Norton - TS20

Festive fundraiser

2009-11-09T11:30:07Z

NORTON Court Nursing Home is holding a Christmas sale at Stockton Bowling Club. Tables are still available for the event on Saturday, November 14, at the club on Salisbury Terrace. Call 01642 558234.

Spared jail after pet dog starved

2009-11-09T11:11:25Z

A MOTHER and son who did nothing as their pet dog starved have been given a suspended prison sentence.

Catherine and Martin Davis of Somerset Road, Stockton, pleaded guilty at Teesside Magistrates' Court to causing unnecessary suffering to their nine-year-old grey Neapolitan Mastiff, Yoshi.

The dog was spotted in the back garden of the Davis' home by a passing RSPCA inspector.

Yoshi had a twisted stomach and needed emergency surgery. Vets say a dog of his breed should weigh 60 kilos - he weighed 40 kilos.

Yoshi was too ill to recover, and died a few days after being operated on.

Catherine, 59, and Martin Davis, 39, were sentenced to four-weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, given a curfew order between 7pm and 7am and ordered to pay £260 costs.

In addition, they cannot keep an animal for 10 years.

Lucy Hoehne, the inspector who spotted Yoshi said: "He was in a horrendous state when I first saw him.

"I hope today's sentence will ensure no further animals are able to suffer because of the Davis' actions."

Wednesday talks programme at Norton Library

2009-11-06T16:43:21Z

Wednesday talks programme at Norton Library

All are welcome to attend the events.
Admission free. All talks start at 3pm.

JAN 6 Big Garden Watch
Gwen Potter, Community Officer for the R.S.P.B. gives a presentation on wildlife gardening.

FEB 3 Walking in Ireland
Danny Corey gives a presentation on walking in the Emerald Isle.

MAR 3 Oriental Panorama
Old favourite Doug Worton, photographer returns with his own unique view of the Orient.

APRIL 7 And What Did You Do in the War, Gran?
Margaret Flick entertains us with experiences in wartime in the A.T.S. and at Bletchley Park.

MAY 5 The Stars Fell on Stockton - The Globe Theatre and the
Stars who performed there In Local History Month, local historian Barry Jones recalls the Globe Theatre

JUNE 2 The Lunatic Line
The building of the railway line from Mombasa to Lake Victoria to help end the slave trade. A presentation by Bill Ferguson.

Norton Library, 87 High Street, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1AE

Norton & Stockton Ancients Under-11s match report

2009-11-06T14:44:13Z

Under-11s: Thirsk Falcons 1-3 Norton & Stockton Ancients

NORTON travelled to Thirsk with only the bare 11 players but still managed to pull off a great result.

Norton battled from the start pressing Falcons deep in their own half, the first shots at goal coming from Matty Randall.

Liam Matthews eased past Thirsk's defence, pushing the ball right, then finishing with a terrific right-foot shot across the keeper into the far corner for 1-0.

In the second half, superb movement from Chapman set up Matthews who slotted it past the keeper to make it 2-0.

A mistake by the Falcons keeper allowed Ben Thornton to knock the ball across the goal for forward CJ White to score and make it three goals to nil.

There were solid performances from defenders Laud, Davies, Laverick and Wilson with keeper Hendry pulling off some great saves late in the first half.

With eight minutes remaining, skipper Matty Wilson had to come off reducing Norton to 10 men.

Ancients battled on but couldn't prevent Thirsk from pulling one back late on. Norton's man of the match was Ben Thornton.

SRC Mid-Week Walking from Chop Gate

2009-11-05T23:07:51Z

On Thursday, 12th November, Stockton Rambling Club have a mid-week walk in the Bilsdale area of the North York Moors. Please meet at 10.30 am at Chop Gate car park {SE 559 993} - see the following map.

The walk will not be longer than 10 miles.
For further details ring 01642-805781.

Win tickets to two of the best events this Christmas

2009-11-05T16:41:38Z

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.

Red House Pupil Set For Africa Visit After Winning top UK Language competition

2009-11-05T16:00:39Z

Congratulations to Sevina Lee of Red House School in Norton for winning the final of the Junior Language Challenge 2009 competition, held in London. As a competitor in this national competition, which aims to encourage primary school children to learn new languages, 10 year old Sevina, a Year 6 pupil, had the daunting task of learning Greek, Korean and Swahili!

A total of 2258 children entered the competition nationally, of which 223 came from the Tyne-Tees region. Only 35 of the most talented pupils made the grand final stage of the competition in London, which provided pupils with a tough test of linguistic skills. After an inspirational performance, despite very tough competition, Sevina was awarded overall competition winner.

As a reward for all her hard work and effort, Sevina won a large trophy and the trip of a lifetime. With members of her family, Sevina will travel to the African continent to take part in the final stage of this charitable initiative. In the presence of local officials, Sevina will perform the opening ceremony of a Eurotalk mobile school classroom, which will be dedicated to providing educational facilities for children of poor families.

Headmaster, Mr Alex Taylor, commented, "We are all immensely proud of Sevina's fantastic achievement. To take part in and ultimately win such a prestigious competition requires a lot of hard work, dedication and talent."

Top nurses treated to day of star treatments

2009-11-03T11:08:29Z

HARDWORKING volunteers enjoyed some well-deserved pampering at a Teesside beauty salon.

Mantra in Norton invited four Butterwick nurses to the salon for a day of free beauty treats to celebrate the salon's eighth anniversary. They were treated to beauty treatments. Lisa McGee from the salon said: "Each year we ask different charities to celebrate with us by offering free pampering to fantastic people in the local area to thank them for their good work."

A-Walking: Richmond Rustler

2009-11-02T23:48:25Z

The Catterick area is probably most well known for horse racing and its close-by army barracks. However, for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts it is also a useful starting point for walks along the River Swale - and the access it provides into Swaledale. Today's expedition took us from Catterick Bridge to the town of Richmond via Brompton-on-Swale, Skeeby, Gascoigne Farm, Gilling West, Willance's Leap and East Applegarth.

We set off from our drop-off point (near the junction of the A6136 and B6271 roads) {SE 225 999} at about 10.14 am. There were 6 people in the group: PB, KF, CH, LM, JY and PY. PB led the walk.

Click this link in order to see a full write-up of the expedition, walk details and photographs.

Sunday Walking in County Durham

2009-11-02T13:51:22Z

On Sunday, 8th November, the Stockton Rambling Club will have three walks in the Tudhoe area of County Durham. All walks will finish in Shincliffe {NZ 290 408} - see the following map.

Crown Copyright (2009). All rights reserved. Licence No. 100046831.
Produced using Anquet Maps.

The A-walk will start at Rushyford {NZ 282 288} and will take in Tudhoe and Croxdale Hall.

The B-walk will also commence at Rushyford and will visit Hett, Tudhoe and Nickynack Bridge.

The C-walk will set off from Ferryhill {NZ 291 325} and will pass through Hett, Tudhoe, Nickynack Bridge and Croxdale Hall.

This is a Route 3 coach pick up and is also an early start (Acklam: 9.00 am, Stockton: 9.15 am and Billingham: 9.30 am).

N&SA round up

2009-10-30T08:53:56Z

THESE two sides who had won all of their games so far played out a superb match.

Town played fantastic passing football and created opportunities, whilst Ancients showed a real dogged determination. Town scored early in the second period.

Ancients' Alfie Turnbull found one chance to run at Town, jinking into the box, tripped as he went to shoot.

Patrick Blogg stepped up to blast in the penalty, then he almost put Ancients ahead seconds later, forcing a save from a great driving run.

Jude Swailes was everywhere for Norton, magnificent performance, pipped for man of the match (unanimous amongst our parents) by brave and agile 'keeper Sam Woolfall - what a first game Sam!

U10s - Norton & Stockton Ancients 2 - 0 Bishop Auckland St.Marys

The game started off with some excellent passing movement and tackling from both teams.

Ancients were awarded a free kick which Captain Chris Hall dispatched with an unbelievable strike. Following some early St Marys pressure in the second half the game was decided with a top corner thunderbolt from Connor Stevens. Players of the match Chris Hall (Ancients) and Emily Scarr (St Marys).

U12s - Bishop Auckland St Mary's 1 - 6 N&SA A

Norton dominated the early stages and it wasn't long before Norton raced into a first-half 0-3 lead.

Josh Hulme replaced injured captain Cameron Wilson early in the second half, and Norton made it 0-4.

Brad Popple made an immediate impact showing awareness and positional prowess for Norton. 0-5.

Bishop pulled one back, but Norton made the final score 1-6.

Goals scored by Calib Padurariu, Lewis Rees and Brad Popple (4).

Durham County Cup 1st Round
Middleton Rangers 4-7 N&SA U13A

NORTON Under-13A sponsored by Felstead Property Services came out top in an 11-goal thriller away to Middleton Rangers in the Durham County Cup.

Man of the Match Sonni Coleman bagged four, Danny Pearce got two and the scoring was complete with a Michael Graham goal as Norton ran out comfortable winners.

Final score Middleton Rangers 4 - 7 N&SA U13A.

Woman assaulted in handbag theft in Norton

2009-10-28T10:40:34Z

A 35-YEAR-OLD woman was pulled to the floor by her hair, punched and kicked as a thief tried to steal her handbag.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident at 7pm on Wednesday October 21 on Centenary Crescent, Norton.

A Cleveland Police spokesman explained: "The woman was approached by a tall man in his late teens who was wearing dark clothing.

"He pushed the victim and attempted to grab her hand bag.

"The victim kept hold of her bag and he then grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to the floor before punching and kicking her.

"The suspect dragged the woman across the ground for several metres before he managed to grab the bag and make off along Centenary Crescent across Norton Avenue and into Greta Road."

Witnesses or anyone with information should call DC Kevin Stockley at Stockton CID on 01642 302 226. Alternatively call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A-Walking: Saltburn Swinger

2009-10-27T18:34:02Z

Following last week's 'inland' walks, today's events took place in the eastern coastal region of the North York Moors. Our expedition today started at the Gerrick junction (and car park) on the A171 road {NZ 705 119}. We travelled from here along Gerrick Lane (see picture below) to Saltburn via High Waupley, Roxby Woods, Roxby Park, Boulby and the Cleveland Way (CW).

We set off from our drop-off point at about 10.55 am. There were 8 people in the group: JB, JPB, PB, RB, MC, JH, KF and SR. JB led the walk.

Click this link in order to see a full write-up of the expedition, walk details and photographs.

Pilot 'lacked required skill'

2009-10-27T10:27:43Z

A TEESSIDE pilot was not skilled enough to carry out the low level flying manoeuvre which led to the crash which killed him and two others, a coroner ruled.

Coroner Geoff Fell, pictured, also criticised the administration of RAF Benson, where the RAF crew members were based.

Delivering his verdict at Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday, he said: "Against a background of deteriorating administration, airmanship and discipline, the helicopter crashed."

Flight Lieutenant David Sale, 28, from Norton, Sergeant Phillip Burfoot and Private Sean Tait died in the crash near Catterick Garrison in August 2007.

Before recording narrative verdicts into the deaths of all three men, Mr Fell set out his conclusions of what happened on the day of the crash. He said the administration at RAF Benson, in Oxfordshire, where the crew was based, "left much to be desired".

Mr Fell said the crew in the Puma helicopter on the day of the crash were "inexperienced" and were undertaking their first trip without an instructor. He added nobody seemed to have laid out the ground rules to the crew and Flt Lt Sale missed an opportunity to remind himself of what he was authorised to do during the flight.

The coroner said most of the flying on the day of the crash "seems to have taken place at less than 100ft" and added the tactical manoeuvres were "excessive in number and irregularity". He said the crew was "oblivious" at times and there was a deterioration in discipline.

Mr Fell said: "One can see that while some of the factors individually might not lead to a hazardous situation, collectively they are almost certainly leading to a mishap."

Returning the verdicts, Mr Fell said: "The pilot of the helicopter was attempting a flying manoeuvre which was beyond his capabilities, or those of the Puma, or a combination of both.

"Against a background of deteriorating administration, airmanship and discipline, the helicopter crashed."

A total of 12 military personnel were on board the helicopter, which also left Flight Lieutenant Robert Hamilton paraplegic as a result of his injuries.

Flt Lt Sale, pictured, and Sgt Burfoot, from Cardiff, died in the crash. They both served with 33 Squadron. Pte Tait, from Glasgow, died two days later in hospital from his injuries.

The three-week inquest heard the crew was taking part in high-speed, low level "tactical flying" often dropping down to 50ft above the ground.

The coroner was also told Mr Sale flew low above a taxi which had stopped because the driver felt "threatened and intimidated".

An audio clip had also been played to the inquest in which the crew were heard laughing and joking just moments before the crash.

Speaking outside the court, Group Captain Jonathan Burr, Station Commander at RAF Benson, said there had been changes in the way administration procedures were carried out.

Capt Burr said: "We have changed the way we supervise, manage and task our Puma operations, to ensure such events are not repeated as far as is humanly possible."

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Capt Burr offered his condolences to the friends and families of the three men who died. He said the RAF would now continue its own investigations.

Mr Sale's family thanked the coroner for his handling of the inquest and thanked the police and the RAF for their support. They said Mr Sale had "loved his job" and was "determined to be very professional at it."

SRC Annual General Meeting

2009-10-27T00:06:27Z

On Monday, 2nd November, Stockton Rambling Club will hold its Annual General meeting. The venue for this event is the Linthorpe Community Centre {NZ 491 186} - see the following map.

Please meet at 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm.