Our Darling Town

In this episode, James and Henry sit down with Melissa and Alex Brunskill, the mother and daughter team behind Funky Fidgets, fresh from winning the Echo Independent Business Award. What started during lockdown as an 11-year-old Alex selling sensory toys on TikTok Shop has grown into one of Darlington's biggest independent success stories. Today, Funky Fidgets attracts customers from across th...

In this episode, we’re joined by Rachel and Becky from First for Fostering. With nearly 20 years of experience across adult and children’s services, they have built an agency centred around family, trust, and therapeutic support. We discuss the difference a loving home can make to a child’s life, and the support that foster carers receive throughout their journey. Rachel and Becky share their pass...

In this episode, we finally turn the spotlight onto Henry, James’ younger-older brother and co-host of Our Darling Town . We interviewed James before, so now it’s Henry’s turn. Known by many as being “social media famous”, Henry shares his thoughts and tips on posting online, building an audience, and why consistency matters on socials. We also dive into his passion for CrossFit, his love for Darl...

Today’s guest is Rose from Zarach, a charity working to tackle child bed poverty across the UK.Zarach has recently expanded into Darlington and the wider Tees Valley, partnering with schools to provide beds, bedding, pyjamas, and essential items for children in need. Their mission is simple but powerful: ensuring every child has a safe, comfortable place to sleep so they can thrive at school and a...

In this episode we’re joined by Cassie Cooper, the voice behind Manic Mumdays, a platform dedicated to helping families discover genuinely great days out across the North East. As a mum of three, Cassie shares honest, real-life reviews of places to visit, all with one goal: getting kids off screens and into real-life adventures. Alongside this, Cassie has created a growing online community where p...

In this episode we’re joined by Andy from Resilient Business Systems, a Darlington based IT company that has been supporting businesses across the UK for over 20 years. Most of us rely on technology every day but only really notice it when something goes wrong. In this conversation, we go behind the scenes of IT, from cyber security and data protection to keeping businesses running smoothly and ef...

In this episode we’re joined by Hayley Warters from The Majestic Theatre, one of Darlington’s most iconic buildings. Originally opened in 1932, The Majestic has been brought back to life as a vibrant theatre and events venue in the heart of the town centre. Hosting performances, events, and community activities, it has become an important part of the town’s cultural life. Book your tickets: https:...

In this episode we’re joined by Phillipa Burns, Event Director at Darlington South Park parkrun. Every Saturday morning at 9am, hundreds of people gather in South Park for this free weekly 5K where people can run, jog, walk, or volunteer. And the weekend doesn’t stop there, on Sunday mornings the park hosts the junior parkrun , a free 2K event designed for children aged 4–14, helping the next gene...

Today we’re joined by Gemma from Family Help Darlington, a local charity providing vital support to women experiencing domestic abuse. Their work across Darlington offers practical help, safety, and guidance at the moments it’s needed most. https://www.familyhelp.org.uk/

In this episode, we’re delighted to be joined by the man behind Big Man Cards, Darlington’s specialist Pokémon and trading card shop. What started as a passion has grown into a thriving hub for collectors from across the town. After a tough few weeks, the shop is back open and the support from the community has been incredible.

In this episode, we’re joined by Caroline from The Cheese & Wine Shop. A much-loved independent business at the heart of Darlington. We talk about what makes this local favourite so special and the passion behind running an independent shop.

In this episode, we chat with Chelsea Johnson, Programme Officer at Darlington Cares. Chelsea works across a range of community and volunteering initiatives, including the Darlington Uniform Exchange, supporting local families and organisations across Darlington. A great insight into the impact of community-led support.

Today Adam interviews James and Henry, our very own Ant & Dec/Chuckle Brothers duo. James has spent over 30 years with the Carver Group, navigating the world of property, and now also runs Fine & Country North Yorkshire and Durham with brother Henry. James is happiest outdoors (preferably running), while Henry brings his CrossFit energy to everything he does. In this episode, we look back...

Today’s guest is Josh Benson — panto comic, sarcastic magician, and juggler. You may recognise him from Little Ernie, the BAFTA-winning Eric & Ernie, his memorable appearance in BBC1’s Casualty, or singing his way across the West End in The [Calendar] Girls Musical. This Christmas, Josh returns to where he truly belongs, the Darlington Hippodrome stage. He’s back for his third season in the sp...

Today we’re joined by Jade Sloan, actor, writer, producer, and all-round creative powerhouse. With over 16 years of professional acting experience, Jade has brought countless stories to life on stage and screen. She is the writer behind the family hit Daisy Donald, now touring nationwide. Alongside performing, Jade runs Blackbird Theatre School and recently launched the Key Stage Door programme, a...

Today we’re honoured to be joined by Caroline Todd, Foodbank Manager at King’s Church Darlington. Caroline has witnessed the foodbank’s remarkable growth over the years, navigating rising demand, securing vital support from local businesses and community groups, and providing essential help to families facing food poverty.

In this episode, we chat with Alison Grange, the Collection and Engagement Manager at Hopetown Darlington. Alison helps share the town’s incredible railway story, curating exhibitions, caring for the museum collections, and working closely with the local community to keep Darlington’s heritage alive.

In this episode of Our Darling Town, we’re joined by the wonderfully colourful and brilliantly entertaining illustrator Liz Million. Based right here in Darlington, Liz has built a career out of bringing joy to children and families through her books, artwork, and hilariously lively workshops.

In this episode of Our Darling Town, we meet Paul and Joanne, the passionate driving forces behind Darlington Community Theatre, a vibrant charity project founded in 2023.Their mission is simple but powerful: to make performance and theatre accessible and affordable for everyone, while enriching the heart of our community. From creating opportunities for local talent to building a welcoming space...

In this episode of Our Darling Town, we’re joined by Lisette Auton — a multi-award-winning author, poet, spoken word performer, playwright, creative practitioner, and activist. Based right here in Darlington, Lisette has written several acclaimed novels set in Darlington and the wider North East, bringing to life brave disabled and neurodivergent characters who challenge stereotypes and celebrate...

In this episode of Our Darling Town, we welcome Paul I’Anson, author of the hugely popular Darlington Trivia book, a treasure full of quirky facts, fascinating stories, and surprising details that will make you smile and think, “I never knew that about Darlington!” Paul shares what inspired him to write the book, how he uncovered these hidden nuggets of local history, and a few of his personal fav...

In this episode of Our Darling Town, we sit down with Martin Stand, coordinator of The Listening Post, a heartfelt project run by the Darlington Area Churches Youth Ministry. Since 2017, The Listening Post has been offering a safe, confidential space for young people in Darlington to share their thoughts and feelings while navigating low-level mental health and wellbeing challenges. Martin shares...

In this episode of Our Darling Town, we sit down with Suzy Hill, a passionate advocate for community learning. As a key figure behind the success of Darlington Library, Suzy has helped transform it into more than just a place for books — it's now a thriving hub for creativity, connection, and learning. Discover how the library continues to evolve, engage the community, and stay relevant in the...

Welcome to Our Darling Town, the podcast that celebrates the people, places, and stories of Darington. Season 4 opens with a very special guest: Niccy Hallifax, a leading creative producer renowned for delivering large-scale, award-winning cultural projects that bring history to life through bold public events and immersive experiences. Niccy is currently leading S&DR 200, a major internationa...

In this special episode of Our Darling Town, we're thrilled to welcome back Chris Lloyd, our very first returning guest! As the Chief Features Writer for the Northern Echo, Chris is a true fountain of knowledge when it comes to Darlington’s rich and layered history. Why bring him back now? Because there's no better time. Darlington is marking a momentous occasion: the 200th anniversary of the Stoc...