TS8 Hemlington & Coulby Newham bloggers

Tell your tale about Middlesbrough libraries

2012-01-17T10:54:49Z

TO celebrate National Libraries Day Middlesbrough Council wants to know what your library means to you in no more than 500 words.

Hand your entry, with your contact details, into your local branch or email Jessica_Christie@middlesbrough.gov.uk by Monday, January 30. You and a friend could become a library VIP for the day, which would include a tour of Central Library, Middlesbrough, access to the non-public historic collection, tea, cake and a goody bag.

Open afternoon showcases Unicorn Centre conference facilities

2011-09-22T14:50:23Z

MIDDLESBROUGH'S popular Riding for the Disabled Association's Centre is throwing open its doors to show off its conference and meeting facilities.

The Unicorn Centre at Hemlington is offering companies and organisations fantastic value on rooms for meetings and conferences.

And there's a chance to drop in to see first hand what's on offer on Wednesday, September 28 from noon to 6.00pm. On the same day the Centre will be setting its sights on a world record when it takes part in the Riding for the Disabled Association's World's Biggest Riding Lesson.

The Unicorn Centre, a registered charity, provides riding therapy and learning opportunities for more than 200 local disabled people each week at its purpose-built facility in Stainton Way.

The Centre was developed with a £1.16 million Lottery grant and features indoor
and outdoor arenas, integral stabling and all disabled facilities.

Princess Anne officially opened the Unicorn Centre in November 1998 and returned to Middlesbrough in 2008 to commemorate its tenth anniversary.

New conference facilities were added to the Centre in 2003 with the help of a Big Lottery grant and were fully refurbished earlier this year.

Flexible seating can cater for up to 80 delegates, and a full refreshment service is available from snacks and drinks to light lunches and hot meals.

Unicorn Centre Manager Claire Pitt said: "It's well known in business that a change of scene can be the key to getting the most out of a meeting or conference.

"But these are tough economic times when every penny we spend comes under the closest scrutiny.

"That's why we think our conference offer represents unbeatable value for money, for local companies and organisations looking for a great location and first class facilities.

"As a non-funded charity our conference room generates much needed revenue, with all income helping to keep the centre open and able to continue to provide a vital and much-loved service."

To find out more, call the Unicorn Centre on 01642 576222, email enquiries@rdaunicorncentre.co.uk or visit www.rdaunicorncentre.co.uk

Wish is back for 2011!

2011-09-14T08:04:30Z

Wish is back for 2011! We are once again giving not for the profit organisations in Teesside the chance to receive a share of an amazing £50,000. Plus if you register by midnight, this Friday, September 16 you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a fundraising night at Sporting Lodge. Log on to www.gazettelive.co.uk/wish to register now. Terms & conditions apply.

Continuing success for Unicorn riders at national championships

2011-08-12T07:40:17Z

THIRTEEN young disabled riders from the Riding for the Disabled Association's Unicorn Centre based at Hemlington, near Middlesbrough have done the North East proud returning with a fistful of medals and rosettes from the RDA National Championships at Hartpury, Gloucestershire.

This year the Centre took the largest contingent of riders and horses in the Yorkshire and Cleveland region for the third year running.

The RDA National Championships had over 450 competitors, including riders from all of the charity's 18 regions across the UK. The flagship event held at Hartpury College, is now bigger than the Paralympics and Para World Championships combined with Paralympic stars and celebrities in attendance.

In the Dressage Competitions the four Senior Riders all had great success: Susan Wilcox came 6th in the walk/trot and 3rd in the RDA Freestyle riding Louistic De Sie: Jane Lishman came 12th in the RDA Dressage Grade II and 4th in the RDA Freestyle riding Murphy II, Marianne Coutes came 4th in the RDA Dressage to Music and 2nd in the Grade 4 test riding Geisha, Laura Forbes came 9th in the RDA walk/trot on Louistic De Sie.

Junior riders also did well: Alice King on Murphy II came 17th in the RDA Dressage Grade III
Fiona Bennet on Paddy came11th in the Grade III and 5th in the RDA Freestyle
Sian Floyd on Murphy II came 4th in the Grade III and
Jamie Gargett on Geisha II came 7th in the Grade III
Unfortunately Daisy Appleton fell off her pony and was disqualified.

Tracy Green and Lorraine Dobson also competed in the Regional Countryside Challenge Team and were 2nd overall - a great result!

In the Countryside Challenge four riders from the Centre took part: Lorraine Dobson coming 3rd, Tracy Green (pictured) and Grace Turner coming fourth in their sections and Kate Telford 9th.

The team's fantastic victory followed months of training and success in the regional qualifiers and continues the high standard Unicorn Centre is now achieving at national level.

The riders were accompanied to Hartpury by their families and friends, five horses, three instructors and a team of volunteers. Yard Manager Heidi Hutchinson said, "All the riders worked so hard and performed way above our expectations. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to their success, particularly dressage clinic coaches Kay Brandon and Felicity Evens who spent many hours coaching the dressage team."

She continued, "The team has proved that they can consistently achieve good results and they are a credit to the Unicorn Centre. We hope that they will benefit enormously from this and that some will go on to perform at international level one day."

For further information contact Heidi Hutchinson on 01642 576222 or see our new website www.rdaunicorncentre.co.uk

Unicorn Centre sponsored ride at Croft, Darlington

2011-08-09T07:01:57Z

The Riding for the Disabled Association's Unicorn Centre will again be holding its popular sponsored ride at Croft near Darlington, on Sunday 4 September.

This popular and enjoyable ride on the Croft Estate and neighbouring farms has now become a regular event in the north-east equestrian diary following its re-introduction in 2005 and the funds it raises form an important part of the Unicorn Centre's income.

PonyPrint is supporting the event by providing goody bags for all completing the ride.

Unicorn Centre Manager Claire Pitt said, "We're especially grateful to sponsors PonyPrint, and especially to the Chaytor-Norris family for their permission to use their land. We hope to raise about £5000 for our funds if riders get lots of sponsorship, as rising costs and difficulties with securing grants mean we need much more public support to enable us to continue operating."

The long ride will be ten miles, but a special two mile circuit has been created for disabled riders and younger children. Perpetual trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for the highest sponsorship raised for the 10 mile ride, with trophies to keep for the highest sponsorship for the 2 mile ride. Each rider who completes the ride will also receive a rosette and goody bag. The courses are fully marshalled. Ample parking will be available along with hot food and drink facilities.

The Centre will also be holding its successful Tack & Togs Sale again on Tuesday 13 September. Doors open at 6pm, and tables will cost £10.00, which must be booked in advance or £7.50 to bring your own. Call the office for further details.

For further information and sponsored ride entry forms please call 01642 576222 or visit our new website www.rdaunicorncentre.co.uk

Floral treat for Take Heart Support Group

2011-07-25T13:09:02Z

Over £1,000 raised for Take Heart Support Group

The afternoon was a huge success.
Organised by Take Heart Tutor Anne Newnam and held in the Langdon Square Community Centre, Coulby Newham,

A superb flower demonstration by Jan Faulkner.
Afternoon tea served and a raffle held: The lucky winners taking home the beautiful floral arrangements from the demonstration.

Take Heart Support Group would like to thank everyone for their support.
Special thanks to Jan Faulkner: for her time, expertise, knowledge and the fabulous flower arrangements.
Also to the local Hardware Supply Company who generously sponsored the flowers.
Well Done Anne!

All monies raised goes towards helping and supporting cardiac patients and their families
Helping them to regain their confidence and improve their lifestyle.

Exercise and relaxation classes, managed by trained and experienced tutors.
It's not only the physical exercise which helps but the comradeship, knowing
others have had a similar scare, it's having a laugh, a break for a 'cuppa
and a 'natter', learning relaxation techniques and for some, just it's
actually just getting out of the house and having company.

Exercise and relaxation classes are held in the following areas:

Berwick Hills - Coulby Newham - Guisborough - Kirkleatham - Marske - North Ormesby -
Redcar - Skelton - Stockton - Whinney Banks.

Telephone: 01642 764997

Visit our website www.takeheartsupportgroupteesside.co.uk

Freemasons back The Unicorn Centre

2011-06-15T07:41:15Z

THE RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION'S UNICORN CENTRE, based in Hemlington, near Middlesbrough will have a special guest at its annual summer show at Stainton Way, Hemlington this Saturday 18 June.

David Kirwan, Chairman of Freemasonry in the Community (FITC) in the Middlesbrough area and worshipful master of the Linthorpe Lodge will be presenting a publicity banner at the Show to the Centre Manager, Claire Pitt. The banner was donated by W. bro John Davey, a brother of St-Hilda lodge 6666.

The Centre has been invited by the FITC to publicise its services at a fundraising stall in the Masonic tent at the Cleveland Show on 23 July. David said, "The FITC is delighted to be associated with the Unicorn Centre and is very keen to help support it in its valuable work with disabled children and adults. As far as I know, this is the first time a donation like this has been made in the North East area."

The brethren of the lodges housed within the Masonic Hall, Middlesbrough have fundraised for the Centre over the last few months, and the Masonic Grand Charity matched funded this appeal resulting in a donation of funds to purchase a new set of show jumps for the Centre.

Unique in the Tees Valley area, the Unicorn Centre Show enables disabled and able-bodied riders to compete alongside each other in the same classes. New racehorse classes have been added this year by popular demand.

Centre Manager Mrs Claire Pitt said "Our Summer Show is an established part of the equestrian diary in this area, and it's great to receive so much support from the local community. We are particularly pleased that the Freemasons have chosen to help us this year. We rely heavily on fundraising to keep the Unicorn Centre running, so we are very grateful to everyone who comes to the Show - entries so far are indicating that there will be an excellent turnout.

"Many of our Unicorn Centre riders will be entering classes, and we've also invited riders from other RDA groups to join us. RDA riders compete on level terms with able-bodied riders and we all get a great thrill when they are successful."

As well as a range of trade stands, and stalls selling RDA merchandise, there will be cakes and refreshments on sale. Also, the Centre will be selling raffle tickets for its Grand Summer Draw.

Schedules for the Unicorn Centre show are available by sending a SAE to the Secretary, Unicorn Centre, Stainton Way, Hemlington, Middlesbrough TS8 9LX.
For further details on the Unicorn Centre, please telephone 01642 576222 or visit the website www.communigate.co.uk/ne/unicorn

Middlesbrough Literary Festival 2011

2011-05-25T09:23:49Z

The Princess in the Rain Forest

2011-02-14T10:34:26Z

A childrens show to be staged at Stainton Memorial Hall at 6.30 pm on Thurs 17 March 2011. Tickets Â£5 child Â£2 including refreshments avail from Stainton Store in Stainton Village or from Tom Baines on 590781.
This is a great show for primary school age children and involves a workshop involving the children.
A great opportunity for children to experience live theatre.

Kirkley Lodge care home wins regional Christmas cake competition

2010-12-29T09:30:19Z

Staff and residents from a Middlesbrough care home were celebrating this week after winning two first places in a regional Christmas cake competition.

Weeks were spent making and decorating the cake at Kirkley Lodge in Coulby Newham for Anchor's Christmas Cake competition.

Judges crowned Kirkley Lodge the winners in the rich fruit cake category completed by staff and the heat for the cake best decorated by residents. The residents' cake featured a sparkling Christmas tree.

The staff cake was made by Chef Manager Ellie Cook. Manager Jo Innocent said everyone in the home was thrilled to have won the regional competition.

She said: "Kirkley Lodge's catering team are excellent. They always produce such high quality meals and the Christmas cake was no exception. They put a lot of hard work into creating the cakes which they enjoyed.

"And to have won the residents cake category too was brilliant. Residents were over the moon to hear they had won, Resident Chip Curry commented how much fun had been had by all.

Competition organiser Julie Bennett, from Anchor's Catering Support Team, said: "The Christmas Cake Competition is a fun opportunity for our residents to use their creative skills and to test the talents of our catering staff. It was a fantastic celebration of the holiday season and the standards of the cakes, both taste and designs, were very high. Well done to Kirkley Lodge for winning two categories.Encouraging residents to eat a wholesome and seasonal diet which they enjoy helps them lead happy and healthy lives, but we all enjoy a special treat, such as Christmas cake, at this time of year."

Christmas fair at the Unicorn Centre

2010-11-16T09:02:05Z

CHILDREN can visit Father Christmas on horseback this year. The Riding for the Disabled Association's Unicorn Centre is holding a Christmas Fair and Father Christmas will be waiting in his Grotto for the riders and ponies.

Children will be able to ride a pony through a magical Christmas-themed course in the indoor arena to visit Father Christmas. His elves will be on hand to lead the ponies, help the children and assist Father Christmas with handing out gifts.

The Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday 5 December at the Unicorn Centre, Stainton Way, Hemlington, from 10.00am until 3.00pm.

There will be a large range of local crafts, beauty, gift and food stalls, as well as the Unicorn Centre's own gift stall, raffle and tombola, and refreshments and hot lunches will also be available.

Centre Manager Claire Pitt said, "Our Christmas Fairs are always very successful but we thought that a visit to Father Christmas on a pony would be really special for the children. The rides must be pre-booked in advance."

Entry to the Christmas Fair is free. Father Christmas pony rides will cost ÃÂ£9.50 each and include a Christmas gift. Contact the Unicorn Centre to book a place.
All proceeds will go to the Unicorn Centre.

Stallholders should contact the Unicorn Centre on 01642 576222 for more details.
For further details on the Unicorn Centre, please telephone 01642 576222 or visit the website www.communigate.co.uk/ne/unicorn

World Jam festival at Middlesbrough libraries

2010-11-04T10:06:59Z

By Anna Collins

MIDDLESBROUGH Libraries will be hosting a range of events as part of its World Jam festival this month.
A range of workshops, craft fairs and talks from leading authors will take place at Acklam, Hemlington and Marton libraries.
All events are free and aim to highlight a different culture from around the world.
For more information visit www.middlesbroughcouncil.co.uk.

Record entry for RDA Dressage competition at the Unicorn Centre

2010-10-29T10:07:54Z

There was a record turnout of fifty one riders for the RDA Dressage competition held at the Unicorn Centre, Hemlington last Sunday.

Riders came from groups all over the North Yorkshire and Cleveland region, some bringing ponies with them, and others borrowing Unicorn Centre ponies.

Jane Lishman had the highest score of the day and won the Anthony Peart Memorial Shield. This Memorial was set up at the Centre in memory of student Anthony Peart. Sadly, Anthony passed away in September 2009 aged 29 years after a long and bravely-borne struggle with Cystic Fibrosis. He had successfully competed at the RDA National Dressage Championships and was a very hard-working and much-loved student.

Centre Manager Claire Pitt said, "Entries for the RDA Dressage continue to grow all the time, and the dressage judge has commented that standards are continually increasing. Many of the riders now compete in the RDA National Championships and our competitions are a good way for riders to taste competitive events."

She went on, "Unicorn Centre riders are setting their sights high - they hope to achieve Para Olympic standards within the next year or so. We all have our fingers crossed!."

RESULTS:

Dressage class 1 Junior
1st Ella Coulson on Spike
2nd Tom Leo Robinson on Angus

Dressage class 1 Senior
1st Jane Lishman on Murphy 2
2nd Nikki Gardner on Blue
3rd Tracey Green on Fred

Dressage class 2- Junior
1st Ashley Douglass on Louie
2nd Kayla Pratt on Pip
=3rd Leonie Butler on Louie
=3rd Phoebe Whitfield on Magic

Dressage class 2- Senior
1st Jane Lishman on Murphy 2
2nd Chris Malyan on Alfie
3rd Naomi Tudge on Gren

Dressage Class 3
1st Emma Wood on Louie
2nd Tracey Wight on Noah
=3rd Faye Beckham on Ben
=3rd Heidi Marsden on Marble

Dressage class 4
Group 1
1st Fiona Bennett on Noah
2nd Sarah Smith on Charlie
3rd Nick Walton on Garthside Murphy

Group 2
1st Faye Beckham on Ben
2nd Jessica Boal on Noah
3rd Glyn Butterworth on Noah

Rhythm Time in Pyjama's

2010-10-10T10:19:50Z

Children from Rhythm Time will be wearing their pyjamas and slippers to nursery as we celebrate Humphrey's Pyjama Week 2010!

Humphrey's Pyjama Week invites children to wear their pyjamas to nursery or school for one day during the week and give a ÃÂ£1 donation for The Children's Trust. We are also taking part in other activities such as a raffle and cake sale.

Background

The Children's Trust is a national charity providing care, therapy and education for children who have become disabled as a result of an accident or illness, or for children who were born with multiple learning disabilities and complex medical needs. It is also the UK's leading centre for children with acquired brain injuries.

There are only two places in the UK that specialise in the rehabilitation of children with acquired brain injury. Only a very small proportion of children who could benefit from rehabilitation have the opportunity to have it. Today, the Trust helps children and families from all over the UK and our aim is to reach out to even more children.

Humphrey's Corner is a series of stories created by Sally Hunter about a charming little elephant called Humphrey. He lives in a loving home with his Mummy, Daddy, big sister Lottie and baby brother Jack.

Humphrey' Corner is focused on Sally's fond childhood memories and the experience of being a mum to her three children on which the characters of Humphrey, Lottie and Jack are based.

Quote

Carol Price from Rhythm Time says: We took part in this event last year and had a fantastic week, we raised ÃÂ£109 and hope to raise more this year! The children who attend the classes were so excited to be wearing their pyjamas, we really enjoyed it.

Rhythm Time has been in Teesside for over 2 years and holds classes in Ingleby Barwick and Coulby Newham. Rhythm Time offers separate classes for babies and toddlers. The youngest baby attending is just 18 days old!!

For more information about the classes or birthday parties that Rhythm Time offers, you can contact Carol on 07510 241926 or log onto the Rhythm Time website at: www.rhythmtime.net.

Kirkley Lodge Care Home joins national event to cook 5,000 breakfasts

2010-09-24T15:58:32Z

Catering staff from a care home in Middlesbrough will be busy preparing cooked breakfasts as part of a national event to mark British Food Fortnight.

Residents living in Anchor's Kirkley Lodge in Coulby Newham will be treated to a variety of cooked delights as part of the care provider's attempt to cook 5,000 breakfasts nationally on Thursday 23 September.

Anchor runs 96 care homes in England, including Kirkley Lodge, which will be taking part in the Great British Breakfast event.

Kirkley Lodge's Chef Manager Ellie Cook said nutritious meals were a key part of a resident's day at the home.

She said: "Our residents love our cooked breakfasts so we wanted to join the campaign for staff across Anchor to prepare 5,000 cooked breakfasts to highlight the importance of British food.

"We always cook meals made from fresh, seasonal ingredients as they are not only popular with our residents but it aids their physical and mental wellbeing."

This is the third year that Anchor has taken part in British food fortnight and a range of activities have been organised at Kirkley Lodge. These include flower arranging with a high tea and a pamper day with Sherry and cakes.

For more information on Kirkley Lodge, contact 0845 140 2020.