or not into our travelling clothes? No, just take our hats off. We made many new friends, which is very easy to do when WI ladies are involved.

What an experience! Thank you for giving me the chance to represent Saltburn WI at a Royal Garden Party, an experience never to be forgotten.

Ann Cowie

Man from ‘the Other Side’ talks of Channel Isles Fascinating facts about the Channel Islands emerged during a talk given to Saltburn and District Retired Men’s Forum on 22nd June by its speaker-finding coordinator Tony Gibson.

He stood in at short notice when the scheduled speaker could not turn up and produced interesting memories of his link with the islands since his first visit in 1966.

He was then 21 and decided to leave the family nest near Leeds to start his first job away from home. He spent the first two weeks on holiday at St Helier after flying there from Yeadon airport, now Leeds/Bradford, a flight which took 90 minutes.

Tony found that people from mainland England were known as being ‘from the Other Side,’ referring to the Channel.

He discovered that Jersey royals, the potatoes, got their name from Cromwell’s day when Jersey was Royalist and neighbouring Guernsey for Oliver Cromwell.

The 1960s were also the early days of the churches’ inter-unity efforts and he had to laugh when attending a Catholic service. He walked in behind a woman who genuflected before getting into her seat - and he promptly fell over her.

Tony worked in a men’s clothing shop and was amused when other members of the staff vanished when a French shopper came in, leaving him to struggle with speaking French.

LINE UP: A line up of officials of Saltburn and District Retired Men’s Forum. The picture was taken by member Ken Bladen minutes before Tony Gibson’s talk on the Channel Islands. From left, Gordon Turner, secretary; Tony Gibson, speaker-finding-coordinator; and Stuart Wright, chairman.

During the Occupation, when German troops took over the island, Islanders got round rules about killing pigs to provide much-needed protein food. He heard of a pig being moved in the town under the cover of a funeral director’s hearse with the carcass in a coffin.

“German soldiers solemnly saluted the cortage, which caused a few laughs from the islanders,” he said.

Members also heard about the Milk Marketing Board asking farmers to put coats on cows ‘as they didn’t want diluted milk to be included in the yield!’

Tony, who lives in Saltburn, is still a regular visitor to Jersey where he retains many friends.

Why more photographs?

A good question! Photographs are everywhere around us, falling like confetti at an everlasting wedding. What began as a light sprinkle, has become an overwhelming blizzard of images. We now snap as many pictures every two minutes, as were taken in the entire 19th century.

So, “Why more photographs?”

Quite simply a photo reflects something about the person that took it.

With Instagram, Facebook and other media software we have become a people who only feel they exist if there is photo to record every minute event - hence the rise of the ‘selfie’. No matter if it’s blurred or badly composed it appears for a few seconds and then joins the deep pile of pictorial confetti spreading over the floor.

Fortunately, there is another strand to this. ‘Real’ photography has never been more popular and the huge range of equipment means anyone can start looking at the world around them with the perspective (literally) of a camera lens. The North East and the area around Saltburn has seen the rise of some internationally renowned photographers. In Saltburn itself we have the Photographic Society with a long and respected tradition of picture taking.

The U3A Camera Group (UCG) is the ‘new kid on the block’ and has another approach. U3A members are all retired and join the introduction classes to learn about

photography from the ground up. The UCG takes members on the longer journey toward technical competence and aesthetic appreciation of photography. No fancy gear is needed.

We have had two exhibitions so far but with these being two years apart, it was felt that something else was needed so that others could enjoy our pictures. Paul and Sue Davies at Destinations have given us wall space in the Café to show ten photos. These will be changed every two months as long as we secure funding. For the current exhibition we have relied on Saltburn U3A while the Parish Council has made us an award for the next one. We are very grateful to everyone who has helped.

If you can, pop in to Destinations and see what our own photographic ‘eyes’ have seen.

Hugh Melvin 9

Seaweed. So What?

If one was a holiday maker looking forward to a sunny day, lots of sandy beaches and helping to build sand castles, the Yorkshire coast would be the choice of many.

Unless, of course, the beach was inaccessible because of large piles of algae occupying the high tide line and discouraging access to a traditional seaside. This could have applied to Saltburn recently.

For visitors and residents, July saw many days when the sea had given up some of its secrets and deposited a considerable tonnage of unwanted and unloved seaweed upon the beach. This antisocial act was looked upon with gloom by foreshore observers.

A local authority, not known for its rapid response ethic, gave consideration to the weight of argument favouring clean beaches and happy tourists and incurring expenditure on a beach clean against a seaweed dance and hoping, given time, Mother Nature would remove what she had chosen to share in the first place.

Visitors offered their thoughts on various web sites and locals mulled over the phenomenon in various watering holes. Nowhere in all of these discussions was heard the glad tidings of welcome.

The accompanying sea coal, a vestige from an industrial past, was not unduly criticised as some did benefit from its ephemeral presence, but seaweed had no takers.

Perhaps a trick was missed. In this little planet, far removed from Pluto, there are some nine thousand species of seaweed, with over five hundred resident on our own coasts. Their red, green and brown bodies are all around us.

For centuries a staple diet of many, this inhabitant of the deep and the shallow is, apart from suffering the absorption of man made pollution, almost entirely edible.

Most will not know their wracks from their kelps but Japanese, Indonesian and Polynesian aficionados will be conversant with their everyday menus of seaweed treats while the British palate will undoubtedly have sampled Laver bread.

In fact, when more thought is given to seaweed consumption, there is much to be grateful for. We may not know that we know Ulva lactuca, Palmaria palmata or Chondrus crispus, but when we are aware that these are simply the formal names for Laver, Dulse and Irish Moss, then we can relax.

When consideration is given to the universal usage of seaweed extracts it is highly likely that we have consumed seaweed in one form or another when eating chocolate, yoghurt, health drinks, ice cream or German beers.

Medicinal use, particularly of iodine extract, is time served.

So what?

Perhaps we are unlikely to benefit from the ‘windfall’ of Mother Nature’s infrequent gift of seaweed when deposited in our lap, but it may be worth thinking about this gift. In the short term an allotment might benefit. In the medium term a source of biofuel might rival the sea coal. In the longer term a permanent source of food for little Planet Earth could be universally provided.

Should seaweed aquaculture figure more prominently in industrial development? Should Phycology not take a priority in any degree course listing?

Then we might all say ‘Let’s hear it for Seaweed!’

Skelton Open Gardens Weekend Over the weekend 27th/28th June Skelton had its first, and extremely successful, “Open Gardens”, organised by Skelton Villages Civic Pride (SVCP).

Going by the title ‘The Hidden Gardens of Skelton’, 719 people from our whole area enjoyed 8 gardens of all sizes, aspects and different styles of gardening.

We would like to express our thanks to Taylor Wimpey for their generous grant of £300 to cover printing programmes, to Asda for £57 worth of food for refreshments and to Skelton Co-op for £40 worth of baking ingredients. Their support for SVCP was very much appreciated.

Due to the support of people from near and far we made a profit of £5,213 for SVCP funds. A large proportion of this money will be used as Match Funding for our Skelton Townscape Heritage Initiative which we are progressing through the Heritage Lottery Fund, in partnership with R&C Borough Council and Tees Valley Rural Community Council.

All the raffle prizes have been claimed except white ticket 873 (AQ4H DL5E) which wins a voucher for a garden ornament. Will the holder please contact 01287 654132. We also have lost property: a grey/black ‘Trespass’ fleece, please contact 01287 654132.

We would like to thank the members of the public who came along over the weekend and who so generously supported this new venture. Finally our thanks go to all the owners of the gardens and their volunteer helpers for all their hard work beforehand and also over the weekend.

10

Community Garden & Orchard Thanks to the full time, 4 week, deployment of Ian and Matthew on work experience we have been able to make a massive step forward in the preparation of this community resource. They have undertaken a lot of hard digging and assisted in the planting of donated flowers and shrubs. This has boosted the work undertaken by our regular small, committed, group of volunteers. Additionally, the ‘eco warriors’ from Skelton Primary School have been to plant wild flowers, all of which are growing well.

Coast & Country have donated plug plants and several members of the community have given plants, shrubs and trees. The whole place is now beginning to look and feel like a garden. However, there is still lots to do before the official opening in August: more digging, maintenance weeding and planting. So, if you would like to be involved, please come along on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning when our regular volunteers will be present, any time after 9.00, armed with a spade or fork or trowel, or all 3, and get stuck in!

SVCP is a local community group that improves the ambience of the villages through the provision of flower barrels all year round and round-the-pole baskets in summer, plus strategically placed new seating. Why not come along to our Coffee Morning, every Monday 9.30-11.00am, in the Civic Hall, where you can enjoy fresh coffee, tea and delicious home baking.

Best wishes, Linda.

August Exhibition in Saltburn Saltburn Station Gallery welcomes a new artist for August, renowned painter Robert Dutton, who recently appeared in the National art magazine The Artist. The exhibition, beginning as of Saturday, 1st August, will showcase Robert’s seascapes, beautifully crafted in-depth pieces derived from the local North Yorkshire coast. In conjunction with the arrival of Robert’s work, we will be hosting an open day to the public to come and see the new installation.

Alongside the new exhibition we also have new exhibits on show, handmade bespoke wood-framed mirrors, wood turned bowls and ornaments made from traditional English timbers by David Hannah and Rodger A Pell, perfect additions for the contemporary home, also Dick Grave’s hand thrown pottery from a range of techniques and designs.

Regular artists will be on show, photography by crowd favourite Nigel Lee, Saltburn based photographer Stephen J Dowd, jewellery and ceramics by Artsinc based at the Saltburn Studios (Marske Road). Di Fox’s paintings will be on show; Di currently has an exhibition at the Kirkleatham Museum at Redcar running through to 4th October.

The Gallery stocks Amelia Glass art, also Bill and Ben garden features, wood turned bowls and handmade cards.

The open day on the Saturday, 1st August will offer a chance to meet the artists. So come in and enjoy the efforts of local talent.

Timetable for the day: 9-5pm open to the public; 57pm invitation only.

The gallery with be open throughout Sunday, 2nd August for the eagerly anticipated Food Festival and the following weekend for the Folk festival. The Gallery is located in the heart of the town within the square.

All support is much appreciated.

Michelle Rudd Dip NTC MPTA CGLI Piano Tuning and Repairs by a qualified and experienced professional (Est. 1983) Covering Teesside, East Cleveland and the North York Moors. Free advice, friendly service.

Tel 01609 779983 Mob 07740 201188 email: michellerudd@hotmail.com website: www.pianotuningyorkshire.com

6th Saltburn Beer Festival Advance notice that this will be held on Friday, 13th and Saturday, 14th November in the SCAA Community Hall from 11am to 5pm and 6:30 to 11pm each day. Evening tickets will go on sale at the beginning of October.

or email: simon.robson1@ntlworld.com

11

Earthbeat Centre on a roll The Earthbeat Centre, which opened in February in Saltburn, is enjoying an incredible first year. Earthbeat, which provides drama training and performance opportunities for learning disabled adults, has been chosen as Sainsbury’s local charity of the year. Sainsbury’s will not only raise much needed funds for the group but they will also work alongside the Earthbeat members when they stage their shows and other events. Earthbeat manager, Tony Galuidi, is delighted with the partnership. He says, ‘The Sainbury’s staff have been really enthusiastic and have come up with some very creative suggestions, including a plan to sponsor 500 tiles which we will use to repair the roof. People will be able to sign and sponsor a tile outside the Saltburn branch of Sainsbury’s during Saltburn’s Food Festival on the 2nd August. The branch manager, Malcolm Mitchell, has even threatened to break into song to the tune of The Proclaimers hit, ‘I would walk 500 miles’. Only in Saltburn!’ After the Food Festival, folk legends Ranagri will be performing at The Earthbeat centre.

The centre recently took delivery of a 4 ton, 7ft tall sandstone monolith which stands beside the main entrance. Local business, Steve Brettle Fabrications, has sponsored the striking feature and has created a magnificent steel sign, free of charge, which will guide people into the building.

Saltburn Golf Club have also continued to support the charity and have donated £600, which will be used to upgrade and maintain the grounds and community garden. The two captains, Penni Hughf and Norman Malone, will continue to raise funds for Earthbeat throughout the year.

Trustee, Trevor Longden, couldn’t be happier. ‘After all the hard work we put into bringing the building back to life, it’s really gratifying to see such support from local businesses and individuals. There’s such a lot going on at the centre and we have a really diverse range of activities on offer, from archery through Tai Chi to Morris dancing.

We’ve even got American Wrestling taking place within the centre.’

Earthbeat has been putting on amazing, sell out shows for 25 years and plans to make this a year to remember. Tickets are now available for their 25th anniversary show which take place on the 4th, 7th and 8th of September. The group will reproduce the very first show they performed, back in 1990 – but with a few added tweaks and improvements. Amazingly, many of the performers who took part in that first show are still with Earthbeat and will be taking part in the forthcoming production, which will be titled ‘25 years of Earthbeat’.

More details about the centre can be found on their website at www.earthbeatcentre.co.uk and see also the small article on page 8.

12

Saltburn in Bloom

Glorious sunshine greeted the Northumbria in Bloom judges to Saltburn on Wednesday, July 1st and, after a light lunch at the Golf Club, we set off on our planned route around the town. Everything looked fantastic and many positive comments were made by the judges. They enjoyed their afternoon meeting individuals and groups who talked so enthusiastically about their projects.

This summer we visited Gloria Coleclough in Hob Hill Crescent, Huntcliff Court, Graham and Carole Gaunt at Britannia Mansions, Saltburn House, The Cemetery, The Valley Gardens including the wildflower meadow and orchard, Zetland Terrace allotments, Hazelgrove allotments and Town Centre allotment, some of the public gardens and ended at the Library, where we enjoyed tea and cake served to us by Committee members.

Every town and village who enter the competition are judged under three main headings - Horticultural Achievement, Environ mental Resp onsibility and Community participation and are marked accordingly. The results are then announced on September 15th at Berwick upon Tweed.

This year we are going to hold a combined presentation and thank you event in the Community Centre, where we will show appreciation to all those who have supported our work throughout the year. There are too many to mention in an article like this, but you know who you are and we hope you recognise that your contribution is valued.

You will have noticed that the town welcome sign on Marske Road disappeared in early July and has now been replaced by a new one, which was made by Kirklevington Grange Open Prison. Peter Hartley, Councillor Stuart Smith, John Taylor and Simon Wilcock (the Parish Warden) teamed up to collect and erect the new sign. Thanks to them all.

Plans are ongoing to restructure the Fossil bed at the Cliff lift, but progress is slow at the moment as we are awaiting permissions from Redcar and Cleveland Council in order to continue.

The hanging baskets are being taken down on Tuesday, 22nd September starting at 7.30am. We would certainly welcome some help if you are free that morning. If you would like to collect any compost from the baskets for your own use please come before 10.30 but you will need your own bags.

Ring me on 01287 209518 if you have any queries.

Lynda Parkes (Chair)

Saltburn Charity Crafters We are on the move!

Please note Saltburn Charity Crafters will not be meeting in August due to holiday commitments. There will be a change of meeting place from September. From the first Wednesday in September (2nd) we will be meeting in the coffee room at Saltburn Arts Association Community Hall from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Access is via the path leading to the rear of the building from Albion Terrace. If you are interested you are more than welcome to pop in for a chat and a cuppa and find out more about what we do. For further information please contact Angie on 01287 205153 or email Kath (at kath.west45@virginmedia.com). We do send out a reminder by email, if you wish to be added to our mailing list please let us know. Please also pass these details on to anyone you think may be interested.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea Garden Flat available for holiday lets.

Less than five minutes walk from the sea and from the train station, shops and local restaurants etc.

The property consists of a fully fitted and equipped kitchen, spacious and well furnished lounge overlooking the garden (which is for your personal use), and a double bed with en-suite bathroom.

WiFi access Prices - £35.00 per night (minimum of two nights) Contact Mr & Mrs Smith on 01287 623740 (home) Or 07988 838956 (Mr Smith mobile) Or 07877 384977 (Mrs Smith mobile)

Andy Pollard 07773006361 (based in Saltburn) Residential and Commercial Property Maintenance Plumbing, Drainage, Property Refurbishment, Roofing Repairs, Fencing, Carpentry, Joinery, Painting and Decorating, General/Ongoing Property Maintenance

Shane Slater Plumbing & Heating All aspects of domestic plumbing

Tel: 01287 625657 Mobile: 07812 391418 Bathrooms Fires/Fireplaces Showers Boilers Tiling Heating Systems Underfloor Heating Systems

13

Pub landlady is remembered A well-known Saltburn pub landlady, who was a head teacher in her early career, has died aged 75.

The well-attended funeral service at Our Lady of Lourdes, Saltburn, heard that Anne Davies opined that her university qualifications and experience of teaching helped her in her pub life.

Sons Andrew and Rhys realised they shared their mother who was sometimes a ‘surrogate mum’ to many friends, in the words of a eulogy written by the family and read by Monsignor Ricardo Morgan.

Anne was also a much-treasured gran to Matthew and

Abigail, and encouraged them to “follow their dreams, to believe, to work hard and play hard and get out and see the world.”

She did a lot of travelling and flew to Australia when she was 70 to stay with Andrew.

Anne Davies, who lived a quiet life in the town centre in recent years, will be ‘hugely missed by many,’ in the words of the eulogy.

Refreshments were, appropriately, provided after the service and cremation at the Back Alex, one of several pubs where she had worked.

Elderly Saltburn woman's family thank HomeCall following fall The daughter of a HomeCall customer, who lives in France, has praised the service for the emergency response her mother received after falling at her home in Saltburn.

Earlier this year, 92 year old Mrs Joyce Kane suffered a mini stroke alone in her flat. Luckily, her granddaughter was paying a surprise visit that day and upon arrival at her grandmother’s flat in Zetland Court, she rang for an ambulance. When the emergency services reached Joyce, she was admitted into hospital immediately.

After this event, Joyce’s daughter, Sharon Kane, contacted the HomeCall service to request the installation of the HomeCall monitor and response service at her mother’s flat. Sharon, who lives in Carcassone, South France, explained: “As no-one living outside Zetland Court is allowed a key for the flats inside, I had to persuade the committee that I wanted my mother to have the HomeCall service. As I live in France, and my daughter lives in West Yorkshire, I need to make sure my mother is safe and will have someone there in case of an emergency.”

This was certainly the case for Joyce, who recently fell whilst alone in her home; this time, however, she had the HomeCall service and upon pressing her pendent alarm, a HomeCall independent living advisor was at her home, helping her, within 20 minutes.

Joyce recalled the emergency incident and the response: “The service I received was wonderful. It was quick, efficient, caring and everything I could have hoped for in an emergency. I was very relieved to have HomeCall when I fell.”

Sharon went on to echo her mother’s praise: “We are delighted, and our minds have been put to rest as well knowing Mum is safe. After her fall, I flew over to take her back to France with me for some much needed rest & relaxation.”

Jason Lowe, Head of Independent Living Services at Coast & Country Housing was pleased with the recognition the HomeCall team was receiving: “It’s always fantastic to hear how our service is performing. We work really hard to enable people to live safely and independently. The example of Mrs Kane really hits home the fact that it doesn’t matter where your family, friends and relatives live, they can rest assured that our HomeCall service is there to help in times of need.”

14

Joyce Kane 92 with daughter Sharon Kane (right) and Gill Corbett independent living manager at HomeCall

Jason added: “The HomeCall service is designed to support elderly and vulnerable people to remain independent in their own homes. We also need to reassure our customer’s families that no matter what the emergency, or when it happens, our service is 24/7 every day, and we will be there whenever we are needed. To have a family member living in France, feel reassured by a service delivered to her mother living in Saltburn is a fantastic example of this.”

Sharon Kane reiterated Jason’s sentiments: “I would thoroughly recommend the HomeCall service to anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives. Unfortunately, since I live in France, I cannot visit my mother every day. The HomeCall service has given me peace of mind, knowing that my mother can receive round the clock support and that I’ll be kept in regular contact in an emergency, even when I’m in another country. The staff at HomeCall are incredibly polite, kind and supportive and they really make an effort to build a relationship with my mother.”

HomeCall Independent Living is part of Coast & Country group, and provides a variety of different services geared towards supporting the elderly, vulnerable and disabled people to live independent lives. HomeCall services are cited by customers as reliable, responsive and flexible. Mrs Kane is one of thousands of people who receive this valuable service giving families peace of mind.

Friends of Saltburn Cemetery Hello, Saltburn and welcome to August. I hope the fair weather continues and that you all enjoy the summertime. Our news from last month is a balance of disappointment and joy: let’s get the disappointment out of the way, then we can forget about it and carry on. We were not one of the fortunate few who became winners in the One Family Votes, though it wasn’t for the lack of trying and I must say that the general view, from the people I have spoken to, was that the whole thing was just SO complex that many gave up. Myself, I had no problem but I know many, many of you did and I would like to thank Saltburn Cricket, Bowls and Tennis club and Julia Robinson for taking the time to write and publish the instructions on how to vote. In all I think it’s fair to say the whole thing was a bit of a debacle and the group have written to One Family and explained the problems, which it appears they were aware of! Still, we tried, YOU tried and for that we thank you.

On a brighter note, although at the time of writing I have not received confirmation, it appears that we have been successful with our appeals for funding from both the Parish Council and the Coast & Country Charitable Foundation.

Once a letter and monies are forthcoming we will let you know the exact amounts and how the group intend to spend those monies.

Another piece of good news: our cemetery now has two yew trees growing madly and happily (at least they appear to be happy!) within the grounds. For me this is a wonderful thing; I was brought up in an age when ALL cemeteries had yew trees as they were thought to keep out wicked spirits.

Now, although I don’t believe in spirits I do believe that we should always remember and respect some (not all) of the old ways and I think this idea of trees being able to protect us is actually more than a little true. Think of how we are now encouraged to plant trees to help our planet: same thing only different!

We will shortly be taking delivery of a large memorial stone that will commemorate all those civilians who were killed during the course of the two World Wars. It’s a beautiful piece of Yorkshire Stone and I’m very pleased to tell you that the whole idea, which began as Tony and Cath Lynn’s idea, has come to fruition as a partnership between this group, MR & Mrs Lynn and the Borough Council. We await a decision on the exact inscription and motif; I have renounced responsibility for this and handed the task to Tony and Cath Lynn! And as soon as that is decided then we will arrange a delivery date with the stonemason and work with the Borough Council as to arrangement for the erection and fitting of the memorial. Another idea that keeps coming up is that of a memorial wall within the lawned area that is quickly becoming a memorial garden The general, but currently vague idea, for this is that those families whose family members who have been cremated, or interred elsewhere, will be able to purchase a small plaque which will be fitted to the wall. Ideas, thoughts and proposals on this idea are welcome from you all.

Let us know what you think; after all, it’s YOUR cemetery.

If you want to contact us you can e-mail jdjefferson@hotmail.co.uk, write a note and drop it at the library ( F.o.S.C., that will get to us) or do something really radical and call into our meeting, next one is WEDNESDAY, 19th AUGUST at 5.00pm in the library.

See you there, take care, Deana.

Award winning web designer bringing the world to you!

Need a website for your Club, Society or Business?

Small or Large, Brochure or e-commerce All your web design needs catered for: Database design also catered for: Then contact Anne Henderson for an informal chat on 07835 085719 or email enquiries@annescomputingdesigns.co.uk Website: www.annescomputingdesigns.co.uk

Also, Joinery Work Undertaken

Call Liz on: 01287 203571 Mobile: 07834 022289 Email: liz.ingledew@btinternet.com Website: www.liziesdecorating.co.uk 15

Travelling on the Saltburn Ciderman

Ready for Boarding: Dr Rob Dallara welcomes passengers photographed by Tony Lynn

This year’s rail trip organised by Saltburn Railtours was the “Saltburn Ciderman” – a four day excursion to Weston Super Mare.

The trips are now a well established tradition with past trips including Inverness, Torquay and Canterbury and the sight of the vintage Pullman carriages lined up in our little station never fails to attract a crowd.

This was my first trip and I was most impressed by the accommodation – it was like travelling in an armchair. There was excellent service through the journey and the food, especially for lunch, was very good.

The organisers offer a choice of hotels and I selected Beachlands, a smaller family-run hotel just opposite – you’ve guessed it – the beach. I cannot recommend this hotel too highly and the level of comfort and service added to what was turning into a memorable weekend. The setting was excellent and the beach at Weston is almost as good as ours here in Saltburn.

I know Somerset well having lived there for five years in the 1980s and so I decided not to take the Sunday excursion though it was going to some mouth-watering places if you were new to the county – Wells, Glastonbury, Street and Cheddar Gorge. Instead I opted for a hire car and spent several days re-acquainting myself

The Somerset Levels - now recovering from the floods

with the Somerset Levels, the setting for my crime books. The weather was marvellous, apart from the minor inconvenience of torrential rain for an hour mid-Sunday.

The landscape was as beautiful and fascinating as I remembered and I came home with pictures, sounds and fragments of stories buzzing in my head.

The journey back was just as good as that going out – perhaps a bit more comfortable as it had been a very hot day on the Friday. We were provided with a detailed listing of the journey in both directions showing the rail lines, junctions and stations, perfect for train enthusiasts and actually quite interesting for those of us who see the train as primarily a mode of transport. Despite over-heated rails, a train derailment and hopping from one sector to another the trip kept better time than we often get from our commuter services and it was a tired but happy party that arrived back in Saltburn on Monday evening.

This was a real experience and I would like to offer my thanks to everyone who worked so hard, before and during the trip, to make it so successful. Planning is already underway for next year’s Railtour. If I’ve whetted your appetite keep an eye on their website – www.saltburnrailtours.co.uk.

Jennie Finch, crime writer www.jenniefinch.me.uk

Children Outside with Nature Hundreds of children have been seen visiting Saltburn with school groups in the last two months. I have lead 560 of them through the town and along the beach.

Having collected them from the train, I was proud to tell them how residents respect our beautiful environment by volunteering (older children knew that meant – without pay!) to work on the flowerbeds, tubs and pay for the hanging baskets. Children read the labels dedicated to loved ones and reflected on their own happy memories of family members no longer with them.

The artistic mosaics outside Sainsbury’s have inspired one Thornaby school to invite the artists in and work on a similar idea.

The lifeguards have spoken to groups regarding safety and where to bathe safely, offering first aid to those 16

in need.

Groups have been amazed that knitters share their talents by displaying such interesting interpretations of Alice in Wonderland on the pier.

All this, before we had even arrived on the beach for three hours of absorption with sand, pebbles, seaweed, shells and water.

Adults, who were accompanying the groups, were inspired to return to our wonderful town over the summer.

Well done one and all and THANK YOU for all that you do, setting an example to another generation, to look after and be stewards for the earth. The teamwork is fabulous.

Rosalyn Boyes Beach School Practitioner

Neil Wilson Builder and Joiner

Your local professional builder Established 1974.

All aspects of building and joinery work undertaken by qualified, experienced tradesmen.

For free estimate call:

01287 652124 or 07976 628783 Member of the Federation of Master Builders

Science News The first thing that should be mentioned in a science news article this month should be the discovery of vast amounts of ice mountains on Pluto. They have also discovered plains of water deposits next to the ice mountains that they believe are relatively young, at about 100 million years old. These plains are located in the heart shaped area of Pluto. There are two theories being considered about the terrain. According to NASA one possibility is that the plains were shaped by the contraction of surface materials, like what happens to mud when it dries, or the other theory is that they are formed by convection, a process where some kind of heat from the interior of Pluto reshapes the surface layer of frozen carbon monoxide, methane and nitrogen. Pluto lost its status as a planet in 2006 after astronomers voted to redefine it as a ‘dwarf planet’. Pluto failed to dominate its orbit around the sun the same as other planets. Scientists agreed that in order to qualify for planet status, an object must be in orbit around the sun, must be large enough that it takes on a near enough round shape and it has cleared its orbit of other objects. Pluto is smaller than some moons in the Solar System. Astronomers have found several objects similar in size to Pluto since the early 1990s in an outer region of the Solar System called the Kuiper Belt. The discovery or Eris in 2003 was the last blow for Pluto. After being measured by the Hubble Space Telescope it was shown to be bigger in size than Pluto.

Another exciting science discovery made this month which is especially exciting for me because Physics is my favourite science, is the discovery of a new kind of particle, or rather the discovery of proof that a particle called the Pentaquark exists. It was discovered by the scientists at the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s most powerful particle smasher. For those of you who don’t know what the Pentaquark is, it is something scientists have thought existed for fifty years. It is five quarks joined up together. Quarks are tiny particles that join together to form different sorts of bigger particles.

For example, three quarks make up a proton. This discovery comes after the Large Hadron Collider was used to find another particle, the Higgs Boson in 2012.

Evidence of the existence of pentaquarks was released in 2000 from a few labs, but was quickly contradicted by evidence somewhere else. The data collected from the Large Hadron Collider does not explain how the five particles are joined together. One theory is that the five quarks could be tightly joined together in a single structure. Another theory is that a quark and antiquark are joined together to form a meson and the other three quarks form a baryon. An antiquark is the anti particle of a quark. An anti particle is a subatomic particle that has the same mass as a given particle but the opposite magnetic or electric properties. Every kind of subatomic particle has a corresponding anti particle. A meson is a subatomic particle which contain one quark and one antiquark. A baryon is any hadron which is made up of three quarks.

So that, as Professor Brian Cox keeps saying on television, is why I love Physics.

Megan Bridge 17

Saltburn Beachwatch

Megan’s Mind

A BLIP? At the last Saltburn Beachwatch (SBW) litterpick and survey held on the 20th June, in two hours 38 volunteers (including 8 under 18s) removed 23 bags of rubbish weighing 80kg and consisting of 5290 items.

It was encouraging that amongst the volunteers was our MP Tom Blenkinsop who got stuck in with everyone else (not just a photo op) and who is very supportive of our efforts to keep our beach clean and uses his influence to promote clean seas and beaches throughout our area and beyond.

Not to show any political bias (SBW is apolitical) we also have local councillors of various political persuasions on our list of volunteers who come from all walks of life both young and old, who desire to do something and make a difference to the amounts of litter found on our beach.

The data from 2014 beach cleans throughout the UK continues to come in from the Marine Conservation society (MCS) and although there has been a large increase in rubbish over the last 10 years it is interesting to see the regional results from the 301 UK beaches who took part in the Great British Beach Clean last September.

The South West region saw an 89% increase in litter levels and rubbish on Welsh beaches rose by 46%.

The South East saw neither an increase nor decrease. It was a better picture in the North of the UK where beaches in the Northwest and Northeast saw a fall in litter of 77% and 27% respectively. There was also a reduction of amounts in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The view from the MCS is that there are several possible explanations for the drop in our region. There had been less rainfall in the period when monitoring took place and a lower incidence of storms. In the UK there has been an improvement in recycling (still not enough) and greater public awareness of the need to take litter home or put it in the bin.

There is some evidence to show that a growing percentage of beach litter is residual and has been in the ocean for some time before reaching our shores. When we have islands of rubbish - one the size of Wales and another the size of Britain - floating in the ocean currents it is likely that we will have the problem of litter on the beach for many years to come.

At the present time worldwide we go through 10 billion plastic bags per week and in the USA 2.5 million plastic bottles are used every hour and only 5-10% is recovered. Approximately 50% is land filled and much of the rest ends up in the sea. So before we get carried away with our 27% reduction we need to continue to litterpick and survey Saltburn Beach to see if we are turning a corner or whether it is just a blip.

If you would like to help at a SBW event please see this magazine or local press for event details or contact me (on email roye.smith47@yahoo.co.uk).

Roy Smith

I haven’t really had a very interesting month this month.

In fact, I have spent the majority of it being poorly.

I had my third vampire treatment. I didn’t find this one so bad as I had more anaesthetic applied before the procedure. However, after the treatment had finished I almost fainted! My skin only takes about two days to recover now whereas after my first treatment it took about four or five days. It wasn’t a very nice feeling, nearly fainting, and one I’m sure I must have inherited from my mother. She is a fainter.

I went back to Liverpool for a few days with Alex, and we spent most of the time shopping (which Alex actually enjoyed) but we also met up with my Granddad Frank Bridge. Alex said he was nervous at first to meet him but in the end he loved him. We went back to see my Granddad’s cute little bungalow and have a good old cuppa tea! I’d never really been outside of Liverpool’s city centre before and there were parts that reminded me of Middlesbrough.

As I said in my previous column, July 6th would have been my Uncle John’s 39th birthday so we had a little celebration for him in his favourite pub in Saltburn.

If anyone reads this who came I just want to say a great big thank you for coming. Uncle John would have loved to have been there physically but I’m certain he would have been there in spirit.

I’m very excited to have finished college. I struggled through the year as I was poorly quite a lot of the time but I got through it and I’ve come out of it a fully qualified Personal Trainer and I’m very excited about it.

I’d like to say I made an amazing group of friends but I only made one! But that is okay; I wasn’t there to make friends. Looking forward to the next few months, receiving my certificates and getting my insurance and then finding some clients!

My mum and her partner have gone away for a couple of days at the time of writing this to celebrate her tempting job coming to an end, so Alex is staying over. I love it when they go away. It’s like Alex and I have our own house and there are no stresses for me. I love having the run of the house and just being able to do what I like. I don’t always feel comfortable when I’m not alone in the house. I especially like being able to cook whatever and whenever I want! I always miss my mum when she goes away and I wish she could always take just me away with her but since I don’t get to see her loads and loads any more due to circumstances, it makes the time even more special when I do get to see her. I hope she gets to have a couple of weeks off before her next temping job. I love it when I get up in the morning on a week day and my mum is in; it just makes the house a much nicer and easier place to live and she always makes the house smell nice and it reminds me of my grandma!

She keeps saying though, that she will teach me how to properly clean a bathroom because there is nothing better than the smell of a clean bathroom, is there?

Megan

18

Paul Waugh and Crucial Crew Paul Waugh completed 18 years volunteering at Crucial Crew first as a Coastguard then for the Royal Lifesaving Society teaching Water Safety to school children going from primary school into senior school. He is the only original member who has been there from the beginning.

He has taught about 28,000 children over the years at Crucial Crew. He must have taught at nearly every school in Redcar & Cleveland, visiting individual schools and groups like scouts, cubs, brownies etc.

With us being surround by water he said that it’s imperative children know what to do near water. In his scenario paul teaches children how to help people without jumping

in the water, what they can use to help and who to call depending on the location.

Covering inland water ways like rivers, ponds, canals he then teaches about the danger of cliffs, climbing them, getting cut off by the tide and who to call if they see anyone in trouble. Crucial Crew has other scenarios like transport police covering railways, road safety, fire brigade and electric scenarios about climbing pylons and climbing in power stations.

Paul was presented with a certificate by the Crucial Crew team.

Saltburn Slow and Steady Traditional Tune Session We meet on the second Wednesday of the month (12th August 2015) from 7.30pm at Saltburn House, Marine Parade, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1BX. We play traditional tunes from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and encourage playing tunes together. So if you enjoy playing a musical instrument and would like to play with others, then join us and we will break you in gently at first by playing the tunes slowly for you to pick up. From 9.00pm we may speed things up a bit. Our ‘official’ finish time is 10.00pm so we won’t keep you out too late if you have to get to work the next morning. Players of all instruments and abilities are welcome to join us. So dust off that fiddle, drag that flute (or any other instrument hiding up there) out of the attic and join us.

A warm welcome awaits you at Saltburn House where you can also get a pint of good ale, soft drinks or tea, coffee etc. We are a small friendly bunch, so if you are interested why not just pop in and see what we do. Just enquire at the bar and they will tell you which room we are using. Please also pass these details on to anyone you think may be interested. For more information do not hesitate to contact Angie on 01287 205153 (or email us at four.fools@virgin.net). We do send out a reminder so if you wish to be added to our mailing list please contact us.

Charity Craft Fairs at the Methodist Church Charity Craft and Gift Fairs, in aid of Saltburn Animal Rescue Association and Victoria’s Wish, are at Saltburn Methodist Church on Milton Street, Saltburn-by-the-Sea. The dates are: 29th August Bank holiday fair; 26th September; 24th October Autumn Fair.

The fairs are open 10am-3pm and are free entry.

There will be lots of local crafters with their lovely makes. Saltburn Methodist Church will also be doing a coffee morning downstairs.

Help! Your local Playgroup needs you!

Little Nippers is in desperate need of willing volunteers to help out on Monday and Wednesday mornings, either in the kitchen or in the group. We need people to help set up and put away. If you can help, even if it is only for a few hours each month, we would love to hear from you. So, if you love spending time with young children, painting, glueing, singing, making music or reading stories, or even simply making drinks, then please contact Little Nippers Playgroup on

01287 624575 We have spaces in August for babies and newcomers to the town 19

Festival Time at The Cons I am writing this article on the back of a holiday in Sorrento in south eastern Italy, with my wife Anne. It was an amazing place, with narrow streets a little like ‘The Shambles’ in York, with lots of restaurants and bars and exclusive clothes shops. The drive up the Amalfi coast to the town of Positano and Revello was incredible with over 1,000 bends and breath-taking scenery. We also took in a boat trip to Capri to complement what was a brilliant break.

On returning it was nice to see that the redecoration of the bar in the club had been completed with newly painted walls and doors, new curtains and a revamp of the serving area, including new lighting. As I have said before we are a non-profit making establishment and excess monies are used to improve the facilities for our members. My thanks go to members and committee members Dave Harris, Chris Bell, Gill Goulding, Ian Atkinson and Andy Dales whose contributions were so much appreciated, along with a big input from our stewardess, Michelle.

Another organisation who have taken advantage of the club’s policy of supporting charities is the Brotton Girl Guides who, on the day of a recent club Barbecue, put on Strawberry Cream Teas, a cake stall and a tombola which enabled them to raise a fantastic profit of £670. Congratulations go to Lorna Atkinson, a club member and Guide leader who organised the very successful event. Don’t forget that any organisation wishing to use the club’s facilities can contact myself or enquire at the club.

On the theme of charities, the ‘Friends of Saltburn Cemetery’ have arranged a Quiz, Bingo & Buffet Supper which will be held on Wednesday, 26th August in the club. You can get your tickets, costing £4 each, from Julie Towel at the club or from the Library, Ingleby Estate Agents or from Deana Jefferson, on 623785.

Deana, another club member, is the event organiser and this will be the second event they have held at the club.

Julie Towel, Michelle’s second in charge of the bar, will be setting and asking the questions for the quiz so you can be assured of a very funny and entertaining evening.

Our main event in August will be the ‘Saltburn Folk Festival’ which takes place on Friday, Saturday & Sunday (14th, 15th & 16th August). The marquee will be in place for the ‘Folk Weekend’ with the music starting at 12 noon on Friday, 10-30am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday.

Music will then continue throughout the club for the full 3 days. We will also be providing a Barbecue on all 3 days, starting at 2-30pm on Friday and midday on Saturday and Sunday. Michelle will also have sandwiches available to buy from the bar. A new treat will also be on offer over festival weekend, with the club serving Still Real Cider, both rough & smooth. We will also have takeaway cartons available in 1pt & 2pt volumes to enable you to take away your favourite tipple. Also, on the Sunday, Lorna Atkinson will again be putting on Strawberry Cream Teas and have cakes available to buy.

Another night of fun is taking place on Saturday, 8th August when committeeman Shaun Cook is holding a ‘Brazilian Samba Music Night’ from 7pm. This will be a fantastic night of entertainment and people attending are encouraged to be ‘Dressed to Thrill’. It would be nice to see Carmen Miranda lookalikes (both men & women).

Entry is free and all are welcome.

I would also like to take time out to thank the Chairman of the club, Joe Cockfield, whose commitment and enthusiasm have been an inspiration to the progress that the club is making.

To finish the article, I would like to thank Lorna Jackson for all her efforts in organising the ‘Saltburn Food Festival’. I cannot envisage the work involved with this but it must be enormous. It puts the town on the map, brings money to local businesses and I know how much her efforts are appreciated by residents and visitors alike.

As an afterthought, I would like to know what has happened to the knitted Octopus in the Anchor Garden at the top of Saltburn Bank. It is missing. Any Ideas?

David Rigg, Club President Email: davidrigg21@yahoo.co.uk Article financially supported by Saltburn Conservative & Unionist Club

Saltburn Cons Club Future Events to entertain in August Wednesday 5th & 19th: Julie’s Cash Quiz 9pm start (new teams always welcome).

Every Tuesday Night: Meat, Wine & Chocolates Draw.

Every Sunday at 6pm: Beer Draw & Cash Rollover (rises by £25 each week if not won).

Most Saturday afternoon: A get-together by ‘The Conmen’. Americano Musicians Jam sessions from 3pm.

Saturday 8th: Brazilian Salsa Music Night (dress to thrill) from 7pm. (all welcome.)

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 14th, 15th & 16th Saltburn Folk Weekend (see posters for acts). Barbecues taking place on all 3 days (see details above).

Sundays 2nd & 30th: Barbecue in the Garden 3pm until 6-30pm. (All welcome.)

Wednesday 26th: ‘Friends of the Cemetery’ Quiz, Bingo & Buffet Supper. Tickets £4 each. (See details above.)

Friday 28th: Open Mic Night from 8pm. All Welcome and Free. (fantastic live music.)

20

Food, Glorious Food!

Saltburn Food Festival set to tickle the tastebuds Foodie fans have an incredible array of treats coming up at the third annual Saltburn Food Festival on Sunday, 2nd August.

Final planning for the popular free Festival was in full swing at the time of Talk of the Town going to print, with the town’s Milton Street again set to be buzzing on a day packed full of fun for all the family.

It’s all part of a busy day that includes a street market with the best independent food producers from the North East and North Yorkshire, a children’s kitchen academy, live music, world street food, outdoor dining & picnic areas and bags more besides.

Special guests including TV chef Peter Sidwell, Richard Ingram, Gilly Robinson & BBC Tees foodie expert Catherine Hill will be cooking up a treat at a live outdoor Cookery Theatre sponsored by Middlesbrough College.

And, after teaming up with Coast & Country for the first time, a festival Art Street will see the town’s popular Re:Furnish Emporium leading the way with furniture upcycling workshops at their shop on Diamond Street.

The Food Festival builds on the town’s popular monthly Farmers’ Market - shortlisted as National Farmers’ Market of the Year last year.

Food Festival organiser Lorna Jackson said: “The

first two Festivals have been absolutely incredible really, and we’re set for another busy day on Sunday.

“We have a bigger space to play with this year, with the Festival extending further down Milton Street past Sainsbury’s car park.

“We’ve also freed up extra car parking space for visitors on the outskirts of town with our Park & Ride scheme, and Arriva have been promoting their Sunday bus services to and from Saltburn to encourage people to give the car a day off.

“Above all else, we’re very grateful to everyone in the town for their support and encouragement for the Festival, and we hope we can do the town proud again this year. Let’s look forward to a busy and enjoyable day.”

Kaye Rideout of Coast & Country’s Re:Furnish Emporium said: “We’re coming up to our first anniversary here in Saltburn, and it’s a great place to be.

So we’re chuffed to bits to be able to bring something new alongside food to the Festival, and are really looking forward to being part of the day.”

Saltburn Food Festival takes place on Sunday. 2nd August between 10am-4pm on Milton Street. FREE! For further info and updates, visit Saltburn Farmers’ Market facebook page.

21

SALTBURN BLUES CLUB At the end of a Saltburn Blues Club gig, there’s nothing like hearing that the audience and performers have had a great night. SEAN WEBSTER AND THE DEAD LINES played here in June. They’re a very successful band that tours internationally as well as in the UK. They’re used to the big stage but will still play more intimate venues like ours. Whether it’s blistering blues guitar riffs or the tender, precise chords that accompany Sean’s husky vocals, the effect is equally moving, powerfully emotional. Every track brought a resounding burst of applause. Sean has had the confidence to include guitarist, Ash Wilson, every bit as talented, in his band and says that, with THE DEAD LINES, he’s at his best. His original numbers and his cover of ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ are superb. His vocals, his guitar style and skill, his song writing – everything fits his soulful take on the Blues. This is a wonderful band to see live. Judging by the sales of their fabulous CD, ‘See It Through’, many were keen to include them in their collection.

Acoustic guitarist, Gary Stuart, was support and, after a couple of solo numbers, his son, Paul James, joined him on stage. He covered some mighty blues classics, including ‘Road to Hell’, ‘Hey Joe’ and ‘Need Your Love

Good times at Brockley Hall About 80 people from all over the country gathered in Saltburn in mid-June to reminisce about holidays at Brockley Hall Christian conference and holiday centre, now becoming a luxury hotel.

“Many visitors, including members of the Leven Street Evangelical Church in Saltburn, where the reunion took place, remembered how they had enjoyed their visits,” said Ken Lightfoot, a church member. Former manager David Brooking told how he got the job through a friend in Bournemouth. He had people chuckling at some of his tales and said he was now seeking another job. He currently lives near Otley. Steve Hand, a Brockley trustee, said the block of apartments built in part of the conference centre’s garden was proving to be a ‘huge success.’

A lunch was held in Saltburn House and the day ended with a service held at the church and tea provided by church ladies.

Plans are afoot for another reunion in 2016.

PARK NEWSAGENCY

So Bad’, a talented young guitarist gathering experience of performing in front of a live audience.

Now – if somebody as iconic as B.B. King says, ‘That woman makes my heart sing!’ how can you miss out on our August 29th gig? CONNIE LUSH has been voted Best Female Vocalist UK 5 times and comes with an incredible history of touring the world, singing alongside the greats and appearing at venues as big as The Albert Hall.

She’s a songwriter, a DJ, a powerful, passionate singer who engages with the audience and just loves to perform.

Especially the Blues.

Also appearing as support will be singer/songwriter, Peter Conway. Lyrical and introspective, another unique young performer making his mark on the live music circuit.

The venue is Saltburn Cricket Club and the tickets are £10, available from 07960b 935263, Whistlestop Wines, Saltburn (and www.yorkshireticketshop.co.uk).

Support Act 8pm.

My radio show STILL GOT THE BLUES is still going strong. You’ll find me on Mixcloud and also 7-9pm every Wednesday on Ignition Radio (Internet only).

Find all our details at www.saltburnbluesclub.co.uk and our Facebook page.

Harry

Christina Simpson Bespoke Furniture, Joinery

Fully Qualified Experienced, Local Carpenter/Joiner

1st, 2nd Fix Doors, Flooring, Skirting, Loft Conversions Hand‐Made Kitchens/Bedrooms, Painted Furniture

No Job Too Small

Call 07773 091727 Email: simpsonc999@gmail.com

Home News Delivery Specialists Cards & Gifts Magazines & Books Blue Nose Friends Toys & Games Confectionery, Drinks, Ice Creams Stationery Lottery

Stockists of Talk of the Town 102-104 High Street, Marske. Tel: 01642 484371 22

01287 624505

23

Emmanuel Church Hall, Macnay Street, Saltburn Tuesdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Telephone Stevie on

01642 474920

24

Carlin How Community Centre dancers go to Leeds

A year ago, no-one could have believed it - that Carlin How Community Centre Street Dancers would actually go to Leeds to dance on the stage of one of the top theatres in the North of England. Our team of Corey, Alex, Jay, Mazy, Elle, Abbie and Gemma all danced in Leeds on July 10th, 2015.

When, in the beginning, we sat down with our main funder, SportEd, and worked out targets for the next three years, they seemed as unreal as Corey’s dreams. Corey is one of our lead dancers. He managed to break his leg in three places in October 2014. We wondered if he would even dance again.

In December he went onstage in Saltburn in his wheelchair. It seemed to take such a long time for him to heal.

Then he made a sudden swift recovery, just in time to dance in Leeds. “The more you try,” he says, “the easier it gets, and every day is just one step closer to the dream.”

It all happened because Booma met Zoobin Surty, who invited the Evolution team to go to Bollywood classes in Saltburn, as well as their Street Dance in Carlin How. In converting from Street Dance to Bollywood, they had to learn a series of new techniques. It took discipline and persistence, before they were ready to dance in Zoobin’s Bollywood Extravaganza in Saltburn Community Theatre at Christmas.

Then to reach their goals and dance in Leeds it took technique classes and a lot more hard work.

Finally by July, the team had made it, and arrived to dance in this big centre for dance in the North.

The pictures show Elle (10) and Mazy (11) who opened the whole show, bravely and professionally, and other pictures of the multinational cast, on and off stage, all dancing together on the vast stage of West Yorkshire

Playhouse.

Many, many thanks go to Booma and Zoobin who had faith in our village dancers to encourage them and teach them, and give them such a wonderful opportunity.

And congratulations are in order to the Evolution team who have worked so hard to achieve their dream.

Many Saltburn people also went to Leeds, as can be seen in the photograph above.

25

Cleveland Diving Club

The members of our club know all too well that weather has quite an impact on when and where diving can take place.

Thankfully the blight of ‘poor weather,’ that has afflicted a number of the club’s previous overseas and local diving holidays appears to have been swept away. During a diving week at Porthkerris in Cornwall members were blessed with such beautiful weather that it was easy to see why the south west of Cornwall is often referred to as the ‘Riviera.’

However, more important than blue skies and sunshine was the lure of flat seas and clear underwater visibility. This was irresistible for our party, made up of divers with a range of experience from novice to veterans, who experienced many of the delights of the underwater sea-world of the south west Cornish coast. There has been much written about the varied and beautiful marine life in this part of the world and our 26

band of happy divers were not disappointed. Our photographs show only some of the species, spotted by our divers, and illustrate that they can be as unique and colourful as any you may find in some of the world’s more exotic destinations. For example, the majestic ‘Barrel Jelly Fish,’ that pass silently and gracefully by, (estimated to be about 90 cm long and 45 cm wide), the inquisitive vibrantly coloured cuckoo wrasse fish that likes to check out what divers are up to, and the ever beautiful sea slug munching on the sea-mat which has colonised the fronds of the kelp seaweed. More recently, the last weekend in June the weather was such that some of our members finally managed to dive our local waters at the South Gare. Although the visibility was only 2 or 3 meters, in addition to the usual crabs, starfish and lobsters our talented underwater photographers spotted some of the more reclusive and sometimes bizarre looking, local residents such as, this two eyed flounder, viviparous blenny and a long spined sea scorpion fish.

At the moment the club is currently on its summer break from ‘Pool Training,’ at Saltburn Leisure Centre.

Although for club members training continues in inland lakes or the open sea at suitable dive sites along the north east coast. If you are considering trying out the sport our pool sessions will commence mid-September. For more information contact the club secretary on 07960 608529 or look out for our posters which are displayed on our notice board in the viewing area of the leisure centre and in local shops around town. Photographs donated by Derek Dawson and John Lampett.

Funds raised for Guides

Sunday, 5th July proved to be a glorious day for 1st Brotton Guides who held their annual strawberry tea at Saltburn Conservative Club. The local girl Guides served an endless flow of customers who came to enjoy home made cakes, scones and meringues which were furnished with cream and strawberries whilst enjoying the lovely setting in the Cons garden.

A grand total of ÂŁ670 was made by the end of the day which Barclays will match with their pound for pound scheme for charities. This means that Brotton guides events for the next 12 months will be heavily subsidised by the unit funds.

They are planning on a trip to the play factory, a pantomime trip at Christmas and various camping trips over the next 12 months.

Guide leaders Karen Ward, Lorna Atkinson and Joan Bagley would like to thank Saltburn Conservative Club for their hospitality and the friends and families of the girl guides which made the day a huge success!

Lorna

27

G . Bishop - Decorator *Interiors and Exteriors

*Free Estimates

*All Aspects of Decorating Undertaken *Realistic Prices

Time Served Telephone 01287 624016

28

*Reliable Service Assured

40 Years Experience Mobile 07757 912575

29

At Ryedale Auctioneers,

FITNESS

we have fortnightly general sales, with live internet bidding. We also have Specialist Sales, Antique & Fine Art Sales, Militaria & Sporting Sales and Railwayana & Toy Sales.

We also do house clearances, and have our own collection/delivery service. We provide valuations for probate, insurance and sales.

through

Upcoming Sale dates for August are:

Ryedale Auctioneers Cooks Yard, New Road, Kirkbymoorside, York YO62 6DZ

Tel: 01751 431544 Email: ryedaleauctioneers@live.co.uk Website: www.ryedaleauctioneers.com

The Litter Fairies A heartfelt thanks from Keeping It Clean At Saltburn to all the people who are who are the unseen and unsung beach Litter Fairies.

In the mornings as I walk Wren (the border collie) toward Marske along the beach, I pass the litter left by visitors to the beach, that includes bottles, broken glass, tins, paper, polystyrene, plastic bags, barbecues and clothes.

The council does not clean the beach area here; they manage the area of beach from the river at the pier end, to the Hazelgrove stream outlet, a jolly good job they do of this too.

Along with many other unseen Litter Fairies I carry bags and collect what litter I can and place it in a bin. I used to get annoyed and wonder why ‘someone’ wasn’t doing something about this. Then I realised, I am someone and despite emails and phone calls to the council, nothing is done to clear this area by them. So, if I want a clean beach, I have to take action.

So please, join us in keeping our beach clean. Even picking up one item from the beach and disposing of it appropriately each visit will make a positive difference to the environment, wildlife and beach appearance and safety.

Saltburn in Bloom have regular organised litter picks throughout the year. Saltburn Marine Conservation group also have beach litter picks. These groups and KICAS have facebook pages if you wish to become involved.

As for Litter Fairies.... ‘I believe’. www.facebook.com/keepingitcleanatsaltburn 30

DANCE

From Zumba to Ballroom, Street Dance to Miss Booty, Spirals to Zumba Kids... DanceFit Saltburn offers a variety of classes for ALL AGES & ABILITIES

8th & 22nd August General Sales 15th August Outdoor Sale 9th August Railwayana and Toys Sales

Each class is designed to give you a fun & full body workout according to your fitness needs. You will notice increased levels of fitness and flexibility fast!

Starting dates for classes after the Summer break:

ZUMBA GOLD:

Mon 6pm (24th Aug) & Thurs 10am (3rd Sept)

SPIRALS:

Weds 7pm (2nd Sept)

STREET FIT:

Thurs 6.30pm (27th Aug)

BALLROOM BLITZ: Mon 7pm (2nd Nov)

ZUMBA KIDS CLUB @ Saltburn Primary School: Mon 3.15pm (14th Sept)

For more info & to choose which classes are best suited to YOU! Call ESTELLE on 07887 525234 or visit...

31

32

AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY EVENT 01287 626792 SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST 2015 TEA ROOMS OPENS AT 10.00 EVENT STARTS 12.00 CRAFT STALL, GUESS THE TEDDY’S NAME, TOMBOLA, LIZ AND STEVE ACCOUSTIC SINGERS, ARCHERY, AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY STALL, GREAT VALLEY BAKE OFF, CHILDREN’S MAD HATTER COMPETITION AND CHARITY AUCTION CHARITY AUCTION STARTS AT 2.00PM AMAZING DONATIONS INC MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB TOUR, PUB MEALS, 3 MONTH’S GYM MEMBERSHIP, TICKETS FOR FLAMINGOLAND, FAMILY DAYS OUT AND SO MUCH MORE!

CHILDREN’S MAD HATTER HAT COMPETITION CHILDREN CAN MAKE THEIR OWN CREATIONS AT HOME AND WEAR THEIR HATS ON THE DAY, 1ST PRIZE AND 2ND PRIZE, CHILDREN NEED TO ARRIVE BY 1.30 FOR JUDGING ENTRY 50P WHICH GOES TO AIR AMBULANCE THE GREAT VALLEY BAKE OFF PLEASE FILL IN ENTRY FORM AT THE VALLEY TEAROOMS, £1.00 ENTRY WHICH GOES TO THE AIR AMBULANCE, BAKE A TRADITIONAL VICTORIA SANDWICH AND DECORATE THE CAKE ANY WAY YOU LIKE, ALL AGES WELCOME, 1ST PRIZE, PLEASE BRING CAKE ENTRIES TO THE TEAROOMS BY 1.30, JUDGING AFTER AUCTION A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY

BOOK CORNER Come and see our great range of books Fiction Non-fiction Cut-price Books Children’s Books Gifts for Book Lovers

Ordering service: We can order thousands of books – just ask!

Open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm

(Closed Wednesday) 1 Regency Buildings, Station Square, Saltburn

01287 348010

www.bookcornershop.co.uk

33

Packed funeral for Bernard Storey One of the great leading lights of the voluntary and community movement on Teesside and Saltburn has left us.

Last month’s death of Bernard Storey who lived in Saltburn will be mourned by many across the whole town – and indeed, far beyond.

Testament to this was the fact that his farewell – a Humanist farewell as Bernard wanted – at the Kirkleatham Crematorium was, with over 150 people attending, the biggest turnout since the new crematorium opened.

Bernard was born in Middlesbrough on 28th August, 1941. He was the youngest of the three children of Lena and Tom and was brought up alongside his older brother, Albert, and sister, Irene, in the difficult years of the Second World War and its austere aftermath. This was compounded by the death of his mother when Bernard was in his early teens.

Bernard was educated locally in Middlesbrough. On leaving school, in the mid-50s, he took up an apprenticeship as a fitter and proceeded to work extensively in the steel and chemical industries, principally in the North East.

In his mid-30s, Bernard decided to change direction and took a degree in Humanities at the then Teesside Polytechnic. It was to prove a life-changing experience. After Bernard graduated, he worked for several years for the Cleveland Race Equality Council. His next professional move was to Cleveland Council for Voluntary Service, which became Teesside Council for Voluntary Service and finally One Voice Tees Valley.

Along the way, Bernard was appointed as their director. Bernard’s final job was working as a project coordinator in Loftus for the Loftus Development Trust.

He then retired from formal work in 2005 – but not from working for the volunteer movement.

Bernard’s commitment to the voluntary sector was legendary. He had always believed in helping other people at a local level. He possessed a strong social conscience, had a huge faith in people and was determined to help people improve their quality of life.

Principles were always put into practice. In the 1980s, Bernard was involved with a group of people who established Cleveland Community Foundation. Its purpose was, and still is, to distribute grants to local community groups. Some may have fond memories of the annual swimathon, Superswim, which Bernard was heavily involved in organising.

Part of his work in the 1980s was to support groups of people who wanted to work together to meet local, social needs. One of these groups was a group of women who wanted to set up a refuge for women and children fleeing domestic abuse on Teesside. He supported the women through the process of campaigning for what they wanted, holding a public meeting in a local library, joining fundraising events, meeting in campaign group members’ houses and sticking stamps on envelopes.

Bernard was a mine of information and, what he didn’t know, he knew someone who did. Four years after 34

that public meeting, a house had been bought, renovated and fitted out for purpose and the doors opened. Since 1989 these doors have never closed and although it has been through changes of management since, the refuge still serves women and children still fleeing abuse in their homes.

As his long, varied and successful working life showed, he was both independent and highly motivated. He had a strong personality too. The quality of Bernard’s work in the voluntary sector was celebrated in 1993 when he received an MBE at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his enormous contribution to the sector.

Bernard was a staunch socialist, who hated the Thatcher government. When he was discussing someone who had helped a community group when they needed it, he said, dolce sotto, ‘yes, but he’s still a Tory!’

Bernard was a loving family man. In his first marriage to Carol he had two daughters - Angela and Sarah - and two sons - Jonathan and Christopher. He was also a wonderful uncle. When his nephew, Paul, and his nieces, Sue and Gill, lost their Dad, Peter, after a fatal car accident, Bernard acted as a surrogate father and was thrilled to become close to them again later in life.

When Bernard fell in love with his present partner and workmate, Sue (Featherstone), his one lasting regret was that the price he paid was the loss of his close connection with his children. In 2002, before he retired, Bernard and Sue moved to Saltburn and Bernard spent the last part of his life there.

He and Sue shared a love of gardening and maintained two large allotments. They were virtually selfsufficient. They both shared a love of animals. Bernard took up horse-riding with Sue and soon enjoyed racing anyone who was up for the challenge.

Bernard was actively involved in several areas of Saltburn community life. Talk of the Town readers will remember the orange beck water (from disused ironstone mine workings) running onto the beach. He was involved with the setting up of the Saltburn Gill Action Group and, thanks to this group, the problem was cured. Bernard was the man who involved the Environment Agency and other statutory bodies responsible for the natural environment, and via his lobbying got the funds needed to undertake the upstream engineering and remediation work – and as a result the stream water now flows clean no longer disfiguring the Valley Gardens.

He was as passionate about the built environment as with the natural world, and was one of the founders of the Saltburn Civic Society when fears were raised that speculative developments could mar the planned Victorian ambiance of Saltburn.

He organised local table-tennis for the over-50s. He possessed an attractive baritone voice (which he trained with his singing coach, Jeanette) and was an active member of the Saltburn men’s singing group, which performed as part of the Choir of a Hundred Voices. His interest in singing extended to voluntary work. Bernard was the chair for a while of the community singing group Free Your Voice.

This group believes strongly that singing benefits the quality of people’s lives.

Bernard was very involved in the Saltburn University of the Third Age (U3A). He loved his French and Italian classes. One reason that he decided to brush up his French was so that he could communicate with his good friend Jose in his own language. The reason for Italian was to help him understand the operatic songs that he sang with Jeanette.

Bernard took part in the Grow and Learn gardening project, really rather to make up the numbers. However, he became an invaluable class mate to everybody over the six years the group has been on the go. He was the main man in the construction of a new allotment in Saltburn town centre and stayed with the group as the members progressed from being an ad hoc group of gardeners to now taking on a horticulture qualification at level 2.

He was, for four years, a local parish councillor and believed that elections at all levels should be contested democratically. Ironically, when he stood as a parish councillor at the recent elections, it was Sue who was elected and not Bernard.

Bernard was very much the cook of the household. He had always been interested in food and was as forward thinking in this area as he was in his politics. For example, as a young fitter, while his colleagues were taking corned beef sandwiches out of their bait boxes, Bernard would take out dried fruit. Latterly, he became the soup supremo for the monthly allotment stall at Saltburn Farmers’ Market.

Bernard had very eclectic tastes. He enjoyed folk music, like the Teesside Troubadour, Vin Garbutt, as well as anything from Lonnie Donegan, The Flying Pickets, Cole Porter and classical music. He was also a voracious reader with a particular liking for Damon Runyan.

His partner in life, Sue, has the last word: She said “Bernard was the love of my life. He meant more to me than anyone or anything on Earth. That doesn’t mean that others didn’t matter, they all know who they are and they know that I love, like or respect them. Bernard and I got together over

Bernard Storey with partner Sue Featherstone and pet dog Shorty

23 years ago. I think we admired each other and liked the fact that neither of us was afraid of hard work. A good deal of what we did together was hard work but I think Bernard would have agreed with me that it was all worthwhile. I know that some people found our partnership strange in the early days, probably because of their care for Bernard and fears for his future. It was important to both of us though, that our friends and work colleagues stayed with us and, I think, realised that we were together for the long haul.

“People who know me know that I can go on and on. However, I just want to say one last thing again – put plainly and simply he was my best soul mate and I loved him like no other.”

Mike Morrisey We should like to say a huge “thank you” to everyone who helped to make all aspects of Bernard’s funeral celebrations as good as they could possibly be. The celebrant, funeral directors and Kirkleatham Crematorium staff were all very helpful and the facilities superb. The turnout was amazing and those of you who added to the words for the ceremony said some lovely, touching, funny and heart-warming things. Some people came from afar, others not so far. All your efforts were so appreciated.

Then there was afterwards. Two people coordinated, others cooked, the hall at ECHO looked lovely, the tables were heaving with lovely food, there were tablecloths, flowers in vases and clean jam jars and people in the kitchen keeping the teas, coffees and soft drinks flowing. It was much better in quality and atmosphere than any number of top catering outfits could ever have given us.

Then there were cards (well over 100), flowers, letters, hugs and a good donation to the Saltburn District U3A, and a great piece of work in getting an obituary into the papers. There is no doubt that Bernard was very well liked in his many walks of life, represented by all of you who played a part in what was truly the best send off we could have hoped for.

Sue Featherstone (wife) Sue Roberts (niece) Gill Trevor (niece) 35

Saltburn Premiere to mark VJ Day The Saltburn premiere of an acclaimed film about a Saltburn war veteran has been arranged to mark the 70th anniversary of VJ Day and the end of World War Two. ‘Eddie Straight - To Hell & Back’ by Craig Hornby (film make of A Century in Stone and Teesside Troubadour) will be shown on Saturday, 15th August at Saltburn Community Theatre. It will be backed by another film ‘Redcar Remembers The First World War’ which Craig made last year with The Friends of Redcar Cemetery. Craig will introduce the films and take questions from the audience afterwards. Following a successful 10 week run for the Eddie Straight film at Middlesbrough’s Dorman Museum, he told Talk of the Town, “I am really looking forward to showing this film in Saltburn and the exhibition which includes stunning photographs by Ian Forsyth. This is where the story began and where Eddie still lives; as well as Ian and myself.”

Eddie, now 95, joined the army at 19, shortly after war broke out in 1939. What 5 years of wartime bestowed on this Saltburn lad was extraordinary. From the blitz to Buckingham Palace chaperoning Princess Elizabeth, to the beaches of Normandy and battling all the way to the Baltic, to the liberation of the horrific Belsen death camp and then to the Burmese jungle fighting the Japanese. He was wounded several times by bullets and bayonets and somehow survived.

“If this was fiction, they’d say it was far-fetched,” said Craig. “It is an incredible story of an eye witness to the holocaust and horrors of war from our town. People must see it. It is harrowing in parts inevitably but very touching and inspiring I think. It was an honour to make it.”

Around 1,500 saw the film at the Museum and many signed the visitors book...

“Words cannot describe how moved and in awe I am” wrote D. Southam, Sunderland.

“If I was moved to tears, what did he go through?”

Frank, New Zealand.

“What a story, what a man. Where’s the VC?” Peter,

Marton.

“Should be shown on national TV and in every school.”

Susan, Skelton.

Tickets are available from the Theatre box office and website (www.saltburnarts.co.uk) and they are FREE. This is due to archive film used in the films being licensed from the Imperial War Museum at a budget rate for non-commercial purposes only. No admission can be charged but donations are welcome. The hire of venue and projection equipment has kindly been sponsored by the Saltburn Ward Councillors.

Councillor Hannaway said, “We all continue to be very impressed by Craig’s work, particularly the way he covers the extraordinary lives and voices of people often left out of the official stories of the past, the real people from this area who made our country what it is today. We are proud that he is a Saltburn resident and are delighted to support this event.”

Councillor Thomson said, “The subject matter is of great historical importance, the central figure is someone who deserves public recognition and thanks for the dedication with which he served his country. The sensitivity with which the film was made reflects the empathy and skill of the author.”

£4million for former Zetland hotel?

More than 40 people enjoyed a one-hour guided walk round central Saltburn during Emmanuel parish’s ‘Love Saltburn’ mission weekend at the end of June.

Curate the Rev Adam Young gave an informative talk on the history of the town from around the fourth century to 2015. Among little-known snippets gleaned were that Saltburn had three pubs decades before the Quakers arrived and virtually banned alcohol, except in hotels and clubs; the church clock in Windsor Road belongs to the townsfolk of Saltburn and the former Zetland Hotel contains a ‘lookout’ room at the top of the central tower.

Mr Young said this was to allow a boy to alert hotel guests of the imminent arrival of trains. These arrived at the back of the hotel so guests could get on board before ordinary passengers in the main railway station.

He estimated that the 150-year-hotel would cost £4 million to build nowadays.

Asked if he might hold another walking tour, Adam said he was encouraged by the large number of people, who included some residents, taking part. The tour took in the cliff lift, the leading former hotels (Alexandra, Zetland and Queen), bandstand and churches. He said he hoped a ‘new Jerusalem’ might arise in the town similar to the vision of 36

WALKERS: A pause before the Victorian walking tour of central Saltburn set off on Saturday 27th June. From left, musician Terry Dickinson, Marjorie Wieland, Reverend Adam Young, Dorothy Paterson, and David Turner.

founder Henry Pease in 1861.

Several Emmanuel parishioners wore Victorian dress for the walk. It was followed by a Victorian tea held at Emmanuel’s ECHO hall served by Mothers’ Union and Women’s Institute members.

37

38

Saltburn Animal Rescue Association A small charity seeking to rescue and re-home cats and dogs, Tel: 01642 488108 (weekdays only, 10am to 2pm).

SARA has many dogs and cats that need new homes. All are clean, healthy, neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Hello, I’m Riddley the dog; I’m a gorgeous 6 month old small to medium terrier cross breed boy who came into SARA through no fault of my own. As you can see from my photo, I’m a cheeky chap who is mostly white with a black patch over one eye and on my ears. I’m a bundle of energy and really need a family who want to take me out for lots of walks. I have a wonderful temperament and I’m good with other dogs and could happily to live with one another playful dog. As I am a lively bouncy puppy it would preferable if I went to live in a home with older children rather than wee young ones. I am a lovely dog who is full of mischief and lots of energy and I would be perfect for a home with experienced dog owners who want a new challenge to do training or agility with. I have lots of potential and will make a wonderful addition to a loving family.

SARA asked me to write about Slinky the cat too, which is a bit hard for a dog to do, but I’ll do my best to say nice things! Slinky is only 1 year old, and he is a wonderful cat who has gone from being a naughty little monster to a very lovable young man thanks to all the love and care of the staff and volunteers at SARA. Slinky is

black with white patches on his nose and paws. Slinky is a very boisterous young cat who loves nothing more than getting himself into mischief and as such he could live with another cat but it would have to be a very tolerant one! He is a cheeky boy who would love nothing more than a big garden to play in and chase anything that moves all day long before coming home for cuddles. He would be best in a home with experienced cat owners without young children. Slinky is a handsome 1 year old boy. Slinky is a typical cheeky and boisterous kitten that is full of fun and mischief and is looking for a home where he can have lots of toys to play with and has a nice garden to explore.

There now. I said nice things about Slinky. Can I go and play now?

Love from Riddley and Slinky.

SARA fundraising events during August The next monthly meeting of SARA will be held in the TocH premises, Albion Terrace, Saltburn, on Wednesday, 5th August, at 7.30pm. As this is our 20th Celebration year since SARA was formed, we would love to meet more people who are interested in helping animals. Please take this opportunity to come along and meet members and learn more about our very friendly group.

Saturday 8th August – SARA will be holding their 8th Birthday Celebration of Foxrush Farm and Re-union of SARA Dogs that have been re-homed over the past years.

This will be held at Foxrush Farm, Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar, from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Celebrations will include Flyball demonstrations, and Doggy games. Stalls will include tombola, bric-a-brac, pet accessories, toys and our great raffle. There will be a wide variety of party refreshments. All

home-made. The Re-union of dogs will take place at 12.00noon. Cats can be viewed at 12.30pm. Dogs for rehoming may be viewed from 1.30 to 2.00pm.

Come along with family, pets and friends and enjoy our 8th Birthday. There is plenty of parking space on the Foxrush field. We look forward to seeing you.

Street collections will be held in Middlesbrough Saturday15th August and in Redcar on 22nd August.

I would like to thank everyone who supported our recent Fun Dog Show held at Foxrush Farm. The amount raised at this event amounted to just over £3,000. It was a wonderful day, and thanks go to sponsors of events, also to everyone who helped in any way. Not forgetting all the people with family and friends and their pets that made it such a great day.

Sheila Green 39

Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness

Blues in the Woods Saltburn Blues Club, together with The Woodlands Centre, staged its second mini Blues Festival, BLUES IN THE WOODS, on Sunday, July 5th. It’s an inspired choice of venue. Inspired because you’d normally associate Saltburn’s beautiful Valley Gardens with sedate walks and quiet contemplation rather than the sound of electric guitars, amplifiers and drums. But the grandeur of this place’s Victorian past has been replaced by a more informal, sociable atmosphere. The warm, weathered walled garden with its grassy bank is the perfect setting for a day of open air live music.

Eight Acts agreed to give their time and talent for free, from 1 – 11.00pm, to raise funds for Saltburn Blues Club and The Woodlands Centre. First on was the band, SO WHAT. They engaged the audience with their selfdeprecating references to themselves as ‘ageing rockers, old enough to know better’. Of course, this kind of banter only works if the performance is good – and it was. Excellent in fact. Upbeat, familiar, with enough of the Blues in there to set the tone for the day. It immediately felt like everyone was in for a good time.

Persuading enough really good acts to come and perform for free, with all the professionalism, energy and good humour they’d bring to a paid gig, is down to the festival organizer as well as the dedication of the artists to their music. DAVID BROAD, a superb young guitarist/singer/harmonica player, is much in demand but he willingly drove up from Leeds and delivered a superb set. Artists always take their CDs to gigs. His very quickly sold out. The crowd loved him.

The other soloist on the programme was HOWLIN’ MAT. More raw and rootsy but another great talent playing more old school Blues. These guys are driven to sing and play. They need to share their talent.

We all benefit.

The NICOL BAND brought another kind of energy to the stage with their Blues Rock set, followed by the two GEORGES – SHOVLIN and LAMB. These guys can easily hold an audience as solo artists.

Together, they were dynamic. Unbelievably, when they left the stage, four acts had completed their sets. Time does fly.....

The weather, despite an early forecast worthy of Glastonbury, was holding up but then a great black cloud 40

rolled in. Harry Simpson, festival organizer and Saltburn Blues Club promoter, had everyone focused on positive thinking and blowing optimistically (crazily) skywards.

Whatever natural or psychic powers were at work, the inky blackness let go a brief shower before passing on and delivering its torrential downpour elsewhere. THE ANDY POWER BAND was too good to let a little shower trouble anyone. Their brilliant set included the classic, ‘Spoonful’, played to perfection like all their numbers. This threesome lived up to its name – powerful.

Before the finale, the band with the interesting name, AULD MANS BACCIE, eased the tempo by playing soulful, delta blues numbers in their set. Seven acts, nine hours of music (minus changeover times) had passed. The artists had played through sunshine, a shower, dusk and now it was dark. The last band, MIDNITE BLUE, was a great choice to end the day. The youngest member James Fallon was phenomenal on guitar, pumping the place full of energy till the very last chord was played.

Result? Lots of happy punters dancing in the dark saying, ‘Let’s do this again next year’.

Thanks to one of our sponsors R.C. Ayres Roofing and J. Gunn Scaffolding especially for providing the stage.

Thanks to the helpers at the Woodlands Centre. Thanks to Saltburn Rotary Club for their donation to the event. But most of all thanks to the over 100 people who turned up on the day to support live music in our beautiful town.

See Harry’s regular Blues article on page 22.

41

Why Saltburn House?

• Bed & Breakfast for only £25pp!

• Fantastic 2 course Sunday Carvery, for only £6.50!

• Sky Sports!

• BT Sports!

• All the latest bands!

• The best beer garden in Saltburn!

For more information or to reserve a booking please contact us on 01287 622008 or email us at: saltburnholidaycentre@hotmail.co.uk 42

Talk of the Town’s monthly

Pride of Saltburn Award

Open 7 days a week

Stocking a wide range of health foods, chutneys, jams and honeys.

If it’s grown locally we do our best to source it.

Quality Fresh Fruit and Veg at Competitive Prices.

Monday to Saturday: 9.00am to 6.00pm Sunday 10.00am to 4.30pm Open till 7.00pm on Fridays

The winners of this month’s Pride of Saltburn Award are the staff of Chocolini’s who were nominated by Rebecca Hilton. About them, she says, “Situated on the corner of Windsor Road and Albion Terrace you’ll find Chocolini’s, one of Saltburn’s real gems. After a long walk with my dogs I am always made very welcome by the lovely ladies who work together in the shop. ‘We are a tight knit group - more like a family, it’s not like coming to work,’ was the comment of one member of staff. They are very supportive of each other and I’ve found this extends to all their customers. Whether you’re tempted in for the first time or you pop in regularly, customers are always greeted with a cheery smile and good old fashioned service. Because of this they have succeeded in making this little corner a pleasant and welcoming place to come to and enjoy, being part of Saltburn’s vibrant community. No matter how I’m feeling when I arrive I always come away feeling so much better, which is priceless.”

Thank you, Chocolini’s, for being you, the Pride of Saltburn. Ruby Lilly’s Florists kindly provided bouquets for each of the staff.

Every month, a £30 bunch of flowers, kindly donated by Ruby Lilly’s Florists of Marske, is awarded to someone in Saltburn who has earned admiration, gratitude and love for whatever reason. Talk of the Town invites nominations from readers, to chose whom to receive recognition and a bunch of flowers.

Send your nominations to Talk of the Town’s postbag at Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, Cleveland, TS12 1AQ or email Ian (talkofthetown@tyasi.freeserve.co.uk).

(Please include your name, phone number and the reason you are nominating the person of your choice.) Please also confirm with the nominee that they are willing to receive the award (many people feel shy about it). All the nominations will be read and kept for future use, so even if your choice doesn’t win this month, they might do so next time.

Grasers 07703 884184 Try something different at Grasers

Apple Orchard Produce Seen here is an array of vegetables grown locally in Apple Orchard Nurseries near Skelton. New produce arrives every month but the ones photographed above are expected to be available in August. There will be Broccoli, Broad Beans, Green Beans, Peas, Bunched Carrots, Onions and Salad Onions. In addition there will be fruits Victoria Plums, Red Currants and Black Currants, Tomatoes, Cucumbers and of course Discovery Apples. Grasers try as much as possible to stock locally grown produce and sourcing it from Apple Orchard Nurseries is ideal. Not only is it locally grown and therefore incurring low transport costs, it is seasonal fruit and veg becoming available in Grasers almost as soon as it is harvested. You can’t get more local than that!

43

What can I wear on the day?

At Meadow we are constantly being reminded by our customers of how things are changing in the occasion wear category of our shop. Many lovely ladies of all ages have been requesting outfits especially for weddings that they can wear again to other occasions. It seems that the trussed up, expensive, uncomfortable outfit is on the way out.

More and more couples getting married want a change from the stylized hotel extravaganza and are opting for something different. What do you wear for a woodland wedding, a beach wedding, a vintage wedding or even a wedding on a boat?

It may be a simple Adini or Pomodoro dress with matching or contrasting jacket or perhaps an Emily and Fin design with its classical style and nod to vintage, giving beauty and elegance to their affordable collection as recently seen in the Sunday Times. You might prefer the ever popular Out of Xile range of longer dresses and jackets in sensuous natural fabrics with handmade lace, quality and ethereal style.

Whether you are a mother, mother-in-law to be or a guest at a wedding, christening, graduation or

44

going to the races, we will do our upmost to help make your shopping experience a good one. At Meadow we have an amazing selection of styles and sizes to give you a stunning look for any occasion. We stock an exciting mixture of fashion for every taste and introduce new labels regularly.

But we are not just for occasion wear. Don’t forget that our sale is now on and our large store keeps a wide range of affordable tunics, dresses, jackets, drop a size jeans and accessories and our other labels include favourites like Masai, White Stuff, Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman, and Lily & Me. We can always open early or stay open later if required with no obligation to buy and if you spend over £45 on non sale items and mention this article we will pay for your parking so come and have a day in Whitby on us.

Caroline Collier Meadow, 2-4 Skinner Street, Whitby YO21 3AJ

45

Chocolini’s Chocolatier Continental Chocolates Moulded Figures Our Own Recipe Bars Speciality Ice Cream Celebration Cake Toppers Wedding Favours Luxury Hot Chocolate Coffees Teas

www.chocolinis.co.uk

3 Windsor Road Saltburn TS12 1AX 01287 626141

CHOCOLINI’S NEWS NUGGETS Come rain or shine these summer holidays we are open 7 days a week.

We are looking forward to the 3rd Saltburn Food Festival and the Folk Weekend later this month.

We will open a little earlier with Festival offers during the day.

See our Facebook page for more details.

The 1st of August marks our 2nd anniversary with Chocolini’s and we would like to thank all our lovely staff and customers for their support along the way.

Teesside Hospice Summertime Charity Night Please join us for a fundraising evening in support of Teesside Hospice on 7th August 7:30-11:30pm in the function room at Saltburn Golf Club. The Happy Cats will be playing their unique blend of ‘a drop of the Irish, a hot spoonful of salsa, a twist of Tamla, all shaken up with thirty years of Rock and Roll experience and garnished with good humour’. Homemade pie and peas are included in the ticket price of £15 and all proceeds will go to support the wonderful work of Teesside Hospice. Tickets are available from the Golf Club or by calling 07708 925063.

46

Toc H Lamp officially lit since “we don't know when”?

The Toc H is commemorating the centenary of Talbot House by lighting the Lamp in each of their branches across the world; It was Saltburn’s turn on 31st May. Paul Dimoline from the Barton upon Humber branch lit the lamp and took the service that reads as follows. “Let us give thanks for 100 years of Talbot House and the spirit that was formed there of friendship, fellowship and fairmindedness that then became the movement known as Toc H and spread across the UK and later the World. Let us also give thanks for Tubby Clayton whose vision it was to establish Talbot House as a haven of peace for the soldiers of The First World War, away from the horrors of war, a Light that shone in the darkness.”

We now take this light (the flame from Barton lamp is transferred to Saltburn lamp) to all parts of our Toc H family beginning with all the branches in the UK and challenge all the members of Toc H, in this centenary year of Talbot House, to relight the spirit of friendship, fellowship and fair-mindedness which was formed there in that house. The ‘Ode of Remembrance’ poem ended the service.

Talbot House was named in memory of Lieutenant Gilbert Talbot who was killed on 30th July 1915, his brother chaplain Neville Talbot and the Reverend Philip Thomas Byard (Tubby) Clayton were the founders of the Toc H. The Centenary News Article states “Talbot House Museum has only five pictures capturing scenes of life at the club during the First World War, but there must be many more. Descendants of veterans and others associated with ‘Toc H’ are being urged to have a look for

photographs; as Talbot House prepares to mark its own Centenary in December 2015.”

Saltburn Toc H is looking for photos, of its building and past members throughout its history.

We are also looking for photos of WWI & WWII relatives of yours, for a remembrance display that will be on show in Saltburn library on 9th August; as part of 19152015 Wartime Memories. Please drop off your copied photos at Saltburn library (or scan and send to together@saltburnbythesea.org).

Saltburn Athletic FC Saltburn Athletic FC held their annual football gala on Saturday, 4th July involving 19 teams from around the region.

The weather wasn’t too kind at the start but as the morning wore on you could feel the warmth, then the sunshine followed in what was another successful day.

There were three age groups playing at under 10s, 11s and 12s. This was Saltburn’s most successful day for some time when all four teams reached the semi final stage. Unfortunately getting to the final proved a step too far. The under 10s Seagulls were beaten on penalties but gained third place by beating fellow club members the Dolphins.

The under 11s were hampered by the loss of several members of the squad due to a school tournament at Brotton but still reached the semi final. The under 12s also played well and all four teams can be proud of their day. Well done to the coaches Phil Barnes (Seagulls), Kev Robinson (Dolphins), Alvin Jefferson-Prescott, Karl Agar (under 11s) and Cathal Carey and Dave Lawrence of the under 12s.

The winners of the Under 12s were South Park

Rangers who beat New Marske. The other two finals both went to penalties. At under 11s Coulby Newham beat Saxons and fellow club members at Coulby Newham beat TIBS to take the under 10s title.

Thanks to Huntcliff school for hosting the event and a huge thanks to the members of the PTFA, rotary club and to Hannah Whiley (tombola stall) and also to Emma Myers (sweet stall) and finally Kerry Agar for the pick a stick stall.

All monies made will go to Saltburn football club and to Huntcliff school.

Next year we are hoping to run a bigger event when we will have use of the newly improved Hob Hill field which will enable the club to run an under 7 and 8s together with U11, 12 and 13s. Thanks also to the sponsors Ritson Tree Care, Whistle Stop Wines, Surfs Up, Brambles Gift Shop, Robson Carter Estate Agents and Sea View Restaurant who provided the match balls.

Club patron Alan Smith has received a Lifetime achievement award from the football association.

Andy Croll 47

Happiness is a kind of game Happiness is a kind of game, a game we play with ourselves. We live in a world where from an early age we are encouraged to compare ourselves with others. In schools we are from an early age given tests that rate us next to our classmates: great for self-esteem if we come high up, not so great if you come low down, especially if you come low down on lots of different comparisons. We compare our nose to her nose especially as a teenager and then we find a show business personality who has the nose we really like, the one we really want, and we find someone else who has the body we want and the hair, they have more friends than me and because of being more beautiful than me and having more friends they just seem happier than me and now I have a reason to feel really down, because I look like this and not like that, and because I look like this and not like that, I expect to feel less happy than they are and I probably always will.

Happiness, the thinking part of it at least, is a kind of game we can play with ourselves while recognising that we create the rules to this game, and when we get good at playing it we get good at keeping our stream of feeling good flowing. When we are not playing the game well, we are allowing in our own self criticism, which is a negative comparison, either to others, or to a comparative level that we have told ourselves we ‘should’ be at.

Many, many people in society play the game of comparison, the game of ‘I will be more happy when I have a faster car than the one I have now. I will be more happy when I get that new TV screen rather than the one I have now. I would be happier if I don’t have to go to work tomorrow, or if I had more money, or if my girlfriend would nag me less. But we do have a choice about how we construct our thoughts; I can start to realise, that as long as I am always saying I want a different car, that I am holding a certain contentment away from myself, holding back a certain happiness of appreciating fully what it is that I do have.

The happiness game is fundamentally against pretty much all of our social teaching about comparing ourselves to others. It is really for some people very hard to do, because unless we really jump into a new world of self-awareness then stopping what we have always done is, not surprisingly, not an easy thing to do.

It is about going against what X factor is subtly suggesting to us, that we can all agree that this singer is better than that singer, when we know that we all individually like different styles of music and can all appreciate different singers differently, so the idea that one singer is actually ‘better’ than another one is of course absurd, yet we are encouraged to believe that. It is well known in adults for them to give up doing art or drawing because they were told at school that they were no good at it, at least when compared to others, or for an adult not to sing all their adult life because they were once laughed at at school for how they sung. One singer can be judged as better than another singer by the whole class but that really doesn’t mean they are no good at singing. The real secret to it is appreciating themselves and not listening to the judgment of the many: if you enjoy your voice, then sing, especially to yourself, and cultivate your appreciation for your voice whoever you are, and for your art and for your common sense and for your own style, all of it is down to you to enjoy and not to play the game of negative comparison. The rules of the game I am going to play by is the rules of appreciation for its own sake. So if I can find pleasure and happiness from my own voice then it matters not a jot if I am the worst singer in the class by common agreement. If I can look at my body and say, ‘I like you, you serve me well and to me I find you attractive, I actually love you,’ then I don’t need to know any more than that. I don’t need to get hold of a fashion magazine to confirm that my body is good compared to someone else’s. I don’t need to stop feeling that I run well enough if I see someone else run faster than me.

Kendal

Jennie leaving the Darlington and Stockton Times For the past six years I have been the local correspondent for the weekly paper “The Darlington & Stockton Times” but I regret to say circumstances mean I will be resigning from this post from 1st September 2015.

I have been honoured to act as correspondent over the time and I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has trusted me to write and tell their stories. I’ve had some great experiences and met many wonderful people. Saltburn has proved to be such an interesting and friendly town – thank you, everyone.

I am still available to submit articles and listings up to my final deadline: Tuesday, 25th August.

This does mean there is a vacancy for someone who wants to step in and keep Saltburn in the news. If there’s anyone out there interested you are welcome to e-mail me and I will be happy to explain what it involves. You can also stop by Book Corner on Sunday 2nd at 11.30am 12.30pm when I will be signing books as part of the wonderful Food Festival.

48

Alternately contact the editor direct – Mr Chris Lloyd on 01325 505109 or e-mail chris.lloyd@nne.co.uk.

Jennie Finch, crime writer www.jenniefinch.me.uk Jennie@jenniefinch.me.uk

It's Summer! Beat The Heat With These Summer Workout Tips!

If you have been working out over the past winter and spring months, you may be surprised at the new challenges that summertime fitness throws at you. we are officially into summer, and you are probably discovering that your body reacts to the heat differently than it does to cooler conditions.

But don’t let the heat cause you to lose your momentum. You can keep working hard in the summer, you just have to adjust your approach a little. Keep the following summertime fitness tips in mind as you continue getting stronger and healthier.

1. Cool down first! You can improve your performance in the heat by lowering your body temperature before heading outside. Taking a cold shower or simply putting an ice cold cloth on the back of your neck can help you to better tolerate the heat.

2. Find some shade. You may need to move your workout to a different area in order to be in the shade. If you are a runner or biker, change your route to a wooded area.

3. Avoid caffeine. Because caffeine acts as a diuretic, it forces water out of your system. This is the last thing you want when exercising in the summer heat. Save your caffeine intake for several hours before or after your workout, rather than near the time you will be exercising.

4. Stay hydrated! Drinking plenty of water before, during and after your workout will reduce the heat stress on your body.

5. Choose your clothing carefully. Now more than ever it is important to wear clothing that will move sweat away

from your body and help it evaporate it quickly. A cotton T -shirt may be fine in the winter, but you will be much cooler in a fabric designed for exercise.

6. Change your workout time. If you are used to exercising during lunch or in the afternoon, you may need to adjust your schedule for the summer months. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times for outdoor exercise. On blistering, hot days, even the shade will not bring much relief.

7. Wear white or light colored clothing. Lighter colors reflect the heat better than darker, more intense colors.

8. Take breaks. Your body can only handle so much extreme heat. When the thermometer climbs, you may find that you need more frequent breaks to keep performing at your best. Be sure to take them. Listening to your body and caring for it is NOT a sign of weakness: it’s smart.

9. Monitor your heart. The heat places greater stress on your heart. Keep tabs on your heart rate as you work out in the heat. If it spikes quickly or stays too high, give it a rest.

10. Hit the gym. You may find that it is best to simply move your workout indoors for the summer. If you would prefer not to put your body under summer stress, work out in a gym. You will have the added benefit of personal attention and group accountability. It’s a great time to work on form, increase intensity, and plan out a new and exciting workout routine. Beat the heat by mixing things up this summer-try a gym workout.

Dedicated to your fitness Brian Bennett Invictus Strength & Fitness Academy

Veterinary Matters One recurrent question that crops up both in the consulting room and on forums is “my dog/cat eats grass. Is this okay?

And why do they do that?”

In the wild the dog and the cat families would normally hunt for animals, birds or fish, and eat them completely. The indigestible bits would then have to be passed out, one way or another. If the dog or cat ate grass this would assist the bringing up of this unwanted material.

So, why if we feed tinned or dried foods do our pets still eat grass? It can be learned behaviour from the mother, or a habit developed from having a mouthful from time to time, or because we tell our pet off when they go to eat grass so they then eat it in a pique of wilful disobedience, or because we are feeding a raw diet, or because the pet has a genuine stomach problem and feels nauseous so needing grass to purge their stomachs.

So, if your pet does eat grass is it unhealthy for them?

One case I saw about 15 years ago was a Springer Spaniel who developed a fetish for eating grass. She had to have at least three operations to remove a huge grass ball from her stomach over the years, despite the owner trying to be very attentive and even getting a muzzle for her. However, that is one case in the extreme. If your pet chews and swallows grass, and is healthy, then they will no doubt vomit it back sooner or later. Problems that do arise from grass eating are

getting bits stuck in the animal’s nose, throat or tonsils, causing sneezing, coughing or retching and this can make them very distressed, so requiring surgery to remove the bits.

The longest blade of grass I found in a cat’s nose was 30cm (12 inches!). One definite reason to dissuade your pet from eating grass is if they are ill and vomiting it is a part of the illness. Eating grass would only encourage more vomiting.

The simplest solution is to keep them in or on a lead when out, as well as see your vet to find out why they are ill.

One last reason to stop your pet eating grass, certainly in heavily populated pet areas, is that several diseases can be passed from eating grass. These include various types of worms and even the possibility of Leptospirosis. With dogs, we still recommend the vaccination of them to protect against a variety of forms of Leptospirosis, and as far as worms are concerned, the advised time scale is to worm any outdoor cats or dogs every three months. See your vet for the best methods for worming and advice on any other infectious diseases.

As ever, look after your pets and enjoy them, because they enjoy our company too.

If you want to ask me a question or raise a topic for this article, contact me by e-mail on j.haddow@live.co.uk or call where I work at Jacqui Paterson vets on 01642 604555.

James Haddow, Veterinary Eye Consultant, GP and Saltburn resident.

49

SALTBURN CRICKET CLUB Marske Mill Lane, Tel 01287-622761

Sun 2nd Aug **!!!!!**IT'S THE BIG MATCH**!!!!!** BAR ELEVEN vs FOOTBALLERS Bar open – all welcome (we'll NEED a drink to watch this feast of cricket!)

Wed 5th & 19th – BINGO – all welcome Wed 26th – U3A QUIZ – all welcome Sat 29th Aug... SALTBURN BLUES CLUB …all welcome CONNIE LUSH multi-award winning female vocalist with support from PETER CONWAY This is an all-ticket night (£10) with 10% discount for Club members Spectators welcome at all CRICKET matches – support your local teams! *****Free WiFi in Club***** SKY TV showing sports etc *****

G Hodgson Joinery For Domestic & Commercial Property maintenance, Repairs and Improvements Including

Kitchens Bathrooms Bedrooms Doors Windows Flooring Skirting

UPVC Doors & Windows Tiling Glazing Plumbing Electrics PVC Wall & Ceiling Board Decking

For quality workmanship guaranteed by time served tradesmen at a sensible price call for Free Estimate

01287 623099 07900 492439 MILES, HUTCHINSON & LITHGOW SOLICITORS CONVEYANCING (FREE WRITTEN QUOTATIONS ON REQUEST)

MATRIMONIAL MATTERS CIVIL - CRIMINAL LITIGATION

CHILD CARE IMMIGRATION PROBATE & WILLS INJURY & ACCIDENT CLAIMS LEGAL AID PRACTICE

For a friendly efficient service on all legal matters Tel. (01287) 623049 (01287) 622056

50

27 Milton Street Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Available for family events, parties & meetings - with free use for charity & community groups' fund-raisers or meetings during normal opening hours too!

For a convenient venue with loads of free parking, reasonable bar prices, prize-winning real ales & friendly staff, look no further!

Contact us to book your event.

Members and non-members welcome.

Contact Club for details & tickets

Facebook saltburncricketbowlsandtennis socialclub

‘Well-being’ video for Doorways Work has started on creating a series of health and well-being video clips for the Saltburn and East Cleveland area to promote a healthy lifestyle, particularly among young people.

Three volunteers who have experience in animation work through Cleveland College of Art and Design, are helping Saltburn’s youth project Doorways to make the short video clips.

John Pearson, the charity’s coordinator, said: “I’m so impressed with the excitement generated from our new volunteers, who are waiting to start university courses. Their work will be refreshing and enable them to experience working on a real project; developing skills, making lifechoices and ultimately find jobs.”

The volunteers – Kerry Mann, 18, of Guisborough, Lucy Dowey, also 18, of Brotton, and Fox Chaotica, 20, of Middlesbrough – are working with Doorways’ new apprentice 23-year-old Paul Dobson, of Redcar.

Paul, who volunteered with the charity project before starting his apprenticeship, said: “The video stories are for all ages and will encourage them to take care of themselves, get out of the house and feel better about themselves.”

The video story line is about The Walkers (by name and nature), in conversation while walking through our local area; there is also a wise old thumb-stick.

“The aim of the video, which should be available on our website in the early autumn, will be to enable people to make better choices and manage their health and wellbeing,” said Paul.

It is hoped NHS agencies, which want to promote healthy lifestyles, will fund the videos. Doorways, which is based upstairs at Destinations internet café, Station Street, Saltburn, works with more than 100 youngsters a year, aged

Video-makers start work outside the Destinations internet cafe in Station Street, Saltburn, for a Doorways youth project.

From left: Kelly Mann, Lucy Dowey, Paul Dobson, John Pearson and Fox Chaotica.

13-25 and has a current client list of around 15 young people.

Paul, who starts his day with a one-hour workout in his own garage gym, has already revamped Doorways’ jobsearch Facebook page, which attracts an audience of over 7,000 a week and a website that enables employability skills.

Already many have found work through these services.

“The outcomes for these young people are transforming and the impact on our community huge,” said Mr Pearson, a former engineer who has been with the charity since 2005.

Asia journalist re-visits Saltburn Journalist Rowan Callick, 66, walked down memory lane when he revisited Saltburn after a lapse of nearly 40 years.

He admired the five murals showing the town’s history on Sainsbury’s wall, saw the Station Street flat where he lived for six years with curate the Rev Ron Metcalfe and looked at the yarnstormers’ latest wool creations on the pier.

At Emmanuel church’s art exhibition he was reminded of Hong Kong where he lived for a few years after leaving Saltburn in 1976 when he saw a painting of a garish city scene. He was recognised at the exhibition by Mrs Betty Jones, a church helper, who remembered the youth groups he and the curate ran at their flat above Maynard’s sweets shop.

Rowan was a graduate trainee at the Evening Gazette and told how grateful he was for the all round training and experience received there. He went on to become Asia editor of the Australian daily newspaper The Australian, based in Melbourne where he still writes on business and other subjects, particularly China.

He is married with two children aged 21 and 18 - all three were with him when Princess Anne presented him with the OBE. He left Saltburn in 1976 for the ‘worst-paid job in journalism’ in Papua New Guinea where he helped to train many journalists.

He was met in Saltburn by former colleague Mike Morrissey and among Gazette names remembered from the

Brian Briggs, of Skelton, congratulates Rowan Callick on receiving the OBE for services to both journalism and the Anglican church in Papua New Guinea where he worked for 11 years after leaving Saltburn in 1976.

1970s were Erik Brown, Roy Maddison, Sue Giles, Carol Blakeborough, Phil Bruce (whom he became friendly with in Hong Kong), Bryan Pearson, Malcolm Race, and Dave Jamieson.

51

52

OllieB

Lovely Ladies Clothes and Accessories

12 Dundas Street East Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1AH Telephone: 01287 623715 Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 11am to 4pm We have an extensive range of clothes and accessories to suit most ages and sizes Brands include Joe Browns, Lily & Me, Luca Vanucci.

We also have lots of lovely scarves, bags, hosiery and jewellery.

New stock arriving all the time!

For updates, like us on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/OllieBSaltburn

Used Stamps for Charity There is a box in Saltburn Library for used postage stamps which are a valuable source of income to a number of charities. Please drop your stamps in the library. Many thanks for your support. There is also a box in Marske Library.

Eric Matson (volunteer), 25 High Street, Skelton, Tel: 07985 767587

Craft Magic Craft Magic is a beautiful new gift shop in the heart of Saltburn, offering affordable shelf rental to local crafters. We sell handmade items and gifts at affordable prices. We are located at 4 Dundas Street West Saltburn and we open Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm.

Look forward to seeing you.

Hands On Therapy Clinic Remedial Therapy Sports Injuries

Reflexology Relaxation

Louise Clark ITEC Diploma MBSR, GCP, BCMA Reg Saltburn Leisure Centre, Marske Mill Lane

Tel: 01287 625700 Mob: 07775 610745 Tennis Sessions Wimbledon has been and gone. Could your child be a future number one? Saltburn Tennis Club is running sessions for children aged 5-15 during August at the following times: Week 1 Aug 4th, 5th, 6th. Week 2 Aug 25th, 26th, 27th.

Ages 5-9 years old: 9.30am – 11.30am; Ages 10-15 years old: 11.30am to 1.30pm. £6 per day or £15 for the week (payable by cash or cheque on the day). Rackets can be provided. Booking required. Please include the child’s name, age, days and a contact mobile number.

Any questions call 07914 383912 (or email clairesmith174@hotmail.com).

News and Views from the Valley The second “Blues in the Woods” mini festival was another triumph and all thanks to Harry for organising a great line up of musicians with proper staging and all the trimmings. Our side of the bargain was to put on an excellent raffle and first class catering. Considering that thunderstorms had been promised for around six o’clock we were lucky. The wind got up, the sky went very dark and it began to drizzle. Then five minutes later the sun was out again. It wasn’t a hot balmy evening like last year but people got up and danced; the best way to keep warm and it stayed dry. A big thank you to all the marshals, cooks and washer uppers who contributed to a lovely event.

August 2nd is the date for our Summer Picnic 1 – 4pm.

It is the day of the Food Festival so buy your goodies there and come on down to our lovely lawns and spread a blanket and eat. We hope to put on some entertainment for children – nothing huge as many of us are away or have family staying but there will be something. Also we will have tea/coffee and cold drinks available for a donation. Also if anyone out there

can offer something - singing, dancing, performing or any other form of entertaining - please get in touch.

There is an ongoing bat survey work for which more participants are needed. This is a Heritage Lottery funded project on which we are collaborating with Tees Valley Wildlife Trust (contact sbarry@teeswildlife.org).

Our garden is looking lovely but we have had quite a spate of mindless vandalism which is very disheartening. We don’t know the answer; it is part of a much wider social problem. Our garden is publicly accessible and that is how it should be. Polite notices and friendly chats to groups of young adults hanging around the centre on these light evenings do not achieve anything. Hostility and razor wire is not going to achieve anything either. It’s a serious problem.

I hope all visitors to Saltburn during the summer holidays enjoy their time here and let’s hope for lots of sunshine.

Lorna Moone www.saltburnfriendsofthevalleyltd.co.uk 53

Craft Magic: A New Shop for Dundas Street “This is a lovely, beautiful shop,” enthuses customer Mal Kirby, as she makes an early purchase before the official opening day.

Proprietor Lisa Bennett is delighted to see people already wanting to see what is on the shelves.

Lisa has experienced a lot of selling at craft fairs over the Saltburn, Redcar and Middlesbrough area. She loved playing with beads when she was little and was very successful at Art and Design at GCSE. She developed this into a hobby of making jewellery.

When she was fifteen, she began working on a sweet stall at markets in South Bank, North Ormesby and Rufforth near York. “It was great doing that,” she says. “I met new people every day in a new place and got to know many other stall holders.” Then she worked in shops, until she was made redundant in 2004.

“I knew I didn’t want to go on the dole and be unemployed,” Lisa remembers. “So I decided to make more jewellery and try and sell it. Although I don’t always have a lot of money, I enjoy being my own boss and I’ve never looked back.”

It’s been her dream to be successful at craft fairs and one day to have her own shop. At the former, she’s been selling her felt fairies, as well as her jewellery. The fairies have taken off really well: “I put a picture of one of them on Facebook,” she says, “and I had eight orders within an hour.” They have also been really popular at the craft fairs she has attended at Saltburn Methodist Church since November 2013.

Lisa is very fond of dogs - the family had an English Shepherd called Rocky and an Alsatian called Sabre when she was growing up - and has donated her takings to Saltburn Animal Rescue Association, when she has had a table at their craft fairs.

Lisa has found it very interesting to learn what other people have been selling and has seen some imaginative knitted items, such as a hand-knitted Gothic doll, beaded baubles and driftwood creations. She has become very aware of the wide range of goods made by local crafts people and got to know a lot of them.

So she has been looking round for a suitable shop in Saltburn for a while and when the unit on Dundas Street recently became available, she jumped at the opportunity.

Everything has come together very quickly and she has been able to offer shelves at an affordable rent to local artists. “I have been inundated with people who welcome the chance to get their products known somewhere static, that’s open six days a week,” she says. “Sixteen different crafters are displaying soaps, candles, hair bows, jewellery, cushions, decoupage, book folds, cross-stitch cards, knitted baby cardigans and bootees, chocolate, driftwood, wax melts, bath products and handbags. There is really an eclectic mix of different people and products.”

Lisa has been thrilled by all the help that she has been offered setting up. Her brother, Brian, who runs 54

Invictus Health Studio in Milton Street has helped her organise the layout and one of his gym members volunteered to do a logo painting on her back wall. Her Mum, Judith, who used to work in Saltburn Health Food Shop and now part-time in Grasers has done a great deal of cleaning and preparation. Her Dad, also Brian, who is a painter and decorator, came up with the name for the shop and has kept her right with the books.

She has held an event on Facebook and has attracted a lot of interest through social media. Saltburn business people have put up posters about the shop’s opening and Lisa has appreciated the warmth of the welcome she has had from the local business community.

Lisa feels that the shop size is perfect for her.

When she gets established, she would like to run Ladies’ Nights, which would be like a social event with tea and cakes as well as an opportunity to buy crafts. She also does tarot readings, so in the future she would like to offer one to one appointments for this, when the shop is closed. Another plan is creating gift vouchers in multiples of £5 upwards. She aims to keep the stock affordable, ranging from £1 for soaps to £20 for a decoupage demijohn.

The shop will be open from nine to five Monday to Saturday. She has friends who will be able to step in every now and then, but she can’t see herself taking holidays in the near future. At quiet moments during the day, Lisa will be making her jewellery and felt fairies, giving customers an opportunity to see how things are put together. Although she began with beads and costume jewellery, she now works with gemstones, silver and crystals.

To relax, she will be going to Brian’s gym, where he has worked out a programme for her with weights, dead lifts and squats. She will also be spending time with her nephews Max and Ollie and socialising with her friends on the beach and along the pier. She loves Saltburn and is so pleased that local people seem very enthusiastic about her shop. Best of luck, Lisa!

Friday Friends: Our Year - The View from the Chair The year began optimistically, with a grant from RCVDA, on other online community members, under Steve’s leadership, 5th September 2014, in the Conference Room of Emmanuel offers some real opportunities for group and individual Church Hall. Emmanuel has disabled access, accessible toilets, development. There have also been some courses offered by is on bus routes going both ways, and has a fair sized car park. RCVDA and MIND as well and some have taken up offers on There is a long ramp on the front for easy access for them. It must also be said that we have had the advantage of equipment. It also has wi-fi, a 32inch screen for DVD and funding surgeries. powerpoint presentations and comfortable seating. There is a On outings, such as the owl centre there has been reduced hall for exercise when required. We have our own coffee admission for our group. Talk of the Town and Coastal View making facilities and most visitors are impressed by the venue. publish free articles and reduced rate advertising. Redcar and Initially we embarked on a survey of required activities Cleveland council PIN also advertise us. The value of all our free and the collated list was used to construct a six month plan. speakers, presenters, teachers, entertainers, and the rest when Arts and crafts formed the basis of half of the activities, so added up must come to literally thousands of pounds and I for occupied the afternoons, whilst activities which stretched and one would like to say thank you. challenged both the mind and sometimes the body took place in The arts and crafts group is thriving and has necessitated the morning. The idea was inclusivity and visual, auditory and consideration for a move into the hall. The disadvantage of this is kinaesthetic means of presentation have been used with a the lack of facilities for presentations on screen which some variety of speakers and presenters who have been gracious speakers prefer. So, this is a direct appeal to all schools and enough to give their time freely. The exercise session has colleges in the area: Are you thinking of upgrading a always been taken by professionally insured dancers or Promethean whiteboard? We have knowledge of use of instructors. aforesaid, so would make good use of any old equipment.

Christmas time brought about some wonderful Then as far as donations are concerned, Jean raised activities, meals out, home catering, Wilton Male Voice Choir money on the sponsored cycle, Mind officials donated, there and a professional magician. An additional grant was received have been hundreds donated in goods from the shops, there was a from Tees Valley. gift from Nicky’s mum’s darts team at Carlin How and I am told Photography started to be used by the group and a there will be a much appreciated gift from TocH. google+ site set up by Mandy’s husband Keith and all speakers In addition to the previously received two grants, we have received a small pictorial thank you along with the normal also had one grant from the Parish Council and have one in wait thank you e-mail. This was a good formula. from RCVDA. There are also two potentially large grants, one of The New Year developed slowly at first but the definite which has to be re-applied for by invitation. The Aviva grant was division of the morning into cerebral activity (with provision short listed but we unfortunately did not collect enough votes. for all levels) and low impact exercise expanded with the A five year business plan is under construction under introduction of self-defence lessons, walking football from guidance of RCVDA and a self-assessed skills audit led to our Middlesbrough football club, African drumming as well as our recruitment drive and distance learning package uptake. With the previous dancing and sing-a-long sessions. Speakers also addition of the educational and recreational groups providing us started to volunteer to come forward to talk on all sorts of with extra sessions, other than those already planned, our 6 unusual subjects. month programme became 8 months but then we did have Now we have the sports division of the council offering another survey which revealed another 120 suggestions, which soft golf, swimming and walks. They can also offer a healthy are already mentally resourced and we are running on that eating course. The council are also offering a course which is programme now. Attendance records, feedback and session specifically for mental health patients and will be based in reflections have been kept and analysed professionally.

Emmanuel. There has also been an approach by a distance With the forthcoming addition to our balance of the learning college offering NCFE level 1, 2 and 3 courses for RCVDA grant and TocH gift, the group is in a good position and free. Many have taken up this opportunity. Paul, at I would like to emphasise that its most important assets are its Destinations, has offered us a marvellous opportunity for members. The members are the most wonderful people who developing group IT and presentation skills and Garry would make anybody welcome and who are capable of positively Stonehouse has also offered assistance. Steve Thompson of meeting any new challenge that comes their way.

Teesside University, of course, supervises our website and our Feel free to visit any Friday. recent membership of East Cleveland Online, supported by the Marion Anderson

Greta cottage residential care home, caring for the elderly and EMI needs. We provide a home from home, our staff are friendly and fully qualified. We have a daily activities programme which includes trips out in our mini bus and musical afternoons. Our rooms are individually decorated and all food is homemade on the premises.

For any further information please contact us on 01287 622498 or e‐mail gretacottage@outlook.com where our staff will be happy to help.

Greta Cottage – Greta Street, Saltburn 55

News from Saltburn Library FRIENDS OF SALTBURN LIBRARY Friends of Saltburn Library are pleased to invite Mr George Davies, a very accomplished miniaturist, to be the guest speaker, on Tuesday, 19th August.

Even if you are a complete novice to this intriguing and compulsive hobby, still come along. Mr Davies is prepared to explain all and how. Not only will he talk but he will give an easy demonstration, and will bring along some small item for you to try yourself.

We are also looking forward to a local group of dancing American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dancers on Tuesday, 22nd September. There will be a short talk and a demonstration of dances by the group Tribal Marsquers. You will even have an opportunity to have a go if you want to!

Both events start at 2.00pm. Entrance is free and we enjoy refreshing tea and biscuits, before we leave.

Any donations, however small, are most welcome, and the Friends of Saltburn Library put all funds towards the benefit of the Library and all who use it.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER ACTIVITIES We are looking forward to a busy summer here at Saltburn Library. We are excited to launch the Summer Reading Challenge again – which just involves reading 6 books over the holidays, for which in return you will receive stickers and other goodies along the way. Read all 6 books and you will be invited to a special presentation event with Tom Rolfe, local magician who will do a show and then present the medals and certificates. This to be held on Monday, September 14th at 4.30pm.

Also come along to our regular craft sessions which will be held each Wednesday afternoon 2-3.00pm during the school holidays. We will be having a special MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY on Wednesday, 28th August at 2.00pm, to celebrate 150 years of Alice in Wonderland.

Come dressed up for it and get a small prize. There will be fun activities and a picnic. Please book for this event.

Or simply drop in anytime, there will be activity sheets, toys and a treasure trail in the garden available all the time. For further information ring 01287 623584.

Citizens Advice Bureau High demand means Redcar & Cleveland CAB needs more volunteers During a time of uncertainty and cuts to public services, not to mention the changes to the welfare benefits system, the value placed on volunteering is higher than ever.

Our Bureau relies heavily on the generous contribution of volunteers who make up 70 per cent of our total workforce, and this year Redcar & Cleveland CAB needs even more volunteers than ever.

Last year the service saw a huge increase in demand: seeing a total of 11,262 enquiries from clients. Demand has continued to increase in the current year.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles: trustees for our board of trustees, trainee advisers, administration help, co-ordinators to assist with campaigning on social policy issues, receptionists or helping out with marketing and finance. Opportunities are flexible, depending on the amount of time people want to commit.

Volunteering experience is also a very valuable way to enhance skills. Around a quarter of volunteer advisers who leave the service leave for paid employment or move into further education.

The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Bureaux, all of which are independent charities, and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers.

The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

The Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being helpful, approachable, professional, 56

informative, effective/cost effective, reputable and accountable.

Our next Training Programme is due to start in October of this year. To find out more about the volunteering opportunities we can offer, you can call us for an information pack on 01287 203324 or log on to www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Anyone seeking advice can contact us at the following sessions: REDCAR LIBRARY Tuesday & Thursday Redcar & Cleveland House 10.00am – 1.00pm GUISBOROUGH Monday & Wednesday Belmont House 9.30am – 12.30pm SOUTH BANK LIBRARY Friday Normanby Road 9.30am – 12.30pm LOFTUS LIBRARY 1.30pm–3.30pm

Thursday – every 2nd & 4th week

SKELTON LIBRARY Monday – every 1st & 3rd week 1.30pm – 3.30pm TELEPHONE ADVICE Friday 10.00am – 12.00 noon 01642 469880.

57

The Countryside Ranger and Volunteers, August 2015 By the time August arrives, the season is already over for many of our summer flowers and insects. However, nature has a few surprises in store in the form of late-blooming plants and colourful butterflies of high summer.

August sees the emergence of the year’s second brood of small tortoiseshells. So long as the weather for the previous two months has not been unduly cold or wet, the insects usually appear in good numbers. Their appearance coincides with a peak in flowering in the garden, so the species is a frequent visitor to urban locations at this time of year. This is especially true if stinging nettles are present in the vicinity, as this is the small tortoiseshell’s larval food plant.

Inspect the leaves of hedgerow shrubs and the lower branches of oaks or fruit trees in woodlands, gardens or orchards in August, and you will probably discover a forest bug. Forest bugs feed mainly on plant sap, but they will also attack soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars.

By midsummer, most individuals will have reached the adult stage, and from now until early autumn, females can sometimes be found laying batches of eggs on leaf surfaces.

An active, fast-flying butterfly of hedgerows, woodland rides and rural gardens, the comma is easily recognised by the ragged margins to its wings. Although adults that hibernated through the winter will have been seen on the wing since spring, the first of the new generation does not appear until June. It is followed in August by a second brood. The emergence of these late summer commas is again due to a flush of garden flowers.

The wily little weasel is the smallest of the Mustelid family of carnivores found in Britain. A fully-grown animal may be only 18cm long, with a lean and wiry frame. The weasel’s body shape is perfectly suited to its lifestyle, especially its hunting technique, since it can pursue prey such as voles and mice along burrows barely large enough to accommodate a human thumb. Hunting is undertaken at almost any time during the day or night, and periods of activity are interspersed with short naps. Although the

weasel’s eyesight is good, its sense of smell is particularly useful when hunting in dense cover or through a maze of subterranean tunnels. August is a good time for the weasel since most small mammals will have had at least one litter of babies by now. Young and inexperienced mice and voles are among the favourite target prey at this time of year.

The Saltburn Countryside Volunteers have been busy controlling some invasive species within the Valley, namely Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and also Bracken. The Balsam spreads along the valley when the seed pods burst, throwing the seeds into the river and being transported down-stream. The Volunteers have been wading up-river from Fairy Glen trying to remove the Balsam before it can flower and produce seeds to spread even further.

The Himalayan Balsam and Knotweed were introduced by the Victorians mainly for their impressive appearance and flowers, which admittedly, are beautiful in their own right. However, with them not being a native species they have very little to limit their spreading.

Japanese Knotweed, has the ability to grow in most areas, with deep burrowing roots, and the ability to selfroot, it can undermine many man-made structures.

Himalayan Balsam likes to grow in wetland habitats, but as it has very shallow roots it is unable to ‘tie together’ bankside vegetation, therefore making the banksides unstable and prone to erosion when the plant dies back in the Winter.

Task days continue throughout the year every Friday. We meet near the centre at about 10.00am.

You can see the work of the volunteers on their website (www.saltburncountrysidevolunteers.btck.co.uk).

For more information please contact paul.murphy@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk and for Volunteering opportunities please contact Karen.preston@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Paul Murphy

Memory Walk from Sea View care Home Sea View opened in August 2013. We have 25 residential beds for the elderly, caring for those with age related conditions including dementia. People are becoming more aware of dementia, how it effects the person and their family, no one is immune to it and it can effect an adult at any age. I think everyone knows someone who has been touched by this horrible condition.

Sea View Care Home and the staff are Dementia Friends and the Alzheimers Society are asking people to hold Memory walks throughout the country between August and October to raise awareness and help raise funds to use in the fight against it. I couldn’t find a walk being held in our area for us to join in so I registered the home to hold our own. We are going on Sunday, 23rd August to set off from Sea View taking in some of the most memorable parts of Saltburn and finishing at the Bandstand.

58

We need volunteers to raise funds, walkers, sponsors, and any donations. The staff have been out and about in Saltburn asking for raffle prizes and we have had a great response. So I would like to thank the shops and cafés in Saltburn who have already given towards a raffle that we will hold on the day.

Sea View cares for people with dementia and we want to help do something for the future.

That’s us! We are very passionate about what we do at the home and we want to show it to others by holding this walk.

I’m walking for a world without dementia for all.

If you require more information you can contact me on 01287 625178 and look at the web site for Dementia Friends.

We hope you will be able to support us.

Carol

Moola 1 Dundas Street West (Next to Easy PC & Music) New Opening Times Moola is open from 10.30am until 6.30pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Closed Wednesday and Sunday

Brian Hudson Decorator Interior and Exterior 30 years experience Free estimates

01287 624011

Repairs and Alterations

Under New Management What’s happening at Marske Hall?

AUGUST EVENTS Fundraising events for Marske Hall Please come along and support our fundraising efforts.

If you can’t attend you can still support our residents by donating tombola prizes, paperback novels, baby knitting wool, buttons, sets and singles and any old tea pots!

Simply call into Marske Hall from 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Concert at the Hall, Saturday, 15th August. Enjoy an evening of music with Simon Evans.

Pamper Night, Wednesday, 26th August, 6 - 9pm, Marske Hall. Enjoy a range of beauty treatments and products.

Some treatments may need to be booked in advance. For details contact 01642 482 672.

Military March, Saturday, 29th August. Walk the whole way or as far as you wish and help raise money for Marske Hall. Call 01642 482 672 for more details.

Funds raised at these events will enhance the lives of people living at Marske Hall Registered Charity No: 218186 For more details visit: http://www.facebook.com/marskehall 59

1st Saltburn Scout Group Our good year as a Group continues. Having had a well-attended Presentation Evening and AGM, the Group is more financially secure and more people have volunteered to become involved.

Our Beavers (unfortunately only eight participated) in the District trip to Beamish, had a cool, moist start, but the sun got out and shone! Those attending proved they could behave themselves and be a credit to 1st Saltburn; I only wish the trend had continued! Beavers enjoyed an end of session experience with Valley Venturers; with archery, shelter building (which involved getting dirty and wet and refreshments afterwards. Six move on to Cubs in September, Ben, Callum, Charlie, Gabriel, Kaii and Ryan; where another set of experiences await them. Enjoy your summer break, Beavers, and hopefully Lindsey, Jo and Karen will get a well-deserved summer break.

Cubs enjoyed a brilliant day at Eureka, this hands-on experience at Halifax was well worth the short bus trip to enjoy. The Cubs were impeccable in their behaviour, mixing well with other Cubs throughout the District, renewing friendships and making new. They closed the session with an excellent tree identification walk (courtesy of Mike Dent and Chris Corbett), many new facts about trees and other plants were gained; terminating in a barbecue (thanks to Doug Howe) and juices. Three Cubs move on to Scouts and we wish Connor, Paul and Thom well. Cubs will have a summer break to refresh and hopefully Jonathan, Karen, Sam (Explorer Scout Young Leader) and our supporting parents will have the same.

Saltburn Line User Group Next Meeting: Tuesday, 4th August 2015 at 7.15pm

Meetings at Saltburn Conservative Club are held on the first Tuesday of the month 19.15pm for a 19.30pm Start.

As always, all welcome.

Talk to Saltburn Line User Group.

The Group exists to protect passengers’ interests.

Find us at www.facebook.com/ saltburnlineusergroup Telephone the secretary on:

07875 242350 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LINE 60

Scouts have also been out, missing only one night (when we were visited); our AGM evening had our new County Commissioner David Clarke and he promised to return (partly following a discussion about how Scouts should wear their uniform!); as we enrolled Aiden, Nicky and Ryan as Scouts. So he returned and spent an evening enjoying assisting the Scouts with their knots and games. Many thanks David and it was an experience the Scouts will remember. We finished our summer session with a wide game in Hazelgrove (including plenty of nettle stings and dirty Scouts) with a barbecue and juices, ably assisted by Keith H (a parent who has offered to assist), as well as Gordon and Keith R, our regular supporters. Thanks also to Sam and William (Explorer Scout Young Leaders) for their assistance. I hope all enjoy the summer break!

Meanwhile we have attracted more support with parents. I will not embarrass them by naming names; but I feel we seem to be at a standstill with improvements to the building (again, I cannot do it all). Saltburn has a future, but it needs more help. HELP! Meanwhile I am still here! I am still very much unsure, not helped by considerable pressures at home. Believing there was an end in sight – based upon reassurances in December – I said I would step back from my multiple role position and ‘mentor’ replacements; that has not occurred! I continue to be amazed about how some parents lack support to their young people, their inability to pay the subscriptions (cheap babysitting service again!) and other attitudes.

We are grateful to all our parents and friends who continue to be involved in all our endeavours; but continue to welcome assistance in all our activities and if you are interested in joining us, please enquire: John G. Hannah – 07811 801627 (or johnghannah@yahoo.co.uk).

John G. Hannah

RITSON Tree Care

QUALIFIED ARBORISTS

Sympathetic Tree Pruning Sectional Dismantling Hedge Trimming Storm Damage Tree Planting Tree Inspection Woodchipping Stump Grinding All Aspects of Tree Surgery

MEMBER

Local Authority Approved

undertaken

All Debris Removed All Areas Covered ALL WORK TO BS3998 STANDARD.

N.P.T.C. Certified & Fully Insured Environmentally Friendly Member International Society of Arboriculture

(01287) 625457

Postal Subscription to Talk of the Town If you enjoy reading Talk of the Town, why not subscribe to the postal service? You can have the magazine delivered to your door, anywhere in the UK for as little as £33.50 per year.

Simply send a cheque payable to “Gbiz IT” for £33.50 to TotT Subscriptions, 9 The Wynd, Marske, Cleveland, TS11 7LD. Don’t forget to enclose your name and address. Alternatively, you can call us on 01642 477200 if you wish to pay by credit or debit card.

The Saltburn Profile by Rosemary Nicholls Jan Mitchell “I’ve got three sewing machines, each one for different tasks,” says Jan Mitchell, who loves working with fabric to create clothes, furnishings and knitting bags. She has been a busy Saltburn resident since 1965.

Jan was born in Lincoln, the eldest of seven children. Her father sold advertising space for the Lincolnshire Echo until she was six, but he got a new job with the Evening Gazette and the family moved to Redcar. “I went to West Dyke Road Primary School,” she says, “where I was the only child in the class whose Dad didn’t work for ICI or British Steel!” Her two youngest brothers, Egon, now of Robson and Carter estate agents and Simon Robson, local joiner, were born in Saltburn.

In 1965, the Robsons moved to a nine bedroom house in Pearl Street and Jan went to newly-built Huntcliff School. Her Mum was at home sewing and baking and volunteering at a local hairdresser’s. Good with her hands, she loved to cook and the family used to enjoy dishes such as moussaka and goulash for Sunday lunch.

After Huntcliff, Jan went to Redcar College to do a secretarial course with book-keeping. She did part-time jobs, such as waiting at the Pier Ballroom in Redcar and came to realise that a nine - five job didn’t appeal. She considered nursing, but a toe operation put that out of reach, so her Dad recommended her to Cochrane, Knott and Lewis solicitors in Middlesbrough, where he had a contact. She worked there until 1970, when along with Guider Bunty Newman’s husband, she got a job at Saltburn’s Zetland Hotel. She enjoyed the shifts and the variety of visitors there.

At fifteen, she had met husband Alan at Saltburn Youth Club and at nineteen, she married and they set up home in Brotton. When she became pregnant with son Guy, she had to leave the Zetland; two years later, Victoria was born and Jan and Alan moved to 37 Leven Street in Saltburn.

“It was old Mrs Macnay’s house,” says Jan. “Her father was one of Henry Pease’s group and the house had been given to her as a wedding present. We were only its second owners!”

Guy and Victoria enrolled at Mrs St Vaughan’s Nursery and when they moved on to Saltburn schools, Jan became an active member of the Parents and Friends Associations and went on lots of school trips. She got a job as a temporary cleaner and then as a dinner lady, before she worked in the kitchen. She was also in the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service and used to man the office with Bunty Newman and repair and make clothing for Social Services.

Through the WRVS, she was asked to run a trolley shop at Norwood, then a home for the elderly. She took fruit, which she got on a sale or return basis from Mr Smith of Upleatham Street Store and chocolate, which she got at a discount from King’s in Station Street. She played Bingo with the residents and judged the Easter Bonnet competitions.

When Norwood became a home for people with learning difficulties, Jan went up to sew with them and was then given an eleven hour a week caring post there. This became full-time and she did twenty-four hour shifts, including sleepovers for twenty years! Alan and his mother helped with childcare. “While I was there, I did a lot of sewing, altering clothes and making costumes for Victorian

Week,” Jan remembers.

In 2007, she took Early Retirement Voluntary Redundancy and threw herself into sewing from home. She made floor cushions for Guy’s new home and started sewing Jan Bags with the rest of the fabric. Her niece, Pip Robson, was raising funds to buy shoes for African children and she sewed lots of shopping bags for her. She made bags out of old jeans, started craft fairs and table top sales and business has just snowballed.

Jan was invited to an Enterprise Team event, which led to more contacts and making bags and bunting for a Redcar Fair. At Guisborough, she met Angela of ‘Ripping Yarns’ and now makes over a hundred bags a year (and other items on request) to be sold at the Milton Street shop. “I like a challenge,” says Jan. I remind her of the old days, when she was a hardworking fundraiser for the NSPCC. “Oh yes,” she says. “We were very active. With Pat Sparrow, Sally Turner and others, we ran a charity shop for the NSPCC for a week in Milton Street and raised £1000!”

Jan enjoys spending time with her family. Guy makes ceramic tiles at Redcar and Victoria is an occupational therapist at Stockton. Jan has three grandchildren: Lily aged sixteen, Eden aged fifteen and Dylan aged twelve.

She enjoys reading cookery books, especially Indian cookery and escapism. Her favourite book is ‘Little Women’.

She likes listening to music by Adele in the car and Emeli Sande in the sewing room. She used to go to Redcar Jazz Club at the Coatham Hotel and heard Fleetwood Mac, the Who and Lindisfarne there. She used to play the cello at school and encourages Alan to play his guitars now - all four of them!

61

NEED HELP? • Decorating • Joinery

I’M YOUR GUY Based in Saltburn CALL GUY ON

07780 008985 Architectural Services & Chartered Structural & Civil Engineers Architectural Planning and Building Regulation Advice Listed Building Experts House Extensions & Loft Conversions Alterations and Refurbishments Residential New Builds Shop Layout Designs Alcohol Licence Applications Office Warehouse Designs

Structural & Civil Engineering Structural Surveys Beam Designs Building Restoration Foundation & Underpinning Design General Building Works

Professional and Friendly Service Gregory Sills BEng (Hons) CEng MIStructE FGS

t: 01287 624644 m: 07960 967865 www.scurator.co.uk info@scurator.co.uk www.beamdesignservice.co.uk

SALTBURN EVANGELICAL CHURCH Leven Street, Saltburn Worship Services each Sunday 10.30am & 6.30pm Ladies Fellowship 1st & 3rd Mondays @ 2.00pm Weekly prayer meeting Thursday 10.30am.

A warm welcome to All An independent Evangelical Church "Christ-centred ministry on the foundation of the Scriptures"

Business self-Catering Serviced Apartments All five self-contained apartments vary in size and are complimented with modern amenities, located in Diamond Street close to the Town Centre at Saltburn-by-the-Sea

www.yorkshire-corporate-accommodation.co.uk Telephone: 07969 280499 62

Fish and Chips and Tattoos by Alan Butler Despite the miles of golden beach, the charming ‘Old Town’ that hardly anyone knows about and the many friends we have made here, my two most abiding memories of Bridlington will most certainly be fish and chips and tattoos. This might seem to be a rather strange combination to anyone who has not walked through the town or down by the harbour on any given day in the summer.

Bridlington is still a real ‘saucy seaside postcard’ type of resort. It is replete with large women accompanied by small and skinny husbands but the one thing that was missing from those colourful and cheeky cartoons which can still be bought in large numbers in Bridlington was the tattoos, that crop up in massive numbers on the bodies of both male and female visitors and which are just as likely to be seen on the young and the old.

Many years ago I was asked by a publisher to do some preliminary work for a prospective book on fish and chips that never materialized. This is incidentally not a remotely unusual situation. My computer files are filled with what seemed to be good ideas at the time but which faltered and fell by the wayside long before publication.

In reality tying down the genesis of fish and chips is extremely difficult. So many areas of the British Isles claim to have been the region that first served up fish and chips that it is now as good as impossible to know the truth.

The one fact regarding fish and chips that I did discover was that they are definitely children of the Industrial Revolution, and in particular the coming of the railways. West Yorkshire probably has the best claim to have originated the dish but this would not have been possible before regular trains were bringing fresh fish from the coast to the inland cities of Leeds and Bradford.

People worked long hours in mills, factories and mines.

As a result what was probably the first takeaway food since the time of the ancient city dwelling Romans (who it turns out rarely if ever cooked at home) became extremely popular during the 19th century.

Cooked as they always were in beef dripping, fish and chips are today considered to be extremely unhealthy but in the 19th century people worked extremely hard and were burning up masses of calories every day. Replacing those calories in an inexpensive and delicious way when wages were generally low must have been a problem.

Fish and chips offered something of a solution on at least one day each week and often many more.

When seaside holidays for the masses became possible, fish and chips came into their own for different reasons. Most people who stayed in ‘digs’ were expected to be out of the property after breakfast and not to return until the early evening. It is still pleasant to eat fish and chips out of the paper, whilst staring out to sea or sitting in a deckchair and would have been a much less expensive solution than a cafe or restaurant to a large working family.

Tattoos have a much older pedigree than fish and

chips. The quick frozen body of a man from the Copper Age, who is now known as Ötzi the Iceman came to light in 1991. He is estimated to have lived around five thousand years ago and died in the Alps (probably murdered). He was freeze dried and so his body remained in a remarkable state of preservation. One of the most fascinating aspects of his personal adornment is that his skin carried a number of tattoos. These were simple in form, being mainly composed of bluish lines but they were tattoos nevertheless and though the practice of wearing tattoos may go even further back in time than Ötzi we will probably never find an older example.

It just so happens that the word ‘tattoo’ is, after bamboo, my favourite word in the English language. I think it is something to do with the fact that one’s mouth has to change direction in the middle of both of these words, neither of which can truly be referred to as English at all.

Tattoo is said to be most probably Dutch and was originally ‘Tap too’. I don’t believe this explanation for a minute and it seems to me to be a word that is most probably of Mid Pacific or Malaysian origin. Tattoos were popularized in the relatively modern age by sailors, many of whom of course visited exotic locations. We know for sure that tattooing was extremely popular amongst Polynesian peoples and my bet would be that the word came from Hawaii or Samoa.

Perhaps my personal fascination for tattoos originated in the novel ‘Moby Dick’ by Herman Melville.

One of the most fascinating characters in the book is a native by the name of Queequeg who was tattooed from head to foot and whose name is just about as odd as the word tattoo itself. Tattoos were very popular amongst servicemen who travelled far from home during the Second World War and indeed my own father had one that was acquired in India. However, these days both men and women of just about every age and class are likely to pay a visit to these often remarkable artists and there is definitely something perhaps grotesquely fascinating about this form of body adornment.

Why Bridlington should be such an apparent magnet to the tattooed masses might be explained by the fact that when the sun shines at the seaside a great deal more human flesh is on display than one would normally see (or in many cases more than one would ‘wish’ to see). I well remember back in my folk singing days coming across a song entitled ‘The Rawtenstall Annual Fair’ which carries a verse specifically dedicated to the ‘Tattooed Lady’ who even in my young days was a regular carnival attraction. My dearest wish would be to quote the verse from the song about the Tattooed Lady but I’m not sure that many Talk of the Town readers would be quite ready for it, finishing as it does with the line ‘Then someone shouted Daddy, don’t go down the mine’. However it is extremely amusing so if you want to check it out you can find it by typing ‘The Rawtenstall Annual Fair lyrics’ into Google.

So it’s goodbye to Bridlington with its fish and chips and tattoos and hello to the delights of Teesside and as happy as we have been here, I can’t wait to come home.

63

Saltburn Allotments Association August can be a great month, still lots of sunshine, even though the days are getting shorter and plenty of harvesting to be done. I think I might have gone a bit over the top with the courgettes and squashes this year so watch out friends, check what’s on your doorsteps before you put your foot down.

I have an annual thing that happens about now which goes “is it blight or is it die back?” on the potatoes that is. Well, it’s blight so keep an eye on your potatoes folks. I cut all the tops off yesterday evening just in case and found nasty, slimy, smelly haulms, definitely blight, among the blotchy browning leaves. If you spot the signs of the air borne fungus, chop all the greenery off, clear it all up and bag it up and take it to the tip. Municipal compost systems get hot enough to kill the blight, they say, unlike our composting.

Some of you who have allotments will be aware that there’s been a rather large hiccup in our rubbish collection. It’s a while now since our four big wheelie bins were emptied. I’ve been talking to the appropriate people in the council and, if we change to accepting green waste only, the Clean and Green team will be able to resume collection. We will try and catch the wagon with the cage to take our current waste and then will change to the green only system.

So, onto jobs for August. As always, there are plenty of things to sow, including the following. Turnips, lettuces and salad leaves, radishes of all types, spring cabbages, leaf beet and beetroot, land cress, spring onions, oriental leaves, oriental cabbage and carrots. You could be planting winter cauliflowers, winter cabbages, kale and salad plug plants if you have been growing them from seed, or visit our local nurseries and see what plug plants they have available.

Remember to water if it doesn’t rain for a few days.

A good drenching is much better than little and often where watering is concerned. With thirsty plants such as beans and courgettes, and the same indoors with the tomatoes, I put a pipe or cut off top of a drinks bottle nearly buried by the side of the plant so I can direct water to the roots where it’s needed. You don’t want the plant roots to be travelling back to the surface of the soil in search of water.

If you see this before 2nd August, this is a reminder to come out to the Food Festival. Saltburn Allotment Association will have a stall there this year and will be selling our lovely fresh surpluses, as will our Grow and Learn project. We will be located in the secret square, in front of our own secret allotment. Our Grow and Learn crops did so well in the secret allotment this year that we won a first prize for a cauliflower and a second prize for gooseberries at the Saltburn Craft and Produce Show, well done team.

Happy gardening, Sue. 64

Badminton Would you like to play badminton? Players wanted for Monday evenings in Loftus Cricket and Athletic Club, Whitby Road, Loftus from 8.00pm till 10.00pm. Social badminton for men and women, all ages and abilities welcome. £3 per session. For more information ring Neil on 07748 969968.

Saltburn, Marske & New Marske Parish Council At the recent Parish Council meeting the Police reported that there had been two separate arrests in relation to the vandalism and break ins at Hazel Grove allotments. There had been no further recent reported incidents. Hazel Grove allotments and Saltburn Square would remain a priority for the coming month.

Grants were approved for Community Groups in the Parish including 1st Saltburn Rainbows, 3rd Saltburn Brownies, Friends of Saltburn Cemetery, Saltburn District U3A and Friends of Saltburn Library.

The Parish Council would be consulting with residents and businesses in the autumn on the benefits of having a Parish or Neighbourhood Plan.

Changes to the opening hours at Dunsdale Recycling Centre were highlighted. The new opening times are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (all year): 10am - 5pm; Saturday & Sunday (1st April - 30th September): 8am - 7pm; Saturday & Sunday (1st October - 31st March): 8am - 5pm and Wednesday (all year): closed.

On Thursday, 16th July the Joe Abraham Memorial Allotment Competition took place, the results in Saltburn were as follows: 1st Plot 11b Zetland Terrace; 2nd Plot 91 Hazel Grove; 3rd Plot 80B Hazel Grove.

The winners are given vouchers to spend in the Allotment Association shop and the tenant of the winning plot will be invited to attend the September meeting of the Council to receive their prize and be presented with a certificate and trophy.

Residents of Saltburn are eligible to apply for an allotment at any of the sites throughout the Parish. (We currently have a few vacant plots at Marske.) If you are interested please contact the office.

Members were advised that Jennie Finch was resigning as correspondent for the Darlington and Stockton Times, with effect from the end of August. The Chairman thanked Jennie for her time and dedication attending and reporting on Parish Council meetings, and extended her best wishes for the future.

Tracy Meadows Clerk and RFO Saltburn, Marske & New Marske Parish Council ℅ Saltburn Leisure Centre, Marske Mill Lane, Saltburn, TS12 1HJ Tel: 01287 623477 email: office@smnmpc.co.uk www.smnmpc.co.uk

The Muses of Jim As usual the last couple of weeks have moved in the normal pattern of highs and lows. Starting with a very deep low, though. Let me explain. On the evening before I had to attend the National Council meeting in London, including another meeting within the Palace of Westminster with a group of MPs, I was repotting some tomato plants. I went to pick up a completed pot and the next thing I knew I was on the floor with blood pouring from my forehead.

I had stabbed myself with the bamboo cane!

Luckily, it was my forehead and not one of my eyes, that had received the blow. For just was the force and the speed I had bent down, the cane would gone into my brain. Thus, killing me. So I was very lucky indeed. My accident left me very dazed and probably stunned, if not concussed. I was clearly not fit to travel down to London the following day. And in fact I spent the next day flat on my back on the settee. By the evening I felt much better and on the Wednesday I travelled down to Birmingham for a trustee meeting for Mind, which was to be held on the Thursday. This was really interesting with good speakers and superb workshops and also these events are a good way of networking and learning about good practices around the rest of the country.

I find to this day that I still do training or some form of development at least once a month.

People with guide dogs are common place now but I was fortunate to witness something new and different, which was delightful to see. I was on my way to collect my normal morning paper, when I noticed the gentleman from Upleatham Street. He is often seen walking around the town, trusty guide dog by his side. As I walked towards the alley at the side of the Fire Station, I noticed them on the corner of the old council office. The dog was ignoring his master’s instructions to cross the road. I sensed something important was happening so I stopped to observe. I then noticed a large black car, stationary but with its engine running, but out of the line of sight of the dog. Then I noticed a woman with a high visibility jacket close to the couple. She raised an arm and the car slowly moved forward. On seeing the vehicle the dog relaxed and was rewarded with several gentle pats and words of thanks.

Pure Magic.

I had to miss another trip to London. This time because of two hospital appointments. One in the morning to the Eye Clinic to get the okay about my two eye ops, which were fine. The other one was or could be more serious. I had noticed a lump in my left breast and my father, when around my age, had a breast removed, and being a coward, I ran to the Doctors. At James Cook I was seen promptly. It was as though the lump was likely to be caused by one particular type of medication I am taking for prostrate problems. Therefore, I would be called back in to have an X-ray, as at the moment it was broken.

A couple of days later I received the phone call to come in the next day, which I did. I reported to reception and was soon called to the appropriate clinic. The only man there as a patient was me. The staff were wonderful but the other patients looked rather perplexed. I was called into the treatment room, in the middle of which was a machine the like of which I have never seen. The process was explained in detail and it was pointed out that it was possible that the medication was causing the problem. It was explained that these types of X-rays differ from the normal type. Each breast would be covered from the front view and then from the side. On each shot my body was modelled around the machine, almost wrapped around it. I can’t fault any of the staff for they were all wonderful. Now all I have to do is wait for the results.

On a sadder note. The Top Club has lost several of its members to the grim reaper just recently. They all will be missed and our thoughts go out to their families. All of them played an important part in the life of the Lune Street Club. Can I invite the women of Saltburn to let their nearest and dearest join and come to the club where they will be supervised by our trained staff in a temptation free environment? When members they will have a choice of fine wines, beers, ales and spirits all at very reasonable prices indeed, as well as the opportunity to play the famous Joker Game which is now making lucky members very wealthy.

Jim Wingham 65

The Saltburn Crossword no 170 set by Advena Across 7 Feeling fractious, tribal ire breaks out (9) 8 At Saltburn we see them come and go twice a day (5) 10 Following a fishy attachment, the sound of small bells produces the results of the investigation (8) 11 The biggest at Enfield included an area of land with property (6) 12 A call like a rooster from this black bird? (4) 13 The state of the Windy City found in chilli noisy (8) 15 Surprisingly they use a slang expression for sleep (7) 17 and 22 Across Reynard, hurry to an agricultural holding at SARA’s home (7, 4) 20 Exotically eastern relation rediscovered (8) 22 See 17 Across 25 Battered old emu is one component of the system (6) 26 Feign, try fraudulently to re-establish as more upmarket (8) 27 Water loving animal found in hot terrain (5) 28 Internet a wrong way to divert or amuse (9)

Down

Name___________________________________ Address_________________________________ ________________________________________ Telephone_______________________________

1 and 3 Down Saltburn’s newest councillor to win any car a hag changes (5, 8) 2 A crazy friend is the one who discovers something (6) 4 It’s flexible, with sale back before the Tourist Information Centre (7) 5 The London and North Eastern Railway includes a random site for someone hearing attentively (8) 6 Jump in this way, unhesitatingly, if fetters disentangle (4, 5) 9 Genuine like the repasts at the Saltburn fine food purveyor (4) 14 Talc, or the substitute, for the youngest princess (9) 16 and 24 Down Mr Wingham’s cogitations in this magazine reopens hut Josef mimes (3, 5, 2, 3) 18 Breaches of the law regarding land boundary markers? (8) 19 None left of long ale unfortunately (3, 4) 21 In the centre elephant, also with a trunk (4) 23 Try air concoction for something unusual (6) 24 See 16 Down

Solution to Crossword no 169

The winner of last month’s crossword was Iris Knight of Cliffe Avenue, Carlin How.

D. V. Townend & Co 8 Dundas Street East, Saltburn TS12 1AH

Country Outfitters Tel: (01287) 623754 Website: www.dvtownend.com Email: info@dvtownend.com Specialising in practical but stylish leisure and outdoor wear, we also stock a wide range of accessories, gifts and leather items from the most famous brands including Aigle, Magee, Seasalt and Tumble & Hide.

66

Send your completed crossword to: Saltburn Crossword no 170, c/o Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ

by Friday, 14th August 2015. First correct solution out of the bag wins a £10 voucher kindly donated by Tim and Sheila of Real

67

68