BIRDSEDGE
The village hall Luncheon Club on Thursday will be serving bacon-wrapped chicken breast with roast potatoes and vegetables followed by Bakewell tart and custard.
Malcolm Jacob took the Sunday service, reading from Hebrews and reminding everyone that Jesus was the one with the approval of God. Communion was taken, then after the service a light lunch was served and the AGM held. Finances are in a good state so discussion centred on prioritising continued building improvements. Next Sundays service will be a Family Service.
The support group held a Beetle Drive in the Village Hall. A good social family occasion raised £60.50. The next beetle drive will be held in September.
CLAYTON WEST
The morning service at the Methodist Church was led by Jean Heath from Shepley. It was preceded by readings and prayers for Lent by Peter Holt and Maxine Lodge. A reading from Peters letter was given by Les Barber and Joan Bond read the mountain top experience of the disciples from Lukes gospel. Stewards were Betty Booth and Joan Bond, organist was Jane Hobson. Coffee and biscuits after the service were served by Lucie Froggatt. Last Tuesday the afternoon fellowship enjoyed their meeting when the Rev David Priestnall spoke of another of his favourite books and refreshments were served. Opening devotions were led by Beryl Holt.
Parish Communion was celebrated at All Saints by Rev Joy Cousans whose talk was based on the Gospel reading of Mark 8 (vv 31 end), which deals with the subject of change in all respects. Readers were Kath Hullah and Jean Newby. Wynn Leake led a story session with the children. Ann Bunn and Barbara Gill served refreshments. Next Sundays service is jointly held with parishioners at Scissett, St. Augustines at 11am. Musicians of all ages will come together at All Saints Church on Sunday evening March 11 6.30pm. to provide a feast of vocal and instrumental music. The concert is raising money for the Meningitis Research Trust. Tickets are £5, available from church members and at the door. There will be a brief interval during the concert, during which, refreshments will be served.
DENBY DALE
The womens world day of prayer service was held at Zion Wesleyan Reform Chapel. The theme of the service was Let Justice Prevail and was prepared by the women of Malaysia and the speaker was Pastor Sussanah Youdan.The members of the Sunday school commenced preparations for the Mothers Day service and continued with their handicrafts. The evening service was led by Mike Hopcroft who spoke about communicating the need of Jesus to others. The pianist was Robert Nuttall.
EMLEY
A traditional Ash Wednesday service was held on the evening of February 22 at St Michael The Archangel, including the application of ashes for the congregation. Sunday February 26 was a morning service of Holy Communion, with the Rev Dr John Marsh preaching about new ways of making church accessible within the modern way of life. The lessons were read by Hazel Wood and Evelyne Barrow and the organ and keyboard were played by Malcolm Jessop. The annual Lent course began on Tuesday February 28 and is looking at Experiencing Gods Mercy, using Bishop Steven Crofts book of the same name. It will continue until Holy Week, starting at 7.45pm. in church all welcome. The congregation were encouraged to support Desert Island Discs with a Twist which will be held in church on March 9 at 7.30pm. Tickets at £5 include light refreshments and an evening of varied musical entertainment.
SHELLEY
It was a very busy meeting when Shelley Over 60s met in the Village Hall last Thursday. The bingo line was won by Ken Cassinelli and the full house by Joyce Booth. No-one had the first three numbers on one card so the prize carried over to the next meeting. The whist high of 91 was won by Gordon Burgin and the low of 66 went to Dora Sanders from nine tables. There were six birthdays to celebrate this week Margaret Hill, Lilian Armitage, Barbara Thompson, Stuart Wadsworth, Ray Spencer and Fred Huddle who was presented with a pair of giant candle sticks to commemorate reaching the grand old age of 100. To celebrate members raised glasses in a toast and had a piece of cake. Raffle prizes were won by Joan Small, Vera Rothson, Elaine Shaw, Eunice Ramsden and Anne Matthews. On Tuesday February 28 members held a highly enjoyable Shelley Stones at which members had a lovely brunch, were well entertained by Loretta and played bingo. A big thank-you goes to everyone involved in making this event such a success.
SKELMANTHORPE
Skelmanthorpe historical society met last Wednesday and the speakers were two choristers from New Mill Male Voice Choir. They talked about the history and ethos of the choir. They were thanked by Martyn Wadsworth.
Last Friday Women's World Day of Prayer was held at the Wesleyan Reform Church. The churches in the village provided readers and the leader was Carole Senior. The speaker was Emma Willcock.
STOCKSMOOR
Stocksmoor Bridge Club results for Thursday February 23: North/South 1 M Barrow and C Brett, 2 W and A Dowlen, 3 M Hicks and J Pearson; East/West 1 A Barnet and E Pearson, 2 M Russell and E Covell, 3 J Shaw and E Tullie. Results for Thursday March 1: North/South 1 T and M Hirst, 2 J Morris and W Sharman, 3 D Cliff and C Bolland; East/West 1 A Stephens and J Smith, 2 M and L Cooper, 3 P Turner and M Kenworthy.
