Talk of the Town June 2016

EDITION 180

CIRCULATION 4,800

JUNE 2016

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

2

SALTBURN’S TOWN TALK Letter from the Editor

Special thanks this month go to Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, for awarding Talk of the Town a grant of £1500. This is in recognition of the magazine being a valuable community asset which they wish to support and help survive. The grant was immediately spent on paying just over half of May’s printing bill, more quickly than would have otherwise been possible. It’s great to have the magazine recognised for what it truly is: a valuable community asset, but one which nevertheless continues to struggle to make ends meet. That, however, is true for everyone. Life is a constant struggle and there’s no reason for me to expect that it

should be any different. Charles Darwin talked about ‘the struggle for existence’ and it remains a universal, fundamental truth for all of us. It’s certainly been a struggle to get this month’s magazine finished on time, but that’s because I’ve not been well. Please note the new email address below. Love, Ian.

Send letters, adverts and contributions for the next issue (by Friday, 17th June 2016) to: The Editor, Talk of the Town c/o Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, Cleveland, TS12 1AQ. Telephone: 01287 623903 (or email: talkofthetownsaltburn@gmail.com). Talk of the Town has a website: www.tottsaltburn.co.uk and the Royal Lunch: A lunch to mark the Queen’s 90th Friends of Talk of the Town can be found on Facebook. birthday will be held at the Earthbeat Centre, Marske Mill Saltburn Gallery (Saltburnartistsprojects) are having an open Lane, on Thursday, 2nd June. It will be run by Tees Valley studios on Saturday, 18th June from 11am to 4pm. We are part Rural Community Council and Redcar & Cleveland of the Fish, Fishing and Fishermen Festival. Musician and Council. The event runs from 12.30-3pm and is open to artist, Andy Broderick will be performing and a Storyteller will anyone aged over 65 and living in the borough of R & C, who be on site throughout the day. Please join us for art, fun, music, feels socially isolated. There is no charge and help with stories and nibbles. See also page 52. transport is available. Places (limited) can be booked by Craft Club Busy Fingers: 2nd and 4th Thursday of each calling 01642-213852. month, 1.30 till 3.30pm in the Coffee Room, Saltburn Saltburn Farmers’ Market: The popular monthly market Community Centre. adds to the Saturday morning buzz around the town again on Saltburn Vintage Fair, 5th June: at the Community Hall from Saturday, 11th June. Over 35 stalls with a tasty mix of good 11.00am to 4.00pm. Once again we will have a good selection local food, drink and art. Starts 9am. And planning is well of quality vintage traders, the pop-up tea room with delicious underway for Saltburn Food Festival on Sunday, 31st July. cakes that are suitable for vegans, and we are supporting HomeS e e o u r s t o r y o n p a g e 9 a n d c h e c k Start Teesside and Teesside Hospice charities. There will also www.saltburnfarmersmarket.com for updates. be a small prize available for anyone who comes dressed in The Guisborough and District Branch of the vintage fashion (visit the tea room to claim). Our new website Embroiderers’ Guild are holding their monthly meeting on is www.heartisanevents.co.uk and our email address is Saturday, 2nd July. Our speaker will be Nona Jenkins and her hello@heartisanevents.co.uk if you want to get in touch. Sarah subject is American Quilts – The Underground Railway. WI Report: Our monthly meeting was held on the 12th of Visitors are welcome whether non-stitchers, beginners or May, and this month we discussed the resolutions that will be more experienced stitchers. The car park behind Belmont put forward by NFWI at the AGM. Two resolutions this year.

House (council offices) is free on Saturday. For more The first to address food poverty and avoid food waste. The information please contact 01642 314860.

Linda second to ask for NHS trusts to make it possible for Carers to Back to the beach! Eebydrum! will play on the beach on stay in hospital with dementia patients, who are admitted for Sunday, 5th June. We also invite you to our practice sessions other conditions. Helen Hedges from the Redcar and area food at Toc-H off Albion Terrace at 7pm on alternate Fridays. We bank spoke to us about the work they do and said that many of also run after-school sessions for primary-aged children at our local supermarkets already work to help them. Lynn Huntcliff School (Mondays 3.30-430pm) as well as regular Mitchell reported on a meeting she had attended where she sessions with special needs groups. We also play at charity heard about the work being done in our local hospitals. It and fundraising events. Contact us through Colin at seemed that our area is well ahead in working towards the cattersty@ntlworld.com/ or phone 07834 213 543. objective of both resolutions and both were passed to go Emmanuel Church Hall Table Top and Collectors’ Sale: forward to the AGM. The meeting ended with an enjoyable pie The next sales are on Saturdays 4th and 18th of June then 2nd and peas supper. and 16th July. FREE ENTRANCE and a warm welcome to As well as our usual monthly activities we are looking everyone. With over 26 stall holders, selling lots of bric-a- forward to two trips before our next meeting. One to Beverley brac, books, toys, baby goods, and all sorts of collectables, and the second to Newby Hall. Our next meeting will be held and some crafts, there is something for everyone. Home made on Thursday, June 9th in the Methodist church hall in Milton refreshments and light lunches are on sale all day. Our all day Street. If you would like to join us you can be sure of a warm breakfast and lunches and popular home baked stall are and friendly greeting. To find out more about our activities always available. Our kitchen is very busy and popular. please visit our website (at www.saltburnwi.org.uk).

Contact Denise Marshall on 07929 589538.

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

3

Industrial Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Finishing department Ron Fowle with the collection and delivery van

Carrying out repairs

A major employer of people at the early part of the 20th century and for almost one hundred y ears was the Saltburn Electric Laundry Ltd. Opened on the 24th September 1900 it was advertised as the first Electric Laundry in the Kingdom where machinery is driven by electric power. No doubt the generating of Advert from 1901 electricity which began in Saltburn-by-the-Sea circa 1899 influenced the decision to build and open the laundry. Functioning in the town until 1992 when it removed to new premises on the Skelton Trading Estate, the company was finally dissolved in 2002. Collections of laundry were made throughout the area as far as Stockton and a collection point was opened in Whitby. An early advertisement states that open air drying is a special feature; we wonder how they coped with the sooty smoke from steam engines working hard on the 4

Handling large sheets

nearby railway. There was no doubt it offered a service to the busy boarding house owners and the ordinary households for washing heavy curtains and bedding. We did use the service on many occasions. We were fortunate to be allowed into the building the week before closure and the resulting photographs illustrate the working environment.

Hob Hill motor cycle scramble course Our friend Ernie Crust is appealing for photographs taken during the time when Hob Hill was used for motor cycle scrambling in late 1950s or early 1960s. Please contact 01287 622519 if you are able to contribute.

Cath and Tony Lynn

Same chef and owner for over 6 years

SALTBURN METHODIST CHURCH Milton Street, Saltburn.

Sunday Services at 10.45 a.m.

Looking for that special gift and card?

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

Now also available online.

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

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

Cllr. Thomson: 01287 624883.

Mid Week Worship AndWednesday 6.00 p.m. at 10 a.m

Sunday school 10.45 a.m.

Mid week worship Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Prayer Meeting Tuesday at 1.30 p.m.

OPEN CHURCH - 10 a.m. - 12 noon MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY. A quiet space with a listening ear, Or just call in for tea or coffee.

MONDAYS AT EIGHT LADIES GROUP at 8 p.m.

COFFEE MORNINGS: WEDNESDAY 10 - 11.45 a.m.

SATURDAY 10 a.m. - 12noon TUESDAY 2.p.m. KNIT & NATTER. TUESDAY & THURSDAY TODDLERS GROUP. If you would like to come please drop in and ask as there is normally a waiting list.

First TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Soup & Bun lunch at 12.30 p.m.

See notice board for other events.

Anyone is welcome to join us at these events, do come along, we’d love to see you.

We also have rooms to rent for meetings etc, for more information please contact 622826.

5

Once Upon a Time in the Wapentake I begin with two vivid memories of my childhood. The first is of waking from a nightmare, not once but many times. Something terrible was looming over us, behind the houses in the next street that we could see beyond the bottom of our suburban garden. Sometimes it was some kind of huge monster, a King Kong or a Godzilla, other times it was just a vast black cloud rolling towards us.

Whatever form it took it was unstoppable, invincible, so we would try to run, to become part of some great frantic migration.

Had I seen pictures of the refugee columns in France in 1940, fleeing the Nazis? Perhaps I had, and perhaps that was why we knew that there was no escape: the borders were sealed against us, and besides the monster would soon be everywhere. Nowhere would be safe.

Growing up is always a frightening business, but was there something in the air in the 1950s that made my fear so great? Indeed there was something in the air, and it was radioactive. A few weeks before I was born in 1945, nuclear weapons were used for the first and last time, obliterating the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Obviously I knew nothing of it at the time, and once I was old enough to know, I accepted the official line: by ending the war the bombs had saved millions of lives, and besides, there was little sympathy for the Japanese, less than there was for the Italians, or even the Germans. But there was increasingly an undercurrent, the realisation that what had happened then might happen again, and it might just happen to us.

And then more was becoming known about the nature of the beast. Not only did the intense heat evaporate human beings so that only their shadows remained, not only did the shock waves topple the strongest buildings, not only did the burst of radiation kill thousands instantly, but the bombs kept on killing. Radiation was absorbed into bodies, not just near to the blast, but many miles downwind, and could inflict a long slow lingering death, and what was perhaps even worse, those still unborn would suffer from the effects. And all the time more and more nuclear weapons, some claimed to be a hundred times, perhaps a thousand times more powerful than those used against Japan, were being built. The two great powers of the day, the USA and the Soviet Union seemed engaged in some suicidal poker game; it was called Mutually Assured Destruction, or MAD for short. Any act of aggression would lead to both great states destroyed, and the rest of us dying slowly from the fallout.

Which brings me to my second memory. Just before I was eleven years old I went to the Big School, from a tiny primary school just round the corner to a Grammar School many miles away with more than 1400 pupils (all boys of course). It was terrifying in many different ways, but what scared me most was, oddly enough, the Assembly Hall. It was built to hold all those scholars, and, on special occasions, their parents, as well as all our gowned and mortar boarded masters, so it was big, long, wide, and, what always seemed to me to be, unnecessarily and 6

intimidatingly high. On one of the long high walls were names written in gold. Half of the wall recorded the names of those old boys from the school who had been killed in the First War; a quarter of the wall carried the names of those ex-pupils killed in the Second War. The remaining quarter was left blank. We took it for granted that blank space was for us, for our names when the Next War happened. Our Grandfathers’ generation had gone, and twenty years after their war was over our Fathers’ generation went, so it seemed likely that some time in the 1960s we would have to go.

Instead we found ourselves sitting in the mud listening to Jimi Hendrix or Pink Floyd, instead of having our hair shaved by an army barber, we let it grow as long as we liked, and our uniforms weren’t khaki but crushed velvet. Did we sometimes wonder if the older generations thought the less of us? Did we sometimes wonder if they might be right? Perhaps, perhaps…but the dominant emotion for all of us, I think, was relief that World War Three hadn’t happened. That we could all certainly agree on, but there was little agreement as to why it hadn’t happened.

There were those who said that peace had been preserved by the very frightening business that I have just described: Mutually Assured Destruction. One of the bands we were listening to in the sixties, the Groundhogs, even released an album called ‘Thank Christ for the Bomb’. Of course, we do not know what would have happened if there hadn’t been the Bomb, but what we do know is that it was an extraordinarily dangerous way of preserving the peace.

On both sides some of the best minds were put to work to devise what was known as First Strike Capability. This meant working out some way of destroying the enemy’s nuclear weapons before they even knew there was war on, perhaps after wiping out their most important Early Warning Bases (Number One: Fylingdales) by dozens of nukes launched from submarines just off shore or by using stealth aircraft or cruise missiles that would not show up on radar. Apart from the rather dubious morality of this approach, there was always the danger that it would make all out nuclear war more likely. If a surprise attack is suspected then all your missiles and planes have to be launched before they’re destroyed.

We now know that this almost happened, perhaps several times. On one occasion the Soviet radar had picked up what seemed absolutely certain to be American Missiles heading their way. The man who should have passed on the warning, which would launch the Soviet counter attack, refused to do so, and the American missiles turned out to be geese. But it was a very close thing indeed.

It’s about time, I think to devise less hazardous ways to keep the peace. There are more than enough threats to our continuing existence on earth without adding to them.

Tim Beswick

Real Meals Purveyors of Fine Foods

For a Restful Afternoon, visit Real Meals: We Make Beautiful Cakes and The Very Best Scones.

We offer a Range of Teas and Make Superb Coffee.

Sandwiches and More Substantial Dishes are Available till 4.00pm, Mondays to Saturdays.

And We Have Free WiFi! Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 6.00pm, Saturday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Sunday 10.00am to 2.00pm.

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

New email address: realmeals.uk@gmail.com

New Website: www.real-meals.co.uk

Councillors’ Column The summer is with us. High pressure forecasts suggest a warm month and plenty of opportunity for enjoyment.

The solstice will arrive at 22.34 GMT on the 20th so haymaking is the order. For those tempted on to the beach, a dog free zone will be in operation on the West side of the pier. For those tempted into the sea, the RNLI is on hand with 3 lifeguards in the event of any need for support.

Lighter nights will allow the Cliff Lift to run for longer, but 24 hour operation is not yet scheduled. Light nights will also encourage some small sections of the community to push the boundaries into antisocial activity.

Previous unacceptable behaviour at Spooks Wood, the Albert Memorial and Fairy Glen vicinity has highlighted specific areas which will be judiciously observed.

New Neighbourhood Policing systems start up this month and antisocial behaviour is a priority to be addressed.

However, eyes and ears of all good citizens are still an important part of community vigilance as reliance on one guardian is not enough.

Safety has at long last been further addressed as Network Rail has finally allocated resources to bringing its fencing at Black Bridge up to an acceptable standard. With undergrowth containment now to be undertaken by the Parish warden, raised blood pressure at this corner could be a thing of the past.

Not so on Windsor Road, where the transfer of the Post Office to the new convenience store has raised much concern over road safety. A promise by Redcar & Cleveland to

conduct a thorough road safety audit has been timetabled following the introduction of the overdue waiting restrictions.

Activities abound. Brockley Hall, after substantial investment, reopens, this time as a significant player in the drive to increase facilities for tourism in the one remaining growth area of the Borough.

A very special inauguration happens in the Valley Gardens when Saltburn Miniature Railway introduces its latest addition to the rolling stock. After three whole years in the building, a proud engine will steam up the permanent way and it will do so after a naming ceremony dedicating this creation to the memory of one of Saltburn’s renowned volunteers.

For further adventure, a trip to Kirkleatham, will allow the discovery of an exhibition recounting the very full life of a local lady. Gertrude Bell is that lady. In a bygone era this archaeologist, diplomat, linguist, writer and mountaineer fulfilled the dreams of Girl’s Own readers.

Gertrude was a key figure in discussions that led to the creation of Iraq following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire.

There does remain a question mark over her cartographic abilities as recent history in the Middle East will testify, but who knows who held the pen.

Finally, all citizens will be asked to make their own mark when the future map of Europe is determined. The referendum may not come quickly enough for many but it will be a day to remember. No pressure.

Philip Thomson 7

Saltburn Library and Friends of Saltburn Library On Tuesday, 21st June at 2.00pm we have the pleasure of welcoming Liz and Steve back to the Library. Always a very popular event, they will be singing a selection of their favourite songs. Don’t miss out on a wonderful afternoon of well-known songs that will have you singing along and tapping your feet!

We will be serving refreshments at the start, so you will be able to sit down, relax, and enjoy the music with a cup of tea.

The week beginning June 6th is National Bookstart Week – This is an annual event celebrating the joys and benefits of sharing books and stories every day. Celebrate with us at a special storytelling event on Monday, 6th June at 10am.

There will be free copies of Book Trust’s special story booklet to take away. It is never too early to introduce children to the wonders of books so come along and enjoy a magical

storytelling session.

We will also be celebrating the Queen’s official birthday in style – children come and decorate your own crown all during the week leading up to the Queen’s official birthday on Saturday, 11th June - adults pop along to our tea party on Monday, 13th June at 2pm and enjoy a lovely British cup of tea and cake!

For any further information you can ring us on 01287 623584 or email us (at saltburn_library@redcarcleveland.gov.uk).

Tracey Saltburn Library and Tourist Information Windsor Road, Saltburn-by-the-Sea Yorkshire TS12 1AT

Craig’s film to stop housing on Eston Hills A 60-strong group of local residents met at Flatts Lane Country Park (Normanby, Teesside) on Saturday, 14th May to voice their concerns about the 400 houses being proposed for land south of the Parkway leading up to the park on Eston hills.

The meeting was called by Craig Hornby the filmmaker behind popular film ‘A Century in Stone’ and leader of conservation group The Friends of Eston Hills.

He said, “The meeting was to rally people together and record interviews for a campaign film that I am putting together. People are angry and rightly so. They were told by the developer that work recently carried out on the site was purely agricultural. But they destroyed footpaths, felled mature trees, filled in ponds and then announced plans for 400 houses.”

Local resident Kester Marsh of Flatts Lane voiced his objection emphatically on camera: “The development is unwanted by everyone locally. The extra burden on infrastructure and already congested roads will be impossible.”

Sheila Harvey of Ormesby who has walked her dogs on the site for years, said: “We have a falling population. We have empty houses. They are spoiling an area for the sake of profit, rather than looking at what the locality really needs - and it isn’t more housing in an area as sensitive as this.”

Retired schoolteacher Patrick Mackin of Normanby who visits the site regularly, said: “This is a breathing space for animals and for people. This is our heritage and losing it would mean losing so much of what we love and what we must pass

on to future generations.”

Craig filmed MP Anna Turley at the site last week along with Brian Dennis, ward councillor for Normanby. Anna has launched an online petition against the development and collected over 1,300 signatures in a little over a week. She said: “We’ve got a long process to go through yet, we’ve all got to work together to make our voices heard. We need to be regenerating brownfield sites and building houses that people can afford. We’re not going to stand for developers coming in to build houses in places that nobody wants. There aren’t enough green spaces, we’ve got to protect the little we’ve got.”

Councillor Dennis added: “The hills are a valuable asset to the community and wildlife. They have never been part of any plan to build on and never will be. Not one person has come forward in support of the development. The developers need to think long and hard before wasting money pursuing an idea that local people are going fight very hard to prevent from happening.”

Craig concluded: “Building on the south side of the Parkway could well trigger a domino effect that could see housing built all the way along the bottom of Eston hills. This proposal must be fought tooth and nail and this first gathering is an encouraging start.”

For further information on the film and campaign, please go to www.estonhills.info

Saltburn and District Group for Visually Impaired People Our guest in May was David who travelled all the way from Stockport to see us!

David is employed by RNIB to deliver their project, On Line Today. This is to get as many visually impaired people as possible ‘On Line’ via mobile devices such as smart phones or Tablets. Their aim is to reach 125,000 people by the end of 2017.

David told us about the various devices available which can be used by VIPs ‘straight from the box’. This is done either by enlarging text to a size that is easily read, or by using Talk Over, a screen reader, or by using Syrie which is a voice command. Therefore sending text messages or emails can be done purely by voice commands and hand gestures.

8

Using these devices can also open up a world of books, music, internet, apps etc, making them totally accessible to VIPs. David is quite happy to come back and deliver some one-to-one sessions for anyone who would benefit from getting started with speech or enlarged text. Please contact me for further information.

Our next speaker has yet to confirm, but please come along to the Coffee Room, Saltburn Community Centre on 8th June at 2pm and meet the rest of the group.

Further information from Chris Ferguson on 01287 204170.

Tickling the Tastebuds!

Saltburn Food Festival gets set for Summer

Left to right: Festival foodies Sam Nattress of Urban Fudge, Special guest chef Mark Greenaway from BBC2’s Great British Anna Espinosa of Anna’s Tapas, festival director Lorna Menu & Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, pictured at his awardJackson, Liz Ramshaw of The Gingerbread Mam, and Richard winning Edinburgh restaurant.

Willis of Swine Dining look forward to a busy summer. simply enjoying your surroundings with friends and family (Photo by Stuart Boulton.)

A relaxing family holiday to the historic French wine region of Bergerac on the North Bank of the Dordogne sparked an idea that would go on to tickle the tastebuds of thousands of visitors and passionate foodies in Saltburn.

And now planning is well underway for the fourth annual Saltburn Food Festival on Sunday, 31st July.

Organised by the team behind the town’s already popular monthly Farmer’s Market, Saltburn Food Festival will again see Milton Street transformed into a buzzing Festival village for a day packed full of fun for all the family.

A huge celebration of good local food, it’s all part of a busy day that includes a bustling street market featuring more than 80 of the best independent food producers from the North East and North Yorkshire.

Special guest chefs including award-winning Edinburgh restaurant owner Mark Greenaway from BBC2’s Great British Menu and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch will be cooking up a treat at the Festival’s live Cookery Theatre.

Foodies can also enjoy a kitchen academy for children, world street food, vegetarian and vegan specials, outdoor dining and picnic areas, street theatre, a vintage bus as part of the festival’s park & ride scheme, and much more besides – all with good local food taking centre stage.

Describing the origins of the event, Festival Director Lorna Jackson said: “I was on holiday in France, sitting at a busy night market with my family, and enjoying good local food right there on the street.

And there was just an amazing sense of togetherness around the whole place.

“There was something really appealing about

– basically reclaiming the streets for the whole community to enjoy.

“I thought there was nothing they were doing in France that we couldn’t do in towns and villages in this country, so I decided to give it a go here in Saltburn.”

And, four years later, the town’s food festival has proved a huge hit with foodies far and wide.

“The Festival has been an incredible adventure,” said Lorna. “I hesitate to say it’s taken us by surprise, but it’s become everything we thought it could be and plenty more besides.

“This year we’ll have more street food than ever, great tasting food cooked right there in front of you. And we’ll have some great street theatre this year too. Think of the vibrancy around London’s Covent Garden and you can’t go far wrong.

“And then there’s the town itself. We’re lucky to have beautiful natural surroundings, the beach, the pier, the Valley Gardens, and there’s also chance for visitors to discover the town’s array of fantastic independent shops and cafes.

“It all adds up to a great day out – all sparked by a love of good local food and a fantastic holiday in France.”

And special guest chef Mark Greenaway is looking forward to rustling up his own Festival treats. “I’d heard about Saltburn on the grapevine,” said Mark. “And, having seen the photos from the last couple of years, the place looks like it was absolutely buzzing!

“I love working with people who love good local food, and I jumped at the chance to be part of what is going to be an amazing day. Bring on the summer!”

Saltburn Food Festival: Sunday, 31st July. 10am4pm. FREE Admission (for further info & updates, log onto www.saltburnfarmersmarket.com).

9

Saltburn Beachwatch

Friday Friends

Plastic Challenge 2016

Friday Friends is a friendship group for people of all different abilities and ages, as long as you’re over 18. We have various activities each Friday and we are always open for new members. Our Arts and Craft afternoons are proving very popular, all the materials are free, and we also have a selection of colouring books for relaxation.

Tea, coffee and biccies are available too.

The June delights are as follows...

3rd June 10-11 Seated Keep-Fit with Taylor, then a game of Bingo. 1-4 Making a bean bag decorated with bugs.

10th June We are having a morning of games and quizzes, followed by making a tissue paper ‘under the sea scene’.

11 - 12 Learn sign language with Tom. 17th June Bingo, 11-12ish Colin and his wonderful drumming workshop, making pom poms on the afternoon.

24th June Morning and lunch at Saltburn Bowls Club with the lovely Bob, making paper hoops for a Hoop Game.

We meet at Emmanuel Church Hall, Macnay St, Saltburn every Friday. Mornings are 10-12.30, arts n crafty 1-4. Your first session is free, carers are always free, then there is a charge of £2.50 half day or £4 all day. This charge helps us to cover the hall rental, insurance and all. We are run by volunteers and are nonprofit making.

For more info Thefridayfriends@outlook.com or phone 07833 895 501. You’d be welcome.

Anjee Charman-Clark, Chairperson.

Even though the charge for single use plastic bags has led to a reduction in consumption of these items this is not the time for complacency as the overall amount of litter on British beaches has increased to record amounts in 2014-2015 with plastic at 70% of the total still the major polluter of our seas and beaches. ` So the MCS is again encouraging people to take up the Plastic Challenge between the 1st and 30th June 2016. The Challenge aims to change people’s perspectives and highlights how much we rely on single use plastics. Challengers will try to reduce their plastic usage in various ways, like giving up single use plastic bottles, bags and wrapped ready-meals. People can reduce their plastic consumption by shopping locally at the butchers, bakers, greengrocers and fishmongers who sell their goods “loose” and you can take your own reusable bag! More retailers are selling micro-plastic free bathroom products (check the labels) eg shampoos, body scrubs and toothpastes. Ditch the plastic razor and go for the longer lasting metal handle instead. Some challengers have decided to do more home cooking like making their own yoghurt, hummus, custard, bread etc. In these days of pre-packed ready-made meals, cooking your own food will make a noticeable difference to the plastic in your bin. We use single-use plastics for lots of things from brushing our teeth and showering to buying and storing our food. It is durable and lightweight but it’s these properties that allow it to exist in the environment for hundreds and sometimes thousands of years. Many types of plastic can be re-cycled but unfortunately most of it isn’t.

The MCS and Saltburn Beachwatch want people to stop taking plastic for granted and to take more responsibility for the resources they are using. Plastic Challengers are wanted to spread the message of “reduce, re-use and re-cycle” to reduce the amount of plastic entering the environment. People are being challenged to give up their lifestyle of convenience for a day? a week? or a month, giving up pre-packed sandwiches, readymeals and drinks-on-the-go and buying just what they need. It’s about changing people’s attitudes towards single-use plastics. We in our household did not find the challenge easy in 2015 but it did change our awareness of just how reliant our society has become to using plastic, including ourselves. Was it worth it? On one hand we had to make more of an effort to find certain items and to resist the convenience of plastic containers/wrappings.

On the other hand we got a feeling of satisfaction for reducing our plastic footprint and we will continue to look for ways in which we can further reduce our plastic consumption in this years’ plastic challenge and beyond.

The next Saltburn Beachwatch litterpick and survey will take place on Saturday 2nd July 2016 from 10am until 12noon. Meet at the pier car park where everything will be provided.

Also see page 53.

Roy Smith 10

Hands On Therapy Clinic Remedial Therapy Reflexology Sports Injuries Relaxation Louise Clark ITEC Diploma MBSR, GCP, BCMA Reg Saltburn Leisure Centre, Marske Mill Lane

Tel: 01287 625700 Mob: 07775 610745

Saltburn Station Gallery Spring/Summer competition was underway during May, with some fantastic entries from local artists. Throughout the month we have been canvassing customers to vote for their favourite and the winner and runner-up are now on display for a further June (and available for purchase).

Thank you to all our customers for participating in the vote for the winning piece of art. Also look out for new artists coming in for June.

Sean + Sue

June Hume Aesthetics, RGN, INP. Fully Qualified Practitioner with 38 years medical experience offering all Non Surgical Treatments including all injectable procedures to correct wrinkles and volume loss due to the natural ageing process.

Wrinkle injections, dermal fillers and acid peels along with other advanced treatments and procedures are carried out professionally and to suit each individuals requirements using only the highest quality products.

FREE Consultations offered at home without obligation.

For further information or to book an appointment contact: June 07815 839996 or email june.hume33@virginmedia.com

11

Saltburn 500 Club

‘Blacklock R’ A name to remember On Sunday, 19th June at 2pm all residents of Saltburn and East Cleveland are invited to attend a special ceremony in the Valley Gardens.

Saltburn Miniature Railway, founded in 1947, will be giving recognition to a past, most dedicated volunteer.

When it looked in 1980 that this gem in the UK miniature railway fraternity would slowly decline and pass into history, up stepped a Saltburn stalwart to revitalise the railway and play a major role in developing it into the success it is today.

Reg Blacklock was that man and his dedicated volunteering will be remembered with a special ceremony. The new addition to the engine stock, a steam train virtually build from scratch over three years, will be officially named ‘Blacklock R’.

Everyone who has travelled on, or waived at, the little train in the Gardens is welcome to come and share in this tribute.

FreeSoul Festival in Valley Gardens The planned FreeSoul Festival down in the Valley Gardens on the 11th of June 2016 has had to be cancelled. Unfortunately the application for funding from the Arts Council failed therefore Booma and Julie Jurgan had to move the event to the following year 2017.

Of course it is disappointing especially with all the work Booma and Julie put into the organisation of the event but they take it easy.

“We knew we had a tight schedule and put the funding application down quite late. We always had in the back of our minds that we need to see what the Arts Council decides to do.

But we are positive for the FreeSoul Festival to take place next year. It is just a setback and it also offers us the opportunity to create a bigger event for the following year. Apart from that it is a learning curve and we will also look into private sponsoring for the event in 2017 as well as resubmitting the funding with the Arts Council. In addition to that we also will organise smaller events around the year to raise funds for the festival. We were quite amazed about the support we already got from local community, newspaper, volunteers and radio stations. We would like to thank everyone who is part of this exciting journey.”

If anyone wishes to get in touch with Booma and Julie in terms of funding, organisation, assistance, ideas or general enquiries please use the following email address: (freesoulartsfestival@gmail.com).

Congratulations go to K Soanes who was the winner of the £100 First Prize in the May draw of the Saltburn 500 Club. As I regularly mention, you have to be in it to win it, so go along and get your application form. They are available from the library or Jackie’s Saverstore.

Alternatively, you can contact our Membership Secretary (on phil.saltburn500club@outlook.com).

The 2016 Bandstand season has started and we are in desperate need of volunteers who are prepared to collect money on the Saturday/Sunday. At the time of writing, we have two volunteers who cannot be there for every performance. If we fail to get volunteers for this task, it could well signal the end of the bands playing each summer as we would not be able to pay them, even though the events are partly supported by the Parish Council. We are also looking for volunteers to join the committee of Saltburn 500 Club and, therefore, ensure the continuity of an organisation that has run for 25 years. Please, don’t let the effort of the last 25 years go to waste – get involved and let Saltburn remain the envy of those who live at other coastal resorts! You can contact me by email (address below) or by dropping a note into the 500 Club jar in the library.

Fundraising for the 2016 Christmas lights has already begun and I am looking to organise a couple of events, later in the year, with a view to raise more funding towards the cost of keeping Saltburn Christmas lights shining. The lighting-up of the lights will be on Saturday, 3rd December so please let me know what improvements you would like to see and we will attempt to incorporate them.

Here’s hoping that you all have a scorching summer!

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

Saltburn Photographic Society

Summer outdoor meetings June Guisborough. July South Gare. August Whitby.

Meeting time at the venue is 7.00pm. If you would like to join our members, please phone Tony Lynn 01287 622519 for details. Members’ work is being exhibited at Kirkleatham Museum until 26th June.

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

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

Please feel free to visit us at anytime.

01287 622498 and 01287 625178 12

SALTBURN EVANGELICAL CHURCH Leven Street, Saltburn Seeking to be more like Jesus and sharing His love with those around us.

"We love Him because He first loved us."

(1 John 3:19) Please join us as we gather to worship and learn more about Jesus, to build and strengthen our faith, and encourage one another to grow more like Him. We meet each Sunday at 10.30am and 6.30pm.

or email: simon.robson1@ntlworld.com

4 People Not Profit present

‘Tony Benn: Will and Testament’ 4 People Not Profit’s film night ‘Open your mind’ returns this summer with the emotive and pertinent film about the late great Tony Benn.

The film will be screened as usual upstairs in The Marine, Saltburn and will be on Thursday, 16th June. Doors at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm. With time for discussion after the film, and as ever the event is free entry.

Tony Benn, the longest serving Labour MP in history, is also, arguably, the most popular UK politician of all time.

Across the globe and in particular over the last five years his brand of socialism has struck a chord with people of all ages and social backgrounds. For the first time ever through intimate, quasi-confessional interviews and his personal, photographic and film archive ‘Will And Testament’ reveals a very human face behind the political mask.

In this feature length film, Tony Benn also crisscrosses the UK bearing witness to major social and political upheavals and events. This documentary is an exclusive and deeply personal look at the life of a national treasure, a frank, candid and sometimes painful exploration of the great themes of life that affected him and affect us all, love, loss, hopes, dreams, fears and death. Never before has a person of his calibre and reputation spoken to camera in such a direct way.

“Only a curmudgeon would deny the charm and persuasiveness of this eulogy to Tony Benn. Benn emerges with consistency, dignity and good humour, and as someone whose views on the banking crisis, our punitive military adventures in the Middle East and the centrist timidity of New Labour have largely been vindicated.” - The Guardian

Shane Slater Plumbing & Heating All aspects of domestic plumbing

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

13

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

Megan’s Mind I can’t believe that we’re almost half way through the year already! It’s gone so fast. People tell me that it goes quicker as you get older, but I’m not old yet and if it’s going this fast already it seems like soon I will blink and I will be ninety! I hope not. Although I do hope that I get to ninety.

I’d like to be the old mysterious one in the nursing home but still with a fully functioning mind! But I can’t think about being old yet, I haven’t even got to thirty, or twentyfive, or twenty-one. However, because I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome I do sometimes feel old. I started physio for that recently and got some really good tips on how to make sure I’m not crippled by the time I’m fifty. Regular exercise but no yoga or over stretching and there’s certain exercises that I can’t do but I already knew that.

I had my scan on my Achilles Tendon the other day: it’s still very sore and painful and I’m waiting to see the consultant so he can tell me what to do next. I hope it heals soon. I’ve got a stage 2 of an interview at the best gym around but I can’t do anything yet because I can’t stand for long periods of time without it hurting. So there would be no point in doing the stages and to pass if I can’t start work yet. Thankfully they’re being very lovely about it.

I’m glad that the weather seems to be getting out nice more often now. I was getting really sick of the cold and the rain and the gloominess! Hope the nice weather carries on.

It makes me happier when the weather is nice. I love the light nights and I love waking up when it’s light, too. I do quite like it in winter when the nights get dark so early and we can just get into bed as early as we want. I only enjoy that before Christmas though. I don’t even mind waking up in the dark because I know that Christmas is on its way!

When it’s cold and dark afterwards it’s just annoying.

Before Christmas, you can snuggle up with hot chocolate and a Christmas film and it’s exciting with your decorations up but afterwards there’s no Christmas films or anything!

You have your Christmas presents to amuse you I suppose but all the excitement is gone and you are just left being angry at the weather. And I think everybody is in a better mood when it’s sunny anyway, days are longer, not absolutely freezing, and the sun is just nice, and the only downside is all of the bugs and scary flying insects come out and bother you. Especially wasps, I hate wasps. Once there was a wasp in my bedroom. I had left the window open because it was so hot and I woke up at 6 in the morning because I could hear it. Luckily Alex was staying over and he got it out but it wasn’t nice. I couldn’t get back to sleep after that! I try not to leave my window open now because of that and because of moths and daddy long legs!

They always seem to fly in and buzz around my bedroom, cheeky things.

Megan 14

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

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

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

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

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

Neil Wilson Builder and Joiner

Your local professional builder Established 1974.

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

For free estimate call:

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

‘Rewards’ to bad behaviour boys denied

A scheme to help youngsters who ‘misbehave’ in Saltburn is being looked at and it caused a small controversy at the 11th May meeting of SNAP, Saltburn Neighbourhood Partnership at the library.

Chairman Councillor Philip Thomson said that Redcar and Cleveland’s Saltburn-based local development officer Tracee Hall-Young had vouchers for young people who had committed ‘anti-social behaviour’ offences giving them free access to leisure facilities.

“The leisure company which runs local leisure centres would be prepared to offer facilities if it would address ASB activities,” he told the 25 members of the public present.

Ms Hall-Young denied that this was ‘a reward for bad behaviour.’ She said that fitness training and swimming would “give them something else to do. This is not just rewarding bad-behaviour boys.”

This scheme has been adopted as one of SNAP’s aims for 2016. Others include engaging young people with wildlife, presentations on recycling, new houses in the town via the development near Wilton Bank and road safety at the NISA store.

Faye Breckon, of Cleveland Police, said there were 20 reports of ASB in the town in March, an increase of six over March last year and twice the number in February. Four were neighbours’ disputes and one bullying incident.

Six thefts from shops including people leaving without paying were also reported.

PCSP Breckon said the police were to change the way neighbourhood officers were controlled with Saltburn coming under Guisborough. She urged residents to report incidents through 101 or 01642 326326 and to get an ‘event number.’

Councillor Stuart Smith, a former neighbourhood police officer, called for SNAP’s thanks to be given to both PCSO Breckon and her colleague Nora. Both had worked hard to create good community links.

Bob Moodie, of New Marske, who liaises with police, asked what information did residents want to see in police reports to SNAP in future. This followed a request for information on outcomes following incidents. He asked for comments to be made to him at his email address (bob.moodie@ntlworld.com).

It was reported that the council had appointed a conservation officer Tim Brown, who will be invited to the SNAP meeting in the summer.

The Taylor-Wimpey housing development is to go ahead near Wilton Bank and a detailed planning application is with the council. More bungalows were needed for the ageing population.

Residents heard that there was a strong likelihood of a 20mph speed limit being imposed at Wilton Bank. They also heard that some 30,000 cyclists a year used the track through the Hazelgrove allotments along an unadopted road, which is a continuation of Milton Street.

Some 60 residential homes were now occupied and more are planned on part of the main holiday caravan/ chalet site near Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church.

SNAP needs a vice chairman, to be supported by the council’s community development team. Representatives from local groups as well as residents are eligible.

15

Saltburn in Bloom

Pilgrimage to Brotton

HELP NEEDED! WHY? TO PUT UP HANGING BASKETS TUESDAY, 14thand WEDNESDAY, 15th JUNE 8.00 a.m. onwards each day Meet at the Station Portico This is fairly heavy work and we would welcome help from as many people as possible and especially some younger people who are not working those days. So if you know someone who might help we would really appreciate it.

Even just an hour is a help to us oldies!

We work in groups of 3 or 4, with one person up the ladder, one person footing it and a couple of others delivering baskets to the location, which is all mapped out for us by our treasurer.

Most of the hanging baskets and barrels have been sponsored by residents, local businesses and groups. We are grateful to the 500 Club and particularly Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council for their generous grants.

As I’ve written many times, no money comes from RCBC towards hanging baskets and tubs. They are paid for by the town.

In April the Northumbria in Bloom judges visited Saltburn as part of Spring judging. The town looked good on the whole, but grass cutting was rather inconsistent. Thanks to the efforts of Saltburn in Bloom gardeners and litter pickers, Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council warden, and RCBC Neighbourhood team working together for Saltburn. We are grateful to those who came to meet the judges and enthused about their work. Summer judging is on Wednesday, 13th July in the morning and the results will be announced at Gateshead in September.

The gardening group will be working hard in the runup to judging. If you would like to join us on a Wednesday morning (9.30-11.30) please contact me on 01287 209518.

Everyone is welcome - the more the merrier!

Lynda Parkes 01287 209518

16

When two classic car enthusiasts from Tyneside discovered that C R Sykes, the designer of the famous Rolls-Royce flying lady mascot was born in Brotton in 1875, it was agreed that an outing to see the blue Plaque was a must.

Charles Robinson Sykes was a well-known artist around the turn of the last century and was commissioned

by Rolls-Royce to design a mascot to adorn the radiator grille of their cars. The design for the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’, as the mascot is more accurately known today, was first registered 1911 as the ‘Spirit of Speed’.

The elegant mascot was supposedly modelled on Eleanor Thornton, described as a woman of grace, beauty and independent spirit whom Sykes was believed to have known well for a number of years.

After planning the expedition for a number of weeks, on Saturday, 21st May, John Leighton, his wife Sue and their friends Colin Liddell and Ken Lown set off for 14 Child Street, Brotton in their two Rolls-Royce Silver Shadows. As both cars are close to 40 years old, the 100 mile round trip was quite an adventure.

The trip to Cleveland was as comfortable as you would expect and they arrived around lunch time. Parking the cars outside the Child Street address, they took a number of photographs with the cars and the commemorative plaque and chatting to a passing neighbour, who was quite surprised to see two Rolls-Royces in their street.

John and Colin have owned their Rolls-Royces for a number of years and the cars can often be seen together exhibiting at local Classic Car shows.

Taking the opportunity to enjoy Saltburn, the friends then had a very relaxed lunch in a local cliff-top hotel and enjoyed a locally made ice-cream before heading north again very happy with their pilgrimage and photos.

Award winning web designer bringing the world to you!

Need a website for your Club, Society or Business?

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

Also, Joinery Work Undertaken

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

Science News The Hubble Space Telescope has produced another imagine of Mars. Earth and the red planet are nearing opposition.

This is where their orbits line them up with the Sun and put them very close to each other. This only happens roughly every seven hundred and eighty days or so, and means that the Hubble Space Telescope is able to see details on the surface that are just thirty kilometres across. The moment of opposition was 22nd of May. Their closest approach was a few days later on in May: the 30th. There will only be seventy-five million kilometres between Earth and Mars on that day.

Many astronomers who have smaller telescopes than the Hubble Space Telescope will be taking the chance to see Mars in the week ahead. The planetary alignment means that the red planet’s disc, as well as being larger in the sky than it normally is, is also fully illuminated.

Scientists have found a way to break through bad bacteria’s defences. Bacteria form biofilms, groups of the micro organisms in a protective goo that keeps the microbes safe from antibiotics and immune system attacks. But the enzymes that the bacteria use to make the protective goo can also destroy some of its molecules and take away the protection according to researchers in Science Advances.

The researchers studied the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which can cause pneumonia, other infections and are particularly bad for people with cystic fibrosis. The researchers found that two of the enzymes, PelA and PslG which the bacteria use to build two different sugar polymers, can degrade those same polymers. The ability to erase them, supplied by parts of the enzymes called Glycoside Hydrolase Domains, usually help correct mistakes or prevent build up of the sugar chains inside the bacteria cells.

Synthetic versions of the Glycoside Hydrolase were applied in a laboratory test to the bacteria cultures and stopped the bacteria from making new bio films and destroyed ones that already existed. Taking away the sugar polymers did not kill the bacteria but it did make them more vulnerable to antibiotics and immune cells. No damage was done to human lung cells grown in dishes containing the enzymes, suggesting that the enzymes would not harm human tissues.

A tiny aerial sized robot about the size of a bee, uses static electricity to hang on to the underside of a leaf. The tiny robot has been nicknamed RoboBee. It can also perch on other materials. RoboBee has shiny, flappy wings and four thin legs. It is the first robot this small that can actually fly, perch on a surface and then take off again. Researchers say that this could one day extend mission time in search and rescue operations. The biggest problem had been figuring out how to land the robot. Engineers have been trying to build perching mechanisms for flying robots for nearly as long as researchers have been building flying robots. Getting bird sized robots to fly and land had been a lot easier as the smaller the robot gets the harder it is to land them. The research team made an ‘electro-adhesive’ patch with electrodes that can be charged and let it stick to different surfaces. Switching on the electrodes on the patch helps RoboBee hang on overhanging pieces of grass. Switch the electrodes off and the robot detaches.

Megan Bridge 17

SALTBURN CRICKET CLUB Marske Mill Lane, Tel 01287-622761 Weds 8th & 22nd June – BINGO – eyes down 8.00pm Wed 15th June U3A QUIZ – 7.30pm prompt SUN 19th June – SALTBURN BLUES CLUB keep music live in Saltburn MORELAND & ARBUCKLE support CLAUDE BOURBON Tickets £12 with 10% discount for Club members SAT 25th June CHARITY NIGHT in aid of MS Society CRICKET MATCHES most weekends – SPECTATORS WELCOME Bar open, see facebook for details * Free WiFi in Club * * BIG screen TV showing SKY Sports etc * ***FEATURED IN CAMRA GOOD BEER GUIDE 2016!!*** ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A VENUE FOR family events, weddings, parties & meetings free use for charity & community groups' during normal opening hours.

Convenient venue, free parking, reasonable bar prices.

Contact us to book your event.

Members and non-members welcome.

Facebook saltburncricketbowlsandtennis socialclub – PLEASE add us as a friend and check our Facebook page regularly!

Saltburn Charity Crafters Saltburn Charity Crafters will be meeting on Wednesday, 1st June from 2pm until 4pm in the coffee room at Saltburn Community Hall. Do pop in and join us for a cuppa if you are interested in knitting for local charities.

Please contact Angie on 01287 205153 for more details.

SALTBURN BLUES CLUB We’re featuring two of our most popular events this month and early in July. The first is the return of Kansas band, MORELAND and ARBUCKLE on Sunday, June 19th.

Immensely talented and hugely popular, SBC has tracked this band’s rise and rise. For four years I’ve booked them as part of their annual UK tour. They are now signed to Alligator Records. Their new album, Promised Land or Bust, shows they are still growing musically and lyrically and their signature sound has earned them a large and loyal fan base.

When performing their fresh and original roots-based songs, the energy just pours out of them. We can agree with this line from their website, ‘Their songs are expertly executed with musical muscle and fifth-gear energy’, because we’ve seen it for ourselves. This is a superb band. A very different act precedes Moreland and Arbuckle. The support that night is acoustic guitarist, Claude Bourbon. A Mediterranean classical guitar sound backs Claude’s soft, smoky vocals. A broad range of blues will be covered but I can say with confidence this will be a brilliant night. It’s at our usual venue, Saltburn Cricket Club but please note, it is Sunday not Saturday. Doors 7.30pm. Tickets £12.

Our third mini Blues Festival – BLUES IN THE WOODS - takes place on a Saturday this year, July 2nd, in Saltburn’s Valley Gardens. The banked grassed area outside The Woodland Centre is perfect for this event. From 1pm – 11pm, eight acts will each perform a set, ranging from soulful moody blues, to blues rock that gets you up and dancing. First on is young REECE HILLIS whose soul/blues guitar work is stunning. A strong feel-good start to the event.

A band of four superb musicians, PEG POWLER, blends their blues with folk, while THE PARNELLS will be a good draw for younger fans with their Indie/Blues/Rock set. HALF DEAF CLATCH and THE BLIND DEAD McJONES BAND, are as individual, brilliant and intriguing as their names. Also appearing are three blues bands MIDNITE BLUE, THE HEXMEN and BLUES TRAIN who absolutely rock! It’s an opportunity for a day’s entertainment with the family. Bring a picnic and enjoy. There is no bar but light refreshments are available from The Woodland Centre.

Proceeds will go towards supporting both Saltburn Blues Club and the Woodland Centre. I look forward to seeing you there. Tickets £10 (a bargain).

Tickets for both events are available from: 07960 935263, www.yorkshireticketshop.co.uk and Whistlestop Wines. Find all our details at www.saltburnbluesclub.co.uk and our Facebook page.

Harry

New Mayor to help Earthbeat The new Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Councillor Barry Hunt, of Brotton, has named the Earthbeat Centre as one of the recipients of his annual mayoral charity fund-raising efforts. His year of office ends in April 2017. See page 46.

18

01287 624505

19

This month’s Special Buy: All Sizes Panasonic Batteries £1.00 per pack 20

21

Cleveland Diving Club

Thankfully, since the chilly, wintery arrival of May it appears that summer has finally inched its way here, and fingers crossed, Cleveland Divers are pinning their hopes on a storm free, balmy summer. Although a long weekend on the west coast of Scotland in April did afford a glimpse of what was to come. For some of our happy band of divers this trip got the diving season off to an excellent start. Our divers were based in Appin, just north of Oban which has stunning views of lochs and glens and has become a favourite area with our members.

This year saw a party of fourteen club members diving a number of different dive sites in the area. The first dive, being the favoured ‘5th Layby,’ on the shores of Loch Creran which is famous for being the only site where the curious creatures called ‘serpulid worms,’ form beautiful fragile reefs. (photo 1).

The second most popular dive of the weekend was the newly discovered site called ‘The Slates.’ This site was once known as the ‘Ballachulish Slate Quarry,’ and is located on ‘Loch Leven.’ There is a choice of sites to dive here which includes some interesting rock formations that appear quite surreal when illuminated by the sun’s rays penetrating the clear waters of the loch. However, acting on the advice of a local diver, our adventurous group entered the water to the left of the entry point and swam a short distance northwards across the sandy bay before taking a right turn where they very soon encountered the largest and diverse display of various specimens of, ‘brittle stars,’ that anyone had ever seen (see photo 2). To say there were thousands of these dainty starfish would be a vast understatement. In addition fish, large plumrose anemones and the usual crabs etc. were also spotted. Our divers were buzzing with excitement as they left these fascinating waters. All this experienced on a sunny day with temperatures of 18 degrees. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Enthused and inspired by these events back home a firm resolution, to get out to sea and make the most of our 22

own local diving sites, was agreed. The best local dive sites are accessed by boat and steps have been taken to make sure that the club can take advantage of good sea conditions by getting their boat launched quickly and safely. One of the strengths of our club members is their eagerness to learn and develop their skills and during April two of our members engaged in ‘Tractor Handling,’ training at South Gare Marina (see photo 3). This will allow for the boat to be launched and recovered efficiently and effectively from the slip.

Hopefully in our next issue we will be able to provide more information about our local dive sites and the marine creatures that live there. Unfortunately our May ‘introductory to scuba diving,’ course had to be postponed and will now commence on Monday, 6th June 2016. So if you think you may want to give it a try pop along to Saltburn Leisure Centre any Monday night between 8pm-9.30pm for a chat or call us on 07960 608529.

June Coomber

SKELTON OPEN GARDENS WEEKEND Over the weekend of 25th/26th June Skelton will be hosting its second Open Gardens weekend, organised by residents in the local community.

We have a variety of interesting gardens for you to look around, some being terraced with outstanding views, whilst others are level with colourful borders and wildlife areas. Eight gardens will be open, including the grounds of Skelton Castle, by kind invitation of Mr. Anthony Wharton.

Four of the gardens are different to those opened in 2015.

Entrance will be by programme only, valid for Skelton Castle Gardens on either Saturday or Sunday, all other gardens on both days. Price is £5 per person (accompanied under 12s free). Tickets are on sale at Skelton Library and various local High Street shops. On the open days tickets will be on sale in Skelton Civic Hall Car Park, Coniston Road, TS12 2HP. The gardens will be open 11am4pm, with last entry to the Castle Gardens at 3.00pm and all other gardens at 3.30pm Refreshments will be available at two gardens; also, there will be a raffle, offering outstanding prizes, and garden books for sale.

Free return transport, kindly provided by Frontline Taxis, will be available between Skelton Castle and Skelton Mill.

This year’s proceeds will go to the Great North Air Ambulance, including a donation from the weekends takings at Skelton Mill’s Tea Room So, come along and explore the gardens of Skelton whilst supporting a very worthwhile charity. We look forward to seeing you.

Stuart White

23

G . Bishop - Decorator *Interiors and Exteriors

*Free Estimates

*All Aspects of Decorating Undertaken *Realistic Prices

*Reliable Service Assured

Time Served Telephone 01287 624016

40 Years Experience Mobile 07757 912575

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

Upcoming Sale dates for June are: General Household Sales 11th & 25th Outdoor Sales 4th

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

Tel: 01751 431544 Email: ryedaleauctioneers@live.co.uk Website: www.ryedaleauctioneers.com 24

Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council

Left and centre: Councillors Cooney and Lambert; right: Councillors Twentyman and Lambert

The Annual General Meeting was held in May and Councillor John Lambert (Saltburn Ward) was appointed as Chairman, taking over from Councillor Cooney.

Councillor Olwyn Twentyman (St Germain’s Ward) was appointed as Vice Chairman.

At the Ordinary meeting, grants were approved for Community Groups throughout the Parish including Saltburn Bowls Club, Talk of the Town, The Great North Air Ambulance, Saltburn Community & Arts Association, Saltburn Craft & Produce Show and Saltburn in Bloom.

The next Donations Committee meeting will take place on 28th June 2016 and any community group who would like to apply for a grant should contact the Parish Council office for an application form. The closing date for completed applications is Monday, 20th June 2016.

PCSO Laura Collins attended the meeting and reported that during April there had been a slight decrease in both reported crime and anti-social behaviour in Saltburn. Reported incidents included parking issues, neighbour disputes and two vehicle thefts. Members were advised that due to a restructuring of Neighbourhood Policing, after 8 years in the Parish, PCSO Collins was

being transferred to Redcar. It was acknowledged that she had created many community links during her time in the Parish, was well respected and would be sadly missed.

It was agreed that a letter of thanks would be sent to PSCO Collins and her Superintendent - Members wished her all the best for the future.

The Parish Council were asked to consider supporting a proposal for the route of the cycle race, Tour of Yorkshire 2017, to go through the Borough, in particular to take in Saltburn Bank. It was noted that the recent Tour of Yorkshire did not pass through Redcar and Cleveland at all and the event could boost the local economy and attract businesses and visitors to the area.

Members agreed that a letter would be sent to support the proposals in principle.

Tracy Meadows (Clerk and RFO to the Parish Council) The Conference Centre, Saltburn Learning Campus Marske Mill Lane, Saltburn, TS12 1HJ Tel: 01287 623477 email: office@smnmpc.co.uk www.smnmpc.co.uk

Mothers Union support Polio Eradication Rotary Past District Governor Dave Sadler and his wife Anne, both members of the Rotary Club of Saltburn gave a presentation on their involvement on Polio National Immunisation Day in India during 2015.

Following the presentation a collection was taken, as a result of which a magnificent £276 was raised and donated to Polio Plus. But that is not the end of the good news. Thanks to the generosity of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, every pound raised for Polio Plus is matched 2 to 1, therefore that total is boosted to £828.

Also, given that it costs 50 pence to immunise one child against Polio, in real humanitarian terms, the generosity of the Mothers Union members will result in the immunisation of 1656 children from this horrible disease.

So well done the members of Saltburn Mothers Union,

thank you all on behalf of every Rotarian for your help in our efforts to “End Polio Now”.

25

BOOK CORNER

Fiction Non-fiction Cut-price Books Children’s Books Ordering Service Gifts for Book-lovers Open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm (Closed Wednesday) 1 Regency Buildings, Station Square, Saltburn

01287 348010 www.bookcornershop.co.uk

Book Corner Events in June I have three exciting events coming up at Book Corner this month. On Thursday 9th June, Rick Lee returns to the bookshop with copies of his latest crime thriller, ‘Those Who Cannot Die’. Rick will be here from 10am – 12.30pm to chat to visitors and sign copies of all six books in his Mick Fletcher series.

Saturday 18th to Saturday 25th June is Independent Bookshop Week. As part of this national celebration, Book Corner will be participating in the ‘Where’s Wally?

Ultimate Colouring Challenge!’ A giant colouring wall will appear in the bookshop, and visitors of all ages will be invited to colour a section and find Wally. There will be prizes for participants, and the colouring wall will be here throughout the week.

On Friday 24th June, I am delighted to welcome crime writer Helen Cadbury, who is travelling all the way from York to give a talk about her novels, ‘To Catch a Rabbit’ and ‘Bones in the Nest’. The books are the start of a series set in Yorkshire and featuring young police officer Sean Denton. Helen’s talk will be held in the Saltburn Community Theatre Coffee Room from 6.30pm (doors open 6pm). The event is free, and Helen will also be signing copies of her books on the night.

I hope you can join me for some bookish activities this month! For information about any of the above events, please call Book Corner on 01287 348010.

Jenna 26

GETTING BAPTISED OR CHRISTENED AT EMMANUEL It is wonderful to be involved in baptising children at Emmanuel Church. The baptisms themselves are made all the more special when those involved really understand the promises they are making to God, have a desire to trust in Jesus, and make a commitment to come to church each week.

To get to this place parents and godparents who bring children for baptism have to go on a journey of preparation; at Emmanuel it is four 20 minute sessions after a Sunday morning service. Occasionally, some parents making baptism enquiries question the need to come to church and go through such preparation.

This is a strange thing to question for two main reasons.

Firstly, one of the promises parents and godparents will make is to bring their children to church and get involved in its life.

Parents & Godparents, in baptism this child begins his journey in faith. You speak for him today. Will you care for him, and help him to take his place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church?

With the help of God, we will.

It would be equally odd for parents to go through the process of their children joining Scouts, Guides, football club, dance classes, etc, and then not take them to participate!

Secondly, there are a lot of misconceptions about baptism, what it is and why it is important. Parents may not see the need for any preparation, because their initial reasons for having their child baptised include: ‘My child will go to heaven.’

‘My child will be better protected from getting ill.’

‘We can celebrate my child’s birth and have a party or family get together.’

‘My grandma said my child needs to be baptised.’

‘My child needs to get officially named.’

There are some positive sentiments here, but they fall way short of the most important reason why the church baptises children and adults. And it has to do with the decision to follow Jesus Christ, to live for Him and in relationship with Him. In the baptism service this is expressed in these challenging questions for the parents and godparents: Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?

I turn to Christ.

Do you submit to Christ as Lord?

I submit to Christ.

Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?

I come to Christ.

It is because of the need for parents and godparents to come to a place where they can answer these questions with integrity, faith and understanding that we have four sessions of preparation focusing on who Jesus really is - our Saviour, our Lord, and our God! If you have any questions about being baptised or christened, or you are concerned about how you are living out your baptism promises, please do contact me. Email and telephone details can be found below.

Every blessing Rev’d Adam Reed (Vicar of Saltburn)

IS OPEN FOR YOU TO VISIT ON… Saturdays 4th & 18th June from 10am - 4pm Sundays 12th & 26th June from 1pm - 4pm Sundays at Emmanuel Church: 9.00am & 10.45am services with refreshments served from 10.10am Tuesdays at Emmanuel Church: 9.30am service with refreshments served from 10.15am Emmanuel Church: Tel: 01287 622251 / Email: emmanuelsaltburn@hotmail.co.uk / www.saltburnparishchurch.co.uk

27

‘Live’ by the Sea 2016 April saw our first sold-out “Live” by the Sea event in the shape of Chris Helme and James Gray Robson & the Lovely Burn, and no wonder tickets were in such demand as it proved to be a treat not to be missed!

Chris Helme engaged the room with his amiable banter and effortless charm. A more varied set is hard to find; hitting perfection with ‘Lorelei,’ and of course ‘Blinded by the Sun’ causing riotous acclaim from the faithful following. He really does have a voice to die for with vocals ranging from delicate to deeply soulful, and never more sublime than on his version of Nina Simone’s ‘Be My Husband.’

If you weren’t a fan of James Gray Robson & The Lovely Burn before their performance then you certainly will be now. The Americana-inspired boys from Darlington wowed the audience with their powerful vocals and precision music making. Their debut EP ‘For What It’s Worth’ is only £5 and available from Hash Bar and Kitchen in Darlington or online: https://itun.es/gb/pMe_A particular highlight for all was when James & Chris joined Chris Helme on stage and took Saltburn by storm with a rousing rendition of ‘Heart of Gold.’

Our next “Live” by the Sea on Friday, 24th June mixes both the global and the local, in the form of The Colin Holt Band from Marske who have teamed up with internationally acclaimed saxophonist, Snake Davis, to bring you a very special night indeed. Colin currently lives down the road in Marske-by-the-Sea but is originally from

Morley near Leeds. He is hugely respected within the music industry and we know he will get a very warm welcome here in Saltburn.

Snake Davis has played saxophone with a host of famous names including Take That, the Pet Shop Boys, Primal Scream, Paul McCartney, M People, Motörhead, Tom Jones and Tina Turner. He also fronted North Yorkshire band Zoot and the Roots in the 1980s. His music has something for everyone, transcending the ordinary and making it spectacular. The night will comprise of two fortyfive minute sets with an interval.

Tickets priced at just £12.50 are available from the Spa Hotel reception on 01287 622544 or online via Eventrbrite http://bit.ly/241Cl3c (booking fees apply to online sales). https://m.facebook.com/The-Colin-Holt-Band222286444523348/ https://m.facebook.com/Snake-Davis-309791688126/ To keep up to date with all our “Live” by the Sea news as it happens check out our new dedicated social media pages: Like our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ LIVEbytheSeaSaltburn Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ live_bythesea Look us up on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ livebytheseasaltburn

A Dream Transformation from PCB Home Installations

Managing your project from start to finish

• Supply and Installation of Kitchens and Bathrooms • Quality workmanship guaranteed every time • 15 Years experience • Professional trades people • Local company • UPVC Panelling • FREE no obligation quotations

Tel: 01287 637702 Mob: 07870 176370 28

29

Earthbeat performers raise money to help Indian street children The inspirational Earthbeat Theatre Company are joining up with The 100 Voice Choir to put on a concert to be performed in The Earthbeat Centre Theatre.

Earthbeat took over the magnificent Victorian Saltburn Primary School and converted it into a modern theatre just over a year ago.

The money raised will go to School Aid India which is a charity set up to provide education for street children and other disadvantaged children living in Darjeeling, a village set in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Tony Galuidi, Earthbeat’s manager says: “Our performers, quite often, because of their learning difficulties find themselves on the receiving end of help. When an opportunity to make a difference to others comes up it becomes a very empowering experience for us all.”

Three of the children at the school come from the same family. Their father is the local road sweeper and cleaner of drains. It is a vital but unpleasant job and he earns around £1.50 a day. Without Roseberry School his children would have had no education. “This is what motivates me to keep on working.”

The concert’s musical director is Jeanette Wainwright who is Earthbeat’s vocal coach and leader of the 100 Voice Choir. Jeanette says about the concert: “I have worked with Earthbeat for 5 years now and in all that time their

enthusiasm for singing has been inspiring. My aim has always been to have my 100 Voice Choir sing with Earthbeat and the result is very special.”

Songs will include: Beatles, swing, musicals, ancient chants, folk, African, and pop.

Tickets are £7 and include a glass of wine (or soft drink) and cheese straws and can be bought at the Saltburn Book Corner or on the door. The concert is on Thursday, 16th June at 7pm (doors open 6.30pm).

My Pilates Journey

The first time I tried Pilates I fell in love. It was summer 2007 and I had joined a class at my local gym.

As a national club netball player and avid fitness fan I saw straight away how Pilates related to all of my daily activities and how it could enhance them. I barely knew how to perform the exercises but I knew I wanted to become a Pilates Teacher.

I spent 6 months in this class before I dared to tell my teacher about my plans; she was, and remains an inspiration in my life. I applied to study the Body Control Pilates Method for 6 months time, which gave me the required 1 years experience of Pilates.

I started to understand Pilates on a deeper level and I knew I had found my life mission, to spread the love of Pilates. In summer 2008 I began training with Body Control Pilates in London and a year later I received my teaching certificate.

In September 2010 I opened Studio 21 on Yarm High Street, my very own Pilates Studio. I sometimes look back and wonder how I did it; it was as if I had an idea, created some momentum and the flow just carried me along. It feels effortless, but I do remember worrying at the time and wondering if I was doing the right thing. Whenever I stopped and listened, I always knew in my heart that I was moving in the right direction. So my advice to you is, move like a jellyfish and go with the flow.

Vicky Rees Vicky lives in Saltburn and is Pilates Teacher and owner at Studio 21 Yarm, a Pilates and Yoga Studio on Yarm High Street. Vicky is happy to answer any questions about health, fitness and nutrition, (please contact mail@studio21yarm.co.uk or http:// www.studio21yarm.co.uk).

30

Redcar & Cleveland Philatelic Society June Meetings June 1st: Stephen Holder FRPSL; German Zonals.

June 15th AGM and Members’ night. Venue: East Cleveland Community Centre, Durham Road, Redcar, 7:00 for 7:15 pm.

Twice having hosted North East England’s Annual Convention (NEPA), we are proud to also host Yorkshire’s Philatelic Association Annual Convention (YPA 2016) for the second time on Saturday, 4th June 2016 at Rye Hills School, Redcar TS19 2HN. This ideal venue provides for a spacious Dealers’ Hall, Competitive Displays area, meeting rooms and restaurant. See how our Redcar, Saltburn and Skelton competitive displays fared when judged alongside entries by experienced philatelists in Yorkshire’s major societies!

YPA’s website is www.y-p-a.org.uk/page_ 5.html.

Free entry from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Large free car park and disabled access.

Due to space limitations we postpone our full report on NEPA’s Annual Convention held on 23rd April. Suffice to briefly note, R&CPS did very well: with two members securing 4 of the 11 NEPA trophies awarded! Watch this space!

A bottle of wine will be presented during the YPA Convention’s Award Ceremony by the owner of ‘the pointing hand’ for the most accurate (or failing that, wittiest) explanation of what is being highlighted on the 16 sheet display. (The stamp concerned, Canada’s Map Stamp, SG 166-8, is common and often seen in children’s collections, but what makes this envelope special?)

Geoff. Reynolds (Secretary 01642 478229) David D. Turner (01287 624736)

Above: Regional Stamp Fairs attract all ages Below: To what is the pointing hand drawing attention?

Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness

31

Amazing Space

Youngsters Chat to Saltburn Born Astronaut Learners from Saltburn Learning Campus were recently given the opportunity to speak with a former NASA astronaut who has lived and worked on the International Space Station.

On 5th May Dr Nicholas Patrick, who has retired from NASA but continues his work in the USA space industry, carried out a live web chat with those in Years 2 to 7 from Saltburn Primary School and Huntcliff School. Primary School pupils asked him a series of questions through a web cam in which he gave inspiring answers and talked about his time spent in space; what he did and how it has changed his outlook on the world.

Elizabeth Axe, Year 6 Teacher and Science Coordinator said it was “a wonderful and exciting opportunity for our learners to speak to and ask questions of one of the few people who have been into space and was born in Saltburn. Dr Patrick answered in great detail questions from, ‘what are the reactions of the human body when you hit zero gravity?’ to ‘how did you feel looking down on earth during your spacewalk?’ His answers were very thought provoking and many of the children said they had started to think about science and space careers after listening to him.

Mrs Axe was also joined by fellow Year 6 Teacher Mrs Wills; Heads of School, Caroline Chadwick and Catherine Juckes of Saltburn Primary School and Huntcliff School respectively; and Peter Eyre, Executive Headteacher at Saltburn Learning Campus.

Dr Patrick placed emphasis on wider aspects of his experiences, such as good teamwork, studying STEM subjects (Science Technology Engineering & Maths), the environment, and being able to learn from mistakes.

He also described a poignant moment of seeing the UK from space; describing it as “beautiful”, saying how he felt appreciative and how it brought back memories of his childhood. He said that his vision of the world has definitely changed, telling his audience, “I now see it as a fragile place”.

Learners were enthralled by Dr Patrick’s portrayal of returning to earth, especially his recollection of barely being

able to lift a pair of what he considered to be “heavy” boots after his acclimatisation of zero gravity.

When asked if he would like to return to space, he said he “would love to”, joking that he would arm wrestle other astronauts for the chance to go!

Primary School Pupils, Natalya Miller and Iris Reamswood, took the chance to show Dr Patrick the space seeds that they have been growing as part of a project led by the Royal Horticultural Society. They explained how, although the plants have started to grow, they are unaware of which were taken from space and which started on earth.

Dr Patrick thought it was a great idea, telling the children that he never got the chance to grow plants in space himself.

He encouraged the young people to transfer their scientific knowledge to think of an hypothesis.

Being able to speak with youngsters from his birthplace will no doubt have been an experience very close to Dr Patrick’s heart. He ended the chat by suggesting a possible visit to the campus when he pays a visit to the UK in the autumn.

Rhythm of life….

A Cabaret on June 18th, Saltburn Community Hall Hit the road, neighbour – leave your worries and strife.

Spread the religion of the rhythm of life!

This is an invitation from Renaissance, the Saltburn-based singing group, for you to join them on a journey through life, in words and music, on June 18th in Saltburn Community Hall. If you have never encountered Renaissance before, they are a small group of friends, who, though all soloists in their own right, love singing together and have done so now for a number of years in our area and beyond. They are an awardwinning choir - most recently at Eskdale Festival 2016, regularly entering festivals with the aim of keeping their musical standards high. The name Renaissance might indicate a particular kind of classical music but, though they love their classical repertoire, they sing everything from madrigals to musicals – with a liberal helping of jazz and more contemporary songs too.

32

If you do know Renaissance, you are in for a surprise, for the concert on June 18th is a completely different way of presenting their music. They have chosen a cabaret style, incorporating the spoken word and movement too! But you can expect the usual choral items, with songs and duets from all members of the group; their very talented accompanist, Martin Dack, also makes a special solo contribution. Think of the evening as a kind of soundtrack to life, sometimes humorous and sometimes sad, but presented with the group’s trademark commitment and evident enjoyment of what they do.

So do make a date to join them on Saturday, June 18th, 7.30pm at Saltburn Community Hall (next to the theatre). Tickets £5, on the door, or from Saltburn Golf Club or members of the group. There will be a bar run by SCAA.

Susan Pierce

33

The Countryside Ranger and Volunteers, June 2016 Hello and welcome to our latest report regarding the sights and sounds within the valley.

Firstly, I would like to thank all those who have been in touch regarding wildlife sightings of note within the valley.

We had mentioned previous sightings of slow worms, but due to works happening to sort out the steps at the Albert Memorial we thought we would not see them again. I am happy to say though, that during a recent visit there we did indeed find a female slow worm, great news as this could suggest she is looking for a nest site. An early purple orchid has been spotted growing nearby, which shows that the area is being rapidly reclaimed by nature.

Over the coming months the Saltburn Countryside Volunteers and myself will be working in the area of Camp Bank to restore an area which had been previously planted with trees and wildflowers by members of the Saltburn Women’s Institute. Several trees were planted (roughly 12 years ago), and managed by my predecessor. The grasses have sadly taken over the area, and several of the cherry have selfseeded, so this is an ideal time to get in there and try to restore the area to how it once used to be. So far, we have replaced some of the drainage channels on the steep path leading into the valley at the end of the bank and hope that it will be less muddy next time it rains. The project also involves clearing a footpath through the planted section.

Much of our work through the valley is done to encourage the growth and spread of the wildflowers, but one of the flowers which requires no encouragement in any of the Saltburn valleys is the one which visitors associate most with Saltburn – the Ramsons or Wild Garlic. The leaves have a strong garlic smell, but the flowers are surprisingly fragrant.

Wild Garlic in Hazel Grove

The work will carry us through the Summer months to Autumn, so keep an eye out whilst walking around the valley as the strimmed footpath will need plenty of boots/wellies and sandals walking it to keep some of the grasses in check.

Saltburn task days continue throughout the year every Friday. We meet near the Woodland Centre at 10.00am. To see the other work carried out by the Saltburn Countryside V o l u n t e e r s , s e e o u r w e b s i t e (www.saltburncountrysidevolunteers.btck.co.uk).

For more information, contact Paul (at paul.murphy@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk) or for volunteering opportunities, contact Karen (at Karen.preston@redcarcleveland.gov.uk).

Paul Murphy

PO to move despite outcry Saltburn’s Post office is being moved to the new NISA convenience store in Windsor Road despite opposition from 1,000 people.

The figure was given at the May meeting of SNAP Saltburn Neighbourhood Action Partnership, which takes in local residents, groups and Redcar & Cleveland Council.

“One person who wrote in thought it was a good idea,” said Councillor Philip Thomson, who chairs the meeting. “The PO said there was no alternative to moving to the NISA store.” Responding to criticism of the Windsor Road site being dangerous for pedestrians, he said double yellow lines would be laid down by the end of May. Geoff Callaghan, of the Hazelgrove residential park, called the decision “unjust” with two dangerous crossings for pedestrians to walk over (Hilda Place and Windsor Road).

The PO’s decision was announced on a large poster at the Station Street building. It said the move would mean a walk of 350 metres from Station Street. The date for transfer to the new location would be announced at a ‘later date.’

The poster said some additional services would be offered. And travel money would be available ‘on demand.’ The PO’s services would be available from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and a retail counter staffed from 6am to 10pm.

Anne Yoxall, who has run the PO since the facility was moved 20 metres from the original PO building (now a betting 34

Saltburn’s Post Office in Station Street. It is being moved 350 yards to Windsor Road, near the railway bridge, despite much opposition. The notice containing the PO’s decision can be seen on right. The step which some customers find difficult to get over is also pictured.

shop at the corner with Windsor Road), is stepping down. But the other three members of staff will transfer to the NISA operation.

Staff said the new location would be more accessible for people who found the Station Street step difficult to get over.

Mike Morrissey

35

Tom Backs the ban on bee harming pesticides DANCE YOUR WAY TO FITNESS!!

EASY TO FOLLOW, OVERALL TONING and LOW IMPACT ON THE JOINTS. This dance fitness class is packed with Latin rhythms & International beats! Come and groove at your own pace… this class will shake up your routine!!

Mondays 6pm - Emmanuel Church Hall Thursdays 10am - Saltburn Community Hall

Spirals A PILATES, YOGA & BALLET inspired fitness class: Spirals will build up your CORE STRENGTH, TONE and define your figure, improve your BALANCE and natural FLEXIBILITY. This class is great on its own or perfect as a complement to other high energy fitness activities.

Wednesdays 7pm - The EarthBeat Centre, Saltburn.

For more information about these or other classes, prices, discounts, venues etc. call ESTELLE on 07887 525234, email at estelle@dancefitsaltburn.co.uk or visit...

Tom Blenkinsop MP has added his name to a growing list of MPs who are opposed to lifting of the ban on bee harming pesticides.

Neonicotinoids have been restricted across Europe since 2013 due to mounting evidence that they pose a risk to bees. Ministers are currently considering an application to allow their use again.

Tom Said: “We should be in no doubt about the importance of pollinators to our food supply, biodiversity and the economy. The decline in bee numbers should worry us all. The European Commission announced in 2013 that it would restrict the use of neonicotinoids to crops that are not attractive to bees after the European Food Safety Authority concluded that three commonly used neonicotinoid pesticides pose an unacceptable danger to bees. The Government initially opposed the ban in 2013, has approved an application for the ban to be lifted in autumn 2015 and are now considering lifting it again, going against a growing body of scientific data.

“Government statistics, published in December, show that the average yield of UK oilseed rape actually increased in 2015 – the second harvest without neonicotinoids. It is vital to take a science-led approach to pesticide use and to consider how best to support farmers, protect wildlife and reverse the decline of pollinators.

“There are, of course, many reasons for the decline of pollinators, including habitat loss, climate change and pests and diseases. The government cannot continue to ignore the threat to bees from neonicotinoids, the European-wide ban represents a proportionate response to the evidence. I will continue to lobby the government to keep the ban on neonicotinoids.”

36

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

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

Hello lovely readers. This month is a packed SARA page with Scooby the dog as well as two cats named Roger and Rodney.

Scooby is a handsome 12 years young male border terrier cross. He’s got the typical border terrier wiry coat in tan with distinguished grey on his muzzle. Sadly Scooby could be a bit deaf; we at SARA are not certain whether it’s real or fictional and he’s just pretending not to hear us. He’s a bit cheeky like that.

As he’s an older dog and quite a small dog he wouldn’t need really long walks and he’d be mostly happy just pottering about. Scooby would need to be the only dog in his new home and he would prefer living with an experienced owner who can give him lots of TLC in his later years.

And now it’s the two cats’ turn. Roger and Rodney are two adult male cats who came into SARA’s care as strays. They need to be rehomed together as they’ve always been together, never apart and adore each other’s company. Roger and Rodney are very friendly cats who utterly love lots of fuss, cuddles, treats and quality lap time.

To tell them apart: Roger is white with a large black patch on his back and Rodney white with small ginger patches. Both have sleek and glossy coats and look in tip top condition. They would be happy being either indoor or outdoor cats as they’re both pretty easy going lads. As long as they have a home of their own they will be happy.

Lots of love, Scooby, Roger and Rodney.

SARA fundraising events during June The next monthly meeting of SARA will be held on Wednesday, 1st June, in the TocH premises, Albion Terrace, Saltburn at 7.30pm. We would love to welcome new members. The meeting gives a great opportunity to come along and find out more about our Charity. Please come along. We look forward to seeing you.

Sunday 5th June Chocolate and Strawberry Fayre 1 - 4pm Foxrush Farm. SARA will be holding a Strawberry and Chocolate Fayre, at Foxrush Farm, Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar. Dogs, family and friends are very welcome. There is plenty of parking on Foxrush field. This is always a lovely event with homemade refreshments and stalls. Stalls include tombola, books, raffle, pet stalls and bric-a-brac.

Come along and enjoy a pleasant afternoon with members of SARA. Your support is very much appreciated and you will be helping the ever increasing numbers of animals that

so desperately need our help.

Thursday 9th June Street collection Guisborough Saturday 11th June Community Centre 10 - 4pm Saltburn. SARA will be serving refreshments.

Saturday 18th June Neil Diamondo Saltburn Golf Club 7.30 - 11pm £7.00 including supper. Why not come and hear this excellent tribute to Neil Diamond.

Funds raised recently Our thanks to everyone who supported our spring stroll £41 was raised. Our thanks to everyone who supported the Spring Bargain Sale. A grand total of £800 was raised.

Our thanks also go to everyone who supported our Sam’s appeal. He has now had his operation and is doing well.

John Fuller, Press Officer Helpline: 01642 488108 37

38

Brain Working Recursive Therapy® BWRT® stands for Brain Working Recursive Therapy®, a unique, totally safe, effective and accredited model of psychology and psychotherapy, developed by Terence Watts, MCGI. BWRT® uses the brain’s natural processes to achieve lasting change with fears, phobias, anxiety (including General Anxiety Disorder), grief, anger, unwanted habits and many other issues in as little as one or two sessions.

BWRT® is a completely logical, practical and down to earth therapy, which is carried out in a completely conscious state where you have total control of the therapy. It does not use hypnosis or any mystical or unscientific concepts. You will not even need to discuss your private feelings.

To succeed all you need to know is what you want to change in your life.

At an advanced level, BWRT® allows lasting change for more deep-rooted issues such as PTSD, obsessions, binge eating or drinking, eating disorders, low self-esteem, addictions, bullying and OCD, to name just a few.

I am an Advanced BWRT® Practitioner, and I have successfully helped many clients aged from 8 – 85. I offer a free initial consultation so that I can find out more about you and how you need help - and you can ask any

questions. You will not be under any pressure to decide there and then whether to go ahead with therapy.

Tel 07795 174965 Email julie@juliespitler.co.uk Website www.bwrt-northeast.co.uk BWRT North East is the sister practice Julie Spitler DHP. MIBWRT (A.P) to Saltburn Hypnotherapy MAPH, CNHC Registered

Valley Players

We had a fabulous evening of entertainment at the Earthbeat Centre on May 7th. Sally Lewis and Marjorie Wilson once again delighted the audience in the reprise of their roles as two redoutable women planning their street’s VE day celebration in ‘Best Foot Forward’, written by Terry and Sue Wilkinson. The audience was also treated to songs from the era sung by Bill Greenwood as well as readings from some friends of the Valley Players, including three of our youth members.

We are now in the early planning stages of our Elvis extravaganza next year which will commemorate the fortieth anniversary of his death. It’s going to be mega!

As some of you already know, we have also been busy writing and publishing.

Sue Wilkinson has published a novel for young teenagers, ‘Bombs and Bunting’ which continues the story of the children featured in last year’s youth production.

Her husband, Terry Wilkinson has published a fun filled poetry book for children called ‘Scribbles and Giggles’.

Both of these books have been beautifully illustrated by Sue, a lady of many talents and I have published my first collection of poems, ‘Looking for a new England ‘.

All these are available from the Book Corner or from Amazon.

Djenane 39

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

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

Kitchens Bathrooms Bedrooms Doors Windows Flooring Skirting

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

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

MATRIMONIAL MATTERS CIVIL - CRIMINAL LITIGATION

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

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

40

27 Milton Street Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Talk of the Town’s monthly

Pride of Saltburn Award

Open 7 days a week Stocking a wide range of health foods, chutneys, jams and honeys.

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

Quality Fresh Fruit and Veg at Competitive Prices.

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

Grasers 07703 884184 Try something different at Grasers The winner of this month’s Pride of Saltburn Award is Sally Lewis. Sally was nominated by Emilio and Heather Garcia. About her, they say, “We would like to nominate Sally Lewis for pride of the month award. I work with Sally all week at Greta Cottage which is a stressful job as co-manager. On leaving Greta Cottage most nights she goes into rehearsal or performs in different plays. Since she has been working for us Sally has performed in the Vicar of Dibley, Wind in the Willows, Under Milk Wood, Alice in Wonderland and many more plays, in fact, every play performed by the Saltburn ’53 Drama Group for the whole year. Sally really enjoys working with the Youth Section, both performing with them and coaching them as part of the group’s commitment to introducing drama skills to young people. Sally also works with another local group, The Valley Players, and in February she received Best Supporting Role award at Richmond Georgian Theatre Royal Drama Festival for her role as the mother of Lazarus. At the Saltburn festival in March, she received the award for Best Actress jointly with her friend Marjorie Wilson for her latest role as a housewife planning a V.E. day party. We feel she is an asset to Saltburn and she is well loved by the people of Saltburn.”

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

Japanese Cuisine Grasers stock a selection of Japanese and other oriental items. In the picture foreground can be seen Clearspring Tamari, Soya and Teriyaki sauces and cold pressed sesame seed oil. Tamari is a wheat and gluten-free authentic soya sauce made to a 500 year old recipe and slowly aged in cedarwood kegs, far superior to pretend soya sauces made from caramel water. Clearspring Teriyaki is sweet but savoury and contains no added sugar. Sesame seed oil is described as a defining flavour of oriental cuisine! In addition to a choice of noodles, including buckwheat and brown rice Vermicelli, there is Japanese Nori, a sea vegetable for wrapping sushi or for garnishing, and traditional pickled pink Sushi Ginger, and Wasabi paste.

41

Chocolinis Chocolatier Continental Chocolates Moulded Figures Our Own Recipe Bars Speciality Ice Cream Celebration Cake Toppers Wedding Favours Luxury Hot Chocolate Coffees Teas www.chocolinissaltburn.com 3 Windsor Road Saltburn TS12 1AX 01287 626141

CHOCOLINIS NEWS NUGGETS

Father’s Day Sunday 19th June For the man in your life we have created a wide range of gifts from a simple token to a specially selected Hamper full of his favourites.

Various themes Included this year are football, fishing, rugby and gardening to name but a few.

Flavoured bars and new Break Up Bites.

Select your gift and we will do the rest.

42

Frozen Shoulder Frozen shoulder is a condition that is quite common in the over 40 age group and can cause a great deal of discomfort and nuisance to many everyday activities. This condition is also known as adhesive capsulitis, and the condition usually follows a pattern of pain and movement restriction that hangs around for many months.

Sometimes a frozen shoulder develops after an injury, such as a fall onto the shoulder or a severe jarring force to the joint. However, for most people, the condition seems to come out of the blue. The first stages of a frozen shoulder are typically pretty painful with not too much joint stiffness. Sleep is often very disturbed and during this stage it is important to get medical advice and appropriate analgesic medication. The second phase of a frozen shoulder typically features a gradual reduction in pain and an increased amount of joint stiffness. The final stage sees the shoulder being primarily stiff with not too much pain.

There is a growing amount of evidence that points to an underlying metabolic cause for a frozen shoulder.

There are links between frozen shoulder and diabetes and some heart & lung conditions. It is thought that a frozen shoulder occurs because of a low grade inflammatory

response, which affects the whole body.

The soft tissues of the shoulder then become affected by this inflammatory process and as a result become contracted and sensitive to movement.

The important thing to remember about frozen shoulder is that it is a self limiting condition. This means that it will resolve naturally over time. There are a number of things that can help this process along and a number of things that can make things worse. The best advice is get medical help, particularly in the early stages so that good pain management can be established. Then some occasional visits to a Physiotherapist are a good idea so that the course of the condition can be monitored and appropriate mobilising and strengthening work can be administered to restore full shoulder function.

You can find more information about frozen shoulders on our website.

Philip Newton Chartered and Health Care Professions Council Registered Physiotherapist Newton Physiotherapy 01287 767287 www.NewtonPhysio.com

Veterinary Matters It is always sad to lose a pet, no matter what they are, or how old. Animals tend to “get under your skin”, and their loss can leave big gaps in the day.

So, when asked “Am I too old to get a new cat/dog/ bird?” the answer has always been the same –“No, we are never too old”. However, when we take on a pet, at whatever time in our lives, we need to be sure that we can look after her/him to the best of our ability and fulfil the pet’s needs, as laid down in the Five Freedoms, which does include the cost of feeding when healthy and seeing a vet when ill. That can include making provision were we not here and our pet still is. Family or friends might be willing to take on a new mouth, but there are organisations in the country there to help. One such nationwide group is The Cinnamon Trust, based in Cornwall but with branches and helpers all over the UK. There are others, but they are all there to make sure you can enjoy a pet and be happy of their future security, no matter how old we are.

We all like to treat our pets, with new toys, beds, cages, collars and treats. Not all food treats are suitable to give, and certainly not to be given exclusively. Some cat biscuits can be addictive and could end up as being the main food source, which, as well as being expensive, can help pile weight on. One dog treat in the news recently was the “jerky” type, which has been implicated in causing kidney failure when fed at a rate more than 5% of the total diet, per day. Check with your vet. Quite a lot of bird treats are too high in fat and sugars, and can shorten a bird’s life,

and a lot of rabbit and guinea pig treats can cause addiction. Please ask your vet if you are not sure of the best way to treat your pet.

Ticks, fleas, worms How often should you treat your pet, and what is the best?

As a vet, I have always advised that dogs, cats, rabbits and often tortoises are routinely wormed with the correct drug for that species. We may not see worms, often, but these animals can pass worm eggs out when they pass a motion, and these are not visible to the naked eye. Best solution? Treat with a wormer.

Flea and tick treatment is going more and more in hand these days, and there are new drugs cropping up that are more efficient but still safe. About 20% of all ticks in the UK carry one disease that can be passed on to your pet, whether it is a dog, cat or rabbit.

How often to treat? Realistically treatment should be as often as it says on the box, and no more frequently. Also, it is not safe to mix drugs as they can cause your pet to become ill. As ever, check with your vet if you are not sure.

Enjoy summer and don’t forget the suncream for cats’ ears, dogs’ noses or faces!

If you want to ask me a question or raise a topic from this article, or want me to write about a topic that concerns you, then contact me by e-mail on j.haddow@live.co.uk James Haddow, Veterinary Eye Consultant, GP and Saltburn resident.

43

Come and have a go at Nordic Walking and see how much fun it is to walk using poles.

It is a specific way to walk, poles are planted behind you which propels you along engaging the upper body as well as the legs. You will be surprised at how quickly you can walk and how much easier it is to walk up hills. Smillies Nordic Walks are offering free taster sessions on 14th and 22nd June.

Please visit the web site for more details or phone Pat.

Miles Across the Vale June sees two important events in the programme for Saltburn Community & Arts Association and both are about the work of Graeme Miles.

Graeme Miles’ songs are descriptive of the people and places that he knew. He wrote from first-hand experience about the lives of Cleveland’s working classes; their pride, their effort and their leisure. So he could talk with knowledge of the toil of working hot metal, the drudgery of industrial labour or the beauty of a chemical sunset. He was an astute and clever observer of the life of Cleveland and his songs remain a testament to a way of life that is now disappearing.

Following the enormous success of two Graeme Miles Tribute concerts in Middlesbrough and Manchester earlier this year Saltburn Community Arts Theatre is delighted to be presenting their own performance of Graeme’s songs on Friday, 10th June. All proceeds from the concert will be split between Teesside Hospice, who cared for Graeme and SC&AA who want to join in promoting his works.

Performers include familiar names from Teesside’s folk circuit: Vin Garbutt, back from another successful tour in Australia and thankfully back at his best; The Wilsons, still 44

trying to get Sting to calm down after appearing with them; Martyn Wyndham-Read, perhaps the most prolific recorder of Graeme’s songs; and Robin Dale, Kevin Hall and Ailsa MacKenzie who as friends and supporters of Graeme continue to give their talents towards promoting his songs.

Less well known than his songs are Graeme’s activities as an artist. He was a student at the School of Art in Hartlepool before being called up for National Service in 1955. During those two years he kept going by drawing as well as writing. A selection of these drawings ‘They Bunged Us in Khaki’ is being shown in the SCA2gallery beginning on June 10th, the same day as the concert. The sketches show squaddies going about their routine army chores and dreaming of what they’ll do when they’re back on civi street. They are as intimate, poignant as well crafted as his songs. Saltburn Arts are particularly proud to be hosting the first public exhibition of his drawings and will be continuing to show different drawings of life in Teesside and beyond at regular intervals over the next year or so.

If you have evidence of your own time in National Service please contact Trev Wardle at the theatre – he is keen to show other people’s recollections alongside Graeme’s drawings.

45

New Mayor announced at council AGM

INDEPENDENT Councillor Barry Hunt has been confirmed as the new Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland at the council’s Annual General Meeting.

Councillor Hunt, ward member for Brotton, wore the civic robes for the first time at a special investiture ceremony at Kirkleatham Hall on Thursday, May 19th.

He has confirmed he will be supporting Redcar’s Coatham House and Saltburn’s Earthbeat as his designated charities during his term.

Councillor Barry Hunt said: “I am proud as a Redcar lad to have the chance to be Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland and will work hard to improve our town centres throughout the Borough and to raise the profile of tourism, especially in East Cleveland where we have so much to offer which has not already been tapped into.

It’s a great honour for me to be Mayor and I will work hard to be a good ambassador for our Borough.”

Councillor Hunt replaced Councillor Brenda Forster as Mayor after her year’s term in office came to an end.

Elected alongside him as Deputy Mayor is Councillor Chris Abbott. A Liberal Democrat councillor for more than 30 years, Councillor Abbott represents the Newcomen ward on the council and will work alongside Councillor Hunt during his year in office.

46

Marske Hall JUNE EVENTS Our biggest fundraising event of the year - come along and support us.

Summer Fair - Saturday, 18th June from 11am. Enjoy family fun and entertainment at the annual Summer Fair at Marske Hall. Lots of stalls to browse including our popular cake stall, Winbola, grand raffle, local entertainment and much more. Admission free, donations welcome.

Book a stall at the hall - there are still a few stalls left to hire at the Summer Fair. Ideal for local businesses, charities or for selling your unwanted items. Call 01642 482672 and ask for Sally.

Appeal The fundraising team is always looking for tombola and raffle prizes to use at events throughout the year.

Simply call into Marske Hall from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday or telephone 07714 291979 for collection (visit www.facebook/marskehall.com).

Thank you for your continued support. Funds raised at these events will enhance the lives of people living at Marske Hall. Registered Charity No: 218186. For details of these and other events call 01642 482672 (or visit: www.facebook/ marskehall.com).

Marske Hall, Redcar Road, TS11 6AA. Kath Bloomfield Volunteer press officer

Christina Simpson Bespoke Furniture, Joinery Fully Qualified Experienced, Local Carpenter/Joiner 1st, 2nd Fix Doors, Flooring, Skirting, Loft Conversions Hand-Made Kitchens/Bedrooms, Painted Furniture Paintings Commissioned

No Job Too Small

Call 07773 091727 Email: simpsonc999@gmail.com

Saltburn Learning Campus Catering: A Five Star Service “I like my school dinners,” says Reception pupil, Alfred Coldwell. “I had gammon and pineapple and veg today. It was delicious.”

Andy Marsden, Catering Manager, and his thirteen staff work as a productive team, serving approaching five hundred meals a day at Saltburn’s primary and secondary schools. The catering has been undertaken in-house, since the Local Authority withdrew its provision in April 2014 and several awards have been won.

“We have the Food for Health Gold Award given by the Borough Council, Five Star status for Food Hygiene and the Enhanced Healthy School Award,” explains Andy. “We get audited once a term externally to comply with the School Food Standards and are one of very few schools that do completely.”

Andy has been in catering for thirty years. He went to Catering College in Sheffield and gained a lot of experience in London, where he worked in top notch establishments and was headhunted by five star blue chip companies. He moved up into catering management. After a spell at a London West End corporate entertaining suite, Andy and his wife relocated to the North-East in 2003, to be close to her family in Guisborough.

“I got work as a Distance Learning Tutor for Food Safety at Middlesbrough College and then moved to catering at Upsall Hall, the centre for adults with learning difficulties,” he continues. “In August 2013, I joined Saltburn Learning Campus.”

Andy enjoys being able to source the kitchen’s own supplies, now that the service is run independently. He can get better quality ingredients at a better price, not being tied to a contract with one vendor. He takes a pride in complying with the Food Standards above and beyond. For example, the staff only fry chips on Fridays.

The layout of the catering facilities is imaginative.

There is a central kitchen and serving hatches at opposite ends. Reception to Year 3 children have age appropriate seating on one side; Year 4 to Year 6 children eat in the secondary hall; a second sitting there caters for Years 7 to 11 afterwards, when two more serving points are added.

As well as midday lunches, the team provides a morning break service for secondary pupils. On offer are toast, crumpets, pizza slice snacks, bacon buns, cereal and muffins. Sixty to seventy portions are sold each day. Drinks available are water, fruit juice, carbonated flavoured waters and milk shakes, all complying with the Food Standards.

The payment system is biometric. A machine recognises a pupil’s thumbprint, which brings up the amount of money in his or her account on a computer screen.

Parents top this up by cash or cheque or pupils can bring in cash and put it in a re-evaluation machine in the school foyer. The screen also flags up any allergies or dietary requirements that a pupil has and staff can advise if inappropriate choices have been made.

“Very shortly, the Campus will be introducing ipay, whereby parents can use an app on their phone or computer to load the account,” adds Andy, “and they will be able to see what their children have chosen for lunch and how much money is left.”

Andy explains to me that the kitchen is nut-free and it can cater for a variety of diets; the staff also provide packed

lunches on days out if required. He makes the menus up on a three week rota, but they change each term, so that seasonal produce can be sourced. He has to juggle what will sell, what complies with the Food Standards and what can be afforded.

He enjoys offering taster sessions to the pupils, taking ideas to the School Council. Sometimes they say they wouldn’t buy a certain dish, but do try it when it features on the menu. There is not much wastage, as staff know the pupils and the food is good!

Featuring on the menu regularly are ‘Brooke Dotchin’ sausages. Brooke of Year 3 won a competition set by Andy for the children to design a Campus sausage. Her winning recipe included pork, tomato, herbs and spices and it was a very successful way of getting the pupils thinking up ideas for food.

Andy starts work at 7.30am and everything is tidied away by 2.30pm. The service has to fit in with the academic timetable and the middle of the day is very busy. Julie Grant, who began cooking at the Upleatham Street Infants’ School twenty years ago says: “It’s a very busy kitchen, but there’s a lovely atmosphere here. There’s nice company and good teamwork to get everything ready on time. I just enjoy my job.”

So happy are the team, that only four members of staff have moved on since Andy came and two of those got promotion to run their own kitchens. There is great opportunity for staff at Saltburn to cook, as Andy puts great store on everything (except Pasta King products) being prepared on site, including biscuits, flapjacks and other bakery items.

Jessica Boulton of Year 5 gives the school dinners an unreserved thumbs up: “I think in the winter they’re the best thing to have because they keep you warm. You don’t get the same thing every day either.”

Rosemary Nicholls 47

Sizzling Summer Coming to Cons Club Dear readers, I am having to write this article a week earlier than usual as myself and Anne are setting off early on Monday morning (16th May) for a 5 days break in Scotland to meet up with a very dear friend of Anne’s who lives in America, but is over for a few weeks at her sister’s. Having just got home from walking round the farmers market I can only hope that the Mid-West side of Scotland is warmer than the North East of England.

May brought the club outing to York on Saturday 7th. Michelle, our stewardess, organised the coaches for approx 75 people plus a fantastic buffet on our return and Shaun Cook provided the music for a packed house at the Karaoke/Disco night which followed. This day was also the day of the Boro v Brighton promotion clash which meant that a large proportion of us packed into the first pub we found (The Graduate) that was showing the match live. The atmosphere was electric from start to finish and a tremendous roar from all in the pub greeted the final whistle. For us, a fantastic meal followed in ‘Lucia’s’ Restaurant and Cocktail Bar and then a visit to the shops rounded off a great day out before returning to the coaches and home. The after party at the club was the perfect end to a perfect day although the two of us could not quite muster the energy to make this. Many thanks to Michelle for her organisation and for making the buffet and to Shaun for the music. It was my birthday the day before the York trip so it turned out to be a 2 day birthday I won’t forget in a hurry!

The first barbecue of the season has been arranged for Sunday 29th May (Whit Sunday) This will be followed on the evening by James Leg (Heavy Blues) from Tennessee, with support from Magick Godmothers ( Heavy Psych-Blues Rock Group) and the Likkor Men (Demented Rock & Roll). Depending on when you receive ‘Talk of the Town’ these events may well have already taken place and, if so, I am sure they will have been a great success and very well supported as all our events are. I only hope the weather stays dry for the first barbecue.

Moving into the June events, we would normally have the SLUG meeting on Tuesday 7th, but this month they have a special meeting in Middlesbrough instead.

Anybody who takes an interest in trains and the railway network can come along to these meetings which always take place on the first Tuesday of every month. You will find these meetings interesting and informative and the entrance is free. See their advert on page 54.

Sunday, 12th June brings us a full day of activities.

Firstly it is the second barbecue of the season in the garden.

The times are from 2-30pm until 6-30/7pm. We provide

locally sourced beef, professionally prepared, for our Burgers and Sausages which ensure the best tasting barbecue food.

On the same afternoon Wendy Shepherd has organised a Charity Bike Ride which will finish at the club around 530pm. Wendy has just joined the committee this year. She works for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office as a PsychoSocial Expert, supporting vulnerable women and children in countries where there is conflict. She is also the Programme/Project Manager for the Charity Barnardo’s where she works with young people who are sexually exploited. The aim of the Bike Ride is to raise money for Barnardo’s, which is an organisation celebrating its 150th year, by riding from the Yorkshire Wolds to Saltburn (distance 150 miles) and raising £1500. Approx 30 riders will be taking part. The ride starts on June 10th, finishing at the club on Sunday, June 12th. The barbecue will be in full swing and I’m sure they will be very hungry when they arrive. Michelle is also providing a Buffet in the snug for all riders and supporters. Sponsor forms will be available from Wendy and the club and all donations would be very much appreciated.

On Saturday, June 18th we will be holding another Party Night in the club. The theme for this night will be Mods & Rockers and everybody is encouraged to come dressed up, although this is not compulsory. Once again Shaun Cook will be on the decks. Everybody is welcome and entry is free. Night will start at 7-30pm.

Continuing further into the month ‘Teesside Steve’ and Liz Bishop will be holding their regular monthly ‘Open Mic Night’ on Friday, 24th. Steve and Liz, plus special guests will provide you with some of the best live music in town. You have the chance to ‘do your thing’ on the stage by singing, playing etc. or you can just join in with the music and sing along with the audience. Everybody is welcome to come along and the entry is free.

Another barbecue in the garden will be held on Sunday, 26th 2-30pm until 6-30 /7pm.

The grass is already getting a regular cut and the barbecue area will be extensively cleaned down and prepared for the start of the new season. It’s a great time of the year and a time when the committee must make every effort to support and help in the organisation of work to ensure the success of the club continues. Let’s see what happens!

Keep well and look after yourself.

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

Saltburn Cons Club Future Events to entertain in June Every Tuesday : Club Draw nights for Meat Voucher, Wines & Chocolates.

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

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

Barbecues in the Garden : 12th June & 26th June.

Charity Bike Ride for Barnardo’s : 12th June. Arriving at club approx 5pm – 5-30pm.

Saturday 18th : Mods & Rockers Party Night (come dressed up) ……7-30pm.

Friday 24th : ‘Open Mic Night’ with Teesside Steve & Liz Bishop ……8pm.

48

Our Journey at Brockley Hall We acquired Brockley Hall in January 2015 initially with the intention of opening it as a care home. However, quite a few people mentioned to us that there were already too many care homes in town and a hotel was in greater need.

Subsequently we decided to survey Saltburn’s opinion through Facebook. The response was unanimous, everybody favoured a boutique hotel. So our journey began on renovating Brockley Hall into a boutique hotel with a restaurant.

Since we started the renovation my motto has been anybody can do the ordinary, we would like to do the extraordinary. Boutique and unique, individual and stylish.

People have asked me where I get my ideas and inspiration from, my answer to that question is the many places I have travelled in my lifetime, examples being Raffles in Singapore, where I celebrated my 50th Birthday with great friends and food, the Moulin Rouge, where I’ve spent a romantic weekend with my husband, the Orient Express and many other exciting places. And believe it or not for some crazy reason burlesque dancing. I hope when you visit Brockley Hall you will see this inspiration coming through.

We have had many setbacks during the renovation needing a new roof, new electrics and new plumbing. We have spent many nights sourcing ideas and materials from all over the world. We have worked with many excellent local tradesman on our journey, including Slingsby’s Interiors; AAA Roofing; Sid Fletcher and Paul Hume, electricians; Watson’s of Saltburn; Calvert’s; Gary Bishop decorating; Indigo decorating; Julie Fraser; Helen Stevens, local artist and creator of surfacephilia; Phil and lads from Marske Aerials; Peter Cassey plastering and coving; Graham Anderton Artist and Fabricator; Marske Fabrication; Country baths; ACS alarms; Ian Todd Molson Coors; John and Jaime House of Townend; And the biggest thank you to Team Brockley, Mike, Jade, Rob and Baz. The next chapter of our journey now begins with the opening of Brockley Hall Boutique Hotel for Sunday lunch and afternoon teas on Sunday the 5th of June.

People have asked me various questions about Brockley Hall. It is our intention to run it as a boutique hotel. All our rooms are on suite and most rooms also have luxury baths. We also have corporate rooms and loft suites. Each room has been individually designed to reflect our journey.

We are aiming at the luxury end of the market but

also have affordable rooms.

We have a restaurant for fine dining and a brasserie for less formal dining.

We also have a luxury lounge for people to enjoy a bottle of wine or cocktails.

The hotel is open to the public and also has a quirky bar where you can enjoy drinks at you leisure.

We welcome all guests to come and enjoy our journey and share our dream. We aim to provide a homely and friendly atmosphere with excellent quality and customer care.

Our team Brockley is Heather and Emilio as owners, Sally Lewis as manager, Katie Walls as restaurant manager, Jade Fraser as bar manager and Scott Miller as head chef and his team of chefs including Mikey, Josh, Alex, Samantha and Matthew.

Over the last 16 years Scott has worked in some of the finest establishments in the North East and North Yorkshire which include Rockcliffe Hall, Judges in Yarm and the Highly commended Yorebridge House to name a few.

Scott has been lucky enough to be able to handpick key individual members of his team and himself says “I am very lucky to have been able to work with all the members of my kitchen team in the past and I am very humbled that they all couldn’t wait to come on board and join me in such a special project that we can add to the list of things Saltburn can be proud of”.

Scott was raised and lives in Saltburn, he intends to use his local knowledge and experience to take you on a culinary journey exploring all types of tastes and textures featuring local produce with some surprises along the way.

Offering a wide variety from breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea relaxed dining and our fine dining restaurant we aim to deliver a high standard of food with exemplary customer service.

49

East Cleveland Plumbing Kitchen sinks, bathroom suites fitted from £300, washing machines plumbed in, all emergency repairs leaks etc.

Friendly reliable service Call Steve on

07966 152553

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

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

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

t: 01287 624644 m: 07960 967865

Health walk marks Somme Saltburn’s health walk group, which holds a walk round the town each week, will be marking the centenary of the Somme battles on Friday, 1st July, at 10am from Saltburn library. It will be an historic walk around the town covering both World Wars taking in the Glenside war memorial and other points of interest.

The group, which is run by Redcar & Cleveland Council, usually meets on a Wednesday, but the date has been changed for one week only to commemorate the Somme. There is no charge and all are welcome.

Help! Your local Playgroup needs you!

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

01287 624575 We have spaces in June for babies and newcomers to the town 50

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

NEED HELP? • Decorating • Joinery

I’M YOUR GUY Based in Saltburn CALL GUY ON

07780 008985 Used Stamps for Charity There is a box in Saltburn Library for used postage stamps which are a valuable source of income to a number of charities. Please drop your stamps in the library. Many thanks for your support. There is also a box in Marske Library.

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

Only 5% of people will read this article on happiness One of my favourite teachers said there are only about 5% of people interested enough to study and learn the ways of happiness. Most people just don’t make happiness their priority in any conscious way.

Actually I believe that everyone is interested in their happiness and they are trying to work towards it all the time, the part that is missing for most people is the conscious attention and the investment of their time.

The specifics about what happiness means to each person is unique to that individual but the baseline and focus required to raise the overall level is the same for all of us. I simplify it into a line: eat well, sleep well (relax), do regular exercise, choose appreciation.

Only a small percentage of people are really prepared to seriously consider the quality of the food that they eat.

Only a few will pay the extra and buy organic and prepare their own food and care about the quality of everything that goes into them, food and drink, water quality, air quality, smoking, injections, pills, creams, deodorants, toothpastes etcetera. Only a few will read the ingredients of things they buy in shops and then get online and do their own research as to what the effects are of regularly using those substances. (For Lord knows you can’t rely on the shops that sell the products to inform you. It is directly contrary to their stated aim to sell as much as they can in order to make the biggest profit possible for their shareholders. So shops are financially obligated to lie to you by omission, in other words leaving it to you to find out for yourself the harm their products are doing to you.)

Similarly only a small proportion of people are focused and dedicated to do regular exercise, with an aim to improve their fitness and overall health. And let’s be honest a good proportion of those people who regularly go to the gym have little interest in their fitness and more interest in looking good and getting other attractive people to look at them.

There isn’t a crowd on the leading edge as the saying goes, therefore one thing I’ve been learning lately is that the vast majority of people are just not that interested in their overall health or how to be more happy, at least not in a conscious focused way.

I don’t see it as a positive thing to be interested or a negative thing not to be, it is a choice about the life you choose to live. Yet I would say that if you are reading this there is a high chance that you are one of that 5% on the leading edge of health and wellbeing, or you are on the brink of becoming and you want to make the changes necessary though you may feel a bit unsure about jumping in and challenging yourself.

Previously I would spend plenty of time scratching my head thinking ‘what on earth are people doing, why are people not interested in living long happy healthy lives, why don’t they think about what they are doing with their bodies and minds? Why don’t people face themselves, be honest, look at their issues, why are they letting themselves get fat on junk food and get high on alcohol to avoid looking deeper at themselves? Have people forgotten from their youth what a fantastic feeling it is to be fit, over the long term it outweighs eating fat filled sugar foods or getting high on substances. Have people really forgotten how amazing it

feels to have the whole body feeling relaxed and vibrant, strong, fit and energised?’

Yet now I understand better, people have their fear about looking at themselves, they would rather make themselves too busy with their work and use that as a means of avoidance of spending the energy and time on their health and happiness. Most people in their fear of change would rather go on with the life they are living than looking under the bonnet where they might just uncover some very uncomfortable parts of their underbelly they have avoided for a long time. They may have to actually do some exercise when they would rather do more sitting on the sofa, they may have to look at ingredients in food when they would rather eat what they always have and ignore what it’s doing to them.

They may even have to admit they are mildly addicted to alcohol or sugar or sex or shopping or work or anything that helps them avoid looking closer at themselves.

And it plays in to why many people have a big hang up about money, it acts like a drug to many people, they become obsessed with it and do almost anything to get it and hold it tight. I see money as an energy, a form that transfers across people for knowledge sharing and physical objects and experiences and then we trade it, it is not the money we want but what it buys, and not even what it buys but the feeling it gives us.

Again fear, fear of loss, fear of losing the safety that money seems to bring can mean that people would rather spend their money on physical things they can see like a new carpet or a car or a cruise rather than spend that money on themselves and their health or their long-term happiness.

It’s like we’ve all been indoctrinated from an early age to aim for money head down and charge, charge into exams you don’t enjoy and then into jobs you don’t love and the carrot we are told to chase is the drug of money. We are even prepared to trade our health for it and our happiness and the time of our life.

How many parents go out to work five days out of seven or more, to make money instead of spending time with their children? How many people will justify getting a little drunk most evenings or getting a take-away instead of cooking, or not spending time with their partner because of how hard they’ve worked on their job all day or all week?

How many people will ignore how their work drains them and knocks years off their life but they will keep doing it and doing it because they can’t see another way out? When if they could just step back and get support they could see a thousand other things they could do that would make them far happier which in turn would lead to them taking better care of themselves and so they would live longer, and happier.

Yet if you are reading this article you are likely to be one of the 5%, you are interested in your health, your happiness and if you stay focused and motivated you are going to keep growing and feeling more happy as life goes on and your body will stay healthy well into your old age. You are on the leading edge but don’t be surprised if most people you talk to really don’t understand why you do what you do.

Kendal Aitken Health and Happiness Coach / Counsellor. For comments, questions or support, contact me on coach@happygreenblueeyes.co.uk or 07944 883961.

51

Fish. Fillet. Feast!

New festival celebrates fishing heritage of North York Moors Coast (Saturday, 18th June) A host of events at Saltburn are being planned as part of a new festival celebrating the rich fishing heritage of the North York Moors coast.

Fish. Fillet. Feast! is being held on Saturday, 18th June at five different venues along a stretch of coastline within the North York Moors, enabling visitors to enjoy samples of locally-caught fish and a host of maritimerelated entertainment as they venture to some of the area’s beauty spots.

At Saltburn, several small fishing boats will leave the Boat Park first thing in the morning and bring back the ‘catch of the day’ where local chefs will fillet and barbecue the fish at Lower Promenade later in the day.

Visitors can enjoy free tastings from the barbecue between 11am and 4pm and chefs will be on-hand to answer questions for those keen to learn more about preparing and cooking local fish.

Visitors can also enjoy a range of ‘fishy’ entertainment throughout the day including workshops at Emmanuel Church, Macnay Street where visitors of all ages and abilities can decorate ceramic fish or knit their own marine creature.

Popular storyteller Adrian Spendlow will also bring to life dramatic fishing stories in his show Fishy Tales and Catching The Past at the church.

Meanwhile Lionel and Leona the Lion Fish will be entertaining visitors of all ages down on Saltburn’s Pier and Promenade.

Studios and art galleries are also joining in the day’s celebration. Artist Shirley Fletcher will be opening up her attic studio and Saltburn Station Gallery will be displaying a

range of coastal art. In addition, visitors can tour the 15 studios at the Saltburn Gallery while listening to folk music courtesy of Andy Broderick.

Fish. Fillet. Feast! is being organised by Scarboroughbased arts development company Create on behalf of the North York Moors National Park Authority.

Staithes, Runswick Bay, Sandsend and Robin Hood’s Bay are also participating in the event so visitors can move from one venue to another and experience the different character of each of the villages.

Like Saltburn, there will be free samplings of freshlycaught and barbecued fish at each venue and a number of restaurants will be putting on a special fish of the day dish.

Catriona McLees North York Moors National Park Authority head of promotion and tourism says: “For centuries, fishing was at the heart of community life along the coast with the fishermen venturing out in coble boats and wives making nets and gansey sweaters for their menfolk.

“Today, the sea offers an abundant array of fish from mackerel through to lobsters and brown crabs, and fishing is undergoing a renaissance here particularly as more people are seeking out locally-caught, seasonal food.

“It’s therefore great to see so many local businesses coming together to celebrate their heritage and showcase the simple delights of eating freshly-caught and cooked fish.”

The day runs from 11am until 7pm and most of the events will be free of charge. Timings of events will vary and there will be different activities happening in each village.

More details can be found on the North York Moors National Park Authority’s website (www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/fish).

Fence vandalism at Hob Hill Police are on the lookout for vandals who have cut fencing near horses grazing at Hob Hill, Saltburn.

Saltburn Riding School, which bought two large fields from Redcar and Cleveland Council about a year ago, has put up a large ‘public notice’ at a stile near the public playing field off Guisborough Road.

This says: “A number of fences have been cut round the fields in the last few months. This is not only criminal damage, but if any of the horses get out on to the road they could kill someone or a family. Police are working with us to catch the person or persons responsible. Call 101 and report if anyone sees anything.” The notice goes on: “If the fences keep on getting cut we shall have no option but to apply for the public access to be removed off all the fields. This would be a last option, but we have a duty of care to the safety of our animals and public safety.”

The notice is signed ‘SRS’ referring to Saltburn Riding School, which is located on the road between Saltburn and Marske.

A small notice from a public access organisation has been fixed to the stile above the riding school’s new public notice. It tells walkers they are ‘welcome to walk here.’

Efforts are being made by SNAP (Saltburn Neighbourhood Action Partnership) to get R & C Council 52

The ‘public notice’ put up by Saltburn Riding School on a stile at Hob Hill. It warns walkers about vandalism to fencing between fields holding horses and the public playing field.

to cut grass on the playing field near the football hut. It is understood the main playing field grass is cut by the golf club, which used to use it for practicing on before its new practice area alongside it was bought about a year ago.

The Saltburn Profile Roy Smith “My philosophy of life is to live every day as though it’s my last,” says Roy Smith, enthusiastic organiser of Saltburn Beachwatch and dedicated volunteer with Saltburn in Bloom.

Roy was born in Wigan, where he and his sister were brought up. After school, he began work in engineering, but realised that he had a greater interest in natural history and gardening. His grandfather, a miner, had a smallholding and Roy enjoyed helping him.

So he began working for the NHS as an Assistant Gardener at Purdown Hospital, Bristol, where 2,500 males with learning difficulties lived. He progressed to being a Senior Gardener at the similarly sized female Stoke Park Hospital, Bristol, where he had a small staff. The gardeners looked after 200 acres of woodland and 7 acres of formal garden. “I used to go to Head Gardeners’ conferences all over the country too,” remembers Roy. After a while, he decided to set up his own garden design and maintenance business. “I got the bug for working for myself and next moved with my business partners to Bangor to start the first whole foods shop in Wales,” he says.

In the mid-seventies, the idea became trendy and the shop was very popular with international staff and students at the University. Roy sold flour, rice, beans, pulses, nuts, 20 different kinds of bottled water and muesli. Chris Bonnington’s sister lived nearby and sent her brother to Everest with Roy’s muesli!

Roy became a member of Chickens’ Lib, which later developed into Greenpeace. He was Team Leader for the British Conservation Trust Volunteers, worked with the North Wales Naturalist Trust and played percussion in a band, all at the same time as running the shop with eight parttime staff. But the whole foods idea was so successful that the big supermarkets took over and Roy left for London.

Just after the riots, he began teaching disaffected Brixton youths the rudiments of gardening. He became Projects Officer, responsible for 105 young people and a staff of 15. They worked closely with the Prince’s Trust. “It could be very gratifying work,” he explains, “but every day brought a new crisis to be dealt with.”

Roy decided to start his third business, in interior design and decorating and this kept him busy for the next 25 years. He had up to 5 employees in south-east London and also did some buying and selling of property. Continuing his voluntary work, he joined Lewisham Wildlife Trust.

By now, he was married with two sons, who are today grown up. One is disabled, which has led to Roy’s great interest in disability issues; he still plays in a family band which raises money for various charities. His other son works in computers in Central London.

In his 50s, Roy met and married Pam, but after a couple of further years in London, they decided to move nearer to Pam’s family in Saltburn. Roy retired at the age of 61 and they found a house with the big garden that he wanted at Brotton.

He was impressed by the community involvement in Saltburn. “I was welcomed enthusiastically by Beachwatch and Saltburn in Bloom,” he says. “I also tried U3A activities and enjoy Hugh Melvin’s U3A photography class.”

Beachwatch, which was started in Saltburn in 1996, was left without a leader after Chris Terry moved away. Roy

by Rosemary Nicholls

stepped up and organised his first Saturday morning in September 2013. He has increased volunteer numbers from 52 to 170 by promotion at primary school assemblies and writing a regular column in Talk of the Town.

“We litter pick and record 118 items in 12 categories for the Marine Conservation Society,” he says. “To persuade the powers that be to change their policies, you have to have data and we are one of only 20 Beachwatches nationally providing these statistics for DEFRA.” In his garden, Roy grows a lot of the plants that are used by Saltburn in Bloom and sold at their table top sales; he enjoys experimenting to see what will grow on Marine Parade. He encourages people to join the group: “There is a good social side and you don’t need to be an expert gardener,” he adds.

Roy has a diverse interest in reading. He likes to keep up with online newspapers and journals on ecology, conservation and wildlife. A keen member of Saltburn Library, he is currently reading a book by Sandi Toksvig. His musical taste includes jazz, blues, classical and opera. He enjoys John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk; classical composers Debussy, Rachmaninov and Chopin; his favourite opera is ‘Madame Butterfly’.

Pam has two cats, Gizmo and Mitzi, but Roy finds garden species such as tadpoles, frogs, newts, insects and bees more interesting. “I like to create habitats and am trying to attract grass snakes,” he says.

As Pam still works, Roy cooks during the week and he loves it. His speciality is chicken kebabs, although he believes we eat too much low quality meat in our diet. He cooks everything fresh.

“By the way, did I say I am also involved in the Bat Survey with the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust?” he asks.

“That’s what so great about Saltburn. There’s so much volunteering going on all the time.”

53

1st Saltburn Scout Group We had an excellent St George’s Day parade and church service at Skelton; parading from Watness Avenue in the Hollybush industrial estate to All Saints Church. A sermon from the rector, reminding our young people that they could change the world helped encourage them to enjoy the parade back to Watness Avenue for the parade to dismiss. Good weather, a reasonable attendance and sterling work by Marske Silver Band meant a pleasant afternoon for all. Our young people were a credit to Saltburn; all in uniform, well behaved and a reasonable level of attendance; despite a Beaver aged birthday clash of interests.

Beavers now have a membership of 22, more than we intended; but friends being anxious to join has meant a relaxation of the self-imposed limit. Enrolling Lucian this last week and Preston will be enrolled next week. The Beavers like all the other Sections are now getting out and enjoying their local area; however, poor weather this last week meant an evening learning about how to tie a bandage and other simple first aid. Some felt that the only way to bandage was to become a semi-mummy! A fun evening was had by all.

The Cub Pack now has a membership of 28 and after the Whitsun break it will rise to 30; with Ewan moving up from Beavers, Sam and Mackenzie (new recruits) joining us. In the meantime the Cubs preparing for the Cub 100 District camp are busy sorting the equipment in readiness; as they will be sleeping in tents

Saltburn Line User Group Open Meeting (Joint with Coastliners) Tuesday, 7th June 2016 at 19.00pm at St. Mary’s Centre, Corporation Road, Middlesbrough Speaker: Derek Gittins Subject: Rail Devolution North-East Rail Management Unit All welcome to attend.

54

with all those attendant thrills, the young people are very excited. They also managed to get out, including the essential game of rounders on the beach, leading to comments of: “if only it was low tide every week”. But there is also so much of Saltburn to explore they are never bored with the evenings’ offerings.

Scouts maintain a steady membership of 16, although Jack and Nye are shortly to move on to Explorer Scouts (probably at Marske); there will be an influx of six ‘moving up’ from Cubs in September. And so the Troop continues to grow. They also have been out for wide games in Hazel Grove, as well as a memorable evening as their ‘Sats’ ended; climbing and sliding on the clay bank onto the beach. Parents were warned so ‘no good Scout trousers were damaged in this experience’!

We are now planning for our annual Presentation Night in mid-June, where we celebrate our young people’s achievements and many are surprised as to how much they have achieved.

A date for your diary – we are catering for the Table Top Sale – at the Community building on Saturday, 25th June, bacon butties and various cakes. Our resident parent chef (Doug) will be in attendance to ensure satisfaction and that we get it right. We will also be having a tombola so come and see us; our young people will be assisting to see all are having a good time.

Many thanks to all our parents and friends who continue to be involved in all our endeavours; continuing to hope for assistance in all our activities and if you are interested in joining us, please enquire quickly! Many thanks. Call me, John G. Hannah, on 07811 801627 (or email johnghannah@yahoo.co.uk).

John G. Hannah

RITSON Tree Care QUALIFIED ARBORISTS

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

MEMBER

Local Authority Approved

undertaken

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

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

(01287) 625457

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

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

The Fickle Finger of Fate by Alan Butler What a busy month it has been but also what an absolutely fascinating one. Kate and I got to travel to and spend ten very hectic days in the United States, in New England and I also found myself helping out my friend Terry Wilkinson with a project he had been planning for months. Terry’s great grandfather had started a lemonade business in North Shields around the turn of the 20th century. It was a popular and prosperous concern with a custom built factory and provided employment in the area. The factory was located on the corner of George Street and King Street in North Shields. On the night of May 3rd 1941, the basement of the factory was being used – as it had been since the start of the war, as an air raid shelter and when the sirens had sounded on that night men, women and children had crowded into the building from many of the surrounding streets. Tragically, the factory took a direct hit from a German bomb. The roof and the upper stories were demolished, sending all the heavy machinery and bottles down into the basement, where a total of 107 people were killed instantly or died later from the injuries they sustained.

Terry had co-produced a memorial evening for the 75th anniversary at a nearby church which was a mixture of commemoration but also celebration of the lives of those who perished. The event was both enjoyable and very moving and it got me thinking about an event that took place in Saltburn, around the same time. I had been meaning for many years to try and establish the validity or otherwise of a remarkable tale I had been told as a child but I had never got round to doing so. As luck would have it I also got to have a chat last week with another good friend Tim Beswick when I met him by chance at another show commemorating the Second World War. For some years Kate and I lived in Bath Street, opposite what used to be the Brine Baths. I have known since childhood that the Brine Baths were partly demolished by a bomb and I had also heard that at the same time a public air raid shelter, opposite the railway station entrance had been destroyed but miraculously without any loss of life. I remember going to the remaining part of the Brine Baths when I was a child and recall how absolutely cold they were.

Stories about the Second World War and Saltburn were legion in my family. By the time the war started my Grandmother, Grandfather and their family were living in Leeds but one of my aunts who was still quite young was sent back to Saltburn for safety at the outbreak of the war.

Paradoxically poor little Saltburn was a more dangerous place to be during the war than was most of Leeds – a city that escaped much of the blitz almost miraculously. It was a standing joke in my family that Aunty Isobel was eventually brought back to Leeds because it was becoming obvious she was in far more danger in Saltburn.

Kate’s mother was a teacher at a private school in Saltburn at the outbreak of the war and since Saltburn was catching so many stray bombs it was decided that the entire school should be relocated to the Lake District. It

was there that Kate’s mother met the man who was to become her father – another twist of fate brought about by Saltburn just happening to be a good place for German bombers anxious to be away from the flack above Middlesbrough to dump their bombs before they headed out over the North Sea. On the other hand, there was a very significant military presence in Saltburn, where many of the houses had been requisitioned to act as billets for the soldiers who were stationed and training there. If the Germans knew about this it is entirely possible that the bombs falling on Saltburn were intentional.

I asked Tim if he knew anything about the event that led to the destruction of the air raid shelter and he told me that he had heard several slightly different stories relating to what was obviously a fairly remarkable event.

On the evening in question a train had just pulled into Saltburn station at the same time as the air raid warning sounded. Passengers from the train streamed out of the carriages and automatically went straight to the nearest public shelter, which was the one on the corner of Station Road and Dundas Street. They found the door to the partly submerged shelter to be locked and since it was clear by this time that the bombers were as good as overhead, they had to find an alternative place of safety.

Fortunately there was another shelter on the other side of Station Road, close to where Whistlestop Wines is now and everyone headed for cover there as the planes passed overhead and the bombs fell.

As far as I can ascertain, few if any people were killed during that particular raid, though bombs did fall opposite the front of the railway station, demolishing a substantial part of the Brine Baths, knocking down some houses and, most worrying of all, completely destroying the air raid shelter that was right opposite the station entrance. Of course since the door was locked for some reason there was nobody in the shelter. Tim told me that rumour has it that the air raid warden responsible for the shelter had for some reason not responded to the siren but unless someone in Saltburn knows the story better than either Tim or myself do, we may never learn why those railway passengers survived on that particular night.

Fate is a very strange thing. During the commemoration in North Shields we were shown a street map, which carried a flag for every house from which people had come to the Wilkinson’s lemonade factory shelter. Not one of the houses in question was damaged in the raid of May 1941 and so if all those poor individuals had merely stayed at home on that night they would have survived. Meanwhile, in Saltburn, what was probably a substantial number of people survived simply because they could not ‘get’ into their chosen air raid shelter.

One thing my day in North Shields did teach me is just how little information about these events was released at the time, leaving something of a gap in the knowledge of those who delve into the history of our area.

55

Tom supports Foster Care Fortnight You don’t have to be a good cook to foster, revealed children and young people in foster care as part of a new survey conducted by The Fostering Network to mark the start of Foster Care Fortnight 2016 which was 16th-29th May. Instead the overwhelming call was for foster carers who can provide them with security, support and love.

A survey of 261 care experienced children and young people identified what that they consider to be the key qualities and skills needed to foster. The top three qualities that these children and young people identified as key to making a good foster carer were: making them feel safe and secure (67 per cent) supporting and helping them (61 per cent) loving them (54 per cent) Adam, 19, is living with his foster carer in Scotland, said: “Foster care saved me and rebuilt me. I was shy, timid and awkward with little life prospects.

“Fostering opened the doors to a vast amount of opportunities: allowing me to go to university, allowed me to take up almost every hobby known to the world and allowed me to become a member of The Scout Association.”

When asked what made a good foster carer, Adam said: “This may sound really silly, but caring. There needs to be a passion to deal with these young people who often come from horrific conditions and you need to invest time, belief and strength in them. It cannot be underestimated the

Cliff Lift welcomes new team in time for summer ONE of Redcar and Cleveland’s biggest tourist attractions, the Saltburn Cliff Lift, has welcomed a new team in time for the summer season.

The seven-strong team, who have all been taken on by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, are: Garry Savage, Clive Tomlinson, Alison Hall, Steven Linnecor, Jaqueline Cook, Joanna McCue and former SSI worker, Andrew Savage.

The Cliff Lift has extended its opening hours for the season, meaning it will be open from 11am until 6pm.

Andrew Savage, Team Leader at Saltburn Cliff Lift, said: “It’s an absolutely fantastic job and all the team are working well together. It has been busy since we opened at Easter and I’ve met so many people.”

Cllr Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Leisure at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said: “I am delighted the Cliff Lift is back open to the public for the summer season, and especially pleased that we have taken on seven team members. I wish them all the best and I’m sure they will do an amazing job welcoming many visitors to the beautiful town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea.” The water-balancing tramway, an iconic piece of engineering, officially opened back up to the public on Friday, March 25th.

It has been in operation since 1884 and is believed to be one of the oldest working funicular tramways in the world.

For more information on the Cliff Lift, please visit: www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/clifflift 56

importance of a strong role model on a young person. You need the skill of seeing light in times of darkness because these young people will lean on you through some of their lives.”

Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Tom Blenkinsop Said: “I’m sure that becoming a foster carer can be daunting but it’s something that many people would be capable of doing. I urge anyone who thinks they have the skills and personality to make a positive impact on these children’s lives to talk to their fostering service about becoming a foster carer.

“I’m backing the Fostering Network’s call for 9,070 foster families to come forward right across the UK to give loving homes and supportive family environments to children.

In particular there is an ongoing need for more foster families to provide homes for teenagers, disabled children, unaccompanied asylum seeking children and sibling groups.

“Without more foster families coming forward during 2016 some children will find themselves living a long way from family, school and friends or face being split up from brothers and sisters.

“If you believe you have the skills that children and young people want in their foster carer, visit thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/could-you-foster today and find out more.”

The Muses of Jim This morning there was an amusing item on Radio 4, from a well known if not famous judge of Britain in Bloom. He was responding to the comment by the BBC reporter who was saying that there was great rivalry between competing communities. He disagreed, saying that there was great support between the different communities. He then quoted an example of a town where all the plants were dying. Sabotage was suspected, but there was a more racy reason. It appeared that the person contracted out to water the plants was having an affair and it was the actions of his wife, who put weed killer in his water tank. Once news of this was known, the town was swamped with offers of help from rival communities. Plants and help were offered from around the area. This was support given because of the help given to these communities. Of course the town was Saltburn. That was a nice start to the day.

After a rather troubling time health wise I seem to be going through a less stressful time. Spud is due his yearly jab. He enjoys visiting the Vets because they make a fuss of him. I am glad the Junior Doctors dispute is hopefully over. I wore my badge showing support for them. I was surprise not many people knew what BMA stood for. I can remember the bad old days before the NHS was formed. Ask anyone of my age about Health Care, recycling, rationing and power cuts. We were truly in it together in those days.

With the change of day of meeting of the Parish Council and the new start time (is it 6.00pm?) this has meant some difficulties for me personally but there are some pluses as well. As I have long standing commitments on Tuesday already including at least two trips to London every quarter (three months) I will now have to miss some full council meetings and as most committee meetings have changed days and time. I am not on any committees any more. A bonus is that I will not have to go to London in day and return the same day. Plus it will save the National Association monies I will be able to travel off peak and stay a night in a hotel for less money. I might meet a lady friend even. That’s a thought.

My summer visitors have returned. At least two pairs of House Martins are swooping about catching whatever they catch. The whole street enjoys seeing them. They are a real sign that summer is here.

The Darts Team at Lune Street Club are that successful that they have asked the Board to provide a trophy cabinet to display all the trophies that they have won. They are a small, but important part of the club. They raise their own funds and even provide refreshment for the matches. Even bringing the surplus down for the members to enjoy. Which is very much enjoyed by Isaac. Let’s hope the Snooker team have the same good fortune. Also excitement is mounting as to where the Old men’s trip will be this year. Watch this space. Also the Joker scheme is very popular with the members. Plus the fact the beer is excellent value. In fact I might even join myself.

On a personal level I am looking forward to watch Grandson Charlie play his first County match at Cricket next week. He is an able cricketer and a very modest young man, unlike his sister Molly, who will be the first President of the known world. So I make sure I keep on her good side. Like all Grandparents I am blessed with fine grandchildren that I am so proud of. I can see the hand of Betty of course.

Betty liked piers and visited many around the country and as Hasting pier has just been restored I will have to visit it in due course, leaving a little of Betty behind, as I have done on my travels around the country. In fact I could drive down calling at various places Betty enjoyed visiting, even stay at Wingham in Kent. I may even be able to get a grant from the Art Council. Now that’s a thought.

Next month will see the people of Britain make a decision that could change life has we know it. All I ask that the politicians on the losing side are banned from public life forever. The days of the British Empire are gone forever and will not return. The days of cheap imports and dear exports is gone. We now have to pay the full market value.

I am of the opinion that we should remain in but I admit it needs to develop into a democratic federation, similar to the American Model, but I have not spoken to Spud yet. We all need to play our part so please vote.

Jim Wingham 57

The Saltburn Crossword no 180 set by Duke Across 1 and 6 Across The artist and the parliamentary private secretary take French coffee in this Saltburn eating establishment (5, 4) 8 You might go on this trip if you’re full of yourself (3) 10 Sounds like the boat has landed at this Saltburn hostelry (4, 3) 11 Author Mr Bennett has an inside request for this American state resident (7) 13 Deter back after a short time and became hidden (8) 15 Found about been melted in France (5) 17 Split background information initially on this cult (6) 19 See 16 Down 20 This southern custodian provides architectural services locally (9) 22 Learnt about the stag’s defence system (6) 24 Give bread to the artist and receive this charming Indian reptile (5) 25 Scan pile for these water birds (8) 30 Snitch about the Queen and find a local source of fruit and veg (7) 31 Chopping the hewn log is old school (7) 32 I am followed by the Lord Lieutenant initially and become sick (3) 33 Was Liverton successful in this Saltburn road? (4) 34 Tried but became exhausted (5)

Down Name___________________________________ Address_________________________________ ________________________________________ Telephone_______________________________

1 Discover that Boris escapes inside and moves up (5) 2 and 5 Down Sounds like royalty travelled down this way locally (7, 4) 3 See in the change for this French flower (5) 4 The civil engineer initially follows the marsh but finds a barrier (5) 5 See 2 Down 7 One is mixed up for a very long time (3) 9 Note Mr Garnet’s relative uses this quality shoe material (8) 12 This martial art can be partly broken down (5) 14 Half representation in short of a woman off ill repute (7) 16 and 19 Across You may find a Welsh play beneath this dairy copse (5, 4, 4) 17 Cab is rescheduled to the bare minimum (5) 18 The hard case altered the party game (8) 21 Do a variation of the rumba under the moon's shadow (5) 23 Hide and work up a lather (7) 26 Do you need to have the eye of one to go two under? (5) 27 I rent in a new way and become dormant (5) 28 The sheep in South Dakota is stitched up (5) 29 As I agree you can find this large expanse of land (4) 30 Chew away without northerly direction produces a threadbare cloth (3)

Solution to Crossword no 179

The winner of last month’s crossword was Liz Macdonald of The Zetland, 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.

58

Send your completed crossword to: Saltburn Crossword no 180, c/o Jackie’s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ

by Friday, 17th June 2016. First correct solution out of the bag wins a £10 voucher kindly donated by Tim and Sheila of Real Meals.

59

60