Acklam & Linthorpe - TS5

Come and listen

2009-11-10T11:20:30Z

CLEVELAND Naturalists Field Club will be holding its next event on November 16. Starting at 7.30pm in the Hydroponicum Lecture Hall at Nature's World, The Botanic Centre, Acklam, Middlesbrough, it will feature a lecture by Dr David Smith entitled lichens around us.

Alice makes history - then and now

2009-11-09T11:14:23Z

MIDDLESBROUGH'S first woman councillor is featured in an exhibition being staged at the town's Dorman Museum.

Alice Schofield Coates was elected to the council 90 years ago.

She won a seat in Ayresome Ward defeating sitting councillor and ex-town clerk Alfred Sockett.

Brenda Thomson, Middlesbrough Council Executive councillor for public health and sport, said it was a fascinating exhibition.

She said: "It was interesting to me to see that the second woman councillor elected just a week after Alice Schofield Coates was her sister-in-law Marion Coates Hanson in the Nunthorpe Ward which I represent today."

Born near Manchester, Alice Schofield Coates trained as a teacher. She moved to Middlesbrough and in 1909 and became an organiser for the local branch of the Women's Freedom League.

At one of her first meetings in Guisborough she was pelted with rotten eggs and tomatoes.

She spent a month in jail after being arrested during a march with members of the suffragette movement on Downing Street.

Joining the fledgling Labour Party she campaigned for improved public health and better homes.

She represented the Ayresome Ward on Middlesbrough Council from 1919 to 1922 and up to 1926 she was a Grove Hill Ward representative.

Her husband Charles Coates was president of Middlesbrough Central Labour Party and represented the Newport Ward in 1924.

Alice died in 1975 aged 93 at Levick House on Cambridge Road.

Children urged to join in Santa's Little Helpers Run for Teesside Hospice

2009-11-09T11:06:27Z

CHILDREN can take part in a bit of festive exercise and raise money for a worthy cause this Christmas.

Teesside Hospice is hoping schools and other organisations will sign up for its Santa's Little Helpers Run to take part in a sponsored short run dressed in their favourite Christmas outfit.

Children at Green Lane Primary School, in Acklam, Middlesbrough, have been getting warmed up for the event after becoming one of five schools already signed up.

Others joining in are Linthorpe Community, Marton Manor, and Easterside primary schools, and Holmwood Special School, all in Middlesbrough.

The event is open to children aged 11 and under, can take place at any location, at any distance and on any date during December - although Teesside Hospice is encouraging groups to do Santa's Little Helpers run from Monday, November 30 to Friday, December 4. If a school or organisation does not have suitable facilities, Clairville Stadium and Holmwood Special School have offered their facilities for an afternoon.

Jane O'Byrne, fundraising manager at Teesside Hospice, said: "We hope you choose to support this initiative by hosting your own Santa's Little Helpers Run. It can be as big or as small as you want and there will be plenty of help to assist you. In exchange for your commitment, Teesside Hospice will supply an easy guide to hosting the event along with sponsorship envelopes, stickers and certificates for every child who is taking part."

For further information contact 01642 355866, email fundraising@theteessidehospice.co.uk or visit www.teessidehospice.org

Arson probe in Acklam

2009-11-09T10:58:28Z

A STOLEN car was left a charred wreck after it was set alight inside a garage in Middlesbrough.

The Renault Megane was torched in a garage to the rear of the Cambridge Hotel, on Cambridge Road, in Acklam.

Firefighters from Middlesbrough Fire Station were called to reports of a garage fire just after 4am on Sunday morning.

Watch manager Nigel Dennison said: "It was car in a row of private garages.

"The car had been set alight and was totally destroyed.

"It transpired that the car was actually stolen so we have handed it over to the police."

A Cleveland Police spokesperson confirmed the cause of the fire is being treated as arson and they are investigating the stolen car.

Teesside crowds remember fallen heroes

2009-11-09T10:56:44Z

TEESSIDE came to a sombre standstill as the region remembered our heroes of war at the weekend.

In Middlesbrough, hundreds of people lined the streets to honour the lost lives as the town's annual Remembrance Day parade.

Political, military and religious figures took part in the uniformed parade along Linthorpe Road which included members of the Royal British Legion, Army, cadets, and the Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon.

A moving service then took place at the cenotaph outside Albert Park gates, during which lost lives were remembered and tributes were paid to the soldiers currently involved in overseas conflict.

Both Mayor Mallon and Middlesbrough MP Stuart Bell laid wreaths at the cenotaph.

Ex-military personnel and war veterans from across Teesside attended the ceremony. Among them was former Green Howard, Terry Hutchinson, who spent 25 years serving in the Army and then 21 years in the Territorial Army.

"It's very important for me that this takes place," Mr Hutchinson, from Yarm, said.

"I think people need to be aware of what has happened in the past and remember it.

"Even more so at the moment with how things are." Two soldiers were killed in action in Afghanistan at the weekend.

Also in the crowd was Ken Simpson, a former driver in the Royal Corps of Transport.

Mr Simpson, from Norton, said: "I have been coming here for years - more than I care to remember.

"It's important to remember these people because they have sacrificed their lives to serve the country, Queen, and God."

As well as the military personnel, poppy-wearing members of the public also lined the streets.

Phillip McGlade, from Middlesbrough, was at the ceremony with his nephew and niece Ben, seven, and Lia, 10.

"I come here every year with the kids," he said. "We have a couple of family members whose names are written on the Wall of Remembrance, so it's important for us."

Lia added: "I like coming here and it's important because they are protecting our lives."

Other services took place across Teesside - and the UK - on Sunday.

A special ceremony also took place in Afghanistan, where soldiers from the 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards), many of them Teessiders, are currently stationed.

In Normanby, Middlesbrough, young footballers from South Park Rangers stopped their game for the ceremony at Tees Dock Park and laid crosses at the Smith's Dock War Memorial.

Councillor George Dunning said: "These young footballers showed the utmost respect and proved beyond doubt our young people are a credit to our society."

Guisborough Prior Pursglove College students Andrew Anderson and Laura Lister, both A2 students, laid a wreath yesterday at the Guisborough Remembrance Service on behalf of the college. Representatives from Askham Bryan College were also present.

How graffiti can be a work of art

2009-11-07T11:20:22Z

YOUNGSTERS in Middlesbrough have been given an insight into the good and the bad of graffiti.

Middlesbrough Council street wardens Rebecca Crosby and Jill Calvert organised graffiti workshops with young people who attended the Sacred Heart Youth Club on Linthorpe Road.

The youngsters, aged from 10 to 12 years worked with professional graffiti artist Rik Shipley to create graffiti style drawings on internal walls of the youth club with paint donated by B&Q. They chose subjects related to their community and also what they liked to do in their spare time.

Their designs also included a tribute graffiti piece in memory of street warden, Steve Cook, who died earlier this year.

Warden Rebecca Crosby said: "It was fantastic to be able to work with local youngsters on this project. It not only created a contemporary atmosphere in the youth club, it showed them how graffiti art could be used in a positive way. It also helped us get to know the local youngsters better."

Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive councillor for community protection, said: "Many people see graffiti as an illegal, anti-social activity that creates negative impressions of an area.

"Others see some graffiti as an art form and a way in which disaffected youth can be encouraged to participate in improving the appearance of their community.

"In this project the young people could discover and develop an artistic talent and learn to use graffiti as a valid art form to be used in a responsible way."

As part of the project the youngsters also went into the community with the wardens and Middlesbrough Council's graffiti removal service to see how illegal graffiti affects the appearance of their area and also see the work involved in removing it.

Kader Under-14s match report

2009-11-06T15:13:47Z

KADER Under-14s kicked off last weekend with a strong wind advantage against Grangetown in awful weather conditions.

Lewis Greenshields opened the scoring for the home side direct from a wind-assisted corner kick.

Lewis Graham then made it two shortly afterwards with a powerful header from Ryan Robinson's corner.

Kader were always on top in the first half and should have put the game beyond Grangetown's reach.

Half-time Kader 2, Grangetown 0.

A couple of changes were made at half-time with Jack Hoggard coming on up front and Will Turnbull returning after an injury.

Kader were expecting a comeback from their opponents but when that didn't happen they began to impose themselves and play their best spell of football in what was mostly a scrappy game spoiled by the weather.

Lewis Greenshields added a third from the edge of the box and Adam Walton wrapped it up with a good finish to give Kader a well-deserved 4-0 win.

Whinney Banks Under-13s match report

2009-11-06T14:44:51Z

WHINNEY Banks Under-13s put on a stunning team performance in terrible weather conditions to beat Hardwick Youth 11-0 in the Challenge Cup.

On 15 minutes Ben Armstrong appeared to open the scoring for Whinney Banks only for the referee to cancel the goal out for offside.

Soon after however Declan Owen calmly slotted home for the opening goal.

Just before half-time Declan Owen scored his second goal to give the home team a deserved 2-0 lead.

In the second half Whinney Banks came out fired up and Ben Armstrong thought he'd scored, only to have the goal disallowed.

His team's pressure would soon tell with Declan Owen scoring a further four goals to take his tally for the game to a fantastic six - the best of which was a superb individual goal from the edge of the box.

Daniel Horrigan scored two goals with his forceful runs from midfield.

Ben Armstrong scored twice, his first being a 25-yard volley over the keeper. Stand in keeper Karl Wellard kept a clean sheet commanding his goalmouth well with very few attempts made by the opposition.

The home team looked dangerous down both flanks with speedy wingers James Goodings and Ben Passfield a constant threat.

Passfield completed the scoring with a powerful strike. A great team performance by everyone in a Whinney Banks shirt.

Middlesbrough Junior Rugby report

2009-11-06T14:19:49Z

Middlesbrough Junior Rugby Report 1/11/09

Middlesbrough U-14 Players Representing North Yorkshire

At the final North Yorkshire training session in the last week of October Adam Rowling and Ben Learwood were not taken into the final squad.

Adam is really upping his game and will surely make the squad later in the year once the players selected for Yorkshire move out of the district squad.

Ben is Boro's in-form player this season and must be desperately disappointed, along with James Wright, as his all round game is so dynamic and intelligent.

In atrocious conditions in Wakefield on 1st November it was obvious from the kick off that North Yorkshire had the real talent on show.

A very high standard of rugby in shocking conditions was a joy to watch.

Jack McPhillips was solid throughout and never really tested, scoring the 1st try for the district, Sam Gaudie was the only fly half that was brave enough to take the ball going forward in the horrid conditions.

He made some errors but got his back line moving well. Fezan Mughal scored 3 magnificent tries from distance.

Matty Elcoate never budged in the scrum (apart from forwards), had a very solid game in the loose and scored a good supporting try. 2 of the stand-out forwards on show were Tom Burridge and Lewis Boyce; Tom did his usual stuff of doing all the hard work, turning over ball on the floor, supporting and driving, but he pulled off half a dozen superb tackles which really caught the eye.

Lewis destroyed the opposing scrum in both matches and was terrific around the park. He had some good runs, and was prominent at the breakdown.

The whole of the North Yorkshire team are a very talented and committed bunch that seemed to gel well as players and comrades.

Middlesbrough U-14 v Darlington Mowden Park U-14

With the 6 players representing North Yorkshire missing from the squad, Boro still managed a convincing win in terrible wet & windy conditions running out 34 - 5 winners.

Tech on show

2009-11-06T11:24:38Z

THE TEESSIDE and District Society for the Blind will hold an Open Technology Day on Wednesday, November 18 from 10am-3pm at the centre on Stockton Road, Middlesbrough.

It will be a free opportunity to try out the latest technology and equipment for the visually impaired. Refreshments will be available. For details call 01642 247518.

Acklam gran up for Community Champion award

2009-11-06T11:02:28Z

JOAN OLLEY has been working tirelessly for years to improve the area she is proud to call her home.

The grandmother has regularly put herself forward to fight for residents' rights and maintain the Acklam area of Middlesbrough.

And her hard work has this year resulted in her being nominated as an Evening Gazette Community Champion in the award section of the same name sponsored by Johnson Matthey Catalyst.

"I'm astounded," said Joan, 70.

"It's very kind to be nominated and to know that people have noticed it but that's not why I do what I do."

Joan co-founded Lodore Grove Residents Association nearly eight years ago, and still operates as secretary.

She also helped to start a Neighbourhood Watch scheme about 12 years ago and is an active committee member of Kader Community Council.

The grandmother of four has been involved in proposals for nearby Acklam Grange School, and has worked hard to help maintain what she describes as a "lovely" area. "I feel we need to look after the area we live in," she said. "I do work fairly hard at it but I only do it because I want to. It keeps me busy!

"It's just a way of giving something back."

Joan moved to Middlesbrough from Brotton around 50 years ago.

Before retirement, she worked as a shorthand typist at Middlesbrough Police Station and then as a dinner lady at Stainsby School - now Acklam Grange.

Nominating Joan for her award, neighbour Ron Arundale said: "She is very proud of her area and works tirelessly to maintain it.

"She also is a wonderful neighbour."

Inquest adjourned

2009-11-06T10:56:28Z

AN INQUEST was opened and adjourned into the death of a retired insurance salesman from Middlesbrough. Denis Shannon, 66, of Trimdon Avenue, Acklam, was admitted to James Cook University Hospital on September 29 and died there on October 30. Evidence of identification was given at Teesside Coroner's Court by his ex-wife Dorothy Shannon, 63.

Seasonal fair in Acklam

2009-11-06T10:37:16Z

ST Mary's Church, off Green Lane, Acklam, will hold an autumn fair in the church hall on Saturday, November 14, 2pm to 4pm. There will be cakes, books, and crafts stalls, refreshments will also be available. Green Lane School Choir will be there to entertain the crowds. Admission fee for adults is 25p and children are free.

Works on the roads in Middlesbrough

2009-11-06T09:39:59Z

RESPECT OUR ROAD WORKERS

Roadworks are a place of work, and the people there deserve just as much respect as you would expect at work. When you are approaching roadworks:
• Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety
• Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front
• Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching
• Observe all signs - they are there to help you
• Be alert for works' traffic leaving or entering the roadworks
• Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks

A66 ROADWORKS

NORTH MIDDLESBROUGH ACCESSIBILITY SCHEME

Although resurfacing works of the main carriageway of the A66 between Newport Interchange and the A19 are now complete, works are still in place to improve the drainage system on the westbound carriageway across Newport Interchange. Two lanes should continue to be maintained throughout the duration of this work, which are expected to be complete by 13/11/09.

The new traffic signals on Newport Roundabout are now operational, improving safety for motorists and pedestrians alike. All road users are asked to take care as they get used to the new layout and lane designation at this junction.

The new link road is expected to be open on 25/11/09.

Further information is available on www.northmiddlesbroughaccessibility.com

A66 MAINTENANCE WORKS

Lane closures are necessary each Sunday at various locations on the A66 for detailed inspection works, gully cleaning, and repairs to street lighting etc.

Maintenance works involving near-side lane closures are programmed on Sunday 15/11/09 on the westbound main carriageway from Hartington Interchange entry slip to the A19 Interchange, also Hartington entry slip and Cannon park exit and entry slips.

TOWN CENTRE - GAS MAIN RENEWAL WORKS

LINTHORPE ROAD

Major works to renew gas mains on Linthorpe Road are nearing completion and all further works within the town centre will be postponed from 09/11/09. The works will recommence on 18/01/2010.

LINTHORPE ROAD/CORPORATION ROAD/NEWPORT ROAD JUNCTION

NGN works outside House of Fraser are now complete, however excavation works outside Debenhams are continuing until 09/11/09.

NEWPORT ROAD

NGN works are continuing to facilitate pipe insertion from the junction of Linthorpe Road, westbound to the junction with Wilson Street (near the Bus Station), until 09/11/09.

TEMPORARY CLOSURES/ MAJOR WORKS

THE AVENUE AND ORCHARD ROAD, LINTHORPE: RECONSTRUCTION

Full carriageway reconstruction and footpath renewal works commenced on The Avenue and Orchard Road (see plan) on 20th July 2009. The works are being carried out in five phases in order to minimise disruption to residents who are directly affected, with phases 4 and 5 combined in order to achieve an early finish. Works commenced on Phases 4 and 5 on 15th October 2009, and the programmed completion date for the full scheme is 28th November 2009.

During each phase of work the carriageway will be closed to all traffic, with signed diversion routes in place. As with all construction works some disruption is inevitable, although every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum.

As part of the scheme, the opportunity is being taken to introduce a mini-roundabout at the junction of The Avenue and Orchard Road in order to address the poor accident record at this location. The new roundabout will become operational when both roads reopen to traffic at the end of November.

HIGH STREET, ORMESBY

Resurfacing works are scheduled to take place on the High Street, Ormesby, between the junction with Church Lane (near the Ormesby Club and Institute) and the roundabout junction with Cargo Fleet Lane/ Ormesby Bank.

The works were postponed last weekend due to poor weather conditions and will now be carried out in 3 phases over 3 weekends, commencing at 06.00pm on Saturday 07/10/09 and continuing on Sunday 08/11/09. The works will recommence on 14/11/09 and 15/011/09 and then the following weekend, 21/11/09 and 22/11/09.
Lane closures will be in place and temporary traffic lights will be in operation as the works progress.

REMEMBRANCE PARADE - LINTHORPE ROAD

The Remembrance Parade will take place on Sunday 08/11/09. Linthorpe Road will be closed between the junctions of Albert Terrace and Park Road South, from 10.30am until 11.00am and from 12 noon until 12.30pm. The event will be Policed for it's duration with "rolling closures" in effect as each parade passes. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

REINDEER PARADE - CORPORATION ROAD/ ALBERT ROAD

The parade will commence in Hill Street Centre at 12.45pm on Sunday 15/11/09 and proceed eastwards along Corporation Road to the Town Hall, then southwards along Albert Road to Centre Square for 1.30pm. The roads will be closed for the duration of the parade, however pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

TRANSPORTER BRIDGE - TEMPORARY CLOSURE

The Transporter Bridge is closed for essential maintenance works, which are expected to continue for a further week. However, the bridge will be opened earlier, if the works are completed ahead of schedule.

ALBERT MEWS, TOWN CENTRE

A temporary closure will be in place from 08.00 hrs for approximately 4 hours on Sunday 08/11/2009, to ensure the safe operation of a crane lift at the above location.

OLIVE STREET, ST. HILDA'S

A temporary road closure is in place between the junctions with Bridge Street West and Princess Street, to allow demolition/ refurbishment works at the Hostel for the Homeless.
It will take 2 years to complete all phases of the development (approximately April, 2011).

PUBLIC UTILITY WORKS

ORMESBY ROAD/ LONGLANDS ROAD JUNCTION, NORTH ORMESBY

NGN are continuing with major works to renew gas mains at the above location. Lane restrictions and traffic management will be in operation and delays are expected. Traffic management and lane restrictions are expected to be in place until Sunday 08/11/09.

NORMANBY ROAD, ORMESBY

Work will take place during the week commencing 16/11/09, to install gas and electric connections to the new Ormesby and Priory Woods School. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation for part of the week near the works access road.

LADGATE LANE, ORMESBY

NWL works, between the entrance to Ormesby Hall and the railway bridge are expected to be complete by 30/10/09.

CAMBRIDGE AVENUE, MARTON

Works will continue to renew gas mains on Cambridge Avenue, from Grange Crescent to outside no.80, until 08/11/09.

GUNNERGATE LANE, MARTON

NGN are renewing the gas mains at the above location from 12/10/09 to 4/12/09. The work will take place between 9am and 4pm, working on 80m sections and moving along from Tollesby Lane towards Stokesley Road. Temporary traffic signals will be in operation for the duration of the works.

MINOR WORKS

MARTON ROAD

Lane restrictions will be in place on Sunday 08/11/09, to allow the construction of an access road into the Taylor Wimpey development at the former Prissick Base.

LINTHORPE ROAD WEST AREA

Loop cutting will take place at various locations within the 20mph zone during November.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS - TOWN CENTRE AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS

The Respect Squad will continue with environmental improvements and enhancements, at various locations in throughout the area, until further notice.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The installation of new directional signs will continue at various locations throughout Middlesbrough until further notice.

STREET LIGHTING MAINTENANCE WORKS

The general maintenance of street lighting columns is continuously ongoing at various locations in Middlesbrough.

FOOTPATH WORKS

HUTTON ROAD, LONGLANDS

Works will continue until further notice at the above location, to replace grass verges with Bitmac.

QUEENS SQUARE, MIDDLEHAVEN

Refurbishment work will continue until further notice at the junction with Queens Square/ Bridge Street West/ Bridge Street East.

MARTON ROAD - OTTAWA ROAD TO BELLE VUE ROUNDABOUT

Footpath improvement works will continue until further notice.

TEMPORARY FOOTPATH CLOSURE - NORMANBY ROAD TO ORMESBY SCHOOL

Works commenced in January 2009 on the demolition and subsequent construction of Ormesby and Priory Woods School. The footpath will be closed throughout the work to ensure public safety and work is programmed for completion by July 2010.

DALEVILLE CLOSE & KEITHWOOD CLOSE, BEECHWOOD

A new development by Frank Haslam Milan will continue at the above location until March 2010 and will include the reconstruction of footpaths.

Win tickets to two of the best events this Christmas

2009-11-05T16:07:49Z

VisitTeesvalley is offering you the chance to win tickets to the Living North Christmas Fair and this year's must see pantomime, Aladdin at the Darlington Civic.

The Living Christmas Fair takes place at Wynyard Hall from the 13th to 15th November and visitTeesvalley has ten pairs of tickets up for grabs.
Alternatively, if you're a fan of the pantomime season then visitTeesvalley is giving you the chance to win a family ticket to the enchanting adventure of Aladdin at the Darlington Civic Theatre, which is running from the 5th December to 17th January.
For more on how to enter either competition then visit www.visitteesvalley.co.uk.