Autism support for parents: Parents with autistic children are being urged to join health and educational professionals at an annual conference in Sunderland.

The third Autism Conference takes place at the Marriott Hotel, in Seaburn, from 9am to 4pm, on Friday, November 14. The theme is integrating children with the condition into mainstream education. Speakers will include author and senior educational psychologist Val Cumine and chartered psychologist with the European services for people with autism Lynne Moxon. To book a place, costing £15 for parents and £55 for professionals, contact 0191-219 3526.

STEPHENSON DISPLAY: An exhibition celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of the North-East railway engineering pioneer Robert Stephenson opens at Newcastle's Discovery Museum today. It features portraits, paintings and some of his original working drawings and instruments. The museum opens from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and Sundays, from 2pm to 5pm. The exhibition runs until November 23 and admission is free.

WILDLIFE WALK: Durham Wildlife Trust is holding a free open day on Saturday at its headquarters in Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve at Chilton Moor, in Houghton-le-Spring, from 11am to 3pm. Families will be able to build their own bird boxes and there will be guided walks and children's activities.

Jumble sale: A jumble sale is being held at St Ives Church, in Leadgate, on Saturday, from 1.30pm. All proceeds will go to the Leadgate community centre.

Remembrance service: A Festival of Remembrance is being held on Saturday, November 1, as part of the Royal British Legion poppy appeal. The event will take place at Consett's Empire Theatre from 7pm and includes a performance by the Lanchester Male Voice Choir and Consett Brass Band. Tickets are available from the theatre or Consett library.

ABBA TRIBUTE: Abba tribute band, Voulez Vous, will be appearing at the Gala Theatre, in Durham, on Wednesday, October 29, at 8pm. Tickets cost £15, with concessions available.

DANCE DATES: Afternoon dances are held every Thursday at Shadforth Village Hall, near Durham, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

SCHOOL FAIR: Bournmoor Primary School's Home School Association is holding an autumn fair on Monday, at 3.30pm. The fair will be held in the village school, near Chester-le-Street and the association is looking for donations for the toy stall, tombola, raffle or cake stall.

FLOWER CLUB: Dunelm Flower Club is holding its monthly meeting at Durham Sixth Form Centre, in Providence Row, on Thursday, at 7.30pm. Gillian Harbord will give a demonstration called My Kind of Flowers. Everyone is welcome and there is a £3 admission charge.

DIABETES MEETING: The Diabetes UK Durham Group holds a meeting at the Diabetes Centre of the University Hospital of North Durham tonight, at 7.30pm. Admission is free.