Darlington Monthly March 23

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.

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

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!

Hello!

We’re delighted that the nights are getting lighter and it’s starting to feel like spring!

In this issue, find out how St Teresa’s Hospice is raising funds to provide free in-patient and community care for those with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Learn how they’re expanding their online retail presence on page 6 and get the scoop on their house clearing service on page 12.

For inspiration on things to do during this month, flick to our What’s On section on page 30. Here you’ll find ideas for Mother’s Day, St Patricks’s Day and some fun activities for your little ones– there really is something for everyone!

Planning a trip to the cinema this month? Check out our review of The Whale starring Brendan Fraser on page 28.

We hope you have a lovely April. See you next month in our April egg-stravaganza issue!

Yorkshire

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.

YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Available to read online

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners, all winners have been notified. Winners are selected at random. The provider will only receive the details of winning entries in order to fulfil completion of the prize.

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.

Loft Ladders

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

St Teresa’s Hospice Expands it’s Online Shopping Offering

Fahionistas will be able to bag bargains with ease as a hospice strengthens its retail base by going online.

St Teresa’s Hospice has launched Depop and Vinted platforms to complement its shops and eBay operations.

The hospice needs to raise a significant amount of money to provide free in-patient and community care for people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.

By adding clothing listings on Depop and Vinted, the retail business will extend the reach worldwide of the high quality, often designer label, clothing donated by supporters.

The Depop and Vinted operations will be headed by newly appointed assistant retail manager Charlie Baker, who will be based at St Teresa’s new designer clothing store on High Row Darlington.

She is already busy scrutinising the donations of clothing that come into the hospice’s chain of stores and its central warehouse and supermarket on McMullen Road, so she can decide the best platform on which to sell the stock to maximise its value.

“I am really excited about this latest venture,” said Charlie, of Newton Aycliffe. “You just never know what you are going to find.

“We have donations ranging from Chloe and Vivienne Westwood to Barbour and Christian Louboutin and it is only right that we try and get as much for these items as we possibly can for the people who donate them and to raise as much as we are able for the hospice.

“I also believe very strongly in sustainability. The fashion industry is one of the worst contributors to global decline and I believe we should be reusing as much as we possibly can. It is a win-win. Selling preloved clothing extends its lifespan, the hospice raises much-needed

funds and the customers still manage to bag a bargain.”

She said moving online would allow the retail arm to have global reach and make the most of the fast changing nature of the fashion world.

“People are much more conscious of their spending because of the cost of living crisis,” she said. “Others are increasingly aware of the environment. So recycling the clothes is the perfect way to stretch their money and boost sustainability.

Buyers will be able to leave reviews of their online shopping experience on both sites. The hospice’s online shops can be found at:

https://www.depop.com/stteresashospice/ https://www.ebay.co.uk/str

stteresashospiceshop

https://www.vinted.co.uk/member/128944614stteresashopice

St Teresa’s Hospice retail assistant manager Charlie Baker with an expensive ski jacket donated to the charity

We are window repair specialist in Darlington, Tees Valley and the Surrounding areas

We are reliable professionals who can quickly and effectively repair your double glazed windows, doors or conservatory. Our technicians pride themselves on providing a reliable and cost effective repair service. We are committed to providing an excellent customer care service and a guarantee on all our replacement sealed units.

Locks

Handles

Misty Windows

Hinges

Qualified Window Technicians

You can rest assured with MSG, we’ll treat your property with respect and care. Our team is trained in all types of window repairs and replacements. Thanks to our many years of experience, we know exactly how to handle everything from cracked glass to broken locks.

info@upvcrepairsdarlington.co.uk

www.upvcrepairsdarlington.co.uk

Access the career you want with an Access to HE Diploma at Middlesbrough College!

Are you ready to take the next step to change your life with a new career but don’t have the right qualifications? An Access to Higher Education (HE) course is the perfect FREE* route back into education, and to a degree.

Our part-time courses provide family friendly learning hours so you can get the qualifications you need to access the career you want, and the life you want.

Access to HE Diplomas:

❱ Business

❱ Computing

❱ Engineering

❱ Games Development

❱ Health

❱ Health (Distance Learning)

❱ Humanities and Social Sciences

Ellie Ellie Young

Access to HE Diploma in Health

“If you are thinking about returning to education, do it. The Access course is one year and I managed to do it with a husband and three kids! Not only did it make a difference to me but it made a difference to my family.”

❱ Law and Criminology

❱ Media and Film Production

❱ Policing

❱ Science

*Your Access to HE Diploma will be FREE once you complete your degree as your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off. Find out more and apply online today: www.mbro.ac.uk

Hospice helps families

cope with

bereavements by sorting the family belongings

St Teresa’s Hospice are offering to lift the burden on friends and families faced with clearing the homes of loved ones who have passed away or gone into a home.

The hospice’s house clearance service operates across Teesside, Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire. It helps the hospice raise much needed funds and provides roughly 30% of its charity shop stock.

Every year the hospice needs to raise £3.5 million to provide free in-patient and community care for those living with life limiting illnesses and their families.

Marjorie McIntyre, St Teresa’s Hospice head of retail, said: “I think the important thing to remember about this service is how sensitively our teams work. The service is bespoke to the family’s needs, brings them relief and saves them a lot of heartache, while helping a charity at a particularly challenging time.”

House clearance manager Paul Wheatley said: “We have become quite skilled over the years at clearing houses.

“The first step is to locate any important documents including bank details, passports and insurance papers, then valuables such as jewellery and higher value mementos families might like to keep.

“We once located some wedding and engagement rings which a lady had sewn into the hem of a set of curtains to keep them safe from burglars. We were able to give them to the family after she had gone

into a home. We also find English and foreign money hidden in drawers, handbags and in the pages of books, which we return, as well as photographs and other keepsakes.”

Teams then sort through furniture, clothing and other household items seeing what can be sold in the charity shops, what can be recycled or salvaged and what has to be thrown away.

“You can see the relief on people’s faces when we tell them we will sort everything out for them,” he said. “Some actually burst into tears because deciding what to keep and what not to keep evokes memories and can leave them feeling guilty. But when they know it is going to a really worthwhile cause it helps them.”

House clearances range from large private homes and council properties to sheds, garages and even gardens. Paul visits the site and assesses the amount of work involved with prices starting from £250 for a small flat.

“With council houses it’s especially important to get them cleared and cleaned up,” said Paul. “Until they are completely empty, including carpets, curtains and lampshades, the family still has to pay the rent.”

The service can be accessed by contacting the hospice on (01325) 488701 or by email: sales@darlingtonhospice.org.uk.

HELPING YO U BU Y YO UR NEW HOME

Part Exchange is available on selected homes.*

• You buy ours we buy yours

• We are a cash buyer

• No chains

• Stay in your home whilst your new one is being built

First Three Celebrity Chefs Revealed for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2023

Phil Vickery, Rachel Allen and Janusz Domagala are a trio of celebrity chefs headlining the Saturday of the hugely popular Bishop Auckland Food Festival.

The festival, run by Durham County Council, had a record breaking 2022, pulling in 30,000 visitors. This year it will return on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April.

Those attending can expect a weekend of fantastic food and entertainment in addition to some famous faces!

The first of these is Phil Vickery– a chef, presenter and cookery writer.

Phil has become one of Britain’s favourite chefs through being a part of ITV’s This Morning for over 22 years.

He has worked at Michelin Starred restaurants including Gravetye Manor in East Grinstead and 74 in Canterbury. Phil earned his own Michelin Star and 4 Rosettes in the AA guide as head chef of The Castle hotel in Taunton.

His television credits include Ready Steady Cook, Proof of the Pudding and Phil Vickery’s Pudding Club.

Also joining the star-studded lineup is Rachel Allen–a TV chef, teacher at the world-famous Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork and best-selling cookery writer who has sold over one million books.

She was raised in Dublin and studied at Ballymaloe from the age of 18. After travelling to cook around the world, she returned to work at the cookery school.

Rachel’s first book and accompanying TV series, Rachel’s Favourite Food, was published and broadcast in 2004.

She currently co-hosts The Restaurant with Marco Pierre White for RTE and writes a food column for

the Sunday Independent.

Completing the trio is Janusz Domagala, the standout star of 2022’s Great British Bake Off.

The 34-year-old Polish baker reached the semi-final of the show and became a fan favourite. He was also named one of Heat magazine’s 2022 Stars of the Year.

Janusz, an LGBT+ activist, has featured on CBBC’s Saturday Mashup and was a guest in the Christmas special of Channel 4’s The Last Leg.

These celebrity chefs will wow visitors with mouthwatering food demonstrations on 22 April. Crowd favourite and The One Show regular, Chris Bavin, will join them as the host.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “There are more big names still to come but it’s not all about the big names – we’ve got all kinds of wonderful food traders, workshops and entertainment up our sleeves too. It’s definitely a case of ‘watch this space’.”

Bishop Auckland Food Festival is one of many cultural events taking place in County Durham this year, cementing Durham’s position as the ‘culture county’.

To keep updated on all the latest Bishop Auckland Food Festival news visit the event’s website www. bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk and follow its social media channels.

Phil Vickery

Rachel Allen Janusz Domagala

Our energy-efficient features mean keeping cosy in your new home is easy and affordable. Save over £2,000 in energy bills with a Cussins home.

Mowing

In March, your lawn should see some decent growth, and you might like to mow the lawn for the first time after the winter.

Set the cutting height nice and high, taking the gentle approach on your lawn as it comes out of dormancy, and give it a larger number of infrequent cuts, rather than taking off too much at once.

Fertiliser

Lawns need a feed now to help kickstart them off to a good start for the year. The fertiliser we use is in an organic form, and includes Phosphate

and Potassium as well as vital trace elements to promote a vibrant lawn. Our organic feeds help improve soil and encourage the bacteria and bugs to help release nutrients for an even better looking, healthier lawn.

Moss Control

You may also want to treat any moss outbreaks on your lawn in the month of March. Remember, if you’re scarifying your lawn, it’s often a good idea to kill off any moss first.

If you don’t feel confident in doing it yourself, give us a call on 01325 582 080 or 07798 566 408 and we’ll be glad to help.

SOLAR COULD HELP SAVE UP TO 70% OFF YOUR ENERGY BILL

THIS COULD EQUAL

WHY CHOOSE THRIFT ENERGY?

9.55 out

Excellent customer care before, during and after installation.

Your own source of renewable, a ordable energy to power your home.

SOLAR BATTERY

Charge your electric vehicle at home, or prepare your home for future buyers with an EV charger! Combining your EV charger with solar panels compounds the money saving and eco friendly benefits for you.

Proudly working in partnership with

A 25 year manufacturer warranty on your solar panels.

Envious looks from your neighbours (sorry about that one...)

FINANCE AVAILABLE

IT’S MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE BELOW*

Price:

Deposit:

Lets talk mortgage advice

What is a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker is an adviser that can help you get the best mortgage deal. A broker will assess your personal needs and circumstances, and can scour the market to help you gain access to the best deals out there.

Do I need to use a mortgage broker?

Getting a mortgage is a big financial decision, and given the recent turbulence in the mortgage market it is clear that it’s not just the complex cases that can benefit from mortgage advice.

The use of a mortgage broker can be extremely helpful, and could be the di erence between having a successful mortgage application and being rejected. Given the typical size and duration of mortgage loans, finding the best deal could potentially save you thousands over the term of the mortgage.

A broker will help guide you through the options, explain the nuances of a ordability and lending criteria, help you avoid the common pitfalls, and save you time and e ort in what can sometimes be a challenging process.

Independent advice

Here at Acumen Investment & Pension Solutions, we have a team of dedicated mortgage brokers who are fully independent, which means we can source mortgages from the whole of the UK market and are not tied to any particular provider (we do not consider products that are only available direct from lenders). We also do all of the heavy lifting, from assessing your a ordability, finding the best deal, completing the mortgage application and working closely with the lender.

Holistic advice

Financial planning can be complex, as it has many aspects that rarely exist in isolation. This is why we prefer to take a holistic approach, and why our advisers are also qualified to o er advice on Pensions and Investments, Tax Planning and Protection.

We o er a free 1-hour consultation with no obligation, and welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss the ways in which we may be able to help you.

The Whale is a brutal and often beautiful piece of filmmaking from director Darren Aranofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream). Based on Samuel D. Hunter’s play of the same name, the film portrays Charlie’s (Brendan Fraser) struggle with grief and his quest to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Sadie Sink).

Anyone familiar with The Whale has likely heard the unanimity surrounding Fraser’s performance as Charlie - a solitary English teacher living with morbid obesity. He is unquestionably brilliant and perhaps the film’s biggest draw. Achingly human throughout, Fraser breaks your heart with each despairing gaze and puts it back together again with every hopeful half-smile. Sink, of Stranger Things fame, goes toe-to-toe with Fraser as Charlie’s daughter Ellie. In a seemingly effortless and authoritative performance she proves beyond doubt that she is destined for great things. Also excellent is Hong Chau as Liz, Charlie’s friend and carer.

As the film starts it is unsettling to watch as the cinema screen seems to shrink. The small, square aspect-ratio of choice immediately establishes a sense of claustrophobia. Underpinned by Rob Simonsen’s haunting, sorrowful score, the opening suggests that you may be in for a heavy couple of hours.

The story that unfolds is a small one that tackles big themes. Like much of Aranofsky’s previous work these themes are overt and unapologetic from the outset. (For example, the sweat pooling at the bottom of Charlie’s back seeps through his shirt in the shape of a whale’s tail). Despite an occasional lack of subtlety the meditations on loss, self-destruction, faith and forgiveness are always engaging.

The story is delivered almost entirely in dialogue between Charlie and a small cast of characters in his cramped upstairs flat. As he desperately tries to reconnect with his daughter Ellie, she does what she can to exploit the situation. Their venomous exchanges are complex, touching and often darkly funny. Liz does her best to look after Charlie and protect him from Ellie and others that seek to take advantage. One such character is Thomas - a boy who attempts to guide Charlie to salvation through the teachings of God.

The plot investigates the power of honesty and our interpretations of the written word, from Thomas’ bible to Charlie’s cherished review of Moby Dick which he recites as scripture in moments of anguish. As the layers of the story are absorbingly peeled back it is easy to be swept away by The Whale’s hypnotic power and stunning performances.

This weighty exploration of the human condition will not be everyone’s cup of tea. You may not have a whale of a time but I guarantee you will leave the cinema thoroughly moved - if not especially hungry.

FILM REVIEW

CINEMA DARLINGTON

Sponsored

Things to look out for in... March

YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of the Dubliners

17th March - 7:30 pm - The Globe Theatre, Stockton

Direct from the West End, this sell out production returns to theatres for its 5th Anniversary tour. Whether you have Irish roots, or just want to celebrate St Patrick’s day, this celebration of the music of the Dubliners is a guaranteed evening of music, humour and ‘craic’! Tickets to this ultimate feel-good show can be purchased from: https://www.stocktonglobe.co.uk/shows/sevendrunken-nights-the-story-of-the-dubliners

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

18th and 19th March- Various- Café Robineau, Darlington

Creative Play: Fairy Tale Forest

22nd March - 10am - The Hullabaloo, Darlington

Step inside some of your favourite fairy tales and get into character! The Hullabaloo are giving kids the chance to dress up, play and re-enact popular fairy tales or create their own! The fairy tale forest is open from Monday –Saturday, 10am – 2pm from 22nd March – 31st August. This is a free activity and you do not need to book but there may be a short wait during busy times. Learn more about it here: https://www.theatrehullabaloo.org. uk/free-shows/fairy-tale-forest-creative-play/

Ukrainian National Opera Presents: Madama Butterfly

14th March - 7:30 pm - Darlington Hippodrome, Darlington

Dnipro Opera, from Ukraine will perform Puccini’s masterpiece: Madama Butterfly. Featuring an impressive cast and an accompanying live orchestra of over 30 musicians, this will be a top-quality production of this tragic but beautiful Opera. Madama Butterfly is the story of a tragic love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride. For tickets, visit: https:// www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/

For an unforgettable mother’s day treat, afternoon tea at Café Robineau will be hard to beat! Choose from a selection of delicious sandwiches and cakes inspired by French patisseries along with other traditional favourites like fruit scones and freshly brewed tea or coffee. You can even add a glass of fizz! Spaces are limited so Phone: 01325 489129 or Email: cafereservations@ robineau.co.uk to book ASAP.

A Taste of Improv

22nd March - 6:15pm - Rafferty’s Bar, Middlesbrough

Have you ever wanted to give improv a go? Rafferty’s is hosting a free taster session that’s open to everyone! Whether you’re a beginner or have prior experience, you can take part.You’ll be guided through fun games and skill exercises to help you get into the swing of things. This pass the hat event does not require pre-booking but if you would like more information you can call Rafferty’s on: 01642 230777

The Ugly Duckling

30th March - Various - Middlesbrough Theatre, Middlesbrough

Northern Ballet return with another child friendly ballet that little ones can enjoy! Follow the duckling’s journey as she learns to love herself and those around her. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce children to live ballet, music and theatre for the first time. To buy tickets head to: https://www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk/ event/ugly-duckling/

PUZZLE PAGE

Puzzle page is sponsored by

Wordsearch

Vue Cinema Darlington

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.

We are offering a family ticket for any film at Vue Darlington at Feethams (valid for 2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children). All you have to do is complete the puzzle and fill in the form below!

Address:

Post Code:

Name: Email: Please send all entries to: Competitions Department, Unit 4, Station Road, Chester-le-St, Co. Durham, DH3 3DY

Competition end date 20th March 2023. The winner will receive a letter from Darlington Monthly within 14 days of the competition closing date.

Vue guest admission policy terms and conditions apply, visit myvue.com/legal for details.