8-bit Scarborough

Yesterday (April Fools Day) Google released an update to Google Maps.
While the Nintendo Nes Cartridge based maps was the April Fool joke, 8-bit maps were far from being an April Fool.
It's possible to see all of Google Maps in 8-bit format, below is what Scarborough looks like in 8-bit on Google Maps.

View Larger Map

Click on view larger map above and if you zoom in you'll also get Streetview in spectacular 8-bit colour. It's extremely colourful!

Why don't you zoom out and view the world in 8-bit, and please share this with your friends.

www.in-scarborough.com

Scarborough Open Air Theatre Seating Plan

I often check through my stats and find a lot of searches are looking for the Scarborough Open Air Theatre Seating Plan.
Upon searching myself I realised it's not easy to reach unless you know what you are looking for. So, here it is. This is a generic seating plan which could change as extra seating can be put in place in front of the stage. This was the case when Elton John performed at the Open Air Theatre in June 2011.

The image above is taken from Ticketmaster.co.uk

www.in-scarborough.com

Alexandra Burke To Support JLS At Open Air Theatre

Scarborough Borough Council has announced today that solo singer Alexandra Burke will perform as a special guest for JLS.
JLS are bringing their full arena show to Scarborough Open Air Theatre on 18th August 2012, and now Alexandra Burke has been added to what already promised to be an awesome show.

Alexandra Burke also became famous because of the hit TV show X Factor, she won the fifth series, ahead of JLS, in 2008 and has gone on to become one of the nations best known solo artists of recent times.

Follow the links below for more information on Alexandra Burke.

Wikipedia
(image above from Wikipedia)

www.in-scarborough.com

Russell Watson To Perform At Open Air Theatre

Scarborough Borough Council have announced another great act for Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
Famous Tenor, Russell Watson will headline a concert at the theatre on 4th August 2012. He will be accompanied by a minimum 32 piece orchestra, and both will no doubt provide a night to remember for opera fans.

Russel Watson taken live at The Broadlands, Hampshire, 2007.

Ticket details have yet to be announced.
Would you like to know more about Russell Watson?

www.russell-watson.com

Wikipedia
(image from Wikipedia)

www.in-scarborough.com

Olympic Torch - Scarborough Route

In case you haven't heard, the Olympic Torch will be passing through the Borough Of Scarborough on Monday 18th June. I have found all the details for you and included them all here. It takes a while to find all this on the official London 2012 website.
I have also included Pickering and details of the Olympic Torchbearers.

Whitby 0940
Start:
White Bridge Road (A174)
onto Upgang Lane (A174)
Right onto Chubb Hill Road (A174)
Left onto Bagdale
Right onto Langborne Road
End at The Train Station.
Torch Bearers in Whitby
Kelly Williams from Scarborough
Shane Hassall from Billingham
Sohail Mohammed from Newcastle

Pickering 1144
Start:
Park Street
onto The Ropery
Left onto Hungate (A170)
onto Eastgate (A170)
onto Thornton Road (A170)
End near Thornton Road Industrial Estate.
Torch Bearers in Pickering
Vanessa Buckle from Pickering (featured torchbearer)
Alison Bates from Thornton Dale
Max Strachan from York

Scarborough 1228
Start:
Columbus Ravine (A165) junction with Victoria Park
Right onto Peasholm Gap
Left along North Bay Promenade
Left up to Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
Onto Burniston Road (A165)
Left onto Peasholm Gap
Right onto Royal Albert Drive
onto Marine Drive
onto Sandside
onto Foreshore Road
Right onto Valley Road
Left onto Ramshill Road
onto Filey Road (A165)
end at junction with Queen Margarets Road.
Torch Bearers in Scarborough
Jamie Green from Malton (featured torchbearer)
Ben Chapman from Welton
Darran Bilton from York
Ellie Walls from Scarborough
Hilary Campbell from York
Matt Lloyd from Withernsea
Roger Nicholls from Easingwold
Sally Hutchinson from York

Filey 1424
Start:
Scarborough Road (A1039)
Right onto Station Road (A1039)
Right onto Station Avenue (A1039)
onto Muston Road (A1039)
end near Filey School.
Torch Bearers in Filey
Matthew Woolias from Hull (featured torchbearer)
Paul Drake from Scarborough
Robert Reid from Beverley

I'm hoping Scarborough can provide lot's of support to the chosen torchbearers on the day.

Where are you going to watch?

www.in-scarborough.com

The Open Air Theatre 2009

I took the above image on 12th May 2009.

The image below was taken on 27th February 2012 and while there is no lighting or sound system erected, you can see the amazing transformation.

The Scarborough Open Air Theatre is and always will be another of my favourite places in Scarborough.
Will be awesome for those who will be going to see Dionne Warwick, Olly Murs and JLS there this summer.
Can't wait to here what other acts will be appearing at the Open Air Theatre in the future.
www.in-scarborough.com

Sea Organ in Zadar, Croatia

Scarborough born designer, Richard Seymour, has recently spoke out about Scarborough and it's need to create places that will bring tourists to Scarborough. In the Scarborough Evening News article he comments on the proposed sea defence upgrades at the Spa and why Scarborough Borough Council needs to think creatively in their plans. He mentions the Sea Organ in Zadar, Croatia as something that should be looked into as well as dancing water fountains.
I would also like to point out the solar powered light array called "Greeting To The Sun", which is alongside the sea organ in Zadar.

The solar powered light array stores energy from the sun during the day and emits a fantastic light show when it gets dark. I feel things like this are a brilliant idea, especially as it won't cost visitors anything to see and will draw crowds.
People visiting Scarborough need to be wowed!
If Scarborough can wow it's visitors, they will keep coming back!

www.in-scarborough.com

A Very Sound Investment

The Scarborough Evening News today has reported that Scarborough Borough Council will be spending £250,000 on audio and visual equipment for Scarborough Open Air Theatre.

If you take into account the amount of revenue generated from the sale of tickets to Dionne Warwick, Olly Murs and JLS it would seem a very wise investment. Especially as the Council will be booking more acts and staging more events throughout the summer season. Scarborough Borough Council have done extremely well in booking these acts in the last few weeks.
I have every faith in Scarborough Borough council and am so glad they stepped in where Apollo Leisure have obviously failed. It would have been awful to see the Open Air Theatre empty all summer as so much was invested in turning it into a top class venue in one of the best resorts the UK has to offer.

www.in-scarborough.com

Cycle To Work In Scarborough

With the Summer season approaching fast, and with the hope of it being the best Summer for a long time, what better time to get on your bike. The benefits of cycling to work make more sense than driving.

• Save Money
• Keep Fit
• Reduce Carbon Footprint
• No Traffic Jams
• Park Anywhere

Even if you don't currently own a bicycle and have the outlay you can soon recoup the cost by saving on travel costs.

If you are looking to purchase a bicycle then you could consider the governments Cycle Scheme. 

www.in-scarborough.com

Dionne Warwick, JLS and Olly Murs In Scarborough

The Scarborough Evening News has today revealed that Scarborough Borough Council Have confirmed 3 top acts to perform at Scarborough Open Air Theatre.

Dionne Warwick

JLS

Olly Murs

Scarborough Borough Council should be proud of themselves with this selection of acts. One living legend and two acts famous for their performances on X-factor.
The big question is, Can Apollo Resorts and Leisure top these?

I don't see any reason why the Scarborough Open Air Theatre can not be used at least once every two weeks during the summer season and is something that should be aimed at. After all, you don't invest millions in creating a unique venue like this for it to stand empty all year round.

I also feel there is no reason why daily events can be put on during the peak season to give the younger generation some entertainment. It just seems a waste to me if we solely rely on a few major acts to bring in revenue for the town.

Dionne Warwick will perform on Wednesday 6th June.

Olly Murs will perform on Sunday 15th July.

JLS will perform on Saturday 18th August.

All three acts will performing with supporting acts in their full arena tour format. Spectacular shows await us as all three acts are bringing their full arena tour shows with supporting acts which have yet to be confirmed.

Tickets will be going on sale on Ticketmaster.co.uk on Monday 12th March with details of how to purchase tickets locally will be announced during the week starting 5th March.

What are your thoughts on the 3 acts above and who would you like to see at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre?

Need accommodation in Scarborough? You can find contact details of a few hotels in Scarborough or by visiting www.in-scarborough.com

Scarborough Councillors To Be Given ipads.

Apparently there is a lot of residents of Scarborough who are wholly against Scarborough Borough Councillors receiving ipads to carry out their work. The Scarborough Evening News recently held a survey on their website which received 67,000+ responses, only 44 responses actually supported the idea.
I would love to know where the 67,000 responses came from as the population of the Borough Of Scarborough is just over 106,000. A huge percentage of which will be under 16 or sat in care homes with no access to the website.
I don't think people understand that yes the ipads cost a few hundred pounds but they wouldn't cost the council that much, especially if they buy 50+ of them.
I'm all for the idea as I do believe it will be more cost effective as Councillors can carry the ipads with them where they go to stay constantly up to date with the council. Saving them having to print out documents, maps etc.
ipads are extremely useful tools and not just toys as most people see them as being. Yes you can play games on them but I doubt the Councillors will be allowed to be play games on them!

Most people I think will also be a little bit envious of anybody who has an ipad.

People in Scarborough need to wake up to the idea that technology is taking over and if Councils don't keep up to date then in the long run it will cost more to catch up!

www.in-scarborough.com

Skipping Day

In Scarborough the age old tradition of skipping on Foreshore Road still lives on. Skipping day, or more commonly known as Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Day only happens in Scarborough. It is thought that it all started when fishing boats would use Shrove Tuesday to sort out their ropes and nets. Children would then use the old bits of rope to skip with. 

The tradition has certainly stuck and even in 2012 some schools close for the day while others allow parents to take children out of school to take part in skipping day.

The Foreshore Road gets closed to traffic so children and adults alike can join in the skipping fun.

Scarborough also holds a pancake racing event in the town centre with Yorkshire Coast Radio providing entertainment and live music. Students from Yorkshire Coast College got involved this year with their professional chef helping them serve up perfect pancakes!

Skipping Day in Scarborough is one tradition I think will be here for a long time.

Shrove Tuesday 2012

Shrove Tuesday is approaching once again, have you got your pancake ideas and skipping ropes yet?

The day will be kicked off by the Mayor Of The Borough Of Scarborough at 12 noon when the pancake day bell is rung. Signalling the start of the skipping on Scarborough's South Bay.
For those of you who like your pancakes, Strictly Pancakes 2012 kicks off at 12.15 on Aberdeen Walk. Always a fun event with teams competing in pancake races whilst wearing fancy dress. The teams will be judged on not just speed but on their fancy dress, flipping abilities and skill negotiating a course which will be devised by Yorkshire Coast College Sports Department.

There will also be cooking demonstrations from Students of Yorkshire Coast College with the healthy option pancake to be displayed outside Poundland.

You will also be able to indulge your hunger for pancakes in the Market Hall.

Please see the original post from Scarborough Council for more details and entry details for the pancake races.

Have fun, and enjoy your pancakes.

It's Snowing In Scarborough

Yes, the snow is here folks.

Please take care when out and about.

in-Scarborough.com

Dennis Taylor Is Coming To Scarborough

It has been announced that there is going to be a special sports charity dinner to be held on the 10th March 2012. The dinner, hosted by the Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough, will be held at Scarborough Rugby Club. Featured guests will be snooker legend Dennis Taylor and stand-up comedian Martin Gold.
The dinner is open invitation with tickets costing £35, which will include a four course dinner.

For more information and to book your place please use the link below.

Original post on Scarborough Council website

Free Cavity Wall & Loft Insulation

If you are a homeowner/landlord in the Scarborough area you are entitled to free cavity wall and loft insulation. 
Scarborough Borough Council have teamed up with Yorkshire Energy Partnership to offer free insulation to all borough residents.

Subject to a free, no obligation home survey, householders can get free loft and cavity wall insulation in their homes, on a first-come first-served basis. The scheme is open to all private homeowners, including landlords who live in the borough of Scarborough, Filey and Whitby and is being funded by national energy providers with the support of Scarborough Borough Council and Yorkshire Energy Partnership.

For more information or to claim your FREE insulation, call Yorkshire Energy Partnership on 01904 554406 quoting ‘Wrapping up Yorkshire'.

See Original Post On Scarborough Council Website 

Jobs In Scarborough

Just done a quick search of the governments job website and found 249 jobs available in Scarborough!!!

Search for a job in Scarborough

Council staff to be issued with ipads

Moving Away From Paper 

View Scarborough Council Post

So Scarborough councillors are debating today on the the future of a paperless system. The debate will focus council members being issued with ipads with easy access to the council system. This could save up to £10,000 according to the council's head of legal and support services, Ian Anderson.

Having an ipad is all well  and good but will the council members be able to make the switch to using these tablets instead of the more traditional paper system? 

Prolems With Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Apollo Leisure Explains Problem with Open Air Theatre

 View Evening News Post.

The operators of Scarborough's Open Air Theatre have made the headlines again by admitting they have problems filling the theatre on show nights. The one and only, Sir Elton John, being the only act to be a sell out. Is that such a surprise, when you consider he is a huge star and people will pay through the nose to see him perform live.

A few of my friends went to see Sir Elton John and said it was an amazing night in an amazing venue, so what has happened?

In the article in Scarborough's Evening News, Paul Gregg, the Chairman of Apollo Leisure says

 "We’ve held a variety of concerts and events, some of which have been hugely successful and some of which have been disappointing in terms of crowd numbers. Finding the right audience for the right event has been the most difficult challenge because the content has always been good."

The content may be have been good but most of it has only appealed to certain people. Surely more mainstream acts are needed to attract the attention of Scarborough people.

One of the main obstacles I see in the way of the Open Air Theatre being more of a success is it's location. Scarborough is out on a limb with sea on one side and miles of countryside on the other. Ideal for tourists but not for venues trying to market top class acts, as the local population will never have enough fans of any one type of act. People will be willing to travel the distance required to see the likes of Sir Elton John but not for the lesser known niche acts like N-Dubz.

I think Apollo needs to look at the type of visitors Scarborough gets during the Summer season and market their events around this information. To me it seems pointless booking an opera singer when most of the visitors in the town at that time are parents with young children. Come to think of it are children even included as a target market? Daytime shows for children surely would bring in some revenue.

It's easy for an operator to blame the local people for not being interested but people like what they like and I feel most Scarborough people like the idea of the Open Air Theatre but the right act has not been there yet.

I'm hoping the venue re-opens with a number of great acts, but at the moment, don't think that looks promising.

www.in-scarborough.com