NANCY RANDALL: The Funeral Service for this wonderful lady was held at the Church of SS Peter & Paul last Wednesday when friends from all over the country-and beyond-joined her family to celebrate her long (93) life in which her friendliness and generosity enriched so many. Actually her name was Margaret Anne, mother of Vicki and Paul, but 'Nancy' was the way she was known to all. A daughter of the famous Taylor family, so well known and respected throughout the district, while it is 27 years since her husband John died, Nancy has played a full part in the life of the community of Sandal and the Parish. It was her wish that after the Service a retiring collection would be taken for The Suzy Fund.

SS PETER & PAUL: A great day for the Parish when all three Services welcomed the new Parish Priest, Father Nigel Polland, tenth since the Parish was established in 1954. At that time there were three Churches, the old War Memorial Jesuit church on Portobello Road, St Josephs at Crofton and the old Methodist chapel at the top of Durkar Lane. Father Nigel introduced himself to everyone and was warmly welcomed.

SANDAL RUGBY: A great start to the Club's return to National League 3 was achieved with a victory across the Pennines and now everyone will be down at Milnthorpe Green tomorrow when we welcome Billingham the North-East. A reminder, there will still be time to book in early for a first class buffet lunch before kick-off.

THE SPRING: Delighted to report this marvellous amenity for Sandal and beyond is now open again, called in last week with family group for lunch and I can recommend a visit to anyone. After ordering food it is good to wander round the wide selection of excellent goods on sale.

PAKISTANI CRICKET; I can sympathise with my colleague Javed for his distress at the revelations about alleged match-fixing. While visiting my daughter Sarah in Austalia earlier this year I went along to the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and was appalled at Pakistan's fielding. I have so many good friends in local cricket, like Azaad, but the catches dropped and misfields were unbelievable for so-called Test players. A few days later up at Sydney, Pakistan threw away a great position by allowing the Australians to build a lead, before recklessly throwing away wickets.

OWLER BECK: I was interested to learn that a group of local residents are proposing to set up an Owler Trust taking a close interest in Sandal's very own river. There are vacancies for Board Members, following initial moves at a meeting of the Calder & Colne Rivers Trust held in Dewsbury on September 1. Secretary of the Trust is Mike Adams who can be called on 275644, or e mail madams7036@aol.com

THE CASTLE INN: Residents cannot have failed to note the extensive work being carried out on this ever-popular Sandal 'pub' and I am pleased to confirm it will be opening again next week, with Astrid, a new landlady from The Netherlands.

DIARY DATES: Early note of a Coffee Morning arranged by Inner Wheel Club at Brook House on Wednesday October 6 from 10am to noon.