Wonderful Whitby Blog

The New Whitby Railway Platform

Posted on August 29, 2014 by admin

The New Whitby Railway Platform had its official opening on Saturday the 16th August, bringing with it the opportunity of a tourism boost to the town. The long awaited new platform will increase the number of NYMR trains from three to five daily.

Whitby’s new railway platform

The new platform

The Chiru Footplate

The engine controls

The Chiru

The celebrate the event, a day before the official opening to the public, two steam locomotives were side by side at the station, the first time in 50 years. The two locomotives were the No. 45428 Eric Treacy and No. 61264 masquerading as No. 61034 Chiru which was used to mark the 60th anniversary of the last train between Whitby and Stockton hauled by this engine on 13th June, 1954.

It had long been a dream by many enthusiasts to bring the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Steam trains directly into the town and this has been achieved with the close cooperation of Network Rail. In fact, NYMR is the only heritage railway in the country to have such a large scale project with Network Rail which has taken almost two years to achieve.

The NYMR is open every day till the 2nd November, trains running between Pickering and Whitby. Day rover tickets are priced from £25 for adults, £21.50 for seniors, £12.50 for children and £54 for a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children. A discount of 15% is available for those booking online using the code ‘ROVER15’

During the winter timetable on the following Sundays 28 December, 4 January, 15 and 22 February there is an extra Whitby Service from Pickering departing at 11am and returning from Whitby at 3pm. For more information, please visit www.nymr.co.uk or call 01751 472508.

It is estimated that the NYMR and passengers contribute around £30 million to the economy of the area and this new investment will further benefit the economy by approximately £6.5 million. The New Whitby Railway Platform is a very important boost to tourism and will, no doubt, impact on the number of visitors and the income for the local businesses.

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Wonderful Whitby Weekly Snapshots 24th August

Posted on August 25, 2014 by admin

Here is our latest collection of Wonderful Whitby Weekly Snapshots 24th August taken in and around Whitby this week. Please click on the link to view

We hope that you have enjoyed these latest photographs of our town.

Whitby Regatta 2014

Posted on August 12, 2014 by admin

A selection of photographs taken over the Whitby Regatta Weekend 2014.

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Whitby Lifeboat Days 12th & 13th July

Posted on July 13, 2014 by admin

Whitby Lifeboat Days 12th & 13th July have been a fun filled weekend for many (perhaps dampened slightly by the rain on Sunday morning and lunchtime) with the bonus of raising funds for this very important emergency service in Whitby.

RNLI George and Mary Webb

photo of below decks on the RNLI George amd Mary Webb

Below decks on the RNLI George and Mary Webb

Below decks showing the refreshment galley

Where it all happens

The Upper Deck

a photo of a lifeboat man about to take a plunge

A Lifeboatman about to take the plunge

Air Sea Rescue Helicopter

Solely financed by donations, the Whitby Lifeboat and crew are dedicated to saving lives by rescuing many people stranded at sea by virtue of engine failure in fishing and private craft or indeed emergencies occurring through illness whilst out at sea, rescuing those stranded by incoming tides whilst walking on the beaches, in fact, any emergency where lives are in danger!

Over the weekend there were a variety of stalls selling homemade cakes, second hand books, a tombola stand, bouncy castle, win an ipad stand plus other entertainment. There were some game lifeboatmen willing to take the plunge into cold water for anyone who could throw a wet sponge through a target, It appeared that many people could!!! The Lifeboat ‘RNLI George and Mary Webb’ was moored alongside the bandstand and members of the public were invited on board to have a first hand view of inside. Some crew members were on board to answer any questions regarding the equipment and some of the facts regarding the lifeboat itself.

For instance, the lifeboat can carry two tons of fuel (2,200 litres) which equates to quite a journey if necessary. Below decks there are safety belted seats for 10 passengers, stretchers, helmets (in case of helicopter winches), a first aid kit, anchor chain, towing bridles, a small galley with refreshments for those in need, dry suits and enough provisions for 18 hours at sea.

In the cabin there is seating for 7 crew to include a doctor if necessary. There are currently three trainees (including a lady trainee) and 22 lifeboatmen. They are currently looking out for local volunteers.

It is vital that the Lifeboat is well supported as local people will appreciate that it could be a close relative or friend who may be in need of their services or, indeed, a holidaymaker who may be in difficulty, perhaps a member of a fishing trip, and not forgetting trawlermen and those who make a living from the sea.

Whitby Lifeboat Days 12th & 13th July are a great way to raise funds for this vital cause but perhaps it may be worthy of any spare cash at any time of year to protect this necessary emergency service on our coastline. Please donate if at all possible!

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Local Events in Whitby this week

Posted on July 3, 2014 by admin

Local Events in Whitby this week, have been interesting in variety. During the week, the weather, apart from a few isolated showers, has been moderately warm and sunny allowing the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery that Whitby has to offer.

Armed Forces Day

Lifeboat to the Rescue

Harley Davidson

A Harley Davidson

Stall on Armed Forces Day

German Gun

The Kipper House

Whitby Falconers

Under the Swing Bridge

Whitby Sunset

Armed Forces day on Saturday saw many crowds gather at the new Memorial near to the Tourist Information Centre to watch a parade by the Cadets and browse the stalls nearby. Stands included those run by the Air Force Cadets, a collection of Whitby made goods and bric a brac. Whitby Falconers showcased many birds of prey with the opportunity of seeing them close up. A German military gun was also on display which perhaps brought home in a small way the horrors of war.

A Harley Davidson stand provided the opportunity to view some excellent motorbikes with gleaming chrome and bodywork.

The calm seas provided visitors with the opportunity for a boat trip out to sea with one of the various pleasure craft available. On Thursday, the lifeboat was called out to rescue a vessel stranded thirty miles offshore due to engine failure and on Monday the emergency services were available to help a teenage girl stranded on the cliffs near to the Spa.

Of course, there were lots more Local events in Whitby this week, this is just a small percentage.

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Around and about in Whitby this week

Posted on July 2, 2014 by admin

Around and about in Whitby this week there has been a variety of interesting events to be seen. During the week, the weather, apart from a few isolated showers, has been moderately warm and sunny allowing the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery that Whitby has to offer.

Harley Davidson

A Harley Davidson

Armed Forces Day

Lifeboat to the Rescue

Stall on Armed Forces Day

German Gun

Whitby Falconers

Under the Swing Bridge

The Kipper House

A Harley Davidson stand provided the opportunity to view some excellent motorbikes with gleaming chrome and bodywork.

Of course, there were lots more other events in and Around Whitby this week, this is just a small percentage.

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In and around Whitby this week

Posted on June 25, 2014 by admin

In and around Whitby this week there has been a variety of events occurring as you would expect in a busy holiday town.

Whitby Harbour

The weather has been mainly sunny with the occasional cooler breeze which was beneficial to the open topped Model T Fords which congregated on the car park near to the Marina Office on Monday. Beautifully renovated, they looked spectacular in the line-up

Model T Fords

Many people will have been glued to the television screens watching the World Cup unfold in the charismatic country of Brazil. Most of the matches have been held on an evening but some have been throughout the day. One avid football fan is the chef and owner of RomeroJoe’s restaurant in Whitby. This week saw the match between his native Costa Rica and England. What a dilemma!

On Monday, the Whitby ALB was launched to tow the fishing vessel (Jennifer Margaret) five miles south east of Whitby. The vessel which was hauling crab pots, with three persons on board, suffered engine failure and contacted the Humber Coastguard who notified Whitby. The boat was successfully towed back into Whitby Harbour all within two hours! A credit to the lifeboat team.

On Saturday afternoon a rather unusual spillage occurred on the A64 near to Whitwell on the Hill, near Malton. A lorry carrying liquid mash (of instant mashed potato variety) had a spillage which, of course, proved hazardous to traffic. Police and the Highways Agency closed the road in both directions as traffic was skidding as the mash swelled. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called out to help clear the spillage from the road by using freezing chemicals after it had been ploughed and managed to open one of the lanes by 7.30 p.m. allowing long tailbacks of traffic from the direction of Scarborough to pass. Fire crews then used high-powered hoses to remove the last remains before fully reopening the road around 9.30 p.m. much to the relief of the motorists stuck in the long queue.

A newly wed couple who are the landlord and landlady of the Stiddy in Lyth have raised money for charity by requesting that quests give them money instead of the traditional wedding list. David and Wendy Humphreys have donated the cash to buy a defibrillator for the village which has been placed on the front wall of The Stiddy. The machine, which delivers an electric shock to the heart when someone is in cardiac arrest, is a potential life-saver. It is hoped that other defibrillators can be purchased by surrounding communities in a bid to save lives.

This is just a small amount of news In and around Whitby this week.

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The Vintage Fair, Brunswick Rooms, Whitby

Posted on June 16, 2014 by admin

The Vintage Fair, Brunswick Rooms, Whitby was held last Saturday, the 14th June. There were a large variety of stalls which had amongst other things, jewellery, pottery and clothing.

For a small admission charge, the tables contained a ‘trip down memory lane’ for anyone probably above the age of forty or more. Different kitchen utensils not seen since childhood plus crockery recognised from the seventies made for fascinating viewing.

One of the Vintage Fair Stalls

Glass and China

So many things to see

Delicious Food

Beautiful Clothing

Vintage Fair

A refreshment table was available with a delicious array of cakes with a small seating area in which to enjoy teas, coffees, cakes, pastries alongside savoury dishes. The Rainbow cake looked particularly stunning and inviting!

The clothing, obviously with a vintage flair, had some beautiful dresses some with the stiffened net petticoats which one could imagine being worn whilst ‘jiving’. Many of the ladies walking around, both young and old, stopped to admire the quality and style.

Beautiful china cups and saucers displayed on many of the stalls had a variety of colours and styles and complemented the tiered cake plates, truly reminiscent of high teas served in days gone by (or nowadays in some upmarket establishments)!

With a mixture of vintage bric a brac plus home made kitchen accessories, the Vintage Fair was an delight to wander around, and, as there a number held each year in Whitby, it would be well worth a visit next time.

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Mulgrave Castle Open Day, 6th July

Posted on June 15, 2014 by admin

Mulgrave Castle Open Day, 6th July is a wonderful way to see the beautifully tended gardens of the estate which are otherwise off limits to members of the general public.

Mulgrave Castle Gardens

The forthcoming dates for the open days are as follows:-

Sunday, 6th July. On this particular day the gardens are open from 12.00 to 5.00 p.m. and the proceeds are in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Sunday, 10th August

Sunday, 7th September

The open days are are run by volunteers who give their free time in aid of charity with the kind permission of the Marquis and Marchioness of Normanby who donate the admission charge. Tea, coffee and cakes etc. are available in addition to plant stalls, book stalls and bric a brac.

The gardens in the summertime will be ablaze with colourful flowers and foliage, perhaps giving a slightly different outlook from the last opening day in April when the spring blossom and foliage was a delight to behold.

If you are able, it is well worth a visit to view these lovely gardens, have a splendid afternoon out and support worthy causes.