Events

Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society

Meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm (except January and August)

Stan Laurel lived his early life in the town, where his father managed the original Eden Theatre. Members of the ‘Hog Wild Tent’ of the ‘Sons of the Desert’ celebrate that connection, and enjoy these monthly meetings as an opportunity to get together and watch Stan and Olly in classic action.

New members always welcome.

Annual membership: £5.00. (guests 50p per meeting)

For further information contact: 01388 602610.

Wear Valley Writers

Wednesday's during term time, 7.00pm to 9.00pm

New members are always welcome to join this friendly group of dedicated, talented writers who have been meeting since 1993 and whose members have numerous awards to their credit. The group meets most Wednesdays in term time in the library at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

A full schedule of structured literature-based events forms part of the Town Hall's annual events programme and members are encouraged to widen their literary experience by supporting these initiatives.

Tea Dances

Tuesdays 1.30 – 3.30pm (except 25 August, 27 October, 22 and 29 December, 30 March)

Enjoy an afternoon of dancing in The Eden Theatre, under the watchful eye of John Beaty and his dancing partner Beatrice. Dances are a mix of modern and sequence dances.

Refreshments are available in The Laurel Room café/bar and a good time is guaranteed.

Tickets: £2.00

Ballroom and Old Time

First Wednesday of the month, 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

If you've been inspired by 'Stictly', or have always been a fan of these wonderful old dances, then come along for an afternoon devoted to Ballroom and Old Time. A once monthly event, on the first Wednesday of the month.

Tickets: £2.00

Evergreens

Wednesdays 10.30am - 3.00pm

(9 September - 16 December and 6 January - 24 March)

The Evergreens are our friendly over 50s group. If you call in for a taster session you’ll be made most welcome. A wide range of activities are on offer – from illustrated talks and demonstrations to practical hands-on sessions; from theatre outings and visits to places of interest to stress reducing gentle exercise, healthy eating ideas and mini-concerts.

Annual membership fee: £30.00. Visitors £4.00 per day.

See Evergreens schedule for further details or telephone 01388 602610 to request a leaflet or for information.

Print Workshops

(Excluding August)

Wednesday Evening, 6.45pm – 8.45pm

Thursday Morning, 10.15am – 12.15pm

All levels of ability are welcome, from beginners through to experienced artists. Work up a design and engrave it onto a printing plate before printing it on the Tom McGuinness printing press. Try monoprinting or creating a collograph. Linocut and woodcut tools available.

Pre-registration is essential as places are limited and materials must be prepared.

For further information or to arrange a trial session please contact Elaine at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on 01388 602610.

Print workshops for interested groups of adults or children can be arranged at other times to those stated and tailored to specific needs or interests.

A - Z Special Sessions

Does you child attend Evergreens or The Oaks, or has a special need but attends a mainstream school?. Then these sessions are aimed at them. Eileen Glenton and Sue Able will be offering stories, music and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: £2.00 (limited to 12 children)

Book Buddies

5.00pm until 6.00pm

Our reading group aimed at children aged 8 – 12 years, Book Buddies is a friendly group happy to welcome new members who are interested in enjoying new books and sharing their favourite stories. With reading champion Sharon Carrick you’ll find out that some books are scary, some are silly, and some are adventure packed, but All Books are Fun!

All welcome – come along and join in.

Twiglets

Stories and Crafts for Under 5's

First Wednesday in each month (excluding July)

Sessions start at 10.30am and 1.30pm

Twiglets sessions are regular events held in the Hutchinson Library library, led by Sharon Carrick. Further details of each session can be found on the Twiglets event page.

£1.00 per child per session (Children must be accompanied by an adult). Group visits by prior arrangement only.

We hope that by introducing very young children to books at an early age this will encourage and inspire them to love and read books for themselves.