Darlington Monthly Nov 2022

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept but where to store it all? That’s where Yorkshire Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding and a light all fully fitted in less than a day from just £277 + VAT. But it’s not just the affordability of the package the company offers that makes Yorkshire Loft Ladders stand out as manager Warren Ingleson explains:

‘Our watchwords are Quality,

Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and Value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford. Our business relies on referrals and we got a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers

lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, however big or

small, call Warren on 0800 612 8359 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Hello!

Welcome to November’s edition of Darlington Monthly.

We’re rapidly approaching Christmas now, and it shows in this edition because we’re advertising so many festive events! To get you in the mood for Christmas, we’ve put together some of the best events in the area for you to see on page 42. Who’s ready to go to a Christmas market?

Of course, we have our usual film review and local news. Head on to page 40 to check out what we had to say about The Woman King and, of course, enter our monthly competition for some free cinema tickets. Our local news this month almost seems inspired by The Woman King, as we’re celebrating a woman in STEM, who wants to see women everywhere follow their dreams and work in the engineering trade.

Enjoy November! We’ll be back next month in full Christmas force, to see you into a brand new year!

Yorkshire Loft Ladders are the proud sponsor of this month’s Darlington Monthly.

Yorkshire Loft Ladders proudly sponsors this month’s Darlington Monthly.

If you’re looking to make improvements to your loft this month, get in touch with Yorkshire Loft Ladders. With the renowned local firm’s areas of expertise including loft hatches, ladders, boarding, insulation and lighting, you can depend on them to provide the complete service. Call 0800 612 8359 now, or visit www.yorkshireloftladders. co.uk, for more details and to request a highly competitive quote.

YORKSHIRE LOFT LADDERS

Congratulations to last month’s competition winners, all winners have been notified. Winners are selected at random. The provider will only receive the details of winning entries in order to fulfil completion of the prize.

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.

01325

A Teesside woman has engineered her dream career in STEM and is calling on more young people in the region to follow in her footsteps.

Rachel Boynton had always been interested in engineering, but it wasn’t until she enrolled at Middlesbrough College that she believed she could turn her passion into a profession.

Rachel attended an open day at Middlesbrough College where she spoke with engineering tutors who reignited her passion for the subject.

She added: “I felt like they were taking my ambitions seriously and they made me feel like I could really make a career out of engineering.

“I loved every minute of my time at the College, and everyone was so supportive and encouraging. I want other young people to feel that too and to know that there’ll always be people who will believe in you and give you a chance, you just need to be willing to take a chance too.

“Women are still under-represented in the industry – I see it day to day in my job and while I’m out and about networking. There needs to be more done to inspire school children and show them what opportunities are available.”

After completing her Level 3 BTEC in Mechanical Engineering, Rachel secured a junior engineering apprenticeship with MPI Offshore where she worked for four years, alongside studying for a degree in engineering.

She now works as an assistant fleet engineer for Network Rail, a diverse role that sees her travel across the country carrying out essential maintenance works and repairs on tracks. Rachel added: “I can honestly say I love my job and if I hadn’t gone to Middlesbrough College, I might not be able to say the same thing.”

Ruth Sheridan, Rachel’s former tutor and also curriculum team leader for mechanical and mechatronic engineering at Middlesbrough College, said: “We’re all incredibly proud of Rachel and where she’s got to in such a short space of time. It’s all down to her hard work and determination – she’s a great role model for other young people just starting out in their career.

Since its acquisition of TTE in 2019, Middlesbrough College Group is the largest engineering training provider for school leavers in the country.

The College’s experienced trainers support hundreds of learners in the oil and gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, mining, construction and utilities sectors.

TTE’s Offshore Wind Manufacturing Academy is also helping future and current wind turbine technicians get the skills needed to support the burgeoning wind energy industry on Teesside.

Misty WindowsLocks Handles

Live the life of luxury in Middleton St George

We are an award-winning North East housebuilder creating luxurious family homes across the Tees Valley.

Overlooking picturesque fields and serene ponds, Middleton Waters is our fantastic collection of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes that is perfectly placed in the idyllic and desirable village of Middleton St George.

Local amenities, popular a ractions and glorious countryside are all just a peaceful stroll away, while superb transport links a ord every resident with easy access to and from the entire North East region and beyond.

We’re proud of our North East roots and are dedicated to not only building eye-catching homes designed for living, but also wonderful communities in some of the most beautiful parts of our region. We’d love to show you around. Visit our showhomes at Middleton St George. Call 0330 353 0303 to book your private showhome appointment.

Meet the homeowners

We cha ed to one of our lovely homeowners, Jonny, about his favourite parts of his home and how he found the Homes by Carlton buying experience.

Q: What is your favourite part of your new home and why?

A: The kitchen/diner most definitely has the wow factor and when I am giving the guided tour to friends and family, it is without doubt the most popular room. It is great for entertaining and I especially love the large sliding doors overlooking the three-tiered garden.

Q: How was the overall customer journey with Homes by Carlton?

A: From start to finish it has been superb. The sales team have helped every step of the way, from the assisted move process to reservations and options, and then handover day. The build team have been brilliant with a fantastic home demo and have answered all my questions.

Discover more about our new residents and their new homes at homesbycarlton.com/blog.

READYNOW

PLOT 161, THE CROFT

This impressive 3-bedroom semidetached home o ers superb family accommodation with instant kerb appeal. From £240,000.

THORPE PADDOCKS - THORPE THEWLES

PLOT 25, THE DESNING

The Desning is a luxurious 5-bedroom home providing generous family accommodation over three floors along with a luxury fi ed kitchen. From £585,000.

STARHOME

EASTFIELDS - WHITTON

PLOT 1, THE CEDAR

This highly desirable 3-bedroom double fronted executive bungalow with an integral single garage is the perfect space all on one floor. From £450,000.

PLOT 7, THE BROMLEY

This impressive 4-bedroom detached home o ers superb family accommodation and commands instant kerb appeal. From £595,000.

Discover more luxury properties at www.homesbycarlton.com

MIDDLETON WATERS - MIDDLETON ST GEORGE

READYNOW

THE LANGTONS - REDMARSHALL

Northallerton Glass - Working hard to stand out from the crowd!

Glass is being used more and more in every aspect of our lives. Anytime we look through a window or check ourselves in a mirror it’s there.

New innovative and decorative applications for glass are always being found. From kitchen splashbacks to bathroom enclosures. Furniture and staircases through to architectural walk on glass, the uses are endless and Northallerton Glass can supply them all.

This month we are focusing on Mirrors. Whether required for bathrooms and dressing rooms or interior design purposes, we have a range of mirrors for every application.

We keep a large stock of different mirrors able to be cut, polished, bevelled and drilled. Our tinted and antique effect finishes are highly effective when used in both traditional and contemporary designs and are especially popular as kitchen splashbacks.

Benefit from the feeling of light and illusion of space created by adding a full mirrored wall. Make a statement with a column of mirrors on a staircase landing or simply introduce a mixture of textures and finishes to an interior design project.

We offer a full survey and installation service throughout the region or can simply deliver it to you. Trade and public enquiries are welcome.

Why not add some decorative sandblasting to your mirror? We specialise in surface etching and multi layer glass carving. The creative options are endless. Speak to our design team today to find out more.

If you need your glass dropping off, no problem. We deliver to the Darlington area once a week.

THE

TO

Solar energy is the future!

The uncertainty we’re all facing with our energy bills at the moment has led to a huge uptake in renewable energy solutions to save people money and future-proof their home. We believe solar is the future for consumers and here’s a just few reasons to consider this for your home...

Generate energy even on cloudy, overcast days

Of course, solar panels are most effective when it’s a sunny, bright day. However, even when just a few rays of sunlight are trickling through to your solar panels, they can continue to generate electricity.

Store excess energy in a solar battery

Adding a battery to your system means you can store excess energy generated by your panels throughout the day and use it later on when your home is more active, which tends to be in the evening.

Make money by exporting excess solar energy

With a battery system in place you can store surplus energy for personal use, or you can even make money from it. Under the Smart Export Guaran tee (SEG), you can earn money by selling excess energy generated back to the Grid. This is a fantastic example of how a solar panel and battery system can simultaneously save and make you money.

COMING

HIPPODROME

It’s time for another year of amazing Tribute acts! Throughout 2022, we have seen some of the best performers that the UK has to offer, and we’ll be taking that spirit into 2023, when we welcome even more amazing acts to Darlington Hippodrome.

Tribute to The Carpenters

January 2023

Enjoy an amazing cast of musicians straight from the West End, when you come to see Sally Creedon take the stage as Karen Carpenter. All of the best hits are included in this show, such as Close To You, Top Of The World, Rainy Days and Mondays, Mr Postman, Goodbye to Love and more! Enjoy this fantastic show as it tours the UK!

FastLove

January 2023

If you’re a George Michael fan, you will absolutely love this show that celebrates the late, great man himself. Relive all of the old classics while you make a new memory today. With hits from Michael’s days in Wham, right up to his solo classics, you’ll be tapping your feet along to Wake Me Up, Too Funky, Father Figure, Freedom, Faith, Knew You Were Waiting, Careless Whisper and more! It’s time to get your tickets for this unmissable event.

80s Live

All of the greatest acts from the 80s are coming together in this fantastic tribute show. If your favourite artist isn’t listed here, we’ll be really surprised, as this show includes hits from the likes of Wham!, The Weather Girls, Rick Astley, Madonna, Duran Duran and more! All of the best tunes, like Relax, Living on a Prayer, Tainted Love and Edge of Heaven are included in this sensational 80s masterpiece. Come along and see for yourself!

for all of these events are available on the Darlington Hippodrome website, or from the Box Office!

November is a great time to develop your maritime knowledge in preparation for next year’s boating season.

Orcel Navigation has a purpose-built training centre in Hartlepool and o ers a full range of Royal Yachting Association shore-based courses. People love attending the class taught courses. They say that the enthusiastic tutor is friendly and knowledgeable. The set timetable ensures that students get through the syllabus swiftly. It is very social, allowing you to meet other like-minded people and hear their stories. There are three navigation courses to choose from depending on your previous experience:

The RYA Essential Navigation course takes two days and is for the absolute beginner. It’s perfect for anyone interested in taking up boating or sailing yachts. It introduces you to chartwork, tides, weather, buoyage and safety.

Alternatively, there is also an online version for people who prefer to study at home. The RYA Day Skipper Theory course takes 5 days and is ideal for anyone who owns a boat or is thinking of hiring one. It covers tidal calculations, pilotage, collision regulations, chartwork, passage planning, weather forecasting and electronic navigation. Students love this really popular course because it gives them the knowledge and con dence to visit harbours other than their home port.

The RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory course takes 6 days and is an advanced level course which requires the student to have knowledge at Day Skipper level. This course suits the true boating enthusiast and anyone pursuing a career at sea.

She is interested in all types of watersports and has dabbled in most of them. She is a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Skipper for both Power and Sail. She is also an RYA practical and shore-based instructor. She has been skippering large boats for over 20 years. When she is not teaching sailing she likes to go yacht cruising to new ports and foreign shores. She has sailed around the UK, across the North Sea, down to the Canary Islands and right down the Eastern Seaboard of USA and the all of

islands of the Caribbean.

Course Dates

Cost

£90 plus £60

includes a student pack, handy plotter and pair of

includes

includes student pack, RYA Weather book, RYA Collision Regulations book.

The main instructor is called Glenys Thompson.

WARNING BRING IN

THE WOMEN KING

REVIEW

John Boyega and Viola Davis star in this epic directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Set in the 1800s, the film centres around the Agojie warrior women who were the protectors of Dahomey, a former West African  kingdom.

The opening scene quickly sets a violent precedent. Although The Woman King is quite a gory film it thankfully never feels gratuitously so. It is simply a demonstration of the fierceness of the Agojie women as they contend with enemies including slavers and their complicit allies the Oyo Empire, who abduct Dahomey people to sell onto the trade.

Davis’ performance as the battle-hard ened General Nanisca, the leader of the Agojie women, steals the show. Her with its arc with trauma, makes her character one of the most compelling. The dynamic between her and Boyega’s King Ghezo is believable as Nanisca is performed with a sense of dignity that warrants deep respect.

However, it is probably Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) that you root for most throughout the film. Nawi is a young upstart, who is taken to the Dahomey palace and offered to King Ghezo by her father for being too disobedient. She aspires to become a great Agojie warrior but she must face many obstacles along the way (including winning Nanisca’s respect).

Izogie (Lashana Lynch) and

Amenza (Sheila Atim) are two seasoned Agojie who are excellent additions to the cast. The film could have explored their back stories in more depth but there are many plot points to be covered within its runtime of just over 2 hours.

The Woman King’s main weakness is arguably its use of some tired tropes including a particular plot twist and training montages. That being said, seeing these tropes used in the context of a historical drama that is focused on a part of Black history which may be lesser known to western audiences keeps things

The hardest parts of the film to sit through are the scenes depicting how the slave trade operated at the time. Although it’s uncomfortable viewing, it is important that such atrocities are not shied away from and are not merely seen as a plot point to add jeopardy.

Luckily film strikes the right balance when covering this difficult

Ultimately, with its themes of overcoming trauma and its solidarity, The Woman King is an excellent, uplifting film and hopefully Hollywood tells more stories like this in future.

Long Live the woman king!

Tessa Bury Copywriter

CINEMA DARLINGTON

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Things to look out for in... November

classic detective show, Murder She Wrote. Enjoy a singalong to the theme tune, a quiz, a race to solve the crime and, most importantly, plenty of clips and biographies about the amazing guest stars! Book a ticket today: darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

The Winter Experience

18th November - 11am - Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland

Fireworks and Abba Girls

5th November - 7pm - Middleton St George Cricket Club, Darlington

Everyone loves a fireworks display, especially when it’s followed by a fantastic Abba tribute band! Enjoy hot food, drinks and of course, live music and entertainment, as well as the fireworks. Make sure you grab a ticket: facebook.com/middleton-st-george-cricket-and-socialclub

Katherine Ryan: Missus

10th November - 8pm - Stockton Globe Theatre, Stockton

Despite denouncing partnership, Katherine Ryan has since married her first love, accidentally. Now that things have changed for her, she has a new outlook on life and can’t wait to tell you about life as a “Missus”. Catch her in Stockton: stocktonglobe.co.uk

Christmas Shopping Evening

11th November - 7pm - Raby Castle, Staindrop

If you love mulled wine and merriment, an evening Christmas shopping at Raby Castle will be perfect for you. Enjoy the castle by candlelight, and if you play your cards right you could even receive a visit from Father Christmas! No need to book a ticket for this one, just turn up!

Solve Along A Murder She Wrote

11th November - 8pm - Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington

In honour of the late, great Angela Lansbury, Theatre Hullabaloo are screening an interactive episode of the

There are a huge array of winter activities at Auckland Castle this year, starting on the 18th of November. Experience wreath making, nativity’s, family fun and even a few surprises along the way! You can get a place right now, here: aucklandproject.org/plan-a-visit

Stir Up Sunday

20th November - 10.30am - The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

It’s time to learn exactly what goes into a Christmas pudding! Give the Bowes Museum Christmas pudding a mix, then make a Christmas wish. You’ll then be able to make your very own Christmas tree decoration to take home, but be warned…it has a twist! Get yourself a place today: thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/stir-up-sunday

Family Foam Party

27th November - 4pm - harrowgate Club & Institute, Darlington

Who doesn’t love a foam party? Especially one you can take the whole family to! Enjoy some amazing family fun, including a boogie, games competitions and, of course, foam. Book your place right now: ticketsource.co.uk/ whats-on/darlington

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