Dewsbury 22nd jan 2016 by Yorkshire Web

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Friday January 22, 2016

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No. 721

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GUILT OF SLAVE FACTORY BOSS

Beds businessman Mohammed Rafiq supplied retailers including John Lewis, Next and Dunelm Mill – but he used a ‘slave workforce’ of Hungarians who were paid £10-20 a week A BED factory owner from Staincliffe is reported to be the first company boss in the UK convicted of human trafficking.

Mohammed Rafiq, 60, used a ‘slave workforce’ of Hungarians at Kozee Sleep and subsidiary Layzee Sleep. The Ravensthorpe firm, which closed in May last year, supplied retailers including John Lewis, Next and Dunelm Mill. Rafiq, of Thorncliffe Road, Staincliffe, was found guilty at Leeds Crown Court of conspiracy to traffic individuals within the UK. He had denied the charge but was convicted by a jury and will be sentenced on Friday, February 12. The court heard a probe began after two Hungarians, Janos Orsos and Ferenc Illes, were arrested over

human trafficking allegations. Large numbers of Hungarian men supplied by Orsos were employed at the Kozee Sleep factory. Prosecutor Christopher Tehrani QC said at the start of the trial in October that Rafiq knew Orsos’s organisation would source “cheap labour” for him. He said Rafiq was “aware of the circumstances of the Hungarian nationals who were working at these sites and went along with their exploitation as a slave workforce”. “The prosecution submits that this course of offending demonstrates a persistent campaign of exploitation involving many Hungarian men over a prolonged period of time.” High street retailers failed to spot what was happening despite conducting several “ethical audits”.

New laws in effect from July last year mean firms with a turnover of at least £36m have to publicly state the measures they take against slavery. Victims were promised good wages, housing and that food would be provided in the UK. But once in West Yorkshire they found themselves living in shared, cramped and squalid accommodation with a large number of others. Prosecutors said the men received £10 to £20 per week, plus each house would receive about £20 a day for food. Orsos and Illes were jailed for five years and three years respectively in 2014 after admitting people trafficking offences.

Continued on Page 2

Secrets behind the walls of ‘Gothic House’

Mohammed Rafiq ... he will be sentenced next month

THE jury in the trial of bed factory owner Mohammed Rafiq was told how one man, Robert Bodo, came to Batley from Hungary in January, 2010. He was taken to live in a property in the town called Gothic House, where 40 to 50 people were living and he shared a room with three others. Mr Bodo was at Kozee Sleep for three-and-a-half years, where he worked a minimum of 60 hours a

week or had to do extra work elsewhere. Prosecutor Christopher Tehrani said Mr Bodo was paid £10 every Friday by Janos Orsos, who was jailed for five years in 2014 after admitting people trafficking offences. He added Mr Bodo tried to leave but “couldn’t as Janos Orsos had his national insurance and bank card”. Mark Kovacs came to the UK in January 2013 and was put in a twobedroom house in Bradford.

Mr Tehrani said: “There were mattresses in every room. During the four months he lived in this property, Mr Kovacs estimates that between 25 and 42 people were living in the premises at any one time.” He was later moved to a threebedroom flat in Ravensthorpe, where 30 people were living. Mr Kovacs “escaped Mr Orsos’s clutches” with the help of a charity called Hope for Justice.

ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

of Batley. Wife of the late Joe. Service at St Mary’s Church, Batley on Tuesday 26 January at 1pm, followed by interment at Batley Cemetery.

WATTS (NEE SPURR) SANDRA

Deaths EARLY JOHN On 11 January, aged 77, of Thornhill Lees.

Husband of the late Elaine. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 28 January at 2pm.

HAYS KEITH MALCOLM

LILLEY RANDAL

On 16 January, of Brownhill, aged 78. Husband of Valerie. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 1 February at 1.15pm.

On 7 January, of Thornhill Lees, aged 80. Husband of the late Marian. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 28 January at 3.15pm.

HINCHCLIFFE BRIAN Husband of Jean. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 25 January at 1.15pm.

MIDDLETON CHARLES PETER On 12 January, aged 86, of Hightown. Husband of Marjorie. Service at

BROADLEY Alan -- • --

On 13th January 2016, peacefully at Manorcroft Nursing Home and formerly of Batley Carr, aged 89 years, Alan, much loved father of Denise, Geoffrey, Stephen, Tony and Susan; very dear father-in-law, proud grandad and great-grandad. Funeral service will take place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Halifax Road, Dewsbury, on Thursday 28th January at 1.45pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium at 2.45pm. Friends please accept this intimation and meet at the Church. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu may be placed in the collection box provided by George Brooke Ltd, for the benefit of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

Thornhill Parish Church, Tuesday 26 January at 12.30pm.

ROPER WILLIAM BILL On 12 January, aged 87, of Carlinghow. Husband of the late Shirley. Service at St Saviour’s Church, Brownhill, Thursday 28 January at 12.30pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

SMITH ELSIE (NEE GOODALL) On 15 January, aged 100, of Roberttown. Wife of the late Jim. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 29 January at 10am.

SOWERBY (NEE MURPHY) MARY On 10 January, aged 90,

On 13 January, aged 68. Wife of Alan. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 27 January at 10.30am.

In Loving Memory

BENTLEY Alan -- • --

5/10/52 - 23/1/15 President of C.R.U.F.C. If we could have one wish, One dream that would come true, We would pray to God with all our hearts, Just to see and speak with you. A thousand words won't bring you back, We know because we've tried, And neither will a million tears, We know because we have cried. You've left behind our broken hearts, And precious memories too, But we never wanted memories, We only wanted you.

All our love forever, sleep tight Linda, Emma, David and Betty

xxxx

David Butterfield INDEPENDENT FAMILY

Bed factory boss convicted in trafficking case Continued from Page 1 Two of Rafiq’s employees, Mohammed Patel and Mohammed Dadhiwala, also stood trial accused of conspiracy to traffic individuals within the UK. On December 15 the case against them collapsed. The trial continued with the same jury and Rafiq as the only defendant. Det Chief Insp Warren Stevenson, of West Yorkshire Police’s human trafficking unit, said: “Clearly we welcome the conviction of Mohammed Rafiq. “A great deal of time and effort has been invested by police and partners in mounting this prosecution and in securing today’s outcome in court. “I hope this conviction demonstrates to victims of human trafficking that the police and authorities will act on their behalf and are prepared to support victims throughout the legal process to secure justice for them.”

Car chase arrest MIRFIELD: A man was arrested after a driver in a suspected stolen car led police on a high-speed chase. Officers tracked

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the Renault Clio from Halifax to Sunny Bank Road in Mirfield last Wednesday. The driver, 25, of Batley, abandoned the vehicle there and tried to escape on foot. But he was caught on Northway, London Park Estate, and arrested on suspision of committing multiple motoring offences.

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Friday January 22, 2016

Motorists’ lucky escape in mill building collapse By David Miller

Rubble lies strewn across Bradford Road after the collapse Above right, the building has been made after partial demolition

Mike Clark

A MILL building which collapsed onto a main road in Dewsbury has been partly demolished. Damaged and twisted scaffolding which buckled as the roof of the Bradford Road premises caved in last Saturday was removed. The building, believed to be under renovation, was then knocked down to its first floor level. It comes after tons of masonry crashed into the road at around 10pm, narrowly missing passing cars. The building is opposite Lidl supermarket near the railway viaduct, just feet from the town centre ring road. At least two drivers were nearly struck, including a 40-year-old woman who pulled over to take a call on her mobile phone. Another vehicle drove past seconds before the incident, which saw the road shut in both directions. Bradford Road’s junction with Commercial Road was also closed, as was the railway line. J o n a t h a n Hutchinson, of Ravensthorpe-based H u t c h i n s o n Demolition, said heavy rain may have taken its toll on the building. He said: “There were probably leaks from the roof and it’s been raining for nine or 10 weeks solid. “Water has probably been getting inside and, given the age of the building, the snow on Saturday was probably

‘It fell in front of my eyes... I was lucky not to be under it’ MOTORISTS told of their horror when they were nearly crushed by a building collapse in Dewsbury last Saturday. Wasim Bashir, 27, of Savile Town, was a passenger in a friend’s car at around 10pm that night. As they drove on Bradford Road towards Dewsbury a mill frontage they passed near the railway viaduct toppled into the road. He said: “We just missed it by a second. We pulled over and couldn’t believe it. We could have been killed.” A 40-year-old woman told how she pulled over to take a call on her mobile phone opposite the building. She heard a “creaking” noise and then

saw masonry tumbling to the ground in a cloud of dust. The woman said: “The building just fell in front of my eyes and I was really lucky not to be underneath it. “It could have happened any time. Cars queue past there at busy times. It’s fortunate it didn’t happen at rush hour.” A 70-ton crane was brought in last Sunday to knock part of the building down. Freelance photographer Mike Clark, who took images of the scene, said freezing weather may have kept more passers-by away. He said: “It’s a good job it was snowing and that kept people in. Otherwise there could have been a tragedy.”

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the final straw.” The building, which has had scaffolding up for several years, is believed to be about 150 years old. A spokesman for Kirklees Council said officials worked with the owner and contractors to make the area safe. He added: “We understand the scaffolding on site was only for access and was not there to help the stability of the building. “We don’t know what caused the building to collapse. However, the council is not responsible for reviewing the condition of private buildings. “This is a matter for the premises owner. The owner now has responsibility for the site clearance. “If we do receive reports about potentially dangerous structures, though, we do respond as quickly as possible and take up any issues with the owner.”

News in Brief Reporter newspapers set to survive cull NORTH KIRKLEES: The owners of The Reporter, Batley News and Spenborough Guardian are thought to intend keeping the newspapers open, after revealing further plans to shrink their business. In a statement following further revenue declines in 2015, including a 12 per cent drop in newspaper advertising, Johnston Press said it has identified 59 ‘sub-core’ titles that are surplus to requirements. The company ranked all of its 254 publications as being either ‘uber’, ‘primary’, ‘core’ or ‘sub-core’. The Reporter group ranked in the third ‘core’ tier. However the Morley Observer and Advertiser, a long-time part of the Reporter group, is under threat. Revealing plans to shrink the company’s £184 million debt pile, chief executive Ashley Highfield said they would be concentrating on titles with growth potential. Reporter Group staff numbers have been gradually reduced from nearly 100 to just a handful, after the closure of all its North Kirklees offices.

Doctors call off strike NORTH KIRKLEES: A 48-hour strike by junior doctors has been called off after progress was made in their contract dispute. There were pickets at Dewsbury District Hospital last Tuesday and further action was set for Tuesday to Thursday next week. But talks with the Government mediated by ACAS appear to have been productive. Dr Johann Malawana, of the British Medical Assocation, said: “Our focus is now building on early progress made in the current set of talks.”

ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

News In Brief Council tax may rise by almost 4 per cent KIRKLEES: Council tax could go up by nearly four per cent next year due to an extra levy for social care. The authority is set to agree a two per cent precept allowed by the Government, which would raise an extra £3m. It would be on top of the maximum 1.95 per cent tax rise which Kirklees is also minded to take. The move would put bills for Band D homes up by about £60. A final decision is due at the council budget setting meeting on Wednesday, February 17.

Zebra crossing plan

Delighted ... from left, Macaulay Carter, 12, Levi Edwards, 12, Connor Brotherton, 11, headteacher Samantha Vickers, Raihan Laher, 13, and Huzaifah Jasat, 12

THORNHILL: A zebra crossing is to be put in at a spot notorious for speeding drivers. The £29,000 scheme is for the junction of Church Lane and Hostingley Lane, opposite Rectory Park. Speed checks showed some drivers do up to 80mph. A grant of £20,000 was given by Kirklees Council’s Dewsbury and Mirfield district committee. The rest was made up through funds from the Government’s New Homes Bonus.

Motorbike history BATLEY & CLECKHEATON: The history of famous motorbike manufacturer Phelon and Moore will be the subject of an illustrated talk by Gordon North at Batley Probus Club’s meeting at the Older People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street on Tuesday (10am). The defunct firm made machines, notably under the Panther brand, from premises at Horncastle Street in Cleckheaton until the 1960s. Visitors and new members are welcome. For more details call 01924 471337.

Conga delight of teachers and pupils after Ofsted good news By David Miller A CONGA line broke out on Monday when a Batley school made history with its radical transformation. Upper Batley High became the first in Kirklees to go from “inadequate” to “good” in 12 months. It was also the first “good” Ofsted rating for the Blenheim Drive allboys school since 1997 –

and the news led to an impromptu celebration. Senior staff were told about the outcome of an inspection visit last month about two weeks ago. But the rest did not know until the report was published on Monday – and when the news broke, teachers did a conga around the staff room! The dance continued down the main corridor and pupils, just arriving

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for school that morning, joined in. Headteacher Samantha Vickers said: “We had a bit of a party in our morning staff briefing. “There was a celebration when we unveiled the report and it culminated in a conga around the staff room. “It went down the main corridor and as it went towards the bistro more pupils joined the back of the conga line.” Upper Batley High was

ranked “good” across the board and may have only just missed out on being rated “outstanding”. Arrangements for children with disabilities or special needs was one of few areas of criticism. The top pupils are perhaps not stretched enough while sex education was considered “limited” by inspectors. Efforts are under way to tackle these issues, including an action plan for disabled and special

needs children which is already in place. Everything else was praised due to the way previous weaknesses had been “relentlessly tackled”. Miss Vickers said: “We’ve talked before about the ‘Batley Buzz’ and it’s tangible in the corridors now. “Everyone is elated. We want to provide the very best education for our boys and we feel this report endorses it all.”

Hunt ‘dismantling the NHS’ AN MP has accused health secretary Jeremy Hunt of “endorsing” the dismantling of the NHS. Jo Cox (Lab, Batley and Spen) hit out over proposals revealed this week to close the A&E department at Huddersfield Infirmary. This would leave the whole of Kirklees without a full A&E, given plans to cut services at Dewsbury District Hospital. Mrs Cox questioned the impact the Huddersfield scheme will have here and elsewhere. She said: “There are only

so many times you can demand the health secretary stop these sorts of plans and intervene in the interests of public safety. “So far he hasn’t listened once and instead has endorsed this dismantling of our NHS. “There are some serious questions to be answered: Where is the NHS in Kirklees heading, who is co-ordinating this constant chipping away at our health service and what is their vision of our NHS in five or 10 or 20 years’ time? “Dewsbury’s A&E is to be

downgraded and now there’s a plan to close Huddersfield’s A&E – where will people go? “What will be the impact on neighbouring A&E departments? “And what will be the consequences for those who need to access emergency medical help? “The view that I, health professionals and many of my constituents have is that no-one can answer these questions. “There is no long-term plan and we will all end up making do with whatever bones of our NHS remains.”

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ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

You can’t treat all Muslims as extremists, far right group told By David Miller A FAR-RIGHT group was urged not to lump all Muslims together as extremists following a protest in Dewsbury last Saturday. Britain First activists held banners saying “No More Mosques” outside places of worship in Savile Town. The group had earlier handed out leaflefts in the town centre promoting their demonstration on Saturday, January 30. Coun Masood Ahmed (Lab, Dewsbury South) talked with Britain First and was even filmed for a video. He met group leader Paul Golding and deputy leader Jayda Fransen in Market Place. Coun Ahmed said: “I told them they are putting all their eggs in one basket. “They seem to be saying all Muslims are extremists and that all mosques preach hate and terrorism.” He added that is not the case, even if there are issues such as Savile Town teenagers Talha

Down with The Press... Britain First activists disapprove of last week’s front page Asmal and Hassan Munchi, who fled to Syria last year after apparently being groomed online. Asmal died in a suicide bombing in Iraq. Coun Ahmed highlighted the role of council officials like Habiban Zaman, who was honoured for her cohesion work in Dewsbury. Coun Ahmed said: “There are people like Habiban doing great work around these issues. You don’t get a

BEM for nothing.” Britain First brandished their banners outside the Markazi Mosque on South Street. They also went to a mosque on Warren Street and Coun Ahmed said: “From what I picked up the people there were not happy. “There was a feeling that it was a bit intimidating. And because of the entrance it’s a bit like a church in that you would need to be invited in.”

Britain First documented their visit in a five-minute video posted on their website. They were also shown giving their thumbs down to last week’s Press, which published information about their January 30 demonstration. Ms Fransen, flanked by activists in Market Place, said: “We have been in Dewsbury town centre and we have come to Savile Town and we have held our protests outside

Hospital fight goes to London CAMPAIGNERS trying to save Dewsbury District Hospital from cuts took their fight to London last Thursday. The North Kirklees NHS Support Group and Dewsbury Keep Our NHS Public met shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander. The two groups were among 20 from across the country who held talks with the Labour MP. Cuts to A&E and maternity at Dewsbury and the impact of a private finance deal for new hospitals at Pinderfields and Pontefract were raised. Splits in commissioning –

where, for example, sexual health services are from both local councils and the NHS – were also discussed. The groups put Ms Alexander on the spot about where Labour stands on these and issues such as the use of private contractors. She was reported to have said the shadow health team is in talks with the party’s leadership about a new NHS Reinstatement Bill. A version appeared last July as a private members’ bill sponsored by 12 MPs, including future Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

MP brands A & E plans ‘dangerous’ PLANS to shut a hospital A&E department were branded “dangerous” by MP Paula Sherriff this week. Her Dewsbury and Mirfield seat includes KirkburtonandDenby Dale, which would be affected by proposals forHuddersfield Royal Infirmary. Ms Sherriff will take up the matter with the North Kirklees and Greater Huddersfield clinical commissioning groups. She said: “The Dewsbury constituency lies between Dewsbury Hospital and Huddersfield Infirmary and it is

imperative everyone can access full healthcare. “I will use every route possible to put a stop to these illthought-out and, quite frankly, dangerous plans.” She added: “I am shocked and appalled at the proposals to close the A&E department at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. “This, along with the proposal to downgrade the A&E department at Dewsbury and District Hospital, will leave the population of Kirklees without full emergency care facilities and that is simply unacceptable.”

It stated the NHS should be publicly owned, funded and run, comprehensive, universal and free at the point of need. Christine Hyde represented the North Kirklees NHS Support Group at last Thursday’s meeting. Patricia Foley, for Dewsbury Keep Our NHS Public, said: “This downgrade to Dewsbury District Hospital doesn’t stand up clinically. “And socially it’s a disaster – how can a higher volume of services centralised in one place improve health outcomes?”

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a few mosques.We are against mosques in the UK. “We have had hostility from the locals which is almost 100 per cent Muslim. As to be expected there was hostility, hurling abuse, but we won’t be silenced. “This is a British town. We are proud British patriots and we will come here and protest as and when we like.” Coun Ahmed is concerned about town centre trade and said: “We can’t stop Britain First coming, but we can manage them. “My concern would be the cost of policing and the fact that this money could be spent on other things. “We’re also really trying to pump up Dewsbury town centre with some of the work we’re doing. “We’ve just managed to address issues relating to alcohol and anti-social behavour. “A lot of money and effort has also been put into renovations at the likes of The Arcade and we don’t want to see a step backwards.”

News in Brief Study centres for junior school pupils DEWSBURY: Study centres for three schools are to be funded thanks to a Kirklees Council grant. Overthorpe, Thornhill and Headfield junior schools are to benefit from the scheme for Year Six pupils. The aim is to improve their English and maths and prepare them for SAT tests and transition to high school. A grant of £4,500 was given by the council's Dewsbury and Mirfield District Committee. The study centres are at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield. A similar study centre at Ravensthorpe Community Centre was also funded with a grant of £3,120. Called Leaders and Readers, the aim is to boost English and also help pupils gain confidence.

Blaze mill theft BATLEY: Thieves stole tools worth £12,000 on Monday from a mill which was destroyed by fire. Greenhill Mills on Grange Road was targeted between 12.30pm and 4.15pm, when a locked container was forced open. Anyone with information should call Kirklees CID on 101, quoting incident 1126 of 18/01/16.

School safe stolen CLECKHEATON: Burglars stole a safe containing cash and valuables from Whitechapel Primary School on Monday. Three men were recorded on CCTV forcing their way in between 8.45pm and 9.32pm. Anyone with information can call PC Chris Birkenshaw at the Batley and Spen NPT on 101, quoting reference number 13160025344.

ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

And on our left, we have ... a house OCKY’S Tours were busy again recently, this time taking London television execs around Dewsbury – specifically and predictably, Savile Town. Nice people, bright and well meaning, even if they didn’t quite ‘get’ how such communities work – like PM David Cameron probably, judging by the rubbish he spouted this week. At least the TV execs were trying to better understand how a migrant community evolves into a separate and self-contained state. Dave just floats around in a dreamworld, this week’s gem being to make Muslim women learn English or face being sent ‘home’. Yeah right, Dave. I’d like to see you try that. You can’t keep terrorists out as it is – and you can’t send them home either. But you’re going to drag the mother of Britishborn infants out of her house

Can I speak good English? Read my lips.... and put her on a plane to Rawalpindi, because she can’t recite Shakespeare? You and who’s army? Because I don’t think the one we’ve got is big enough, matey. A question – how will these women discover the new

rules? Has the PM been learning Urdu, Punjabi and Gujarati intent on knocking on every door in Dewsbury and Batley himself? And while you’re at it Dave – how about lip-reading lessons? That’ll be a hoot for the niqab fans! Somehow, I can’t imagine husbands – who are the real problem here, not the women – keen on making tea for five kids, while the missus swans off to her English tutorial. Perish the thought – just think where it could all end! Before you know it she’ll want to talk to men and even cast her own vote! As for these newly empowered mums being Cameron’s secret weapon for talking sons out of running off to join ISIS? Where do you even start with that idiocy? The PM’s well-meaning, if naively stupid idea, reminded me of the time ex-MP Shahid Malik allegedly told his elec-

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tion opponent Sayeeda Warsi to go downstairs “with the women” at a public function. Some time later I was taking tea with Iftikhar Azam, a married father of four, in his house in Staincliffe. He was concerned at the way MP Malik was carrying on. In response, Malik implied he was in the extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir (he wasn’t). I never saw Ifty’s nonEnglish-speaking, imported first wife. She stayed in the kitchen. But I remember he laughed about his teenage daughter wearing the full-face niqab and said she thought it was fashionable. For some reason, he didn’t mention that he was ‘in bed’ (ahem) with Sayeeda Warsi. He must be forgetful, because he didn’t mention to his wife that he’d divorced her and married the Baroness, either. She thought the decree nisi was an electric bill. So if those ultra-modern British-born Muslim men can behave like that, what chance has David Cameron of breaking down the walls of an enclave like Savile Town and the parts of Thornhill Lees it has already subsumed, where all but two of the 11 mosques are of the hardline, men-only, Deobandi tradition? Answer? He has two chances – none and sod-all. EFORE Locky’s Tours got underway however, the Londoners had met (and been impressed by) Farooq Yunus, who runs the Kumon Y’all youth charity, based in Savile Town and

which promotes cross-community activity. Farooq taught at the Zakaria mosque’s madressah where two of his students were Hassan Munshi and suicide bomber Talha Asmal, so he knows first hand the challenges we face. He’s working hard and it’s a welcome effort. It is however, and with respect to Farooq Yunus and friends, a drop in the cultural ocean. I don’t know if my guests expected to see would-be jihadists running up and down Warren Street with AK47s, or ISIS flags flying in every front garden, but they did expect that non-Muslim locals would be living in fear of Savile Town. I suppose news headlines will do that to you. I had to smile. ‘It’s a close-knit, friendly community, that keeps itself to itself,’ I explained. In fact the only different thing about Savile Town’s front gardens is that there aren’t any For Sale signs in them. They couldn’t understand how an affluent community (65% of houses owned outright, another 22% owned with a mortgage) could also have more than 50% of households receiving both child tax and working tax credits, with incomes £8,000 below the Kirklees average. Neither had they realised that a no-go area doesn’t require menacing street patrols to enforce it. There’s nothing ‘in’ the heart of Savile Town for nonMuslims. ‘No go’ can simply mean ‘no reason to go’. People

don’t walk through the place alone at night, because they’re not stupid. The TV people seemed to think Savile Town happened overnight, instead of over 40 years. And they left fascinated, but I suspect with their documentary plans thoroughly deflated. You see, the occasional explosive story apart, Savile Town is an ordinary place, full of ordinary people, going about mostly ordinary – if very different – lives. David Cameron’s problem meanwhile is a kneejerk desire to reverse-engineer a culture after 40 years of it being not just tolerated, but actively encouraged. Too late Dave – but if you want to promote English, don’t threaten to deport people, just threaten to cut off benefits. The men will be dragging their wives to class. And not to worry about bilingual teachers either. There will be a queue the length of the river Calder of sons willing to pocket your 20 million quid to ‘teach’ their downtrodden mums and imported wives English – ironically when they couldn’t be bothered while living under the same roof. But let’s look on the bright side for once – one day, Mrs Patel might even be able to read a Delia Smith recipe. However she’ll still be stuck in the kitchen. Give me a buzz some time, Prime Minister. Locky’s Tours is an equal opportunity business. I’ll speak ve-ry, slow-ly, so you can hope-fu-lly un-der-stand…

Keep away from the madman... AVE you ever stood in a bus that in the crazy eventuality of queue next to someone not Corbyn still leading their party in quite right? Picking his nose, 2020, they’ll all be out looking for a dribbling down his chin, grinning at job. Last year voters deserted you and licking his lips, while gently Labour for fear of waking up with massaging the front of his trousers? Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish No matter that you’re a bloke, either. Nationalists. A vote for Corbyn could Half of you knows you should feel mean waking up with Raul and Fidel sorry for him, half of you doesn’t Castro in 10 and 11 Downing Street. want to be rude, but all of you just WHEN you’re pondering your ‘inwants to get the hell out of there. It seems Dewsbury and Mirfield The Labour leader has a out’ on the EU vote, just think of the HALF of its £23bn development MP Paula Sherriff had enough and really good idea... budget lost to graft, theft and varibolted last week. Perhaps she couldous other forms of corruption. We pay 12% of n’t stand being in a room with madman Jeremy that, on top of our own ring-fenced £12bn of Corbyn a second longer. You can’t blame the international aid. Mind you it’s not just the EU. lass. We’re paying £140m to lease a London office He’s come out with some beauties, but this block for MPs that they refuse to use. The poor week’s Trident wheeze was a corker. We’ll keep lambs are scared they could be terror targets on the £137bn nuclear submarine programme to the five-minute walk to the House of Commons. save shipyard jobs – but bin the missiles. I have a better idea – give every worker a milI WONDER if the BBC will actually film its lion quid redundancy. If there are10,000, you Shannon Matthews ‘docu-drama’ (whatever one could make every one rich for life and still have of them is when it’s at home) on the Moorside £127bn left. And why bother with bullets for our estate. They’d better bring some extra padlocks soldiers’ guns? I mean, they could be loaded and for the telly vans, if they are. There’s speculation that’s a deterrent. If that works, we’ll have the about whether they’ll tell “the whole story” but SAS running around pointing their fingers, going given that the police never got to the bottom of “pow … pow ... kabooom”. it, I doubt that’s likely. I want to know who’ll play No wonder that Paula scarpered, because my old mate Saleem Khan, a lovely and muchbeing associated with Corbyn is like going to a missed character who seemed to feature in the Wacky Warehouse with Gary Glitter. background of every single news report... What she and other Labour MPs must know is

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ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

Muggers’ victim faces hard road to recovery By Staff Reporters A PUB landlady from Earlsheaton mown down by muggers is back home – but facing a hard road to full recovery from her extensive injuries. Carol Frain, 54, of the Spangled Bull, is out of hospital after three weeks in traction. She suffered a broken and dislocated hip, broken shoulder and spinal injuries when she was run over on December 18. Mrs Frain was struck near her home on Francis Road by a car driven by muggers. They stole her handbag after following the taxi she and husband Shaun, 44, took home from the pub at closing time. The mother-of-two was allowed home but is in a wheelchair and for now cannot walk.

Carol Frain... ‘still having nightmares’ Daughter Amie, 23, said: “She is in a lot of pain but at least she’s home and we can look after her. “Even when she’s back on her feet she may not be able to stand for long periods and is still having nightmares about what happened.

“One day she’s really bright and the next it hits her really hard. It’s going to be a long time before we’re all over this.” It is believed the muggers were targeting the night’s pub takings. Nobody has been arrested so far. A man ran up to Mrs Frain and grabbed her handbag, but she clung on and was dragged to a waiting Renault car. It struck her and then reversed over her as the men backed up to make their escape towards Dewsbury. Mrs Frain runs the Town Street pub with daughter Danielle, 22, who is the licensee. Amie said: “My mum is very determined and strongwilled and that’s why she was able to get out of hospital. “Once she is able to stand she can start physio and she will need more surgery on her shoulder in six months.”

Budget Question Time

Pub re-opening delay

NORTH KIRKLEES: A council budget debate in Dewsbury is to be hosted by former BBC presenter Jon Hammond. The town hall event, in the style of Question Time and open to all residents across the area, takes place on Wednesday January 27 from 6.15pm to 8.15pm. Councillors will talk about the spending cuts they are likely to make in next month’s budget.

MIRFIELD: A pub badly hit by the floods on Boxing Day is unlikely to re-open before March. The Ship Inn on Steanard Lane had been inundated about two weeks before a festive period deluge saw the River Calder burst its banks. Repairs following the first flooding were under way at the time while damage from Boxing Day is still being assessed.

ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

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How can we have a sensible vote? Dear Sir, May I counter the almost weekly anti-EU writings of Mr Lockwood? A few months ago whilst visiting Barnsley, I saw improvements being made to the town hall road layout and gardens. A small sign with the EU symbol stated that these improvements were funded partly or wholly by the EU. Some while later, going through Rotherham, roadworks on the dual carriageway had a similar sign carrying the same funding facts. Last summer at a Yorkshire seaside resort, there were ongoing sewage water treatment improvements on the promenade, again funded wholly or in part by the EU. Whilst in Portugal last year I saw a new harbour improvement at Vila Real which had a big sign telling of the funding by the EU. Ask anyone on the mainland of Europe or Eire about EU-funded improvements to their towns and areas and they will tell you

Letter of the Week: ‘An Emley EU voter’ about the EU helping their local economy. They know because their media tells them the facts. However, ask any man/woman in the street here as to what the EU does for us in England and they can’t tell you. They know nothing about EU membership advantages because they are never told of them by our national newspapers, tabloid press and parts of the TV. They are only told of disadvantages, some true, some halftruths and some downright lies. This autumn, I got a tax statement telling where my taxes were spent. Out of £2,904 that I had paid, only £17 went to the EU. £17! A

Two fat wages High spirits on for Eames Dunbottle Lane From: Pat Crisp, Batley Dear Sir, I don’t understand the ins and outs of what’s happening with our local hospitals. But I do know it’s not right that Stephen Eames has now two jobs and two fat wages, when lots of people can’t get one, after what he’s done to our hospitals. I’ve just been in to the hospital and the staff work very long shifts of 12 hours – that can’t be good for them. He should try and live on the minimum wage of £6.70 and see if he could manage if he needs to travel to a hospital. We’re going back to the dark ages, with only the rich able to use the NHS.

From: Dickie Faybell, Mirfield Dear Sir, Regarding a recent article in your newspaper about the screeching and wailing road surface of Dunbottle Lane; The recently tarmaced road does emit an eerie pitch as you drive on it. Some locals say it is the work of the devil, and that ancient bones have been disturbed in the nearby castle mound by the vibration of road working machines, and that lost spirits and souls are restless. There is an old folktale that could explain this unusual noise; going back to the

tiny amount, which I am glad to pay, and here is why. For a start, if I go on a visit to another EU country I will get state healthcare and would be treated equal to a citizen of that land. I have also enjoyed decades of peace with our neighbours and co-operation with them, thanks to the EU. People are told that we pay massive amounts to the EU to be spent by unelected Brussels bureaucrats. They don’t know that some of this funding comes back here to help the run-down old industrial areas like ours in the north. This funding is allocated by the European Parliament, which unlike the House of Lords here,

English Civil War, a fleeing Royalist trooper making good his escape from the Battle of Thornhill, took refuge in Dunbottle House in the nearby parish of Mirfield. His pursuers, Fairfax’s Roundheads, lay siege to the house for days. Just after midnight, in the howl of a ferocious storm, the brave trooper made a dash for it, hoping to find support in a nearby inn or tavern. Two shots rang out, the first one severed the Royalist’s “crown jewels”, and the second shot off his horse’s tail. Both trying in vain to gain entry into a nearby inn, their screams could be heard throughout the stormy night. Both rider and horse succumbed to their wounds and their spectre can be seen and heard on Dunbottle Lane on several nights of the year, hoping to be repatriated with their

PLANNING APPLICATIONS J Halstead, 3 Gregory Springs Lane, Lower Hopton, two-storey rear extension, rear porch and conservatory. Mr Mohammed Yousaf, 23 Northgate, Dewsbury, partial demolition of rear extensions, change of use of ground floor to amusement arcade and bookmakers, alterations to convert first and second floors to six apartments, erection of extension, formation of new loading area, erection of retaining walls and alterations to car park access (within a Conservation Area). R Longley, 207 Kitson Hill Road, Mirfield, detached garage. Adamco Ltd, New Yew Tree, 195 Huddersfield Road, Roberttown, change of use and alterations to public house with living quarters above to reception area and retail unit at ground floor and office at first floor, and erection

of new stone wall and sliding gates. M Ramzan, Dewsbury Magistrates Court, Grove Street, Dewsbury, change of use of basement (part) to four shops, erection of extension and installation of new shop front (within a Conservation Area). Jones Homes (Northern) Ltd, land off White Lee Road, Batley, one dwelling (modified housetype). Mr & Mrs A Goodwin, 243 Woodlands Road, Batley, extensions. B Whitworth, 32 School Lane, Dewsbury Moor, porch to rear. A Jarrett, 76 Station Lane, Birkenshaw, single-storey rear extension and two-storey side extension. Drive Medical, Heathfield Lane, Birkenshaw, change of use from mezzanine storage to office and storage, and installation of four

external windows and escape door. Shaun Brown, 11 St Mary’s Walk, Mirfield, two-storey side extension. Mr M Ahmed, 69 South Street, Savile Town, first floor extension. Mr S Soni, 41 Brearley Street, Batley, single-storey front extension I D Achha, 13 Warren Street, Savile Town, single-storey rear extension. Ossett Brewing Company Ltd, The Flower Pot, 65 Calder Road, Lower Hopton, three lighting posts to car park. R A Shaw, adjacent to 274 Crossley Lane, Mirfield, alterations to convert garage/stables/workshop into one dwelling. Mr F Bashir, 27 Ravensthorpe Road, Thornhill Lees, 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 3.6m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.5m. Mr A Sallo and Miss A Sacha, 17 Solway Road, Soothill, the proposal is for erection of singlestorey rear extension. The extension projects 6.5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.95m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.45m. Mr M Shoaib, 78 South Street, Savile Town, 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 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.6m. Chamika Mapatuna, 8 Victoria Road, Liversedge, first floor extension.

is elected democratically by us, the voters. We have an elected European Parliament with members for Yorkshire. We elect them just like the House Of Commons. If we are misguided enough to leave the EU, following years of anti-EU propaganda by the 80 per cent of our biased media, we will not have to pay the EU funding but more importantly, we will get nothing back for infrastructure projects here in Yorkshire. Will the London government step in to make up the shortfall? Fat chance! When Mr Cameron came to power in 2010, one of his government’s first acts was to cancel funding here from Yorkshire Forward.

severed pride. So the legend has it, and everyone should know that inn keepers on Dunbottle Lane never retail spirits after hours, ahem! And that’s the truth.

It’s people’s lives we’re talking about From: Wendy Senior, Dewsbury Dear Sir, Last Tuesday, January 12, I went along to support the junior doctors’ picket line outside the main hospital entrance on Halifax Road. I do remember myself how hard it is to work long hours and train to be a nurse or doctor. Most of the national newspapers at the weekend were all reporting on the 11 per cent pay rise, they said nothing about bursary cuts to help finance their training or about there not being enough doctors or nurses to cover the sevenday NHS that health secretary Jeremy Hunt is proposing. Doctors and nurses are leaving the NHS because of their workload, family and social lives are not being taken into consideration by Jeremy Hunt. Huddersfield hospital is also having its A&E downgraded as well as Dewsbury, I know our MP Paula Sherriff and Batley MP Joe Cox will do all they can to change these decisions. Where are people going to go for their treatment. Pinderfields hospital is not big enough already they are struggling to cope with the number of people attending there. It is people’s lives we are talking about.

This body had been set up to provide funding for Yorkshire’s infrastructure. Then before the last election, we were promised the ‘Northern Powerhouse’. The electrification of the Dewsbury/Leeds/Huddersfield line was promised but after the election it was ‘postponed’ until when? Was anything cancelled in the south? The government funds the people of London to the tune of £5,000 each for infrastructure projects, but here in Yorkshire we get just £580 per head, and the north east a paltry £220. The south east and London get everything. Old industrial areas like ours need infrastructure funding for our future prosperity, but if we leave the EU we will lose out. Only two national newspapers and one national tabloid give balanced accounts of the facts of the EU. How can there be a sensible vote on the EU if the voters are unaware of all the facts?

Job hunt is so frustrating From: Gaynor Young, Cleckheaton Dear Sir, I am writing to vent my anger at how a person actively looking for work is treated within this country over-run by recruitment agencies who have no interest in people, only numbers on their books. I am sure that there will be millions of other job seekers feeling the same. Redundancy forced my hand into seeking other employment on November 17 2015. Since that date I have been on the internet every day looking to secure an administrative/reception/customer service position for which I have worked for 20 years plus. My applications must by now be into the hundreds, filling in the application forms, attaching a current CV, submitting the application, only to hear nothing back from anyone regarding the position, due to the fact that “this position no longer exists”. I have signed on with two local agencies, who both have jobs advertised on their website from over six months ago which are “no longer available as the positions have been filled” but are still advertised as available! People are being led into false hope by these companies and it’s about time something got done about it. I contacted one of the agencies last week regarding a position they had emailed me with as I wanted to apply for it. I spoke to a lady who had no idea of the job offered (there’s only three people working

there. Eventually after two further calls I was told that they would forward on my details and I would be called back if my application was suitable to the employer! Let people know either way! I have also signed on to the Job Centre site, registered my details with them and applied for a number of jobs, again hearing nothing back as even the Job Centre has been overrun by recruitment agencies. No actual employers actively advertise their vacancies for direct employment these days, it seems they would rather pay an extra percentage to an outsourced company. What’s wrong with the world?! While composing this letter at 8.30am I have just contacted a company by phone regarding a job I applied for back in December, after contacting them by email a couple of times and hearing nothing back, only to be told that they have shortlisted and interviewed for the position and are waiting to hear back from the prospective employee. Let applicants know this so they can discard this application and concentrate on the next for goodness’ sake. It’s no surprise that people become depressed and sometimes suicidal while seeking employment, no-one gives a hoot as long as the numbers look good! I have always prided myself on my customer service conduct throughout my working life, keeping in touch with people on a regular basis, treating people as I expect to be treated. It seems that we are becoming a nation of ignorance. My husband has even suggested that I seek employment within a recruitment agency as

Continued on page 9

ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

Continued from page 8 their customer conduct should be managed a whole lot better.

PFI schemes crippling us From: Paul Homes, branch secretary of UNISON, Huddersfield Dear Sir, No politician can be surprised at the cost of the PFI scheme at Calderdale Infirmary, and the effect it has had on the budget of Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust, with the subsequent proposals to close A&E facilities at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. This story is repeated across Britain. In the nearby Mid-Yorkshire Health Trust (Dewsbury, Wakefield and Pontefract hospitals), the extortionate costs of the PFI scheme at Pinderfields Hospital (Wakefield) has led to the closure of A&E at Pontefract Hospital and the proposed closure of A&E at Dewsbury. Though the costs of these schemes were known by politicians, particularly when they were introduced by John Major’s Tory Government in the early 1990s and continued by the Blair/Brown Labour Governments between

Cleaning/catering staff at 1997 and 2010. PFI schemes were always the 18 PFI schools in Kirklees ‘milk cows’ for hedge do not get the Living Wage funds/construction compabecause the French-owned nies/banks with 25-30 year company that employs them – repayment schemes and high SPIE – won’t pay it to them. rates of interest. So, cleaners at SPIE schools, There are two old sayings which are adjacent to council that are appropriate: “You can’t schools, don’t get the same run with the hounds and the rates of pay as council cleanhares”, and “You can’t ride two ers. horses in the same race”. Kirklees UNISON are fully Politicians can’t be disingenbehind the campaigns to keep uous – PFI schemes were A&E services at Dewsbury and always going to lead to cuts Huddersfield open, but the probecause of the huge repayment posals from the two NHS trusts costs. are to have no A&E for the “Chickens always come 400,000 people in Kirklees. home to roost”, and “As ye Politicians who have supreap, so shall ye sow” are two ported PFI schemes in parliaother appropriate clichés. ment can’t cry over spilt milk The public sector managers when the very same schemes who recommended the PFI then affect their own areas. schemes in the public sector Those who opposed PFI are now long gone (retiring on schemes in the past, and the large pensions, getting large public who have been conned salaries at other public sector by self-serving politicians, who bodies, or, in some cases, then want to earn a nice living in going to work for the PFI conParliament, are not to blame tractors!). for this, but most politicians In Kirklees Council in the who have not adequately repreearly 2000s, councillors were sented their constituents are persuaded to invest in a PFI now crying crocodile tears. scheme to renovate/rebuild 20 That is why members of the schools (now 18). public feel conned by many Budgets are now saddled MPs, and why those MPs who with huge repayment costs. are perceived to have princiIn Kirklees Council, 1,500 ples are growing in popularity. staff (mainly catering/cleaning staff), are being paid the Living Wage of £7.88 per hour following negotiations between the Council www.facebook.com/ThePressNews and the trade unions.

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ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

Cause of mill blaze unknown Unsafe building demolished A MILL in Batley ravaged by fire last Thursday was demolished for safety reasons. The cause of the blaze at Greenhill Mill on Grange Road is unknown but could be accidental. A demolition firm was brought in due to the precarious state of the building. It is believed a number of jobs at the Greenhill Textile Company, a recycling business, have been lost. But workers in the building at the time the fire broke out, around 11.30am, were safely evacuated. Dozens more people from about 20 nearby homes, plus units at the Batley Business Park, were also moved. Firefighters had problems with swirling wind, water pressure and suspected gas canisters

which exploded. Witness Mick Bray, of Windermere Road, Hanging Heaton, said he heard at least four explosions. Mick, alerted by thick smoke drifting past his home, said: “Something flew up into the air but I didn’t know what they were.” It is believed crews found there was not enough water in nearby hydrants for the severity of the fire. Mick said: “I think they had problems with the water pressure because it was just trickling out. It was only when they brought a bigger fire engine in that they got a proper flow.” He added: “The fire took hold so fast. When I got there the building was just smouldering, but after another 20 minutes it was well alight. “The roof collapsed and there was molten debris flowing from the windows.”

Photos: Mick Bray

By David Miller

Inferno... the fire rages at Greenhill Mill before, inset top, the roof collapses. Right, rubble of the demolished building. Below, smoke billows over the area

Tribute to firefighters “They worked in very difficult conditions to prevent the fire spreading. The mill was also at risk of collapse. It was a tremendous effort” FIREFIGHTERS were praised for tackling a Batley mill inferno in difficult conditions. About 70 crew members from eight fire stations across West Yorkshire dealt with the blaze at Greenhill Mills on Grange Road. Flames, accelerated by clothes and rags on the premises, quickly grew in size and ferocity. The blaze broke out at around 11.30am last Thursday and it took about four hours to get it under control. Crews were damping down

the smouldering mill, plus burned-out vans and other debris, into the night. It is thought fire started at the front and rear of the building and was fanned by high winds. At its height there were 15 fire engines at the scene and crews had problems with water pressure. Fire service area manager Nick Smith said: “This was a mill building used predominantly for textiles. “When crews arrived the building was well alight, with the fire spreading quickly.

“Firefighters worked in very difficult, windy conditions to prevent the very real danger of the fire spreading to neighbouring buildings. “The mill was also at risk of collapse, which posed further difficulties to firefighter safety. “Crews quickly evacuated people from nearby properties and contained the fire. “It was a tremendous effort from all firefighters, who made the lives of nearby people their priority, and I applaud their quick thinking and hard work.”

ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

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News In Brief Dog owner in court after woman mauled BATLEY: A woman suffered arm, hip and leg wounds when she was mauled by a dangerous dog. Paula Moules was dragged 12 feet across a garden on Cambridge Street by an American bulldog called Snoopy. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard she had knocked on the door of neighbour Simon Manners. The dog, which has been destroyed, attacked her as she and Manners were talking on the doorstep. Manners, 36, admitted being in charge of a dog which was dangerously out of control and caused injury. He received a 20-week jail sentence suspended for 12 months and must carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £750 in compensation.

Police hunt thugs who attacked man HECKMONDWIKE: A man suffered facial injuries when he was attacked outside a pub. The victim, 24, was taken to hospital for treatment after being assaulted by two thugs near the Red Lion. It happened at 9.25pm on December 18 but police made an appeal for information this week. One suspect is described as a white man, about 27, 5ft 10in tall, of medium build and with brown hair tied up with elastic bands which looked like dreadlocks. The second attacker is also white and of a similar age and height but stocky with shaven dark hair. Anyone with information can call Det Con Annette Lane at Kirklees CID quoting log number 13150519931.

Friday January 22, 2016

‘Inspirational’ head of rejuvenated school is in line for national honour By David Miller A HEADTEACHER is in contention for a major award for her Batley school’s exemplary teaching of British values. Rizwana Mahmood, of Carlton Junior and Infants, is nominated as headteacher of the year by the National Centre for Diversity. It follows a big shake-up in the two years since she was appointed at the Upper Road primary. Ms Mahmood, dubbed “inspirational” by Ofsted, inherited a situation of falling pupil numbers but now has a waiting list. A new uniform and remodelled classrooms featuring glass doors and walls was just the start.

Engaging disaffected families, ensuring good progress for pupils and making sure they become good citizens also formed part of the work. Carlton Road has about 200 pupils aged four to 11, many of whom are of Pakistani or Indian background. Ms Mahmood said: “This is not a faith school. But we believe it’s important to embed British values into our children. “It helps them understand that respecting other religions and cultures doesn’t mean losing your own identity.” The school was rated good by Ofsted in March last year after a dip before Ms Mahmood arrived. Chairman of governors

Amir Afzal said: “Rizwana has made a tremendous impact since taking over as headteacher. “As well as having a clear focus on teaching and learning, she has introduced a wide range of measures to ensure our school is even more at the heart of our community. “We are breaking down barriers and stereotypes, broadening the children’s horizons and inspiring them to fulfil their potential. “Equality and inclusion are absolutely central to the school’s ethos. We are incredibly proud of this important work and it’s an amazing honour for us to be represented on the award shortlist.”

“We believe it’s important to embed British values into our children” – CARLTON JUNIOR & INFANTS HEAD RIZWANA MAHMOOD

CAR DEALERSHIP TAKES ON CHEERLEADER ROLE FOR THE BULLDOGS FORD dealership Evans Halshaw Batley has announced a partnership with Batley Bulldogs. The Bradford Road garage will be supporting the club by promoting home games on its forecourt ramps, along with product placement throughout the season in the shape of two branded cars, which will be parked at the stadium on match days. The dealership will also feature in matchday programmes at the Mount. Dealer principal Penny Lofthouse, said: “We are incredibly proud to be supporting Batley Bulldogs. “It is important to us to support the local community and we are excited to be cheering on the players and supporting them as they dominate the league!” Batley Bulldogs chief executive Paul Harrison added: “We are hugely grateful for Evans Halshaw Ford Batley’s support of the club. “It is great to see local businesses backing the Bulldogs and their endorsement will help enable us to offer such a great sport to an even wider audience. “Our supporters can be sure of an exhilarating season!”

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Imposter who swindled £3,000 from Derrick,86 THIS e-fit has been released of a fraudster who conned an elderly Cleckheaton man out of £3,000. Victim Derrick Hepworth, 86, was stung on his own Howard Park doorstep by a bogus roofer. The suspect, a mixed-race or Asian man aged 30 to 35, claimed to be the boss of the firm carrying out repairs at his home. Mr Hepworth handed over cash to settle the bill – after which the man fled in a van. The con came to light when great-grandad Mr Hepworth, a retired lorry driver, spoke with one of the real workmen.

The imposter is about 6ft tall, slim, with dark hair and a beard. He was wearing a lightcoloured raincoat. Mr Hepworth used money he was saving for a holiday with partner Marjorie, 74, to pay P Senior Roofing Contractors of Cleckheaton. But the firm did not want to accept the cash and instead lauched an online appeal to raise funds. Mr Hepworth said he felt like a “silly old fool” but is grateful to those who have so far donated

more than £1,000. He said: “It feels like I am begging but I am so grateful. “I just want to thank everybody for their kindness.” Donations can be made at https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Hepworthsroof. Police are still hunting the suspect, who drove off in a small blue Peugeot van at around 10.55am on January 11. Anyone with information can call PC Mike Constable at the Batley and Spen NPT on 101, quoting reference number 13160014205.

Friday January 22, 2016

ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

News In Brief Power tool thefts CLECKHEATON: Power tools were among the items stolen from a building under renovationon Dewsbury Road. Two suspects broke into the premises between 10.50pm and 11.40pm on January 2. Police released this e-fit image of one of them. Anyone with information can call PC Gurraj Samra on 101, quoting log number 13160002182.

Couple accused MIRFIELD: A couple are accused of trying to steal fuel from garages around the country. Richard Goshawk, 25, and Chrissie Taylor, 21, are charged with conspiring to steal property on March 1 and 31 last year. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard codefendants of the pair had already had their cases sent to Leeds Crown Court. The couple, of Westway, London Park Estate, were sent to join them there on Thursday, February 11, and must live at the address in the meantime.

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Praise for Hollybank’s home By Staff Reporters A HOME for disabled adults in Mirfield has been praised – but incomplete record-keeping stopped it from getting a perfect score. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated one of the Hollybank Trust’s homes as good overall. Holly Court achieved that mark in four out of five areas for being safe,

caring, responsive and well-led. But its effectiveness was rated as ‘requires improvement’ due to being unable to prove that staff had up-to-date training. It followed an unannounced inspection of the purpose-built home in October last year. A report stated in one case that details about a staff member’s training were not complete. The worker had trained in a variety of areas but the records to back that up

were not in order. It said: “There were significant cells on the matrix where the date training had been completed was blank. “Many of these cells were shaded blue and the key indicated this meant refresher training was due.” The report added inspectors were therefore unable to see if the training was current. It added: “Ensuring staff receive regular updates to

their training means staff have up-to-date skills and knowledge to enable them to meet people’s needs in line with current standards of good practice.” Other than that everything else was fine, with Holly Court described as “homely”. The atmosphere was found to be calm and happy, while the staff were kind and caring towards their residents. The report said: “People looked nicely dressed and

cared for. This indicated that staff had taken the time to support people with their personal care in a way which would promote their dignity.” Kathleen Eastwood, Hollybank’s head of direct services, welcomed the CQC report. She added: “The areas which have been identified as needing minor improvement are around some record-keeping and this has already been addressed.”

Police at the scene of the shooting in Caledonia Road

client was released from prison for robbery in March last year and was initially doing well on licence. But things turned on the loss of his job and Mr Stevenson said: “He needed money for his rent and living expenses and took out a significant loan from a disreputable type and when he could not repay it, he got him involved in this. Things came to a head when he said he didn’t want to continue with it any further and when he said he could not repay the money he was shot. “He suffered life-threatening injuries and was in

hospital for two weeks. He still bears and will always bear significant scarring on his torso and arms. He has nerve damage to his arm.” Eggett, who admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply, was jailed for 15 months. The Recorder of Leeds Judge Peter Collier QC said Eggett was caught as a result of being shot “when you said you wanted out of that business”. He added: “That is one of the things that happen when people become involved in the world of drugs, that is the sort of risk you run.”

Gunned down in row over drugs A MAN shot in the chest in Batley had been involved in a row about dealing drugs. Jordan Eggett was badly hurt on Caledonia Road on the night of October 5 last year. Leeds Crown Court heard Eggett, 23, of Millbrook Gardens, Dewsbury, lost his job as a window cleaner and turned to a “disreputable

type” for help when he needed cash to pay for rent. Robert Stevenson, mitigating, gave details in response to the drugs that were found near the scene of the shooting. A bag containing 21 packages of cannabis weighing 27.7g worth about £237 was discovered. Mr Stevenson said his

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ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

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ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

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IN TRUE Mirfield style, spirits are still high after the recent floods – and the town is very much open for business. Despite the damage caused to homes and businesses, Mirfield is thriving thanks to the wonderful community spirit that showed itself once again. Everyone rallied round and did their bit, with volunteers giving up their time to help with the clear-up operation and donating supplies. And one publican has told of his admiration for the way that Mirfield residents once again pulled together. Christopher Osman, who runs the Flower

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ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

Mirfield Moves On...

With great community spirit, the town comes together, and it’s business as usual

Pot on Calder Road, paid tribute to activities such as the collecting of food supplies at Castle Hall Academy. He said: “It doesn’t matter what race, creed or colour you are, if there’s trouble, they’re there for you.” The Flower Pot, which overlooks the River Calder, escaped on Boxing Day due to being slightly higher up above the flood plain. It offered a vantage point from which some people watched as items like a dog kennel and fridge freezer floated away. This was through nearby allotments that were turned in a torrent of rushing water. People went door to door checking on vulnerable residents while there were clean-ups of businesses at Holme Bank Mills. Volunteers also cleared Newgate outside Kingdom Hall – the place of workship for Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Aid collected through Castle Hall Academy was taken to areas even more badly hit, such as Todmorden. Mr Osman said: “The water came down so fast and in such an amount there was nowhere for it to go. “Look at The Ship Inn. They’d been making repairs from the last flood and then got clobbered again.” Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield) also praised the efforts and said: “It was fantastic

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to see. It’s something we’ve known about in all my time as a councillor – that there is a strong sense of community. “There’s a resilience and spirit here and

we hope to be able to harness that in the future.”

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ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

Mirfield Moves On...

With great community spirit, the town comes together, and it’s business as usual

New venture opens its doors in Mirfield THE MISSING LABEL BRAND NEW FACTORY SURPLUS & CHILDREN WEAR 1 Kings Street, Mirfield WF14 8AW

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A SUCCESSFUL estate agent is launching a new venture in Mirfield. Coubrough & Co, originally established in Cleckheaton in 2006, have become one of the fastestgrowing estate agents in the area, covering Kirklees, Bradford, Calderdale and Leeds. The firm already has offices in Cleckheaton, Birkenshaw, Wyke and now is launching a new era in

Mirfield by working together with Denise Proctor of Local Lettings. Coubrough & Co director Craig Sugden said: “Our partnership with Local Lettings is something we have been planning for a long time and felt 2016 was the right time to open our doors in Mirfield. “We wanted to bring a new dimension into the area and to link all their offices and properties together in

giving clients the best opportunity to sell or let their homes.” Coubrough & Co and Local Lettings have planned an informal opening afternoon on Wednesday January 27 from 1pm onwards to give new and old clients the opportunity to meet staff at the new venture. Yorkshire County Cricket Club captain Andrew Gale is due to officially open the Huddersfield Road office.

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ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016 PREPARATIONS are under way for this year’s Mirfield Show as the much-loved community event returns on Sunday August 21. Hosted at the Mirfield Showground on Huddersfield Road, the show is a great day out for the whole family, with free entry for all children under 16. As usual there’ll be a host of agricultural and animal-based attractions alongside a wonderful array of food, trade and craft stalls, not to mention a craft marquee showcasing various arts and crafts as well as hand-made goods all produced in Yorkshire. With competitions running in a variety of categories suitable for all ages, this year hopes to interest more competitors than ever before. Attracting over 12,000 visitors each year, the show is organised by a team of dedicated volunteers from Mirfield and the surrounding areas and the committee are always on the lookout for new members. If you are interested in finding out more, you can contact them at chairman@mirfieldshow.com. Alternatively, pop along in person to the Annual General Meeting on Monday February 8 (7.30pm), held at the Old Colonial on Dunbottle Lane, Mirfield. Chairman of the committee Karen Bullivant said: “We are not a boring or stuffy committee and we promise it will be less daunting than you imagine. The team brings together people of all ages and from all walks of life. We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to join in the fun.” In preparation for this year’s show the committee are also making improvements to the Showground, using profits from previous shows. Jake Hinchliffe, for the show, said: “Parts of the field are in a poor condition and significant areas are unusable after heavy rain. “This work will improve the general condition and make event planning easier. The field is owned by Kirklees and they have welcomed our efforts to improve the field. We are aiming for a squelch-free 2016 show!” The not-for-profit event relies on sponsorship from companies, organisations and individuals to keep the event going. Packages are available from £150, see www.mirfieldshow.com for more details. Applications for stalls are accepted until Friday 26th February but be quick as places are limited! Application forms are available at www.mirfieldshow.com or email mirfieldstallsmanager@ gmail.com.

Mirfield Moves On...

With great community spirit, the town comes together, and it’s business as usual

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ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

Mirfield Moves On...

With great community spirit, the town comes together, and it’s business as usual

FISH & CHIP SHOP MENU Fish ..............................................£3.00 Fish and Chips ...........................£4.40 Small Fish & Chips.....................£2.50 Large Special Fish .....................£4.20 Fish Bites (5) & Chips ................£3.50 Fish Butty....................................£3.60 Chip Butty ...................................£1.60 Fish Cake ....................................£1.70 Potato Scallop ...............................60p Jumbo Sausage..........................£1.00 Mushy Peas .........................60p/£1.00 Beans ...................................60p/£1.00 Curry.....................................60p/£1.00 Gravy ....................................60p/£1.00 SOMETHING DIFFERENT Steamed Salmon Fillet, seasoned with Cajun or Piri-Piri, served on a bed of Salad................................£6.50 Dressed Bridlington Crab Salad ....... .....................................................£6.50 Calamari Salad............................£4.50 Whitby Scampi (8) & Chips .......£3.70 Posh Fish Finger Sandwich on Hand Cut bread with Best Butter........£3.00

BOX MEALS (All served with chips)

Chicken Bites (10) ......................£3.70 SF Chicken Strips (7) .................£4.50 Chicken fillet Burger ..................£4.50 Chicken fillet Pitta ......................£4.50 Chicken fillet Wrap .....................£4.50 Calamari Wrap ............................£4.00 Pie, Chips & Gravy .....................£4.50 KIDS MEALS (served with Chips, Cup Drink & lollipop)

AN INVITATION has gone out to panto-goers to prepare for a few hours of fun and frolics as Dick Whittington visits Mirfield on his way to seek fame, fortune and streets paved with gold in London. For more than 60 years St Mary’s Parish Centre, on Church Lane, has provided the venue for the staging of the annual Mirfield Team Parish pantomime.

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This year the energetic and enthusiastic cast and chorus will be taking to the stage during the first week in February, when Dick Whittington, together with his feline friend, will lead the battle against the evil of King Rat and his accomplice, Evil Esmerelda.

KNOWL CLUB MIRFIELD (formerly Mirfield Liberal Club)

Fish Bites (3), Jumbo Sausage Chicken Bites (5) ........................£2.30

Opening times Monday – 4pm till 7pm, Wednesday & Thursday – 4pm till 8pm Friday – 11:30am till 1:30pm & 4pm till 8pm Saturday – 11:30am till 1:30pm & 4pm till 7pm Closed Sunday & Tuesday

Panto fun

Curtain-up is at 7.15pm on Wednesday February 3; Thursday February 4 and Friday February 5, with two performances on Saturday February 6, starting at 1pm and 5.30pm. Tickets cost £6 adults and £4 concessions, with a single price of £4 per person at the Wednesday show. For ticket enquiries call Pat Wilding on 01924 498290.

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Book it! SURPRISING stories about the literary Bronte family are to be told at Mirfield Library next month. Performer Colin Pinney is to play the part of Rev Patrick Bronte on Wednesday February 10. Part of the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charlotte Bronte, the event is at 7pm. Tickets are £2 and the age guidance is 16+. For information please Jenny Tomlinson Walsh on 07977 627128. Alternatively, go along to the next meeting of the Friends of Mirfield Library, which is at 6.30pm on Monday January 25 at the library. Also see listings for events throughout February organised to celebrate National Libraries Day on Saturday February 6.

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ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

Networking at the Mount BATLEY BULLDOGS are relaunching their business networking forum to co-incide with the start of the new rugby league season. Called simply ‘Bulldogs Networking’, the relaunched forum aims to attract local businesses, community-based groups and voluntary organisations to get together over breakfast at Mount Pleasant to share good ideas, make new contacts and promote the aims of local businesses, charities and the Bulldogs club itself. A number of guest speakers are invited to the monthly events, which start on Friday January 29 and normally run from 8am until 9am. Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen, is due to attend and will give a short presentation. All

attendees are sure of a warm welcome to the forum, where breakfast will be served, including bacon sandwiches and breakfast pastries, for a nominal charge of £5. Batley Bulldogs chief executive Paul Harrison said: “The club is delighted to be able to support the work of connecting local businesses and communities, and we look forward to welcoming people to our club and helping engender some really productive working relationships.” Businesses or community groups who wish to attend can simply turn up on the day. For more information contact Mark Redfearn on 07710 591465 or search on Twitter for @BatleyRLFC.

Web TALK with Andrew Firth Welcome to the first edition of Web Talk for 2016 (and the eighth year of this column), helping Kirklees website owners to prosper online

How are you going to get more from your site in 2016? ITH the new year underway, what resolutions do you have to get more from your website this year and grasp the opportunities that the internet has for you and your business? Here are the key things you need in place for online success this year! Content is king This phrase has been banded around for years but never has a truer statement been made when it comes to website performance. Google releases some 600 algorithm updates each year and we have already seen some significant changes in 2016. The Google Panda algorithm is responsible for policing content, and recent changes suggest that if you do not have a content strategy in place, then your website is likely to be deemed irrelevant. It doesn’t matter what marketing you do, if the landing experience for visitors is not evolving then Google will hold the website back (whether that be organic marketing, PPC quality score etc). If you do anything different

this year, plan to add new content to your site each week and push it out through social media channels – driving traffic in this way, to new content will support all other marketing you are doing. Website development When did you last get a new website? We advise all clients that they should be making significant changes to their website at least every two years and probably starting again every four years to keep up with performance expectations, browser and device evolution and opportunities to work with new technologies. There are still some 50 per cent of websites that are not mobile-friendly, which is a great reason to review your current site in comparison to your competitors and ask yourself if the website does your business justice. Modern sites have lots of animation and use JavaScript to present content in a very interactive way. It is very easy to tell old technology from new so if you want to keep up with your competitors do a review of your current offering.

Digital marketing Having a content strategy is vital to overall success but on its own can take a lot of time and effort to yield results. Because Google change the algorithms so much and factors such as location and browsing history have a big impact, organic search marketing can take longer to yield significant results. We are seeing a huge increase in paid advertising due to its instant results and quantifiable nature thanks to targeting through Facebook and Adwords and having strong marketing strategies in place to support traffic growth. If you are not getting enough traffic or conversions then paid advertising should be in your list of online activities for this year. To read more on this and other subjects, please visit the blog at www.ascensor.co.uk/blog For more information contact andrew@ascensor.co.uk Twitter: @andrewjfirth Connect on LinkedIn: andrewjfirth Ascensor are a Digital Agency providing website design, ecommerce and search engine optimisation.

An overview on disposal of assets AS SOLICITORS, we are often approached by people wanting to know whether they can dispose of an asset in order to reduce the amount of capital they have, so that if they or their spouse need to go into a care home in the future, the disposed-of asset will be disregarded from a capital point of view. It is easy to understand why this question is being asked considering that the average cost of residential care in Yorkshire is £489 per week and for nursing care it is £655 per week. The fact that we are becoming an ageing population with record numbers of people in their 70s and above also brings the question into sharp focus. What often causes confusion is that people are generally aware that if they give money or an asset away and survive for more than seven years, the money/asset does not count as capital of theirs. This is all to do with Inheritance Tax and has nothing to do with care/nursing homes – it is a frequent misunderstanding. Before anyone can go into a local authority/nursing home, they have to have a needs assessment. The council has a legal duty to carry a needs assessment of anyone that they think might be eligible for local authority care. The outcome provides a professional assessment of whether the person requires care and, if so, what type of care they need. It takes the form of a written care plan. If the person is assessed as requiring care/nursing accommodation, then they or a close relative on their behalf applies to the local authority for help and the council carries out a financial assessment (means test) of that person’s income, savings and assets in order to calculate how much financial help can be provided. At the moment, if the person requiring care has capital of £14,250 or less, they will be entitled to maximum support. This means that they will have to contribute all of their income including state benefits (which they must claim) to the council, except for a personal expense allowance. If the person has between £14,250 and £23,250 in capital, they

Legal Eye with Hellewell, Pasley and Brewer have to pay a contribution equivalent to £1 for every £250 of their savings between the above figures. They will also have to contribute all of their income including benefits towards the fees, again except for the personal expenses allowance. The above is a brief overview of the situation. The problems are if the person has capital in excess of £23,250. Clearly, anyone who owns a house is almost certainly going to find themselves in this situation. Let’s therefore move to the choices facing home owners. If the person requiring care is the only person living in a home they own, the assumption will be that that house will be sold as soon as possible to fund the care. However, if the relative owns the property jointly with their partner, the property will be disregarded when it comes to assessing capital. The property will also be excluded from assessment if the person needing care has a close relative living there who is either incapacitated (defined as if they qualify for a disability benefit) or if a child for whom they a responsible lives there. If the person needing help does not have enough money from income to pay their fees and is finding it difficult to sell their home or does not want to sell it straight away, they can ask the council for a long-term loan known as a ‘deferred payment agreement’. This means that the council will pay for the care/nursing costs and secure the loan against the property to be repaid when the person either dies or the property is eventually sold. In fact, from April 1 last year, councils will actually be required to offer a deferred payments agree-

ment to most qualifying persons. Is there interest to pay on a deferred payment? Yes, from April 1 2015, interest is now added after 56 days into the deferred period together with a charge for administering the payment from the start of the agreement but the interest rates/charges are designed to cover the council’s costs in making the loan; they are not allowed to make a profit from the arrangement. And so to the elephant in the room – the existence of a house which will take just about every homeowner over the capital limit, meaning that (unless there is money in the bank to pay the fees) the property will have to be sold or a deferred payment plan agreed. It is therefore tempting and understandable to want to ‘offload’ the house so that it is excluded from the financial assessment. If the council considers that a person has deliberately disposed of an asset to remove it from the capital calculation under the means test, the council will regard that as ‘deliberate deprivation’ and therefore include the value of the house in the means test regardless. Deliberate deprivation would include giving away the house, transferring it into other people’s names, or transferring/selling a house for less than its true value. The council would be particularly looking at: A) Motive/intention – when disposing of assets, was the main reason to avoid care charges? B) Timing – the council will look at the time between the person realising that they need care and the disposing of the assets. Please note that there is no set time limit as to how far back the council can investigate; C) Amount – was the gift/transfer a significant sum that would make a difference to the capital limit? I would say, of the above factors, it all boils down to intention. There are rights of appeal which can be pursued if you feel that an unfair decision has been made. I hope that the above overview is helpful but, it is just that – an overview. Each individual person’s circumstances are different so these matters need to be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Richard Whitaker Partner Dewsbury Office (01924) 455515 66 Daisy Hill, Dewsbury Tel: 01924 455515 2 Nelson Street, Birstall Tel: 01924 472596

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Friday January 15, 2016

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Over 15 years of regular visits, I have always received nothing but fantastic food and first-class service. With its wonderfully quirky, but tasteful, Chinese style décor, it’s the perfect place to receive and thoroughly enjoy the full Chinese dining experience. My friend and I visited on a Saturday evening when, on

arrival, we were greeted by the friendly, pleasant staff, and shown to our seats. Prior to this we were given the option of having a drink in the modern bar area, however, due to participating in ‘Dry January’, we declined. For a starter I opted for spare ribs in OK sauce – an all time favourite of mine, while for a little variety, my friend chose a mixed starter platter. We also had a side order of prawn crackers and seaweed. For the main course, we both opted for sirloin steak, Cantonese style, which is served on a hot, sizzling plate, and accompanied by egg fried rice and soft noodles with bean sprouts. The whole meal was truly delicious, with generous por-

tions, which we struggled to finish. During our visit, we also noticed some fellow diners from ITV’s Emmerdale, whom I was informed regularly dine at the Yangtze. Whether it’s a birthday party, a quiet night out with your other half, or a works ‘do’, the Yangtze really is the place to celebrate. A disco is held regularly on a weekend, and there are many other events throughout the year, including charity auctions and ladies’ nights. A particular favourite event of mine and my family’s, and one not to be missed, is the Chinese New Year celebrations, which include dancing lions and firecrackers.

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Friday January 15, 2016

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Friday January 22, 2016

Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details MONDAY FEBRUARY 1 SATURDAY JANUARY 30 OAKWELL IN WINTER (NK) GILDERSOME MOOR & MORE (NK) Meet 1pm top car park Oakwell Meet 10.30am at Moorland Road Hall WF17 9LG near Drighlington Library BD11 GR SE 217 270 4 miles (M) 1JZ Notes: No dogs – litter pick GR SE 7.7 miles (M) Leader: Kathleen O’Shea Leader: Norma Tel: 01924 471473 Tel: 01274 685343

Final few spots remain on courses ANYONE lucky enough to receive a new camera for Christmas who needs help with all the buttons and settings should check out the photography courses that are taking place at Oakwell Hall in Birstall. But snappers will have to be quick if they want to grab one of the few remaining places on each of the three courses. The classes are intended to encourage people new to digital photography but are open to anyone interested in learning how to get the best out of their camera. Courses for beginners on digital photography and SLR cameras are being run tomorrow (Sat) and Saturday February 6. A course for those keen to learn more about advanced settings and techniques is being run on Saturday March 19. The classes which will be held by professional photographer Patrick Crowley, are all from 9.45am to 4.30pm and cost £20 per person. Places must be booked in advance by contacting Oakwell Hall Visitor Centre on 01924 324761.

Art fair at town hall CALLING all artists! The Yorkshire Art Fair 2016 has moved to Cleckheaton Town Hall and will be held on Saturday April 16. If you are interested in taking a stand or would like further information, call Ann on 07946 548046 or email info@ yorkshireartfair.com.

Glitz and glamour VISITORS can step into their favourite stories at Bagshaw Museum on Saturday February 13 as they explore the world of magical clothes – the red riding hood, cloaks of invisibility, seven league boots and, of course, the legendary glass slippers. This should be a treat for fans of glitz and glamour as visitors can explore the enchanting history of the Princess dress, from Cinderella’s ball gown to Princess Diana and Disney. There will be replica gowns and original historical items in the History Wardrobe’s presentation and a dazzling fairy godmother will dress Cinderella for all the glory of an 18th century ball. The presentation starts at 2pm and will last approximately two hours. Tickets are £12.50 and are available from Bagshaw Museum, in Wilton Park, Batley on 01924 324765.

Dewsbury Minster Church Diary: 9am every day: Morning prayers in the St Paulinus Chapel. Refectory Coffee Shop: Open 9.30am to 2.30pm Monday to Saturday for full breakfasts, lunchtime menus and special dishes. Saturday January 23: Prayer Breakfast at Elim Church (please sign up Minster Reception) Sunday Janaury 24: 10.30am: Holy Communion; 6.30pm Churches Together, joint service, week of prayer for Christian Unity. Tuesday January 27: 11am Longcauseway, Holocaust Memorial Day act of commemoration. Friday February 5: 7pm ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. Silent films at Dewsbury Minster with live organ improvisation by Jonathan Eyre. Tickets £5 on the door.

Plenty of food for thought in new talk PICTURE postcards can be invaluable to anyone interested in local history – but the messages found on the reverse sides can be even more interesting, dramatic and amusing than the photographs on the front. That’s the opinion of former librarian Ian Dewhirst, one of the most popular speakers to appear annually at the Batley History Group meetings. And Ian will be highlighting some of the most fascinating mes-

sages he has come across when he gives his talk History Through Postcard Messages at the History Group meeting next Monday (January 25) at Batley Town Hall. Over the years Ian has written hundreds of magazine articles along with several books while serving as reference librarian at Keighley. He has been awarded both the MBE medal and an Honorary Doctorate from Bradford

University for his services to local history. He says that librarianship was not initially a very exciting career but it dovetailed admirably with his personal interests and he was able to unearth lots of fascinating stories about the English way of life while pursuing it. He has already talked to History Group members about Victorian and Edwardian leisure pursuits, about Yorkshire

Christmas traditions and the strange activities within Yorkshire townships. Now everyone is intrigued to learn what other compelling stories he has collected from his visits to various archives. “They certainly present plenty of food for thought,” he said. The meeting starts at 7.30pm in the main hall but free refreshments are available from 7pm. Admission is £2 for members and £4 for non members.

Art showcase coupled with useful workshops THE FIRST Junior Art in the Barn exhibition will be held at Gomersal’s Red House Museum from this weekend. The event showcases the work of young artists aged 14-21, and the senior version of the exhibition will run at nearby Oakwell Hall at the same time. In addition to the exhibition, which runs from January 23 to February 10, there will also be a chance for young artists to improve their skills by taking part in a workshop on Saturday January 30. In the ‘Life Drawing’ workshop, led by pro-

fessional artist Jim Bond, two models in period costume will pose in the rooms of the historic Red House. The event is aimed at children aged 10 years and above, and as an exciting extra their work will be exhibited on easels in the rooms where it was created as an extension of the exhibition. In the ‘Drawing with Wire’ workshop, led by professional artist Helaina Sharpley, children aged 8-14 and their parents will be able to make a picture of Red House out of wire. At both workshops materials will be provided and children must be

accompanied by an adult. In addition, on Sunday January 31 (2pm3pm), Helaina Sharpley will give a master class ‘Professional Skills for Artists in the Digital Age’. She will discuss her website and her use of social media for self-promotion and selling. It is aimed at students on vocational art and design courses and costs £2.50 to attend. As numbers are limited, booking in advance is essential. To book places contact Red House Museum, on Oxford Road, Gomersal by calling 01274 335056 or 07773 212763.

Glimpse into the life of a legend Glorious! The Story of Florence Foster Jenkins Performed by Dewsbury Arts Group Review by Christopher Ward FLORENCE Foster Jenkins was a puzzle; a strange phenomenon of the 20th century. Born the daughter of an affluent banker, she decided at an early age that she had the angelic voice of an operatic diva and was determined to let the world have the pleasure of hearing her singing. Sadly, not many people shared her enthusiasm – her father disowned her in an attempt to prevent public performances. ‘Glorious!’ tells the story of her fight for attention; a story that reaches the dizzy heights – seeing Florence fill to capacity one of the most prestigious performance venues in the world. This is a finely-crafted play which gives the audience a revealing glimpse into the life of legend. The characters are broadly drawn and the author brings out much humour. The play is nimbly directed by Margaret Biglands and she has assembled a fine ensemble cast, each one of whom creates a credible character. At the outset of the play we meet Cosmé McMoon, a young musician being employed as

piano player to Florence. Cosmé is played by Dan Henry with a flawless accent, witty reposts and brilliant facial reactions to the antics of his new employer. Next comes Maria, the Mexican maid, played by Maria Bailey. This is potentially a caricature – the maid speaks no English – but Maria gives an unexpected subtlety to the part. Stuart Marshall revels in his role of St Clair, the English actor chappie who is ‘boyfriend’ to Florence. Carol Ward gives the role of

Dorothy a perfect accent and delightful wit. Sue Saville brings a forceful persona and a barbed tongue to the role of Mrs Johnson, a lone dissenting voice on the subject of Florence’s singing. Ricky, the poodle, also plays a key part. The success of the play depends on Florence and Jacky Fletcher brings a bravura performance to this key role, a forceful portrayal of this eccentric character. The set makes the most of a space that has to encompass the Ritz Carleton, a New York apartment and a recording studio, all

enhanced by clever use of overhead projection. Spectacular costumes and meticulous props are carefully chosen to evoke a bygone era. The play runs until tomorrow (Sat); see it and decide – was Florence really deluded or did she just want to give people a bit of joy in their lives? Glorius! is performed at Dewsbury Arts Space, on Lower Peel Street, off Bradford Road tonight (Fri) and Saturday at 7.30pm. For tickets and information call 01924 465647.

ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network

It’s a right Carry On for Dame Barbara Windsor... RISE, Dame Babs! Eastenders and Carry On star Barbara Windsor was recently given this great honour, and she told me: “I am honestly in shock, to me it’s odd as to get an award for something you love doing is amazing. I also have to say I am totally British and adore our Royal Family. Plus we do have the same surname, don’t we Ann?!” Ah Windsor, of course...

LES DENNIS is leaving Coronation Street - and he’s not the only cast member making an exit. Les, who plays reformed burglar Michael Rodwell, will depart the cobbles to appear in a theatre production of Alan Bleasdale’s ‘Down The Dock Road’ at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre. A source tells me: “Lots of actors’ contracts are up for renewal in the soap, and many are very worried.” THE smash hit musical Footloose will burst back on to the stage this year with Gareth Gates playing the role of Willard, from January 29. The show will be premiering at the Spa, Bridlington – book now for a great night. FORMER Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates tells me that he has spurned the chance to represent us at the Eurovision Song Contest many times. “It’s not for me thanks,” he said. “I mean I enjoy the show and all that, but I think in reality we have zero chance of ever winning a show like that again.” THE ACTOR who plays Emmerdale’s Zak Dingle is stunned to be involved in such a steamy affair storyline. Steve Halliwell tells me: “I was stunned when they told us all about it, but it’s been so well received and we are having fun. All the fans are taking the side of Lisa naturally, but it could all turn in Zak’s favour soon.” JAMES NORTON reveals a strange connection between his ground-breaking role in Happy Valley and his other TV shows. He said: “Ah you found out, well my dad is an extra and he often comes in to the shows I am working on, and appears in the background. He loves it of course that we are together, but I hope one day he gets elevated to a bigger part.” HEARTBEAT’S Tricia Penrose knows all about the fame game. She tells me: “In 1996 I got my big break with

Ann Montini and Dame Barbara Windsor at The Hippodrome, London Maycon Pictures

NEWS EXTRA:

Assault hunt POLICE in Batley are appealing for information after a teenage girl was subjected to a sexual assault in Wilton Park. The 16-year-old victim was walking through the park between 6pm and 6.30pm on Monday January 4 when she was approached by a group of four males. One indecently touched the victim before she managed to dig her nails into his wrist and run to a place of safety, from where she called the police. The man who assaulted her is described as white, between 18 and 19 with brown hair. He was wearing a dark-coloured baseball cap, navy blue Adidas jumper and jogging bottoms. The other males are described as all being white and of a similar age. Police Sergeant Andy Maloney, of Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of Wilton Park and believes they saw this group or anyone who has information about who these individuals are. “It is possible that the man who assaulted the victim may have marks to his left wrist where she dug her nails in. “Anyone with information is please asked to call Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team via 101 quoting reference number 13160004542.”

Call for cash to get alleviate Spen flooding MP JO COX is calling on the government to find the money needed to complete flood defences in Batley and Spen. The latest data from the Environment Agency reveals that 2,286 homes in Batley & Spen are at risk of flooding. Three flood defence projects, costing £2.1million, are under development but will not proceed until a funding shortfall of £915,000 is addressed. Mrs Cox said: “It’s hard to overstate the economic and human cost of flooding. It doesn’t just damage property, it ruins lives. “As the severity and frequency of flooding increases so the number of people in Batley & Spen at risk will also rise. “We urgently need robust defences – and I am asking the government to find the money we need to protect local people today and into the future.” The schemes in question would alleviate flooding in Cleckheaton and at Radulf Gardens and Ings Crescent in Littletown, all of which have been notorious for flooding in recent years from the River Spen. Each scheme would predominantly protect homes, but also a small number of businesses.

Simon Cowell. I had to sing Where Did Our Love Go in an episode of Heartbeat and the producer suggested releasing it as a single. It got to number 42, so Simon dropped me – I was mortified, now though I can look back and laugh, I mean at least it got into the charts...”

more than five years after controversially quitting to join ITV in a big-money deal. Adrian admits: “I enjoyed going back, and no they would not want me back full time, but we all move on and I have learned from my mistakes and know how to enjoy the better moments now.”

When you ‘kinda’ wanna just do it

BIRDS of a Feather actress Lesley Joseph tells me she has a famous fan. “It’s Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, who asked to meet us when she toured the ITV studios last autumn,” she said. “It was an honour. She was asked who she would like to see, and Birds was at the top of her list. It’s her favourite programme. How amazing.”

STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli tells me he thinks that the show’s bosses will find it hard to top last year’s line-up of stars. “We did ever so well ratingswise and had some great people,” he said. “I know it’s tough every year to ponder just how they will do it, but they always seem to find just the right mix.”

By Roberttown-based health & fitness expert Andrea Springthorpe

KATHERINE KELLY, best known for playing Becky McDonald in Coronation Street, looked almost unrecognisable as Baroness Schrader in the recent TV version of The Sound Of Music, but she tells me: “When I started out I wanted to be a pop star, I really did, but musical theatre was my calling, and then came the creation of Becky in the Street, so it’s all worked out in the end.” KATIE PRICE is officially joining the Loose Women panel. But she tells me: “I am more mature now and I won’t want to upset anyone, but yes I will have some strong opinions on almost everything, so I think I will become a great fit for the show.” DID you know that Downton Abbey actress Dame Maggie Smith was once a hostess on a Hughie Green game show? She tells me: “I started out doing that to get my equity card, and so it’s remained a secret for years ... how did you find out?” ADRIAN CHILES has made a return to The One Show

PAM ST CLEMENT, the 73year-old actress who quit EastEnders in 2012 after more than 25 years of playing Pat Butcher, tells me she thinks it was a huge mistake to kill off the character. “Plain daft really, but as an actor you don’t have a say and that is the truth. Soap bosses decide for you.” JENNIE MCALPINE has revealed that she considered giving up her job on Coronation Street earlier this year. The actress explained that she pondered putting her career on hold to become a full-time mother while on her recent maternity leave. “I think when you get a break you do think ... do I want to go back? I am glad I did, but it was really tempting to stay at home,” she said. A FRESH batch of celebrities are heading to the baking tent for next Great Sport Relief Bake Off. One surprise guest will be none other than the Prime Minister’s wife Samantha Cameron. She reveals: “I love the show and wanted to get involved, although I am worried what people may think about my baking.”

N JANUARY most people set resolutions ... New Year, New You, blah, blah, blah, but how many people actually stick to them? Come February they may have gone by the wayside. In order for you to stick at something you really have to want it! If not it will become something that gets put on the back burner or swept under the carpet. A few months ago I set myself a challenge of being able to do 10 ‘strict’ overhand pull-ups. I have been stuck at four for years and I always had a dream to smash out 10. I have had this dream for so long that when I first set my challenge I said if I got to 10 then I would apply for Gladiators (when it was televised the second time and not the original – I’m not that old!). It is that long ago now that even the secondtime-round Gladiators are no more. I read up on how to improve on pull-ups as it is something I really want to be able to achieve. I took the advice I read on board and within a matter of weeks I had progressed from four to eight. So 10 in my head was achievable by Christmas, but unfortunately Christmas came and I didn’t do it – my best effort was 9.5! Someone said that if I wanted it bad enough then I would have got my chin over the bar. I felt like punching them as this is something I really want to do and my body just couldn’t achieve it. No amount of leg pumping was

getting my chin over the bar. My next target date was by the end of the year, but excess food and drink and the extra 1/2 stone I am carrying put that goal back too. I could quite easily take my bat and ball home, get disheartened and give up. But because this is something I really want (and the fact I am a stubborn) I will carry on trying until I get there! Yes my date might be delayed but I will get there and you will be the first to know when I do! All this got me thinking about why so many people don’t achieve their goals. I guess there are two types, those who try their damned hardest and for some reason they don't achieve it in the timescale they set, but it’s not from a lack of trying (like my pullups). Or there are those that kind of want results, but not really. If you were truly passionate about your goal then you would do everything in your power to do it. Or it might be the fact that they are taking on

someone else’s goals or think that they should be doing something. Take diet and exercise. There are many people out there that say they should eat healthily and exercise. But the word ‘SHOULD’ says that they don’t actually want to! The difference between someone saying they should do something and those who say they want to achieve X,Y and Z are the results they produce. Those who should probably start exercising in January stop by February and by the second week in January they are reaching for the cream cakes! If you are overweight or don’t exercise but are happy with what stares back at you in the mirror, then high five! I have respect that there are people out there who are honest enough to say that they enjoy food and watching films too much. Everyone’s goal is personal and different. My goal is to be fit, healthy, live a long happy life, look amazing in a bikini and to stay looking as young as possible for as long as possible! If you have similar goals then make 2016 the year that you achieve them. A goal is just a dream with an end date. Have a great year.

Andrea Fit 4 Force www.fit4force.co.uk info@fit4force.co.uk 07949 959 547

Friday January 22, 2016

ThePress

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Friday January 22, 2016

ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Town clinch rare How to advertise... win to progress in League Cup There are THREE ways to place your advert: 1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Come into the offices of The

NEW Set of crown green bowls, black lignoid, 2lb 10oz £20. Tel 07772 910983. (1854)

Quality dark green leather, winged armchair, never used, excellent condition £50. Tel 07806 431728. (1855) Collectable Edwardian sledge, wooden slaits on cast iron blades, ideal for use as sledge or garden ornament £15 ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1855) Mahogany, round dining table, extends to oblong, and four chairs all in good condition £200. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) Smokers stand in brass, over 50 years old, in good condition £20. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) Russell Hobbs bread maker with all the instructions, used twice £20. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) Ladies doublebreasted red coat, size 12, new, not worn £20. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) COLLECTIBLES Boxed Victorian dolls, porcelain 12” high, with stands. Brandnew, in boxes £6 each ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1823) ELECTRICAL Epson Stylus SX425 3in-1 printer/ scanner/ copier. Wi-fi, boxed, very good condition £25. Mirfield 01924 491306. (1827) FABRIC/ FASHION/ CLOTHING Vintage wedding dress with train. Very pretty white chiffon and lace. Size 10/12. High neck and flared sleeves. £70 Tel 01924 495675 (1853) Two leather jackets. 44 reg, one black and one brown. Excellent condition. £7 each. Tel 01274 876814 (1844) Ladies coat size 16/18. Fully reversible. Coloured suedette

Press at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge). 3) Post your advert to us at The Press with details of your name and a contact number. Include

patches and faux fur. £25 ono. Tel 07876 163070 (1845)

Ladies sheepskin jacket, size 12, light brown, VGC, cost over £200, too small now, bargain at £30. Tel 07786 404627. (1819) FURNITURE King-size brown leather sleigh bed. £75. Tel 01924 464527 (1852) Black recliner electric massage chair. £150. Tel 01274 398891 (1848) Large three-seater and two-seater settee with matching pouffe in leather. Mid-mushroom colour. Very well made, good condition. Buyer to collect, very heavy. £199 ono (Gomersal) Tel 01274 687250 (1849) Five-foot damask bed. Pocket sprung base and mattress with two drawers. Good condition. £50 Tel 01924 464527 (1850) King-size four-drawer bed, with Benson’s Sleepmaster individual pocket sprung censor foam luxury mattress. Unmarked, excellent condition. Cost over £1,000 new, bargain at £150 ono. Sale due to removal. Buyer collects (Mirfield) Tel 07876 163070 (1841) Stunning, ornate, Japanese-style, lacquered, oval occasional table with six buffets, in dark red wood, with removable glass top, and mother of pearl decorations. £600 ono. Tel 07952 526527 after 2pm. (1831) Pretty pink dralon chaise longue, with gold and pink fringing. Never used, bargain at £50. Buyer collects. Tel 07979 794161. (1832) Four ladder-back pine dining chairs with seat covers and table. Excellent condition, like new £60 ono. Tel 01924 485972. (1824) Three-piece suite comprising threeseater settee and two man & lady recliner chairs, in very good condition, will sell separately, offers invited.

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Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus Tel 01924 465808. (1825) Sofa bed in light blue/ grey. Metal action, full mattress, as new. Cost £1,000 will accept £550. Buyer collects. Tel 01924 423376. (1817) Metal computer trolley, silver with sliding shelf for keyboard. (H) 78cm x (W) 70cm x (D) 55cm. Ex-Argos, excellent condition £20. Tel 01924 461639. (1818) GARDEN Well-rotted horse manure (no straw), five bags £10. Free local delivery. Ring Ken 01924 409540/ 07922 186721. (1814) HOUSEHOLD Brass standard lamp for sale, with glass shade, £25. Tel 01924 470028 after 6pm. (1836) Crown regency gold leaf china tea set. £10. Tel 01924 464527 (1851) MOBILITY DMA red mobility scooter, excellent working order, will fit in car boot, £90. Tel 01924 609015. (1840) MUSICAL Piano accordion. £10) Tel 07806 431728 (1847) SPORTING/ OUTDOOR/ FITNESS Bodymax folding treadmill, good condition. LCD console, various speeds, modes and inclines £80 ono. Buyer to collect. Tel 07833 136856. (1839) Apollo ladies/girls bike with 18 gears and suspension. New lights

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£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11 etc. Excellent condition. £35. Tel 01274 876814 (1842) Muddy Fox dual suspension bike. Tornado 6 speed 20” x 1.95” wheels. Excellent condition £30. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) BMX Universal bike 14” wheels £15. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) Golf clubs, bag, balls, 2 x hand carts with accessories £100 for quick sale. Tel 01924 465808. (1825) Olympus 20kg chrome dumbell set, in carrying case, as new £25 ono. Tel 01924 505834. (1822) TOOLS/DIY Timber, 2 metre lengths, 4 x 1, 20 pieces £20. Tel Batley 01924 472043. (1838) Mechanics Britool socket set with extension bars, ratchet etc. In metal case. £7. Tel 01274 876814 (1843) TOYS AND GAMES Child’s three-wheeler bike and two scooters. £5 each. Tel 07806 431728 (1846) Boys bike Sabre GTX, 5 speed. Front wheel 20” x 2.25”, rear 20” x 3” £15. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) Mamas & Papas dolls buggy, excellent condition £25. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) 18 Barbie dolls (inc 4 mermaids) £30. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) Barbie two-tier dolls house; pulls up for storage £10 ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1823)

Integro Doodson League Cup SPENNYMOOR TOWN OSSETT TOWN

0 1

at The Brewery Field A SECOND-HALF strike from David Brown was enough for Ossett Town to see off Spennymoor Town in the Integro Doodson League Cup second round. The game was close and both teams cancelled each other out for the most part throughout the contest. With the scores level at half-time and clearcut chances difficult to come by, the opening

goal was going to be pivotal. And to the delight of the travelling Reds fans it went the way of the visitors thanks to Brown’s goal in the 52nd minute. Graham Nicholas’ men have struggled defensively of late, conceding nine goals in their last three outings, but on Tuesday night they put in a resilient display to hold on to their one-goal lead and progress to the next round of the Integro Doodson Cup. The fact they knocked out the seventh placed side in the Evo-Stik First Division North will also give the Reds encouragement as they look to distance themselves from the relegation zone in the weeks ahead. Tomorrow Town continue their league campaign away at Trafford (3pm).

Nicholas names right hand man OSSETT TOWN manager Graham Nicholas has appointed Neil Jones as his new assistant following the departure of Dave Merris to Scarborough Athletic. Neil Jones worked with Nicholas at Garforth Town while Merris has joined former Town boss Steve Kittrick on the east coast. Former York City full-back

Merris played under Kittrick at Guiseley and played 67 times for the Reds, having joined in 2014. Nicholas has also named Nick Wood as his vice-captain this week. Wood has been out since September through injury but is now back to full fitness, and his return is hoped to boost Town and help

RUGBY UNION

Cleck aim for big win over Burnage CLECKHEATON RUFC play Burnage tomorrow (Sat) having not played for two weeks and hoping to bag their first away win of the season. The Moorenders’ home game against Lymm was called off due to a frozen pitch last Saturday so they will look to gain ground on teams above them with a win over bottom side Burnage. Burnage, stranded on nine points at the foot of National League Three North, are the only team below Cleckheaton, so it is a real opportunity for the Moorenders to close the gap on Huddersfield YMCA and Birkenhead Park who sit directly above them just outside of the relegation zone.

Ossett prepare for York battle in Yorkshire Four OSSETT RUFC were hoping to bounce back quickly from a heavy 55-0 defeat on the road to promotion hopefuls Skipton, but it wasn’t to be after their home game against Leeds Corinthians was postponed due to a frozen pitch last Saturday. Ossett are currently ninth and a win over the Leedsbased side, who are a place below the Queens Terrace outfit, could have seen Ossett jump to fifth in the league table. But Ossett now look to get back to winning ways tomorrow away at York Railway Institute (2.15pm), a side level on points with Ossett and who sit directly above them in Yorkshire Division Four.

DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS: TUESDAY, JANUARY 12: 1 W and J Davies; 2 G Clarke and A Haith;

3 M Loveridge and J Roberts; 4 A Cooper and J Lodge.

them climb out of relegation trouble. Wood has made 88 appearances for the Reds and scored twice from centre back. Town are also in discussions with Scarborough’s Fernando Moke over a possible transfer this month to further strengthen Nicholas’ squad.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

TOUGH OSSETT TEST THIS WEEKEND’S West Riding Women’s League Premier Division leaders Ossett Town face what could be their toughest game of the season when they entertain an Altofts side just three points adrift of Town but with two games in hand. None of the district’s side were in action last week but with First Division promotion chasers Battyeford Belles at Leeds side Republica International, and Dewsbury Rangers still in the Third Division promotion hunt at home to 100 per cent leaders Wigton Moor, it could be an explosive return to action this week. In the North East Regional League Southern Division Ossett Albion’s game with struggling Overs Foundation was another snow hit fixture but there is hope of their game going ahead at home to promotion chasing Sheffield Wednesday. FA Women’s Premier League North side Huddersfield Town try for the third successive week to get their FA Women’s Cup tie at Bradford City played.

CRICKET

Cup draws made THE DRAW was made this week for the 2016 Heavy Woollen Cup and Crowther Cup competitions, and it has been particularly unkind to our district’s clubs. In the Heavy Woollen Cup first round Spen Victoria go to Townville, East Bierley are at Whiteley Hall, Scholes go to Treeton, Hanging Heaton face Oldham side Delph and Dobcross, Ossett are at Brook Walton, Gomersal go to Moorlands and Birstall open their campaign at Bradford side Buttershaw St Pauls. Holders Woodlands are at Shepley while Hopton Mills have been awarded a bye. These games are to be played on Sunday, April 17 and 16 teams will go through to the second round on May 8.

ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Albion momentum freezes in bitterly cold conditions Evo-Stik First Division North OSSETT ALBION LANCASTER CITY

1 3

at Warehouse Systems Stadium OSSETT ALBION’S downturn in fortune continues in 2016 after Richard Tracey’s men lost 3-1 at home to Lancaster City in the Evo-Stik First Division North. Albion clinched the club of the month award in both November and December following a tremendous run of form which saw them climb into the play-off places. But since their 3-2 win over local rivals Ossett Town, Albion have slumped to back-toback defeats. In their latest outing against Lancaster Albion took the lead through their top goalscorer Rob Bordman in the 12th minute. The prolific striker neatly chipped a lose ball over Mark Hale in the City goal. From that point on it looked like business as usual for the league’s fourth-placed side, but they struggled to add to their lead in the first half as Lancaster frustrated the hosts. In fact Lancaster had two good chances to draw level before the break in what was a scrappy affair on a frozen pitch. Craig Carney found space on the edge of the box, but his effort was well saved by Brett Souter, and Ryan Winder forged himself a good chance cutting inside from the right but he dragged his shot across the face of the goal. With the score just 1-0 at the break Albion new they still had a game on their hands against dangerous opponents. And so it proved as Lancaster dominated the second period. The visitors pressed their opponents high up the pitch and it was rewarded with an equaliser for the Dolly Blues. Billy Akrigg forced Souter into a rushed

From left are vice-president of the Northern Premier League Phil Bradley, Richard Tracey, Dominic Riordan and Ossett Albion secretary Steve Hanks clearance, which deflected of the Lancaster player and fell into the path of the visitors’ inform striker Tom Kilifin who slotted his shot into an empty net. With the scores level Albion battled hard to retake the lead. Bordman's free-kick came close, but the strikers shot was well saved by Hale.

It was Zach Clarke’s introduction for Lancaster which turned the tide in this match when the winger fired his side ahead shortly afterwards following an accurate cross from Carney. And with eight minutes remaining Phil Brown’s men sealed the win through Winder, following another good assist from Carney.

Bordman had a chance to pull one back in the dying minutes but his effort was dragged wide. It means Albion lose ground on the league leaders and Lancaster climb to seventh after completing their fourth win on the bounce. Next up for Albion is the visit of Northwich Victoria tomorrow (3pm).

Club of the New faces arrive Rimmington’s side month curse to improve Sedge lose further ground for Albion OSSETT ALBION have clinched back-toback club of the month awards for November and December but haven’t won a game since. Albion were presented with the Evo-Stik Division One North Club of the Month accolade before last weekend’s game against Lancaster City by the league’s Respect officer Phil Bradley. Speaking of the award Albion chairman Dominic Riordan said: “As a small club on a limited budget, to win the award once is a massive achievement but to win it in two consecutive months is nothing short of remarkable. “Full credit must go to the manager Richard Tracey, coaches Luke Potter and Eric Gilchrist and of course the whole playing squad. All their hard work is starting to pay off.” Albion bagged the honour for December following four league wins on the road against Trafford, Scarborough Athletic, Harrogate Railway and finally their fierce rivals Ossett Town. Albion’s only home game came against Garforth Town where Tracey’s men won 20 to secure a spot in the last four of the West Riding County Cup.

NCEL Premier Division STAVELEY MW

LIVERSEDGE FC have been busy in the transfer market this January as they look to climb to safety in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

Along with striker Dempsey Smith and a trio of promising youngsters, Marc Lumb, Rhys Davies and Reece Jenkinson, Sedge fans can be buoyed by the arrival of 20-year-old T’nique Fishley from Ossett Town and experienced central midfielder Adam Jones from Ossett Albion. Striker Adam Fowler, 20, has also arrived from Thackley alongside Rob Thomas, who has joined for a second stint at Clayborn following a move from Glasshoughton with Regan Fish. Sedge are also close to finalising a deal to bring Jamie Riordan to the club. Nostell Miners Welfare captain Max Elliott has bolstered the Sedge ranks and so too has Niall Coulthard and James Arnold from Selby Town. More good news for the Clayborn side comes from the fact that goalkeeper Christian

LIVERSEDGE FC at Inkersall Road

Adam Jones in action for Ossett Albion earlier this season Adam Hirst Thewlis has returned from injury, but Jonathan Rimmington has still signed Garforth Town’s Dom Smith as experienced cover. Meanwhile players exiting the struggling Northern Counties East League Premier club include Kieran Corley, Brooke Newton and Andrew Wood.

LIVERSEDGE remain rooted to the bottom of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier following another disappointing 3-1 defeat on the road, this time at the hands of Staveley Miners Welfare. Having not played a game since December 5 Sedge were understandably rusty, despite being boosted by new signings in recent weeks. On a firm pitch due to the overnight frost the hosts dealt with the conditions better, but they had Kieran Watson to thank for their three points from this game. Watson netted a hat-trick, scoring his first goal in the seventh minute, before doubling his tally nine minutes later. The slow start really cost Sedge, but from that point on the visitors competed well

against the league’s sixthplaced side. In the second half Liversedge’s effort paid off thanks to a goal from debutant Max Elliot, who halved the visitors deficit. The away side battled hard to find an equaliser but it proved elusive. And while Sedge were in search of a second goal Watson bagged his third for Staveley in the 78th minute to wrap the game up for the hosts. The defeat leaves Liversedge two points adrift at the bottom of the table, but the Clayborn side do have games in hand on their relegation rivals. Liversedge’s Tuesday night game against Retford had to be re-scheduled due to the visitors’ cup arrangements which added to the Clayborn side’s fixture congestion. Sedge are due to host Athersley tomorrow (3pm) for their first home game since the end of October, when they beat Barton Town Old Boys.

ThePress

Friday January 22, 2016

RUGBY LEAGUE

Rams put up valiant fight against strong St Helens Pre-season friendly

MATCH STATS:

ST HELENS

DEWSBURY RAMS

ST HELENS Jack Owens Matty Dawson Jordan Turner Dominique Peyroux Mark Percival Travis Burns Luke Walsh Lama Tasi James Roby Kyle Amor Jon Wilkin Joe Greenwood Louie McCarthyScarsbrook

Mike Crosby at Langtree Park SAINTS needed the help of volunteers to beat the snow – but half way through this game they were probably wondering why they bothered. A determined Rams side had weathered a couple of spells of early Saints pressure to hang in there and then shock Saints before the break to go in 14-10 up. Although Saints rang the changes in the second half, throwing on the rest of their 25-man squad, they were nevertheless more focused as the game progressed. Saints handed debuts to new recruits Jack Owens at full-back, Dominique Peyroux in the centres, Lama Tasi in the front row and Theo Fages who came off the bench. It was something of a slow start as Saints blasted off the off-season cobwebs in their first hit out of the year. A 40/20 from Luke Walsh started the ball rolling for Saints in encouraging fashion. In the next play the Australian number seven sent loose forward Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook strolling over for the opening try. However, any thoughts Saints may have had that this was going to be a stroll in the park ended when the Rams line held firm defending two penalties. The Rams tackled well and they harried the Saints when they had the ball, with Travis Burns twice being snuffed out. That pressure saw a Walsh pass intercepted by Rams scrum half Andy Kain, who sped 80 metres. Although Matty Dawson raced back to eventually overhaul him barely yards from the tryline, the Rams kept their composure to move the ball right where Shane Grady lobbed a pass wide for Dale Morton to cross on the flank. Paul Sykes missed the goal, but the doughty Rams had a toe-hold in the game. Saints pressed again and after Walsh had forced a drop out the pressure mounted on the Dewsbury line. Centre Jordan Turner squeezed a ball out for Mark Percival to nip in at the corner. Walsh hit the crossbar from the touchline. But back came the Rams in spirited style and when Dawson

Newly appointed co-captains Ryan Hepworth and Paul Sykes in discussion for the Rams Steve Horsfall

DEWSBURY RAMS

Kyle Trout touches down for the Rams in an impressive display against challenging Super League opposition Steve Horsfall spilled a cross kick they had a great position. From there ex-Saint Dom Speakman drilled a wonderful grubber between the posts for Aaron Brown to pounce. Sykes’s goal levelled matters to send a hush around the ground – apart from the loud pocket of visiting fans who had braved the conditions to cross the M62. The visitors had even more to cheer just before the break when Speakman’s kick was spilled by Owens, allowing Andy Kain to pounce and put them almost unthinkably in the lead. Sykes missed the goal but they had a 14-10 lead at the break which would have delighted coach Glenn Morrison.

THORNHILL TROJANS’ HECTIC WARM UP CAMPAIGN BEGINS TOMORROW THORNHILL TROJANS kick-start their pre-season campaign tomorrow when they host Morley Borough at Overthorpe Park in the National Cup first round. This is followed seven days later with an away trip to Hull where the Trojans will test themselves against National Conference League Premier side Hull Dockers in the opening round of the 2016 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

SUBS: Atelea Vea Greg Richards Andre Savelio Luke Thompson Theo Fages Lewis Charnock Oliver Davies Jack Ashworth Morgan Knowles Ricky Bailey Calvin Wellington Jake Spedding Regan Grace

Should the Trojans win those two games they will play the second round of fixtures in both the National Cup and Challenge Cup on February 6 and 13 respectively. This will be followed by a home game against Keighley Cougars (Feb 21) before their National Conference League Division Two campaign gets underway against Dewsbury Celtic on March 12.

Send your sports reports, news and photos to Joseph Link at joe@thepressnews.co.uk

Saints started the second half in determined fashion and were soon back on level terms. A strong burst from Mark Percival, restored to his favoured centre position after starting on the flank, pierced the line. His weaving run turned the full back inside out twice before he showed the defence a clean pair of heels. Jack Owens kicked the goal to put Saints back in front to stay. Theo Fages looked lively at seven, and he sparked the move that put the Rams on the back foot and then was on hand to finish it off with some direct running. Then it was a Fages pass that sent McCarthy-Scarsbrook over for his sec-

ond, the Londoner outfoxing Karl Pryce to score – but Owens missed the goal. The Rams were not finished and Dale Morton broke the line again and this time the supporting Kyle Trout ran over the tackle of youngster Ricky Bailey to score. Saints finished with a flourish with young Welsh wing Calvin Wellington dashing in on 75 minutes, with Burns tagging the goal. And a minute before the end substitute hooker Dougie Charnock drove over from dummy half to give the scoreline a flattering look. It was a game that blasted off some cobwebs for Saints, but Dewsbury can be pleased with their effort.

Karl Pryce Dale Morton Jason Crookes Shane Grady Dalton Grant Paul Sykes Andy Kain Matt Groat Tom Hemingway Jack Teanby Kyle Trout Toby Adamson Luke Adamson SUBS: Ryan Hepworth Aaron Brown Dom Speakman Nathan Conroy Joel Farrell Jason Muranka Ryan Wright

ST HELENS Tries: McCarthy-Scarsbrook (2), Percival (2) Fages, Wellington, Charnock Goals: Walsh, Owens (4).

DEWSBURY RAMS Tries: Morton, Brown, Kaine, Trout Goals: Sykes Man of the Match: Theo Fages Referee: George Stokes Half-Time: 10-14

BISSA aiming to increase Moor’s girls win members for new season off-season comp THE BATLEY I n d e p e n d e n t S u p p o r t e r s Squadbuilder Association (BISSA) are launching a drive to further increase membership as the Bulldogs prepare for the new season. Committee members will be handing out leaflets to fans at the friendly match against North

Wales Crusaders tomorrow (Sat). BISSA chairman John Earnshaw said: “BISSA has made a massive contribution to the playing squad in recent years but it’s vital that we continue to support the clubs progress on the field and growing our member numbers can make all the difference to the strength and success of the team.”

DEWSBURY MOOR Girls have won an off-season five-aside competition staged by the Leeds Rhinos Foundation. The Moor squad consisted of Caitlin Beevers, Kya Wilkinson, Ruby Enright, Courtney, McCann, Abbie Harrison and Lacie Bruines.

Coached by Shane Hussain Moor drew 1-1 with a Shaw Cross B side before defeating West Leeds 4-0 and edging out Shaw Cross A 1-0 to become champions. Moor’s girls looked promising throughout demonstrating skill and a good level of fitness.

LEIGH ARE FOCUS

Coach Kear wants Bulldogs to be prepared for tough season opener By Joe Link Sports Reporter joe@thepressnews.co.uk

BATLEY BULLDOGS have arranged a pre-season friendly against Hunslet Hawks in response to last Sunday’s cancellation of their warm-up clash against Heavy Woollen Select due to the snow.

Brad Day is expected to return from a shoulder injury in time for the Hunslet Hawks friendly

The newly-organised friendly will take place at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium on Sunday January 31 and home fans will see familiar faces return to the Mount. Hawks boss Barry Eaton, who had a successful stint with the Bulldogs between 2002 and 2005 will be welcomed back, as will Ayden Faal and Simon Brown. The friendly will be John Kear’s final chance to see his players in action before the arrival of Leigh on the opening day of the Kingstone Press Championship campaign. “We are relieved to have Hunslet coming to play us in a friendly,” said Kear. “I feel we really needed one more game just so I can see as much of my players as possible, and it will also give the guys a bit more match sharpness as well allowing us to practice a few more things in a competitive environment. “It’s a shame that we couldn’t rearrange the Heavy Woollen Select fixture but their players have commitments with other local clubs. “Last Sunday the ball wouldn’t

Batley Bulldogs’ Mount Pleasant home pictured under a blanket of snow which stopped their friendly with Heavy Woollen Select from going ahead Twitter bounce and when it was on the ground it gathered too much snow so it was impossible for the game to go ahead.” But before the Hunslet match Kear has a chance to see his men in action at home against North Wales Crusaders tomorrow (2pm). “I’m looking forward to this week’s game,” said Kear. “It’s been a while since our last outing against Dewsbury and we need run-outs to make sure we’re prepared for the Leigh game. “Our preparations for Leigh had already started when we played Dewsbury but we have worked on a lot since then and we want to show that on the pitch. “We are also glad we have two home games coming up in preparation for when we host Leigh.

Promising signs for Morrison’s Rams GLENN MORRISON admits there is still plenty of room for improvement before his Dewsbury Rams side open their Championship campaign against Swinton Lions next month. This comes days after the Rams put in an impressive display against Super League giants St Helens in their third warm-up game of the off-season. The friendly match last Sunday, which was delayed due to the snow, only went ahead due to the efforts of groundsmen and supporters, but Morrison will be glad it did having witnessed his side put in their best performance of pre-season so far. “We showed great potential at times in that game and we certainly played some good rugby. We deserved our half-time lead and we’ve gained some confidence

from the game which is also important going into the new season,” he said. “But we did make some errors as well and that is something we need to work on. If it wasn’t for dropping the ball in promising positions we could have potentially had a bigger lead than 14-10 at the break. “But it was a great effort from the lads, they should be pleased with themselves. St Helens showed us a lot of respect by fielding a strong side and that shows how much we have improved as a club. “We haven’t had much chance to train with the ball in hand of late so we’ll try work on that in the coming weeks and hopefully demonstrate further improvements against London (Broncos).” The only disappointing news for

Morrison is that Tom Hemingway picked up an ankle injury early on in the game. The 29-year-old hooker now faces a battle to be fit in time for the opening game of the Championship campaign and is almost certainly going to miss the visit of London Broncos (Jan 31). Meanwhile Dewsbury and Sheffield Eagles have agreed to swap their scheduled fixtures for the forthcoming campaign. Originally the Rams were due to visit the South Yorkshire side on Easter Monday (March 28) but the games have been reversed so Morrison’s men will now host Sheffield at the Tetley’s Stadium on that day. The return fixture in Sheffield has been confirmed to take place on Friday April 29 (7.45pm).

“We have gradually been ticking off boxes from our schedule of things to work on and at the moment we are in a good position. “Barring any more snow the game should go ahead this weekend. “The pitch has recovered well from the heavy rain recently, and also the snow last weekend, so unless something extreme happens in the coming days fans should be treated to a good game of rugby league.” On the injury front, Brad Day is expected to make a quicker recovery than first thought. The second rower is hoped to make an appearance against Hunslet. Alex Brown meanwhile is facing a race to be fit for the Leigh game and Sean Hesketh is set to miss the first few weeks of the season due to a knee injury.

Tom Hemingway is battling to be fit for the start of the new season after picking up an ankle injury against St Helens Steve Horsfall