JIM Cokill, director of Durham Wildlife Trust, will give a talk titled The Future of Durham’s Wildlife in room 141 of Durham University’s Elvet Riverside 1 building, on New Elvet, Durham, on Wednesday, May 8, at 8pm. The illustrated talk has been organised by the City of Durham Trust conservation group. Non-members are welcome. Entry is free. For more information, call 0191-386-1140. The Trust’s annual general meeting will precede the lecture, starting at 7.15pm.

RAILWAY WALK: Durham Ramblers will do a nine-mile linear walk through Alston and South Tynedale Railway country on Sunday (May 5). Walkers should meet at Alston railway station at 10.30am for travel to Lintley. For more information, call Ivy Papps on 0191-384-3164 or 07762-627-028.

SHOPPERS’ SERVICE: St Andrew’s Methodist Church, in Coxhoe, will hold its next Shoppers’ Service on Saturday (May 4) at 10am. The speaker is lay preacher Janet Barrett, from Spennymoor. All are welcome. The service will last 30 minutes.

DURHAM U3A: The next meeting of the Durham University of the Third Age (U3A) group will be held at the Indoor Bowling Club, in Pity Me, Durham, on Thursday, May 9, at 1.30pm. The speaker will be Glynis Grainger. The title of her talk is: Nancy Wake – the White Mouse. The U3A provides opportunities for those no longer in full-time employment to meet and enjoy lifelong learning and social activities. All new members would be welcome.

HISTORY WALK: Historian Martin Roberts will lead a guided walk to discover the remains of the original Newton Hall and its gardens on Sunday, May 12, at 2pm. There will be a charge of £1 to cover photocopying costs. Walkers should meet on Carr House Drive, Newton Hall, opposite the open land which lies north of the road, between Rochester and Coventry Roads. To register, email: martin@fleece.wanadoo.co.uk