Whitby Armed Forces Day June 29th 2013

Posted on June 29, 2013 by admin

Whitby Armed Forces Day 29th June 2013 started off with a sunny morning when the crowds gathered near to the newly positioned war memorial.

Photo of crowds near to Dock End for Whitby Armed Forces Day

Whitby Armed Forces Day crowds near to the climbing wall

Photo of Whitby's Air Cadets

Whitby’s Air Cadets ready for their display

Photo of the Bird of Prey tent on the Dock End

The Bird of Prey tent at the Whitby Armed Forces Day event

Photo of the Esk Valley Concert Orchestra

The Esk Valley Concert Orchestra

Photo of an old Wurlitzer Organ near the Railway Station Car Park

The Old Wurlitzer Organ at the Railway Station Car Park

Whitby’s Town Mayor,  Councillor John Freeman, officially started the celebrations thereby followed music by the Esk Valley Concert Orchestra and displays by the Whitby Air Cadets.

Crowds of onlookers watched the opening ceremony and then were able to spend time browsing around the stalls which were set up near to the Information Centre and Dock End.  There were home made cake stalls, a raffle, jewellery stall, Birds of Prey tent and a stand for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets 740 Whitby Squadron.  Food stalls were there to feed the crowd and a rock climbing wall there for exercise!

Across the road from the stalls on the Railway Station car park, a grand Wurlitzer Organ played stirring music to entertain in addition to the Concert Orchestra.  Mid-afternoon saw a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial flight of a Lancaster Bomber, a Hurricane and a Spitfire flying low to give the crowds an excellent view.  Unfortunately the much anticipated flypast of the Red Arrows was unable to take place.

 

 

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Whitby Harbour

Posted on June 21, 2013 by admin

Whitby Harbour is constantly changing with the seasons and this particular time of year sees the harbour buzzing as the fishing and pleasure craft vessels ply their trade.

A photo of 'Our Lass III' , the new fishing vessel at Parkol Marine

The soon to be launched ‘Our Lass III’ built by Parkol Marine of Whitby

A photo of two fishing vessels at Parkol Marine Shipyard

A new vessel ‘Our Lass III’ alongside a vessel in for work at Parkol Marine of Whitby

Photo of yachts and other pleasure craft at Whitby

Yachts and other pleasure craft in the Upper Harbour at Whitby

Pleasure craft taking the visitors out to sea have had some lovely sunny weather over the past week or so enabling the visitors clear views from the boat trips as they leave the harbour and venture forth in a variety of craft such as the old lifeboat, the replica Endeavour and the Esk Belle.

The party fishing boats have been busy taking the anglers out to sea although, it must be said, for a lot longer and much further that the pleasure craft!  Saturday, June 22nd sees the start of the Whitby Sea Angling Competition, always well subscribed, and eagerly awaited by the fishing fraternity.   Over the last few days, there has been other activity to be seen at sea by way of seals, porpoises and the occasional puffin.

The commercial business side of Whitby Harbour is clearly in evidence by the sight of the new fishing vessel finished by Parkol Marine.  The new twenty-five metre ‘Our Lass III’ is scheduled to be lowered into the River on Saturday, 22nd June at approximately 3.30 p.m.  A sight worth seeing if anywhere near the upper harbour opposite the Marina.

Rowing Races between the two Whitby Clubs, the Friendship and the Fisherman’s, and the Scarborough Rowing Club have been seen racing in Whitby Harbour and out to sea, another race is scheduled for this Sunday, 23rd June all being well with the weather!

 

 

 

 

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The Whitby War Memorial

Posted on June 10, 2013 by admin

The Whitby War Memorial has been unveiled in a ceremony on the 8th June.

A photo of the new War Memorial Stone at Whitby

The Masi Quartizite War Memorial

A photo of the war memorial plaque in Whitby

The War Memorial Plaque

 

Situated near to the Tourist Information Centre at Dock End, on the site of the former Scoresby Statue (he of the crow’s nest fame) it has been funded by generous donations from local businesses and private individuals.

When the unfortunate Scoresby statue was felled by high winds it was decided that a fitting replacement would be a war memorial in remembrance of the fallen during the wars.

The memorial was unveiled by members of the Whitby Air and Army cadets followed by the haunting sound of the Last Post.

Simple in design, it is a large granite block of Masi Quartizite from the far north of Norway, set upon a double plinth of locally quarried sandstone.  The inscription reads ‘Lest we forget’.

The Whitby War Memorial will be a focal point for remembrance occasions in the future and is a fitting tribute to the those local people lost during the wars in years gone by and in recent conflicts.

 

 

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Whitby Goth Weekend April 27th 2013

Posted on April 27, 2013 by admin

Whitby Goth Weekend April 27th 2013 has seen further visitors to the town of Whitby.

Photo of Gothic Couple near the Whalebones

Goths on the Clifftop

Photo of Goths near to the Spa

Goths near to the Spa

Photo of Gothic couple near to the Whalebones

Gothic couple on the cliff top

Photo of two Gothic girls

Goths and the Abbey

Photo of three Goths taking in the view

Taking in the view

Gothic couple near to the Spa top

Photo of a family of Goths

Yesterday’s Pirates

Photo of Gothic couple resting on the cliff top

Taking a break and admiring the view

Photo of couple near to Captain Cook

All shipshape near Captain Cook

Photo of couple at Khyber Pass steps

Gothic couple in front of the Abbey

Photo of a group of Goths

Having a good time on the cliff top

Photo of two gents

Two Gentlemen near to the Spa

Photo of Lady Goth

Cool and windy on the cliff top

Photo of a cat at the cliff top

A spectator who stayed and watched and surveyed all that happened on the Cliff top

Photo of Caroline Fields

Caroline Fields, the actress and singer

Photo of pretend body in car

In the back of the car

 

 

The Spa Pavilion is hosting the Bizarre Bazaar with all manner of Gothic things to be purchased and a welcoming meeting place to have a drink and meet up with old friends and catch up on all the news.  The Bizarre Bazaar is held here also tomorrow (Sunday) and the line up  of events also includes a ‘Bring and Buy’, and a  Pool Competition (Metropole Bar) with the grand prize of a much celebrated packet of Jaffa Cakes.  The evenings entertainment comes in the form of numerous bands, headlining at the Spa Pavilion tonight are Clan of Xymox, Skeletal Family, The Danse Society and Deviant UK.  There is a special introduction to tonight’s event with William Control.

Tomorrow’s events kick off literally with the Real Gothic versus Athletico Gazette at the Whitby Town Football Club.  This popular yearly event raises money for charity as well as giving lively entertainment for the spectators.

 

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Whitby Goth Weekend Spring 2013

Posted on April 26, 2013 by admin

Whitby Goth Weekend Spring Weekend 2013 is upon us and the town is welcoming an influx of visitors both to participate and also to admire the beautiful costumes to be seen.

Photo of a Gothic couple on Sandgate

A Gothic couple on Sandgate

A photo of a gothic girl on Church Street

A not so ‘blue’ lady

Photo of a Goth Couple on Church Street

Gothic couple on Church Street

Photo of Goths resting on seat near the harbour

Relaxing Goths

Photo of Goths taking tea

Tea break Goths

Photo of Gothic girl on Bridge Street

Gothic lady near to the Swing Bridge

Photo of a Gothic Couple at the bottom of the 199 steps

Gothic couple near the 199 steps

Photo of a Gothic couple on Church Street

Church Street Goths

A photo of three Goths on Church Street

Ahoy, three Goths

A photo of a Gothic Couple on Bridge Street

Two Goths on Bridge Street

Photo of three Goths at the harbourside

Harbourside Goths

Whitby Goth Weekend Spring 2013 brings a lively atmosphere to Whitby, with the Gothic participants wandering around the town and an army of photographers eager to capture an unforgettable photo.  There is no doubt that the Gothic weekend events held twice yearly bring a large boost to the economy of the town.

The hotels and guest houses, the restaurants and the pubs, in additon to the local shops, all benefit from the influx of visitors enjoying the delights of Whitby.

 

 

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Old Mulgrave Castle, Whitby, UK

Posted on March 29, 2013 by admin

Old Mulgrave Castle in the heart of Mulgrave Woods has a distinct romantic air to it.

Photo of Old Mulgrave Castle

Old Mulgrave Castle                                                                       

Photo of Hinckley College Students at Old Mulgrave Castle

Hinckley College Students filming at Old Mulgrave Castle    

Photo of students filming in Mulgrave Woods

Wizards in Mulgrave Woods aka Hinckley College Students

A photo of a blanket of snowdrops in Mulgrave Woods

A hillside covered in a blanket of snowdrops in Mulgrave Woods

Photo of icicles under bridge in Mulgrave Woods

Icicles under the bridge at Mulgrave Woods

On very frosty day in Mulgrave Woods near to the Old Mulgrave Castle an intrepid troop of amateur student actors and a student film crew from Hinckley College, North Warwickshire were filming using the romantic ruins as a backdrop.  The purpose was to give a filming experience to the students as part of their studies.

Even though it was bitter cold, a brisk walk through the woods past the bridge dripping with icicles, leading to the gentle steps up to the castle, the view of this special ruin compensates for any discomfort suffered.  Just over the side of the ruins outer wall there was a beautiful blanket of snowdrops standing to attention.

Mulgrave Old Castle, first constructed in 1214, belonged to the de Mauley family for over two hundred years.   After falling into decline, it was bought by Lord Sheffield around 16oo and converted  into a hunting lodge.  Around forty years later it was fortified against the Royalist forces.  It was twice besieged during the Civil War and then blown up!

In 1743 the Mulgrave Estate was inherited by the Phipps family.  In 1792, the landscape architect Humphrey Repton and the Earl of Mulgrave embarked upon romanticising the ruins.  Over the centuries the castle ruins deteriorated further until a programme of restoration began in 1995 to stabilize the remainder.

Mulgrave Woods are open Wednesday, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year but are closed for the month of May for the undisturbed rearing of the pheasants.  Dogs are allowed but only on leads.  There is parking at the entrance to the woods near to the small bridge in Sandsend.

Mulgrave Old Castle is reached by walking through these woods, a signpost directs to the steps and ruins.

 

 

 

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The Great Seaside Vintage Fair 2013

Posted on March 9, 2013 by admin

The Great Seaside Vintage Fair 2013 is once again returning to Whitby on Saturday and Sunday, 20th and 21st of July from 9.30am – 4pm both days.  It will be held as previously at the Whitby Pavilion.

Photo of the Vintage Fair poster

The Great Seaside Vintage Fair 2013

Over the past few years Whitby has developed an affinity with vintage clothing whether via the Gothic Weekends or the North Yorkshire Moors Whitby in Wartime. It is not uncommon to find visitors or indeed one or two locals walking around the town centre wearing vintage clothing, in the case of the Gothic Weekends really anything goes but for the NYMR events it tends to be from the 1930s up to the 1950s.

The fairs at the Whitby Pavilion are an ideal way to pick up clothing for such events in addition to browsing for something a little different!

With over 40 stalls of genuine vintage from the 1920’s to the 1980’s,
from fashion to small furniture, jewellery to vintage vinyl, toys, mid
Century ceramics and upcycled vintage.  The Great Seaside Vintage Fair 2013 is a whole weekend of fun in
the wonderful setting of Whitby Pavilion – just round the corner from
the famous whale bones of Whitby!

Entry is £2 on the door or £1.50 for concessions, and under 16’s get in for FREE.

 

 

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Whitby Floral Clock

Posted on March 4, 2013 by admin

Whitby Floral Clock which is situated in the town’s Pannett Park just half way up Chubb Hill Road is now planted with the early spring flowers.  The flowers have been planted with care and it can be clearly seen already that around the outside of the face is printed ‘Pannett Park’ in hedging just slightly apart from the numerals.

Photo of the Floral Clock in Whitby

The Floral Clock in Pannett Park

In a few weeks time it will be a blaze of spring colours and is one of the sights many people who visit Whitby love to see.

The idea of the large Whitby Floral Clock was to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953 and over the years it has been planted and flowered in different themes and colours.  Sadly by 1979 due to lack of funds, the clock mechanism failed and the area resorted to ordinary flowerbeds.  Quite a disappointment for those visiting after a few years and looking to find the famous floral clock.

A group of volunteers formed in 2005 with the aim of improving the park and restoring the heritage features.  They work in conjunction with both Whitby and Scarborough Council but undertake many hours of volunteer work to enhance the park for the enjoyment of the community.  In 2006 the Friends of Pannett Park secured funding for the renovation of the Whitby Floral Clock with grants and sponsorship.  Since that time it has been planted and tended for by the Friends, brightening the day for all who view it.

Last year, the Jubilee Year, it was planted and remodelled into the shape of a crown marking the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth.  Decorated in the wonderful reds and yellows it was a lovely tribute to the diamond years.

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Bentley Rally in Whitby

Posted on March 2, 2013 by admin

A Bentley Rally in Whitby last weekend drew admiring glances from the crowds as they took photographs of the array of beautiful cars.

Photo of Bentley cars in Whitby

Bentleys in Whitby

Photo of Bentley Cars in Whitby

Line-up of Bentleys in Whitby

It is most unusual to see a Bentley in Whitby’s car parks never mind upwards of twelve or more!!  We often see Motorbike Rallies and Scooter Rallies, Vintage Car Rallies but I think this is a first but hopefully not the last of the Bentley Rallies in Whitby

 

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Whitby Wetherspoons

Posted on February 25, 2013 by admin

Whitby Wetherspoons is nearing completion opposite the Harbour on New Quay Road.  The building which was formerly the New Angel Hotel (Big A) and Laughtons Night Club has been taking shape behind a facade depicting its proposed  look upon opening for business on the 28th March.

A photo of the refurbished New Angel Hotel, Whitby

The new frontage of the Wetherspoons Hotel in Whitby

Photo of the new Weatherspoons Hotel in Whitby

The revamped New Angel Hotel in Whitby

The hotel has been in business for many years and, indeed, features in some of Frank Meadow Sutcliffe’s sepia photographs from the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Before the 1760s the land was used for shipbuilding.  Many of these old photographs show the large sailing vessels in the Dock End with the hotel in the background.

The new proposed Whitby Wetherspoons has been welcomed by a large number of the local population although with perhaps one or two reservations by some others!

 

 

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