TS17 Ingleby Barwick & Thornaby bloggers

My heroes and how they have shaped me

2013-01-30T09:28:51Z

Hero is quite a strong word but there are many people that inspire me and make me want to do great things, these people have helped me through some hard times in my life and I owe a lot to them as they have made me the person I am today.

The first one to mention has to be John Lennon especially as my first tattoo was inspired by his most famous song, the thing that I love about John Lennon is he never boasted he was this great human being as its quite evident he had done some questionable things in his life, but in saying that the things he tried to accomplish show the signs of a great humanitarian and his message shall forever live on in his music.
The song in question Imagine shall forever be a message of hope and peace throughout the world and shall forever be one of my favourite songs.

The next person that has had a great bearing on my life has to be Nelson Mandela having read his autobiography "A long walk to freedom" on more than one occasion and again he also has done things even he may regret having to do but a favourite quote of mine says "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" the sacrifice he made for the freedom of his people should not be overlooked and shows that anyone can make a difference no matter what their background may be.

A side note on Nelson Mandela which helped me through university is and this astounds me even today he worked full time during the day and attended university on an evening, as if that is not an accomplishment in itself he would walk the many miles between the two locations because of lack of money, just think about this next time your are complaining about work or university.

I could find myself writing page upon page on this topic but I shall keep the rest of them brief as I have gone into detail over the two that have inspired me the most, others include William Wilberforce who was the driving force behind the abolition of slaves in Britain, Gandhi who's stance on non aggressive protest shows there is more than one way to win a fight and Erin Gruwell the teacher behind the Freedom Writers Diary who showed me not to write anyone off as everyone has a voice and a message to be told. There are many more people that inspire me and that I would regard as heroes of mine but too list them all would be never ending.

I must not forget to mention the people in my personal life that inspire me and these are my family and friends as they are my teachers on a daily basis and without them I would for certain not be the person I am today, I would just like to say thank you to each and every one of them. A hero does not have to be someone in the public limelight but a person that has a direct affect on your life, just remember that and don't overlook those close to you.

Teesside Engineering Network Scores High

2013-01-29T09:54:23Z

A trio of Tees Valley based companies have joined forces to launch the Teesside Engineering Network (TEN) and will host the first project sharing event on Friday 15 February at Preston Hall in Stockton.

Francis Brown Ltd, Industrial & Marine Hydraulics Ltd and Axiom Engineering Associates Ltd aim to support the local engineering supply chain by working with members to keep them informed and aware of new opportunities coming to the region.

Managing Director of Francis Brown Ltd, Jamie Brown explained;
"We believe it is of vital importance that small and medium sized businesses know what large capital spend projects and developments are ongoing or coming to Tees Valley. Engineering businesses need to align themselves to bid for contracts and ensure they remain competitive and relevant to the region as it develops and diversifies.

"It is also equally important that the larger companies know what skills and experience they have in the local engineering supply chain. Without this trade of knowledge, work could unnecessarily slip outside our area."

The group plan to hold a number of breakfast events throughout the year and start with an insight into two of the area's most high profile engineering projects.

"For our first event we have speakers confirmed from AKER Drilling Solutions and Air Products," said Catherine Griffiths of Industrial & Marine Hydraulics Ltd.
"Both are big players in Tees Valley with significant needs that could be met by the local market."

"TEN has already had the support of Stockton Council, NEPIC, NOF Energy and Tees Valley Unlimited - we now hope that the Engineering fraternity will back TEN and ensure this new venture achieves its maximum potential and benefits us all."
The Teesside Engineering Network launch event will start at 8am and is free to attend, but registration is essential via the TEN website. It is specifically targeted at engineering companies.

Rob Johnson, Director of Axiom Engineering Associates Ltd said;
"We want micro business, start-ups, established consultants and SME's to join TEN and take the network forward. Whilst we are not charging membership fees we do ask companies to visit our TEN website to register their interest and book their place as soon as possible."

More information is available at www.teesside-engineering-network.co.uk

-ends-

Pic caption: Jamie Brown, Managing Director of Francis Brown Ltd

Media Contact: Joanne Thompson, Tees Valley Unlimited
01642 632 013 // joanne.thompson@teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk

TVU Managing Director to be keynote speaker at prestigious national events

2013-01-23T09:56:02Z

Tees Valley Unlimited's ambitious plans to diversify and grow the area's business potential are being highlighted at two influential high-level national events.
Stephen Catchpole, Managing Director of TVU, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley, will be the keynote speaker at prestigious conferences in London and Swansea this month. (January)

He will take to the stage on Thursday (January 24) at Integrating Employment and Skills 2013 being held at QE11 Conference Centre, London.
His keynote speech will focus on Encouraging Growth in the Local Job Market and encompass:
• Delivering jobs, economic growth and prosperity in the Tees Valley and expanding the model beyond the region
• Attracting new business and creating employment opportunities
• Providing the local community with the skills and means to contribute to future regional development
• Encouraging business through tax-reliefs
The conference, being organised by GovNet Communications' Events Division, will evaluate and explore the Government's drive to tackle unemployment, develop skills and support the growth agenda.

Mr Catchpole will also be one of the main speakers at an event concentrating on Unlocking Our Potential: Skills Employability, Enterprise and Growth in Swansea on January 30. The conference is being organised by the Regional Learning Partnership South West Wales.

He said: "It is encouraging that the Tees Valley has been asked to present its progress and future plans to prospective investors, regeneration chiefs and other potential stakeholders.

"We are keen to highlight the opportunities that are emerging as part of the economic renaissance of Tees Valley to as varied an audience as possible as well as demonstrate the advances we have achieved to date."

Notable achievements for TVU and its partners have included:

• Securing significant success across the first three rounds of Regional Growth Fund with a total of £16 million RGF finance already released into Tees Valley economy leveraging in an additional £153.9m capital expenditure and securing 2,411 jobs.

• A successful bid for Enterprise Zone status involving an innovative strategy encompassing 12 individual sites across the five Tees Valley boroughs offering financial incentives to help attract real investment and growth and deliver significant job opportunities. The package has the capacity to stimulate the creation of 1,250 new business and tens of thousands of new jobs.

• Five companies have located on to the Tees Valley Enterprise Zone - Omega Plastics, Propipe Limited, Air Products, Traceco and Durable Technologies. This represents a total investment of £200m creating 111 jobs.

• Since 2007, the TVU Partnership has secured more than £23m of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF), leveraging an additional £25m match funding, which will create 1,460 jobs, safeguard a further 915 jobs and create / attract 277 businesses to the area.

Mr Catchpole said: "To sustain growth nationally it is crucial that we share what works with decision-makers in both the public and private sectors and what we have achieved so far."

Multi-millionaire businessman and his wife swindled OAP

2013-01-12T09:52:16Z

A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE businessman and his wife are behind bars today for a greedy fraud against an ex-serviceman in his eighties.

Richard Pennock was jailed for three years and his wife Angela was locked up for 18 months.

They swindled George Spann, 89, out of £100,000 in the purchase of a Teesside bungalow.

Former Royal Marine Mr Spann today told the Gazette he was looking to the future.

He said of the prison sentences: "I think it's reasonable enough. I don't want to make a big deal of it. It's done now.

"They've done the deed against me and the court has sorted it out. What they've got is what they deserve, I guess."

Judge George Moorhouse told the Pennocks: "Mr Spann had total trust in you both. But it seems that greed took over."

He told Richard Pennock: "You're a highly successful businessman, boasting of assets of £4.5m, and quite frankly there was no need for this greedy fraud to take place."

Mr Spann lived in New Zealand before returning to the UK in August 2009 with the help of the Pennocks.

Judge Moorhouse said: "Mrs Pennock, you brought over to this country your great uncle, he having sold his house, car and personal belongings.

"They were invested by you, Richard Pennock, in various accounts in the joint names of yourself and Mr Spann."

The Pennocks used £100,000 of Mr Spann's money and £130,000 of their own to buy a bungalow on Bute Close, Thornaby, for him to live in. But his stake was not registered on the house deeds.

The judge added: "Anyone from the outside world looking in would think that you were the legitimate owners, and Mr Spann's interest was not protected."

Then the Pennocks transferred the property into their daughter's name, further concealing Mr Spann's interest.

Angela Pennock, visibly shaking in the dock, was said to be in a "fragile emotional state". The judge said she played a lesser role and had no access to the accounts.

Richard Pennock, 65, and Angela Pennock, 45, of Chancery Rise, Thornaby, denied two charges of fraud by abusing a position of trust. A jury convicted them on both counts last month.

James Kemp, defending, said the fraud was a one-off not motivated to cause deliberate harm and the offer was there to repay Mr Spann's £100,000. He said Angela Pennock's 19-year-old daughter recently gave birth with serious complications, and prison would leave a young, naive woman without her mum's support.

Judge Moorhouse made a £15,000 costs order. Compensation and proceeds of crime matters are yet to be settled.

Nunthorpe School secures Academy status

2012-10-10T10:48:30Z

Nunthorpe School has further strengthened its ability to offer educational excellence by converting to become an Academy.

Nunthorpe is embracing its new status as one of the highest performing schools in the North East.

School leaders say that, as an Academy, there will be the potential for standards and academic success to rise even further as it will have more flexibility and freedoms, particularly with regards to the curriculum and how it spends its budgets.

Under Coalition Government Policy, schools, which are classed as successful, like Nunthorpe, are being encouraged to convert to become Academies.

Principal Debbie Clinton said: "Nunthorpe's conversion to Academy status marks the start of an exciting new phase for our students , parents and governors.

"As an independently-minded educational institution, we were the first school in England to secure dual specialist school status in science and business enterprise, were among the first regionally to secure our own budget management and the first in the Redcar and Cleveland local authority area to secure 11-18 status.

"Our forward-looking stance meant that the next logical step was for us to become an Academy. The increased autonomy, which Academy status gives the school, should further improve our high performance and enable us to spend our increased budget more effectively in the interests of our students and their parents;

"Nunthorpe's successful ethos will continue to be based upon a partnership between parents, students, staff and governors."

The route to acquiring Academy status involved a twelve -month consultation period which included students , staff , parents and the wider community including a series of public meetings addressed by the Governing body.

Nunthorpe became an Academy on October 1 after confirmation of its status was received from the Secretary of State for Education

Nunthorpe Academy, one of the highest performing 11-18 schools in the North East, offers a broad education with a very wide range of curricular activities and a strong focus on students being encouraged to broaden their horizons and personal development by becoming involved in the wider community

Ingleby Barwick 'Springs' into life with fun events

2012-02-27T12:40:17Z

On the 1st March the Just Learning Nursery in Ingleby Barwick is holding two special events to celebrate the beginning of spring.

1. 9.30am - Zoo Lab will be bringing its 'Springtime' workshop to the nursery. The older children will have hands-on experience with the mini beasts and learn about spring and the beginnings of new life.

2. 3pm - To mark World Book Day staff and children will dress as their favourite book and fairy tale characters and pre-school tea will be a tribute to Alice in Wonderland - complete with the Mad Hatter.

Just Learning is one of the UK's leading nursery operators. Founded in 1996, the company now operates 71 nurseries in England, Scotland and Wales offering high quality care for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in a structured nursery environment. Just Learning has around 6900 places.

LEP takes Tees Valley to influential city audience

2012-02-02T15:38:50Z

Tees Valley Unlimited's bold and ambitious drive to invigorate Tees Valley's economy has reached new levels with two major events in London to promote the area's business potential.

Tees Valley Unlimited, one of the first Local Enterprise Partnerships to be recognised by the Government, hosted London briefings to inform prospective investors and politicians about the opportunities and challenges surrounding its mission to accelerate economic renaissance in Tees Valley.

TVU's work across Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton, has now been underway for a year and during that time it has achieved some notable successes.

Stephen Catchpole, TVU Managing Director, said:
"A new economy is taking shape in Tees Valley and it is vital to the rebalancing of the UK economy that it succeeds.

"As such, it is important that we engage with potential investors, key stakeholders and those at the heart of Government to appraise them of our progress and what future opportunities are emerging within the Tees Valley area."

TVU has helped lever in £68.3m for 20 projects from the first two rounds of the Regional Growth Fund (RGF). This will attract more than £400m of private sector investment, generate growth and export opportunities and create and safeguard more than 5,000 jobs across the area.

Its successful bid for Enterprise Zone status involved an innovative strategy encompassing 12 individual sites across the five Tees Valley boroughs offering financial incentives to help attract real investment and growth and deliver significant job opportunities. The package has the capacity to stimulate the creation of 1,250 new business and tens of thousands of new jobs.

TVU also is involved in projects to develop a new start-up business culture and nurture businesses in the digital sector.

Other notable achievements for TVU and its partners include securing status as a Centre for Offshore Renewable Engineering (CORE), facilitating a Business Angel Network, initiating partnerships with UK Trade and Investment and the Environment Agency and attracting over £21 million of public sector funding for Tees Valley projects.

2012 will see the implementation of the Tees Valley Enterprise Zone, engagement with local businesses about Regional Growth Fund Rounds 3 and 4, the development of sector action plans and work to secure superfast broadband throughout Tees Valley

Mr Catchpole said: "It is imperative that as wide an audience as possible is made aware of the business opportunities that are emerging in the area.

"These events gave TVU and its partners the opportunity to meet prospective inward investors and politicians face to face and present an economic overview of Tees Valley and its business potential."

TVU held two briefings. One for potential investors and directors of leading property, development and finance companies and a second, the same day, at the Palace of Westminster which was attended by Ministers, MPs and Peers.

Red House School Open Morning - Saturday 28th January 2012

2012-01-20T12:15:05Z

Nursery & Infant and Prep. & Senior School Open Morning Saturday 28th January 2012 10am - 1pm

Come along for an informal chat about your child's educational requirements.Guided tours of school facilities will be available and the opportunity to meet teaching staff, members of the PTA and pupils. School information packs will be available and school work will be on display throughout the school. Light refreshments will also be available. For further details, please contact the School office on Tel: (01642) 553370. If you would prefer a tour of the school during the working school week, please feel free to arrange a tour by contacting the above tel number.

Information about our exciting school relocation plans to Wynyard will also be available.

New manager joins birthday celebrations at Ingleby Barwick nursery

2012-01-19T11:58:21Z

The Just Learning nursery in Ingleby Barwick is commemorating its 15th birthday with a new manager and a week of fun-filled celebrations.

The nursery is throwing open its doors for family, friends and prospective parents from Monday 30th January to Saturday 4th February (inclusive) between 10am and 4pm to show off its fantastic facilities and encourage visitors to get involved in a number of activities.

The Open Week activities will include:-
• Face painting
• Story Telling
• Music Bugs - multicultural music sessions
• Dragon Day - a Chinese celebration
• Family Photographer
• Dishes from around the world
• Nursery lunch tasters
• Coffee morning
• Favourite book day and book fair
• Badge making
• Craft sessions

New manager Rebecca Fisher will oversee the celebrations. She joins Just Learning having managed several nurseries and bringing a wealth of experience to her role.

Rebecca said: "I am delighted to join a high-quality nursery with an excellent reputation. To be starting when the nursery is celebrating its fifteenth birthday is doubly exciting and I am looking forward to meeting friends and family, old and new, and introducing them to the nursery.

"To see the children happy and achieving is the most rewarding part of my job and I already feel very much at home with the Just Learning children. I am pleased to be able to build on the fantastic work already being done at the nursery and bringing some ideas of my own to further develop the provision."

Media are invited to visit the nursery during the Open Week - please call Caroline Walker on 01325 363436.

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Just Learning Ingleby Barwick is a children's day nursery situated close to Tesco and next door to Bannatyne's Health Club at the top of Myton Road and next to Romano Park.

The purpose built nursery offers 10 stimulating well equipped rooms. It has a large outdoor area - full of exciting opportunities for the children to explore.

The extended opening hours - 7.30am - 6.00pm are designed to give parents the greatest flexibility. The nursery is open 52 weeks of the year only closing for Bank Holidays.

A before and after school club service is available, for children attending Ingleby Mill and Myton Park Schools, for children aged 5 to 14 years old during term time and a holiday club is available during all school holidays, except bank holidays.

Glowing endorsement for Ingleby Barwick nursery from health and safety inspector

2012-01-11T10:27:09Z

The Just Learning nursery in Ingleby Barwick has been praised by Stockton Council for its commitment to health and safety.

The nursery, on Myton Road, was inspected and the findings made positive reading for the team.

The report noted that 'risk assessments for activities undertaken within the nursery have been completed and are of a good standard.' It also states that the nursery is in good order.'

In conclusion the inspector said 'I would like to commend the nursery for the amount of work that has been put in place with all documents reviewed on a regular basis. It is a pleasure to inspect a place of work that shows a high regard for the health and safety of the staff and clients.'

Just Learning Ingleby Barwick provides high quality day care for children aged between 6 weeks and 5 years.

Jonathan Bell, managing director of Just Learning said: "The health, safety and welfare of the children in our care, and our staff, are of paramount importance.

"I am delighted that the team at Ingleby Barwick made such an impression on the inspector and very satisfied that their efforts have received such a ringing endorsement."

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

FREE FITNESS TRAINING FOR 13-19 YEAR OLDS

2012-01-07T16:07:40Z

Submit 2 Success is a youth development project designed by coaches at Teesside Martial Arts.

The project uses the sport of Submission Grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in order to engage young people, the project funded via Integrated Youth Support Services aims to provide activities to young people aged 13 - 19 years old, helping progress them into competative sport and off the streets, in turn away from anti social behaviour.

The S2S program is backed by Stockton Council, is a partner and financially backed by Integrated Youth Support Service (IYSS) and supported by Stockton Sports Development and local MP James Wharton.

What's more this is a completely FREE Programme young participants are not charged to take part the only payment we expect is turning up on time and training hard.

Sessions are ran on Friday Evenings at Teesside Martial Arts, Room 6, Robert Atkinson Youth Centre, Thorntree Road, Thornaby.

Please just turn up and ask to speak with Lee or Ralph
Kit needed includes, Shorts, T Shirt and some water would be handy too!.
teessidemartialarts@hotmail.co.uk
teessidemartialarts.co.uk
or check us out on facebook

Get fighting fit for new year

2012-01-07T16:00:02Z

Teesside Martial Arts/Teesside Gracie Bara is now running sessions in Thornaby from their academy based at Robert Atkinson Youth Centre. Classtime table is as follows;

MONDAY: 5:00 - 6:00 Kids BJJ (Over 7s ONLY)

6:00 - 7.30 Adults BJJ

(Resident BJJ Purple Belt Will Smith)

TUESDAY: 6:00 - 7:00 MMA NoGi

7:00 - 8:00 Krav Maga

WEDNESDAY: 6:00 - 7.30 Open Mat Sparring

THURSDAY: BJJ Class at Redcar BJJ Club
Coatham Memorial Hall, Redcar

6 - 7 Beginners & "Jui"- niors

7 - 9 Advanced BJJ

FRIDAY: 5 - 6 Kids Kick-Boxing

6 - 7 MMA/K1 Striking

7.30 - 8.30 Submit 2 Success - Free

(S2S is for 13-19 Year Olds Only)

For more details on timetable or any of our classes please visit teessidemartialarts.co.uk or Facebook at Teesside Martial Arts

TEESDALE PARK

2011-12-23T17:56:31Z

Teesdale Park continues its dramatic tranformation with both the probation service and the 5 lamps operated URBAN BLITZ personnel carrying out numerous tasks on the park including an New NATURE PATH and clearing debris from previous fly tipping , the Lottery funded improvements are really taking shape and a forthcoming article in the Gazette will describe the improvements and that of THORNABY FC , a leaflet drop is planned for next year when all the improvements are complete, in the new year the local BISHOPTON CENTRE Pupil referral unti at stockton will be using the Park for nature studies and Forest school activities , any volunteers should contatc Ray Morton 07866952211 if interested in being invloved in the project

Tees Valley Unlimited criticises North- South divide Report

2011-11-10T15:02:51Z

Stephen Catchpole, Managing Director of Tees Valley Unlimited, said: "This report paints an over gloomy picture and does not reflect the significant strides that are being made to boost the local economy, create employment and narrow the North-South divide.

"Tees Valley has secured £65.6m in Regional Growth Fund bids that will attract more than £400m of private sector investment, generate growth and export opportunities and create and safeguard more than 5,000 jobs across the area.

"There are also the stimulating financial incentives being offered by Enterprise Zones that will help attract meaningful investment and growth.

"Today's announcement that SSI has awarded a £30m contract for a coal injection plant at its Redcar works to Siemens VAI at Thornaby is a reflection of the positive economic news that is emerging from the area."

External research conducted since mid-August 2010*:
• North East newspapers have reported the creation of 56,981 private sector jobs in the region

• North East newspapers have reported £25,176,951,875 of new investment by private sector business in the region

• North East newspapers have reported £4,569,468,500 of new contract wins by private sector businesses in the region

*Research conducted by Recognition Marketing and PR

A Free School Uniform Bank Comes to Ingleby Barwick

2011-11-01T09:24:41Z

Revolution Hits Ingleby Barwick

The Youth of Ingleby Barwick are revolting, but not in a way you might think! They are going against the tide and making a difference in the community. At a time when disaffected young people have taken to rioting and looting, the Vibe Youth in Ingleby Barwick want to show that there is another way to change our world.

The Vibe, a community based church group in Ingleby has been providing opportunities for the Youth and people of all ages in the area for over 2 years, which have included providing free lollies to children in Romano Park, free coffee at Tesco, Story time in the Park, Easter Egg Hunt, litter picking, free gardening, and free bag packing at Tesco. The group have now embarked on an amazing School Uniform Bank project. Although the Vibe is led by Mark and Rose Mullis, the actual project called "Unicycle" is completely planned and led by the Youth Group.

The Group meet every Tuesday evening, have a meal together and then plan, design, and organise for the project. The School Uniform Bank is being planned so that parents can donate school uniforms no longer needed to the bank and the bank can redistribute them freely to those in Ingleby Barwick that need them. They will accept used and new uniform items, including PE kit from local schools either with logos or not. The Youth Group are leading on all aspects of the project including contacting local schools, setting up donation bins (tubs) at Tesco and participating primary schools.
If you would like to make a donation of school items or would like more information about the Vibe Church, please contact Rose Mullis at: 07771608180
Or find us on Facebook by searching The Vibe.
The Event: Free Recycled Uniform Giveaway Nov 26th 10am-12 noon at Ingleby Barwick Community Centre
Come and pick up some uniforms or donate some uniforms. There will also be food, short movies, raffle and music.