Health care under scrutiny

The Commission for Health Improvement would like to hear from local people about their good and bad experiences as part of an assessment of The North Durham Heathcare NHS Trust.

For details on how to register comments, ring 0845 601 3012.

CHARITY CASH: A Flag Day held by Barnardo's in Durham to raise money for children, young people and families facing disadvantage or disability, raised £1410.70. No expenses were incurred and Barnado's would like to thank all those who contributed.

BEGIN BRIDGE: People are invited to learn the basics of bridge before joining the main bridge club at Chester-le-Street Community Centre by joining a ten-week course, starting on Thursday, January 24. It costs £30. For more details, ring 0191-388 4752.

DANCE SESSIONS: Line and sequence dancing sessions take place every Wednesday at Framwellgate Moor Community Centre in Durham. Line dancing takes place between 5.30pm and 7.45pm and sequence sessions are held between 8pm and 10pm. The sessions cost £1.50. For details call 0191-386 6921.

CHAIRMAN'S TALK: Ian Semmens, national chairman of Action on Pain, will talk to the organisation's Durham branch about its past achievements and plans for the future, on Thursday, January 17, at 2pm, in St Cuthbert's Church, North Road, Durham. For further information call 0191-386 3407 or 0191-386 4395.

FARM HOME: Durham City Council's development control committee has given outline planning permission for a farmworker's home to be built at Sun Ridge Farm, Thornley. It has also approved the retention of a farmworker's mobile home.

RESTAURANT PLAN: The Newton Partnership Ltd is asking Durham City Council for planning permission to convert the former pump house at Houghall College, on the outskirts of the city, into a restaurant and manager's flat.

TREE DISPOSAL: People in the Durham City area can take their Christmas trees to the Potterhouse or Coxhoe household waste disposal centres between 8.30am and 3.30pm until Friday, January 18. Cards can be put into the kerbside collection scheme.

GOLD AWARD: Sunderland City Council's City Contracting Services has been awarded a gold prize for the best public sector organisation in the Tyne and Wear Investor in People Awards.

DRUGS COURSES: Two courses are being organised by the Drugs Prevention Initiative for people living in Blakelaw and Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle. The first, for Blakelaw residents, runs from January 11 to March 1, every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm, at Airport Church. The second, for Blakelaw residents, takes place from January 11 to March 8, from 1pm to 3pm, on Fridays, at Gala Field Youth Centre. To book, ring 0191-229 0648.