James Arthur The #Homecoming

The last time James Arthur played at Saltburn's Victoria pub he had a fiver in his pocket and performed to 15 people.

But yesterday, it was very different.

Firstly, it was standing room only inside the Dundas Street East pub where family and friends gathered and waited for his arrival. Secondly, he arrived with a rather special lady on his arm - Pussycat Doll and X Factor mentor, Nicole Scherzinger.

And last but not least they arrived on a pair of £25,000 Harley-Davidson motorbikes - Nicole's had a heated seat - and were immediately mobbed by hundreds of screaming fans.



Heading the queue to meet James were his family. His mum Shirls Ashworth beamed: “It’s incredible - so many people. Last time he played here he had 15 people watching him."

“But he plays with his heart and soul, whether it’s for 15 people or 5,000.”

James admitted he could not believe the turnout and said: “I just want to thank all the fans for their support."

"I am so excited to be back, it has been amazing.”

Nicole joined James in The Vic where she went behind the bar to pull a pint, she also tucked in to some fish and chips and sampled the compulsory Teesside parmo, declaring she liked it (also compulsory) and generally enchanted everyone.

James also delighted the party by performing two songs - Adele’s Hometown Glory and one of his own compositions, Faded, with Nicole joining in.



Afterwards the X Factor bikers were off on their travels again - all the way to the next street for lunch at Rapps cafe bar in Milton Street.



Then it was back to James’s seafront bedsit and a view of the seafront for a bit of TV filming before heading off to Middlesbrough for James town hall gig.



James has also revealed that this time last year he was struggling with depression while he was living alone in his Saltburn bedsit. But now he credits the ITV1 hit show with helping him to beat depression for good.

"Back then I was suffering severe depression. I had just given up on a lot of things, I gave up on myself. I didn't want to leave the house, I couldn't get out of bed. I always had a lot of faith in myself as a singer-songwriter but not as a person. I had nothing in common with the world at all."

He didn't like the way his prescribed anti-depressants made him feel, so stopped taking them - his friends and family rallied around him and persuaded him to audition for The X Factor instead.

Returning home has helped him to step back from The X Factor bubble and realise how far he has come.

He said: “It’s surreal. This time last year I was looking out at the sea from the pier and thinking I’d never fulfil my purpose in life and now I’m here with Nicole Scherzinger at my homecoming.”

James is also playing down his new reputation as a ladies' man and his recent success with the girls. He said: "I'm not complaining about the ladies. Since I've been on the show I've been clubbing three times."

"One was a publicity thing and the other two were when I'd been grafting too hard and needed to blow off some steam and I just went a bit too far on both occasions."

It’s now got me a ‘womaniser’ tag. I’m cool with it but I’m under no illusions that I’m some heart-throb.”



The extended homecoming interview with James Arthur.

James Arthur, the Homecoming at Saltburn and Middlesbrough.

Go James Arthur...

The mysterious Saltburn Yarnbombers have struck again.

This time, their target is the X Factor star James Arthur who comes from the Saltburn.

Two locations within the town have each received an anonymous package in the post containing a knitted representation of the singer.




Both Rapp's cafe on Milton Street and the Victoria public house, who have offered James huge support throughout the competition, have received a figure.

The '53 in October - Twelfth Night

Although the nights are drawing in, ’53 members have their sights firmly fixed on the end of winter – more specifically, the Twelfth Night Feast which, in Shakespeare’s time, would have marked the end of the Winter Festival.

At the beginning of the Twelfth Night merrymaking, a cake that contained a bean was eaten. The person who found the bean would become the Lord of Misrule and the normal social order was reversed – for the duration of the feast, peasants became overlords and nobles became peasants. At midnight, as in many well-loved tales, the world would return to normal.

Shakespeare’s play, in which the heroine spends most of her time dressed as a man, and a servant believes that he can win the hand of a noblewoman clearly exploits this tradition, and it was written to be performed, we believe, at a Twelfth Night’s entertainment in 1602. And four hundred and ten years later, as the culmination of our collaboration with the RSC Open Stages project we bring it to you on the Saltburn stage, from the 17th to the 20th October.

Our Twelfth Night contains all those elements of misrule which you would expect from a production of the play – and a few more besides! One of our challenges has been to restore our award-winning extract (Oh, oh,
Malvolio!) to its rightful place within the full play and to extend the fun and the mischief of the comic trio, Sir Toby, his dim-witted sidekick, Sir Andrew and the ever- resourceful Maria.

The music, which was a key feature of the extract, is equally important in the full production and audiences can expect a range from beautiful madrigal to foot-tapping music hall, in the play to which Shakespeare himself gave the most music.

For us, the music hall tradition was particularly resonant, permeated as it was with a sense of transgression and an ability to mock the established social order without giving any real offence. And of course it does contain some of the most suggestive lines in vocal music...!

In the best tradition of misrule, you can expect to see a very different Twelfth Night but one which aims to preserve the essential spirit of the original. Both youth and adult members of the company promise you a lively and entertaining evening, with the colourful costumes, musical talent and imaginative set design of a ’53 Shakespeare production.

Come along – you are warmly invited to take part in the fun and merrymaking which will banish the early winter chills!

Sue

The Sound of Silence at the Vic

What is The Sound Of Silence? Tinnitus aside, we’re a small non profit promotions team based in Saltburn that are aiming to bring some fantastic musicians and great nights to our town!

Inspired by Newcastle’s Polite Room, where an audience is required to listen to the music and not chatter non stop throughout, Ben Muriel and Emma Wales set up this special, relaxed night and it has proved to be a success so far. We already have a firm, loyal crowd who trust in what we are trying to do.

So far we have brought you Barry Hyde - the lead singer out of the highly acclaimed band The Futureheads - who entertained us tremendously!

And last month Eliza Carthy and Saul Rose provided us with a magical evening with surely some of the finest music ever heard in this town! Not a dry eye was in the house and what applause at the end! A full house was had on both occasions and well, if you weren’t there, you missed out!

And so to October. On Friday, 12th October, we bring to the town some of the finest, young, original talents in the country!

FRAN SMITH is an extraordinary singer/songwriter pianist from Yorkshire. She really is a fantastic talent and we’re lucky to have her come here to entertain us!
Seriously, you will kick yourself if you miss Fran - she is amazing!

“Fran Smith writes like she means it: refreshingly uncompromising, with an honesty that is both brutal and beautiful. Singing with unflinching commitment... it’s a performance that is utterly disarming in its naked candour.” ~ Mike Wilson, Folk Radio UK

“Your voice is gorgeous and your songs are really, really good. Thank you so much for your talent and sharing it with the world!” ~ Joan As Police Woman.

“It’s really exciting to discover a songwriting talent as intelligent and insightful as Fran Smith, who knows how to sing her own stories with such conviction and grace.” ~ Karine Polwart

“[Fran’s songs] absolutely blew me away... serious talent, lady!” ~ Thea Gilmore.

“There’s a stark, poignant beauty and a wealth of emotion and maturity in her Yorkshire-accented singing.” ~ Debbie Koritsas, The Living Tradition.

“Yeah, she’s good!” ~ Dave Stewart (Eurythmics)

“Lovely songs. Really lovely.” ~ Devon Sproule

BLUE ROSE CODE, from Edinburgh, have some beautiful, gentle, thought provoking contemporary folk songs. From the first second I heard them I knew they were perfect for our SOS nights! Here’s what the press have to say:

“A superb singer, songwriter and guitarist. Beautiful songs, a genuine pleasure to have been involved.” Danny Thompson.

“Blue Rose Code have written all of your new favourite songs, trust me.” Tom Rose, The Big Session Festival

“Ross Wilson’s mellifluous voice and fluid fingerpicking cast him as the natural successor to John Martyn.” Rick Pearson, The Evening Standard.

And finally, THE ROOK AND THE RAVENS from Manchester, will open the night on the 12th October. Fully electric they are an incendiary band, fully acoustic they are awesome! We’re getting the acoustic set, harmonies that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention!

More press:
Rook and The Ravens’ alternative rock bristles with dark intent amidst a technicolour landscape populated by tough guitar pop, shiny harmonies and several storeys of keyboards built on an unwavering rhythm foundation.
2009’s self-released debut album Sixteen Holes in Sixteen Souls set the scene for the new band, marrying pop hooks with a brooding melancholy. Received well by media and fans alike, lead single Alpha was played extensively on both local, national and international radio and gave the band a solid platform reinforced by relentless tour dates and festivals all over the UK and Ireland.

So that's three bands / artists for the bargain price of £6.00.
FRAN SMITH
BLUE ROSE CODE
THE ROOK AND THE RAVENS
Friday 12th October Upstairs at The Vic
Come, be a part of Saltburn’s most exciting night!
We look forward to welcoming you to The Sound Of Silence.

Cleveland CAMRA'S 3rd Saltburn Beer Festival

This year’s festival, which takes place on 16th and 17th of November in the Community & Arts Centre in Albion Terrace, will once again feature ales from some of our local breweries among the 36 cask conditioned real ales on offer.

Although we are still in the planning stage we hope to have beers from the following local breweries. Conquest of Whitby which opened earlier this year producing, initially, Broadsword; Marsden of Hartlepool, a micro brewery that was part of Camerons but is now in private hands; Redscar, which opened in 2008 based in the Cleveland Hotel, Redcar, who brew ‘Poison’, a beer hopefully named after the phrase ‘what’s your poison!’ Staithes Brewery of the Captain Cook Hotel, brewers of the ‘Boulby’ range of ales; the recently opened Truefitt of Middlesbrough and Wainstones of Stokesley.

Alongside what we hope will be an excellent range of real ales from around the country will be real cider and perry, and locally produced wines. We would like you to come along and try our cask conditioned real ales and in doing so support both the Saltburn Community & Arts Centre and Cleveland CAMRA. The glasses, featuring the cliff lift, will be marked in thirds and halves of a pint which will enable you to try a good selection of our beers, the majority of which are not normally available in this area.

Opening times are 11am – 4:30pm admission £1.50 CAMRA members free and 6pm – 11pm admission £3.50 CAMRA members £2.50. Hot food, snacks and soft drinks will be on sale at all sessions. Evening tickets are on sale at Whistle Stop Wines in Saltburn Square and Saltburn Community & Arts Association.
www.saltburnarts.co.uk, tel: 01287 624997.

For further information visit the Cleveland CAMRA website at www.clevelandcamra.org.uk.

Sharon Shannon heads for Saltburn

Legendary Irish musician Sharon Shannon is heading to Saltburn! The gig at the Community Theatre, on Saturday, 24th November, will see Sharon’s four piece band play hits from her extensive back catalogue, and as well there’ll be new songs from her album Flying Circus.

Best known for the Steve Earle track Galway Girl, Sharon has recorded and toured with an impressive who’s who of Irish and global musicians including Bono, Adam Clayton, Sinead O’Connor, Imelda May, Willie Nelson, Jackson Browne, John Prine, Steve Earle, Mark Knopfler, Alison Krauss and Shane MacGowan.

The multi award winning, platinum selling accordionist is renowned for her collaborations, not just in Irish traditional music, but through all musical genres - Hip-Hop, Cajun, Country, Classical and Rap.

She has played for US Presidents Clinton and Obama, been awarded a lifetime achievement award and had multi-platinum album sales including several number one albums and singles in Ireland.

Support comes from hotly tipped Canadian Andrew James O’Brien.

Tickets are £15.00 from Saltburn Health Food Shop or online at www.saltburnarts.co.uk

Rescue drama near Saltburn Cliff Lift

A man who went chasing after his escaped dog sparked a dramatic rescue operation when he fell down a Saltburn cliff and knocked himself unconscious.

Firefighters joined police and ambulance personnel in the search after reports that a man had disappeared down the side of the upper promenade near the junction of Amber Street and Marine Parade shortly after 10.39pm on Monday night.

A fire crew from Saltburn used a thermal image camera and lighting in the search. They were joined by the police helicopter, which is also equipped with heat-seeking equipment. The man was found in the dense undergrowth.





Police said the 32-year-old man had been for a night out drinking before returning home.

His dog escaped and he chased it, only to slip and fall over the railings near the cliff lift when he ran after it.

As the man lay unconscious on the steep, bramble-strewn bank, several other men who had been drinking were discouraged by police from going to his rescue.

Cleveland Fire Brigade sent a crew from Saltburn fire station to rescue the man, who was found in undergrowth with the assistance of the police helicopter.

The rescue team used ropes, a thermal imaging camera and flashlights in the dramatic rescue operation.

The unconscious man was then placed on a spinal board and lifted back up to a waiting ambulance.




He came around in the ambulance and was taken to James Cook University Hospital with injuries described as “not life-threatening”.

He complained of a headache and had suffered several grazes to his body. He remained in the Middlesbrough hospital where his condition was described as stable.

Local photographer Ian Forsyth, who witnessed the dramatic rescue, praised the emergency services for the way they handled the incident.

He said: “It was a very good job that the emergency services did across the board. There were people on the lower promenade and people on the upper prom and they all did a really good job.

“You could see them battling through the dense undergrowth of brambles. They weren’t the easiest conditions to work in, but they found him and got him sorted.”

Saltburn - A Town with Unique Charms

This article appeared in North East Liferecently:

If you’re concerned that England is losing its eccentricity amid all those bland American malls and chain stores, get yourself to Saltburn. The place has enough quirks and kinks to restore your faith in English idiosyncrasy.

Take the mysterious Saltburn yarnbombers. One morning in March, the town awoke to discover an entire Olympics created in wool wrapped around the pier. There were knitted gymnasts and weightlifters, hurdlers and canoeists in the 50-yard-long creation.




A few weeks later the yarnbombers struck again. This time it was a Diamond Jubilee tribute, with the woolly Queen depicted in a number of outfits, several corgis and Princess Beatrice and her mad hat. On both occasions thousands of people flocked to Saltburn to witness the woolly works.

And this is only the latest manifestation of Saltburn’s enjoyably odd way of doing things.

‘The turning point was in the early eighties,' recalls parish councillor and community activist Jim Wingham. ‘The council funded a Victorian weekend. People took it to their bosom and they dressed up.'

‘People would walk along the prom then go in the pubs and have a drink. Then, many years ago, a chap had an idea of forming a Victorian football club. They dressed up in Victorian clothes and they all stuck on false moustaches and they played football on the beach.’

Over the years the Saltburn Victorian Footballers raised thousands for local youth groups in the town. And their exploits inspired a gala day with a duck derby and aircraft display, this year attracting 20,000 to the town.
Jim believes these adventures are sparked by a special community spirit – the same spirit which has helped to preserve and restore the town since he first clapped eyes on it 42 years ago.

‘I fell in love with Saltburn, even though she was a lady with mucky skirts. The pier and everything was neglected,’ said Jim, who is now 71.
‘But the view from the top prom across to Huntcliff is one of the iconic views of England. It’s my favourite view.’

Today, he says, ‘she’s wearing newer clothes and make-up’, thanks to investment and hard work. And the proud townsfolk are responsible.
‘The community work together. We have litter picks. We’ve been very successful in Britain In Bloom. They’re very dedicated people, and if you suggest there are too many hanging baskets they look at you with looks that could kill,’ jokes Jim.

If any part of the town’s heritage comes under threat, the town rallies. He became involved in the parish council after forming Save Our Saltburn, a campaign to preserve the railway station. A similar crusade kept open Huntcliff School which went on to grow and prosper.

Wilma Gardiner-Gill, arts development promoter at Saltburn Community and Arts Association, has a similar story to tell.

‘There’s a huge community element in the town, campaigning to save things. The junior school would probably have been flats by now, but the town got together and saved it.

‘And that happens all the time. There’s Friends of the Pier, Friends of the Valley Gardens, lots of pockets of groups, a real community base.’
The reprieved junior school will re-open in autumn as a sister venue to the Saltburn Arts Theatre and Community Hall.



‘It’s over a hundred years old so the rooms are huge,’ Wilma said. ‘There is going to be a town archive there. There’ll be a rehearsal space, costume storage, a skateboard park, lots of exhibition space. We’re going to be very busy.’

Make that busier. Saltburn Community and Arts Association already stages a list of events which is as broad as it is long.

There are monthly jazz nights and an annual music competition, a film society with more than 200 members and a yearly film festival, popular comedy nights every month, local bands and big bands, magic and cabaret.

The Saltburn Folk Festival takes over the town for three days in August and there are regular art and photographic competitions.

Clearly it’s a creative place. ‘There’s a huge pool of artists,’ Wilma agrees. ‘And not just painters. There are also lots of writers.'

‘I’ve been here 15 years, and it’s always had that reputation. I don’t know why. Perhaps it’s because we’re right next to the sea and a beautiful beach, we’ve got history and minutes away you’re on the moors.’

Plenty of famous names have been lured to Saltburn too, she said. ‘At our first film festival six years ago, Barry Norman came along. He’s a really lovely man. We’ve had Honor Blackman too and Eric Knowles came and did an antiques thing for us.’

Last year the town responded with customary enthusiasm to Saltburn 150, a year-long festival to mark the 150th anniversary of the railway arriving. There were lectures, a beer festival, a beach spectacular and the creation of special mosaics depicting life in the town.

Wilma secured funding to commission a filmmaker to capture the celebrations, and the Saltburn 150 movie was due to be shown for the first time at the town film festival in late August.

‘He’s filmed something like 70 hours of footage and he’s somehow condensed that into an hour and a half,’ she said.

No doubt the film provides an excellent snapshot of Saltburn. But you need a lot longer than 90 minutes to get to know this remarkable seaside town in all its eccentric glory.

Sherlock homes in on clues left by the Romans in Loftus.

The following article by Chris Webber appeared in the Northern Echo today:

An archaeologist has unearthed a Roman villa close to where he found a buried Saxon princess five years ago.




The newly-discovered site, dating back to about 370AD, belonged to an important Romano-British chieftain.

Two rooms have already been excavated by archaeologist Steve Sherlock, who discovered priceless Saxon princess jewels and artefacts in 2007.

He says there are perhaps 20 more rooms still to be uncovered at the site in Loftus, near Saltburn, East Cleveland.

A large paved area with a room about ten metres by six metres has so far been found, together with a second smaller room to the east, with a paved area leading from the other room.

Pottery and other artefacts have been discovered, which suggest the villa is more than 16 centuries old. Mr Sherlock, 58, of Redcar, said: “This villa, part of an agricultural estate, is of national importance.

It's very rare in the North of England and there have only been about four ever found in the Teesside region.

One was found a few years ago in Ingleby Barwick.

But this one is a very high status building which would have housed someone of high importance, a Romano- British chieftain and his family, retinue and slaves.”

Mr Sherlock and his team of volunteers are back filling the dig on the elevated, rural site this weekend, closing it down for the winter until work resumes next year.

The public can visit tomorrow, between 11am and 3pm, to have a last look for themselves.

He said: “We also know jet was made on this site. No jewellery is on site and we have not yet found any mosaics.

Villas in the Tees Valley tended not to have mosaics.”

He said the site has been occupied since Neolithic times, adding: “They picked this site because it was on fertile land, near the sea for transport and fish for food and there was a Roman road nearby.”

The villa is only about 100 metres south of the worldclass Saxon princess bed burial discovery of 2007.

The excavations are being undertaken with the support of the landowners Alan Bothroyd, at Upton Farm, and Tony Garbutt, at Street House Farm.

They are supported by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and are carried out by members of Teesside Archaeological Society and local volunteers.

Reggord Breaker!

Kevin brings eggstra-special World Record from New York to Saltburn!


A strong-stomached foodie has brought a brand new World Record all the way from New York to Saltburn.

Cheered on by scores of enthusiastic shoppers, fitness instructor Kevin Hayes, 44, smashed the Guinness World Record for eating three pickled eggs in the fastest time at Saltburn Farmers’ Market yesterday (Sat 8 Sept).
Kevin’s time of 52.60 seconds sliced almost six seconds off the previous world record of 58.16 seconds, set by American Ashrita Furman at the Panorama Café in New York on 12 July 2010.

Kevin, from Garnet Street, was the tenth and final foodie to step up to the plate, after nine plucky contestants had found the going tough – with apprentice electrical engineer Jack Wilson, 17, from Brotton coming closest, just four seconds away from smashing the old New York record.

Kevin’s feat was made even more impressive after he literally decided on the spur of the moment to take part.

Speaking just after smashing the record, Kevin said: “I’d heard about this and was at the Market anyway, so I thought I’d give it a crack. I love my food and knew I could do it, so it feels absolutely amazing to break the record.”




The world record attempt was the brainchild of Farmers’ Market stallholder David Laing, with eggs provided from his 170 free-range woodland chickens and rescued former battery hens at Grewgrass Lodge in nearby Marske-by-Sea.

David said, "We never eggspected anything like this. It’s been a cracking day from start to finish, and we’re thrilled to have poached the world record all the way from New York and brought it right here to Saltburn.”

Farmers’ Market organiser Lorna Jackson said: “We’ve had some amazing days at Saltburn Farmers’ Market, but this just tops the lot!

It was a tough record to break, but I knew we could bring it to Saltburn. We’ve had another really busy day, with shoppers cheering everyone taking part.

Hats off to each and every one of the Top Ten who had a go – and huge congratulations to Kevin.”

The record attempt was carried out with full approval from Guinness World Records. Full documentary evidence is now being prepared and will be forwarded to Guinness World Records during w/c 10 September, with full verification of the new World Record expected within the next six weeks.

Saltburn Farmers’ Market’s are second Saturday of the month on October 13, November 10 and December 8. Over 25 stalls include the Market’s popular mix of fresh seasonal locally produced fruit & veg, meat & game, cheese & wine, free-range eggs, plants & herbs, cakes & fudge, pottery, wool and artworks. Just outside Sainsbury’s, near Saltburn Railway Station. Starts 9am.

Additional Info:
Official timekeepers on the day were Phil Barker from Morpeth Harriers and Sid Rudd from Billingham Marsh House Harriers. Solicitors Giles Ward and Julian Gaskin were the independent witnesses; retired Chief Inspector Terry Stonehouse was the official log book writer, and professional photographer Colin Hurworth was on hand to provide more expert testimony.

Return of Saltburn's Hill Cimb

Saltburn's famous hill climb event is revving up for its popular social meet next month.

Middlesbrough and District Motor Club are preparing to stage its annual hill climb at Saltburn, on Sunday, September 16, from 10am to 4.30pm.

The start is from the bottom of the Cat Nab car park, which is reserved as a paddock on the day, and some 100 veteran cars and motorcycles will roar up Saltburn Lane as part of the event which features motorbikes made between 1918-1975. Cars will include an early Japanese model.

The event, which is currently not a competition of speed and is not timed, attracts interest from the general public as well as from both motor car and motorcycle buffs but patrons still have to wait until next year to see if it can become a speed trial once more.

The event had originally been run as a speed event for 12 years, but this was stopped in 2004, due to legal issues relating to the Road Traffic Act.

Ernie Crust, the club events secretary said: “We contacted Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Tom Blenkinsop for support and when the Coalition Government was formed after the 2010 General Election, we were told that there should not be a problem as there was cross party agreement on reinstating the speed trial on a closed road.

The Motor Sport Association took it up nationally and have told us Saltburn is top of the list for getting its speed event back. Unfortunately we’ve been told it will be 2013 at the earliest. It's frustrating, as the Government has said the law should be changed, but it’s been put on the back burner. It's probably regarded as a small issue by the Government in the current recession but this would benefit tourism in Saltburn and also in the Teesside region fantastically.”

The event is sponsored by Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council and supported by Redcar and Cleveland Council, with help from local businesses.




A brief background to the Hill Climb can be read here.

A history to the sport of motor racing on Saltburn sands can be read here.

Vandalism in the Valley Gardens

Huge gaps in the fencing in Saltburn’s Valley Gardens have been torn out to burn at alcohol-fuelled night-time camp fire parties, community volunteers claim.

Much of the fencing has disappeared within the last few days from two sites at the tree-obscured beauty spot, leaving yawning gaps.




The thefts have infuriated locals and volunteers, like Friends of the Valley spokesman Philip Thomson who commented that the “senseless damage” runs into many hundreds of pounds and reinstatement will cost even more.

The vandalism comes at a time when volunteers are striving hard to improve the Redcar and Cleveland Council-owned Valley Gardens for the benefit of the public and the town’s thousands of visitors.

Mr Thomson said, "It’s a great disappointment that a fine community asset like this is being vandalised in this way."

Woodland volunteer Mr Thomson, who’s also a borough councillor, says the latest incident has seen about seven metres of six foot high fencing vanish at the currently closed Woodland Centre.

And, in an earlier theft, many more metres of fencing paid for by grant aid arranged by the Friends of the Valley was ripped from the edge of a meadow near the railway viaduct in the valley - leaving just a gate forlornly standing on its own.

The Woodland Centre, which the borough council plans to lease to a community interest concern, is currently still the responsibility of the council.

Cllr Thomson said: “We’ve reported both thefts to the police and the council.
At present, the Woodland Centre is not in use but is due to reopen and a community ranger visits. A large section of fencing has been stolen there, apparently to be used as firewood. Youths gather regularly in the woods to drink alcohol and set camp fires. But these fences are valued community resources put in place for the enjoyment of the community. They are worth several hundred pounds, but there’s also the cost of replacement which in this steep valley, is difficult.”

In a separate previous incident, fencing near the railway viaduct was taken.
Cllr Thomson said this was funded by Friends of the Valley with a grant.
Members are now discussing whether funds can be generated to replace this, or not.

Publish and be darned... the Prince and the Papers

The latest pictures of a naked Prince Harry are likely to cause less of a furore than those taken recently at a party in Las Vegas.

Just when you thought the yarn about his naked Vegas romp couldn't get any longer visitors to Saltburn this week-end were in for a surprise and this time the prince was really stitched up.

As Harry tries to distance himself from his partying antics a knitted figure, which models the pose of the now infamous photos, has mysteriously appeared on the upper prom near to the cliff lift and next to the Diamond Jubilee display left by the anonymous 'Saltburn Yarnbombers' earlier this year.

The consequences of his drunken week-end may not be a laughing matter for the prince but the knitted doll is thought to be amongst the more complimentary tributes to his antics.

Eggstra-ordinary opportunity to break a record.

This challenge in no yolk (pic courtesy of Colin Hurworth)..

Pssst! Enjoy a pickled egg and fancy having a go at setting a brand new world record? Egg eaters from around the region have been invited to try and poach a world record from New York.

At the next Saltburn Farmers' Market on Sat 8 September stallholder David Laing and market organiser Lorna Jackson are inviting people who fancy their chances of smashing the current world record for eating three pickled eggs in the fastest time to register for a new world record attempt.

The current world record stands at an impressive 58.16 seconds, and was set by American Ashrita Furman at the Panorama Café in New York on 12 July 2010. Beat that - and your new world record will be verifed by the Guinness World Records people within weeks. So, not only could you be bringing a new world record home to Saltburn - you'll also be nipping it away from the clutches of New York. Can't be bad.

You'll need to register before Wednesday 29 August to book a time slot for your record attempt - and there's a £5 fee to cover admin costs. (It's all done under Guinness World Record rules - official timekeepers, the lot).
Drop an email at hello.foodfirst@gmail.com to apply, and you'll be allocated a timeslot and provided with the specific rules & info you'll need for your record attempt.

Lorna, of Farmers Market organisers Food First said, "We've just enjoyed a fantastic Olympics so wouldn't it be great to set a new world record of our own right here at Saltburn market in September?"

The event is the brainchild of stallholder David Laing - and eggs will be provided by his 170 free-range chickens wandering around the woods happy as Larry over at Grewgrass Lodge in Marske. If those chickens were any more free-range they'd need their own motorbikes!



Postscript: 31st August:
GREAT NEWS! We've already had a cracking response to this, but we've managed to ditch the £5 admin fee. So, anyone who fancies trying to smash the Guinness World Record for 'Eating 3 pickled eggs in the fastest ever time' can now have a go ...absolutely 100% FREE!
You can just turn up on the day if you like (Sat 8 Sept), but it would be miles better to register in advance and save waiting around on the day.
Drop us and email at hello.foodfirst@gmail.com, or leave us a private message thingy on our facebook page at Saltburn Farmers' Market and we'll give you all the info you'll need.

Alpha Place Memorial unveiled.

An historic memorial was unveiled in Saltburn this weekend to commemorate houses that marked the beginning of the town.

Alpha Place, a block of white bricked terraced houses, was situated alongside the railway with its front facing what became the railway excursion platform ( now part of Sainsbury's car park) and its rear across the ends of Ruby and Garnet Streets, and was erected by the S & D Railway to house their employees.

The Saltburn and Guisbro' Times (4th May 1901) states that William Peachy, architect, laid the first brick two months before the formal ceremony on 23rd January 1861, when Henry Pease layed the official foundation stone. As the town had neither a station nor Post Office when the street was complete the two houses at the east of Alpha Place were used until permanent buildings became available, Mr Arthur Brown being both Stationmaster and Postmaster.

The terrace was demolished in 1901, ironically due to the successful expansion of Saltburn. At the beginning of the 1900's the local council wished to purchase Alpha Place from the NE Railway Company for demolition as its situation prevented the development of Milton Street as a main thoroughfare.

Local historian Tony Lynn, along with Callum Duff and other supporters decided the time was right to create a special memorial to Alpha Place on the site of the former terrace.

The £3,500 cost has been raised by supporters donating £100 each to have their names recorded on the memorial and Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council has also given grant aid.

On Saturday at 1pm, the memorial - made of reclaimed Pease bricks from the same time period - was unveiled By Mr Lynn and Mr Duff.

Mr Lynn said: “It's meant to represent a section of brickwork torn from the original buildings. I had the original idea and Callum has been the main project manager. People think it looks great and it will now be a permanent reminder of the lost first homes of Saltburn which were built at the birth of the modern town."

As part of the ceremony Marske Brass Band played a specially adapted version of the Saltburn Galop, a dance tune which is believed to have not been played since 1880.

Many local people were involved in the creation of the memorial, which has been superbly built by Saltburn bricklayer Phil Slater, assisted by Jason Upton.

Read about the history of Alpha Place here.

Owl Centre visitors spot something creepy...

An invasion of creepy crawlers has been welcomed at Kirkleatham Owl Centre, returning after a successful visit last year.



Mega bugs have taken up residency at the centre for the summer inviting brave youngsters to go along and discover more about the world of creepy crawlies.

From massive millipedes to the menacing mantis, from beautiful beetles to scary spiders, people will be able to get their hands on a variety of bugs.

Craig Wesson of the centre said, "We've got lots of new species for people to meet, plus some of the biggest bugs you're ever going to meet. We were overwhelmed by how popular last summers sessions proved to be, but thanks to TV series like Deadly 60, children are utterly fascinated by creatures like theses."

The mega bug sessions are running daily until the end of the summer holidays and are just part of a packed schedule of activities and events including a 2:00-3:00pm daily flying display; 3:00pm Meerkat feed and talk on mega bugs at 3:15pm.

For more information call 01642 480512

Saltburn Arts Fair

The summer of 2012 will see the first major Arts fair in Saltburn-by-the-Sea.



The fair will be held over the weekend of 3rd, 4th, 5th August on the streets, in the galleries and in the community spaces around the town.

Saltburn’s very first curated Arts Fair aims to delight the crowds with a major show of work by International, National and Regional artists. Over 60 artists will be exhibiting everything from paintings to installation work to film and photography.

The organisers are also very excited to announce that internationally renowned artist Julian Germain will be taking part in the event. Julian will be speaking and working with artists over the course of the weekend as well as exhibiting work at the fair. In addition international curator and editor Cherie Frederico of Aesthetica Magazine has assisted the curatorial team.

The event will take place across four venues including a street art-fair on Sunday and is launching with a ticketed music gig on Friday evening at Saltburn Theatre. On Saturday mima will host a symposium, taking the theme of ‘People and society’. The symposium will bring together top named speakers from the arts world and will be followed an ‘evening social’ at Profile Gallery including an exhibition launch and live entertainment.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea and the immediate coastline has a long standing reputation as a melting pot for creative endeavour and the setting of a beautiful Victorian seaside resort will ensure a great weekend for all the family.

A brochure detailing the artists and events can be downloaded here.

Saltburn Artists' Project Open Exhibition

Studio Artists' Exhibition
On show in Saltburn Gallery during Saltburn Arts Fair is an exciting collection of artwork from our studio artists.

Paintings, Mosaics, Jewellery, Prints,Photography, Ceramics.
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th August
10:00am - 5:00pm

On Sunday we also have Open Studios with live performances in the gallery from Andy Broderick and local musicians.

30-32 Marske Road 01287 626080

The Unveiling of the Alpha Place Memorial

Unveiling the Alpha Place Memorial on Saturday, 11th August 2012
Meet at the Anchor Garden at the top of Saltburn Bank at 12 noon for a gentle perambulation with historic comments along Marine Parade. Join Saltburn historians, Cath & Tony Lynn MBE on a guided walk exploring the history of Saltburn's Top Promenade. Hear about the history of The Zetland Hotel, The Spa, Teddy's Nook and other less well known buildings. Come and join us as Cath & Tony seperate fact from fiction while informing & entertaining you with the rich delights of Saltburn's history. Ask questions en-route if you are interested in a particular building and please feel free to dress up (optional) if you wish from any era of Saltburn's history (prizes for best dressed will be given at the unveiling). We hope to see you there!

The unveiling of the Alpha Place Memorial on Sainsbury’s car park will take place at 1.00 pm. by Callum Duff, Cath Lynn and Tony Lynn - a formal unveiling of a permanent memorial to the birth of Saltburn on the site of the town's first houses, Alpha Place. The memorial will feature an information plaque detailing the history of the site and we hope it will become a focal point for those wishing to discover more about Saltburn's unique history. We will also be joined by Marske Brass Band who will debut their arrangement of 'The Saltburn-By-The-Sea Galop', written in 1876 and unheard publicly since 1880. We hope that you can join us as we try to re-connect with Saltburn's forgotten history.

The Saltburn Garden Party is a live music event taking place at 2:30pm and has been organised as part of the Alpha Place Memorial Celebrations. The datestone of Alpha Place was salvaged when the row of cottages was demolished in 1901. It was incorporated into the building of Marine Court in 1961, Saltburn's 100th year. The residents have kindly allowed us to use their communal front garden to host this unique event featuring local rock band 'ALPHA PLACE' who will perform next to the datestone, re-inforcing the importance of Alpha Place in the history of Saltburn. We hope you enjoy this event but please remember to treat the residents and their property with the respect it deserves. Admission free. CallumDuff

The image shows the original cover of the printed edition of the Saltburn Galop, kindly lent for the occasion by the Kennedy Family.




Herr Franz Groenings was the owner of music shops in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Saltburn-by-the-Sea in the 1870s. He was also the principal of the Cleveland Academy of Music, Modern languages etc in Middlesbrough.

Herr Groenings principal links to Saltburn were through his conducting of bands playing in the Pleasure Grounds and on the Pier. In 1870 adverts carried in the local newspaper The Evening Gazette stated "Saltburn-by-the-Sea until further notice an excellent Band of Music (under the direction of Mr F Groenings of Middlesbrough) will perform in the pleasure grounds of the Saltburn Improvement Company on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.”

On 27th June 1870 Mr Groenings conducted the Saltburn Brass Band at the tapping of two new furnaces at Lloyds and Co’s Linthorpe Ironworks; it is recorded that the Band played the National Anthem after the loyal toast following a remarkable luncheon held in the Joiners shop at the works. The band continued playing throughout the afternoon until 6.00 pm.

In April 1877 he was appointed as organist at the Church of Emmanuel.

Franz Groenings business world collapsed in 1879. His business was liquidated and all his stock and assets were sold by auction. This was not the end of Franz Groenings on the music scene. In 1890 he was reported to be at West Brighton Pier as conductor, at Princes Theatre Glasgow in 1884, Blackpool Winter Gardens in 1892, and judging Hawes Band and Choral Contest at Hardraw Force in 1886.

Other newspaper reports refer to court appearances both as a defendant and plaintiff. One notable case referred to a shop lifter who stole a Letts diary from the shop of Mr Franz Groenings Music dealer, the thief was committed to jail for one month with hard labour in November 1877. As a defendant in 1890 he appeared in court contesting the French copyright laws, causing an outburst of readers’ letters to the editors of various newspapers.
Cath and Tony Lynn

Saltburn Mortuary to be sold.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council has embarked on a five-year programme of selling off surplus assets in a bid to reduce its running costs.

And the latest sites to be offered to the market for sale or lease were confirmed yesterday.



Saltburn's old mortuary is one of several properties going up for sale this week - as a council aims to raise millions of pounds by disposing of land and buildings it says it no longer needs.

They are:
Saltburn Mortuary, which could be converted to a beach chalet or other use;
Normanby Reading Room, on Normanby High Street, which is suitable for retail, office, studio or community use;
Skelton Micro-cafe, on Skelton High Street, which is suitable for various uses and located in a residential and retail area;
The Settlement and the former Methodist Church and Hall - a striking building at the heart of the regeneration of South Bank;
Land at Brotton High Street, which would be suitable for various uses, subject to planning consent.

First floor space totalling 606 sq ft in the Saltburn Foreshore Building is also available to let.

The 19th century, grade II-listed mortuary on Saltburn Foreshore is among the most unusual properties going to the market. It was built as a mortuary in 1881, but stopped being used for that purpose in the 1960s and its most recent operation was a store.

The sale or lease of all these sites is intended to provide a further boost for the Council in difficult economic times.

The capital receipts generated will be used to improve services and help the authority in its efforts to make £34m of savings over the next few years.

There is also potential for community groups to take on the lease or management of surplus council properties, under a 'community asset transfer' policy.

Councillor Norman Pickthall, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, said: "In the present economic climate, it makes good sense for the Council to operate its services from fewer buildings or share accommodation with its partners.

This on-going programme of disposing of assets will generate funds and reduce our running costs during times of unprecedented economic turbulence.

As a result, we are now seeking people who can reinvigorate these buildings and put them to good use to help regenerate the area."

Anyone wanting further information about the land and property that is coming to the market, and the Councils community asset transfer policy, should contact its Asset Management Service on 01642 444392 or e-mail helen.stubbs@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

New Mosaic for Saltburn Foreshore

Saltburn artists Helen Gaunt and Derek Mosey have had a busy week in the Gallery.

Helen reports, 'We've had a brilliant week in Saltburn Gallery working on a mosaic with young people from Saltburn Learning Campus. The 12 foot long mosaic panel was commissioned for the beach huts on the Foreshore by Saltburn Foreshore Committee. Funding came from Groundworks NE and SSI Steel. The Foreshore Committee requested a smuggling theme. Hope you like it.'
















We look forward to seeing it when it is completed.

Stavros S Niarchos anchors offshore.

The Stavros S Niarchos, which was seen anchored offshore on the west side of Saltburn pier on Thursday evening, is a British brig-rigged tall ship owned and operated by the Tall Ships Youth Trust. She is primarily designed to provide young people with the opportunity to undertake voyages as character-building exercises, rather than pure sail-training. She is also used for adult voyages and holidays, which help subsidise the operation of the ship.


A crew of 15 students from Year 9 at The King's Academy, Coulby Newham, boarded the 60m tall ship on the banks of the River Tyne to take part in a ten-night sea going expedition.

They formed part of a crew of 40 from the Emmanuel Schools Foundation with fellow students from their sister schools, Bede Academy in Blyth, Emmanuel College, Gateshead, and Trinity Academy, Thorne, near Doncaster.

The annual adventure, operated by the Tall Ships Youth Trust, aims to support students' personal development through being a crew member and playing an active part of life aboard the ship.

Vice Principal of The King's Academy Gary Wiecek said: "I've organised this event for the last couple of years and the students absolutely love it.

Because the weather has been so unpredictable of late we are still unsure exactly where the voyage will go. The captain has said that when they reach the mouth of the Tyne he will make his decision so our students could travel to Scotland, London or even Holland and back.

For many this trip will be a life changing experience. A tall ship voyage takes people out of their comfort zone and they will find things within themselves that they did not realise were there.

Tasks such as climbing the rigging or helping prepare dinner for everybody on board can give young people a real sense of achievement and self worth."

The students are living in cabins on board ship and taking part in every aspect of sailing including helming, scaling the 40 metre masts to set and stow sails, navigating and scrubbing the decks.

They will also be expected to take part in one of three watches and get up for night duties at 4am.

Student Ellie Walker 14, of Middlesbrough, said: "Loads of my friends have been on the ship in previous years and they all said how good it had been.

I've been on a ferry before but never a tall ship so this will be an amazing experience. Not everyone can say they have crewed a real sailing ship for ten days."


The Stavros S Niarchos anchored offshore early yesterday morning before making her way to Hartlepool. The vessel's position was reported as safely anchored offshore just after midnight on the 29th June.


Map showing the course of the Stavros S Niarchos on route to Hartlepool. The vessel was anchored offshore overnight just west of Saltburn Pier.

The Stavros S Niarchos will be carrying the Olympic Flame into Dover Harbour on the 18th July with 28 young people from Kent and 12 young people from Pas de Calais all aged between 14-15 years old joining the crew on board.

Alpha Place Memorial

Subject to final approval, plans are being made for the unveiling of a permanent memorial to Saltburn's first houses at Alpha Place, together with an information plaque.

Saltburn resident Tony Lynn MBE, a former draughtsman from ICI, who, together with his wife Cath, has devoted much of his time to recording and promoting Saltburn's history, has designed the memorial and will unveil it on Saturday August 11th 2012.

The memorial is designed not only as a symbol of the Victorian vision that built Saltburn but also to the craftsmanship of those who constructed the buildings that remain today. This is reflected in the high specifications of the structure which will hopefully become an attractive local landmark.

Alpha Place also marks the site of the platform where the first fare-paying passengers disembarked on 17th August 1861 and this date is credited as the founding of Saltburn-by-the-Sea as a resort.

Although historically significant, the sight of Alpha Place (demolished in 1901)
had never been marked and the memorial is designed to act as a starting point for those interested in finding out more about the town.

The memorial and plaque will use reclaimed materials and the structure will be faced with the white Pease bricks that are characteristic of the early growth of Saltburn and will resemble a section of walling from the original building. It will also feature a carved sandstone facsimile of the original datestone.

The cost of the build has been met by grant funding from Saltburn, Marske & New Marske Parish Council, local businesses and individuals. Their contributions will be recognised on a carved 'roll of honour' on the rear of the structure. The memorial will also feature an information plaque charting the history of the site and the subsequent demise of Alpha Place.




Many people are involved in the project, including Callum Duff, who has been the chief fundraiser despite now living in Edinburgh.

Keith Murray, a respected sculptor, originally from Middlesbrough and now working in the Lockwood area, has carved the facsimile of the original Alpha Place date stone.

Jason Upton and Phil Slater will undertake the build, which will take place in two stages to accommodate any potential problems on site. The land has not been developed since the building of Alpha Place so they will be working in uncharted territory.

Eddie Guy of Sign Art will produce the information plaque for the top of the structure which will detail the history of the site.

Mike Wetherill, a stonemason from Danby, will carve the rear stone of the memorial containing the names of those who have contributed to the project.

The project has the full co-operation of Sainsbury's PLC whose supermarket occupies the current site and Ilcrest Properties Ltd who own and manage the land.

On the day of the unveiling, which takes place during Saltburn Folk Festival week, a town promenade is planned to encourage both residents and visitors to join in a pleasant stroll along the top promenade where features of interest will be pointed out along the route.

This part of the unveiling ceremony is scheduled to start at noon at the top of Saltburn Bank. As Saltburn is now 150 years old everyone is encouraged to dress up in costume from any era of the town's history. Prizes are planned for the 'best dressed adults and children'.

The unveiling will take place at 1pm accompanied by Marske Brass Band who will present the first performance since 1880 of 'The Saltburn by the Sea Galop' which has been specially arranged for the event.

Read the history of Alpha Place here.

The Olympic Torch - day 31 - the relay through Saltburn

This morning saw the Olympic flame begin travelling on its journey from Middlesbrough through the coastal resorts of Redcar, Marske, and Saltburn towards Whitby on its way to Hull.

An early start saw artists Helen and Derek Mosey on the sands preparing a sand sculpture to welcome the arrival of the torch on Saltburn's sea front.




Meanwhile 17 year old James Coupland, the first torchbearer of the day, found himself standing at the top of Middlesbrough's landmark Transporter Bridge as the relay prepared to say goodbye to Middlesbrough and begin it's first road convoy along the coast.

The torch arrived in Redcar to celebratory cheers from the crowds as the sun came out and the relay continued on its way through Marske before arriving in Saltburn at 7:54am

The first runner to carry the flame through Saltburn was John Pearson of Saltburn's youth project 'Doorways'- a resource for younger people run by John - who then passed the flame on to an enthusiastic Gerry McBride.




Gerry is well known locally for his participation in the British Cycling Skyride initiative and the Tees Valley Riders family cycling club.




Gerry passed the flame on to Shaun Campbell of Darlington who runs a campaign to honour Arthur Wharton, the world's first professional black footballer, and uses his story to inspire young people and educate them about racism.



The torches kiss as Shaun Campbell hands the flame over to Robert Swift.




The final leg of the relay through Saltburn saw Robert, a resident of Dubai, carrying the torch past the Zetland hotel and down Saltburn Bank where he was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd as he reached the seafront and the Ship Inn before the Olympic convoy moved on to Brotton.




Olympic Torch video

Hope for Saltburn's Albert Memorial

A neglected Victorian gem - Saltburn’s Albert Memorial in the valley gardens - could be refurbished if an attempt to raise money for the project is successful.




Councillor Philip Thomson, of Saltburn, is seeking funds so the much-vandalised listed building can be saved from further neglect (it lies just under the bandstand).

“It was moved in 1864 from Barnard Castle railway station to Saltburn to form a memorial in memory of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, after he died in 1861,” he told Saltburn and District Retired Men’s Forum on 23rd April.

“Improvements would include the woodlands nearby, which contain a lot of wild flowers. There would also be an information board.”




Councillor Thomson was speaking of the legacy of Saltburn’s celebrations to mark the town’s 150th anniversary last year.

Ongoing activities and issues mentioned included a DVD of the celebrations, which David Jinks is now completing, town crier Sharon Wilson is willing to help local events with “oyez, oyez” announcements, and the printing of five greetings cards featuring the five mosaic panels on Sainsbury’s wall, near the car park, was underway.

He said £600 still needed to be raised to pay the £9,600 cost of artists making the murals, which hundreds of people contributed to by placing tiles on them to prepare historical images of Saltburn. Donations can be left in a jar on the library reception desk.

A vintage car ally organised by fish-and-chip restaurant owner Glenn Pearson on the lower promenade would be repeated under the title The Italian Job on Sunday 1st July.

The idea of a town archive was still in the melting pot.

He said the minesweeper HMS Saltburn, built during World War 1 and scrapped after WW2, had been the first ship to be fitted with Type 79X radar.

A forum member said the Marine Hotel on the Upper Prom, had drawings of the vessel by Frank Cook along with other paintings of other ships on display.

Another member recalled that Boys’ Brigade camps were held at Windy Hill, overlooking Hazelgrove, in 1910 and attracted 2,000 boys when the town’s population was only 800. Also large scout camps were held.

Councillor Thomson said it was sad that events like major outings no longer happened. “These memories will die with us. Maybe someone would make recordings of memories before it’s too late?”

He said Henry Pease, Saltburn’s founder, lived at 7 Britannia Terrace, now flats on Marine Parade.

Friends of Saltburn Mortuary

It is now approaching four years since the Friends made their first application, to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, for a lease on the Mortuary.



During the course of these four years, there has been a lot of communication but no real progress to report.

I and David Morris, strongly supported by the 500 Club, have taken up the challenge of trying to obtain the Mortuary on leasehold. We feel that you should be kept informed about any progress made and will endeavour to do this through the columns of Talk of the Town.




The Business Plan and Constitution have been revised, under the guidance of Redcar & Cleveland Council, and resubmitted. We have managed to have a drop-kerb installed immediately in front of the building, which enables easy access for both disabled people and parents with pushchairs.

Many of you completed forms expressing interest in supporting the Friends by offering to pay an annual amount of £5. We would like to think that you remain interested as your cash and, more importantly, your help in running the building would be gratefully accepted should we be successful with our application. There has been an offer to totally refurbish the inside of the building with a view to recreating the original appearance when the Mortuary was first built.




It is still the intention to rent out the building for displays and exhibitions so feel free to contact us if you represent any group which may be interested.
In my latest correspondence with the Council, it has been indicated that the building could possibly be advertised as surplus to requirements at the end of May. At that point, our application would be considered along with those of any other parties interested in acquiring the building.

Trevor Welburn
Chairman of The Friends of Saltburn Mortuary

Mosaic cards on sale...

Cards with photos of Saltburn’s celebrated 150 mosaic panels are now on sale in the library. Philip Thomson, who is guaranteeing the £9,600 cost, is selling the cards to help offset the £600 which remains to be raised to pay for the panels. The price is £1.50 per card or £6 for the set of five. All show Saltburn’s history from the first steam train arriving in 1861 to the town centre, including the current town crier Sharon Wilson.

Read about the Saltburn 150 mosaic project here.

Jubilations: Knits a Royal Knockout.

Saltburn's mysterious guerilla knitters have struck again!



Last night the railings along the top promenade adjacent to the Cliff Tramway became the yarn bombers latest target and have been festooned with a celebratory 'Jubilee' theme.



The woollen graffiti artists have left a trail of handcrafted red, white and blue bunting, the Queen’s crown on a red pillow, and two guardsmen in full uniform.

There is also a pot of tea and teacups bearing Queen Elizabeth’s insignia, a scene from her coronation in 1952 and the word Congratulations.

Her majesty can be viewed riding on horseback for the trooping of the colour and walking in headscarf and wellingtons with the royal corgis.



Look more closely and you will also find a tribute to Queen Victoria and her own Diamond Jubilee.



The Pier stitch up has also inspired other mysterious knitting groups to create celebratory Jubilee yarn bombing in Northalleton and Barnard Castle.





Saltburn's Knitted Diamond Jubilee Yarn Bombing video from the BBC. A 'tongue in cheek' report with some local 'cameo' roles:

BBC video. Saltburn Jubilee Knitting