AS  most of our young people finish school today, what better way can there be to start the half term break than at the pre-school Valentine’s disco in the parish hall tomorrow at 3pm? To check if places are still available, contact Paula on 07885 468566 or email Paulapocock123@hotmail.co.uk

WITH Lent having started on Ash Wednesday this week, there are several opportunities for people to join together in worship at this special time.

Full details can be found in your parish news magazine, but this week’s events start this morning when the Rev. Paul Golightly, director of St Anthony’s Priory, Durham, invites you to join him at Shepherds Dene for the first quiet Friday in Lent, which includes coffee, lunch and afternoon tea.

Contact Shepherds Dene for more information.

TOMORROW, from 10am until 3pm, Riding Mill Methodist Church is the place to be for prayer and meditation, creative and reflective prayer ideas and activities on God’s love, on self and on journeying through Lent.

You are welcome to stay for a few minutes or a few hours. Please contact the Rev. Jane Cook on (01661) 852143 if you have any queries.

ON Sunday, February 14, between 3pm and 4.30pm in the parish hall, everyone is invited by St James’ Church to watch a Godly play entitled The Big Story and get involved in the discussion, drama and art, followed by tea and cake.

For further details, contact Elaine Ryder on (01434) 682644.

LENTEN  Talks will also take place at Minsteracres on Tuesday, February 16, beginning with the stations of the cross at 7.30pm, followed by a talk and discussion at 8pm.

ON Wednesday February 17, at noon in the parish hall foyer, it is the first of the much-loved annual Lent soup lunches, to which everyone is welcome.

Over the six weeks, you will be able to try many different flavours with crusty bread, followed by tea or coffee.

The money raised will be donated to Oxfam’s relief programme in Syria and surrounding countries.

Just like the Café @ the Foyer every Monday and Friday morning, a team of enthusiastic volunteers will ensure you enjoy good company and delicious home-made food.

IF  you have information you wish to share or a story to tell in our village notes, please contact me via email pampryor@btinternet.com or telephone (01434) 682927.