RT REV RICHARD HARE; Bishop of Pontefract from 1971 until retiring in 1992 leaving to live in Cumbria. The Bishops home was in Sandal, living in a fine house just across the road from the Endowed School. While in office, he really involved himself in life of Sandal and became well known to us all. I know he was a fighter pilot during the War, posted to the Far East, near the War end. His Funeral Service took place in Keswick last week.

CASTLE FRIENDS: Sandal Community Assoc is working with Wakefield Council to set up a Friends of Sandal Castle group. SCA chair Gail Stephenson said: "The castle is enjoyed by people of all ages and we must try to preserve it for future generations." The inaugural meeting of Friends will be at the Castle Visitors' Centre at 7pm on Wednesday, September 22. Anyone interested will be welcome or call Gail on 07740 986289 for more information.

SANDAL AVENUE: A resident invited me to visit this fine tree-lined road where it was pointed out that while the trees present a fine display they inevitably grow bigger and eventually become a nuisance. I suggested to the resident that she should get in touch with a Councillor, who will be able to invite a Tree Preservation Officer to come along to inspect them.

PROMENADING: I suppose my 'interest' in cricket, football and rugby is well known, but I have to confess to a great love for music. We are in the midst of a wonderful series of Concerts taking place in the Royal Albert Hall and I am enjoying the music on radio or television. I have attended Prom Concerts in a normal way, but can never forget the time I tried to be a 'Promenader'. This involves queueing for ages outside, then paying five shillings to stand on the floor in the centre. On my venture, I found all tickets were sold, so instead made my way up almost to the roof, where I was surrounded by others, sitting, standing or laid on the floor listening to the music of Brahms. At the interval, everyone went out walking and I was able to edge my way down to the floor, for just 'half 'a concert.

BARNSLEY ROAD LAY-BY:Four weeks ago in my column I reported on the way in which a very useful lay-by near to the old post office had been decorated with a solid yellow line. This will deter anyone from parking in it and I reported that I had 'spoken to Highway Officers and was assured it would be dealt with 'soon'. Now I have been taken to task by an angry caller, complaining that I have failed to achieve any action!. Oh my, it seems that the power of the (Ex) press is not so mighty.

SANDAL RUGBY: A very succesful visit was made to play a friendly with Liverpool-St Helens last Saturday,one of the teams in competition for the place we won in the National League. The 38-5 score confirmed the good prospects, once the league matches get under way in September.I learn from a close friend of Tony Hall, to whom I referred last week that it was April 1983 when this great-hearted Clubman died on the field.

STANDBRIDGE LANE:A letter in the Express from Bill Reynolds referred to the continuing flow of heavy goods vehicles heading for Barnsley. An awful consequence of this comes when they pull out at the Traffic Lights to turn right leaving very little space for Forward cars to squeeze through and the Right-Turners have only ten seconds, causing those drivers trapped to sit in frustration seeing a Green light they are unable to reach

WAKEFIELD FLOWER CLUB: The next meeting, the AGM will be held on Tuesday September 7, 7.16pm at Brookhouse Club, Sandal. After the formal business a demonstration of Willow Weaving will be presented by Rachel Poole of Springfield Studio. There will then be a faith supper.