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Darlington’s oldest and widest-distributed community magazine

Simply Red are heading to Darlington! What’s Inside Issue 94 December 2021

Darlington Monthly is proudly sponsored by:

Thousands of jobs coming to Darlington

YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Recipe: Salted Caramel Christmas Cake

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Film review: Dune

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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

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!

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

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Welcome to the December Edition of Darlington Monthly - and a Merry Christmas to you all! We’ve made it to the end of another trying year and we’re finally in the month of magic, excitement and best of all, Christmas. If you’re looking for something special to serve up to family and friends on the big day, check out our recipe for Salted Caramel Christmas Cake on page 32. We’ll soon be flying into the New Year, and the residents of Darlington have the opportunity to literally fly a Boeing 737-800 - more on this on page 6. As always, we’ve put together a list of activities for you to get up to during the festive season, which you can find on page 42.

Once again, from all of us here at Darlington Monthly, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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.

YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Available to read online Visit darlingtonmonthly.co.uk /DarlingtonMonthly

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38 42

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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Darlington residents get the chance to fly a 737! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly a plane? Well you might be able to find out very soon… SimFly, the virtual flying business, have brought their flight simulator to Darlington. The Boeing 737-800 cockpit currently resides at 63 Branksome Terrace and will provide an opportunity for people of all ages to experience what it’s like to fly a plane. Stuart Ellerton, the director of SimFly, has a rich history in the aviation industry, as well as a long time desire to open his own business. Ellerton plans to offer the simulator to anyone who wishes to use it, whether it be for a celebration, as a training resource, or just for someone who has always wanted to have a go at flying a commercial plane. And he hasn’t stopped at just a simulator. In terms of aesthetics, SimFly has gone all out. When someone arrives to use the simulator, they will be invited to “check in”, just as they would at the airport, in a room the team have designed to replicate an airport lounge. After checking in, the main event begins. Clients are shown to the simulator room, which has been kitted out with original par ts from a Boeing 737, including internal side panels and windows, overhead lockers, original passenger seating for anyone who has come to watch the flight (on two large TV screens) and of course, the Boeing 737-800 flight simulator. Stuart has gone above and beyond to make the experience as real as it gets, so be sure to get the aviation lover in your life down to Branksome Terrace, to fulfill their piloting dreams.

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Meet Santa in our magical grotto and receive a Christmas present. Entertainment includes mini train ride, arts and crafts and face painting. Full Café Menu also available on all Santa days! 10am to 4pm Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th, Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th December 2021

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For further information contact: Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum, North Road Station, Darlington, County Durham DL3 6ST Tel: 01325 405060 Email: headofsteam@darlington.gov.uk To book online: www.eventbrite.co.uk Like us Likeon us Facebook on Facebook Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk

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SIMPLY RED

DARLINGTON ARENA SATURDAY 13TH AUGUST 2022 TICKETS GO ON SALE 10AM, FRIDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2021 That’s right! Simply Red will be joining us in Darlington for one night only, on Saturday the 13th of August 2022. The band have amassed over a billion YouTube hits and sold over 60 million albums worldwide - 5 of which reached number one in the UK. In fact, Simply Red have had quite the career in the UK. Every single one of their albums has been in the UK top ten, with their 1991 track “Stars” being the best-selling album of the year, for two years running in Britain and Europe. Mick Hucknall, lead singer of the group, commented on his remarkable voice saying “I always want to push my voice a little harder, challenge it a little bit, give myself something to really sing to.” and he has done just that, establishing himself as one of the greatest vocalists of contemporary music. His raw honey and whiskey tone, combined with a tone that can change from tender sensuality to roaring power in the blink of an eye. The team at Grandslam Live Ltd have said they are delighted to be working with the team at Darlington Arena again, assuring fans of Simply Red that they are in for “an absolute treat”. Tickets to catch the band at Darlington Arena go on sale on Friday the 26th November. This is certainly not one to miss!

Catch Simply Red live at Darlington Arena on Saturday 13 August 2022. Tickets go on general sale on Friday 26th November 2021. Tickets are available from: www.simplyred.com www.ticketek.co.uk www.lhgtickets.com www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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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!”

Credit: Peter Barron Media

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Thank you for your loyalty and patience.

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Big things are in the works at Jak HQ.

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The team is working hard to deliver something really special and we’re really excited about it! Everyone knows that 2020 and 2021 were not the easiest years to be in business. At Jak HQ, we are very fortunate to have come through the pandemic relatively unscathed. In fact, as a result of all of the lockdown’s, we noticed just how many of our clients are now looking to diversify their offering as a business and target customers. Many companies have taken the opportunity to move to online selling, completely refreshing (or establishing) their online presence. Some have even taken the opportunity to rebrand.

After everything we’ve overcome, and with the pandemic almost behind us, it’s time for us to look to the future and decide exactly what that means for our business. Right now, exciting things are happening behind the scenes that we’d love to tell you about, but we’re afraid it’s not time yet.

Be sure to watch this space.

As a result of this, over the last two years we have won some great work from clients, both old and new. The team at Jak HQ have been able to flex their skills, even during the pandemic, offering our clients a full range of services. Throughout every lockdown, we have been available to offer our clients social media management, SEO strategies, web design and building, as well as print design and more!

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£107m investment in Teesworks development will lead to thousands of jobs It has been confirmed that the UK Infrastructure Bank will invest £107m in Teesside, leading to thousands of jobs being created as part of the South Bank Quay development. The investment is set to support around 800 high quality jobs, with the potential to unlock thousands in total across the site, as things develop. What is the UK Infrastructure Bank? Investing in Teesside is the first big spend the bank has made since launching in June this year. The bank has £12 billion of capital to deploy, as well as £10 billion of government guarantees to distribute. Their aim is to improve innovative infrastructure projects, tackle climate change and boost growth across the UK. In Teesside, the loan will be used to transform part of the former Redcar Steelworks along the River Tees. Investment has also been made in the offshore wind sector, which will be serviced in a 450 metre quay, and will provide opportunities for manufacturing, storage and mobilisation of wind technology.

What will the investment bring? The Teesworks Freeport Project, which South Bank Quay will be part of, is currently working to be the UK’s premier offshore wind hub. Global leaders, like GE Renewable Energy, are already planning to build a multi million pound wind turbine blade manufacturing factory on site, and the quay will play a huge role in loading out and shipping these blades to Dogger Bank wind farm. As the UK is aiming to be a world leader for offshore wind by 2035, and to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the project will significantly boost the country’s capability in this sector. Big things are coming The announcement has come following a £310m investment by the government, to improve transport in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool over the next five years. This cash will be used to finance projects across all modes of transport, including rail, road, bus and cycling. Hopefully, this will make the region more connected and help locals to access more opportunities across Tees Valley, as they come rolling in.

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PALOMA FAITH

Announes extensive UK summer 2022 tour

DARLINGTON ARENA SATURDAY 16TH JULY

TICKETS GO ON SALE 15TH OCTOBER

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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Salted caramel Christmas cake Try a modern twist on a traditional Christmas cake with this salted caramel version. Laced with chunks of toffee and dates, plus a crunchy, nutty topping, it’s a real treat 35 mins to prep

2 hrs - 40 mins to cook

Serves up to 14 people

Easy

Ingredients

For the topping

230g unsalted butter , softened, plus extra for the tin

225g plain flour

100g golden syrup

150g pecans , finely chopped

½ tsp fine sea salt

50g unsalted butter

200g light brown soft sugar

½ tsp sea salt flakes

50g ground almonds

50g pecans

4 large eggs

100g blanched hazelnuts

2 tbsp black treacle

50g flaked almonds

4 tbsp spiced rum

50g plain flour

100g hazelnuts , finely chopped 200g dates , roughly chopped 300g sultanas 100g toffee , roughly chopped

3 tbsp dulce de leche

Directions Step 1

Heat the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Butter the base of a loose-bottomed 20cm cake tin that is at least 7cm deep. Line the base with baking parchment, then wrap a wide band of parchment around the outside of the tin and tie to secure, so the cake won’t burn.

STEP 2

Combine both types of nuts, the dates, sultanas and toffee in a bowl, then mix the flour, salt, sugar and almonds together in another bowl. Beat the butter, eggs, treacle and rum into the flour mixture with an electric whisk until smooth. Stir the fruit and nut mix into the wet ingredients, then gently fold through the dulce de leche to create a ripple effect. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level with the back of a spoon. Bake for 1 hr, then reduce the oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2.

Cover the cake with a circle of baking parchment and bake for another 1 hr 25 mins, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Set aside (don’t remove from the tin) and increase the oven temperature to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

STEP 3

pecans, hazelnuts, almonds and flour. Remove the parchment circle from the cake, then dot the surface with the topping and bake for 12-15 mins more until golden. Leave to cool in the tin, then remove and decorate with ribbon, if you like. Will keep in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

To make the topping, gently heat the syrup and butter in a pan. Stir in the salt,

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r o f t f i G A s a m t s Chri "My Journey as a Belly Dancer" - is Elizabeth's true story of the dangers she experienced whilst dancing in the Clubs and Restaurants as a Professional Belly Dancer at night. By day she worked as a Temp Legal Secretary in the heart of London, finding herself in two very different worlds. Years later someone from her past tracks her down saying he has such fond memories of her, but does she dare meet up with him as she learns he has become a Famous Celebrity. A fascinating and compelling read.

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INCLUDES A FREE SKATE

£8 PER CHILD OR 2 FOR £14 SCAN ME

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FILM

Sponsored

REVIEW

For many years, it was often surmised that American author Frank Herbert’s quasi-biblical 1965 science-fiction novel, Dune, didn’t really lend itself to a great screen adaptation. In the 2010s, this view even spawned a film of its own, Jodorowsky’s Dune, in which Frank Pavich documented cult film director’s Alejandro Jodorowsky’s unsuccessful attempt at adapting Dune for the big screen in the 1970s. A financial shortfall ultimately rendered that project stillborn. However, from the details we know, it promised to more than live up to the Chilean-Frenchman’s maverick reputation, Salvador Dali having been lined up to play the Emperor, to say nothing of a proposed 14-hour running time. While David Lynch did manage to write and direct a finished film adaptation of Dune, it proved a box-office and critical bomb on release in 1984. It is, then, the story of the abortive Jodorowsky version of the film – complete with its scripts, storyboards and concept art that were sent to major film studios and said to influence future productions such as Star Wars and Alien – that continues to especially capture imaginations. More restrained than Jodorowsky, more coherent than Lynch So, where does this new, Denis Villeneuve-directed Dune sit in the broader narrative of this sci-fi epic’s apparent “unfilmability”? Well, the fact that it is the first of a planned two-part adaptation of the Herbert novel should provide a clue: while it makes for a brisk watching experience over its own 156-minute runtime, 2021’s Dune has the feel of a framework set up for something grander to come. Its reluctance to 38

CINEMA DARLINGTON

conclude with either a cliff-hanger or a concise wrap-up suggests that the franchise is continuing its reputation as a lavish visual, psychological and philosophical feast that demands considerable patience to digest. Still, credit must be given to Villeneuve’s decision to zoom in on just one manageable section of the story. This enables the new Dune to avoid suffering from the same kind of crammed and overloaded plot that stymied the Lynch adaptation, albeit at the risk of some of us being left yearning for more of the excess and idiosyncrasy that the Jodorowsky version would have surely served up. A capable cast given relatively little room to shine Villeneuve has certainly assembled an impressive cast of performers both instantly recognisable and lesser known, including Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, the ducal heir of the House Atreides, and Oscar Isaac as Paul’s father, Duke Leto Atreides. In keeping with today’s sensibilities, effort has also been put into ensuring memorable female characters, such as Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica and Zendaya’s Chani, the latter a young Fremen woman who serves as Paul’s love interest. There is also, however, an undeniable austerity to the Villeneuve Dune. Denied much wiggle room to show variety and complexity in their characters, the cast members seem to be distinctly limbering up for “Part Two”. As Chani concludes this instalment: “This is only the beginning.”

3/5 moon rating Copywriter

Gavin Lenaghan

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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.

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Please send all entries to: Competitions Department, Unit 4, Station Road, Chester-le-St, Co. Durham, DH3 3DY Competition end date 20th Demember 2021. 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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Places to go...

Aberystwyth

berystwyth is the biggest town in mid-Wales and I had not stayed there since 1979 when I applied to the University there and went for interview. The University is the major employer in the town, and the town population of 13,000 is expanded by a further 8,000 when the students are in residence, filling up many of the former boarding houses and hotels on the sea front. As in 1979 I arrived by train, but this time there was an efficient bus substitution between Shrewsbury and Welshpool with rail the rest of the way. Although my itinerary had changed, I still arrived at Aberystwyth at the scheduled time of 1723 and found the Llwynygog guest house without difficulty.

it is this one. Weird routeings, and unfamiliar place names made it difficult to get about, even though the bus station is right adjacent to the handsome former Great Western Railway station. Buses were plentiful but virtually empty. Only the students seem to use them, hardly surprising because you would need a degree to work out how they operate.

major attraction of the town, nearly an hour’s scenic journey up to Devils Bridge. The narrow-gauge locomotive operating the line waited for an hour at the terminus, allowing a visit to the waterfalls on the short walk (£2, for which I was grateful that the steep path was well maintained with plenty of handrails!). There is a longer walk with 675 steep steps The town itself, though, is a gem, with lots taking 45-60 minutes, admission £4, round the nature trail and waterfalls, but you of wonderful Victorian and Edwardian could not guarantee getting round in the buildings, dating from when the railway time that the train waits at Devil’s Bridge first arrived in 1864. Of the hotels on the station. During these out-of-season hours, front, the Glengower on the north parade the train makes a morning trip at 1030 and stood out as excellent, and I enjoyed an evening meal there, and the restaurant on an afternoon trip at 1400 – one hour up, one hour wait, one hour back. IncidentalI was there for a memorial service of Edgar the pier offered good views and excellent Jones, who died at the age of 99 last year, cuisine too. At the end of Marine Terrace ly, I took a picture of the AA box at Devil’s Bridge for all those petrol-heads who are and whose memorial service was held on is Constitution Hill with a funicular the day that he would have been 100. A railway (pictured) which goes up to a small less enthusiastic about main line trains, narrow gauge and funiculars. Aberystwyth Durham graduate, he wrote for a magazine entertainment centre and café on the top. I edit for many years. After the memorial, The camera obscura was unfortunately not was good for two nights, but for longer I would have to investigate those buses for and associated refreshments, I found a bus working when I arrived, the mechanism back into town, although I had having been broken, giving a very blurred more places to visit further afield. uncharacteristically taken a taxi to the image. The exhibition was worth seeing, church because I could not make head nor and I returned down the funicular well tail of the bus routes. If ever a town informed about Aberystwyth’s past. needed to have a decent bus map showing local routes, and have a PlusBus scheme The following morning, I took a ride on the alexnelson@dunelm.org.uk for people arriving and departing by train, Vale of Rheidol railway, which is the other www.nationalrail.com

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PLUMBING & HEATING

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What’s on is sponsored by:

Things to look out for in...

December Christmas Market

YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Festive Murder Mystery

16th December - 7pm - Walworth Castle Hotel It’s December, so of course Walworth Castle Hotel are putting a festive twist on one of their popular murder mystery evenings. Get a team of detectives together, and work together to hunt for clues, discover the motive for the crime and most importantly, who dunnit! Spaces are still available at walworthcastle.co.uk

Bowes Museum Christmas Market

4th & 5th December - 10am - Raby Castle It wouldn’t be Christmas without a market. Come and browse the stalls in the Coach Yard at Raby Castle, discovering lots of delicious treats, seasonal produce and beautiful homemade products along the way. Entry to the market is free. Head on down and take a piece of Raby home with you raby.co.uk

17th December - 10am - Bowes Museum Stuck for a gift for someone fussy in your family? Come down to the Bowes Museum Christmas Market, where a collection of artisan makers and small businesses from around the region are sure to have something for everyone. Top it all off with a visit to Santa, and you have the perfect day out for the entire family. Book your ticket now at thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Santa at the Station

Christmas Party Night

4th - 19th December - 10am - Head of Steam Railway Museum Looking for somewhere local to meet Santa this Christmas? He’s coming to the Head of Steam this December, to bring your little ones a present as well as some entertainment. As well as a visit to the grotto, the station is also offering face painting, a mini train ride and more! Book your tickets today at eventbrite.co.uk

Santa Run in aid of St Teresa’s Hospice

17th December - 6pm - Holiday Inn Darlington Make the most of the festive period, by booking a table at Holiday Inn’s Christmas Party. Enjoy a three course meal, followed by an evening of dancing to the best Christmas party tunes. Guests can also choose to book drinks packages for the table - what more could you want? Get yourself a table now eventbrite.co.uk

Dick Whittington

5th December - 11am - West Park Academy Once again, runners and walkers (and dogs!) will be gathering at West Park Academy to complete a 5k or 2k run or walk. All participants will receive a Santa hat or Santa suit to complete the race in, all the while raising some money for St Teresa’s Hospice. Book your place now at darlingtonhospice.org.uk/Santa-Run-2021

18th - 31st December - Various Times - The Majestic Theatre We’re spoiled for choice for pantomimes in Darlington this year! Dick Whittington is making his way to town, where he’s heard the streets are paved with gold. With his trusty cat in tow, Dick will need a bit of help from the audience to outsmart the Rat King! Book your tickets now from ticketsource.co.uk

Community Christmas Carol Concert

Build Your Own Christmas Elf

5th & 6th December - Various Times - The Princess Alexandra Auditorium Start December off the right way and get yourself into the Christmas spirit by joining Yarm School in their Christmas Carol Concert. The concert promises to be jam packed with everyone’s favourite seasonal classics. Don’t be disappointed, book your tickets today thepaaonline.org

20th December - 10am - Little Learners Playspace Some extra special guests from the North Pole will be joining the team at Little Learners Playspace this year! Your little learner will have the opportunity to build their very own 16” Christmas elf, that they can take home with them. They also have plenty of other Christmas crafts for your little one to get stuck into, so book their place today littlelearnersuk.com

Cinderella

10th - 31st December - Various Times - Darlington Hippodrome Go to the ball this Christmas, and join Cinderella, her step sisters and Prince Charming at Darlington Hippodrome for a pantomime thay will have you laughing out loud, hissing at the baddies and cheering the goodies. Book your seats today at darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk 42

Got an event coming up? Let us know and we’ll help spread the news. Email details of your event to: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk

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Darlington Monthly Dec 21