Skelton Fire Engine at Marske by Sea Church Fire.
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28th January -
HORSE AND CART OUT OF CONTROL.
W F Richardson, a contractor of Guisborough was charged with allowing a horse and cart to stand in the street at Skelton, without having proper control over it. Fined 12 shillings, including costs.
8th February -
WE WANT A ROAD TO THE NEW RAILWAY STATION.
A deputation representing the inhabitants of North Skelton asked the Skelton and Brotton Council to assist in making a direct road to the Station that was being built. The matter was referred to the Highway Committee.
18th February -
LABOUR AT THE INSTITUTE.
Under the auspices of the Skelton Co-operative Society, Mr S D Shallard, of the Fabian Society, London, delivered a lecture on "Questions of the Day." at the Skelton Institute. Mr Joseph Carter presided.
5th March -
NO MONEY FOR STATION PATH.
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At the meeting of the Skelton and Brotton Council the clerk, Mr W Richardson, reported that he had written to Bolckow and Vaughan Co and the North Eastern Railway Co, enclosing the Surveyor's estimate for the construction of a
footpath or roading along the railway side from North Skelton to the new station. Both companies declined to bear any part of it.
7th March -
SKELTON TRADESMEN HAVE A BALL.
58 couples attended the Annual Tradesmen's Ball at the Literary Institute last night, the MCs being Messrs A Wilkinson and H Sisson.
April -
FIRE.
On Easter Sunday a fire broke out in the tower of St Marks Church at Marske by Sea. Skelton's horse drawn fire engine was called out along with others from nearby towns. Church goers who had been at prayer were
shepherded out and valuables rescued before the fire was put out. The roof was damaged beyond repair and replaced with the battlement style we see today.
8th April -
WAGES AT PARK PIT.
A meeting took place at the office of the Cleveland Mineowners at Middlesbrough between W Charlton and J Thompson for the owners and F Seymour and J B Stubbs for the men to consider a claim for an advance of one farthing per ton
for fillers working in the 'brokens', where the men had extra trouble with timber.
The advance was agreed in 'Minn's district and in 'Dowey's district by one eighth of a penny.
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The other districts of the mine to remain the same.
23rd May -
SKELTON MINERS INJURED.
A serious accident occurred in North Skelton Mine yesterday.
Two miners, John Simmons, aged 59, of 35 Wharton St, North Skelton and a lad called Dale were caught in a roof fall.
They were taken to the Skelton Green Miner's Hospital, where it was found Simmons was suffering from severe injuries to his head and face, while Dale had an injury to his arm.
About a year ago Simmons happened a similar, but less serious accident.
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May. END OF THE BOER WAR.
75,000 lives had been lost, including 22,000 British Servicemen [15.000 from diseases].
The Traansval and Orange Free State were absorbed into the British Empire.
They were promised eventual self government, but much bitterness was left among the Boers, which was to resurface.
LOCALS CHEER THE PEACE.
Parish Magazine -
Deep heartfelt thanks pervaded the empire at the news
that peace had been concluded by Lord Kitchener and the Boer Generals.
Skelton, however, did not hear of it till next morning's post brought in the letters and newspapers.
The place at once blossomed out with flags and the news soon spread to everyone.
Later in the day the Parish Church bells joyously rang out their peal and the Volunteer and other Bands paraded the different villages of the Parish.
Putting away the bitterness, which so often follows War, Boer and Briton seem likely to work together in brotherhood, as never before, for the welfare of the South African Dominion of the British Empire.
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31st May -
SKELTON FANCIERS' SHOW.
The first Annual Show of the Skelton and District Fanciers' Society was held in the Drill Hall, bottom of Green Rd.
Mr W H A Wharton is President with Mr J R Hewling, Secretary assisted by Mr W R Wood.
Entries came in from some 13 miles around, with 94 Poultry exhibits, 195 Pigeons and 81 Rabbits.
6th June -
OUT OF THE TRAP AND ONTO HIS HEAD IN SKELTON ELLERS.
Yesterday a man named Henry Featherstone, in the employ of Mr George Boothroyd, yeast merchant of Guisborough was driving home from Brotton.
In Skelton Ellers he took the sharp turn too quickly and by some means he was pitched out of the conveyance.
"He alighted on his head and sustained severe injuries."
Mr John Dewhurst, yeast merchant, who was in another conveyance, picked him up and had him conveyed to the Skelton Miner's Hospital, where he remains in an unconscious state and little hope is entertained of his recovery.
10th June -
CHURCH LADS BRIGADE.
Last night a Battalion Drill took place in a field near Saltburn, in which the Saltburn, Skelton and Redcar Companies of the CLB took part, preparatory to the Summer Camp at Barnard Castle.
26th June - CORONATION POSTPONED TO 9th AUGUST - BUT CELEBRATION STILL ON.
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Edward VII.
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Arrangements had long been made for the Coronation of Edward VII, but on the 24th it was announced that he was suffering
from perityphlitis and needed an operation. The Coronation was postponed to August 9th but local celebrations went ahead.
The Skelton School Board decided to grant all teachers and scholars a holiday on the Thursday and Friday of Coronation Week.
Parish Magazine -
The King with his usual magnanimity requested that provincial rejoicings should be carried out.
At 2 o'clock the children living on Skelton Green assembled at the Miners Hospital and marched in procession down Green
Road preceded by the Skelton Volunteer Band, the Cyclists and the Skelton Company of the Church Lad's Brigade.
To join those who were assembled on Skelton Cross Green, where all joined in singing one verse of the National Anthem,
which they did also at several points on the way as far as Yeoman Street.
The procession was a long and imposing one, the banners and sashes of the children making the scene bright and gay.
From Yeoman St the long line of children retraced their steps and marched into the Kennels Field, where the cyclists
paraded before the judges.
The aged and the young immediately afterwards partook of tea in the various rooms set apart for this purpose and Coronation medals were given to the children before they left the tea tables.
All adjourned to the field where the sports took place.
During the evening balloons were sent up frequently.
An additional attraction was the large bonfire, with fireworks etc on Flowston.
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North Skelton Station, "Hollybush".
Opened 1st July 1902, after many years of campaigning.
In less than 30 years time, local bus services would start the process of its eventual closure.
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1st July - RAILWAY STATION OPENED AT LAST.
The Railway Station is rapidly approaching completion, but it is necessary to give public access to it.
At Monday night's meeting of the Skelton and Brotton Urban District Council, it was agreed that, provided that the footpath was put in good order and the two bridges raised two feet between North Skelton and the Station the
Council would take it over.
Mr W H A Wharton J.P. offered to give the requisite land for the construction for a new road from the station to New Skelton, but the Surveyor reported that it would cost £800 to make the road, exclusive of fencing and on
the recommendation of the Highways Committee it was resolved that the advantages were not equivalent to the cost, though it was agreed to specially thank Mr Wharton.
It was decided that Faughfield Lane, running from Skelton to the new station, [now Station Lane] should be put into good repair and taken over by the Council.
Parish Magazine - Standing as it does on two lines, the Saltburn and Scarborough Branch and the Saltburn and Guisborough Branch,
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it gives an excellent service of trains, no less than twelve each way stopping to set down and take up passengers.
The buildings though plain in appearance, inexpensive and simple in construction, are well adapted to our present requirements.
The oil lamps are somewhat primitive and remind one of the dark ages, but they no doubt will give place to something more cheerful when our Urban Council has completed its plan with regard to Holly Bush Lane and the lighting thereof.
Perhaps it is premature to expect the North Eastern to give us free delivery of goods and parcels, as it does at Brotton.
10th July -
SCHOOL BOARD - POOR ATTENDANCE - INFLATED BILL.
At the monthly meeting of the Skelton and Stanghow School Board the School Warden, Mr J Dixon reported that there were 1,962 scholars on the books, but the average attendance was 1,545.
The prevalence of chicken pox and whooping cough accounted for the low percentage.
A bricklayer, who had done some work for the Board had an interview in respect of his charge.
The Board considered it excessive and offered half the amount.
The workman declined, saying - "I'll take now't and then I can say the Board is in my debt."
Eventually he agreed to accept 24 shillings less than his bill.
He received it with a gracious - "God bless you, gentlemen."
16th July -
SKELTON AGRICULTURAL SHOW.
The show is always popular among the farmers of the District and commands good support.
The entries were somewhat larger than last year with a total of 628. 42 Cattle, 30 Sheep, 12 Pigs, 198 Horses, 101 Poultry, 11 Ducks, 9 Geese, 3 Turkeys, 147 Pigeons, 22 Rabbits and 50 Dairy produce.
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19th July -
BOER WAR MEDALS.
Mr T Arnold, of Ground Hill, Skelton has received by post from the War Office a medal and two clasps as a recognition of his 16 months service on the South African frontier.
28th July -
AMBULANCE WORK - BIG PARADE.
A procession was formed on Skelton Green, headed by the Band of the Volunteers, conducted by Sgt Smith and marched to Skelton Castle grounds.
The Brotton Old Band and the Brotton Temperance Band also took part.
Classes from all the local Mines and Steelworks were represented with many others. They were inspected and some put through their life saving drill.
224 medallions were presented and then refreshment partaken of.
1st August - CHURCH LADS CAMP.
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Our Church Lad's Brigade detachment left Skelton to join the North Eastern Camp at Barnard Castle, for
a week under canvas.
6 Regiments, representing the dioceses of Durham, Newcastle, York, Ripon, Wakefield and Liverpool, the first two forming the Northern Battalion and the rest the Southern
Battalion, numbering some 100 Officers and 1,200 lads, were there mustered under the command of Lieut, Col Wharton, Ist
V P.W.O Yorks Regiment.
The following was the time table for the day. 5.30, the bugle summoned "get up"; 5.45 early coffee; 6.30, drill;
7.30 put beds out, fold blankets, scrape potatoes for dinner, tidy up etc; 8.30 breakfast; 10.30 Commanding Officers
Parade until dinner; afternoon lads were free for games, walks etc; 5 tea; free time again for concerts; 9.45 last post;
9.50, church bell called for 3 minutes prayers in each tent; 10, lights out.
In spite of the broken weather the lads seem to have fully enjoyed themselves.
2nd August -
HEALTH RESORT AT MARGROVE PARK ?
The Skelton and Brotton Council resolved last night to suggest to the North Eastern Railway Co to grant tourist tickets to Boosbeck, that being the station for the new health resort, Margrove Park.
FAUGHFIELD LANE IMPROVEMENTS.
The Highways Committee of Skelton Urban Council reported that they had inspected Faughfield Lane and suggested improvements which the Surveyor will cost £227. It was ordered that the work be done.
Hollybush Farm had at one time been called Faughfield House and this was the lane that has been called Hollybush Lane and now Station Lane, although the Station has long gone.
9th August - 2 MORE BELLS - CORONATION GIFT.
Two new bells have been placed in the Parish Church Tower and will be rung for the first time on Aug 9, the day fixed for the Coronation.
One bears the inscription "Two treble bells given by W H A Wharton to complete the peal given by the late J T Wharton".
10th August -
LABOUR WANTS A CLEVELAND MP.
At a meeting of the Hope to Prosper Lodge of the Cleveland Miners Association, held at North Skelton last night, Mr Joseph Toyn gave his report of the Trades Union Congress which he had just attended.
The Congress was unanimously in favour of Labour representation.
He anticipated that there would be a very large gathering at the Labour Representative Conference at Guisborough on Saturday.
The North Skelton men received the information with evident interest and several expressed their interest to go on the Committee and canvas for funds and votes.
14th August -
SKELTON GREEN SCHOOL.
At the Skelton School Board instructions were given to have the Skelton Green Infants School-yard asphalted. Guisborough Gas Company have offered to do the work for 1s 7d per square yard.
LOCAL BOBBIES BEAT THE TOWNIES.
On the Skelton Castle cricket ground the East Cleveland Constabulary defeated the Middlesbrough Police Force by 77 to 49 runs. Not a large gathering, but so many tickets had been sold that £45 was raised on behalf of
the North Riding Police fund for widows and orphans of deceased members. Afterwards the teams dined at the Wharton Arms Hotel.
20th August -
WESLEYAN BAZAAR.
A 2 day bazaar in the interests of the Skelton Wesleyan Church was held in the Drill Hall, Green Rd. There were several well-laden stalls of plain and fancy needlework, Japanese goods, farm produce etc.
The Skelton Volunteer Band played selections during the afternoon with vocal music at intervals. Afterwards a public tea was held in the Schoolrooms.
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28th October -
OLD SKELTON ELECTION MEETING.
Mr Herbert Samuel MP spoke to a packed meeting at the Skelton Drill Hall, Green Rd. He devoted a lot of time to the Education Act and said it had always been his desire to see a system where the poorest child could go from
elementary School to University if he had the ability.
He thought it very strange that his opponent Mr Drage should go under the chairmanship of Mr James Lowther, who regarded School Boards as expensive nuisances and thought instruction in the three Rs was as far as
Parliament should go.
31st October -
FOOTBALL - SKELTON CLUB CHEATED AND SUSPENDED.
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At a meeting of the North Riding Football Association the Skelton Club was reported for paying New Marske players, who were under suspension, although they had been officially warned.
The Club was suspended for a fortnight.
5th November - CLEVELAND BYE-ELECTION.
The Liberal Member of Parliament for this area, the Cleveland division of the North Riding, Mr Alfred Edward Pease resigned, pleading ill health.
He had held the seat since 1897 and possibly had grown tired of politics. He was a sporting type of the gentleman school and had written books about hunting in Cleveland. He lived for another 37 years and spent much of that in British East Africa hunting big game and leading safaris. He died in 1939 at Pinchinthorpe House, near Guisborough, N Yorks.
He was replaced as Liberal candidate by Herbert Samuel.
The Labour MP, Keir Hardie made a speech at Marske in favour of a Labour candidate in Cleveland and the Miners Association held a meeting in Saltburn, but in the end no representative was put forward.
This displeased many in the Independent Labour Party, one of their leaders calling Samuel a "plutocratic Jew", because he was an Oxford man, who had been left a lot of money by his banker father.
In the end it was a 2 horse race with Herbert Samuel gaining 5.834 votes to the Conservative, Geoffrey Drage's 3,798.
Samuel retained the Cleveland seat until 1918, serving later as Postmaster General and then Home Secretary.
In the following years he was High Commissioner to Palestine 1920/25 and involved in the creation of Israel, led an inquiry into the Mining Industry, leader of the Liberal Party, made a Viscount in 1937 and died at the
age of 93 in 1963.
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Herbert Samuel. MP.
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Herbert Samuel campaigning in nearby Loftus.
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Geoffrey Drage.
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8th November -
ACCESS TO THE NEW RAILWAY STATION.
At the Council Meeting it was proposed that subject to receiving a promised £25 from Bolckow and Vaughan Co and £100 from Mr W H A Wharton the Surveyor should proceed with the work of improving the footpath from
North Skelton to the new Railway Station.
The Surveyor was instructed to make the bridges 5 feet wide. The lighting of Faughfield Lane, [now Station Lane] which leads to the Station was also considered and the surveyor was instructed to seek better terms than those
offered by the Cleveland Gas Company.
11th November -
START SAVING AND STOP BOOZING.
At the Miners' Institute, Skelton, Mr Duncan Kirkwood of Belfast gave an eloquent and forceful address on the aims and claims of Rechabitism.
He said their purpose was to promote thrift and increase the number of total abstainers.
The North Skelton Primitive Methodist Choir under Mr R A Ranson rendered several anthems and Miss Ranson sang a solo.
13th December -
SKELTON CURATE DIES TOO YOUNG.
The death occurred at Skelton, with painful suddenness of the Rev R Scott, who was just 38 years of age. He had been senior Curate for 2 years at Skelton.
25th December -
FIRE AT SKELTON GREEN FARM.
A fire broke out in the farm buildings which are in the occupation of Mr R W Stevenson of Trout Hall.
Some children were in the granary with a lighted candle, which fell amongst some straw.
The Skelton Fire Brigade were called out and after an hour's work succeeded in extinguishing the flames, but not before considerable damage had been done.
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