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This Months News Stories

There's always something happening somewhere in Saltburn. Here is a selection of what's being going on in the past few months. If you have anything to add, please send an email to Garry Stonehouse : email@garry.biz

Picnic Area officially opened	October 2007
A former 'dog garden' at Saltburn's upper promenade was officially opened as a picnic area by councilor Wendy Wall, Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland on September 20th. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 53.
Wartime talk at Forum	October 2007
Author Ken Watson walked down memory lane when he visited the Hebrides, off west Scotland, to relive his wartime days. "It was a sort of pilgrimage as I met my first wife Ann there," he said. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 52.
Anchor looks out to sea	October 2007
An eight-foot long anchor has been placed on a flower bed at the top of Saltburn bank, but few motorists have spotted it. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 52.
Children raise funds for charity	October 2007
Four young friends from Hob Hill put their old toys to good use recently when they set up a stall in their garden to raise funds for charity. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 49.
1st Saltburn Scout Group	October 2007
Over the week of 4th to 10th August, the 1st Saltburn Scout group held their Summer camp at Grosmont. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 48.
Saltburn Athletic FC walk out at Wembley	October 2007
Wednesday, 12th September 2007 was an historic and memorable day for everyone involved at Saltburn Athletic FC when six of their players (aged 11 and 12) led out the procession of players representing england and Russia at wembley before the vital European Championship Qualifier. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 42.
Shoeless in Ethiopia	October 2007
A Saltburn student has returned from poverty-stricken Ethiopia with a mission to help children there - with shoes. Philippa Robson 19, said she had seen the effects of youngsters walking barefooted on rutted roads of the capital Addis Ababa. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 41.
Laural Road wins again	October 2007
Laural Road won the Saltburn gardening competition's best street award for the fifth time with judges labeling its entry 'outstanding'. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 30.
Saltburn Milkman under pressure	October 2007
Saltburn milkman Stan Green has been hit by rising milk prices caused by two major reasons "both out of my hands." For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 30.
Huge Edinburgh Hit comes to Saltburn	October 2007
The biggest hit of this year's Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Festival is coming to Saltburn! Brendon Burns took this year's Festival by storm, and saw off over 600 other comics to win the hugely prestigious If.comedy award - the successor to the Perrier. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 29.
New Sculpture Controversy	October 2007
A 6ft high sculpture has 'swum' on to Saltburn's upper promenade - and into controversy. Passers-by were divided about it being "marvelous" or a "monstrosity" as the last addition to a new £300,000 fossil garden near the top of the cliff-lift. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 24.
Saltburn's Mortuary for sale after open day	October 2007
Student Jack Challis, 17, admitted when standing inside the old mortuary at Saltburn, that he had been "a bit frightened" before walking in. He had taken up a challenge from Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and English Heritage to "dare" to visit the tiny building opposite the ship Inn, which had been the last resting place of dozens of seafarers over an eighty year period. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 23.
Dance for the King	October 2007
Saltburn musician Paul Donnelly saw a dream come true on Friday, September 14th when his show Dance for the King drew almost a full house at Saltburn's community theatre. A Middlesbrough musician and guitar teacher, Paul, who plays with the world's leading guitarists, recruited three of the "top musicians in the North-east" to put on the event with him. They were percussion player Paul Smith, double-bassist Neil Harland and guitarist Mick Wright. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 16.
Library Garden Room: Planning Permission at last!	October 2007
It was the highlight of our summer. We finally got the go ahead. We have been granted a 3 year trial period to provide a community space, the Library Garden Room, behind the library. The room will be for meetings, events and activities which develop from the ideas and wishes of local people of all ages and backgrounds. It will be free of charge in return for some help with fundraising where possible. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 15.
Free Swims Success	October 2007
A free swimming scheme during the summer holidays was voted a success by Saltburn children. "It's been a help to keep the children entertained over the holidays," said Simon Richardson, who took his youngsters Harry, sefen, and 10-year-old Richard to a session involving floats. For full story see Talk of the Town - Page 14.
Saltburn goes to Parliament	July 2007
Saltburn Agora Partnership Chairwoman represented Saltburn at an all Party Parliamentary Committee meeting at the House of Commons on Tuesday “6th July. The two hour meeting was attended by 6 MP’s looking for feedback on how Saltburn’s participation in the Agora pilot scheme run by Manchester Metropolitan University had progressed, and what lessons could be learnt by other small towns, both nationally and internationally. Saltburn’s parliamentary representation came at the end of an 18 month successful pilot study to improve the local economy in Saltburn. “Saltburn has created a strong partnership with businesses, community groups and important local stakeholders such as Cleveland Police and the Parish Council.” Says Diana “this has made our town very effective when addressing decisions that affect our future”. The meeting involved presentations to the MP’s about the effectiveness of the pilot studies in the individual towns. The meeting gave an opportunity for the representatives from the pilot towns to express the real life concerns of high streets that need economic support to survive to MP’s formulating future strategies that will have a significant impact on our high streets. “I asked the MP’s why the large Supermarket Chains were allowed to build such large stores on the outskirts of towns, killing off the independent retailer in the high street. In Saltburn this has been highlighted by retailers as a significant threat to business.” In the light of recent government research into the sever decline of British coastal towns it is particularly important to see that improvements in the fortunes of seaside towns are possible. Although the pilot study has come to an end, the Agora partnership is planning for a long and strong future to build on their success to date. For the last 18 months Saltburn has been one of eight pilot communities selected by Manchester Metropolitan University and the Association of Town Centre Management as part of the Agora project, which is part funded by the European Social Fund’s Equal Programme. This project aims to reverse economic decline on the high street by ensuring town centers are run to serve the needs of their local communities.
Didgeridoo Gig Postponed	July 2007
Didgeridoo player Kevin Howard has postponed a charity gig, which he and four bands were to have put on on Friday July 20 because it would have clashed with a comedy festival in the adjoining community theatre at Saltburn on the same night. "I only found out two weeks ago about the clash so I've decided to put off the gig until September, at a date yet to be fixed," he said. "The sound of my didgeridoo and noise from the bands' drum kits etc in the community hall would have spoilt the comedy in the theatre so we are postponing the event." Kevin, 42, of Saltburn, is putting on the gig for the Justice for Our Friends group, which is helping Sri Lankan refugees Sagara and Geetha. Details can be found on www.justiceforourfriends.com
Sheep in Saltburn	June 2007
Two sheep can be seen grazing in central Saltburn each day and are rapidly becoming favourites among local residents, particularly children. "It's a bit weird keeping sheep in the middle of the town, but they are thriving on the grass at Emmanuel church," said owner Andrea Cooke, 47. "Everyone looks after them and keep an eye on them during the day when they are out, firmly tethered to two car wheels. Children love to cuddle them." Ms Cooke said that she and her partner Paul Tidy were given the sheep, as newly-born lambs, by a farmer near Stokesley, who did not want them as they were males. "We've looked after them since early April when we had to rear them on bottles." The sheep are of the Dutch Texel breed. The fatter of the two is called Bertie and the other Sean - "or `shorn' as in shorn sheep," said Ms Cooke, who has four grown-up sons. She said that she and Mr Tidy, a "nature-loving" park-keeper in Middlesbrough, who has been a veterinary nurse, kept the animals in a shed at their home across the road from the church at night. "The church authorities have been very cooperative. The sheep keep the grass down for them. Paul helps with the gardening at the church on a voluntary basis. "The sheep are just like dogs and I walk them on leads. They are lovely. We plan to keep them as pets." An Emmanuel churchgoer said: "Everyone likes to see them. They make a very biblical scene."
Earthbeat gets ambitious	June 2007
A Saltburn-based theatre group run by people with learning disabilities is ready for its most ambitious production My Fair Lady at Middlesbrough and Darlington, starting next week. A cast of 25 with Earthbeat, which was started in 1990, are to stage two performances at the Middlesbrough Theatre on Monday (July 2) and Tuesday followed by a show at Darlington's Civic Theatre on Monday July 9. "The pressure is really on for those performers involved in our huge production," said Tony Galuidi. "We are the first learning-disabled theatre company to put on My Fair Lady as the licensees are reluctant to give a licence to groups like ours - they think we couldn't do it. We are breaking new ground with staging it, especially at the Civic, which holds 900 people and costs £2,000 to hire. "We got a really good reception from shoppers in Darlington supermarkets last Saturday when we gave out 3,000 fliers about the production. "We had sold 400 tickets by last week and hope to sell at least 500. Most will be members of the public who don't know us though the Civic audience gave us a standing ovation last year. "We've put on three productions, including Joseph and his Many-Technicoloured Dreamcoat, there." Mr Galuidi, who leads a team of four former social services staff, and singing coach Rose Bottomley, said 400 of the 480 tickets at Middlesbrough Theatre had been sold. "Normally we have a sell-out at Middlesbrough and expect the same to happen next week. Two-thirds will be friends and family and we expect 300 to be members of the public. "Half the performers, including Alison Kidger who plays Eliza Doolittle, have Down's Syndrome. Alison, who is 36, has massive charisma - she's wonderful." Earthbeat is made up of 65 individuals, aged 19-55. They rehearse in both Saltburn's Emmanuel church hall and Saltburn's community theatre. The Monday group is rehearsing songs and dance from films, to be staged at Saltburn next March, the Tuesday group is preparing for a Halloween production to be shown at Saltburn in October, and the Wednesday group is getting ready for a Christmas show at Saltburn in December. The My Fair Lady team rehearses on Thursdays and Fridays. "The staff's skills are in getting the best out of the performers," said Mr Galuidi. Tickets for My Fair Lady cost £7 (£5 concessions). The box office phones are Middlesbrough 01642-815181 and Darlington 01325-486555. The shows start at 7pm at Middlesbrough and 7.30 at Darlington. More information can be found at www.earth-beat.co.uk
New Chairman for Parish Council	June 2007
Councillor Marion Jefferson, left, of Saltburn, wears her new chain of office as chairman of Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council. Outgoing chairman Councillor Vera Rider, of New Marske, holds a memento plaque presented to her as a thank-you for her year. Marion Jefferson, a Labour councillor, has lived in Saltburn since 1980 and used to run Marion's Plaice, a fish-and-chip shop in Woodrow Avenue. A grandmother, she has worked in several care homes in Saltburn. Councillor Joan Guy, also of Saltburn, is Mrs Jefferson's escort for the year.
Walk on Wheels	May 2007
Enjoying an ice cream break during Christian Aid's "walk on wheels" on Saltburn's upper promenade, from left, Irene Fowle, Clare Wood, Katie Wood, Margaret Blair and wheelchair-bound Ken Wood. Abolut 65 people, from toddlers to 80-year-olds, enjoyed a trio of walks for Christian Aid at Saltburn on Bank Holiday Monday. Thirteen tried the "walk on wheels" on the upper promenade - including toddlers in buggies and adults in wheelchairs. Twenty-one searched for "treasure" in the valley gardens and 15 went on a five-mile walk on the Rifts woods near Skelton. Sponsored money raised will be added to hundreds of pounds expected to be raised during a house-to-house envelope collection throughout Saltburn starting on Sunday May 13. Skelton ice cream firm Endeavour Dairies, of Trout Hall, contributed 35p from each £1.25 spent on ices on the upper prom. Saltburn Methodists raised money at a coffee morning. And on Sunday Emmanuel church hosts a soup-and-cheese lunch at the church hall for the overseas charity. All welcome. Organiser Annette Adams said: "We were very pleased a good number turned out for the `walk on wheels,' which was held for the first time. We hope people will be generous for the envelope collection. "Some 90 streets and roads are being covered, but a few more collectors would be welcome." Mrs Adams can be contacted on 01287-624674 or John Pearson at DoorWays 01287-625305.
Installation of Cash Machine at Somerfield	May 2007
The Alliance & Leicester have made a planning application for a cash machine to be installed at Somerfield supermarket. You can view the proposed application here
'Teesside Troubadour'	May 2007
Never-say-die Folk legend Vin Garbutt has just completed his first major overseas tour since his near fatal heart condition two years ago and it was captured by Teesside film-maker Craig Hornby (A Century in Stone) for a new documentary DVD. 'Teesside Troubadour' will chronicle Vin's 40 years on the road.
£788 Boost for Theatre Building Fund	April 2007
A gig by Father Ted legend and stand-up comic Michael Redmond has raised almost £800 for the Saltburn Theatre Building Fund. A total of £788.10 was raised by the near sell-out show, held at the Theatre on Wednesday 25 April. Left to Right : Michael Redmond and MC James Harris at the end of a busy night at Saltburn. Gig promoter Rob O’Connor of media & PR service ten past eight, donated his profits of £332, with the theatre’s own bar profits, hire fee, and a bucket collection on the night of the show making up the rest. Rob O’Connor said: “Michael was fantastic on the night. People were stopping me in the street after the gig and saying he was the funniest comic they’d ever seen. In the days leading up to the gig I’d had visits to my website from as far afield as Paris , New York , Valencia and Billingham. That Father Ted effect gets everywhere.” “Big thanks should go to all the local shops and businesses who happily displayed posters, to Garry.Biz and Thurston Printers who rustled up a new poster between them for free when I decided to turn the night into a benefit gig, and especially to Saltburn Health Foods in Station Buildings.” “Saltburn Health Foods sell tickets for every production at Saltburn Theatre without accepting any commission whatsoever. They don’t seek publicity. They just do it because they love the town, and they are fantastic people.” The £788.10 will hopefully go a small way to help replace the dent in the Theatre’s Building Fund, after the theft of a significant amount of lead from the community hall roof was discovered back in March.

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