Author: Ceri Oakes

In Pictures: Regatta rowing results and awards night

Whitby Anchor by Ceri Oakes

Rowers were back on land tonight for the annual rowing results, awards and cup presentations following a strong weekend of rowing action.

Held at Abbey Wharf, it was Friendship who took home the most coveted cup of the Regatta – The Wilson Cup awarded for the club with the most points accumulated from all of the season’s events and regattas.

The trophies are all lined up ready to go for the Whitby Regatta rowing presentation at Abbey Wharf. Picture: Ceri Oakes

The Ken Dale trophy for the club with the most points gained in Whitby Regatta went to Friendship, The J W Coser Memorial Shield for the most points in men’s races went to Friendship and the L Hutchinson Trophy for the most points in the ladies races went to Friendship.

Full category results below…

Girls 14 and under Runner Up – Friendship Crew: Bella Price, Holly Owen, Summer Blackwell, Florence Watson, Dee Grady (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Girls 14 and under Winner – Fisherlads Crew: Adele Barlow, Amelia Thompson, Fliss Hall, Fleur Hall, Angie Parkin (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Boys 14 and under Runner Up – Friendship Crew: Ed Knaggs, Corey Eglon, Valentine Long, James Green, James Kendrew (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Boys 14 and under Winner – Friendship Crew: Dev Jobling, Jimmy Winspear, Sam Bailey, Max Borrett, Laura Kendrew (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes

Ladies Over 50s (NOT PICTURED)

Runner Up – Fisherlads

Crew: Karen Spencer, Jackie Howard, Jo Braithwaite, Helen Myers, Yas Spencer (cox)

Ladies Over 50s Winner – Friendship Crew: Dee Grady, Donna Gibson, Rebecca Smith, Gill Locker, Reneya Kelly (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Mens Over 50s Runner Up – Friendship Crew: Dave Clarkson, Rich Harrison, Si Grant, Pete Betts, Abbie White (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Mens Over 50s Winner – Scarborough Crew: Simon Taylor, Russell Wilkie, Mike Newbold, Daz Sharpe, Aleisha Owao (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Junior Under 16s Mixed Runner Up – Friendship Crew: Maiya Shaw, Bailey Jobling, Corey Eglon, Reneya Kelly, James Kendrew (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Junior Under 16s Mixed
Winner – Fisherlads
Crew: Harry Morley (not pictured), Isaac Harrison, Fliss Hall, Fleur Hall, Angie Parkin (cox)
Picture: Ceri Oakes

Senior Mixed 17 plus (NOT PICTURED)

Runner Up – Fisherlads

Crew: Julie Morley, Ryan Lowther, Andrew Morley, Emma Currell, Jo Braithwaite (cox)

Senior Mixed 17 plus Winner – Friendship Crew: Donna Sneddon, John Ward, James Kendrew, Becci Boocock, Reneya Kelly (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Ladies Over 30 Runner Up – Fisherlads Crew: Claire Morrison, Claire Barnett, Angie Hutchinson, Lindsay Close, Angie Parkin (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Ladies Over 30 Winner – Friendship Crew: Laura Kendrew, Becci Boocock, Donna Sneddon, Lynne Fletcher, Edie Young (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes

Mens Over 30s (NOT PICTURED)

Runner Up – Fisherlads

Crew: Dan Winspear, Ryan Lowther, Andrew Morley, Jason Jeffries, Jo Braithwaite (cox)

Mens Over 30s Winner – Friendship Crew: Adam Young, John Ward, James Kendrew, Kenny Paling, Edie Young (cox) and Nancy Young Picture: Ceri Oakes
Ladies Over 30 Winner – Friendship Crew: Laura Kendrew, Becci Boocock, Donna Sneddon, Lynne Fletcher, Edie Young (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Girls Under 16 Winner – Fisherlads Crew: Nevaeh Ingles, Amanda Thompson, Fliss Hall, Fleur Hall, Angie Parkin (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Boys Under 16 Runner Up – Friendship Crew: Jimmy Winspear, Dev Jobling, Max Borrett, Sam Bailey, Laura Kendrew (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Boys Under 16
Winner – Fisherlads
Crew: Freddy Hutchinson, Matt Visker, Isaac Harrison, Luca Hutchinson, Rob Parkin (cox)
Picture: Ceri Oakes
Ladies Over 60 Winner – Friendship Crew: Gill Locker, Rebecca Smith, Donna Gibson, Dee Grady, Reneya Kelly (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Mens Over 60 Runner Up – Friendship Crew: Kex Wilson, Adrian Locker, Keith Locker, Stuart Myers (not pictured), Edie Young (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Mens Over 60 Winner – Fisherlads Crew: Pete Betts, Si Grant, Rich Harrison, Dave Clarkson, Abbie White (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Ladies Under 23s Runner Up – Fisherlads Crew: Ellie Parkin, Jess Brown, Chloe Hutchinson, Fiona Price, Rob Parkin (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Ladies Under 23s Winner – Fisherlads Crew: Lola Wally, Maisy Squire, Mallailah Pollard, Alex Garrett, Jamie Fuller (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Mens Under 23 Runner Up – Friendship Crew: Taylor Locker, Brad Dowson, Bailey Jobling, Tyler White, James Kendrew (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Mens Under 23 Winner – Fisherlads Crew: Joey Heselton, Daniel Grainger, Matthew Visker, Luca Hutchinson, Rob Parkin (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Ladies Over 40 Runner Up – Fisherlads Crew: Claire Morrison, Claire Barnett, Angie Hutchinson, Angie Parkin, Rob Parkin (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Ladies Over 40 Winner – Friendship Crew: Laura Kendrew, Lynne Fletcher, Donna Sneddon, Rebecca Smith, Edie Young (cox) and Fern Kendrew and Isla Sneddon Picture: Ceri Oakes

Mens Over 40 (NOT PICTURED)

Runner Up – Fisherlads

Crew: Graham Fuller, Mark Davis, Ben Libby, Mark Harland, Yas Spencer (cox)

Mens Over 40
Winner – Scarborough
Crew: Will Roberts, Russell Wilke, Simon Taylor, Darren Sharpe, Kelly Betts (cox)
Picture: Ceri Oakes
Girls Under 18 Runner Up – Fisherlads Crew: Fleur Hall, Fliss Hall, Amelia Thompson, Emma Welford, Jamie Fuller (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Boys Under 18 Runner Up – Fisherlads Crew: Archie Locker, Isaac Harrison, Dan Ainsworth, Freddy Hutchinson, Jamie Fuller (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Boys Under 18 Winner – Winner Crew: Joey Heselton, Dan Grainger, Matt Visker, Luca Hutchinson, Rob Parkin (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Ladies Senior Runner Up – Fisherlads Crew: Lindsay Close, Angie Hutchinson, Claire Barnett, Claire Morrison, Angie Parkin (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Ladies Senior Winner – Friendship Crew: Isobel Wilson, Donna Sneddon, Becci Wilcock, Laura Kendrew, Gracie McLoughlin (cox) and Fern Kendrew and Isla Sneddon Picture: Ceri Oakes
Mens Senior Runner Up Crew: Dan Winspear, Ryan Lowther (not pictured), Andrew Morley (not pictured), Jason Jeffries (not pictured), Jo Braithwaite (cox) Picture: Ceri Oakes
Mens Senior Winner – Friendship Crew: Adam Young, John Ward, James Kendrew, Kenny Paling, Gracie McLoughlin (cox) and Jesse Paling, Mila Kendrew and Nancy Young Picture: Ceri Oakes
Laura Kendrew with the L Hutchinson Memorial Trophy awarded to the club with the most points in ladies races. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Emma Tyreman with the J.W Coser Memorial Shield awarded to the club with the most points in men’s races. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Michael Weatherill with the Ken Dale Trophy for the club with the most points in Whitby Regatta. Picture: Ceri Oakes

School’s out for summer: Year 6 class leavers in pictures

Whitby Anchor by Ceri Oakes

It is the end of an era for hundreds of families across Whitby and the surrounding district as year 6 pupils leave primary school for the last time today.

The Anchor’s photographer, Ceri Oakes, has been on hand to capture the special moment with a supplement of class pictures as children prepare to make the next big step in their education.

Contact us on info@thewhitbyanchor.co.uk if you would like to purchase a copy of your child’s school snap.

Last day: Children in year six at East Whitby Primary Academy. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Jumping for joy: Year six children from Seton School in Staithes. Picture: Ceri Oakes
The class of 2026 at West Cliff Primary School in Whitby. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Glaisdale Primary School year six leavers. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Lealholm Primary School year six leavers. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Fyling Hall Junior School year six leavers. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Lythe VC C of E Primary School year six leavers 2026. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Fylingdales C Of E Primary School year six pupils. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Sleights C of E Primary School year six pupils. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Year six pupils leaving Hawsker C of E Primary School. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Egton C of E Primary School’s year six class. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Goathland Primary School’s year six class of 2026. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Stakesby Primary Academy’s class of 2026. Picture: Ceri Oakes
The year six class from St Hedda’s R C Primary School in Egton Bridge. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Signing off from Danby C of E School and year six. Picture: Submitted
Airy Hill Primary School’s year six class. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Year six leavers at Castleton Community Primary School. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Creativity comes to the coast with summer Made in Whitby festival

Whitby Anchor by Ceri Oakes

Makers from the town gathered to kick off what is hopefully going to be a sunny season with the summer Made in Whitby festival.

Yesterday saw the town’s creatives show off their wares up at Whitby Brewery and they will be back today with live music, demonstrations and plenty of local food and drink to try.

Made in Whitby was created to champion the town’s independent businesses and makers showing off a wide variety of produce from beer, gin, crafts, artisan food and gifts.

Made in Whitby continues today (Friday) at Whitby Brewery.

Anthony Greensmith serving up tasters of Whitby Gin to festival goers. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Darren ‘Archie’ Archibald with his Whitby Sea Salt stall at the Made in Whitby Summer Festival. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Crowds enjoyed the atmosphere and sunshine in the shadow of the Abbey at the Made in Whitby Summer Festival. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Potter Amy Smith and jewellery maker Eve Monk both have beautiful stalls at the event with their hand made work. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Live music adding atmosphere to the bustling event. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Deb Gilanders knits a gansey at the festival on her traditional ‘Propagansey’ stall. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Amy Smith, The Little Whitby Potter demonstrates the potters wheel Richard Wells. Picture: Ceri Oakes
A great start to the Made in Whitby Summer festival. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Local blacksmith Katie Ventress has handmade goods for sale and is working on the forge at the event. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Crowds enjoy the varied stalls at the Made in Whitby Summer festival. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Storm causes flash flooding in Whitby

Whitby Anchor by Ceri Oakes

Heavy rain struck Whitby this morning, Friday June 26 as thunder and lightning storms rolled in.

Several roads were affected including Sandsend Road, Mulgrave Road, Love Lane and the junction at Castle Road, which had localised flooding.

Fire crews attempt to unblock drains outside Lucky House Chinese restaurant.

The fire service was also called to Bagdale to help deal with the amount of rainwater which had poured down in just a matter of minutes.

A call was made to the fire service by Lucky House Chinese who suffered from flooding due to a blocked drain on the road outside.

Airy Hill Primary School was also forced to close after suffering damage in the downpour.

Results and pictures from the Coronation Cup as this year’s rowing season gets underway

Whitby Anchor by Ceri Oakes

It might be more than two months away but preparations for the fiercely contested Regatta rowing races officially got underway this weekend.

After weeks of practice, and even some emergency training from the crew at Whitby RNLI, the town split into its sides.

Red or blue? Friendship or Fisherlads.

Rowing boats line the beach during the Coronation Cup. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Driven by family tradition, chance or coincidence – whatever the reason behind the club you choose, the rivalry is now on.

The first races of the 2026 rowing season kicked off on Saturday and continued throughout the weekend with Fisherlads taking home the cup for the ladies and Friendship winning overall in the men’s category.

It was a close contest overall with Friendship winning by just one point.

An aerial shot of the Coronation Cup captured by Bradley Dowson.

Results and names are as supplied by clubs.

SATURDAY

Mens Over 40s

  1. Friendship (Falcon) – Adam Young, Anj Web Ellis, Jens Archer, Matt Harrison, Edie Young (cox).
  2. Scarborough (Keith Marshall) – Will Roberts, Russell Witaie, Mike Newbold, Daz Sharp, Esta Wallace (cox).
  3. Friendship (Pegasus) – Chris Watson, Mark Young , Rich Harrison , Garry Sharpe, Reneya Kelly (cox)

Ladies Over 40s

  1. Friendship (Pegasus) – Laura Kendrew, Lynne Fletcher , Donna Snedden , Rebecca Smith, Gracie Mcgloughin (cox)
  2. Fisherlads (JC) – Lindsay Close, Angie Parkin, Sally Atkinson, ,Jo Braithwaite, Jorja Wright (cox)
  3. Fisherlads (Blue Marlin) – Kirsty Haunch, Carol Parkin, Lois Borrett, Nicola Moxom-Lumb, Alex Garrett (cox)

Boys Under 18/Under 23

  1. Fisherlads (Blue Marlin) – Luca Hutchinson, Matt Visker, Daniel Grainger, Joey Hesleton, Andrew Hesleton (cox)
  2. Fisherlads (Gemini) – Freddy Hutchinson, Daniel Ainsworth, Kane Gravet, Jacob Moura, Jamie Fuller (cox)
  3. Friendship – Dev Joblin, Max Borett, Jimmy Winspear, Max Law, Kev Wilson (cox) Also 2. In U18 Friendship – Dev Joblin, Max Borett, Jimmy Winspear , Max Law, Kev Wilson (cox) 

Girls Under 18/Under 23

  1. Fisherlads – Adele Barlow, Amilia Thompson, Fliss Hall, Fleur Hall, Lindsay Close (cox)
  2. Fisherlads – Jess Brown, Chloe Hutchinson, Nina Close, Olivia, Luca Hutchinson (cox)
  3. Fisherlads – Sophie Parker, Malaella Pollard, Maisie Squire, Alex Garett, Jamie (cox) Also 3 U18s Friendship – Reneya Kelly, Florance Watson, Maiya Shaw, Fynn Little, Kev Wilson (Cox)

Mens Over 60s

  1. Friendship (Scoresby) – Dave Clarkson, Si Grant, Rich Harrison, Pete Betts, Abbie White (cox)
  2. Friendship (Pegasus) – Stu Myers, Keith Locker, Adrian Locker, Kev Wilson, Edie Young (cox)
  3. Fisherlads – Barry Brown, Dave Pearson, Darren Archibald, Alan Brown, Hesleton (cox)

Ladies Over 60s

  1. Friendship (Pegasus) – Deidre Grady, Donna Gibson, Rebecca Smith, Gill Locker, Reneya Kelly (cox)
  2. Fisherlads (Relentless) – Karen Spencer, Jo Braithwaite, Alison McAndrew, Helen Myers, Yasmin Spencer (cox)
  3. Fisherlads – Carol Thornton, Carol Parkin, Yvonne Fletcher, Tracey Coverdale, Lindsay Close (cox).

Boys Under 14s

  1. Friendship (Cholmley) – Corey Shaw, Valentine Long, Corey Eglon, Ed Knaggs, Kev Wilson (cox)
  2. Friendship (Falcon) – Dev Jobling, Jimmy Winspear, Max Borrett, Max Law, Adam Young (cox).
  3. Fisherlads (Henryella) – Jack Storr, Archie Locker,  Freddy Hutchinson , Ted Smith, Jamie Fuller (cox).

Girls Under 14s

  1. Fisherlads (Relentless) – Adele Barlow, Amelia Tompson, Fliss Hall, Fleur Hall, Lindsay Close (cox)
  2. Friendship (Eagle) – Edie Young, Tullah Jones, Flora Burns, Isla Weatherill, Adam Young (cox)
  3. Friendship (Falcon) – Phoebe Dowson, Bonnie Bates,  Molly Harrison, Trixi Weatherill, Emma Cassie (cox).

Mixed

  1. Friendship (Pegasus) – Donna Snedden, James Kendrew, John Ward, Becci Boocock, Gracie McGoughlin (cox)
  2. Fisherlads (Blue Marlin) – Julie Morley, Ryan Lowther, Andrew Morley, Emma Currel, Yasmin Spencer (cox)
  3. Friendship (Scoresby) – Laura Kendrew, Adam Young, Kenny Paling, Izzy Wilson, Edie Young (cox).
Action from Saturday’s rowing races during the Coronation Cup. Picture: Ceri Oakes

SUNDAY

Men’s Senior

  1. Fisherlads – Dan Winspear, Ryan Lowther, Andrew Morley, Jason Jeffries, Jo Braithwaite (cox)
  2. Friendship – Luke Clarkson, Ryan Sleightholme, Lee Clarkson, Bradley Dowson, Abbie White (cox)
  3. Friendship – Falcon – Adam Young, John Ward, James Kendrew, Kenny Pailing, Edie Young (cox)

Junior Mixed

  1. Fisherlads (Henryella) – Adele Barlow, Matt Visker, Luca Hutchinson, Romy Hall, Jamie Fuller (cox)
  2. Scarborough – Esther Wallace, Callum Drake, Zac Priority-Mickie, Molly Ash-Wood
  3. Friendship – Jimmy Winspear, Fynn Little, Reneya Kelly, Bailey Jobling, Kev Wilson (cox)

Ladies Senior

  1. Friendship (Falcon) – Laura Kendrew, Becci Boocock, Donna Sneddon, Izzy Wilson, Gracie McCloughlin (cox)
  2. Fisherlads (Blue Marlin) – Yaz Spencer, Emma Currell, Julie Morley, Jess Johnson, Jo Braithwaite (cox)
  3. Friendship (Scoresby)- Deidre Grady , Donna Gibson, Rebecca Smith , Gill Locker , Reneya Kelly Cox 

Mens Over 50s

  1. Friendship (Pegasus) – Mark Young, Richard Harrison, Garry Sharpe, Pete Betts, Renaya Kelly (cox)
  2. Friendship (Scoresby) – Stu Myers, Keith Locker, Adrian Locker, Kev Wilson, Edie Young (cox)
  3. Fisherlads

Ladies Over 50s

  1. Friendship (Scoresby) – Deidre Grady, Rebecca Smith, Donna Gibson, Gill Locker, Renaya Kelly
  2. Fisherlads – Sally Atkinson, Alison Stanforth, Angela Hutchinson, Lindsay Close, Jorja Wright (cox)
  3. Fisherlads (Relentless)

Boys Under 16s

  1. Fisherlads (Henryella) – Luca Hutchinson, Harry Morley, Matt Visker, Freddie Hutchinson, Essie Hesleton (cox)
  2. Scarborough – Aritz Unanue, Callum Drake, Zak Prior-Mickie, Charlie Grady
  3. Friendship (Eagle) – Dev Jobling , Bailey Jobling , Max Borett , Max Law cox Kev Wilson

Girls Under 16s

  1. Fisherlads (Relentless) – Adele Barlow, Amelia Thompson, Tilly Hall, Romy Hall, Jamie Fuller (cox)
  2. Friendship (Eagle) – Reneya Kelly, Phoebe Dowson, Molly Harrison, Fynn Little
  3. Friendship (Scoresby) – Olivia Owen-Taylor, Izzy Marshall, Leah Clarkson, Destiny Hogg, Deidre Grady (cox)

Mens 30 plus

  1. Fisherlads (Blue Marlin) – Dan Winspear, Ryan Lowther, Andrew Morley, Jason Jeffrey, Jo Braithwaite (cox)
  2. Friendship (Falcon) – Adam Young, John Ward, James Kendrew, Kenny Paling, Edie Young (cox)
  3. Friendship (Pegasus) Mark Young, Anj Webb-Ellis, Ryan Sleighthome, Luke Clarkson, Bradley Dowson (cox)

Ladies over 30s

  1. Friendship (Pegasus) – Laura Kendrew, Becci Boocock, Donna Sneddon, Lynne Fletcher, Reneya Kelly (cox)
  2. Fisherlads (Blue Marlin) – Yaz Spencer, Emma Currel, Julie Morley, Jess Johnson, Jo Braithwaite (cox)
  3. Fisherlads (JC) Lindsay Close, Angela Hutchinson, Sally Atkinson, Kerry Brown, Tracey Coverdale (cox)

The following images have been kindly supplied by Emma Sharpe https://emmasharpe.myportfolio.com

Celebrating at the trophy presentation. Picture: Emma Sharpe
Sunday’s trophy presentation at the Coronation Cup. Picture: Emma Sharpe
Celebrating results during the Coronation Cup. Picture: Emma Sharpe
Sunday’s trophy presentation for the Coronation Cup. Picture: Emma Sharpe
Going head to head in the Sunday rowing races during the Coronation Cup. Picture: Emma Sharpe
A team photo the Sunday rowing races during the Coronation Cup. Picture: Emma Sharpe
Action from the Sunday rowing races during the Coronation Cup. Picture: Emma Sharpe
Action from the Sunday rowing races during the Coronation Cup. Picture: Emma Sharpe
Action from the Sunday rowing races during the Coronation Cup. Picture: Emma Sharpe

Second gothic weekend of the year draws crowds

Whitby Anchor by Ceri Oakes

Whitby Goth Weekend returned to town this weekend with thousands of fans of the culture flocking here for the first of the organisation’s two annual events.

Gary and June Hornby from York are regular visitors to the Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes

With outfits having been planned for months – from Victorian to steampunk, to cyberpunk, fairytale and post apocalyptic – Whitby Goth Weekend (WGW) is a spectacle for visitors and the hundreds of photographers who visit especially to capture it.

WGW was set up in 1994 by Jo Hampshire as an alternative music event and has become one of the world’s most popular Goth gatherings.

Crowds of visitors and goths on Church Street during the Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Throughout the weekend there are music events at various venues around the town, literature, art, socials, trade stalls, markets and shopping.

It follows last weekend’s Gothic Gathering which has split opinion about whether two events should be run close together.

Kaia from Middlesbrough jumps for joy at Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Gary from York said: ‘We remember when the weekend was divided in October a few years back, it caused a few problems back then. I think the main thing is people not getting to see their friends or the usual faces if it’s split over two weekends. We have actually attended both events but not everyone will be able to afford to come twice in a month’

WGW will return for its immensely popular Halloween event which takes place from October 30 to November 1.

Clair and Martha Durow attended the Witchmarket at Whitby Pavilion during Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes
Posing in the sunshine at Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes
A girl with huge homemade wings poses for crowds at the Whitby Goth Weekend. Saturday 2 May. Picture: Ceri Oakes

Independent, online newspaper launched in Whitby

Whitby Anchor by Ceri Oakes

A new independent, online newspaper has been launched covering Whitby and its surrounding villages. Titled, The Anchor, the publication is the brainchild of Whitby based journalist and photographer duo, Emma Ryan and Ceri Oakes, who between them have more than 20 years of experience working on local, regional and national newspapers.

They have founded The Anchor to provide regular, in-depth journalism on issues affecting the coastal town, and its surrounding countryside, as well as listings for groups, organisations and events.

Emma started her journalism career at The Barnsley Chronicle following an MA in Print Journalism at The University of Sheffield. After six years at the Whitby Gazette, she worked at city daily, The Yorkshire Evening Post and regional daily, The Yorkshire Post where she was editor of Country Post.

Ceri is a press and lifestyle photographer having worked for the Whitby Gazette, the SWNS agency with work published in The Daily Mail, The Times, The Daily Express and The Guardian.

Aimed at keeping local residents connected and informed about issues affecting Whitby, they say The Anchor will also ask questions and keep accountable decision-makers, councils and authorities.

Ceri and Emma said: “Working in local newspapers brought us both to Whitby and we both fell in love with the town, being by the sea, and its way of life. We both stayed here even when we had moved on work wise.

“We are passionate about Whitby and its future, both as a place for generations of local families to live and work and for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit as tourists.

“Whitby’s appeal as a tourist destination is not in question thanks to the beach and coastline, quaint streets, independent shops and businesses, walks and things to do.

“However, there are many issues facing Whitby with implications for residents and communities and we want to be a trusted voice for that in a world of clickbait and AI.”

The Anchor will be reporting on council meetings, planning, transport, education and housing matters as well as crime and daily life in the town.

There will also be a strong emphasis on life in the 20 plus rural villages which surround Whitby with comprehensive listings of local groups and activities for each one.

A podcast, called The Whitby Cast, will be produced each week to discuss the week’s news, interview guests or take a deep dive into topical, local issues.

The Anchor will also compile a newsletter to land in the inbox of email subscribers each week.

Whitby Anchor