WHILE many clubs are closed for the summer, Smithills Townswomen's Guild is open as usual and have an interesting programme this month. Mrs C Ward will talk to the group on August 16 on "Support Dogs".

On August 23 the social studies group will hear about "Cast Iron" from Mr C Stockton, and on August 30 the guild are off to Heron Glass, Ulverston, leaving from Smithills Conservative Club in the morning. More details are available by calling 597192.

New members are always welcome to the guild, which meets on Thursdays at 7.30pm in Chorley Old Road Methodist Church, although other venues are sometimes used. Group sets lunch date ST Paul's, Astley Bridge Ladies Fellowship is holding a summer luncheon at the Wilton Arms on Tuesday, August 28, at 1.30pm. The group meets on alternate weeks, the next meeting being on Tuesday. New members are always welcome to join the group. More details are available from the church. Comic Christmas tale FOLLOWING the success of previous plays, St Paul's Amateur Operatic Society is presenting a comedy in September with the intriguing name: "The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of 'A Christmas Carol'."

The fictitious Farndale Avenue ladies are the worst actors in the world and everything goes wrong with hysterical consequences, say the play's producers.

Tickets will be available from mid-August from 01204 843391. The venue will be the Theatre Church and everyone is welcome.