Fair Archive

On Easter Monday, 22 April 2019, 125 participants took part the special diamond celebration of Scalby Charity Walk in aid of Scarborough Dial-A-Ride.

The sun shone at 10:30am as the first walkers consisting of people aged 65 years plus or those with young children were set off in theatrical ‘Stepping Out’ style by Paul Robinson, Artistic Director from the Stephen Joseph Theatre.

The next walkers set off by age handicap at 10:40 (45-65) and 10:50 (18-44) with late registrations at 11:00 and 11:05. The first resident man back was Mr Kenneth Martin of Scalby who arrived back at 11:48 a.m. Mrs Nicky Grunwell of Scalby was the first resident woman back at 12:09 a.m.

The fastest resident times were achieved by Mr Harry Butterworth of Burniston, aged 15 , who achieved a fantastic time of 1 hr 7 minutes, and Ms Katie Rawnsley of Scalby with a time of 1 hr 12 minutes.

Each participant was presented with a special 60th anniversary medal, kindly sponsored by Boyes Department Store.

Fancy dress was on display with walkers dressed as the different pubs on route: The Three Jolly Sailors;  Red Lion; Blacksmiths Arms; and Oak Wheel, plus family T Shirts, Black Tie and even a Frank Sparks look alike in billycock hat, waistcoat with carnation buttonhole and walking stick. Frank ‘Sparky’ Sparks was the founder of the walk which started life as a bet between him and some younger people in 1959.

As part of the birthday celebrations, special archive film footage was show of the walk from the 25th anniversary in 1984 and film from early 1960s set to a Beatles soundtrack. In addition, newspaper articles from previous Scarborough News editions were on display, together with a new, permanent, written and framed explanation of the walk painting that hangs in the Nags Head, Scalby. 

During the prize giving ceremony that was held at 4:00 pm in the Nags Head, the winners were presented with their trophies by past organisers and participants, including Margaret Scarfe (44 walks), Tim Tubbs (son of the late Canon Chris Tubbs – 35 walks), Mike Sedman (holds course record 58½ minutes achieved in the 1960s) Alan Bruce, Bob Gibbons, Geoff Dove and Richard Grunwell.

Jamie Wallis, Chairman of Scalby Charity Walk, said: “This year’s walk has exceeded all expectations. We anticipated more numbers due to the anniversary, but combined with fine, warm weather we had a fantastic day and 125 taking part has been amazing. We’ve had people from all over the country – even Ireland – all of whom have a family connection to the area and we would really like to thank them for making the effort to support this special tradition.

I am delighted that we have raised the amazing sum of £1,600 for Scarborough Dial-A-Ride and we are enormously grateful to all those who have donated and sponsored. We are particularly grateful to St Nicholas Lodge of Freemasons, Scalby Methodist Church and Matthew Powell”

Scarborough News Report: Dial A Ride to get new minibus thanks to Scalby Walk’s ‘magnificent donation’

Scalby Charity Walk has been taking place since 1959 and this year it will be held on Easter Monday, 22 April 2019.

This year the walk celebrates its diamond 60th anniversary. We are proud this year to have nominated Scarborough Dial-a-Ride as our nominated charity.

Over the years the walk has raised thousands of pounds for a diverse range of charities, such as the Teenage Cancer Trust, YMCA and St Catherine’s Hospice. Foremost in our goals is to put on an event that fosters community spirit brought together in friendly competition. You don’t have to be a resident to take part and people come from all over the country to join in.

Please download the entry forms and sponsorship forms below, together with the two walks’ rules and regulations.

Please note that the forms have to be returned to the Nags Head, 35 High Street, Scalby, YO13 OPT, together with your entry payment.

More information

Each year the residents of Scalby, Burniston and Cloughton have taken part in a 7-mile walk (no running!) through all the three villages where all the participants must consume a half of bitter, lager or soft drink in the four pubs en route: The Three Jolly Sailors, the Red Lion, the Blacksmiths Arms and the Oak Wheel.

Over the years the walkers have dressed up in a variety of fancy dress costumes, and what is a bit of fun is also a challenge with trophies to be won, and family members competing with each other to achieve the best time. Others meanwhile have been known to ‘get lost’ in some of the pubs!

The walk began in 1959 and started off as a bet between some of the older and younger regulars at the Plough, Scalby. One of those was well-known Plough regular, Frank ‘Sparky’ Sparks, who was always easily recognisable in his bowler hat and carnation on his jacket lapel. Jack Jordan was landlord of the Plough then, and in the first year it was only men, and women began to take part in 1961. One of those first ladies was Margaret Scarfe, Scalby Postmistress from 1967-1994. Margaret was a regular walker for many years. Another regular was the late longtime vicar of St Laurence’s Church, Scalby, Canon Chris Tubbs, who always wore his white cricket jumper!

Entry Forms will be available from the Nags Head from 1 April. Pre-registration is essential before 12:00 pm Sunday 21 April. Entry costs as follows: Adult £10.00 and Juniors (14-18 years) £5.00. The first walkers go off at 10.30 am. Registration is also available on the day at £12.00 and £6.00 (11.00 am start). Participants are encouraged to get sponsored to help raise funds for Dial-A-Ride, a vital community transport charity.

The Route
The walk (see diagram below) is a 7-mile walk commencing at the Nags Head Pub. A half pint must be drunk at each of the four pubs where Walk Marshals will check you off. We have two route options: a traditional route for the more competitive; and a family-friendly route that comes back via the Cinder Track. Fancy dress is a tradition and encouraged, with a prize for the most inventive.

Starting off from the Nags Head, the route sets off at a pace (heel to toe only – no running!) towards Burniston down North Street before veering right towards Scalby Road (A171). Past the Rugby Club, the first stop is the Three Jolly Sailors in Burniston, where a half of bitter, lager or orange juice awaits. The walkers then head to Cloughton to the furthest pub, the Red Lion.

It’s an about turn now as you double back towards the pub you passed earlier, and it’s another swift one in the Blacksmiths Arms. Heading back towards Burniston, you’ll turn left at the Three Jolly Sailors on to the coastal road (A165). The last pub is quickly upon you at the Oak Wheel, and it is the last pit stop (walkers have been known to get ‘lost’ here!) before the final challenging walk back to Scalby along the coast road. The family route takes you up the Cinder Track but the competitive walkers must continue up the coastal road to qualify for a trophy.

Turn right at the caravan park on to Field Lane and Station Road past the new housing estate, High Mill. The temptation is to quicken the pace but remember, no running, as you can get disqualified after all that effort! At the end of Station Road, cross Scalby Road (taking care) into Scalby Village.

The competitors then enter the village centre towards the finish line at the Nags Head pub where the victors will be crowned at 4:00pm.

There are trophies to be won for residents (Scalby, Burniston and Cloughton) and non-residents (the rest of the world!).

Please see 2018’s Walk Start and Report and Prize-giving photos.

Please use this to download the 2019 Scalby Walk poster (PDF, 1.3Mb).

If you can help us identify those shown in the above images, we’d love to hear from you.