NETHERTON SCHOOL: The spring fair made approximately £800 for PTA funds. The school would like to thank parents, pupils, staff and the PTA for making the day such a success. Netherton is one of nine schools in Wakefield to be involved in an exciting new venture funded by the British Council. From September, 2010, pupils will link up with fellow pupils in Kumming in Yunnan Province, China. It is hoped the children might learn some Mandarin Chinese. The deputy head, Georgina Haley, is going to China for a week to learn more about the programme.

AWARDS: The 2009 Citizens Award was presented to Lisa Newton before the annual parish meeting by Coun Roger Bennett, chair of Sitlington Parish Council. Lisa is a young lady who whole-heartedly works for the community, activly involved in the Toddlers' group in Netherton, one of the driving forces behind the starting up again of the Netherton carnival and participates in many other activities. This is the third year the award has been made.

NETHERTON O/50s: On the last day of March members travelled to the Lupset Hotel for lunch. They enjoyed a lovely meal, together with entertainment and bingo provided by the hotel. There was also an Easter Raffle.

CHESS: A busy week for Netherton Family Chess Club ended better than it started. The A team lost in the first round of the Huddersfield Handicap knock-out competition to Calderdale, the match being played at Brighouse. Needing to win 3.5 to 2.5 to win on handicap, it actually lost by that score. Young Elisabeth Coupe was the only winner. Her father, Alan, drew, as did Peter Shaw and Richard Desmedt. The team has struggled in the second division of the Yorkshire League and lost the last match of the season away against Harrogate B 1.5 - 6.5. There were three draws from Tony Gilpin, on the top board, Bill Lumley and Gerry Thickett. However the B team consolidated its third place position in the Sunderland Cup last Sunday at West Bretton. Richard Harrison was the star of the team with two wins and a draw in his three games, closely followed by Dev Hamel on 2 points. The Harrison family were out in force to back their father and Ben held his own with 1.5 points, as did Jonathan Morton. Dev's twin brother, Prav, added another point, as did Karim Ismail, Roland Mold and the youngest player, Ethan Harrison.

MOTRA: On Monday April 19, MOTRA is holding a coffee morning at St Luke's Church, Overton, from 10.30am–12.30pm.