Darlington Montly March 2022

Darlington’s oldest and widest-distributed community magazine

ENTERTAINER S PRES ENTS ENTERTAINER S PRES ENTS

Tribute Acts Take Over Darlington Hippodrome!

What’s Inside Issue 97 March 2022

Darlington Monthly is proudly sponsored by:

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Local News

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YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Film review: Sing 2 FSC approved

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What’s On

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!’

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

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Hello! Welcome to March’s edition of Darlington Monthly.

Spring has just about sprung, and even more amazing things are happening in Darlington this month. For a feel good story, skip ahead to page 18 to read about two siblings who were reunited after 80 years! Or perhaps you’re looking for something to do?

You should jump to page 42, to find out exactly what’s going on in the area.

Fancy a bite to eat that reflects the time of year? Try out our recipe for Chicken Pot Pie, that you can find on page 36. If dinner and a movie is up your street, just a few pages ahead is our review of the much anticipated sequel, Sing 2. Why not give it a read before you watch?

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We can’t wait to see what next month has in store. We’ll see you again in April!

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Yorkshire Loft Ladders are the proud sponsor of this month’s Darlington Monthly.

Yorkshire Loft Ladders proudly sponsors this month’s Darlington Monthly.

If you’re looking to make improvements to your loft this month, get in touch with Yorkshire Loft Ladders. With the renowned local firm’s areas of expertise including loft hatches, ladders, boarding, insulation and lighting, you can depend on them to provide the complete service.

Call 0800 612 8359 now, or visit www.yorkshireloftladders. co.uk, for more details and to request a highly competitive quote.

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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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The Great Nor th Air Ambulance Service has been left “staggered, stunned and completely blown away”, after a retired teacher has given the charity its biggest ever donation.

According to Howard, John “loved charitable work and used to help old ladies on their shopping trips and do book runs where he would pick books up from the library and take them to people’s houses who couldn’t get out.”

John Dodds, from Darlington, died last year after a battle with cancer, at the age of 85. He did not Involvement with GNAAS want to disclose the amount, but the charity said it was the single largest donation they have ever When John first met GNAAS’s legacy officer, Hannah Powell, he very casually told her of his plan received. to leave his entire estate to the charity. GNAAS Mr Dodds’ donation will fund 200 rescue missions. made it through the pandemic as a result of generous donations from the likes of John, and gifts In his life in wills made up 40 percent of the charity’s income in 2021.

During his life, John was a physics and maths teacher and taught at various schools across the Mr Dodds never married or had children, though Nor th East and North Yorkshire. he was in a long term relationship with his late girlfriend Kate for over 50 years.

Howard Wilson is Mr Dodds’ executor, alongside Colin Bainbridge. He said that it was the remote It is thanks to people like him that GNAAS can locations that GNAAS got to that struck a chord carry on doing the amazing things they do. His with John and inspired him to get involved with donation ensured that his death wasn’t the end. His the charity. charitable work and generosity will live on in the work of the charity he worked hard to help sustain.

Mr Wilson was friends with John for over 20 years, as the two bonded over a shared love of motorbikes. The friendship lasted all the way to the end of John’s life.

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Retired teacher from Darlington gives GNAAS their biggest ever donation

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Changes mark new era as leading estate agency celebrates 30-year milestone

Gordon and Nick were both brought up in Darlington and their father, Harry Carver, was a well-known GP in the town.

The brothers became partners in Addison Hudson estate agents, which was then sold in 1987. Nick launched the estate agency business in Darlington, four years later, with Gordon joining in 1995.

ONE of the North-East’s leading estate agents is looking ahead as it proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary.

From a single room, the business grew and now has offices in Duke Street, Darlington; Richmond; Northallerton; Newton Aycliffe.

Nick and Gordon Carver Estate Agents has announced a management restructure aimed at maintaining the traditional values of the business while embracing future opportunities.

Some members of staff have been with the business throughout, including Northallerton branch manager, David Buckle, and Aycliffe branch manager, David Tinkler.

Henry Carver has been promoted from Darlington branch manager to company director, joining his brother, James, and father, Gordon, on the board.

Gordon’s brother, Nick, who founded the company in 1991, has stepped down from the business after an illustrious career.

“We have built an enviable reputation over the past 30 years, and this milestone makes us one of the longestestablished, and most trusted, estate agents in the region,” said Gordon.

“These changes are designed to put a structure in place that will ensure Nick and Gordon Carver Estate Agents, part of the Carver Group,is still going strong for the next 30 years.”

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James and Henry grew up with the family business, gaining invaluable experience from a young age.

James said: “Gordon will continue to be very hands-on, with Henry and I looking forward to building on solid foundations and maintaining traditional values around personal customer service.”

Henry added: “I am extremely proud and excited to be part of a business that’s built up such a strong reputation.

Here’s to the next 30 years!”

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Lighterlife Darlington with Anne Marie Many of us have seen a significant increase in weight gain over the last couple of years as more of us turned to food and drink for “comfort” during lockdown.

As 2022 is now well underway and society is opening up again, now is a great time for positive change, looking forward to spring and summer ahead, living a healthier lighter life and possibly even getting abroad for our holidays!

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Anne Marie Tinto, your local Mentor, runs LighterLife Xpress Darlington. She has struggled with her own weight most of her adult life and understands the challenges you face when trying to reach your weight and healthier life goals. Since beginning Lighterlife Anne Marie has finally found a weight loss system that works for her and now, as a mentor, would like to invite you to start your journey with her as your guide.

Through her training with LighterLife, Anne Marie knows the importance of good health and nutrition, and the impact of using CBT methods in group work to develop successful new eating habits that really work and stay with us! She runs free weekly Zoom meetings, (Covid safe) as well as supporting clients via the telephone, Facebook and WhatsApp groups.

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Places to go...

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Brampton I

wrote an article on Brampton in Cumbria after my planned trip there was cancelled after the Tier 4 lockdown measures were introduced. My piece at the beginning of 2021 had to be illustrated with pictures by a local photographer.

Brampton can now be done easily as a day trip, as the journey is only 70 minutes from Newcastle, but is better as an overnight stay, especially when there are fine inns like the Howard Arms to support.

Originally Brampton Junction, the junction was removed in 1923 when the spur line to Brampton Town was closed.

The branch was known as “the Dandy” and I started my exploration from Brampton station by following the old line towards the town. Under the Brampton bypass road there is a pedestrian tunnel too small to permit a train to pass through. I dropped off my bag at the Howard Arms as it was too early to check in, although they said they would put it in my room. I then walked east to the New Mills trout farm where I was hopeful of having lunch at “The Bite” which is the highest rated café in Brampton.

Unfortunately, there was a chalk board at the entrance which claimed that the café was, simultaneously, closed for the day and also fully booked, which seemed something of an achievement. I carried out a one-way conversation with three friendly alpacas and retraced my steps to the road northeast to Lanercost Priory where a very pleasant café fed me with steak and cheese ciabatta. I explored the

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church which was created by reroofing the nave of the original monastery, whilst the central crossing, transepts and Quire were left as ruins, now in the care of English Heritage.

It was a good two miles walk to Lanercost from Brampton, pleasant enough but not really deserving of a return trip. I left Lanercost at 1445 reckoning that I could walk around the grounds of Naworth Castle and intercept a bus about 1530 on the 685 route from Newcastle to Carlisle.

I had checked there was a stop there on the Stagecoach website. I got back to the stone bridge with two arches built about 1724 by four local masons which can still be crossed on foot. For vehicular traffic the bridge was replaced in 1962. Forking left up a steep hill I climbed up to find grassy fields surrounding the country seat of the Howard family and arrived at the A69 junction five minutes before the hourly bus duly appeared. There was no actual stop sign but the bus driver was happy enough to pull into a road opening for me to get on. My hotel was near the bus stop and adjacent to a turf accountant and Saturday night ended with the Star

restaurant Anise which I found on the Roam app.

After eggs benedict at breakfast and a service in the glorious Arts and Crafts church, St. Martins, designed by Philip Webb, I checked out of the hotel and walked via Brampton station to its nearest tourist attraction, Talkin Tarn. Down the road parallel to the railway, until meeting a footpath to the left and then over the fields surrounded by glorious English countryside in all directions. You enter the country Park surrounding a large lake by the back door, and the ladies in the tearoom kindly let me leave my case in the disabled persons lift, unused as the upstairs café was closed. It took 40 minutes to circumnavigate the lake on foot, and then back to the station for the 1506 train home.

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Darlington woman reunited with sibling after EIGHTY years apart!

A pair of siblings, who were separated during the Second World War, have been reunited in Darlington.

Jan Coggins was 79 years old when she met her brother, David Westcott, for the first time, when he travelled up to Darlington from his home in Devon.

Credit: Middlesbrough Council

How did they find each other?

The reunion The pair were reunited after Jan’s youngest daughter, Beth Coggins-Mordey, did a DNA test David and Phyllis came up to Darlington in that matched her to a second cousin on her November last year, with the family saying the mam’s side. reunion couldn’t have gone any better.

Initially Beth hesitated to tell her mam because she has Alzheimer’s and dementia, but eventually decided to get in touch with David’s wife, Phyllis.

Beth and her wife, Sandra, went down to Devon to meet David and his wife. While they were there, David asked Beth if she’d ask her dad if he could meet his sister.

Jan’s husband, Paul, agreed, saying he could never deny his wife the opportunity to meet the family she has searched for her whole life.

Details of Jan and David’s childhoods weren’t well documented. Jan isn’t even sure how old she was when she was adopted.

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While catching up, Jan and David came across another happy coincidence; they share the same wedding anniversary, just six years apar t. David and Phyllis will have been married for 51 years on the 27th of March, with Jan and Paul just six years behind them.

David and Phyllis plan to return to Darlington on March the 25th, to celebrate their anniversary with his new found sister.

The pair often speak over the phone or on video call and are looking forward to another happy reunion.

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

Credit: Teesside Live

David, who is 84, has a faint memory of pulling a little girl from rubble caused by the Blitz when Exeter was bombed. He’s always had an inkling that was his sister, but was never certain.

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Northallerton Glass - Working hard to stand out from the crowd!

Glass is being used more and more in every aspect of our lives. Any time we look through a window or check ourselves in a mirror it’s there.

New innovative and decorative applications for glass are always being found. From kitchen splashbacks to bathroom enclosures. Furniture and staircases through to architectural walk on glass, the uses are endless and Northallerton Glass can supply them all.

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Local Artist Oliver Richardson (OGR Sculpting) specialises in wood carving, making elegant sculptures and beautiful handmade items for your home. His pieces are both commissions based or of his own creation. Specialising in realistic and highly detailed Animal Sculptures, Oliver has completed commissioned pieces for clients all over the U.K. He can capture your pet or favourite Animal in wood that would look perfect as a centre piece in your home.

Oliver worked as professional Sculptor in Automotive Design Industry making models of cars. It was from this background, that he turned his skills and knowledge to carving wood, starting as just a hobby and now as his new family business venture, with wife Amy taking on the admin side.

Oliver likes to set his animal sculptures in a scene or in motion, so they look more realistic and less like a statue, using the natural grain and character of the wood to add to its effect. His expertise and understanding can bring your ideas into a three-dimensional Form. Animal sculptures aren’t his only specialism, he is more than happy to discuss and create whatever ideas you have.

Along side sculptures, Oliver also does wood turning, letter carving and smaller items like tea light holders which are perfect for gifts.

Quotations for Commissions are based on materials plus hours working and a 10% deposit is required on ordering.

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Three more tribute acts are making their way to Darlington Hippodrome!

Come together, right now and enjoy your favourite tunes from some of the most beloved artists on the planet.

The Magic of the Beatles will be joining us at the Hippodrome on April 20th, where you can hear all of your favourite tunes. Join “Paul”, “John, ”George” and “Ringo” for a journey back to the golden era of pop!

“One Love” and “Iron Lion Zion” at the Hippodrome.

Looking ahead to May, everyone’s favourite Material Girl will be joining us in the ultimate tribute to the best selling female artist of all time - Madonna. Enjoy an energetic, dazzling performance that has sprinkles of Madonna throughout, including her greatest hits. Don’t miss “Like A Prayer”, “Holiday” and “Vogue” when they join us in Darlington!

Jump forward three days and we’ll be welcoming Legend The Music of Bob Marley.This two-hour rasta spectacular that showcases the magic of Marley is not to be missed. Book your tickets today: Enjoy your favourite hits, such as “Three Little Birds”, darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/

2 GREAT SHOWS

BOOK NOW: 01325 405405 DARLINGTONHIPPODROME.CO.UK ENTERTAINER S PRES ENTS

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SCRAP VEHICLES WANTED INSTANT CASH ON COLLECTION ON - MINIMUM £150 ANY COMPLETE VEHICLE Collection from 7am to 9pm - 7 days a week

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What plans do you have in place for when you reach the end of your life and ultimately pass away?

If the answer is none, it’s time to consider writing Considering a power of attorney a will and making a power of attorney.

As we move through life, we can sometimes find that we either no longer want to make Is it time to make a Will? decisions regarding our proper ty, money, health and welfare, or we no longer have the mental Nobody wants to think about dying, but it’s a capacity to decide for ourselves. fact that it will happen to all of us. Have you thought about what will happen to your assets In this instance, we can appoint an attorney.

There are two types of lasting power of attorney; when you’re gone?

Health & Welfare and Proper ty & Affairs. You can choose anybody you like to take this role, as Unless you write a will, you will have no control long as they’re over 18 and do not lack mental over who will inherit your estate, meaning the capacity. people you care about do not benefit from any of your assets. Even if you’re married with While it is up to you what decisions you allow children, your spouse will not automatically your attorney to make, a Proper ty & Affairs inherit everything you own. Instead it will be attorney has the power to manage bills, collect divided between your par tner and your children, benefits, fill out forms and sell your proper ty and if you are unmarried and don’t have a will in or assets. A Health & Welfare attorney has the place, your partner may not see any of it. power to give or refuse life saving treatment, decide whether or not you live in your home That’s why it’s impor tant to seek help from with the suppor t of care workers, or whether an experienced professional, who can advise residential care would be more appropriate. and guide you through the process. Arrange an appointment with one of our experienced Set up your power of attorney today, with consultants, who will make sure you choose the some help from Future Estate Planning Service LTD! Call 0800 625 0512 to right will for you and your loved ones. arrange your appointment.

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Future Estate Planning Services Ltd Do you know what’s going to happen to your assets when you die? Contrary to a common misconception, your property and estate will not automatically be inherited by your spouse or children when you die. It’s time to make a will!

Making a will has all of these benefits: • You know that your loved ones will benefit from your assets • It saves your loved ones a lot of unnecessary stress after your passing • You can choose your executors (the people responsible for distributing your assets) Book a consultation with Future Estate Planning Services Ltd today, to discuss appointing an attorney!

As we get on in life, we don’t always want to make decisions about our health, wellbeing, property and finances. In fact, sometimes we lose the capacity to altogether.

That’s why you should consider making an appointment with Future Estate Planning Services Ltd, to discuss appointing a Lasting Power of Attorney.

You can appoint an LPA in two areas: Health & Wellbeing and Property & Affairs. This is beneficial to you because: • You can relax knowing that someone you trust will make decisions that are in your best interest • You still have the final say over what happens to your assets, with the support of your attorney • You won’t lose access to any of your assets, should you suddenly lose mental capacity What will happen if I don't make a Lasting Power of Attorney?

If you lose capacity and don't have a lasting power of attorney in place (or an Enduring Power of Attorney made before 2007), then an application to the Court of Protection will need to be made.

The Court of Protection can make decisions and assess if you have lost mental capacity, make an order about a decision on your finances, health or care, or appoint a deputy to act on your behalf.

Book a consultation with Future Estate Planning Services Ltd today, to discuss making a lasting power of attorney!

Contact us 0800 625 0512 admin@futureestateplanning.co.uk

www.futureestateplanning.co.uk Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk

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Luke After My Pets BESPOKE, LOVING PET CARE Luke Botham - Pet Sitter Darlington Area Web: www.lukeaftermypets.co.uk Email: Luke@lukeaftermypets.co.uk

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Exclusive incentives for a limited time

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Located just 10 minutes from Darlington City Centre, Summerson Place is an outstanding collection of 3-5 bedroom homes, perfectly positioned to enjoy the regions, countryside and city connections.

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MR TREE SERVICES

Before

If you are looking for a reliable, family-run business to take care of your garden, hedges and trees, there isn’t a friendlier or more affordable option than Mr Tree Services.

After Darlington based Mr Tree, offers his services all over County Durham. Services include tree surgery, tree they will be sure to inform you before carrying out removal, hedge trimming, garden clearance, garden any work that has not been agreed upon. maintenance and driveway cleaning and pressure washing.

Whether you are a domestic or commercial client, putting in a call to Mr Tree guarantees 100% customer He perseveres through all weather conditions, when satisfaction. In fact, this is evidenced by the astonishing it is safe to do so, in order to complete your job to the amount of 5 star reviews Mr Tree has received. best of our ability and promptly for you.The team also makes certain to advise their customers of the entire If you are interested in any of our services, please process, before starting any work, so you can be sure don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0800 9596 196 or that they are doing the job that was asked of them. If 07447943303 or send an email to anything changes during the course of the treatment, mrtreeuk@gmail.com.

We are a local Darlington based family-run business who are friendly and affordable. Working across the County Durham area, our specialist services are guaranteed to leave your garden with the finest of finishes.

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ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING, DAMP PROOFING & PLASTERING

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REMOVALS • STORAGE • HAULAGE

A family business with over 100 years experience in household removals, commercial removals & haulage

For a free quote and advice call now:

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P.W Archer & Son Ltd, Springwell Lane, Northallerton, DL7 8QP

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We offer a wide range of roofing services including: NEW ROOFS • TILING & SLATING • RESTORATION • LEADWORK • VELUX WINDOWS • BARN CONVERSIONS • UPVC FASCIAS & SOFFITS • POINTING • FLAT ROOFS • GUTTERING • COUNCIL GRANT WORK • BUILDING WORK

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We have over 112 years of experience our reputation is built on customer satisfaction

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Winter’s not over yet...

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Thank you for your loyalty and patience.

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13 men a day end their own lives Suicide is now the biggest cause of death for men under 35.

The North East has one of the highest rates of suicide in the UK, with 3 out of 4 suicides by men. This is a frightening trend and ManHealth are working hard in our area to challenge it.

ManHealth are a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting men through difficulties in their mental health, helping men lead healthy productive lives and ultimately, preventing loss of life.

Their aim is to encourage men to open up and talk.

ManHealth run a network of weekly, FREE, in person and online peer support groups in Darlington and surrounding areas; a FREE live chat service open 7 days a week; and accredited training for businesses looking to better support the mental health of their workforce.

All of their support services are run by men who have real, lived experience of mental ill-health and who understand how difficult it can be. Their unique approach to recovery focusses on shared experience, education, support and camaraderie.

You’re not in this alone - join ManHealth.

If you want any more information, or want to book a place, please get in touch with Man Health on 01388 320023 or email info@manhealth.org.uk

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Herby spring chicken pot pie Minimise your washing-up with this delicious one-pan chicken pie with spinach and herbs and topped with crispy filo pastry. It's ideal for busy weeknights 10 mins to prep

Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil , plus a little extra for brushing over the pastry bunch spring onions , sliced into 3cm pieces 250g frozen spinach 6 ready-cooked chicken thighs (or see tip, below) 350ml hot chicken stock ½ tbsp wholegrain mustard 200g frozen peas 200ml half-fat crème fraîche ½ small bunch tarragon , leaves finely chopped small bunch parsley , finely chopped 270g pack filo pastry 36

30 mins to cook

Serves four people

Directions STEP 1

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Heat the oil in a large, shallow casserole dish on a medium heat. Add the spring onions and fry for 3 mins, then stir through the frozen spinach and cook for 2 mins or until it’s starting to wilt. Remove the skin from the chicken and discard. Shred the chicken off the bone and into the pan, and discard the bones.

Stir through the stock and mustard.

Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 5-10 mins.

and herbs, then remove from the heat. Scrunch the filo pastry sheets over the mixture, brush with a little oil and bake for 15-20 mins or until golden brown.

STEP 2

Stir in the peas, crème fraîche

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Enjoy the tastes of India at this brand new Darlington restaurant!

A brand new Indian restaurant has opened in Darlington! If you enjoy an excellent meal in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, you need to pay a visit to Tulip Restaurant.

This brand new business offers authentic, classic and contemporary cuisine to suit everybody.

Each dish is served with subtle aromas of the subcontinent and is delicately spiced to create the perfect taste.

Everything on the menu is cooked with the same due diligence, from a specialty dish to a heady richly flavoured dish. No matter what you order, you will be delighted with the food presented to you, as well as our array of sundries and side orders.

Book your table today!

Call 01325 337337 or email tulip, restaurantuk@gmail.com

TULIP Indian Cuisine “Excellent meal,very friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Highly recommended”

01325 337337 Stockton Rd, Sadberge, Darlington DL2 1SZ tuliprestaurantuk

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Andrea Johnson at Reflections Counselling and Wellbeing

It's ok not to be ok, you are not alone...

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FILM REVIEW

As far as means of keeping the kids occupied for a few hours are concerned, you could do a lot worse than booking a trip to watch the sequel to 2016’s computer-animated musical comedy smash, Sing… right?

Simply entitled Sing 2, this follow-up brings back Garth Jennings in the director’s chair, joining the host of household names – from Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon to Scarlett Johansson and Peter Serafinowicz – reprising their roles in the ensemble voice cast.

To these are added such talents new to the franchise as Bobby Cannavale, Letitia Wright, and no less than U2 star, Bono.

A frantic effort to make the inconceivable possible The latter’s involvement is particularly significant, as the Irish rocker takes on the pivotal role of the music legend Clay Calloway, who plucky koala theatre-owner Buster Moon (McConaughey) and pals attempt to lure out of his long-time reclusion. It’s a consequence of Moon’s perhaps ill-advised promise to thuggish media magnate and arctic wolf Jimmy Crystal (Cannavale) that Clay will be involved in a sci-fi spectacular set to be held in Crystal’s hotel showroom.

Moon made his audacious pledge to Crystal after he and his singers somehow managed to sneak into an audition in Redshore City (think, essentially Vegas with more than a hint of Los Angeles) to which they were emphatically not invited. And what consequences lie ahead for

40

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Moon if he doesn’t deliver? Well, being dropped off a high building to his demise by Crystal, which seems a touch harsh.

It doesn’t help the koala impresario’s chances that he doesn’t even personally know Clay – cue some predictably madcap efforts to find the celebrated musician’s hideaway, so that Moon and his performers can do the seemingly impossible persuasion job.

Star turns – but do viewers find what they’re looking for?

As those efforts to convince the world-weary Clay proceed, Moon and co get on with hurriedly readying the literal life-or-death production. Along the way, we get some eye-catching turns – including from Halsey as Crystal’s entitled and tricky-to-manage daughter Porscha, and Wright as the impossibly hip choreographer lynx Nooshy, who helps Johnny – an earnest gorilla voiced by Taron Egerton – to overcome his two left feet.

From the bombastic opening rendition of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” to Bono’s own “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, viewers are treated to plenty of energy across the film’s largely well-executed musical numbers – helped by Jennings’ decision to go with celebrity voice talents who actually can sing.

With its largely predictable trajectory, Sing 2 never threatens to shake the world off its hinges in quite the same way as the concluding extravaganza does for every character involved. Nonetheless, it is a mildly diverting, family-friendly tale of how great things can be achieved against the odds.

Gavin Lengaghan Copywriter

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PUZZLE PAGE Puzzle page is sponsored by

Wordsearch

Vue Cinema Darlington

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Simply complete one of the puzzles on this page and fill in the entry form below for a chance to win family tickets courtesy of Vue Cinema Darlington.

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What’s on is sponsored by:

Things to look out for in...

March

The Rocket Man - A Tribute to Elton John

4th March - 7.30pm - Darlington Hippodrome, Darlington Get ready for take off when you take a seat in Darlington Hippodrome to watch the Rocket Man do his thing.

Jimmy Love and his amazing band will take you on a journey down the Yellow Brick Road you won’t forget: darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on

Micky P. Kerr - Hilarity Bites

5th March - 8pm - The Forum Music Studios, Darlington Join Britain’s Got Talent finalist Micky P. Kerr, To Little and host Danny Deegan at The Forum Music Studios, for an evening of laughing until your sides are sore. Audiences have been told to expect a surprise comic in the middle…seetickets.com/event

Soulville

11th March - 9pm - Harrowgate Club & Institute, Darlington One of the North of England’s most enjoyable cabaret acts is coming to Harrogate Club. Enjoy music from the likes of Barry White,The Trammps, Chi-Lites and many more, when you book your tickets today: ticketsource. co.uk/whats-on/darlington

Murder Mystery!

12th March - 7pm - Walworth Castle Hotel, Darlington Join the team at Walworth Castle for the first murder mystery event of the year. For just £38, you can buy your ticket for the evening, including a three course meal. Call 01325 485470 to book your place.

Top Secret: The Magic of Science

19th March - 3pm - The Majestic Theatre, Darlington Magic meets feats of science in this life size science laboratory. You and your children can experience non-stop action packed interactive magical science experiments, to capture their (and your) imagination: themajestictheatre.co.uk/whats-on

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YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Big Girls Don’t Cry

20th March - 7.30pm - Darlington Hippodrome Celebrate the iconic and unique sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons when you dance the night away at Darlington Hippodrome. Enjoy all of their greatest hits, as an outstanding tribute to the boys tours the country: darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on

Tony Hadley: 40th Anniversary Tour

20th March - 7pm - Stockton Globe, Stockton-on-Tees It’s been four decades since Tony Hadley first released music with Spandau Ballet, and to celebrate the fact, he’s touring the UK and hitting 36 venues on his way, including our very own Stockton Globe. Book to see him now: atgtickets.com/shows

Whitney: Queen of the Night

24th March - 7pm - Middlesbrough Town Hall, Middlesbrough Experience the ultimate Whitney Houston tribute show, directly from the West End. This show is a celebration of the life and music of one of the greatest singers of the generation. Book your tickets for this event that cannot be missed: middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk/event

Radio Ga Ga - The Ultimate Tribute to Queen

24th March - 7.30pm - Darlington Hippodrome, Darlington If you’re a Queen fan, you will love this two hour rock spectacular. Enjoy all of their greatest hits, as we celebrate one of the most respected rock bands of all time, and enjoy all 26 of their top 10 hits: darlingtonhippodrome. co.uk/whats-on

Jenny Eclair: Sixty! (FFS!)

28th March - 7.30pm - The Witham, Barnard Castle Jenny Eclair has hit 60, but remains a year younger than Madonna, and is ready to confront a new decade of decrepitude. Jenny discusses what life is like now she has to scroll for 20 minutes just to find her year of birth, among other things: jennyeclair.com

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