Following a request here for more details about a terrifying old woman whose lurid stories bewitched a host of young men in Upper Teesdale many years ago, two readers have come to the rescue.

Both have sent copies of a 72-line poem, composed by Robert Allinson, of Middleton in Teesdale, in about 1920, about the pipe-smoking, pock-marked widow who enticed a long succession of lads to her fireside.

Allinson, who also produced verses about other local characters and events before heading off to a career in London, was presumably one of the followers who regularly enjoyed being scared half to death by her late-night gripping yarns.

Part of his epic runs: Her tales of hobgoblins, bogles and ghosts/She would with such gusto unfold/That the flowing stream of the phantom hosts/Made the blood in our veins run cold.

He relates how night after night they would sit agape in the glow of flickering logs, so frightened their hair stood on end as they expected to see some unearthly shape appear in front of their eyes at any moment.

He sums up the experience: Strange fascination these nights for us had/Strange mingling of fear and delight/Home we went dreading some ghostly footpad/But we went back with glee the next night.

I still hope to unearth more about the intriguing crone, who is said to have married a dalesman after moving from Cumberland.

David Woods has pulled off a coup by signing up a dazzling senora from Argentina, Marcela Benedetti, to give salsa and Latin American dance tuition at the Witham Hall, where he is treasurer.

He asked around at various meetings if anyone knew of a really good teacher of this type of dancing, which is becoming increasingly popular. He was thrilled to be put in touch with Marcela, who is not only excellent at it, but is from a country which specialises in it. She is living in Durham at present.

She will start teaching the energetic routines on Saturday, March 12, as long as 12 couples enrol in advance.

"We can't do it with any fewer," said Mr Woods. The course will last eight Saturday mornings. Anyone wanting to know more can call at the hall, or ring (01833) 631107.

A little slice of social history has disappeared, sadly, this week with the folding of the Tuesday Club, which was quite a hive of activity when it was launched 23 years ago in Gainford.

Dorothy Willoughly was persuaded to start it to replace an over-60s club which had just disbanded.

"Social services gave me £30 and asked me to get it going to give older residents something to do," she told me.

"I had never run anything in my life, but I agreed. We had about 45 members and the fortnightly meetings were well attended.

"We often had entertainers or speakers, as well as an annual dinner and trips. But I never heard from social services again."

The village certainly got good value for that initial £30, but attendances have dwindled, with some members passing on or getting too old, and few around the age of 60 taking their place.

"Some are too busy working or looking after grandchildren," said Mrs Willoughby, who is 82.

But there is some good news. There is still some cash in the kitty, so she hopes to use it on a trip or meal for those still interested.

I have never heard of anyone from Teesdale facing the fierce glare of Anne Robinson on The Weakest Link, but that will be put right next week.

A local contestant will be among the nine trying to avoid the walk of shame on the BBC2 quiz show on Monday.

I've been asked not to give away any details, but I've had dealings with this highly intelligent person and would not be at all surprised to see some prize money heading in this direction.

* 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.