This month 'Local People Local Stories' is not concentrating on one person or team, but a number of different teams based in the Morley Community. It is not only looking into the teams, but also the fantastic venue that they are extremely lucky to spend time in on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.

Morley Cricket and Sports Club can offer "the biggest beer-garden in Morley" at their headquarters on Scatcherd Lane. So, where better to spend an afternoon or evening in great surroundings watching local sport as it happens, in a friendly, family atmosphere where children are very welcome.

The cricket section provides three senior sides with the 1st X1 playing in the Second Division of the JCT 600 Bradford League, while the 2nd X1 play in the 2nd Division of the same league with both sides playing their games on Saturday afternoons. They will also compete in this year's Heavy Woollen Cup - sponsored by Solly Sports - which celebrates its 125th year, with Morley being one of just a handful of clubs that can claim to have competed in every year of the Cup's existence.

The Club also runs a Sunday side in the Wakefield Cricket Union, sponsored by Surridge Sports. The side always includes both senior and junior players, and is the first step for many young players who are looking to progress from the shorter junior formats to a full 40-over game of cricket.

The cricket section also operates a highly successful junior section with six teams - under 9s, 11s, 13s (two sides), 15s and under 17s. Training for juniors takes place on a Friday evening, so there is cricket almost every day of the week. In 2007, Morley CC achieved the Club Mark standard which underlines that it is a safe, friendly environment in which young players can learn and play the game of cricket.

Cricket is not the only recreation at the club. There are also two successful football teams run from the Morley club. The Saturday (afternoon) team plays in the Wakefield & District League while the Sunday team (morning) play in the Leeds Combination. Both sides had successful seasons, with the Saturday team holding 5th place with 3 games to go. The Sunday team also had a good campaign ending their season in 3rd position.

The success doesn't end there. Last year pool teams were established, playing in the Birstall League on Tuesday and the Morley League on Wednesday evenings. The Wednesday A team won their league following a string of tremendous performances in the second-half of the season and a 4-0 win in a play-off match against Services.

Away from the sporting arena, the site also provides the home of the highly successful Morley Amateur Operatic Society (MAOS). Many Morley residents will have seen their successful performances over the years but few may have realised that their activities and practice sessions are based at the Morley Cricket and Sports Club. In recent months, the 'Kids4Kids' dance troupe and the Morley Wine Club has also started to use the facilities.

Any local Morley group wishing to use the facilities at the club should get in touch. There are free dates when theatrical and dance organisations, discussion groups, sporting clubs, associations, dieting support groups, etc would be made most welcome.

Recent renovations to the club have seen an improvement in the surroundings, with the members' lounge being decorated to provide a bright and airy atmosphere. The lounge also offers a large screen to view all the Sky Sports action.

The Willows Lounge is already a thriving centre for parties and family get-togethers. The Willows, with its separate entrance, its own bar and catering facilities, ample parking spaces and competitive drink prices is available for family parties and celebrations. With its outlook across the cricket pitches, the Willows Lounge can also offer pleasant surroundings for quieter family gatherings such as christenings, funerals, etc. Enquiries for availability of the Willows Lounge can be made on;
0113 252 6333 (daytime) or 07971 650466 (anytime).

Morley Cricket and Sport Club is a members' club and while it continues to welcome all-comers on match days, new members and new ideas are also welcomed. New housing development is taking place around Morley and residents, new and not-so new, will be given a warm welcome. Single membership for a year is from only £10 and competitive prices for a wide range of wines, beers and spirits are available. A new relationship with the brewery Marstons and wholesalers Matthew Clark mean that all drinking tastes can be met.

Why not join the growing family at Morley Cricket and Sports Club. The club offers competitive beverage prices, clean and comfortable surroundings and whether you want to watch sport, have a quiet drink or bring the family, you will be extremely welcome!