NETHERTON O/50s CLUB: This month, instead of the usual meeting, members visited Rivington Barn at Bolton for lunch and an afternoon of entertainment that included music, songs and plenty of dancing, together with the odd game of bingo. No lucky winners for Netherton but a good time was had by all. The next meeting, at Netherton Village Hall, is on Wednesday, May 28, when the Outwood Video Club makes a return visit. New members are very welcome. There will be no meeting in June as it is the annual seaside outing, this year to Skegness.

PARKING: It has been brought to my attention that parents are parking on the yellow boxes outside Netherton J&I School as they drop off children. They are marked so because they are dangerous places to park so please make sure you are not putting children's safety at risk.

BUSES: April was a busy time on the buses for me because altogether I made 63 journeys, mainly on Stagecoach (29) and Arriva (30). Punctuality was a problem with only 51 on time (81%), ie one in every five buses was late. Seven were only five minutes late (11%) but the latest was actually 35 minutes late. At least it completed its journey and "better late than never" is a good maxim. The roadworks in Westgate certainly did not help matters but some of the late buses were actually on their way into Wakefield, not trying to leave. Of the two main companies Stagecoach had the worst record with 21 buses on time (only 72%) and another 5 five minutes late (17%). It was a Stagecoach bus that was 35 minutes late (3%) and another that was a quarter of an hour late. Arriva was better with 26 on time (87%) but even Arriva had one 20 minutes late. As the Waterloo depot of Stagecoach has now been taken over by a subsidiary company of Arriva it looks as though there will be no longer any Stagecoach buses in the area, although the new timetable still says Stagecoach and Arriva. I understand the new company is called the Huddersfield Bus Company although its address is Wenlock Way, Leicester. It all sounds very mysterious but no doubt someone will correct me if I am wrong.

WAKEFIELD RURAL: In a disastrous election day for Labour, John Colley, the Conservative candidate, retained Rural for the Conservatives with an increased majority in a better turn-out than usual. There was some consolation for Tony Richardson, the Labour candidate, who finished comfortably in second place with 1,108 votes. On a day when the Labour vote dropped dramatically this was almost identical to what Labour had polled at the last District elections so at least in Rural the Labour vote had remained consistent in spite of the abolition of the 10% rate of income tax and the car parking charges at Pugneys. Miriam Hawkins, of the Green party, received 628 votes.

WHIT WALK: On Sunday, May 11 a walk will take place round the seven chapels of Sitlington, leaving Trinity Methodist Church, Netherton, promptly at 2.30pm. For this six-mile guided walk it is advised to wear walking boots and waterproof clothing. A commentary on the chapels will be provided by Peter Day, Christine Hewitt and Rachel Watkins. Telephone Christine for further details on 01924 265213 or 07931353082. Traditional Sunday tea is available on the return from the walk in the Trinity Methodist Sunday School, but do remember to book first by ringing Marjorie Mee on 01924 272947 or Carol Shaw on 01924 275414. The tea costs £5 per person and all proceeds go towards Christian Aid.

ST ANDREW'S CHURCH: Everyone is welcome to a light lunch on Wednesday, May 14 at St Andrew's Church, Netherton, at noon. For £3 you receive a welcoming drink, there is a choice of sandwiches followed by a sweet, and tea or coffee to finish the meal. There is also a cake stall and a raffle. Come along for a chat and help support your local church at the same time.

POLICE MEETING: A meeting of Wakefield rural neighbourhood police team will be held at Netherton Methodist Church hall, Chapel Street, on Monday from 6.30pm. All welcome.