A meeting was held in St James’ Church on Wednesday, April 16, when members took a good selection of photographs both inside and outside church. The next meeting will be the AGM to be held in St James’ Church hall on Wednesday, April 30 at 7.30pm. For further information, please telephone (01535) 653528.

At Monday’s meeting of Silsden Local History Group, member Brian Turner will tell the story of George Jacques, one of the town’s early worsted manufacturers and a noted benefactor of St James' Church. Mr Jacques, after whom a local street is named, had the imposing Spring Bank in Howden Road built as a family home. It was known as one of the district’s ‘brass castles’, but is now a nursing home.

The meeting, open to all, will be held at Silsden Methodist Church, with doors opening at 7pm for a 7.20pm start.

The following afternoon, the group holds its monthly research session at Silsden Town Hall, when anyone interested in learning more or sharing information about local and family history is welcome to attend.

On display this month will be the growing collection of old books on Silsden, donated by members of the community to the town’s growing archive.

There will be a charity Zumbathon held at the town hall on Sunday, May 18 with all proceeds donated to Manorlands Hospice. There will be a fantastic prize draw on the day where winners can buy tickets to win a girly spa day for four or a family ticket to watch Bradford Bulls, plus other fab prizes such as photo shoots, hair salon vouchers or beauty treatments. There will be refreshments to purchase too. Tickets are available at class or by contacting Helen on 07817 532364 and cost £10.

Take One youth drama group meets every Wednesday night in the Gloucester Avenue community centre from 5.30-7pm. Meet and make friends while learning some great stage skills and get the chance to perform on stage. For more information about the group, contact David Hardman on (01535) 657249 or go to the Facebook page of Silsden Community Productions.