Menston (From Ilkley Gazette)

Menston

3:58pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in News

RETIRED MEN’S FORUM: The attendance, including two new members, on such a bitter, wintry morning was most encouraging for our speaker Paul Gosling. His talk, entitled Mariners Tales was a witty and entertaining series of real life anecdotes relating to his time travelling the world with the Merchant Navy. Paul’s love of the sea started with a family trip to Morecambe back in 1949 and rather than progressing through university he chose to serve an apprenticeship in the Merchant Navy and, once qualified, enjoyed ten years travelling the world on a range of different craft and encountering many memorable experiences. Some would come under the heading of Wonders of Nature. Others, in contrast, more death defying moments and a multitude of humorous incidents in between and each leaving life time memories which Paul now uses in his talks, the proceeds of which go towards heart monitoring equipment for sufferers to use at home. There followed 20 minutes of questions from the floor, during which we discovered that Paul’s time on cruise ships was the basis of another of his talks. Our next meeting will be in three weeks time on February 6 when the speaker will be Chris Helme, whose talk is entitled All in a Day’s Work. 

ST JOHN’S CHURCH: Looking ahead, for all those of you who follow the Fair Trade banner when you are buying in shops or supermarkets, you will want to note in your diaries Fairtrade Fortnight from February 25 until March 10, with all sorts of opportunities to help to support a brighter, more sustainable future for ever increasing numbers and for our world. Did you know that getting on for one million people have benefited from Traidcraft projects in the last year? Another great idea for you - the Real Easter Egg campaign. We all love a bit of chocolate and love even more to see our youngsters enjoying their egg at Easter. Don’t forget to read all about this splendid Traidcraft idea in next week’s paper. Keep in touch with St John’s via stjohn menston.org.uk or call (01943) 872433, in the morning from Monday to Thursday. Services this week: morning prayer Monday at 10am, Tuesday and Friday at 9am. Thursday, holy communion at 9.30am. Sunday, 8am holy communion and 10am Sunday together eucharist, a service to mark poverty and homelessness action week.

WHARFE VALLEY BRIDGE CLUB: On Thursday, January 17, five tables played 25 boards. N/S 1st Julie White and Stan Catterall 63%, 2nd Joan Moss and Peter Gilbert 49%, 3rd Sheila Agar and David Lane 47%. E/W 1st John Dawson and Brian Richardson 58%, 2nd Jean Roberts and Pat Eyres 51%, 3rd Harriet Gill and Sheila Richardson 50%.

METHODIST CHURCH: On Sunday, the 10.30am service will be taken by our own minister, the Rev Fiona Spandler. We have various activities at the church including Wesley guild, Wednesday group and women’s fellowship. These groups meet fortnightly. If you would like further information, call (01943) 871909. We also have a very active walking group meeting every Thursday at Kirklands at either 9.30am or 10am, depending on the length of the walk. Cornerstone Cafe, adjoining the church and operated by volunteers, will be open from 10am to 2pm for light refreshments and lunches on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with last orders at 1.45pm and on Saturdays from 10am to noon for light refreshments. The church office is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 1pm, telephone (01943) 871909.