Talk of the Town November 2014

EDITION 161

CIRCULATION 4,800

NOVEMBER 2014

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

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SALTBURN’S TOWN TALK Letter from the Editor

Those who wish to impose something on others often accuse them of ‘nimbyism’ when they resist it. At first it seems like a reasonable criticism but let’s think about it for a moment.

‘Not In My Back Yard-ism’ is a perfectly rational response to the threat of having something undesirable imposed upon us.

For example, nobody in their right mind would want a nuclear power station being built right on their doorstep, literally, in one’s own back yard. Even supporters of nuclear power would not wish for such a monstrosity to be built right in the heart of a residential area. It would be unfair and stupid to describe their resistance as nimbyism. Similarly for any other unwanted development. We wouldn’t want a prison to be built in the heart of Saltburn, however much we might Busy Fingers Craft and Social Club: we are a small group who meet alternate Tuesdays at 7.00pm in the Workhouse, Dundas Street, for a chat and a cuppa. We bring along our own crafts and share tips and ideas. We welcome new members, so come and join us. Our next meetings are on Tuesday, 4th and 18th November. For more information ring Pat on 07789 123722.

Craft and Gift Fair: Saturday, 29th November from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Saltburn Community Centre, Windsor Road. Admission free. Tombola in aid of Teesside Hospice.

The Guisborough and District Branch of the Embroiderers' Guild are holding their monthly meeting on Saturday, 1st November, 2014 at 1.45pm for 2pm in Sunnyfield House, Westgate, Guisborough. TS14 6BA. Our guest speaker is Ailish Henderson and her subject is ‘From Sketch to Stitch.’ Visitors are welcome whether non-stitchers, beginners or more experienced stitchers; we will be very pleased to see you. The Belmont House car park (behind the council offices) is free on Saturdays.

For more information please call 01642 314860.

Emmanuel Church Hall Table Top and Collectors’ Sale: Our next dates are Saturdays, 1st, 15th, and 29th November then in December 6th and 20th. We are raising money for the boiler fund now. It’s been very busy these last 2 months and we had to open another room as well as the hall as we had extra people wanting to be in. It all helped with the boiler funds that we need to raise. Time’s flying past us this year and it won’t be long before it’s Christmas. 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, and some crafts, there is something for everyone. Home made refreshments and light lunches are on sale all day. Our all day breakfast and lunches and popular home baked stall are always available. Our kitchen is very busy and popular. Thank you everyone for your support. Contact Denise Marshall on 07929 589538.

Saltburn Farmers’ Market: The popular monthly Farmers’ Market will be back with another tasty mix of stalls on Saturday, 8th November. Just outside the Railway Station near Sainsbury’s, the fun begins at 9am.

Cover Illustration: Autumn colours

recognise that the country needs them. It would not be hypocrisy to fight a campaign against such a proposal, rather it would be strangely spineless to lie down and accept it. It is absolutely right to campaign for the preservation of Saltburn as we know and love it. Those who accuse us of nimbyism need to chose a different word. There’s nothing wrong with nimbyism. Nimbyism is a healthy response against those who, given a chance, would destroy something beautiful. Love, Ian

Send letters, adverts and contributions for the next issue (by Friday, 14th November 2014) to: The Editor, Talk of the Town c/o Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, Cleveland, TS12 1AQ. Telephone: 01287 623903 or email: talkofthetown@tyasi.freeserve.co.uk. Talk of the Town has a website: www.tottsaltburn.co.uk and the Friends of Talk of the Town can be found on Facebook.

Ripples will be open again on Saturday, 8th November. On behalf of all at Ripples, Angie and Kath wish to thank John Taylor and Cutty Wren Folk Club for their recent kind donation which has enabled us to purchase an A-board to advertise Saltburn’s monthly pop-up shop. The shop will be open again on Saturday, 8th November at The Workhouse (next door to Ripping Yarns), Dundas Street West from 9.00am onwards. Ripples stocks unique affordable gifts including pottery, jewellery, cards and a variety of items guaranteed to keep you, members of your family and your friends, warm this winter. Each month, all of the money from the sale of some of the goods (identified by coloured dots on price tickets) is donated to Teesside Hospice. For further details, contact Pat on 07789 123722 (or email: kath.west45@virginmedia.com).

WI Report: Ladies of Saltburn WI have had another busy month. On the 3rd October a coach headed for Boundary Mill for a little retail therapy and an opportunity for early Christmas present purchases. The Club meeting on the 7th was well attended and the speaker for the evening was Andrea Cross who demonstrated the art of making fabulous felt flowers. Andrea told us how she was inspired to start making these creations after attending a Craft Fayre. She told us about the different wools used and which sheep they were from. She generally used merino wool and demonstrated the technique for felting and making glorious felt flowers. Ladies were given the opportunity for ‘hands on’ making felt balls. An enjoyable evening had by members. Members have the opportunity to join in monthly activity groups such as supper club and walking and cookery clubs. There are also community activities such as cookery courses for ‘carers together’ at de-Brus campus Skelton and garden activities at Emmanuel Parish Church. Our Speaker next month is one of our own members, Maureen Potter, who will demonstrate ‘Christmas Delights’. This meeting will be held on the 13th November at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall, Milton Street, Saltburn at 7.30pm. New members always welcome.

Barbara Spanner

in Rifts Wood by Heather Lofthouse

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

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All the Fun of the Fire Saltburn-by-the-Sea Saltburn and feel that if you have a fire coming on, tomorrow is the day to choose for it.

A procession of engines a mile long - the procession of course, not the engines - will parade through Saltburn to be followed by competitions in which the spectators will have all the thrills and none of the dangers of a real fire.

Today will probably be spent in many Fire Stations in putting that extra bit of polish on engines and helmets which earned the Lord High Admiral of the Queens Navy promotion in his youth.

The sting in the tale came for one person after the event: a coach driver taking members of the Brighouse Fire Brigade home was caught speeding on the Great North Road and fined ÂŁ5 at Knaresborough Court for exceeding the speed limit with a motor coach. It was alleged that he drove at 35 to 42 mph.

The photograph below shows staff at Overdene. Please can you identify anyone on this photograph? We have placed a copy of the photograph in Saltburn Library to enable names to be added to those that we know, or ring Cath and Tony 01287 622519.

Some time ago we were loaned a photograph showing a large parade of firemen in uniform and wearing brass helmets passing Britannia Terrace.

One of the people we recognised was the Rev Waton who was leading the parade, at the time he would be chairman of the Saltburn and Marske Urban District Council, and this gave us an idea of the year. Asking around nobody could shed any light on the reason for the gathering of so many firemen. Eventually searching the British Newspaper archive on line we came across an article in the Yorkshire and Leeds Intelligencer dated Friday, 4th May 1934. It read as follows: All the Fun of the Fire Saltburn-by-the-Sea will enjoy better protection against fire tomorrow than ever before for the Yorkshire Fire Brigade Friendly Society is meeting there for its 63rd annual conference. Delegates are to attend complete with engines, although they are sure to leave some behind so there is no need for alarm in the towns sending delegates. But if you live in

Cath and Tony Lynn

Saltburn Photographic Society Wednesday, 5th November Themes and sequences in Close -up Photography by David Smith.

Wednesday, 12th November Out and About with Keith Hildreth Wild Life Photographer. Wednesday, 19th 2nd Monthly Competition results (Architecture) will be shown. Wednesday, 26th Yorkshire to Yellowstone with Ken Biggs. Travel and Landscape photography.

A Practical night will be held on Monday, 17th November at 7.00pm in our normal meeting room; more details available from contact number.

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A Coffee morning is being held on Saturday, 1st November in the downstairs room Saltburn Milton Street Methodist Church between 10.00am and noon.

Meetings are held in the upstairs hall, Saltburn Milton Street Methodist Church TS12 1EB at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to any of our meetings, there will be a small charge.

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

Advent Fair at Botton Village Steiner School, 7th December 11 - 4pm

Looking for that special gift and card?

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

Now also available online.

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

Saltburn Councillors’ Surgeries Councillors Philip Thomson and Stuart Smith Second Saturday in the month at Saltburn Library from 11am - noon.

Councillor Stuart Smith: Third Saturday in the month at the Station Portico outside Sainsbury’s Supermarket - 9:30am - 10:30am and 11:30am - 12:15pm Councillor Philip Thomson: Fourth Saturday in the month at Saltburn Library from 11am - noon.

Cllr Guy - 01287 622212. Cllr Thomson - 01287 624883.

Cllr Smith - 07557 540628.

If you are looking for a Traditional Christmas Market selling local crafts, then come along and enjoy carols, a puppet show, candle dipping and festive activities for all the family. Plus try some delicious wholesome food and homemade cakes in our vintage tea room and cafe.

This Christmas take a step back into the past and discover the hidden treasure that is Botton Village Steiner School, near Danby in the heart of the national park. We hope to see you there. www.facebook.com/BottonVillageSchool www.bottonvillageschool.co.uk

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Friends of Talk of the Town Hello from Friends of Talk of the Town.

November already! Soon we’ll be getting all flustered about the C word and whilst we perhaps all hanker for a white one: most would probably prefer that we don’t. I’m with those folks!

November is always a special month for my wife and I and this one we celebrate our fortieth wedding anniversary: she deserves a medal for sure! The lady has a lot to put up with believe me but rarely complains! If you share this month with us then we congratulate you too!

I’m often beseeched by our Editor to stay within either a half or a full page word count and this month I’ve made a conscious effort to do just that. Apparently, despite nearly twelve years of doing this he still hasn’t mastered fitting everything into its place. I’m not convinced but, well what do I know?

Naturally, I’ve got a bit of a different take on many things about ‘Saltburn Life’ since getting involved with Friends of the Valley; however, what is abundantly clear to me is that many, many people care passionately about both concerns. I am, however, somewhat frustrated to learn that it’s incredibly difficult to get people to volunteer to help us: yet supporting this magazine is something which seems to come naturally! Friends of the Valley enjoy a great relationship with Talk of the Town: clearly the production of our joint calendar is testament to that fact and they have begun selling. If you’ve not got yours yet you can get them from Eveline Brentano Flowers, Sainsbury’s, Real Meals, Upleatham Store and Saltburn library. In Marske, they are solely stocked by our amazing sponsors, Gbiz It. All profits

are shared equally between both parties. You can get them online from both of our websites.

We’d like to apologise to our postal subscribers who may have received their last magazine later than usual.

There were some delays in printing: however, it might have had something to do with the calendars! We hope this didn’t spoil your enjoyment of the magazine and we thank you for bearing with us on that one!

It was very nice to meet quite a few town folks when I made my long-overdue debut on the ‘valley’ stall at the October Farmers’ Market. I’ll have to admit (before the accusations fly) that I probably spent more time ‘engaging’ with folks than I did serving but that’s the burden of management, I guess. You already know that the Farmers’ Market is a fantastic town event and Lorna Jackson does an incredible job each month. If Lorna’s not actually been nominated for the prestigious Pride of Saltburn award then surely it is time somebody did! (I’m expecting to get an Editor’s comment here; however, if I do, then nominate her again!)

Finally, we’d like to congratulate Earthbeat for acquiring the ‘old school’ and wish them every success with their ventures. They collectively demonstrate that perseverance does eventually pay off and I am sure you join us in wishing them well.

(Five hundred and twenty-five words.)

Richard Dales-Coupland Secretary, Friends of Talk of the Town Trustee Director, Saltburn Friends of the Valley Ltd

Saltburn Miniature Railway Association

When Santa is coming to the Mine

The railway has now ceased to operate until Easter. We, the Volunteers would like to thank the public for all the help and good wishes which they gave after the floods of last year. We have still not fully recovered from the devastation but managed a full summers running. Maintenance continues on a Sunday morning and anyone wishing to call in to see the steamer or the other locos is welcome.

Bob Proctor (chair) robert.proctor@homecall.co.uk

Earthbeat call for volunteers Earthbeat are calling for volunteers offering to help restore the old school back to its former glory. Please tell them when you’re available and what you’d like to do. You can come along whenever you want (the school will be open from 9am until 9pm) but please tell us when you’re coming so that they can prepare equipment and buy enough biscuits.

They’re looking for volunteers on weekends in November in particular to help with the following tasks: preparation (scraping loose paint off walls, radiators, sanding woodwork), painting walls (emulsion paint with rollers), painting woodwork (gloss paint with brushes), providing refreshments to workers, and other skills (eg basic carpentry, laying carpets, sanding floors, stripping paint with hotgun, etc). They will supply gloves and masks but ask that you wear appropriate clothing.

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Santa has given notice that he will once again be visiting the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum on Saturday, 6th and Sunday, 7th December 2014. He would like to see as many children as possible whilst he will be in his underground grotto between 10am and 3pm. Children visiting Santa will take an exciting trip with their parents down the North Drift, once used for hauling out the tubs of ironstone, but seasonally decked out with twinkling Christmas lights. And at the bottom of the drift where once the tunnels would have branched off they will meet Santa and his sleigh. Santa will ask the young visitors what they would like for Christmas and he also has a special treat from his famous large sack ready to offer them during their visit. Admission charges will be £3.00 and adults £2.00; all visitors will receive a drink and mince pie/cake. Whilst visitors wait to see Santa there are games, crafts and other activities to entertain.

For further information please contact Jean the Education Officer on 01287 642877 (or email her on jean@ironstonemuseum.co.uk). Jean is also keen to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer with guiding, the education work, developing future events and join the enthusiastic volunteering team at the Museum.

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Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 6.00pm, Saturday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Sunday 10.00am to 2.00pm.

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

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

Councillors’ Column Winter is coming. So we might glean from the reduced opening hours at the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Dunsdale, now closing at 5pm although still open 7 days a week. The last green bin collection will be made on Thursday the 27th. After that it is either put away the lawn mower until Spring or take green cuttings to the Centre oneself.

Christmas is also on the way, at least the spirit is. Car parking charges in the Borough have been waived after 1pm each day on all Council managed car parks until the New Year. Saltburn car park users already benefit of course from out of season free parking all day on a Sunday. Free parking is still achievable off Saltburn Lane. The designated work to bring this car parking area up to modern standards has been put on hold after the discovery of problems with the soil condition.

Soil is moving up at Hob Hill as the new works commence on the latest addition to sporting facilities in the town. With this welcome investment and the imminent reinstatement of the Top Field and the award won by the Leisure Centre, sports persons have a good New Year to look forward to.

More double yellow lines may soon appear at Wilton Bank estate entrance and at the Milton Street and Marine Parade junction. These measures result from emergency services requests to be able to gain access and ensure free passage to incidents.

The next Saltburn Neighbourhood Action

Partnership public meeting will be on Wednesday, 12th November at 6pm in the Library. Open to all residents, business employees and local organisations this bimonthly opportunity to discuss local issues welcomes resident involvement. The guest speaker on this occasion will be an officer from the local Planning Department with a presentation on national and local housing.

The Town Clock has been silent for some weeks now and efforts are being made to fund the repairs so that its absent chimes can once more advise of the hour.

What has not been silent is the sound of the many cars which race through the town at many times during the night and even the day. Recent records of traffic speeds on Marske Road between 8am and 6pm taken inside the 30 MPH limit have demonstrated well what immediate residents have claimed for a long time. the speed of travel in both directions is unacceptable. If self regulation is not to be effective what more needs to be done to calm this anti social behaviour? Would Bottom Gear ever catch on?

There has been some rearrangement of Councillors’ Surgeries. From this month there will be three occasions to ‘consult’ in the Library. On the 1st, 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 11am until Noon, there will be an opportunity to meet a Councillor. If residents do not have time to visit, a request for direct contact can be made by leaving a message with Library staff at any time during the week.

Philip Thomson 7

Time to listen – before the traffic engulfs us all I’ve spent my career in the market research industry, so I would argue wouldn’t I, that the Council should be listening to its residents. But really, when there is so much frustration across East Cleveland that the Council just doesn’t seem to care about us, isn’t it time they started listening? Whether it’s the grass that isn’t getting cut, or the roads which get no attention - or sticking plaster solutions at best. Our residents are in outcry - time and again I hear on the doorstep that people feel like it’s Redcar & Redcar Council – and why wouldn’t they, when the vertical pier stands as £1.8 million worth of evidence? I hope you are sitting down before you read the next sentence. In comparison to the £75m spent regenerating Redcar, the investment in East Cleveland will be a mere £3 million. I have been carrying surveys out extensively across East Cleveland identifying the local issues which are troubling people. Where possible I sort things out with the aid of my team, but where the issues clearly are Council-related, I am taking these to the top. In the light of these numbers, I am re-doubling my efforts to get East Cleveland the attention we deserve.

I’m also calling on the Council to fulfil its moral duty to collaborate with neighbouring Councils on Teesside. Praise is due for the collaboration between Councils which led to the Tees Valley City Deal delivering millions of extra investment, signed off by Middlesbroughborn Cities Minister Greg Clark. Now we need our Councils to work together to ensure Teesside gets its fair share of infrastructure investment - and that our increasing traffic problems are addressed. For example, anyone who

suffers the Marton Crawl on the Stokesley Road/Marton Road will feel rightly frustrated by the failure of Redcar & Cleveland and Middlesbrough Councils to work together to resolve our traffic issues – and the problems are just getting worse and worse. A development is now being proposed which would build over the potential link road which could help alleviate congestion. I’m campaigning for the two Councils to talk to each other before it’s too late – you can visit my website to show your support.

As I told the press: “There is still time for them to get round the table - it’s time for them to step up.

And if they need neutral ground, I am happy to make available my office in Guisborough, or my home in Saltburn.

“At the moment the only thing our Councils are doing is bypassing their responsibility – not just to our area’s present inhabitants but towards our future generations. They must act now. It may seem ludicrous that a Conservative Parliamentary Candidate has to offer two Labour Councils a seat at the table but if that is what it takes, then so be it. I will even serve the coffee! The failure of these Councils is serving us up a triple whammy - the existing Marton Crawl and numerous other traffic hotspots, failure to plan for increasing resident numbers and the proposed development itself which will generate significant further traffic.”

Will Goodhand Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland 07980 673 186

Saltburn and District Group for Visually Impaired People (VIP) Hello everyone, and what a good turn-out we had for our October meeting.

We were joined by Healthwatch who wanted to know the difficulties encountered by people in reading their appointment letters, or on other written information from the National Health Service. It is proposed that by 2015 we will be able to state our preferred medium in which to have information sent to us! How great that will be!

Sue from Social Services Sensory Support also came and let us know what they could offer in the way of home visits and small equipment for the home to help with everyday issues.

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We also had a short visit from Wanda and husband John and Ripples, who is a therapy dog. We look forward to welcoming them back in the future for a longer session.

Our speaker in November will be Michelle from the Macular Society who will bring us up to date with the latest research and developments from the Society. They are currently offering a six month free membership to the Society. To have this arranged for you or a friend or family member, please come along on Wednesday, 12th November at 2pm, Coffee Lounge Community Centre, Albion Terrace, Saltburn. Or for further information about this or any of our future meetings, please contact Chris Ferguson on 01287 204170.

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

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

M. BELL Freelance Postal and Courier Services 2, North Avenue Saltburn-by-the-Sea North Yorkshire TS12 1QD Tel/fax: 01287 623673 Email: m.bell7@virgin.net Can pick up mail from local sorting office and deliver to you by 9.30am for ÂŁ1 per week 9

John Anthony Auton 1954-2014

There is a vacant barstool in The Back Alex. I look at it expecting to see John Auton or ‘Biker John’ as he was more usually known, sitting at the corner of the bar.

John has always been a biker and at one time was a motorcycle courier. He also was a big fan of non motorised cycles and his garage had more cycle parts than Halfords, alongside his motorbikes.

John was well known for his collecting of bargains from salerooms. John didn’t just have everything, but two of everything.

John was a quiet, private person but once you broke through his defensive barrier, he became a good friend.

The Alex bar is a place where all the world’s problems would be solved, from the theory of relativity to world peace, and such was the depth of John’s knowledge, that when a debate inevitably ground to a halt, he would have the information to resolve it.

John will be sadly missed by all his mates in the Alex.

Don Agar

When I were a Lad

Money was always a problem; well, the lack of it was.

Small amounts were made by shopping for parents or neighbours, and to supplement our meagre resources we sold various hedgerow fruits, when in season.

By climbing over the fence at the rear of the club, bottles could be obtained; these when handed back to the club brought in a few more coppers, until they came up with a cunning plan to stop our devious trade.

If you waited outside the club with your bike you could be asked to run a bet up to the bookie who operated from a house at the top of Brotton. This was in the days before legal betting offices were operating. Occasionally someone would have a big win and you could find a shiny half a crown being pressed into your hand, but usually it was a sixpence, still enough to fill your pockets with sweets at the local shop.

The quest for greater finances led us into ventures that children of today would be encouraged not to do; one of these was our fishing weight business. Lead was obtained from various sources and moulds were made in clay. It was at this point that we found out that the lead we had melted with the aid of our methylated spirit blowlamps, exploded into hot shrapnel on contact with wet mud. After words of advice we baked the moulds before use.

We did make money but not the riches we craved.

After the fishing weight business fell into recession we found that if we happened to find precious metals like brass or copper, it could be exchanged at the local scrapyard for money.

The tip that had provided components for bikes was also the source of our precious metals.

Eventually I had to conform to more legitimate work and started a paper round, up early every morning before school then again at four o’clock to deliver evening papers, for the vast sum of fifteen shillings a week, but it bought me a real bike and not one made up from the tip.

And that was the start of many other adventures.

Tyke 10

Saltburn in Bloom Whilst writing this article I am looking out of the window at the rain falling and I am actually delighted. The gardeners were working yesterday on Albion Terrace and the Bandstand beds and we realised how dry the ground is beneath the surface.

As winter approaches our work continues with lots of tidying jobs to do - weeding, splitting perennials, removing dead foliage and planting bulbs. If you have any perennials that could be split or other unwanted plants that we could use please contact us. We would also be grateful for any spare trays or pots of plants if you grow your own. Perhaps you have a greenhouse or polytunnel where you could grow some plants for us.

We are in the process of applying for a grant to have the Fossil bed near the Cliff Lift terraced, as recommended by Greg Sills from Scurator. This bed suffers from soil slippage, is very difficult to garden and has been sadly neglected during recent years. The Halfpenny Bridge bed is being opened out more as the plants are hiding the model. The town sign also needs some attention. The Engine bed is now finished, having had the garden reduced and gravel placed around. It was decided that plants were not needed there as the engine itself is the star feature.

We must thank Ray Richardson and Dave Parkes who put in some hard labour doing the work.

We are concerned about the problems with litter around the big raised garden at Sainsbury’s and another litter bin has been requested. Then we hope to liaise with other agencies to work with the people who drop litter and trample the plants, which has been an issue all summer.

You will realise that Saltburn in Bloom is not just about hanging baskets and floral displays in the summer. We garden all year round, weather permitting. Since January the gardening group have worked 1070 hours in total and you must agree that this is a marvellous contribution from this group of volunteers. Delightedly, the Gardening group have been short-listed in the South Tees Volunteering Excellence Awards and are invited to a presentation event at the Riverside Stadium on November 6th. So fingers crossed!

We are always looking for more volunteers.

You might know someone who is new to Saltburn, is lonely or depressed, out of work or recovering from illness, missing their garden after having moved, etc.

All ages are welcome! People work at their own pace and within their capabilities and are made most welcome. Wednesday morning is our usual gardening day, meeting for 2 hours with the obligatory break for coffee and biscuits. Why not come and join us?

Contact me Lynda Parkes Tel. 209518 (or email lynda_parkes@hotmail.com).

Lynda Parkes

NEEDS YOU Saltburn 500 Club is looking for new members to join!

The 500 Club, along with Friends of Saltburn, raise funds to help to improve/maintain the pleasant ambience of the town.

Funds raised pay for, or go towards: Christmas Lights Summer Band performances Flower displays around the town Plus many other activities/displays There is a monthly prize draw which pays a top prize of £100 and 5 other cash prizes.

Membership of the 500 Club is £12 per annum, which can be paid monthly.

Membership forms are available from Jackie’s Saverstore or the library.

People not wishing to participate in the 500 Club can make donations to Friends of Saltburn, which is purely for fund-raising.

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Veterinary Matters Remember, Remember.........that the season of loud bangs and flashes is upon us. It affects not only the dogs in our house, but work has shown that cats, rabbits, birds, horses can all be affected in some way.

One ad campaign is suggesting making a den in your house for the dog or cat to hide in. This may be a good idea if there is a secluded space, so start planning. Other adverts suggest using a variety of different drugs or pheromones or natural calmers. Some need weeks to introduce them to your pet, others may not. Talk to your vet about what you have tried in the past and what they suggest now. There are one or two new ideas out there.

With regards to helping pets other than the dog, there is not a great variety of therapies, but they need to be helped to avoid the stress. Horses may injure themselves if they get worked up, cats may soil in the house, be sick, self groom or hide away. Birds often appear calm, but they too can start self plucking. All of these responses to an unnatural and upsetting stimulus can last for days or weeks after the event.

Best to work out a strategy now.

The next point to address is linked in some ways to the first one. What can I do with my pet when I move house? Dogs often settle well in new surroundings, as they are inquisitive and territorial creatures. They will soon mark their surroundings outside the home as long as they feel secure in the new place. Cats, on the other hand do not

relish change. They may hide in the attic, not eat, soil in very inappropriate places or even get so stressed they develop cystitis or self lick to excess. If you are lucky and have relaxed cats, as we did in our last move, they adjust and settled and adjusted amazingly quickly. If not, then you may need calming medications, plenty of newspaper, lots of hiding places, cat litter trays and water spots, as well as tons of patience. Even then it is often a visit to your vet that points you in the right direction. Ask them to help you solve the problem, but it may be that there is no simple solution.

I was recently posted a question; “My horse has a black mark in his eye. What could it be?” As an ophthalmologist I am called on to examine a wide range of mammals, reptiles and birds. In my previous posts I was involved with large animals, including horses, as well as various zoo species. I have often been asked my opinion on an eye. These days I quite often get a mobile phone photo, but, unfortunately it is not always good enough to make a definitive diagnosis.

However, it is a start. The problem with this particular eye has yet to be resolved. Hopefully it will be a simple cyst, and I will keep you posted in next month's issue.

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

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

How to resist the external wind in Autumn?

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help strengthen the body and increase its defensive capabilities, thus being very useful to prevent external wind attacks (colds, allergies...) in key transitional seasons like Spring and Autumn.

The repetitive occurrence of these attacks each year may indicate some weakness in the body to resist external agents and correspond to an imbalance in the system of organs and meridians. These imbalances may arise from multiple causes that affect the defensive capacity of the body as stress, poor or inadequate diet, constitutional weakness, environmental pollution, virulent pathogens or the presence of toxic agents.

The defensive capability of the organism involves several organs that determine its natural protection against external changes (seasons) and exceptional weather conditions. Lung, which is the input via of external elements and also corresponds to the skin’s defence system, is a key player and its strength determines our ability to adapt to the outside. The quality and quantity of defensive energy of lungs is crucial for the effective protection of the body, maintaining a good health and a harmonious adaptation to the environment.

The defensive energy functions are to protect the body from external agents and trigger defence reactions adapted to the most virulent agents. If this defence system is altered, allergies, conditions of cold type or repeated catarrh may occur. When this defensive energy is strong and 12

plentiful, one can be kept in good health, but when it’s deficient, it can affect the health and the body is exposed to external agents like dust, animal dander, mould, pollen, bacteria, viruses, etc. Therefore, people with fragile system defence, are prone to allergies and colds.

To determine the underlying pattern of disharmony and stimulate the body’s defence capacity to address the Autumn, a careful assessment must be carried out: • The state of the energy and its defence component.

• The conditions of occurrence of colds or allergies and particular manifestations in each case.

• External factors involved in the disorder (wind, humidity, cold, heat, dryness).

Some foods that can boost energy and defensive energy of lung are: • Cereals: corn (specific for lung), millet, rice.

• Fruits: figs (sweet and neutral), grapes (sweet-acidic and neutral), • Vegetables: carrots, cauliflower, turnip, radish.

The TCM, through acupuncture and moxibustion, can help to revive and strengthen the body and especially the defensive energy, thus significantly helping us to keep healthy in a season as critical as Autumn. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me for any consultation.

Josep-Anton Monfort (www.acupuncture.cat)

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Saltburn Beachwatch Having been invited to attend morning assembly at both Saltburn and Skelton primary schools to promote Saltburn Beachwatch the reception I got gives me hope for the future. I was surprised by the children’s awareness of the issues facing Saltburn Beach and the marine environment in general.

It was an interesting and a somewhat nerve-racking experience for me as it is not something I am used to doing. I was under the illusion that the children would be too shy to ask questions but I was confronted with a number of very good and thought provoking questions from some who were obviously interested in the subject.

I think the fact that environmental studies are now on the national curriculum for this age group is very positive and hopefully will lead to a future where there is an awareness of man’s impact on the environment in general and what this means for Saltburn beach. One of the central messages (put your litter in the bin or take it home with you) seems to be understood by the majority of these children. They are also aware of the wider implications of leaving litter (especially plastics) on the beach and are taking these messages back home to their families.

It was inspiring therefore when quite a number of the children I had met at the assemblies arrived with siblings and their parents to volunteer to help with the Saltburn Beachwatch litterpick and survey which took place on the 20th September. Although it was a chilly and drizzly day, 34 adults and 20 children attended our usual 2hr session in which we litterpicked and surveyed a larger proportion of beach than usual. We had the opportunity (with this number of volunteers) to do this as the usual section of the beach we litterpick and survey was relatively clean probably due to the activities of other litterpicking groups, the ongoing work of the council and the lack of storms this summer. However, we still picked up 29 bags of rubbish weighing 105kg, consisting of 3234 individual items leaving the beach as clean as I have seen it in 14 years. Long may it continue!

If you would like to help at the next Saltburn Beachwatch litterpick and survey on Saturday, 6th December 2014, please see Talk of the Town or local press or contact myself at roye.smith47@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 01287 204204.

Roy Smith

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News and Views from the Valley The valley has been rich with glowing autumn colour but each day the winds bring down the leaves, the display will diminish. The blacks and greys of Winter and the darker days are fast approaching. The sunny days, when they happen, are stunning.

On our site where we have the zig zag path, we have closed off the “short cut” steps with a row of flower pots. This is because the steps are slippery and there is no handrail. We will move the pots in summer and/or when further work is carried out. Until then we are not responsible for any consequence of the public using the steps.

October has been busy. The meadow has had its final cut and bale: final in the sense that the funding which Katie Metcalfe and Friends of the Valley secured for meadow improvement has come to an end and we need a continuing plan to carry on with our meadow management.

While thinking about the viaduct end of the valley, now is the time for planting trees and so if anyone is thinking they would like a fruit tree in our orchard please get in touch. These can be sponsored for any private commemoration, a birth, a memorial, an anniversary. They are planted without plaques. We are creating a mixed orchard of old, native species of fruit trees.

We had a very successful Farmers’ Market in October. Sainsbury’s gave us a prime spot outside their

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store and their staff made really scrummy cakes for us to sell. We had a busy and profitable day.

We were also selling our joint calendars produced in association with Talk of the Town; they are available in Sainsbury’s, Saltburn Library, Eveline Brentano’s, Real Meals and Lune Street “Top Shop.” If you are an ‘out of town reader’ calendars can also be purchased through our website and on eBay (search: Saltburn Calendars).

We have confirmed our Christmas grotto at the Woodland Centre. Ticket prices will be £3 per child and include a gift for every child, kindly supplied by Sainsbury’s. Tickets are on sale now directly from us and will be available from our Farmer’s Market stall on Saturday, 8th November. Keep in touch with our Facebook page or website for further details.

Finally, if you have recently joined our group, welcome along, we appreciate your support and look forward to working with you! More information about our events can be found by visiting our website www.saltburnfriendsofthevalleyltd.co.uk See our poster—page 65

Lorna Moone

Charity Crafters The date for the next Charity Crafters drop in is Wednesday, 5th November (and every 1st Wednesday) from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at The Workhouse (next-door to Ripping Yarns) in Dundas Street West. Please drop in and find out what we are doing and have a cuppa. We’re still busily knitting and crocheting and are now thinking of blankets, scarves, hats etc for the winter for anyone in need. How about some knitted toys for children? We can provide you with wool and needles and also show you a selection of patterns to choose from. If you don’t have time to stay, but do enjoy knitting and crochet, we can find a good home for anything you make. If your family have grown up, we’d love you to knit or crochet for us.

It doesn’t have to be knitting: how about making some cards for us to pass on? For further information please contact Angie on 01287 205153 or email Kath (at kath.west45@virginmedia.com).

Valley Players The Valley Players enjoyed an evening catching up with each other for the first time since shedding their pigeon feathers in July. We are now looking forward to entering Saltburn festival with a youth production and possibly an adult play as well.

Meanwhile we will be hosting the table top Sale in the Community Centre on November 8th in order to raise some much needed funds so please come along and support us.

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The Middleton Choir with guests Guisborough Citadel Salvation Army Band

Annual Christmas Concert at

Saltburn Methodist Church, Milton Street, Saltburn on Wednesday 10th December 7.00pm

Tickets ÂŁ6 including seasonal refreshments available from Saltburn Health Shop, also 01642 479038, 01642 648594, 01642 477824, (01287 624622), choir members or at the door

Do join us as we celebrate Christmas

Saltburn Beer Festival

Friday 14th and Saturday 15th November Cleveland CAMRA is holding its 5th beer festival at the Community and Arts Centre and, once again, the Spa Hotel is sponsoring the glasses featuring the above logo.

This is the third logo of well known Saltburn landmarks which has been specially designed for us by David Jowsey (david_jowsey@hotmail.com).

Polo shirts with this embroidered logo will be available to order in assorted sizes and colours at the festival.

There will be 38 real ales, cider, perry, hot food, snacks and soft drinks for sale.

Tickets are on sale at Whistle Stop Wines in Saltburn Square and from the SCAA office (or www.saltburnarts.co.uk).

CAMRA members will receive a refund on the door with a membership card.

(More information available from www.clevelandcamra.org.uk) 15

Saltburn Slow and Steady Traditional Tune Session On Wednesday, 12th November and on the second Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm we invite musicians to join us at Saltburn House, Marine Parade, Saltburn TS12 1BX for a slow and steady traditional tune session. We play traditional tunes from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and encourage playing tunes together. So if you enjoy playing a musical instrument and would like to play with others, then join us and we will break you in gently by playing the tunes slowly for you to pick up. From 9pm we may speed things up a bit. Our ‘official’ finish time is 10pm so we won’t keep you out too late if you have to get to work the next morning. Players of all instruments and abilities are welcome to join us. So dust off that fiddle, drag that flute out of the attic (or any other instrument hiding up there) and join us. A warm welcome awaits you at Saltburn House where you can also get a pint of good ale, soft drinks or tea, coffee etc. If you are interested or know of anyone who may be, please pass these details on.

For more information do not hesitate to contact Angie on 01287 205153 (or email four.fools@virgin.net). We do send out a reminder so if you wish to be added to our mailing list please contact us.

P.S. We also gather at Guisborough Rugby Club from 7.30pm on a Sunday night for a ‘nurdle’ before Guisborough Folk Club starts.

16

Saltburn, Marske & New Marske Parish Council Following complaints about noise nuisance from cockerels on allotments advice has been taken from the Environmental Protection Team at the Borough Council. As a result, any tenant wishing to keep cockerels on an allotment in the Parish will have to abide by the following: 1. Cockerels to be enclosed in a darkened shed/ outbuilding by 10pm during light nights.

2. They should not be released from the darkened shed/ outbuilding any earlier than 7am.

3. The height within the enclosure should be restricted so that cockerels cannot extend their necks to carry out crowing activity.

Small grants are available to assist community groups please visit our website for further details and to download the required application form (www.smnmpc.co.uk).

Christmas is fast approaching and the annual event in Saltburn is due to take place on Saturday, 29th November.

Entertainment will be held throughout the afternoon, mainly in the Library, including Punch and Judy, face painting and

Christmas craft making. The Christmas Tree lights will be switched on at 5.00pm by local children. Saltburn Fire Brigade will then accompany Father Christmas into the town and escort him to his grotto which will be located at the Station Portico.

A competition to create a fire safety poster is being held, in partnership with the Fire Brigade and the Parish Council, and the winners will be invited to switch on the Christmas tree lights in the town. Details of the competition and the official entry form can be downloaded from the Parish Council website.

Any resident within the Parish who would like to go on the waiting list for an allotment should contact the office or download an application form from our website.

Tracy Meadows (Clerk and RFO to the Parish Council) Tel: 01287 623477 Email: office@smnmpc.co.uk www.smnmpc.co.uk

Beanstalk Reading is the key to unlocking any child’s future potential. And for our poorest kids it’s one of the best routes out of poverty. Children who read well by 11 do better at school, get better exam results and do better in the workplace - they’re also best placed to give their own children the best start in life. However, here in the UK, far too many children leave primary school every year without being a confident reader. This includes 40% of children from our poorest families. This has terrible knock on effects for these kids’ future prospects. The UK has a strong link between low pay, unemployment and poor reading skills. Not reading well can mean a life sentence of poverty (see more at: http://www.readongeton.org.uk/ #sthash.8Xk81zCV.dpuf).

Read On, Get On is a group of organisations and businesses coming

together to ensure all our children have brighter futures by leaving primary school as confident readers.

Beanstalk are one of the organisations involved in Read On, Get on and we work all over the North East recruiting volunteers to go into schools and work one to one with children who have fallen behind in their reading. We currently have schools waiting in Redcar, Saltburn, Brotton and Loftus.

If you are interested, have time to spare and are passionate about helping a child to read, grow and succeed please get in touch on 01325 3 1 5 0 4 0 ( o r e m a i l durham@beanstalkcharity.org.uk).

O u r w e b s i t e i s www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk for more information.

Saltburn Cons Club Our Events to entertain in November Friday 7th November and every Friday from 8pm. Friday Mic Night. Most Tuesday nights are open Jazz sessions where local Jazz musicians meet, rehearse and jam. All welcome.

Saturday 8th Charaoke for Doorways, Sing to the Seventies. From 8pm.

Wednesday 12th and 26th Julie’s Quiz, new teams always welcome.

Every Tuesday night at 10 pm, Meat and bottle draw.

Every Sunday, 2 pm. Bingo with Julie.

Every Sunday, 6pm, Beer Draw and Cash Rollover, (now £200 & increasing by £25 each week until won).

Most Saturday afternoon meetings of ‘The Conmen’, Americana Musicians jam session.

Also meetings of The Book Club, Saltburn Line Users Group, Camra, Residents Groups and others.

Happy Hours:- Weekdays 5:30pm till 7:00pm, Saturday & Sundays 3:00pm till 5:00pm. All Beers still £2 Pint.

See the following page for Mike’s regular article.

17

Meldrew at The Cons Victor Meldrew finally put both feet in the grave when the TV series ended in November 2000 but his ghost lives on in me and many grumpy old men that I know. Like Victor, I am prone to putting both feet in my mouth, but thankfully not yet the grave. ‘I don’t believe it’ is a phrase that forms in my mind whenever I see yet more of my council tax being wasted. At this time of year the woods are beautiful with the magnificent coloured autumn leaves and as I live across the road from Rifts Wood I feel privileged to watch seasons come and go.

My ‘Meldrew Moment’ came last week when on coming home I found that the council had been industriously sweeping up the leaves into neat piles, one situated either side of my drive. The problem was having swept the leaves up they were not collected and within a day they had, as leaves do, decided to disperse themselves within every nook, cranny, and drain.

Saltburn town being built on top of a hill, and hundreds of feet above sea level, should never be subjected to flooding; however, last year there were several flash floods around the Marske Mill Lane area.

Two of my friends had considerable damage to their home in The Crescent when a torrent of dirty water tore through their house. So what is the connection? The street drains are being choked with uncollected leaves and are incapable of coping with any kind of heavy rain. I have lived ‘by the wood’ for 30 years, during which time I have watched council road sweepers regularly turn up and keep the roads clean, also we regularly saw the drains being pumped clear of debris, but over the past few years these essential machines have not been seen in action anywhere near as much as before. So when we have more flash floods in Saltburn in the coming winter, I will not be saying ‘I don’t believe it’, but to councillors, I will be saying ‘I told you so’.

Another ‘Meldrew Moment’ overtook me when I read in the paper, this week, that when a man in severe pain phoned 999 for an ambulance, the jobsworth that took his call debated with him the need of an ambulance and finally told him to phone 999 if he became unconscious, confused or collapsed. As a consequence the poor man did not receive immediately the correct treatment. As reported in the paper, he died a few days later in agony. We should not have to endure such bad public service in this great country in the twenty-first century.

I am sorry to report that David Rigg has resigned his position as secretary of our club after many years of splendid service. David wishes to spend more time with his family and for travelling with his wife Anne. David has been a very important member of our team who have been involved in saving our club in past dire times and helping to secure the future. We all thank David and Anne for their good work at the club and are pleased to announce that David and Anne Rigg are now honorary life members as unanimously agreed by the committee.

As David has stood down we now have a vacancy for 18

secretary. The following notice will be displayed in the club:- There is a vacancy for the post of Club Secretary.

This is a non-remunerative position and entails the recording of minutes at the monthly meeting of the Committee and distributing such to Committee members.

In addition, the Secretary will work closely with the Chairman and Stewardess relating to matters associated with the management of the Club. Those interested in the position should contact Joe Cockfield, our Chairman, in order to discuss the position in detail (or email me and I will pass the message on to Joe).

A couple of new ideas have been put into place to entertain our members, ‘Sunday Bingo’ with Julie Towell and Charaoke Nights with Shaun Cook.

Julie is running a Sunday Bingo, every Sunday at 2 pm. The basis of games will be all money in, all money out. Cash prizes will depend on the number of people playing the game, so the more the merrier. The games started in October and have already attracted a small following, so if you and your friends fancy a little flutter on a Sunday afternoon, call in to the club. Don’t forget that happy hours start at 3.00pm, so after your game you could be enjoying a pint of the best beers around for only £2.

Club Committeeman Shaun Cook has agreed to do a series of Karaoke Nights for Charity thus the name Charaoke. We did one last month for Zoë’s Place and raised £100. The next events are planned for Saturday 8pm, 8th November and will be for ‘Doorways’, Saltburn’s own Charity. The following one being on Saturday, 20th December, for Banardardo’s Children’s Charity, (more of this next month). Our thanks go to Julie and Shaun.

Before I pack away my lap top, I feel yet another Meldrew Moment sweeping over me. Looking at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council web site to see if anything interesting was happening in Saltburn, I went into the ‘what’s on’ section. You may have guessed, nothing at all.

I then looked up ‘Events and Clubs/activities’ which contained events from Southbank to Guisborough and everywhere else between and guess what, Saltburn was mentioned 4 times! However, this was in a list of 484, less than 1%. I dooooon’t believe it! This is an indicator of how important Saltburn is to RCBC and an indication of how effective our current three councillors have been within RCBC. As my hero Meldrew would have said, ‘What in the name of blood hell is that.’

As always, I claim sole responsibility for the comments and remarks made here. If anyone wishes to make comment I will answer all emails sent to me. Other than that, I will be happy to explain and defend my comments over a friendly pint at the bar.

Mike Sellars, Club President.

Email mike.sellars@ntlworld.com This article financially supported by Saltburn Conservative & Unionist Club.

For the club’s list of events normally found at the bottom of this page, see the previous page, page 17.

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SALTBURN CRICKET CLUB Marske Mill Lane, Tel 01287-622761 th

Weds 12 and 26th November BINGO – Eyes down - all welcome Wed 19th November - U3A Quiz 7.00pm start ... SALTBURN BLUES CLUB ...

Sat 15th Nov Henry Priestman with support Flossie Malavialle (£10) Sat 29th Nov Lewis Hamilton Band support John Alexander (£8) These are all-ticket nights with 10% DISCOUNT for Club members Sat 22nd Nov “Shiver” appearing at the Club – come along if you dare!!!!!!

5th November – Grand Firework Display 7.45pm (adults £3, Children £2, under 5s free) Warm up with a party in the Club … if you have a function coming up where you need a convenient venue with loads of free parking, reasonable prices, prize-winning real ales and friendly staff, contact us to book your night.

Members and non-members welcome.

Available for your functions Contact Club for details & tickets Facebook saltburncricketbowlsandtennis socialclub

Soupa Doopa!

Foodies enjoy another busy day at Saltburn Farmers’ Market Glorious autumn sunshine brought foodies and shoppers out in force with Saltburn Farmers’ Market enjoying one of its busiest days of the year so far on Saturday, 11th October.

Several stalls sold out before 1pm on the day, and Saltburn Allotment Association raised over £100 to plough back into the town’s allotment community.

Sue Featherstone of Saltburn Allotment Association said: “We’ve had a really busy and enjoyable day here again at the Market, and we’ve raised over £100 by selling a mix of fresh vegetables, plants and some hearty allotment soup.

“Some of the money will go towards our annual Pumpkin Party in the Allotment Wildlife Garden. The party starts at 4.30pm on 24th October, and it will be a great day for

both young and young at heart families to enjoy.”

Market organiser Lorna Jackson said: “We’re chuffed to bits the Allotment Society have had another good day. They joined us during our first year of holding the Farmers’ Markets here in 2008, and they’re a great example of the fantastic community spirit we have here in Saltburn. It’s been another amazing day here again. The place has been buzzing all day long, quite a few stalls have completely sold out before one o’clock, and it’s just a great feeling to see so many people who share our passion for good locally produced food.”

Saltburn Farmers’ Market is next up on Saturday, 8th November. Near Saltburn Railway Station, 9am-3pm.

Sue Featherstone of Saltburn Allotment Association, pictured during a busy day at Saltburn Farmers’ Market in October.

19

SALTBURN BLUES CLUB

A line-up from Yorkshire, THE TOM GEE BAND, was the main act at Saltburn Blues Club’s late September gig. The Blues gets a softer treatment with this fine, very talented, really engaging young band who gave a great performance.

Their CD, Swapping Stories, is well worth adding to your collection. LYNDON ANDERSON, one of the best in the business on harmonica, and Davey Drummond also performed that night and delivered a wonderful traditional Blues set to get the evening under way. Two excellent acts that revel in live performance.

On October 4th, SEAN TAYLOR returned to the club for a solo session. Another outstanding talent, he was prepared to travel from his London base and sing and play for us in Saltburn with the same passion and commitment he gives to his big venue audiences. He came to us fresh from his recent very successful European tour. Softly spoken preperformance, enjoying light-hearted banter between numbers, he becomes totally riveting and creates an extraordinary emotional atmosphere in the room when he sings and plays.

Just superb.

There’ll be two gigs to enjoy during November.

HENRY PRIESTMAN returns to us once again on the 15th.

This isn’t a Blues night but every time he’s appeared on our stage, we’ve had a great night. Henry is best known for his time with the band, The Christians, writing all the songs on their debut album which had over 1 million sales in the UK alone. His music career can only be described as phenomenal.

Not only singing and playing with big names, it’s the number of artists he has written for, and with, that is so impressive.

And that’s besides all the film and TV soundtracks he’s written and numerous other projects. He decided to return to singing after many, many years and found great success with his solo album, Chronicles of Modern Life. As busy and popular as ever, he’s making time to come to Saltburn, no doubt playing numbers from his latest album, The Last Mad Surge of Youth.

If that isn’t enough, the support that night is Flossie Malavialle, a beautiful, sensational French singer living locally with a voice that’s pure and lyrical. Henry always has great rapport with his fellow artists as well as the audience.

It’s going to be a good night. Really worth putting this date in your diary.

On Saturday, 29th November, we have THE LEWIS

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HAMILTON BAND. Playing together since August 2010, they’ve made a name for themselves in the UK and Europe.

Very popular at Blues festivals, they’ve been mainstage performers at Hebden Bridge and Maryport festivals. Lewis is still only very young but the band has caught the attention of Bob Harris who played tracks from their third studio album on his Radio 2 show last July. Quite an endorsement.

So come and join us at our usual venue, The Cricket Club on Marske Mill Lane. Find all our details at www.saltburnbluesclub.co.uk and our facebook page. You’ll be doing your bit to keep Saltburn’s music scene alive and kicking.

Harry

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 November for babies and newcomers to the town

21

22

‘Yarnstormers’ invade Redcar

Faye Hanson at Book Corner

Margaret Bennett, of Saltburn, and her husband Malcolm, show one of her exhibits at the textiles display at Redcar’s Hub preview session on 12th October.

The exhibition continues until mid-November.

Saltburn art is on display at the Hub on Redcar’s promenade - with inspiration from the town’s famous yarnstormers.

Knitting enthusiast Margaret Bennett has half-adozen items in an exhibition, which goes on until midNovember.

She said the yarnstormers had influenced her work which features white figures a few inches high encased in see-through plastic.

A mother-and-baby display shows the child lying on the floor. Margaret hopes visitors will ask why and what the story is behind the display. She leaves it to the visitor to decide what the tale is.

The figures are made of mixed fibres which are held together with wire. The selling price is £40 without the stand and £85 with it.

Mark Hickson, who runs the Hub art displays with his wife Nel, said artists were expected to pay 35 per cent commission to the council-run base and to help one day a month.

He said that among the 150 artists who have displayed material since Easter 2013 have been practitioners based at the Saltburn Artists’ Projects Gallery in Marske Road, Saltburn. They include Alan Bulmer, Margaret Jackson, Glynis Johnson, Heather Bareham, Les Southerton and Carol Shaw.

Mr Hickson, who is a trustee of the Saltburn gallery, said nearly 40,000 people had visited the Hub, which is almost opposite the Beacon, since it opened.

The textile exhibition in which Margaret Bennett is displaying items is one of two currently running at the Hub.

Illustrator and author Faye Hanson will be visiting Book Corner for a storytelling and book signing event on Saturday 22nd November, from 11am – 2pm.

Originally from Saltburn, Faye is the author and illustrator of ‘The Wychwood Fairies’ and ‘Cinderella’s Secret Diary’. She has also created illustrations for books by Michael Morpurgo.

Faye is visiting Book Corner to read and sign copies of her new children’s picture book, ‘The Wonder’. This beautiful book tells the story of a boy whose amazing imagination leads others to dismiss him as a daydreamer… until he attends his art class.

Why not visit us on the 22nd November (you can drop in anytime between 11am and 2pm), meet Faye, get your very own copy of ‘The Wonder’, and maybe even hear the story?

You can see more of Faye’s work on her website (www.fayehanson.co.uk). You can also contact Book Corner for more information about the event on 01287 348010.

23

Lancaster fly past revives memories

Crowds flock round the Canadian Lancaster bomber during its visit to Durham Tees Valley Airport.

On Thursday, 28th August wartime memories were re-lived

by John Besford, now 91, of Laurel Road, Saltburn, who was a navigator in 514 Squadron of the RAF during World War Two, flying on Lancaster bombers.

One of the only two remaining flying Lancasters, belonging to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Trust and over in the UK on tour, visited Durham Tees Valley Airport.

John was able to get close to the plane, nicknamed Vera, and talked to the flight engineer. The most emotional moments were when the four engines fired up and the Lancaster took off and made three passing low-level flights.

John would have liked to have gone on board to sit in his old navigator’s seat, but there was a two hour queue, which made it impossible.

It was thanks to a lift from John Wells, of Saltburn, that enabled him to go, after his brother was suddenly admitted to hospital. John would also like to thank David Willis, chairman of the local branch of the Royal British Legion for attending to his medals, thus allowing him to wear them on the day. John said: “It was memorable day, but very tiring.”

Ex-RAF navigator John Besford with an RAF re-enactor during the Lancaster bomber visit.

The Lancaster was seen over Saltburn during the visit. An engine caught fire the day after the August visit and the damage repaired at the airport.

Pictures by courtesy of John Wells’ nephew Peter Smith, of Billingham.

Spoil heaps of Litter removed from Mine Sites The Friends of Eston Hills, the community conservation group who bought 3 acres of land at Eston Nab earlier this year, teamed up with The Cleveland Mining History Society and Flatts Lane Country Park yesterday to remove some 60 sacks of litter from many of the historic mining sites on Eston hills. Some 60 bags of rubbish were collected along the escarpment from Trustee Gunpowder Magazine to New Bank drift and the grade II-listed Guibal Fanhouse aka ‘SS Castle’.

Craig Hornby, The Friends’ chair and film-maker behind the acclaimed documentary ‘A Century in Stone’ on Eston’s mining history said, “These sites are so important in the history of Middlesbrough and Teesside and they are trashed. I do guided walks across these hills and people, very often from outside the area, are shocked by the chronic amount of litter and vandalism. So to see a group aged from 7 to 70-plus caring enough to spend all day up there and The Friends are seeking major funding for ambitious making such a big difference is fantastic. The craic was plans for heritage and conservation on Eston hills (for more great!” info please visit www.estonhills.info).

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Presenting

‘Mrityu’

20th December Saltburn Theatre Mrityu can be translated as Sanskrit for death, yet it is not death as an end but death as a release of the spirit from the cage of the body into eternity. In an ambitious collaboration Zoobin Surty will work with writer Carmen Thompson to create a unique multi-disciplinary performance as an alternative celebration of the Winter Solstice. At this darkest time of the year when the earth tilts once more towards the sun and the days begin to grow longer, this piece will look at death as liberation.

Through poetry and dance the work will explore the opposition between the chaotic destructiveness of political conflict and the creative power of the feminine, depicting the journey of a woman from maiden, to mother, to crone and her unique encounters with life and death, darkness and light.

To achieve this ambitious project, Zoobin has chosen experienced contemporary dancers who are hoping to develop and deepen their practice through a unique challenge and the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed artist.

For further details contact Zoobin directly on zoobinkarmadance@hotmail.co.uk / 07532109562.

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Cleveland Karate Club

WIKF European Championship Success On the 3rd October 2014 Luke Wales, age 11 years, a pupil at Wheatlands Primary School, Redcar and a student at Cleveland Karate Club travelled with Instructor Sensai Jeff Probst and the England Karate Team to the 17th WIKF European Championships held in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Luke was one of 500 competing and went on to win three gold medals in three categories. He became the WIKF European Champion for Individual Kata and Kumite, plus Team Kumite. Luke was the only competitor to win gold in all three categories.

Luke has been a member of the club from the age of 7 years and has worked hard for all he has achieved. He also received his Pictured here are Luke and Jeff in Cyprus and Luke with his three gold medals 1st Dan Black Belt on the 3rd August 2014.

Luke is a valuable member of the club and a great Anyone wishing to join the club, please contact example for the rest of the students.

Sensai Jeff Probst 6th Dan on 07813 217331.

Hire a special place for your meetings or family events at the Woodland Centre in Saltburn’s Valley Gardens Contact Lorna 01287 624571 Ingrid 01287 622454 or Richard 07910 700429 Further details online at www.saltburnfriendsofthevalleyltd.co.uk 26

Nigel’s VIPs! Very Important Pets!

DOG WALKING, PET CARE & HOME SITTING Co.

Est’d. 2002 TEL: 07891 092007

N.A.R.P. Registered & Insured Excellent References

Saltburn Tennis Club

Even though you think the tennis season is over, coaching is happening at the club, for all ages of children and adults. The following happens on a Monday: Mini-Tennis: Ages 4-8, 3.45 to 4.30pm Ages 8-10, 4.30 to 5.30pm Junior Tennis: Ages 10-15, 5.30 to 6.30pm Cardio Tennis: Ages 16+, 6.30 to 7.30pm Any standard welcome. To come to the Monday sessions please contact Claire Smith on 079143 83912.

Other sessions take place on a Saturday: Ages 8-11, 10.15 to 11.15am Ages 12+, 11.30 to 1.30pm Contact 01642 477781 for Saturday sessions only.

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Winkies Castle Folk Museum 162 High Street Marske by the Sea TS11 7NB

Come & See SANTA Thursday 11th December 4.30pm – 6.00pm

In addition to our usual services of Dog Walking, Pet/Home Sitting, Day Care Visits for Cats, Dogs and Small Domestic Animals Animal Taxi Service CRB Checked and Fully Insured Van fully equipped for the safe transportation of your animals Visit our website for further information www.petcaresolutions.org

We are now able to offer

HOME SECURITY CHECKS “It’s magical”

£1 per child

includes Gift

Removing Post from Letterbox/Doormat Closing/Opening Curtains Indoor/Outdoor Plants Cared For Service tailored to suit your needs

Prices from as little as £5 per visit We offer a free consultation no obligation visit

Contact Alison Tel: 01642 271115 / 774792 Mob: 07974 578363

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Emmanuel Church Hall, Macnay Street, Saltburn Tuesdays at 5.00pm or 7.00pm.

Telephone Stevie on

01642 474920

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SALTBURN REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE

EMMANUEL CHURCH - 9.30am SUNDAY 9th NOVEMBER 2014 ————————————————————— WW1 to AFGHANISTAN — A Story from the BIBLE SOCIETY When Pte Curtis Welsby’s friend Jamie died in Afghanistan just weeks before their battalion was to return to the UK, the 20-year-old from Manchester turned to the Bible. Pte Welsby, from the 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment, carried an Armed Services Testament from 1916 in his body armour. After his friend’s death he found himself reading Revelation 21.4.—‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’

‘I was upset, I was angry and every emotion I could go through,’ Pte Welsby recalls of the tragedy which happened in March 2013. ‘We all had our body armour on. I noticed the Bible popping out a little bit from my pocket. I went to put it back and then I thought, “No, I’m going to read it. I need something to make me feel good right now”.’

Randomly, he found himself at Revelation. ‘I read it over and over again,’ he recalls. ‘And I thought, there’s nothing for Jamie to worry about now. It was exactly what I needed to read, because what happened was so totally devastating and unexpected.’

Pte Welsby’s little New Testament has seen five conflicts. It first belonged to his great-great grandfather, Jay Greenwood, a teenager who fought in WW1 having lied about his age to join the army. It was passed on to Pte Welsby’s great-grandfather who took it with him to the battlefields of WW2. It then travelled to Korea with Pte Welsby’s grandfather and spent time in Northern Ireland with his uncle. Its thin pages are worn with use and it readily falls open both at Acts and John. But it’s Revelation that spoke to Pte Welsby on his tour of Afghanistan in 2012-13.

‘Arriving in Afghanistan was scary,’ he recalls. ‘When you leave Camp Bastion you realise that it’s really real. It’s you and your friends now. I kept my Bible with me in my pocket all the time and it calmed me down. I thought that God would be looking down over me. I had a sense of him being with me. I would pull it out and read it when we went on patrol and I had a tingling feeling go through my body every time.

Anything could happen. Nobody had a clue what would happen. But, when I picked up my Bible, I felt that nothing would happen to us. We got into firefights, but we always got out of them. When we were out on Image patrols and we would stop and I would pull it out and the stories in there make you feel happy. I could read it all day. The local kids used to ask me for it. But I always said “no”. It’s been in my family for so long.

It’ll be passed on to my nephew. He’s only seven, but he already wants to be in the army.’

All five generations of Pte Welsby’s family have served in the infantry, so it is perhaps surprising that both the Bible and men survived.

‘It means a lot to me,’ he says. ‘All of my family have read it. I wish I could know what they read. But me and my granddad were very close and we both liked exactly the same things. I reckon he had a hand in saying, “Stop at that page”. I reckon somehow he guided me to reading Revelation.’

(Text by Hazel Southam)

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign dedicated to ending gender-based violence. It runs each year from November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10th (Human Rights Day).

During this year’s campaign there are a number of ways to be involved in Saltburn. At Emmanuel we are focusing on two areas: EVA, a local project offering help to women and children affected by domestic violence, and the US campaign in Zambia which supports the Agape Women’s Group empowering women facing abuse to take action. For details of events or to find out more about supporting the 16 Days of Activism in Saltburn, please contact the Rev’d Julie Smith 01642 500407 or visit www.saltburnparishchurch.co.uk

Sundays at Emmanuel Church: 9.00am & 10.45am services with refreshments served from 10.10am Tuesdays at Emmanuel Church: 9.30am service with refreshments served from 10.15am Emmanuel Church: Tel: 01287 622251 / Email: emmanuelsaltburn@hotmail.co.uk / www.saltburnparishchurch.co.uk

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Jill Thirkell LTCL, EPTA (UK) 41 High Street, Skelton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland, TS12 2EF

Phone: 01287 650534

Teacher of Piano Keyboard Recorder Theory GCSE Tuition

Email: gillian.thirkell@ntlworld.com

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

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

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

WiFi access Prices - ÂŁ35.00 per night (minimum of two nights) Contact Mr & Mrs Smith on 01287 623740 (home) Or 07988 838956 (Mr Smith mobile) Or 07877 384977 (Mrs Smith mobile)

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

Shane Slater Plumbing & Heating All aspects of domestic plumbing

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

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Saltburn resident and Past President of North East England Philatelic Association, has written a book about his major area of interest, the history of the Ocean and Imperial Penny Post from 1840 to 1918, from Elihu Burritt to Sir John Henniker Heaton. All the types and states of Ocean Penny Postage pictorial envelopes are described and illustrated within the book, many in colour. Also included is a database of known envelopes and an indication of their rarity with recent auction realisations.

The book is a major study in the field of Maritime Social Philately and won two Gold Awards at the recent British Philatelic Exhibition Stampex, in London, 17-20th September.

Left: The Author holding his 400-page book at the British Philatelic Exhibition Stampex, London 17-20th September 2014.

Right: Sample pages from the book, illustrations, text, charts and statistics. Published

by MJ Publications Ltd for the Great Britain Philatelic Society 2014, ISBN 978-0-907630-26-5 it is available from MJ Publications, 3 Cottesmore Avenue, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0HY Tel: 01664 859199 Price ÂŁ70, or order online at mike@mjpublications.com 32

Above: Dust Jacket for Ocean Penny Postage 1840-1918 A Maritime Social Philately Case Study by David Duncan Turner.

Below Right: Ocean Penny Postage won Stampex Philatelic Literature Gold Medal, London, September 2014.

Below Left: An accompanying display consisting of 8 frames (128 sheets) won Large Gold Medal.

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

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

Hello, I’m Sonny. I am very cute small terrier cross. I think that there might be a bit of Jack Russell Terrier in the mix somewhere, due to my ‘Queen Anne’ legs. But whatever I am, I look gorgeous, with my unusual light fawn/sandy colouring, my upright alert looking ears and rich chocolate brown eyes.

Although I am 9 years old, it doesn’t stop me as I still love to run around and play with my toys, but then 9 doesn’t seem old to us little dogs.

As I’m a small dog with little legs, I don’t need as much exercise as a big dog, which would make me ideal for an older dog owner. Like every small dog and some

other not so small ones, I love nothing more than a cuddle on a warm lap at the end of the day. I’m looking for a new home where I can get the kind of love and attention that I deserve; I would most prefer a quiet home with adults.

Also sharing the SARA page with me today is Othello the cat. Othello is a very attractive short hair black cat with golden eyes. He is 7 years old; I’m not sure what that is in cat years. As you can tell from his photograph Othello is very chilled out and laid back lad, or you could just call him lazy. In his mind he looks like a black panther, who prowls around his jungle home, in everyone else’s mind he’s just a pretty domestic cat, that loves curling up somewhere warm or having a cuddle.

Like me, Othello is also looking for a peaceful home, maybe with another easy-going, chilled out cat for company.

Love from Sonny and Othello.

SARA fundraising events during November The next monthly meeting of SARA will be held on Wednesday 5th November, at 7.30pm in the TocH premises, Albion Terrace, Saltburn. New members are always very welcome.

Saturday 8th November – SARA will be serving refreshments at Saltburn Community Centre, Saltburn.

Come along and enjoy homemade food. All proceeds from sale of refreshments will go to the Foxrush Farm Sanctuary and Re-homing fund.

Friday 28th November – The Marske Fishermen’s Choir will be kindly holding a concert for SARA in 34

Marske Cricket Club, from 7.30pm to 11pm. Tickets are £6.00 including buffet, Tickets are on sale at the SARA shop Guisborough or ring Foxrush Farm on 01642/488108.

There will also be a tombola and raffle. Come along and enjoy a pleasant evening with members of SARA. The recent Collecting day held in Redcar, raised £222.57. Thanks to everyone who made donations. The money raised will go towards helping the animals in our care Sheila Green

More Animal Stories from SARA

“Our aim from the beginning has been to create a place where unwanted, neglected and abused animals are given sanctuary and found ‘Forever Homes’,” says Ann Prosser, Chair of Saltburn Animal Rescue Association’s Trustees.

“We also provide a service to members of the public, who for genuine reasons can no longer look after their pets.” ` An unexpected legacy last year has enabled SARA to extend the cattery and make better provision for rabbits.

Work has been undertaken to develop remedial kennels and to create a dog lounge for socialisation. ‘Forever homes’ have been found in 2014 for many dogs and cats, but as Jacqui, the Manager of Foxrush Farm, explains to me, some of these animals have had very distressing experiences at the hands of previous unkind owners.

One day, the staff received a phone call from a member of the public who wanted SARA to take his lurcher, because she was ‘too bouncy’. Tilly came in very thin and in a poor state; she was taken to the vets straightaway. She had had five puppies and she had to go on a drip, because she had septacaemia. “It took a long time to rehabilitate her,” says Jacqui. “We asked the owner if we could have the puppies, but he said he wanted to sell them.”

A week later, a member of the public brought in a puppy in a cardboard box that he’d found in Locke Park.

Tilly responded immediately to the cry of the puppy, who was identical to her. A week later, another lookalike was found with a collar and lead, running wild in Kirkleatham Woods. The staff named them Twirl and Twiggy. What happened to the other three is unknown, but Jacqui is sure that they were all taken away from Tilly long before she had had a chance to show them how to behave: “Irresponsible breeding increasingly causes us problems,” she regrets. But the good news is that Tilly, Twirl and Twiggy were all rehabilitated successfully by SARA and found good homes.

Beau was an eight week old staffie cross with no manners. When she arrived at Foxrush, she chewed people, ripped their sleeves and wouldn’t respond to commands.

She was put in the care of Grace, a lurcher. Grace squashed her down with her foot and taught her manners.

“Beau responded to Grace, because she wanted a mum,” explains Jacqui, “and Grace was a very effective trainer.”

Beau got a lovely home when she was ready and now she comes back to the Dog Show and the Open Day at Foxrush. The family took up the training where Grace left off. “Left to herself, Beau could have been a really unruly

dog,” adds Ann. The staff have also been helping a farmer experiencing people dumping unwanted cats on his land; the animals have been breeding and their kittens are totally feral.

A volunteer goes in with cat traps for the mothers and kittens.

The mothers are neutered and the lady takes the kittens home to foster and tame. She then brings them to Foxrush, where staff finish off their treatment and find them loving new homes as family pets. Six kittens have been rescued and rehabilitated already and four have been found wonderful new homes.

“Cats are easier to rehome than dogs,” says Ann. “They fit easier into the lifestyles of people who are working.”

On another day, a member of the public rang up and said she was having a hedge cut down. Inside the hedge were two kittens screaming, the mum having apparently been scared away. The feral kittens, aged three weeks, needed to be removed; they were brought into the sanctuary, riddled with fleas and worms. They were spitting and hissing and were reluctant to be hand fed. “At the moment, Dee Dee and Doug are still being looked after here. They now purr their little heads off, but we never did find the mum,” says Jacqui.

“They are so vulnerable,” continues Ann. “Cats carry more diseases than dogs and if they’re not neutered, they’re more likely to be infected. The males may fight and the females become pregnant. We have to make sure they are thoroughly healthy, before we try to rehome them.”

Rabbits are also being increasingly irresponsibly bred: people are selling them without knowing whether they are male or female. A family of three came into Foxrush this year: a mum (Autumn), a dad (Joey) and a daughter (Summer). Mum was a rex and dad was a grey. The staff got all three neutered and then put them back together. They had been left at the bottom of a garden and were not sociable; they resisted being handled, so rehabilitation was provided.

“A wonderful couple came up and loved the rabbits; they offered a home to all three,” says Jacqui. “They’ve since built a massive enclave, twelve feet by ten feet, in their back garden for them. It has a hutch in it, a sun area and a shade area. The enclave is fox-proof and rabbit-proof.” It’s good to hear that the three rabbits are so happy, now living in the lap of luxury.

Foxrush staff are very hard-working, but their efforts are supplemented by many dedicated volunteers. What splendid work they do!

Rosemary Nicholls 35

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Talk of the Town’s monthly

Pride of Saltburn Award

The winner of this month’s Pride of Saltburn is Amie Watts. Amie was nominated by her mother, Avril. About Amie, she says, “I would like to put my daughter forward for the Pride of Saltburn, please. My wonderful daughter Amie Watts, who is 14 years old and attends Huntcliff School, has been a great help and support to me. I have had an operation and have not been able to do a great deal since I came out of hospital. Not only is Amie studying for her GCSEs, rehearsing for the school play and helping out with the local Rainbow group, she still has time to help me with the mundane things like emptying the dishwasher, tidying the house and she always finds time to make me a fabulous cup of tea. I feel more younger people should be nominated as I don’t think we give enough credit to our teenagers of Saltburn so it’s great that I have the chance to tell people how very proud we are of Amie. Amie always has time for her family and her friends and puts other people’s needs before her own.”

Thank you Amie, for being you, the Pride of Saltburn.

Every month, a £25 bunch of flowers, kindly donated by Eveline Brentano’s Florists, is awarded to someone in Saltburn who has earned admiration, gratitude and love for whatever reason. Talk of the Town invites nominations from you, the readers, to chose whom you would like to receive recognition and a bunch of flowers. Send your nominations to Talk of the Town’s postbag at Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, Cleveland, TS12 1AQ or email Ian (talkofthetown@tyasi.freeserve.co.uk).

(Please include your name, phone number and the reason you are nominating the person of your choice.) Please also confirm with the nominee that they are willing to receive the award (many people feel shy about it).

All the nominations will be read and kept for future use, so even if your choice doesn’t win this month, they might do so next time.

Try something different at Grasers

Persimmons Many readers might think persimmons are Sharon fruit, but that name more correctly refers to a fruit of similar appearance, native to China and grown in Israel. The persimmons pictured here come from Spain but originated in Japan, and are known as Kaki fruit. The persimmon is an attractive orange or red colour, though some varieties can be yellow. They are very rich in vitamin C and a good source of other vitamins and minerals as well as fibre. When ripe they have a delicious sweet flavour though some varieties can be described as ‘astringent’. Several different species grow throughout the world. Botanically, persimmons are berries and the green bit attached to the fruit is the calyx. In October they sold at 45p each but might be cheaper this month.

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At Ryedale Auctioneers, we have fortnightly general sales, with live internet bidding. We also have Specialist Sales, Antique & Fine Art Sales, Militaria & Sporting Sales and Railwayana & Toy Sales. We also do house clearances, and have our own collection/delivery service. We provide valuations for probate, insurance and sales.

Upcoming Sales: November dates General household & collectables 1/11, 15/11 and 29/11 Outdoor 8/11 Antiques and Fine Arts 22/11

Ryedale Auctioneers Sold for ÂŁ4,200

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

Tel: 01751 431544 Email: ryedaleauctioneers@live.co.uk Website: www.ryedaleauctioneers.com 38

Sold for ÂŁ11,700

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G . Bishop - Decorator *Interiors and Exteriors

*Free Estimates

*All Aspects of Decorating Undertaken *Realistic Prices

Time Served Telephone 01287 624016

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*Reliable Service Assured

40 Years Experience Mobile 07757 912575

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Chief Constable Jacqui at the Retired Men’s Forum

Chief constable Jackqui Cheer strikes a cheery note when speaking to Retired Men's Forum members after her talk at Saltburn

The days when women police officers first wore trousers were recalled by Cleveland’s Chief Constable Jacqui Cheer when she spoke at Saltburn and District Retired Men’s Forum members on 29th September.

She said that if any women were still on duty after the 6am finish of a night shift in the mid-1980s when she started work at Tilbury docks they had to change back into skirts.

Mrs Cheer, 53, who took on the ‘best job in my 30year career’ at Cleveland in 2011, praised the 1,300 officers of the Cleveland force for having the ‘highest work ethic’ in the country.

She admitted the difficulties created following the sacking of former Chief Constable Sean Price were not yet over and revealed that the first recruiting for five years would take effect in January. But further grant cuts were expected from the Government.

A boat builder’s daughter, Mrs Cheer, whose husband is a construction engineer, said she was due to end her period of office in 2016. She said Cleveland was collaborating more with North Yorkshire and Durham police forces and a Community Safety Hub was due to be built at Hemlington for Cleveland which will also be the site of a co-location of some services provided by North Yorkshire Police. It will also act as a base for partners as well as being accessible to members of the public.

Cleveland is to sell its present HQ at Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, as it is inefficient and not cost-effective to maintain.

New chairman Stuart Wright inspects the badge of office at Saltburn and District Retired Men’s Forum with former chairman Rex Scales.

She said that she didn’t think British police should be routinely armed, as in the USA. This followed her meeting with an American policeman guarding a New York hotel, when she asked if he did any exercise, he replied that he did not have to as he had a gun and could shoot at anyone who did not stop on his command.

Meanwhile, a businessman who was born in Saltburn and retired to the town, has been elected the forum’s 2014-15 chairman.

He is Stuart Wright, 64, who joined the group last year. His full-time career ended with him being commercial and sales director for the vending-machine division of tobacco firm Gallaher’s.

Ken Bladen, a retired teacher, is the new vice chairman.

Arthur Corbett remains as secretary though he has indicated he intends to retire next year. Mike Morrissey remains as speaker-finder coordinator though he, too, is stepping down in 2015.

Gordon Turner remains as treasurer and is taking over the running of the annual dinner in December with the help of long-time organiser John Wells.

Among speakers lined up for the September-December period are retired heart surgeon Dr Adrian Davies, David Lester, a retired vicar living in Saltburn, and Les Manship, chairman of Saltburn Community and Arts Association.

Meetings are held at the Milton Street Methodist hall, Saltburn, from 10.30am and guests are welcome.

Contacts: 01287-622493 and 283330.

Friends of Talk of the Town and Saltburn Friends of the Valley 2015 Calendar This stunning calendar is on sale now and features fabulous local images submitted by our friends and supporters. Buying this calendar supports sustaining Talk of the Town and preserving our environment through the work of Saltburn Friends of the Valley.

Price £6.99 or £9.99 delivered by Royal Mail to UK Mainland only. Please contact us for overseas rates.

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CHOCOLINI'S NEWS NUGGETS Christmas is Coming........

As well as our usual delicious Continental Chocolates we have a new range of Christmas flavours. Try our Buck’s Fizz, Toulouse, Cosmopolitan and Panna Cotta to name but a few.

We are taking orders for our moulded figures and shapes such as Mr Giant Snowman, Father Christmases, Rudolphs, Angels, Christmas Trees, Sleighs, Yule logs and Chimney Pots (which can be filled), as well as our Seasonal Themed Bars and Lollipops.

Hampers are made to order which can include your own items. Phone or call in for a browse.

We will be open late for The Christmas Light Switch on Saturday, 29th November.

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Friday Friends Friday Morning Activity Groups for November 10.00am to 12.30pm.

Nov 7th. Magazine Article 1.00pm. Laughter Class Nov 14th. Diving with Stewart 1.00pm. Circle Dancing (for men too) Nov 21st Sing-a long Jake 1.00pm. Arabian Dancing (also for men) Nov 28th. Bowling Club.

Friday Afternoon Arts and Crafts for November 1.30pm to 4.00pm.

Nov 7th. Origami Nov 14th. Paint an Autumn Tree Nov 21st. Felt Flower Garland Nov 28th. Making Xmas Cards.

Who we are We are an innovative new small charity, aiming at forming a friendship group in Saltburn. Our aim is to provide a creative environment where friendships can develop and be sustained. Amongst our company are an enthusiastic and professional teacher, two volunteers, who also volunteer as mental health workers and bring us their experience, a valued ex-Samaritan, a retired quality manager, a highly

qualified care worker, a talented artist and three members with extensive committee experience and previous accountancy background. Many of us have had personal experience of mental health issues.

Our planned sessions are designed to include everyone and we hope you will enjoy them.

Membership is open to anyone, over 18 years of age, without regard to gender, race, nationality, disability, sexual preference, religion or belief. We all are, individually, in possession of a DBS and some have safeguarding certificates.

Friday Friends, promoting friendship, is not for profit and is run by volunteers.

Contact Us: Tel No 07948 114180 E-mail: friday.friends8@gmail.com Fridays at Emmanuel Church Hall, Macnay Street, Saltburn, TS12 1LE. Friday Activities Group 10.00am to 12.30pm. Friday Arts and Crafts 1.30pm to 4.00pm. £2-50 per session. £4-00 all day. First session free.

Friday Friends Supported by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council with funding through the Community Health Fund, which RCVDA is delivering on behalf of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.

The White Hart Folk Club

Garen Kyle Ingleby

White Hart Inn, The Lane, Mickleby, Nr. Whitby TS13 5LU Every Saturday 8.30pm.

16.02.1994 - 18.09.2014

Forthcoming Guests 2014 Paul and Liz Davenport - 1st November Broadband -29th November Hissyfit - 13th December 2015 O’Hooley & Tidow - 17th January Damien Barber & Mike Wilson - 21st February Jim Mageean - 21st March Róisín Bán - April 18th Ribbon Road - 16th May Martyn Wyndham-Read - 13th June “The little club with a BIG atmosphere”

Admission Singers Nights £1.50 Guest Nights £3.00 min.

Everyone welcome, singers, musicians, poets, storytellers and good listeners www.whitehartfolkclub.weebly.com Facebook : Folk At The White Hart Contact: Kevin Hall 01287 623895 mobile 07504 659965 kevin.hall@ntlworld.com 46

Tracy and I would like to express our sincere thanks to our family, friends and the wonderful local community for their help, support and comfort in our most troubled time.

Love, Lee & Tracy

HMS Redcar

Previously we have featured HMS Saltburn in Talk of the Town. HMS Saltburn survived both world wars but HMS Redcar was mined and sunk in 1917. HMS Redcar was a Paddle Minesweeper of the ‘Ascot’ class, all of which were named after racecourses.

Saltburn resident and Ships’ historian Frank Cook has researched all the facts about HMS Redcar. She displaced 810 tons and was 245 feet OA and 235 feet BP in length. In beam (width) she was 29 feet and 58 feet over the paddle boxes. She had a mean draught (depth in the water) of 6 feet. She had inclined compound designed HP 1400 machinery and boilers of cylindrical return tube type. Her top speed was 15 knots, 12 knots while sweeping, and carried 156 tons of coal. She was armed with two 12PDR in A and X positions and had a complement (crew) of 50.

The original design was for the provision of a small seaplane for spotting purposes. The two high mounted derricks on posts flanking the second funnel were for the launch and recovery of the aircraft. Two ships, including Redcar, were fully fitted with the derricks but no aircraft were ever carried on any of the 24 ships in the class. A further 8 ships were of an ‘improved’ class and were not fitted with the derricks.

Various small shipyards built all of the Ascot Class between January and October 1916, HMS Redcar being built

by Ayrshire Dockyard. They were built under the War Emergency Programme to the design of Paddle Steamer Glen Usk, an earlier model by the Ailsa Shipbuilding Company.

The Improved ships of the class were built in 1917 and 1918.

They were named after the prominent racecourses of the time.

A further group was projected but were cancelled at the end of the war.

The Admiralty decision to build paddle minesweepers was based on success with previous paddlesteamers requisitioned from the Merchant Service. They were shallow draught for inshore work, stable and fast with good manoeuvrability. The whole class were fairly good seaboats but they lost way in a seaway due to the paddleboxes choking with water. The naval ships were of stronger construction than the ex-merchant ships which usually disintegrated if mined.

Five, including Redcar, were lost during the Great War. After the war, a number were sold to replace the requisitioned pre-war paddle ferries and excursion steamers that had also been lost. The remainder, after completion of the mine clearance duties were quickly paid off and disposed of.

In June 1917, HMS Redcar was part of the Dover Patrol minesweeping force based with several of her sister ships at Dunkirk. At Dawn of 24th June HMS Redcar (Lt A Daniels DSC RNR) with HMS Kempton (Lt A E Thompson DSC RNR Senior Officer) and HMS Gatwick (Lt W H Evans

RNR) proceeded from Dunkirk to sweep the approaches to Calais. There was a calm sea, good visibility and after sweeping no mines were found. The senior officer ordered the three paddlers to proceed inshore to anchor during the prohibited period for sweeping. This was for the three hours of low water.

A passing drifter reported that moored enemy mines had been observed in the vicinity of the Gravelines Buoy. As soon as the tide was running the three paddle steamers weighed anchor and proceeded to that area.

Off Gravelines Buoy the three ships passed sweep wires between them and in line abreast commenced the sweep. HMS Gatwick parted because the senior office had ordered her to destroy by gunfire three mines which had been cut free and broken surface. Redcar and Kempton continued to sweep.

Almost immediately HMS Redcar was mined just forward of her bridge, breaking her back. The forepart sank taking with it eight of her crew including the forward 12 pounder gun crew who were killed instantly. The captain ordered to prepare to abandon ship and went below with the chief engineer to inspect the boiler room bulkhead. They found it damaged and the sea was flooding the boiler room along with the engine room, the ship’s largest compartment. HMS Redcar was abandoned and her boats and the boats from the standing

by HMS Kempton took survivors, including some injured, to Kempton. Some drifters under the command of Lt H B BellIrving RNR had closed to render assistance. HMS Redcar sank.

It was now HMS Kempton’s turn. A mine exploded directly under her engine room, breaking her back and bringing down both masts. The engine room watch were all killed along with several more of her crew and survivors from HMS Redcar.

There were further injuries. She was settling amidships, her bow and stern lifting. HMS Kempton was abandoned. All survivors were taken off by boats to HMS Gatwick and the drifters. One of the Redcar boats had drifted away from Kempton after the explosion and two of Redcar’s men swam and recovered it. This act was instrumental in saving lives.

HMS Kempton capsized and sank and Gatwick and the drifters took the survivors to Dunkirk.

In HMS Redcar’s short life of just over one year, she had assisted in the salvage of a large merchant ship, SS Sussex, with HMS Montrose and Nepaulin. She rendered assistance to SS Port Nicholson with HMS Chelmsford and to her mined sister ship HMS Goodwood, towing her in a sinking condition to Dunkirk. HMS Redcar destroyed countless numbers of enemy mines. The wrecks of both HMS Redcar and HMS Kempton are designated war graves.

This account is typical of the minesweeping service in both world wars. In the four years, three months and seven days of the First World War, 214 minesweepers of various types were lost, an average of one per week.

Frank Cook 47

PARK NEWSAGENCY Home News Delivery Specialists       

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Redcar & Cleveland Philatelic Society Our fortnightly Wednesday meetings for November continue at the Community Centre, Durham Road, Redcar, commencing 7.15pm. Our usually well attended Stamp Auction will be held on 5th November, with viewing of Auction Lots from 6:30pm. On 19th November visiting speaker David Foster (of Stockton and Middlesbrough PS) will show ‘A Selection of Competitive Entries’. His display will provide invaluable guidance from an experienced exhibitor for those seeking to master the exacting standards of regional philatelic competitions such as NEPA or YPA or even, in due course, the international ones held in London!

The British National Stamp Exhibition (Stampex 2014) was held in London during 17th-20th September. To mark their 50th Anniversary, The German & Colonies Society was invited to display. Within their 30-strong team. Geoff Reynolds (a nationally known expert on Zeppelin Airmails) won a Gold Medal for a 3-frame 48-sheet display of spectacular Commercial Zeppelin Mail 1912-39. David Turner in the Association of British Philatelic Societies (ABPS) displays won a Large Gold Medal with an 8-frame 128 sheet display – shown to support his book Ocean Penny Postage 1846-1918 published in July. This won the ABPS Literature Gold Medal.

Obviously, as President of R&CPS I wish to congratulate our two participants who did this society proud. To set Geoff and David’s medals in a regional context, it should noted that only four other philatelists displayed from the whole of the North East. They achieved silver gilt (2), silver, and bronze.

David Newstead (President) 01287 634893 (See centre pages for an advert relating to David Turner’s book.

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Parents, Teachers & Friends Association

present

Ladies Shopping & Pamper Night with mini Fashion Show Friday 14th November - 7pm – 9.30pm St Paulinus Primary C.V. Academy, The Avenue, Guisborough Enjoy Shopping with 34 Exciting stalls offering: Unique personalised items, Jewellery, Cupcakes, Beauty, Accessories, Cosmetics, Christmas ornaments, Candles, ceramics and many more

“Mini Fashion Show” at 8.30pm Tickets £2.50 each in advance or £3 on the door. Tickets include a glass of wine or soft drink (Non-ticket holders entrance at 7.30pm) Tickets available from: •St Paulinus School Reception, •Kitty’s Sweet Shop, Chaloner Street, Guisborough, •M & Co, Westgate, Guisborough, •Nicky Mulqueen - 07966 683629, •Elise Chattenton - 07789 637 811 •Lizanne McCrossan - 07971 844880 All funds raised will be used for the benefit of the School

Children Outside With Nature I came to live in Saltburn four years ago from a city life.

The environment here astonishes me daily, particularly for children and the learning opportunities that it provides – all free.

We are all aware of the speed at which technology is progressing. The gap between nature and children is getting wider. But… technology is here to stay and so we must attempt to match, the time spent looking at screens, to time spent in the great outdoors.

Saltburn children are rich in facilities to walk, run and explore the woodland, as well as travel along sandy beaches, paddle in the waves and scoot, cycle or roller blade, along wide promenades, with magnificent views of seascapes, farm land and cliffs. They can climb hills and roll down grassy verges.

Opportunities for outdoor birthday parties at the Woodland Centre are unlimited and a similar venue near the beach would be wonderful…let’s work on that one.

I notice that we have more dogs than children here.

Consequently, we need all dog walkers to be vigilant about cleaning up, to enable children to explore these great spaces safely. Scrubbing dog poo off pram wheels and wellington boots is not at all pleasant. The outdoor space belongs to all of us, so let’s share the job of keeping it clean.

Autumn is here, let’s leave the screens behind for two hours, put a fourth layer of clothing in the back pack, along with the flask, a snack, something to sit on and let’s go and find a view, something that will stimulate all our senses.

I am happy to help/advise with any of the above. I simply enjoy seeing the children out there.

Rosalyn Boyes Teacher and Beach School Practitioner www.sandinyourhand.co.uk

Talking Points Vision for the future They say everyone has a good book in them just waiting to be written. Trouble is, with the amount of z-list celebrity autobiographies on the market – even that ruddy dancing dog from Britain’s Got Talent has got one – it’s increasingly hard to believe.

Still, it’s a comforting idea. That we can rummage around in the attics of our own minds, dust off our imaginations – probably next to the decade old tinsel – and set to work on creating our very own masterpiece.

Preferably in a study, sipping an espresso as we gaze longingly out of a window.

The reality is, of course, quite different. Best-selling authors are a unique breed. There are few with the ability to capture imaginations, carve out a niche and create a web of intrigue that snares our mind time after time.

What they all share – from page-turners such as JK Rowling and Agatha Christie to poetic scribes such as a certain Will Shakespeare – is the desire for expression and an ability to change the way we think.

History provides the biggest compliment to the written word with the annals of time proof that those seeking power recognise what it can bring to the table. One of Hitler’s first acts to cement his control in Nazi Germany was to burn a colossal amount of literature and turn it into a force for evil. One writer poignantly observed that tyranny still cannot defeat the power of ideas.

The power of books in our fast-changing world should not be underestimated. For at their heart, in much the same way as our favourite songs, our favourite films, our favourite piece of art, lies both vision and escapism.

We turn to them for inspiration just as much as comfort.

Imagine a world without Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Freddie Mercury’s Bohemian Rhapsody or

Shakespeare’s verse? Surely you’d agree, it would be so much worse.

With the advent of technology and all that it brings, there’s a real threat the arts could stagnate.

Scratch the surface of Hollywood glamour or the razzmatazz of The X Factor and there’s a strata of society, the MTV generation, desperate for a little faith, a chance at their big break.

Times have changed. A generation ago BBC producers took a great gamble with the Monty Python crew on the basis of their personalities and vision alone.

There was no material whatsoever in which they could justify the gamble. By today’s standards it was reckless and idiotic – a lucky decision rather than a stroke of genius.

In much the same way as we approach sport, we don’t deal with the grass roots in Britain and the arts could suffer in much the same way as the national football side. It’s all about the cream of the crop, those enjoying their moment in the sun, their 15 minutes of fame. There is no long-term plan, no thought spared as to how long our current cultural legacy will develop in years to come.

All ideas have to be given a breeding ground and to that end anything that can encourage them deserves major credit. Enter stage left then, Earthbeat Theatre Company who have done a cracking job in securing the use of the old junior school in Saltburn for exactly that reason.

Finally, somewhere for those with a little imagination to have the opportunity to flourish. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a little light and a shed load of books, at the end of an increasingly narrow tunnel.

Jonathan Whiley 49

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50

27 Milton Street Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Tom Blenkinsop MP - We must campaign to try and stop housing sprawl “We must campaign to try and stop housing sprawl in Saltburn - but those who played politics with Redcar and Cleveland’s Local Plan must take the blame,” says Tom Blenkinsop. The Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Labour MP, on 14th October 2014 vowed to oppose new housing proposals on open land adjacent to Saltburn.

Taylor Wimpey have formally lodged a planning application for 130 houses to be built on land at the rear of Wilton Bank now used for riding stables.

Tom said: “Those local Councillors who voted down Redcar and Cleveland’s Local Plan will have to recognise their actions helped spur this development.

“This is an unwanted development which will further erode the green wedge between Saltburn, Marske and New Marske. I live in Saltburn itself, and know it as a balanced community. More housing of this type will only serve to swamp local identity and community spirit.

“But crucially, we have to remember that this proposal is for a site which was NOT in that now defeated local plan. As everyone knows this plan, although fully prepared, was rejected at a recent council meeting by a coalition of Conservative, Independent and Liberal Democrat Councillors.

“If that plan had been approved that day, planning officers could have opposed this development with added powers and also defended the council case at any subsequent planning appeal hearing.

“Given it was seen as a protected site in that plan, I would hope the application is formally and vigorously opposed by the council’s planning officers and the full planning committee, but in the absence of a local plan there is a very real danger that the developer, if rejected, will go straight to Eric Pickles, the conservative Secretary of State, who invariably sides with his friends in the property development industry.

“I would suggest to residents that they lobby Saltburn and Marske Councillors - and especially those who voted down the local plan. They, above all, gave the green light to such new, unwelcome and speculative planning applications.”

See also the article on the opposite page and Tom’s advert on page 38.

Saltburn-by-the-Sprawl Development plans have been submitted by Taylor Wimpey Construction for the building of 130 new houses on remaining green fields separating the towns of Saltburn and Marske.

Many Saltburn residents and businesses are furious that this action could even be contemplated considering the historic importance of the Victorian seaside town and its success in bringing tourists into the Redcar and Cleveland area.

Welcome to Yorkshire, the official Destination Management Agency for Yorkshire, describes Saltburn-bythe-Sea as “Brimming with history and tradition, this untouched town has such a wealth of outstanding architecture and original features you can easily imagine strolling through its streets in your Victorian Finery.” * Chairman of Save Our Saltburn (SOS), Les Manship, said “This is a typical short-sighted strategy that will destroy the individuality of Saltburn, a perfect example of a Victorian North Yorkshire seaside resort complete in most of its period architecture, by adding it to the urban sprawl that’s fast

becoming East Cleveland.”

Building on green-field sites, and the curtailing of uncontrolled urban sprawl development, are currently becoming a politically hot subjects with Nick Farage recently saying that there had been “huge upset and distress” that the National Planning Policy Framework can over-ride the will of local councils over planning issues and “Many people who are fighting planning applications that they believe to be inappropriate now feel pretty impotent on the issue.”

To give local people a chance to express their concerns, Save Our Saltburn (SOS) held an open meeting at the Emanuel Church Hall, MacNay St, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 1LE at 7.00PM on Monday, 27th October. For further details please contact Les Manship at: lesliemanship@mypostoffice.co.uk or telephone 01287 622720 (A. Beadnell 01287 622952). * Source: http://www.yorkshire.com/places/northeast-yorkshire/saltburn

4 People Not Profit present

‘Project Wild Thing’ 4 People Not Profit’s film night ‘Open your mind’ returns with ‘Project Wild Thing’. A tale of one man’s mission to help stop his kids spending their waking hours dominated by a cacophony of marketing, and a screen dependence threatening to turn them into glassy-eyed zombies and to get them outside and reconnected to nature.

The film will be screened as usual upstairs in The Marine, Saltburn and will be on Thursday, 20th November, Doors at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm. With time for discussion after the film, and as ever the event is free entry.

Film maker David Bond is concerned his kids spend too much time sat staring at screens like city kids everywhere, they spend way too much time indoors - not like it was back in his day. He decides it’s time to get back to nature - literally.

In an attempt to compete with the brands, which take up a

third of his daughter’s life, Bond appoints himself Marketing Director for Nature. Like any self-respecting salesman, he sets about developing a campaign and a logo.

With the help of a number of bemused professionals, he is soon selling Nature to British families. His humorous journey unearths some painful truths about modern family life. His product is free, plentiful and has proven benefits but is Nature past its sell-by date?

“A gripping story of the desperate struggle to lead our computer-crazed children back to nature.”

Harry Mount, The Daily Telegraph.

“Enlightening and entertaining. Like David Attenborough and Morgan Spurlock got drunk and had a baby.” Hussain Currimbhoy, Sheffield Doc/Fest.

Friends of Locke Park - Redcar On Monday, 29th September 2014, the children of Coatham Junior School and Newcommon Junior School helped in the dedication service of the tree, planted by Councillor Eric Howden to commemorate the start of the Great War of 1914 to 1918.

After a short ceremony, the children planted poppy crosses in the enclosure, provided by Friends of Locke Park, surrounding the tree and the dedication plaque.

Councillor Howden’s idea being that, as the tree grows so the children, growing at the same time, will come to understand the sacrifice of the men and women who died in that horrific conflict.

Representatives from The Royal British legion, Friends of Redcar Cemetery and Friends of Locke Park were present.

51

Moola lives on with Matthew

Saltburn 500 Club The setting out of Saltburn Christmas Lights will have already started before some of you read this article. We will have been round the Saltburn businesses with our begging caps held out and ordering Christmas trees. My small team of volunteers will be putting the lights around the town on 3rd/4th November and the trees will be getting placed on 21st November. If you are an early reader of Talk of the Town, you may still have time to come along and help us with YOUR Christmas lights! As I have mentioned in earlier columns, there is a cost associated with the erection/ dismantling of the lights and this is met by the businesses of Saltburn and kind donations from the public. The annual cost is usually around £2k and that does not cover monies required for refurbishment/renewal of decorations. I estimate that the Friends of Saltburn need to raise about £2k to £2.5k to replace halogen bulbs with LED bulbs. This is a route we are being forced down by recent legislation.

As you will see, we are DESPERATE for funding so I am begging you to please consider giving donations towards this cost. Donations can be left in the jar at Saltburn library, marked with a note to say it is for Saltburn Christmas lights. Work is done, by many volunteers, during the course of the year in order to swell the funds. However, replacing the bulbs is an exercise which is over and above the routine procedure so your donation will be gratefully received!

The Christmas tree lighting up will be taking place on Saturday, 29th November.

Saltburn 500 Club will be celebrating its 25th birthday in January. If any members have suggestions of how we should celebrate this landmark, please get in touch with a committee member, or, come along to the monthly meeting which is held on the first Wednesday of the month.

It is held at 5.30pm in Saltburn Library.

Trevor Welburn Secretary, Saltburn 500 Club/Friends of Saltburn

Mary Chapman, who continued the Moola gift shop and clothing alteration business in Saltburn about four years ago, has died, but her legacy lives on in her apprentice Matthew Kirkbright, who has taken over the business.

Matthew, 23, said he owed a big debt of gratitude to Mary, a former teacher and seamstress, for teaching him the trade following a two-week trial in August 2013.

“After never having a job since I left Bydales School, Marske, I found employment with Moola. I got an apprenticeship in customer service NVQ Level Two because there were no seamster apprenticeships available.”

Speaking in the shop at Dundas Street West, he said he was probably the country’s only NVQ seamster.

“Mary taught me how to sew and to alter and repair garments. I also learned how to make some items like bow ties, shirts and dresses. I’ve made several shirts for myself, but make them to order at £20 to £25 each.”

Matthew, who lives at Diamond Street, Saltburn, said his customers were both male and female with men being happy to discuss their work-gear needs with him.

He has kept a work diary which includes how to make invisible zips, over-locking and to create a brand called ‘Dot’.

He said he intended to redecorate the shop but was keeping the name Moola at present.

He said he was grateful, too, to the DoorWays youth project for introducing him to Mary Chapman.

Mary continued the business about four years ago mainly for social reasons. She taught at Bydales School, Marske, for many years. Her husband Ron, who died in February, was well-known in Saltburn through his drawings which included some of the Beatles and many other singing stars.

Abi’s Health Advice

What's all the fuzz about?!

Well, it’s November again which means...weird facial hair to raise awareness for prostate cancer! Some men go to great lengths to take part, even starting the growth early in the year so that it’s ready in time (that’s you, Ben Finney).

But why all the fuzz? Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. So, let’s just take a brief look at this strange little gland.

The prostate is a gland that is found just below the bladder in men. It is about the size of a walnut and it produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm during sex, thus, it is crucial in a man’s sex life.

An enlarged prostate is common in older men but this often causes no problems or symptoms. Sometimes, though, an enlarged prostate can press on the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis, which can cause problems.

Occasionally one cell in the prostate starts to multiply out of control and this is how cancer develops.

Some symptoms of prostate enlargement (benign or cancerous) include: 52

     

needing to urinate frequently, especially at night, difficulty in starting to urinate, a weaker flow of urine or ‘stop and start’ urination, taking a long time to finish urinating, pain when urinating, pain during sex.

The treatments for an inflamed prostate or for an enlarged prostate (benign) are very straightforward with few side effects. Unfortunately, many men are afraid of being diagnosed with prostate cancer so they avoid going to their doctor and, instead, just live with these symptoms.

The outlook for prostate cancer, though, is generally very good because it usually progresses very slowly and, if treated early, prostate cancer can often be cured.

So, if you are (or your partner/friend/relative is) suffering with any of the above symptoms, a trip to your GP is definitely worth it.

Your local pharmacist, Abigail Bowers.

01287 348548 or 07796 478361

Events in Saltburn Library We are pleased to say that with the help of Friends of Saltburn Library we are starting up a new regular event for adults, to be held once a month. This might be for instance a talk from a local speaker, music, prose reading – we are open to suggestions! It will be followed by refreshments. It is a free event but donations to Friends of Saltburn Library would be welcome.

We have two dates for you: November 18th at 2pm, a talk from Kendall Aitken on his “A Round England Charity Bicycle Ride” and December 16th at 2pm Christmas songs performed by local artists Liz and Steve.

Friends of Saltburn Library generally meet once a month on a Saturday afternoon – if you are interested in being part of the group then just give us a ring for details of the next meeting.

Extra activities for children this month include a visit from local author Peter Jacklin on Saturday, 1st November at 11.00am. Peter will be reading extracts from his book with signed copies available to buy, which could be a good start to your Christmas shopping!

Plus there will be an Autumn craft session on Saturday, 8th November at 11.00am.

Also: do you want to encourage your child to read? – why not be part of our new reading challenge? – they can chart their own progress, collect a certificate after reading 5 books and after reading 20 get a small prize. Just pop along to the Library to register your interest. For further information you can ring us on 01287 623584.

Tracey

ReFurnish Success

Coast & Country’s ReFurnish project in Saltburn was such a resounding success in its first week of operations that an appeal has gone out to local people and organisations for more donations.

The showroom, based in the former Saltburn Saleroom building, was brimming with excellent quality furniture, household goods and computer equipment when it opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, 23rd September. However, demand has outstripped supply and more contributions are urgently needed.

The outlet is open to anyone but it is hoped that people will be encouraged to visit to buy good quality goods at affordable prices rather than to get into debt with high-cost loans or hire purchase agreements.

The ReFurnish scheme will not only sell affordable, good quality, new and second-hand furniture it will also become a community hub offering work experience and training opportunities. Furniture and other items will be lovingly restored to a high standard and offered for sale.

Tracy O’Neill, Head of Community Investment at Coast & Country, said: “Since Wayne Hemingway visited ReFurnish to officially open the Emporium we have been inundated with customers and the response has been amazing. We now have the satisfying problem of being so successful that we need the whole community to come together to donate goods, which can be treated with some TLC if necessary and placed for sale in ReFurnish. If any individuals, businesses, schools or any other organisation can help we would be delighted if they could get in touch.”

53

Citizens Advice Bureau North East Residents could save £21m a year if they took control of their heating. Every North East household could save £75 a year.

Four fifths of Brits believe they understand their heating controls yet HALF misuse energy when they turn up their thermostat. Nearly 40 per cent of Brits think it’s more efficient to leave the heating on all the time and only a quarter of bill payers have changed energy supplier in the last year. A new campaign launches heating myth-buster and urges customers to switch suppliers.

With the cold season now upon us, a joint campaign between Citizens Advice, Energy Saving Trust, and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) – reveals 74 per cent of Brits are still worried about their energy bills. The campaign helps householders learn how to take control of their energy bills with free advice available during the week over the phone, online and at events across the UK. Last week it was revealed that North East homes could save £72.4m a year by switching appliances off standby, with only half of households who received an unexpectedly high energy bill checking if unused appliances are switched off.

Day in day out Citizens Advice help people to get on top of their energy bills. In the last year 80,000 people nationally sought our help with fuel debts. Families are worried that they won’t be able to heat their homes as winter approaches.

The findings from an Ipsos MORI survey of over 2,000 UK respondents show that almost four fifths of people (78 per cent) claim to understand how to use their heating controls. However, many of these respondents turn out to be using their heating controls incorrectly. Of those who thought they understood how to operate their heating controls: MYTH 1: Turn the heating up when it’s cold outside. Half (52 per cent) turn the thermostat up when it’s cold outside.

A home shouldn’t need this as the thermostat is there to maintain the home temperature whatever the weather.

MYTH 2: Turn up the thermostat to heat the room quicker.

Over a third (35 per cent) turn their room thermostat up when they want the room to heat up quicker. This does not help a room become warmer any quicker and only heats the home to a warmer temperature.

MYTH 3: Leave the heating on low constantly. Thirty-eight per cent think it is more energy efficient to leave the heating turned on at a low temperature constantly, rather than turn it on and off. This means these homes are heated when no-one is there to benefit and then the home is too cold when people are in the home.

MYTH 4: Hot water runs out if you stop feeding the tank.

Nearly a third (31 per cent) leave their water heating on all the time to make sure they never run out, which could be costing far more on their energy bills than necessary.

MYTH 5: Keep electric storage heaters on all the time. Our research also found that few people with electric storage heaters fully understand how they work (only 38%). This means that households with electric heating could be paying through the nose by not taking advantage of cheaper night rate electricity.

Anyone needing help and advice on any of the issues raised in this article can call the Energy Saving Advice Service (England and Wales) on 0300 123 1234 or drop into one of our advice sessions as below.

REDCAR LIBRARY Tuesday & Thursday Redcar &Cleveland House 10.00am – 1.00pm GUISBOROUGH Monday & Wednesday Belmont House 9.30am – 12.30pm SOUTH BANK LIBRARY Friday Normanby Road 9.30am – 12.30pm LOFTUS LIBRARY 1.30pm–3.30pm

Thursday – every 2nd & 4th week

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

Good luck, goodbye and thank you, Sheila I have just attended Huntcliff Surgery to see Sister Sheila Collins. I go monthly, but for my next visit Sheila told me she is retiring! This was a surprise to me as I know she is just 21!

Can I take this opportunity to say a very special big Thank You from all our hearts. Her care is second to none. She has said to me in the past that it’s been her life. She has given babies their injections and new students having theirs before going on their travels to university, and she is proud of their achievements. She has seen them all as part of her family. She has done voluntary work too. I have a few medical problems to say the least: when I was down she listened well and motivated and cheered me on, when I was sad she seemed to 54

understand. Her knowledge is immeasurable. Patients have even phoned her at home.

When I asked ‘how are you going?’ she said, “with as little fuss as possible. I have loved my professional life and have never not wanted to come to work on any day.” She says her doctors have been very supportive and all surgery staff are good to work with. She’ll be leaving with a heavy heart for she has worked there for 27 years, but she can walk out of the door hand on heart and every patient will say she gave them her best shot!

Good luck in your retirement, Sheila!

A very grateful patient

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Author’s Event at Saltburn Library Peter James Jacklin, author of the children’s book Bobby the Sheepdog and the Burglar, suitable for ages 5 to 8 years, will be at Saltburn Library on 1st November from 11.00am to 12 Noon.

Peter will be reading extracts from his book with signed copies available to buy.

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1st Saltburn Scout Group October is passing rapidly; darker nights are now very evident; Beaver Section meetings finishing in almost darkness and Cub Section in darkness. The Scouts do not seem to notice the difference (perhaps they are more closely related to troglodytes!). Although this will affect how we explore our area and the activities we can undertake, our young people’s enthusiasm to discover appears to be undiminished.

It has been a busy month; as well as getting out even for a short period (enjoying the drier weather) Beavers (all twenty of them) have been busy creating with papier-mâché, as well as small sailing boats. They all enjoyed cake and sweets (it was Ben’s birthday last week); meanwhile many are getting ready for the District Beaver Halloween event. They all have to attend in suitable outfit, so be warned, Beavers on the loose!

Cubs have also been out, discovering some of the native trees and being able to recognise them both by leaves and fruit. They are all undertaking their household recycling habits by logging all that is recycled in their own homes.

Comments like “We do not recycle in our house!” are soon retracted when we discuss bottle and can banks, as well as the blue bins! Perhaps the fascination starts with “bin men” judging by the long and involved discussions about “How does a bin lorry work?”; “How do they fit so much in?” and then “How do they empty it?”; their enquiries were manyfold. Shortly six Cub will be joining in with the District Bowling evening, taking over multiple lanes at the Hollywood Bowl; an opportunity to meet other Cubs in East Cleveland.

Four Scouts were away early in the month at the Patrol

Saltburn Line User Group Next Meeting: Tuesday, 4th November 2014

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

As always, all welcome.

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The Group exists to protect passengers’ interests.

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

07875 242350 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LINE 56

Leader’s training weekend; Aaron, Kane, Morgan and Owen joined with other Scouts for a basic skills week end. They learned how to safely use axes, knives and saws, lighting fires and cooking over them. They created an excellent rope and timber bridge and on the Sunday morning given a “Ready, Steady, Cook” challenge. In groups of four or five and using gas cookers, Scouts were given a carry bag of ingredients and needed to produce pasta bolognaise in two hours. All food produced was edible and despite comments about not liking some of the ingredients (What is it about mushrooms?) by the end of the session all had tasted each other’s creations. At that point the greatest understanding of using all the ingredients became apparent. All four returned with new ideas about what they would like to do in Troop meetings and a new view on how they should conduct themselves as Patrol or Assistant Patrol Leaders. Best summed up by a parent’s comment: “He returned well fed, happy, has made new friends and his towel & wash gear do not appear to have been used!”

Group wise all Sections will be at Remembrance Day; Beavers and Cubs (with the assistance of parents, Leaders and Explorer Scout Young Leaders) will be participating in the Santa Parade. We are planning our next bag pack at Sainsbury’s (hopefully pre-Christmas) and we will be undertaking Scout Post again.

Many parents continue to offer assistance in a variety of ways and I must thank them for their support (especially Mike for getting our sign in place). We are continuing with our recruitment strategy to attract Leaders for the Group and are pleased that parents are becoming involved in ensuring our Sections are exciting and interesting for our young people. If you can offer assistance or are interested please get in contact on the details below.

John G. Hannah – 07811 801627 or johnghannah@yahoo.co.uk

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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.

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

The Saltburn Profile by Rosemary Nicholls Clare Hansford “I don’t need to go travelling,” says Clare Hansford, “as I’ve got Saltburn beach on my doorstep.” She can often be found down there with her boyfriend’s Staffie, Deifer, taking a break from her work as an artist.

Clare was born in Hartlepool and she went to Brierton School before taking a textiles degree at Cleveland College of Art and Design. She specialised in machine embroidery and continued to develop this when she set up her own business in 2001. She began to run workshops in schools and community centres, teaching art and design. She has taken part in exhibitions, including one at the Palace Hub in Redcar.

Her first full solo exhibition was at Elliott’s Art Lounge in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. The paintings she featured were part of a group entitled ‘Human Beings’; they were about the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical aspects of being human. Some showed the muscular structure of the human body.

Her more recent work features Mandalas. They are used as a meditation tool in Buddhism. “I create them as a form of decorative art with meaning,” she says. This year, she has taught Mandala workshops for adults at The Workhouse in Saltburn. She is also taking commissions, at present focusing on a drum decoration for Sez Carr, a local musician.

Clare had a studio at Saltburn Artists Projects for a spell of eighteen months and then for six months in 2013. She loved it there, as it gave her a focus with no distractions and she was able to interact with the other artists on almost a daily basis. “It helps you to integrate with the artists’ community, when you’re part of a studio,” she says. “You’re more accessible to people.”

Clare now gets involved with community events, such as Saltburn’s Annual Art Exhibition. After seven years helping, she’s now one of the organisers. She accepts submissions from the public for display, hangs work, organises stewards and volunteers and writes a piece in ‘Talk of the Town’ to publicise it. “And in the 2014 Exhibition, I sold three Mandalas,” she remembers.

For the future, Clare plans to have a full exhibition of only Mandalas, hopefully in Saltburn in the summer of 2015.

She would like to involve local musicians and run Mandala making workshops, alongside working on her commissions.

“I also have another business, running make-up workshops for adults at The Workhouse. Having run four so far, I’ve two booked in October,” she says. “I tutor people to recreate looks, such as Marilyn Monroe and teach people to apply make-up to make the best of what they already have. It’s called SKINMUA.” Clare runs make-up parties and one-to-one two hour sessions as well.

Swimming and cycling are important in Clare’s life.

Along with a change of diet, she finds both help with the osteo -arthritis that she struggled with in the past. She swims seventy lengths front crawl two or more times a week and rides her Kona Cinder cone mountain bike to Marske or Guisborough.

She is a big fan of Margaret Hills’ book ‘Curing Arthritis the Drug-Free Way’ and she swears by a tablespoon of cider vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of honey in water three times a day. Daily yoga at home helps her keep pain-free too.

Clare enjoys reading artists’ biographies, such as Mexican Frida Kahlo’s. On a Gazette train ticket, she went down to Tate Modern in London to see her exhibition. With regard to music, Clare has a wide taste: she’s a big fan of Kate

Photograph by Stuart Mathers

Bush, of hip hop dance music and Pink Floyd. She saw Prince at O2 in London a while back.

Clare has travelled to Morocco, where she painted and sold her work. She went on College courses to Paris and Amsterdam Galleries and Museums. A friend’s family welcomed her to their home in Vaux in France, but really Clare’s very happy in Saltburn. On the beach, she likes to take lots of photos with an abstract beach theme. She posts them on ‘Let’s Talk Photography North-East’ and ‘Shoot out Photography’ and has them printed as gifts for friends. Stu, her boyfriend, does stereographic panoramic photography and makes globe images.

She’s currently getting back into cooking with her casseroles. “I was a vegetarian for sixteen years,” she says, “but I’ve gone back to meat to give me more energy for swimming and more variety in my meals.” For three years, Clare had a Saltburn allotment, in which she grew tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, gooseberries, strawberries and lavender.

But then she got a teaching job and didn’t have time for it.

“And I need to tell you about my juggling too,” she adds. “I went to a workshop in 2000 and learnt to do juggling and work with Fire Clubs, that’s twirling them lighted in the dark, such as at the Pageant of Light. Down on the beach, I can teach anyone to juggle in twenty minutes.” Wow! Clare has a SKINMUA face book page, a website (www.theartofclarehansford.weebly.com), and an Artist Clare Hansford face book page. Her email for details about make-up workshops is clarehansford@live.co.uk.

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A Novel Idea by Alan Butler They say that everyone has a novel in them and to a great extent I think this is true. A lot of the people who read Talk of the Town will be of a ‘certain age’ and might have more time on their hands than they once did. I know from Kate’s sojourns into the wonderful world of Facebook that many of you who are now retired are keeping yourselves busy with all manner of crafts and skills but if you do have a penchant to invent a steaming love story or a cracking whodunit, it’s never been easier than it is right now – mainly thanks to ebooks.

Although I have been a professional writer for almost three decades now and have been lucky enough to publish quite a few books, until very recently my forays into fiction were restricted to plays (because of course every word I have written in dozens of these little articles for Talk of the Town was absolutely true!)

Like some of you I began that all-important novel years ago. In reality I did much more than start because I finished several novels over the years. The problem is that everyone and his cat had the same idea and there are only so many novels that can appear in print each year.

Unless you are either very lucky or extremely talented, novels that achieve publication tend to be quite formulaic. Many if not most of the really successful ones follow the same general pattern that Jane Austen used when she wrote Pride and Prejudice back in the early 19th century! As a result there is a sharp learning curve but of course it helps if you happen to be an avaricious reader yourself.

Even if you follow the woman meets man – woman hates man – woman loves man again – voila! formula to the letter, it doesn’t mean that a publisher will take your book. Getting any submitted book, fiction or otherwise through all the various stages is not easy and can be an art form in itself. So, where fiction is concerned many people, including me, fell at the first hurdle – that is until quite recently. Enter the ebook.

Just in case you have been asleep, it is now possible to read books straight from a computer pad or a special little gadget called a Kindle. There is no cover, no pages – just words on a screen. As I mention this I can already hear our illustrious editor Ian screaming in abject horror because to him, and in fact to many of us, an ebook is not really a book at all. But it does have its advantages. Anyone can relatively easily publish an ebook. There are dozens of websites that will tell you how to do it – but stay away from those that want to charge you vast sums for the privilege because many of them are scams.

You might want to look at something called ‘Create Space’ which has been created by Amazon but there are other options – just as long as you keep your wits about you and do not part unnecessarily with your hard earned money. Of course you will need to find someone who can edit your manuscript or at the very least proofread it but once it is available on line it is then down to your own efforts to publicise it. If it’s a good

book, who knows, the royalties you earn for your ebook might allow you to go into what is known as ‘print on demand’, which is also managed by Amazon and which could allow your book to eventually appear in the sort of form that both Ian and I love the best – on paper, between covers.

When my literary agent told me she was going to start publishing ebooks and asked if I had anything I might want to publish in that form I bought myself a modern version of an old fashioned disc drive and dusted off all the floppy discs from years ago. I now have a novel and some stories available on Amazon; there are three more novels coming very soon and before long I will be turning out professional looking paperbacks that I can sell across the world.

Most heartening of all is the fact that every couple of months or so a fairly small but gradually growing amount of money is paid into my account which was earned by my own fictional pen (well, computer keyboard actually but let’s not split hairs). My first published novel is now selling in America and other English speaking countries as well as in Great Britain and because people like it, they are clamouring for more.

I’ve been very lucky and have got some good reviews and of course that helps but nothing is more important than actually sitting down at your computer and planning that novel. All the daydreaming and speculation doesn’t hold a candle to actually ‘doing it’, something that can be much harder than all the details that come afterwards.

One thing is certain; it has never been easier than it is right now for ‘anyone’ to see their imagination transformed into print. If what you turn out is not good or if it doesn’t follow the patterns that people like, chances are you won’t sell many copies, even as ebooks. But at the very least you can coerce and bully all your family and friends into buying and reading a copy. The next Booker prize might be presently lodged in your head but unless you actually get down to doing something about it, that’s where it’s likely to stay.

The final words of warning are the most important.

Do this by your own effort. If your book is good and you take the time and effort to learn how to publicise it yourself people will give it good reviews, others will see the reviews and will want to read the book. Don’t be taken in by vanity publishing, which offers to publish your book – for a price. Creating an ebook will cost you little more than time and that is all you will need if you turn out something of real worth. Off the top of my head I can personally think of at least half a dozen people in Saltburn who could quite easily turn out a fascinating and perhaps also funny book – even if they just draw on the experiences of their own lives and on their personalities.

I look forward to seeing your names in print – but please don’t forget to include me in the acknowledgements!

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Saltburn Allotments Association Firework night’s round the corner and we haven’t done our digging over yet, unlike some plot holders who are very well prepared for winter. No dig gardeners would wonder why we bother but I do like to make sure perennial weeds are dug out and things like snail and slug eggs are exposed. The latter benefits the birds and minimises the mollusc explosion next spring. However, we’ve been decorating and I’m sticking to that excuse.

Our annual Halloween party went well, which was great. We all enjoy the evening and it’s lovely to put the wildlife garden to good use. Some of us have managed to get back into the habit of doing an hour or so tidying the garden on Wednesday afternoons from 2.00pm, just to keep on top of it a bit. We aren’t doing loads, after all, it is a wildlife garden, but we are slowly bringing more fruit bushes and plants into the garden with a view to creating a bit more of a community orchard in there. If you fancy helping out a bit and have some free time when we are there, come and join in, or get in touch on 01287 624169 (or spf.bs@ntlworld.com).

We were very lucky towards the end of October with some lovely sunny weather. We still have some peppers, chillies and cucumbers in the greenhouse, which is a real treat. In fact, we had sufficient chillies and peppers this year for me to make some chilli jam… love it…hot chilli and the sweetness of sugary jam go so beautifully together. Come and see our allotment stall at the next Farmers’ Market on 8th November, if we have any left it will be for sale there along with other allotment produce. We had a really good Farmers’ Market in October, thanks to Lorna and PR man Rob, we had lots of publicity which resulted in higher than normal visitors and buyers and so we were able to make a bit more of the Halloween party. An example of good things resulting in more good things, thank you everyone, including my all-time favourite soup maker, who knows who he is.

It’s the time of year again to think about winter jobs. Curling up in front of a good seed catalogue is one of them, if the weather turns grotty, cleaning pots, tools and canes is another, along with giving any greenhouse/ polytunnel/cold frame you may have a good clean.

Garlic can be planted, along with salad leaves, particularly the oriental types, broad beans, early peas, sweet peas, spring onions and radishes (under cloches – check watering). Remember to check regularly any vegetables you are storing such as potatoes and onions.

You could always give your compost heap a good inspection and, if you don’t reckon to add much to it in winter, put it to bed by putting a protective layer over the top such as cardboard or an old duvet or anything you are recycling that will keep the heap a bit warmer over the winter.

Happy winter gardening, Sue. 60

Reg is remembered Members of Saltburn and District Retired Men’s Forum stood for a while to remember former member Reg Lethbridge, who has died aged 91.

The gesture, which is made whenever a member or former member dies, was made at the exact time the cremation was taking place at the Middlesbrough crematorium on 6th October.

Reg, who was a member for several years until from about 2004, was a tall man who formerly lived at Skinningrove. He lived alone at Zetland Mews in Saltburn town centre and had several interests, including the life of explorer Gertrude Bell. He was also a model railway enthusiast.

He featured in Talk of the Town some years ago about his memories of Winston Churchill visiting Saltburn. An involvement with the former police station at the top of Emerald Street featured in the report.

Oops!

"Quit" spot in church

A slight misprint in a new church banner outside the Milton Street Methodist church is causing amusement among passers -by.

Instead of publicising a ‘quiet area,’ it mentions a ‘quit’ spot.

“One or two people have pointed out the misprint,” said a church official who was involved in printing the Open Church banner, which is put up on railings four mornings a week.

Regulars attending the two-hour sessions, which include a free cup of coffee or tea, point out that the error is making people think of what is on offer.

Frances Rodda, an Open Church volunteer, said: “The big thing is that people are welcomed at our church.”

Frances is secretary of Saltburn’s Churches Together organisation, which runs inter-denominational services and events.

Town Clock Repair Fund at Emmanuel Church As mentioned in last month’s Talk of the Town, the town clock, which is housed with the church tower and used by the whole community, is in need of repair, requiring an estimated £1000 to be raised.

To try to achieve this, we would welcome any donations of odd gold or silver items of jewellery: odd earrings, broken chains (or odd links from them), rings, bangles, necklaces, even ornamental items, however broken or bent they may appear to be.

Any items you have can be passed to the following who have kindly offered to take any contributions for this fund: Vicar Adam, Geoff and family at Brambles shop in Station Street, John and Chris Wallis of 13 De Brus Court (Tel: 626674).

A local Redcar jeweller has agreed to help us convert any donations to raise cash for this project. They have already given £50 for some oddments that could well have been thrown away as having no value.

The Muses of Jim

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Today, I heard something that would put many professional sport players to shame. Charlie, my first grandson, who lives in Saltburn, plays for a Saltburn football boys team.

During the match played recently, a ball was crossed in to the centre, toward Charlie who was up front for the first time. The ball ended going into the goal. Charlie refused to claim the goal as his because he wasn’t sure that he had, in fact, made contact with the ball. What a star, putting to sham the shirt pulling, diving stars of the professional game.

To continue about Charlie: October 13th is his birthday. He is now 10. My card was hand delivered. I received a text thanking me for my card, pointing out that he is my grandson not nephew. A properly titled card was duly hand delivered. Sorry, Charlie. At least it makes a change writing about what’s her name. Molly and I did increase the birthday money by 20p.

I am using my tablet to write this. Talk about teaching an old dog new tricks. Then I will email it to my computer for editing. Clever eh.

There was a development re my eye operation. I have to go in next week, instead of in December. Can any one loan me a parrot for few days? I was born before the birth of the NHS. In fact, I have the bill from the Maternity Home for £10, the cost of my birth. Also, pre NHS, I suffered with impetigo on my face and the treats of the day was to paint the scabs with a blue substance and then when dried the scabs were pulled. I cried, my mother cried and even my dad looked unhappy. So I was taken to the doctors, to see Dr Young, the same doctor that delivered me, and who was still my GP when I moved up north to educated the natives! Sorry, Norman, for stealing your favourite saying. My mum complained about the method of treatment on my face. So the doctor suggested using a new drug, developed in the war. My mum paid 5 shillings (25p) for a single injection. Of course it was Penicillin. To this day I have beautiful youthful skin and such a lovely smile.

I suppose that the point I am making is that the NHS is such an important factor in everybody’s life that I feel that we must do all we can to protect it. Betty’s demise was made bearable by the superb service and understanding from every level of staff.

Speaking of Betty, she often visits at night, and I am still waiting for her promise to fiddle the Lotto numbers but to no avail. All I can do is hope.

It appears that there are plans to turn the car sales unit at the top of Zetland Terrace into a Nisa Store, with a licence to sell alcohol. The Parish Council has commented about the sale of alcohol, as have two of our ward councillors. After all, there are already five sales outlets for alcohol in a town of population 6000.

Finally, the Borough Council has granted planning permission for the development of housing eastward of Mickledales, Marske. The same company is planning a similar scheme westwards between Wilton Bank and the Riding School. In fact there are about 1,600 homes proposed for various sites on the edges of our near neighbours, closing the distance between us. Not a good thing.

Jim Wingham 61

The Saltburn Crossword no 161 set by Advena Across 1 9 10 11 12 13 15 18 20 24 25 27 28 29

A son, Mrs Terry, rejuvenating Saltburn’s secret stitchers (12) Unfortunately Ed Green failed to carry out his promise (7) Saltburn’s Road is less famous than Edinburgh’s Street (7) Intricately embellish to be a real medley (9) Irreparably damage crisp oilcloth interior (5) European Commission back after sense about concentrated flavouring (7) Chums including French and colourful flower parts (6) A woman sounds like me, thin (6) A local school but close to a Yorkshire National Park we hear (7) A belt dismantled can be used at mealtimes (5) In such the assortment detaches (9) I’m Lara, I upset the overseas post (7) A small orange centre plumage follows national primary school tests (7) Modern TV technology conceals blood fluid? (6, 6)

Down

Name___________________________________ Address_________________________________ ________________________________________ Telephone_______________________________

Solution to Crossword no 160

The winner of last month’s crossword was David Cockerill of Malvern Drive, Acklam.

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1 2 3 4

Story teller and a member of 1 across? (6) Spanish city found in baron days (5) Respectful address to an Italian gentleman in design or effect (7) Military material associated with those who do 5 down officially (8) 5 Cartographers like our friend Saxton did this, including firstly Penzance and Ely within damp ruin (6) 6 Er, Susie, revise to make the book available again (7) 7 Surprisingly, Doc, a lace is an expression of praise (8) 8 Because lessons contain no good (7) 14 and 17 Down This magazine’s home (8, 2, 3, 3) 16 National Trust in clear disorganisation midway (7) 17 See 14 Down 19 Eel ably around this circular body part (7) 21 50% of canasta tickets found unstable (7) 22 Powerful medieval associations, requiring slug ID (6) 23 This right is perfectly fine despite the wet weather (2, 4) 26 High class cookery and couture from the French (5)

Send your completed crossword to: Saltburn Crossword no 161, c/o Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ

by Friday, 14th November 2014. First correct solution out of the bag wins a £10 voucher kindly donated by Tim and Sheila of Real Meals.

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