Issue 64 - November 2018
Your favourite PRICELESS community magazine
What’s Inside to “think local” Feat Reasons ured Ar t i cles and shop in Darlington
Is Darlington a
satisfying place 10 Darlington Market to to live? be graced with new exhibition space
A conversation with 24 Darrien Film Wright Review - The House with the Clocks in its Walls FILM REVIEW: 38 Johnny English Strikes Again
JAK HQ PUTS TEESSIDE HOSPICE LOGO ON THE SHIRTS OF THORNABY ODDFELLOWS F.C.
LOCAL BUSINESSES
LOCAL EVENTS COMPETITIONS
COMMUNITY NEWS WHAT’S ON Darlington’s oldest and widest-distributed community magazine
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Welcome to the November edition of Darlington Monthly! Have we seriously got to November already? Yes, we have, and we’re sure that as you read this, you may well be contemplating a visit to a local bonfire night or even plotting your Christmas shopping. Rest assured that whatever you wish to do this month, however, you can do it in Darlington. That much should be clear from one look at our ‘What’s on’ section on page 46, although you’ll also find great ideas for things to do throughout our magazine. Why not head to the cinema, for instance? In partnership with Vue Cinemas, we’ve given you our verdict on Rowan Atkinson’s latest comedic espionage return, Johnny English Strikes Again, on page 38. Alternatively, you might have spent a lot of time sat in front of the TV over the past month or so, and we can’t really blame you, given all of the dance floor (and occasionally off-thedance floor) action that this year’s Strictly Come Dancing has given us. So as you tune into the next episode, why not flick through to pages 24-25 for our interview with true struttinglocal-boy-done-good and 2006 Strictly Dance Fever winner, Darrien Wright? Finally, we can’t say farewell for another month without also thanking our fabulous advertisers, who continue to help to make Darlington Monthly the success that it is. Why not take the chance to showcase your own local business to a broader audience by joining them? Give us a call now on 07500 828 396 or email sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk for more information about our excellent-value long-term plans.
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That’s it for now – join us again in December for our Christmas issue!
Available to read online Visit darlingtonmonthly.co.uk /DarlingtonMonthly
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Last Month Competition Winners
The Croft Hotel
Vue Cinema
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Disclaimer... Whilst we take every care to ensure accuracy in this magazine, we regret that we cannot accept responsibility for any incorrect information. All advertisements are accepted in good faith as to their veracity and we are not responsible for views expressed by contributors or other sources. The copying of any material within this publication is strictly forbidden without the publishers or Studio Managers consent. By providing your email address and entering our competitions you agree to receive email communications from the competition sponsor/prize provider.
Advertise Contact Monthly Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 07500 828 396 MikeDarlington Ryder 4 SusanTo Elliott-Lyall
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What's On At The Majestic Theatre 78-80 Bondgate,Darlington, DL3 7JT.
November 2018
Made In Motown FRIDAY 9TH Adult £15, Concession £13 Bon Giovi SATURDAY 10TH Adult £15, Concession £14
Double Trouble and The Pirates Of The Spooky Lagoon THURSDAY 1ST - 2PM + 6PM £8.50 a ticket. The Pirates are coming back to Darlington this Halloween with a brand new show full of swashbuckling fun for all the family. Mat Ricardo VS The World FRIDAY 2ND Adult £12, Concession £10 Award-winning cabaret star, and the UK’s most successful juggler, Mat Ricardo had run out of new tricks. So he bet everyone in the world that he could learn any trick they could think of.
The Vicar Of Dibley - The second coming. £10 A stage play by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter 15TH, 16TH &adapted 17TH from the original TV series by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer. Adapted for from theAspect original TV SHOW With the kind stage permission of Tiger Productions (by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew Archer) by Ian The Majestic Theatre, Darlington. Gower and Paul follows2018 the antics of all Thu Carpenter. 15th - Sat 17th ofItNovember Performances start at 7:30pm the usualTickets characters in the Dibley village from June to £10, available on the door, or book online at: Christmas. Awww.ticketsource.co.uk/majestic-theatre good laugh for the whole family.
Hazel O'Connor Breaking Glass SATURDAY 24TH £20 a ticket
December 2018
Damfino SATURDAY 3RD. £6 a ticket Welcome to Chris Mallon’s debut show Damfino, an evening of mind reading, psychological entertainment and psychic illusions.
Peter Pan Christmas Show TUES 11TH THROUGHOUT TIL MON 24TH Tickets Only £3!
Box Office: 01325 633296 Purchase tickets at Email: Office@majestictheatre.org.uk www.majestictheatre-lee.com Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk
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The man behind the Darlington Hippodrome revamp is nominated for national award Sean McNicholas, the operations manager at national construction firm Willmott Dixon that oversaw the transformation of Darlington Civic Theatre into the Darlington Hippodrome and the creation of the next-door Hullabaloo children’s theatre, has been nominated for an award for his work.
Plenty of other recognition of such vital work Chase de Vere chief executive Stephen Kavanagh was among the others to salute Mr McNicholas’ work, stating: “The restoration category award recognises the fantastic renovation work undertaken by building professionals such as Sean.
The £14.2 million contract for the project was handed to Willmott Dixon in January 2015, with funders including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council and Darlington Borough Council.
“The North East is an important region for our company and the works carried out at the theatre are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also provide significant benefits from the community and a genuine lasting legacy.”
The work involved substantial demolition, alongside new construction to provide bars, dressing rooms, changing rooms and offices. This was followed by the restoration of the Edwardian auditorium that also saw its capacity expanded from 850 to 1,012.
Former Darlington Borough Council leader Bill Dixon hailed the project as the “best thing ever to happen to Darlington” on its completion last year, while director Lynda Winstanley added that the building’s revival kept the future of theatre-goers “safe for generations to come”.
“A well-loved local institution” While Mr McNicholas has been working in the construction sector for 16 years since graduating in Construction Management from the University of Northumbria and has worked with Willmott Dixon for nearly a decade, Darlington Hippodrome represented his first refurbishment project.
A distinguished history and an exciting future With what was then known as the New Hippodrome and Palace Theatre of Varieties having first opened its doors on 2nd September 1907 with a classic music bill topped by “the Greatest of all Comediennes”, Miss Marie Loftus, it’s fair to say that if the listed structure could talk, it would have many an intriguing story to tell.
He commented: “The theatre is a well-loved local institution and I had the eyes of the community on me. “The refurbishment ranks as one of the most extensive remodelling of an Edwardian theatre ever carried out in the UK. “There was also so much riding on getting the work done for the theatre to open in time for pantomime season, because £50,000 would be lost each day it didn’t.
However, its future is no less promising, not least as the theatre has already booked in shows for 2021. Events set to take place this month alone range from Dracula and The Full Monty to Cilla - The Musical and Lee Nelson - Serious Joker. To learn more about the full programme of upcoming events at Darlington Hippodrome, please call the box office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk.
“I am really proud of the results of this work and I am honoured to be shortlisted for the prestigious Restoration category award. “The theatre is now a magnificent addition to the local community and should be for many years to come.”
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The Dessert Lounge; tasty treats for the residents of Darlington Opening up in early October, The Dessert Lounge is situated on 399 Yarm Road and is full of plenty sweet treats. The Dessert Lounge is home to a great selection of Milkshakes, Cake Shakes, Waffles, Cakes, Old School Puddings, Cheesecakes and so many more. The Dessert Lounge has already had a wide range of visitors coming in to try their tasty delights on a daily basis. If you are one of many who fancies a sweet treat in the evening, you can visit them daily between 5.00-10.00pm. You can collect with ease or if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home, they operate a delivery service! If you are fancying something for breakfast or lunch and not in the mood for something sweet, they operate a Cafe throughout the day where you can sample full English breakfasts, Sunday lunches, Pies, Quiches and plenty of Daily Specials.
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A friendly face
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At Elderwood care home, we understand that we are part of a wider community. We also understand how important it is for all of us to share, to talk and to feel safe and secure. That is why we inviting older people into our homes to enjoy a warm meal and some good company. Pr�u��� ��-f��-�r�fi�. Elderwood care home Westmoreland Street, Darlington DL3 0FB If you, or someone you know, would benefit from this then please call us for more details on 0808 102 4907 Rated Feb 2018
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Is Darlington a satisfying place to live? More than three quarters of residents think so... As passionate ambassadors of Darlington ourselves here at Darlington Monthly, it encouraged us to read that more than three in four of those living in the locality are satisfied with it as a place to live. That’s according to a recent community survey conducted by Darlington Borough Council. Residents across the borough were randomly selected to receive a copy of the survey in January 2018, seeking their views on various issues. Such topics as satisfaction with the local area and services, community safety, the local economy, health and wellbeing and contact with the council were all addressed.The council received a total of 4,714 responses with which to compile its findings. What did we learn from the poll findings? The findings of the community survey were published on Monday 6th August, with the council expressing particular gratification at the news that 76% of respondents described themselves as satisfied with their local area as a place to live. Nor was that the only positive result from the survey, with others including the 65% of people who felt that residents from different backgrounds got along, the 90% of respondents who were happy with South Park and the satisfaction of 92% of those with children with the Dolphin Centre. 76% of residents were also satisfied with such key services as waste collection and street cleaning. There is, though, plenty of scope for improvement Not all of the poll’s discoveries make for pleasant reading for the council. Only 61% of those questioned said that they felt safe in their local area after dark, for example, while less than half (49%) felt well-informed about what the council does. Indeed, half (50%) of the polled residents said they didn’t feel well-informed about why the council has had to make savings,
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and 60% felt that locals were unable to influence council decisions. 37% of participants in the survey said they spoke negatively about the council, and fewer than three in 10 (29%) felt that the council acted on the concerns of residents. Furthermore, a mere 44% said the council was not efficient, well-run or value for money. “We are working hard to free up money” Darlington Borough Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Harker, said: “This has been a very hard time financially, with our government grant cut and our duty, which we take very seriously, to provide social care for the most vulnerable adults and children in our communities. “I understand why some people think the council is not value for money and that their voices haven’t been heard, as we have had to reduce many services and increase Council Tax to ensure that we meet our legal obligations, particularly around social care.” Harker added: “We are working hard to free up money for the services people want and I hope we can get better at explaining the financial challenges we are wrestling with, and what shapes the choices we make so people feel more well-informed. “Despite some of the challenges we have all faced over the last few years, the most pleasing feedback in the survey was that more than three quarters of residents said Darlington is a good place to live. As someone who chose to live and work here, it’s great to know that so many people share my passion for this borough.” The complete results of the community survey, including a ward breakdown, can be viewed on the official website of Darlington Borough Council, at www.darlington.gov.uk/ communitysurvey2018.
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A stage play by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter adapted from the original TV series by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer. With kind permission of Tiger Aspect Productions The Majestic Theatre, Darlington. Thu 15th - Sat 17th of November 2018 Performances start at 7:30pm Tickets ÂŁ10, available on the door, or book online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/majestic-theatre Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk
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Adult £15, Concession £13 Bon Giovi
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SATURDAY 10TH Adult £15, Concession £14
PUZZLE PAGE
Wordsearch
S P U M P K I N E K E H K H N S H Y K V R C Simply complete one of the competitions Trouble and The Pirates Of The Spooky Lagoon K L R H F O A F E O I below, fill in the entry form and send to the DAY 1ST -postal 2PM +address 6PM provided. X H X O V R L B A T T a ticket. The Pirates are coming back to K N J E W B M V W U S gton this Halloween with a brandthe new show You have swashbuckling fun for all the family. S -WThe Osecond R coming. C E £10R A C S I Vicar Of Dibley chance to win... The A stage play by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter 15TH, 16TH &adapted 17TH from the original TV E A B A Vseries Y R J J L M by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer. Adapted for from theAspect original TV SHOW aExcluding Sunday Lunch for Two!* With the kind stage permission of Tiger Productions cardo VS The World drinks B andN Paul J Mayhew O U Archer) G Pby Ian I T L R (by Richard Curtis The Majestic Theatre, Darlington. Y 2ND Gower and Paul follows2018 the antics of all Thu Carpenter. 15th - Sat 17th ofItNovember M O N S M T J P Performances start at 7:30pm the usualTickets characters in the Dibley village from June to F A A £12, Concession £10 Courtesy of... £10, available on the door, or book online at: Christmas. Awww.ticketsource.co.uk/majestic-theatre good laugh S E Lfor the P whole P family. A U Z O F F -winning cabaret star, and the UK’s most sful juggler, Mat Ricardo had run out of new O LGlassD P K S M E P O Hazel O'Connor CBreaking So he bet everyone in the world that he could H O T E L Monthly - x3 homes - A5 - OCTOBER INSERTION.qxp_Layout 1 11/10/2018 14:52 Darlington any trick they couldF_BAR_18903 think of. F F E O A P X W N P L SATURDAY 24TH
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£20 a ticket
Name The Ad
Apples . Armistice . Autumn . Cold Fall . Foreworks . Leaves . November Poppy . Pumpkin . Rake . Scarecrows
December 2018
HOW TO PLAY: Match the five segments of images below with an Advert in this magazine, place either the company name or the page number in the space below each box.
Y B L E A V E S X X F Page 1 T
Darlington
Hand
Plastering Suspende Property Bespoke T
no
DAY 3RD. £6 a ticket me to Chris Mallon’s debut show Damfino, an g of mind reading, psychological entertainment easy ychic illusions.
Sudoku
7 2
hase tickets at 2 5 9 8 4 7 w.majestictheatre-lee.com tion required, please
reception o 4 r 6ca l l 4576
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It’s a ha
TUES 11TH THROUGHOUT TIL MON 24TH Tickets Only £3! The Winner will be notified
Exciting news!
by Darlington Monthly within 14 days of the competition closing date.
Box Office:Name: 01325 633296 6 Office@majestictheatre.org.uk Email:
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Address:
Mount Vale Care Home has a stylish new look!
8 5 7 Postcode: 1 3 6 5 4 9 4Following 2 significant investment, Email: Mount Vale has a brand new look which we’d love to show you. 3 4 Please send all entries to: Competition Department, Unit 4, Station 7 1 8 home 6 3has beautifully 2 Our refurbished rooms that areRoad, the Chester-le-Street, DH3 3DY. perfect spots to socialise in, enjoy nutritious three-course 6 2 Competition End Date: 20th November
Hotel, Piercebridge, , D L 2 3 SW
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Peter Pan Christmas Show
meals or take part in our daily activities.
Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk • Respite Dementia • Visit • Residential Nursing
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DMALAW NEW SERVICES DMA is a law firm that has been around in the North East for four decades, with offices throughout the region. DMA Law is very much a high-street private client firm where we offer a full range of legal services for individuals. Each of our offices sits at the heart of the community, serving the members of that community. We are pleased to announce that as of 1st September 2018 we will be offering civil Legal Aid services in our Chester le Street, Consett and Darlington offices. What the introduction of these Legal Aid contracts means for these offices is we can now offer Legal Aid to those requiring assistance in Family Law matters. This ranges from:• Care Proceedings where Local Authorities are involved with children • Public Law Outline (PLO) • Assistance in obtaining Non Molestation Orders and • Child Protection Issues Meet Marc Hewitt, DMA’s Family Solicitor Marc, will be taking up residence at each of these
offices and hoping to assist the people of the local communities with any Family Law issues they may have. Why not email Marc directly on Marc.Hewitt@DMA-law. co.uk If you have any queries please feel free to come and see us or visit us at www.dma-law. co.uk You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We are located at 56 Duke Street, Darlington and we look forward to helping as many people in the town as well as the wider community. If we are unable to assist you by drawing on the services available throughout the firm we will do our best to find the right people or organisation to help you with your problem.
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DMA LAW has been providing mainstream legal services in the North East for over three decades. Whatever your need is right now, we’re here to help.
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We also have a free legal walk in centre. If you have any legal queries visit DMA Law Link, 40 Skinnergate, Darlington. to us Mon–Fri 10-4, Sat 10-2 No appointment needed. Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk
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Gobble BOX comes to Darlington Fast Food delivery and ordering in is now becoming the norm for most of us and here in Darlington there’s no exception. New delivery service Gobble BOX, delivers 7 days a week 11am to 11pm, delivering McDonald’s, KFC or Subway in around 20mins with their URGENT Delivery Service. If you prefer more traditional food, Gooble BOX also offers a great selection of Sunday Lunches from a regular portion to what’s called a MEGA Sunday Lunch – for those who want to share or have a larger appetite. Should you find yourself in front of the TV enjoying a great movie, place your order and let Gobble BOX bring you the popcorn, chocolate, sweets, snacks and movie treats direct to your door. The delivery service is already playing a vital role for those people that enjoy their favourite fast food but may not be able to leave their home or travel well –delivering the meals Fast, Hot and direct to the door. Gobble BOX say they have been overwhelmed by
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the orders and the great positive feedback for their service – “We strive to deliver a high quality service, we understand customers want their food hot and on time – and that’s what makes Gobble BOX completely different – we are all about the customer and their expectations.” Gobble BOX also reward customers for their purchases and social media interaction providing “Gobble Points” for their loyalty, as customers save up their points they can get prizes including FREE Delivery, discounts and free food items. You can use the Voucher Code below and get FREE Delivery on your 1st order for McDonalds, KFC or Subway during November this month. Customers can easily place their order via www. GobbleBOX.co website either on their mobile, tablet or pc – customers can even place their orders over the telephone by calling Gobble BOX on 01325 939 269. You can LIKE & Follow GobbleBOX on social media:
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Murder
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Mystery Night
3 0 t h N ov e m b e r 2 0 1 8 7.00pm - 11.00pm Tickets are ÂŁ30.00 3 Course meal and M y s t e r y e n t e r ta i n m e n t
R e s e r va t i o n r e q u i r e d , p l e a s e B o o k a t r e c e p t i o n o r ca l l 01325 374576 The George Hotel, Piercebridge,
Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly usnonline: Da r l i n Visit gto , D L 2www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk 3 SW
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A FAMILY-OWNED chain has fought off competition from national companies to be named the best restaurant group in the country. Al Forno, which has three branches in Darlington, Middlesbrough and Ingleby Barwick, was honoured at the recent English Italian Awards. It was shortlisted for the prestigious award alongside Darlington’s Uno Momento and branches of Carluccio’s, Gino D’Acampo’s My Restaurant and San Carlo Manchester. At a glitzy ceremony in Manchester earlier this month, co-owner Erdal Kuzgun was thrilled to hear that his business had come out on top, despite such stiff competition. He said: “They didn’t just shout out Al Forno, they shouted out Al Forno Darlington, meaning we helped to put Darlington on the map – we had people coming up to us asking where it was. “I feel great, it was the best news to get, especially knowing we were going up against all of those big chains. “The award makes me feel extremely proud and it really shows what hard work and dedication can do. “My business partner, Liam Percy, and I set up our first restaurant in Middlesbrough in 2006 and we are still here and still growing all these years later. “I think the judges liked that we are a family and we’re from around here, that our staff and suppliers are all local and that we have a lot of regular customers coming back through our doors.
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“We also have a great relationship with the community and sponsor football teams and work to help young people.” Mr Kuzgun, who describes himself as “very passionate” about his work, added: “This award means that going forward, we will be even stronger as a business.” Winners of the 2018 English Italian Awards were announced on Sunday, October 7 and also saw Darlington restaurant Stable Hearth named best pizzeria in England.
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81 Skinnergate, Darlington DL3 7LX - 01325 466585 - Al-forno.co.uk
Steak Night for two includes bottle of wine £29.95 available every Tuesday Two Course Happy Hour Menu From £8.95 available every day Italian Themed Afternoon Teas £9.95 per person, served daily Sunday Sharing Platters £9.95 per person
CHRISTMAS PARTY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. BOOKINGS BEING TA K E N N O W !
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01325 466585 (D'ton) 01642 242191 (M'bro) 01642 766300 (Ingleby) Passing by? Why not pop in and make your reservation or visit our website at al-forno.co.uk/christmas & book online!
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DARLINGTON 81 Skinnergate, Darlington DL3 7LX MIDDLESBROUGH 2 Southfield Rd, Middlesbrough TS1 3BZ INGLEBY Sandgate Park Shopping Centre, Ingleby Barwick TS17 5AA
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Employment Round Up As the clocks go back, and the dark days before Christmas draw ever near, it’s natural for our thoughts to turn to the season to be merry, but a word of warning for all those planning the annual Christmas party. Let’s be merry yes, however make sure its with mirth and good humour, not the drink fuelled merry that can in the heat of the moment lead to confrontation, and worse still, physical assault. Bad behaviour is surprisingly prevalent at company dos. According to a CIPD survey, one in ten UK workers knows someone who has been disciplined or sacked for inappropriate Christmas party behaviour. The top three transgressions are fighting, threatening behaviour and sexual harassment. Triple vodka shots might seem like a good idea at the time but when does a tipple lead to a topple? It may be a party but it’s still a work event and the hierarchy still stands: your boss is still your boss. So no, now is not a good time to tell him what a ****** you think he is! Libby Eglin, HR Resolutions E: hrresolutions@btconnect.com M: 07967 200603 W: www.hr-resolutions.co.uk
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Two hours free parking offer used by thousands of motorists Thousands of those to have visited Darlington by car since July have already taken advantage of the new two hours free parking initiative launched for long-stay car parks in the town centre. The initiative went live on Monday 9th July, with its first three weeks alone seeing more than 5,000 free tickets dispensed. There were also 6,000 more users of the car parks compared to July 2017. The two hours free parking offer is one of a number of recent Darlington Borough Council initiatives introduced to boost support for the town centre in response to changing shopping habits. Coinciding with the initiative’s launch was a £2 all-day parking offer in the East Street multi-storey car park above Wilkos, which has also helped to increase the number of people opting to park there. So, where can you park for free for a whole two hours in Darlington? The car parks where one can park for free for two hours in Darlington town centre are as follows: Archer Street Upper, Kendrew Street East, Kendrew Street West, Park Place East, Park Place West, Garden Street, Chesnut Street, Hird Street and St Hilda’s Tannery Yard Parkgate.
“A fantastic turnout” Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for leisure and transport, commented: “The increase in overall visits in July is great news, clearly helped by the new car parking offers and I am hopeful that the extra visits are helping to boost local businesses. “I’m hearing anecdotally that people are making the most of the offer to visit parts of the town centre that they might not otherwise get to, such as the yards and some of our great independents, which is fantastic news and exactly what we’re aiming for.” He continued: “We’ve also seen a fantastic turnout at the many events the town centre has hosted this summer and I hope that will continue, because there’s plenty more to come.” How can you make the most of this offer? You can take advantage of two hours free parking seven days a week in long-stay car parks. To do so, you must obtain a ticket from the machine and clearly display it inside your vehicle to show what time you arrived. The free offer is limited to one ticket, per vehicle, per day. More information about car parking in Darlington town centre can be found on the official Darlington Borough Council website at www.darlington.gov.uk.
The above list amounts to some 634 parking spaces in all that can be used at no cost to the motorist for a limited time, in addition to the 338-capacity East Street, where those not staying all day are charged £1 an hour to park. 22
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A Conversation with...
Darrien Wright Darrien Wright gained a professional dance contract after winning the BBC One show Strictly Dance Fever. What led you to develop your interest in dance? I have always been around music and had many different styles of music playing at home from northern soul to Motown, country to pop, which has been a huge influence on my life. At six years old, my Mam took me to see Kylie Minogue in concert and that changed everything for me. I remember the whole staging, lights and sound and thinking, “wow”. Then, Miss Minogue came on stage with her amazing dancers and I just knew that’s what I wanted to do. Did you get teased at school about your love of dance, or were other kids interested in it? I was always an outgoing child and loved to dance, and it was a natural thing for me to do. I didn’t hide the fact that I loved to dance and went to dance classes. 27 years ago, not many boys went to dance classes in Darlington. A lot of the time, I was the only boy there, but that didn’t stop me. Moving onto high school, a few not-so-nice words were said, but that give me the strength to prove people wrong. It’s funny when you get older and bump into those people from school who say, “Wow, you really did it and kept going, no matter what”. There is still a stigma around guys dancing, but I believe it’s slowly going away. You won the 2006 series of the BBC’s Strictly Dance Fever, with Hollie Robertson. When you look back now, what do you feel are the most important lessons you learned during that time? Winning Strictly Dance Fever totally changed my life. I was travelling the world and going from show to show in front of thousands of people. I remember being in the house with Hollie and it not feeling real that five million people were watching me perform week in, week out. We were both very driven people and I couldn’t have done it without her. We both come from a background that if you want something, you work hard and fight for it. What led you to establish the DanceWright Studio on Ridsdale Street, Darlington? I always dreamed of having my own dance studio. When I came home after Strictly Dance Fever, all I wanted to do was have my own place. I had my friends and family to help me and
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DanceWright Studio was born. It’s been a crazy nine years, but I love teaching and helping others and the friendships it has made has been the cherry on the cake. In running the studio, how do you balance your passion for dance with business concerns? Do you feel that the worlds of dance and business mix well? I opened the studio at 24 and at that time, I just wanted to teach. I didn’t know business – all I’ve known is dance my whole life. Yes, I’ve made mistakes along the way, but I’ve learnt from them and my business is in the best place it has ever been. Sometimes, you want to do everything yourself, but in business, you just can’t. Again, I have amazing people around me that I trust. I used to give my heart and soul into the dance but on the business side of things, I just went with the flow. This then put a strain on me when it came to dancing. I took a step back and looked at what I wanted to do, and again, it goes back to being myself, doing things my way, not following the crowd and making myself happy first. What have been your greatest successes or proudest moments during your years running the studio so far? In nine years, I have achieved so much. I’ve had dancers winning dance titles all over the country, dancers moving away to dance college, putting on my own showcases and running Darlington Dance Festival. But I think bringing people together, forming new friendships and helping both adults and children to be who they want to be is my most special part of being a dance teacher. What are your thoughts on the current state of the dance scene in Darlington and the North East? What are the best aspects of dance in the region, and what do you think could be improved? I believe the dancing scene in Darlington is fantastic. You just have to look at our Dance Festival each year. It gets bigger and better every year and it has all styles of dance and people of all ages. There is a great team behind the festival and I’m so lucky to be a part of it and to have had the chance to choreograph
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Darrien Wright
the mass dance every year with my friend Debbie. Every year it’s different and every year it’s a challenge, but it’s fantastic for our town. Other than raw talent, what do you feel is the most important ingredient for success as a dancer? I believe everyone can dance. It’s movement, it’s expression. Yes, not everyone can spin or do the splits, but it’s something everyone can have a go at. I tell my students that if they want to be dancers, it’s all about drive and determination. Try everything, even if you can’t do it at first. I was challenged to try so many dance styles that I hadn’t done before but I didn’t give up, I wanted to learn and not just do it OK, but be the best I could be at it. I’m still learning everyday from different people and different cultures. I’ve never stuck to one style and I think that’s what makes me different when it comes to teaching and performing. Who do you consider to be the greatest dancer of all time, and which dancers (either today or across history) do you think deserve greater acclaim or attention? I love dance movies and looking back at films like Grease. John Travolta has been in so many iconic dance films, and Patrick Swayze is another amazing dancer. I think today, we have so many amazing dancers onstage and on-screen that just push the boundaries.
I worked with a guy in the West End, Derek Hough, in a show called Footloose, and he was such an outstanding performer. Seeing his career blow up around the world just shows you that if you chase your dreams and work hard, it pays off. You’ve already achieved more than many of us would ever hope for – do you still have any big ambitions left unfulfilled? I’ve been so lucky to achieve so much in my life and career, but I’m not one to work hard to get something and then stop. I want to travel more and learn more, I want to keep pushing my students to be the best they can be, and I want people to smile when watching my shows. But my ultimate dream is to perform on stage with Miss Kylie Minogue. You’re performing until Saturday 3rd November in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Darlington Hippodrome. What can you tell us about your role in it? I’m so excited to be back onstage with Darlington Operatic Society in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I performed with them for the first time in Priscilla back in April, and the show went down amazing. The full cast and crew are fantastic and they have an amazing team behind them. I love being onstage and performing night after night, especially in my home town.
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Jak HQ puts Teesside Hospice logo on the shirts of Thornaby Oddfellows F.C. Fans of Sunday League football might have noticed a new logo adorning the Thornaby Oddfellows F.C. players’ shirts recently. That’s because, in sponsoring the club, Jak HQ has placed Teesside Hospice’s logo on the shirts. Thornaby Oddfellows F.C. is a member of the Stockton Sunday Football League, where the club is in the highest of the league’s four divisions, the Premiership. Thornaby has soared in the Premiership this year while also competing in the DFA Champions League and Ian Gorman Memorial Trophy. Thornaby Oddfellows F.C., Jak HQ and Teesside Hospice: three winning teams County Durham-based digital marketing agency, Jak HQ, has become the football team’s new sponsor, paying for all of the club’s kits and printing. However, out of goodwill, they have printed Teesside Hospice’s logo - rather than their own - on the front of the kit.
High-profile clients with which Jak HQ have worked include Crimestoppers, Sunderland Live, Biochemica and Teesside Hospice itself. Teesside Hospice is a provider of palliative care for people who are aged over 18 and live with a life-limiting illness which is no longer possible to cure. Teesside Hospice offers inpatient care, day hospice and bereavement counselling services as well as outpatient appointments. The Middlesbrough-based hospice also runs a clinic for the treatment of the chronic condition lymphoedema. “We look forward to helping both Thornaby Oddfellows F.C. and Teesside Hospice with this exciting new sponsorship deal. Teesside Hospice does some amazing work and we’re delighted to be able to offer a new avenue for awareness in the Teesside area.” Benjamin Kerry, Owner, Jak HQ Limited.
This exciting new deal with Thornaby Oddfellows F.C. has also seen Jak HQ design the club’s first-ever badge, which features on the new shirts. From their base in Chester-le-Street, Jak HQ’s digital marketing agency provides services for a wide range of businesses. These services include graphic design, website design, search engine optimisation, PR, social media marketing and copywriting.
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Campaigners breathe sigh of relief as Darlington Library saved It’s been a long-running and gruelling battle since Darlington Borough Council’s decision in 2016 to close Darlington Library’s historic Crown Street site and move the service to the Dolphin Leisure Centre, but campaigners have finally tasted victory with the news that the plans have now been scrapped. Councillors had voted for the library relocation two years ago to save £300,000 a year, but have now performed a U-turn, deciding instead to keep the service in its current building. How did we get to this point? The Friends of Darlington Libraries group’s chances of securing the listed Crown Street structure’s future as a library seemed bleak as recently as July, when a High Court judge ruled in favour of the Labour-run authority’s original decision to shut the library. The campaigners said then that they would fight on - and now, that determination has borne fruit. After the council indicated in early September that it would consider reversing its plan and instead spending as much as £2 million on improving the site, it emerged on 12th September that the authority’s cabinet had voted to save the library. Newly-elected council leader Stephen Harker said it would now be difficult to use an alternative use for the building, and that the authority’s “slightly improved finances” over the past year meant it had become a viable option to keep the Crown Street site open. How did the council justify its change in stance? Mr Harker, who commissioned a report into the impact of shutting Crown Street library, commented: “Since the decision was made two years ago, things have changed a lot, in particular the challenges faced by the town centre retailers.
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“It was important to demonstrate in court that our consultation had been fair and proper. But finding an alternative use for Crown Street now feels much less likely than when the decision was made.” A council spokesperson commented, when the result of the fresh vote came through: “Members agreed with the leader’s recommendation to overturn the earlier decision to move the service, meaning it will stay where it is. “There will be a consultation on how the library will look in the future, with a further report due before cabinet early next year.” What happens now? Darlington Borough Council and the Friends of Darlington Libraries have now expressed willingness to work together on the creation of initial proposals for the Crown Street building. Members of the campaign group told a meeting of the authority that they had carried out extensive research into schemes to bolster library services across the country, and wished to share their conclusions. Mr Harker, meanwhile, said that “within reason”, the Friends group would be able to get involved in the preparation of the consultation detail. We certainly hope here at Darlington Monthly that such positive noises about the future of the Crown Street library will be backed up with action, to the benefit of all users of the library service in the borough. In the meantime... watch this space!
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A RENOWNED eatery has served up a tasty donation for a local hospice after completing an annual Tour de Tapas.
More than 50 riders saddled up for the 25 mile circular ride from the Old Yard Tapas Bar, in Bondgate, Darlington, raising £2,302.93 for St Teresa’s Hospice. The annual event, which has so far raised £12,235.25, helps the hospice provide free care and support for residents of Darlington, South Durham and North-Yorkshire, who are affected by life-limiting illnesses. Owner George Turnbull, whose late father Peter, a staunch supporter of the hospice, hosted the first tour in 2007, said: “It is so important to keep the event going both in memory of my father and to help St Teresa’s continue its incredible work. “We were invited to visit the hospice to see just how they spend all the funds raised and this has motivated us to continue our efforts, it’s essential we continue to contribute to such an amazing place.” “The all-day event saw riders, including the Old Yard Tapas Bar staff, customers, local families and hospice supporters, aged from two to 60, cycle through the town and outlying villages before stopping for a well deserved rest and a game of cricket in Hurworth. Lots of different types of bikes took part including choppers and the General manager James Buxton and his wife Zoe rode around on a tandem.” Manager of the Old Yard Tapas Bar Rebecca Poad said: “We love everyone to get involved and enjoy their day at their own pace, all riders encourage each other through the difficult parts. We’d like to mention our regular customer and friend Richard Armstrong, who works at the memorial hospital, has raised hundreds of pounds each year for the Tour de Tapas in sponsorship. This year was our biggest event yet, we are delighted as this is the most we have ever raised - we are already aiming to beat the total next year hopefully with even more riders joining the tour. “ Chief executive of St Teresa’s Hospice Jane Bradshaw added: “This is an absolutely fantastic effort from everyone involved with the Tour de Tapas and something that we never take for granted. It is wonderful to have so many friends and supporters to help us with our ongoing fundraising especially in such an active way. What is also invaluable is that George and his staff continuously help to raise awareness of our charity and the work of the hospice; sometimes just a mention about St Teresa’s could mean that someone who needs our help may pick up the phone or someone may want to help us fundraise to continue our work which is so important.”
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Exciting news! Mount Vale Care Home has a stylish new look!
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FILM REVIEW: Johnny English Strikes Again It seems like every new Johnny English film is greeted with a round of withering critical pasting – but these days, people know what they’re getting with a Johnny English film. There’s never any attempt at an in-depth Shakespearean insight into the human condition, just lots of slapstick and buffoonery from the world’s favourite hapless Bond-alike since Austin Powers went out of fashion. The usual staples of the comedy spy genre are here: fancy gadgets, exotic locales, a glamorous love interest and at the centre of it all, acting legend Rowan Atkinson in his third stint as Johnny English. Not that the film starts out with him in his familiar guise as the spy. Instead, he’s actually working as a geography teacher when a cyber attack reveals the identities of all of the UK’s intelligence agents, forcing the Secret Service to bring Johnny English back out of retirement for a crucial mission.
the ideal solution to sealing the recently opened glaring gap in the country’s digital infrastructure. In case his cocky swagger in the early scenes isn’t hint enough, yes, he’s hiding a shadowy secret (now there’s a role reversal from a well-worn Hollywood cliché – we’ve got the large team of Brits as the heroes and the script’s only American character as the villain). As English and his sidekick Bough (played by Ben Miller, whose character is making a welcome and long overdue return after his inexplicable absence in Johnny English Reborn) attempt to track down the culprit for the cyber attack, they even come across a former Bond girl. It’s the French actress Olga Kurylenko, who you might remember from the 2008 Bond film Quantum of Solace. Here, she plays Russian lady Ophelia, who keeps our two leads guessing as to whether she is friend or foe.
The world hasn’t been graced – or disgraced, as many critics might put it – with a new Johnny English film since the release of Johnny English Reborn in 2011. There are certainly many seemingly topical elements of the new film’s narrative, from the cyber attack angle right through to the embattled and sullen-faced Theresa May-esque British Prime Minister played by Emma Thompson.
As with the previous films, there are plenty of well-executed slapstick set-pieces, one particular highlight seeing English testing a virtual-reality simulation of Volta’s mansion while unknowingly, in the real world, assaulting a man at a deli-counter with a pair of baguettes.However, you suspect that English’s disdain for modern inventions like smartphones is shared by the filmmakers, with our hero even ending up dressed literally as a knight in shining armour. It all adds up to good-natured fun.
Then there’s the young, American tech billionaire called Jason Volta – played with relish by Jake Lacy – who pitches supposedly
Darlington Monthly Rating: 3/5 Craig Lenaghan - Copywriter
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01325 734843 | lyonswatson.co.uk | info@lyonswatson.co.uk
Lyons Watson Accountants boss welcomes Darlington expansion. Launched in 2016, Lyons Watson Accountants – which offers financial management and business support services to North-East firms – has grown quickly. It has now moved to bigger premises in Darlington’s Business Central development, giving the firm the opportunity for further expansion in the future. Owner Nick Lyons said described the expansion as “highly significant ” for his business, adding: “The new office is a big step forward. “It gives us the room we need to welcome a new member of staff and we’re excited to bring clients to it.
“ We like to meet with them regularly to build close relationships so it ’s great to be able to have the extra office space to host these meetings.” Being from the town himself, Mr Lyons said it had been important for him to retain a business presence in Darlington, adding: “I’ve always wanted to be based in Darlington so we were delighted to have the opportunity to grow within Business Central."
We deal with all aspects of the accounting side for your business so you can concentrate on running your business. Our range of accountancy services include BUSINESS START-UP
YEAR END ACCOUNTS
BOOKKEEPING AND VAT RETURNS
PAYROLL AND AUTO ENROLMENT
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For more information Call: 01325 734843
Lyons Watson Accountants, Business Central, 2 Union Square Find us on Darlington, Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly VisitDL1 us online: County Durham, 1GL www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk
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MORTON OPTICIANS established in 1937 by John Durkin Morton , the first practice was in Thornaby, Stockton on Tees . The second practise was opened in 1953 in Norton Stockton on Tees . Both practises were taken over by Mr Durkin-Morton’s son Terence Morton in 1976 and since 2002 Terence Morton ’s son David Morton current owner , third generation ,continues to care for the businesses. David Morton graduated in Bradford University 1996 and took his initial training at the Sunderland Eye Infirmary dealing with low vision , children's eyecare, and hospital contact lens fitting. David also worked in London at David Clulow practise for three years before
settling down in Darlington and taking over the family business in Stockton on Tees. Morton Opticians is a very family orientated opticians with a focus on high quality service. David ’s grandfather was one of the first opticians to offer home visits to the local community which David has carried on, offering house visit for patients who have difficulty in travelling. The great news is that service is expanded to Darlington area as well . David Morton and his team extend a warm welcome to both existing and new customers , keen to supply the very best options for everybody.
6 ST PETERÕS HOUSE, THORNABY TS17 9FF Call: 01642 760042
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Call: 01642 760042 Wide range of spectacle frames available 40
If you are aged 60 or over and are unable to get out without help or assistance, you are entitled to have an eye test in your own home free of charge under NHS
To Advertise Contact Darlington Monthly Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 07500 828 396
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Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning service to Darlington & the surrounding areas.
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Robson Granite Worksurfaces Limited Darlington's Premier Granite, Silestone and Quartz Specialist.
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Fantastic Prices on Quartz, Silestone and Granite Throughout November! We supply, template and install Granite, Silestone, Quartz and Corian worktops for kitchens, bars and bathroom vanities at fantastic prices. We can also make amendments to existing granite & also oer a chip repair service.
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We are the first healthy takeaway establishment in Darlington offering breakfasts, lunches and 'fakeaways'. Healthy doesn't have to be boring!
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To Advertise Contact Darlington Monthly Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 07500 828 396
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an established driving school based in Newton Aycliffe, that has been teaching people to drive in Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Durham and surrounding areas since 1992.
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To Advertise Contact Darlington Monthly Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 07500 828 396
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What’s on November Darlington Football Club 3 Nov - 15:00 Darlington vs Guiseley 10 Nov - 15:00 Chorley vs Darlington 17 Nov - 15:00 Darlington vs Hereford Home games are played at Blackwell Meadows, Grange Road, Darlington, DL1 5NR. For tickets visit: darlingtonfc.co.uk Tees Cottage Pumping Station Gala Open Days 6Th / 7Th October 2018: Tees cottage are holding their final open weekend of this year at broken scar, coniscliffe road, darlington, dl3 8tf. This weekend follows a very successful year. The plan is to run all of the old steam machinery including the victorian beam engine, boiler and the gas engine. The electric pumps installed in 1926 will be on static display. A blacksmith will also be in the smithy.A full size traction engine will be there on the saturday 6th october.We are hoping that on sunday 7th there will also be a display of vintage vehicles including cars, motor cycles, fire engines, stationary engines and other intersting items. (Final arrangements still to be confirmed) The miniature railway should also be available to ride (small extra cost). Come along and help us celebrate this final open weekend of this year. (No booking necessary). Further events are already planned for 2019. The café will be open for snacks. Opening times: 11.00 To 17.00 Each day (last admission 16.00). Charges: adult: £5.00. Concessions: £4.00. Children free. Sorry cash only. The Spotted Dog - Bonfire Night 04 November 2018 17:00 The Spotted Dog hosts their annual bonfire night, complete with hog roast, fireworks display, live music, mulled wine and craft beer. Price: £2 per person (3s and unders free). 6 The Green, Darlington DL2 2LJ Peppa Pig visits Darlo Play Plaza 10 November 2018 09:30 - 17:00 Peppa Pig is coming to Darlo Play Plaza to meet all the children. All children will get a juice and a snack included in the entry fee (£8 per child). John Dobbin Rd, DL1 1QL. The Vicar of Dibley - The Second Coming 15 November 2018 19:30 The Bondgate Players presents “The Vicar of Dibley - The Second Coming” - a stage play by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter, adapted from the original TV series by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer (with kind permission of Tiger Aspect Productions). Tickets, priced at £10, are available on the door or online. Majestic Theatre, Bondgate, Darlington DL3 7JT.
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Got an event coming up? Let us know and we’ll help spread the news. Email details of your event to: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk
Choco Charge 17 November 2018 12:00 - 15:00 at South Park, Darlington. Christmas is coming! Join North East Autism Society for their 5K chocolate themed fun run, Choco Charge. Run through Christmas filmed themed stations, collect chocolatey treats along the route and reward yourself with a warm and comforting mug of hot chocolate at the finish line.This fun-filled event is a great way to get you and your family in the festive spirit. The spirit of the event is “taking part” not “winning” so you can run, jog or walk – you decide. Plus, lots of other Christmas treats that will keep the family busy. Post Your Letter to Father Christmas Call into The Hullabaloo from 10am on 17th November to post your letter to Father Christmas in their very own post box to North Pole. Letters should be stamped and addressed to: Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ Please also remember to include the full name, address and postcode of the sender, so Father Christmas can reply as quickly as possible. This is part of the Royal Mail letters to Father Christmas/ Santa service. Letter templates are available from The Hullabaloo for a small donation. Darlington Christmas Markets 23 November 2018 10:00 - 17:00 Darlington Market is hosting a four day Christmas Market with stalls selling the perfect gifts for Christmas. The market will feature festive food and drink including mulled wine and spiced cider, live music as well as children’s entertainment and a variety of stalls selling seasonal crafts, gifts and produce – perfect for those Christmas gifts, hamper ideas and stocking fillers. Darlington Christmas Light Switch-On 2018 22 November 2018 17:00 - 20:00. Market Square. Hosted by TFM’s Steven & Karen, the event will include a bumper hour of festive entertainment with fireworks, music, games, and competitions. There will also be special appearances from stars of the Darlington Hippodrome pantomime, as well as Santa Claus. Walworth Castle Birds of Prey Santa’s Grotto 01 December 2018 10:30 - 16:00 Join Walworth Castle Birds of Prey for Christmas fun including: Present & Letter from Santa, Ozzy Owl’s Workshop, Ferret Racing, Santa’s Naughty & Nice List, Quizzes, Nature Trail, Flying Display (1:30pm)
To Advertise Contact Darlington Monthly Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 07500 828 396
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Thinking of moving? Call Newtons
49 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington T: 01325 250111