BUS SERVICE: On Monday, June 22, Coun Roger Bennett (chairman), Coun Helen Kirkpatrick (vice-chairman) and Couns. John and Wendy Newsome, all from Sitlington Parish Council, met with a representative from Metro to discuss the withdrawal of the 265 service from Netherton. Arriva did not attend the meeting but the following day Metro were able to announce that commencing from Tuesday, September 1, on a Monday to Friday basis, Arriva will operate a morning journey (about 9.30am) into Wakefield with a return journey early afternoon (using a bus that operates from Horbury High School). Arriva will be monitoring passenger usage on these two buses during September, October and November after which it will decide on the long-term operation of the service. Basically the public need to use it or lose it. It is, however, a small success, largely due to the pressure maintained by the parish council, Mary Creagh MP and our district councillors. Watch this space for further information when the timetable comes out.

NETHERTON RAMBLERS: On Monday, June 22, the ramblers enjoyed an away day walk round Torside Reservoir in the Longdendale Valley and discovered the memorial forest and gardens, which most of the group had never heard of before. A picnic was enjoyed by all the group and one dog! The group meets in the Star car park every Monday at 10am (weather permitting) for a pleasant four or five-mile ramble. All are welcome.

NETHERTON: O/50s: It was a perfect Summer's day on Wednesday, June 24, when a full to capacity coach set off to Whitby on the annual summer outing. A stop for coffee was made at Pickering and the coach arrived in good time for lunch at Whitby. Members spent the afternoon enjoying the sunshine, some on boat trips or on the open-top bus, others sat on the beach. A raffle on the bus raised £51 for club funds. The next meeting is on July 29 when the Wayfarers will entertain, followed in August by the club's 13th birthday party. A trip to Chester is planned for September 30 and new members are always welcome to join.

FIRST AID: Thursday, June 25, was a busy day for the Netherton division of the Yorkshire Rose First aid Society, when members covered the Deaf Junior Athletics Championship at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster, during the day and the second of the Reindeer Romps around Overton and Middlestown in the evening. This particular race was won in a record time of 16mins 1sec by Shaun Dimelow (Barnsley) with John Mason (Woodkirk) 2nd and Kevin Ogden (Spenbrough) 3rd. It was a good race for Wakefield Harriers also with Helen Beck and Alex Potter finishing 1st and 2nd respectivly in the Ladies' Race with Ann Middleton (Denby Dale) 3rd. Another Wakefield winner was Pete McNamara (men's O/50 yrs) and the club provided both team winners – men (Martin Green, Neil Penn and Chris Ward) and women (Helen Peck, Alex Porter and Anna Gaches). The week was completed with a first aid duty at the Ackworth Open Meeting at Thornes Stadium Wakefield.

NYC: Netherton Youth Crew will continue to open during the school holidays but only on Monday evenings from 7.30pm to 9pm. The last Wednesday evening session will be held on Wednesday, July 22, and will recommence in September. Street dance sessions continue on Wednesday evenings at Netherton Methodist Church hall from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and are open to males and females. Existing members and new members are welcome. NYC is also looking for additional volunteer youth leaders to help with the running of the teenage youth club, either Mondays or Wednesdays to supervise the teenagers. First aid training will be given and CRB checks provided. Even if people could only help once a month it would support NYC and they can contact Joanne Flooks on 07793 651206 or e-mail Joanne.flooks@btinternet.com

CIRCUIT WOMEN'S NETWORK: This meeting takes place at the Trinity Methodist Church, Netherton, on Tuesday July 14, at 2.30pm. The speaker is the Rev Ann Young, curate at St Luke's, Overton, and the talk is followed by a strawberry tea.

MIDDLESTOWN SCHOOL: The children have been taking part in an activities week based around the topic of leaving planet earth to go and live on another planet, because all the resources on earth have been used up. The topic looked at environmental change, recycling, etc. As part of the activity week, Rebecca Bell ran a drama activity on the main theme. Additional activities undertaken have been weaving, clay pot making, environmental art and yoga. The children thoughly enjoyed the week.