AS THE outdoor temperatures begin to drop dramatically, learn the art of knitting and make your own woolly winter warmers.

A free knitting workshop is open to anyone, whether you are a complete beginner or more experienced and wish to meet others interested in knitting, while enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Knit something for yourself, or why not give someone a handmade, personalised Christmas present?

Those who are new to knitting should take a pair of needles and a ball of yarn, although some spares will be available.

what? Knitting workshop

when? Wednesday, November 24, 6pm

where? Ruislip Manor Library, Linden Avenue, Ruislip Manor, HA4 8TW

cost? Free contact: Sheeri on 07900 433 815 or email sheeri@btinternet.com

Yes, it's Rick Wakeman

JOIN Rick Wakeman, former keyboardist of progressive rock band Yes, for two hours of hilarious anecdotes and music at the grand piano. Wakeman, who has carved out a successful solo career, has enjoyed 50 million record sales across the globe, including more than 150 releases, more than 50 DVDs and soundtracks for an array of films.

He has also become a familiar face on television shows including Countdown, Top Gear and Grumpy Old Men, earning himself an army of loyal fans of all ages.

what? An Evening with Rick Wakeman

when? Friday, November 26, 7.30pm

where? Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, UB3 2UE

cost? £25.50 call: Box office 020 8561 8371

see: www.becktheatre.org.uk

Snow White and crew

BRITISH Airways cabin crew members will be launching the Christmas pantomime season in Hillingdon with a production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The unique team of performers, collectively known as BACCES (British Airways Cabin Crew Entertainment Society), has been delighting audiences for almost 40 years, raising more than £850,000 for charity in the process.

Members, who juggle rehearsals with flying schedules, have been performing at the Beck Theatre since 1987.

They hope this year's show will emulate the success of their previous production, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, in their quest to reach a £1million target.

After Snow White eats a poisoned apple, will she be rescued in time? Will her tale end happily ever after? Hiss and boo to raise the roof at the Beck!

what? Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

when? Tuesday, November 30, 7pm

where? Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, UB3 2UE

cost? From £13

call: Box office 020 8561 8371

see: www.becktheatre.org.uk

Music to appeal to the charitable

CLASSICAL music fans will be in their element at a Viennese Evening to raise vital funds for Harefield Hospital's MRI Scanner Appeal.

The event is one of three concerts hosted every year by Harrow Symphony Orchestra in aid of local charities.

The group, which gives local musicians and audiences the chance to enjoy and participate in orchestral music, will perform Lehar's The Merry Widow Overture, Haydn's Cello Concerto in D major, Tales from the Vienna Woods by Strauss, and Schubert's Symphony in B minor (Unfinished).

The concert is limited to 170 tickets, sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so advance booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

what? Viennese Evening

when? Saturday, November 27, 7.30pm to 9.30pm

where? Harefield Hospital Concert Hall, Harefield Hospital, Hill End Road, Harefield, UB9 6JH

cost? Tickets £10

call: Harefield Hospital fundraising office, 01895 828 820

see: www.rbht.nhs.uk/about/fundraising/news/events/hso/ or www.hso.org.uk

Ice work if you can get it

EMBRACE the cold weather and get your skates on as Hillingdon's very own ice rink returns for the third year running.

The rink, which will be open outside the Civic Centre in Uxbridge, attracted more than 10,000 people of all ages during the festive period last year.

This year it is set to be equally popular with residents across the borough and beyond, whether complete novices or fancying themselves as budding Torvills and Deans.

Price reductions have been introduced, and a new family ticket. Bookings can be made in advance or at the ice rink from Friday.

Skaters are advised to arrive 15 minutes ahead of their session. For safety reasons, certain restrictions apply for children under eight years old.

what? Ice skating in Hillingdon

when? From Friday, November 26 to Sunday, January 2, 2011 (except Christmas Day)

where? Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW

cost? From £3.50 for children, £5 for adults (including skate hire), family tickets from £14

call: 01895 558 347

see: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/icerink