Hi we are Fred & Gladly, joint Chief Hug Bears
Today is was our day out, taking our new Hug member, Frankie, who was adopted yesterday in Whitby.
Fred said, "the forecast last night was not very good." As Dad threw the curtains back, he looked out, "oh dear it's raining."
Allen picked up the iPad. "Like yesterday it's going to clear up and be dry by mid morning."
"Great", cheered Gladly. "We don't want to miss out and I promised Frankie he could come along.
We had our breakfast in the room as usual, and after Dad had his, he said, "I'll type up the diary from yesterday. I'm sure the rain will be past by then"
This done Dad gathered his things and with us in tow went to the car park, and then leaving the grounds he turned left towards Sandsend. Through a number of other villages we eventually turned off right and dropped down to Saltburn, Cat Nab car park being just to the left at the bottom of the hill.
"There is the narrow gauge railway", said Fred. "It would be nice to ride on it."
Going to Cat Nab station, we found that sadly it only runs at weekends.
"Picture on one of those seats please", called out Frankie.
l-r Gladly, Frankie & Fred
"If we walk by the railway it leads us to the Italian Gardens", said Gladly. "Let's do that."
So off we went up the valley of the Skelton Beck.
"Ooh", pointed Fred. "That's an interesting sculpture."
Gladly read from the information panel. "This is the signal sculpture that was erected in 2001 by the New Saltburn Improvement Company. It recognizes the impact of railways on the area. The artists were Hilary Cartmel and Michael Johnson. There are various replicas from the steam age. There is a spike for fixing shoes to railway sleepers, an access port for a boiler and various tools. The sculpture incorporates a range of materials including stainless steel, bronze and brass castings, nickel and glass. The sculpture represents the fact that Saltburn was the end of the line."
Strolling on we soon came to the end of the narrow gauge railway, and going right entered the Italian Gardens.
"How lovely", said Frankie as we walked round. "We could sit amongst the plants to have our picture taken."
We met two couples here, and one lady asked about us. It was explained that we are members of a large Hug of 600 and that Fred and Gladly were the first two members 43 years ago.
"Well you are looking good for your age", said a gentleman.
The other lady said, "we like the idea of them being taken out on trips."
Next we entered the Nursery garden.
Here we relaxed on the seat under this beautiful mosaic.
"It is ever so pretty", said Frankie, who then read from the information tablet. "This is the Woodlands Mosaic. Helen Gaunt and Derek Mosey were commissioned by Saltburn Friends of the Valley to create this mosaic and members of the organization and friends helped to execute the design in three open workshops.
Part funded by Sainsbury's during their partnership with Friends of the Valley as Charity of the Year 2014-2015. Other funding from Saltburn Friends of the Valley contributions."
"Look at that lovely painted seat. Take a picture please, Uncle Gerry", said Fred.
We had hoped to get to the portico shown at the top, but in the end we did not, and hence Dad did not take a picture. It was originally the entrance to Barnard Castle Station. It was bought by Henry Pease and erected as a memorial to Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert.
We then viewed the Pond Garden...
...before heading up the hill to a wide path. Asking a gentleman he told us. "keeping to this path will bring you out by the bandstand at the top of the town."
"We need to be down on the path we came along", said Gladly.
"Quite lad."
Further on Fred called out, "there's a path and steps to take us down."
At the bottom we encountered this carved post with faces of clowns.
Back on the main path, we passed the railway shed...
... and by the Skelton Beck to the start.
We had found out that the a stage of the Tour of Britain Ladies cycle race was finishing in Saltburn today. "There's time to have some lunch before they arrive."
"How about the Cat Nab Fish Bar, Uncle Gerry", pointed Fred.
"Good idea", said Gladly. "maybe we can share a bag of chips pals."
He had fish chips and curry sauce and tea. "The only fish and chips I have had while over here",
We sat patiently, waiting for our chips to arrive.
By now it was nearly time for the racers to arrive. Crossing the road we got a good spot to watch.
And so in groups, always preceded by a police motorcyclist the racers flew past.
There were support vehicles too, like these.
To the finish the road climbs steeply in a zigzag, a tough final stretch, but of course the competitors are supremely fit and we heard that some were Olympic racers.
"Well that was exciting", said Frankie.
"Yes pal", agreed Gladly. "Really added to our day."
"OK Uncle Gerry, shall we walk along the promenade."
This brought us to the entrance to Saltburn Pier.
Opposite is the Cliff Tramway, built in 1884, and is now the oldest water balanced funicular still in operation in Great Britain.
The extremely reasonable fee of £2 was paid and we boarded the car, with this couple, who did not mind being in the picture.
We settled on the seat opposite and Dad too sat down having been reminded by the gentleman checking the tickets of the sign stating passengers must remain seated until the doors open.
The operator explained to a group of us how it works. Just behind under a flower bed there is a large tank that holds 36000 gallons of water. Water is pumped from there into a tank in the car at the top. The car is then heavier than the one at the bottom and when released gravity takes over and it descends bringing up the car at the bottom. The tramway is on a 71 degree angle. The tramway is 211 feet long and the drop is 120 feet. Of course the weight of passengers has to be taken into account. The operator said that sometimes the weight of those at the bottom is too much, so one or two may be asked to wait for the next car. Remarkably, it still works exactly in the very same way it did back in Victorian times.
"Wonderful", said Gladly. "So glad we have done this."
"Amazing", agreed Fred.
Wandering along the street this was all fenced off as the finishing straight of race. We were able to see the bandstand.
Looking up later, Frankie told us, "in 1995 the Saltburn 500 club raised considerable funds, along with a £63,500 Arts Council of England grant to bring Saltburn bandstand back. It was designed by Peter Fenton a local architect."
"That's an impressive building", pointed Gladly.
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The resort of Saltburn was developed by Henry Pease who was a director of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The railway was brought to Saltburn and The Zetland Hotel was one of the world's earliest purpose-built railway hotels with its own private platform. A glass canopy was constructed from the station platform to the rear entrance of the hotel to protect the guests from the elements. Started in 1861 it opened on 27th July 1863. In 1937 the LNER modernised the hotel with the provision of hot and cold water in all bedrooms and by installing additional bathrooms. The existing dining rooms were converted into a lounge and reading room, which also doubled as a ballroom. A new dining room was built and a cocktail bar. Closed in 1940 for the duration of the war, it reopened on 3rd October 1949. In 1951 it was put up for sale, but in the auction there were no bidders. By the early 1970s, the number of visitors to the town dropped and many hotels struggled to survive and had to close, including the Zetland in 1983. It was converted into apartments in 1989. The station platform, canopy and railway buffer can still be seen. It is now simply known as 'The Zetland'.
Fred said, "it would be nice to come back here again and explore the town, without all the fuss of the cycle race."
So we made our way down the zigzag hill and back to the car park. "Look", called out Gladly, "the train is in the station. They must be trying it our ready for operation tomorrow."
We looked up the locomotive and here is what we found. This 4-6-2 Locomotive was built in 1975 by Artisair and based on a scale replica of 'Flying Scotsman', having been originally named as such. It was bought from Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway and after several modifications it was renamed 'Saltburn 150'. This was in honour of the town's celebrations in 2011 when Saltburn celebrated a century and a half of existence.
So that was the end of our day. We were rather tired after all the excitement, and sat resting in the car on the journey home.
"Thank you, Uncle Gerry for a super day", said Fred.
"Absolutely", said Frankie. "Yesterday I was stuck in the shop. Today I have had a wonderful adventure. How fortunate I am to come and live with you and the Hug. So many pals to get to know.
Lucy & her cub Luke explore Saltmoore
Fred, Gladly and Frankie arrived with Dad. He said, "Lucy Luke. You have not really had a proper day out. I'm sorry."
"Not a problem. We did spend most of Tuesday at reception", replied Lucy.
"How about you two come and explore the grounds", replied Dad.
"Oh yes please", called you Luke.
Through the door of the Orangery, we crossed the terrace. "Just look at the magnificent flowers", said Luke. "What are they called mum."
"Rhododendrons", said Lucy.
Scampering down the steps we espied the lovely gazebo.
As can be seen we sat on the seat. Here we are in close-up.
l-r Luke & Lucy
Following the path we came to the bridge with the lake stretching away before us.
Luke said, "it's lovely how the sun makes the water sparkle. Which way now Dad?"
"Along the left side of the lake."
Following this path we eventually came to the end of the lake, and the bridge we had to cross to get to the other side.
Along the grassy path, Lucy said, "there are more beautiful rhododendrons. We have come just right for their flowering time."
The path brought us to the bridge once more. "Where now Dad?", asked Luke.
"Down the path through the gardens to cross the footbridge" replied Dad.
"What an absolutely beautiful scene", breathed Lucy. "We have really enjoyed the exploration."
As we walked on, we had this superb view of the bank of rhododendrons once more.
Mum, let's sit on the edge of that large planter, for our final picture, before we go back and tell out pals about our exploration."
That evening Dad has his final dinner in the Brasserie. After a good nights' sleep it was time to pack and head home to Morecambe.
We had all had a super holiday and say a big thanks to Dad for bringing us and taking us all on adventures.
Dad wishes to say, "it has been a wonderful stay. I wish to thank all the staff for being so friendly and helpful. You made the stay special."
There was wonderful news too, as a few days later Dad booked to come here again on 1st September.
"Yippee", was the chorus from us all.
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