thirlwells - Billingham Community Newspaper

Transcription

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Sparkles Christmas
Market
Stockton High Street - Thurs 27 –
Sun 30 Novmber 9 am – 7.30 pm
Make Christmas Sparkle in the
newly refurbished High Street as it
comes to live celebrating all things
Christmas.
From food cabins, traditional and
continential sausages, mulled wine,
selection of sweets and chocolates,
crafts and gifts, there is something
for everyone.
Coffee Morning
The Hospital of God at Greatham
invite you to join them at their coffee
morning held on the first Friday
of the month at Hereford Terrace
Community Centre. Starting at 10 am
– 12.30 you can enjoy good company
at this monthly get together, meet old
friends and make new one’s over a
great cup of coffee.
This event provides a wonderful
opportunity for both carers and
sufferers of dementia to continue their
social life in a friendly and relaxed
atmosphere.
Call Jane Conroy on 01429 279005
for further information.
ISSUE 34
www.billinghamcommunitynewspaper.co.uk
thirlwells
T E E S S I D E ’ S E STAT E AG E N T
the name you can trust!
NOV/DEC 2014
Billingham
Number 1 Number 1
for New Listings in
Billingham & Number 2
in Middlesbrough
for available properties in
Billingham & Number 2
in Middlesbrough
We are Teesside’s longest
established independent
professional Estate Agents
65 Queensway, Billingham, TS23 2LU. T. 01642 361 111
75-77 Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3AA. T. 01642 245 796
ESTATE AGENTS • LETTINGS • VALUATIONS • AUCTIONS
www.thirlwell-estates.co.uk
Pick up
a free car
from either
of our
offices!
St. Modwen Complete Purchase
of Billingham Town Centre
2014 North East
Sports Awards
Wednesday 26 November
Billingham Forum
Now in its second year being hosted
by The Forum, North East Sports
Awards recognise the success,
achievements and contribution of
sportsmen, women and teams from
across the North East, their coaches
and volunteers that form the core of
sport in our region.
Tickets are limited and available via
the BBC Website.
Christmas Fayre
at High Grange
Community Centre
We are hosting a Christmas Craft
Fayre in High Grange Community
Centre on Casson Way on Sunday 30th
November 2014.
Please keep the date in your diary to
come along and visit us and, if anyone
is interested in securing a table to
exhibit crafts & Christmas gifts.
Please contact Maureen Bowler on
01642 535744 for more details.
TEES Credit Union
Ltd Collection Points
Monday’s 1.30 – 3.00pm New Life
Family Centre, Low Grange Avenue,
Billingham
Thursday’s 11.00am -12.00pm
Billingham Food Bank, 4 - 6 West
Precinct, Billingham Town Centre
Friday’s 10.00 - 11.00am Clarences
Community Centre, Port Clarence
Road, Port Clarence, Billingham
Photo (l-r) Rob Richardson, Development Manager at St. Modwen, Tony Donnelly,
Centre Manager and Richard Bannister, Development Manager at St. Modwen.
A huge big welcome to St. Modwen, the UK’s leading
regeneration specialist, who have just completed
the purchase of Billingham Town Centre to add to
their existing portfolio. Following the acquisition, St.
Modwen are already preparing plans to continue the
revitalisation of the town centre in order to deliver
a modern and attractive retail, leisure and business
environment. Richard Bannister, Development
Manager at St. Modwen, said: “The centre is very
important to the people of Billingham and the
surrounding area. We look forward to progressing
our vision to further regenerate it and attract new
businesses, but also ensure that existing businesses can
strengthen and grow.
“The town centre has already benefited from recent
investment to improve public facilities and we plan to
expand on the work that has already been carried out.
Our approach is to listen to and understand the needs
of existing businesses and local stakeholders to ensure
the centre is the prime destination for the local and
wider community’s retail and leisure needs.”
With the new library and customer service centre
due to complete early in the New Year and the vision
that St Modwen are bringing with their regeneration
team, we are sure to see continued improvement to the
look and feel of the town.
St. Modwen has a proven track of record of
revitalising retail centres. They are currently
regenerating the Waterdale Shopping Centre in
Doncaster. Since taking ownership of the site in late
2013, footfall has risen and the number of retailers
has increased so we have every confidence they will
achieve the same in Billingham.
However they very much need the support of our
community. St Modwen has invested over £14 million
into the acquisition of Billingham Town Centre, help
them to attract more brands to fill the empty units by
using our town centre – take a look at what you buy
and see if you could purchase this locally and support
our local traders. Key brands are attracted by nice
environments but success lies in a community that is
prepared to support each other. So please make sure
that you do use our great family friendly facilities. Help
St Modwen attract even more brands and be a part of
the continued regeneration of Billingham.
Stay up to date with all things billingham at
billinghamcommunitynewspaper.co.uk
Our Sponsors
The Billingham Community
Newspaper is an
independent
publication that is funded
by sponsorship and adverts.
This issue has been
supported by:
Low Vision Supplies
www.lowvisionsupplies.com
Queensway Dental Clinic
www.queensway.co.uk
Billingham International Folklore
Festival
01642 553220
PD Ports
www.pdports.co.uk
Impetus Environmental Trust
01642 673313
The Pharmacy
Telephone: 01642 530304
www.theplaceinbillingham.co.uk
01642 564077
JW Smith Accountants
0800 915 5393
Stockton Riverside College
www.stockton.ac.uk/src-bede
01642 373 250
Northfield School & Sports College
www.northfield.stockton.sch.uk
Cowpen Cars
01642 370101
Thirlwells
01642 361 111
Flooring Pete
01642 891840
NHS Healthy Hearts
‘‘
a note from
the editor
‘‘
2
Firstly a warm welcome to new town centre owners St Modwen, they have a brilliant track
record of success and BCN are overjoyed at their commitment to continue updating us with news
via Tony’s usual column. As usual this edition is filled cover to cover with good people achieving
great things. From young carers in our community like Dana, through to all those who supported
the inaugural RBL Festival of Remembrance. If the spirit evoked through this Centenary of
WW1 could be maintained for the next 100 years we truly would know peace in our time. It’s
great to see Northfield students performing Private Thankful as their Christmas Show – how
appropriate and very poignant. Sad to say goodbye to Ivan Harrington and Barney McLean,
both died within days of each other and both touched so many people in our community, they
will be missed so much. This edition is filled with news of tremendous fundraising with events
big and small, all destined to help others, as we head towards Christmas let’s make sure that no
one in our community faces it alone, let’s especially look out for our senior citizens, can we share
our Christmas table, can we take around a meal, can we squeeze in a quick visit to check they
are OK, or even a phone call – it may be the only voice they hear.
Christmas is a time for giving, we do that so well in Billingham and
our surrounding communities, may we continue to do so at this
special time of year. Wishing you all a fantastic Christmas and New
Year and thank you all so much for being there for us throughout the
year, as volunteers, we simply wouldn’t be here without you.
Best regards,Pat
BROUGHT YOU BY LOW VISION SUPPLIES
176 Belasis Avenue , Billingham
TEL: 01642 530801
www.lowvisionsupplies .com
Billingham Removals
07903 265 409
St. Modwen (Billingham) Ltd.
Telephone: 01642 360973
Billingham Gardening Services
07712228555
The Lock Shop
07717357791
Tilly Bailey & Irvine
0800 052 6824
www.tbilaw.co.uk
Useful Numbers
Local Government
• Billingham Town Council –
01642 551171
• Stockton Borough Council –
01642 393939
Community
• BELP – 01642 559115
• Hereford Terrace – 01642 564077
• Billingham Carnival and Garden
Show – 01642 559115
• BIFF – 01642 553220
• CAB – 01642 633 877
• SRCGA – 01642 733902
Libraries
• Bedale Avenue – 01642 527895
• Roseberry Library – 01642 528084
Business Services
• Know How NE – 01642 607592
• Five Lamps – 0800 4580 120
• HMRC – 0845 0109000
Emergency Services
• Cleveland Fire Brigade HQ –
01429 872311 or 999
• Billingham Fire Station, Seaton
Carew Road – 01642 546000
• Cleveland Police – 01642 326326
or in an emergency 999
• Billingham Police Station,
Town Centre – 01642 302930
• Billingham Neighbourhood
Enforcement Team –
07747 033429
• Ambulance – 01904 666000
• James Cook University Hospital –
01642 850850
• University Hospital of North Tees
– 01642 617617
• NHS Direct – 0845 46 47
GP Practices
• Kingsway Medical Centre –
01642 554967
• Abbey Health Centre –
01642 552700
• Melrose Surgery – 01642 553055
Chemists
The Consultancy
01429 239689
www.theconsultancy.co.uk
• The Pharmacy, Finchale Ave –
01642 530304
• Davidson Pharmacy,
3 Station Road – 01642 360145
• Billchem Ltd, Billingham Health
Centre Pharmacy – 01642 553846
• Boots – 01642 553263
• Harry Hill Chemists,
Kenilworth Road – 01642 553184
• Rowlands Pharmacy,
39 Queensway – 01642 554416
• Tesco Pharmacy, Leaholme Road –
0845 677 9770
If you are interested in
becoming a sponsor or
advertising in the
newspaper, please email us
at news@billinghamcommunitynewspaper.
co.uk or call 01642 564 077.
Billingham Community Newspaper
is published by the Billingham
Community Newspaper Ltd.,
a not-for-profit company limited by
guarantee, run by a board of trustees.
Whilst every care is taken,
the publishers cannot be held
responsible for the accuracy of any
information herein. All dates and
details of events may be subject to
change and you are advised to check
with the organisers.
The publishers endeavour that any
information is correct at the time of
printing but may be liable to change.
The views expressed herein are not
necessarily those of the publishers.
BCN Hereford Terrace
Billingham
TS23 4AA - Tel: 01642 564077
newsBillinghamcommunitynewspaper.
co.uk
Printed locally on Teesside.
NOV/DEC 2014
Churches
WEBSITE SPECIALISTS
01429 239 689
WWW.THECONSULTANCY.CO.UK
• New Life Church – 01642 646009
• St Cuthbert’s – 01642 554929
• Our Lady of the Most Holy
Rosary – 01642 553118
• St Columba’s – 01642 654388
• St Luke’s – 01642 554929
• St Aidan’s – 01642 554929
• St Mary Magdalene –
01642 554929
• North and South Billingham
Methodist – 01642 562046
• Spiritualist Church – 01642 881211
• Kingdom Hall – 01642 563895
• Billingham Baptist Church –
01642 656966
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints – 01642 563162
St Peter’s Church Wolviston
01642 554929
NOV/DEC 2014
News in Brief
Billingham Advent
events
• Saturday 29th November Christmas
Coffee Morning @ South Billingham
Methodist Church
• Sunday 30th November CTiB
[Churches Together in Billingham]
Advent Service @ St Mary Magdalene
• Sunday 7th December 4.15 Clarence’s
Community Church
• Sunday 14th December 3- 5
Christmas at the Clarences with
Community Carol Singing @ 3.30 [Carol
singing time TBC]
• Thursday 18th December @ 7pm
CTiB Carols on the Green followed by
refreshments.
• Wednesday 24th Dec @ 7.30 pm
Christmas Eve Communion @ South
Billingham Church
• Sunday 21st Dec 10 am Carols for All
@ North Billingham Methodist Church
• Sunday 21st Dec 2pm Christmas
celebration @ South Billingham
Methodist Church
• Thursday 25th Dec 9.30 am Christmas
day celebration “The greatest Gift!” @
North Billingham Methodist Church
Wolviston
Court Evening
Townswomen’s Guild
Meetings held every 4th Thursday
of the month - Wolviston Court
Community Centre, Clifton Avenue,
Billingham, Meetings are at 7 pm.
Visitors are welcome at all meetings as
we are a small friendly group.
Our next meeting is on November 27th
and the Speaker is Gareth Murrell talking
about “Crime Scene Investigation”.
We had the pleasure of having “Marske
Fishermen’s Choir” entertaining us in
September and had a lovely evening
listening to their very varied programme
of songs. Also in September we had a
very social lunch in good company at
Hardwick Hall.
In October our Speaker was Peter Cook
who is Editor of the magazine “Now and
Then”, his talk was very interesting telling
us about the early days of appearing on
and reporting for “Look North”.
Please come along and give us a try,
you are always going to get a cup of tea in
good company.
For any further information please
contact Evelyn Shand 01642 656568
Stockton Sparkles
Event
27 Nov – 14 December
Launching with the Christmas lights
switch on at 6.30 pm on 27 November
in the High Street, an evening to be
filled with singing, dancing and a
firework spectacular. There is also
the Uk’s first singing Christmas Tree.
Highlights will include the Christmas
market and the popular reindeer parade
at 2 pm on 14 December.
There is also the new Christmas Maze
open 6 – 14 December (free of charge),
experience a tangle of mystery, fun and
surprise as you try to find your way
out of this wonderful challenge in the
High Street. Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/
stocktonsparkles for more information
If you have news stories,
please email us at:
news@billingham
communitynewspaper.co.uk
3
Recognition for Young Carer
We can all be guilty of taking our good health for granted and certainly rely
heavily on family and friends if we need care but one young carer here in
Billingham has been recognised for the exceptional support she gives to her mum,
who following a freak accident is now wheelchair bound and in constant pain.
Dana Omran-Liddle has been a young carer for 5 years, providing emotional
support to her mum, helping with dressing, dispensing medication, giving drinks
as well as all the household chores such as washing, ironing, cooking and doing
the dishes – all of this while studying hard for GCSE’s at Northfield School and
Sports Academy.
Like most young carers Dana didn’t share her story about being a carer, she just
got on with it. Dana’s mum suggested that it would be a good idea for her to meet
with other young carers, so braving the initial contact and attending one of the
regular youth sessions, a true ambassador emerged. Dana said ‘I never realised
there were other young people like me out there, all keeping quiet about missing
out on regular things teenagers do as they needed to be at home to help’.
Dana quickly became interested in helping to raise the profile of young carers,
some of the common signs that can so easily be missed in busy lives and in busy
schools. With the young carers steering group team at Eastern Ravens Dana has
been involved with Teesside University Department of Health and Social Care
as students listen to her story and recognise the diversity of community needs
particularly for young people. Dana has also been involved with a number of
roadshows for schools and professional groups to lift the lid on young carers, the
mental and physical support that they need too.
Dana was recently presented with the Head Teachers Award by Craig Walker,
Head, Northfield School in recognition of her exceptional role not only as a carer
but for the additional responsibilities as a youth ambassador representing young
carers throughout Teesside and nationally.
Eastern Ravens formed a steering group to look at the issues faced by young
carers. The group made up of young people aged 12 – 18 years, has been
instrumental in developing some animated films that are now being used on TV
and on social media to highlight early warning signs that may mean a young
person is quietly being a ‘carer at home’ and could be in need of support.
Dana is passionate about raising awareness she said ‘I never told anyone that I
was helping my mum so much at home, I just did it because she’s my mum and I
love her. I now realise that there is help and support available that can help me as
a carer and help me still to have some time to be a teenager. I attend a regular group
meeting with other young carers, I’ve been on residential trips that have helped
boost my own confidence and develop skills that have enabled me to present to peers
in schools across the Borough. I will be attending a national conference 18 – 20
November and I will be pleased if more people recognise that there are other young
people like me out there who may need help and support.’
Well done Dana, we’re all very proud of you. Lots of young people don’t see
themselves as carers, just being part of a family, however if you know someone like
Dana, signpost them to Eastern Ravens www.esternravenstrust.org or call 01642
678454
Head Teacher Craig Walker said ‘It has been rumoured that the Head Teachers
Award is rarer than hen’s teeth – that could be true and it is only ever presented in
recognition of exceptional service, I was truly honoured to present the award to
Dana, she sets a great example to us all.’
Neighbourhood
Team of the Year
Billingham’s Neighbourhood Policing team won ‘Neighbourhood Team of the Year’ recently at an
event organised by Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger. Well done to the team and
thank you for being so great at keeping our community such a safe place to live, work and play. L-R
Award presenter, Darren Hankey (Hartlepool College Principal), Sergeant Chris Stoddart, PCSO
Alaina Tait, PC Avril Dimelow, PCSO Mick Beals, Inspector Marc Anderson, PCSO Tamara Connor
TICK TOCK TEST your smoke alarm before it’s too late
Smoke, the silent killer, is responsible for over half of all deaths in accidental fires
in the home.
Last year over half the 213 fire deaths in the home were caused by smoke
inhalation. Working smoke alarms can give people the wake-up call they need to
escape – because smoke will not, it will leave you for dead.
Shockingly, in the majority of domestic fires with fatalities, smoke alarms were
either absent or did not go off – and a common cause was missing or flat batteries.
That is why the Fire Kills campaign, run in partnership with Cleveland Fire
Brigade is asking people to make an online pledge to test their smoke alarms, a
simple push of the test button and you will test both the power supply and the
detection mechanism.
Over half the people who died in fires in the home last year were 65 years old
or over. So as well as testing their own alarms, Cleveland Fire Brigade is urging
householders to test for people who might need help testing theirs – be a good
neighbour and offer that help, the few seconds it takes to test could provide a few
valuable minutes for loved ones to escape safely.
Phil Lancaster, Director of Community Protection for Cleveland Fire Brigade said,
“Smoke alarms are a well-proven lifesaving tool, but they are no use if they are not
working. You are at least four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a
working smoke alarm, so taking the time to test the smoke alarms in your home
could be a truly lifesaving decision.”
Cleveland Fire Brigade offers residents a free Home Fire Safety Visit, where
firefighters will come to your home and give valuable safety advice and help make an
escape plan which will be tailored to you and your family’s needs. Free smoke alarms
will be supplied and fitted if needed. Call us on 01429 874063 to arrange a visit at
your convenience. You can also visit our website at www.clevelandfire.gov.uk to view
more safety advice as well as our news and details of events happening throughout
the Brigade. You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Sport in the Park project
The Sport in the Park project in John Whitehead Park opened for the first time this summer.
Since its official opening in May, hundreds of sports enthusiasts have been flocking to John Whitehead
Park to use it to its full potential. One such aficionado, local skater Micky Pattison, aged 20, believes
that the park benefits many young people in Billingham and from our surrounding communities. He
said, “I’ve been skating for years and there has never been anywhere locally with facilities like this. I
think its great news that the facilities have been created here in Billingham”.
Another local skater Jake Rafferty, 21, said “For years there has been nowhere to practise. All the local
skaters have had to make do with empty car parks. Its fantastic news that the investment has been
made enabling us to skate and socialise in a safe environment”.
The BMX skate park offers young people and adults a place to practise all manner of wheeled sports on
a professionally designed course, put together with input from users before construction even began.
The tennis courts in the park have also had a major renovation, offering much improved facilities that
are now being managed by Billingham Tennis Club.
For further details on Billingham Tennis Club please contact [email protected]
The courts are now managed by Billingham Town Council please contact us on 01642 551171 or
email us: [email protected]
Update on our Park
by Dominic Stephenson
4
Growing Sprouts
Port Clarence
It hardly seems nearly a year since the floods washed through Port
Clarence but what a difference a year makes.
Jayne Hector is seen here working with the Family’s Group who meet
on a Tuesday morning in ‘The Royale’ at 9.30 am. Jayne is Vice Chair of
C.R.A.G. and also Chair of the Families Group who have worked to build
on the good spirit that emerged as families worked together following the
floods.
The Tuesday group have been busy making crafts, cooking – as this
picture shows, making bread and nutritious vegetable soup but most of
all working to support each other and help build strong and sustainable
community links.
Growing Sprouts is a community interest group that delivers health and
wellbeing classes to schools and community groups , their team visited the
Families Group during this session and you can tell by the smiles it was a
huge success.
Sean Dolan Completes
Olympic length Triathalon
On 25th October 2013, Sean Dolan went for a friendly game of 5 a side
football with friends in Billingham. During this game, Sean suffered a
freak incident, in which he fractured his skull and suffered traumatic
brain injury (TBI). The condition was life threatening, the prognosis
was not good and all the family could do was to pray that Sean would
survive.
Sean not only survived, he has become a testament to helping to
support others by taking on a mammoth personal challenge to fundraise
for James Cook Hospital who were instrumental in supporting him
through to recovery.
In celebration of his survival and recognising the difficult journey to
recovery, Sean decided his challenge should test his endurance, mental
stamina and his fitness so, on the anniversary of his accident, completed an Olympic Length
Triathlon, that is 10 Km run, 40 Km cycle and a 1.5 Km swim.
That would be enough for anyone but on completion of the triathlon, Sean held a charity
night at Billingham Town Football Club where he managed, with friends to raise an incredible
£3,310.00.
Sean was very grateful for the kindness shown by everyone who helped and supported
throughout this marathon fundraiser – from those who donated prizes for the raffle, through
to family and friends who joined him on the cycle and run, including 8 year old Macey Harvey
who helped motivate Sean across the final 1.5 km of his run and managing to raise over £175
herself.
Well done Sean, an incredible journey demonstrating great personal triumph and raising so
much to help others in need – an example to us all.
Biggest Virtual Crime Fighting Network Launched
Thousands of people from across
Cleveland will be the eyes and ears
of the community at the click of a
mouse – thanks to a new virtual
crime fighting network that has just
been launched.
Cleveland Connected is a new
web system which sends messages
to email, mobile phone or home
telephone on crimes happening
in areas across Teesside. It also
allows people to reply back with
intelligence to police and partners.
Everyone who signs up to Cleveland
Connected receives information
on criminal activity taking place in
their area at a time that suits them
or by the method they choose.
It’s an extension of traditional
neighbourhood watch methods,
but uses modern technology to
target a new audience and enhance
the experience of established
neighbourhood watch members.
www.clevelandconnected.co.uk
is led by Cleveland Police and the
Office of the Police and Crime
Commissioner, with backing from
national group Neighbourhood
Alert and involvement from charity
Neighbourhood Watch.
Neighbourhood Policing Chief
Superintendent Gordon Lang said:
“People have busy lives and don’t
have time or don’t wish to attend
meetings, Cleveland Connected
enables us to get direct into
people’s homes and tell them about
important things relating to their
area.
“The key to unlocking most
crimes lies in intelligence from
our communities, so we wanted
a system where people could feed
back. It allows us to hone in on
identified groups such as retailers,
people living in a certain street, or
farmers for instance and give them
messages most relevant to them.”
Police and Crime Commissioner
Barry Coppinger said: “Cleveland
Connected will be a network of
people who care about Teesside,
their homes and their communities
and who want to help police to
keep them safe from crime.
“Detectives often say that it’s the
slightest bit of information which
can have the biggest impact in
an investigation and Cleveland
Connected is a brilliant portal for
people to provide this information
and intelligence. I want this to be
the biggest virtual crime fighting
network in the north east”
Cleveland Connected is free to
join, to become a member visit
www.clevelandconnected.co.uk
or call 101 if you don’t have
access to a computer.
NOV/DEC 2014
News in Brief
Stay warm and well
this winter.
STOCKTON Council’s Warm
Homes Healthy people scheme is set
to continue for another year, offering
vulnerable residents help to stay warm
and well this winter.
The Council’s annual Warm Homes,
Healthy People campaign re-launched
in October aims to help improve the
health of residents during the colder
months.
The scheme is targeted to people who
are aged over 75, have a disability or
a child with a disability, are on a low
income or have a long term illness
made worse by the cold. The Council
is working with several partners
to support vulnerable residents
during winter and improve health,
home energy efficiency and housing
standards.
Cold homes can lead to serious health
conditions and premature deaths, so it
is vital people keep warm during the
colder months.
Stockton Borough have committed
nearly £250,000 in total to the 2014/15
Warm Homes Healthy People scheme
so please do take up the offer of help
and support.
Warm Homes Healthy People
also offers residents in the Borough
the chance to volunteer as part of
its ‘buddying’ scheme. Volunteers
who would like to become ‘buddies’
will receive full training and be
partnered with a vulnerable resident
of the Borough, providing them with
assistance over the winter months.
To find out more about the service
or become a ‘buddy’ visit www.
stockton.gov.uk/warmhomes or call
01642 528215.
For emergency help with heating
outside of these hours contact
Cleveland Fire Brigade on their 24hour helpline on 01429 874063.
Memorial
Ivan Harrington – Rest in Peace
5.7.29 – 13.11.14
Ivan Harrington (85) following
a battle with cancer, passed away
peacefully on 13.11.14. Loving
husband and father, sadly missed by
wife Iris, son Glyn and family.
BCN recently printed details of Ivan’s
historic photo collection and other
memorabilia kept in meticulous order
by Ivan during his lifetime, including
photographic information from 50
years employment with Billingham
Press. The process of recording all of
this historical information was already
in the process of being digitalised
for future generations, son Glyn has
confirmed this will be a wonderful
legacy to his dad.
Death leaves a heartache no one can
heal, love leaves a memory no one
can steal
NOV/DEC 2014
5
Bede Hosts to Catalyst Conference
SRC Bede Sixth Form College was the venue for this year’s
Catalyst Conference. The conference brought together strategic
leaders in the Third Sector to discuss the future of the voluntary,
community and social enterprise organisations operating in
Stockton Borough over the next five years.
CEO Steve Rose said ‘It’s our first time using SRC Bede Sixth
Form College as a host venue, it has exceptional facilities is as ideal
to use not only the main conference facilities but the break out
rooms for workshops discussions’.
Melvyn Dixon’s presentation challenged the conference to prepare
for changing times and recommended that the Three R’s were the
solution so see Third Sector organisations cope through a time of
shrinking investment and cuts in grant funding. Mel’s video links
left us all agreeing that with a combination of Robustness, Resilience
and Resourcefulness all the organisations present would continue to
thrive through these challenging times of budget cuts.
The conference was tasked to focus on five key questions:
- What are the main issues for the VCSE in the coming five years?
- What support is needed to enable development?
- What is the role of Catalyst and other infrastructure
organisations?
- What do we need less of in the next five years?
- What is the VCSE’s main selling points?
The outcome from the responses gathered at the conference will
help Catalyst formulate a future strategy to support the Third Sector
Organisations operating in and around Stockton on Tees.
Mike McGrother sang a specially adapted version of ‘The Times They are A Changin’ which
seemed very apt for the theme of the conference:
Come gather ‘round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’
Or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’.
Come bid writers
Who fantasize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The funds won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon
For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who that it’s namin’
For the loser now, will be later to win
Come Wharton, Cunningham
We suppose that the key element of Mike’s song
is that we can sometimes be our own worst enemy
and the Channel 5 programme on Benefits Street
as usual takes a knock not just for Stockton but the
wider borough, it simply does not reflect who and
what we are as a community.
Indeed, Mike is so totally fed up of the north
being knocked, he has launched a twitter
campaign in a bid to create the largest ‘Chinese
Whisper’ response to the Channel 5 programme,
showing that we’re proud of where we live and
work, if you too want to shout up and be heard get
your phones out and #theloudestwhisper
One of the workshops BCN attended was ‘A
Fairer Start’ – it takes a village to raise a child.
This whole workshop discussed how we can all be
involved in helping every child get the best start
in life.
The first 3 years of a baby’s life is vital and can
ultimately determine:
• Emotional & physical wellbeing
• Ability to learn
• Capacity to develop positive relationships
• Ability to communicate
• Behaviour
The Fairer Start project focuses on a pilot area
working to improve three key outcomes for 0-3
year olds living in the Stockton Town Centre ward:
1.Cognitive development
2.Speech and language development
3.Nutrition
The overarching outcome is for all children to be
Please heed the call
Don’t stand on our doorsteps
Don’t block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There’s a battle outside and it is ragin’
It’ll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
Come Facebookers, Tweeters
Throughout the land
Don’t criticize what you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old town is regenerating
Please say nothing at all
If you can’t lend a hand
And just when you thought
Things couldn’t be worse
‘School Ready’ by the age of 5 years old
Although this is being piloted in central
Stockton, it was recognised that other
communities could mobilise and work to deliver
similar projects but finance and resource,
including the longitudinal research to support the
project, would remain focussed on Stockton.
The approach will be based on the ten
recommendations set out by WAVE Trust in their
‘Conception to Age of Opportunity’ report:
1.Increase breastfeeding and good antenatal
nutrition
2.Promote language development
3.Reduce domestic violence; and stress in
pregnancy
4.Achieve a major reduction in abuse and
I decided to rewrite the penultimate verse
And send out a message to our most
recent foe
Ironically called ‘Love’ productions
It’s called Kingston Road
Not “Benefits Street”
Oh the times they are a-changin’.
The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is rapidly fadin’
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin’
The times they are a-changin’
The times they are a-changin’
And the change is accelerating.
neglect
5.Set up an effective and comprehensive
perinatal mental health service
6.Assess and identify where help is needed
7.Focus on improving attunement
8.Promote secure attachment
9.Ensure good, health-led multi-agency work
10.Ensure early years workforce have requisite
skills
Some of these initiatives have already started in
Billingham particularly in and around the support
of breastfeeding, where the number of locations
prepared to post ‘breastfeeding welcome’ signs is
increasing and a support group meets regularly
in the New Life Family Resource Centre on Low
Grange Avenue.
6
NOV/DEC 2014
RBL Festival of Remembrance Best Foot Forward for
the Poppy Appeal
Sunday 26 October proved to be a sell-out performance
at The Forum Theatre as Billingham Branch of The Royal
British Legion showcased the very best of local talent as a
tribute to the World War 1 Celebrations being remembered
across the nation this year.
Branch member Peter Clark came up with the initial idea
to host a Festival of Remembrance and with other branch
members including Alan Lewis, Mick Foster, Sandy Peebles
and Judith Gallacher it wasn’t long before a programme
schedule came together that ensured the audience were
entertained throughout the whole fundraising show.
The audience stood for The National Anthem, then
followed a moving Parade of Standards from local
branches of HM Forces, Cadets, Scouts and Guides. What
followed was enthralling entertainment by Billingham
Silver Band, Singing Sue’s Vocal Academy, Northern
Accord Barbershop Chorus and the Pipes and Drums from
Newton Aycliffe Band. The night was too short as many
of the acts could have held the audience all night with
their wonderful performances and the audience clapped
enthusiastically at the wealth of talent on show.
Our local schools provided fitting tribute as Head Girl
Amy Harris, from St Michael’s told the story of how the
First World War started. Tom Smith, Head Boy at St
Michael’s told the history of The Royal British Legion and
the audience were held rapt to attention by a riveting solo
performance from young Joshua Dixon from Northfield
School and Sports College.
A moving poem by Alex Schiller from Billingham
South Primary School was read then Grace Franklin from
Pentland Primary updated everyone with her second
‘Little Book of Jokes’, being sold again to raise valuable
funds for the Royal British Legion. This year’s edition has
been compiled with the help and support from children
across the globe who emailed their jokes, then after careful
consideration, particularly for their ‘smile factor’, had their
contributions included for publication.
Rhiannon Mathews, Emily Rose Thompson, Claudia
Wilson, Naomi Ramsey and Emily Austin all Year 11 at St
Michael’s had the audience singing Pack up your Troubles
in your Old Kit Bag and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary
simultaneously (and that was such fun – the students were
brilliant in keeping the audience on track!).
SRC Bede Sixth Form College put on a riveting show of
life at home as the soldiers went off to war and the liberation
of women who needed to take up the roles left vacant in
businesses and on the land to keep communities together.
Niamh sang a brilliant solo which was followed by the
Drumhead Service by local clergy Laura McWilliams and Bill
Braviner.
Harvey Cobb and Abbi Liddel, both of Northfield School,
read from the Book of Remembrance and it would be hard
not to find a name that was read, that in some way did not
have a descendent in the audience that night.
It was humbling to watch young and old come together
not only in remembrance of war, our national and local
community loss but, in celebration of the peace we can and
do enjoy in our lives today, sustained by those who still serve
their country so that we can live in freedom.
As the festival came to it’s close Captain Rtd Glen Franklin,
President of Billingham Branch Royal British Legion read
out the Exhortation – then, during the silence that followed,
poppy leaves gently fell from the skylights to the floor, it was
very moving and extremely poignant.
‘Lest we forget’ – let’s hope that we do not and, if this year’s
event was anything to go by, we hope that the RBL have
already booked the Forum for next year.
Well done to all that took part and delivered such a fantastic
Festival of Remembrance. There is still time to donate to this
year’s poppy appeal if you haven’t already done so.
Retired serviceman Tony Curnow, put his best foot forward to raise monies for this
year’s poppy appeal by completing a sponsored ‘yomp’ across Dartmoor.
Using the well-worn track used to train many of our Royal Marines, Tony,
accompanied by his daughter Kathryn and his son in law, John (a corporal serving in
the RAF), covered the 12 gruelling miles from Princetown to Bickleigh, raising over
£500 in the process.
It’s not the first time Tony has stretched his legs to fundraise for the Royal British
Legion, last year he marched 32 miles from Sunderland to his birth place in Port
Clarence. Tony, a member of Billingham Branch of the RBL said ‘The Poppy Appeal is
an essential part of fundraising for the Royal British Legion providing help and support
to those in need 24/7, I’m just glad I was able to do my bit to help for this year’s appeal.’
A huge well done Tony, hope more people can follow in your footsteps and make a
difference too!
Gaz’s Marathon Cycle
Gaz Golightly, 33, lives in Hartlepool, but grew up in Port Clarence. Gaz’s career as a
vehicle specialist in the Royal Logistic Corps ended less than a year after it had begun
when he lost a leg following a hit and run car accident while driving back to barracks.
Gaz became a shadow of his former self – lacking in confidence and was reluctant to
engage in conversation with anyone outside his close family circle.
It wasn’t until ten years later, when he was persuaded to attend a wheelchair basketball
session that life began to improve for Gaz and his wife Denise. Newcastle Eagles’
basketball coach had invited two members of the supported activities team based at
Help for Heroes Recovery Centre to join them for training. They met Gaz and suggested
he visit the Centre in Catterick.
Within weeks, Gaz found himself training for a ‘Help for Heroes’ organised longdistance cycle ride, working as part of a group, they would travel from Edinburgh to
London, he did this using a handbike. Taking on this challenge and becoming part of a
huge team effort, signalled the start of Gaz regaining his lost self-confidence.
This year Gaz competed in the phenomenal Invictus Games, winning with a Gold
medal for his role in the British Armed Forces wheelchair basketball team and has
recently returned from a handbike cycle around the North East, placing wreaths at local
cenotaph’s as part of the celebration of remembrance of WW1.
Gaz also recently visited pupils at High Clarence school to talk about his personal
journey, competing in the Invictus Games and the wreath laying for this years
remembrance day. He also wanted to talk about the poem that pupils had sent him,
which is very iconic as the last 2 lines are the words printed on his medal.
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Invictus
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
Out of the night that covers me,
And yet the menace of the years
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
I thank whatever gods may be
It matters not how strait the gate,
For my unconquerable soul.
How charged with punishments the scroll,
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I am the master of my fate,
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
I am the captain of my soul.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
Wife Denise is exceptionally proud of all that Gaz has achieved and said competing
has truly changed his life continually giving him strength for the next challenge.
With this year’s poppy appeal just complete, it is poignant to remember support to
serving and ex service personnel is an ongoing need, Denise said, ‘Families like ours
welcome the help and support of Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion, at a
time when we were lost and in need of help, they were there for us and have helped us
all, not just Gaz, they are there for the whole family.’
Now with three young children, Gaz continues to take on new challenges to ensure
they continue to be proud of their dad. He has already volunteered for next year’s games
and is taking up new sporting challenges including archery, in the hope he can one day
be a coach himself. To enable Gaz to continue his training, he is in desperate need of a
new handbike . These specialist bikes need to be hand made to fit his body and frame, so
if anyone is able to help with full or part sponsorship please contact us here at BCN and
we will be happy to put you in touch.
The cost of a new handbike is approximately £3000 – so even if you can’t donate the
full amount, you may be able to help in some way that will see Gaz achieve his goal.
Pictured here with their young children, Clarissa, Brianna and Jason all immensely
proud of all of Gaz’s achievements.
NOV/DEC 2014
WWI centenary day
A day of remembrance has given students on Teesside
a glimpse of life during the First World War.
Pupils at St Michael’s Academy, Billingham, took part
in a host of events exploring the outbreak of WWI, its
impacts on the country and the significance of poppies
and remembrance.
Year groups looked at life in 1914, including the
history of The British Legion, trench warfare, wartime
songs and watched a scene showing the enlistment of
young men in Billingham, acted out by students George
Bailey and Ethan Hamilton.
Head teacher Andrew Ramsey said: “Today is an
important day for our school where we look back 100
years to the outbreak of World War 1.
“In modern history our country has never been
invaded and the reason for that is because of the
sacrifice of our grandparents and great-grandparents
during the Great War.
“They gave us the freedom to be what we want to be
and to live our lives in a free country and that should
never be taken for granted.”
Lead by the school’s history department pupils also
made hundreds of paper poppies, which were placed on
a canvas to create a giant remembrance collage.
History teacher Marc Scott said: “WWI was supposed
to be the war to end all wars.
“Six million people died, 72 countries were involved
and every single person in our school will be related to
someone who fought in the war.
“The reason we look back on the war is not to glorify
it but to remember the sacrifice of each and every
person that laid down their life for their country.”
In a whole school assembly deputy head boy Tom
Smith, 15, read aloud a speech that he will deliver to
The Royal British Legion in the Forum, Billingham, as
part of the town’s centenary celebrations, and school
staff dressed in WWI period costume.
History teacher Clare McCarthy said: “We felt that
given it was 100 years since the outbreak of WWI we
needed to do something extra special to commemorate
the event.
“There has been a real buzz in school today and
students have really recognised the suffering and
sacrifice of the men and women who fought for our
freedom.”
Pupil George Bailey, 15, of Bilingham, added:
“Learning about the war makes me think of my great
granddad who was stranded in no-mans land for four
days but managed to survive. “I don’t think we should
allow future generations to forget what happened
during that time and I think it’s important for young
people to realise what was involved.”
St Michael’s Academy staff dress in WWI period costume
St Michael’s Academy pupils Lennon Legg, 14 and Megan Sinclair, 14,
both of Billingham, make remembrance poppies
If you have news stories, please email us at:
news@billinghamcommunity newspaper.co.uk
Students at St Michael’s Academy, Billingham, Ethan Hamilton, 15 and George Bailey, 15,
both of Billingham, who acted out an enlistment scene to remember the events of WWI
7
8
Children in Need
&
Pudsey
does Billingham
BCN wrote to the BBC to ask if Pudsey would
consider visiting us here in Billingham and Port
Clarence on Children in Need Day. Well you can
imagine our surprise when they said a big loud ‘Yes’.
It was helped of course as some of our local children took part in this year’s Children
in Need song from Tees Valley Music Academy and there was also going to be a huge
party on Stockton High Street and an even bigger party at Falck Safety Services with
the Billingham Legacy Foundations ‘Titanic Evening’.
Pudsey had time to visit Oakdene Primary School, New Life Family Centre and High
Clarence Primary School in Port Clarence.
Although Pudsey was initially shy and scared about meeting so many new people in
one day, the winning smiles of children and adults soon made him feel welcome in
our community.
Final figures are still being collated at time of going to print and some pledges still
need to be paid but we anticipate over £3000 was raised on the day. Well done to
everyone involved and thank you for making Pudsey feel so welcome.
NOV/DEC 2014
NOV/DEC 2014
Billingham Pledges nearly £3000
9
10
A Titanic Evening
sponsored by Falck Safety Service and Inspire Catering
When Falck Safety Services mentioned to Pat Chambers that they were far
better known in Aberdeen where their Head Office is based, she suggested
the possibility of a Titanic Evening that would showcase the fantastic
offshore training facilities and the exceptional catering services to get Falck
better known with ‘in Teesside’
It was agreed to run the evening as a fundraiser for Billingham Legacy
Foundation, however, when the date was confirmed and BLF Supporters
realised it coincided with the Children in Need event, it was unanimously
agreed by the board that half of the proceeds should go to that great cause
too.
Of course, an evening of such magnitude needed Pudsey too, so when he
had finished visiting our Primary Schools, we asked him to stay on and
enjoy the evening with key brands and their staff from across the borough,
Wilton Group, Calor Gas, Sita, Teesside University, SRC Bede Sixth Form
College, Wetherspoon’s, Falck Fire Services, Inspire Catering, Falck Safety
Services, BELP, PPS, Blacks Web Services and many more.
Chef Chris Herriot from Inspire Catering, provided a 5* menu based on
the original Titanic Manifest, guests were entertained by students from
Stockton Riverside College and ‘Blind Stag’ a ceilidh band.
Some fantastic prizes were donated for auction including a ‘home catering
experience’ by Chef Chris plus 2 assistants – what a treat!
With an galaxy note, a case of champagne, hot air balloon ride, tea at the
Savoy or 4 ball golf games at Billingham or Wynyard – there was something
for everyone.
Of course Titanic wouldn’t be complete without the guests volunteering to
abandon ship – which they did successfully I’m glad to say and lived to tell
the tale!
A great evening enjoyed by all and an opportunity to raise over £3000 too.
Pat said ‘I just want to thank event sponsors Falck Safety Services and
Inspire Catering – a truly exceptional evening from start to finish and we
are very grateful to Bill Whyman and the wider Falck team for making it so
memorable for everyone.
NOV/DEC 2014
The Billingham on
Legacy Foundati
NOV/DEC 2014
11
12
Get fit with Winter Warmer Runs
Residents are being encouraged get fit this winter
through a series of picturesque outdoor runs.
Stockton Council is working in partnership with
running specialists, Start Fitness and Active 8, to host
the Winter Trails across the Borough including local
venues such as Wynyard Woodland Park and Cowpen
Bewley Woodland Park.
The fun and friendly runs will take place in the
Borough’s finest countryside sites and beautiful
surrounds over the coming months. The races are
suitable for all abilities from complete beginners to
experienced athletes. Each race is 5k and will take
place at the following dates and locations:
Backing
Charter to
tackle Loan
Sharks
STOCKTON Council is pledging a zero
tolerance attitude to illegal money lending by
signing up to an anti-loan shark charter.
The Council, together with a range of
community based organisations, signed the
local ‘Stop Loan Sharks Charter’ on Monday 3
November.
The Charter brings people together to create a
cohesive community statement that loan sharks
will not be tolerated in the local community. The
local authority and other key organisations, which
deal with victims of loan sharks, will make a stand
against illegal money lending and send a clear
message that they are united in a zero tolerance
approach to this crime.
There is often a reluctance to speak about
loan sharks, but the Charter aims to start a
conversation about the issue and in doing so reach
those who are at risk - often some of the most
hard to reach people.
The launch has been organised by Stockton
Council in conjunction with the England Illegal
Money Lending Team and Infinity, Stockton’s
financial inclusion group to raise awareness and
help people in the local community.
Loan sharks can initially appear friendly but
their behaviour can quickly change, with some
resorting to threats, violence and intimidation
to enforce their debts. Loan sharks are illegal,
predatory and should never be considered as
an option. There is a commitment for the illegal
money team to work in partnership with credit
unions to provide safe and beneficial financial
solutions to people in these tough times. It is
important for those caught in the hands of loan
sharks to know that help is available and there is
a way out.
Diane Patterson, manager of the Tees Credit
Union and chair of Infinity, Stockton’s financial
inclusion group said: “We fully support the
Charter and the strong message that it delivers in
saying that illegal money lenders are not welcome
in the whole of the borough. As a group we are
committed to promoting financial inclusion
working with a range of different community
based housing, advice and credit providers.”
Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal
Money Lending Team, added: “We will continue
to work with Stockton Council to crack down on
loan sharks operating in the area, and encourage
victims to speak out. Through ongoing awareness
raising work we are sending a clear message that
loan sharks cause nothing but misery and should
be avoided at all costs.
If you or someone you know has been affected
by a loan shark, please call us in confidence on
0300 555 2222. Lines are open 24/7 and you can
remain anonymous if you wish”.
Alternatively, email reportaloanshark@
stoploansharks.gov.uk or send a private message
on www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject
• 2 November – Wynyard Woodland Park railway
carriage (behind the car park)
• 23 November – Gavin Duffy’s Memorial Race,
Cowpen Bewley visitor centre
• 14 December - Preston Park Winter Gardens
Christmas run
• 1 February – Preston Park Winter Gardens
• 1 March – Ropner Park café, Stockton
• 29 March – Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park
Entry costs just £5 or £3 for sports club members.
If you are looking for a challenge or would just like
to try something new, these runs are perfect for people
of all ages and abilities with lots of support for total
beginners. Young runners who are new to the running
scene will also have the opportunity to participate
in the Youth Trail Races. The 2k races are open to
youngsters aged between 8 and 14 and cost just £1
per race. They will take place on the same dates and
locations as the adult races.
All participants should register from 9am on the
morning of the race. The youth race starts at 9.45am –
all junior runners must be accompanied by a parent or
guardian at registration and at the start and finish of
the race. The adult race will then start at 10.15am.
For further information contact Vicky Fawcett on
(01642) 524816 or email [email protected]
Steria Group Donate to needy families
Marty Clennett who works for Steria Group, rallies his colleagues to donate a host of household items that could
be used by families in need.
After connecting the Children’s Society, Marty arranged to take all the essential household items that had been
donated across to Peter Lowe the Children’s Society Programme Manager who is based in Billingham.
Marty said, ‘I work for Steria who deliver facilities and administration services to Cleveland Police. Steria
encourage the whole work force to carry out at least one day of charity work each year. Lots of people raise funds
in many different ways for a host of good causes. All the items you see pictures were donated across just one week,
I was truly overwhelmed by the generosity of my colleagues.
Peter Lowe said ‘We are very grateful to Marty for thinking of us and I can assure you all the items donated will
be well used by the families we work with’.
NOV/DEC 2014
News in Brief
Warm Homes
Healthy People
The Warm Homes Healthy People
project supports people whose health
makes them vulnerable to the cold
weather.
If any of the following apply to you:
• On low income and struggle to afford
heating
• Over 75
• Have a disability
• Are vulnerable and living alone
• You or your child has a long term
illness made worse by the cold
We can offer a wide range of advice and
support to help keep you healthy and
more able to cope with cold weather.
We can help with:
• Home handyman service to assist
with minor repairs and draftproofing
• Installation of smoke alarms, carbon
monoxide detectors and falls prevention
equipment where needed
• Energy debt and welfare benefits
advice and assistance
• Additional advice and support to help
keep you healthy and more able to cope
with the cold weather
• Emergency temporary heating
Additionally – if you are over 75, or you
or your child has a long term illness or
disability, you may also be eligible for
• Boiler servicing and repairs
The project also runs a befriending
service where a volunteer can keep in
touch with you during cold weather to
give you any support you need.
For more information, help and
advice contact 01642 528215 or email
[email protected]
www.stockton.gov.uk/warmhomes
TEES Credit Union
Ltd Collection Points
Don’t say Neigh to Daisy Chain
Daisy Chain has announced that it has been selected
as a finalist in this years ‘ITV People’s Million Awards’
competition.
Run by ITV and the Big Lottery Fund people vote
to decide which local community project succeeds in
getting up to £50,000 of National Lottery funding.
Judith Haysmore, Chief Executive of Daisy Chain
said: “The money would enable us to redevelop the barn,
increase the number of animals at the farm and provide
more opportunities for children with autism – that’s why
we’ve named it ‘Don’t Say Neigh’.”
“We want to increase the range of services and
educational provision for the young people we have on
site. This money would mean we are able to increase our
capacity and the number of activities that we offer. It
would mean so much to so many families.”
We are urging our supporters to vote for Daisy Chain’s
‘Don’t say Neigh’ project on Monday 24 November 2014
by calling a designated number between 9.00am and
midnight on the day. You will be able to vote up to ten
times and calls will cost 11p. You will also be able to
watch a short film on ITV Tyne Tees Regional News at
6.00pm on the day.
Judith added: “It would be absolutely fantastic if
people across the Tyne Tees region were to pick up the
phone and vote for us.”
For more information visit www.peoplesmillions.
org.uk
Do you have a view? Join stockton’s residents’ panel
RESIDENTS across the Borough are being invited to join Stockton Council’s voluntary residents’ consultation
panel to have their say on services and issues that affect local communities.
Viewpoint is a consultation panel which helps the Council understand what residents think about Council
services and how they may be shaped to improve the Borough.
Each year, Viewpoint members are asked to fill in up to four ‘standard’ surveys of up to 10 questions and up to
12 rapid response surveys of up to five questions.
Standard surveys can be filled in either online or on paper while rapid response surveys are completed only
online. The surveys focus on issues that are of the highest priority to the Council at the time. Regular Viewpoint
newsletters feedback on survey results and what has been done as a result of previous surveys.
Previous Viewpoint results have helped the Council take forward plans for smoke free children’s play areas, a
new Domestic Abuse Strategy, plans for weight management and a review of the Borough’s parks and green spaces
services.
Councillor David Coleman, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Access and Communities, said: “Viewpoint
is vital in helping the Council understand what residents think about our services. It’s a fantastic opportunity to
share your views on a range of subjects and help to shape the future of the Borough. I would encourage everyone
to register their interest to join the panel and have their say.”
Viewpoint is free to join and membership can last up to three years. Members must be aged 18 or over.
To find out more or to register your interest call 01642 527455, email [email protected] or visit www.
stockton.gov.uk/viewpoint
Monday’s : 1.30 – 3.00pm – New Life
Family Centre, Low Grange Avenue,
Billingham.
Thursday’s : 11.00am – 12.00pm
– Billingham Food Bank, 4 - 6 West
Precinct, Billingham Town Centre.
Friday’s : 10.00 – 11.00am – Clarences
Community Centre, Port Clarence Road,
Port Clarence, Billingham.
Wild Christmas
RSPB Saltholme
29 & 30 November - Get ready for
the festive season and learn all about
the wildlife that stays with us over
the winter months. Storyteller Chris
Connaughton will be sharing a festive
tale and there will be lots of activities to
take part in.
Cost RSPB members free parking and
child activity pass £4.50 per child. Non
RSPB members £4 per car, £6 activity
pass for children.
RSPB Saltholme, Seaton Carew Road
Port Clarence TS2 1TU
Billingham Town
Council, Christmas
Event
Saturday 13 December 1 – 4.30 pm
Traditional Christmas event with
entertainment from BCT Aspire, stalls,
some rides and of course wouldn’t be
complete without a trip to Santa’s Grotto.
Call 01642 532944 for more
information
If you have news stories,
please email us at:
news@billingham
communitynewspaper.co.uk
NOV/DEC 2014
13
News in Brief
Price Busting
Meal Deals
1. Any 2 x 10”
pizzas £8
2. Any half
parmesan, any 10”
pizza, tub of chilli or
garlic £10
3. Any 10” pizza,
large doner kebab,
tub chilli or garlic £9
4. Any 3 x 12”
pizzas £16
5. Any 3 (1/4lb)
burgers* £6
with chips only
Wolviston
Court Evening
Townswomen’s Guild
15 Station Road,
Billingham
Tel
01642
558761
FREE
DELIVERY
WITH ORDERS
At the November meeting, following
the usual business for the AGM,
members were able to make a pretty
Christmas card. The County Chairman
gave information about the 100th
Anniversary celebrations which will be
taking place next year.
The group’s Christmas Party will be
held on Thursday December 11th at 7pm
in Wolviston Court Community Centre.
There will be a Faith Supper and
Santa Claus is hoping to pop in to see
all the ladies. This will be followed
by entertainment from The Seasonal
Singers.
Call Florence Wilson on 01642 554532.
Why not come along as a guest to see
what fun we have.
Stockton and District
Philatelic Society
OVER
£7.00
5PM
TILL
LATE
*excludes doner, bolognese & parmo burger
Recruiting new members NOW!!!
Monday’s & Friday’s
10:00am-11:30am
At Billingham Forum
You don’t have to be a singer to join this ladies
choir! A fun, relaxed approach to singing as
a group and to build your confidence. Picture
Military Wives, Gareth Malone and Rock Choir
all rolled in to an hour and a half!
Meetings are held in Room 3, Elmwood
Community Centre.
Darlington Road, Stockton, TS18 5EP
at 7.15p.m. on alternate Fridays.
Meetings for November are as follows
28th November - Aden - Mr S Holder
If you require any further information
please contact Bill Shand 01642 656568
New Role for Ian
Clayton
Northfield School and Sports College
are pleased to announce the internal
appointment of Ian Clayton as Head of
Careers and Guidance.
Ian, already very successful in
establishing links into the community
with business and enterprise, sees this as
a natural transition which will provide
some continuity in helping to raise
student aspiration for their careers in the
future.
Ian said ‘We can take for granted the
wealth of industrial, environmental and
technical roles that surround us here in
Teesside but behind every ‘Head of ’ is
a wealth of talent and experience that
comes together as a team to deliver
results. That’s as true in my own role as in
those of the key organisations that are the
life blood of opportunity to our students.
I’m really excited to be taking on this
new role and look forward to working
more closely with each of the students to
help them realise their personal goals.’
Contact Singing Sue on:
01642 885409 for more information
or ‘like’ us on Facebook
http://www.singingsuesvocalacademy.co.uk/
Book now to avoid disappointment!
Rag Wreath Making
If you have news stories, please email us at:
[email protected]
John Whitehead Park
30 November & 7 December
Enjoy crafting skills in the hub at John
Whitehead Park between 11 – 1 pm or
2 – 4 pm on Sunday 30 November or
Sunday 7 December.
This session is being ran by Billingham
Town Council, charges are £10 per
person per session. Call 01642 532944 for
booking or more information.
14
Education
in partnership with
SRC Bede Sixth
Form College
NOV/DEC 2014
SRC Bede: 01642 373 250
Stockton students
Tea room staff’s
lesson in 1940s style are fighting fit
Pictured left to right: Harriet O’Beirne, Amanda Harmison, Alice Marriott,
Jackie O’Beirne, and Josephine Twidale
STAFF at a new vintage tea room took a
step back in time as they were treated to a
1940s themed makeover.
Victory rolls, ruby red lips and floral
tea dresses, were order of the day for the
waitresses, who turned to students at
Stockton Riverside College to help create the
retro look.
Jackie O’Beirne, who recently opened
Gladys Tea Rooms in Seaton Carew, said:
“The idea was to make walking into the tea
room like stepping back in time.”
She explained, that meant vintage tables,
chairs, accessories and music, and of course
the staff made up in authentic attire.
Currently working on their own 1940s
themed project, Stockton Riverside College’s
Level 2 Hairdressing students were happy to
lend a hand.
And, with makeup applied by the Stockton college’s
Beauty Therapy students, Jackie, her mum, Josephine
Twidale, Amanda Harmison and Alice Marriott, who are
all working in the tea room, along with Jackie’s daughter,
Harriet, were transformed into 1940’s belles.
Tea room worker, Amanda, 39, of Seaton Carew, said:
“This was a completely new look for me. The students
were lovely and the whole experience gave me some
ideas when it came to recreating the look for myself.”
Jackie, 44, who said it had always been her dream
to open a tea room, added: “It was so exciting to see
everyone in their full outfits for the first time with their
hair and makeup done.”
Hairdressing lecturer Kim Goldsbrough said: “By
inviting the tea room staff in to the college it enhanced
the students’ learning experience and it offered us the
chance to reach out to the community.”
If you are going to try a new sport there is
nothing like being trained by the best.
Students at Stockton Riverside College and
SRC Bede Sixth Form College were given the
chance to do just that.
The students will soon be fighting fit after
receiving lessons in mixed martial arts by
one of the sport’s top ranking fighters.
In the first of the new classes, Dangerous
Davey Grant introduced the volunteers to
the basic techniques of the sport that has
taken him all over the world.
Davey, who last year featured in the
American reality TV show, The Ultimate
Fighter, said: “I love teaching people my
trade and seeing them grow.”
The 28-year-old, who is originally from
Bishop Auckland, was 14 when he first tried
the sport that would go on to be his future
profession.
“I started going to a kickboxing club just
to keep fit,” he said, but it was there he
discovered mixed martial arts.
“I wanted to have a go and it turned out I
was really good at it. I was just doing it for
fun when I started out - it turned in to my
job.”
Fighting for the Ultimate Fighting
Championship (UFC), he explained, is every
fighter’s ambition.
It was following his appearance on the
reality TV show, which saw him living in Las
Vegas for six weeks, that Davey was signed.
Now, happy to share his knowledge with Stockton Riverside College students on his break between
fights the dad-of-two said of the sport: “It is brilliant for general fitness, burning calories and
discipline.”
Delighted to welcome the world-class mixed martial arts fighter to the college, Stockton Riverside
College’s FE Sports Co-ordinator, Ron Booth said: “The students were really excited and couldn’t wait
to get started.
“On the mixed martial arts scene Davey Grant is world renowned. You don’t get any better.”
WE’RE STILL ENROLLING! www.stockton.ac.uk/src-bede
New Year
Opening...
New Customer
Service Centre
and Library
on schedule
visit our website to stay up to date with information www.billinghamcommunitynewspaper.co.uk
NOV/DEC 2014
Education
15
St Michael’s News
Laura McCluskey smashes her own record
AN ATHLETE has caused ripples of excitement
across the region after striking gold at a national
swimming championship.
Laura McCluskey, of Norton, Stockton, smashed her
own personal record by three seconds to claim first
place in the 200m freestyle at the Scottish Gas National
Age Group Championships, Aberdeen, in a time of
2.14 seconds.
The 12-year-old swimmer, who attends St Michael’s
Catholic Academy, Billingham, also picked up a
bronze medal in the 400m freestyle after taking on elite
swimmers in the competition, which attracted over
900 competitors aged from ten to 18 from across the
UK.
“I didn’t realise that I’d won when the race was over,”
said Laura, who swims for the Borough of Stockton
Swim Scheme (BOSSS). “I just kept looking at the
results board to see where I’d come.
“I couldn’t believe it when it came up that I’d won.
I felt so happy and my mum was crying – it was so
exciting.”
Laura’s success has seen her secure a place on the
England swimming programme which supports and
enhances the development of high quality young
athletes for the future and identifies individuals with
the potential to achieve podium success.
“Being chosen for the England programme is
incredible,” said Laura. “I didn’t know much about it
at first but when my PE teacher explained it to me I
realised what a massive achievement it was.”
Laura, who has been swimming from the age of four,
currently trains seven days a week waking at 5.30am
each morning to swim for an hour before getting ready
for school.
Being part of the England programme will include
additional training camps in Sheffield, monitoring
of nutritional needs and learning the sports science
behind becoming a professional athlete.
St Michael’s Catholic Academy PE teacher Rebecca
Leighton, whose brother Chris, 26, also a former pupil
at St Michael’s, coaches Laura through BOSSS, added:
“It’s fantastic that at such a young age Laura puts so
much dedication into her training enabling her to pull
off such incredible performances.
“All her friends at school, her teachers and her
swimming coaches are so proud of her and are looking
forward to seeing her push on to more major finals and
hopefully a place in the junior GB swimming team.”
EE = Exceptionally
Educational
Digital provider EE opened their doors to students from St Michael’s RC Academy to
show behind the scenes of a modern call centre and the diversity of careers that work
together as a team to deliver exceptional customer service.
Students discovered the role of the ‘techie’s’ who can take your call or enquiry and
remotely talk you through a system reboot to handle a technical fault on your phone.
GPS locaters show exactly where you are calling from, which transmitter is bouncing
your signal (we have all been in that ‘bad signal area’) and discovered just how much
‘traffic’ travels across the digital highways every hour of every day –it truly is relentless
and we do take it for granted.
Students learned from EE’s own young apprentices about providing excellent
customer service and how to handle offensive calls – that’s right, not every caller is
polite and friendly but those lessons also provided excellent advice to manage conflict
and defuse fraught situations. The recruitment team also put the students through
a real interview, setting out the standards that would be expected and what staff are
looking for in potential team members.
Omega 3 The Amber Nectar
Triple science students from St Michael’s visited
EPAX on Seal Sands to learn more about the
processes involved in the manufacture of Omega
3 Fish Oil capsules. Each capsule is filled with an
amber nectar, it appears to be translucent gold
liquid, which is used as a daily dietary supplement
for health and wellbeing, or even prescribed
by doctors in a more concentrated format, for
patients particularly with diabetes.
Manufactured here on Teesside but distributed
throughout the world, students followed the
journey from the seas of Norway through to
supermarket and pharmaceutical sales. What was
apparent was that in every stage of the journey,
maths, science and English were needed.
Starting with an induction process to learn about
the site Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental
procedures, then through into to the warehouse
and workshops to understand logistics,
maintenance and site support services. Students
then moved through to the laboratories and saw
constant testing of products to ensure standards
are rigorously checked and audited. Of course
every organisation looks to improve or identify
future opportunities so students then visited in
the research and development centre where work
is constantly underway to discover new products
and uses for Omega 3 Fish Oil.
Prior to the visit students had anticipated that
all areas of the site would smell of fish, after
all the Omega 3 tablets are manufactured by
using fish oil. However, the site is so high tech
using state of the art equipment and processes,
operating with clean room environments, which
mean there is no trace of odour at all.
Visiting the computer control room, students
were able to see the technicians monitoring
every stage of manufacture, visible on a host
of computers ensuring that quality control is
maintained as well as production efficiencies
acheived.
The tour finished with an evaluation of all the
processes, delivered by Thomas Jesper, himself a
First Year Student placement currently working
as a Quality Assurance Technician.
Feedback from the students was clear, like
the amber nectar – Omega 3 is good for us all
you can add it to your diet by eating healthy
particularly including oily fish in your diet, or by
taking a supplement as manufactured by EPAX .
It was clear that a host of talents and skills
work together to deliver the finished product
and it takes a team to deliver results ensuring
quality and standards are maintained during
every stage of production right through to the
customer service.
Captions: Star swimmer, St Michael’s Catholic Academy student Laura
McCluskey, 12, of Norton, Stockton, with her winning medals
16
NOV/DEC 2014
Education
Northfield News
Community Volunteering Qualification – Success! Northfield
Our Year 10 and 11 Peer Supporters have
the Year 7 Christmas discos; raising money for
Present ‘The
achieved their CVQ level 2 qualification by
charity during Anti-Bullying Week, and having
carrying out fantastic volunteering work
their volunteer work recognised by achieving
throughout their time at Northfield School. This the national Diana Award.
Thankful
involved: being a part of the highly successful
The Peer Supporters have collected evidence
Anti-Bullying programme; supporting students of their volunteer activities and compiled some
Soldier’
experiencing difficulties on a daily basis; raising very impressive portfolios which were then
awareness of e-safety – writing and presenting
e-safety-assemblies; supporting Year 6 and Year
7 students throughout the transition process;
organising and supporting the Year 6 parent
Welcome Evening; organising and running
assessed by ASDAN – they succeeded with
flying colours! We’re all immensely proud of the
work our Peer Supporters carry out and they
fully deserve their success and it’s great to see
their work recognised in this way.
New Body Burn Class
and Free Taster Session
Challenge all of your major muscle groups in this
top to toe body conditioning session.
A fun and exciting mix of cardiovascular and
bodyweight resistance exercises. Body Burn will
work core and abdominals, lean legs, hip and bum
blast, heart raisers, ballet balance, and stretch and
revitalise……class that works everything!
Uplifting music will keep your energy high and
encourage you to sculpt, tone, lift, tighten, and
define your muscles while blasting away fat, and
burning off loads of calories! Easy to follow; no
complicated choreography just basic and effective
exercises put together in a fresh and funky new
National Parliament
Week 2014
On the 13th and 14th of November, 25 Year 8 students were
off time-table, learning all about parliament and debating
in celebration of national Parliament Week 2014. Students
participated in several games and activities, giving them
insight into the world of politics and the government. The
debate days culminated in a formal debate chaired by Deputy
Head teacher, Mr Henderson, and the school’s Learning and
Behaviour Strategy Manager, Mrs Lucas. The motion students
chose was that schools should adopt a zero tolerance bullying
policy, with both sides making informed and valid arguments
throughout. Students were also visited by Alex Cunningham
MP who gave them valuable first-hand knowledge about the
role of parliament and the life of an MP. All students were
enthusiastic and enjoyed the days, with one stating that he,
“never knew politics could be so fun.”
format.
Can be adapted, therefore suitable for all ages
and fitness levels.
Call the Sportsdrome reception on 01642
556396 or email any member of staff to book a
space.
Free Taster session on Monday 5th January,
7.00-8.00pm in the Sportsdrome
Northfield Pupils in
Dick Wittington on Ice
Inspired by the Year 11 trip to War Horse at
The Lowry Theatre in Salford and to coincide
with the World War One commemorations,
Northfield School and Sports College present
The Thankful Solider; a story of hope, human
nature and sacrifice.
England and Wales are home to the
‘Thankful Villages’ from which all of
their men returned from the war. Ralph
McPherson is a Thankful soldier who returns
from war but is haunted by his memories of
loss.
Written and devised by staff and performed
by Northfield School’s Drama club, The
Thankful Soldier is a devised piece not to be
missed!
Northfield students Lucy Bolton (Year 7), Laura Myers (Year 8), Rebecca Cain, Georgina
White and Danni Shanks (Year 10) are all starring in this year’s pantomime, ‘Dick
Wittington’, held at the Forum in Billingham from Sunday 14th December to Thursday
18th December. Ex-Northfield student, Rachael Kelly, plays the lead as Dick Wittington,
her final performance for the Junior Members of Billingham Ice Skating Club. It’s their 41st
pantomime with a cast of 83 4-17 year olds.
Northfield Remembers
Y9 Battlefields Trip (3rd - 6th
November)
As part of Northfield School’s WW1
Commemorations, 43 Year 9 students,
accompanied by staff from the History
Department, made the journey to
the WW1 battlefields of France and
Belgium. They spent the first two
days in and around Albert and the
final day in Ypres visiting some of
the significant battle grounds and
memorials of WW1. These included
the Sheffield Park Memorial, the
Newfoundland Memorial Park, the
Thiepval Memorial, Lochnager Crater,
the Yorkshire Trench, Langemarck
Cemetery and Hill 62. The highlight
of the trip was the visit to the Menin
Gate where our students, along with
the Duke of Kent, participated in the
last Post Ceremony laying a wreath on
behalf of Northfield School in honour
of the sacrifices made during WW1.
Festival of Remembrance
The Festival of Remembrance took
place at Billingham Forum on Sunday
26th October. The organisers of the
festival were the British Legion. They
invited the students of Northfield
School and Sports College to share
in the commemorations. Our head
boy and girl - Harvey Cobb and
Abbi Liddell read from the book of
remembrance in honour of the men
from Billingham who lost their lives
in the Great War. Josh Dixon from
Year 10 performed a solo of Keep
the Home Fires Burning and Joe
Champion and Scott Pybus were given
the responsibility of acting as standard
bearers. Well done to the students
involved.
If you have stories about your college or school, please email us at:
news@billinghamcommunity newspaper.co.uk
NOV/DEC 2014
17
Christmas Dear Santa, ideas for Christmas
News in Brief
Christmas View
from the Vicarage
Last autumn, I found out I’d be coming to the Parish of Billingham - not long after
that, I found myself in the Town Centre on Saturday for the switching on of the
Christmas Lights. It seems impossible that a year has passed and Christmas is coming
round again, but here we are!
Christmas is of course one of the high points in the year for Christians - as we
celebrate the birth of Jesus. Someone once described the birth of Jesus to me as “God
wrapping his love up in skin” - and it is amazing to think that God is so interested in us
that he became human, in order to reach out to us in love. And the babe of Bethlehem
would grow up to show us the way to live, teach us about the really important things
(like selflessness, compassion, mercy, peace, love, etc) and ultimately to defeat even
death and open the way to eternal life with God for anyone who opens their heart to
him.
Christmas is also the time of the year when most people seem to think about the
importance of relationships in their lives - we instinctively want to be around the
people we love: family, friends, neighbours - and we even reach out to people we don’t
know. Those things that often hold us apart from one another the rest of the year - like
our famous British reserve - seem to melt away a bit at this time of year, and we find
ourselves sharing a smile and a ‘Merry Christmas!’ with total strangers, and we realise
that we’re part of a community, that we’re all connected.
One of the things I love about Billingham is the sense of community here - it really is
wonderful. Let’s commit ourselves this Christmas to think about how we can make the
strength of community we see at Christmas, last the whole year - and also give thanks to
God for the most amazing gift of his love in Jesus, the best Christmas present any of us
could ever have. And have a wonderful, happy and blessed Christmas!
Rev Bill Braviner, Billingham Team Parish
What’s On for Advent & Christmas in the Churches…
Sunday 30th November (Advent Sunday)
10.00am Parish Advent Eucharist at St Luke’s, Low Grange
6.00pm Churches Together Advent Service at St Mary Magdalene, Whitehouse Road
Sunday 7th December (Second Sunday of Advent)
Usual Sunday Services, plus:
4.15pm Clarences Community Church meets at Clarences Community Centre
Monday 8th - Saturday 13th December
Advent Labyrinth in St Mary Magdalene, Whitehouse Road (open by arrangement)
Sunday 14th December
3.00pm “Christmas in the Clarences” at The Clarences Community Centre
6.00pm Christmas Tree Service at St Columba’s URC, Marsh House Avenue
Thursday 18th December
7.00pm Churches Together Carols on Billingham Green, followed by refreshments
Sunday 21st December
10.00am Carols for All at North Billingham Methodist
2.00pm Christmas celebration at South Billingham Methodist
3.30pm Carol Service at St Cuthbert’s, Billingham Green
3.30pm Christingle Service at St Mary Magdalene, Whitehouse Road
6.30pm Carol Service at St Peter’s, Wolviston
6.30pm Carol Service at St Luke’s, Low Grange
6.30pm Carol Service at St Aidan’s, Tintern Avenue
6.30pm Carols by Candlelight at Billingham Baptist, Cheviot Crescent
CHRISTMAS EVE - Wednesday 24th December
10.00am Eucharist at St Peter’s, Wolviston
4.00pm Christingle Service at St Aidan’s, Tintern Avenue
5.00pm Mass at Holy Rosary RC
6.00pm Crib Service at St Luke’s, Low Grange
6.30pm Carol Service at St Mary Magdalene, Whitehouse Road
6.30pm Christmas Eve Family Celebration at New Life Family Centre
7.00pm Mass at St John’s RC
9.00pm “Early Midnight” Mass at St Peter’s, Wolviston
11.00pm Midnight Mass at St Cuthbert’s, Billingham Green
11.00pm Midnight Mass at St Luke’s, Low Grange
CHRISTMAS DAY - Thursday 25th December
9.30am Christmas day celebration “The greatest Gift!” at North Billingham Methodist
10.00am Parish Eucharist at St Mary Magdalene, Whitehouse Road
10.00am Mass at St Joseph’s RC Church
Dear Santa,
We know you are so busy and your hours they are so few but please, please, please dear Santa could you choose a gift of
two. We don’t want to be greedy and we know you’ll do what’s right, please bring whatever you can when you visit us on
Christmas night.
We’ll be in bed real early and promise to sleep right through so sending special thank you’s in case we do miss you.
Happy Christmas Santa from (left to right) Jake Henderson aged 6, Kiera Day aged 9, Rebecca Henderson aged 8 and
Kacey Day aged 9.
If you’re stuck for idea’s this Christmas wish list may help give you some ideas, all selected by our young team of Jake,
Kiera, Rebecca and Kacey.
GIRLS
1. Barbie Malibu House £79.99 Smyths Toys/ Argos /
Toys R Us - Barbie can glide upstairs on the lift.
2. Barbie Glam Camper Van £64.99 Smyths Toys /
Argos / Toys R Us - The cab transforms into a hot tub.
3. Monsters High Freaky Fusion Recharge Station with
Doll £34.99 Smyths Toys - Let your doll have some hairraising fun.
4. Barbie Photo Booth Doll £14.99 Toys R Us - Barbie
has a secret digital camera and photos display instantly
on her t-shirt!
5. Zelicious Scented Zelfs £7.99 Smyths Toys / Argos /
Toys R Us - 6 different scents to collect
6. Our Generation Hair Play Doll £29.99 - These dolls
have really long hair to style
7. Disney Frozen Toddler Dolls Elsa or Anna £24.99 Includes a little Olaf the snowman
8. Nerf Rebelle Diamondista Blaster £9.99 Smyths Send secret messages to your friends
9. Animal Alley 50” Floppy Brown Dog £24.99 - Have a
cuddle with a huge teddy
10. Boom Boom Balloon £11.99 Smyths
- Crazy game - try not to pop the balloon!
Good
Reads for
Christmas
BCN asked Tanya and Lucie from our
local libraries to recommend a selection
of Christmas Reads for us – great stocking
fillers for all ages. Don’t forget that our
library is re locating across the holiday
period and will be opening at its new site in
the town centre on 5 January 2015.
The Dinosaur That
Pooped Christmas
by Tom Fletcher
and Dougie Poynter
(Early Years)
US by Davis
Nichols
(Adults)
Ticker by Lisa
Mantchev
(Teens)
Awful Auntie by
David Walliams
(Juniors)
Thinking About It Only
Makes It Worse: And Other
Lessons from Modern Life
by David Mitchell
(Adults)
The Pointless Book
by Alfie Deyes
(Teens)
Where’s Santa by
Chuck Whelon
(Juniors)
BOYS
1. Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel Super Hero Starter pack - from
£52.99 Smyths Toys - Use real Marvel figures to play in a
virtual world on your games console
2. Skylanders Trap Team Starter Pack - from Smyths Toys Bring Skylanders figures to life on your games console in this
latest chapter of Skylanders story
3. Marvel Super Hero Masher Figures £9.99 Argos - Mix and
mash body parts to create new super heroes
4. Minecraft figures (assorted) £7.99 Argos - Moveable
characters from the game
5. Lego Marvel Superheroes game from £29.99 - Bring Lego
to life on your games console
6. Bop It Beats Game £11.99 Smyths - This classic games now
includes songs by popular artists
7. Zoomer Dalmation £54.99 Smyths Toys - Talk and train
your own robot dog
8. Vtech Kidizoom Smart Watch Blue £29.99 Argos - Take
photos / videos, play games
9. Cupets Pets £6.99 Argos - Bring these cube shaped pets to
life on your smart devices
10. Don’t Take Buster’s Bones Board Game £16.99 Argos Can you take the bones without waking the dog
18
Hereford Terrace, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, TS23 4AA
Telephone: 01642 564077
Healthy Hearts Winner
NOV/DEC 2014
BELP is a not for profit
organisation that serves people
in our community.
The Place in Billingham provides a full and inclusive range of services
from community activities through to education, training, work clubs and
skills development suitable for all ages and abilities as well as offering
a range of programmes to help people into employment and support
healthy living.
The Place in Billingham also offers confidential advice and guidance
in all matters including debt, benefits and housing issues and offers a
confidential support service for anyone with drugs or alcohol problems.
More than just a community centre, The Place is where those who
grace our halls find friends and wider support. Mostly The Place is
where we learn to share our lives and develop the essence of our
community.
WE DON’T JUST GET YOU TRAINED,
WE GET YOU INSPIRED.
We offer a range of classes which are chosen in keeping with
community needs and realistic job opportunities. The courses are
reviewed constantly to meet the changing demands and opportunities.
TRAINING COURSES AT THE HEREFORD CENTRE:
Kim peacock healthy hearts project worker with this
months winning posters by jade horseman
CSCS (construction)
Emergency First Aid in the workplace
Level 2 Food Hygiene
Basic Computing
Level 1 Computing
Level 1 and 2 Adult Health & Social Care Courses
Level 1 and 2 Child Health & Social Care Courses
Drugs & alcohol awareness
Mental Health awareness
Silver surfers (over 60’s I.T.courses)
19
NOV/DEC 2014
Environment
Royal visitor opens Sita’s facility World’s first low emission gas
carriers to cut the environmental
impact of chemical transport
His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent KG
officially opened SITA new energy from waste
(EfW) facility at Billingham, Teesside.
The new state-of-the-art energy from waste
facility has been developed by SITA UK and will
significantly reduce reliance on the use of landfill
while producing producing sufficient electricity to
power around 30,000 homes.
Development of this facility follows the award of
a 25-year waste management contract in 2011 to
SITA Consortium by the South Tyne and Wear
Waste Management Partnership to treat 190,000
tonnes of waste that isn’t either recycled or
composted, every year.
SITA UK’s equity partners in the consortium
are Lend Lease Infrastructure (EMEA) Ltd and
I-Environment Investments Ltd (ITOCHU
Corporation).
This £727 million contract was one of the first
waste PFI projects funded by banks to reach
financial close under the competitive dialogue
process. The funders are Credit Agricole, BBVA
and Natixis.
Construction of the new facility began in
September 2011 and was completed in April
2014. More than 1,800 skilled professionals were
employed during the building period, with a
further 42 full-time, permanent jobs created to
operate the facility.
Resources Management Minister Dan Rogerson
said: “We are diverting more waste from landfill
year on year and I am pleased that South Tyne &
Wear Management Partnership’s energy from waste
facility is officially up and running.
“As we continue to move towards a more circular
economy it is good to see Gateshead, South
Tyneside and Sunderland local authorities working
together to deliver this commendable example of
effective, efficient waste management.”
David Palmer-Jones, Chief Executive Officer for
SITA UK, said: “The South Tyne and Wear Waste
Management Partnership’s investment in this new
infrastructure shows how local authorities can meet
their commitments to divert waste material from
landfill and, at the same time, deliver a sustainable
source of energy. SITA UK is delighted to play a
part in helping the North East put its waste to good
use.”
“On behalf of SITA UK and the South Tyne & Wear
Waste Management Partnership, I was delighted
and honoured to welcome His Royal Highness to
formally open our new energy from waste facility.
Two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered sea vessels will be named on Teesside today. Operated by
shipowner Anthony Veder, the new ships will carry Liquefied Ethylene Gas (LEG) from SABIC’s Wilton
facility on Teesside to manufacturing plants in North-West Europe and Scandinavia. The chemicals will be
used to make a range of everyday items such as food packaging, PVC, detergents and adhesives.
The state of the art ships will drastically cut both sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
emissions compared to the vessels they are replacing. Switching to alternative fuels for ships, such as LNG,
instead of traditional fuel oils is one of the solutions identified by Anthony Veder to help SABIC further
improve its environmental performance.
“As a responsible global company, SABIC is committed to providing high-quality products to its customers
while doing all it reasonably can in order to reduce the environmental impact of its operations,” said
SABIC’s European Supply Chain Director of Chemicals Wouter Vermijs while attending the naming
ceremony. “We are proud to be the first chemical company in the world to be transporting our products
on carriers running on LNG and to have an innovative partner in Anthony Veder.”
The new ships, with a cargo capacity of 4,768 m³, will reduce NOx emissions by over 85%, with SOx and
soot particles reduced by nearly 100% and CO2 by 20%. The cost of the vessels additional LNG investment
of the vessels has been partly funded from the European Union’s TEN-T programme, which seeks to
ensure Europe has a well-run transport infrastructure in order to maintain the continent’s competitiveness
and wealth.
“We are delighted that SABIC has chosen Anthony Veder as its partner in the development of a new
greener way to transport materials around the globe. By demonstrating their commitment to using LNG
powered vessels, SABIC and Anthony Veder are leading and embracing this cutting-edge technology. They
could be at the forefront of opening up a whole new sector of sea-going transport”, said Anthony Veder
CEO Jan Valkier.
The vessels were officially named by Mrs. A. Beck-Kruisinga and Mrs. A. Ruigt-Weijman as partners
of SABIC-managers at the ceremony attended by an enthusiastic group of SABIC and Anthony Veder
customers and representatives, Chinese shipyard Officials, EU Officials and the complete Tees Shipping
community and Press.
“We are delighted to welcome the Coral Star and Coral Sticho into Teesport. The arrival of these industry
leading LNG fuelled vessels on Teesside demonstrates a significant commitment by SABIC to the industry
and ultimately the River Tees”, said Jerry Hopkinson,
Managing Director at ports operator PD Ports.
“We have a world leading chemical site in this region,
which plays a vital role in the supply and distribution
chain of one of Europe’s largest process clusters and today
showcases SABIC’s commitment to sustaining these
relationships long term,” Jerry continued.
Speaking out about climate change
WHEN it comes to climate change Norton
student, David Saddington, is first to admit that
there is no quick fix.
But the 22-year-old is more than willing to
play his part and is already making inroads into
spreading the word.
As a teenager, working with DEFRA, the
former SRC Bede Sixth Form College student
helped get climate change on to the National
Curriculum. And while studying he set up his
own social enterprise developing eco gardens in
the area.
Now David is reaching an international
audience after he was selected to speak at the
TEDxTeen event at The O2 in London delivering
a talk about climate change and its potential to
disrupt our everyday lives.
TED events bring together some of the world’s
leading thinkers and doers to share what they are
most passionate about.
“We hear about the melting glaciers and the
sea levels rising, but often don’t think about how
climate change is affecting each of us now,” said
David.
“I want to look at the more human side of
climate change and its immediate impact on our
everyday lives.”
He explained: “Think about your shopping bill
going up a few more pounds, or that it costs X
amount to heat your house, this is because of the
increasing cost of fuel and a lack of renewable
energy. Suddenly climate change becomes a lot
more relevant.”
David remembers his own fascination with the
issue was sparked by a family day out in Helmsley back in 2005. He said:
“It was a scorching day when all of a sudden the heavens opened, the
roads flooded and we couldn’t get back.
“As a 13-year-old watching this freak weather event, it motivated me to
learn more and get involved in climate change.”
Now, about to start an MA at Durham University, David plans to delve
even further into the social impact of the problem.
He said: “I’ll be looking at how climate change affects society. How
it may influence things like terrorism and how it may amplify future
conflict due to a strain on things like water.”
By speaking out at events such as the TEDxTeen presentation David
hopes he can inspire others to help make a difference.
He said: “I have been involved in looking at climate change for a quite
a long time now, but looking at where we have come nothing has really
changed. “I have found that people care, but not enough. “Climate change
is a real thing that is impacting on our everyday lives.
“It is not an easy thing to tackle and we are going to get it wrong a few
times, but we need to do it.”
NOV/DEC 2014
20
Business
EPAX opens it’s doors to St Michael’s RC Academy
The team at EPAX opened up their doors to welcome Year 10
triple science students from St Michael’s RC Academy into their
high tech manufacturing and processing facility based here on
Seal Sands.
Epax is the leading global supplier of premium omega-3
ingredients to some of the most renowned retail brands in the
world. With its roots in Norway, Epax has been manufacturing
and developing marine-based omega-3 fatty acids for more
than 170 years. Being Norwegian–based and dependent on
the sea, the organisation has an ingrained respect for the life it
holds, the many livelihoods its waters provide the health, safety
and the environmental impact that it also holds responsibility
for.
Raw product is shipped from Norway into the Epax facility
for refining and processing. During their visit to site, students
were able to see all of the careers that link together from sea to
final Omega 3 product sold at retail pharmaceutical or, as used
on prescription medication in hospitals. The Omega 3 product
is constantly being refined and improved right here in Teesside,
the produce is also being used in support of treatment for
those with diabetes, which currently continues to have a rise in
market demand..
EPAX were aquired by the US-based FMC Corporation July
2013 who have invested heavily into the development of this
state of the art pharmaceutical grade manufacturing facility.
Research and Development Scientist Roberto Fronzoni
said ‘In the supplement industry, Epax is known for Purity,
Quality, Innovation. We exist to supply pure ultra-concentrated
omega-3 ingredients from sustainable sources which are sold
through health-promoting products to consumers around the
world.’
Year 10 student Christian Lawson said “I thought it would
smell of fish when we came here but it is all high tech and
clean room processes throughout, it is very impressive. We’ve
seen not just the science bits which I am interested in but the
warehousing, quality control, maintenance and high technology
that supports the whole operation, I’ve learned so much
through this visit including more about Omega 3 in our diet’.
St Michael’s Head of Year 10 Lee Tate said ‘We are very
appreciative of the time taken by the EPAX team today, the
learning is invaluable and as a biology teacher myself I have
been overjoyed that we have had access to see science in the
workplace. These fantastic facilities show state of the art science
in practice and of course help raise student career aspirations.’
Companies
Connect Europe’s
largest Port with
local youngsters
A group of young people from Teesside have been given an exciting
opportunity to visit Europe’s largest port with the help of the High
Tide Foundation.
Eleven students from four schools across the region including Dyke
House School in Hartlepool, Rye Hills Secondary School in Redcar, St
Peters School and Unity City Academy in Middlesbrough have set sail
for the Port of Rotterdam, courtesy of P&O Ferries.
The group will spend two days in Rotterdam where they will see
first-hand how one of the busiest ports in the world operates, as well
as gaining an understanding of the many varied roles available in the
maritime industry as a whole.
High Tide members, Vopak, will host a fact-filled river trip whilst
Huntsman and Tata Steel will take the young people on a tour of their
facilities at the Port of Rotterdam, as well as on Teesside prior to their
journey. PD Ports will also offer an exciting insight into the important
role Teesport plays as a major hub for trade with key European and
worldwide markets.
Kevin Shakesheff, Chairman of the High Tide Foundation,
commented: “This is an incredible opportunity for these young
people. What better way to learn about the importance of Teesside’s
industrial platform and how it connects with other ports and global
markets than to experience it in person. It’s an opportunity few will
ever get to experience.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity the companies
involved have provided as without them this trip wouldn’t be
possible. The Foundation is based on collaboration between member
companies to provide a unique experience for the region’s young
people. We are looking forward to new and exciting programmes in
the pipeline and I hope we can provide many more educational visits
like this in the future.”
21
Business
Next Chapter on Billingham
Libraries begins
Roseberry Library closed this week
as plans to bring library services in
Billingham together gather pace.
On Saturday, 15 November the library
on The Causeway, Billingham closed
before merging into the new £2.7million
Library and Customer Service Centre
which is set to open early in the New
Year.
The state-of-the-art building is being
built on the site of the town’s former
Art Gallery and Council offices. It will
incorporate both Roseberry Library and
the library on Bedale Avenue. It will also
create a ‘one stop shop’, bringing together
customer services for Stockton Council
and Tristar Homes, a cash office and the
town council all under one roof.
The new library will benefit from the
latest self-service technology, improved
ICT facilities and a wide range of
fiction and non-fiction books, all
supported by professional librarians.
Until the new Library and Customer
Service Centre opens Billingham
Library on Bedale Avenue will be open
on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.
This is the latest chapter in the
reconfiguration of the library service
in Billingham as staff and residents get
ready to move into the state-of-the-art
building. We ask local library users
to bear with us and to make the most
of the library on Bedale Avenue while
the transition takes place. We also
look forward to welcoming them in
the brand new purpose built library in
the New Year. Further information is
available via www.stockton.gov.uk
pping,
as sho
Christm rs or trips
ethe
get-tog nto...
a
p
to the
uch
...it’s m hen
w
ss
less fu l by bus!
ve
ra
t
u
o
y
by bus
For bus times visit
www.connectteesvalley.com
or call traveline on
0871 200 22 33
Let’s journey together
NOV/DEC 2014
Town Centre
Update
from Tony Donnelly,
Town Centre Manager, St.Modwen
The news that St. Modwen has purchased Billingham
Town Centre has been welcomed by the local council and,
I hope, supported by the local community.
St. Modwen is a regeneration specialist with a proven
track record of revitalising retail centres. The company
is currently regenerating a number of centres across the
North of England, including Waterdale Shopping Centre
in Doncaster and Wythenshawe in Manchester.
I am pleased to have joined the St. Modwen team and I’m
looking forward to sharing ideas with their other centre
managers across the North. Over the coming months I
will be working with St. Modwen’s Development Managers
on plans to deliver an improved shopping and leisure
experience at Billingham. The team has been and will
continue to spend a considerable amount of time here in
Billingham, listening to and understanding the needs of
local businesses and the community. They recognise the
importance of the Town Centre to our local community,
and they actually don’t live too far from the centre
themselves!
We hope we have your support in helping to revitalise
Billingham.
Christmas is fast approaching and we have been working
on plans to bring the festive season to Billingham. We’re
hosting the fantastic Christmas Festival, the Town
Council’s premier event, on Saturday 13th December in
the Town Square. There will be over 20 stalls, offering a
delicious range of foods including German bratwurst,
cupcakes and mulled wine. There will be rides for the kids
and Father Christmas will be making a special appearance.
It’s a great event to get into the festive spirit.
Father Christmas will also be coming to town every
Saturday in December and every day in the days leading
up to Christmas, from Monday 22nd to Christmas Eve.
All kids are invited to visit his ‘Santa’s Grotto’ and receive a
free Christmas present.
Also, look out for the Christmas tree and lights which
will be put up in the Town Square on Monday 1st
December.
So, enjoy all the Christmas festivities going on at
Billingham and I hope to see you soon. (Have a very Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year)
NOV/DEC 2014
Business
22
Cleveland
pOLICE update
Inspector
Marc
Anderson
Billingham
Neighbourhood
Inspector
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE
Competitive rates, easy in/out terms
For further information please
contact Gavin on
01642 533089 or [email protected]
Old Billingham Business Centre
1 Chapel Road, Billingham, TS23 1EN
- Hartlepool Office
Tilly Bailey & Irvine LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and is authorised
and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the conduct of investment business.
Falck Safety
Services helps
Feed the
Homeless
Falck Safety Services based on Haverton Hill
Industrial Estate has shown its commitment to the
local community by donating food to people across
the North-east of England.
Falck Safety Services (Falck), which has 32
training centres across the world, including its site in
Billingham, has partnered with local initiative, North
East Help Link Trust (NEHL) to provide any leftover
food from its canteen to homeless people in the area.
Falck, which trains hundreds of people on a weekly
basis, has a large on-site catering facility, providing
cold and hot meals for the training candidates and
employees. However, with surplus food going to
waste, Falck decided to team up with the NEHL, to
provide much-needed meals to struggling Northeast families. The NEHL trust, which was set up in
the early 1990s, operates seven individual mobile
kitchens in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, and
Darlington, serving over 10,000 hot meals per year to
the homeless Monday to Thursday, as well as clothing
and blankets.
Accounts assistant at Falck, Shani Corcoran, said:
“As a busy training facility, we have hundreds of
people coming through the doors each week, and
following their courses they have access to our onsite catering facilities. I began to notice that a lot of
the food was going to waste so I suggested donating
the excess food to worthy causes in the area. I was
delighted to discover NEHL, as they are located only
a few minutes away, which means they can easily
collect the food everyday to supply those in need.
They do an amazing job helping the community so it
is great to team up and do our bit to support them.”
Falck, which was first launched in Teesside in 1994,
also donates its Friday excess food to the Bridge
House Homeless Mission in Stockton, and works
with the Billingham Legacy Foundation on various
initiates including, back to work schemes and is
hosting a fundraising ‘Titanic’ themed event in
November.
Managing director of Falck, Colin Leyden, said:
“We have a fantastic catering team at Falck, which
provides fresh, health food every day, and with any
large kitchen some inevitably goes unused so it made
sense to donate the food. As a business, we are very
people focused, so it is great to engage with the local
community and support when we can. We commend
Shani and her colleagues at Falck for going the extra
mile to help.”
Historically the period between 30th October
2014 to 5TH November is a busy time for
the Police dealing with increased calls of
anti social behaviour and reports of criminal
damages. This year we used a strategy of early
intervention education with joint visits into
school with partners such as Stockton Anti Social
Behaviour team and visits to previously known
offenders. Additional youth service provision
and activities were also provided as well as
your Neighbourhood Team changing their shift
patterns to enable us to be provide extra resource
to handle any peaks in activity.
We are pleased to report that the combined
strategy did result in reduced incidents than
we’ve experienced in previous years providing
the early intervention was a success. A huge
thank you to our officers and PCSO’s, many who
came in on rest days or holidays to work with
partner organisations such as youth services to
maintain a safe community environment here in
Billingham.
The period was not all without incident though,
with some damage caused in John Whitehead
Park. During this incident four persons have
since been arrested for criminal offences and are
assisting Police with their enquiries.
Billingham and Norton Neighbourhood Police
Team were also nominated on behalf of Stockton
at the Police Community Safety Award which was
organised by the Police Crime Commissioner
and took place on Thursday 6th November. I am
pleased to inform you that your Neighbourhood
Team won the overall prize for Cleveland Police
of Neighbourhood Team of the Year.
With the dark nights we now need to take
greater care to protect belongings and property.
Therefore the following advice is a guide that may
assist you in the coming months:
AN UNLIT HOUSE DURING THE HOURS
OF DARKNESS HAS AN INCREASED RISK OF
BEING BURGLED.
There is no doubt that security lighting can
deter burglars, it also reduces the fear of crime.
A simple plug in timer could be enough to put
off an opportunist criminal from burgling your
home.
The burglar often makes up his mind to target a
property from across the road. If your property is
lit then he will generally look for an easier target.
PLAN YOUR SECURITY LIGHTING
CAREFULLY
Dusk Till Dawn Lighting is the preferred
method of externally lighting your home. The
lamp remains on during the hours of darkness
and goes off as it starts to get light.
The unit provides ambient light and is very
energy efficient often lasting up to ten times
longer than a standard bulb.
Timer Operated Switches can be programmed
to switch on lights internally and externally.
There are timer switches that are designed to
replace existing room light switches as well as
plug in units, which fit into a three-pin socket.
A plug in timer can also switch on a radio tuned
to a talk channel giving the impression that your
house is occupied.
Your home need not look like Blackpool
illuminations; everyone’s needs are different. You
should aim for at least two lights that operate on
a dusk till dawn sensor at the front and rear of
your house.
23
Arts
NOV/DEC 2014
Rat Pack at Christmas at the
Stockton Arc Friday 5th Dec 2014
Its fun all the way as the “Purveyors of Cool” come to The Stockton
Arc on Friday 5th December with a sensational show featuring The
Greatest Music Of The 20th Century.
Wonderful memories of the three wise men Frank Sinatra, Dean
Martin & Sammy Davis Junior in a fabulous production now in their
12th year that continues to be successful all over the world.
Their all action show is totally live both musically and vocally with
every song an absolute classic - Come Fly With Me, Under My Skin,
Mr Bojangles, Fly Me To The Moon, That’s Amore, Mack The Knife,
Sway and many more of Santa’s Festive Yuletide favourites. Musicians
from their fantastic orchestra also join in the fun on stage along
with The Fabulous Vegas Showgirls who add a touch of glamour to
proceedings.
Tickets for the 8.00pm show are available from the Box Office at
www.arconline.co.uk or 01642 525 199 or www.ratpack.biz
What’s on
Saint Saviour and
Bill Ryder Jones
Thurs 4 December 7.30 pm, The
Georgian Theatre, Tel: 01642 606525
Former Groove Armada lead singer
Becky Jones, better known as Saint
Saviour returns to her home town of
Stockton following the release of her
second album ‘The Seams’. She will
be joined by singer songwriter Bill
Ryder Jones who have recently toured
with the Artic Monkeys.
Sound of the
Eightees
Christmas Party - Saturday 20
December 8 pm
Back for its annual festive shindig,
this time with a tribute to the 80’s
legends The Pet Shop Boys. In
between the band local DJ’s will spin
out the best of 80’s classics from ABC
to ZZ top. Fancy dress optional but
encouraged.
Aladdin
Songs for the Season
Presented by
BILLINGHAM
CHORAL SOCIETY
St Aidan’s Church
Tintern Avenue
Friday December 19th
at 7pm in aid of
GREAT NORTH
AIR AMBULANCE
Admission £5 at the door
Please support this
worthy cause.
SYNTHONIA
MALE
VOICE CHOIR
17th Annual Charity
Concert
Presented by
Billingham Choral Society
and Synthonia Male Voice
Choir
7pm Sat - December 6th
NORTON METHODIST
CHURCH
In aid of MYELOMA UK
Tickets £5 from Choir
members or telephone
01642 363502
Annual Christmas
Concert in
TREE FESTIVAL
CAROL SERVICE
with
BILLINGHAM
CHORAL SOCIETY
THORPE THEWLES
VILLAGE HALL
St. Columba’s Church
Marsh House Avenue
MON - DECEMBER 15TH
at 7.30PM
Tickets £5 or
at the door.
6pm Sun - December 14th
Join us for this special service of
lessons and carols, when the
Christmas Tree Lights
will be switched on.
Light refreshments afterwards.
PRESENTING
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s
Music by
Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by
Oscar Hammerstein II
Tickets start from F: £10 C: £8
Saturday 6 December – Sunday
4 Jan - Classic family comedy in
this traditional fun and festive
pantomime featuring Aladdin, the
Genie, Widow Twankey, Ping and
Pong and many more! At the Forum
Billingham, Tel: 01642 552663
We’re going on a
Bear Hunt
Various Dates and Time, Tues 9 –
Sun 14 December - This Christmas
join the adventurers on their quest
to find a bear, as they wade through
gigantic swishy, swashy grass, the
splishly splashy river and the thick
oozy mud! Filled with catchy songs,
interactive scenes and plenty of
hands on adventure. At The ARC
Dovecot Street, Tel: 01642 525199
Arthur’s Dream
Boat
Various Dates and Times, Wed
17 Dec – Wed 24 Dec - One night
Arthur has an amazing dream about
a beautiful pink and green boat
with a stripy mast. He cannot wait
to tell everyone about it but no one,
not even the dog, is interested. In
fact they don’t even notice that the
same boat is growing on his head!!!
Magical and playful children’s theatre
with breath taking puppets. Very
enchanting. At The ARC
Dovecot Street, Tel: 01642 525199
BOOK
ONLINE
NOW
www.arconline.co.uk
5th–19th December 2014 at ARC, Stockton Arts Centre
An amateur production by arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe
NOV/DEC 2014
24
Health
QUEENSWAY
DENTAL CLINIC
Have a white
Christmas with
Queensway
Dental Clinic
Forget wanting your two front teeth for Christmas, this year it’s all
about a whiter, brighter smile to complete your look. At Queensway
Dental Clinic in Billingham, you can take full advantage of a fantastic
offer on tooth whitening.
Whiter teeth can result in more confidence and self-esteem, and
ultimately, a more attractive smile that is sure to dazzle. Whether
given as a gift to a friend, family member or loved one, or even
enjoyed as a well-earned treat for yourself, tooth whitening is the
perfect present.
Tray-based tooth whitening at Queensway is a safe procedure,
carried out by a dental professional in a clinical environment, where
teeth are whitened to a lighter shade through chemical techniques.
New patients are offered a free cosmetic consultation, during which
an examination is given by a dentist to check suitability for the
treatment, options are discussed and any questions that you may have
can be answered.
The benefit of tray-based tooth whitening is that it can be carried
out in the comfort of your own home. Once your trays, which have
been specially moulded to fit the exact contours of your teeth, are
back from the dental laboratory, the dentist will provide you with
whitening gel and will inform you of how to use the trays at home.
You
will also be advised by the dentist on the best period of time to
dns1937_210 x 148 27/10/2014 16:00 Page 1
wear the trays to achieve the desired result. You can be assured with
this method of tooth whitening that you will receive predictable and
long-lasting results that will take you through Christmas, New Year
and beyond.
To book an appointment online and to see the other dental services
offered at Queensway Dental Clinic, please visit www.queensway.
co.uk/Billinghamnewspaper or call 01642 554667 and give the
receptionist the voucher code BCNVO1 to claim £50 off tray-based
tooth whitening.
To compliment your new whiter smile, Queensway Skin Clinic
is also offering £50 off facial aesthetic treatment with Dr Rebecca
Hierons. Along with a free consultation you can find out about
softening lines and wrinkles, having fuller lips or the minimally
Stockton
Duathlon Festival
Run-Cycle-Run
invasive techniques for beautifully natural results. Claim the offer by
calling 01642 554667 and using the voucher code BCNVO2.
Queensway Dental Clinic,
170 Queensway. Billingham,
Teesside, TS23 2NT
Call us on 01642 554667
or please visit www.queensway.co.uk
Breast Feeding Welcome
There has been significant reliable evidence produced
over recent years to show that breastfeeding has important
advantages for both infant and mother and heavy investment
has been placed through the NHS to give mothers the support
and encouragement they need to understand why ‘breast is
best’ for baby.
Following a meeting of the Northern Locality Forum, is was
agreed that we would try and mobilise support for the ‘Breast
Sunday 26 April 2015
Be Inspired. Be part of the action – One of the UK’s biggest
and best Duathlon’s returns!
3 distances suitable for elite athletes and absolute beginners:
Novice - 2k run, 10k cycle, 1k run
Sprint - 5k run, 20k cycle, 2.5k run
Standard - 10k run, 40k cycle, 5k run
• Cash prizes, £500 for 1st, £300 for 2nd and £200 for 3rd (standard distance only)
Feeding Welcome’ sign, to further encourage more mothers
to have confidence in breast feeding their babies.
So if you are the owner, or manager of a café, restaurant,
club, community or leisure centre and want to help
Billingham become breast feeding welcome, please contact us
and we will ensure you receive the Breast Feeding Welcome
logo that you can display on your doors or windows. Email:
[email protected]
p
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S
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T
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23 1
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T
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lingha Keys
l
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B
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o
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11 S
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s
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24 hr
• Age Group qualifier for World and European Championships
• Fully closed road multi-lap town centre circuit
• All abilities welcomed and encouraged
• Goodie bags for all entrants
To book your place visit www.stockton.gov.uk/duathlon
In association with
·
·
·
·
·
Key cutting service
Auto Spare Keys, Replaced, Chipped and Coded
Auto Key Remote Repair service available
Locks, Padlocks, Keys and Remotes
All domestic, commercial & auto work covered
Tel: 07717357791
www.Dial4locks.co.uk
25
Health
NOV/DEC 2014
+
This winter,
Alex questions Government
commitment to health in Teesside protect yourself
The fight to ensure that the people in
Stockton, Hartlepool and south County
Durham have the best possible health
facilities including a new hospital will
continue – because doctors and clinicians
say that is the only way to address the health
inequalities in our area.
Following the announcement by the Board
of the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS
Foundation Trust that a decision has been
taken to pause development work on the
proposed new hospital at Wynyard, Alex
Cunningham pressed the Health Secretary to
confirm that funding for the facility will be
approved.
The Stockton North MP is a long-term
advocate of the proposed new hospital
but, despite support from other Labour
MPs in the region, the Board felt that the
complexities of the approval process have
been intensified by the lack of high-level
political support from the Tory Government.
With a final decision appearing unlikely
before the end of this parliament, a decision
was taken to pause further development
work.
Speaking during an Urgent Question in
Parliament on the Five Year Forward View of
the NHS, Alex asked:
“The growing funding gap over the next
five years is a real cause for concern. Can
the Secretary of State tell me whether, after
five years of changing plans, scrutiny and
prevarication, we will finally get approval from
his Department and the Treasury for the new
North Tees and Hartlepool hospital, or will
I have to wait for [Shadow Health Secretary,
Andy Burnham] to approve it after the
election?”
Responding, the Health Secretary clarified
that he has met with the Chief Executive of the
Trust and confirmed that his Department is
processing the proposals as fast as is possible,
though offered no indication of the timeframe
involved.
Speaking after the Urgent Question, Alex said:
“After many years of planning and reviews, it
beggars belief that we are no nearer to gaining
final approval for the new hospital that will
deliver a world class facility to the region and
help tackle the health inequalities that remain
in our area.
“The ongoing failure to commit to Teesside
and deliver the state of the art facilities that
are needed will result in health inequalities
widening even further across the region while
putting increasing pressures on health services.
“While I welcome any investment in local
health services, I, and doctors and clinicians,
remain convinced that the future healthcare
needs of people across the Tees Valley continue
to be overlooked by the Tory-led Coalition.
Ploughing more money into existing sites
is at best a sticking-plaster solution that
risks delaying real investment for the future.
What our region needs is first rate healthcare
comparable to that which has been approved
and provided in the South of the country.
“Recent figures indicate that the Stockton
Borough ranks 100th out of 150 for premature
deaths, with 395 per 100,000. This places it in
the “worst” category. Hartlepool, at 444 per
100,000, fares even worse.
“Yet the delays experienced in achieving
this new facility demonstrate perfectly how
we continue to see resources and investment
moving away from areas of greatest need.
“While larger and more expensive facilities
have been approved elsewhere, no-one in
Government is speaking up for our people
who continue to lose out. However, I take
solace from hearing the Secretary of State’s
confirmation that the proposal has not been
shelved, and my work will continue to ensure
a Labour Government gets the plans back on
track.
“I acknowledge that concerns around the
proposals do exist, particularly in relation
to transport. But I know that detailed plans
are in place to address these, and they should
not be allowed to further delay much needed
progress towards delivering world class
healthcare facilities in Teesside.”
Therapists Join Top Treatment Team
Teesside Sports Injury Centre at Billingham Forum has added 2 new
members to its top team who currently treat Tees Active Sports Academy
athletes and members of the public who have injuries that are affecting
their sporting or daily life.
Lyndsey Ross is a graduate from Teesside University and is originally
from Derby. She has experience of working with various athletes in
sports such as Basketball, American Football and rowing; working as a
pitch side first-aider as well as their game day therapist. Furthermore,
Lyndsey also spent 10 weeks in Australia working alongside an Elite
Sports Physiotherapist, who specialised in spinal injuries.
Ruth Hartley is also a graduate from Teesside University and is
originally from Leeds Ruth has applied her skills working with various
rugby teams including Dewsbury Rams Rugby League Club and
Middlesbrough Rugby Club. Ruth gained valuable experience working
with the youth and senior players at both clubs, working with the head
coaches at training sessions and at the pitch side on match day to get the
players match.
The girls have already delivered during the half term holidays a foam
roller workshop for junior members of Billingham Stars Ice Hockey team
and members of Tees Active Sports Academy.
Lyndsey said “It’s great to be working in Billingham Forum and
working with the talented athletes in the Academy,”
Ruth added “We are here not only to treat athletes,as members of the
public who have any injuries can book a consultation and hopefully we
can get them back to fitness.”
For further information on Teesside Sports Injury Centre on www.
teessidesportsinjury.co.uk or contact Lyndsey on 07975 511929 or Ruth
on 07723 555384
from flu
Flu is a highly infectious disease which can affect anyone
during the winter months. It causes very unpleasant
symptoms which often result in missing work/school and
upset normal living for several days, even weeks.
In some cases the infection is more serious, can lead to
serious complications and may even be fatal. It is caused by a
virus which can be spread by coughing or sneezing. It can be
picked up by breathing in droplets from the air or touching
contaminated surfaces.
Some people are more susceptible to infection and can
suffer more seriously from the complications of flu. These
people include the elderly, pregnant women and those with
certain long term conditions. In other words, people who
you are likely to be in contact with each day, maybe without
realising it.
There is a very easy way to protect not just yourself, but also
those who you could pass the virus on to….
HAVE A FLU JAB.
If you receive this vaccination you will protect yourself
from flu and its complications and so won’t be able to infect
anyone you come into contact with, either at home or in the
workplace. Even if you have been vaccinated in previous
years it is vital to get it again this year, as each year a new
vaccination is used to protect against the latest and most
harmful strains of the flu virus.
The Pharmacy offers a flu vaccination service which is
available free of charge to those who are eligible on the NHS.
Our staff can advise you if you fall into this group. If not we
can still vaccinate you for a small fee. There is no need to
make an appointment; we will fit you in at a time to suit you.
Flu can be a major cause of people taking sick days off work
which is inconvenient and costly to businesses. If you are an
employer and would like to offer the flu vaccination to you
employees, please call The Pharmacy to discuss how we could
help with this.
Our vaccination service will run from 29th September so
now is the time to plan your flu jab, before winter sets in.
To find out more
please drop in, visit
our website
www.thepharmacy.org.uk
or call us on
01642 530304
NOV/DEC 2014
26
Sport
Tees Sport Academy Team work
Students from Tees Active Sports Academy were asked to help out as tutors at the Tees Barrage White Water
Rafting Centre were assessed for their new accreditations. Students enjoyed the challenge of the sessions with
3 different tutors – all who qualified in their assessments, we’re pleased to say, however, on the same day, BCN
noticed that the real heroes were there training too! Humberside Fire Brigade sent up their team to practice
river rescues in fast flowing water – well they couldn’t have picked a better venue to practice, Tees Barrage
offers world class facilities and we should be rightly proud to have them here on our doorstep.
Billingham Five A Side League
Sponsored by Interlink – Specialists In Lifting
And Material Handling Equipment.
The league is well underway with current
champions Barwick Rangers easing their way
past Swans with a 7v1 victory to maintain their
100% record. Second placed Station Plastering
kept up the pressure on Barwick with a 6v1 win
over Scouting For Goals. Pinpoint Recruitment
are now starting their feet in the first division
by securing a 7v4 victory against bottom placed
& pointless Monkey Hangers. In mid table
Motortech & Blue Bells Newton Bewley shared
the spoils with a 2v2 draw.
In the second division two teams who have
been knocking on the promotion door over
recent seasons lead the way. With both teams
neck & neck on 13 points they are 3 points clear
of the chasing pack. P.A.C.S. headed to the top
With the Tees Academy kids on the white water
rafting - it was iconic that while the kids were
there for fun, fire rescue were using the world class
facilities to practice for river rescues - they were
doing their jobs for real.
Puzzles & Fun
SUDOKU
EASY
HARD
visit our website for answers - www.billinghamcommunitynewspaper.co.uk
of the table with a 5v2 win against Spartans.
Half A Crown gave their goal difference a boost
by easily brushing aside bottom placed The
Wanderers to secure a 14v0 success.
Pointless Billingham Fire put up a good fight
against third placed Diesel Centre Eston but
eventually lost out 5v6. The two new teams to
the division this season, Farcelona & Teesside
Wanderers, met for the first time & battled out
a 6v6 draw.
All games are played at SRC Bede Sixth Form
College Sports Centre, Marsh House Avenue,
Billingham on Sunday evenings from 7.00 p.m.
For more information see our website www.
billinghamfiveasideleague.co.uk or follow us on
Facebook and Twitter.
To Join Please Contact Rob Coxon on Mobile
Number 07742 077196.
Div One League Table
W
D
L
PTS
GD
Div Two League Table
W
D
L
PTS
GD
Barwick Rangers
5
0
0
15
+22
P.A.C.S.
4
1
0
13
+24
Station Plastering
4
0
1
12
+16
Half A Crown
4
1
0
13
+18
Motortech
3
1
1
10
+18
Diesel Centre, Eston
3
1
1
10
+2
Blue Bells Newton Bewley
2
2
1
8
+8
Teesside Wanderers
2
2
1
8
+1
Scouting For Goals
2
1
1
7
+1
Farcelona
2
1
1
7
-2
Pinpoint Recruitment
2
0
3
6
+1
Spartans
2
0
3
6
+6
Swans
0
0
5
0
-32
Billingham Fire
0
0
5
0
-10
Monkey Hangers
0
0
5
0
-34
The Wanderers
0
0
5
0
-39
WORD SEARCH
NUMBER SEARCH
Can you find the hidden words? They may be
horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.
Can you find the hidden numbers? They may be
horizontal or vertical.
ALTITUDE, APEX, ASCENT, BASE, CAMP, CLAMBER,
CLIFF, CLIMB, CRAG, CRAMPON, CRANNY, CREST,
CREVASSE, CREVICE, DESCENT, ESCARPMENT, FACE,
FLAG, FOOTHILLS, GUIDE, HEIGHT, LEDGE, MOUNTAINEER,
PEAK, PICK, PINNACLE, PITON, RIDGE, ROCK, ROPE,
SHERPA, SIDE, SLOPE, SPIKE, STEEP, SUMMIT.
03838, 09223, 10383, 14398, 18384, 26782, 26983, 27365,
27883, 33589, 34785, 68966, 75976, 81621, 85766, 91479
27
Sport
Billingham Legacy Foundation
Golf Day
Billingham Golf Club are hosting the next Billingham Legacy
Foundation Golf Day on Friday 15 May 2015. At £30 per person
based on 4 ball entry. This will provide you with bacon buttie
on arrival, teas and coffee, 18 holes of golf over our superb
course, followed by a great 2 course meal and prizes for the
winning teams and individual players.
NOV/DEC 2014
...Continued from back page
Billingham came out for the final session looking like a different team. As with the first period,
the hosts matched their higher level opponents for long spells and got some shots away themselves,
notably a James Moss attempt that stung Day’s glove in the 48th minute. The Stars eventually
conceded the period’s solitary goal in the 51st minute when former Whitley Warrior Callum
Pattison fired straight through Watson to send the Steeldogs back to South Yorkshire with a 1-10
victory, the difference in class between the two divisions perfectly illustrated by the visitors’ second
period display.
More Success for Billingham Town FC
Of course you don’t have to wait until an organised golf event to enjoy our club facilities, the new
Adult
Courses
atability, you can practice your
driving range is Beginner
open all year round and whatever
the weather or your
swing! Current membership offer for the driving range is £20 up until 2015 of the range is £20 this
includes full use of the practiceGolf
facilities, social
membership of the clubhouse and a discount on
Billingham
Club
drinks.
Get
into for
golfmore
withChristmas
a five week
introduction
for Buy
beginners
delivered
by second
a PGA
Looking
ideas for
the golfer intothegolf
family?
one lesson
and get the
Professional
coach,
covering
all aspects
of the game
in aorfriendly
relaxedOr,
environment.
lesson half price.
This offer
is suitable
for experienced
players
absoluteand
beginners.
ask about
academy membership. This package includes driving range membership,stsocial membership, 2 golf
New
courses
on:at Thursday
31whole
July
6-7pm;
lessons with
clubgroup
pro Mike
Ure and 6starting
rounds of golf
Billingham. This
package
is just £200.
nd
th
Saturday
2
August,
9-10am
&
Tuesday
5
August,
6.30-7.30pm
Pop into the club shop to view a whole selection of golfing gifts from all the top brands including
Calloway, Nike, Footjoy, Galvin Green, Oscar Jacobson, Mizuno, Ping and Taylor Made.
Please
O cut out this advert and bring to the shop to receive a 5% discount on all soft goods and
accessories- offer is valid until Christmas Eve 2014.
Open to any adult aged 16+ who is new or returning to the game. The dress code is
even
the equipment
is provided for
free ifjunior
required.
Want torelaxed
know and
more
about
club membership,
adult,
or social
nly £25 for 5 x weekly 1hr group lessons!
Please contact Mike
Ure at Billingham
GCmore
on 01642
557060
more information or go to
membership,
or for
golfing
giftforideas.
www.getintogolf.org/durham to see dates/times and book a place online.
Please contact Mike Ure on 01642 557060 to discuss.
Memorial
Barney McLean – Rest in Peace
17.11.39 – 7.11.14
Following a long battle with cancer Barney
McLean sadly died on 7 November 2014. Barney, a
loving husband and father will be sadly missed by
wife Jacky, sons Andrew and John and the many
people who’s lives were touched by knowing him.
The recent service at Holy Rosary RC Church,
was full of family, friends, colleagues from past
employment at ICI and K Home International and
the many members of Billingham Golf Club, all
who fondly remembered Barney for his kindness
and generosity.
A tireless fundraiser, Barney was instrumental
in the bidding to see a driving range be delivered
to Billingham Golf Club and to be made available
for the community to use. He loved to organise
events and gatherings and was fondly known as
‘Monsoon McLean’ as any event organised would
be the sure signal for rain. That was held true
when recently Barney and wife Jacky celebrated their
50th wedding anniversary, following days of glorious
sunshine – the heavens opened and the rain came –
Barney kept everyone entertained and the party still
went on, all so typical of his can do attitude.
Those we love don’t go away, they stay beside us
every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still
loved, still missed and very dear.
Billingham Town continue to make progress both on and off the pitch. The Managing Director
of Evolution Valves, Peter Cone, attended a recent game to unveil the newly erected sign which
shows the corporate sponsorship for this year. Peter said ‘I’ve enjoyed the taste of Northern League
Football and will definitely be visiting again soon.’
BTFC have also held another successful fundraiser with one of their show’s of the month with
local singer Danny Stephens entertaining the crowd. One of the attendees included Bev Griffiths
who found the winning balloon ticket after the 1st balloon release. The winning ticket owner was
Neil Martin, it proved to be a great and fun event, the club wish to extend thanks to everyone who
bought tickets and they are confident they will do it again next year.
Local MP Alex Cunningham has agreed to become a club ambassador based on this we have
come up with a 3 year plan that we will begin to implement very soon.
We also have our newly installed shelter for disabled supporters to use it’s a covered area with
easy access for all.
On the pitch the team is really starting to get its rewards, with a tight knit bunch that have
bonded well and are playing some great football that is inspiring the supporters too.
All the volunteers at the club are still working hard and we wish to extend special thanks to them
all for their support.
Every home game now sees a collection point in the club canteen for essential household items,
we are making regular donations to The Children’s Society based on The Green in Billingham, so
if you’re joining us for the next game please bring a little something for the collection to help these
local families. Anybody wanting to get involved with the club please visit the website where we
have opportunities listed and contact details available http://www.billinghamtownfc.net/
Stockton students are fighting fit
If you are going to try a new sport there is
nothing like being trained by the best.
Students at Stockton Riverside College and
SRC Bede Sixth Form College were given the
chance to do just that.
The students will soon be fighting fit after
receiving lessons in mixed martial arts by one of
the sport’s top ranking fighters.
In the first of the new classes, Dangerous
Davey Grant introduced the volunteers to the
basic techniques of the sport that has taken him
all over the world. Davey, who last year featured
in the American reality TV show, The Ultimate
Fighter, said: “I love teaching people my trade
and seeing them grow.”
The 28-year-old, who is originally from
Bishop Auckland, was 14 when he first tried
the sport that would go on to be his future
profession. “I started going to a kickboxing
club just to keep fit,” he said, but it was there he
discovered mixed martial arts.
“I wanted to have a go and it turned out I was
really good at it. I was just doing it for fun when
I started out - it turned in to my job.”
Fighting for the Ultimate Fighting
Championship (UFC), he explained, is every
fighter’s ambition.
It was following his appearance on the reality
TV show, which saw him living in Las Vegas for
six weeks, that Davey was signed.
Now, happy to share his knowledge with
Stockton Riverside College students on his
break between fights the dad-of-two said of the
sport: “It is brilliant for general fitness, burning
calories and discipline.”
Delighted to welcome the world-class mixed
martial arts fighter to the college, Stockton
Riverside College’s FE Sports Co-ordinator, Ron
Booth said: “The students were really excited
and couldn’t wait to get started.
“On the mixed martial arts scene Davey Grant
is world renowned. You don’t get any better.”
NOV/DEC 2014
Sport
Young Swimming Stars make a splash
Young swimming stars have made a splash
after triumphing against top class competition
from across the region.
St Michael’s Catholic Academy, Billingham,
swimming team claimed first place in the 11-14
girls 200m freestyle relay at the English Schools
Swimming Association North East qualifying
championships.
Swimmers Melody Jones, 11, Erin Donnelly,
11, Laura McCluskey, 12 and Erin Flynn, 11,
also fought off opposition from 24 teams,
from Northumberland to Sheffield, to win
the individual medley race putting them in
contention to progress to the national finals
of the competition to be held at the Olympic
Water Park in London in November.
St Michael’s PE teacher Rebecca Leighton said:
“This was the girls first competitive event as a
team so to go out and win against such strong
competition was an incredible achievement.
“They were racing against swimmers much
older than themselves and also against schools
which have their own pool facilities and
competitive swimming programmes.
“This is a really proud moment for St Michael’s
Academy and we hope that the team will
continue to go from strength to strength in the
future.”
All four girls already swim competitively
outside of school with Erin Flynn representing
Billingham Amateur Swimming Club and
Melody, Erin Donnelly and Laura training
with the Borough of Stockton Swim Scheme
(BOSSS).
“I’ve been swimming since I was two years
old,” said Erin Flynn, of Norton, Stockton.
“I train five times a week before and after
school and would love to represent my country
one day in a major competition. Winning the
regional finals was really exciting and made me
feel extremely proud.”
Despite swimming for different clubs the girls
found that they immediately gelled as a team.
“We all knew each other from being at the
same swimming galas so when Miss Leighton
put us together as a team we got on straight
away,” said Erin Donnelly, of Billingham.
“We didn’t expect to win as we knew how
good the other teams were so it was a massive
surprise for us to be presented with the cup.”
With a lead of over a length in their final race
the four girls are now hoping that their winning
swim of 2.07 seconds will get them enough
points, against other regional qualifiers, to take
them to the finals in London.
Laura, of Stockton, who is the current Scottish
National Age Group Champion for the 200
freestyle, added: “It’s great to be able to swim as
part of a team.
“Its hard work and very tiring and you have
to be driven to want to succeed but we all really
enjoy it and it’s good to be able to bring the
winning cups back to school.”
Left to right, Melody Jones, 11, of Billingham, Laura McCluskey, 12, of Norton, Stockton, Erin Flynn, 12, of Norton, Stockton
and Erin Donnelly, 11, of Billingham, with the English Schools Swimming Association freestyle relay winners cup
Billingham Removals
28
Class tells
as Dogs
Bite
WELCOME TO
ULTIMATE
Est. 1988
ULTIMATE WINDOWS-sponsored Billingham Stars
succumbed to a seven-goal second period blast as they
suffered a comprehensive 1-10 defeat at the hands of
English Premier League outfit Sheffield Steeldogs in
the British Challenge Cup.
Beaten 7-0 by the same team in South Yorkshire a
fortnight ago, the Teessiders were hopeful of a much
closer game after feeling unfortunate to be quite so far
away from their illustrious opponents. Certainly the
fixture at IceSheffield must have rattled the Steeldogs
as they arrived at the Forum with a much stronger
bench. Despite previously stating that they would be
using an all-British roster in the Cup competition
against the lower league sides, Sheffield chose to name
two imports against Billingham for the first time.
Although the Stars were first to get away a shot on
goal, it took the Steeldogs a little over a minute to open
the scoring, Czech import Lubomir Korhon making
an immediate impact. Billingham looked slow to get
into the game, and with less than six minutes played
Sheffield doubled their lead, Lloyd Gibson shooting
with pinpoint accuracy into the roof of James Flavell’s
net for 0-2. The Stars gradually hauled themselves back
into the game, and had tested Steeldogs netminder
Brad Day on several occasions before Thomas StuartDant showed great speed down the right wing and a
quick-release wrist shot to beat Day in the final minute
of the period and close the gap to 1-2.
Again the visitors were fast out of the blocks in the
middle session, and again it was Korhon on the mark
with a rebound effort following a two-on-one breakout
with just over a minute gone. It was 1-4 in the 24th
minute, Gibson releasing Ashley Calvert with a lovely
centre ice pass who then waited for Flavell to commit
before lifting the puck over him. The home side
decided to change netminders just past the halfway
mark, Flavell making way for Mark Watson, who was
subjected to a tortuous ten minutes as the visitors
moved up a gear and rattled five past him for 1-9 at
the break. The rout started in the 32nd minute when
Tom Squires tipped in from close range, and that was
followed by two quick goals in the 36th minute from
Gibson and Lewis Bell. Sheffield finished the period
with another two goals in the final 64 seconds from
Squires and Calvert to send the shellshocked Stars into
the dressing room to lick their wounds...
Continued on page 27.
Crossword
Across
1. Hanker (5)
3. Lariat (5)
6. Decimal base (3)
8. Conundrums (7)
9. Garret (5)
10. Dull pain (4)
13. Long narrative poem (4)
14. Commence (5)
17. Vegetable (7)
18. Novel (3)
19. Nursemaid (5)
20. Synthetic fabric (5)
Down
windows & conservatories
1. Abominable snowman (4)
2. Serviette (6)
3. Indolent (4)
4. Choice (9)
5. Marine mollusk (6)
7. Sustenance (9)
11. Time of year (6)
12. Gentle breeze (6)
15. Untrusting (4)
16. Aquatic bird (4)

thirlwells - Billingham Community Newspaper

Transcription

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