THANKFULLY, crippling roadworks through Catton and down the Peth have now disappeared, lowering the blood pressure of all Allendale motorists.

THE final pre-summer bingo session at The High Forest Community Centre, Sinderhope, takes place this evening at 7.30pm.

This month’s prize theme is, optimistically, ‘red hot summers’.

These popular monthly bingo sessions start again in September.

ALSO at Sinderhope, the Dale Singers’ summer concert takes place on Tuesday, July 7 at 7.30pm. Admission is £5 on the door and interval refreshments are available.

EXPERIENCED volunteers will be working at Allen Smelt Mill this Friday and Saturday. Drop down and join them anytime from 10am to 4pm and find out how to become a regular member of the volunteer team.

A NEW creative writing group will be meeting every month at The Forge, starting on July 16 at 3pm.

Come along to discuss your work and to support and inspire others.

Membership is free, although a donation for the room and refreshments would be appreciated.

Please contact Liz Barnes for more information on 07855 702859 or at lizjbarnes@hotmail.com

DON‘T miss Steph Jamieson’s Pots in the Byre at Broadwood Hall this weekend and next from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

THORNLEY House, Allendale, is having an open gardens event in aid of Eden Animal Rescue on Sunday, July 5 between 2pm and 5pm. Admission is £4, under 12s free. Refreshments are available and there will also be live classical music.

THERE’S a Bag2School collection at Allendale Primary School on Wednesday, July 8.

Bag2School collects good quality clothing, soft toys and paired shoes for re-use.

Please drop any donations into the school on or before that date – the last collection raised £184 for school funds.

FINALLY, for music enthusiasts, two important diary dates. There’s a general meeting for all supporters of the Allen Valleys Folk Festival on Wednesday, July 1 at 7pm upstairs in the Golden Lion.

And on Friday, July 10 it’s the Show of Hands gig at Allendale Village Hall. You can buy tickets locally at Allendale Post Office and Co-op, or online at gigantic.com.

More information on the festival and Show of Hands at www.avff.co.uk

FOR inclusion here contact me at peteraldcroft@gmail.com or drop a note into Old Oaks on Arnison Terrace before teatime on Sunday.