LTC issue142 - Loftus Town Crier

Loftus Town Crier
Website; http://loftustowncrier.co.uk
http://loftustowncrier.co.uk
Issue 142
Email:[email protected]
Summer 2015
Welcome to this issue of the Town Crier. It has a loyal readership that goes back to the start of the paper
in 1989 and we hope that new readers continue to find us. We have a postal service for anyone outside
our distribution area. Please let us know if you've discovered Loftus Town Crier recently and tell us what
you think of it. We'd like to remind you that we cover the civil parish of Loftus in full; so, if you're in
Carlin How, Skinningrove, Easington, Cowbar, Liverton Mines, Liverton, Scaling or anywhere else in
this area, please let's have your news. Our contact details are on page 10. As usual, we're looking
back and forward in this edition: for example, you'll find how the local elections went on 7th May and
we look ahead to some guided walks in our beautiful area later this year. These days you can regularly
see more groups of walkers in this district, whether on the Cleveland Way along the coast or inland
among the lovely woods through which flow streams leading from the moors to the sea at Skinningrove
or Staithes. Loftus Civil Parish is being awarded Walkers are Welcome accreditation and we hope to
have more news of this for you in issue 143 which is due out in late August.
We offer our sincere apologies to anyone who has sent in articles for this issue which are not included,
this is down to technical problems which caused us to lose our e-mails in April.
Deadline for the next issue August 5th
Loftus Town Crier
2
Ann’s News
On the 24th of March, Kathleen
Harland celebrated her 90th
birthday. This amazing lady
held an “ at home” party with a
wonderful buffet . Kathleen did
not want any presents, but donations if you wished for the North
East Air ambulance, this raised
the fantastic amount of £750. In
a speech, Kathleen’s daughter
spoke of hundreds of miles she
had travelled and thousands of
scones she had made, Kathleen
also makes hundreds of blankets
and small hats for the Neo Natal
unit. After a week of catching
up with family and friends, we
ended the week with an Easter
treat for the Monday group at the
Park Hotel. Thank you Kathleen
for sharing your special birthday
with us.
This week at the Community
Centre we say goodbye to Lee
Waters ( area Youth Worker), he
has been with us for seven years
and made the interior of this old
building modern and bright. He
has moved because of a reshuffle
of workers. We will be
welcoming Andrew Marsay next
week.
I would like to say thank you to
Lee and good luck in your new
job, you have left us with a
lovely new kitchen, so we won’t
forget you.
I am planning a fund raising
event for Breast Cancer research
in June /July, it depends on when
I can get my hip sorted.
The Town Crier wishes to add its
thanks to Lee for all his help
Loftus Flower Club
We would like to welcome
visitors and new members on
June 15th at 7.15 pm, in the
Town Hall. Please come along
and have a relaxing evening
watching our demonstrator, the
cost is £3 for visitors or £ 22.50
to join.
July 20th we hold our meeting
at Danby Village Hall, £6, Val
Gu e s t i s o u r i n s pi r i n g
demonstrator, well worth seeing.
August 17th is the Summer
luncheon at Grinkle Park Hotel,
J e a n M c Lu r e i s o u r
demonstrator, she is a fabulous
flower arranger and always gives
value with her arrangements,
who knows you may win one.
This year we will be doing a
seating plan, so you can request
with whom you sit., for a menu
contact one of the committee.
90th
Birthday celebration
Many thanks to everyone who sent a card
or flowers for my
90th birthday. Special
thanks to Dawn and
staff at the Angel
cafe, everything was
perfect, and enjoyed
by all my family.
Joyce Mays
Photograph
shows Mrs. Mays
with her
daughter and son
in the Angel cafe
Doubled your money
Thanks to Mrs. Wade at the Market Place Post Office, who applied
to the PO Charities Trust. The Town Crier received £ 100 to match
the money which had been collected in their donations bucket last
year. This was a welcome boost to our funds and is much
appreciated
Help us to help you
The James Cook University Hospital Cardiac Scanner Appeal
Let’s raise one million pounds!
We are dedicated to help heart patients
through supporting our excellent
Regional Cardiothoracic Unit at
James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough
Treating patients from Stockton , Hartlepool, Darlington. Durham, Sunderland across to Carlisle and Whitehaven, down to
Ripon Thirsk, Northalleton , Whitby and Scarborough and all
points in between.
We have so far raised £515,000 only £ 485,000 to go. For more
information about South Cleveland Heart fund or the Scanner
Appeal, please contact Keith Robson; Tel. 01642 824788 or e-mail
[email protected]
Cover Picture. Liverton Road, Gaskell
Liverton Road, as the name implies was the road that ran to Liverton
from Loftus before the sinking of the mine at Liverton Mines which
brought with it a lot of change, including a new way to Liverton.
The original road came down to Gaskell through what is now the
Hall Grounds and on to Liverton, but this bit of road was diverted
when Lord Zetland built his home at Loftus, and made the land
around it into its grounds.
Gaskell Lane itself, ran all the way to Handale Woods, and was
made by Zetland to haul his timber to the Carnaby and Willis Saw
Mill, which was near the Railway Station at Loftus. The Archway
under the railway near the waterfall in Hancocks Wood was made to
accommodate the passage of timber down this haulway. Of
course the timber had to pass over the bridge near the Water Mill at
Gaskell, this bridge and the Mill itself were badly damaged by a
huge deluge of water in the floods of September 2013. Now at long
last this bridge is going to be repaired, much to the relief of those
who live along there, we should think. See photograph on page 12
Issue 142
3
Good Response
I wish to tell you about
something that happened to me
last year. My husband who has
dementia, while I was working
in the kitchen, decided to walk
out of the house. I had no idea
where he went or in which
direction. Panic struck and after
running hither and thither in
obvious directions I ran down to
the local Loftus police station.
The response from the men and
women there was nothing short
of fantastic. Although the police
lady had not done a missing
person report before, she was
kind. understanding and very
helpful. Within 10 minutes to
my
surprise policemen and
cars came from all directions.
Most of the police officers were
local and knew me. They were
all kind and reassuring and took
off to look for Mr. Shaw.
After I had answered all the
questions I suggested that I go
home to wait for developments,
with a promise to return at
dinner time if he had not been
found, and to complete the
comprehensive missing person’s
report. As it happens Mr. Shaw
was at home, to this day I have
no idea where he went and
neither does he. I informed the
police and the search was called
off
Later that day I went shopping,
the shop assistant asked me if
Mr. Shaw had been found, I was
amazed “ how did you know he
was missing?”I asked
Apparently a warning goes out
via the Link-radio, warning all
shops about vulnerable members
of the public, how good is that?
This means that children,
vulnerable adults, mentally ill
patients are covered in the event
of straying or getting lost. So I
would like to say a big thank
you to all those who helped that
day and I will be forever
grateful, its lovely to know that
we are so well looked after.
Carol Shaw
Skinningrove
Knit and Natter group
We meet on a Tuesday afternoon
1-3 pm, all newcomers welcome,
come and have a cuppa and a
natter. We are knitting hats for
the homeless. We are asking for
any spare wool, if you can help
please cont me on 07419989786,
Thank you, Jaqui
UK Long Sword Dance
Competition
Many thanks to all the readers
who got in touch following my
article on Long Sword Dancing,
it was extremely pleasant to hear
& talk with those who danced
with various teams throughout
East Cleveland, memories are
very precious.
Following on from that article
we are now in the process of
organising the above
competition which rdwill take
place on Saturday 3 October
from commencing at about
1.00pm in Goathland Village
Hall, hopefully being judged by
former Loftus Dancers.
Early indications are that we
have some 20 teams
participating, some with
multiple entries plus ladies sides
and of course the children who
are vital if the Traditional Dance
of North Yorkshire is to thrive.
It is by far the largest number of
entries for any sword dance
competition that I or others can
ever remember, no doubt
someone will correct me!
We intend to have light
refreshments available through
the day and to mount an
exhibition of memorabilia that
the Plough Stots have plus items
we have been donated following
my last letter and of course
anything anyone wants to bring
along.
Further information will be
available in due course but you
can always ring me on:Keith Thompson 01947 896311
Sword Dancing followers are
saddened by the sudden and
unexpected death of John Waite,
who was well know as the
melodeon player for Loftus
Sword Dancers
Bluebell walks
Thanks to Peter Whitlock for
arranging the walks in May. We
went on the Tuesday evening
one on a lovely evening, the
shafts of sunlight coming
through the newly emerging
beech leaves and falling on the
flowers was quite special.
The Saturday morning walk was
a magical experience for the 19
walkers, a number of whom had
travelled to Loftus from places
as far apart as Whitby and
Ingleby Barwick. This walk took
in Handale Abbey walled garden
and returned through woods
which dazzled with wild
flowers.
Issue 142
Loftus Town Crier
Readers' Stories
The Town Crier regularly
receives personal stories from
readers, often those who've left
the local area. Here are two that
came in earlier this year.
Leslie Appleton, now living in
Walsall, told the paper that he
used to live in Westray Street,
Carlin How and worked on the
soaking pits (presumably at
Skinningrove Steel Works)
where he remembers working
with George Last. Before starting work, Leslie attended
Skinningrove Senior School: he
can be seen on a photograph,
probably taken in 1933, that can
be found on the East Cleveland
Image Archive (www.imagearchive.org.uk). Leslie was 95
in May 2015 and he still plays
snooker, indoor bowls and
crown green bowls.
Meanwhile, June Welford (nee
Husband) of Mickleby has sent
in a copy of a programme for
Loftus Albion v Lingdale Mines,
a football match played in 1910.
It was the final of the Whitby
Hospital Cup and some verse in
the programme, by F W
Lantsberry, refers to Loftus
supporters heading by train to
the "Upgang Lane Ground",
probably what is now the
Turnbull Ground. There was a
rail station on the West Cliff at
that time, a short walk from the
ground.
June's father, Jim
Husband, played for Loftus in
the Northern League until an
injury stopped him playing in the
late 1920s; Jim died in 1985.
June was born in Carlin How
and later moved with her family
to Skinningrove where they lived
at 5 The Square, in one of the
houses built in the late 1930s by
Willis of Hinderwell.
Thank you to Leslie and June for
these stories. We hope they're of
interest to you: please send in
your own accounts to the Crier if
you'd like to share them with
other readers.
Armed forces day
Saturday 27th June
Redcar High Street
from 10.15am
Beginning with a parade of
Ex-Service associations followed
by a flypast by a Spitfire.
Throughout the day the
One Voice children's choir
will entertain
Also a display of military
vehicles and various stalls.
Loftus Town Crier
4
Bat Woman arrives!
The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust has
appointed a new Bat Officer for the
East Cleveland Batscape. Funded by
the Heritage Lottery Fund and
Northumbrian Water’s Branch Out
fund, the two year project aims to
establish an understanding of bat
populations and distribution in the
East Cleveland area.
Sarah Barry was appointed to the role
in April and she is very excited about
her new role and the project she will
be undertaking within the local
community.
The wooded nature and rural character
of the East Cleveland Batscape area
gives it the potential to be important
for more than eight species of bat, but
there are very few records. The project
will encourage people to help collect
data by loaning special bat recorders
to find out if they have bats in their
back yard and the wider countryside
to build up a picture of our local
batscape. It is a unique opportunity to
experience unusual wildlife
encounters on a local patch. Sarah will
provide advice on how to use these bat
detectors and the best places to use
them to gain recordings.
Unique bat talk and walk will
launch the project
Wildlife lovers are being asked to turn up in force to count the range of bat species that are emerging in
the town of Loftus. Events are open to nature lovers of any age so if there are any local groups that are
interested in undertaking a bat talk and walk with Sarah, drop her a line.
The launch of the East Cleveland Batscape project will involve talks on bats and how to go about
detecting them. The talks will also involve a little on why bats are important and some quirky facts that
will interest all ages. The bat walks will involve going outside with bat detectors to see what is flying
around as bats emerge for feeding as the sun goes down.
At the launch events, and throughout the project, Sarah hopes people will learn to love bats and discover
their importance in our landscape.
Sarah said: “We want as many people to get involved as possible. We’ll be running bat talks and walks
to identify different bat species, asking for volunteers to take part in surveys and field work and
undertaking children’s events to educate the next generation about why bats are special, unique and
important to our natural heritage. We hope that getting people involved, in the long term, will contribute
to their conservation”.
Events are free and suitable for children. The bat walks will be relatively easy, but the routes will
include some uneven path. The talks will last around 30 minutes and the walks around 40 to 60 minutes.
There will be a walk held in Skinningrove on Saturday 6 June. Meet at KasKane cafe at 8:45pm.
The walk will take us into Whitecliff woods. Wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring a torch.
There will be further events over the next two years throughout the project so keep an eye on the Loftus
Crier for more information. “We really hope to see you at one of our events to help us with this new
fascinating programme that you can all become involved with” said Sarah.
To find out more about events or how you can become involved in the East Cleveland Batscape contact:
Sarah Barry, Bat Officer, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust on 01287 636382
[email protected]
http://www.teeswildlife.org/what-we-do/safeguarding-wildlife-and-the-natural-environment/
cleveland-batscape/About the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust
The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust is part of the influential UK-wide partnership of 47 Wildlife Trusts. The
Trust has worked for more than 30 years to protect wildlife and wild places, and educate, influence and
empower people. We manage 14 Nature Reserves and help others to manage their countryside sites. Our
work is helping to secure the future of many important habitats and species, which might otherwise be
lost. www.teeswildlife.org
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
From the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious
memories and collections to rare wildlife, we use National Lottery players' money to help people across
the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about. www.hlf.org.uk.
Issue 142
5
Loftus Town Crier
News from Loftus Town Council
By the time this article is published it will be all change at Loftus Town Council. The new Councillors
will have been elected, elected unopposed and co-opted. Please see our website at www.loftustc.co.uk
for further details of the new Councillors. By this time there should also photographs from the VE70
celebrations including photographs of the visit of the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire (Barry Dodds
CBE) and former Bshop of Whitby (the Right Reverend Gordon Bates) to Loftus for the Service of
Thanksgiving and reception on the 10th May 2015.
One of the first tasks of the new Council will be to consider priorities for this year and the longer term.
If there are any issues you think the Town Council should be focusing on then please do not hesitate to
contact the office.
Over the last 4 years Loftus Town Council has worked to make improvements to the Parish and just
some of the the changes and improvements include moving the office into the Town Hall which has
brought this historic building into greater use and will hopefully ensure it is kept open for the longer
term. The Town Council was delighted to host the Anglo Saxon Princess Exhibition in May 2011 before
the jewels were put in display at Kirkleatham Museum - the Loftus Town Council Anglo Saxon
Advisory Group, together with Dr Steve Sherlock are still working to ensure that this historic legacy
forms part of Loftus' future and have so far put up interpretation Boards in the market place and the
Cleveland way, as well as produced a walking leaflet.
The Art Gallery and Heritage Open Days continues to go from strength to strength.
The Town Council continues to manage the Allotment
site behind Hummersea School and this is busier than
it has ever been.
The Town Hall will be taken over by the Loftus
Community Wool Fayre on Saturday the 13th June
2015. This will include St Leonard's Summer Fayre,
sheep shearing, dancing, fabric and wool based handicrafts, a hunt the sheep competition in shop windows,
talks ,stalls and refreshments. Please look out for
posters and timings nearer the date.
Heritage Open Day is set for the 12th September 2015.
An exhibition will be held in the Town Hall on WW1
and WWII. As well a display of the fascinating Town
Council archives we will also be asking to borrow
items from Kirkleatham Museum and would also be
grateful if any one in the community who has any
interesting family heirlooms would be kind enough to
allow us to exhibit them - please contact the office if
you wish to discuss this further.
The Town Hall will be open from 10am to 4pm
including a walk led by Stuart McMillan at 11am on
buildings, locations and their uses in WWII.
St Leonard's Church will also be open 10.30 - 4pm on
the 12th September and may have display material on
show. Also don't forget to check on the details for the
Ironstone Mining Museum and the Staithes Art Show
that weekend!
Photo of some of the memorabilia - have you any other interesting articles,
tel 01287 641000 or email to [email protected]
Guided walks in July and August
Loftus ACCORD Walking Group invites you to come on two guided walks this Summer. On
Wednesday 29 July there's a walk from Loftus to Liverton, taking in some of the village's history and a
look inside the church there. Meet in the courtyard of the Angel cafe in Loftus Market Place for a
10.45am start. Please wear clothing and footwear suitable for walking on sloping woodland paths; there
may be stiles en route. Light refreshments will be available at Liverton Village Hall for a small charge;
the village hall also welcomes small donations to help with its upkeep. You're welcome to bring a
packed lunch to eat at the village hall. You can do a similar walk on Wednesday 19 August, this time to
Easington and starting from the Angel at 11.00am. You don't need to book for either walk but if you
need any more information, please phone 01287 641000. Arriva bus services X4 and 5 go through
Loftus; there's free car parking at South View, off North Road.
Issue 142
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Loftus Town Crier
Harry Dack infant school, the early days
Following recent articles in the Town Crier, many readers will be aware of changes at the former Harry
Dack Infant School. In 2006 the school amalgamated with Loftus Junior School to form Handale
Primary School and now a new building is being constructed to accommodate all the pupils and staff on
one site. During April and May 2015 the school opened its doors to enable people to visit both sites and
view displays of photographs and other archive material. This seems a suitable time to go back to the
very early years of Harry Dack Infant School and summarise some key events of the time.
To give its full name, Loftus Harry Dack County Infant School opened for pupils on 3rd May 1954.
These pupils had formed part of the so-called 'baby boom' following the end of World War Two in 1945.
Food rationing was still in place when the school opened; it ended two months later when the final
restrictions - on meat and bacon - were lifted. There were no motorways in the UK in 1954 and car
ownership was low, as were domestic television sets and telephones. There was just one television
channel and new programmes included The Grove Family, the country's first soap opera, and Zoo Quest
which featured David Attenborough in his first series. When the school opened Doris Day topped the
music singles chart with Secret Love and a few days later Roger Bannister became the first athlete to run
one mile in less than four minutes.
Thanks to Loftus Town Council, the school's first log book has been retained. The head teacher of the
day made regular entries in the log book on matters such as staff personnel, accidents, visitors, pupil
numbers and events. Here's a very brief summary:
1954
03 May: the school opened with 268 pupils (mostly from Zetland Infant School, Loftus); the head
teacher was Miss Goldsbrough.
22 June: official opening of the school by Alderman Harry Dack.
31 Aug: start of autumn term; staff comprised Miss Winter, Miss Manship, Miss Winspear,
Mrs Fitzsimmons and Miss Barker.
24 Nov: 96 children absent through an epidemic of influenza.
1955
01 Jan: New caretaker, Mr H M Laverick, commenced duty.
22 July: Mrs Fitzsimmons left as staff was to be reduced by one teacher.
14 Sep: school closed for Stokesley Show.
1956
05 Jan: Two new members of staff: Miss M Readman and Mrs N McGingle.
20 Mar: Mrs Norminton commenced duty.
04 May: Miss Goldsbrough attended foundation stone laying for new college in Redcar.
04 June: school closed on account of Queen's visit to Tees-side.
24 July: Miss Winspear and Mrs Leybourne left to take up other posts.
03 Sep: new teachers Miss A M Norminton and Miss P M Smith commenced duty. Many pupils
absent with whooping cough.
20 Sep: school closed for Stokesley Show.
1957
22 July: owing to bus strike no children were present from Easington.
20 Dec: Miss Barker left to be married.
1958
07 Jan: Mrs Coser appointed as temporary teacher.
21 Jan: attendance poor on account of heavy snowfall and pupils having chicken pox and influenza.
01 Sep: three new staff Miss N Jordan (Deputy Head), Miss P Davis and Mrs Gladman, replacing
temporary teachers and Mrs Judson (permanent teacher who married and left the area).
1959
09 Jan: snow - only 104 pupils present; moor road blocked - no transport.
01 Sep: Mrs Watson commenced duty.
14 Dec: collection taken for World Refugee Year - £3 11s 1d collected.
1960
06 May: school closed for Princess Margaret's wedding.
21 Dec: Miss Jordan left to become head teacher of Skinningrove Junior School.
We hope this brief summary will prompt some readers to recall those days so please let the Town Crier
know of any of your memories from this period. With thanks to Loftus Town Council.
Dear Editor
We were sorry to hear that Gwenda Wilson, nee’ Robinson, was no longer with us,
we used to write to each other, talking about the olden days, when I was around 15
years old we often went for cycle rides with her brother Arnold Robinson. Arnold
joined the Royal Navy at the same time as I did, we met each other in Chatham
barracks before being posted abroad, as the saying goes “its a small world”
My wife and I will be celebrating our 67th wedding anniversary this year in July
Cheers and best wishes to everyone.
Bob Goldstraw ( Rochester)
Issue 142
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Loftus Town Crier
Walking around the Loftus area: Some recent developments
W I Report
The variety of terrain in the district around Loftus presents
opportunities for some great walking. Moorland, woods and fields
meet with dramatic coastline to give walkers lots of options, from a
gentle stroll to something more challenging. The area is served by
an extensive network of footpaths and lanes that offer a wide choice
of walks. There are numerous places to park along the coast
between Carlin How and Cowbar and inland to Scaling. Regular
bus services connect Loftus directly with Middlesbrough, Redcar,
Guisborough and Whitby as well as with local villages.
Severe flooding along local watercourses in September 2013
brought damage to bridges and flood defences that caused disruption
for walkers. Measures by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
and the Environment Agency to rectify the damage have led to the
reopening of access to and through some of our treasured woodlands
and thanks are due to them for their work. The borough council has
installed a new footbridge over Middle Gill in Loftus Wood,
together with a new stile nearby; these measures mean that walkers
can once again use the footpath connecting Rosecroft Lane with
South Loftus. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency spent several
months rectifying damage in Whitecliff Wood - during which time
the footpath had to be closed - and there's now a new spillway to
channel water if severe flooding occurs.
Damage by water from a different direction has led to coastal
protection work taking place at Skinningrove, so the Cleveland Way
National Trail is diverted for several months. Notices above
Cattersty Sands and at Beach Road in Skinningrove show the route
of the diversion and posts with an acorn symbol guide you along the
temporary route. It's important to take special care when walking
alongside the Tata Steel boundary fence above Cattersty Sands as
the path is narrow, but you're rewarded with spectacular views here.
Make sure you follow Alfred Wainwright's advice: if you want to
admire the view, then stop walking!
A new feature for walkers has been completed in the Deepdale area
of Loftus where an initiative by Coast & Country has regenerated a
space that had been unused for many years. You can now walk
through this area and link up with a refurbished flight of steps that
connect Cowscote Crescent with Deepdale Lane.
Finally, more good news as Loftus Civil Parish is being awarded
Walkers are Welcome status: look out for full information about this
later in the year. Thanks are due to all who supported the
application for this recognition. To find out about the Walkers are
Welcome UK Network, visit www.walkersarewelcome.org.uk
This is turning out to be an
interesting time for our W I. It is
the centenary of the National
WI this year and Loftus has been
represented for 91 of these years.
There is to be a garden party at
Buckingham Palace at the
beginning of June and two of our
ladies, Linda Wilson and
Margaret Thompson will be
representing us on that occasion.
We are eagerly waiting for the
stories and pictures when they
come home!
Our President,
Cynthia White will be our
representative this year at the
National AGM at the Albert Hall
also in June.
At our April; meeting we held a
minutes silence in memory of
Theresa Wilkinson, who has been
a very long serving and
enthusiastic member. She first
attended the W I with her mother
when she was only 15 and
attended right up to March this
year, in spite of her failing
memory she never forgot when
the meetings would be. Her
talents seemed to be endless and
she was president at Loftus for
many years.
Our members have recently been
to an
open meeting at
Guisborough with Hutton
Lowcross W I, when local girl
Sara Muir from Arches Cookery
School at Grinkle gave a
m arvellous dem ons tration.
Members also attended an
International Day featuring
Canada. Then we have a team
taking part in the County Quiz
once again.
We have arranged a visit to
Glaisdale for their Eskdale
theatre performance in August
and will enjoy lunch at the
Wheatsheaf before the show.
We have had some interesting
speakers at our meetings this
spring, subjects included
Forensic Archaeology, Paper
Making and Life on a Market
Stall.
In May we host the De Brus
Group rally, when other WI’s in
this group will visit us, this is
always an enjoyable event.
We have recently contacted
Heather Dale whose mother Kath
was a very popular Loftus W I
member for years. Heather now
lives at Kipling Hall near
Northallerton and is keen for any
friends of her mother’s to get in
touch if they are visiting the Hall.
Our meetings are held in the
Town Hall on the second
Tuesday of the month at 7 pm
and any ladies wishing to join us
are very welcome
Congratulations to the small band of volunteers who have worked
alongside Redcar and Cleveland Council to improve our local
footpaths
The new bridge at Middle Gill
Issue 142
8
Loftus Town Crier
Loftus town hall
This historic building is
ideal for
 Wedding receptions
 Parties
 Functions
 Conferences
 Meetings
 Displays
Contact Alison Atkinson
Tel: 01287 641000
email: [email protected]
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DIY NEEDS
 Brough & Horner Ltd

Zetland Foundry Loftus
( Established 1987)
Quality Architectural
Wrought Iron
GARDENING,
PLUMBING,ELECTRCAL,
HAND & POWERTOOLS,
IRONMONGERY, PAINTS, TIMBER .
Gates, Railings, Handrails,
Balustrades, Ornate Staircase,
Panels and Furniture.
Security Doors & Security Grills.
WE DO IT ALL
WE ALSO STOCK: WALLPAPER,
CARDS AND GIFTWARE,
PETFOODS AND ACCESSORIES.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
SHOP LOCAL ALL ON ONE
STREET.
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
All Aspects of Light Fabrication.
For Friendly Advice
and Quotations
Contact Steve Whitlock
Tel: 01287 640374
Mobile: 07983450883
MILITARIA
22 Suffolk Rd Cheltenham GL50 2AQ
Tel & Fax 01242 519815
Or mobile 07778 613977
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.qcmilitaria.com
We Wish to Buy for
Cash
All items of Uniform, Helmets & Headwear
Swords & Bayonets
Medals, Orders & Decorations
Badges & Uniform Furniture
Military Memorabilia
Trench Art
Top Prices Paid
Absolute Discretion Assured
Medals Mounted for Wearing
Cased for Display & Refurbished
Miniature Medals and Mess Dress
Accoutrements Supplied
For All Your Household Needs
‘ARNIES’
40, West Road Loftus.
01287 641025
T o i l e t
s
Card
Toys
K i t c h
e n
Station
ery
Cleaning
Products
Pots & Pans etc etc
Loftus Cricket
& Athletic Club
Tel 01287 640891
C. HEBDITCH LTD.
(EST. 1906)
Joinery Manufactured
Glass, Timber & Hardware
Supplied To Trade & DIY.
DEEPDALE ROAD
LOFTUS
TEL: (01287) 640353
Mobile, 07961/ 961185
Issue 142
Chris Grey and Sons
Carpet Fitters
Please ring
01287 644892 or
0797 404 1674
for quotes
9
Loftus Town Crier
D.B.J O HNS ON
WOLD POTTERY
79 High Street Loftus tel. 01287 640100
www.woldpottery.co.uk
Handmade Pottery
Art Work
Jewellery Cards
& Much More
Unique Gifts
for something
different
Opening Times
Wednesdays Fridays:
10am - 5pm
Saturdays:
10am - 2pm
EAST CLEVELAND EMPLOYMENT
AND TRAINING GROUP LIMITED
Small industrial workshops/office/storage
units available in a securely
fenced site with 24 hour access
Sizes: 260 to 500 sq feet
Easy in/out terms
Call us on 01287 642244
Lantsbery Drive, Liverton Mines,
Saltburn TS13 4QZ
Harry Thompson
Handale Primary School presents
OLIVER
FUNERAL SERVICE
Tuesday 9th June at 6pm
Wednesday 10th June at 6pm
Thursday 11th June at 6.30pm
Independent and Caring
Family Business
TELEPHONE 01287 643375
DAY or NIGHT
1 &2 High Street, Loftus, Saltburn by the Sea,
Cleveland. TS13 4HW
Tickets £2.00
tel 01287 640416
Loftus Recycling
Registered Scrap Metal
Dealers
Free metal collection
service
House clearances
Garden clearances
Rubbish removal
Single Items
No job too big or small
Telephone 07583294433
Advertising space available
Various sizes
For details contact
Kate 01287 640198
or
Sandra 01287 641878
EAST CLEVELAND
COMMUNITY TRANSPORT
AFFORDABLE MINI BUS
TRANSPORT
FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS &
ASSOCIATIONS
Scouts & Guides*
Church Groups* Youth Clubs
Shopping Clubs *
Out of School Clubs *
Disabled Groups*

Wheelchair accessible

Vehicle with MIDAS
trained driver
Ring for a quote on one-off
outings or regular trips. Contact
Kenny on 01287 644972
LOFTUS TAXI AND
MINI BUS
PRIVATE HIRE
Airports
Contracts
Weddings
EVERLASTING MEMORIALS
TO SOMEONE YOU LOVE
MEMORIALS-RESTORATIONS
& CLEANING
ADDITIONAL INSCRIPTION
FREE QUOTATIONS IN THE COMFORT OF
YOUR HOME
PAYMENT SCHEME AVAILABLE
WRITTEN DETAILS ON REQUEST
MARK THOMPSON
MEMORIAL SERVICE
TEL 07967 331479
1 HIGH STREET LOFTUS
LOFTUS
POST OFFICE
FOR A FRIENDLY AND RELIABLE SERVICE
Market Place, Loftus
For all your Stationery
Needs and High Class
Greeting Cards
01287 640 989
For all Occasions
Issue 142
10 10
Loftus Town Crier
FLO WHITE
AND THE SEVEN DOOFERS
Contact us
East Cleveland villages “Time to share”
are organising an all age community panto’
to take around the East Cleveland villages
We welcome groups and individuals in the
East Cleveland 01287 code area, who can
help in any way.
Come and get involved
by coming to meetings in Loftus Town
Hall on Monday evenings at 5pm
If transport is needed tel 01287 201319
If you have any articles to share with our
readers
please contact
Loftus Town Crier,
Loftus Library,
Hall Grounds,
Loftus
Cleveland. TS13 4HJ.
To Contact Town Crier
K. BARBER 01287 640198
S WELFORD 01287 641878
JOHN ROBERTS 642322
OR email:
Disclaimer:
We try to ensure all articles are accurate, but
views expressed in letters and articles are not necessarily those of the editor.
[email protected]
WEST END POST OFFICE
OFF LICENCE & NEWSAGENTS
14 West Road Loftus
Tel 01287 640340
Open 7 days a week
Off licence open from
10am to 21.30hrs
Great deals on the
BEERS WINES & SPIRITS
Groceries Newsagent Magazines
Confectionery Tobacco, toys
Stationery, etc.
Post office
Monday to Saturday
Sefton Trowsdale
Specialists in
Double Glazing
Services to all
types of Poducts
i.e.Timber,
uPVC & Aluminium
We can fix all kinds of
Problems From:
Draughty Windows and Doors,
Leaks, Doors or Windows not
locking properly
to cracked or Misted glazing.
CALL: 07717 366508
or
01287 653080 (Skelton)
Sefton Trowsdale
We supply and install
Doors
Windows
Porches
Conservatories
Fascia Soffits
& Guttering
Canopies
Carports
Internal uPVC Doors etc.
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.sgtrepairs.co.uk
Issue 142
Loftus Town Hall
Loftus Community
Wool Fayre
Saturday June 13th, inc.
St. Leonard’s
Summer Fayre,
sheep shearing,
dancing,
fabric and wool based
handicrafts
various crafts
hunt the sheep
competition,
see shop windows,
stalls and refreshments
Liverton Mines Nurseries
Your local supplier of
Bedding plants,
Perennials,
Shrubs, hanging baskets,
Christmas wreaths
Jean Hawkins
Lantsbery Drive
Liverton Mines
Telephone
07933156192
11
Loftus Town Crier
Loftus Celebrates the Platinum Anniversary of VE Day
On the afternoon of Sunday 10th May 2015 Saint Leonard’s Parish Church Loftus, in partnership with
Loftus Town Council, Loftus Community Special Events Group and other community groups, hosted a
special and unique Service of Thanksgiving for Peace in Western Europe on the 70th Anniversary of VE
Day. The Service of Thanksgiving, which had been arranged in response to a request from central
government for communities to
celebrate this milestone in British
History, attracted a congregation of
well over one hundred and fifty
people including the new Lord
Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mr
Barry
Dodd
CBE
on
his first official visit to the town of
Loftus. The special service was also
attended by the Mayor of the Borough
of Redcar and Cleveland, Cllr Carole
Simms; the Mayor of Loftus, Cllr
Ba r r y Hu n t ; t h e M a yo r s o f
Guisborough and Whitby; and by a
number of other Civic and Community
Leaders from across Teesside and
North Yorkshire. Also attending the
service was the newly re-elected Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough
South and East Cleveland Mr Tom
Blenkinsop MP on his first official
public engagement since the General Election.
Representatives of the local branches of the Royal British Legion and the Royal Artillery Association
were also in attendance; as were cadets and staff from the Guisborough & East Cleveland Sea Cadets
and members of the Loftus detachment of the Army Cadets. In total, five standards were presented and
laid-up at the high altar for the duration of the service. During the Service of Thanksgiving and the
Sermon was delivered by The Right Reverend Gordon Bates, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese
of York and former Bishop of Whitby, who reminded the congregation that although it has been seventy
years since conclusion of the Second World War we should now forgive "but never forget" the realities
of war.
At the invitation of the Mayor of
Loftus the Service of
Thanksgiving was followed by a
Civic and Community Reception
in Loftus Town Hall, which
concluded with the Lord
Lieutenant cutting a special
celebration cake. In his speech the
Lord Lieutenant said aspects of
the celebration had been
"magical."
Father Adam Gaunt, Rector of
Loftus said, “This has been a real
community commemoration and
celebration of the seventieth
anniversary of VE Day. Not only
have we marked the
occasion
with such a fitting event, this
anniversary really has brought our
community together”
L.A.N.D
Please will all former members of
Langbaurgh Against Nuclear Dumping meet
in the cafe of the Old Co-op Building,High
Street, Loftus on
Thursday June 18 at 2.30pm
To discuss what we should do with the
remaining funds, it is important that we get
everyone’s opinions, so if you are unable to
attend the meeting please ring 640198 to
discuss the options
Look forward to seeing you there.
National Parks Week launch event
Park Fest Saturday July 25th-Sunday July26th
It’s the biggest event in the North York Moors National
Park’s annual calendar and this year ParkFest lasts all
weekend. Kicking it off is a brand new music event on
Saturday evening, followed by our ever popular family
fun day on Sunday, both to be held at Danby Lodge, for
further details contact 01439 772737
Issue 142
Loftus Town Crier
12
St Joseph school news
What a busy few months!
We have had the builders in. I am pleased they have now finished and we have a lovely new entrance
well worth the disruption!
As usual we have taken part in lots of sporting events. Cross country is really popular here at St Joseph’s
– you might have seen our runners in the local area each Thursday after school. Some of our runners,
Charlotte Thompson Y6, Sophie Dickinson Y5 and Thomas Lowe Y5 and represented East Cleveland
at the regional finals held at Stewarts’s Park in Middlesbrough. We have some really keen individuals,
Charlotte Thompson , our swimming sensation, reached the area finals at Darlington and came 2 nd in the
Backstroke and Front Crawl Relay and Amber Jo Knight has earned a place in the North of England
Gymnastics team. All children have experienced outdoor activities with Zenith Leisure across the year.
This term Y1 and Y2 children are enjoying the outdoor life.
St. Joseph’s took part in the Whitby Annual Penalty Shoot Out competition. After getting through the
first round, they went on to win the competition! The
team were delighted and returned to school with a huge
trophy. Well done to them. I hope this bodes well for the
Catholic Cup which takes place in Hull shortly.
Children have been having fun in classes too! We had a
great Science afternoon recently where children took part
in lots of practical Science investigations. As part of their
topic on The Romans, Y3 enjoyed a Roman banquet
which they really enjoyed. Y1 had a great day at
Scarborough Sea Life Centre last week, they now know
lots of things about a whole range of sea creatures.
Y2 are finding out about Loftus and its history. They
visited the Mining Museum at Skinningrove and learnt
lots about how people worked in the past.
Parents are always welcome here. In recent weeks
parents have been to school for Lenten Liturgies, our
Easter Presentation and class assemblies. The fair we
held for St. Joseph’s day was very well attended by
parents and parishioners. Last week’s Fairtrade coffee
afternoon was a lovely start to the Bank Holiday
weekend!
The children enjoyed a special treat with a theatre
production of The Jungle Book. Great fun was had by
all!
Don’t forget - we have parent and toddlers each Tuesday
and Thursday afternoon. Little Joeys offers 2 year olds
free childcare. Everyone welcome!
Alison Toward
Zetland Timber on its way to the sawmill
Issue 142
13
Loftus Town Crier
Loftus Town Council Election 2015 Update
Election Day on May 2015 saw a good turn-out across the borough
for General, Borough and Town/Parish Elections. It was the second
time that there had been an election in the Town Hall since the
Office moved back into the building, and the difference compared to
the European Parliament Election in 2014 was dramatic, as many
more people exercised their democratic rights - well over 60%
across the borough as a whole. There were often queues down the
passage, and a very sociable atmosphere generated by those coming
to vote.
This was the first ever election where all three levels of government
were contested, and it did appear to cause some confusion. We are
not used to having contested elections at parish level in Loftus - the
last one was in 2003! Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish
Council also had a contested election for one ward this time - and
Guisborough Town Council had contested elections in all three of its
wards. Middlesbrough residents also had three elections to contend
with - but as neither of their parishes was contested, they were
voting for their parliamentary representative, their Borough
Councillors and their Elected Mayor. Elected councillors will
remain in post until May 2019, provided that they do not become
disqualified.
Full details of candidates, party affiliations and votes cast can be
found on the Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council website
(www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk - if the information has moved off
the front page, try under E for elections), but the successful
candidates are:
General election:-Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland - Tom
Blenkinsop MP.
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council election:Brotton Ward - Cllrs Michael Dick, Malcolm Griffiths and Barry
Hunt
Loftus Ward - Cllrs Wayne Davies, Eric Jackson and Mary Lanigan
Loftus Town Council Election:Easington Ward - Cllrs Andrew Anderson and Mike Hodgson (both
elected unopposed)
Liverton Ward (nb includes Liverton Mines) - Cllr Rob Cottle
(elected unopposed)
Loftus Ward - Cllrs Kath Cornes, Wayne Davies, Michael Franks,
Allan Greening, Eric Jackson, James McGill, Julie Morrison
(successful candidates in contested election)
Skinningrove Ward (nb includes Carlin How) Cllrs Barry Hunt,
Elizabeth Westhead (both elected unopposed)
At the time of writing, there remain 2 vacancies on the Council
(Liverton and Skinningrove) but it is possible that these will be
filled by co-option on 18 May or 1 June 2015. The position of the
Town Mayor/Chair of the Council and Committee posts will be
decided on 18 May - details of who is Chair of each committee will
be published in the next edition of the Crier and on the Town
Council website.
The members of the 2015-19 Loftus Town Council are mostly
experienced Councillors, but with a few new faces. If you would
like to speak to a Town Councillor, the protocol is generally to
contact one who represents “your” ward - contact details will be
published on Loftus Town Council website (www.loftustc.co.uk) by
30 June 2015. (if you want to contact a Borough Councillor, their
contact details will be published on the Borough Council website, as
will details of surgeries etc)
Alternatively, you can contact the Town Council as a whole via the
Office (01287 641000), in writing at Loftus Town Hall, High Street,
Loftus, TS13 4HG, by calling in to see the Clerk at the Town Hall
(preferably Monday - Thursday, 9 - 12 or 1 - 3), or by e-mailing
[email protected]. Sometimes we will be able to deal with your
query directly, sometimes we may need to give you contact details
of another organisation or pass a message on - occasionally we may
not be able to help at all. However, we will do our best to ensure
that you get a prompt and courteous response and a reply (if needed)
within 20 working days
Issue 142
Thank you
I would like to thank all my
family and friends who helped to
celebrate my 90th on March
24th, also Joan for the lovely
buffet which she provided.
Donations were given to a good
cause, the Air ambulance and I
was able to give them a cheque
for £750, thank you to everyone
who donated,
Kathleen Harland
Cleveland Ironstone
Mining Museum
The museum is looking forward
to a summer packed with events.
18th –26th July when the
museum is co-ordinating with
WW1. An East Cleveland story,
a series of events at the museum
and throughout East Cleveland
commemorating our area’s role
in the Great War.
Events include walks, talks,
family activities and exhibition.
The week will culminate with a
WW1 style street party on the
museum patio with song and
dance.
There are plenty of opportunities
for those interested in our local
heritage to join the museum
volunteer team, including roles
as guides, education/events
assistants, reception and shop
maintenance or archives.
Anyone interested in
volunteering should contact
Claire at the museum.
More information on events and
other activities through the
museum website at:
http://ironstonemuseum.co.uk
Or phone the museum on 01287
642877
Loftus Town Crier
14
Friends of Loftus cemetery
What a magnificent display the daffodils have given this year, such a stunning picture of golden
flowers, many visitors to the cemetery have passed on their thanks and pleasure for such a wonderful
picture greeted them when attending a loved ones grave.
We would like to pass on our thanks to Tot Easton for her generous donation of £100.00 this
contribution will help to strengthen this years floral presentation.
Our group have also received the Redcar and Cleveland Mayors Community Achievement award. It
was a lovely night meeting
other recipients, Our
thanks to Councillor Eric
Jackson for nominating us.
We continue to explore the
habitat of the cemetery and
surrounding areas, recently
we have joined Sarah
Barry of Tees valley
wildlife trust, Sarah is their
BAT officer, when this
goes to print we will have
been on a bat walk with
her, "more later".
Mrs Judy Green has
recently joined our group
and we welcome her, she
is proving a good asset.
Kath Hudson one of our
founder members, is at the
moment suffering a spell
of ill health, Get Well
Soon Kath we miss you.
Marjorie Magor
Community Forum
We started a new venture in May. We call this the C.H.a.T club, meaning Community Health and
Transport. Our aim is to arrange for elderly people, or people who would not be able to visit out of way
places. We meet at the Old Co-op Building, usually on a Wed 10 am for a cuppa and to choose where
everyone would like to visit. Windle Bridge on April 28th was our first trip out. I think
everyone enjoyed it, we had lunch there did some shopping then headed home (the scenic route).
While writing this article we are preparing for our Craft fair and Fun Day May 2nd, update next issue.
The planters will soon be freshened up and summer bedding added
Bingo`s are back to normal after missing two sessions due to new kitchen being fitted at the community
center, such a lot of happy smiling faces on our return to normal, everyone enjoys our bingo and had
missed it, two of our regulars even waved union jack flags when they came. makes it worthwhile.
Marjorie Magor
The Forum members have done a fantastic job on planting up the flower tubs throughout the town, we
really appreciate their work
Moors bus news
A second bus, as yet unnamed, will follow a route from Saltburn to Redcar, Guisborough – where it will
connect with the Rambler, Great Ayton, Stokesley, Osmotherley, Northallerton, Thirsk, and Helmsley
via Sutton Bank Visitor Centre. At Helmsley, it will connect with the 128 to Kirkbymoorside, Pickering,
Thornton Dale and Scarborough. It should be possible to catch the Rambler again at Kirkbymoorside
from this connection.
The new service will then run up Bilsdale via Rievaulx Abbey, through Chop Gate and Stokesley where,
after an hour or so break for the driver, it’ll head on to Great Ayton to connect again with the Rambler.
After returning to Helmsley, it’ll make a quick return trip over Sutton Bank to Thirsk Railway Station,
and then set off on the return journey from Helmsley at 4:25. This should, again, allow the 128 to
connect there. The two buses will connect at Guisborough on the way home.
We've managed an extra week’s running as well, so we’ll be operating on all Sundays from July to
September, as well as August Bank Holiday Monday.
And that other bus still need a name. Any ideas?
Further details will soon be on our new website, www.moorsbus.org
Issue 142
15
Loftus Town Crier
An update from Carol Hoskinson, partner in the “ Northshire” project near Liverton.
The first of our Hobbit houses will be completed very soon, and through crowdfunding we will be
offering tickets to the launch. In addition to our existing campsite and Romany caravans we are building
seven Hobbit houses and a new cafe restaurant on the site and a new academy for what we call Hobbit
apprentices. We hope to work together with ACCORD and other local groups to see what mutual
support can achieve as we feel that adventure will be hugely fruitful for our area in the way of jobs and
bringing visitors into this area . This would then increase business potential for all the little businesses.
We have our hearts set on working with and improving on the surrounding areas and helping people and
their families locally through our business and the apprentice academy. We are very grateful to have
the support of the National Parks Five Lamps and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
I would love to publish the link to our pitch to Richard Branson for the national “pitch to rich”
competition, we will also use this pitch for sponsors to gain funds through various avenues such as
crowdfunding to get more hobbit houses built and the onsite apprentices academy, people will also be
able to see for themselves what we are hoping to achieve. The link is:
https://youtu.be/FFCTaUXNEGQ.
The photograph shows a similar hobbit house in New Zealand
Loftus ACCORD walking group
We will continue with our weekly health walks each Friday afternoon, leaving from outside Woodside
Surgery Loftus at 1.15pm. In addition we will be part of Redcar and Cleveland’s Walking Festival
which this year will run from Saturday June20th– Sunday July 5th. Our Princess walk will be on Friday
June 26th at 1.15pm, this will take us up Swalwell’s fields and along the Cleveland Way, visiting the
Anglo Saxon burial site to see the new information board
The photograph shows Anglo-Saxon re- enactors Dean Lambert from Lincolnshire and Marc Ohms
from Germany at the Street House site beside the plaque.
Many thanks to everyone who supported
our successful bid to become a “ Walkers
are Welcome” town, we hope this will
attract many more visitors to our area and
enhance business potential. We will be
celebrating this achievement at Handale
Priory garden on July 1st with a “ Banner
Day”
Further information on our July and
August walks are on page 5.
You are very welcome to join us on all our
walks
Issue 142
Loftus Town Crier
16
24 Zetland Road Loftus TS134PW
Issue 142