Here is our latest Wonderful Whitby Weekly Snapshots,2nd March
The Inner Harbour
Cheeky Seagull
The Whitby dredger ‘Sandsend’
Low Tide
Scallop Boats in Whitby Harbour
The Lower Harbour at Low Tide
A starburst of spring flowers
I hope that you have enjoyed this Wonderful Whitby Weekly Snapshot taken in and around the town this week.
Fishing in Whitby has been on the news in recent days reporting on the demise of the fishing fleet over the past decades. It is stated that there is only one full time fishing trawler operating from the harbour. The other working vessels are searching for either crabs or prawns, some have even tried for the lucrative scallops.
A crab-potting boat entering Whitby Harbour
The trawlerboat ‘Copious’ is the last trawler fishing for good quality white fish such as cod and haddock from Whitby, this according to the skipper Richard is the result of the European fishing quotas set in the 1980’s to protect the aforementioned species. He is quoted as saying that the fishing stocks have now recovered but there are still quotas set by the EU in place. At the time of the implementation of the quotas there were about 50 white fish trawlers operating.
Fishing in Whitby has been a long established tradition. The early whaling fleet and herring boats are captured forever in the famous photographs by Frank Meadow Sutcliffe and the old oil paintings in the Art Gallery in the Pannett Park Museum, a testament to the history of the ancient port of Whitby.
The Look North (North East and Cumbria) television programme featured an interview with the skipper of the ‘Copious’ on Wednesday of this week highlighting the decline of fishing in Whitby and the end of an era.
Whitby Park and Ride Scheme has finally come to fruition and is, at the present time, under construction on the A171 junction with the B1460, opposite The Stables Restaurant and the Victoria Farm Garden Centre.
Whitby Park and Ride
The Park and Ride Scheme has been talked about for a number of years with various proposals submitted and consultations undertaken. Initially, it was well supported by the residents of Whitby with the hope that the traffic flow from the incoming visitors would be decreased and that in turn would enable easier parking in and around the town. However, when the proposals came to light, it would have to be (as far as possible) self financing with numerous provisions in place for that aim. It was proposed that a number of parking zones would be enforced throughout the town making the residents apply for permits to park near to their homes without guaranteed parking. Areas would be set aside i.e. the North Promenade, where parking meters would be installed, other areas i.e. the West Cliff area near to the Crescent Gardens would have a limitation of one to two hours for parking. The zone parking proved exceptionally unpopular with many of the local residents who voiced their opinions with local councillors and petitions set up on the internet. Ultimately the decision was made that there would be one zone parking throughout the town but that the residents will still have to apply for permits in some areas. Other proposals with regard to parking meters and restricted parking with the purchase of ‘scratch cards’ will still apply.
Upwards of £4 million has been earmarked for the county council to provide the Whitby Park and Ride Scheme which will include the provision of a roundabout, toilets and the bus service in and around the town. It is then proposed that the revenue from the scratch cards, parking meters, residents permits and bus fares, will finance the scheme.
It is due to be completed in time for Easter of this year offering 450 parking places, 250 on hard standing and the overflow of 200 to be site on reinforced grass. Times of operation are variable, initially from 8.00 am until 6.00 pm until the 30th April, 7.00 until 9.00pm 1st May until 30th September and then 8.30 am to 6.30 pm from the 1st October until the 31st March. Buses are expected to run every fifteen minutes and the fares are to be set at £1.50 single journey (£2.00 return) for adults (concession £1), children and young people (5 – 17) single 50p with return – £1. There are rreductions for families travelling together and also discounts for a week or a month.
The Whitby Park and Ride Scheme will not doubt court controversy but it remains to be seen whether it will be a success, certainly it should ease some of the incoming traffic, but at what cost to the local population.
Whitby in Winter is one of those times when you would think that the town would be more or less quiet as the visitors probably stay at home keeping warm and planning their summer holidays or short breaks.
Winter Harbour Scene
Surprisingly, however, at the weekends, the town is still alive with day trippers and holidaymakers making the most of their free time. To be fair, this year has been mild on the north-east coast with a distinct lack of snow but a few days of heavy frost. Unfortunately the heavy sea surges have wreaked havoc on many homes and businesses, some of which are still recovering. Over the years there have been many times when the mixture of heavy rain, high tides and gale force winds have combined to make the harbour area look like an extension of the sea! This last sea surge in December 2013 has been the most damaging since 1953 although there was heavy flooding in 2011 but without the recent consequences.
This particular year of 2014, apart from the cold snap, Winter in Whitby has seen a steady stream of visitors and trippers walking along the harbourside and pier extensions, the restaurants and pubs are reasonably busy considering the time of year. Shops may wish to have more customers, but that will come as the season gets underway.
Winter in Whitby still has many activities to offer Whitby townsfolk and visitors with three markets in the Market Place per week (Saturday, Sundays and Tuesdays), there are Indoor Carboots at the Whitby Pavilion every Sunday throughout January and February from 11,00 am till 3 pm. Film screenings at the Whitby Pavilion are held on many weekends throughout the year, many of which are new releases. Table Tennis is now being held also at the Pavilion Complex between 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm. Don’t forget there are the usual sports activities at the Whitby Indoor Leisure Centre, with many activities also taking place in the swimming pool.
Whitby Museum and Art Gallery in Pannett Way are a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours in the warmth looking at Whitby’s past. The exhibits, numerous in number, are truly fascinating ranging from ancient fossils, Whitby Jet to Maritime expeditions and memorabilia. The Park gardens themselves are a pleasure to wander around with carefully tended flowerbeds and the lovely floral clock.
Whitby Boxing Day Dip 2013 started a little later than advertised owing to the high tides, this, however, did not dampen the enthusiasm of either the Boxing Day Dippers or the huge crowds which had amassed to watch the surge of the hardy souls as they ran into the cold North Sea all in aid of charity.
And they’re off!
Boxing Day Dippers 2013
Trying to move the kelp
Trying to remove the kelp
A tractor had tried to remove the vast amounts of kelp which had gathered at the base of the slipway, although removing much of the seaweed, there was still a large presence. A few individuals tried to remove the kelp by repeatedly wading in and dragging the large clumps to shore but it seemed an impossible feat. In the end that there was a line of volunteers which would usher the dippers away from the kelp to avoid difficulties.
When the brave souls of the Whitby Boxing Day Dip 2013 eventually entered the water over a half and hour later, they did so with such relish it was hard to believe that it was a freezing cold morning in late December. The fancy dress costumes were imaginative and comical combining the super heroes and comic book heroes, Santa and the Tin man to name but a few.
Whoops of delight and somersaults from the Dippers entertained the spectators who had their cameras at the ready to capture the scene. Eventually the majority returned to the beach to dry off and warm up!!!! Others, however, seemed to delight in the occasion and remained for some time.
Volunteers paraded through the crowd with buckets to collect donations for charities which included the RNLI and Whitby’s Air Cadets. Money was also raised for a local youngster. It has been an annual event for many years organised by the Whitby Lions and so the Whitby Boxing Day Dip 2013 has shown that there is continued support for this fund raising event and many thanks are due to the organisers and participants.
Whitby Goth November Weekend 2013, Photos. Here is a further selection of photographs taken over the Whitby Goth Weekend November 2013.
Gothic Group
Ice-Cream Anyone?
Lady in Black
Saturday Gothic market trader in the Market Square, Whitby
Church Street strollers on Gothic Weekend
Gothic couple in Whitby for Goth Weekend
Stylish Gothic couple in Church Street
Braving the rain with a smile!
Braving the weather conditions
Gothic trio on the West Cliff
Foursome in the Royal Crescent Gardens
Scotch Goths?
Smart Couple near the Spa Pavilion
Two couples posing near the Spa Pavilion
Gothic Revellers
Two Gothic ladies near to the town
Just off the bus ready for the Goth Weekend
Ready for the Goth weekend fun
A coachload of visitors for the Goth Weekend
Ready to participate in the fun
Enjoying the sun near the Tourist Information Office
Very smart lady
Smart couple here for the Gothic weekend
As usual, all the participants posed with a good sense of humour and friendliness.
Thank you.
Whitby Kustom Kars 2013 held their event in the ‘showground’ at the West Cliff School on the West Cliff on Saturday, 2nd November. This event was held at the same time as the Gothic Weekend events many of which were held around the West Cliff Leisure Centre.
Gothic style car
Beautiful sleek lines
Gleaming chrome
In beautiful condition
Excellent condition for its year
Great line up of cars
Black and purple Goth car
Complete with skeleton
Kustom Kar line up
The showground showcasing the fabulous Kustom Kars
Now in their 5th year, the Whitby Kustom Kars only allow pre 1975 cars onto their showground but many later cars could be seen just outside the barriers. It was a particularly wet afternoon but the visiting crowds clearly appreciated the dedication shown to their vehicles by their owners. The paintwork and bodywork, a testament to the workmanship of the earlier car manufacturers, gleamed (even in the rainy conditions). American cars were on display as well as the earlier British ones. They ranged from sedans, and sports cars to pick up trucks and the ‘old ford pops’.
Hopefully next year the weather will be kinder, the sun will shine and the spectacular sight of these wonderful cars will be appreciated once again by the local and visiting population as it is a sight well worth seeing. The entry was free for both viewing and participating, but there were buckets available for welcome small change (even notes) as the money raised will all go to charity. Its well worth putting on your calendar – Whitby Kustom Kar event.
Whitby Goth Weekend November 2013 has seen many visitors and participants in the Goth festivals this last weekend. The wonderful costumes on display did not disappoint although the weather could have been kinder. Saturday morning, although windy, was fairly mild but unfortunately, Saturday afternoon saw the rain teeming down.
Goth Weekend revellers
Gothic couple
Flowergate Goths
Gothic couple near the Spa Pavilion
An unusual duo
Perhaps taking refreshment
Taking a stroll
Watch out that gun could be loaded (with water)
Gothic Victorian ladies
Gothic couple in Baxtergate
Two Goths in Baxtergate
As usual, there was a buoyant atmosphere and the many friendly and good natured visitors allowed their photos to be taken.
The Bizarre Bazaars seemed to be doing a roaring trade and it seemed that the Spa Pavilion was extremely busy. The Whitby Leisure Centre, which was one of the venues was extremely busy with hardly a space on the vast car park. Parking was even on the grass in some areas!
The Whitby Goth Weekend November 2013 did not disappoint in any way and combined with the Halloween Celebrations, there were a mixed crowd of revellers, some serious devoted Goth followers and others there just for the atmosphere and fun. There were certainly some ‘tongue in cheek’ outfits around the town causing some mirth to the spectating visitors but all in a good natured and friendly fashion.
Next year’s Goth Weekends are planned for the 25th – 27th April and the weekend of the 31st October. It will be the 2oth Anniversary of the Goth Weekends founded in 1984 and there seems to be no diminishing in the popularity of these twice yearly events.
The weather could perhaps have been better but no doubt the thundering and lightening on Saturday night could have contributed to the spooky halloween/gothic celebrations, even more so if warm and dry and viewing from inside! Whitby Goth Weekend November 2013 was the last event this year on the Gothic calendar for Whitby so here’s looking forward to next year!
Whitby Harbour and Piers throughout the seasons enables the viewer a magnificent selection of images of the same scenery during the year, from the bright blue skies and sparkling seas in the summer months to the ice cold grey of the winter.
Whitby Harbour in flood
Whitby Harbour in Winter
Blue skies and sea in Whitby Harbour
Foam near to the Bandstand from the stormy seas
In early winter, the off season for visitors, the harbour area is not exactly deserted, but it can be said, more or less, to be quiet apart from a weekend. The River Esk is often discoloured from the heavy swells of rainwater coming down from the surrounding country. The Piers, however, still maintain their attraction to the hardy fishermen whose only inconvenience regarding the weather is if the Pier extensions are closed off for safety reasons.
Spring brings a buzz of activity as the party boats, pleasure boats, tourist shops and cafes start to take customers after the slow months of inactivity. The pale early sunshine lifts the mood of the harbour area and piers as the if the lifeblood is flowing into the town.
Summer and Autumn brings the whole area to life, ablaze with colour and the excitement of Whitby Regatta, Folk Week and the various other tourism events. The welcome sunshine and spectacular sunsets feature in a myriad of photographs taken by the appreciative eye of the camera person as they capture a snapshot in time of this wonderful town of Whitby.
Sometimes, throughout the seasons, there are anomalies, the views not quite as expected due to perhaps the tide, the winds or the extremes of weather. This occurrence can give the opportunity for some magnificent shots of the harbour and piers.
Whitby Harbour and Piers throughout the seasons are a magnet for people of all ages to spend leisure time, relax, take a trip, fish, enjoy the bracing sea air and enjoy spectacular views. As we edge our way into winter and face one of the possibly last busy holiday weekends of the year, we will see the winter overcoat settle on one of the most busiest areas of the town.
Whitby Gothic Weekend Autumn 2013 will be commencing in full swing on Friday 1st November 2013 which falls nicely into place after Halloween.
Gothic visitors from a previous Whitby Gothic Weekend
A family group in Gothic pose
The event which has grown year on year since its early beginnings in 1994 has seen the town of Whitby hosting a twice yearly festival of alternative music and dress styles including Punks, Steampunks, Elmos, Bikers etc. The Goth visitors come from far and wide travelling from all parts of this country and abroad making these events some of the major tourist draws after the Regatta and Folk Week, (some may even say THE biggest).
This year, as always, there are masses of live music featuring such bands as Ashes to Angels, Bad Pollyanna, Diary of Dreams and Method Cell. In addition there are also fringe events hosting various bands and differing styles of dance music. These start and finish earlier, from the Thursday to the Monday at the local nightclub.
The major music events take place at the Whitby Spa Pavilion on the cliff top at the West Cliff which has hosted events for the Whitby Goth Weekend in the past. This huge venue is capable of holding such events with its many facilities including a licensed bar and underneath, a large area, where the Bizarre Bazaar market stalls are in place for the three day event, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bizarre Bazaar event is also held at the Whitby Leisure, times as before, and this year there are more areas where stalls may be found, at the Spa Pavilion, the Spa Foyer, the Spa theater and the Brunswick Centre on Brunswick Street.
Alongside the revellers to the town, many of the local population have embraced the event by dressing up themselves, the towns’ shops alter their window displays to encompass Gothic clothing and colours associated with such, pubs and cafes decorate their premises with cobwebs, fake bats, fake gravestones and specially concocted drinks and cocktails.
As in other years, the Whitby Gothic Weekend Autumn Event 2013 will be welcomed by the town of Whitby, in particular, the accommodation providers and the restaurant and cafe owners as it is a welcome boost to the economy after the summer season has ended.
