Out & About Magazine (North East) March 2016 Edition 3

Your local interest & advertising magazine | March 2016 | Edition 3

OUT&ABOUT Magazine outandaboutmagazinenortheast

Years gone by - page 12

Did Robin Hood Live In Crook?

Spotlight on local talent scout Dean Maynard - page 18

Aaron Cowen investigates the legend on page 8

Inside this month’s edition, win 2 tickets to CrookFest 2016 Plus win a signed picture of X Factor winner Louisa Johnson

Local Northern League football fixtures - page 20

Find us on:

Building Materials

SEASONAL PRODUCT PROMOTIONS

Timber & Sheet Materials Plumbing & Heating Electrical Agricultural

- ask in store for details

Tools & Ironmongery Bathrooms DIY Workwear Gardening & Landscaping

Barnard Castle:

Crook:

Harmire Enterprise Park, Barnard Castle DL12 8EH

ESP Commercial Centre, Prospect Road, Crook DL15 8JN

Opening Hours: 7.30am - 5pm Monday - Friday, 8am - 12.00pm Saturday, Closed Sundays

Opening Hours: 7.30am - 5pm Monday - Friday, 8am - 12.00pm Saturday, Closed Sundays

01833 696 900

01388 768 764

www.s-and-a.co.uk/merchants

OUT&ABOUT Magazine outandaboutmagazinenortheast

Advertising Prices

This month’s edition is packed with special offers from local companies, pubs and restaurants, check out page 7 and have a look at what’s on at the Newmarket in Tow Law. Treat yourself to a spa in your own garden and see what Serenity Spa Hire have to offer on page 11. On page 13 we have Cinder’s Cleaning Service who can clean your home or office from top to bottom for as little as £11 per hour.

Monthly advert price 1/8 Page £25 Quarter £45 Half Page £85 Full Page £150 Double Page £250 Back Page £200 Reduced price on 3 month block bookings 1/8 Page £66 (£22 per advert) Quarter £126 (£42 per advert) Half Page £246 (£82 per advert)

Hello & welcome to the March edition of Out & About, your friendly local advertising magazine.

If you’re looking to get some serious DIY done over the coming weeks but don’t have the tools, then take a look at page 16 where JB Tool Hire of Crook stock a massive range of both commercial and household tools. Going on holiday and need to get to the airport? Check out page 21 where DJ’s Taxis of Crook are offering a fantastic 24 hour airport transfer service as well as local door to door journeys.

But most of all we hope you enjoy this month’s edition.

BOOK YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE TODAY THE DEADLINE FOR THE APRIL EDITION IS FRIDAY 18TH MARCH 2016

Full Page £405 (£135 per advert)

No design fees if you don’t have your own artwork • Discounts on 3 month bookings • No VAT • Debit & credit cards can be taken in person or over the telephone.

Double Page £640 (£220 per advert)

Please note: Payment is due at the time of booking.

Back Page £570 (£190 per advert)

Contact Ritchie on 07963 635 568 or email us at ads@outandaboutmagazinenortheast.co.uk DISCLAIMER - Whilst we take every care to ensure accuracy in this magazine, we regret that we cannot accept responsibility for any incorrect information. All adverts are accepted in good faith as to their accuracy.

The copying of any material within this publication is strictly forbidden without the publishers consent.

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Wayne Tr w

Kimberley Leach & Stacey Simpson

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PILATES & FITNESS COACH We and fit madebespoke to measure Widesupply range of hand-made, blinds made toshutters, measure. awnings, bespoke blinds, curtains, and poles.

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Let us take care of your furry family on those occasions when you are unable to.

• Dog walking • Pet sitting & home visits for any animals • Home boarding in our large home with all comforts & secure garden • Licenced by Durham Council • Pet taxi (vet visits and groomers) • Canine first aid trained Visit www.wagandwalks.co.uk for current prices or check our Facebook page. Call Cath on 07733 114 689 or email wagandwalks@yahoo.co.uk

DL14 and DL15 postcodes for walks and home visits, other areas considered.

Baker

Accountants Accountants & Tax advisers for individuals & business providing: BUSINESS START-UPS, BOOKKEEPING, PAYROLL, VAT, SELF ASSESSMENT, CORPORATION TAX, CIS Tel: 01388 664 505 Mob: 07590 453 493 Email: lisa@baker-accountancy.co.uk 6

Does your community centre a pilates, fitness or small group training sessions?

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or email russturner40@gmail.com

The Pooch Parlour Dog & Cat Grooming Salon City & Guilds Trained Groomer Bath Only to Full Groom Hand Stripping Available & Microchipping Scissoring • De-matting • Nail Clipping In stock Frontline, Drontal & James Wellbeloved dog food.

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Jack Clegram Horticultural Engineer Unit 3A, Tow Law Industrial Estate, Dans Castle, Tow Law, Co. Durham DL13 4BB

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Sales, service, repairs and spares for all makes of lawnmowers.

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Did Robin Hood Live in Crook?

Story by Aaron Cowen

When I was young and watching an old film called “Sword of Sherwood”, my Nana told me how the leading actor Richard Greene was supposedly born in Crook.

Many locals have also claimed to be a distant cousin of the famed Hollywood Actor.

So where is the evidence?

The Legend of Robin Hood, or should we say Richard Greene still lives on today with many of the older folk, who will claim that he used to Lodge in a house near to the old Royal Theatre.

Richard Greene was born Richard Marius Joseph Greene on 25th August 1918 in Plymouth, Devon. He was the son of Richard Abraham Greene and Kathleen Marie Josephine Davidson. His parents were both in the acting profession and his mother went by the name of Kathleen Gerrard. His father died on 15th February 1921 when our Robin Hood character was only 2 and half years old. Richard junior was then said to have been brought up by his mother and Aunt Nina (also an actress). The Greene family originated from Hampshire.

Closer inspection of Richard’s birth certificate however shows that Richard was in fact born on the 25th August 1918 in Plymouth, Devon.

So the first part of our Crook Legend is false.

So why do so many Crook people link Richard Greene to the town?

A relation of mine, William Enoch Hodges married a lady called Laura Gibbons a pantomime actress who would have stood on the stage at Crooks Theatre Royal. She went by the pseudonym of Billie Gibbons and worked alongside another actor/comedienne by the name of Tom E Bradley but an accident on stage caused her to lose her leg, and she would act no more.

It is possible that somehow Billie may have known Richard. Billie and Tom were active in the 1930’s and 1940’s and around that time a Mr and Mrs Spoors ran the theatre. Having spoken to another Crook Historian Michael Manuel it was claimed that Mr and Mrs Spoors was somehow related to the Greene family and that they used to put actors and actresses up in their home next door. One of these actors may have been the famous Richard Greene.

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Richards’s mother, Kathleen Davidson was born in 1894 and Nina Davidson was born in 1895 both in Scarborough and was the only daughters of William Wallace Davidson and Agnes Bramhall.

William Wallace Davidson who went by his middle name was born on 21st November 1864 at Marlborough Street, Seaham Harbour and was the son of William and Agnes Davidson.

Wallace’s father was a tailor and the young man tried to follow in his father’s footsteps but unfortunately did not take to the job. So by 1891 he had moved to Barrow-in-Furness and became an actor but had very little success at this profession.

So in 1897 Wallace had become the Lessee and manager of the locally famous Eden Theatre in Bishop Auckland which was owned

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at that time by Arthur Jefferson the father of Stan Laurel.

Mr Jefferson owned a number of theatres and one of them included the Theatre Royal in Crook, which once stood opposite the Coach and Horses in Addison Street, now a council car park.

By 1901 Wallace Davidson was living in... wait for it... ...Lister Terrace, in Crook. He was working as the Resident and Touring Theatrical Manager of the Theatre Royal in Crook. Wallace probably took over the Theatre about a year earlier. His two daughters Kathleen and Nina were living there at the time.

He took ownership of the theatre in Crook and in December of 1905 decided to put the theatre up for let for a number of years.

Wallace then moved to Bristol. Evidence suggests that Wallace remained linked to Crook until at least 1925.

Wallace died in 1938 in Bristol. By this time Richard Greene was just starting out as an actor having completed his studying at Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School, Kensington, London between 1928 and 1936.

If Wallace still owned the theatre in Crook until his death, he may have passed the theatre onto a relative or business connection.

I have been unable to directly connect the Spoors Family with the Davidson Family however I did confirm that there was a family called Spoors in Seaham Harbour which suggests a link if possible.

So did Richard Greene stay in Crook?

I will let you decide.

Aaron is 34 years old, works as an Architectural Technologist and is a keen amatuer historian, he is also Chairman of the Empire Electric Palace group.

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Andrew’s Auto Centre

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UNIT 1B DURHAM ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WOLSINGHAM, DL13 3JW

WHAT SERVICES CAN WE PROVIDE TO YOU?

County Durham’s Plastering and coloured Rendering specialists.

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• Timing Belt Replacement • Exhausts, Clutches and Brakes • MOT

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Guest House & Restuarant in the heart of Hunwick Our restaurant opened its doors in September 2003. After an extensive refurbishment and extension in 2007 that created 75 covers over two dining areas. We also have 4 luxurious guest rooms where our aim is to provide a comfortable, welcoming place for you to enjoy with the addition of a delicious homemade breakfast.

We cater for Christenings, Birthdays, Wedding receptions and all functions.

Please call us on 01388 608 336 to discuss your next event.

TELEPHONE 01388 608 336 LOCATION 1 Helmington Square, Hunwick, Crook DL15 OLG OPENING HOURS Monday Closed Tues 12pm-2pm & 5.30pm-9pm Wed 12pm-2pm & 5.30pm-9pm Thurs 12pm-2pm & 5.30pm-9pm Fri 12pm-2pm & 5.30pm-11pm Sat 12pm-2pm & 6pm-11pm Sun 12pm-4pm

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OFSTED REGISTERED CHILDMINDER

Annmarie’s Childminding Based in Tow Law • Spaces available School pick up and drop off

07445 289 457

Stanley Crook Community Centre Tuesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm Newhouse Club Esh Winning Wednesday and Thursday 6.00pm - 7.00pm Zumba and Zumba Gold All ages, genders and abilities welcome

Call Diane for details 07531 043 078

Party Perfect NorthEast Easter Celebration

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More dates to be announced please keep visiting our Facebook page for more information.

Join us for a fun filled afternoon of: Games and prizes, face painting, glitter tattoos, sweet cart, popcorn, Easter crafts, special guests, Easter egg hunt, disco, party favours to take home, lunch for the kids is included and even a cuppa and a cake for the grown ups!

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Full heating installation Repair & maintenace Bathroom design & installation Gas servicing & landlord certificates 07833 395 852 or 01388 764 317

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Years gone by...

We want your old pictures!!

Send us your old photos of places & people from years gone by and we will publish them.

Email them to: ads@outandaboutmagazinenortheast.co.uk

Bobby Craggs & Albie Spence relax outside a Blackpool guest house.

Willington carnival in 1928.

A photo sent in by reader Tiffany Morton of her Grandad John Morton in the Sunniside football team picture.

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Construction, Landscaping, General DIY, Household Tools & Appliances available for hire.

07809 280 818 or 07972 810 359 7 Howe Terrace, Crook, DL15 9BN

Cutz 4 Fellas - Established barber shop providing traditional & modern haircuts 59 Hope Street, Crook • No appointment needed We are now offering a new service to old and new clients, a traditional luxury hot towel wet shave.

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“The Science of Living” Learn the art of well being & success through positive energy.

Saturday Club 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month 9:00am till 4:00pm at various Satellite Venues in Crook, County Durham.

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Diane’s Child Minding Service • Ofsted Registered •

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The Midas Touch Out & About Magazine grabbed a couple of minutes with Willington man and CEO of Team Midas, Dean ‘Midas’ Maynard, who promotes some of the country’s most talented singers, bands and performers.

What do Team Midas do?

I established Team Midas to Talent Spot, PR & Promote some of the North East and UK’s most talented singers. As a result of this, I have promoted the X Factor 2014 (Ben Haenow) & 2015 (Louisa Johnson) Winners and the Voice 2015 1st (Stevie McCrorie) and 2nd (Lucy O’Byrne).

Working with Louisa Johnson was also a very big highlight.

How did you get into this?

It all started in 2006 when we picked out Leona Lewis from her first audition, she went on to win and it all started from there. We also championed One Direction, long before their huge fame. Now after a successful couple of years, acts are now approaching us on a regular basis. We are currently working with a host of great talent, Lydia Lucy, Cody Frost, Chloe Castro (The Voice 2016), NE Girls (our new girl band) and many more.

I also host a radio show on www.artistcontrolledradio.co.uk What do Team Midas hope to achieve in the future?

I want to continue to help really good singers, get the chance to shine in the public eye. I also want to keep winning the shows, I never lose the desire to want to win.

What is your greatest achievement to date?

It has to be One Direction in 2010. When I started to champion them many people in the industry challenged this decision, saying I had got it wrong. Comments being that the lads would be “no higher than sixth and would be finished in a year...” How wrong they were.

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Where do you go to spot talent and what do you look for?

I get tipped off a lot about local talent, then try to find out more about them. My goal is to get a singer from our area and win one of the shows. In terms of the singers, Talent and likeability are two very obvious answers but you are potentially going to spend a lot of time, with the acts and you have to get on. It is not all drinking champagne and VIP dinners, the real truth, is that it is hard work, very hard work.

Do you have your eye on any acts at the moment?

I really like Meghan Nicholson from Crook, who you featured in February’s edition. I think she has a very rosy future indeed.

Don’t forget to quote Out & About Magazine when responding to adverts.

Where do you see yourself and Team Midas in the next 5 years?

I would love to be a judge on one of the big shows.

I honestly think (and I am not being arrogant) I could help find them, the next big thing. My record speaks for itself.

Everyone reading this wants to know have you met Simon Cowell?

Yes, I have, we even shook hands and had a brief chat. Quite scarily, he now follows me on Twitter. I have so much respect for Simon and I have a lot to thank him for, without his shows, I certainly wouldn’t be running Team Midas How can people follow what you are up to?

You can visit my website Team-Midas.com or follow me on Twitter via @Team_Midas

WIN A SIGNED PHOTO OF X FACTOR WINNER LOUISA JOHNSON To be in with a chance of winning a signed picture of Louisa Johnson simply like the Out & About Facebook page, share it, then answer this question. In what year did Louise Johnson win the X Factor?

A. 2015 B. 2014 C. 2013 Inbox our Facebook page or email your answer to: ads@outandaboutmagazinenortheast.co.uk

Do you want to feature in the next edition of Out & About magazine?

Then simply email me at ads@outandaboutmagazinenortheast.co.uk Don’t forget to quote Out & About Magazine when responding to adverts.

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Local Football Fixtures Tow Law Town AFC The Addison Chartered Surveyors Stadium, Ironworks Road, Tow Law, County Durham, DL13 4EQ Tel: 01388 731 433 Tuesday 1st March 2016 (A) Ryhope CW Northern League Division 2

Saturday 12th March 2016 (H) Chester-Le-Street Northern League Division 2

Saturday 26th March 2016 (H) Esh Winning Northern League Division 2

Saturday 5th March 2016 (A) Team Northumbria Northern League Division 2

Tuesday 15th March 2016 (A) Whickham Northern League Division 2

Tuesday 29th March 2016 (A) Darlington RA Northern League Division 2

Tuesday 8th March 2016 (H) Easington Colliery Northern League Division 2

Saturday 19th March 2016 (A) Ryton & Crawcrook Albion Northern League Division 2

Saturday 2nd April 2016 (H) Thornaby Northern League Division 2

Crook Town AFC The Sir Tom Cowie Millfield Ground, West Road, Crook, County Durham, DL15 9PW Tel: 01388 762 959 Wednesday 2nd March 2016 (A) Northallerton Town Northern League Division 2

Saturday 12th March 2016 (H) Brandon United Northern League Division 2

Tuesday 22nd March 2016 (A) South Shields Northern League Division 2

Saturday 5th March 2016 (A) Stokesley Sports Club Northern League Division 2

Wednesday 16th March 2016 (H) Thornaby Northern League Division 2

Saturday 26th March 2016 (H) Chester-Le-Street Northern League Division 2

Wednesday 9th March 2016 (H) Darlington RA Northern League Division 2

Saturday 19th March 2016 (A) Team Northumbria Northern League Division 2

Wednesday 30th March 2016 (H) Easington Colliery Northern League Division 2

Willington AFC Hall Lane, Willington, County Durham, DL15 0QG Tel: 01388 745 912

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Wednesday 2nd March 2016 (H) Darlington RA Northern League Division 2

Saturday 12th March 2016 (H) Billingham Synthonia Northern League Division 2

Tuesday 29th March 2016 (A) Chester-Le-Street Northern League Division 2

Saturday 5th March 2016 (A) Alnwick Town Northern League Division 2

Saturday 19th March 2016 (A) Whickham Northern League Division 2

Saturday 2nd April 2016 (A) Birtley Town Northern League Division 2

Wednesday 9th March 2016 (H) Team Northumbria Northern League Division 2

Saturday 26th March 2016 (H) Northallerton Town Northern League Division 2

Saturday 9th April 2016 (A) Ryhope CW Northern League Division 2

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01388 765264

07852 731797

Taxis We cover Crook, Willington, Tow Law, Wolsingham, Howden & all surrounding areas.

• Local door to door service • Nightlife • 24/7 service (subject to booking) • Low fixed pricing for regular school runs • 4, 6, & 8 seaters available • Professional & reliable service everytime Airport transfers to & from ALL UK airports www.djstaxis.com

djstaxis.co.uk

Weddings With distinction Packages from only

By Ritchie Coatsworth Photography

ÂŁ349

Get ÂŁ50 OFF any bronze, silver or gold package with this advert.

www.weddingswithdistinction.co.uk Telephone: 07963 635 568 Email: hello@weddingswithdistinction.co.uk www.facebook.com/ritchiecoatsworthphotography

Win 2 tickets to CrookFest 2016 To be in with a chance of winning 2 tickets to CrookFest 2016 answer this simple question.

Which local Northern League football team hosts CrookFest every year. Is it...

A. Tow Law Town AFC B. Crook Town AFC C. Willington AFC Email your answer to: ads@outandaboutmagazinenortheast.co.uk

outandaboutmagazinenortheast

1000 double sided matt laminated business cards designed & printed for only £65

Natural High Performing Arts Group!

• Natural High is open to young people from year 3 (age 7) upwards.

• We specialise in performing arts - singing, dancing and acting. We also offer guitar lessons.

We can design and print everything that you need to kick start your business.

• Leaflets • Flyers • Letterheads • Business Cards • Brochures • Pullup Banners • PVC Banners • Vehicle Signage • Data driven HTML email campaigns

• Come along to one of our Friday night sessions if you are interested or ring our leader, Maureen on 07811 166 763.

We meet at St. Andrew’s Church, Dawson Street, Crook, County Durham DL15 8NH

Call us today to discuss your requirements on 07963 635 568 or alternatively email us at ads@outandaboutmagazinenortheast.co.uk

outandaboutmagazinenortheast

Friday nights 6pm - 8pm during term times.

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Established in 1986

Hardy’s Funeral Service Crook 01388 765 069 • Willington 01388 747 747 • Durham 0191 377 8065

Serving the local community with respect and dignity for over 30 years.

Willington Office: 116 Commercial Street, Willington, County Durham DL15 0AA Crook Office: 1 Belle Vue, Crook, County Durham, DL15 9PB www.hardysfunerals.co.uk