Saturday 31 August 2013

Lindsay Sandiford: Cocaine smuggling Redcar gran loses second appeal against death sentence

Three-judge panel at the Supreme Court in Jakarta unanimously rejected 57-year-old Lindsay Sandiford's appeal.

Cocaine smuggling Redcar gran Lindsay Sandiford has lost her second appeal against a death sentence.
 The 57-year-old faces death by firing squad for trying to traffic £1.6m of cocaine into Bali in May last year.

 She will now be executed unless she seeks a judicial review or is granted clemency from the president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who has previously warned he routinely turns down “almost all” requests.

Since coming to power a decade ago President Yudhoyono he has pardoned just four drug dealers.
A three-judge panel at the Supreme Court in Jakarta unanimously rejected Lindsay Sandiford’s appeal, spokesman Ridwan Mansur said.

The judges agreed with the decision taken by Bali’s Denpasar district court, which sentenced Sandiford to death, and the island’s high court, which rejected her first appeal.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “We are aware that Lindsay Sandiford’s appeal to the Indonesian Supreme Court has been denied.

“In line with our strong opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances, we will consider how to support any application for Judicial Review or clemency that Lindsay Sandiford chooses to make.

“We will continue to provide consular assistance to Lindsay Sandiford and her family at this difficult time.”
Dr Jennifer Fleetwood, Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Leicester, who was an expert witness in the Lindsay Sandiford case:

 S
andiford, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, but originally from Redcar, was sentenced to death in January for smuggling 4.8kg (10.6lb) of cocaine, found in the lining of her suitcase during a routine customs check.
Balinese police claim Sandiford was at the centre of a drugs-importing ring involving three other Britons.

She denies the allegations, claiming she was forced to transport the drugs to protect her children, whose safety was at stake.

She was later accused of damaging the image of Bali and received the death sentence following her trial. The penalty was imposed despite prosecutors asking only for a 15-year jail term.

In April, Sandiford’s lawyers tried to challenge an earlier High Court ruling that the Government wasn’t legally obliged to pay for an “adequate lawyer” to represent her.

But the three senior judges - Lord Dyson, Lord Justice Elias and Lord Justice Patten - dismissed the appeal.
And while Master of the Rolls, Lord Dyson, expressed “great sympathy for the appellant” and backed the Government’s view that the death penalty is “immoral and unacceptable,” he disagreed with Sandiford’s assertion that the policy of not funding legal costs for British citizens abroad was “unlawful.”

Article from Gazette Live
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/lindsay-sandiford-cocaine-smuggling-redcar-5816780

Friday 30 August 2013

Redcar firm pulls out all the stops for Royal baby

Class Fundraising has pulled out all the stops to print more than 15,000 Royal baby tea towels for a new customer
Mark Simpson and Simon Fulton of Classfundraising with Peter Taylor of UK Steel Enterprise and the Royal Baby tea towel
Mark Simpson and Simon Fulton of Classfundraising with Peter Taylor of UK Steel Enterprise and the Royal Baby tea towel
An expanding Redcar company has pulled out all the stops to print more than 15,000 Royal baby tea towels for a new customer.

And the results of its efforts are now on sale at top retailers across the UK.
Class Fundraising produces a range of personalised fund-raising items for schools including tea towels, t-shirts, mugs, coasters, Christmas cards, jigsaws and teddy bears.

The company, set up by Simon Fulton and Mark Simpson, has just taken on a third workshop at UK Steel Enterprise’s Innovation Centre on the Kirkleatham Business Park to meet demand.

A second 10-colour printer purchased to increase capacity was, fortunately, up-and-running when Milly Green Design, based in West Sussex, contacted the company with an urgent order for the tea towels which are part of its Royal Baby range.

“It was really urgent,” said Mark Simpson, “and our whole team just went into overdrive and did a marvellous job completing that order and keeping everything running smoothly for all our other customers at the same time. Initially we supplied 2,000 tea towels but demand has seen orders grow to more than 15,000.”

The tea towel design features a rocking horse, pram, stork, teddy bear and bunting.
“It’s in full colour, “he added, “so the fact that we had just invested nearly £50,000 in a second full-colour printer, extra workshop and staff training could not have been better timed.”

Ed Green of Milly Green Design said: “We produced a range of fine bone china items for the Royal baby and a customer then asked us to supply tea towels as well.

“We prefer our goods to be manufactured in the UK and Class Fundraising was recommended. They responded immediately, were very pro-active, did a very quick turnaround for us and were a pleasure to deal with. We’re delighted as the tea towels are selling really well.”

Class Fundraising is now winning orders that were previously going to China and India thanks to its pricing and the savings companies can make on shipping costs and taxes. Customers from Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, France, Italy and the Channel Islands have recently joined those from the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain.

Its core team now numbers seven and will expand to around 20 from October to prepare for the busy Christmas season.

The company needed urgent help itself in 2011 when it was forced to leave its existing premises at six hours notice and was homeless.
“UK Steel Enterprise found the company a workshop and office space at the Innovation Centre within a day.

“It seemed like a real blow at the time,” said Mark Simpson, “but being here has been the best thing that could have happened as we have expanded three times now.”
Peter Taylor, regional executive for UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel business support subsidiary, said: “Class Fundraising just keeps growing and thoroughly deserves its success.”

Article from Gazette Live
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/business/redcar-firm-pulls-out-stops-5816340

Summer Sound Music Night at Redcar Racecourse

Tributes to Oasis, Kings of Leon, Abba, The Beatles and Robbie Williams are set to rock Redcar Racecourse

The Kings ov Leon
The Kings ov Leon
Top tribute acts will play Redcar Racecourse tomorrow.

The Summer Sound Music Night will play to a crowd of more than 5,000 people.

Tributes to Oasis, Kings of Leon, Abba, The Beatles and Robbie Williams will rock the main stage with support from local bands.

More than five hours of live music will be hosted by Real Radio’s Gary Philipson and international DJ Jon Jo Wilson.

“A full evening’s entertainment is guaranteed,” says Caroline Smith, the sales and marketing manager at Redcar Racecourse.

The event aims to offers something for people of all musical tastes.

Nostagia of the 60s and 70s will come from The Beatles Tribute Band and Abba Sensation.

Also appearing will be The Kings ov Leon and JK as Robbie Williams - known as the number one Robbie tribute.

Expect all the hits including Angels, Rock DJ, Let Me Entertain You, and many more.
And Oasis UK will bring their full stage show, complete with official Oasis video projectors and footage.

Tomorrow’s event also promises more than just music.

Enjoy Crow’s funfair and street entertainers and magicians, who will also be amongst the crowds performing juggling, stilt walking, fire eating and mind blowing tricks.

A variety of stalls selling traditional sweets, ice cream, clothing, arts and crafts, fancy dress and festival gear will be set up under the Grandstand along with various food outlets. Face painters and henna tattooists will be mingling with the crowds adding to that festival buzz.

All the racecourse bars will be open with fantastic views of the main stage. The event is fully licensed and restricted to over 16-year-olds. People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Advance tickets are £20. They are available on the day from the racecourse ticket office, which will be open from midday. It will close at 3pm and the gates open at 4pm. People will be able to pay for tickets on the gate from 5pm, subject to availablity. Ticket prices will be £25-£30.

Anyone who has ordered tickets online and has not yet received them can collect them at the ticket office if they bring ID and email confirmation.

Article from the Gazette Live
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/whats-on/summer-sound-music-night-redcar-5816951

Carbuncle Cup: Redcar Beacon avoids title of Britain's ugliest new building

Unenviable title of Britain's ugliest new building was awarded to a 465 Caledonian Road, student accommodation building in London
The Redcar Beacon
The Redcar Beacon
One of Teesside’s most controversial new landmarks has narrowly avoided being voted Britain’s ugliest new building.

Redcar Beacon, which welcomed its 100,000th visitor less than four months after opening, was shortlisted in the Carbuncle Cup, which aims to select the worst architectural projects in the UK.

The £1.6m beacon, centrepiece of a multi-million pound regeneration programme, was one of six nominations.

But the unenviable title was awarded to a student accommodation building in London.

Architecture’s wooden spoon for worst new building went to 465 Caledonian Road, which is said to offer “a prison-like experience for student residents”.

The winner of the annual prize, a humorous counterpart to the prestigious Stirling Prize for architecture, was unveiled by Building Design magazine.

Revealing the results, it noted: “One might imagine that an upside of our recent economic woes would be that fewer terrible buildings would be built.

“But to judge by the slew of nominations received for this year’s Carbuncle Cup, this hardly appears to be the case.

“Our jurors quickly identified two front-runners, but all six nominations richly deserved their shortlisting.”

They pulled no punches about any of the shortlisted buildings, including Redcar’s newest attraction.

This is what they had to say about the 80ft beacon, formerly known as the Vertical Pier: “Fresh from knocking down its best 20th century building – Ahrends Burton & Koralek’s 1971 Central Library – the Cleveland seaside town of Redcar played another blinder in the form of the Redcar Beacon.

Resembling nothing so much as the ArcelorMittal Orbit reinterpreted by a five-year-old in the medium of toilet roll and chicken wire, this viewing tower was inexplicably the winner of a RIBA competition.

Designed by Seven Architecture with project team leader Smeeden Foreman, it stands on the seafront and, as tends to be the way, the view from the top is lovely.”

Redcar Beacon, the centrepiece of a £75m regeneration programme, opened in March.
It’s been a hit with visitors, but there has been criticism of the cost and calls for a traditional pier instead.

Article from Gazette Live
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/carbuncle-cup-redcar-beacon-avoids-5816716

Public meeting to discuss the future of Redcar post office

SIXTEEN jobs are at risk as plans to potentially close post office cause outcry in local community.

Post Office Ltd have been invited to attend a public meeting, to be held at Coatham Memorial Hall, Redcar at 2pm, September 6, where it is hoped residents will be able to voice their concerns.

David Bowmaker, who represents the Communication Workers Union, said: “Redcar Crown Post Office is an essential part of the local economy. It’s a valuable asset to the town and is relied upon by local residents and businesses as well as people who collect their pensions and benefits here.

“The staff in Redcar Crown Office are well-trained and have over 100 years of experience between them which could be lost under the company’s plans to close this office and find what it calls a ‘retail partner’.”

“Redcar, like so many towns, is struggling in the current climate and if this Post Office was to close it would be a major blow to the local economy and to the services which many people rely on.

“There are hundreds of people who come to this office every day and we just don’t think the same service could be matched by a few windows in the back of another shop. This is a dedicated office with good access arrangements in a prominent town centre position.”

The Redcar branch is one of 76 Crown Post Offices facing closure or franchise nationwide.

Article from the Northern Echo
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/10642877.Public_meeting_to_discuss_the_future_of_Redcar_post_office/

Kirkleatham Hall: Historic Redcar stable block damaged in suspected arson attack

One of Teesside's most treasured historical buildings has been seriously damaged in a suspected arson attack.

Scene of devastation left behind after a suspected arson attack on the stables at Kirkleatham Hall
Scene of devastation left behind after a suspected arson attack on the stables at Kirkleatham Hall

Katie Lunn
Part of the Grade II* listed Kirkleatham Hall stable block, at Redcar, which dates back to the early 1700s, went up in flames yesterday.

It’s the third arson attack in the last 20 years.

In part of the building today, the teracotta roof tiles had been burned off, leaving no roof and the wooden beams of the building exposed.

Representatives from Redcar and Cleveland Council were at the site inspecting the damage.


 The distinctive stables are significant in the North-east’s horse-racing history and housed famous racehorses such as The Flying Dutchman.

Parts of the stables, owned by Redcar and Cleveland Council, were placed on English Heritage’s “Heritage at Risk” register last year.

Since the demolition of Kirkleatham Hall in 1954, the condition of the stables, along with Grade I, II and II* bastions, ha-ha walls, gate piers and gatehouses, has deteriorated, leading to grants of around £500,000 to help save it in 2011.

Six fire engines, from Redcar Fire Station, Grangetown, Coulby Newham and Hartlepool, attended the blaze yesterday after receiving a call at 7.45pm.

They tackled the blaze for about two hours, and fire crews said they managed to confine the fire to one corner. About a quarter of the building was damaged, with the inside almost completely destroyed.

The distinctive stables are significant in the North-east’s horse-racing history and housed famous racehorses such as The Flying Dutchman.

Parts of the stables, owned by Redcar and Cleveland Council, were placed on English Heritage’s “Heritage at Risk” register last year.

 Since the demolition of Kirkleatham Hall in 1954, the condition of the stables, along with Grade I, II and II* bastions, ha-ha walls, gate piers and gatehouses, has deteriorated, leading to grants of around £500,000 to help save it in 2011.

Six fire engines, from Redcar Fire Station, Grangetown, Coulby Newham and Hartlepool, attended the blaze yesterday after receiving a call at 7.45pm.

They tackled the blaze for about two hours, and fire crews said they managed to confine the fire to one corner. About a quarter of the building was damaged, with the inside almost completely destroyed.

Local historian Peter Sotheran said the arson attack is “desperately sad” as the building is of exceptional quality and historic value. He said: “This is at least the third arson attack on this building in the last 20 years.

“English Heritage and Redcar and Cleveland Council have spent around £1.25m over the years securing the block and making it burglar proof. Following an attack about 15 years ago, more than £600,000 was spent, using Euro grants and borough council cash. The council has owned the stables block since, but hasn’t used it for anything.”

The stables are close to Kirkleatham Hall School, which initially staff feared had been the target.

Mary White, the special school’s business manager said: “The police had the village cordoned off so we couldn’t get through but the building manager called me to assure me it wasn’t the school.
“It looks so awful. It’s public money that’s gone to waste.”

Councillor Olwyn Peters, Cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at Redcar and Cleveland Council said: “Due to the prompt action of a member of the public, who reported the fire, and the fire brigade, we have been able to secure the building and are currently assessing the damage.

“Early indications are that the fire was started deliberately.

“We are extremely disappointed that individuals would set fire to this magnificent listed building without taking into the account the impact it may have on the building and the surrounding properties as well as Kirkleatham Hall School which is in such close proximity.”

Article from gazette Live:
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/kirkleatham-hall-historic-redcar-stable-5801913

Thursday 29 August 2013

Steven John Topham: Former Redcar and Cleveland Council employee admits £720k fraud scam

Steven John Topham was working for Redcar and Cleveland Council when it is alleged he carried out a £720,000 fraud scam


Steven John Topham
Steven John Topham
A former council employee has admitted a fraud scam of more than £720,000 at Teesside Crown Court.

Steven John Topham, 36, was working for Redcar and Cleveland Council when it is alleged he carried out the crime.

The court heard that part of Topham ’s role at the council was to procure mobile phones through supplier Vodafone.

Between September 20, 2007 and September 28, 2012, Topham was said to have abused that position, using credits for a credit fund held by the council to obtain electrical items from Vodafone for himself to the value of more than £720,617.

He is then alleged to have sold on the items for cash.
Topham, of Coronation Green, Park End, Middlesbrough, admitted both offences and was remanded in custody to reappear at the court on  September 23.

Article from Gazette Live
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/steven-john-topham-former-redcar-5802505

Cracker flaring: Chemical plant told to take 'various actions' to reduce future incidents

Environment Agency advise companies need to act to reduce likelihood of flaring happening in the future after thick smoke was visible across Teesside in April

The Environment Agency has met with Sembcorp and Sabic after flaring at the Olefins 6 Plant near Redcar earlier this year caused plumes of black
smoke to fill the skyline, prompting complaints from people living nearby. Plant bosses have promised to take action to prevent it recurring
The Environment Agency has met with Sembcorp and Sabic after flaring at the Olefins 6 Plant near Redcar earlier this year caused plumes of black smoke to fill the skyline, prompting complaints from people living nearby. Plant bosses have promised to take action to prevent it recurring

Picture by Katie Lunn

A chemical plant has been told to take “various actions” after flaring caused heavy black smoke.
A huge flame and plumes of thick smoke were visible across Teesside in the incident in April at the Cracker, near Redcar.

Site operators Sembcorp and Sabic apologised for the flaring at the Olefins 6 plant.
But the Environment Agency, which oversees issues such as emissions, investigated the flaring after receiving complaints from concerned members of the public.

A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency has now confirmed that no breaches of permit took place but that they advised the companies needed to act to reduce the likelihood of flaring happening in the future.

She said: “Following several instances of ‘flaring’ at the Sabic plant earlier in the year we carried out a formal investigation to establish whether the operator had breached the conditions of their permit.

“We established that no breaches had taken place – however we requested meetings with both Sabic and Sembcorp to discuss the situation.

“At these meetings both companies undertook to carry out various actions to reduce the likelihood of flaring happening in the future.

“We will be contacting them again in a few months’ time to check that these actions have been completed.”

As reported, Sembcorp and Sabic said flaring is a controlled process and an essential part of the plant’s safety systems.

However, on this occasion issues with steam supply to the plant led to the flare being smoky.
Bosses say gases emitted by the flaring are similar to those used for domestic cookers and camping canisters, and don’t pose a health risk.

But people living nearby have told the Gazette that the flaring is a “problem”.
A Sabic spokesman said: “Following the flaring at the end of 2012 and early in 2013 SABIC can confirm that there have been no further major flaring events since that time.

“SABIC and Sembcorp continue to work, and are making progress, on the range of improvement actions which have been discussed with the Environment Agency.

“SABIC are fully aware of the disturbance caused to our neighbours by flaring and will continue to strive to prevent and minimise the effects of such events.

“Flaring is the term given to the controlled burning of process gases from the top of a flare stack. It is an integral part of the Olefins 6 Cracker’s safety systems. It is necessary in order to safely shut the plant down and bring it back on line again in a controlled way following a process upset. “

Article from the Gazette Live
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/cracker-flaring-chemical-plant-told-5800844

Wednesday 28 August 2013

Chance to look around Redcar's Leisure and Community Heart

Visitors will meet members of the Willmott Dixon team, including construction manager Glyn Jones, and hear first-hand about progress so far
Redcar's Community Heart building 
Katie Lunn

Redcar's Leisure and Community Heart is throwing open its doors for the first time to give people an exclusive look at construction progress so far.

Staff at construction firm Willmott Dixon will be running several tours at the Kirkleatham Street site on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28 as part of the national Open Doors initiative to give the public unrivalled access to major construction projects in their area.

Visitors will meet members of the Willmott Dixon team, including construction manager Glyn Jones, and hear first-hand about progress so far, before being given a tour of the project where they can ask more questions about the building process they are seeing.

The £31m Leisure and Community Heart, which is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund Programme cash, will provide leisure, business support and community facilities in the heart of Redcar.

The “multi-use regeneration project” for Redcar and Cleveland Council will include a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, plus a training and leisure pool. It also includes a dance hall, performance space and community facilities including a debating chamber and relocated registrar’s office.

Mr Jones said: “This is a tremendous opportunity to see behind the hoarding and get a rare glimpse of how we go about building such an important project. I hope we get as many people as possible taking advantage of this unique weekend as we really want to show what the construction industry is all about.”
Open Doors is an industry initiative to show the diverse and exciting range of projects being delivered by the construction industry. It is the result of a partnership of four industry bodies, UK Construction Group (UKCG), CITBConstructionSkills, The Considerate Constructors Scheme and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

There are only a limited number of tour places, so anyone interested is advised to register soon.
To book a slot, visit the Redcar page of the Open Doors website at www.opendoorsweekend.co.uk . Emailglyn.jones@willmottdixon co.uk for more information.

Article from Gazette Live 
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/chance-look-around-redcars-leisure-5794635

Tuesday 27 August 2013

Redcar Cleveland Police in warning over dangerous batch of Mephedrone

Police are warning drug users of a potentially dangerous batch of Mephedrone after two men and a woman were admitted to hospital.

Police tape 
Police are warning drug users of a potentially dangerous batch of Mephedrone after two men and a woman were admitted to hospital.

The three were taken to James Cook University Hospital after police were called to Elton Street, Redcar, at around midnight on Saturday night.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Anyone who has taken the drug and is concerned should seek medical advice. Those with serious side effects should seek urgent medical treatment.”

The three people remain in hospital but are no longer in a critical condition.

Three men, two 22-year-olds and a 23-year-old, were arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled substance.

Article from Gazette Live
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/cleveland-police-warning-over-dangerous-5785594

Woman 8 times over limit tops Cleveland Police top 10 roadside breathalyser readings

36-year-old woman stopped  by police in Redcar and Cleveland and has topped a drink-driving league of shame for the last 12 months
A police officer breathalyses a woman on the side of the road
A police officer breathalyses a woman on the side of the road
A boozed-up driver was almost eight times over the legal limit when stopped by Cleveland Police, the Gazette can reveal.
The woman, aged 36, stopped by police in Redcar, has topped a drink-driving league of shame.
Details released through a Freedom of Information request revealed Cleveland Police’s top 10 breathalyser readings taken at the roadside in the last 12 months.

The woman clocked up a shocking 275mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.
Ed Turner, Temporary Chief Inspector of Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “I am shocked and astounded by the high level of that reading. However that is quite a unique and isolated example.

“I am delighted we managed to capture and prosecute that person.”

The reading, which was taken last September at around 7.25pm, was a massive 126mg higher than that of the next culprit, a 33-year-old man who was stopped at 12.15am in Hartlepool in March and tested at 149.

Others in the highest readings included a man with a reading of 142 and three women who tested at 141, 136 and 130, all stopped in Stockton.

Mr Turner said: “I am really pleased we have caught these people who are not just putting themselves at risk of harm but are putting other people at risk. Alcohol is one of ‘the fatal four’ main contributory factors to incidents on the road. Some are fatal accidents.”

In April last year a young soldier based at Catterick Garrison lost his life in a car crash in Billingham.
Lance Corporal Gordon Quigley, a 26-year-old dad from Scotland, was a passenger in a Ford Focus driven by his pal Christopher James Howson, who was twice over the legal drink-drive limit.
The car hit a central reservation and then a lamppost on Wolviston Road. L/Cpl Quigley died from head injuries.

Howson, of Billingham, was later jailed for five years and four months.
Mr Turner said Cleveland Police has two drink-driving campaigns every year, one in the summer and the other at Christmas. He said: “There does seem to have been a been a cultural shift in what people will and won’t condone.”

But while most people now recognise the dangers of drink-driving and will take a taxi or appoint a designated driver, many don’t think about the following morning.
Mr Turner said: “You really need to be careful and allow the time for the drink to get out of your system before driving.”

Laura Woods, spokesperson for Brake, the road safety charity, said: “Drink-driving is one of the
biggest killers on our roads, so it is shocking to see people taking the appalling risk of getting behind the wheel when they are so heavily under the influence of alcohol.

“Even one drink impairs your judgment, reaction times and co-ordination – which can have deadly consequences if you get behind the wheel.”
Brake is calling for the existing legal limit of 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood to be lowered to 20mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

“Effectively zero tolerance, to help end the needless deaths caused by drink-drivers on our roads,” said Ms Woods. “The only way for drivers to be safe is to drink nothing at all before driving – not a drop.”

Article from Gazette Live
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/woman-8-times-over-limit-5789790

Disclaimer statement: The point of this article or rights belongs to the authors and publishers. We take no responsibility for the content of this article and legitimacy.

X Factor judge Gary Barlow says James Arthur from Saltburn was worthy winner


James Arthur 


X-Factor judge Gary Barlow has said he was ''shocked'' when viewers chose North-East singer James Arthur to win last year's show.

The Take That star said the vote was proof that a ''novelty act'' will never win the hit ITV singing show, which returns later this month.

"I was quite shocked that James Arthur won last time, not because he wasn't the best but because he is the best and was the best," he said.

"I assumed a TV voting audience wouldn't vote for someone like that and they did - it really shows me that the right person will win this competition each time.''

Arthur, from Saltburn, east Cleveland, whose debut single sold more than a million copies, releases his album later this year.
The new series starts at 8pm on Saturday on ITV1.

Article property of the Northern echo
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/teesvalley/redcar/10634746.Gary_Barlow_hails_James_Arthur_as__the_best_/
Disclaimer statement: The point of this article or rights belongs to the authors and publishers. We take no responsibility for the content of this article and legitimacy.

Redcar man diagnosed with rare bone cancer vows to battle back

When JJ Nicholson felt an agonising pain in his left shoulder, the 22-year-old knew something was seriously wrong

JJ Nicholson of Redcar with his cousin Megan Ayres
JJ Nicholson of Redcar with his cousin Megan Ayres
In the Royal Navy, JJ Nicholson was used to a few aches and pains as part of the job.
But when he felt an agonising pain in his left shoulder, the 22-year-old knew something was seriously wrong.

And 15 minutes after his doctor carried out an MRI scan, JJ, from Redcar, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone and soft tissue cancer.

“It turned my world upside down; it was the worst news ever,” said JJ, a tactical submariner with the Royal Navy. “I knew there was something seriously wrong on the Sunday and I said to the doctor, ‘I think I have cancer in my arm’.”

JJ, who joined the Royal Navy in November 2011, was put straight on the most intensive form of chemotherapy. In a tragic twist of fate, the submariner has had to watch as his mother Debra Ford, 47, also struggle against cancer.

“My mum is battling cancer as well so it is definitely a shock,” he said. “She was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago but has it on her chest bone so she is going to have to have treatment for the rest of her life.

“I do not know how we keep going. I cannot imagine what she is feeling but she just keeps going on normally.”

Last month, the Gazette reported how JJ’s cousin Megan Ayres was getting nine inches cut off her hair for Cancer Research after being inspired by JJ.

JJ, a former pupil of Rye Hills School in Redcar who has been engaged to fiancee Samantha for four years, has undergone four sessions of chemo.

He will have six in total before having an operation to remove bone from his upper arm and replace it with an implant in October.

JJ, who is based at HMS Neptune, in Faslane near Glasgow with the Royal Navy, praised his employers and said they have been looking after him since he was diagnosed in May.

But to keep his mind off his treatment and to keep his fitness levels up, JJ has set himself a goal with the help of Northern charity the Toma Fund, which has just bought him a specially adapted bike.

“I used to do a lot of running and swimming but now I can’t because of the chemo,” said JJ, who studied engineering at Middlesbrough College.

“The Toma Fund has bought me a bike suitable for me to train for the Coast-to-Coast ride I am doing for them.

“I have had to get extra handle bars and adjustments for my arm. I will do it slow and steady while I am having treatment and then I will train hard. I just want my normal life back.

“It keeps my mind off what is going on and gives me something to focus on and train for.”

He added: “It is absolutely brilliant the help I have been given from the Toma Fund, social workers, nurses and my friends and family.”

Article property of Gazette Live
 http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/redcar-man-diagnosed-rare-bone-5786369
Disclaimer statement: The point of this article or rights belongs to the authors and publishers. We take no responsibility for the content of this article and legitimacy.

Tuesday 20 August 2013

Redccar Sunday Lunch Delivery Company is expanding!

We have enjoyed great success as Sunday Dinner Delivery across the Redcar and East Cleveland area and have loved preparing our home grown vegetables as dinners for the area. Due to popular demand we are expanding our business and will be expanding our menu's and preparing more premium organic dishes and daily specials and not just roast dinners. 

We will be known as Sunday's The Home of Sunday Dinner Delivery and our brand new menu's will be delivered all across the region very soon. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on our Facebook page - facebook.com/SundayDinnerDelivery 

Thanks again to all of those who support us and recommend our business week in week out and hope to cook for alot more of you across the local area! Daniel Wilkinson Owner of Sunday Dinner Delivery LTD

Latest Jobs in Redcar - 20/08/13 - Redcar Jobs

Looking for work in and around Redcar? Here are a selection of links to the latest jobs available we could find at the Redcar blog. Should you be a local employer and wish to leave a link for your job opportunities please contact us or leave a comment below.

Key Worker/Functional Skills
http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/Jobs.nsf/current/ACS7820

Permanency Social Worker
http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/Jobs.nsf/current/ACS7840

Customer Services Apprentice
http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/Jobs.nsf/current/ACS7791

Group Assistant
http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/Jobs.nsf/current/CR7842

Community Skills Tutor Coordinator
http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/Jobs.nsf/current/ACS7808

School Crossing Patrol Officers
http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/Jobs.nsf/current/AM6864

Deputy Head Teacher - Lakes Primary School
http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/Jobs.nsf/current/ACS7810

Retail Store Manager
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/job/retail-store-manager-north-east-teesside-946897596?src=search&tmpl=sem

Senior Instrument Engineer
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/job/senior-instrument-engineer-946920567?src=search&tmpl=lin

Phlebotomist District Nursing
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/job/phlebotomist-district-nursing-946851459?src=search&tmpl=lin

Inspection Engineer / Inspector
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/job/inspection-engineer-inspector-946860420?src=search&tmpl=lin

Technical Development Manager - Environmental
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/job/technical-development-manager-environmental-946875124?src=search&tmpl=sem

Territory Sales Manager - £40K Base!
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/job/territory-sales-manager-40k-base-946922742?src=search&tmpl=lin

Fish Filleter
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/job/fish-filleter-946876267?src=search&tmpl=lin

Auto Electrician
http://jobview.monster.co.uk/GetJob.aspx?JobID=124625411&WT.mc_n=UKjobsnet

HGV Fitter
http://jobview.monster.co.uk/GetJob.aspx?JobID=124622129&WT.mc_n=UKjobsnet

Skilled Fitter
http://www.cv-library.co.uk/cgi-bin/view-job.cgi?jobref=200182237&s=100076

Redcar Council leader George Dunning defends Beacon

Council leader George Dunning used the Angel of the North as a example to defend the Redcar Beacon, he says the Angel was criticised at first.

The defense of the Redcar Beacon comes after it was shortlisted for national Carbuncle Cup.

He went on to say:

“We held a competition to re-design Redcar Seafront and the Redcar Beacon is part of the winning design," he said.

“We had more than 53 entries from professional architects as far as Iran, Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands.

“The final design was chosen with expert guidance from the Royal Institute of British Architects and after a great deal of public consultation.

“What came back from the public was that they wanted something new and something different - and the Redcar Beacon is certainly that.

“We wanted something unique that would form a center piece to the seafront project and one that would draw attention to all of the great things going on in Redcar.

“With more than 140,000 visitors in the five months since it opened we believe we have achieved that. 

“It has had its critics, but there were more than 16,000 objections to the Angel of the North, you’d struggle to find 16 now.”

Visit Gazette Live for the full article:

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/george-dunning-redcar-beacon-something-5755143

Redcar Beacon named as one of the UK's ugliest new buildings.

Redcar Beacon named as one of the UK's ugliest new buildings.




One of the UK's ugliest buildings?
Redcar's "vertical pier" has been named amongst the ugliest buildings in the UK. Many local people wanted a real pier however we have had many messages from local people who like the Beacon.

The shortlist for the 2013 Carbuncle Cup, awarded by Building Design magazine, was unveiled today.

The annual prize gives credit for the very worst in modern day architecture.

Six buildings have been named in the final shortlist, with the winner to be announced on August 30.


See the full article here in the Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/10252696/Britains-ugliest-new-buildings-named.html

Share your thoughts with us are you pro or anti Beacon?.

Friday 9 August 2013

Two Redcar fishermen thank their lucky stars after boat crash at Redcar

The Mizpah involved in sea collison.

Two Redcar fishermen are today thanking their lucky stars after a boat crash at sea could of ended up a lot worse out come. The two men were heading out to check their crab pots in their 12ft fishing boat the "Mizpah", when they were hit by a much larger vessel "The Samantha".

The skipper of the larger boat helped the two fishermen from the water, a rope was then attached to the stricken Mizpah and then it was hauled a shore. The RNLI lifeguards were on the beach setting up their safety flags and witnessed the collision, responding immediately as a lifeguard waded out to the scene, whilst trauma equipment was set up on the beach.

The two fisherman, Colin Thomas and Gary Burrows are in good spirits with Colin planning to retrieve his crab pots today in a different boat. The incident highlights the need for safety at all times off the Redcar coast, with even experienced fishermen Colin and Gary involved in a incident after many years fishing off the Redcar coast.