Memories of when mighty ‘Big-B’ was first lit IT’S naturally sad news that Europe’s largest blast furnace at Redcar is to be mothballed after 30 years. It’s as tall as St Paul’s Cathedral and dominates the Tees estaury.

Those present at the opening ceremony treasure a memento from the occasion, a circular piece of iron weighing nine ounces. On one side is an embossed drawing of a blast furnace, and on the other are the words: “To commemorate the lighting of Redcar blast furnace Oct 1979”.

British Steel’s logo is embossed at the top.

The furnace is the last of more than 150 similar, but much smaller, furnaces over the past 150 years. Its role is to make iron, the key ingredient for steel (made at the nearby Lackenby steel plant).

It was nicknamed by the Daily Mirror as Big-B. It will be sadly missed along with its associated jobs.

North Yorkshire has contributed much to Teesside’s iron and steel industry, from the limestone quarries of Wensleydale to the iron ore mines of Rosedale, East Cleveland and Eston.

Among local people present at the lighting in October 1979 was Bill Hunter, works manager, who performed the ceremony wearing a suit and tie. He can often be seen round Saltburn in his retirement.

Refreshing

HOW marvellous that Coun Steve Kay, who has served longer without a break on Redcar and Cleveland Council than any other member, should find he had “enjoyed every minute” of his 30-year career.

Spectator so often hears from local councillors how hard, boring and frustrating the work is. But many continue to put themselves up for reelection.

What do other local government representatives think about council work?