Darlington Monthly April 22

Darlington’s oldest and widest-distributed community magazine

THU 26 MAY

SAT 16 JULY FRI 17 JUNE

What’s On at the Darlington Hippodrome?

What’s Inside Issue 98 April 2022

Darlington Monthly is proudly sponsored by:

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Local Sport

40

YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Local News

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Film review: The Batman

We’re doing our part, are you?

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These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Yorkshire Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding and a light all fully fitted in less than a day from just £277 + VAT. But it’s not just the affordability of the package the company offers that makes Yorkshire Loft Ladders stand out as manager Warren Ingleson explains: ‘Our watchwords are Quality,

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

lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

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

We can hardly believe Easter is only a few short weeks away.

If you’re looking for something to do with the kids during the Easter Holidays, flick to page 46 for some inspiration.

As usual, we’re full of positive news from around Darlington.

For an uplifting start to your day, head to page 40, to read about a young lads fundraising efforts. As usual, we have our film review on page 42 - this month it’s Robert Pattison’s efforts as The Batman! If you’re looking for a meal to pair with the movie (or a recipe for Easter Sunday), see page 38 for a recipe for slow cooked lamb!

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Enjoy your April, and make the most of the start of spring.

We’ll see you again in May! Places to go...

Woking

Yorkshire Loft Ladders are the proud sponsor of this month’s Darlington Monthly. was first encouraged to visit Woking by

I

train in order to echo Prince Andrew’s famous visit to the Pizza Express on 10th

Yorkshire Loft Ladders proudly sponsors this Darlington March 2001.month’s I made a reservation for 1400 to avoid the lunchtime rush, as I imagined, Monthly. and travelled from London Waterloo on a

non-stop taking 24 minutes to Woking, If you’re looking to make improvements to yourtrain loft this month, get some 23 miles south west of Central London. in touch with Yorkshire Loft Ladders. With the renowned local firm’s I took a walk along the Basingstoke Canal areas of expertise including loft hatches, ladders, boarding, insulation first, with a continuous footpath on the north and lighting, you can depend on them to provide the complete side, out to Brookwood.

Once service. the biggest cemetery in the world, it is still the UK’s largest. Established in the 1850s by the

Call 0800 612 8359 now, or visit www.yorkshireloftladders.

London Necropolis Company, coffins were from the capital by train.

It has had co.uk, for more details and to request abrought highly competitive quote.

a chequered history, and much of the land originally zoned for burials has been built over, but it still is worthy of a visit and in the hour I had I could only scratch the surface.

Today, many nationalities and religions have plots there. There’s the biggest Commonwealth War Grave, and the UK’s first crematorium. Trains used to run on to the site to two stations in the grounds, and main line Brookwood Station still serves the cemetery.

YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Returning by train to Woking, I explored the town centre, with its connections to science fiction writer H.G. Wells (with whom I share a birthday) whose book “War of the Worlds”

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

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was set in Woking and London. Martians arrived on Horsell Common just north of the town in 1898 and I somehow managed to miss the striking martian tripod which rises above one of the intersections of the pedestrianised town. Perhaps it had gone off to wreak havoc somewhere else.

And so to Pizza Express, where there was only one other diner in the restaurant, and I had a sneaking suspicion that she was a member of staff. I enjoyed my meal in solitude overlooking the main road, and any plans to erect a blue plaque to record the Duke of York’s visit have obviously been shelved. If Pizza Express were hoping to trade on the restaurant’s notoriety, then they have failed and following the recent out-of-court settlement interest will surely wane.

18

kneeling would not be a problem here.

Never being one to retrace my steps unless essential, I passed by the retail park and under the bridge where I found a bus shelter with a bus due, saving a 15-minute walk into town. That gave more time before closing at the Lightbox, the local art gallery with a range of interesting displays and an informative local history section. Virtually next door, and also straddling the Basingstoke Canal where I started my day, is the home of the World Wildlife Fund UK, but their “Living Planet Centre” is still closed to the public, owing to COVID. Instead, I headed for the Cellar Magnifique for charcuterie and cheese and some pleasant chat with a few other diners and some fine wine before my train back to London.

26

So, thanks, Prince Andrew. I probably would Duly fortified, I headed underneath the not have visited Woking except for you, but it railway bridge to the south side of the town provided an enjoyable day out. which is primarily residential, and walked east to find another first for Woking, that is the first Mosque in the UK which was built in 1889. The Shah Jahan Mosque was quiet when I visited, and I took off my shoes to go inside the small building which has now been supplemented by additional provision alexnelson@dunelm.org.uk nearby. It was good to feel the deep pile www.nationalrail.com carpet beneath my feet: prayers while

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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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Future of the Northern Echo building secures, by plans to for a complete refurbishment Darlington’s landmark Northern Echo building’s future has been secured, after Darlington Borough Council bought the building, with plans to turn it into an Adult Skills Centre.

base, a large teaching office and meeting spaces.

The upper floors will also see a full refurbishment, providing high quality office space in the town centre.

The newspaper will stay in the building as an It can only mean good things anchor tenant, while development funded by the Towns Fund and Tees Valley Combined Authority Members of the council believe it is time to breathe a new lease of life into the Echo building, will begin. while respecting its heritage. A new facility will make a huge difference to the people of What is happening to the old building?

Darlington and offer support to local employers, Developments will include a refurbishment of allowing the region’s economy to grow. the ground floor, conver ting the building into an Adult Skills Centre. People will be given Northern Echo’s managing director, David the oppor tunity to pick up new skills and Coates, said: “I am delighted the building will be in qualifications, star t their career path, retrain in such safe hands and will continue to play a vital role a new industry or pick up employment training. for the community, with the Echo itself remaining at the heart of the town.”

A communal entrance will be introduced to the building, as well as a reception and resources

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Darlington Women are pushing for promotion in the last two months of the season The Quakers are a brand new team that was set up in August, and went unbeaten in the Durham County Women’s League until February – a great performance.

However, top scorer Sophie Curle who had scored an average of three goals per game, left for Middlesbrough, and the team lost a couple of matches.

If you want more details about women’s football, then e mail dave.watson@ darlingtonfc.org.

Starting on Monday 11th April, the club is running Mini Quaker Football sessions for 4 to 7 year olds. The aim of the sessions, which are run by properly qualified and DBS certified coaches, is to introduce youngsters to football in a fun way, and also help them develop socialising skills.

But they bounced back with a win against Tow Law last Sunday, and now their promotion bid is back on The first two taster sessions are free – details from course. They’re jostling with Hartlepool for the title, boysdevelopment@darlingtonfcacademy. but they could be promoted if they finish second. co.uk.

Women’s football is very popular with all ages at The Darlington first team, which is chasing a play off Darlington Football Club. Not only is there a team place in the National League North, are at home in the Durham County Women’s League, there are to Southport on Tuesday and (kick off 7.45pm) and also teams in the Russell Foster Youth League and the Boston United on Saturday (kick off 3pm).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Places to go...

Woking

I

was first encouraged to visit Woking by train in order to echo Prince Andrew’s famous visit to the Pizza Express on 10th March 2001. I made a reservation for 1400 to avoid the lunchtime rush, as I imagined, and travelled from London Waterloo on a non-stop train taking 24 minutes to Woking, some 23 miles south west of Central London.

I took a walk along the Basingstoke Canal first, with a continuous footpath on the north side, out to Brookwood. Once the biggest cemetery in the world, it is still the UK’s largest. Established in the 1850s by the London Necropolis Company, coffins were brought from the capital by train. It has had a chequered history, and much of the land originally zoned for burials has been built over, but it still is worthy of a visit and in the hour I had I could only scratch the surface.

Today, many nationalities and religions have plots there. There’s the biggest Commonwealth War Grave, and the UK’s first crematorium. Trains used to run on to the site to two stations in the grounds, and main line Brookwood Station still serves the cemetery.

Returning by train to Woking, I explored the town centre, with its connections to science fiction writer H.G. Wells (with whom I share a birthday) whose book “War of the Worlds”

18

was set in Woking and London. Martians arrived on Horsell Common just north of the town in 1898 and I somehow managed to miss the striking martian tripod which rises above one of the intersections of the pedestrianised town. Perhaps it had gone off to wreak havoc somewhere else.

And so to Pizza Express, where there was only one other diner in the restaurant, and I had a sneaking suspicion that she was a member of staff. I enjoyed my meal in solitude overlooking the main road, and any plans to erect a blue plaque to record the Duke of York’s visit have obviously been shelved. If Pizza Express were hoping to trade on the restaurant’s notoriety, then they have failed and following the recent out-of-court settlement interest will surely wane.

kneeling would not be a problem here.

Never being one to retrace my steps unless essential, I passed by the retail park and under the bridge where I found a bus shelter with a bus due, saving a 15-minute walk into town. That gave more time before closing at the Lightbox, the local art gallery with a range of interesting displays and an informative local history section. Virtually next door, and also straddling the Basingstoke Canal where I started my day, is the home of the World Wildlife Fund UK, but their “Living Planet Centre” is still closed to the public, owing to COVID. Instead, I headed for the Cellar Magnifique for charcuterie and cheese and some pleasant chat with a few other diners and some fine wine before my train back to London.

So, thanks, Prince Andrew. I probably would Duly fortified, I headed underneath the not have visited Woking except for you, but it railway bridge to the south side of the town provided an enjoyable day out. which is primarily residential, and walked east to find another first for Woking, that is the first Mosque in the UK which was built in 1889. The Shah Jahan Mosque was quiet when I visited, and I took off my shoes to go inside the small building which has now been supplemented by additional provision alexnelson@dunelm.org.uk nearby. It was good to feel the deep pile www.nationalrail.com carpet beneath my feet: prayers while

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

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Barnard Castle

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Picking up at Barnard Castle, Staindrop, Gainford, Darlington & Scotch Corner

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COACH HOLIDAYS From Adults from Children from

£190 £140

(On some occasions these pickups will be provided via a free feeder bus.)

All trips include attraction admission plus hotels and meals where applicable.

HARRY POTTER WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR

£125 per person

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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.

A WEEKEND IN THE LAKE DISTRICT FRIDAY 7TH - MONDAY 10TH OCTOBER Price includes coach travel, 3 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at 4* Newby Bridge Hotel, plus Steam Train ride on the Ravenglass Railway, entrance to Muncaster Castle & Dalemain House. Also visiting Bowness, Grasmere, Ambleside & Keswick.

CHESTER WEEKEND SATURDAY 1ST SUNDAY 2ND OCTOBER Price includes coach travel, 1 night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at Mecure Chester Abbots Well Hotel.

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Price includes coach travel, 4 nights DBB at Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club, return journey from Fort William to Mallaig on the Jacobite Steam Train. Plus Loch Ness cruise, Wildlife coastal cruise and Ben Nevis cable car.

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Over a thousand new houses could be built in Darlington, but some object the plans Plans for up to 1,200 new homes have been revived by two developers, to mixed reviews.

The plans outline a development that would see hundreds of homes built for Coniscliffe Park in Darlington.

One proposal by Gladman Developments would see up to 985 homes with land for a primary and early years school, sports pitches, a doctor’s surgery and shop. Taylor Wimpey however, have entered a separate proposal, which would see up to 535 homes on a nearby site.

Not the first plans Schemes were originally submitted in 2017 for consideration by Darlington Borough Council in June 2019. However, the plans were deferred on legal advice until 2036.

Now, plans have been voted through with a 24-20 majority, at a charged council meeting. Local plans were promoted as the best option, with opponents denouncing them as “dreadful”.

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According to statements, Wimpey and Gladman are working together to draw up a masterplan for the area. Gladman’s proposal would cost £89.2m, but the developers say it would be a “logical extension to the west side of Darlington”.

They also suggest it will contribute £171.5m to the economy, delivering 769 construction jobs.

Some have strong objections Objectors have written to the council expressing their concerns about the development. Plenty had worries about how much green space the council were taking up in order to meet housing demand.

Issues of roads and traffic congestion, pressure on education, transport, leisure and healthcare provision, drainage, disruption and pollution were also raised. Some even warned that rare species of wildlife could be disturbed, wiped out or will disappear due to the plans.

After the public have been consulted on the planning application, more information will be released about the future of the developments.

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

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What’s On at the Hippodrome?

Even more amazing tribute acts are making their way to Darlington Hippodrome over the coming months. In May, we can expect a visit from the material girl herself, Madonna.

All of her greatest hits will be included in this tribute, including THoliday, MAYa Prayer, Papa HU 26 Like Don’t Preach and even more. Join the cast of Into The Groove on May 26 at Darlington Hippodrome.

E

FRI 17 JUN

In June, the UK’s longest running burlesque show will stop off for a night in Darlington.

You can expect an evening of comedy, music, circus acts and fancy costumes, as the finest selection of artists take to the stage. It will be an evening of cocktails and cabaret at Darlington Hippodrome!

THU Then inY July, we’ll be bringing back the 90’s 26 MA

at our venue, with all the music from way back when. If you can name a 90’s artist that isn’t featured in this amazing line up,FR we’ll I 17 be JUNE impressed. Blur, Bewitched, Lou Bega, Eternal and even more will take to the stage (and screens) to bring you a 90’s extravaganza you won’t forget in a hurry.

SAT 16 JULY

Book your tickets today: darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/ whats-on/ Darlington

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Spring Your Way into Summer While the change of season might put a spring in some people’s step, for others the milder weather and the impending arrival of summer can create a host of conflicting feelings, especially if you’re facing yet another summer not at the weight you want to be.

The reason that so many ‘ordinary’ diets fail is because they don’t tackle the reasons behind why people overeat in the first place. They suggest the answers are in the food and focus on calories and complex food-plans. LighterLife offers a weight management plan to suit your weight loss needs that doesn’t just include meal replacement products but access to our unique behaviour change programme.

With LighterLife you can lose a stone a month, every month so if you start your LighterLife adventure today you could lose a stone by Easter and 2 stone by May bank Holiday

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LighterLife combines a choice of plans for fast weight loss and groups to help you understand far more about your relationship with both you – and the food. We’ve a range of plans depending on how quickly you want to lose weight, all leading to personalised Management plans with will help you achieve a healthy and balanced way of eating for life with healthy recipes and ongoing group support.

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

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

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

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

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

30

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

This month we are focusing on glass balustrades and windbreaks. We provide many glass panels to both homeowners and tradesmen alike for internal and external balustrade work.

Renovate a tired staircase by removing the spindles and adding glass between the newel posts. Keeping the existing posts and handrail means that glass can be fitted with minimal work to create effective results. Our digital templating service is available to both the trade and public saving the need to make wooden templates or worry over providing accurate measurements.

Frame-less balustrades are very popular. We have a couple of options available that are suitable for any configuration and are very simple to install. Alternatively the traditional post and handrail type can be used. All are designed to meet current building regulations.

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Why not add some decorative sandblasting to your balustrade project? We specialise in surface etching and multi layer glass carving.These breathtaking designs work especially well for illuminated balustrade systems.

The creative options are endless. Speak to our design team today to find out more.

If you need your glass dropping off, no problem. We deliver to the Darlington area once a week.

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Inspirational Home Decor

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'n' Crazy

30th April 2022 at 7pm

Hosted by nt DJ Foster Gra

Bingo 'n' Crazy is a night of the nation's favourite game like no other. Alongside his super-energetic team, this party night will have audiences playing along with laugh-a-minute entertainment and crazy play. Featuring bingo, interactive party games, dance routines and, of course, prizes.

Eyes down and dancing shoes on!

Including a 2-course meal - £37.50 per adult

Call our Events Team on 01325 509906 www.blackwellgrangehotel.com | Find us on

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Bishop Auckland Food Festival Bishop Auckland Food Festival will take place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April.

Back and better than ever Bishop Auckland Food Festival has a line-up of incredible celebrity chefs, regional food & drink and local entertainment.

As always, the festival is set to offer all the ingredients for a fabulous culinary weekend, including celebrity chef demonstrations, cookery workshops and a host of stalls selling the finest local produce and tasty street food from across the globe.

We have famous chefs and bakers from all over the UK joining us, demonstrating their culinary delights including: • John Whaite, Chef, TV Presenter Author and Strictly Come Dancing Star • Matt Pritchard, Chef, TV Presenter and The Dirty Vegan • Crystelle Pereira, Great British Bake Off Finalist

• Chigs Parmar, Great British Bake Off Contestant • Mike Bartley, MasterChef, Contestant • Philli Armitage-Mattin, MasterChef The Professionals Finalist We are also excited to welcome Great British Bake Off contestant Karen Wright, who competed on the show in 2018 and will be teaching adults and children how to make tasty goodies in her series of cookery workshops. From Stromboli to focaccia, to fruit crumble and naan bread, the sessions will take place at Bishop Auckland Town Hall throughout both days. Sessions for youngsters are just £5 and adults are priced at £7.

For those who enjoy fine dining, we are also offering visitors the chance to experience An Evening with Mike Bartley, Bishop Auckland’s very own MasterChef contender. Mike will be offering a gourmet four-course evening menu during a popup dining experience at Bishop Auckland Town Hall. Tickets are priced at £35 per person and are limited, so people are encouraged to book quickly to avoid missing out. The event also includes live music and an open bar.

Find out more at https://www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk/

Join us

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Slow cooker leg of lamb Cook a leg of lamb in the slow cooker and be rewarded with tender meat that melts in the mouth. Enjoy with mashed potatoes and steamed veg 15 mins to prep

Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1.3kg boneless leg of lamb , tied 30g unsalted butter 2 tbsp plain flour 300ml lamb stock 200ml red wine 2 red onions , cut into wedges 2 garlic cloves , sliced 5 sprigs of thyme 5 sprigs of rosemary mashed potatoes and steamed veg, to serve

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8 hours to cook

Serves six people

Directions STEP 1 Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the lamb and brown on each side for 4-5 mins. Set the slow cooker to low. Melt the butter in a saucepan until foaming, then stir through the flour.

Whisk in the stock gradually until incorporated, add the wine and bring to the boil.

Set aside.

liquid into a pan and simmer until slightly thickened. Serve the lamb thickly sliced or shredded (it'll be quite soft) with mashed potatoes, green veg and the gravy.

STEP 2 Put the onion, garlic, thyme and rosemary into your slow cooker and sit the lamb on top. Pour over the lamb gravy.

Put the lid on and cook for 8 hrs or until soft and tender.

STEP 3 Remove the lamb and set, covered, on a plate. Strain the

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Darlington teenagers arrange 153 mile sponsored walk for local mental health charity Teenagers from Darlington are walking 153 miles from Sunderland to Liverpool, to raise money for the charity ManHealth.

Cameron’s Story Cameron Dodd has organised the event and will complete the trek with friends Chloe Saxton, 17, and Kieran Blore, 18, to honour his father who committed suicide in 2019. Cameron’s dad, Steven, lost his battle with his mental health and left behind three children; Cameron, Hayden and Rachel who were 14, 11 and 8 at the time.

Shortly after his dad’s death, the family held a fundraiser for ManHealth, but Cameron didn’t feel he could attend. Now, Cameron really wants to go above and beyond to raise money for the mental health charity.

An Avid Football Fan As Steven was a lifelong supporter of Sunderland and Liverpool, Cameron decided to walk from Sunderland’s Stadium of Light to Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium, in memory of his dad.

Cameron says the idea to walk from Sunderland to Liverpool “just came to him” and that his mates volunteered to come with him. He also said: “If by doing this one person doesn’t have to go through what I have, then it’ll be wor th it.”

The trio will be setting off from the Stadium of Light on Monday 11th of April and aim to arrive at Anfield Stadium on Friday 15th April. Their route is as follows:

Monday 11th April: Stadium of Light to Escomb, 26 miles Tuesday 12th April: Escomb to Grinton, 29 miles Wednesday 13th April: Grinton to Malham, 32 miles Thursday 14th April: Malham to Preston, 35 miles Friday 15th April: Preston to Anfield, 31 miles Those who wish to donate to Cameron’s page can do so here: manhealth.enthuse.com/pf/charitywalk

40

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FILM

Sponsored

REVIEW

Dark. If I had to choose one word to describe Robert Pattison’s venture as Vengeance himself it would be exactly that. This incarnation of Batman and Gotham is one of the darkest we have seen on screen. Truly, when you watch this movie, you feel that Bruce Wayne and the city of Gotham are going through one of the darkest times in human history.

Matt Reeves’ The Batman packs more cinematography into the first 10 minutes of the film, than we have seen in a superhero movie for many years.

Every sequence in the epic feature is a joy to watch, satisfying to the eye and intriguing for the viewer.

Of course, I loved some of the personal touches Reeves and Pattison added to the role. Having Batman actually wear black eyeliner underneath his mask, as his comic book counterpart would. It truly gave this Batman an edge and added to the theme that Bruce Wayne is at a loss at this moment in time and is living through his Batman counterpart.

However, my major criticism of the movie is the same as almost anyone I know who has been to see it. It’s just too long. It seems as though Matt Reeves forgot he was not producing an epic adventure series, but rather a comic book movie.

While this movie is rated a 15, it is important to remember that children enjoy Batman as much as the next adult. They will never sit through and follow a movie of this length. I struggled as a woman in her 20’s.

Personally, I found the

42

CINEMA DARLINGTON

Faye Rodgerson Copywriter plot of this movie particularly intriguing. I loved the riddles aspect and found the mystery elements of the plot had me gripped, wondering what would happen next. I did however lose interest in a lot of the side plots. In an effort to remain spoiler free, I won’t tell you exactly what made me check my watch to see how far through the film we were, but it’s safe to say, I think it could have been an hour shorter.

It feels to me that Reeves made this movie to serve himself, not fans of comic book movies. While anyone who has seen the film has enjoyed it and considered going back for a second viewing, when looking at the sequences with a critical lens, it does appear that it was not a movie created for those who simply love Batman!

That being said, those who are watching the movie purely for enjoyment, rather than through the eyes of a critic, have unanimously enjoyed this film. It is certainly worth a watch, if you don’t mind sitting in the movie theatre for three hours or more.

The easter eggs alone are enough to rouse any DC or Batman fan and leave them with something to talk about for plenty of time after the credits have rolled.

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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.

BASKET | BONNET | BUNNY | CHOCOLATE CROSS | EASTER | EGGS | HUNT LENT | PARADE | RELIGIOUS | SACRIFICE

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 April 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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Three new Travelodge hotels to open in the North East Travelodge is planning to make its mark on the Nor th East, announcing plans to build three new hotels across the area; one in County Durham, one in Teesside and one in Nor th Yorkshire.

The hotels will be developed on their or, or as part of a mixed-use scheme in Durham, Middlesbrough and Nor thaller ton. Ripon and Thirsk have also been pinpointed as two potential sites for new Travelodge hotels.

hotels around Great Britain. Now, they are trying to incorporate new Travelodge hotels into areas that could benefit from the building on its own, or as a mixed-use scheme. They are also considering conversions of existing buildings and hotels operated by other brands.

17 new Travelodges opened in 2021. Locations included Bristol, Rochdale, Sandwich, St Albans and Witney. We’re excited to see the introduction of a new business to Middlesbrough.

Recent development Tony O’Brien, the UK’s development director for Travelodge, says their company mission is to develop hundreds more travelodge hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain.

Over the last five years, the company has opened over 80 new

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

Please mention Darlington Monthly when contacting advertisers

Sharona Rose Florals

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What’s on is sponsored by:

Things to look out for in...

April

The Bryan Adams Experience

YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Stockton Calling

16th April - Various Times - Stockton Town Centre, Stockton Spend your Easter weekend at a daylong music festival in the heart of Stockton.The festival showcases some of the best original talent the region has to offer, alongside some established favourites and music legends. This one is not to be missed: stocktoncalling.co.uk

The Elvis Years

1st April - 8.30pm - The Forum Music Centre, Darlington Europe’s number one tribute to Bryan Adams is making a return to Darlington. Doors to the venue open at 7.30 for an evening of Bryan Adams’ greatest hits. Book your tickets for a tribute act who is so close to the real thing, you can hardly see the difference: ticketweb.uk/event

22nd April - 7.30pm - Darlington Hippodrome, Darlington Is there a better way to spend a Friday night than reminiscing about the King of rock and roll? Enjoy tales from Elvis’s life, alongside his greatest hits as you journey from his early Sun Records hits to his Las Vegas performances. Book your tickets for this one night only event now: darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on

The Last Quiz on Earth

K-Club presents: The K-Pop Spring Tour

3rd April - 7pm - Scarth Memorial Hall, Staindrop It’s the end of the world as you know it, so, of course, it’s time for a quiz. As time ticks away, people have scores to settle and someone is on a final hunt for love. Expect the unexpected right to the bitter end. Book your seat and pie and peas supper here: ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/ county-durham

23rd April - 10pm - The Hub, Campus Heart, Middlesbrough If you love K-Pop and want to dance the night away, this is the event for you. The biggest DJ’s will take over and bring you some of the biggest K-Pop, K-Hip-Hop and EDM tracks from artists like BTS, Blackpink, Monsta and more! Get a ticket today: fixr.co/event/716880775

Darlington Choral Society: Music For for a Jason Manford: Like Me 27th April - 7.30pm - Middlesbrough Queen 9th April - 7.30 - The Dolphin Centre, Darlington Join Darlington Choral Society for an evening of music fit for a queen. Inspired by the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, courtly masques and our emergency from two years of masks, Darlington Choral Society will perform a selection of music from the last four centuries, all connected with Queens. Book your seat to catch them here: darlington.gov.uk

Children with Cancer UK: 5k run

13th April - 6pm - South Park, Darlington Run, jog, walk or wheel your way around Darlington’s South Park as part of their 5k event to raise money for Children with Cancer UK. The run is open to people of all ages, no matter what their ability and a medal will be waiting at the end for you! Book a slot now: entermyevent.co.uk

Laa Dee Daa’s Over 30’s

16th April - 10pm - Ignite Nightclub, Darlington Come and join the gang at Darlington’s biggest over 30’s night out. Expect the biggest 80s, 90s and 00s anthems all through the night at Darlington’s biggest Easter weekend party. Don’t be the one who misses out on a night of 80s and 90s anthems, all without the youngsters running about. Book in now: whats-on/Darlington 46

Town Hall, Middlesbrough It’s been a few years since Jason Manford was on the stage, but he’s taking a brand new show on the road and he’s stopping in Middlesbrough. Fans of his show on Absolute Radio will know he hasn’t changed a bit. For the same humour in a brand new location, book your tickets to see Jason Manford today: jasonmanford.com/live

Away Day Festival

30th April - 2pm - Stewart Park, Middlesbrough Enjoy a day of the very best the popular music scene has to offer, on our home turf. Join Craig David, Jax Jones, Nathan Dawe and more in Stewart Park this bank holiday weekend. Tickets are selling out fast for this 18 and over event, so book your today: ticketweb.uk

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

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

Please mention Darlington Monthly when contacting advertisers

PiYo

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