BOATS AND TRAINS: The North-East Diecast Collectors Club is holding a toy and train fair on Sunday, October 19, in North Lodge School, Chester-le-Street, from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Admission is 50p and 30p for pensioners and children.

SHOPS AND CHURCHES: The Sacriston and District Every-man's Club will hear about Shopfronts, Fairgrounds and Churchyards, at 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 15, in the lounge of St John's Court.

COLLECTORS NEEDED: The Poppy Fund is appealing for more collectors for this year's appeal. Volunteers are asked to call Carol Bruce on (0191)-388 2018 or (0191)388 5753.

SINGING COMPETITION: The finals of a karaoke competition, organised by the Black Horse, will start at 8pm next Thursday.

ANTIQUE VALUES: Giles Hodges and Bolton Auction Galleries will value items at the antiques fayre at Birtley Methodist Church from 10am to 1pm, on Saturday, October 19. Each valuation costs £1 which will be donated to the disability fund.

SUSPENSE PLAY: A Murder is Announced will be performed by the Chester-le-Street Methodist Drama Club from Tuesday to Friday, October 18, at 7.15pm, with a 2.10pm matinee on Saturday, October 19, in the Walter Best Hall. Tickets cost £3.

CHURCH MUSIC: Elijah is being performed by the Methodist Church Music Society and local people on Saturday, at 7.30pm, in the Chester-le-Street Methodist Church.

CAMERA TALK: Ancient and Modern will be the theme of Vince Rooker at the Chester-le-Street Camera Club on Monday, in the library at 7.30pm.

OLD BOTTLES: Chester-le-Street District Council has opened a glass recycling site near the Chester-le-Street Cricket Club.

READY FOR CHRISTMAS: The Waldridge village hall is hosting a Christmas toy fair on Sunday, from 11am to 2pm.

COMMITTEE MEETING: A meeting of the resources committee of Birtley Methodist Church will be held on Tuesday, at 7.30pm.

CARERS OUTING: The Chester-le-Street Carers Support is having a luncheon at Shafto's, in Spennymoor, today, from noon until 2.30pm.

THEATRICAL COURSES: The Chester-le-Street Community Centre holds an A-Level course in theatre studies on Wednesdays, from 4.30pm. More details are available from Linda on (0191)-388 2836.