WHEN Alasdair MaConachie – businessman, philanthropist, and community champion – died on Christmas Day, thoughts quickly turned to how he should be honoured by the town that knew him as ‘Mister Darlington’. My own suggestion was for the historic Grade II listed bandstand that stands by the lake in Darlington’s beautiful South Park to be named in his honour, reflecting his lifelong passion for music. The idea was mooted in an obituary I wrote for The Northern Echo, under the headline: Why ‘Mister Darlington’ deserves a fitting memorial in the town.
And I am delighted that Darlington Borough Council has now confirmed it will go ahead with the bandstand tribute. Not only will the ‘Alasdair MacConachie Bandstand’ house a plaque honouring his immense contribution to the Darlington community, it will be renovated, thanks to financial support – in Alasdair’s memory – by Darlington Building Society and the Point North community foundation. It is a fitting tribute because Alasdair’s name was synonymous with Darlington through his generosity, kindness, leadership, and support of Darlington people and events – and because of his love of music.
At 16, he came to England from Africa to join The Army as a musician. He played the cornet though, by his own admission, not with particular distinction. Having left the military to build a successful career in the motor industry, he helped organise brass band concerts at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre for 24 years.
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