One Darlington November 2018 by Darlington Borough Council

one

Darlington November 2018

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

Countdown to Christmas page 4-5

Dolphin Centre

Friday 7th Dec 2018

Saturday 8th Dec 2018

PINK TRIBUTE

TOM JONES TRIBUTE

A first for the Dolphin Centre! We showcase the unbelievable talent of Vicky Jackson as PINK. Includes a mixture of all of PINK’s hits over the years.

With his powerful voice MARTIN JARVIS was always compared with TOM JONES and endlessly asked to perform a “TOM” song. Martin has blended the new songs in with the timeless classics.

Friday 14th Dec 2018

Saturday 15th Dec 2018

80S NIGHT

REEM

Relive the HITS of the 80’s with this fantastic four piece band. Includes the best songs from Spandau Ballet, WHAM, Duran Duran, Human League and more!

A top four piece male party band with some of the most recent party hits from favourites such as Calvin Harris, One Republic and Michael Buble.

Tickets are priced at £32.50 per person and include a 3-course meal, complimentary drink on arrival and a disco in our marquee lined sports hall. Doors open at 7pm, meal served at 7.30pm. For further information, or to book your tickets, simply call the Dolphin Centre on 01325 406971.

Showing that cares Welcome to Darlington One Darlington I grew up in Darlington and I love coming back to visit and to perform at the amazing Hippodrome theatre. I have been very lucky in my career to perform all over the world on stage and screen and I have seen some amazing places but it is true that there is no place like home! I love Darlington – from the nightlife and thriving independent shops to the green spaces and friendly people – it is somewhere I am very proud to come from. It can be very easy to knock a town, especially when people are struggling, but I think it is so important that we focus on the positives and shout out about what is great about Darlington and the North East. There are lots of examples in this edition of One Darlington of the great things going on around the borough. Despite some recent knock backs, the town centre is fighting back and I would urge everyone to shop locally if they can. See pages 10, 16 and 17 for examples of how new and old businesses are pulling in the crowds and helping to ensure we continue to be a vibrant market town where people want to shop, eat and drink. Darlington has always been a great place for the arts and has an amazing community spirit. There are lots of amazing events taking place around the borough in the coming weeks – many of which are free and family friendly. So why not get out and enjoy some of the great things we have on our doorstep? See pages 19-21 for inspiration.

Zoe Birkett Panto queen

Inside this issue

I will be back in town for the pantomime, Aladdin, which runs from 8 December to 6 January and I am looking forward to spending Christmas with my family. Sadly, not everyone is facing a happy Christmas and so Darlington Cares and the Salvation Army have joined forces again to make sure every child in the town has at least one present to open on Christmas Day. It is such a worthwhile campaign and so easy for us all to buy one extra gift or food item – see page 9 and please do what you can.

4-5 A little festive magic ______________________________________

Finally I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Darlington a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and successful 2019.

9-40 Your Christmas council services 3 ______________________________________

2-13 Spotlight on our gritters 1 ______________________________________ 23 Don’t be a winter victim ______________________________________ 26 Cattle market on the move ______________________________________

One Darlington is published by One Darlington Partnership, Room 101, 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 7 January. If you do not receive a copy by 14 January, please call 406420.

www.onedarlington.org.uk

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Switch on to The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on and there’s lots going on in the town centre.

Santa will set up home in his grotto in the Cornmill Shopping Centre every weekend throughout December. Look out for live topiary trees and free face painting and balloon modelling on Saturday 1 December. Get crafty with Christmas decoration making on Saturday 8 and garland making on Saturday 15 (free but booking required). Don’t forget to take your Elfie Selfie on Saturday 22. See more at www.cornmillcentre.co.uk

The fun really starts with the Christmas lights switch on set to take place in the Market Square on Thursday 22 November 5-6.30pm A fun-filled event for all the family with entertainment and fireworks, hosted by TFM’s Steve and Karen. It also marks the start of late night shopping in the town centre. Seasonal treats and gift ideas will be on offer at the Christmas markets, which start on the afternoon of the Christmas lights switch on and run until Sunday 25 November. Street entertainment and live music will also be on offer to bring in the festive spirit. More festive market events will follow throughout December, find out more at the Darlington market Facebook page. School choirs will be singing in Queen Street Shopping Centre every day from 26–30 November in aid of St Teresa’s Hospice. The charity will be hosting its Christmas tombola in the centre from 1–15 December. Discover something new at the second Grange Road Christmas event, with festive late night shopping and entertainment on Thursday 29 November from 3-7pm. Look out for treats on the street and special offers.

hty r our naug Look out fo s he hides in elf a r the Christmas arlington fo as D d n u ro a venues f Christm 12 Days o o o rl a D e v o #L # LoveDarl e th it is V . n y from competitio e every da g a p k o o b tic Face win fantas to r e b m e e 8 De c town centr y b d te a n prizes do s. businesse

You can get your elf training at the elf academies taking place at Queen Street Shopping Centre every Saturday from 8-22 December. Enjoy the thrills and chills of winter with the first ever ice sculpture trail around the town on Saturday 8 December. An ice sculptor will be at work in the Market Square, with lots of other themed sculptures dotted around the town centre for you to discover. Entertainers will fill the town with fun and music to make it a fun day out for all the family. We’ve lots more planned for the town centre throughout the Christmas period – keep a look out for details of events and entertainment by following Darlington Borough Council and Events in Darlington on Facebook.

See pages 19-21 for full details of what’s going on around the borough, including more details of Christmas events.

We know last year’s Christmas tree wasn’t to ev er yone’s taste, so this ye ar we’re working ha rd to help make th e town centre sparkle. The focus this year is on makin g the tree look its best, an d the rest of the twin kly lights in the town centre will remain. All will be revealed at th e Christmas lights switch-on !

www.darlington.gov.uk

festive fun! FREE AFTER THREE

Free after three is back

You can park your car (or sleigh) in any council-run town centre car park (short and long stay) after 3pm any day from Thursday 22 November – in time for the lights switch on – until 2 January. Don’t forget our fantastic two hours free parking offer already underway in the council’s long-stay car parks – combine the two offers to park for free every day from 1pm in the run up to Christmas! Staying for longer? East Street car park (above Wilko) is £2 per day.

Small Business Saturday Darlington has lots of small businesses in the town centre selling a range of wonderful gift and craft ideas – perfect for Christmas shopping and also for relaxing with a coffee and cake in one of the many independent cafes and restaurants all over town. Independent businesses are what help to make Darlington a unique place to shop, eat and relax. Please show your support for them all year round and especially on Saturday 1 December – Small Business Saturday.

Quiet Hour

The excitement might be growing in the run up to Christmas but retailers and venues around the town centre will still be taking part in the Quiet Hour every Sunday between 10.3011.30am. Lights will be dimmed and music and noisy machinery will be switched off to help anyone with sensory issues shop in a calmer atmosphere. Supported by the Autism Society North East.

Win a Christmas markets hamper Win a festive treat from Darlington’s Indoor Market. Simply unravel the words below, complete the entry coupon and pop it into the entry box inside the Indoor Market before 12 December. The first correct entry drawn after the closing date will win a hamper of goodies. Unravel the following: S M A R T H I C S .......................................... F A T E S .................................. Name ................................................................................................................. Address .............................................................................................................. Postcode ....................... Daytime Telephone ...................................................... Have a happy, healthy Christmas from all of our town centre businesses #LoveDarlo

www.darlington.gov.uk

one Darlington

Blooming marvellous Wild flowers are providing a burst of colour for residents and visitors thanks to new planting around the borough. As well as brightening the streets and parks, the wildflowers provide a habitat for a range of insects and are vital in the pollination of many plants and crops. The meadow on the A68 roundabout has proven so popular that more planting on routes around the town is planned.

Meanwhile, the amazing floral efforts of businesses, community groups and volunteers throughout the town were celebrated at this year’s Northumbria in Bloom awards. With help from the council’s horticulture and Street Scene teams, the community worked hard to make sure the judges saw the very best of our town centre and other green spaces. Any business owners or volunteers who would like to get involved in next year’s Northumbria in Bloom competition should email marion.ogle@darlington.gov.uk

Winners Darlington – Silver Gilt – City Centre Middleton St George – Silver Gilt – Small Towns Middleton Hall Retirement Village, Middleton St George – Gold – Best Care/ Residential/Convalescent Home, Hospice or Day Centre Atisha Kadampa Buddhist Centre – Silver Gilt – Best Religious Establishment 12 Central, Middleton St George – Gold Hash Bar and Kitchen – Silver – Best Commercial Premises The Old Yard Tapas Bar – Gold – Best Pub/ Hotel Malcolm and Anne Short, Middleton St George – Gold – Best Private Garden

A flowering meadow near you! South Park (next to the showfield and on Lakeside) Rockwell (next to Haughton Road) Cocker Beck (along Staindrop Road) Baydale Beck (along Staindrop Road)

Fitzwillam Drive Beech wood Wylam Avenue

The Cocks Memorial Homes, Middleton St George – Gold – Best Residential Community The Allotment Association, Middleton St George – Gold – Best Allotments

Leach Grove

It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards:

A68 roundabout

War Memorial Project, Haughton Le Skerne – Level 3 Advancing

Ring road behind the Town Hall

Fryers Field Recreation Ground, Haughton Le Skerne – Level 3 Advancing

www.darlington.gov.uk

Television favourite Louie Spence is set to dazzle Darlington Hippodrome audiences this year as he takes to the stage for the venue’s traditional festive family pantomime, Aladdin. The star is playing the Spirit of the Ring in the family favourite Aladdin, performing alongside Zoe Birkett, Robin Askwith, Eric Potts and Liam Mellor. Louie shares his excitement about putting on his dancing tights again, and working with a brilliant cast.

Q&A with Louie Spence Spirit of the Ring in Aladdin

Is this your first time performing in Darlington? Yes, Aladdin will be my first time performing at Darlington Hippodrome! From the short time I have spent at the theatre, I can see that it is an absolutely gorgeous venue and I am looking forward so much to working through rehearsals and entertaining the crowds.

Are you excited to be working alongside the cast, including local girl Zoe Birkett? I’m really excited to be playing the Spirit of the Ring this year. This is my first time working with Zoe and I can’t wait to get started with rehearsals this month. It’s going to be such a laugh working alongside Robin, Eric and Liam too, as well as the rest of the company – I will ensure we all have an absolute hoot!

How does Aladdin compare to other pantos you’ve performed in? Over the years, I’ve done lots of different pantos including Peter Pan and Jack and the Beanstalk, but I think Aladdin is one of my favourites as who doesn’t want to rub a lamp and have a Genie pop out in front of you? It’s a great panto title and has something for everyone, and this year’s is going to be bigger than ever.

Why should people come to see Darlington’s panto over others? Because it’s got me in it! Seriously though, the cast we’ve got assembled is fantastic. It’s going to be full of music and dancing and a lot of laughs and apparently it’s already selling faster than any previous pantomime so everyone should book now or they’ll be missing out.

To book your tickets for Aladdin, visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

one Darlington

Fostering: the best gift you can give

Offering a safe, stable, protective environment for a baby, child or young person is one of the best gifts you can give. Foster care is needed in lots of different ways – from a few regular hours a week to long term short term placements; for babies, toddlers, young children, young people, siblings and parent and child placements. We have many foster carers, but always need more. Could you join our team of foster carers and help children grow, develop, find confidence and happiness? All our foster carers tell us fostering is such a rewarding job. By fostering with the council you’ll be helping local children and have access to support, advice, training or just a friendly face when you need one. All foster children and carers have their own social worker to ensure placements run smoothly. Foster carers receive allowances for children in their care and earn money for the work they do. Make this Christmas time the time you decided to change lives!

Find out more Come and meet some of our staff at an information meeting. They take place on the first Monday of every month at Central House Annexe, Gladstone Street, DL3 6JX between 6 and 7pm. There’s no need to book, simply drop in. Please check the website before travelling.

Upcoming dates include: • Monday 3 December 2018 • Monday 7 January 2019 • Monday 4 February 2019 • Monday 4 March 2019 • Monday 1 April 2019 If you can’t make a meeting but want to find out more or get in touch: Visit www.darlington.gov.uk/fostering Email fostering@darlington.gov.uk Call 406222 and choose option three.

www.darlington.gov.uk/fostering

s K i n g’ o d F h o Churc ve out ga Ba nk

6,475

last m ea l s b e r m D ec e or te d pp u . and s mili es a f 117

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t han

boxe we r e s o f g i f t s dis by th e a p t r i b u te d p ea l last y ea

A Christmas present for everyone We are running our annual appeal with the Salvation Army and King’s Church Food Bank to ensure every child in Darlington wakes up to a present on Christmas morning. As well as new, unwrapped toys for all ages we need: tinned meat/casseroles; tinned fish; Christmas puddings; tinned custard; mince pies; tinned potatoes; instant mashed potato; stuffing; gravy; condiments; squash; coffee; microwavable rice; Christmas sweets and chocolates; nuts; savoury biscuits; toiletries; men’s and ladies socks; adult and children’s hats, gloves and scarves.

Christmas Appeal, ensuring local families and vulnerable people receive new, unwrapped gifts and food parcels. We know how important the support from local businesses and volunteers is to this vital service and we will continue to work with Darlington Cares on future events and projects.” Donations can be left at the council’s customer contact centre or you can contact Chelsea Johnson, Darlington Cares programme officer, on 406420 or email chelsea.johnson@darlington.gov.uk

We are also looking for businesses to sponsor Salvation Army hampers. For just £25 businesses can pledge the money to make up a whole hamper for a family in need. The Cornmill Shopping Centre has already pledged £375 to fund 15 hampers. Kelly Hutchinson, marketing manager of the Cornmill Shopping Centre, said: “We are proud to be part of a community which helps those who are less fortunate and we are honoured to support Darlington Cares on an important project like the

www.darlingoncares.co.uk

DARLINGTONCARES

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Sweet taste of success! National recognition is on the menu for Darlington restaurants, following a host of award wins. Italian restaurant chain Al Forno scooped Best Restaurant Group while Stable Hearth, in Duke Street, was named as England’s Best Pizzeria at the recent Italian Awards. Stable Hearth moved from a small venue in Gainford into larger premises about a year ago and is now planning to expand further into the upstairs of the building. Owner Nicholas Thexton said: “We have a great team and it’s nice to be appreciated by both the public and the industry for what we are trying to do in serving authentic Italian pizza. “The award is a good thing for Darlington, where we are one of many small and independent restaurants doing their best to offer good food and give the town something different.” Also topping the food charts was Restaurant Celebrus whose dish of sea bream ceviche, kimchi and horseradish was named as Best Signature Dish Global Top 10 at the True Foodies awards. Akbar The Great, in Bondgate, was nominated by Have you named yours? the public for the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards. The popular eatery was among a handful Nominations have been coming in for the of regional finalists who were invited to an awards new Star of the Month award launched on ceremony in London where the winners were the #LoveDarlo Facebook page. Every month, announced. customers can nominate who they think has Owner Mohamed Miah said: “To achieve this gone above and beyond in offering great and be the finalist for the North East is great. customer service at local shops, restaurants and The people of Darlington have voted and town centre venues. The winners are featured on supported this.” the #LoveDarlo page and each star is presented with a special certificate. Further afield, the ever popular Raby Hunt, in the village of Summerhouse, is the North To make your nomination simply send a private East’s first and only two Michelin star message to the #LoveDarlo Facebook page with restaurant. details of the chosen person, where they work All of which is further proof, if it were needed, and why you have nominated them. Keep an eye that our part of the world truly is a foodie’s out for more news, competitions and special paradise! offers on the #LoveDarlo Facebook page.

STAR OF THE MONTH

www.facebook.com/LoveDarloUK

Christmas at The Hullabaloo The Hullabaloo, a dedicated venue for children and families, stands proud on the site of the former Edwardian fire station on Borough Road. The purposebuilt venue, with children at its heart, presents worldclass theatre for young audiences, creative play installations, a family café and much more. As the one-year anniversary of The Hullabaloo opening approaches, Laura Case, Theatre Hullabaloo’s Executive Director reflects on the achievements of 2018 and this coming Christmas at The Hullabaloo. “December 12 marks the one year anniversary of the public opening of the venue and it has been an exciting year. The engagement and feedback we have had from parents, carers, teachers and most importantly, children, has been overwhelming. Over the year we have welcomed more than 20,000 children and their grown-ups into the venue to see shows, take part in activities or engage in free creative play. Photo credit: Kristen McCluskie

“As an organisation we are passionate about the impact that creativity can have on children and young people and are extremely proud of the high quality creative opportunities on offer at The Hullabaloo. Since opening we have presented some of the best shows from the UK and abroad to packed audiences, alongside a programme of creative play installations, storytelling, Hullabaloo days and a range of other activities.

www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk

“We bring 2018 to a close at The Hullabaloo with our own production, Luna, which returns after a national tour. Luna is a magical theatre experience for two to five year olds and their families about friendship, the moon and being brave in the dark. It is the perfect Christmas treat for children and the whole family to enjoy.

“Alongside Luna, our specially commissioned free creative play installation, Stardust, is open until January. This is an interactive, shapeshifting, intergalactic landscape full of intriguing music, sound and smells.” Tickets for Luna are priced from £7 and are available from theatrehullabaloo.org.uk or by calling 405405.

one Darlington

Keeping you moving…

How do you decide when to grit the roads? All of our decisions are based on the weather forecasts. The duty manager will look at each new forecast, and decide what time to send the gritters out and how much salt to spread. How does salt work when it is spread on the roads? Salt is put down on the road in its dry state. It then hits moisture on the road and dissolves, creating brine. It’s this brine that melts the ice.

Spotlight on: Gritters 190 miles

the length of roads we pre-salt (priority 1 routes)

2 hours

the time it takes to salt all priority 1 routes

112 salt bins

provided across the borough

5,500 tonnes

salt we have in stock for this winter

7 gritters, 1 gritter trailer and 2 quad bikes

Does it matter what time you grit the roads? The crews will go out at any time of the day or night, but to work most effectively the salt needs to be driven over by traffic, to agitate it and create the brine mixture. If there’s no traffic, for example in the early hours, the salt will still have an effect, but it won’t work very quickly.

fitted with snow ploughs available

What do you do in snowy conditions? We will salt the roads ahead of the snow falling. If there is plenty of traffic it will help keep the roads clear but if there’s heavy snowfall overnight, with no traffic, the snow will lay over the salt and it will look as though we haven’t been out. Once traffic gets going though, the snow will start to clear. Putting salt on top of snow doesn’t have the same effect.

7013

Fact File

With colder weather looming we spoke to Gary Bennett, the council’s waste and transport services manager, who also heads up winter maintenance operations, to tell us more about how he and his team keep the borough moving when winter bites

3 teams each made up of 7 staff

on stand-by 24 hours a day from 1 October to 28 April

£450k

winter maintenance budget for this year potholes repaired between January and September 2018

What’s the advice to drivers in snowy weather? The advice will always be that if the conditions are particularly bad, don’t travel if you don’t have to. It’s a double edged sword, because we need traffic to run on the roads to make the salt take effect but, at the same time, we don’t want people to take risks.

12 www.darlington.gov.uk

whatever the weather The priority routes for gritting in Darlington borough provide cover for more than 50% of our road network Who drives the gritters? Almost all of our gritter drivers work for the council in highways, Street Scene, environmental crime and waste collections. They do the winter maintenance on a rota alongside their usual day jobs. Give them a thought if you’re tucked up in bed during bad weather, because they’ll be out there working hard to keep the roads as clear as possible! How do you decide where to grit? The priority routes cover the main roads into and out of town and includes all scheduled bus routes. The main aim is to keep key economic zones, medical facilities and outlying villages connected and accessible at all times. Why don’t you grit the footpaths? We simply don’t have the resources to clear footpaths. Salt bins are provided in a number of locations which can be used on both footpaths and highways if needed. Why do the bin collections get stopped in snowy weather? Refuse collection vehicles weigh several tonnes and have to be manoeuvred into tight residential streets and back lanes. In poor conditions there is a risk to pedestrians and other vehicles if the refuse truck were to crash. If refuse/ recycling collections are delayed we’ll make every effort to collect waste as soon as possible – keep an eye on our social media channels.

www.darlington.gov.uk

Are you ready for winter? • Keep up to date with the latest news and information during bad weather on social media Facebook/darlingtonboroughcouncil and Twitter @darlingtonbc • If you find an empty salt bin you can let us know by emailing customerservices@darlington.gov.uk. If you want to suggest a new location for a grit bin email highways@darlington.gov.uk • Potholes can happen at any time of year but are more likely after periods of cold weather. Our highways inspectors are out on the network every day but you can report a pothole by emailing highways@darlington.gov.uk • Don’t be afraid to clear paths outside your property after snow. Spread salt or sand onto the cleared area to improve grip. The Government has created the snow code to give people advice on how to clear snow from paths. Visit www.gov.uk/clear-snow-road-path-cycleway • The Met Office has advice about how to protect your property during winter – from preventing frozen pipes to tips on keeping your home cosy – visit metoffice.gov.uk/barometer/advice/yourhome-in-winter

one Darlington

Lots going on behind We’re delighted that our recent ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours of Darlington Memorial Hospital (DMH) were so popular. Local councillors, patients, their relatives, and members of staff enjoyed the chance to visit, and find out more about, departments not generally open to all but where teams work hard ensuring our patients receive great care. It was a packed itinerary which began with a welcome from our chief executive, Sue Jacques and chairman, Professor Paul Keane OBE who also answered questions over coffee and cake at the end of the tour. After putting on protective clothing, the tour visited our kitchens and cook-chill production unit where five chefs and their team prepare and deliver three meals a day for every inpatient across all eight of our hospital sites, as well as staff and other visitors to Hollies restaurant at Darlington Memorial Hospital – adding up to an amazing 885,462 meals in the year to March 2018. Hollies is open to the public offering fantastic and reasonably priced breakfast and lunch menus – to eat in or takeaway.

where around 1,900 blood samples are analysed every day, over 95% of which are reported on within an hour. The blood sciences team provides a service 24 hours a day, seven days a week receiving samples from GP practices and our wards. This reliable, very quick service means treatment plans can be made promptly and a patient’s progress monitored. Evidence indicates it’s best for patients to receive treatment and get home as soon as possible – quick blood test results help make this possible.

We’ll be running more tours next year – watch out for details.

Our new theatre development, incorporating new mortuary facilities and a bereavement suite, opened in 2017 and the total refurbishment of our existing theatres is due for completion by the end of the year, bringing the total number of theatres at DMH to 11. The tour included a presentation on the broad range of surgeries performed, the number of theatre lists and the work we do to ensure we recruit and retain the best staff, including the creation of new roles offering opportunities for staff development.

Our visitors were impressed to discover that, where possible, the meals are made fresh from locally sourced ingredients, including 1,550 portions of freshly mashed potato – daily! Curries, casseroles, salads and a range of mouth-watering hot and cold desserts are prepared from scratch. Menus are carefully planned to ensure a high nutritional content and also cater for patients with particular dietary needs, such as those with swallowing difficulties. The tour took in our laboratories where many of the highly skilled scientists have multiple degrees and

In the spring we opened our new urgent care centre (UCC) and emergency department, which are now co-located at DMH – all patients other than those arriving by ambulance, use the same entrance and a senior member of staff determines who can best meet their care needs, reducing waits and uncertainty. Visitors heard that anywhere between 100-200 patients arrive at the UCC daily which is partly why we encourage people to ring 111 first to make an appointment at a time convenient for them. Approximately 160 further patients are seen in the emergency department daily.

www.cddft.nhs.uk

the scenes...

Visitors then took the opportunity to get up close and personal with our new state of the art MRI scanner, taking a look in the control room at images as they appear. The clarity and detail modern scanner images show means many conditions including cancers and heart problems can be diagnosed and treated without invasive tests and other procedures. The scanner is also much wider, reducing the likelihood of claustrophobia or the need for an anaesthetic in some cases. Patients can even watch a DVD during the scan.

Each year County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust: Has

2,034,389 patient contacts Makes

656,435

Wish you’d come along?

district nurse appointments

The good news is we’ll be running more tours next year. So, whether you’re considering a career in the NHS or just want to find out about the latest developments and services at your local hospital – watch out for details.

68,945

Harry Peart, who worked as a charge nurse and nurse tutor at DMH before retirement, joined the tour, saying: “It was almost overwhelming to realise just how much has changed since my day, not only the building and accommodation or the quantum leap in technology and medical advancement, but the staff across the board were welcoming and obviously happy to interact and share with us. It was a lovely experience.” Darlington councillor, Wendy Newall, said: “The tour was, “Extremely interesting and informative and the staff were very keen to talk about their specialist areas and answer questions. It certainly gave me a better understanding of the scale of activities undertaken by the Trust.”

www.cddft.nhs.uk

Has

emergency admissions Makes

554,364

outpatient appointments Sees

132,007 patients in A&E Performs

380,071 radiology scans Delivers

4,854 babies

Find us on social media!

@CDDFTNHS

one Darlington

DARLINGTON BUSINESS WEEK

Darlington Bus success for Hundreds of local and regional businesses came along to the second annual Darlington Business Week, held across a range of venues in the town last month, arranged by the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business support team. Networking breakfasts and workshops on winning public sector contracts were on the cards as business owners and representatives took advantage of 16 free events that offered the chance to meet fellow business people and find out how they can access whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on offer to help them grow and develop their companies. Highlights included a business summit, which saw business leaders and public figures get together to find out more about how, and where, more than 7,000 jobs will be created in Darlington over the next 18 years. The event also included research into how the borough can grow its professional, business and financial services sectors. Advice on accessing grants; raising finance; legal issues; social media; marketing; financial planning and digital services were all on offer throughout the week. A wide range of partner organisations contributed, including the North East England Chamber of Commerce, Darlington Business Club and the Tees Engineering Network to ensure that as many sectors as possible were represented.

Business support and advice is available throughout the year from the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business support team. Call 406305 or email business.support@darlington.gov.uk Find out more about the support available at www.investindarlington.co.uk 16

www.investindarlington.co.uk

usiness Week everyone!

DARLINGTON BUSINESS WEEK

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen presented a business growth and funding event, where he shared details of the funding opportunities across the Tees Valley through devolution money from central Government. The week was rounded off with a community event hosted by Darlington Cares and sponsored by the Hole in the Wall pub and Harvey & Hugo. One of the most popular events of the week was the jobs fair, held in the Dolphin Centre, where hundreds of people given the opportunity to meet prospective employers, hand in CVs and access support to develop their interviewing and CV writing skills. Mark Carrigan, the council’s business investment manager, said: “The week was a great success with a fantastic exchange of ideas, advice, support and knowledge. Many thanks to our partners who hosted events and who helped make the week possible. “There is a huge amount of support and advice available to businesses of all sizes, but finding a way through the maze of forms and regulations can be confusing and time consuming. Luckily, our team is on hand to help applicants find a way through to access the help on offer – practical as well as financial. All it takes is a call or an email and we’ll be there to help.”

www.investindarlington.co.uk

one Darlington

Breaking through barriers

DAD service users enjoying some of the sessions

Disabled people and carers can try their hand at gardening, arts and crafts or even pony therapy – thanks to a charity’s new programme. Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) is offering free skills and social sessions at the Independent Living Hub in West Crescent. The free sessions are available to disabled people aged 13 and over, as well as unpaid carers. Other activities include training courses in life skills – everything from first aid and communication skills to autism awareness and disability equality. One-to-one personal independence support sessions are also available, to help service users develop practical skills in things like travel, budgeting and computers. Arts and crafts, gardening and pony therapy come under the banner of social sessions, which also include the gentle ‘Wiggle and Giggle’ fitness classes. DAD was established in 1986 as a voice for disabled people in the borough. It exists to promote independence and choice, supporting disabled people and carers by providing services, advice and information. For more information, or to book a session, call DAD on 254840.

“Attending the training courses has given me lots more confidence and opened my mind to new things.” – Wai “Travel training was great for me, it has helped me to understand the bus journeys I need to take and how to manage on my own in my wheelchair, and it also reassures my parents that I can do bus travel safely.” – Hannah “The Hub supported me to learn about budgeting and I can now use this skill in real life situations.” – Sophie “I was able to use the computers at the Hub to find a new place for my short break stays. I loved the new place and felt lots happier there, I was able to socialise with people my own age and I felt like I belonged.” – Peter “It felt good to do the class, although I was tired afterwards I did have a good giggle with everyone.” – Neville

www.darlingtondisability.org

WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON With the festive season just around the corner there is lots to get the whole family into the Christmas spirit – and many events to mark World War I centenary.

International Market – Wednesday 7 to Saturday 10, 10am-5pm, West Row and High Row. A selection of products from around the world.

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

NOVEMBER The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps during and after the First World War – Thursday 8, 2pm, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library. A talk by Prof Alison Fell and Ann Fell. Tickets £2, bookable in advance.

Stardust – runs until January 2019, The Hullabaloo. Creative play installation for 0-6 years. Free, no need to book but at busy times there may be a short wait.

The Afternoon Lectures: The Barnard Castle Railway – Saturday 10, 1.45pm, Head of Steam meeting room. A talk by journalist and historian Chris Lloyd. Free to members of the Friends, non-members welcome (contact the museum for membership or price details).

www.whatsonindarlington.co.uk

The Full Monty – Monday 12 to Saturday 17, Darlington Hippodrome. Drop everything and grab a ticket for this hilarious and heart-felt play about six out of work steelworkers from Sheffield. Festival of Light and Colour – Wednesday 14, 6.30-8pm, Stockton High Street. Inspired by the spirit of Diwali, the evening includes a stage performance followed by contemporary dance, including a lively Bhangra disco and traditional dance. There will also be stalls and traders, including traditional Indian cuisine. For more details visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events Rememorial World War One: Narrative of Peace in the Tees Valley – Friday 16, noon-3pm, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library. Brief introductory talk about the project, followed by a roadshow event – bring your WW1 heirlooms and story to show researchers.

A Poppy for a Soldier – Monday to Saturday, up to 17, usual opening hours, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library. Last chance to see the poppies knitted to represent each Darlington soldier who died in World War One, on display around the walls. Free entry.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula – Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10, Darlington Hippodrome. A completely reimagined, multi-sensory stage adaptation of the classic, gothic horror story.

Point Me to The Skies – 1,245 Sunflowers - Sunday 11, 8am-6.30pm (installation open in Trinity Church) & 7-7.30pm (special performance from 1245 Choir), Trinity Church, within Trinity Green, Stockton. Join us as we mark 100 years since the end of WW1. Trinity Church will be transformed with a stunning commemorative sunflower display created from recycled materials. For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/sunflowers

Vote100: Railways, women and World War One – Saturday 10 to Sunday 13 January 2019, 11am-3.30pm, Head of Steam temporary exhibition gallery. Join us as we commemorate 100 years of the vote for some women and all men and ask how women’s work on the railway’s helped win them the right to vote. Normal entrance fee.

Coco Charge – Saturday 17, noon-3pm, South Park. Join North East Autism Society for its 5k chocolate themed fun run, collect chocolatey treats along the way and a warm mug of hot chocolate at the finish line. Visit www.ne-as.org.uk or email info@ne-as.org.uk for more details. Storytelling for ages 2-5 years – Saturday 17, The Hullabaloo. Join storyteller Chris Connaughton at The Hullabaloo for brave and bold stories for ages 2-5 years, Tickets £3 / Family Ticket £10.

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WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON Wriggles & Giggles – Sunday 18, 1-3pm, South Park Education Centre. For more information and to book email info@wrigglesandgigglesnortheast.co.uk

FABULOUS FEST Wreath making – Friday 7, 10am, South Park Education centre. For more information contact Groundwork on 464270.

Cilla The Musical – Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24, Darlington Hippodrome. Celebrating the life of the ordinary teenage girl from Liverpool and her incredible but rocky road to stardom. Starring Kara Lily Hayworth and Andrew Lancel. Red Hall Dance Company 15th Anniversary Show – Friday 23 & Saturday 24, 7:30pm, Hummersknott School, Edinburgh Drive. Red Hall Dance Company celebrates 15 years as Darlington’s first community dance group with a trip down memory lane. For tickets, adults £6 and children £5, contact Sarah Small on 07807 054580. History Wardrobe presents: V for Victory – Sunday 25, 1.30pm, Head of Steam meeting room. An uplifting new presentation about life on the home front during World War One. Tickets £10.50, including light refreshments. Booking is essential. All that Glitters – Monday 26 November – Monday 31 December, usual opening hours, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library. A display of Christmas related items from the local studies’ collection. Community Art Project Winter Exhibition – runs up to Thursday 6 December, usual opening hours, Crown Street Library. CAP offers people with learning disabilities the opportunity to practice various visual arts activities and the exhibition will feature a range of works in a variety of media from paint to digital art. ‘Edgelands’ the Undesirable, the Everyday and the Overlooked – runs up to Friday 14 December, usual opening hours, Town Hall exhibition space. An exhibition by Julie Macbean, featuring 11 original works in a variety of media including charcoal, pencil, coloured pencil, ink, watercolour, oils, mixed media and screen print. Visit www.juliemacbean. co.uk for more details about the artist.

Christmas lights switch-on – Thursday 22, 5-6.30pm, Market Square. The official start of Christmas in Darlington – fun for all the family at the annual lights switch-on with lots of entertainment and fireworks. Christmas markets – Thursday 22 to Sunday 25, 10am-8pm Thursday, 10am4pm Friday-Sunday, town centre and indoor market. Wide selection of seasonal and regional traders.

DECEMBER Santa’s grotto – every Saturday and Sunday 1-22, Meet and greet Santa in the Cornmill Centre. Visit www.cornmillcentre.co.uk for more details. Living Topiary Trees – Saturday 1, 11am-4pm, Cornmill Centre, appearing at various intervals throughout the day. Visit www.cornmillcentre.co.uk for more details. Face painting and balloon modelling – Saturday 1, 11am-4pm, Cornmill Centre. Free. Visit www.cornmillcentre.co.uk for more details.

Aladdin - Saturday 8 to Sunday 6 January, Darlington Hippodrome. With stunning costumes and amazing song and dance routines, you can be sure of a real treat. Starring Louie Spence, Robin Askwith, Zoe Birkett, Eric Potts and Liam Mellor. Ice sculpture trail – Saturday 8, 10am5pm, Market Square and Joseph Pease Place. Interactive, themed sculptures will be dotted around the town centre. Free event. There will be a competition to guess how many baubles are inside the ice treasure chest at Life Pulse in Blackwellgate. Elf academies – Saturday 8, 15 & 22, Queen Street Shopping Centre. Christmas decoration workshop – Saturday 8, 11am-4pm, Cornmill Centre. Free. Don’t forget spaces are limited. Visit www.cornmillcentre.co.uk for more details. Christmas fair – Sunday 9, 12-3pm, Tennis Dene (Deneside Rd). Come along to the denes for carol signing and a range of Christmas stalls. For more information contact the Friends of Denes via Facebook or email friends.denes@gmail.com Santa at the Station – Saturday and Sunday 15-16 and 22-23, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. Meet Santa in our magical grotto and receive a Christmas present. Entertainment includes mini train rides, arts and crafts. Entrance fee applies and booking is essential. Contact the museum for details.

20 www.whatsonindarlington.co.uk

WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON

TIVE FUN Christmas garland workshop – Saturday 15, from 11am. Free. Spaces are limited. Visit www.cornmillcentre.co.uk for more details. Santa Trail – Saturday 15, 10-2pm, South Park education centre. Trail and crafts. For more information contact Groundwork on 464270.

DECEMBER Children’s miniature train rides (steam and electric) – Sunday 2, 10am-1pm, Hurworth Grange. From the South Durham Model Engineers. Magical Middlesbrough Parade – Sunday 2, 1pm start, Middlesbrough town centre. Middlesbrough’s most beloved Christmas parade is back for another year. Dogs Trust community event – Wednesday 5, 10.30-4pm, South Park education centre. Pet health checks. For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/communityevents

The Elfie Selfie, Saturday 22, 11am-3pm, Cornmill Centre. Visit www.cornmillcentre.co.uk for more details Christmas markets/events, town centre. A host of festive events including ice sculptures, lantern parade and Christmas entertainment – see pages 4 and 5 for details. Santa Run – Sunday 2, 11am, West Park Academy. Come along for this sponsored run, part of the seasonal 5k runs for St Teresa’s Hospice. For more information and to register contact St Teresa’s Hospice on 01325 254321 or email events@darlingtonhospice.org.uk

www.whatsonindarlington.co.uk

Almost a Memory – Monday 17 December – Friday 22 February, usual opening hours, Town Hall exhibition space. An exhibition by Darlington-based photographer Chris Walker focusing on an abandoned farm at Willey Hill, Darlington. Orange Pip Market Christmas Special – Saturday 22, 12-6pm, Middlesbrough Town Hall. Artisan festival fare with extraspecial artists and performers.

JANUARY Darlington through the eyes of artists – Saturday 5 – Wednesday 30 January, usual opening hours, Centre for Local Studies, Crown Street Library. A display of work by a variety of artists.

Library Christmas parties – Monday 17, 10.30-11.30am & 2-3pm, Crown Street Library; Tuesday 18, 9.30-10.30am, Cockerton Library; Thursday 20, 9.3010.30am, Cockerton Library; Friday 21, 10.30-11.30am & 2-3pm, Crown Street Library. Full of fun, games and music as well as a visit from Santa Claus. Suitable for children aged 0-4 years. Tickets £5 per child, which includes a gift from Santa and his elves. Booking essential. Christmas party fun at the Library – Saturday 22, 10.30am-noon, Crown Street Library. Party fun for 5-9-year-olds with music, games and a guest appearance from the Party Minion. Tickets £5 per child. Booking essential.

Wriggles & Giggles – Sunday 16, 1-3pm, South Park Education Centre. For more information and to book email info@wrigglesandgigglesnortheast.co.uk

The Tees Valley is bursting with things to do and places to see. To find out more visit www.enjoyteesvalley.com

CONTACTS Luna – Saturday 8-29, The Hullabaloo. A magical theatre experience for 2-5-yearolds and their families about friendship, the moon and being brave in the dark. Tickets from £7. Darlington Society of Arts Winter Exhibition – Saturday 8 December – Thursday 31 January, usual opening hours, Crown Street Library. Latest exhibition by the society, founded in 1922, a friendly group of amateurs and professional artists of all ages which normally meet on Wednesday evenings at Hummersknott Academy. For more information visit www.darlingtonsoa.co.uk

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 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 – Call 349610 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.

one Darlington

We will remember This month marks 100 years since the end of the First World War. There will be a host of events across the borough to mark the occasion and remember those who died in the conflict. Remembrance Sunday falls on 11 November. Darlington mayor Cllr Veronica Copeland will represent the borough at the annual service at Holy Trinity Church, in Woodland Road, at 10am. A parade will then form alongside the church grounds in Vane Terrace, and set off at 10.45am to make its way to the Cenotaph, in the grounds of Darlington Memorial Hospital. Elsewhere, residents have created a Union Jack floral tribute, at the Haughton-le-Skerne War Memorial, which honours the ‘Haughton Boys’ – men from Haughton, Barmpton and Great Burdon who lost their lives. Volunteers have also restored the poppy motifs surrounding the memorial.

them

Haughton-le-Skerne Local History Society will be hosting Haughton Remembers, a free exhibition at Haughton Methodist Chapel including hundreds of hand-knitted poppies, from 9-13 November at various times. Music from the First World War will form part of this year’s annual Gurkha Band concert, on Saturday 17 November, at the Dolphin Centre. The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas has given an annual concert in the region since 2001. The event starts at 7pm. Tickets, from £10, can be bought at the door or at www.gwt.org.uk/events-and-challenges Visit the news pages of www.darlington. gov.uk for more details about Remembrance events.

Darlington BC - A5 Landscape advert - Darlington - 22018 - ARTWORK with crops and bleed.pdf

CMY

28/09/2018

10:14

Shine a light on potential thieves As the dark nights set in it’s time to protect your property from opportunistic thieves this winter. There are simple steps you can take to secure your home to help prevent yourself becoming a victim of crime. Chief Inspector Caroline Davies, from Durham Constabulary, said: “All too often people make their homes attractive to burglars and thieves by leaving them unlocked or in darkness during the winter months. “However, a few simple steps are all it takes to reduce this risk and protect yourself from becoming a victim of crime.” Follow these tips to keep your home safe this winter: • Lock all windows and doors – even if you’re at home • A well-lit home gives the impression someone is in. Leave a light on or use timer switches so lights come on when it gets dark • Don’t leave valuables on show • Don’t leave your house and vehicle keys in the lock or on a side table in view of a window, making it easy for a thief to fish them through your letterbox • Don’t leave curtains closed during the day, only in the evening and overnight • If you have a house alarm, use it

As part of our Winter Nights campaign, we are also reminding drivers to always lock their vehicles and remove all valuables from sight. “Vehicles left unattended with valuables left on display or unlocked are a magnet for criminals, who will often try a number of car door handles until they find one that has been left open,” added Ch Insp Davies. “It only takes a few seconds to make sure you’ve locked the door, but it could mean the difference between having your car stolen or having it there when you return. “In the run up to the festive season when traditionally people are doing more shopping, you should also remove items from your vehicles before leaving them unattended, or lock them out of sight in the boot.” During the campaign, police community support officers will be patrolling hotspot areas which have seen an increase in burglaries, thefts from vehicles and antisocial behaviour. For more information on how to keep your home safe this winter, contact the neighbourhood police team on 101. To report any suspicious activity in your area, ring 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• Contact your local neighbourhood police team if you see anything suspicious.

www.durham.police.uk

one Darlington

Tips for a happy, healthy Christmas Christmas is a happy time for most of us, but it can be filled with stress, anxiety and money worries as well as being a lonely time for some people. We can all help ourselves to make it a healthy, happy Christmas for ourselves and those closest to us…

True Christmas spirit

It’s not all about presents! Be helpful and supportive to family, friends and neighbours. Doing good does you good!

Don’t stress

Christmas is only one day. Try not to put pressure on yourself. Don’t feel obliged to do everything, don’t accept every invite; learn to say no.

Enjoy the moment

Slow down, relax, take in your surroundings and enjoy... Have some me time.

Z Z

Sleep well

Keep active

Many of us reach Christmas shattered because we don’t prioritise sleep. Alcohol and rich food can cause havoc for our sleep patterns – aim for eight hours of good sleep a night.

A daily walk will help to prevent your already over-burdened digestive system from becoming sluggish. Sofa surfing for prolonged periods – even at Christmas – doesn’t make anyone feel too good.

Food swaps

Drink responsibly

A few healthier choices at the buffet table can go a long way… Ditch the sausage rolls and crisps and choose healthier options such as cocktail sausages, chicken drumsticks or pretzels instead.

Alternate between alcoholic drinks and soft drinks and make sure you keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Have no expectations Then everything will be a wonderful surprise!

Remember – never drink and drive!

www.darlington.gov.uk

Hopes high for agricultural hub

Plans for the development of an ‘agricultural quarter’ have received a boost, after a deal was agreed for the long-awaited move of the cattle market out of the town centre. Darlington Farmers Auction Mart (DFAM), which runs the market in Clifton Road, is preparing to move to a new purpose-built site at Humbleton Farm off the A68. Once the new out-of-town market is up and running, hopes are high that it will pave the way for complementary businesses to pop up alongside it, creating an ‘agricultural quarter’. Andrew Armstrong, manager and director at DFAM, said: “The new agricultural centre and park will be an ideal hub and fantastic opportunity for local and national agricultural based businesses. The new build will be a state of the art auction centre from which the local farming community will benefit greatly.” As part of the deal, the council has bought DFAM-owned land opposite Mowden Park rugby stadium, in Neasham Road. Plans are being developed for a range of new homes, including affordable housing, on the Neasham Road site. DFAM has a contractual agreement to vacate its Clifton Road site, following many years of discussions.

Council and DFAM representatives mark the signing of the deal

The council will put forward development plans for Clifton Road, itself a key development site close to Darlington station, in due course. Residents have welcomed the deal, as it is something many have wanted to see happen for a long time. Richard Heseltine, DFAM finance director, said: “It’s no secret that there have been previous attempts to move the mart, so it’s very pleasing to have completed a deal that will pave the way for us to commence with the build at Humbleton Park.”

www.darlington.gov.uk

Gym sessions boosted confidence r a t S e r o Move M

Alan Smurthwaite has multiple sclerosis (MS) - a long-lasting disease that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves in the eyes. It can cause problems with vision, balance, muscle control, and other basic body functions. The 52-year-old has trouble walking, often feels tired and can find daily tasks a real struggle. Before his MS diagnosis, Alan hadn’t done any regular sport or physical activity. After joining the Dolphin Centre gym, he was given a tailored programme to work on with specific exercises for his needs and ability – this is refreshed every six to eight weeks. The change in programme makes it more interesting and challenging for Alan and helps him to maintain his progress. His confidence has grown since joining the Dolphin Centre gym. He can really feel the difference, his posture has improved, along with both his physical and mental health. Alan really likes the space in the gym and the easy access to the equipment. The instructors make him feel really welcome and comfortable, they provide great support, knowledge and assistance when needed. Alan feels he can challenge himself in the gym which gives him a focus – he ym help is working on progressing his time on the arm bike and eventually finding the in Centre g h lp o D e th t confidence to get into the swimming pool. Sessions a ndition age his co n a m to n Ala He said: “I love coming to the Dolphin Centre gym, it has made me so much more confident and happier. I can really feel the benefits. “It’s a great place to come, I feel so relaxed here and staff make me feel so welcome and they are so easy to talk to. The facilities are excellent for people with limited ability.” The Dolphin Centre has many great facilities and classes – find out what’s on offer to suit you. Visit www.healthydarlington.gov.uk or call 406000.

In court We take action against people who drop litter, fly tip and commit other environmental crimes. Some cases heard recently include: Section 110 offences (failure to answer questions): Nicola Hunter, 46, and John Hunter, 43, Frosterley Drive; Angelina Johnson, 31, Broadley Close, Billingham; Natalie Pattison, 19, and Damian Parkin, 20, Peabody Street; Rachel Finley, 36, Chestnut Drive (and householder duty of care); Harry Taylor, 18, Lyonette Road; Kayley Winter, 25, Carr Side. Littering: Jade Tilston, 28, St John’s Crescent; Kayley Winter, 25, Carrside; Kevin Maxwell, 44,

Barningham Street; Kayleigh Sowerby, 22, Eskdale Street; Toni-Anne Young, 32, North Road; James Hollingsworth, Sowerby Crescent, Stokesley; Rebecca Wennington, 32, Salisbury Terrace. Failure to microchip a dog: Alexander Shaw, Yarm Road. Don’t forget enforcement officers are now patrolling to tackle littering and dog fouling in the borough. If you don’t put your rubbish in a bin, or clean up after your dog, you could be fined £75.

All addresses are Darlington unless otherwise stated and numbers are ages.

www.darlington.gov.uk

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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 go online: www.darlington.gov.uk/childchecker, call the council’s people and families information support team on 406222 or email pfis@darlington.gov.uk

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

Claim your money? #DarloMillions is helping residents claim money they are owed. Since April, more than £750,000 has been paid to people who didn’t realise they were entitled to financial help – mostly people with a disability and families with children. £26m of tax credits, benefits and other allowances goes unclaimed in Darlington every year. Money people are entitled to, that should be helping families and the local economy.

1m*

Are you entitled?

£757,000 claimed so far!

Over £25m remains unclaimed. It’s likely we all know someone who is owed money. Even if you or your loved ones are in work, retired, or already receiving some benefits, you or they could still qualify – encourage everyone you know to check and claim.

750k

The following groups of people have already claimed:

£39,000

500k *Darlington CAB annual target

£ Families with one earner

£360,000

£6,500

£12,000

People in residential care and not claiming the Mobility Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Disabled people living alone

People with a disabled partner in work

250k

£39,000

Disabled people in work

Families with two earners on low incomes

One resident’s PIP payment was stopped following an assessment and she was struggling with money. She requested an appeal, however as she felt unable to appeal herself was referred to Darlington CAB to help her challenge the decision. Her PIP payment was reinstated, plus they realised she should have been claiming for the severe disability premium of £64.30 per week. She is now receiving £119.00 per week – over £6,000 per year!

TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MAY BE ENTITLED TO VISIT: www.onedarlington.org.uk/darlo-millions and use the calculator to work out if you could be eligible to claim. If you need advice, or help to make a claim, email darlomillions@darlingtoncab.co.uk or call 266888 ext 118. #DarloMillions is supported by the council

www.onedarlington.org.uk/darlo-millions

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State-of-the-art centre for excellence on the horizon

Work on Darlington’s state-of-the-art National Horizons Centre is drawing ever closer to completion, following the milestone topping out of the centre just five months after building work began. Teesside University’s £22.3million flagship research, teaching and training facility is being supported by £17.5million of investment from Tees Valley Combined Authority. Part-funded from the European Regional Development Fund, the National Horizons Centre will support the bioscience sector, which includes biologics, biomedical sciences, industrial biotechnology and digital. This facility will help train our next generation of scientists, marking our region out as a driving force of innovation and development while delivering real value to the research expertise of the UK as a whole. It will play a key part in driving STEM skills and economic growth in the Tees Valley, through industry-focused education and training, and collaborative research and innovation. The centre, housing academics and business development staff from the university, sits at the heart of the town’s Central Park, also home to the National Biologics Manufacturing Centre. In February, Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry MP joined Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Teesside University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Paul Croney to mark the beginning of the construction. The milestone topping out event went ahead in July and work on the facility is due to be completed in spring 2019.

www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk

info@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk

Station business plan on track A £100million transformation of Darlington Station has moved a step closer. A business case which will be put to Government is being created by the Combined Authority and Darlington Borough Council. A total of £3million has been committed to develop the proposals for the Darlington 2025 project, taking it from a plan to a fully developed business and design case. Mayor Ben Houchen has also proposed that an extra £25million, from money earmarked to transform transport in the Tees Valley, should be allocated to the project should government approve it. The project would see a major overhaul of the station and a reconfiguration of tracks to accommodate new high-speed services on the East Coast Main Line and unlock capacity for local services. Such a reconfiguration would lead to faster, more frequent and better quality services across the Tees Valley, County Durham and North Yorkshire, and improve rail links from the region to other parts of the UK.

@TeesValleyCA 30 www.darlington.gov.uk

Care and share this Christmas Christmas dinner is a chance for families to sit down together and share the festive fun. But for some people, putting food on the table – at Christmas or any time of year – can be a huge struggle for many different reasons.

Donate to the Christmas Toy appeal – page 9

Thanks to the efforts of churches, charities and volunteers, there are a number of food banks and soup kitchens that can help. They include: King’s Foodbank, Whessoe Road – Wednesday and Friday, 1-3pm St. Mary’s Community Centre, Cockerton – Thursday, 1-3pm St. Andrew’s Hall, Haughton – Thursday, 1.30-2.30pm St. Columba’s Church, Clifton Road – Friday 11am-noon A soup kitchen is also available via Grange Road Baptist Church on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays – 12.15-1.15pm. For more information, visit www.kingschurchdarlington.org or www.darlingtoncares.co.uk

Got a heart or lung condition? Get your flu jab! If you suffer with a heart or lung condition you are very likely to be eligible for a free flu jab.

your friends and family too.

Flu - on top of health conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, emphysema or heart disease - increases chances of serious health complications and a hospital visit.

The flu jab really is the safest way to protect yourself - it’s free because you need it!

People in a clinical risk group, such as those with a heart or lung condition, are four to five times more likely to be admitted to hospital with the flu.

Speak to your GP or local pharmacy to arrange your free jab as soon as possible.

For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine

Last winter alone, nearly 10,000 people were hospitalised because of flu in the UK. People living with heart disease are at a much higher risk of becoming severely ill if they catch flu. It takes up to two weeks for you to be protected by the vaccine, so get the jab as soon as possible to not only help keep yourself well this winter, but

www.onedarlington.org.uk

one Darlington

Fighting rural crime

We’re really lucky to have some very beautiful, tranquil areas in and around Darlington. And generally, our rural areas are very safe places to live, with crime rates below those of their urban neighbours. We’re not immune to crime, however, and the different character of rural communities has implications for the way that the police operate. Rural crime tends to be different. Theft of farm equipment, poaching, equine-related crime and fly-tipping are all too common. The loneliness and isolation which some people in rural communities experience, can make them feel especially vulnerable. In 2016 I published, with the Chief Constable, our rural policing statement. We updated it in 2017 and we are about to publish a new one for the next year. Throughout, our vision for rural policing has remained the same:

handlers who answer your 101 and 999 calls have had extra training to help them better understand rural issues. We have also made real efforts to help people prevent crime: we use a ‘dot peen’ machine to put an indelible mark on farm equipment, bikes and so on, so that if they go missing it’s possible to identify them when they are recovered. Durham Constabulary has also introduced drones this year, which really adds to our capacity to gather intelligence. I work very closely with our rural officers, and I talk to people in rural communities whenever I can. They tell me how important it is for us all to work together, through initiatives like Farmwatch and Community Speedwatch, so that we can identify offenders when an incident has occurred. If you experience a crime or incident in your community, please report it. All reports are addressed and taken very seriously.

“People living in the rural areas of County Durham and Darlington will feel safe. They will know that their concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour will be understood and addressed by the police and partners.” Quite a lot has happened over the past two years to improve community safety in our rural areas. For example our rural teams have an extra four wheel drive vehicle with automatic number plate recognition technology and call-

32 www.durham-pcc.gov.uk

News in brief Survey responses Thank you to everyone who completed the One Darlington reader survey. The results, which will be published in the January edition, will help shape the future of the magazine. The two lucky winners of the £50 town centre voucher have been informed.

Whinfield open evening Whinfield Primary School’s open evening for parents of children wanting to start in September 2019 is on Thursday 8 November 3.30-5pm. There will be an introductory talk and then a chance to meet staff and look around the school on Augusta Close. All are welcome – just turn up.

School uniform shop A school uniform shop is held at the United Reformed Church in Northgate on the first Saturday of each month, 10am-noon. All items are in good condition and some have never been worn. A donation of 50p per item (£3 for blazers) is asked to go towards running costs. More information at www.facebook. com/darlingtonschool uniformshop

www.darlington.gov.uk

Bowling’s a family affair for Sam Think of indoor bowls and you might think of people whiling away the hours, enjoying a sedate game in hushed surroundings; but Sam Pegg, 26, Sam and younger sister Stacey wants to change all that! Sam has been playing bowls at Darlington Indoor Bowls Club since she was nine. She said: “My family has always bowled, and, as a baby, I was taken by my mam Jane so it seemed natural to start playing. My grandma and grandad, Ellen and Eddie, who are sadly no longer with us, played at the club when it first opened and our family have been members ever since. I play regularly with my mam and younger sister Stacey. The club has a bar, lounge and café area as well as fantastic greens meaning there is something for everyone. We offer bingo every Friday night and other local clubs come to play friendly matches. “People can come along and watch and meet up with friends, or get involved and have a go. There is a wide range of ages and abilities. The youngest member is 13 and the oldest, who was bowling until recently, is 100! The club offers free taster sessions with all equipment provided and there are great coaches who will help people take the next steps to learning and improving their game. I would encourage anyone of any age to come along and have a go.” To find out more about the club on North Road call 485414, email darlingtonibc@btconnect.co.uk or visit www.darlingtonibc.co.uk

Tribute to hospice’s founder A charity worker who sparked a movement in palliative care has been nursed to a peaceful end by the hospice she helped found. In 1985 Yvonne Rowe nursed her best friend Mary Hester through the rigours of cancer and wrote to The Northern Echo, Darlington and Stockton Times and Evening Despatch about the need for a hospice in the town. Yvonne Rowe The letter led to a campaign and the formation of the Darlington & District Hospice Movement charity, which provided home care via a team of volunteers and then, following a donation by the town’s Carmelite Convent nuns, the hospice’s first building was opened. Today St Teresa’s Hospice offers the people of Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire day, in-patient and community services and leads the country in the care of patients. Head of care at St Teresa’s Hospice Alison Marshall said: “Yvonne was always full of praise for the care she received and thanked us for everything we did, even though we were only there because of what she had done. “She was always there for the hospice and when her health was affected it was a privilege to be there for her.”

one Darlington

News in brief Burning issue

When using your wood burning stove, make sure you stay safe, within the law and help prevent air pollution and harmful health impacts by following a few simple rules. As the majority of Darlington is in a smoke control area you must only burn authorised fuels, which include smokeless fuels such as anthracite, unless you have an ‘exempt appliance’ – then ensure you only burn fuels compliant with your appliance. For more information visit www.darlington.gov.uk/ environment-and-planning/ pollution/air-quality/

School admissions

Most schools in the borough are consulting on their proposed admission arrangements for 2020/21. For details, visit www. darlington.gov.uk/schools Details on academy schools’ consultation can be found by contacting the schools directly. Email comments for maintained schools to school. admissions@darlington.gov.uk or write to School Admissions, People Services, Town Hall, Darlington, DL1 5QT. Any comments should be made by Friday 21 December.

Writers wanted

Two lucky young writers could win a mountain of books thanks to Darlington Building Society’s short story competition called ‘Little Did I Know’. Two winners will each receive £500 worth of books for their school, their own height in books, and a magical mystery ride for their family. Visit www.darlington.co.uk/story

Don’t toy with your child’s safety Don’t be caught out by criminals trying to cash in on the last minute rush to buy the latest in-demand toys this Christmas. Fake toys are often below the standard of genuine brands and can pose a serious risk to children’s safety. Here are some trading standards tips for a safe and happy Christmas: If you believe a trader is dealing in fake or potentially dangerous toys, or something you’ve bought has made you suspicious, call the Citizens’ Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

• Toys with th e CE mark mee t safety requirements – if it doesn’t have the mark, don’t buy it! • Fake goods are often poor qu ality, unsafe and trad ers sell them ille gally • Check electr ical toys are fitte d with a three-pin UK plug or charger and only use the ch arger supplied • Only buy toys from recognised and trusted traders • Only use se cure websites – look for the padlock sym bol on the addr ess bar

• If goods are advertised chea per than elsewhere they could be fa ke. If an online selle r claims to have popular toys that are out of stock elsewhere, chan ces are you’ll en d up out of pocket • Search for on line reviews, blog s and comments abou t the toy and the trader before yo u buy • Check the m anufacturers’ w ebsites for approved stoc kists and be aw are of websites and packaging with poor spelling an d grammar • If something appears too go od to be true, it probably is.

www.darlington.gov.uk

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

Darlington Probus Club recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. They have around 30-40 members and are always keen to welcome more. Most are retired business and professional people, but anyone, and from any walk of life, is welcome to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Elm Ridge Methodist Church. Each meeting starts at 10am for a social gathering and ‘coffee and cake drop-in’ in the church hall, before moving to another room for a talk that lasts about one hour. They also organise a number of meals at different venues throughout the year. The annual membership fee is £30 but pro-rata depending upon date of joining. The following talks are scheduled: 12 November – Weather: from figures to forecasts; 26 November – The Bomber Boys; 10 December – Christmas Lunch; 14 January – Who was Will Shakespeare? 28 January – The new Hippodrome; 11 February – The Zulu Wars; 25 February – Tea: from bush to cup. New members and speakers are always welcome to pop along and meet the group. For details or an informal chat call Alan Wright on 461835.

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

Darlington lip reading group meets Wednesday mornings during term time, 10-11.30am at Bradbury House, Beaumont Street. A lip reading class and much more, including how to manage hearing loss; improve communication with family, friends and in daily life; increase self-confidence and meet new people in a safe, friendly environment with a qualified, experienced teacher. For more information, call Rita on 07702 559472. Celebrating Communities meets at 7pm on the third Wednesday of the month at Darlington Fire Station community training room, Park Place. The group aims to bring people from different belief groups and walks of life together through events. They meet to plan community events, share local news and socialise. Open to anyone, in or near Darlington, interested in celebrating the community and activities. Search on Facebook or call Gerald Lee on 314622, email gerald. lee@darlington.gov.uk Darlington Stroke Club meets every Monday from 10am to 2pm at Bradbury House. The club is a popular, open social group for those recovering from a stroke and their carers. Activities include regular talks, occasional outings, exercise sessions, craft sessions, tea, coffee and lunch, themed events and games to stimulate memory skills etc. Pop along to the next session or call 362832 for details. Darlington Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society meets monthly (usually on a Tuesday) at Darlington Simpson Rolling Mills Club on Longfield Road. Interested visitors who would like to learn more about growing and showing chrysanthemums and dahlias are always welcome. The society is hosting a late season show on 10 November and they will meet again on 4 December. More details at www.dcds.org.uk or search for them on Facebook under Darlington Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society. Darlington Music Society’s next concert, Trio Volant with Leanne Cody (piano) – Saturday 12 January 2019, 7.30pm, Central Hall, Dolphin Centre. Tickets are £14 per concert or £54 for a season ticket, free for under 25s. Tickets available from the Dolphin Centre or on the door. Season tickets can be ordered from Mr R Tooze, 66 The Headlands, Darlington, DL3 8RZ. See more at www.dms.btck.co.uk

one Darlington

Council Leader’s Column I am absolutely delighted that the long-awaited move of the cattle market out of the town centre is set to go ahead. The mart has played an important part in the borough’s economic and market history. But, its historical location in the middle of a residential area has caused problems for a long time. That is why I was so pleased that we were able to come to an agreement with the Darlington Farmers Auction Mart company which will see the mart move to a purpose-built site off the A68. It’s just one example of how the council is working hard to support and encourage businesses to come, stay and expand in the borough. Our Invest in Darlington team provides a wide range of bespoke, impartial advice and guidance to support business of all sizes. From biomanufacturing, engineering and subsea innovation to independent traders in our town centre and tradespeople working in our communities, Darlington is a great place to do business. The impressive distribution centre taking shape close to the A66 bypass is just another example of how our great transport links are helping to attract major companies to the area.

Your councillor is there to listen to you and find out about the issues that are affecting life in your ward. You can email, telephone or meet your councillor at regular ward surgeries. Find out more at www.darlington.gov.uk Emailing councillors If you wish to email your councillor, their email address is firstname.lastname@darlington.gov.uk For example, if you wish to email Stephen Harker, type in Stephen.Harker@darlington.gov.uk The only exceptions are Andy Scott (Haughton and Springfield Ward), Anne-Marie Curry (North Road Ward) and Tom Nutt (Whinfield Ward); their email addresses are shown with their ward surgery details. BANK TOP AND LASCELLES Veronica Copeland (L) Tel: 358530; Chris Taylor (L) Tel: 243298; Wendy Newall (L) Tel: 251574. Cleveland Bridge Social Club – Sat 10 Nov and 8 Dec – noon-1pm. King William Street Community Centre – Fri 16 Nov and 21 Dec – 5-6pm.

BRINKBURN AND FAVERDALE Sue Richmond (L) Tel: 351538. Brinkburn RA Club – Thu 6 Dec – 6-7pm. Rachel Mills (C) Tel: 482906/ 07786077189. West Park Academy – Wed 14 Nov and 12 Dec – 6-7pm. Richard Grundy (I) Tel: 485409. Brinkburn RA Club – Tue 20 Nov and 18 Dec – 6-7pm.

We should all be proud of what the town has to offer businesses of all shapes and sizes and by working together to promote the best that Darlington has to offer we can encourage the economy to grow even more, which will benefit us all.

COCKERTON

This is the Christmas edition of One Darlington and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe festive season. I am well aware that this can be a financially tough time for many people in the borough. As a council, we are committed to closing the gap between the most affluent and least well off in our borough. There are no quick fixes but we are working to try to make sure everyone has the same opportunities to achieve their potential wherever they live in Darlington. Meanwhile, did you know that there is £26m of unclaimed benefits in Darlington alone? It is well worth checking what you could be entitled to, even if you don’t currently claim anything, visit www.onedarlington.org.uk/darlo-millions

Tony Richmond (C) Tel: 351538; Ian Galletley (C) Tel: 07507 904109. Abbey Junior School – Wed 14 Nov and 12 Dec – 6-7pm.

As ever, at this time of year Darlington Cares is running a present appeal to make sure no child in the borough wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning. There’s more information on page nine and if you can help in any way it would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

Councillor Stephen Harker Leader of the Council

Ward surgeries Ward

Paul Baldwin (L) Tel: 362690; Jan Cossins (L) Tel: 241124; Eddie Heslop (L) Tel: 354457. Windsor Court – Tue 13 Nov and 11 Dec – 10-11am. Cockerton Library – Thu 8 Nov and 13 Dec – 6-7pm.

COLLEGE

EASTBOURNE Roderick Crichlow (L) Tel: 488173; Bill Dixon (L) Tel: 486588. Pilmoor Green Community Centre – Wed 21 Nov and 19 Dec – 5-6pm. Firthmoor Community Centre – Wed 28 Nov – 3-4pm. Kevin Nicholson (I) Tel: 07791 807629. Firthmoor Community Centre – Thu 15 Nov 2-3pm and 20 Dec 5-6pm.

HARROWGATE HILL Gill Cartwright (C) No Ward surgery held, please contact Tel: 382276/07963 200893. Marjory Knowles (L) Tel: 265847; David Lyonette (L) Tel: 464693. Harrowgate CIU Ltd – Wed 14 Nov and 12 Dec – 7-8pm.

www.darlington.gov.uk/your-council

in in your your area area

Key: (L) Labour (C) Conservative (LD) Liberal Democrat (I) Independent

HAUGHTON AND SPRINGFIELD

PIERREMONT

Chris McEwan (L) Tel: 283262; Andy Scott (L) Tel: 253707, andrew.scott@darlington.gov.uk; Nick Wallis (L) Tel: 07960 247554. Salvation Army, Thompson St – Wed 14 Nov and 12 Dec – 6-7pm. Asda foyer – Sat 1 Dec – 1011am.

Bob Carson (L) Tel: 240627; Stephen Harker (L) Tel: 380039; Linda Hughes (L) Tel: 07904 772387. Reid Street Primary School – Wed 7 Nov and 5 Dec – 6-7pm.

HEIGHINGTON AND CONISCLIFFE

RED HALL AND LINGFIELD

HUMMERSKNOTT

Ian Haszeldine (L) Tel: 496548/ 07807 381613; Sharifah Rahman (L) Tel: 405998. Red Hall Community Centre, Headingley Crescent – Wed 14 Nov – 6-7pm. Heathfield Primary School – Wed 28 Nov – 6-7pm.

Alan Coultas (I) Tel: 07788 542859 Carmel RC College Mon 26 Nov- 6-7pm. By appointment only using contact details above. Charles Johnson (C) Tel: 463712. The Meeting room, Hummersknott Academy, Edinburgh Drive Mon 26 Nov 6pm-7pm. By appointment only using contact details above.

Brian Jones (C) Tel: 332820; Doris Jones (C) Tel: 332820; Steve York (C) Tel: 332025. Dinsdale Court – Tue 4 Dec – 6.15-7.15pm. Bishopton Village Hall – Tue 20 Nov – 6-7pm.

Gerald Lee (C) Tel: 314622; Paul Crudass (C) Tel: 374537. Brafferton Village Hall – Sat 24 Nov – 10-11am.

HURWORTH Joe Kelley (LD) Tel: 266760 – Hurworth Grange Community Library, Hurworth Road – Thu 6 Dec – 6-7pm. Lorraine Tostevin (C) Tel: 333382. Hurworth Grange Community Library, Hurworth Road – Wed 21 Nov and 12 Dec – 6-7pm.

MOWDEN Pauline Culley (C) Tel: 250482; Alan Marshall (C) Tel: 359138. Mowden Junior School – Mon 5 Nov and 3 Dec – 6.30-7.30pm.

NORTHGATE Eleanor Lister (L) Tel: 254091; Sonia Kane (L) Tel: 486754. Corporation Road Primary School – Wed 7 Nov and 5 Dec– 6-7pm.

NORTH ROAD Anne-Marie Curry (LD) Tel: 07531 304050, annemarie.curry@darlington.gov.uk; Fred Lawton (LD) Tel: 467413. St Thomas Aquinas Church, North Road – Wed 28 Nov and 19 Dec – 1-2pm. Morrison’s North Road, cafe – Wed 14 Nov and 12 Dec – 6-7pm. Dawn Storr (L) Tel: 07543 159224. Morrison’s North Road, cafe – Wed 7 Nov and 5 Dec – 6-7pm.

PARK EAST Cyndi Hughes (L) Tel: 480975; Malcolm Wright (L) Tel: 484374; Michael Nicholson (L) Tel: 240750/ 07906 552714. St Augustine’s Parish Church – Wed 14 Nov and 12 Dec – 6.30-7.15pm. St Columba’s Church, Clifton Road – Fri 9 Nov – 6-7pm. The Coleridge Centre – Fri 14 Dec – 6-7pm.

PARK WEST Bob Donoghue (C) Tel: 07767 294194; Heather Scott (C) Tel: 468547. 9 Ayton Drive – Fri 16 Nov and 21 Dec – 5-6pm. By Appointment only using contact details above.

www.darlington.gov.uk/your-council

SADBERGE AND MIDDLETON ST GEORGE

STEPHENSON Jan Taylor (L) Tel: 243298; Katie Kelly (L) Tel: 260239. St James the Great – Tue 13 Nov and 11 Dec – 6-7pm. Wesley Court Community Centre – Sat 1 Dec – 11am-noon.

WHINFIELD Helen Crumbie (L) Tel: 462642; Tom Nutt (L) Tel: 360953, thomas.nutt@darlington.gov.uk. Asda foyer – Sat 1 Dec – 10-11am.

YOUNG PERSONS’ SURGERY Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, will be holding a Young Persons’ Surgery at the Dolphin Centre – Sat 17 Nov and 15 Dec – 11am-noon.

MPs’ SURGERIES: Jenny Chapman (Darlington MP) will be holding surgeries at her constituency office at 40a Coniscliffe Road, DL3 7RG on alternate Fridays, 9.3011am. Call 382345 for an appointment. Phil Wilson (Sedgefield MP) has a constituency office at 4 Beveridge Walkway, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4EE. For a dedicated surgery call 321603 or email phil.wilson.mp@parliament.uk

Ben Houchen – Tees Valley Mayor Cavendish House, Teesdale Business Park, Stockton-on-Tees, Tees Valley, TS17 6QY Tel: 01642 524401 Email: mayor@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk

one Darlington

Choose a level that suits you... Business Administration Customer Service

Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills Service, a good Ofsted provider, offers apprenticeship training in many different areas, including: LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

LEVEL 4

✓ ✓

✓

Leadership and Management Adult Care Worker

LEVEL 5

✓ ✓

Lead Adult Care Worker Residential Childcare Children and Young People's Workforce

✓

Early Years Educator Playwork Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Light Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

✓ ✓ ✓

Motor Vehicle Services and Maintenance Technician Site Joinery

✓

At Learning & Skills we are very proud of our track record in training apprentices. We have a 94.6% success rate (national average is 86.9%), placing us in the top 3% of providers nationally.

Our training takes place at the Coleridge Centre on Skerne Park, or at our dedicated specialist Site Joinery and Motor Vehicle training workshops in the Lingfield area. In these workshops, you will find industry standard equipment and machinery to allow the apprentices to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment. Whilst on programme the apprentices will develop the knowledge and skills required to carry out the work in their area. They will also gain an understanding of these processes and develop the behaviours required so that they can conduct and promote themselves in a professional manner.

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ We were really impressed with the field of applicants and decided to take on two apprentices instead of one. Sharon McCabe,

Gill & Schofield Pharmaceutical Chemists

I have found the whole process really efficient and well organised. Staff have all been really helpful. Kara Sandys,

Great communication. [We] Love the relationship with the trainer and the relationship between our apprentice and the trainer too.

DBC Lifeline

Emma Little,

Gregg Little MOT Centre

For further information, please phone the Learning & Skills team on 01325 405601, email: l&s@darlington.gov.uk or text us at: 07932 869325. You can visit our website for more information on the courses we deliver: www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills

Council services over Christmas and New Year CUSTOMER CONTACT CENTRE

EASTBOURNE SPORTS COMPLEX

Thursday 27 December 8.30am-1pm; Friday 28 December 8.30am-1pm; Monday 31 December 8.30am-1pm.

BIN COLLECTIONS

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

IN AN EMERGENCY

Call 405000 to hear out of hours information for different services.

LIBRARIES

Crown Street Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. All other times as normal except 9am-1pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Cockerton Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. All other times as normal except 9am-1pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Closed from Saturday 22 December, reopens Wednesday 2 January.

See back page

BULKY WASTE COLLECTIONS

No bulky waste collections Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day or on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 December or Wednesday 2, Thursday 3 or Friday 4 January.

HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. See www.darlington.gov.uk/hwrc for more details.

DOLPHIN CENTRE

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Monday 24 December – 6.30am4.30pm; Thursday 27 December – 6.30am-4.30pm; Friday 28 December – 6.30am-4.30pm; Saturday 29 December – 8am-4.30pm; Sunday 30 December – 8am-4.30pm; Monday 31 December – 6.30am-4.30pm (please note on all days the pool, gym and soft play will close at 4pm).

Our offices may be closed but you can still access a range of services and information online at www.darlington.gov.uk

Christmas and New Year bin collections Over Christmas we generate about

Most of our wrapping paper (non-glittery/ metallic with tape, bows and decorations removed); Christmas cards; wine bottles; tins and cans can be recycled. Please put your bin/containers out by 7am as collection times may change over Christmas.

30%

more waste and most of this can be recycled.

Please continue to recycle right over the festive period

Usual collection date

Revised collection date

Week commencing 17 Dec

No change

Tuesday 25 December Wednesday 26 December Thursday 27 December Friday 28 December Tuesday 1 January Wednesday 2 January Thursday 3 January Friday 4 January Tuesday 8 January

➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤

Thursday 27 December Friday 28 December Saturday 29 December Wednesday 2 January Thursday 3 January Friday 4 January Saturday 5 January Monday 7 January As normal

Recycle your Christmas tree St Teresa’s Hospice and the Rotary Club will be collecting Christmas trees for a £5 donation on Saturday 5 January. You must book your collection time at www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk or by calling 254321 before noon on Wednesday 2 January.