1. Volunteer Update

Volunteer Newsletter October 2017 Hello Everyone Can you believe it’s got to the autumn already? I’m still waiting for the summer to come! Lots of exciting things in the pipeline though with the Hippodrome/Theatre Hullaballoo opening in November. Have you seen it recently? They are uncovering some lovely features on the building so it’s worth checking the outside out on a regular basis. Glenda and I have been lucky enough to be invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday 17th November with Sir Peter Luff from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Can’t wait. But there is still plenty to do before then so keep reading. By the way only 81 days to go to Christmas! Heather Carter, Volunteer Co-ordinator 1. Volunteer Update There are now fifty five registered volunteers. As you know we now have a waiting list, so if you think you are ready to move to pastures new, then please let me know. The next round of interviews for new volunteers are planned for Wednesday 18th October and the next Volunteer Induction is on Saturday 4th November. This may take us temporarily over the total of the agreed number of volunteers, which is sixty, but we are planning now for regular roles at the Theatre so feel certain we will utilise any spare capacity.

Did you miss the cake made to celebrate the Hippodromes 110th birthday? Jane and I were lucky enough to be doing our last stint in the Library for the Hippodrome exhibition on Friday 1st September when they came in with it for Chris Lloyd to cut and have his photo taken for the Northern Echo. Lucky us we were given a big piece each and it was delicious. The following day was the Volunteer Induction so all the new volunteers got some too! Well that’s one way to impress new recruits!! Cait Barratt the Heritage, Learning and Engagement Officer says – can you please say a big thank you to the volunteers who helped with the Exhibition in the Library over the last month. I know it was not the most exciting job, but I really appreciate all the volunteers turning up and being so willing. The new volunteer website darlingtonculturevolunteers.co.uk has now been launched so check it out for the latest information. Check out and register on the Forum on the site as this is a special place for volunteer information which we are developing. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the website please let me know. Have a look at the pieces written

HC041017 1 Volunteer Newsletter October 2017 by volunteers Gwyl, Luke and Debi and check out their fab photos. If you would like to appear in this ‘rogues gallery’ then send us a photo and a paragraph about yourself and volunteering.

2. What have we been doing? Saturday and Sunday 9th/10th September the Darlington for Culture Information Stand/Teddy Tombola at the Head of Steam Heritage Open Days. £64.50 was taken on the Teddy Tombola but both days were very quiet at the Station. Here’s Allan ‘at the ready’ for any new customers!

Sunday 24th September the Information Stand/Teddy Tombola at the Head of Steam Fun Day. £88 taken on the Teddy Tombola so a better day today and a new volunteer signed up and a couple more names for the newsletter. At future events at the Head of Steam volunteers are required to sign in at the Reception Desk in the same way as we do at the Library so please don’t forget. To continue a long standing tradition we will be offered a free tea/coffee in both the morning and the afternoon from the café if open or Reception if not.

Saturday 23rd September Festival of Ingenuity at which five volunteers supported Darlington Partnership by acting as stewards for the vintage bus travelling between the Market Place and the Head of Steam. A good day was had by all. Emmanuel, Peter and Lorraine looking

HC041017 2 Volunteer Newsletter October 2017 very smart in their high vis vests ready to shepherd the vintage bus customers.

Thursday to Saturday 28th to 30th September seven volunteers supported the Green Theatre’s production of The Comedy of Errors in the Crown Street Gallery. There were over 20 in the audience at each of the shows and nearer 40 on the final Saturday evening. The volunteers who helped out are invited to attend free of charge, on production of your name badge, either of the subsequent shows at St Augustine’s Parish Centre on 13th/14th October as audience members at 7.30pm. Any other volunteer will be admitted for the concession price of £5.50 also on production of your name badge. As well as Jo and Alice Potter who run the Green Theatre two other volunteers, Carol and Peter were in the cast and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They were all very good and the costumes were brilliant. Jo Potter of course is the Darlington for Culture chair voted in at the Annual General Meeting in June. Why not check out the Darlington for Culture website darlingtonforculture.org

Jo tells us ‘Once again we are indebted to Darlington Culture Volunteers for their front of house support at our recent production of The Comedy of Errors in the Gallery of Crown Street Library. It is a blessing not to have worry about finding people to take on this important role, but to reply on the very capable Volunteers.

Events coming up: First Wednesday of the Month – 4th October (TODAY) and 1st November 2017 Volunteer drop in at the Forum Music Centre 6 – 8pm. Stay for a few minutes or two hours. Chat about volunteering or find out about events in and around the town. Catch up with

HC041017 3 Volunteer Newsletter October 2017 other volunteers. Drink coffee, wine or beer. The Open Mic Music Night is on from 7pm onwards and you are welcome to join that at any time for no cost.

Jabberwocky Market 5 – 8th October back in Darlington this week. This October the Festival is part of something even bigger. Have you got your tickets www.jabberwockymarket.org.uk Thursday October 5th celebrating 150 years of Ingenuity two volunteers Mary Griss and Hilary Midgley, have been invited to attend a Civic Reception in Central Hall for afternoon tea and to receive a certificate in recognition of their contribution. Well done them. They have both been volunteers since the inception of Darlington for Culture in 2010. I hope the tea is good? 5th to 8th October in the Roundabout Pop Up Theatre in the Market Place volunteers are being asked to support Theatre by undertaking audience questionnaires. So far two volunteers have come forward to support the Theatre Town Staff. Each will receive two free tickets to the shows they are covering. If you can help get in touch. Saturday and Sunday 7th and 8th October. Almost Always Muddy is an immersive story telling experience for families being held in the Roundabout Garden. A request has come out from them for a few people to help them set up and pack up after their show. If you are interested in helping and available on Saturday and/or Sunday please e mail [email protected] to reserve your spot Sunday 15th October a BigLittleGigs film event at the Forum for which one volunteer has come forward so far and we could do with four? The film is Princess Bride – what’s not to like! Theatre Hullaballoo Take Off Festival 16th – 22nd October to be held in Durham which we have been asked to publicise with our volunteers. You will have read the e mail that Glenda send round so if you are interested then ring or e mail Lucy Ridley on 01325 352004 [email protected] Travelling expenses will be paid. First night at the Hippodrome on Monday 20th November. This is the dress rehearsal for Darlington Operatics which I know a lot of you go to. This time they are doing Strictly Musicals Two and believe me Strictly Musicals One was brilliant. At this event they are not only having their dress rehearsal but also trying out the ‘workings’ of the theatre before it officially opens. All volunteers are invited to have two tickets for the event – just let me know if you want to come. You may have seats anywhere, there may not be any refreshments, there may be a fire alarm and evacuation – who knows – but if you are up for it come along and bring a like-minded friend. Head of Steam Sunday 22nd October for Halloween – Information Stand and Teddy Tombola – we have a full team of volunteers and teddies ready to take on this challenge Sunday 29th October Manic Mums 10 – 4pm in Central Hall. So far unable to identify a volunteer to support the organiser to co-ordinate the stage acts. Could you help Cassie out? Are you a good organiser, a people person and/or someone wanting theatre experience, then let us know. In addition four volunteers have come forward to help on the day but we could do with more. Manic Mums were awarded a DfC small grant to put on this Arts Day

HC041017 4 Volunteer Newsletter October 2017 so let’s all get behind it by volunteering or attending the event on the day. Only £1 admission. Researching/Archiving. As we start a new era working with Darlington Hippodrome volunteers are needed to develop and support the theatre archives. Researching and Digitising the Hippodrome Archive Tuesday 31st October, town centre venue to be confirmed, 2 – 4pm. Once again proving popular with ten volunteers having already confirmed attendance. These are Glenda, Gena, Rhona, Paul, Helen, Judith, Hugh, Sue, Chrisy and Peter. Name not here and wanting to come then please let me know. Note venue change to be notified. 4. Snippets

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Assistant Treasurer – we are still looking for someone to take on a regular role supporting the work of both the Darlington for Culture Treasurer and Secretary. This role involves basic management of financial incomings and outgoings and working with Committee Members. This will take about two hours of your time each week. You will get lots of support for the first two or three months until you feel competent. Want something to add to your CV or keep your skills from going rusty then this could be for you. You don’t need to be an accountant to do this just a willing volunteer who is able to work in an organised way.

Social Media – could do with some help to boost our small Social Media Team. This is something you can do from home at any time of the day or night. Does that appeal to you?

Contact You - If you have changed your contact details recently please let us know and we’ll amend our records. Contact Us - If you have any queries, questions, suggestions, amendments or offers of help then e mail [email protected] or text or ring Heather on 07775996098

5. Want to Volunteer for an event? -

Please read this in conjunction with the latest version of the Volunteer Forward Programme which you will have received via e mail and is available on the website. If you have seen anything you want to know more about and/or are interested in volunteering at an event then please let me know. Even if it appears there are no vacant slots it is often possible to accommodate willing volunteers in addition to or in other roles or for the next similar event. Your enthusiasm is all that is required.

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You can see by this picture with Mathew Kelly what enthusiasm looks like from Glenda, Helen, Val and me. Look at the expression on my face!!

Thanks for reading the newsletter to the end. If you have any suggestions for improvement or indeed want to be a guest editor for a future edition let me know.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away

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