ARTS societies in the area which previously went under the NADFAS umbrella are busy changing their names as part of a rebranding exercise aimed at raising the profile of such groups

The 23 societies in the North-East are part of a national and international network and include one which covers Wensleydale and another in the Hambleton area.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary when celebrations by The Arts Society Wensleydale will include a lecture and lunch at Tennants of Leyburn in June as well as its core activity of bringing internationally acclaimed experts to the Dales.

Lectures take place on the second Tuesday of the month from October to June at Middleham Key Centre. Topics for 2017-18 include Grayson Perry, Gustav Klimt and cuisine in art.

Membership secretary Ros Higson said: “Many of our members have already paid their £50 annual subscription as they appreciate the quality and diversity of speakers and the social aspects of membership.

"In the national society’s 50th year we are keen to attract new members who will receive a very warm welcome. The season begins with renowned magician, Bertie Pearce, exploring the history of magic through art and pictures in what will be a very entertaining lecture."

Visitors pay £8 a lecture, which is refunded if they join. For full details, contact 01765 635244 or rosalindhigson@btinternet.com.

The newly-styled Arts Society Hambleton was set up in 1990 has about 240 members. Monthly lectures are held from September to June, and there are days of special interest, educational visits and cultural holidays. This summer's trip was to Temple Newsam and the annual tour was to Kent.

Some members are amateur artists and an exhibition of their work is planned for next spring.

Meetings are held at Solberge Hall Hotel, near Northallerton. At the next, on October 3, Doug Gillen will give a talk entitled Hidden Canvases – Street Art and the City. The speaker documents street art in London and abroad through his project Fifth Wall TV, and is an East End tour guide.

On October 17, A Critical Look at Modern Art, offers a study day with Adrian Sumner. Other activities include compiling a record of the contents of St Peter's Church, Osmotherley, and acting as stewards for tours at Sion Hill Hall as well as projects at the North Yorkshire County Records Office.

The group is also involved in educational work with schoolchildren. Details of meetings and events can be found at hambletondfas.org.uk.