Clayton West United Reformed Church Men's Society held their first meeting of the year on Friday September 26 when the subject of the evening was Huddersfield Narrow Canals. Terry Sigsworth gave an interesting talk covering the history, the working of the system and construction. He used modern technology for his graphics – no longer can it be described as a slide show. The evening was enjoyed by all and Bob Norman, chair for the evening, proposed a vote of thanks for a very informative talk. The next meeting will be held on October 10 when the subject will be Rock Gardens and Alpine Plants (Ladies are invited to this evening talk). Meetings are held in the School room, located behind the Chapel, at the United Reform Church, Clayton West on alternate Fridays at 7.30pm.

COWCLIFFE

Fifty guests enjoyed a Harvest Supper in St Hilda’s Church Hall, Cowcliffe. Entertainment was provided by church members and friends Chris, David, Bronwen and Sara.

The Harvest Festival on Sunday was an all age celebration led by the Rev Helen Hodgson with a theme of water. The Breakfast Club children entertained the congregation with readings and thanksgivings for water and they laid a line of pennies down the aisle which they had been collecting. The proceeds from the festival and the service went to the Mara Water Aid Project.

DENBY DALE

On Friday morning Zion Wesleyan Reform Chapel members joined in the world’s largest coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support with an event at the home of Robert and Cynthia and raised over £100.

On Sunday morning the Sunday School started preparations for the Harvest Festival. Robert Nuttall was the preacher and spoke about the forgiveness of God. The pianist was Robert Booth.

EMLEY

On Thursday evening childen between the ages of five and 14 met in the parish church to enjoy songs, stories and artistic activities.

Sunday morning Holy Communion at Emley Parish Church was celebrated by the Rev Christine Bullimore. Bible readers were Carol and Michael Lee, prayers were led by the Rev John Marsh and Malcolm Jessop played the organ. Exploers made a booklet of prayer, based on good living. In his sermon, John Bullimore questioned if, as Christians, we allowed parables to haunt us. He suggested we need to be honest in our answers and questioned if we responded tio the message from God.

In the afternoon, Rec Chris Bullimore led a double celebration for The Feast of St Michael the Archangel and Giving Thanks For The Life of the Rt Hon Lord Savile. Rousing hymns were enjoyed by all and the choir sang the anthem The Peace of God by John Rutter. Michael Hull and Jayne Ryder read the bible and Sallie Dickins led prayers. Mavis Jessop gave an excellent tribute to Lord Savile, highlighting his involvement in the local community and his generous gifts to both village church. In Chris’s homily, she emphasised Lord Savile’s dedication and fine example of Christian living as well as his deep commitment to being a peer of the realm. An appetising tea, served at the end of the service was appreciated by tenants, villagers and friends.

KIRKBURTON

There were two services in All Hallows Parish Church on the nineteenth Sunday after Trinity. The Rev Robert Chambers welcomed the worshippers to the morning service of Sung Eucharist and took for his theme Humility. He read the Gospel from the twenty first chapter of St Matthew and preached the sermon.Š The lesson from the second chapter the letter of St Paul to the Philippians was read by Mike Steele. During the service Mr Chambers baptised and welcomed into the fellowship of the church, Max Joe Turner. Dennis and Marjorie GoringŠ took up the chalice and paten and, at the distribution, Mr Chambers was assisted by pastoral minister, Betty Cross and Mr Malcolm Tibbet. Rita Ellam and Pauline Pinder performed the duties of sidesmen and took up the collection. Doreen Barraclough wasŠ the organist.Š After the service members of the congregation were invited to stay and enjoy refreshments.

In the evening Sandra Spivey led a special service of Worship Together in the style of the Salvation Army.ŠShe took for her theme Is Jesus your Shepherd? and Mrs R Heeley read the twenty-third Psalm. Miss Spivey and her sister Vera sang a duet,ŠContentment, and Mrs Barraclough played the organ.

A special welcome is extended to members of the community to the Harvest Festival on October 12 and, in the evening, there will be a Civic Service to mark the inauguration of Clr Geoff Hickey as Chairman of Kirkburton Parish Council.

The Burton Friendship Club met for their weekly meeting at The Hub and welcomed their guest speaker and entertainer,Š Mr John Wallis of Halifax. He began by talking about variety shows and musical groups like the Pierotts and Black and White Minstrels and in the second part of his programme he told some seaside jokes and invited his audience to join in some popular songs which he accompanied on his ukulele and banjo. Hazel Ramsay thanked Mr Wallis for a most entertaining afternoon of music and laughter.The raffle was won by Stella Ellis.Refreshments were served by Mesdames Ramsay, Ellis and Heeley.

The monthly Tea Dance was held at The Hub on Thursday afternoon.ŠMembers joined in a range of dances from Old Tyme to Waltz and Tango.ŠNew members are always welcome whether it is just to enjoy the convivial atmosphere of the afternoon, the tea and biscuits or even to join in the dances. The proceeds go towards the fund to buy the former Salvation Army building for community use.

SHELLEY

Shelley Over 60s Club held their meeting in the village hall last Thursday. The bingo line was won by Audrey Taylor and the full house by Walter Astin. The first three numbers on one card was not won and the prize was carried over.The whist high of 93 was won by Marjorie Johnson and the low of 65 went to Vera Rothson from seven tables. Birthday wishes went to Gordon Ellis and Ted Blythe. Raffle prizes were won by Barbara Wadsworth, Nellie Shaw, Gordon Burgin, Rene Hewitt and Marjorie Johnson. On Wednesday September 24 a party of 40 enjoyed a fantastic performance of Mary Poppins at the Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham.

SHEPLEY

London-based Blues band Joshua Blue – who earned rave reviews at Shepley last year – return to the cricket club for a special concert on Wednesday October 8 at 8.30pm. Doors open at 7pm.

SKELMANTHORPE

Sung Mass at St Aidan was celebrated by the Rev Philip Reynolds, who spoke of the authority of God, as found in Jesus. Biblical readings were given by Gary Firth and Trevor Langley. Refreshments were served by Judith Wrigglesworth. This Sunday is the Harvest Festival.

Lost camera in Skelmanthorpe. A camera was lost last Saturday morning (September 27) in the fields between Blacker Woods and Clayton West. Anyone with information should contact Mr Richard Morris of 2 St Michael’s Mount, Thornhill, Dewsbury, WF12 0JT. Tel 01924 513185.

Mrs Leslie Sullivan of Penistone was the preacher at the Wesleyan Reform Church Harvest Festival on Sunday morning. Her bible reading was from Matthew. The organist was John Orton. On the Monday a coffee day was held at the home of Bessie Blackburn where the produce from the festival was sold.

STOCKSMOOR

Recent results from Stocksmoor Bridge Club were: September 18, 28 players - 28 boards played. Winners: north/south, 1 Peggy Pogson and Andrew Stephens, 2 Margaret Sandell and Jesse Daniel, 3 Chris Pilling and Chris Brett; east/west, 1 John and Maureen McGee, 2 Ed Pearson and Kate Morley, 3 Maureen Russell and Enid Covell. The director was Margaret Sandell.

September 25, 20 players - 25 boards played. Winners: north/south, 1 Margaret Hicks and John Pearson, 2 Margaret Bailey and Aina Mitchell, 3 Kate Morley and Ed Pearson; east/west, 1 John and Maureen McGee, 2 Tony and Mary Hirst, 3 Lorna Mallinson and Enid Covell. The director was Walter Dowlen.