Eston & Normanby - TS6

Bargains at Zoe's Place

2009-11-10T10:48:27Z

SHOPPERS who zoom along to Zoe's Place could pick up a bargain on Saturday. The baby hospice on Normanby High Street is holding a table top sale from 10am until 1pm. A craft stall, refreshments, bric-a-brac, books and Christmas presents will be on offer.

Youth appears in dock over blaze at Golden Boy Green Community Centre

2009-11-10T10:43:06Z

A TEENAGER has admitted setting fire to a popular Teesside community centre destroyed in a blaze earlier this year.

Homeless David Binns, 18, was remanded in custody charged with arson, after the Golden Boy Green Community Centre, South Bank, was torched in the early hours of February 5.

He pleaded not guilty to the more serious charge of arson with intent to endanger life but guilty to arson at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

Defending Binns, Brian Russell said his client asked the court to take into consideration 16 other offences.

He will now appear for sentencing at a time to be fixed.

The crown accepted Binns' plea to arson and in light of this decided not to try a second teenager on the same charge.

The 15-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons denied arson to endanger life and judge Christopher Williams issued a formal verdict of not guilty.

In an earlier appearance at crown court the pair admitted burgling the £1m community centre on Normanby Road stealing a quantity of computer towers, a keyboard, a Casio till, a Playstation 2 and nine Playstation games from the centre.

The 15-year-old had also earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of burgling a house at nearby Keir Hardie Close, amounting to £4,700 of goods.

He will appear with Binns to face sentencing on the two burglary offences.

All offences took place between February 3 and 6 earlier this year.

Judge, Recorder Christopher Williams said the two defendants will be sentenced together and asked for pre-sentence reports to be prepared on both.

The judge told the younger boy: "You are to be acquitted of the offence of arson. The prosecution have offered no evidence."

Commenting on the 15-year-old's offending history in relation to burglary the judge added: "Given your record of offences of this nature it is more than likely that you will remain not a free young man when you come to be sentenced."

Mum calls for fireworks ban

2009-11-10T10:35:09Z

A MUM-OF-THREE is calling for fireworks to be banned from general sale after a group of youths set one off, which narrowly missed members of her family.

Allison Copeland, from Whale Hill, took her children Sharlotte, 13, Connor, 11, and Joshua, 10, to an organised display, which had been put on by South Park Rangers at Smiths Dock Park.

The family had an enjoyable night until everyone started to leave and a number of people began to set off their own fireworks. A group of teenagers, who were drinking nearby, set off a firework, which hit a tree and sent a shower of sparks into the crowd, Allison pictured above with Jessica Cornwell, Sharlotte Gibson, Joshua Gibson, Jack Cornwell and Connor Gibson.

Allison, 34, said: "I knew what was going to happen, but it all happened too fast.

"The firework went off hitting the tree branches and sending sparks as big as footballs all over the place - some into the crowd.

"One of the sparks missed my son, husband and nephew by no more than two feet."

When Allison and her husband Vini, 49, approached the group, they were met with a torrent of foul language and abuse.

When her sister Joanne tried to calm everyone down, one member of the group spat in her daughter's face.

Allison said: "I've heard kids swear before, but the language coming from this group was disgusting.

"My nephew was crying his eyes out.

"Fireworks are so dangerous as last night proved.

"We were very lucky as it could have been a lot worse.

"Fireworks should only be let off at a controlled display. I would happily see the public being banned from buying them for private use.

"Or at least put the consent age up or put the price up so stupid people can't just go and get them to cause havoc.

"And they certainly shouldn't be sold if they are in the same trolley as alcohol."

Allison telephoned the police about the incident, but the crowds had left the field before officers arrived.

Top man Ben is keen to return

2009-11-09T11:57:10Z

YORKSHIRE terrier Ben Wilson is the 2009 Redcar Bears Rider of the Year.

And the 23-year-old who joined the NEBT/Simpson Racing UK Bears on loan from hometown club Sheffield says he wants to be back on Teesside next year - and lead the team to the Premier League title.

Wilson was a clear winner of the Rider of the Year poll, conducted on the gazettelive website, attracting a whopping 45.3% of the total vote to win ahead of outgoing trophy holder Ty Proctor (22.3%) and Stuart Swales (12%).

The award was presented at the club's annual Rider of the Year night at Marton Country club, and announced exclusively at speedwayblog.gazettelive.co.uk straight afterwards.
"To get the Rider of the Year award is always something I want to do," said the former British Under-21 champion who was in superb form all season as the Bears claimed fifth place in the final PL table, their highest ever finish.

"I always think to myself 'have I done enough in a season to get that award?' This time obviously my hard work last winter and through the season has paid off.

"It's something I've never had before. Even though I felt I deserved it sometimes because I scored maximum after maximum, it was always someone else who got it at Sheffield.

"I'd spent all six years of my career at Sheffield before coming here to Redcar so to win the award is something special. I'll remember it for a long time.

"I knew I had to do something with my career. I knew I had to work harder and harder than I'd done before so I put a lot of effort into testing bikes and getting things set up.

"Once I got that sorted and got my head clear, I knew I could do a good job for Redcar this year.

"The guys I had around me were all good friends of mine and have helped me a lot."

Now Wilson is looking forward to building on his success once tapes go up on the 2010 season in March.

"I never want to stay a second string," he said. "I want to keep progressing and I want to be a No1 racejacket. I will do the job because I'll work twice as hard as I did this year. I want to be a Grand Prix rider in the future."

So far Maks Gregoric is the one confirmed name on the Bears teamsheet for 2010, but Wilson is keen to join him.

"I would love to be at Redcar next year," he said. "The people up here are absolutely brilliant. Sometimes it can be difficult to go to a new club when you've been somewhere so long, but I fit in straight away and I feel as though I've been riding here for years!

"Brian Havelock is a cool manager. He's a good guy - he knows what's what and he knows what the riders need and want.

"I want to win the title for Redcar Speedway because I love it here."

Battle to save South Bank school goes to Westminster

2009-11-09T11:23:41Z

EDUCATION bosses are hopeful they will get the go-ahead to continue Catholic education in South Bank after a meeting with Schools Minister Vernon Coaker.

A delegation led by Redcar and Cleveland Council leader George Dunning returned from London after discussing the future of St Peter's RC School - under threat as part of Building Schools for the Future plans. The council has been told by the Government that pupil projection numbers are not enough to keep the school open.

Council bosses had hoped to have Catholic education provision for three to 19-year-olds within an Eston Learning Campus.

The delegation included headteacher Gavin Salvesen-Sawh and deputy council leader Sheelagh Clarke. They were joined by Redcar MP Vera Baird.

Mr Coaker is now due to make a decision.

Cllr Dunning said: "We put up a robust case to maintain Catholic education in South Bank to the minister and his two civil servants. There were several concerns expressed by the Partnership for School civil servants - for example, will there be a broad and varied curriculum? We will reply to their concerns in writing.

"We are hopeful that we will get a swift response."

Havvy's glee at Supermaks deal

2009-11-07T11:54:50Z

BOSS Brian Havelock has expressed his delight after revealing crowd pleaser Maks Gregoric as the first name on his Redcar Bears team sheet for 2010.

Team boss and promoter Havelock first drafted in the Slovenian international in September after it became clear that his son, team captain Gary Havelock, would not recover from back injuries in time to race again this season.

Gregoric was an instant hit, winning his first two races and scoring paid nine in the Bears' Jack Young Shield quarter-final first leg against Scunthorpe.

He impressed again in the second leg, top scoring with 12 points in only his second Premier League level meeting in Britain.

The Bears' early exit from the Young Shield ended his involvement with the team for 2009 but he was back for the South Tees Silver Helmet when he again looked both fast and hugely entertaining as he finished second behind home hero Ty Proctor.

His riding commitments in Slovenia and Poland had raised concerns that he would not be able to commit himself to a full season of Premier League racing with the Bears in 2010, but any fears have now been allayed.

"He's coming back, he's signed a contract," said Havelock.

"He's agreed the deal we've put to him and we've now got a sponsor on board on top of that too.

"He did very well when he came over at the end of last season and we're delighted he'll be back next year."

Last season's team-building plans were held up while the Havelock-fronted consortium carried out the task of simply keeping the club alive through their buy-out of previous promoter Glyn Taylor.

With no such problems to distract them this year, team building is now at an advanced stage.

Havelock expects to announce three more definites for his 2010 team in the near future - and it is thought that at least one of those could be revealed at the Bears Supporters' Club Christmas party at Liberty's in Town, Middlesbrough, on Saturday, December 5 (call 07796 051134 or email thebsg@hotmail.co.uk for ticket details).

It would be a major surprise if Havvy Jnr were not in the line-up again next year, especially as the 41-year-old former world champion has confirmed he has no intention of hanging up his kevlars just yet.

"People keep asking me when I'm going to retire," he admitted, "but the simple answer is that I don't know. As long as I'm enjoying it and having some success, then I'll carry on."

READ Martin Neal's special live blog from around 9pm tonight to find out who has been crowned Redcar Bears Rider of the Year - log on to www.speedwayblog.gazettelive.co.uk

Kids need your Wish tokens to raise funds for school climbing wall

2009-11-07T11:40:34Z

ADVENTUROUS youngsters are hoping to reach new heights with a little help from the Gazette.

Ravensworth Junior School in Grangetown are raising funds to buy a 10m double-sided climbing wall for daily use in their playground.

The youngsters will climb sideways on the wall rather than upwards giving them the opportunity to build up their strength, agility and confidence - all just a few centimetres off the ground.

To help them achieve their goal the junior school has signed up for the Gazette's Wish campaign and are busy collecting tokens to ensure a share of the £30,000 cash pot.

Headteacher Kevin Skelton said: "The staff and governors of Ravensworth Junior School are committed to developing a high-quality outdoor and adventurous education curriculum.

"Children from Year 4 to Year 6 are offered an annual residential experience which always includes a climbing element.

"With the addition of our own all-weather climbing surface in school we will be able to teach the basic skills before we go away and get the most from our experiences on real rock."

"The climbing wall will be the final challenging element in our new outdoor adventure trail.

"The trail is available for any local school or supervised youth group to use so Gazette readers in the Teesville and Normanby area can donate to us safe in the knowledge that we will put their Wish tokens to use for the whole community."

Every group registered on our Wish List is guaranteed a share of the money. The amount will depend on the support they receive from readers in the form of tokens.

The £30,000 cash pot will be divided by the number of tokens collected - the more tokens, the bigger your slice of cash.

Anyone who wants to help should send their Wish tokens to Ravensworth Junior School, Ravensworth Avenue, Normanby, Middlesbrough, TS6 0EE.

South Park Rangers Under-10s B match report

2009-11-06T15:16:28Z

THE boys from South Park Rangers Under-10s B team managed their first win of the season against Great Ayton in the Challenge Cup, in what can only be described as terrible conditions.

Great Ayton kicked off and almost took the lead in the first few seconds following a an amazing run.

Rangers found their feet after seeing off some early pressure with some fantastic defending by James Graham, Jack Cornwell and Josh Gibson.

Midway through the first half Rangers broke forward and when a fantastic shot from Jake Simkins was palmed away by the keeper, Ethan Gamesby tapped the ball home.

Half-time score Rangers 1 Ayton 0

The second half was all Rangers with Matthew Crowe and Josh Simpson driving the ball forward and piling the pressure on the Great Ayton defence.

Five minutes into the second half, Josh Simpson let fly with a shot from outside the box which flew into the top corner to double the lead.

Jake Simkins then made way for Derice Hansell to come on and virtually with his first touch he tapped home the third.

Josh Simpson was replaced by Jacob Forrest who came on to strengthen the defence and see the game out until the end.

Final score Rangers 3 Great Ayton 0

It was a great performance by both teams.

The second game finished 3-4 to Great Ayton.

Rangers goal scorers were Josh Simpson (two) and Jake Simkins (one).

South Park Rangers match report

2009-11-06T14:54:26Z

SOUTH Park Rangers travelled to TIBS in the Challenge Cup and they found themselves a goal down after 10 minutes, after a goalkeeping error.

TIBS scored a second goal shortly after.

South Park would have been further behind had it not been for Cameron Hogg again solid in his defensive duties. A defensive clearance here and a timely intervention there made a huge difference.

After an inspirational half-time speech from manager Brian Hogg, South Park stepped up two gears in the second half.

An early second half goal from Luke Childs was as embarrassing as it was uplifting in equal measure.

Aaron Taylor and Brandon Terry were outstanding in the middle, with Hamza Shabir making some crunching tackles.

It was Childs who brought the game level with a goal-thief's instinct, racing on to Liam Atkinson's through-ball and beating the onrushing keeper to the ball and placing it into the net.

It was then no surprise when Childs picked up Terry's pass. He beat his marker, cut inside the box and curled a lovely finish beyond the keeper into the back of the net to complete his hat-trick.

Final score: TIBS 2, South Park 3. Man of the Match: Luke Childs.

California Ladies Under-12s match report

2009-11-06T14:45:58Z

North Riding Tees Valley Girls League Under-12

California Ladies 8-0 Teesside Athletic

TOP of the table Cali were entertained by Teesside Athletic this week and started well when Kelsie Hill scored an early goal.

Soon after some lovely wing work from Eve Marshall, Hill turn in another goal.

Cali tried to play football but the conditions and pitch were not helping.

Soon after though a lovely Summer Anderson through ball was latched onto by Eve Marshall who rocketed home to make it 3-0.

More clever play from midfield maestros Lizzie Rodger and Shelby Tudor enabled Marshall to round off her hat-trick before half time taking the score to 5-0 at the midway point.

Cali swapped things around with keeper Ashleigh Smith making way for Neve Crane and hardworking Leona Herthrington taking a bow.

Cali didn't start well and got involved in a very scrappy game however Lydia Wood continued to trouble the Teesside ranks with her amazing throw. Ellie Walker worked as hard as ever, however a goal proved elusive.

With not long left hotshot Marshall scored another two and Shelby Tudor scored her trademark goal from the edge of the box to take the final score 8-0.

The back line worked hard to ensure Cali remain the only team in the North Riding Girls League yet to concede a goal a record the girls are working hard to keep going.

Girl of the match was Eve Marshall.

Elsewhere, the Under-10s went back to the top of the table when they beat Middleton Rangers 3-0.

Fun with the Lions

2009-11-06T11:05:35Z

KIDS are encouraged to attend a Middlesbrough Lions basketball game this Sunday for a chance to participate in a half-time contest.

Entry into the Chiquito-sponsored pinata competition is free and tickets for the game are just £4 for adults and £2.50 for children when bought with a half price voucher available at www.middlesbroughlions.co.uk.

The game begins at 4pm at Eston Sports Academy. Spectators are asked to arrive before 3.30pm for team introductions. There is also some fun for the adults with the half court shot, if you score you win £100!

Crews at house fire in Grangetown

2009-11-06T10:45:04Z

A BLAZE in Grangetown left a house and garage severely damaged by fire.

Firefighters were called to Wilton Way at 4.23pm yesterday to deal with the incident.

Two engines attended and extinguished the blaze within 20 minutes. The house was unoccupied but left with 40% fire damage, while the adjoining garage was also damaged.

Win tickets to two of the best events this Christmas

2009-11-05T16:09:27Z

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.

Eston pool back in the swim after floods

2009-11-05T11:22:16Z

A FLOOD-HIT swimming pool has resurfaced after a £200,000 revamp.

Eston pool, run by Tees Valley Leisure, had to close temporarily after serious flooding in July left staff with that sinking feeling.

But thanks to major improvement work, it has now reopened - to the delight of people like Marion Wyke and Gwen Danaher.

Members of Eston's Second Youth activities programme for the over-50s, they were thrilled to be the first bathers to try out the new-look pool.

The revamp is part of a three-year £2.4m programme to refurbish Redcar and Cleveland leisure sites, but was brought forward because of the floods closure.

Marion said: "We really missed our swimming when the pool closed.

"Swimming keeps us really fit - it's a great way to relax but we also enjoy the social benefits of using the pool facilities."

Gwen said: "As local residents, we really value Eston pool - it plays a key role in terms of health and fitness of the local community and will always be a community hub."

Facilities include new changing rooms, cubicles, lockers and poolside surrounds, a new filtration system and easy access steps for bathers.

Tees Valley Leisure deputy chief executive, Ian Donley, said: "We've had a difficult four months following the floods and decided to bring the refurbishment programme forward to save closing the pool twice, but this has all been worthwhile."

Redcar and Cleveland Cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, Cllr Sheelagh Clarke, said the work was "another big step forward."

For information about Eston Pool and Sports Academy activities visit www.teesvalleyleisure.co.uk

Memorial service

2009-11-05T11:21:33Z

A PA system and a bugler will, for the first time, enhance the annual Friends of Smith's Dock Park Remembrance Service on Saturday at 11am at the Smith's Dock War Memorial.

At the service, Councillor Wendy Wall will lay a wreath on behalf of Redcar and Cleveland Council, with the leader, Councillor George Dunning, also attending.

Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Parklands Pub.

For more details call 01642 294349 or 07708020128.