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Darlington’s oldest and widest-distributed community magazine

Raby Castle to be transformed for future generations What’s Inside Issue 91 September 2021

Darlington Monthly is proudly sponsored by:

Bishop Auckland in line for regeneration cash

YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Film review: Free Guy

FSC approved

Places to go: Annan, Dumfries & Galloway

We’re doing our part, are you?

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These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Yorkshire Loft Ladders come in. The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding and a light all fully fitted in less than a day from just £277 + VAT. But it’s not just the affordability of the package the company offers that makes Yorkshire Loft Ladders stand out as manager Warren Ingleson explains: ‘Our watchwords are Quality,

Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and Value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford. Our business relies on referrals and we got a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, however big or

small, call Warren on 0800 612 8359 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers

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Welcome to the September edition of Darlington Monthly! A lot of change has been happening recently, as Darlington adjusts to post-lockdown life – and there’s more change still on the way, as you can see from this issue’s pages. Currently-vacant buildings in Bishop Auckland are to be brought back into use, as we report on page 8.

Meanwhile, the medieval Raby Castle, near Staindrop, is set for a major overhaul – with new spaces for dining, retail and events to be added. As soon as April 2022, your kids could be enjoying a new adventure playground to the north of the castle – head to page 14 for more details. Much further along in the pipeline, however, are the local events listed on page 40 – with Darlington serving up a feast of live music and mirth this month. There’s also, at the cinema, the action comedy Free Guy – our copywriter Faye Richardson reviews it on page 20.

Pineapple fried rice

Add chunks of fresh pineapple to fried rice to Have a great month! We’ll be back with another issue in October. transform it into something special. Serve on its own for a family dinner, or as part of a Chinese banquet

Yorkshire Loft Ladders is the proud sponsor of Prep: this 10 mins month’s Darlington Monthly.

Difficulty: Easy

Serves: Up to four people Cooking time: 10 mins

Yorkshire Loft Ladders proudly sponsors this month’s Darlington Directions Monthly. If you’re looking to make improvements to your loftSTEP this1 month, get 1 Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok. Add the eggs, swirling them up the in touch with Yorkshire Loft Ladders. With the renowned sides, tolocal makefirm’s a thin omelette. Once cooked through, roll the omelette onto a chopping board and cut into ribbons. areas of expertise including loft hatches, ladders, boarding, insulation STEP 2 and lighting, you can depend on them to provide the complete service. Call 0800 co.uk, for

Heat the remaining oil. Add the garlic, onions and five-spice. Stir-fry until sizzling, then add the rice (if using pouches, squeeze them first, to separate the grains), peas, sesame 612 8359 now, or visit www.yorkshireloftladders. oil and soy. Cook over a high heat until the rice is hot, then stir through the pineapple and more details and to request a highly competitive quote. omelette ribbons.

Ingredients

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1½ tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil 2 eggs , beaten 2 garlic cloves, crushed small bunch of spring onions , chopped 1⁄2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder 400g cooked long-grain rice 85g frozen peas 2 tsp sesame oil

Available to read online Visit darlingtonmonthly.co.uk /DarlingtonMonthly

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2 tbsp low-salt soy sauce 400g fresh pineapple , roughly chopped into chunks (about 1⁄2 medium pineapple)

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.

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Scheme aims to revitalise Bishop Auckland’s vacant spaces £1million of the Governments £19.9million Future High Streets Fund has been allocated to Durham County Council, to help businesses and investors find use for vacant buildings in Bishop Auckland.

It will also help to create a town centre that thrives, benefitting the residents as well as supporting the wider country in its economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund aims to bring more non-retails uses to the town, such as visitor accommodation, by supporting new and existing businesses in redeveloping properties or expanding into vacant spaces.

Revitalising our town centres

A boost to the local economy Durham County Council are hoping to encourage visitors to stay overnight and spend more money locally, rather than going on a day trip, which would help restore the high street and boost the local economy. Significant economic benefits will be brought to Bishop Auckland by reducing vacancy rates and bringing buildings back into use. The hope is that a more diverse and modern retail, hospitality and accommodation offer with attract visitors to the town and encourage them to stay longer, leading to higher levels of spending during visits. Visit County Durham’s data suggests that a day visitor to the area spends £22, while an overnight visitor will spend £208. So encouraging businesses and investors to convert empty spaces into accommodation gives the council hope that there will be an increased level of spend and a local economic boost.

The Bishop Auckland Masterplan has already had an investment of £50million from Durham County Council and The Property Reuse Fund and Future High Street Fund are set to become a vital part of it. This funding will help boost the town’s retail and hospitality sector by supporting the conversion of under-used buildings, as well as making the area accessible with a new bus station and car parks, so links to key visitor attractions are better. Durham County Council have a vision of Bishop Auckland as a world-class heritage site, as well as being a gateway to the Durham Dales. Bishop Auckland was awarded Heritage Action Zone status in 2018 and has over 50 projects and buildings in the programme to enhance the town’s historic significance. All of the plans and bids, including one to the governments Levelling Up Fund, support the council’s Town and Villages Strategy, which aims to kick-start further regeneration and investment throughout County Durham, delivering the best outcome for local communities.

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Simon Laverick Photography & Framing

Simon Laverick Photography and Framing is your friendly, local and affordable photographer and framing service. We have a wide range of different frame designs and colours available. All of our pictures are taken by myself. Commissions are available. Pop in store and see our extensive range of mouldings or for a chat about your framing requirements. Alternatively visit our Facebook page to view our wide selection of images.

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My Journey as a Belly Dancer “My Journey as a Belly Dancer” is a true story that delves into the glitz and dangers of a world Elizabeth found herself caught up in as a professional Belly Dancer. After a broken relationship in Barristers’ Chambers, she went on holiday to Morocco where she sensed ‘déjà vu’ whilst watching an Arabian Dancer perform in a hotel. Returning to London, she learnt the dance before fate led her to a Turkish Cypriot Restaurant, where the owner showed her the ropes. She made her own costumes to enhance her career and whilst dancing in the clubs and restaurants at night as a Professional Belly Dancer, she also kept her job as a Legal Secretary during the day, finding herself in two very different worlds. Many years later, someone from Elizabeth’s past tracks her down, but does she dare meet up with him since he had become a famous celebrity? A fascinating and compelling read. Order: Troubador Publishing Ltd. All bookshops and Waterstones. Amazon, AbeBooks and Book Depository.

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Plans revealed to transform Raby Castle into a cultural asset Lord and Lady Barnard have unveiled plans to transform Raby Castle into a space that can host events, has dining venues and redesigns the gardens. The plans for the 700-year old landmark have been in the works for three years and the aim is to boost the visitor experience of the castle, park and gardens, while securing its future for the community. Transforming historical landmarks Last December, Durham County Council agreed to a two-year development programme called The Rising, that aims to restore and preserve historic buildings within the park and garden that have sat unused for decades. The Rising will also provide contemporary spaces to enjoy, giving new uses to heritage buildings, while introducing new structures to host events and exhibition spaces, retail and dining experiences. All of this will be available without having to pay an entry fee.

One way he has done this is by changing the paywall, so visitors could enjoy the facilities as well as part of the castle grounds without buying a ticket, which he said “felt to us like a much more welcoming experience”. The first phase includes the opening of the new Vinery café and restaurant, where visitors can enjoy good food with a stunning view of the castle, before taking a walk through the new Duchess Walk – all without paying for a ticket. A new children’s adventure playground is in the works to the north of the castle on the site of the current Christmas tree plantation. The playground is planned to be open for Easter 2022 and will include a refreshment kiosk with a stargazing deck on the roof. Renovating and developing The Rising will take two years of a five-year business plan that brings together a programme of conservation, restoration, repair and upgrades to other historic buildings in the country.

Lord Barnard said that newly designed walled gardens, soft landscaping and a new entrance car park will reposition Raby Castle Park and Gardens as a historical and cultural asset, which local communities can be proud of.

Lord Barnard also pointed out: “With a new generation it is time for a new beginning, and we want to make sure that Raby is preserved for future generations to enjoy as well as our own”.

Welcoming the local community

Phase one of the project will begin later this year and is due to be completed and open to the public in 2023.

Since his tenure began five years ago, Lord Barnard has been determined to make his family home an enjoyable and accessible haven for visitors. 14

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EVENTS STEAM EVENTSAT AT HEAD HEAD OF OF STEAM

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2021 HERITAGE HERITAGEOPEN OPEN DAYS DAYS

Saturday 2021 & & Saturday11 11&&Sunday Sunday12 12 September September 2021 Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 September 2021 Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 September 2021 10.00am 10.00am––4.00pm 4.00pm Enjoy FREE Enjoy FREEentry entrytotothe theMuseum Museum

LAVA LAVAPOUR POURDISPLAY DISPLAY

Saturday Saturday11 11September September 2021 2021

FundedbybyArts ArtsCouncil CouncilEngland, England,Creative Creative Darlington Darlington and Funded and Henry HenryMoore Moore Foundation- Artist - ArtistJo JoLathwood Lathwoodwill willbe be on on site site to showcase Foundation showcase aa Lava LavaPour PourDisplay. Display.

SONICBIKES BIKES SONIC

Saturday11 11September September –– Saturday Saturday 18 18 September Saturday September 2021 2021 10.00am – 4.00pm 10.00am – 4.00pm

Are you interested in bikes, air quality or just wanting to try something new? Are you interested in bikes, air quality or just wanting to try something new? Sonic Bikes is an innovative project by the Bicrophonic Research Institute (BRI). Sonic Bikes is an innovative project by the Bicrophonic Research Institute (BRI). It centres around bikes that make live sound and music based on passing air pollution It centres around that make live and music on Darlington, passing air pollution as you cycle. Webikes are hosting these insound collaboration withbased Creative asMiddlesbrough you cycle. We Art areWeekender, hosting these in collaboration with Sonic Arts Week and TheCreative AuxillaryDarlington, Middlesbrough Art Weekender, Sonic Arts Week and The Auxillary

FAMILYFUN FUNDAY DAY FAMILY Sunday 26 September 2021, 10.00am – 4.00pm

Sunday 26 September 2021, 10.00am – 4.00pm Join us to celebrate the Anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

Join us to celebrate the Anniversary thethe Stockton & Time Darlington Railway. Activities include travel back in timeof with Victorian Travellers, mini Activities include back with Victorian Travellers, mini train ride, modeltravel railway, artsin&time crafts andthe music by theTime Ran Tanners. train ride, model railway, arts & crafts and music by the Ran Tanners. Museum cafe will be open.

Museum cafe be open. £2 adults, £1 will children, under 5’s are free, included in admission and yearly passes.

£2 adults, £1 children, under 5’s are free, included in admission and yearly passes.

For more information contact Head of Steam on 01325 405060 or www.head-of-steam.co.uk For more information contact Head of Steam on 01325 405060 or www.head-of-steam.co.uk

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Top of the Hops If you love craft beers or even something continental, we have the brew for you. At the new Top of the Hops store in Darlington, we have an ever-changing selection of bottled and canned beers to tickle your taste buds. We house beer and real ale from local brewery’s that we rotate regularly, meaning there is always a new flavour every time you come in. No taste is too out there for us, either. Popping in means you can take away a Chocolate and Coffee Imperial Stout for one round, then a Fruit Sour for the next! Of course, we still house your favourite IPAs and dark ales, all of which are ready for you to take away and enjoy at home. At Top of the Hops, we even stock gift sets! We’re ready with a brew for any special occasion. Equipped with sets to suit the pale ale lover and the IPA fanatic, why not treat the beer lover in your life to a brew they can’t get anywhere else?

We guarantee to have a flavour suited to every person who walks through the door, so why not come into our brand-new Darlington store to see our growing collection of bottles for yourself? We are the onestop bottle shop for home brews in the Darlington area. Don’t just take our word for it… Come and visit us here at Top of the Hops and see just how vast our selection is. Enjoy quality tastes and vast choices.

Interested? Pop in store or contact us on: 07769 313597 or message us via our Facebook or Instagram page For more visit www.topofthehopsbeer.co.uk

Bringing together the best tasting IPA to Darlington Pop in our NEW STORE and see our ever-changing selection of locally sourced craft beers

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North x Bundobust Salted Lemon Sour

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FAMILY CLIMBING ADVENTURE

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ICE SKATING

Exciting Events Programme

FUN FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR SESSIONS, TIMETABLE & PRICES FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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This facility is owned and supported by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and is managed by Tees Active Ltd.

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FILM

REVIEW

FREE GUY Free Guy follows the tale of a bank teller who goes about his ordinary life – every day the same. There’s just one thing – he is actually a background player (or NPC for you gamers) in an open-world video game. Diverging from his prewritten narrative, he discovers a world with no limits as he tries to save his world before it is too late. Ryan Reynolds’ casting as Guy is utter perfection, his visual humour and comedic timing truly brings the character to life and a smile to your face. He is joined by Killing Eve alum Jodie Comer who never fails to impress with her effortless switches between accents and emotions. As with most Ryan Reynolds’ films, if you are looking for an intricate plotline and sincerity, this is not it! It’s daft, silly, and downright weird. However, Free Guy does attempt to have an emotionally rich sub-plot running parallel to the main narrative. Unfortunately for these characters, though, this is the only place that Free Guy slightly misses the mark. In fact, despite Joe Keery being one of the top

billed actors, his embodiment of Keys completely fades into the background. Due to this, if you blink you might miss some excellently written quips and witty one liners that deserved better delivery. But the star of the show is Channing Tatum. Though a small part, Tatum’s character packs a comedic punch and is guaranteed to have you laughing out loud. Coupled with the sheer ridiculousness of his every scene, and the impeccable juxtaposition of his counterpart, Matty Cardarople (of A Series of Unfortunate Events fame), Tatum definitely cuts his comedy chops in this film. With thematic parallels to everything from The Matrix to The Truman Show to The Lego Movie, this film is chaotic, goofy, and truly irresistible. It leans into its bizarre premise, transporting you into their world that you can’t help but find both silly and sweet. Though it might be a bit of a mess, its chaotic energy proves for a fantastic time full of laughter, popcorn munching, and an intoxicating

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expedition into an unknown world. The ensemble cast is enough to lift everyone’s spirits, with voice cameos from many famous Hollywood actors. Look out for the ‘Easter Eggs’ that are dotted throughout the movie from a range of different film franchises, and the fantastically self-aware jokes that just touch on social critique. Free Guy might not be the kind of movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but it will certainly have you falling off the seat and rolling on the floor laughing – the perfect feel-good movie.

Faye Richardson Copywriter

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Barnard Castle

COACHES £249

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Spend the weekend in the 'big smoke'. Staying in the heart of Greenwich, you can experience the Cutty Sark, take a cruise down the river Thames, or climb the famous O2 if you are brave enough! With fantastic transport links into London, you will have time to explore the whole city!

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A few days of reflection, spending time at the National Arboretum - the UK's garden of remembrance, Nostell Priory & Hardwick Hall. Staying at the Mickleover Court in Derby, you will have full access to the leisure facilities including Sauna, Pool, Steamroom & Spa Bath.

PRICE INCLUDES COACH TRAVEL, 2 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST AT 4* MICKLEOVER COURT, ENTRANCE TO NATIONAL ARBORETUM WITH LAND TRAIN, PLUS ATTRACTIONS ON ROUTE.

Contact Darlington Monthly Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk 01325 776225 ForTo Advertise full itineraries or brochure please call Tel: 01833 621302

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MONDAY 15TH FRIDAY 19TH NOVEMBER Spend the break at your leisure exploring the picturesque town of Llanberis set at the foot of one of the UK's highest mountains, Snowdonia. Our hotel is within walking distance to the town, and set in 30 acres of gardens, which includes the historic castle of Dolbadarn. You will have your time at your leisure to explore this beautiful Welsh town and its fantastic scenery.

PRICE INCLUDES 4 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST AT THE ROYAL VICTORIA, LLANBERIS WITH FREE* BAR & ENTERTAINMENT EACH EVENING, PLUS DAY EXCURSION TO BETWS-Y-COED.

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Join us for the ultimate indulgent Christmas break! We will begin our trip by visiting Stamford with its towering Cathedral and its pretty facades before spending 2 nights in the Pheasant Hotel, a country house hotel set in the heart of an area of outstanding beauty. The highlight of the trip is the Thursford Christmas Spectacular Show, often sold out and hailed one of the best Christmas Shows in the Uk, it is an extravaganza of non-stop singing, music, and variety which celebrates the festive season.

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Supreme Queen Sunday 26th September at 7.30pm

Tickets £26 The Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm, TS15 9EJ

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Sign up to Keep in the Know about Durham and Darlington to find out what is happening in your neighbourhood. Keep in the Know Durham and Darlington is a free messaging service brought to you by Durham Constabulary, where you decide when and how you are kept informed about the issues that matter to you. Register your details to receive regular crime alerts and other information about where you live. The messages will come through by email as a Neighbourhood Alert from Keep In The Know, so once you sign up and verify the activation link on the email you receive, you don’t need to keep checking back on the site for updates, you will receive them automatically. Your opinions really matter to us, so we will occasionally send out a short PACT Survey so you can let us know about any issues of concern in your local area. PACT (Police And Communities Together) Meetings are also be held on your local Neighbourhood Police Teams Facebook Pages and other Social Media sites, so if you use Social Media, why not follow them as another way of finding out what is going on in your area.

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Places to go...

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Annan, Dumfries & Galloway A

nnan is the first authentic Scottish town beyond the border. You can get a real sense of being “abroad” in an authentic Scottish town, which now has its own distillery producing again after a gap of around 100 years. Split your ticket at Newcastle, from where there is a £24 off-peak day return. From Chester-le-Street it’s £53.70 which you can cut in half by splitting.

refurbishing the Globe Inn, which was the Scottish National poet’s favourite howff (meeting place/pub). An opportunity for an overnight visit to Dumfries some other time, I think.

stories in a spooky scene reminiscent of Disney’s Phantom Manor. Any child with an active imagination would be mightily impressed. No wonder the town council want Retracing my steps into town, I reached the Galabank, the Annan Athletic Football Club the building, which is probably past ground. There’s a path which goes round the restoration, taken down. back of the stadium and winds its way down The rest of the town is much more attractive, to the riverside and is a very scenic way to get with plenty of red brick buildings and plenty back to the town centre via the Ever Holm of interesting architectural details. The Park. Annan’s High Street has a variety of distillery, a mile north, is reached by keeping shops and there are plenty of places to eat and The initial welcome to Annan can be quite to the right of the hotel and continuing ahead, drink. However, allow time to see the Annan disconcerting. Coming out of the station and crossing over the High Street to pick up the heading straight ahead north into the town, Museum which is normally open 11am to you come across an abandoned, but Category B722 north out of the town. After passing the 4pm, but sometimes closes for half an hour at town football club and crossing over the C listed, derelict edifice, formerly known as 1pm for staff lunch breaks. bridge with the A75 bypass way below, then the Central Hotel. When I arrived in Annan on 2 June there were birds flying in and out of look for the brown signs left to the distillery. Annan Museum is in a renovated former library, with permanent and temporary the broken first floor windows and The distillery is now in full production, exhibition spaces located on the ground and curtains flapping from the based in a building first used as a distillery first floors. Artists represented include George upper and which closed in 1918. Tours are Wright (1851–1916) and William Ewart available to see the production process, Lockhart (1846–1900). Lockhart is most with the obligatory and very welcome famous for the painting commissioned by tasting at the end. There’s a pleasant café Queen Victoria entitled “The Jubilee serving food and the opportunity to sit Celebration in Westminster Abbey, June 21 in the courtyard and enjoy the 1887, which took him three years to complete pretty site. Jim Murray’s Whisky and is now in the Royal Collection. Finally, Bible declares that “we have a Annan’s innovative railway turntable can be truly world class distillery in seen in the National Rail Museum in York. our midst”, which produces Get a free map of the area from the Man O’Sword, the streetmap.co.uk using the postcode smoulderingly smoky DG12 6AW. whisky named after Robert the Bruce, and the Man O’Words, Robert Burns. I enjoyed my visit, and was pleased to alexnelson@dunelm.org.uk learn that the www.nationalrail.com owners of the distillery have a new project also related to the Bard, Robert Burns, in Dumfries, where they have been www.annandaledistillery.com To Advertise Contact Darlington Monthly Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 01325 776225 30

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Start renting out your North East home with help from Casnor Property Management If you are looking to make money from renting out any home you own in the UK or even if you are looking to buy, Casnor wants to help you meet that goal. We are a West Yorkshire-based team of property experts skilled in helping clients to acquire, manage and expand their property investment portfolios. We fully manage properties in various parts of the country, including the North East, North Yorkshire and London – and even in testing times, we are able to identify especially promising homes you could benefit from adding to your portfolio. We can oversee the refurbishment of domestic properties and maintain them in attractive condition for when you might wish to market them to potential quality clients. Our work also includes the servicing of investment properties. We have only recently established ourselves as a letting agency. Our one-stop-shop service provides whatever you need as a property investor in the UK. We are ready to lend

assistance if you own UK-based property that you wish to make available for rental, or if you are considering selling your home for cash. We are trained in spotting exciting opportunities in the buy-to-let and HMO market and helping our clients to capitalise on them. For example, we can help you with buying living accommodation and investment homes to let out and managing everything you need. When working for our international clients, we always buy houses with cash and don’t impose any fees from the seller. As a result, you will get to keep more of the money you make from growing your portfolio and letting out properties as a long-term investment. Quality properties and higher returns – those are the differences you can enjoy with Casnor. We can sell your houses for cash and we can help you to manage your properties with Casnor quality services.

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Green light given to housing plan on Skinnergate, Darlington Planning approval was granted to a central Darlington housing scheme early last month, including the demolition of “eyesore” buildings and replacing them with new living accommodation. Darlington Borough Council was given permission to knock down 13-18 Skinnergate and 2 Raby Terrace in the town, in addition to renovating 12 Skinnergate, the listed former Wildsmith’s grocers, which had sustained fire damage. The project will also see the construction of six threebed houses, flats and ground floor retail units. It is part of the council’s regeneration plans and its desire to increase housing and footfall in the town centre. The plans faced some opposition Historic England and the Council for British Archaeology were broadly supportive of the plans, but expressed concern about demolishing 2 Raby Terrace, citing “a loss to the significance of the conservation area” and “insufficient justification” respectively.

disruption? Given our age this will highly likely be detrimental to our health and unpleasant for our customers.” Others were concerned about having commercial units below the housing, fearing they will remain unoccupied. What have planning officials said about the scheme? Despite the concerns voiced by some parties, planning officials concluded that the site was in a “highly sustainable town centre location,” adding that the mixed use development was in accordance with the local development plan. The report went on to say: “The proposed development would not have a negative impact on the street scene, in general design terms, nor upon residential and general amenity of the area, highway safety, ecology, flood risk or the archaeological history of the area.”

With regard to the Raby Terrace property, officers said they were “satisfied” that the conversion and retention Members of the public also objected to the proposals, of the building had been considered by developers, and including Skinnergate News, who wrote to the council accepted the reasons for its demolition. concerned about how their health and safety would be Ultimately, officers concluded that the “significant protected during development work. economic, social, heritage and public benefits” of the Malcolm and Sharon Dobson, the owners, asked: demolition of 2 Raby Terrace outweighed the harm “Are we expected to trade with the noise, dust and caused to the conservation area. 34

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H A M | YA R M

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Pineapple fried rice Add chunks of fresh pineapple to fried rice to transform it into something special. Serve on its own for a family dinner, or as part of a Chinese banquet Prep: 10 mins

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Ingredients 1½ tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil 2 eggs , beaten 2 garlic cloves, crushed small bunch of spring onions , chopped 1⁄2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder 400g cooked long-grain rice 85g frozen peas 2 tsp sesame oil 2 tbsp low-salt soy sauce 400g fresh pineapple , roughly chopped into chunks (about 1⁄2 medium pineapple)

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Local businessman provides ‘back to school’ packs for struggling families Local roofing company director, Grant Findley, has been working hard to bring his highly successful 2018 ‘Kool 4 Skool’ project into 2021. The idea behind the plan is to help struggling families equip their children with all the necessary items for the new school year. The team at the Hartlepool-based roofing company, Findley Roofing, worked alongside their director to produce a total of 60 ‘back to school’ packs for a chosen infant school, a junior school, and a secondary school in the North East Region – 20 packs per school. Each trendy backpack will include fundamental school supplies such as stationery, a water bottle, and a clothing voucher. The end of the summer holidays marks a frantic time for parents as they scramble to get the equipment and clothing items needed for the new school year – and as many of us will know, none of this comes cheap. This project should therefore provide some well-needed relief. The business doesn’t shy from charity work The business, which offers its roofing services right across the region, is no stranger to charity work and giving back to the community. The ‘Kool 4 School’ project is just one of a few that the company has worked hard to ensure the North East benefits from. This one is slightly different, however, as it’s close to Grant Findley’s heart. The director said: “My mum was a lone parent who worked night and day to bring up three of us in Tyneside. She did so much for us and gave us everything, but I still felt a little sad at the start of term when I saw lots of the other kids with their brand-new gear. “I didn’t understand all the sacrifices she made then although she taught me how important education was, a lesson which I learned and I pass on to everyone I meet. Parents have so much on these days like putting food on the table and keeping the lights on that they might not be able to get the latest shoes and bags the kids need.

“This is where we want to help and give back. We have put together the ‘Kool 4 Skool’ packs and vouchers to help struggling families and lone parents kit their kids out and start school with a spring in their step. “We can’t help everyone in the North East but we can help some people and that’s what we’d like to do. A new coat or bag might not be a major purchase for every family but for some children it can be a magical feeling and give them the boost they need to really succeed at school – who knows where that could take them?”

Grant will be deciding which three schools he’ll donate the packs to, information which we’ll have very shortly. You can find out more about Findley Roofing by visiting their website, www.findleyroofing.co.uk.

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What’s on is sponsored by:

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r e b m e t Sep Last Train Home 2021

4th September – 12pm – Multi Venue Last Train Home Festival makes its return to Darlington this month. See bands and comedians across four stages, for a day of music and laughter. Tickets can be booked on skiddle.com

Darlington 5k

5th September – from 11am – South Park The Race for Life arrives at Darlington. Participants will run, walk or skip a 5k loop of the stunning South Park. For more information about the event see raceforlife. cancerresearchuk.org

YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Sun Records, the concert

17th September – 7.30pm – Darlington Hippodrome The label that brought such legends as Elis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis is coming to Darlington in the form of an official concert show. Catch the multitalented cast of singers and support cast of amazing musicians this month at darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Northern Kin Festival 2021 (17th – 19th)

17th-19th September – Raby Castle Park and Gardens After being cancelled in 2020, Northern Kin Festival is back. See three days of live music at 2021’s Northern Kin Festival. This is the perfect event for lovers of Folk, Blues and Rock music. Get your tickets at northernkinfestival.co.uk today!

Justin Live

19th September – 11am/2.30pm – Darlington Hippodrome Cbeebies superstar Justin Fletcher will be at Darlington Hippodrome in an all singing, all dancing extravaganza. This show is packed with well-known songs, hilarious comedy and plenty of slapstick fun. For a morning of family fun, see darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Darlington Rhythm and Blues Festival 25th Anniversary American Wresting Darlington 10th-12th September – Darlington Market Square Listen to live traditional Rhythm and Blues music in the centre of Darlington. Free fun for all the family. To see the line-up, visit enjoydarlington.co.uk

26th September – 2pm – The Dolphin Centre EPW Wrestling presents top class wrestling action for all the family. Don’t miss this unique sporting event. To get your tickets for the ultimate family afternoon, see eventbrite.co.uk

Inside The Mind of a Serial Killer

Al Murray – Landlord of Hope and Glory

16th September – 7.30pm – The Forum Music Centre Cheish Merryweather, founder of Crime Viral, is coming to Darlington with an all-new talk show. The 2-hour session focuses on investigating the darkest criminal minds and is guaranteed to shock. Head to theforumonline.co.uk for more information.

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 40

28th September – 7.30pm – Darlington Hippodrome Join Al Murray as he steps “back into the future” and examines the world we live in with the skewed logic of a bar room philosopher. Anyone who spends any time in the pub will recognise these comments on our pub culture. Tickets for Murray’s gig are available on darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Some Kinda Wonderful – The Music of Stevie Wonder

29th September – 7.30pm – Darlington Hippodrome Celebrate the genius of Stevie Wonder with Noel McCalla (vocals), Derek Nash (saxophonist) and his world class band, who present a programme of Wonder’s greatest hits. For this unmissable event, go to darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk for tickets.

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PUZZLE PAGE Simply complete one of the competitions below, fill in the entry form and send to the postal address provided.

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Name The Ad 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.

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Community spirit following racist vandalism ‘deeply touching’ for Arthur Wharton Foundation After the Arthur Wharton Foundation’s England team tribute was targeted with racist abuse, the outpouring of love shown by the local community – and others around the globe – was “deeply touching” for its founder. The foundation was set up to commemorate Arthur Wharton, who was the world’s first black professional football player, the first official fastest man on the planet, and a goalkeeper for Darlington FC in the late 19th century. A story of local unity Shortly after the final of the EURO 2020 tournament, founder Shaun Campbell woke up to messages that the walls of the foundation in Darlington had been defaced, after a mural was painted in tribute to Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka. Shaun got to work repainting the walls straight away, and it was here that a tale of outstanding love and community spirit began and brought people together in a stand against racism. Members of the community showed up armed with paint and brushes in a similar effort to the attempt to cover the Marcus Rashford mural in Manchester with messages of love, after it was defaced. When Shaun turned up with his paint brush, he was expecting to just make a start on covering up the defacement after seeing pictures of the wall on Facebook. Little did he know, the community would rally around him and take care of the task at hand.

(Image: Stuart Boulton

was so emotional – it was nothing to do with racism, it was love. It was the commitment of those people. They actually came to say we’ve seen this, how can we help – give us a brush, give us the paint.” Love from across the world After the vandalism was covered up, a story had been created. The Arthur Wharton Foundation started getting messages from Australia, Russia and even the Caribbean. Shaun described it as “deeply touching” that so many overwhelming positive messages came from it. Shaun has always been a huge advocate for the importance of Black History, as well as women’s history and the history of people with disabilities. Through the foundation, he is also fighting to champion other important black figures who have been lost in time, saying: “Other people have thus far not been celebrated or acknowledged for their contribution to our society. We have a duty through Arthur’s legacy to champion them in the way we have championed him.”

Shaun was completely moved by the outpouring of love, saying: “I took myself to one side in the office I

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Darlington Monthly September 21