FRIENDS, family, colleagues, local councillors and the Lord Lieutenant for County Durham all gathered to mark a major milestone for the man known as ‘Mr Darlington’.
Managing director of Vauxhall dealership Sherwoods Alasdair MacConachie celebrated at a surprise party thrown in honour of his 70th birthday at the Glasshouse restaurant, Darlington College, where he served as chair of governors for over 23 years.
More than 40 guests bought tickets for the sit down three course meal prepared by the college’s catering students to party with one of the best known businessmen in the town.
Mr MacConachie has been an active member in the community for over 35 years as president of St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington, chairman of Durham School, chairman of the Independent Advisory Panel for the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick, a member of the Rotary Club of Darlington, chairman of the Darlington Partnership and Vice Lord Lieutenant of County Durham.
He was honoured with the Freedom of the Borough of Darlington in 2012, is a past High Sheriff, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the Teesside University and received an OBE in 2004.
Communications manager at Darlington College Kath McColl said: “Alasdair truly is ‘Mr Darlington’ in every sense.
“He is a remarkably community minded person who always helps the town of Darlington in any way he can and we are extremely proud to play a small part in his celebrations here tonight.”
