BIRDSEDGE
Church: The Remembrance service was taken by Tom Wood. Robert Halmshaw read the We Will Remember Them poem and led the two minutes silence at 11am. Tom talked to the young people about remembering things with a Kim’s game to see how much we could all recall. He read Ecclesiastes 3 v 1-8 A Time for Everything. Pat took us through a puzzle of which the answers were ‘bury the hatchet’ ‘shake hands’ ‘kiss and make up’ and ‘lay down your arms’ finishing with a verse from Hebrews 12 v14 - 'Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy: without holiness no-one will see the Lord.’ The service next week will be taken by Mrs Jo Smith.
The Autumn Fair was a very enjoyable morning with plenty of helpers and supporters. A total of £342 was raised towards church refurbishments.
Village Hall: A Craft Fair will be held in the Hall next Sunday (November 22, 10am – 5pm). Stalls include handmade chocolates, kimonos, jewellery, corsages, cakes, preserves etc. Refreshments will be served throughout.
Hospice: A Coffee Morning will be held next Saturday (November 21) from 10.30am.
Wind Turbine Meeting: On Monday evening, at the Village Hall, a public meeting was held to gauge feeling in the community about the proposed wind turbines in the area. The overwhelming response was one of opposition, based largely on the closeness to houses. An action group will be formed. Anyone who wishes to be involved but did not leave your name at the meeting, should ring Steve Ashley on 01484-606533.
CLAYTON WEST
The first Sunday of November, enabled All Saints’ Church to hold its patronal festival in the Parish Communion Service. Rev Joy Cousans led the service, ably assisted by the readers Dolly Bywater and Edward Toulson, intercessors Kath and Brendan McDaid, server Sean Fisher, the choir and the organist Jonathan Newcombe. The Rev Joy’s talk was based on the raising of Lazarus – the fact that Jesus was moved by the grief of others, enabled his followers to vouch that here was an ordinary human being who through his belief in God was enabled to bring relief to the people with whom he met. The choir sang an unaccompanied motet during communion entitled Locus Iste by Bruckner.
Remembrance Sunday at All Saints’ Church began with the congregation, and villagers gathering around the war memorial at 9.15am. Music was played by members of Emley Band – the soloist for the Last Post and Reveille was Crawford Howe. The names of the fallen were read by RAF Squadron Leader Christine Meredith (now retired) and a wreath was laid by a member of Denby Dale Parish Council. The Parish Communion Service continued in church with readings delivered by Mavis Brooke and Olivia England from Micah and Matthew respectively. Both were based on the theme of peace, which was further described by the Rev Joy in her talk. Intercessions for the wider world were led by Wynn Leake. During communion the choir sang Be Still My Soul to the tune of Finlandia and also Psalm 121. After the service, refreshments were served by Tricia Bond and Edward Toulson.
Parishioners are asked to note that next Sunday is the day for the receipt of Toy Boxes for the organisation Samaritan’s Purse and their project of Christmas Child. On the following Thursday November 19, there is a jewellery party in church, open to all. The latter event is to raise church funds.
Morning worship at the Methodist Church for Remembrance Sunday last weekend was led by Deacon Jane Paine from Denby Dale who spoke about peace and forgiveness. The two minutes silence was observed at 11am, after which a poem of remembrance was read by Beryl Holt. Les Barber read the old testament lesson from Micah, and Wendy Barber the lesson from John. Stewards were Betty Booth and Maxine Lodge, and a gift of flowers for the communion table was from Jillian Beevers. After the service coffee and biscuits were served by Beryl Holt.
On Wednesday November 4 Clayton West WI had their meeting. 'Bob the Pot' was the speaker and the group had a 'hands on' session making elephants, sheep and frogs out of clay. They made an interesting range of animals which will be fired for them.There was also a chance to throw a pot on a wheel.This excellent evening was enjoyed by all. There was a sales table where we could buy some pottery and there were also refreshments and a raffle. The group’s next meeting will be on Wednesday December 2.
EMLEY
On Saturday Emley African Schools Project held a Christmas Fayre and raised £1,555 and £85 donation for mosquito nets. The money is being taken to African by Dr and Mrs Donnan and Mr and Mrs Williams on Monday morning.
Remembrance Sunday members of the Methodist Church, and St Michael’s Church, joined together in a Communion Service led by Rev Chris Bullimore and the Rev David Priestnall. John Ryder read the bible, Dennis Roughsedge led prayers, and Malcolm Jessop played the organ. In his talk Rev Priestnall highlighted today’s society attitude to life and emphasised the importance of looking at the past and sharing hope for the future. At the end of the service the congregation and choir processed to the war memorial and were joined by villagers and members of Emley Brass Band, conducted by Garry Hallas. A short service was held and Crawford Howe played the Last Post. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the armed forces by Robert Willis MBE DFC; Arthur Barraclough on behalf of the Methodists, and Shelley Wild on behalf of Denby Dale Parish Council.
KIRKBURTON
There were two services in All Hallows Parish Church on Remembrance Sunday. At 10-30, the Mr David Utasi welcomed ex servicemen, a representative of the police, members of the young people’s uniformed groups and local councillors. The members of the uniformed groups took their banners to the altar where they were received by curate, the Rev Robert Chambers who also led the service. After the opening hymn, Mr Chambers read the Prayer of Penitence and pastoral minister Mrs Mary Chambers led the prayers of intercession. Pastoral minister, Mr Malcolm Tibbott, gave a reading from the Gospel according to St John and churchwarden, Mr Glyn Phillips read from the Book of Isaiah. In his sermon, Mr Chambers spoke about Continued Remembrance. At the Act of Remembrance the names of The Fallen from the two great wars of the 20th century were read, and wreaths hung on the memorial screen. Mr Alex Cauldwell of the British Legion read the Eulogy for the Fallen. The Two Minutes Silence was broken by Mr Tony Eaton, sounding the Last Post and Reveille. Mrs Christine Rangeley, Mrs Pam Askham, Mrs Janet Jessop and Mr Mike Steele were sidesmen and took up the collection which was in aid of the Earl Haig ‘Poppy’ Fund. Organist was Mrs Doreen Barraclough. After the service, the congregation, led by Mr Chambers, processed to the village cenotaph for a short service and wreath laying ceremony. Wreaths were again laid on behalf of the ex-servicemen, for Kirklees Council and the parish council. Mr Eaton sounded the Last Post and Reveille. Worshippers then returned to the church for refreshments. In the evening, Mr Chambers and reader, Mrs Janet Roberts, led a special Commemoration Service to remember and give thanks for the lives of those who have died in the past year. An atmosphere of contemplation was created with dimmed lights and candles, readings and music. Readings were by Mr Malcolm Tibbott, pastoral minister, Mrs Betty Cross and Mr David Utasi. Mrs Mary Slack read the names of those we had been lost from the Book of Remembrance and members of the congregation were invited to light candles in memory of their friends and family. On Wednesday morning, Armistice Day, Mr Chambers led a small service organised by the Kirkburton Middle School, with the two village first schools, at the newly restored war memorial in the former memorial gardens. Three wreaths were laid and the Last Post was sounded.
SHELLEY
Shelley Over 60s held their meeting in the village hall last Thursday.The bingo line was won by Joyce Booth and the full house by Gordon Burgin. The first three numbers on one card was not won and the prize carried over until next week.The whist high of 93 was won by Joan Horne and the low of 63 went to Gordon Burgin from seven-and-a-half tables. Members celebrated the birthdays of Shirley Brook, Joyce Secker and Jean Porter. Raffle prizes were won by Dora Mettrick, Sheila Taylor, Gordon Burgin, Eunice Ramsden and Dora Sanders.The club welcomed new member Nicky Shorey.
