bingley rural april 2013

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BINGLEYArea DirectoryApril 2013

the independent guide to whAt’s on in your community

inside: local history • kids’ stuff • community news recipe • spring quiz • what’s on guide • ...and much more!

Covering Wilsden, Cullingworth, Harden, Cottingley, Sandy Lane, Crossflatts, Shipley and Bingley

Enjoy a FREE read!Rural

Over 5700 distributed to local homes

and businesses every month

L O C A L E V E N T N E W S

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Editor’s Bit

www.bingleylife.co.uk

Happy Christmas everybody – sorry, I mean happy springtime! Welcome to the spring issue. Very seasonal I

know, when as I write this there’s a foot of snow outside my window!

I hope by the time this is published we’ll have seen off the last of the winter weather

and be able to enjoy some warmer days, with a balmy summer ahead (well, we can dream!). I’m looking forward to doing my deliveries without the obligatory two jumpers!

On that subject, I must thank the Firths – Eric, Maura and Sandra – and my partner Mark for always offering to help with deliveries no matter what the weather.

This month in the Bingley Rural, you can test your knowledge with our spring quiz; learn about Charlotte Brontë’s visit to Wilsden to consult a local woolcomber in an extract from the 1892 Wilsden Almanac (many thanks to Mr Stan Lumb for kindly donating a photocopy of the almanac); find out how two miniature Shetland ponies from St Ives are spreading smiles around the region, and make a simple origami butterfly. See you again next month!

Lisa Firth, editor April 2013

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to our contributors:Darren AlsteadCarol BarrettKate BarrettJohn BriggsJohn ButterfieldSusan DunneJohn EllisEric FirthAstrid HansenClive HarrisonAdele HirstMargaret KrupaStan LumbCarol PhillipsJulia Sharp

Cover photo: Lady Blantyre’s Rock, St Ives Estate, © Lisa Firth.............................................

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Editor’s Bit

st george’s day comes round again on 23rd April – but how much do you know about our patron saint?

1. In what century did St George become the patron saint of England?

2. Why is St George’s Day celebrated on 23rd April?

3. How many times did St George visit England?

4. Which playwright was famously born and died on St George’s Day?

5. Which English king rallied his troops with the battle cry “Cry God for Harry, England and St George!” (according to Shakespeare)?

6. Who did St George replace as England’s patron saint? Answers on p23!

P A S T T I M E S


The walls and doorways of Wilsden’s buildings carry many messages. Some may be simple date stones, some are reminders

of which present-day homes were once shops, and what they might have sold. Now that spring is (surely) here, it could be the perfect time to walk around the village and see what you can spot. One that was until recently partly obscured by ivy is now clearly visible. It reads “NATIONAL INFANT SCHOOL A.D. 1838”.

Before the 1870 Education Act and the formation of local school boards, schools were often provided by churches of various denominations. National Schools were set up and run by the Church of England, while British Schools were provided by the Free Churches. These schools might cater for the age range later covered by elementary schools, but Wilsden’s National School was, as it says, for infants. The old Sunday School in Lane Side, which was started not long after the original St Matthew’s Church was opened in 1826, is marked on an old map as National School, so perhaps the original intention was that older children would be taught there. However, it was never actually used as a day school.

Revd. John Barber, the first vicar of Wilsden, began his infant school in 1837, and as the stone shows, the building was ready for use in 1838. This little school flourished for some years,

particularly under the care of the highly regarded fourth vicar, Revd. Robert H Dover. Sadly, Mr Dover became ill, unable to take much part in parish life after 1859. The school declined and had closed by the time of Mr Dover’s death in 1863. By this time both Wesleyans and Independents had flourishing day schools, and although Revd. Joseph Ellis reopened the school, it did not last

and the building became a warehouse for Francis Butterfield’s wool-sorting

business. The building saw one last short burst of education

when Mr Butterfield rented it to Wilsden Board School to provide temporary accommodation for the younger children while the board school on Tweedy

Street was being extended.

Later the old school had a variety of commercial users, including a

renowned wheelwright, Joseph Charnock, until the 20th-century change in transport from horse and cart to motor vehicle had the inevitable effect on this business. As recently as the 1970s, the premises housed a patternmaker and woodworkers’ supplier. The school doorway was walled up and an extension with a corrugated iron roof and huge double doors covered the adjoining garden. For a short time a local garage used the frontage as a display area for second hand-cars.

At last the old place got a new lease of life as a house and is now an attractive and interesting feature of Main Street.

Written in stonethe walls and doorways of wilsden’s buildings carry many messages, writes Astrid hansen.

the 1962 smallpox scareIn Mrs Hansen’s article of March 2013, “Doctors in the house”, she mentions that in 1962, Wilsden folk were queueing out the door of the doctor’s house to get hold of the smallpox vaccine. Mr John Briggs has contacted the editor and told the story of how his late wife, Mrs Olive Briggs (née Jackson – right) was largely responsible for the panic!

Miss Jackson was working as a staff nurse at the old children’s hospital in Allerton when a little girl who had recently entered the UK from overseas was brought in with an undiagnosed complaint. Shortly afterwards, Miss Jackson visited Wilsden to see her parents.

The child’s condition worsened and she was moved to a specialist ward, where sadly she died. Following the autopsy, it was discovered that the girl had been suffering from smallpox.

Miss Jackson and two other nurses had that night been to see the pantomime at the Alhambra in Bradford. On returning, the hospital doors were locked behind them and the whole hospital put into lockdown. For six weeks, staff and patients were quarantined at the hospital. Every morning the baker would deliver bread, throwing it over the gates in a sheet. Other supplies were bought in from the local shop, with staff being taken there under police guard at a time when the streets had been cleared. Without entering the shop, they would hold up the shopping list against the window and pay by placing coins into a bowl of vinegar.

When it was made known that one of the nurses who had been treating the smallpox victim had visited Wilsden, there was a panic in the village – hence the queue for the vaccine.

P A S T T I M E S


My research recently has revolved round the First World War, in readiness for the centenary commemorations next

year. In researching this era I have encountered many problems, many of them similar to those experienced by anyone researching their family history.

As far as the servicemen of Cottingley are concerned, the main problem has been identifying them from the memorials in the village. Those who perished in the conflict have been easiest to research, as the memorial outside St Michael’s Church provides their first names as well as their surnames.

Researching the survivors has been much harder, as the memorial in the Town Hall shows just their surnames and initials. So how do you go about identifying and then tracing B Smith, W Smith, J Wilson, G Baker and many others with relatively common names?

The obvious starting point was the 1911 census, but some of those who later served in the armed forces may not have actually been living in Cottingley at that time. Another possibility was that they may not have lived in Cottingley at all – perhaps they just worked in Cottingley.

However, the 1911 census in conjunction with the 1901 census did resolve quite a few of the problem names, although searching for “Cottingley” did not fully cover the whole village since New Brighton was, at that time, treated as part of Shipley.

If someone was living in Cottingley at the time of the 1911 census, then it is quite possible, with a little bit of good fortune, to build up a

picture of their life and their family including when and where they were born, baptised and married.

Newspapers have also been very helpful. One of the names on the Town Hall plaque is “Dearden J H”. An article in the Bradford Weekly Telegraph of 6th April 1917 reads “Dearden Pte J.H. of KOYLI and of 5 Hollings Street, Cottingley has been wounded by shrapnel.” At the time of the 1911 census, Joseph Henry Dearden had been living at New Road Side, Thornton. This article not only showed Joseph’s address but also showed which regiment he served in, so it has been possible to find his Army Medal Rolls Index Card which indicates that he was awarded two medals.

Another source of information is the Electoral Roll, which lists those people eligible to vote. The current Electoral Roll is available to view at the local public library but inspecting old electoral rolls involves a visit to West Yorkshire Archives at Wakefield (the old electoral rolls for Bradford can be found in Bradford Central Library).

Many servicemen were, of course, too young to vote both before and after the end of the war. Electoral Rolls are available for the years up to and including 1915, then for years from 1918 onwards, and these provided vital information about the voters of Cottingley. The full names are listed, which is a great help, and the 1918 list is very useful as it shows if a voter is absent (as many of the servicemen were) and also whether they were in the “Navy or Military”.

This information was a mixed blessing, as it turned up a further 19 voters with military connections whose names do not appear on the Town Hall plaque!

Human error or misinformation must also be considered. The Town Hall plaque includes “Greame W”. The 1918 Electoral Roll lists “Graeme William Thomas” residing at 16 Stoney Ridge Road, and so it must be presumed from the evidence that this is the person listed on the Town Hall plaque. Did the engraver make a mistake, or was the engraver provided with the wrong information? (NB Graeme in this case is a surname.)

Only seven names are now unresolved. Can you help discover any information about F Bode, W Fletcher, M Lancaster, HR Smith, D Tankard, A Woodhouse and WH Wright? If you can, please contact Clive Harrison (01274 561329) or Ann Harkiss (01274 820235).

Family history researchclive harrison reveals some common stumbling blocks when researching your family tree.

To advertise email Lisa on [email protected]

U N I F O R M E D G R O U P S


NewsBingley Division Thinking Day

Many Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Senior Section, and Trefoil Guild members from Bingley Division joined together to celebrate Thinking Day. They were very pleased to welcome their County Commissioner and County President.

Each group paraded with their flag or mascot. The girls then listened to stories about Baden Powell and each made a magic bracelet which was held together by a Promise. Each section then lit a candle and renewed their Guiding Promise. Thinking Day pennies were collected in and sent to the World Thinking Day Fund.

The afternoon finished with everybody singing some of their favourite Guiding songs, the highlight being “The Twelve Days of Thinking Day” which was specially written for the occasion by Angela Bolton, a Brownie leader from Eldwick.

Girls from 2nd Eldwick Brownies

Cottingley Rainbows and Brownies need you!Rainbows and Brownies are groups of girls aged between 5 and 10 who meet weekly to do crafts, play games, sing songs and above all have fun!

Could you spare just one hour a week to help out in one of our meetings? In Cottingley, leaders are desperately needed to keep these valuable groups going. If you are interested we would love to hear from you! For more details, call Wendy on 01274 825502.

Are you a Guider or Scouter? We’d love to publish your group’s news! Email Lisa on [email protected]


The Will Service Ltd

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K I T C H E N C O R N E R


Salmon lasagneserves 4-6. recipe supplied by Adele at made 2 measure catering: telephone 07801 270703.

Method1. Cook salmon fillets in 200ml whole milk at gas mark 6 (180oC) for 20 mins. Remove skin and flake salmon lightly with a fork. Remove milk and leave to one side. In a pan, heat 2tbsp cooking oil, then add the diced shallot and garlic, combine for about 5 mins then add the leek, mushrooms and carrots and cook for a further 5 mins. Next add the tin of chopped tomatoes and bring to the boil, then simmer for 30 mins. Add the flaked salmon and herbs and cook for 5 mins.

2. Next make a cheese sauce. Melt 2oz butter, then add 2oz plain flour to make a roux. Add the milk from the salmon plus a further 100ml and continue stirring until the sauce starts to thicken. Then add a handful of grated cheese.

3. In a large, square ovenproof dish add half the salmon mixture, then layer some lasagne sheets to cover the ingredients. Pour half the cheese sauce onto the sheets. Repeat one more time, then grate lots of cheese onto the last sauce layer and bake in the oven for 20-25 mins at gas mark 6 (180oC), until the top turns light brown.

4. Serve with garlic bread and salad. Enjoy!

IngredIents• 1 tin chopped tomatoes• 3 chopped mushrooms• 1 banana shallot, diced• 1 leek, sliced• 1 carrot, sliced• 2 garlic cloves, crushed• 2 salmon fillets• 3 leaves of fresh parsley• 2 sprigs of dill• Lasagne sheets – dried• 2tbsp cooking oil

For the sauce• 300ml whole milk• 2oz (55g) butter• 2oz (55g) plain flour• 4oz (115g) grated cheddar cheese

1. Of what did Wordsworth see a host while wandering lonely as a cloud?

2. Which US founding father came up with the idea for Daylight Saving Time?

3. Which North American animal is believed to predict the arrival of spring according to whether or not it sees its shadow?

4. Which nest-stealing bird is often seen as symbolising the arrival of spring?

5. Which Rodgers and Hammerstein musical featured the song “It might as well be spring”?

6. Whose arrival in Narnia turned the White Witch’s eternal winter into spring?

7. Which TS Eliot poem begins with the words “April is the cruellest month”?

8. Which classic animated film features the song “Little April Showers”?

9. Which fantasy TV series contains the motto “Winter is coming”?

10. Which titled romantic poet once said “I am always most religious upon a sunshiny day”?

11. According to folklore, hearing which spring flower ring is a sign of impending death?

Answers are on page 23.

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J U S T F O R K I D S


Colour in the lucky ladybird below – maybe it will bring some sunny weather!

Easy peasy origami butterflyYou will need 1 square of paper, 15x15cm.

1. Place the paper in front of you with the point at the top, like a diamond. Fold it diagonally down the middle.

2. Fold in half again to make a smaller triangle.

3. Fold one corner up to make a wing. Then turn over and fold the second wing upwards.4. Open your butterfly out, get out the coloured pencils and enjoy decorating it!Hint: by gently pressing down on the centre of your butterfly, the wings will flap as if it’s flying!

Fun1

2

3 4

Fun

C O M M U N I T Y N E W S


By Darren aLSteaD

April is a great time to photograph daffodils. Fantastic displays are

found in most public parks, with great swathes at this time of year. Your photos can be greatly improved by shooting from low down, level with the flowers, so take something to kneel on or try switching to the macro setting on your camera and getting a close-up of a single flower.

The April programme at the Bradford Camera Club, who meet at 7.30pm on Thursdays at Carlton House,

46 Little Horton Lane, is as follows:

4th April: Tabletop practical evening.

11th April: Portrait evening. Entries for 4th round Mitchell & Metcalfe.

18th April: “Eastern American Adventure”, a talk by John Gilleghan. Entries for Mueller and Lottey trophies.

25th April: Mitchell & Metcalfe Competitions, final round of 4.

Find out more at https://sites.google.com/site/bradfordcameraclub

or contact Allan Ogilvie, President, on 01274 884187.

Bradford Camera Club news

By JoHn eLLiS

If you are looking to give something back to your community, you will discover that there are numerous

exciting and unique opportunities for you to make your mark on local, national and international projects. Join Rotary and you join a group of people who are making a difference in all sorts of communities. We believe that society and people are at their best when they work together. That way, we can help our area become a better place to live through supporting a wide range of causes, events and individuals.

We’re looking for like-minded people to join us, to help us to help others whilst making some great friends along the way. If that sounds like you, we’d love to have you with us. Traditionally Rotary was for men, but this changed many years ago and women are now very welcome to join. Our current president is Sandra Wilkinson and from July 2013, Dr Anne Raine will take over as president.

We also share a common interest in friendship and having a good time, holding a number of social events and activities throughout the year. By joining one of Rotary’s many clubs you will feel a strong sense of camaraderie and be

in very good company. Visiting www.bradfordwestrotary.org will give you a

fuller picture of our Rotary club. There are, however, a number of Rotary clubs in the area which meet either at breakfast, lunch or in the evening and on different days. If you call John Ellis on 07970 253371 he will be pleased to introduce you to a club which best meets your individual requirements.

Our next event is on Monday 8th April, when we are holding a charity ladies’ fashion show at the Ring O’ Bells, Thornton. The cost is £20 and includes an excellent two-course meal. Tickets are available from the Ring O’Bells – 01274 832296 – and you and any friends would be made most welcome.

Rotary Club of Bradford Westwe’re for communities – from our local neighbourhood to the global network of clubs dedicated to wiping polio from the face of the earth (and with Bill gates’ help we are nearly there).

P A S T T I M E S


Marian Krupa: into Letkamarian Jan Krupa (1922-2009) came to live in cottingley with his second wife, who had lived in the village most of her life, and their two-year-old son. he was born in Krakow, poland, and his experiences after leaving there in 1939 until his arrival in england in 1943 were traumatic. here we continue his story.

By MarGaret KrUPa

Maybe I was getting a little over-confident. Whenever I had in the past felt too self-assured, fate had stepped in with a timely

gesture to undermine my security.

I was well over three-quarters of the way to my destination when I saw a lorry. Hoping to get a lift, I stood at the side of the track and watched it approach. The lorry stopped for me to get in. It wasn’t until it was too late that I recognised its occupants – six police officers. It shook me rigid. When fate wants to tell me something it tells me in style. My mind worked overtime. I had to be casual. I had to be confident. I had to hide my fear. I had to think carefully before speaking.

I smiled and said hello. I was asked to produce my documents, which they examined and kept hold of. They started asking me where I was going and what I was doing. I got the feeling that I was being interrogated. I felt that they would be very suspicious of me and I realised that my story had to be very convincing. I told them I was going to Letka to take up a teaching post there. Eventually they told me to climb on the lorry with them, as they were heading that way. It would have looked even more suspicious if I had refused their offer, so with lots of misgivings I got in the back of the lorry and nodded my thanks.

I tried to look calm and unconcerned as they talked in a language that was unfamiliar to me. I didn’t know what they were saying but it seemed fairly obvious that they were discussing me. It was nerve-racking, but I put a brave face on it and talked to them casually without showing my fear. Fortunately they were so arrogant and unworldly that the questions they asked me were not designed to test out my ability as a teacher – they were of a standard that any second-year student could have answered. I had no way of knowing whether they were suspicious of me. Were they considering that I looked much younger than 32? I had a feeling my fate was held in the balance.

They were testing me. Watching me to see if I panicked or showed any sign of inconsistency. At the end of the day, after a 25- to 30-mile journey, they reached their destination. After further discussion in their own language we all got out of the lorry and they invited me to join them in a meal. I dared not refuse, although I was desperate to be away from them and any possible doubts they may harbour. I deemed it prudent to appear friendly and unafraid.

We ate our meal and I was then invited to share their lodgings for the night. Again I went along with it. We slept on the floor in a large room in the police station. I must have passed their tests,

or maybe I was no longer an interesting diversion to toss backwards and forwards

like a ping-pong ball, as my documents were returned to me the following morning. They wished me good luck on the remainder of my journey. I thanked them for the lift and the hospitality and set off along the road.

I walked casually and in a leisurely manner, turning once to wave farewell,

until I was over the brow of the hill. As soon as I was out of their sight I ran

like hell. I was grateful to God for being on my side: obviously the police officers had found nothing untoward in my affairs.

Letka was my next stop. This was my first contact with Polish people since leaving Syktyvkar and my official destination. There was a sort of delegate here and I made my way there to decide my next moves. I told the man there that I had been sent from Syktyvkar and that I was going to join the Polish Army. I started to tell him that I was on the run but he said not to say any more, it was better that he did not know. He couldn’t give me any official papers to cross the border but he thought I would have little trouble, as Muraszy was only a few kilometres away. There were many Polish families living there where I could get shelter, and I would blend in with the surroundings.

thanks again to margaret. marian’s story will continue next month.


Jeremy Robertshaw

Wilsden Almanac,The

1892.

18 More from the Wilsden Almanac next month

I am very grateful to Mr Stan Lumb for kindly passing on a photocopy of the 1892 Wilsden Almanac which belonged to his late wife. Some extracts from the almanac feature below – look out for further snippets in future issues of the Bingley Rural.

A WILSDEN WEDDING CUSTOM.It used to be a common custom after a wedding had taken

place at the church, to have races on the highway from Harecrofts to the Church, by members of the wedding party. As these races can be recollected by many Wilsdenites of to-day, details of these events would be welcomed by the editor.

ORIGIN OF THE NAME DOLLY HILL.Dolly Hill has been so named because an old woman, who

was named or nicknamed “Dolly”, used to sit knitting at the base of a tree, which before the Dolly Hill houses were erected used to grow by the road side there.

Can any reader give us the origin of any other curious Wilsden place-names, such as Stop-a-green-dyke, Honey Pot, Gazeby Hall, Crack Lane, etc. ?

____________

DIALECT BITS. —Pain wark’s harder to bide ner wark wark.

Allus addle t’worth ov a thing afore yo’ buy it, an’ then yo’ nivver need run i’ debt.

Owt yo’ buy ‘at yo’ve really noa need for is deear at onny price.

___________

BOUNDARIES OF WILSDEN.ON THE NORTH.—Harden Beck, starting from a point

in the stream, which comes from the Cullingworth district, some 1140 yards distance up from Goit Stock Mill, which, and the house there, are in Harden, they being on the other side of the beck ; Goit Stock Waterfalls, however, are entirely in Wilsden, as also is the field known as the “Woolyrings ;” coming down the stream from Goit Stock we reach Harden Beck Mill, with Mill Hill Top houses near by, all being in Wilsden. Further down we come to Harden Beck proper, the houses being in Harden, but the Malt Shovel Inn is in Wilsden ; this stream continues the boundary till it reaches a point in Bingley Woods, the eastern and northern juncture of the boundary being formed by the meeting of the Wilsden and Harden becks.

T’POOR LITTLE COLLIER LAD.H wor comin’ throo t’pit wi’ a cartload o’ coils

One for’nooin on a cowd winter’s day,When ah saw a young lad wi’ his cloaz all i’ hoils,

He’d be eight summers owd ah dersay ;He’d a kit on his arm, an’ wor threng as a bee Sammin’ t’bits up ’at shack’d off o’ t’cart ;So regg’d, an’ so pale, an’ a hooind-leukin’ wor he, Wol ah pitied t’poor lad i’ mi heart.T’poor little regg’d mortal ! he made muh feel sad, An’ ah thowt “Ah’ll speyk tul him, chuse hah ; ”So ah stopped t’horse an’ t’cart an’ went up to t’lad, An ah said tul him, “whose lad are tah ? ”But he stepped back a bit, an ah saw he wor flayed ‘At ahst hit him wi’ t’whip, or else try ;So ah stuck mi whip under mi arm, an’ ah said, “Ah’m noan bahn to hurt theh, nut I.Ah want theh to tell muh whose young lad thah art, An’ likewise to tell muh hah ’tis‘At thah’rt pickin’ t’coils up ’at shack off o’ t’cart, O’ sitch a cowd mornin’ as this.”T’lad shamed, ah could see, fer he hung dahn his heead, An’ ah saw he wor troubled beside,Then he leuk’d up an’ said, “Ah’m John Robi’son lad, An’ ah live i’ yond hahse bi t’roadside ;Mi mother is poorly i’ bed, do yo’ see, An’ mi fatther is workin’ i’ t’mill,An’ this mornin’ ah couldn’t mak’ mother her tea, T’coils wor all done, an’ t’fire’s aht still ;Ah’ve hed nowt to-day but a bit o’ dry cake Abaht t’bugth o’ mi hand, do yo’ see,An’ wol ah can kin’le a fire ah can’t make Mi porridge, nor mother her tea.Mo fatther is off nearly ivvry neet A-drinkin’ at ‘T’Trowel an’ Stone,’Mi mother says we mud ha’ plenty to eyt If he’d nobbut let drinkin’ alone,An’ that he may give ower gettin’ his beer, Mornins an neets mi mother does pray.”Ah said to t’poor lad, as ah brushed off a tear, “God help yo’, ah hoap ’at he may !”Ah’d a nice bit o’ pasty lapped up in a claht, ‘Twor to eyt o’ mi road, do yo’ see,But ah thowt to misen, “Ah can manage withaht, T’lad needs it a deal wahr ner me.”So ah gav’ him mi pasty, an’ filled him his can, An t’gladness ’at beamed in his eenMade muh feel a better an’ happier man, An’ repaid muh fer all ’at ah’d gi’en. John IllIngworth.

AppeAl: The editor and Wilsden historian Astrid Hansen would be interested to know if other copies of the Wilsden Almanac still survive. If you have any information, please contact lisa on 07818 887242.

19Email the editor on [email protected]

FRANCIS BUTTERFIELD.In writing the history of men it is nearly always necessary

to either speak of the way they made their fortunes or the great events they brought about in the history of their country. We are spared the trouble, however, while dealing with the subject of our sketch. He has amassed no heaps of gold, and consequently has none to gloat over ; nor has the welfare of a political venture or a parliamentary measure depended on his action. But who that has ever spent a couple of days in Wilsden can say he has not heard of “Owd Frenk ?”

Born a couple of years prior to the Battle of Waterloo he has resided in the district more than three-quarters of a century, and still continues to enjoy the love and esteem of his fellow-townspeople.

Frank, as we feel disposed to call him, was best known in his youth as the king of practical jokers. His occupation was that of combing by hand, an employment which made claim to more larkers than any other in West Riding. Some of the jokes are well worthy of narration, therefore we submit a few.

Wilsden was visited in those old days with a severe thunderstorm, and some of Frank’s fellow-workers were telling on the following day of the damage which had been done, and expressing their fear lest the still pervading gloom should break out and result in more serious consequences. Frank withdrew with a confidant of his on some slight excuse and prepared for a lark.

The building was a low slated one of one storey, to the top of which Frank took a large boulder and held it there while his companion got a piece of wool, and after thoroughly saturating it with oil, placed it in the corner of the window. He then securely tied the door and applied a light to the wool, Frank at the same time rolling the stone down the roof. The amazement of the inmates may well be conjectured when they saw a fire at the window and heard the rumbling overhead. They rushed headlong for the door, some of them knocking others down in their hurry, themselves falling over them and tripping up those who came behind till they all formed a ludicrous mass of angry individuals ; when the door was found locked, and they heard the laughing outside, however, the combers half-angrily and half-laughingly returned to their places and resumed their work.

On another occasion, while his wife was serving a woman in the shop which they had, he came up out of the cellar with the hide and horns of a cow thrown over his body, and frightened the woman so badly that she left her necessities and ran screaming down the village.

In the Wilsden Almanac for 1890 is related the incident of “His Satanic Majesty’s visit to Wilsden ;” the story is quite true, and he who took the part of the great Sulphur King in the ghastly scene was he who is best known as “Owd Frenk.” We could relate more of his funny doings but space forbids, therefore we hurry on to the more serious matter of a life well spent.

Those Wilsdenites who are yet unaware of the fact will be pleased to know that Frank was one of the founders of Rechabitism in Bingley ; one of the originators and most ardent workers of the Wilsden Temperance Society of 56 years ago ; and one of the founders of Wilsden Mechanics’ Institution.

He has always welcomed the advocates of temperance to his home. When Thos. Worsnop used to come to Wilsden he invariably dined with Frank, and when the eccentric old advocate went to receive his reward he wrote the history of his life and doings. He also wrote the pamphlet entitled “A Village Cause and how it Propered,” and one on the doctrines and founders of the Church of England. George Holyoake, the renowned lecturer and writer on Co-operation, etc., has had tea under Frank’s roof. All who have had the slightest show of talent, and felt ambitious to develop it, have always had a

sincere friend in Francis Butterfield. It was he who went with Mr. Hird soliciting subscribers for his little volume, “The Harp on the Willows.” It was he who nurtured the poetic spirit and gained for the cause of temperance John Illingworth ; and it was he who was the bosom-friend of S. Nicholl, the Wilsden artist. He has visited Harriet Martinue at her own home, and possessed the friendship of John Nicholson, the Airedale poet, he also owning what is of singular interest and value—the pledge-book containing Nicholson’s signature, it being the first on one of the pages ; from it the facsimile in “The Poets of Keighley, Bingley, Haworth, and District” was taken.

Frank was the means of driving out of the district a renowned fortune-teller whose name we for the present withold.

In the old Chartist days Frank fought in the front ranks of the reformers. He was known far and wide as a devout Chartist, and it was due to this fact that his advice was sought by Charlotte Bronte.

The famous novelist had collected a number of books and pamphlets on Chartism, intending to write a novel on that subject, but before doing so she decided to seek the advice of Mr. Butterfield. She came and found Frank busy with his woolcombing ; he ceased his work, however, and spent the remainder of the afternoon discussing the subject with Miss

Bronte, his advice being, at the close of the conversation, to change her intentions. He then accompanied her to

Birchlands End homewards, and as they reached the stile where the footpath turns down towards

Hallas Bridge, the great authoress of “Shirley,” she whose magic pen traced the pages of

“Jane Eyre,” turned and said simply, “We must now part company. I thank you for your advice, upon which I shall act.”

“I shall never forget it,” the old man said to us when he related the incident, and for several minutes he gazed into vacancy, apparently looking backward over a space of fifty years, and picturing in his mind’s eye the face and form

of one of England’s greatest novelists breathing words of thankfulness to one whose avocation was that of combing

wool.Of his acts of kindness and deeds of charity they can be reckoned by the

score, and many a heart to-day has the greatest cause of thankfulness

to the subject of this sketch.Frank is now old and

somewhat feeble, and perhaps the solemn hour will come ere we have

seen as many suns set as he has seen rise ; but when it does arrive with its doleful message will not those who are

left behind be able to say of him as was recently said of a more widely known individual ? “He was a man of unswerving principle and unflinching courage, of noble ambition and unfaltering will, of keen insight and strong grasp ; and England will seek long ere she find a sturdier and more loyal son. He might have been more widely known but would have been no greater man, nor left an example more inspiring. Full of love for man, he ( has ) led a pure and noble life, and to those who know him the loss will be irremediable.” thos. wIllIams.

___________

ANOTHER LOCAL LEGEND.At the foot of that steep, ugly, rocky, stony footpath

leading through the woods from Wilsden to Bingley there is a big rock on the right hand side, which forms part of the path boundary there. On its face, and near the top right-hand side, are what seem like foot-long finger marks ; near the base, at the left-hand side, is an impression like the sole of a man’s foot. Tradition says that these marks were made by Samson when he pushed, or hurled the rock from the top of Norr Hill !

A L L A B O U T A N I M A L S


The majority of the greyhounds that come into the Sheffield Retired Greyhounds scheme have retired from racing on the track at Owlerton

Greyhound Stadium, Sheffield. We get calls every week from trainers and owners with dogs who have come to the end of their racing careers, wanting to do the responsible thing for them by helping them find forever homes. We keep a list of dogs waiting to come into the scheme and as one dog gets homed, a new dog comes to fill his or her shoes! It’s lovely to see happy dogs going to their new homes, wandering off into the distance wagging their tails at the side of their new owners, and it’s equally lovely to meet the new dogs coming to stay with us – hopefully for only a short time. We aim to rehome each dog as quickly as possible, ensuring we match the right dog to the right family/owner. Some dogs get picked straight away and are only with us a week or so. Others are with us for a long time and sometimes it can be hard to understand why some dogs don’t get picked as quickly as others.

As of mid-March, we have rehomed 25 greyhounds and have interest expressed in a number who could be chosen very soon! Up to 20 greyhounds stay at the farm in the care of the trust at any one time. Please read on and meet just a few of our current residents looking for their forever homes...

This is holly, a beautiful brindle girl. She is four years old with lots of personality! For some reason Holly is still with us after 14 months. When she first came to the kennels she was very bouncy and silly, but

has since quietened down a lot. Because Holly has seen friends come and go as they leave for their new

homes, we think she is getting a little bit “down in the dumps” and not selling herself in the best way. She is a lovely girl and we are sure she will make the perfect pet! She loves her boyfriend, Speedy, who she shares her kennel with, and they love to play together in the paddock.

Holly would be an ideal “only pet”, or may be able to settle into a home with a male dog. She isn’t suitable for homing with cats or small pets.

This is rosie (left) and scooby (right).

They have been with us for a few weeks now and have settled in really well. They clearly love each other and as a result we need to home them together.

Unfortunately Scooby and Rosie came to us under sad circumstances and they weren’t in the best of health. At this stage we are not sure of their ages but are trying to find out further information through their ear tattoos (these mean we know they have been racing greyhounds at some time in the past). We were contacted by our headquarters – the Retired Greyhound Trust in London – who asked if we had room to take the dogs as they were in a poor state. This was as a result of being found in a shed after their owner, an old gentleman, sadly died. Apparently no-one knew they were there and they were only found about a week later – malnourished, covered in mange and looking very sorry for themselves.

We are pleased to say that they are now fit and well and ready for rehoming – amazing what a few weeks of TLC can do!

eily is just four years old and has been with us a couple of months. She is a white and brindle girl who has lots of energy and who

Meet some of the greyhounds in our care and ready for adoptionin last months’ article, Kate Barrett told us about volunteering and fundraising for sheffield retired greyhounds. this month, Kate – treasurer of the trust and local businesswoman – tells us more about a few of the greyhounds currently living at the kennels until forever homes can be found for them.


loves attention and a cuddle! We are keen to find Eily the right home, as she has been out to a home already (which already had another dog) and has come back as she wasn’t getting on with the other dog. She is lovely-natured but is quite dominant with other dogs so we would suggest that she is homed as an “only pet” where she can have all the attention!

trudy is a little sweetheart and has been with us for about a month. She has just had her fifth birthday and is a little black and white girl with a white triangle on her nose end! She loves to meet people and her tail never stops wagging! She is very strong so needs a good, strong handler to take her for her daily walks.

This is calli and she has come back to us as a result of a change in circumstances at her previous home. Calli had been living with her previous owner for about three years so she is totally house-trained and will settle very quickly into a new home environment. Even though Calli is the grand age of nine, she acts like a youngster and is full of life! She loves to go for a walk and is very good on the lead.

And last but certainly not least, this is Fergie. Fergie is a sweet little girl who loves attention and if you come to talk to her she comes up close almost asking for a cuddle (which she loves!). Don’t be fooled by Fergie’s sad look: she never wags her tail either, but she loves people and will make a wonderful pet. She is due a well-deserved retirement after a long

racing career – she ran well over 100 races at Sheffield!

If you are interested in any of the above dogs, please get in touch (details below) – or why not come and visit them? There are always plenty of happy faces and wagging tails to greet you!

As mentioned earlier, the majority of the greyhounds in our kennels come to us after their racing career ends, via their racing trainer or owner. However, we do sometimes get greyhounds into the kennels through other circumstances. The start of 2013 has

seen this happen twice, which is very rare – in the cases of Rosie, Scooby and Calli above. These cases are thankfully rare and our rehomed greyhounds live out their lives happily with their new owners.

All of our dogs go to their new homes with a lovely waterproof walk-out coat, a lead and collar set, an indoor soft collar and a muzzle. We always suggest you buy a bag of our food too, so that they initially have the food they are used to. This then allows you to introduce any new food to them over a few days so as to avoid tummy upsets. We are always on hand to give advice should you need it. Often when new owners take a greyhound from us it is their first pet, so they need to know there’s someone at the end of the phone to reassure them that all is ok!

The cost of spaying is also something you don’t need to worry about as we get this sorted for you, along with ensuring that the dog’s vaccinations, worm and flea treatments are up to date.

If you are interested in giving a greyhound a home, or would like to visit the farm to take a greyhound for a walk and learn more about the breed, please feel free to give Lynda or Roy a call on 0114 2888 300. We also have kennel or dog sponsorship which you can find out about by visiting our website: www.sheffieldretiredgreyhounds.co.uk

If there is anything specific you would like us to include in future articles for the Bingley Rural, please drop Kate a line at [email protected] or send her a tweet – @SheffieldRGT – and we will do our best to cover any topics you would like us to cover or answer any questions you may have.

Next month we will tell you more about some of the dogs that have been adopted and how they are settling into their new forever homes.

SpRINgA poem by GerArd mAnley Hopkins

OTHING is so beautiful as spring—When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush;

Thrush’s eggs look little low heavens, and thrush Through the echoing timber does so rinse and

wringThe ear, it strikes like lightnings to hear him sing;The glassy peartree leaves and blooms, they brushThe descending blue; that blue is all in a rushWith richness; the racing lambs too have fair their fling.

What is all this juice and all this joy?A strain of the earth’s sweet being in the beginningIn Eden garden.—Have, get, before it cloy,Before it cloud, Christ, lord, and sour with sinning,Innocent mind and Mayday in girl and boy,Most, O maid’s child, thy choice and worthy the winning.

P A S T T I M E S


Easter 1947, a lovely Easter, the start of one of the best British summers ever and one we fully deserved after one of the worst

winters ever – maybe the Almighty was rewarding us for saving the continent from fascism a few years earlier, knowing that the same generation would be saving it from communism a few years later whilst doing National Service.

I was down in London with my mam, staying with her sister, my Aunt Liz, and my cousin Shirley. Aunt Liz lived and worked in one of those Upstairs, Downstairs-type houses, moving there a few weeks after the war when jobs were plenty and people to do them scarce. She was of course downstairs, looking after the posh ones upstairs, who, to be fair, were very nice. Her downstairs, though, was a sight better than any upstairs I ever lived in. Shirley not only had her own bedroom but her own nightwear – even sheets on her bed.

uncle sam proved a more ruthless money-lender than any dickens character

I wasn’t to sample such luxuries till I started my National Service four years later – minus the bedroom. Even then the sheets only lasted the six weeks of our basic training. When we joined our regiment in Germany we were back to no sheets, but kept the pyjamas. It took six months to get our first sheet, which we were told to wear on top for a week, then underneath for a week, then we got another clean one whilst the first got laundered. We waited another six months to get the next sheet. Two sheets on our beds, that was really posh.

The country was broke. Whilst going hungry ourselves, we still had, as one of the victorious nations, to help feed huge numbers of displaced

persons all over Europe. Even worse, Uncle Sam proved a more ruthless money-lender than any Dickens character and didn’t believe in any silly sentimental “special relationship” nonsense.

Aunt Liz and Shirley lived in Marylebone Street, Marylebone Mews I think. I’d no idea what a Mews was: a home for cats? I remember Shirley and I going to a museum: it might have been the British as it was only a short walk from the house. We went up the steps into the building, looked at the

wall to our right and saw paintings, wonderful, expensive-looking paintings worth millions in today’s money. Just one thing wrong: they were

of beautiful women, naked, and we were two young kids, me 14 and Shirley not quite 13. Our heads went down and we moved into the next room.

This was filled with statues, wonderful, expensive statues of men, probably worth millions in today’s money. Just one thing wrong: they were all naked. Heads sank even lower as our

faces turned a beetroot colour. All I’d wanted to see were suits of

armour. Then, without a word spoken, we both automatically headed for the exit.

I doubt we’d been there ten minutes. Back in the house Shirley disappeared, probably to her luxury bed and straight under the blankets, blushing.

Later, I stood outside in the pleasant warm evening leaning against the iron railings: funny that, because only a few years earlier councils took all the poor people’s railings and gates for “the war effort”. I was wondering – well, day dreaming, I was always day dreaming – “AGAIN are we Eric Firth?” as my class teacher Miss Bottomley (we called her MA) said as she whacked me one. I can still feel that. I was day dreaming about how Bradford Northern would do in the Rugby League Challenge Cup. They won it, 8-4 against Leeds. And about how Yorkshire would perform in the county championship, having won it the previous season. They finished seventh, mainly due to losing older players to retirement. Not to mention the Middlesex Twins, Compton and

Another Easter storyeric Firth recalls the easter of 1947, at the start of one of the best British summers ever.


Quiz answers

From winter to spring Quiz1. Daffodils2. Benjamin Franklin3. Groundhog4. Cuckoo5. State Fair6. Aslan7. The Waste Land8. Bambi9. Game of Thrones10. Lord Byron

11. Bluebell

st george’s Quiz1. 14th2. It is believed to be the

date of his death and martyrdom

3. Probably none! There is no evidence the saint ever visited England

4. William Shakespeare5. Henry V6. St Edmund

Every Thursday evening 7.30- 9.30pm at Crystal Space, Aire View, Silsden, BD20 0AN. £1 including refreshments. See website www.crystalspace.co.uk (events section), phone Ally on 07546 109072 or email [email protected] for more details. All welcome.

Workshops on alternative therapy/healing practices


Edrich, who won it, so to speak, off their own bats for Middlesex.

I was brought out of this dreaming by a voice from the other side of the road, much nicer than Miss Bottomley’s whack. Looking across I saw an elderly man, and he was beckoning me over. “Uh-oh,” I thought, “he’s going to ask me directions, I won’t have a clue and he won’t understand my Yorkshire accent. Where’s Shirley when she’s needed? She speaks cockney now.” I dashed across the road. “You seem to have a bit of a cold there, son,” said the man. He was probably in his late 60s, had silver hair and a very kind-looking face. Now at the time I didn’t know it, but I had broken my nose playing football and later had an operation on it. I had learned the hard way that you do not head football boots – ball yes, boots no, they always win. Boot 1, Eric nil. This kindly man had heard me sniffling and wanted to help. But I was to learn that he himself had suffered the most terrible pain and heartache, and yet he worried about me – not him, me. He told me the tale.

He was blind, not fully but near. “Gerry blew our entire street to bits,” he said. “Lost my wife, my sister, sister-in-law and my home, moved in straight after our wedding: funny thing, the only

ones in my family who weren’t hurt in the war were my two sons who were with Monty in North Africa.” Then, giving me a smile, he moved away, saying, “You look after yourself now, son.” Come to think of it, at a very healthy 80 I’ve done just that. Maybe he helped. I can still hear the tapping of his stick as he shuffled slowly along the pavement with his memories, all he had left. I wonder how many more there were like him around the land in that post-war year of 1947? But the only pity that man had he gave to a young Yorkshire kid.

It’s 66 years now since that day and that wonderful old gentleman. I think of him when I get the minor problems we all get. Works wonders, and I keep his memories for him. He and others with similar tales to tell deserve at least that. Politicians seem uninterested. I know too that the Bible warns us to be on our guard because “We oft entertain angels unawares”. I must have got near that night. So forget your worries, have a happy Easter instead, and hope that the summer is as glorious as ’47, the Bulls win the challenge cup, and Yorkshire has its best season since ’46.

Apologies to eric (aka grandad) that i unfortunately didn’t have room for this in last month’s easter issue – still just as interesting to read this month! ed.

I woke up the other night around 2.30am. I was aware of the aroma of home baking filling the entire house.

I leaped out of bed (well, more like dragged myself out). My wife Wendy had just removed the hot mince pies from the oven. I popped the kettle on.“You can get your eyes off them for a start. They’re for the coffee mornin’, all of ’em.”So I had to make do with a couple of biscuits with my coffee. While I’m drinkin’ it, she’s lookin’ at TV page in t’local paper.Suddenly she says, “There’s an old film abart to start on Channel 4, can ya get it on for me?”I say gently, “You can manage that, luv, I’m sure.”

She switches telly on at the socket, picks up the remote control and sits ’erself darn. After a bit, the TV burst into life.

“It’s on BBC 1, wot do I do now?”

“Press the right-hand side button, sweetheart.” (I might yet get a warm mince pie if I keep talkin’ like that).

She presses the button as instructed. “Nothin’s ’appened,” she states.

I say gently, “Try again, luv.”

She obeys me. “It’s still not workin’,” she says after givin’ it a good press.

So I put down my coffee, stand up, take one step towards her and spot the problem.

“You’ve got the remote wrong way round, dear.” – I’m still ’opin’ for a mince pie! “If it had been a gun you’d ’av shot yourself, twice!”

Modern technology!

How things have changed!Another episode in the life of John Butterfield of cottingley.



By CaroL Barrett (PHoto By PaUL Barrett)

This walk took place around Denso Marston Nature Reserve, Baildon, on Sunday 10th February 2013.

Eight adults and a five-year-old little boy were welcomed on a cold, wet, wintry morning by the ever-enthusiastic warden of Denso Marston Nature Reserve, Steve Warrillow. Steve guided us along the newly-tarmacked path from the entrance down to the River Aire and we immediately began to identify mistle thrushes, carrion crows and blackbirds perched in the trees in the adjoining field. A large flock of redwings and goldfinches took flight from the field up into the neighbouring trees, followed by sightings of jackdaws and Canada geese as well as a skein of greylag geese flying overhead.

Although there are plans for an industrial development in this area, the reserve intends to keep a native species of hedge as a screen and is hoping to excavate the field alongside the River Aire to allow wetland to develop, with a view to attracting passing waders.

We turned right along the riverbank and followed the path to the edge of the reserve, listening to the birdsong of blackbirds, robins and blue tits. On entering the woodland area we heard and saw a flock of long-tailed tits making their way through the trees to the newly erected feeding station.

On lifting a wooden board, we were amazed to count eight smooth newts in hibernation, including several young, showing that they are breeding successfully in a nearby pond. Early signs of spring included primroses already in flower, bluebells, celandines and daffodils, all showing a healthy green foliage.

A grey heron was standing on the edge of the large pond as we made our way to the feeding station and a group of siskins were flitting about in the trees nearby.

The warden is rightly proud of the improvements already made to the reserve (including a hut which enables visiting educational groups to study the rich wildlife of birds, dragonflies, butterflies, insects, pond life, trees and wild flowers) and of ongoing plans to create yet more habitats.

Despite the rain, we all enjoyed a very successful walk with expert guidance from our host.

24 species of birds were identified: grey heron, Canada goose, greylag goose, mallard, moorhen, black-headed gull, robin, blackbird, song thrush, redwing, mistle thrush, long-tailed tit, coal tit, blue tit, great tit, jay, magpie, jackdaw, carrion crow, chaffinch, greenfinch, goldfinch, siskin and bullfinch.

Birdwatching at Denso Marston Nature Reservein the third of an occasional series of articles, carol Barrett describes a birdwatching walk undertaken by the local rspB group in the Bingley area.

The group were privileged

to see eight smooth newts in

hibernation


When families come to pick out their new furry pal, they go for the cutest, the fluffiest, and the most adaptable with young children,

and the ones who are most likely to be found on the prettiest of postcards.

Very rarely do they choose the cats whose primes have long passed; the cats who aren’t quite looking their best any longer, have acquired a lifetime of physical evidence of lives lived and abandonment/abuse sustained. For a lot of these cats, as soon as put step their paws through the door of our rescue centre, this is their home for the rest of their lives.

They won’t be offered a warm blanket by a fireplace, a lap to curl up on or a human they get to call their own. This is the best that they will ever have. When our rescue was founded over 40 years ago, we made a pledge to our animals that we would find them homes to call their own and they would no longer have to dwell on their previous lives.

Sadly, sometimes this is a pledge we are forced to break when they take their last aged breaths under our roof, surrounded by friends who will live to see the joy of being

chosen among so many others. Could you find it in your heart to be a long-term fosterer for these aged souls as they count down their last few months/years, offering them the love they never knew until they were handed to us?

If you would like to see the collection of “golden oldies” we have acquired, please visit our Facebook Senior Cats folder at the following URL: http://on.fb.me/YMrzbZ

Our mailing address is 258 Allerton Road, Allerton, Bradford. BD15 7QX and our contact number is 01274 481984.

Allerton Cat Rescue seniorsnew feline faces are a common sight for the cats of Allerton cat rescue: new friends to be made – or in some case foes – and companions to be played with. But for one particular group of cats, change is a sad part of their lives.

Pet of the month: Lizzie

Lizzie is a five-year-old neutered greyhound bitch. She is partly

housetrained and she travels well. She is a really sweet-natured, affectionate dog who loves attention. She particularly enjoys having her belly rubbed.

We do not know her full background, but it is likely that Lizzie, like many greyhounds, failed to make the grade as a racing dog. In general these dogs make excellent family pets, although they can have a tendency to chase cats and other small pets. They may need time to adapt to living in a house, having been used to kennels.

Lizzie is a placid dog who walks well on the lead. She does occasionally have bursts of energy and giddy moments. She likes playing with cuddly toys and teddy bears. Lizzie gets on okay with other dogs as long as they are not too boisterous around her, but she would not be suitable to live with cats. The ideal home for Lizzie would be with a mature family or couple, or as a one-to-one companion.

Anyone who would like more information, please contact us on 01274 723063. You can find out more at www.rspca-bradford.org.uk or look for Bradford RSPCA on Facebook and Twitter.



Susan Dunne, owner of the ponies, explained how it came about: “The ponies have always attracted a lot

of attention from the public and everyone seems to start smiling when they see them. I thought it would be great if we could share a bit of the pleasure they bring with people who can’t get out to see them. I was working in a nursing home when the idea came to me and I thought: ‘If dogs can do therapeutic visits, why not ponies?’”

One or two obvious reasons might spring to mind: ponies are not known for going inside buildings, are reputedly rather nervous animals, oh and they can’t be housetrained either… but none of this has proved an obstacle for Alfie and Spot, as Susan explained:

“When they go into care homes and other centres they are incredibly calm and relaxed. Nothing seems to faze them, whether it’s walking into a lounge full of people, going up in a lift or paying a visit to someone’s bedroom. People are often amazed at just how placid they are and they’ll stand all day to be patted and made a fuss of. They’re absolutely amazing!”

And, ahem, the sensitive issue of housetraining? After a wide-ranging search on the Internet, Susan managed to track down the “Bun Bag” – a device fitted to the ponies to catch any droppings before they fall on a nice clean carpet. It’s apparently the only one of its kind to fit miniature ponies and had to be imported from Idaho. Susan said, “We’re very pleased with the results so far – staff in the care sector work hard enough as it is so we don’t want to go in and cause any more work for them!”

The benefits of animals in residential centres have been

well documented. Just a few include improved mood and relaxation, stimulus to conversation and social interaction, stroking and grooming and a diversion from other problems. The ponies provide all these but there are some

additional benefits too, as Susan explained: “When the ponies walk in the whole room lights up. No one expects to see a pony in the living room and their cute, spotty appearance always brings out a collective ‘Aww’ from the residents. It can encourage a lot of reminiscences from older residents who may have grown up at a time when horses were part of everyday life, especially in rural areas. The staff also really enjoy it and many of them will bring in their children to see the ponies. It’s a great opportunity to bring in younger family members to visit and often it becomes quite a social occasion. For those confined to bed, we find that the ponies’ height is just right for stroking.”

Demand for the pony visits is steadily increasing as word spreads, but visits to centres are restricted to two a week so that Alfie and Spot can live as normal ponies in the field for most of the time. It is important that they have the time and space to graze, exercise and socialise and that visits are a pleasant experience for them away from the field. As Susan says, “The ponies are

very relaxed and contented, which reflects in how they behave on the visits. It’s very important to get the balance right so that they have a lifestyle that allows them to live as ponies and to enjoy the stimulus of doing something different.”

Contact Susan on [email protected], tel 07718 905036 / 01535 690329, or visit www.patapony.com

St Ives ponies spread smilestwo miniature spotted ponies on the st ives estate have been spreading joy well beyond their field. Alfie and spot are part of the pat a pony scheme, which takes ponies on therapeutic visits to care homes, day centres and schools across the region.

E V E N T S G U I D E


Saturday 13th April 10am-4pmBingley Little Theatre Antiques and Collectables Fair at Bingley Arts Centre. Tables may be reserved through the Arts Centre office: 01274 519814 or contact Anne Bennett on 01274 563747.

Thursday 18th-Saturday 20th April From 7.30pmBingley Little Theatre/Kaleidoscope present Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” at Bingley Arts Centre. Tickets: £8 full, £14 concessions. Book in person at Bingley Arts Centre or phone 01274 567983, 11am-3.30pm Mon-Fri. You can also buy tickets online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/bingleyartscentre.

Saturday 20th April 10am-5pmYorkshire Art Fair at Gomersal Public Hall, Oxford Road, Gomersal, BD19 4JP.With FREE admission, there will be something for everyone. Upwards of 30 artists selling original works of art in an amazing variety of styles and mediums, framers, suppliers of art materials, prints, cards, sculptures and much more. A FREE, informal drop-in demonstration by internationally renowned Yorkshire artist Bruce Mulcahy BA Hons, RSMA YWS. For more information or to exhibit please call 0794 654 8046 or visit our website at: www.yorkshireartfair.com

Monday 22nd-Saturday 27th April 7.15-9.30pm

Bingley Gilbert & Sullivan Society present “HMS Pinafore” and “Trial by Jury” at Bingley Arts Centre. Tickets £6.50-£13 (see www.bingleyartscentre.co.uk for more details). Telephone bookings via 01535 680692 and 01274 409466.

Saturday 27th April 10am-12noonThe Harden WI Spring Market will be held in St Saviour’s family room, Harden. There will be cakes, bric-a-brac, books, plants and a tombola. The admission charge is £1 for adults and 50p for children, including refreshments. This year the event will support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. For further details contact Vicky Furness on 01535 272673.

Saturday 27th April 1-2pmComedy Club 4 Kids at Beckfoot School, Wagon Lane, Bingley. Cracking entertainment for everyone over the age of six: we have the best comedians on the UK circuit doing what they do best... without the rude bits! Tickets available online at www.comedyclub4kids.co.uk, or via telephone box office on 0844 8700887 (5p per minute). £8 per child, £9 per adult. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Friday 3rd May From 7pmMargaret Carey Foundation present a charity concert at Beckfoot School, featuring:steeton male Voice choir (winners of Choirs Rock 2013) – singing songs from stage and film.

Luke Jackson (folk/roots singer songwriter finalist in BBC Folk Awards 2013).Manchester Airport Choir (one of the BBC Gareth Malone’s workplace choirs).A choral concert with a difference! Tickets £10 and £7.50 (65+ and under 18).Tickets available from the JOY charity shop in Bingley, Hopwoods sandwich shop in Saltaire village or contact MCF on 01535 275530.

Saturday 11th May From 7.30pmSpiers & Boden at Victoria Hall, Saltaire. “The finest duo on the English folk scene,” says The Guardian. Loud, proud and with just a few acoustic instruments, Spiers & Boden create a multitude of textures to present traditional stories and dance music. On their May “Backyard Songs” tour, a section of the show each evening will delve into local tradition to perform a few tunes from the local area.Tickets £14, see www.saltairelive.co.uk or tel 01264 588614 to book.

Saturday 11th May From 8pmSully’s Heroes play band night

April

List your events on these pages for free! Email Lisa with the details on [email protected], or ring 07818 887242.

What’s on in your community

May


at Wilsden Conservative Club, Wellington Street, Wilsden. £2 entry.

Saturday 18th-Sunday 19th MayHaworth 1940s weekend, with events including period vehicle parade, Churchill address, Bradford Marching Pipe Band parade, RAF flypast, plus dances, a vintage fair and more. All profits from this charity event will go to the Soldiers, Sailors,

Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA). Find out more at www.haworth1940sweekend.co.uk

Sunday 19th May From 2pmWilsden Gardening Association Spring Fayre at the village hall.

Thursday 23rd May From 7.30pmGareth Gates Live & Unplugged at Bingley Arts Centre. Tickets £20. Book in person at Bingley

Arts Centre or phone 01274 567983, 11am-3.30pm Mon-Fri.

Sunday 26th May From 7.30pmSalsa Celtica at Victoria Hall, Saltaire. One of the most exciting and danceable bands around – 11 musicians from Latin America, Scotland and Ireland, each bringing the rhythms of their own musical tradition to the party.Tickets £14, see www.saltairelive.co.uk or tel 01264 588614 to book.

Groups directory9th Bradford North ScoutsBeavers meet Tue 6-7.15pm. Cubs meet Wed 6.30-7.45pm. Meetings take place at Sandy Lane Methodist Church. Contact Phil: 07973 339007.

Appalachian Dance with Roll Back The CarpetWant to try something different, get fit, meet new friends, dance to live music? Then come along to one of our practice nights held every Wednesday from 8pm til 10pm in the Dale Room at Victoria Hall, Saltaire. Wear hard-soled shoes or taps. See our website www.rbc.binless.co.uk for more.

Bingley & District Local History SocietyWe meet in Church House, Old Main Street, Bingley, on the second Thursday of most months. See our website at www.bingleyhistory.co.uk for more.

Bingley Camera ClubNew members are always welcome to weekly meetings on Monday evenings in Church House, Old Main Street, Bingley at 7.30pm.

Café Life from the Advance ChurchAn opportunity to meet friends, chill out, drink great coffees (cappuccino, latte, Americano, etc.) and enjoy amazing home-baked cakes – as well as discussing a

short thought-provoking video. Alternate Tuesdays from 7.30pm in Wilsden Village Hall.

Clog Dancing with ClogaireCome along and have a go at Lancashire and North East clogging. A fun way to get fit and meet new friends. We practise every Monday night from 8pm til 10pm in the Dale Room at Victoria Hall, Saltaire. See our website clogaire.binless.co.uk for more.

Cullingworth Amateur Dramatics SocietyMeet regularly throughout the year and produce an annual pantomime in February, as well as plays and musical shows. New members are always welcome for a variety of roles, not only treading the boards but scenery painting, backstage, props, costumes, front of house and serving

refreshments. Anyone interested should contact Tony or Sharon Ackroyd on 01274 510559 or email [email protected]

Cullingworth Art GroupMeet three times a week in St John’s Church Hall, Cullingworth, Monday and Thursday evenings 7-9pm and Monday mornings 10.15am-12.15pm. Call 01535 272170 for details.

Sponge Tree Under 5s Colour WorkshopsWe encourage everybody to be creative by connecting with the natural world. Running at Bingley Trinity 5 Rise Children’s Centre

every Thursday 10.30-11.30am: ring 01274 435850 for details.

WILTOTS Mother, Baby & Toddler GroupWe meet from 9.30am to 11.30am every Tuesday morning (except school holidays) in the Wilsden Methodist & URC building. This is open to parents, grandparents and carers with babies and toddlers. We provide toys, craft, activities, snacks and good company. Do come along.

Publicise your local group on these pages for free! Email Lisa on [email protected] with your group’s details, or phone her on 07818 887242.

British Cactus and Succulent Society – Bradford branch

The next meeting is in Shipley Library at 7.15pm on 8th May, when David Rushforth will talk about visits to cactus-growing areas round the world. For further information, call Brian Thornton on 01535 274755.

To advertise email Lisa on [email protected] To advertise email Lisa on [email protected]

F I R S T C A L L


whatever your emergency, from a broken boiler to a poorly pet, these are the numbers to keep handy.

consumer

crime

emergency servicesUK..................................................................999 International...................................................112

reporting anti-social behaviourBingley and Worth Neighbourhood Policing Team.............................................01274 475331

Victim supportHelp for victims of crime..............0845 30 30 900

health

Bradford and Airedale patient Advice and Liaison service (pALs)If you have concerns.....................01274 237555

Bradford royal infirmary............01274 542200

household

gas safe register Find a local gas engineer.............0800 408 5500

motoring

AA Breakdown callout.........................0800 88 77 66

rAc Breakdown callout........................0800 197 7815

pet care

oscAr Free helplineNutritional & veterinary advice.....0800 195 8000

rspcA24-hour cruelty line.......................0300 1234 999 RSPCA Bradford & Airedale.........01274 723063

work and Finance

citizens Advice Bureau Legal and money problems..........08444 111 444

Sixteenth

Your emergency numbers

tradesman or

contractor?• If you provide an

emergency callout service, get listed here for as little as £12 per month

• See p33 for more on ad prices

SmELL GaS?call the national grid gas emergency helpline

0800 111 999

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A D V E R T I S E R I N D E X

Adi Aerials Bingley 01274 897020

All style dance workout 07930 379067

choice photography 07725 171786

crystal space 07546 109072

csd handyman service 01274 830842

the design mill 01274 568485

garden magic 01535 275463

green glaze 01274 892360

manningham Fencing 01274 548861

niche office supplies 0845 0739409

oxley & hall upholstery 01535 275557

pesto in a pub 01274 483516

pickles Furnishers 01274 591839

richard Arundel Quality Butchers 01535 272296

simply Bathrooms & Kitchens 01274 566100

simply designer & wedding dresses Boutique

01274 551818

rJ Birtwhistle Building and roofing service

01943 884018

Village Fisheries, wilsden 01535 274184

the Villager, wilsden 07810 010043

waite decor 01535 275436

the will service 0800 0075682

wilsons solicitors 01274 597600

A D P R I C E S

L E G A L M A T T E R S


Wilsons Solicitors charity dining event in aid of HALE at the WatersideBy JoHn WiLSon

At Wilsons we like to be part of the community, not locked away in some

faceless office block like so much of the legal profession, mumbling away in legal jargon impenetrable to outsiders. We believe in plain English and plain speaking, and our offices are where our clients are – in the suburban shopping parades just like other shops. In fact you could think of them as law shops!

But our commitment to the community does not stop there. We like to support local good causes too. And as part of this, for some years now we have organised regular events to raise funds for them. Many of these events are dinners. The dinners started in Bradford a few years ago, supporting the annual charity appeal of the Lord Mayor of Bradford, but we have expanded them to support other charities across Leeds and Bradford where our offices are. Whenever one of Wilsons’ local offices organises a charity dinner, we always try to choose a local charity to support and a local venue for the dinner – usually a local hotel or restaurant. In that way we are supporting our local communities and our local hotels and restaurants at the same time!

Our charity dinners are very informal, even if they can sound quite posh sometimes. The dinners usually start not much later than 7pm-ish and last a couple of hours. They include a raffle and often some entertainment. Part of the ticket price goes to the cause being supported and the rest to the restaurant.

Our next one is in your area on Wednesday 1st May at the Waterside Restaurant and Bar in Shipley (formally The Cut) in aid of HALE

charity (Health Action Local Engagement – Healthy Living Project). The Waterside is one of Shipley’s hidden treasures, nestled on the banks of the Leeds-Liverpool canal and a beautiful spot to spend an evening. Tickets are £15 for a lovely two-course meal

and some light entertainment. There will be plenty of raffle prizes as well. It kicks off at 7pm. Please come

down and show your support for this good cause whilst having a lovely evening’s entertainment. Tickets can be bought or reserved from the office, or you may contact our events organiser Evie on 07739 707 440, or by email to [email protected].

Do you know a local charity or other good cause that needs some support and could get people to attend a dinner if we organised it for them? Or are you a venue near to one of our offices that might like to host an event? Get in touch with Evie and let’s see what we can do together!

Useful informationWilsons Solicitors: www.LawOffice.co.ukHALE: www.haleproject.org.ukThe Waterside: www.waterside-restaurant.co.uk

To advertise email Lisa on [email protected]

U N I F O R M E D G R O U P S


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