DARBY AND JOAN: There was a good attendance last week at Crofton WMC when the members of Crofton's Darby and Joan club met for a quiz. Winners were Barbara Firth and Jean Collier. There was also a general stall selling mainly books. A raffle took place, which was followed by refreshments of tea and viennese whirls. Pool winner was Len Hopwood. The next meeting is on Wednesday, May 14.

ART CLASS: There will be a new art class starting today at Crofton Community Centre at 10am until 12.30pm. Beginners will be particularly welcome. Telephone Wakefield 866010 for more details.

IN MEMORY: There will be a football match tomorrow on Crofton Sidings kicking off at 2.30pm in memory of William Barley, who died recently. Players will be chosen from the teams of Crofton Sports and Crofton Juniors.

VOX: The Crofton, Sharlston and Walton Neighbourhood Network meeting took place at the community centre last night.

TUESDAY WALKERS: Meet at the car park at Crofton Community Centre on Tuesday, May 13 at noon to join other walkers.

NATURE WALK: There will be a walk on Wednesday, May 21 to discover more about Charles Waterton, the creator of the world's first nature reserve. Meet at the Discovery Centre at 11am for the five-mile walk, and bring along a packed lunch. No need to book.

OPEN: All the schools in Crofton opened their doors on Tuesday for three weeks up to Spring Bank Holiday.

SURGERIES: There will be a council surgery at Crofton Community Centre today, starting at 10am and tomorrow morning in Crofton Library, commencing at 11am. No appointment is necessary, just turn up.

HIGH SCHOOL: Good luck to all year 9 pupils at Crofton High School who began their SATS in English, mathematics and science on Tuesday.

NOSTELL: Nostell MWFC's reserves have an away fixture tomorrow against Sandy Lane, kick-off 2.30pm. The first team have now completed all their fixtures.

POLICE MEETING: There will be a police meeting in Crofton Parish Centre on Wednesday, May 21, commencing at 7pm. PC Eddie Davis will update residents on policing in the Crofton/Walton areas during April and May. Coun Maureen Cummings will chair the meeting and all residents are welcome to attend and raise any concerns they may have.

CATHEDRALS: New stamps are out on Tuesday, May 13, featuring cathedrals.

READING GROUP: Members of the Crofton Reading group met on Wednesday this week in the library to discuss Ice Road by Gillian Slovo. The group's next meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 4.

RUNNING REPORT: Taking advantage of a sunny Saturday morning last week, David decided to add a few extra miles to his run. In fact, it was a full 12 months since he made the trip to Newmillerdam via Chevet and the golf course path, followed by the return trip across the vegetable fields and back via the Balk at Walton. David had said that the bluebells should be in bloom at Newmillerdam and he was not disappointed. He could smell them before seeing the blue carpet. Anyone wishing to see this splendid sight should make their way along the top path while the blooms are at their best. The other good news is that the gas pipe renewal has now been completed in the Balk.

MOTHERS: Mothers Club member Eileen Sutton organised a quiz for ladies at their fortnightly meeting in the community centre last week. Winners were Maureen Heald and Lindsey Roe. Raffle winners were Rita Moorhouse and May Smith. The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 15 for a talk by the Move Ahead charity, starting at 8pm.

FANCY DRESS RIDERS: Seven riders, along with 15 on foot, set off on a sponsored ride and walk event in Crofton on Monday. The riders in fancy dress included cowboys, fairies and a naughty nurse. Their journey started in Wintersett, and continued through Crofton and Sharlston finishing at Foulby. The ride was to raise money for Wakefield Hospice for which £400 has already been raised.

DISCO: There was a bank holiday disco at the community centre on Monday afternoon and a few stalls.

LIBRARY: Adult Learners Week activities commence at Crofton Library on Wednesday, May 21. More information next week.

MAJORETTES: Crofton's Star Lightning Majorettes took part in the bank holiday activities at Crofton Community Centre this week. Last Sunday they gave performances at the Waterways Festival in Skipton.

PLANT SALE: There will be a sale of quality plants at Crofton Parish Church on Saturday, May 17 starting at 10am. Refreshments will also be on hand which will include tasty bacon sandwiches.