Online Prospectus
For October 2025 - June 2026
Online Prospectus
For October 2025 - June 2026
We have over 30 classes, covering such fields as arts, crafts, languages, history, games, physical exercise and music.
Classes are held in a variety of locations in Batley, Birstall, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Mirfield, Ossett and Ravensthorpe.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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.
We would welcome new members.
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.
| Tutor: | Sue Lewis |
| Day & Times: | Wednesday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly) |
| Where: | URC Ravensthorpe |
Details to follow
| Tutor: | Sue Lewis |
| Day & Times: | Monday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly) |
| Where: | Mirfield Community Centre |
Details to follow
| Tutor: | Linda Hardy |
| Day & Times: | Monday 10.00 - 12.00 |
| Where: | Mirfield Community Centre |
Learn how to make Birthday and Christmas cards from parchment paper, using tools and pencils.
This is a friendly group and beginners are welcome.
| Tutor: | Dorothy Rudd |
| Day & Times: | Friday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly) |
| Where: | Mirfield St Andrew's Church |
This class is full
| 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. As smart phone cameras have dramatically improved in quality some of us take all or some of our photographs with our phone. 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 on our phone or on a computer.
We are a friendly group and everyone is willing to help others with a bit of camera knowledge or editing skills. We meet October to March and then have monthly outings in the summer.
Subjects for 2025/6 competitions
- Something beginning with “I”
- Water
- People at work
- Food, glorious food!
- Towers and Steeples
- Benches or seats
- Fog or Mist
- Pink/purple
| 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!
| Tutor: |
|
| Day & Times: | Thursday 10.30 - 11.30 (weekly) |
| Where: | Thornhill Lees Community Centre |
The class tutor is provided by the Huddersfield Town Foundation.
Last year the Exercise Class supported Huddersfield Town Foundation’s Blue & White Day to raise money for their school breakfast clubs.
Indoor Bowling Classes
(Ossett Community Centre)
| Tutor: | Ann Jeffrey |
| Day & Times: | Friday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly) |
| Where: | Ossett Community Centre |
An indoor bowling class where new members, if they have not played before, will be given instruction. Bowls will be provided if members do not have their own. We are a very friendly set of people, enjoying the games. We have a few vacancies in the class.
| Tutor: | Susan Welburn |
| Day & Times: | Tuesday 2.00 - 4.00 |
| Where: | Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury |
Good mental and physical exercise. You will learn technique, steps and social dances in a warm friendly group who are very supportive of each other. You just need ballet type shoes or soft, light, flexible soled shoes.
| Tutor: | Richard Porteus |
| Day & Times: | Thursday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly) |
| Where: | Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury |
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.
| 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.
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.
| 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 Classes
(Mirfield & Heckmondwike)
| Tutor: | Chris Royle-Evatt |
| 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.
| Tutor: | Chris Stocks |
| 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.
| Tutor: | Jack Bretherick |
| Day & Times: | Wednesday 2.00- 4.00pm (weekly) |
| Where: | Mirfield Community Centre |
We welcome all ages, all abilities and all levels of expertise. You will need a bat but one can be provided if required – no other equipment. We usually play in doubles and change partners after a game, so everyone plays with other members of the group. We have a short break at 3pm which gives an opportunity to socialise.
Contact Jack Bretherick (tel 01924 496243) if you need to know more.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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.
| Tutor: | Jill Fairley |
| Day & Times: | Monday 2.00 - 3.30pm (weekly) |
| Where: | Mirfield Library |
We are a group of literature lovers who enjoy sharing the reading experience. Selected passages of classic novels are chosen to read aloud and discuss, then continued at home in whatever way suits you.
We usually read two novels together in each ten-week term. Last year we read Far from the Madding Crowd, A Christmas Carol, Rebecca, and The Woman in White. Next term we plan to read Animal Farm and Wuthering Heights. We meet in Mirfield Library, and sets of books are provided by the Library service.
We also meet informally during the summer, just to chat about our reading and literature in general. Our group is limited to 12 people, including the tutor, as this is the usual size of the sets of books provided by the library service.
| Tutor: | Charmaine Straker-Purvis |
| Day & Times: | Friday 2.00 - 4.00 (weekly) |
| Where: | Dewsbury Town Hall |
Yorkshire dialect from all three original Ridings, enjoyed in all formats. Pieces supplied on specific subjects and members are encouraged to bring their own choices. Also cover other Yorkshire related topics – memories, history, geography, traditions etc. We have occasional speakers and links with the Yorkshire Dialect Society.
| 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 needed?
- 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.
| 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.
| Tutor: | Adrian Fowler |
| Day & Times: | Thursday 2pm - 4pm (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.
| Tutor: | Maureen Boocock |
| Day & Times: | Friday 2.00 - 3.30pm (weekly) |
| Where: | Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury |
Do you like to sing? Singing is good for the happier you! Please come and join us! Anyone who enjoys singing is welcomed. No audition necessary.
You are welcome to come along for a free session to see if this is the group for you.