May 2006

D-TAPE threatened to strangle community spirit across the district as the future of galas came under threat from crippling costs and endless paperwork. May Day celebrations in the district were nearly cancelled this year because of stringent guidelines and new legislation, such as providing a horn in case of terrorist attack, expensive signs and rising insurance costs. Organisers of the Thornes Park gala said bureaucracy could spell the end for the popular event once and for all, while in Rothwell, the annual gala was held up just three days before the event after one resident complained. Rising insurance costs also spelled the end for floats at the Alverthorpe Carnival which instead or using trucks relied on decorated supermarket trollies.

HUNDREDS of competitors failed to make it past the start line when the Sandal 10k race was called off for the first time in its history. About 1,000 runners were set to take part in the main road race and fun run in aid of Wakefield Hospice. But after torrential rain, the race referee was reluctantly forced to declare the event a wash-out on health and safety grounds. Race organiser Dave Moulden said it was the first time the event had been cancelled in its nine-year history – and one of the only times a hospice event had been called off. The race was reorganised for September.

MOTHERS and babies began enjoying weekly trips to the flicks thanks to a new initiative at Wakefield Cineworld. Mum and National Childbirth Trust (NCT) member, Judith Adcock, came up with the idea after talking to other members of the Wakefield NCT who agreed visits to the cinema were not just a rarity for mums and babies – they could be an absolute nightmare. So she got in touch with Cineworld, which agreed to show films exclusively for them on a Tuesday morning. With a screen reserved especially for baby, mom and popcorn, the initiative was taken up by many mothers who enjoyed the fact they could sit back, relax and not worry if their young bundle of fun decided to make a noise or move about. June sider including it in two years’ time. However, the Express decided to take more immediate action and set a copy of the guide on fire to show our feelings.