There is an open invitation to people in the Huddersfield district to join The Samhain Walk. Samhain (pronounced 'sow-in') in late October/early November is an ancient festival marking the beginning of the new year and heralding the start of winter. On Friday, October 31, Kirklees Council Ranger Julian Brown invites people to join him between 1pm and 4pm for a ‘moderate/hard’ six-mile walk on and around Castle Hill above Almondbury, to meet the changing season and accept that winter is on its way. Good footwear, warm clothing and waterproofs are needed by anyone wanting to take part. The Samhain Walk, which will include slopes, rough terrain and stiles, is free but booking is essential by contacting Tolson Museum, Wakefield Road, Huddersfield, tel: 01484-223830. No dogs allowed and children must be accompanied by an adult. For further information call Julian Brown, Castle Hill Ranger, tel: 01484-223830 or email: julian.brown@kirklees.gov.uk

CLAYTON WEST

The Harvest Festival was celebrated at the Methodist Church last Sunday. Morning worship, including Holy Communion, was led by Rev Derek Hinchliffe from Hoylandswaine who spoke about the feeding of the 5,000 and sharing the good things. The church was beautifully decorated with gifts of food, fruit and flowers from the congregation and friends. These were taken to the Huddersfield Methodist Mission for the needy. Stewards were Maxine Lodge and Diana Hunt and coffee was served by Lucie Froggatt, who also read the lesson. A lunch was then enjoyed by everyone, proceeds from which are to be sent to the charity Send a Cow, celebrating 20 years work in South Africa, helping people support their families through gifts of animals and giving help in growing vegetables and fruit.

DENBY DALE

Zion Wesleyan Reform Chapel Sunday school pupils continued their preparations for the Harvest Festival when they prepared posters about the seasons. Robert Nuttall was preacher at the evening service and he spoke about using our God given talents. The service included Holy Communion. Steward was Carol Mosley and pianist Robert Booth. Last Sunday scholars heard the story of Ruth and enjoyed crafts connected with the story and the harvest. Graham Evans was tpreacher on Sunday evening. He spoke about the Parable of the Sower. Organist was Robert Nuttall.

Denby Dale and District Collectors’ Society held their October meeting last Thursday at Clayton West Methodist Church. Ted Andrassy of Wakefield gave a talk on medals. Artefacts displayed ranged from the mid 19th century to the present day and members showed great interest in the people they had been awarded to. The next meeting is on November 13 when Roger Outing will speak on Bank Cheques. Prospective members can call Stewart on 01924-281935 or Susan 01484-866889.

EMLEY

Kirklees Countryside Volunteers are to lead an eight-mile ‘medium walk’ – Owlers Outing – from Emley Post Office car park, Church Street, on Sunday October 26 (10am-2.30pm).

KIRKBURTON

The two Conservative councillors representing the Kirkburton ward on Kirklees Council, Councillors Adrian Murphy and Christine Smith, will hold their ward surgeries in Kirkburton Library between 11am and 12noon on the last Saturday of each month. Telephone 01484-863138. Green Party representative on Kirklees Derek Hardcastle is visiting each of the villages in his area in rotation to hold a ‘Walking Surgery’. People with queries and issues can contact Clr Hardcastle on 07779628147 (mobile) or 01484-320676 (home) or email derek.hardcastle@kirklees.gov.uk

Shelley Community Association has received a letter from the Department of Health informing them of their new campaign Change4Life. The association plans to register its interest in receiving more information. NHS Kirklees informed the association that a ‘Constitutional Consultation’ would be taking place this month.

Community Association chairman Clr Malcolm MacDonald was sent a letter from Kirkburton Library inviting association representatives to a community event organised by Judith Brimicombe of the Neighbourhood Police Team at the library on Thursday October 30 from 3 to 7pm. The theme of the meeting is ‘What you can do for your community and what your community can do for you. Other local groups have been invited and the police are hoping that because it will be during the school holidays the meeting will atract people of all ages including many children and teenagers.

There were two special services in All Hallows Parish Church. At 10.30 Mrs Maureen Etchells and Mrs Michaelia Schindler extended a warm welcome to the congregation for the annual Church4AllŠ family service and Harvest Festival.Š The church was decorated foliage and garden produce and the traditional harvest loaf donated by the village bakers. The service was led by curate, the Rev Robert Chambers and members of the uniformed groups received the harvest gifts of dried and tinned foodstuffs which were later donated to the Welcome Centre in Huddersfield. Scout Leader, Mr David Gill, gave a reading from the letter of St Paul to the Philippians and Churchwarden, Mr Glyn Phillips gave the talk assisted by the young members of the congregation.Š The chalice and paten for the celebration of the Holy Communion were taken up by the Brownies and Cubs and Mr Chambers was assisted by Mr Phillips and pastoral minister Mrs Betty Cross. Mr Geoff and Mrs Doreen Slater were the sidesmen and took up the collection. The music for the service, with a mixture of traditional harvest hymns and new songs,Š was provided by the church music group.ŠThe congregation enjoyed refreshments after the service served by Mrs Jean Sutcliffe. In the evening, the curate, the Rev Robert Chambers led a special Civic Service to mark the year in office of Cllr Geof Hickey as chairman of Kirkburton Parish Council. A welcome was given to councillors, friends and distinguished representatives of other local authorities.

SHELLEY

A supernatural thriller in three acts – The Haunting Of Hill House – is set to chill audiences as Pierrot Players’ next production, which opens on Wednesday October 29 and runs through to Saturday November 1 (curtain up 7.30pm). The play is directed by Gareth Dickinson. Tickets (£5) are available from Shelley’s Spar Stores, Shepley Newsagents or by ringing 01484-608900. The last two productions resulted in several full houses – so people are advised to book their tickets.

Shelley Over 60s club held their meeting in the village hall last Thursday. The bingo line was won by Nellie Shaw and the full house by Gladys Stringer. The first three numbers on one card was not won and the prize carried over. The whist high of 91 was claimed by Dorothy Greensmith and Kathleen Stevenson and the low of 66 went to Edith Brookes and Bessie Usher from seven tables.Birthday wishes were given to Susan Oldfield, Molly James, Eric Chilton and Colin Cartmell . Raffle prizes were won by Lorraine Radley, Gordon Burgin, Bill Triggs, May Elliott, Dorothy Greensmith and Edith Brookes.The club welcomed new members Marjorie Russell and Bill Triggs.

Topping the bill for next Saturday’s (Oct 25) live entertainment at Shelley Sports and Social Club, Far Bank, Shelley, are Just 2 Old Gits – a band featuring guitar, drums and vocals. Members and non members are always welcome. For information contact 01484-609235.

The popular Silver Leaf Jazz Band are appearing at Shelley Village Hall tonight (Saturday, 8pm). Tickets are available from Shelley Spa Stores, Shelley Post Office and Lydgate Styles or on the door.

Skelmanthorpe Male Voice Choir will be featured at Shelley Emmanuel Parish Church on Friday November 14 as guests of the church and Shelley Community Association (7.30pm).

SHEPLEY

This year’s Shepley Village Bonfire and fireworks display is once again hosted by the village cricket club and will take place on the traditional date of (Wednesday) November 5. The fire will be lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks display will start at 7pm. The gates open at 5.45pm. Anyone with wood to burn can take it up to the cricket club from next Monday (October 20). Foam-filled items such as mattresses, sofas or armchairs cannot be accepted as it is illegal to burn them. On the night there will be a variety of hot food available and the Club bar will be open all evening. The priority will be safety. The fire and fireworks will be roped off and a large number of volunteers will act as stewards to prevent any accidents. There will be extra l lighting and First Aid cover. The police will be in ‘low-key’ attendance for the first time, reflecting the growing size of the event. There is no parking at the cricket ground and severe parking restrictions on Marsh Lane on the night and officials urge people to leave the car at home and remind them that it is illegal to take their own fireworks – even sparklers – to a public event, for safety reasons. Tickets can be bought in advance to avoid queuing. They are on sale at local shops and pubs costing £3 (adults) and £1 (Under 16s).

Shepley Cricket Club’s annual Presentation Night is being staged in the clubhouse this evening from 7.30pm There will be a steak and gammon barbecue and entertainment from Jamie Sykes. Admission is free.

The headline act at this month’s ‘Last Friday Club’ in the Wine Bar on October 31 is Higher Ground, one of area’s most popular cover bands. The doors open at 7pm.

SKELMANTHORPE

Sung Mass at St Aidan was celebrated by the Rev Philip Reynolds, who spoke of the Bible reflecting the complications and choices of being human and the loving judgement of God. Biblical readings were given by Trevor Heeley and Gill Millman. The organist was Griff Jones. George Robert and Leo Allan Fox were baptised during Mass. Refreshments were served by Sue Woodward and Victoria Cox. Luca Robert Deutrom was baptised at a later service. Members of the congregation joined in the Upper Dearne 5 Parishes group contemplative prayer at St Michael, Emley on Sunday evening.

St Aidan’s Church faith supper and fun auction, and also a service of anointing for healing before the Blessed Sacrament, took place this week. The Wakefield Diocesan branch of the Prayer Book Society are holding their autumn festival at St Aidan this afternoon.

The preacher at Sunday morning service at Skelmanthorpe Wesleyan Reform Church was Mrs M Fossey. Her Bible reading was from Matthew. John Orton was the organist.

STOCKSMOOR

Neil Windett is due to lead a Fungal Foray Walk from Stocksmoor Station on Saturday October 25 (1.35pm-4.20pm). The short walk will produce the wealth of fungi found in local woodlands in autumn. For more details ring Neil on 01484-234076.

Results from the meetings of Stocksmoor Bridge Club during the past two weeks were: October 2, 28 players - 28 boards played. Winners: north/south, 1 Peggy Pogson and Andrew Stephens, 2 Dallas Cliff and Cynthia Bolland, 3 Margaret Bailey aand Aina Mitchell; east/west, 1 Kate Morley and Ed Pearson, 2 John Morris and Bill Sharman, 3 Jean Shaw and Eileen Tullie. The director was Walter Dowlen.

October 9, 24 players - 24 boards played. Winners: north/south, 1 Margaret Sandell and Shirley Hancock, 2 Ed Pearson and Kate Morley, 3 Peggy Pogson and Andrew Stephens; east/west, 1 John and Maureen McGee, 2 Margaret Barrow and Chris Brett, 3 Lorna Mallinson and Liz Cooper. The director was Margaret Sandell.

THURSTONLAND

St Thomas’ Church Mothers’ Union celebrates its centenary on Wednesday October 29 in church at 7.30pm. Kirkburton Deanery members have been invited to the service and a buffet supper will be served. The service will be conducted by the Rev Sean Robertshaw and organist will be Dr Graham Cummins. Speaker will be Sheila Crosby, past president of Wakefield Diocese and president Margaret Stears will attend. During the service, Joan Battye will be commissioned as new branch leader, taking over from Brenda Mellor.