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Fire heroes hailed at station
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STABBING MURDER ACCUSED APPEARS IN COURT
Friday January 20, 2017
12 MONTHS GUARANTEE
No. 773
50p
Author seeks info on Jo Cox’s killer
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The house on Shirley Terrace was boarded up by officials this week Mike Popplewell
VICTIM: David Butterfield
By James Morris News Reporter james@thepressnews.co.uk
A WOMAN was due in court yesterday (Thurs) charged with the murder of a man at a home in Gomersal. Michelle Spencer, 47, was scheduled to appear at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday afternoon following the death of David Butterfield. The 43-year-old was found at a property on Shirley Terrace shortly after 6.30pm on Friday
evening. Police later confirmed that Mr Butterfield had died as a result of a stab wound to the chest. Paramedics and police officers treated him but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Spencer, of Shirley Terrace, is accused of attacking Mr Butterfield. She appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a short hearing, where she appeared from custody and spoke only to confirm her personal details. No formal plea was entered to the murder
charge, but it was indicated by her solicitor that a not guilty plea would be put forward. She was again remanded into custody following the hearing. The house on Shirley Terrace was boarded up on Wednesday afternoon, and the police cordon that had been in place since last Friday was removed. Officers were also seen towing away a car from the premises. A 26-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the investigation has since been released on bail.
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ThePress
Friday January 20, 2017 Church, Tuesday 31 January at 12noon.
27 January at 11.45am.
KELLETT (NEE BURNETT) MAISIE On 6 January, aged 88. Wife of the late Harry. Service at St Peter’s Church, Birstall, Tuesday 24 January at 12.45pm prior to interment in Batley Cemetery.
Deaths ACKROYD JOHN BRYAN On 12 January, aged 90, of
Batley. Husband of Hazel. Service at St Saviour’s Church, Brownhill, Thursday 26 January at 11.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.
BRAY DORIS Wife of the late John. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 26 January at 11.15am.
BRETT KENNETH On 6 January, aged 92, of Batley. Husband of the late Nora. Funeral enquiries to Joseph Sheard Funeral Directors, Mirfield. Tel 01924 492219.
BROADHEAD MARGARET JOYCE On 11 January, of Batley. Wife of the late Geoffrey. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 25 January at 10.30am.
COATES NEE BRADLEY IRENE On 6 January, of Dewsbury, aged 75. Wife of the late Henry. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 23 January at 12.30pm. Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296
COLE BARBARA (NEE FRYER) On 7 January, aged 77, of Birstall. Wife of the late Bert. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 31 January at 10.30am.
ELLIS (NEE HELLIWELL) BRENDA On 15 January, aged 83, of Mirfield. Wife of the late Trevor. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 1 February at 10.30am.
FROGGATT (NEE GODFREY) BETTY On 14 January, aged 74. Wife of Rodney. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 31 January at 12.30pm.
GLEDHILL ANNIE On 9 January, aged 97, of Mirfield. Wife of the late Ernest Brooke. Service at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Mirfield, Tuesday 31 January
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at 1.30pm, followed by cremation at Huddersfield Crematorium at 2.45pm.
HALSTEAD DAVID REES On 15 January, formerly of Roberttown. Husband of Pauline. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 26 January at 10am.
HARRISON JACK On 15 January, aged 85, of Gomersal. Husband of the late June. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 2 February at 2pm.
HARRISON LOUIS JAMES On 11 January. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 25 January at 1.15pm.
HUGHES GRAHAM On 4 January, aged 80. Husband of the late June. Service at St John the Baptist Church, Stamford Bridge, Monday 23 January at 10.15am, followed by committal at York Crematorium.
JOHNSON MARGARET On 6 January, aged 95, wife of the late Albert. Service at St Peter’s Church, Birstall, Friday
LALIC MIRKO ‘MICHAEL’ On 12 January, aged 87, of Batley. Husband of the late Mary. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 27 January at 9.45am.
LITTLE ANNIE (NEE FISHER) On 14 January, aged 85, of Hightown. Wife of the late Richard (Dick). Service at All Saints Church, Roberttown, Monday 30 January at 1.30pm, followed by committal at Liversedge Cemetery at 2.30pm.
LYONS DENNIS On 11 January, aged 84, of Dewsbury. Husband of Jean. Service at St Paulinus RC Church, Monday 23 January at 2pm followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.
MEAL JOHN On 9 January, aged 80, of Mirfield. Husband of Sheila. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 26 January at 10.30am.
MIDGLEY RENEE On 4 January. Wife of Michael. Service at Liversedge Parish
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On 15 January, aged 82, of Cleckheaton. Husband of the late Barbara. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 26 January at 9.30am.
PARKER JOHN BARRY ‘JACK’ On 8 January, aged 82, of Dewsbury. Husband of Helen. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 24 January at 2pm.
PERRY KENNETH JOHN On 14 January, aged 70, of Batley. Husband of Joan. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 1 February at 12.30pm.
PORRITT (NEE JOY) DOROTHY On 10 January, aged 95, of Chickenley. Wife of the late Alfred. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 23 January at 10.30am.
READ (NEE FENTON) ELAINE On 9 January, aged 68. Service at Lawnswood Crematorium, Monday 30 January at 11am.
ROBBINS (NEE MARTIN) MARIE On 10 January, aged 66, of Staincliffe. Wife of Les. Service at St Mary’s RC Church, Batley, Wednesday 25 January at 11.45am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.
On 11 January, aged 90, of Dewsbury. Wife of the late Frank. Service at Dewsbury Minster Church, Friday 3 February at 10.30am, followed by private committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.
SHEEAD DENNIS On 13 January, aged 87, of Dewsbury. Husband of Betty. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 30 January at 2pm.
SMITH (NEE ROBERTS) BRENDA On 14 January, aged 79, of Earlsheaton. Wife of Donald. Service at St Peter’s Church, Earlsheaton, Friday 3 February at 1.45pm followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 2.45pm.
SPENCER ROY On 11 January, aged 85, of Heckmondwike. Husband of Maureen. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 27 January at 2pm.
STONE (NEE MOULSON) EMMA On 10 January, aged 45, of Dewsbury. Service at Dewsbury Minster Church, Friday 27 January at 1.45pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.
WILBY CAROL On 8 January. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 27 January at 1.15pm.
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BENTLEY Alan 5/10/52 - 23/1/15 President of C.R.U.F.C Gone are the days we used to share, But in our hearts you’re always there, Never more than a thought away, Loved and remembered every day. All our love forever, sleep tight. Linda, Emma, David and Betty xxxxxxx
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Friday January 20, 2017 Issue No: 773
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ThePress
Friday January 20, 2017
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News In Brief Sex act charges
RESCUE HEROES
Kirklees refuse workers Kevin Stainburn and Ian Chamberlain met with members of Cleckheaton Fire Station’s White Watch this week
By Steve Martyn TWO council workers and a dad-to-be have been hailed as heroes after helping to rescue two people from a flat fire in Birstall. Kirklees refuse workers Kevin Stainburn and Ian Chamberlain were driving in a bin lorry at around 7am last Tuesday when they stopped at Birstall Smithies traffic lights and spotted flames in a nearby flat window. A third man, Lee Foster, was driving directly behind the dustbin wagon. He also saw the blaze and pulled over to help. The three men managed to gain access to the flat complex, between Carr Street and Smithies Lane, and ran to the first floor flat, alerting other occupants as they went. They tried the flat door, which was unlocked but secured by a chain. After banging on the door and getting no response they realised that somebody must be inside as the chain was on. The trio then kicked the door and door frame out of its mountings but had to retreat downstairs due to the amount of smoke.
Kevin, a father-of-two from Dewsbury, got a torch and went back upstairs, crawling under the smoke and into the flat. He got into the living room and saw one of the occupants laid on the floor, near a sofa which was ablaze. Kevin, 53, dragged the man out. Leaving the casualty on the communal landing, he reentered the flat looking for a second occupant but was overcome by smoke. Kevin dragged the first casualty down the stairs and into the fresh air, where he was assisted by Ian, while 41-yearold Lee, of Baildon, continued to alert other neighbours and also flagged down a passing ambulance. Fire crews from Cleckheaton and Dewsbury rushed to the scene and the second occupant, a man who had been in the bedroom, was led to safety by firefighters in breathing apparatus. Fire investigator Jamie Lister said: “The two men in the flat were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation but the consequences could have been far worse had it not been for the brave actions of these three men.
Park sex assault A TEENAGE GIRL was sexually assaulted in Batley’s Wilton Park. The victim, 16, was walking through the park between 6pm and 6.30pm on Monday, January 4, when she was approached by a group of four youths. One of them indecently touched her before she managed to dig her nails into his wrist and
“Not only did they manage to gain entry into the complex, they also managed to knock down a very sturdy door, before entering into an acrid environment without the benefit of protective clothing and breathing apparatus our firefighters depend upon. “Their persistent and determined efforts to rescue people, who were ultimately strangers to them, is truly commendable.” Since the incident the men have received a card of thanks from local residents. And this week they were invited to Cleckheaton Fire Station where they were reunited with the crew which attended the blaze, which is believed to have been started by an unattended candle. Watch Commander Martin Bleasdale added: “Whilst we would always advise people not to enter a burning building, the instinctive, brave and clearly determined actions of Kevin, Ian and Lee, before the arrival of crews, are highly commendable. “Such selfless actions undoubtedly assisted towards a successful conclusion to the incident.”
escape. She reported the attack to police. The youth who assaulted her is described as white, aged around 18 or 19, with brown hair. He was wearing a dark-coloured baseball cap, navy blue Adidas jumper and jogging bottoms. The other youths, all male, are described as being white and of a similar age. Anyone with information should call Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team via 101 quoting reference number 13160004542.
Hands defence A MAN accused of breaching bail conditions argued that he could not have driven to his expartner's home in Batley due to injuries to his hands. Liaquat Hussain, 33, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates' Court this week after he was arrested on suspicion of breaching his bail conditions. However during the hearing he held up both of his injured hands to try and show he could not have driven a vehicle. He was charged with threats to cause damage and was not due to appear in court until next month. Police bailed Hussain with the conditions that he is not to contact his ex or go within 100 metres of her home in Howley Walk, Batley. However he was arrested after allegedly going there on January 5. His ex-partner told police that Hussain pulled up outside her home in his car playing loud music and began shouting at her. Paul Blanchard said his client’s hands had been bandaged since Boxing Day after suffering injuries and a subsequent infection. He told the court: "The reality is it's impossible for him to drive - he's in absolute agony." Magistrates found the bail breach not proved and bailed Hussain, of Pearl Street, Batley, on the same conditions as previously.
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Kevin Stainburn said: “It’s just something that you instinctively do and you like to think that somebody would do it for your family. “I had to crawl down because above me was completely smoke-logged. I just crawled in and felt the heat and saw the sofa on fire. It was black, acrid smoke. “I was struggling to breath. I was shouting for this guy and heard a murmur. I pushed the door open and saw an arm. I just instinctively grabbed it and dragged him round.” Ian, a 58-year-old dad of two from Batley, added: “I went upstairs a couple of times but with the smoke you could not even see at the top of the stairs. It seemed a long time, it might have just been seconds.” Lee, a commercial vehicle technician who is expecting to become a dad in the next few days, said he had since reflected on how lucky the occupants were. He said: “What are the chances? For us to be parked at the traffic lights, for the fire to be at the stage it was, for the ambulance to be where it was. “It was a success story, a good result.”
DEWSBURY: A man has appeared in court accused of engaging in sex acts with children as young as three. Andrew Calvert, 29, appeared before Kirklees Magistrates’ Court faced with two charges of sexual activity with a child and one charge of rape. The court was told that the three-year-old attended Dewsbury and District Hospital after allegedly suffering an injury consistent with being inappropriately touched. Calvert is also alleged to have engaged in sex acts with a 14-year-old. The alleged rape is historical and was said to have involved a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly raped at Calvert’s former flat in Dewsbury. The case was sent to Leeds Crown Court where Calvert, of Runtlings in Ossett, will appear on January 25. He was remanded in custody.
Brabin set to network BATLEY: MP Tracy Brabin will be the guest speaker at the next Batley Bulldogs networking event. The event, for locally-based businesses and community groups, will be held at the Bulldogs’ Mount Pleasant home on Friday January 27 at 8am. Entry is free of charge. Those who wish to attend can turn up on the day or for more information, contact Mark Redfearn on 07710 591465.
Window damage denied BIRSTALL: A man has denied causing damage to a Kirklees Council-owned property. Nigel Radcliffe, 52, of Gelderd Road, pleaded not guilty to the charge of criminal damage when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court. The alleged offence occurred at an address in Centenary Way, Carlinghow, on November 3. Radcliffe is accused of damaging a window to the value of £100. He denies the incident happened at all and now faces trial at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on March 13.
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ThePress
Friday January 20, 2017
News In Brief Drunk driver in dock GOMERSAL: A drink driver was two-and-ahalf times the legal limit when he crashed his car, a court was told. Joshua White, 21, crashed his Seat Ibiza into some street furniture on Latham Lane while over the limit on Boxing Day. Police also discovered a small bag of white powder, later confirmed as amphetamine. Breath tests showed he had 93 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes. White, of Pyenot Hall Lane, Cleckheaton, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and possession of a class B drug at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court. He was sentenced to a 10-week curfew and banned from driving for 24 months.
Resident must behave BATLEY: A man has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order by the courts. Abubaker Rawat, 28, was convicted of criminal damage. The order, which will last for 18 months, bans Rawat, of Purlwell Avenue, from acting or inciting others to act in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. He must not approach, threaten, intimidate or communicate with two named persons who live on the same street as himself.
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Author’s exploration of Jo Cox murder By Staff Reporters AWARD-WINNING non-fiction crime writer Kester Aspden has been commissioned to write an exploration of the murder of Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox. Leading independent publisher Serpent’s Tail is due to publish ‘Things That Divide Us’ in early 2018. Aspden’s previous book was The Hounding of David Oluwale, an historical reconstruction of the death of a Nigerian homeless man in Leeds at the end of the 1960s. It was widely acclaimed, winning him the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger for NonFiction. It was later adapted for the stage by West Yorkshire Playhouse. Aspden, who was raised in Yorkshire, intends Things That Divide Us to be a blend of reportage, social history and memoir. The book will centre on the police investigation of Cox’s murder and the trial of her killer, but will range more widely to explore
Jo Cox MP
Murderer Thomas Mair
the rise of nationalism and farright politics in Britain. Rebecca Gray, acting Serpent’s Tail publisher, said of the book: “It’ll be an important addition to the nationwide conversation that is only just beginning. I can’t think of a writer better placed to take on this complex subject.” Aspden said: “I realise this is a
painful subject. Painful for those directly involved but painful also for the community of Birstall and beyond. “I approach the subject with some trepidation. I’m sure there are many who would rather just move on from the terrible events of June 2016. “I believe, though, that this is
Crash driver faces jail term
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A DEWSBURY man has been told he is facing a “substantial” prison sentence after a crash at Cooper Bridge which injured eight men. Ihtisham Shabir, 24, pleaded guilty to three charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and dangerous driving, at an earlier date. The case was sent to Bradford Crown Court for sentencing this week but a judge ruled the hearing could not go ahead due to missing medical evidence. Judge Jonathan Rose said: “My understanding of this case is that no fewer than eight people were actually injured as a result of this driving. “I am not aware of the details of the injuries to any of them. “This is a man of hitherto good character who is facing inevitably a substantial prison sentence.” The collision, on June 27, 2015, closed a
an important historical case and that someone should provide a chronicle of it.” Aspden attended every day of the two-week trial but left with many questions unanswered. “Thomas Mair didn’t say a word during the trial. Those of us who watched him for almost two weeks didn’t really know what we were dealing with,” he added. “It seems that many saw him around Birstall, but few really knew him.” To help with his book, Aspden is appealing for help from the people of Batley and Spen. He would especially like to talk to anyone who knew Thomas Mair in his younger years. “At the moment I’m not even sure which school he went to,” Aspden said. The author would also like to hear from anyone with any information or any thoughts to share on the case. He would be happy to talk over the phone or to meet people in person. He can be contacted in the first instance on thingsthatdivideus
2018@gmail.com.
stretch of the A644 Wakefield Road at Cooper Bridge for several hours as emergency services dealt with the aftermath of the Saturday night smash involving an Audi A4 and Volkswagen Golf. Firecrews from Mirfield, Cleckheaton and Rastrick attended the scene. Judge Rose ordered the prosecution to provide the medical information by 3pm today (Fri) and adjourned the sentencing until January 25. Shabir, of Bower Lane, Dewsbury, was told by Judge Rose: “I have no doubt that this has been an anxious time for you but it is more important that the sentence hearing is fair than we just deal with it today as best we can. “I have to be fair to you but I have to be fair to the victims of your crime. “Be under no illusion as to what the outcome is going to be as far as you’re concerned.”
Amanda Stubley leaves Labour after suspension A KIRKLEES councillor says she has quit the Labour Party after being suspended last year. Coun Amanda Stubley (Batley East) was filmed clashing with right-wing activists supporters in the run-up to the Batley and Spen by-election in October last year. The exchange with the English Democrats in Batley Market Place was caught by TV cameras and later broadcast on Channel Four News. She has been suspended by the regional Labour Party since November 2016 for the row, and also for posting provocative and inappropriate messages on social media. However Coun Stubley now says she has taken the decision to leave the Labour Party voluntarily. She said: “After all this time it’s still not been sorted out and I have had enough of the Labour Party. They just don’t care.
“I have heard nothing and I am still suspended. “I have made 35 phone calls and not one has been returned. It absolutely stinks. “I have resigned. I am disgusted by the way I have been treated.” Coun Stubley, 46, was first elected as a Kirklees councillor for the Batley East ward in 2011 and held the seat comfortably in 2015. During the row with the English Democrats, she claimed that the seat was hers “for life”. The mother-of-two is currently on sick leave from her council duties and she said that the whole affair had made her ill. “I have just come out of hospital,” she said. “I have multiple sclerosis and I have had a relapse. “That’s what the Labour Party has caused.” Coun Stubley said she intended to remain a Kirklees
councillor for the remainder of her term, which runs until May 2018. In social media posts she recently also threatened to stand against current Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin at the next General Election. But she claims she is now “open to offers” from rival political parties. “I am disgusted with what Jeremy Corbyn has done to Labour,” she said. “I might join the Conservatives. “I am open to offers from all the other parties but I certainly wouldn’t join the Liberal Democrats because they have gone now. There’s really only two parties now.” She said she had quit the party verbally by ringing the national Labour Party in London and had also told senior Kirklees colleagues. “I love Labour but I can’t stay with them any longer,” she added.
ThePress
Friday January 20, 2017
COUPLE’S CRUELTY
News In Brief Teen extremist praised Thomas Mair
By Staff Reporters
BATLEY & SPEN: A teenager accused of making a pipe bomb in preparation of an “all out race war” celebrated the killing of MP Jo Cox on the day she died. The 17-year-old from Bradford posted a picture of her killer Thomas Mair on Facebook, calling him a hero. On another social media site, he posted the same picture with the post: “Absolute f*****g legend. He’s a hero, we need more people like him to butcher the race traitors.” The teenager denies a charge of preparing a terrorist act and an alternative count of making a pipe bomb. The trial at Leeds Crown Court continues.
A COUPLE from Gomersal have been banned from keeping equines for life after pleading guilty to a string of animal cruelty offences. Five donkeys and three ponies were rescued from shocking conditions at Malcolm and Angela Wood’s Popeley Farm premises on Muffit Lane, following a joint investigation by the RSPCA, West Yorkshire Police, The Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare. The husband and wife collectively pleaded guilty to six charges under the Animal Welfare Act at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court last Thursday. Video footage filmed by animal activists showed one of the five donkeys, Timmy, having to be dug out of his stable where he was living on top of five feet of his own faeces. Another donkey, Rosie, was put to sleep after vets were unable to control her pain. Two of the ponies were being kept in a dark stable and one had to be carried out as he was so frightened of the sunlight, apparently having been confined to the stable his whole life and never seeing sunshine before. Angela Wood admitted causing unnecessary suffering to five donkeys by failing to provide appropriate professional care for their overgrown hooves. She also accepted that she did not investigate the cause of one donkey’s poor body condition and that she failed to provide two of the donkeys with a suitable environment. Malcolm Wood, 66, admitted failing to provide three ponies with a suitable living environment and failing to investigate the causes of one pony’s poor body condition. Five charges against him relating to the welfare of the five donkeys
The donkeys were found in appalling conditions were dropped. Both defendants were disqualified from keeping any equine animal for life. They were each sentenced to a sixmonth community order and ordered to pay £100 each towards the RSPCA prosecution costs. World Horse Welfare field officer Sarah Tucker had been working to advise Mr and Mrs Wood on improving the standards of care for their horses, but it wasn’t until a visit along with senior donkey welfare adviser Hannah Bryer and RSPCA inspector Samantha Weston in June 2016 that the full scale of the problem became clear. Initially they were only shown three donkeys, but after hearing another bray it became apparent that there were more donkeys on the premises and, after querying this with the couple, two more donkeys and three ponies were discovered. Hannah Bryer said: “Two donkeys, named Tommy and Timmy, were housed next to each other in a
barn with an adjoining door separating them. “Both were standing on their own excrement with nowhere clean or comfortable to rest. The faeces were built up so high on Timmy’s side that metal bars and wood had been put across the top of his stable door which I can only imagine was to prevent him falling five feet to the ground below. “It’s horrifying to think of how long he had been shut in what I could only describe as his own personal prison. I just wanted to get them out of there as quickly as possible.’’ West Yorkshire Police took the animals into their possession before The Donkey Sanctuary arranged for them to be transported to a place of safety. Farrier Chris Adamson, who provided expert remedial farriery, said: “When assessing two of the donkeys, Rosie and Timmy, it was obvious from the straight blunt edges of their hooves that they had been subjected to a form of ‘do it yourself’ trimming. “Hooves are complicated struc-
tures and without the right experience and training, you can cause a lot more harm than good. I can only describe the condition of these donkeys’ feet as nothing short of barbaric.’’ X-rays revealed irreversible changes in Rosie’s hooves which despite medication still left her in uncontrollable pain. The vet and farrier agreed that there was nothing they could do and that regrettably euthanasia was the only way to end her suffering. The remaining four donkeys were given extensive care and attention to nurse them back to health. One pony had to be euthanised on site. Two Shetland ponies were transported to a rescue centre, but one sadly had to be put to sleep. The other pony, Rio, has made an amazing recovery and has now found a new home. RSPCA inspector Samantha Weston said: “The state of the poor ponies was awful, but to then make the discovery of the donkeys was shocking – their hooves were some of the longest I’ve ever seen. “One was in very poor body condition and several were riddled with worms. Another donkey had to be dug out of his stable because the combination of filthy bedding and faeces had built up so much, he couldn’t even be led out of the door. “The magistrate imposed a lifetime ban on owning horses for the couple responsible, and I am delighted to hear that the ponies and donkeys that were removed are now doing well in the expert care of The Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare. “This investigation was a prime example of the great rescue and investigation work that our charities carry out together.”
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Jerry’s just fine! HECKMONDWIKE: A silver fox that escaped from a farm has been found safe and well. Jerry the fox disappeared from Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre and an appeal was launched to find him. After a week on the loose, Jerry was discovered in Brighouse and was given the all-clear after a check-up by a vet.
CF charity club night BATLEY: A charity club night will be held to raise funds for a cystic fibrosis awareness group next Friday (January 27). The event will be held at Le Choix Bar in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Doors will be open from 7pm to 6am the following morning and will see acts such as The Savages, Ben Rainey and Tom Garnett play. Tickets are priced at £10 and all the proceeds will go to the charity. To purchase tickets, call 07463 302377.
Cash for college is agreed COUNCIL bosses have now officially agreed to release £2.9 million to fund a new college facility in Dewsbury. Kirklees Council’s cabinet this week unanimously agreed to provide the cash that will see Kirklees College partially relocate to Pioneer House on Northgate. The iconic Pioneer House will be transformed into a centre for higher level skills, apprenticeships and post-19 studies, specialising in creative and digital media, art, healthcare, business and finance. A major new purpose-built facility will also be developed by Kirklees College on wasteland next to Lidl on Bradford Road. The two new centres will replace the College’s current premises – Dewsbury Centre and Batley School of Art – both located on Halifax Road. Kirklees College plans to open the facilities, dubbed the ‘Dewsbury Learning Quarter’, in 2018. Acting deputy principal Melanie Brooke said: “It’s a very exciting time for us and for Dewsbury, not only will we be able to provide further training and learning opportunities, but this development will also play a part in boosting the town’s economy in the long run. “We have a lot of work to do, but we are already looking forward to the eventual opening in 2018 of the facilities and what we hope will be the start of a new journey for staff, students, employers and the wider community.” This is the first major scheme in the socalled North Kirklees Growth Zone (NKGZ) • A DEWSBURY dinner lady has been crowned LACA Yorkshire & Humber School Chef of the Year. Tracy Healy, who works at Ravensthorpe Junior School, won the regional final of the competition which was held on Wednesday in Cheshire. Her winning dishes were a lamb kofta with coconut rice served with flatbread and mint salad and a rhubarb fool served with a
ginger biscuit. The meal had to appeal to year six pupils, be ready in 90 minutes and cost a maximum of £1.30 per head. The Yorkshire and Humber contestants had to cook their dishes against the clock under the scrutiny of a panel of judges. Tracy will go on to compete against nine other regional champions in the National Final on March 2 in Stratford Upon Avon.
project – a long-term regeneration programme that aims to promote ‘transformational change’ in Dewsbury. Additional funding has come from Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Skills Capital Fund and the Heritage Lottery fund. Coun Peter McBride, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The move is an important first step in the North Kirklees Growth Zone. “This is not only a priority for the council but it is important for the City Region. “The LEP and West Yorkshire Combined Authority have provided funding which will support the creation of a new learning quarter in Dewsbury bringing the vibrancy and footfall connected with the college into the town centre.”
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Friday January 20, 2016
BACK IN PRINT Now on sale, the updated edition. Reserve a copy in office hours on 01924 470296, order via www.thepressnews.co.uk or call in at our office, 31 Branch Road, Batley
LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood
The same customary greeting... F I’M not quite expert in the customs and immigrations departments of the civilised world on the scale of say, oh Alan Whicker or Judith Chalmers, I at least have a broad appreciation. I can tell you that the generally welcoming and surprisingly genuine, ‘have a nice day’ and ‘how are you liking our country?’ remarks of ordinary Americans, are completely at odds with their immigration staff, who are like a cross between the Gestapo and prison warder Mr Mackay from Porridge. Thirty-five years I’ve been travelling to the USA via at least a dozen ports of entry, and I haven’t seen a smile once. A thousand faces, all like slapped arses. And because I’d like to return there – in just a few weeks actually – I won’t delve further into exactly why I think that is. The neighbouring Canadians
SMILE, YOU’RE ON CAMERA: It’s a serious business at US immigration
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were different again, not exactly welcoming you with open arms, but courteous, professional. In Hong Kong, while being virtually strip searched, I was asked if I was carrying a firearm (as if!). I once had a Republic of Ireland bloke gleefully make me fully unpack and wash the soles of all the footwear in my case (the Mad Cow epidemic) and another time, with no official border post in sight, two
gun-toting soldiers with steely eyes waved me through an impromptu roadblock just outside Crossmaglen, in the IRA badlands. When they retire they might consider a job at Heathrow or Gatwick, because the miserable scrotes who masquerade as our immigration officers could give the Yanks a run for their money. No such problems in the European Union though, where passport carrying nationals can drift as lonely as Wordsworth’s metaphorical cloud from nation to state and back again, all without noticing anything except an occasional change in the weather. What a difference from that bus trip I made from Athens to London in the winter of 1981 which involved crossing the borders between Greece,
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Yugoslavia (as was), Italy, France, Luxemburg, Belgium and finally the UK. Despite the fact that the EU/Common Market was well established, it felt like the East German Stasi were at each and every border crossing. An unfortunate young man on the bus was white British, but sporting dreadlocks and hippy-style clothing. Bad call, kid. He was singled out at every border crossing and subject to more body searches than Hannibal Lecter. It’s all about to change for we Brits though, isn’t it? A return to those bad old days. We’ve upset their EU applecart with our Brexiteering and it seems that half of the UK establishment is warning us that a day trip to Calais will involve being poked and prodded in every possible orifice as the ‘new enemy’ revel in their minutest of revenges. They hate us, those Europeans. The Froggies especially – or so we’re told. I’m not so sure, and just as the British economy is trotting along in high-stepping fashion, shaking its mane joyfully in the sun instead of being dragged for glue to the knacker’s yard, so I think our European cousins will display
a personal maturity that seems beyond our own Remoaners. I’m writing this on a garden bench in a beautiful house in a very nice suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa, transported here from Manchester, via Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, by the wonderful staff of Air France. I don’t know what I was expecting – to be turned back at the airport gate, perhaps, at the sight of a UK passport? For my attempts to pass through security to be interrupted by a demand to know which way I voted? And those airline stewards and stewardesses … I can manage a passable “bonjour” and a “merci” or “s’il vous plait” as required, but my travelling companion? His accent is so Dewsbury-thick there are probably people in Mirfield who can’t fathom his Yorkshire slang. No disguising our ancestral roots. There would no doubt be just slops left for our supper, barked demands to stow that seat table and fasten that seatbelt, maybe even a scornful “pah!” and a clip round the lug for daring to ask for another red wine. “Red wine? What do you peeeg Engleesh know about red wine!” before it is sploshed all
over your best chinos, possibly with a coughed-up loogie of phlegm into your glass while you’re not looking. Actually? The smilingest, friendliest, politest airline staff I can recall, with my pidgin French communications acknowledged likewise before they defaulted to excellent English for more detailed conversation. But there you have it. My money is spent flying with them, I smile and say hello, not stagger drunk onto their plane yelling a football chant, so I get a warm greeting in return. People are people wherever you go, generally inclined towards civility, not bearing the imagined grudges of the political classes. The bumps in the UK’s Brexit road will be potholes dug by our own sulky Remoaners, not the roadblocks of spurned Europeans. They actually still want to be our friends and neighbours – just as it always should have been, instead of serfs to the EU aristocracy. As for South Africa? I’ve never known such a friendly and hospitable welcome and although I’m only 18 hours and one sleep in, the signs are excellent.
Battle lines are now being drawn MENTION of Brexit and I sensed at the weekend that we’re coming towards the end of the ‘phoney war’, the period after the outbreak of hostilities in 1939 when war was declared, skirmishes exchanged, then both sides buckled down to preparing for the fire and brimstone of the real conflict. Can I say, I don’t buy the apparent olive branches of the Remain MPs and their lobbyists – mostly but not all Labour and the ragged Lib Dem rump – who say they won’t try to defy the will of the British people and force a second referendum. Every time they say that, there’s a muttered codicil that implies Brexit only gets their support if it includes staying in the Single Market; that they could u-turn if Theresa May’s presentation to Parliament before invoking Article 50 is what they choose to describe as a
‘hard’ Brexit. Wakey-wakey, folks. There is no possible way the UK could remain in the Single Market if it leaves the EU and takes control of its borders. None. That was made clear by the Leave campaign and even clearer by David Cameron, George Osborne and the Remain lobby – even though they were using it to try terrify us into following like lambs. If we establish mutual trading access it will only be during and at the end of the exit negotiations. May can’t possibly make it a line in the sand right now. Gird yourselves for new battle lines being drawn once the Prime Minister and her team make clear how uncompromising (by necessity) their opening gambit will be.
Driving around with Auntie SPENT the day before leaving for South Africa driving round Dewsbury with a BBC Radio Four production crew in the back of my car, and broadcaster/ Times writer David Aaranovitch in the front. They were intent on exploring the difference (or so the questions seemed to suggest) between the more religious and prosperous Gujerati Muslims of Savile Town, and the perceived poorer Pakistani denizens of Ravensthorpe with a greater propensity to criminal activity, specifically the drugs trade. I drove them from the train
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station, pointed out Mr Sparkles’ car wash as we headed into Savile Town then wrapped back round through Scout Hill and Ravensthorpe, parked up outside Mr Sparkles’ drug-and-money-launderingfunded mansion, then back through Thornhill Lees. It was there, while driving down Brewery Lane, that journalist Aaranovitch exclaimed, “Look, two white people out walking!” It was a rainy Sunday so not a mass of people were about, but it was significant that it took so long for him to notice.
Eventually the producer said we could head back to base because she had “90 minutes of radio gold”. Given that the entire programme is only 30 minutes, and our contribution won’t be all of that, heaven above knows what that means. My experiences with Radio Four haven’t been universally positive. Anyway, it was on last night (Thursday, 8pm, The Briefing Room) if you want to listen on catch up. I’m not going to bother until I get home. Don’t want to risk spoiling the holiday.
ThePress
Friday January 20, 2017
Pupil cash is set to be cut
By James Morris
SCHOOLS across the district could be set for major budget cuts in coming years if new Government funding plans are brought in. New analysis of funding data published by the Department for Education has revealed that in Kirklees there has already been a real terms funding reduction of £54 less per pupil in 2016/17 than in 2015/16. Teaching unions have now forecast that this will amount to cuts of £534 per pupil by 2020 in Dewsbury, while in Batley and Spen schools will suffer a 14 per cent reduction – which equates to £510 per pupil. Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin branded the funding shake-up as “stealth cuts” and pleaded with the Secretary of State for Education to take urgent action in the Chancellor’s budget in March. She said: “Batley and Spen educational leaders have told
me how difficult it is to provide excellent education under strained financial circumstances. “These funding figures will be a hammer blow to headteachers, teachers, pupils and parents. “It’s said that school funding is a postcode lottery and looking at these figures, Kirklees definitely isn’t a winner.” Most Kirklees secondary schools will have to make cuts of between £250,000 and £500,000 per year if the funding formula is approved. “These stealth cuts will have a huge impact on pupils in my area,” Ms Brabin added. “We all remember the days when buckets caught rain coming in through the ceiling and parents had to buy books because the school couldn’t afford them – we cannot and will not go back to those days and I will be working hand in hand with local schools to fight these unfair measures.” Dewsbury and Mirfield MP
Online messages breach DEWSBURY: A man banned from contacting his ex-girlfriend breached his bail conditions by bombarding her sister with messages. Lee Oldroyd, 25, admitted sending a number of messages via Facebook despite the bail conditions prohibiting
Paula Sherriff said she had already seen the effects of funding cuts in schools in her constituency. “Against the backdrop of a national crisis in teacher recruitment and retention, funding cuts are impacting on pupils in my area,” she said. “I’ve already met with two local schools that are really struggling to balance the books. “Schools are feeling the strain of seven years of Toryled government. “I will be fighting hard against further funding shortfalls which will see ever greater pressure on our school staff and class sizes.” Union campaigners say that 98 per cent of schools across England will be worse off because rising prices and cost pressures will cancel out any budget increase. The Government’s spending watchdog the National Audit Office has said that schools will have to make cuts that amount to £3 billion by 2020.
him from doing so. He faces charges of affray and assault against his then teenage girlfriend. He denies the charges and faces trial. Oldroyd, of Victoria Road, Dewsbury, breached the conditions when he asked his ex-girlfriend's sister about items she was selling on eBay. Magistrates released him on the same bail conditions.
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Not getting our money’s worth Dear Sir, The government have given the councils the go-ahead to raise council tax once more, and not for a better service, you can be sure. All they have done for years is reduce services, eg rates offices closed and glass recycling ended, a lot of which goes to landfill. Now also street lighting has been cut, toilets closed, libraries and museums threatened, residential
Well done to our two MPs From: Paul Worthington, Batley Dear Sir, Despite it not achieving much, I was really heartened last week whilst watching Prime Minister’s Questions to see both my MP Tracy Brabin and Paula Sherriff going in to bat for our hospital. Paula Sherriff got into a spot of bother for protesting too hard, but good on her, Tracy Brabin was getting no joy from the PM about the problems we’re facing at A&E and they need telling. It’s good to see two local MPs actually care about their constituencies enough to have a go and get stuck in. Some of the previous incumbents would have just sat on their hands or fiddled while Rome burned. I’ve voted Tory several times in the past, and may do again if the right candidate stands locally, but Tracy Brabin has hit the ground running and shows that she’s passionate about the district we all live in. Well done, and keep up the good work.
It’s another panto triumph From: Malcolm Haigh, Batley Dear Sir, The tremendous showbusiness talent which exists among the ranks of Carlinghow Theatre Company triggered huge bouts of applause when they presented their annual pantomime, Mother Goose, several times at Batley Town Hall over the weekend. The connection was magnetic as various stage characters forged vocal interchanges with the sizeable audiences and won voluminous applause for their acting and singing abilities. But the outstanding starstudded talent as afar as many people, including myself, were concerned was the superbly professional displays delivered by the 20-plus dancers of all age groups whose numbers completely captivated the audi-
Letter of the Week: H Akeroyd, Heckmondwike homes closed, don’t they want to give us anything for our money? If they had not messed around for so long with that taxi firm we could have had a proper bus station in Heckmondwike.
This extra tax is supposed to pay for elderly care, what happened to the taxes and national insurance they paid in for 50 years? It probably went in aid to other countries with space and nuclear capabilities.
ences. The dancers, many of them schoolchildren, were impeccable not only in their movements and interplay but also in their enthusiastic performance of intricate numbers and the way in which they created connections with the audience. They helped set the scenes for such talented artists as Fairy Fortune Melanie Harrison and Demon Discontent Iain Harknett to exploit the good and questionable shades of any pantomime to the full. In between the opportunities to probe human frailties and fortitude were undertaken by Silly Billy Gareth Jones, Bumpkin Chris Hall, Bogtrotter Lisa Cockroft and Squire Moneybag played by Alan Sykes. The effects of such confrontations were magnified magnificently by the timely performances of Adam Schewtschuk as Mother Goose, Jessica Bellas as the lovelorn Jill, the plotting duo of Bumpkin Chris Hall, Bogtrotter Lisa Cockcroft and Squire Moneybags Alan Sykes. A softer, concerned side was portrayed by Amanda Marsden as Colin, Jenny Alexander as Queen Goosegog and Olivia Griffin as Princess Goosinder. But as the characters competed with each other to gain importance and glory the vital difference proved to be in the power of Andrea Carter who played the giant sized goose Priscilla and, in very clever fashion, used her intimate skills to provide precious differences. The panto was moving and effective throughout thanks to the talents and passion of director Jane Griffin, choreographer Amanda Marsden and a party of talented helpers who ensured this was another triumph.
A lucky escape, perhaps... From: John Appleyard, Liversedge Dear Sir, In 2010 Labour’s Mike Wood defeated the Conservative
We have had years of austerity and cuts and it’s about time Westminster realised that began charity begins at home. I can’t understand why, if Kirklees are so cash-strapped, they have had so many new vehicles in 2016, eg tipper trucks, transit buses, four-wheel drive pick-ups and new vans. So looking back at all this, I feel I’ve been mugged every time I pay my rates.
Janice Small at the General Election in Batley and Spen. Janice Small quit the Tories and joined UKIP, before being expelled over accusations of alleged expenses fiddling. She is now known as Janice Atkinson and stands as an independent member of the European Parliament. She also flew to the US offering support for Donald Trump during his election campaign. Atkinson sits in the European Parliament with the Front National’s Marine Le Pen, who together have formed a ‘Europe of Nations and Freedom bloc’. By joining the group Janice Atkinson has provided them with an MEP from an allimportant seventh member state, giving the Front access to millions in EU funding for a recognised party grouping. Methinks Batley and Spen had a lucky escape.
We’re all individuals From: R Spreadbury, Liversedge Dear Sir, Below is part of a statement from Andrew Haldane, the Bank of England’s chief economist, on the fact that his economic forecasts appear to be little more than guesswork (you could easily add opinion polls to this). It says: “It’s just that the models we had were rather narrow and fragile. The problem came when the world was tipped upside down and those models were ill-equipped to making sense of behaviours that were deeply irrational....” What a revelation! That humans are in fact emotional beings, and not automatons whose behaviour can be predicted by some sort of algorithm. Are these the people who are masters of our destiny? They are borne out of the same mould as the computer geeks who ran the IT departments, and probably still do, when I were a lad. These types were generally overly-logical, obsessive, and socially-inept individuals, who no-one really wanted to inter-
act with unless forced to. Humans function on an emotional level. They may initially assess things in their heads, but in the end they generally rely on the old “gut” feeling to make a decision. Sometimes we can even be reckless! This behaviour cannot be translated into computer code, much to the dismay of Zuckerberg, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, et al. I have a horrible feeling that this is the driver behind American-dominated social media’s attempts to cocoon and categorise us into a safe, predictable World of likes and sameness, all policed through the blogosphere.
You can’t like some opera, and some heavy metal, it’s just not logical. This drive to reduce humanity into some sort of homogenic, predictable, easily controlled, consumer drones is further exacerbated by the rise of orthodoxy and Political Correctness. This incessant drive to try and convince us that somehow we are all the same is totally misplaced. Where is the similarity between a Mongolian herdsman, a Porsche-driving City slicker, an ISIS murderer or an Aborigini, etc. Isn’t it about time we just embraced the differences, race, culture and gender, and taught our kids to be masters of their
own destiny and not puppets in someone else’s theatre of life? It’s okay to fail, this is how you learn. It’s okay to do something which seemed like a good idea at the time, but with hindsight probably wasn’t. The confidence to rely on their own judgement, and not having to resort to Google or the blogosphere for any decision making. The wherewithal to navigate their way through life by making their own personal risk assessments, and appreciate that this will be very personal, and will not necessarily apply to all. Basically, to reclaim their humanity and individuality.
LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS G Carter, discharge conditions 3 (materials), 4 (roofing materials), 5 (boundaries), 6 (landscaping) on previous permission 2006/92640 for demolition of existing dwelling and erection of three dwellings with garages, 7 Heaton Road, Upper Batley. E Denton, change of use of workshop to dwelling, adjacent to Canary Hall, Drub Lane, Drub, Cleckheaton. Barnes Homes Ltd, discharge of conditions 3-5, 7-10, 14-18 and 21 on previous permission 2016/90894 for erection of five units, Rawfolds Way, Cleckheaton. Mr A Saiyed, certificate of lawfulness for proposed erection of outbuilding, rear of 33 Carlinghow Lane, Carlinghow. Mr S Mohammed, singlestorey extension to side and front, 8 Wormalds View, Thornhill Lees. Yasar Fayyaz, first floor and two-storey side extensions, 25 Birkhead Street, Heckmondwike. Mr & Mrs Wragg, extension and alterations of outbuilding to form one dwelling, Fieldhead House Farm, 197 Latham Lane, Gomersal. M Brooke, one detached dwelling and demolition of existing dwelling, 114 West Royd Avenue, Mirfield. Savers Health & Beauty, advertisement consent for erection of two illuminated signs, Store Twenty One, 62 Commercial Street, Batley.
M Brooke, detached dwelling, land to rear of 114 West Royd Avenue, Mirfield. Mr H Mayat, single-storey side and rear extension, 20 Trafalgar Street, Healey. David Keton, work to Tree(s) within a Conservation Area, 27 Batley Field Hill, Upper Batley. Lewis Wood, first floor extension to side and porch to front, 90 Station Lane, Birkenshaw. Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, C/O Agent, advertisement consent for erection of five illuminated and non-illuminated signs, Railway Street, Dewsbury. D Smith, single-storey rear extension, 5 Chevins Close, Batley. Mr K Mirza, two-storey side and rear extension, 1A Horton Street, Heckmondwike. Ms L Kinahan, installation of one non illuminated sign round ATM, Cleckheaton Post Office, Greenside, Cleckheaton. Mr M Ishtiaq, the proposal is for erection of single storey rear extension. The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.9m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 3m, 37 Bronte Close, Dewsbury Moor. Sekhon Developments Ltd, change of use of ground floor from office (A2) to two selfcontained flats and installation of windows, doors and construction of bin store to rear,
Concept Recruitment Solutions Ltd, 81-83 Daisy Hill, Dewsbury. L Roberts, single-storey rear extension, 20 Roundhill Green, Gomersal. Mr F Patel, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 7.3m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.7, the height of the extension is 2.5m, 4 Wormalds View, Thornhill Lees. Mr Abdul Qabaz, singlestorey and two-storey rear extension with balcony, 9 Station Road, Earlsheaton. Brenntag UK, installation of boiler containment unit, Brenntage Uk Ltd, Union Mills, Oxford Road, Gomersal. Mr A Qabaz, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 3m, 9 Station Road, Earlsheaton. B Rhodes, non-material amendment to previous permission 2013/91321 for aterations to existing outbuildings/agricultural buildings to form two dwellings and erection of two detached dwellings (within a Conservation Area), land adjacent to West Lane and Oxford Sreet, Gomersal. N Habib, two-storey rear and
single-storey side extensions, 41 Church Lane, Dewsbury Moor. Mr & Mrs Hanby, singlestorey rear extension, 62 Oakway, Birkenshaw. Phillip Brahan, dormer windows to front and rear, 31 Milton Drive, Liversedge. Andrew Jackson, work to TPO(s) 39/94, 2 Middleton Court, Hightown. Martin Jeffrey, dead or dangerous tree(s) to TPO SP2/70/a31, Spen Hall, Spen Lane, Gomersal. TJ Morris Ltd, installation of three illuminated signs, former Netto, Horncastle Street, Cleckheaton. M Shreeve, c/o agent, alterations to convert barn to dwelling (within a Conservation Area), Sunnybank Farm, Sunny Bank Road, Upper Batley. Phil Brooke, demolition of existing rear structure and conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension, 3 Rosedale Court, East Bierley. Riva Homes, dead or dangerous tree(s), 5 Westfield Court, Mirfield. Mr & Mrs Mushtaq, singlestorey rear extension, 21 Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton. Mrs N Saeed, erection of porch to front, dormer to rear and alterations to change hip roof to gable roof, 21 Squirrel End, Squirrel Close, Dewsbury. Y Akhtar, dead or dangerous tree(s), 483 Bradford Road, Birkenshaw.
ThePress
Friday January 20, 2017
Memories of Red House to be boxed up MEMORIES from a recentlyclosed museum in North Kirklees are set to live on. Plans have been put forward to compile a ‘Museum in a Box’ featuring artefacts from Red House and the wider Spen Valley. This would join a range of 12 other boxes on different topics which can be borrowed for free from Kirklees Museums Services. Each box contains around 20 multi-sensory objects
which are designed to stimulate conversation. A meeting will be held at Oakwell Hall on Tuesday (January 24) at 2pm, where people will be able to learn more about the Museum in a Box scheme. Meanwhile the Friends of Red House group, which has worked to promote and save the museum for the past four years, has officially disbanded. Jacqueline Ryder, chair-
man of the group, said: “It is a very sad time for the Friends. “Since we were set up four years ago we have contributed over 1,000 hours to helping the staff ensure visitors enjoy memorable times at Red House. “Our thoughts are with the staff, who are facing an uncertain future as their work is re-organised and some may have to consider redundancy.”
Robber has his sentence cut A KNIFE-wielding robber who held up a Heckmondwike store has had a prison sentence reduced. Stewart Tyrone Stone, 23, threatened Fahim Kamini with a blade, damaging his hand in the process before fleeing with the £500 contents of the till at the Top Shop Mini Market on Leeds Road. The victim recognised Stone during the incident, on March 7, 2016, as his family lived close by and he was arrested soon after. He admitted robbery, having a weapon and breaching a community order and was jailed for five years and eight months at Leeds Crown Court last June. But senior judges at the Court of Appeal this week reduced that sentence to four years and four months, with the initial sentence described as “manifestly excessive”. Mr Justice Jeremy Baker and Mr Justice Blake heard that Stone had previous convictions dating back to his teens but he was not considered a “dangerous offender.” Reports compiled before his sentencing suggested he was suffering from an emotionally
Stewart Stone unstable personality disorder. Sentencing him at the Crown Court, Judge Jacqueline Davies said the robbery had been a “terrifying” experience for Mr Kamini. But Mr Justice Baker said Judge Davies had been too harsh in her initial sentence. He said she had taken too high a starting point for the sentence before giving him credit for his early guilty plea.
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ThePress
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Friday January 20, 2017
News In Brief
Addict stole meat CLECKHEATON: A drug addict admitted stealing meat from a supermarket to help fund her habit. Amanda McLaughlin, 36, pleaded guilty to shoplifting from Tesco when she appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court. The incident occurred on Christmas Eve when she took the security tags off of a number of joints of meat and left the store. She was stopped outside by staff. McLaughlin, of Turnsteads Mount in Cleckheaton, tested positive for cocaine and opiates in her system following her arrest. The court heard she had been clean from drugs for five years but relapsed following an arson attack at her home. She was sentenced to a community order as an alternative to custody. This includes 20 days of rehabilitative activities and six months of drug rehabilitation.
Fight at takeaway BIRSTALL: A man was left with serious injuries to his face after a fight broke out at a takeaway. The 35-year-old man was ordering food at Naveed’s Takeaway on Low Lane at midnight on Wednesday, January 11, when a disturbance broke out. The fight spilled onto the street and the man suffered cuts to his face and head. No details of the suspects have been released yet and police are urging anybody who saw what happened to contact them on 101. The man was treated at Leeds General Infirmary.
Driver had car stolen DEWSBURY: A man has appeared in court after he allegedly robbed a driver and stole his car. The attack is said to have happened in the Dewsbury area on September 7, Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard. Simon Branwell, 45, is said to have robbed the man of his Volkswagen Passat, mobile phone, watch and £10 cash. The case was sent to Leeds Crown Court where Branwell, of Moorside End, Dewsbury will appear on February 9.
Social worker strike could end in court A BITTER row has broken out between a trade union and Kirklees Council over a planned strike by the district’s social workers. Unison has said that its workers will walk out for 24 hours from midnight on Friday, January 27. Kirklees have threatened the trade union with a court injunction if they go ahead with the children’s social work teams strike. The council’s interim deputy head of legal services, John Chapman, wrote a four-page letter to Unison bosses stating the planned strike was unlawful. They believe that the ballot taken by Unison, which the union said saw 79 per cent of workers vote to take industrial action, is not an accurate representation of workers’ views. Of the 75 votes cast, 59 were in
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KIRKLEES Council has approved controversial plans to shrink its children’s centre services amid budget cuts. Plans to close around a third of the current 32 centres across the district were put out to consultation last year by the council, as they look to make massive savings across the board. Council chiefs say the consultation excercise found that parents and carers agreed that services were more important than buildings. Kirklees now says that it will look to move away from purely using council-owned buildings and will instead look to utilise other premises. The council has not yet revealed which buildings will close. Children’s centres offer parents and children the chance to take part in activities while also offering help and advice to parents who require it. A number of responses during the consultation stated they enjoyed the ‘stay and play’ sessions and the ‘One Stop Shop’ service. Coun Erin Hill (pictured above),
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Kirklees gave Unison a deadline of 4pm on Monday to call off the strike before seeking immediate legal action. However, the trade union have stood firm, saying they are confident that the ballot is correct. Paul Holmes, Kirklees Unison branch secretary, said: “We have taken legal advice and will be going ahead with the strike action as planned. “No council in the UK has taken out an injunction in this way. “Any High Court action will be
Children’s centres will close after consultation
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favour of voting ‘yes’ while 15 voted ‘no’ and one ballot paper was spoiled. The council letter states: “It is apparent that a very small number of Kirklees employees voted in favour of industrial action. “Any steps taken by the union or its officials to induce your members to breach their contracts of employment or to interfere in the performance of those contracts will be unlawful. “We are drawing these matters to your attention before pursuing the matter in court.”
robustly defended and we would urge the council to concentrate on the dispute rather than High Court injunctions. “It is a sad day when a council seeks to use legislation specifically designed to remove trade union rights and to stop trade unions from defending its members.” Mr Holmes said that social workers wanted urgent action on issues including workloads, bad management, bullying, IT systems, travel, working environments and pay. He said if Kirklees continued with their legal bid, Unison would consider balloting its full 6,000 members. The strike threat by Unison comes as Kirklees children’s services department was plunged further into crisis after its director quit just six weeks on from a scathing Ofsted report.
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cabinet member for family support and child protection, said they hoped to use a number of community buildings where parents were already meeting. They include schools, health centres, libraries, community centres and church halls. The council will continue to operate from 17 buildings during 2017/18 while decisions are made as to whether or not to sell off more buildings in future years. Four buildings that definitely will not be closing will be Dewsbury Moor Children’s Centre, Birstall and Birkenshaw Children’s Centre, the Chestnut Centre at Deighton and Colne Valley Children’s Centre at Slaithwaite Town Hall.
These are the council’s four designated centres. Four further buildings will be designated as ‘hubs’ at a later date Coun Hill said: “Our priority is to make sure people who most need our help are able to receive it. “Our budget is incredibly challenging. That won’t be news to anyone and we’re not unique. Nationally thousands of children’s centres have had their budgets slashed and hundreds have closed altogether. “But we can’t wring our hands - we have to come up with a new way of doing things. “We are committed to supporting the most vulnerable people in Kirklees and, from the recent consultation, we know there is a high level of public agreement to taking this approach. “There were over 1,300 responses to the consultation and the majority said it didn’t matter who owned the building – what matters is the quality of service. “We know that in some areas, our current provision isn’t working. “We need to reach more people, and we need to situate our services where people can easily access them. “We are also developing an offer with partners and communities to support people with low-level health and social care needs, ensuring they stay well. “By helping people earlier, rather than later, we can make a bigger difference.”
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AN UNLICENSED driver drove away from police when they confronted him at a busy shopping park. David Clayton, 36, was questioned at Birstall Retail Park about a stolen vehicle that officers were looking for. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that Clayton was asked to turn off the engine of the car and remain where he was on October 24. However he drove off at speed, manoeuvring around police cars parked in front of him but he was detained after a short pursuit. Police checks revealed that Clayton had no licence or insurance for the car. Clayton, of Leeds, pleaded guilty to charges of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, using a vehicle without insurance and failing to stop when required. Magistrates fined him £180 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge. He also had eight points put on any future licence.
ThePress
Friday January 20, 2017
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Friday January 20, 2017
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Friday January 20, 2017
Cash talks
Politicians in London for budget plea By James Morris RIVAL politicians put their differences aside last week to appeal to the Government to loosen their purse strings. Councillors representing all four political groups on Kirklees Council, alongside two local MPs and outgoing chief executive Adrian Lythgo, met with Minister for Local Government Marcus Jones to plead for more central funding. Labour leader Coun David Sheard, Coun Martyn Bolt (Conservative deputy), Coun John Lawson (Lib Dem deputy) and Coun Andrew Cooper (Green leader) attended the meeting alongside Batley and Spen Labour MP Tracy Brabin and Colne Valley Tory Jason McCartney. Kirklees has been one of the hardest-hit metropolitan councils in the country due to funding cuts from central government. Coun Sheard claimed that a decision to accept a grant from the government in order to freeze council tax locally has left Kirklees short. He said that the council would be £14.5 million a year better off had they not accepted the grant. “We gave them the facts and figures,” said Coun Sheard. “We are suffering more than most because we followed a Government diktat but look where that’s left us.” In 2014, the Government offered
Kirklees an additional £1.6 million to freeze council tax bills that year. However, it has left them £28 million short for this year. Coun Sheard explained: “Other metropolitan councils didn’t accept the grant to freeze council tax in the past and they are in a better financial position than us. “We went there to make ourselves heard. While I’m not optimistic we’ll get anything we had to get the message across and hope.” Batley MP Tracy Brabin said she hoped something could be done to help the cash-strapped council. She said: “Reasoned and sensible requests for transitional funding were met with stony refusals at this time. “Despite Kirklees Council doing their best to work within the restrictions placed upon them by annual cuts from central government, there is no longer enough money to provide the services our community needs and expects. “It’s of deep concern to me that if the Government continues to refuse to budge it’s our essential services, like social care and children’s services that will continue to creek under financial strain. “I’ll work with fellow Kirklees politicians of any party to continue these discussions as our Yorkshire communities should not, and cannot, continue to be treated this way by a government increasingly out of touch.”
Row over new man A MAN threatened to kill his ex-partner's new boyfriend after he found him at the home they used to share. Leslie Housecroft, 68, found his love rival in the living room of the house he lived in with his former partner. He shouted through the letterbox: “Who’s that sat on the f*****g couch? “Tell him to come out-
side so I can f*****g kill him.” He started banging on the window and police had to be called to the property on Town Green, Dewsbury. Housecroft appeared at Kirklees Magistrates' Court in custody where he admitted breaching the peace. Mohammed Arif, mitigating, said his client had
been in a relationship with a woman "far younger" than himself for 20 years. He told the court that Housecroft paid for everything in the house. Housecroft, now of Aldams Road, Dewsbury, agreed to be bound over to keep the peace for the next 12 months. If he fails to do so he will have to forfeit up to £100.
Hero soldier at presentation AN INSPIRATIONAL injured soldier will be in Mirfield for a fundraising presentation this weekend. Ben Parkinson MBE was seriously injured in Afghanistan in 2006 but has battled back to become a prominent campaigner for disabled armed forces veterans. Ben is patron of the Pilgrim Bandits charity, who will receive a cheque from the Mirfield Rifle Volunteers fundraising group at the Old Colonial pub on Saturday evening. The MRV’s two chosen charities for the past 12 months were the Pilgrim Bandits – who work with injured armed forces veterans – and Christ the King Church in Mirfield, who run a lunch programme for local people.
A series of fundraising events throughout the year have helped bring in the cash, which will be handed over to the two charities at a special Burns Night event at the pub on Dunbottle Lane. Everyone is welcome at the event, which starts at 8pm. People can buy a supper of haggis, neeps and tatties and hot Drambuie toddies will be available. There will also be a ceremonial ‘piping of the haggis’. The following Saturday, January 28, the pub hosts a thank-you party for locals who helped with the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal and Mirfield’s civic Remembrance Day parade. There is free food on offer at the party, which starts at 8pm.
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News In Brief Can you spare the time to drive? DEWSBURY: A volunteer driver is needed to join the team at the British Heart Foundation charity shop. The store, on Foundry Street in the town centre, would like to hear from anyone with their own vehicle who can help run the free pick-up service that brings donated goods back to the premises from homes around Dewsbury and the surrounding area. Drivers receive a mileage allowance and are never left out of pocket. Hours are flexible and the volunteer role is ideal for people who have a few hours to spare for a good cause. For details call the BHF shop on 01924 485882 or email d16@bhf.org.uk.
Textile yarns meeting BATLEY & DEWSBURY: The next meeting of the Batley and Dewsbury Probus Club will be held on Tuesday (January 24). It will be held at Batley Older People's Centre, with those wishing to attend asked to arrive at 10am ahead of a 10.30am start. Noel Moroney will give an illustrated talk entitled ‘Yarns from the Textile Trade’. For further details call 01924 471337.
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Friday January 20, 2017
Spilled paint ends up in New ramblers always welcome river DEWSBURY and District Rambling Club are on the look-out for new members. Some of the group are pictured above on their way to Orrest Head, near Windermere, on their September 2016 coach trip. The rambling club is essentially a car-based walking group based in Dewsbury, but members also use local trains where appropriate. There are many physical advantages of walking – improving your fitness, burning calories and reducing health problems, but there is also the camaraderie of new friends and there are always new places to see. There are regular Wednesday walks of about six miles, Sunday walks of 10 miles and more and Saturday walks of up to eight miles. There are four coach trips each year, and various social events. The club currently has 140 members, but officials are always looking to increase membership. They are particularly keen to enhance the Saturday group, so if you can walk eight miles they would like to hear from you. If you are interested, please call Tony on 01924 281234 for more details and a programme. Last Wednesday 29 walkers braved the wind to walk around the Harewood Estate, enjoying blue skies and views of deer and red kites. Members had lunch overlooking the Emmerdale film location and the five-mile walk was led by Marlyn Walsh, with David Townend as back marker. In a change to the syllabus, a walk is planned for tomorrow (Sat) in the Kildwick area. Please meet Tony Glover at 9.30am at Link Road, Dewsbury. A walk is also planned for Sunday in the Wintersett area – please meet Phil Allen at 9am at the Wellington Road Car Park in Dewsbury.
A RIVER through the district was turned white following a huge paint spill on a motorway. Around 12,000 litres of white paint were spilled on the M606 near Bradford after a road accident on Friday last week. Water in Spen Beck, pictured here at Dewsbury Country Park near Ravensthorpe, was turned pale white due to some of the
By Staff Reporters
SOME patients taken to Dewsbury District Hospital by ambulance are facing long waits, it has been revealed. Between December 2014 and November 2016 there were 810 occasions when it took between 30 minutes and an hour for ambulance crews to hand over their patients to A&E staff. There were also 132 so-called ‘black breaches’ where patients waited more than an hour. Ambulance crews are expected to hand over patients within 30 minutes. These latest figures place more pressure on the Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which is planning on downgrading the A&E department at Dewsbury Hospital to an urgent care centre, with the December 22 to discover the most serious cases set to be sent to wooden door frame torn from Pinder fields the wall. Blackburn, of no fixed Hospital in address, managed to get into a Wakefield. communal area but then slept However the same outside in the hall all night. figures revealed that The next day he tried to get Pinderfields is possiinside to use the shower. bly under more presHe was fined £100 and sure than Dewsbury
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Ambulance check-in times are revealed
Door was damaged by ex DEWSBURY: A man damaged the door of his ex-girlfriend's flat after smashing his way through it. Daniel Blackburn, 23, admitted causing criminal damage to the door at the property on College View when he appeared before Kirklees magistrates. The court that heard the woman returned to her home on
paint running into nearby watercourses and onwards into the River Calder. However, the Environment Agency said that “no significant impacts” had been reported and becks around the motorway were “running clear.” They added “some of the pollutant is being washed through the system and can be seen in the (River) Calder.”
“I have asked Jeremy Hunt to step in and suspend the needless downgrades of both Dewsbury and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary as I firmly believe that if these plans are implemented they will cost lives.” Batley and Spen Labour MP Tracy Brabin added: “My constituents are deeply concerned about this downgrade and these statistics raise yet more questions Ambulances waiting at about Pinderfields’ capacity Dewsbury District Hospital to cope with the extra demand.” when it comes to ambulance admittance Erika McGinnes, assistant deputy director times. of operations at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals During the same period, 7,459 patients wait- Trust, said: “Between December 2014 and ed for more than 30 minutes to be admitted to November 2016, MYHT saw a total of 91,112 the hospital, including 2,160 ‘black breaches’. ambulances attending our sites. Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Paula Sharriff “Of these, only nine per cent of crews were said she was “incredibly concerned” about delayed between 30 and 60 minutes and two the figures. per cent over 60 minutes. She said: “I have been told by Yorkshire “Much work has been undertaken to Ambulance Service employees that streamline the handover process including Pinderfields is regarded as the worst hospital the introduction of an initial assessment team in the area for handover. with dedicated staff and cubicle space, and a “Given that Pinderfields cannot cope at the self-handover process which the ambulance present time I am incredibly concerned about service can use if it is safe and appropriate to these plans and their impact on patient safe- do so.” ty.
Trace your mining ancestors THE HIGHS and lows of working in West Yorkshire’s mining industry over the years will be spelled out at Batley History Group's first meeting of the year next Monday (January 23) by Jill Clapham, a library assistant at the National Coal Mining Museum. Jill is well used to highlighting the dramas and puzzles connected with pits, as not only does she have several generations of family with mining connections but she has worked at the Overtonbased museum for more than 10 years. Originally from Castleford, an industrial town surrounded by many coal mines where several generations of her family worked, Jill is well used to delving into the mining archives. And each year she plays her part in answering the 1,500 or so questions raised at the museum about the mining industry – many of them from family histo-
and how they developed over the years but also the accident and disaster reports, which can be especially illuminating. Jill will be bringing photographs and objects from the museum's collections which will trigger questions and discussions. The meeting starts at 7.30pm in Batley Town Hall and refreshments will be available before the start. Admission fees are £2 for members of the history group and £4 for visitors. Newcomers are encouraged to become fully paid-up members for an annual fee of £10.
Ramblers’ corner Jill Clapham ry enthusiasts. It is from these experiences and knowledge gained from delving into records both at the museum and elsewhere that Jill has developed an illustrated talk entitled ‘Tracing Your Coal Mining Ancestors’. It not only includes specialist reports on the conditions in pits
• FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details SATURDAY JANUARY 21 CANAL, RIVER AND WOODS Meet at 10.30am at Morton House Club and Institute, park on Lees Hall Road (WF12 9HB, SE239195) 4 miles - leisurely Contact: Mike Church Tel: 07776 077289
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4 AROUND TO MIRFIELD Meet at 11am at Cleckheaton Town Hall (BD19 3RH, SE191254) 8 miles – moderate Contact: Noel Tel: 07780 328561 noelmirfield@hotmail.co.uk
Friday January 20, 2017
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Friday January 20, 2017
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Friday January 20, 2017
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From Russia With Love, Matt Monro Jr tells all about his Yorkshire return ELEBRATING the life and music of the legendary Matt Monro, The Matt Monro Story is an inspired and unforgettable show. It’s a unique evening of music, warmth and love, keeping the memory of his music alive. From ‘Born Free’ and ‘Walk Away’ to ‘Portrait of My Love’, be prepared to be transported back in time by this tribute to one of Britain’s most popular and endearing singers. Matt Jr can be seen at King’s Hall in Ilkley on April 15 at 7.30pm – book now for a wonderful evening of music.
C • THERE’S been a rare sighting of a wolf at St Mary’s Church in Mirfield. Hurry to avoid missing out! This February, Mirfield Team Parish Pantomime committee will be putting on their 69th show to the delight of audiences young and old. This year’s production is Little Red Riding Hood and it promises all the usual fun and excitement. Come along to see how Rose, Grandma Ruby and a very unusual fairy take on the Big Bad Wolf and his evil henchmen. Performances start on Wednesday, February 1, at 7.15pm and run through daily until Saturday February 4, when there will be a matinee at 1pm as well as an early evening performance at 5.30pm. For tickets contact Claire on 07986 737999 or email Julia at jwilding17@sky.com.
Tea gowns and tea time IN THE words of Cole Porter, in the 1930s it was a case of ‘Anything Goes’. In a decade of streamlining, speed and style, high society ladies enjoyed nothing better than talking about fads and fashions, kings and cakes. You can ‘eavesdrop’ on their chat at Batley's Bagshaw Museum on
Saturday February 11, when the History Wardrobe presents ‘Tea Gowns and Tea Time’. As the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon cream tea, ladies of the day will be revealing how diet and drastic underwear helped them fit into the sleek frocks that were fashionable, who they listened to on the wireless and what they went to see at
the pictures, and their thoughts on the future from the 1930s. There will also be top tips on cake baking, linen laundry and tea-leaf reading. The presentation starts at 2pm. Tickets are £12.50 each and include tea and cake and must be booked in advance. For details contact the museum in Wilton Park on 01924 324765.
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Find us on facebook - The Millbridge Club for what’s going on Free wi-fi Tel: 01924 402696
area, Millbridge Club has gone through a bit of reinvention and is not now Millbridge WMC, but an updated and brighter take on the working men’s club. But the main values of the club have been maintained – still very low priced drinks, a friendly atmosphere and great entertainment for your enjoyment. The friends and committee of the club work very hard to keep things running smoothly and do their best to maintain the high quality of entertainment and facilities offered to members and guests. There is much planned for the year ahead, and besides the great line-up over the next couple of weeks there is a very special 'Variety Night Live’ being held on Saturday January 28. There will be top-class acts in music, comedy and mime, hosted by Darren Mac who is also a very talented magician – a fantastic evening of entertainment right on your doorstep. You don’t need to be a member to go to any of the special nights that the club holds – as you can see from the price of tickets for Variety Night Live - £5 for guests and £3 for club members! Tickets are available from the club and are going fast, but you must also be on the lookout for future events and acts appearing at Millbridge. You will find a warm welcome at one of our area's friendliest clubs – call in soon.
NAGA MUNCHETTY may have failed to ignite the ratings while appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, but that does not stop the BBC pushing the Breakfast host onto every show. A source reveals: “It’s basically any show she fancies to appear on now, as they want to promote her as a new ‘star’.” CORONATION STREET actress Kym Marsh, who found fame via a reality TV show, tells me that she has not given up singing for good. “I think I will return to it at some point, but for now acting remains my passion,” she said. WEST END star Bonnie Langford tells me she is now more known as a soap star. She said: “It’s funny, you can spend years in musical theatre, yet one soap can define you. I love it in the show as she lurches from one disaster to another, it’s great fun to play.” OSMONDS fans take note – Merrill Osmond is coming back to Yorkshire this year with his new one-man show. He is now celebrating his 56th year in showbusiness on Friday June 9 at the world-famous City Varieties. He will be back and singing all your favorite tunes. RADIO TWO is making a sitcom about a working class couple who become unwilling guardians to their estranged grandchildren. Just Grand is labelled by the BBC as “a family sitcom about a clash of generations and cultures”. The cast list will include Benidorm star Siobhan Finneran, Trollied’s Jason Watkins and Denise Welch. IF YOU’RE a fan of the 50s character actor Jimmy Edwards, then you will be delighted to learn that three missing believed wiped episodes of 1950s sitcom Whack-O! have been recov-
Ann and Matt Monro Jr ered. Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden, efforts to restore the film and then show it on TV will happen later in the year. A THIRD series of Scottish comedy Two Doors Down will be filmed next year, following two hugely successful runs in just eight months. Exploring the best and worst of family life, the sitcom follows the residents of Latimer Crescent as they navigate the trials and tribulations of suburban life. Starring Arabella Weir, Alex Norton and Elaine C Smith, it will be back on screen this autumn. BBC FOUR has announced a new comedy series called Bucket. The show, which has been written by and will star Frog Stone, focuses on a reserved high school history teacher in a rut, and her mother, an eccentric free spirit who believes 70 is the new 40. Stone – who has previously played guest roles in shows such as I Want My Wife Back – will play the central role of Fran, with Miriam Margolyes playing her mother Mim. VETERAN Liverpool comedian Sir Ken Dodd says he felt ‘a little bit special’ to be knighted in the New Year Honours List, and told me that he can’t quite believe it. Now I can reveal that Ken, who appeared way back in the 80s in Dr Who, tells me his next wish would be to “return to the show, I loved it and I am still a big fan today.” DECCA RECORDS will release a soundtrack album for the ITV series The Halcyon. The album features selections from the show’s original music composed by Samuel Sim. Also included are two original songs writ-
Maycon Pictures ten for the show by Jamie Cullum, as well as a track by singer Beverley Knight, who has a special guest appearance in the series, where she performs at the Cafe De Paris. CORONATION STREET actress Samia Ghadie reveals that the bravest thing she’s ever done on TV was Dancing On Ice. “I was terrified every second; it was awful,” she said. “I was dead confident during my last dance, but only because I think I knew it was my last. Looking back I don’t think I would dare do it again now. It must be my age...” RAPPER Honey G’s debut single has failed to make an impact on the charts. The former X Factor hopeful, 35, released her first single just before Christmas after being signed by Simon Cowell’s record label, Syco. Plans for a second single are now “on hold”. KEVIN KENNEDY has suggested that he could make a long-awaited return to Coronation Street as Curly Watts. The actor played the role from 1983 to 2003, and although a comeback has been ruled out in the past, Kevin has suggested there’s more to come from Curly. So far soap bosses have yet to offer Kevin a return but say “anything is possible”. NOEL EDMONDS made a return to live TV recently as he hosted Sell Or Swap Live, for Channel Four. It was his pay-off for the daytime quiz show Deal Or No Deal ending on the channel, but people were less than impressed and plans for more episodes of the new quiz format look very much in doubt. Maybe Noel needs to ring the banker himself?
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Friday January 20, 2017
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Shop Assistants Wanted Serving customers and taking payments as well as all other shop floor duties are the key responsibilities of this role. It is necessary to have basic numeracy and cash handling skills. To be successful in this role you are required to be trustworthy, diplomatic and polite, as well as possess excellent communication skills. A background in Customer Service would be advantageous but not essential. Good rates of pay & flexible working hours starting from 16 hours per week. For more information please call Haighs Farm Shop on 01924 490118
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NOTICE OF OFFER 13 Moorland View, Low Moor, BD12 0LA By order of the mortgagees in possession, we would advise that an offer has been made for the above property in the sum of £66,000.Any person wishing to increase on this offer should notify the selling agents of their best offer either prior to exchange or within the next 7 days which ever is sooner. Coubrough & Co, 94 Towngate, Wyke, BD12 9JN Tel: 01274 606167
ThePress
Friday January 20, 2017
Marketplace Spenborough Swimming
21
SWIMMING
Turn your unwanted items
into cash £££s 1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by credit or debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque, credit or debit card (30p surcharge). 3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment. ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. (We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296.
NEW Dark blue leather twoseater settee and two chairs; wood trim on arms, good condition, £150. Tel 01924 381651. (2076) CHILDREN’S GOODS/TOYS Three wheeler, ride-on buggy with charger. £100 ONO. Tel 01924 467057. (2072) Red Tomahawk Mongoose twowheel bike, suit 69yr old. Very little used, stabilisers availablem £50 ono. Tel 01924 476050. (2066) Tonka toys, tipper truck and crane with grab, £26, will split. Tractor/ loading shovel, ride-on, suit 4/5 year-old, good quality, Germanmade, £27. Tel Mirfield 01924 492544. (2059) Early Learning Centre baby’s wooden toddle truck with coloured bricks. Excellent condition £10. Tel 01924 407400. (2054) BEDROOM FURNITURE Metal framed fold-up occasional bed/mattress, £20. Tel 07519 288925. (2070) Four drawer, 6ft x 6ft 6” super king size bed (frame with separate to make two single beds), six months old quality mattress. (Free to
buyer – DIY headboard, three fitted valanced sheets and mattress cover). Buyer to dismantle and collect £50. Tel 01924 469652. (2064) COLLECTIBLES Bradford Exchange collection of Marilyn Monroe plates by artist Chris Notarile, in mahogany frames, complete with certificates of authenticity. In good condition £10 each. Tel 07719 954892. (2061) COMPUTING Medion (E1210) 10” everywhere netbook, complete, boxed, good condition £25. Tel Mirfield 01924 491306. (2074) DIY Aluminium extension ladder, 20ft, 24 rungs in total. Ideal for DIY, £25 ono, buyer to collect. Tel 01924 462494. (2047) ELECTRICAL 2 x 3 light pendant ceiling fittings in pink, £10 each, two matching wall lights £10 each. Tel 07521 540623. (2060) 2 x 3 light chandeliers in glass and brass £10 each. Tel 07521 540623. (2060) FASHION Two red ladies’ handbags (large), in red, 12” x 10” and 15” x 12”,
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ITEM bands
Cost per item
Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus both excellent condition, still in wrappers £20 each. Tel 01274 861904. (2071) FURNITURE Open dark wood book case with three shelves, £20 ono. Tel 01924 499643. (2063) Comfortable three-seater settee and chair, excellent quality from M&S. Westcott chenille hessian, neutral colour £150. Tel 01924 442711. (2055) Shackletons ‘Sherbourne’ twoseater sofa, armchair and large storage footstool in beige. Two years old, excellent condition. £300, buyer to collect. Tel 07703 183220. (2046) GAMES Table-top casino board in carrying case, for blackjack and poker, with 400 casino chips, cards, dealing shoe and dice. New, £25. Tel 01274 876814. (2065) GARDEN Ride-on grass cutter 40” cut, double cutters. Vanguard 14hp, £350 ono. Tel 01924 278949. (2053) Old stone sink, suit garden ornament, £35. Tel 079615 64984. (2050) HOUSEHOLD 36-piece Royal
£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11
Doulton ‘Yorkshire Rose’ tea service, £20. Tel 01924 264330. (2075) Convector heater, excellent condition, 750w, 1250w, 2000w, £16. Tel 07519 288925. (2070) Large yukka plant, 3ft, minimum £35. Tel 07961 564984. (2050) Tom Gower painting, £40, Tel: 079615 64984 (2050) SPORTING/FITNESS Gym workout bench, hardly used. Ideal Christmas box, was £100, now £55. Tel Mirfield 01924 498341. (2057) Ridgeback 401GS mountain bike, 18 gears, 18” frame size. Good brakes, excellent condition £40. Tel 01924 407400. (2054) British Eagle Zancara 21” bicycle. Polished aluminium frame, 21 speed, good condition. Approx. 10 years old, £50. Tel 07910 405324. (2051) Falcon Futura Cycle, full suspension, 18 gears, suit teenager, £25. Tel 07910 405324. (2051) WANTED WANTED: Timber to recycle for garden project. Tel 07790 568986. (2052)
Club looking for new faces THE popular and expanding Spenborough Swimming Club is on the look-out for new members. The club, based at Spenborough Pool in Liversedge, helps children achieve their potential in the sport from Stage 5 of the ASA Learn to Swim Framework onwards in a relaxed and enjoyable way. The club is also part of the Kirklees Active Leisure aquatic pathway, and anyone who has completed Stage 5 or above is welcome to go for an assessment on Tuesday evenings (6.45pm). Spenborough Swimming
Club is ‘Swim 21’ accredited and offers youngsters the chance to train three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Each session costs £3.50. The children will also be given the opportunity to compete in swimming galas to showcase their talents and this year Spenborough plan to compete at galas across Kirklees and in Leeds, York and Beverley. The club is run solely by volunteers who, alongside running weekly sessions, help organise the annual Bonfire Bash gala. The popular event attract-
ed over 420 swimmers from 24 clubs, who came together to compete in races for all age groups last year. The galas take place in a fun atmosphere, at the end of which the swimmers are presented with fun prizes. Last year the competitors at the Bonfire Bash were presented with medals designed by one of the Spenborough swimmers himself, Louis Cass. To find out more about the swimming club visit their website at www.spen-
boroughswimmingclub. org.uk.
WEST YORKSHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Horbury get the better of Brighouse OB HORBURY TOWN thrashed Brighouse Old Boys 4-0 in the West Yorkshire Football League Premier Division. Mark Atkinson, Sean Ripley and Matthew Parkinson shared the goals for the hosts. Town travel to Thornesians tomorrow (1.30pm) for a Cyril Craven
Challenge Cup clash. Meanwhile in Division One Howden Clough secured a valuable 3-2 away win over Boroughbridge. An Andrew Griffiths double and Nathan Hallas strike gifted Clough the three points, but it wasn’t easy. The hosts netted through Joel Fireman and Russell Robshaw to push Clough all the way.
Howden Clough travel to East End Park tomorrow (1.30pm) looking to close in on the sides above them. High-flyers Hartshead also show no signs of slowing down in Division One following a comfortable 4-0 away win against Old Centralians. Harsthead travel to Howden Clough Reserves in the Wheatley Cup tomorrow (1.30pm).
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Mediocre Albion Ladies aim to improve in 2017 By Mike Popplewell MID-TABLE Ossett Albion return to action this week after their lengthy holiday lay-off. They welcome secondplaced Westella and Willerby in the North East Regional League Southern Division on Sunday. This season’s competition has thrown up a strangelooking league table, with Farsley Celtic winning 10 games out of 10 at the top, which has given them a 10point advantage over their closest rivals, Westella and Doncaster Belles. Below them nine points separate the next seven clubs. Albion are handily placed but a defeat this week, and against bottom club Harrogate Railway next, would plunge them back into relegation trouble, so they
will have to be focused and at their very best. Things look ever more bleak for Ossett Town and Battyeford in the Premier Division of the West Riding County League. An 8-0 defeat for Battyeford, at the hands of fellow-strugglers Bradford Park Avenue, has left them bottom of the table, level on points with an Ossett side who were without a game. On Sunday Battyeford have a difficult game at Hemsworth Miners Welfare, while Ossett Town, with only seven games to play and only one win so far this season, are aiming to beat visitors Brayton Belles in a bid to avoid the drop this year. In the Second Division, Dewsbury Rangers, in joint third place with games in hand on Leeds City and Clifton Rangers above them,
take on third-bottom Ossett Town Reserves knowing they desperately need to win to keep their promotion hopes alive. A win for Ossett is no less important as Crossley and Amaranth below them have games in hand. Promotion and relegation issues in this division could be very tense in the final run-in, and the same applies to the third tier, where Lower Hopton were denied a great chance to go joint top after their game against lowly Durkar was postponed. Meanwhile Middleton and Ripon City had to settle for a point in a top-of-the-table 3-3 draw. This week third-placed Lower Hopton entertain fourth-placed Ilkley Town, needing another win to maintain their title challenge.
RUGBY UNION
Ossett humbled by leaders Yorkshire Division Four
SKIPTON RFC OSSETT RUFC
49 19
at Sandylands OSSETT RUFC suffered a heavy 49-19 loss away at league-leaders Skipton in
Yorkshire Division Four last weekend. Rob Young, Ryan Fonquernie and Jack Peat scored the tries for Ossett and Jack Drury added two conversions. The defeat leaves Ossett languishing down in ninth spot in the standings
ahead of their friendly match against Leodensians tomorrow (2.15pm) at Queens Terrace. Ossett’s next competitive outing comes in Yorkshire Division Four against Leeds Corinthians on January 28 (2.15pm).
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ThePress
Friday January 20, 2017
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Five-star Liversedge NCEL Premier ARMTHORPE WELFARE2 LIVERSEDGE FC
5
at the Welfare Ground LIVERSEDGE FC have kept alive their hopes of a playoff spot in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division with a thumping 5-2 win away at Armthorpe Welfare. Rhys Davies got the visitors off to a flying start with a goal on four minutes. But the hosts, who are perilously close to the drop zone,
battled hard and equalised through Liam Radford. Welfare, in fact, began to dominate proceedings in the first half an hour and went ahead thanks to Radford’s second of the match, this time from the penalty spot. But the Clayborn side were desperate to get the first win of the calendar year under their belts and so they hit back straight away with a goal courtesy of Joe Walton to ensure the teams went into half-time level at 2-2. The second half belonged
to the visitors, though. Vaughan Reford gave Jonathan Rimmington’s visitors the lead before Walton completed his brace in the 73rd minute and secure the three points for Sedge. The away side pushed late on for a fifth goal and it came courtesy of an Adam Storrie own goal in stoppage time. Sedge will hope to continue their push for a play-off place when they welcome Staveley Miners Welfare to Clayborn tomorrow (3pm).
HEAVY WOOLLEN SUNDAY LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Birstall CC re-take top spot in HW Premier BIRSTALL Cricket Club returned to the top of the Heavy Woollen Sunday League Premier Division with a 7-3 win at AFC Chickenley. Reece Scholes led the way with a hat-trick for Birstall with Elliott Williams (brace), Ash Peel and Ryan Kerragher completing the tally, while Ryan Simmonds was among the scorers for Chickenley, who remain second-bottom. No other games took place in the Premier Division, though St John Fisher progressed in the County Cup, winning 4-2 against Lyceum. In the Championship, Slip Inn Hounds maintained their third place with a convincing 11-3 win over fellow Huddersfield side The Yorkshireman. Elliot Brooke, Danny Marshall and Lee Brook all found the net as fifth-placed Overthorpe Sports Club won 3-1 at Battyeford. Scholes Athletic are seven points clear at
the top of Division One after James Mortimer and Dean Commins netted in a 2-1 win at Deighton WMC, while second-place Saville Arms enjoyed a 3-1 win at Ravenswharfe thanks to a brace from Saul Lee and a Kieran Corley effort. Sam Hewitt replied for the home side. In Division Two, Overthorpe Sports Club closed the gap on leaders Wire Works to just a single point as they won 7-3 against Clifton Rangers A. New signing Dominic Simpson led the way with four goals, Tom Hirst hit a double and Ryan Pickup completed the scoring. Snowdon continued their good recent form beating third-place Westgate 23 4-3 thanks to a James Heeley hat-trick, plus one from Noman Hussain. And finally, Linthwaite Reserves won 5-1 at bottom-side Wike Horse thanks to strikes from Ben Rowland, Ben Boulton and Callum Brierley. Barry Downes hit Wike Horse’s consolation.
SPEN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
High-flyers Palestino prove too good for woeful Savile United IN THE Spen Valley Football League Memorial Trophy Palestino thrashed Savile United 6-0. The Premier Division leaders continued their great form in the cup with goals from Abdul Qayum (four), Theo Bujra and Zain Mushtaq, who made it 22 for the season. Meanwhile Girlington made light work of Savile Town, running out 10-0 winners. Four from Mohammed Qasim and braces from Monem Fazal and Umar Zahoor set the visitors on
their way, before Saad Abbas and Kamran Khan rounded off the scoring. In the third and final Memorial Trophy fixture of the weekend Dewsbury West Side Reserves got the better of Howden Clough 5-3. Arbaaz Khan was in fine form scoring a hat-trick for the victors, with further goals coming from Haseeb Shahid and Cory Joseph. Shane Thornton, Phil Crossland and Joe Hampshaw bagged a goal each in reply for Clough. Elsewhere in the First Division, four goals from
Luke Newsome helped George Healey to an emphatic 10-0 win away at Norfolk. Matty Parkinson also netted a hat-trick in that game, with further goals coming from Olly Mitchell (two) and Reece Scholes. In the final game of the weekend a brace each from Awaab Ahmed and Abdus Samad Patel helped Inter Batley to a 7-1 win over Marsh. Osama Ahmed, Gulam Markda and an own goal completed Inter’s tally. James Parkin got the consolation for Marsh.
Town toppled in stoppage time Evo-Stik First Division North
OSSETT TOWN COLNE FC
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at Ingfield OSSETT TOWN lost further ground at the top of the Evo-Stik First Division North table following a 2-1 defeat at home to eighth-placed Colne. It was an even first half in which the Reds had chances to find the net. Alex Peterson will consider himself unlucky not to have put the hosts in front after he had a goal ruled out for offside, and he also appeared to be fouled in the penalty area, but the referee waved play on. Colne looked dangerous themselves in parts of the first period, notably when Oliver Wood’s goal-bound effort was only kept out thanks to a heroic block by Peterson. But as fans began to settle for a half-time stalemate Wood fired the visitors in front two minutes before the change of ends.
It was a huge setback for Grant Black’s side so close to the interval, but the Reds responded well in the early part of the second period. But despite their efforts they struggled to make a breakthrough, until Colne’s Nosakhare Aghayere put the ball past his own goalkeeper shortly after the hour mark. Both sides have promotion ambitions this season, but with more ground to make up in the table Colne looked the more dangerous in the closing stages. And their efforts weren’t in vein as Mark Ayers struck in the 93rd minute to seal an unlikely away win and sink Town hopes. The Reds have slipped to third as a result of the defeat and they have not won in their last four outings in all competitions, but Black will hope to change that when his side travel to Goole AFC tomorrow (3pm).
Black welcomes new recruits OSSETT TOWN have signed Marcus Day and Labi Adeniran. Day arrives at Ingfield from Harrogate Town, for whom he scored in the West Riding County Cup final last season. Reds boss Grant Black said: “We look forward to working with Marcus and hope he can produce for us in the coming months. “I watched him recently against Bradford Park Avenue and I was very impressed.” Meanwhile the versatile Adeniran has had spells with West Ham United, Braintree and
Morecambe before signing on the dotted line for the Reds following a sabbatical from the game. Black added: “The lad (Adeniran) is a quick striker who can play out wide. “He is hungry to play games and get back into football. “I am really pleased with the signing, he will add pace and quality to our squad. “He will add to the competition for places between now and the end of the season and will keep everyone hungry and on their toes.”
Tracey feels pressure after big Cables loss Evo-Stik First Division North
PRESCOT CABLES OSSETT ALBION
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at Volair Park OSSETT ALBION suffered a demoralising 5-0 defeat away at fellow Evo-Stik First Division North strugglers Prescot Cables. First-half braces from Christopher Almond and Dominic Marie put clear daylight between the two sides after Albion failed to get up to the pace of the game. The same could be said for the away side in the second period, but luckily for them the hosts took their foot off the gas. But that didn’t mean Cables couldn’t round off a commanding afternoon with a fifth and final goal. It came via Dominic Reid to rub salt into Albion’s wounds. Richard Tracey’s Albion had been showing glimpses of last season’s form in recent weeks, but this defeat will be hard to bounce back from. They remain 19th but are now just one point above Prescot Cables in the table. The Queens Terrace club face Mossley
Albion boss Richard Tracey is feeling the pressure following his side’s 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Prescot Cables tomorrow (3pm) knowing a win would take them above their relegation rivals.
WEST RIDING COUNTY AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Cup joy for Littletown against Campion LITTLETOWN FC edged past Campion 3-2 at Beck Lane in the Taylors Timber Premier Division Cup. Joe Jagger,
Adam Jordan and Samuel Lawrence scored the goals for the hosts. In reply Campion struck courtesy of Kieron Batey and Christopher
Hellewell. Next up for Littletown is a home clash with Woodkirk Valley tomorrow (1.30pm) in the Heavy Woollen District Cup.
ThePress
Friday January 20, 2017
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RUGBY LEAGUE
Hat-trick of defeats for Rams in pre-season Pre-season friendly
DEWSBURY RAMS
28
THE YOWIES
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at the Tetley’s Stadium TOURING side The Yowies, made up of Newcastle-based players of Aboriginal heritage, emerged narrow winners over Dewsbury Rams in a scrappy and often bad-tempered encounter at The Tetley’s Stadium. The game bubbled under for large periods, before exploding into life in the final 15 minutes as the hosts staged a spirited comeback after trailing throughout the contest. In muddy conditions, the opening exchanges were punctuated by handling errors from both sides and a flurry of early penalties. The Yowies found early momentum through AJ Davis’s 40/20 and they built further pressure through a forced drop-out, back-to-back penalties and the hosts’ poor completion rate. The deadlock was broken in the 12th minute when the ball was smuggled out to loose forward Richie Roberts, who planted down after scurrying over from close range. Davis added the conversion to hand the Yowies a six-point advantage and they went further in front when
Tristan Lumley latched onto the end of the visiting scrum-half’s grubber kick. The score was once again aided by the indiscipline of the home side and referee Mr Neville’s eagerness with the whistle. The Rams went close to posting a response when Aaron Brown collected Andy Kain’s inside ball, but the loose-forward was held just short. Glenn Morrison’s side did get off the mark moments later through Robbie Ward’s opportunistic scoot from dummy half, which Sykes converted. But the hosts’ relief was temporary. Interchange Rob Ryan hit a great line onto Davis’s flat ball to coast over from 10 metres and the half-back was on target with the extras to make it 16-6. The scrappy nature of the game endured beyond the mid-way point of the first half, with the man in the middle awarding no fewer than 12 penalties in the first 25 minutes. The Yowies went further ahead in the 34th minute when Darcy Etrich scooped up another loose Rams pass to race over unopposed from 30 metres. Livewire scrum-half Davis then saw a try ruled out for obstruction, and the hosts took full advantage of the let-off, releasing winger Gareth Potts, who beat the cover to race over out
TROJANS’ SEASON KICKS OFF EARLY THORNHILL TROJANS’ new season kicks off earlier than expected, tomorrow, away at Waterhead in the BARLA National Cup (2pm). It comes as a result of Thornhill’s involvement in the Ladbroke’s Challenge Cup and Waterhead’s clubhouse being booked on February 4. The fixture was originally
scheduled for Saturday, February 4. The Trojans are running a bus to the game which will leave Overthorpe Park at 12noon and costs £10 per person. Supporters making their own way to the game should head for Waterhead Park on Peach Road, Waterhead, Oldham, OL4 2HX.
Sharks sign Toronto trialist Monte Gaddis SHAW CROSS SHARKS have signed Toronto Wolfpack trialist Monte Gaddis. The Wolfpack, coached by former Leigh boss Paul Rowley, will start life in League One this season having being formed just last year. The Canadian side, who will be based in Brighouse for the UK leg of their League One campaign, was established to help boost the popularity of rugby league in North America, and
in a bid to do that Rowley’s side hosted open trials throughout the US, Canada and Jamaica. Gaddis attended the Cleveland try-outs but narrowly missed out on securing a professional contract with the newlyformed club. But Gaddis loves the game so much that he has pledged his allegiance to National Conference League Division One side Shaw Cross for 2017.
Send your sports reports, news and photos to Joseph Link at joe@thepressnews.co.uk
wide. Sykes was wide with the conversion as the game approached halftime in increasingly difficult conditions. Handling errors and penalties ensured a similar opening to the second period, with the Yowies making a number of high tackles, much to the distaste of the home supporters. Unlike the first half, however, scoring opportunities were proving more difficult to come by, with both sides wasting decent territory on their opponents line. The Rams had Lucas Walshaw and Jack Teanby held up over the line, before the Yowies were placed on a team warning and tempers flared, resulting in visiting hooker Etrich being sin-binned. The hosts made the advantage pay just shy of the hour when Walshaw chipped through for his wing partner Donald Kudangirana to chase and dot down. Sykes’s conversion reduced the deficit to six points with a quarter of the game still remaining, but the hosts were left with a mountain to climb when Etrich, back on the field from the sin bin, capitalised on the chaos created by a chip and chase to touchdown under the posts. Davis converted to make it 16-28, before a Yowies grapple tackle sparked ugly scenes, with punches exchanged by a number of muddied
players from both sides. The result was a yellow card shown to Dewsbury’s Tony Tonks and a penalty to the home side for the original offence. Despite being reduced to 12 men, the Rams set up a grandstand finish when Jack Teanby showed tremendous leg drive to power over under the posts for Sykes to convert. And from the kick-off the Rams went level. Kudangirana collected Dom Speakman’s grubber before feeding the ball inside for James Glover to cross, and Sykes’s conversion made it 28-28. But indiscipline from the Rams handed a decisive advantage back to the visitors. After the ball came loose from Yowies possession, the referee adjudged a ball steal, and Davis duly kicked the penalty goal from in front of the posts, 20 metres out, to give the tourists a two-point lead. The Rams rallied in search of a late winning score, but the tourists held on to secure a thrilling victory in largely unfamiliar conditions. The result means Dewsbury’s losing run during pre-season continues, though the Rams will look forward to the return of Josh Guzdek, Dale Morton, Jason Crookes and Mitch Stringer, who were among the senior players left out of coach Glenn Morrison’s side.
MATCH STATS: DEWSBURY RAMS 6. Paul Sykes 22. Donald Kudangirana 3. Hamish Barnes 4. Lucas Walshaw 5. Gareth Potts 23. James Glover 7. Andy Kain 16. Toby Adamson 17. Dom Speakman 14. Jode Sheriffe 11. Rob Spicer 12. Scott Hale 13. Aaron Brown SUBS: 9. Tom Hemingway 15. Robbie Ward 18. Jack Teanby 10. Tony Tonks 19. Brad Foster
8 8 7 7 7 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 7 7 8 7 7
THE YOWIES 1. Nathan Kepa 2. Aden Ryan 3. Liam Georgetown 4. Nathan Merritt 5. Chris Ah See 6. Wes Middleton 7. AJ Davis 8. Felise Taufaao 9. Darcy Etrich 10. Joel Stubbs 11. Jayden Rosberg 12. Tristan Lumley 13. Richie Roberts SUBS: 18. Tim Smith 17. Trent Richardson 14. Rob Ryan 16. Owen Blair 15. Angelo Piccione
8 7 7 7 7 7 9 8 8 8 7 8 7 7 7 8 7 7
DEWSBURY RAMS Tries: Ward (21), Potts (39), Kudangirana (59), Teanby (69), Glover (73). Goals: Sykes 4/5.
THE YOWIES Tries: Roberts (12), Lumley (17), Ryan (27) Etrich (35, 66). Goals: Davis 5/6. Referee: H. Neville / Half-time: 1022 / Penalties: 12-11 / Sin Bin: Etrich (54, fighting), Tonks (72, dangerous tackle) / Sent Off: None / Weather: Wet, mild / Man of the Match: AJ Davis (Yowies) / Attendance: 429 / Match Rating: 3/5.
Warriors beat Sharks in hard-fought clash Kevin Squires Memorial Trophy SHAW CROSS SHARKS
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WESTS WARRIORS
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at Leeds Road LONDON-BASED Wests Warriors picked up the first Kevin Squires Memorial Trophy as they defeated Shaw Cross Sharks 20-12 in a friendly at Leeds Road last weekend. The game was held in memory of Shaw Cross honorary life member Kevin Squires, who sadly passed away earlier last week, with a minute’s silence being held before kick-off. It was the first ever meeting between the two clubs, with the visitors only being formed in 2014. But despite their lack of experience the Warriors were always going to prove a tough test for the Sharks following their impressive unbeaten season in the London Premier League last year. It was a new-look Shaw Cross side, and only five of the starting XIII played in the team’s final home game of the 2016 National Conference League Division One season. Shaw Cross were quickest out of the blocks, making several breaks in the Warriors line and they were rewarded with the first try of the
game with 10 minutes played. Debutant centre Tom Griffiths received the ball on the right wing after a flowing move gave him the space he needed to put the ball down. The Warriors continued to withstand the pressure from the Sharks as they conceded possession and territory, but with half an hour played they got themselves on the scoreboard. A menacing kick high into the ingoal area was not dealt with by the Sharks back line and prop forward Brendan Smith pounced on the loose ball to score. The beginning of the second half was error-strewn as both sides repeatedly knocked the ball on. But the visitors made the most of the errors from the Sharks and scored the game’s third try. Winger Brad Aird was on the end of a swift passing move towards the left wing and raced over the line and round behind the posts to give his side the lead. However, the Sharks were trailing for just five minutes before stand-off Danny Flowers brilliantly intercepted the ball as he leaped to gather a Warriors pass before going underneath the posts to put his side back in control. It would prove to be Shaw Cross’ last score of the afternoon as Wests regained the lead 10 minutes later. Aird was in for his second try of the game as he touched the ball
down in the left corner, and Blayde Fiu was on hand to kick Wests into a two-point lead. Tempers boiled over in the closing stages with players from both teams exchanging punches. The brawl forced both coaches to enter the field of play to calm matters down. But the Warriors sealed the victory on the full-time whistle as Jarred Bassett powered through the tacklers to score beside the posts. Fiu was on hand to kick the conversion. Despite the result Shaw Cross head coach Brett Turner was pleased with his side’s performance. He said: “We got what we needed out of the game. A good, physical run-out and a look at some of the new boys. “The result didn’t go our way, but I’m still really positive. We had a few unavailable and probably went with too many numbers on the bench, which disrupted us a little. “All credit to Wests though, they played fair and deserved the win. We wish them the best of luck in the Challenge Cup in a couple of weeks.”
DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS: TUESDAY JANUARY 10: 1 M Watson and G
Bloom; 2 W and J Davies; 3 T Johnston and J Bragg.
Diskin not fazed by lack of game time Batley prepare for their first outing of the year and play catch-up with rivals By Joe Link Sports Reporter joe@thepressnews.co.uk
BATLEY BULLDOGS boss Matt Diskin insists his side are not being left behind in pre-season despite having only played one warm-up game ahead of the upcoming Kingstone Press Championship campaign – but that will change when Keighley Cougars arrive at Mount Pleasant on Sunday (2pm). The Bulldogs’ one and only game of pre-season so far came against Heavy Woollen rivals Dewsbury Rams on Boxing Day, where they ran out 28-18 winners. Since then Diskin’s side have gone on a team bonding trip to the Peak District and had an arranged friendly, against the ill-fated Bradford Bulls, cancelled. It means a number of rival Championship clubs have two extra games under their belts, but that doesn’t concern Diskin. He said: “I don’t feel like we’re playing catch-up. The Bradford game would have been nice to play, but it would have affected us more if it had been cancelled closer to the season opener.” As a new coach coming into the club Diskin was mindful that his side would need all the game time they could muster in order to get accustomed to his style of rugby.
He added: “We’re probably not going to be playing to our full potential until a couple of weeks into the season. “It’s always tricky for players adapting to new systems when a new coach comes on board, but that doesn’t mean I’m not happy with how they have progressed as a team so far. “People have to realise that a transition like this will take time to perfect, but in the long run I’m confident the team will be stronger for it.” Players who didn’t get a run-out against Dewsbury on Boxing Day will be given the chance to impress their new boss against the Cougars and stake their claim for a starting place in Batley’s season opener away at newly-promoted full-timers Toulouse. Those players include James Brown and off-season signing Dane Manning, both of whom missed the Boxing Day Challenge through injury. The Bulldogs are expecting a tough test on Sunday against a Keighley side coached by a familiar face, former skipper Craig Lingard. Lingard was number two to John Kear last season when the Bulldogs defied the odds to finish third in the Championship and reach the Super 8s Qualifiers, before replacing Paul March as head coach at Cougar Park last autumn. And the squad Lingard has put together at Keighley looks strong.
In their friendly against Whitehaven last weekend Lingard’s League 1 promotion hopefuls cruised to a 42-0 victory. “Lingard has put a squad together that could very easily succeed in the Championship, let alone League 1,” said Diskin. “But I want my squad to be tested in games, because that way they’ll improve and I’ll learn a lot more about each individual.” Ticket prices for adults, and concessions, are £10 and every paid entry will receive either a free Bulldogs bobble hat or a free drink. Meanwhile the Bulldogs Community Team will be present at Sunday’s friendly to give out free junior season tickets. Pre-match, fans can collect the junior season tickets from the Cooney Suite, under the Glenn Tomlinson Stand, and post-match the Community Team can be found in the Ron Earnshaw Lounge. To find out more contact Jon Humpleby on 07808 055022 or email jon@batleybulldogs.co.uk. • In other news former Batley and Dewsbury prop Luke Menzies has signed for League 1 side Toronto Wolfpack, coached by former Leigh boss Paul Rowley. The 28-year-old Batley native will be hoping to earn a place in Rowley’s squad that takes on Hull FC on January 22 in a pre-season friendly at the KCOM Stadium.
The injured James Brown (right) making a tackle against the now-defunct Bradford Bulls
‘Rams will come good’, says Morro
Kyle Trout has left Dewsbury to join Sheffield Eagles after just one season at the Tetley’s Stadium
DEWSBURY RAMS boss Glenn Morrison insists he is not concerned about his side’s poor run of results in pre-season. The Rams have lost all three of their warm-up games so far against Batley Bulldogs, Wakefield Wildcats and Australian aboriginal side The Yowies, but the Aussie coach is confident his side will be at the top of their game in time for their 2017 Kingstone Press Championship opener against Rochdale Hornets. “I’ve seen a lot of good things from my players so far,” said Morrison. “We’ve been working on a lot in training and the guys have been implementing those in the games. “Things don’t happen overnight though, things take time to perfect and that’s why the results haven’t gone our way so far, but that doesn't worry me. “What I’ve been most impressed with is the decision-making of the team. “Last year we conceded so many
points by simply doing the wrong thing at the wrong time. “It’s hard as a coach to see, but I’m hopeful we won’t see much of that next season. “Our fitness levels are high as well which is good and if the season started tomorrow I think we’ll be ready in that department for sure. “We’ve finished every game on top in pre-season, we may have got off to slow starts in some of them, but our fitness has means we’ve been able to over-run the opposition late on. “But obviously we aren’t the finished product yet, defensively we’ve conceded some sloppy tries at crucial times so we’ll be working on that between now and the Rochdale game.” Morrison, who has appointed Mitch Stringer and Paul Sykes as join captains
for the new season, admits he doesn’t yet know his strongest side. “I’ve seen a lot from the lads, some good things, some bad. Some guys have played themselves into contention for a starting spot against Rochdale and some have definitely played themselves out,” he added. “The lads who have been struggling a bit recently have the Leigh game to impress me, unless they’ll be sitting out the games in the early part of the season.” Injuries have also played a big role in the Rams’ pre-season. Josh Guzdek, who picked up a knee injury against Batley on Boxing Day, is expected to miss the start of the season and Luke Adamson is also not expected back until March following hip surgery. Scott Hale, 25, who has already undergone three ops on a troublem-
some shoulder injury, is also battling to be fit in time for the trip to Rochdale on February 5. Meanwhile Kyle Trout has penned a one-year deal with Championship rivals Sheffield Eagles. The back-rower made 29 appearances for the Rams last season and scored two tries. In other news, the Rams are expecting their 2017 home and away kits to be delivered to the club shop by next Friday (January 27), in time for their friendly against Leigh Centurions. Delays with the club’s new kit supplier, Errea, meant that the Rams’ one-off charity kit, worn for the Boxing Day derby which was due to be auctionedoff, was also on show against Wakefield and The Yowies. However the club have taken delivery of their new leisurewear for 2017. Hoodies, polos and t-shirts are already on sale at the Tetley’s Stadium.