Mat makers’ annual Rugfest

TRADITIONAL North-East mat-making skills will be showcased at a craft group’s annual rug-fest and open day on Saturday (NOV 3).

Durham Clayport Matters Group is marking its tenth anniversary with the display of proggy and hooky mats, wall-hangings, braiding, knitting, weaving and spinning produced by members at twice-weekly workshops.

The event, at Bowburn Community Centre, in Durham Road, Bowburn, near Durham, will also feature an array of stalls, raffles, bric-a-brac, with tea and coffee available.

It runs from 11am – 3pm and admission is free.

BOWLS TASTER: New players to the sport of bowls can give it a try at Park View Community Association, off Church Chare and Roman Avenue, Chester-le-Street, on Saturdays, from 12-noon - 2pm. Anyone aged 18 and above is welcome, with assistance on offer from Park View Bowls Club coaches and mentors. There is a £2 charge per person, per session, with further information available from club member Alan Stewart, on 0191-388-1043.

BRAIN SINGING: Alzheimer’s Society staff are launching Singing for the Brain sessions for people living with dementia and their carers. The first session takes place at Cornerstones Centre for the Community, at the Methodist Church, in North Burns, Chester-le-Street, on Monday (NOV 5), from 1.30pm. Support worker Cathy Clifford said sessions are based on principles of music therapy and singing, aimed mainly at people in early to moderate stages of dementia, who are usually accompanied by a carer or family member. Further details are available from her, on 0191-389-0400.