LIFE is currently very quiet in Matfen though the cyclists are out and about the minute the sun shines and the coffee shop is always a hive of activity on these and other days.

However, the Upper Pont Dining Club evenings run through the summer and the next dinner is on Wednesday, August 26 at 6.45pm at The Keeper’s Lodge, Matfen Golf Clubhouse.

The guest speaker is Stan Beckensall, well-known as Northumberland’s walking encyclopaedia, who will be discussing What’s in a name – Northumberland Villages and Places.

As usual, the two-course, multi-choice dinner is pre-ordered.

This should be an excellent evening, so please contact Peter Lombard, telephone (01661) 886331 or Struan Wilson, telephone (01661) 8865920 to book your place and order your meal.

Here too is your opportunity to solve the mystery of those local names which you have always wondered about, so please contact Peter or Struan and Stan Beckensall will be able to cover those in his talk!

OUR new vicar, Rachel Scheffer, and her husband, Ron, are now established in the vicarage in Stamfordham and Rachel is busy taking ‘first services’ in the various churches of the parish.

All our good wishes are with them as they join our community.

BACK by popular demand is Alex Swailes, of Rothbury, at Stamfordham Village Hall on Saturday, September 12 at 7pm.

If you have missed Alex before, he is a wonderful singer, raconteur and entertainer and the festive occasion is the harvest festival cheese and wine evening.

It is always an excellent evening, the proceeds go to St Mary’s Church, Stamfordham, and everyone is very welcome.