Talk of the Town August 2019

EDITION 218

CIRCULATION 4,600

AUGUST 2019

SALTBURN’S FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE 1

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SALTBURN’S TOWN TALK Letter from the Editor

I‟ve always thought that, since becoming the editor of this magazine, the best support I can give to worthy causes is to let them have free publicity, and this is why there are articles every month for Saltburn in Bloom, the 500 Club, Saltburn Library, the Rotary, the WI etc, the list could go on. This is indeed support as valuable as becoming a paid up member, because I have to pay the printing bill for the magazine and that equates to me having given a financial donation to these groups and charities. However, recently I‟ve been thinking that actually I could do more. And, as the old saying goes, I

could „put my money where my mouth is‟ and really join up and pay to be a member. Consequently I have joined our Saltburn 500 Club and the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust. I would encourage everyone else to do so! These, and other groups, need all the help they can get and what could be easier? It doesn‟t cost the Earth to help, but it might not to! Love, Ian

Send letters, adverts and contributions for the next issue (by Friday, 16th August 2019) to: The Editor, Talk of the Town c/o Jackie‟s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, Cleveland, TS12 1AQ. Telephone: 01287 623903 (or email: Craft Club Busy Fingers: 2nd and 4th Thursday of each talkofthetownsaltburn@gmail.com).

Talk of the Town can be found on a new Facebook month, 1.30 till 3.30pm in the Coffee Room, Saltburn address at www.facebook.com/talkofthetownsaltburn.

Community Centre.

Saltburn Traditional Music Workshops: The meeting dates for Saltburn Traditional Music Workshops are Friday, 9th August and Friday, 23rd August in the Coffee Room at Saltburn Community Hall from 2pm to 4pm. Do come and join our small and friendly group. We play Traditional tunes of the British Isles at a slow and steady pace for players to join in.

Please contact Angie on 01287 205153 if you would like to find out more.

WI Report: Our July meeting was a social evening, a beetle drive and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing we drew an astronaut instead of a beetle. It was a fun and lively night with lots of cheering, oohs and aahs. I‟m sure the wine and cheese helped too.

The outing „walking with alpacas‟ was a great success. Walking these lovely animals along the river at Yarm and then returning to have tea and cake in the farmhouse was a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Talking of cake, our supper club, at The Chase, Slapewath, became afternoon tea for this month. Food events are always very well supported, I wonder why? Over the past few months we‟ve knitted 159 hats for the Innocent bottles of juice, with all money raised donated to Age UK, a worthy cause.

Meetings are not held in August; it‟s time to relax and re -charge our batteries. As it‟s our turn to host the De Brus Group Summer Lunch our committee will be working hard behind the scenes. On 24th August there‟ll be around 80 ladies, dressed in their finery, sitting down to a wonderful two course lunch in the Echo Hall.

Walking Netball is taking a break over the summer, but don‟t worry, we‟ll be back on Friday, 6th September at Saltburn Learning Campus, for a 6pm start. We‟d love to see some new faces so come on, ladies, dust off your trainers and give it a try. It‟s the best £3.50 a week you will spend. All ladies welcome (for more details contact saltburnwi@outlook.com).

We‟ve always got a full activity list so come along and meet us at 7pm in Saltburn Learning Campus. There will be a cookery demonstration, „Easy Entertaining‟, at our next meeting followed by a pooled supper on 12th September there‟ll be lots of food and a warm welcome that night. Check out our website (www.saltburnbytheseawi.wordpress.com).

Lynn Cover Photograph: Poppies on Saltburn Bank by Hugh Melvin

Saltburn Beer Festival will be held in the SCAA community hall on 15th and 16th November 2019. More details to follow next month.

Saltburn Farmers’ Market: There is no Farmers‟ Market in August. Lorna adds: “On behalf of all Saltburn Farmers‟ Market traders I would like to say Thank You to everyone who comes out and supports the market month after month.

Without you the market would not exist, the passionate food producers who try so hard to grow farm produce foods responsibly and with great honesty would go out of business and we would all be forced to put our trust in the unknown chief executives of the multinational companies that have 99% control over what we eat. Thank you and see you all on Random Stitchers of Cleveland (Embroiderers‟ Guild) are Saturday, September 14th.” in SaltburnStudios Libraryand thisGallery: month on June atat2.00pm.

See Saltburn In 12th our Gallery the moment Library article on page 10 for further details. is an exhibition featuring all of our 17 Studio Artists entitled „Earth‟. The work on display is themed on the Earth and includes a large selection of different mediums including painting, drawing, paper-cut work, ceramics, mosaics, photography, felt making, jewellery, fabric, surface design, installation, sculpture and illustration. Our Gallery is open weekends 12-4pm.

Emmanuel Church Hall Table Top and Collectors’ Sale: We will be back for our normal sales on 3rd and 17th August then 7th and 21st of September. We are really taking off as we are using all three rooms and it‟s really busy.

It‟s nice that we have a lot of people just wanting a clear out.

In this sale we are using three rooms full of stall holders and we have also let some charity people in like Friends of Redcar Cemetery, different church groups, cancer charities and more.

It‟s helping a lot of people, We are looking forward to seeing you all again and thank you all for your support. We are also doing our usual lunches and all day breakfast, fresh home baked cake, pies and scones. Home made refreshments and light lunches are on sale all day. FREE ENTRANCE and a warm welcome to everyone. With over 26 stall holders, selling lots of bric-a-brac, books, toys, baby goods, and all sorts of collectables, there is something for everyone. Contact Denise Marshall on 07929 589538. See page 20 for our wedding photo, now 50 years ago!

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, Mercury House, Grove Lane, Hemsworth WF9 4BB. 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.)

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The long road to Saltburn-by-the-Sea being awarded a Blue Flag The award of the Blue Flag in 2019 for the beach at Saltburn -by-the-Sea has been a long road to success.

The journey began in the early 1860s when Henry Pease and Thomas McNay visited Scarborough to learn details of Scarboroughâ€&#x;s development to the benefit of the new town, Saltburn-by-the-Sea. One piece of advice they received was that the sewage pipe should lead out to sea for discharge. However, it would appear that they ignored the advice and had settling pits on the beach just east of the Ship Inn. Following very strong complaints from the local fishermen about the stench from the settling pits they did eventually put the outfall out to sea. The pipes were eventually lengthened and served the town until 1996.

A short distance away there was also the outfall from Skelton and Brotton, the plume of sewage discharge being visible from Marine Parade with flocks of seagulls feeding near the discharge point. Cath and I became involved through the RSPB doing oiled seabird counts starting in the late 1950s and continuing for over 50 years. Initially we had to survey the beach between Agarâ€&#x;s Gap and Huntcliff once a week and record the species of bird and extent of oiling on the bird and on the beach. On occasions the problem was so severe that the count had to be done daily mostly by Cath during the week. It was very distressing at times to witness the large number of dead birds severely oiled and oil slicks on the beach. Eventually we were requested to forward wings from dead birds for analysis to determine the source of the oil. Legislation was then brought in to make it illegal for tankers to wash out their tanks at sea. Towards the end of our beach counts we were not finding any oiled birds.

Beach litter picks were organised by the 500 Club. In 1994 to 1996 extensive works were undertaken by Northumbria Water to connect Saltburn, Skelton and Brotton sewage to the treatment works at Marske. The sewage system and storm water being combined, cavities were constructed to store storm water to prevent the pumping becoming overloaded. The official opening of the sewage pumping station was held on Friday, 25th June 1996.

Further work associated with sewage and storm water from Guisborough was carried out in 2015. The very successful work of cleaning up the contamination from the disused mine workings into Saltburn Gill beck also contributed to cleaning up the local waters. Volunteers continue with beach litter picking but sadly some visitors to Saltburn beach seem not to care and leave litter after they have enjoyed relaxing on the beach.

Cath and Tony Lynn

Problems preparing for pipe crossing Skelton Beck.

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Construction at the Cat Nab pumping station.

Arrival of drilling machine for construction of catchment tank under Marine Parade.

Storm water catchment tank at Hazelgrove.

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Saltburn Councillors’ Surgeries Saltburn Councillors‟ Surgeries, each month - all on Saturdays Every Wed. Library 4-5pm Cllr. Craig Hannaway 2nd Sat. Library 10am-12 Noon Cllr. Philip Thomson 3rd Sat. Outside Sainsbury‟s Cllr. Stuart Smith 9.30 -10.30am and 11.30 -12 Noon

Cllr. Hannaway: 07787 880613. Cllr. Smith: 07557 540628.

Cllr. Thomson: 01287 624883.

SOME ACTIVITIES ARE HAVING A HOLIDAY BUT WE ARE STILL OPEN MONDAY, TUESDAY THURSDAY & FRIDAY from 10.00am - 12 noon FOR YOU TO DROP IN FOR A COFFEE or TEA. For Hire of rooms ring 01287 623145 5

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Councillors’ Column A new working partnership has been formed at Redcar & Cleveland following the May elections. Decisions taken so far include reviewing how any capital monies secured from the Tees Valley will be spent.

Saltburn will benefit in redirection of funding by addressing the shortage of adequate car parking which a town accommodating residents and tourists requires. In the short term additional car parking spaces can be created on the north side of Marine Parade. Some existing bays will be officially marked out to further maximise capacity. Cat Nab car park will be expanded when its Skelton Beck border is reconstructed. Coaches will be encouraged to use Hob Hill car park and motor homes will be encouraged to use Cat Nab out of hours.

Whilst all the civil work is being undertaken charging points for electric vehicles should be installed to address the future which is already here. Currently Saltburn has none and there are only 14 in the entire Borough.

Medium term, highways work will see carriage way dualling from Redcar Lane to Quarry Lane. The junction at Four Lane Ends may be moved North, possibly incorporating a roundabout, to improve safety and encourage traffic flow.

This section might also be dualled. Traffic stopping at the top of the steep incline rising from Apple Orchard will be an experience to forget.

Further changes at Redcar & Cleveland include officer structure with the removal of the post of Chief Executive from the management system. Whilst bringing undoubted savings, clarity of roles and responsibilities will be needed.

The deliberations of the Saltburn Neighbourhood Action Partnership have been such that residents have agreed to revert to meeting every two months instead of three in order to address all the business that is being brought forward by the community.

Switching to on line billing is everywhere and Redcar & Cleveland is joining in. Even Council Tax bills can now be sent electronically. Although this is currently an optional facility it will become the norm. In order to cater for an anticipated increased internet demand, additional privacy arrangements are being considered for libraries. Residents who are without computers will have ready access but equally importantly will have support from trained staff.

Frustration of residents experiencing long delays when calling 101 may be nearing an end as the possibility of direct telephone calling to identified local police officers is rolled out.

A perennial question about facilities for youth is readily answered by the multitude of young personsâ€&#x; activities already organised in the town, and anyone in doubt may ask at the Library. A further opportunity will emerge this month as Doorways takes over Beach Hut 16 on the Lower Promenade.

Activities and challenges will emanate from this dynamic team and apparently Hip Hop is on the menu.

Sadly, joint Councillor surgeries have ceased.

Individual surgeries are still to be held and letters can always be left at the Library by any resident who cannot attend. All Councillors will also make personal calls on request.

Philip Thomson 7

Millfield Meadow The support and interest in the Meadow, located by the viaduct, has increased this year, particularly by children.

Following visits last year and greater concern for preserving our natural environment and the ecosystem in the valley, various fund raising projects have taken place.

Following a session of bulb planting the local Beaver group have raised £60 towards the „Cut and Bale.‟ Cutting the Meadow twice yearly helps to keep the weeds down, allowing flowers to flourish. Thanks go to our supportive local farmer Paul for his services to achieve this twice yearly harvest.

The children in Year 1 at Saltburn Primary have revisited the Meadow to learn more about identifying the trees and flora. They also have raised £50 for our cause by selling cakes.

Our local card shop in Milton Street, Holly Blue, (obvious butterfly enthusiasts) have a „small coin‟ box on the counter and we are grateful for the £20 contributions from the public. We know from our Butterfly Surveys which take place from April – September that the variety, as well as numbers of butterflies, have increased year on year.

The meadow sits alongside the 57th mile, of The Cleveland Way, to be enjoyed by walkers from many different places, as they leave the moors to approach our town and join the coastal pathway for the final 52 miles to Filey. It was a pleasure to share our volunteer work and progress with Princess Anne on Friday, 19th July, celebrating 50 years of the walk. The reception in the Victorian Tea Rooms was delicious and enjoyed by all.

We did give our royal visitor a packet of our very own wild seeds, gathered that morning for her meadow. She accepted them graciously!

Do take a walk down the steep hill and enjoy the pathways which have been created for your pleasure. Get in touch if you would like to help with the surveys, join us on a Friday morning 10.00am – 12.00 noon, or raise funds in any way that you can. All efforts are appreciated and worthwhile.

Saltburn Countryside Volunteers

MILES, HUTCHINSON & LITHGOW SOLICITORS Conveyancing (Domestic and Commercial) (Free written quotation on request) Property Leases Probate and Wills Divorce and related Property and Financial Issues Children Disputes

Immigration, including Visas, Leave to Remain Naturalisation, Passport applications and EEA Applications Powers of Attorney Deputyships Civil and Criminal Litigation

For a friendly efficient service on all legal matters Tel:

01287 623049

Our New Address: First Floor, 15 Station Street, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1AE

Also at 68/70 Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2JH Tel: 01642 242698. e-mail mileshutch@aol.com for enquiries at both offices.

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

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Jade has made Royal Navy History Jade Fraser has made Royal Navy history by becoming the first female Marine Engineer invited onto a submarine training course.

After completing a 33 week intensive course at HMS Sultan Gosport, Jade was recognised for her work by being invited to a fast track submarine training course at HMNB Clyde.

Jade said, “It feels really good to be the first woman selected on this scheme!”

She added: “I‟d always thought about joining the navy and I‟d reached a point in my life where I thought if I don‟t do it now I never will.”

Throughout her training she appreciated the support shown to her by her Divisional Officers who thought she would do well as a submariner.

There are added responsibilities in becoming a submariner and the nuclear aspect excites her interest.

To qualify she had to achieve above 75% in all aspects of her training and exemplary performance in all other aspects. She then underwent a fast track board answering questions relating to her training.

She is now starting her next stage to gain her further qualifications in Scotland and then to Plymouth and back to Gosport in time. She is determined to reach her goal no matter how many obstacles she may have to overcome.

Well done, Jade! She has featured quite a few times in Talk of the Town over the years, being the Profile and also the Pride of Saltburn.

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Is it just me…? ...Or is anyone else in Saltburn weary of the perpetual battles which we seem to have to constantly fight?

By that I mean ceaselessly having to try and defend the town against various developments that the majority of people do not want. No sooner has one battle been fought, and maybe, or maybe not, „won‟, when there‟s hardly time to draw a breath, before it is on to the next one.

In the last few years, the townsfolk have had to contend with one issue after another.

There was SATNAV (Saltburn Against Turbine Noise and Vibration), the group which successfully thwarted the construction of wind turbines in the vicinity of the town.

There is the ongoing issue surrounding the housing development, between Saltburn and Marske, which the vast majority of the townsfolk did not and do not want, preferring instead to have had a green belt and a strategic divide, and the stables for leisure. Just recently, a decision has been made, in principle, to build an additional thirty homes on this site. The fundamentals of the Local Plan have been ignored and a minor clause seized upon to justify an undermining of the main principles. Councillor Thomson had submitted a paper outlining the positive arguments contained within the plan, which were substantial and should have been debated.

Apparently, the majority of the committee sited their reason for not objecting as being “they might as well agree, because it would be passed anyway, at the appeal stage.”

What sort of a defeatist attitude is this? The council committee should be fighting tooth and nail to prevent construction in this area.

This country is now one of the most nature deprived developed countries in the world. Each time a green field is built upon, we lose even more animals, insects and plants.

The developers, obviously prefer to build upon green field land, rather than brown, because, of course, brown requires more development, which equals less profit.

The point is, this development should never have been permitted at all. It is well documented that the situation arose because, initially, the council did not have a plan in place to protect the green belt and prevent building upon it. The dysfunctional council were so busy with their fighting and squabbling, that they “took their eye off the ball”, and the developer slid in by the back door. Are they going to contribute a proportion of their profits to Saltburn‟s infrastructure, and pay towards the additional educational and medical facilities which will be required in

Saltburn Charity Crafters Saltburn Charity Crafters will be meeting on Wednesday, 7th August in the Coffee Room at the Community Hall from 2pm to 4pm. Do drop in for a cuppa and find out what we are doing at the moment.

Further information from Angie on 01287 205153. We look forward to seeing you.

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the town to cater for the extra people?

Furthermore, there is the proposed development of a whopping 800 homes on the outskirts of Marske. Presumably it will not end until Saltburn, Marske and New Marske end up as a conurbation, with all of the towns losing their identity in the urbanised sprawl.

The latest council proposal is centred around a caravan park. Now, let‟s not forget that, years ago, Saltburn had a perfectly good caravan site. It is well known that the council lost all control of this situation. Having messed-up one caravan site, the council now proposes another, on the top of a hill, which is notorious for land slips and sink holes, is accessed via hair pin bends, and adjacent to a site of special scientific interest. Could they choose anywhere more unsuitable?

What is unfathomable, is that the council has an adopted Local Plan, which sets out its proposals to maintain and preserve, the history, heritage and ecology of the area. Why have a plan, and then propose a development which is contrary to it?

There is the current proposal for a restaurant on the viewing platform situated at the junction of Marine Parade and Emerald Street, potentially spoiling the vista and exacerbating the existing car parking problem. It was reported at the last SNAP (Saltburn Neighbourhood Action Partnership) meeting that the council lost out on £1.4 million of funding to address the car parking problem, because (and this beggars belief!) they applied too late. Who is responsible for that oversight ? Is someone going to be held accountable for such a blunder?

In 10 or 20 years‟ time, when, most likely, the current council will all be long gone (we can live in hope) it will be the case that Saltburn will be left with their legacy of unwanted developments.

The council seems to flounder from one idiotic proposal to another, then lose control of situations and end up with developments which are unsuitable and inappropriate.

Is it just me, or do other townsfolk feel like that it just seems to be one battle after another, to fend off developments that we don‟t want?

Is it just me, or does anyone else wish that the council would just give it up, and leave Saltburn alone?

There must be a process which can be followed whereby the council can be taken to task?

This erosion of the town‟s heritage is a disgrace, and I am sure it‟s a fair comment to say that, “Henry Pease would be horrified.”

Name withheld by agreement

Saltburn Photographic Society The final monthly evening outing in August is to Coatham Sands.

Tuition is available on all outings by request; non-members are welcome to join us: see contact listed below.

A selection of members‟ work is on display in Saltburn Library.

Our Winter meetings commence on Wednesday, September 18th.

If you would like details please see the website or contact as below.

For more information visit our website www.saltburnphotographicsociety.co.uk or contact Tony Lynn 01287 622519.

SOS - Save Our Saltburn

Here is an update for those of you who have been following and supporting our group. As we move closer to the date that the planning committee makes its decision on the caravan park development we are all being subjected to gossip, conjecture and misinformation, proving that this is still a hot topic for Saltburn.

From the outset we have only ever given you the facts as they are known and as they unfold, to allow you to make up your own mind on the matter. In the past month or so we have met with Simon Clarke MP, our local member of parliament and he fully supports our cause. Our group continue to write letters to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, and we keep up to date with any details which may affect this planning application. We are trying to cover all bases, since this development proposal is far from being overturned. Legislation means that sometimes things can slip

Saltburn Folk Club 'The month of August is arguably the most important in the Saltburn Folk calendar with Saltburn Folk Festival taking place at venues across the town during the second weekend, Friday 9th to Sunday 11th August. This year‟s festival is a memorial to Johnny Taylor who organised the festival for many years and the new team have tried to arrange this year‟s festival very much in the spirit of years gone by.

Saltburn Folk Club are contributing a performance at the bandstand on Saturday afternoon and hosting a folk club event at the Marine Hotel on Saturday evening.

Remember folk songs are songs sung by folks so whatever songs you happen to know feel free to blow the dust off your guitar and join us during the festival.

Guy Cuthbert

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through on a loop hole if the governing body is remiss in their duties, and we endeavour to keep them on their toes.

Thank you to those of you who took the time and effort to respond to our petition, which has now closed.

The petition has demonstrated that there is an opposition many times over than even the 410 or so formal planning objections received by R&C Borough Council back in May. You can still help our efforts by writing to every member of the planning committee with your comments.

As far as we know the Regulatory Committee will make their decision on 1st August or 5th September at their monthly planning meeting. We will be present, and as this is a public meeting everyone wishing to show their support can attend. Further information, as ever, will be posted on the Save Our Saltburn Facebook group.

Save Our Saltburn Group

Annual SCAA Art, Craft and Photography Exhibition The Annual Art, Craft and Photography Exhibition, organised

by SCAA (Saltburn Community and Arts Association) at the Saltburn Community Hall, has been an August Bank Holiday tradition for some years now. It has always attracted art work of a high calibre.

For the first time, the exhibition is presenting certain artwork in different formats, e.g. browsers full of prints and displays of artists‟ greeting cards. And while maintaining the established and accomplished range of arts and photography, the 2019 exhibition is embracing a new initiative. This year, again for the first time, it is offering table spaces for exhibits from textile workers, metalworkers, printmakers, ceramicists, jewellers and artists exploring three dimensional work. This is to be an open exhibition with no set theme. SCAA warmly welcomes and celebrates all contributions, and is keen to invite artists and photographers, 3D artists and craft workers to contribute in a diverse and dynamic 2019 exhibition.

The submission date is Tuesday, 20th August. Work for entry to the exhibition should be brought to the Saltburn Community Centre between 10am and 6pm on that day. 2D artists can submit up to 4 pieces. Artists wishing to reserve a table, card or rack spaces should show a sample of their work on the submission date. There is a small charge for submissions but no commission is taken on sales. Table reservations, card and print racks also carry a charge. Those wishing to reserve tables should contact SCAA (on 01287 624997) or check the website (saltburnarts.co.uk) for more information.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, August 24th, and Sunday, August 25th and Bank Holiday Monday, August 26th.

There will be a private view for artists, friends and families as well as SCAA members on Friday, 23rd August from 7pm-9pm.

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T: 01287 201876

M: 07737 654772

E: darrenflintoff@yahoo.co.uk A: Unit 2, The Drive, Longbeck Industrial Estate. Marske, TS11 6HB

Website: www.flintoffs.co.uk

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Saltburn 500 Club It has been reported that members are having problems finding the result of the monthly draw in the library. That being the case, I now intend to include all the prize winners in my monthly article. July results: J Garvey (£100), J Wigmore (£50), M Brignall (£25) and K Soanes (£10) - congratulations to all.

As you are all well aware, we face a massive uphill battle to raise an additional £8000 for this year‟s Christmas lights. The power supply to the lights has to be refurbished in most areas of the town. I would like to acknowledge the donor who left £200 in one of the collecting jars in the town, but wants to remain anonymous. Also, a generous person left an envelope, containing £100, in one of the buckets at the Sunday table-top sale. Chris Ferguson, who used to organise the Saltburn Visually Impaired Group, is to do a wing walk in August and there is a JustGiving page should you wish to sponsor her. Go on to the JustGiving website and search for Diane Jones (the member who is organising the page for) and you will see where you can make a contribution. At the time of writing, the sum is just below £300. TocH are organising the scarecrow week and are donating all proceeds towards the Christmas lights. Other groups are organising coffee mornings and the Conservative Club have also promised monies from certain activities that they will be doing. Backing such as this has truly shown the community spirit that can be generated in and around Saltburn and I think that your support will surely see us achieve our target. To date, we have managed to refurbish the electrics at the Queen‟s Hotel and I have asked the electricians to proceed with the next stretch, which will be the run from Harry Thomson‟s to Brambles. The work is being

prioritised by the electricians and, as we raise sufficient funding, we move on to the next important stretch.

The committee that organise the Christmas parade have already held a couple of meetings and we are looking to see what can be done within the budget we have. If you have any ideas, please feel free to contact us and we will try to incorporate them on the night.

Performances at the bandstand are going well, with good support. Unfortunately, illness to members took its toll on the New Horizon Band who could not play on 27th July. Hopefully they will be back next year. August performances are: Saturday 3rd, Teesside Wind Band; Sunday 4th, North Skelton Band; Saturday 10th, Folk Club; Sunday 11th, Bear Park & Esh Colliery Band; Saturday 17th, U3A Ukulele Band; Sunday 18th, Cleveland Constabulary Band; Saturday 24th, Rockulele; Sunday 25th, Teesside Wind Band. Rockulele will be the final Saturday performance of the year. I would also like to draw to your attention that Marske Brass Band will now be playing on Sunday 15th September as they have swapped with The Silverwood Band, who will now be playing on Sunday, 29th September and will be bringing the curtain down on the 2019 season.

We are still trying to get back to the magical 500 members so please pick up your application form at the library, or Jackie's Saverstore, and join us in our quest to keep Saltburn in the shape it is!

Enjoy the rest of the summer. I‟m now going back to planning Christmas!

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

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Saltburn in Bloom We have had so much help in the run up to Northumbria in Bloom summer judging, which took place on 24th July, and Britain in Bloom judging on 1st August, that the most important thing I can say in this article is “thank you”.

Everyone has done their bit. The gardening team has been out nearly every day to weed, litter pick and tidy, KICAS and Beachwatch volunteers have done extra clean ups, residents and businesses have, wherever possible, tidied up their fronts and, Churches Together on Teesside came and gave us a hand. This is why Saltburn is such a tremendous place to live, work and visit.

In fact, here are some Churches Together volunteers pictured below in the allotment wildlife garden and cleaning the bus shelter in town. Not only this though, volunteers helped us raise over £505 profit at our last table top sale. (We haven‟t counted it all in yet.) We had good food in the kitchen, including lovely baking, a raffle including a Chocolini‟s hamper, plant sales and, Barclays volunteered to match what our total profit comes to with their pound for pound scheme.

You all know who you are and thanks to you all.

Next month a few more words as things should have calmed down a bit. It‟s nice to see pictures though, isn‟t it?

Keep smiling, Sue.

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 king size bed with en-suite bathroom.

WiFi access Price - £40.00 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.

14

Talk of the Town’s monthly Pride of Saltburn Award

The winner of this month‟s bouquet of flowers is the entire staff of Sea View Care Home. They were nominated by their manager Carol Durant. About them, she says, “We have been very busy at Sea View. Last year we have achieved the Gold standard Framework as well as fund raising for the Great North Children's hospital in Newcastle, the Alzheimer‟s society and Zoë‟s Place. We have been making sure that the residents are part of the Saltburn community by having visits from Rosedene nursery each week, local churches, our lovely Pat dog and taking part in the 150 year celebrations. We could not have done any of this without the support of the care staff, the unsung heroes of the care home who never say no to me no matter what I come up with next. I would like to nominate the team for the Pride of Saltburn. It would mean so much to them and me that they are recognized for the love and care that they give to each resident and their family. Anyone who is a regular visitor to Sea View will tell you no matter how busy the staff are they always have time to welcome people into the home.”

Thank you, Sea View team, for being you, the Pride of Saltburn.

Every month when a nomination is received, a £30 bunch of flowers, kindly donated by Ruby Lilly‟s Florists of Marske, is awarded to someone who has earned admiration, gratitude or love for whatever reason. We invite nominations from readers, to make someone feel special with a bunch of flowers! Send your nominations to Talk of the Town‟s post box at Jackie‟s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, Cleveland, TS12 1AQ or email Ian (talkofthetownsaltburn@gmail.com). (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.

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The High Street Not flying so high these days! The high streets are not what they used to be – a hive of activity, crowds of people, lots of potential customers to support local small businesses.

What has gone wrong? The answers are quite obvious!

1. The incessant rise of the internet and on-line buying.

2. The subsequent lower footfall on the high street.

3. The subsequent loss of potential customers.

4. Leading to unsustainability of the high street shops – just take a look around! Even the „big‟ boys are falling by the wayside – so please tell me how the small independent businesses are to survive?

5. Rents/rates and other outgoings for small businesses – it takes a hell of a lot of hard work to make income to cover the outgoings.

6. Brexit and uncertainty generally – people „tightening‟ their belts, - but you wouldn‟t think so when you look in all the watering holes!

7. The rise of charity shops - even needing to do „SALES‟! This in itself says something!

8. The changing mentality of the public – more aggressive and challenging.

9. The fact that some people want something for

„nothing‟ or next to nothing – „you can get that for 20pence on the car-boot‟! Do people really want this – because if this is the case – there really will be no shops left at all on the high street! Shops selling things at ridiculous prices like 20 pence would certainly have to sell an awful lot to cover rent/rates/energy and overhead bills.

Shops just simply cannot buy stock in at that sort of price!

TOTALLY UNSUSTAINABLE! Does the general public really want to stay indoors at home and order everything on-line – going to the high street just for coffee and cake – not a healthy option after all! Or could they find satisfaction in actually browsing in the local independent shops, and appreciating what they can see, feel and touch, and also interact with other human beings to communicate and converse with eye to eye.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea – a fantastic place – has lost and is losing some small businesses of late. Please don‟t let this trend continue – or we will all be sorry. The local people, town and economy will be the ones to suffer. The independent traders of the town need your help – the hard work of the traders deserves your support – we are also local people!

A Concerned Resident

The First Lady of Saltburn Rotary The Rotary Club of Saltburn was formed in 1926 and has therefore served our community for 93 years. For the vast majority of that time, the club, in common with the Rotary movement as a whole, was made up of male members only.

If females wished to partake in the ideals of Rotary, a partner organisation, The Inner Wheel, was for the ladies.

Now however, we live in much more enlightened times and in recent years, female members have been warmly welcomed into Saltburn Rotary, making up almost half of our 26 members.

And for the first time in its 93 year history, The Rotary Club of Saltburn is proud to announce that we have a lady President, Louise Foster. Lou as we all know her, has had to fight hard against personal illness in the last few years, but with her determination and the whole of the club supporting her, we know she is going to be a terrific President.

At the President‟s handover meeting Lou‟s first task was to present outgoing President Paul Chappell, with a Paul Harris Fellowship Award. The award, which is the highest award Rotary can bestow, was to recognise the contribution Paul, and of course his wife Elspeth, has made to their community over many years. It is thoroughly deserved.

In other news, our fabulous Rotakids made a magnificent £150 on their cake stall at the Annual School Fair and will be presenting £75 each to the Saltburn Christmas Lights Appeal and to Saltburn Conservation Volunteers for maintenance of The Meadow.

Also coming up is our annual trip to Headingley to watch a T20 match and only one month away is our Howzat music festival, on Sunday 1st September. There are again 7 16

magnificent bands and this year the proceeds will be donated to Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team. Tickets for the event can be purchased from Milo‟s café or from Rotarian Harry Simpson (further details can be found at www.howzatmusicfestival.co.uk).

If you require further information or are interested in joining visit our Website or Facebook pages.

Dave Sadler

Brotton Library Knit and Natter Group We are a small group making items for charity whilst sharing skills and friendship. It is free to come to the group. We have a few regular members and would welcome more. Thursday afternoon 2pm till 4pm in Brotton library (attached to Freebrough Academy).

Deborah

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

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www.scurator.co.uk info@scurator.co.uk www.beamdesignservice.co.uk 17

The Valley Gardens Tearooms fund raiser Sunday 18th August

This year the Valley Gardens Tearooms is supporting two young brothers called Cohen who is 9 years old and his brother Indie who is 7 years old. Both boys have an extremely rare, degenerative, genetic condition. They are unable to walk independently and use wheelchairs/Kaye walkers to mobilise.

The average life expectancy of someone with their condition is 11 years old. The boys will age quickly and lose their brain function, ability to move, see and hear.

Regular physiotherapy sessions will help to keep them mobile for as long as possible.

They are extremely happy, cheeky and loving little boys who certainly make the most of life!

On Sunday, 18th August we are holding a fund raiser to raise money towards Cohen and Indies‟ physiotherapy at the Valley Gardens Victorian tearooms in Saltburn-by-the-Sea (tel: 01287 626792) next to the Italian Gardens.

We are looking for donations including toys, bric-àbrac, DVDs, CDs, games, jigsaws, cuddly toys, books, anything we can sell for the special event. Please drop at tearooms by the 14th August. Thank you.

We have very special visitors to help support the event, the Mayor and Mayoress of Redcar attending and they will be helping with cake competition at 1.30. We will have music, children‟s activities, face painting by the Play Factory, singing by a talented Aura, Tees Valley Wildlife will be here talking to children about the local Wildlife in Saltburn. The local fire brigade will be here talking to children. We have a selection of stalls, bric a brac, beat the goalie, tombola and hopefully sunshine!

11.30am Miniature railway opens with Cohen and Indie 12.30pm Mayor and Mayoress arriving 12.45pm We have the Easington Tappers showcasing us with some of their tap dancing moves which we are looking forward to.

1.00pm All entries for the adult‟s cake competition 18

are due in. Bake a cake; it could be vegan, gluten free, and any type of cake and decorate a happy cake. There will be a prize for the winners. We also have the children‟s cup cake challenge, children need to bake 6 or more cupcakes and decorate and there will be prizes for the children as well. Go on and enjoy family time in the kitchen. We look forward to seeing the cakes!

1.30pm Cake judging time and prizes handing out 2.00pm The auction and wow! have we some amazing items! Here are just some of our auction donations: Saks of Guisborough hair cut and style, voucher for their salon, The Ellerby a voucher for lunch or dinner, the Longacre a meal for two inc 2 glasses of wine, Brotton Tyres a MOT, Kirkleatham family day out with the owls, Saltburn leisure centre 5 family swims worth £50.00, Hamper of drink, A romantic hamper for two, North Yorkshire Moors Railway family ticket, Green and sons voucher, Surf lessons, Play factory Voucher, trampoline vouchers, Wynyard Hall pass for the gardens and much more. We have around 30 items for auction, so please bring your pennies; it will be great!

We couldn‟t achieve this auction and event if it wasn‟t for the wonderful businesses, customers and friends who are donating wonderful prizes for this special day and most importantly their time. Community is a big part in a fund raiser and we really appreciate everything people are donating and helping. This means so much for us to help Cohen and Indie as they really are two very special boys. We want people to enjoy family time and we feel helping the community really brings everyone together. Sometimes we do not realise how blessed we are and we hope this day will bring everyone together. We look forward to seeing lots of cakes and I‟m sure the Mayor and Mayoress of Redcar will enjoy tasting them too. See you all on the 18th August from 11.30am Cohen and Indie will be riding the train up to the tearooms with thanks to Bob and his crew at Saltburn miniature Railway.

For donations, auction prizes, bric-à-brac, please drop off at the tearooms. Many thanks, Leigh and Lorna.

Letter to the Editor I hope you will publish the following words as I was so impressed by the kindness.

On Tuesday afternoon, 11th of June I fell coming out of Coral House Apartments and I broke my leg so could not move. Such a lot of kind people stopped to offer help. A young man phoned for an ambulance, a lady helped me to sit, supporting me all the time, people brought cushions, a quilt, a plastic sheet, an umbrella (it was raining). Someone brought a cup of tea and a Macmillan nurse, reassured me with comforting words and then helped me into the ambulance. A young lady who was a local doctor also helped to make things easier.

So, I was very well cared for by many kind people.

I was very glad to see the ambulance arrive. Needless to say I needed surgery at James Cook hospital where I remained for 2 weeks. Now, I am with my daughter and family in Newcastle as I cannot walk and they are caring for me very well. I just want to say thank you to all those lovely people who helped and who I hope also read your magazine. THANK YOU! Marie Lloyd 19

Unique first dance Vicky always wanted her wedding to be in her home town of Sunny Saltburn, and sunny it was. Newlyweds Callum and Vicky Brown (née Atkinson) planned to get some photos on Saltburn pier, but didn‟t expect to be in the middle of a Morris dance competition. In true Yorkshire fashion the Leeds Morris men offered to dedicate a first dance to the happy couple. Quite a unique experience and a memory they will treasure.

Photos by Lauren Braithwaite.

Denise and Ken Marshall celebrate 50 years Ken and Denise are a much loved and well known couple in the Saltburn community. Denise is one of the organizers of the Emmanuel Church table top sales held twice monthly in the ECHO building (see the regular advert/ article on page 3). They recently celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary. Denise says, “We met when we left school at 15, got married at 18 and are still together 50 years on! We got married at Emmanuel Church and 50 years on we are working in their kitchen. I‟m very proud of Ken. He‟s been through so much after his serious accident 14 years ago and he‟s been my rock after all my heart troubles. People ask how do we cope? Well, it‟s because we love and support each other.” Congratulations Ken and Denise!

Letter to the Editor Is there any bylaw or restrictions on campervans disposing of waste water on Marine Parade? The reason I am asking is that during my last visit to see my uncle who lives in Langbaurgh Court overlooking a fine coastal view of Saltburn, seen in between the gaps in the numerous campervans parked up opposite his flat, last count 15, 7 from his window on this particular day.

The owner of one campervan opposite his window went round the back of his mobile palace, looked around as if to make sure nobody was looking and opened his 2 drain taps flushing out the waste water from the kitchen sink and I assume the other one was the shower/sink in the bathroom as it was on the opposite side at the rear, not from the toilet waste thank goodness as this goes into a drum with chemicals.

After 5 minutes he drove off leaving a good pond complete with bubbles and a trail of water as he left the taps open to drain the system. Another free holiday in Saltburn for the Campervan brigade.

Many thanks for another good read.

Alan Merser 20

or email: simon.robson1@ntlworld.com

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Friday Friends Friday Friends is an inclusive friendship group based in Saltburn, for people aged over 18. We are a friendly group and welcome people with different abilities.

August programme 2nd August a games morning with Craft 1-4pm painting flowers.

9th August the Friday Friends Sponsored walk then Craft1-4pm a collage.

16th August Cathie‟s Circus workshop then Craft 1-4pm make a felt owl picture.

23rd August sing along with Ian on Guitar and Craft 14 decorative drawing 30th August Bowling and lunch (if pre-ordered) at Saltburn Bowls Club 10- 12 followed by Craft 1-4pm try your hand at papier-mâché jewellery.

We are a non-profit making group, run by volunteers. We meet on Fridays at Emmanuel Church Hall, McNay Street, Saltburn. Activities are 10-12.30 and arts and crafts 1-4. First session is free to see if you like it then there is a charge of £2.00 per session or £3 all day.

Carers are always free. Registered Charity No 1177967.

For more information ring 07833 895 501 (or email thefridayfriends@outlook.com).

Saltburn Library News Calling all parent and/or carers! Please join us with your children for the launch of this year‟s „Summer Reading Challenge‟, which this year has been entitled „Space Chase‟ and naturally, has a space-theme! This takes place every year during the school summer holiday.

Children joining in simply need to read 6 library books in order to complete the challenge. There are exclusive rewards to collect along the way, and it‟s FREE to take part! Visit the Summer Reading Challenge website to keep a record of your reading all year round as well as to find out about new books to read, take part in competitions and mini challenges, and play games, placed every year during the summer.

Summer Diary Dates: 5th August Marko’s Circus Workshop 13:00-14:00 Event launch of 2019 Summer Reading Challenge.

8th August ‘Mighty Miners’ 13:00-15:00 (£1 per child) Booking essential. Fun, interactive session for children to learn about the history of mining in the local area, etc.

9th August Health Checks available from 10:00 onwards Please contact the library on 01287 623584 to book an appointment time.

19th August Teddy Bears Picnic 13:00-14:00 Come and join us in Saltburn‟s garden for a picnic and story, and feel free to bring along your teddy!

28th August ‘Pirates Day’ 13:00-14:00 Face Painting & Crafts.

Looking ahead: 11th September 13:00-14:00 „Fossil 2‟ Friends of Saltburn Library event.

25th September 10:30-12:00 Saltburn Library Reading Group (new joiners always welcome).

Kelly Rose 22

SALTBURN BLUES CLUB

presents HOWZAT MUSIC FESTIVAL, SALTBURN Sunday, 1st September 2019, 13:00–22:00 is the time and date of Saltburn‟s third HOWZAT MUSIC FESTIVAL held in the Cricket Club‟s Indoor Nets Hall.

Saltburn Blues Club combines with the town‟s Cricket Club and Rotary Club to bring this now annual music festival.

The KYLA BROX BAND, winners of The British Blues Challenge 2018 and European Blues Challenge 2019 and semi finalists in the International Challenge 2019 held in Memphis, is the headline act. It‟s quality live performance of the highest calibre and that‟s assured from the rest of the line-up for the day.

There‟s Soul, Blues, Funk and Rock from the incredible vocals and keyboard of DAN BURNETT. The North East is represented by the GROOVE-AMATICS who bring a wealth of experience and talent to the stage. Years of gigging the length and breadth of the UK and beyond, they are masters of live performance and have become perennial festival favourites for their pure music and entertainment knowhow.

There‟s powerful soulful blues from the up and coming local acts TWO BLUE BAND and THE JOHN P TAYLOR BAND, stars of Howzat 2017, return with their musical melting pot of groove infused Americana based blues.

Well-chosen soul and dance numbers from STRAIGHT EIGHT will get the dancers up at the end of the night and a recreation of the classic sounds of The Beatles, The Stones, Elvis and Chuck Berry from THE HOUNDCATS will earlier keep the dance floor full and rocking.

It‟s a superb and worthy follow-on from the success of the previous years‟ HOWZATS. Book early to get a discount and to avoid disappointment because these tickets will go.

N.B. This is an INDOOR festival. Saltburn Cricket Club‟s spacious Indoor Nets Hall will assure the success of the event whatever the weather.

OWN DRINKS and FOOD CANNOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE VENUE. Hot and Cold Food and Drinks can be purchased at the Cricket Club at very reasonable prices.

Please Note: Stiletto heels may not be worn due to the Hall‟s surface (artificial turf).

Funds raised will go to The Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team, a charity providing an invaluable rescue operation across 1000 kilometres of the North York Moors.

Advance tickets: £25, On the door: £30. Available from: www.yorkshireticketshop.co, Milos Café Saltburn, Saltburn Cricket Club and Harry Simpson, Telephone – 07960 935263 or email - harry@saltburnbluesclub.co.uk (or to find further details go to www.howzatmusicfestival.co.uk).

Harry

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Cleveland Diving Club Recent sunny weather and an extended period of calm seas beckoned irresistibly to a small number of members to take to the seas to explore wrecks and seek out stunning marine wildlife such as these beautiful Deadman‟s fingers (photo 1). A trip on the club‟s rib boat to the club‟s adopted wreck, affectionately known as „The Dimi,‟ (Demitrius) had our divers buzzing with excitement. One of the fascinating points of sea diving is that the sea bed is continually at the mercy of the motion of the sea, triggering noticeable differences across a dive site from one year to the next. On this occasion the „Dimi‟ has been colonised by an all-encompassing carpet of tiny juvenile mussels, extending outwards and upwards to nearby reefs and kelp forests, within which nestled a number of creamy coffee-coloured urchins, which are normally a bluey-purple colour (see photo 2).

Oceanic currents, however, affected less of a change on sites along Whitley Bay‟s coastline. During this year‟s first „Seasearch,‟ survey dive the rocks and boulders initially looked relatively barren but amongst the scattering of hundreds of mini starfish and urchins our eagle-eyed divers spotted what appeared to be a pale blue/purple eel (photo 3). Back on board and via a photographic analysis the specimen was identified as a „Hag Worm,‟ and considered a rare find as they are thought to have evolved little since prehistoric times. Although of eel-like appearance it is actually a jaw-less, boneless fish of the „Agnatha‟ class, using four pairs of sensory tentacles to scavenge for food. It then burrows face-first into the flesh using two rows of keratin tooth-like structures, whilst using its tail as a torque to strengthen its bite, during feeding. However, it can also be parasitic, hitching a ride on its victim while sucking the life out of it. Just as well that they can go without food for months. The hagfish has few predators, (generally birds or seals) as its defence mechanism is to release a suffocating slime forcing its attacker to release it, hence its nickname of „slime eel.‟ Interestingly hagfish slime, being a protein-based, jellylike substance, is used in the production of environmentally friendly fabric. Although not regarded as one of nature‟s beauties, but prized as a delicacy in some Asian countries, hagfish play a vital environmental role in helping to keep the seafloor clean.

Unfortunately due to intentional and unintentional fishing 2 species of hagfish are in danger of extinction and 6 vulnerable to extinction. Despite being judged the most disgusting creature of the ocean and your worst nightmare they are now coming under human protection. So much so that their plight is being brought to people‟s attention through „Hagfish Day,‟ which is marked every year on the third Wednesday of October.

Interested in scuba diving and finding other intriguing

specimens? Then contact Cleveland Divers via Facebook, „The Diving Club-Cleveland‟ or on 07960 608529.

June Coomber

Seaview and Greta Cottage caring together 5 star care homes awarded by Redcar and Cleveland for their quality of care and personalised service.

Home from home with daily activities and weekly trips out in our own minibus.

Please feel free to visit us at anytime.

01287 622498 and 01287 625178 24

25

G . Bishop - Decorator *Interiors and Exteriors

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What Is Silent, Painless And Can Ruin Your Life?

Glaucoma. It‟s an eye condition that nearly half a million people in the UK suffer from. You are most at risk after the age of 40. The good thing is, in many cases, if it‟s seen early enough, this horrible eye condition can be stopped in its tracks. However, most people don‟t have regular eye tests.

Not going to the Dentist is one thing (you can always eat with false teeth) but neglecting the Opticians is another (you can’t see with false eyes!)

My name is John Prouse, I‟m an Optician and I do a home visit eye test service especially for people who struggle to leave their home or you can visit me at my practice. Either way, don‟t risk spoiling your vision and your life.

Call 01287 644211 or visit www.loftusoptical.co.uk for your free over 40 eye test.

26

Legion and Cadets Unite for Commonwealth War Graves On Saturday, 13th July, Saltburn and District Royal British Legion and their affiliated youth organisation of Army Cadets attended Thornaby Cemetery, to be shown how to clean the Commonwealth War Graves in the cemetery. They also attended a short parade to honour the fallen in the cemetery. The Cadet band was present, other veteran associations and standards from Saltburn and District Royal British Legion and the associations that attended flew in honour of the Commonwealth soldiers. The Cadets from all companies of the Cadet Force were represented, with the Padre leading the service near the cenotaph, within the cemetery.

The majority of the committee attended from Saltburn and District Branch, with the Chairperson (EmmaKate Young) commenting “What a privilege it was to be invited to this event; as we clean the Commonwealth War Graves in our area, with the two affiliated Cadet detachments: Saltburn and Loftus. We annually clean these and love this project, working alongside the Commonwealth War Grave Commission and seeing the pride and respect that the Cadets have, is lovely to see!”

'C' Company cadets around the cenotaph after the parade with the Padre and our Standards

Emma-Kate Young

The Colin Holt Band with Snake Davis at Saltburn Community Theatre What makes great live music? Talent, originality, variety, enthusiasm, audience rapport. The Colin Holt Band has these qualities and many more. They play about fifteen gigs a year, including the Sage at Gateshead and their special guest is an internationally renowned saxophonist of phenomenal talent, Snake Davis.

Snake has been playing with the band for ten years and their first performance together was at Saltburn, so there‟s a strong sense of coming full circle for this special gig at the Community Theatre on 7th September.

Colin is an accomplished singer/songwriter and his songs range from lyrical, haunting folk to blues and rock. He started writing poetry at a very young age, and afterwards set some of it to music. He is a modern troubadour, and most of his songs tell stories or highlight special moments in time; he uses vivid images and some themes re-occur in his songs: the sea and boats, travelling and reflection on the changing states of love. Originally from Morley, Colin often refers to his locality, past and present, including tales of textile land, homing pigeons and, in a song called Farnley Wood, he tells the grim tale of an unsuccessful rebellion in 1663. The other members of the band love the fact that they are mostly working with original music, giving them all the opportunity to develop creatively. Colin explains that the most demanding part of being a songwriter is getting the arrangement of the music right and he sometimes spends weeks polishing this aspect of his songs.

Phil Udall, a devoted bass guitarist for over fifty years and a semi-pro sound technician, has worked with the CHB since 1983 and says that “weaving Snakes‟ immaculate saxology into Colin‟s articulate compositions brings the band to new heights and the musical result connects with so many people.”

Exuberant lead guitarist Miles Keith, former busker and marketing director, feels privileged to be working with such like-minded, talented friends. He speaks of the musical affinity within the group and the energy that ignites and flows between the musicians and the listeners. For Miles, the experience is all

about emotion and he describes music as the touchstone of his life.

Drummer Doug Tones has played in several bands and was auditioned for John Miles‟ song Music is my First Love which, he says, reflects his view of life. Chris Parkinson, on keyboard and accordion, completes the band.

Chris is the most recent member and has played with Steve Phillips and Ralph McTell as well as John Kirkpatrick, with whom he was nominated for Duo of the Year by Radio 2 in 2006.

The saxophone is often described as the signature sound of jazz. In the masterful, loving hands of Snake, the sax takes us through every emotion from the visceral thrill of heavy rock to the poignant melodies which break hearts. He is charming, unassuming, easy to talk to and connects with his saxophone as if it is an extension of the muscles and nerves of his body.

The band enjoy playing at relatively small venues where the audience can relate closely both to the music and to the musicians. Having played to 50,000 plus audiences in Japan, Snake maintains that the small places are definitely the best “being able to see everyone, have a few chats, shake a few hands, that‟s what gets me out of bed in the mornings.”

After talking to these musicians, the dominant impression is their passionate delight in creating music they can share with their audience whilst simply having an exhilarating, adrenalin-fuelled evening.

Following a new, breathtaking sax solo at the end of one of Colin‟s songs entitled Waiting for the Sun, I compliment Snake on his virtuoso performance: “Yeah” he smiles “it goes, doesn‟t it?” Exactly right, Mr. Davis, Mr. Holt – it goes!

Venue: Saltburn Community Theatre, Date: 7th September Time: 8.00pm ( bar/doors open 7.00pm), Tickets: £12.50 Available: Theatre Box Office 01287 624997 Phil Udall: 07923 245875, philkathu@yahoo.co.uk Miles Keith: 07971 440939, mileskeith54@gmail.com 27

The Walk of Life: Paul Waugh If you‟ve walked up to Huntcliff and along The Cleveland Way recently there‟s a good chance that you‟ve seen a number of carefully painted slate discs pinned into the grass along the cliff. Two give a simple warning to steer clear of the crumbling edge, two give contact details for both Samaritans and MIND, and another contains a simple, powerful and heartfelt message to the desperate at a time when their need is probably at its greatest: “Just in case you‟ve forgotten today,” the sign says, “You are special, you are loved.”

Each of these plaques is the work of Brotton resident Paul Waugh, who has been led by his own experiences to draw attention to the dangers of our coastline; not just to protect visitors who‟re unfamiliar with its fragility, but to offer care and support to those who see death by jumping as the only escape from their problems. Over the last few years a series of accidents and suicides have meant that the path has become associated with tragedy almost as much as beauty, and Paul has seen more than his fair share.

As a coastguard he was often a passive witness to the terrible aftermath of some of those incidents, but on other occasions he actively saved the lives of those he quite literally pulled back from the edge. Now retired from the service, Paul‟s mission nonetheless continues, and the plaques which both he and his wife, Sue, have inscribed are just one part of his continued presence along Huntcliff.

I met Paul recently close to the site of the Roman signal station - which was itself lost to the sea in the late 1970s - and he was already at work. On that day - like on any good day - there‟s a steady stream of walkers in either direction, and he was greeting each of them cheerfully, stridently reminding them of the precariousness of the cliff edge where necessary. He walks the path every day when he can, sometimes two or three times, and he‟s now a fixture for many of us who use the clifftop regularly.

He told me that in the months before our meeting he‟d intervened successfully - at least twice - to help walkers in distress, based on nothing more than his instinct and experience, and I can see why he‟d help. He‟s disarming and avuncular, assertive but unthreatening, and flexible enough to appeal to anyone who uses the path. He greeted a party of Chinese visitors who passed the bench while we talked, and although he seemed not to recognise them, they remembered him warmly from a previous visit.

Paul says it‟s not in his nature to stand still for too long; he always has to be doing something that means something to him, and this seems to be the way he‟s always been. His time as a coastguard was both profession and mission, and he wasn‟t scared to put people before procedure, even if it cost him to do so. For some time he was a doorman at The Marine Hotel in Saltburn, where I understand he played a quiet, decisive and committed role in shaping the amenity and safety of the main bar. He‟s been a boxer, and he completed the London Marathon as a fundraiser too many times to mention. He still gives talks to school warning children of the dangers of the cliff, but right now, aside from protecting us, his family is his vocation. He is his wife‟s carer, and he spends as much time as he can with his children and grandchildren.

Even on those cliff walks, he is busy. He takes his camera with him, sharing his beautiful photographs of the landscape with his Facebook friends, and he manages to 28

incorporate his passion for plane-spotting into his travels; as we spoke, he was waiting for a Dakota that was scheduled to fly overhead.

When the Cleveland Way opened fifty years ago this summer it was advertised as an exploration of “the geography of peace”, a serene walk through a landscape whose turbulent and frequently violent past had slipped into antiquity; the site of the lost fort where I met Paul, though idyllic now, was amongst the bloodiest. That naive hope, that presumption that we were about to enter a new age of perpetual calm was very much a product of the 1960s, but we‟ve since been forced to remember that there can be no peace for some of us - at some times in our lives, at least.

At the end of the last century the World Health Organisation correctly predicted that there would be a vast upsurge in mental health diagnoses in the affluent world at the beginning of the next one, and this has proved to be the case. Doctors report that almost half of their patients show some signs of mental illness, and our slow transition from a spiritual to a material world is taking its toll, both on our society, and on that part of us we used to call our soul. The battles that accompanied the formation of the Cleveland Way may well be over, but there are still wars being played out in the minds of those walkers who see the cliffs as their only way out.

Paul told me about one year when he ran the London Marathon with a collection bucket. He said that people were throwing in small handfuls of coins for the whole race until the bucket was full, at which point he‟d have to empty it into his rucksack so the bucket could be filled again. The further he ran and the more tired he became, therefore, the heavier his load. Heartened by the marginal accumulation of the small generosities of others, however, his determination to cross the line grew even stronger.

That, in its own way, is the perfect analogue for a life well-lived, and it shows how, if we follow Paul‟s example, the increasing burdens of life and of offering support to others can be turned into a source of strength, profound meaning and unexpected pleasure.

We will always need people like Paul, and we will always need to be like Paul at some time in our lives.

MIND: 0300 466 6463, Text: 86463, Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Mark Lawton

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Thank You for Supporting Your Local Small Shops Open 9.00am till 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday 29

Keeping It Clean At Saltburn Thank you to all who attended our July joint beach clean with Beachwatch. Together we made a huge difference. Our picture this month is of the bottles, plastic cups and cans we cleared up, that had been left behind after beach gatherings.

All this would have ended up in the sea, if our volunteers hadn‟t removed and recycled it. We love to see people enjoying the beach, but please take what you bring home with you, or put it into the bins on the sea front. There is no Litter Fairy.

Our next beach clean is Saturday the 4th of August at 11am till 12 noon. We meet at the Victorian Shelter on the lower promenade, next to Marshall‟s Beach Huts, who very kindly store our beach cleaning equipment.

We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful town and we are just one of the many voluntary groups that help keep Saltburn special, together with the support of the fantastic local businesses and the local community. Milo‟s Cafe Bar continues to give us drink vouchers to offer to KICAS volunteers. These have been well received and it‟s great to have their support.

It‟s great to hear about an ever growing number of individuals who pick up litter as they walk around the woods, beach and town. Don‟t forget, as well as the 2 minute beach clean boards we have on the lower promenade, we also have one outside of Hey Ho Print Co in the town.

Picking up litter really does make a positive difference for our environment and wildlife, and has a real pro-active, feel good factor. Be the change that you want to see.

Together we can KICAS. 30

Canine sisters reunite after 14 years What are the odds of three elderly 4 legged females meeting with each other on a summers day? After 14 years of being apart, three dogs met up on the show field of local animal charity SARA‟s Fun Dog Show held at Foxrush Farm in Redcar.

This Traditional animal event held by Saving And Rehoming Animals attracts a whole host of breeds, sizes, colours and ages including rescue dogs and ex-SARA residents.

Sporting some similarities appearance-wise as well as age-wise, one of the dog‟s owners keyed into the possibility of the related dogs seeing each other again, as the black terrier crosses had been born, together with a male, in 2005. After being in a SARA foster home under the auspices of Ann Prosser – the original founder – for the first 9 weeks of their lives, they were adopted separately and have been loved and cherished in their forever homes all these years.

Jade was re-named Bonnie, now owned by Rena.

Lucy was re-named Kassy, now owned by Kath. Freya was re-named Pixie, now owned by Mary. The 4th sibling was the male Louis.

One for the history books of SARA and a good tale to tell to future audiences.

It would of course be wonderful if we could trace the 4th sibling – the boy – who at the time of adoption

went to Marske. Hints of “long lost families”.

Can you help? Any information please contact SARA either by phone, email or address as follows: Foxrush Farm, Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar, Cleveland TS10 5NJ. sara.foxrushfarm@gmail.com Tel: 01642 488108 31

Vicky Lax of Whippet Up CIC awarded up to £10,000 and place on learning programme to improve local community

Vicky Lax, far right, Whippet Up Director supporting people to get involved in arts and culture

Vicky Lax, Co Director of Whippet Up in Saltburn, is one of 80 leaders across England to have been selected for a competitive learning programme and Match Trading grant of up to £10,000.

More than 230 people across England applied for the Community Business Trade Up Programme, run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs, in partnership with Power to Change. The programme supports people improving their local communities through trade.

The programme will help Vicky to grow Whippet Up; a Community Interest Company formed by artists and community workers. Whippet Up uses art and creativity as a way of working with people to improve wellbeing within individuals and communities. Whippet Up runs regular

Explore and Discover at Guisborough Museum Summer holidays...fancy a trip out? We are a charming, Olde Worlde museum packed with colourful memorabilia of old Guisborough town. Peer into our antique shop windows, see our superb railway model, and much more. Free entry, disabled access, children‟s quiz. Open every Thursday and Saturday until end of October, 10.00am till 4.00pm. Find us in the town centre behind Sunnyfield House on Guisborough main street.

Olwen

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creative arts sessions in venues across Teesside and then works with the people referred into these sessions to design and run creative community events.

Vicky will soon begin a nine-month learning programme at the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE).

SSE helps people develop the skills, strengths and networks they need to tackle society‟s biggest problems.

Vicky says: “I am delighted to have been accepted onto the Community Business Trade Up Programme. The training programme and the match trading grant will really help grow Whippet Up so we can support more people in and around Teesside.”

Alastair Wilson, CEO of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, says: “We are thrilled to welcome Vicky onto the programme, where they‟ll learn alongside other community leaders how to create lasting social impact for the region. We are confident Vicky has the entrepreneurial qualities and motivation to increase their impact in Teesside and surrounding areas even further, which is why we have awarded her a highly-coveted place.”

Whippet Up will receive a Match Trading grant of up to £10,000. Match Trading is a new type of funding for socially-led organisations. It matches an increase in sales pound-for-pound, incentivising social entrepreneurs to find ways to earn more money, which they use to help more people or the environment. Match Trading was created by the School for Social Entrepreneurs.

Find out more about the programme and register your interest for the 2020 programme at https://www.thesse.org/courses/community-business/

Is your business or place of work part of the night time economy?

It could be a bar, restaurant, takeaway or other night time venue. EVA is a local women‟s charity who are on a mission – to end sexual harassment in Redcar and Cleveland! To do this EVA has been funded to offer free sexual harassment training to venues who operate at night. The training will help you to identify sexual harassment, protect your staff and customers as well as learning how to reduce the risk and challenge it safely.

The training can be held at your venue or, if space is an issue, EVA‟s office in Redcar. It is for all workers, regardless of gender and lasts for about an hour. If you are interested contact EVA on 01642 490677.

Linda Hodgson BSc (Hons) McPod / SRch HCPC Registered Podiatrist / Chiropodist Appointments available call

07985 194056 Grand Opening of Dogs Adventure Playground Sunday afternoon, 21st July welcomed invited guests to celebrate the latest new facilities at SARA‟s sanctuary, Foxrush Farm, Redcar. Formerly an empty grassed area, known as „the enclosure‟, it was a fenced in part of a field where SARA‟s dogs were allowed off leash to run around and play ball. However, this designated pen was devoid of interest and stimulus for energetic and curious canines, so when funds became available, courtesy of Marske CO-OP Charities Project, the decision on how best to spend the donation of over £4000 proved an easy one.

The recycled plastic Dog Adventure Area is an ideal addition for training and entertaining dogs, plus helps the environment as it saves 8,561 milk containers from land fill. It provides great enrichment for dogs of all sizes and allows them to burn off pent-up energy.

Ten pieces of sturdy weatherproof equipment offers the opportunity to jump, balance, explore and play with platforms, hoops, jumps, ramps and frames.

Kennel life is no fun. But spending quality time in the newly set-up playground provides excitement and watching each dog approach and use the area will be rewarding beyond belief as well as highly entertaining.

Tim Myer from the CO-OP Charity did the honours of cutting the ribbon for the opening, speeches were made, Prosecco sipped and smiles all round.

Let the fun begin.

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A tribute to Susan Jane Sellars When Mike Sellars asked me to write something about his late wife, Susan Jane, I wanted to begin with a Shakespearian quote. The theatre had played such a large part in her life. It seemed apt.

My first thought was to use Prospero‟s words from The Tempest: „We are such stuff as dreams are made on and our little lives are rounded by a sleep‟.

Then I considered. It wasn‟t right for Susan Jane.

Hers was far from a „little life‟.

Susan was born in Sutton Coldfield in 1945 but moved to Saltburn as a toddler and lived in the old farmhouse, by Cat Nab. It was a large, ramshackle building, an ideal place for Susan and her five siblings to grow and play. One can imagine her here, planning games for her brother and sisters, organising them, as she was later to organise the troops for many a successful enterprise!

On leaving the RAF, her stepfather set up a fairground on the site of the present boat park, with a café opposite and a fancy goods shop near the pier. This was run as a family business and Susan helped out in the school holidays, until she left to take up nursing at Hemlington Hospital.

Unfortunately, a serious riding accident put paid to this career. After suffering a broken back, major surgery followed and the long road to recovery began. It was the first of a number of serious accidents, which could have destroyed a lesser woman but of course, she bounced back each time!

After Sue married Mike Sellars in 1974, she took every opportunity to join him at sea. Being the Captain‟s wife and one of few women allowed on board ship, Susan was treated like a Queen, though not every trip was without incident.

On one occasion, she flew out to Iran to meet Mike.

However, he was transferred to another ship and without the convenience of mobile phones and emails, communication was more difficult than it is today. A further mix up with flights saw the couple in separate countries! Although initially relieved to be helped to a hotel, she was forced to lock herself in her room for two days, when her saviour turned out to want more than her gratitude!

Being young, beautiful and somewhat naïve, she was frequently placed in similar, difficult situations but life at sea more than made up for this. The pair visited many countries and made new friends around the world, so these were memorable and happy times in her life.

When Saltburn began to decline during the early 1980s, Channel 4 ran a documentary on how a place, that was once a thriving, holiday resort, had become a run down, ghost town.

The family business also began to fail. Susan, who was now successfully working as a PR manager for local nightclubs, decided that action was needed. Mike agreed to help financially and she took on the running of it herself.

She became a member of the Langbaurgh Business Association and with Saltburn‟s 125th anniversary approaching, was actively involved in setting up a week of Victorian themed events, to promote the town.

34

Soon the Council allocated funds to assist with marketing and Victorian week became an annual event.

Crowds of visitors enjoyed croquet in the grounds of Brockley Hall, open air plays in the Valley Gardens, street artists in Station square and fireworks off the pier. The town was buzzing!

The „End of the Pier‟ show, begun by Susan Jane, Veronica Twidle and Philip Thomson was one of the more popular events but its successor was even better. The „Gaslight Gaiety‟ company, with its large casts, stunning costumes and sets and high standard of production, wowed audiences. Tickets were like gold dust!

Susan Jane had made her mark in acting and directing at Middlesbrough Little Theatre but after joining Saltburn‟s ‟53 Society in 1984, she became a leading light here too. Her mother, „Mops‟ was already known for her theatrical performances and Susan followed in her footsteps, excelling in a wide variety of roles.

Determined to put Saltburn‟s theatre on the map, she helped organise its first drama festival in 1990. This was a big factor in promoting and encouraging youth theatre, as well as allowing opportunities for aspiring directors and actors to thrive. When it later gained „All England‟ status, the festival further raised the status of Saltburn.

Saltburn Theatre owes much to Susan Sellars. A fellow member reflected, „Her drive and talent were an inspiration to anyone who worked with her, on or off the stage.‟ I can certainly second that.

Susan loved to visit her two daughters and much loved grandchildren whenever possible, as well as hosting wonderful parties with Mike, in her beloved garden at „Bywood‟. She liked nothing better than having people around her and for her guests, life was never dull!

So, considering the vibrant life Susan led and the legacy she leaves, I have chosen a different quote from the one I started with, beautiful though it is. I think this, by Terry Pratchett sums it up better: „No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away.‟ Sue Wilkinson

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Emmanuel Church Hall, (off Windsor Road) Saltburn

Tuesdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm or 7.30pm.

Earthbeat Centre, Marske Road, Saltburn

Saturdays at 8.30am For Details Ring

Stevie on

01642 474920

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Saltburn artist at Kirkleatham Museum

Older people’s charity in need of volunteers

Saltburn artist Lee Rotherforth currently has his wonderful exhibition „Portrayal‟ on display at the Kirkleatham Museum 6th July till 16th September.

Lee is a commission based artist, predominantly a painter with his main focus being in portraiture and animal portraiture.

The local area of Saltburn has a strong influence on his art, especially the use of discarded objects he finds on his walks around the local area. These objects are repurposed and given a new lease of life as makeshift canvases for Lee to paint on, creating beautiful and totally unique works of art!

This is one not to be missed. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4.45pm.

The older people‟s charity, Independent Age, is in urgent need of enthusiastic people to sign up as volunteers and help older people feel less lonely. The charity‟s Friendship services have already helped thousands of older people who are lonely, and it is now looking to recruit more volunteers in and around Teesside to build on this success.

One in five older people in the UK are in contact with friends, family and neighbours less than once a week, while for one in 10, it‟s less than once a month. In addition to this, around 40% of older people say the television is their main form of company. By joining the team and volunteering with Independent Age, Teesside residents can help make a difference.

There are many different ways to volunteer with Independent Age, no matter how much time people can spare. Volunteer opportunities are open to anyone over the age of 18 and to people of all backgrounds, with a recruitment process to ensure suitability for the role.

Volunteers provide vital companionship for older people who are lonely, enabling them to feel more connected to their local community.

Right now in Teesside and the surrounding area, the charity is particularly keen for local people to apply to spend about an hour once a week or once a fortnight meeting up with an older person for a chat.

Jeanette Bates, Head of Wellbeing at Independent Age, adds, “Volunteers are invaluable to the older people that we support. We hear from so many volunteers and older people who have had their lives changed for the better by the experience. Chronic loneliness can be really damaging to a person‟s health, so with the help of Teesside residents, we hope to help make loneliness a thing of the past.”

To find out where volunteering opportunities are available to help end loneliness among older people, visit: www.independentage.org/volunteer-visitor or by calling 02076 054255.

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Don’t be late for a Very Important Date………

You are cordially invited to

The Saltburn Scarecrow Victorian Birthday Celebrations The time, the time, who has got the time?

Sunday 18th August 12-4 Please follow the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole down to…..

Saltburn Community Centre Albion Terrace

Saltburn by the Sea TS12 1JW

Begin at the beginning The time, the time, who has got the time?

Sunday 18th August 12-4 and go on at Saltburn Community Centre till the end and then All are welcome for a Wonderland Tea Party With Lewis Carroll stop Saltburn Scarecrow Festival runs from 12th-18th August. This replaces the traditional Victorian Week. The TRAIL MAP QUIZ (which includes a free raffle ticket for a draw on Sunday 18th) will be on sale at THE CO-OP GARAGE, THE GOLF CLUB, JACKIE’S SAVERSTORE, SERENITY, SPECIAL DAYS, REAL MEALS AND GOSNAY’S. When you have finished you may return your form to any of the above shops before Saturday 17th at 5pm after that please bring to Saltburn Community Centre on Sunday 18th between 12-3 to be entered into the prize draw.

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and his Alice in Wonderland characters…

Afternoon Tea, Free Crafts for children, Games, Tombola, Prizes, Easington Tappers Entertainment, Fun for the whole family…

Please feel free to dress in your Victorian finery if you wish, or any other Victorian clothing!

This event has all been created voluntarily and is to raise money for Saltburn’s Christmas Lights and Parade - our next big community event.

SALTBURNSCARECROW@GMAIL.COM

Folk returning to the Cons Club Welcome to the monthly article from Saltburn Conservative Club. Where do I start in summing up all the events that took place in July? The Quiz, Bingo & Buffet Supper held on Wednesday 10th was another big success with a full house who enjoyed a fun filled night with stewardess Michelle supplying the buffet and setting the quiz questions and our own Julie Towell asking the questions and calling the bingo. There were lots of laughs and fun and we thank them both for a great night.

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th brought our 4th LGBTQ event (Gay Pride) which was very well attended and reports from people said it was one of the best LGBTQ events they had been to. A considerable amount of work goes into organising big events like this and our extreme thanks go to all volunteers who provided their time and also to Wendy Shepherd the event‟s organiser. Special praise must also go to Michelle and the bar-staff who worked tirelessly throughout the day, thanks also to Shaun Cook (DJ Cookie) who provided the music from late afternoon onwards and to Lorna Atkinson, Pia Moore, Jan Smart & Gill Barnes who made pies, cakes and refreshments which were sold throughout Sunday on our Mad Hatters themed afternoon plus Sainsbury‟s, Taste Coffee & Tea Shop, The Amber Rooms & Seaview Restaurant for their kind donations of prizes for a draw that took place over the two days. Finally special thanks go to Chris Bell, Martin Simpson & Nash Fraser who ran the barbecue on the Saturday. All profits from the fundraising events held will be donated to the „Saltburn Christmas Lights Appeal‟. We will be having further fundraising events throughout the year which will again be donated to our Charity of the Year, the Christmas Lights Appeal. On the evening of the Saturday night over pride Weekend we also held a Golden Wedding Anniversary in the Balmoral Room which was well attended and enjoyed by all and on the Sunday night we hosted a „Blues Night‟ arranged by Harry Simpson, again in the upstairs Balmoral Room. Harry reported back to say the room was ideal for his requirements and he will definitely be having more events at the club. A very good night was had by all. The whole weekend was a big challenge for the club and we are very satisfied with the smooth running of all events. Michelle was outstanding and the effort and enthusiasm she showed along with the girls on the bar was so much appreciated by everybody.

Moving on to August activities and we start with Backgammon night on Thursday 1st from 7pm to 9pm. Entry is free and all are welcome to attend. Don‟t worry if you don‟t know the rules as we will have experts available to talk you through the game. Following this a big event takes place on Saturday 3rd August with a wedding reception for two of our longstanding members Anne Scollay & Terry Cordon. This will be a spectacular day and the club will do everything to make this a day they will always remember.

Another big event takes place over the weekend of Fri 9th, Sat 10th & Sun 11th August with the Saltburn Folk Festival when we will be entertained over the 3 days upstairs, downstairs and in the marquee. Weather permitting we will be operating the barbecue on the Saturday & Sunday from 2pm.

This is the first festival since the sad loss of John Taylor and we are sure the event will continue successfully in the good hands of the new festival committee under the guidance of Ken Hall. We will offer all the assistance we can to ensure the smooth running of the event, and in this respect we are running the bar in the Church Hall. On Sunday 25th we will be the venue for a Christening party for one of our committee members Shaun Cook and his wife Lindsey. This will be a big day and we pass on our best wishes for the family in the future. On 30th August we will be hosting the monthly „Open Mic Night‟ hosted by Liz Bishop & friends, starting at 8pm in the Balmoral Room. Anybody wanting to play or sing is asked to register with Liz in the club from 7.30pm. These nights are really starting to take off and you should come along in good time for a seat. Entry is free so please come along and support Liz and live music in Saltburn. Remember that the bar will be open in the Balmoral Room for all „Open Mic Nights‟. We finish the monthly events on Saturday 31st with another wedding reception in the Balmoral Room. We look forward to making it a special day for the Bride & Groom and we all wish them both every happiness for the future.

This is another busy month for the club with members taking advantage of free room hire for their special events.

We have a safe, friendly and popular club and the support we receive from our members is fantastic. We all work as a team and for this we are very thankful.

Dates to remember for the future are as follows: Next SLUG meeting is Tuesday, 3rd September (no meeting in August). Next Quiz, Bingo and Pie & Pea Supper is on Wednesday 4th September and the next Road trip is to Whitby on Saturday 2nd November. Cost will be £10 per person which includes drivers tip and food in club on return and we will be leaving the club at 10.30am. If you want to go, place your name on the sheet on club notice board and pay the full cost to the bar-staff. You will have to be fast as they sell out very fast.

DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST THE CLUB WILL OPEN EVERY DAY AT 1PM That‟s all for now, out of space again. Remember, life is what you make it so make it what you like. Enjoy life with friends & family. Best wishes, David.

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

Saltburn Cons Club: Future Events to Entertain in August Every Tuesday: Club Draw Nights for Meat Voucher, Wines & Chocolates… 10pm.

Every Sunday: Drinks Draw & Cash Rollover. Increases by £25 each week if not won, currently standing at £650… 6pm.

Saturday Afternoons: A get-together by „The Conmen‟ Americana Musicians Jam sessions... 3pm.

Thursday 1st: Backgammon Club. Everybody welcome to come along… 7pm to 9pm.

Saturday 3rd: Wedding Reception Friday 9th, Saturday 10th , Sunday 11th: Saltburn Folk Festival. Music all weekend plus Barbecue (weather permitting) on Saturday & Sunday from 2pm.

Sunday 25th: Christening Friday 30th: „Open Mic Night‟ hosted by Liz Bishop & friends… 8pm Saturday 31st: Wedding Reception BAR OPEN EVERY DAY AT 1pm DURING AUGUST 39

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

DANCE YOUR WAY TO FITNESS IN SEPTEMBER…

Cabaret, Disco, Latin, Bollywood, Pop, Funk, Rock & Roll and more...

SOSA will get you TONED UP, FIT & give you GREAT BODY CONFIDENCE! This fun and feel good dance fitness class is for ALL AGES and ABILITIES Starts Monday 02/09: 7pm - ECHO, Saltburn - £4 (DISCOUNT! £6 for both Zumba Gold & Sosa on Mondays)

Packed with Latin rhythms and International beats…

This FUN and EASY TO FOLLOW class is TONING and a great OVERALL WORKOUT. Watch out for ‘bums & tums’ targeted dances!

Starts Monday 02/09: 6pm - ECHO, Saltburn - £4 Starts Thursday 05/09: 10am - Saltburn Community Hall - £4 (DISCOUNT! £6 for both Zumba Gold & Sosa on Mondays)

A PILATES, YOGA & BALLET inspired fitness class: Spirals will build up CORE STRENGTH, TONE and DEFINE YOUR FIGURE. It also works on BALANCE and FLEXIBILITY. Starts Wednesday 04/09: 7pm - The EarthBeat Centre, Saltburn

Holly Blue

Call ESTELLE on 07887 525234 or visit...

We have a large range of Quality Greetings Cards, Wrap, Bags, Balloons, Books, Stationery, Jigsaws, Orchard Toys, Calendars, Diaries & much more.

Book Ordering Service, Quarterly Prize Draw & Loyalty Card System 45 Milton Street (Opposite Sainsbury’s Car Park)

TIME SERVED

Tel: 01287 624283 LEGAL SERVICES AVAILABLE IN YOUR OWN HOME AT VERY COMPETITIVE RATES

I have recently retired after providing legal services at a local solicitors for almost forty years and am now able to provide legal assistance in respect of wills, powers of attorney and help to deal with matters following a bereavement including the obtaining of a Grant of Probate. Please call me on 07402 777393 and I will be happy to visit you in your own home to discuss your requirements and give a quotation.

LORNA SMITH 40

Saving And Re-homing Animals THE ANN PROSSER FOUNDATION

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, we are Annie the cat and Dolly the dog. We currently live at SARA, but are looking for our forever homes.

Annie is six years old and an elegant Oriental mix type of cat. She is white with ginger markings. Annie is looking for a home with experienced owners of this type of breed. She is a wonderful cat with lots of personality but does have some behavioural issues. She is looking for a home where she will have access to the outdoors. If you are interested in finding out more about little Annie then please contact the centre and speak to a

member of staff.

Dolly Dimples, to give her her full name, is a bonnie black and tan dog of medium size. She is a terrific girl who is about 7 years old. She came to SARA as a stray. Although Dolly has only been with us for a short period of time she has already shown us what a friendly, sweet natured dog she is. Dolly loves walking with our other dogs in the centre and we feel she would benefit from living with another dog of a similar temperament to her own. Dolly would not be able to be homed with cats or small animals.

SARA fundraising events during August Please note our monthly meetings for SARA supporters are now held in the Cleveland Bay, Ings Road, Redcar on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm. Bar open, come along on the 6th August to hear all our news and meet new people.

A street collection will be held on Saturday, 24th August in Redcar. Can you help? If you can please contact the farm.

The traditional SARA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION event will be held at Foxrush Farm on Saturday, 3rd August 11am – 4pm, featuring Gabriellaâ€&#x;s Donkeys. Come along with family, friends and pets and enjoy yourselves with lots to do and see. Farm tours will also be held during the day.

Joy and Mandy Volunteers at SARA 41

Along the Way One never knows who one might meet when stepping out.

Who might one encounter on the way? The „Wayâ€&#x; is 109 miles in length. Starting in Helmsley and ending on Filey Brigg, the route, covering moors and coast, finds its way through Saltburn. Coming in under the viaduct, through Riftswood, up the Cherry Tree Walk on to Albion Terrace before descending to the foreshore and subsequently ascending the cliff path to Skinningrove.

The Cleveland Way National Trail, to give the walk its full title, took a considerable time to create. After two decades of discussion and design it was officially launched in May 1959. Now is the time to commemorate 50 years of walking history.

Malcolm Hodgson, the Trail Manager, works with the North York Moors, Redcar & Cleveland and Natural England and many volunteers in looking after the route and all the associated work.

Saltburn of course was selected as a good place to celebrate and the unveiling of a new Finger Post was duly scheduled for the 19th July.

Some 100 staff, landowners, user groups, volunteers and supporters were invited to attend and on a fine day this select band duly assembled at the Woodland Centre and the Valley Garden Tea Rooms.

The unveiling was by a special visitor, no one less than HRH Anne, Princess Royal.

What would the protocol require of assembled 42

guests? Any sense of nervousness was quickly dispelled by a master of engagement.

After Winning the European Eventing Championship aged 21 and voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1971, a future of public service lay ahead. Quiet reassurance, that smile, a time taken to listen, an interest clearly demonstrated, a fountain of so relevant knowledge, and a demeanour that gave confidence to all those who shook the hand, and that was every single person, none being missed out. Some do have a way and this made that day of celebration.

Philip

WISDOM FOR LIFE

BY REV ADAM REED During August at Emmanuel Church we hold one service each Sunday morning at 10am. This year we will use those Sunday services to explore what the biblical book of Proverbs teaches us about wisdom and foolishness; about how we use our words for good or ill; about nurturing good friendships; and about how we can better use the resources God has given us to look after other people and our world. And you are invited...

Sunday 4th August at 10am: ‘A Wise or Foolish Feast’ Proverbs chapter 9 describes two contrasting feasts, with the host of each feast extending an invitation to passers by. At the first, your host will invite you to feast on ‘wisdom’; at the second, on ‘foolishness’. Everyone is invited to both feasts, but which one will you choose? th

Sunday 11 August at 10am: ‘How we steward words’ The words we speak or write have power. They can be used wisely or foolishly.

According to Proverbs, words used foolishly have the power to ‘kill’ by wounding, by distorting, by demoralizing, and by destroying. However, when used wisely, words have the power to ‘heal’. This happens when we learn to speak and write words that are tender, truthful, thrifty and thoughtful. Reflect for a moment on the words you speak or write; where do they ‘kill’ and where do they ‘heal’?

Sunday 18th August at 10am: ‘How we steward friendships’ One of the joys of human life are good, life affirming friendships. Proverbs has much to say that is helpful in nurturing deep and long-lasting friendships. It reveals how foolishness corrodes us personally and isolates us relationally; whereas, wisdom makes us into good friends who pursue deep relationships with love, honesty and integrity.

Sunday 25th August at 10am: ‘How we steward God’s resources’ Proverbs has a lot to say about the things we have and accumulate in this world, and what we do with them. On the one hand, it will show how foolishness falsely promises us that wealth will deliver what only God can give.

On the other hand, wisdom graciously frees us to live and to give in light of all God has given us. Foolishness tempts us to find our security and salvation in the things of this world; wisdom inspires us to find our security and salvation in the God who creates the things of this world.

Services Times Sundays 10.00am family communion

Tuesdays 9.30am said communion

Morning Prayer 9.00am Tues-Fri in ECHO

Contact Details tel 01287 622251

email emmanuelsaltburn@hotmail.co.uk

web www.emmanuelsaltburn.co.uk

Visitor and Exhibition opening times in August Sat: 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th 10am - 4pm Sun: 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th 1 - 4pm

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11.25) 43

Sunsets on the Chris Hodgson Terrace There is a new addition to the North West facing aspect of Saltburn Cricket, Bowls and Tennis Club. The cricketers spent many days during the Summer of ‟18, pooling together their skills and talents, to build a wooden balcony extension to the Clubhouse. It has enabled improved viewing opportunities for spectators attending matches.

The addition of patio doors has creating access onto it and has improved it still further.

The extension has recently been named „The Chris Hodgson Terrace,‟ after a great cricketer, coach, groundsman, friend and Bonfire Night Guru. Sadly, Chris passed away in the Spring of this year. He is missed very much by all and his legacy lives on.

When Lord Zetland gifted the land for sporting opportunities to the people of Saltburn, he must have realized the beautiful aspect of the site. The sunsets are outstanding. The sky colours range from orange, pink, purple and greys and they expand across the Western skyline for the length of time it takes to drink a pint of real ale and watch exciting cricket!

We do feel that this gem needs to be shared and therefore you are invited to come on up to the club, sit and watch the sunset, taste a real ale for £3.25 or a bespoke Gin and Tonic for £4.10 or even a pint of juice. You may catch yourself in conversation with a local, as I did recently, who has had a day sailing from our beach, caught six cod, five 44

mackerel and a one metre long Ling! He did however say that the icing on the cake was the pod of dolphins playing, showing off, teaching their young how to dance out of the water and having fun with the occupants of the boat.

As the sun disappears and the day begins to close, many are conscious of those we have loved and lost, people who have made a difference to our world and this place we live in and they continue to put a smile on our faces with happy memories. You can find the time of sunset on your phone, or just keep your eye on the sky. Take a walk and join us. It truly is food for the soul. Thank you Hodge for all that you have done for this club.

The results for all teams are excellent so far this summer and the World Cup seems to have inspired players to excel even more. Hopefully this will continue for the remaining months of the season.

Thanks to all involved.

Rose and Potter Deli/Bar: an Idea from Budapest “I absolutely love it,” says Amanda Van Wyk about running „Rose and Potter‟, the popular deli/bar in Marske High Street. She and her partner, Ian Parker, are Saltburn residents who were inspired to open a business near home, following a Christmas break in Budapest a number of years ago.

“We were really taken with the bars there.

Knowledgeable staff were able to suggest wine and food pairings casually. Where the food came from was discussed with customers and the general vibe was laid back… high on quality, but low on formality,” she says.

Amanda, on leaving her post in education, wrote a detailed business plan, opened a business bank account and began the search for premises. Ian has maintained his position as a lecturer at Teesside University throughout, to ensure a regular income.

They considered both Saltburn and Marske and thought the venue with the greatest potential was 98 High Street, Marske. There had been a flurry of short-lived businesses on the High Street, but the pair felt that nothing like „Rose and Potter‟ had been established before or certainly not for many years. Having had numerous uses over the past century, number 98 appears to have returned to its roots, as it was a cafe in the 1900s. It has also previously been used as a pet groomer‟s, a child care facility, a sports trophy shop and a saddlery. Its new name, „Rose and Potter‟ is derived from the maternal family names of Amanda and Ian: “It‟s nice to shout out to the women of the family, as small businesses are usually named after the male side!” she says.

“There was so much work to do,” remembers Amanda. “We took it back to the brick for damp proofing, plastered and painted, installed new flooring and created a whole new ceiling, which was needed to conform to sound and fireproofing regulations to get our alcohol licence.”

The style is a varied mix of slightly rustic and industrial with an art deco feel. With candles and twinkly lights, people are encouraged to relax and catch up with friends – although the deli/bar also welcomes individuals seeking a solitary coffee or beer! Food-wise, the most popular dishes are charcuterie boards, cheese boards, mixed platters and seafood boards, available from Thursday evening to Saturday. Whitby fresh dressed crab is delivered every Thursday/Friday afternoon and paninis, soups, tarts, corned beef pie and salads are also available for light lunches.

It‟s very important to Amanda and Ian to use local suppliers. Lyndsey‟s Cake Kitchen of Marske approached Amanda initially, then registered her kitchen for commercial baking and became their regular baker. Fruit is sourced from Karen at the Wynd Fruiterers and baked ham and other products such as corned beef pie come from Marske Butchers. Ian Thompson provides homemade chutneys and jams, but fig jam is bought from Rosalind‟s Larder. Cheeses come from Teesdale Cheese at Barnard Castle and Yorkshire salami from British Charcuterie. Suzy of Marske florist Ruby Lilly‟s creates mini vases for the tables.

“One of our great finds has to be our wine supplier,” explains Amanda. “Malcolm Buckton of Marske (MB wines) is the UK importer of „Espelt Wines‟, from a small family run vineyard in northern Spain. We are very impressed by the quality of „Espelt Wines‟, which are also supplied to the Cleveland Tontine and the Crathorne Arms.” She adds that their spirits are sold in 35 ml measures - just right for a 200ml tonic – and are very good value. „Rose and Potter‟ has just been awarded the „Certificate of Excellence‟ on Trip Advisor and is breastfeeding welcome and child friendly, having a toddler and child Rosebuds Menu of wholesome small plates. Dogs are welcome in the front section. “Redcar and Cleveland Council has been fantastic with providing environmental health food handling support,” says Amanda. “As a result of following advice, we hold a five-star hygiene rating.”

Rose and Potter is usually closed to the public on Sundays (except Bank Holidays) and Mondays, but the venue is available for private hire on Sundays for a party of at least fifteen people having food. To date, there have been birthday parties, hen parties, baby showers and even an intimate wedding reception for twenty-five guests. On Mothering Sunday and Father‟s Day, afternoon teas were served. Increasingly, „Rose and Potter‟ is becoming a sought after venue with „Halfpenny Comedy‟ nights held every four to six weeks. There are regular Thursday acoustic sessions, „Laid Back Blues‟ evenings and – a first for the area – a pop up restaurant. Local Saltburn chef, Rauf of Hidden Jewel Vegan Curries and Amanda will jointly host a pop-up on the evening of Wednesday, 28th August. „Rose and Potter‟ employs local staff, all part-time.

Amanda is mindful of the importance of being a flexible employer, allowing time for parents to look after their children in school holidays, but still offering them guaranteed hours of work each week. “If you look after your staff, they pay you back tenfold with their loyalty,” she holds.

Lastly, Amanda pays tribute to the contribution made

by Ian to the business: “He‟s really creative, calm, methodical and organised. He loves being involved as much as I do!”

Rosemary Nicholls 45

Today’s Train of Thought

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46

I was really pleased to hear recently that the deep mine at Boulby had been given a new lease of life with the replacement of Potash by Polyhalite as the main product from the site. Quite apart from the fact that this will preserve much needed jobs in the area it also means that the railway line that runs to the mine will be preserved, most likely for at least another couple of decades. I have often thought – and I know I am not the only person – what a fantastic heritage line this would make as it splits from the Saltburn line and breaks out into some of the finest countryside our stunning county has to offer.

I love everything about our railway – even the hopelessly outdated and bone-shaking Pacer trains that were only ever designed to have a limited lifespan when they were built between 1980 and 1987 and which are still rattling back and forth on our branch line. It‟s good to know that we are thought about so much in Westminster that we are going to get replacements for these bus-bodied oddities as they will be replaced by equally ancient but refurbished London Underground trains by the end of this year. The utilisation of this Underground stock brings to mind the pit ponies that were once used extensively in mines such as the one at Boulby and which used to revel in their two weeks a year above ground each summer. Working on this analogy I suppose it will be pleasant for these long in the tooth troglodytes to get a breath of fresh Yorkshire air. How considerate of the government, both for the rolling stock and for us!

As I frequently stand in the elevated Morrison‟s car park in Redcar and look down on the railway I often think of the days when I used to arrive in Saltburn with family members on steam trains from Leeds. On one occasion my Uncle Arthur alighted with all the family luggage by mistake at Eaglescliffe and was left stranded there for a couple of hours as the rest of us sped on to Saltburn. My cousins were certain their father would never be seen again but were most troubled by the fact that he also had the buckets and spades.

In those days trains pulled right up to the back of the Zetland and newcomers to Saltburn might be interested to learn that the remnants of the original platform are still to be seen – plus to those who look carefully the top of the subway that led under the station – a place where young people used to gather on an evening if it was raining.

As has been pointed out previously, Saltburn, as anything more than a tiny fishing hamlet, certainly owes its existence to the railway. This is because almost everything needed to build the town was brought in by rail – meaning that the railway came first. Saltburn might well have been a vision experienced by Henry Pease as he walked on the cliff tops from his brother‟s house in Marske but it was also a good way to use up the bricks one of his companies was churning out and a fine commuter town for the growing iron barons.

I wait with baited breath for the first ancient underground train to appear on our line and to sample its delights. Will it be as uncomfortable and bouncy as the Pacers and will its motors whir in a cockney accent? Only time will tell.

The Saltburn Profile Mike Pratt “Growing up in Marske and Saltburn has shaped my whole life,” says conservationist, environmentalist and naturalist, Mike Pratt. “It was easy to get onto the shore and into the countryside and my early interest in wildlife and nature even led to a career in that direction.”

Mike was born in Marske and was brought up with his older brother, Chris, who was also very keen on the landscape. His dad, who is still living independently in the village at ninety-three, worked at ICI for forty years. His Uncle Fred worked as a ploughman at Tofts Farm and as he was knowledgeable about nature and wildlife, was Mike‟s mentor. Going further back, his mother‟s family came from Devon to settle in Skinningrove and worked at the ironstone mines. His great great uncle was a horseboy in the mine on top of Huntcliff and fell to his death off the cliff at the age of sixteen.

Mike did well at school, becoming Head Boy at Bydales and after Prior Pursglove College, went to Nottingham University to study Geology. He trained to work for North Sea Oil, but instead of going offshore, he diverted to become a Countryside Ranger in the Forest of Dean with the Dean Heritage Trust.

“It was an amazing place and I was immersed in pure nature,” he remembers. “I learnt how to communicate with adults and children about nature and led guided walks to re-engage people with the natural world. It‟s turned out to be a driving theme throughout my life.”

After a few years, Mike came back to our area and made his home in Saltburn. He worked on the Urban Fringe team for Cleveland County Council, liaising with the community to set up environmental projects on the River Tees, in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and East Cleveland. He helped set up the Tees Community Forest.

“My next job was with the North York Moors National Park,” he says. “I was Head of Visitor Services, responsible for the Moors Centre and Sutton Bank. I enjoyed the amazing landscape – I‟ve always loved the area as a walker.”

After this, Mike became the Chief Executive of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the biggest environmental charity in the north-east and he spends part of the week living up there.

Years ago, Mike learnt Infinite Tai Chi in Saltburn with Terry Doyle and worked with Jason Chan, Grand Master of the form. He has now graduated in the art and is a Master level practitioner and teacher. In Saltburn Community Centre, he teaches a practice group and sometimes puts on workshops in the Earthbeat Centre and in Spain. He feels there are great health benefits in Tai Chi, harnessing natural energy.

Another way in which Mike expresses his love of life is through poetry and nature writing. His first published collection was „Wild‟, focused on the natural world between Marske and Whitby. Further works have included „A Recipe for a Snow Bunting‟s Nest‟ and „My Wild Northumbria‟, published by Mudfog and Red Squirrel Press. They can be bought at Saltburn‟s Book Corner, where he has taken part in a couple of readings and more are planned in the town next year.

by Rosemary Nicholls

Research for his new book on northern landscapes and wildlife, „The Northlands‟, has taken him to Greenland, Iceland, Finland and Svalbard. On his camping and trekking expedition in Greenland, he experienced temperatures of minus twenty-seven degrees C, but he was able to count polar bears and take part in a research project on arctic foxes.

He spent time with the Inuit in Scorsby Sund in his mission to get the flavour of the extremes of the north.

“I‟ve written a poetry collection, „North Facing‟, in connection with this, which will be out next November,” he adds. He does the illustrations for his books himself, drawing in the field to capture the moment. Although he uses a camera, he prefers drawing.

As well as writing, Mikes likes reading. He enjoys the nature writing of Robert MacFarlane and Patrick Barkham. He chooses myths and folk tales as well as nonfiction and a lot of poetry.

His taste in music includes Icelandic and Scandinavian pieces – he likes music of the landscape, which is inspired by nature and brings out the atmosphere of a place. He misses the late local folk singer, Vin Garbutt, but enjoys folk music by the Wilsons and the Unthanks.

Mike has a thin, black cat called Mouse. He gets plenty of exercise in Mike‟s big garden. Mike keeps it reasonably wild, rating open space and green living. He is a vegetarian, who likes cooking wholesome healthy food.

He is a keen runner, setting out locally and on Park Runs in Middlesbrough, as well as in Keilder Forest. “I take on 10ks and half marathons,” he says.

Lastly, Mike remembers being very involved in Saltburn life before he took up his present job in Northumberland. “With Countryside Ranger, Keith Ferry, I used to go into Saltburn schools to do green woodwork and stage events. I brought charcoal making and other skills from my time in the Forest of Dean. I wanted to encourage the children‟s interest in woodland crafts.”

What lucky children to have access to such a knowledgeable and skilful conservationist!

47

Saltburn, Redcar & Cleveland Philatelic Society

1st Saltburn Scout Group Saltburn Scout Group needs HELP with Leadership. Following medical advice I have to step down as Group Scout Leader, as well as my involvement with the Cub Pack and Scout Troop. With effect from the end of July the Group will be led by the District Commissioner as Acting Group Scout Leader (this in line with the guidelines of the Scout Association‟s Policy, Organisation and Rules). The District Commissioner will appoint a new Group Scout Leader.

To be a Leader will involve a DBS check to ensure the safety of all young people and adults. Wearing the appropriate uniform, as well as agreeing to and undertaking training. The training will involve other Leaders in the District and County and support at Section meetings (again to meet Scout Association rules). Please get in contact (details at the foot of this article).

Beavers ably led by Lindsey, supported by Jo and James with active help from parents will continue; but would benefit from more leadership.

Parents are volunteering to take on roles as Leaders to ensure the continuation of the Cub Pack: this will involve active support from other Cub Leaders within the District as well as training with the Pack at Saltburn, with another Pack in the District and training arranged by the District and the Cleveland area.

Scouts with Keith (who has just completed his training), supported by Karen will continue; but more parents or interested adult are needed to assist with leadership.

The Group Executive is also working to ensure recruitment of leaders or assistants and the continuation of the Group.

SO IF YOU CAN HELP PLEASE GET IN CONTACT (on dc@eastclevelandscouts.org.uk).

John G. Hannah

Saltburn Line User Group Next Meeting: Tuesday, 3rd September 2019 at 7.00pm.

(No meeting in August.)

Meetings at Saltburn Conservative Club are held on the first Tuesday of the month, and our starting time is now (permanently) 7pm.

As always, all welcome.

Talk to Saltburn Line User Group.

The Group exists to protect passengers‟ interests.

Find us at www.facebook.com/ saltburnlineusergroup Email the secretary on: slugsecretary@virginmedia.com SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LINE 48

DO YOU HAVE A FORTUNE LURKING IN YOUR LOFT? Bring your old stamp coll ect ion to our me e tin g. W e can evaluate it and advise FREE of charge.

1968 China stamp - recently sold We begin our at auction for £905,000. next season on September 4th with „New acquisitions, swaps & displays‟ and on September 18th with „Postcards & Ephemera‟.

We meet at Redcar East Community Centre, Durham Road, Redcar TS10 3SB on the first & third Wednesday of each month at 19.00 and finish at 21.30.

Postage stamps of China, in particular, the Mao Tsetung era are now highly collectable, especially issues from 1967 and 1968 realizing sums in excess of 3 or 4 digit figures in mint condition. Mao Tse-tung or Chairman Mao as he became known in the West was born on December 26th, 1863, and died on September 9th 1976. He became Chairman of the Communist Party of China and paramount leader of the People‟s Republic of China. Many of China‟s stamps from this era were in sets of 5 or 6 depicting writings from his „little red book‟. Single stamps are now highly priced. They were issued in se-tenant strips (joined), a complete set joined are currently reaching 3 digit figures at auction.

The 1968 China stamp pictured is a rarity because the whole of the country was printed in red, an error, and not intended. Allegedly, they were never issued but like so many collectable items some always find a way onto the market place.

Contacts: Mr Geoff Reynolds 01642 478229 Mr Martin Snowdon 01287 622504

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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.

Write to us at TotT Subscriptions, 9 The Wynd, Marske, Cleveland, TS11 7LD. Don’t forget to enclose your name and address or alternatively, you can call us on 01642 477200 if you wish to pay by credit or debit card.

The Muses of Jim

Saltburn Allotments Association Well, July gave us lots of sunshine and some rain.

Which means the weeds seem to grow even faster than the crops! Hoeing often before weeds get too big can help with that.

In your greenhouse, keep the floor dampened in hot weather to maintain humidity and control pests, water consistently to prevent fruit splitting or blossom end rot and set up sticky traps to catch pests like whitefly and thrips.

Keep picking all your crops regularly and they will keep coming! Lift squashes off the ground on a board or a brick to keep pests away.

You can sow early spring cabbage now, even if you have put in some in July, it may be worth a second sowing just in case your first lot fail, having them established before winter will give you an early spring crop.

Try to have seedlings like lettuce, rocket or herbs ready to pop in when you have a space as you clear crops or you could sow flowers or green manures to keep ground covered and protected. This will help retain moisture in the soil and give you something to dig in to improve the soil or if you are „no dig‟ you can leave to break down on the surface or compost the growth.

Compost is basically a free soil improver and if you do it well will be a great addition.

Saving your crops to plant next year is simple and can save money, just leave flowers to go over or pods to ripen and dry and you can have free crops next year.

I have been amazed this year again as everything that is in no dig beds has improved on last year! Some of the garlic is twice the size and more! The soil is less compacted and has needed less watering giving so many reasons to recommend this method.

I don‟t know about you but the weeds have got away with me this year due to other commitments and there is always so much else to prioritize once the picking starts! However, weeding is getting back under control now and I am loving the tasty veg that is coming from the plot thick and fast!

We are at the Festival of thrift again in September; come and see us there and if you have a glut of something we could sell to support the association 14th/15th then bring along to container the week before if they will keep or contact a member of the committee to pass on closer to the festival for things that may not store so well, we are there all weekend this year and may need extra stock!

AGM for the allotment association will be held on 21st August. All members are welcome as the committee will be elected and if you have something you would like to say or ask you can do so. Hope we see you there!

Julia

I continue to make a good recovery and everyone is saying how much better and healthy I look. But I saw a friend who I haven‟t seen for 18 months and their first words were „my god, you look awful!‟ so I don‟t know. But perhaps more on that later. I have started travelling some distance to meetings, I went to Preston the first Tuesday of the month for a meeting of the Northern Region of local Councillors that I represent for Cleveland County. The second Tuesday I made my first visit to the National Assembly of NALC. It brought back memories because the meeting was at TUC house and we had door step sandwiches for lunch but no bottles of ale. We discussed plans for the future of parish councils which is looking quite good at the moment. At least this government has recognised the role that we have played. I survived the reasonable return journeys.

Earlier this week, I got an email asking if I was going to the RCVDA awards and I said I was as I always do it. It‟s the highlight of the year for volunteers where people get recognition for the sterling work that they do.

It‟s quite humbling when you see the amount of work that people are doing for the benefit of others when most people are busy watching Strictly Come Dancing and Love Island and are too busy to help the less fortunate. Then, I received an email that wasn‟t intended for me which was a bit a strange. Anyway, on the Friday, I was duly escorted to Gisborough Hall for the event and where many deserving people received due recognition for the work that they do. The good and the great were there and towards the end I was surprised to receive two awards.

Outstanding Trustee from RCVDA which I was very happy to receive! The trustees and the work force are admirable people and I was a finalist and got a lifetime achievement award. But my achievement wasn‟t as great as the final winner. It went to a well deserved recipient.

The only stain on the month for me was the planning permission to develop the Riding School at Marske (but now is Saltburn) into another housing development. Thus, impinging on the strategic gap between our beloved Saltburn and Marske. Whilst over 400 people wrote in complaining, the council were frightened of the possible appeal and gave permission for the development.

It would be interesting to find out who voted which way and who rejected what the parish council had to say, as well as the 400 people, because many of us think that the type of housing that the builders are building is for profit rather than for the people, which need starter homes and social housing for young families, because we don‟t want Saltburn to become another traditional seaside town from the south coast that is made up of pensioners with little income and little energy to energise the community.

Perhaps the people of Saltburn should make their concerns known because when there was such a similar development planned for elsewhere the people of Redcar rose up and the proposal for the Coatham enclosure was scuppered. Quite rightly so because who would want pseudo-executive houses next to a blast furnace which is now defunct?

Jim Wingham 49

The Saltburn Crossword no 218 set by Dinosaur Some of the answers double up with some of the other clues. This is a little unconventional but hopefully it will be clear.

Across

Name___________________________________ Address_________________________________ ________________________________________ Telephone_______________________________

1 The best place to set fire to a seasoning? (8) 1 and 1 Down The end of the line here? Last train to snub departing!

(8, 7) 1 and 1 Down and 20 Down Stray ball touts learning confusion.

Local artists display here … (8, 7, 7) 1 and 8 and 17 Down … and this is where they work! Stardust Bistro lass unit broken up (8, 7, 7) 1 and 29 Across Local business to make us well turns Charm Lab pay to something else (8, 8) 5 Perfect imaginary country found in Hindu topiary (6) 10 and 23 Down New Saltburn‟s first buildings now demolished hall ace app (5, 5) 11 Ordinal book of the Bible? (7) 12 Language of Colin Goldmark? (5) 13 Where one lives to give a speech? (7) 14 French city that would be good but not as they pronounce it! (4) 16 Declaiming forth rainwater pipe? (8) 18 Generously wasteful? (8) 19 I left Craig for rugged Cliff! (4) 22 One who takes possession without right inserts broken purse between You Are we hear (7) 24 Rugged Cliff might have something to do with this barren country in Wuthering Heights (5) 26 Not professional but a friend, You Are heard (7) 27 Heartbeat initially powerful under less sexy earnings (5) 28 Hi-fi in austere overland (6) 29 See 1 Across

Down

1 See 1 Across 2 The French friend backs folded back collar (5) 3 Thinking organs of candelabra in sin (6) 4 Local road re: hands plotter needs sorting (8, 6) 6 Fashionable turn? (5) 7 Extinct pigeon which was carried along? (9) 8 See 1 Across 9 Where to worship locally if lunch rheum came in disarray (8, 6) 15 Ponder the mathematics or the strategy (9) 17 See 1 Across 20 See 1 Across 21 To prevent something for a picnic or Christmas? (6) 23 See 10 Across and also 25 Down 25 and 23 Down She has her street in Saltburn (5, 5)

Solution to Crossword no 217

The winner of last month‟s crossword was Chris Bell of North Avenue, Saltburn.

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.

50

Send your completed crossword to: Saltburn Crossword no 218, c/o Jackie‟s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ

by Friday, 16th August 2019. First correct solution out of the bag wins a £10 voucher kindly donated by Tim and Sheila of Real Meals.

Health and Happiness: One View 4500 miles, 7250km cycling and wild camping the coast of our island. I would like to reflect on a snapshot of our land and what it might tell us about the current state of our health and happiness as a nation.

From what I saw we are not a poor nation, we are also far from a full nation. The vast majority is open countryside.

Farmers own most of our land and these are often owned by larger estates.

One thing that struck me consistently particularly on one of the nicest stretches of Wales and also in Cornwall and parts of Scotland was how many of the places with the nicest sunsets and views over the sea, are fenced off and so essentially excluded from most people due to private ownership. Often there are no camping opportunities in these areas and no designated land for public use or wild camping.

I reflected on whose land this is and who gets to decide who can own the views and experience the beauty that is surely all of ours to experience.

Clearly there is a balance to be struck with the allowance of the ownership of private property but when it stretches to a whole coastline in stunning places then there is something not working for all of us. For me national happiness includes our ability to feel free in our nation which includes being free to go and see every part of it (though aware not to distress wildlife or other people).

Scotland does of course have a fantastic right to roam law that allows you to wild camp pretty much anywhere and to make a fire. Yet Scotland is also allowing the felling of vast areas of trees and that looks and feels to me a crime of a type. I saw big wealth disparities especially in Scotland and the North West though Cumbria had in parts the most depressed feel of anywhere I went.

Junk food waste is everywhere if you circle this whole land, including strewn across the otherwise pristine beaches on the Isle of Skye. Perhaps there‟s a link between the ignorance of eating that kind of pretend food and drink and the people who are happy to drop their litter? Either way the countryside pays the price, and so does people‟s health, as these companies get rich.

Cyclists here say hello far more than those in the deep south who seem to take themselves very seriously when out cycling. So based on that test it is true what they say about northern friendliness? If I had more space I would tell you much more and particularly about how incredibly nice everyone has been to me, of every colour and age and from all of their different places on this island. (See „airsearcher‟ on Youtube for people I interviewed along the way.) People really do just want to get on with each other and they are drawn to support a mission, especially for a charity.

Yet I also learnt that very few people give money to this kind of journey or the causes I was raising money for.

Mostly only friends of mine or those who saw me on the journey and could see how hard it was. I realise now only people who have done this kind of journey know what it takes.

My aim was to stay positive and happy under hard circumstances and I essentially learnt that I could. My greatest help was carrying with me the sentence that „everything is perfect as it is‟. I trusted that was true and it kept me calm in difficult times. And laughing at my silliness for getting angry if I ever did, was helpful too.

I saw that our land is still wild and open and friendly.

Yet people in bigger houses generally feel more fearful of outsiders, more separated and less friendly. Our land is more beautiful and diverse than we know and it still has real wilderness places there to be found and camped next to. It is our land and not just for the big landowners to tell us where we can go. Go out and wild camp on it, it is enriching. I felt more connected to nature, to weather and to being alive. And I learnt to appreciate again all that I normally have at my fingertips, the ability to cook, power to charge my batteries and a warm bath. Yet perhaps most of all I felt blessed, for the time to connect with myself in silence and to feel the smooth roll, the fantastic flow of a bike, in this land that I felt strongly was mine and everyone else‟s here.

Kendal Aitken Happy Balance Training. Individuals and Groups.

Contact: coach@happygreenblueeyes.co.uk or 07944 883961

Loftus ACCORD Walking Group Saturday 7th September 4 mile circular to archaeological site near Street Houses There is a free guided walk from Loftus Town Hall to Street House on Saturday, 7th September starting at 10:30am.

Dr. Steve Sherlock is examining an area near Street House and has agreed to discuss his current investigations. The recently discovered early Neolithic site nearby which has revealed valuable information in pottery manufacture and types of flint used for shaping has provided a continuity of human settlement through the Roman and Anglo Saxon periods to the present day.

The surrounding place names provide clues on how this landscape was shaped by man since earliest times.

We shall walk on road to the working area. Walkers are requested to wear sturdy boots, bring light refreshments and have waterproof clothing if needed.

Loftus Market Place is served by Arriva X4 and 5 buses. No booking needed; for more information phone 01287 641000 (or email office@loftustc.co.uk).

What’s Happening at Marske Hall Thank You! Many thanks to everyone who supported the Marske Hall Family Fun Day. More than £3,000 was raised. This money will help support our residents with activities and events.

For details of events at Marske Hall, please call the Hall on 01642 482672 or find us on Facebook www.facebook/marskehall.com Appeal: The fundraising team is always looking for tombola and raffle prizes to use at events throughout the year. Simply call into Marske Hall from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Visit www.facebook/marskehall.com. look out on Facebook for what‟s on in coming months or call the Hall number 01642 482672.

Kath Bloomfield 51

£35.00

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