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IssueIssue NoNo 15:15: FebruaryFebruary 20202020

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Dear Readers

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Happy New Year to you all. After our welcome breather over the Christmas period, the magazine team are back to compiling, printing and delivering the Magazine which involves a surprisingly large group of volunteers. 2020 is a leap year, when according to Irish legend St Brigid struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men only on the leap day, 29th February. Will any of our lads enjoy a marriage proposal from their girlfriends? Valentine’s Day, 14th February is another special day when the romantic amongst us will be planning to gift our loved ones with a card or even a box of chocolates - an early marketing ploy devised by Richard Cadbury over 100 years ago. You could write a lovelorn letter to Juliet in Verona, her of the famous ‘Romeo and Juliet’ tale, to receive a reply from the Juliet Club. Even Chaucer mentioned the practice of bringing loved ones together in his poem ‘The Parliament of Foules’ in 1375. So, celebrating Valentine’s Day isn’t such a modern idea. Thinking of showing love and caring towards each other we have an article in this month’s magazine asking us to think about people of all ages and circumstances, who may prefer a life less lonely. Let us know what you think - thoughts and ideas very welcome. How can we come together to help one another? Remember we already have the Luncheon Club and exercise sessions and the Oasis Cafe at the Methodist Church. St Paul’s Church hold Coffee Mornings regularly. The Seniors Social and Activity Club have an exercise session in Shepley Library. This is a welcoming place where you can chat with the volunteers who can give details about local groups and associations whilst you choose your books. Throughout the Magazine you will find contact details for many of the above groups and more. On the back pages there are useful phone numbers and dates for events taking place in the village. Our next opportunity to bring the community together is VE Day on May 8th when we hope to hold a Street Party. We hope groups and societies in the village will join together to make it a memorable day. If you have any suggestions … contact the Magazine or Shepley Village Association. The magazine AGM is on the 25th February in the Library at 7pm

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.

P a g e 2 Shepley First School

December was a really busy and exciting time in SFS. To begin with everybody was eagerly anticipating the Christmas Fair held after school on 6th December. This annual event is organised by FOSFS and other volunteers and actively supported by local businesses which donate goods and prizes, but additionally many of the older children make decorations, cards and other items to help with fund-raising for future activities. Over £2000 was raised in total – a great achievement.

Brilliant Christmas performances by Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils (5 – 7 years old) in the following week were greatly enjoyed by everyone who saw them. At the end of the same week the School Choir sang carols and Christmas songs beautifully in the village library (where they included a little audience participation) and later at the Christingle Service in St Paul’s Church. Thank you to all the singers and the staff members who brought so much pleasure to those of us able to hear their performances.

The last week of term was full of festivities and thanks to Dobbie’s Garden Centre a wonderful Christmas tree decked the school hall throughout them all. Each class had a fun Christmas party, and a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk was enjoyed by everybody (thanks to the FOSFS fundraisers). Finally on the last day of term – wearing Christmas jumpers rather than their usual uniform – everyone had a lovely Christmas dinner together before going home to enjoy more Christmas…..

Anne Mace We Are: Shepley Library

Before Christmas the Library Supporters organised a wreath making session. It was very successful; some wonderful decorations were created.

Watch out for the next Library event - This will be felt making on Saturday 29th February at 1.30 to 4pm.

P a g e 3 Keeping Shepley Library at the of the Village

Shepley Library would not be able to open without the help of the amazing volunteers who support our staff member in providing a full library service, who also plan and host a variety of events from Rhyme Time to Crafts to Family History Sessions and the themed events that run on the last Saturday of each month (look out for the poster in the magazine advertising February’s).

We are currently looking for additional community minded folk who could help us keep Shepley Library at the heart of the village, whether that’s by helping on the counter, being part of the events team, helping at our event days or craft sessions or even with our social media or marketing; any help offered is greatly appreciated. Our volunteers range from the young to the not so young, age is definitely not a barrier and octogenarians are not uncommon! At the opposite end of the scale we also work with Duke of Edinburgh students to achieve their volunteering awards and with young people from the local colleges looking at adding enrichment activities to their university applications and CV’s. If you or any one you know could contribute a little time of their choosing, please email june.lawson@.gov.uk for further information.

Have an event idea or a skill that would work well in our library? We’re always on the lookout for knowledge and skills that could be shared with the community at one of our events, if you have any suggestions or could offer a session then please email [email protected]

Kirklees Libraries are working in partnership with Lawrence Batley Theatre to bring:

Zing! Creative sessions for little ones and their families.

Free fun and creative sessions for little ones and their families.

Songs, stories and sensory delights for you and your child led by an experienced artist in the inspiring and creative setting of the Lawrence Batley Theatre.

No need to book, just come along. Come to all, come to some, come to one. Everyone welcome.

Suitable for under 4s. Café serving hot and cold drinks. For more information and available dates please visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/kirkleeslibraries

Nigel Hoyle will be exhibiting at Skelmanthorpe Library for Skelmanthorpe Village Art, opening 29th February @villageArt_skelmanthorpe, @nigelhoyleceramics

OPEN: Mondays 1-5pm, Thursdays 10am -1pm, Fridays 2-5pm, Saturday 10-12noon Tel: 01484 414868 www.kirklees.gov.uk/libraries

P a g e 4 Solitary or Lonely Living?

We live in a lovely village which has a good community spirit and plenty of activities, societies, clubs and interest groups. But can we do more?

Over Christmas there is often concern expressed in the media about loneliness, and especially how this can impact on the more elderly members of society. Reading that for some people the only interaction over the holiday period with another person is a call from Silver Line, the charity set up by Esther Rantzen, is saddening. Still, many people do try to help their neighbours, or family.

But this is not just a Christmas problem, nor is it just limited to the elderly; the mother feeling trapped in a house with infants, the teenager who feels unloved and misunderstood, the recently bereaved or divorced... loneliness is all around us. Some people prefer solitude, but I wouldn't wish loneliness on anyone.

Yes, there are all the activities, but do people feel able to access them? There are many commendable people and societies in the village that are so active, but are some people still falling through the cracks?

We have lost the Post Office, and the newsagents, and they are sorely missed. Is your elderly neighbour struggling because of this? What else are they struggling with? Cutting the grass, walking their pet, shopping?

All the aforementioned clubs and societies rely on volunteers. And all are struggling to recruit volunteers. Beavers, cubs, brownies, sports clubs, the library... Could you help?

Let's make 2020 the year when we in Shepley consider how we can be much more active in our community, for the betterment of all.

There is a fine line between respecting people's independence and interference. But there is also a stubborn refusal especially by some elderly people to accept help which is genuinely offered and really needed.

Maybe you disagree. Maybe you are that senior citizen, or teenager, and don't want any interference. Maybe this is the trigger to go next door and chat to your neighbour.

Let your feelings be known. This is your magazine.

Jon McKay

Silver Line Charity: helpline for older people https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/ Freephone 0800 470 8090

P a g e 5 Julie’s Jaunt in Japan

Japan really is the destination people are talking about right now – made even more popular after the Rugby World Cup and of course the upcoming 2020 Olympics. One of the most fascinating countries in the world - from neon lit, fast paced Tokyo to century old traditions in beautiful cities such as Kyoto.

Julie from Travel Experience in Kirkburton was lucky to have had an invite to this year’s ABTA conference in Tokyo, so we wanted to share some of her trip with you.

Arriving into Osaka, Julie took an iconic bullet train to Okayama, then onto a small town called Onomichi. Often overlooked by tourists, Onomichi is rich in history dating back hundreds of years. Famous for its ‘Temple Walk’ which is a network of paths connecting 25 temples, including the beautiful Senkoji Temple. Before heading to Tokyo for the conference, she visited Kurashiki where 300 years ago the Shogunate took control of the area, and the town was turned into a Trade Centre.

After arriving into Tokyo on another bullet train and catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji, she had some free time to explore this amazing city.

She totally fell in love with Japan and was amazed by the diversity of the country – from Mount Fuji to the stunning Cherry Blossom, bright lights of Tokyo to the traditional Kyoto, it has something for everyone.

If Japan is on your ‘to do list’ it is useful to be able to speak to someone who has recently visited and can give you some ideas and advice.

More good advice is to always choose a travel agent where all trips are fully protected and who has ATOL and ABTA bonding.

Julie from Travel Experience in Kirkburton. Telephone 01484 602225

P a g e 6 Letter from our Member of Parliament

It has been a huge honour to have been elected as MP by the people of Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton and . Thank you to all of you who voted for me on December 12th.

Prior to polling day, I was employed as a regional sales manager for a healthcare furniture company and I live in Dewsbury with my wife and two children.

My first few weeks in Parliament have been an amazing, if a little surreal, experience. Luckily, there are 50 or so other MPs within the new intake, who have similar backgrounds and we have built up a real camaraderie.

It’s fair to say that the long serving senior MPs, from all parties, appear to have been taken aback by the invasion of Westminster by northern working-class Tories. This is not a bad thing in my opinion and has brought a new and exciting energy to Parliament.

Since being elected, there have been so many great moments, including the Queen’s Speech and state opening of Parliament, but my proudest and most emotional, has to be my swearing in ceremony as an MP in the Commons Chamber, watched by my family from the public gallery. It was also a good-natured affair, as both myself and the Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, gave my family a cheeky wave. You can view my swearing in ceremony by clicking on my MP Facebook page.

At a constituency level, working alongside my recently appointed office manager, Adam Gregg, we have managed to secure an office in Dewsbury town centre, which will be occupied by the end of January and where we will be holding regular surgeries.

I know this location is not ideal for residents living in Shepley, and I will be holding surgeries locally as well. Watch this space for further details. Once my team has been put in place and the office is up and running, I look forward to getting out and meeting you all at some point.

I am particularly looking forward to attending events in Shepley, a village I visited often as a parliamentary candidate and only this month called in the library on Saturday 4th January to visit the afternoon craft activities for children. I will be working closely with your Kirklees Councillors and Parish Councillors on the issues and priorities that you told me about during the campaign and will update you on progress on these in due course.

In the meantime, if you need help with any local or national issues, please contact me via email: [email protected]

Thanks again for putting your faith in me and I look forward to being a strong voice in Westminster for Shepley throughout this parliamentary term.

Best wishes Mark Eastwood MP

P a g e 7 Councillor's letter

I’ll start my first update of 2020 by wishing everyone a Happy New Year. At this time, we tend to reflect on the last year and what we would hope to do better this year and it’s no different for me. Last year saw our village host a Silver Sunday event, to celebrate older people alongside a second event I organised in Kirkburton, and whilst these were a great success, I want to see this initiative grow. This week I met with senior officers at Kirklees and secured support to champion this scheme across all of Kirklees in 2020, which I am really pleased about and a great start to the New Year. Speaking of new beginnings, following the General Election, we have a new MP, Mark Eastwood who I have worked with in Dewsbury for about 10 years. I am pleased that he was elected and look forward to working with him on our priorities in the coming months and am sure he’ll be a strong advocate for us locally. In terms of priorities, this week I met with the new Director for Environment at Kirklees (responsible for Highways) to agree how we can get a way forward on the issues which came out of the Ask Shepley initiative and hope to be holding a meeting with relevant Highways Officers shortly to progress these. I am also looking forward to later this month taking a group of local residents on a tour of the recycling centre in , so we can learn more about how our waste is recycled and will feedback on this next month. I am sure we’ll pick up some tips and ideas to share on how we can all improve how we recycle. This month I have also been talking once more with local planners about the proposed development down on the old Firth’s Mill site at Shepley Bottom. I am really pleased with some of the changes which have been agreed. The part of the site which is being left as public open space by the beck will now have some children’s play equipment included on it; some of this new style play equipment which encourages active play. There will also be access to this play area from Stretchgates so it is easily accessible for all residents, not just those who will live in the new houses. My push to get lighting down Stretchgates, to help people use it to access the train station, is finally happening and a proposal has been agreed and funding secured. The challenge here was that ordinary streetlights would look out of place and also would be effectively hidden by the tree canopy, so we are looking at lighting bollards which will provide good lighting for the dark nights and mornings but will not be overbearing in this location. I am hopeful these will be installed in the next couple of months. Also starting in March will be the improvements to Cherry Tree Court where a sum of circa £750k has been secured to fund the building of two sensory rooms which will improve the experience for residents of this respite unit and one I strongly support. Another improvement which we have just had agreed is for the creation of a Puffin crossing on Huddersfield Road outside . A number of us local Councillors have been concerned about the road safety issues here when students are arriving/leaving school and the volume of traffic and so the creation of a safe crossing is something I do welcome.

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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Planning Applications

There are a larger number of planning applications reported as this covers those received since the last report in November’s magazine. You can also see any planning applications which are local to you on the home page of your “My Kirklees” account which you can sign up to on the Kirklees Council website if you have not already done so.

If you would like to see more details about the planning applications below 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.

P a g e 9 Shepley Village Association

Christmas Fayre held at Shepley Methodist Church

Thank you to all those who supported this fun event – volunteers, contributors and stall holders not forgetting our musicians Katie and George and donations from Shepley Co-op.

The event was well attended, a lovely warm and festive atmosphere was generated by those who joined us on the day.

Money raised will contribute to Shepley Village Victory in Europe Day. The Village Association are planning to commemorate VE day on Bank Holiday, 8th May to replace our usual May Day Celebration. We are hoping for a variety of entertainments including a street party with fun on the Green. We are in the process of contacting all the organisations in the village to enable us to plan a joint effort so that we will all be able to contribute towards making the day as memorable as possible. If you have a particular interest or contribution you would like to make to the day’s events please contact us on [email protected] or phone 07710 563889 or join us on 2nd Tuesday in the month - 7.30 in the evening the next meeting is on February 11th at the Library.

P a g e 10 St Paul's Church - ‘Love is all you need’

So sang the Beatles in a song which is very popular at weddings. This month, when we celebrate romantic love on Valentine’s Day, it’s worth thinking about that. Were they right?

At one level they were clearly not right. When two people come together in a relationship it is often love which draws them to each other, and love which keeps them together, but they will need a lot of other things such as patience, perseverance, hope, courage and common sense if they are going to form a relationship which lasts.

How about looking at it from another angle? We might need things other than love for a fulfilling life and fulfilling relationships, but love is something which we all need. All of us need to love and to be loved, and it is this which gives meaning and purpose to our lives. This love which lasts is far more than sexual attraction or sentimentality. It includes all those loves we have in our lives, whether between parent and children, brothers and sisters and friends, and is the love which is always looking for the best interests of the person who is loved.

But how about those people who don’t feel that they have anyone who loves them? There are people in unhappy families and relationships and people who live alone and don’t see anyone from one day to the next. How can they find that meaning and purpose?

It is important for us to be aware of those people and to offer love and friendship to those who are lonely. However there is always someone who loves us unconditionally and that someone is God. God always wants the best for us, whether we know it and believe it or not and that is the essence of love.

If we can love others unconditionally and really want the best for them that will make a big difference.

And if you don’t get a valentine or a bunch of red roses from anyone else, remember there is always one coming your way ’With love from God’.

Contact: Revd Canon Joyce Jones, Tel: 01484 862350 Email : [email protected]

P a g e 11 Christmas Hearts

0 The knitting needles and crochet hooks went into overdrive again at Shepley Methodist Church in the run-up to Christmas, with many people at Oasis Café and Keep Fit contributing knitted, crocheted or fabric hearts. Our aim was to deliver them all around the village, but that was always going to be rather over- ambitious! We did manage 250 however, and these were delivered in the week before Christmas. Apologies to those who didn’t receive one. We also managed to construct a (somewhat alternative!) Christmas tree for the church entrance porch from knitted and crocheted squares.

The fact that both these projects involved a lot of ‘community knitting’ greatly added to the enjoyment. There is currently much interest and research into how such ‘mindful’ activities as knitting and crochet can benefit well-being and mental health and being involved in such a project with other people is hugely enjoyable.

Oasis Café is open at the Methodist Church on Monday and Friday mornings from 8.45 – 11. 30 am. There are lots of ‘regulars’ and everyone is welcome. You will be made very welcome so don’t be afraid to come on your own. (There is absolutely no obligation to knit!!)

Brenda Martin

Shepley Methodist Church

Contact: Rev. Helen Roberts Telephone: 01484 305308

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Shepley in January and February 1971

The January 1971 issue of the Shepley Magazine opened on a sombre note with an editorial from the then Bishop of , Eric Treacy who felt that the permissiveness of the swinging sixties was worrying, but fortunately he felt that life in Shepley would continue much as it has always done with villagers willing to talk to and help their neighbours.

An example the bishop probably had in mind was the Shepley Christian Aid Society who were planning a fund-raising hike in May and had many jobs for grandparents, parents and children: in fact, everyone as well as the fund-raising hikers themselves. The person to whom any offers of help should be made was none other than the magazine editor, David Billington, a man who exemplifies long service to our Shepley community.

The Huddersfield Child Care Department asked readers to donate clothing and household goods to help people in the Huddersfield area who were sadly ‘blighted by poverty’.

On a lighter note, a power cut meant that the Young Wives group cake decorating evening had to be held by candlelight, but it was recorded that the lady demonstrating had coped magnificently.

The exchange and mart column featured a ¾ bed and interior sprung mattress for £5. The Kirkburton vicarage wished to sell a Fyreside paraffin heater while The Shepley Good Companions needed a second-hand piano as the one they currently had was beyond repair.

The February issue carried an exciting announcement about an oil well in Shepley, or rather it seems it was ‘almost’ an oil well as to obtain supplies you had to “ Pump Guy Tolson” to extract some “Well Bottom Prices”. Many useful products were on offer and given it was mid-winter no doubt the rock salt sold well.

The merits of sex education films made by either the BBC or ITV came under discussion at the meeting of the Shepley County School PTA; with suggestions made that ITV presented the subject better than the BBC’s titles of Where do Babies Come From; Growing Up; and Man and Woman Parts 1,2 and 3. [sic]

The feeling of the meeting was that the BBC films were particularly suitable for the children in the 8-10 age group with the caveat that it is “put over in the right atmosphere”.

This month the magazine featured Society News and Shepley was certainly the place to be for such as the British Legion’s Gala Night with dancing, raffles and buffet supper, plus the organisers promised the appearance of some cabaret personalities.

The Dramatic Society’s play called ‘Waiting for Gillian’ promised to brighten up a long winter’s evening while the Brownies were busy collecting tinfoil to raise funds to train a guide dog and the Young Wives hosted a well-attended talk about the forthcoming decimalisation of the currency.

It was noted that decimalisation on February 15th meant that the cost of the magazine would now be 4p and 3p for pensioners.

If any of this brings back memories for you, do let us know and if you would like to read the January and February publications in full, they are available in the library.

P a g e 14 Emley AFC News

Emley AFC are delighted to announce that they will be hosting a Manchester United Legends XI on Sunday 5th April 2020, kick-off 2pm. Gates will be open from 12:00pm.

General admission standing and seating tickets available.

Premium tickets are also available for purchase and include a seat during the match, guaranteed access to either the Emley AFC Sports Bar (located within stadium) or the Wentworth Sports Bar (depending on which option you choose), and the opportunity to meet a player. Please note Premium tickets are limited to 140 and will be offered on a first come first served basis.

Tickets are on sale exclusively through Eventbrite.co.uk

*Corporate tickets and Sponsorship opportunities available to purchase directly through Emley AFC. Please contact [email protected] for more information.*

*PLEASE NOTE* All Manchester United Legends XI players announced in the lead-up to the match are available and have agreed to play at the time of posting. Changes to the squad and updates that may be made prior to the event are solely dependent on i.e. injury or circumstances beyond our control.

For any other event related information please contact [email protected].

*****CONFIRMED PLAYERS*****

WES BROWN RUSSEL BEARDSMORE JONATHAN GREENING MICHAEL GRAY (GUEST PLAYER)

LEE MARTIN LEE HENDRIE (GUEST PLAYER) BEN THORNLEY MATT GLENNON (GUEST PLAYER)

DEINIOL GRAHAM

Are You Aware?

Our advertiser, Colin Fulton of Your PC iFix Station in , has contacted the magazine to inform us that ‘Microsoft has an "end of support" date set for January 14th, 2020 for all versions of Windows 7. Once that date hits, your computer will no longer receive security updates, software updates or fixes and will be at an increased risk of cyber attacks’.

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P a g e 17 Shepley W.I.

Shepley WI started the year with a visit from Mel Fitton from Shelley who takes in and cares for injured hedgehogs or those too small to hibernate. She spoke about how important they are for our environment and how their numbers are seriously in decline. She even brought some of the hedgehogs in her care to the meeting.

Next month on 19th February 2020 Shepley WI are getting to know each other a bit better with an event entitled Speed Dating WI style! They meet on the third Wednesday of the month from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Shepley Methodist Church, Lane Head Road, Shepley HD8 8DB. Please feel free to just come along or contact the president Helen Wilson on 07771 774744 or the secretary Beth Rae on 07798 612958 for more information. If you wonder what Shepley WI is all about and whether it’s for you, one of their newer members, Helen Wilson who became their President in 2018 said ……….

Can you tell us why you joined the WI? Well I can say for me I wanted to be part of the WI and to feel more involved in my village. The WI is an organisation I’ve always been interested in and I wanted to find out for myself what it was all about.

Has it lived up to your expectations? I’ve met some really interesting people who live in my village and quite frankly I simply would not have got to know them any other way. As well as being part of the WI its really made me feel part of village life……and we’ve had some fantastic speakers/events and raised lots of money for local charities/causes.

Who has been your favourite speaker? I only joined in 2016 so I’m sure there are lots I didn’t get to see as Shepley WI has been going since 1981 but so far, my favourites are the just retired Housekeeper from Chatsworth House. A demonstration from a Professional Wrapper (presents not music!) and a talk about the Daughter of a Doctor from Holmfirth who became a German Countess.

Would you recommend others to join? Absolutely! We are quite full (currently upwards of 60 members) but we will always find space for new members. You can come as a visitor 3 times before you need to sign up to membership. Our newest members tell me they have found it friendly and sociable and we really do have some great speakers.

This year, hopefully, Peter Wright from TV’s The Vet is coming to speak to us. So, if you feel like having a social evening once a month with a chance to meet and mingle with women in your community of all ages and backgrounds, we suggest you give Shepley WI a try.

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P a g e 25 Bird Feeding in Winter

It has been estimated that hundreds of thousands of birds have been saved from death by starvation every winter by the bird feeding programmes which many families operate. When the ground is frozen and covered with hard packed snow, the natural feed of our garden birds is unobtainable (would you fancy digging your garden when it is frozen hard?) They depend upon other recourses, your kitchen being the main one. Bread scattered on the lawn will certainly attract some birds, notably starlings, which will drive away the smaller birds, so how about trying to attract the smaller birds? A bird table is a good start but failing this a flat-topped wall. Now you have somewhere to feed the birds what about the feed? As well as breadcrumbs put seed, oatmeal, dried fruit, cut up cooked bacon rind and fat. There are also wild bird feeds obtainable in some grocers and all pet shops. Some people have invented "puddings" specially for birds and these have proved particularly successful. If a number of the above ingredients are put with some stale cake and mixed with a little boiling water, then tied tightly in a cloth and left to dry the resulting pudding will give the birds useful work to do. By stringing unshelled peanuts and hanging them from the bird-table you will not only provide feed but also entertainment. For the "Blue Peter” fans who have not yet made a nut-dispenser may I assure you that an empty washing-up-liquid canister has never been put to better use. D.Barrans

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Dave Barrans, author of the above, has always been a keen Shepley naturalist and in 1987 he saw there were the numbers and enthusiasm to form a separate bird group. He thus became The Shepley Bird and Wildlife Group founder member and 33 years on, he is still as active in the group as ever.

Along with his wife Bet they support the group by providing the refreshments each month and at Christmas, Bet donates a beautiful Christmas cake for the annual raffle plus making innumerable mince pies! It isn’t just the bird group which benefits from this generosity as Bet gives cakes to many other worthy causes too, including the inmates of New Hall Prison.

Dave also worked on the advertising side of the original Shepley Magazine for all the many years of its publication. He also still acts as a Church Warden at St Paul's, so he is, together with Bet, a real testament to maintaining the community spirit in the village.

Chris Marks

P a g e 26 Shepley Bird and Wildlife Group

At this month’s indoor meeting, Mike Watson, a wildlife guide, took us on an extensive tour of Colorado’s High Plains and Rocky Mountains. The High Plains in the east contrast markedly with the Rockies in the west, which span the Continental Divide in spectacular peaks and canyons.

April is the time when seven species of grouse gather and display, to find mates. Each species is found in a different part of the State, requiring a good deal of travel to see them all. The grouse gather before dawn at display areas which means a very early, dark, cold start for watchers inside strategically placed vehicles. Although species vary in size the displays take the same form. The males, with yellow eye- combs distended, inflate coloured air sacs on the neck or breast, deflating them rapidly producing a popping, booming noise, audible over long distances. The Greater Sage Grouse’s large sacs are surrounded with a loose ruff of dense white feathers exaggerating the effect. All this is done as the males slowly strut about. The dominant males try to take up central position while the females wander round inspecting them. Males spar, pushing, kicking and flying at each other. After a short while the birds disperse to repeat the performance over several days. Mike was most warmly thanked for this “avian spectacle”. At the next meeting, Wednesday 5th February, John Gardner will present a photographic extravaganza, “From the British Isles to the Frisian Isles”. John Wheeler Contacts details: email: [email protected] Tel: Chris Marks 01484 608652

Sad Death of Esme Dakin

I first met Esme when my eldest son started school in 1975. A few years later in 1979, I became a colleague and we worked together for 10 years until I moved on. I changed year groups regularly, but Esme remained with the Reception class for about 20 years. She was an exceptional teacher and there must be hundreds of children who started their school life with her at Shepley. She retired in the early 90s but was still coming into school as a supply teacher until the mid / late 90s.

We were firm friends and I saw her at home in Denby Dale or she came to us here at Shepley. However about 7 or 8 years ago she became very unwell with dementia and left Denby Dale. She spent the rest of her life in a care home near her twin daughters in York.

I kept in touch with her sister in Sheffield throughout those years and in December I was saddened to hear that Esme had died.

I went to her funeral with my husband and was proud to tell the family about all the ex-parents I had spoken to in the village who remembered her with affection and held her in high regard.

Anne Childs

P a g e 27 Shepley’s Magazine O the first Shepley’s Magazine AGM I would like to take this opportunity to invite our readers to the first Shepley’s Magazine AGM. on the 25th February 2020 start 7:00pm at Shepley Library.

Poetry Corner

O L D C U R E S

When I was young and caught a cold, There was Bonamint and Exlax and if mi head was hot, which you knew you must keep in, It was a dose of Fennings Fever Cure But if these failed you needn't fear ... whether you wanted some or not! there was liquid paraffin.

It really had an awful taste No, they'd never heard of roughage then which made you cringe and frown, like Weetabix or bran, But it was supposed to help your temperature What landed on your breakfast plate and calm your fever down. was a slice of toast and jam.

It really was the most dreadful stuff But how times are very different now, I think I've ever 'ad, we've come a long long way, My dad would say, "Try swallowing quick With medicinal discovery then it won't taste quite as bad." being what it is today.

Then came a glass of nasty nog So for all your ills and ailments to stop you feeling dizzy, your GP is one sure bet, So I'd stir in some Andrew's Liver Salts Or you can go to your local pharmacy, to make it nice and fizzy! or consult the internet!

Then when winter chills and chesty coughs But whatever aches and ills you have just had you 'ot and sneezing, don't let that get you down, It was a mustard poultice on your chest Try supplements from the health food shop to try and ease the wheezing. there's one in every town.

Next you got an aspirin If you want to reach a ripe old age as that might do the trick, you need your five-a-day, But if your chest felt tight and sore It's fresh fruit and veg and exercise ... out came the jar of Vick! and ditch that take-a-way!

But it's what you had if you felt ill But we also need some pleasure too, or if you had a fever, a bit of 'chill-out' time, No paracetamols for us ... So when it gets to Friday night - No antibiotics either. It's "open up the wine" !!

Now if you got as you were sluggish "Cheers and oh ... Good health!" and your 'habits' weren't quite right, To get you 'up and running' ... Rosemary Gay Copyright 2019 it was a laxative at night. (Member of Shepley Creative Writing Group)

P a g e 28 Shepley Naturalists Society

In November we were given a talk by Mel Fitton, one of 30 or so volunteers with Meltham Wildlife Rescue. Mel started by fostering one hedgehog, but now, in a shed in her garden, her guests number 17! None of these, for a number of reasons, will be released until next Spring.

A hedgehog's lot is not always a happy one, as their possible life span of 10 years is actually reduced by disease, starvation, predation and road accidents, to an average of 3 years. In the 1950s it was estimated that there were some 30 million hedgehogs in Britain. Today there are no more than 500,000.

If you have hedgehogs visiting your garden and want to help them, then feed them on cat or dog food, with plenty of jelly - but no fish - and provide water. Do not feed them mealworms or bread and milk. If possible, provide access to neighbouring gardens. For more advice ring Mel on 07584 886596.

During December we enjoyed visits to the RSPB reserve at Old Moor and also to Anglers Country Park - both providing plenty of bird life for us to identify and watch. Our Christmas Meeting took the form of a "feely" quiz, devised by members of the committee and was followed by the traditional Faith Supper.

Our annual New Year's Walk and Lunch took place on January 4th. Thirty-two of us walked from Cumberworth towards Denby Dale, then through Withy Wood to Gilthwaites. There we all enjoyed a warming glass of port (or a soft drink) with chocolate biscuits, before heading along the lane and across fields to Lane Hackings Green, finishing at the Foresters Arms. There we were met by twelve more of our members and enjoyed a really delicious lunch. Sue Whitehouse We’d love to welcome anyone interested in wildlife to join us. Phone Sue Whitehouse 01484 605614 or David Fisher 01484 682903 or visit our website: shepley-naturalists.weebly.com

Having a coffee or tea out is a lovely treat for most of us - but sometimes this can seem

quite lonely, even if you are with someone, or have left someone at home. If you want company, friendly faces and happy chatter then think about coming to the Friday Friendship Café. We are a lively bunch guaranteed to cheer you up and make you feel at home!

If you would like to know more about this

friendly Café, please contact Jill on 01484 605257 / 07804 417271

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Sports Fixtures

Football Rugby Union Huddersfield Town Huddersfield Rugby EFL Championship all at The John Smith’s Stadium

National 2 North at Lockwood Park Saturday 8th February v Queens Park Rangers 15.00

Saturday 15th February v Tyndale 15.00 Wednesday 12th February v Cardiff City 19.45

Tuesday 25th February v Bristol City 19.45

Saturday 29th February v Charlton Athletic 15.00 Rugby League

Huddersfield Giants Emley AFC Betfred Super League all at the John Smith’s Stadium North West Counties First Division North all at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground Sunday 9th February v Leeds Rhinos 15.00

Saturday 1st February v Steeton 15:00 Sunday 1st March v Wigan Warriors 15.00

th Saturday 15 February v Lower Breck 15:00

Shepley Bowling Club

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 20th February 2020 at 7.30pm in the Bowling Club. We would like to invite all members and would also welcome anyone who may be interested in bowling next season, either in one of our teams or just as a social member.

In November 49 members attended the Annual Presentation Dinner at Meltham Golf Club. Trophies were presented to winners of our various competitions, many raffle prizes were won and our annual "diary" raffle which raises money for the club, was won by two of our members. A very enjoyable evening was had by all.

We look forward to a new bowling season and wish all our teams the best of luck for 2020.

Andrea Oldham Secretary

P a g e 30 Regular Weekly Dates for your Diary

Shepley Library Monday 1.00pm Locala Baby Weighing 2.00pm A 2/3 mile easy walk from the Library, lasting approx. 1/1.5 hours. 2.30pm Storytime Alternate Mondays 7.30 - 9.00pm Creative Writing to check dates email: [email protected] Monday 10.00 – 12.00 midday Seniors Social and Activity Club

St Paul's Church Contact: Joyce Jones Tel: 862350

Wednesday 10.00am Service and Refreshments

Sunday 11.00am Anglican Service St Paul's Church Hall Contact: David & Margaret Iredale: Tel 607116

Monday 5.00pm -9.00pm Rebel School of Theatre Arts Contact: [email protected]

Tuesday 4.30pm - 7.30pm Rebel School of Theatre Arts Contact: [email protected] Thursday 5.15pm – 6.15pm Beavers Contact for all 3 groups: [email protected] 6.30pm – 7.45pm Cubs 6.45pm -8.00pm Scouts

Friday 9.30am – 10.30am Pilates For more information ring: 07957 223376

Saturday 10.30am – 2.30pm Rebel School of Theatre Arts Contact: [email protected] Wednesday Circuit Training (£5.00 per session) & Friday 6.15pm – 7.05pm Contact Miles 07565 295112 Shepley Methodist Church Contact: Liz Hirst Tel: 602451

Monday 8.45am – 11.30am Oasis Coffee Stop contact: Brenda Martin 609843 [email protected]

Tuesday 12.30pm Luncheon Club contact: Anne Burns Tel: 604667 5.00pm - 8.00pm Weight Watchers 7.30pm Shepley Band Rehearsal (but not the last Tuesday in the month) Contact: Tricia Moores 07425135385 Wednesday 10.30am Oasis Keep Fit contact: Brenda Martin 609843 [email protected]

Thursday 9.30am – 11.30am Baby & Toddler Group (school term time only) 5.00pm / 7.00pm Slimming World contact: Jo 07376 390660

Friday 8.45am – 11.30am Oasis Coffee Stop contact: Brenda Martin 609843 [email protected] 6.00pm - 7.15pm Brownies Contact for all 3 groups: Megan Sharp 07989575128 7.15pm - 8.30pm Guides 7.30pm - 9.00pm Rangers (14+)

Sunday 10.45am Morning Worship followed by coffee

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Additional Dates for your Diary

FEBRUARY 2 Sunday Benefice Communion St. John’s, Denby 10.30 am No service St. Paul’s 4 Tuesday Library Reading Group Shepley Library 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm 5 Wednesday Holy Communion St. Paul’s Church 10.00 am Shepley Bird and Wildlife Group Shepley Library 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm 7 Friday Friday Friendship Café Shelley Village Hall 10.00 am – 12.00 Open Mic Pub Night (Free Entry) Shepley Cricket Club Doors Open 6.00 pm 8 Saturday Coffee Morning St. Paul’s Church 10.00 am Woodcarvers Association Methodist Church 9.30 am 9 Sunday Litter Pick Shepley Library 9.30 am – 10.45 pm Village Outreach Service Methodist Church 11.00 am No service St. Paul’s 10 Monday Mothers Union St. Paul’s Church 2.30 pm 11 Tuesday Two by Two (pre-school group) St. Paul’s Church Hall 9.15 am Shepley Village Association Shepley Library 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm meeting (all welcome) 12 Wednesday Keep Dancing St. Paul’s Church Hall 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm 16 Sunday Informal Worship St. Paul’s Church 11.00 am 17 Monday WI Book Club Shepley Library 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm 19 Wednesday Holy Communion St. Paul’s Church 10.00 am WI Methodist Church 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm 20 Thursday WI Book Club Shepley Library 2.00 pm Shepley Bowling Club AGM Bowling Club 7.30 pm 21 Friday Friday Friendship Café Shelley Village Hall 10.00 am – 12.00 80s/90s Disco (Tickets £5.00) Shepley Cricket Club Doors open 7.00 pm 23 Sunday Parish Communion St. Paul’s Church 11.00 am 25 Tuesday Shepley Magazine AGM Shepley Library 7.00 pm Naturalists Methodist Church 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm 26 Wednesday Ash Wednesday Holy Communion St. Paul’s Church 10.00 am with ashing. Cluster Service for Ash Wed. St. Paul’s Church 7.30 pm Keep Dancing St. Paul’s Church Hall 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm 27 Thursday Crumbs N Craft Shepley Library 2.00 pm 29 Saturday Library Open – Felt Making Shepley Library 1.30 pm – 4.00 pm Nigel Hoyle – Ceramic Exhibition Skelmanthorpe Mon. Wed. Thu. Fri. Skelmanthorpe Village Art: Feb 20 Library (closed Tues.) 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Sat. 10.00am – 12.00

Lent Groups with an environmental theme will begin in the first week in March. Further details next month.

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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 Birdsedge First School. 605441 Emergencies only 999 Shelley First School. 222750 Dentist - Shepley 606050 Dentist - Lepton 605303 Middle School. 865444 Huddersfield Royal Infirmary Hos. 342000 Kirkburton Middle School 222737 Calderdale Royal Infirmary Hospital Shelley College 868777 - out patients 01422 357171 Holmfirth 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'd Canon Joyce Jones 862350 Mark Eastwood 07731 957142 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: Richard Smith 07799 310725 Liz Hirst 602451 email: [email protected] Parish Councillors Police John Taylor 07831 810096 Emergency Only. 999 email: [email protected] For Police attendance. 101 John Cowan 07710 563889 or 608218 Kirkburton Police Station 436898 email: [email protected] Huddersfield Police Station 436876 Janet Roebuck 606482 British Transport Police 0800 405040

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 865727 Honley Depot. 660808 Tourist Information Holmfirth 414868 Complaints 01422 371099 LBT Theatre Huddersfield 430528 Partnership - Penistone Paramount 01226 767532

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS TELEPHONE USEFUL Rowena Chandler 07912 753817 Donaldson's - Vets 508708 Leeds Bradford Airport 0871 288 2288 Royal Mail (charged at 13p per minute) Sorting Office Scissett 864725 Manchester Airport 0808 169 7030 Customer Services 0345 740740 All numbers 01484 unless stated otherwise

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