Shepley's

Magazine

Free to every Shepley household

Issue No 22: September 2020

Page 1 Photograph by Ron Leather

Page 2 Dear Readers As this editorial is written, in the middle of August, Covid- 19 infection numbers are once again rising in but thankfully here in Shepley and Shelley there have been no new reported infections in the past week. Normality seems so close in some ways, yet change has happened in other areas, possibly permanently. Online shopping deliveries have boomed but many high street shops have struggled and unfortunately are now facing closure with the resultant unemployment of thousands of people. It seems that even after Covid- 19, shopping deliveries will be the way of the future. A positive aspect of this is that air pollution caused by endless visits to supermarkets and town centres will be reduced. Local shops should survive this revolution and we are thankful that here in Shepley we are lucky to have the Co-op with friendly and helpful staff who, in recent times, have had to deal with some difficult situations in-store. They deserve our thanks and gratitude. Please support them whenever you can. During lockdown some of us have tried growing fruit and vegetables in our gardens or even just in plant pots. Shepley’s weather has not been conducive to amazing crops this year with hot dry spells and then downpours. Despite this, some of us are reaping the rewards with wonderful produce to grace the table. Next year, perhaps, we will learn from any mistakes and do even better. We hope to add a regular gardening feature to your magazine, so with any luck we will all acquire green fingers. Whilst on the subject of contributions, we would like to remind everyone that this is your magazine. Sometimes we find it hard to fill the pages with interesting articles, especially in difficult times such as these when local groups and societies are not meeting. So, can we please ask that you have a think about items that you could submit to help fill our pages. It could be anything, hobbies, holidays, Shepley memories, wildlife, pets, photographs, music, cars, crafts, sport, forthcoming events etc. Anything that you find interesting will also interest other people and help your magazine to flourish. The Children’s Page is struggling for content. It’s such a shame not to demonstrate the talent of our young people. We know from feedback received that children get a thrill from seeing their work in print, so come on Mums and Dads, encourage your children to contribute to their own page. Drawings, photos, jokes, puzzles or anything that interests them will be welcome. Perhaps in years to come they’ll enjoy being able to show their own children the work they had published in the magazine. Following our appeal in last month’s issue for more volunteers to join the magazine team, we are very pleased to announce that three new members have now joined us. We are very much looking forward to welcoming them at our next meeting. If you are also interested in joining us either in production or delivery please use the contact details below. 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.

Page 3

Shepley First School

Yorkshire TheStudies careful Groupand thoughtful preparations made by the Head and her staff for the gradual return of children to their classrooms during the months of June and July were well-rewarded. Children settled quickly into a changed yet familiar setting, undoubtedly enjoyed seeing their friends and teachers again and started to prepare for what the new school year beginning in September will hold for them. It was particularly good that Year 5 children had some time back at SFS before their move to Middle School and even within the limitations required by Covid-19 they were able to have some celebrations marking their primary school years, (including ice-creams delivered by Yummy on this occasion!!)

As I prepare these notes education issues are again dominating the headlines, issues about schools re- opening in September, appeals against unfair pupil gradings, and huge anxieties about what the coming year will hold for so many young people. I do not underestimate the challenges that lie ahead for staff, parents and children at SFS while Coronavirus remains a major concern for everyone and education systems face continuing disruption; but I think Shepley can take some confidence and reassurance from the fact that systems and plans have already had some testing and tweaking in the village school and children will continue their learning in a supportive and caring environment.

Even in these extraordinary times it will still be lovely to welcome the new reception class children during September as they embark on their school lives in a special place. I wish the Head and all her staff well for this school year like no other.

Anne Mace, Community Governor.

Thank you Mike

Mike Chapman has stepped down from his role as magazine delivery co- ordinator. Mike joined the team in the early stages and set up the system for

distributing the magazine to your door. In addition to the management team, Yorkshire MikeStudies worked Group with eleven lead distributors and a further twenty-nine delivery volunteers and will be missed.

The good news is that the system that Mike set up is excellent and he has passed on all his knowledge to enable a smooth transfer of the work. Glenys and John Tucker have agreed to join the magazine team and will take on the co-ordinator role. Thank you Glenys and John.

Although Mike has stepped down, he will continue to volunteer by delivering his own round. He has been key to the success of the distribution system enabling you to receive a copy of the magazine each month. Thank you, Mike.

Page 4

We Are: Shepley Library

Our “Ring and Read” offer is now available at Shepley Library

Contact Kirklees Libraries on 01484 414868 to order a selection of books, staff will choose these books for you and have them ready to collect at your pre-arranged time.

Library staff have been working extremely hard during lockdown to provide an innovative service to the people of Kirklees. We have developed an exciting online offer, have recently launched Library Adventures Live! for children of all ages, have increased our eBook selection (by 30,000 titles) and many library staff have been redeployed, taking on a significantly different role to help with the community response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are currently taking a phased approach to see how we can best re-start our services. We hope to be able to open fully soon but we have to make sure it’s safe to do so; health and safety has been at the heart of preparations as staff work hard to make sure visitors, staff and volunteers remain safe as further library services are re-introduced. The situation is constantly changing, you can keep up to date with all our service offers, follow our social media feeds and subscribe to our newsletters at http://www.kirkleeslibraries.co.uk/ and latest service changes can be found at https://kirkleestogether.co.uk/

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

VJ Celebrations

Union Flags flew at full-mast on UK government buildings and the UK observed a two-minutes silence on Saturday 15th August Yorkshire Studies Group to mark the 75th Anniversary of the day Japan surrendered which brought the Second World

War to an end after six years of fighting. Shepley commemorated VE Day in May with celebrations within the Covid- 19 restrictions at the time, but for this occasion many of us marked the event by watching the television, moved by the stories of bravery and sacrifice experienced by thousands of soldiers and their families during the war.

Page 5

Cliffe House

Cliffe House is currently closed for refurbishment. The Council are investing over £1.5m to bring our Grade II listed building up to modern standards and protect it for the future. Works are also being carried out to the boundary wall.

Our woodland volunteers are back on site (socially distancing of course): they have reshaped the willow arches and arbors and rhododendron hedge. Our top bush craft area is also having a new perimeter fence built. The deer are visiting us regularly, so the local wildlife is definitely benefitting from the reduced footfall!

The programme of works is still on track for reopening early 2021. You can follow our progress on social media and our website www.cliffehouse.co.uk

Please note that the playground and surrounding grounds are also closed during the refurbishment.

Christine Kelly Business Support Officer

Make A Pop-up Card by Fenne A5 thin card x2. Pictures, photos or drawings 1.Fold the cards lengthwise. On one card cut the solid lines and score dotted lines

2.&3.Fold inwards along the score lines 4.Add the pictures for the background

and the feature pop-up image as shown 5.Glue the second A5 sheet to the back to neaten your card. Write a greeting.

Page 6

The Modern Language School

Would you like to learn something new? Get ready for a future holiday abroad and have fun at the same time? Why not join us for one of our new beginners’ courses starting w/c 14th September. Courses held at our school in Honley or you can join us online.

Italian Beginners Monday 18:00 & Wednesday 12:45

German Beginners Tuesday 19:00 & Thursday 12:45

Spanish Beginners Monday 19:00 & Wednesday 12:45

French Beginners Wednesday 13:00 & Thursday 19:00

Portuguese Beginners Tuesday 19:00 (Online only)

Other levels are available in all languages. Contact us on [email protected]

Recipe - Date and Stem Ginger Pudding

ServesA warming 6 family treat, great as the evenings draw in, the addition of ginger gives it a kick and prevents it being too sweet, why not give it a try and let us know what you think.

Ingredients - serves 6 Method 75g stoned fresh dates, Preheat oven to 180C (gas mark 4) chopped

75g soft butter Place chopped dates and butter in small pan and heat over medium heat

1 egg till butter melts, then set aside.

250ml milk Whisk egg with the milk and then add to the dates and butter mix. Drain ginger, retaining syrup, chop finely and add to bowl. 40g stem ginger in syrup Mix the flour, baking powder, brown sugar, and salt in bowl, making a 125g plain flour well in centre and adding the wet ingredients, stirring well. 1.5 tsp baking powder Add to 1L baking dish. 125g dark brown sugar

Pinch of salt Now the sauce, add the boiling water, sugar, butter, and ginger syrup to a pan on high heat and bring to boil, stirring to ensure the butter is fully For sauce melted. As soon as it is boiling pour it evenly over the batter in the 125g dark brown sugar baking dish and place straight in the oven. May look a little odd but will 150ml boiling water create a beautiful sauce. 50g softened butter Cook for 40-45 mins until just set in the centre. Leave to cool slightly and 2tbsp stem ginger serve with custard. syrup from jar

Page 7 Celebrating the Lives of Those We Have Lost

Terence Lowe ‘Terry’ (17.8.1954 – 7.8.2020) born, Terry Lowe was one of Shepley Magazine’s distributors and well known in the village. He attended Barnsley Technical College to pursue a career in electrical engineering and worked at British Steel Stocksbridge for 40 years. In 1971 he met Kath and they married in 1973. A year later they had Donna and two years later Richard. Terry and Kath decided to move to The Nooks in Shepley in 2007 to be nearer their family and grandson Ellis. Not long after they retired and settled into village life in Shepley, Terry became a member of the local pool team based at The Black Bull, spending many a happy hour in the pub, usually on the fruit machine! Terry was a family man through and through and he liked people and took time to find out about them. He would extend kindness to anyone he could and he enjoyed forming relationships with neighbours and the wider community. He was a proud man who loved his small garden. Kath would often comment that he spent so much time changing things round he could have been tending acres. Terry loved his sport, namely his love for football and his home team of Barnsley. He spent lots of time supporting them with Richard and Ellis and made wider friends with Richard’s mates who have some funny memories of him no doubt on match days. He was very supportive of Ellis and came to watch him play football and cricket, giving his coaching expertise as Grandad did always know best. They spent many hours together including the ‘Great Escape’ when Barnsley avoided relegation recently and Ellis and Terry were shouting and screaming and jumping up and down in front of the TV. Terry passed away suddenly at home on 7th August 2020 after celebrating Ellis’s 16th Birthday. He will be missed for his warmness, friendliness and most of all his unique sense of humour! Kath, Donna, Richard & Ellis and their extended family.

Dash Cam Footage

The new Safer Roads Media Submissions portal is a response to increasing submissions of footage relating to driving offences that members of the public have witnessed. Until now, these reports have been submitted to the police in a variety of ways and so a streamlined process has now been developed to deal with them. This will hopefully make it easier for all involved.

Below is a link to the portal where the force will receive dash cam footage and other forms of digital media from members of the public, of where a suspected offence relating to road safety has taken place. Please take a moment to read the information within the link.

Bev Fox - Force Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator Police Station

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/SaferRoadsSubmissions

Page 8

A Reminder of More Innocent Times……

At an earlier stage in my life I worked in the Probation Service; in fact I joined in the late 1960s – not too long after it had become permissible for “lady” probation officers to do their work in Crown Courts without having to wear a hat. It was a challenging and perpetually interesting career, with many successes although publicity was more frequently accorded to failures. It has been painful to observe the extent to which the principles and practice of probation work have been undermined by poor policy-making and rapid structural changes in recent years….but I have retained many documents and reports from the 30-plus years of my career. While clearing papers recently I came across the attached pro-forma probation order used for male juveniles who appeared at Court in the 1950s. It makes interesting reading and the wording has a disarming innocence about it in today’s more complex climate.

Anne Mace

Page 9

Letter from our Member of Parliament

I am sure the biggest issue concerning people in Shepley remains the pandemic and the impact this is having. I have been working alongside your local Councillors, Kirklees Council and other partners for several months now to try and ensure that transmissions are kept low and we, as a community, recover from this quickly. Kirklees have been tackling all incidents of infection promptly and effectively and I am regularly briefed on any new data that shows the impact across the constituency and the wider area. As I write this, we are still subject to additional restrictions locally, which preclude us from socialising with people from outside our household or social bubble. I know the anguish this is causing to everyone, unable to meet with family members. Together with Jason McCartney, the Colne Valley MP, I’ve been making representations to Matt Hancock to move from the current approach of introducing Council wide restrictions to a more nuanced one, based on post codes so that areas with zero or negligible infection rates are excluded. This would see areas like Shepley removed from the current restrictions assuming no infections. My team and I continue to support people, despite the restrictions and I am pleased to have been able to undertake several virtual surgery calls with people from Shepley and we are dealing with a wide range of issues for you. One of the issues that stands out concerns traffic management and the speed of traffic on many roads across the constituency. I have spoken with the Council about this and they have launched a review of speed limits across the whole of the Council area, to make sure we have the speed limits right, with adequate signage and traffic calming measures where these would be suitable. The right speed limits only work if there is enforcement in place and I have been discussing this with the police and have been pleased to see that 222 new officers have been recruited so far in , part of the Government pledge to recruit 20,000 police officers nationally over 3 years. I will ensure that we receive our fair share of the additional resources and they are used to tackle the priorities that you continually tell me about. Recovering from the pandemic is crucial now and I welcome all that the Government has been doing to provide support and help for people. Before the recess in Westminster, I spoke in the House paying tribute to the Government’s plan for jobs, based on skills and apprenticeships, which was one of my priorities in my election campaign last year. I will continue to work with Kirklees College, the Council and other organisations to promote apprenticeships and skills. As I write this article, students are starting to receive their A Level and GCSE results. This has been an incredibly difficult period for our students, unable to sit the exams that they had worked so hard for and leaving teachers, examination boards and the Government with an unenviable task of trying to accurately assess how students would have performed in exams. Whatever system is used it would not be right for everyone and I welcome the commitment of the Government to allow students a triple lock of using either the assessed result or their mock result or to sit an exam in the autumn. This is a period of uncertainty for our students and they need all the support we can give them and hope that their continued studies can proceed without too much disruption.

As always if my team or I can be of assistance, please feel free to email: [email protected] or telephone 01924 939007. Page 10

Councillor's Letter

I would like to start this month with some good news. At the meeting of the Parish Council on 6th August we secured a grant for the Preschool to fund 50% of the costs of the repairs to the roof that need to be done to enable them to reopen fully in September. The other 50% I had already secured from the ward funds which I and my fellow Kirklees Councillors have. This means that the work can proceed straight away. With thoughts on the new term starting, I am pleased that the new school signs have been installed on Lane Head Road. These will have flashing lights at school start and end times, although I am at present awaiting confirmation that the electricity is connected but am hopeful this will be there before school starts. This together with the replacement of the bollards lower down should address some road safety concerns before the term starts. Work is also starting in September on Stretchgate, from the station down to Wood Lea, to install lighting bollards down the well-used bridle way for accessing the station from the lower part of Shepley and from Shelley. It addresses the personal safety concerns for people once the days start to draw in as winter approaches. I still need the resurfacing to be scheduled, but this will no doubt feature at a meeting I have scheduled with Highways this month. This meeting, also attended by three of the original “Ask Shepley” team, together with members of the “Ask Shelley” team will be looking at how we move forward the action plan relating to Highways and public realm/environmental issues. This has been long delayed and the pandemic has delayed it further but hopefully I can report the outcomes of this next month. I have also finally got agreement from Highways to do some resurfacing work on Field Head/Field Way/Jos Way where I seem to always be reporting potholes and as soon as one is repaired another develops. Hopefully this resurfacing will address the issue of the poor road surface and constant cracking here. I do not yet have a firm date for this starting. I am also pleased that at my request the weeds on Stretchgate have finally been tackled. You will have seen Openreach are installing full fibre to the village, which should finally address the issues with unreliable connectivity. This is one which I am happy to claim credit for. I had been making myself something of a nuisance about it. The Council had trumpeted the fact that it had struck a deal with City Fibre to make a “gigabyte city”, which I thought was fantastic until I found that this only meant going as far as Waterloo, once again we were not considered as part of the town. This really annoyed me, I started lobbying anyone I could at the Council, including the Chief Executive, to get us included and even managed to get a meeting with City Fibre themselves. However, this was to no avail, but then the Government, as part of the plans to “level up” the North, made funds available to Councils to roll out full fibre to the more rural areas. Kirklees bid and received support and the Exchange was the first on their list. I was told, a little tongue in cheek, that it was done to shut me up, but suspect this is probably true. To take advantage of this offer you do need to contact your internet provider, but I do think it will solve the problem for many once it is fully installed.

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 emailPage [email protected] 11 or by phone on 07831 810096.

Shepley Village Association

On the 11th August we held our first Zoom SVA meeting. The minutes of that meeting can be seen on the village website (shepleyvillage.org). We will hold another Zoom meeting on the 8th September, link details below. The meeting will start with a later than normal AGM. We have also held a couple of village quizzes and they have been well received. Further quizzes are planned for 9th September and 16th September. Details and links are shown below. The litter picks have become a feature again with the August one well attended. We encourage children to take part with parents and well done to Teddy and Bridget for helping on Sunday 9th August. The next litter pick is planned for Sunday 13th September. Meet at the library at 9:30am. Appropriate equipment will be provided and social distancing observed. Now on to another issue connected to litter. The Parish Council has given Shepley some funds to replace the waste bins throughout the village. There will be sufficient funds to provide some additional bins. There is also an opportunity to re-site some existing ones to make them more effective. We would welcome suggestions for new sites and re-siting where necessary. Please send suggestions to [email protected]. Important links:

Shepley Village Association Virtual Meeting

th Sept 8 , 2020 at 07:30 pm Join the Zoom Meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83148771280?pwd=WmpmamFHWlhUblJBZTJYWU9nVm45UT09

Meeting ID: 831 4877 1280 Password: SVAAGM

Shepley Village Quiz (Two Dates) Sept 9th, 2020 at 07:00 pm

Join the Zoom Meeting at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89099353164?pwd=T1JxZmc3aVFxTllzeXNHYnhkRUxLdz09 Meeting ID: 890 9935 3164 Password: SVAQ

------Sept 16th, 2020 at 07:00 pm Join the Zoom Meeting at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84614045248?pwd=NVJ0dlRUc3N0dUdDVmlzNEdtbzdzQT09 Meeting ID: 846 1404 5248 Password: SVAQ

Page 12 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 & Bill Armer would be happy to help.

2019/92120 Listed Building Consent for erection of single storey side extensions (within a conservation area). 32, Station Rd, Shepley, Huddersfield, HD8 8DG Received 6th July 2020

2019/92119 Erection of single storey side extensions (within a conservation area). 32, Station Rd, Shepley, Huddersfield, HD8 8DG Received 6th July 2020

2019/92313 Erection of single storey rear extension (within a conservation area). The Byre, 10C Jenkyn Lane, Shepley, Huddersfield, HD8 8BW Received 13th July 2020

Page 13

St Paul's Church

We are continuing to have one Sunday service per week in our group of churches and during September we are also having a weekly Wednesday morning service at 10am at St Paul’s. This will be a repeat of the Sunday services so that we can cater for larger numbers.

The services for September are as follows: Wednesday 2nd September 10.00am at St Paul’s Shepley - Parish Communion Sunday 6th September 10.30am at St Paul’s Shepley - Parish Communion Wednesday 9th September 10.00am at St Paul’s Shepley - Parish Communion Sunday 13th September 11am at St Nicholas’ Cumberworth- Family Service Wednesday 16th September 10.00am at St Paul’s Shepley - Parish Communion Sunday 20th September 10.30am at St Paul’s Shepley - Parish Communion Wednesday 23rd September 10.00am at St Paul’s Shepley - Parish Communion Sunday 27th September 10.30am at St John’s Denby - Parish Communion Sunday 27th September 4pm Kids’ Praise at St Nicholas Cumberworth Wednesday 30th September 10.00am at St Paul’s Shepley - Parish Communion

Because numbers are still limited please contact me at [email protected] or 01484 862350 if you are planning to come so that I can make sure there’s room for you. It is now mandatory to wear face coverings in church, as in other public buildings, unless you are exempt, so please bring one.

We are still holding our online services for those unable to join us and I will continue to put the link on the Shepley Community Facebook page every week.

We are also able to hold christenings, weddings and funerals with a limit of 30 people attending. Please contact me as above to make arrangements.

If there is anything you would like to talk about or would like us to pray for, please contact myself or Revd Stephanie Hunter at [email protected] or 01484 605386.

Stay well and keep safe! Best wishes Joyce

Contact: Revd Canon Joyce Jones, Vicar of St Paul’s Tel: 01484 862350 Mobile 07749 074769 Email : [email protected]

Page 14

Good to see our flags flying

in Shepley on Yorkshire Day. Angela

The not so ‘Gruff’ Billy Goat. Chris

An amazing colour behind these cloud formations. Carol

Page 15 Books

“Dad”, said my professional artist son, phoning from locked down Leicester, “Dad, what are the best classical books I should be reading?” Well, this stumped me. At the age of 61 I thought he would already know the answer to that, but really, when I think about it more carefully, it is not so easy a question to answer. His question set me off thinking, not only what to recommend, but what I had read over my eighty-six years plus of being able to read for myself. I thought you may like to learn a bit more of this, so here goes!

I have always been an avid reader of books and anything else. My mother told me, more than once, that I would read the label on the sauce bottle if there was nothing else. She it was however, who instilled in me the desire to read from an early age. We visited the library at Walkley in even before I started at school. One book, apparently, I knew so well (The Comical Kitchen, where pots and pans came alive and played during the night) that if, when being read to at bedtime, she tried to leave out bits I would stop her and insist on the full version!

Once I was old enough to go on my own, at the age of eight, (this was in the days when an eight year old could travel on the tram without danger) I would take myself off to the Children’s Library in the middle of Sheffield on Saturday morning and lose myself in choosing what to read next. Any Biggles book, by Capt. W. E. Johns was a firm favourite. (A First World War pilot taking on the Red Baron of Germany) closely followed by Sherlock Holmes by Conan Doyle.

When I was fourteen I was old enough to graduate to the adult library, also on Surrey Street in Sheffield. Here I discovered Zane Grey and westerns and Dornford Yates with his amusing stories about Berry and his adventure stories about Chandos. (Both authors are worth a visit to Wikipedia.) I was also, by now, at grammar school, reading for School Certificate, 'Memoirs of a Fox hunting Man' by Siegfried Sassoon and had been introduced to the great poets of Shelley and Keats and read through Sassoon, Rupert Brooke and Robert Graves. Some serious stuff here and all those poets are still being read. They are certainly on my list.

Then in 1944 when I was sixteen I was doing a regular paper round for the local newsagent who also had a small library at the back of the shop where I discovered “Forever Amber”! The equivalent of today's “50 Shades of Grey”. Not that I have read the latter but Amber certainly brought a smile. I was also in to Raymond Chandler and his private eye Philip Marlowe, some of whose tales have been made into films. It was there where I also learned what a G string was!!

Page 16

The Army left me with little reading time, but when I left they put me onto a pre–release course of learning for my working life and my professional qualification - law, economics, accountancy etc. This dominated my time after release in 1949, as I was eager to qualify and get on. However I never regret having had that studying to do and what I learned.

Following my marriage and the arrival of our children we then had the joys of books at bed time with all three. Although I was not always home in the evening in time to read, when I was, it was great – ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ when young and ‘The Hobbit’ when a bit older.

From then on I have rarely been without a book. I was very soon into Le Carre and having been in Berlin before the Wall in 1947 was very much taken with the spy series, The Spy who came in from the Cold and the rest. Did not miss one – and still have them.

Now at the ripe old age of 91 I am missing our local library in Shepley, where I am a volunteer. This is well worth my time as I get more out of it than I think I put in. It keeps me on my toes as to what is being read and what I should be able to help with. My taste for thrillers and adventure has not changed, but I do dabble elsewhere from time to time. My granddaughter who is reading English at Edinburgh University keeps me on my toes as well. Much to my surprise I am just starting Game of Thrones, something I thought I would never tackle. She has also set me on a task of reading a list of ten classics, of which I have so far managed two!

To all those interested in reading, do use the Libby facility provided on the web by the Kirklees Library Service. It has kept me going through these dark Covid times and to those who have not yet been attracted to reading, I beg you to, “think again”.

There is a footnote I need to add. Our family exchanges on this subject have resulted in all of us making suggestions and it turns out that my artist son is not without some knowledge on the subject after all. He has come back to me with some of what he has read, including Kerouac, Kafka and Chekhov’s short stories. His latest read was ‘Underground Railway’ by Colson Whitehead and surprise, surprise, my granddaughter has just put a supportive comment on the Goodreads website for the very same book! I am obviously way out of touch.

Richard’s granddaughter in reference to her list of ten classics, said, “I've made it a bit of a variety, some of them are more challenging than others in different ways. Also I have done an even split of male and female writers and tried to include a good mix of different nationalities and backgrounds”.

1) Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 6) One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey 2) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë 7) The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald 3) Animal Farm by George Orwell 8) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 4) Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier 9) The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison 5) Perfume: The Story of a 10) Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy Murderer by Patrick Suskin

Richard Barrand

Editorial note – we were intrigued to know which ten books are on the list of classics which Richard’s granddaughter set him the task of reading. Richard kindly listed the titles above – has anyone read them all? Please let us know or send us your own recommendations.

Page 17 The Highs and Lows of a Travel Agent in Lockdown

Well, Monday the 23rd March 2020 was the day that changed the world of Travel Experience….

We all met in the shop Tuesday morning to collect laptops and then off home we went with a positive attitude. We had customers all over the world at that point, including Australia, New Zealand and the USA and they were our absolute priority at this time – when can we get them home and how can we get them home? The amount of work we had to deal with was overwhelming – customers about to travel, customers about to pay balances, customers wanting to transfer to later dates and so many questions! Unlike most other businesses, we were unable to close our doors...unable to furlough staff…we needed our staff NOW! We worked together as a team and got back to every single person, working all hours. Once things started to calm down, we were able to furlough a few of the staff as we worked on a very small team – although the volume of work was still so high. We kept in touch with one another and had many group calls, plus a Zoom meeting. We finally opened the office again on Monday 6th July, part-time on an appointment only basis.

In the middle of all this, we were absolutely delighted to be awarded an official place in the TTG Top 50 Travel Agency Awards in the UK – something we are extremely proud of.

We are now looking forward to the future and cannot wait to get travelling again. In a recent interview on ITV’s This Morning, Eamonn Holmes said ‘Using a Travel Agent is the future’. There are so many horror stories of customers not being able to get through to online companies, lack of communication, people arriving at hotels that are not open, so we feel extremely proud that we communicated with every one of our customers and those who were away are all safely home back in Yorkshire.

We would like to thank our customers for all the kind words of support we have received, making all the difficult times so worthwhile.

Once this situation is over, travel is going to be even more precious than it was before and we really are looking forward to getting back to doing what we do best – creating bespoke travel experiences that really are hand-crafted for you. We would love to hear from you and would appreciate your support. The Travel Experience team - Kirkburton

Page 18

Page 19

Edith Webster’s Autograph Album from 1912

How many of us remember collecting autographs when we were young and I wonder how many of those books have survived and are still sitting in a drawer somewhere or stored in a box in the loft? Well a few weeks ago we received an e-mail from Shepley resident, Christine Schofield -

“I have a lovely album containing autographs with drawings. The book was given to me by my late neighbour and friend...Edith Webster. The entries are dated around 1912/1913 and are from people in Shepley, some names I am sure some of you will recognise. I just wondered if it would be of interest to the village magazine?”

It most definitely was of interest and Christine went on to write: The late Edith Webster (nee Tyas) lived next door at Glendale, Station Road, Shepley. Before her marriage she lived at Rock View, Shepley. She had two sisters, Winnie and Hilda and I think a brother who was killed during the war. I also think his name is on the war memorial. She was related to the late Betty Earnshaw (nee Tyas). Edith or "Auntie Webster" as my children called her was a wonderful neighbour. I remember her looking after my two small children when we had a bad snow one winter. She looked after the children while I went to the Co-op to shop for us both. Edith Webster (14.11.1902 - 22.11.1980) I hope looking at this precious album gives you as much pleasure as it does to me.

Over the coming months we hope to take a look inside this album and feature in the magazine some of the quotes and sketches it contains, alongside a pen picture of the people who signed the pages over a hundred years ago.

Page 20

Page 21

0

Page 22

Page 23

Page 24

Page 25

Page 26

Poe try Corner

AUTUMN The dying, rippling leaves through window clear With harvesting some little time to run try Corner Betray the Autumn wind’s intentions grim. The countryside prepares itself to act

This unseen force removes them from their home As warning herald; giving us the signs

To ground and death and fast oblivion. That cold, dark days inexorably come.

Our only Sun’s occurrences each day Hold tight; bed down; be ready for the fight

Appear as cooler, shorter spans just now, We all must face; endeavouring to win,

Which soon approximate to mere attempts In coming months, remembering the past

At bringing consolation to this land. While forward looking to another Spring.

Frank Appleyard

Page 27

Shepley Bird and Wildlife Group

For many of us this worrying period of being restricted by the Coronavirus outbreak has meant that we have had to concentrate far more on our immediate locality. Although it was unfortunate not to be able to easily access open countryside but have in the process discovered more about the interesting sites that are on our doorstep.

Given the extra time some of us have had to be at home, our gardens have been very rewarding and particularly productive for sightings of birds, caterpillars, butterflies and hedgehogs that we have then shared on WhatsApp.

This wonderfully exotic moth is the A Sparrow Hawk in your garden No clues here but the answer Pale Tussock and is easily identified indicates that you have a very will be revealed in the October by the distinctive forward-facing healthy population of birds edition. Photo M. Sowter furry legs. Photo M. Sowter coming into feed so this

handsome hunter should be welcomed. Photo by E Cull

Of course, we had hoped that by September some semblance of normality would have returned so that we could start our new season of meetings in Shepley LIC, but sadly this is not the case and we shall have to wait until the library fully re-opens before we can meet again as a group.

However, we do plan to arrange field visits, albeit including the need to social distance. The health and wellbeing benefits of getting out and about can’t be underestimated and should you wish to join in any of our programmed site visits, please email me at the address below and I will be happy to send you details, as these are open to everyone without charge and moreover we would be delighted to see you.

Chris Marks

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

Page 28

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

From the sublime to the ridiculous. Last month’s bird was the Blue Tit measuring 11.5 cm and here, at number seven we have this enormous bird measuring between 40 and 42 cm. It is reckoned to be the most abundant pigeon, not as its name suggests, confined to woods, but now found in farmland, parks and gardens. In Henry VIII’s time it was considered a breakfast delicacy, pigeon breasts on toast before embarking upon a “Full English”! It can have three broods per year in spite of its nest consisting of the minimum number of twigs.

Identification features:- the white patch at the side of the neck is a giveaway, pink feet, bill reddish with yellow tip and its large size. It could also be termed as a somewhat clumsy bird as it takes off with a resounding clatter of its wings.

Food:- In my garden, the woodpigeons are quite agile and are very often to be seen taking seed from the feeders and feeding from fat- balls. Normally however it is a seed-eater and feeds on the ground.

Dave Barrans Photograph by Roy Cull

Shepley Naturalists Society

Answers to last month’s quiz about Shepley’s Bird Life

1. Sparrow 6. Swallow 11. Wagtail 2. Yellow hammer 7. Skylark 12. Crow 3. Swift 8. Canada goose 13. Rook 4. Robin 9. Starling 14. Blackbirds 5. Duck 10. House martin 15. Nuthatches

Page 29

SHEPLEY NATURALISTS

WE ARE A GROUP WHO LOVE TO WALK AND EXPLORE THE FLORA AND FAUNA.

BUT WE ARE ALSO SO MUCH MORE!

ENJOYING

GOOD

COMPANY

MAKING NEW DISCOVERIES

We have a varied agenda of walks to suit all abilities and interests. During the winter we have a

calendar of fascinating talks. There are lots of social occasions such as quiz nights and meals.

FOOD!

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

Page 30

Cumberworth Football Club

Sovereign Quarry Football Pitch

As Marshalls are reaching completion of the reinstatement works at Sovereign Quarry on the corner of Carr Lane and Lane Head Road, I thought it time to update everyone on progress.

The rough layout for the site is now in place, the entrance from the road, with the car park area now level and with a good hard core base. To the left of the car park there will be a steep bund to restrict access to the quarry, to the right is a gentle banking up towards where the football pitch will be.

There will be a public footpath laid around the perimeter of the site from the entrance to the corner of Carr Lane/Lane Head Road, then up towards the top corner near the Sovereign Petrol Station.

The site has had the bulk of the work now done, the path is still to be laid and some landscaping done around the edges of the site in line with the initial plans, then hopefully most of the cosmetic work will be complete. We will then look at the final levelling, raking out of stones (Cumberworth JFC will organise a group of children to have a 'stone picking up session', suitably socially distanced of course) and then hopefully by September the site will be ready for the pitch area to be seeded and for the wild flower areas as well.

It looks and feels like this project is going to result in something that the community and the Junior Football Club can be really proud of for many years and will really add to the look and feel of the area, as well as being an absolutely brilliant facility for the young footballers of Shepley - exciting times!

In a few weeks, once the grass starts growing and the path is in place, I think people will be better able to see how this will look once the pitch is ready for games to be played on it. I am sure it will be a huge asset to the community, both as somewhere the juniors will be able to play and also somewhere new for people to walk and hopefully we’ll see the landscaped area attracting wildlife.

Just want to say thanks again to Marshalls who are providing this new facility for the community and to all involved, for what has been achieved in this project to far; it’s really coming together well and is going to be invaluable to our young footballers!

Page 31

Shepley Cricket Club

Senior Cricket

Following on from our report in the August edition of the magazine, cricket has now recommenced at Marsh Lane with our two senior teams playing in their respective leagues; ten teams in each individual league. So we have a nine week Saturday season which will complete on 12th September, all games being thirty overs per side with a 1pm start.

At the time of writing this report, we are four games into the season and both our teams are riding high in their respective leagues. The first team are currently unbeaten, with three victories and one drawn fixture in a rain affected match, whilst our second team have also enjoyed three victories and one defeat by the narrowest of margins.

Our two captains are employing a mixture of experience and youthful enthusiasm in their team selections and it is gratifying to see many of our younger players are performing with great credit at a senior level.

On 1st August, the father and son combination of Phil and George Booth played in the winning first team game at Marsh Lane, sixteen year old George taking three wickets and scoring valuable runs, thirty-one not out, in the fixture against Broad Oak. A week later it was the turn of a different father and son combination to play for the first team in our victory against Golcar. Fourteen year old Josh Hoyle took a splendid catch on the boundary to dismiss the Golcar opener Steve Whitwam and also had two wickets at a crucial stage of the game. Father Nigel wasn’t to be outdone however, when he bowled a very economical spell, chipping in with a wicket too.

The success of many of our junior players is an important part of our hopes for the future.

David Hall

Page 32

Junior Cricket

Whilst the difficult decision was taken not to have a formal league season for the Juniors, we congratulate the Huddersfield Junior Cricket League for putting together seven weeks of fixtures for all age groups U9s, U11s, U13s, U15s and U17s. These games in isolation are competitive matches, but there is no league table and no prizes given.

We pride ourselves on ensuring all the children get time to enjoy the game and play their part. This year we have over seventy-five registered to train and play including our fledgling Shepley Girls Team, well done and thanks to Phil Marsh for his efforts getting this off the ground.

All the teams have started very well and there have been some great games, but above all it has been brilliant to see the children’s smiles during training and games, win or lose.

As a Junior set up, we are proud to see George and Josh both playing 1st Team cricket for Shepley this year and also the boys who are earning their spurs in the 2nd Team. Finally, congratulations to twins James and Isaac Tate, called up to represent the Huddersfield League at U10s this year. We have every belief they will succeed, driven by if nothing else, the desire to out-do each other!

Matthew Hartley

Page 33

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 Holmfirth High School. 691460 Barnsley 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'd Canon Joyce Jones 862350 Mark Eastwood 0207 219 3000 07749 074769 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: 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 West Yorkshire 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 Line Partnership - Penistone Paramount 01226 767532 Rowena Chandler 07912 753817 Donaldson's - Vets 508708

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS TELEPHONE USEFUL 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

Page 34

Page 35

Page 36