23 minute read
ALL SINGING, ALL DANCING
Get ready to make a song and dance about the new show heading to Darlington this March. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy at the Dance to the Music UK tour, whether you’re a trained performer, a regular on the dance floor or even someone with two left feet. Curated, choreographed and performed by Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kristina Rihanoff, the show will take you on a journey through the evolution of dance – with fabulous costumes to match. Joining Kristina as a singing host is X Factor star and Dancing on Ice winner Jake Quickenden, along with mesmerising performances from South African National Champions and Dancing with the Stars professionals, Marcella Solimeo and Dylan Daniels. Beginning with the roaring 20s and the arrival of Charleston and tap, the cast will make their way through the decades with the Lindy hop, jitterbug, rock ‘n’ roll, hustle, funk, disco, breakdancing, street, hip-hop, contemporary ballet, salsa and Argentine tango, all the way to modern day ballroom and Latin. And local talent from around the country will also take centre stage, with the production working closely with Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools to give those aged 4 to 18 the chance to perform alongside a cast of world-renowned professional dancers. “We are extremely proud to be supporting young local dancers and offering them the chance to perform on stage in front of a live audience,” said Kristina. “Nurturing fresh talent is extremely important to us as a team, and this show could offer life-changing opportunities to many youngsters.” Glitz, glamour and showbiz stories are all on the programme, backed by a brilliantly upbeat soundtrack packed with classic songs and pop hits.
“Expect a riot of music, colour and incredible movement,
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which will take you on a
remarkable and immersive journey,” said Kristina.
“Dance to the Music is the ultimate family show because there is something for everyone. You will be dancing in your seats to your favourite music hits whatever age you are!” For more information about the tour or to book tickets, visit www.dancetothemusictour.com.
COMPETITION
To win a pair of tickets to see Dance to the Music when it heads to Darlington Hippodrome on 28 February, simply answer the following question: What TV show is Kristina Rihanoff known for?
Closing date for entries is Friday 14th Feb, please see page 26 for details of how to enter.
The Cat and the Canary: Britt Ekland Q&A
The star of stage and screen tells us about her latest challenge, appearing in spine-tingling tale The Cat and the Canary which comes to Darlington Hippodrome for a week-long run in March. Hi Britt. You’re starring in thriller The Cat and the Canary. What’s the play about? It’s a story about a big, deserted mansion on the Bodmin Moor. The owner died 20 years earlier and he has instructed his solicitors to assemble all the possible heirs to go through the will. There’s an assortment of people from all over the world that come into this spooky house, and loads of surprises ensue from the start.
It is an interesting story with many twists and turns. It’s very much in the tradition of Agatha Christie and the type of thriller British audiences love. I think our audiences will get a big surprise and that’s all I’m going to say.
What made you want to be part of this production? First, I’m always up for a challenge. I always have been. I have done almost everything you can think of in my career. This is definitely not a role I’m used to; this play is not a farce, for a start! It’s something a bit more challenging for me.
Fantastic. So, who are you playing? I play the housekeeper. She has been in this house alone for 20 years before this midnight meeting with all the assembled heirs and the solicitor. She’s probably had quite a solitary life and had to find ways of surviving that solitude, the cold and the war. She hasn’t had any physical company, but she feels she has had spiritual company. She’s very stern. Her job is to guard this house until the heir takes it over and that’s what she’s done for 20 years. What makes this such a challenge for you? I haven’t been on stage since my last panto in 2013. And I was never a rep actor – I was a movie star. I finished school when I was 17 and went to drama school for two years, then toured with a variety show and did a film in Rome. The next thing I know, I have a contract with Twentieth Century Fox and I’m sent to London. That’s where I meet Peter Sellers and marry him. Although I wanted to be on stage, being a movie star didn’t hold the prestige of being a good stage actor – not in Sweden where I came from. I don’t have the background that most actors my age have, which is my main challenge on this tour. You’ve been working for more than 60 years. How do you keep yourself fit enough to tour? I’m very fortunate that I’ve always worked out. In March 2018, I did Strictly Come Dancing in Sweden as the oldest participant ever. But I don’t take anything for granted. You have to be alert and stay on top of everything. A lot of this is your own mental attitude to life as well, not just what you eat and how you move. You have to have a very mobile mental attitude.
That sounds like a fantastic philosophy. As you get older and what you look like matters less, you’ve got to challenge yourself to stay relevant and continue working. I could just sit down with a cup of tea and biscuits and watch television… but I don’t do that!
The Cat and The Canary runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 March. To book call the box office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
F r i d a y 7 F e b r u a r y C o s t a C o f f e e C o r n m i l l C e n t r e 1 2 P M - 2 P M Find out more F r i d a y 7 F e b r u a r y C o s t a C o f f e e C o r n m i l l C e n t r e 1 2 P M - 2 P M Find out more F r i d a y 7 F e b r u a r y C o s t a C o f f e e C o r n m i l l C e n t r e 1 2 P M - 2 P M Find out more
Find out more 16 | Darlington Today DurhamFosterAdoptDurham.gov.uk/adoption Adopt with us
D h F t Ad tD h k/ d ti Adopt with us
ADOPTING SOLO AND LOVING IT
Growing up many of us dream of the fantasy future, marriage, children, a lovely home. The comforting thought of two parents and the ‘perfect’ family setting. For Allison Cowen, there was once this same vision of the ideal life. Belonging to a large family, Allison knew that she’d always have her family and friends by her side but as she got older, she realised that maybe marriage and kids wasn’t the only path you could take. “I always knew I’d have my own children, but I also knew I’d care for children that couldn’t be cared for by their own parents because I have three foster siblings and my Grandma was adopted. I learnt that a family wasn’t ready made and your family can come from anywhere and be anyone.” Allison explained. The Mum of four from Chester le Street had thought marriage and a young family would be how her life would develop but when she reached her 30’s single and with no children, she knew she didn’t need a partner or a husband, she didn’t need the ideal setting. All she needed was a child who needed her, and her adoption journey began. “I realised in my mid 30’s that this supposed ‘perfect’ scenario was not relevant or important – I was in a position on my own to love and care for a child who needed me.” She said. Months of research and preparation followed before Allison sent her initial adoption enquiry and shared her desire with family and friends. Allison explained, “I told my close friends at a girl’s night in, they were overjoyed for me and said they would support me every step of the way. I shared the news with my immediate family during Sunday dinner,
again they were amazingly supportive, but they were realistic – parenthood wasn’t an easy job and certainly not when doing it alone.” Allison found the adoption process nervewracking and at times frustrating. Making friends with another sole adopter, Louise, during the training process was a great benefit which Allison is thankful for. She explains, “I’m grateful that I met some wonderful people during the adoption process, some in the same situation as me and others with completely different circumstances. It was a relief to share that experience and those emotions with people who were feeling the same as you.” Once approved to adopt a child with her local authority, Allison began the matching process – the most heart-breaking but equally uplifting journey to date. When a prospective adopter is approved, they are invited to attend events which are designed to give adopters the opportunity to meet the children currently in need of a loving family. Allison added, “Some of my initial interests in children didn’t progress as other families were a better match, but I waited patiently, until one day in March my social worker contacted me about a little boy who was one and had minor additional needs, his name was Thomas. As soon as I read his profile, I knew I wanted to be this child’s Mum. ‘I just burst in to tears, I could not wait to love him and to give him everything he needed.’ The next few months were spent meeting professionals including paediatricians and social workers and of course Thomas’ foster parents whom he’d lived with since four days old. “I absolutely loved meeting the family who cared for Thomas from the beginning, they brought him to life with their stories of him and as soon as I saw a photograph of him, I fell in love – he was meant to be MY son!” 10 weeks after Thomas went to live with Allison, the adoption order was granted in court. ‘I hugged my boy so tight and just remember repeatedly saying “I’m your Mam’.”
Since the adoption was finalised, life for Allison and Thomas has changed unrecognisably. “I started this journey on my own and I wouldn’t change a thing, I had the full support and love of my family and friends and the passion to give a child a family but as life unfolded our family grew and I could not be more grateful.” After a year of being Mum to Thomas, Allison met Paul, a father of two. In July this year, the family welcomed new addition, baby Joshua, Mark and Allison’s biological child and the family have blended beautifully. “We have grown in to a big family, the children all love each other, and Thomas adores his Daddy and his brothers and sister.
Reflecting on the adoption process and the rollercoaster of emotions, Allison says, “Without the support and encouragement from my family and friends I would not have adopted my wonderful son. Meeting life long friends such as Louise was the best thing to help me through the adoption process. I am very thankful, and I feel privileged to be able to call Thomas my son.
“To be able to adopt a child, especially a child with behavioural issues or a learning difficulty you need to be determined, to have empathy and be honest about what you can take on, but the most important things are to have a loving heart and mind and you’ll be amazing.”
If you would like to find out more information about adopting with Durham County Council, come along to a coffee and chat event at Costa Coffee, Cornmill centre, Darlington on Friday 7 February 12pm – 2pm, alternatively please visit durham.gov.uk/adoption or find the service on Facebook @DurhamFosterAdopt.
WONDERFUL WEDDINGS AT HOLIDAY INN SCOTCH CORNER
Calling all brides and grooms-to-be. Still searching for your dream wedding venue in the North East? It could be Holiday Inn Scotch Corner with packages from as little as £1,495.
Don’t miss your opportunity to find out all about weddings here at a wedding open day on Sunday 29th March 2020. There’s no need to pre-register, simply call in between 1pm and 4pm.
The hotel’s dedicated wedding team will be on hand throughout the day offering tours of the venue, tastings from the wedding menu and live demonstrations from our nominated suppliers. There is also the opportunity to speak to the hotel’s highly experienced wedding planner Victoria Leng, who has 15 years’ experience in the industry.
Weddings at Holiday Inn Scotch Corner take the stress out of planning as everything from the ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception happen under one roof. Your wedding day is one you’ll remember and cherish for years to come, so the hotel understands
how important it is that everything is absolutely perfect. The wedding team will work with you to create the day you’ve always dreamed of.
Celebrate in style with the hotel’s ‘Wrapped Up Weddings Package’ from £2,995. This includes a delicious 3-course wedding banquet for 50 guests, a reception drink post-ceremony, half a bottle of wine per adult with a soft drink option for children, use of the beautiful ceremony room with red carpet for dates in 2020, white chair covers, mirrors and candles as table centrepieces, an evening buffet for 70 guests, and a complimentary suite for the happy
couple on the night of the wedding. You will have a dedicated wedding planner and banqueting manager to fully oversee your big day, and the option to add additional guests to both daytime and evening celebrations. The hotel will also offer a 3-month complimentary gym membership for the newlyweds before or after the big day.
An evening celebration package is also available if you already have a ceremony venue in mind, from £1,495 for 70 guests. This includes an arrival drink for each guest, private bar, hot buffet, DJ and fully dressed function room.
With bedrooms, parking and easy accessibility just off the A1 motorway, Holiday Inn Scotch Corner couldn’t be more convenient. Not forgetting those all-important photo opportunities, including a glittering chandelier centring a winding staircase – perfect for capturing the bride’s last photograph as a Miss.
For more information on weddings visit www.hidarlington.co.uk/weddings and to speak to a member of the weddings team call 01748 828 611 or email events@hidarlington.co.uk.
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SPRING IN YOUR STEP
By Bronia McGregor
It’s time to pack away the woolly jumpers and heavy coats, because spring is just around the corner. Here at Darlington Today we are firm believers that you can never have too many clothes, so what better way to get ready for the new season than treating yourself to a whole new outfit? From statement patterns to pastel tones, we’ve hit the high street to find our favourite pieces on sale now.
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1 Primark, Longline Denim Jacket £17
2 3 4 5 6 7 Marks and Spencer, Orange Shorts £15
TK Maxx, Mustard and Black Trainers £16.99
Next, Chunky Lace-Up Trainers £48
New Look, Mustard Sweater £14.99
Dorothy Perkins, Lola Skye Shirred Waist Top £25 8 Dorothy Perkins, Lola Skye Multi Colour Floral Print Retro Blouson Dress £35
9 TK Maxx, Blue Skirt £7.99
10 New Look, Light Green Leather-Look Clutch £15.99
11 Miss Selfridge, CARRIE White Court Shoes £32
A TREE-MENDOUS EFFORT
VOLUNTEERS put in a tree-mendous effort to collect hundreds of unwanted Christmas trees in aid of a local charity.
Over 1,700 trees were collected by volunteers from homes across Darlington, raising thousands of pounds for St Teresa’s Hospice. Waved off by the new Darlington MP Peter Gibson, Darlington Rotary president Sue Campbell and St Teresa’s Hospice honorary president Alasdair MacConachie, a team of 70 Rotarians took to the streets in a fleet of vans to pick up the trees for recycling into garden fertilizer.
Residents who booked a collection were asked to make a minimum donation of £6 to help support the Hospice, which provides free, end of life care for people in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire. Rotary organiser David Hayward said: “Thanks to the generosity of local residents we raised over £12,000 in just one day of collecting. “This is the ninth year that the Rotary Club has been involved in the collection of Christmas trees raising over £59,000 for the hospice to date.” The operation was run from Darlington Vauxhall dealership Drive with Taylors Butchers providing hundreds of bacon butties and pork pies to help boost volunteers’ energy.
The 23 vans were provided free of charge by Drive, Darlington Council, MT St Teresa’s Hospice enjoys tree-cycling success
Print and hire companies Enterprise and Charter.
The trees were taken away to be recycled by the John Wade Group.
St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “Once again we have had an incredibly positive response to our tree-cycling scheme. “I would like to thank all the volunteers for giving up their time to take part in the collection and our corporate and community supporters, and Darlington Rotary Club in particular, without whom none of this would be possible. “And finally thank you to everyone who made a booking for us to collect their tree and help us raise much-needed funds for our hospice.”
SUPPORTERS RAISE THE ROOF AT CHRISTMAS CRACKER CONCERT
YULETIDE revellers welcomed the season in song as a celebrated Christmas Cracker concert went off with a bang. Festive fundraisers flocked to the 19th annual St Teresa’s Hospice extravaganza at The Dolphin Centre, Darlington, for a magnificent evening of musical entertainment. Led by musical director John Forsyth, the seasonal spectacular featured performances by the Darlington Choral Society, Darlington SING Community Choir, the Cleveland Philharmonic Choir, Cockerton Ladies Choir, Egglescliffe Youth Choir, the Richardson Singers, Richmondshire Choral Society, Tees Valley Youth Chamber Choir, the Vocal Collective and Vocal Soul. to celebrate and also a time to acknowledge the wonderful hospice teams in our in-patient unit and those working out in the community, who keep our services going 24/7 and throughout the festive season.” Mince pies and mulled wine were served to guests during the evening’s interval, with raffle tickets available for a luxury Christmas hamper. Christmas cards, wrapping paper and Christmas puddings were also on sale for a donation to St Teresa’s Hospice.
Festive favorites including O’ Come All Ye Faithful, O’ Little Town of Bethlehem and Hark the Herald Angels Sing had the audience singing along resulting in a magical evening of music, song and carols.
St Teresa’s chief executive Jane Bradshaw led the St Teresa’s Hospice Staff and Supporters Choir as it took to the stage for its third annual Christmas Cracker performance.
“The Christmas Cracker is a magnificent concert which really heralds the start of the holidays,” said Jane. “Christmas is a wonderful time to come together “Yet again, we have been treated to some wonderful performances from the choirs, soloists, ensembles and orchestra, headed up so well by John Forsyth MBE,” added Jane. “I can’t thank everyone enough for donating their time and talent in the true spirit of Christmas and also our wonderful audience for helping us to raise much-needed funds to continue our vital work.”
BARK IN THE PARK SUNDAY 19 TH APRIL 2020
Dogs and their well-behaved humans are invited to put their best paw forward for St Teresa’s Hospice on Sunday 19th April 2020, when we will be holding our fifth sponsored Bark in the Park dog walk in Darlington’s South Park.
Register your dog at www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk/ bark-in-the-park/
£6 entry fee per dog (if registered by 12 noon on Wednesday 15th April 2020; entry fee on the day will be £8 per dog). Suggested sponsorship target of £15 per dog. No charge for owners!
Each dog will receive a rosette and goody bag for taking part. Many prizes to be won on our tombola, agility course and demonstration, stalls, refreshments and lots more!
Venue: Date: Time: South Park, Darlington Sunday 19th April 2020 10.00am – 1.00pm
Holiday Inn Washington UK hotel is ideally located between historic Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle, just off junction 64 of the A1. This long-established hotel is well known for its friendly staff and warm welcome. With plenty of free parking, the hotel has an established restaurant Traders, and a contemporary lounge and bar area, serving drinks and light snacks. There are 136 fully air conditioned bedrooms at this hotel in Washington, including family and accessible rooms. Ideally placed for enjoying the many tourist attractions the area has to offer. So whether you fancy a day in historic Durham, a trip to the coastal areas of South Shields, a day back in time visiting the award winning Beamish Museum, a day of retail therapy shopping at the famous intu Metrocentre or taking in the history and culture, not to mention the amazing restaurants, bars and shops that the city of Newcastle has to offer.
THE COMPETITION Win an overnight stay for 2 people in a luxurious double bedroom, fully inclusive of bed, breakfast and dinner with a bottle of wine in Traders Restaurant. Answer this question for a chance to win: What is the name of the hotel’s restaurant? Closing date for competition is 27th March 2020. Please see page 26 for entry details.
Holiday Inn, Washington, Emerson, Washington NE37 1LB 0191 4189400 | reservations@hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk www.hiwashingtonhotel.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @HIWashington Like us on FaceBook Holiday Inn Washington
2020 is off to a flying start at Bannatyne Hotel, with a fabulous programme of events ahead!
Starting with a celebration of the Single Ladies with a tribute to Beyonce on 15th February, then Joe Jackson ready to rock you as Freddie Mercury on 27th March, there’s plenty to fill your social calendar! Throughout spring and summer, you can catch some all-time favourites such as A Night at the Movies, as well as new acts including Ariana Grande and a school disco-style 90s v 00s night.
24 | Darlington Today All events are priced at just £25 per person and include a 2-course dinner, live entertainment and disco until midnight. And for you lucky readers, Darlington Today is giving away a table of 4 to an event of your choice, in 2020! Answer this question for a chance to win: How much per person is it to attend a tribute night at Bannatyne Hotel?
Closing date for this competition is Friday 13th March 2020. Please see page 26 for entry details.
WIN AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE COQUETVALE
Located in the nineteenth century country town of Rothbury, on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, The Coquetvale Hotel is perfect for a relaxing break in beautiful countryside or the ideal base for walking, cycling or many outdoor pursuits.
The stunning Cragside House and grounds are a 5 minute drive away as are the breath-taking Simonside Hills. A little further afield Alnwick Castle and Gardens as well as the stunning coastline with Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island being landmarks.
The Coquetvale Hotel offers the finest Northumberland welcome, offering 14 well-appointed ensuite bedrooms. Boasting a combination of double, twin, family and 2 stunning very recently refurbished superior suites. The hotel recognises that many of the visitors to this spectacular area are those of the 4-legged variety and therefore is very dog friendly. As many guests are enjoying time either walking or cycling the hotel is equipped with secure bike storage and happy to look after wet clothes and offering packed lunches.
The grand restaurant offers a mix of traditional and modern, with its high ceilings, featuring ornate rose and cornice, decorated in subtle grey and silver – with stunning double aspect picturesque windows and views towards the Northumberland National Park and Coquet Valley.
An experience team of Chefs offer tempting dishes, with many seasonal and daily specials, there truly is something for everyone. Not to mention the award winning breakfast, which boasts locally sourced ingredients. Afternoons teas served daily, and Sunday lunch from midday.
The bar offers a diverse selection of wines, guest ales both on tap and bottle, premium spirits and fine wines. The bar is also accessible to our relaxing decked terrace with comfortable seating and panoramic views of Rothbury – weather permitting.
Newly refurbish Superior king-size suite
READER OFFER Why not take advantage of our special reader offer of a 2 course dinner for 2 people with a glass of wine each, overnight stay and a full Northumbrian breakfast the next morning for only £99.00 per couple. Upgrade to the Ingram or Cheviot suites for a supplement of £20.00 Call for more details on 01669 622900 or email stay@coquetvale.co.uk
Visit our website www.coquetvale.co.uk
Taking new ownership late 2016, the family with a wealth of hotel experience are focussed on delivering a truly special guest experience, in terms of both service and product. So, with that in mind are aware that the product needs constantly refreshing and have just completed a bedroom refurbishment and are now updating public areas.
The Coquetvale, Station Road, Rothbury, NE65 7QH, Northumberland
READER COMPETITION
Win an overnight stay for 2 persons, in double or twin room fully inclusive of Northumbrian breakfast and 3 course evening meal. Subject to availability. How many well appointed bedrooms does the Coquetvale Hotel have?
Closing date for entries is 27th March 2020 and see page 26 for entry details.
