A DEFINITE for the diary on the visual arts front is the Green Door Studios Best Contemporary Art in Cumbria exhibition runn-ing at Grasmere Village Hall from October 5-19 (10am-5pm).

This is probably the finest opportunity yet to see the amazing and varied work of the acclaimed artists in an exhibition setting, with the likes of Danny Clahane, Karen Lloyd, Thuline de Cock, Fiona Clucas and Catherine MacDiarmid among the 35 associate and studio members showing.

AS PART of Grizedale Arts Village Hall Talks series, chief wildlife ranger John Cubby is appearing at Lowick Sunday School on Sunday (8pm).

Based at Grizedale Forest, John has been with the Forest Enterprise for 35 years working in forests across the Lake District and North Lancashire.

His talk covers a wide range of wildlife management and conservation work in Britain's forests.

Admission costs £2 at the door.

ULVERSTON Amateur Operatic Society's autumn show is Kiss Me Kate, with a strong cast produced by Shirley Britton, all under the musical baton of Doreen Dunlop.

It runs from October 29 until November 2 at the Coronation Hall.

For ticket details, contact the box office 01229-587140.

JOHN Suchet is one of the country's best-known newscasters.

However, away from the news, John's great passion is the life and work of Beethoven.

With three books written about the composer under his belt, he calls in at Ulverston's Coronation Hall tomorrow (Saturday, 7.30pm) to share the story of the musical genius.

The box office number is 01229-587140.

TO CELEBRATE National Poetry Day on Thursday, October 10, Julie Callan is holding Indian Summer, an exhibition of poems in Penrith Library.

DENT Memorial Hall hosts another fine performance by a woman who not only teaches voice and harmony singing at the National Theatre in London, but who has travelled the world gathering stories and songs.

As well as a weekend harmony-singing workshop tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, Helen Chadwick (left, below) stages her Not The Love Story I was Expecting concert today (Friday, 8pm) at the hall.

Tickets £4 at the door.

Organiser and vocal coach David Burbridge tells me: "Her stories touch the heart and even in a whisper leave the audience craving more.

Her songs also draw on the poetry of the Sufi poet Hafiz, Lorca and Goethe."

For the workshop and other details, contact 015396-21166.