Talk of the Town May 2018

EDITION 203

CIRCULATION 4,600

MAY 2018

SALTBURN’S FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE 1

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SALTBURN’S TOWN TALK Letter from the Editor

There‘s an unusually large space for me to write this Letter from the Editor this month whereas elsewhere in the magazine space was in short supply and some articles had to be missed out. Some regular articles never even arrived; I‘m guessing that the contributors had gone on holiday and forgotten us. After the long winter with such miserable weather what a joy it is to be finally feeling some sunshine, seeing the spring flowers and hearing the birds singing. I often see such statements written in other magazines and sometimes think that there is actually nothing better to say than this! After all, there‘s nothing worth commenting on in the national news with all its scandal, racism and Brexit nonsense. On television and in newspapers there‘s plenty of commentary from people who pretend to know what they are talking about, and they excel at ‗the gift of the gab‘ and the public soon forget when they have been lied to. The gift of the gab is indeed a huge talent but I‘m usually left with a feeling of ‗what fools they all are‘, so I don‘t see it as my role to imitate them. Indeed, my purpose is to listen, to enable, to provide space for others to have their say, but it comes at a cost, emotionally as well as financially.

Locally, there‘s much more that‘s worth talking about.

In this month‘s magazine there is plenty of mention of the recent disturbances in Saltburn town centre during April.

Wiser words than I could have written can be found on pages 7, 10, 19, 22, 56 and 57 and something clearly comes across from every single one of the authors. They all make it absolutely clear that most young people are not to blame for the trouble, that the vast majority of young people share our

horror and outrage at these events and our sympathy for those affected and that the tiny minority of trouble makers mostly came from outside our town. What a contrast these intelligent remarks have with comments appearing in national media, where authors clearly just want to stir up trouble themselves.

Of course I wouldn‘t allow such comments to appear in Talk of the Town, not that anyone sent me any, but my point is to praise the good nature of Saltburn people.

Speaking of comments and opinions, I was pleased recently to receive a questionnaire asking for my opinions on certain matters national and local. I was pleased because usually I feel nobody is interested in what I am thinking!

However, I was disturbed to notice that the questionnaire was not going to be anonymous. My name and address were on it.

My views are certainly not secret and I‘m happy to share them but I‘m not at all comfortable with having them recorded on a computer as part of some sort of database. The recent scandal concerning Facebook and the sinister company based in Cambridge should make us all suspicious and wary about sharing our private information, so no thanks! Love, Ian

Send letters, adverts and contributions for the next issue (by Friday, 18th May 2018) 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 can be found on a new Facebook address at www.facebook.com/talkofthetownsaltburn.

Craft Club Busy Fingers: 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 1.30 till 3.30pm in the Coffee Room, Saltburn Saltburn Farmers’ Market: Saturday, May 12th will be the Community Centre.

Redcar’s Visual Presentations: We have now completed our date of the next Farmers‘ Market in town.

61st Season and will begin our 62nd on the fourth Tuesday in Saltburn Studios and Gallery: See article on page 16.

September.

Tony Crow The Guisborough and District Branch of the WI Report: It has already been busy this month as I write and Embroiderers’ Guild: The monthly meeting will be held on we were still only at the 12th! Last weekend I was in Saturday, 5th of May 2018 in Sunnyfield House, Westgate, Middlesbrough for the Teesside Federation Annual Council, an Guisborough. TS14 6BA at 2pm. The guest speaker this interesting day. Meanwhile in Saltburn Monday saw our craft month is Lisa Smith and her talk is entitled ―From Art To group set off to West Yorkshire to follow the story of wool Luxury‖. Visitors are very welcome and admission is from sheep to shawl. We missed the chance to see a lambing a £5.00. Car parking is free on Saturday in the council car park few weeks ago, due to the beast from the east, but on Monday behind Belmont House, Rectory Lane which is a short walk we visited both a wool scourer and a spinner. Tuesday was away. For more information contact Gill on 01642 480344.

Masterclass (cookery by another name), Chicken with Sybil Whitton Wensleydale cheese and ginger scones this month‘s. Then There is no meeting in June.

Emmanuel Church Hall Table Top and Collectors’ Sale: tonight was our monthly meeting. Tonight Jeanette from We will be back on May 5th and 19th and then June 2nd and Pippa‘s teas spoke to us about her blends of loose leaf teas.

30th. If anyone is interested in booking a stall to have a clear Some the flavours smelt beautiful and she told us we could use out contact me on the number below. We are also doing our them in our baking as well as drinking them. Still to come later usual lunches and all day breakfast, fresh home baked cake, in the month a shopping trip, book club and supper club, not to pies and scones. Home made refreshments and light lunches mention our weekly walks. So clearly there is a lot going on. If are on sale all day. FREE ENTRANCE and a warm welcome you would like to join us please look at our website to everyone. With over 26 stall holders, selling lots of bric-a- www.saltburnbytheseawi.wordpress.com or you can follow us brac, books, toys, baby goods, and all sorts of collectables, on facebook. Our next meeting is on Thursday, 10th May, 7 pm there is something for everyone. Contact Denise Marshall on at the Huntcliff Learning campus. Do please come along and you be sure of a warm and friendly welcome.

Diane Falla 07929 589538.

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

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Photographs from the Past

Victorian week parade in Princes Road. Can anyone date this photograph?

Brine and Swimming Baths. Opened on May 11th 1891 by Alfred Pease followed by an exhibition of ornamental swimming by Professor and Miss Weddell and later a friendly game of water polo by Middlesbrough Amateur Swimming Club. When the Saltburn and Marske Urban District Council purchased the Baths another formal opening took place on June 20th 1913 by the Right Hon H.L. Samuel (Postmaster General) with Jack Hatfield of Middlesbrough.

There was a World Champion amateur swimmer giving an exhibition. The building was demolished in July 1976.

A view across Zetland Terrace allotments towards coal depot.

Saltburn Photographic Society

Float in a Carnival parade Milton Street. Can anyone date this photograph?

Outdoor meetings at local venues are being held throughout the Summer and non-members are welcome to join us if they wish to have advise on using their photographic equipment. Contact Tony Lynn 01287 622519 for details. Visit Saltburn Library to view members‘ photographic prints on display, which are changed every month.

Cath and Tony Lynn

Daffodil Sunday at Skelton Castle On the 8th April, by kind permission of Mr Anthony Wharton, we were, for the second successive year, able to enjoy ‗Daffodil Sunday‘ in the grounds of Skelton Castle.

After the terrible weather we have been experiencing the event was blessed with a fine day and the occasional ray of sunshine. This good weather encouraged around 650 adults and children to come along to this popular occasion. Thanks to the efforts of Kevin, Damian and Rowland the grounds were looking immaculate and, in addition to the daffodils, there were wild flowers, a variety of spring flowers, rhododendrons and various tree blossoms to enjoy. The plant stall and raffle at the Castle gates offering a variety of prizes were well supported—the top prize of £50.00 being won by a visitor from Whitby. Additionally a raffle organised specially in support of the event by Skelton Mill, with a prize of an evening in a glamping pod with hot tub, 4

contributed a magnificent £957.30.

Altogether a total of £4094.50 was raised for the benefit of the local community. The Old Church Restoration Fund received £500 with the balance being equally divided between Skelton Villages Civic Pride (SVCP), who plant and maintain the flower barrels and baskets along the High Street through to North Skelton and Skelton Green, and Friends of Skelton Community Orchard (FOSCO), who are developing and maintaining Ringrose Community Orchard, located between the Co-op and the Fire Station.

If you would like to support the work of SVCP then please come along to their coffee morning held each Monday in the Civic Hall, or contact Pam Batts, tel.

653077. To assist FOSCO in the development of Ringrose Orchard please contact Stuart White, tel. 654132.

Same chef and owner for over 6 years

MID WEEK MEETINGS Monday at 8 Ladies meeting

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: 07787 880613. Cllr. Smith: 07557 540628.

Cllr. Thomson: 01287 624883.

Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Mums & Toddlers At 1.30 p.m.

Prayer Meeting At 2.05 p.m.

Discussion Group Thursday at 10 a.m.

Mums & Toddlers Ladies meeting 2.30 p.m. fortnightly COFFEE MORNINGS Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Saturday at 10 a.m.

SOUP AND BUN LUNCHES 1st Tuesday the month at 12.30 p.m.

COME AND WORSHIP With us on SUNDAY at 10.45 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Sunday School At 10.45 a.m. for all the children.

Mid week worship WEDNESDAY AT 10 a.m.

Anyone is welcome At any service.

Our Church is open From 10 a.m—noon Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.

For Prayer or Sit and have a cup of tea with us.

SALTBURN METHODIST CHURCH MILTON STREET SALTBURN ROOMS FOR HIRE RING 623145 5

Once Upon a Time in the Wapentake As often happens, I need to apologise for what I didn‘t say last month. I suggested that ignoring reality can sometimes keep us sane. What I should have added is that this does not mean we should ignore symptoms that might be a warning of something real and dangerous. I, who once went to my GP with a skin cancer that turned out to be a freckle, know how stupid you can feel if it turns out to be a false alarm. We all should be careful not to be a burden on an over-burdened Health Service, but, if there is something seriously wrong, catching it early will actually save the NHS time and money, and possibly save your life. So, ―I‘m sorry, doctor, it may be nothing, but…‖ may be the most important words you ever say.

And on a global scale, pretending something isn‘t happening is no way to deal with, for example, Climate Change. Escaping may be a temporary answer to unpleasant reality, but it‘s not a permanent cure.

Now, a number of unrelated questions, asked in the order that they have come into my head.

1/ The car park at the front of the Ship Inn, forty odd years ago had a bollard at the entrance that wasn‘t really a bollard; it looked remarkably like a carved stone Celtic head from two thousand years ago. Did I dream this, or was it real? And if it was real, what happened to it?

2/ When did our Railway Stations become Train Stations? I first came across Train Stations when I first came up here, about the time I first came across Celtic carvings in pub car parks. I assumed it was local dialect.

Since then, a) it has become Standard English usage, and b) I have been told that it is an Americanism. I always thought North Americans called their Train Stations ‗Depots‘…which word means something different on British lines… and, anyhow, we usually just said ‗Stations‘… and I‘m confused.

3/ The experts tell us that ravens, birds that were nearly extinct in the British Isles, are now back in large numbers. This is a good sign… but aren‘t they birds of illomen?

4/ Yesterday morning I heard a scientist on the radio saying that the stars were singing, every star with its own unique song. Didn‘t we used to know that a thousand years ago, calling it the music of the spheres?

5/ When we were children, part of the experience of visiting the seaside was the unique and overwhelming smell of the sea. Nowadays it doesn‘t seem to smell at all.

Is this because the sea has changed? Or is it just me having got used to it?

6/ Rainbows used to be rare, and double rainbows almost unknown. I can remember seeing my first ‗double‘, at the age of thirty. Now, rainbows seem quite common, and they usually seem to come accompanied by a faint double. Once or twice, I think I‘ve seen a triple bow. Once again, is it just me, or has the world changed?

7/ How is it possible that the same people who once campaigned to retain those beautiful old windmills that used to provide so much free power for grinding corn, and other things, in olden times, will now fight tooth and nail to stop their modern equivalents being built, and 6

would rather have a nuclear power station in their backyard than a wind turbine on a nearby hill?

8/ I‘ve just made the assumption that other people will share my belief that a new wind farm is better than an old-fashioned nuclear reactor. I now will sort of contradict myself by asking, ―Why do we always assume that, just because something is newer, it is automatically better?‖ Of course, there have been wonderful advances in such things as medicine and dentistry, for which I am most grateful, and a lot of things were very bad in the past, but is everything better now than it was?

When I was very young, living on the edge of town, there was a dairy farm at the end of our road, and the farmer had responded to the arrival of suburbia on his doorstep by opening a little shop. Amongst the things sold was homemade ice cream. It was lumpy and as yellow as butter and the glorious creamy taste was such that I still can remember it. But it didn‘t last very long, because Wall‘s came along, and our little farm shop couldn‘t compete.

Wall‘s was nationally advertised, smooth, pure white and, above all, something new, something from the modern, scientific world. It didn‘t taste of anything, which was probably a good thing, as it was rumoured to have been made from pig fat left over from the manufacture of Wall‘s Sausages and Bacon. (Did veggies eat it? I know not.)

A later memory: the late 1960s and I‘m walking up a country lane in Staffordshire and I‘m hot and hungry and thirsty. I come to a village called Whitmore, and a village pub, the Mainwaring Arms. I go in, and look for the keg dispensers on the bar, the ubiquitous Red Barrel or Whitbread Tankard, and see only two unlabelled hand pumps. I gesture at one vaguely and ask for a pint. That I was thirsty does not in itself explain why that pint tasted so wonderful. I ordered another, and made enquiries. The beer was Joules Bitter from a brewery in nearby Stone. I asked if they did food. They didn‘t but they might be able to find some cheese, and they did: a chunk of good Cheshire, a big bread bun, half a pound of butter, and a jar of pickled onions. I have had many memorable meals in my time; this one must be somewhere in the top five.

A few years later, Joules Brewery was taken over and closed by Bass Charrington. It was part of what was happening all over. Six big companies dominated the beer business, taking over the little breweries that made beer to suit local tastes, and replacing it with mass produced, nationally distributed stuff that had been pasteurised and kept under a blanket of CO2. It was new, and advertised everywhere, so the young who didn‘t know any better, knew what to ask for. It didn‘t need skilled people to brew it or look after it in the pub cellar, so it was better (more profitable) for the makers, but was it better for the customer? And when something similar happened to the bakers of bread (the Chorley Method), the makers of cheese, and, no doubt, to the picklers of onions, was that better?

And it may have seemed a good idea to replace paper bags and glass bottles with all those shiny new plastics, but was it really better for us?

Tim Beswick

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Councillors’ Column The Saltburn Neighbourhood Action Partnership, (SNAP), meeting in April had the largest attendance since inception.

Anti-social behaviour had reached such a level that residents were seeking answers. Although the meeting date coincided with the pre-scheduled presence of the Police & Crime Commissioner, several more senior officers attended including the new Chief Constable, who gave his first public address. Residents and businesses, shocked at the series of incidents that had occurred, sought confirmation that incidents would be fully investigated and appropriate action taken.

A follow up meeting was promised therefore a further SNAP meeting will be held on Wednesday, 9th May at 6pm, again in the Community Hall. A full up to date progress report will be presented by Neighbourhood Police followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion with the intention of agreeing a way forward for all the community.

A Local Plan is finally to be agreed at the Borough Council meeting on the 17th May. This will have an agreed level of annual house building targets, where the houses will be allowed to be built during that time, and a safeguarding of strategic gaps between settlements.

The Cliff Lift will reopen during the month.

Requests for additional drainage in Saltburn Cemetery have received a positive response. A request has also been made for a One Way system to ease movement round the pathways.

The town is fortunate to have large numbers of volunteers who turn out to make their contribution to

keeping the beach and town clean. Unfortunately there are other residents and visitors who create this work in the first place. Without self discipline this will continue as the enforcement of anti-litter legislation has proved a non event, with only three Fixed Penalty Notices being issued in a twelve month period.

The Library is back in the real world after over four weeks without a direct telephone line and over seven months with a third of its public access computers out of action.

The Government is seeking to grasp the nettle of domestic abuse. Of all forms of violence it is arguable that domestic abuse is among the worst that can be experienced.

Victims are subject to any one or more forms ranging from physical to psychological, emotional or financial. Domestic abuse has an effect on the lives of those directly involved, both women and men, but also any children in the family.

Redcar & Cleveland has the second highest level of recorded domestic abuse-related combined incident and crime rate in all the 43 police force areas in England and Wales. A shocking record.

In order to do all that can be done to prevent domestic abuse, a public consultation exercise is being undertaken. It is hoped to harness the knowledge of victims and survivors, support organisations and any persons affected in any way. A challenging piece of work. Access to the consultation before closure on the 31st May can easily be gained through the web address of Domestic Abuse Bill-consultation-Gov.uk and following the links.

Philip Thomson 7

Saltburn Beachwatch Bio-Plastics On average 70% of the litter found on Saltburn Beach is made of plastic. Virtually all of it is made from petrochemicals and is either ending up as litter in the ocean, put in landfill or incinerated with nationally only 14% being recycled. Products made from bio-plastics look, feel and behave like conventional plastic products. The use of bioplastics is becoming increasingly popular so here are some of the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros: Bio-plastics are made from raw plant materials instead of petro chemicals. Plant raw materials are renewable and sustainable unlike oil which is a finite resource. The carbon footprint of manufacturing bio-plastic is reportedly 75% lower than that of conventional plastic like PET which is used to make plastic bottles. Bio-plastics are non-toxic and won‘t leach chemicals into food.

(According to some scientists in the USA, oil based plastics can, in certain circumstances, leach oestrogen-like substances into food.) Bio-plastics are biodegradable and can be industrially composted or cleanly incinerated. All this makes bio-plastic a great material for food packaging which is a major source of plastic litter in the world‘s oceans and beaches. It does not require cleaning since food and packaging can be composted together. The additional benefit of composting is that Bio-gas, which is a renewable energy source, can be collected from the composting system.

Cons: Some of the arguments against bio-plastics can be misleading and need scrutinising e.g. Demand for bio-plastics creates competition for food resources. The majority of raw materials for bio-plastics are a combination of industrial waste products from the sugar and brewing industry and industrial-grade corn which is not for human consumption. However, recent technical developments have shown that it is possible to make bio-plastics from seaweed, hemp, wood and other plants. As the market grows we hope to see a move away from using edible plants in the manufacture of bio-plastics. One real problem is that in order to fully compost bio-plastic waste an industrial composter is required and in Britain there are only five that exist. In order to make a bio-plastic system work effectively we need central government and local authorities to make a priority of installing these composters.

Some people have asked if oxo-biodegradable plastic is the same as bio-plastic; no it is not - oxo-biodegradable plastic is regular oil-based plastic with additives to help break it down faster. Unfortunately the main effect is a fragmentation of the material or product into micro-plastics which remain in the environment.

Even though there is a lot of excitement surrounding bio-plastics and the benefits they can offer these types of plastic only account for 2% of the total plastic produced worldwide; however, this percentage is growing by the day.

Regular oil-based plastics might not be the norm for much longer. Changing over to bio-plastics will not solve the problem of marine litter although some will break down far quicker than conventional plastics and they appear to be far less toxic to the eco-system. Ultimately this is a human problem which can only be solved by education, raised awareness and an improved infrastructure.

Roy Smith 8

MILES, HUTCHINSON & LITHGOW SOLICITORS CONVEYANCING DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL LEASING (FREE WRITTEN QUOTATIONS ON REQUEST) MATRIMONIAL MATTERS CIVIL - CRIMINAL LITIGATION

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For a friendly efficient service on all legal matters Tel:

(01287) 623049

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

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 May for babies and newcomers to the town

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

Sadly, we have lost Cassie, one of our doggy friends.

She was a lovely friendly little soul who we will all miss.

Our love goes to Mandy and Keith.

On a better note, we had a great benefit night - many thanks to Saltburn House for the night and raffle prizes.

Also our thanks to Roy and the band Sound Investment - all in all we raised over £270 for our group!

May programme 4th May - Seated KeepFit with Taylor. Bingo. / A sewing of an owl.

11th May - A sing a long with Ian on guitar and drums. / Painting using cling film.

18th May - 10-11 Colouring in. 11-12 The U3A Ukuele Group / Collage 25th May - Bowling at Saltburn Bowling Club / Making bracelets.

Programmes can be found in Saltburn library.

We are an non-profit making group, run by volunteers. We meet on Fridays at Emmanuel Church Hall, Macnay St, Saltburn TS12 1LE. Activity mornings are 1012.30. Arts and Craft afternoons by Caroline 1-4.00pm.

First taster session is free then £2.50 a session or £4 all day to help cover costs. Door money helps to cover costs as we are non-profit making and volunteer run. Carers are always free. Tea/coffee and board games/colouring-in too. We are a friendly group and you‘d be more than welcome!

For more info please contact 07833 895 501 (or Thefridayfriends@outlook.com).

Anjee Charman-Clark, chairperson

Saltburn post box is nearly unique The post box in Milton Street is nearly unique in the country with only 20 of its type reported in existence.

The Northern Echo said on 7th April there were only 20 with the slot above the royal coat-of-arms. The paper‘s Memories supplement editor Chris Lloyd thought there were only two in the North-east, Richmond and Durham.

But Talk of the Town readers with longish memories will recall that in the July 2017 issue Saltburn, Redcar & Cleveland Philatelic Society reported one ‗appeared‘ in the 1990s in Milton Street ‗due to the efforts of Saltburn Victorian Society and the Postmaster, Don Agar. ―Functional, elegant and cost-effective, it swept away all competition and was soon referred to as the Penfold Box.‖ John Wornham Penfold (1828-1909) was a distinguished Surrey architect and surveyor, who was commissioned in 1866 by the British Post Office to design a hexagonal (six-sided) post box.

Saltburn‘s is box TS12 474D with the date 17/03/17 inscribed on it. It is situated opposite the former Heatwave Solarium premises, now being converted into a bar. It is still in use.

It was reported some time ago that dogs were a problem because their urine corroded the iron base.

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Saltburn Evangelical Church (Leven Street Mission) Following Jesus - the Bible our guide

Here for you: WELCOME! Sundays 10.30am & 6.00pm www.saltburnevangelicalchurch.org.uk _________________________________

Raw grief: a parent whose child won‘t be coming home tonight. Stabbed or shot on the street and left to die. We struggle to understand why so many youths are being slaughtered on the streets of London (and not just London).

There is no good reason why one human being would stick a sharp blade into another.

Most young people utterly reject such violence. After recent disorder on our streets here it was good to see young people represented at a packed community meeting, where all agreed that the actions of a small minority must not lead to suspicion and backlash against the decent majority.

Adult volunteers, organisations and young people working together can make a real difference to opportunities for youth and also harmony between generations. We look forward to helping in any way we can. Change doesn‘t happen overnight, but goodwill, trust and minimal bureaucracy can keep things moving!

Young lives matter. 4,000 miles from here, Nicky Cruz grew up in a violent dysfunctional family. He dropped out of school. Unable to control him, his parents kicked him out. He hoped for a future in the bright lights of the city, but his dream ended in addiction, gang violence, and knife crime. His life was spiralling down. He was hopeless and had no genuine friends. Swagger and bravado on the outside: loneliness and naked fear within.

In ―Run Baby, Run!‖ Nicky tells of his journey from despair to Christian faith. Today, age 79, he‘s still working with addicts and at-risk youth. His story is worth reading. More on our website.

Emmanuel Church Hall, (off Windsor Road) Saltburn Mondays at 9.30am and

Tuesdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm or 7.30pm.

For Details Ring

Stevie on

01642 474920

Charity Crafters The date for our next meeting is Wednesday, 2nd May from 2pm to 4pm in the coffee room at Saltburn Community Hall. We have been busy recently knitting tea cosies for fellow member Dawn who organised a variety of knitting events in aid of Breast Cancer Haven. Dawn did a great job and raised over £400+ for the charity. Come and join us for a cuppa if you would like to join us. To find out more please contact Angie on 01287 205153.

T: 01287 201876

M: 07737 654772

E: darrenflintoff@yahoo.co.uk

Loftus Bluebells Walk Come on a guided walk on Saturday, 5th May to spot bluebells and other spring flowers in bloom. Starting outside Loftus Town Hall at 10.30am, this walk takes you through local woods; please be prepared for muddy conditions. You need a good level of fitness for this circular walk of about six miles that includes stiles, descents and climbs.

There‘s a lunchtime stop at Liverton Village Hall where vegetable soup, roll, tea and healthy fruit desert can be purchased for £5. There‘s free parking at South View off North Road, Loftus TS13 4JL; the town is served by Arriva X4 and 5 buses. This walk is organised

by Loftus ACCORD Walking Group. No booking is needed; for more information phone 01287 641000 (or email office@loftustc.co.uk).

A: Unit 2, The Drive, Longbeck Industrial Estate. Marske, TS11 6HB

Website: www.flintoffs.co.uk

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Saltburn in Bloom ―What a lovely spell of weather we have had lately, but sadly for the gardens very little rain. The problem we have in a dry Spring with strongish winds, is that the planters are always in need of water.‖ This was my opening sentence of my report for the May 2017 edition of Talk of the Town. How different the weather has been this year and we are not yet in need of water! Writing this on April 19th our group is so relieved that at last we can get onto the gardens to work. Spring Judging for Northumbria in Bloom is on Tuesday, 24th April and the gardeners have been hard at work this week trying to catch up on lost time. RCBC have at last managed to get the grass cut too. The work on the Cliff Lift is behind schedule and this has affected us. Gardeners have had to don hard hats and high-vis jackets in order to weed the Fossil and Wheel gardens, after their battering by the ―Beast from the East‖. Many plants have suffered from winds and frost and will need replacing, but we will catch up with this sometime soon. We were so grateful to Anne Pallister and Martin Binks who made generous donations of plants at Sainsbury‘s, the Halfpenny Bridge model, the Anchor bed and various other locations.

Sponsorship for floral displays around the town is going really well, with businesses and residents showing great generosity. If you would like to make a donation for a hanging basket or to sponsor a barrel or planter on Marine Parade, there is still time to do this. Simply get in touch at saltburn.in.bloom@gmail.com on our Facebook page or ring 209518. Every £100, £40, £20 or £10 donation will mean that the committee has to raise less money through other fundraising activities.

Recently the decision was taken not to put baskets on the Station Arch this summer. For 3 years we have requested that the metal arch be tested for corrosion, but this has not taken place. Consequently, because of our concerns that the arch is not strong enough to support the weight of the baskets, we will not be taking that risk.

Instead knitters are busy all over the town and even in Australia, knitting flowers to yarnbomb the arch. If you would like to help with this, please contact Angela at Ripping Yarns in Milton Street. We are hoping the arch will look wonderful and bring visitors to the Town Centre to see the knitting and spend some money in the shops and cafes.

If you are interested in fundraising activities or gardening please get in touch on the contacts above, in the third paragraph.

We are holding a Table Top Sale in SCAA Community Centre on Saturday, May 19th from 10.00 – 4.00 and would welcome tombola prizes or home-baking for the refreshments. Roy will be selling some of his home-grown plants along with free advice! Why not pop along and show support for Saltburn in Bloom. We would love to see you.

Lynda Parkes

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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 - £40.00 per night (minimum of two nights) Contact Mr & Mrs Smith on 01287 623740 (home) Or 07988 838956 (Mr Smith mobile) Or 07877 384977 (Mrs Smith mobile)

Andy Pollard

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

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Earthbeat Vegfest You can‘t go anywhere these days without bumping into a vegan or vegetarian. Celebrities from all walks of life seem to be getting on board and even the vegan-hating chef, Gordon Ramsey, has added a vegan option to his restaurant menus.

But why is this? Is it just another dietary fad or is there more to this phenomenon? Vegans will tell you that a plant based diet is far healthier and by cutting out cholesterol and processed meat you can extend your life dramatically. They will also tell you that animal agriculture is enormously damaging to the environment. I won‘t go into the animal cruelty aspects here but a quick search on Google will tell you all that you need to know.

But there‘s hope on the horizon for all those die hard meat lovers out there. You don‘t have to go the full veggie to make a dramatic impact. There‘s a middle ground which allows you to improve your health, preserve the environment and show some kindness to animals. You can reduce. If you replace just some of your meals with vegan options you can make a real difference. And it‘s never been easier. Our supermarkets and health food shops are crammed with healthy, animal free products. Holland and Barrett even do a vegan pork pie!

Not sure where to start? Why not come along to our Vegfest on the 20th May which is hosted by our very own Dani Delights and the Shanti Café. As well as lots of vegan information we also have an incredible range of vegan food including pies, curries, pancakes, confectionary, chillies, pizza, smoothies, cheeses and a ridiculous amount of cakes.

And if you have any questions or are unconvinced by the benefits of a plant based diet, please join us at our Question Time style debate ‗The V word‘ on the 11th of May, at the Earthbeat Centre. Tickets are free but please contact the Earthbeat Centre to reserve yours. Call us on 07969 623118 (or send an email to Earthbeat@hotmail.com).

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

Deborah

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Email: liz.ingledew@btinternet.com Website: www.liziesdecorating.co.uk

www.scurator.co.uk info@scurator.co.uk www.beamdesignservice.co.uk 15

Saltburn 500 Club Congratulations go to A Benoliel for winning the £100 First Prize in the Saltburn 500 Club April draw.

Could you please note that the Saltburn 500 Club AGM will be held in Saltburn library at 6pm on Wednesday, 6th June.

The planting of the Jackie Taylor memorial tree was well attended, especially given the inclement weather. The committee continue to work with Jackie‘s family in deciding the design and wording of the two plaques we are hoping to have in the town. We are in discussion with the owner of the old station portico with a view to receiving their permission to erect the first plaque at the corner where Jackie sat every Saturday morning. We recognise that, if permission is given, we will have to apply for Planning Permission from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council as the building is a listed building.

The second plaque will be erected at the bandstand to reflect the effort that Jackie put into getting the bandstand rebuilt and getting bands to play there each summer. The committee have decided to focus on the two plaques, initially, but have not lost sight of the fact that many people expressed the wish to have a memorial garden. We see this as a longer-term plan as we have to consider the future maintenance of the garden along with other problems we may encounter along the way. If any member of the public wishes to make a donation towards the cost, you can make cheques payable to the Friends of Saltburn and leave them in Saltburn library, marked for the attention of T Welburn and left in the Saltburn 500 Club jar.

May sees the start of the 2018 season at Saltburn Bandstand. Please go along and support the bands – what can be better than sitting in the sunshine listening to a band? If you would like to volunteer to set up/ dismantle the bandstand seating or do some collecting, could you please contact myself or Cllr Thomson.

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

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07966 152553 16

Saltburn Studios and Gallery Saltburn Studios and Gallery are presenting a new exhibition by resident artists Charles Twist and Caed Parker. The pair of photographers are known for running Dr Twist‘s Photographarium (www.drtwists.com), which is a fun recreation of a century-old portrait studio, complete with bellows camera, painted backdrop and costumes. Uniquely, they print their sepia portraits on site, in front of the public, using a custom-built mini-darkroom, with all the chemistry of the original 1890s recipe.

The show, which opens on May 19th, will explain the process behind the Photographarium and show how it can be used within a modern artistic context. It is also a rare chance to see what the two artists are up to when they are not performing at events up and down the country. This is a great opportunity to learn about their more personal projects.

The exhibition will be open at weekends from 12 till 4 and at other times by appointment only. For more information on the opening weekend, visit the studios‘ Facebook page nearer the date. The show runs until early July, at Saltburn Studios and Gallery on Marske Road.

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18

Town centre trouble - Saltburn reacts A second public meeting is planned for May following an even-tempered session at the Windsor Road community hall on Wednesday, 11th April.

More than 130 people of all ages turned up for the 90-minute meeting, which heard of assaults, damage, a much-heightened police presence - and promises of action.

New chief constable Mike Veale sat in the front row to announce plans for recruiting more special constables volunteer Specials - who would help to create a muchneeded increase to patrols.

Local police chief Inspector Faye Cole promised that more 48-hour dispersal orders banning youngsters from the town centre would be put in place if necessary.

What‘s been happening? Gangs of youths from all over East Cleveland, including Redcar, descended on Saltburn over four evenings at the beginning of April, just after Easter. Some of the trouble was said to be a parochial war, said Inspector Cole, who promised police would visit local schools.

She said three youths from East Cleveland and Redcar had been arrested following assaults on two members of staff at a town centre premises. She deplored social media being used to spread comments.

Sergeant Jon Hutchinson - known as the singing policeman for his vocal performances - said he had returned to the Saltburn area recently and was busy meeting youngsters during the four evenings of trouble.

Many were aged 15-18 and had been given suitable advice.

Some were noisy ―and I don‘t tar them with the same brush as the trouble-makers,‖ he said. ―There were a bad few incidents and they won‘t happen again.‖ Tim Beswick, a former Redcar and Cleveland College lecturer, of Saltburn, blamed a few bad kids. He said many in the audience were respectable pillars of the community and (tongue in cheek) he was sure all were good when young.

Business owner and resident Julie Wood asked if youngsters caught vandalising would be prosecuted.

Inspector Cole said the stages involved ranged from

getting the culprit to write a letter of apology to getting involved with agencies.

Tony Smith, who helps with a comedy club, said 6070 youths, aged up to 19, were in Sainsbury‘s at 8.45pm, just before closing time on the Saturday night. There was a lot of swearing and drink. He said, ―Saltburn has no youth club because the council sold the land for housing.‖ Applause met this comment.

Mr Veale said the public meeting was the first he had attended since taking over in March as chief constable. He promised to ruthlessly change the top of the force, moving officers from offices to the front line. He wanted more neighbourhood watches and special constables (340, not the current 40). ―The vast majority of Cleveland‘s 1,270strong police force do a brilliant job but they felt under a little pressure,‖ he said.

Local MP Simon Clarke attended. He has posted on his website a photo of damage to the door of a town centre premises targeted by youths.

The meeting was one of a series of regular meetings of SNAP (Saltburn Neighbourhood Action Partnership) made up of community members and councillors. Its next meeting will be held at the library on Wednesday 11th July at 6pm. It usually ends at 7.30.

An appeal by chairman Councillor Philip Thomson for a secretary to take over from community development officer Tracee Hall-Young was met with silence, though the appeal is still open.

Most of the audience left after the weekend of trouble had been aired but 22 remained. Problems ranging from jet skis to a lack of enforcement of litter-dropping and picking up dog mess were discussed. Councillor Thomson said a council customer services officer was now based in Saltburn library. A new council website website, on which hundreds of thousands of pounds had been spent, was due to start up soon.

Footnote: Information on anti-social behaviour should be phoned to the non-emergency number 101 (or www.crimestoppers-ul.org).

Mike Morrissey

National Yarn Shop Day at Ripping Yarns

To celebrate National Yarn Shop Day 2018, Ripping Yarns, along with Jane Gatenby from Cleveland Fibre Arts, are planning a Community Craft Project on Saturday, 12th May. Using a photograph of Huntcliff as inspiration customers are being invited to create a 2 inch square known as a Twinchie, in either Needle Felting (no experience necessary), Embroidery, Knitting or Crochet.

These squares will be mounted on a canvas to create a stunning community wall hanging.

Pre bookable 15 minute time slots will be allocated to anybody who would like to be involved on the day Along with this community project there will be discounts, goodie bags and tombola on the day.

For more information contact Angela or Sheila at Ripping Yarns.

19

SALTBURN CRICKET CLUB Marske Mill Lane, Tel 01287-622761

BINGO – Wed 9th & 23rd May – eyes down 8.00pm Play TENNIS – contact us for details New players always welcome SUNDAY NIGHTS – WEEKLY QUIZ – be in it to win it! Teams of up to 6, everyone welcome Sun 6th May Sponsored Walk SALTBURN ROTARY for the DEFIBRILLATOR APPEAL Wed 9th May Cancer Research Lunch SALTBURN BLUES CLUB Sat 26th May The ELLES BAILEY BAND – all ticket night, £10 (10% discount for club members) Thank you, KEITH WHALLEY, for your many years’ service to the Club. We appreciate your hard work & dedication xx *Free WiFi in Club* * BIG screen TV showing SKY sports etc * ***FEATURED IN CAMRA GOOD BEER GUIDE!!*** GREAT VENUE for YOUR family events, weddings, parties, funerals & 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 regularly!

Also at https://saltburncricketbowlstennissocial.club

SALTBURN BLUES CLUB It wasn‘t December 1963, but Oh What a Night it was at this March‘s Saltburn Blues Club‘s gig! We knew it would be a sell out for the charismatic LAVENDORE ROGUE. Joel Fisk‘s guitar work is legendary, JoJo Burgess‘ vocals distinctive and compelling, the tracks inventive. The whole band plays to thrill. Absolutely superb.

On Saturday 26th May, it‘s THE ELLES BAILEY BAND. Elles sings a mix of rootsy blues, country and soulful rock. Her album, ‗Wildfire‘, was a very impressive debut recording, backed by some of Nashville‘s finest at the famous Blackbird Studios. The tracks are fresh and original and Elles‘ sultry vocals were made to sing the blues. She has the talent, the drive and now the product to grace any blues stage.

Looking right ahead to Sunday, 2nd September, it‘s time to give early notice of Saltburn‘s 2nd HOWZAT MUSIC FESTIVAL. The Indoor Nets Hall at Saltburn Cricket Club converted to a great festival venue and went so well last year we‘re repeating the event. 7 acts will perform from 1pm – 10pm including the hugely popular band, THE REVOLUTIONAIRES. And headlining will be the simply magnificent outfit, THE STUMBLE! It doesn‘t get much better. The RNLI is the charity that will benefit from funds raised. Tickets are £25 on the door or £20 if purchased prior to the event.

Finally, a word of thanks to our sponsors, Saltburn‘s Seaview Restaurant and RC Ayres Ltd. This support is very much appreciated.

Details for May 26th are as usual: Venue: Saltburn Cricket Club, Doors: 7.30pm. Tickets: £10 available from www.yorkshireticketshop.co.uk, Destinations Cafe, Saltburn, www.saltburnbluesclub.co.uk and 07960 935263.

Don‘t forget, my radio show, Still Got The Blues, is on Zetland FM every Monday 7pm – 10pm, on line, or you can catch it later on Mixcloud at a date and time that suits you. Just visit the website, www.zetlandfm.co.uk and scroll down to Mixcloud.

It‘s 3 hours of the very best of the blues.

Harry

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21

Simon Clarke MP Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland As I write this month‘s article on a sunny Friday afternoon I‘m looking out of my office window at a group of half a dozen teenagers heading home, assumingly, after a day at Prior Pursglove. They‘re in high spirits, laughing and joking with each other and, to all intents and purposes, they appear to not have a care in the world. That‘s how it should be, these young people represent thousands like them across my constituency; they‘ve got their whole life ahead of them, and they‘re enjoying their moment in the sunshine.

Rewind a couple of weeks earlier, however, and things looked very different. The weather was wet and miserable and I‘d just been told of the horrendous incidents in Saltburn. A quick call to Cllr Philip Thomson filled me in on the detail as well as the fact that for some unknown reason anti-social behaviour seemed to be spiking in a way that has never been seen in Saltburn.

The Saltburn community is a resolute one and they came together as one at the local neighbourhood action partnership meeting to demand answers from the local police team and elected officials but also to offer support and solutions. I want to thank everyone who attended that night as I felt it was one of the most productive public meetings I‘ve ever attended.

I followed up that meeting with a separate one to discuss with new Chief Constable Mike Veale what actions

he was looking to take both in Saltburn and in the wider East Cleveland area. I found him extremely positive and determined to make a difference for us and he has assured me that our residents will see a positive difference once he can implement his ideas which include reviewing every aspect of how officers locally can do their roles and the recruitment of significant numbers of special constables.

Saturday that week was spent talking to residents in the town about how best to solve the issues and I was also able to question the home Secretary in Parliament about whether her department could offer support and advice to the leaders at Cleveland police.

All those actions are just a small part of what is going on, however, with so many individuals and groups working together to take positive action. I do believe, however, that whilst we must not ignore these problems we must also not believe that this beautiful town is overrun with marauding teenagers. It‘s not. The vast majority of those young people we all see and meet are genuinely doing nothing more than spending time with their friends. They would be mortified if anybody found them intimidating or violent and they condemn the minority that do as strongly as we all do.

For want of a better phrase, they are good kids, and we must remember that we were all that age once enjoying our moment in the sunshine wanting to do nothing more than spend time with our friends.

Simon

Marske Badminton Club Marske Badminton is one of the largest sports club in Teesside, involving over 50 local badminton players every year in weekly training sessions, matches and social events. Our badminton club caters for all levels - from beginners to experienced players and our membership includes members aged from 15 years old to over 70 years old who travel from as far as Whitby and Stockton to play at our club. At a competitive level, we have three men‘s teams, two ladies teams and four mixed teams that represent the club in the Tees Active Badminton League.

The home venue of the club is Loftus Cricket & Athletic Club in Loftus (we previously played in Marske, hence the name of the club). We host very popular weekly social club sessions every Thursday in a friendly atmosphere. This includes post drinks at the bar for those interested after play!

The club prides itself on its friendly atmosphere and provides an excellent opportunity to make friends and play badminton in an inclusive setting.

We play every Thursday and on Wednesday/ Sundays when courts are not being used for matches.

Club Nights are Thursday with a 7.00pm start (play continues until members get tired!) and some 22

Wednesdays/Sundays, also 7.00pm start (as stated above).

Please ensure you call one of the contact numbers below before attending.

Please contact our club secretary Paul Hensby (07702 756669) or our club chairperson Melanie Smiles (07810 372172) if you would to have an informal chat about attendance.

Saltburn, Redcar & Cleveland Philatelic Society April report We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the Redcar Community Centre. Next month‘s meetings are: 2nd May – Display by Geoff Reynolds: A miscellany including France. 16th May – Phil Harriman and Ken Mitchell (Middlesbrough PS) each show one round of Middlesbrough‘s Postal History beginning with turnpike coach mail of the 18th Century.

North East England Philatelic Association (NEPA) 69th Annual Convention was held in Durham on 28th April. Three competitive 16-sheet entries were submitted

by SR&CPS (Aerophilatelic; Great Britain and British Commonwealth) to be judged against other NEPA societies under UK competition standards. (Awards, if any, are unknown at the time of writing, so will be reported next time.)

One of the duties of each NEPA President is to display to each of the 16 societies in the NEPA area – from Berwick in the north, to the three Teesside societies

in the south. The photograph shows Ken Mitchell, NEPA President 2017-18, with his presidential display to us on the 4th April which focussed on Italian Lake Steamers.

Contacts: Geoff Reynolds (Secretary, 01642 478229); David D. Turner (01287 624736).

Children Outside with Nature Visiting children, as well as Saltburn ones, have begun to enjoy spring in our great outdoor spaces.

The Beach and Forest School events were well attended, at both the family session on the beach and the Outlaws and Adventurers gathering at the Viaduct.

On April 7th children brought their own boats to the beach, built shelters of different types and worked enthusiastically together, with sand and water. The gathering without parents on April 14th facilitated boys and girls to cook outdoors, build a rope bridge and make a bow and arrow, to test on a target, in a safe setting. It was particularly pleasing to see local children welcome those visiting from Surrey and Darlington as well newly arrived residents from Manchester and south of Birmingham. We feel that getting to know new friends and welcoming strangers is part of the ethos of outdoor learning.

We look forward to Thursdays in the Wildlife Garden with 2yr olds and upwards. There is much planting to do in our newly acquired raised bed; a mud kitchen to set up and work in; as well as spreading the recently delivered bark chippings. We are looking for two small wheelbarrows. If you have one at the back of a shed and it needs a new home do let us know.

The Reception Class at Saltburn Primary School are visiting the meadow with us, for the 2nd time, to ‗look for signs of spring‘. They will be comparing their visit with the autumn one and finding differences and similarities in the flora and fauna. Events for the spring are on our Facebook page. Take a look at the photographs from previous sessions and give the outdoors a slot in your busy schedules. Enjoy the longer days and the beautiful sunsets.

Claire Reily and Rosalyn Boyes Saltburn Beach and Forest School 23

Father's Day 17th June 2018, 12pm - 4pm

Afternoon Tea * THE DIAMOND (Traditional Afternoon Tea) £18.00 per person Selection of sandwiches, pastries, scones, cakes, unlimited tea or filter coffee * THE EMERALD (Savoury Afternoon Tea) £20.00 per person Selection of sandwiches, pies, pastries, cheeses, charcuterie, unlimited tea and filter coffee *THE LITTLE GEM (Children's Afternoon Tea) £9.00 per person Selection of sandwiches, pastries, cakes, fruit, unlimited cordial* *All items subject to availability. Vegetarian versions available on request.

By reservation only. £5 deposit per head required (cash payments only) Special gift for all Dads – something every Dad needs!

Dogs Welcome Destinations Café, 14 – 16 Station Street, Saltburn, TS12 1AE. Tel. 01287 626432

BECAUSE DADS ARE AMAZING The Tin Foil Astronaut SC&AA are joining the space race! On Sunday, 6th May, at two o‘clock, Saltburn Community Hall will be visited by Alba, the hopeful astronaut in her tin foil rocket.

The Tin Foil Astronaut is the latest production by Kitchen Zoo, a North East based children‘s theatre company.

It tells the story of Alba Dinkley, a young girl who lives with her father – a man who is afraid of everything. Alba wants to join the space race and, with the help of the audience, she can.

The Tin Foil Astronaut is a highly interactive performance, involving countdowns and crafts with tin foil, that will enchant children aged 3 – 7 years and will surely be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Performed partially with puppetry, The Tin Foil Astronaut is an example of its current use in the theatre. With a blend of puppets and live actors, even featuring a miniature Alba, the performance is somewhat reminiscent of War Horse, the 2007 West End play based on Michael Morpurgo‘s novel of the same name. War Horse was greatly received, sparking a new trend of puppetry that is worlds away from the traditional Punch and Judy of our youth.

As a co-commission by ARC Stockton, Queen‘s Hall Hexham, and Arts Centre Washington, as well as being supported by Arts Council England and NEADN, Kitchen Zoo has been able to produce an engaging and entertaining piece of children‘s theatre. Comprised mainly of young performers, Kitchen Zoo has taken a fresh perspective to encourage a new approach to theatre, leading to highly interactive and hands-on performances that have been well 24

received by all who have seen them. In an interview with Hannah Goudie-Hunter (who plays Alba), she fondly recalled a review from a child who had watched an early performance of The Tin Foil Astronaut in which he declared ―I didn‘t like it…I loved it!‖ The Tin Foil Astronaut has been touring since February, giving plenty of time to perfect the performance before it finally lands in Saltburn.

The Tin Foil Astronaut is the second production by Kitchen Zoo to be performed at SC&AA and is a part of a larger range of events being proposed for children and families. As well as the regular events, there are also plans for film screenings, such as Paddington 2 on Sunday, 3rd June at 2pm for 2.30pm, and workshops information for which can be found on the SC&AA website (saltburnarts.co.uk).

Hayley Pink

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Hamstring Injuries Hamstring injuries are the most common muscle injury and present in many different ways. From the mildly irritating ―tight hammy‖ to the big tear that keeps you out of action for 2-3 months. Then there are recurrent hamstring injuries that repeatedly happen when exercise and activity levels are ramped up. It‘s clear that not all hamstring strains are the same. If we arm ourselves with some evidence from the scientific literature and use some common sense, then there are practical steps that we can take to aid recovery following a hamstring injury and even to reduce the risk of getting one in the first place.

Hamstring problems that develop gradually often cause ―cramp like‖ discomfort or ―twinges‖ of pain during exercise. These ―hamstring‖ symptoms can be referred from the low back, sciatic nerve or buttock muscles.

Treatment needs to be targeted at these structures, if they can be identified as being contributory to the hamstring symptoms.

Hamstring injuries that come on suddenly and are linked to a single, significant loading event tend to take the longest to rehabilitate. Knowing how the injury occurred can help decide how long it will take to get back to sport.

For example, the classic sprinting hamstring injury tends to recover quicker than the injury that has resulted from a quick and forceful overstretch.

Researchers have also found that the location of the hamstring injury can indicate how long the recovery period will be. The higher up the thigh the damage, the longer it usually takes to rehabilitate.

The research that has been done on hamstring injury prevention has found that stretching exercises alone aren‘t particularly helpful. However, there is evidence to show that strengthening the hamstrings does reduce the likelihood of sustaining an injury. The key to success in this regard is to start with some light resisted hamstring strengthening work and then progress things gradually to the point where high load and fast speed exercise is possible. A word of caution is needed as jumping straight into a hamstring conditioning programme at the deep end

or email: simon.robson1@ntlworld.com

could easily overload the muscles with the result that you get a hamstring strain! If you have any history of hamstring pain, the best advice is to seek guidance from a suitably qualified & experienced Physiotherapist.

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

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New to Saltburn

Sisters R Doing It! Running Club for beginners

Sisters R Doing It (SRDI) is a running group aimed at women and girls (age 12+) with the objective of teaching them how to run, and to do so with confidence. A unique 10 week programme, which coaches and develops participants to run 3 miles, from complete beginners. The sessions are fun, friendly and supportive. We welcome all abilities. The group offers the opportunity to meet new friends and improve your health and wellbeing.

The first SRDI in Saltburn Group commenced early March 2018 and is well attended. Some 30+ women registered to participate in the 10-week course, and now meet every Tuesday at 6:30pm.

Following the 10 week Beginners programme, which is awarded by a medal upon completion, ladies can choose to advance into the Aspiring Group, which aims to build on the initial 10 weeks course, supporting runners to develop onto experiencing their first Park Run or even their first 10K. The Beginners course is £25 for the 10 weeks, whilst the Aspiring Group is a 10-week rolling programme that can be joined at any time for £20. You do not need to have attended the beginners if you wish to join the Aspiring Group. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes.

The group is lead by local resident Sarah Foster, who also runs SRDI groups at Ropner Park in Stockton, and Preston Park in Eaglescliffe and is also hoping to start a Saturday morning beginners group in Saltburn in May/June.

Sarah‘s 3 daughters, Hannah, Rosie & Lucy, regularly attend the sessions to help keep the sisters name going strong, whilst actively trying to promote the sport to their friends and school peers.

Sarah is also an ambassador for a new sporting event coming to Stockton-on-Tees later this year. The Simply Health Great Tees 10k will take place on Saturday, 8th September; the course will hug the banks of the famous River Tees and will include junior and mini run for children aged between 3 and 14. Entries are open now at www.greatrun.org/great-tees-10k.

For information on Sisters R doing it Beginner & Aspiring Groups for all areas, go to www.events.stockton.gov.uk/sisters-r-doing-it.

If you are interested in participating in the Saltburn 10 week Beginner Programme or Aspiring Group, please contact Sarah Foster via email (hibbssarah@aol.com).

European Hopes for Puma Cheerleaders It‘s good news for the girls at Puma Cheer and Dance, who have been selected to represent Team UK at the European Championships in The Netherlands this June. Both the youth and junior cheer dance teams will be attending the competition, along with two dance duos from the club.

The hard working girls (aged between 7 and 17 years), all live in East Cleveland and train most evenings each week. They compete at local and national competitions and were recently selected for Team UK at the National Championships in Manchester.

The girls have set themselves a fundraising target of £10,000 to help fund their trip to The Netherlands and have various events planned over the coming months. What a fantastic achievement for this determined group of girls who will represent East Cleveland on an international level! (If you would like to support their fundraising you can do this by using the following link: https://

uk.gofundme.com/pumas-team-uk-europeanchampionship).

Good luck girls!

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Cleveland Diving Club There is a common saying that ‗Life begins at 40.‘ If this is true then this year‘s diving season, being Cleveland Divers‘ 40th anniversary year will finally begin with the club‘s annual trip to Scotland this April. This celebratory year however, has got off to a good start socially with the club‘s annual, ‗Diver Awards,‘ presentation held in March.

The winning novice diver, a very committed, conscientious and youthful diver, is 17 year old Caitlin (photo 1). ‗Diver,‘ of the year and ‗Clubman,‘ of the year were awarded to Simon (photo 2). Simon‘s enthusiasm and his philosophy of ‗dive anytime / anywhere,‘ has greatly enhanced and enriched his diving skills. In addition, his everready willingness and pro-active support for all manner of diving events and social activities has been greatly appreciated throughout the year.

As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations all existing, new and former members were invited and welcomed to the evening‘s events. The evening provided the opportunity for: new members to meet experienced members; for past members to catch up with former diving buddies to chat about previous shared diving experiences and to examine or re-examine club artefacts or view or recall videoed diving trips / holidays. Of the many items brought along for the evening‘s entertainment and enjoyment which were: historic club newsletters, marine objects, photographs and videos, one of the most noteworthy was the club‘s original 1978 application for BSAC membership letter as without the commitment of these members Cleveland Divers scuba club would not exist. Since its inception the members of Cleveland Divers have done much to advance the sport of scuba diving particularly through the club training programme, (and the commitment of its instructors) that has on occasion been supported by local and government funding. The club is also committed to supporting the local community. For example, through funding from the National Marine Heritage division of the National Trust the club was able to take up its 2001 plan to survey and record evidence of the status of the ‗Dimitrius,‘ which sank on the 14th December 1953 off Redcar and then present their findings. The wreck is a significant part of our region‘s history and the presentation of evidence at Kirkleatham Hall Museum was well received. In 1999 another project involved the raising of the anchor of the ‗Birger,‘ (which tragically sank off Redcar in September 1898) and is now displayed on Redcar Esplanade.

Unfortunately one member of the team suffered a broken leg during the lifting exercise (photos 3 and 4).

Throughout the coming year diving events will endeavour to have a ‗40 something,‘ theme and will, from time to time, be featured in this year‘s articles. Scuba diving is a sport / hobby that has many facets and qualities and appeals to people from all walks of life. One of the main attractions being the diversity of marine creatures, to encounter wrecks, to explore, to experience oceans, seas and fresh water expanses. Although considered an extreme sport scuba diving holds a good safety record because of well– defined, stringent safety protocols taught, learned and practised effectively.

If you are interested in learning to dive or are already qualified why not contact us on 07960 608529 or pop along to Saltburn Leisure Centre any Monday evening between 8 and 9 pm.

June Coomber 28

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Brewin Dolphin I would like to thank Ian for allowing me to contribute to this month’s Talk of the Town. I am very conscious that the success of this magazine is built on keeping local people informed on local issues rather than businesses selling their wares.

However, having returned to live in the area after some time away, it is a great opportunity for me to introduce Brewin Dolphin to the readership as I believe we can help a considerable number of local people.

What do Brewin Dolphin do?

Brewin Dolphin is a Wealth Management firm which, in English, means that we offer Financial Planning and Investment Management services. The combination of the two is referred to as Wealth Management.

Our Financial Planning advice spans several key areas, including retirement planning, trust and estate planning (inheritance tax planning) and protection planning.

assist you. This may be through investing your money for income, for growth, or in a tax efficient manner.

Alternatively, we could help you through considering your pension and retirement needs, i.e. building your retirement pot and considering your options at retirement.

Some readers might be interested in passing on their wealth and therefore keen on managing inheritance tax, considering trusts etc. Others might be interested in protecting their wealth for their family or for their business. Certain life events also give rise to a focus on wealth management services, i.e. the arrival of a new child, grandchild or a divorce may lead to an individual reassessing their overall financial and personal objectives.

The majority of our clients actually enjoy the process of streamlining their assets into a professionally managed portfolio, saving them the administration of dealing with several different investment providers. It is important that all aspect of your wealth are in tune with the overall end goal.

The Investment Management service provides investors with the peace of mind that comes with delegating the day to day running of investment portfolios to a professional. We start by understanding what you want to achieve with your investments before building a portfolio of assets tailored specifically to your objectives.

My role within Brewin Dolphin

Who are your typical clients?

If you would like to review your existing investments or wider financial planning needs, please do let me know. I am very happy to hold informal discussions over a cup of tea. Initial meeting(s) are at our cost and I am very happy to meet locally, or, if you fancy making a day of it, in Newcastle.

We do not have a typical client. We manage money for individuals who have built wealth, individuals who have inherited wealth, business owners, individuals starting their careers and individuals in retirement. We also manage money for Trusts, Charities, Companies and external Financial Planning firms.

Each client is very different, which is why it is vitally important to offer a personalised service rather than trying to shoehorn individuals into a particular circumstance.

You also don’t need to move in the circles of Premier League footballers to consider wealth management services. Our bespoke Investment Management service is for those with investable assets of £200,000 or more; however, we also have other services and solutions starting from £10,000.

Can Brewin Dolphin be of assistance?

There are lots of ways in which Brewin Dolphin could

I manage investment portfolios for Private Clients, Trusts, Companies and on behalf of external Financial Planners.

My email address is gary.welford@brewin.co.uk and my direct line is 0191 230 7211.

Failing that, you may see me standing against the bar in Spices / Coco & Rum waiting for a very occasional takeaway – feel free to pull me to one side.

Disclaimer: the information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness. The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested.

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Brewin Dolphin Ltd. 31

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Open 9.00am till 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday 33

Saltburn Athletic FC The continuous bad weather meant all teams struggled to fulfil their fixtures. Some games were played as the under 10 Sharks pulled off three wins in a row and are now in a four way battle for the divisional title. The under 10 Dolphins, however, look like staying mid table as they struggle to get any momentum, having drawn too many games.

The under 11s team continue to be impressive and resounding wins have put them towards the top of the table in their division and their chances of winning the title depend on a double header versus Grangetown Boys so here‘s hoping that they can do it.

Sorry for not giving scores and scorers for these teams but under FA rulings they cannot be given up to and including under 11s.

The under 13s Seagulls have had a woeful season and languish at the bottom with only one win. However, they are in a cup semi final so you never know what might happen. So best of luck lads.

The under 13s Dolphins yet again are having a great season with twelve wins and a draw and surely must win their division and with a recent 8-3 victory against Thornaby with goals from Warnes 6, Jackson and Robinson they have a very high scoring team.

The last of the U13s are the Falcons who are having a much better season with improvements throughout the team and instead of being next to bottom as last year they are mid table and could yet finish higher with the remaining games. They have been hit the hardest with postponed games recently.

The U14s have had an excellent season but a first defeat came at the hands of closest rivals North Ormesby when they lost 4-0. They did, however, produce a resounding win prior to this game by beating Thirsk by 10-1 with goals from Midgley 4, Mitchell 3, Grady 2 and Pearson.

More to come next month when I should be able to give you the final results and divisional placings.

Players are still required for an U10s team and U11s team for the start of next season beginning in September and you can contact me, Andy Croll, on 07779 648877 and I will supply the relevant information.

Andy Croll

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Join the Beach Walk to Save Lives Come along and join a sponsored Beach Walk this month to provide defibrillators for Saltburn. The Sunday morning walk aimed at saving lives is being staged from the South Gare to Saltburn Cricket Club on the 6th of May by the Rotary Club of Saltburn. A bus leaves the Cricket Club at 9.00am (fare £2) for those without transport.

Sponsorship forms are available from Destinations on Station Street, Saltburn, and from the Cricket Club.

There will be checking points and first aid provision and refreshments available at the Cricket Club. The walk is approximately eight miles and is expected to take about four hours, and dog walkers are welcome.

Some fundraisers are intending to join the walk at the Majuba Car Park or nearer to Saltburn.

One central Saltburn site already earmarked for a defibrillator is outside Boots the Chemist on Station Street,

chosen because of its nearness to two doctors surgeries, the main bus stands and railway station, the library, four or five cafes and restaurants, a club and betting office, shops and the main road through Saltburn. Another chosen defibrillator site is at the Cricket Club with its bowls and tennis sections, which will also benefit pupils and staff at the nearby school and users of the Leisure Centre.

Rotary club president John Wilby said: ―This sponsored walk is probably one of the most important fundraising projects that we have attempted for Saltburn residents and visitors alike. I hope that the public of all ages and also their dogs will get behind it.‖ He added: ―I‘ve nearly finished my year in office, and if we succeed in providing defibrillators to save lives in Saltburn I will be absolutely delighted.‖ Peter Holbert

‘A right explosion’ averted in town centre fire drama The story of a major explosion being averted by firefighters in officer Paul Thompson said: ―I noticed that the grass was burning Saltburn on Monday 4th March can now be told in Talk of the and it started to fire up. I realised the cables were shorting so Town. The incident - ―not an everyday occurrence‖ in Northern my priority of evacuating the shop took effect. It could have Powergrid‘s cautious words - happened with 20ft flames and a been a very nasty job and taken out the telephone exchange. roar when an underground cable fault hit Windsor Road, I‘ve never seen anything like it in 39 years of service.‖ Among local effects were: *Barber Chris Wynn was Saltburn, at around 6.25pm.

Some 350 customers out of 24,000 affected have received clearing up in his Windsor Road shop, 30 yards from the scene £100 compensation - an increase on the amount normally paid and heard explosions. He got out his mobile phone to film the through the energy industry regulator‘s scheme. Some had a 20ft high flames. He phoned his mother in Zetland Mews, Milton Street, and found power was on there. *Fish fryer Ian power cut of a few minutes but others up to 21 hours.

Saltburn veterinary surgeon James Haddow said: ―The fire Jones of the Church chippy round the corner said: ―There was a brigade told us that if the oil-filled transformer pipes (the other surge and a bang and everything went off. I shut the shop at side of a low wall between the fire scene and telephone 7.10pm.‖ *A man with a heart pacemaker spent all night awake. exchange) had caught fire the blast would have taken out the *Shop staff stayed until 3am to protect stock when the power phone exchange and our new vets surgery in Princes Road, across cut caused the electrically-driven door to malfunction. *A dozen people at Saltburn Spiritualist Church at the Toc H, off Albion the road from the incident.‖ No wonder he admitted to being ―concerned‖ when asked Terrace, joked when the room went into darkness.

Steve Cammidge, Northern Powergrid‘s Teesside if he had been scared. He added that he and his wife Tereena stayed at their surgery clearing up until midnight. They hardly manager, said: ―We would like to reassure our customers that faults of this nature are extremely rare. We thank the local slept and felt shattered the next day. ―During the incident I got Tereena out of the way while community for their patience while we continue our repair pedestrians were walking by within 10ft of the fire. The fire works.‖ He said the local network had been thoroughly brigade moved everyone back 25 yards. Our CCTV showed checked. ―We now remain focussed on carrying out the people walking with their dogs and taking pictures. If the necessary repairs to the damage caused to our underground transformer (a mass of pipes 8ft high and just feet from the network as a result of this fault.‖ All customers were reported to have had power restored Windsor Road pavement) had got affected there would have been by 3.10pm on 6th March. But investigations continue into the a right explosion, a major problem.‖ Mr Haddow said flames were over 20ft high after a ‗big 4ft deep hole in just off Windsor Road.

Northern Powergrid‘s spokeswoman was asked about a whoosh‘. He praised off-duty lollypop man Martin Bell, of North Avenue, for donning his high-viz jacket and directing traffic until power cut affecting Hob Hill, Saltburn, for several hours on the police arrived. ―When the cable blew its head off debris went evening of 29th March. ―This was unrelated to the early March towards the Spar shop across Windsor Road. There was a series incident. It was a fault on our overhead power network,‖ she said. of loud bangs. Flames shot 20ft high.‖ Northern Powergrid said: the incident was ―not an The incident blacked out much of Saltburn and surrounding towns though some parts of the town were affected everyday occurrence/rare.‖ This referred to the visible flame less than others. Northern Powergrid sent mobile power from the grassed area above the cable. ―In most situations the faulty cable is contained under generators to the scene and near Saltburn cemetery to restore power to over 24,000 homes. The power generators were still in the ground and is not visible. It may be heard audibly and could position in mid April, but were expected to complete their work make the ground rise or cause some smoking from it which can of keeping power supplied to Saltburn by late in the month. They be the only sign. Again, in this situation it did break through the grassy ground, resulting in the visible flames residents saw,‖ cost between £250 to £3,000 a day to run. said a spokeswoman. She added that Northern Powergrid A 300metre section of cable was replaced in Hilda Place.

Back to the incident… Saltburn fire crews arrived within decided to replace the whole section of cable (in Hilda place) to four minutes from their base in Leven Street, after hearing from minimise disruption.

Mike Morrissey the Spar shop that smoke was billowing from the ground. Station 35

KICAS News A huge KICAS thank you to the 60 plus people that came along to the Keeping It Clean At Saltburn and Surfers Against Sewage spring beach clean. We made a huge difference and removed at least eight full bags of beach litter. We recycled a couple of bags full of glass and plastic bottles, found a few unusual items for the artist collection tub and cleared some large pieces of metal and old tyres from the beach. All in all a good hour well spent.

We made good use of our 30 new pickers and 30 new buckets, kindly donated by Martin Binks, of Binks Landscapes. We thank the stoic beach cleaners who have joined in before we acquired our new equipment and cheerfully carried on picking by hand regardless when the equipment ran out!

The KICAS group is learning, evolving and growing with every beach clean and it has been wonderful to see so many children attending with their families. We‘re keen to embrace the enthusiasm of our youngest beach cleaners and are delighted to have won some funding to achieve this and encourage others to attend. We would like to thank the Greggs Foundation for their generous funding which will help us to acquire mini pickers and small buckets.

Our next regular first Saturday of the month beach clean is on 5th May. We meet at the new Victorian Shelter, next to the Surf School and miniature golf on the lower promenade; beach clean runs from 11 am to 12 noon.

Don‘t forget, if you want to do your own little beach clean, you will find our 2minute beach clean boards, with instructions and pickers provided, placed along the lower promenade. There are bags to collect your haul in, but if people could bring down a bucket to collect in this would be extra eco friendly.

Or, on any beach and woodland walk, pick up a few items that shouldn‘t be there and dispose of appropriately.

We can all be the ―someone who does something about it‖ and be the change that we would like to see. Thank you so much for all your support.

Let‘s KICAS.

Fantastic results for Saltburn's 2018 ‘Big Tea Cosy’ fundraising event in aid of Breast Cancer Charity For the second year running, I, as a member of the Saltburn Charity Crafters Group, have been coordinating the raising of funds for Breast Cancer Haven (Yorkshire) as part of their 2018 Big Tea Cosy fundraising campaign (more info on this annual campaign can be found at https:// www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk/about-the-big-tea-cosy).

I organised three Afternoon Tea knit/crochet-along sessions (1 in Re: Furnish Emporium and 2 in Ripping Yarns) where attendees chatted, drank tea and learned to knit and crochet tea cosies. Both Re: Furnish and Ripping Yarns contributed to the events through free use of their rooms and promoting the events. Re: Furnish also provided tea and cake! Ripping Yarns put our cosies in their window as a wonderful display for 2 weeks over Easter. Attendees gave donations for the lessons and for cosies, helping us to raise funds.

We then had a stall at Saturday‘s Farmers‘ Market (14th April), courtesy of Lorna at Real Meals, on which we displayed the cosies that had been made by the Crafters Group members and attendees at the afternoon teas. Through the generosity of customers at the market we raised a fantastic £120 through donations for cosies, and a yarn raffle.

The total funds we raised through all of our activities has been a fabulous £412.25.

I would like to use Talk of the Town to publically thank all of the people who have been involved in this fundraising event; the Saltburn Charity Crafters who made so many wonderful cosies; Re: furnish for the afternoon tea and cake, Ripping Yarns for the generous window display of our 36

cosies - and the use of their room and the publicity they gave to the events; Real Meals for putting tea cosies on display and taking donations - and to Lorna for fitting us into the market on Saturday; to Anne Henderson for donating the wonderful floral cosy on Saturday and for all of the people who gave so generously their donations for rehoming our wonderful cosies.

(2017 - the national campaign ran for 1 week rather than 1 month. In 2017 we raised £105. We had set a target of raising £250 this year, but the generosity of people has meant we have far exceeded our target.)

The picture here was taken by Ken Blaydon of our Farmers‘ Market Stall. (It‘s me in the pic!)

Dawn Rowley

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Saltburn Craft and Produce Show The Committee for the Saltburn Craft and Produce Show have called it a day. We‘d like to thank everyone who has helped, supported, entered and judged over the last 11 years. We‘ve had some fun and learnt a lot but as we were unable to attract new committee members, we sadly took the decision to close the Show.

It was agreed to donate the Show‘s closing funds to local groups at a presentation evening held in the Parish Council Office on Tuesday, 27th March. Representatives from the Parish Council, Emmanuel Church, Saltburn in Bloom, Friends of Saltburn Library, Saltburn Miniature Railway, Saltburn Scouts, Saltburn Guides and Saltburn Army Cadets were delighted to receive the donations. It was a lovely evening and a great way to end the Show.

Photo is courtesy of Tony Lynn.

What’s Happening at

Marske Hall Cream Tea at the Hall - Sunday, 20th May, time tbc. Enjoy a delicious cream tea with home made scones. Stalls, tombola and much more.

Our fundraising team is busy working on other events for May. Check out our Facebook page www.facebook/marskehall.com or call the Hall on 01642 482672.

The annual Summer Fair will take place on Saturday, 23rd June. If you‘re having a spring clean why not book a table and sell your stuff? Call 01642 482672.

We really need your support for bigger raffle prizes and hundreds of tombola prizes for our Winbola stall at the Summer Fair. See below for how you can help.

Appeal: The fundraising team is always looking for tombola and raffle prizes to use at events throughout the year. Simply call into Marske Hall from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Visit www.facebook/marskehall.com.

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.

Thank you. Kath Bloomfield

Piano Lessons with

Margaret Shields LRAM, GRSM A teacher with a lot of experience and ―endless patience‖.

You can start from the beginning, improve your skills, or work towards the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) Exams (Grades 1 to 8).

100% pass rate; many pupils pass at Distinction level.

01287 624778 Email: margaretshields2003@yahoo.co.uk

01287 624505 39

Saltburn Community and Arts Association The annual general meeting of the Saltburn Community & Arts Association (SCAA) will be held on Tuesday, 22nd of May 2018 at 7.00pm in the Community Centre, Windsor Road, Saltburn-by-the-Sea. SCAA needs you – the people of Saltburn and surrounding areas – to help us in preserving this iconic building. We need volunteers to assist in the general running of the Centre, front of house, bar duties, lighting, sound, box office etc. and assistance in the office by answering the telephone, taking messages etc. for a few hours each week. Last but not least we need people to become members of the main management committee (the Board) which is responsible for the running of the whole Centre. Meetings take place once a month for around two hours although in addition there are one or two sub-committees which meet several times of the year; such sub committees report back to the Board. By becoming a member of the main committee you will be

doing your bit to help preserve this beautiful building which, in my opinion (and indeed many others) is one of the best buildings in the town.

You may or may not know but in addition to the hall, there is a 150 seat theatre with a full lighting and sound system and a cinema screen which allows us to show full length films. The hall is used for table top and craft fairs on most Saturdays and there are regular users during the day each week. Both the hall and theatre are available for private hire as is the coffee room and the kitchen/bar area, all of which are offered at very competitive rates.

Do you have any skills that you would be prepared to offer; any ideas for fundraising events; any hidden talents or time to spare? If so please come along to our AGM or call into the office and speak to either Christine or Wilma or give one of them a call on 01287 624997 (or email info@saltburnarts.co.uk).

Tony Smith, Chairman

Saltburn and District Group for Visually Impaired People At April‘s meeting we were joined by Graham who is the Secretary to the Saltburn Rotary.

Started in Chicago in 1905 the organisation has grown steadily and now has groups in over 200 countries. The Saltburn branch was started just over 90 years ago. The first project was to fund The Station Clock much admired today and a well known landmark of our town.

Graham told us of local, national and international projects, ranging from founding local football clubs and assisting in tournaments, to survival boxes for

earthquake victims and funding schools in third world countries.

Saltburn Rotary currently has 21 members but would love to welcome new volunteers to help in their fantastic work. If you are interested, please contact Graham on 07802 732 154. See other Rotary articles on pages 34 and 42.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, 9th May at 2pm in the Coffee Room B at the Community Centre, Saltburn.

Contact Chris Ferguson on 01287 204170.

Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council On Wednesday, 28th March, a tree was planted at the entrance to Saltburn in memory of Jackie Taylor MBE who was the founder of Saltburn 500 Club and Saltburn In Bloom. The event was very well attended and light refreshments were provided after the event at the Parish Council offices. Further memorials are planned for Jackie, including a plaque at the Bandstand and another at the Portico where she sat for many years, in all weathers, to promote Saltburn and to raise funds for community projects.

Donations towards the ―Be Like Tom‖ defibrillator project continue to be received and permission has been given to install 2 additional units in Saltburn, at exact locations to be confirmed, but permission has been given for one unit at the Echo Building and another on the Foreshore. Anyone wishing to make a donation can forward a cheque to the Parish Council offices payable to ―Be Like Tom‖. Training on the use of defibs and CPR will be arranged in due course and anyone interested will be able to attend.

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There have been some important changes to the allotment rules. From 1st April 2018 if a tenant moves out of the boundary of the Parish this will automatically terminate their allotment tenancy 12 months from the date of moving. In order to ensure that allotments are only available for residents of the Parish proof of identity must now be provided by new tenants. Additionally, the rules have been amended to clarify that tenants are banned from using any device which emits smoke on their allotment, including wood burning stoves, chimineas and barbecues. Appliances using smokeless fuel are permitted. Due to the continued period of inclement weather the first allotment inspection has been deferred and will likely take place at the end of May. Tracy Meadows (Clerk and RFO to the Parish Council) 01287 623477 office@smnmpc.co.uk www.smnmpc.co.uk

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Rotary News It has been another very busy month for the Rotary Club of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Guests at a recent meeting were members of the Saltburn Scout Group including representatives of the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers. Looking splendid in their uniforms, we were treated to an entertaining after dinner talk on scouting in Saltburn before presenting them with £250 to help maintain their work with over 60 young people in the town.

Following a fantastic fundraising campaign culminating in our Charity Ball, our event organizers of Julie Wilby & Louise Forster proudly handed over a cheque for a whopping £4250 to Jan, the local fundraising manager for Cancer Research UK. We have also had a last-minute donation of £230 making a grand total of £4480. Thank you again for all your support We would also like to say a MASSIVE thank you to every single person that contributed to our 2nd ―Afternoon Tea‖ because without the generosity of our bakers, servers, helpers and guests, it simply wouldn‘t happen.

And, in the 2 hours spent eating cake, £600 was raised which will, as always, be trebled by The Bill Gates Foundation making £1800. At 20p per oral vaccination this means approximately 9000 children will receive the Polio immunization.

Special thanks go to Saltburn Cricket Club, Emmanuel Church and Sainsbury‘s for supporting the event and particularly the organisers, Rotarians Julie Wilby and Lou Foster who this year added a fabulous singer into the mix which added an extra dimension to the afternoon.

Next up is a sponsored walk on Sunday, 6th May, in partnership with members of the Saltburn Cricket, Bowls & Tennis Club to raise money for defibrillators to be placed in Saltburn. The walk, approximately 8.5 miles, starts at the South Gare and finishes at Saltburn Cricket Club, where refreshments will be available, and we can follow the Boro in what could be a vital game in the quest for a play-off place.

The walk is open to all. Please contact us via our Facebook page if you wish to help. See also page 35.

PODIATRIST SILVA COCHRANE BSc (HONS) PODIATRY, MCHS HCPC REGISTERED PODIATRIST Over 20 years experience

FOOTCARE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME TEL: 07939 227426 Email: silvac@btinternet.com 42

LOVE DANCING? WANT TO GET FIT?

This dance fitness class is EASY TO FOLLOW, TONING and a great OVERALL WORKOUT. Watch out for ‘BUMS & TUMS’ targeted dances!

Mondays 6pm - 7pm @ ECHO, Saltburn - £4 Thursdays 10am - Saltburn Community Hall - £4 (DISCOUNT! Only £6 for both Zumba Gold & Sosa on Mondays)

With dances and rhythms from around the world, this ‘STRICTLY’ style dance class will get you TONED, FIT whilst having GREAT FUN! Mondays 7pm - ECHO, Saltburn - £4 (DISCOUNT! Only £6 for both Zumba Gold & Sosa on Mondays)

A PILATES, YOGA & BALLET inspired fitness class: works on OVERALL TONING, BALANCE, FLEXIBILITY and CORE STRENGTH.

Wednesdays 7pm - The EarthBeat Centre, Saltburn (Booking essential for this course)

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Central Saltburn new for holiday lets, within a 300 yard walk from Saltburn centre.

This pleasantly refurnished self catering cottage offers a modern well equipped kitchen, lounge and 2 bedrooms, comprising of a double room, bunk beds in the single room, sleeps 4 comfortably (6 if needed with a sofa bed in lounge). WiFi provided and a private parking space.

Bookings now being taken.

Contact Carol for further information on either 01287 651896 or 07817 506784.

Saving And Re-homing Animals THE ANN PROSSER FOUNDATION

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

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

Hello! This month from SARA are Buddy the dog and Sonny the cat. Buddy is a handsome lad who is white with black patches. He‘s about 4 years old and a American bulldog cross. Sadly Buddy came into our care following a change in his owner‘s circumstances. He is a very intelligent dog, who adores showing off his good behaviour and thrives when following commands for treats. Buddy also enjoys playing in the pen and going for long walks with our volunteers. This poor boy is very stressed in kennels and doesn‘t show himself well to visitors. He‘s best in a more casual and relaxed environment, just give him a chance and some extra time. We feel this is why this beautiful boy has been with us for so long. Buddy is looking for an active home with plenty of mental stimulation. He would need to be an only pet.

Sonny is a stunning, 7 year old, long hair ginger boy.

Unfortunately Sonny was returned to SARA due to allergies in the adopting family. Sonny is delightful and a very affectionate cat, who enjoys his home comforts, cuddles, somewhere warm by a radiator or in the sun to chill out.

Sonny also loves curling up in his furry beds and having a fuss with our lovely volunteers. Sonny is looking for his real forever home and a snuggly bed to call his own! Sonny is pretty easy going and sociable. He has lived with dogs and cats in the past so could possibly go to a home with other pets.

SARA fundraising events during May The next monthly meeting of SARA will be held in the TocH premises, Albion Terrace Saltburn, on Wednesday, 2nd May 2018, at 7.30pm. New members are very welcome.

Saturday 5th May from 10 to 3pm SARA will be holding a Spring Bargain Sale at Foxrush Farm with bargains galore; everything must go. Tea and coffee will also be available.

Definitely worth a look.

Bank Holiday Monday 7th May 2018 – SARA will be holding a Spring Stroll. This will take place from the Stray Café, Redcar, meeting at 11am and finish at 1pm back at the cafe. Come and join us with your family, friends and pets.

All the dogs that are looking for loving homes will be taking part. Even if you do not own a dog, come along and meet the members of SARA and learn more about our friendly group.

Saturday 12th May SARA will be presenting ―A Century of Weddings Gowns‖ a talk and exhibition at Emmanuel Church, Saltburn at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased from SARA Foxrush Farm on 01642 488108 or contact Ann Davison on Tel 07821 114189.

Saturday 20th May SARA will be holding their Annual Sponsored Dog Walk at Foxrush Farm, Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar, from 11am to 2pm. There are two walks of 30 minutes or 1 hour. The starting point is at Foxrush Farm, with a registration fee of £1.00. Even if you don‘t have a dog we will lend you one. All dogs must be on a lead in the woodlands and on the farm. There will be various stalls including tombola, pet stall, raffle and others. Homemade refreshments will be on sale. There will also be the opportunity to see the improvements that have been made during the past year. There is plenty of parking space on the field at Foxrush. Come along with your family, friends and pets, have a good time and find out more about SARA. Sponsorship forms are available from Foxrush Farm, or our charity shop in Guisborough (or you can download and print one from our website at http.//www.s-a-r-a.org,uk).

John Fuller, Press Officer Helpline: 01642 488108 43

150 Years in the Life of Emmanuel 1929 onwards The turn of the decade saw change within the church and the community.

The death of Lord Zetland brought great sadness. His contribution was immense, his generosity showing no bounds as one of the prime and noble benefactors and also Patron of the Living.

Mr Boynes, the organist for over 24 years, was to leave and form new alliances with St. Hilda‘s in Whitby. His service to the church and in particular to the choir would be sorely missed.

The new vestry was to be completed, built and furbished as a memorial to Charles Littleboy, a dedicated member of the community and to his son Wilfred Evelyn, so tragically lost in the Great War. Outside, the effect of a world stock market crash would eventually reach Saltburn, the Dow bottoming out in 1932, the peaks of 1929 not being seen again until 1954.

Meanwhile, life went on. The Hazelgrove culvert was finished off as a footpath and the bandstand was constructed.

The new chalets were completed. Against this flow was an objection to the Saltburn Baths being open on a Sunday.

However, the outside world was struggling and Cleveland miners were in need of help. Appeals for clothing of any nature went out and as usual the church members responded. This would be the first in a line of requests for help.

Meanwhile life went on. The Choir outings continued with great relish, as did annual camps for boy scouts, girl 44

guides, the lads brigade and Sunday School.

Whilst there was much enjoyment among many, the Mothers‘ Union were expressing concern that the teaching by mothers of their children to say prayers was by exception rather than the rule. The Young Helpers‘ League was active in its mission. The Bible Reading Fellowship continued its work and holy scripture was still to the forefront with daily readings.

In this decade Penguin paperbacks would bring affordable reading to a wide audience, selling three million copies in the first year of publication. A man from Alabama would win four Gold medals at Berlin, a King would give up his throne, Amelia Earhart would fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

While the politics of nationhood would see the creation of a de facto republic in Ireland and the formation of a party dedicated to bringing independence to Scotland, the common man struggled to survive and 200 walked all the way to London from Jarrow to ask for employment.

Work would only be forthcoming with the German invasion of Poland. The walls of Emmanuel were soon to be listing more names.

Bringing people together to remember days gone by, of good and not so good, continues with two community events. A friendly Quiz Night with traditional pie ‗n‘ peas in ECHO on Friday 11th at 7pm is followed by the second Lunchtime Concert in the church on Saturday, 19th when current and previous choir members will rejoice in glorious voice for a Recital from 12 noon until 1pm.

45

Plastic Free Coastlines Campaign Saltburn and Marske are proud to have achieved the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Coastlines Award. This achievement was officially announced by Surfers Against Sewage on 16th April.

Surfers Against Sewage put out a call for community leaders to steer their Plastic Free Coastlines Campaign. Barbara Helen, from Keeping It Clean At Saltburn and Carolyn Granthier, from Marske litter Action, took the opportunity to work together with local SAS representative, Nick Noble and Regional SAS representative, Simon Palmer, to put the campaign plan into action.

Together the team have worked with the Parish Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Councillors Stuart Smith and Philip Thomson, local businesses and the community to achieve this award.

Barbara said, “we have all worked very hard, achieving this award. This is only a part of the journey, but a mark to show we are committed to reducing our use of single use plastics that have been shown to be so damaging to the environment and wildlife.”

The Local and Parish Council have both passed Motions, pledging to phase out their single use plastics.

Saltburn businesses, Rapps, The Guns Bar and Real Meals and Marske businesses, The Wynd Pantry, The Wynd Fruit Shop and Rose and Potter are the first in their towns to pledge to phase out single use plastics where possible. Some of the businesses have already achieved their certificate and window sticker and will be featured on the PFC map.

In Marske Carolyn has worked with several local schools and community groups who are now also supporting the campaign and looking at ways to reduce single-use plastics.

The team hope that other businesses and towns will follow and now get on board with the campaign.

A team at Redcar have started out on the journey with the Plastic Free Coastlines campaign and it is hoped that other community leaders will come forward to involve more towns in Redcar and Cleveland.

For more information, please see https:// www.sas.org.uk/plasticfreecoastlines/ A Saltburn, Marske and Redcar Facebook page is being launched and voluntarily run by Duco Digital, to feature news and developments. This will be called Plastic Free Coastlines in Redcar and Cleveland.

We can all help the Plastic Free Coastlines Campaign, with our individual actions: Refuse, Refill, Re-

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46

Huntcliff School Post-16 Transition ―Our aim is to make sure that every student in Year 11 is settled in a suitable post-16 placement,‖ says Transition Mentor Mrs Bernadette Major. The Government requires that all under-eighteens are in education or employment and Huntcliff has an excellent record in ensuring that its students don‘t become NEETS (Not in Education, Employment or Training). ―Last year none of our leavers fell into that category,‖ she says.

The process of finding suitable placements starts with fourteen – fifteen year olds in Year 10. Colleges, such as Prior Pursglove, Redcar, Middlesbrough, Askham Bryan (for animal management, countryside and environment) and Cleveland College of Art and Design, give presentations in school and students are asked to choose two to attend.

Occasionally, some students choose to look further afield and in the past have gone to Eaglescliffe for its specialist Music status, Nunthorpe Academy Sixth Form or Queen Elizabeth College at Darlington. ―We are very committed to ensuring that they have a real choice; we stay impartial,‖ explains Bernie.

There are opportunities in June for Year 10s to go to two Colleges each for full day taster sessions. They go to sample lessons, perhaps in academic subjects or in new areas such as hospitality and catering and engineering.

Huntcliff staff hire buses and accompany them. ―Students get an idea of how far journeys are and whether the institution is the right size for them. Sometimes they decide that a choice isn‘t what they expected and this is a valuable learning experience,‖ says Bernie.

Huntcliff buys in external careers advice and guidance for Year 11s, as the Government requires, from Foundation for Jobs at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. The service provides two interviews per student, three or four months apart. Bernie checks that application forms have been completed and makes sure that everyone has transport. ―I inform parents/carers by email about all College Open Evenings,‖ says Bernie. ―The Colleges come to our Years 9, 10 and 11 Parents‘ Evenings and to the GCSE Options Evening too. It‘s very useful for the parent and the student to talk together to College representatives and to an advisor from Foundation for Jobs.‖ The Colleges are invited to hold half termly Drop In sessions at school in the autumn term; they set up stalls for everyone to access. Prior Pursglove College representatives come to Huntcliff after October half-term to interview applicants. Bernie reminds students of their appointments. ―I visit each of the four Year 11 forms every morning registration and let them know what‘s coming up,‖ adds Bernie. ―Prior runs subject taster sessions from 4.30pm to 5.30pm on some days and this is very helpful for students interested in new subjects, such as Sociology, Psychology and Law. I encourage them to attend them all.‖ When it comes to the move from school, she checks that students have everything they need. Information about students with special educational needs is conveyed; students with an Education, Care and Health Plan attend a review with a range of professionals, parents and Bernie.

On GCSE results day, Bernie is at school, working

with students whose results differ from what they expected. She rings the Colleges if necessary and stresses to the students that it‘s okay to change their minds. Some students, about five – six per cent, opt for apprenticeships in construction, health and beauty, child care and engineering. There are few opportunities to go directly into employment and the Government insists that a job for a sixteen year old must include a training element.

In September, many of our students are even more confident than before, having taken part in the Government programme for fifteen - seventeen year olds: the National Citizen Service. This is a voluntary personal and social development programme undertaken in school holidays. Huntcliff School has achieved a Gold Award for involving over thirty-eight per cent of the year group this year, a height that no other secondary school in Redcar and Cleveland has reached.

Bernie tracks each student for the first two weeks of September and contacts parents/carers if she has concerns about how they are settling in their new environment. Her last job with the outgoing students is to respond to requests for references. After fifteen years as Transition Mentor, she has good knowledge of former students and of course, very detailed records.

I spoke to Year 11s Oliver, Charlie and Emily for feedback on support at Huntcliff. Oliver plans to go to Middlesbrough College to do a full-time two year Sports Coaching course. He says: ―Mrs Major has been a very good help in finding the perfect College. She put me in touch with the people who run the course and people who‘ve done it in the past.‖ Charlie has decided on ‗A‘ levels in English Literature, Spanish and Media Studies at Prior Pursglove College. He comments: ―Mrs Major regularly checks up on you; she helps you fill in forms if needed. She is always there to help.‖ Emily is waiting to see what grades she gets in her GCSEs to confirm her ‗A‘ level subjects at Prior. She says: ―I really appreciated my half hour interview with the Careers Advisor, which Mrs Major organised. There is a lot of support if you change your mind too.‖ Rosemary Nicholls 47

Health and Happiness: Who’s Out There?

It‘s intriguing writing this column because it‘s hard to know who I am writing to, or what level to hit and how deep to go.

When I reflected on this recently I realised I didn‘t always write for people who may be really struggling, unhappy, unfit and constantly tired. I think I often presume that most people are already living a relatively healthy life in which they know how to raise their happiness levels, in a way that is not just external like taking a holiday or drinking alcohol. Of course I don‘t know anything about what heightens happiness for an individual person externally but I do know we can increase or decrease our happiness internally if we learn how to.

Yet I have come to realise that not everybody wants to always feel more happy. There are those who feel justified in feeling down. Perhaps they feel they are not worth much and deserve to feel bad? Or it may suit the story they tell themselves about how unfair their lives have been. Sometimes people even enjoy the attention that comes to them when playing the role of ‗poor me‘. I have felt that before. In my younger life I felt like life had been unfair and it was easy for me to play the victim and for anyone watching I was acting out ‗poor me‘.

There are those who go back to the pub every night or those who continue to eat food that they know isn‘t very healthy and doesn‘t feel great after they‘ve eaten it. Or those who do no exercise and don‘t care about their health or their weight, even if it‘s killing them. All of these people have not yet reached or cultivated much self care like I hadn‘t. There isn‘t much self-love there or much will to live a long and happy life.

I‘ve come to see many reasons for how people get into this situation. The thoughts they think and the stories they tell that manifest into how they feel in their lives. There are always reasons we can use to explain to us how we end up where we are, living as we do.

I know when I was younger I was really hard on myself, I didn‘t think I was very valuable, didn‘t really think any girl would be interested in me as a boyfriend, didn‘t care what I ate or drunk or smoked. I didn‘t think I was worth very much and as a consequence I didn‘t expect to feel very good in myself. It was almost like I actually found a way to match my feeling with what I thought about myself, if that makes any sense to you?

About twenty years ago I trained as a counsellor and during that time I went through a time of rigorous selfreflection. I had had enough of feeling bad. I threw myself into

the world of stark honesty with myself. I did lots of courses and searched out wise people to work with and with help I emotionally opened myself up. I was ready for change. I really wanted to change. Change is often difficult at first. I had to be brutally honest with myself about how I felt and how I lived and what I needed to do if I wanted to become the person I wanted to be and to live the life I wanted to live.

I had to study nutrition and relaxation and meditation and the art of how to be happy in any circumstance.

A few years later working in drug rehab centres. I felt really privileged to be able to work with people who had had truly horrific upbringings. In reflection my life looked like an easy ride. Many of these people I worked with I found to be incredible people. They were able to face themselves and turn their lives around from self-hatred to self-respect. They learnt how to give themselves much higher levels of happiness than the drugs had ever achieved as a lifestyle.

What I realised was that their early experiences had given them a resilience, a strength that they needed to use later on to be starkly honest with themselves. They had a strength that I simply don‘t think they could have gained had they not been through what they had been through.

What I am saying is that where anyone is in their life, maybe feeling low or not eating well, not doing regular exercise, anyone can turn things around. You know best what has happened to you and you can turn your life experience around into a strength, a strength you often have to use to make that change. You can only do it long term if you‘ve had enough of how you‘ve been feeling and how you have been living and if you are willing to get support and begin to be rigorously honest with yourself.

As a separate note, this month I am cycling round the Scottish coast wild camping all the way. It is to achieve an aim I set myself to cycle from Saltburn around the whole of the mainland coast of Britain for charity. It‘s an African charity called Lionsraw South Africa where every penny goes into buying materials to build buildings in a small village. No money is wasted on admin or paying western workers. If you would like to support my quest please do so on happygreenblueeyes.co.uk. Many thanks to you.

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‘Champion’ Jackie Taylor: oak tree planted

NEW TREE: A 12ft English oak tree is planted at Marske Road in memory of Saltburn stalwart Jackie Taylor MBE, who died last August. In front of family members are Heather Taylor, wife of Jackie‘s brother John, and brotherin-law Tom O‘Leary, of Redcar.

In Memory of Edward (Ted) Eastwood I would like to thank all of my friends who supported me at this sad time, all the people who came to the Crematorium and to the Marine Pub afterwards. I couldn‘t have got through the day without you.

A heartfelt thank you from Nancy. xx

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

More than 50 people gathered at the Marske entrance to Saltburn to see an English oak tree planted in memory of much loved town stalwart Jackie Taylor MBE, who died last August.

They recalled that over 25 years she galvanised townsfolk to spruce up Saltburn and help create a vibrant community. Among her achievements, which will be marked through a new committee just set up, were the bandstand, Saltburn in Bloom and Marine Parade picnic area.

Members of Jackie‘s family helped to plant the 12ft high tree, which was donated by Redcar & Cleveland Council‘s countryside, environment, community and volunteering department. Its natural heritage manager is Kevin Wilson, of Marske, who is also a member of the Jackie Taylor Memorial Committee.

Family members present on 28th March included brother David Ransome and his wife Jean, of Marske, sister Margaret Barker, of Sleights, and her husband Norman, brother-in-law Tom O‘Leary, of Redcar, and Heather Taylor, of Saltburn, whose husband John (Jackie‘s brother) was unable to be present.

A plaque is to be put up under the new tree which stands at the junction with Marton Gill. It will be inscribed: ‗Planted in memory of Jackie Taylor MBE, community champion.‘ The plaque is being donated by Signart, of Saltburn, and Marske Fabrication and Engineering.

Historic-style plaques are also planned for the spot under the railway station arches, outside Sainsbury‘s, where Jackie used to sit on Saturday mornings to organise activities, and also a plaque at the bandstand.

Another aim of the committee is to regenerate the war memorial garden.

Mike Morrissey 49

Cons Club continuing to Blossom in May Welcome to the monthly newsletter from Saltburn Cons Club and the first thing I must comment on is the weather which, as I write, is 22 degrees and sunny. That‘s a bit more like it but it still has a lot of making up to do after the long, wet, snowy and cold winter which we have had to endure.

Moving on to events that happened in April and I can confirm the first Cons Club Road Trip of the year to Wetherby was a brilliant day for all who went. Everybody wined, dined and shopped before returning back to the club for a buffet and music night. Another full bus, sold out 3 months before the event, proves how popular these events are and our sincere thanks go to Michelle, our fantastic stewardess, who organised the whole day. I am pleased to report that Michelle has now recovered from her illness and has now returned to run the bar. It‘s just not the same without her! The next Road Trip has been arranged for Saturday, 18th August, this time to Northallerton. The cost will be £11 per person which includes a tip for the driver and a buffet on the return to the club. The coach will be leaving at 10-30am and returns from Northallerton at 6pm.

Limited seats will be available and please note that when booking your seat you must pay the full amount of money at the same time. If your full payment is not made when booking, your place on the coach cannot be guaranteed.

The Annual General Meeting was held in April and some changes have taken place. Mike Cummins has now become a Vice-President replacing Andrew Dales who has moved to Treasurer (assisted by Joe Cockfield). Wendy Shepherd has stepped down as Secretary and yours truly will carry out her duties. A big thanks go to John Ainsley who has stepped down as Treasurer. John gave many hours to the benefit of the club and for this we are all very grateful. The committee remains the same apart from the addition of Mike Dorrian. I‘m sure that Mike will be a great addition to the team and I look forward to working with him.

Over the past 2 years we have had a number of price increases from the Breweries which we have absorbed and not passed on to members. We have just received a further increase and the first job of the new committee was to appoint a sub-committee to look at this matter and make recommendations. The outcome is that the price of a pint of beer and lager will rise by 10p and all other drinks will be increased by approximately 4%. It is not a decision we like making but we cannot keep absorbing these rises without it having a consequence on the club‘s finances.

We are now in the process of getting prices and organising the work necessary to continue improvements to the new function room, including the addition of a bar. I will keep you updated on a monthly basis as we strive to give our members the best facilities that they deserve. Early work

is also taking place regarding prices and plans to re-arrange the toilet facilities to include a ladies toilet downstairs. All work on both of these projects will be done in liaison with the Council‘s Planning Department in order to adhere to all laid out stipulations.

Membership numbers have risen on a regular basis during the last 12 months and we are monitoring the situation closely. We are now nearing a point when we will have to stop taking any more new applications for membership and this item will be discussed at the next committee meeting.

With regard to the matter of membership please note that we are in the process of altering the door entry system. When these alterations have been completed notices will be put up in the club to explain what this involves. With this in mind please be aware that you will be required to show your membership card at certain times to gain entry to the club and all cards must be shown for service at the bar at all times.

Moving on to events happening in the club in May and we begin with the SLUG (Saltburn Line Users Group) Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 1st. All interested people are welcome to attend and the entrance is free. The meeting usually starts at 7-15pm. This is followed the next night, Wednesday 2nd, with a Quiz, Bingo and Pie & Pea Supper starting at 8pm. with tickets priced at £3-50p. This will attract a full house so if you did not purchase your tickets early you need to check with the club regarding availability. On Friday 25th we hold our monthly ‗Open Mic Night‘ hosted by Teesside Steve & Liz Bishop. This event has really taken off and is now bringing in a full house on a regular basis so please come early to avoid disappointment Names to entertain are taken from 7-30pm and the music starts at 8pm. This event is held upstairs in the new function room and entry is free. We finish the monthly entertainment the following night, Saturday 26th. with a Disco & karaoke Music Night with resident DJ (DJ Cookie) providing the music. Entry is free and the evening starts at 7-30pm. We have some good singers in the club so let‘s hear them! (At least that‘s what they tell me!)

To find out about everything happening in the club, including music, club trips and offers please go to our Facebook page at ‗Saltburn Conservative Club‘.

Happy Hours are as follows: midweek 4-30pm to 7pm… weekends 3pm to 5pm. Remember only members are able to get drinks at a reduced price in Happy Hours.

That‘s it as I have run out of space again.

Remember to always love your family. They are the most precious thing you have, Best wishes, David.

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

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

Every Sunday: Drinks Draw & Cash Rollover. Increases by £25 each week if not won. Currently standing at £925 … 6pm.

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

Tuesday May 1st: SLUG Meeting (Saltburn Line Users 50

Group) Annual General Meeting… 7-15pm Wednesday 2nd: Quiz, Bingo and Pie & Pea Supper.

Tickets £3-50p... 8pm Friday 25th: ‗Open Mic Night‘ hosted by Teesside Steve & Liz Bishop… 8pm Saturday 26th: Disco & Karaoke Music Night with DJ Cookie … 7-30pm

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Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum Re-opens We are pleased to announce that we have reopened our doors again (on Monday, 23rd April from 11am) following the recent structural damage we suffered due to the bad weather. We will be initially opening limited parts of the museum with a phased opening over the coming months, with a specially adapted tour. Due to this we are reducing the cost of a visit to ÂŁ2 per adult and ÂŁ1 per child until further notice. The safety of our visitors is paramount to us and we are working in partnership with HSE, the mines inspector and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to eventually reopen the whole museum. We would like to thank everyone for their kind support.

For further information please contact the museum on 01287 642877 (or visit our website www.ironstonemuseum.co.uk or facebook page @cimmuseum).

51

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52

Friends of Saltburn Library The Friends of Saltburn Library wish to say that there has been an alteration to the May monthly talk due to unforeseen circumstances. Barbara Whalley from the Premature Baby Unit is unable to come until later in the year.

In her place, Pauline Davies will be giving a flower arrangement demonstration. As some of you may already know, Pauline excels in her floristry craft and her theme will be, basically, how to do flower arrangements easily and economically. This will take place on Wednesday, 9th May at 2.00pm. After the talk and demonstration are finished, the beautiful results will be raffled.

As usual, tea and biscuits will be served. Please note we are going back to the old starting time of 2.00pm.

Barbara P. Chaffer Other News from the Library Saltburn Library will be offering a ―Spring themed‖ half term craft session on Thursday, 31st May 2018 between 10.30 – 11.30am.

Additionally, a reminder that we are now running an Adult Reading Group on the last Wednesday of every month meeting at 10.30am. Future dates: 31/05/18 The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd 27/06/18 (novel to be decided at the next meeting.

The Saltburn Profile Bill Leaver ―We sometimes swim in the sea and Jen goes body boarding.

It‘s wonderful that the sea, pool, great cycling routes, golf and music venues are on our doorstep; Saltburn is a great place to live,‖ says Bill Leaver, who is thoroughly enjoying an active retirement.

Bill was born in Goldthorpe, near Barnsley. Two collieries were in the village centre and his family were miners. He went to Goldthorpe Primary Schools and then to Wath Grammar School where he took Science A levels. Then he studied Chemistry at Nottingham University.

Following this, he began an MSc at East Anglia University, but didn‘t settle. He had enjoyed computing during his courses and was successful in his application for a computing job at British Steel Lackenby in 1970. This suited him well and he spent his whole career with the company, mainly in ironmaking process control computers, especially the blast furnace. So he was very sad to see the production close. ―I met my wife, Jen (who worked for ten years as the Nursery teacher at Saltburn Primary School) at school, when we were about sixteen. She went to study in Newcastle, but we kept in touch and got jobs in hotels in Scarborough for four long summer holidays,‖ he remembers. Her second teaching job was in Redcar, where they lived for forty-two years, before moving to Saltburn. ―I was always into sport as a youngster, kicking balls about in the backings and in semi-organised games,‖ he says. ―At the Senior School, I wasn‘t comfortable with rugby or cricket, but I did enjoy playing five-a-side football in the gym.

I was only small, but I was a nippy player!‖ Later on Teesside, he played evenings and Sundays at Eston Leisure Centre, providing a good fitness base.

He also continued the squash he started as a student, firstly with workmates and from 1976-8 at Saltburn Squash Club. It was a great Club of forty members and Bill later volunteered to be Treasurer. From 1978 to this day, he has played squash at Redcar Rugby Club, where he says the recently modernised facilities are fantastic. He took up running and swimming for squash fitness, as he was so keen.

In the early 1980s, he devised a popular method for handicapping squash competitions and is still running it today.

He has also captained teams in the County Leagues and become Over 60s County Champion.

Bill‘s Dad bought him a second hand racing bike in his early teens and he revisited this interest in adult life, joining the Cleveland Wheelers in the early 90s. ―I went in for time trials and was pleased to win the Veterans Trophy for Hill Climbs for four years on the trot!‖ he adds.

He then volunteered to organise the Club‘s hill climbs on Carlton Bank for fifteen years from 1997. ―We used to get great crowds on the Bank and around Lordstones Cafe for the prizes.‖ He also computerised and produced the results for the weekly evening series Club time trials for a dozen years. Nowadays, he‘s into cycling with a few friends who enter Sportives, for which he trains by cycling thirty-five miles several times weekly. His son, Ben, who now works for Sky at Leeds, has always been into cycling, swimming and triathlons too.

Bill is also a member of Saltburn Golf Club and has played for ten years there. ―It‘s a great club, with great

by Rosemary Nicholls

people,‖ he says, ―although I‘ve not played recently as I‘ve been more focused on cycling and music.‖ For a complete contrast, Bill enjoys the Saltburn musical scene. About ten years ago, he bought a classical guitar in a Stokesley charity shop for £2.50. He restrung it and took some tips from fellow Saltburn guitarist, Frank Meadows. On his advice, Bill bought an acoustic guitar at Easy PC and Music and after some lessons, he nervously played in front of about fifteen people at the Marine Hotel Folk Night run by Frank, to whom he is grateful for his encouragement and since then, he has performed many times at New Marske Sports Club and Saltburn Cons Club.

About four years ago, Bill and Jen went on a Saltburn -organised train trip to Lincoln Christmas Market and came back with a ukelele. Later on a holiday for a family anniversary, Bill took lessons, performed on the cruise ship and subsequently joined the U3A ukelele group. He now leads it with Ann Thompson and is a member of other ukelele groups too. U3A Ukes perform in concerts, such as at the Bandstand, the Libraries, the Food Festival and in Care Homes.

He adds: ―Jen and I love dancing and listening to music and are amazed by the amount of live music available in Saltburn.‖ His favourite is Rock ‘n‘ Roll, but he also likes Cajun, Americana and Country.

Whitby, where they had their honeymoon in 1970, is a favourite place of theirs, as is Scarborough. They‘ve enjoyed lots of walking and cycling holidays, both lately and when their two children were young. They‘ve hired bikes in Italy (their favourite destination) and dabble at using Italian, albeit with a Yorkshire accent!

Lastly, Bill mentions his love for working, designing and fixing things in wood. He says: ―Jen finds this useful for helping with her craft hobbies.‖ 53

1st Saltburn Scout Group As all Sections start to meet again; the clocks had changed and some dry weather will enable all Sections to get out and about. We were hoping for pleasant weather with our annual St George‘s Day Parade and Service due to be held at Guisborough, but all changed as I set on to prepare this article. Rev. Adam Reed is also the District Chaplain for East Cleveland Scouts and he was taken to hospital in the early hours of this morning; consequently our Parade and Service is being cancelled.

We all hope he makes a speedy recovery and we send our best wishes to Adam and his family.

Beavers recommence this week and will be running at capacity with 24 Beavers all eager to explore and discover more of Saltburn, as well as the world around them. Lindsey and Jo have a full program planned for them to develop new skills, make friends and have fun.

They also are very pleased to receive any parental support to ensure they get out and about.

Cubs remain steady with 15 members welcoming Alfie as he moves up from Beavers and no more expected to move up until the summer break. The Cubs like all the other Sections are optimistic about the lighter nights and the chance to get outside and explore! Jamie (Section Assistant) is proving an excellent help and is now organising an award to hopefully improve the overall standard of behaviour within the Pack as we seem to get a

Saltburn Line User Group Next Meeting: Tuesday, 1st May 2018 at 7.15pm.

The AGM is on Tuesday 1st May at the Cons Club (the last few have been at Costa in Redcar), 7pm for a 7.15pm start. Speaker confirmed from Northern. Refreshments provided.

There will be a fundraising raffle.

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

As always, all welcome.

Talk to Saltburn Line User Group. The Group exists to protect passengers‘ interests.

Find us at www.facebook.com/ saltburnlineusergroup Email the secretary on: slugsecretary@virginmedia.com

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LINE 54

little boisterous at times and not listen.

The Scout Troop will total 24 as they meet tonight for the first time after the break (Peter is moving to Explorer Young Leader and hopefully joining to Explorers at Marske.

This first night will involve a walk in support of Water for Africa; from the beach and follow the stream (on footpaths!) to the railway viaduct. Then walk back to the Scout building for our regular finish time and for once even the weather seems to be on our side!

The Group has had a ‗rewarding‘ Easter break; at the onset following a talk Lindsey (Beaver Leader) gave to Rotary she received a cheque for £250 for the Group and £8 (takings from a small raffle that was held that evening), many thanks. The Group received £260 following the disbanding of the Saltburn Craft & Produce Show and WI, the Group along with several other groups in Saltburn were at a presentation of cheques and the Group is very thankful for their support. At the same time following monies received from the Tesco Bags of Help and the Co-operative Community Funding schemes we can see the developments at the frontage of our building coming to fruition with new fencing. There will also be raised beds for all Sections to develop their gardening skills; as well as involvement in parts of the new awards within Scouting. At this point I must thank all the local businesses who contributed prizes in our quiz and raffle night which proved such a success in raising Group funds, thanks to you.

We will be seen out and about as summer is now upon us; but we continue to welcome assistance in all our activities and if you are interested in joining us, please enquire.

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

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

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

Life’s a Beach (Though Not At The Moment) by Alan Butler A couple of weeks ago Kate was on the seafront and overheard a couple of visitors who were looking over the fence at the beach and commenting on the appearance of the ancient forest. One of them was obviously not impressed by seeing something so remarkable that was over 7,000 years old and was berating the local council for not locating the missing sand and bringing it back from wherever it had gone.

That reminded us of two equally peculiar individuals we once saw staggering uncertainly down a stone slipway at Bridlington. This particular slipway was very subject to being flooded at high tide and so was nearly always covered in green slime and sea shells. The top of the slipway was cordoned off by a chain, with a sign that read ‗Danger – Extremely Slippery‘ but for some reason neither of these precautions had deterred the two elderly ladies from taking this path to the beach. One of them was complaining bitterly that the slipway was a hazard to health and safety and asserting that the council should surely come and clean it off every time the tide retreated?

Getting back to the absence of sand, which incidentally extends south at least as far as Scarborough, its disappearance after the ‗Beast from the East‘ paid us a visit reminded me of my childhood and times when I spent holidays with my Aunt Madge in her guesthouse at the bottom of Pearl Street. She was a wise woman with an ancestry from these parts for generations and she knew the sea and its moods better than anyone I ever met before or since. There were at least two or three occasions when I came here from Leeds to discover that the beach had disappeared, to be replaced by nothing but stones. Each time Aunt Madge told me ―The sand comes and goes.

Nobody knows for sure ‗where‘ it goes, but as certain as the tide, it will come back eventually.‖ And of course she was correct. Not that this will do anything to delight the summer visitors when they turn up in a month or two with their windbreaks and buckets and spades and find nothing but rocks.

In the case of Scarborough I was told that the missing sand had moved to Spurn Point, which is presently bigger than is usually the case, though in our neck of the woods it is a little more mysterious but doubtless the sand has merely been deposited further out to sea, leaving us with this fantastic and quite spectacular look back in time to a period when England‘s eastern shore was really no shore at all but rather land that extended as far as The Netherlands.

I was convinced that Aunt Madge knew everything.

She certainly knew when there would be sea coal on the beach and would enlist my support with buckets and bags to collect as much of it as possible when it was to be found, especially after a storm. We would work for hours collecting it and with the help of my cousins we would ferry it up the cliff to Pearl Street, where she would store it temporarily in the back yard of the guest house. Later it

would be washed and sieved, in order to get rid of the sand and salt and in a good year there would be enough to heat the house all through the winter. Sometimes the sea coal was nothing but black dust but on other occasions there were huge chunks and even as a child this ‗fuel for free‘ fascinated me.

Aunt Madge knew where to collect shell fish – and when it was safe to do so and on an almost daily basis she would spend an hour or two fishing from the pier.

There was a lot more herring available fifty years ago than there is today, and when the season was right any number of mackerel. Both species of fish were invariably pickled, though the reason for catching them was ultimately down to Aunt Madge‘s huge cat, which I have mentioned before. It was a wild beast and only she could get anywhere near it. I am certain it was actually a puma in disguise. Matchka, as the cat was called, would not eat anything but fish heads and all the omega 3 might explain why it lived to be well over twenty years of age.

It was famous in Saltburn and had gained such a strange name because it was given to Aunt Madge as a kitten by a German prisoner of war at the end of hostilities and before he was repatriated.

Not a day went by when Aunt Madge failed to visit the beach, no matter what the season or the weather.

The environs of her house were a treasure store of items natural and manmade that had turned up on the sand or amongst the stones below Huntcliff. She was so attuned to the environment that she could literally ‗hear‘ the tide turn, something which both Kate and I have learned how to do on the right sort of day. In amongst the crashing and splashing of the waves there will be a moment or two of absolute silence – but you have to pay real attention in order to hear it – or rather ‗not‘ hear it in this case.

Those were evergreen days in my mind and as the winter drew to a close I would long for the day I could quit the dark streets of the city and be put on a bus at Wellington Street bus station – to alight in Middlesbrough and then catch the local bus to Saltburn. I would come each spring from being ten or eleven years of age – and often in the autumn too, sometimes with a companion but as often as not on my own. This continued until I was well into my teens and I loved the place so much it seemed inevitable that one day I would ‗come home‘ to this amazing coast.

I suppose nostalgia is the prerogative of those who are growing older. We all think that our own childhood was the best there ever was but as shabby and rundown as Saltburn was at that time it was a wonderland to me and events such as the retreating sand bring all the memories back in a flash – as enchanting as those 7,000 year old tree stumps. If you haven‘t seen them yet visit Redcar quickly – that is if the sand has not returned already.

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Saltburn Allotments Association It‘s beginning to look a lot like (no, not Christmas) the weather‘s on the turn. The sun‘s shining outside for the third day running but... shhhh, don‘t say anything out loud in case it brings bad luck. Of course there‘s no excuse now is there? (Except, of course that a lot of us still have very wet soil.) We‘ll have to get out and get on with jobs. I expect you have all planted your potatoes and will be seeing foliage coming through in enough quantity to be ready for earthing up. My potatoes will be going in before the end of April so rather late. Fingers crossed that we don‘t get the conditions for blight again this year.

I noticed yesterday that my rhubarb is just starting to look good and I‘m going to keep an eye on it. If we have much more hot, dry weather (no, I‘m not complaining) flowering stalks might appear. These take the plant‘s energy away from making the edible stems and should be pulled out; unless you have a particularly interesting variety and want to propagate more from seeds.

I‘m not sure that I‘ve mentioned carrot fly recently.

It‘s a nasty little pest that‘s attracted to the smell of carrot. It lays its eggs on the soil around carrots and the grubs burrow into the roots making them just about inedible. There are various things you can do to distract them. One idea is to grow onions and/or garlic among the carrots or spray them with a garlic feed. These things are supposed to disguise the carrot‘s smell and keep the pests away. Another trick is to grow these roots up high in raised beds or pipes or the like. In theory carrot flies don‘t fly much more than eighteen inches from the ground and so your crops rise above the pests. In reality, though, they are buffeted in the wind so this isn‘t always successful.

The best way for me has been to cover my carrot patch with very fine, insect proof mesh or fleece. It needs to be ―pegged‖ down really well so there are no gaps for the flies to sneak under. Also, there‘s a chance, if you lift the protection to weed or harvest, the flies will get in. A lot of trouble but, freshly picked carrots are nice.

There are loads of things you can be sowing now, all the beans, even broad beans if you want a late crop, lettuces and salad leaves, just about all the brassicas, carrots (if you still think it‘s worth it) and parsnips, herbs, courgettes, pumpkins and all kinds of squashes, herbs and sweetcorn. There‘ll be more that I‘ve missed. Seedlings that you have already sown earlier in the year may well be ready for planting out during May, especially if you can give them some protection such as cloches, plastic bottles with the bottoms cut off etc. Keep an eye on the weather forecast in case of any last frosts and cover anything up if one is predicted.

So much to do...happy gardening, Sue. PS Saltburn Allotment Association‘s AGM is on Wednesday, 9th May at 7.00pm at Emmanuel Church ECHO Centre.

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Saltburn Labour Party News This month I would like to issue a challenge. As residents will be aware, there have been some serious law and order issues in Saltburn recently, with crimes committed by some members of a group of young people, most of whom seem to have come from Redcar, including officers injured whilst trying to make an arrest and assaults upon the staff of one of our businesses. There have been a lot of incidents of damage in the town and in the valley over recent years, but this event represents a new level of antisocial behaviour and violence. I would like to start by thanking the police for the very difficult work they do in such circumstances and hope they don‘t have to deal with any more such incidents and that the officers concerned are fully recovered, mentally as well as physically. Following these incidents the Saltburn Neighbourhood Action Partnership had a considerably larger turn out than usual - I think there must‘ve been over 100 people in the Community Hall to hear from the Police and Crime Commissioner, the new Chief Constable, as well as myself and Simon Clark MP. Many thanks to Cllr Thompson for his scrupulous chairing of the meeting.

Among the comments made by residents at the meeting, there were quite a few positive ones about our Council Youth Services, as well as praise for the streets team, commissioned by the office of the PCC, Barry Coppinger. I told the meeting that it was important for residents to understand that these Youth Services are now at risk because of the close to one hundred million pounds in Government cuts to the budget of Redcar and Cleveland. It is clear that the cuts have gone way too far. If you look at police deterrence as one side of the battle against antisocial behaviour, and services such as the streets team as the other side of the equation, then it is clear that if Government funds neither of them adequately we have a recipe for social chaos. It is important to say that each individual young person who is guilty of such behaviour is responsible for their own actions, but most people will allow that there is a social element to the problem as well. It is often said that young people do not have enough places to go or enough to do in their spare time, other than look at screens.

So I want to start a campaign to save our Youth Services - perhaps we should call it SYS. And I would like to extend an invitation to all political parties, other community leaders and residents to join in. Let us make this a real line-in-the-sand-issue, after such deep and damaging cuts. The cuts to police numbers have already happened, and even the Home Office knows that this is linked to an increase in crime. But the Youth Service is still there, though how long both we and the PCC can go on funding them is an urgent issue.

Let‘s start off by writing to our MP, asking him to support a fully-funded and perhaps even statutory Youth Service. Let‘s also ask local Conservatives to use their influence with the Government of the day. I‘m sure they will want to help in any way they can. We have already seen what can happen on our streets when the number of police officers is greatly reduced by the vacuum-pump of Government cuts. What size of vacuum will also be created by the withdrawal of vital public services, and what kind of future will then fill it?

Councillor Craig Hannaway

The Muses of Jim I just had a shock in my morning mail. It was in an envelope from the DVLA. It appears that they have received information from a third party about my fitness to drive. An incident happened at about 22.10 hours, on a Thursday night and the letter was dated Friday, 13.4.2018.

What a speedy service! To which I have just filled out a 16 page 3 part questionnaire and inclosing other information which I duly took to the Post Office with due haste and dispatch. It is really comforting to know that some people really, really care about my welfare. My sincere thanks to the person concerned. I would like to shake his or her hand. This kind act I presume was caused by my collapse in the club the other Thursday at the bar.

After being told that there was a two and half hour delay before an ambulance would be available, the staff using my phone started to ring round my children. Finally, Vicki and her partner arrived and took me to James Cook Hospital. After a short wait I was seen and it was found that my blood pressure was very low indeed. After an Xray, where the machine was brought to me, and a scan, where again the machine was brought to my bedside, I was moved into Ward 15 where I was formally admitted and put on a drip. A drip for a drip I suppose. My records were recovered from wherever they are stored. It was then decided to withhold my current medication until morning rounds. As my blood pressure was being checked often (and was slowly recovering) I had an opportunity to observe the staff at work. What an eye opener. They never stopped working. Beds were changed and the frames were wiped clean, as soon as patients were discharged or moved to another ward. When hand feeding a frail elderly man it was done with the same tender care and love as a mother with her precious first born. Pure magic indeed.

My very low blood pressure had slowly climbed up to an acceptable level and the angel of mercy and kindness said I could go home after lunch. They must have known I am an idle cook. For the first few days I was shattered but as the medication I had been taking in the past went through my system I felt stronger and fitter than for some time, with many people saying so. On arriving home Spud was over the moon at my return to the fold.

My trip to Parliament was a bit like the famous Curate‘s Egg, good in parts. The two MPs I was booked to see couldn‘t make it, which happens often when the house is sitting. It is interesting to just sit and observe the general pace of the house. On entering Portcullis House you walk up to security, which is unarmed, put your jacket, contents of trouser pocket, wrist watch, trouser belt and all electronic equipment in a plastic tray. Then waddle to the other end of the radar machine, holding on to your trousers. Passed then to armed security through into the building proper, up the stairs to the meeting room.

During the regular business I slipped back to the ground floor requesting to speak to the appropriate MP. Quite a few of the fellow members of the National Assembly failed to meet their chosen MPs, as the House appeared to be very, very busy. When anyone asked where their MP was, we were told to stop fishing for an answer. So I

returned tired and unfulfilled and even later than usual.

Like many residents of Saltburn I was shocked to hear about the incidents around the station the other weekend. Such was the concern within the town that our usual local SNAP meeting had to be moved from the normal meeting place at Saltburn Library to the larger Committee Hall next door in the Community Centre. There was a good turnout of about 200 people mainly from Saltburn with a few folk from the near district. Who clearly were there to see how we hold public meetings in Saltburnby-the-Sea. We followed the normal procedure for the SNAP meeting with the exception of allowing the newly appointed Chief Constable to speak to the meeting and this was well received. Barry Coppinger, the area‘s Crime and Police Commissioner, gave his annual report to the meeting. There next followed a description of the weekend events which had been causing so much concern within the town by the police and there was a discussion of what action could be taken. The police made it clear that most trouble was caused by visitors to the town. The Chairman decided to hold another meeting to address any possible problems and if there are any actions that can be taken that can improve the situation. This meeting will take place, May the 9th at 6.00pm at the Community Hall.

The rest of the meeting was spent discussing possible future items. It was agreed to set up a task and finish group to look at the possible zoning of the foreshore for the different social activities, swimming, fishing, surfing, water skiing and using jet skis. We will be starting work shortly.

If you wish to play a part in this task please come to the next SNAP meeting.

Work on the Three Valleys is gathering a pace but we still want more members. Membership forms can be found at Jackie‘s Saverstore at the Station Buildings and of course the Library and returned to either place when filled in. Also I am looking for someone with skills in using a drone, the unarmed type of course.

Since some kind person contacted the DVLA about my driving ability, I have delayed riding my bike, which is different from driving, until cleared to do so by my doctor.

Now that my medication has been adjusted I am hoping it should be done by the start of May. It is really wonderful that some people care so much about my wellbeing. Thank you again, whoever you are. Spud is still keeping an eye on me though, as well of course.

I have not seen much of Molly in the last few weeks so I thought it was worth mentioning her name so that she knows I am still alive. I have just discovered that I have lost my jimwingham@ntlworld.com email address. I shall have to find another email address soon. Hopefully today otherwise I will be unable to send this article to Talk of the Town. I have done it! I have changed my email address. It is now winghamjim@gmail.com. This is a real breakthrough for me. I think I might try to do more new adventures: things like washing up after every meal rather than once a week, feeding the cat every day. Spud says he welcomes that. I will have to find a cheaper brand.

Jim Wingham 57

The Saltburn Crossword no 203 set by Anastasia Across 7 Gas giant god (7) 8 and 23 Down Untangled, the far meter marks a monthly event in Saltburn (7, 6) 10 Thin rights upset for evening wear (10) 11 Sounds like a vision on location (4) 12 Saltburn councillor initially hungry and nicely noticing all when asked yesterday (8) 14 Am sunk muddled to recognise (6) 15 Brews broths (5) 17 Senseless and frivolous found in anecdote (5) 21 and 27 Across and 4 Down What members of KICAS do if stirring Sputnik ate crane ballet (4, 2, 5, 2, 8) 22 Hungry for dish mixed with fame (8) 24 Smart style found in rich ice-cream (4) 25 Nerds arise and break the tedium (10) 27 See 21 Across 28 Callers are untangled underground (7)

Down Name___________________________________ Address_________________________________ ________________________________________ Telephone_______________________________

1 2 3 4 5 6 9 13 16 18 19 20 23 26

Solution to Crossword no 202

The winner of last month‘s crossword was Maureen Robinson of Warrior Terrace, Saltburn.

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

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Sound talent to be for a stage production with songs (7) Euphorically lofty (4) Confused as ewes going up and down (6) See 21 Across They cause laughter and entertainment in many a seaside town like Saltburn (10) Birth is moving for those of these isles (7) Old records? Made from Roman six Nylons found (5) Unimportant and of no great consequence (3, 7) Remove troops or cash deposit by using a pencil? (8) Peeper‘s vantage point for unlocking modern surgery technique? (7) To present an opportunity hidden by Prof. Fermi (5) Rue lies confused in spare time (7) See 8 Across River forms meandering line (4)

Send your completed crossword to: Saltburn Crossword no 203, c/o Jackie‘s Saverstore, 8 Station Buildings, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ

by Friday, 18th May 2018. First correct solution out of the bag wins a £10 voucher kindly donated by Tim and Sheila of Real Meals.

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