Saltburn has maintained much of its original charm as a Victorian seaside resort including its pier, the colourful Italian gardens and walks through Riftswood. Whatever you need to know about Saltburn by the Sea this is the place to start. Read the local news and add your own comments and views!
A vertical portrait of Saltburn, seen through the short journeys people make on the UK's oldest water balanced funicular lift to the only remaining pleasure pier in the North-East.
Read more about the making of the film and behind the scenes photos on Jan Cawood's blog or subscribe to her YouTube Channel and Flickr Channel for regular updates.
A film about Saltburn's Cliff Lift - the oldest water balanced Cliff Lift in the UK still in operation - is being screened on TV.
The film will be shown on the Community Channel at 8pm on Friday 31st December, and at regular intervals throughout January.
The film - '55 Seconds' - was commissioned by Northern Film and Media, in partnership with the Community Channel and Sheffield International Documentary Festival as part of their documentary film-making scheme 'Capture'.
The scheme aims to reveal different aspects of North east life.
'55 Seconds' was produced by Jan Cawood, a Stockton based film-maker. It explores a day in the life of the oldest water balanced Cliff Lift in the UK, seen through the short journey people make on it.
Jan said, "I studied seaside architecture and I have always loved the lift, and especially the brief encounters between people on their 55 second journey. I wanted to capture a sense of people and place, to show how beautiful Saltburn is and how much people really value the lift. It was a largely spontaneous shoot which we couldn't have arranged without the support of R&C Council and the lift staff who were great."
The Community Channel is available via Sky channel 539, Virgin on 233 and Freeview channel 87.
The Cliff Lift is currently being refurbished ready for the summer season.
A homeless man, who is hiking around Britain, has spent several weeks on Saltburn Beach and before he continues on his trek would like to thank local people for their help.
The man, whose christian name is George, but is known as Dr Geebers the Pebble Man, insisted he was 'fine' despite the freezing temperatures. He created a pebble sculpture for Christmas. He said people had been very kind with inquiries, food and bedding and a well wisher had given him a tarpaulin sheet for shelter under the bridge near the Ship Inn as his tent blew away in the high winds.
He is officially homeless. He is doing the trek because no one else has done it creating pebble exhibitions at the same time. He began his trek two years ago beginning at Brighton and has lived on 32 beaches, walking 4,500 miles and moved 270 tonnes of pebbles and stones by hand to create his exhibitions.
George, who is not drawing benefits or sponsorship, said, "If people want to contribute towards my costs they put coins in a sack near my site". He doesn't ask for contributions. He added that Saltburn had been the first town where the police had checked his record and he had only had four 'disrespects' of behaviour towards himself on his travels.
He plans to write a book on his travels which he called a 'homeless awareness journey'.
Snow storms continued to cause travel chaos today with blizzards forcing motorists in East Cleveland to abandon their vehicles. Roads in Saltburn were brought to a standstill.
George Tough, 27, who has lived in Saltburn for 20 years, said he has never known weather like it. The barman, who works in the Marine Hotel said, "It has been snowing heavily all day. Several roads have been closed because there is just so much snow and people are getting stuck. The pub is far busier than it usually is, with people coming in to shelter from the bitter cold."
Janet Coser, 49, owner of the Victoria Public House, said, "It is really, really bad. The snow is about four to five inches deep and it looks as though there is a lot more on the way. People have been abandoning their cars and taking shelter inside the pub. I can’t say I have ever known weather as bad as this – it is just horrific."
Saltburn Bank was closed on several occasions throughout the day with Police stopping cars accessing the bank, only allowing 4x4s through.
Police deployed thermal imaging equipment to find a Saltburn woman who slipped 30ft(9m) down a snow-covered slope.
The 51-year-old was walking her two dogs in a densely-wooded area of the Valley Gardens when she slipped off a footpath yesterday.
The Cleveland Police helicopter was drafted in after the woman managed to raise the alarm on her mobile phone.
A search and rescue team were then involved in raising the woman up the slope on a spinal board before she was taken to hospital with suspected back injuries.
The woman, who suffered from moderate hyperthermia and minor injuries, was later discharged.
"I had been walking through the woodlands with my dogs, as I usually do, when a loose dog jumped up behind me. It startled me and I slipped on the icy surface, tumbled over the edge of the path and slid down the bank. Once started I couldn't stop the momentum and eventually had to roll into a tree to block my fall. I couldn't believe it when the owner of the dog simply walked on past and ignored what had happened. Although I called for help other walkers also passed by and didn't stop. I can't thank the police and rescue services enough. They were absolutely marvellous. Without their efforts I don't know what would have happened."
A force spokesman said temperatures in the area at the time were about -2C.
The Valley Gardens area is popular with dog walkers and is known for its steep, wooded paths.
Police urged dog walkers to be aware of the dangers of snow and ice in the area.
To support the Cleveland Search and Rescue team click on the image and visit their website.
A Saltburn dad who filmed a bus driver making light of treacherous and icy conditions has described him as “amazing”. Simon Hartley caught the driver on camera as he skillfully climbed Saltburn Bank during the recent snow storms - despite other smaller cars and vehicles struggling.
"I thought he was not going to make it," Simon, 41, admitted. "All the four-wheel drives couldn’t even make it up. He was amazing."
The video shows the chaos as one car is pushed up the bank and others struggle to negotiate the notorious bends. But the bus heroically makes it to the top - despite the treacherous conditions.
Carriages on Saltburn's Victorian water-powered cliff lift are to be refitted for the first time in 20 years.
The funicular at Saltburn was opened in June 1884 to transport people from the town's beach and pier up the steep incline to the cliff top.
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is funding a £30,000 overhaul of the carriages.
A huge crane will be used to remove the carriages, which will be taken to a specialist firm in Northumberland.
The project will see improved seating and the striking stained glass windows sealed. An intercom system will also be installed to allow drivers at either end of the railway to communicate with passengers in the cars if necessary.
The restored carriages, which have not previously been removed from the site since about 1991, will reopen to the public in April 2011.
Moves are being made to try to open up the way for the Saltburn Hill Climb event to be staged again. Provisions in the Road Traffic Act meant the event, staged annually from 1993 to 2005, was illegal. The act bans 'road racing' on the public highway.The hill climb attracted thousands of people to the town.
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP, Tom Blenkinsop, has now made recommend moves in the House of Commons to have the event reinstated.
The hill climb involved vintage motor cycles and cars in a speed trial starting on Saltburn seafront and culminating in a road dash up the steep hill to Rushpool Hall Hotel on the Skelton Road.
Organisers have worked with Mr Blenkinsop and his predecessor, the late Dr Ashok Kumar, to get a mechanism which could allow a local exemption from that part of the act to allow the event through local authority road closure powers.
As part of the campaign, Mr Blenkinsop has tabled a House of Commons Early Day Motion calling for such exemptions to be made part of the Act.
The MP said, "The Saltburn Hill Climb was a popular event which attracted participants and visitors from across the country. The influx of people boosted the local economy of Saltburn and put the town firmly on the tourist map. Along with the organisers and Redcar and Cleveland Council, I have been looking to see if we can table a Private Bill sponsored by the council which would allow for a suspension of the relevant parts of the Act so as to allow this once a year event. This is a complicated process which could take some time to deliver. It would be easier for everyone if the Government could simply allow for local exemptions, strictly managed by councils and the police, to be introduced nationally."
He said the UK Motor Sports Association believed such an exemption could lead to nationwide events which could generate between £20m and £60m for the host communities. "I do not see why Saltburn should not be allowed to gain part of this revenue, and that is why I have tabled this special Motion in the House," added the MP.
Just two years ago Saltburn amateur photographer and brave cancer survivor Stephen J Dowd was at his lowest ebb. The former window cleaner, of Zetland Mews, Saltburn, suffered a marriage break-up and was given just a 50-50 chance of surviving colon cancer. Then last year his younger brother Tony, who lives in Spain, fell ill with a heart problem. The final straw was the tragic death of another younger brother, William, from lung cancer. Stephen, 68, sunk into a dark depression - until he discovered photography.
Stephen said, "My brother Tony contacted me and implored me to take up photography. He bought me a digital SLR camera and I joined Saltburn Photographic Society." Now, just twelve months after taking up his hobby, Stephen has won a top photographic competition. Commenting on his winning photo in a combined Saltburn and Whitby photographic societies competition Stephen said,"I snapped this cocker spaniel at Skelton playing in the snow. As he leaped towards me, completely off the ground, with his ears vertical, it was such a joyous picture."
Another shot of seagulls taking off just above the waves at Saltburn has notched third place in a Saltburn Photographic Society Natural World competition. And a sombre view of Saltburn’s Huntcliff and a vivid sky at night at Warrenby, Redcar, have both been judged highly commended.
He said, "I couldn’t believe it when my photo won! I’m just a rank amateur who’s incredibly keen. And I’m very grateful for all the support I've had.
I just want others to know that there is life after cancer."
All profits from the sale of any of Stephen's prints go to the Holistic Cancer Care Centre at James Cook University Hospital where he was successfully treated. Stephen has also had a number exhibitions. "I want to make as much profit for charity as possible. But I admit I still have to pinch myself at how well it’s all going!" he said.
The 2010 Northumbria in Bloom Awards ceremony was held at the Oakwood Centre in Stockton on Tees on the 13th of September. Saltburn was announced as the Winner of the Amberoll Trophy as the Best Coastal Resort having been awarded a Gold award ahead of Newbiggin by the Sea and South Shields who both achieved Bronze awards.
The Presidents Award for outstanding contribution to Northumbria in Blloom by a private individual was awarded to PC Stuart Smith, Saltburn by the Sea.
Lauriston Care Home, Saltburn won a Silver Gilt award in the Best Kept Grounds of a Care Home, Residential or Convalescent home category.
Saltburn CIU Home won a Silver Gilt Award in the Best Effort for Upkeep of External Premises of Public Houses, Hotels or Other Licensed Premises category.
Saltburn's Community PC, Stuart Smith, has just won an award in Northumbria in Bloom as the private individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the annual awards.
PC Smith, who lives in Guisborough, has been Saltburn’s neighbourhood police officer for the last eight years. During that time - as well as his busy normal police duties - he has been enthusiastically involved in the life of the local community joining many local groups including Saltburn in Bloom, for which he is vice-chairman.
He said, "I really enjoy my job and getting involved with local people and the local community. It’s a very rewarding career and no two days are ever the same. Saltburn is a very unique town with an incredibly strong community spirit. As a neighbourhood police officer, I have become involved with as many local groups as possible."
PC Smith was presented with The President’s Trophy, a smart silver cigar box. In his role as an official in Saltburn in Bloom he always has a very busy time on the run up to the In Bloom season. He shows the judges around the resort each year, tends the garden at the local police station and carries out other In Bloom work - all in his own time.
He added, "I was in the Saltburn Forward Group which is now disbanded and was responsible for the cliff lift redevelopment. I’m also a school governor at Saltburn Primary School and a member of Saltburn Cliff Lift and Pier Group."
On his award, he said modestly, !I’m very honoured - it’s a real bonus to add to something you enjoy anyway. I wasn’t aware I was getting it and my parents Peter and Sheena, who are also Bloom activists, were present to witness it."
PC Smith is due to retire at the end of this year, but pledges to carry on with all his Saltburn in Bloom tasks.
The vintage car event which was organised by Middlesbrough and District Motor Club, proved to be extremely successful when it took place in Saltburn on Sunday.
Crowds gathered down on the beach to watch the main attraction of the day - the world-renowned French-made Darracq racing car - which raced along the beach just like it did when it broke a British record on June 27 1908 after reaching a top speed of 121 mph.
Visitor, Stephen Dowd said, "It is absolutely amazing to see this car race along the Saltburn Sands just like it did over 100 years ago."
The Darracq with it's owner Algy Guinness outside of the Zetland.
Police are seeking witnesses to an accident following the death of an eldelry woman who sustained serious injuries after being struck by a car in Saltburn.
The 86-year-old woman, from the Saltburn area, was crossing Marske Road adjacent to the junction with The Chine with her husband when the incident occurred on Saturday at around 12.30pm. They were hit by a blue Volkswagen Passat.
Both husband and wife were taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where the elderly lady was pronounced dead. Her husband was treated for a minor laceration to his left hand. The driver of the Passat was also treated for a minor laceration to his hand. Both were later discharged.
Police are now appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact PC Paul Dixon of the roads policing unit on 01642 326326, quoting event number T154248
Hazelgrove Park, Milton Street, Saltburn-by-the-sea, Cleveland (TS12 1DE) is opening its doors to the public on Saturday 18th September and Sunday 19th September between 10am and 3pm giving those that may be interested in Park home living a true insight into Park Life.
The desire for a peaceful and secure lifestyle is fuelling demand amongst the older population for specialist Park Home retirement villages which offer greater personal protection and financial security than traditional bricks and mortar homes. Tingdene Parks Limited are a company that can offer you this style of living, which is within easy reach financially and locally, keeping you close to your family and friends and releasing capital tied up within your present property to enable you to truly enjoy your retirement.
Hazelgrove Park is an exclusive Park Home development for the semi-retired and retired. Prices for a two bedroom fully furnished detached park home start from as little as £108,333. Five show homes (one of which is pictured) will be available for viewing on the open day along with a selection of plots available to choose the home of your choice.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LIVE YOUR RETIREMENT LIKE THIS then please come along on the 18th September & 19th September 2010 between 10am and 3pm alternatively for further details please telephone Tingdene Parks Head office or visit the park.
Telephone (Local Rate): 0845 293 8209
E-mail: developments@tingdene.net
Website: http://www.tingdene-parks.net/
A boat on its maiden voyage was pulled from choppy waters after a huge wave submerged it on Sunday afternoon. Phil Nertney and partner Tots Johnson had taken the Fletcher GTO power boat out on the sea at Saltburn when disaster struck. An enormous wave crashed into the boat filling it with water and causing it to partially submerge.
Phil,45, lives in Richmond, North Yorkshire, but regularly visits his parents in Redcar. A self confessed lover of extreme sports and "boys toys" like speed boats and jet skis, he said: “It was a day out that went wrong. The waves were about 4ft and we were jumping them - using them as a ramp. I should have been playing in the flats but we were having fun. I was just over-excited and not treating the sea with respect. It was all my fault for not paying attention to nature, that’s what it boils down to.
I should have looked at the sea. It was far too rough.” Luckily, nobody was injured during the incident.
After seeing the wave crash into the boat and filling it with water, local resident and estate agent Egon Robson used his tractor to help pull Phil’s boat back in. Egon, 51, said, “I live at the top on Marine Parade. I was on my balcony watching and it just went under. It was submerged and I could see he was really struggling. I watched it for a while and I thought he has got no chance of getting that out. I have a boat and a tractor down on the beach so I went down, attached a tow rope to his boat and pulled it out. It took about five minutes. He could have lost the boat, so he was quite pleased.”
Over the years Egon has helped rescue many boats and cars from the waters off Saltburn. He said, “You can get caught out easily by the sea. He was very lucky not to lose the boat.”
A local surfing instructor is giving surfers a unique opportunity to benefit through video coaching. Richie Mitchell, 38, of Saltburn, has bought a video camera and editing software to provide a service that is normally only available to professional surfers.
The British Surf Association coach is thought to be the only instructor outside Cornwall offering video coaching.
It allows him to film his students in action and analyse their performance together on screen.
Mr Mitchell said,"I had the idea for the service when I had my own surfing filmed and it proved to be a big breakthrough in terms of my performance.
Surfing is incredibly popular in the region and I realised that everyone deserves the opportunity to improve in this way not just professionals.
Video coaching allows you to see mistakes that you don't know you're making when you're out on the water and I'm very excited to be the only surf coach offering this service in the North-East."
A low-cost loan from UK Steel Enterprise has also allowed him to develop a website at flowsurfcoaching.com to promote the new service.
Mr Mitchell will offer video coaching as part of his normal service, but also plans to offer special birthday and Christmas packages as the ideal gift for surf enthusiasts.
Nick Johnson, of UKSE, said, "We're always keen to support new businesses that are a little bit different or offer the North-East something new. Richie is doing something that doesn't seem to exist anywhere closer than Cornwall which is more than 400 miles away."
Mr Mitchell turned to UKSE when a promised grant fell through at the last moment.
He said, "They really saved my bacon because they stepped in and the process of securing the funding was fast and simple". The low-cost loan is terrific value and makes a big difference financially. Mr Mitchell can be contacted on 07816-194969 or at richie@flowsurfcoaching.com.
A Redcar and Cleveland Planning Officer has helped "duck" the trend and provided a way forward for an enterprising "Southern Immigrant" to provide himself with an income and locals with a taste from the past.
Robert Duckworth, Planning Officer at Redcar and Cleveland Council's Guisborough offices, was able to assist former London City worker David Burton with a solution to his Sausage and Bacon making problem by thinking "Outside the Box". Mr Burton moved to Brotton, close to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, about eight years ago having walked out on the rat race of London City life. He said, "My wife and I moved here with our daughter in 2002 and I wouldn't go back to London for all the tea in China, but it has been a struggle trying to find a way to make a living." Mr Burton was formerly a Pensions Specialist working in expensive Mayfair and Old Bailey before turning his back on that life, becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses, selling up and moving to Brotton. "It was quite a culture shock," he said. "I used to get on the same train everyday. For thirteen years, I saw the same faces day in, day out, week after week but I never spoke to a single person, nor they to me. Ten minutes in Brotton and everyone knows your life story," he joked with us.
He and his wife Jackie have founded Burton's Bangers under the slogan "An Old Fashioned Taste of Quality and Value." They supply a superb range of homemade sausages and traditional bacon direct to customers' homes, via their trusty Landrover (serviced and maintained by friendly local firm PVH Landrovers).
It has taken them around two years to get the venture off the ground and Mr Burton was at pains to stress how instrumental various people had been, including Mr Duckworth. "The first person we spoke to was Senior Enforcement Officer Derek McGurl," explained Mr Burton. "He was very keen to see us succeed, but knew that in order to meet current EU regulations, we would need to convert and fully equip our former workshop at the back of our house into a modern food preparation area. However, being in a residential area, we would need to somehow obtain change of use planning permission, which obviously would be hard to achieve."
After much communication and a very open minded approach by Mr Duckworth, Planning Permission was eventually granted, subject to a long string of restrictions put in place to avoid undue interference or loss of amenity to local residents. These have included a stringent restriction on the processing capacity of the venture, the hours of operation and very strict rules on the treatment and removal of any waste.
Mr Burton explained, "So many people complain about the quality and price of food from supermarkets. Having learnt the skills of sausage and bacon making from practise, experimentation and remembering how my Grandad did things (a butcher all his life), we have come up with a range of products which will hopefully really please the very small number of customers we will be able to provide for."
Dave and Jackie are able to offer a free home delivery service of home cured bacon from £5.00 per kilo and five flavours of sausages in various forms, from patties to fit into breakfast buns, through breakfast sausages and on to full size bangers, all at just at £2.20lb delivered. They also offer a selection of both homemade vegetarian and gluten free sausages. To order, call them on 01287 678141 and they will be happy to send you a full menu.
"There are so many people to thank for helping getting us started" said Mr Burton, "Not least Robert and Tim Wessenfelder of Wessenfelders in Middlesborogh who have always treated us with such kindness and respect, right from our first sausage. Also David Hitchens from LEGI and our Bank Manager Mike Pearce at Nat West who have helped us fund the project, but most of all, without Derek McGurl and Robert Duckworth we would not be able to get off the ground legally. We are an unusual project in that we are going back to a time where profit isn't the main aim, having a quiet little business providing a really good local product we can be proud off is the real satisfaction."
We wish them well.
Ideas are being sought from the public on how Saltburn should mark next year’s 150th anniversary of its birth in the Victorian era. Members of the Saltburn Community and Arts Association are planning events to mark the arrival of the first steam train in Saltburn, so opening the town for development.
Organisers are asking anyone interested to email ideas to Wilma Gardiner-Gill at the community association office to be ready for the group’s next meeting on Wednesday at 7.30pm.
Association chairman, Councillor Philip Thomson, said ideas already include a photographic booklet, films and photos from the past, lighting Huntcliff, a steam train visit, a firework display and competitions.
Cllr Thomson said: “We want to encourage more involvement by individuals and groups. The community association has not set itself up to be the lead organisation. There needs to be one in place to access funding.
“We have started to put together a bid to go to the EC-funded Leader project to co-ordinate and plan activities.” One idea was to improve Hazelgrove - “putting the hazel back into Hazelgrove,” said Cllr Thomson.
Possible problems raised included the lack of parking space in town and health and safety restrictions affecting events like a carnival.
The anniversary of the first steam train arriving from Darlington was August 17, 1861. Building of the first houses followed quickly.
Contact the association at art@scaa.fslife.co.uk, call 01287 624997, or drop in at the Albion Terrace any weekday morning.
Saltburn's determined methodist congregation has been dubbed the best in the North-east at caring for their place of worship.
Saltburn’s Milton Street Methodist Church has been presented with the title by English Heritage as part of their latest campaign. And the church’s membership, some of whom have been associated with the church for more than 50 years, are delighted.
Carol Pyrah, English Heritage regional director, visited the church last week to officially make the presentation.
In 2007, English Heritage granted the church £63,000, which members used to repair the church tower.
Now the regional award means they have donated a set of postcards of the church, which can be sold to raise cash locally.
Expert photos have also been taken which can be used to publicise the church and its fundraising activities.
Carol said: “What strikes you immediately when you visit this church and its church hall is that something positive is happening everywhere. Its buildings are used seven days a week for many community activities and age groups. This church is a very vibrant part of the community and very involved in local fundraising. This award is part of our Caring For Places of Worship scheme.”
The original chapel was built on Milton Street in 1865 and the present attached church was added in 1905.
Alan Richmond, church treasurer, said: “We’re delighted to receive this award - it’s a feather in our cap for all the hard fundraising work we’ve done. We’re currently trying to obtain grants from other sources for better heating for the church and church hall and to lower the ceiling in the upper hall to help reduce our carbon footprint.”
The church hall hosts coffee mornings, bazaars, a photography club, choirs and a variety of meetings.
Sainsbury’s opened the doors to a new store in Saltburn today, creating 39 new jobs. The former Somerfield store, which Sainsbury’s has expanded to add services and shop space, was opened by the Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Councillor Ray Goddard.
All 52 members of the Somerfield team were retained at the new 11,000 sq ft store, which has been extended to incorporate more fresh food and an increased range of produce, a deli, bakery and hot food to go. It will also sell CDs, DVDs and games in addition to offering an ATM machine, 118 parking spaces and as of next week, fish and meat counters.
As always, Sainsbury’s will be working hard to become part of the community through its Local Charity programme as well as linking with schools and organisations throughout the year. The store has already started building a relationship with Saltburn Learning Campus, and has donated £500 towards buying hanging baskets and a raffle donation for Saltburn in Bloom.
The store’s manager is Michael Watkiss, who has worked for Sainsbury’s for 28 years and is the former manager of the Northallerton branch. He said: “We’re delighted to be bringing not only more jobs to Saltburn, but also more choice than customers have previously had in this location. It’s fantastic to be a part of Saltburn and we’re looking forward to working closely with the community in things such as the upcoming folk festival. We’re looking forward to getting to know our customers and the town over the coming months.”
The Saltburn store address is: Milton Street, Saltburn by the Sea, Redcar, Cleveland, TS12 1AE
Telephone: 01287 704701
Opening hours are Monday-Friday 08.00-22.00, Saturday 08.00-21.00, and Sunday 10.00-16.00.
The White House building, opposite the pier, is now fully occupied, the final business unit having been opened in May.
Originally built through a £1 million Rural Challenge Scheme run by the Conservative Government in the mid 1990's, the building, which has been ready for use since 2002, has suffered numerous problems and has recently undergone a major repair and maintainance programme.
The final unit, 'Surf's Up', has been taken on by Vic Vernon, whose family has been working at Saltburn Beach for decades. The unit has been opened as an ice cream parlour and cafe.
'Surf's Up' shares the White House building with 'Charlie Don't Surf', a physical training operation and shop selling power kites, beach toys and camping gear, and 'The Sea View' fish restaurant and takeaway.
In addition, surfers have a toilet block and the Redcar and Cleveland Council runs a community room on the top floor. The key can be booked through the council's call centre on 01642 774774.
FoodFirst, The Allotments Association and the Community Meal Group are working together to host a Town Meal in Saltburn on Sunday, 12th September. The aim is to have a themed walk from town to the Wildlife Garden where the meal will take place. Everyone is welcome to join in and if you, or your group, would like to be involved in the planning please see Sue Featherstone at the allotment containers on a Sunday morning or email Rose on rose.foodfirst@gmail.com
All Welcome.
A soap star is due to grace the stage in a new theatre show in Saltburn.
Roberta Kerr, of Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Brookside and The Archers, is due to star alongside Gerry Hinks in Elsie & Norm’s Macbeth.
The comedy will be performed at Saltburn Community Theatre on Thursday, June 17, at 7.30pm. There’ll also be a chance for a member of the audience to join in.
Tickets are £9 from Saltburn Health Foods, in Station Square. You can also call 07986122300 or email info@planetrabbit.co.uk
Inspired by England kicking-off their World Cup campaign against the USA on the same day, stallholders at Saltburn's bustling Farmers' Market are bringing out the bunting for a World Cup Special this Saturday along with a clutch of brand new World Cup treats.
Market co-ordinator Lorna Jackson said: "Saltburn Farmers Market has a real community ethos - a day for everyone to get into the spirit of things - and what's better at bringing people together than England having a fantastic World Cup? So we thought we'd get stuck in and give our June Market a real footballing flavour to help set the scene."
Standing alongside the Market's ever-popular mix of organic meat, game, fish, cheese, organic fruit and vegetables, wine, pies, cakes and craft works, Lorna highlighted some of the stallholders' special World Cup wonders.
Lorna said: "Fancy Fudge love Peter Crouch and have created 'Crouch' s Cranberry Fudge,' a tall fancy white chocolate fudge, with a cranberry topping forming the cross of St George.
Real Meals are going straight to the top with a Fabio Capello World Cup Pie. That's a Veal and Ham Pie to you and me - a tradition amongst Italians - and definitely something to munch your way through while watching the match.
Cottage Cakes are making a special 'Rooney's Raspberry Tart,' and Ledston Game have come up with a gorgeous Game & Chilli Sausage - definitely one for the bbq!
And, if we're looking at the cup itself, Saltburn based Dragonfly Bakery have come up with a top bunch of World Cup cupcakes - a bag of your 'favourite four' cup cakes tied in World Cup ribbons.
Basically, we reckon the more you eat, the better chance England have of winning. Call it a good luck charm, but that'll be our motto for the day and we're sticking with it," said Lorna.
"As ever, we'll have a great family atmosphere, and we're looking forward to another fantastic day. So hop on the train to Saltburn and join the fun."
Saltburn Farmers' Market 'World Cup Special' takes place in Saltburn Portico, near Saltburn Railway Station, between 9am-3pm on Saturday June 12.
The council have suggested having a glass door on the mortuary with a light inside and appropriate signage until such time as a scheme for the whole area is carried out. A boat has been donated by Paul Stevenson of Castlegate Marine,Stockton.
The Smugglers Centre remains closed. The current lease expires in about 18 months and attempts are being made to set up a Friends Group to hopefully work with the council to attempt to re-open the museum. Forms are available from Mike Gosnay (Spar, Saltburn)for expressions of support.
Michael Portillo's great train journey into Britain's nooks and crannies - with a timetable from 1839 as his companion - comes to Saltburn this summer.
Victorian cartographer George Bradshaw created the world’s first book of railway timetables in 1839, making sense of the services offered by Britain’s 150 competing rail companies. His yellow bound guides were so common that to Victorians and Edwardians any timetable was known as ‘a Bradshaw’.
Micheal admitted:"I'd only heard of him from Sherlock Holmes. When Sherlock Holmes gets a new case which involves him travelling across the country, he says to Watson 'get the Bradshaw' - it was obviously absolutely essential to Victorians, for the timetables. There were many different local railway companies and originally they would just put up their timetable at the local station. Bradshaw was the first person to compile the timetables. Before that, he'd mapped the railways, and before that, he'd mapped the canals. What we're using is a subsequent development from all that, his handbook, a guidebook that's laid out in terms of routes. Bradshaw tells you where to go and where to stay but, unlike a modern guidebook, it's full of opinion. He celebrates engineering, he celebrates science, London, the greatest city that has EVER existed... And also opinions on some things that he thinks are fantastic: there will suddenly be two paragraphs on a hotel he stayed at and how wonderful the proprietress is!"
Following in Bradshaw's footsteps Michael Portillo is venturing on a journey from Tynemouth arriving in Saltburn this June. A preliminary visit has already been made and the BBC2 programme is due to be aired sometime next year.
A mix up with signage at Saltburn’s Valley Gardens car park led some motorists to be confused as to whether Bank Holiday parking was free or not on May 3. After a number of queries a Redcar and Cleveland Council spokesman admitted that one sign said people had to pay on Bank Holidays, whereas another said in error that parking was free on Bank Holidays and Sundays. He said: “There was new signage put in place prior to the last Bank Holiday and, unfortunately, some people parking in Saltburn did get conflicting messages. Anyone who contacts us about parking tickets they received in error on this occasion will, of course, have them cancelled. We apologise for the mistake and have quickly arranged for the sign to be corrected.” However, to clarify matters, the council points out that on the forthcoming Bank Holiday Monday, May 31st, all motorists using local car parks must pay to park as normal.
Over the past year, staff and customers at Sainsbury’s Local in Station Street, Saltburn, have held tombolas, raffles and even swam a mile each to raise funds for Redcar RNLI raising £2,650 for its adopted lifeboat station. Star fundraiser was Sainsbury’s worker Judith Clements who, with her home-made cakes going down a treat, spent more than 100 hours volunteering and managed to raise an incredible £1,800. Thanks to Sainsbury’s matched giving scheme ‘Local Heroes’, Judith increased the amount raised by an extra £200. Sainsbury’s duty manager Mark Patton said: “We are very proud to have colleagues like Judith who are so dedicated to helping out in the local community. She is an inspiration.” RNLI Redcar lifeboat treasurer Peter Haslett said: “We really appreciate the effort put in by everyone, and especially by Judith.”
A Saltburn artist and photographer is celebrating winning a top national award - and searching for his mystery subject so that he can offer him a limited edition photo print of the shot to say thanks.
Glenn Humphrey, based at SaltburnArtistsProject, beat more than 1,600 entrants to take top spot in the Best Landscape category in the ‘britainis’ contest organised by istockphoto and The Guardian.
The winning photo features a man throwing a stick for his dogs. Glenn said: “I’d love to know who the man in the photo is, and where he’s from. He could be local, as his dogs are obviously not scared of running towards the sea.But, as the photo was taken last summer, he could just as easily be from anywhere else in the world and simply passing through.”
The winning photo was taken at 11.30am on August 19 last year, and Glenn admits he really hadn’t expected to win the contest. The photo : 'Time out - Saltburn Beach' is £79 a print available at ArtsBank, 29 Milton Street, Saltburn.
Saltburn continues to celebrate the centenary of the historic building at the Community Theatre on Wednesday, April 28, by extending a special invitation to Redcar and Cleveland mayor Brian Briggs. He will formally commemorate the event by officially opening the refurbished theatre doors which have had stained glass windows rebuilt by Chloe Buck and Veronica Bolland. They have also created four new stained glass windows within the auditorium doors, which will also be formally opened. This weekend the former Methodist chapel will again host a Methodist service. The dedication to the chapel first took place on April 28, 1910, and the Rev Chris Eddy will conduct a special service on Sunday at 6.30pm. All denominations are welcome and Edwardian dress is encouraged to celebrate the centenary.
Denis Sewell, chairman of Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council officially opened the Saltburn Community and Arts Association Centenary Exhibition at the town’s Community Hall last week. It is 100 years since the former Methodist Church, now Saltburn's Community Hall and Theatre, was first opened on the corner of Windsor Road and Albion Terrace. The foundation stone of the building was laid in 1909 and it was opened on April 28, 1910. The building was a place of worship for Primitive Methodists until 1969 when a dwindling congregation prompted a merge with the Wesleyan Chapel in Milton Street. The exhibition celebrated the history of the building with fascinating items and period local photos. Saltburn Arts Association arts development promoter Wilma Gardiner-Gill said: “Since 1970, an ever increasing community use has been found for the premises which have been sensitively adapted and modernised while retaining many original features, which allowed a listed building status in 1999.” Cllr Sewell and his wife Julia have been enthusiastic supporters of the association for many years. At the opening, he praised the “wonderful volunteers” who continue to provide a marvellous programme of events, year in year out. Following the exhibition the association has also planned a year-long programme of events. Highlights include free monthly recitals at the on-site community theatre and the arrival of actors Robert Powell and Gabrielle Drake for a show - 100 Years of the Silver Screen - as part of the Annual Film Festival on May 15th. Souvenir centenary calendars are still available from SCAA Ltd priced £1.
A wave of world class surfers will be rolling into Saltburn next month for a prestigious national competition. Saltburn, as one of the region’s best-known surf spots, is to host the opening round of the UK Professional Surf Tour. On May 15 and 16 more than 100 of the country’s top talents will be riding the waves as the competition visits the seaside resort for the first time. The announcement is a real coup for Saltburn, as the eyes of the surfing world will be focused on the town. Zoee Smith, an instructor at Saltburn Surf School, says she hopes people watching the performers will want to have a go themselves. Zoee commented that Saltburn was currently listed in national rankings as being in the top ten places to surf in the UK and that the opening round of the UK Professional Surf Tour would really promote the area as a great surfing destination. The board surfers will be followed the week after by kite surfers as the British Kite Surfing Championship returns to Redcar.
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust is celebrating the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity by hosting a wildlife gardening celebration event on Sunday, April 25 at Margrove Park Heritage Centre, between Guisborough and Boosebeck, from 10am to 4pm.
This free drop-in event will provide an opportunity to find out how to improve your garden or allotment for wildlife. The day will include a host of activities ranging from growing and using herbs, tips on creating a wildlife pond for frogs and newts, growing vegetables in tubs and selecting plants for a nectar garden for bees and butterflies.
Among the first pieces to be showcased at the new ArtsBank commercial gallery opened this bank holiday in Saltburn is the exhibition 'Death of Steel', featuring artworks relating to the current situation facing Teesside’s steel industry. The exhibition will run for six months. The new venue aims to champion the enormous and rich crop of northern artistic talent. ArtsBank has been 12 months in the planning with six months of hard work required to transform the derelict bank into a gallery space. “It’s nice to be finally launching,” said Bryan Goodall. “Our aim is to feature work by artists from Newcastle to York. There’s so much great work being done in our area.” Work on show at ArtsBank will not be exclusively from the North, but future shows will focus on major creative figures, most of whose work has its roots in the region.
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council opened the combined library and Tourist Information Centre in Saltburn over the four days of the Easter weekend. The library is now home to the TIC, moved from its location in the town's Station Buildings, creating a new dual facility. The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Sheelagh Clarke explained: "It's something we have planned to do for quite some time and we're delighted we have managed to do it in Saltburn. It will be the first time we've opened a library across a Bank Holiday weekend and we're pleased our staff have helped us achieve that. Hopefully, it will be of benefit to both residents and visitors alike and it's something we hope to offer other areas in the future."
ArtsBank is a major new artistic initiative, privately funded, and based on Teesside. Successful local businessman Bryan Goodall (FRSA and chairman of the Hambleton Group) has assembled a group of like-minded directors, and has formed ArtsBank, with a £600k initial investment. ArtsBank is a Community Interest Company, and it aims to give a massive boost to the work of creative people across the north east, and beyond. At its April opening, ArtsBank will showcase more than fifty visual artists. They are the cream of an enormous and rich crop of northern talent: painters, photographers, sculptors and craftspeople, from all generations. Some are renowned. Some are neglected. Some are unknown. But all deserve the widest exposure.
The Profile Gallery, Saltburn, is currently showing work by the late Austrian-born American press photographer Weegee, the first time his pictures have been exhibited on Teesside. The show is part of the gallery’s link with Amber, the film and photography collective based at Side Gallery in Newcastle, which has an extensive archive, including one of the best collections of Weegee’s work in the world. Born Usher Fellig, Weegee captured the gritty underbelly of 1930s’ and 1940s’ New York, earning his nickname because he was usually first on the scene with his small Speed Graphic camera. His photographs capture decisive moments, from gangland hits to women attending opera and children playing with water from a fire hydrant on the lower east side. He was famous for his crimescene work, but also recorded all aspects of life as social documentary, often with humour and irony. The exhibition runs until June 5, with 30 images on display, including pictures of Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.
Two dog walkers sparked a rescue mission when they were cut off by the incoming tide tide at Huntcliff. One of them was able to dial 999 from his mobile and both RNLI lifeboats from Redcar were launched, at about 3.30pm yesterday. Both men, together with Staffordshire terrier Shelley, were rescued from the cliff bottom before being transferred to the Redcar lifeboat. They said, "We'd gone for a walk along the shore from Saltburn towards the cliffs. When we realised we were trapped we called the coastguard and they sent the lifeboat. The ride back to Redcar in the lifeboat was a bit scary - like a rollercoaster!" They were taken back to Redcar's lifeboat station and treated for the effects of the cold. A Sea King rescue helicopter from RAF Leconfield had also been dispatched but was turned round when the men were rescued by the lifeboat. Cameron Bond, helmsman of the Redcar inshore lifeboat Jacky Hunsley, said, "The job was relatively straightforward, but they were glad to see us. We get called to this point a lot of times, so we're well-practised at getting people out safely. Huntcliff is a notorious point, and dozens of people have been rescued over the years. Anyone walking the beach should carefully check the tide times and leave plenty of time to get away safely." With this incident counting as two call-outs because both boats were launched, it already makes it, with five jobs, the busiest start to a year in the lifeboat station's 208-year history.
Overnight snow failed to stop a plucky band of swimmers from enjoying the now annual New Year’s Day dip in icy sea water. About ten hardy people, dressed mainly in t-shirts and leggings, welcomed 2010 by wading into the North Sea to raise money for Saltburn Animal Rescue Association (Sara). Association chairwoman Ann Prosser said she was amazed that, despite the bad weather, more than 50 supporters also turned up to cheer them on. A beach collection raised £80 for the association, which will go towards the Foxrush Farm Sanctuary and Rehoming Centre in Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar. "As an animal sanctuary, we would not manage without the generosity of the public and we are so grateful for that.”
