MEMORABILIA from West Auckland legend Rondart has gone on display in a unique exhibition.
Ronald Tomlinson gained international fame for being the world’s only dart-blowing variety act and performed in countries such as Holland, Germany, Japan, South Africa and Taiwan.
He also performed alongside such greats as Stan Laurel.
Now some of his darts, performance bills and posters, dartboards, photographs and newspaper cuttings have gone on display at the Bishop Auckland People’s Museum.
The display was organised by Spring Gardens photographer Elaine Visor, whose father, Ronnie Pounder, and uncle, Dennis Pounder, were close friends of the celebrity and had an extensive collection of his memorabilia.
Ms Visor said: “My dad and uncle kept the artefacts to pass on the story because he was a local legend.
“We did try have an exhibition in 2015 when my dad, Ronnie Pounder, was still alive, but unfortunately we could find a venue.”
However, the Bishop Auckland People’s Museum, which opened a year ago at the town’s Hippodrome, on Station Street, and occupies two stairwells and adjoining space of the bingo hall, has now offered up some of its space.
The museum boasts story boards of the town’s history as well as hosting exhibitions of current artists such as Gaz Miller.
Museum secretary Geraldine Hart said the museum was set up by a group of like-minded people led by Michael O’Neil, who was instrumental in setting up the Railway Exhibition at the Four Clocks Centre.
She said: “We are really delighted Elaine has loaned us these pieces.”
Ms Visor explained that Rondart began blowing darts at an early age and learned from a family member who loved darts but could not throw them because of a war injury. A unique item in the display is a Rondart business card which is dated 1943.
Ms Visor said: “That makes him 13 or 14 when he made his own business card. He was on TV from the age of 12.”
One of the first people to view the display was Rondart’s niece Maureen Woods.
She said: “He would have been over the moon with it. I am so lucky to have had such a fabulous uncle Ron.”
Mr Tomlinson died in 2005.
The display will continue until April. Entry is £1 and opening times are 5pm to 11pm on Sunday and Monday, and 10am to 11pm Tuesday to Saturday.
