FREE - December 2017
COMMUNITY NEWS - LOCAL EVENTS - FEATURES - COMPETITIONS - LOCAL PEOPLE
French connection The fascinating links between Napoleon III and the Bowes Museum What to do this festive season Check out our useful events listings Paddington 2 reviewed We could bear-ly contain ourselves
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Welcome to the December edition of Darlington Monthly! Hasn’t this year gone by quickly? The 12 months of 2017 have been full of triumphs and tribulations for many of us, but now, it’s time to look ahead to the festive season – surely the most magical time of the year – and consider all of our hopes and dreams for 2018. Before all of that, though, we’ve got another issue of your favourite free monthly community magazine to flick through! Yet again, we’ve got all of the events listings and local news that you’ve come to love from us, as well as an assortment of articles on a wide range of issues. Why not enjoy a lovely day trip to Richmond, North Yorkshire – which we’ve covered on page 22 – or turn to pages 26-27, where you’ll find our verdict on the blockbuster movie that everyone’s talking about, Paddington 2?
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Oh, and we’ve also got yet more great competitions for you to enter, thanks to our partners The Croft Hotel and Vue Cinemas. What else do we have to say? Oh yes: a massive thank you, once again, to our wonderful advertisers. You can become one of them and spread the word about your business throughout Darlington, by calling 07500 828 396 or emailing us via sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk and taking advantage of our cut-price three and six-month packages?
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That’s it for our final issue of the year – in the meantime, from all of us here at Darlington Monthly, we wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Available to read online Visit darlingtonmonthly.co.uk /DarlingtonMonthly
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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.
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CHRISTMAS HAMPERS National Railway Museum Shildon While the National Railway Museum is – in the main – located in York, it also has an annex in Shildon here in County Durham, where various exhibits related to railway history can be enjoyed. However, forget trains; there’s a rather different form of transport that could most powerfully lure you to this Shildon site, and it wouldn’t be an understatement to say that it’s out of this world. Actually, to be more exact, it was out of this world – as it is the Soyuz TMA-19M descent module in which, last year, the noted British astronaut Major Tim Peake made his return journey to Earth following a six-month stint on the International Space Station. During his time in space, he became the first British astronaut to participate in a spacewalk outside the ISS, the treadmill of which he later used to run the 2016 London Marathon from space. It was on 18th June 2016 that he returned to Earth in the Soyuz spacecraft, which landed on Kazakhstan’s Kazakh steppe. From 22nd November, the National Railway Museum’s Shildon site will display that spacecraft, as it is being taken on a tour around the country. Being able to see such a historic spacecraft up close only about a year-and-a-half after it landed back on Earth will be a real privilege, so don’t pass up the opportunity before this temporary exhibit goes. It will, however, remain on display until 15th January – during which time, visitors aged over 13 will also have the option of trying the Peake-narrated virtual reality experience Space Descent VR. This will let them don a Samsung Gear VR headset and get a 360° view of the capsule’s interior. It will even provide them with an insight into an astronaut’s life – and, perhaps, inspire some of the younger participants to aim to become real-life space travellers. 6
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POETRY CORNER Autumn Walk To walk at any time of year and observe the World around you; Is the most Awesome Activity available to most, it can keep you healthy too. Take a stroll around the place you live, become familiar; For you may have a conversation with those you meet at any time of year. There are Parks and Walks not far from us all, no matter where we live; This Globe provides the most Spectacular Scenes in its relentless aim To Give! We speak of ‘Four Seasons’ in our changing World; Some say: Autumn is by far the best, as Brighter Colour is unfurled. Herewith I reveal some sights to behold as we walk toward the River; Being well wrapped up, despite the Brightest Sun, will avoid the Compulsion to Shiver. Of course not every day is as perfect as that pictured here; Yet each one has a Magic Touch, providing Life 365 Days a Year. Don’t miss every opportunity to walk out whilst you are able; Indeed, the experiences create exciting conversation, around your dining table!!
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Picture an easier life
at Hanover Close in the west end of Darlington
Over 55? Looking to rent locally?
Designed for independent living, Hanover offers one bedroom flats with buildings and garden maintenance included, plus an estate manager service and 24 hour emergency alarm. Located in the leafy west end of Darlington, this pet friendly estate is handy for local amenities and bus routes to the town centre. A first floor flat is currently available, which benefits from a dual aspect lounge with garden views, gas central heating and good storage facilities, plus on-site car parking. Why not call for more details or come along to view?
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Helping you to find the positive changes that already lie within. Here in County Durham we are privileged to have access to an extraordinary, unique and highly skilled practitioner, Suzanne Milbourne, who is trained in a wide range of therapeutic interventions to help others make significant and positive changes in their lives. Suzanne uses hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming and coaching along with a range of newer techniques to make shifts in thought patterns, feelings and behaviours which are not helpful. We asked Suzanne what inspired her to become a practitioner. She told us: “My daughter and I both suffered with fatigue-type illnesses and I wanted to find a resolution to these issues quickly. I was introduced to these techniques as a client and had fantastic results. I made a decision to become a practitioner so that I could help others in the same way – I want to change people’s lives for the better” We asked Suzanne to tell us what she loves about her work and she replied “I love that moment on my clients face when they realise they are free from what has been holding them back for years. There is often a look of astonishment when they search for their fear or addiction only to find they no longer have it, and that is followed by joy and relief ”
Magazine special offer – an ideal Christmas gift: Buy a session worth £125 for just £99. You or a loved one get access to a 1.5 hour session to help resolve an issue from the selection below: • Phobias • Food cravings • Old Pain • Anxiety/Stress • Low self esteem • Lack of confidence • Panic • Low mood
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COCKTAIL RECIPE Ballroom Blitz Casco Viejo Tequila, Marie Brizard Blue Curcao, Campari, freshly squeezed Lemon juice, Pineapple syrup, garnished with a Lemon curl. Ingredients 25ml Blue Curacao 25ml Tequila 30ml Lemon Juice 30ml Pineapple Syrup 12.5ml Campari Berries to Garnish
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Employment Round Up Well being and work has always been closely linked and with the latest vogue for employees to be wired up to some space age technology, it seems likely to become even more intrusive, with daily assessments recorded to measure not only how many steps we have taken, how well we slept and calories we’ve burned, but also how happy we are. Bosses and their HR teams better prepare themselves for some workforce realities because employees aged 18-29 were found to be twice as likely as those aged 50-59 to describe their current mental health as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. Younger workers in part-time jobs were also 33 per cent more likely than those in full-time jobs to fall within the bottom 10 per cent of the English adult (aged 16 and above) population according to a joint study from think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). Now it’s just a thought and I’m not one for cynicism as you know, but if I looked at my Fitbit ‘watch’ and had only chalked up 1,000 steps, consumed 5,000 calories and had a poor night’s sleep and was then asked to rate my happiness level, well, I think you can guess the answer!
Libby Eglin, HR Resolutions E: hrresolutions@btconnect.com M: 07967 200603 W: www.hr-resolutions.co.uk
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CHRISTMAS
&
NEW YEAR 2017
Join a Party Night Two Course Meal - £22.95 per person Join our Festive Celebrations with your friends, family and colleagues. Over 18’s only. Parties of 10 or less will be on tables with other guests, minimum numbers required for events to go ahead.
Christmas Day Three Course Meal £50 per person | Children (Ages 3 - 12) - £24.95 Celebrate with our traditional Christmas Dinner in our Grand Ballroom. Pre order required. Various seating will be allocated throughout the hotel.
New Years Eve Three Course Meal - £39.95 per person Come and see the New Year in with us. Pre order required. Various seating will be allocated throughout the hotel.
Until the festive season is upon us why not enjoy a fabulous three course Sunday lunch in the wonderful surroundings of Piercebridge. Two Course Meal - £12.50 per person | Three Course Meal - £16.50 per person
Piercebridge, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 3SW
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How the Bowes Museum rose as Napoleon III fell Many of us are familiar with Napoleon Bonaparte, the Corsican-born general who rose to power in revolutionary France in the 1790s before spectacularly winning many battles to build a powerful European empire. However, much fewer people know about Napoleon III, who was a nephew of the first Napoleon and, like him, ruled France as Emperor of the French. Especially little-known is that Napoleon III’s rule provided a backdrop to the formation of Barnard Castle’s Bowes Museum. Why the Bowes Museum’s history can be traced to Paris Today, the Bowes Museum is one of County Durham’s bestknown attractions and houses not only paintings from the likes of El Greco, Canaletto and Francisco Goya, but also clocks, tapestries and costumes. Then there’s the 18thcentury Silver Swan automation which, when in operation, is depicted catching and swallowing a fish. So, what does all of this have to do with Napoleon III? Basically, that many of the museum’s items were originally collected from Paris during his rule. Why Paris? For insight into this, we should look at the early life of John Bowes, one of the museum’s founders. In London, he was born to John Lyon-Bowes and his mistress Mary Millner. The two were unmarried, thereby preventing their son from inheriting his father’s title of Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. John Bowes later moved to France, allegedly due to Victorian society spurning him as a result of his illegitimate birth. While in Paris, he would meet his future wife…
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Building up an art collection with a Parisian showgirl That woman was actress Joséphine Benoîte Coffin-Chevalier, who he married in 1852 – the year Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte made the transition from President of France to Emperor of the French. Napoleon III, as he was now known, ran an autocratic government while, during the 1850s, John and Joséphine Bowes started collecting art in Paris. They likely also sampled some of the festivities put on for Queen Victoria’s state visit to Paris in August 1855. It won’t be long before you will be able to better perceive the pomp and pageantry – as, next spring, the Bowes Museum will hold an exhibition of watercolour paintings that Victoria commissioned for the occasion, scenes of which the art portrays. Sadly, those paintings, which will be on display at the museum from 24th March until 24th June, will be loaned from the Royal Collection and not part of the Bowes Museum’s own collection – unlike the following pieces… The Bowes Museum has a range of permanent pieces with connections to Napoleon III – most visibly a Jules de Vignon painting of one of the most familiar images of Napoleon III. That portrait is dated 1867, the year the International Exposition was held in Paris. It was attended by the American novelist Mark Twain, who commented on one of its exhibits, the Silver Swan automaton that John Bowes later acquired from a Parisian jeweller. That was in 1872, two years after Napoleon III suffered military ignominy that led him to be deposed in favour of the French Republic’s return.
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ASSISTED MOVE AVAILABLE*
An offer this good. Must be Miller Homes. Hunters Fold, off Sadberge Road, Middleton St George, County Durham, DL2 1RJ A selection of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes. Prices start from £204,950. Hunters Fold is on the northern edge of Middleton St George, a delightful village surrounded by farmland, just four miles from the centre of Darlington.
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03300 372 570 | www.millerhomes.co.uk *Fees will be paid up to 1.5% of the Assisted Move house value. Home Report and Estate Agent’s fees paid for following instruction made by or on behalf of Miller Homes. No reimbursement will be made for marketing fees or Home Report instructed prior to commencement of Assisted Move scheme. Home Reports only applicable in Scotland. †Stamp Duty Paid for 1 x acquisition of properties as sole residence and no reimbursement of any higher rate SDLT due on additional properties will be made. ^Legal Fees capped at £500. All offers are plot and development specific and are subject to Miller Homes’ standard terms and conditions. These are limited offers and may be withdrawn without notice. Assisted Move cannot be used in conjunction other offer. Prices and availability correct atVisit the time print. Carpets and floorings are not included in our homes as15 Find uswith onany Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly usofonline: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk standard. Artist’s impression for illustration purposes only. Photography represents typical Miller homes interior.
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Competition Time Simply complete either of the competitions below, fill in the entry form and send to the postal address provided.
You Could Win
You can win a Sunday lunch for two! Excluding drinks *
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Join us every 2 weeks on Saturdays Yarm Road, HOW TO PLAY: Match the five segments of images below with an Advert Stockton, TS18 3Nin this magazine, place either the company name or the page number in the space below each box. ACCOUNTANTS
from 11amBUSINESS to 1pm at 26 TAX CONSULTANTS ADVISORS
Over 55? What does our group offer? Looking to at Hanover Close in the Our Helful advice and support · Social opportunities rent locally? services include: Activities for children · Guest Speakers west end ofwill Darlington The Winner be notified by25% Darlington within 14VAT days ofto the competition closing date. haulage Light off all Monthly fee’s when instructed sell your home in 2017! Accountancy Workshop for parents using experts Designed for independent living, Hanover offers one bedroom xmas offer when booking free market appraisal. Removals Quote fl ats with buildings and garden maintenance included, plus an Payroll Business & personal taxation Please send all entries to: Competition Department, Unit 4, Station Road, Chester-leLuton van with a tail lift estate manager service and 24 hour emergency alarm. Located in We are here to help and support you. the leafy west end of Darlington, this pet friendly estate is handysecretarial Collections/Delivery Business planning Company Street, DH3and3DY. Competition for local amenities bus routes to the town centre. End Date: 20th December 2017 *Terms and Conditions Apply. Offer is valid Door to Door service Bishop Auckland and Darlington office o AccountsCall: 01642 795 105 / 07804 368 585Fully A first floor flat is currently available, which benefiManagement ts from a dual insured aspect lounge with garden views, gas central heating and good
Picture an easier life
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All jobs considered 01325 485 151 - Bishop 604 273 Call Address: 01325 461938 Darlington Postal 23 Woodland Rd, Darlington, Co.Durham, DL3 7BJ Auckland 01388 £40 an hour or 07714 973080 (Hanover Close, DL3 8BB) storage facilities, plus on-site car parking.
Name: Why not call for more details or come along to view? Visit hanover.org.uk
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Total rents include a service and support charge (details available on request). You may be eligible for housing benefit – please ask for details. Pets must not cause a nuisance or disruption to other residents. Applications subject to status - other terms and conditions may apply.
Please give us your comments on Darlington Monthly Magazine:
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Healthwatch Darlington helps you and your family get the best out of health and social care services in Darlington. No matter who you are, where you live, or how old you are, you have a voice, and you have the right for that voice to be heard. Healthwatch Darlington and the Working Population It Starts with You! Here at Healthwatch Darlington we don’t know what we don’t know! That’s where YOU come in! If you don’t tell us what you think about local health and care services, either the way they are commissioned or provided, or whether they are good or bad, we can’t help you and we can’t influence change or share good practice. Contact us, talk to us, tell us your story, and tell us your opinion. Take our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk /r/How-did-it-go-for-you Facebook and Twitter Don't forget we also have a Facebook and Twitter page. We’re always sharing information via social media. We think it’s a great way of reaching out to more people living in Darlington. Please 20
follow us and share our page with friends and family living in Darlington. Facebook @HealthwatchDarlington Twitter @healthwatchDton Healthwatch Darlington is Recruiting Volunteers! Are you someone with a passion for getting things done? Are you a people person? Perhaps you’ve worked or volunteered in your local community? We need help reaching out to people in our area. Listening to residents helps us represent the people of Darlington in shaping how health and care services are delivered in the Borough. We want to ensure people are getting the right information about local services at the right time. You could help our small team do that! We offer a full training package so if you fancy a chat to find out more, give us a call or drop us an email, we’d love to hear from you!
Get Involved
For more information or to get involved contact us on 01325 380145 info@healthwatchdarlington.co.uk www.healthwatchdarlington.co.uk
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Dyspraxia suppoort group Join us every 2 weeks on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm at 26 Yarm Road, Stockton, TS18 3N
What does our group offer? Helful advice and support ¡ Social opportunities Activities for children ¡ Guest Speakers Workshop for parents using experts
We are here to help and support you.
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COMPETITION TIME We are offering family ticket for any film at Vue Cinema Darlington (valid for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children). All you have to do to enter is answer the following question...
Hamill plays which character Q: Mark from the Star Wars Franchise? Answer: Name: Address:
Post Code: Email: Please send all entries to: Competitions Department, Unit 4, Station Road, Chester-le-St, Co. Durham, DH3 3DY
Vue Darlington Feethams, Darlington DL1 5RD
Tel: 08712 240 240 Web: www.myvue.com Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk
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Places To Go...
Richmond, North Yorkshire For December’s article, I usually choose somewhere not too far away (given it gets dark so early) which might be a good place for Christmas shopping. This year I have been to Richmond three times, twice speaking on rail fares and once on an excursion with my daughter. As you’ll know all railway stations in GB have a three letter code. RMD is for Richmond in Greater London which has a busy station (also visited twice in 2017). Indeed Richmond is the most duplicated UK placename, with 57 occurrences worldwide, including a third Richmond outside Sheffield. There is no rail connected railway station in Richmond, North Yorkshire, but it is possible to buy a rail ticket to RMK (for Richmond MarKet Place) and use the regular Arriva express bus X26 and X27 bus from outside Darlington station’s Victoria Road exit direct to Richmond. It takes about half an hour to arrive in the cobbled market place, one of the largest in England Indeed, from the north, it is quicker than the train via Northallerton ever was, before the line closed in 1968. I asked the bus driver if we could stay on the bus over the bridge of the Swale to The Station, which was not a problem. The old railway station is now repurposed not for trains but as a food, film and art centre which admits 300,000 tourists a year. It has a restaurant, cinema, art gallery and heritage centre, as well as a bakery, cheese-maker, micro brewery, ice-cream parlour, fudge house and honey-maker. A great place to pick up some innovative Christmas presents at some time during your day, and some good coffee.
A pleasant walk over the meadows into the town centre, including the interesting town garden at Millgate House, brought us to the Georgian Theatre Royal. This historic building, founded in 1788 by the actor Samuel Butler, is off the market place. A decline in the fortunes of theatre led to its closure in 1848 and it was used as a warehouse for many years. In 1963 the theatre was restored and reopened, with a theatre museum added in 1979. It is one of Britain’s oldest extant theatres and a guided tour shows you the whole of the building, including beneath the stage. The dominant building in the town is the Castle, completed in 1086, now in the care of English Heritage. Through the winter it is only open at weekends, You may have heard of the story of the Richmond Sixteen, conscientious objectors from WWI, which is told in the block they inhabited before being shipped to France. I suspect we had better food than they did in a French restaurant called Rustique in Finkle Street. Rustique opened in 2009 offering traditional French cuisine amongst its Parisian-style murals and music.
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Transporting diners to the streets of Paris, with views of the Tower Eiffel and Arc de Triumph, diners can enjoy rustic French-style cuisine in amongst a busy, vibrant bistro atmosphere. Two other museums complete the tourism offer in Richmond: the wellregarded Richmondshire museum is closed until April, but the Green Howards Regimental Museum (in the old Trinity Church) is fascinating, and close to the bus stop to return to Darlington.
Alex Nelson Stationmaster alexnelson@dunelm.org.uk www.thestation.co.uk
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H O T E L
3 COURSE MEAL ALL THE CLASSICS DEC 15tH 2017 ÂŁ39.00 per person ... so get your flares on and join us for a great night of nostalgia
Visit our Winter Wedding Fayre 10th December 2017 - 11:00am - 3:00pm
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The Croft Hotel, Croft-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2ST, T: 01325 720319 E: info@crofthotel.net www.crofthotel.net Facebook: The Email: Croft sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Hotel Twitter: @CroftHotel Tel: 07500 828 396 To Advertise Contact Darlington Monthly
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Perfect Roast Turkey Ingredients. 100g/3½oz butter, softened, 2 tsp sea salt, 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 4.5kg/10lb turkey, with giblets removed and cavity wiped clean,,3 large onions (halved)
Method. The bird should be prepared the night before. Mix the butter with the salt and freshly ground black pepper, then season the cavity of the bird. Rub the butter mix all over the turkey. Fold a large piece of greaseproof paper to double thickness and lay over the breast to protect it during the cooking. Leave it in the fridge overnight. On the day you wish to serve the bird heat the oven to 220C/430F/Gas 7. Take the turkey out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature while the oven is heating up.
Put the onions in a large roasting tray. Put the turkey on a trivet or wire rack in the tray. Pour one cup of boiling water into the cavity of the bird and seal with a skewer. Pour two cups of boiling water into the bottom of the tin, then cover the whole thing with two layers of foil, making sure it is well sealed around the edges. Cook for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 200C/400F/Gas 6. After 1½ hours, remove the foil and greaseproof paper. Cook for a further 40 minutes and don’t open the oven door until the cooking time is up.
To test whether the turkey is cooked, insert a skewer or knife blade into the point where the thigh joins the breast - the juice should run clear. If it is pink, cook it for another 20 minutes and test again. Leave the turkey to rest in a warm place for at least 15 minutes before carving. Strain the juice from the bottom of the tin into a large jug - the fat will rise to the top, leaving the aromatic turkey stock beneath. Skim off the fat use the juices to make a gravy or serve as it is.
recipe by H O T E L
Whinfield have a winner! A primary school student from Darlington has been picked as the winner of a Christmas Card competition. Ten year old Maddi Dinsdale won the competition organised by Ron Hogg, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner (PCVC) for County Durham and Darlington. Over 700 entries were received for this year’s competition, with some schools submitting entries from every pupil. Ron said: “Congratulations to Maddi for her creative design. With so many excellent entries it was hard to pick a winner, but Maddi’s design captured this year’s theme of ‘Staying Safe on Winter Nights’ perfectly. It really showed that she had thought about the environment and how to stay safe.”
Ron decided to use Maddi’s winning design as the picture on his official PCVC Christmas card. The card will be sent to friends and colleagues throughout the country. Ron surprised Maddi with a medal, certificate, gift voucher and a pack of Christmas cards showing her winning design, during her assembly at Whinfield Primary School on Monday 13th November 2017. The winners of two competitions which Ron ran at his recent Celebration of Local Superheroes event also live in the Darlington area. Rory Hagan, age 6 from Hurwoth, won a Bike after winning the ‘Spot the difference Competition’. Caryn Todd, won a family panto ticket for the opening night of Robinson Crusoe at the Gala Theatre in Durham, after signing up to the Ron’s quarterly Hogg Watch Magazine.
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Padding FILM REVIEW
W
ith sequels, Hollywood often seems to try too hard. When a film studio has a hit on its hands, the best way to create a follow-up isn’t necessarily making everything darker and more sinister or, as in the case of the much-maligned Justice League, bringing together loads of big names from separate films on the “How could it possibly go wrong?” principle. One particular sequel has needed only a cute bear who loves marmalade and is foiled in his attempt to get a nice present for his aunt. Yes, that’s basically the story of Paddington 2 – and once it gets underway, more and more neat touches start unfolding like the quaintly illustrated London in the old pop-up book that Paddington wants for his Aunt Lucy. While our eponymous star – again voiced with an endearing tentativeness by Ben Whishaw – is still living in London with the Brown family who adopted him in the original 2014 film,
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Lucy remains a Peru-based retiree who would love to finally get to see London. Unfortunately, our marmalade-munching friend initially can’t afford the book, which leads him to get work as a window cleaner to raise the necessary moolah. He’s just a day away from getting the last of the required savings when a thief breaks into the antique shop of Jim Broadbent’s Samuel Gruber and, despite Paddington long being in hot pursuit, ultimately disappears with the book. Sadly, with Paddington having himself ran through the shop that night, he is the one that a court declares guilty.
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ton 2
`Mysterious things have been happening all over town.´ This miscarriage of justice lands Paddington in prison – and as he is faced with his new inmates’ snarls, it briefly looks like Paddington 2 is going to have a darker and more intimidating edge than its predecessor. However, the sweet-natured bear just can’t help spreading joy… and, of course, marmalade. It isn’t long before his charm even starts melting the frosty demeanour of formerly terrifying prison chef Knuckles McGinty – a grizzled Brendan Gleeson. It’s later Knuckles and other inmates who help Paddington to escape from prison, shortly after which he catches up with the film’s primary antagonist Phoenix Buchanan. He’s a past-it actor, played to shamelessly camp effect by a brilliantly game Hugh Grant, intent on using the pop-up book to find a longconcealed fortune that would let him say goodbye to starring in humiliating dog food adverts.
Mary Brown – the family’s matriarch portrayed by Sally Hawkins, one of Hollywood’s most unjustly overlooked stars – even becomes a surprise action heroine when she dives underwater to rescue Paddington. It helps to set up probably the most heartwarming wrapping-up of any film this year. The little bear has done it again and marmalade waste to the competition – and pipped ahead of his already lovely original 2014 outing.
Craig Lenaghan Copywriter
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Virtual Administration Services
Features As the winter nights and bad weather draws in, we all become more susceptible to doorstep crime. We know the culprits, bogus or dishonest trades people, or people creating a distraction so you can be burgled via your backdoor. Here are some reminders to help you avoid a Door Stop Cowboy. 1.
Get a door chain and spyhole fitted and keep your back door locked at all times. 2. Make the decision you will never hire a trade on your door step. 3. Where ever you source a trade from ALWAYS get a written quote BEFORE work begins. Agreeing to pay cash without any paperwork or receipts can lead to terrible problems further down the line when you have no contract or proof of purchase. Using a credit card is also advisable over cash. 4. If a company is on your door telling you any of the following, you could be a potential victim. Avoid any one who coldcalls on you and says: “Your property needs work…it will be cheap…or it will get worse…we are working on your street today” 5. If you need a quote for work to be done make sure you use an established local scheme like Checked and Vetted or use a local council trader scheme or Trustmark. 6. Always do your research and give preference to trades who are members of review websites… cowboys don’t give out feedback cards! 7. Remember if you are sold anything within your home you have a 30 days cooling off period 8. If you feel pressurised in your home remember if you ask a saleperson to leave, they have to immediately- that’s the law! 9. If you have good neighbours, phone them and ask for their support. 10. It can be difficult but be assertive, say “No I am not in a position to buy these goods and do not want them”. It may help to plead poverty. “NO, I do have any money, please leave”…. Or tell them “My husband/sons are coming round in half an hour, they will deal with the problem and close the door.” 11. Don’t open the door, check ID if necessary but don’t let them in, don’t engage with the trader. Tell them you’re not interested, close the door and call the police, they could be criminals targeting your area. Say no to rogue trades – shut the door – warn your neighbours. Stay safer together.
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Quakers Zone
Our monthly report on Darlington 1883 from Ray Simpson, Communications and Media Manager
Darlington have a new manager as they prepare for the second half of the season. Quakers have appointed their former striker, Tommy Wright, as manager following the departure of previous manager Martin Gray to another Vanarama National League club,York City. Tommy is a former Darlington player who has had two previous spells at the club, the second of which ended with that famous FA Trophy win at Wembley in 2011. He has come to the club from another National League club, Nuneaton. His assistant manager is Darlington born Alan White, who is now in his fourth spell at the club following three as a player in which he won two promotions.There won’t be many more experienced players than Alan, who has played over 750 games in his career.
Tommy is rebuilding the team, with newcomers Josh Heaton, Greg Mills, Luke Trotman and Reece Styche arriving at the club, while David Ferguson, Nathan Cartman, Adam Bartlett and Mark Beck have all left for pastures new. Quakers are currently in midtable, but they’re not very far away from the play offs, which go down to seventh position. And the fans are still firmly behind them, with the Raise the Roof fundraising hitting its target of £50,000 with a month to spare. Quakers have a home game against Harrogate Town on Boxing Day, and then on the first Saturday of the New Year against York City
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What’s on
December
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
The Forum Music Centre / Film Club
Darlington Railway Station
Contact 01325 363135 for further information. December 1st Adult School Disco 2nd Hilarity Bites Comedy Club 4th Film Club: Monster Club (1981) 6th Open Mic Night 7th A Burlesque and Cabaret Show 8th RnB Club: Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges 9th BIG Little Gigs Family Rave Christmas Special 9th The Kounterfeit Kinks 11th Film Club: Christmas With The Kranks (2004) 16th The Springsteen Sessions 18th Film Club:White Christmas (1954) 20th Carl Hutchinson: Live! 21st Lifetime Skiver 22nd Xmas Northern Soul Oldies Night 29th Led Into Zeppelin 31st The Forum New Year’s Eve Party
15th Dec - Christmas Pop Up Stalls. Pop-up stalls will be set-up at Darlington Railway Station with a Christmas theme.
Darlington FC Fixtures Home Games at Blackwell Meadows, DL1 5NR 09 Sat - 15:00 Darlington vs Salford City 23 Sat - 15:00 Gainsborough Trinity vs Darlington 26 Tue - 15:00 Darlington vs Harrogate Town
Hurworth Grange 16th Sat - Charity Dance with music from The Delmonts. 7:30pm - Late. Tickets £20 including 2 course supper. Call 07505 965153 to book tickets.
Darlington Film Club 18th Dec - White Christmas. Having left the army following WWII, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up to become a top song-and-dance act. Davis plays matchmaker and introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters (Betty and Judy) who also have a song-and-dance act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow, only to find their former commander, General Waverly, as the lodge owner.A series of romantic mix-ups ensue as the performers try to help the General. Cost £3.00.
Voodoo Cafe 21 Dec - Explore your own talents at the Creative Writing Group. Starts ar 7pm Skinnergate, Darlington, DL3 7LX.
Seen Dec 30th - ClassiX – 90s New Years Eve’s Eve Party. 9pm and tickets are £5.
Kong
Dec 31st - Kong Fridays is taking over the New Years Eve proceedings. You can look forward to a Walworth Castle Birds Of Prey champagne reception upon entry to Seen and Inside 2nd Dec - Santa’s Grotto. Join Walworth Castle Out for the midnight countdown.There will also be Birds of Prey for Christmas fun including: Present a buffet and look out for Mike the Magician and & Letter from Santa, Ozzy Owl’s Workshop, Ferret the stilt walker/fire breather. Main Room: Connor Racing, Santa’s Naughty & Nice List, Quizzes, Nature McManus & Ste Foy Trail, Flying Display (1:30pm). Walworth, Darlington, Pawn Shop: Simon Richards, Terrace Bar: DJ Shak & DJ Rahfe, French Bar: Funk, Soul & Disco. DL2 2LY
Majestic Theatre 8th Dec - Big Fat Quiz of the Year. 50 questions about 2017, including a music intros round. 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Cost £3.00. 30
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