ON SONG: An open mic night will take place at Butterknowle Village Hall on Sunday, January 26, starting at 7.30pm. Admission is free and there will be a bar and refreshments available. For more details, contact 01388-710855.

BACK IN BUSINESS: Gainford Parish Council will hold its first meeting of the new year on Monday, January 6. Items to discussed will include the development of a new website aimed at attracting visitors to the village. The meeting takes place at the village hall and starts at 7pm.

PARTY TIME: An Epiphany Party is being organised by the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham at St Osmund's Church, Gainford, on Friday, January 10. Mass at 7pm will be followed by supper, a bar, grand raffle and entertainment in Gainford Village Hall. For more information, contact 01325-730191.

MONEY MATTERS: The finance committee of Etherley Parish Council will meet on Thursday, January 9, to discuss the group's budget for the next financial year. The committee's recommendations will be presented at the regular monthly parish council on Thursday, January 16.

BIG WEEKEND: Gainford at War has been chosen as the theme for this year's Big Weekend in the village. Organisers say the event will take place on June 21 and 22, with fundraising activities already underway to cover costs. A meeting has been organised for February 25 in Gainford Village Hall to which anyone wishing to get involved is invited.