Mayor of Darlington

02/06/2026

Our newest citizens have been welcomed to Darlington at our special Citizenship Ceremony held at the Town Hall.
The new citizens were welcomed from as far afield as Brazil, India, Poland & Nigeria.

27/05/2026

Come and enjoy some free food samples, traditional music, a selection of stalls and arts and crafts at a special Eid al-Adha celebration in the Market Hall on Sunday (31 May), noon to 4pm.

Everyone is welcome to taste samples from Rumi's Kitchen and try your hand at free calligraphy, arts activities and henna crafts.

22/05/2026

Last night I handed over the mayoral reins to my colleague and friend Helen Crumbie. She will be an excellent mayor. Thank you to everyone who has liked my posts and supported me throughout the past year. It has been wonderful and a great honour and privilege. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Michael Poole was in attendance and gave a lovely speech for both of us. Once again, thank you.

21/05/2026

Yesterday afternoon I had the great pleasure of presenting Darlington's Junior Mayor and Mayoress with their trophies. These trophies were designed and manufactured by the engineering students at Darlington College and represented the future. The Junior Mayor, Zack Bowerbank from Hurworth School and the Junior Mayoress, Eilma Ahmed from Corporation Road School, wrote how they saw Darlington in the year 2050. It was lovely to see and read all the entries, some children had drawn pictures whilst others had written their thoughts. A lovely time and a joy presenting the trophies. Unfortunately no photos available.

16/05/2026

Last night was the final event of my mayoral year. I was invited to officially open the new Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill. We had a lovely meal (the food is delicious) and were entertained by Brazilian dancers. I also met the present Miss Durham there who will be standing in the Miss Great Britain contest in the summer.
A lovely end to a very busy year.

10/05/2026

Family Help Darlington started in 1976, they offer specialist domestic abuse support for women … Janet Bowles needs your support for Sponsor me to walk my dog

10/05/2026

Janet is doing a sponsored walk to raise money for my two charities, Family Help and Darlington Community Theatre. Please sponsor her

Family Help Darlington started in 1976, they offer specialist domestic abuse support for women … Janet Bowles needs your support for Sponsor me to walk my dog

10/05/2026

We were invited to the Half Moon Pub for its open day. It is turning the upstairs rooms into spaces for the community of Northgate to use. There is already an embroidery and sewing group, a nail technician, and there have been meetings by various organisations in the meeting space. Still more work to do but a great start.

10/05/2026

This morning we went to Hopetown to attend St Theresa's Hospice fundraiser for their Paws Abroad event. 100 dogs (and their owners) took part in a walk along the River Skerne.
Pet Pals also attended the event as it coincided with the 20th Anniversary of their association with Darlington. In that time they have helped over 5000 clients and their pets.

03/05/2026

This morning we attended the Rugby Festival - Mini and Junior Teams (aged 5-16) at Darlington Rugby Club. It was a joy to see children from all over learning and playing rugby. They were not bothered about the rain or mud and were having a thoroughly good time.