RETIRED MEN’S FORUM: Last Wednesday we were entertained by Eric Scaife with his talk entitled “Yorkshire Dialect and Humour”. Prior to the start of the talk Eric had set the scene by decorating the walls of the room with the traditional Yorkshire flags of the white rose on the blue background. He emphasised that Yorkshire is not split into four areas, North, South, East and West but into three ridings North, West and East. And that all true Yorkshire men should use the latter when addressing letters (eg West Riding of Yorkshire). We got a short history of Yorkshire dating back to the time before the Vikings up to the reorganisation in 1974. The audience were tested on Yorkshire vocabulary and at least one of our members had a translation for even the most obscure dialect word. His jokes pertaining to Yorkshire humour were well received by the mostly “Yorkshire” audience. The odd Lancastrian among us took his comments about the red rose with good grace. There followed several reminiscences and Yorkshire tales from the members. Our next meeting on Wednesday, May 7, will be short talks given by our own members.

METHODIST CHURCH: On Sunday, April 27, at 10.30am, the service will be taken by Alan Sheath. Cornerstone Cafe (which is run by volunteers) will be open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 2pm and 10am to noon on Saturday. The Church Office is open on Thursday 9.30am to 3.30pm. Telephone: (01943) 871909. Our website menstonmethodist.org.uk provides up to date information and pictures of all Church facilities and activities.

ST JOHN’S PARISH CHURCH: Easter Week at last with the following services leading up to the great Christian Festival. Maundy Thursday, April 17, 9.30am. Holy Communion, 7.30pm Sung Eucharist and Stripping of the Altars. Good Friday, April 18, 10am Messy Easter at the Methodist Church, 10.30am Walk of Witness from St. John’s, 2-3pm Good Friday Liturgy. Saturday, April 19, 9.30am Dressing the Church. Easter Day, Sunday April 20 8am Holy Communion, 10am Festival Eucharist, 6pm Evensong.

WHARFE VALLEY BRIDGE CLUB: Thursday, April 17, seven tables played 21 boards. Results – N/S 1st Margaret Smith and Julie White 57%, 2nd Sheila McConville and Jean Leeks 53%, 3rd Barbara Deakin and Joyce Davison 52%. E/W 1st Joan Moss and Peter Gilbert 57%, 2nd Harriet Gill and Sheila Richardson 56%, 3rd Pat Robinson and Erica Hannam 52%.