More than 60 members of the Cleveland Retired Men's association were urged to join an organisation called The Experience Corps at a meeting recently.

A founding member of the new group said the idea was to utilise the experience of the over-50s for the benefit of the local community. For details call Norman Harrison on (01287) 203463.

KITCHEN DAMAGED: The kitchen and first floor were badly damaged in a fire at a house in Pinewood Avenue, Beechwood, Middlesbrough, yesterday. On Saturday, firefighters were also called to fires at a privage garage in Rosedale Avenue, Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, and in an unoccupied house in Woodland Street, Parkfield, Stockton.

MAMMA MIA: An Abba tribute band will perform at Marton Hotel and Country Club, Middlesbrough, on Friday, October 3. For details call (01642) 279550.

CHURCH FIRE: Firefighters spent almost an hour putting out a door that was on fire at St Aidan's Church, in Tintern Avenue, Billingham, on Saturday. A burnt-out oil can was found at the scene. Police are making inquiries.

PUB REFURBISHMENT: A Middlesbrough pub will reopen on Thursday after a £250,000 refurbishment. Bar Zantia, in Albert Road, will in future be known as Barracuda Bar and will employ 25 people.

TOP MARKS: Redcar and Cleveland College has received an award for staff training for the third time. The college has been given the Investor in People award.

SCRAPYARD BLAZE: Firefighters were called to a scrapyard on Belfield Industrial Estate, Stockton, on Saturday. A car and a portable office were burnt out.

TENTH ANNIVERSARY: Staff at Shoreline Nursing Home, in Redcar, will celebrate the home's tenth anniversary on Monday, June 30.

WI SHOW: The Cleveland Accordionaires entertained at the Eskdale Women's Institute Group Rally, in Danby Village Hall recently. The event was hailed a success. Cleveland Accordionaires are available for social events. Call (01642) 590781 for details.

CLASSIC CONCERT: Pianist Viv McLean will perform at Sir William Turner's Almshouses, Kirkleatham, near Redcar, on Friday. He will perform Bach, Beethoven and Schubert.

HEALTH SESSION: Endo-crinologist Dr Bill Kelly will conduct a question and answer session called You and Your Hormones when the South Cleveland branch of the Diabetes UK group meets in lecture room 12 at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, at 7.30pm.

ANNUAL MEETing: The Civil Service Pensioners' Alliance will hold its annual meeting in St Mary's Centre, Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, at 2pm on Thursday.