Last updated 16:34, Thursday, 20 November 2008

SUNDAY, November 16, saw the start of this year’s Christmas Art Tour.

In Bardon Mill, Christina Mingard, at Hawthorn Cottage, is offering a range of vibrant paintings, prints, cards and Fair Trade gifts for the festive season on Saturdays and Sunday, from tomorrow until December 14 (1pm-5pm).

AFTER weeks of sharpening their wits, Friends of Henshaw School and guests will be battling it out in a fun quiz this evening. The event, which includes a pies and peas supper will be held in the first school starting at 7.30pm. For more details ring Geeta Bannister on (01434) 344424.

ON SATURDAY, November 29,1pm-4pm, the first school is holding its Christmas fair. There will be craft stalls, cakes, produce and tombola, plus excellent refreshments.

THE first school's pupils are extremely busy creating their very own Christmas entertainment, from writing the script to designing and producing the programmes and tickets for the event.  Performances will take place in the school on Thursday, December 11, at 1.45pm and 6.30pm and also on Friday, December 12, at 10am.

MAURICE Iley is interested in putting a drama group together. If you would like to join him, ring (01434) 344562 or email mauriceiley@yahoo.co.uk

JULIE Gibbon, our station adopter for Bardon Mill railway station, has again negotiated 30 free, one-day, rail passes to be used on the Newcastle-Carlisle line during December or January. To be one of the 30 lucky recipients you must live in either Henshaw, Bardon Mill or Melkridge parishes. Post your details, including your name, address and telephone number in the box at Bardon Mill post office by November 23, or ring Julie on (01434) 344383 by the same date. Julie is also the secretary of the TVRUG – Tyne Valley Railway Users Group – which monitors, nags and negotiates with our railway providers on behalf of those who use, or might use, the railway. It is well worth joining the group if you haven’t already done so. The more people who join, the louder its voice insisting on improvements to the service.

THE weather forecast promises icy weather in the coming week, so take care on our undulating pavements and pot-holed roads. Perhaps our new unitary authority might consider spending some of the millions Tynedale Council is giving it to improve them?