Gisborough Priory Woodland Gardens will be open on Sunday, March 23 between 1pm and 3pm to give visitors a chance to see the flowers and other signs of spring that are emerging.

Throughout the afternoon volunteers from Gisborough Priory Project will be serving their homemade cakes and teas for visitors, with all funds raised going towards the replacement of tools and equipment lost in the recent arson attack.

Entry is free between 1pm and 3pm. Access to the gardens is through Gisborough Priory.

SWIMMING LESSONS: ADULTS who want to learn how to swim or who are keen to become stronger swimmers are being urged to take advantage of lessons in Hartlepool. Ten-week courses for beginners and improvers are due to start on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Mill House Leisure Centre. Beginners’ lessons will take place from 6.30pm to 7pm on both days, and these will be followed by lessons for improvers from 7pm to 7.30pm. The courses will start on Tuesday, March 18 and on Thursday, March 20. The cost of a full ten-week course is £31.65 for Active Card members, £35.90 for a non-member and £24.35 for concessions. For more information call Mill House Leisure Centre on 01429-223791.

CHILDREN’S SHOW: THERE’S an enchanting treat in store for youngsters when ‘Not Now, Bernard’ – based on the popular children’s picture book by David McKee – comes to Hartlepool’s Town Hall Theatre on Saturday, March 22. The show is suitable for ages two plus and their families. There are two 50 minute performances – at 11am and 2pm. Tickets cost £4, or £3 for concessions, or a family ticket for up to five people is just £12. To book call the box office on 01429-890000 or you can book online at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/book_it

CREATIVE DAY: A ONE-STOP ideas swap-shop has been organised to help increase creativity and cultural development in schools. The Creative Schools Trade Fair, taking place on Thursday, March 27, will bring together the area’s schools and the region’s creative organisations to help foster a closer working relationship between the two. Its aim is to facilitate and champion arts provision in schools through raising the profile of local organisations and artists who can help teachers in fulfilling the Ofsted requirement of promoting creative and cultural development. For more information email artsdevelopment@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call 01642-729076.

LIFEBOAT OPENING: The opening ceremony of the revamped Zetland Lifeboat Museum will be performed by the Marquess of Zetland who will declare open for the new season on Thursday, March 27. The large Picknett Gallery has been refurbished and there are some new exhibits to be unveiled for the first time. Members of the public will be able to enter the Museum after noon.