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Darlington’s oldest and widest-distributed community magazine

Happy New Year to all in our incredible Darlington community What’s Inside Issue 95 January 2022

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YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Film review: Disney’s Encanto

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These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Yorkshire Loft Ladders come in. The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding and a light all fully fitted in less than a day from just £277 + VAT. But it’s not just the affordability of the package the company offers that makes Yorkshire Loft Ladders stand out as manager Warren Ingleson explains: ‘Our watchwords are Quality,

Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and Value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford. Our business relies on referrals and we got a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, however big or

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Happy New Year! Welcome to the January edition of Darlington is a city in which there is never Inn Blossom Street South, solid with people at 0900 morning and shortage Monthly of things to do. The - the first ofone2022!

pleasantly quiet at 0800 the following istmas markets might have The start a brand newmorning. year means takingthey on new challenges, Clearly, are catering forlike the hop for the year, butofthe one Postwoman in Darlington, you away can read page market.story A night doeson allow market is there all year round. I tourist whose 6. It during can also mean takingyou upto a resolution or visits, starting a new hobby. o York twice pack in more and I attended out to find a wholeEucharist host of things that are going on morning at 0750. Minster and had aCheck ride on thepage only34City in the local area with this month. services are free to attend, whereas tourist sel still working the river, visits are charged for. ven tied up together by the If you want for to when try a new delicacy this month, and you’re feeling ge, patiently waiting the Minster, Jorvikclapshot (the brave, head over to pageApart 26 tofrom use our recipe forand Haggis, ts turn up in the spring. Viking Burns exhibition), Museum and whisky sauce - the perfect Night York treat.Castle Or flick to page the best way tocatch visit York, with of etc.Disney’s you might like animation, to try less well-known 32 to our review newest Encanto. ares and direct services from places like the York Army Museum, FairfaxMonthly House and Vana Gogh east stations. My first The team heretrip at Darlington wishtheyou fantastic 2022! We areMuseum, so excited to report on allallofclose the exciting coming exhibition, togetherthings near the he National Rail up inbyour localaround area! under-refurbishment Clifford’s Fort. The ree, followed a walk ore boarding the York Pullman Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, York Chocolate Story, the National Trust’s nto the country for the Loft Ladders are theHouse proudand sponsor thisNuclear Treasurer’s ColdofWar Air Museum, basedYorkshire on the site month’s Darlington Monthly. Bunker (English Heritage) may all whet er bomber command station at your appetite. Added to which bars and ton. I ran out of time to see Yorkshire proudly sponsors this month’sshops Darlington and interesting in places both aircraft of varyingLoft agesLaddersrestaurants Monthly. maining huts and buildings like Walmgate, Goodramgate and the you’re looking improvements to your loft this control tower.If Luckily, like to make improbably named Whip Mamonth, Whopget Ma in touch with Yorkshire Loft Ladders. With the renowned local firm’s Gate means there is plenty to explore on ctions today, they have a areas of expertise including loft hatches, ladders, boarding, insulation foot.onBuses goprovide back to railway station ere you can return for free and lighting, you can depend them to thethe complete service. ar. I therefore returned on my from most stops throughout the city. If Call 0800 8359 now, or visitby www.yorkshireloftladders. you come rail you can get a York Plus for just half an hour to 612 see the co.uk, more detailsBus andticket to request a highly competitive quote.and for £3.50 adult, £1.75 child uts I had missed, andforthe £2.30 for railcard holders. You can even wever, when I discovered the buy these at York station travel office on he back of one of the huts YORKSHIRE arrival just by showing your rail ticket, to election of wartime films, LADDERS useLOFT on the majority of the bus services in no chance of watching in 30 esolved that a further trip will this most fascinating of northern cities. before next November. RAF was significant for having two adrons no. 346 Guyenne and based there in the later stages

trip was a two night overnight alexnelson@dunelm.org.uk Premier Inn at Blossom Street www.nationalrail.com re I was staying in the Minster ls are taken in the physically Visit darlingtonmonthly.co.uk t close by restaurant at Premier

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This series encourages you to make leisure journeys by train, and sometimes by bus, to reduce your carbon footprint by using public transport.

There are many methods of calculating emissions, but the reality is that if you use a train which is going anyway, the increase in emissions by you joining the bus or train is marginal. Turn your day out or short break into a real adventure.

Disclaimer... Whilst we take every care to ensure accuracy in this magazine, we regret that we cannot accept responsibility for any incorrect information. All advertisements are accepted in good faith as to their veracity and we are not responsible for views expressed by contributors or other sources. The copying of any material within this publication is strictly forbidden without the publishers or Studio Managers consent. By providing your email address and entering our competitions you agree to receive email communications from the competition sponsor/prize provider.

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Darlington postie takes on a 10 million step challenge! Nikki Gaynor, a postwoman from Darlington, has committed to walking 10 million steps in a year, to raise money for a mental health charity. She hopes her “postie’s plod” will raise plenty of funds for County Durhams “If You Care Share Foundation”, a charity she has been raising money for, for several years, following the passing of close friend and Hurworth teacher, Michael McMonigle. What I do makes a difference Since becoming a postie, Nikki says she has Photo Credit: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk noticed how much of a difference stopping for a chat can have on a person’s mental health. She strives for positivity, aiming to complete every someone who is isolated, Niki goes above and beyond to make someone’s day. round with a smile on her face. Whatever the weather, Nikki is easily identifiable by her shor ts and is a passionate advocate for speaking up about mental health. Of course, the shorts are quite the conversation starter and after Nikki explains their purpose, people definitely engage. It’s more than a job Since July this year, when Nikki became a postwoman, she has been doing the rounds in Richmond, Nor th Yorkshire. Every day has been an oppor tunity to offer cheerful messages to people in the community.

Nikki certainly understands the magnitude of what she is doing, as she recognises some of the people she comes into contact with might only speak to her that day. As she says herself: “The job is more than shoving letters through a door but I can make a difference with a hello and a wave.” In order to reach her goal, Nikki will have to walk over 27,000 steps a day to reach her goal; 12,000 more than her daily average!

The Royal Mail is backing her challenge, kicking her fundraising off with £100. If you want Whether that’s adding a smiley face and a note to support Nikki, you can donate by visiting to missed parcel cards or offering a daily chat to www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/awatson847. 6

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Places to go...

York Y

ork is a city in which there is never any shortage of things to do. The Christmas markets might have closed up shop for the year, but the Shambles market is there all year round. I have been to York twice during November, and had a ride on the only City Cruises vessel still working the river, with the other seven tied up together by the Lendal Bridge, patiently waiting for when more tourists turn up in the spring.

Inn Blossom Street South, solid with people at 0900 one morning and pleasantly quiet at 0800 the following morning. Clearly, they are catering for the tourist market. A night away does allow you to pack in more visits, and I attended morning Eucharist at 0750. Minster services are free to attend, whereas tourist visits are charged for.

Apart from the Minster, and Jorvik (the Viking exhibition), York Castle Museum The train is the best way to visit York, with etc. you might like to try less well-known places like the York Army Museum, a range of fares and direct services from Fairfax House and the Van Gogh many north east stations. My first trip exhibition, all close together near the started at the National Rail Museum, admission free, followed by a walk around under-refurbishment Clifford’s Fort. The the City before boarding the York Pullman Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, York Chocolate Story, the National Trust’s bus 36 out into the country for the Treasurer’s House and Cold War Nuclear Yorkshire Air Museum, based on the site of the former bomber command station at Bunker (English Heritage) may all whet your appetite. Added to which bars and RAF Elvington. I ran out of time to see restaurants and interesting shops in places everything, both aircraft of varying ages like Walmgate, Goodramgate and the and the remaining huts and buildings improbably named Whip Ma Whop Ma such as the control tower. Luckily, like Gate means there is plenty to explore on many attractions today, they have a foot. Buses go back to the railway station scheme where you can return for free within a year. I therefore returned on my from most stops throughout the city. If second visit for just half an hour to see the you come by rail you can get a York Plus Bus ticket for £3.50 adult, £1.75 child and latest two huts I had missed, and the Chapel. However, when I discovered the £2.30 for railcard holders. You can even buy these at York station travel office on cinema at the back of one of the huts arrival just by showing your rail ticket, to showing a selection of wartime films, use on the majority of the bus services in which I had no chance of watching in 30 minutes, I resolved that a further trip will this most fascinating of northern cities. be required before next November. RAF Elvington was significant for having two French squadrons no. 346 Guyenne and 347 Tunisie based there in the later stages of the war. My second trip was a two night overnight alexnelson@dunelm.org.uk stay at the Premier Inn at Blossom Street www.nationalrail.com North, where I was staying in the Minster Wing. Meals are taken in the physically separate but close by restaurant at Premier

This series encourages you to make leisure journeys by train, and sometimes by bus, to reduce your carbon footprint by using public transport. There are many methods of calculating emissions, but the reality is that if you use a train which is going anyway, the increase in emissions by you joining the bus or train is marginal. Turn your day out or short break into a real adventure.

www.visityork.org

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PALOMA FAITH

Announes extensive UK summer 2022 tour

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Double platinum and BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith will embark on a huge UK summer tour and is delighted to performing at some amazing outdoor venues throughout the UK, including a date right here in Darlington on Saturday 16th July, at the Darlington Arena. Talking about the tour Paloma said, "I've been touring my recent album Infinite Things and it's been so invigorating seeing everyone out on the road around the UK. I've loved playing live again and I am beyond excited to announce my Summer 2022 tour. I love nothing more than singing for you all and hearing you sing back to me. There’s nothing like it.” Performing an array of hits from her extensive and much loved repertoire. These homecoming shows will have fans singing along to classics such as “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” and “Lullaby” as well as new songs from her ﬁfth studio album “Infinite Things”. It’s been a busy year for the singer with Paloma releasing her BBC documentary ‘Paloma Faith: As I Am’ earlier this year which received praise from critics and fans for it’s insight into the pop star's life and frank discussions around motherhood. She also entered the world of interior design with the launch of her Paloma Home collection as well as ﬁlming season 3 of Pennyworth and the prequel series to Stephen Fears’ movie Dangerous Liaisons. Liz Doogan-Hobbs MBE, CEO of Grandslam Live said: “We’re delighted to be working with TEG MJR in producing Paloma’s show and working closely with the great team at the Darlington Arena. It’s great to be back out working on shows again after such a challenging time. The tour has been really well received by Paloma’s army of loyal fans and we’re looking forward to a great show.”

Darlington Arena Manager Danny Brown commented: “We’re delighted to be working with Liz and her team in 2022 to bring more world class artists to Darlington. Following a lot of hard work from our team and club volunteers, the Arena continues to be a venue that promoters and artists want to work with. It’s great to be putting on another show at the Arena and we’re already looking forward to welcoming you all back next summer!” The summer 2022 tour will feature songs from her most recent album ‘Inﬁnite Things’ as well as all of her hits. Tickets for the tour go on general sale on Friday 15th October. Catch Paloma live right here in Darlington on Saturday 16th July 2022.

Buy your tickets from Friday 15th October at www.palomafaith.com

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Thank you for your loyalty and patience.

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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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We all know the phrase “New Year, new me”, but have you thought about how that can apply to your business? It doesn’t have to be a massive change, just something small, like getting new business cards for example. There’s no time like the present to set it in motion, as Jak HQ have a huge discount on all things print! From now until the 31st of January, you can get high quality print products with a 20% discount. That’s 20% off flyers, posters, roller banners and more! Not only will you get an amazing discount, our team of in-house designers will create you products that are absolutely world class. They are experts at creating bespoke designs that encapsulate your branding and promote your business perfectly.

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today and quote “jakjan22” when you order! After all, an offer this good won’t last forever... * Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. Discount cannot be used on previously quoted print work. Offer ends 31st January 2022.

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

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JL Plasterers

Ltd

Plastering, Rendering & Damp proofing

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

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BAMBRIDGE BROTHERS Memorial Masons Established 1909

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Our services include: • New Memorials • Additional Inscriptions • Cleaning & Restoration • Re-ﬁxing & topple testing • Re-painting & re-gilding

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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

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and has been maintaining since 2013

CONTACT ME TODAY!

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

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30 mins to prep 1 to 2 hours to cook Serves up to 4 people

Haggis, clapshot and whisky sauce Celebrate the New Year with The Hairy Bikers' recipe of haggis, neeps, tatties and whisky sauce.

Directions Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Wrap the haggis tightly in aluminium foil and place onto a baking tray. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to one hour, or until cooked through.

For the whisky sauce, heat the double cream in a pan over a medium heat. Add the wholegrain mustard, Dijon mustard and whisky and stir to combine. Increase the heat until the mixture is simmering and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3

Step 5

Step 2

Meanwhile, for the clapshot, boil the potatoes and swede in separate saucepans of salted water for 15-18 minutes, or until tender. Drain well. Add the drained swede to the drained potatoes and mash thoroughly. Add the butter and cream and mash again until smooth and well combined. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Stir in the tablespoon of chives. Set aside and keep warm. 26

Step 4

Remove the pan from the heat and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Stir in the tablespoon of chives, then whisk in the lemon juice.

Step 6

To serve, divide the clapshot equally among four serving plates. Place a spoonful of steamed haggis alongside each. Spoon over the warm whisky sauce.

500g/1lb 2oz haggis

For the clapshot 500g/1lb 2oz floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or King Edward, peeled, chopped 500g/1lb 2oz swede (yellow turnip), peeled, chopped 50g/2oz butter 75ml/2¾fl oz double cream sea salt and freshly ground white pepper 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

For the whisky sauce 500ml/17fl oz double cream 2 tsp wholegrain mustard 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp whisky sea salt and freshly ground white pepper 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives ½ lemon, juice only

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

Credit BBC/foods

Step 1

Ingredients

Please mention Darlington Monthly when contacting advertisers Are you looking for a new club for your child that will encourage them to be socially and physically active? From the 10th of January, we will be running two sessions a week for children in years 1 to 6, where they can take part in a range of activities including dodgeball, football, skipping and athletics.

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Barnard Castle

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COACHES £18 per person

BOUNDARY MILL & DALTON PARK SATURDAY 22ND JANUARY

HARRY POTTER WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR SATURDAY 26TH SUNDAY 27TH FEBRUARY Price includes coach travel, 1 night DBB at Holiday Inn Stevenage, Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour tickets; plus entrance & road safari at Woburn Safari Park.

£17 per person

EDINBURGH CITY BREAK

£124 per person

(Single Supplement £45)

SUNDAY 27TH MONDAY 28TH MARCH

Price includes 1 night B&B at Courtyard by Marriott

From

£140 Children

£190 Adults

HARROGATE OR RHS HARLOW CARR* SUNDAY 2ND APRIL

Entrance to Harlow Carr not included

SKIPTON AFTERNOON TEA CANAL CRUISE SUNDAY 1ST MAY

£47 per person

Price includes coach travel, plus 2 hour canal cruise with afternoon tea.

GET STEAMY IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS WITH THE JACOBITE STEAM TRAIN MONDAY 11TH - FRIDAY 15TH APRIL Price includes coach travel, 4 nights DBB at Caledonian Hotel, return journey from Fort William to Mallaig on the Jacobite Steam Train. Plus Loch Ness cruise, Wildlife coastal cruise and Ben Nevis cable car.

£565 per person

(Single Supplement £140)

ForTo Advertise full itineraries or brochure please call 01833 621302 Contact Darlington Monthly Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 01325 776225

Picking up at Barnard Castle, Staindrop, Please mention Darlington Monthly when contacting advertisers Gainford, Darlington & Scotch Corner

COACH HOLIDAYS CAMBRIDGE & DUXFORD WAR MUSEUM

(On some occasions these pickups will be provided via a free feeder bus.) All trips include attraction admission plus hotels and meals where applicable.

£355 per person

FRIDAY 8TH MONDAY 11TH JULY

(Single Supplement £75)

£57

Price includes coach travel, 3 nights DBB at Holiday Inn Cambridge plus entrance to Duxford War Museum.

per person

RHS TATTON PARK FLOWER SHOW SATURDAY 23RD JULY Price includes coach travel plus RHS Show Ticket.

£370

£55

per person

(Single Supplement £60)

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO & THE SCOTTISH BORDERS MONDAY 15TH - WEDNESDAY 17TH AUGUST Price includes coach travel, 2 nights at Barony Castle Hotel with leisure facilities; Edinburgh Tattoo plus entrance to Mellerstain House.

per person

KYNREN SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST Price includes coach travel & Superior Show ticket.

THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR MONDAY 14TH - WEDNESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER MONDAY 28TH - WEDNESDAY 30TH NOVEMBER MONDAY 5TH - WEDNESDAY 7TH DECEMBER Price includes coach travel, 2 nights DBB at The Pheasant Hotel, Kelling plus Thursford Christmas Spectacular Show ticket.

£365 per person

(Single Supplement £70)

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Kitt Pongo & The Hogman www.thehogman.co.uk

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

H A M | YA R M

R L I N G TO N | SO U

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H me is where the heart is

Sometimes, all we need is a little help; our award-winning and outstanding care packages make it possible for you to continue enjoying the comforts and familiarity of home, while receiving the very highest standards of home care. Our home care packages are tailored to your own needs. Your kind, compassionate and experienced carers are there to help you while forming a genuine relationship.

Find out how Bluebird Care in your local area can support you or a loved one to remain at home 01325 582 014 darlington@bluebirdcare.co.uk bluebirdcare.co.uk/darlington please quote Darlington Monthly

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FILM REVIEW

Hayden Denholm Copywriter Disney's 60th animated feature film Encanto is a vibrant and uplifting musical which illustrates the story of the exceedingly unique Madrigals family, who live in a magical structure called the Encanto, situated high in the Colombian mountains. Encanto's magic had been enhanced to bestow a rare, extraordinary gift on each child within the family, besides Mirabel. When Mirabel realises that the enchantment around the Encanto is suddenly in jeopardy, she is destined to become the family's final saviour in restoring the magic. Mirabel's narrative is visually stunning from the get go, as is the entire scenery of the film throughout, which has been evident in just about every other Disney animation lately. The environment is lively, rich in vibrancy and offers a great amount of unique detail. The animator's have provided excellent detail through infusing elements of greys into the landscape as the tale progresses from flamboyant and joyous at the beginning, to a darker turn as the Encanto gradually becomes at risk. Taking inspiration from Columbian cultures and beliefs, Encanto is another of Disney’s original narrative films which undoubtedly assures us that the beloved animation studio hasn’t lost its magic in creating its own original stories - it seems that Encanto is the film that has kept Disney's magic flowing.

Darlington Monthly January 2022