BIRDSEDGE

The service at Birdsedge Church was taken by Rev Ian Fell, President of the Wesleyan Reform Union. He spoke to the young people about being as forgiving as you hope to be forgiven. He illustrated this with a story of a young man saving up for a Lego Millennium Falcon who lent it to a friend for a week and the subsequent problems that occurred. The reading was Luke 9 verses 18-27. After the disciples had been out preaching the Kingdom of God and the feeding of the five thousand Jesus asked the disciples who the crowds said he was. Then Jesus asked them “Who do you say I am?” What would you say if someone asked you who Jesus is? Rev Colin Braithwaite, the union general secretary gave the grace before lunch. Terry Frost will officiate next Sunday. Anyone wishing to join will be very welcome. Transport can be arranged by ringing 606624.

The Lunch Club in the village hall on June 13 noon-1pm will serve pork with new potatoes and vegetables followed by rhubarb crumble or chocolate brownie for the school children and headmistress who will be present.

The 44th consecutive annual event Gala, Fete now Festival will be held on July 13. A meeting will be held in the bar on Wednesday at 8pm. New interest and helpers are needed to keep this popular day a success. Bookings for stalls are now being taken. For information see www.birdsedgevillagehall.co.uk or ring 604289.

Hade Edge Academy Community choir with the Concertina and Accordion Group will be giving a concert at Birdsedge Church, 6.30pm on Sunday June 16 on behalf of the hospice support group. Admission is £4 and refreshments will be available at half time. Ring 606624 for details.

CLAYTON WEST

Morning worship at the Methodist Church was a service to celebrate 70 years of the work done by Methodist Homes (MHA) and was led by Leslie Barber, local preacher and member of the church. Prayers, a brief history, and stories about this valuable work were given. The organisation founded by a Methodist Minister celebrates 70 years of care among the elderly and people in need, offering residential and home service. Bible readings were given by Jane Woodcock from the book of Genesis about the call of Abraham and Rosalyn Beevers from the letter to the Corinthian church about the different gifts that God gives to us. Stewards were Diana Hunt and Joan Bond, and the gift of flowers for the communion table given by Dorothy Fretwell. Coffee and biscuits were served at the end of the service by Jane Woodcock.

Last Tuesday the afternoon fellowship enjoyed a visit to Cannon Hall nurseries.

Christian Aid week house to house collection by church members raised £427 and the joint lunch with URC friends raised £94. Thank you to all who helped.

SHELLEY

Shelley Over 60s met at the village hall last Thursday. The bingo line was won by Audrey Taylor and the full house by Kathleen Code. The whist high of 90 was shared by Gordon Burgin and Audrey Taylor, the low of 66 went to Vera Rothon from seven and a half tables. Birthday greetings were sent to June Killeen, Carole Robertshaw, Sandra Leach and Joan Smith. Raffle prizes went to Marion Kelly, Lewis Bower, Jean Eskrett, Linda Brauner, Madge Shaw and Mary Hobson. This week members enjoyed a lunchtime concert, a day trip to Filey and Bridlington and a quiz at the Sports and Social Club.

SKELMANTHORPE

Skelmanthorpe Male Voice Choir recruitment event on Saturday July 13, 10am-1pm, at St John’s Church, Wentworth Street, Wakefield. Weekly practice, alternate weeks at Wakefield and Skelmanthorpe. Gentlemen, come along and sing with us. Enquiries: 01484 862 659. Email: skelmanthorpe2012@btinternet.com.

Skelmanthorpe Male Voice Choir perform their Annual Patrons Concert with guests the Alligator Gumbo Band (New Orleansian Swing/Jazz Music from 1920s era) on Saturday, June 22 at 7.30pm.

On Monday, June 3, Skelmanthorpe Methodist Wives Group enjoyed a talk by Andy Wickham, Kirklees Countryside Officer, about the local environment in the Denby Dale Parish. Andy organises and works with community groups, volunteers and people interested in the environment. His recent work included: 1) He worked with two mums in Emley to set up a multi-games area for the kids and secured funding for this through BIFFA Landfill; it means that kids from other areas can use this too; 2) In Denby Dale Andy worked with volunteers to form a ‘safe walkway’ for local children to walk to Gilthwaites school to keep them away from the main busy road; 3) He also goes into schools creating a patch of ground where the children can safely grow vegetables; or create a habitat for wildlife in a pond. His work also involves training sessions for people who want to learn how to build a dry stone wall or lay a hedge successfully. Andy brought along the Walking in and around Denby Dale sets of maps which were handed out to the ladies. A vote of thanks was proposed by Bronwyn Boothroyd and Shirley Moffatt, who also provided refreshments.

The preacher at 'All Age Worship' on Sunday morning at Skelmanthorpe Methodist Church was Michael Early of Almondbury. He was introduced by the steward Stuart Merry. The Bible lesson was read by Rose Merry. Mr. Early introduced his theme of ‘gifts’ by showing examples of everyday items- tea, treacle, and cereals - which he had been pleased to receive or give in the past. He suggested that we should use the everyday gifts, which we all have, to help others. The organist was Frances Priestnall.

STOCKSMOOR

Stocksmoor Bridge Club results for Thursday May 30. North/South: 1 W and A Dowlen, 2 M Dey and A Stephens, 3 J Pearson and M Hicks; East/West: 1 S Clegg and C Pilling, 2 L Cooper and L Mallinson, 3 M Barrow and C Brett. Thursday June 6. North/South: 1 M Bailey and A Mitchell, 2 D Swayne and P Wright, 3 E Pearson and K Morley; East/West: 1 J Shaw and E Tullie, 2 M Barrow and C Brett, 3 M and L Cooper.