BEFORE the flu season gets its claws into us, here is a little reminder for all those in the North Tyne area that the flu clinics at the Bellingham practice are under way.

The clinics are primarily aimed at those aged over 65 and those with long-term health conditions.

Please ring the surgery to book an appointment or, if you aren’t sure whether you are likely to need an injection, the receptionists will be happy to advise you. Telephone (01434) 220203.

IN the absence of any local ‘apple days’, it might interest you to know that Hexham Farmer’s Market tomorrow will hold its annual apple day.

You can try your hand at apple juicing, get your mystery apples identified (you will need to take along three examples of the same variety), get fruit and growing advice and buy lots of apple-related products.

ST Aidan’s, Thorneyburn, will hold a harvest festival soup swap, starting at 6pm, on Sunday, October 11.

SUNDAY, October 11, is the Falstone harvest service in the United Reformed Church at 6pm, which will be followed by a harvest supper.

All gifts for the harvest will be donated to the food bank (they can be brought to the service or left in church beforehand).

ON Thursday, October 22, there will be an all-day, two-part workshop, Autumn Colours, at Unison Colour Ltd. Booking is essential.

The morning will be spent at Unison Colour, with a tour of the production process, an introduction to the work of its founder, John Hersey, and the opportunity to select eight beautiful, Unison Colour hand-made pigment pastels to keep.

The afternoon session is at Highgreen (home of VARC) for a drawing workshop inspired by the autumn colours. The day includes morning refreshments, a soup and bread lunch, and basic drawing materials (boards and paper will also be provided). However feel free to bring your own materials if you wish. If the weather permits, the day will involve a short walk, so remember to bring suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. Meet 9.45am at Unison Colour Ltd.

TOMORROW is Alwinton Show, the season’s last show.