Parish changes

PLANS to reduce the membership of West Rainton Parish Council from 11 councillors to nine have moved forward after the final round of consultation was approved by Durham County Council at a meeting on Wednesday. The parish council also wants to change its name to West Rainton and Leamside Parish Council, which would come into effect next April, to better reflect the area it covers.

There will be another round of consultation, to take place for four weeks from Wednesday, September 26, before the final recommendations go before the county council in December.

Harvest songs

MILBANK Methodist Church, in Station Town, is holding its harvest celebration on Tuesday September 25. It is having an evening of song and poems by the Centenary Singers to commemorate the end of the First World War. It starts at 7pm and tickets are £3, which will be available on the door and include refreshments. All proceeds go to the Royal British Legion.

Brass concert

HOUGHTON Brass will give a a concert in St Barnabas Church, Bournmoor, on the A183 between Chester-le-Street and Shiney Row, at 7pm on Saturday September 29. The band has won many awards and performed at numerous venues across the UK. Tickets are £5 and can be obtained by contacting 0191-3852132.

Magic Pete

COMEDIAN and magician Pete Firman, a tv regular and Edinburgh Fringe favourite, brings his touring show Marvels to Durham’s Gala Theatre, on Sunday.

It starts at 7.30pm, with tickets costing £16, or £14 for concessions, available via www.galadurham.co.uk, or by calling (03000) 266600.

New priest

THE Reverend Tim Wall, curate at St Cuthbert’s parish in Peterlee, is to become priest in charge at St Michael and All Angels Church at Hetton Lyons, Hetton-le-Hole.

He takes up his new post on October 9.