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Online Prospectus

For October 2024 - June 2025

Art & Crafts

Art for Everyone

Tutor: Mr T. Rayner
Day & Times: Friday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Mirfield Community Centre

An informal, casual, tutorial-led art class for practitioners of all levels from beginners to competent artists.

We provide the necessary technical skills and abilities to help visualise pictures and paintings across various media - acrylics, oils, watercolour, pens, pencils, other mixed media. We provide help in selecting appropriate media relevant to the chosen subject, mixing some media when and where appropriate.

Create original objects of art by way of demonstrative, tutorial-led sessions, giving support and encouragement when and where it's needed.

We love opening doors to a better understanding of the creative process and the use of chosen materials.

Art for Beginners & Improvers

Tutor: Sue Lewis
Day & Times: Mondays 2-4pm (weekly)
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury
    To give beginners :
  • the basics in drawing and use of colour
  • awareness of shape and composition
  • an introduction to different art materials.
    For improvers :
  • increase their confidence and expand their skills.

All materials to be provided by the class members apart from the first session.

Busy Needles

Tutor: Cynthia Mallard
Day & Times: Wednesday 10.00- 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Batley Community Centre

We are an informal group who meet weekly to knit, crochet, sew, embroider or cross stitch while having a coffee.
During the sessions we swap patterns/ideas as well as sharing craft problems.
Beginners are welcome; we learn from each other.
We normally work individually but last Autumn we knitted and crocheted a bunting and decorations for Batley Community Centre (where we meet) for all users to enjoy over Christmas.

Come and join our friendly group - you would be welcomed.

Drawing & Painting
(Intermediate)

Tutor: Mr A. Jackson
Day & Times: Thursday 09.30 - 11.30 (weekly)
Where: Birstall Library

This is a tutor led intermediate class. We use a range of techniques including graphite pencil/coloured pencils, pastels, pen and wash, watercolours and acrylics.

Please see the booklet available for further information.

Art Gallery

Flower Arranging

Tutor: Mrs Pam Cranmer
Day & Times: Tuesday 1.00 - 3.00 (weekly)
Where: Shawcross Mount Tabor Church

We are a small friendly group who like arranging flowers. One week there is a demonstration and the next week our members bring their own flowers and vases to do their own version of the demonstration. I try to cover all varieties of styles of flower arranging from standard triangles and crescents to modern and ikebana.

It always amazes me how everyone’s interpretation of my demonstrations is so beautiful and different. The group is made up of novices and more experienced arrangers and we all help each other. We exchange greenery and often talk about gardening and how to condition flowers.

There is a cost each week of flowers which is probably around £5 to £10. I try to use supermarket flowers to keep the price down but also want to support our local florists as well.

We would welcome new members.

Painting for Pleasure

Tutor: Mrs S. Roe
Day & Times: Wednesday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: URC Ravensthorpe

Details to follow

Parchment Craft

Tutor: Mrs D. Boughey
Day & Times: Monday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury
Greeting cards

Learn how to make Birthday and Christmas cards from parchment paper, using tools and pencils.

This is a friendly group and beginners are welcome.

Patchwork & Quilting

Tutor: Dorothy Rudd
Day & Times: Friday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Mirfield St Andrew's Church

This class is full 

Photography

Tutor: Mrs S. Bligh
Day & Times: Thursday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury

Photography is the art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy, and especially light, on a sensitive surface such as a film or an optical sensor. The purpose of photography is to document moments in time.

In the last two decades there have been major changes to photography with the introduction of digital cameras and the ability to edit the image produced on a computer. There are now many ways of editing our images and in this class we look at what makes a pleasing or even a winning photograph and how we can take simple steps when taking the photograph, or by limited editing, to improve the resultant image. We have competitions between ourselves and by comparing our photograph to others which have won, we learn that simple steps may just be needed to improve our images in future. We do not teach the use of the more complex editing software although we sometimes have other photographers coming to show their work and this could include photo editing.

We are a friendly group and everyone is willing to help others with a bit of camera knowledge or editing skills. Most of our members use a bridge camera or a mobile phone regularly but some have more sophisticated cameras. We meet October to March and then have monthly outings in the summer.

Subjects for 2024/5 competitions are:

  • Something beginning with “C”
  • Lines
  • Beach scene
  • My favourite subject
  • Carnival or festival
  • Fountains/waterfalls
  • Blue
  • Memorial.

Sewing for Fun

Tutor: Mrs E. Newsome
Day & Times: Tuesday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: St Andrew's, Liversedge

The Sewing for Fun class is about friendship, sharing hints and tips, and helping you do your project. This could be Patchwork, Quilting, Crochet, Knitting etc.

If you become stuck in your project, we will try and help. You don't need any skill - just bring your project. If you haven't one, you can discuss what you want to achieve and we will take it from there.

We are a friendly bunch. Hope to see you soon!

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Games & Physical Activities

Exercise for Over 50s

Tutor: Tutor provided by Huddersfield Town Foundation
Day & Times: Thursday 10.30 - 11.30 (weekly)
Where: Thornhill Lees Community Centre

The class tutor is provided by the Huddersfield Town Foundation.

The Exercise Class recently supported Huddersfield Town Foundation’s Blue & White Day to raise money for their school breakfast clubs.

Indoor Bowling

Tutor: Ann Jeffrey
Day & Times: Friday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Ossett Community Centre

An indoor bowling class where beginners are welcome & instruction will be given. We have plenty of bowls of different sizes which can be used by members. It is a very sociable class.

We run throughout the year, including summer.

Indoor Bowling

Tutor: Mr C. Edge
Day & Times: Tuesday 2.00 - 4.00(weekly)
Where: Ossett Community Centre

Our group runs on a Tuesday afternoon between 2 and 4pm. We are a very friendly lot, and would assure those interested they would be most welcome and we think they would enjoy our company.

Indoor Bowling

Tutor: Mrs D. Hodge
Day & Times: Monday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Ossett Community Centre

This Bowls Group is a very friendly group with all bowls and equipment provided. New members welcome so why not come along and make new friends. Beginners most welcome.

Indoor Bowling

Tutor: Peter Beveridge
Day & Times: Thursday 2.00 - 4.00 (weekly)
Where: Ossett Community Centre

Indoor carpet bowls. All equipment is provided by the class. We welcome newcomers with or without experience.

Scottish Country Dance

Tutor: Kathleen Shaw
Day & Times: Tuesday 2.00 - 4.00
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury

Good mental and physical exercise.

We are a friendly group, very supportive of each other. Beginners are made very welcome.

You just need a pair of soft, comfortable shoes.

Social Bridge

Tutor: Richard Porteus
Day & Times: Thursday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury
Social Bridge

Come and learn as you play. Ideal for beginners (with a basic knowledge of the game) and improvers – relaxed atmosphere, friendly advice and guidance available to develop skills.

T'ai Chi (Beginners)

Tutor: Diane Atherton
Day & Times: Monday 2.00 - 3.30pm (weekly)
Where: Birstall Library

T’ai Chi is a gentle form of exercise consisting of a series of smooth, slow, continuous movements. It relaxes the body and the mind, improves posture, balance, muscle strength and flexibility.

Classes with instruction, open to all abilities but as with all exercise programmes, participants are advised to consult with their GP before starting any new exercise, especially if they have any medical conditions.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and trainers or similar footwear. 

T'ai Chi (Improvers)

Tutor: Diane Atherton
Day & Times: Tuesday 10.00 - 11.30 (weekly)
Where: Birstall Library

T’ai Chi is a gentle form of exercise consisting of a series of smooth, slow, continuous movements.
T’ai Chi relaxes the body and mind; improves posture, balance, muscle strength and flexibility.
Classes with instruction, open to all abilities but as with all exercise programmes, participants are advised to consult with their GP before starting any new exercise, especially if they have any medical conditions.
  Wear loose, comfortable clothing and trainers or similar footwear. 

Table Tennis (1 of 3)

Tutor: Matthew Baldwin
Day & Times: Wednesday 2.00- 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Mirfield Community Centre

This table tennis class is suitable for both beginners and players who have some experience. The group tries not to take the table tennis too seriously and the emphasis is on having a good time with a friendly group.

All playing equipment is provided, but if you wish to bring your own table tennis bat please do so. Come dressed in comfortable playing clothes and bring a drink for the mid-session interval.

Table Tennis (2 of 3)

Tutor: Mr B. Hardiman
Day & Times: Tuesday 2.00 - 4.00 (weekly)
Where: Mirfield Community Centre

Social table tennis – more fun than expertise. Equipment provided.

There may be a few vacancies. 

Table Tennis (3 of 3)

Tutor: Mrs E. Byrne
Day & Times: Monday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Heckmondwike Table Tennis Club 

Table tennis purely for enjoyment.  A large class who are friendly, very sociable and just love to play. We are a happy group who laugh a lot but always play to win.  Most have their own table tennis bats but there are a few spares and of course the balls.

Unfortunately we are at full capacity and at the moment not open to new members.   Names can be put on a waiting list.

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Language, Literature & History

Book Club

Tutor: Mrs A. Parkin
Day & Times: Monday 10.30 - 12.00
(2nd Monday in the month)
Where: Mirfield Library

Monthly meetings to discuss titles chosen by members and provided by Kirklees Library Service. Maximum class size is 12.

There are no spaces at the moment.

Discussion Group

Tutor: Kevin McConnell
Day & Times: Tuesday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Trinity Church, Mirfield

An informal, friendly group discussing a wide range of topical issues. Purpose is to inform, stimulate, amuse in a convivial manner.

Local History

Tutor: Mrs C. Ashton
+ a team of 4 others
Day & Times: Wednesday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Mirfield Community Centre

Are you interested in discovering more about the history of local people and places? If so, come and join our very popular, friendly and fun group.

Aiming to cover a varied and interesting programme, we include topics from the whole of Yorkshire.

Our programmes include contributions from group members as well as outside speakers. We also organise occasional outside visits to local places of interest.

Autumn 2024 Programme

Reading Great Literature Together

Tutor: Jill Fairley
Day & Times: Monday 2.00 - 3.30pm (weekly)
Where: Mirfield Library

Join our group of literature lovers to share the reading experience. Selected passages of great novels and poems are chosen to read aloud and discuss, then continued at home in whatever way suits you.

Last year we read Jane Eyre, The Great Gatsby, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Great Expectations, The Turn of the Screw, The Quiet American and Persuasion. Next term (Autumn 2024) we will begin with Far From the Madding Crowd. We meet in the friendly atmosphere of Mirfield Library, and sets of books are provided by the Library Service.

Members of the group have enjoyed seeing old favourites through new eyes, as well as making new discoveries. The shared experience is part of the pleasure, so do give it a try!

Yorkshire Dialect

Tutor: Charmaine Straker-Purvis
Day & Times: Friday 2.00  - 4.00 (weekly)
Where: Dewsbury Town Hall

Yorkshire dialect enjoyed in all its formats. Pieces supplied on specific subjects and members encouraged to bring their own choices. Occasional speakers - sometimes other Yorkshire topics covered as well as language.

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Music

Play Guitar (and Sing...) for Fun

Tutor: Mr C. Brian
Day & Times: Wednesday 4.00 - 6.00pm (weekly)
Where: Croft House, Upper Hopton

A group where we meet to play (and sing) popular songs. No need to read music, just loads of enthusiasm required. Guitarists must have their own guitar (acoustic or electric), be able to play common chords and have an ear for music and timing

Other equipment?

  • a tuner (if your guitar has a built-in tuner, you already have that covered)
  • a music stand (to support the paper "charts" that we work from). The "charts" have chord names and the song lyrics printed on them. We provide these free of charge.
  • a guitar stand (which can support your guitar whilst you are organising other things, such as the chart for the next song). It is safer and better for the nerves than trying to balance your guitar on your knee when you need both hands to organise the pieces of paper.

We've got an ever-expanding repertoire of songs, all down to members’ choices. You would like to play and sing a particular song? Then bring your suggestion to the group and we’ll try to do just that.

If you would like to find out more, please ring Chris Brian on 01924 494055.

Play the Ukulele

Tutor: Mr B. Seddon
Day & Times: Friday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: URC Ravensthorpe (with Hopton)

Playing the ukulele FOR FUN (and singing). No experience necessary. No musical knowledge needed. The only requirements are enthusiasm and practice.

The class is suitable for absolute beginners to experienced players.

Students to supply own ukulele (NOT a toy please), a tuner and a music stand. PS. A CAHONE PLAYER would be welcome.

More Information

Singing for Pleasure

Tutor: Maureen Boocock
Day & Times: Friday 2.00 - 3.30pm (weekly)
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury

Everyone who loves music and singing is very welcome to join us on Friday afternoonwould love to participate in Singing for Pleasure.

We have a very varied programme of music ranging from classical songs to more up-to-date songs. We aim to give 3 concerts a year.

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Enrolment

Our 2024/25 Term Dates are as follows:

  • Autumn: Monday 7th October – Friday 13th December 2024.
  • Spring: Monday 6th January – Friday 14th March 2025.

What does it cost?
  • Classes: £20 per term, per class
  • Membership: £5 per year
Latest Leaflet (2024/25)