An exhibition celebrating the novel talents of Ronald Tomlinson, aka Rondart is currently on display at the Bishop Auckland People’s Museum.
Ronnie Tomlinson (1929-2005) was born in West Auckland. He was both a unique darts player as well as great entertainer.
He enjoyed a career in television as well as variety and was known as the only professional dart blower in the world. His novelty came from his astonishing ability to blow darts out of his mouth.
As well as playing normally by throwing darts while standing on the oche, Ron would blow darts at the dartboard from 18 feet away, specialising in landing as close to the bullseye as possible.
He would also blow darts into the neck of a bottle as well as knocking a cigarette off the top of a man’s head.
During the 1950s he appeared on stage with Stan Laurel, Frankie Vaughan and Larry Grayson. In 1965 he appeared in Billy Smart’s Circus on BBC1.
In 1967 he made an appearance on Japanese television and was a guest on the Paul Daniel’s Magic Show in 1985.
Ron made his final television appearance in 1995 on Spanish TV in a show similar to our Generation Game.
He retired to Witton Park where he rekindled his childhood friendship with Ronnie and Dennis Pounder.
After both Dennis and Ronnie passed away, Ronnie’s daughter, Elaine Vizor discovered a wonderful collection of items that Ron had given them over the years.
Secretary of the People’s Musuem, Geraldine Hart said: “We would like to thank Ronnie’s daughter, Elaine for the opportunity to display and share with the local community this wonderful memorabilia relating to the life and career of a local lad from West Auckland.
“Thanks also to the management of Majestic Bingo who own the Hippodrome building in Railway Street, where the musuem is situated.”
Bishop Auckland People’s Museum was set up and is run by volunteers. Opening times are Sundays and Mondays from 5pm to 11pm and Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 11pm.
The Rondart Exhibition is on now and runs until Wednesday 6 April.
Admission to the museum is just £1 per person.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
