Tribute to John McGough

“Music washes away the dust of everyday life from around our feet”

Saltburn musician John McGough, aged 53, died on the morning of Sunday July 8th in Newcastle, where he was being treated at The Freeman Hospital for the leukaemia he'd lived with for more than 15 years. 

A professional musician, writer and producer John had worked in the music industry for over 20 years with a diverse number of people and music from Dance through to Pop, from "A" List Dj’s like Carl Cox to the pop world of X Factor. John wrote and arranged many songs and his work included a number of projects on artist development - John worked with and wrote for James Arthur prior to his X-factor win and subsequent UK #1 chart success. His musical influences were vast and he believed that all music should be listened to with open ears.

John loved a spot on Saltburn's Marine Parade known locally as The White Elephant. Come rain or shine, John was often found there, practising his music and taking in the view he loved. Following a private funeral on Tuesday afternoon hundreds of people gathered at his favourite spot in a poignant tribute to both John and his music. 

A number of people who knew John were invited to speak and offer their personal tributes. And then it was time for music, with live contributions from local artists including Karl Frampton, Elizabeth Sykes, David Ball and Josh Newell Brown as well as the sounds of John’s glorious sax drifting on the sea breeze across Marine Parade for one last time.

In another tribute, the first ever Saltburn Food Festival acoustic stage is to be named in John’s honour. The stage - which will be part of the sixth Saltburn Food Festival, July 29th from 10am-6pm - is the brainchild of Saltburn restauranteur and singer-songwriter Josh Newell-Brown, who was a close friend of John’s and had been working on new musical projects with him. The John McGough Stage will be in Station Square, outside Signals Bistro, which Josh recently took over after his parents retired. It will bring together several of the area’s most talented musicians who will  take turns to play every hour on the hour, alternating with five world-class chefs demonstrating at the live festival cookery theatre every hour on the half hour across the other side of the town’s roundabout on Station Street.

John's family have requested that any donations should be made to Leukaemia UK. A crowdfunding page has been set up by friends so that a permanent memorial can be created in John's memory. 

John McGough Memorial fund.

Koru is a musical collaboration between John McGough, Matt Wanstall and Liz Sykes.

July 2018 Saltburn Ward Newsletter from Councillor Stuart Smith

COUNCILLOR STUART SMITH SALTBURN WARD NEWSLETTER July 2018

BOROUGH AND PARISH COUNCIL

stuart.smith@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Contact no. 07557 540628

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDCAR AND CLEVELAND BOROUGH COUNCIL:

On the 5th June the Local Government Boundary Commission released the final recommendations report in respect of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. As reported in my previous newsletter this review started in September 2017 to look at ward boundaries that mean each councillor represents approximately the same number of voters. They propose that the Council be represented by 59 Councillors the same as at present. With those Councillors representing one single-councillor ward (Lockwood), 11 two-councillor wards (Belmont, Skelton West, Skelton East, Longbeck, Zetland, Dormanstown, Newcomen, Coatham, West Dyke, Grangetown, South Bank) and 12 three-councillor wards across the borough (Saltburn, Brotton, Loftus, Guisborough, Hutton, St Germains, Mickledales, Kirkleatham, Ormesby, Eston, Normanby, Teesville)

The major changes are;

Saltburn ward will remain with 3 councillors with minor alteration to the boundary extending the ward out basically along Marske Road towards Quarry Lane roundabout incorporating the new Taylor Wimpey Larkfields housing estate and Tofts bungalow and farm which are at present within the St Germains ward of Marske.

South Bank and Dormanstown wards will be reduced from 3 to 2 councillors.

West Dyke ward, Redcar will reduce from 3 councillors to 2 but a new ward of Mickledales will be created with 3 councillors.

Longbeck ward within New Marske and Marske will reduce to 2 councillors from the present 3.

A new ward of Belmont, Guisborough will be created with 2 councillors.

Skelton ward which has at present 3 councillors will be split into 2 wards, Skelton East and Skelton West with 2 councillors in each ward.

These changes will be implemented at the next Borough Council local election which will take place on the 2nd May 2019.

MISCHIEF READING SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2018

All children between the ages of 4 – 12 years are invited to take part in the Mischief Reading Summer Reading Challenge for this year at Saltburn Library. The challenge is to read 6 books (library or your own) during the school holidays which will gain them certain treats and awards.

Read 2 books and obtain 2 stickers and a book mark.

Read 4 books and receive 2 stickers and a door hanger.

Read 6 books and receive 2 stickers and a wrist band. The children who have read 6 books will be invited to attend an awards evening during which they will be entertained by the Kirkleatham Owl Centre and presented with a medal and a certificate. Further information can be obtained from the staff at Saltburn Library.

 

SALTBURN IN BLOOM SUMMER JUDGING

R.H.S. Northumbria in Bloom judges will be returning to Saltburn on the morning of the 17th July to judge the town for the summer displays. The results will be announced in a presententation ceremony in September in Newcastle.

FESTIVAL OF THRIFT 2018

The Festival of Thrift is a celebration of all things sustainable and thrifty, returns to the Kirkleatham show ground on the 22nd and 23rd September 2018. Organisers of the event have announced that this year there will be a Festival Launch Parade and Party taking place on the afternoon and evening of Friday 21st September starting in Kirkleatham and processing to Redcar Town Centre. This year the event is focusing on planting and growing, sustainable transport and celebrating ‘fabulous women’ as part of the women’s suffrage.

REDCAR REGENT CINEMA FUTURE IN DOUBT

Redcar Regent Cinema has been closed since April when a survey highlighted significant structural defects. Since then a detailed building structural inspection by independent surveyors has been completed which has revealed worse than expected damage. The Regent was built as a theatre in 1928 when it was known as the New Pavilion. It became a cinema in 1960. Independent building surveyors Billinghurst George and Partners found defects to the roof, floor and walls of the building. This comprised of 3 major vertical cracks on the north wall facing the sea. An extension exposed to the sea appears to be pulling away from the main cinema hall. Significant weather damage to the main roof including corrosion to the metal beams. Ceiling boards in a poor condition liable to fall in the auditorium. Corrosion in steelwork to the stage with timber propping not securely fixed, cracking to the various interior walls. The council owns the building and is the landlord. The Regent Cinema is not listed with the frame of the building been the original pier known as the Glasshouse. The cinema remains a fully independent business.

CURRENT SALTBURN PLANNING APPLICATIONS

THE VICTORIA P.H. DUNDAS ST EAST. Listed building consent for display of advertisement and repainting works to exterior. Planning application R/2018/0316/LB refers. Public consultation ended 5th July. LAND FROM SALTBURN VALLEY COUNTRY PARK TO APPLE ORCHARD WOOD, SKELTON.

10 year woodland management scheme. Planning application R/2018/0198/TR refers.

THE LODGE, VICTORIA RD, SALTBURN. Fell and remove 2 conifers, crown raise and limb removal to willow tree. planning application R/2018/0310/TC refers.

22 THE FAIRWAY, SALTBURN. Single rear extension to replace existing conservatory. Planning application R/2018/0249/FF refers. Public consultation ended 2nd July.

16 THE GREEN, SALTBURN. Alteration to front porch including new pitch roof, part conversion of garage to habitable room and single storey rear/side extension with pitch roof over. Planning application R/2018/0333/F refers. Public consultation ended 5th July.

8 CHESTNUT CL, SALTBURN. Front porch extension. Planning application R/2018/0355/FF refers. Public consultation ends 11th July.

THE VICTORIA P.H. DUNDAS ST EAST. Display of internally illuminated and non-illuminated replacement

 signs. Planning application R/2018/0313/AC refers. Public consultation ends 20th July.

43 UPLEATHAM ST, SALTBURN. Conversion of dwelling to 2 self-contained apartments. Planning application R/2018/0307/CA refers. Public consultation ends 20th July.

9 LEVEN ST, SALTBURN. Single storey rear extension. Planning application R/2018/0371/CA refers. Public consultation ends 20th July.

LAND TO THE REAR OF 1-7 GILL ST, SALTBURN. Outline application for 1 residential dwelling (resubmission). Planning application R/2018/0369/00 refers. Public consultation ends 20th July.

Councillor Smith’s Ward Surgery is outside Sainsbury’s on the 3rd Saturday of the month between 9.30am - 10.30am & 11.30am - 12.15pm

Printed & promoted by Stuart Smith, 28 Cattistock Close Guisborough TS14 7NL

Back into Storyland Saltburn Yarnbombers Strike Again

The Saltburn Yarnbombers are back - and this time they’ve got a story to tell as they have taken ispiration from the world of books for their latest creations.

The display appeared on the Pier on Saturday morning and has already attracted praise from visitors. 

Among the knitted figures is Dracula, no stranger to the Yorkshire coastline from his days in Whitby. You'll also find Wally enjoying the sunshine alongside Hannah Hauxwell and Robinson Crusoe. Even the bard himself seems to have decided on a seaside holiday jaunt for inspiration.

The Hungry Caterpillar makes an appearance alongside Jack and the Beanstalk and Robin Hood.

There's even a cheeky woollen reference to the popular erotic thriller 50 Shades of Grey alongside a Mills and Boon heart. All of the characters seem to be enjoying the sunshine and living the Life of Pi.

Doggy Day Care at Saltburn Food Festival

Everybody and their dog will be heading to the coast for the mouth-watering Saltburn Food Festival on Sunday July 29.

 

And organisers would like to remind people that if they find themselves at the festival with their four-legged friends there are lots of options to ensure they don’t get crushed in the crowds.

 

They’ve been working with several dog-friendly businesses on the festival fringe to ensure you can enjoy the day without taking your pet into the centre of the site.

 

Plans include a doggy chill out zone, a walking and boarding service and even a hotel selling non-alcoholic beer brewed locally especially for thirsty consumers of the four-legged variety.

 

The idea is that dog lovers can feast to their hearts’ content, sampling the delights of the festival while their faithful friends enjoy some exercise or whine and dine in more suitable surroundings.

 

Organiser Lorna Jackson explained: “A food festival is a really bad environment for a dog, with all the people and the noise – not to mention the delicious hot food being eaten all around them.

“I’m a dog owner myself and I certainly wouldn’t take my Dalmatian, Lily, in among those crowds. But we do want everyone to enjoy the day with us and we’ve come up with some great ideas to help dog owners who can’t simply leave their pets at home.”

Milo’s Café owner Janet Dalton with Milo, her sausage dog, Star Paws’ Redcar manager Sammy-Jo Parker, food festival co-coordinator Alison Nelson with her springer spaniel, Max, and festival organiser Lorna Jackson with her Dalmatian, Lily, an RSPCA rescue dog.

The chill out zone is in Station Street’s Destinations café, which is currently in the process of being rebranded as Milo’s dog-friendly café.

 

The café’s new owner, dog groomer Janet Dalton, hopes family members and friends will take turns looking after their pet and trying out their own special festival menu, while the others head off to the heart of the festival.

 

“You don’t need a dog to come in but if you have one you’re very welcome,” says Janet. “Last year I came to the festival as a customer and noticed a lot of people had dogs in among the very large crowds. That can be problematic for the dogs and also for other people."

“But I understand why people want to bring their dogs and by providing a safe, calm area on the edge of the event, we give them a chance to escape from the crowds for a while and have a drink and something to eat in a place that wants the dogs to be there.”

 

Janet is applying for a licence to serve alcohol so that dog owners will be able to bring their pets out while they relax with a drink and food from a tapas-style menu.

 

Meanwhile, five-star dog walking and boarding service Star Paws, which recently changed its name from Paw Pals, will have a large presence at the festival and expects to be kept extremely busy. You’ll find them at one end of Milton Street – near the entrance to Sainsbury’s car park.

 

“Most of our 25 full and part-time staff will be working,” said branch manager Helen Turner. “Alongside our usual home boarding at one of three licensed homes in Saltburn we’re also offering walks and short stay doggy day-care sessions specifically for the food festival.

“Our prices range from  £10 to £40 and there will be a 10% discount if you book in advance via our Facebook page.

 

“It’s great to be able to help ensure that dogs can be part of the day with their family but that they also have somewhere to go where it’s not so busy, and they are the focus of attention.”

Festival organiser Lorna Jackson with her Dalmatian, Lily, an RSPCA rescue dog, Star Paws’ Redcar manager Sammy-Jo Parker, Café owner Janet Dalton with Milo, her sausage dog, and food festival co-coordinator Alison Nelson with her springer spaniel, Max. Photos by Doug Moody

Dog lovers from outside the area will also find a welcome at the Spa Hotel, on Saltburn Bank, which prides itself on being a dog-friendly establishment. As well as accommodating dogs in ground-level rooms, it also has a dog menu featuring pizza and sausages and sells Woof Dog Beer.

 

General manager Karen Green said: “We spotted a niche in the market that we could accommodate and people love us for it. We also have dog-friendly areas throughout the premises including the snug, bar and outside decking.”

 

Elsewhere on the festival fringe, Taste Tea & Coffee House on Dundas Street East will be open from 9am to 4.30pm with dogs welcome in all areas and free dog biscuits and bowls of drinking water also available.  

 

With so much on offer for everyone, you’d be barking mad to miss it!

 

Saltburn Food Festival takes place on Sunday July 29 from 10am to 6pm and admission is free. A park and ride system will be in operation from Guisborough, Brotton and the outskirts of Saltburn. For further information and updates visit www.saltburnfoodfestival.co.uk.

Lighting Plans for the Pier's 150th Birthday

It may be just a shadow of its former self but Saltburn Pier continues to defy the elements and celebrations are now being planned for its 150th birthday.

Redcar and Cleveland Council has agreed on plans to light-up one of the borough’s most recognisable landmarks in celebration of its one and a half century history. 

The Economic Growth Scrutiny and Improvement Committee discussed the plans to illuminate Saltburn Pier in May next year. 

The council’s Area Growth Plans update report said: "This is a project to restore the feature lighting to the Grade 2 listed pier."

"Surveys will be undertaken in the coming months to look at options for how the lighting can be installed to ensure that it can be maintained successfully and withstand extreme conditions."

"Discussions have been undertaken with the PFI lighting contractor to understand how this could be delivered by them.”

It added: “The aim is for the project to be completed in 2019 to coincide with the pier’s 150th birthday in May 2019.”

The project will now be developed further to identify the costs of delivery and maintenance before work commences on site.

Saltburn Pier and the original hoist.