WHO can remember dancing or singing along to any Teesdale skiffle band a few decades ago?

I've been asked to provide the names of any of the local line-ups which became popular around the time Lonnie Donegan was hitting the charts with this brand of music, and songs such as Rock Island Line.

The only one traced so far is the Butterknowle Ladies Skiffle Group, which seems to have given a number of lively performances around the area.

And unlike most of the others it is assured of a place in history, as its photograph is displayed in the Gaunless Valley Heritage Centre.

The players in the outfit, which was much bigger than other skiffle bands, are named as Martha Hall, Vera Simpson, Edith Beadle, Lena Duffy, Olive Woodward, Audrey Hall and Kathleen Bell, along with Mesdames Turnbull, Woodward, Blackett, Dawson and Brown. They obviously had a lot of fun.

Million Makepeace, who knows a great deal about the village's history, told me all these ladies were in the Women's Institute.

The first one named was the WI president at the time. "They went round entertaining in village halls and gave shows for other WIs," he added.

"I believe they put on a good colourful performance and were always well received. They certainly all enjoyed being part of the band."

JOYCE TOWLER, who is in her eighties but still has a splendid singing voice, has been reunited with an old friend, Minnie Hodgson, after an interval of more than 30 years, thanks to a report in The Northern Echo.

The account about Hazel Yeadon's book on the actions of local women during the First World War included a photograph of Mrs Towler, who served in the Land Army.

She was recognised right away by Mrs Hodgson, who was her friend and neighbour before they moved homes and lost touch.

"I was thrilled to see Joyce's picture in the paper and decided to get in touch as soon as possible," said Mrs Hodgson.

After a phone call she travelled from her home in Middleton St George to Joyce's home in Barnard Castle.

"I used to babysit for Joyce's children, David and Carol, and she was a guest at my wedding in Gainford in 1957," said Mrs Hodgson.

"After we lost touch I often thought about her. I'm really grateful to the Echo for getting us back together. We'll never lose contact with each other again."

The excellent book, called What did You do in the War, Granny? has already sold out its original print run. Mrs Yeadon, who lives in Boldron, is now ordering a second print. Anyone wishing a copy when it arrives can order one at £6 plus £1.25 postage by calling her on (01833) 638710.

COULD a new career as a model be on the way for the Reverend Ruth Stables, vicar of Bowes?

She is to shimmy along a catwalk at a fashion show being organised on behalf of St Giles Church by one of her supporters, Hilary Rabbett.

But she took a lot of persuading before she agreed to be a Kate Moss for the evening and display garments supplied by Kents of Barnard Castle.

"I've never done any modelling before and I'm sure I never will again after this first attempt," she told me with a cheerful smile.

Ms Rabbett is lining up other catwalk performers of all ages, including the Guy quadruplets - Becky, Kirsty, Emma and Laura - who, as 13-year-olds, are more interested in the latest styles than the vicar is ever likely to be. "But I'm certain the Reverend Ruth will be first class, and her appearances will be among the highlights," said Ms Rabbett.

BOB GRIFFITHS was often in the news with protests about a humming noise which kept him and his wife Greta awake in their home in Market Place, Barnard Castle.

It came from an extractor fan at the back of the nearby Spice Island Indian restaurant. But their torment has ended at last.

When I bumped into Mr Griffiths on Thursday, he was all smiles as he announced: "We now have perfect peace.

"After 12 years of heartache, the noise has gone. It is wonderful to sleep peacefully."

During those years he complained repeatedly to Teesdale District Council, and environmental health officers checked the sound levels at various hours.

Some people even thought the couple made the noise out to be worse that it actually was, but their protests continued.

After the restaurant changed hands, further checks were carried out and changes made to the extractor system, and this cured the problem instantly.

"The silence is golden," declared a happy Mr Griffiths.