BEER-TASTING: Beers from a wide range of small breweries across the country, will be on offer at a five-day beer festival involving two Wetherspoon's pubs in Bexleyheath and Welling. The festival opens on October 31.

JEAN GENES: St Columba's RC Boys school in Bexleyheath, took part in the nationwide Jeans for Genes Day, wearing jeans to school in return for donating money to the event which raises money for research into genetic diseases. The boys raised more than £550.

BALLOON RACE: The Party Box party shop in Downside station Approach, Bexleyheath, is holding a charity balloon race for the NSPCC on October 29. Balloons cost £1 each and the owner of the balloon which travels furthest will get a £20 voucher for the shop.

MINI BAZAAR: The Friends of Bexley Voluntary Service Council is holding a Christmas mini-bazaar at the United Reformed Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath, on November 1 from 10am until noon.

DONATE BLOOD: Donors can give blood at the National Blood Service donor session in Roberts hall, behind Christ Church, Bexleyheath Broadway on November 2 from 2 to 4.30pm and 5.30 to 8pm.

October 24, 2001 9:22