The 130-year-old Windmill Methodist Chapel, near Bishop Auckland, is celebrating its anniversary tomorrow with a service at 6pm.

The preacher will be Gerald Bell. A performance by the Tanfield Lea Choir will take place at 8pm.

COMMUNITY TALK: People from St Helen Auckland are invited to help develop play areas and community facilities by attending a meeting next Saturday, at St Helen Auckland Community School, Manor Road, from 10am to noon. A buffet lunch follows the discussion and creche facilities are available. Call community worker Abby Thompson on (01388) 609852.

INQUEST VERDICT: South West Durham Coroner Colin Penna recorded a verdict of death by natural causes at an inquest on David Welburn, 69, of Brighton Road, Darlington. The hearing at Darlington police station was told that Mr Welburn, a project manager, had lung cancer.

EXTENSION PLAN: Planning applications recently received by Wear Valley District Council include a proposal to extend the pattern shop at William Cook George Blair's works in Bondisle, Stanhope, and a request by Wolsingham Agricultural Society to hold six more events a year at the showground at Scotch Isle Park.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: St Mary's RC Church, Barnard Castle, is holding a Christmas fair next Saturday, from 10am to noon.

FOLK NIGHT: The Old Age Travellers folk group will be performing in Thornley Village Hall, near Tow Law, next Saturday, from 7.30pm. Entry is by ticket only, available on (01388) 731341.

SHARP HUMOUR: Four women who set aside their troubles to form an Abba tribute band are the subject of Falling Knives and Runaround Wives, a play by Catrina McHugh, at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Thursday. Contact the box office on (01388) 602610 for tickets, or the website at www.durham.gov.uk. bishopaucklandtownhall.

DANCE DATE: The teesdanceinitiative group is performing at Darlington Arts Centre on Thursday, at 8pm. There will be a post-show talk. Tickets are available on (01325) 486555.

FASHION SHOW: A fashion show in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care takes place on Thursday, at 7pm, at The George Hotel, Piercebridge, near Darlington. Tickets are available at the door.

TOY FAIR: There will be a toy fair and coffee morning in the side aisle at St Catherine's Church, Crook, today, from 9.30am to noon.

WHIST DRIVE: A whist drive to raise money for Christmas lights in Staindrop, near Barnard Castle, will be held today, at 2pm, in Staindrop Junior School.

MAGICAL INTERLUDE: The illusionist duo Amethyst are providing an evening of magic at Staindrop Comprehensive School on Tuesday, November 26, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on (01833) 660285.