TUMBLE DRYER WARNING GOES OUT TO RESIDENTS!
FIRE Chiefs are urging residents to follow safety advice when using electrical appliances such as tumble dryers after a spate of fire incidents last month.
So far this year there has been 143 accidental house fires, 38 were caused by electrical appliances. Last month however there was a dramatic increase in the number of incidents involving tumble dryers and washing machines so Cleveland Fire Brigade are offering advice on how to reduce the risk in homes.
General safety
- Don’t leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out. They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors.
Tumble dryer safety
- Remove the lint from the trap after every load of clothes dried
- Do not cover the vent or any other opening
- Ensure the vent pipe is free of kinks and is not crushed in any way
- Only used recommended vent pipes, and not improvised ones
- Only vent the warm air to the outside of a building
- Do not put rags or materials into your tumble dryer if they have been used to soak up flammable liquids.
Tell-tale signs that your tumble dryer is not properly ventilated
- Clothes take a very long time to dry, especially heavy articles of clothing such as towels or jeans
- Clothes feel hotter than usual at the end of the cycle
- The flapper on the vent hood remains closed when the dryer is on
David Atkinson, Community Education Manager said: “By following these few simple guidelines you can reduce the risk of an electrical appliance fire in your home. Incidents more than doubled in these types of fires during July throughout the Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar districts which could be avoided.
“We would also urge residents who haven’t had a Home Fire Safety Visit to have one carried out in their home which helps identify risks and also ensures every home has a working smoke alarm.”
For more information and PICTURE OPPORTUNITY please contact David Atkinson on 01429 872311
Twiggy, Moss and Creeper come out to play!
GUISBOROUGH FOREST FESTIVAL, SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER
Bizarre creatures will break cover at Guisborough Forest Festival on Sunday 14 September as the north’s biggest rustic show of its kind returns to the North York Moors!The mega outdoor event – now in its fifth year - will over see 80 exhibitors sharpening chisels to showcase forest and country crafts, while a cast of colourful performers create a riot of music, fun and frolics.
Last year over 3,000 people thronged to the 360-hectare (900-acre) beauty-spot and this time organisers from the Forestry Commission, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and the Friends of Guisborough Forest and Walkway are really branching out!
Sprouting through the undergrowth will be Twiggy, Moss, Creeper, Mo-the-Lawn and Willow!
They are fantasy forest dwellers played by acrobats from the acclaimed “Heir of Insanity” troupe and will be mingling with the crowds. They have taken the lovable green-themed characters across the globe, from Egypt to Thailand. Artistic Director Mark Tate said:
“Once in our amazing costumes, decked with lots of foliage, we look half human and half shrub. It breaks all the laws of evolution, but it’s been a big hit for us, and it’s perfect for Guisborough Forest. We’ll really blend with the background!”
Elsewhere, it will be full steam ahead along the defunct train line that once ran through Guisborough Forest and Walkway. Railway enthusiasm, Mike Aslin will be sat astride his mini-loco and inviting passengers to experience the charms of a real branch line! There will also be chance to ape Ray Mears with bushcraft sessions, enjoy willow weaving and circus skills, make music with recycled pots and pans, and come face-to-face with wonderful wildlife, from honey bees to birds of prey and hedgehogs.
Ranger Cath Brason said:“The festival has gone from strength-to-strength in just a few short years. We have loads of hands-on activities lined-up, including a chance to try ancient forest skills like wood turning. It will be a day to remember.”
Entry to the festival this year will be at the Hutton Village entrance to the wood, not Pinchinthorpe. Free car parking is available nearby at Home Farm. There will also be a free park and ride bus service from Fountain Streetcar park on Rectory Lane, Guisborough. Further details on 01287 631132, or log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/yorkshireandthehumber
MUSIC EVENT
Apollo Male Voice Choir
Friday 3 October 2008 7.30pm in St Peters Church, Redcar Lane, Redcar
Tickets £5 inc. refreshments
Anyone interested contact Tel; 01642 471064
(Ged Fleming from Friends of Redcar Cemetery)
or contact St Peters Church Tel: 01642 480835
All proceeds to St Peters Church and Friends of Redcar Cemetery
FIRE CHIEFS URGE PARENTS TO WATCH
THEIR CHILDREN DURING
THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
FIRE Chiefs at Cleveland Fire Brigade would like to urge parents to be responsible and keep an eye on what their children are up to during the six weeks summer holidays.
School children are about to have their longest time off from school before they start back in September for a new year. During this time it’s hard for parents to keep their family entertained for such a long period and children often get bored.
During the last summer break in 2007, the number of deliberate fires went up throughout the Brigade area by 65% with incidents increasing to 691 compared to the six weeks before. The majority of the fires were small fires such as refuse.
As well as fire setting, hoax calls are also a problem for the emergency services which cause a drain on resources, waste valuable time and put lives at risk.
Phil Lancaster, Director of Community Protection said: “The majority of parents are responsible and most young people are well behaved but sadly there are people who are out there who cause a lot of disruption to the fire brigade and other emergency services.
“We have problems with hoax calls, deliberate fires on the hills and in derelict buildings, as well as attacks on firefighters when they are trying to do their job. All of these problems cause a drain on our resources and cost tax payers money as well as putting the publics and their own lives in danger. It is quite possible for a simple prank to end in tragedy.
“We would ask parents to keep a close eye on what their children are up to and explain to them the problems that this kind of bad behaviour can cause. When we get called out to a hoax call it could delay us getting to a real fire and therefore put lives in danger.
“The summer holiday should be enjoyed by young people. Help us by ensuring that your fun or foolishness does not cause someone else a tragedy.”
EMERGENCY SERVICES JOIN FORCES
TO OFFER RAPID RESPONSE TO PATIENTS
A partnership between Cleveland Fire Brigade and the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is working well, ensuring the quickest response to patients in East Cleveland.
Since the co-responder scheme started in 2004, the Brigade has assisted the ambulance service by attending 842 emergency incidents.
Due to the location of the Brigade’s fire stations’, fire crews are able to support the emergency ambulance service by being able to reach patients that are suffering from potentially life threatening signs and symptoms such as breathing difficulties and chest pains within eight minutes so they can provide essential first aid before the ambulance crews take over.
Elaine Bennington, Operations Manager for the Tees Division of the North East Ambulance Service said: “Whilst the North East Ambulance Service continues to develop and extend its own resources to continually improve the service to the patients of East Cleveland, additional resources are always welcome.”
Research has shown that if a cardiac arrest victim is defibrillated immediately their chance of survival can be as high as 85%, these odds decrease by 10% with every minute that passes without treatment.
Steve Walton, Redcar District Manager said: “All of our fire engines carry a defibrillator which is used to shock a heart that has stopped pumping blood effectively.
“All Cleveland Fire Brigade firefighters are also trained to perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and carry oxygen therapy equipment which can be used to support the patients until the paramedics arrive.
“All members of the public can be taught life saving skills which could form a vital link in the chain of survival. Cleveland Fire Brigade will deliver this free training on request. For more details or if you would like to request some training please contact 01429 874063 or your local fire station.”
Intrepid Tykes, Roger and Chris Sewell, to walk from Hull to York carrying the Yorkshire Flag
Retired teachers, Roger and Chris Sewell of Goole, will set off from Hull, carrying the newly registered Yorkshire flag, shortly after 12.45 PM on Tuesday 29th July.
Accompanied by members of their local walking group, they will leave Queen’s Gardens , following a ceremony during which the Lord Mayor of Hull will unfurl a newly made Ceremonial Yorkshire Flag. They will arrive at Walmgate Bar in York in time for the annual readings of the Yorkshire Declaration of Integrity around the walls of York.
Roger, who is Vice-Chairman of the Yorkshire Ridings Society, who have organised the ceremony to mark the registration of the Yorkshire flag, said:
'We will do the walk in easy stages with the intention of arriving at Walmgate Bar in York at 10.30 am on Yorkshire Day, Friday 1st August. If you see us crossing the Wolds and the Vale of York please give us a wave or even join us for a short distance.
"Registration of the flag establishes the white rose on a blue background as the flag of the historic county of Yorkshire, irrespective of any administrative areas which have been superimposed on the county over the past 35 years. It was arranged in time for this Year's Yorkshire Day celebrations so we thought it would be a good idea to walk to York with the flag.”
Roger's wife Chris said:
'We were delighted when the Lord Mayor of Hull agreed to attend the ceremony and unfurl the flag for us.'
In the summer of 2005 Roger & Chris walked around the whole boundary of historic Yorkshire, over 600 miles and next year they plan a walk from York to Minden in Germany to celebrate the link between Yorkshire Day and Minden Day. During the Battle of Minden, in 1759, it is reported that Yorkshire soldiers picked white roses in memory of their fallen comrades. This is one of the reasons for why Yorkshire Day is celebrated on1st August by the Yorkshire Ridings Society and by many other people all over the county.
ICE
"In Case of Emergency"
Apparently this is a standard procedure all paramedics follow at the scene of an accident when they come across your cell phone.
ICE - "In Case of Emergency"
We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.
If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence the "ICE"
(In Case of Emergency) Campaign.
The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell(mobile)phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" ( In Case Of Emergency).
The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE."
For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference! Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our
Mobile phones today!
Please let everyone know about this,. It won't take too many "forwards" before
everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a
loved one's mind at rest. ICE will speak for you when you are not able to.
PREPARING for DRIVING IN SUMMER
It is really important during the summer months to ensure that your vehicle is well maintained, especially if you intend to go on long journeys.
Ensure that the vehicle is serviced regularly and that all the lights work, the tyres are legal and windscreens are free from cracks. Ensure windscreen washers are filled up and do the job when required. Check oil and water levels. Ensure they are topped up correctly.
Tyre condition should be checked (including the spare) for tyre pressure and legal tread depth. The current minimum legal tread depth for cars and light commercial vehicles (unto 3500kg gvw) is 1.6 mm.
Inspect the jack and wheel brace making sure you are confident about their use. If locking wheel nuts are fitted ensure locking key is safely stowed away in the car. It may be useful to practice changing the spare wheel following the instructions from your owner’s handbook.
Tips for making your journey as safe as possible.
Plan your route. Remember on long motorway journeys it is advisable to pull into motorway service areas for regular breaks. Set out in plenty of time. Driving whilst tired can kill so don’t take the chance.
Take something to eat and drink, just in case you are unlucky enough to get caught in any traffic congestion.
If you plan to take a caravan, ensure you maintain your vehicle paying particular attention to brakes and tyres. Stick to the speed limits for the vehicle/caravan as these vehicles can become unstable at speed.
Other useful pieces of equipment to carry are: A good first aid kit, a high quality torch, preferably with long life / spare batteries, a warning triangle, fire extinguisher, a spare fuel can, a light bulb kit, a spare can of engine oil and water, a good up to date road map or satellite navigation device.
You can also receive a route giving you the roads from leaving to destination from the R.A.C. or the Automobile Association from these organisations websites.
One last thing……..
During the summer it can be very tempting to drink and drive. Lots of people stop off in pubs for meals or go to friends for barbecues and there is a strong temptation to have a couple of pints or a couple of glasses of wine and then drive your car – DON’T. Throughout the summer months Police across the country will be extra vigilant in catching drink drivers in an effort to reduce road casualties so don’t take the chance. Drink driving does kill and injure many people during the summer months, so never ever drink and drive.
HAVE A SHOT AT BOWLS
Carers across Redcar an Cleveland can take advantage of free indoor bowls
sessions, which are being held at The Compass Centre in Redcar , on Tuesdays from 1.15 pm - 3.15 pm and Thursdays 9.30- 1130 am.
The sessions are open to any carers who are living in The Redcar and Cleveland Area.
No bowls playing experience is needed.
Contact Irene Poynter on 01642 491572 or Christine Saunders on 01642496430
Dear Friends and Members,
This is just to let you know of our next two events coming up in June and July
On the 17th and 18th of June we have the return of Julie Felix following last year's two sell out concerts. This year the tour is "Highway of Diamonds" and will be celebrating her 70th birthday and 45 years in the music business. It will be held in the lovely setting of The Chapel at the Sir William Turner's Almshouses in Kirkleatham. Doors open 7.00 p.m. for a 7.30 start Tickets £12. Please ring 01642 477018 to book your place - entry by ticket only.
Thursday 17th July Zetland Methodist Chapel Redcar - A Matinee of Light Opera and piano music featuring Stephen Ridley and Steve Craig. 1.30 p.m pay at the door £2.50 including tea and biscuits.
Hope to see you there - Bob and Christine
Make your business dreams become reality........
Have a business idea but unable to access mainstream banking facilities?
The Working Capital Fund may be able to help, providing low cost loans (Interest rate 12.68% A.P.R) to individuals aged 18 or over either in business or wishing to start their own business, living in an eligible ward. The Fund can be accessed via local Credit Unions.
If you would like more information please contact Julie Hunter on: 07973 952494,
email: juliehuntercu@hotmail.co.uk
CLEVELAND POLICE FEDERATION VOICE CONCERN OVER LOSS OF HELICOPTER
Cleveland Police Federation, who represent rank and file officers within Cleveland Police are astounded that the Police Helicopter covering their area may be withdrawn.
It has been revealed that the current consortium consisting of Cleveland Police, Durham Constabulary and Northumbria Police who operate 2 helicopters, one based at Durham & Tees Valley Airport and one based at Newcastle Airport may well reduce the service to one helicopter based at Newcastle. Cleveland Police are opposed to this as it will mean a far reduced service for both the police and public within the Cleveland Police area. Unfortunately this is being ignored by both Durham & Northumbria.
Cleveland Federation Chairman Steve Matthews stated: “The Southern based helicopter is a marvellous asset to crime fighting in our area and has proven itself over a number of years. It is not only the crime fighting aspect however, as the aircraft provides a safety net to both the police and the public. Having the helicopter involved in pursuits, major incidents, area searches for missing persons and even transportation of casualties has the potential of both saving lives and reducing the burden of work undertaken by officers on a daily basis. The helicopter can search an area of open ground in a matter of minutes which would take a team of search trained officers hours. An example is the recent missing from home enquiry in West Yorkshire, where the use of the helicopter released officers to concentrate on other lines of enquiry.”
He added:” Loss of the 2nd helicopter would be both a retrograde step in crime fighting and a reduction in service to the public of the Tees Valley.”
Dear Resident,
Your local Police are committed to targeting the illegal supply of drugs within your neighbourhood. Drug abuse creates crime and increases anti-social behaviour which degrades and blights our communities.
Over the last 12 months Police in this borough alone have made in excess of 400 arrests for drugs offences and have seized drugs with a street value of £228,000.
I am convinced that every arrest and each drug recovery has a positive effect, however I want to increase the pressure upon drug dealers and criminals over the next 12 months and your support is essential.
I am asking you to report any suspicion you have regarding drug dealers and users within your neighbourhood. You can do so on the following numbers;
Freephone Confidential Information Line – 08000 929 702
Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
Things I would ask you to be vigilant of include homes which receive excessive visitors only staying for a short period of time, youths gathering around telephone boxes, suspicious exchanges in the street, neighbours with extravagant lifestyles, or neighbours who receive visitors who appear to exchange property.
Drug dealers are making vast amounts of money as a result of the misery of addicts, and of course the victims of crime.
Please work in partnership with us to target dealers and addicts. I am convinced that together we can offer help to addicts through treatment programmes and of course put dealers where they belong… in a prison cell.
Thank you for your continuing support
Detective Inspector Dave Mead
Council Organised Events 2008
We will be having the ice rink on the high street in Redcar again in the October half term holidays. ( from the 29th Oct - 2nd Nov)
There is as usual a firework display organised for the 5th of November at the stray like last year, also we are having a pantomime at Redcar Bowl on the 8th of December.
SABIC’S MAJOR CRACKER PLANT OVERHAUL LOOMS
Heavy flaring expected May/June as plant is taken off line
Preparations are continuing for the 2008 Olefins 6 Cracker major overhaul at SABIC’s Wilton operations during May and June this year.
SABIC, who acquired the Cracker from Huntsman in December 2006, are a Saudi Arabian company with the highest of standards when it comes to Safety, Health and Environment and a very strong commitment to keep the community informed about developments such as this overhaul.
SABIC will be investing around £30 million on the overhaul and about the same amount again making improvements to the complex to increase output via ‘Project Lift-Off.’
SABIC will be mounting a comprehensive community information programme to help make people aware of the overhaul, why it is being done and why it is so important to the Teesside and North East region.