BIRDSEDGE

Plans are well under way for a grand opening of the newly re-furbished village hall and on next Saturday (from 1-4pm) it will be open to view. It has been closed since September last year. The committee did most of the initial work in taking out fittings, taking down walls and generally getting it ready for the builders to start demolition work in October. Only from February 2009 did it begin to look promising as the building work got underway. All regular activities will be back in the hall from Tuesday May 5 and the committee hopes that everyone will be as pleased with the work as they are.

There will be a Car Boot Sale at Fairleigh Farm, Birdsedge, in the morning next Sunday to raise funds for the hall. Call 01484-604289 to book. The first evening concert in the new hall will be Roger Davies and Midnight Special on Saturday May 2. The first Luncheon Club will be on Thursday May 7 from 11.30am and the annual plant sale will be on Saturday May 16 from 10am. Wind In The Willows the musical, will be staged on Sunday May 17– ring 01484-604289 for tickets.

Malcolm Jacobs took Sunday service, painting a picture for the children to guess what it was – very similar to the pictures Rolf Harris used to do on his Saturday evening show (do you know what it is yet?). This was likened to the life of Jesus where only after until his death and resurrection could all the pieces be put together and the plan understood. Paul Hallam of Bradford will take the service this Sunday.

CLAYTON WEST

The service for the first Sunday after Easter at All Saints’, Clayton West was of Parish Communion. Readings were by Trish Bond and Jonathan Newcombe reading respectively from Acts and the Gospel of John. The Rev Joy based her talk upon the Gospel reading, her theme being that Jesus can be seen in our world about us – we don’t have to see Jesus crucified to know that he is working along side us. Prayers for the wider world were written and presented by Olivia England and George Lane. Sidesmen were Mavis and David Brook and coffee was prepared and served by Jane Stanley and Marjorie Brown. The choir sang an unaccompanied piece – A Clare Benediction – by John Rutter during communion, conducted by Jonathan Newcombe. Gillian Hamer was the organist.

The monthly coffee morning at the Methodist Church was held last Saturday. Home-made cakes were on sale and bacon sandwiches were cooked and served by Wendy Barber. Proceeds were for church funds.

Sunday morning worship was led by Beryl Holt, a member of the church. She spoke about the joy of Jesus riding from the dead, and his sending out of the disciples into the world to tell of the good news. Lessons were read by Rosalyn Beevers, who also gave the flowers for the communion table. Diana Hunt and Joan Bond were stewards, and Jane Hobson played the organ. Coffee was served after the service by Rosalyn Beevers.

DENBY

Spring has sprung at Denby First School and the Tuesday Lunchtime Gardening Club was re-launched this week. Yesterday 16 school pupils, aged from eight to 10, were taken out for a day trip to Camp Eden.

DENBY DALE

On Thursday afternoon at Zion Wesleyan Reform Chapel the Sunday School held a fun day with games,handicrafts and a pizza tea. On Sunday morning the Sunday School thought about and did crafts connected with the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection. The Sunday evening service was conducted by Robert Nuttall who spoke about the faith of a Christian. The service included an item by the Singing Group. The Sunday school will meet as usual at 10.30am but there will be no evening service as members will be worshipping and enjoying tea with the friends at Bow Broom church.

KIRKBURTON

Curate, the Rev Robert Chambers led a service of Sung Eucharist in All Hallows Parish Church on the first Sunday after Easter, Low Sunday. The prayers of intercession were led by pastoral minister, Mrs Betty Cross. Mrs Margaret Beaumont gave the reading for the day from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians and Mrs Karen Phillips read from the 20th chapter of the Gospel according to St John. In place of the sermon, because the service was followed by the annual parochial church council meeting, churchwardens Mr Glynn Phillips and Mr John Keighley gave a talk reflecting on the work of the church over the previous 12 months and looking forwards to the future. Mrs Christine Rangeley and Mrs Pauline Pinder took up the chalice and paten and, at the distribution, Mr Chambers was assisted by pastoral minister Mrs Mary Chambers and reader, Mrs Janet Roberts.

Mrs Janet Jessop performed the duties of sidesman and organised the taking of the collection.

Mrs Doreen Barraclough was the organist. After the service members of the congregation were invited to stay and enjoy refreshments served by Mrs Dot Greenwood and Mrs Joy Elston, and take part in the parish meeting.

In the evening the Youth Group organized a meeting of their monthly service of cafe church,Š Synaxis, at the Hub.

LEPTON

Lepton Townswomen’s Guild held their monthly meeting in the Methodist Church, Joan Peel presiding. Instead of a speaker, a a Magazine Evening was held, with members enacting features such as arts and crafts, cookery, flower arranging and agony aunt. Judith Mettrick won the raffle.

SHELLEY

Shelley over 60s held their meeting in the village hall last Thursday. The bingo line was won by Eve Astin and the full house by Audrey Taylor. The first three numbers on one card was unclaimed and the prize carried over to next week. The whist high of 95 was won by Gladys Stringer and the low of 61 went to Dorothy Greensmith from eight tables. Birthday wishes went to Arthur Pollard, Madge Shaw, Vera Wilkinson, Lorraine Radley, Rene Hewitt and Denise Edinburgh. Raffle prizes were won by Walter Astin, Joan Small, Marjorie Johnstone, Ted Blythe Eve Astin, Connie Walters, Audrey Taylor and Bessie Usher. A very successful coffee day was held on Tuesday April 14, which included a tombola, bric-a-brac stall, book stall, cake stall bran tub, guess the name of the doll competition and a raffle, and raised the astonishing amount of over £900. A very big thank you goes to all helpers and supporters. There will be a concert at Shelley Parish Church by the Wayfarers trio from 12.30pm to 1.30 pm om Monday May 4. Admission is £2 all are welcome.

SKELMANTHORPE

Mr A Kimberley of Shelley was the preacher at the Wesleyan Reform Chapel on Sunday morning. His bible readings were from Matthew. John Orton was the organist.

STOCKSMOOR

Stocksmoor Bridge Club results.Thursday April 9. North/South: 1 P Pogson and A Stephens, 2 M Sandell and S Hancock, 3 D Cliff and C Bolland; East/West: 1 L Cooper and L Mallinson, 2 PTurner and M Kenworthy, 3 Tand M Hirst.

Thursday April 16. North/South: 1 M Sandell and S Hancock, 2 K Morely and E Pearson, 3 P Pogson and A Stephens; East/West:1 J Shaw and E Tullie, 2 W and A Dowlen, 3 E Covell and M Russell.