Scarborough & District Civic Society CIVIC NEWS September 2013

Scarborough Civic Society welcomed Yorkshire and Humber Association of Civic Societies to Woodend pictures by Cyril Oliver of YHACS

Early in July the quarterly regional meeting of Yorkshire and Humber Association of Civic Societies was held in Scarborough at Woodend which was an ideal venue for the meeting. Our visitors were interested to hear about the history of the building and impressed with the business

Civic Society with Civic Voice concept which has ensured the future of an All Scarborough Civic Society members are important listed building. It was especially members of Civic Voice which is offering our appropriate when the delegates heard Jo Hill from members free admission to English Heritage and the Architectural Heritage Fund talk about her National Trust properties. If you would like obtain work and how the AHF can help organisations your free passes please either email thinking about embarking on a building [email protected] or phone 01723 379912. restoration project. Jo listed many examples of We can issue a Single Admission Pass per member buildings which had been saved around Yorkshire. and the pass is subject to certain conditions. English Heritage have a buildings at risk register which is updated annually keeping many important neglected buildings in the public eye and hopefully maintained to a minimu m standard before a new use can be found. Nearer to home Jan Cleary of Friends of Dean Road Cemetery (picture right) talked about their experience in restoring the Dead House and their ambition to restore the Dean Road Chapel ENGLISH HERITAGE building. Adrian Perry detailed some of the Civic Society These passes are a gift from Civic Voice in restoration projects which have been completed in partnership with English Heritage and the National Scarborough. (see page 3) Trust. Valid until 31 Dec 2013. There is still plenty of time to use these passes so make sure you

request yours!

Scarborough & District Civic Society Secretary’s Report SCARBOROUGH CIVIC SOCIETY HELPS LAUNCH CIVIC DAY By Adrian Perry The “For Sale” signs have finally On Monday June 10, members of Scarborough appeared on Filey Road Sports Civic Society Adrian Perry, Chris Perry and Michael Centre and the former Wainwright joined Secretary of State for Weaponness Park & Ride site. I Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles have previously expressed doubt MP, Members of Parliament, Civic Voice, and other about this very complex scheme Civic Societies at the Houses of Parliament in which has been embarked upon in order to build a new football ground and sports hall. I express doubt mainly because we already have a sports hall on Filey Road which has been neglected over many years but with some proper investment could be made into a wonderful sports centre. The Filey Road sports pavilion, which is now a listed building so presumably safe from destruction was designed by the architect Edwin Cooper, whose birthplace, 44 Nelson Street, Scarborough, is recognised by one of our blue plaques. The pavilion was completed in 1912 to provide facilities for the Yorkshire Lawn Club. It is still in use providing facilities for the Sports Centre. The grandstand was built in 1922. The ground and pavilion were taken over by Scarborough Council in 1935. From 1948 until the 1960s some of the best tennis players in the world Westminster, London to mark the launch of this came to play in August (after Wimbledon): Fred year’s annual Civic Day event. Perry, Frank Sedgeman, , Ken Autumn Planning Report Rosewall, , Butch Buchholz, Lew By Chris Perry Update of previous report: Hoad, . The venue was considered Construction of one 3 bedroomed house at 10 second only to Wimbledon. In 1974 by the Weaponness Park, Scarborough 12/01028/FL. addition of new buildings the Sports Centre was The society has objected strongly to this garden established. This year tennis again came to the grabbing proposal in the Weaponness fore when Andy Murray matched ’s Conservation Area. Application refused. The success in 1936 and became the men’s champion applicant has now lodged an appeal against the at Wimbledon. It seems that again Scarborough’s council’s decision. timing couldn’t be more out of kilter as they plan Proposal to site one 77.9 metre (tip height) wind to sell off this asset to finance the building of a turbine at Willerby Wold Pig Farm, Old Malton football stadium. Filey Road is the home to a Road, Staxton 12/01026/FUL. This application beautiful complex of tennis courts which we are refers to land in Ryedale District Council area. planning to destroy; so what is the future for The Society has objected. Application refused. tennis in Scarborough? No doubt there will be a The applicant has now lodged an appeal against scrabble round to find some provision on some Ryedale District Council’s decision. other site but will it match what we have today? New applications When will we stop creating problems for Change of use of part of ground floor from office ourselves? to shop; creation of new first floor flat; What a wonderful summer it has been. I hope that replacement windows in uPVC at first and second you were able to make the most of the excellent floors, at 2 Somerset Terrace, Scarborough weather. We made the most of Scarborough’s 13/00481/FL. The Society sent a letter of delights with wonderful performances of the objection because it was felt that the alterations Scarborough Spa Orchestra on sunny mornings in were not of a high enough standard to enhance the sun court. While at these events it was very the Conservation Area. We particularly objected gratifying to watch people spending time reading to the use of uPVC replacement windows. the Civic Society “Paint the Town” information Application permitted. board. Maureen Robinson has a regular article in Conversion of disused hotel into 10 2 bedroom the Scarborough News and she described the apartments, Read’s Hotel, North Marine Road board in this way: “ Seek a handsome information 13/00668/LB. The Society sent a comment board, ‘Scarborough Spa at Night’, dated 1879, pointing out that this application is contrary to which is the reproduction of a painting by Francis policy L5 of the Local Plan. That policy states that Sydney Muschamp. It was produced during the the change of use of hotels with over 30 bed Spa’s 19th century heyday.” Happenings like spaces will not be permitted. However, the these make all the hard work done to complete application was approved by Planning Committee. these Civic Society projects seem worthwhile. 2

Heritage

Society Restoration Projects Proposed Sea Defence Works in front The Water Fountains on Ramshill Road which of The Spa were restored by the society in 2012 & 2010 A number of different groups have expressed outright opposition to the proposal to have rock armour placed on the beach in front of the Spa. As yet the Civic Society hasn’t made any public comment other than it is very difficult to find anyone who likes the idea of this area being changed in such a radical manner. However there is also the view that the Spa complex which is a grade II* listed building deserves protection. Hence the dilemma which needs to be worked through very carefully. Can the future of the Spa Complex be ensured by other means than rock armour and if so what are they? I think this is where we have to ask our local councillors to work on our behalf. They represent us and should make our fears and concerns known to the officers of the council. If you are completely opposed to the rock armour concept then now is the time to make your concerns heard. There is

still time to influence the decision makers. One The planting done by the Scarborough Council such letter received the following response from Parks depart ment in the water trough is excellent Tom Fox: (The letter is too long to be published in and really brightens up this area. this journal but this is a small section of his reply) Shuttleworth Oak Shelter 2011 This information is still being appraised by officers but early indications are that the preferred option may change. At this stage it is too early to state what the outcome might be, and is anticipated

that it could be presented to the Council’s Cabinet, possibly as early as July 2013. (Editors note: date already passed)

The Council wants to protect the coast for all to enjoy safely in the most sensitive manner possible, but also whilst addressing the problems in a responsible manner and minimizing the financial impact upon the Council and wider community by meeting all of the essential criteria set by the Environment Agency to receive their Valley Garden Gates in 2008 financial support for the solution and attracting the maximum grant aid.

Last, it is important that the Council, in seeking to arrive at a final, lasting decision, engages with the

residents, business and community interests to both appraise and listen to views and to facilitate this I will ensure Cabinet includes recommendations to this. Tom Fox

Leader of the Council

Clearly the issue is still to be decided so again I urge you to make your local councillors aware of your feelings on this important matter.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THE Just a few of the Civic Society projects to improve NEWSLETTER FOR A FRIEND PLEASE ASK AT ANY Scarborough’s street scene and increase Civic MEETING AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO JOIN THE Pride in the town. CIVIC SOCIETY

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Heritage Open Days aims to raise public awareness of our architectural, built, historical or cultural heritage. Buildings across the country that are either not usually open to the public or that usually charge admission will open for free. Other events such as guided walks take place - also free.

12th to the 15th of September 2013

Woodend Creative - The Crescent Saturday 14th Listed Grade II* 11.00 am-3.00 pm open to visit Home of the Sitwell family for many years. Visit the Sitwell Library. The house was the birthplace of Edith Sitwell in 1887 and played a strong role in the literary lives of Sir George’s children (Osbert, Edith and Sacheverell)

Aakschipper Gallery—West Pier

Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th Admission Free Features art photographs of Scarborough Harbour

Edith Sitwell “Eventide” by Mark SeniorMasonic exhibited at Hall the Royal– St Academy Nicholas in 1892. Cliff Saturday 14th 10am-4pm open to visit Converted in 1884 from a private house by David Petch, architect. Building possibly has an 18th century core. Legend has it that masonry was practiced in Scarborough as far back as 1625.

Trinity House – St Sepulchre St Saturday 14th September Listed Grade II* 10.00 am-4.00 pm open to visit Founded 1602, this building is one of only four Trinity Houses in the country. Visit the Board room and courtyard garden.

Guided Walk—Scarborough Water Supply Thursday 12th at 2 pm Led by Chris Hall Meet in Waterhouse Lane (outside T K Maxx) at 2:00pm. Friends of Falsgrave Park and Scarborough Archaeological & Historical Society joint event. The guided walk from Waterhouse Lane to Falsgrave Park will look at the history and development of the critical supply of water vital to the town’s development. The Masonic Hall This is a linear walk – there are buses back to the town centre from Seamer Road or Sandybed.

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EVENTS IN SCARBOROUGH SEPTEMBER 2013

Rotunda, the William Smith Museum of Geology –Vernon Road Listed Grade II* Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th 10.00 am-5.00 pm Admission Free The Rotunda is very much part of Scarborough’s heritage and a landmark within the town. Friday 13th September only Balcony tours at 11am and 3pm. Maximum of 10 per tour. Not suitable for people with limited mobility. Length of tour 20/25 minutes Pre-booking essential 01723 384503 The balcony in the Rotunda

Scarborough Art Gallery – The Crescent Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre Listed Grade II* 36 Eastborough Thursday 12th to Sunday Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th 15th 11.00 am to 4.00 pm open to visit 10.00 am-5.00 pm Admission Free Learn about Scarborough’s rich maritime heritage. An Italianate villa built in the 1840s as part of The The Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre is a Crescent. little gem waiting to be discovered. Situated a Friday 13 September only short distance up the main road from the historic harbour, the Centre is crammed with lots of Free attic tours at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm with interesting exhibits and information about Karen Snowden, Head of Collections of Scarborough's fascinating past. Scarborough Museums Trust. Maximum of 10 per tour. Not suitable for people with limited mobility. Length of tour c40 minutes Scarborough Sub-Aqua Club Pre-booking essential 01723 384503 25 St Mary’s Street Saturday 14th September 11am-4pm Open to visit. 18th century cottage, contains many artefacts recovered from wrecks.

St Andrew’s Church – Ramshill Rd Thursday 12th at 7pm Listed Grade II* Rated highly by Pevsner and often referred to as 'The Cathedral of Yorkshire Congregationalism'. A truly remarkable Nonconformist church. Chris Hall to give a talk about the model of Medieval Scarborough Jointly organised by Scarborough Archaeological & Historical Society and St Andrews United Reformed Church Numbers limited to 35. Pre-booking essential 01723 384503 The Civic Society Medieval A donation towards the upkeep of the model Model of Scarborough would be appreciated

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IS IT BORING ...... OR IS THE FAULT IN YOU? The late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Yet if you treat it as an opportunity to absorb the not usually known for her philosophical place where you are temporarily stranded, it will insights, once said, ‘If you find anything or begin to yield its riches. anybody a bore, the fault is in yourself.’ How do you do this? What steps should you Her remark came to mind when the architectural take to begin to absorb a place’s character, even critic Jonathan Meades was quoted on a radio if, on the surface, it lacks anything approaching programme as writing in his latest book ‘Museum interest, let alone charm? without Walls’ that ‘everything is fantastical if One way is to look up. Don’t look at the boring you stare at it for long enough… there is no such shop fronts, the railway advertising or the bus thing as a boring place. timetable. These are ephemeral. But above them you can look at the architecture that provides the So is there such a thing as boring architecture? background to them. Are there really boring places? Taking a literal What sort of a building is it? Perhaps it’s a view the answer is ‘Yes!’ – but not because of Victorian or an Edwardian structure; if it is, you any intrinsically uninteresting facets of a place. will find plenty to delight the eye – carvings and There is a place where all architecture is boring, texts, perhaps, or bricks of different colours. because the town itself is Boring – Boring in the There may be evidence of earlier uses – old state of Oregon. And even Boring found ‘ghost’ signs, perhaps, once painted on the walls something interesting to do; it recently twinned and now almost vanished after a century of with the village of Dull in Perthshire. neglect. You may spot ornamental ridge tiles of a Also boring is the work of one particular wide variety of designs, or some elaborate American architect. His work includes quite a ironwork. Perhaps there are small balconies or number of apart ment blocks in New York, and evidence of stained glass. There may be plants something that has a secure place in US history growing on rooftops – buddleias are a common and in New York’s tourist trade – the US sight – and of course there are bound to be birds, Immigration Station building on Ellis Island if only the ubiquitous pigeons. (below), where the ‘huddled masses yearning to And if you’re not so fortunate to be somewhere the Victorians built in their ornate way – perhaps in a bus station in the concrete jungle of a city – you might try looking for evidence of how the concrete buildings were actually made. Were they constructed of pre-fabricated blocks that are hung on a frame? Or of poured concrete that still retains the impression of wood grain from the shuttering into which it was poured? If there is brickwork, how are the bricks laid – in the conventional modern way, just with the long, stretcher, side showing? Or has the bricklayer adopted an older bond – the alternate long and short bricks of English bond, or the alternating courses of long and short of Flemish bond? If you’re in a place for longer than few minutes, of course, there is much more scope. Walk around (still looking up!) to see what you can spot. Resist breathe free’ came ashore for the first time in the temptation to wander through the shops – their new homeland. Working with his partner streetscape is more interesting and costs nothing Edward Tilcon, the architect was William to see. You may find a local museum (always Alciphron Boring. But neither of these is what good if you’re abroad, to get a flavour of a place) Meades was meaning. His contention is that if or a park. Or just think about what makes the you look hard, if you open your eyes properly local architecture distinctive – there will usually be and take in the details of a place, if you are something, whether it’s the building materials (Is really receptive to a place and take the trouble to it a stone area? What type of stone? Or is it brick? spend time there and take it all in, any place – – look at the colour variations in the bricks. Or is every place – will prove to have something of wood the main material? How is it used? Are the interest. One of the ways to prove this is to travel by roofs slate or tile?). You can try this at home, too. public transport. At some point on any journey Go to a part of your local town or village that you will find yourself waiting for the next bus or you’ve always thought uninteresting, and really train. Your wait may be only a few minutes; in look. You will find things you’ve not noticed before remote places it might be several days or even – small, barely-altered cottages, perhaps, or weeks. There is always the temptation to look on buildings that have changed their function over this as wasted time, time that you need to fill by the years. You may even find something reading, listening to music or sleeping. fascinating about the intricacies of an industrial landscape. (continues bottom left on page 7) 6

The Information Page - Who’s Who and What’s On

Society Events 2013 Scarborough & District Civic Society P O Box No. 151, Scarborough, YO12 4YJ

Civic Society Meetings are in the small meeting room at Registered Charity No. 260615 the Library on Vernon Road at 2.30 p.m. KEEP IN TOUCH with the Society by (unless otherwise indicated) watching our There is a charge of £2 per head Website at Society Meetings www.scarboroughcivicsociety.org.uk Tuesday 10 September

Stephen Middleton will talk about Officers & Executive Committee ‘The restoration of a Petro Electric Railcar’. In the early 1900s these were in use in the CHAIRMAN Scarborough area. VICE-CHAIRMAN RICHARD FLOWITT 500303

September 12th to 15th Acting SECRETARY ADRIAN PERRY 379912 TREASURER MICHAEL WAINWRIGHT 363291 Heritage Open Days see pages 4 and 5 for the full programme SOCIAL SECRETARY CHRISTINE HEPWORTH 368913 of events. SHELTERS GROUP CHRIS PERRY 379912

NEWSLETTER: Tuesday 8 October Sarah Stokes EDITOR ROGER FOSTER 364796 PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHEN PARNABY 353846 ‘Protection of Historic Buildings Distribution ANDREA SMITH 341699 using Property Guardians’

COMMITTEE JACKIE ROBERTS 379360 Tuesday 29 October at 3.30pm MEMBERS: JOHN POPPLETON 373143 The annual Afternoon Tea at MARY BLADES 362564

Woodend Creative in the Sitwell Library BARBARA BUNFIELD 363233

A fund raising event with a quiz, a raffle and a chance to meet other members socially. The Newsletter A limited number of tickets at £7 each are now Feedback on the Newsletter, and letters and other available from Christine Hepworth 368913 contributions, including photographs, are always or at any Civic Society Meeting. welcome, and should please be sent to the Editor

Tuesday 12 November [email protected] Police Commissioner Julia Mulligan Executive Committee about her first year in this newly created post. If you think you might be interested in joining Tuesday 17 December the Committee do come along and see how we Christ mas Coffee Morning Red Lea Hotel Coffee work. All members are welcome to attend the and mince pies, a raffle and a quiz. meetings, but please contact the Secretary first, to help us know how many may be there. We meet at the Red Lea Hotel, on the evening of the second Wednesday in each month. IS IT BORING ...... OR IS THE FAULT IN YOU? There are, of course, whole series of books that Next year, 2014, marks the 50th Anniversary of work with this idea. The famous ‘Observer’s the founding of the Scarborough & District Civic Books’ introduced many subjects to both children Society. It was formed at a meeting in the and adults, and got them really to look at things. Library on 24th February 1964. And there are still the I-Spy books, which aim to The Executive Committee will welcome all ideas capture the interest of children in looking at for a suitable means of commemorating this what’s around them. event, and if you have any suggestions you will We can still learn to look and take an interest. be made welcome at the Committee to help put There really is no such thing as a boring place; them into practice. It is your Society, and this is and, as the Queen Mother suggested, if you something to celebrate - comeme and help us! find it boring, the fault may lie with you . . .

David Winpenny Chairman, Ripon Civic Society 7

Events In June we had a walk through South Cliff In May the subject was “War memorials in Gardens the Scarborough Area” and the speaker was Civic Society member Keith Johnston. The meeting was very well attended attracted perhaps by the speaker and or the subject. Keith explained that he had become interested in war memorials as a result of researching the achievements of the council’s former Borough Engineer, Harry W. Smith. Mr. Smith had designed the Scarborough War Memorial which is sited on Oliver’s Mount. We were then treated to a plethora of photographs of war memorials throughout the Scarborough area. Keith had analysed the different types, styles, locations and texts. He had also scrutinised the various providers of the memorials, sometimes parents, but usually groups, and most often, local residents. In some cases the memorials were for those who died, but in many cases those who had “served” were also The weather was kind to us and the walk was very commemorated. During the questions after the talk it became apparent that most of the war well attended. In the picture above Christine memorials had been provided to commemorate Hepworth who conducted the walk explained about the plan to restore the Rose Garden. The the First World War, with additions sometimes Friends of South Cliff Gardens working with the attached for the Second World War. There were council have obtained a £50,000 grant from the some examples from the Boer War, but prior to that memorials had typically been for individuals. Heritage Lottery Fund to do the following work: Install new drainage as the beds are sometimes waterlogged. Replace the topsoil down to a depth Picture by Wendy Maddison - Olivers Mount of 500 mm. Replant using new rose bushes Remove or prune some trees and shrubs which are shading the rose garden. Provide an interpretation board relating the history of the rose garden and the biography of the man who created it in 1883. Work will start in Autumn and be completed in 2014.

Keith’s presentation was preceded by a brief speech from Derek Green, the council’s newly- appointed Conservation Officer, who wished to introduce himself to the Society’s members. Derek pointed out that the preservation and recording of war memorials was of value as they

contribute to the character of the area.

In August we had a well attended walk around Falsgrave

In July we had a talk by two former Mayors

Hazel Lynskey and Sheila Kettlewell (pictured above at one of their civic events) gave us an entertaining and fascinating insight into their experiences in this important public office. The number of Civic events our Mayors are asked to attend is a good indication of how they are valued by Scarborough residents. 8