A two-part course in food safety will be held at the Middleham Key Centre, from September 12.

It is designed for anyone involved in handling or the service of food, to ensure a basic understanding of the fundamentals of food hygiene and how to minimise the risk of food poisoning. Booking is essential. For details, contact (01969) 624002.

All change: As part of the national reading campaign, the Middleham Key Centre is organising a book swap, starting on September 5. People can take along books they have enjoyed and exchange them for others. Anyone interested in setting up a reading group should contact the office on (01969) 624002 or leave a name at the swap.

Harcas meting: The annual meeting of Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Addiction Service is on September 16, at 5.45pm, in the Harcas offices in South Parade. Details are available on (01609) 780486.

Coffee date: The Vale of Mowbray branch of the RSPCA is holding a coffee morning in the town hall on September 7. Organisers are appealing for helpers and for bric-a-brac, cakes, books and tombola prizes. Call (01609) 776652.

Christian date: Christian women's fellowship group Aglow International is holding an event at the ballroom of the Golden Lion, Northallerton, on Thursday, at 7.30pm, when the guest speaker will be Wendy Tucker, of Stockton. Admission is £3 and includes refreshments. For details, call Shirley Blades on (01609) 774565.

Family day: Toc H is holding a family day at the Meads, South Crescent, Ripon, from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday. Attractions include, home-made scones, stalls, children's games, tombola and raffle. Admission is 50p.

Flower time: The next meeting of Sowerby Flower Club will be held at the parochial hall on Thursday, September 5, when Sally Goodrick, of Terrington near Malton gives a demonstration entitled A Touch of Inspiration.

Garden party: The local Royal British Legion Band will provide the music at a garden party at 16 St Mary's Walk, Thirsk, on August 31. There will be a tombola, raffle and afternoon teas. Details on (01845) 523511.

Scary time: Judging for the scarecrow competition at Thornton-le-Beans, near Northallerton, will be on Saturday. The prize-giving will be held on the following day in the village hall.

Flower diary: The next meeting of Stokesley Flower Club will be held tomorrow, at 7.30pm, in the town hall. Adam Prest, from Sedgefield, will give a demonstration, called A Diary of Flowers.

Help sought: Stokesley Community Care Association is looking for volunteers to push clients in their wheelchairs for an hour or so each week. Call (01642) 710085 for more information.

Old times: Photographs or other memorabilia are needed for a display of the life of churches in Stokesley over the past 50 years. It is hoped to mount an exhibition in the churches' tent at Stokesley Show in September.