Margaret Banner had to give up her newspaper work due to a health problem, but she is now back in brisk action, producing a free newsletter for carers, those men and women who do much valuable work in Teesdale as they look after relatives and friends.

The eight A4 pages are packed with news about forthcoming events, such as the Carers' Week, from June 14 to 18, and details about benefit changes, home security, disability rights, eye tests and various therapies that are available.

Mrs Banner is unpaid editor, reporter, advertising manager and general dogsbody for the publication, which has a smart look about it. The current issue's top story is about Geoff Kelly, the new manager of the Carers' Centre, in Victoria Road, Barnard Castle.

"I enjoy doing this and hope a lot of people find it helpful," said the ever-cheerful Margaret, a one-time colleague of mine who had a spell in the advertising department of The Northern Echo.

She compiles the newsletter on her computer at home, with help from her partner David.

It is posted to 500 carers in Teesdale and others in Wear Valley. It can be picked up at the Carers' Centre, and anyone wishing a regular copy can call there and ask to be put on the mailing list. Costs are covered by adverts and donations. After two editions as a quarterly there are hopes that it will eventually come out monthly.

An unfortunate spelling mistake on a notice sent out about a Teesdale Comprehensive School reunion has been pointed out to be me an irate veteran.

It says there will be a chance to "reminice" at the event, for staff and pupils of the years 1989-94, tomorrow night at Barnard Castle Rugby Club.

"It's not a great tribute to the modern education system," declared the peeved critic. But hey - I've made much worse mistakes than that in my time. The meaning is clear anyway. And spelling seems to get harder for me, and I suppose others, as the memory weakens.

A natty blue printed T-shirt was shown to me this week by Liz Lamb, co-director with John West of a 10km race being organised by Teesdale Athletic Club in the grounds of Raby Castle on Sunday at 11.15am. I'd like one but it's a garment that money can't buy. It's reserved for those who complete the course, while others who do a 5km fun run, starting at 10.30am, will receive medals. Entries for both can be accepted until just before the off.

Members of the club may well try to conserve some energy for Sunday evening, when they hold a ceilidh at the Jersey Farm Hotel to mark their 20th anniversary.

A new eye-catching noticeboard outside the Methodist Church in the centre of Barnard Castle gives information about what may be seen as its rivals - other places of worship in the town and locality. It must be useful to newcomers and tourists, which is the intention.

A helpful brochure has also been produced giving details of all the churches and more than 20 organisations which meet in their halls.

A group, aptly called Churches Together in Barnard Castle and Startforth, is behind this new example of co-operation. Its secretary, Elizabeth Conran, said the hope is that the board and brochure will encourage more people to play an active part in local life and, perhaps more importantly, feel welcome.

Denise Marmont, who won a string of awards for her floral artistry while still a teenager, before setting up as a freelance florist at her home in Bowes this spring, is delighted with the way her business is blossoming.

After years of study and hard work, including prize-winning efforts at the Chelsea Flower Show, she fully deserves her success. It is likely that her phone - 01833 628196 - will get even hotter as word continues to spread.

* I'll be glad to see anyone who calls with snippets of news at The Northern Echo office at 36 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, on Mondays and Tuesdays, telephone (01833) 638628.