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Incredible Edible May Events

May's a busy month with a whole range of Incredible Edible events planned:.

Friday 3rd - Edible Gardening Club Ossett - 10 am til 12.30 pm
Ossett Community Centre Edible Community Garden, Prospect Road, Ossett, WF5 8AN

This week: Learn to grow your own food - suitable for all abilities.

Monday 6th - Meet the Incredibles - 7 pm til 9 pm
Ossett Community Centre, Prospect Road, Ossett, WF5 8AN

This month: Local Middlestown Beekeeper Mike Mees tells us all about keeping bees and gives us an insight into his hobby and how the novice beekeeper can get started - followed by tea/coffee/cakes and our local food and growing quiz. Entry is £2.50 on the door.

Wednesday 8th - Edible Gardening Club Eastmoor - 10 am til 12.30 pm
St Swithuns Community Centre Edible Community Garden, Arncliffe Road Road, Eastmoor, WF1 4RW

This week: Learn to grow your own food - suitable for all abilities.

Friday 10th - Edible Gardening Club Ossett - 10 am til 12.30 pm
Ossett Community Centre Edible Community Garden

This week: Learn to grow your own food - suitable for all abilities.

Saturday 11th - IEW Help Us Grow Eastmoor - 10am till 12.30pm
Park Lodge Lane Allotments, Eastmoor

Come along and see our new mini-allotment plots and pick up some tips for growing your own food from seed.

Saturday 11th - IEW Edible Plant Sale - 10am till 1pm
Ossett Community Centre, Ossett

A range of Edible (and one or two non edible) plants will be on sale at the IEW stall at the Ossett Indoor car boot sale.

Sunday 12th - IEW Help Us Grow Ossett - 10 am til 12.30 pm
Devon Grove, off Runtlings Lane, Ossett, WF5 8JL

Along with Places for People we'll be planting out communal spaces in the area with all sorts of attractive Edibles.

Wednesday 15th - Edible Gardening Club Eastmoor - 10 am til 12.30 pm
St Swithuns Community Centre Edible Community Garden, Arncliffe Road Road, Eastmoor, WF1 4RW

This week: Learn to grow your own food - suitable for all abilities.

Friday 17th - Edible Gardening Club Ossett - 10 am til 12.30 pm
Ossett Community Centre Edible Community Garden

This Week: Learn to grow your own food - suitable for all abilities.

Sunday 19th - IEW Help Us Grow Horbury Bridge - 10 am til 12.30 pm
Horbury Bridge - Meet at the front of The Ship Pub

This Month: Learn to sow summer edibles from seed and how to pot on and plant out cabbages, beans and peas we sowed last month.

Monday 20th - Edible Gardening Club Belle Vue - 10 am til 12.30 pm
St Catherines Centre, Doncaster Road, Belle Vue

This Week: Learn to grow your own food - suitable for all abilities.

Wednesday 22nd - Edible Gardening Club Eastmoor - 10 am til 12.30 pm
St Swithuns Community Centre Edible Community Garden, Arncliffe Road Road, Eastmoor, WF1 4RW

This week: Learn to grow your own food - suitable for all abilities.

Friday 24th - Edible Gardening Club Ossett - 10 am til 12.30 pm
Ossett Community Centre Edible Community Garden

This Week: Learn to grow your own food - suitable for all abilities.

Monday 27th - Edible Gardening Club Belle Vue - 10 am til 12.30 pm
St Catherines Centre, Doncaster Road, Belle Vue

This Week: Learn to grow your own food - suitable for all abilities.

Sunday 26th - IEW Help Us Grow Belle Vue - 10 am til 12.30 pm
Belle Vue Mini Allotment Plots, Norton Street, Belle Vue

This Month: We'll be making use of our new greenhouse to start off edible plants for our new mini allotment plots.

Wednesday 29th - Edible Gardening Club Eastmoor - 10 am til 12.30 pm
St Swithuns Community Centre Edible Community Garden, Arncliffe Road Road, Eastmoor, WF1 4RW

This week: Learn to grow your own food - suitable for all abilities.

Friday 31st - Edible Gardening Club Ossett - 10 am til 12.30 pm
Ossett Community Centre Edible Community Garden

This Week: Learn to grow your own food - suitable for all abilities.

For a full list of local food related events click here or for more details contact Andy on
07971 098510 or E-mail us:
Andy@Incredible-Edible-Wakefield.co.uk

Incredible Edible Wakefield - Helping Wakefield Grow

02 May 2013.

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Latest news from Coxley Live

Scarcrow Festival
We are planning a scarecrow festival in June. If you or your organisation is interested in taking part in or helping with this event please contact editors@coxleynews.com or Adrian on 281620.

Coxley Players
MURDER MYSTERY EVENING TO BE REARRANGED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS ON 23RD MARCH
Coxley Players and St Andrew’s Church are jointly presenting a Murder Mystery Evening at Netherton Club on Saturday 23rd March at 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at £5 including supper and are available from Adrian on 281620 or Margaret on 21161.

Rehearsals for the next pantomime will be starting shortly. Aladdin will be appearing on a stage near you in November.

Local History- incorporating Oral History
The local history group continues to meet monthly (usually on the first Saturday of the month). Contact Christine Hewitt on 07931 353082 for more information. The group is currently working on a Heritage Walk leaflet for Middlestown and Overton, this should be available in spring.


2013 Calendar
Thank you to everyone who bought a copy of the 2013 Coxley Live calendar. Thank you too to all who sold the calendars, including Netherton and Middlestown Post Offices.

25 March 2013.

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Netherton Over 50s

The past year has been very challenging as we have had to move venues several times..

We have now returned to the refurbished Methodist Chapel, which will hopefully now be our permanent home. In spite of the moves we had a successful year with two outings, a Jubilee tea, birthday party, fish and chips, harvest lunch and Christmas Party.

We would like to thank all our members for their loyalty throughout the year.

Aileen and I would also like to say a big thank you to our loyal small band of helpers who have stored our equipment in their homes and transported it to our meetings. Also to those who have managed to cater in strange kitchens, we couldn’t have done it without you!
If you would like to join our friendly club, we meet twice a month in winter and the last Wednesday of the month in summer. Cost is only £1 including refreshments.

Lesley Wackett (secretary) and Aileen Ford (treasurer).

25 March 2013.

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News from Netherton Ramblers

The club has enjoyed another very good year. We have explored a number of new walks and have continued to walk some of our favourite ones..

In December we held our annual dinner at The Bulls Head. Twenty four members attended and we all had a very enjoyable time.
Our thoughts are now turning to some new walks for the spring and summer.

New members are always welcome. We meet at the Star Inn car park at 10 am on Monday mornings in winter and 9.30 in summer (after the clocks change).

If you are interested in joining us please contact John on 265515 or Franklin on 260862.

25 March 2013.

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The Village Gala (Middlestown /Overton)

Sat May 18th 2013,
Denby Grange Cricket field, Smithy Lane, Overton.

Saturday 18th May … Make it a date in the diary for this fantastic fun family event.

Last year’s gala raised over £2500 for various groups within the community including Netherton Junior Football Club, The Brownies, St Luke’s Tiny Tots, Darby & Joan Club, Centre X and Middlestown School, Denby Grange Sports Club and St Luke’s Church. This year looks set to be bigger and better with more fabulous floats and vintage vehicles in the procession, Horbury Brass Band, Zumba Dancing, Pink Ladies Majorettes, Irish dancing, food/refreshments, tug of war, bouncy castles, live auction, great stalls, grand prize draw and lots more.

If you can help either before or on the day with cake baking, prize donations (raffle/tombola/auction) or just want to get involved contact Kath 07791 383972

13 March 2013.

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Crafty Conversations!

Are you crafty? Would you like to work on your own projects in a sociable, informal setting? If so, Crafty Conversations at the National Coal Mining Museum is for you. Free to attend – free to park!.

The drop-in craft sessions are run once a month in the Museum’s café. Dates for the first half of 2013 are: 7 Feb, 7 Mar, 18 Apr, 16 May, 13 June & 18 July. Bring along your current craft creation to work on, have a coffee and a catch up with like-minded crafters and pick up or pass on some tips and advice. Times are 12 noon to 2pm.
For further information, contact Anne Bradley at the Museum on 01924 848806 or at anne.bradley@ncm.org.uk.

National Coal Mining Museum for England
Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton,
Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4RH
Facebook: (National Coal Mining Museum for England, Maurice the Miner, Pit Ponies at National Coal Mining Museum)
Twitter: (@Mauricetheminer, @Pitponies_NCMME, #NCMME)
Web: www.ncm.org.uk

13 March 2013.

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Netherton And District Women’s Institute - Spring News 2013

Latest news from Netherton WI.

We shall be 3 months into another year by the time you read this and winter will, hopefully be behind us. New life all around us, not only in the garden but also in our Institute where we were delighted in January to enrol 6 enthusiastic new members. And we have a fantastic programme of speakers lined up for you during 2013.
Our March speaker should have been Peter Dransfield on “Derbyshire Well Dressing” but he had unfortunately to cancel. But to our rescue comes the husband of our President Ann. He is a great fungi forager and photographer, also a volunteer at Clumber Park, and he will be giving us a slide show and talk about his time spent there (which is most weekends according to Ann!) That’s on the 12th at 7.15 pm as usual.

On the 9th April we have Pat Osborne who will be telling us all about “Lady Randy”, the mother of Winston Churchill, who apparently worked her way through several fortunes and over 200 lovers!
May 14th sees us welcoming Brenda Skeath with her talk entitled “Astrology – Sense or Nonsense”. Should be very interesting.

As a taste of things to come:-
11th June - Michael Atkinson on “The Lord Lieutenant and her Deputies”.
9th July – Pamela Greener, a multi-talented lady, will entertain us with “Music, Songs and Humour”. This is our Friendship Evening where we invite local institutes to join us but you are all still welcome to share the evening with us. In anticipation of a goodly crowd, this will be in Netherton Sports and Social Club.

As you know, we don’t have an official meeting in August. We do meet but it is over lunch, usually at the Swan and Cygnet on Denby Dale Road. We could do a bit of a ramble afterwards if we get the urge!
More details of our programme later in the year.

Just to tell you briefly what you missed in January and February:-
We learned how to improve our memories in January courtesy of Alan Swann, even how to count from 1-10 in Japanese! February saw the return of a very popular speaker, Donald Woolley, on “A Granddad Rediscovered”. This is the third time he has spoken to us at the WI – he’s almost a member himself!

Just so there’s no confusion about our meeting times. We have in the past met in the afternoon in January and February but as some of our new members work, we decided this year to leave the meeting time at 7.15 pm and keep an eye on the weather. We’ve done OK up to press but it is snowing as I write so fingers crossed!

Any more info – please give me (Eileen) a ring on 01924 275276.

13 March 2013.

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MIDDLESTOWN PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP - MEMBERS WANTED

The Middlestown Patient Participation Group (PPG) was formed in December 2011 to ensure that local people could have active involvement in deciding how the health services they use should develop, and to provide patients with the opportunity to express their views..

PPGs act as representatives of the patient population, and are a way of better connecting the general practice with the community it serves. They are generally made up of a group of volunteer patients, the Practice Manager and one or more GPs from within the practice. They meet on a regular basis to discuss the services on offer and how improvements can be made for the benefit of patients and the practice.

We are now seeking to identify what we can do for the surgery and you the patient. We cannot do this on our own and are therefore seeking your help. You can do this in a variety of ways which can be matched to suit your circumstances and available time:
* become an active member of the group involved in organizing activities, events and research projects;
* sign up as a ‘virtual’ member: an online member who can be involved in the discussions of the Group;
* join an online Survey Group: we will consult with these members on issues where we need a wider consultation;
* join as a member willing to help out at events which we hope to arrange periodically.

If you feel you would like to help please obtain and complete the registration form available at reception.

The PPG has a key role in increasing the quality and accessibility of the care available to you, your family, your neighbours and the whole of the local area. It is a great way to meet new people, and learn new skills, including diplomacy and team work as well as giving something back.

PPGs may carry out research to understand the views of the wider patient population and offer feedback to help improve communication between the practice and the local population it serves. We also hope to offer practical hands-on support to the practice, for example, by helping to run health promotion events and supporting annual flu jab clinics. We have had significant success with speeding up Practice surveys, thus allowing access to the results much quicker and also allowing the Practice staff time for other duties.

The beauty of PPGs is that there is no set way in which they work – each group is entirely driven by local needs, but they all have the aim of making sure that their practice puts the patient and improving health at the heart of everything it does.

You can e-mail your thoughts and ideas to us at:
Middlestown.ppgroup@wdpct.nhs.uk
Or phone Lynne Stainthorpe on 01924 262994

(Please be aware that we cannot enter into any discussion regarding your own health, the treatment you receive from the surgery, handle any complaints or deal with any other confidential issues arising from your own personal circumstances).

12 March 2013.

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NEWS FROM TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH, NETHERTON

First a reminder of our regular activities:.

Sunday Worship takes place every Sunday at 10:30 for about an hour, followed by the chance for a chat over a cup of tea or coffee.

Coffee Stop, an informal meeting point with something for all ages on the first and third Mondays of the month between 2 and 4:30pm.

Coffee Stop Plus, a similar format every last Saturday, 10 - 12.

Film Club is on the third Friday of each month at 7:30. Admission is free, with refreshments on sale.

Trinity Lunch Stop, continues on the first Wednesday of each month at 12 for 12:30.

Building on the success of the children’s Christmas matinee, there will be a Children’s Film Club on Saturdays 30 March and 1 June, 3pm.

Details of special Lent meetings, shared with St Andrew’s and St Luke’s appear elsewhere. On Easter Day, Sunday 31 March, we will be holding an Easter Breakfast at 8:30, followed by an Easter Communion service at 10:30.

We look forward to seeing you at any of the above events and assure you of a warm welcome.
Contacts: Sandra Ride 01924 271553 or Alan Wood 01924 271210

12 March 2013.

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The Parish Council in 2013

As you read this we shall already be a quarter of the way through 2013. However, as I write at the start of the year I offer a few thoughts on the year ahead for the Parish Council..

As in every aspect of life currently, money is tight and one of our first tasks before we set the new precept for the Council Tax will be to look carefully at how we can get the most out of our current budget and assets. For example, the Council is actively pursuing a strategy to ensure that more allotments are made available for more residents by revoking rentals of underused allotments and encouraging the splitting into two where current holders would find this more manageable.

In the two cemeteries, essential expenditure on maintenance in terms of controlling trees and repairing boundary walls has to be made to avoid incurring increased costs at a later date. The Council will also be ensuring that the graves and memorials are kept in accordance with the Council's regulations which are aimed at achieving a pleasant, safe and easily maintained environment.

The Council's two main assets are Netherton Village Hall and Stevenson House (formerly Netherton Sports and Social Club). These two premises offer complementary venues for a wide variety of social activities and present a major challenge for the Council and the community to keep them running viably.

In late 2012 the Parish Council gave notice that it did not feel in a position to continue to be responsible for the trusteeship of the Village Hall as things then stood. It therefore decided that there would be advantages if the trusteeship were to be transferred to a community group, who would have a more direct sense of ownership and could make their own decisions on the Hall's running and management and hopefully have a greater incentive to fund-raise to ensure that the running costs could be met. In the event, users and other interested members of the community have come forward to re-establish The Friends of Netherton Village Hall and become more involved in its management and funding (although the Friends have stopped short of becoming the trustees at this point in time). Nevertheless, the Council has been very encouraged by the response from the community and the commitment to fund raise to meet any deficit. It has therefore agreed to remain as trustees for at least one year longer to help move the circumstances of the Hall on to a more sustainable footing.

Stevenson House, formerly belonging to Netherton Sports and Social Club, was generously offered to the Parish Council by the Club and bought last year at a very advantageous price. The alternative may well have been that the Club closed and the facility in its current form lost. Throughout the purchase process the Council has been committed to broadening the future activities and management of the premises and investigated a number of options to achieve that. After consideration of the many legal, financial and practical issues involved, those councillors responsible for the purchase of the asset decided that the best way forward was to lease the premises back to Netherton, Sports and Social Club. Over the purchase period the Club management, prompted by the Council, put in place a number of cost saving measures which, together with rental income from the adjacent house managed by the Club, allowed the Council to set a rental value sufficient to cover the cost of the loan needed to finance the purchase.

In return the Club management and members have embraced the Council's vision for a vibrant social facility for the Parish. In addition a small office has been retained by the Council for the Clerk and her assistant. The Council continues to work with the Sports and Social Club to create a community facility which can operate on a viable basis. The current lease to the Club is of a temporary nature as there remain a number of current and potential future issues which need to be resolved before a fully sustainable management and operational structure can be finally established. Please bear in mind that Stevenson House and Netherton Village Hall between them offer a variety of facilities for you to hire for your private function. (Contact Emma King, 07771 113258)

In Middlestown, the Parish Council continues to make a substantial contribution to the upkeep of Denby Grange Sports Club and will be looking this year at whether income from woodland management on Emroyd Common could provide funding for improvement of footpaths and bridleways.

In all, the Parish Council has become a very active body and I know I speak for all councillors in saying that we remain committed to working with the community in serving the best interests of the Parish.

J Newsome
Chair

11 March 2013.

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News from Netherton Youth Crew

Netherton Youth Crew is for the young people of Netherton and also the surrounding areas..

The club is for children in school year groups 8 to 11 (i.e. from ages 12 to 16 incl.), and provides a safe and stimulating environment for the children to meet socially and recreationally, with responsible supervision. The club meets every Wednesday during school term times, at Netherton Village Hall, from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Weekly activities include music, craft activities, computer access, X-box, Wii, Playstation, table tennis and pool, with a tuck shop which sells hot snacks and a variety of drinks.

Membership of the club is simple, but we do require parental consent to help safeguard the children. If you want to know more, ‘phone Andrew Shaw on 01924 275414 or Alison Staal on 01924 277885. You can also speak with Mark Robinson at Breakthru Youth at Horbury School, with which project NYC have an associate agreement.

NYC is delighted that it has received sponsorship into 2013 from Comic Relief, plus Horbury and Ossett Phoenix Rotary Club, and from several other local organisations and individuals, to all of whom enormous thanks are due.

06 March 2013.

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Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Spring Events

All events (unless stated) at Stirley Community Farm, Huddersfield off Ashes Lane, Berry Brow, HD4 6TS.

Spring Seed Sowing
Saturday 16th March; 10am – 12 noon
Help kick start the growing season in the Stirley Community Farm veg beds by sowing the easiest and hardiest varieties for your garden, patio or allotment.
BE 01904 659570

Bee Wise at Stirley’s Kids’ Club
Wednesday 3rd April; 10am - 12 noon (drop in event)
Discover the amazing world of bees both wild and domestic as we reveal the secrets of life in the Stirley hives. Be inspired by growing plants that are a great food for us and bees alike.
Contact: 01484 663185

Summer Veg at Stirley
Saturday 4th May; 10am - 12 noon
This bank holiday it’s time to sow our sweetcorn, squash and beans. Come and join us for tips on growing your late summer veg, and take some seedlings home for your plot.
BE 01904 659570

Growing Newsome and Stirley Farm Big Summer Plant Swap
Newsome Scout Hall, Newsome Rd South, Huddersfield
Saturday 18th May; 10am - 1pm (drop in event)
We’ll be swapping plants, sharing growing tips and sowing summer salads at Newsome Scout Hall with partners Growing Newsome at this busy annual get together. Our special emphasis will be on salad plants which are ideal for attracting bees to your garden.

Stirley’s Kids’ Club: Bees, Blossom and Birds
Wednesday 29th May; 10am - 12 noon
Family event
As spring turns to summer we will walk to Local Nature Reserve Upper Park Wood to discover the abundance of wildlife that lives there. There’ll be a chance to forage for flowers in the hedgerow and make a refreshing summer drink.
BE 01904 659570

Directions
From Huddersfield take the A616 then turn left onto Bridge St, next turn left onto Lockwood Scar. Take a slight left onto Church Lane, continue onto Jackroyd Lane then turn right onto Ashes Lane.
From the M1 take the junction 38 exit to Huddersfield. At the roundabout take the second exit onto the A637. Carry on across two roundabouts then at the next take the first exit onto the A642. Turn right onto Station Rd then right onto the A629. Turn left onto Fenay Lane and continue on this road until it becomes Ashes Lane.
Nearest train station: Berry Brow

06 March 2013.

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Scope - Our Generation Mentoring and Befriending Service

Volunteers wanted – make a difference!!.

Our Generation Mentoring and Befriending Service offers free support to disabled people and people with long term health conditions or learning difficulties who are over the age of 50 in the Wakefield area. The aim is to help people gain confidence, motivation, reduce isolation and to achieve their goals.

Are you over 50, do you have lived experience of disability or a long term condition yourself, or have an interest and commitment to supporting people? Do you have a couple of hours a week to spare?If the answer is ‘yes’ then we would like to hear from you. No qualifications are needed. Full accredited training is provided and out of pocket expenses paid.

For more information – please contact Farzana or Geraldine on Wakefield 01924 256999; email: ourgeneration@scope.org.uk. Or call in at Somerset House, Asdale Rd., Wakefield, WF2 7JE.

Accessing our free service
Contact us directly or via a referral from any care or support professional. A member of our team will make an appointment to talk to you and match you with a suitable mentor or befriender. You will then have an introductory session with them and meet on a weekly basis, at a location convenient for you. A member of our team will also arrange regular reviews with you. Our mentors and befrienders can support you to do the things you want to do. Whether it’s attending a social group or an art class, our customers enjoy their time with us and develop confidence, independence and new skills.
‘Until getting in touch with this service I was totally isolated and housebound. But now I find myself on a new path in my life.’

Scope also provides other support services you may be interested in, including free impartial expert advice through our helpline. Call us free on 0808 800 3333 to find out more.

05 March 2013.

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MOTHERS AND BABIES IN PRISON

In the United Kingdom 60% of women in prison have a young child, and these children are affected by their mother's imprisonment.
HMP New Hall at Dial Wood in Flockton is one of seven prisons in the country to have a Mother and Baby Unit..

Consisting of nine beds, existing and expectant mothers can apply to have their babies with them in prison. The decision is made by the Admissions Board at (ideally) six weeks prior to the birth of the baby. The Admissions Board, which is managed by an Independent Chair, has to consider the number of spaces that are available throughout the prison system, and also to decide whether the child would be better cared for in or out of the prison. Each case is judged on its merits and the baby's wellbeing is the first consideration. At New Hall, the baby is allowed to stay with its mother for 18 months, although this period can be extended if the mother is close to release. If the mother is not to be released by this time, then the child will either go to relatives or be placed in care until she is released.

It is very distressing for the mother and unborn child not to know if they will be able to stay together in prison for the period of time allowed; if the child cannot stay with its mother and form an attachment then the bonding process cannot take place, and both mother and child can become depressed and withdrawn. If a place is allocated to an expectant mother, when labour begins she will be taken to the nearest hospital to give birth and then be returned to the Unit.

The Mother and Baby Units are well equipped, and have a very pleasant atmosphere. Mothers look after their children all the time, apart from when they are working or on educational courses, when care is taken over by the Nursery Nurses who work for Action for Children, or by Prison Officers. Outside volunteers also visit the Unit to look after children so that mothers can pursue recreational activities.

It is hoped that by keeping mother and child together, mothers will become more responsible and will have a better chance of being reintegrated into society on their release.

05 March 2013.

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Spring Fashion Advice from @chiceasy

There's no getting away from the fact that we all need clothes (mainly big chunky warm ones at the moment)..

But clothes don't just have to keep us warm or modest. We send out all sorts of conscious and subconscious messages by our appearance: "look at me"; "find me attractive"; "I'm fun"; "this is practical"; "keep away"... the list is endless, but all these little messages can form how others think we are.

So…here starts a little column, hopefully giving a few hints and tips on how to make the most of what you've got and let it shine. You can read about this season’s fashion trends and can email in any style and clothing dilemmas you need answering, and I'll have a go in the next issue.

Now, here's a quick guide to Spring and Summer's hottest trends. Aren't we just craving a bit of sunshine, flowers growing…which is just where one trend is taking us. Flower-power is big, and floral prints and other bright prints are going to be around again this season. Remember it's all about scale though ladies - if you're petite go for a small print (a large one will drown you), average size - a middle sized print and so on.

Look out for lots of geometric bold patterns in contrasting colours too, especially stunning if you've been blessed with dramatic looks of dark hair and strong eyes. Art Deco straight lines are everywhere, and just to go along with the 30s theme look out for drop waist dresses, shimmer, shine and feathers - very classy and ever so sassy! If you're more fair of face and full of grace, you'll love the 50s influence.

Embrace your feminine curves in ice cream sundae shades. High waist trousers, pencil skirts, little knits and kitten heels are just the thing to bring out your feminine (but never underestimated) side. 60s style is a big influence too this year, and you can keep current by flashing your legs in high hem, zany print shift dresses. Which, by the way if you think a little toning may help in the leg area, you can yet again stay on trend. Keeping fit has never been more fashionable for men and women, as sportswear as daywear is big; colours are bright and bold, fabrics sleek and high tec.



So "game on"... if you're looking for inspiration on this one, check out team "Born to Run" they've got it covered!

Phew... lots covered there, but remember you don't have to throw yourself in at the deep end. Keep true to yourself and dip into a bit of what you fancy, but most important to remember, in the words of style icon Audrey Hepburn: "The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair".

28 February 2013.

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News from MIDDLESTOWN LADIES GUILD

The Guild started the year in style with a dinner at the Capri Restaurant on Thursday January 17th..

We have arranged a full and varied list of speakers for 2013, these include some new speakers together with some of our old favorites.

We are very sorry that Barbara Smith has had to resign, due to ill health as Treasurer after nearly 40 years. This will be marked with a presentation to mark her long service to the Guild.

Why not come along on the 3rd Thursday of each month (excluding February) to Middlestown School from 7.30 to 9.30pm. All made very welcome. For further information ring Audrey 271304. 

28 February 2013.

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Parish Council Meeting Report: Nov 2012-Jan 2013

As you may know, there has been a great deal of concern over the future of Netherton village hall, and this issue featured prominently at the meetings..

In December, the Parish Council made a statement to the effect that the finances of the village hall are in a poor state. The hall costs a lot more per year to run than it takes in receipts, despite an increase in the number of user groups. Apparently, the opportunities for grants are limited by the fact that the Parish Council is a trustee, and we were told that more opportunities might be opened up if the hall were to be run by an independent trust.

It was suggested that the Parish Council therefore consider ending their trusteeship of the hall, which raised concern among residents. It was resolved at the December meeting that the Parish Council would talk to interested parties to look at ways forward, before taking a final decision. The action group, Friends of Netherton Village Hall (FNVH), has been formed to look at new sources of revenue. In January, FNVH representatives provided the Parish Council with a provisional business plan and reported on funding ideas. There is clearly a serious and important problem here, and one in which many residents will be interested – the case for the hall, and its benefit to the community, was made by several people, but how is that to be balanced against the need to save money?

In January the Parish Council considered the precept– their part of your council tax charge. As you may be aware the precept recently went up by over 50% for an average band D home. A proposal was made that it is raised again, and by a significant percentage. The meeting seemed to be split, with those on one side pointing out the need to improve the Council’s finances, and those on the other side saying that they could not support the suggestion and cost cutting measures should be considered instead. Unfortunately, the meeting had to adjourn and the decision was postponed to later in the month. At the time of writing there was no new information on the Parish Council website.

We have a new Parish Councillor, Susan Flannery. Helen Kirkpatrick has resigned after a long time on the Parish Council, opening up another vacancy. Prior to Helen’s departure, she reported on the work of the Blacker Lane Action Group, which has been presented to WMDC Highways.

WMDC Councillor Lawrence Kirkpatrick informed the December meeting about much needed resurfacing work on the lane, which by now will have been completed, as well as a reduced speed limit at the Denby Dale Road end and repositioning of signage. This is good news, but the HGV issue has not gone away. At a Parish Council meeting earlier in 2012, Police Inspector Clare said that anyone witnessing an HGV using Blacker Lane could report the registration number to the police (but please don’t use 999!).

The Parish Council agreed in November to start contributing to Coxley Live. They will also be trialling monthly Parish Councillor Surgeries, January-April, where you may speak to a councillor face to face. We were not provided with the dates early enough to publish them here but they are on the Council’s website. If the trial is a success the scheme may be extended.

There has been a suggestion to close Ossett Fire Station. The Parish Council is concerned that this might increase attendance times in Sitlington, and they plan to raise their concerns with the relevant authorities.

Flashback to the 1980s, and not in a good way. When I was a mere slip of a girl, the walk to school was an obligatory game of dog mess slalom. In 1996 it became an offence to allow your dog to poo in areas to which the public has access without picking up and the maximum fine is a whopping £1000. Fortunately the problem is significantly improved these days. However, it has been mentioned at several Parish Council meetings, most recently in January as an issue in our allotments. I am quite sure the vast majority of dog owners are blameless, and perhaps most of the remainder are not even aware they are doing something wrong. According to Keep Britain Tidy, apart from the unpleasant sight and smell, dog mess can spread disease, the main one being toxocariasis which is a particular risk to young children (www.keepbritaintidy.org). The Parish Council has put up bins and notices, raised the issue with the police, and even sprayed warning notices on the pavements – is there anything else that can be done?

Mrs Smith, Jan 2013

OOPS! There is a typo in the printed magazine in this article where we refer to the Kirkpatricks as Fitzpatricks. Apologies to them.

28 February 2013.

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Ladies Circle – supporting education in Kenya

On the 8th January we had a very interesting evening with our friend Rosemary Donnan from Kenya Project, one of the charities we support..

Rosemary showed a video of the KAG School, Msambweni, Kenya supported by Emley African Educational Project. The school children were celebrating their graduation, they looked very smart in their caps and gowns, and so proud of their achievements. The parents were so proud that their children had achieved well, on this very special day.

Through the assistance of Horbury and Ossett Rotary Club, the school is now connected to piped water from the mains and pupils can now access treated drinking water. This means the school has also been able to construct a sceptic tank, so the boys’ toilet is now in full use.

A library has been built at the school for which Middlestown J & I School has donated some educational books. The evening raised £100 which will help finish the library. Rosemary and Jim Donnan thanked us for the kind donation and the love and support we give to this very worthy cause.

Tasters for the summer (May to July) include: flower arranging evening; boat trip through the Safe Anchor Trust, a walk around Pugneys followed by supper at the Wetherby Whaler.

The Ladies Circle is an open group, very friendly and new members are very welcome.
Margaret Wright, Chairperson Tel: 01924 261201

28 February 2013.

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Spring 2013 Coxley News Magazine

AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW!!!.

NB: Paper copies of the magazine will be delivered over the next few weeks

Welcome to the Spring issue of Coxley News.



Spring colour is gradually brightening up Sitlington after a dreary winter – welcome to the Spring issue of Coxley News. Perhaps we can inspire you to “do new things for spring”?

Before you buy any clothes for your spring and summer wardrobe visit our new fashion column, full of tips and tricks for the new season; grow your own veg this year - learn all about it with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and what about buying Fair Trade Easter eggs this time? - find out what a collective difference this can make.

Could you be a volunteer? Money is scarce but time is golden - have you an hour to spare here and there? Be a befriender for vulnerable people for Scope; contribute to your local NHS patients’ group; help once a month at one of the youth clubs. Yes, it is daunting being a new volunteer (we know!), give it a go.

The Coxley News website is looking for helpers too, we are at multi-tasking capacity! We’d love someone to be able to do our monthly E-News (a digest of upcoming events and recently posted articles); or upload a couple of articles each week from the latest Coxley News. Full training will be given - make it your “new thing for spring”!
Keep writing to us, we love to hear from you!

The Summer edition will cover June, July and August 2013. Items and dates for the magazine and calendar need to reach us by April 13th please.

25 February 2013.

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Scarecrows - coming to a village near you?

Coxley Live is inviting groups or individuals to create a summer scarecrow for display around Netherton over the last week in June (29th & 30th)..

The theme is TV programmes – be it modern or retro. There’ll be a chance to win prizes too!

Register for FREE entry by sending us your name, contact details, scarecrow location and scarecrow character.

There'll be a trail map, refreshments en route and a chance to vote foryour favourite.

24 February 2013.

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FROM CLAYTON WEST TO TRINITY, VIA OVERTON AND TORONTO

THE POWER OF COXLEY NEWS!.

Sometime last summer, a lady from Clayton West was in the garden centre at Overton and spotted copies of Coxley News on the counter. She was offered a free copy and took it home to read. One piece in particular caught her attention – the proposed refurbishment of Trinity Methodist Church at Netherton. She knew her husband’s family had strong links with the chapel and showed him the article.

His interest aroused, her husband recalled all of the members of his family – the Lonsdales - who had attended the church, in particular his uncle Kenneth, now 96, living in Toronto. He sent the copy of Coxley News to Kenneth, where the news was received with equal enthusiasm. It prompted Kenneth to delve into his archives and pull out details of his family, the church and where they all lived – in a cottage in Coxley. His father had come to live there from Lancashire when he got a job in Coxley mill as a weaving overlooker.

With the help of his family in Canada and the UK, Kenneth made contact with the chapel. He wrote an account of the family’s links with the church and sent this, together with photographs and a copy of his baptism certificate which we were able to display at our re-dedication events. He has also made a generous donation which has enabled the church to purchase a new communion table. It carries a plaque linking it with the Lonsdale family.

The church is extremely grateful for the contribution which has been made – and it all started through a chance sighting of Coxley News.

Alan Wood
Church Council Secretary

24 January 2013.

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Wakefield Energy Savers Scheme



18 January 2013.

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Netherton And District Women’s Institute - Winter News 2012

Latest news from Netherton WI.

We have just had our first meeting in the newly refurbished Trinity Methodist Chapel in Netherton and what a truly fantastic job they have made of it. It was a real pleasure to meet in such beautiful surroundings. John Earnshaw, our speaker, entertained us mightily with tales of his life as a Customs Officer and the people he had met during the course of his work – several very famous ones too!

Our Friendship Evening in July was a resounding success with many visitors from neighbouring institutes – they apparently love to come to Netherton because they have such a good time, and the strawberry flan supper is always spot on! We hired a room in the Sports and Social Club for this event as the chapel was out of action. This enabled those who wished to partake of a little alcohol. Our speaker, Clodagh Tweedale, was very amusing and told us why “Success is Overrated”. The raffle prizes were amazing and there were so many of them that you were extremely unlucky not to win one.

Bad weather was anticipated for the School Gala in July (in fact it had done nothing but rain for days) and we all moved inside. We expected the usual bad weather for our August meeting but in actual fact it turned out to be a nice day – we could have rambled round Pugneys after our lunch at the Swan and Cygnet apart from the fact that one of our members had a swollen foot and had come in her slippers so we scrubbed round that one!

As I write this we are greatly looking forward to our November speaker, Roger Fitzgerald, who is a solo transatlantic yachtsman and has taken part in the Jester Challenge. This is to be an open meeting with everyone welcome.

Here’s a taste of what’s on in 2013. On the 8th January we have Alan Swann on Memory – talk entitled “….. What was I saying?” The 12th February sees the return of a very popular speaker Donald Woolley – talk entitled “A Granddad Rediscovered”. Peter Dransfield is to be our speaker on the 12th March on Derbyshire Well Dressing (he was originally booked for June this year but we had unfortunately to cancel our meeting.)

Please remember – these 3 meetings to be at 2.00 pm; back to 7.15 pm in April.

Before signing off I must thank Wakefield Council for their grant of £175 from the Community Chest fund. This has enabled us to buy a couple of tables and a gazebo (waterproof of course) for use at future Netherton School Galas and other events. The money was much appreciated.

Please contact Eileen on 01924 275276 for more information.

01 December 2012.

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Latest news from Coxley Live

Scarcrow Festival
Coxley Live is planning a Scarecrow Festival next June. Fancy creating a scarecrow to display anywhere in Middlestown, Netherton, Overton or Midgley? Get in touch. There will be prizes, a trail and more details about taking part in the Spring edition of Coxley News. Send us your ideas for a theme (children’s storybook characters, sport, countries around the world…) to editors@coxleynews.com or find us on Facebook. Let us know if you would like to help organize this event too.
Contact: Adrian Woodhouse (chair) on 281620 or
email adrian.wendy@talktalk.net.


Coxley Players
By the time you read this Cinderella will have been on stage. We hope that everyone who came along to see the production enjoyed it as much as those who performed it. We look forward to seeing you again next year.


Coxley Calendar
The 2013 Coxley Live calendar is now on sale, featuring photographs of local groups. It can be brought from Netherton Post Office and various other outlets or by contacting Adrian Woodhouse.

Local History- incorporating Oral History
The local history group continues to meet monthly (usually on the first Saturday of the month). Contact Christine Hewitt on 07931 353082 for more information.

The group is currently working on a Heritage Walk leaflet for Middlestown and Overton, this should be available in spring.

We need you
Coxley Live is looking to recruit more members, particularly from Middlestown and Overton, if you would like to come along to our next meeting to find out more about us please contact Adrian Woodhouse (chair) on 281620 or email adrian.wendy@talktalk.net.

15 November 2012.

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Netherton Over 50s

During the summer 2012 we have been grateful to St Andrew’s Church for giving us a place to hold our meetings, including our Birthday Party in August..

September saw our autumn outing to York. We were actually very lucky on the day, as it was preceded by two very wet days, however we only saw an odd shower during our visit. It was awesome to see how far the river had risen, with many of the streets and pathways being impassable. We heard sirens of fire and rescue vehicles throughout the day as they went to help those flooded out. In spite of all this our club members had a good time, finished off with tea at the Wetherby Whaler on the way home.

We are now back to our winter meetings of twice a month. The first October meeting was a pie and pea lunch and harvest auction. At this meeting club members were asked to vote on the future meeting venue. The majority voted to stay in the newly refurbished chapel.

We have a full programme for the rest of the year, including our Christmas Party. The new programme starts in January 2013 and new members are always made most welcome.

09 November 2012.

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Blacker Lane Action Group

New group takes action on dangerous road.

Since the last meeting of the Parish Council, open to everyone concerned about the dangers relating to traffic speed, volume and size of vehicle, a lot has been going on to bring about change and increase safety on Blacker Lane. Parish Councillor Helen Kirkpatrick asked me to set up the Blacker Lane Action Group to work with the Council and District Councillor Kirkpatrick to bring pressure on the Highways to improve the increasingly dangerous situation.
A group of volunteers, with the Rural Police Team monitored traffic at peak times of the day and evening and counted between 300-700 cars per hour on Blacker Lane, not to mention HGVs using the road as a cut through. The road width was also measured and found to be in parts 4.4m – 4.8m wide; the minimum width required for HGVs is 5.5m. Following this, a ‘Golden River’ was installed at the end of Blacker Crescent which records over a two week period every vehicle type and speed at all times of day and night. This information will be presented to the Highways department to reinforce the need for action.
District Councillor Kirkpatrick has had meetings with the Highways who had not realised the extent of the damage caused to the road by the amount of traffic using the road. The following actions have been promised by Highways and a Road Closure order has been submitted although this takes 6 weeks for implementation. Nevertheless, the closure will come in to force before Christmas in order to carry out:

1.Urgent repairs to the dip and bend in the road from Netherton
2.Preparatory works to clear road drainage systems and patch areas
3.A review of all signage
4.Removal of overhanging branches to improve visibility of signage
5.A review of the road markings on Netherton Lane/Blacker Lane
6.A review of the speed limit at the Denby Dale end of Blacker Lane which is supported in principle.
7.A review of the speed limit on the rest of Blacker Lane.

After these preparatory works, Blacker Lane will be topped off in the next financial year, 2013. The police will write to the Council stating that a ban of HGVs is required on the road as its width does not support two HGVs passing. Keep up to date at our website:
www.e-voice.org.uk/blackerlaneactiongroup
Ruth Watson

18 October 2012.

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Parish Council Meeting Report: Sept to Oct 2012

It was a quiet summer for our politics team, with no August Parish Council meeting. That’s not to say our intrepid reporters simply lounged by the pool of a secluded hotel somewhere in the Med, waiting for the next cocktail to arrive. There was no hot-headed and indecorous behaviour finding its way onto the internet. The news desk was run as a brigadier runs his garrison – no slacking, no shirking, and certainly no indulgence in the hedonism of the barbecue season. So, as September approached, with pencils sharpened, notebooks poised, we were ready to deliver the news of the forthcoming political year….

We have three new Parish Councillors: Mike Salamon, David Kaye and Theresa Bollon. Karen Varley stepped down as a councillor, Sue Earnshaw joined as Assistant Clerk.

The Autumn issue of Coxley News reported on dangerous driving along Blacker Lane and elsewhere. The police have been conducting traffic checks at various spots in the Parish, and assisted with traffic monitoring carried out in September by the Blacker Lane Action Group.
Inspector Clare of the Wakefield Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team reported that July had been a bad month for crime, in particular burglary. Vehicle thefts, theft from vehicles and antisocial behaviour also increased. Fortunately, some arrests were made and crime figures have since dropped, as reported by PC Wood in October. Inspector Clare urged anyone who sees anything suspicious or has information relating to an incident to call the police immediately. While most people do that, some people wait, perhaps not sure that they should worry the police. Even if it looks like the suspects have gone, there may be valuable intelligence for the police to collect. The suspects may not have left the area altogether and can, in some cases, be caught elsewhere.

Netherton Cricket Club asked for support for a Sport England grant to replace the cricket pavilion. The Parish Council agreed to assist with the application.

Netherton Village Hall is now being used every day, following the repairs, and the Parish Council aims to increase the number of user groups.

The Coxley Mill renovation project is on-going, intended to provide a valuable education resource in the Parish.

Finally, the Parish council discussed Kirklees’ Local Development Framework (LDF) and the suggestion of a bypass for Flockton. The Parish Council noted that a preferred route would be one that does not encourage traffic through Sitlington. The Parish Council will issue a response to the LDF.

01 October 2012.

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Parish Council Meeting Report: May to July 2012

I was informed that my previous article contained some inaccuracies, for which I apologise. I don’t have the detailed knowledge of the Parish Councillors, and I am still learning about the Parish, but I do my best..

In May three Parish Councillors resigned, including Chair Roger Bennett. Although there were requests for an election, there were insufficient nominations. Three residents have put themselves forward, and Coxley News will report who they are once they have been co-opted.

Or new Parish Council Chairman is John Newsome and our new Vice-Chairman is Nigel Brook.

Wind turbines
The final report from Origin Energy is available on the Parish Council’s website. Following delivery of the report, the Parish Council released the following statement (reproduced here with their permission):

‘Origin Energy’s Phase 2 report on potential options for pursuing renewable energy projects, within the Parish, outlines a number of wide ranging potential opportunities which may be worthy of further consideration. The Parish Council remains basically supportive of the principle of renewable energy and energy conservation, but recognises the limited extent of its own powers to be directly involved in any business operation to implement any of the options. This limits the potential for the Parish to benefit directly from income generated by any renewable energy schemes, which had been a significant reason for the Parish Council originally looking into the idea.

The Phase 2 report does, however, indicate how the local community might benefit from pursuing renewable energy projects through the formation of a Community Renewable Energy Enterprise non profit making company. It is noted that there is some interest in developing this concept through the embryonic ‘Sustainable Sitlington’ approach. The Parish Council will monitor the progress of this initiative and will take an independent view of any proposals which may be brought forward in the future.

The Parish Council wishes to make it clear that it would only support any future community based renewable energy proposals which would be for the benefit of the community as a whole. The Parish Council also wishes to affirm its commitment to statements within the Parish Plan regarding protecting the countryside, its wildlife and its value for countryside recreational activities.’

Allotments
In the Spring issue, I reported that the new allotment project was going ahead because the Council had received all the necessary approvals, quotes and so on. Unfortunately, owing to a limited budget this year, the Finance Committee has recommended the project be halted. The Parish Council is looking for other ways to fund the work or to release pre-existing space for new allotment holders.

Emroyd Common
A meeting was arranged to discuss the regeneration of the Common. Ideas put forward included creating a wildflower meadow, grazing and managing woodland areas for the sustainable production of timber.

Grants
A grant request for Middlestown Gala was refused because it had made a profit in 2011 and no longer qualified for a grant. An appeal was referred to the Finance committee and upheld, on the basis that the Gala was for the good of the community and should be supported in its initial years. The grant criteria have since been clarified to avoid future confusion.

Development on Green Belt
The Parish Council noted that there have been some unauthorised developments, and other works have been undertaken before planning permission has been granted. The Planning Committee will consider such cases and raise any concerns with WMDC.

Staffing
The Parish Council voted to hire an Assistant Clerk.

Police report
May I first send my apologies to Sergeant Day, who I incorrectly called Sergeant Dale in the Spring issue.

We are lucky to live in a low crime area, but there have been a small number of house burglaries, some property damage, thefts from vehicles, some youth nuisance and one incidence of arson. Inspector Richard Clare attended the July meeting and reported that the number of crimes in June had dropped compared to May.

In May Sergeant Day reported on scams that had occurred in nearby Parishes. One involved people pretending to be police officers. They had convincing ID and radios. Another scam involved a thief pretending to be from WMDC. The thief offered his own phone to the victim to call the Council to verify his identity, which then phoned through to an accomplice. Police advice is to use your own phone to check who is at your door.

Mrs Smith (Contact me at MrsSmith@CoxleyNews.com)

01 October 2012.

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No Coxley Wind Turbines protesters forced to withdraw campaign leaflets.

News article provided by Gavin Elden of http://www.renewable-energy-resource.net.

A West Yorkshire protest group has been forced to withdraw its campaign leaflets after a complaint was made to the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA).

The complaint was centered around claims made by the group regarding the construction and siting of wind turbines and their efficiency.

Rather than supporting their claims, the group have agreed to withdraw the leaflets preventing a full investigation from taking place.

No Coxley Wind Turbines was formed after the local parish council commissioned a study to find ways of offsetting the 13 Gigawatts of electricity that is consumed annually by its parishioners.

The initial Phase 1 study suggested that the only way to do this was by constructing two, large 125 metre high wind turbines in the centre of the parish.

Gavin Elden of Sustainable Sitlington, a company set up to promote the use of renewable technology in the area said “at no time were there any plans to build these wind turbines, the report simply answered a question that was asked of its authors, which was basically, how can we offset our energy usage?”

“Unfortunately, a small group of people, for whatever reason, took the report to mean that these turbines were actually going to be constructed, consequently, they formed a protest group that very effectively misled people, preventing free and open debate on the use of renewable energy as a whole”

“Because of this I felt that I had no option other than to report the misleading leaflets to the ASA and now feel that I was justified in doing so"

"We cannot allow people to dishonestly prevent debate, each and every one of us has a right to hear the truth as this allows us to then make informed decisions, for some of us, that right was taken away ”

The No Coxley Wind Turbines group, have subsequently removed the leaflets from their website and have agreed not to distribute them again.

Mr Elden stated that “if a full investigation had been undertaken, then I believe, that the leaflets would have been found to be in breach of CAP Code clauses 3.1 (Substantiation) and 7.1 (Truthfulness) and it is important that people are aware of this.

24 September 2012.

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Parish Council Meetings Report: March/April 2012

Wow, that’s a catchy and inviting title, I hear you say. Hello, I’m Mrs Smith of the Coxley News, and this is a new feature aiming to tell you what happens at monthly Parish Council meetings..

The Council issues minutes on their website, but I bet few of us go online to view them regularly, and some residents don’t have access, so hopefully this column will fill a gap. If you find it useful, let us know; if you don’t, then tell us too!

Wind turbines
Over 100 residents attended the March meeting at Middlestown School Hall, and quite clearly most were there to discuss the wind turbine proposal. (The Council’s minutes say 83 residents, but I counted several times so I’m sure I’m right!) Feelings were running high, and many questions and comments were raised. Kath Turner, of the No Coxley Turbines campaign, read out a statement urging the Council to rethink the proposals.

Phase II was approved and will cost £25,000, paid for by a government grant. Councillor Aspinall proposed that the Council withdraw support for wind turbines, but this was voted down. It was agreed the Council would await the outcome of Phase II.

At the April meeting, around 30 residents attended and most residents’ comments were on the same topic. No Coxley Turbines presented the Council with a petition of over 950 signatures. Wakefield District Councillor Ian Sanders was in attendance, and noted that most residents to whom he had spoken were concerned about the wind turbine issue. Further public meetings to discuss Phase II were proposed.

HGVs on rural roads
The Parish Council is concerned about trucks on Blacker Lane. The speed limit could be changed to 40 mph but narrowing the road seems impossible. Certain members of the Council proposed direct action, but I’m not sure the suggestion to block the road with their own bodies was a serious one! If you want to help (not block the road, obviously, I mean help with any ideas!) contact the parish Clerk.

Netherton Sports and Social Club
The Parish Council completed the purchase of the Club in March. The new name of the building is Stevenson House. An invitation was made to community interest groups to support and develop the Club, so if you have any ideas I am sure the Council would be delighted to hear them.

Finances and precept
Partly because of costs related to the play area and purchase of Netherton Social Club, the Chair reported that Parish Council funds are lower this year. However, the precept for 2012/13 will remain unchanged. Mr Smith, who accompanied me to the meeting, remarked later that this was a good thing considering the whopping increase of 53.5% in 2011/12.

A new Parish Councillor
Four people applied for the Parish Council vacancy, interviews were held and our new Councillor is Karen Varley. Congratulations to Karen!

Other noteables
The Parish Council paid for improvements to Netherton play area but it has been vandalised since then. Netherton village hall roof was repaired but other improvements are needed urgently.
New allotments had been held up by planning issues, but are now going ahead. Happy growing!

Visitor numbers to Caphouse Colliery are slightly down, but the colliery’s future has been secured by an agreement with the Science Museum.

A proposal was made to use Middlestown WMC as a community facility.
Littering and dog fouling remain an issue in some areas – the Council are looking into options, but surely these are problems we can all help to address.

Police report
Sergeant Dale informed us that crimes had gone down compared to the same period last year. There have been some home and car break-ins, Horbury Bridge ATM was compromised, and there have been some metal and farm thefts. The message was keep vigilant and make sure you lock your car with the windows fully closed.

There we have it, dear readers. Coverage of May, June and July will appear in the Autumn issue.

26 June 2012.

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Hello! Magazine reads Coxley News!

Hello! magazine recently provided an intriguing link between the Netherton Garden Walk and a Royal garden party..

The glossy society magazine used coxleynews.com to trace the copyright owners of a photograph for their 2nd April issue. Netherton residents John and Leona Sellars, whose Golden Jubilee photograph of the Queen and her cousin Lord Harewood featured in the magazine, told Coxley News:

“John and I married in June 1977, which was the year the Queen celebrated her Silver Jubilee. Our Silver wedding was in 2002, the year of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee. I contacted the office of the Lord Lieutenant of the county for details of the Queen’s visit. I was informed there was to be a garden party at Harewood House and a few tickets were allocated to each council in the area. I contacted Wakefield Council and asked if there was a chance of two tickets as it was our Silver Wedding. Two weeks before, I received a telephone call to ask if we would like two spare tickets.”



“July 11th 2002 was a glorious sunny day and we enjoyed every moment. While watching the festival parade, John took this photograph; two cousins sharing an intimate moment on a grand occasion. I wrote to Lord Harewood, enclosing a print and received a personally signed letter expressing how delighted he and his wife were to receive the intriguing photograph of himself and the Queen. “

The print sent by Leona, now part of the Harewood archive, is currently on display at Harewood as part of Royal Harewood: Celebrating the Life of the Yorkshire Princess, and Marcus Adams: Royal Photographer. Keen to use the photograph in their feature on the exhibition, Hello! needed permission from the Sellars. An internet search soon took Hello! to the Coxley News website where the Sellars featured as a result of opening their garden for Netherton’s Garden Walk last year. A name plus an address enabled Hello! to contact the couple, who are duly credited in the magazine.

The exhibition runs until June 17th.

In a similar story, the family of Wilfred Ibbotson have been contacted via coxleynews.com by an author from the Netherlands who is researching a book about Castricum, the area in the Netherlands where Wilfred’s plane crashed in 1943 and he was sadly killed. The author found the wedding photo of Wilfred and his wife, Doris, on the Coxley News website and the two parties were put in touch.

We look forward to the forthcoming publication!

In a similar story, the family of Wilfred Ibbotson have been contacted via coxleynews.com by an author from the Netherlands who is researching a book about Castricum, the area in the Netherlands where Wilfred’s plane crashed in 1943 and he was sadly killed. The author found the wedding photo of Wilfred and his wife, Doris, on the Coxley News website and the two parties were put in touch.

We look forward to the forthcoming publication!

30 May 2012.

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Netherton Over 50s

Members of the club are feeling rather like nomads, as yet again we have to relocate our club, this time to St. Andrew’s Church. We have been very happy and cosy at the Chapel Hall, but as it has been sold we are again homeless. We are very grateful to Reverend Lesley and the PCC for giving us refuge..

As usual we had a bottle and jar tombola stall at the school spring fair. This proved very popular and gave us a welcome boost to our funds.
Our last meeting at the Chapel Hall was in March when we had a fish and chip lunch provided by our local travelling ‘chip van’. This was a first for us, but very much enjoyed by all.

Our summer outing, in June, is to Whitby, always a favourite. We hope to have a Jubilee afternoon tea this year plus our usual birthday party in August.

Why not give the club a visit in our new home and enjoy a social afternoon with friends. We meet on the last Wednesday of the month at
2 pm.

02 April 2012.

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Response to wind turbines debate

"Rather than obtaining grants which benefit the Wind Turbine developer and land owne, the parish council should be applying for grants for non-intrusive Photovoltaic Solar Panels and Solar Water panels for our village schools..".

The summer issue of Coxley News published information about a potential project for use of wind turbine technology in Sitlington.


Shaun Luty writes:

"The Coxley wind turbine(s) plan will not benefit the local community so why is our Councillor Nigel Brook supporting the Coxley wind turbine(s) plan? Councillor Nigel Brook should be listening and acting in the interests of the community that elected him, as should the local parish council.

"Rather than obtaining grants which benefit the Wind Turbine developer and land owner, the parish council should be applying for grants for non-intrusive Photovoltaic Solar Panels and Solar Water panels for our village schools. Grants are available for these low impact ‘green energy schemes’ which are a better fit with our local conservation areas. Solar for schools would reduce the schools electricity and hot water bills and would generate an income from the government FIT scheme to help them offset utility bills and use those on-going saving to purchase much needed equipment and books for improving the education of the children of our communities. In these times of economic uncertainty the proposed Coxley wind turbine(s) needs a serious rethink!."

3rd Feburary 2012

Ian Kirby writes:

"I am somewhat alarmed by the proposal to place wind turbines in the Coxley Valley area.

"I believe the environmental impact is well argued elsewhere, but I wish to make a point about the claim that the turbines will generate 13.8 GWh of energy. I am assuming this figure is the potential energy (please correct me if I am wrong), as it is always this potential which is stated when proposals are made.

"E-ON did some extensive work involving two very large sites in Germany and Holland and published their findings which concluded that the energy efficiency was between 8 and 10%, surprising themselves as it was far lower than even they predicted. Even when networked the two sites produced the same efficiencies (8-10%).

"In addition more traditional power plants such as coal or gas need to be running at around 85 - 90% in order to ‘kick in’ whenever the wind turbines are not producing the energy expected (days with little wind ( Beaufort 6)).

"Within the local authority for which I work we have pushed renewables with a number of buildings now having wind turbines. According to their own figures on one of their buildings two turbines had a potential for 105 GWh per year, but the actual figure was just short of 10GWh, just under 10% efficiency, tallying with the E-ON data. At another location they quoted 25% efficiency during the planning stage, but are producing only 10.5% efficiency.

"The total value of electricity was £2000 including the value from the Renewable Obligation Certificate, but the cost of maintenance was £6000. The LA have now removed the wind turbines on top of their town centre buildings.

"The issue I have is that many of these proposals are put forward on what can only be described as non-achievable figures. Many developers factor in an efficiency coefficient of around 25%, but this is still well above the actual efficiencies achieved. I would be quite happy to reflect on these figures, but I would like evidence that a 25% efficiency is actually achieved over a twelve month period.

"The impact on the countryside of major construction work, cost to the environment of the construction, large, obtrusive towers, noise from the cavitations of the blades as well as any potential for strobe effect on nearby houses for what will probably be, at most, around 1.3 GWh of energy need very careful consideration.

"Renewables such as wind are fine and noble in principle, but there are too many questions still to be asked about their efficiencies and reliability before we start blighting the landscape further."

15th August 2011

Ian Sanderson of Middlestown writes:

"Being a resident of Middlestown and reading the last edition of the Coxley News, I was astounded that the Sitlington Parish Council would even consider the proposal or feasibility of a wind turbine farm at the top of Chapel Hill.

"I read with great interest Ron Aspinall's research into this subject and looking into it myself, would wholly agree with his assessment.

"The proposed site is an area which is used regularly by the public for outdoor pursuits such as walking, horseriding, cycling etc.

"These turbines would over-shadow the whole of Middlestown and surrounding area and any further studies into this proposal should be stopped immediately before the phase 2 study is commissioned.

"FINALLY, NO TO WIND TURBINES!"

8th July 2011

Alan Wood of Netherton writes:

"I am writing to register my concerns about the proposed wind turbines which are being considered by Sitlington Parish Council. My comments are based on the information which Ron Aspinall reported in Coxley News, which is the best we have in the absence of details from the Parish Council itself.

"My main point is that turbines 130m (approx.. 426 feet) in height to the top of the blades are totally out of scale in relation to the intimate, undulating countryside between Middlestown and Netherton in which they are to be placed. The height is almost exactly the same as the total difference between the highest (Midgley / Overton) and lowest (Calder valley) points in Sitlington parish. Turbines of this size need landscapes of a much grander scale, e.g. open moorland, to accommodate them.

"The difficulty in finding sites within the parish which fall outside the 600m minimum distance from residential development signals to me that our countryside is inappropriate for structures of this size. There is no reference to the additional impact of the access roads which would be necessary for construction and maintenance traffic or how the power generated would be connected to the national grid, all of which would be significant given the distance from public highways.

"The countryside is treasured by locals and visitors alike. The Parish Plan consultations showed that preservation of the Green Belt and the rural feel of the parish was supported by 91% of the responses; the main recommendation on Leisure, Recreation and Environment was that “the Parish Council defends the Green Belt and works … to protect, maintain and defend the countryside, its paths, bridleways and wildlife.” This area is featured in local publications of the Ramblers’ Association for its attractive undulating countryside, attractive footpaths and bridleways and open aspects.

"In the light of the above, I am surprised that, having received the initial desk top feasibility study, the Parish Council did not drop the idea at that stage. Further studies may not incur any direct cost to the parish council, but they will be funded from the public purse by taxpayers and utility bill payers. I urge the Council to think again.

"I am sending a copy of this letter to Coxley News. This matter is sufficiently important for the debate to be conducted publically so that everyone is aware of the issues being raised. The number of challenges already made to the Parish Council may be small in relation to the total electorate, but the strength of the arguments put cannot be ignored. How long is it since any other Parish Council proposal issue caused such a response?"

30th June 2011

Parish Councillor Helen Kirkpatrick (Netherton ward) writes:

"I am so sorry that the wind turbine issue was not predominant in the May elections for Sitlington Parish Council - indeed, that antagonists did not have a chance to not vote for us. As it happens, we, who were prepared to put the work in for the Parish (for no remuneration) and go to the trouble of standing for election, were returned unopposed, with 1 unfilled vacancy in Netherton Ward, and 2 in Middlestown - this despite extra publicity via the media, information sessions and so on. I am happy to report that we have now our full compliment of 5 Netherton Councillors, but to date still have 2 vacancies in Middlestown. How good it would be if those keen to complain decided to take part in our Parish democracy, and work for the better good - whether it be wind turbines or not."

20th June 2011

AJH Warbuton writes:

"Yesterday I checked out the proposed location for Sitlington PC's plans to ruin the Coxley Valley landscape. On the way, I stopped to take some photos of the phone mast on Smithy Lane, as its height (20.5m) helps to put the relative size of a wind turbine of the specification as described by Ron Aspinall (80m ground-to-hub, 3 x 50m blades giving a 100m sweep) into accurate perspective.

"Attached (bottom of page) is a document showing, exactly to scale, how such a concrete totem pole would appear, were it to be placed next to the mast (whose effect we can already see, courtesy of a short walk). Nigel Brook says that it "... would help enhance the pleasant environment in which we live." How would-be politicians abuse the meaning of language!

"I've already contacted our local WMDC councillor, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the West Yorkshire Bat Group, asking for their support. Let's hope the very people who should be protecting our landscape and countryside rally round and stop this one before it gets any further."

26th June 2011

Phil Thorpe of Netherton writes:

"The 5th of May elections would have been the honorable time to mention turbines. The Parish budget went up 50% from £40.000 to £63.000 without consultation. This will need to rise to £200.000 within the next 5 years - my best estimate as Mr Dransfield has so far not replied to 2 emails requesting budget information."

7th June 2011

Gary Baker of Netherton writes:

"It is difficult to add to Ron Aspinall’s article in the Summer 2011 issue of Coxley News. Ron has done a very good job of highlighting the incongruity of even considering the infliction of these entirely inappropriate carbuncles upon our landscape, and the council would be doing a very good job to take heed of these views.

"On the other hand I find it difficult to reconcile Councilor Brook’s apparent delusion that these hideous monstrosities are in any way fitting or welcome in our beautiful countryside, and that the community might be rewarded with tangible financial benefits from their imposition.

"A glimpse beneath the veil of Mr Brook’s ostensibly beneficial project exposes concerns of considerable proportion.

"Origin Energy is a business who design, finance, build and operate wind farms. Note the emphasis on business.
CO2Sense helps businesses to prosper in the low-carbon economy, supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund. All very cozy for Origin Energy and CO2Sense.
The phase 1 study considered “a visual intrusion zone showing impact of the scheme.” From who’s perspective? Not mine I’m sure.
The phase 1 report “concludes two turbines are feasible though only one might be preferred.” Preferred by whom? No mention of those preferring none. The language of the report already presumes the project has wings. Origin Energy/CO2Sense have tantalized, now they are preparing to set their hook, and once they do they could have the community at their mercy.
A phase 2 study would consider:
“the community’s choice and position of the turbines.” Again the “NO” option is not represented. Should this not have been considered at Phase 1? Should this not now be considered very carefully BEFORE being drawn into Phase 2?
“Possible conflict with airports.” If the consultants are prepared by necessity to consider potential conflict with distant airports, surely the council should in the first instance consider the inevitable conflict with the community and the impact on their landscape.
“Strategy for grid connections.” Should this not have been a Phase 1 consideration? There is potential under this heading to open up a whole new can of worms further down the process.
“financial returns to the community.” Who would the smart gambler back as the real winners here? A burgeoning and focused renewable energy business enterprise, bolstered by funding, and on the scent of another lucrative project? Or a good old dependable English village community?

"Such a scheme has no place in our environment, and I too recommend that the council should abandon this cause while the going is relatively good – just close the door, forget about it and save us all a lot of money and grief."

9th June 2011

Shaun Luty writes:

FYI – Not a green idea at all, small scale non-intrusive green energy on your domestic home yes! Large commercial wind turbines on your doorstep no thanks.

I’ve been a producer of ‘green energy’ for the past 4 years we have over 2kw of Solar PV panels bolted to our south facing roof, this low impact micro generation is the way forward to offset your electricity bills whilst the sun shines.

I’m 100% against any Wind Power on our doorstep. What’s the business case justifying this?

I use Coxley, its bridleways and paths to walk our dog and train for Triathlons, I run through this beautiful valley and don’t accept commercial gain argument.

I’m disappointed our Parish Council has been so short sighted and disconnected from the people who probably voted them into those lofty roles?

31st May 2011

Claire Jennings writes:

I am absolutely amazed - OUR parish council are seriously considering turbines of this size and magnitude on the edge of arguably our most beautiful asset??

Coxley Valley? - Really, you are surely losing your marbles?

Please remember before pushing forward with these plans that it is necessary to consult your parishioners about this. Rather than this just being contained in Coxley News, which not everyone has time to read, I would be interested to learn when you are holding a public meeting for feedback from your parishioners.

31st May 2011

Melvin Holmes of Netherton writes:

"In a world where energy demand is constantly increasing and resources diminishing, we need to look very carefully at alternative energy sources. Clearly, with a national commitment to reduce carbon emissions, we must consider environmentally friendly options which include wind turbines.

"The green energy lobby consistently assert that wind turbines run at 30% efficient levels. This figure has been proved to be incorrect after a recent independent 395 day study of the wind farms in Scotland carried out by the John Muir Trust. Their findings show that over a period of approximately 13 months the efficiency figure was in fact 22.07%. This is a significant difference and undermines the green lobby argument for energy produced from wind turbines. There is also the 'energy payback' to consider which equates to the time needed to generate the equivalent amount of energy used in the manufacture of a wind turbine which is on average 6 to 8 months. A further consideration is the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere during the construction phase of a wind turbine.

"Despite this, we still need energy and on the face of it the cost of wind energy, although variable, is 'on average' 3 - 4p per unit, for land based wind farms in a 'good location'. This compares reasonably well with new coal at 2.5 - 4.5p per unit and nuclear at 4 - 7p per unit, although these do not suffer from intermittency problems. In other words, as a top-up source although not perfect, wind turbines do provide some low efficiency energy, but at what cost?

"The cost to me would be the location. I am not a nimby but someone who believes in the value of of our beautiful countryside and Coxley Valley certainly falls under that heading. I think siting a wind turbine there would be the worst kind of rural vandalism and one that would last 20 to 25 years which is the lifetime of one. Imagine the outcry if a wind turbine were to be erected beside York Minster, or the Cow and Calf in Ilkley, or Brimham Rocks, or alongside Fountains Abbey! So why should we agree to one in our own precious rural idyll?

"If a wind turbine is to be forced upon us by our local councillors (and if that proves to be the case I will not vote for any one of them again), surely a more sensible location would be Bretton Common on the A637 Huddersfield Road? This site has good access for construction purposes, no local residents to upset and a location for wind that must be better than Coxley Valley as it is located on the very top of a hill with line of sight to another wind farm in Ingbirchworth. The area is also littered with building rubble and waste from fly tipping, so a new development might clean the area up a bit."

6th June 2011

Keith J. Hardy of Netherton writes:

"Is the Compensation protocol of 5 megawatts for potential, or actual performance? If the latter, forget profit - you would need a forest of turbines to produce the requirement. And of course you need power stations for when the wind speed is too high or low.

"Trying to pass this idea as green is wide open to debate, as when the co2 produced in the manufacture, transportation, infrastructure, installation and decomissioning are taken into account it is a very pale green to pink.

"It is all about money and my view is, wrecking the amenities and spoiling the countryside, not forgeting the wild life - you should consign this scheme to the dustbin."

25th May 2011

Ron Aspinall, Middlestown resident adds:

"Farcically, the protocol relies on installed capacity, despite the known inefficiency of onshore turbines. The Government subsidies are aimed at ticking the box for installed capacity targets regardless of the actual output. The poor efficiency of these turbines ought to count more against the justification for them and their desecration of valuable countryside than it does currently. There is a good article by Simon Jenkins in today's (Fri 27th May) Guardian on this theme."

Ian Shires of Overton writes:

"I was born and brought up in Overton and spent many happy days in
Coxley. I cannot believe that the local council can be so foolish to
suggest building wind farms in the area. The evidence for wind farms is very tenuous and the arguments against are very strong.

Please look at http://saveourseashore.org/?p=701

"A recent article on the BBC News website highlighted the problem
facing Germany. They produce more electricity from wind than any
other country. Yet when the wind stops blowing 1 in every 5 homes,
offices, factories and hospitals, etc would have to close.

"The alternative is to "switch on" the power stations. Yet they take 2 to 3 days to spin up to full power. Therefore in Germany every power station is running at full capacity in case the wind drops.

"What then is the benefit of building wind farms? The only people to benefit are those installing the turbines and those making them. The rest of us still have to pay the power companies and we have to look at the turbines."

4th June 2011

Send your views to editor@coxleynews.com

10 February 2012.

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Stonechapel House mystery

New owners trying to find out history.

Does anyone have any information regarding the history of Stonechapel House on Thornhill Road?



If so please contact TSP showbusiness who now reside there on 01924 271500 or info@t-s-p.co.uk

07 December 2011.

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Too many tomatoes? Try this recipe!

GREEN TOMATO CHUTNEY.

Makes about 6lb

3lb green tomatoes
1½lb cooking apples
1½lb onions
2 tablespoons salt
12oz sugar (either granulated, light brown, dark brown or muscovado)
2 teaspoons ground mixed spice
8oz sultanas (or raisins or dates)
1 pint malt vinegar

Mince the tomatoes, apples and onions. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle over the salt. Cover and leave overnight.

Next day, pour off the liquid that has been drawn out by the salt and discard it. Transfer everything into a large preserving pan. Bring to the boil, with the vinegar, and then add the sugar, spice and fruit.

Return to the boil and simmer until soft and pulpy, about 1½ hours.

Spoon into cooled, sterilised jars, seal with a vinegar-proof lid, and label. Store for 6-8 weeks, to mature, before using.

NOTE: The choice of sugar is your preference, as is the choice of dried fruit.

We'd love to hear your recipes too. Please send them in to us!

26 September 2011.

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Ian Sanders-District Councillor for Rural Ward

Find out about the new councillor in our area.

I am the recently elected District Councillor for Rural Ward of Wakefield Council. I am 62yrs old & married to Kath,who many of you have met. We have a grown up son who keeps an eye on both of us. We live and have worked in Havercroft for 28 years.

After leaving school at 15, I accepted an Electrical Apprenticeship with the National Coal Board and 4 years later become an underground electrician. I was encouraged to progress with further education and I gained qualifications which enable me to take up the post of Electrical Engineer for British Petroleum. The job meant travelling all over the world. I was 21yrs old, just married and the job enabled Kath to travel with me. It was a fabulous time as I loved the job and we saw the world. Further career moves took me to work for the Saudia Arabian Government and finally to Kuwait Oil.



In 1982 the travelling ended and I came home to stay. I went into retail, managing Off Licences Markets and for the past 12 years I have managed a large News agency. This operates a Home News Delivery service to six surrounding villages.

At 62 I have no intentions of retiring, the compromise with the family is I call myself semi-retired; they seem happy with that job title. I am not a workaholic, but I do enjoy work, travel, meeting and talking to people, which unknowingly at the time brought me into contact with local politics. This occurred after an incident in Havercroft that I felt extremely strongly about, as a result of which I was approached to become a Parish Councillor. I didn't need any persuasion to say yes.

It has been a steep learning curve which has stood me in good stead for my next challenge. I was asked to stand for the Conservative Party in the local government elections when Brian Denson decided not to seek re-election.

It is an honour and privilege to have your trust to represent you for the next 4 years and I pledge to work to the best of my ability to repay that confidence in me.

Rural Ward covers a large area, however, I hope to visit your ward every day and get to grips with the issues that concern you most. These include a). The bus service in Netherton and b). The wind turbine.

I have to thank my two colleagues Councillor June Drysdale & Councillor John Colley who are my mentors. I could not wish for better assistance as their knowledge, experience,and achievements within the ward are second to none,so one of my aims is to reach their standards.

I look forward to you all interrogating me further at any forthcoming events and I am always available.

My number is 077 628 351 49

Ian Sanders

14 September 2011.

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Baptism records show Coxley Valley’s interesting past

A couple of fascinating new publications are now available from Wakefield & District Family History Society.

St. Luke’s church in Middlestown between 1877and 1923 have been transcribed, an invaluable tool if you are tracing your family tree but an interesting read for anyone from the area. Two publications are available:
Middlestown Baptisms 1877 - 1887 £2.00 and
Middlestown Baptisms 1887 - 1911 £2.50
Here are some interesting facts from the publications to whet your appetite:
1887-1923
Nearly 1600 records

Top 5 surnames:
1. Bentley
2. Lee
3. Wood
4. Oldroyd
5. Walker

1877 - 1887
800 records

Top 5 surnames:
1. Shires
2. Beaumont
3. Taylor
4. Hardcastle
5. Ramsden

Top girls name - Mary
Top boys name - George
51% of fathers were miners
3% were single mothers

Unusual occupations:
Football stitcher
Billiard room proprietor
Cattle dealer
Lamp cleaner
Gentleman
Rag merchant
Shoe maker

Unusual names:
Veda
Melbourne
Hagar
Cortina
Cecilina
Tedbert
Thetis
Merab
Ezra
Coronilla
Friend
Ephraium
Sethina

If you would like to purchase the baptism records visit www.wdfhs.co.uk or via the society’s monthly meetings which are held on the first Saturday of the month at Outwood Memorial Hall doors open 09.30 am.

04 September 2011.

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Response to Middlestown pottery mystery

We've had a few interesting responses so far..

From P. Hill
"I myself have 2 boots which I bought from a shop (Cissie Pools) now the second hand shop in New Road, Middlestown round about the early 1970s."


Coxleynews received a phone call to say that there was an advert in one of the papers about 35-40 years ago and you could order various pieces of pottery with what ever name you wanted, the gentleman said it was a company in Staffordshire who placed the advert.

From C. Hewitt
"the pottery appears to be Devon Ware.
It was made for the tourist trade and was popular during the 1950s.
I am however surprised that Middlestown warranted its own - one more often sees seaside resorts.
Don't think that many people holidayed in Middlestown!"

05 June 2011.

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West Riding Air Raid Precautions Twitter Feed

Live tweeting air raids.

Check out West Yorkshire Archives Twitter feed. Real time, live tweeting air raids; based on World War 2 records of the West Riding of Yorkshire's Air Raid Precautions service held at West Yorkshire Archive Service.

http://twitter.com/#!/WR_ARP

19 March 2011.

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Coxley Live Local History

Incorporating Oral History.

Calendars produced by the oral history group proved popular once again and supplies sold out. It is planned to produce another calendar for next year and the group is always on the lookout for historical photographs of the area.

The group is working on a series of local heritage trail leaflets. The first of these should be available later in spring. Details of how to obtain the leaflets will be available on the Coxley News website and in the next edition of Coxley News magazine.

The local history group continues to meet monthly (usually on the first Saturday of the month). Contact Christine Hewitt on 07931 353082 for more information.

29 January 2011.

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PROGRESS ON PARISH PLAN

Sitlington Parish Council’s Parish Plan Implementation Committee has been meeting regularly since the launch of the Parish Plan in March 2010..

We have been working on the summary of recommendations made, and a timescale for achievement of as many items as possible over the lifespan of the Plan!

Many of the recommendations have depended on the Parish Council working with WMDC departments, such as Highways, Environmental Services and Planning, and other agencies such as the Neighbourhood Police Team. Whilst we make every effort at speed of achievement, sometimes it is very frustrating to depend on outside priorities, and recognising that in present times, funding is at a premium!

To begin on a negative note, our aim of erecting Sitlington Parish signs at roads on our boundaries was rejected by WMDC Highways, which was a disappointment as it would have gone a long way to establishing a Parish identity. We are considering other ways of signposting our Parish.

However, despite Highways declining to meet with us until at least February, lobbying by the Parish Council has resulted in provision of speed cameras at the Mining Museum, some attempts at safety measures on New Road, and the 20mph speed limit on Netherton Lane outside the school. We are seeking ways to monitor the effectiveness of these changes, and will continue to lobby for other measures such as pedestrian crossings at the junction of New Road and Netherton Lane, and any possible ways of making Blacker Lane safer for residents, walkers and motorists alike..

Our planning application for new allotments next to Netherton Cemetery is under consideration. This should go a long way to ensuring that anyone in the Parish who wants an allotment can be catered for. We are expecting a result any time now!

Our funding of the Police Safe Scheme, which provides extra policing in the Parish, has ensured that crime figures are down compared with other areas which have no such provision. Attendance by a police officer at our Council meetings ensures we receive a monthly report and can prioritise where we would like activity to take place: this report is also published on our website. We are meeting with the Neighbourhood Police Team to review the scheme, with possible expansion or revision.

Planning permission has finally been gained for the development of the old Coxley Mill as an educational resource. We look forward to seeing what this will look like!

One of the big recommendations is provision of a play area for Netherton, along with development of Netherton Village Hall. Various funding streams have been investigated, and announcements will be made soon about how these will be achieved.

Our current work is concerned with reviewing footpaths, bridleways and trails (including a possible cycle path by the canal) in conjunction with WMDC Environmental Services. Many will remember the wonderful Parish map which was produced some years ago – we hope to update this, along with guides to trails, and provision of waymarkers – which may even be illustrated by the new Parish logo!

Anyone wishing to remind themselves of what is in the Parish Plan can download it from our website (www.sitlingtonparishcouncil.gov.uk) or contact the Parish Clerk for a hard copy.

Helen Kirkpatrick, Chair, Sitlington Parish Council (helen.kirkpatrick@sitlingtonparishcouncil.gov.uk)

18 January 2010

28 January 2011.

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Winter gardens

The garden may appear to sleep in winter, but there is still much to enjoy, especially on those crystal clear mornings when the sun shines on frost or snow. Outside is a fascinating world of patterns and shapes, with the garden stripped bare to reveal its bones and structure.

Delicate, often fragrant winter blossoms, handsome evergreens and the bewitching colours of the stems and bark entice the gardener out to experience the crisp air and winter sun.

In a well-planned garden, winter is foreshortened by the appearance of snowdrops or cheery yellow aconites, by fragrant winter honeysuckle and daphne, as well as early flowering rhododendrons. Spring is just around the corner!

Winter gives both garden and gardener time to draw breath after the busy growing season. There are still important jobs to be done, but these need not be tackled with the urgency of spring and summer work, and they often deserve more thought. The siting of new trees and shrubs, and the pruning and training of existing ones, requires a degree of artistry and consideration. Other tasks, like winter digging and clearing the vegetable plot, ensure that, bit by bit, the garden is brought back under control.

This is a good time for clearing leaves and deadwood, cleaning tools and pots, for tidying sheds and repairing fences. And as the days lengthen in late winter, the new year’s early sowings can be made under glass.

Away from planting, think about adding something different to your garden to create extra interest and impact. A well-positioned and perhaps unusual garden feature compliments and breaks up planting and provides a real focal point.

A few hours spent looking around a local architectural antique centre is a fine way to spend a winter morning and it is well worth the effort. You could try Spa Antiques in Ossett Spa.

Go on be brave!

Courtesy of Ground Crew 07917 8216780

26 October 2010.

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Netherton Juniors Football Club Seeks Girl Players!

Girls and boys wanted to join this growing club for the new season..

Training starts on Monday September 6th at Middlestown School field 6-7pm. From 20th September, training moves indoors to Ossett School sports hall, Mondays 6-7pm.

Contact Rob Scholefield 01924 276717 or 07900 957730

22 July 2010.

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CALLING ALL GARDENERS & GARDEN LOVERS

Are you the sort of person who likes working in the garden at home? And likes to share ideas with others. Or who likes to visit other gardens through the Yellow Book scheme or National Trust? Who gets ideas from looking at other gardens? Who appreciates other gardens but often wonders what lies out of sight behind the house or behind those gates?

Have you ever realised what garden delights there are in our own villages? Would you enjoy a steady walk around your village to admire other people’s efforts, even be allowed inside some gardens to explore further? Or be prepared to open your own garden to visitors, maybe with a cup of tea and a chat?

So how about a village garden weekend, run by Coxley Live, with a programme explaining a guided walk, open gardens, plant sales, children’s quiz? A chance for people to meet, greet, chat and share.
If you think this is a good idea and would like to help come along to an exploratory meeting on Tuesday 12th October, 7:30pm or send us a message. Hope to hear from you.

Sue and Alan Wood
160 Coxley View, Netherton
suandal@btinternet.com

20 July 2010.

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Young mum wins top citizen honour

Lisa is driving force behind Gala.

This page item is a link to an external site. We cannot be held responsible for the content of external sites. If you wish to open the link please click here. You will leave this mobile site.



11 May 2010.

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Family Wildlife Walk

Stirley Community Farm.

Stirley’s Kids’ Club: Bees, Blossom and Birds
Wednesday 29th May; 10am - 12 noon
Family event
As spring turns to summer we will walk to Local Nature Reserve Upper Park Wood to discover the abundance of wildlife that lives there. There’ll be a chance to forage for flowers in the hedgerow and make a refreshing summer drink.
BE 01904 659570

Directions
From Huddersfield take the A616 then turn left onto Bridge St, next turn left onto Lockwood Scar. Take a slight left onto Church Lane, continue onto Jackroyd Lane then turn right onto Ashes Lane.
From the M1 take the junction 38 exit to Huddersfield. At the roundabout take the second exit onto the A637. Carry on across two roundabouts then at the next take the first exit onto the A642. Turn right onto Station Rd then right onto the A629. Turn left onto Fenay Lane and continue on this road until it becomes Ashes Lane.

Nearest train station: Berry Brow

29 May 2013 : 10:00 - 12:00.

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Coffee afternoon

Dewsbury United Reform Church.

Coffee afternoon at Dewsbury United Reform Church, Longcauseway, from 12.30pm

01 June 2013 : 12:30 - 16:30.

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Children's Film Club Matinee Special

Trinity Methodist Church, Netherton.

Building on the success of the children’s Christmas matinee, there will be a Children’s Film Club on Saturdays 30 March and 1 June, 3pm.

01 June 2013 : 15:00 - 17:00.

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Stoneycliffe Wood work day

Netherton.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Come and help care for your local nature reserves.
Practical Workday, Thursday 6th June
Stoneycliffe Wood. Meet at the cemetery entrance in Netherton at 10am.
Himalayan Balsan control.

06 June 2013 : 10:00 - 16:00.

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WI - talk "The Lord Lieutenant and her Deputies"

Trinity Methodist, Netherton.

Michael Atkinson on “The Lord Lieutenant and her Deputies”.

11 June 2013 : 19:15 - 21:00.

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Crafty Conversations

National Coal Mining Museum.

Crafty Conversations!

Are you crafty? Would you like to work on your own projects in a sociable, informal setting? If so, Crafty Conversations at the National Coal Mining Museum is for you. Free to attend – free to park!
The drop-in craft sessions are run once a month in the Museum’s café. Dates for the first half of 2013 are: 7 Feb, 7 Mar, 18 Apr, 16 May, 13 June & 18 July. Bring along your current craft creation to work on, have a coffee and a catch up with like-minded crafters and pick up or pass on some tips and advice. Times are 12 noon to 2pm.
For further information, contact Anne Bradley at the Museum on 01924 848806 or at anne.bradley@ncm.org.uk.

National Coal Mining Museum for England
Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton,
Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4RH
Email:

Facebook: (National Coal Mining Museum for England, Maurice the Miner, Pit Ponies at National Coal Mining Museum)
Twitter: (@Mauricetheminer, @Pitponies_NCMME, #NCMME)
Web: www.ncm.org.uk

13 June 2013 : 12:00 - 14:00.

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Stocksmoor Common work day

Midgley.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Come and help care for your local nature reserves.

Practical Workday, Thursday 20th June
Stocksmoor Common, weed control. Meet 10am,
Please bring waterproofs, sturdy shoes, plenty to drink and a packed lunch.
Site contact: Karen McDiarmid
Tel: 07780 666173
Email: karen.mcdiarmid@ywt.

20 June 2013 : 10:00 - 16:00.

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Film Club

Trinity Methodist Chapel.

A FREE Friday Night at the Movies!
Film club meets on the third Friday of each month at Trinity Methodist
Church, Netherton, 7:15pm for a 7:30 start. This popular venture attracts around 30 people to most films. The refurbished chapel offers a brilliant fixed digital projector and hi- tech sound desk (although the club did manage to blow up the first sound desk!). There is also a loop system for people with hearing difficulties.
See coxleynews.com or local posters for the latest programme.

Dates for 2013:
July 19thOctober 18th
August 16th (tbc)November 15th
June 21stSeptember 20thDecember 20th

21 June 2013 : 19:15 - 22:00.

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Wakefield Area Forum

Agrbrigg and Belle Vue Community Centre.

Next meeting of the Wakefield Rural Area Forum is Thursday 27th June from 6.30pm at Agbrigg and Belle Vue Community Centre.

27 June 2013 : 18:30 - 20:00.

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Coxley Scarecrow festival

Summer scarecrows coming to Netherton.

Coxley Live is inviting groups or individuals to create a summer scarecrow for display around Netherton over the last week in June (29th & 30th).


The theme is TV programmes – be it modern or retro. There’ll be a chance to win prizes too!

Register for FREE entry by sending us your name, contact details, scarecrow location and scarecrow character.

There'll be a trail map, refreshments en route and a chance to vote foryour favourite.

29 June 2013 : 10:00 - 18:00.

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Coxley Scarecrow festival

Summer scarecrows.

Coxley Live is inviting groups or individuals to create a summer scarecrow for display around Netherton over the last week in June (29th & 30th).


The theme is TV programmes – be it modern or retro. There’ll be a chance to win prizes too!

Register for FREE entry by sending us your name, contact details, scarecrow location and scarecrow character.

There'll be a trail map, refreshments en route and a chance to vote foryour favourite.

30 June 2013 : 10:00 - 18:00.

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40s night & concert

St. Luke's Overton.



05 July 2013 : 00:00 - 00:00.

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WI - Friendship Evening

Netherton Sports and Social Club.

Pamela Greener, a multi-talented lady, will entertain us with Music, Songs and Humour. This is our Friendship Evening where we invite local institutes to join us but you are all still welcome to share the evening with us. In anticipation of a goodly crowd, this will be in Netherton Sports and Social Club.

09 July 2013 : 19:15 - 21:00.

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Deadline for Autumn Coxley News articles



13 July 2013 : 00:00 - 00:00.

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Crafty Conversations

National Coal Mining Museum.

Crafty Conversations!

Are you crafty? Would you like to work on your own projects in a sociable, informal setting? If so, Crafty Conversations at the National Coal Mining Museum is for you. Free to attend – free to park!
The drop-in craft sessions are run once a month in the Museum’s café. Dates for the first half of 2013 are: 7 Feb, 7 Mar, 18 Apr, 16 May, 13 June & 18 July. Bring along your current craft creation to work on, have a coffee and a catch up with like-minded crafters and pick up or pass on some tips and advice. Times are 12 noon to 2pm.
For further information, contact Anne Bradley at the Museum on 01924 848806 or at anne.bradley@ncm.org.uk.

National Coal Mining Museum for England
Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton,
Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4RH
Email:

Facebook: (National Coal Mining Museum for England, Maurice the Miner, Pit Ponies at National Coal Mining Museum)
Twitter: (@Mauricetheminer, @Pitponies_NCMME, #NCMME)
Web: www.ncm.org.uk

18 July 2013 : 12:00 - 14:00.

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Film Club

Trinity Methodist Chapel.

A FREE Friday Night at the Movies!
Film club meets on the third Friday of each month at Trinity Methodist
Church, Netherton, 7:15pm for a 7:30 start. This popular venture attracts around 30 people to most films. The refurbished chapel offers a brilliant fixed digital projector and hi- tech sound desk (although the club did manage to blow up the first sound desk!). There is also a loop system for people with hearing difficulties.
See coxleynews.com or local posters for the latest programme.

Dates for 2013:
July 19thOctober 18th
August 16th (tbc)November 15th
September 20thDecember 20th

19 July 2013 : 19:15 - 22:00.

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Songs of Praise

Trinity Methodists, Netherton.

A special evening service at Trinity Methodists, Netherton on
Sunday 4th August - its our own version of Songs of Praise.

04 August 2013 : 00:00 - 00:00.

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Musical Evening

Trinity Methodists, Netherton.

Join us for a musical evening on 10th August - details to be publicised later.

10 August 2013 : 00:00 - 00:00.

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Coffee day

116 Sandy Lane, Middlestown.

Coffee day, 11am to 3pm at 116 Sandy Lane, Middlestown

10 August 2013 : 11:30 - 15:00.

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Film Club (to be confirmed)

Trinity Methodist Chapel.

A FREE Friday Night at the Movies!
Film club meets on the third Friday of each month at Trinity Methodist
Church, Netherton, 7:15pm for a 7:30 start. This popular venture attracts around 30 people to most films. The refurbished chapel offers a brilliant fixed digital projector and hi- tech sound desk (although the club did manage to blow up the first sound desk!). There is also a loop system for people with hearing difficulties.
See coxleynews.com or local posters for the latest programme.

Dates for 2013:
October 18th
August 16th (tbc)November 15th
September 20thDecember 20th

16 August 2013 : 19:15 - 22:00.

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Light lunch and afternoon tea

St. Luke's.



27 August 2013 : 00:00 - 00:00.

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Film Club

Trinity Methodist Chapel.

A FREE Friday Night at the Movies!
Film club meets on the third Friday of each month at Trinity Methodist
Church, Netherton, 7:15pm for a 7:30 start. This popular venture attracts around 30 people to most films. The refurbished chapel offers a brilliant fixed digital projector and hi- tech sound desk (although the club did manage to blow up the first sound desk!). There is also a loop system for people with hearing difficulties.
See coxleynews.com or local posters for the latest programme.

Dates for 2013:
November 15th
December 20th

15 November 2013 : 19:15 - 22:00.

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Film Club

Trinity Methodist Chapel.

A FREE Friday Night at the Movies!
Film club meets on the third Friday of each month at Trinity Methodist
Church, Netherton, 7:15pm for a 7:30 start. This popular venture attracts around 30 people to most films. The refurbished chapel offers a brilliant fixed digital projector and hi- tech sound desk (although the club did manage to blow up the first sound desk!). There is also a loop system for people with hearing difficulties.
See coxleynews.com or local posters for the latest programme.

20 December 2013 : 19:15 - 22:00.

coxleynews@googlemail.com