n NORTH Country Theatre is a small touring company based in Richmond that has built up an excellent reputation over recent years. South Lakeland Alzheimer's Society has invited the popular NCT outfit to stage its play, The Confession of Brother Wormwood, at Kendal Town Hall on Saturday, November 6 (7pm), as part of the society's 25th anniversary celebrations and to help raise awareness of its activities in the community. A highly original, inventive and talented theatre group, it sounds like a performance well worth watching. Tickets are £10, including wine and buffet, and available from Kendal's Stricklandgate House on 01539-742631 or on 01539-741488.

n AMBLESIDE and District Art Society stages its annual show at the Methodist Hall until Sunday, October 31. Society secretary and artist Don Bastow claims it looks like it will be the final society show at the hall as it is ear-marked for conversion into affordable' housing for local people. Meanwhile, Don tells me the society is searching for another venue for next year's exhibition. Open 10.30am-5.30pm, 4pm on the final day.

n WITH the Westmorland Orchestra's 60th anniversary concert season starting on December 4, conductor Barry Sharkey is keen to recruit violin and viola players to join the ranks of the popular ensemble. I'm told an extra double bass player would be welcome too. Anyone interested should contact orchestra secretary Christine Pratt on 015394-44999.

n THE curtain comes down on the Wordsworth Trust's 26-week summer poetry reading programme in fine style on Tuesday (6.30pm) with publishing magnate, poet and raconteur, Felix Dennis, paying another visit to Grasmere. Tickets are £6 at the door/ £5 in advance on 015394-35544.