BAPTIST CHURCH: The note of joy permeated the worship of Easter Sunday as we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The morning service was designed by our presiding deacon Paul Chapman and involved the participation of many members of the congregation. Diane Sherwin introduced the service and set the theme. Heather Hutchins read the lessons. Elizabeth Whittaker rendered two pieces – The Waking Thoughts of Mary Magdalene and her Late Sunday Thoughts. Leri-Anne Morgan-Wynne, Winnie Longfellow and Roger Whittaker also took part. Easter eggs were distributed to the congregation. Then Desmond Longfellow introduced the Lord’s Supper and Paul Chapman presided at its celebration. It was our turn to take the service at Abbeyfield and this was led by Dr Morgan-Wynne with his wife Enid reading one of the lessons. Several members of our congregation attended along with the Abbeyfield residents. Then there was our evening service conducted by Paul Chapman. Gwen Hewitt read the lessons and Paul’s sermon reflected on how the resurrection of Jesus showed that truth was in the end stronger than falsehood, good stronger than evil, love than hate and life than death. Colin and Dorothy Ashton report that 62 pairs of unwanted spectacles have been donated by church members to help the work of Education for Life in Mombasa, Kenya, and these will be taken out to Mombasa in July by Colin and Dorothy’s daughter, Julie.

FLOWER CLUB: Liz Broad of Formby started off our new 2014-2015 programme with the title ‘Variations on a Theme’, and the interpretation she selected for our demonstration was Circles, Loops and Spheres. Each of her arrangements was designed around this idea. Circles were created using wire frames covered in organza ribbon. Another circle was made from insulation board covered with bark and sprayed gold. A floral foam pad was edged with cut plant stems and tied round with ribbon. Flexigrass, midollino sticks, and phormium leaves were looped in and out of the arrangements, and aspidistra leaves were also rolled to form loops and curls. Small spheres were covered in leaves which had been folded and pinned. Larger spheres were created from balloons which had been covered with papier-mache, with an opening cut out to take a flower arrangement. Her colourful and stylish arrangements included gerberas, liatris, orchids, carnations, pin cushion proteas, roses, hyacinths, tulips, green chrysanths, lisianthus, and lilies. The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 12, at the Clarke Foley centre at 7.30 pm when Ann Simpson of York will be demonstrating ‘Seasonal Delights’. Visitors are always very welcome and more details about the club can be found on our website, ilkleyflowerclub.co.uk.

OLICANA BRIDGE CLUB: Monday, April 14, Afternoon 4 Tables, N/S Winners: Suzanne Hartley & Una Crosby, E/W Winners: Vivienne & David Goodman. Monday April 14, 16 Tables, N/S Winners: Myra Tinker & Libby Fairhead, E/W Winners: Geoff Sutcliffe & Jack Coan. Tuesday April 15, 9 Tables, N/S Winners: Malcolm Copley & June Manning, E/W Winners: Janet Leach & Harald Luts. Wednesday April 16, Morning 8 Tables, N/S Winners: John Hodgson & Ian Brown, E/Winners: John Cole & Arnold Chapman. Wednesday April 16 Heathcote Trophy 10 Tables, Winners, Carol Sienkiewicz & Mollie Bell, Runners Up: Jean Beever & Steve Clifford. Thursday 17 April, 12 Tables, Winners: Ray Causton & Brian Davison, Runners Up: John Godden & Roger Lott.

THE THURSDAY GROUP: Geoff Budd was the speaker at the recent meeting of the Thursday Group. Geoff gave a very interesting talk and slide presentation about his journey from Halifax to Hong Kong by Train and the Group were very pleased that so many members and visitors came along and they were also delighted to welcome two new members. The Group’s next meeting will be held on May 8 at Outside The Box Cafe in Ilkley when Gareth Hughes of the Ilkley Brewery will discuss the beer making process. Doors will be open at 7pm for tea/coffee and cakes, and the presentation will start at 7.30pm. Visitors are most welcome to just come along or contact (01943) 817827 for further information. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month.