March 2015 - Darlington Together

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:16 Page 1

Welcome to this month’s magazine for Darlington Borough

Welcome to the March edition of Darlington Together

With the days getting longer, brighter and warmer, Spring is in the air in Darlington, and there’s lots taking place in the town.

Whether you’re interested in sports, shopping, theatre or music, there’s bound to be something taking place to suit you.

Visit pages 29 to 31 for more information about what’s on or go to www.darlington.gov.uk/events, where you can sign up for events emails.

MARCH

It was National Libraries Day on Saturday 7 February and to celebrate, the Darlington Stitch Bombers made a welcome return to Crown Street Library.

They created knitted book covers, bunting and food as well as a special disguise for the bust of Edward Pease! If you’re in the town centre, why not go along and check them out?

partnership between several organisations across Darlington. The winners will be announced later on in the month, and I’ll definitely be keeping my fingers crossed!

You can find out more about the teams on page three.

Finally, I’d like to take the opportunity to wish you all an enjoyable and relaxing Easter break. Don't forget that your refuse and recycling day will stay the same over the holidays.Visit www.darlington.gov.uk/rwc for more information.

Cllr Bill Dixon MBE (@billdixondton) Leader of the Council

Congratulations are in order for two of our Council’s teams who have been shortlisted for the Local Government Chronicle Awards – the Family Placement Service (team of the year) and the Good Friends Scheme (Health and Social Care), which is a

MP’s surgeries

Jenny Chapman: Jenny Chapman will be holding Surgeries in community venues on Friday 13 and 27 March 2015 between 9.30 and 11.00am. Please phone the Constituency Office 01325 382345 for details.

Phil Wilson: MP for Sedgefield. The office is open between Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 5pm. Appointments can be arranged by calling 01325 321603 or e-mail phil.wilson.mp@parliament.uk

Darlington Borough Council | 17

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:16 Page 2

NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN

Keep on running!

The Darlington 10km has been awarded the GOLD grade by the British Association of Road Races (BARR).

This means the race has an exceptionally high standard of race organisation and commitment to runners.

The race takes place on Sunday 9 August – more information will be available soon.

Celebrate World Book day

World Book Day is on Thursday 5 March and Darlington libraries are celebrating with a week of activities, including storytelling, library tours and displays.

Visit pages 30-31 to find out more or visit www.darlington.gov.uk/events

Say YES to education and employment Do you know someone aged 14-19 who is interested in college, training or work and wants to talk about their options?

The YES project can provide life skills training, learning packages and one-to-one support.

Visit www.darlington.gov.uk/yes to find out more, or call 01325 388825 or 01325 388805.

Double shortlisting success for Darlington at the LGC awards

Darlington has been shortlisted for two prestigious Local Government Chronicle Awards. Darlington Borough Council’s Family Placement Service has been shortlisted for ‘team of the year’, and the Darlington Partnership ‘Good Friends’ scheme has been shortlisted in the Health and Social Care category.

The winners will be announced on Wednesday 11 March 2015. More information about the awards can be found on page 3.

Train to become a restorative justice practitioner

Would you like to train for a new career in restorative justice? Would you like to gain the skills and confidence to handle conflict more effectively?

As one of the UK’s top providers of restorative justice training, our Neighbourhood Resolution team offers you the chance to achieve a recognised qualification, and to work towards becoming a fully accredited practitioner.

A 90% subsidy towards the cost of training will be offered to successful applicants. For a free information pack, call 01325 406771 or email nradmin@darlington.gov.uk

18 | www.darlington.gov.uk

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:16 Page 3

IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF

Refuse and recycling Say Hallo to the Mülheim collections over Mandolin Orchestra Easter – no changes! Mülheim Mandolin Orchestra will perform two concerts

There will be no changes to refuse and recycling collections over the Easter holidays – your day will stay the same, even if your refuse/recycling is due to be collected on Good Friday.

The only holiday were your date will change is Christmas and New Year.

For a reminder of your refuse/recycling day, as well as what you can and can’t recycle – visit www.darlington.gov.uk/rwc

in Darlington – one at Carmel College on Tuesday 31 March and other at the Dolphin Centre on Thursday 2 April. Both concerts are at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £6 each or £10 for both concerts and can be bought from the Dolphin Centre, Carmel College or Tom Nutt: Thomas.nutt@darlington.gov.uk.

Mülheim is twinned with Darlington and the concerts have been organised by Darlington Town Twinning and International Association.

Remember: if you need an additional recycling box or bin, we’re more than happy to deliver one to you. Email us at customerservices@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 388777.

CONTACT US - NEW CONTACT NUMBERS

Our numbers are changing this month – here we have provided our existing numbers and our new numbers.

www.darlington.gov.uk

customerservices@darlington.gov.uk

Did you know we’re also on social media?

Follow us on Twitter (@darlingtonbc) and give us a ‘like’ on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ darlingtonboroughcouncil)

STREET SCENE www.darlington.gov.uk/streetscene Tel (01325) 388777 – New number 01325 405111

COUNCIL TAX www.darlington.gov.uk/counciltax Tel (01325) 388373 – New number 01325 405555

HOUSING BENEFIT AND COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT www.darlington.gov.uk/benefits Tel (01325) 388514 – New number 01325 405444

HOUSING AND REPAIRS www.darlington.gov.uk/housing Tel (01325) 388542 – New number 01325 405333

HIGHWAYS,TRANSPORT, PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH www.darlington.gov.uk Tel (01325) 388799 – New number 01325 405222

Darlington Borough Council | 19

Don’t be a lost vote!

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:16 Page 4

With the elections coming up in May this year, it is very important to make sure that you are registered to vote.

If you are not registered, you won’t be able to have your say about local and national politics.

If you are not registered to vote, you have until Monday 20 April to register.

Did you know?

96% of people over 65 are registered to vote, but only 56% of people under 24 are registered to vote. (source: Bite the Ballot)

How do I find out if I’m registered to vote?

You can call 01325 388351 to see if you are on the electoral register.

Did you know?

You don’t need a reason to have a postal vote – as long as you are registered to vote, you can vote by post.

Visit www.darlington.gov.uk/postalvote for more information or call 01325 388351.You have until Tuesday 21 April to register for a postal vote.

How do I register to vote?

If you are not on the electoral register, you can register online. It only takes five minutes, all you need to have to hand is your National Insurance number.

Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register online.

If you do not have access to the internet, call 01325 388351 and we will send a form out to you.

Did you know?

78% of people in Darlington who were eligible to vote voted in the 2010 general election.

This was higher than the national average of 65%!

There will be more information about the May elections in the April edition of Darlington Together – including details about changes to wards, how to find out who is standing in your area and how to get involved.

In the meantime, visit our website for more information – www.darlington.gov.uk/election (or scan the QR code)

20 | www.darlington.gov.uk

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:16 Page 5

Spotlight On

A different kind of Fostering

Sometimes new parents need a bit of extra help to care for their children. One option is for the new family to go into a supportive home environment together, while they find their feet.

Fostering a young family can be the best way to make sure they stay together and is quite different to fostering a child; it is both a supportive and caring role and tends to be quite short term.

We spoke to one of Darlington’s Secret Superheroes Amy* who provided a parent and child placement for a young mother and her child, she said:

“Having done quite a bit of fostering before my parent and child placement, it was a new experience for me.

At first my natural instinct was to go in and pick up the child, but through the placement the mother and I learnt together and I stepped back and encouraged her.

“It was challenging, but as we went on and got to know each other better, I felt that I was really able to help and to pass on some skills I’d learnt over the years.The placement was 10 weeks, and it’s great to think I helped a young mother to care for her child. I know that she will have continued to be a great mother.”

*names have been changed to protect identity

Parent and child placements can be very rewarding and are recommended for people with good communication skills. The family placement service will ensure that placements are right for you and your family as well as providing additional training for the parent and child placement.

If you think that you could pass on your parenting skills and provide a safe, supportive and caring environment for both a parent and their child visit: www.darlington.gov.uk/fostering or contact the Family Placement Service on 01325 388077 fostering@darlington.gov.uk

Darlington Borough Council | 21

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:16 Page 6

Everyone Spring into ac

As the good weather continues and the days get longer it’s great to get up and get out and about. Whether you prefer to take a walk in the park, enjoy a cycle ride, a casual swim, work out in the gym, take up a new sport or join in a fitness class… there really is a form of exercise for everyone. Take time to invest in your future health and spring into action this springtime.

It doesn’t have to cost a packet to stay fit and healthy. If you like to visit a gym and attend classes – check if you qualify for the Healthy Darlington ‘Everyone card’, which offers up to 25% off some facilities in the Dolphin Centre and Eastbourne Sports complex.

New mums may qualify for the Everyone card

Natalie with baby Edward

Natalie, 30 year old mum of two, is an avid supporter of the Everyone card for new mums.

Everyone Card Senior Members: Alan Potts, David Potts, Colin Bowman

Alan Potts, David Potts and Colin Bowman, all in their 70s, have been exercising twice a week for over six years and enjoy 25% off the gym facilities with their Healthy Darlington Everyone card.

Alan said: “The card provides great value with 25% discount on facilities which has enabled me to afford to exercise and commit to a healthier lifestyle. I am now active and fit, plus, I’ve made some great friends here over the years.”

David said: “Visiting the gym keeps me feeling young and my mind active. I look forward to coming each week and wouldn’t have been able to afford to do it without the discount.”

Colin added: “The card has enabled us all to attend the gym and maintain our health and fitness.”

“It’s great to know there is support and expertise in the Dolphin Centre. The card helps new mums to access activities during and following pregnancy – when some mums have less money than usual. I’ll be letting all my friends know about this fantastic service and shall definitely be signing up for the Everyone card.”

Student Membership

Student Members Ryan Foster and Bradley Fooks

Student Members Ryan Foster and Bradley Fooks are both able to visit the Dolphin Centre gym three times a week to improve their general fitness thanks to their Everyone card – without the discount they wouldn’t be able to afford it.

For more information and to check if you qualify pop into the Healthy Darlington Hub in the Dolphin Centre, call them on 01325 406411 or visit www.healthydarlington.co.uk

22 | www.darlington.gov.uk

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:16 Page 7

action... and move more It’s always great to hear that people have taken up a new sport or healthy hobby…

This month we meet Fred Iceton who started cycling as a result of information he read in an earlier edition of Darlington Together!

Move More S tar

“I read about the cycle rides in an early 2013

edition of Darlington Together and fancied having a go to challenge myself. I turned up at the first session, met Jane and Ian - the cycle leaders - and basically my love for cycling has grown from there.

“I still attend the cycle rides and record my

mileage after every ride. Since starting cycling in May 2013 I have covered 2,331 miles! The rides are determined by the group’s ability and we usually ride for about two hours. I really enjoy the cycle rides – not only do I feel fitter and healthier, I am getting out and about, taking in the beautiful scenery we have around us and am socialising with new friends.

“I would highly recommend the cycle rides to

Move More S tar - Fred Iceton

everyone!”

Cycle rides

The cycle rides are based on the ability of the group and the focus is more the time spent on your bike than the distance covered. Typically a cycle ride would cover 12-16 miles on a two hour ride. The groups are usually made up of around six cyclists; however there is a maximum capacity of 12.

The cycle rides cost £4 per ride and take place every Sunday and Thursday, 10am – noon from South Park Lakeside Lodge.

Back on your bike

If you are new to cycling or are getting back on your bike after a break why not pop along to a ‘Back on your Bike’ session – which aims help build confidence to get you cycling again. You don’t even need a bike – bikes and helmets can be provided if you need them.

To book a place on a Back on your Bike session or for more information on the cycle rides contact the Move More team: movemore@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 254370

Darlington Borough Council | 23

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:40 Page 8

Using your Household W Make the most of your trip to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) with our handy guide:

Household waste

What do you want to dispose of ?

Household waste is free to dispose of !

• Paving slabs and roof tiles

• Brick rubble

• Ceramic tiles

• Sinks, baths and toilets

On foot

What will you be arriving in?

My own waste but not household waste

What’s NOT household waste?

• Tyres

My car (under 6ft tall due to height restriction barrier)

My commercial vehicle or tall car (over 6ft tall) If you are doing any building or landscaping work on your house or garden the waste you produce will not be classed as household waste BUT you can still dispose of it at the HWRC via the pay as you throw scheme.

• Plasterboard waste

• Soil and landscaping (general garden waste like grass clippings is OK)

• Asbestos

Commercial Waste

You cannot dispose of business or commercial waste at the HWRC, you will need to make other arrangements.You can find more information on our website.

24 | www.darlington.gov.uk

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:35 Page 9

Waste Recycling Centre Nice and simple.You can come and tip between 8am and 6pm every day

What happens to my waste?

You cannot enter the HWRC on foot for safety reasons.

How do I use the pay as you throw system?

Just go to the HWRC as usual, stop at the cabin on your right and pay for the disposal of your waste at the meter.You can then give your ticket to a member of staff who can guide you to where you need to go.

Its journey doesn’t end at the HWRC! There are lots of places it could end up.

Your tyre could end up as a hand bag

Your glass bottle could be used as a road surface Your can could end up as a new can!

If your car is over 6ft tall or you want to use your commercial vehicle to bring your own household waste you will need a free permit. Call the council on 01325 388777.

With a permit you can access the site Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am till 2pm and Saturday 8am till noon.

Did you know?

We will charge you £16.10 for the removal of up to 6 bulky items. If it’s furniture or working electrical goods you want to get rid of you can donate it to one of three schemes that will collect for free. For items such as sofas ensure there is a fire label.

Contact Frade on 01325 357379 or Kings Church on 01325 469884

Darlington Borough Council | 25

All change for

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:17 Page 10

We’ve all heard the saying “prevention is better than the cure”, and when it comes to providing health and care services in Darlington, that’s exactly what is happening to help people live longer healthier lives. The more we do to prevent illness and ill health – the less we need to do around treatment and the better that is for everyone.

Darlington Borough Council, Darlington Clinical Commissioning Group and other health service partners are investing in the kind of services that will help people do just that.

A Good Friend

Loneliness and isolation can have a big impact on health – in Darlington, the Good Friends programme is recruiting 1,000 volunteers to support more than 1,500 older people to help them stay in their own homes - doing simple things like helping around the house or popping in for a cuppa and a chat – little things that can make a big difference.

Doctor’s orders

If you’re at risk of a fall or other condition that could result in an unplanned stay in hospital, your GP will be putting support and plans in place to reduce that risk, helping you stay at home and stay independent for longer.

Caring for carers

From next month, if you care for a relative, a friend or a neighbour but don’t get paid, Darlington Borough Council is putting plans in place for you to have a carers assessment that could help you to get help and support to carry on caring.

26 | www.darlington.gov.uk

Community Matrons and District Nurses have started working with some of our local nursing and care homes to help reduce the number of residents who have to be admitted to hospital. Their work, everything from giving advice and reassurance to staff, through to monitoring health concerns, has already reduced the number of hospital admissions from care homes by 30% since the scheme started in October 2014.

r better health dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:17 Page 11

Stress

The stresses and strains of everyday life can also have an impact on our health. But not eating the right kind of food, not taking enough exercise and over indulging in alcohol and cigarettes can make things worse.

Cutting down even a little bit on these habits could have a big impact on your health as well as your finances!

Legislation, such as plain packaging on cigarettes, restricting where alcohol can be sold and planning restrictions on where take-aways can be situated will have a positive impact on people’s health - but the choices we make as individuals can affect our long term health and well-being. And that’s where the Healthy Hub in Darlington’s Dolphin Centre can help – providing help to everyone who lives or works in Darlington with advice and support to eat well, move more and live longer.

We all have a part to play in reducing the cost and distress caused by ill health. The earlier we can spot signs of disease the easier it is treat or control; preventing diseases that reduce the quality and length of our lives is even better. Darlington Borough Council and the NHS are investing heavily in measures to prevent diseases in the first place – but it’s what each person can do for themselves that will make the biggest difference.

Watch out for new campaigns on reducing the risk of diabetes and workplace health and wellbeing – together we can make a difference.

Darlington Borough Council | 27

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:17 Page 12

If you’re behind on your energy bills, don’t suffer in silence

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills and are falling behind on your payments – contact your energy provider as soon as possible.

Your energy provider will be able to set up a repayment plan which means you don’t have to pay a large lumpsum or switch to a prepayment meter.

If you are already on a prepayment plan but can’t manage the payments, contact your provider to renegotiate a more affordable rate.

If you have a prepayment meter, any credit you add will go partly towards the energy you use and partly towards your existing debt. When repaying through a prepayment meter make sure you can afford the rate that the debt is recovered at.

Were you in credit when you switched energy suppliers?

Have you switched energy suppliers? Were you in credit when you switched?

You may be able to claim a refund.

According to myenergycredit.com the average credit balance for those owed money is £50.

It doesn’t matter how much time has passed since the switch took place – legitimate claims will always be refunded.

If you think you are owed money contact your old supplier or visit www.myenergycredit.com

28 | www.darlington.gov.uk

Are you entitled to a free gas boiler?

Did you know an inefficient gas boiler wastes up to £305 a year?*

Even though the weather is warming up, it’s not too late to think about renewing your gas boiler and saving money on your bills.

We are working with British Gas and other local authorities in the North East on the Warm Up North Scheme (WUN).

Through the scheme you may qualify for a free or subsidised gas boiler as well as cavity wall insulation.

You don’t need to be a British Gas customer or own your own home to qualify. However – you must qualify through the benefits you receive and your gas boiler rating.

Do you qualify?

Do you receive one or more of the following benefits?

• Child Tax Credit**

• Working Tax Credit** as well as Disabled Worker Premium

• Working Tax Credit** and have parental responsibility • State Pension Credit

• Income Support and either Pensioner Premium or Disability Premium

• Income Support and you have parental responsibility • Income based Job seeker’s Allowance

Does your gas boiler qualify

To qualify, your current gas boiler needs to be inefficient. WUN can check this for you - simply give them a call with the make and model of your gas boiler.

If you are a private landlord and your tenant qualifies, you may also be able to receive a free or subsidised gas boiler.

If you think you may be entitled to a free or subsidised gas boiler, call WUN free*** on 0800 316 4320, email info@warmupnorth.com or visit www.warmupnorth.com/freeboiler

Stay up to date with WUN by following @warmupnorth on Twitter and liking www.facebook.com/warmupnorth

* source: Energy Savings Trust

** and have an income less than £15,860 per year, not including benefits

*** Free from BT landlines. Costs from other service providers and mobiles may vary

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:17 Page 13

Five great reasons not to miss the Jabberwocky Market festival

The Jabberwocky Market makes a welcome return to Darlington between Thursday 26 and Sunday 29 March – offering exciting theatre in unique venues across the town.

Jabberwocky blogger Hannah Harmon has written five great reasons why you shouldn’t miss the festival.

1. Darlington is one of only six towns chosen to be part of the Collaborative Touring Network which brings theatre to places which may not otherwise experience it.

Jabberwocky Market makes the most of unique venues around the town and celebrates community hubs by using them as a backdrop to exciting new theatre.

2. We're committed to providing fun for all the family, and we’ve kept up that tradition this year with The Adventure, an interactive mystery story for families and children aged 8 -11. Lorraine and Alan is a coming of age tale with live music and Gloriator appeals to adults as well as older children.

Hannah Harmon

3. Great entertainment that won’t break the bank, Jabberwocky Market has something to suit every budget: our most expensive ticket costs just £9, cheaper than a 3D cinema ticket and you get to experience a live performance in the flesh! For the first time, we now have a festival passwhich includes entry to all our performances (excluding selected workshops), offering great value for money!

4. Our popular Scratch night takes its place once again at the Quaker Meeting House and Festival Bar at Voodoo Cafe this unique event offers an opportunity to experience several work-in-progress shows and is a great informal introduction to the festival, and makes for a really different, fun night out.

Gloriator

5. At Jabberwocky Market, we pride ourselves on the vibrancy of our festival line-up, and this season we not only have some great performances, but also a range of theatre related events; 'Why do we tour?' panel discussion, Caribbean Sunday lunch, Chris Grady surgery workshops and the No. 47 project, which sees a vintage bus parked in the town centre, provoking memories of a time since forgotten.

For more information about the Jabberwocky Market visit www.jabberwockymarket.org.uk Turn over to pages 30 and 31 to find out more about what’s going on in Darlington over spring!

Darlington Borough Council | 29

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:17 Page 14

Springtime events in Dar Spring brings longer, brighter days and new beginnings. It’s time to get out and about and enjoy what’s on offer. In the next two pages we take a look at what’s going on in Darlington for you to join in and enjoy.

World Book Day Week long celebrations

Mon 2 - Fri 6 March Bookstart Rhymetime Sessions

Babies and children attending are invited to dress as their favourite book characters and free book vouchers will be given out all week to attendees. There will be an opportunity to exchange books – so bring along any you have read and no longer want and swop them for different ones.

Thurs 5 March

Staff at the libraries will be dressing as their favourite book character and children are invited to draw their own book character as part of a competition. Deefor Dragon will make special guest appearances in the libraries and throughout the town during the day. The mobile library will be positioned on Joseph Pease Place for people to pop in from 10.30am – 1pm.

Story teller Gary Cordingly will read children’s books to eager listeners in the Under the Sea soft play area in the Dolphin Centre at 10am, in the mobile library from 10.45am and in Crown Street library from 11.30am.

There will be a face painter at Joseph Pease Place from

11am – 1pm and in Crown Street Library from 1.15pm – 3pm.

All Day - Visit the Centre for Local Studies to discover some of our Darlington book treasures… find out about the history of Darlington and see how the town has changed through some of our older and more unusual book stock.

Fri 6 March

Crown Street Library tour 10.30am - booking essential call 01325 462034.

Sat 7 March

Face painter in Crown Street library – 10.30am – 2.30pm.

Flag creation craft session – 10.30am – 11.30am.

Last chance to enter the book character drawing competiton!

Forthcoming events Wed 1 April Crown Street Library

Animal Stories – 11am – noon - suitable for four to seven year olds. 1pm – 2pm – suitable for eight years plus.

£3 per child. Booking is essential - call 01325 349610.

30 | www.darlington.gov.uk

Easter events

Have a cracking time in Darlington this Easter!!

There’s lots going on including the ever-popular Easter Treasure Trail, circus skills, face painting and much more.

Easter special Sun 5 April, 10am - 4pm

Visit the Head of Steam Museum for an eggstraspecial Easter treat.

Activities include an egg hunt, face painting and arts and crafts. Cost £1 per person. Ages 5 and under and annual members go free. Tel: 01325 405060

Sunday People’s Market – Fri 3 April, 10am – 4pm. The Sunday People’s Market switches to Good Friday.

Easter Town Centre Treasure Trail – Fri 3 and Sat 4 April

Join in the Treasure Trail at Joseph Pease Place between 11am and 3pm. There’s a prize for all who complete the trail and the chance to win a giant chocolate egg.

Street entertainment

Watch out for circus skills and face painting at Joseph Pease Place on Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

Cornmill Shopping Centre Meet children’s TV favourites Ben & Holly on Easter Monday at selected times between 10am and 5pm.

Queen Street Shopping Centre

Easter egg tombola - from Sat 21 March - Sat 4 April - win an Easter egg and help to raise money for St Teresa’s Hospice.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Easter Sat - 4 April - 11am - 4pm delicious chocolate fun.

dres0172 BEST.qxp_DT MARCH 2015 13/02/2015 16:17 Page 15

arlington Dolphin Centre events

Sat 7 March. Doors open 6pm, 6.30pm start.Tidal Championship Wrestling.

Sat 14 March, 7.30pm Darlington Music Society Adelia Myslov (Violin) Craug White (Piano)

Sun 22 March, 3pm Darlington Piano Society Joseph Houston Sat 28 March, 7.30pm Darlington Choral Society – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

For ticket prices and to book visit www.healthydarlington.co.uk or call 01325 388410.

Thurs 19 March GOLD celebration event 1.30 to 3.30pm St Cuthbert’s Church Hall.

Are you 50 years old or over? Come along and have your chance to discuss the future of older people’s quality of life in Darlington over a cup of tea in an informal atmosphere.

Healthy Darlington Roadshows

Sun 8 March Free activity taster sessions The Dolphin Centre – 11am – 3pm

In celebration of International Women’s day and the ‘this girl can’ campaign there will be a host of free activities on offer to ladies in The Dolphin Centre. Visit the gym, take a free plunge in the pool and or have a go at some of the following activities: netball, dodge ball, football, rounders, badminton, tennis trampolining, taekwondo, strength and conditioning, spinning, swim fit, boxercise or squashercise. Limited crèche places will be available.

There will also be free mini health checks and information and advice on women’s health on offer in the Health Hub, located in Dolphin Centre reception area.

Wed 11 March No Smoking Day Joseph Pease Place – 11am – 2pm

Gary Gifford will be in Joseph Pease Place doing the DJ booth at the Healthy Darlington Hub stall to encourage people to quit smoking.

Tues 7 April World Health Day – Health Hub – 9am – 7pm

The Health Hub is offering free mini health checks - pop in for a weight, height, bmi and blood pressure check.

Sat 14 March Move More activities and advice Market Square – 11am – 2pm

Come along and have a go at some of the sporting activities and Easter Egg Hunt on offer from the Darlington Move More Team.

Activities include: basketball, table tennis, kettlebells, dance and trigolf to name a few.

Information on male health issues, such as obesity, physical activity, prostate cancer, diabetes, heart conditions will be available from The Hub, 10am – 4pm and the Market square 11am -2pm. Pop along for an informal, confidential chat.

parkrun

Sat 7, 14, 21, 28 March & 4,11,18, 25 April Bowling Green, South Park – 9am.

Organised timed, free 5km runs around South Park for beginners through to athletes. Start from the bowling green near the Clock Tower.

Darlington Borough Council | 31