Heating scheme 'just the tonic'

A SCHEME using doctors' surgeries to prescribe home heating has been hailed a success. Eight surgeries in the Easington area took part in last year's Warm Homes on Prescription initiative, run by Easington District Council. Funded by the Easington Primary Care Group, it provided free home insulation measures to 177 homes. A key aim was preventing people from having to be admitted to hospital suffering from cold-related illnesses. Cliff Duff, district council energy conservation officer, said: "Households involved in the scheme are experiencing savings on their energy bills, and have warmer homes too. This is clearly a success for joint working between the council and primary care group. We hope to extend the scheme to all surgeries in our district later this year."

EGGS PLEA: The Prince's Trust is urging people to donate Easter eggs to be presented to the children's ward at the University Hospital of North Durham. They can be left at County Hall, Durham, the Tourist Information Centre, 20 Upper Chare, Peterlee, or Newcastle Playhouse, Barras Bridge.

CATHEDRAL SERVICE: Durham Cathedral will celebrate St Cuthbert-tide with a service of Holy Communion and Pilgrimage at 11am on Saturday. The preacher will be Canon Kate Tristram, of Holy Island. On St Cuthbert's Day, Wednesday, March 20, there will be a Festal Evensong, with readings and a procession, at 7.30pm.

TABLE TOP SALE: The United Reformed Church, Church Bank, Stanley, will hold a table top sale from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, April 6. Pies and peas, scones, tea and coffee will be on sale. Tables are £5 and can be booked on (01207) 284794. Admission is 30p. Proceeds will go to church funds.

COFFEE MORNING: The Durham branch of the Tyneside Leukaemia Research Association is holding a coffee morning with stalls in Durham Town Hall on Saturday, between 9.30am and noon. Admission costs 50p, and includes coffee and biscuits.

EASTER FUN: St Luke's Church, Ushaw Moor, is holding an Easter egg tombola and a tea and cake stall on Saturday, between 10am and noon.

RESIDENTS MEET: Farringdon Residents' Association, Sunderland, will stage a public meeting on Monday next week at 6pm in the hall at Farringdon Community School. Residents will have a chance to say what improvements they would like in the area.

DANCE DATE: Springwell Community Centre, Springwell Village, Washington, will celebrate St Patrick's Day with an Irish ceilidh on Saturday. Tickets cost £3.50 for adults and £2 for concessions. For more details call 0191-417 3025.

PROGRESS REVIEW: People interested in finding out about progress on the Dawdon renewal area are invited to attend a surgery with Easington District Council officer Tony Davison on Thursday, March 28, between 12.30pm and 2pm in Dawdon Welfare Hall. The surgery was due to have been held on Thursday, March 21, but has been put back.

NEW VENUE: The monthly meeting of Dunelm Flower Club, on Thursday, March 21, will not be held at the usual venue, Durham Sixth Form Centre, but at Framwellgate Comprehensive School, off Finchale Road, Durham. Hazel Hall, of York, will give a demonstration, called Creations, at the meeting, which starts at 7.30pm. Admission for non-members costs £3