Darlington Monthly January 18 by Darlington Monthly

FREE - January 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS - LOCAL EVENTS - FEATURES - COMPETITIONS - LOCAL PEOPLE

A lovely place to visit It’s Buxton, Derbyshire What’s going on with the Quakers? We reveal the latest at Darlington FC Get out and about this month With our indispensable local events listings

Darlington College Pages 8 & 9

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Welcome to the January edition of Darlington Monthly! Well, 2017 has been a crazy year – and now, it’s onto 2018. Are you feeling the January gloom, or are you looking towards the coming year with optimism? Either way, you’ll have some decent reading material to start the next 12 months, in the form of our free monthly community magazine. As usual, we’ve got some great stuff for you to get stuck into, including our regular contributor Alex Nelson’s ‘Places To Go...’ column on Buxton in Derbyshire, as well as our rundown of some of the must-watch TV this month. The Simpsons, Silent Witness and Harry Hill’s Tea Time all return, so you’ve got plenty to distract you as the rain falls. Plus, there are all of the local events listings and other updates from in and around Darlington that you’ve come to love and expect from us! As always, keep sending us your feedback on what is or isn’t working about the magazine, as we really do want to continue making it the best it can be. Finally, we have to say a massive ‘thank you’ to our advertisers – they are, once again, the heroes who make Darlington Monthly possible. You can become one of them, too – all that you have to do is email us via sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk or call us on 07500 828 396 to learn more about our heavily discounted three and six-month plans. Anyway, that’s it for another month. From everyone here at Darlington Monthly, we hope you’ve been having a brilliant New Year, and we look forward to greeting you again for our February issue!

Available to read online Visit darlingtonmonthly.co.uk /DarlingtonMonthly

Competition Winners

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Disclaimer... Whilst we take every care to ensure accuracy in this magazine, we regret that we cannot accept responsibility for any incorrect information. All advertisements are accepted in good faith as to their veracity and we are not responsible for views expressed by contributors or other sources. The copying of any material within this publication is strictly forbidden without the publishers or Studio Managers consent. By providing your email address and entering our competitions you agree to receive email communications from the competition sponsor/prize provider.

Vue Cinema Lisa Hood Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk

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Roofing firm creates 90 JOBS as it relocates to Teesside A roofing firm is taking on roofers and builders - creating The apprenticeships will be part of a new scheme known as “The Findley Academy”, and full onsite training 90 JOBS as it relocates to Teesside. will be offered at the company’s Blackhall headquarters, Findley Roofing is expanding its services across the part of the company’s partnership withTyneMet College North-east, targeting Teesside and surrounding areas as and South Tyneside College. it moves its Washington headquarters to Hartlepool. Director and founder Grant Findley said:“We are excited The new 20,000 sq ft premises at Blackhall will be the about utilising our new home’s transport connections first in a series of ‘super depots’ planned around the UK which include the A19, enabling more efficient travel to by founder Grant Findley - who says 2018 looks set to Yorkshire where we opened a branch in the spa town of Harrogate. be a ‘big year’ for the company. The company, which was established more than 30 “Hartlepool is an untapped market for a roofing and years ago, already employs 100 staff and wants to take building company of our stature and experience. its headcount to around 200. Findley Roofing is also ‘reaching out to local schools, A further 30 apprenticeships are planned, with academies and public bodies’ to work with them on the training plans. ‘guaranteed’ jobs at the end of training. The firm offers all kinds of roofing services, as well as brickwork, uPVC window installing, conservatories and garage conversions and driveways - but says Teesside is an ‘untapped market’ for a firm of its size. 4

Apply to work for Findley Roofing by emailing sales@findleyroofing.co.uk. More information on the jobs available can be found at www.findleyroofing.co.uk

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A pharmacy that’s open early until late and 7 days a week! NHS prescriptions, over the counter medicines and healthcare products, and a wide range of other services available. Denmark Street Pharmacy Denmark Street Surgery, Denmark Street, Darlington, County Durham DL3 0PD Tel. 01325 482 498 info@denmarkstreetpharmacy.co.uk Visit denmarkstreetpharmacy.co.uk

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Are you thinking about care for a loved one this winter?

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Darlington College Ranked Best in Tees Valley By Education Sector Publishers, FE Week STUDENTS and employers are the most satisfied with college life in the Tees Valley according to the latest national league tables.

Darlington College was ranked best in the Tees Valley and fifth in the country for achievement – a rigorous test that assesses student retention and qualifications secured.

Darlington College has been ranked the best in the Tees Valley and placed in the top 30 nationally by education sector publishers FE Week.

Almost 90 per cent of the 12,664 students on full and parttime courses at Darlington College completed their studies and achieved their qualifications, putting them well ahead of even their nearest rival in the Tees Valley.

The league table was devised by Nick Linford, FE Week’s editor and a former college director of performance. Based on key criteria published by the Department for Education, the overall score for each college is based on satisfaction and progression. Darlington College scored particularly well on employer and student satisfaction, both above average at 96.5 per cent and 86.7 per cent respectively. Darlington College chairman Pat Howarth said: “I know there are an infinite number of ways in which you can rank colleges, but it is particularly satisfying to see that we nearly always appear near the top. “It is also rewarding to note the very positive perceptions of the college among students and employers, particularly in the light of apprenticeship reforms which place greater emphasis on close working relationships between education and employers.” Last year staff and students celebrated after their efforts to transform their fortunes resulted in national recognition and their college being hailed one of the best in the country.

As well as also being placed in the top five nationally, Darlington College secured a prestigious silver award from the Higher Education Funding Council for England. The Teaching Excellence Framework Award was decided by an independent panel of experts including academics, students and employer representatives. Drawing on national data and evidence submitted by the college, the TEF measured excellence in teaching quality, the learning environment and the educational and professional outcomes achieved by students. Principal Kate Roe said: “The latest recognition is just reward for the tireless efforts of staff and students to raise standards of learning and ensure the very best outcomes, while protecting the unique appeal of the college to young people. “This again shows that achievement is so much more than attaining a good pass rate for the few. It is about continuing to engage all of our students in their learning and ensure that they leave with the right qualification for a future in higher education, apprenticeships or employment.”

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Dyspraxia suppoort group Join us every 2 weeks on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm at 26 Yarm Road, Stockton, TS18 3N

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Employment Round Up Hello, and welcome to 2018. A new year ahead and perhaps time to think about doing something different. I did last year, with interesting results. The way in which people are working is shifting like the tide. New ideas are rolling out, and it was co-working that caught my eye. Simply put this is a style that involves a shared working environment, as participants from a range of different occupational backgrounds get together. Working on the assumption you are never to old to learn, I duly paid the daily fee of £20 and with brolly and briefcase in hand arrived at the venue and bid good morning to my fellow co-workers. Not being IT savvy, my pc was quickly connected to the Internet, thanks to one who turned out to be a creative designer and entrepreneur. A quick introduction round the table and off I thought to our respective ‘in box’, but not so! No sooner had I selected from the lunch menu then I was in deep discussion with a fellow HR specialist, as we pondered the complexities of TUPE. Then back to my creative designer friend and his thoughts for my company banner design and hey ho I’ve signed him up to do it. Then a chance encounter with an accountant led to another commission and within a week she had sent me a referral, so a positive and productive experience all round. Next time you’re tempted to stray beyond the working norm, give it a try. It worked for me.

Libby Eglin, HR Resolutions E: hrresolutions@btconnect.com M: 07967 200603 W: www.hr-resolutions.co.uk

COMPETITION TIME We are offering family ticket for any film at Vue Cinema Darlington (valid for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children). All you have to do to enter is answer the following question...

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Should I include a pet in my will? Many people omit one of their most prized possessions from their wills: their beloved pets! This is possibly because we don’t think of them as property as much as ‘part of the family’, but the law views pets as possessions and it is therefore important to make sure that they will continue to be looked after in the event of your death. So, should you include a pet in your will? The short answer is yes. Here, one of our wills specialists Karen Killick explains why, and underline some key points to consider. Why should I include my pet in my will? Because you love them! If you wish to make sure that your pet goes to live with a person or family that you know and trust, then it is best to spell this out explicitly in your will. A pet is no different to any other possession and you need to make sure that they are accounted for in the event of your death. Whether you have a cat, a dog, something bigger or smaller, it is essential to write them into your will. What if I don’t include my pet in my will? Then you run the risk of your pet being taken into care, left unwanted or even homeless. What if I have nobody who would look after my pet? There are options open to you, including a free RSPCA service called “Home for Life”. Where a pet has been signed up for the service the RSPCA promises to find a suitable and loving new home as soon as they can in the event of the pet owner’s death. In the meantime the pet will be cared for at an RSPCA animal centre. There are other charities to consider, too, such as the Cinnamon Trust, which helps elderly and terminally ill people to look after their pets. If you wish for your pet to be cared for by a specific charity, it’s important to include the correct wording in your will for this, and DMA Law can help to advise what that should be. We can also help to ensure that a financial donation is made to the charity, if you wish. What about the cost of looking after my pet when I am gone? Looking after a pet can be a significant financial burden. It is a good idea to leave a financial sum, if you can spare it, in your will to cover at least some of the cost of looking after your pet in future. If you want to write a will, or re-write a will to include a family pet, then DMA Law can help. It’s more affordable than you might think and we will make sure you cover all the important details. Contact us today on 01325 482 299 and ask to speak to a wills specialist.

Bring a picture of your pet along and you will receive 20% discount on your Will. 15 Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk

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When disaster strikes, we provide peace of mind. Don’t get caught out. Act now. Your home sustaining storm damage can be a great source of stress in both emotional and financial terms, so it couldn’t be more important to find repair and restoration specialists that you can genuinely trust. Call today and quote the Darlington Monthly Magazine and get your FREE Roof MOT and be prepared this winter.

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What’s on TV This Month The Simpsons, Sky1 For many years, there’s been at least a perception that one of the undoubted greatest television comedies of all time is past its best. The last truly classic season was series 10, so many critics say. Plus, how can Matt Groening and co possibly hope to get anything from such over-familiar characters as Bart, Homer and Marge that we haven’t seen many times before? It’s astonishing to think that The Simpsons is now entering its 29th season. However, such longevity can probably be largely attributed to the sheer durability of a show that still manages to throw up new and interesting surprises, and a few chuckles along the way. Key changes for this season include the departure of long-time Simpsons score composer Alf Clausen, with the show switching from a live orchestrated score to a produced score by Bleeding Fingers Music. Also expect guest appearances from the likes of Norman Lear, Martin Short and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau when the season debuts in the UK on Sky1 on a yet-undetermined date. Harry Hill’s Tea Time, Sky1 While the one-time physician does have a fall-back option in the event that his entertainment career ever flounders - given that he is, after all, still registered on the General Medical Council’s list of Registered Medical Practitioners - we suspect that it isn’t something the funnyman is going to have to fret about anytime soon. As a matter of fact, last year saw him build on the success of the long-lived Harry Hill’s TV Burp with the debut of another madcap entertainment series, Harry Hill’s Tea Time. It saw him welcome guests to a spoof comedy kitchen and ask them to cook bizarre things, with Guardian reviewer Alexi Duggins declaring that Hill was “back to what he does best”.

With the first season’s guests having included Paul Hollywood, Joey Essex, Gok Wan, Martin Kemp and Jason Donovan, it’s fair to say that the new series will need to work hard to match its star power - but we don’t doubt that Hill will serve up another delicious smorgasbord of cooking-related chaos. Have your eggs and spoons at the ready from 8:30pm on 2nd January on Sky1. Silent Witness, BBC One Not everyone is convinced of the wisdom of Silent Witness which first aired way back in 1996 - returning for a 21st season, with Radio TimesTV editor Alison Graham having declared it “too silly to live” on account of the improbable role it gives pathologists in the investigation of crimes. Nonetheless, it’s difficult to argue with viewer figures that consistently top six million - and who are we to do so here at IN&AROUND? In any case, the venerable crime drama series has come a long way since its earliest days, when it was Amanda Burton who starred as the primary character Dr Sam Ryan. Since her eighth-series departure, the programme has featured more of an ensemble cast, presently consisting of Emilia Fox, David Caves, Liz Carr and Richard Lintern. While we didn’t yet have an exact date for the show’s return as the magazine headed to press, the pattern of the last few series’ broadcast dates suggests the first few days of January - so be sure to keep an eye out.

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Competition Time Simply complete either of the competitions below, fill in the entry form and send to the postal address provided.

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Healthwatch Darlington helps you and your family get the best out of health and social care services in Darlington. No matter who you are, where you live, or how old you are, you have a voice, and you have the right for that voice to be heard. Can you help NICE update their guidance on long term sickness at work?

Help NICE find lay members for the committee updating their guideline on workplace health – long term sickness and incapacity work. NICE are currently looking for employees, as well as their unpaid carers and advocates (usually referred to as ‘lay members’ at NICE) to join the committee updating their guideline on “work”. They should be people with an understanding of workplace health in relation to long-term sickness absence and the issues important to employees around this. See below link for details of what working with the committee involves, the kind of experience and knowledge they are looking 20

for, and how to apply. Recruitment is open until 5pm on Tuesday 9 January 2018.

https://www.nice.org.uk/getinvolved/join-a-committee/laymember-workplace-health-longterm-sickness-and-incapacity-towork-update-committee

NICE lay members are paid a fee to attend meetings and they cover travel and other expenses. Healthwatch Darlington is recruiting volunteers! Are you someone with a passion for getting things done? Are you a people person? Perhaps you’ve worked or volunteered in your local community? We need help reaching out to people in our area. Listening to residents helps us represent the people of Darlington in shaping how health and care services are delivered in the Borough. We offer a full training package so if you fancy a chat to find out more, give us a call or drop us an email, we’d love to hear from you!

Get Involved For more information or to get involved contact us on 01325 380145 info@healthwatchdarlington.co.uk www.healthwatchdarlington.co.uk

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All your IT Security and Compliance needs in one place. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the biggest change in Data Protection since the introduction of the Data Protection Act 1998. The GDPR was introduced in April 2016 and becomes mandatory on 25th May 2018. These changes are going to affect all businesses worldwide that deal in the processing of EU Citizens Personal Data. The purpose of this new regulation is to give you better control of your personal data as an EU Citizen. Part of the design of this new regulation is to reinforce consumer trust with the businesses they are dealing with, knowing that their data will be safe and treated correctly. Businesses are going to have to change and adapt business processes when it comes to handling Personal Data. Many businesses are unsure how this will affect them, some even think this will not apply. The simplest explanation would be if you have any EU Citizen Personal Data then GDPR applies to you! Personal Data—What is this? It is defined as any information relating to a person who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, online ID or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic or social ID of that person. For example this will include IP Addresses and cookies.

policies and procedures. Other things that need to be consider is who is a ‘Data Controller’ and who is a ‘Data Processor’ and the activities that goes with each role. A Data Protection Ofﬁcer is recommended under the GDPR and in many cases this is mandatory. You need to remember this is a business transformation not an IT transformation. Your IT systems will be affected, a Software solution to GDPR may help, but is not showing compliance with GDPR. Compliance with the GDPR has many factors including Staff training, HR Audits and Privacy Impact Assessments.

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Places To Go...

BUXTON, Derbyshire

Buxton was developed as a spa town to rival Bath in the south, in one of the highest market towns in England. Indeed, it’s a toss-up between Alston in Cumbria and Buxton as to which is the higher, both being about 1,000 feet above sea level. But you can no longer reach Alston by rail, whilst Buxton is linked to Manchester by a regular diesel service. I arrived in Buxton for a one night stay, and I cannot recall a visit researching for these articles where it rained so much. It rained when I arrived, all evening, and all morning until I went home. The Pavilion Gardens looked very impressive, but it was all very damp. Don’t let me put you off, though. The architecture is stunning and the Crescent is being redeveloped at the moment into a new five star hotel which will update this fashionable Georgian spa town into, arguably, the finest in England. William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire was responsible for the original spa buildings between 1780 and 1789, well before the railway arrived in 1863. Two railway lines serving the town opened within two weeks of each other and had their opening ceremonies on the same day. A few years later in 1868, the Palace Hotel opened adjacent to the station to cater for visitors. It has recently changed hands and is now in the control of Britannia Hotels, whose company motto might as well be “caveat emptor” – let the buyer beware. I walked down a rarely used footpath down to the back of the hotel and had a poke about at the back before emerging into a service yard with, thankfully, an open gate to get out. The public areas looked inviting and attractive, but it’s up in the 122 rooms that some of the bad experiences occur. I had chosen to stay in the Old Hall Hotel (opposite the exquisite Opera House designed by Frank Matcham), which was excellent, and not much more expensive. The Old Hall was occupied several times by Mary, Queen of Scots, from 1573 onwards until 1584 who (not being a well lady), came to take the waters. The thermal mineral water comes out at a spring at a constant temperature of 28°C and is piped to St Anne’s Well in the town, sometimes known as the Tuscany of the North. Also worth seeing is Poole’s Cavern, a limestone show cavern a mile from the town centre. You are invited to take a Journey beneath the earth with expert guides, to explore the vast limestone caverns and see how crystal stalactites have lined the chambers over millions of years. Thereafter, stroll though

beautiful woodland trails to a panoramic Peak District hilltop viewpoint. I was pleased to see the attraction was open through the winter 10am-4pm, with tours at weekends every 20 minutes, and during the week at 10:30, 12:30 & 2:30. More, of course, in the summer.

Outside the Opera House is a pick-up point for the little red “Victorian” tram which carries eight tourists at a time around the town centre and nearby attractions. If it looks rather like a milk float, that’s because it is. On the north side is the huge Devonshire Dome, bigger than St. Paul’s Cathedral dome, which is now used by the University of Derby as part of their campus in the town. It is both massive and unsupported, and its café would be a good place to stop for a coffee. Buxton has a compact town centre, with the railway station to the north, with an hourly service to Manchester and trains home to the north east. Alex Nelson Stationmaster alexnelson@dunelm.org.uk visitbuxton.co.uk

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The George Hotel is a popular venue for weddings and celebrations close to Darlington on the Yorkshire Durham border.

The Hotel boasts 30 bedrooms and a choice of three function rooms with capacity from 10 right up to 180 evening guests. All packages can be tailored to your personal requirements and a professional, experienced, friendly team will help.

Call today to plan your perfect day 01325 374576

Piercebridge, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 3SW www.thegeorgehotelpiercebridge.com

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H O T E L

The Perfect Wedding Venue

Visit our Winter Wedding Fayre 7th January 2018 - 11:00am - 3:00pm

What’s Featured? The Croft Hotel will be brimming with a host of suppliers for your big day. We’ve got amazing photographers to delicious wedding cakes. Don’t forget we will have wedding dresses and so much more! Don’t forget to ask us about our Chaytor Package, from only £2,895, The Croft Hotel can be your pefect venue. Come and visit the Croft Rectory and see the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's classic novel Alice in Wonderland.

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The Croft Hotel, Croft-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2ST www.crofthotel.net To Advertise Contact Darlington Monthly Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 07500 828 396

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Tartiflette Ingredients. 1kg/2lb 4oz Charlotte potatoes, peeled 250g/8oz bacon lardons 2 shallots 1 garlic clove 100ml/3½fl oz white wine 200ml/7fl oz double cream sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 whole Reblochon cheese (about 450g/1lb), sliced

recipe by H O T E L

Method. For the tartiflette, preheat oven to 200C/400F/Gas 7.

to cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Cook the potatoes in a saucepan of salted boiling water for 5-10 minutes, or until tender.

Slice the potatoes thinly and layer into an ovenproof gratin dish with the bacon mixture. Pour over the double cream. Season with salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Layer the Reblochon slices on top. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden-brown and bubbling.

Drain and set aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, heat a frying pan until hot and fry the bacon, shallots and garlic for 4-5 minutes, or until golden-brown. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and continue

PCVC asks for residents’ views on paying more for policing Residents across Darlington are being asked for their opinion about police funding.

more for their policing, it is not right that they should shoulder the whole burden”.

Residents are being asked whether local residents would be prepared to pay a higher amount for the police element of Council Tax, to maximise the number of Police Officers in the area.

The survey only takes a few seconds to complete. It can be found on Ron’s website at: www.durham-pcc. gov.uk

Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “The Government has reduced the funding for policing every year since 2010, which has led to a reduction of around 360 officers. Next year I expect to have to increase the police element of Council Tax by 2% to maximise numbers. This is equivalent to 4p a week for a household living in a property in Council Tax Band A.”

Ron will be hosting a drop in session on a Dolphin Centre, Darlington on 19th January 2018 between 11am – 1pm if anyone wishes to pop along to discuss his proposals or any issues in their area.

Ron added “as well as seeking the views of local residents, I have also written the Chancellor of the Exchequer to demand that central government provide more funding for policing. Whilst I am willing to ask Darlington residents to consider paying a little Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk

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Supporting Patients & Carers in South Durham, Teesdale & North Yorkshire

We are in urgent need of quality items to use as prizes for fundraising activities which we hold throughout the year. Could you donate your unwanted Christmas gifts, to be used to raise much needed funds for the Hospice? If so, please take them to one of our local charity shops or to the Hospice on Woodland Road, Darlington. St Teresa’s Hospice provides the following services free of charge:  Community Hospice  Day Hospice  In-Patient Care  Complementary Therapies  Family Support & Bereavement Counselling  Carers Group

Information | Donate | Volunteer The Woodlands, Woodland Road, Darlington, DL3 7UA t: 01325 254321

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Quakers Zone

Our monthly report on Darlington 1883 from Ray Simpson, Communications and Media Manager

Darlington FC had a successful presentation about the way forward for the club at the Dolphin Centre before Christmas. The club has now consolidated in the Vanarama National League North, but in order to win promotion and compete at the next level and beyond even to the Football League, then it needs to increase its revenue streams through various means, especially income-generating assets. There are several possibilities. The club could move back to the Arena as part of a Sports Village, but it has misgivings about playing in a 25,000 seater stadium – which was one of the reasons for the club’s malaise up to administration in 2011. There is also the idea of the club constructing its own clubhouse, together with a 3G all weather pitch, which would be used seven days a week. This pitch wouldn’t be used for league matches. Chief executive officer David Johnston said; “We will shortly be launching an affiliate marketing drive that if the fans get behind, has the potential to generate significant revenue for the club. “We also recognise that we aren’t maximising our commercial revenues currently and have put in place an action plan especially around selling advertising boards.There are currently over 40 spaces left to fill at Blackwell Meadows and we hope to make inroads into that number over the coming weeks.

We will be offering discounted packages for the remainder of this season so please contact Joanne Cameron at joanne. cameron@darlingtonfc.org should you wish to take this offer up. This will generate valuable additional revenue in the short and longer term. “Looking beyond this season we are currently planning the budget available to the manager for next season and any financial requirements to invest for growth. At this stage, without any Boost the Budget income, it’s likely the base budget we make available to the manager will be competitive for this division but not at the level seen in the recent past. Ideally if the fans back manager Tommy Wright to a similar level as this season through Boost the Budget it will enable DFC to assemble a squad with playoff aspirations. “In addition we would like to create an infra-structure fund to help fund future income generating assets. Blackwell Meadows will very shortly fulfil ground grading requirements for promotion to the National League and as we are currently unclear as to the Council’s position regarding the Sporting Village and hence its commitment to support our growth at Blackwell, we will not be investing further capital into Blackwell Meadows until this position is understood.

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What’s on

January

The Forum Music Centre / Film Club Contact 01325 363135 for further information. January 3rd Open Mic Night 5th The Jam’d 6th Hilarity Bites Comedy Club 12th RnB Club: Kyla Brox Band 13th Book Tickets Original Punk Night 19th Deep Purple In Rock 20th The Total Stone Roses 26th Northern Soul Oldies Night 27th Black Ice:Tribute to AC/DC

Darlington FC Fixtures Home Games at Blackwell Meadows, DL1 5NR 1st Mon - 15:00 Harrogate Town vs Darlington 6th Sat - 15:00 Darlington vs York City 13th Sat - 15:00 Alfreton Town vs Darlington 20th Sat - 15:00 Darlington vs Chorley 27th Sat - 15:00 Leamington vs Darlington

The Spotted Dog January 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st The Spotted Dog Weekly Quiz Night at 8pm. 6 The Green, Darlington, DL2 2LJ.

Head of Steam North Road Station, Darlington, DL3 6ST. Various Dates throughout Jan - Station Scampsis a chance for under 5s to make new friends, play in a safe space and be the first to try the new toddler activities in the museum. All children will be given a free drink and snack.

Got an event coming up?

Let us know and we’ll help spread the news. email details of your event to: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk audiences with outstanding vocals and slick dance routines.Tickets are £10 and can be purchased from the venue or from the RLK Promotions website. Horsemarket, Darlington, DL1 5RP

The King’s Centre 11th Jan - 05:30 PM - 06:15 PM. Family Clubbercise has UV lights, UV face paints, disco lights and glow sticks, as well as games and varied music to suit all ages. Prices for the class are £3.50 adult and £1.50 for children. Suitable for ages 7+ (child and parent/ gaurdian must both participate). Prospect Place, Whessoe Road, Darlington, DL3 0QT

Walworth Castle Jan 19 - Call My Quaff Supper. Would you know a Sauvingnon Blanc from a Chardonnay. A Rioja from a Pinot Noir? Join Walworth Castle Hotel for a wine quiz. A carefully selected panel of experts will guide you through the wine tastings, and you have to guess who is telling the truth.Tickets £25.00.

Rocket Town Brewhouse Houndgate, Darlington, DL1 5RL. Jan 28 - Gin Masterclass 03:00pm - 05:00pm - Steel River Gin host a gin masterclass at Rocket Town Brewhouse.Tickets, £10.00.

The Keys and Institute

Jan 26 - Little Black Dress Party 7:30pm - 11:30pm. MissTessTickle and the Dragettes Various Dates throughout Jan- 11:00am - 3:30pm, (Miss Emma Royd and Miss Cara O’Hara) put on a Victorian Optical Toys. This exhibition will explore cabaret show filled with feathers, fun and humour. fascinating toys from 19th century. These toys turn They will be joined by two male strippers. Tickets still images into moving pictures creating a magical £10.00. 82 Skinnergate, Darlington, DL3 7LX. pastime.

Dolphin Centre 7th Jan - Little Mix Magic tribute to the fabulous Little Mix has a jam- packed set ready to wow 30

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