My husband Richard Baker, who has died aged 66 of cancer, was a sailor, museum attendant, writer and gardener and, for more than 30 years, lead builder of the Skinningrove bonfire, east Cleveland.
Thousands flocked annually to his beautiful, enormous sculptures of dinosaurs, goblins, ships, castles and more, built from scrap wood at this spectacular community event. Richard invited contributions from everyone, whatever their abilities, encouraging people to value their addition, as he did. When darkness falls on Skinningrove each 5 November, this huge fire is a magical sight. In 2015, it featured as the Guardian’s Picture of the Day.
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