RETIRED GROUP: Meeting at the Regency Hotel Redcar, 76 members of the retired men's group had an insight into the world of postcard collecting, courtesy of George Nairn from Chester-le-Street, who spoke of his collection of more than 1,000 postcards and his involvement in exhibiting and collating his finds during the past 20 years.

Shaun Ivory also gave a series of short talks recalling his days on the oil rigs, with their rigours, isolation, black humour, and near disasters.

CHOIR CASH: Redcar Male Voice Choir, under the direction of Margaret Fick and accompanied by Jean Weir, helped to raise more than £430 for Zoe's Place, a children's respite centre, which is under construction at Normanby, and scheduled to receive its first patients in September. Thanks were expressed by Margaret Barron, co-ordinator of the Zoe's Place project. For information call Ms Barron on (01642) 475894.

TAKE HEART: The Take Heart Support Group offers practical help and support to recovering cardiac patients at nine venues and incorporates fourteen exercise classes throughout Middlesbrough and east Cleveland. It is more than £300 better off thanks to a successful Big Band concert created by band leader Gene Jarred, held in Great Ayton Workingmen's Club. The group is looking for walkers interested in taking part in a sponsored walk from Lealholm to Marske Cricket Club on Sunday, July 28. Back up parties, stopping off points and pick ups are being arranged by Bill Brown, who can be contacted on (01642) 486428. Sponsor forms are available from the Take Heart Support Group office, (01642) 491655.

BUSY ACCORDIONAIRES: The Cleveland Accordionaires were busy throughout the Golden Jubilee celebrations. They brought their brand of traditional accordion entertainment to Oakwood Court Residential Complex Marton, Yarm's Challoner House Sheltered housing scheme and took part in the Stainton Village Jubilee celebration concert. Meanwhile, Redcar singing group The Melody Makers had the ideal mix of nostalgic chorus songs for jubilee week, which coincided with birthday celebrations at Levick House, Middlesbrough, Coatham Lodge, Redcar, and Redcar Senior Citizens' Club.