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Dear Readers With lockdown restrictions now eased we find ourselves able to venture out to shops, hairdressers and pubs all of which have been through very difficult times over the past year. Of course, it’s great to be able to visit towns and cities again but please remember our local traders who are the very heart of our village. Although in recent years we’ve lost two of our pubs, at least temporarily, we still have some great places for a drink with friends and family. In the village centre we are lucky to have The Black Bull with outside seating. They will be open on Thursdays from 3 to 9pm and Friday to Sunday from 12 to 9pm. Please note that the carpark will be closed on those days. Call 01484 608111 to make bookings which are essential.

The Toss o’ Coin on Road will open from 12pm onwards Friday to Sunday, for drinking only at the moment. They have a large beer garden and with good weather, this is a lovely place to have a drink with wonderful views over the surrounding fields. They plan to be back to normal with their popular indoor meals from the 17th of May when government restrictions are due to be eased further.

One of the regular supporters of ’s Magazine is The Rose and Crown at , another popular pub with a great reputation. They are open every day from 12pm for outside drinking and dining. Booking in advance is recommended here so please call 01484 660790 for a table.

According to their Facebook page The Sovereign Inn is planning to be open from May 17th for meals as usual.

Government restrictions obviously apply everywhere.

The Thursday morning Baby and Toddler Group, held in the Methodist Church Hall, plans to re-open on 13th May and further details can be found in the article on page 9.

Shepley Cricket Club has an article in this issue of the magazine detailing its activities and fixtures. Also, worth noting is that it will be 150 years in July since its founding. There will be more information on this nearer the time. The grounds are also open for outdoor drinking - more information is available from the club.

So, let’s all get out and support our local businesses and groups and make 2021 a year to remember for all the right reasons.

Shepley's Magazine Team.

------Email contributions by the 12th of the month to: [email protected] Write to us and drop your contributions into the library addressed to: Shepley’s Magazine All other enquiries including advertising to: [email protected] If you would like a PDF digital copy of the magazine email: [email protected] Magazine donations to: Lloyd’s Bank - Sort Code 30-98-97 Account - 64780368 or put a cheque made out to Shepley’s Magazine into an envelope and hand it in at the library, thank you. © Copyright Shepley’s Magazine

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Spotlight on local Artist and Illustrator - Jane Middleton

Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you start your career? Have you always been an artist?

Creativity is a big part of who I am, and art was always my favourite subject at school, ranking much higher in preference than PE or maths! I was always drawing and making little books, getting lost in my imagination and always daydreaming too, (I still do a lot of daydreaming!)

The natural career path to take for me without question was the Art & Design route, so I studied Graphic Design & illustration at the University of Teesside where I achieved a BA Hons 2:1. When the time for job hunting came, I was attracted to the very design led and creative roles. They all seemed to be in so off I went…I had a few knock backs, but I also reached the second interview part of the process several times…mainly lacking two things though…experience (I couldn’t afford to work voluntarily) and I was very shy and lacked confidence back then…so networking and promoting myself didn’t come naturally.

Plan B (which I’d written in my ‘record of achievement’ aged 14!) was to become an Art teacher…I took a year out first to travel …I spent almost a year in Australia backpacking and working in various preschools, nurseries, farms and a call centre; gaining experience, building up my confidence and growing as a person.

I then completed a PGCE and spent 6 years working as a secondary school/A level art teacher in , followed by a year at QEGS, . We relocated to Shepley from 11 years ago because of my husband’s job and have never looked back. The next few years were dedicated to raising my 2 children. My husband worked away a lot, so art and teaching went on the back burner… I decided to work on a self-employed basis upon returning to work, running art clubs in local primary schools. This worked around the family and my parents relocated from our hometown of Darlington to help me out with childcare and see more of their grandchildren. The schools I worked with gradually increased (I have 8 schools that I work with) and I was feeling rather pleased with my achievements…until Covid came along…but every cloud has a silver lining…although it’s been over a year since my last art club, I have been able to focus on other parts of my business that were more of a hobby in the past.

I am starting from scratch…again… building up business and networking as best I can during a pandemic; creating murals and window art for businesses, educational and home decor settings. I have created murals within Shepley First School, both voluntarily and paid and have created artwork for several schools as far afield as Chesterfield. I also have an online shop where I sell my self-designed and printed greetings cards, prints and original pieces of art. It’s really hard work trying to ‘get out there’, especially at the moment but I’m giving it my best shot! I recently designed and produced all the exterior and interior artwork for a new

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food hall in Kingsgate, called Street Eats; this was an amazing experience, and it will hopefully be opening this month when restrictions are lifted.

How would you describe your process and what, if any message are you conveying through your work? I have been on an ever-evolving journey with the materials and processes I use. After a long, long creative time out from drawing or painting, it’s been a euphoric experience to have the creativity flowing again and the missing part of what makes me, is finally back. So instead of holding back like I did in the past and crippling my creativity by worrying what people will think of my art, I’ve just gone for it! I took on Andy Warhol’s philosophy, “ Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it is good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” I’m experimenting with illustrative digital work produced on my iPad. I’ve used collage, inks, bleach, watercolour, gesso textured canvases…character design, fine art, large scale, small scale, humorous, serious, vast really! I’ve dedicated all the time I have to creating and then even more time marketing my business. I have a range of art works that represent empowered, body confident women, and a lot of my work focuses on this…mainly due to personal feelings and reasons I experienced during my adolescent years. I’m working with Japanese and Chinese papers and inks at the moment as I’m experimenting and developing a new range…this is work in progress, it may or may not work but I’m going for it. What are your goals? What does the future hold for Jane Middleton Art? I’d like to continue building up my portfolio by completing more murals and window art for local businesses and I’d like to have some paid illustration work published in editorials, especially a women’s health magazine as this is a subject close to my heart. I’d like to get my brand out there; stocking cards and prints with businesses both local and further afield. Hopefully, art fairs and trade shows will go ahead soon, so I will apply for those and hope it brings me some business. What advice would you give to any aspiring artists? I would tell a younger me to stay true to yourself, don’t obsess over style, get as much experience as you can, try to steer in the direction of the industry that can provide opportunities for paid work like graphic design, sign writing, teaching art or architecture to name a few and most importantly, believe in yourself. And the advice to the 42-year-old me or those looking for a career change in the art industry….it’s never too late, but marketing yourself and your business is a full time job in itself if you decide to go freelance/self-employed. Don’t be afraid to ask other creatives for advice. And I still give the same advice to myself whilst battling with the self-doubt demons…As Matisse quoted, “creativity takes confidence.” If you feel passionate and want to succeed in something that means so much, then you will get there. Please take a look at my website www.janemiddletonart.co.uk where you’ll see lots of my work including my online shop www.Etsy.com/shop/janemiddletonart and please follow me on Instagram and Facebook @janemiddletonart

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We Are: Shepley Library

Kirklees Libraries Update

From 12th April Shepley Library has been Open for Book Borrowing Mondays 10 am – 1 pm and Thursdays 1 pm - 4 pm. We hope to increase our opening times and services available (including IT access) as soon as we are able.

Rules to follow. Visitors will be asked to provide contact details for the Test and Trace programme and also to wear a face covering inside library buildings as per government guidance. Due to limited capacity, visitors may be asked to queue outside during busy periods.

Health and safety are key Health and safety have been at the heart of preparations as we work hard to make sure visitors, staff and volunteers remain safe as further library services are re-introduced. Controlling the spread of the virus is critical and visitors will be reminded to stick to government guidelines.

Returning books When visiting, please place books to return in the green waste bins marked with Libraries stickers. Do not remove any items from the bin.

COVID-19 test centres and Polling Station libraries and Greenwood (Ravensthorpe) libraries are still being used as COVID testing centres. The following libraries are due to be used as polling stations for upcoming local elections in May: Birstall, , , , . They will re-open as soon as possible once elections are over. Kids into Keep in touch. reading too? Up to date information can be found at www.Kirklees,gov.uk/libraries Don't miss our or you can stay up to date with Kirklees Libraries using our social media library channels: adventures Facebook@kirkleeslibraries Twitter@KirkleesLibrary bulletin. Instagram/kirkleeslibraries Pinterest/kirkleeslibraries

Tel: 01484 414868 www.kirklees.gov.uk/libraries

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Cliffe House

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Heroes of Shepley – Nigel Proud

I was inspired by the artist Tom Croft to take part in the Portraits for NHS Heroes initiative and completed eight free pastel portraits for local people who have helped to keep us all safe throughout the pandemic.

Whilst painting these portraits, I realised that other members of our community were not getting the recognition that they deserved – there have been a lot of kind, selfless acts in Shepley village.

This brought about the idea for my `Heroes of Shepley’ portraits – a free portrait to Shepley keyworkers and residents who have kept our village going in these strange times.

I have completed five so far:

Frank’s Pantry of Shepley have very kindly agreed to let me display framed copies in their shop in the near future.

Dr Kishan Vadher Post lady Emma Redgwick of Shepley Medical

Centre

Rachel Korosi the Admiral Nurse Paula Parkyn from Shepley Police Officer PC Caroline from Dementia UK Co-operative Newsome We are so lucky to have a vibrant community who have helped each other, and I wanted to show my appreciation of these amazing people who are `Heroes of Shepley’. Nigel Proud

Further examples of Nigel’s artwork including the `Portraits for NHS Heroes’ can be seen on his website www.nigelsportraits.co.uk

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Shepley Toddlers are returning!

After the long days of lockdown, we are so pleased to announce that Shepley toddlers will be restarting on Thursday mornings at Shepley Methodist Church, 09.15am to 11.00am, beginning on Thursday 13th May. We will have lots of new toys, a baby area, crafts and snacks. There will be a few changes, including a different layout, bringing your own travel mugs/toddler drinks and social distancing, but it will still be the same toddler group that a lot of parents, grandparents, babies and pre-schoolers have enjoyed for many years. We really look forward to welcoming any new faces too. There will initially be a limit of 15 adults (1 adult per child and siblings, no limit on under 5's), as per government guidelines. Sign up will be via Facebook or WhatsApp and we just ask that until we know what demand will be like, you initially only ask to come every other week and we'll let you know whether you have a place for that week the evening before. The cost is £2.50/family. We are just a small group of mums voluntarily running the group and would really value any help on a casual or regular basis. For more information, see the Shepley toddlers Facebook group, or contact Naomi on: 07468450903 or Tahnee on: 07879060539

Action Rhyme - ‘Jelly on the Plate’

This rhyme is suggested by Paul Holtham (bounce/rock baby on each verse)

Jelly on the plate, jelly on the plate. Noodles on the fork, noodles on the fork, Wibble wobble, wibble wobble, Curly wurly, curly wurly, Jelly on the plate. Noodles on the fork.

Sweeties in the jar, sweeties in the jar, Candles on the cake, candles on the Shake and rattle, shake and rattle, cake, Sweeties in the jar. Blow them out, blow them out, PUFF, PUFF, PUFF. (Blow out candles) Sausage in the pan, sausage in the pan, Sizzle sozzle, sizzle sozzle, Sausage in the pan.

Link to video Jelly On A Plate Wibble Wobble Nursery Rhyme - YouTube YouTube

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Letter from our Member of Parliament

As I write this latest letter further relaxations in the Covid restrictions have come into force and I am looking forward to having my first pint outside a pub and, of course, seeing shops and restaurants start to reopen. I will be doing my best to support local businesses which have been hard hit by the lockdown. I was able to get across to visit Shepley and Shelley several times recently and was glad to be able to vist the garden centre and also to see the Easter activities here in Shepley.

It would be wrong of me not to reflect on the sad news of the death this week of the Duke of Edinburgh. He has been an exemplary public servant and supported the Queen admirably over her reign. However, I suspect one of his longest legacies will be the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme and I know from visits to schools across the constituency how much young people have valued taking part in the various activites organised by the Scheme. I am sure his loss will be felt much wider than just within his own family.

I felt it right that as a mark of respect all political activities ceased once the sad news was released and whilst his funeral will be a quieter affair due to Covid, I am sure many people will take the time to reflect on his long service to the country. Once the official mourning period is over normal activities will resume and, of course, we have elections in early May, both for local Councils, and to elect the first West Mayor. I hope everyone will use their vote. Clearly I will be supporting Cllr Richard Smith in his re-election, but however you choose to vote I do hope you will use your vote.

I have been liaising closely with Kirklees Council and with the Government to make sure that the elections can be conducted safely and securely without putting people at risk, and whilst there may be limits in how many people can enter a polling station at once and people may need to queue in a socially distanced way outside at busy times, I am sure we can complete these elections safely and would encourage you all to use your vote and have your say.

We still have the Covid virus with us in the community, but the numbers of infections are coming down and now that we have largely completed the vaccinations of the most vulnerable groups, I am pleased to see that the numbers being hospitalised and those sadly dying are greatly reduced. There was a worry that schools reopening would lead to a rise again in numbers, but thankfully this has not occurred and as the number who have been vaccinated increases, so one would hope that the risk recedes. I do think this twin track approach of making vaccines available as widely as possible whilst tentatively easing the lockdown is the right one to make sure we do not see numbers rise again.

I am looking forward to being able to return to Westminster in person shortly. Whilst I have been able to ask questions, play a full part in debates and attend committee meetings, doing this via video link is not the same. Being in the House gives me far more opportunities to buttonhole ministers on issues I wish to raise and to share ideas and work on campaigns with colleagues. I am also looking forward to the time when I will be able to welcome constituents to Westminster. I did manage to welcome a group of Shelley College students before Covid and hope more of you will take up the offer to visit the House in the future.

As always if my team or I can be of assistance, please feel free to email: [email protected] or telephone 01924 939007.

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Councillor's letter

As I sat down to write my monthly update it felt appropriate to start by marking the sad death of Prince Philip. Although he has been a national figure all my life, I have found it poignant to read the heartfelt tributes and details of what was a remarkable life. I know that there are many in our village whose experiences were partly shaped by the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and know that his passion for the natural world and his role in starting the World Wildlife Fund is often forgotten. He has also been a strong support to her Majesty the Queen and I am sure that the family will feel his loss and guess I am not the only one who has taken a moment to reflect on the positive contribution he made to British life.

This sad event followed what had been a happy and joyous occasion in the village with the Easter activities which I know will be covered elsewhere in the magazine, but I would just like to record my thanks to Fenne and the team who pulled it all together. After the year we have had, it was lovely to see so many young people out enjoying the activities on the Green and the egg hunt across the weekend.

I was also fortunate a couple of weeks ago now to get a sneak peak at the restoration works which are taking place at Cliffe House at the moment. The interior is starting to look wonderful and decorators were in situ when I visited. I was also glad that I was able to secure some additional funding to make sure that the two wall frescos in the entrance hall will be conserved and repaired whilst the house is closed. For some unkown reason these had been exlcuded from the extensive renovations, seemingly an oversight, and it would have been wrong if they had been left to continue to crack and flake and become unstable.

This last month has also seen the second phase of housing for the development on Abbey Road receive planning approval. I have worked closely with the Planning team and developer throughout this process and the development will see some much needed starter homes and social housing included in the properties being built.

There have been concerns raised with me about the amount of litter accumulating at the Rec as people are using the relaxation in some Covid restrictions to meet outside. Whilst there has been some littering, most has been placed in the three litter bins on the Rec. However these have not been cleaned regularly enough and so litter has been accumulating by them. Following a number of conversations and challenges the Council has now agreed to recruit more staff and start emptying the bins more frequently, including over the weekend, which has been an issue. They have agreed to install a second bin by the bridge at the Rec to help with the need for an increased bin capacity. Hopefully this will resolve the issue.

I always find I have more to say each month than there is space but just quickly, I had hoped that in this magazine we’d have details as promised about proposals to improve and extend the children’s play area. The team were not ready in time for this month. I am promised it will be ready for next month’s magazine.

And finally, I was happy to see that 16 different groups in the village were successful in securing small grants from the Parish Council. I know what a difference this small injection to funds can make to some of these small groups.

It is the sporting, uniform and community groups here that make this wonderful village and I was glad I and my fellow Parish Councillors, Janet Roebuck and John Cowan could help fund these.

If anyone needs any help or wants to know more about any of these issues I can be contacted on [email protected] or my Kirklees email [email protected] or by phone on 07831 810096.

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Shepley Village Association

The minutes of the SVA monthly zoom meeting, held on Tuesday 13th April can be seen on the website http//www.shepleyvillage.org Updates were given on activities supported by and initiated by the Association. Some of those are highlighted in more detail within this edition of the magazine. The Easter event was particularly successful and is featured in this edition. The focus on events in June are also shown. These being the Kirklees wide Woven initiative and how Shepley will do its bit and the 100th Anniversary of the erection of the Shepley War Memorial. Watch out for more details on Facebook and the June edition of the magazine. Call 07710 563889 if you want to ask questions meantime. The dates and times of the monthly litter pick and guerrilla gardening are also shown elsewhere in this edition. The next village monthly meeting, 11th May 2021, will start with an AGM. We hope many more will join that Zoom meeting and the link details are shown here. I believe Shepley is a wonderful village to live in and there is a great team of volunteers that enable the Village Association to carry out its various activities and partnership with other community groups. But it still needs more ideas, fresh thinking, and new activists. Please take part. Let us bring more young ones into the mix of all age groups and we can work on how to encourage more participantion. Every resident of Shepley Village Quiz (2 dates) Shepley is a member of this Association by its May 12, 2021 07:00 pm Join the Zoom Meeting at Shepley Village Association Monthly Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87999935031?pwd including AGM =VEdNcWZzQmpoSmg3VXVza0ZmYm1F May 11, 2021 07:30 pm UT09 Join the Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82884261404?pwd= Meeting ID: 879 9993 5031 NnVhcmx2ampnQ2VBSzVNcHRFUzEwUT09 Passcode: QUIZ

Meeting ID: 828 8426 1404 May 26, 2021 07:00 pm Join the Zoom Meeting at Passcode: SVA https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87924131873?pwd =SVlSUVBTZkhhN2w1Z093TG1VM0ZUZz constitution. 09 Link details of the next monthly meeting, (important to Meeting ID: 879 2413 1873 note it is also the AGM when the officers and committee are elected), are shown above together with link details Passcode: QUIZ of the village quizzes on the right. To save typing all the details, click on the link in a downloaded PDF copy of the magazine from: www.shepleyvillage.org/village-magazine.

Planning Applications

If you would like to see more details about a planning application or make a comment just enter the planning application number e.g. 2020/14519 on the Kirklees website where it says search for a planning application. If you have any queries about planning matters, your local Kirklees Councillors, John Taylor, Richard Smith and Bill Armer would be happy to help.

2021/91075 Erection of a single storey side front extension. 55, Yew Tree Rd, Shepley, , HD8 8DT Received 15th March 2021

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Polling Stations

We are working hard to make sure our polling stations are COVID-19 secure for the elections on 6 May 2021. We are putting measures in all polling stations to protect voters and staff from any potential spread of the virus. When you arrive at the station there will be hand sanitiser available at entrances and exits. Unless you have a medical exemption, face coverings need to be worn and everyone inside the station will be required to adhere to social distancing of 2 metres, or more if possible. Like other buildings, for example supermarkets, shops, banks etc you may have to queue, as numbers permitted inside our polling stations will be limited to create more space for social distancing. One-way systems will be in place and appropriate signage and directional signs will be posted in each station. You are encouraged to bring your own pen or pencil and if you forget we have additional supplies so that pencils can be sanitized after each use. Polling booths and equipment will be cleaned regularly throughout the day. Any staff employed in the polling station will be either sitting behind desk-top Perspex screens or wearing a face mask. At some stations we are employing additional staff to manage queues and assist voters. Please contact our Electoral Services on 01484 221650 or contact [email protected] and our team will be happy to help and advise you. Sharon Salvanos Kirklees Electoral Services Manager

Shepley War Memorial Centenary

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Woven

We are making some decisions about Shepley’s contribution to the Kirklees Woven Project. Taking place from the 5th to 27th June. We are negotiating with Rowena Chantler, Community Rail Officer of The Penistone Line Partnership about plans for decorating the platforms on Shepley Station. One of Woven’s major projects is to entwine the pillars of Huddersfield Station with knitting.We thought we might reflect this by placing The Shepley Knitting Needles and Knitted Fabric on one of the platforms. What about commemorating the Shepley Lion spotted near the railway tracks a few years ago? Of course, we are waiting for permission from the Penistone Line Partnership to finalise such plans. In Shepley village itself we felt we should celebrate the local aspects of the Textile Industry; these being Tailoring and of course Weaving. Then again with a name like Shepley surely, we should and will include Sheep somewhere? As mentioned elsewhere in the magazine we are aware that our War Memorial has its Centenary in June and we feel it would be fitting to acknowledge this as part of the Shepley Woven Project. We are hoping to hold textile craft workshops for both adults and most importantly children in the Memorial Woods and the surrounding area at half term and for this to culminate in the event at the Memorial itself. We are hoping that the whole community will join in with this memorable occasion.

You can already start your involvement as described below. Children can weave on paper plates or with any recycled packaging and pop them into the library letter box when finished. We will combine and display them. Contact us with donations of Fabric or Yarn or even better with your Skills. Let’s show off what Shepley can do! Contact [email protected] For permissions and insurance cover we are grateful for the Shepley Village Association’s support and involvement. Project for Woven Project- Things you will need: Paper plate (or any recycled packaging). Yarns. Scissors.

1. Cut an odd 2. Weave the yarn number of over and under notches around the plate yarn. Tie

the edge of the yarns together to plate 9 or 11 change colours. work well. Tie securely so the threads do not come loose.

3. Wrapping the The finished yarn around a effect …Really lollypop stick effective … If you might make this post them into easier to feed the Library post through. Tie off box we will the yarn securely assemble the on the reverse. pieces for display at Woven.

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St Paul's Church

We are planning the following for May:

Sunday – 2nd May 11.00am Parish Communion at St Paul’s Shepley

Sunday – 9th May 10.30am Family Communion at St Nicholas’ Cumberworth

Sunday – 16th May 10.30am Parish Communion at St Paul’s Shepley followed by Annual Meeting

Sunday – 23rd May 10.30am Pentecost Celebration of Ministry at All Hallows’, Kirkburton

Sunday – 30th May 10.30am Parish Communion at St John’s, Denby

Face coverings still need to be worn and there will be limited numbers due to social distancing so please contact Revd Stephanie on [email protected] or 01484 605386 if you would like to come.

Please keep an eye on our notice board and Facebook pages for updates.

We are still holding our online services and the link will be on the Shepley Community Facebook page every week.

We are still able to hold funerals with 30 people attending. At the moment we can hold weddings for a maximum of 15 people, but this is expected to increase to 30 on the 17th May and from 21st June there will be no restrictions if all goes according to plan. Please contact Rev Stephanie Hunter to make arrangements.

If there is anything you would like to talk about or would like us to pray for, please contact Revd Stephanie Hunter.

We will update the notices outside church and put notices on the Facebook pages when the situation changes.

Contact:We hope Revd and prayStephanie that you at [email protected] all keeping well and keeping orsafe. on 605386

Kirkburton Middle School student, Joe Middleton appeared in the Mast Academy email newsletter explaining the inspiration for the design of his Shepley magazine front cover.

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A Welcome Visitor

Some years ago, a peacock wandered up from his home at ‘One Acre’ in Lane Head Road and chose to come to spend his days in my garden up at the Sovereign. I first noticed him after breakfast. There he was, resplendent on my flat garage roof. The roof is very close to one of my kitchen windows. I was quite awestruck and watched him for about half-an-hour before realising it was time to get changed ready for the day’s activities. I called him Peregrine because I liked the name and in my book of names it meant wanderer, so it was very apt. I discovered later that he was really called Percival. Peregrine loved spending much of his day displaying his wonderful tail full of “eyes”. I had many hours of enjoyment watching him. He was here in spring when the daffodils were out in my garden. He enjoyed my garden and looked splendid when walking across the lawns and up the bank. He became quite curious and ventured into my conservatory (which was looking more like a greenhouse) to inspect the plants and enjoy the warmth. My cat Pandora and Peregrine tolerated each other. Early evening Peregrine would leave my property and go to a house on Cross Lane where a lady gave him some protection for the colder nights. I had weeks observing him and enjoying his company. I came back from a holiday to discover a peahen on my garage roof. Compared with him she was petite and pale in colour with a lovely iridescent neck, particularly fine when caught in the sunlight. Peregrine courted her; she was slow to accept his advances but they eventually had a happy union and she made a nest, which was very well hidden and laid her eggs, which she sat on very diligently. After Peregrine had a lady love he started to jump on the cars parked in Cross Lane. It was thought he got jealous of his own reflection. The residents called the RSPCA and both Peregrine and his lady love were taken to live on a smallholding on the far side of Marsh Lane where there were more peacocks and a very colourful selection of rare breed hens. I went to visit them in their new home and thought it a happy place to end their days. I was so fortunate to have two very beautiful visitors to share that sunny spring and summer.

Pauline Durrant

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Shepley W.I.

As the months go by, we are beginning to become a little hopeful that we will soon be able to meet up again in person. The Zoom meetings have been a great substitute, with some interesting speakers and the chance to talk about books or just natter with a cup of coffee, but nothing beats meeting up with friends and sampling some of their wonderful cooking. Our last speaker told us the story of pearls and last month we had a very stimulating talk on journeys around Europe in a Citroen car. Some of the places visited were beautiful, including the “loo with the view”, but the real emphasis was on the people. It is still good to get away from the tourist track and meet real locals and if you can bring your friends along, that just adds to the pleasure. Some of our members have also been taking advantage of the many demonstrations put on by the Federation on Zoom. Often you have a choice whether you join in at home (and experience the smells and tastes) or relax and watch the expert at work. We have also been sharing ideas for crafts on WhatsApp. Some members are getting involved in the Woven festivities. We have been able to obtain some second- hand wool and material so that others can get active too, so hopefully there will be an even better display this year. If you are interested in joining the WI then please email our secretary Sue on [email protected] or phone Clare on 01484 607923

Shepley Easter Festivities on the Green Thank you to everyone who joined us on the Green and participated in the Egg Hunt over the Easter weekend. It was great to see all the community spirit in the village during the event. We received many compliments, but the best part for us was the happy faces on the children and adults as they enjoyed our efforts, especially as, although it was a bit chilly, the sun seemed to be with us the whole weekend. On the Sunday we had 200 Easter eggs to give to the children who had joined in the fun. The excess of 28 eggs were taken to the Children’s Hospice when we delivered the cash donations collected on the Green for The Forget Me Not Charity. The cash donations amounted in total to £196.59. We are still accepting contributions on the Just Giving page, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shepley-events.At the time of publication this sum was up to £215 plus £50 gift aid, excluding charges. We will close the page on May 7th. Thank you for your generous contributions. Photographs of the weekend including some of the messages left on the Green can be found on the next two pages and on the children’s page. There were so many wonderful labels, too many to show in the magazine but they will be on display in the library when restrictions allow. We would like to thank the kind contributions/donations from:

Myers Building Supplies, Denby Dale, Morrison’s Supermarkets, Central Co-operative, Essentra Packaging and not forgetting Shepley Village Association for their sponsorship and support and everyone else who supported us. More info about joining the group at [email protected] Shepley Village Events Team

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Ian Halliwell’s memories of meeting the Duke of Edinburgh.

I was sad to hear of the death of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh on Friday 9th April.

I first met him in August 1964 when I went to Buckingham Palace to receive my Gold Award gained after I had completed the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

It was a very hot day and I was dressed in the uniform of the Air Training Corps (now known as The Royal Air Force Air Cadets), which at that time consisted of a heavy woollen battle dress. As the Duke came to present the certificate, he asked me to unbutton the tunic as he could see that I was suffering from the heat. I could feel my escorting officer saying you don't. The Duke must have seen this in my face and in a voice loud enough to be heard by my escorting officer he said, "That is an order," so I carried out his order. The poor escorting officer was not so lucky and had to stand in his uniform (all buttoned up) for the rest of the afternoon.

I again met the Duke at a reception at Bretton Hall College and enjoyed his jokes and cheerful nature. He was wearing highly polished brown shoes which were cracked and looked ready to be thrown away and when I remarked about the state of his shoes he said with a laugh and huge smile that when one is on one’s feet all day it pays to wear footwear that is very comfortable to wear.

I have since met the Duke on several occasions in connection with the Duke of Edinburgh's Scheme and can say that he was always cheerful and smiling.

I attach a copy of a photograph that appeared in the Huddersfield Examiner in February 1964 and the badge referred to in the article. Ian Halliwell

Ian’s wife, Doreen (unknown to Ian) said, “Ian was an air cadet when l met him in 1962, and was still, until the pandemic, going every Monday and Friday evening as a civilian instructor helping young people to achieve so much more through the award scheme. Really proud of him.” Doreen.

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Richard Barrand - 17th October 1928 - 24th March 2021

Richard Barrand passed away peacefully at the age of 92 after a long fight with cancer. He was at home with his family.

Born in Sheffield in 1928 he attended grammar school during the war, experienced the Sheffield blitz and as a Boy Scout took part in fire watching duties. In 1946 he was conscripted into the army, sent to Germany and participated in the Berlin airlift.

After army service he studied to become an accountant. He quickly became a businessman after qualifying, owning several businesses and retired well into his 70s. In Sheffield he was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

He was a people person enjoying good company and conversation with friends and sharing a drink. He was a keen golfer, a long standing member at Woodsome, playing regularly into his late 80s even playing a few holes on his 90th birthday. He loved walking which he enjoyed with his beloved dog Lily at his favourite place Winscar Reservoir. Reading was very much part of his life which led him to volunteer at the library which he loved. Before that he helped in the office at the hospice.

He was a gentleman to the end and enjoyed his life to the full. He will be sadly missed by friends and family who always spoke of their admiration for his drive and determination, how much he relished arranging activities and his inquiring mind which remained to the end.

He leaves his loving wife Carole, children Paul, Ian and Fiona and stepchildren Mark and Karen, and grandchildren Lydia, Laura, Biba and Zavi. Rest now Gramps.

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Shepley Bird and Wildlife Group

Local Garden Birdwatch

The birds we have been looking at over the past few months were those most numerous in the Local Garden Birdwatch for 2020. We now have the numbers for this year.

In spite of the low sample size, the top five birds are the same as in 2020. Three others appear in both years. They are remarkably similar to the RSPB national figures. Interestingly on the English list, no doubt loaded by the many counts in the south, the Chaffinch does not appear, whereas it does on the Scottish list - and also ours -suggesting it is more common in the north.

But what about the also-rans - the birds we see frequently, but never in large numbers. Most folk see Collared Doves - a bird unknown in Britain before the 1950s, Coal tits and Greenfinches. Some people have regular Greater Spotted Woodpeckers visiting, and some are plagued by Jackdaws attacking the fat balls. Occurring usually in a pair are Bullfinches, the male with his bright red breast, the female more sober, but perhaps more elegant. Another, easily recognisable, but sadly becoming less frequent, is the Song Thrush. Finally look out for one becoming more frequent, Nuthatch the Nuthatch. Be prepared to be surprised.

John Wheeler

Contacts details: email: [email protected] Tel: Chris Marks 01484 608652

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Shepley Naturalists Society

A walk along Newmillerdam in early spring It was cheering to see so many signs of spring.

Coots are early to nest and we saw several already sitting on their eggs.

Further along on our walk, we saw a pair of swans building their nest. The female was busy arranging the reeds carefully chosen by the male. These great crested grebes looked asleep but they were beginning their courtship display.

Leaves were starting to appear on some of the trees and it was lovely to see the bright yellow flowers of the marsh marigolds and fluffy catkins.

We’d love to welcome anyone interested in wildlife to join us. Phone Sue Whitehouse 605614 or David Fisher 682903 or visit our website: shepley-naturalists.weebly.com

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Shepley Cricket Club Celebrating 150 Years

1871 - 2021 Since the brief report in last month's magazine, we are pleased to confirm that cricket has been given the green light to commence as scheduled and by the time you receive your copy of our splendid magazine, games, training etc will have been up and running since mid-April. A full review of our risk assessments has taken place in accordance with guidelines issued via the ECB and strict adherence to the rules of socially distancing etc must be maintained.

As far as senior cricket is concerned, first team matches will be reduced from 50 overs per side to 40 and second team games to 35 overs per side. This is due to certain restrictions currently being imposed by the Huddersfield Cricket League in accordance with English Cricket Board guidelines. By mid-May however, it is hoped that these restrictions may have been relaxed and we can return to the full duration of overs for our matches, that the clubhouse and changing rooms will be fully open and that cricket teas will again be served from the clubhouse and a full bar will be in operation. Logic suggests that a number of rules re social distancing etc will still be necessary in accordance with regulations put forward by "the powers that be".

Senior fixtures at Marsh Lane during the month of May are shown below, but please look out for the A- board at the end of the cricket club lane for these details.

Saturday 1st May 1st XI Home vs Slaithwaite 2nd XI Away vs Cartworth Moor Sunday 2nd May 1st XI Away vs Barkisland Saturday 8th May 1st XI Away vs Honley 2nd XI Home vs Sunday 9th May 1st XI Home vs Rastrick (Cup) 2nd XI Away vs Mirfield (Cup) Saturday 15th May 1st XI Home vs H’landswaine 2nd XI Away vs Saturday 22nd May 1st XI Home vs Golcar 2nd XI Away vs Mirfield Parish Cavaliers Sunday 23rd May 1st XI Home vs Moorlands Saturday 29th May 1st XI Away vs Delph & D’cross 2nd X1 Home vs Denby Dale Sunday 30th May Cup 2nd round – details TBC

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Junior Cricket

Congratulations and thanks go to the Huddersfield Junior Cricket League, as after careful planning it has now been confirmed that the league season for the boys and girls will start on time, with a full programme of fixtures that are firmly in the diary.

With close to 100 junior members, we are proud to be able to enter the full complement of teams across each age group U9, U11, U13, U15 and U17s. It will be great to get the kids out enjoying the fresh air again and we are desperate for the sun to shine so we can get started with both training and matches.

The Shepley girls team continues to go from strength to strength, with the numbers increasing all the time. We have already agreed to support the Girls and Thurstonland CC in introducing both softball and hardball “festivals” in 2021, which will be focused specifically on girls’ cricket. If there are any girls out there who haven’t played cricket, but fancy giving it a go please, please do get in touch.

Also, in 2021 and for the first time, we are, with the support of both the ECB and Yorkshire Cricket, introducing both All Stars Cricket (5-8 year old) and Dynamo’s (8-11) to Shepley Cricket Club. Both initiatives are aimed to attract new children to cricket in a fun environment.

All this means, we believe we have options for all children from the age of 5 onwards to play and enjoy cricket to the level they wish – be that to have fun and play with friends in a great environment; or those that want to develop a skill and enjoy the more competitive side of the sport.

Whether you are interested in Senior or Junior cricket, want to take part or just watch, our members and all visitors are assured of a warm welcome at our Marsh Lane cricket ground.

For Senior Cricket and General Enquires please e-mail [email protected] or contact

Sue Glover 07825 728611 or David Hall 07803 712323

For Junior Cricket at all ages, please e-mail [email protected] or call Matthew Hartley

on 07766 071508.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for the latest news.

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Health Education Doctors' Surgery 602001 Shepley First School 603230 Shepley Pharmacy 605608 Shepley Preschool. 606022 Out of hours - NHS Online 111 First School. 605441 Emergencies only 999 Shelley First School. 222750 Dentist - Shepley 606050 Dentist - Lepton 605303 Scissett Middle School. 865444 Huddersfield Royal Infirmary Hos. 342000 Kirkburton Middle School 222737 Royal Infirmary Hospital Shelley College 868777 - out patients 01422 357171 High School. 691460 Hospital 01226 730000 Cliffe House, Shepley 225083 Holme Valley Hospital 690342 Option 3 Only Orthodontics. 454600 Churches Your Local Politicians

St. Paul's Church Member of Parliament Rev Stephanie Hunter 605386 Mark Eastwood 01924 939007 email: [email protected] Letting Stewards: Kirklees Councillors Margaret & David Iredale 607116 Bill Armer 01484 314314 email: [email protected] Shepley Methodist Church John Taylor 07831 810096 Rev. Helen Roberts 305308 email: [email protected] Letting Steward: Liz Hirst 602451 Richard Smith 07799 310725 email: [email protected] Police Parish Councillors Emergency Only. 999 John Taylor 07831 810096 For Police attendance. 101 email: [email protected] Kirkburton Police Station 436898 John Cowan 07710 563889 or 608218 Huddersfield Police Station 436876 email: [email protected] British Transport Police 0800 405040 Janet Roebuck 606482 Transport Local Services Metro 0113 245 7676 Shepley Library 414868 National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 Shepley Co-op 604163 Arriva Bus 0344 800 4411 Sovereign Co-op 603524 First West & N Yorkshire 0113 381 5000 Holmfirth Pool 766365 Yorkshire Tiger 0344 8004411 Scissett Baths 766878 Waterloo depot. 537277 Kirklees Light Railway 865727 Honley Depot. 660808 Tourist Information Holmfirth 414868 Complaints 01422 371099 LBT Theatre Huddersfield 430528 Penistone Line Partnership - Penistone Paramount 01226 767532 Rowena Chandler 07912 753817 Donaldson's - Vets 508708

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS TELEPHONE USEFUL Bradford Airport 0871 288 2288 Royal Mail (charged at 13p per minute) Sorting Office Scissett 864725 Airport 0808 169 7030 Customer Services 0345 740740 All numbers 01484 unless stated otherwise

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