IF TRICK or treat is not your idea of fun, embrace the spooky season and do your bit for a good cause by taking part in a Halloween quiz.

The popular annual event is hosted by Michael Sobell House Hospice, based at Mount Vernon Hospital in Northwood, which needs to raise £1.2million every year to maintain its vital palliative care services.

The quiz will feature a mixture of general knowledge and Halloween-themed questions, and is followed by a fish supper.

what? Halloween quiz

where? Michael Sobell House Hospice lecture hall, Mount Vernon Hospital, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, HA6 2RN

when? Wednesday, October 27, at 7.30pm

cost? £15 call: Ophelia Chambers-Henry on 01923 844 829 or Trish Mulé on 01923 844 726

see: www.michaelsobellouse.co.uk

Board the train of terror

FOLLOWING the huge success of last year's Mad Bess Express experience, popular amateur dramatics group, Argosy Players, return to Ruislip Lido this Halloween with a new fright ride , featuring a bone-chilling tale to terrify even the most hardened of horror fans.

Only the brave should board the train of terror and attempt to escape Asylum Woods - definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Trains depart from Woody Bay station at intervals from 7pm (6.10pm on Sunday). Booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

what? Escape from Asylum Wood

where? Ruislip Lido, Reservoir Road, Ruislip

when? Friday, October 29 to Sunday, October 31

cost? £5 Friday/£6 Saturday and Sunday

call: 07956 058 888 or email info@argosyplayers.org.uk

see: www.argosyplayers.org.uk

Family Diwali date

ONE of the most important dates in the Hindu, Sikh and Jain calendar - Diwali - will be marked with a special family event at Harlington Library.

Also known as the Festival of Light, Diwali usually takes place over five days and symbolises the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Get involved by creating your own traditional cards and Rangoli decorations, which are thought to bring good luck. There will also be face-painting and craft sessions for children at Pinkwell Children's Centre.

what? Diwali celebration

where? Harlington Library, Pinkwell Lane, Hayes, UB3 1PB

when? Saturday, October 30, noon-3pm

cost? Free Call: 020 8569 1612

see: www.hillingdon.gov.uk

Goldilocks and the three bears

GOLDILOCKS is brought to life through the magic of puppetry in a show in Northwood this weekend.

This delightful and atmospheric glove puppet show is presented by artist and musician, Su Eaton, of the Hand to Mouth Theatre company, which has been established for more than 25 years.

A two-hour puppet-making workshop, including all materials, will be held prior to the 50-minute performance. Suitable for children aged four to eight.

what? Puppet workshop and show

where? St John's Church Hall, Hallowell Road, Northwood

when? Saturday, October 30 from noon

cost? Puppet workshop £5 (accompanying adult free), show £6 (£20 family ticket)

call: 01628 675 800 or email northwoodarts@artreach.biz

Uxbridge Folk Club re-opens with a Band of Two

ONE of the oldest clubs in the capital, Uxbridge Folk Club, is re-opening with an exciting programme of music events.

Closed for a number of years, the club is now under different ownership and in a new venue, and club organisers aim to attract a flurry of folk singers and musicians.

Kicking off the new era is Band of Two, a duo well-known in the pub and club circuit for their 'feel-good' Celtic music, as well as Scottish, French and Irish jigs and reels.

They are supported by Chloe Brighton, The Elderberries and floor singers.

what? Uxbridge Folk Club music event

where? Uxbridge Royal Naval Association Club, 388a Long Lane, Hillingdon (opposite Hillingdon Tube station), UB10 9PG

when? Thursday, October 28 (and every last Thursday of the month) from 7pm

cost? £8 call: Peter Slavid on 07985 018 317 or email uxbridgefolk@blueyonder.co.uk

see: https://sites.google.com/site/uxbridgefolkclub/home