21 'faces' of Redcar to be part of new public artwork are revealed

Locals asked to nominate 'faces' of Redcar and judging panel met to choose who would feature in permanent art exhibition at Redcar railway station

Some of the 'faces' of Redcar

Some of these faces may already seem familiar - but they’re about to get even more well known.
For soon, their faces will greet rail visitors to Redcar as part of a piece of public artwork at the town’s railway station.

Last year, locals were asked to nominate the “faces” of Redcar.
A judging panel then met to choose who would take part in a photo-shoot and feature in a permanent art exhibition at the station. And those chosen provide a fascinating snapshot of life in a northern town.

From little cancer battler Ruby Hodgson to veteran historian Vera Robinson MBE, they’re the sort of people who make up the fabric of Redcar life. And by next spring, their official photos will be installed as part of a £1.3m station revamp.

Councillor Olwyn Peters, the borough’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “This has been a really fun and vibrant project to work on and one that will brighten up the railway station and enhance the arrival experience for residents and visitors. It just goes to show how Redcar is packed with many wonderful people with colourful and interesting lives, just like the rest of the borough.”

So who made the final 21? Some you’ll know, some you won’t - but they all have the Redcar area pulsing through their veins.

The Redcar Faces Project:
Steve Atkinson: Member of the town’s brave lifeboat crew
Linda Green: A familiar face to rail travellers, she’s worked at the station booking office for 30 years.
Vera Robinson MBE: Now aged 99, what she doesn’t know about the town’s history isn’t worth knowing.
Ruby Hodgson: Inspirational three-year-old who has taken on, and is beating, cancer.
Phillip Noble: A keen runner who encourages folk to get fit by donning? trainers and following in his footsteps.
Dennis Jenkins: The one and only - a disco legend from the 70s and 80s who has turned to knitting as a hobby.
Ray Preston: Former lifeboatman and Sharky’s licensee who is now Coastwatch’s station controller.
Claire Rachel Hewitt: Fitness instructor who changes lives by helping people lose weight and get fitter.
Tracy Stubbs and Debbie Honeyman: Familiar faces who work at the family-run Miller and Daughters fruit and veg shop and stall - whatever the weather!
Chris Nixon: Teacher who encourages children to reach their performing arts potential.
Mary Lee: Secretary of the Friends of Zetland Park.
Lindy O’Hare: Founder of invaluable support group Survivors of Domestic Abuse.
Claire and Philip Green: Owners of thriving - and charity-backing - cafe Sophellies.
Norman Evans MBE: Busker Norman, who has multiple sclerosis, has raised thousands of pounds for charity over several decades.
Mike Findley MBE: Former mayor Mike was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2005 and continues to raise funds for, and awareness of, the muscle-wasting condition.
Brian Lewellyn: Upholding a Punch and Judy family tradition that began back in 1953.
Thomas Gibbon: Master butcher at a shop that make pies people come from miles around for, Goodswen and Son.
Rene Gibbons: Now 90, Rene served up school dinners at the former Cleveland Grammar and Corporation Road schools for 31 years.
Lewis Collins: A talented musician, rapidly becoming one of Redcar’s best known street entertainers.
Jessica Rushby: She’s only two, but she can’t get enough of the new Redcar Beacon, having visited it more than 10 times already.
George Pacitto: Redcar - lemontops - Pacittos - the boss. What more is there to say?

Article from the Gazette Live:
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/21-faces-redcar-part-new-6334489