WRENTHORPE MATTERS

Issue No. 3/2007 DECEMBER 2007
Editor Margaret Smart 01924 368058 midtip.smart@googlemail.com
Printed with the kind assistance of Silcoates School

WRENTHORPE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
This newsletter has now become so popular that I can no longer fit it all onto one sheet. Therefore, I have included in this edition only topical items and items of news relating solely to Wrenthorpe. The many additional items I have received you can view on our website at www.wrenthorpe,org.uk .
The committee have been working very hard this year (as usual) and in August an appeal for anyone interested in joining the committee was successful in finding ten residents who have been coming along to our monthly meetings in order to see how they can help.
The village hall is in good shape. This summer the floor was lightly sanded and re-sealed and looks like new! After complaints last winter that the hall was cold, new radiators have been fitted in the main hall thanks to funding from WMDC Community Chest.
On 2nd February next the Association will be putting on a production of "Wind in the Willows" with The Library Theatre Touring Company of Leeds. Watch for details in the local press.
For almost a year now the Association has been working with the police and youth workers to secure funding for the George Newton Centre to make it a safe and secure place for meetings for everyone in the community and especially the young people of the village. There is very little for teenagers to do in the village so they do tend to "hang around" and sometimes cause trouble. By having somewhere of their own to go in the evening it would keep them occupied. Unfortunately the cost of refurbishing the GNC is rising by the hour and funding very hard to come by.

WRENTHORPE ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY
WRENS was successful in obtaining a grant from WMDC Community Chest recently and very soon new picnic tables; benches and seats will be installed in Wrenthorpe Park. The Society is also working hard to obtain funding to make improvements in the Wrenthorpe and Alverthorpe Meadows. News was received recently that the Meadows are to be designated as a Local Nature Reserve. Our village centre continues to be litter-free thanks to the efforts of Wrencare.

THE CRIB SERVICE AT ST. ANNE'S
This year in addition to the Christingle we are having a quieter service earlier on Christmas Eve to prepare our crib using the Posada figures along with many sheep found along the way. Perhaps if you would appreciate a quiet short start to Christmas Eve this might be a service for you to try (you don't have to have a sheep to come...)

Christmas Services to which you are all invited:

Sunday 16 December Nativity service 10.00am
Wednesday 19 December Wrenthorpe Churches Carol Singing (see below)
Sunday 23 December 4th Sunday in Advent 10.00am
Monday 24 December Crib service 4.00pm
Christingle 6.00pm & 7.15pm
Midnight service 11.15pm
Tuesday 25 December Christmas Family service 10.00am
There is no Wednesday morning 9.15 service on Boxing Day
Sunday 30 December 1st Sunday of Christmas 10.00am
Lessons and Carols 6.00pm

WRENTHORPE METHODIST CHURCH
Building work on the new entrance porch will be completed shortly. We hope that it will make our church more accessible, visible and welcoming. To mark its completion we are holding a Celebration Service on Saturday 23rd February at 4pm followed by tea to which all are invited. In the evening we are to have a concert by Christian singer/songwriter Paul Field, details of which will be advertised nearer the time.

On Wednesday 19th December, along with St Anne's and the Mission, we are Carol Singing in the Sunnyhill/Silcoates part of the village. Listen out for us if you live in that area. We start from St Anne's at 7pm returning there for refreshments.

Christmas Services to which all are invited:
Sunday 23rd December 10.30am Suitable for all ages with a Christmas flavour
6.00pm Carol Service
Christmas Day 10am Christmas Celebration

The church meets for worship each Sunday at 10.30am. Everyone is most welcome.

WRENTHORPE SHOW
The Village Hall was awash with colour, things to eat and objects to marvel at in September at the 28th annual Show. Around 120 exhibitors came to support the event, tabling 560 entries over the various sections. In spite of the atrocious conditions in early summer, gardening enthusiasts turned out in force to prove that they could take all the weather could throw at them and still produce magnificent vegetables and flowers. Not to be outdone, the cooks among you arrived in force to laden the tables with a mouth watering selection of baking and the crafty types lived up to their past reputation by showing off some highly skilful painting, needlework, etc. And as for the photography, entries overflowed onto the floor as more and more of you realise that in this digital age, a good picture is well within your capabilities.
Of course, none of this could have happened without the help of a band of volunteers who turned out to set up the tables, staff the event on the day and dismantle it all again at the end. The Show Committee is extremely grateful to everyone who gave up his or her time to make the day the success it undoubtedly was.
Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to everyone for your support. Work is already under way on next year's Show so make a note in your new diary for the 13 September when we shall be doing it all over again!

OUTWOOD VIDEO CLUB
We have just completed our new Christmas DVD. It is called " A Yorkshire Christmas" It features The Yorkshire Divisional Fellowship Band of the Salvation Army and Rook's Nest School Choir. All the proceeds will go to the Salvation Army. The VHS Tape is £10 and the DVD £12.

ART CLASSES
Group and individual tuition with Peter Buttle will continue from January 16th 2008 and each Wednesday 1.30 to 3pm during term time. Cost will be £6 per session (drop-in) or £50.00 for 10 weeks (save £10!). Price includes materials needed to start each new
media covered. Beginners and those with some experience welcome. Contact Peter on 01924 339288 for more details after January 10th 2008.

YOGA
We have had a very enjoyable term practising Yoga in the Village Hall. Yoga is not just about the weekly session, it is also very helpful in daily life whether it is used to help with relieving stress or knowing how to deal with an aching back when one has done too much gardening!! As one of my students who previously had a frozen shoulder said 'If I
miss my little bit of daily Yoga my shoulder lets me know!' If anyone is interested in joining the class the Spring term starts on Wednesday January 16th from 10am to 11.30am. There are a few spaces available and if you want more details, ring Pamela on 01924 339288 or email on pbuttle1@tesco.net.

WRENTHORPE BADMINTON CLUB
We are looking to recruit new players. Anyone interested should contact Elaine on 07976 976 294, or come along to our club night at Silcoates School on any Wednedsay, 8pm to 10pm. We are a thriving club in the local community and would like to encourage new members to come along and join us.

CHIROPODIST
The Chiropodist for Wrenthorpe Aged Welfare Association is now located at Wrenthorpe Methodist Church Hall on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month from 9.00am to 12 noon.

WAR MEMORIAL
The memorial plaque outside St. Anne's church lists the names of all the dead from both World Wars. However it was pointed out at the time of the 2007 Remembrance services that over 16,000 service personnel have lost their lives in other conflicts since 1945. If any of these were from Wrenthorpe it would be appropriate to commemorate them too. The St. Anne's PCC agreed to do this if it was found that a Wrenthorpe resident had made the ultimate sacrifice in this period. If you have any knowledge of a member of the armed forces that has died in service since 1945 please let someone from the church know so that arrangements can be put in place.

WAKEFIELD HOSPICE
The Wrenthorpe St John's Fund Raising Group is having an excellent year of fund raising with almost £14,000 having been raised so far. Plans are in hand to hold further events next year and the Group would welcome more people to help with fund raising locally. Please contact Ian Chapman (01924 364868) or Keith Jones (01924 366803) for further information.

KEEP FIT
Gentle exercise to music suitable for all ages at Wrenthorpe Methodist Church Hall every Tuesday 10.15am - 11.15am. Re-opening on Tuesday 15th January with a new teacher.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS
Cheap price return rail fare to Leeds from Outwood - Xmas shopping bargain at only £1.90 - and late night returns after that theatre visit. Also, don't forget to take your shopping bag so you can say no to all those nice shop assistants before they automatically put your purchase into a bag that makes you feel like an advertisement hoarding.

COMPUTER DOCTOR
Local IT expert Jamie could cure many hours of tearing your hair out and screaming at the computer screen. Give him a call when you're next in trouble on 07887 671 485 or e-mail him at jamie.durham@netcomcs.co.uk

LOFTHOUSE COLLIERY ACTION GROUP
Lofthouse Colliery Action Group were formed in July 2007 with the aim of protecting the playing fields and surrounding area of Lofthouse Colliery Park from any urban development. A letter campaign continues with the intention of persuading Wakefield MDC that this land should be retained as an open space and designated green belt. Applications for grants to improve the local area currently not under threat from building development have commenced to demonstrate our commitment to the community. We have secured a Pit Winding Wheel, we are in discussions about improving the Play Area on Ridings Way, Lofthouse Gate and we are planning enhancements to the Pond and maintaining Path networks around the site. Following our recent AGM our Committee welcomes new members to join and support us. If you are interested in becoming a member of our association we have a nominal fee of £1 per annum. Application forms for LCAG membership can be downloaded via our website at www.lofthousecag.co.uk or please e-mail your interest to info@lofthousecag.co.uk

VETERANS HONOURED BY ED BALLS, MP
At the start of last month I presented twelve Wrenthorpe veterans with special lapel badges at a ceremony in the Methodist Church. It was a real honour to present the veterans' badges to these men from Wrenthorpe who served our country. We must not forget the vital contribution they made. Although the badges can only ever be a small token of the great debt we all owe, I know they are treasured and worn with pride. As well as those who served before or during the Second World War, the badge is now available for all men and women who enlisted in the armed forces before December 31, 1984. This means that those who served in more recent conflicts, like the Falklands, will be recognised. Anyone who has not received a veterans' badge, but who thinks they might be eligible for one, can contact my office on 01924 898158.

FREE BENEFITS
I was back in Wrenthorpe at the end of the month to host a free benefits event in the village hall. At the event, which was co-hosted by EAGA, a number of organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, West Yorkshire Fire Service, the Pension Service and Wakefield Council's benefits and revenue team were on hand to give advice to local residents. Confidential personalised benefits checks were on offer to advise people whether they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to. I hope we helped to make sure that everyone is getting the benefits they are entitled to.

ALVERTHORPE JUNIORS F.C.
We require children aged between 5 and 8 to join our U7's and U8's team.
Contact Chris on 07812023085 or 01924 364880.

CJ's PLAYCARE (Wrenthorpe)
(Breakfast Club, After School Club and Holiday Club)

CJ's Playcare is an out of school childcare provision, which was first opened at Wrenthorpe Primary School in June 1994.

Wrenthorpe CJ's caters for children at Wrenthorpe Primary School and Jerry Clay Lane Junior and Infant School.

The breakfast club opens at 7.30am until school opens.
The after school club is open until 6pm.
The holiday club is open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6pm.

CJ's Playcare is based at Wrenthorpe Primary School and a walking bus enables children from Jerry Clay Lane Junior and Infant School to use the breakfast club and after school club.

CJ's Playcare offers quality out of school childcare:

* Safe caring environment
* Hours suitable for carers seeking to obtain or remain in employment or training
* Flexible hours (full time or part time places, holidays and/or term time)
* High ratio of professional staff
* Large selection of activities
* Ofsted registered
* Childcare vouchers accepted
* Discount for siblings
* Approved for childcare tax credit applications

CJ's Playcare is also available at the following schools:

St Pauls, St Johns, St Michaels, Kirkhamgate, Methodist, Newton Hill, Ledger Lane, Dane Royd, Hendal Lane, Kettlethorpe, Netherton, Ryhill, Horbury Bridge, Shay Lane and Sharlston.

For more details:
* Visit during opening hours
* Tel 01924 862098
* Tel 07702 180761

WRENTHORPE PRE SCHOOL CELEBRATES 40 YEARS!
In February 2008 Wrenthorpe Pre school (formerly Wrenthorpe Playgroup) will be 40 years old! To mark this special occasion, we are having a Ruby Juby party on Saturday 23 February 2008 in Wrenthorpe Primary School from 1pm to 4pm.

This is an open invitation for all past and present staff and children to join in our birthday celebrations. If any one has any old photographs of their time at the playgroup/Pre school we would be grateful if we could "borrow" them for the day as part of a pictorial exhibition of our history.

Further details about the day will be in the Wrenthorpe column of the Wakefield Express nearer the date- look out for posters around the village! In the meantime make a note of the date. We look forward to seeing you.

WRENTHORPE PRE SCHOOL AND EARLY BIRDS
Established in 1968 and now located in Wrenthorpe Primary School, Imperial Avenue, Wrenthorpe, we are registered with Ofsted to provide day care sessions and wrap round care for children from the term before their 3rd birthday to 5 years. Morning sessions are 9.00 to 11.30; supervised lunch from 11.30 am to 12.30pm; afternoon sessions are from 12.30 to 3.00. Each child has a key worker who plans and supervises activities, designed for individual children. All staff are qualified in early years education, health and hygiene and first aid.

Our Early Birds Breakfast Club is open from 7.30am for children aged 3 upwards; we do walks to and pick-ups from Jerry Clay Lane School. For more information please ring Maureen on Wakefield 371377 or Vicky on Wakefield 370770.

WAKEFIELD COMPUTER CLUB
The Club meets on the first Thursday in each month. We are an informal group, which meets to help each other with computer problems and we are looking for new members. You can find all the information you require on our Web site www.wakefieldcomputerclub.co.uk

WAKEFIELD EXPRESS
The Wakefield Express is packed with the latest news, best entertainment and most in-depth sports from across the district. With dozens of competitions, pages of photographs, features and community news and a detailed motor and homes section, the Express delivers more than just the basics. And for breaking local and national news, videos and the latest updates on Wakefield events visit www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk .

WAKEFIELD DISTRICT HEALTH TRAINERS
Are you looking to become healthier and change your lifestyle? Do you lack motivation or just don't know where to start? A Health Trainer could be what you are looking for. Your local NHS Health Trainers can offer:
* Free confidential guidance and support for 16+
* One-to-one meetings with you
* Information about healthy living
* Accompanying you to new places and groups
To find out more about your local health trainer contact the health trainer helpline on 01977 665717 or contact your local health trainer Louise on 07770 678 866.

WRENTHORPE PARK POND REFURBISHMENT 2006-7
Surface water runoff from about half of north-west Wakefield extending into Leeds district drains via Balne Beck watercourse and the ponds in Wrenthorpe Park. The runoff carries significant amounts of silt, which settles out in the main pond and pond/wetland adjacent.
Over the years these ponds have become very heavily silted, with very little open water present for resident wildlife. Waterside plants present were becoming overgrown with willow and bulrush.
In winter 2005 discussion commenced with WMDC Parks and Public Realm (PPR) and WREN to refurbish the ponds. A two-phased approach was arrived at as the best way to refurbish the ponds by removing all the bulrush and silt and some willow.
In January 2006 Phase One refurbishment works were undertaken by Wakefield MDC Land Drainage Section on behalf of PPR.
In autumn 2006 Phase 2 refurbishment works were undertaken to remove the remaining areas of bulrush and silt. As part of the works the track across the middle of the ponds was improved.
Early reports indicate that wildlife is returning to the pond and the more attractive waterside plant species have thrived.
It has recently become clear that some of the silt in the ponds is due to erosion of the watercourse bed within the Park. Rock weirs have recently been bedded into the watercourse to try to reduce bed erosion and the amount of silt settling in the pond.
Regular de-silting of the ponds will be required to maintain the recent improvements.

LIONS CLUB
There is a new Lions Club now serving the communities of Wakefield, Alverthorpe & Wrenthorpe, Horbury & Ossett and it is looking for NEW members to help it in its work. Lions Clubs Members have helped many people in many communities, with your help we could do so much more. Have you a little spare time? Would you like to make new friends? Would you like to help others and have fun? If you answer 'yes' to any of the above then you are just what we are looking for. Contact Neil Milne on 01924 378773.