THORNABYYour Community News From Thornaby Town Council SPRING 2016

Inside

...

10 x £100 Grants to give away

See page 10

Sea CadetsPoppy AppealSee pages 26 & 27

RememberWhen

See page 28

Council News/Comment

See pages 3 - 5

Thornaby Always Advancing

World Book Day at Thornaby Academy

2

Station Street, Teesdale, Thornaby, TS17 6AG Tel: 01642 676 667Email: teesdale@tacgroup.info Visit www.tacgroup.info

All Prices include fitting, balance, casing disposal & vat.THE MAXXIS GUARANTEE

Maxxis will replace a tyre which shows irreparable damage resulting from use. Replacement is based on dealerassessment where a replacement value is calculated based on the amount of tread used.

LIFETIME ACCIDENTAL DAMAGEGUARANTEE FOR OUR “NEW MAXXIS TYRES”

1556514 Budget £22.50 Riken £25.80 Maxxis £35.90

1956515 Budget £27.50 Riken £31.00 Maxxis £41.00

2055516 Budget £28.50 Riken £32.00 Maxxis £42.50

2254517 Budget £33.50 Riken £38.00 Maxxis £55.50

2254018 Budget £31.80 Riken £38.50 Maxxis £59.50

Budget

3

Council Comment

TDMORTONO P T O M E T R I S T

10% OFF all full price frames

Offer expires 30th April 2016The Pavilion Shopping Centre, Thornaby 01642 760042

10, Leven Road, Norton Village 01642 554313 Douglas Close, Preston Farm, Stockton-on-Tees

Est. 1999

FEEDALLPet Food SpecialistsDOG FOODS • HORSE FEEDS • BIRD SEEDS RABBIT FOODS • POULTRY FEED • BEDDING Specialists in Pet Food Nutrition • Diet Problems

SPECIAL OFFER 15kg Red Mills 24% Protein

Country Man £10.50 or 2 For £20Hypoallergenic, Gluten Free, No Colours2 x 12kg Chicken or Lamb

for only £38.50Monday to SaturdayOpen 10am-5pm

01642 606255

Thornaby Always Advancing

Always Advancing SculptureMany residents will remember what was often referred toas ‘The Spider’ in Thornaby Town Centre and recallchildren climbing the structure and sliding down it. Butfew will have appreciated the quality of the sculpture, it’ssignificance to Thornaby, or indeed who the artist was.Perhaps residents would be surprised to learn that theartist was Brian Wall – a former assistant of renownedartist, Barbara Hepworth – who now has a studio inOakland, California, and has his work exhibited andacclaimed all over the world.

In 1968 Brian was paid the princely sum of £9,000 tocreate a sculpture representative of Thornaby. The resultwas a large abstract steel structure painted black with twosharp-angled geometric beams forming two letter ‘A’s andwith a supporting tilted central disc to symbolise theThornaby motto of ‘Always Advancing’. One 'A' of thestructure was said to symbolise the old village of Thornaby,the other, the new town. Made to Wall's design at HeadWrightson's in Thornaby, the central disc was added to thedesign at the suggestion of a local art student.

In 2002 during the redevelopment of Thornaby TownCentre, the 13 ton Thornaby icon was moved from thecentre where it had stood since 1968 and lifted into itsnew home on the town centre roundabout to move it

away from graffiti vandals. Once established in this centralplace of prominence, the roundabout was tastefullylandscaped and lights positioned to illuminate thesculpture at night time. Unfortunately, weather and trafficfumes have had a detrimental effect and the structure isnow looking rather jaded.

And so TTC, in recognition of the heritage value of thisoutstanding sculpture and the nostalgia it evokes, is intalks with SBC to give this treasured artwork a muchneeded facelift. It is TTC’s intention to revitalise the iconicwork with carefully chosen specialised paint and lightingthat both compliments the sculpture and makes it highlyvisible at night. Other work to the roundabout is also beingconsidered to really make a statement to enhance andpreserve such a valuable artwork for current and futuregenerations.

Shopwatch The Shopwatch Scheme is a partnership where retailersunite in a communication network linked to police totackle theft from retail premises. The Shopwatchorganization works closely with local authorities in a bid toreduce retail crime and antisocial behaviour and to helpmake shopping a more pleasurable, safer experience forcustomers and staff.

4

Council CommentThornaby Always Advancing

Some time ago at an anti-social behaviour meeting held inThornaby, the need for a Shopwatch Scheme was raised byInspector Darren Birkett to help free up police time tocarry out a whole range of other duties essential tocommunity safety. Darren informed the meeting of thepressure on police resources due to the reduction in policenumbers as a result of the economic downturn and cutsfrom central government. And so it was agreed toinvestigate the scheme further.

Unfortunately, funding was a major snag whilst businessesneeded to know the effectiveness of such a scheme beforebeing able to justify any costs to them personally.Consequently, Thornaby Town Council stepped in with apledge to help pay the first year of such a scheme andapply for match funding from a pot of money held by thePolice Crime Commissioner. Ward councillors also agreedto donate from personal budgets to what is undoubtedly atruly worthwhile, cost effective cause. Hopefully, thescheme will soon be up and running.

Liverton Crescent

Residents were understandably dismayed to hear newsthat an unelected Planning Inspector had turned over aplanning refusal on land adjacent to LivertonCrescent/Cayton Drive. However, it was hardly surprisinggiven the history of this plot of land and the weakprotection afforded to it following the revelation that amove had been made to reintroduce it as developmentland by stealth. When this was discovered and reversed,residents took for granted that it would then be protectedby core policy and that it was green wedge lying within theTees Heritage Park. How wrong they were and commentsfrom the Inspector must have been a real eye openerproving that nothing is sacred – more so if so if policy andlocal plans are so ditched at a whim. The following are justsome of the Inspector’s reasons for upholding thedeveloper’s appeal.

Reference has been made by third parties to the ‘GreenWedge’ which is said to exist in this locality. However, Ihave taken account of the judgement in Tiviot that anyGreen Wedge annotation in this locality fell away withthe adoption of the Core Strategy.

I am aware that the Council is preparing the Stockton-on-Tees Regeneration and Environment Local Plan. This is atpublication draft stage and as yet carries limited weight.In any event, whilst it seeks to promote greeninfrastructure in the form of primary and secondarycorridors, there is no suggestion that the appeal sitewould lie within such a corridor, though the Tees HeritagePark would.

There are many representations which express concern inrelation to a number of matters. Many of them refer to thesite being within a Green Wedge, which I understand waspreviously the case. As I have indicated above that is notnow the situation, and the Council does not contest theappeal on that basis.

I note that the review of Green Wedges in December 2014concluded that site is not easily viewed and that itsdevelopment would not undermine the separation of builtup areas or feeling of openness, subject to satisfactorysiting and design. The Green Wedge arguments thereforecarry little weight here. The Core Strategy gives anindication of the extent of the Green Wedge, but it clearlyexcludes the appeal site.

Teesdale Park (Thornaby FC)

Thankfully, plans to build 60 homes on Teesdale Park werethrown out at a recent Planning Committee meeting and itis hoped that there will be no appeal. But this applicationonce again shows that developers will target anything forhuge profit – even a local park cherished by the wholecommunity as a place of recreation and leisure and aunique haven for an abundance of common and rare floraand fauna. They will also go to great lengths to achievetheir objective.

So just to put the record straight, here are a few truths.Once an open tip, the Teesdale Park and football facilitiesare now regarded as the most improved in the north ofEngland. Vandalism, once commonplace, is now rare andthe drug and prostitution pest once prevalent in the areawas snuffed out many years ago. But this was not thepicture portrayed by proponents of the housing scheme.

Advocates in favour of development also stated that therewould be no overall effect in building on the upper pitch,but that too was exposed as utter nonsense. The twopitches proposed to be crammed in next to the northernleague pitch were not only much smaller, but would nothave satisfied increased demand on the park for pitches ofa standard acceptable to stage competitive football.Furthermore, it was only a short while ago that ThornabyFC approached TTC for help in acquiring another piece ofland for another pitch because of increased demand –disproving the ludicrous developer assertion that therewas more than enough capacity.

But perhaps worst of all was the tactics used by theowner/developer in trying to bulldoze this applicationthrough – typical of so many cheque book wavingdevelopers. Thornaby FC members were put under an

5

Council CommentThornaby Always Advancing

enormous amount of pressure – which an officer fromSport England was prepared to turn a blind eye to - and athreat was made to the football club to remove the licencefrom the top pitches to stop juniors playing if the club wasunsupportive of plans. Even worse, local residents weresubjected to the most blatant intimidation so that accessto the park could be gained by way of a privately ownedroad.

However, the day was saved at the Planning Meetingwhere TTC and others mounted a resolute defence of whatis a much loved park area; initially paid for by subscriptiondeducted from Head Wrightson workers’ pay packets. Andso it is now safe and this wonderful park adjacent to theold course of the River Tees remains largely untouched andthe integrity of Thornaby’s award winning cemetery is nolonger in danger of being compromised. But for howlong?!

Not ‘Fare’

Many people have brought to the attention of TTC thematter of taxi firms misleading passengers by declaring auniform price for taxi ride anywhere in Thornaby. But thatappears not to be the case. Passengers wishing to travel toTeesdale, The Retail Park, or Teesside Industrial Estate (allin Thornaby) are often made to pay excess because cabfirms take it upon themselves to redefine Thornaby’sboundaries.

It’s bad enough that the Borough council seem confusedabout our boundaries and developers deny Thornaby’sexistence as a means to maximise profit, but for taxi firmsto charge over the odds – often screwing money out ofpeople already struggling financially - is unforgiveable andclearly in breach of trading standards. So if this shouldhappen to you, take a note of the badge number and outfitthey represent and report them. You should also considerboycotting the offending firm as punishment for theirdishonesty.

Ken Craggs

On February 21st TTC received the sad news that Thornabystalwart Ken Craggs had died. Ken was 92 and had led afull and eventful life serving as a Stockton Borough andThornaby Town Councillor representing Thornaby Wardswith great dedication and distinction. He was Mayor ofStockton, Chairman of Housing and helped to establishThornaby Town Council. He was also recognised for hisservice to the borough of Stockton on Tees by being madeAlderman of the Borough.

But Thornabywas Ken’strue love andhe put hisheart andsoul intoimprovingthe lot ofresidents andwas a lifelongadvocate forsocial justice.Mayor ofThornaby and Chairman of Thornaby Town Council, SteveWalmsley said when hearing the news: “Ken’s passing is asad day for the whole Thornaby community which heserved diligently for so many. Ken was a gentleman, kindand generous with a real social conscience. Great senseof humour, twinkle in his eyes, and he will be greatlymissed. As somebody who knew Ken as both a friend andcolleague, he really was part of a double act with hisbeloved wife, Eileen, who died a short while ago. Theywere both passionate about Thornaby and are nowreunited.”

Our aim is to offer our customers the bestpossible products, service and price

Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds • Roof Blinds

Perfect Fit • Romans • PleatedRollers • Wood Venetians

Verticals • Duo Rollers Patio Awnings

Quality ProductsUnbeatable PricesLifetime Guarantee

Deal direct with theManufacturers

SHOWROOM OPENMon - Fri 9am-5pm - Sat 10am-4pm

44F Dukes Way, Teesside Ind Est, TS17 9LTopposite the Shell Garage near to Crazy Corner

Call 01642 762497 or 07931 135224www.instyle-blinds.com

30 years experience • Family Business

When it comes to Blinds & Shutters

we’ve got it covered

Local Interest

We’re all unique - and welove learning through play

Every parent wants their child tohave the best start in life and at

Thornaby Children’s Nursery, ayoungsters’ individuality is at theheart of learning.The Montessori pre-school helps bringout - and develop - each child’s specialgifts, helping them becomeindependent through practical lifeactivities.Using the different senses, childrenlearn about smells, colours andsounds. They also prepare themselvesfor school by learning skills like mathsand literacy. They enjoy singing, dancing andlistening to nursery rhymes while theyplay. And by playing with plastic orsoft bricks and wooden blocks, theylearn about construction - anddemolition. After all, sometimesknocking down a tower can be assatisfying as building it!Outside, there’s plenty of space to runaround in, with children able to dig,explore, climb and slide in thebeautiful garden.And as well as physical activities, thechildren enjoy lots of stimulating artsand crafts sessions.Manager Joanne Hutchinson said:“The nursery staff aim to provide awide variety of broadeningexperiences for children in order forthem to develop their own uniquestrengths and aptitudes. As a result,our children feel valued as individualswhile learning the important skills ofbelonging to a closely-knit group.”

The nursery’s child-centred approachmeans that children ranging in agefrom six weeks to five years areencouraged to work at their own paceat any number of interesting andvaried activities. There is also a newdedicated baby area at the ThornabyRoad nursery.The nursery, which is open from7.15am-6pm, provides anenvironment which values everybody,and where families, staff and childrenwork together reflecting ourmulticultural society. The childrendevelop awareness of culturaldifferences and similarities - and learnabout geography and different areasof the world.Joanne adds: “The nursery is a safeand happy place in which each child isnurtured. We share with the parentsprecious moments of progress andencourage each child’s uniquepotential.“By the time a child is ready to startschool, the foundations of learninghave been lovingly laid in place.”

It is fair to say that Thornaby man Carl Morgan, like manyother ex SSI employees, has had a turbulent year. He has

gone from an employed position with SSI then unemployedovernight, then to running his own business in a few months.

Carl launched ‘Carl Morgan Plumbing and Heating Services’(07921 829008) in February 2016 and he offers all Plumbingand Heating Services across Teesside.

Carl from Thornaby had 10 years’ experience as a Plumberbut had never run his own business before sounderstandably, he felt apprehensive about it. He went toFive Lamps for some advice on starting his own business andmet with Business Advisor Ian Garforth who helped Carl byproviding one to one guidance and advice throughout theprocess on what preparation and research needed to be doneand how to do it.

Carl was placed on the New Enterprise Allowance programmewhich is £1270 for people on JSA, Lone Parent incomesupport or ESA who are looking to become self-employed. Ianalso informed Carl about the Business Start-up Grant fromthe SSI Support Fund to help with start-up costs.

Making People Matter

SSI Support Fund helps Carl Morgan make his dream a reality

6

7

NO SMOKING DAY 2016!Wednesday 9th March 2016 was NO SMOKING DAY and as always was agreat opportunity to stop smoking with NHS support as you could savemoney, improve your health, and become smokefree. The local drop insessions offer free advice on nicotine replacement treatments e.g.patches or access to Champix medication (GP consent required) andregular support/prescriptions to help you stop smoking during a 12week programme. Its a friendly approach to get you through stoppingsmoking and help cope with cravings. You are 4 times more likely tosuccessfully stop smoking when accessing the specialist NHS StopSmoking Service for support. Many smokers in the UK quit smoking lastyear due to No Smoking Day! So why not come along to one of ourdrop ins or trained pharmacies for help and support to quit smoking.

Contact the Specialist NHS Stop Smoking Service on:01642 383819 orwww.nth.nhs.uk/stopsmokingThe local NHS drop in sessions inThornaby are at:

1. High Flyers Children’s Centre, TedderAvenue, Thornaby, TS17 9JP onTuesdays 5.00pm – 6.30pm

2. Riverbank Childrens Centre,Gilmour Street, Thornaby, TS17 6PF on Wednesdays2.00pm – 3.30pm

*** Please refer to the Flyer forother drop in sessions around theStockton area.

Benefits to Drinking Warm Lemon Water

Every Morning

Alot of patients are trying this at the moment. It would be great tohear of patient experiences with drinking warm lemon water in

the newsletter.Lemon juice flushes out unwanted materials and toxins from the body. It’satomic composition is similar to saliva and the hydrochloric acid ofdigestive juices. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acidthat is required for digestion. Lemons are also high in minerals andvitamins and help loosen ama, or toxins, in the digestive tract. Thedigestive qualities of lemon juice help to relieve symptoms of indigestion,such as heartburn, belching and bloating. The American Cancer Societyactually recommends offering warm lemon waterto cancer sufferers to help stimulate bowelmovements.

1 Aids Digestion2 Cleanses Your System/

is a Diuretic3 Boosts Your Immune

System4 Balances pH Levels5 Clears Skin

6 Energizes You andEnhances Your Mood

7 Promotes Healing8 Freshens Breath9 Hydrates Your Lymph

System10 Aids in Weight Loss

Other benefits include:

Healthy Living

8

Sports Page

Thornaby Bowling Club based inLittleboy Park Thornaby dates

back to 1931 when the parkland itstands in was donated to the localCouncil by the Littleboy family foruse by the public. The club has beenoperating ever since with only ashort break during the Second WorldWar. The grounds were leased to thebowling club in 1998. It is runcompletely by volunteers andcurrently has active bowlers from 15to 90 years of age. With the new season due to start atthe end of April, people of any age arewelcome to come and have a go. Theclub is open on most afternoons from1.30pm and evenings from 6.00pmbut special free sessions are run onMonday afternoons for those whowish to try out green bowling for thefirst time and special coachingsessions are available upon request.Equipment is provided and at this timethe only essential is flat-soled shoes.

There are leagues and competitions forboth men and lady members acrossthe whole week. Ladies leagues are onTuesday and Thursday afternoons andmen’s leagues are Monday,Wednesday, Thursday and Fridayevenings along with a mixed league onFriday evening, a veteran’s league onFriday afternoons and an internalleague on Sunday mornings.Spectators are always welcome but forbowlers if all of this exercise makes youthirsty there is a member’s bar to relaxin afterwards and a small functionroom where tea and coffee can befound. For the more serious player theclub is affiliated to both YorkshireCounty and Cleveland County bowlingassociations and has a strongrepresentation in the Cleveland team. The website,www.thornabybowlsclub.org is wellworth a look and has many moredetails. Anyone interested in having ago should call club secretary Brian on01642 591894. You are never tooyoung or too old to join!

Ready To Go Bowling?

Social visit by a team fromPontymister, South Wales in July 2015

Ladies who won the Tuesday League in 2015

Thornaby Cricket Club“The 2016 Cricket season is fast approaching, and Thornaby CC isgearing up to make a push for success this year, following on from lastyear’s haul of silverware. We have recruited some new players who willaugment our teams and we are also ensuring that our promisingplayers from the Junior ranks will get every chance to play SeniorCricket this year.The Club is hosting a Cricket camp this year, open to anyone (boys andgirls) over the age of 8, who want to come and learn to play cricket.The camp will be led by qualified coaches, from Yorkshire Cricket, canyou be the next Joe Root, come and find out. Cricket is a sport that canbe played by anyone, so get yourself along and try it. (see opposite). Inaddition we have regular coaching sessions for all age groups, usuallyheld on Friday evenings at the ground. Once again fully qualifiedcoaches will be running sessions, so come and give it a go.We are holding a Family fun day on the afternoon of the 17th of July, itpromises to be a great day of sport and music, look at our Facebookpage for further information soon.We have just finished fully refurbishing our Function room, and it isnow available for all kinds of parties and celebrations, please contactGill Finegan our Club Manager on 07990 762079 if you would like tomake use of a great facility.

Yorkshire Cricket BoardEaster Cricket Camp

Thornaby Cricket ClubTuesday 5th April

2pm – 4pmFree to everyone • Ages 8+

You could be the next JOE ROOT!

ACharitable Voluntary CommunityOrganisation we dedicate our

services to improve the lives of thepeople in the community.Multi-ethnic Day Care Service to theFragile ageing and Disabled BlackMinority, Ethnic, Asian, Refugee andAsylum Seekers.Admission is subjected to Assessmentonly.Committed Volunteers are GeniallyWelcome: This will be subjected to afull Disclosure and Barring Serviceclearance. (DBS)We offer a Multi-Ethnic Daytime CareService for fragile senior men andwomen and individuals withdisabilities, from the BMEA, Refugeesand Asylum Seekers in thecommunity.Our aims are to avert isolation withinthe ageing community by offering avariety of activities that are suitablefor every individual’s needs.This involves drop in sessions, healthylifestyle activities, educationalinformation, ESOL classes, day trips toa variety of locations and much more.Altogether our sessions are located ina welcoming and comfortableenvironment.Our Care Workers are DBS clearedand supervised by ProfessionalStaff/Trustees at all times.Women’s sessions are held every

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at10:30am to 2:00pm.Men’s sessions are held everyMonday, Wednesday and Thursday at10:30am to 2:00pm.For all our sessions we provide lighthealthy snacks these include tea,coffee and drinks, we alsoaccommodate individual dietaryrequirements.We also organise professional adviceand support on different topics suchas immigration matters, debt issues,mental health issues and safeguardingfor all our service users or we referservice users to other organisations toseek support all within a friendlyenvironment.Our service is designed to integratepeople of all communities, noteveryone wants to join in, we respectyour wishes and highly considerreligious and cultural needs.We also have access to a Minibus andcan provide pick up and drop offservices for our service users.Feedback from the service users iswelcomed and fully respected andapplied where appropriate.Access to service is subject toassessment only.Contact: Shagufta AkhtarTelephone: 07875 603898Email: shagufta.akhtar@btinternet.com

Education for OpportunitiesRegistration No: 9956234

9

Sports Page

ATHRILLING new attraction that issure to inspire the spirit of

adventure in the North East recentlyopened alongside Tees BarrageInternational White Water Centre.

North East based leisure trust TeesActive worked alongside Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council to deliver the£1m Air Trail project alongside the£4.6M regenerated water sports facilityat the Tees Barrage.

Air Trail Tees Barrage, standing at 18metres tall and with 38 differentchallenges set over four floors openedto the public on Saturday 13 February.The high ropes course is the tallest of

its kind in Europe and the only facilityin the world that can be foundalongside an Olympic standard whitewater course.

There’s also adventures to be found forsmaller explorers aged 2+ with the AirTykes course which sits directlyunderneath the main structure.

Steve Chaytor, Managing Director ofTees Active, said: “Air Trail Tees Barrageoffers a thrilling experience for anyonelooking for an outdoor adventure in asafe environment beside the River Tees.

“We believe the ability for users tochoose their own adventure and its

affordable pricing will represent anexciting offer of great value forindividuals and families.

“No equipment or experience isrequired; all that anyone needs is athirst for fun and a spirit of adventureto join in the action.”

The Tees Barrage site currently reportsin excess of 70,000 visits per annumand is expected to increase to over120,000 visits as a result of the openingof the high ropes attraction.

For more information and to bookonline visit www.airtrail.co.uk or call01642 265454.

£1M Air Trail reaches forthe sky on Teesside

Name of Organisation/Club/Group ................................................................................................................................................................

Contact Name ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

Contact Address ..............................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................. Postcode ............................................................................................................

Contact Telephone Number ............................................................................................................................................................................

Contact Email address ......................................................................................................................................................................................

Tell us what you’re doing? Continue on separate sheet if necessary ............................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

THORNABY TOWN COUNCILQueen’s 90th Birthday Celebration

Community Grant Form

1. Applications will be given the grant on a first come first served basis2. Funding requests will only be considered from

organisations/clubs/groups within the Parish of Thornaby-on-Tees3. No payment can be made to an individual or paid into a personal

account

4. Bank details must be provided at time of application5. Evidence must be produced to ensure that it has been used for the

purpose it was requested for6. Successful applicants will be notified no later than Friday 20 May

2016

Please provide your bank details below

Name of Bank ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

Account Name ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

Sort Code................................................................ Account Number ............................................................................................................

Cheques to be made payable to ......................................................................................................................................................................

Print name ........................................................................................................................................................................................................

Signature .................................................................................... Date ............................................................................................................

Thornaby Town Council have

10 x £100 GRANTS TO GIVE AWAY for those wishing to celebrate the Queens 90th Birthday

For your chance to receive the grant please fill in this application & return to: Town Clerk, Town Hall, Mandale Road, Thornaby on Tees, TS17 6AW

Closing date for applications - Friday 29 April 2016

TERMS & CONDITIONS

10

See below a letter sent to TTC by a clearlyinfuriated resident which the Chairman of theCouncil was delegated to respond to. Ofcourse the sender’s name will not be releasedin this publication, but suffice to say a formalletter of response to all queries will be sent tothe writer; queries and answers which arerightfully shared with all Thornaby residentsthrough this edition of Thornaby Pride. Theletter reads:

I noticed on my council tax bill that theThornaby Parish/Town charge has increasedby approximately 30% from last year – whichequates to something in the order of £35,000increase of monies entering Thornaby TownCouncil. I notice from your website that thiswas approved at a council meeting to meetthe budget requirements for the financialyear of 2016/17.

I have been looking through the StocktonCouncil information and discover that mostParish charges have been extremely modestincreases, small decreases or have remainedthe same with the exception of Billingham(approximately £12,000 pa increase) andThornaby.

As a resident of Thornaby I would like a fewquestions answered IN WRITING:

1) As councils are capped at a 4% rise unlessa referendum is held how does ThornabyParish justify a 30% increase without priornotification to its residents orconsultation/ (i.e. following the spirit ofthe rules applied to others)

2) When all public sector departments arecutting costs and budgets why is thebudget for Thornaby Council increasing?

3) What has caused the 30% rise in budget –and what is the justification or crisis(please make specific references to thepoints raised in questions 1 & 2)?

4) Why have other costs not been reduced toaccount for the justification given inquestion 3?

5) What checks and balances exist forParish/Town Council increases? – fromthe information on your website it seemsthat you decide, you tell the council andthe council charges the residents withoutany form of oversight?

6) Please do not use the argument of “it’sonly a few pounds a month” – RPI is<1.5%, this is a 30% increase.

Dear Resident

Thanks for your letter which I, as Chairman ofTTC, have been charged with responding to.However, before I go in to detail, I would justlike to point out to you that Thornaby on Teesis in fact a town in Yorkshire and one of fourconstituent towns that originally made up theunitary Borough of Stockton on Tees. And soon that basis, and by the very fact that we usethe acronym TTC (Thornaby Town Council), itshould be clear that our council is a towncouncil and should not be confused withsmaller parish councils whose precepts andresponsibilities are somewhat lesser.

That said, you correctly state that the towncharge has increased by 30% from last year –an increase equating to approximately £35,000which you rightly say was approved at acouncil meeting to meet the budgetrequirements for the years 2016/17. Noargument there, but I would add that thedecision was made unanimously. I wouldfurther add that it is not as straightforward asyou evidently believe.

To begin with, in 2007/8, the incoming towncouncil that I was part of discovered that wehad inherited a dysfunctional shambles wherewe were faced with legal costs from asuccession of industrial tribunals and a hugeelection bill from Stockton Borough Council(SBC). We also found out that ourpredecessors on TTC at that time did very littlefor the overall improvement and wellbeing ofthe town and so we set out to rectify theappalling situation we found ourselves in.

Following an initial rise to put the council on alevel footing, the precept was then frozen yearon year and in 2012 actually reduced and hasonly increased by £300 since then. Had wefollowed the 4% cap that you refer tothroughout that period, then the preceptwould be more or less at the same level thatyou are so outraged about, but without themany accomplishments that TTC is rightlyproud of.

For instance, we fulfilled a pledge to residentsto bring Thornaby Town Hall back intocommunity ownership after so many years ofwanton neglect and are currently awaiting theoutcome of a round 2 bid to Heritage LotteryFund to see if we have successfully acquired afurther £1m to restore the building to itsformer glory – worth many millions exclusivelyfor the Thornaby Community who will be theowners in perpetuity.

And there is so much more that we haveaccomplished. The replica Spitfire on theHarold Wilson roundabout for example and allmanner of environmental and physicalimprovements are there for all to see andenjoy and residents reading this edition ofThornaby Pride – delivered to 12,000households in the town – will have seen it gofrom strength to strength to become a qualitypublication part funded by advertising and theenvy of our near neighbours. All done, I mightadd, without raising the precept!

The bus we provide for elderly peopledeprived of transport is a great success. Wehave saved Thornaby FC from extinction andcontinue to fund junior teams and have alsopaid bills and full roof repair for the Peel StreetWelfare Hall so that the now flourishingmartial arts club can continue using thepremises. We put on a quality Thornaby Showevery year and other events such as theincreasingly well attended Remembrance Dayceremony and Battle of Britain Service. Lastyear we provided a 30 foot Christmas Treewith spectacular lighting near to the 5 Lampswe had relocated which now adds so muchmore to our annual Carol Service where moreand more are now attending to enjoy singingaround the lamps followed by mulled wineand mince pies in The Roundel Pub. We alsopresented all children attending a selectionbox.

But we do not rest on our laurels and haveother worthwhile schemes which we havepledged to fund – such as cash to bridge theshortfall for life saving defibrillators beingprovided for every Thornaby School. We arealso looking to raise a memorial to fatalities ofthe Dibble’s Bridge disaster to be positioned inThornaby Cemetery and a plaque dedicated tothe memory of Lieutenant Wilfred EvelynLittleboy who died bravely in World War 1 tobe placed in the park donated by his family toThornaby which bears the Littleboy name. Allof which will be audited and no doubtacclaimed as a magnificent use of publicmoney by fair minded people!

And so to answer the six questions succinctly…

1) Town councils are not governed by thesame rules as unitary councils or similar.So 4% doesn’t apply. For justification, seeabove.

2) I would suggest that taking into accountearlier precept freezes and reductions overa number of years, any increase (if any atall) is negligible in real terms whereas the£12,000 rise you refer to at Billingham (likefor like) is actual and comes on top of a63% rise in three years.

3) See above. Put in perspective, TTC hasbeen extremely prudent.

4) Other costs are being reduced. Wastefulcontracts are being cancelled and we arecurrently in consultation with the TownClerk with an aim to reduce hours andoffice costs. Incidentally, staff wages are amere fraction of TTC precept whilstBillingham (your example) spendsapproximately 85% of its precept on staffwages.

5) Everything is scrupulously audited andlocal government checks and balancesapply. As for council deciding charges, thatis what councils are elected for. It is calleddemocracy. If the electorate find fault,they can kick a poor performing council(councillors) out. That is the ultimatesanction.

6) Final point. All I would say is that TTC is afirst class council providing extremely goodvalue for money and living up splendidly toThornaby’s proud motto of ‘AlwaysAdvancing’.

Your Letters

11

12

Pavilion Shopping CentrePavilion shopping centre is gearing up for an

exciting Easter break, with an extra specialappearance from children’s favourite characters,Peppa Pig and George.

On Thursday 7th April, friendly piggy’s, Peppa andGeorge, will be welcomed to the centre to meet andgreet children at various intervals between 11am –4pm. Children will also be able to take part in a freeMuddy Puddles Treasure Hunt and will be awardedwith free muddy puddles chocolates at the end of thetreasure hunt.

Parents and children are invited to make a splash inthe Muddy Puddles Treasure hunt, whilst helping thespecial guests to find the puddles hidden in andaround the Pavilion shopping centre, Thornaby.

Oliver Westley, Pavilion shopping centre manager saidhe is excited to welcome families to the centre during

the Easter holidays. “It is always a joy to see familiesat Pavilion. Peppa Pig is extremely popular with youngchildren and everyone is going to be in for a greatafternoon at the centre.” He said.

Children will also be given prizes for finding thehidden puddles in shop windows.

Oliver added: “The competition for the children tofind muddy puddles hidden around the Pavilion isreally going to get them excited.”

All children will take home a Peppa Pig postcard andthey will also get the chance to pose for pictures withPeppa and George.

To find out more about Peppa Pig and George’s visitand the Muddy Puddles Treasure Hunt, please visitthe Pavilion shopping centre website atwww.pavilionthornaby.co.uk or like them onFacebook and Twitter.

Make a splash with Peppa Pig and George at the Muddy Puddles Treasure Hunt at Pavilion, Thornaby.

Peppa & George set to make a splash at Pavilion

13

There are two main types of inspection that faith-schools under go. The firstof these is the Section 5 Ofsted Inspection that all parents will be familiarwith; this indicates how well the school is performing in a number of keyareas, such as pupil outcomes across all subjects in the school. The secondtype of inspection is called a Section 48 Denominational Inspection whichreviews, evaluates and plans further improvements in the school’s witness tothe Catholic faith and Curriculum Religious Education.

On 28th – 29th January 2016, St. Patrick’s Catholic College had itsDenominational Inspection, the main findings of which are outlined in thisnewsletter. In this inspection, the overall judgment was that St Patrick’sCatholic College provides an outstanding Catholic education.

The report stated that the school has improved in all areas since the lastSection 48 Inspection (November 2013) and has fully addressed the issueshighlighted in the previous report. It stated that there are strengths in manyareas but in particular in terms of the outcomes for pupils in ReligiousEducation and the effectiveness of leaders, managers and governors indeveloping the Catholic Life of the school.

St. Patrick’s Catholic CollegeCelebrates ‘Outstanding’ Success

“Pupils appreciate and participate in theCatholic life of the school.”

The quality of outcomes for pupils, takinginto account variations between groups.

“Pupils appreciate and participate in theCatholic life of the school.”

“Pupils across the school are alert to the needsof others and seek justice on a local and globallevel.”

“The contribution of pupils to the school andwider community are formally acknowledgedby the presentation of the Catholic Life awardsfollowing the end of year liturgy.”

“The pastoral systems of the school are strong,well established and respond effectively to theneeds of individual pupils, classes and yeargroups. Pupils benefit from a personalisedapproach to supporting their needs.”

“Pupils benefit from strong relationships whichare built on mutual respect and trust. Whendisagreements do occur, relationships arequickly rebuilt through an effective restorativeapproach. This approach demonstrates theschool’s commitment to living out the Gospelvalues of justice and reconciliation.”

“The strong results at GCSE level representsexcellent performance in terms of levels ofprogress achieved by pupils overall.”

“Pupils work well in RE lessons and have anunderstanding of how well they have done,what level they are working at, and what they

need to do to improve. One pupil said ‘InReligious Education I am being guided toexcellence’.”

How effective the provision is for Catholiceducation

“The teaching in Religious Education is of anexcellent standard.”

“Teachers have very good subject knowledgeand a clear understanding of how studentslearn. They skilfully question pupils and createa climate where they can be reflective. Praiseis effectively used and pupils are confident.”

“Chaplaincy provision is making a strong andsignificant contribution to all aspects of the lifeof the school and there is wide recognitionfrom governors, school leaders, the staff andpupils of the effectiveness of the work of thechaplaincy co-ordinator in supporting allmembers of the school community on theirfaith journeys and inspiring them to beunselfishly involved in action for the good andcare of others.”

“Tutor group worship is age appropriate,linked to the weekly theme and relevant to thepupil’s lives.”

Highlights from the Section 48 Denominational Report

How effective leaders, managers andgovernors are in developing the Catholic lifeof the school

“The inspirational leadership and drive of thehead teacher has united staff in the commonpurpose of providing the very best holisticeducation for all pupils. The Catholic missionand vision is shared, actively promoted andpractised by governors, staff and pupils. Theschool is an inclusive Christian communitywhich reflects the school mission statement”.

“Governors know the school well and theirsupport is a strength of the school. Theyrobustly monitor and evaluate all aspects of itswork. They rightly feel that the school has“improved” as a Catholic school since theappointment of the head teacher, and that theschool “strongly enriches” the spiritualdevelopment of all staff and students.”

It gave the following points as areas for theschool to improve further:

• Review the roles and responsibilities ofthose leading Religious Education and theCatholic Life of the school;

• Ensure robust and accurate procedures formonitoring and evaluating the quality andvariety of collective worship;

• Provide greater opportunities for thespiritual development of all members ofthe school community by offering a greaternumber of retreat experiences;

• Further strengthen links with local parishesby creating opportunities for staff andpupils to celebrate Mass with the localCatholic community.

“The school’s capacity for sustainedimprovement is outstanding and there is anevident determination to ensure continuousimprovement. The Religious Educationdepartment has been on a process of rapidimprovement since the last inspection. Staffinghas completely changed and three outstandingteachers have been appointed. Following theappointment of a new Assistant Headteacher,significant changes to assessment proceduresacross the school have resulted in rapidlyimproving pupil outcomes, the impact of

which is also evident in the Religious Educationdepartment.”

Headteacher’s Comment

The governors and staff are all very proud ofour school. Since January 2014, significantprogress has been made towards ensuring thatour vision of excellent provision, bothacademically and pastorally, for all our youngpeople has been achieved. The inspectorsacknowledged the excellent provision inReligious Education and in our standards ofpastoral care.

I would urge any parents of secondary schoolaged children in Thornaby or Ingleby Barwickto consider St. Patrick’s as their first school ofchoice. The school welcomes all visitors and ifyou would like to see our excellent academicand pastoral provision for yourself, please donot hesitate to call the school on 01642 613327 and arrange a visit.

14

19

20

St. Patrick’s RC Primary SchoolChildren Link Up With European Space Agency

Children from Class 8 had a live web chat with members of the PrincipiaSpace Team at the European Space Agency and asked questions to an

engineer who designs robotic systems for Tim Peake. They also chatted with an ESA instructor who taught Tim, a scientist whohas bacteria bolted to the side of the space station and a doctor who is

in Antarctica, working out how our bodies survive in extremetemperatures. The children were praised for their “wonderful” questions

and Class 8 teacher Mr Scott said: “This brought out their interest andthey wanted to find out more. It opened them up to different aspects ofspace.” The pupils are also going to be growing seeds which have been

with Team Peake in space as well as some that haven’t. The results thenwill be going back to the ESA as part of their research.

Sporting SuccessThe Year 5 and 6 boys football team is celebrating after winning a league tournament at Rockliffe Hall. Class 4 teacher Mrs Holtby said: “The keeper was amazing and

some of the goals were fantastic!” Year 5 and 6 swimmers have been performing very well, putting up a good fight to finish fifth overall against some of the bestteams in the area. Some Year 5 children were also invited to the opening of the Tees Barrage Air Trail which has four levels and 38 unique tests. The pupils were

praised for their good behaviour.

Children have beenpromoting good citizenshipin the local community and

receiving ‘good citizen’stickers as a reward for

positive values andbehaviour. The pupils

worked together to draw uppledges to show they

respect their communityand people within it, these

included impeccablemanners and putting litter in

the bin. Year 5 and 6children then distributed

these to shops on WestburyStreet and also ThornabyPool. When pupils visit

these shops anddemonstrate behaviour inline with the pledges, theyare given a ‘good citizen’

sticker. Wearing a sticker atschool enables pupils to

receive 10 E-Praise pointswhich can be turned into

prizes.

Pupils Learn What Mission Statement Really MeansAll pupils from Nursery right through to Year 6 spent aweek being guided by the Mission Team and learningabout the school’s motto which is ‘Seek Ye First the

Kingdom of God’. There was also a mass at the end of thefew days which was attended by all staff and pupils aswell as parents and other members of the community.

Deputy Head Teacher Mr Conwell said: “It made thepupils realise that the Kingdom of God isn’t some placethat they can’t access. There was a big realisation thatthe Kingdom of God is all around them. Class 7 pupilKatie Thomas backed up what Mr Conwell said: “We

found that the Kingdom of God is all around us. It helpsme when I am learning.”

Achievements Recognised by Northern Echo

St Patrick’s were nominated for the NorthernEcho School of the Year 2016 and made it intothe final three schools. The event was held at

the Xcel Centre in Newton Aycliffe and wasattended by Chair of Governors Gary Wilson,Deputy Head Mr Conwell and a group of Year

6 ambassadors. A great day was had by all andHead Teacher Mr Ryan said: “It is good news

for Thornaby because I am not a fan of awardsfor individual schools. Thornaby has a lot of

good schools and it is great for the communityof Thornaby knowing they have a choice of

good and outstanding schools.”St. Patrick’s was also categorised as the‘second best school on Teesside’ by the

Evening Gazette. This is a fantasticachievement for the children, parents,

staff and governors.

Children to Take Care of ChickensThe school is looking forward to welcoming 25

chickens which will be cared for by Mr Barber andchildren. The chickens are to arrive very soon andClass 6 teacher Mr Barber said: “It will help themto look after things and care for the environment.It is so children take pride in something and have

a sense of responsibility.”

Children from Year 5 also went on a skiing trip inFebruary at the Abernethy Centre, Scotland.The pupils were joined by Mr Ryan, Miss Hobson,

Mr Sherrington, Mr Barber and Mrs Holtby- everybodyhad a great time. The children reached either Level

One or Level Two and some even managed to skibackwards. There was also a chance for the children to

go swimming every day and on the night, the pupilswere allowed to think about their Christian values and

reflect about how lucky they were. A fantastic opportunity for the pupils and one they will

never forget.

Proud to be a pupil

Call Michael on 01642 915236 • 0191 4846330

• Wheelchairs, bath liftsand stair lifts

• No obligation free homedemonstrations

• Distance no object

Part exchange welcome. Written details on request. All major credit cards accepted.

Sit & Soak are proudlyintroducing affordable

bathing solutions.

WITHIN

Visit our store whereyou will find a superbdisplay of the latest

designs from the UK’sleading carpets

and flooringmanufacturers

Our Guarantee:Free Estimates,

Professional Advice

Competitive Prices &Fitting to the highest

standard

Call Peter on

01642 628181 or

07850 640318Established 1974

Portrack Lane, Stockton TS18 2RB www.peterjacksonflooring.com

design centre

Amtico Partner of Choice

21

St. Patrick’s RC Primary School

Six Year 6 pupils are set to go to Rome in June as part of theYear of Mercy, which has seen Pope Francis challenge us all

to show mercy and to be merciful. As a school, we areworking hard with our plans to show mercy in our

communities to help others. Children have already visitedthe holy doors at the Cathedral in Coulby Newham and thegovernors decided it would be a very good idea for some

pupils to walk through the real doors in Rome to celebratethe culmination of all of their work. The children will visitRome, as part of a school pilgrimage, with their petitions

and prayers. Head Teacher Mr Ryan, Father Michael Keoghand class teacher, Miss Hobson, will be going to Rome and

Head teacher, Mark Ryan said: “The Year of Mercy is a hugeopportunity for all of us to reflect on how we show mercy

and to take positive action to bring mercy to the communitywe serve. This visit will be memorable for both the school

and the parish. An experience like this can be lifelong. Theymay even get a glimpse of Pope Francis himself.”

Key Stage 2 Choir Reach Out to the CommunityThe Key Stage 2 choir has sung at different places in the Community to celebrateboth Lent and St Patrick’s Day. The choir is made up of 60 children from both theupper Key Stage and Lower Key Stage and Class 5 teacher Mrs Sims said: “In Lent

we are trying to reach out to people. We are going to Mandale House to celebrateSt Patrick’s Day with the residents there. It’s important we look for ways to be

involved in the community and to strengthen partnerships. We are quite excited aswe have also been asked to sing in Leeds in June at Leeds Trinity University so wehave a lot more new songs to learn.” Many of the school songs are hosted on the

school website for visitors to enjoy. The children have written their own schoolsong and the music curriculum is greatly enhanced with the support of the school

‘resident musician’, Joe Hammill, of Cattle and Cane fame.

International schools Partnership BeginsSt Patrick’s are looking for more partners for projects involving international

schools having already linked up with a Primary in Sardinia to learn of thedifferences between the children’s daily lives. The school has a long tradition of

working with schools across Europe, with children and staff often hosting schoolsand visitors from across the continent here in Thornaby.

An art project is also being set up for Year 5 children involving linking up with aschool in Milan and artist Mackenzie Thorpe. Class 9 teacher Mr Sherrington said:“We are in initial stages at the minute. Long term we want to be going to see ourpartner schools and comparing our community with our partners across Europe-

that would be fantastic. It’s important we develop an outward looking communityso the children have their aspirations raised and they see themselves as citizens of

a wider world.”

Trip to Rome in Celebration of Year of Mercy

22

Local Interest

Alfie’s Memorial BenchAlfie was born on 5th June 2008

at North Tees and neededresuscitating at birth and wasdiagnosed as having a rare... sorare that the cause is still unknown.... neuromuscular disorder. He spent seven of his nine week lifein the Neonatal Unit of North Teesand two weeks in the NeonatalUnit at The RVI where heunderwent numerous tests to tryand determine a cause for hiscondition. Sadly, on 7th August2008 Alfie’s life support wasdiscontinued and he diedpeacefully in his mummy anddaddy’s arms.

My son Daniel and his wife, Jolenehave now got 2 beautiful daughtersPhoebe aged 6 and Imogen aged 3.They are our life!! They both knowabout their older brother and thathe watches over them. They arethrilled with his memorial bench andare looking forward to sitting thereeating many picnics when we visitSaltholme.

We continually fundraise in Alfie’smemory and always acceptdonations gratefully. Monies will beforwarded to both North Tees andThe RVI Neonatal Units whenenough has been raised to

purchase machinery. All donationscan be forwarded to the family ordirectly to The Alfie ChaneyMemorial Fund at Yorkshire BankThornaby. If visiting Saltholme,please spare a minute and visit hisbench which is situated at theJubilee Point. Thanks to KarenBlack, manager of Saltholme forhelping organise the bench.

Alfie John Chaney 5th June 2008 - 7th August 2008Our Precious Little Angel, loved and missed always.

Carole Jevons

Daniel, Jolene, Phoebe (6) and Imogen (3) Chaney

Come & Join Cleveland Friendship Force

(Part of an International Community)

Meet and get to know like-minded folks - join us on an exchange, travel the world, live with your hosts, meet new people both at homeand abroad, learn about other countries and cultures make new and

lasting friendships.

We act as Hosts to people from the UK and worldwide for periods up toa week, showing them our area as they enjoy our hospitality.

That is not all !!!!We have many social activities which are arranged by our members for

example - short break holidays in the UK, theatre visits, lunches, dinners,walks, talks or demonstrations.

Interested?To find out more and get involved please contact

Mrs Veronica Fletcher: fletcher@stockton22.freeserve.co.ukPhone: 01642 607917

Mrs Leila Elliott: 3leilaelliott6@gmail.comPhone: 01642 649038

Germany – Berlin trip Hannover trip – Hamlyn Pied Piper

The Over 50’s Assembly isrun and funded by

Stockton Council withresidents from thecommunity across StocktonBorough attending themeetings every two monthsat different venues inStockton.

Numerous topics arediscussed and a range ofspeakers attend throughoutthe year. In the past we havediscussed Loneliness,Pensions, Health issues, FuelPoverty, Dementia, TeesCredit Union and many moresubjects over the years.

We are able to get speakersto talk to us on these topicsand have question andanswer sessions. At themoment the Assembly hasbeen able to access fundingfor a project using volunteersfrom the Assembly to be

trained with iPads to go outinto Community Groups toshow people how to accessservices online that willenable people to live theirlives better. This is done byaccessing the StocktonInformation Directory (SID)and the Stockton WelfareAdvice Network (SWAN).These sites can be searchedfor services whether it be foryou to live better in yourhome or for accessing agroup activity near to whereyou live.

We are a friendly group andyou can enjoy the meetingsand speakers and learn moreby coming along as well asmeeting new people. If youare interested please contactJean Kirby on 01642 760330to find out when the nextmeeting is and where it isbeing held.

The Over 50’s Assembly Barwick Widowed/Divorced Social Group

Come and join us, we meet every 2nd Thursday of themonth at Ingleby Barwick Community Hall, off Beckfields

Avenue, Ingleby Barwick at 2pm to 4pm. We have tea/coffeeand chat, arranged quizs and speakers at the meetings. Wealso arrange coffee and lunch outings as well as trips to the

theatre in the evenings.

For more information contact Jean Kirby 01642 760330

St Peter's Summer Fayre

will take place on Thornaby Green, next to the church,on Saturday July 2 between 11am and 4pm.

Admission is free and there will be lots of stalls andattractions for family members of all ages! There will bemusic and dance displays in the arena, childrens games,

refreshments, food and craft stalls. You can also visit the inside of the historic church of St Peter Ad Vincula which will be open for visitors.

23

Local Interest

The food bank team is made up ofindividuals from a number of

churches and organisations. We aim tohelp those who are in crisis by supplyingfood which in turn is donated from anumber of sources; churches, schools,nurseries community centres, individualsand businesses; Greggs, Warburtons, the Co-op and One Stop at Ingleby Barwick.Asda provide the space for a collectionbin donated by Thornaby Town Counciland has supported us by providing abuffet at Christmas. The Town Councilhave provided us with storage shelvesand secured the flooring in the storagearea. The Baptist Church supplies thevenue and storage area enabling us to

provide a pleasant and efficient servicefor clients.

The food bank operates on Thursdaysfrom 12pm until 2pm and provides drinksand soup or toast in a café styleatmosphere. We aim to provide a relaxedand welcoming atmosphere for all.

We are staffed entirely by volunteers.Volunteers are screened and receiveappropriate training. Our organisation isled by a Steering Group and we areregularly monitored by two appointed“Critical Friends”.

We ask all clients to come with a referralfrom a professional body which can testify

to their need of support. In a six monthperiod we distributed food to 631 peopleand our highest number of parcels in onesession has recently risen to 40 people.

People make their contributions indifferent ways, by volunteering, bycoming from schools to entertain atChristmas, by keeping us informed offacilities which may be of help to ourclients.

We know that at this time of rising costsmany families find themselves in difficultcircumstances and we are well aware thatthere are many who are struggling, whowith just a little help would find life thatbit easier.

ThornabyFoodBank

Asda Foodbank and Chosen by YouAfter a review of how charity collections

including food bank donations were runin their stores it was announced back inFebruary that all permanent unmannedcollection point’s would be removed from alltheir stores.However along with that announcement Asdastated that they would still be supportingcharities but in a different way. The policychange meant that those wishing to place acollection point in their local store would needto be manned by volunteers who couldexplain to customers where their donationsare going. It was felt that personal interactionhelps to increase the amount of donationsreceived.

The policy change also included the ending ofthe green token scheme, under which thecompany donated to local charities accordingto how many shoppers placed plastic coins incollection boxes on the stores ‘Chosen by You’board.

ASDA reviewed after receiving numerouscomplaints from various charities and even anumber of MP’s. Asda colleagues also voicedtheir opinions and concerns. Charity collection

points have now been reinstated with newguidelines put in place.

ASDA Thornaby store manager MauriceGoldsbrough and Community Champion CathAbel welcomed this news as well as ThornabyTown Council who have been working inpartnership with the store having recentlypurchased a food bin collection point for thefood bank based in the Baptist Church onThorntree Road.

Anyone wishing to donate to the foodbank cannow do so by placing certain items in the binopposite the checkouts in the store. Moreinformation on what items can be donatedcan be found on the bin itself.

The Chosen by You board will also remain inplace.

For more information about in store charitycollections please contact CommunityChampion Cath Abel on 01642 769898 ext 222.

community

Some volunteers at the foodbank

24

SENIOR COMPETITIONPLANT & CUT FLOWERS SECTION Only one entry per person per category1. Potted plant floral2. Plant, Foliage (Max pot size 9”) 3. Cactus4. Vase, 1 Rose (scent)5. Vase, 3 Hybrid T Rose6. Vase, 1 Specimen Hybrid T Rose7. Vase, 1 Floribunda Rose8. Vase, 3 Stems Miniature Rose9. Vase, 1 Gladioli10. Vase, 3 Gladioli11. Vase, 3 Asters12. Vase, 3 Dahlia Cactus (any size)13. Vase, 3 Dahlia Pom Pom (any size) 14. Vase, 3 Dahlia Decorative (any size))15. Vase, 3 Chrysanthemums (Incurve) 16. Vase 3 Chrysanthemums (Sprays)17. Vase 3 Chrysanthemums (Reflex)

VEGETABLE SECTION Only one entry per person per category1. Beetroot - 3 rounded 2. Leek – Pot 6 inches to tight button3. Leek - 2 Blanched4. Onion – 3 dressed5. Onion - 3 as grown – washed root6. Cabbage - 1 Green with 3 inch stalk7. Carrots - 2 long 8. Carrots - 2 stump rooted 9. Potatoes - 3 Kidney10. Potatoes - 3 round11. Shallots - 6 12. Turnip - trimmed to 3 inches13. Cucumber - 1 inch stalk14. Marrow – Maximum size 16 inches15. Runner Beans - 6 16. French Beans - 6 17. Tomatoes - 618. Tomatoes – 6 small fruited19. Parsnips - 2 20. Peppers – Sweet x 3 21. Sweet corn– Husk Intact22. Squash23. Courgette

FLORAL ART SECTION (FRESH FLOWERS) Only one entry per person per category1. Table Arrangement 2. Gents Single Rose

and foliage button hole3. Ladies Single Flower

and foliage button hole4. Ladies Corsage5. Arrangement of all cut flowers & foliage6. Arrangement in an unusual container

MAN IN THE KITCHENOnly one entry per person per category1. Savoury Flan 2. Filled sponge sandwich3. 3 fruit scones4. Sweet plate pie5. Jar of savoury preserve

SPECIAL SECTION Only one entry per person per category1. Longest Carrot 2. Longest Runner Bean 3. Heaviest Swede 4. Heaviest Onion 5. Heaviest Tomato 6. Heaviest Marrow7. A collection of 5 veg 8. Exotic Vegetables9. Strangest Shaped Vegetable

FRUIT SECTION Only one entry per person per category1. 3 dessert apples with stalk on a plate2. 3 cooking apples with stalks on a plate3. 3 fruit on a plate

(any fruit, home grown) 4. 6 x Brambles

HOMECRAFTSOnly one entry per person per category1. 3 Biscuits on a plate2. 3 Cup cakes on a plate3. 3 Cheese Scones on a plate4. 3 Fruit Scones on a plate5. Sweet Plate Pie6. Savoury Plate Pie7. Sponge Sandwich8. Loaf Cake 9. Jar of Sweet Preserve10. Jar of Savoury Preserve11. Bread – not from a bread maker12. Item of Pottery13. Item of Crochet

HANDICRAFTSOnly one entry per person per category1. Hand Knitting2. Piece of Jewellery3. Soft and Dressed Toys (Not a Kit)4. Needlework5. Painting

(Not Exceeding 20" Square)6. Greeting Card7. Pottery

PHOTOGRAPHY(maximum size A4 mounted) Only one entry per person per category

1. Wildlife

2. Portrait

3. Still life

4. Landscapre

5. Local

6. Black & White

JUNIOR COMPETITIONOnly one entry per person per category

1. 3 Cup Cakes on a plate

2. 3 Scones on a plate

3. 3 Biscuits on a plate

4. Painting not exceeding A3 size

5. Model made from recycled materials

6. Painting (Not Exceeding A3 size)

7. Vegetable Model

8. Photography

Vegetable Section Only one entry per person per category

1. Beetroot Round x 3 - tops trimmed to

3 inches

2. Onions - 3 as grown washed roots

3. Cabbage - 1 green with 3 inch stalk

4. Carrots x 2 - tops trimmed to 3 inch

5. Tomatoes x 3

6. Runner Beans x 3

7. Courgette

8. Cucumber

Special Section for children 10 yearsand under Only one entry per person per category

1. Model made from recycled materials

2. Miscallaneous Craft

3. Vegetable Model

4. Painting (not exceeding A3 size)

5. Piece of Jewellery

6. Photography

Thornaby Show Sunday 4th September 2016 – Harold Wilson field, Bader Avenue

Horticultural/Handicraft Category List

ExHIBITS RULES & REGULATIONS

• ALL ENTRIES MUST BE TABLED INTO SHOW FOR 9.30am • ENTRIES AFTER 9.30am WILL NOT BE SUBMITTED • All flowers and vegetables must be grown by the exhibitor apart from sprays and button holes

• To claim your prize money you must produce your WINNING CERTIFICATE with the ENTRY slip attached

Stockton Sea Cadets are well on course to a shipshape newhome - despite a doubling of refurbishment costs.

In the autumn edition of Thornaby Pride, we reported how thecadets’ new premises project was well on the way to completion,despite having to overcome one or two problems along the way.

The main stumbling block has been the increase in cost to therefurbishment budget - from an initial estimate of £110,000 tomore than £220,000.

But amazingly, thanks to a concerted fundraising campaign, thecadets have nearly reached their goal - despite having alreadyraised £185,000 last year to purchase the building.

Now the cadets want to thank all the groups, organisation andvolunteers who have helped bring the dream close to reality.

They particularly want to thank the Impetus Trust, whose largegrant has helped propel a project that will benefit various othergroups in the area, including ex- service veterans, the localbranch of the Royal British Legion and other Tees Valley seacadets.

Thanks also go to various local supporters who have contributedto help make the project possible, including Pickerings Lifts,Polyflor, Teesside Philanthropic Society, Thirteen Group, TeesValley Community Foundation, North Star Housing, Howdens, CFFertilisers, Johnson Matthey, ConocoPhillips and Asda Thornaby.

* Look out for progress reports in future editions of Thornaby Pride.

Setting sail towards a bright future

25

Local Interest

2nd Thornaby Rainbows with their new

Unit Flag and Mascot. The Mascot is called Olivia and she help to

remind the girls to keep their Rainbow Promise.

Also Olivia goes home with a different girl each week and her adventures are shared

with the rest of the unit.

Young adult members of National Citizenship Schemefrom Middlesbrough Football club have come togetherin support of Mandale House care home in Thornaby.

The groups have spent severaldays in the home keeping

residents company, playinggames, engaging in arts and craftswith the residents and organisingcoffee mornings for friends andrelatives of Mandale House.

The members of the NCS havealso completed a sponsored sit inevery seat in Middlesbrough’sRiverside Stadium raising funds topay for sensory equipment, whichincluded a stadium cushion, twolava lamps, a sensory lightchanging ball, DAB radio, DVDPlayer, advent calendar, hand and

nail care equipment, jigsaws andtwo sensory cushions.

Sensory equipment brings a hugeamount of comfort to theresidents who live with dementiaand will help improve their lives.All staff and relatives fromMandale House are so grateful forthe National Citizenships Schemeand what they do for the home.

The impact a scheme like this hason the daily lives of our residentsis incredible and we look forwardto continuing our relationshipwith the NCS of Middlesbrough’sfootball club.

26

Young cadets from the Thornaby areahave been showered with praise for

helping raise a record-breaking PoppyAppeal sum.

The Army and Sea Cadets from Thornabyand Ingleby Barwick attended a RoyalBritish Legion presentation night at theCadet Centre on Martinet Road, Thornaby.

And their dedication in helping raise up to£80,000 earned them praise all round.

The evening started with the Royal BritishLegion’s branch president Ian Bannisterperforming the Act of Remembrance - oneof the verses from Laurence Binyon’spoem For the Fallen - while standardbearer Alf Grovener lowered the standard.

John Thompson, Poppy Appeal organiser,then proudly revealed that the 2015 efforthad smashed previous records.

He said: “Last year’s collection was a one-off ‘never to be beaten’ record of £67,000.However this year, we are on target for amassive £80,000!

“We put an awful lot of tins into localbusinesses and shops, which collected£24,840. But most of the money has beenraised by cadets, veterans and othervolunteers standing or walking aroundwith tins.

“I must thank everyone who helped.Thank you and well done!”

John told the young cadets of an inspiring

meeting with Lance Bombardier Ben

Parkinson MBE from Doncaster - Britain’s

most badly injured surviving soldier. In

2006, Ben was rear gunner on patrol in a

Land Rover when the rear axle detonated

a huge land mine in Helmand Province,

Afghanistan. With many injuries, including

losing his legs, serious brain injuries and

breaking his spine, Ben was given very

little chance of survival. However, showing

a true fighting spirit, after four months in

a coma, Ben started his long road to

recovery. He learned to walk again with

prosthetic legs and is now helping raise

money for various military charities.

Quoting the former paratrooper, John

said: “When asked about his injuries, Ben

replied: ‘It’s no problem. I’m getting

better. It could have been worse. It could

have been one of my mates.’ Those words

have proved inspirational to many other

injured service personnel, but they have

also made me feel proud in that you and

my colleagues, by collecting for the Poppy

Appeal, helped Ben and many others like

him on the road to recovery.

Sea Cadets Poppy Appeal

From left: TRBL's branch president Ian Bannister, Thornaby Mayor Steve Walmsley and Poppy Appeal organiser John Thompson

SSGT (Staff Sergeant) Harry Bennett, on behalf of Thornaby Cadets, is presented

with Hughes Memorial Trophy for being “Best Collectors”.

Also pictured is Ian Bannister

Leading Cadet Bewick receives certificate from Ian Bannister on behalf of

Stockton Sea Cadets who collected £776

Chris Stuart, The Kilted Biker, receives acertificate from Ian Bannister for his great

fundraising efforts

27

Sea Cadets Poppy Appeal

Colonel Tony Laker promoting RSM Josh Harrison

Some of the Thornaby Cadets praised and thanked for their efforts collecting money for the Poppy Appeal

“That’s what it’s all about - helping people

less fortunate than we are. Every penny in

the tins go to welfare. The work you do -

collecting money - makes a big difference

to people. It gives them a better quality of

life. Thank you for all the work you have

done.”

Lin Simpson, Legion branch secretary and

welfare officer, also praised the cadets for

their dedication to the Poppy Appeal.

She said: “In November, I was extremely

proud to take you to the first Festival Of

Remembrance to be held at St Nicholas

Cathedral in Newcastle.

“You paraded very smartly in the opening

parade and marched to the front where

you placed crosses representing soldiers

from the North-east who had been killed

in Afghanistan, saying their names and

placing the crosses back into the

decorated box they came out of.

“The same day, you had been standing

out in a cold and very wet Thornaby Town

centre collecting for the Poppy Appeal

from 9am until a meal break at 2pm

before getting on a coach with me, my

husband and our standard bearer,

heading for the festival in Newcastle. We

didn’t return home before 10pm - and

then the following day, you joined the

local parades for Remembrance Sunday.”

A visibly moved Lin added: “Yourbehaviour was excellent and I will nolonger think of you as children. Youbecame young adults that day.

“You should be commended for the workyou did. I was so proud of you and youshould be very proud of yourselves.”

Ian Bannister presented certificates ofmerit to the best collectors of eachdetachment, with Cadet French fromIngleby Barwick raising an impressive£411.

Thornaby Cadets collected the most - astaggering £3,060 - and were presentedwith Hughes Memorial Trophy. Runners-up were Ingleby Barwick, collecting£1,149, while Stockton Sea Cadetscollected £776, despite only being able tocollect on one of the two Saturdays of thePoppy Appeal because of othercommitments.

Others praised at the event included ChrisStuart - “The Kilted Biker” - who raisedmore than £1,000 for the Poppy Appeal.Over the last year the Yarm veteran, whowas in the armed forces for 23 years, rodearound on his bike wearing a kilt in steadof his usual leathers, raising awarenessand money for Bloodrun EVS, the PoppyAppeal and the Armed Forces Bikerscharity (AFB). Another biker, AndyHughes, was commended for helpingdistribute tins and collecting in Yarm.

Thornaby Mayor Steve Walmsleyattended the event with his wife andmayoress Sylvia. He said: “I used to be anarmy cadet, here in this very hall. I havemany happy memories from here.Thornaby Town Council does its bit tohonour people who have served theircountry in conflict. But we would also liketo congratulate all of you for raising somuch money for people who gave somuch.”

To conclude the awards, Colonel TonyLaker promoted Cadet Josh Harrison toRSM (Regimental Sergeant Major) - thehighest rank for a cadet.

From left: TRBL's branch president Ian Bannister, Cdt French, who raised an

impressive £411 single handedly, and Poppy Appeal organiser John Thompson

Remember When

Littleboy Drive was a great place for kids to grow up. Wemoved there on February 29th, 1960. Mam and dad still

live there. In fact, numbers 27, 28 and 31 are home to originaloccupants. The benefits were not hard to see: a park behindyour house and a grass common in front. In short, freedomfor young children to play, without venturing far from home.It was also very handy for buses, in the days when you couldcatch a red United or a corporation blue or green bus toStockton and Middlesbrough every 10 minutes fromLanehouse Road. Dad had a finely-tuned routine for getting towork. He would finish his breakfast whilst looking across thepark for the 7.45 to stop outside the cemetery. As it did, hewould leave the house and march briskly across the commonto the bus stop. However, if, occasionally, no one was waitingfor the bus at the cemetery, then his brisk march became amad sprint. We`d all watch to see if he made it, which healways seemed to. Perhaps it was on such a day that heopened his trusty knapsack to find that, on leaving the house,he had picked up half a loaf of Mother`s Pride instead of hissandwiches.

As the houses were new when we moved into them, therewere a lot of young families growing up together and youwere never short of anyone to play with. I preferred to spendmost of my time playing football or cricket. We could evenplay on the road, using the drain covers as goal markers. Thelamp post served as stumps for cricket. The metal cover atthe base clattered, when hit, to announce you were out. Idoubt they take that into account, these days, whenconsidering lamp post design. My brother, Martin, tended toprefer more adventurous pursuits. There was no shortage oftrees to climb or scrapes to get into. He once came back fromthe park looking like a Dalmatian. Someone from SaltburnRoad had peppered him with the tar-spraying machine,conveniently left behind after the day`s work.

The boy I played with most of all was Watson Gartry. If youwere in his good books and he was feeling in a generousmood, he would let you sit with him in his dad`s EasternCarpets rep`s van, which was about the only vehicle to beseen those days along the whole of Littleboy Drive. Therealways seemed to be interesting things going on in the Gartryhousehold. My sister recalls how, as a small girl, she watchedhorror films, such as ‘Nosferatu’ in their small bedroom. Tripsthrough the cemetery on Halloween night, levitationexperiments, Bunkit and Split the Kipper. It seemed weneeded little to amuse us. A small piece of dowel, a length ofstring and a bit of paper for the flights could be transformedinto an arrow. This could then be hurled across the commonto see who could get the furthest. Unfortunately, one ofMartin`s early attempts lodged straight into Watson`s foot.No van invitation for him!

Derek Hare (Decca) was our gang ‘leader’, being older thanWatson, Dave Stott , the Atterton brothers and the rest of us.Derek was the one you went to when you needed someone tostick up for you. One day, Tommo had been raiding our bonfire.We eagerly awaited Derek`s return from work to defend us.However, to our dismay, Derek informed us that he was aworking man now and could not be expected to becomeinvolved in childish pursuits. We were crest-fallen. He hadjoined the adult world. On this occasion, however, our saviourarrived in the form of Betty Galloway and her long-handledbrush, which she used to ward off the marauders.

A frequent sight along Littleboy Drive was Benny McMahon,who lived in Dene Close. What amused us about him was thelength of his dog lead. His dog would pass your house fiveseconds before Benny. I was once on the bus when Bennywas coming downstairs to get off. He was a bit slow and thedriver set off. The dog, however, had already got off, its leadtrapped in the door. The bus set off with Benny tryingdesperately to attract the driver`s attention and the dogdesperately trying to keep up with the bus. Fortunately, thebus stopped before reaching Acklam Road, much to the reliefof a panting dog!

I feel very fortunate to have been brought up on LittleboyDrive. Open spaces, plenty of friends to play with and thesight of Roseberry Topping from your bedroom window. Wedidn`t really need TV in the Sixties. Besides, if you wanted towatch, someone invariably had to stand behind the set,twiddling the vertical or horizontal hold or contrast buttons!

by Paul Harrison

(back) Dave Stott, Derek Hare, me(middle) Watson Gartry, my brother, Martin,

my sister, Gill, (front) Laurence Atkinson

28

29

Down by Black Bobbies Fieldor Basselton (Bazzy) Woods

may seem like a lovely place totake the fluffy dog Mojo for awalk. Plenty of trees for him tomake use of, fresh air and anabundance of wildlife to enjoy.But just a moment.

These places run along the southbank of the Tees. The River Teeshome to the notorious PegPowler. For Peg is our very own“Water Hag”, A devious creatureresembling a woman, with greenskin, long hair and razor sharpteeth who has long been said toinhabit the River Tees, where sheseeks out her prey. She isparticularly fond of naughtyindividuals whom she lurestowards the river banks beforedragging them to her dinnertable. They are not there to eat!

Peg is our vey own representationof a water spirit. Such creaturesexist in myth ad legend across theglobe and stand as remnants ofprevious water deities pushedaside as Christianity spread acrossthe gloe.

To The Slavic people she wasVodyanoy, who played mischiefamong the various waterways.Whilst in the south of Englandshe was referred to as JennyGreenteeth. In Jamaica she wasRiver Mother, who sat combingher long black hair until someonesaw her and was immediatelydragged away.

What is fascinating about our Pegis she made it to Americancomics. Her tale became one of afemale spirit who had loved andlost a man and was determinedto get herself a new one.

Much has been said andwritten about the possibility

of a Roman presence in the areaof our town. Remember, the Teeswill have been an importantroute into the area for manycenturies. Thornaby will havebeen like a motorway servicestation for travellers along theTees where settlements werepresent. The Roman legions,which spread north, are one ofmany notables said to havepassed through our area.

In researching for these few linesI have read and consulted withmany people claiming to know ofthe exact history of the romanpresence and they all seem tocontradict each other. However,there are a few pointer which wedo know about.

Roman coins have been found inand around Thornaby. This doesnot instantly point to a RomanMilitary presence as the legionswere not regularly paid incoinage. Salt was one of theregular payment forms. Themodern term “Salary” links backto the days when payment wasmate in salt, via the wordsalarium.

Similarly, one local historian toldme that the only Romans to beworking in our area were ItalianPOWs who built a footpath downnear Bassy Woods.

All this aside, we do know thatthere was a Roman presence inthe part of Thornaby now knownas Ingleby Barwick.. A host ofartefacts and a whole villa werefound in the area. The lastinglegacy? A play area, Romanopark.

Thornaby Green is part of ourgreen space we all love. But it isalso the birth place of South Seasexploration, for it is the placewhere Grace Pace first saw thelight of day. Who she? No lessthan the mother of Captain CookFRS,RN. Grace has left littlebehind regarding her own story.All we know is that she married afarm labourer, James Cook Snr,who had moved south from theTweed area following the Jacobiterebellion of 1715.. Together theyhad eight children, five of whichdied. What we can say is that shewas a Thornaby lass and her sonwas a Thornaby lad… even if hewasn’t born here.

ROMANS IN THORNABY

Pancake Tosserof the year

Rochester Court has had a busy couple of months onFebruary 9th we had Pancake Tosser of the year, which

was won this year by June Jackson who tossed apancake at least 9ft in the air, runner up was Sandra Hilla close second. We then had a valentines lunch were all

the ladies were presented with a red rose, and thenduring March we have had a motherhood lunch to

celebrate Mothers day and everyone was presentedwith a bunch of daffodils, a great time by all, socializing

with friends, family and neighbours.

Pancake Tosser of the year 2016

30

Useful Contacts

Thornaby Police StationMillbank Lane, Thornaby-on-Tees, TS17 0ASTel: 01642 302930Opening TimesMonday: 9am to 5pmTuesday: 12noon to 8pmWednesday: 12noon to 8pmThursday: 8am to 4pmFriday: 9am to 5pmSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed

Woodbridge PracticeThornaby Medical Centre, Trenchard Avenue,Thornaby TS17 0EETel: 01642 762636 Appointments 01642 760185

Thornaby and Ingleby BarwickMedical Group

Health Centre, Trenchard Avenue, Thornaby TS17 0BZTel: 01642 762921

South Thornaby Community CentreHaviland Road, Thornaby TS17 9JGTel: 01642 358840

Robert Atkinson Youth and Community Centre

Thorntree Road, Thornaby TS17 9DFTel: 01642 524589

Thornaby Central LibraryThe Pavilion, Allensway, Town Centre, Thornaby TS17 9ENTel: 01642 528117

Pavilion Shopping CentreTel: 01642 750090

Activ 8 Health and FitnessTel: 01642 528581

Thirteen GroupTel: 0300 111 1000

NHS Stop SmokingTel: 01642 383819 www.nth.nhs.uk/stopsmoking

Tees Credit UnionTel: 01642 941911

At Your Service...Thornaby Town CouncilMrs T MansellTown ClerkThornaby Town CouncilMandale RoadThornaby TS17 6AWTelephone: 01642 678652Email: townclerk@thornabytowncouncil.gov.uk

Council members contact details

MANDALE AND VICTORIA WARDCllr Steve WalmsleyEmail: steve.walmsley1951@gmail.com

Cllr Tina Large Tel: 07771 896577Email: tina.large22@gmail.com

Cllr Tracey Stott Tel: 07757 540159Email: Traceyleigh200@outlook.com

Cllr Sonia Bailey Tel: 07919 896662Email: Sonia.bailey@stockton.gov.uk

Cllr Ian Bailey Tel: 07577 023437Email: ianjbailey@gmail.com

Cllr Pat Large Tel: 07796 196384

Cllr Mick Hills Tel: 01642 891419Email: mickhills49@hotmail.co.uk

STAINSBY HILL WARDCllr Sylvia Walmsley Tel: 01642 604176 or 07825 582518Email: sylvia.walmsley@stockton.gov.uk

Cllr Derrick BrownEmail: derrick.brown@stockton.gov.uk

Cllr Ray Godwin Tel: 07505 362602

VILLAGE WARDCllr Ian Dalgarno Tel: 01642 882985Email: ianjdalgarno@gmail.com

Cllr Mick MooreEmail: mick.moore@stockton.gov.uk

Cllr Glenn Eastick Tel: 07507 465202Email: glenneastick66@gmail.com

31

Anew development in Billinghamtown centre is offering older

residents support to liveindependently with contemporaryhomes on offer for sale and sharedownership.

Managed by Housing Hartlepool, partof the Thirteen Group, Winford Houseoffers a friendly, accessibleenvironment with the privacy of yourown home and on-site care facilities ifyou need them.

Apartments feature two bedrooms, a fully fitted kitchen and spaciouslounge, a modern shower room, extrawide doors and step free access.

Communal facilities include full liftaccess, a landscaped garden andlounge area, a storage room forwheelchairs and mobility scooters andan assisted bathroom.

The scheme also benefits from awarden call system, an on-sitecaretaker and a scheme manager todeal with any housing related queries.

Accommodation and support isflexible and specially tailored to suitevery need, whether it’s simply for asense of security or assistance withdaily tasks.

Our home sales advisors are on handto provide support through theapplication process and cater for anyspecific requirements.

To find out more or arrange a viewing,contact our home sales advisors on0300 111 1000.

If you’re looking to rent in Billingham,the partner landlords in the ThirteenGroup: Erimus Housing, Tees ValleyHousing, Tristar Homes and HousingHartlepool, also have a vast range ofquality homes available to let

including spacious family homes,modern apartments, bungalows andspecialist sheltered schemes.

Properties are advertised on a weeklybasis and offer a simple applicationprocess, a 24-hour in-house repairsservice, no bond or admin fee, lowrental costs and experienced,professional staff.

Applications are open to anybody andcan be filled out quickly and easilyonline.

To find out more about theapplication process and propertiesavailable, contact 0300 111 1000 toask for the lettings team.

You can visit our website onwww.compasscbl.org.uk and we alsoadvertise a selection of propertiesthat are available immediately atwww.rightmove.co.uk

Supported Living in the Heart of Billingham

32