Thieves snatch charity boxes

Two charity boxes, containing about £40, and badges promoting guide dogs and the Blue Cross animal welfare centre, were stolen from the reception area of a veterinary surgery at East End, Sedgefield, between 9.15am and 12.30pm yesterday.

SHIRT DESIGN: A two-day workshop on creating winter designs on T-shirts for 12-year-olds and over is being held at Darlington Arts Centre, on January 5 and 12, from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Participants should take a white T-shirt or pillow case with them. The cost of the workshop is £20. Places must be booked by calling (01325) 486555.

CAROLS SUCCESS: The University of the Third Age in Darlington raised £120 when members sang carols at the Morrisons store, Morton Park, on December 21, supported by the Meltones Male Voice Choir and Blackwell Ladies' Choir. The money raised will be given to the Darlington Memorial Hospital appeal to set up a digital retinal photography system.

PLAY DATE: Wuthering Heights will be staged at Darlington Arts Centre on Wednesday, January 30. Tickets are available on (01325) 486555.

CHRISTINGLE SERVICE: A Christingle service will be held at St Cuthbert's Church, Darlington, on January 6, at 4.30pm.

FIELD CLUB: Don Griss will give a talk called Land of the Bluenoses to Darlington and Teesdale Naturalists' Field Club, at Darlington Arts Centre, on Friday, January 18, at 7.30pm.

SKERNE MEANDERS: A two-and-a-half-mile guided walk along the River Skerne in Darlington, led by Elizabeth Elliott, starts at the bottom of Askrigg Street, off North Road, on Wednesday, January 16, at 1.30pm. There is a charge of £2, or £1 for children and concessions.

SOCIAL NIGHT: An epiphany service at All Saints and Salutation Church, Blackwell, Darlington, next Saturday, at 6.30pm, will be followed by a social evening in the Millennium Hall.

HISTORY COURSE: The Workers Educational Association at Bennet House, in Horsemarket, Darlington, is offering an eight-session course on the history of Normandy, starting on Tuesday, January 22, from 7.15pm to 9.15pm. A trip is also planned to Normandy as part of the course. For details contact (01325) 357801.