Talk of the Town October 2020

EDITION 232

CIRCULATION 4,600

OCTOBER 2020

SALTBURN’S FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE 1

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SALTBURN’S TOWN TALK Letter from the Editor

It is still so important to keep our distance from each other. If we all did this, the virus would have nowhere to go and the pandemic would fizzle out. With around 4,000 new cases in the UK every day it is clearly not going away in a hurry, although thankfully the number of daily deaths has declined considerably. It is still possible to catch the virus by being unlucky but there’s only one real reason for it and that is not keeping our distance. We are all in this together and that means looking out for one another. Unfortunately that also

means looking out for those who are not looking out! Being outside does not mean it is safe and walking past someone within touching distance is guaranteed to spread the virus. This is not a negative message, because saving lives is positive. It is not scare-mongering or ‘project fear’ or any of the other daft expressions people use to belittle the truth or ignore a reality they don’t want to recognise. I know we are all sick of the situation but mutual respect for each other’s safety, keeping our distance, washing our hands and wearing our facemasks Everything’s a Fiver at Fiver Fest! Fiver Fest Saltburn will will help us all come safely through this together. Love, Ian be launched at Saltburn Farmers’ Market on Saturday, Send letters, adverts and contributions for the next issue (by October 10th and continued by many independent businesses Friday, 16th October 2020) to: The Editor, Talk of the for the following 2 weeks! In a nut shell: we have all put Town, Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, together great deals for our customers that will only cost you Cleveland, TS12 1AQ. Telephone: 01287 623903 (or email: a fiver! That’s right a fiver – because we want you to know, talkofthetownsaltburn@gmail.com).

Talk of the Town can be read online at all it costs to shop locally is a fiver, and we really appreciate www.saltburnbysea.com and found on a new Facebook all the support you have given us over the last 8 months! address at www.facebook.com/talkofthetownsaltburn.

Thank you! Fiver Fest is a trail of bargains to be had at independent shops, online stores and market stalls in Saltburn. Random Stitchers of Cleveland: We had our first socially (It doesn’t include chains, supermarkets or multinational distanced branch meeting, more a pleasant get together really. companies as fiver fest has been designed to level the playing Only 14 of us maximum and we all sat at individual tables in field and give a hand to small independent businesses.) What Sunnyfield House at the beginning of September. We hope to it does include, is all these businesses acting as one business carry on doing this with a speaker next time but unfortunately to bring fantastic deals across the town. You’ll be able to go due to the very low numbers allowed we cannot invite visitors. into every participating business and grab a deal for a fiver! Hopefully things will gradually improve.

Each business will create their own deal, which means that Saltburn Studios and Gallery: If you’re passing, take a peek you the customers will be able bag bargains galore. at our ever evolving Gallery Window Exhibition, with artwork So pop into town on the 10th October and check out from all of our 17 Studio Artists. You can also keep updated the deals! Fiver Fest will last between Saturday, October 10th with what our Studio Artists are creating in their studios on our and Saturday, October 24th!

Facebook and Instagram pages.

The Fiver Fest has a Facebook tag of Craft Club Busy Fingers: We have cancelled our normal Stitchers of Cleveland (Embroiderers’ Guild) are @totallylocallysaltburn (and an email address of Random sessions on Library the 2ndthis andmonth 4th Thursday each month, inSee the in Saltburn on 12th of June at 2.00pm. totallylocallysaltburn@gmail.com).

Coffee Room, Saltburn Community Centre until further notice.

Library article on page 10 for further details.

Local is for life not just for lockdown!

Saltburn Traditional Music Workshops: Unfortunately we Saltburn Farmers’ Market: Shop Saltburn Farmers’ Market are cancelled until further notice but we hope to resume again on Saturday, 10th October for the finest selection of locally as soon as we can. produced food, drink and crafts that can be found anywhere. WI Report: Little did I think when I wrote our first lockdown We are so lucky in Saltburn to have access to such plenty and report in April that I would still be reporting that we were still variety and be able to support our creative sector. Shopping not able to meet in person, in September for October’s locally is what makes Saltburn so special. Thank you to magazine. However, we are still there for our members and are everyone who takes the time to spend a fiver with us every doing everything we can to stay in touch. Our phone buddy month – it makes a huge difference! Keep safe, remember we scheme is still in action so hopefully no one feels isolated or all have a better future ahead, and please support your local alone. Although we are not able to hold regular meetings at producers and retailers – they really need your help. Saturday, present, members were invited to meet socially distanced at the 10th October, 9am till 2pm. bandstand in earlier September. About a dozen members turned Emmanuel Church Hall Table Top and Collectors’ Sale: up and enjoyed catching up with each other. We continue to We cancelled the sales in the last four months and there are have weekly zoom meetings and walk twice a week (now to still no changes. As soon as we know anything we will let all adhere to the rule of 6 we split into two smaller groups when our customers know but we aren’t opening till we feel it is necessary) and our weekly challenges continue. We look safe to do so. We look forward to seeing everyone when we forward to the day when we are able to welcome new members do. We are missing you all lots! I have managed to cater for a at a meeting, but in the meantime you can follow our activities few customers that I had phone numbers for, but if any of you on our website www.saltburnbytheseawi.wordpress.com or on need to contact me for anything please ring Denise Marshall our facebook page. If you would like more information email us (at saltburnwi@outlook.com). on 07929 589538. Everyone stay safe and take care!

Diane Falla Cover Photograph: Sunlight through the Valley by Margaret Grant Disclaimer: Talk of the Town tries to make sure the articles and announcements made on its pages are accurate, but views expressed in letters and articles printed in Talk of the Town are not necessarily those of the editor. Any offers in adverts included in Talk of the Town are made by the advertisers; details should be confirmed with them. Always confirm event details with the organisers, in case of alteration or error. Talk of the Town is printed by DC (Yorkshire) Print, Mercury House, Grove Lane, Hemsworth WF9 4BB. Website: www.dcprintyorkshire.co.uk Tel: 01977 642331. Proprietor/Editor of Talk of the Town: Ian Tyas c/o Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ. (Ian Tyas tel: 01287 623903.)

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Saltburn-by-the-Sea Free Street Entertainment The annual Folk Festival was cancelled this year due to the pandemic. Plans were well advanced and the 2020 programme was ready to print, thanks to the hard work of the organisers. This small selection of photographs of previous street events is a tribute to the hard work that is carried out by the volunteers who have provided free entertainment for the general public over the years.

Local Choir 2004.

Presenting a photograph to a young audience member who had assisted on an occasion.

Making regular annual appearances Feet First - Appalachian Clog Dancers.

Zulu performers 2012.

A very popular and versatile entertainer seen here in 2004, he involved children and adults.

Pierrot act 2019.

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Local Dancers entertain 2009.

Cath and Tony Lynn

MILTON STREET

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Councillors’ Column With the autumn equinox behind, darker days lie ahead.

For some the implications run deep. Whether a morning or an evening person, shorter days limit activities.

It is even more important that awareness of the needs of others are not forgotten. Being able to afford heating is just one challenge.

The good news is that the Library reopens. Safely rewired, this community hub is back in business. Although the modus operandi may need to change somewhat, this focus of social and intellectual opportunity has been sorely missed.

More reading is certainly to be done. A White Paper has been published on planning reform, specifically focussed on housing development. Its intention is to streamline and modernise and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed. Key elements include zoning, speedier Local Plan development, centrally determined housing targets, a new design code body, local policies to be diminished in preference to central guidance and digitalising planning documentation to allow greater public access.

Residents are encouraged to spend time analysing these proposals as the outcome will determine the future built environment. Please visit www.gov.uk/government/ consultations/planning-for-the-future and digest, following on with a completion of the consultation questionnaire.

It does not take too long. Comments are welcome by email at planningforthefuture@communities.gov.uk or, if you prefer, write a traditional letter to Planning for the Future, MHCLG, 3rd Floor, Fry House, 2, Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF, all to arrive by 11.45pm on the 29th October.

On the 10th the temporary extension of some eateries and hostelries on to their immediate pavements will cease and all barriers will come down. The alfresco lifestyle more enjoyed by continental neighbours will be over, at least for the foreseeable future.

Residents will not have failed to notice the works being undertaken in Skelton Beck. Since the storm and floods of 2013 patience has been extended some way in the wait. Whilst the design is not what was sought, the Environment Agency apparently has a significant influence when it comes to waterways. 400 tonnes of material deposited in the 1990s has been removed and the beck now runs easier towards the sea.

The foreshore should be clear by the end of the month when all abandoned boats will at last be removed from the shingle where many have long been situated.

On line purchase continues to be a normal feature of shopping. This is partly encouraged by the sophistication of logistics employed by major suppliers. Given the expertise demonstrated a request has been made to consider contracting Covid testing procedures out to experience.

Redcar & Cleveland recycling rates have apparently improved. The latest statistics indicate a current 40% performance, up from last year. In 2013 the performance recorded was 48%. If this does not seem to compute, perhaps it demonstrates how control is being lost over what is happening in this immediate environment. How may it be possible to change the world’s outlook on recycling if home ground achievement is failing to make the necessary progress?

Philip Thomson 7

Saltburn Cricket, Bowls and Tennis Club Cricket News: The cricket season draws to a close as this article is being put together. The wicket will be ‘put to bed’ as you read on and the teams will return to indoor practice in The Nets building as the nights draw in. The ‘rule of six’ is with us to stay and it continues indoors for the foreseeable future. Many social events are still limited, but keeping our members, staff and players safe, continues to be a priority.

The players have enjoyed getting out on the field, winning some and loosing some, as well as adapting their game to Covid guidelines. The games have been social and so the first XI retain their position in the Premier league for April 2021.

The club welcomes on board Ryan Gibson as our new Pro cricketer. He is local, from Staithes, with much experience at club, county and England level. He would normally be spending the winter playing in Australia, but has changed direction at this time of Covid-19. Ryan will be looking after the grounds this winter and promoting the coaching of the successfully developing Junior teams during the next few months. He is available for more personal 1-1 coaching of youngsters, after school. Should a birthday be coming up then a treat of a private lesson might suit your youngster. You can contact Ryan for such bookings on email at ryangibson696@yahoo.com or mobile 07794 406201 or leave a message behind the bar, any evening.

Tennis News: Saltburn Tennis Club welcomes new members! Adult membership is currently £60 until April 2021.

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We have 4 courts, 2 recently resurfaced and 2 with floodlights making it possible to play tennis all year round.

We also welcome non-members who wish to book a court or join us for social tennis. Details of the club, membership and booking online can be found on our website (at https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ SaltburnTennisClub).

We want to develop our tennis coaching at the club.

If you are interested in training as a tennis coach then we may be able to support you to do this. Please contact us by email (at saltburntennisclub@hotmail.com).

Other News: It is unfortunate that we are unable to host the Firework Night celebration on November 5th this year, due to the situation that we find ourselves in.

On a daily basis, we are all adapting to this new situation. On a sociable level we would like to welcome our members to a new initiative. If you would like a change of scene and a take away meal, we invite you to bring it along or have it delivered and enjoy it with a drink, in a different setting. The tea room has missed the cricket teas, celebrations and functions this year as well as the smell of delicious food. The kitchen is currently underachieving! If anyone wishes to hire it for a cooking project – jam or chutney making, Christmas cakes, or experimenting with new recipes, we are open minded to hiring it out. We recently achieved our Level 5, hygiene inspection, so we are good to go. You are welcome to come over and have a look and discuss your project further.

Rosalyn

Saltburn in Bloom Last month I wrote about how Lockdown affected the Saltburn in Bloom gardening. When our Chair Sue, asked me to write again for the October edition, I thought I would follow up a quotation from a resident: “Every time I walk around Marine Parade the sight of such colourful gardens lifts my mood and fills me with joy!”

How has this been achieved one might ask? I could say ‘through sheer hard work,’ but I will add some background!

Volunteers have worked in our town for many, many years and a strong sense of community has developed and continues to flourish in these difficult times. There are wonderful organisations carrying out a whole range of activities to help those in our community to have a better quality of life. Many do not want any recognition and carry out their work quietly because they care for the people and the town.

Through the years a great deal of hard work has been carried out by Saltburn in Bloom working in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Council and Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council. In 1988 a lady called Jackie Taylor (MBE & Freedom of RCBC) moved to Saltburn and galvanised existing volunteers and RCBC to regenerate a rather run-down seaside resort. At that time town gardens were filled with wonderful displays of “bedding plants” which were removed at the end of each season. In summer hundreds of hanging baskets brightened the streets of the town right along Windsor Road and Marske Road and on every shop. People travelled from far afield to admire the floral displays. They certainly looked fantastic but were very expensive and weren’t particularly good environmentally.

Over the last 10 years changes have taken place, affected by Council cuts, new thinking about public gardening and environmental issues, and changes of personnel in the In Bloom group. The present group have taken on the gardening of many more gardens and planters around the town but continue to put up a reduced number of hanging baskets (sadly not this year). This enables RCBC to target limited resources where they are needed.

Here in Saltburn gardening is exceedingly difficult especially on Marine Parade. The plants (and the gardeners!) have to contend with strong winds, salt air, periods of drought in this rain-shadow area, heavy storms

and mists, making the right choice of plants very difficult. Roy Smith’s influence has meant that the group are much more aware of environmental issues and gardening for wildlife, particularly pollinators, and strive to plant native perennials and some nectar-rich plants from other countries. Many of the gardeners are now passionate about gardening in an environmentally friendly way, with some being actively involved in conservation groups. With careful selection and planning of plants and bulbs that now need to be drought and flood proof, we are managing to create gardens which have colour and foliage most of the year, with nectar sources for pollinators in every month of the year. Sometimes we get it wrong and realise we have made a wrong choice, perhaps putting a plant on Marine Parade when it craves more shelter, but that is how one improves as a gardener.

Realising what works and what doesn’t! I remember Roy ordering some (he was assured!) very, very hardy fuchsias for an area of Marine Parade and which needed collecting from somewhere in Yorkshire. In no time at all they were wind burnt and didn’t survive in the Saltburn gardens.

Some people new to gardening during Lockdown will have discovered that gardening is hard work and there is a great deal to think about. We all make mistakes and that is where the learning comes in. When it works, one feels a great sense of achievement and satisfaction!

Because of Lockdown, my husband Dave and I actually had much more time to garden at home, creating our own little space full of colour and pollinators, with so many birds, bees, butterflies and even moths to watch and enjoy - our place to sit and contemplate when things seem not so good.

Gardening with Saltburn in Bloom certainly lifts our spirits and if you would like to come along to join the group, we would welcome you. We obey Covid rules about social distancing, working in groups of no more than 6 at the moment and always try to keep safe. But the interaction between the gardeners is another way of cheering up.

Email saltburn.in.bloom@gmail.com if you would like to meet us. We would like to meet you!

Lynda Parkes (SiB Gardening Co-ordinator

Watercolour Classes Saltburn We meet Monday and Thursday afternoons in the upstairs room of the Methodist Church on Milton Street. Monday at 1.30-3.30pm and Thursday at 1-3.00pm.

We will be socially distanced as per government guidelines and wearing a mask will be compulsory. There is hand gel available.

The class will suit a complete beginner or someone just wanting to learn more about this lovely medium. My name (teacher) is Kathryn Harrison. I have over 50 years

experience with the medium as well as a Fine Art Degree.

I have exhibited both regionally and nationally. I am a qualified teacher, qualified to teach adults. I have specialised in teaching complete beginners, but have worked with children and adults of all ages and abilities.

The cost is £80 payable at the beginning of each term. If you would like to chat about joining this fun and friendly class, give me a ring on 01947 897803.

Kathryn Harrison 9

Saltburn Countryside Volunteers The conservation group haven’t sat back during the unusual last six months, although you will not have seen them in green sweat shirts around the Valley Gardens.

Our projects changed direction at the farmers’ market on March 14th. We had a stall outside Sainsbury’s, selling Easter gifts, hand knitted daffodils with chocolate eggs as centre pieces, as well as Easter Tree decorations, all beautifully crafted by Victoria Simmons. Bird boxes and bug houses were made by Ron Downie using recycled wood donated from various kind people. Decorated rock pets and china tea cup bird feeders by Katie Metcalf added a Spring touch to the table. Plants in jam jars and a tombola raised a welcome £200. The stall was run on a rota basis and our first conversations about the virus began with professional advice from our very own medic. How little we knew at the time! By the end of the day we all knew that none of us were going abroad on holiday for sure.

Instead, we walked everyday and collected litter along the way. When restrictions eased we socially distanced in the Meadow at the viaduct, clearing illegal fire pit areas, removing ash, coals and broken glass. We undertook a beck walk, down stream, clearing litter and debris, unblocking the build up and allowing the free flow of water by the stepping stones. These activities enabled us to feel useful to the environment again!

Saltburn Primary School fostered out their collection of tadpoles to us and they were released into a frog friendly garden in mid April.

In late May the Butterfly Conservation organization allowed us to carry out our weekly surveys in the Meadow in family bubbles and the amazing sunshine drew many butterflies out of lockdown! It was pleasing for us to measure the increase in butterfly presence, observing by this stage that nature was affected only in a positive way.

Another £200 was raised in July from a ‘Jumble Trail’.

Stalls were set up outside house gates for all the stuff we found ourselves clearing out of our homes.

We are happy to say that seeds have been collected from the Meadow, dried in brown envelopes and currently rest in the fridge in a Tupperware! Awaiting disposal by the children in Autumn.

Volunteers and guests had an enlightening evening with Dr. David Wainwright the conservation officer for Northern England, his special interest being moths. As dusk turned into darkness, his ‘white light’ attracted the local flying community and the show piece began, with a multitude of different species arriving. The evening also included the expertise of Jean and Bill from the local Bat Society. They shared knowledge and understanding of our bat population in the meadow.

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During August, the AMCO Giffen engineers arrived to begin extensive repairs on the viaduct. They are going to be with us some months and have created their own working village, accommodating our wishes alongside. Their task seems enormous, but so was the original construction back in the day. Do take a walk down and watch them at work if you have the opportunity. We are grateful that the bill, is not coming our way!

Early September saw us regroup, with social distancing and Covid packs from RCBC providing safety and hygiene equipment. Paul Murphy, our Ranger, is back on board, leading, advising and guiding projects for the months ahead.

A local family named Dell, have a sewer in their midst, who made 175 face masks during the Summer. They have thoughtfully donated a £1.00 from each sale to the Meadow. £175 has been gratefully received.

We are glad to be out again in the environment, doing our bit with ‘the rule of six’ ever present. It is amazing how much is achieved in a 2½ hour session by a dozen or so like minded people. It’s uplifting to see so many more people walking the pathways and trails, enjoying the natural spaces and perhaps catching the bus home from Skelton, or vice versa. Seeing two stoats dance and play chase, puts another smile on our faces.

The farmer has been and mowed the Meadow recently. It is now ready for baling and then the scattering of seeds once again by local children. Some of our funds will go towards new information boards for you all to read and learn about the wealth of nature thriving, in this place.

A big THANK YOU to our community, for helping us in any way, buying our crafts, jumble and donating small and large amounts to a worthy cause, for us all to enjoy.

Enjoy the Autumn colours.

Committee Members

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October Family Fun October 1st Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Have a Coffee Morning in your garden No more than 6 people.

It’s also International walk to school month - walk to school every day.

Also on the 1st: A day for celebrating poetry - Write a Poem or lyric.

And also: The world’s largest drawing festival (visit Event Website for further details). Festival of Drawing Activities for all.

October 2nd World Smile Day - Why not make your day worthwhile, by giving those you meet a smile? Sometimes it’s difficult, I know, but when returned you feel a glow.

October 4th Grandparents Day UK – make a card for your grandparents.

World Space Week – The impact of satellites in our daily lives.

Also on the 4th: World Animal Day – watch a wildlife programme on TV. October 5th World Dyslexic Awareness week - Go red for Dyslexia (see website).

October 7th National Curry Week - Try to make a curry from scratch October 14th National Baking Week - Bake a cake for the family.

October 21st National Apple Day - eat an apple or plant an apple tree.

Also on the 21st: Trafalgar Day - Put the flags out on your house.

October 31st Halloween Virtual Trick or Treat, Buy sweets for friends, Give some to the food bank.

All activities subject to government Covid-19 guidelines. Stay safe. Take care. Best wishes.

Saltburn Toc H Branch

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Let there be Light During the 1960s The Saltburn ’53 Society was using the Spa ballroom for its stage productions. Very tight scheduling and set striking in record time were the order of the day. As the decade wore on making ends meet were increasingly more difficult.

When the Primitive Methodist Church in Albion Terrace ceased to function as a place of worship in 1969 and an amalgamation with the Wesleyan Chapel in Milton Street was agreed, an opportunity arose.

Various ideas were considered for the church buildings, demolition and buildings of flats being one.

Fortunately for Saltburn a group of volunteers establish a Community Centre. This was based on the Hall, with no immediate use for the chapel.

The ’53 Society saw a new home and offered to convert the chapel into a theatre. This would take time and many years on developments and improvements were still part of a culture. The first task was to black out. All the windows were covered in with boarding. Whilst this provided the required conditions for theatrical productions it did mean that the beauty of the windows would be lost, if not for ever, for all time until something happened to change it.

The North and South windows were uncovered in the early 2000s with dramatic effect and now allow natural light in with controlled blackout for productions.

In September, refurbishment work on the west gable revealed the windows in that wall, with all the splendour of the arts and crafts design coming back into view with majestic presence. Arrangements will now be made to retain the beauty of this architectural gem with appropriate blackout provision. The heritage of Saltburn will be on display once more.

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Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council At the recent Parish Council meeting Alison Blacklock was appointed as the new Parish Councillor for the Longbeck Ward.

Consideration was given to the proposed Government white paper on the future of planning. Members felt that the new proposals were a degradation of local democracy, giving more power to developers and disempowering local communities. Concern was raised that the planning process would become centralised and not fit for purpose to deal with local issues. The new reforms would remove the need for outline planning permission on areas identified as sites for building in local plans, which would remove the opportunity for consultation at this crucial stage. Additionally, residents would not have to apply for permission for many extensions and renovations to properties which could cause neighbour issues and result in complaints to the Planning Authority.

A discussion took place regarding cycling on footpaths and in particular the Lower Prom at Saltburn. This had been raised by Saltburn Valleys as a public safety issue and had been reported to Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council (RCBC). It was highlighted that during the current pandemic people were cycling and walking more and RCBC had put some advisory notices up requesting cyclists to dismount on footpaths, but enforcement was an issue. However, the Lower Prom was part of the National Cycle Route and therefore cycling was permitted. This matter would be discussed further at a future meeting.

Members were advised that a new bus service was being trialled - the number 18 bus would offer a direct service from Saltburn to Guisborough, Great Ayton and Stokesley. Saltburn Beach had once again been awarded Blue Flag status and thanks were extended to RCBC and all the community groups and volunteers who helped to keep the

beach clean.

A grant of £500 was approved to Saltburn Athletic Football Club towards replacing some goalposts and purchasing a storage container.

Due to the current pandemic all Christmas events in the Parish have been cancelled but it is hoped that the main trees and lights will go up. The Group of volunteers who normally organise the Saltburn event have created a facebook page “Saltburn Alternative Christmas Parade 2020” (watch out for this going live and please like/share) residents will be encouraged to light up the town by making an extra special effort to decorate their windows and gardens to bring a bit of Christmas sparkle to Saltburn. Hopefully the Fire Brigade, in a specially decorated tender with Father Christmas on board, will drive around the town on Saturday, 5th December to look at the displays and give your children a wave. Further details will be published on the facebook page about this and plans for a virtual event.

The Parish Council office has reopened to the general public. If you need to visit the office please knock on the door and stand back and if we are in we will come to the door. If you need to enter the building you will be required to wear a face covering. You can still contact the office by email or phone. Meetings continue to be held remotely (and will be for the foreseeable future). For further details please see our website. Stay safe and take care Tracy Meadows (Clerk and RFO to the Parish Council) 01287 623477 office@smnmpc.co.uk www.smnmpc.co.uk

‘Heartened’ Saltburn church open again Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, Milton Street, reopened for the first time since lockdown started in March, with attendance a ‘heartening’ 37 at Sunday Mass on 23rd August.

Monsignor Ricardo Morgan, parish priest, said he was heartened with the numbers booking in, though it was half the usual attendance prelockdown.

“Our diocesan and government guidelines say 40 is the maximum allowed to keep within ‘social-distancing’ restrictions. All seemed happy to be wearing facemasks,” he said.

New features at the church taking in the reordering of the sanctuary area - include green carpet tiling and a pulpit of white marble, similar to the altar.

A new hedge and mini bush which will spread (to minimise

weeding) has been planted by the ro ad fo llo win g p a ve me n t widening.

Passers-by have been pausing at the bench opposite the grotto. A sunflower competition has caused some amusement.

Three Masses are being celebrated each week - Sunday 10.30am, Wednesday 10am and Saturday 6pm. Face-masks need to be worn.

Also churchgoers need to book for Mass, following Government advice - by ringing 07761 144707 - on Thursdays 10am-12 noon or 6-8pm.

John Rock Artificial sunflowers dominate the grotto at Our Lady of Lourdes church, Saltburn. Passers-by pause at a bench during walks and cycle rides on the Saltburn-Marske track.

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Computer Words

Having read almost everything on my bookshelves during lockdown I found myself last week revisiting the Barchester novels of Anthony Trollope. It was whilst reading Barchester Towers that I not once but three times was aware of the author using the words ‘Twit’ and ‘Tweet’ to describe a brief and perhaps somewhat pointless and even acerbic conversation between two of his characters. I have read this book on several occasions but not for a very long time, so these particular words would not previously have stuck in my mind as being in any way significant, since twitter would not have existed in its modern sense back then.

I’m well aware of course that birds ‘twitter’ and I assumed that is where the whole on line Twitter business originated but when I started to delve a little it became obvious that this is not the case at all. It turns out that ‘Twit’ is a really ancient word, which derives from the Middle English ‘atwiten’ and from an even earlier Old English ‘ætwītan’, both of which mean ‘to taunt’. This is most certainly the way Anthony Trollope used the word.

What I cannot discover is who called the app Twitter by that particular name. Many authorities on the subject say it was a man called Jack Dorsey, back in 2006 but a little delving proves that this was not the case and that twitter and tweet in a computer sense somehow originated back in the 1990s or earlier and that they came more or less from nowhere. What appeals to me about this is that something I had naturally considered to be modern jargon has a lengthy and interesting pedigree.

Tweet and twitter are not alone with this regard. For example, almost everyone these days uses Bluetooth, which in case you have been living in a cupboard for the last few years is a way to pass information from one device to another without them being connected physically. It struck me some time ago what a strange name this was.

With my love of history the only ‘bluetooth’ with which I was familiar was a Viking leader from the 10th century who was known even in his own time as Harald Bluetooth (presumably because he had a blue tooth, or maybe several). Once again I did a little research and discovered that Bluetooth as we know it now did in fact get its name from the fearless Viking king and warrior. Bluetooth in its modern sense was dreamed up by three Scandinavians.

They were aware that King Harald Bluetooth had managed to bring together many different factions, uniting the Scandinavia of his time and thus he wrote himself a place in history. Since Bluetooth the device brings different ‘gadgets’ together and allows them to communicate with each other, the name Bluetooth was originally used as a temporary code name but it proved popular and it stuck.

I have had a love affair with the English language ever since I was a child. It never ceases to amaze me how very old and how utterly fascinating many of the words in common usage today actually are. It turns out that in the case of ‘Tweet’ and ‘Bluetooth’ as with countless other examples even jargon laden computer speak cannot escape the influence of our ancient tongue. I wonder if Anthony Trollope would have utilized Twitter had he still been around today? By the way did you know that his invented town Barchester was meant to be Winchester? But that’s another story…

Alan Butler 16

MAIDENS BROS. Established 1950 Celebrating 70 years A Local friendly family run Business

We provide: Quality Plumbing, Central Heating Systems, Bathrooms, Wetrooms, Tiling and Decorative Panelling.

Also Bathrooms and Shower Rooms for the Disabled.

We are a Gas Safe Registered Company, providing Landlord Reports, Service of Boilers and repairs To Trade and Public.

Now able to offer at competitive prices a complete range of Plumbing, Boilers, Bathrooms and Showers and decorative panels with all required materials and accessories, Designer Radiators, Towel Warmers.

We stock all copper pipe fittings, plastic pipe fittings including solvent and push fit waste spares for toilets, taps and showers, all general DIY silicon, adhesive and fixings.

FREE Estimates and design with quality guaranteed.

Phone for more details and information

4 Amber Street, Saltburn TS12 1DT

01287 622133 Email: enquiries@maidensbros.co.uk Used Stamps for Charity

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

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

Saltburn 500 Club Congratulations go to R Bailey who won First Prize in the September Saltburn 500 Club draw. Application forms are, currently, only available from Jackie’s Saverstore until the library reopens. Of course, those readers who spend all of their time looking at a mobile phone will have the technical knowledge to know that you can also apply for membership online. The membership is currently around the 450 mark and it would be lovely to get back to the magical 500!

The committee have been having video meetings and we have decided to hold an Annual General Meeting at 5.30pm on Wednesday, 4th November. Anybody wishing to ‘attend’ can contact me on the email address below. If you are a member and would like to join the committee, or propose a member for one of the committee posts, please let me know and it will be discussed at the AGM. The funeral cortege for Peter Fenton (designer of the bandstand) passed by the bandstand and some of the members from Marske Brass Band were able to attend and play some music. This was greatly appreciated by family and friends of Peter.

At the time of writing this article, it can be confirmed that there is not going to be a lighting-up parade for 2020 Saltburn Christmas lights. It would be impossible to hold the event and ensure that people complied with social distancing etcetera. The committee who organise this event are holding regular meetings to discuss what could be possible within Covid restrictions.

We have not totally given up hope that we will be able to organise something but are not yet in a position to make any announcement.

The other problem to be faced regarding the Christmas lights is how we get the lights from storage, check and clean them, and place them around the town for the electricians to erect. I am also still waiting to hear if it will be possible to purchase the Christmas trees that are placed around the town and in the bandstand. Covid restrictions are causing problems, which have never been experienced before. If I manage to get a supply of trees, I will be looking for volunteers to dress the trees. It takes two people to decorate a tree so, ideally I would like people who can work as a pair without breaking social distancing rules. The trees are usually delivered late in November. Please let me know if you would be available to help us.

The fund raising for the lights has not been possible this year with the exception of the table-top sales held at the portico. I would like to thank the stallholders who, this year to date, have managed to raise a four-figure amount for us. Here’s hoping that more funding will be forthcoming and all the current problems are swiftly resolved. I remain optimistic that Saltburn will be shining brightly this Christmas.

Trevor Welburn Secretary, Saltburn 500 Club/Friends of Saltburn trevor.welburn@btinternet.com 17

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

Deborah

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Structural Surveys, Beam Designs, Building Restoration Foundation & Underpinning Design General Building Works Professional and Friendly Service Structural and Civil Engineering contact: Gregory Sills BEng (Hons) CEng MIStructE FGS

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m: 07870 631415 www.scurator.co.uk info@scurator.co.uk www.beamdesignservice.co.uk

News from Book Corner Hello! It seems so long since I last wrote to you about the bookshop, and I thought it was time I updated you about what I’ve been up to.

Firstly, I would like to thank all my wonderful customers who supported the bookshop during lockdown. I’m so grateful that you continued to buy books from me, even when the shop was closed and you couldn’t browse.

I’m delighted to be open again. At the time of writing (mid-September) I’m currently open three days a week, but I’m hoping to open more days in the near future. Please look out for updates in future adverts, the shop window, and on social media.

My biggest news is that I will be launching an online shop in October. This will give you the option to buy from Book Corner online and have books posted to you (or dropped off at your home if you’re in Saltburn).

The online shop will feature most of the titles I have in stock, and the new website will also feature a blog with book news and reviews, and the option to sign up for my newsletter.

Please keep an eye on www.bookcornershop.co.uk, and I’ll announce in Talk of the Town when the online shop is up and running.

My instore ordering service is still available, and will continue to run alongside the website. Please call

01287 348010, email jenna@bookcornershop.co.uk, or visit the shop to place an order.

I’m aware that not everyone feels comfortable visiting shops at the moment, so I’m continuing to offer my home delivery service. I can drop off books free of charge if you live in Saltburn, or post them to you for a small fee if you’re further afield.

From October, I’ll also be offering private shopping sessions. If you’d like to visit the bookshop, but feel uneasy about sharing the space, I can allocate you a slot before I open to the general public. I anticipate these slots will last for around 20 minutes, and be between 9am – 10am, but I’ll react to demand. Please call 01287 348010 for more information. Hopefully this will also provide an extra opportunity to do some Christmas shopping!

If you’d like to buy a gift for someone, but don’t know which book to choose, I’m pleased to offer both National Book Tokens and Book Corner Gift Vouchers.

These can be for any amount you wish, and I can also post them out to you, or to your chosen recipient.

Autumn is a time when lots of wonderful new books are published for the Christmas season. I’ll be sharing some of my favourites in the next issue. Until then, please stay safe, and happy reading!

Jenna

New viaduct bricks are ‘specials’ Bricks being used to virtually rebuilt Saltburn’s 150-yearold viaduct have been specially made to fit in with restrictions imposed by its Grade Two listed-building status.

“They are made-to-order to best match the imperial bricks used in the original construction,” said Chris Pennock, framework director for AmcoGiffen, the contractor being used by Network Rail.

“The details of these bricks and the scaffolds required have been shared with the local planning department (Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council) to satisfy listed-building consent.”

Mr Pennock said the rubble would be moved to his firm’s compound off Skelton’s A174 “via small vehicles/ skips for onward collection and transportation to the recycling facility.”

He confirmed the report in the September issue of Talk of the Town that the estimated number of bricks to be replaced was 90,000.

He could not say what the value of the contract was except it was ‘a significant investment.’

The 20-strong workforce is due to complete the work

by Spring 2021.

Councillor Stuart Smith, of Saltburn, said “no dramatic change” in the viaduct’s appearance was envisaged. The council’s conservation officer had been involved.

He added that he had no concern about the way the rubble was to be taken away. He said “possibly by train because equipment was coming in by train.”

John Rock 19

Saltburn Rotary Club News Well, what a strange month. Rotary Meetings resumed in a very measured, Covid-friendly manner for three weekly meetings at The Victoria before being postponed again due to further government restrictions. Thanks to Rachael and the staff at The Vic for being so welcoming and as soon as we are able we will be back to support you again.

We did manage to have a speaker from The Middlesbrough FC Foundation with whom we have formed a partnership to help with their brilliant charity work in East Cleveland.

The Club are also proud to sponsor Saltburn Athletic U10s again this season. Team photo taken prior to the first game of the season and also of player of the match Fred Coldwell. Pictured with the team Is Rotary President

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Harry Simpson who is also representing co sponsor Saltburn Blues Club.

Dave Sadler

Keeping It Clean At Saltburn A moment of reflection It’s been 3 years since Keeping in Clean at Saltburn (KICAS) formed as a group. We did this primarily in order to clean up beach litter as part of the 2-minute beach clean project founded in Cornwall by Martin Dorey. This project saw litter reduction of over 60% on beaches where 2-minute beach clean stations were installed. We were really keen to replicate their success in Saltburn and delivered 3 beach clean A frame boards for public use.

Please look out for the boards which are situated in the town and on the bottom prom. Thanks to our wonderful custodians (The Saltburn Surf School, Pier Amusement Arcade and Hey Ho Company).

You can imagine our delight to hear that Saltburn has been re-awarded ‘Blue Flag’ status for its amazing beach. This is the result of wide-ranging strategies and collective group effort. KICAS were delighted to be acknowledged by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council for the part we played in this wonderful achievement.

The efforts of all the volunteer beach cleaners have made a huge difference in reducing litter in the town and on the beach, so thank you too, to everyone who has been helping.

Some of you may have seen the pod of dolphins swimming near the beach over the summer? Perhaps their presence is further evidence of improved conditions for wildlife? We are all custodians of our little patch of the UK and wider planet. As such please join us if you don’t already in doing a beach clean or litter pick whenever you’re out and about. Wherever possible try to avoid using single use plastics and support environmentally friendly businesses.

The new litter created by facemasks is a reflection of this rather strange time we’re living in, so please keep a pair of protective gloves and a bag with you to ensure

you stay safe.

We will post information about any future group beach cleans on our Facebook page and hope that we can all reconnect soon. In the meantime, thanks to all of our community of beach and town cleaners: your efforts matter and collectively we can make a difference.

The KICAS crew

Saltburn Scouts News Everyone at 1st Saltburn hopes you and yours are staying safe and well.

Unfortunately Beavers, Cubs and Scouts still cannot meet face to face. Tentative steps were taken to have a blended programme of ‘normal’ and zoom meetings but the 6 rule was brought in and Leaders thought it prudent to stick to virtual meetings for the moment. Although Leaders are busy completing or have completed all their risk assessments ready for a quick start. It is desperately frustrating and as one Leader put it ‘really utterly deflated’ that we cannot offer young people a distraction and further their skills in these times.

As a charity to comply with Charity Commission and Scout Association rules, we have to have our AGM and have our accounts approved within six months of our accounts being audited. For obvious reasons we cannot open the hut, as we would normally do, to everyone who would like to attend the meeting but as 1st Saltburn Scout

Group are now in the 21st century we can employ social media and zoom to conduct the requirements. Our accounts will be published on the Charity Commission website for anyone who would like to view them.

I hope that next month’s Talk of the Town will have some details of activities 1st Saltburn’s three Sections have been taken part in.

To contact 1st Saltburn Scout Group, please email: saltburnscouts@hotmail.com.

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The TEES Charity: Changing people’s lives through food, clothing and toiletries Part 1 “Many local charities do amazing work individually. So they can achieve more, our TEES charity (together – engage – encourage – support) approaches them, engages with them and encourages them to share resources, data, information and even funding,” says veteran community organiser, Tonia Nixon.

Tonia began fundraising at the age of six. Supported by her mother, she collected and organised jumble sales on the old Lakes Estate, Redcar, in aid of the Marske Cheshire Home. Later, she worked as a licensee for twenty-seven years and helped set up Pubwatch in Loftus in 1989. In 2000, with J D Wetherspoon’s, she did a degree in marketing and developed a passion for it. She puts her fifty years’ experience to good effect with the TEES charity.

Operating as a not for profit charity incorporated organisation (CIO), its aim is to help relieve some of the problems associated with both social and economic poverty on Teesside. Having recognised a huge increase in the use of food and clothing banks and homelessness in the UK in recent years, it is putting together several different projects and initiatives. These are intended to help alleviate some of the issues created by deprivation and poverty that affect local people, who often struggle in low-paid, unreliable jobs.

“Particularly, we’ve recognised the feelings of isolation experienced in East Cleveland and are working to pull everything together,” explains Tonia. “We have good contacts in other charities, such as Footprints in the Community, Addaction and all nine Food Banks. We also signpost people to where they can get help.” She is proud of the way TEES works, not vetting clients or asking them intrusive financial questions, but putting the onus on the referrer to confirm need.

Tonia has been volunteering with the homeless for over ten years and was with the Teesside Socialist Clothing Bank for seven months. This runs from a container for an hour a week in the Hope Building Car Park in Middlesbrough. Clients, including those recently released from prison, can collect free clothing, toiletries and a sleeping bag, if they’re likely to be sleeping rough. “This is a valuable service, but it’s not felt to be a safe place for everyone in need of clothing and toiletries and more outlets are essential,” she says.

Tonia knew that TEES needed to be put on a firm financial footing, with a bank account and a charity number.

She was aware it would take at least a year, so she decided to fund her volunteering herself. She used her pension money and savings to pay for her fuel, marketing, donation bins, computer and website (www.teescommunity.co.uk). Now TEES has charity status, it has a Board of Trustees, consisting of Billy Wells - the current Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Mark Thacker, Ian Wolstenecraft and Tonia as Chair. She is grateful too to the volunteers, Ron Moran – the manager of the Clothing Bank, Claire Smith, Anita Whitney, Michelle Todd, Kath Cornes - the Mayor of Loftus and Sheryl Calvert, the poppy appeal organiser. “I also appreciate the efforts of Karen McGarrity of the RCVDA, who guided us through the process of getting charity status.”

Since 2018, Tonia has been involved in alleviating period poverty. She researched other national organisations 22

working on this and chose to team up with Tina Leslie of Freedom4girls (www.freedom4girls.co.uk). Tina has worked in Kenya and the UK in a very ethical way. Tonia wanted to provide free sanitary products for girls and women living in poverty, so she contacted fifty different possible donation and collection sites, including businesses, doctors’ surgeries and charities. “In Saltburn, we now have donation points in Sainsbury’s and Saltburn Pharmacy,” says Tonia. “The Pharmacy has been very proactive, displaying our poster and encouraging customers and reps to donate products. I make sure the donations are distributed close to where they are given, for example to Saltburn Food Bank in the town.”

She has become a partner of the Scottish charity, Hey Girls, (www.heygirls.co.uk) and receives 35% of the sanitary products she donates from it. “As well, Hey Girls has helped TEES with our marketing campaign and with health education information,” explains Tonia. “I’ve used the latter to talk to Saltburn Brownies and Guides.”

Hey Girls, Freedom4girls and TEES are asking the Government to stop industry putting plastics in sanitary products and to encourage more ethical manufacturing processes. Last February, Hey Girls paid for a hundred copies of the Big Issue to be delivered to Tonia to use as TEES wishes. “The edition contained a six page supplement, featuring the partnership of our two charities,” she adds proudly.

Between January and December 2019, over £60,000 worth of products were given away in Redcar and Cleveland and seven hundred women and girls are being supported every month with free items, available in over seventy locations.

“It’s life-saving for a lot of people,” says Tonia, as is the TEES Clothing Bank, which supplies Women’s Refuges and the Addaction charity, amongst others.

TEES is looking forward to applying for big grants to fulfil Tonia’s plan to house the homeless. In five years’ time, she hopes the charity will be housing twenty to thirty vulnerable people. In view of Tonia’s outstanding achievement record, it would be a brave person who would doubt that she will do it!

Part 2 next month!

Rosemary Nicholls

Health and Happiness: The path of the sleepwalker We are complete buffoons. At least when we start life we have no information for doing the simplest things, we know next to nothing.

Or do we? Perhaps at the beginning we are in a sense clean, clear of unhelpful perceptions that we should be in competition with others or that I should do what is best for me and not what is best for others? Perhaps on some important level we were once more aware of the vital things? Yes, there are important practical things we have to learn yet I wonder as the years go on if what we once knew so clearly becomes slowly obscured from us?

School is incredibly powerful, for most or many parents you could make the argument that their form teachers are actually more of an influence on that child than their actual parents. In many cases the parents see their own children for far fewer hours than the teachers do. Yet the aspect that teaches a child most is not the information they are told to learn but the role modelling of those teachers, how well balanced are they emotionally, how cruel or vindictive are they, how kind, how stressed, how angry? Are any of them encouraged to do any therapy before training, to make sure they don’t transfer “their stuff” on to the children they care for? Are they role modelling being a healthy balanced adult or are they eating chocolate biscuits every break and role modelling being overweight or stressed, in competition with others for resources and being unhappy?

How did we come to this situation where most parents don’t do the majority of the parenting to their own child and where we mostly have no clue what they, their teachers, are really like (apart from meeting them a few times in a professional setting). How do we know whether what this teacher is really role modelling is healthy or ignorant and harmful? Isn’t that a crazy situation, that we have all just accepted?

It is quite amazing what in the structures of our society we all accept as normal, simply because those structures have

built up beside us, they are ingrained in our culture, thus they often remain unseen and unchallenged.

I am sure you can think of many examples, schools, the structure of government and what we call democracy, the prison system and their philosophy, a home where watching TV of an evening is the normal, airports with inflated prices inside compared to shops outside. There are so many things strange about institutions that go unquestioned. Yet how might you design that same system now from scratch? Well, it quickly becomes apparent that the structure would probably be created very differently.

Wouldn’t most people, especially after realising the power of viruses we can catch every year, want their children to put their health as their priority? Isn’t that obvious? Isn’t having a good body health, no pain, good strength and deep breath the framework for the rest of life that is built on top? Isn’t feeling happy and calm and balanced and able to cope with life the thing we most want to give our children before anything else?

Yet that is not the primary aim of schools; it is on the periphery. Schools were designed for factory owners to have people working for them, not to create physically and mentally happy people.

As long as our structures go unchecked as to their real purpose and what they really create in our society the more we remain buffoons, learning mostly the relatively primitive skills of how to do certain jobs. While loosing touch with the bigger aim of keeping health and emotionally balanced and staying loving, both to ourselves and others.

Perhaps our current education system actually helps children to forget what they once knew clearly about their real value here in this life and how to treat others with that same respect?

Kendal Aitken: Happy Balance Training.

Individuals and groups. Contact: kwayextra@googlemail.com or 07944 883961

Skelton Beck Work finally began in addressing the neglect suffered over many years by Skelton Beck. After the boating lake was closed in 1983 little had been done to maintain the water flow and encourage migratory fish to revisit.

Considerable amounts of spoil were deposited in the beck in the 90s forcing the downstream flow over to the east side. This resulted in water being directed into the bank side at the Gill mouth. When heavy rain came the erosion was increased. The footbridge was removed after driftwood damaged its support legs. It has never been replaced, although Saltburn Valleys CIO is requesting its reinstatement.

In September 2013 such was the downpour and such was the inadequacy of the beck outflow that the car park was turned into a lake, from Saltburn Lane to the Skelton beck.

In December of that year a sea surge wreaked similar havoc and further erosion.

In the recent weeks the material unceremoniously dumped in the beck has been partially removed, some 400 tonnes of it. Water is now finding its natural course.

Protection work has been carried out on the east bank to

provide resilience against further erosion.

When this phase has been completed strengthening of the Gill bank will commence.

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Redcar Men’s & Women’s Shed now open for new members!

Men’s & Women’s Shed is part of local charity Footprints in the Community. Footprints in the Community started in 2011 and now run a number of innovative projects from their offices at 10 Queen Street in Redcar, each of which aims to reduce poverty and isolation in Redcar and the surrounding area.

Men’s Shed is one of Footprints’ projects and is also based at Queen Street. It is a woodworking shop for members to work on their own projects in an informal and supportive environment, run by Manager John and a small number of volunteers.

The Men’s & Women’s Shed is currently running mixed sessions from Monday to Thursday 9am-2pm. To ensure social distancing, the number of members in the Shed is limited and all sessions must be pre-booked in advance.

The first session is free and ongoing membership is £15 per year (pro rata). Each session (of up to five hours) costs £2.50, including tea/coffee.

Anyone is welcome to join, whether they are beginners or more experienced crafters. The Shed is offering free taster sessions during September and October to anyone who wants to visit and find out more. If small groups are interested, Manager John is able to run a tailored beginner course, providing basic training in woodworking skills.

Men’s & Women’s Shed is funded through The People’s Health Trust.

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a member, please contact Manager John on 07526 994468 (or email mensshed@footprintsinthecommunity.co.uk).

Tarot & Qualified Lifecoach Telephone or In Person 20 years experience

Call Deborah: 07580 336958 24

Articentric Community Interest Company

Workshop Space and Gallery

Articentric is a community interest, not for profit, company in Saltburn. We have workshop space to hold a variety of artsbased classes and artwork by local artists available to buy.

We are pleased to announce that our workshops have begun again, with additional safety measures in place. Class sizes are limited to four students and social distancing is in place. There are a range of new workshops and longer courses planned.

There is a variety of new artwork, to suit every budget, by local artists on display with most artists taking commissions so that you are able to have art that is unique to you. We are aware that not everybody is comfortable being out and about with others so we are offering free local delivery and can post out further afield, popping a hand written note in if you would like us to. We are also taking bookings for private browsing time out of our normal opening hours.

Highlights from our new workshops include creating a woven table runner on a peg loom workshop on 13th October 10:00 – 15:00 during which you’ll learn how to warp the loom, how to weave and a variety of other techniques – no previous experience is necessary.

Regular textile classes take place across the month with Textile Techniques on the first Wednesday of the month from 6-9pm, during which different textile techniques are explored with the opportunity to create unique pieces of artwork. Social Sewing starts on 6th November and then the first Friday of the month from 10 -1; a chance to meet and work alongside like-minded people with guidance from a qualified tutor. Work on an existing project or start a new one, the choice is yours.

Photo to Stitch is a new hand embroidery course beginning on 27th October, 6-9pm during which you’ll explore interpreting photographs into hand embroidered art – this can be an abstract interpretation or more lifelike. Classes are once a month for four months.

A new textile art course working with the theme of nature is taking place. Spend six weeks understanding and learning a range of techniques including colouring fabric, printing, designing and using unusual materials to develop a series of inspiring samples. From these you’ll be supported to create a final piece of textile art.

Workshop space is available to hire for arts-based classes, groups and small community events at very reasonable prices. Articentric is committed to providing services for artists, enabling them to connect with each other and those interested in coming along to workshops and viewing artwork.

For more details email articentriccic@gmail.com, drop in or call 07380 219497.

Why not call in and see what we have on offer?

Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm at 1 Dundas Street West, Saltburn TS12 1BL.

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Jail for Saltburn Restaurant Robbers

Saltburn Councillors’ Surgeries Redcar & Cleveland Council has cancelled all its meetings in the short term and requested that Councillors suspend surgeries until further notice. Accordingly Saltburn Councillors are withdrawing from holding surgeries in the library but can still be contacted as detailed below. Stuart Smith has resumed his surgery outside Sainsbury’s on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

Cllr. Craig Hannaway 07561 467168 craig.hannaway@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Cllr. Stuart Smith 07557 540628 stuart.smith@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Cllr. Philip Thomson 07747 044858 philip.thomson@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

Two men who robbed a Saltburn restaurant owner and his wife in a half hour attack that left them terrified were jailed for a total of 12 years.

Teesside Crown Court was told that 71 year-old Tony Ho and his wife Sarah were at home behind the metal shutters of the Eastern Paradise restaurant in Pearl Street, Saltburn, at 8.00am on 1st August, waiting for the doctor to call, when two masked men burst through the door demanding money.

Mr Ho, who has run the restaurant for 46 Years, was grabbed by the throat and told that he would be killed, and his wife who was upstairs was hit over the head with a bat while one robber ransacked her jewellery cases.

The Prosecutor said that a woman carer who was at a house opposite called the police as she had heard one of the attackers shouting “Give me your PIN number.”

The fleeing robbers, one from Saltburn and the other from Skelton, were arrested in the next street in a back yard, and most of the jewellery was recovered although the couple were left terrified and scared to continue living in Saltburn, said the Recorder of Middlesbrough Judge Paul Watson QC. The men appeared over a videolink from Durham Jail but from separate studios.

One of the defendants said that he apologised profusely for his actions and that there was no mitigation put forward except his guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity.

The other said that he was also truly sorry for what he became involved in, which had clearly had an effect on Mr and Mrs Ho. He had also ruined his life and those of his partner and his children.

They both pleaded guilty to robbery, and one also pleaded guilty to assaulting a police detective by punching him in the face. He was jailed for seven years and three months and the other for five years and four months, and they were given a restraining order banning them indefinitely from contacting the victims.

Tony and his wife are a much-loved Saltburn couple.

Report by Peter Holbert, Teespress 27

SALTBURN BLUES CLUB

As I write this article, we have a Pandemic situation which seems to change daily. However, we do have our comeback gig planned for Saturday, October 31st with North East acts The Swamp Hoppers supported by Reay and Cran. Sadly SBC gigs will now be out of Saltburn and in our new venue of New Marske Institute. It is an excellent venue with a large concert room, a good stage and plentiful car parking. We will be abiding by the Covid regulations in place at the time with well spaced seating and Track and Trace details being obtained from all attending. As a result we are limiting the audience to 50 so get your tickets while you can either directly from me, from the Institute or in October from our new Saltburn ticket outlet The Spar in Milton Street. It will not be possible to purchase tickets online as the yorkshireticketshop.co is presently closed.

The Swamp Hoppers will provide us with a lively entertaining evening and an unpredictable mix of fun, up tempo music including blues, country, swing, pop, reggae, skiffle, bluegrass and more. I’m really looking forward to the gig as it’s been so long since we could experience live music.

The event at the Balmoral Acoustic Blues Club (The Cons Club) with Jack Blackman has been cancelled as we would not be able to keep to social distancing. Hopefully there will be gigs again at the Cons Club before too long.

We do have one planned on November 8th with Benjamin Bashford but I must admit I can’t see that one happening either. Watch this space.

In the mean time for your Blues fix tune in to Zetland 105FM between 7pm to 10pm on Monday evenings for my show Still Got The Blues, also available from the Zetland FM Listen Live link.

Harry Keep diggin’ the Blues, folks.

07960 935263

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Saltburn Athletic FC With the season starting on October the 4th (hopefully) all teams are now involved in friendly matches. The weather has recently been kind so conditions have been good to play the games.

Except for the odd result teams have been doing well and with all teams having an influx of new players they need some time to settle.

Our pitches at Hob Hill are looking in very good condition with under 10 and 12 teams playing on that field, with the under 13, 14 and 16 Falcons using the larger pitches at Huntcliff Campus.

Because of the damage caused to some of our goals during the summer we are having to purchase replacements for the season’s start.

With the current covid situation we have crossed our

fingers and hope the season will not only start but continue uninterrupted to its conclusion.

We as a club need to think ahead and are looking for mini soccer teams at under 7 and 9 level for next year but in order to do so coaches are required so if there are any dads and mums and also grandparents out there please contact the club. There will of course be a commitment to obtaining a coaching badge and weekends training and playing throughout the football season with training also taking place through the summer period.

It’s important that we get the kids out in the fresh air taking part in an activity.

Andy Croll SAFC Club Secretary 07779 648877

Saltburn Photographic Society Due to the present circumstances the members have been unable to meet physically, and the Committee decided to hold virtual meetings using “Zoom”. Our first meeting, which attracted 35 members was held on September 16th when committee member Malcom Blenkey shared his photographs of a cruise in the far East, with commentary. This proved to be a very successful method of keeping in touch. For the foreseeable future all our meetings including Competitions and Practical Nights, will be held using the “Zoom” system. We have been able to engage nationally well-known photographers to give talks and are looking forward to future events.

Our presentations take place every Wednesday at 7.30pm. Practical nights are monthly on a Monday at 7.00pm.

If you would like to join us at these meetings (which need a password) in the comfort of your home please contact Tony Lynn 01287 622519 for details.

Saltburn Library News Saltburn Library will reopen in October after an extended closure due to the Coronavirus lockdown and a rewiring. Social distancing guidelines will be in place. The other libraries in Redcar and Cleveland Borough are also to reopen.

29

Saturday mornings at the Earthbeat Centre and Tuesday evenings at Emmanuel Church Hall.

Please contact Stevie 07740 725210 to book your place.

Current government guidelines are in place to keep everyone safe.

30

Cleveland Diving Club

Being a proficient scuba diver requires the development of many skills, as mentioned in previous articles, with a significant emphasis on life saving rescue skills.

Practice, practice, practice is the byword by which proficiency in rescue skills evolves along with being alert and staying clam.

However, the need to practise rescue skills goes beyond those required when shore diving when club members travel a little further afield, by boat, to dive local wrecks in deeper waters.

Not surprisingly handling a rib boat requires a whole new maritime skill set which also requires practice, practice, practice. A sea-worthy boat is of course essential and critical checks must be performed, before launching the boat to ensure optimal performance of each of the boat’s components. In addition to checking the condition of the boat’s hull and tubes for leaks the control of the engine and steering should be flawless.

On the technical side navigational and radio equipment must all be in excellent working order (photo 1). The next step is launching the boat and with training and teamwork this can be achieved smoothly and without mishap (photo 2). Once in the water the boat can then be put through a number manoeuvres to confirm its performance. Sea worthiness confirmed, crew members can then practise their boat handling and rescue skills. For example, picking up moorings or a ‘man-overboard,’ the latter requiring the boat crew to assist by continually pointing to the casualty’s position while the boat is manoeuvred to slowly and safely come alongside the casualty, or divers surfacing from their dive, before they are picked up (photo 3).

To ensure the boat does not encumber the pick up the boat handler needs to take account of a range of complex junctures such as: the boat’s speed, its impact on the movement of water around it, distance, wind, tide, possibly swells and hazards, such as buoys or

rocks. However, with practice, practice, practice during different sea conditions a boat handler will almost certainly, thankfully, develop a keener insight, perception, knowledge and skills for carrying out maritime rescues.

Once practice is over the team, now assured of their proficient boat handling skills, can relax and enjoy the boat ride (photo 4).

Cleveland divers is continuing to keep up with BSAC, government and local Covid19 guidelines and are looking forward to a time when Saltburn leisure Centre pool will be available for hire to the club again and pool training can continue.

For further information visit our Facebook page, ‘The Diving Club-Cleveland,’ or contact us on 07960 608529.

June Coomber

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A Fall of Seaweed On the last day of August an astonishing quantity of seaweed was washed up on Saltburn beach. Hardly any sand could be seen between here and Marske. Some of it was piled up as high as a person. It must have been quite a storm to have caused currents strong enough to break such a quantity of seaweed from its holdfasts and throw it up so violently upon the beach. The weather was calm the following day, however, but what a sight it was. The picture here shows it three days later, when already much of it had been washed away by successive tides.

Most people would consider it an eyesore, and a smelly one at that, but I think it’s fantastic! I love clambering about on it to see what interesting organisms I can find. It’s a bit slippery, mind, so I had to be careful. All the colours of seaweed were represented: a lot of dark and light browns but also much green and red. But what species are they? I don’t know; I’m no expert. One of my biggest regrets of moving to Saltburn 31 years ago, is that I haven’t spent enough of that time learning about all the different species of wildlife that exist here on our doorsteps. I have the books, but I don’t want to be too much of an armchair naturalist. I do want to be able to identify everything I see but I also want to see them where they belong: outside.

My field guide to the seashore informs me that the dark brown seaweed is almost certainly Oarweed or Laminaria digitata and when washed up its dark brown colour fades to cream so that would explain the light brown coloured seaweed, but it could also be Laminaria hyperborea which also inhabits the North Sea and looks very similar. Then there’s Bladder Wrack with its distinctive air bladders, but I don’t know what the green ones are and the enigmatic red seaweeds have many species, some looking very similar to each other.

I do prefer to be able to give a common English name to a species because they are much easier to remember than the scientific names. (It’s a mistake to call them Latin names because many are based upon Greek.)

I am always pleased to see one of my favourites, hornwrack. What’s that? Well, since you asked, hornwrack is a Bryozoan, a colony of little creatures called ‘moss animals’. At first glance they look like another seaweed but you can see the individual cells where each of the animals live, filtering food particles from the sea.

Absolutely fascinating, bryozoans are a phylum in their own right. A phylum is a major grouping of related animals. Molluscs are a phylum, as are annelid worms, but even insects (Arthropoda, shared with crustaceans and spiders etc) and us vertebrates (Chordata) are not complete phyla. (Yes, that was the correct plural!)

I saw a starfish. I haven’t seen one of those in Saltburn for many years, and no doubting what species this one was, it was the common starfish. Delighted, I found the paper-thin delicate test of a heart urchin, like a sea urchin but not so round. These are Echinoderms, another phylum, usually described with the words ‘pentaradial symmetry’ on account of having five of everything and being round.

So many crabs and lobsters, all broken up. We see 32

the Cornish pasty-shaped shell of the edible crab and the magnificent claws of the lobster, but also other crabs. My field guide says they are called shore crabs. Some of them are green. They are much smaller and more delicate than the robust edible crab.

So many molluscs. Obvious are the blue shells of the common mussel and the bizarre elongated razor shells, so common on Saltburn beach. My field guide tells me there are four different species of razor shell, all common to the North Sea, but I haven’t a clue which these are. The others are quite recognisable: a whelk, a limpet, a cockle. What about those large bivalves? My book suggests they are either carpet shells or otter shells, but I do not know. I see a tiny pink shell. Could it be a tellin? I do not know.

I spot Dead Man’s Fingers, a kind of coral that does indeed look like fingers. Corals are in the same phylum as jellyfish. Quite a few of those washed up too.

Jellyfish have a rudimentary sensory network but no brain as such. Would there really be a moral dilemma in eating them? Some species are edible and apparently are fairly tasteless but nutritious. Various cultures enjoy them as delicacies but I have never come across them in shops.

My dog rolled over on the seaweed to get all nice and smelly as dogs like to do, bless them.

A loan oystercatcher was flying around and there was a large flock of some other shore bird. They were little and very pretty with distinctive red legs and white underbellies. Some kind of plover? Sanderlings? No, they were Turnstones, a migratory bird. Obviously there was good eating on the seaweed! A few days later they had all gone and another seabird was in abundance. Were they fulmars, kittiwakes? I noted a distinguishing feature: they seemed to have a second eye. My bird book confirmed they were juvenile black-headed gulls, so different from the mature specimens. I like birds but they don’t keep still to allow easy identification!

Within a few days the warm sun had dried much of the seaweed and it had become pleasingly crunchy underfoot. Much of it became buried by the sandblasting wind but most of it was washed away by the tide. Within two or three weeks it had virtually all disappeared.

Ian Tyas

Ayurveda Autumn days are coming; can you feel the changes that happen to you internally in response to what’s happening externally?

As we begin to transition from the heat into the cooler season, we naturally start to adjust the clothes we wear and foods we eat, exchanging salads for soups and stews, adding layers of jumpers, hats and scarves. The season we are moving into can be one in which we are vulnerable. Ayurvedic medicine seeks to restore us to our balanced state so that we can be healthy and happy in body in and mind. “our health is our wealth” is a mantra often referred to in Ayurveda. Every human has a unique balance, the fun is in the exploration of discovering your own individuality and what works for you.

Here’s some quick tips to stay balanced over the autumn this year: Start your day with a cup of hot lemon water to get invigorated for the day Eat foods that are fresh, well cooked, grounding, warming, soft. Foods with a sweet taste as well as sour and salty.

Opt for foods such as soups and stews, wheat, tapioca, oatmeal, lentils, quinoa, fish, kitchari, carrots, root vegetables, cooked apples, avocado, asparagus, courgettes, almond milk, whole, raw (soaked) nuts and nut butters, high quality natural oils.

Eat easy to digest animal proteins if this is a part of your diet (broths, soups etc).

Increase the intake of spices and herbal teas (turmeric, tulsi, ginger, cinnamon, chamomile, fennel etc).

Avoid foods that are dry and gassy such as

crackers, brassica vegetables, millet, dried fruits, beans, popcorn.

Take Ayurvedic enema treatments.

Indulge in oil-based massage, steam baths and hot tubs.

Increase exercise at a slow and gentle pace (preferably between 6am-10pm).

As the nights get darker earlier – indulge in quality sleep to restore and rejuvenate the body. Aim to sleep by 10pm.

Take nasal oil to lubricate nasal passages.

Take chyawanprash (a gorgeous jam for the immune system) to prepare for winter immunity.

Get as much sun exposure and fresh air, even it it’s cold outside. Just put on the right clothing!

Spend time in meditation to calm and still the overactive ‘monkey mind’.

This can be a time of year when qualities such as anxiety, stress, arthritis and dry skin become aggravated and making a few adjustments can help us transition smoothly. To explore some wonderful recipes and practices as well as discovering a little more about your own unique body and emotional type, I would love for you to join me on October 11th for an autumn Ayurvedic workshop either in person or live streaming if you prefer.

Just get in touch with Victoria through the website (at www.treelivingyoga.com).

Dates for your diary

17th October Ayurveda Yoga and Healing 250 Hour Teacher Training, Guisborough (weekends only) 13th November - Love being you in the Peak District 4th January - Detox in the Peak District 8th January - Destress in the Peak District 8th May 2021 Ibiza soul and sunshine retreat Are you a SUPERHERO YOGI? Check out the monthly membership for: New content and classes every day 11+ classes each week 3 Radiant Wonderful and Authentic teachers Mentorship programme via the Facebook group page (buddy up and share your journey and advice/or ask for advice and help moving forward with Asana’s (poses) or meditations/ pranayama (breathing work).

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Peter Anthony Fenton Peter was a qualified architect who throughout his career achieved recognition for a significant variety of works, included within his portfolio being Middlesbrough Cathedral.

A devotee of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Peter emulated his diversity of interest in architecture and artistic works, skills which were to manifest themselves in a wide variety of creativity in Saltburn.

Much of that took place in the Community Centre, a 1910 building with much influence from the Glasgow School of Art. In 1994 Peter made his artistic stage debut with designs for “The Way of the World”, a period Congreve play. Saltburn Theatre had rarely witnessed such artistic creativity and the second scene, on opening, received a sustained standing ovation, quite upstaging the cast. Peter went on to design sets every year until 2019. A permanent legacy of his works is the skyline of Montmartre painted above the proscenium arch for the memorable ‘Blue Bird’ in 2007.

The diversity he brought to the Community Centre, apart from his membership of the bridge classes, assisting with Front of House, raising a glass on Burns Night and being part of Saturday morning breakfast teams, included the overseeing of the construction of the outside storage building and the design of a banner, in his unique style, for the Jazz Club in 2004.

Outside of the Centre, Peter was commissioned to create several works in Saltburn. One is a secret Balkan castle designed in 2001for friends who had escaped from Sarajevo.

Perhaps the work that Peter created which is most in the public view is Saltburn Bandstand, positioned proudly at the end of the old Halfpenny Bridge and patronised by thousands of devotees every season welcoming bands from all over the North East. A most favourite place for audiences and performers. Opened in 1997 this masterpiece in design and engineering was all his own work. An exhibition piece incorporating his artistic talent.

On the 20th of August the cortège passed along

Glenside and paused. Mourners had gathered to bid farewell to a fond friend, a contributor to Saltburn’s heritage and a designer that the world of theatre will sorely miss. A sole cornetist had been requested of Marske Brass Band to bear witness to the day. This was not allowed. Any band member who was available insisted on turning out. The notes hung in the morning air in perfect harmony and linger still.

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The Muses of Jim

Lune Street club continues to slowly see a return in its members visiting the club and we all look forward to seeing many others in returning. It must be said that members are keeping to the rules of conducting themselves safely within the club. Unlike what appears to be happening elsewhere. Well done lads.

There appears to be rather a lot of concern of the standard and value of the work that appears to be taking place within the beck by Cat nab Car Park. People are worried also about the effect on the wildlife. Hopefully the work will be a genuine improvement and nature, even if harmed initially, will bounce back, being the resilient thing she is. Of another type of nature impinged for about the fifth occasion on my life, my buddleia bush has once again been vandalised. The odd thing about all the attacks is the stems or branches are always taken away. A vandal who tidies up after themselves!

Because the street surface had been relayed - and what a superb job the workmen have made of it! - at the time of writing, the street is alive with people celebrating.

As per the Government instructions, the wedding of a very popular couple in the street has taken place following the safety guidelines. They are having a great time whilst I am at home writing this.

I have some thirty-seven emails to deal with, while I am supposed to be writing this article. I hope Ian understands. Some people have all the luck.

When the workmen started to repair the surface of the road in the street, I became rather worried about access to the street on Friday. As on the Monday of the week James Cook, the hospital not the famous Yorkshire explorer, rang me and asked me if I could attend on the Sunday following for a procedure that had been planned earlier in the year, but had to be delayed because of the Covid-19 crisis. I agreed to this and was told that I would be contacted by the Covid Testing Unit. Which in due course I was and told to arrived on Friday at 11.30am.

Was instructed to arrive by taxi, remain in the taxi while having the swab, then leave by taxi and shield myself in splendid isolation until the Sunday when I should arrive at the hospital for the stated procedure. And I still don’t know what the result of my Covid test was. Thirty odd pounds the taxi cost. I always thought that the NHS was free on entry.

Jill my third daughter, who is a nurse, agreed to take me, even though the hospital, or rather the staff, changed the time three times. We arrived in good time; Jill went to her place of work to do her work. I thought I had told her I had forgotten my mobile. After the procedure, I got a lovely set of photos. I requested one nurse if they could contact Jill, but she said she was busy but it was probably that the unit was very busy. A little later, I explained my situation to another nurse who was doing paper work, if she could attempt to contact Jill. She did but with no luck. So she told me to go home. I hope Jill isn’t still waiting for me at the hospital.

My next adventure is to get an appointment with the doctor of my choice.

Jim Wingham 36

Helen moved to Saltburn just over a year ago. You may have seen her around with her dog Dennis, aka Dennis the Menace. Born in Guisborough, her family moved to Great Ayton, and then to Stokesley, where she lived for many years. Helen loves Saltburn and the people. She has been surrounded by dogs most of her life and is dedicated to them. Helen will love and support any dogs and when booked in for grooming will give them a full health check.

The dogs will be very well cared for. Helen also offers a pick up and drop off service. In fact, Helen will accommodate any requests. Helen has qualified as a dog groomer at East Durham College at City and Guilds level.

You can trust her to look after your pooch! Helen is also wishing to start a dog walking group, obviously negotiable to clients’ requirements. Any dog and owner will get a warm friendly welcome. She looks forward to hearing from you. Phone 07869 371123 to book an appointment.

What’s on at Marske Hall

Marske Hall sends very best wishes to our valued volunteers, we miss you all and look forward to the time when we can welcome you safely back. Many thanks for your continued support; it is really appreciated. For more news and updates please follow us on Facebook.

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LORNA SMITH 38

Saving And Re-homing Animals THE ANN PROSSER FOUNDATION

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

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

Hello you smashing people! We are Teal and Daisy. We both hope you are all safe and well. We’ve very much missed having human visitors, due to the lockdown.

Teal is a very handsome young cat, with his glossy black coat. He came to stay with us at SARA as a stray, and he’s really thrived under our care. This lovely boy is about 8 months old and is an absolute sweetheart. He can be shy when he first meets new people, but can very soon be won around especially with tasty treats! Teal is looking for a quiet home where he will have the time to come out of his shell and will be able to have safe access to the outdoors.

Daisy is a gorgeous girl, who came in to our care following an unfortunate change in her owner’s circumstances. Daisy is 3 years old, and is very adorable with white with black patches. She is very friendly and enjoys playing in the catio. She very much loves climbing, and she also loves people, especially having a fuss with our volunteer, highly trained cat cuddlers. Daisy would be suitable to live with other pets and in a family environment.

SARA fundraising events Monthly meetings for SARA supporters and the general public are usually held in the Cleveland Bay, Ings Road Redcar on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm but unfortunately are currently cancelled as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus. Hopefully we can all soon meet again.

Future SARA Events: At the time of writing we have no information on any possible future events because of the coronavirus lockdown but we will let you know as soon as we can about any plans.

Joy and Mandy Volunteers at SARA 39

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Winners of Saltburn Friends of the Valley Ltd Grand Raffle 2020

Thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets for the above raffle and to all the prize givers: this raised £1,234.80 towards the charity’s running costs.

Prize Winner Ticket number Bottle of whisky Ms Jackson 000782 Brambles Purse Lorna (Tea Rooms) 002955 Brambles Compact Mr Walker 001312 Bottle of Cava Frank Maidens 000136 Chocolini’s chocolate Dot Harris 000885 Gosney’s meat voucher Trevor Pendry 001195 Rapp’s pizza for two Christie McGowan 001309 Real Meals food platter Tanya Uemilianin 001322 Saltburn Allotment Colin Turner 000213 Association Hamper Yorkshire Jewellers John Rogers 001111 Silver necklace Star Prize One week in a John Dunleavy 000095 holiday home in Amble

DO YOU REALLY KNOW? WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND OUT? Do you find it frustrating when you know something helpful, important or meaningful, but which someone else manages to distort and mangle? It can happen in any walk of life, in a job or vocation, in the classroom or workplace. Sometimes the person doing the distorting or mangling is unaware of what they’re doing, as they themselves have not discovered the full truth of their subject matter. On other occasions people deliberately change or omit facts to suit their own agenda.

Given my vocation as a Vicar and Christian minister, it is frustrating and immensely saddening to see the amount of ignorance and misunderstanding when it comes to the Christian faith. Some think that the religious, social and cultural history of our country means that a high proportion of people are still presented with a basic knowledge of the Christian faith. I think whatever basic knowledge people are given through their school years and in the popular press is too simplistic and too much of a caricature. The Christian faith is distorted and mangled to varying degrees in the common mind.

Glen Scrivener describes the experiences of a university chaplain encountering new students at a freshers fair. Many just walk by, clearly not interested in interacting with him. But some do stop and say things like, “Hello Rev. It's nice to meet you but I don't believe in God.” The chaplain will reply saying, “Well it's nice to meet you too and I hope you enjoy your time here at the university. But could you tell me, which kind of God you don't believe in?” And the students will go on to describe the kind of God they don't believe in: “He’s up there sitting on the clouds; he’s pretty angry; he doesn’t want us to do anything fun; he wants us to be good; he’s set the universe going and then has left us on our own; he doesn’t care that we all suffer, etc, etc…” And the chaplain will often surprise them by replying, “That's good, because I don't believe in that kind of God either! Would you like to know what kind of God I do believe in?”

So, what kind of God do you or don’t you believe in? Is your understanding of Christianity studied and mature or a distorted caricature?

Can you honestly say that you have investigated and explored what Christianity really is all about? If you think you need to make a more informed decision, and are unsure where to start, then I am happy to help.

Rev Adam Reed vicarofnewmarskeandsaltburn@gmail.com / 01287 622007

OCTOBER Covid-19 Update Following a safe return to services in the church building in September we will continue to do so in October. Social distancing and appropriate health & safety measures will be in place.

Services Times Sundays 9.00am said communion 10.15am worship on ZOOM

Tuesdays 9.30am said communion

Morning Prayer Monday to Friday 9.00am worship on ZOOM

Night Prayer Monday to Friday 8.00pm worship on ZOOM

Contact Details tel 01287 622251

email emmanuelsaltburn@hotmail.co.uk

web www.emmanuelsaltburn.co.uk

41

Bend It Like Ian In the last edition of Talk of the Town, our esteemed Editor, Ian Tyas, wrote about his beach cleaning efforts. Over the summer months, Ian has been out regularly, clearing the beach from plastic waste and he mentioned how the repetitive back bending had been good for his back.

Ian’s positive experience reminded us of some important back pain myths and facts that we would like to share with you. We see many people with debilitating back pain and for many of them, bending and lifting is very painful. As a consequence some back pain sufferers avoid bending and lifting for fear of flaring their pain. Others avoid lifting for fear of damaging their spine or they constantly assume straight, upright trunk positions when sitting and moving in the belief that this is the safest thing to do in order to control their pain or to prevent a recurrence. However, the belief that human spines are at their safest and strongest when they are straight is not based on any good science. In fact the opposite is true.

Spines that are exposed to a variety of movements and activities are inherently stronger, more robust and less likely to be painful. This is just one of 10 back facts that those who suffer from back pain should be aware of.

On our website (in the “Resources” section) we have a link to a short video that covers 10 facts that everyone should know about back pain. This information is based on sound scientific evidence and includes some advice about bending and lifting.

Check out our website for more information on dealing with back pain. You can also call us if you would like any help or advice.

Philip & Pauline Newton Chartered & Health Care Professions Council Registered Physiotherapists Newton Physiotherapy 01287 767287 email@newtonphysio.com www.NewtonPhysio.com

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01287 623099 07900 492439

Late autumn and winter are round the corner and well, what a strange year it’s been; hot, cold and rainy in all the wrong places (all the right notes but, not necessarily in the right order). The allotment association, as Julia has probably mentioned in earlier articles, has been working on turning a really rough old allotment that’s been neglected for ages, into four starter plots. This is so that four people (or couples or families) who don’t have the capacity to take on an allotment, through time or any other constraints, can have a go at growing their own. The allotment concerned is in a useful location as several committee members have plots nearby and will be helping to guide the starters, at least during the early stages, through their learning process.

As I write, the first couple has taken on plot one and, I’m sure, will do a great job. A second couple has had a look too. If this is something you are interested in, please contact Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council and say that you would like to take on a starter plot.

Anyone joining us with this project will be able to keep gardening their patch for up to four years, to make the effort worthwhile. Some people may decide they want to move on to a bigger allotment before then, or decide that the project just isn’t their thing. Either is fine but at the end of the four years people will need to leave the garden tidy and move on, with help to move to a new allotment quickly if that’s their choice.

Allotment committee members will be available for any assistance throughout the process and some of us are always around on Sundays at the containers between 10.00 and 11.30am now we are allowed to reopen our shops. One at a time and with social distancing rules, as should be the case everywhere, will apply.

Autumn is a good time to take on a plot, or turn over a patch of garden to grow your own (if you are lucky enough to have a garden). Prepare your patch for early spring if it needs it, by digging over well and getting rid of as much weed root as you can. If you want to try no dig gardening you can cover the ground with weed suppressant and do look up about the benefits of no dig and how to do it well.

If you already have good ground, you can plant onion sets and garlic, winter hardy peas and broad beans, winter lettuces and salad leaves and spinach. You can also plant out sturdy little plants you have grown from seed or bought, of spring cabbage, spinach, the various leaf beets, winter radish and lettuce/salad leaves.

Also, any tidying and cleaning jobs you can do before it gets too cold and wet, will put you ahead of the game. If you have plants you want us to order with our winter seed purchase, please let us know.

Happy gardening, Sue. 43

Saltburn, Redcar & Cleveland Philatelic Society LADY DEATH Lyudmila Mikhailovna Pavlichenko was born on 12th July 1916 in Bila Tserkva, Russian Empire (now present-day Ukraine). She was a Soviet sniper in the Red Army during World War II, credited with 309 confirmed kills, making her the most successful female sniper in recorded history.

Lyudmila was nicknamed ‘Lady Death’ due to her incredible success with a sniper rifle. She served in the Red Army during the Siege of Odessa and the Siege of Sevastopol, during the early stages of fighting on the Eastern Front. After she was injured in battle by a mortar shell, she was evacuated to Moscow. After she recovered from her injuries, she trained other Red Army snipers, and was a public spokesperson for the Red Army.

In 1942 she toured the United States, Canada and Great Britain as a publicity spokesperson encouraging the Allies to become more involved with the fight against the Nazis. Whilst on her tour of the United States she became the first Russian citizen to be received by a US president, as Franklin D. Roosevelt welcomed her to the White House.

First Lady Eleonor Roosevelt took quite a liking to Pavlichenko and later invited her on a tour of the US States relating her experiences as a female soldier on the front lines.

She died of a stroke in Moscow, 10th October 1974 aged 58.

In 1976 Russia issued a 4kopek (100k = 1Rouble) brown, yellow, silver stamp in honour of her 60th birth anniversary. She was one of the most decorated Soviet Heroes.

COVID-19: All of our 2020 meetings are now cancelled. If you require help with your stamp collection, buying or selling, contact Geoff Reynolds 01642 478229 or Martin Snowdon 01287 622504.

Saltburn Line User Group Next Meetings are cancelled until further notice Meetings at Saltburn Conservative Club are held on the first Tuesday of the month, and our starting time is now (permanently) 7pm.

As always, all welcome.

Talk to Saltburn Line User Group.

The Group exists to protect passengers’ interests.

Martin Snowdon

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The Saltburn Profile by Rosemary Nicholls Victoria Sky ‘Unified by a love for the Earth and the people who live in it’ says yoga teacher Victoria Sky’s website (www.treelivingyoga.com). She started practising when she was six and now runs eleven classes online, while the temporary closure of Saltburn’s Community Centre Hall has left her yogis without a practice space. Victoria is the only senior teacher registered with Yoga Alliance Professionals in our area who’s delivering approved teacher training.

Always interested in travel, Victoria’s first job was cabin crew with Virgin Atlantic, flying to America and the Caribbean. Initially she loved it, but after two years she wanted to see more of other countries and left Virgin to Interrail round Europe. On her return home, she worked for Kelly’s, the recruitment consultant, matching teachers to schools and she became manager of the Southampton Branch.

After six or seven years at Kelly’s, the company allowed her three months off to travel to India. “While I was in India, I looked for yoga classes and these reawakened my love for it,” she remembers. For the next year, Victoria split her time between England and India and then travelled to south-east Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. “I fell in love with Vietnam,” she says, “and stayed there for a year, teaching English to children and adults.” This is where she began to teach yoga to kitesurfers and from here on, never looked back. She developed from being a student to being a teacher. But she enjoyed the continuous journey of learning and found a course in Bali to develop further.

Victoria arrived in Saltburn over five years ago. “I found there wasn’t much yoga on Teesside and every gym I asked, said they could offer me work,” she says. “I’ve felt really welcomed here and it’s the longest time I’ve lived anywhere in my adult life. It’s lovely living by the sea and there are so many opportunities to meet like-minded people.

I like the Saltburn pace of life.”

Victoria teaches Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin Yoga. As well as her five weekly classes, she offers Runner’s Yoga once a month and Healing Hatha Yoga once a week. She has recently been running her second Yoga Teacher Training qualification right here in Saltburn, which culminates with a week in Ibiza. “It’s a privilege to do so,” she explains. “So many people want to deepen their knowledge of yoga, especially when they feel the benefits themselves.” In these unusual times, she’s been able to offer the same content online so that these local yogis could still attain their qualification and become teachers.

“Although we were all disappointed not to make the regular trip to Ibiza, we were able to get more content in and call on the expertise of teachers from across the globe,” she says.

Putting her philosophy into practice in Saltburn, Victoria supports Signals cafe and all the good vibes they share, particularly the Christmas Day gatherings, from which all proceeds are donated by Josh to charity. She took part in a run in aid of the Parkinson’s charity too. “A large group of locals ran fifty miles in fifty days. We ran individually, but altogether on the last day from the Leisure Centre to the pier,” she says.

Also for donations to the Parkinson’s charity,

Victoria runs Beach Yoga at the Spring/Autumn Equinoxes and Winter/Summer Solstices. The next one will probably be on Tuesday, 22nd December.

She enjoys reading fantasy adventures and novels set in particular geographical settings. “I adore anything set in India and Isobel Allende’s South American stories,” she explains. “I loved ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, so I sought out all her other novels.” With regard to music, Victoria likes acid jazz, house music and dance music.

She is a committed vegetarian and tries to make vegan choices; however, she is allergic to nuts and this cuts out many options. She buys vegan shampoo and refills them rather than buy new plastic bottles. At Christmas, she cooked vegan mushroom and lentil pie for her bemused Dad! As befits a yoga teacher, Victoria travels to Bali two or three times a year. She goes to teach, so it’s a working holiday. On her last visit, she undertook an intensive two week training in Lomi Lomi massage, which was extremely challenging, but also rewarding. “I can now offer this on retreats,” she says. She also runs yoga retreats in Scotland, the Peak District, Ibiza and Peru, immersing herself in each venue, although the decision has been made to stay within the UK for the next year.

Victoria enjoys films, often at Teesside Park where the seats are comfy. She likes action movies, with gangsters.

She rates Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie and this year, saw him in ‘The Gentlemen’.

Developing her interest in selling attractive items, Victoria has designed a range of hoodies, T-shirts and threequarter length yoga tops. All of these are mostly screen printed by hand in gold or copper ink, with a yogi phrase and pose on the back. They are ethically sourced and printed in Saltburn by Sophie of The Heyho Print Company.

Victoria sells them through her classes and her website. She welcomes people to contact her on 07739 446 858 too.

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The Saltburn Crossword no 232 set by Dinosaur Across 1 and 31 Across Local newspaper choir to see the heron nest in edited version (3, 8, 4, 8, 7) 6 Be very good at something former lover in prison we hear (5) 9 Territory of a country that is surrounded by another valence (7) 11 Mistake of terrorist (5) 12 Shock for Alex limb (5) 13 Useful and practical, less than Dyson (5) 14 Give a speech inside for a tenner (5) 17 Local town made of stone (5) 18 Famous volcano erupted from sweet narrative (4) 19 Someone who doubts initially stored carpet, every pattern trade, in company (7) 21 Having height or a dubious story (4) 22 Nearby pub? (5) 24 Passionate dance gets Stan going (5) 25 See 16 and 10 Down (10, 3, 8, 5) 26 Shiny fabric stayed at home? (5) 28 Dirt starts getting religious instruction, mainly egotistically (5) 29 Nevertheless the method before 3 Down (7) 30 Circular treat, alternative spelling, back in to stun odiously (5) 31 See 1 Across

Down Name___________________________________ Address_________________________________ ________________________________________ Telephone_______________________________

1 Local newspaper no longer evening out tithe gaze. TT entry!

(3, 7) 2 Contest to turn a men’s distribution problem (10) 3 Always starts in reverse (4) 4 Flower sugar for Sainsbury’s points (6) 5 A sign of some news (4) 7 Local newspaper distributed freely at wise vocal (7, 4) 8 Fruits for disappointing purchases (6) 10 See 16 Down and 25 Across 15 Can be lengthened for former lover, then the Roman X before I bled last becoming first (10) 16 and 10 Down and 25 Across Local newspaper stirs lords standing mock attention (9) 20 Shut and got near (6) 23 Bony cavity of the musically soft King? (6) 27 Little talk of each attested (4) 28 Electric network or one for the crossword? (4)

Solution to Crossword no 231 The winner of last month’s crossword was Cathy Smith of Coral Street, Saltburn.

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

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

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Send your completed crossword to: Saltburn Crossword no 232, c/o Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ

by Friday, 16th October 2020. First correct solution out of the bag wins a £10 voucher kindly donated by Real Meals.

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£35.00

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