ALANA'S OPERATION: Alana was in her gown all ready for her operation last week when it was cancelled due to concerns by the anaesthetist. She had been getting all worked up and had fasted for several hours so was distraught when it was called off. Pontefract does not have an HDU ward which Alana may need due to other medical problems, so hopefully she should have it done today in Dewsbury, fingers crossed.

SPECIAL SERVICE: Destiny Church is having a special Bank Holiday Sunday with the Rev Ian Critchley preaching on Sunday at 10am. There will be lively worship from the Destiny Band and a special programme for the children. Destiny is on Tuke Grove, Parklands (near the new Pinderfields Hospital). Call 01924 382162, or see www.DestinyChurch.co.uk

RIDINGS AGM: At the meeting held last week, chairman of Ridings Merchants Association, Norman Hazell, paid heartfelt tribute to retiring manager Peter Bolton, a loyal servant since before The Ridings opened in 1983. At that time Wakefield's Ridings was the leading shopping centre in the country, with bus trips a regular feature. Peter has proved a worthy team leader. The board wished him a long and happy retirement.

COFFEE: There will be a coffee morning in St John's Church tomorrow from 10am to noon.

TODDLER SERVICE: There will be a toddler service in St John's Church on Thursday, May 8 at 9.30am on the theme 'Being naughty'. All under-fives are very welcome, with an adult, please.

IMPACT: This is a fortnightly luncheon club with a message. The next is on Thursday, May 8 from 11am to 1.30pm. The speaker is Diane Rose (senior nursing officer) talking and singing about overcoming problems and the joy she has found in being a Christian. Impact meets at Destiny Christian Church, Tuke Grove, Parklands. Contact Gwen Bill on 01924 382162, or see www.DestinyChurch.co.uk for details.

RECORDED MUSIC SOCIETY: On Thursday, May 8 at 7.15pm there will be a presentation of English music by Chris Richmond for Wakefield Recorded Music Society at the Friends Meeting House in Thornhill Street, rear of The Ridings. Contact 01924 371546.

LONDON BRIDGES: Good luck to Anne, who is a regular contributor to the column. She is going to London on Sunday to do a sponsored walk over 10 London Bridges.

QUOTATION: Dignity comes not from control, but from understanding who you are and taking your rightful place in the world.

ST AUSTIN'S CHURCH: Girl Guiding UK, in conjunction with St Austin's Players, present another brain-testing murder mystery, Moorda in the Big Bruvva Ouse, in St Austin's Theatre, Wentworth Terrace. Tickets at £7 include pie and peas supper and the bar will be open. Cash prize for the winning team. The murderer will be revealed on Friday, May 9 – doors open at 7.30pm. For tickets, contact Michelle on 01924 299859.