8 - Scarborough Review, December - Issue 28
Green-fingered Keith Council search for new loves his allotment development group
Scarborough Harbour by Pete Spence
Green-fingered Keith Gibson with his trophies (to order this photo, please ring 353597). Words and photos by Dave Barry
COME rain or shine, Keith Gibson is on his allotment most days. “I’m up here in the wind, rain and snow – everything”, says Keith, whose patch boasts a grand view of Scarborough and the sea. “It breaks my day up.” Nestling just below Jacob’s Mount, Keith’s garden is pretty large, measuring about 140 x 40 ft. Keith grows a broad range of fruit and vegetables - much of which he gives away as he and his partner couldn’t possibly eat it all - and flowers. Along with 110 neighbouring plots, Keith’s is owned by the council, which sublets them to Sandybed Allotments Association. Keith was recently awarded a couple of cups: the association’s Don Dykes trophy for the best allotment and Scarborough in Bloom’s Muck & Magic trophy for the most productive vegetable garden. The judges descended in July, when Keith’s allotment was at its most bountiful
and colourful. Keith lives in Colombus Ravine and frequently collects seaweed from the north-bay beach to scatter on his patch. Seaweed breaks down quickly and is rich in vital nutrients. The seaweed is supplemented by Keith’s home-grown compost and by cow-muck, a trailer-load of which is delivered once a year by friendly local farmer Pete flinton. Keith, 64, worked as a welder at Plaxton and Wards until he retired 12 years ago. He began helping a friend at Sandybed and put his name on a waiting list for an allotment. An enthusiastic amateur, he admits he didn’t know what he was doing to start with. But he was keen to learn and fellow allotmenteers were equally keen to help. “I’d like to thank Anne Artley, Alan Hewitt and John Carter, who've helped me a lot over the years,” he says. “Anne is a diamond; she's brilliant for this association.”
Park life at off road cycling event
From left, Matilda Stringer, Robyn Stringer and Erin Griffiths
From left, Joe Wight, Cavan Walker and John Horlock
SCARBOROuGH-based Richardsons Cycle club ran their Autumn off road mountain bike event at filey Country Park. There was an excellent turn out of over 40 young riders and 24 adults and youths for a blast around a specially designed circuit at the park. The young riders under-12 were competing in the British Cycling Go Ride series of events the club have been running this year and the older riders and adults were testing themselves on an energy zapping grass and tarmac circuit that had
cyclocross style dismount features. The morning was the warmest November morning ever on filey Brigg and the event was supported by filey Tourism Association, Paul Raper joinery and lanes Roofing. Event organiser Bryden Simpson said: “We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made this event possible. local support from the council and Sue's country park cafe were also crucial and to see so many out on bikes having fun and being active was great!”
SCARBOROuGH Borough Council is looking to recruit three independent people to its newly formed Ports Development Group, which will focus on the strategic development of the borough’s three ports: Whitby Harbour, Scarborough Harbour and filey Coble landing. The group is being established to provide strategic support, advice and guidance to the council’s Cabinet Member for Harbours, Assets, Coast and flood Protection, Cllr Mike Cockerill. It will assist with the development of a Strategic Plan for the ports, which will include contributing to reports and recommendations to the council’s Cabinet. The group will also look at the promotion and regeneration of the ports, including how best to win new business and how the ports can benefit stakeholders and the wider coastal community. The group will consist of seven members: three independent people, three borough
councillors and Cllr Mike Cockerill as Chairman. The group will be supported by one of the council’s directors, its Harbourmaster and Regeneration Project Development Manager. Cllr Mike Cockerill, Cabinet Member for Harbours, Assets, Coast and flood Protection said: “We welcome applications from anyone who feels they could add value to our new strategic approach for developing the borough’s ports. The group’s role will be strictly advisory with no involvement in the day to day operational management of the ports. We therefore need people with vision that can look at the bigger picture and, through strategic development, help us shape the future of our ports.” Anyone interested in the role can find out more information about how to apply at: scarborough.gov.uk/pdgvacancies The closing date for applications is Sunday 6 December.
Friends group set to grow with grassroots grant
Friends of Dean Road and Manor Road Cemetery with their certificate from Skipton Building Society
Words & picture by Pete Spence pete@thescarboroughreview.co.uk
THE friends of Dean Road and Manor Road Cemetery are celebrating after receiving a grant from Skipton Building Society. The grant for £500 was awarded to the voluntary group as part of Skipton's Grassroots Giving 2015 scheme. Jan Cleary from the friends group said: “I'd like to thank everyone who voted for us as there was some very stiff
competition. We'll use the grant to buy flowering shrubs and will plant them in some of the areas of the cemetery newly cleared of brambles and other undergrowth. “If anyone would like to help we have a volunteer session on the first Sunday of every month, meeting at 10am at the mortuary chapel in Dean Road cemetery.” for more information on the group look for them on facebook.