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Friday March 3, 2017
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I’LL BUILD OUR TOWN A LIBRARY ...and turn the existing building into a restaurant, says developer Exclusive by James Morris james@thepressnews.co.uk
MIRFIELD could be set for a brand-new library – if a local housing developer’s vision is realised. Darren Smith Developments has outlined plans to build a new twostorey library on the site of the Lidl store on Station Road, as part of an ambitious housing scheme. The firm would then take on and refurbish the current library building, creating a high-end restaurant. Lidl are in the process of building a new 30,000sq ft store on the other side of Station Road, creating up to 20 new jobs. The site of their current store – which will eventually be demolished – has been acquired by Darren Smith and will be redeveloped for housing. This week he spoke to the Friends of Mirfield Library group, where he put forward his plans. The proposed scheme comprises 93 one- and two-bedroomed apartments contained in four blocks, with undercroft car parking on the ground floor, and three levels of accommodation
above. Adjoining the town centre car park – just yards from the current library – there would also be a purpose-built new community facility of around 2,000 sq ft over two levels, which could house the existing library and provide accommodation for various community uses and activities. If given the go-ahead, Mr Smith has asked for Eastthorpe Lodge – the town’s current library – in return, which he plans to redevelop as an upmarket restaurant. The existing gardens would remain and be sympathetically renovated. The current library has no toilet facilities, no lift to the second floor and limited space for community events. Informal talks have taken place between the housing developer and
Kirklees Council’s planning department and it is expected a formal planning application will be submitted soon. Mr Smith described the reaction to his plans as positive and hoped they would be given the green light once submitted. He said: “We spoke with the ‘friends’ group earlier this week and it was received very well and we hopefully have their support. “It is crucial for a town like Mirfield that it has a new, modern library and it also gives an opportunity for a new, much-needed restaurant, providing an increase in footfall. “Everybody is going to benefit from this. We have held informal
Continued on Page 4
Mirfield Library and, above left, an artist’s impression of the new building
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ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017 March at 2.15pm, followed by committal at Heckmondwike Cemetery at 3.30pm.
HEPWORTH MARGARET
Deaths BASELEY RONALD On 25 February, of Dewsbury, aged 96. Husband of the late Betty. Service at Dewsbury
Crematorium, Thursday 9 March at 9.45am.
BATTLE JOHN ‘JACK’ On 24 February, of Dewsbury Moor, aged 90. Husband to
Doreen. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 10 March at 2pm.
BLAKELEY JOAN IRIS On 21 February, at Holme House, Gomersal. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 8 March at 10.30am.
BOLAM GERALD On 24 February, of Liversedge, aged 85. Husband of the late Elaine. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 8 March at 9.45am.
BONNER HAZEL (NEE LOCKHART) On 10 February, aged 60. Wife of Phil. Service at Park Wood Crematorium, Friday 10 March at 11.15am.
BUTTERWORTH JOHN KENNETH HUGH On 13 February, aged 92, formerly of Mirfield. Husband of the late Mabel. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Friday 10 March at 12.30pm.
CLEGG BRENDA On 23 February, wife of the late John. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 10 March at 12.30pm.
COOKE ALAN On 16 February. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 6 March at 2.45pm.
CROSSLAND PAUL WILLIAM On 18 February, aged 54, of Liversedge. Funeral enquiries to Michael Wright & Son funeral Directors, tel 01274 871092.
CROWTHER JOHN ALAN On 15 February, aged 68. Husband of the late Kathleen. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 8 March at 11.15am.
FENTON ERIC On 20 February, of Mirfield, aged 71. Husband of Christine. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 17
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FERRARI MARLENE On 28 February, of Thornhill, aged 81. Wife of the late Jack. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 13 March at 10.30am.
GALLOWAY ELAINE (NEE BROOKE) On 21 February, aged 85, of Woodkirk. Wife of the late Fred. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 2 March at 2.45pm.
GILDERDALE JEAN (NEE HAMMOND) On 20 February, aged 73. Wife of the late Phillip. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 9 March at 1.15pm.
HAIGH SUSAN (NEE WOOD) On 15 February, aged 60, of Heckmondwike. Wife of Joseph. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium Chapel, on 6 March at 12.30pm, followed by interment at Heckmondwike Cemetery.
HEMINGWAY LEE ASHLEY On 14 February, aged 28, of Heckmondwike. Service at St James’ Church, Heckmondwike, Wednesday 8
On 21 February, of Mirfield, aged 83. Wife of the late Roy. Service at St Mary’s Church, Mirfield, Tuesday 14 March at 11.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.
HICK JUDITH On 24 February, aged 63, of Mirfield. Wife of Harold. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Tuesday 14 March at 1.15pm.
JEFFERY KENNETH PETER On 18 February, aged 80, of Liversedge. Husband of Margaret. Service at Christ Church, Liversedge, Monday 6 March at 11.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 1.15pm.
KEMP (NEE WOOD) BETTY On 28 February, aged 90, of Birstall. Wife of the late Joe. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 13 March at 2pm.
LEE DAVID ROY On 15 February, aged 71, of Birstall. Husband of Jean. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 7 March at 1.15pm.
LYNN MATTHEW On 17 February, aged 27, of Batley. Funeral enquries to J M Farrar Co-op Funeralcare, tel 01924 444803.
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On 19 February, aged 75, of Ossett. Wife of Keith. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 10 March at 11.15am.
OSBORNE IRENE On 18 February, aged 91, of Cleckheaton. Wife of Joe. Funeral was held Thursday 2 March at Dewsbury Crematorium.
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On 27 January, aged 67. Husband of Sue. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 9 March at 12.30pm.
SHAW (NEE FRANCE) AUDREY On 19 February, aged 89. Wife of the late Stanley. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 7 March at 2.45pm.
On 14 February, aged 80, of Cleckheaton. Interment at Cleckheaton New Cemetery, Thursday 16 March at 2pm, followed by service at Healds Hall Hotel, Liversedge.
THORNTON JOHN NELSON On 21 February, aged 81. Husband of the late Rita. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 9 March at 11.15am.
Geoff
CAMPONI Catherine (Cath)
Geoff, Stella, Angela and Shaun would like to convey their most sincere thanks to all relatives and the many friends who attended Cath’s celebration and Requiem Mass. The mass cards, sympathy cards and letters we received made us so proud that Cath was so well liked and respected. To Father Eamonn Hegarty (St Mary’s), to Father Nicholas Hird (Holy Spirit) thank you for a beautiful mass. Could we also thank the District Nurses and our GP Dr Sood for all the kindness and care they gave Cath. And the collection for Kirkwood Hospice.
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On February 23rd 2017 passed away at Kirkwood Hospice. Father to Andrew and Chris, father in law to Susan and Sherran, grandfather to Fiona, Matthew, Edward, Amanda and Adrian. Goodnight and God bless. Funeral Service to take place at Dewsbury Crematorium on Wednesday 8th March at 2pm. All enquiries care of George Brooke Funeral Director 01924 454476
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On 24 February, aged 72, of Mirfield. Husband of the late Maureen. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 13 March at 1.15pm.
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On 21 February, of Cleckheaton, aged 95. Wife of the late Horace. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 8 March at 12.30pm.
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ThePress Friday March 4, 2017 Issue No: 779
31 Branch Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5SB Tel: 01924 470296 Fax: 01924 472561
www.thepressnews.co.uk @ThePressLatest /ThePressNews Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: David Bentley Reporter: James Morris Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Sales Executives: Nicola Finch Janet Black Sam Gilbert Office Manager: Adele Latham The Press abides by the principles of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and at all times attempts to report fairly and accurately and correct mistakes or errors as soon as possible. In the first instance, contact the editor, otherwise we will be happy to give details of the Independent Press Standards Organisation.
ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017
Wanted: Teenagers to star in Batley’s Les Miserables
News In Brief 10-year-old’s terror after floor collapses LIVERSEDGE: A terrified 10-year-old girl had to be rescued by firefighters after a floor collapsed in a derelict building. The girl had got inside a former tile business on Wakefield Road at Millbridge at 4.30pm on Sunday, along with a group of friends, when the floor caved in beneath them, leaving a 10ft drop into the basement. The rest of the group got out of the building but the scared youngster had to be rescued by Cleckheaton firefighters. Watch commander Gary Hatton said: “The group was certainly very lucky and it shows the dangers of going into derelict buildings. This incident could have had far worse consequences."
Knifeman robs woman
Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin and Blakeridge Mill workers with West End director Nick Evans, Emmerdale star Bhaskar Patel and Blakeridge site developer Richard Binks
By James Morris THE West End is coming to Batley – and you could have a starring role! A special production of the hit musical Les Miserables will be performed at Blakeridge Mill this summer, as part of a celebration of the life of Jo Cox. The performance of Cameron Mackintosh’s famous story will feature a cast and crew of local young talent and will commemorate the life of the former Batley and Spen MP. The major project, which has the backing of MP Tracy Brabin and chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire Sir Gary Verity, is being spearheaded by award-winning West End director Nick Evans, who has worked on shows such as Billy Elliot, Mary Poppins and Jesus Christ Superstar. Les Miserables was Mrs Cox’s favourite musical and the cast for the performances, due to take place in the second week of August, will be made up entirely of students and young people. A new group, the Batley and Spen Youth Theatre Company, will give local youngsters the chance to work alongside some of the leading names in the industry.
Batley & Spen Youth Theatre will be working with local organisations to produce the schools edition of the show and is calling on young people in Kirklees to audition, with the first workshop events taking place next weekend. There are roles for singers, actors and dancers, as well as plenty of off-stage opportunities including crew, designers, costume makers and stage managers. Nick Evans said: “To make this amazing we are looking for brilliant youngsters. “We are making an impassioned call on all young people between the ages of 13-19 to get involved and tell us what they have to offer. “You might be happier sewing costumes than singing a solo. You might be happier selling programmes than standing on a barricade. “Whatever you want to contribute, we need you to be involved. “This is an event that will change Batley and Spen forever; and it might just change your life into the bargain. “Les Miserables is a piece about change, passion and standing up for who you are, so it is no surprise it was the favourite show of Jo Cox.” Ms Brabin said: “This is a phe-
nomenal opportunity for Batley & Spen and I know our young people are going to grab it with both hands. “It’s no secret that I’m incredibly passionate about the arts and the career opportunities they bring. Culture can be a powerful force for change. “It doesn’t matter who you pray to, what clothes you choose to wear, the colour of your skin – when you’ve a play to get on, that’s all that matters. “I hope participating in this will be an enriching and enlightening experience, a confidence booster and potentially, for some, the first step in a long and fulfilling career in the arts. “I have complete faith in our local organisations and Nick’s professional team and I’m going to work hand in hand with them to enable the project to happen.” Jo Cox’s family are also supporting the event. Kim Leadbeater,
£190k Hall work nears completion REFURBISHMENT work at Oakwell Hall is almost complete. In the past few months, £190,000worth of work has been carried out on the Grade I-listed building, mainly on structural and electrical improvements. The electrical works included installing 17th-century style ‘period’ lighting and feature lighting effects. A number of discoveries were made by contractors, including an old doorway, a George III penny and farthing, fragments of a clay pipe and a toothbrush.
Coun Graham Turner, Cabinet member for resources, said: “As well as preparing the museum for the future and protecting and enhancing the Grade I-listed status of Oakwell, the work taking place has unearthed some fascinating bits of history. “Things lost beneath the floorboards by long-gone guests or residents are always fascinating and help bring the history to life as you imagine what was happening when they ended up there. The hall is due to re-open on April 8.
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Jo’s sister, said: “The performance of Les Mis at the heart of Jo’s constituency, using local school children, will be something of which she would have been very proud. It is very touching and well thoughtout and our family would like to thank all involved.” Anybody who is interested can attend an initial workshop weekend on March 11 and 12 at St Mary’s Social Club and Parochial Hall on Melton Street, Batley (10am-5pm).
HECKMONDWIKE: A woman was the victim of a violent armed robbery in which she was threatened with a knife. Detectives are appealing for information about the incident at 9.45pm on Wednesday, February 22. The 21-year-old woman was walking close to Morrison’s supermarket on Union Street when she was approached from behind by a man. He grabbed her by the arm and threatened her with a knife before both of them fell to the floor, at which point the victim managed to get away. The suspect was tall and wore dark clothing, with his face covered. Anybody with information is asked to contact Huddersfield CID quoting reference number 13170085045.
Bus driver robbed DEWSBURY: A man has been arrested after a bus driver was robbed at Dewsbury bus station on Wednesday February 22. A 30-yearold man has been arrested but police are appealing for anyone who saw what happened to contact Kirklees CID via 101, quoting crime reference number 13170084795.
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ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017
News In Brief School delight for 97 per cent KIRKLEES: Almost 97 per cent of children across the district were matched with one of their preferred secondary schools. Around 5,300 children will be starting secondary school in Kirklees in 2017 – and 96.7 percent have been allocated a place at one of the schools stated as a preference on their application. 4,627 families (87.4 per cent of applicants) secured a place at their first-choice school, with 376 (7.1 per cent) and 113 (2.2 per cent) gaining places at their second and third choices respectively.
‘No negatives’ over developer’s plans for town’s library Continued from Page 1 chats with the council, who were supportive of the plans – there have been no negatives.” The Friends of Mirfield Library said they were keen to discuss Mr Smith’s plans further but they were pleased with what they had seen so
far. The group’s chair, Jenny Tomlinson Walsh, said: “Darren Smith made an excellent presentation of the draft plan showing the proposed new development. “The Friends of Mirfield Library were impressed with the proposals for the future of the library and surrounding area.
“The plan is still only a feasibility and very much in its infancy so it may be some time before the ideas for the future become reality. “Following reassurances that the existing Mirfield Library and gardens would remain and be sympathetically renovated, the Friends of Mirfield Library voted at the
RAVENSTHORPE: An event to celebrate International Women’s Day will be held at Diamond Wood Community Academy. A variety of stalls will be available on Friday, March 10 between 9am and 10am. There will be advice and support on offer for families who attend as well as arts and craft stalls. Mayor of Kirklees Coun Jim Dodds will open the event and Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Paula Sherriff will be in attendance.
outlined his proposal to officers. “To date, no in-depth discussions have taken place with the relevant Cabinet member on this proposal, and the council has not received a request for a formal asset transfer of the existing Mirfield Library building.”
‘Overwhelming’ response to museum rescue effort By James Morris
Women’s Day celebration
meeting in favour of exploring the possibility of a new library building. “It will be a building designed to cater for 21st century library needs, complete with internet cafe and community rooms.” A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “At a recent meeting with Mr Smith, he
A GROUP set up with the aim of taking over the running of Dewsbury Museum says it has been overwhelmed by the response from the community. The building in Crow Nest Park closed late last year and since then the Friends of Dewsbury Park Mansion group has been in discussions with Kirklees Council over a community asset transfer. The Friends group will submit its official expression of interest before Monday’s deadline, after which Kirklees will decide whether the plan is viable. Co-chair of the group Jax Lovelock said: “Community support for this venture is overwhelming.
“Our ‘Merry Mansion’ event in December received support from around 40 local volunteers, with over 300 visitors, and many shared their ideas on how they would like the mansion to serve the community. “We have over 850 newslet-
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ter subscriptions, almost 500 Facebook page Likes with a reach of over 37,000, not to mention the day-to-day support we receive from folk locally, from various organisations active in the park, and from our councillors. “This is a strong endorse-
ment of our efforts to secure the community asset transfer of the mansion and manage the building successfully for the benefit of the local community – just as intended when it was gifted to the people of Dewsbury by the Corporation back in 1893.” There are fears that if the community group’s bid fails, the historic building could be sold to a private bidder. Fellow co-chair of the group, Jenifer Devlin, said: “The building has been left in a state of disrepair and will need considerable refurbishment to make it fit for purpose. “We have a very capable team applying for grants and funding and have already been successfully accepted by two schemes to get us started.
“It’s a daunting task because we need major grants to repair the building and an income to run it, for example by letting some space out as commercial offices or by organising income-generating events. “We’ve visited other projects and researched more online, as a result of which we now have an outline plan to put to Kirklees Council. “What we want is for the buildings in Crow Nest Park to be a resource for local people, where they can find activities which will help them to be happier, healthier, more creative, more knowledgeable and more empowered. “We know these are the characteristics of a successful community and that’s our vision for Dewsbury.”
Four rescued in town centre flats blaze ONE person was taken to hospital after a blaze at a block of flats in Batley. The building in Hanover Street, close to the town centre, set alight shortly before midnight on Sunday. Two people escaped the fire while four had to be rescued by fire crews from Dewsbury, Cleckheaton, Ossett and Leeds. When crews arrived at the scene they found the lobby and
adjacent bin store “completely alight”. Dewsbury Fire Station Watch Commander Andy Thornton said: “The alarm did activate but by this time the fire on the outside of the building was pretty big and people on the street were ringing it in. “The bin store and lobby have been completely destroyed and other parts of
the building were smoke-damaged. “Six men and women who were in that part of the building got out; luckily, there were no children. “One person was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and the rest were treated by medical teams at the scene.” The cause of the blaze is still unknown.
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TO celebrate World Book Day, the Asda supermarket in Dewsbury held a ‘meet and greet’ session for children in store to enjoy. Some of the best-loved characters from books and TV were there and the store’s leadership team also read stories to children from the Downs and Special Friends group and Sutton Dance School. Store staff also went out into the community yesterday (Friday) to read stories to schoolchildren.
ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017
Nursery wins top accolades A NURSERY team from Dewsbury won accolades at a major awards ceremony. The Cooperative Childcare nursery on Heckmondwike Road was nominated for three awards and was honoured with Best Management Team for Joanne Wilson and Rachael Crossley, against competition from 47 other nurseries. The Dewsbury nursery also came out on top in the Best Social Media category, and in the Best Practitioner group, Ashley
Hodgson beat more than 300 nominees to be named the North regional winner. A delighted Joanne Wilson said: “2016 has definitely been our year. The nursery’s occupancy is at an all-time high, with colleague engagement thriving. “We are working hard supporting our local charities, Dewsbury Guide Dogs, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and visiting the residents at Avery Mews residential home. It has been an incredible journey.”
Activists will submit plan for Gomersal By James Morris PLANS for a community group to take over the running of Red House and Gomersal Public Hall will be submitted to Kirklees Council next week. The Save Red House Museum & Gomersal Public Hall Group will present its initial proposals to bring the buildings into community ownership under one charitable trust. Following the closure of Red House in December, the council has been asking any groups who wish to take over the running of the Grade II-listed building to put forward declarations of interest. The group has met with council officers and Coun Graham Turner, Cabinet member for museums. It is now putting together a “community wish list” and is asking for members of the public to
have their say on what they would like a charitable trust to provide. A spokesman for the group said: “As we continue with our plan to bring these sites into community ownership, we have now reached the stage where we need to know what local people want them to actually provide. This is of course one of the most important elements of our plans and it is essential that people are involved. “There are several buildings and a large outdoor area, all of which could deliver many new local amenities for Gomersal and the surrounding areas. “Clearly, finance will be a factor, but what we are really seeking to do at this stage is determine what is needed most by local people so we can prioritise resources.” The group says initial thoughts have been based around reducing social isolation, improving children’s lives, giving teenagers a place to socialise and helping existing community groups. The spokesman added: “In order for the buildings to have a secure and vibrant future, a commercial element to generate income will be required.” Any suggestions for the group to consider can be sent to rhm_gph@outlook. com.
Red House... new uses?
All-star cast for explosive thriller MAJOR names from Hollywood and TV may have been in the area last week. Oakwell Hall in Birstall was used as a set for the filming of new BBC One thriller Gunpowder, which features Game of Thrones star Kit Harington and Hollywood actress Liv Tyler. Kirklees Council confirmed that film crews used the Great Hall at the Grade 1listed 16th century venue. The three-part series is based on the Gunpowder Plot, when a group of Catholics planned to
blow up Parliament in 1605. Harington will play Robert Catesby, the original architect of the plot, although it is not known who will play Guy Fawkes. Mark Gatiss (Sherlock) and Peter Mullan (Top of the Lake) are also in the cast. Diederick Santer, chief executive officer of TV production firm Kudos, said: “What I hope Kit and the rest of the magnificent cast will do is take the audience behind the story, into the people, the passion and the politics.”
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News In Brief Road blocked after bus hits pedestrian
The winning team (from left), Yasmin Clark, Sofia Wilby, Rachael Crossley, Joanne Wilson, Jess Long, Ash Hodgson, Helen Scargill and Mandy Stone.
COUNCIL HITS BACK OVER LOANS... KIRKLEES has been branded one of the worst local authorities for borrowing money from private banks. Debt Resistance UK named the council as one of around 70 authorities across the country that owe banks more than £50m. The campaign group says councils are pushing public debt off the government’s balance sheets by using private borrowing facilities. On its website it says: “Bankers, brokers and advisors have tricked councils into taking out expensive, risky loans, endangering our essential services.” But Kirklees has hit back at the claims, stating that its private borrowing is actually cheaper than the public sector loans it currently has. It has confirmed it pays off any private loans if rates are suddenly increased. A Kirklees spokesman said: “At the end of March 2016, the council had total borrowing of £429.3m. This borrowing has been used to help purchase, construct and refurbish the assets we use to provide services including schools, crematoria, sports centres, council houses, parks, markets and vehicles. “Our capital spend and treasury activities are subject to regular scrutiny and approval by councillors, and to review by independent auditors. “The council currently has eight loans with various UK and foreign banks, totalling
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STAINCLIFFE: A man was knocked down by a bus on Halifax Road last weekend. Police were called to the incident at around 6.10pm on Friday near the Butchers Arms pub and the Al Murad tile shop. A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “A blue single-decker bus collided with a pedestrian. He suffered minor injuries but there is no mention of him being taken to hospital. The road was blocked for more than hour.”
Heart store’s appeal
‘Borrowing from private banks works out cheaper’
DEWSBURY: The British Heart Foundation store in Dewsbury is appealing for stock donations. The Foundry Street store is in desperate need of bric-a-brac, shoes, handbags, DVDs, CDs and books. Collections can be made from people’s homes if they are unable to make it into the store. Call 01924 485882.
£75m. They were all taken between 1997 and 2008 and their average interest rate equates to 4.6% compared to the council’s public loan average interest rate of 4.8%. All the loans are on their original terms; however, if the lender chose to increase the interest rate on an option date, we would look to repay the loan. “This has happened on one occasion so far, where a bank proposed to increase an interest rate from 3.36% to 4.20%. The council decided to immediately repay that loan.”
BIRSTALL: Dewsbury and District Third Age is hosting an open weekend at Oakwell Hall tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, with a selection of art, crafts and other exhibits on display in The Barn (11am-4pm). For more information visit www. dewsbury-district3age.co.uk.
Third Age weekend
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Friday March 3, 2017
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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood
We need awkward inquirers DON’T see eye to eye with my son over many things. Firstly, I’d have to stand on a crate to look him in the eye. He’s turned out a pretty handy unit. Suffice to say I won’t be putting him over my knee again. Secondly, he’s in the last year of his history and philosophy degree at Leeds University, which makes him by default an intellectual giant compared to a dad who learned most of his formative lessons about life either carrying his own dad’s window cleaning ladder, stacking shelves at Moneysave supermarket or playing out after dark on ‘the Tops’ in Thornhill. There is one uncommon thing we heartily agree on and which gives me great hope – he considers many of his university peers to be a big set of wusses. He can – and regularly
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does – disagree with anyone over anything (they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!). However, the lad is at least open to considering alternative viewpoints. He believes in freedom of speech – which in the mind of the National Union of Students, makes
him dangerous. That worries me, and not over him because as I said he’s big enough to look after himself. But what state of affairs are we in when students are stamping out the right to voice an opinion? My son is certainly well to the left of me in his politics
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(he’ll grow grow out of it!) but he is furious that universities and colleges up are routinely banning people from speaking on campus. A recent survey showed that 90 per cent of British colleges and universities have either banned speakers, perversely under the guide of ‘liberalism’. These left-wing zealots believe it is their right to police what any and everyone can say in public. They dress this up by creating what they call a ‘safe space’ – in this case a community of perhaps 50,000 students – where people they deem failing to meet their narrow moral code are silenced. Pathetically, the universities, these once great seats of learning, not only tolerate but effectively encourage it. Good grief. This ‘safe space’ madness means we have in essence raised and educated a generation not of caring and protective liberals (as they would fancifully imagine), but intolerant fascists. OME day I’ll tell you the unbelievable full story of how on a rainy night in November 2014, I sat at the back of the Oxford Union observing the performance of a speaker banned by universities up and down the land. That was Tommy Robinson, the former leader of the English Defence League who almost got Dewsbury town centre
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attacked by Islamist terrorists when he called a rally here in 2012, but luckily ‘saved’ it when he never showed up. The mob dispersed before the attackers arrived. Students led by the far-left rabble tried to get Robinson banned from the Oxford Union, but its steadfast president, an Indian student named Mayank Banerjee, admirably stuck to his guns. Robinson’s originallyscheduled appearance was cancelled when he was thrown in jail, accused of inciting violence on Twitter. The state said his tweet was in breach of prison licence conditions – he’d been given 18 months for overstating his brother-inlaw’s wage on a mortgage application eight years before. What? You don’t get thrown in a high-security jail amongst Islamist killers for something as trivial as that in 21st century Britain? I mean, the mortgage got paid and Robinson never made a penny (he actually had his own house subsequently taken by the state). As that Oxford Union audience heard in stunned silence, oh yes you do. That Twitter incident? Someone had threatened to find and rape Robinson’s seriously ill mum. He’d responded that rather than hunt her, he’d be outside the probation offices in Bedford the next morning for his weekly meeting, if they real-
ly wanted to track him down. Thrown back in jail for that? Really? The full story’s worse, much worse. His biggest mistake wasn’t the tweet, but telling his probation officer about the Oxford Union and what he intended saying when he got there. Free speech? I should cocoa. When he’d served 28 days he found the invite still stood and this time he appeared, but students hoping to be shocked or titillated by the diminutive ‘far right’ figurehead were sadly disappointed. He’d been warned. He couldn’t discuss Islam for starters, and a range of subjects that would see him thrown back in jail for another nine months. If you thought our weakkneed student sweethearts were terrified of free speech, let me say this – they’ve got nothing on the British state. Robinson got quite an ovation that night. He surprised a lot of people. Such as he managed to shock or distress anyone, it was with his views on the police state he, for one, lives in. That night at the Oxford Union proved a simple point. It’s amazing what you learn when you actually listen not just to the other bloke’s view, but his version of events. The fact that that’s a lesson beyond most of our student elite highlights just how badly our generation has failed them. I just hope my son continues to be an awkward inquirer.
A revolutionary political idea... OR the mother of Parliamentary democracies, it’s ironic that we persist with the archaic system of corrupt patronage known commonly – but not too common – as the House of Lords. I think if Jeremy Corbyn made the central pledge of his election manifesto the immediate dissolution of these (mostly) venal and arrogant bearers of privilege, I might even vote Labour. Off with their heads. It isn’t that their amendment of the Government’s Article 50 bill is unreasonable. Guaranteeing the rights of settled EU migrants already in employment here is common sense – but that’s not what the Lords were doing when they rejected a bill sent down to them with the common assent of the nation. They were defying
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the Government’s will, playing politics, because they have the unquestionable and undemocratic privilege of being total, pompous a***holes. As such they were damaging the prospects of the entire country and defying the will of the people. There is no other interpretation. A simple agreement that EU nationals and British expats should henceforth enjoy the same post-Brexit privileges is common sense – heck, the Government has said that’s its intent. But the bottom line is that Theresa May must have the power to negotiate – that is the only weapon we have against the self-serving Brussels dictators. If the Government capitulated to this petty Lords rebellion then the EU could twist our arms right up our backs over the fate of the
thousands of Brits living in France, Spain, Portugal and beyond. So, whose interests are the Lords serving? In truth just their own, buying time while they hope desperately that returned ‘messiah’ Tony Blair can gain impetus for his Remoaners’ Revolution and they can continue doing their damnedest to spite democracy. Once more, off with their heads. A modern democracy needs and deserves a second chamber, a check and balance to the party-dominated dictators. So let’s have a House of Lords by all means – but make them elected, make them serve a fixed term, and only elect them from people who have never held political elected office. Now that’s what I call a revolution.
ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017
‘Around the World’ theme to Lantern Land illuminations By Steve Martyn SCHOOLCHILDREN in Liversedge will be illuminating their school grounds as part of a community arts project. Pupils from Hightown Junior, Infant & Nursery School and Yorkshire-based arts cooperative Roots and Wings are teaming up for the third year in a row for the Lantern Land event on Thursday, March 16 (6.30pm), which will feature more than 100 lanterns made at the school. Community artists Incy Wood and Christina Ingram have been commissioned to lead the project
and workshops for the school and families, to give them an opportunity to build lanterns within this year’s theme of ‘Around the World’. Headteacher Russell Ingleby said: “We are looking forward to building on the success of last year to engage with everyone in our school and local community on this truly inspirational event.” The event will strengthen links between the Hightown school and Tilery Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees, which stages a lantern parade in February each year. Staff and pupils from Tilery will be bringing their own lanterns to the Hightown event. There will also be the annual Inter Lantern Land football and netball matches between the two schools. Pupils will be working on their lanterns over the next fortnight and there will also be community workshops over the next two weekends and on the evenings of Thursday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 14.
News In Brief Man ‘using business to sell cocaine’ DEWSBURY: A man denied using a business to sell drugs. Shafiq Rafiq, 36, of School Lane, Dewsbury, was charged at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court with possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of ecstasy. The alleged offences occurred at Tick Van and Car Rentals, based at Bretton Street Enterprise Centre. Rafiq is also accused of concealing criminal property worth more than £4,000 on his person, by stating it was money obtained through lawful business. He will appear at Leeds Crown Court on March 23.
Student ‘imprisoned’
Prizewinners Alan and Carol Walker with Dewsbury U3A dialect speakers
By gum, they did reight well! EE BAH GUM! Yorkshire dialect speakers from a Dewsbury-based group scooped prizes at the Mrs Sunderland competition at Huddersfield Town Hall. They won first and second prize in the dialect section at the prestigious celebration of music, speech and drama. Three members of the group, plus
a friend, read traditional Yorkshire pieces, with Carol Walker taking first prize and husband Alan claiming second. Barbara Rhodes and Glenys Halsworth were both highly commended. The dialect group, which comprises members of Dewsbury U3A, meets every Friday at Dewsbury Town Hall.
BATLEY: A teenager appeared in court accused of the false imprisonment of a female student. Bradley Wild, 19, of Tyndale Walk, was charged at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court with unlawfully and injuriously detaining the teenager against her will. He faces related charges of assault, witness intimidation and using threatening behaviour. He will appear at Leeds Crown Court on March 28.
Organists wanted THORNHILL: Thornhill Parish Church has a vacancy for an organist, choir and music leader. The role pays £2,800 a year. An organist is also wanted at the Benefice Church in Whitley Lower. This pays £800 a year. Both roles will be paid more for weddings and funerals. The closing date for applications is flexible but applicants are advised to get in touch quickly.
Friends make up after brawl A HECKMONDWIKE man has avoided prison after he left a friend with a fractured skull following a fight... and the two of them are friends again. Stephen Hanson, 28, of Hirst Avenue, Heckmondwike, had been drinking with the complainant Anthony Shaw on July 29 last year in Huddersfield town centre when the pair became involved in an argument with one another, Leeds Crown Court heard. Bashir Ahmed, prosecuting, told the court that Hanson had drunk 10 pints and some Jack Daniels whisky and taken cannabis before the altercation at around 10pm. The initial row ended with
Mr Shaw falling to the ground with Hanson landing on top of him, but others intervened and both got to their feet. Mr Ahmed said: “A witness recalls the defendant then taking a jab at the complainant and again causing him to be off balance and go to the floor but on this occasion there was to be no getting up for the complainant.” The court was told Mr Shaw hit his head on the ground and was knocked unconscious, sustaining a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain. Anna Moran, representing Hanson, said he had shown genuine remorse for his actions and maintained he had pushed the victim and not
punched him but accepted he was responsible for the consequences of his actions. She said: “He accepts his conduct was completely unjustified. Fortunately Mr Shaw has made a complete recovery. “He has apologised to him and they are once again friends.” Hanson admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years, with an alcohol treatment requirement for nine months and 30 rehabilitation activity days. Recorder David Wilby QC said both men were fortunate Mr Shaw had not suffered any more serious long-term consequences.
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Friday March 3, 2017
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Don’t forget who’s paying your wages Dear Sir, As predicted, our council tax is going to rise. Not to be outdone by other authorities, Kirklees will be one of the highest. As stated before, it’s not surprising since only half of us will be paying it. Although the reason is a genuine and noble cause, community and elderly care etc, it’s time we stopped branding the elderly as a statistic and the reason for mounting costs in the NHS. This was the diamond generation that rescued our country during the war years; it’s a shame there is not a lot more of
Mary Taylor is remembered From: John Appleyard, Liversedge Dear Sir, I attended the Sunday morning service at St Mary’s Church in Gomersal, prior to laying the flowers on behalf of the local Bronte Society at the grave of Mary Taylor on what would have been her 200th birthday It was a pleasure to carry out those duties, for Mary was an inspirational woman, a feminist and businesswoman who travelled the world, wrote books and was a friend of the Bronte family.
Letter of the Week: S Crossley, Batley that generation alive. It’s time our MPs stop treating them as statistics and give them the respect they deserve. Kirklees, it seems, can raise money for a trunk road that will benefit Huddersfield, an art gallery, a new shopping centre etc. I, for one, want to know what
May I through your newspaper thank the church for their support, Flowers by Salindra in Heckmondwike for providing the beautiful flowers and the children of St Mary’s School in Gomersal for their display of Mary Taylor, which was much admired by the people who were present.
Public health could suffer From: Christine Hyde, Dewsbury Dear Sir, Anne Frank died in 1945, not because she had done anything wrong, but because
our existing charges are going on. Granted we get our wheelie bins emptied, but what else? In Dewsbury we seem to be favouring the system of invisible policing; we have the outdoor drinking community on the benches drinking from early doors.
of who she was. In Nazi Germany, informants in civil society were ready to tell the authorities where people like her, were. How worrying now, to find that our Government asked Leeds-based NHS Digital to ‘inform’ on addresses of suspected illegal immigrants and it has agreed. GPs, when asked previously, refused to co-operate due to public health concerns. No-one condones illegal immigration, but those who bring them in, traffickers and slave masters, as we’ve seen prosecuted in Batley, should pay, not the public. Even discounting (which I don’t) that they may have suffered torture where they came from and be in dire
LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS Mr Williams, 15 Monk Ings Avenue, Birstall, erection of one dwelling. Mrs Gill, outline application for erection of detached dwelling and detached store, 4 Chapel Hill, Upper Hopton. P Symonds, alterations to convert part of existing stable block to dwelling, rear of 161 Hunsworth Lane, Cleckheaton. K Morris, certificate of lawfulness for proposed erection of single- storey rear extension, 70 Booth Street, Cleckheaton. J Clarey, demolition of existing conservatory and erection of two-storey side and rear extension, 19 The Coppice, Mirfield. Carter Jonas LLP c/o Savile Estate, work to TPO(s) 05/78, 115 Woodkirk Gardens, Woodkirk, Dewsbury. Ravensthorpe Community Centre, erection of fence and gate, 24 Garden Street, Ravensthorpe. Legal and General UK Property Fund, C/O Agent, installation of two non-illuminated signs, Junction 27 Retail Park, Holden Ing Way, Birstall. National Young Life Campaign Trust Ltd, outline application for part demolition of existing building and erection of six flats (within a Conservation Area), 1416 Huddersfield Road, Birstall. Mr N Cheema, extensions, 19 Churchill Grove, Heckmondwike. V Hinchcliffe, single-storey side and rear extension, 55 Sycamore Way, Birstall.
C/0 Agent, discharge of conditions 3 (delivery and Servicing Plan), 4 (ingress and egress), 6 (intrusive site investigation works) and 7 (findings arising from intrusive site investigation) on previous permission 2016/93480 for erection of coffee shop (A1 and A3) and management suite (B1) with associated works, Birstall Shopping Park, Holden Ing Way, Birstall. Darren Smith, C/O Agent, variation condition 1 (plans), 2 (materials) and 3 (windows) on previous permission 2015/93097 for variation condition 2 (plans) and removal conditions 3 (materials) and 16 (windows) on previous permission 2009/93133 for erection of retirement development consisting of 36 units and 1 concierge unit, land at Newgate, Mirfield. Gleeson Homes Ltd, erection of 99 dwellings, Calder View, Lower Hopton. Mrs S B Ibrahim, the proposal for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 4.2m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 3m, 15 Slaithwaite Close, Thornhill Lees. Mr & Mrs S Smith, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 4m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the
extension is 3.762m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.776m, 53 Old Lane, Birkenshaw. Mr A Mitha, extensions and outhouse to rear, 55 Caledonian Road, Savile Town. Diocese of Leeds, work to TPO(s) 29/77, 6 Vicarage Gardens, Birkenshaw. OneCall Auto Salvage, continuation of use premises for breakers yard, 14 Hartley Street, Dewsbury. Nathan Hall, discharge of conditions 3 (samples), 10 (mitigation measures) and 14 (drainage) on previous application 2015/92666 for demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two dwellings, 1066 Bradford Road, Birstall. D Speight, erection of garden room, 19 Jackroyd Lane, Upper Hopton. G Harris, single-storey side extension, The Coach House, 37 Beechwood Avenue, Mirfield. Kirklees Council, change of use from shop to dwelling, 34 Vulcan Gardens, Eightlands, Dewsbury. Mr & Mrs Wilson, two storey side extension, 1 Warren Close, Norristhorpe. Centroz, variation conditions 3 (trading hours) and 4 (delivery hours) on previous permission 2007/93417 for change of use from post office (A1) to takeaway (A5), 161 Bradford Road, Cleckheaton. Amelia Crowther, Listed Building Consent for replace-
ment windows, Oldfield Nook, 171 Scholes Lane, Cleckheaton. Mr N Zaman, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 3.5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 3m, 4 Parker Street, Heckmondwike. Craig Keyworth, single-storey side extension, 35 Wilson Road, Mirfield. Mr & Mrs D McLaughlin, nonmaterial amendment to previous permission 2016/93756 for erection of single-storey side and rear extension, 29 Ennerdale Road, Dewsbury. Mrs S Hussain, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 4.3m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 3m, 32 Lime Tree Avenue, Staincliffe. A Pickup - c/o Agent, variation conditions 2 (plans) and 4 (materials) on previous permission 2016/92848 for demolition of existing stables and erection of a dwelling, Valley View, Beck Farm, Cliff Hollins Lane, East Bierley. Mr Nazir Musa, two-storey side extension and external alterations, 120 Savile Road, Savile Town.
I thought this was illegal, do you see any bobbies? Gangs of youths roam the town. No wonder the people of Dewsbury deserted the place a long time ago. A lad should be able to have a drink after work, go home to his family, without getting murdered. Correct me if I’m wrong, is it three murder investigations ongoing? At one time it was a bit dodgy walking in the town late at night; now it’s teatime any day of the week. If only our MPs would stop interfering in the democratic
need of healthcare, such immigrants may have serious communicable diseases. If they or their handlers are afraid to get treatment for ailments, then we are all in grave danger and public health generally will be at risk. If you also disagree, email Home Secretary Amber Rudd MP at privateoffice.external @homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk, call your own MP or NHS Digital (0300 3035678) or write to NHS Digital, 1 Trevelyan Square, Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AE.
Let’s show a united front From: John Sheen, Dewsbury Dear Sir, I’m now starting to get extremely annoyed at these ‘has-been’ politicians crawling out of the woodwork. Blair, Mandelson and Kinnock are all enjoying gold-plated EU pensions which, incidentally, will cease when we leave the European Union. Farron, Clegg and Owen, not happy with the people’s choice, want another referen-
decisions of other countries and concentrate on our own situation, instead of putting the needs of other countries first. Have a walk around your own constituency; it’s bad when a newly-elected MP jets off to another country before she meets the people that voted for her. Well, some of them. Trouble is our own parliament has forgotten what it’s like to carry out what they get elected on; that’s why it sounds strange to them when somebody carries out what they promised. Do what needs to be done, but don’t forget the people that give you a regular income.
dum. Then we have John Major, the ex-Prime Minister who signed us up to the disastrous Maastricht Treaty. Yes, this appalling piece of European legislation handcuffed us to the EU project. He was happy enough to sign this without the consent of the British people, or indeed Parliamentory approval, then has the audacity to shout foul against our democratic choice. We also have the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her team of SNP cuckoos in Westminster bleating about another independence referendum if she can’t continue her way, being subservient to Brussels? She clearly doesn’t appreciate how lucky the Scots are. The Westminster grant (the Barnett formula) allows every man, woman and child at least £1,200 per head to be spent on them more than their English counterpart. Scotland also enjoys four times, yes, four times, more business with the rest of the UK than with the EU. In financial terms we should be her best friend. These totally misguided advocates of democracy, but only when it suits, are showing the Brussels negotiators
Sick of rubbish
how divided we are as a nation, thereby weakening the Government’s negotiating strategy. What these negative doom and gloom mongers appear to have overlooked is the fact that Britain does approximately £200billion worth of business with the EU, yet they do around £280billion with the UK. Theresa May is absolutely right to play hardball. We don’t need to be in the single market, we can negotiate access to it, just like many other countries do. The European Union has much more to lose if they want to try to punish us as they’ve already indicated. It would be suicidal for their car, wine, cheese and agriculture industries, and many more businesses if they take this uncooperative stance. The British people – 17.4 million of us – have democratically voted to leave the EU. It’s time our elected and indeed unelected Parliamentarians showed a united and powerful voice instead of trying to gain unnecessary brownie points. Britain leads the world in commerce, technology and science and we should grasp this amazing global opportunity whilst maintaining a friendly and free trading economic partnership with the whole of Europe.
Trump’s got my vote From: James Dewhirst, Batley
From: Michael Shaw, via email Dear Sir, Why do people do this? It must take more effort to carry bags to where they put them than just putting them in the dustbins provided.
Dear Sir, After some of the characters who have tried their hand at being leader of a nation, I can’t understand the criticism of Donald Trump. He gets things done at speed; has the guts to deal with awkward people and trouble-makers; has experi-
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Friday March 3, 2017
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Mirfield campaigner attacks White Paper
From page 8 ence of real life, unlike most of our career politicians, and has shown he can toughen out difficult circumstances. In my opinion, in Britain after World War Two, apart from a handful of noble prime ministers, we have been led by ‘chickens’ such as Edward Heath, Alec Douglas-Home, John Major and David Cameron, or egocentric megalomaniacs of the ilk of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
We need a Northern Labour Party that lives in the real world From: R Spreadbury, Liversedge Dear Sir, I can’t decide if being a leader makes you delusional, or you have to be delusional to be a leader? I base this on recent events. 1) Tony Blair’s call for Remainers to rise up and follow him on a crusade to scupper Britexit. This call to arms is based on the belief that he knows what is best for the country, because he was a successful world leader. 2) Jeremy Corbyn’s reaction to the recent by-election result in Copeland. This is that Labour’s policies and track record are not to blame for the loss of Copeland, the party just need to make a better effort in getting their policies across to northern folk. Here is my alternative assessment of why Labour voters are turning their back on the party and many ignored their edict for all Labour supporters to vote Remain. Let’s for a moment reflect on the legacy of 13 years of Labour rule: 1) Globalisation which has turned the UK into a low-skilled economy fuelled by cheap immigrant labour. 2) Our key infrastructure, water, energy and public transport owned and controlled by foreign hedge funds, and EU state-owned monopolies. 3) An obsession, with anti-discrimination legislation. This has created the politically correct, risk-averse claims culture we now live under and has resulted in the rise of the nanny state. The beneficiaries of this are the greedy nowin no-fee lawyers, whilst ordinary folk have had to put up and live with the consequences of an endless stream of stupid policies and decisions made by Labour-controlled councils. 4) A hands-off approach to the deregulated
financial sector. We are all feeling the consequence of this in our pockets apart from maybe the banks, who have been handed £850bn in support from the taxpayer. 5) Trying to force western Christian democratic values onto the Muslim world through military intervention. According to these two, and their sycophantic acolytes, the above legacy is the successful outcome of a Labour administration and they cannot understand why voters don’t want more of the same. It is really time we had a no-nonsense Northern Labour Party who actually live in the real world and represent ordinary people.
‘Legendary’ should be reserved for very best From: Michael Stott, Ossett Dear Sir, With reference to last week’s publicity insert in The Press, with the utmost respect I do feel it is stretching credulity beyond its limits to hang the sobriquet of ‘legendary drummer’ around Paul Fenton. I do not dispute his connection to Marc Bolan, after all a photo tells its own story. However Pete Frame’s comprehensive ‘Rock Family Trees’ ignores his contribution to the T Rex legacy completely, while his contributions to the ‘Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow’ sessions were minimal at best. While admitting his contribution to the general 70s pop scene is noteworthy, the status of ‘legendary drummer’ is surely the reserve of such savage protagonists of the calibre of John Bonham, Ginger Baker and Keith Moon for instance, to say nothing of the previous generation of big band percussionists, and to elevate Mr Fenton to the same plateau would be ridiculous and should be kept in perspective.
Overloaded Auntie is a waste of our money From: PW Rhodes, Mirfield Dear Sir, The BBC’s annual income is going on towards £4 billion. It is supposed to operate under the terms of the ‘Royal Charter in the reign of Elizabeth the Second’. This states, amongst its numerous pages, that it must be politically neutral. It does not do this, and after Tony Blair and
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Alastair Campbell finished ‘politicising’ the organisation, it became overloaded with biased, liberal lefties, such as Evan Davis (Newsnight), Andrew Marr, Bill Nighy etc. Moreover, the BBC Trust has ultimate responsibility for strict stewardship of the licence fee revenue and its other resources; in simple terms – not waste licence-payers’ hardearned cash! It does not adhere to this rule either. At the last count, there were 130 BBC staff earning more than the Prime Minister. Even 2009 released financial figures showed: Director General Mark Thompson, salary £664,000, total remuneration £834,000; Deputy Mark Byford, £471,000; also a further 40 or 50 or so on over £200,000, even in 2009! Also, it is up to readers to judge whether the likes of Gary Lineker, the football link man, is worth £1million plus a year, and gigantic amounts paid to some of the so-called entertainers. Therefore, with the BBC’s abuse of licence payers’ money, and their seemingly dismissive ignorance of the rules of the Royal Charter, just what right have they to haul people in front of a legal court to demand money that they don’t keep strict stewardship of? Parliament were going to look at the goings-on, and the BBC’s extravagance, but I’ve heard nothing much yet.
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THE WOMAN who chairs Save Mirfield as well as a major national campaigning group has slammed a government White Paper on solving Britain’s housing shortages. Cheryl Tyler, chair of Community Voice on Planning (CoVoP), attacked the recently-published white paper ‘Fixing our broken housing market’ as short on detail and soft on developers. “We are very disappointed on first viewing,” Mrs Tyler said. “Not only is this latest document somewhat flimsy, but it does not adequately address many fundamental issues people up and down the country are currently experiencing, leaving them vulnerable to unscrupulous developers.” She said the issues include ‘land-banking’ by developers, local plans failing to take account of empty properties, sometimes abandoned for years and permissions being granted, on appeal, for green-field sites outside of local plans. CoVoP, which represents more than 100 independent campaigning groups, including Save Mirfield, was formed to protect green spaces perceived to be under threat throughout the country. Members’ feedback on the white paper, presented by Secretary of State Sajid Javid, showed extreme frustration. Mrs Tyler added: “There are thousands of unfulfilled planning permissions across the country; developers can get away with simply digging a hole, laying some concrete and claiming that the build has been started. Stronger sanctions need to be in place as a deterrent, such as steep fines for developers who fail to build within a fixed time-frame.” She said members would also like to see powers given to councils to compulsorily purchase unfurnished homes that were not being renovated, enabling them to be released for sale to their communities. “Developers do not pay VAT on materials used on newbuilds, so why can this not be done for those individuals willing to put in the work to renovate an existing old building? We are envisaging a renaissance, perhaps along the lines of the old self-build schemes that were popular in the 1960s. We should not be building on green field when existing homes can be put back into use.” CoVoP believes there should also be a firm commitment on the part of the government that there can be no appeal by developers wishing to build on sites outside of approved local and neighbourhood plans. “To do otherwise – as has happened in the past – destroys any faith a community had in the planning system. “All in all, we feel very let down on first viewing of the housing white paper. We will continue to scrutinise its content and will be making our comments to the consultation in due course,” Mrs Tyler said.
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Friday March 3, 2017
‘Be extraordinary’ campaign to recruit 100 firefighters
News In Brief Police chase man ‘drove dangerously’ BATLEY: A man appeared in court accused of dangerous driving as he attempted to flee police. Sean Sellers, 25, of Pavilion Close, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court charged with dangerous driving, using a vehicle without insurance and a licence, driving while disqualified and failing to stop. The alleged offences occurred on Halifax Road and Upper Road in Batley on December 9 when Sellers allegedly ploughed into another vehicle before being chased by police. The case will be heard at Leeds Crown Court on March 23.
Cycle Tour talks CLECKHEATON: Local groups are being invited to discuss ways to make the most of this year’s Tour de Yorkshire cycling race, which passes through the district. Cleckheaton Rotary Club is holding an open meeting on Monday, March 13, at Gomersal Lodge Hotel (7pm), to discuss how best to showcase the Spen Valley. Rotarian Joanne Catlow said: “Thousands of people will be watching the race either along the route or on television and this is an exciting opportunity to bring the local community together to celebrate the event and showcase the area to a wide audience.”
Probus Club
mation on entry requirements and the recruitment process. Chief Fire Officer John Roberts said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the men and women of West Yorkshire to join our team. “The role of a firefighter has changed considerably over the years, with prevention playing as much a
part as fire and rescue. “If you join us, you will learn some incredible skills, work with some wonderful people and overcome obstacles you never thought possible. “Ultimately, you will have an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career. If you’re up for the challenge, we want to hear from you.”
Was this Mirfield hall the ‘Horton Lodge’ of Anne Bronte fame? Local historian Mike Popplewell takes readers on another journey into the history of North Kirklees FICTION writers often base characters and places in their stories on real people. This appears to be particularly true of early 19th century writers – for where else would the likes of the Bronte sisters find their knowledge of the world around them? There was no TV, radio, film or internet to inform them, only the people and places around them – and many of the people and places that featured prominently in their lives were based in the Spen Valley.
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BATLEY & DEWSBURY: The next meeting of the Probus Club will be on Tuesday (March 7) at the Older People’s Centre in Batley (10.0 for 10.30am) when Douglas Hird, BEM, will give a talk on Shaw Cross ARLFC (Boys’ Club). For more details contact 01924 471337.
WEST Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has opened applications for full-time firefighter jobs. It’s part of the new ‘Ordinary to Extraordinary’ campaign to fill more than 100 posts in the next three years. WYFRS has set up a recruitment website, www.joinwyfirefighters.co m, which provides infor-
Take Blake Hall in Mirfield, for example. In the Thornton edition of ‘The Works of the Bronte Sisters’ (1911), there is a photo of Blake Hall which the editors identify as the ‘Horton Lodge’ featured in Anne Bronte’s novel ‘Agnes Grey’. Other places have claims to be ‘Horton Lodge’ – like the Robinson family house at Thorp Green near York – as
Anne worked as a governess, like her hero Agnes Grey, for more than one family. But Blake Hall appears to have the strongest claim. Anne was only a teenager in her time at Blake Hall with the Ingham family, and as it was her first job as a governess she was, not surprisingly, a little overwhelmed by the very ‘lively’ Ingham children. In fact, she was dismissed after nine months due to her inability to control them.
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Blake Hall was a large estate in Mirfield with a driveway passing through from Church Lane to Parker Lane, with another entrance in Pinfold Lane. That driveway is probably what can be seen today as Blake Hall Road. The property was built in 1745, and a prominent feature was a Queen Anne staircase. The house was demolished in 1954, with a housing estate now occupying the site; the staircase was sent to an auction house in London where it was bought, in 1958, by an American couple and shipped to Long Island. It was reported that a ghostly female figure in a long dress was later seen on that staircase. But suggestions that it might be Anne are a bit far-fetched, for she died, aged 29, in Scarborough in 1849 and is buried there. The Spen Valley Fame Trail obviously has limitations – it could not have featured everywhere in the district with a story to tell – but it has at least opened up a doorway to further historical exploration.
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A BATLEY councillor has warned about the dangers of online dating scams. Batley West’s Coun Shabir Pandor spoke out in his role as a member of the West Yorkshire Trading Standards committee after a report showed local people losing an average of £10,000 to romance fraudsters. Coun Pandor said: “One victim even went to the airport to meet their romancer after giving money for a plane ticket, only to realise that it was a scam.” Now a joint venture from Get Safe Online, Victim Support and Age Concern UK aims to tackle the growing problem with the launch of a new Online Dating A s s o c i a t i o n (www.onlinedatingassociation.org.uk). It provides a range of tips for people looking for love on the web, on how to stay safe and to avoid being fleeced.
ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017
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ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017
Charities win the Lottery
News In Brief Son ‘fractured his mum’s eye socket’ DEWSBURY: A man appeared in court accused of fracturing his mother’s eye socket. Jake Barlow, 24, of Ashworth Close, Dewsbury, was charged at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court with unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The alleged attack happened at Deborah Barlow’s home on Lees Hall Road, Thornhill, on Saturday. The court heard police were called to the address after Mrs Barlow sustained several injuries including a fractured eye socket. Barlow will appear at Leeds Crown Court on March 27. He was remanded into custody.
‘Attack on partner’ DEWSBURY: A man has denied attacking his partner twice in the space of four days. Damian Auty, 37, of Mountain Road, Thornhill, pleaded not guilty at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court to two assaults on Suzanne Wood, which allegedly took place at his home on January 20 and 24. His trial will take place on March 23 at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court.
Fall man named LIVERSEDGE: A man who fell to his death in Huddersfield has been named. An inquest at Bradford Coroner’s Court revealed he was Paul William Crossland, a 54-year-old former chef from Liversedge. The court heard he had “either fallen or jumped” from the multi-storey car park above Huddersfield bus station on Saturday, February 18. The inquest was adjourned provisionally until May 18.
KIRKLEES Liberal Democrats unveiled their new offices in Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe. The opening was attended by over 60 local residents as well as local councillors Baroness Kath Pinnock and Andrew Marchington, Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman Ednan Hussain and Dewsbury West candidate Imtiaz Mirza.
Unfinished estate set for completion By Staff Reporters A PARTIALLY-BUILT housing scheme could soon be completed after plans were submitted by a new developer. McInerney Homes went bust six years ago while it was still constructing the ‘Heritage’ site in Mirfield. The housebuilder left the 203-home development at Calder View less than halffinished. Only 65 homes were completed and residents who moved in were left with
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roads and paths unfinished and promises of a children’s play area never materialised. But now Sheffield-based Gleeson Homes have applied for permission from Kirklees Council to build 99 homes on the site, which lies close to the River Calder. The plans include 34 twobedroom, 59 three-bedroom and six four-bed houses. Mirfield councillor Martyn Bolt commented: “It’s going to be a great relief for residents to see the site finally finished.
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“This issue has shown the weaknesses in the planning system: if a developer goes bust, residents are left in limbo for years. There should be mechanisms in place to make sure promises such as public open spaces and play areas are delivered regardless. “We’ve had a site where families moved in and the site wasn’t suitable for people with toddlers and young children. “The roads, drainage and lighting have not become the responsibility of the council yet as that only
happens when the final home is built. “So people have been living with rough tracks for the past six years. “The sooner they can get on with it, the sooner residents will have a happy outcome.” Gleeson has said that if the plans are approved, they will aim to begin work in late summer-early autumn. Coun Bolt said he understood Gleeson would look to tackle the flooding problem which has blighted the entrance to the estate.
TWO charities have been awarded Big Lottery grants. Birstall Urban Motorcycle Project for Youth (BUMPY), was awarded £275,710 towards its ‘Back on Track’ project over the next three years. The project will target 120 young people aged 12-16 who are at risk of committing a crime or are in danger of reoffending. Another charity – Emotional Support for Children and Young People (ESCAYP), based in Gomersal – was granted £165,182, which will be used to maintain staff in base and provide hundreds of hours of counselling or play therapy across West Yorkshire. Carolyne Kenzitt from BUMPY said: “It will be nice to be able to continue this support we have been offering to young people over the 27 years the project has been running. And ESCAYP’s service manager Heather Pearce, said: “We will continue to work with our very wide age range of three to 21 years. “The need for our service is as great in 2017 as it has been since our start in 2008.”
ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017
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Friday March 3, 2017
Working with you for tailored care Advertising Feature ADVINIA Home Care’s ethos is to provide an outstanding quality of support, tailored to individual requirements. Our care is delivered by care professionals, trained to provide the right level of support and companionship while remaining as discreet as you require. We believe that matching the right care professional to the right client is central to providing the best support for you, and providing continous training and support for your care professional means that if your needs change, your care professional can remain with you for as long as you need them. OUR APPROACH We understand that the decision to invite someone into your home to play an intimate part in your life is significant for both you and your family and that’s why we work with you, from your initial consultation to assisting you with ongoing developments of your personalised service plan, to ensure that you are in control of and comfortable with your support at every stage. Our care consultants provide all the advice and guidance you need to answer your questions and support you in making those key decisions. Our hand-picked care professionals are carefully checked and vetted and only those who can evidence the appropriate qualifications, experience and personality are offered a position. Each care professional is provided with specialist training and education, relevant to each client’s individual requirements through our network of specialist
Food parcel project is good news for the Moor
health and social care partners. YOUR SERVICES Our care consultant will assist you in identifying a flexible package of care, designed to meet your needs and wishes. CARE AND COMPANIONSHIP SERVICES: Our companionship services are tailored to support your choices and deliver the care you need to live your life how you choose. LIVE-IN CARE: Our live-in care service provides around the clock home care for adults and the elderly who may need this level of support to continue living in their own home and community. SPECIALIST CARE: Our care professionals can provide specialist care and support for a variety of conditions such as dementia, cancer, Parkinson’s disease and other long-term illnesses. REHABILITATION: Our team will support you to regain your independence after a stay in hospital, coping with an accident, illness or a temporary disability. RESPITE: Our respite service provides short-term, temporary relief to those who are caring for family members who might otherwise require permanent placement in a facility outside the home. COMPLEX CARE: Our nurseled service offers you the opportunity to be supported clinically in the familiar surroundings of your own home. If you would like to find out more about our services or would like one of our care consultants to call on you then please contact us. Telephone: 01924 403450 www.adviniahomecare.co.uk
A NEW volunteer food distribution service has started up in Dewsbury Moor. The ‘Moor Food For Less’ project held its first weekly food parcel drop-in session on Wednesday at Dewsbury Moor ARLFC. The project has set up links with food outlets including Nando’s and local supermarkets Morrisons and the Co-op, who will donate some of their waste. A hot meal delivery service will be
introduced in the next few weeks. Those in need of food are asked to make a contribution for the parcels or, if they cannot afford, volunteer in a range of ways. The service is being run in collaboration with the ‘Real Junk Food Project’ in Leeds. Organiser Chris Jenkinson said: “Dewsbury Moor has had some negative publicity so it is nice to do something
good for the area. We have just started but we would like to make it bigger – to the point where we have cafes for people to visit. “I have committed to this for at least the next six months.” ‘Moor Food For Less’ will run at Dewsbury Moor ARLFC every Wednesday (3pm-7pm). For more information contact Chris Jenkinson on 07866 562649.
Hospice aims to provide care for more patients and families By Steve Martyn KIRKWOOD Hospice is preparing to mark 30 years of serving the community – with fundraisers in North Kirklees leading the way. The hospice, set up in 1987, helps care for people with terminal illness and is marking the milestone with a new drive to help people understand the services they provide. Chief executive Michael Crowther said: “In our 30th year, we want to celebrate the impact Kirkwood has had on people’s lives and ensure access to our services is not considered to be limited by condition, age, location, ethnic group, orientation or any other issue. “Kirkwood’s aim is to care for people who are affected by a life-limiting illness and those close to them. “This can mean anything
from providing care in a person’s final days to offering advice and support over months or even years. “This support can take many forms, from accessing emotional or spiritual care through counselling, to advice on medicines and symptom control. “The hospice provides serv-
ices committed to enabling people to live the best quality of life possible. “We will use our anniversary to dispel some of the misconceptions that surround hospice care and to make sure that more people benefit from the care and support we provide in the future. “We hear first hand from families and patients who have accessed our support that their idea of hospice care completely changed once they experienced it.” The hospice believes more people could benefit from the services it provides. Mr Crowther added: “Our job is to reach out to the people who haven’t previously experienced our care to tell them about the different services we offer. “We are asking the public and our colleagues in the healthcare community to help us spread the word so that we
can reach people who may need our support but aren’t sure what we can offer to support them.” A number of events have been planned around the district to support the celebration. The Batley and Birstall support group will be kicking off with a spring coffee morning at Batley Town Hall on Saturday, March 18 (10amnoon). There will be a special birthday cake-cutting ceremony attended by the Mayor of Kirklees, Coun Jim Dodds, stalls and a raffle. Entry is £2.50 which includes coffee and cake. The hospice has also created a new party pack for people who want to hold their own events. Details can be found by calling 01484 557911 or by emailing fundraising@kirkwoodhospice. co.uk.
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Friday March 3, 2017
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Friday March 3, 2017
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 SATURDAY MARCH 4 GOING NORTH FROM MIRFIELD Meet at 10.30am at Station Road, Mirfield, by Lidl (WF14 8NL, SE203195) 7 miles - moderate Contact: Annelis Tel: 01924 460 597 Email: a.griffin4@ntl.com
Captive queen SPEN VALLEY Historical Society’s next meeting is on Wednesday March 8, David Templeman will give a talk on Mary Queen of Scots called ‘The Captive Queen 1568-1584’. Meetings are held in the Catholic Church Parish Hall on Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7.15pm. The cost is £2 per meeting for members, £4 for guests and membership is £10 per year. For more information email scooper@the coopersonline.org.uk.
Bagshaw treat YOU CAN treat your mum to a day out at Bagshaw Museum this Mother’s Day. The museum in Wilton Park, Batley, will be serving afternoon cream teas in the elegant Victorian picture gallery on March 26. Cream teas cost £3.50 per person and will be served from 1pm to 4pm. There’s no need to book, just turn up and enjoy. More information is available by contacting Bagshaw Museum on 01924 324765.
Ramblers meet DEWSBURY and District Rambling Club have a walk planned for tomorrow (Sat)in the Womersley area. Meet Margaret Mitchell at Link Road, Dewsbury, at 9.30am. A walk is also planned for Wednesday March 8 at Spofforth Castle and Follyfoot. Please park by the castle or on the roadside at 10.30am. Christine and David Richards are the leaders.
Push the boat out! KEEP your eyes open for posters and flyers advertising Batley Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s 2017 production of The Gondoliers, with artwork designed by local youngsters Sophie Whittaker and Saffia Muhammed. Sophie, 11, and Saffia, aged nine, were the joint winners of the society’s ‘Design a Poster’ competition, and attend Norristhorpe Junior and Infants School and Headfield Church of England Junior School respectively. The competition was judged by society president Stephanie Roe, treasurer and programme editor Robert Thurman and David Wood MBE, a wellknown local artist. Robert said: “The panel liked Sophie’s picture of a gondola being propelled by a gondolier, but also liked Saffia’s depiction of Venice. “In the end, we decided to award them joint first prize, and I have been able to create a composite picture which I think works really well.” In all, the competition received 56 entries – 21 from Norristhorpe,six from Headfield, 28 from Batley
Staff of Norristhorpe School and some of the pupils who entered the competition. Back row: Mrs Claire Lyles (head teacher), Mrs Francoise Joyce (assistant head teacher); front row: Thomas Rann, Sophie Whittaker, Jessica Hammond and Dylan Taylor Grammar School Primary Phase and one individual entry. The panel also placed five entries in the ‘Highly Commended’ category: Thomas Rann (aged eight), Dylan Taylor (aged seven) and Jessica Hammond (aged 10) from Norristhorpe School; Muhammed Shaikh (aged nine) from Headfield and Zaynah Hussain (aged eight) who was the individual entrant.
Stephanie Roe said: “We were delighted with the response to this new initiative and would like to thank the head teachers and art teachers at the participating schools for their help in encouraging pupils to take part, and the staff at Batley, Birstall, Dewsbury and Mirfield libraries for their assistance in promoting the competition. “We hope Sophie and Saffia will enjoy seeing their work on the posters
The Gondoliers poster designed by Sophie Whittaker and Saffia Muhammed and on the front of the programmes for The Gondoliers when the show is presented in April.” The winners and those in the highly commended category have been invited to attend the Saturday matinee performance, when they will be presented with their prizes and certificates by David Wood. The show runs at Batley Town Hall from Wednesday April 5 to Saturday April 8, and tickets are available from Stephanie Roe on 07810 447183.
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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at Leeds Grand Theatre until March 4 Box office: 0844 848 2700 www.leedsgrandtheatre.com Review by Janet Black THE NATIONAL Theatre’s internationally-acclaimed producton of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is an innovative drama based on Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel. The winner of seven 2013 Olivier Awards and five 2015 Tony Awards, including Best Play, it has accrued some fantastic plaudits from the national press. This mesmerising play focuses on Christopher, who is 15 years old and has an extraordinary brain – exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. When he falls under suspicion for killing Mrs Shears’ dog, it takes him on a journey that turns his world upside down. This is a really powerful production with dramatic stage effects and lighting and a strong cast, but which also maintains humour and is a great combination of storytelling and spectacle. It is no surprise that this West End smash hit is so highly acclaimed.
EBENEZER Methodist Drama Group will perform ‘Dead Man’s Hand’, a thriller by Seymour Matthews tonight (Fri) and tomorrow (Sat). All performances start at 7.15pm and take place at Hanging Heaton Methodist Church. The play is written in a similar style to that of Agatha Christie, but with a twist. The play is produced by Allison Pollard and the cast includes Bryan Middleham, Jack Mitchell, Leanne Pollard, Rosi Smith, Amy Webster and Mark Webster. Admission, including refreshments, is £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children. Tickets are available by calling 07889 258997 or 01924 769513.
r de Call 01924 491148 for furthe
Now taking bookings ...........
Storytelling and spectacle
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Mothering Sunday 26th March
MONDAY 6 MARCH BLUEHILLS OF BIRKENSHAW Meet at 1pm at Oakwell Hall top car park (WF17 9LG, SE217271) 6.5 miles – moderate Contact: Kathleen Tel: 01924 471 473 Email: Kathleenoshea5@aol.com
Talented youngsters in King and I HECKMONDWIKE PLAYERS are putting the finishing touches to their production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s much-loved musical ‘The King and I’. The show – at Cleckheaton Town Hall – features a talented group of local youngsters as the King’s children, and they will be centre stage when they perform the Siamese-style ballet which forms a highlight of the second act of the show. Playing the King is Ian Fryer, now in his third principal role with
the Players. He is ably supported by regulars Sheelagh Forsyth as Lady Thiang and Christine Shoesmith as Mrs Anna – the spirited tutor to the royal children. Portraying the tragic character of Tuptim, a star-crossed lover, is Charlotte Jones, who is taking her first leading role with the group. This is not, however, her first show with Heckmondwike Players as she was a member of Fagin’s gang of pickpockets in the Players’ 2007
staging of Oliver. The show includes such memorable songs as ‘Hello Young Lovers’, ‘Shall We Dance’ and ‘We Kiss in the Shadows’. The show runs from Thursday March 16 to Sunday March 19 (various times). Tickets priced from £12 (£10 concessions) are available from Cleckheaton Town Hall, Heckmondwike Electricals (07840 488036) or online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls.
ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017
Hear Ann across the BBC radio network
Marketplace
Tamzin Outhwaite swaps Walford Turn your unwanted items for laughter in a new BBC comedy into cash £££s CTRESS Tamzin Outhwaite tells me she loves the twists and turns her career has taken since leaving EastEnders. “I think it’s always a risk, but now I’m playing comedy in the BBC Two show ‘Inside Number 9’,” she said. “I love making people laugh, and I think while a soap is great you can’t stay on it forever, as you don’t grow as an actress. I did not want to play just one part, so in a way I am glad I moved on.”
A
BLUE singer Lee Ryan is set to join EastEnders for a short stint. He told me ‘I was offered a role in the show many years ago, at the start of the band Blue, but I was committed to that then so I declined. But now I think it’s a good time, as I am more ready and have the experience to add something new to a role like this.” A MANSION that was used as a setting in the ITV show Midsomer Murders is up for sale for almost £9m. The mansion, which dates to the 13th century and is in Henley-on-Thames, was used for the show’s first Christmas special, Ghosts of Christmas Past, in 2004. A source tells me: “It’s amazing what having a house featured on TV can do ... we have had lots of offers.” WHOOPI GOLDBERG’S oneoff stand-up gig at the London Palladium was not a great success. The actress, comedian and panellist on US talk shows was accused of simply doing a questionand-answer session while throwing in a few words about her life. Many fans were left stunned at the lack of a show, yet Whoopi believes it was a great success. STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole has told the BBC that he wants to replace Len Goodman as head judge. Brendan, now on tour with his own show, tells me: “I don’t see why not, and maybe I could add a bit of youth to the panel. I know my fans would like to see it happen, so let’s see if the BBC go for it.” JAMES NESBITT has said that hair transplants handed him a new lease life, professionally. “I think yes, it’s helped a lot really,” he said. “Before the transplant it was harder and harder to land the sort of roles I wanted, but now I am getting cast in all kinds of things, which proves that looking the part does count.” THE BBC has signed deals to
1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by credit or debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque, credit or debit card (30p surcharge). 3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment. ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. (We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296.
Ann and Tamzin Outhwaite keep Mrs Brown’s Boys and The Graham Norton Show on BBC One until at least 2020. Mrs Brown’s Boys star Brendan O’Carroll said backstage at the National TV Awards: “The BBC have ordered two Christmas specials a year up to 2020.” The corporation has since confirmed the news. DOWNTON ABBEY star Michelle Dockery, who has starred in the US drama Good Behavior, may have to put on hold her stint in the movie version of the hit period drama, as her show has been given a second series. “I can’t believe it,” she said. “After coming out of a successful show, to land another, is amazing.” CATHERINE ZETA-JONES looks unrecognisable as Hollywood star Olivia de Havilland in the FX series ‘Feud’. She told me: “I got my big break in Darling Buds on TV, so when this was offered to me I jumped at the chance. I was a huge fan of Olivia and she is still a Hollywood icon today.” ITV IS turbocharging daytime format The Chase and preparing a revamped family version to air in a Saturday tea-time slot. Hosted by Bradley Walsh, the show has proved a consistent hit for the daytime slot and now Bradley tells me he is thrilled that the show is going prime time. “It’s been mentioned quite a few times, but I know now for sure we can achieve success on a Saturday night, which is super news,” he said. DIET COKE has announced TV treasure Holly Willoughby as its new brand ambassador for 2017. Holly, who is best known for her presenting work across ITV, will add a dose of extra fizz to Diet Coke activity this year, lending her voice to various ads and social media. Holly also
Maycon Pictures promotes books, toothpaste, make-up, clothes, and of course hair colour... DOWNTON Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville stars as Lord Mountbatten, the great grandson of Queen Victoria who assumed the post of the last Viceroy of India, in a new movie, due out this March. Hugh tells me: “I did watch quite a bit of footage about Louis and he was an amazing man. He was very, shall we say, busy in keeping his image together, and for those around him too, which made him fascinating to play.” BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH’S portrayal of dashing detective Sherlock has been named the world’s favourite BBC character, beating off stiff competition from Peter Capaldi’s Doctor Who and Luther, played by Idris Elba. Fans, though, note that there was no mention of Dad’s Army, Hi De Hi, or even Frank Spencer, so maybe it was just aimed at the digital generation? CALL the Midwife star Miranda Hart is set to make her West End debut, starring in the musical Annie as Miss Hannigan. She trills: “I think this is marvellous for me, as I have loved the musical since a child, but I don’t relish the idea of being that nasty. It’s going to be a fun run, and I hope successful too.” NEIL MORRISSEY says he and co-star Martin Clunes would be up for a revival of Men Behaving Badly, adding: :It can’t ever be what it was – we’re talking nearly 20 years ago.” Neil, now starring in the Good Karma Hospital, continued: “I think it would be fun to see where they are all now, but of course it would be different. Hopefully we would have all grown up.”
17
NEW Huawei Ascend Y550 Android phone, EE networked, 4.5” screen, 2GB, 5meg camera, includes charger and phone case, genuine reason for sale, £40ono. Tel 07952 526527. (2103) As-new brown leather, reclining, swivel chair, with unused footstool. Cost £260, would like £100 ono. Tel 724680/ 07743 586001. (2104) Shopping trolley (wicker), on 7inch rubber wheels, £20. Tel 01924 472043 (Batley) (2105) Two-seater sofa, 1 chair + footstool, all in tan leather. Like new, £200 ono. Tel 07944 703146. (2106) Solid, medium oak dining room table, 6 highback chairs + 2 carver chairs. Excellent condition, £195. Tel 07929 257475. (2107) Morphy Richards pyramid kettle in cream/chrome, hardly used, in excellent condition. Cost £49 accept £25. Tel 01274 862769 or 075192 88925. (2108) Cookworks 2 slice toaster, good condition, very little used, £12 ono. Tel 01274 862769 or 07519 288925. (2108) Brother fax/ phone/copier and answer machine, complete with owners manual; cost £85, accept £20. Tel 01274 862769 or 07519 288925. (2108) Single foldaway guest bed and mattress, £15. Tel 01274 862769 or 07519 288925. (2108) Two seater, fabric settee + 3 cushions. Hardly used, no stains whatsoever. Excellent condition £85 ono. Tel 01924 442711. (2109) BEDROOM FURNITURE Double bed mattress, very good condition, £25; buyer to collect. Tel 01924 485972. (2102)
183cm (W) x 135cm (D) x 30cm (H). Excellent condition, tel 01274 871715 (after 5pm). (2095) Stag dressing table, 6 drawers, 3 mirrors, mist on one, hence price £27. Tel 01924 503603. (2087) Two metal guest beds with mattresses £10 each. Tel 01924 401729. (2085) Metal framed fold-up occasional bed/mattress, £20. Tel 07519 288925. (2070) CHILDREN’S GOODS/ TOYS Child’s Razor E300 electric scooter, as new, with charger, suit 8 year old upwards, bargain £90. Tel 07961 842563. (2098) Boy’s Anaconda BMXstyle bike, 14” wheels with foot pegs, suit age 9 years+. As new, £40. Tel 07961 842563. (2098) Large fur rocking horse, £30. Tel 01924 401729. (2085) Three wheeler, ride-on buggy with charger. £100 ONO. Tel 01924 467057. (2072) COLLECTIBLES 1950s baby black doll, made by Pedigree, £50 ono. Tel 07804 233073. (2091) COMPUTING Medion (E1210) 10” everywhere netbook, complete, boxed, good condition £25. Tel Mirfield 01924 491306. (2074) ELECTRICAL Indesit front loader washer, 9 months old, very good, clean condition. Genuine reason for sale (moving to accommodation with laundry facilities) £60 ono. Tel 01924 503501 (buyer collects) (2099) New microwave, never used, bought for use in caravan, £25. Oval, bevelled, glass top coffee table with gold-coloured legs and frame £20. Tel 01924 359621. (2100) Indesit front loader washing machine. Good working order £50 ono. Tel 01924 407943. (Buyer collects) (2093)
Double wardrobe, two bedside cabinets, set of drawers, all in teak basket weave. Good condition £60. Tel 01274 959373. (2094)
Breville electric kettle, modern dome shape, cream colour, good working order, £7. Tel 01924 444000. (2079)
Sofa bed, Clive Metel futon. Black/ red mattress £130, closed 183 cm (W) x 98cm (D) x 85cm (H), extended
FASHION Men’s Louis Vuitton black trainer shoes, size 8, boxed, worn only twice. Cost £500, bargain £200
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ITEM bands
Cost per item
Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus ono. Tel 07804 233073. (2091) Two red ladies’ handbags (large), in red, 12” x 10” and 15” x 12”, both excellent condition, still in wrappers £20 each. Tel 01274 861904. (2071) FREE Baled, dry wood, ideal for wood burners/home use. Free to collect from local area. Tel 07580 135488. (2078) FURNITURE Sherbourne two-seater sofa in oatmeal fabric. Pristine condition, never been sat on, bargain £485, also Sherbourne chair in oatmeal fabric, in pristine condition, never been sat on, bargain £380. Tel 07961 842563. (2098) Hand-crafted designer chaise longue (unused), cream faux leather seat and arm, back and seat trim in Stewart tartan fabric, chrome legs. Also includes lumber and loose cushion in same fabric, £350. Tel 07961 842563. (2098) Black leather settee with light brown ribbed cushions, 146” x 36”, adapts to corner settee 96” x 72”. Includes separate footrest 36” x 24” and scatter cushions. Excellent condition, first to see will buy £300 ono. Tel 01924 407943. (Buyer collects) (2093) Three-piece suite in light green fabric, 3 seater/2 seater/ plus recliner chair. Reversible cushions plain/ pattern. Excellent condition, first to see will buy £300 ono. Tel 01924 407943. (Buyer collects) (2093) Multi-purpose exercise bench, needs constructing, was £86, accept £25. Buyer collects, Tel 01924 501770. (2089) Heavy, black, oval, cast aluminium garden table and 4 chairs, 2 of them carvers. Cost £700, will accept £300 ono. Tel 07804 233073. (2091) Five-drawer chest in antique pine £30 ono. Tel 07719 954892. (2088)
£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11
Dark blue leather twoseater settee and two chairs; wood trim on arms, good condition, £150. Tel 01924 381651. (2076) GARDEN Hand Garden Groom with bag, new, cost £70, accept £30 ono. Tel 07804 233073. (2091) Black & Decker battery hedge trimmer, 20” blade, 18V, hardly used, £25. Tel 01924 430088. (2084) Garden shed, 8’ x 6’, apex roof, very strong, never used, £280 delivered & erected. Tel 01924 278949. (2081) HEALTH EQUIPMENT Acorn stairlift, 4 yrs old, fits any typical straight staircase, price includes delivery and fitting by trained Acorn engineer and full 3 months’ manufacturer’s warranty, bargain at £885. Genuine private sale but please contact supplier for removal and installation. Tel 0800 073 9793, quote Ref: 199025. (2097) HOUSEHOLD 36-piece Royal Doulton ‘Yorkshire Rose’ tea service, £20. Tel 01924 264330. (2075) MISCELLANEOUS Portable Black Jack casino dealing shoe with cards, 400 casino chips. Table top marked layout for dealing, £25 the lot. Can deliver, tel 01274 876814. (2101) MUSICAL Large keyboard with stand £25. Tel 01924 401729. (2085) PET GOODS Black cage for small dog (as seen in Argos book), cost £30, accept £15 ono. Tel 07804 233073. (2091) SPORTING/ FITNESS Aerobatron exercise machine with instructions; cross country skistepper-eliptical. Computer counter calories/ strides/ mins & seconds. Sturdy machine, will fold, not lightweight. Set price £49. Tel 01924 503603. (2087)
Polished hall table £25. Tel 01924 401729. (2085)
Exercise bike, full body workout, £25. Tel 01924 480194. (2082)
Dusky pink dralon winged fireside chair, good condition, £25. Also blue dralon winged twoseater sofa, good condition, £50. Tel 01924 472619. (2080)
Keep fit machine all the family can use, type used in gyms using vibration, several programmes, cost £150 as new, will accept £50. Tel 01924 469652. (2083)
18
ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017
Add a little fun to your weekend! By David Bentley
The unwritten law of mechanics A MECHANIC was removing a cylinder head from the engine of a Harley Davidson when he spotted a well-known heart surgeon in his shop. The surgeon was waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike. The mechanic shouted across the garage: “Hey Doc, can I ask you a question?” The famous surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked: “So Doc, look at this engine. I can basically open hearts, take valves out, fix ’em, put in new parts and when I finish this will work just like a new one. “So how come I get a pittance and you get the really big money, when you and I are doing basically the same work?” The surgeon paused, smiled and leaned over, and whispered to the mechanic: “Try doing it with the engine running.”
Parcel force DARTH VADER and Luke Skywalker were having one of their
funny. When I lost my bag there was a £20 note in it. Now there are 20 pound coins.” The boy quickly replied: “That’s right, missus. The last time I found a purse, the owner didn’t have any change for a reward.”
little father and son chats. Lightsabers drawn and sparks flying. Vader pinned Luke against a bulkhead and glared into his face: “I know what you’re getting for your birthday, Luke,” he said. Luke fought himself free and jumped to a higher platform just out of Vader’s reach. “How do you know?!” Luke yelled at him, “How do you know what I’m getting for my birthday?!” Darth Vader shot Luke an icy glare: “Because ... I felt your presents.”
Daughter’s man gets a roasting ONE NIGHT the Potato family sat down to dinner, including Mother Potato and her two daughters. Midway through the meal, the eldest daughter spoke up. “Mother Potato?” she said. “I have an announcement to make.” “And what might that be?” said Mother, seeing the obvious excitement in her eldest daughter’s eyes. “Well,” replied the daughter, with a proud but sheepish grin, “I’m getting married!” The other daughter squealed with surprise as Mother Potato exclaimed: “Married?! That’s wonderful! And who are you marrying, Eldest Daughter?” “I’m marrying a Maris Piper!” A Maris Piper!” replied Mother Potato with pride. “Oh, a Maris Piper is a fine tater, a fine tater indeed!” As the family shared in the eldest daughter’s joy, the youngest daughter spoke up. “Mother, I too have an announcement.”
Shrink rap A MAN goes to a shrink and says: “Doctor, my wife is unfaithful to me. Every evening she goes to our local bar and picks up men. “In fact, she’ll leave with anybody who asks her! I’m going crazy. What do you think I should do?” “Relax,” says the doctor, “take a deep breath and calm down. Now, tell me, exactly where is this bar?”
Free enterprise A LADY dropped her handbag in the bustle of shopping. An honest little boy noticed her drop the handbag, so he picked it up and returned it to her. The lady looked into her handbag and commented: “Hmm ... that’s
“And what might that be?” asked Mother Potato. “Well,” began the youngest Potato daughter with the same sheepish grin as her eldest sister before her, “I hope this doesn’t come as a shock to you, but I’m getting married, as well!” “Really?” said Mother Potato with sincere excitement. “Both of my lovely daughters married! What wonderful news! And who, pray tell, are you marrying, Youngest Daughter?” “I’m marrying John Motson!” “John Motson?!” Mother Potato scowled suddenly. “But he’s just a common tater!”
instead of the phone I picked up the iron and burned my ear...” “But how the heck did you burn the other ear?” the doctor asked. “How do you think I called the ambulance?”
Stone cold
MY WIFE and I were arguing about which band's gimmick was the silliest. Eventually we agreed to Kiss and make-up.
TWO DRUNKS coming home, stumbled up the country road in the dark. “Look Mike, we’ve stumbled into the graveyard and here’s the stone of a man lived to the age of 127!” “Glory be, Patrick, and was it anybody we knew?” “No, it was someone named ‘Miles from London’!”
Quickies HOW do you make an octopus laugh? Give it ten-tickles. I HAVE a Polish friend who is a roadie for a band. I have a Czech one too.
APPARENTLY in Swedish schools they have self assembly. THERE was a fire at the Yankee Candle store. Four killed. Nineteen injured. 1,200 soothed.
In one ear
And finally...
A MAN had burned both his ears and they were asking him at the hospital how it happened. He said: “I was ironing my clothes and the phone rang, so
I WENT into Lloyds Bank in Batley the other day and asked the woman behind the counter if she could check my balance – so she pushed me over...
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The Joiner MOST affordable Keith Thackray Fencing JOINERY advertising Loft conversion specialist TS FENCING with the Any joinery work undertaken & PROPERTY Kitchens supplied & fitted REPAIRS MOST All type of fencing, or fitted only gates, decking, Decking, windows & doors readers flagging & patios etc All types of property Kitchen & bedroom fitting repairs, general in North Over 28 years experience handyman work. For a free estimate call Any Odd Jobs Big or Small Kirklees 01924 450325 Call Tony 07939 018428 01924 402578
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25 Third Street, Low Moor, BD12 0JB PUBLIC NOTICE We are acting in the sale of the above property and have received an offer of £86,500 on the above property. Any interested parties must submit any higher offers in writing to the selling agent before exchange of contracts takes place. The Energy Performance Certificate Rating is E. Coubrough & Co, 94 Towngate, Wyke, BD12 9JN Tel: 01274 606167
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ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Another mixed week for Sedge LIVERSEDGE FC drew 3-3 in an entertaining NCEL Premier Division encounter at Bottesford Town on Wednesday night. After losing 2-1 away to local rivals Thackley on Saturday afternoon, in midweek Sedge took the lead twice but had to settle for a point as their hosts bagged a late equaliser. Brandon Kane gave Jonathon Rimmington’s men a 15th-minute lead but Thomas Spall levelled before the break. Bottesford took the lead thanks to Danny Boulton’s 55th-minute strike but Kane bagged his brace 10 minutes later. Sedge must have felt that they were on the way to three points when Joe Walton put them back in front with less than 10 minutes remaining, but Wayne Greaves made it 3-3 as he netted in the penultimate minute. The result leaves Liversedge in ninth place in the 22-team Premier Division, ahead of their home game against Parkgate tomorrow (Sat).
Promotion hopes dented by leaders OSSETT TOWN’S promotion bid was given a dent as they lost for the second time in three games, suffering a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Evo-Stik League Northern Premier First Division North table-toppers Lancaster City. Tom Kilifin opened the scoring, putting the visitors ahead after he got on the end of a through ball and slotted into the bottom corner. Lancaster soon doubled their advantage as Jacob Gregory hammered home a powerful effort from the edge of the area. Ossett’s miserable afternoon got worse only a minute into the second half as they conceded a penalty. Jordan Connerton stepped up and despatched the spot kick for Lancaster. Town managed to get a goal back as Steve Ridley floated in a corner and with a little help from the wind the ball curled into the back of the net. Town will look to get back to winning ways as they travel to 11th-placed Bamber Bridge tomorrow afternoon (Sat). At the other end of the table Ossett Albion will look to move themselves further away from the drop zone as they host Colwyn Bay on Saturday, after their game against Radcliffe Borough was postponed last weekend.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Sammut key man as Rams lose to London Kingstone Press Championship
DEWSBURY RAMS LONDON BRONCOS
6 20
at the Tetley’s Stadium JARROD SAMMUT was the main difference between the two sides as the London Broncos took the points at the Tetley’s Stadium. The Broncos beat the Rams in testing conditions with the wind affecting both sides’ kicking game, and having a major effect on the pace of the game. In a match where both sides needed to collect some much needed points, it was London who bounced back after their most recent defeat. Dewsbury have now lost all four of their Kingstone Press Championship games, a disappointing start to the new season. Meanwhile London wanted to get back to winning ways after their recent defeat to Hull KR. Dewsbury head coach Glenn Morrison gave a debut to Liam Coe, who has arrived from amateur side West Bowling. The injury-hit Rams also fielded Daniel Igbinedion who has joined on loan for a month from the Castleford Tigers, and Chris Annakin who has come in from Wakefield Trinity. It was the Broncos who struck first and struck early, with Junior Roqica crossing on the seven-minute mark. Shoving his way through a crowd-
ed Rams defence, he managed to place the ball over the line. Sammut added the extras in a game where the wind would make any kick difficult. The Rams then levelled the scores in the 13th minute. They looked dangerous down the right flank all game and got the scoreboard moving when Andy Kain was able to put Hamish Barnes through with a superb pass. The desperate cover defence couldn’t get back in time. But the Broncos regained the lead three minutes before half time, when the defence let a high kick bounce and Sammut was on hand to take the chance. The half back also converted to send the visitors into half time with a 12-6 lead – a lead they would never relinquish. Scoring points has been a problem for the Rams all season with just eight from their three games prior to this. There were few signs of an improvement in their fortunes. The second half started in a scrappy fashion, once again the conditions having an effect. However it was not long until the Broncos started to dominate play. After 53 minutes they were awarded a penalty for an elbow-led challenge and Sammut took the two points to stretch the visitors’ lead. And the Broncos then showed their killer quality two minutes later. Lucas Walshaw mis-timed his tackle on Sammut, who managed to
MATCH STATS: DEWSBURY RAMS 2. Dale Morton 3. Jason Crookes 4. Lucas Walshaw 5. Gareth Potts 6. Paul Sykes 7. Andy Kain 12. Scott Hale 15. Robbie Ward 16. Toby Adamson 21. Hamish Barnes 24. Jode Sheriffe 28. Chris Annakin – Liam Coe Subs: 10. Mitch Stringer 11. Rob Spicer 23. James Glover 29. Daniel Igbinedion Tries: Barnes (13). Goals: Sykes (1/1).
Hamish Barnes scored the Rams’ only try get his pass off to Alex Walker who raced clear to score. Sammut added the extras to close out the scoring. As if things couldn’t get worse for the Rams, their string of injuries was added to with Toby Adamson out for an unspecified length of time. He suffered a dislocated elbow in the 59th minute. Glenn Morrison saw plenty of effort from his team as they tried to get back into the game, but the quality of London’s well-organised and committed defence comfortably repelled their desperate attacks. Dewsbury face a tricky trip away to Oldham next up, with the season already looking like turning into a battle against relegation.
7 7 6 7 7 6 7 6 6 7 8 7 7 7 7 6 7
LONDON BRONCOS 1. Elliot Kear 7 2. Rhys Williams 7 3. Ben Hellewell 7 4. Adrian Purtell 6 16. Junior Roqica 8 6. Jarrod Sammut 9 7. William Barthau 8 10. Mark Ioane 7 11. Daniel Harrison 6 12. Matt Garside 7 14. Andy Ackers 6 18. Ben Evans 7 24. Alex Walker 7 Subs: 13. Jay Pitts 7 17. Mark Offerdahl 6 23. Matt Gee 6 30. Callum Bastin 7 Tries: Roqica (7), Sammut (37) Walker (55). Goals: Sammut 3/3. Referee: J Roberts Half-time: 6-12 Penalties: 10-12 Sin Bin: None Sent Off: None Weather: Windy and cloudy Man of the Match: Jarrod Sammut (Broncos) Attendance: 678 Match Rating: 2/5
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
HEAVY WOOLLEN SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Albion targeting top half
Mirfield Town and Woodman draw
By Mike Popplewell Football Correspondent sport@thepressnews.co.uk
OSSETT ALBION, whose game last week was one of many to fall victim to adverse weather, go to Altofts on Sunday with a chance to effectively secure their place in the North East Regional League (South) for another season – but it promises to be a tough game. Altofts are only one place above Albion but, whilst having a four-point advantage, they have played a game more. After a recent upturn in results Albion are now targeting a top-half finish, but the four clubs below them can still overtake them it is so close. They currently have a five-point advantage over second-bottom Harrogate Railway and, with only five games to play, a win at Altofts would almost certainly ensure they stay out of the relegation places. But it is not going to be easy as Altofts produced the shock of the day last week at home to runaway leaders Farsley Celtic when they ended their 100 per cent record with a 3-1 win. Two seasons ago Ossett Town were in contention to make the step up from the West Riding Women’s County League and join neighbours Albion, but now they are looking as if they might even lose their
County League Premier Division place. It has been a gruelling season for Town but they do at least look like going down with a fight after a battling 2-1 win at Brayton Belles. But, with only three games to play they are five points behind third-bottom Hemsworth, having played two games more. Bottom club Battyeford SC also had a fine win last week when they pulled off a surprise 1-0 win over a Brighouse Athletic side still harbouring promotion hopes. It was a result that perfectly sets up the clash between the bottom two at Battyeford on Sunday. With the current pyramid system in women’s football promotion and relegation issues are never straightforward, and with East Yorkshire side Malet Lambert looking like a relegation candidate in the North East Regional League, it might affect the relegation issue in the County League and save the second-bottom club from the drop. Dewsbury Rangers are still mathematically capable of clinching the runners-up spot, at least, in the County League Second Division as they have four games in hand on joint top Leeds City and only eight points adrift after a 3-0 win at Boroughbridge. Winning all their remaining games will be a big ask but a Rangers win at home to lowly Crossley this week could well set the cat amongst the pigeons.
THE TOP two sides in the Heavy Woollen Sunday League Premier Division were due to meet last Sunday, but St John Fisher's game with leaders Birstall Cricket Club fell foul to the wet weather – as did many other matches. Mirfield Town stayed in third place after Gibril Bojang hit both goals in a 2-2 draw at lowly Woodman Batley Carr, who earned a point through a Nikki Croisdale double. Woodkirk Valley remain in fourth after a Tesseyman hat-trick, a brace from Downey plus an own goal saw them win 6-3 against Mount Pleasant, who replied through Faisal Adam, Abdullah Mayat and Adam Rawat. In the CHAMPIONSHIP only one game took place, and that saw Clifton Rangers race into a fourgoal lead at Overthorpe Sports Club, however five goals from Lee Brook plus another from Elliot Brooke saw Overthorpe claim the three points in a thrilling 6-5 win.
Five-goal Lee Brook on the ball for Overthorpe Sports Club against Clifton Rangers Dave Jewitt Saville Arms continued their bid for automatic promotion from DIVISION ONE with a 6-0 win over Birstall St Patricks thanks to goals from Scott Ryan, Patrick Davies, Kieran Corley, Saul Lee, Daniel Damen and Jack Baldwin. Saville lie in third spot, four points behind leaders
Roberttown Rovers, but only two points behind Scholes Athletic who are second. With the top two sides in DIVISION TWO not in action, third-placed Westgate 23 consolidated their position after Josh Parker, Connor Lyons, Logan Hall, Alex Wilson and Craig Reynolds all net-
ted in a 5-0 win at Snowdon. Dewsbury United also enjoyed an emphatic win, thrashing bottom side Wike Horse 10-1, Jamie Beever and Ross Ewart both fired hat-tricks, Michael Thompson hit a brace with Danny Laidlaw and Jack Smith completing Dewsbury’s tally.
ThePress
Friday March 3, 2017
23
RUGBY LEAGUE
Bulldogs turn on the style at Eagles Kingstone Press Championship
SHEFFIELD EAGLES
10
BATLEY BULLDOGS
54
at the Beaumont Legal Stadium BATLEY BULLDOGS became the first team of the season to prosper at Sheffield Eagles’ latest temporary home and did so in style by running in 10 tries. The visitors took advantage of the fact that they had actually travelled a shorter distance than their opponents and were roared on by arguably the majority of the crowd. Matt Diskin’s men got off the mark with their first score on 12 minutes when hooker Alistair Leak burrowed his way over from close range; the reliable Cain Southernwood dispatched the first of his 14 points for the afternoon. It wasn’t to be all plain sailing however and the Eagles levelled the scores only three minutes later as Elliot Minchella backed his way over the line underneath the sticks and Simon Brown converted. Sheffield’s shenanigans in the tackle allowed Batley to rack up another try though and Brad Day crashed over from close
range. A penalty conceded deep in their own territory was the Eagles’ undoing and the Bulldogs had their own patience – and nimble footwork of Southernwood – to thank for sending Day over ajar to the upright. Diskin’s troops took the game away from their hosts as they crossed three times in the 10 minutes prior to the interval. Interchange Tom Holmes scurried over from the base of the scrum to extend the lead to a dozen points before Wayne Reittie and Day followed suit. Reittie’s desperate reach out to ground next to the corner post was rewarded and Day had Alex Rowe’s awareness to thank for completing his brace. Smart work from the substitute prop proved pivotal as the half-time hooter sounded. With the Sheffield defenders unable to haul him down, he managed to free his arm and offload to Dom Brambani, who afforded Day the opportunity to wrestle the ball to the floor despite the attentions of three tacklers. Former Eagles stalwart Brambani shone in the second period alongside half-back partner Southernwood, and the former weaved his way over at the start of the half as the hosts all
but raised the white flag. Sheffield’s frustration got the better of them and substitute Will Hope was shown a yellow card for a shoulder charge off the ball on Brambani, which allowed Batley to turn the screw as Reittie and Holmes grabbed their second tries and Macauley Hallett also ghosted in for a score during Hope’s absence. On 50 minutes, a grateful Reittie notched a carbon copy of his first-half effort which owed a lot to the good work of Joel Farrell who’d ducked a barrage of flailing arms as he traversed to the right edge. Southernwood produced the goods with a stunning conversion from the right touchline. The barrage continued late into the game as the influential Holmes quickly transformed from provider – looping a pass the way of centre Hallett who strolled in – to scorer as he collected Brambani’s drilled grubber kick. Batley reached the 50-point mark just after the hour when Michael Hayward got in on the action out wide, completing a thoroughly rewarding afternoon’s work which wasn’t diminished by Dane Chisholm’s impressive, yet ultimately hollow, consolation score.
MATCH STATS: SHEFFIELD EAGLES 7. Dane Chisholm 6 2. Garry Lo 4 3. Menzie Yere 4 4. Perry Whiteley 4 5. Ben Blackmore 5 6. Simon Brown 5 9. Matty Fozard 4 8. Scott Wheeldon 5 14. Greg Burns 5 11. Matt James 5 12. Duane Straugheir 5 16. Sam Scott 5 13. Elliott Minchella 6 Subs: 18. Ryan Millar 5 15. Kyle Trout 5 19. Will Hope 4 27. Lewis Foster 5 Tries: Minchella (15), Chisholm (73). Goals: Brown (1/1), Chisholm (0/1). BATLEY BULLDOGS 1. Dave Scott 2. Wayne Reittie 3. Sam Smeaton 4. Macauley Hallett 25. Michael Hayward 6. Cain Southernwood 7. Dom Brambani 8. Adam Gledhill 9. Alistair Leak 27. Will Maher 22. Dane Manning 11. Brad Day Subs: 28. Tom Holmes 17. Joe Chandler 18. James Harrison 10. Alex Rowe Tries: Leak (12), Day (22, 40), Holmes (30, 57), Reittie (34, 50), Brambani (45), Hallett (52), Hayward (63). Goals: Southernwood (7/10)
7 8 7 7 7 8 8 7 7 7 7 8 8 7 7 8
Referee: A Sweet Half-time: 6-26 Penalties: 7-12 Sin Bin: Hope (Sheffield, 49mins, shoulder charge) Sent Off: None Weather: Dry Man of the Match: Cain Southernwood (Batley) Attendance: 662 Match Rating: 3/5
Champions see off Thatto BARLA National Cup
THATTO HEATH
18
THORNHILL TROJANS
38
at Ruskin Park THORNHILL TROJANS continued their defence of the BARLA National Cup with a fantastic away victory against 2016 National Conference Division One champions Thatto Heath Crusaders. Thatto Heath had failed a pitch inspection the previous afternoon so the fixture was switched to the 4G pitch at Ruskin Park, the home of Pilkington Recs. Spurred on by their travelling support, Thornhill weathered an early onslaught from Thatto Heath to take control of the game and set up a quarter final showdown
DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB: Results from Tuesday February 21st: 1 A Cooper and J Lodge; 2 J Tomlinson and G Fishwick; 3 M Watson and G Bloom; 4 M Loveridge and J Sheth.
with Upton. Thornhill’s James Craven gave a fine exhibition of attacking rugby, underlining his attacking prowess by scoring two tries in a man-ofthe-match performance. The early exchanges were marred by a number of high tackles which caused tempers to boil over. After play restarted it was Thatto Heath who opened the scoring as second rower Leon Tatlock broke clear from the halfway line. With half of the first 40 gone the referee was forced into showing the yellow card as another fight broke out, with Thornhill’s Tom Gledhill and Thatto Heath’s Liam Quinn being sent to the sin-bin. A penalty goal from Shaun Quinn nudged Thatto Heath two points further in front before Thornhill replied by getting their first try of the game. James Craven picked his channel perfectly to run onto a pass and dive over the line to the delight of his
RL in Brief DEWSBURY MOOR are due to kick off their National Conference League Division Three campaign tomorrow afternoon (Sat, 2.30pm) when they travel to Stanningley. The Maroons beat Yorkshire Men’s League side Queensbury 18-6 in their final pre-season friendly before league action this weekend. Moor were disappointing last season as they won only four of their 16 games and will be hoping for a much better return
teammates. Thornhill were finding their way into the game and took the lead as Luke Haigh spotted an opening and darted to the corner to score. As the first half was coming to a close Ryan Fenton collected a pass and powered himself over the whitewash to give the Trojans an eightpoint lead. As the second half got underway Tatlock got his and Thatto Heath’s second try of as he ran the ball into the corner to reduce the deficit between the teams. Thatto Heath continued their promising start to the second half and eventually took the lead. A kick on the last tackle bobbled between the posts and Liam Quinn pounced to score. Good work from Jack Gledhill and Danny Ratcliffe put the Trojans back in front.
in the 2017 campaign. SHAW CROSS ARLFC founder Douglas Hird BEM has been nominated for a Yorkshire Choice Award. Dougie founded Shaw Cross Boys Club in 1947 when he was still a teenager, and has been at the club ever since. He is up for the Kate Granger Award for Outstanding Contribution. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the club and Dougie has been nominated for his tireless work and contribution to the Shaw Cross club and the wider com-
Gledhill broke down the wing before switching the ball back inside to Ratcliffe, who collected the pass and went between the posts to score. Thornhill put themselves further ahead as the ball was moved swiftly along the attacking line until it reached substitute Sam Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe cut inside to open up the Thatto Heath defence and go underneath the posts. Craven added to Thornhill’s lead as he fooled the Thatto Heath line with a clever dummy that allowed him to sprint through and score. Tom Gledhill scored the final try of the game as he received the ball from Danny Ratcliffe to go over from close range. Thornhill’s National Cup clash with Upton will be played in April as they now turn their attention to the opening NCL Division Two game of the season, a home match against Wigan St Judes tomorrow afternoon (Sat, 2.30pm).
munity. Anyone who would like to vote for Dougie can visit www.yorkshire choiceawards.co.uk/votehere. VOLUNTEERS from HWD Hospital Radio will be at Dewsbury Rams v Hull KR clash on Sunday March 12 collecting donations to keep the station running. HWD, which serves patients and staff at Dewsbury and District Hospital, began providing live rugby commentaries way back in 1952. The station now broadcasts on the internet via its own website at hwdhospitalradio.com.
Sharks slump in friendly Pre-season friendly
EASTMOOR DRAGONS SHAW CROSS SHARKS
32 12
at Woodhouse Road SHAW CROSS SHARKS slumped to a disappointing 32-12 defeat away to Eastmoor Dragons last Friday evening. It was the Sharks’ final preseason game before their National Conference League opener away to Underbank Rangers on the March 11. Head coach Brett Turner was frustrated with his side’s performance but is confident that his team will be adequately prepared once the season gets underway in just over a week’s time. He said: “I’m bitterly disappointed. I thought we were absolutely terrible, I’ve never known us to play well on an evening but that’s no excuse. “As soon as things were going against us we started moaning and looking for excuses, but that is never going to get you anywhere. “We need to learn to cope when people are out with injuries, we lack experience but the players are only going to get better by playing. “I’m happy that what we’ve
got will do well for us this year.” Brandan French opened the Sharks’ account as he scored in the right-hand corner. Eastmoor responded with a score of their own before French was on hand again to put Nathan Wright over in the same spot. Eastmoor scored back-toback tries at the beginning of the second half to take the lead, but Nathan Smith put Shaw Cross back in the game as he stepped the tackler and dived over the line to score. An error-strewn second half started to frustrate the visitors as Eastmoor furthered their advantage with three unanswered tries, the pick of them coming minutes before the end as a looping pass found the right winger, who gathered well to score. The Sharks’ next game will be away to Huddersfieldbased Underbank Rangers, who they played twice last year, winning one and losing the other. There will be a bus running from the club to Underbank – anyone who wishes to get a seat should contact club secretary Benny Richardson on 07803 347721.
RUGBY UNION
Vase win for Ossett
Ossett’s man-of-the-match Mark Stuart
Yorkshire Vase OSSETT RUFC KNARESBOROUGH
36 14
OSSETT RUFC beat Yorkshire Division Five side Knaresborough in the first game of the Yorkshire Vase. This year’s Vase champions will be the winners of a round-robin tournament between Ossett, Knaresborough, Wibsey and Mosborough. After some last-minute fixture changes Ossett were forced to start the game a man down, and this showed as Knaresborough crossed the line almost straight away to take an early lead. Mark Buckborough arrived late to put Ossett on a level playing field and played an instrumental role all afternoon, running hard and making inroads into a well-drilled Knaresborough defence. Ossett’s first try came from the much-fabled catch and drive and allowed Rob Young
to force his way over the line, navigating from the back and waiting for the maul to cross the whitewash. The Ossett forwards were making yards from every ruck, which opened a gap for Jack Peat to step round a Knaresborough defender and touch the ball down. Jonny Karadzic earned himself a sin-bin as he tackled a man off the ball two metres from the Ossett line, which prevented a try, but his sin-bin proved to be of no worth as the penalty try was awarded. Ossett started the second half brightly with Danny Buckley and Shaun Abson going over in quick succession to give them a firm hold and earn a bonus point. Jack Peat was key in Ossett’s final score of the game as he intercepted a looping ball close to the line in a rare second-half Knaresborough attack, before putting a kick through to Mark Fisher who scored under the sticks to seal a good win.
Sharks’ newest recruit dreaming of the full Monté By Ben McKenna LAMONTÉ GADDIS is no stranger to a challenge or two, and the one he is currently embarking on may prove his most difficult yet as he aims to reach the professional ranks of the rugby league world – starting at Shaw Cross Sharks. Gaddis, 25, currently plays for the Dewsbury amateur club after the club’s head coach Brett Turner reached out to him on Twitter, inviting him to join the Sharks. Gaddis was a trialist with rugby league’s newest club the Toronto Wolfpack, and after beating 300 other trialists in the US he travelled to England, where he was part of an 18man squad that beat Brighouse Rangers 28-26 in December. Unfortunately for Gaddis, he didn’t make the cut. The Cleveland native is an American footballer by trade and was defensive captain at Towson University before he moved to Poland to play with the Gdynia Seahawks. He then went back to America
WAKE, HUSTLE, GRIND: Lamonté Gaddis outside Shaw Cross Sharks’ clubhouse in his custom-made RL shirt where he played indoor football for the Iowa Barnstormers. Gaddis’ drive to succeed was clear after he was named in the NFL draft in 2014. He was not picked up by a pro club, but he stood outside the training base of the Cleveland Browns until they gave him a chance to prove himself. The opportunity in rugby league came for Gaddis after a phonecall from Wolfpack board member Adam Fogerty inviting him to trial with
Toronto. “Adam Fogerty called me and asked how I would feel about switching from American football to rugby league and I thought why not give it a shot?” said Gaddis. “Adam said he saw my story, but I didn’t believe it. I saw the number and thought ‘this is a UK number’, I didn’t know what it was so I didn’t answer but he left me a voicemail so I called him back.” Gaddis has never let a challenge
get in the way of his love for sport. “Growing up in Cleveland was rough, there was a lot of drugs, a lot of violence, especially gun violence, and I lost friends,” he said. “I just kept a tunnel vision of where I was going and didn’t want anything to take me away from that vision.” Gaddis has settled into life in Yorkshire quickly but is still trying to get used to the accent, which at times seems like a different language to him. He said: “I’ve been welcomed
Home advantage for Dewsbury in Challenge Cup
Morro ready for battle at Oldham By Ben McKenna DEWSBURY RAMS head coach Glenn Morrison believes that his side are moving in the right direction as they prepare for what he describes as a “grand final type battle” in a must-win game away to fellow strugglers Oldham on Sunday (3pm). Dewsbury suffered their fourth consecutive league defeat as they lost 20-6 to London Broncos at the Tetley’s Stadium on Sunday, taking them to 130 points conceded for the season with only 14 scored. The Rams have beaten Oldham in the last two meetings between the sides and Morrison’s men will see this as a great opportunity to record their first win. The Roughyeds have won only one of their four games so far as they beat Sheffield Eagles 26-10 on the opening day, but Morrison is expecting a tough test as he still has memories of the 38-16 defeat away to Oldham last season. “I think they will be tough, they did a number on us down there last year and they are always tough at home,” he said. “They are in a similar position to us, they are desperate for a win and they will see this as a game where they can knock us off, so I’m expecting a battle, I’m expecting a grand final-type battle.” Morrison took plenty of positives from the defeat to London but rued missed opportunities that prevented Dewsbury from getting something from the game.
Toby Adamson: Latest injury for Rams
He said: “I thought we did a lot right, there was a lot of good stuff, we have looked at the review and if we had put the ball in the right path we probably could’ve scored three or four tries untouched. “But we didn’t come up with the right play at the crucial time, the two points were there to be won and we have taken a lot of confidence from it. “Any win builds confidence, it is a thing that is quickly lost but it’s something you can quickly get back again, we have had two good performances and we know we can’t look too far ahead and need to try and get the game this week ticked off.” The Rams have again not had it their way when it comes to injuries, with several players on the treatment table. Toby Adamson became the latest casualty after he dislocated his elbow in Sunday’s loss. “We lost another two at the week-
Josh Gudzek: Full-back set for return
end. The situation is what it is and we need to try and get a team on the park,” said Morrison. “Josh Gudzek should hopefully be available this week. He is a quality player – full-back is a specialist position and I think we have missed him. “He was our player of the year last year so hopefully we can get him back on the field.” Morrison was also relieved that his side came out of the draw for the fourth round of the Challenge Cup with a home tie against Newcastle Thunder over the weekend of March 18-19. He said: “It’s good to get a home draw, there are a lot of tough away games out there but this will still be a tough one. “They have a good coach up there and they have recruited strongly and do well in League 1, it will be a difficult match so I’m glad we have got it at home.”
with open arms, I’m learning every day about rugby league. The different culture, the different words that people use, it’s not a different language but it sounds like it sometimes. “I’m really outside my comfort zone and I’m trying to progress with each game I play, but one of things I’m loving most about life here is the Yorkshire pudding!” Gaddis was also keen to give his thanks to his new coach Brett Turner as well as his family who support him from his home in Cleveland. He said: “Brett was the first person to reach out from Shaw Cross, he picked me up from the train station, even from the first training session I almost threw up three times because he pushed me to my limit. “My family back home in Cleveland have been so supportive of me, even with the five-hour time difference they always make sure to be in contact and support me out here.” Gaddis will only be at Shaw Cross until May, before he needs to travel home, where he hopes he can play a part in growing rugby league in America.
Diskin ready to back up Sheffield victory BATLEY boss Matt Diskin is keen for his team to make it consecutive wins for the first time this season as they host Swinton Lions at Mount Pleasant this Sunday (3pm). The Bulldogs produced an impressive performance last time out, scoring 10 tries against Sheffield Eagles as they cruised to a 54-10 win at Wakefield’s Belle Vue stadium. “It was a good disciplined performance, Sheffield didn’t play great, they had a fantastic team on paper but they didn’t deliver,” said Diskin. “Our boys were really disciplined and they were really clinical about how they went about their business. “They were patient, we didn’t score any tries in the first 20 minutes, it was similar circumstances to the Featherstone game where we got frustrated and lost. “Last Sunday the players were happy building pressure and we were able to put a lot of points on the board in a short space of time.” Despite Swinton only winning one of their four games so far this season, Diskin insists that Batley will be not be in for an easy ride on Sunday afternoon. He said: “Consistency is key for us doing well in this division and we need to back up wins now, Swinton are a fantastic team when you watch them they play some great rugby. “They have got a good shape and dangerous men out wide and they are difficult to defend against, so it’ll be a tough task to keep them out this week. “I think when you look at form you would say we are favourites but Swinton are a fantastic team who have recruited well and have been unlucky in some games
where they have come up just short. “We have a fantastic squad that needs to get some consistency and we still need to get some fluency into our play, like we did against Sheffield. “We need to back that performance up, we have just got to concentrate on our job and the rest will take care of itself.” Batley will aim to build momentum as they play Swinton and Bradford before they must travel to Toulouse for the second time in two months, as they were drawn away to the French side in the Challenge Cup fourth round on Tuesday evening. Diskin was hoping Batley could have landed a home draw, but the former Leeds Rhino is keen to avenge their 44-6 defeat at the hands of Toulouse on the first day of the season. He said: “Most teams ideally want a home draw, I’m not too disheartened as it gives us a great chance to right a wrong from earlier on in the year. “We have a game against Swinton and then we play Bradford before we worry about Toulouse, for myself and my squad it is a really good opportunity to correct a disappointing performance from earlier this season.”