Boys and girls who fancy playing competitive cricket next summer can try out at a cricket camp being held at Almondbury Sports Centre during half-term.The camp is being run by Kirklees Sports Development in partnership with Almondbury Cricket Club. As well as providing half-term fun and entertainment, the camp's aim is to find new young talent to play for the cricket club in the 2009 season. The camp, on Friday, October 31, from 1pm to 4pm, is free and is for children aged eight to 11 years of age. No previous cricket experience is needed for the afternoon of cricket skills, drills and games. No booking is necessary, youngsters should just turn up on the day. No specific cricket equipment is required but youngsters can take their own equipment if they wish. Almondbury Sports Centre is at Almondbury High School on Fernside Avenue.

CLAYTON WEST

At the Methodist Church last Tuesday afternoon the Ladies Fellowship enjoyed a harvest service. Readings and prayers were given by some members and harvest hymns were also sung. Tea and biscuits were enjoyed after the meeting.

Sunday morning worship was led by Jean Heath who explained in her sermon that God cares for everyone and the whole world belongs to him. Lessons were read by Fred Green and Beryl Holt. Jane Hobson played the organ. Stewards were Diana Hunt and Joan Bond. Flowers for the communion table were a gift from Wendy Barber, who also served coffee after the service.

COWCLIFFE

Children from Fixby J and I School have been learning about symbols of the Christian faith at St Hilda’s Church, under the guidance of the Rev Helen Hodgson. Some pupils wrote their own prayers to put on the prayer board.

The Rev Helen took Sunday service and she was assisted by Rev Janet Craven, curate for both Shepley and Shelley churches. She also gave a talk on Transforming Lives – which included her own.

Two stone planters have been given to the church by Jean and Paul Nicholson and Jean has filmed them with plants. The garden in the churchyard has been tidied _ with thanks to the Rodgers family and Don.

LEPTON

Lepton Townswomen’s Guild held their monthly meeting in the Methodist Church on October 20 when Joan Peel presided. Speaker Mr T Moody gave a very interesting talk and slide show on Northumberland’s Heritage Coast. A vote of thanks was proposed by Jenny Boothroyd. Ovita Allport won the raffle prize.

SHELLEY

Ain't no Sunshine anywhere else but in Shelley on Saturday November 15 when local band Souled Out play at the biggest party night of the year in the village hall. All are welcome to enjoy the sounds of the era of flares and dancing round the handbags - played by a six-piece band with a huge amount of talent. From Black Dyke to Blackstone Edge, from Tumbleweed to Blues, from Top of the Pops to classical Cambridge, these guys have the experience and tempo to make thehall rock! Relive the dream at Shelley Village Hall on Saturday November 15 at 7.30pm with full bar facilities. Tickets are £10 and include a sop supper and are available from Shelley Stores,Lydgate Styles or ring 01484 604486. Arranged by Shelley Community Association.

Shelley Over 60s held their meeting in the village hall last Thursday. The bingo line was won by Marjorie Johnstone and the full house by Fred Huddle.The first three numbers on one card was not won and the prize carried over.The whist high of 88 was won by Gordon Burgin and the low of 64 went to Marjorie Johnstone from seven tables.Birthday greetings were given to Gordon Burgin and Geoff Harrison. Beryl Hutchinson was welcomed as a new member. Raffle prizes went to Margaret Schofield, Jack Elliott, Joan Parker, Dora Mettrick, Joyce Tyas and Dorothy Greensmith.

SKELMANTHORPE

The Prayer Book Society (PBS) Autumn Festival in honour of St Maria Bertilla Boscardin at St Aidan took place last weekend. The Rev Philip Reynolds celebrated Mass and spoke of St Maria's holiness and humble focus on God. Neil Inkley of the Blackburn PBS read the lessons and Nikki Sales, national Secretary of the PBS, was in attendance. Jonathan Woodcock was the organist. Sue Woodward provided an excellent buffet, served by Victoria Cox and Beverley Whitworth.

Philip also celebrated the Sunday Sung Mass at St Aidan, and spoke of God at work far beyond the bounds of the Church. Biblical readings were given by Chris Hobson and Margaret E Fisher. Refreshments were served by Victoria Cox and Linda Heeley. Local Scouts, Cubs and Beavers visited the church, and the PCC met this week.

John Orton was preacher at the Wesleyan Reform Church on Sunday morning. His Bible reading was taken from Luke’s Gospel and he also played the piano.

STOCKSMOOR

Kirkburton Area Committee is to meet on Wednesday October 29. The event will take place at 7.30pm at Stocksmoor Village Hall, Station Road and there will be an update from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, information on action to tackle anti-social behaviour plus the opportunity for local residents to ask questions.