Guisborough - TS14

Get set for Christmas

2009-11-07T11:44:35Z

OXFAM organisers say a good way to plan for Christmas is by going to the shop in Church Street, Guisborough, where there's a range of the charity's Christmas crackers, cards, gift wrap, gift tags and parcel ties.

Oxfam calendars, diaries and advent calendars with Fairtrade chocolate are also available. Gifts to help people in poverty start at £5. Many other books and clothes are available. The shop is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Paintings on display

2009-11-07T11:43:45Z

AN EXHIBITION of wildlife art will take place on Saturday, November 14, at Sunnyfield House, Westgate, Guisborough between 10am and 4pm. Entry is free and the exhibition will feature thirty original paintings as well as a range of prints.

Guisborough U15 Match Report - Ripon versus Guisborough

2009-11-06T14:49:36Z

Guisborough U15 Match Report - Ripon versus Guisborough

Guisborough U15's were at away to Ripon this Sunday in appalling weather conditions as the rain and wind pounded Ripon's home ground.

The game got underway and it was the home team who took the initiative as Ripon put in a cross-field kick from the base of an attacking scrum which found their right wing in space who duly scored in the corner.

Guisborough returned the favour only minutes later as fly-half, Joe Whyman, kicked cross-field to find his Captain, Jack Robinson chasing and taking before running in under the posts to leave an easy conversion for Guisborough to sneak ahead.

Ripon piled on the pressure from the restart but were deemed to be infringing at the ruck. Guisborough cleared to the line through the penalty and secured their line out to spin the ball out through their backs.

No8, Bradley Naughton broke the line then spotted his winger in space as he chipped the ball. Winger, Jack Appleton made the catch and broke the tackle to sprint in and score in the corner.

With little between the teams Ripon fought back and got their rewards when Guisborough coughed up the ball in contact allowing the Ripon attack to run in a try and level the score once again.

Guisborough were playing good rugby in these difficult conditions and it was a counter attack move that set up their next score.

Full back, James Fitzgibbon took the high ball deep in his half before sprinting diagonally across the pitch before meeting the Ripon defence. Breaking a tackle, Fitzgibbon kicked across the pitch for his chasing backs. Guisborough's captain, Jack Robinson was on hand again to take the high ball and dodge Ripon's defence, scoring under the posts once again.

As half time loomed Guisborough held onto the ball and kept up the pressure through some good forward play.

A set piece scrum pick up from Bradley Naughton started a phase of play by Guisborough that saw the ball change hands eight or nine times before winger, Jack Levitt found the space to score in the corner and take Guisborough into the interval 24 points up to Ripon's 12.

Ripon came out fast in the second half and Guisborough were caught napping whilst appealing against an alleged forward pass, allowing Ripon to break the gain line with too few defenders available to prevent the opening score of the half. Guisborough re-grouped on the restart and won a scrum on Ripon's twenty-two.

Solid scrumming and quick ball out through the backs saw James Fitzgibbon in space to score in the corner.

Guisborough were building some momentum and found themselves back in Ripon's twenty-two from the restart.

Bradley Naughton made good yards from a penalty tap before off loading to centre, Ryan Daniels who charged for the line before being tackled. Quick recycled ball out through the Guisborough back line saw Jack Robinson skid over in the corner for his hat trick.

Ripon were stringing a good period of possession together before Guisborough turned the ball over and centre, Ryan Daniels picked and ran from his own half.

Daniels looked as though he would go all the way had it not been for some great defending by Ripon. Ryan Daniels managed to get the offload out of the tackle as full back, James Fitzgibbon ran on the angle and skirted round the defence with pace to score in the corner.

Ripon never gave up and managed to score a consolation try late in the game but it was not enough to deprive this firing Guisborough squad their victory running out 41 points to Ripon's 24.

Bradley Naughton, Joe Whyman and James Fitzgibbon converted for Guisborough and Captain, Jack Robinson was Guisborough's man of the match for his performance and hat trick of tries.

Report by Jack Mitchell

Guisborough Under-15s rugby report

2009-11-06T14:17:10Z

Sunday 25th October 2009 - Guisborough U15 Match Report

Guisborough Versus Wensleydale

GUISBOROUGH U15s were at home to a developing Wensleydale side.

With the support of coaches and parent spectators, Wensleydale were bolstered by some of Guisborough's North Yorkshire representatives to ensure that the fixture provided a tough test for both teams as well as providing the opportunity to develop players within a competitive environment.

The game got underway in windy conditions with Wensleydale kicking off with the wind.
Both teams were showing good control of the ball, given the difficult conditions before Guisborough seized the initiative by stealing the line out.

With quick ball out through Guisborough's back line, Wensleydale's defence was stretched, allowing space for flanker Phil Shields to run on a loop, receiving the ball before beating two defenders to touch down in the corner and open Guisborough's account.

Wensleydale regrouped and piled the pressure back on the hosts, holding onto the ball for good periods of play. With only eleven minutes gone the visitors were pinning Guisborough in their twenty two as Wensleydale's phase play tied in the defence.

Guisborough were defending admirably until back row, Kane Watts spotted the gap from the base of the ruck and clawed back a score for Wensleydale. Fly half Scott Guy slotted the conversion to nudge Wensleydale into the lead.

Guisborough responded well and reversed the pressure through some good forwards play. Wensleydale looked to have got rid of the danger with a fine clearing kick only to find Guisborough's full back, James Fitzgibbon.

With two thirds of the pitch to run at, Fitzgibbon turned on the gas and powered down the right wing outpacing the defence to touch down under the posts.

With only minutes left in the first half Wensleydale took back the initiative and it was Kane Watts who again showed power to drive through the Guisborough defence and score a try to steal the lead back into the interval.

Wensleydale held their lead for a good twenty minutes of the second half as both teams battled in open field but could not find that final spark of play to cross the white wash.

Guisborough played the conditions intelligently, kicking and pinning Wensleydale back in their half thanks in no small part to the boot of James Fitzgibbon. With Wensleydale under pressure on their line, Guisborough looked to have scored through scrum half, Ryan Mitchell but he was held short of the line.

Fast response from the Guisborough forwards setting the ruck kept the advantage before flanker, Phil Shields picked from the base and crashed over for his second try of the game, reclaiming the lead for Guisborough.

As the game progressed Guisborough's fitness levels appeared to be the difference as the hosts pinned Wensleydale in their half. A mistake by Wensleydale gave Guisborough a penalty which was taken quickly.

The ball was spread wide to the left as full back, James Fitzgibbon came crashing in on the angle to dive over and seal the game beyond reach at Guisborough 26 Wensleydale 14.

Bradley Naughton converted the conversions for Guisborough and winger, Jack Levitt was Guisborough's man of the match.

Report by Jack Mitchell

Flowers on display

2009-11-06T11:10:06Z

GUISBOROUGH Floral Art Club will hold an open night on Wednesday, November, 11 at 7.30pm in St Nicholas's parish hall. Demonstrator is Mildred Stafford.

Win tickets to two of the best events this Christmas

2009-11-05T16:26:41Z

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.

Canon's pride at £1.5m new St Paulinus church

2009-11-05T11:26:12Z

GUISBOROUGH'S new £1.5m RC St Paulinus Church - just a month from completion - is going to be a modern marvel!

Canon Michael Bayldon, parish priest of Guisborough and Dean of Redcar and Cleveland, who has helped plan the project for the last 11 years, has given the Gazette a preview of the stylish interior.

Cleverly sited stained glass created by Middlesbrough artist Josie Kyme includes an eye-catching central cross behind the altar.

And the church will be part of a major "green" project, with its heating via hi-tech underground-sourced energy. Heating bills should be similar to the old Park Lane church - even though the new building is twice the size.

A curved glass baptismal area, believed the first in the country, will allow the congregation to view ceremonies from their seats.

Large and smaller community rooms, with kitchen, complete the facilities, with a large car park at the front, bordering The Avenue.

Subtle references to historic Gisborough Priory include facsimile tiles at a shrine to Our Lady of Guisborough and a marigold mosaic at the entrance.

Canon Bayldon, pictured with Bishop of Middlesbrough the Right Rev Terence Drainey who officially laid and blessed the foundation stone for the new Church, who will conduct the first service, said: "This is a very exciting time for me after more than a decade of waiting - and for hundreds of parishioners.

"There's been much hard work. Seating will be for 250."

In its original plan, Middlesbrough Diocese wanted to build a 360-seat church and community building on the site in 2006.

This was refused after more than 100 objections - and a planning appeal was also turned down.

However, Redcar and Cleveland planning committee agreed an amended plan after the height of the church was reduced, and other changes were made including reductions in floor space and parking. Canon Bayldon says the result is even better.

"The new building is a delightful addition to the townscape of Guisborough - a new church and a new beginning," he said. "It's compact, more efficient and an attractive design and will principally serve the local area. It's naturally lit and we've dug up the old playing field and installed the heating equipment, then resurfaced it as a new football pitch."

Upper storey stained glass will light up as the sun travels across the sky. The central back wall cross will illuminate the centre aisle at midday.

The altar and font, made by Matthais Garn, a York stonemason, is from Bedale sandstone. "It's a real community effort," said Canon Bayldon.

Funding will be via community fundraisers and local donations.

Long-serving manager has top honours

2009-11-05T10:53:06Z

A CARE home boss who keeps residents involved in its day to day running has been named Redcar and Cleveland Council's employee of the year.

Geraldine Handley, pictured below, the unit manager at Luke Senior House, Guisborough, was presented with the title by the council's Mayor, Councillor Brian Briggs, at the fourth annual PRIDE - Positive Results in Delivering Excellence - awards at a ceremony in the Gisborough Hall Hotel.

It's a deserved accolade for someone who began working for authority 26 years ago as a cleaner in The Grange care home, Eston.

Having quickly moved to the care side, Geraldine transferred to Marske's Mount Pleasant home when The Grange closed in 1990.

In 1996, she was the final person interviewed by the old Cleveland County Council for the post of manager at Luke Senior House, before control switched to Redcar and Cleveland Council.

And since taking up the reins at Luke Senior, Geraldine, 52, has ensured her residents have a full say in home life.

She said "What I say to the residents is 'this is your home - we only work here.' They make decisions around their daily life, with outings, entertainment, decoration, that sort of thing.

"Thanks particularly to help from our Friends group, I think we provide more social outings than any home I know. We've been to Blackpool three times in the past year with our oldest resident Muriel Watson, 103, going each time!

"Involving residents in things and having a fantastic staff really is the key."

Ironically, a review of care home provision means Luke Senior, pictured below, - which currently has 13 permanent and eight respite residents - is among four council care homes whose futures are under discussion.

But despite the uncertainty Geraldine was quick to dedicate her award to everyone who helps in the home's smooth running.

Two Luke Senior staff, Julie Tait and Ann Rowney, were both nominated for the "People's Champion" award.

Elsewhere in the awards, the council's Executive Management Team Award highlighted the work of arts development officer Joanne Hodgson and cultural development officer Malcolm Armstrong in organising Odin's Glow.

Chief Executive Amanda Skelton congratulated them both for "a world-class event" that lit up Roseberry Topping in a four-day spectacular.

Evening Gazette Editor Darren Thwaites presented the People's Champion award, voted for by members of the public, to Richard Cush, a member of the Council's Clean and Green Team, based in the East Cleveland villages.

Richard, whose lifelong nickname is Chippy, handed down from his dad, admitted: "It's nice to be nominated, but I couldn't have won without the help of all the lads."

Joint winners of the Community Smile Award, also voted for by the public, were Julie Durdan and Jane Booth, who have worked together at Dormanstown library for over 20 years.

Galaxy FM Radio presenters Steve Furnell and Karen Wright were MCs at the event.

Roll of honour

Employee of the Year (presented by the Council's Mayor Councillor Brian Briggs): Geraldine Handley, unit manager at Luke Senior House care home, Guisborough.

Team of the Year (presented by former Boro defender Dean Gordon): the North East Illegal Money Lending Team.

Learner's (presented by folk singer Vin Garbutt): Beccy McCabe, welfare rights benefit worker for children with disabilities.

Service Efficiency (presented by Teesside Cast Products MD Jon Bolton): Anne Gordon, policy and procedures development manager.

Working Together (presented by Council Leader Councillor George Dunning): Community Safety Partnership Team.

Partner's (presented by Chair of Redcar and Cleveland Local Strategic Partnership, Prof Brian Footitt): Neil Walker, Job Centre Plus LSP Manager.

Customer Excellence (presented by Council Leader Councillor George Dunning): Jackie Winton-Wright, family link worker. Commendation: Andrew Pearson, community librarian, Grangetown.

People's Champion (presented by Evening Gazette editor Darren Thwaites): Richard Cush, Clean and Green operative.

Community Smile (presented by Council Deputy Leader Councillor Sheelagh Clarke): Maureen Redfearn, community development officer.

Public Smile (presented by Cleveland Police Assistant Chief Constable Dave Pickard): Community librarians Julie Durdan, pictured, and Jane Booth, Dormanstown.

Executive Management Team Award (presented by council Chief Executive Amanda Skelton): Joanne Hodgson file pic, arts development officer, and Malcolm Armstrong, cultural development officer for organising the Odin's Glow event.

Retired principal plants a living memory

2009-11-05T08:47:26Z

The former Principal of Prior Pursglove College, Stephen Whitehead will be returning to the college in Guisborough next week to continue with a tree planting tradition that started with his predecessor.

Stephen, who retired in July after spending 14 years in the role, will plant a Silver Birch tree (Betula Pendula) to commemorate his time and achievements at the college. This is in keeping with a tradition started by Eric Middleton (who was Principal 1984-1995) who planted a Silver Birch tree on the same day 14 years earlier to mark his retirement.

The official ceremony will take place on Monday 9th November at 1pm and will be witnessed by staff and students. Stephen will plant his tree opposite Eric Middleton's Silver Birch which is outside the Pursglove Leisure Centre.

Stephen said: "My long career in teaching has been extremely rewarding and I am grateful that I have been able to retire after fourteen very happy and satisfying years at the helm of such an excellent college. I shall miss my colleagues; they have always been exceptionally friendly, supportive and caring, both of one another and of their students, and so I have no doubts that, thanks to their professional commitment and the leadership of Judy Burton, my successor, Prior Pursglove will continue to grow from strength to strength."

This is the first of two events that will commemorate Stephen's service as Principal at the college. The second will take place in December when the Drama Studio will be renamed in his honour.

Judy Burton, the college's new Principal said: "The planting of a tree is a fitting tribute to Stephen's leadership during his Principal-ship of the college, and symbolises the growth and development of the many students whose futures he has helped to influence. The number of students who choose to study at Prior Pursglove has increased enormously over the past fourteen years and we will continue to provide students with a high quality learning experience in which they can blossom and flourish."

Come along to meeting

2009-11-04T11:21:36Z

GUISBOROUGH and district branch of the Embroiderers Guild will hold its monthly meeting on Saturday at Sunnyfield House, Westgate, at 1.45pm.

Kath Arthur will speak on Fun with Patchwork and Quilting Part One. Visitors of all abilities are welcome.

Belmont House car park, the council offices car park, is free on Saturdays.

Be a part of new teenagers' advisory group

2009-11-04T11:15:27Z

AN advisory group has been set up for teenagers in Redcar and Cleveland.

Guisborough's Prior Pursglove College has teamed up with Cleveland Police and the Cleveland Independent Advisory Group to form the group for young people aged 14-19.

The college is looking for young people to become involved in activities including providing independent advice to the police on policies and practice affecting young people and youth culture.

They will also offer advice on issues like coping after serious incidents or fear of crime and help to improve trust between young people and the police.

Anyone from the borough aged 14-19 is welcome to come along to monthly meetings at 4.15pm at Prior Pursglove College.

Food will be served at the beginning of the meeting.

To confirm attendance call Anne Donovan on 01287 280800.

Inquest adjourned

2009-11-04T10:37:22Z

AN INQUEST has opened into the death of a retired welder. Colin William Chamberlain, 64, of Cobble Carr, Guisborough, was admitted to James Cook University Hospital on October 19 and died there on October 27, Teesside coroner's court heard. Evidence of identification was given by his son Mark Chamberlain, 38, a chef from Guisborough. Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield adjourned the inquest for further inquiries.

First Class: Galley Hill Primary School, Guisborough

2009-11-03T14:38:19Z

Reception class at Galley Hill Primary School, Guisborough, pictured with staff, from left , teacher Kathie Greenhalgh, teaching assistant Marilyn Mustard, teaching assistant Fiona Hutchinson and student Kathryn Bussey.

To purchase your childs school photograph call 01642 234224 or you can log on to Evening Gazette Photosales

Take the lead on helping

2009-11-03T11:01:59Z

THE Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is seeking volunteers to organise and support a range of fundraising activities in the Guisborough area.

Do you enjoy meeting new people, are you friendly and outgoing? Involvement could be helping out at local events, social evenings, flag days, collections, becoming a collection box co-ordinator, or liaising with local businesses to place collection boxes.

Anyone interested in fundraising should contact Nicola Wilson on 07500 993184, or email Nicola.Wilson@guidedogs.org.uk.

Young warriors brave the elements

2009-11-03T10:58:55Z

DESPITE wild weather, more than 200 people took part in a spectacular day of events at Gisborough Priory and Bakehouse Square.

Enthusiastic children and adults worked in the marquee in the priory to produce Norse masks, shields, helmets and axes.

Storyteller, Margaret Whitfield, encouraged her listeners to get into the spirit with specially made costumes and tales of the Norse gods.

Many people made lanterns using coloured paper, glass jars and a twinkling tealight.

Hot drinks and cakes were provided by Gisborough Priory Project volunteers.

A stilt walker spirited everyone off to Bakehouse Square where a fire eater and drumming group Ee by Drum entertained the crowd. Then drummers led the crowds back and into the Monks' Walk.

There, lanterns hung among the trees and the paths were lined with tealight lanterns.

A spokesman said: "The orange hanging lanterns had been made over the last few weeks by children from local Guisborough primary schools, at Highcliffe and Belmont."

Gisborough Priory Project organiser, Carol Robinson, said: "We hope to build on this success and do something bigger next year."