One Darlington March edition

one

Darlington March 2019

An ingenious magazine for an ingenious town named one of the best places to live in the UK

Chari-tea mission page 14

Showing that cares Welcome to Darlington One Darlington This edition of One Darlington is all about creating a safe and caring community where we all support one another to be independent and healthy.

I’ve worked for Citizens Advice Darlington for almost 20 years and am currently an adviser for the #DarloMillions project. More than £26m of tax credits, benefits and other allowances go unclaimed across Darlington each year and #DarloMillions is all about helping people get the money they are owed. This is money from central government that people are entitled to, and which would give the local economy a real boost if people claimed it.

I feel an enormous sense of pride and achievement to be part of the team working hard to make a real difference to people in Darlington, many of whom are experiencing financial hardship. I hold outreach sessions across the town for people who need help to check what support they could receive. You can find out more about #DarloMillions on page 37.

There are lots of examples of people supporting each other in this edition. Turn to pages 4 and 5 to find out how the council’s CCTV team makes the town a safer place for us all and on page 25 you can read how the Routes to Work scheme supported one man who wanted to teach.

Children from Mowden Junior School have found a musical way to keep their fellow pupils safe when crossing the road, see page 10, and turn to page 28 to find out how firefighters are giving practical help to keep residents safe and well.

I hope you find inspiration in this edition of the magazine to help you stay independent and healthy. There are lots of opportunities in the coming months for us all to get active – from taking part in the Mass Dance or Race for Life to playing bowls at South Park or trying an activity with new initiative Step Out. It’s all about finding an activity you enjoy and that keeps you moving.

Finally, you might notice there’s no column from the council leader or information about ward surgeries in this edition of One Darlington. That’s because of the local elections which are taking place on 2 May. Make sure you are registered to vote so you can have your say – details are on page 11.

The elections also mean there will be no May edition of the magazine. We’ll be back in June with a bumper 48 page summer special. See you then!

www.onedarlington.org.uk

Margaret Hunter Darlington CAB

Inside this issue 6-7 Major Tees Valley investment plan _________________________________________ 16-17 Hospital’s new theatre opens _________________________________________ 19-22 What’s on _________________________________________ 6-27 Lifeline: A day in the life 2 _________________________________________ 34 Could you be a foster carer? _________________________________________

One Darlington is published by the One Darlington Partnership, Room 106, Town Hall Darlington.

Email editor@onedarlington.org.uk Design and production – Xentrall Shared Services.

Distribution – Swift Advertising NE Ltd. Tel: 0191 2653207.

The next edition will be distributed from 10 June. If you do not receive a copy by 20 June, please call 406058.

An audio version of One Darlington is also available at www.onedarlington.org.uk

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Focused on

Tracking down violent offenders and burglars, helping to build a case against rogue traders and making sure missing people get home safely – it’s all in a day’s work for our CCTV staff.

Part of the community safety team, the CCTV department has cameras at sites across the borough to help reduce crime and tackle antisocial behaviour.

Images from the network of cameras are fed back to the control room in the Town Hall, where staff monitor them round the clock, 365 days a year.

The team works closely with police and other partners, including the council’s new civic enforcement team, to coordinate operations and also acts as a contact centre for the local Shopwatch and Pubwatch schemes and provides call handling facilities for the council’s vital Lifeline services.

Last year the team logged 2,916 incidents. CCTV footage and the efforts of operators helped secure more than 380 arrests for offences ranging from burglary, assault, criminal damage and drugs.

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The team also helped gather evidence against a gang of rogue roofers operating across the North East, who targeted elderly victims by cold calling on them and claiming they needed urgent repairs.

One victim was conned out of £18,500. The sixstrong gang was jailed for a total of 18 years.

Paul Branch, CCTV manager, said: “I’ve been managing the CCTV service for eight years and I can honestly say the control centre team members are the most professional I have had the privilege to work with.

“We provide a number of services, ranging from monitoring security, fire alarm and CCTV systems to out of hours calls for the council, which covers a wide variety of issues from stray dogs and housing repairs to disaster contingency plans. We also work closely with Lifeline services, handling their clients’ calls, giving them reassurance that help, or just a comforting voice, is there if required.

“No two days or nights are the same and the staff are true multi taskers. This has been proved in the success of the control centre and it continues to be an asset to the borough and an invaluable partner for the police and other emergency services.”

www.darlington.gov.uk www.darlington.gov.uk/cctv

keeping you safe

CCTV control centre opened on 8 December 1994 Provides 24 hour surveillance, 365 days a year A network of 125 cameras cover the town centre, Town Hall, parks and cemeteries, Feethams car park and other important locations CCTV team also monitors 100 cameras for commercial businesses Dealt with 241 calls relating to missing people (April-November 2018) Handles more than 7,000 calls a month for the council’s Lifeline service.

For more information visit www.darlington.gov.uk/cctv www.darlington.gov.uk/cctv

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Full steam ahead for investment Council leader Stephen Harker answers questions about Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and the recently approved investment plan

What is TVCA?

TVCA was established by the five Tees Valley councils and builds on 20 years of joint working. Having a combined authority means decisions that used to be made in London are now made in the Tees Valley. The main aims of TVCA are attracting new businesses, creating jobs, improving transport and talking up the area far and wide.

What is your role in TVCA?

I am deputy mayor of the Tees Valley and have responsibility for transport. TVCA cabinet is determined to make big improvements to our transport system in the Tees Valley.

We want people to be able to travel seamlessly around the region, with coordinated and regular bus and train services.

What is your view on the airport?

The airport makes a significant contribution to the Tees Valley economy, however it could do much more. Peel, the previous owners, were planning to close the airport. However, I believe it’s important we do everything we can to keep and revitalise the airport, to help us deliver our vision for a much improved Tees Valley economy. Colleagues in TVCA and the five Tees Valley councils are determined to make the airport a success.

What does the investment plan mean for Darlington?

Darlington will benefit significantly, with tens of millions of pounds to be invested in railway station improvements, a rail heritage project at the head of steam and the town centre.

A lot has been said about the airport, but it is just a small element of a much bigger plan. With £60m and £55m set aside for culture and education and skills respectively, you can see our ambition. Factor in £146.5m for business growth, the scale of the investment plan becomes clear.

Look out for more about the detail of the investment plan in future editions of One Darlington.

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www.darlington.gov.uk

£588million Tees Valley Investment Plan Approved An investment plan that lays out the priorities for over half a billion pounds of funding to transform our region over the next ten years has been approved at a meeting of the Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet.

The plan includes a number of key investments worth a total of £588million across transport, education, employment and skills, culture and tourism, business growth, innovation and place - investing in our towns and communities.

As part of the investment plan 2019-2029, up to £20million has been earmarked for a strategic project to support Darlington’s Stockton and Darlington Railway Heritage programme. This aims to create a worldclass visitor attraction by 2025 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the world’s first passenger railway.

Funding for transport priorities, including the transformation of Darlington’s railway station and the development of the town’s Link Road, are also featured in the investment plan.

The town is also set to receive £10million over five years to help make its centre, and surrounding communities, vibrant places to invest, work, live and visit.

www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk @TeesValleyCA

info@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk

The plan also outlines funding to support a deal to buy Durham Tees Valley Airport and 819 acres of surrounding land from current owner Peel Holdings.

The deal will bring the airport back into public ownership with an experienced operator taking on the day-to-day running of the airport.

The plan also includes a major deal to acquire more than half of all developable land at the South Tees Development Corporation site.

In total the investment plan aims to create 16,875 jobs and add an additional £1.48billion economic output to the region.

It builds on the original Combined Authority investment plan published in March 2017, and outlines new proposals on how to prioritise spending from 2019 to 2029, following a prioritisation project by the Local Authorities and Combined Authority.

The truth abou

When you move into a new home, if there’s no bin you can get one for free!

Just because something has a recycle logo does not mean we can recycle it. We can only recycle items that are accepted by our recycling centre.

Flatten cardboard to get more in your recycling caddy. If you have too much paper and card you can get an extra caddy for free or use your own box or bag.

Most general household waste that can’t be recycled is processed to make solid recovered fuel used in cement production. Nothing we collect from you goes to landfill.

For more mythbusting frequently asked question

To get in touch email streetscen 08

www.darlington.gov.uk/recycleright

out recycling Our wagons have three compartments for the different recycling you collect.

Occasionally we use a wagon with two compartments so it will look like we are mixing your recycling up but this is sorted at the recycling centre and we will still recycle as much as we can.

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If your bin is lost or stolen let us know. Sadly as there are so many requests we have to charge for replacements.

All bin and recycling collections will stay the same over Easter

ns visit www.darlington.gov.uk/recyclerightfaq

ne@darlington.gov.uk www.darlington.gov.uk/recycleright

☎

405111 one Darlington

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Rap competition winner Dora (back centre), with junior road safety officers Katy and Kate (front).

Also pictured are runners up Jessica, Mahanya, Violet and Emily.

On the road to safety Pupils at Mowden Junior School have been helping to spread the road safety message to their classmates – and further afield.

The council’s road safety team works with schools and junior road safety officers to help teach children the importance of road safety.

Junior road safety officers at primary schools across Darlington challenged fellow pupils to create an innovative and creative rap to help get the message out.

The winners of Mowden’s road safety rap competition were revealed at a special assembly led by junior road safety officers Katy and Kate.

Year 5 pupil Dora was the overall winner. She and the runners up all received high-vis road safety goody bags.

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Deputy headteacher Alistair Johnson said: “Katy and Kate put on a brilliant assembly, which really got their classmates thinking about road safety. We know how important road safety is, so it was great to have a special assembly on the subject.

“All the entries were great, but Dora’s winning rap is both funny and hard-hitting – a truly winning combination.”

Denise Caley, the council’s road safety officer, said: “I’d like to pay tribute to the pupils and staff at Mowden Junior School, who really took the idea for the competition and ran with it. The results speak for themselves and hopefully the winning rap will help keep the road safety message in the forefront of people’s minds.”

To listen to the rap visit www.darlington.gov.uk/roadsafety www.darlington.gov.uk/roadsafety

Darlington Decides Do you want to speak on behalf of your community, represent the interests and needs of local people and help shape services? If so, why not stand for election as a councillor?

Local government (borough) elections are taking place in Darlington on Thursday 2 May, when residents will be asked to elect councillors to represent them for the next four years. Parish council elections are also taking place on this date.

The council has 50 elected councillors, representing 20 wards. Councillors may represent a political party, local political group, or stand as an independent.

Standing for election More information about standing for election can be found at beacouncillor.co.uk Nomination papers for the forthcoming elections will be available following the publication of the Notices of Election on Monday 18 March. A candidate’s guide and a nomination pack can be downloaded from www.electoralcommission.org.uk

Voting To vote in the elections, you must be registered. If you are already registered, you don’t need to do anything.

You will receive a card at the end of March advising how to cast your vote.

If you are not registered, you will need to register before Friday 12 April. The easiest way to do it is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. It takes just five minutes.

You will need your date of birth and National Insurance number.

Voting by post Existing postal voters should receive their postal ballot packs on Tuesday 16 April. If you do not already have a postal vote, you can apply to vote by post.

Application forms are available from the elections team – contact details below. Completed forms must be received no later than 5pm on Monday 15 April.

A second issue of postal ballot packs will be posted out on Tuesday 23 April.

When completing your postal vote application, please provide your signature and date of birth, as you will be required to provide these when casting your vote. This is to combat electoral fraud.

POLLING STATIONS WILL BE OPEN FROM 7AM UNTIL 10PM ON ELECTION DAY. For more information call the elections team on 406444, visit www.darlington.gov.uk/elections2019 or email elections@darlington.gov.uk

www.darlington.gov.uk/elections2019

A new way of tackling antisocial behaviour!

The council has introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) – making it easier for the police and enforcement officers to deal with antisocial behaviour.

The order covers the whole town centre, with particular focus on areas like the seats near the Boot and Shoe pub and entrance to St Cuthbert’s Church yard.

A public consultation was carried out last year and most responses were in support of the introduction of a PSPO. Graham Hall, the council’s head of community safety, said: “We want people to feel safe coming into the town centre.

“A PSPO is not simply a blanket ban on certain activities.

Instead, it is a positive measure that enables the police and other designated officers to deal more effectively with disorder.”

The introduction of the PSPO was agreed in February.

Best of Darlington 2019

Last chance to nominate!

Three ways to nominate

The annual Best of Darlington Awards Visit www.onedarlington.org.uk/best-of-darlington take place on Friday 14 Collect a nomination form from the Town Hall customer contact centre June, celebrating our Call 405836 to have a form posted to you. most outstanding and inspirational people, Details of award categories online. groups and businesses.

Nominations close on Friday 15 March.

Pick, pie and a pint in 2019!

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To find out more and to book your place email chelsea.johnson@darlington.gov.uk or call 406420

Last year’s event (photo courtesy of The Northern Echo)

Make a date to join Race for Life It’s time to sign up for this year’s Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at South Park on Sunday 9 June and, for the first time, anyone can take part!

This year, Cancer Research UK is inviting everyone – women, men and children – to join the 5k event to raise money for vital research.

to take part. You don’t need to train or compete against anyone else. All you need to do is go to the Race for Life website, sign up and then have fun raising money in whatever way you like. The Race for Life events have been women-only since they started, over 25 years ago but we now feel the time is right to open them up so that everyone has the chance to participate together.”

Vikki Lambert, Cancer Research UK’s Darlington event manager, said: “You don’t have to be sporty

To enter Race for Life visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

Cream tea with a beauty queen A beauty queen, bidding for a national title, organised a special cream tea for members of Darlington Town Mission (DTM).

Rebecca Jane Everson was crowned Ms Darlington Galaxy last year and will bid to be named Ms Galaxy UK in the finals later this month.

Since her win, Rebecca has been involved in lots of charity work including volunteering for the DTM, which aims to help older people living in social isolation and loneliness. The mission focusses its work on the over 80s and provides friendship and practical support.

Rebecca worked with the DTM to arrange a cream tea at Rockliffe Hall for more than 30 members who enjoyed live music, quizzes and the chance to meet new people.

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She said: “The work I do for the DTM is so important not only to me, but to the friends of DTM as it provides practical help, friendship and support to more than 80 people, aged over 80, around the town. I was delighted to arrange the event for them, and it was so lovely to meet so many new and wonderful people.”

Rebecca with some of the DTM friends

www.onedarlington.org.uk

GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION

Don’t miss out – sign up ONLINE The council’s new garden waste collection service for households across the borough starts in April.

An annual fee of £35 will be charged for a fortnightly collection, for 30 weeks from April to November each year.

What CAN and CANNOT go into your garden waste bin ✔ YES Please

✘ NO Thank you

✔ Grass cuttings

✘ Bags or plastics

✔ Hedge trimmings

✘ Stone, rubble, soil, turf

✔ Twigs/small branches

✘ General waste

✔ Flowers

✘ Food waste

✔ Weeds

✘ Animal waste

✔ Leaves

✘ Japanese knotweed

✔ Prunings

✘ Ragwort

For more information, to sign up and to pay your annual fee visit www.darlington.gov.uk/gardenwaste

Theatres equipped for now and the future

Raising the curtain on new We’re very excited that building work on our new theatre and surgical complex at Darlington Memorial Hospital has finished.

Patients requiring surgery are now benefitting from the modern, spacious facilities, designed to give them the very best experience in our care.

The complex is the result of an investment of £30m and has been in construction for over three years. We used local contractors wherever possible and, on the busiest days, there were up to 80 local people working to complete the development.

The first phase of the new facilities, including six new, state of the art theatres, opened in June 2017. Work then continued, transforming five existing theatres to the same exacting standards and these opened in January this year.

Consultant general surgeon, Andy Gilliam, said: “This investment is fantastic news for our patients and will make the world of difference to their experience. Our new facilities are now up there with the very best available. We perform about 10,000 operations at Darlington each year, offering a wide range of surgeries from life saving cancer treatments to procedures across specialties including orthopaedics, gynaecology, plastics, ophthalmology and general surgery.

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Large admission area for patients and their families.

“One of the theatres is dedicated to performing eye procedures for which there is much demand and two of the theatres have integrated laparoscopic equipment which is what we use to perform keyhole procedures. In addition to planned surgeries, we’re also well prepared for those patients who require emergency surgery.

“As the population ages and new surgical opportunities become available, inevitably, demand increases and it’s exciting that these very modern facilities mean we will be able to incorporate new procedures and techniques in the future. The increased capacity will also help keep waiting times to a minimum.

www.cddft.nhs.uk

“We perform around 10,000 operations at Darlington each year.”

“We will be able to incorporate new procedures and techniques in the future.”

theatre complex

Find us on social media!

@CDDFTNHS

In addition to operating theatres, a new, large recovery area, gives patients privacy, peace and space to rest immediately after their procedure. The development has also created a new day surgery ward, consultation rooms and changing facilities – all designed to make the patient experience the best it can be.

Staff rooms, offices, a new mortuary and bereavement service facilities complete the new complex.

“It’s difficult to tell the difference between the new theatres and the upgraded existing ones – effectively we’ve got 11 brand new theatres which will meet the needs of patients and surgeons for years to come. The scale of the whole development is quite breathtaking and we all really enjoy working in the new complex.”

Sue Jacques, chief executive, said: “The surgical complex is a very ambitious achievement which has taken several years of planning and building work - demonstrating our commitment to the future of Darlington Memorial Hospital and the communities we serve. We’ve been delighted by the number of surgical nurses and medical staff keen to come and work as part of our team in the new Darlington facilities in the 18 months since the first part of the development opened.

Clinical teams were closely involved in designing the new areas, making sure they would offer our patients the very best journey when in our care from the moment they arrive in the new admissions lounge, have their pre-operative consultation with the surgeon and anaesthetist, through to being cared for after surgery. Everything has been planned to follow the journey the patient takes and create a sense of calm, even on the busiest days.

“In the last 12 months we’ve also installed a new MRI scanner at Darlington Memorial Hospital and completed an expansion of our Emergency Department & Urgent Treatment Centre – which are helping give our patients the very best care and experience and are also attracting talented staff keen to be part of #TeamCDDFT.”

New recovery area with spacious bays for each patient.

www.cddft.nhs.uk

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Food & Drink Festival Darlo Dines Out! Friday 3 – Monday 6 May

Thousands of people enjoyed fantastic food, music and sunshine at last year’s award-winning food festival. This year’s event promises to be just as special. Some of the region’s finest food producers will be showcasing their culinary delights from noon on 3 May. There’s the chance to sample delicious nibbles, pick up tips from food demonstrations and feast on food from around the world from street traders.

Look out for the marquee in the Market Square and stalls around the town centre.

Get your jazz on!

Alongside Darlo Dines Out is the popular annual Jazz Festival. Look out for evening jazz at Voodoo café on 3 May and May the Fourth be with you the following day as Echo 3 café in Clark’s Yard celebrates Star Wars Day with a jazz flourish.

There’s more jazz in the Market Square marquee from 7-9pm on 4 May. The following night sees a change of pace with 80s themed jazz and cocktails from 6-8pm.

There’s jazz to suit all tastes on both 4 and 5 May from noon until 4pm at Joseph Pease Place.

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Foodie joy!

The first Pease Pudding Market will be held in the Market Square from 4-9pm on 6 June.

Enjoy the lighter evenings along with street food, market stalls, music and entertainment. www.onedarlington.org.uk

WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON Kaleidoscope – Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16, 9.30am, 10.45am, 12.30pm, 2pm, The Hullabaloo. A first theatre experience for you and your baby (6-18 months). £10 adult and baby ticket, further tickets £6.

Whether you’re looking to get fit and healthy or just want to try something new, there’s a host of activities coming up in Darlington in the next few months. parkrun – every Saturday, 9am, South Park. Free 5k run. To register visit www.parkrun.org.uk/darlingtonsouthpark or email darlingtonsouthparkoffice@parkrun.com juniorparkrun – every Sunday, 9am, South Park. Free 2k run for juniors only (four-14-year-olds). To register visit www.parkrun.org.uk/southpark-juniors or email southpark-juniorsoffice@parkrun.com Children’s Miniature Train Rides – first Sunday of every month, 10am-12.30pm, Hurworth Grange, Sundays 7 April and 5 May.

MARCH

St Patrick’s Night – Saturday 16, 7pm, Radisson Blu Hotel, Frankland Lane, Durham. With ceilidh band. Tickets £25 each, proceeds go to CDDFT charity. For details, email cddft.charity@nhs.net or call 743781.

NERA Exhibition – Wednesday 6 March to Sunday 14 April, Head of Steam. This exhibition draws on a vast collection of postcards of North Eastern stations, many of which are long gone. Normal entrance fee.

The Afternoon Lectures – Thursday 7, 1.45pm, Head of Steam. Talk by Tom Mutton, North York Moors National Park. Free to members of the Friends, non-members welcome.

‘A year in the making’ – Saturday 9 March to Sunday 2 June, Head of Steam. A selection of images by Peter Giroux. Normal entrance fee, contact museum for opening times.

A trip through Teesdale in art and photographs and Durham County Record Office marking 50 years of preserving the county’s heritage – Monday 4 March to Tuesday 2 April, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library. Two free displays. Usual opening hours apply.

Tom Gates Live on Stage – Wednesday 6 to Saturday 9, various times, Darlington Hippodrome. Talk after Thursday matinee.

Adult tickets from £13; U16s tickets from £11. Family ticket from £45.

www.whatsonindarlington.co.uk

Ride to Work Week – Monday 25 to Sunday 31, Commuting by bike is a great way to get fit. Log your rides to work at www.lovetoride.net/teesvalley for chances to win prizes.

‘A Bit of An Historian and a Philosopher’: The Teesdale Hermit – Thursday 28, 2pm, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library. A talk about the story of Frank Shields. £2. Book in advance.

Dreamland – runs to Saturday 23, 10am-2pm, The Hullabaloo. Free creative play.

Bookfest – Monday 4 to Saturday 9, Crown Street Library. A free festival celebrating World Book Day.

Dinosaur World Live – Friday 22 to Sunday 24, various times, Darlington Hippodrome. Interactive show for all the family.

Sword & Lance 2019 – Saturday 30, 9.30am-4.30pm, Darlington College, Haughton Road. Exhibition of model making and militaria. Admission £4.50 adults, £2.50 concessions. For details contact Colin Holmes by text 07958 702319 or email c20hms@gmail.com The Big Pedal – Monday 25 March to Friday 5 April, The UK’s biggest cycle and scoot to school event by Sustrans. Sign your school up at bigpedal.org.uk

Ben Fogle Tales from the Wilderness – Monday 11, 7.30pm, Darlington Hippodrome. The TV adventurer shares thrilling tales. Includes Q&As.

FIVE – Thursday 28 March to Wednesday 10 April, various times, The Hullabaloo. Discover a world of play for ages 3-6. Tickets £7. Family ticket £24.

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WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON APRIL

EGGSTRA EASTE There’s a cracking range of events during the Easter holidays, including: Egg painting – Saturday 6, 1-2.30pm, Crown Street Library. Free. Book in advance.

Charity visit – Wednesday 10, 1.302.30pm, Cockerton Library. Staff from the Dogs Trust will explain how to look after your furry friends. For ages 4+.

Cool Science party slime workshop – Thursday 11 and 18, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. Included in admission and yearly passes, but sessions must be booked.

Enchanted Forest – Monday 1 onwards, 10am-2pm, The Hullabaloo. Free creative play for children aged up to 10.

The Afternoon Lectures - Thursday 4, 1.45pm, Head of Steam. Annual meeting, plus talk by Ray State. Free to members of the Friends, non-members welcome.

Get crafty – Thursday 11, 10-11.30am, Cockerton Library and 2-3.30pm at Crown Street Library. Free Easter themed crafts. Book in advance.

Biscuit Workshop – Tuesday 9, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. Included in admission and yearly passes, but sessions must be booked.

Animals & birds in art & photographs from the Local Studies collection – Thursday 4 to Monday 29, usual opening hours, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library. Free display.

Pick, Pie and a Pint – Friday 5, 4-5.30pm, Market Square. Join Darlington Cares for a litter pick to help your local community and get a free pie and a pint.

For details email chelsea.johnson@darlington.gov.uk

Station Scamps & Crafts – Friday 12 and 19, Scamps 10am-12.30pm; Crafts, 1-3pm, Head of Steam. Drop in sessions, included in admission and yearly passes.

Easter Community Fun Day – Saturday 6, 1-4pm, Elim Church. Free entry and lots of Easter fun. For more details find Elim Church on Facebook, call 487175 or visit www.elim-darlington.org.uk Megson folk duo – Thursday 11, 7-11pm, Sadberge Village Hall. Tickets £13 (including booking fee) or £15 at the door. Contact 07960 709979 or email friendsofsadberge@gmail.com Morris Dancing Festival – Saturday 13, from 10am, Celebration of morris dancing in different locations around the town centre.

Dot & Zooky – Wednesday 10, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. Circus skills workshops, drop in sessions. Included in admission and yearly passes.

Chocolate workshop – Tuesday 16, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. Make and decorate your own chocolate lolly!

Included in admission and yearly passes, but sessions must be booked.

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WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON R FUN Easter Storytelling – Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17, 10.15am & 1pm, The Hullabaloo. Brave and bold stories for ages 2-5 years. Tickets £3 each, Family ticket – buy 4 save £2 (must include minimum of one adult).

Animal Antics – Wednesday 17, 1011.30am, Crown Street Library and 1.303pm at Cockerton Library. Free petting zoo.

Crown Street session will also include an Easter egg hunt. Book in advance.

St George’s Day toast – Tuesday 23, noon, Market Cross monument. The Mayor of Darlington leads a toast to St George.

Dogs Trust – Wednesday 24, 2-4pm, Cockerton Library. Free microchipping, health and training advice. Free drop in.

MAY Elegance & Grandeur – Darlington’s Mansions & Villas – Wednesday 1 – Friday 31, usual opening hours, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library.

Free display.

The Afternoon Lectures – Thursday 2, 1.45pm, Head of Steam. ‘The Wensleydale Railway, beginning to end, 1840 to 1960s’ a talk by Dr Christine Hallas. Free to members of the Friends, non-members welcome.

Captain Raggy Beard – Wednesday 17, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. Storytelling, songs, dancing, games and lots more pirate-themed fun. Included in admission and yearly passes.

Bonnet making – Friday 19, 11am-3pm, Cornmill Centre. Free workshop.

Easter egg trail – Saturday 20, 11am4pm, free family entertainment throughout the town. Youngsters can ‘eggs-plore’ and win chocolate. Register at Indoor Market.

Easter Special – Sunday 21, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. Activities include mini train, face painting and magic shows. Café will be open. £2 for adults, £1 for children, under5s go free and included in yearly passes.

Egg cup decorating – Monday 22, 11am-3pm, Cornmill Centre. Free crafts, plus appearances from Charlie Chick.

Dumbo event – Monday 22, 11am-3pm, Queen Street Shopping Centre. Free event including treasure trail and elephant-themed fun.

www.whatsonindarlington.co.uk

Pick, Pie and a Pint – Friday 3, 4-5.30pm, Market Square. Join Darlington Cares for a litter pick to help your local community and get a free pie and a pint. For details email chelsea.johnson@darlington.gov.uk Jazz Festival – Friday 3 to Sunday 5, various times, Joseph Pease Place and various town centre locations Jazz performances throughout the town centre. See page 18.

Food Festival – Saturday 4 to Monday 6, from noon, Market Square and town centre. Food festival and entertainment including town centre businesses. See page 18.

DARLINGTON ARTS FESTIVAL – Friday 17 to

Monday 20 May, various times and venues. The four-day festival will be a celebration of all types of arts in the town.

Full details available during April/May at darlingtonforculture.org.uk and on social media #DarloArtsFest2019.

Dance Festival and Mass Dance Saturday 18 and Sunday 19, 11am -3pm Saturday, Joseph Pease Statue.

Mass Dance: Sunday 19, 1pm, Market Square.

Vintage Vehicle Rally – Sunday 19, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. A variety of rare and unusual vintage vehicles.

Activities include mini train ride, children’s entertainer and arts and crafts. £2 entrance fee for adults, £1 for children, under-5s are free and included in yearly passes.

Walk to School Week – Monday 20 to Friday 24, Darlington children love walking to school so why not join the greatest national walk to school celebration this week. For more information on walking to school, visit www.letsgoteesvalley.co.uk/ teesvalleykids

Rememorial World War 1 Workshop: Exploring Darlington’s Recovery from the First World War – Thursday 9, 2pm, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library, free.

Patons & Baldwins Open Days – Tuesday 21 to Friday 24, usual opening hours, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library. Come and browse the photograph albums, staff magazines and building plans. Free.

The Pease Family’s Industrial Empire in the North East – Tuesday 14, 2.30pm, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library. A talk by Dr Dorothy Hamilton. Tickets £2. Book in advance.

Patons & Baldwins – Thursday 23, 2pm, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library. Talk by Chris Lloyd.

Tickets £2, please book tickets in advance.

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WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON JUNE Round 50 Cycle Ride – Sunday 2, register at Dolphin Centre 8.30-9.30am.

Emil and the Detectives – Friday 24 and Saturday 25, various times, The Hullabaloo. Based on the book by Erich Kastner. For ages 8+. Tickets £7 / family ticket £24.

Decorated Darlington – Royal Occasions & Visits – Tuesday 4 to Saturday 29, usual opening hours, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library.

Free display.

Jubilations & Visitations – Royalty in Durham – Tuesday 4 to Saturday 29, usual opening hours, Crown Street Library.

A display from the Durham County Record Office, free.

NERA Exhibition – “A Grand Day Out” – Tuesday 4 to Sunday 14 July, Head of Steam. A nostalgic look at the times when going on holiday to the seaside and day trips were the highlight of the year. Normal entrance fee.

Acorn Antics – Tuesday 28, 10am4pm, Head of Steam. Outdoor fun making bridges with wood and string. Included in admission and yearly passes, but sessions must be booked.

Rocket Power Workshop, Wednesday 29, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. Build a model steam locomotive. Suitable for children over 7. Included in admission and yearly passes, but sessions must be booked.

Love Science – Thursday 30, 10am4pm, Head of Steam. Science themed activities. Included in admission and yearly passes, but sessions must be booked.

Pease Pudding Markets – Thursday 6, 4-9pm, Market Square and town centre.

First of a new monthly food and drinks market.

The Afternoon Lectures – Thursday 6, 1.45pm, Head of Steam. ‘Steam in and around Darlington’ a talk by Chris Nettleton.

Free to members of the Friends, nonmembers welcome.

VIP event – Friday 7, 11am-3pm, Market Square. GOLD’s annual event with information stalls and entertainment.

Peter Crawford – Friday 7, 7.30pm, Head of Steam. Join psychic medium Peter Crawford at North Road Station. Tickets must be booked in advance, contact museum for details.

Bike Week – Saturday 8 to Sunday 16, Let’s get Darlington cycling more this week.

For more information go to www.bikeweek.org.uk

The Tees Valley is bursting with things to do and places to see – here’s just a small selection of the upcoming events. To find out more visit www.enjoyteesvalley.com/whats-on Diane Watson: There’s No Away – 23 March to 25 May, 10am-5pm (Tue – Sat), Hartlepool Art Gallery. An exhibition challenging audiences to rethink their use of plastics.

Stockton Duathlon Festival – 14 April, 9am-5pm, Stockton Riverside. More details at events.stockton.gov.uk/stocktonduathlon-festival Take That – 1 June, 5.30pm, Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough. Take That’s Greatest Hits Tour celebrating their 30th anniversary. Special guest Rick Astley.

Steel Stories – April 2019 to April 2020, Kirkleatham Museum. An interactive exhibition showcasing stories from real people who worked in the steel industry. www.redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/steel-stories-2

CONTACTS Darlington Hippodrome box office open 10am-8pm (6pm on non-performance days); Cornmill Centre ground floor open 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday; call 405405 10am–8pm Monday-Saturday (6pm on nonperformance days); or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk The award winning Hullabaloo – call 405405 or visit www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum – call 405060, visit www.head-of-steam.co.uk or email headofsteam@darlington.gov.uk Entrance fees apply in most cases.

Darlington libraries – 349610 Centre for Local Studies 349630

One Little Word – Friday 31 May and Saturday 1 June, 11am & 2pm, The Hullabaloo. A story of friendship, power struggles and the rich world of creative play. For ages 3+. Tickets £7/family ticket £24.

Music Box Festival – Sunday 9, from 1pm, Avalon, Hash and Hole in the Wall.

Advance tickets £8. Search for Music Box Festival on Facebook.

Dolphin Centre – call 406000 or email healthydarlington@darlington.gov.uk The Forum – visit www.theforumonline.co.uk or call 363135

If you have any events you would like listing in future editions, email communications@darlington.gov.uk or call 406058. Listings are free and we will try and include as many as we can. Deadlines for listings are about eight weeks before publication date. All information is correct at the time of going to print and we would advise you check details with venues before travelling.

22 www.whatsonindarlington.co.uk

Keep safe this spring Police are urging us to protect our property from opportunistic thieves this spring.

With temperatures on the rise, more people will be outside more often, including criminals.

Durham Constabulary is suggesting simple steps to prevent you becoming a victim of crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Gosling, from Durham Constabulary, said: “We know that as the seasons change, certain crimes increase. We are asking people to take a little bit of guidance from us so they can do their bit to avoid being targeted.

“Many thefts from gardens happen because a property hasn’t been secured. As lawnmowers and gardening tools come out for the spring they become an easy target as sheds are often left unlocked.

“Expensive bikes also become prime targets so please make sure you keep them stored somewhere safe with a good quality lock.”

The campaign also focuses on vehicle crime.

Ch Insp Gosling added: “Thieves will just try every car door handle until they find one that’s open. Do not give them the opportunity – lock your car and remove all valuables.”

Follow these tips to keep your home safe • Keep garages and sheds locked while you’re using tools and ensure you put them away when you’ve finished • Make sure garage doors are closed and secure • Make sure fences around your home are secure and not broken • Planting defensive hedging and plants may help to deter criminals For more information on how to keep your home safe this spring, contact Darlington neighbourhood police team on 101.

www.durham.police.uk

• Leave a light on or use timer switches so lights come on when it gets dark • If you are planning a holiday, don’t advertise it on social media • Ask a neighbour to watch over your home if you are going on holiday • Contact your local neighbourhood police team if you see anything suspicious in your area.

To report any suspicious activity in your area, contact Durham Constabulary on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Step up to join the Mass Dance The annual Dance Festival kicks off on Saturday 18 May in Joseph Pease place, with street theatre and performances throughout the day.

Cllr Veronica Copeland and Megan, with her winning design

A theatrical night

The magic of theatre is the theme for the annual Mayor’s Charity Ball on Friday 26 April.

Councillor Veronica Copeland will welcome guests to the Dolphin Centre, where they will enjoy a meal and theatrical-inspired entertainment. All proceeds from the night will go to the mayor’s chosen charities: Darlington Association on Disability, the 700 Club and the Royal British Legion.

This year’s posters, menus and tickets were designed by Darlington College competition winner Megan Earl, 16, of Whorlton, near Barnard Castle. The runners up were Bethany Brooklyn, 18, and Lauren McGill, 17, of Darlington.

Tickets, priced £55, are available from the Dolphin Centre, by calling 406971 or email susan.minto@darlington.gov.uk

Everyone will come together in the Market Square on Sunday 19 May, at 1pm for the Mass Dance which last year attracted more than 800 dancers. Last year about 800 dancers took part.

This year’s theme is ‘This is me – challenging inequality’. Joanne Scott, chair of the Darlington Dance Festival Association (DDFA), explained: “We want to promote how dancing can bring everyone together regardless of background, age, gender, race, disability, or sexual orientation – dancing can be enjoyed by all. We want to use dance as a way to celebrate our differences and challenge inequality, we are all different but equal.

“Any groups or individuals are welcome to take part – we can come to you and teach the mass dance or you can come along to our weekly open sessions during April and May. We will also have information stalls at the event and would urge any charity or groups to get in touch.”

For more information email darlingtondfa@gmail.com or find DDFA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Theatre takes a bow The Hullabaloo has been named the UK’s best family venue at the Fantastic for Family Awards.

Judges praised the venue’s family-friendly shows, innovation, accessibility and commitment to welcoming all kinds of families.

The awards were presented by the Family Arts Campaign, the national initiative funded by Arts Council England to connect families with culture.

Picture: SCOTT AKOZ Hundreds took part in last year’s Mass Dance.

24 www.darlington.gov.uk

A new career beckons thanks to Routes to Work

Launched in July last year, Routes to Work is part of a £7.5m Tees Valley-wide initiative to remove barriers to work and support more people into employment. Andrew Buckton is just one of the people it has helped so far.

Andrew had been out of work for five years when he went to Routes to Work for help.

He had good IT skills and was already a volunteer at an Age UK branch, helping people improve their computer knowledge.

Andrew was assigned a dedicated key worker, David, to provide one-to-one support. David helped him find an IT course, which Routes to Work paid for, and his travel costs were met by the Department for Work and Pensions.

The 12 week course gave Andrew experience in lesson planning and working in a classroom.

www.darlington.gov.uk

During this time David was always on hand to offer support and advice. When Andrew passed his qualification, he worked with David on an action plan for the future, which involved a placement with Learning and Skills to develop his tutoring skills.

David is also supporting him with job applications.

Andrew said: “I am very happy with the support I have been given, both personally and financially.

Routes to Work really helped me focus on what I wanted to do for a career and I would not have been able to gain valuable transferable skills without them.”

For more information about Routes to Work visit The One Stop Shop at 13 Horsemarket, Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm and Friday 10am-3pm, or call 406170.

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A day in the life Lifeline Response Officer Nicola Mattison Every day’s a busy day for Nicola.

As part of Lifeline’s emergency response team, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Nicola works mostly with older people and vulnerable residents who may have learning difficulties or mental health issues.

About 3,000 residents rely on Lifeline support.

8.30am I start work at the Town Hall, and my first job is to ring our residents in sheltered and extra care schemes to check all is ok. If there’s a problem, I’ll alert the carer or ring the GP.

11.30am It’s off to one of the council’s sheltered and extra care schemes to help with one of its regular coffee mornings and work with the Move More team to help residents stay active with some gentle armchair aerobics, which can be great fun.

Other activities include snooker, darts, bingo, crafts and dementia groups which all help tackle social isolation and boost health and wellbeing.

9am An operator in the CCTV control room has taken a call after an elderly resident has pushed their alarm pendant. I’m sent out to check what help is needed. The elderly lady has fallen out of bed and needs help to get back up. Luckily she’s not injured, so first aid or emergency services are not needed.

10.30am Following up a referral from social workers, I carry out a home visit for an elderly man to demonstrate equipment to help him to maintain his independence and stay safe in his own home. This ranges from medication dispensers, fall detectors, bed and chair sensors, movement detectors and other technology.

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www.darlington.gov.uk/lifelineservices

of...

2pm After a quick lunch break, I’m back at the office to check on any referrals that have come in from social workers or health professionals.

I book an appointment for the next day, following an urgent request for an assessment for a lady due to be discharged from hospital. The lady will no doubt be glad to get home and it frees up a bed for someone else.

2.30pm I’m out and about on a series of planned home visits to check equipment is maintained and working properly.

5pm A lot of my work is out in the community working with people in our sheltered and extra care homes, as well as helping people stay in their own homes. As my working day draws to a close, I brief colleagues about to start the next shift, which always includes two staff ‘on call’ to ensure that as darkness falls the Lifeline team can continue to respond to any emergency.

For more information about Lifeline visit www.darlington.gov.uk/lifelineservices www.darlington.gov.uk/lifelineservices

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Keeping you safe and well Would you, or someone you know, benefit from one of our free safe and wellbeing visits?

Our firefighters will come to your home to give you safety advice and install smoke alarms.

They will also chat about any other concerns you may have whether it’s your health; loneliness; finances or something else. If they think you would benefit from expert advice they will refer you to an organisation that can help.

We are working with the Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK North Yorkshire & Darlington and the NHS fall team to tackle issues including social inclusion; slips, trips and falls; alcohol reduction; stopping smoking; winter warmth and managing money.

If you, or someone you know, would like a free safe and wellbeing visit please call 0845 223221 or email csenquiries@ddfire.gov.uk

How we’ve helped (referrals since 2016) Slips, trips and falls

217

Winter warmth/managing money

129

Dementia

73

Smoking

83

Alcohol

14

Loneliness and isolation

28

To request a free safe and wellbeing visit Email us at csenquries@ddfire.gov.uk or call us on 0845 2234221

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www.ddfire.gov.uk

Step Out into fitness and fun A new scheme is being launched to help you unwind, spend time with your family and get active.

and can also be expensive. We want to prove there is something for everyone Step Out is running a series of activities including archery, no strings badminton, running, chair based whatever your activity level. We also want to see exercise and Xplorer treasure hunts. families taking part and Sessions will take place in the Park East, North having fun together. We Road and Red Hall areas and a coach will be on promise you won’t even hand to answer any questions or help you get realise you’re getting started. active!”

Get active and have fun Step Out is run by The Active Life Foundation, Step Out is trialling Morrison Trust and Healthwatch Darlington thanks activities across the borough this month and a full to a grant from Sport England. timetable will be available from April on The Active Phil Seymour from The Active Life Foundation, said: “We know lots of people want to get more active but don’t know where to start. It can be hard to find the time or motivation and taking part in classes can seem like too much of a commitment

Life Foundation website www.theactivelifedfoundation.org.uk, on their Facebook page, by emailing info@theactivelifefoundation.org.uk or call 07983 531150.

Bowling plans at South Park Plans to bring bowling into the 21st century are taking shape at South Park.

The South Park bowls club wants to revive the sport in the town - not only recruiting new players but fundraising to improve facilities for people of all ages.

Scott Morland, from the club, said: “Bowls is seen by many as an old man’s sport, but this is very much not the case. The bowls club will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2021 and it would be fantastic if this project was used to celebrate the future of the sport and not just remember the past. One of the club’s aims is to form a ladies team but we are five or six members short at the moment - most other teams are mixed gender - so if we can attract more women to join this would be a great asset to the club.”

They hope to raise money for colourful junior and adults bowls; aids for elderly and disabled players; run courses on how to play; repair the green so it can be used for competitions; erect low fencing to protect the facility and help the club For more information or for membership details go look after younger players. to www.southparkbowls.co.uk call 07984 603455 The club, which is working with the council on the or look for ‘south park bowls’ on facebook. repairs, needs to raise around £40,000 to achieve To help with sponsorship or donations email scott@southparkbowls.co.uk all its aims.

www.onedarlington.org.uk

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Working together to produce results Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg reflects on the work being done to make Darlington a safer, fairer place to live and work.

Andrew Allison with Ron

In January I had a very productive meeting with Andrew Allison, the council’s community resilience officer, who works in Central House, Gladstone Street, alongside colleagues from the police, youth offending service and a host of other organisations delivering community safety. Andrew is part of a council team which includes licensing, private sector housing, trading standards and animal welfare, as well as a team managing anti social behaviour.

Their work is a real joint effort!

One of their main aims is to improve communication with everyone living and working in Darlington, particularly the more vulnerable members of society.

This includes making sure that reported issues are dealt with as soon as possible. They are increasing the awareness of the services that are available to vulnerable people as well as explaining more about what they are doing to tackle issues in the community.

a prominent role at community events so people feel reassured and the team is also working with partners to tackle the underlying causes of ASB so the levels fall over time and stay low.

The team is working with other organisations on the Early Help Strategy, and Richer Fairer Darlington, both of which aim to resolve some of the problems that are a high priority in the town.

I was very impressed by the plans they are putting in place and what they are hoping to achieve in the future. We need to be able to define what the common issues are and the best action that can be taken to resolve them. Communication is key.

This is really happening in Gladstone Street and this joint working exists to help the people of Darlington, especially those who need it most.

For updates please see the council’s website, Twitter and Facebook pages.

A new system is being introduced to help them identify where there are specific problems across the borough so the team can work with other organisations to resolve the issue. One area that has already been highlighted is anti social behaviour (ASB). The team is working very hard to tackle the issue. Police community support officers are taking

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www.durham-pcc.gov.uk

Staff and pupils at Beaumont Hill Academy

A good reason to celebrate Staff and pupils at Beaumont Hill Academy have been celebrating after the school was rated good

by Ofsted inspectors.

Mike Butler, chief executive of the Education Village Academy Trust, said: “Everyone was stung by the previous inspection findings but The school had previously been rated as inadequate but they have all responded incredibly well. The is now providing a great learning environment, thanks to result is that Beaumont Hill Academy is better the hard work of staff, governors and pupils. Part of the than ever before and will continue to work Education Village Academy Trust, the school has almost without respite to ensure the very best outcomes for all its pupils.”

300 children with complex needs, aged two to 19.

I m enjoying FREE childcare...

...is your 2 year old?

Check your child’s eligibility for up to 15 hours a week - have your national insurance number to hand and either go online www.darlington.gov.uk/childchecker, or email pfis@darlington.gov.uk or call the Council’s People and Families Information Support Team on 406222.

‘Move More team helps us keep active’ Move

The Move More team works with sheltered housing schemes, offering a range of activities such as chair-based exercises, bowls and Tai Chi. This edition’s Move More Stars are Betty Oxley, 82, and Pam Hutton, 91. They have been keeping active in relaxing exercise sessions.

Betty, who lives in Oban Court, regularly goes out with friends and family and attends the Move More bowls session every Betty O xley week.

Pam, who lives in Ted Fletcher Court, likes walking and going to the library, as well as attending weekly chair-based exercise sessions.

Betty said: “The coaches are very friendly and really make an effort to get everyone to join in. I would recommend the sessions to others as it’s a good way to meet new people and I think it’s important to keep active.”

Pam said: “I have made some friends at the sessions, which is good as I like socialising and chatting to people, but I also feel better after doing the exercises, I feel less achy and I have more energy. I would recommend the Move More sessions to others as they are chairbased and not too energetic.” on Pam Hutt The Move More team offers manageable exercise sessions for all ages and abilities.

More

S t ar

S t ar e r o M Move

To find out what other activities the Move More team offers throughout the town, call 405400 or email movemore@darlington.gov.uk

In court

We take action against people who drop litter, fly tip and commit other environmental crimes. Some cases heard recently include: Abandoned vehicle: Karl Liddle, Stanhope Road North.

Littering: Ashan Babul, age 54, Station Road; Elizabeth Robinson-Hodgson, Roker Close.

Allowing dog in a dog exclusion zone: Leah Winter, I’Anson Street.

All addresses are Darlington and numbers are ages.

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Rugby success

The Tees Valley has been confirmed as one of the hosts for the Rugby League World Cup 2021. The bid to host the games, which was supported by Mowden Park RFC and the council, could give the region an £8million economic boost, attracting tens of thousands of rugby fans to the area in late 2021.

www.darlington.gov.uk

THE MAIN LIBRARY IS STAYING AT...

CROWN STREET

Last chance to join the conversation!

Since January, you have been sharing your views on how you want Crown Street library to look in the future. The council agreed last year to spend £2m on improvements and repairs.

The conversation ends shortly, with detailed plans due to be put forward later in the year.

Thank you to everyone who took part.

Visit www.darlington.gov.uk/conversation before 15 March to have your say.

FREE 30 Hours Childcare for 3 & 4 year olds of working families.

Do you earn less than £100,000 a year ?

Are both parents, or th e sole parent, working the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week at the national minimum wage?

Is your child attending childcare or nursery?

ilies Informa tio Fam n nd

ort pp Su

For more information speak to your childcare provider, nursery or school, or call the Council’s People and Families Information Support Team on 406222 or email pfis@darlington.gov.uk

Peop le a

If so, they may be entitled to a further 15 hours of FREE childcare a week.

DARLINGTON SEND ADVICE

More foster carers needed!

• Anyone over 21 who is in good health can apply to become a foster carer – regardless of cultural background, religion, ethnicity, sexuality or relationship status.

• You don’t need any particular qualifications – just a caring, compassionate and understanding nature as well as a spare bedroom!

• There are a number of different types of foster care, including respite, short term, long term and emergency. The different options, and which might fit with your lifestyle, will be discussed with you when you get in touch.

Husband and wife team Karen and Andrew have been fostering with the council for the past three years.

During that time they have cared for six young children.

We caught up with Karen to hear their story.

“Our children are grown up now and we had that ‘empty nest’ feeling, so we decided to explore the possibility of becoming foster carers.

“The process of applying and being assessed was very thorough – but in a good way, because that’s how it should be. We were very well supported throughout the application process, we received full training and that support has continued in the time we have been fostering. We know there’s always someone at the end of the phone.

CASE STUDY

Is fostering for me?

“It’s a huge privilege, being trusted to look after a child and you do feel a sense of responsibility. It’s hard work, but as long as you have empathy, time and a good deal of common sense, you can become a foster carer. You also need a lot of energy! But the rewards are that you can make a massive positive difference to a young person’s life.

“If I was talking to someone thinking about becoming a foster carer, I would encourage them to make that first step to find out more about it. Make that call.”

Make a difference to a child’s life For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit www.darlington.gov.uk/fostering email fostering@darlington.gov.uk or call 406222 and choose option 3.

Information meetings are held at Central House Annex, Gladstone Street, DL3 6JX, from 6-7pm on the first Monday of every month. The next session is on Monday 1 April.

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www.darlington.gov.uk/fostering

Adoption

Tees Valley

Have you thought about adopting a child?

There are young children in your local area who desperately need a loving family and a permanent home.

There are currently over 35 children waiting to find a family in the Tees Valley. This includes very young babies, toddlers, children with additional needs, siblings and children aged 2 or older. Children like “Jake”...

Jake is 2 years old. He is a little boy with a great sense of fun. He had a difficult start to life, and has been with his foster carers for nearly a year, waiting for a permanent family. Jake has some developmental delays and there is a degree of uncertainty about what he will need in the future. Jake’s new family will receive help, professional support, and some financial support to help care for him. Jake deserves a permanent family, and the chance to be adopted.

Your Councils have joined to become Adoption Tees Valley.

Since launching in May 2018, we have placed over 40 Teesside children with our adopters.

Why Choose Adoption Tees Valley?

• We are your Council Adoption Service.

• We place the children of Teesside directly with our adopters.

• We have the expertise of 5 Local Authorities under one roof, and we specialise in adoption.

• We provide outstanding lifelong adoption support including adopter groups, family events, training and therapeutic support.

• We’re an adoption community and we’ll make you feel at home. We pride ourselves on our friendly, welcoming and approachable service.

Could you adopt?

Get in touch today.

Phone: 01642 526400 • Email: info@adoptionteesvalley.org.uk • Visit: https://www.adoptionteesvalley.org.uk AdoptionTeesValley

@adoptteesvalley

*we operate within 100 mile radius of the Tees Valley

Businesses plan for future success We profile two businesses pushing forward with exciting plans for the future, with guidance from the council’s business support team

Uryk Dmyterko

E-Type Fabs was set up 25 years ago by Uryk Dmyterko, after he struggled to get parts to restore a Series 1 E-Type Jaguar. From there, Uryk has become well known in the E-Type community and sold parts around the world.

Now equipped with a full paint/body shop and upholstery department, Uryk and his team are creating their very own fleet of Evolution E-Types and have a team of 18 staff at their workshops close to the town centre on Alliance Industrial Estate, with further expansion planned.

They are due to showcase their work at classic car shows in London later this year Uryk said: “We have grown steadily over the years and built up a loyal following. We’ve secured funding to develop a new website and promotional videos and improved our premises.

“Many thanks also to the team at Digital City, in Middlesbrough, who have given their technical help and to the council’s business support team for their help and advice.”

Jeremy Borlant

Seymour’s Home is moving from under the indoor market, where it has been based for many years, to new and bigger premises on Grange Road.

Managing Partner Jeremy Borlant said: “The business was created in 1953 by my dad Seymour, who set up a stall in the outdoor market where he traded for 30 years before moving to the indoor market.

“We sell a wide range of quality bed linens, homewares, towels, room fragrances and more to customers from not just the Darlington area, but around the world through our online operation.

We also design and make our own products.

“On the site of the old Bath Store, our new showroom on Grange Road will help us to showcase our range which will include Italian furniture, handmade beds, sofas and lighting.

“I have a strong belief in the high street and in Darlington and look forward to welcoming customers, old and new, into our new home.”

The council’s business support team offers help and advice to existing businesses and those looking to move to the area. Call 406305 or email business.support@darlington.gov.uk

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www.darlington.gov.uk/business

“We claimed and are now so much better off!”

“We were really struggling to make ends meet after my husband John had to give up work following a stroke.

Because I was still working full time, in addition to looking after him, I didn’t think we would be able to get any help but after seeing an advert for #DarloMillions I got in touch.

Turns out that we’re entitled to nearly £140 a week in support!

Now we manage a lot better and I would wholeheartedly advise anyone else who’s struggling to take five minutes to check – it’s ok to claim.”

To find out if you or someone you know is entitled to claim visit www.onedarlington.org.uk/darlo-millions and use the calculator. For advice or help to make a claim email darlomillions@darlingtoncab.co.uk or call 734999.

Supported by

Clubs and Societies There’s lots of clubs and societies in and around Darlington. Whatever you’re interested in, there’s something for you.

For more information visit www.darlington.gov.uk/clubs

Printmakers in the Park is a workshop for enthusiastic people, experts or beginners, who want to be creative with printing. They meet once every two months at 10.30am at South Park Education Centre. Call 07971 073396 or email greenwoodpack4@gmail.com for more information or visit the ‘Miss Print Darlo’ Facebook page.

The Royal British Legion – Darlington Branch meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm (except December) at Haughton Le Skerne Club, 25 Haughton Green. Membership is open to anyone who wants to help and support those who have served and their families.

Email darlington.web@rbl.community or visit www.branches.britishlegion.org.uk for more details.

South Durham Society of Model Engineers If you’re interested in constructing and running miniature locomotives and other mechanical models and devices, why not come and meet some like-minded people?

The club meets on Tuesday evenings from 7pm in the workshop and club room in the basement of Hurworth Grange Community Centre. It also runs a miniature railway track in the grounds of Hurworth Grange and offer children’s rides on the first Sunday morning of the month, weather permitting. The club has a portable track which members take to events. Members are from various backgrounds and new members are very welcome. For more information, pop along on a Tuesday evening, visit www.sdsme.co.uk or call the secretary on 466923.

Lymphoma Action Support Group meets on the second Wednesday of alternate months from 11.30am-1pm at Neasham Reading Room, Sockburn Lane. The club offers information and friendship for those who suffer from lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Call 07710 393891 or visit the ‘Lymphoma Action Support Yorkshire and North East’ Facebook group.

Harlequin Women’s Morris meets on Tuesdays from 7.30-9.30pm at Cleasby Village Hall on The Green. New dancers and musicians are welcome to try traditional English dancing. First week free, then £4 per week. Call 465129 or 07951 251004 or email harlequin.morris@gmail.com for more information.

6th Street Swing meets on Tuesdays 7.308.30pm at Voodoo Cafe, Skinnergate. A group of keen swing dancers who want to encourage newcomers to try a fun and sociable partnered dance style. No partner required. Informal beginner classes are held weekly.

Black Diamond Mixed Cotswold Morris meets Wednesdays, 7.30-9.30pm in the upstairs room of the Voodoo Café Bar on Skinnergate.

Dancing traditional dances from the Cotswold villages, the group is open to everyone regardless of their experience. For information email blackdiamondmorrris@gmail.com Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club meets at St Augustine’s Parish Hall, Larchfield Street once or twice a month. With 18 gigs booked this year, there will be no shortage of music for jazz lovers. Entry is £10 on the door, children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit www.darlingtonjazz.co.uk

If you would like your club to be featured on this page, please email details to communications@darlington.gov.uk

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www.darlington.gov.uk/clubs

Your future is closer than you think!

Access to Higher Education

– Working with Children and Young People If you are 19+, want to really make a difference to your community and have a passion for social work or early years, then why not talk to us about what we have on offer?

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social Work Studies and Early Years starts September 2019 and the courses have what you need to get started. With an advanced learner loan, any fees you pay will be written off when you graduate from university, so you’ll get this course for free!

This course will provide you with a qualification in preparation for university study and give you the confidence to achieve your goals.

For further information on our Access course call Learning & Skills on: (01325) 405601, email: l&s@darlington.gov.uk or text us on: 07932 869325.

Apprenticeships Our Apprenticeship programme lasts a minimum of 12 months and gives you the chance to learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst being employed.

You will be paid the National Apprenticeship Minimum Wage and you could earn around £140 per week. The course will involve being trained by centre training staff and the employer. You will develop your skills and knowledge in the vocational area.

Louise Wilson (PA Support Officer) who completed her Business and Administration apprentice with us says:

Learning and Skills DarlingtonL_S

“When I left school I didn’t have any idea of what I wanted to do for a living. Being an Apprentice and completing my NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Business and Administration has opened up doors for me which I’m grateful for and has given me a chance to gain and develop skills which I never knew I had. If I didn’t get the Apprenticeship then I wouldn’t be where I am today – the Apprenticeship has led to professional and personal developments as my time here has helped me develop my confidence and personality. I look forward to what the future could bring and what adventures lie ahead.”

For further information on Apprenticeships call Learning & Skills on: (01325) 405601, email: l&s@darlington.gov.uk or text us on: 07932 869325.

@DarlingtonL_S

For more courses visit: www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills

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