Darlington Monthly March 20

Issue 80 - March 2020

What’s Inside

Your favourite PRICELESS community magazine

Feat ured Ar t i cles 26

Film review: Sonic the Hedgehog

Rebuild of town’s fire station

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30

Win Sunday Lunch for Two at The Croft Hotel

LOCAL BUSINESSES

Stagecoach’s Uber-style bus service hits the streets

LOCAL EVENTS COMPETITIONS Darlington Monthly is proudly sponsored by

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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 March edition of Darlington Monthly!

Also, welcome to the spring, which officially re-enters our realm this month. True, the weather can be unpredictable, but at least lighter mornings make it easier to rise quickly each morning.

And talking of speed, we’ve got a full-throttled review of the video-game-to-cinema-screen version of Sonic the Hedgehog on page 26. If you’re thinking of catching it before it zips away, be sure to check out what writer Gavin Lenaghan made of this fast-paced, fun-packed Paramount flick.

For the rest of this month’s local cultural highlights, you’ll find listings for comedy, theatre and more on page 38. From all of our team here at Darlington Monthly, have a wonderful March!

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Findley Roofing & Building is the proud sponsor of this month’s Darlington Monthly.

To give your roof a thorough once-over as we head into the spring, get in touch with the local roofing experts and book your FREE roof inspection.

You’ll see Findley’s vans all over Darlington and the rest of the North East, so they’re never far from your door. Call the team now on 0191 417 3422, or visit www.findleyroofing.co.uk.

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

Competitions

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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.

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners, all winners have been notified. Winners are selected at random. The provider will only receive the winning entries inContact order to fulfil completion of the prize. Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 01325 776225 Advertise Darlington Monthly 4 details ofTo

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Stagecoach launches Uber-style, flexible bus service for Darlington One of the UK’s leading public transport operators has unveiled Tees Flex, a new brand set to deliver Uber-style bus services to people living in rural areas of Darlington and Teesside.

The scheme has won praise from local politicians believing it will fill gaps in existing public transport infrastructure.

The Tees Flex brand was announced at a special event at Hartlepool’s National Museum of the Royal Navy. Also revealed on the day were zones and destinations covered by the new service, along with its prices for otherwise “isolated” residents of the Tees Valley’s rural areas.

A long-awaited service for local people Councillor Heather Scott, Darlington Borough Council leader and Tees Valley Combined Authority Transport Cabinet Lead, attended the launch, where she noted: “The Tees Valley Combined Authority have been wanting to do (this) for quite some time.”

She suggested that local people in rural areas could ring up or use an app to book a bus capable of taking them to doctors’ or hospital appointments. Customers will be able to book 6

their own seat on any of the nine Tees Flex buses to be operated by Stagecoach North East on the Authority’s behalf.

The buses in the fleet are fitted with leather seats, disabled access and USB charging sockets, and will cover three zones across Darlington, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar & Cleveland.

Each bus will also include tracking technology enabling the vehicle to reach customers within 45 minutes.

Echoes of praise from Tees Valley politicians Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who gave the funding go-ahead for the service late last year, explained: “There are far too many people cut off in rural communities that find it difficult to see their friends and family, access essential health services, get to the supermarket or, most importantly, the jobs and training opportunities that we are creating across the region.

“Students, families and people of all ages can request a bus to collect them from right outside their door and take them where they need to be, and at a great price.” Sadberge and Middleton St George Councillor Doris Jones concurred that “it’s cheap, it’s affordable, it’s perfect for us.”

To Advertise Contact Darlington Monthly Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 01325 776225

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An exceptional range of high quality stoves available in the heart of the town centre.

Owner Stephen Airey and his engineers have many years experience in the heating and fireplace industry. The showroom boasts an array of traditional and contemporary woodburning and multi fuel stoves from leading manufacturers. From bespoke inglenook designs to modern freestanding versions, JTA Fires and Stoves will endeavour to make your dream a reality.

We have a fully qualified installation team that cover HETAS approval for solid fuel applications, Gas Safe for gas fires and central heating systems, and also OFTEC for oil boiler installations. JTA Fires and Stoves also supply and install inset hole in the wall gas and solid fuel appliances for a minimalist look. Alternatively, we can cater for those wanting a traditional focal point fireplace in either solid wood, marble or stone. Many of these fireplace designs can be tailor made to your own specifications.

We offer a free site survey with absolutely no obligation to purchase. We pride ourselves on our vast knowledge and experience, and welcome you to call in to see what we have on offer - you won’t be disappointed.

Our showroom at 9 Duke Street, Darlington is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am-5.00pm.

Sunday opening is by appointment only.

If you would like to arrange a free site survey either call into the showroom, or get in touch on 01325 389238 or email jtafiresandstoves@ icloud.com.

A warm welcome awaits at JTA Fires and Stoves.

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Ex display models available on our gas fires, wood stoves, gas stoves and electric fires.

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SENtral Nights SENtral Nights is a new and exciting venture that will bring people who have additional learning needs ‘A night out experience’ in a safe environment.

Our first ‘night out’ will be on 3rd April at Darlington Cricket Club at 7:00 Entry costs £ 3 (carers free) Please contact us through FACEBOOK@SENtralnights to confirm your place

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Express your interest by emailing: distancelearning@darlington.ac.uk or phone the distance learning team directly on 01325 503126

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It’s all about the SUIT, service and style in Darlington’s new tailoring store It’s not often a business starts out with close to 60 years’ experience behind it, but that’s exactly what’s happened with allabouttheSUIT. Business partners Mike Baxter and Angela Atkin, who worked together for a long time at Psyche in Middlesbrough, have come together to set up a store that combines leading brand quality with affordable prices for men in the town.

Baxter and Atkin recognised that consumers needed an alternative to expensive suits. Indeed, visitors to the large, 600 sq ft store on Northumberland Street will find plenty of options priced between £100 and £300.

With leading brands including House of Cavani, Antique Roque, Douglas & Grahame Spin and Paul Andrew available, whether it’s for a wedding, prom or other occasion, men in Darlington will discover an affordable, fashionable option in store.

“Our decision to go it alone in business came about with a discussion Ang and I had regarding our future.

We wanted to go back to old-school principles and customer service. The store is aimed at the more fashionconscious look with a classical twist.”

Find out more call 07870 800253 or visit our Facebook page allaboutthesuit

or simply call in-store to view our lovely range of suits 10 Northumberland St. Darlington, DL3 7HJ

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Look your best this spring, get the sharpest look for all occasions; proms, weddings, interviews

Call into our store and try on for yourself 10 Northumberland Street, Darlington, DL3 7HJ 12

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TRUSTED. CHECKED. APPROVED.

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We work with a wide range of: Landlords, Property Owners, Businesses & Homeowners who require Gas, Heating and Plumbing Services across the North East.

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Original furniture for homes,

businesses and more company use is oak, but you can also order pieces in pine, ash and beech.

It wasn’t until 2019 that the business was established - and, since then, it has gone from strength to strength, receiving a wide range of orders and delivering everything from dog kennels to coffee tables, fireplace mantels to farmhouse-style lamps.

Behind every item created is a lifetime of passion in carpentry and woodwork. With this verve for original furniture comes the desire to provide an affordable service that people can turn to again and again.

The result, with Bespoak Ltd, is a wide selection of custom furniture, either available to buy or made to order. Naturally, the main material the

You can also contact the company for the creation of unique storage solutions, perhaps for a loft or basement conversion, or simply to make better use of the space in your property.

For more information, you can find Bespoak Ltd on Facebook, @BespOAKLTD2020, or call 07542 678664.

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Clever storage (Under stairs, under counters and alcoves) Dressing tables with clever storage

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A pharmacy that’s open early until late and 7 days a week!

NHS prescriptions, over the counter medicines and healthcare products, and a wide range of other services available.

wet rooms | plumbing | bathrooms kitchens | joinery | repairs Call Peter for advice, and a FREE Quote!

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Sensei Physiotherapy and Martial Arts in Darlington offer both Physiotherapy services and martial arts / fitness training to both high level athletes and the general public. Our current roster of Physiotherapy clients includes team GB athletes, professional combat athletes, footballers, rugby players and ultrarunners. We specialise in contact sports injuries but also treat the general public with anything from knee, and shoulder pain to arthritis and back pain. If you have a musculoskeletal injury, Sensei physiotherapy will be able to help.

Sensei Physiotherapy are fully insured and both CSP and HCPC registered ensuring that you are receiving the highest quality of care.

Our Physiotherapy Services include: • Physiotherapy treatment • Mobilisation / Manipulation • 1:1 rehab training • Ultrasound • Massage • Acupuncture • Education and advice

Martial Arts training: At Sensei we also offer expert tuition in Martial Arts. We specialise in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Wrestling. We also offer fitness, yoga and boxcamp classes at our bespoke premises. All classes are taken by highly experienced instructors.

We teach children from the age of four the benefits and discipline learned through training. We offer a friendly and welcoming environment that caters for students of all ages and abilities.

At Sensei we welcome anyone that is willing to work hard to improve their physical and mental strength and health.

Whether you want to learn to defend yourself, compete, lose weight or just get fitter Sensei can help you achieve your goals.

Why not come along and make use of our FREE one-week trial? We have special offers running throughout March so there has never been a better time to start.

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• MMA • BJJ • Wrestling • HIIT • Kids classes (from 4 years old) • Yoga • Boxcamp • Purpose built facilities including fully matted dojo and 16ft cage.

• Weights • Cardio equipment.

Contact: Richard Boyle Bsc, MCSP, HCPC Mob: 07984577688 E-mail: rick@senseionline.co.uk Facebook: @senseidarlington

Any customer who signs up to a direct debit and stays with us for 3 months will receive a FREE hoodie worth £40.

Anyone who stays with us for 6 months will get their first MMA grading (including custom rash guard) worth £35 FREE.

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Martial arts services include:

10% discount from your initial assessment then 50% discount from your second appointment should you need one with this advert.

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It’s Gutter Be Clean!

Do you have issues with algae, moss, or black spot on your patio? Or do you struggle with slippery surfaces due to lack of light in certain areas? We, at It’s Gutter Be Clean, are your local, specialist chemical cleaners, providing multiple different treatments to help eradicate and control re-growth around your home.

Treatments applied to roofs, on surfaces, stonework, slate, block, concrete, metalwork, sandstone and uPVC can be highly effective at removing moss, algae and lichen from porous surfaces. As a chemical cleaning company, we are very aware of what is deemed ok – and what is not. We don’t use high-pressure jets like power washers on roofs, as it strips the protective layers from the tile – resulting in less, long-term protection. Also, the high-pressure could cause damage deep into roofs.

We provide a low-pressure, low-risk (but massively effective) way to clean surfaces and give longer lasting protection.

Since 2005, we have offered homes a complete external surfaces clean that lasts.

From uPVC roof cleaning, render cleaning, to sandstone chemical cleaning and anti-fungal and moss removal. You can be sure our work is performed to the highest standards.s Check us out at It’s Gutter Be Clean on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and our website www.itsgutterbclean.co.uk – or give us a call, and we would be happy to havea chat.

01642 466599 / 07592 859847 It’s Gutter Be Clean – often copied but never rivalled.

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DarlingtonOS presents

Strictly Musicals The Darlington Hippodrome auditorium will soon be buzzing to some of the most famous songs in musical theatre history as DarlingtonOS presents Strictly Musicals 3 in April.

also introduced some lesser-known shows to Darlington audiences such as Titanic and Jekyll & Hyde. Following Strictly Musicals 3 the company are straight into rehearsals for the fantastic family show – SHREK!

Audiences are guaranteed over 2 hours of musical theatre magic featuring amazing vocals, fabulous choreography, spectacular costumes and a live 14 piece band. Specially commissioned orchestrations have been produced over the last 12 months to bring a new life to songs from classic shows such as Chicago, the King and I, Mack and Mabel and Cinderella to more modern-day classics such as Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Ragtime and, of course, The Greatest Showman.

Strictly Musicals 3 runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Wednesday 22 April to Saturday 2 May. Thursday 30 April is a BSL Interpreted performance and both Friday performances are audio described.

This is the third in the Strictly Musicals series of productions for DarlingtonOS, each version being more popular than the last proving there is a huge appetite for musical theatre in Darlington.

DarlingtonOS has presented two full scale musicals at Darlington Hippodrome for over 70 years and has a national reputation for creating large scale, lavish productions. Some of their most recent shows include Sister Act, Hairspray, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (with a fantastic flying car!) and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. They have

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Tickets for Strictly Musicals 3 are available by calling the DarlingtonOS Ticket Hotline on 01325 244659 or online at

www.darlingtonos.org.uk

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BISHOP AUCKLAND FOOD FESTIVAL 2020 Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April Bishop Auckland Food Festival is back next month with an even bigger helping of free family fun.

Once again, the town’s historic Market Place and surrounding streets will be bustling with more than 150 stalls serving up the region’s finest produce.

Exciting street food, tempting tipples and indulgent cakes and desserts are all on the menu, as well as a chance to meet the

producers and discover the stories behind the tasty treats on offer.

An action-packed programme of workshops, meanwhile, will educate and inspire children and adults alike.

Find out more visit:

www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk alternatively go on our Facebook page

SAVE THE DATE - FOODIES JOIN US

18-19 APRIL 2020

OVER 150 FOOD + DRINK TRADERS COOKERY WORKSHOPS CELEB CHEF COOKERY STAGE FUN FOR KIDS + LIVE MUSIC + MUCH MORE Visit bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk bishfoodfest

MORE GUESTS TO BE ANNOUNCED! APPEARING

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MASTERCHEF WINNER 2019

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A Durham County Council Event

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FILM REVIEW:

Sonic Sonic SonicThe The TheHedgehog Hedgehog Hedgehog The bright blue anthropomorphic hedgehog who zipped into a generation’s living rooms as the star of the iconic 1990s videogame franchise Sonic the Hedgehog may have finally emulated his Nintendo counterpart Mario in making it to the big screen, but he was unfortunate enough to suffer a high-profile stumble en route to cinemas.

It wasn’t quite his fleet feet that proved problematic, however, but instead his face, the perceived overly humanoid nature of which on the release of the original trailer last spring, led to a redesign that ultimately restored his resemblance to one much closer to his familiar console-game self.

A surprisingly satisfactory face-off So, amid all of that – ahem – frenzied controversy, does silver-screen Sonic stand much chance of pleasing both evidently demanding long-term fans, and the youngsters who may be only just discovering his charms in their gaming adventures today?

ratio seen on Google in three years should tell you something about the relieved reception given to the prickly critter’s hasty facelift by adult streaming users. It further helps that in the finished product, Sonic is graced with an upbeat and broadly likeable persona, courtesy of voice talent Ben Schwartz.

a sometimes stilted comic approach from Marsden, who nonetheless seems game in his role as “Donut Lord” Tom Wachowski. The backand-forth dynamic between Sonic, Tom and Dr. Robotnik also leaves relatively little to do for Tiki Sumpter in her role as Tom’s wife Maddie, at least until the denouement.

However, while Sonic himself is rendered in pleasingly-detailed digital animation – with Schwartz also providing facial motion capture for the character – this is otherwise a live-action vehicle for the likes of James Marsden, as the Green Hills sheriff that Sonic befriends on Earth, and Jim Carrey, as mad scientist Dr Robotnik (or “Eggman”, as Sonic repeatedly and faithfully refers to him).

Ultimately, though, it might be Carrey who almost steals the show, as he manages to wring a decent amount of comic viciousness out of his literally moustache-twirling, but slightly underexplored villain.

Light, escapist pleasure

Not every aspect of Sonic the Hedgehog works.

Director Jeff Fowler – in his feature directorial debut – and writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller have evidently gunned for an infantilised humour that will be more readily tolerated by the eight-year-olds of 2020 than those of 1991 The answer is a perhaps slightly surprising “yes”. watching today.

The fact that the second trailer featuring Sonic’s revised look attracted the highest like-to-dislike It’s an approach that seems to bring out

Sure, Sonic the Hedgehog could’ve been somewhat hipper and edgier for the 30-somethings and 40-somethings bringing their little ones to the multiplex. But for all of the publicly inauspicious circumstances that surrounded it last spring, this fantasy adventure also provides just-about-sufficient, albeit light frills over its nicely paced 99-minute running time.

Gavin Lenaghan Content Manager

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Johnny Kingh

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Refer a friend or family member to our latest boiler replacement offer and receive a £25 love2shop voucher

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Fun and Friendly ladies group, meeting at different locations across the North East.

Different activities each month, come along with friends or on your own and make new ones!

Free fully funded sessions for elderly ladies, standard paid for groups 12 per session Local community interest company, Pimm’s & Needles, which runs women’s groups across County Durham, Teesside and Yorkshire, has managed to secure funding from Tees Valley Rural Action to increase the number of funded “Silver Members” Groups that they currently operate.

These groups are specifically for older ladies who are socially isolated, have a long term illness or disability or have been bereaved, with an aim of meeting once per month to take part in an activity and enjoy socialising over tea & cake with other ladies. They have done lots of craft projects such as needle felting and origami, made Christmas table decorations, and also made chocolates and tried their hand at cake decorating!

The first group meets on the third Thursday of the month from 2-4pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Larchfield Street and has been going now for almost 2 years – thanks to funding from County Durham Community Foundation.

The new fund is to start a second group at Firthmoor community centre, which will start in April.

In addition to the silver groups, Pimm’s & Needles run 11 other groups, mostly during the evening, specialising in giving women of all ages some much deserved “me time”.

Every month it’s a new activity, doing everything from fused glass to making hanging baskets, pasta making to Bangla

dancing! Guest spaces are available for £12 per session.

More details are on Facebook or via pimmsandneedles.co.uk

For more information about coming along to any of the groups please email us hello@pimmsandneedles.co.uk or call 07971678444

www.pimmsandneedles.co.uk 28

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You've been putting off sorting your pensions, haven't you?

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Cllr John Robinson, Cllr Audrey Laing, Estates Manager John Hancock, Head of Corporate Resources Keith Lazzari, Architect David Hardcastle, Jeremy Marley, Jason Harrison, Paul Neasham and Dylan Barker of Tolent, Darlington District Manager Dave Glendennin Photo credited to Sunderland Echo

Darlington’s nearly 50-year-old fire station to be rebuilt and modernised Darlington’s fire station has served the County Durham town well for almost half a century.

However, wear and tear from over the years means the station is now set to be replaced with a new, more state-of-the-art building intended to handle the fire service’s needs for decades to come.

The temporary accommodation and fire training house at the station, long the home of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) in Darlington town centre, have already been demolished, with the main building soon to follow.

The rationale for a whole new fire station building John Hancock, CDDFRS Estates Manager, explained: “The existing station was built in 1972 and refurbished in 2009. However, the station needed more permanent, extensive repairs which were ultimately very expensive and problematic.”

Councillor Audrey Laing, Vice Chair of County Durham and Darlington’s Combined Fire Authority, commented: “The Fire Authority looked at many options to bring the station up-to-date; however, it became apparent a brand-new facility was needed.”

30

Tolent and Corstophine + Wright team up Construction company Tolent joined the project in April, and Contractors Manager Jeremy Marley has enthused: “We are delighted to be starting on this building. The prestigious building will be a great uplift for Darlington. The town looking very smart.”

David Hardcastle, principal architect at Corstophine + Wright, another participant, explained: “It was important to stay on this location, for the people of Darlington and the development of the town. We’re looking forward to getting started, and to be working with Tolent again.”

The work was delayed from 2019 due to the land’s flood risk, which interrupted the planning application. However, after the Environment Agency helped to mitigate this risk, work can now proceed with removing asbestos from the main building, which will take six weeks, and demolishing the building over a further six weeks.

Fire crews are currently working from a building once used instead by North East Ambulance Service, which has temporarily relocated itself to Darlington Memorial Building. However, the new building is intended to accommodate both the ambulance and fire service, who hope to move in later this year.

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wow wedding Saturday 7th March 2020, 10am-3pm Methodist Church Hall, Scar Top, Barnard Castle, DL12 8PW This is our 3rd year of successful fairs, with many of our stall holders returning time after time.

With around 30 stalls at this event, there is something for everyone including Clothing, Beauty, Fragrance, Homewares, Soft Furnishings, Personalised Gifts, Toys, Pet Products, Local Artists, Jewellery, Refreshments and more...

All door proceeds will be donated to two fantastic causes, Cancer Research UK & Barnard Castle Meet.

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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

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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.

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recipe by H O T E L

Sweet potato soup Ingredients

This deliciously fragrant soup is quick and easy to make.

It can also be frozen for future lunches and dinners!

1 tbsp olive oil

Method 1/ Heat the oil in a large, lidded saucepan over a medium-high heat.

Add the onion and carrots and cook until softened. Stir in the ginger, garlic and chilli flakes and fry for 2–3 minutes, or until fragrant.

2/Stir in the sweet potatoes and stock. Turn up the heat and bring the

pan to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.

3/ Remove the pan from the heat and blend the soup, using a stick blender, until smooth. Alternatively, tip it into a food processor and blend. Season to taste and serve.

1 onion, roughly cho pped 2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 4cm/1½ inches fres h root ginger, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushe d ½ tsp dried red chilli flakes 700g/1lb 10oz sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 1.2 litres/2 pints veg etable stock salt and freshly ground black pepper

Waving goodbye to winter (finally!)

Although it may not feel like it instantly, when we reach the penultimate weekend of this month, we’ll officially be in spring – and we can’t wait!

Naturally, when you spend most of your day outside and up high, even the slightest improvement in the weather can make a big difference.

However, spring is also the time that you mustn’t wait to deal with any problems you’ve discovered with your roof over winter. In fact, spring is the ideal time to undertake a roof inspection – which you are recommended to do twice every year to ensure the longevity of your roofing system.

goodbye to one harmful weather system – and goes straight into the next.

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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.

You have the chance to win...

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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.

Sudoku easy 3 8 4 6 1 9 3 1 7 9 5 6 4

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What’s on

March

Fastlove

Darlington CAMRA Beer Festival 2020

7 March – 19:30 – Darlington Hippodrome

26-28 March – Various Times – Voodoo Cafe

The much-loved George Michael tribute show Fastlove is back, promising Everything She Wants - and you want, too. The revamped setlist for 2020 includes ‘90s favourites “Older”, “Somebody to Love” and “As” to go with classics returning from the previous tour. Join the trip to “The Edge of Heaven” from just £16.50 per ticket.

CAMRA members have an especially exciting date to pencil into their calendars this month - not least because the Friday and Saturday outings for this year’s Darlington CAMRA Beer Festival will be free for Darlington CAMRA members and just £1 for other CAMRA members.

However, everyone is welcome to sample the 30 casks of real ale and five ciders and perries that will be on offer.

Hilary Bites Comedy Club Christian Reilly & Sam Gore

feat.

Lady Chatterley’s Lover

13 March – 19:00 – Dolphin Centre

26-28 March – Various Times – Darlington Hippodrome

Pete Otway, described as “devastatingly funny” by Chortle, will succeed Jonathan Mayor as Hilarity Bites host for this night in aid of the charity Children with Cancer. Otway will be joined on the evening by Bill Bailey-style comic Christian Reilly, while Sam Gore’s “superbly crafted gags” and “great wordplay” have been hailed by Giggle Beats.

The D. H. Lawrence novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover caused such a scandal upon publication that it was banned in several countries. In this new stage adaptation directed by Ciaran McConville, Phoebe Marshall plays Connie and Rupert Hill plays the gamekeeper, Mellors, with which she embarks on a passionate affair. Ticket prices begin at £14.50.

M-Town

R.E.M. by Stipe

14 March – 20:30 – Middleton St George Cricket & Social Club If you’re enchanted by the Motown era, you can hear classic songs from way back when all over again - and live, too.

The superbly presented and choreographed soul tribute act M-Town cover tracks from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Boyz 2 Men and the Drifters, and tickets are just £6.

The Cat and the Canary

27 March – 20:30 – Majestic Theatre There will be no shortage of “Shiny Happy People” in Darlington when it is visited by the R.E.M. tribute band Stipe, who once even joined Michael Stipe himself for a live performance on BBC One’s The One Show. This gig at the Majestic Theatre is priced from just £15 per ticket.

Steven Osborne

29 March – 15:00 – Dolphin Centre

17-21 March – Various Times – Darlington Hippodrome This murder mystery, originally penned for the stage by John Willard in the 1920s, has sealed its place as an enduring classic in the genre. The Classic Thriller Company will be gracing Darlington with a new adaptation of the play, with Britt Ekland and Marti Webb among the cast. Tickets start at just £12.50 for a night of Agatha Christie-style suspense.

Expect Steven Osborne to perform interpretations of a delightfully varied classical repertoire, taking in Beethoven, Debussy, Stravinsky and more, in Darlington. Tickets are priced £14.

Got an event coming up? Let us know and we’ll help spread the news. Email details of your event to:

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07967 057989 | 01325 324509

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Tel: 01325 952360

Find us @ The Grange, 41 Hurworth Road, Hurworth Place, Darlington, DL2 2BN

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• Replace the old roof with a fully insulated Guardian Warm Roof • Your conservatory will be nice and cool in Summer & cosy and warm in Winter • The dramatic change takes less than a week • Reduced fuel bills - increased house value

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