Loftus History
TV Compliment to Loftus Dancers
FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS
Cleveland sword dancers are in the news these days. Their ability in the intricate steps of the Yorkshire traditional long sword dance is winning worthy recognition.
Earlier this month I noted that the North Skelton White Rose Sword Dancers are to take part in an international festival at the Albert Hall, London. Now there is the announcement that the Loftus Sword Dancers are to take part in and ITV broadcast on Christmas Day.
The Loftus dancers have gained a national reputation in recent years and this will be their third TV appearance. They have also twice competed at festivals in the Albert Hall.
The members of the team will be James Fishlock, Maurice Wright, John Hill, Derek Cuthbert, Eric Lancaster, David Robinson, William Morrish and Donald Burdon. Accompanying the team will be Mr. Arthur Marshall of Charlton, who is acknowledged as one of the finest sword dance musicians in the country.
Loftus Dancers Tour
The Loftus Sword Dancers, with their leader, Mr. H. Normington, recently returned home after a visit to Dijon in France, where they joined forces with the Manley Morris Men from Cheshire.
There were 41 people in the party including 24 dancers. Among the remainder were teachers and parents from Loftus County Modern School.
Leaving Loftus by coach on Sunday 27th August, the Loftus party picked up the Manley Morris Dancers at Worksop, and the party crossed from Dover to Boulogne, spending the night at the French port.
On Monday they travelled to Paris for a 24 hour visit, and saw the Eiffel Tower, Napoleon's tomb, Notre Dame, the Scared Coeur and many other places of interest. Several of the party saw a car riddled with bullets by Algerian terrorists the previous day.
On Tuesday the dancers travelled 200 miles through Fontainbleu and Avallon, arriving at Dijon in the late evening and being met by members of the Comite Bourgone, organisers of the Festival de la Vigne - the Festival of the Wine. The headquarters of the Comite were in the Cellier de Clairaux, an old fourteenth century building. Meals were taken there in a vaulted chamber, hung with the flags of the Duke of Burgundy. All the food was French with an abundance of grapes, and there was only wine or water to drink.
Other foreign groups taking part in the festival, thirteen in all, fed there and sang national songs and played music during and after meals. A highlight of the visit was a banquet reception by the president of the Comite to the English group, at which souvenirs were given to the organisers. There was a further banquet by the Mayor of Dijon, to whom Mr Normington presented a letter of greetings from the Lord Mayor of York, which is the sister city of Dijon in a friendly cities alliance. A similar letter and gift were also presented from Mayence in Germany, which is also allied to Dijon.
There was a reception by the Chamber of Commerce to all visiting dancers, and a British Consul greeted the British visitors. There were seven courses at this meal, which lasted two and a half hours.
On various days there were three processions of dancers throught the town, accompanied by eight military bands from various countries, some in costumes of former ages. The processions were about a mile long, and the streets were lined with thousands of spectators.
Sunday was the chief day, for there was a Cathedral Service, based on the vine and the wine industry. Huge bunches of grapes were carried into Church and later distributed to the old people of the town. A fountain of wine, started the previous day, flowed througout the rest of the holiday.
So far as the dancing was concerned, the main feature was for the Collier d'or (golden chain with 14 crowns to commemorate the fourteen Dukes of Burgundy), this took place in the Palace des Exposition, a huge building accommodating 16,000 people. It was won by a Jugoslavian team, and Loftus recieved the silver Cup.
Outside the festivities most of the British party made a tour through the neighbouring vineyards of the Cote d'Or, and visited wine cellars at Beaune, where they sampled the wine. The weather was hot all the time and ideal for another good vintage year.
High Praise
High praise for two skillful sword dance teams, Loftus and Lingdale Primrose, was given by Mrs Sibyl Clark of Birmingham, adjudicating at the thirteenth annual competitive Folk Dance Festival at the Spa Pavillion, Whitby on Saturday. Mrs Clark told the audience they had seen two of the finest sword dance teams in the country, which meant in the world. She said their dancing was so outstanding that it would be invidious to seperate them and each team was awarded 99 marks.
The festival opened on Friday evening with Morris and Sword dances. On Saturday morning there was a delightful session of children's singing games and country dances, and the senior competitors performed in the afternoon. The entry of 58 was up on last year, and teams travelled from as far as Sheffield and Darlington. Two new trophies were competed for, The Eskdale Cup given by Miss E. M. Thompson for Morris Dancing, and the Caedmon Cup given by Miss J.B. Speedy for country dancing.
The classes on Friday evening were marked by the success of teams representing Guisborough County Modern School, which won all three in which they participated and secured two honors certificates.
J.W. Brown's Dancers, Whitby provided good competition and shared a sword dnace cup with another Whitby team, Airy Hill County Primary School.
Saturday Morning
One of the best performances on Saturday was East Whitby County Primary School with 86 marks in the junior schools' country dancing (11 and under). The mark was equalled by Grosmont School in a well supported country schools class and by St Joseph's RC School, Pickering, winners of the singing games (under 10). Remember dancing is rhythm and rhythm is dancing", Mrs Clark told the competitors. "If you dance the twist and shakes as well as Folk Dancing, they all help each other: you do not keep them in seperate compartments".
To the teachers, Mrs CLark said "Rhythm, particularly with the younger and less experienced dancers, improves if you take the music fairly slowley -contrary to belief. If it goes too fast they dance with their feet only".
Commenting in Country dance classes, Mrs Clark asked if men were hen pecked in this part of the country, as she had hoped to see them taking a more dominant part in the dance. While the dancing was of a good standard, what she missed was the feeling of having a jolly good time and the gentlemen taking charge of the situation. In the Country dance class, intermediate, in which three teams competed, Mrs Clark commented on how much better they danced the test piece, "Yorkshire Square Dances" than their own choice. It was obvious that the teams understood and appreciated their own Yorkshire dance. One of the reasons for doing less well in their own choice of dances was because they were more difficult.
Sword Dancers
Loftus and Lingdale Primrose Sword Dancers were given an enthusiastic ovation for their performances, which gained them 99 marks.
It was Lingdale's tenth success in eleven Whitby festivals and their team was Alan Moody (captain), Douglas Morrell, William Husband, Frank Holmes, Harry Dockery and Wilf Hopper, with J.W. Hills and Terence Boyes reserves and Dick Hoggarth the musician.
Loftus dancers were James Fishlock, Sidney Robson, Derek Cuthbert, Eric Lancaster, Maurice Wright and David Snowdon with Arthur Marshall playing the melodeon. The Loftus dancers recently appeared at the Albert Hall, London festival and in Birmingham. At Whitsuntide they are going to Stratford-upon-Avon to appear in the Sheakspeare Festival.
At the close Mr Frank Leaf, platform marshall, thanked the adjudicator and the competitors. At night a barn dance was held in the Floral Pavillion to the mucic of the Folk Dance Band, and the M.C.'s were Mrs Clark, Mrs May Beeforth and Mr J.R. Swales.
The festival was arranged by a committee with Mrs J.D. Kirby, secretary, Mr J.R. Swales, chairman, Miss J.B. Speedy, treasurer, and Mrs N. Swales, Miss S Codling, Miss M. Larkin, Miss Welford, Miss M. Fenwock, and Messrs J.W.Brown, J. Scarth and C.J. Bowlby.
The results were:
Friday Evening
Morris Dancing boys 11 - 15:
Guisborough C.M.School 85
J.W. Brown's dancers Whitby C team 52
J.W. Brown's B team 78
J.W. Brown's A team 77
taken from press cutting kindly sent by David Snowdon, Ontario, Canada.
Death of Mr J. W. Harper
The death occured on Tuesday at his home "Copleigh", Coronation Road, Loftus, after a long illness, of Mr. John William Harper, aged 60 a well known figure in the town and district. Born at Marske, Mr Harper came to Loftus when he was 13, and has lived the remainder of his life in the town. He commenced work in Messrs Pease and Partners Mines, Loftus as a boy and remained in that employment for 35 years, subsequently working for five years in the local office of the Ministry of National Insurance, until ill health caused his retirement.
During his mining career Mr. Harper was always willing to do whatever he could towards the welfare of his fellow workers. He was very interested in the work of the Trade Unions and for 26 years was secretary of the local branch of the National Union of Mineworkers. In 1932 he became the first Cleveland Miners representative on the Northern District Executive Committee of the Union when it was amalgamated with the Quarrymens' Association. In recognition of this he was awarded a medal, which was one of his most treasured possessions. Mr. Harper had a wide knowledge of mining and mining conditions, and his advice was continually sought by younger men seeking employment.
A devout Methodist Mr. Harper was a member of Deepdale Road Methodist Church, Loftus for over 35 years. During much of this time he was an accredited local preacher, and his visits were always eagerly anticipated at Churches throughout the Circuit. In his younger days he was keenly interested in the work of the Sunday School and was one of those responsible for building it up into a highly organised and efficient body. Mr Harper was a member of Loftus Mens Fraternal since its inception, taking an active part inthe Sunday afternoon meetings throughout the winter months. His principal hobby was woodwork and he liked nothing better than working at his bench making small articles which would provide additional furnishing for his home. Mr Harper was married and is survivied by his widow and one adopted daughter.
Interment takes place at Loftus to-day (Friday) after a service at the Deepdale Road Church at which the Rev. F. Woodward Ross, Superintendant Mthodist Minister and the Rev. M. Clegg, Congregational Minister and a joint secretary of the Mens Fraternal will officiate.
Kindly contributed by Freda and Gordon Harrison.
When this lorry ran back down Loftus Bank today and plunged over the bridge into the stream the driver, Robert Percival Bellis aged 28, of 21 Rosecroft Avenue, Middlesbrough escaped serious injury.
The lorry was carrying a load of stone chippings and the accident occured at the same spot where a bus carrying workers, went over the bridge into the stream last week.
The bus knocked down some 40ft of the bridge's parapet, and since then a wooden saftey fence had been erected.
The lorry finished on its four wheels in the steam, and was badly damaged. Mr Bellis, who was badly shaken got out through the door and was taken home.
Last week, Loftus Urban Council made representations to the Ministry of Transport and to Mr. Arthur Palmer M.P. for Cleveland, pointing out the danger on this stretch of road. An invitation was given to officials of the North Riding Council to attend the Loftus County Council meeting tonight to discuss the problem.
Dated 16th Feb 1953
kindly contributed by Julie Riddiough, August 2008
Same spot same again
Loftus Fire Chief retires
"The man who was always there" was the description given by Mr. F. Stephenson, seputy chief fire officer in the North Riding, when he made a presentation last night to Mr. Jack Andrew who has retired as officer in charge of Loftus Fire Brigade. Joining the service in 1923 he had been in charge at Loftus for 26 years. Mr. Stephenson presented an automatic tea maker to Mr. Andrew, a gift from his colleagues and a bouquet was presented to Mrs. Andrew. Fred Grey, who succeeds Mr. Andrew presided.
Kindly contributed by Marc Andrew. Dec 08
Praise for the way Loftus firemen handled a blaze at Carlin How when a bakery burned out was given by Mr. W. Outhwaite, the North Riding's chief fire officer.
This followed criticism from Mrs. M Troupe, of 9 Brotton Road, Carlin How in a letter to the Evening Gazette. She said she was not "entirely satisfied" the fire was brought under control as quickly as possible.
Loftus fire brigade appeared undermanned and under equipped, she wrote.
"I have no doubt that the firemen as individuals aided by neighbours, did their best under difficult circumstances. Surely, however as ratepayers we have a right to expect an adequatley manned fire service on call for such an emergency"
Mr Outhwaite said the first 999 call was received by GPO in Middlesbrough at 9.50 last Sunday night and Loftus firemen arrived at the scene "shortly after 10" to find the the fire well alight.
"Loftus had a modern machine holding 400 gallons of water. It has two main hoses and the five men operated these from both front and rear of the premises. Onlookers might not have been aware of this.
"Firemen from adjoining brigades were called as a statutory, precautionary measure. They played their hoses on nearby houses incase the fire spread.
I would like to compliment the Loftus men on the way they handled the most serious fire they have had for a long time. The machine and its crew is standard for the whole country, including London.
Kindly contributed by Marc Andrew
Jan 09
Long service Medal
The Vice Chairman of North Riding Fire Brigade Committee, County Coun. W.S. Robinson, presents a long service medal to Fireman R. Cummings of Loftus. Next to him is another leading fireman F. Grey. Also pictured (left to right) are Coun. T. Bradbury, Divisional Office M. Winter, N.R. Assistant Chief Officer A. Robinson and Sub Officer J. Andrews.
Kindly contributed by Marc Andrew
Jan 09
Mr Jack Andrew of 89 Rosedale Crescent, Loftus is retiring on Saturday as an auxiliary postman in the town. He has been on his present round in the West End for more than 13 years.
Mr Andrew began in 1928 as a temporary postman and then had a short break when he worked for the local council.
During the war he was a full-time fireman and afterwards took up his work again as a postman which he combined with a business as a saddler.
He will be carrying on his duites as sub-officer at the town's fire station, having been associated with the fire brigade since 1935, and also with his work for the town's old tyme dancing club, where he is vice-chairman.
He holds a similar position on the workers' committee for Loftus St Joseph's RC Church.
His family is one of the oldest in the town his father was born at the Angel Inn in 1865 where Mr Andrew's grandfather was licensee.
Kindly contributed by Marc Andrew
Jan 09
Further details have been received concering the death of Father Ralph Hill at Suva, Fiji Isalnds, which was recently chronicled in the "Whitby Gazette".
Father Hill was the son of Mr Fred Hill and Mrs Catherine Hill, of 1 Hartington Street, Loftus, and was twenty eight years of age. On receiving an appointment as Missionary at Fiji Islands he left Loftus on October 20th 1924, and had fulfilled his duties until the time of his death, which took place on 22nd Sepotember. His medical attendant thought a change would do him good, and ordered him home, but he had a relapse and was sent to hospital, where he died of catarchal jaundice. The interment was attended by a large number of parishioners, who wished to pay their last ribute of regard to a dearly-beloved friend. The relatives of the deceased have received several sympathetic letters from the sisters and one from the Bishop of Suva, who states that although Father Hill was not long amongst them, during the few months he had spent there he had become a general favourite, anbd had endeared himself to all who met him, young and old alike, irrespective of race or religion.
Kindly contributed by Marc Andrew
Jan 09
If I were Police Constable Lawrence Snowden of the North Riding force, I would be a proud man to-day. Not that he has been awarded a medal or anything like that. No, but he has just been paid as handsome a testimonial as any public servant could desire. His fellow villagers in tiny Moorsholm, inland from Saltburn, are protesting because he is likely to leave them. And friendly PC 13 with his dignified 14 stones and 40 years will be missed. The reason is that he has made himself so helpful to the villagers. For seven years PC 13 has lived in the police house in the village centre, and from that house, handy for any villager who wants to pay a social or business call, he has kept a watchful eye on his 20 square mile beat. But now this friendly arrangement is frowned upon officially. The powers that be want to move PC 13 to Liverton - a better police centre, they say, and provided with a better house. Not very far for him to travel, you suggest? Why all the fuss? Well, my guess is that North Riding villagers tend to be a clannish lot and PC 13's move to Liverton, just under two miles away, would make a lot of difference. One of the villagers put his finger on it when he commented "It's not that we are afraid of law breakers, because this is the most law abiding district... We have always been fortunate in the type of man appointed. He has always been adviser and friend to everybody. Farmers can go to him with their problems. So can other residents. If he is moved he will still be around, but a policeman on patrol is not quite the same as having one you can call on and talk with over the garden gate". So it seems to me that if the friendly constable leaves Moorsholm, he may gain a modern home and a nearby village school for his three youngsters, but as for his work for the village hall, church secretaryship, and role as general advisor, I doubt if they would ever be the same. The Authorities move, for all their good intentions, could mean something approaching exile for a well liked man. And surely the high esteem and tradition PC 13 and his forerunners won for themselves in Moorsholm is worth preserving. When Councillor Raymond Ditchburn, a local farmer, speaks up for the village at the rural district council meeting my hope is that his opponents will lend a sympathetic ear to an argument that may lack head but abounds in heart. Taken from the Daily Mail August 26th 1954.
Scrapbook by NOEL AGAR
The Loftus Sword Dancers take part in a show in the Albert Hall, London, the first of many celebrations to mark the founding of the folk dance and song society in 1898.
More than 700 dancers, singers and musicians from all parts of the country are taking part in the celebrations and the Albert Hall show was watched by Dr. R. Vaughan Williams, president and one of the earliest members of the society.
The Loftus team, who owe much to Mr H Norminton, the enthusiastic headmaster of Loftus County Modern School, which has become the stronghold of the local dance, were: Eric Tyreman, John Hill, Sidney Robson, Peter Dobson, Michael Pearson, Donald Burdon, Brian Snowdon and Eric Lancaster.
Youngsters watch as a van tries to pass along the flooded Brotton Road at Carlin How. For some time yesterday all traffic was diverted by Kilton Lane, which itself was 18 inches deep in parts.
The first day of Spring at Boulby Bank, Loftus.
The chairman of Loftus Urban council, Coun H Richardson and Mrs Richardson lead the Civic Sunday processions into St Helen’s Church, Carlin How. Following them are the mayor and mayoress of Redcar, Coun and Mrs R Hall and other civic heads.
Skinningrove Carnival Queen
At least Miss Joan England, Skinningrove Carnival Queen won't get sea sick as she poses for this picture with her retinue.
Generations
Five Generations - Mr Fredrick Andrew, Mrs Hannah Cuthbert, Mr Jospeh F Cuthbert, Mrs June Shaw and baby Stephen
The oldest resident in the town Mr Fredrick Andrew of 18 Hartington Street , Loftus is celebrating his 94th birthday today, but the first of his birthday treats came last night.
It was a visitor who knew little about it, three week old Stephen Shaw of 49 High Row, Loftus, and it was the first time the pair had met. And the reason for the special visit? Well Stephen is the fifth generation of the family of which Mr Andrew is the head. The others in line are Mrs Hannah Cuthbert, Mr Andrews’s daughter, and he lives with her , Mr Joseph F Cuthbert of 3 Valley Avenue Loftus and Mrs June Shaw, Stephens mother.
To celebrate the occasion of his birthday today Mr Andrew will be entertained at a family party and do full justice to the fare, for he has an excellent appetite. He is now somewhat deaf, but has good eyesight, he enjoys his pipe and did his own gardening up to two years ago.
Began work at eight
Born at the Angel Inn Loftus, where his father was Licensee, Mr Andrew has never lived outside the town. Times were hard in those days and as he was a youngster when his father died Mr Andrew started work at he ripe old age of eight. “working for a ginger beer man” to quote his words. He retired when he was 65 years old, and had then worked for 42 years on the surface at Loftus Ironstone mines. He recalls when Loftus had the majority of its houses grouped around the market place and talks of the times when the best bands in the country came to take part in band contests.
Mr Andrews’s recollections are also of the famous Loftus Wool Fair when the market place used to be packed for a week with all kinds of stalls and amusements. He has one son and four daughters.
The five generations of the Magor family at Loftus. Our photograph shows Mrs Anna Magor (87) of 1 Queen's Road, Loftus, holding her three months old great great grandaughter Sharon Prince. Also in the picture on Mrs Magor's left, are her daughter Alice Tilburn (68) of Carlin How. On Mrs Magor's right is her grandaughter Mrs. Winifred Shaw of Loftus. Standing behind is Mrs Jean Prince, mother of baby Sharon.
The death occurred at his home on Thursday of Mr. G Skilbeck, aged 79 of 6 Westfield Terrace, Loftus, one of the best known residents in the town and who was the oldest tradesman when his retirement was announced last month.
In 1908 with his brother, Mr Frank Skilbeck, he began in business in the town as newsagent, stationer and printer. The business is carried on by Mr. Frank Skilbeck.
The oldest member of Loftus Chamber of Trade, Mr Skilbeck edited the “Loftus Advertiser”. Which ceased publication some years ago, and in his younger days was a correspondent for a number of newspapers.
Golf Pioneer
He was a part vice-president of Loftus Athletic Club in the town, and served on the committee when Loftus Albion F. C. were a northern league side. For many years Mr. Skilbeck walked to and from the old church at Liverton to worship and took an active interest in the amateur dramatic society which used to function at Liverton Mines. He was a keen amateur photographer and gardener. The funeral takes place on Monday.
Dated April 5th.
Mrs Anne Holliday aged 77 of 23 Coronation Road, Loftus was found dead at her home today. A widow Mrs Holliday lived alone, but was visited each day by relatives who assisted her with her housework.
Mr Thomas H Duck aged 67 of 8 Coronation Road Loftus collapsed while walking near his home last night, he was taken to Brotton hospital but was dead on arrival.
Dated June 7th.
Mr and Mrs Charles Hebditch of Briardale, West Road, Loftus who are well known in the town celebrated their Golden Wedding quietly yesterday.
They were married at Loftus Congregational Church and have lived in the town all their married life.
In business for 52 years as a builder, Mr Hebditch is still working normally and every day is busy at his bench. A native of Scarborough he went to Loftus to build the Congregational which was opened in 1906 and was then among the first to be married in the church, He has also been a public works contractor and is responsible for the erection of many buildings in the Cleveland area including the Pannett Art Gallery at Whitby and the Guisborough nurses home.
He is a life member of the Yorkshire Archaeological Society and his other hobby is reading, preferably Greek history. Mrs Hebditch was born at Beck hole Grosmont and they have a daughter, one son and two grandchildren.
Dated May 28
Mr Richard William Hodgon ,aged 66, of 45 Coronation Road, Loftus collapsed and died at Skinningrove works last night. Mr Hodgson had completed his shift and was waiting his turn to clock out when he collapsed. Sept 25th
Fishing line incident at Loftus
Eight year old Paul Calvert, son of Mr and Mrs Norman Calvert of Britannia Inn, Loftus, was playing with a toy fishing rod line and hook on Wednesday when the family’s pet spaniel named “Shandy” playfully jumped for the hook, before the little boy could snatch it away “Shandy’s teeth has closed over the line and the barbed hook had passed through its tongue near the throat.
Mr Calvert told a friend, Mr Robert Keeling, Licensee of the Angel Hotel on the opposite side of the Market place and with Shandy in the back of the car Mr Keeling drove Mr Calvert and his dog to a veterinary surgeon. Using a general anaesthetic the surgeon extracted the hook and barb. “Shandy” a liver coloured spaniel was taken home, wrapped warmly in blankets and is now recovering
Dated June 6th
Inquiries were continuing by the police today in to a robbery from the canteen at the Skinningrove works which was discovered on Saturday.
It was found that the door of the safe in the canteen had been sawn off. It fell out when it was opened by the canteen manager.
About £50 in money had been stolen from the safe, but the puzzling feature is that the thief left about £150 in £5, £1 notes and silver in the safe.
Loftus Funeral of Mr. Harry Waite – The funeral took place today of Mr. Harry Waite aged 79 years of 13 St Hilda’s Terrace, Loftus, who was well known in local trade union circles. Mr Waite spent all his working life at the local mines and for many years up to about two years ago was the union collector for the Loftus mines branch. In his younger days he was actively connected with football in the town, both as a player and trainer. For 25 years with his wife he was caretaker at Loftus Parish Church.
Mr Benjamin Robson, 14 North Road was found dead at this home on Wednesday. A retired fish frier, we was 87 years of age and lived with his daughter Mrs. W. Harrison. Mr Bernard Wilkinson, the Cleveland Coroner, was informed and on his instructions, a post mortem examination was held yesterday (Thursday) at Middlesbrough.
The funeral took place today of Mr George Tyler, aged 58 of 61 High Strteet, Loftus. He had worked at Loftus mines for 44 years serving his apprenticeship as a saddler, working with Mr. Fred Taylor, and in 1936 became the saddler for the mines.
He was well known in Cleveland sporting circles, particularly as a billiards player.
Playing for the Skinningrove Institute team, he won medals including those for the Cleveland League Division I championships of 1927-28 and the Divison II championships of 1920 and 1924-25.
Mr Taylor was a member of the well known Methodist family and his father was a local preacher. He leaves a widow.
The death occured at her home on Friday of Miss Florence Knaggs aged 53. Gartmore, West Road, Loftus. Miss Knaggs who had been in failing health for some time was managing director of Eatons (Loftus) Ltd., furnishers, and had been connected with the company for nearly 40 years.
Although in a retiring disposition she was very well known in the town and district, and took an active and practical interest in various local organisations, and had donated trophies to Loftus Chrysanthemum Society and Loftus County Youth Club.
The daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Henry Knaggs of Loftus she lived practicaly all her life in the town and is survived by one brother Mr Gordon Knaggs.
She was a member of Loftus Chamber of Trade and a founder member of the old Loftus Golf Club. She was also a former member of Saltburn Golf Club.
Cremation took place at Darlington on Tuesday, following a service at St Leonard's Church, Loftus. .
Bullock Killed
A young bullock owned by Mr. J. Hird, The Mill was killed on Saturday when it wandered out of a field near the Station Hotel, broke through a fence and jumped over a wall. Unfortunately the wall was a bridge paprapet and the animal fell for a distance of about 40 feet and was killed.
Inquest
An Inquest was held at Middlesbrough on Tuesday into the death of Mrs Elsie Anne Bice (68), Rosedale Crescent, Loftus, who underwent an operation on Thursday, 23rd October at North Ormesby Hospital. This was completed satisfactorily, but the following Monday she died. Medical evidence at the inquest stated that Mrs Bice died from pulmonary embolism and the Coroner, Mr A.O. Knott was told it was one of those risks of the operation, although only a "rare risk". The Coroner returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
The Late Mr. J. Trillo
The death of Mr. Joseph Trillo, 57 High Street, loftus, well known througout East Cleveland as an ice-cream merchant, has broken the partnership which three brothers of Italian birth had enjoyed for some 40 years. Mr Joseph Trillo and his brother Mr. G. Trillo, Brunswick Street, Whitby, began in business at Loftus in 1912, opening their Whitby branch in 1919, and the following year they were joined in partnership at both Loftus and Whitby by a third brother Mr. Loreto Trillo who lives at 2 High Street, Loftus. He and Mr G. Trillo will now carry on the family business at Loftus and Whitby.
Bodies found on beaches
A body was found on the beach at Skinningrove today. The discovery was made about half-a-mile north of the jetty. The Cleveland Coroner, Mr. Bernard Wilkinson, has been informed.
Shortly after the discovery, an unconfirmed report was made of another body on the beach at Boulby, between Skinningrove and Staithes. A search party went out, made up of police, coastguards and some local men.
Steps are being taken to identify the body on the Skinningrove beach.
It was on July 9, a fortnight ago today, that two men from Skinningrove, Henry Richards aged 22, of 61 High Street and Colin Cox age 17, of 36 High Street, went off on a fishing expedition in an 18ft long canoe.
Their craft was later found about three-quarters of a mile from shore, full of water. Since then there has been no news of the men.
Mr Thomas William Hart who works at the pitside at Skinningrove Iron works, spends much of his spare time lobstering, and here he is seen working on his lobster pots on the beach at Skinningrove. He is also a member of the Coastguard Lifesaving Corps and has taken part in several cliff rescues
Loftus Minister retiring
Rev. Maurice Cleggs
long service
The Rev. Maurice Clegg, who has been minister in charge of Loftus Congregational Church for eleven and a half years is to retire from the active ministry in July. He will continue to live in Loftus and assist when and where necessary in his present church and other churches in the congregational district. A successor has not yet been appointed.
For nearly three an a half years the Rev. M.Clegg represented Dr Barnardos homes in the west Riding of Yorkshire, his head quarters being in Bradford. He has also held pastorates at Dent in the Yorkshire Dales, Baldock in Hertfordshire, Soham in Cambridgeshire and Dovercourt in Essex.
During his ministry at Loftus he has interested himself in several organisations and the life of the town in general and is at present, chairman of Loftus National Savings Committee.
You must have heard of the cow with the crumpled horn, but have you ever heard of a cow with a wooden leg? This piece of surgery is no modern marvel. A veterinary surgeon carried out this operation on this cow at Malton in 1887.
Loftus Butchers retirement – A well known business man in the town Mr Tom George Featherstone of Zetland Road Loftus, retires today. He has been a butcher in the town since 1908 and is a familiar figure at local auction marts. Mr Featherstone who comes from the East Riding had his first shop in Loftus High Side and moved to his present premises in 1914. He has been a member of Loftus Chamber of Trade for many years and intends to live in the town during his retirement.
Offenders fined at Loftus
At Loftus magistrates court on Wednesday, Mr J R Johnson, presiding, three Skinningrove men, Harry Stone, (33) Ridley Terrace, Ronald S Garner (28) Chapel Street and Gordon Pearson (21) Beach Road were jointly charged with stealing poultry value £2 10s from a shed in Skinningrove and geese and rabbits valued £9 13s. James Arthur Stone (31) Westray Street, Carlin How pleaded guilty to a charge of being jointly concerned in the theft of three geese worth £6 15s. the subject of the second charge against the first three men. Harry Stone and Ronald Garner were each fined £16 and ordered to make restitution of £2 19s 7d. Gordon Pearson was fined £10 and ordered to pay £2 19s 7d and James Arthur Stone was fined £5 with £2 13 9df restitution. The magistrates complimented PC Glue for his work in the cases.
Alan and Shirley Ditchburn of Cowescote Crescent Loftus pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault on Eileen Margaret Oliver of the same crescent. In a cross summons Oliver pleaded not guilty of assault on Shirley Ditchburn. The parties were each bound over in the sum of £10 to keep the peace for twelve months.
James Shoredon (39) of Coronation Road Loftus was fined£2 at Loftus yesterday when he pleaded “guilty” to stealing wooden sleepers. He pleaded “not guilty” to a second charge of steeling a shovel and was fined 10s. It was stated by Sgt, A Bright that P C Glue went to the home of Shoredon and saw a number of sleepers. When questioned he said he had taken them from the railway sidings near Skinningrove. The constable noticed a shovel marked NRYCC and when asked about it Shoredon said he had taken it home during the time he had been employed by North Ringing County Council on Snow cutting. Shoredon said in court that he signed for the shovel when he was working for North Riding County Council and had forgotten about it in the shed.
He had not been told when he signed for it that he had to hand it in when he ceased employment.
Over 120 civil defence volunteers and members of the ambulance cadets took part in a civil defence exercise “Loftus” held at Loftus and Liverton Mines yesterday. The exercise was planned on the assumption that damage had been caused as the result of a nuclear explosion to the west and the “casualties” cadets from Loftus and 15 Red Cross cadets from Northallerton. The object of the exercise was to test and demonstrate the efficiency of those taking part and illustrate that each section is able to carry out its functions as the result of its dependence on other sections. The services taking part yesterday were headquarters personnel, wardens, special constables and welfare section from Loftus and Redcar and Ambulance and casualty collecting personnel of the auxiliary fire service from Loftus, Redcar and Guisborough.
The Weather beaten face above belongs to a man of the moors. In a hundred years those sparkling eyes have mirrored good times and bad and kept their humour, yet always they have shone even brighter when they have surveyed the North Yorkshire moors.
For Mr. Edwin Johnson, of Great Ayton, who celebrates his 100th birthday tomorrow, could well be called “The Grand Old Man of the Moors”. But old in years only. Visitors to the quiet paths of Cleveland will often find him stepping out as sprightly as a youngster on his regular walks.
In all the years since he was born at Hinderwell, one of the village policeman’s family of 11 Mr Johnson has never been far from the rolling moors.
He started work in the mines at Grosmont when he was eight, and, like a man who has enjoyed life, his memory has proved remarkably retentive. He can recall those early days when he was sent to the surface to buy newspapers recording the Franco-Prussian War. And when the news of how the battle was going was read out by one of the few miners who could read, smaller battles often broke out among the English workers for partisanship ran high.
It was 70 years ago that Mr Johnson moved from the coast to Great Ayton. With all his possessions in a bundle on a stick and 2s in his pocket, he walked off like many another young man to seek his fortune. He found it in the extensive coal business of Johnson Brothers, now carried on by his sons.
But first he found work in the whinstone mines. Then, with the enterprise he has shown throughout his life, he spent his total wealth - £12 – on a pony and cart, “which left me absolutely broken”.
With these he started to lead coals and do other odd jobs. That was the beginning. Selling coals, fire wood and paraffin which he hawked throughout the district, the business grew.
Another enterprise was the launching of the first bus service between Stokesley and Middlesbrough.
All this time, the man of business was still the man of the moors – and the church. For Mr Johnson has always been a zealous supporter of the Methodist cause and was for 78 years a lay preacher, frequently walking miles to keep his preaching appointments.
“I can and still do preach” says Mr Johnson. “On Sunday week I am due to speak at the camp meeting at Newby which I have led for over 40 years.” He is the holder of the lay preacher’s long service certificate and has held every office open to a layman in connection with the Rose Hill Methodist Church, including that of Sunday school teacher for 70 years.
Man of business , man of the moors, man of the church. And still Mr Johnson found time for other things. He turned to local government, and represented Great Ayton on the parish, rural district and county councils.
Two daughters and four sons of Mr Johnson are still alive, and he has 18 grandchildren and 25 Great-grandchildren, many of whom will attend a celebration party on Monday
June 7th 1958
A practical joker risked his life to give residents and holiday makers an early morning shock at Saltburn today.
For beneath the centre span of the 180ft high Halfpenny Toll Bridge which spans the Valley Gardens – the scene of many suicides in the past years – hung a lifelike dummy from the end of a 20ft rope which swayed to and fro in the breeze.
Many people had reported a “body” hanging from the bridge to the police.
Among the first to see it was Mrs Amy Jackson, aged 56, of the Toll Bridge Cottage. She glanced out of her bedroom window and saw the dummy swinging from the end of the rope about 50 yards away.
A Nasty Shock
“I got a nasty shock” she told the Evening Gazette, later.
From my window it looked very real, I was sure someone had hanged himself. Whoever the culprit was he might have used his energy to better purpose than to frighten people in this way.
Toll keeper John William Jackson aged 68, went on duty at 7 a.m. but did not notice the dummy. As he crossed the bridge he did see a number of white – painted footprints, about a dozen in all and paint marks on the rail
“I knew nothing about it until the police arrived” he said.
Whoever hung the dummy must have risked his life, for it was tethered on girders on the underside of the bridge. It is thought that he must have climbed over the rail with the help of a rope.
Carefully made
The problem of how to get the effigy down was solved by a local builder, Mr Fred Gall. Using a grappling iron, he hung it over the side of the bridge, but as he began to haul the dummy up its rope snapped and it hurtled into a stream below
Tied to it was a notice board, but when the dummy was recovered it was found that the board read: Motor vehicles cannot use this bridge.
The Dummy had been carefully made. It had on black shoes, grey socks, a pair of dark grey trousers, grey jersey and a cap, the face was a painted carnival type mask. Its body was a sack stuffed with newspaper and its legs consisted of a woman’s nylon stockings also stuffed with paper. A needle and thread had been used to stitch it together.
During World War I, the parish church at Easington, near Loftus, was left without an organist, and a girl stepped into the breach. This week Mrs Margaret Naomi Taylor, of 28 Tees Street, East Loftus, who filled the vacancy, has completed 50 years as the church organist.
Her musical career began as a pianist and later she was a teacher of music, walking from village to village in East Cleveland.
Twice each Sunday and for the mid-week choir practice, Mrs Taylor has travelled from her home to play the organ at the parish church. "I have had marvellous health, and I don't think I have been away more than five times because of illness since I started." she said yesterday.
The present rector, Canon A.H.Waton, is the fourth since she first began at the church.
Mrs Taylor and her husband the late Mr J. Taylor, did a good deal to promote old time dancing in Cleveland. Mr Taylor was choir master at the church for 39 years and lay reader for 18 years.
From her long career in music, Mrs Taylor has one cherished possession, a prayer book presented by Moorsholm Choir, where she played at her first concert when she was 12 years of age.
AUpleatham, a delightful village near Saltburn is renowned for this ancient church, one of the smallest in England. It is still used for occasional services.
dated 1961.
After he had switched on the lights of the Christmas tree in Loftus Town Square, Coun. N. Lantsbery, chairman of Loftus Urban Council, pictured leading the singing of carols round the tree.
The service was conducted by the Rev. H. Watson, the town's congregational minister and singing was accompanied by Loftus Town Silver Band, which later went on to Liverton Mines
Lightening tradedy stikes Ellerby Farm
The devastated living room at Newton Brow Farm after lightning had struck the house. As will be seen, debris crashed down, furniture was detroyed and the television set shattered into pieces.
In one of several violent thunderstorms which passed over Whitby district from mid-afternoon on Tuesday until late evening, the farmhouse at Newton Brow Farm, Ellerby was struck by lightning. Inside the back kitchen at about three o'clock were 70 years old Mrs. Eliza Welford and her two-year old grandson, Alan, son of Mr and Mrs Fred Welford, 3 Council Houses, Mickleby. Mrs Welford was found by her sons in a dazed and shocked condition after the lightning struck. A doctor was called, and she was given artificial respiration, she died shortly afterwards. Her grandson, Alan was found injured and crying.
He had a small head wound and was obviously in great pain. Dr.J.C.Brash, Hinderwell, arranged his removal to Middlesbrough General Hospital, where it was found he had a broken pelvis.
The lightning left the farm house in a state of utter devestation. The whole of the roof tiles were stripped off, and scattered far and wide round the front of the building and the adjoining farmyard, ceilings from the attics to kitchen collapsed and the glass blown out of every window. Virtually only the shell of the building remained intact, for nearly all the family furniture and other possessions were smashed beyond any hope of salvage or repair. Had the farmhouse stood in the centre of a battlefield and received a direct hit from shells or bombs, it could not have been in a more pitiable state. From one or two scars left on external stonework it seemed that the lightning had struck the apex of the roof at the front of the house. Amazingly enough, despite such carnage, Mrs Welford's budgerigar, "Peter," was still alive in his cage in the wrecked front room which, like every other eroom in the fairly large house, had not a fragment of glass remaining in the window panes.
Since the death of their father, Mr. Joseph Welford (a former licensee of the Tiger Inn, Easington), about three years ago, Mrs Welford's three sons have carried on the farm - Mr Frank Weldord, 39 Dundas Street, Loftus, the oldest brother and farm manager, Mr Fred Welford, who lives with his wife Mrs. Constance Jane Weldord, and son Alan, at Mickleby and Mr Roland Welford, who is single and has lived with his mother at the farm. On Monday, only the day before the disaster in which her young son was injured, Mrs Constance Welford had given birth to a baby daughter in Eskdale Hospital, Whitby.
Eye Witness Account
Mr Fred Welford was in the grassy paddock opposite the front of the house in the few minutes before the storm passed directly over. "I had Alan with me, and we were feeding the hens," Mr Welford told a Whitby Gazette reporter. "As the storm came nearer and I heard the thunder getting louder, I took Alan back into the house to his grannie, who had been looking after him while his mother was in hospital. At the time we had some young calves turned out for the first time, and my brother in law, Mr Robert Featherstone, of Loftus, and myself were near them in front of the house. We were driving them into the farmyard, and were near the baler opposite the house when the lightning struck.
There was a terrific flash, and rush of heat over our heads. When the lightning struck, rubble and tiles flew into the air and there was a loud explosion.
Mr Welford said when he got into the house he found his mother, and son in the back kitchen. "The little boy had a graze on his head, and was crying" said Mr Welford, who went on to say that his mother was very upset. "She was still on her feet and came out of the house, but was very shaken" said Mr. Welford. "We got her a drink and sent for the doctor, but she collapsed and died shortly afterwards. "He added that artificial respiration was begun on Mrs. Welford but was not successful.
The following morning, when a Whitby Gazette reporter visited the farm, the owner, Mr.R.M. Turton of Kildale was looking round the ruined farmhouse with Borrowby builder, Mr L.H.P.Rance. The three brothers with relatives and other helpers were trying to salvage what they could and tidy up as far as possible. Plans were being made to board over the shattered roof as a temporary measure, and Mr Ron Welford was preparing to go and live for the time being with Mr Fred Welford and Mickleby.
The only damage to the adjoining farm buildings was to electric wiring and switches. All the farm stock, even the sheepdog, "Nell" and cats in the nearby barns, escaped unscathed. In the house itself a number of the rooms were too dangerous to enter, for ceilings were hanging and swaying drunkenly, and threatening to collapse in heaps of rubble at any moment. Made up beds were covered with plaster and other debris, electric fittings were scorched and blackened and wiring was ripped from roofs and walls. Even the bath was filled with fragments of laths and plaster from the roof above. Two staircases collapsed and outside nothing was left of the chimney stack.
When the lightning struck, Mr F.G. Bonas, Pond Farm, Mickleby and his son were ploughing in a field about a mile away. "The storm seemed to come up on the high side of Mickleby" said Mr Bonas "and then turn and slant immediately over Newton Brow Farm" Mr Bonas was working over the brow of the hill at the time, and did not see the lightning strike.
An eye witness motoring between Staithes and Hinderwell at the time said she saw what seemed to be a large orange ball of fire hurtle down over the hillside, along a hedgerow and hit the farm.
Hawthorn Farm, the nearest farm to Newton Brow, and lying only two or three fields away, was not affected during the storm, for it had no electricity supply, but Ellerby Bank Top Farm, where Mrs M Summerson lives suffered to a small extent. All the lights fused and a few light bulbs burst, two of them falling out of their sockets and smashing on the floor. A switch in the cow house was blown out.
The storm cut supplies to several villages and farms in the Whitby district and for a time, the Royal Air Force Station at Goldsborough was without Electricity.
Death due to shock
How the ceiling of one of the bedrooms of the farm looked after the lightning. It will be noticed that the beam dislodged by the lightning fell on top of the wardrobe, which helped to shore up the other roof timbers. Wallpaper was torn and cracks appeared in the masonry.
Inquest on Mrs E Welford
An inquest on Mrs. Eliza Welford, Newton Brow Farm, Ellerby, who died soon after her farmhouse had been struck by lightning on Tuesday, was held at Brotton Cottage Hospital yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. The Cononer (Mr. Bernard Wilkinson) recorded a verdict of death by misadventure, and expressed sympathy with Mrs. Welford's relatives.
Evidence of identification was given by Ronald Welford, Newton Brow Farm, Ellerby, who said that at about 3pm on Tuesday he was returning to the farm house after working in the fields. As he was nearing the house there was a thunderstorm and he saw a flash of lightning immediately followed by a crack of thunder. Smoke and dust went up from the house. He was about 300 to 400 yards away at the time, and when he got to the house he saw his brother-in-law and his brother Fred, helping his mother and child Alan, to the cowbyre. His mother was rather shaken and they got a chair and sat her down in the cowbyre. She asked him to get her one of her heart pills. She had been taking them fairly regularly as a stimulant for her heart. He got her one and some water, and she seemed short of breath, and undoing her clothing, he massaged her heart but she seemed to be passing away. His mother died about twenty-five minutes after he had returned to the farm. On the doctor's orders they laid her on some straw and he and his brother gave artificial respiration while the doctor went for an ambulance.
Went up in Smoke
Joseph Robert Featherstone, steel worker, said he was a son in law of Mrs Welford, and was staying at the farm at the time it was struck by lightning. He was in front of the house and half an hour before the lightning struck he heard thunder in distance. Mrs Welford was standing just inside the farmhouse doorway while they were bringing calves in. He saw no flash but he felt the earth tremble and there was a fierce heat as if something was passing over the farm. He heard a sharp crack and the house simply went up in smoke.
Realising what had happened he ran into the house and found Mrs Welford had picked the child up and was trying to get out of the door. He helped her to the cowbyre. She seemed to have all her faculties and did not seem too bad. The house was a complete shambles inside, everything had gone.
Dr. Thomas Skeoch, a Middlesbrough pathologist, said death was due to acute heart failure, accentuated by shock.
Replying to the Coroner, the Doctor said there was no question of Mrs Welford being struck by lightning. There was no evidence of that at all. She had a heart condition but for her age her heart was remarkably good. He agreed with the Coroner that it was nearer the truth to say she actuallly died of fright, having a house demolished over her head must have been a tremendous shock.
The Coroner said he was certain death was caused by the storm, and the collapse of the house.
An interesting little church at Liverton.
There were sad faces, particularly among the children, on Tuesday, when "Charlie", Loftus Uraban Council's 16 year old carthorse, left the town for good. "Charlie" who hs pulled a roadsweeping cart in the town and done other work for the council for the past 12 years, has become redundant, and the Council agreed recently to allow him to go to the Nation Equine Defence League's rest home at Carlisle.
A small crowd of adults and children assembled on Tuesday outside "Charlie's" stable near the Town Hall as Council workman Mr Percy Simpson, who has looked after "Charlie" for many years, helped to load him into a horse box which took him to Saltburn Station, en route for Carlilse.
"There were several of us there to see "Charlie" off" said Mrs K Stonehewer of the Arlington Hotel. Mr Simpson's two daughters Irene and Ann were there, also Mr A Breckon and a number of other children. The children with whom "Charlie" had been such a pet were very sad to see him go and they had apples, crusts, carrots, peppermints and other tit-bits to give him a last feed before he went".
Mrs Stonehewer said that during his working days in Loftus "Charlie" was so docile and gentle with children that they often usedc to run underneath him as he stood patiently with his roadsweeping cart in the street. "He had many friends" she said "and it was not uncommon for him to nuzzle passers-by on the pavements in the hope that there would be an apple, a sweet or some other tit-bit for him.
A birthday in hospital for Mr Thomas Edwin Andrew, of Loftus - 93 today - who is pictured cutting his cake in the Cleveland Cottage Hospital, Brotton, watched by nurses E. Cornforth and N. Ward.
The couple of tough hombres here have their guns holstered and it could mean trouble – if it were not for the cherubic expressions on their faces. Youngsters who took part in the fancy dress parade at Loftus Women’s Institute garden party are (left to right) Kathleen Bradley, Susan Smelt, Janet Newton, Pauline Hewitt and John Fothergill (EG).
Finding a few square yards of beach on which to laze, read, play with the kiddies or just watch one’s fellow beings, was not an easy matter at Redcar yesterday, as our picture of crowded sands and promenade shows. In fact, the fine weather drew one of the largest Sunday crowds of the season to the resort. [EG]
Killed six weeks after wedding
An Engineer aged 23, Mr Basil Holmes Jackson, who lived with his parents, Mr and Mrs. A. Jackson at Lesbury, 22 Crescent Avenue, Whitby, was killed yesterday when his motorcycle was in a collision with a bus on the Carlin How Bank.
His wife, Mrs Brenda Jackson who was riding pillion on the machine, is detained in Middlesbrough General Hospital with head injuries.
Mr and Mrs Jackson were married only on June 28. Both belong to well known Whitby families. Mrs Jackson’s parents, Mr and Mrs. T. S. Lowis live at 23 West Cliffe Avenue, Whitby.
The accident occurred under a bridge on the bank which carries the main Middlesbrough-Loftus railway line.
A service bus belonging to Saltburn Motor Services Ltd. was travelling down the bank. The motor-cycle was going towards Carlin How.
The road was blocked for some time as a result of the accident, and motor traffic other than buses was diverted via Skinningrove village. Two Ambulances were called from Brotton, one from the ambulance station itself and the other contacted by radio.
No one was hurt in the bus, which was damaged on its front offside. The motor-cycle was badly damaged.
Mrs Jackson’s condition was said today to be ‘poor’.
Mr Hume with the pigeon which won the Up-North Combine for him and partner Mr Fred Locker.
A partnership between two Loftus men, Mr Jack Hume and Mr Fred Locker, well known in pigeon fanciers circles, is celebrating its 21st year, and this week their biggest win was announced.
A pigeon belonging to the partners has won the Up-North Combine's national young bird race from Welwyn on September 6.
There were 8,749 pigeons competing in the race and their pigeon, a dark chequer cock bird, also wins the North of England Championship Cup and is the first in the East Cleveland Federation to do so.
Amazing sequence
Employed at Skinningrove Ironworks, Mr Hume of 39 Hartington Street, has a friend at Bentley Colliery, also a fancier. This friend had his pigeons worried last year, and Mr Hume sent him seven old birds as a friendly gesture. In return he received two young birds this year, and it is one of them that has achieved this success.
Mr Locker of 12 High Row who works at Liveton Mines, does not know the news of the win. After seeing the pigeons arrive at the loft on September 6 he went on holiday and will not return until Sunday.
The win of the two Loftus partners keeps up an amazing sequence for East Cleveland fanciers in the Welwyn young birds national race, one of the highlights of the pigeon racing season. East Cleveland now claims seven winners out of the races in the last eight years.
In the race on September 6, East Cleveland fanciers have 27 pigeons in the first 100 placings.
Mr James Shoredon of 22 Coronation Road, Loftus shows the seal which he found on the beach at Hummersea, near Skinningrove, yesterday, to Patrick Smith (left) of Loftus and Stephen Watson of Saltburn.
The Seal was at first given a ‘home’ in the bath at Mr Shoredon’s home. When he found it, it had just come out of the water, and all his efforts to encourage it to return were unsuccessful. Mr Shoredon carried it in a bag from the beach to his home.
Today RSPCA Inspector N. Shuttleworth, removed the seal to his own home at 12 Highfield Road, Middlesbrough. This is the sixth time this year that the Shuttleworths have had to vacate their bathroom to make room for a seal.
Commented the Inspector: “The seal is only about ten weeks old and very tame. He seems to be suffering from exhaustion and nothing more, but I am calling in a vet just to be sure".
Loftus Youth Club held its annual Christmas bazaar at headquarters.
Picture shows the opener, Mrs.S.W.Huebner of Yarm (third from right), making a purchase at the stall of one of the helpers, Mrs.V.Newton. Also in the picture is Mr.C.Harrison, club leader, and ,(extreme right) Miss J. Lilley, assistant leader.
Two of the oldest members of Loftus Over-60 club, Mr Ben Robson aged 86 and Miss E W Winn, 85, cut the Christmas Cake at he club's party in Loftus Town Hall. Watching are Mrs F Watson (left), club leader. Mrs M. Wood (centre), secretary, and Coun T Bradbury, chairman of Loftus Urban Council.
The Chariman of Loftus Urban Council, Councillor Reginald J Richardson, hands a mesage of greetings to 18 year old Fredrick James Ward of 33 Hartington Street, Loftus, which he will present to the Duke of Cloucester at St. James' Palace on Monday.
Fred is representing the North Riding County Youth Clubs and the Yorkshire Association of Boys' Clubs at the opening ceremony of the National Club week and it is the first itme a representative from Loftus County Youth Club has been chosen.
Also seen in the photograph is Mr C Harrison the club's leader.
The greetings read: "Sir, it is my privilege and pleasure, on behalf of the Loftus Urban Council and the Loftus County Youth Club, to convey by the bearer, Fredrick James Ward, a senior member of the club, loyal greetings to your Royal Highness.
"Great pleasure and encouragement are derived from the interest shown by your Royal Highness in the work of the National Association of Boys' Clubs. The council and club sincerely wish that the Club week will be throughly successful and enjoyed by all representatives"
The greetings are signed by Coun. Richardson, who takes a great interest in Youth work, both as a member of the Loftus club's Management Committee and the North Riding Association.
The Sign mocks "Slow, major road ahead" as these Skelton and Brotton Urban Council workmen today dig through five-foot drifts blocking the road to Moorsholm from the main Guisborough to Whitby moor road.
Waist Deep in Snow
Some Idea of the road conditions being experienced in Cleveland can be gathered from these pictures taken at Boulby on the Whitby-Loftus road. The waist-deep snow being cleared, caused many wehicles to be abandoned overnight, including these two buses on their way from Wilton to Whitby. The road was later reopened.
Almost lost in the snow drifts, these vehicles were abandoned on the Whitby - Loftus coast road, and 17 of the occupants were rescued and sheltered at Goldsborough RAF camp.
Still active Nonagenarian
A well-known personality in East Cleveland, Mr Thomas S. Petch of Liverton Lodge was 90 on Saturday. The previous evening the office and farm staffs were guests at an informal party at which he cut his birthday cake, appropriately shaped as a horseshoe and adorned with 90 candles.
Mr Petch was born at the Lodge, which had been his family's home for 400 years. He is remarkably active for his years, and still carries on business as an auctioneer at various racecourses, work he has done for about 50 years.
He is the oldest member of the Cleveland Hunt, of which his son, Major Leslie Petch is the master, but had to give up riding to hounds two years ago following a fall. He has been connected with the Cleveland Agricultural Society over 70 years, retiring recently after serving as chairman of the Society Council for over 30 years. At one time he was secretary. For 65 years he has been Vicar's warden at Liverton Parish Church, where he is a regular worshipper each Sunday.
In 1950 Mr. Petch retired as a Magistrate after ten years as chairman of Guisborough and Loftus Magistrate's court. He was first appointed a Magistrate in 1918. He was a member and former chairman of Loftus Urban Council.
Split by Lightning 'Captain Cook's' is now dangerous
One of Cleveland's best known landmarks, Captain Cook's monument on the hills overlooking Great Ayton, stands today in a dangerous condition after being struck by lightning and split down the middle during a ten minute thunderstorm late on Saturday afternoon.
Police have roped off the monument and put up 'danger' notices. it might fall if there is a high wind, said an offical.
The monument belongs to Stokesley Rural Council, and the clerk (Mr. H. Wynne Potts), said today: "As soon as it is convenient, our engineer and surveyor will go up to the monument and give the council full details of the damage"
Erected in 1827, the monument was retored in 1895 by "Evening Gazette" readers who subscribed to a fund after it had become badly defaced by vandalism and exposure to the weather.
In 1937 the land on which it stands was given to Stokesley Rural Council by the owner Miss Barbara Emmerson, with the stipulation that the council should look after its upkeep.
Mother and her child decend the only access to 12 houses on Primrose Hill, Skinningrove - a narrow steep, and muddy footpath.
A Row with its roots in the last century has blown up at Skinningrove.
For people living in houses built by the early ironmasters say they have still not moved into the 20th Century.
No vehicles can reach Middle Row and hte only way to the main road is a scamble down a steep, narrow path. "The coalmen won;t deliver, so once a fortnight we have to go down to the road and fetch the bags." said Mrs Margaret Nichilson, who lives at 25 Middle Row, today.
Of her five children, three are at school, and she added "The rough track, and dirt ruins the children's shoes."
Prams
Mothers who have prams can't get off the Row without aid - someone has to carry the pram down the hillside while the mothers carry the children.
"It's a crying shame, and we wonder why we have to pay rates" said Mrs Ethel Downs, who lives at number 28. In the wintertime water runs down the bankside and freezes and the residents have to spread ashes before they can leave the street, she added
"I have refused to buy a new sutbin, and use a sinc tim, I know it isn't the fault of the refuse men, but they have to drag the dustbins down the bankside.
We have no deklivery vans at all and children foing to school wear wellingotns most of the time, for if they go in shoes they are all covered in mud by the time they arrive."
No hope
And there is not much hope that things will improve.
It would not apprear to be a practical proposition to construct a road access in this area, said Mr William Ranson, surveyor to Loftus Urban Council in a report this week.
The cost would be out of all proportion to the advantage gained, and any road would have a gradient of up to 1 in 2 1/2. He is now investigating the possibility of steps being contructed.
Final word from Mrs Downs:
"It wouldn't be so bad if we had a light halfway to help when we are srcrambling down the bankside in the dark"