‘The Grinkle Monster’ comes to life in East Cleveland by local artist Gillian Gilmour on behalf of East Cleveland Good Neighbours

The Grinkle Monster has been entertaining the young people of East Cleveland since the beginning of the 1^st lockdown 2020 and now he has his very own book to raise funds for the local community of East Cleveland.

The book brings together all the wonderful illustrations and breathes life into ‘The Grinkle Monster’ who has been visiting the rural communities in East Cleveland with tales of history and local legends.

Gillian Gilmour creator said, “The Grinkle Monster is about bringing to a younger audience a sense of pride in the rich cultural history of the area in these very difficult times”. 

Gillian lives in a small village in East Cleveland. She is an artist, teacher, and Town Councillor, who taught Art, Textiles and English for many years in a secondary school in Leeds.  Much of her artwork has been inspired by the history and heritage of this area.

Gillian is a volunteer for the local group East Cleveland Good Neighbours who have provided vital support across the 13 villages of East Cleveland. It is through East Cleveland Good Neighbours that the Grinkle Monster was born as an activity for younger members of our community. During this work, the Good Neighbours have provided timely craft packs for our children and families; each bag contained an episode of the Grinkle Monster with wonderful crafts and activities to enjoy at home.

The book brings together the first 12 episodes with fun and engaging activities to enhance the times spent together indoors. It is funded by Loftus Town Council and Tees Valley Rural Action.

Our local independent bookshop community has rallied behind the cause and you can purchase the book through click and collect or by post from the following local stores.

Chapter One, Loftus; Artcentric CIC and Book Corner, Saltburn.

All funds raised will go directly to East Cleveland Good Neighbours; an army of over 80 local resident volunteers who believe in looking after their community and raising community spirit through these difficult times.  They provide vital services and bring the rural communities of East Cleveland together, by providing healthy cooked meals to the isolated, a vital food bank for those in need, craft and activities for families and a much-needed virtual community through their Face Book group and page.

Linda White from East Cleveland Good Neighbours says “It was clear from the start of Covid that it was important to keep the community connected and engaged. It has been wonderful to watch the Grinkle Monster develop and travel throughout the year. It’s certainly been an interesting journey and amazing opportunity for families to connect and celebrate our local culture”.