For several years, members of Whitby Civic Society, ably coordinated by Doreen Wort, have helped in a quarterly beach clean. This has been partly for the benefit of local residents and visitors, but also to provide information for international surveys on pollution for the Marine Conservation Society.
In 2006 we were offered the chance to inform and involve the younger generation when a Mobile Road Show became available to visit primary schools, provided there were enough interested in the local area.
Although this has taken over a year because of national demand, the roadshow was worth waiting for. In 2007 West Cliff, Airy Hill, East Whitby and 2 larger schools in Scarborough welcomed an exhibition of marine creatures and presentations from an interesting speaker.
Tony Mok, headmaster of East Whitby, kindly invited representatives from the Civic Society to be present on Friday morning. We joined some of the younger pupils as they were introduced to inflated life-size models of dolphins, whales, porpoises, leather-backed turtles and sharks and learned what these creatures ate.Older pupils would also learn about litter and pollution so we hope future generations will have cleaner oceans and beaches. Many thanks to the Marine Conservation Society and the schools involved.