Livewire Magazine 2008

A melancholy event took place at he end of August when two members of the Livewire editorial team resigned.     Perhaps it was the combined weight of forty odd years of service that they had given to the publication that brought this about, in that case they should have been awarded a medal for both devotion to duty and perseverance. However it would appear not.

At the Resident's Meeting last week it became a little clearer, and the subsequent issue of the September copy (free) was to throw more light on the subject.

It would seem that the magazine has had to offer an apology regarding the publication of an unsigned letter in the July edition relating to certain building matters. It looks as if the heavy guns have been rolled with a threat of litigation.

I seem to recall that the pages of the magazine have carried observations and argument of other like matters in the past – opencast mining, school proposals, sand and gravel works, re-routing the river Aire and an ongoing dispute re further planning consents adjacent to Main Street. In all that time I don't think anyone would describe the editors as being radical demonstrators or luddites. On the contrary they have, in my opinion, always supported the thoughts and pursued the aspirations of the village community at large. It is not the only parish magazine to have worked in this way – the Ledston/Ledsham magazine has assisted much in the defence against opencast workings on the area around Fairburn Ings.

Well I hope that the Eds may reconsider their action, the magazine is one of the best of its type, it uses original material mostly with very little input from other publications. It would be good to know that the village as a whole are in support of those concerned. If, however they feel unable to continue it would be nice to know that the various groups who have benefitted from their endeavours could make a significant coordinated response in the way of thanking them for their input over the years.

Post Script
It is of great interest to note that only recently the Archbishops have come out on matters not so pastoral by jointly criticising the city and some of its financial operators of displaying the worst aspects of greed and particularly selected those involved in short selling for contributing the the banking crisis.  The Archbishop of York has only recently revealed his background enquiries into matters of knife and gun culture in this country.   They have used much greater institutions of the media to publicise their points.

Opinion on this matter welcomed

Jean Pearson (formerly Jean Ford) has written an observant and honest view of being brought up in Methley. Published in 1988 and still an enjoyable read Jean bemoans not making it to the Grammar School, well it didn’t affect her ability to write.  She also writes proudly about her Father, Arthur Ford, a man who I knew and admired.

This is a ball by ball account of the development of cricket in this village from its inception in 1867 to the present time. Author, and Club Chairman (1993), Ron Wolfenden has produced some graceful leg glances on the early playing history and spun some clever deliveries about more recent times.  Ron would claim to have caught the various changes that have taken place, and any umpire would agree with that.  He has also picked out the outstanding players that have turned out for Methley over the years.   For me, its good to see how Ron writes unselfishly about the contribution of others in the achievements of the club. To obtain a copy ring Ron on 01274  681569

The video, commissioned for the millenium, succeeds with pictures and actions supplemented with words. Filmed by Malcolm  Jary of Wakefield the video quite rightly concentrates on characters rather than views, a sensible factor which should boost local sales. Narration is by the Rev. John McCarthy with cameo speaking roles for the village ‘historati’.   An absolute must for locals.

The content and subsequent presentation of this book reflect the experience and savvy gained by Vera and husband Peter in the production of a number of earlier titles.   After proceeding with the approval of the Methley Churches Millenium Celebration Committee, the book was developed from a collection of pictures and written experiences by the author and other contributors.  The material is laid out sequentially covering the 20th century.  It will appeal to everybody including readers not associated with the location, all will recognize it as an enjoyable and valuable reflection of living village history. It is certainly a book that can be re-read again.

Jim Melvin makes no pretensions to writing a wider horizon of this village.   Instead he chooses to concentrate more deeply on selected aspects of Methley. Extracts from school log books, census returns, reflections on a wider history of the coal mining industry, a history of the parish of Methley and a comprehensive lay mans view of St Oswalds Church are included. The foreword written by David Waterton Anderson concludes ‘ The recording of significant information that would otherwise fade, is tremendously important and provides not only a sense of pride in our heritage, but also helps to stimulate our sense of belonging and the value of tradition.’ To obtain a copy ring Jim Melvin 01977 515255     

The history of Methley - by The Rev. H Stanley Darbyshire, MA
                                           George Denison Lumb, FSA

The inception of the village history occurred in 1908 when the late Archdeacon, H Armstrong Hall (then Rector) and H Darbyshire began to collect historical material.
The work was held up during the period of the Great War.   After the death of the Archdeacon it was restarted by GD Lumb with the backing of the Thoresby Society.
H Darbyshire in his preface says he owes much to Mr JA Myers for his careful and accurate translation of the Manor Rolls -  a long and tedious task.
The Rev. Darbyshire died the year before the books publication in 1938.
Since then the unknown history of the Manor of Woodhall in Mickletown fell to GD Lumb.
(A history that this writer finds to be confusing) He adds the thanks of the Society are due to Mr Jesse A Myers for correcting the latin and preparing the indexes.
Thanks also are made to Mr. JS Richardson, Agent to Lord Mexborough and to Mr HW Thompson for transcribing the copy of Manor Rolls.

The parish magazine celebrated its 25th anniversary in October, 2000.  Throughout this time it has been sustained by an active group of volunteers, initially cementing denominational friendships.  The magazine continues to provide listings of Church and Chapel events gently supported by a suitable lesson or message. It also covers news from the schools along with a social diary and other topical features including a focus for all on developments affecting the village.  A credit to all its volunteers and contributors over the years.  

Written by George E Kirk, Librarian of the Thoresby Society in 1955.  The booklet was produced to complete the gaps after the publishing of ‘The History of Methley’ the price of 3s. 6d was for church funds.  The author was able to acquire a number of early photographs and lithographs to add to the depth of information

One of the forerunners of this type of book produced about local village life. This book published in November,1987 by Walter and Nellie Minett is a sequel to their highly successful slide shows of the village which aroused much interest in the changes that had taken place. It is not hard to say that their enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of the subject has laid the seed for following productions including this electronic site.