ANNE YOUNG: After five years as curate of Middlestown with Netherton, Anne Young has left. In March she is taking up a new ministry at Emley and Flockton, but until then she will be serving at Brighouse and Clifton.

BUSES: During August I travelled on 34 buses, slightly less than usual, and only three were late, two of five minutes and one of ten minutes. This gave a 91% punctuality. 15 of those buses were Centrbus, which had all the late buses, giving only 80% on time. All the other buses on which I travelled in the month – Arriva (13), Western Greyhound (2) and Stagecoach Devon (4) - were on time.

BEER / CIDER FESTIVAL: Starting today, and carrying on over Saturday and Sunday, the Reindeer Inn at Overton is presenting its 3rd Annual Beer / Cider and Music festival, supported by Wakefield CAMRA. Entertainment throughout the fastival is provided. Entry is £2.50, where you will receive a commemorative glass and programme. Parents note that no children are allowed after 8.30pm. Opening times in the Festival Bar are Friday September 10, 5pm – 11pm; Saturday September 11, noon – 11pm; and Sunday September 12, noon – 8pm. The public bar is open an all three days from noon to midnight.

NEXT WEEK: A historical talk on the Lancaster bomber takes place tomorrow, September 11, at Netherton Sports and Social Club from 2pm to 4pm. On Monday September 13, weather permitting, the Netherton Ramblers depart from the Star Inn at 9.30am Netherton Junior FC trains at Middlestown School from 6pm to 7pm and Netherton Youth Crew meets at Netherton Village Hall from 7.30pm to 9pm. Tuesday September 14 is a busy day with the Tiny Tots Toddler group meeting at St Luke's Church, Overton, from 9.30am to 11.30am; Netherton Brownies meet at Netherton School from 6pm to 7.30pm; the Ladies Circle meets at St Luke's Church Hall, Overton at 8pm (Said Eucharist at 7pm); the WI have a "Free and easy evening" at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Netherton, at 7.15pm; and St Andrew's Men's Group meet at St Andrew's Church, Netherton, at 7.30pm. Netherton Family Chess Club plays on Wednesday September 15 at West Bretton Village Institute at 7.30pm. On Thursday September 16 the Little Fishes toddler group meet at St Andrew's Church, Netherton, from 9.15am to 11.15am; the Darby and Joan Club meets at Middlestown WMC at 7.30pm; and there is badminton at Netherton Village Hall from 7.30pm to 9pm. Finally the Tiny Tot's toddler group meets at St Luke's Church Hall from 9.30am to 11.30am on Friday September 17.

GREAT NORTH RUN: Adrian Woodhouse, from Netherton, will once again be taking part in the Great North Run. He is hoping to raise money for the Breakthru Project, which helps children in the local area by running drop in centres and youth clubs. Adrian would welcome any sponsorship and can be contacted on 01924 281620 or donate through justgiving.com and typing in his name. The race is on Sunday September 19.