SURELY a sign of the times. At Middleton in Teesdale the search is on for people to take over the organising of the town's Christmas lights display following the retirement of Audrey Docherty.

Audrey has been a stalwart for many years, arranging fundraising events through the year to keep the display up to standard. Now it is considered impossible to find one person to take on Audrey's duties so a committee will be formed.

While Spectator's a fan of co-operative approaches to task, there's a good chance that the new committee will not be effective as one, single-minded, determined individual.

It's a truism that there are fewer people like Audrey about these days. Individuals don't seem to have the time or inclination to devote themselves to community projects.

On a clear day

There's no question that the new Darlington football club stadium taking shape beside the ring-road is the now the most highly visible landmark in the area. Spectator was able to see the white steel structure from the Darlington-Northallerton road just north of Great Smeaton during last weekend's crystal-clear weather conditions.

It can also be clearly seen from slightly high ground south of Sedgefield and should conditions be right, it will probably be visible from the hills just north of Richmond.

Mr George Reynold's, the club ebullient chairman, will no doubt be pleased that his pet project is having such impact.

Those with the interests of rural conservation at heart may take a rather different view