The Elland and Ryburn Network held a Victorian Christmas celebration at Southgate Methodist Church. Andrew Jacobs was the organist and Pat Lumb welcomed everyone.
Norma Trotter led prayers and various Christmas pieces were read by Christine Chadwick, Derek Hagreen, Eilidh Gunson, Maureen Wragg, Glenys Wadsworth and Pat Lumb. Southgate Choir and Beth Greet singers Marilyn Hoyle, Andrew Scutt and Jennie Scutt s
ang musical pieces. A Christmas supper followed.
An Advent carol service was held at Southgate Methodist Church, led by Stephen Barnett from Sowerby Bridge. The choirmaster was Ray Wilkinson and the organist was Andrew Jacobs. Readers were Margaret Ainley, Glenys Wadsworth, Lesley Kershaw, Wilma Paton, Christine Bailey, Jim Paton and Clifford Lees. Carols will be sung at 6pm on Christmas Eve in the church. All welcome.
A total of 31 ladies attended the recent meeting of Bethesda Methodist Women's hour, which started with tea and biscuits provided by Stella Austin and served by Mary Rathmell, and Olive and Cynthia Pickerill. Norma Trotter gave the sick report and then spoke on the subject of "Pegs, props, clotheslines and tea towels". All the items brought back memories for the speaker of events and people in her life. Marjorie Jefferson presided and thanked the speaker.
The Elland Rotary Club met in the Baines Hall of Elland Cricket Club at lunchtime, when past president Tony Chadwick presided. There were 25 members present and 24 guests. The meeting was the Rotary's Live Alone Lunch, when members of the Elland community who live alone join the Rotarians for a special Christmas lunch. The guests were brought from their homes by the Rotarians and during the lunch they were entertained by the pupils of St Patrick's School who sang a selection of Christmas carols. The pupils were under the direction of Clare Woffenden who accompanied them on keyboard, along with Geraldine Clark. The previous day the Rotary club held their Christmas party at the Baines Hall. Santa Claus visited and handed out Christmas presents to the lucky boys and girls who were there. A raffle raised £626 for the Rotary charities. Santa left to get ready to tour the streets of Elland over the next few days on the Elland Rotary Sleigh. He may be on a street near you!
Elland Male Voice Choir, conducted by Janet Revill, gave a free concert at Bethesda Methodist Church recently. The Beth Greet singers and the Happy Songsters from Greetland Primary School joined them.
The Elland and District Partnership held an open meeting at Brooksbank School recently and 25 people attended. Various topics were discussed, the main one being the Elland town centre development plan. The main concern expressed was about parking in the town, particularly on Southgate. It was felt this subject needed input from the planning department and councillors. There has been a poor response from the public on the consultation but more is expected before today's deadline is up. Joe Braithwaite, who chaired the meeting, thanked Mark Aylward, the lower valley development officer, for his help over the past few years with the town centre study and other matters, and wished in his new forthcoming position. Other matters discussed were future floral displays around the town, the James Street play area and the future of Wainwright Hall. The meeting ended with a presentation on waste management by Richard Gummer, of Calderdale Council. The next meeting is arranged for February 15 at 5.30pm at Brooksbank School.
The Sunday School children and staff of Southgate Methodist Church performed a celebration of Christmas on Sunday evening. They depicted the first Christmas card, carols and other Christmas symbols concluding with a Christmas tableaux. Andrew Jacobs and Ray Wilkinson played for the carols and refreshments followed. After, a group of carol singers went around the streets of Elland.
The Elland Probus Club Christmas dinner was held at Elland Working Men's Club. Toastmaster was Fred Williams and Raymond Wheatley welcomed everyone to the meal. Joe Braithwaite said grace. Among the guests were Elland Rotary Club president John Leslie and his wife Jackie, Alan Wilman, from Mirfield Probus Club, and his wife, and Eric Rowley, from Cleckheaton Probus Club, and his wife. Food 4 Thought served a four-course meal, and there was a raffle with 20 winners. Mildred Sutcliffe played the organ throughout the afternoon, which ended with a little carol singing.
The Elland, Greetland and District branch of the Royal British Legion met at Elland Working Men's Club. Geoff Scott presided, 54 members were present and two new members were enrolled. Fred Williams announced the branch had collected £11,837 for the Poppy Appeal, which exceeded all expectations, and thanks must go to the very generous people of Elland for their donations. Members were reminded of tonight's annual general meeting, to be held at 8pm, when a new committee will be chosen. Pie and peas will be served after.
The Disabled and Able-Bodied Social Club held their first meeting at their new venue, Bethesda Methodist Church. Joan Moore presided and members served refreshments. Fred Williams and Ethel Hall organised a raffle and bingo was called by Joan Beeby. Winners were June Tiffany, Martin Crickmore, Joan Beeby and Marjorie Jefferson. Get-well greetings were sent to Ralph Golding, Lily Burnett and Geoff Netherwood. The next meeting will be on January 4 at Bethesda Methodist Church.
Members of the Southgate Methodist Choir visited the Rex cinema, where they sang carols during the interval. Collections were made for the National Children's Home charity.
All Saints' Church held a Christmas coffee morning in the church hall. Organisers were Cynthia, Peter and Bobby Hollas, Rita Townsend, Hilary Leigh and Ann Weston. There were produce and bric-a-brac stalls. A representative of the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust also had a stall. Coffee and mince pies were served. Raffle prize-winners were Julie Blakeley, Win Theaker, Sue Burrows and Margarita. £145 was raised, of which £100 has been given to the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust.
The Rector of Elland, David Burrows, celebrated and preached at the family Eucharist last Sunday morning in All Saints' Church. Elaine Phelps and Angela Byram gave readings. David Weston led the intercessions. Emily Windsor-Hey and her father Robert lit the third Advent candle. The organist was Selwyn Crabtree. After the service an Advent lunch of soup, roast turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding, custard and mince pies, and coffee was served in the church hall to 80 people. Proceeds will go to church funds. The Christmas draw took place and the winners were Angela Byram, Albert Rinder, Jane Crowther, Margaret Hanner, Ann Birch and Barbara Lockwood.
The Rector, David Burrows, led a service of lessons and carols at St Mary's Church, Elland. Jean Chadwick, Rebecca Wharvell, Kathleen Simnett and Mr Burrows read lessons. The choir, conducted by Joyce Haigh, sang three items and the organist was Donald Haigh. Seasonal refreshments followed in the community room.
