By John Sykes

AFTER a fantastic Summer Ball to mark the start of its centenary celebrations in June, Wharfedale RUFC is holding a celebration weekend on Saturday 30 September and Sunday October 1.

Readers may already be aware that Wharfedale stalwart and local farmer Michael Harrison died earlier this week following a short illness. As a mark of respect to Michael and his family, the club is naming the weekend as “The Michael Harrison Mini and Junior Centenary Weekend”.

The whole club will be involved in playing and organising with the Mini and Junior section holding centre stage.

On Saturday there will be a feast of rugby starting with the AireWharfe U16 girls playing West Park Leeds U16 girls at noon. The Wharfedale 1st team will then contest a National Division 2 North league match against Sheffield RUFC with their respective second teams also meeting; both matches kick off at 2pm. The action will close with a meeting of the Sheffield and Wharfedale Colts at 4pm.

The fun continues into the evening in the clubhouse with live music from Callum Spencer. Entry for adults is £10 whilst children under 16 will be admitted free. Parents and carers of Wharfedale Minis and Juniors can get in for half price if accompanied by their M&J wearing their club shirt.

On Sunday there will be the U15 “Michael Harrison 10’s” tournament with Keighley, Ripon, Otley, Blackburn. Lymm, Bangor and, of course, Wharfedale taking part. During the weekend there will be a BBQ’s, raffle, a silent auction and Nidderdale Young Farmers’ ducking stool. There will be no admission fee for the Sunday event

A full tribute to Michael will be printed in due course.