The Ackworth
December 2017
Issue No. 46
Debbie
Harrod @ ACKWORTH
Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm from 1st December
Door garlands Fresh floral arrangements Planted bowls
plus Fabulous gift ideas Visit us today. Free delivery within 10 mile radius of Ackworth and international relay service
Merry Christmas to all our customers 92 Wakefield Road, Ackworth, WF7 7BD 01977 619944 Farmery’s Florist, 32a Barnsley Rd, South Elmsall, WF9 2SA 01977 642434 www.ackworthflowers.co.uk Arrow Publications
Merry Christmas to all our readers
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Welcome to the
December issue of
The Ackworth Arrow. You will find this month’s Arrow bursting with dates for your diary to keep you topped to the brim with festive cheer!
We have Christmas fayres, markets, Father Christmas visits, Church services, craft events and days out for you and all the family. I would just like to say a special thank you and a very Merry Christmas to all the Arrow advertisers who continue to support the Arrow and to all the people in our community who work so hard to bring people together. We are blessed to live within such a wonderful, caring communities. The deadline for the January issue will be Wednesday 13th December. The January Arrow will be delivered by the last weekend in December. Merry Christmas Michelle Sidebottom Tel: 01302 534256 / 07795 387937 email: michelle@arrowpublications.co.uk
www.arrowpublications.co.uk
COMMUNITY NEWS Only four more weeks… It starts at 8 am – a constant drip. Has the boiler burst or someone left a tap just running? By a just open window, it sounds like marching feet With regular paces in heavy boots pounding out a beat. Walking out later to investigate, I hear the metallic clunk with each blow. Turning the corner, the noise doubles as it echoes back from the facing houses The thump of the pile driver bashing and crashing, As it drives both piles and its tormented listeners quietly mad.
Christmas Candlelight Celebration The Ackworth 74 Club cordially invite you to come to a Christmas Candlelight Celebration At the Ackworth Methodist Church On Tuesday December 12th 7.30 pm And to join them afterwards in a Faith Supper in the Methodist Church Hall Everyone Welcome
Meg Andrews
The Parish Rooms Bell Lane
December 14rd 2017 7.30 pm The History of Chocolate by Helen Cox This lecture will be of interest to many local residents. Non members are welcome. Cost £1 - Preceded by the AGM at 7 pm
Ackworth Parish Council’s Santa Day Saturday 9th December Ackworth Parish Council Community Centre 10am—3pm Invitation only to all pre school and primary school children who live in Ackworth. Free invites will be distributed via the village primary schools. If your child attends a school outside of the village but resides in Ackworth Parish, please contact 01977611583 for a free invite.
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COMMUNITY NEWS Ackworth Community Library attend Groundwork Community Awards ceremony in London On 2nd November 2017 the Groundwork Community Awards ceremony was held in the Haymarket Hotel, London. The awards are seen as a way of honouring small community groups who are considered to be making a big difference to everyone's quality of life in their local area, and to celebrate and reward groups, who often receive little recognition or support for the amazing contributions they make to their communities. Ackworth Community Library was in nominated for an award in the category of Best Community Group Contribution to Education or Employment. This nomination was in recognition of the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of all the staff, trustees, volunteers and members involved with library, and whose hard work has ensured the growth and success of the Ackworth Community Library. The library certainly lives up to Groundwork's intention of "changing lives and changing places". It has been open since March 2013 and has over 1700 active members, with a team of volunteers ranging from 15 to 94 years of age. Amongst the social activities the library organises are: a monthly coffee morning, a readers’ group for adults, craft fairs and school holiday story times, activities and reading challenges for
Dog Training Classes Friday Evenings
07507667116
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Behaviour Consultations also available. Carr Bridge Pavilion, Ackworth, WF7 7ND
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children. Baby and toddler groups and a family history group also use the facility which has open access to computers, scanning, printing and photocopying. Pauline Berry, who volunteers at the library and leads the popular readers’ group attended the ceremony alongside Philippa Petty who nominated the library for the award. The evening was hosted by Mark Lane, a prolific writer, but who is perhaps best known as a presenter for the BBC at the RHS Flower Shows and for appearing on the BBC's Gardeners' World. He, along with a representative from Groundwork, praised and paid tribute to all those "unsung heroes" who work tirelessly and energetically to improve the lives of the people in their communities, and who provide much needed skills, services and opportunities. They spoke about the many and diverse initiatives that these groups were running, and about the life-affirming and life-enhancing activities they delivered, sometimes in the most challenging of situations. They referred to these groups as the "glue that sticks communities together", and thanked them for being role models, for offering a positive way forward, and for challenging the negativity and apathy in the world today. As with all these occasions, judgements have to be made and winners announced. Sadly, this time Ackworth Community Library did not receive an award. Nevertheless, it can be proud of its achievements, and of being considered worthy to stand alongside so many truly amazing and wonderful community groups. And it is certain that knowing its work and its place the community has been appreciated, there is every chance it will be nominated again and on that occasion win. Onwards and upwards. Indeed Library manager Helen Shaw said: “Despite not winning, being nominated for this award is still a fantastic achievement for Ackworth Community Library. Our volunteers work incredibly hard to provide a wonderful place for the community to come together and enjoy themselves, and this national recognition is a testament to all their hard work.” For more information about the library please visit their website ackworthcommunitylibrary.wordpress.com or drop in during opening hours (09.00 – 12.00 on Monday, Friday and Saturday and 13.00 – 18.00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Upcoming events include the monthly Coffee Morning (Friday 10th November, 9.00am-11.30am), Readers’ Group (Monday 20th November, 7pm) and the annual Christmas Fair (Saturday 2nd December, 9.00am12.00) with everyone welcome to come along.
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COMMUNITY NEWS About Ackworth Library With minimum paid staff supported by a team of volunteers and no statutory funding the library has achieved: * Over 1700 active members with 40% under the age of 16 and 19% over the age of 60. * Development of a service to local schools providing reading and project books to 6 schools within and surrounding the village, servicing over 800 children. * Provision of books and jigsaws to the local sheltered housing complex. * Monthly readers group for adults. * School holiday story times, activities and reading challenges. * Home delivery of books to housebound members of the community. * Monthly coffee mornings and activities for members and library users of all ages. * Social and reading sessions for students with special needs from Oakfield Park School, Ackworth. * Advice and support for job Seekers including the recent development of a job club. * Volunteering opportunities for all ages. The youngest volunteer being 15 and the oldest 94. * Opportunities for work experience to high school students, Job Seekers and volunteers with learning difficulties. * Family History Group. * Baby and toddler groups. * Advising other local charities regarding setting up a charity, funding issues and other associated matters, including, Low Ackworth Residents Association, Greenhill Library, Sheffield and a social enterprise in nearby South Elmsall. * Book lending, open access to computers, scanning, printing and photocopying. It is hoped to expand on these activities in the near future (funding dependent) to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of our members and the wider community.
Royal British Legion Meets the first Sunday of the month
Ackworth Village Club 10.45 am - 12.00 pm Contact 615268 for details 6
Eyes Down! Look In! For a Game of Bingo!
Local residents preparing to enjoy a game of Bingo at the Low Ackworth Community Centre. This particular game of Bingo has been running for about 30 years and has proved very popular with residents, who enjoy the “get together”, the social time and also, of course, the chance of a win!. This game, organised by Judith Rooke, even attracts some regular participants from Hemsworth and South Kirkby who are very loyal to the group having too been attending for many years. Judith Rooke is working hard to ensure the Low Ackworth Community Centre is maintained on the present site and indeed campaigning for a new building to ensure it will be available for community use long into the future. Various fund raiding efforts are organised from time to time and villagers are urged to get involved and support the campaign!
Play Bingo in Ackworth Mon 7.30pm Low Ackworth Community Centre Tues 7pm The Masons Arms Fri 6pm - 8pm Ackworth Cricket Club Bingo is a game which is enjoyed by literally millions of people the world over. 3.8 million people in Britain enjoy playing Bingo. It is a game that has been played in many forms for generations. It is a keen favourite with those wishing to get out of the house and socialise without spending a fortune. Many Ackworth Residents, especially the older ladies enjoy a game of Bingo.
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St Cuthbert’s & All Saints Which Character are you? If you are a frequent Facebook user, you may well have come across a post which asks this question. They are quite amusing sometimes, and I find myself drawn into them from time to time. Which saint are you? Which pope are you? Which Star Wars character are you? The most recent one I saw, and decided to do, was, Which of the Seven Dwarves are You? I answered all the questions as best as I could, and surprise surprise, I was Grumpy! My belief is that all such questionnaires are completely random and bear no resemblance to reality at all. But they are still quite fun to do. But there is another similar question that I sometimes pose to people, and one which I think has more relevance. Which character in the Nativity are you? We all, or most of us, will remember something of the Christmas story. The angel Gabriel telling Mary she was to have a child. Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem because of the census. No room at the inn when they get there, so staying in a stable. And don’t forget the donkey! Jesus being born and laid in a manger. The host of angels singing to the shepherds, who then visit the stable. The three wise men bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then Joseph, Mary and Jesus escaping to Egypt because King Herod wanted to kill him. This is a story full and rich in drama, arguments, anguish, fear, strength, and power. And all of the characters in the story have an important part to play. It is also a story full and rich in meaning, and truth. My questions are: Which character from this story are you? Which character do you identify with at the moment? These are not questions to answered lightly, but thoughtfully. Because where you see yourself, and which character you think you are, will have consequences in relationships. Your relationship with Jesus, with the church, and with other people. Perhaps your relationship with Jesus will tell you which character you are. Wherever, and whoever you are in this story. My hope is that you will have a blessed Christmas time, celebrating however you want to, with the people you want to. But I also hope that you will remember the story of the Nativity in the middle of those celebrations. Because without that story, and without those characters, we would not have a Christmas as we know it, at all. So put yourself into this story, and play our your role this Christmas time. Wishing you Christmas Blessings Rev Paul Fox 8revpaul.fox@gmail.com Please mention “The Arrow”
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What’s On In Ackworth? Social Activities, Classes and Clubs for Everyone Day
Activity
Venue Bell Lane Centre
Contact
Mon.
Community Library
9 am - 12 noon
625617
Mon.
Yoga
Bell Lane Centre
10 am - 11.30 am
235587
Mon.
Craft Club
Bell Lane Centre
1.30pm– 3.30 pm
611583
Mon.
C G Dance Academy
Bell Lane Centre
5pm—8pm
3rd Mon
Book Club
Ackworth Library
7pm
Tues.
Mums and Toddlers
Bell Lane Centre
9.30 am – 11 am
Tues.
Painting for Pleasure
Bell Lane Centre
10.30am-12.30pm
649320
Tues.
Community Library
Bell Lane Centre
1 pm- 6 pm
4th Tues
Parish Council Drop In
Bell Lane Centre
1 pm - 3 pm
625617
2nd Tues
Church Coffee Afternoon
Bell Lane Centre
2 pm -3 pm
Tues.
Yoga
Bell Lane Centre
1.30 pm – 3 pm
Tues.
Yoga
Bell Lane Centre
6 pm - 9.15 pm
235587
Wed.
Mums and Toddlers
Bell Lane Centre
9.30 am – 11 am
649320
Wed.
Painting for Pleasure
Bell Lane Centre
10 am – 12 noon
Wed.
Line Dancing
Bell Lane Centre
1 pm – 3 pm
Wed.
2nd Ackworth Rainbows
Bell Lane Centre
5.30pm – 6.30pm
612859
Wed
Community Library
Bell Lane Centre
1pm—6pm
625617
Wed.
Taekwondo
Bell Lane Centre
5.15pm – 6.15pm
07872441257
Wed.
Needles and Pins - Craft
Bell Lane Centre
7 pm – 9 pm
Thurs.
Digital Photography
Bell Lane Centre
9.30am -11.30 am
Thurs.
Slimming Club
Bell Lane Centre
9.30 am-10.30 am
Thurs.
Community Library
Bell Lane Centre
1 pm – 6 pm
625617
Thurs.
Digital Photography
Bell Lane Centre
1 pm – 3 pm
624220
Thurs.
Jo Jingles
Bell Lane Centre
2 pm – 3 pm
650455
Thurs.
1st Ackworth Rainbows
Bell Lane Centre
5.30 pm– 6.30pm
612859
Thurs.
Nostell Karate Club
Bell Lane Centre
7 pm – 8.30pm
07759080416
649320
624220
4thThurs
Heritage Group
Bell Lane Centre
7 pm – 9 pm
Fri.
Gentle Exercise
Bell Lane Centre
10 am – 11 am
07739986817 625617
619356
Fri
Community Library
Bell Lane Centre
9am—12 noon
Sat
C G Dance Academy
Bell Lane Centre
9am—1pm
Sat.
Community Library
Bell Lane Centre
9 am – 1 2 noon
625617
Sun.
Ackworth Community Church
Bell Lane Centre
10.30am-12.30pm
649320
Sun.
Spiritualist Church
Brackenhill Centre
6.30 pm-8.30 pm
611585
Mon.
Child Minder’s Group
Low Ackworth Centre
1 pm -3 pm
611285
Mon.
Bingo
Low Ackworth Centre
7.30 pm - 9 pm
611285
Tues.
Mother and Toddler
Low Ackworth Centre
9.am – 11 am
Tues.
Art Group
Low Ackworth Centre
1 pm – 3 pm
Tues.
1st Ackworth Scouts
Low Ackworth Centre
6 pm – 7.30 pm
611225
Tues
Line Dancing
Low Ackworth Centre
8 pm - 9.30 pm
620668
Thurs.
Art Club
Low Ackworth Centre
10 am – 3 pm
Yorkshire Country Women’s
Low Ackworth Centre
7.30 pm – 9 pm
st
1 Thurs
10
615843
613704
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Carr Bridge Pavilion Tues.
Ackworth Road Runners
Sport Pavilion
7pm
612677
Thurs. Wed
Ackworth Road Runners 'Down Memory Lane' Singing Dementia Sufferers & Carers
Sports Pavilion
7pm 1pm—3pm
612677 07950825094
Sun. Mon. Tues. 2nd Tues. Wed. Thurs. Thurs. 1stThurs.
Sequence Dancing Coffee Morning Music Group 74 Club Boys Brigade Anchor Boys - Company Coffee Morning Slimming World Little Friends Parent &Toddler Group
Methodist Church Methodist Church St. Cuthbert’s Ch. Methodist Church Methodist Church All Saint’s Church Methodist Church All Saint’s Church
7.30 pm– 9.30pm 10.30 am-12noon 7.30 pm 7.30.pm – 9 pm 5.30 pm – 9 pm 10.00 am-12noon 9 am -1am & 7pm 2 pm – 3.30 pm
613734 615210 602751 615608 07960038024 612913 07903819409 612913
Mon.
Brownies
Bell Lane School
6pm – 7.30 pm
Tues. Tues.
Beavers Cubs
Howard School Howard School
5.15pm– 6.15 pm 6.30 pm – 8 pm
611225 611225
Mon Thurs
Guides 2nd Ackworth Brownies
Oakfield Park School Oakfield Park School
7pm—9pm 6—7.30pm
www.girlguiding.org.uk
The Ackworth Churches
610243
What’s On In Badsworth? Social Activities, Classes and Clubs for Everyone Mon. Mon Tues. Mon—Fri
Computer Clinic Craft Club Parent and Toddler Group After School Club every school night
The Lawson Hut The Lawson Hut The Lawson Hut The Lawson Hut
7 pm – 9 pm 2pm—4pm 10 am – 11.30 am 4 pm – 6 pm
07540565292 07800909371 07540565292 01977 640011
Tues. Wed 3rd Tues 2nd Wed Mon&Thur Fri Fri. 3rd Fri
Hips, Bums and Tums Little Notion Yoga Parish Council Drop in WI Pilates—9.30—11.30am mon Prince of Wales Outreach Group Fit and Friendly Exercise Disparate Housewives
The Lawson Hut The Lawson Hut The Lawson Hut The Lawson Hut The Lawson Hut The Lawson Hut The Lawson Hut The Lawson Hut
6.15pm – 7.15pm 10am—11.15am 7—7.30pm 7.00pm—9.00pm 6.30 pm–7.30 pm 10am –1pm 6 pm – 7 pm 8pm—10pm
07702 232212 07947331980
07813 839888 01977 708868 07702 232212
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