NEW CURATE: Rob Brown, who is studying at St John's College, Durham, has been appointed curate for Weardale.

He will be ordained next June and will then help the Reverend Philip Greenhalgh to minister to the seven churches from Frosterley to Cowshill. Mr Brown, who is married with three children, will live in St John's Chapel.

TV SPOT: The Reverend Philip Greenhalgh, Vicar for Upper Weardale, will be featured on Tyne Tees TV's Dales Diary programme on Sunday, December 8. Presenter Luke Casey will talk to Mr Greenhalgh about his passion for basket-weaving.

CURTAIN UP: Wolsingham Amateur Dramatic Society is presenting Oliver at the Town Hall for four nights, starting next Wednesday. Tickets for the show, which starts at 7.30pm, can be bought at The Paper Shop, Second Elegance or at the door.

IN HARMONY: A special Advent carol service is being held by Churches Together in Weardale at Stanhope Methodist Church, on Sunday, December 1, at 3pm.

SHOW DATE: The Happy Cats entertainers group, led by former Lindisfarne singer and instrumentalist Marty Craggs, are appearing at the Town Hall, St John's Chapel, on Friday, November 29, at 8.30pm. Tickets are available from the village post office, the primary school and the Blue Bell pub. There will be a licensed bar. The show is in aid of St John's Chapel School Association.

ANNIVERSARY SHOW: The Weardale Singers, who are celebrating their tenth anniversary, are giving a Christmas concert at Wearhead Methodist Church on Saturday, December 7, at 6.30pm. Carols will be followed by a candlelight supper.