Small firms get chance to shine at North East Exporters' Awards 2015

It's not just the big players that are bolstering the North-east’s impressive export figures.

And the best small-to-medium exporters will have their chance to shine at the North East Exporters’ Awards 2015.

The SME Exporter Award is open to companies with a turnover up to £25m, that have demonstrated exceptional achievement in export.

The annual North East Exporters’ Awards recognise the work of businesses that, through their exporting achievements, are making a major contribution to both the regional and UK economies.

In particular, it aims to highlight the strength and diversity of the North-east’s exporting activity.

The awards are a partnership between the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), UK Trade & Investment, HSBC, PD Ports and ncjMedia.

For a third year, NECC will be bringing the Gazette and its sister paper The Journal on board as the media partner and to provide event management support.

Last year, entries nearly doubled on previous years - helping the partnership achieve its aim of becoming the number one export awards for the region.

This year’s awards dinner will take place on Thursday, June 25 at Ramside Hall Hotel, County Durham.

LAst year’s SME Exporter Award winner was Ashington-based A-Belco Ltd.

The company, which specialises in explosion proof electrical equipment, has made significant inroads into the oil and gas industry.

ItS hazardous area floodlight was the world’s first of its kind and has virtually become an industry standard since being developed in 2010. The device has been used on a major energy plant in Australia.

Through its distributor network, it has broken into the Scandinavian, UAE, Indonesian, Malaysian and Singaporean markets with export sales increasing four-fold.

Export sales now account for around 56% of turnover, against 21% in 2011.

The company is looking to build on its worldwide distributor network, particularly in high growth markets such as South America, (Brazil and Columbia) and in Vietnam.

Further products to supplement product range are under development which will open up new markets such as Russia and the former Soviet States. A-Belco is also undergoing further product certifications to allow it to break into the North and South American and Canadian markets.

To make a nomination, reserve a table, or for further information log onto http://bit.ly/1BT0qNK . Alternatively contact Andy Forster, Events Manager on 0191 201 6430 or email andrew.forster@trinitymirror.com

Deadline for entries is Friday, May 1.

Arthur J. Gallagher is proud to be supporting the North East Chamber of Commerce in this year’s North East Exporters’ Awards. 2015 will be the second year that we have sponsored the award category of SME Exporter of the Year.

Based on Quayside, Newcastle, Arthur J. Gallagher employs over 40 people locally and specialises in tailored insurance solutions and risk management services for the corporate sector across the North-east.

Knowledge and strength in both the local and national insurance market is complemented by an ability to transact business in 140 countries worldwide, thereby helping clients and the North East to achieve excellence in export.

Christine Proctor, Associate Director at Arthur J. Gallagher, said: “Being part of one of the largest risk management and insurance broking companies in the world is a major advantage for our clients who benefit from our significant international reach and a global network which means we can arrange the cover our clients need but also ensures that the

insurance arranged complies with local requirements which can differ between states in certain countries.

“Depending on the scale and activity of your business, your insurance needs could be simple or complex. We offer customers a free audit. We’ll look at your existing insurance policies to see where you might have inadequate, missing or even unnecessary cover. We’ll also let you know about any regulatory issues, which may affect your insurance.

“Then, once we have agreed on the type of cover your business needs, we will find the right policy at the most competitive price. Our approach is service-focussed centring on face to face interaction, challenging the status quo and investing time to understand individual businesses.

“We are a business without barriers — working together to create solutions that drive value and competitive advantage.

“Whether you are a small business or international conglomerate, our people, our technical expertise and our global reach deliver first-class coverage, risk management advice and placement expertise.

“We very much look forward to receiving the applications and wish all who apply the best of luck.”

To contact the Newcastle branch, please call 0191 3762126, or for further information, visit http://bit.ly/1Da7sgw.

#OnThisBoroDay 2006: Boro beat Basel 4-1 on an incredible, unforgettable night at the Riverside

In one split second Italian striker Massimo Maccarone forever etched himself into Boro’s history books.

One split second that ensured this was a match forever remembered, a remarkable comeback, an incredible story.

And we weren’t even in the final chapter yet.

A goal down on the night, 3-0 down on aggregate, Boro were disappearing out of the UEFA Cup without a trace on this day in 2006.

Basel’s early goal should have been the goal that ended this quarter final as a cup tie, that eased any of the Swiss side’s nerves and helped them coast into the semi-final.

Instead, it stirred Boro into life and sparked stunning scenes at the Riverside.

Unforgettable, emotionally uplifting, magnificent.

Even when Mark Viduka got Boro off the mark in the 33rd minute, it was surely merely a consolation.

Anything but. It was the strike that gave Boro the belief they could pull off the impossible.

The Aussie striker hit the second, Jimmy the third and then, in the dying seconds as it looked like Boro were going to pull up agonisingly short, Massimo stepped up to book a spot in the last four.

Three strikers, all on the pitch, as well as Yakubu. The brave boss was deserving of credit for going gung-ho with Boro on the brink of an exit.

“Magnificent,” beamed Hasselbaink.

“It’s one of the best nights I’ve ever been involved in,” added McClaren. There can’t have been too many above this one on the list.

There certainly hadn’t been for those packed into the Riverside. Little did they know at the time that they would witness a repeat show in a matter of weeks.

“The disappointment is very big,” said devastated Basel boss Christian Gross.

He could have been excused for still being in a state of shock. And how he will have regretted the sending off of key centre-half Daniel Majstorovic that helped Boro over the line.

Steve McClaren wasn’t content with making the last four, he now wanted to go on and win it.

“What an historic night,” he told the Gazette.

“It was incredible. I can’t praise the players enough and the fans enough.

“Going 1-0 down and showing the character and never giving up, and eventually coming through.”

Alleged thief in an 'owl onesie' and 14 other crime suspects - do you recognise them?

Do you recognise any of these suspected crooks wanted by police?

These men and women are all accused of committing crimes across the Teesside area.

They include a man wearing a white “owl” onesie who is alleged to have stolen items from Bells Stores, in Westbury Street, Thornaby in December last year.

Cleveland Police, in conjunction with the crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers, has released the CCTV images in a bid to catch the suspects.

Anyone who can help is urged to contact Cleveland Police on 01642 326326 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

1. This man is alleged to have stolen cash from Asda, in Bath Lane, Stockton on December 14 at 2.43pm. Reference number: S-1041-2014

2. This man is accused of stealing items worth £25, including a joint of meat, from Iceland Foods, in High Street, Stockton, between 4.40pm and 4.55pm on January 13. Reference number: S-14-2015

3. This man is suspected of stealing DVDs of WH Smiths, in Wellington Square, Stockton, on January 27 between 3.51pm and 3.58pm. Reference number: S-23-2015

4. This man is alleged to have stolen items from Martin Newsagents, High Street, Normanby with another man on January 24 at 2.30pm. Reference number: L-16a-2015

5. This man is suspected of theft and anti-social behaviour in Pear Deals, Oxford Road, Hartlepool. Three men entered the store and proceeded to throw tea bags at each other. They were requested to leave and one is alleged to have stolen a packet of biscuits as he left. Reference H-14-2015

6. This woman is accused of stealing nappies from Costcutters in Fabian Court, Grangetown on February 10 at 5.26pm. Reference: L-29-2015

7. This man is suspected of stealing alcohol from Asda, in Bath Lane, Stockton, at 8.43pm on January 30. Reference number: S-33-2015

8.These two men are accused of stealing 30 packets of steak worth £180 from Co-op in Harpers Parade, Stockton, on January 19 at 2.12pm. Reference: S-35 a&b-2015

9. This man is accused of stealing of £120 cash from a man outside Coral Bookmakers, in Norton Road, Stockton on December 24 between 3.20pm and 3.40pm. Reference number: S-43-2015

10. This woman is accused of stealing £50 from Asda, in Portrack Lane, Stockton between 3.20pm and 3.25pm on January 9. Reference number: S-47-2015

11. This man is alleged to have stolen a pair of jogging bottoms from JD Sport, in Wellington Square, Stockton on January 30 between 9.28am and 9.48am. Reference number: S-48-2015

12. This man, dressed in a white owl onesie, is accused of stealing items including chocolate and cheese, from Bells Stores, in Westbury Street, Thornaby, on December 13 between 6.44am and 6.58am. Reference number: S-52-2015

13. This man is suspected of stealing a computer hard-drive worth £50 from WH Smiths, Wellington Square, Stockton on February 16 between 1.05pm and 1.15pm. Reference number: S-60-2015

14. This man is alleged to have stolen alcohol from Bells Stores, in Westbury Street, Thornaby on February 7 between 9.50pm and 9.55pm. Reference number: S-64-2015

15. This man is accused of stealing alcohol from Sainsbury’s in Larkswood Road, Redcar, on March 1 at 9.10am. Reference number: L-33-2015

Aitor Karanka: 'It's no coincidence that Watford are challenging for promotion'

Boro boss Aitor Karanka insists Watford are no surprise package in this season’s promotion tussle.

The ten-man Hornets earned a credible point at Derby on Friday to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive, ahead of tomorrow lunchtime’s crunch showdown with table-topping Boro.

The two sides drew 1-1 at the Riverside back in October, and Karanka said he is not surprised to see Watford challenging at the summit.

“I expected them (to be challenging) because they have a very good manager,” Karanka said.

“I know him and they have good players, especially the forwards, I think they have 50 goals between three players in Troy Deeney, (Matej) Vydra and (Odion) Ighalo.

Follow our matchday live blog from 2pm on Monday

“It’s not a coincidence they’re in this position but we have to think about ourselves and go to Watford thinking we’ll beat them.”

Karanka is likely to be without Ryan Fredericks (hamstring) and Kenneth Omeruo (groin) for the trip to Vicarage Road.

But the Boro boss is hopeful captain Jonathan Woodgate will be fit enough to play his second game in 72 hours.

“I hope so because Woody is the spirit of the team,” Karanka added when asked about Woodgate’s availability.

“He’s the most experienced player on the pitch and for me he’s amazing. He deserves all the best and to finish this season on the pitch.”

The Tripe Supper - loan incomings and outgoings

It's been a busy year in the loan market for Boro, both in terms of incomings and outgoings.

While Aitor Karanka has made the most of his contacts to add to his squad with temporary signings, he's refused to shy away from making some brave calls in regards to players being allowed to go elsewhere.

listen to ‘The Tripe Supper - loan incomings and outgoings’ on audioBoom

Dominic Shaw is joined by Philip Tallentire and Anthony Vickers to discuss Boro's loan business this year and look at how Dwight Tiendalli and Fernando Amorebieta could feature before the end of the campaign.

Mum allowed child rapist to stay overnight at her home after meeting him on dating site

A convicted child rapist used aliases and spent a night in a mum’s home in the face of a court order meant to protect the public.

The mother let Christopher Bartley stay at her home, where she lived with her two children, after they met on a dating website.

She later said she “felt sick, guilty and scared” when she learned of his past as a child sex offender.

She had been in contact with the 24-year-old, who used the name pucky1990, on the dating site.

He called himself Christopher Puckering, using his mother’s maiden name, Teesside Crown Court heard.

They went out for drinks on September 22 last year and he asked if he could stay at her house for the night as he had nowhere to stay.

She agreed, and left him alone in her home as she went to work the next day.

Police later told her his true identity.

The woman said if she had known he was a registered child sex offender, she would never have allowed him into her home.

Bartley later confessed he did not want her to know his true name, or for her to be able to Google him.

Inquiries revealed he had spoken to another woman on the same site but she declined his repeated requests to meet her.

His stay at the mum’s home and use of the false names, without telling police, flouted the rules of the sex offenders’ register.

Bartley, whose address was recorded in court as Holme House Prison, admitted three counts of failing to comply with notification requirements.

In 2006 he was given an extended 10-year sentence to protect the public, including a five-year custodial term, for a string of sexual offences.

The crimes, which he committed when he was a teenager, included raping an underage girl and boy, and inciting children to engage in sexual activity.

He was released in January 2011, only to be recalled to prison five months later for failing to comply with his licence by failing to tell the Probation Service of a relationship with a woman.

He was let out again in December 2013, and recalled back to his sentence again in September last year for the latest offences.

Now, Bartley is due for release in September this year or January next year.

Christopher McKee, defending, said Bartley accepted he was “extremely foolish” and did not act as he did to have contact with children.

He said Bartley sought refuge with the mother while homeless and adopted his “birth name” because of his embarrassment and shame at his past.

These were his first breaches of this type, eight years after the original sexual offences, and he had not otherwise offended while on licence.

Bartley had a difficult upbringing but had taken positive steps to educate and better himself.

The judge, Recorder Tahir Khan QC, said they were serious offences but they were “not sinister” or meant to lead to offences against young people.

He jailed Bartley for a year.

'Majority' of Nunthorpe residents who took part in poll want to be served by sole council

The "majority" of residents in a Teesside community who responded to a survey would prefer to be served by a sole council.

Will Goodhand, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, sent out a survey to 1,500 Nunthorpe residents.

And he says that after collating the results, 90% of the 375 who responded would prefer a “united voice”.

A further survey calling for the Local Government Boundary Commission to look at the issue has also had support from 236 residents.

Nunthorpe is currently divided between Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland Councils – with the railway line forming the boundary between the two.

“It’s fair to say this is a really big issue for the people of Nunthorpe,” said Mr Goodhand.

“The reason why I started looking at it was because I was doing open surveys about what was concerning people and I just kept seeing the issue of Nunthorpe’s representation coming up again and again.

“People were saying something needed to be done to get united representation rather than the area being split.”

Ian McIntyre

Nunthorpe Parish Council

Many Nunthorpe residents have also expressed a wish to become a part of North Yorkshire.

Two years ago, a GazetteLive survey found that respondents narrowly voted in favour of Nunthorpe being allowed to swap Middlesbrough for North Yorkshire.

Just over half of the more than 800 people who took part in our survey say that the estate should be able to switch to being under the control of neighbouring Hambleton Council.

“Following on from the (latest) survey, I would say about 90% of people that have come back say they are unhappy about how Nunthorpe is currently represented,” added Mr Goodhand.

“The next step for me is to now write to Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland Councils to make them aware of all this and to say, look, this is what the people of Nunthorpe are calling for.”

Ward boundaries are defined by the Local Government Boundary Commission.

A boundary review can only be conducted if the commission is formally asked to do so by all the local authorities involved.

Mr Goodhand says that this is still something he hears from locals.

“People feel they would have stronger representation if they were united,” said Mr Goodhand.

“It would help in a number of ways such as the consistency of services and the ability to have a say on planning that affect the whole village.”

A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Council said: “Ward boundaries are defined by the Local Government Boundary Commission and it is not uncommon for a community to be served by two local authorities.”

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council added: “Nunthorpe is not an unusual case in being served by two authorities and we do provide – and will continue to provide – the best possible service to residents.”

'Apologies for the inconvenience': Cleveland Police note after officers break down wrong door during early-morning raid

Cleveland Police officers have been left red-faced after breaking down the door of the wrong home during an early-morning raid - and left a handwritten note to apologise.

The botched operation saw a total of eight officers from the force and from Edinburgh storm a flat at 7.30am in the Scottish capital after the family left for work.

But after drilling a hole in the front door to remove the lock and force entry into the home on Pennywell Road, it quickly became apparent that they had mixed up names and targeted the wrong person.

Incredibly, it is the second time confused officers have wrongly linked the family to a serious assault in the North-east.

Father-of-two Alistair McPhail said his son had been questioned by Police Scotland back in August in relation to the offence.

But he had been cleared after only 25 minutes when officers became convinced the 21-year-old insurance worker was innocent.

Alistair and Sheila McPhail

Alistair said: “It’s like the Keystone Cops. They were apparently there for four hours trying to gain entry.

“It’s ridiculous that they have time to do this. I told them, Next time you fancy a jolly in Edinburgh go and see the castle and leave my flat alone’.

“Is this how they do policing now?

“I’m not going to let this lie. I’m going to have to make a complaint. My son is going to have to because he has his career to worry about.

“I’m really sorry for the person who was assaulted, but that doesn’t justify them coming up and doing this.

“All I want is my door back to how it was - it’s all scratched and battered.

“I just want people to realise that you can be completely law abiding and go about your life, but there’s nothing to stop the police coming in your house anyway.”

The note left by Cleveland Police

After the unsuccessful operation last Wednesday, embarrassed officers left a handwritten note in the McPhails’ living room asking them to “please accept our sincere apologies for this inconvenience”.

The letter also listed telephone numbers to contact if the family wished to make a claim for the damage inflicted on their door.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: “The officers acted upon the information that was available to them at the time.

"It wasn’t made apparent until today that the person at the address was unconnected to the investigation.

“Police officers from the Edinburgh area attended the address to support Cleveland officers who were carrying out the warrant.”

Dad given hard labour in Burmese jail after using image of Buddha to promote bar on Facebook

Dad Phil Blackwood has been jailed in Burma - for using an image of the Buddha to promote his bar.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald called the action an “honest mistake” - and one for which Mr Blackwood has “already issued a heartfelt apology”.

The Labour MP has now added his voice to MPs and human rights campaigners calling for the Foreign Office to secure the bar boss's release.

Mr Blackwood, who lived in Middlesbrough until his family moved to New Zealand when he was four, was sentenced to two-and-a-half-years’ hard labour by a Burmese court last month after posting the mocked-up image of the Buddha wearing DJ headphones on Facebook.

The image used to promote the bar

The advert for a cheap drinks night at the VGastro bar in Rangoon provoked outrage among devout Buddhists.

The 32-year-old bar manager, who has dual New Zealand and British and nationality, was found guilty of insulting religion along with the bar’s Burmese owner and another manager - despite apologising for posting the picture.

All three were given the same sentence.

Human rights campaigners have said Mr Blackwood, who is married with a young daughter, is enduring appalling conditions in the notorious Insein prison.

They also claimed the British Government had “turned its back” on Mr Blackwood.

In a Commons answer, a Foreign Office Minister admitted he was not aware Mr Blackwood was a British citizen.

His father, Brian, told a national newspaper that the family had informed the British authorities of his son’s dual nationality after his arrest.

Philip Blackwood is escorted by police officers

Mr McDonald said: “Philip Blackwood has been unjustly imprisoned for an honest mistake which he has already issued a heartfelt apology.

“As a British citizen, rather than turning their back on Mr Blackwood, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office should be pulling every available lever to secure his immediate and unconditional release so that he can return to his family.

“I made representations to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as a matter of emergency before the dissolution of Parliament.

“I think there may have been some confusion over his dual nationality but nevertheless I’m trying to ensure he is getting consular support with the view to pleading the Burmese authorities to look at him a bit more leniently.

“I think it’s a very severe sentence and I don’t think there was any intention to cause any religious offence.”

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “Our ambassador in Burma made clear that we were following the case closely when he raised it with the Burmese Minister of the Presidency.

“Our embassy in Rangoon has provided advice and support to the New Zealanders on Mr Blackwood’s case.”

Stockton Calling: Pictures of bands and fans as hundreds attend music festival

Calling all music fans - Stockton was the place to be on Saturday.

More than 60 bands performed across in eight venues in the town centre as part of Stockton Calling.

Headline acts included The Ordinary Boys - famous for their chart-topping hit Boys Will Be Boys, indie stalwarts The Pigeon Detectives and Nigel R Clark - the lead singer of Dodgy.

Also among the most popular acts was Specials frontman Neville Staple

Large crowds gathered at venues including Arc, The Storytellers, Ku Bar and The Vault.

McCormick kicked off the festival at The Storytellers on Prince Regent Street.

Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Steve McCormick - who uses his surname as his stage name - said after his set list: “It’s my first time here. It was brilliant.

“The Storytellers is fantastic, great people to work with.”

McCormick has been a singer for about five years and performs all over the North-east.

VIEW GALLERY

Over at The Point in Arc, friends Scott Hastings, Simon Gledwin and Ben Thompson were having a drink waiting for Andy Jones followed by Jamie Farrell to come on stage.

Ben, 23, an IT technician from Stillington, said: “This is our second year and we’re here for the night.”

Scott, also 23, a business travel consultant from Eaglescliffe, said: “We’re starting in the Arc and then going to all the different venues depending on who’s on.”

Simon, 23, who is about to start a new job in accounting and lives in Hartburn in Stockton, said: “It’s a good music scene in Stockton.”

Stockton Calling started in 2010 and has grown from three venues and 30 acts to eight venues and 70 acts.

Ben Gibson 'could be £10m target for Manchester City and Liverpool'

Liverpool and Manchester City are set to battle for Boro defender Ben Gibson, it has been reported.

The England Under-21 international has come through Boro's academy and is now a regular under Aitor Karanka.

The 22-year-old Boro fan signed a five-year deal in August .

“It’s brilliant it’s sorted", he said at the time.

"I love it here. I love the club and it’s fantastic for me and my family.

“It is a long time. I’ve made no secret about how much I love the club.

"I’ve really enjoyed my time here from the first time I walked in when I was 10 years old.

“It’s been the club I’ve supported and the one that I’ve ended up playing for.

"To sign such a long contract shows the gaffer’s trust in me and the club’s trust in me."

Gibson is another graduate from Boro's academy and benefited from loan spells at Plymouth, York City and Tranmere Rovers as a teenager before breaking into the first team squad when Tony Mowbray was in charge.

With the FA pushing for new homegrown rules, the Mirror reports , Premier League are on the lookout for the best English talent.

And they say that Gibson could command a fee as high as £10million - and that it is understood that City have joined Liverpool will step up interest in the summer.

Teenage pregnancies in Middlesbrough fall to lowest levels since records began

Teenage pregnancies in Middlesbrough have fallen to their lowest levels since records began.

But the town is still one of the worst areas nationwide for teenage pregnancies with 103 under-18s in Middlesbrough in 2013.

This works out as 40.5 pregnancies for every 1,000 women in the age group - the 7th highest for any local authority in England and Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics’ latest figures which relate to the 2013 calendar year.

Despite this bleak statistic the rate of teenage pregnancies on Teesside fell markedly in 2013 and nowhere more so than in Middlesbrough where there has been a 22% reduction since 2012.

Since 2010 the under 18 rate is down by 37% with the under 16 rate down by 57%.

A report to be presented to Middlesbrough’s full council states: “These reductions are excellent news for young people in Middlesbrough and for all agencies.

“They link strongly with reductions in young people’s use of alcohol and drugs and will help produce savings on local authority and other agency budgets.”

In 2012 Middlesbrough had the highest rate of teen pregnancies in England and Wales so there has been a vast improvement between then and the following year.

Pregnancy rates also fell in Stockton by 16% and in Redcar and Cleveland by 6%.

The number of teen pregnancies across England and Wales has dropped to its lowest level since 1969.

There were 24,306 pregnancies to women under the age of 18 in 2013. This equates to 24.5 pregnancies for every 1,000 women in England and Wales aged under 18 - the lowest rate the country has seen for nearly four decades.

It is also a 12% fall on the 27.9 pregnancies for every 1,000 women in the age group in 2012.

This is the biggest drop in the rate of teenage pregnancies in the past 15 years.

Jeff Watson, risk reduction manager of Children’s Safeguarding Services at Middlesbrough Council, said: “These most recent statistics show significant reductions in conception rates which are now at the lowest level held on record.

“The continued reduction has been achieved through strong partnership working between schools, academies, midwives, sexual health services, many of the town’s voluntary organisations and the Local Authority.

“These agencies have together introduced a more targeted approach since 2010 which aims to tackle a range of negative risk taking behaviours by young people, which includes the use of alcohol, drugs and smoking as well as reducing teenage pregnancies.”

X Factor auditions: Watch video of those who DID turn up for this year's event

There was a lower turnout than normal for this year's Middlesbrough X Factor audition - but here's some of those who DID attend in action.

As reported on GazetteLive this weekend, it was a bit of a damp squib compared with the X Factor fever that has hit Middlesbrough on previous occasions.

Compared to the hundreds queueing for their turn to audition for the ITV1 show in previous years, it was more of a trickle of people arriving yesterday morning of the auditions for their bid at stardom.

By noon, organisers estimated around 30 people had auditioned.

VIEW GALLERY

But it didn’t put off those that did turn up hoping to see their faces on the singing show.

Among them was Tom Jackson, a shop assistant from Redcar, said he was “surprised” to see the low turnout as he auditioned last year when it was “packed”.

Here's some of those auditioning in action!

Middlesbrough born comic Roy Chubby Brown composes song for children's charity

Comedy legend Roy Chubby Brown has penned and composed a song for a North children’s charity which won his heart during a visit to a baby care home.

Middlesbrough-born Roy first came up with the melody for Zoë’s Place as a theme for the charity, but he then sat down at his piano and decided to add some poignant lyrics.

He was so thrilled with the end product that he then auditioned various vocalists, choosing Doncaster-based singer Sarah Wise to put her voice to his work.

Roy said: “After my visit to Zoë’s Place and seeing the children receiving so much love and care, it made me realise again how so very lucky we are to have our health. My heart goes out to the children and their families.

“We are so fortunate that a facility like Zoe’s Place is on our doorstep that takes some of the burden through such difficult times. I’m hoping the public of Teesside will support Zoë’s Place with the purchase of the song, as the hospice has taken delivery of the CD from me and with everything paid for by me for studio production and CD manufacturing, every penny is now theirs.

“They deserve the backing and publicity that this project will bring to them and I’m hoping it raises a few bob for them.”

Goffy Media

Roy Chubby Brown has composed a song for a children's charity

The hospice, in Normanby, Middlesbrough, provides palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies and infants aged up to five who suffer from life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Rachel Willmore, the group’s community fundraiser, said: “This is a fantastic boost for us all at Zoë’s Place. We are thrilled that Roy is backing us again.

“The money raised from the CD and the added publicity and awareness of our home and the services we offer is truly fantastic.

“I know when Roy recently spent a morning with us he was deeply moved by what he witnessed. The fact that he immediately went back home and penned this lovely tune for us shows how hard it hit home to him.

“It is wonderful that we now have our own tune dedicated to our work. The CD is very moving and has brought much emotion to us all.

“Roy has grasped just what Zoë’s Place is all about and the difficulties children and their families face in overcoming adversity.”

Later this month Roy, who turned 70 in February, will make a rare return to North East clubland for the charity at a special event. He has invited some of his friends to take to the stage for the hospice.

The CD, priced at £5, will be on sale with Roy signing copies on the night. The charity will receive every penny from the event as well as a cash donation from the star.

The event, at Eston Labour Club on April 28, sold out in minutes.

It will see Chubby, fellow Teesside comic Mick Monroe, Keith ‘The Voice’ Hammersley and Chubby’s band, The New Retros, all take part. BBC Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough will be hosting.

Roy 'Chubby' Brown

Chubby admitted he can be inundated with requests to support good causes, and it can be difficult to decide which ones to help.

But after his look around, he said Zoë’s Place had “gone right to the top.” He said he had been touched by the families and felt life had been cruel to them.

He added: “Cruelly, they have been dealt a really terrible blow. The good thing is I can help - and I will help.

“If you walk down there, you can see how lovely the staff are. You can’t fail to be impressed unless you are hard as nails.”

The CD was recorded at Mirage Studios, Marske, with producer John Taylor. It will include Roy’s instrumental version and the vocal by Sarah Wise, and will be released on Wednesday.

Stockton-born silent movie star Ivy Close will keep her plaque when Swallow Hotel is redeveloped

VIEW GALLERY

A plaque commemorating the “most beautiful woman in the world” will be keep its pride of place when Stockton’s Swallow Hotel is redeveloped.

With a head of blonde ringlets, sultry looks and porcelain skin, Ivy Close was the Scarlett Johansson of her day.

Born in Portrack in 1890, she grew up to be hailed as one of the most beautiful women in the world and her stunning looks led to her being crowned the winner of Britain’s first international beauty contest.

The Stockton lass was just 18 when she took the honour in the Daily Mirror contest in 1908, beating more than 1,500 women to win first prize.

Ivy Close

The contest was judged by a committee of distinguished artists and Ivy’s prizes included a Rover car and her portrait painted by Arthur Hacker and exhibited at the Royal Academy’s summer show.

She went on to marry society portrait photographer Elwin Neame - who was commissioned by the paper to photograph the beauty contestants - and he directed her first film Dream Paintings.

Ivy found worldwide fame as a silent film actress in Britain, America, France and Germany and appeared in a series of comedy shorts in the States while enjoying the company of stars like Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.

On the other side of the camera the multi-talented Ivy formed Ivy Close Productions, and made ‘The Girl From The Sky’, ‘The Haunting Of Silas P. Gould’ and ‘Darkest London’.‘

The plaque at Stockton near Castlegate Centre

Outside of acting, Ivy’s other passions were golf and motorcycling. She also sang in music halls and modelled for advertising campaigns.

In 1913 Ivy told Picture magazine: “I am never idle. My favourite hobby is motorcycling. It provided my husband and I with a glorious holiday in Devonshire.”

Her elder son Ronald Neame also went on to become a successful cinematographer, film producer, and director and said when she passed away in 1968 that “in her time she was one of the top five British stars”.

In 1996, as part of Commemorating the Centenary of Cinema year, a plaque was placed on the wall of Stockton’s Swallow Hotel, the only reminder of the town’s most famous woman.

Following the green light to transform the hotel into a 133-room luxury student residence Stockton campaigners raised concerns as to what would happen to Ivy’s plaque.

The plaque at Stockton near Castlegate Centre

Karen Eve, Castlegate Centre manager, has since reassured the plaque will be safe.

She confirmed to the Gazette: “The Ivy Close plaque is on the external wall of the Swallow, near our southern entrance door and will remain.”

Campaigner Emma Chesworth said: “Ivy Close was not only an immense star on the stage, but she was also hugely influential behind the camera, establishing her own film production company.

“As the only women to be featured in Stockton’s Hall of Fame, it is wonderful news to hear the plaque dedicated to her in Stockton town centre will be retained as a lasting reminder.

“Her remarkable achievements should be remembered and the plaque is a good visual memento for people working in, and visiting, Stockton to see.”

Ladbrokes at Hardwick Social Club reopens after fire in February

A bookies has reopened after a fire spread through the premises attached to Hardwick Social Club in Stockton.

Firefighters were called to Ladbrokes bookmaker on Harrowgate Lane in the early hours of February 24.

As reported, club steward Tony Stephenson, who lives at the rear of the social club, was woken up by the sound of fire alarms at 1.30am.

It is believed the fire was initially started in the doorway of the bookies before spreading to the club.

Ladbrokes betting shop reopens after fire damage, at Hardwick Social Club, Stockton

Builders and fitters worked until the early hours of Good Friday to ensure the betting shop was ready to open for the Bank Holiday weekend.

It has taken five weeks to get the shop ready to reopen.

Area manager Chris Wrightson said: “It’s had a full refit.

“It was looking a bit tired before so it’s looking really good. It’s got new toilets, new flooring, TVs, everything.

“Someone set fire to the front of the shop and it caused a lot of damage.

Ladbrokes betting shop reopens after fire damage, at Hardwick Social Club, Stockton

“On a brighter note it’s a lovely new shop. It’s made the shop seem twice as big as we’ve moved the counter and opened it up a bit.

“The feedback from the customers so far has been great.

“The club has been really suffering while it’s been closed as they depend on each other and we were closed over Cheltenham - which is our biggest week for horse racing - but we’re open in time for the Bank Holiday and the Boro game and the Grand National next Saturday.”

VIEW GALLERY

Manager Becky Woodhead, who looks after the Hardwick shop as well as two in Billingham and one in Norton, said: “There are four staff here and they transferred to the other branches while we were closed.”