Darlington Monthly Feb 2022 by Darlington Monthly

Darlington’s oldest and widest-distributed community magazine

Tribute Acts Take Over Darlington Hippodrome! What’s Inside Issue 96 February 2022

Darlington Monthly is proudly sponsored by:

06 Local News

review: 40 Film 42 What’s On The King’s Man

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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.

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Hello! Welcome to February’s edition of Darlington Monthly. It’s the month of love, and we certainly have some love-ly content for you! February is a month of sharing and caring, so if you need to feel inspired to do so, check out page 26 where we have a story about the generosity of school children in Darlington. We are always moved by how much people in our community care about their history, and we have another inspirational story on page 6. Valentine’s Day is coming up, and if you need a sweet treat to rustle up for someone special in your life (or for yourself!), flick to page 34 to see our recipe for champagne and raspberry possets. Looking for something to watch afterwards? Skip ahead to page 40, to see our review of the latest movie in the Kingsmen franchise, The King’s Man.

06 26

Have a marvelous February, one and all. We’ll be back again in March! 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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Original Darlington Football Club turnstile restored! A small piece of Darlington Football Club history has been saved after being labelled for the scrap heap. Paul Coleman and Craig Morley joined forces, to save a historic turnstile that was once used at the club’s ground. How did it come about? Morley, who regularly restores classic cars, said he couldn’t believe his luck when Coleman told him what he’d come across. He was called to arms in June 2021, when Coleman called him up informing him that an antiques dealer had been in touch, and he now Where will the turnstile go? possessed the original turnstile from the East Once the restoration was complete, Paul Stand at Feethams. Coleman said he knew exactly where the According to Morley, he responded to Paul in turnstile belonged. complete disbelief. Once his friend had assured him the purchase was legit, Craig was excited by In the short term, the turnstile will be on loan to the history of the turnstile and it was dropped the Arthur Whar ton Foundation. The foundation work to raise the profile of Arthur Whar ton and off at his house the following Thursday. Feethams was the place where Wharton first The turnstile was manufactured by WT Ellison made his name. in Salford, and the same type of turnstile was supplied to Wembley. It is certainly a rare piece Later down the line, there are plans to of nostalgic history for any Darlington fan, or any incorporate the former turnstile into The Little Quaker Distillery, in Clarks Yard, which is football fan in general. Coleman’s business. Paul has also discussed the Now, thanks to Morley and Coleman, the possibility of donating the memorabilia back turnstile is now completely operational and to the football club, as a working piece in the restored, with a bit of guidance from Charlie at ground, allowing the piece of Feethams to find a spiritual home. Glenwood Decorating Supplies in town. 6

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Thinking about fostering as a career? Here are some of the typical questions Durham County Council are asked by potential foster carers.

Could fostering be your career? Our foster carers

Who are the receive competitive fees and allowances children needing Join our fostering family foster carers? 03000 269 400 Babies, toddlers, school-age, durham.gov.uk/fostering brothers and sisters, teenagers and some children with varying disabilities. All are different – all are individuals. All images shown are for illustration purposes only.

Can anyone foster? Our foster carers come from many backgrounds, including different cultures, religions and ethnicities. Whether you’re married or single, your sexuality, age or whether you own or rent a home will not impact on an application to become a foster carer. Is support available? As well as extra tax relief, Durham County Council carers can earn from £304 to £860 per week, with extra payments at Christmas and in the summer. Carers are also offered training, access to support groups and have their own fostering social worker.

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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.”

Carver Group also incorporates Carver Commercial, a long-established independent firm of chartered surveyors and commercial property consultants. 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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Plans to transform Captain Cook Square approved Captain Cook Square could be getting a complete transformation, as Middlesbrough Council has approved plans for improvement works in the area. The Council is hoping to turn the centre into a leisure hub, which will include a bowling alley and an e-sports venue. Plans to redecorate The application to Middlesbrough Council points out that Middlesbrough town centre has “Tees Valley’s highest concentration of visitorrelated facilities and services, it lacks a single vibrant leisure destination to draw visitors”.

Credit: Middlesbrough Council

Right now, plans for Captain Cook Square include removing the current decorative canopy railing, lamp posts and street furniture in an attempt to declutter the area. New street furniture will be installed, but the area is to remain more open, allowing events to take place.

facility will also include a go-kar t track and games including ping-pong, pool, shuffleboard or beer pong, darts and shooting pods.

Captain Cook Square is already receiving attention from potential leisure investors. Lane 7 has submitted a planning application to tuern the former TJ Hughes into a bowling alley. The

Hopefully, Middlesbrough Council can save the town centre from decline, as recent figures show that 22.4% of retail fronts in Middlebrough’s centre are empty.

The Wired Lobby, an e-spor t venue, has also lodged plans with the council’s licensing department to request planning permissions for In order to create a more modern feel, the walls a new gaming site. It could feature anything from below the canopy will get a fresh lick of dark race simulators to a gaming arena inside the unit. grey paint. The passageway to the multi-storey car park will be updated with new decorations They have proposed staying open until 2am, and lighting. It will also include power supply with the venue being adults only after 9pm and points, so market stalls or digital screens could no 18+ content streamed until after that time. use the space in future. A brewery and boutique cinema are also rumoured to move into some empty units. Attention from potential investors

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Places to go...

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Musselburgh M

usselburgh is a town of 21,000 on the east side of Edinburgh, beyond the city boundaries, and is the largest settlement in East Lothian. To reach it from the north-east, you have to travel into Edinburgh on the express train from Newcastle, and then take the local train towards North Berwick retracing your route to the first stop at Musselburgh, where the station is on the south side of town. As a result, fares to Musselburgh are slightly higher than for Edinburgh, even though it is a shorter distance. I started my overnight visit by walking through the housing estate to Newhailes, a National Trust for Scotland site where the café is open through the winter even those the main house is closed. I had a walk through the grounds after a warming coffee and was surprised to find the house front door open, even though it was closed to the public. Before long I realised this was a dwelling place for Santa’s grotto, it being a weekend in the month of December! It is normally noted as a Palladian house that played a prominent role in the Scottish Enlightenment, but

it also has a superb childrens’ play area called Weehailes which is a play village that would fire many an imagination, but is closed until April. I made my first acquaintance with bus route 30 to ride into the town. There’s a choice on Lothian Buses of a single for £1.80 or a Dayticket for £4.50. For three or more trips a day, the Dayticket is a good deal, especially I was planning an evening trip into Auld Reekie (Edinburgh) for the evening service at Old St. Paul’s. I passed the Ravelston House Hotel where I was staying for the night, and should have got off to leave my overnight bag, but carried on to maximise the time I could spend at Prestongrange Museum. It supposedly closed at 1530, and I was worried I would not have time to look around, but fortuitously it is just the Visitor Centre and exhibition that closes then, and the site itself is open to wander around, which I did until nightfall. For over 400 years Prestongrange was a focus of industry. A harbour, glass works, pottery, colliery and brickworks have all left their marks on the landscape including winding gear, a vast brick kiln and a Cornish beam engine. Cradled by woodland the site is now a haven for wildlife where you can explore these monumental relics of Scotland's industrial heritage.

I had left bus 26 at the signposted entrance which was a long walk to the Visitor Centre, but a quick exit by footpath to the main road had me delivered to a convenient bus stop and picked up in less than a minute. The Ravelston House was comfortable. Day two was on foot around the town. First to Fisherrow, the harbour, and up the hill to Inveresk which is an NTS garden. I admired some of the architecture of Loretto, the independent school. Astonishingly (!) there was horseracing at the racecourse for the afternoon, a seven race card. But no winners that afternoon. After picking up my bag from the hotel there was still time to explore the Queen Margaret University campus adjacent to Musselburgh station and a brief period of relaxation in the first class lounge at Waverley station before my fast LNER express back to Newcastle. alexnelson@dunelm.org.uk

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Have you recently been made redundant? Perhaps you have started a new occupation and need to talk to someone about your pension options? Acumen Investment & Pension Solutions is here to help you. We are a Darlington-based Independent Financial Adviser, committed to developing longterm relationships with our clients and truly understanding their needs. Redundancy is a form of dismissal from your job, which happens when a company needs to reduce their workforce. If you are made redundant, you may qualify for redundancy pay. There is statutory redundancy pay, which you would be entitled to by law if you meet the criteria (see below). Some employers also provide contractual redundancy pay, which is usually enhanced redundancy pay and would form part of your employment contract.

A worker has a right to statutory redundancy pay if they have been employed for two years and have lost their job because of a genuine need to make redundancies in the business. If you think you may be entitled to contractual redundancy pay, be sure to check your contract. Your employer’s contractual redundancy pay cannot be less than the statutory rate. A pension is designed to enable a person to save sufficient money over their working life to provide an income in retirement. The most common pension is the state pension, which you receive from the government once you reach state retirement age. Some employers also offer an occupational pension scheme, but there are also other ways to save for your retirement, such as personal pension plans. Acumen Investment & Pension Solutions specialises in explaining, monitoring and advising customers about their pension options. State pension alone may not be sufficient for you to live on during retirement and we would recommend seeking advice early to start planning for your retirement.

Give Acumen Investment & Pension Solutions a call today on 01325 482585. Their team of four advisers are ready and waiting to help, but be sure to ask for Adrian Peacock on your initial call, to ensure you’re matched up with the adviser best suited to your needs. 16

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Tribute Acts Take Over Darlington Hippodrome! March is going to be an exciting month at the Hippodrome. We are welcoming three tribute acts across the month, and we know you’re sure to falsetto, while recognise them. enjoying some of On Friday 4th March, we are expecting a visit from the band’s greatest hits, like “Sherry”, “December The Rocket Man himself. That’s right, the number one 1962 (Oh What a Night)” and the title track! tribute to Sir Elton John is making an appearance at Darlington Hippodrome, to give you two hours of We’re rounding out the month with a two-hour Elton’s greatest hits. Of course, you can expect some Queen spectacular! Tune into Radio Gaga at of Elton’s trademark glamorous costumes, outlandish Darlington Hippodrome, and celebrate one of the glasses and sensational piano solos. All on your greatest bands to ever grace the stage. Enjoy all 26 Top 10 hits, and many other fan favourites including doorstep! “Somebody to Love”, “We Are The Champions” and, Next up, is a celebration of Frankie Valli & The Four of course, “We Will Rock You”. Seasons. Come and be transported back to 1963, by the phenomenal cast and live band of “Big Girls Don’t These nights are not to be missed! Buy tickets from Cry”. Come and experience Frankie’s incredible the Darlington Hippodrome website right now!

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Free Pick up and Delivery in Darlington

Get in touch and see how we can help you. CSL Cleaning Services

Church Street Launderette

Tel: 07732 238973

Tel: 01388 205919

Email: info@cslcleaningservices.co.uk

Email: info@cs-launderette.co.uk

Web: www.cslcleaningservices.co.uk

Web: www.cs-launderette.co.uk

Address: 72 Church St, Shildon, DL4 1DY Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk

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Elegant and Stylish Exterior Living Solutions

Aluminium Verandas

Glass Rooms & Sliding Doors

Folding Roof Pergolas

Awnings

Our Easy Process

Consultation

Design

Installation

20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

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

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Enjoy The Outdoors With Indoor Style And Comfort Exterior Living North East was founded with a passion to supply and fit exterior outdoor living products that align with your design at home but provide functional extended living spaces with the outdoors at heart.

Let Us Turn Your Dream Into A Reality +44 7927 859333 info@exteriorlivingnortheast.co.uk

67 Yarm Lane, Stockton on Tees, TS18 3DU (Inside Galaxy Blinds)

WWW.EXTERIORLIVINGNORTHEAST.CO.UK Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk

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Lighterlife Darlington with Anne Marie 2021 saw the gradual opening up of society again. Many of us have seen a significant increase in weight gain, as more and more people turned to food and drink for “comfort” during lockdown. As we begin 2022, now is a great time for positive change, looking forward to the year ahead and a healthier lighter you. LighterLife has spent over 30 years developing a nutritionally complete Very Low Calorie Diet for

fast weight loss, combined with a unique Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)/mindfulness approach, which explores how our thinking affects our behaviour around food – providing effective tools for losing weight and keeping it off! 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.

So go on, why not start your journey to the New You in the New Year!

Lose a stone a month this New Year #changeispossible

Denise lost 2st in 2 months.

and has been maintaining since 2013

CONTACT ME TODAY!

ANNE MARIE 07729 571486 annemarie.tinto@lighterlifementor.com

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WATSON MEMORIALS • Headstones • Memorials • Gravestones

Watson Memorials is a Darlington based Monumental Masons specialising in all aspects of memorial masonry including New Memorials, Professional Cleaning and Restoration, as well as Expert Re-ﬁxing and Straightening for all styles of Headstones, Memorials and Gravestones in Darlington and the surrounding areas.

For our full online brochure with prices please visit watsonmemorials.co.uk

or call 01325 605035

They made a ﬁrst class job of restoring a grave. A most impressive service. The appointment at the grave to discuss the work was kept on time. Good communication throughout and the work completed promptly at a very reasonable price. Highly recommended.

G. Di Duca

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Darlington students make generous contribution to local food bank As the pandemic continues to push more people into pover ty, a school in Darlington has rallied round its local community. Pupils at Haughton Academy, Darlington, have gone above and beyond to collect provisions and presents for people who really need it. Thinking Of The Less Fortunate The campaign was spearheaded by fourteenyear-old Sam Mor ton, and resulted in boxes of toys and toiletries being donated to the Salvation Army, to be distributed to the needy. A further 71 boxes of provisions were collected Making A Difference by the school and donated to the King’s Church Food Bank on Whessoe Road. The food packages will make a huge difference in our local area, especially as food bank charity, Speaking about his motivations, Sam said “I just The Trussell Trust, has reported 125,000 realised that a lot of people might not have any visits regionally and 2.5m nationally by people presents coming this year and I wanted to do requiring suppor t. something that would make them feel happier”. King’s Food Bank gratefully received the Sam’s initiative also encouraged other children donations, with manager Caroline Todd noting to consider their own for tune and get excited that they continue to be overwhelmed by about giving back. Head girl Aimee Cassidy, who people’s generosity, particularly during the helped pack the school minibus with the parcels, pandemic. said “It is joyful to be able to give people a sense of having someone”, while Head boy, Tom She expressed admiration for the students, Kipling, pointed out that at Haughton Academy saying “The pupils have been truly amazing when “We pride ourselves on our ability to help out a lot of people have found themselves impacted in the community and I think collecting for the by the pandemic”. food bank is a great idea”.

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Wet Rooms | Plumbing | Bathrooms Kitchens | Joinery | Repairs Call Peter for advice, and a FREE Quote!

07538 102195 Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk

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Have you ever dreamed about flying a jet? If you, or someone you know, has always fancied themselves a pilot, check out SimFly, Virtual Global Flying, in Darlington. SimFly is a Boeing 737-800 cockpit flight simulator, based in the centre of Darlington. Whether you’re looking for a birthday present for the budding pilot in your life, you’re a novice pilot looking to gain some experience or you’re a pilot training for your PPL qualification, the simulator is the perfect choice. Previous customers have used the simulator to overcome fears and anxieties about flying, by corporate teams for team building days, and by schools and colleges offering vocational courses.

The sim can be flown in all weather conditions, during the day or night, with the 4k scenery offering an unprecedented level of realism at all airports around the globe as well as surrounding areas. Friends and family are more than welcome to view the simulation from two 56” screens, situated on either side of the simulator. All those coming to use/view the simulator must undergo a lateral flow test prior to their visit. Hygiene stations are situated throughout the building.

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE! T: 07973 736964

E: info@simfly.co.uk

@simflyvirtualglobalflying 28

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FEBRUARY HALF TERM EVENTS 2022 Wednesday 23 February

CONSTRUCTION KIDS Drop in session

11am - 3.30pm Thursday 24 February

SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

Session must be booked in advance

11am - 3.30pm Friday 25 February

STATION SCAMPS

Drop in session

10am - 12.30pm Friday 25 February

ARTS & CRAFTS

Drop in session

1pm - 3pm

For details of activities, contact museum reception on 01325 405060, website www.head-of-steam.co.uk or social media

Contact: Head of Steam Darlington Railway Museum, North Road Station, Darlington, County Durham DL3 6ST. Tel: 01325 405060 Email: headofsteam@darlington.gov.uk @headofsteammuseum @HeadofSteamMus www.head-of-steam.co.uk

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COMPLIMENT YOUR EVENING WITH OUR TAKEAWAY

HAPPY HOUR

SET MENU £12.95 Sunday to Thursday

Any Starter Any Main Rice or Naan (Only classic curries) (King prawn extra £3)

5PM - 7PM

Bombay MIX BOX SET MENU CHOOSE ONE STARTER Onion bhaji • Bombay crepe Chicken tikka • Veg or meat samosa CHOOSE ONE Pilau Rice • Boiled Rice CHOOSE ONE Plain Naan • Chips

CHOOSE ONE Korma sauce • Masala sauce Madras sauce • Jalfrezi sauce Dupiaza sauce • Balti sauce Bhuna sauce • Methi sauce Achari sauce • Pathia sauce Vindaloo sauce • Curry sauce CHOOSE ONE Chicken • Lamb Vegetable • Chicken tikka

Bombay MIX BOX will be £10 *This offer only available ordering through Direct 01325 468709

Delivery or Collection. £1 Delivery DLI, DL3 £2 Delivery DL2

Call 01325 468709 30

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

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ANY STARTER ANY MAIN RICE OR NAAN

£15

PER

PERSON

(Terms and Conditions Apply, King Prawn £3 extra, Mix Grill £2 extra)

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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. We provide services to both domestic and commercial clients.

Our services include: Tree surgery

Hedge trimming

Tree removal

Garden maintenance

Garden clearance

Driveway cleaning and pressure washing

Give Mr Tree a call today 07447 943303 / 0800 9596 196 mrtreeuk@gmail.com

Before

After We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction

mrtreeservices.co.uk

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

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Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Specialist Professional, Safe and Effective Ear Wax Removal Fully qualified hearing specialists registered with the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists & the Health and Care Professions Council

WHAT WE OFFER Microsuction earwax removal, which is quicker, safer, and more comfortable than the traditional syringing. (£40 for one ear and £60 for both ears)

Consultation £10

(If no treatment needed)

Moulds Hearing Protection Same day appointments

Hearing care advice Home Visits.

(Prices for the Home Visit service are area dependent, starting from £70 for the Teesside/Darlington area)

To book an appointment or to enquire about our services

call a member of our team now on 01642 686008

Alternatively, to book online and view all available appointments visit:

www.earclearhearingcare.co.uk/book-online Email: Info@earclearhearingcare.co.uk

Find us on

Address: Park View Medical Clinic, 276 Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 2NS Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk

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Champagne & FREE transpo raspberry•possets The dryness of your chosen fizz works well with the delicate sweetness of this impressive posset 10 mins to prep

Directions Step 1

Put the raspberries and Champagne in a mini food processor or blender (or use a jug and a hand blender). Whizz until the purée is as smooth as you can get it, then use a wooden spoon or spatula to push as much of it through a sieve as you can. Discard the seeds left behind.

STEP 2

Put the cream and sugar in a saucepan and warm gently until the sugar melts. Increase the heat until just boiling, then boil vigorously for 2 1/2 mins, stirring constantly. Turn off the heat and stir in the raspberry-Champagne purée. Cool for 15 mins before dividing between 2 small pots or glasses. Chill for 30 mins, then sprinkle over the freeze-dried raspberry pieces and chill for at least 2 hrs more until set (or overnight if you’re making ahead).

5 mins to cook

Serves two people

Ingredients 140g frozen raspberries , defrosted 2 tbsp champagne (buy a mini bottle and treat yourself to a glass while you prepare dinner!) 200ml double cream 4 tbsp golden caster sugar 2 tsp freeze-dried raspberry pieces Shortbread biscuits , to serve

STEP 3

To serve, remove the possets from the fridge and add some shortbread biscuits 34

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

Please mention Darlington Monthly when contacting advertisers • FREE transport from Darlington to Middlesbrough College • FREE transport from Darlington to Middlesbrough College •

ambition ort from Darlington to M

Come along to the Middlesbrough College Open Event Find out how you can take your ambition higher with our amazing range of courses. At our event you will be able to take a tour of our facilities, meet tutors face to face, find out about our fantastic student perks and apply for your dream course.

Saturday 29th January 11:00am - 2:00pm Wednesday 16th March 5:00pm - 7:00pm

“I absolutely love studying at Middlesbrough College. I’ve made friends for life whilst studying here and the College has really helped and supported me.” Shannon Mudd Level 3 Health & Social Care

“Middlesbrough College Sixth Form helped me to secure a top spot at Newcastle University to study Astrophysics! I didn’t expect to achieve an A* in maths and two further As in further maths and physics and I was genuinely shocked when I opened the envelope! I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Collegethe staff have been really supportive!” Manus McGuigan A Levels

Pre-register your place online, visit www.mbro.ac.uk

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NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITY!!!

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Do you need help with social media pages or attracting people to your website?

Up to 35% funding available.

You could get upto £2,000 towards updating your website or online marketing. For more information, get in touch!

0191 3882 698 hello@jakhq.com To Advertise Contact Darlington Monthly 36

Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 01325 776225

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STEPHEN CAPSEY PLUMBING AND HEATING HEATING AND BOILER REPAIRS CARRIED OUT BY SKILLED SPECIALISTS IN NEWTON AYCLIFFE, COUNTY DURHAM SERVICES INCLUDE: • CENTRAL HEATING • BOILER SERVICES • BATHROOM REFURBISHMENT

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PUZZLE PAGE Puzzle page is sponsored by

Wordsearch

Vue Cinema Darlington

Sudoku easy

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! Name:

Address:

Email: Post Code:

Please send all entries to: Competitions Department, Unit 4, Station Road, Chester-le-St, Co. Durham, DH3 3DY Competition end date 20th February 2022. 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.

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Faye Rodgerson Marketing Executive The third installment of the Kingsman franchise is, in my opinion, an education in filmmaking and a cinematic masterpiece. Ralph Finnes and Harris Dickinson gave exceptional performances as Orlando, the Duke of Oxford and his son, Conrad. The father/son relationship between the two characters is translated beautifully on screen, with Finnes portraying the anguish of a widowed father beautifully, and Dickinson embodying the eagerness and optimism of a boy, naive to the true implications of war. Mention must also be given to the immense supporting cast in this movie. Tom Hollander takes on three roles, portraying King George V, Kaiser Wilhelm and Tsar Nicholas, executing each perfectly. Gemma Arterton and Djimon Hounsou give convincing performances as 40

Polly and Shola, servants to the Oxford family, but the show was stolen by Rhys Ifans and his portrayal of Grigori Rasputin. From the outset, we are exposed to easter eggs from the first films in the Kingsman franchise, the most notable being a conversation between a young Conrad and his servant Shola, in which he refers to himself as Lancelot and Shola as Merlin, the code names that we know are used by the Kingsman in the modern day. In the film's final action sequence,

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FILM REVIEW