Bandstand to be renamed in honour of ‘Mr Darlington’

South Park’s historic bandstand is to be given a revamp and renamed in honour of ‘Mr Darlington’ Alasdair MacConachie, who died on Christmas Day last year.

A well-known businessman and philanthropist, Alasdair MacConachie supported many community initiatives and charities in Darlington and held a variety of official posts including Vice Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, chair and honorary president of St Teresa’s Hospice, chair of Darlington College and Darlington Partnership, honorary chair of The Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital and president of Darlington Rotary Club.

However, he also did so much more behind the scenes, and in 2004 he was awarded the OBE and in 2012 Darlington Borough Council granted him Freedom of the Borough, the highest honour it can bestow on an individual.

So, when it was suggested that, given his love of music, the bandstand be renamed in his honour, in an obituary written by Peter Barron former editor of the Northern Echo, the council felt it was a fitting tribute.

Before that takes place, the bandstand is to be given a revamp, thanks to the generous support of Darlington Building Society, Point North (previously known as County Durham Community Foundation) and Darlington Rotary Club.

Work has already begun, with staff from Mitie Property Services, the council’s painting and decorating contractors, taking on the challenge and the bandstand will be formally renamed at the start of the annual Proms in the Park event which takes place this Sunday (6 July), from 3pm.

Councillor Stephen Harker, leader of the council, said: “Alasdair’s contribution to Darlington was immense. He was generous with his time and resources beyond compare, a true philanthropist who helped many worthy causes across the town.

“In granting Alasdair Freedom of the Borough in 2012, the council had bestowed on him the highest honour it was able to, and we wanted to find another way to commemorate him and felt the proposal to rename the bandstand was a fitting tribute.

“We’re grateful to Darlington Building Society, Point North and Rotary, who have a similar commitment to supporting Darlington’s communities, for their support that has allowed us to ensure the bandstand will look it’s best ahead of the renaming.”

Proms in the Park regularly attracts around 2,000 music lovers of all ages to enjoy a packed programme of music for all tastes, led by The Royal Signals (Northern) Band, our very own Army Reserve band based in Darlington. This year’s event has been made possible with the kind sponsorship of Freeman Johnson Solicitors.

No tickets are needed but do get there early to secure your spot and bring along your chairs, picnics and your flags to wave and join in the fun.  A collection will again be held in support of The Army Benevolent Fund.

Photo caption: Work has started on revamp of the bandstand.