Hospital plans to be debated

THE public can find out about proposals for hospital services in County Durham at a meeting at the Masonic Hall, Victoria Avenue, Bishop Auckland, tonight, from 7pm to 9pm.

The plans include services at Bishop Auckland Hospital, the University Hospital of North Durham and Darlington Memorial Hospital.

POLICE APPEAL: Police are appealing to motorcyclists in the Stanhope and Frosterley area to be more security conscious. In the past week equipment has been stolen from machines at Stanhope and Frosterley.

THEATRE SHOW: Jack Drum Arts will perform Radio Sheep Dip at Whorlton Village Hall tomorrow at 7.30pm. For details call (01833) 627040, or (01833) 627518.

CHURCH FAIR: Whitworth Church is holding a spring fair in Spennymoor Town Hall on Saturday, at 10.30am.

HATS OFF: The North of England Lead Mining Museum at Killhope starts its Queen's golden jubilee celebrations with a Bustles and Bonnets Day on Sunday. Expert Judith Watson will help visitors turn jumble into Victorian style clothes. Call (01388) 537505 for details.

THIRD AGE: The Wear-Tees branch of the University of the Third Age meets next Tuesday, at 10am, in Bishop Auckland Town Hall. Professor John Derry will be the guest speaker.

SHOW SUPPORT: Ward Allen is performing a magic show at the Scarth Hall, Staindrop, on Saturday, to raise funds for Deerbolt Aid to Orphans, an initiative run by officers at the young offenders' institution in Barnard Castle to aid orphans in Eastern Europe.

SPRING FAIR: Government Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong will open a spring fair at Woodhouse Close Church, Proudfoot Drive, Bishop Auckland, on Saturday, at 2pm.

FESTIVAL PLAN: Villagers in Heighington are preparing for a Queen's golden jubilee festival on Monday, June 3. Events will include a band, disco and Punch and Judy show. Darlington Borough Council has given £100 towards the cost of the celebrations. The council has also given £342 to Darlington's Millennium Volunteers to pay for programmes for jubilee celebrations at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle.

SLIDE SHOW: A slide show is being held in Newbiggin Village Hall on Friday, May 24, at 7.30pm, in aid of Amy Waddle's teaching trip to India. Tickets are available at the door.

CHURCH SALE: St Mary's Parish Hall, Barnard Castle, is holding a table-top sale on, Saturday, May 25, from 9.30am to 3.30pm, in aid of church funds.

SUPPER DANCE: A 50-50 supper dance is being held at Butterknowle Village Hall on Saturday, May 25, at 8pm, in aid of St John's Church, Lynesack. For details call (01388) 718312.

CHURCH FETE: The Spiritualist Church, in Middleton Road, Shildon, is holding a fete on Saturday, May 25