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ONE PAPER ... ALL THE NEWS from Dewsbury, Batley, Ossett, Mirfield, Liversedge, Birstall, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton & Spen Valley

Friday February 6, 2015

12 MONTHS GUARANTEE

No. 671

50p

BLUE SUNDAY

Word Up! Teacher’s big idea is a winner

Runners hit the streets Sport

Fresh battle over budget By David Miller News Reporter davidmiller@thepressnews.co.uk

POLITICAL big beasts butted heads over a tax hike which could hit residents across the district. Kirklees Council plans to raise £2.7m in 2015/16 by putting up council tax by 1.95 per cent. In a double blow rent for council homes goes up 2.2 per cent (£1.53 a week) – taking the weekly bill to £71.32. The council tax rise sparked a row between Coun Robert Light (Con, Birstall and Birkenshaw) and Coun David Sheard (Lab, Heckmondwike). Council leader Coun Sheard said the extra cash is needed to save services from more cuts. He said: “If we didn’t do this now then we’d need to look for another £6m of cuts in the budget as it’s accumulated.” Tory opposition leader Coun Light called for a tax freeze given the scale of cuts coming. He said: “When the council is reducing its services there is no justification to tax the public more.” The issue will come to a head at a council budget meeting in Huddersfield on Wednesday February 18. Kirklees faces £69m of cuts over the next three years, with up to 1,400 jobs at risk. Also in the firing line are markets

FREEZE: Tory leader Coun Robert Light in Batley and Birstall and the free town bus in Dewsbury. Further cuts involve the district’s libraries, but the cabinet rejected plans to shut all but two of them at a meeting on Tuesday. Coun Sheard claimed there was public backing for a tax rise and said: “In our budget consultation around 50 per cent of people supported a two per cent rise.” Kirklees would have been eligible for a government grant of £1.6m if council tax was frozen. Coun Light said the £1.1m shortfall and the need for swingeing cuts can be bridged with a revolution in how Kirklees works. He said: “We believe there are

important changes to be made with how the council delivers its services.” Hinting at outsourcing, he added: “They can and must be provided differently and at less cost. “We believe that by prioritising what the council does differently we can protect many universally provided services. “The mass-scale decimation of services in certain communities is totally unacceptable.” Coun Light echoed a Lib Dem proposal from last week to slim down council bureaucracy. Lib Dem leader Coun Nicola Turner wants to axe the cabinet in a return to the old committee system. She said: “The council will have shrunk by approximately 40 per cent by 2018 so it’s time for to cut the leadership bill accordingly. “Our proposal will save £70,000 a year or 40 per cent, which we think is the right amount. “We can’t make decisions about budget reductions affecting services and local people without trimming the fat ourselves.” Coun Light wants to reduce the cabinet by half and proposed an end to annual council elections. He said: “We don’t need a cabinet of 10 councillors and we could have all-out elections once every four years instead of every year.” In a pitch for May’s poll he added: “It’s time to cut the cost of councillors and deliver meaningful devolution with local choice.”

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ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

SMITH WALTER JOSEPH On 31 January, of Heckmondwike, aged 86. Husband of the late Phyllis. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 17 February at 1.15pm.

STOCKS DONALD

Deaths BIRKENSHAW DENNIS On 28 January, formerly of Earlsheaton, aged 85.

Husband of the late Patricia. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 10 February at 2.45pm. Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

BOLT

GEORGE ARTHUR -- • --

17/12/1930 – 1/2/2015 After a short illness bravely borne, beloved husband of Marjorie, dear and much missed father of John and Martyn, fatherin-law to Liz and Pam, loving grandfather of David, Jeni Lee, Stephen and Ellie, great grandfather of Ellie Rianne. Much loved brother, uncle and friend. In keeping with George’s wishes there will not be a funeral, but the family will be having a celebration of George’s life at the Lakeside Restaurant, Ponderosa, on Saturday February 14 from 1pm.

BRAMLEY NEE GAVIN PATRICIA JUNE On 30 January, of Thornhill, aged 67. Wife of Jim. Funeral at Thornhill Parish Church, Wednesday 11 February at 2.30pm, followed by interment in the churchyard.

CAIN NEE PHILLIPS MARY ELIZABETH On 2 February, formerly of Dewsbury, aged 87. Wife of the late Joseph. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 10 February at 2pm. Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

CAPSTICK ALBERT HOWARD On 31 January, of Upper Batley, aged 89 years. Husband of Mary. Funeral at St Saviour’s Church, Brownhill, Thursday 12 February at 10.45am, followed by interment in Birstall Churchyard.

DAVEY (FORMERLY CLOUGH) GWENDOLINE On 29 January, at Royd Court, Mirfield, aged 94. Wife of the late Stanley Davey and formerly the late Arthur Clough. Funeral at Huddersfield Crematorium, Friday 13 February at 2pm.

GRAHAM PATRICIA ELIZABETH (PAT) NEE MIDGLEY On 28 January, aged 82 years, of Batley. Wife of the late Walter. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium on Wednesday 11 February at 2.45pm.

aged 76, of Batley. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 16 February at 1.15pm.

IOANNOU JOHN On 30 January, formerly of Carlinghow, aged 87. Husband of the late Terry. Service at St John’s Church, Carlinghow, Tuesday 10 February at 1.30pm, followed by interment at Batley Cemetery.

JENNINGS TREVOR On 31 January, aged 83. Husband of the late Betty. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 20 February at 12.30pm.

JOHNSON NEE BEEBY LYNNE On 29 January, of Dewsbury, aged 68. Wife of Ian. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 11 February at 11.15am.

GRIFFITHS LESLIE

JONES PAULINE

On 29 January, at home in Thornhill, aged 63. Husband of Janice. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium on Friday 13 February at 10.30am.

On 31 January of Gomersal, aged 72. Wife of Gary. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 16 February at 3.15pm.

HOLTON MICHAEL Peacefully on 30 January,

KOHI DR FARHAD KOHI On 31 January, of Mirfield. Husband of Tracey. Funeral

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at Huddersfield Crematorium, Thursday 19 February at 12.30pm.

LISTER FRED

On 25 January, of Dewsbury, aged 83 years. Wife of the late Donald. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 13 February at 1.15pm.

MALLINSON SYLVIA

TAYLOR KATHLEEN

On 30 January, aged 90. Wife of the late John. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 10 February at 1.15pm.

MITCHELL FORMERLY PARKIN NEE LEE BARBARA On 28 January, of Birstall, aged 71. Wife of Jim and formerly of the late Douglas. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 12 February at 12.30pm.

PRESTON NEE POTTER BETTY On 28 January, of Soothill, aged 85. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 12 February at 1.15pm.

RAYNE KEITH HELLIWELL On 30 January, of Hightown, aged 70. Husband of Linda. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 11 February at 10.30am.

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On 1 February, of Heckmondwike, aged 87. Wife of the late Victor Rushton, and formerly the late Eric Swallow. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 18 February at 2pm.

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SYKES NEE FOTHERGILL MOLLIE

On 28 January, of Dewsbury, aged 88. Husband of the late Monica. Funeral at St Paul’s Church, Hanging Heaton, Monday 9 February at 10.30am followed by interment in the churchyard.

RUSHTON FORMERLY SWALLOW NEE TAYLOR DOREEN

Butterfield House, Bradford Road, Rawfolds, Cleckheaton, BD19 5LT

On 21 January, aged 92. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 13 February at 3.15pm.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

On 23 January, aged 93, of Mirfield. Mother of Keith and the late John and Paul. Funeral at Christ the King, Mirfield on Wednesday 11 February at 12noon, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 1.15pm.

VAN DE VORLE GERARDUS ‘GEZ’ On 29 January, aged 68, of Gomersal. Husband of Angela. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 13 February at 10am.

WAINWRIGHT NORA On 29 January, of Dewsbury Moor, aged 95. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 12 February at 11.15am.

WALKER KATHLEEN NEE HEPWORTH On 1 February, aged 79. Wife of Bill. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 11 February at 10am.

WIDDOP DOROTHY On 28 January, of Birstall, aged 88. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 9 February at 2pm.

WOLFENDEN EDNA On 2 February, aged 90 years, of Liversedge. Wife of the late Frank. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 17 February at 11.15am.

Bird is the word CHILDREN are being offered the chance to have fun and use their imaginations to create giant bird sculptures at Dewsbury Museum this half-term. The activities, from 12pm to 3.30pm on Thursday February 19, are free for children aged five to 14. No booking is required and families can drop in at any point during the afternoon session. Materials will be provided, so those attending can design and decorate their own big bird. Youngsters can let their creativity run wild and make their sculptures realistic or create a totally new species of bird from their imagination. Entry is free to Dewsbury Museum, where among the collections are the popular toy gallery and the recreated 1940s classroom. Contact the museum for more information on 01924 325100 or email dewsbury.museum@ kirklees.gov.uk.

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ThePress Friday February 6, 2015 Issue No: 671 31 Branch Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5SB Tel: 01924 470296 Fax: 01924 472561

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ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

Mayor’s plea as the lights go out in town’s council offices and Kirklees top brass debate the future of the building...

News in Brief Grammar School tops GCSE list

DON’T KEEP US IN THE DARK!

Schools close as water dries up

By David Miller KIRKLEES chiefs should give back Mirfield’s council building for free, the town’s Mayor has said. Coun Vivien Lees-Hamilton (Con, Hopton) thinks the Huddersfield Road offices could be turned into a business centre. The premises, which Kirklees wants to sell, has at least 10 empty rooms that could be put into use. Coun Lees-Hamilton wants the building handed over – just as the former Mirfield Urban District Council transferred ownership when Kirklees was founded in 1974. Rooms could be used for start-up businesses or meeting spaces for community groups, she says. Coun Lees-Hamilton said: “The town council could earn rental income and we could have a community asset for Mirfield in perpetuity.” Talks are ongoing about an asset transfer – but it is unknown if Kirklees would consider a ‘freebie’. The premises could be sold for commercial use or housing despite a promise last year that the town council would not be made homeless. Coun Lees-Hamilton added: “The urban district council signed the building away without any protection. “I know hindsight is a wonderful thing but they should’ve thought about the future. There should’ve been a covenant to stop any selloff.” The moves come after town councillors on Tuesday replaced light bulbs in the main chamber. Coun Lees-Hamilton said: “We’ve been trying to get Kirklees, as our landlord, to put new bulbs in but they’ve not done anything.” Only four lights were working and she joked: “We’re literally being kept in

How many politicians does it take to change a lightbulb? Coun Vivien Lees-Hamilton provides the answer at the council offices!

DEWSBURY: Three schools closed on Tuesday when problems at a reservoir left them without water. Diamond Wood Community Academy, Headfield Junior School and Thornhill Lees Infant and Nursery were affected. A Yorkshire Water spokesman said: “We experienced technical issues at our reservoir in Dewsbury which affected water supply to customers. “The problem has been identified and we are now in the process of restoring supply to the area.” In a separate incident, Pentland Infant and Nursery School, in Savile Town, closed for most of Tuesday due to a broken boiler.

All light on the night: Mirfield councillors, from left, Vivien Lees-Hamilton and James and Kath Taylor the dark about the future of the building. “We want the offices to pay for themselves and think they would make an excellent centre for the people of Mirfield to use.”

Wasps Nest street name may produce a sting in the tale... THE name of a new road in Mirfield may cause a buzz in court should anyone object to it. Councillors decided on Tuesday to call a street at the junction of Nab Lane and Farrar Avenue Wasp Nest Court. Notices announcing the decision are due to be posted around the area for 21 days. Magistrates would have to rule on the matter if any member of the public were to object to the name. It follows a row which broke out when variations on Wasps Nest were rejected by a developer. The name was thought not to be commercially viable due to connotations of stinging and danger. Twelve homes are planned for the site of the former Wasps Nest pub, which was named in reference to a 19th century Luddite rebellion.

HECKMONDWIKE: The grammar school came top in Kirklees for GCSE results last year, new figures show. The Goverment compiled a list based on the number of pupils achieving the benchmark of at least five A* to C grades. Heckmondwike Grammar was first with 98 per cent. Other high scorers were Batley Grammar (78 per cent) and Mirfield Free Grammar (63 per cent). Bottom was Thornhill Community Academy, of Educating Yorkshire fame, with just 17 per cent. The average pass rate for Kirklees was 56 per cent, compared to the national average of 53.4 per cent.

The developer favoured Honey Bee Drive but Kirklees councillors wanted to preserve the area’s history. Town councillor James Taylor (Con,

Hopton) hopes there are no further complaints. He said: “If this ends up at the magistrates’ court, you’d have to wonder how much that’ll cost

taxpayers. “And haven’t the courts better things to do? We all know they’re struggling to cope as it is since they shut the courts in Dewsbury.”

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ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

News In Brief Teen hurt in assault HECKMONDWIKE: A teenager suffered injuries to his face, hand and shoulder in an assault on the night of the Christmas lights switch-on. The altercation involving another teenager took place in Croft Street at around 7.15pm on November 29. Anyone with information can call PC Teresa McCarter on 01924 295301.

Suspect hid in loft BATLEY: A man stole a t-shirt from a neighbour’s house and hid in the loft in a failed bid to escape police. The 25-year-old jumped from the window of a home on Healey Lane last Monday when officers investigating an alleged assault arrived. He darted into an adjacent property and took a t-shirt from a pile of clothes belonging to the occupant to hide his face before scrambling up to the loft to hide. But he was arrested on suspicion of assault and burglary.

Doctors face ‘tough decisions’ on health budget spending By David Miller DOCTORS set out their priorities for the coming year at a meeting in Batley. The North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) discussed its plans at a public consultation in the Town Hall. Better cancer and diabetic care and the renewal of an eye care contract are key targets for 2015/16. Improvements in the quality of care homes are also wanted in a push towards integrated care for

elderly people. CCG chairman Dr David Kelly, of Heckmondwike’s Brookroyd Surgery, also pointed to funding changes. NHS England has brought in a new model which sees some CCGs get bigger budget increases. Dr Kelly told the meeting: “We’ve got some tough decisions to make locally about how we invest our budget.” Under the new model, North Kirklees gets £224m in 2015/16, an increase of 1.4 per cent on this year.

Funding is based on the following criteria: ■ Size of overall population; ■ Number of elderly (more cash for those with large numbers); ■ Population health (more cash for poor health); ■ Market forces (higher staffing and living costs). Under this formula, some areas like North Kirklees are considered to get more than they should. These CCGs are likely to receive only low levels of funding increases in future years, while

others can expect about an extra six per cent annually. Dr Kelly said: “We must ensure we meet increasing demand for healthcare against a budget that will remain largely unchanged. “In order to do this we have to focus our efforts on areas of the greatest need. “We must also consider how we can deliver health services in different, more innovative ways. “As part of our planning for 2015/16, we asked GPs, the public, stakeholders and service users to give us their views on priority areas.”

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Members of the Zulu Tradition group visited Hollybank School in Mirfield – much to the delight of the students. The locallybased performers gave a display of song, dance and drumming to support the African topic which young people are exploring this term. Headteacher Ailsa Moore said: “The

vibrant Zulu performance helped to bring our learning to life; everyone really enjoyed joining in with the performers.” The Hollybank Trust cares for and educates children and adults with profound and complex needs within its school, residential homes and daytime activities’ facilities.

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Setting The Standards

A SHADOW minister visited Kirklees College in Dewsbury six years on from a rebuilding debacle. MP Rachel Reeves arrived yesterday (Thursday) with parliamentary candidate Paula Sherriff. Dewsbury missed out on £20m in 2009 for a new campus on the site of the Safeway car park. But the college got £74m for facilities in Huddersfield, sparking a row about Dewsbury being the poor relation. Two other shadow ministers were in also the area.

A visit by Jonathan Reynolds MP came after shadow childcare minister Alison McGovern went to Dewsbury Moor Children’s Centre, where she set out plans to increase free childcare for working mums. It would offer those with three- and fouryear-olds 25 hours of care a week to help them go out to work. Ms Sherriff said of free childcare: “It will make such a difference to mums who want to go back to work but who find the costs of childcare so high.”

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

Stan’s message for the man who tracked down his late wife’s lost voicemail...

Buster the puppy lands owner in court

You’ve done something wonderful for a little old guy

Addict tried to steal

By David Miller WIDOWER Stan Beaton went on national TV to thank the man who found a treasured voicemail of his late wife. Adrian Hayes, of Virgin Media, went to Stan’s home on Northway, Mirfield, last Thursday – and there to record the moving scene was a camera crew from ITV’s Good Morning Britain programme. A delighted Stan gave golf fanatic Adrian a bag of golf

News in Brief

balls, a bottle of Glenfiddich whisky and perfume for his wife. It followed a six-day search for a voicemail by Stan’s late wife Ruby which was lost in a service upgrade. Ruby, who worked at Fox's Biscuits in Batley, died of stomach cancer, aged 63, in 2003. Stan kept an answer machine message recorded by her for 14 years but it disappeared in December. Adrian gave Stan copies of the recording on two CDs and as a

THORNHILL LEES: A man was bitten as he tried to stop a puppy on the loose from going near children. Robert Cartwright was trying to grab the nine-month old German Shepherd’s lead when it bit him on the thigh. The puppy, called Buster, was loose next to a grassed area where children were playing. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard the incident happened on May 21 last year on Headfield View. Asif Ahmed, of Common Road, Batley, was found guilty of owning a dog which was dangerously out of control and caused injury. The court was told the dog now lives in Leeds. Sentencing was adjourned for reports.

MOVING: Adrian presents Stan with the recordings on national TV digital file on an MP3 player. The pair enjoyed an emotional chat before being interviewed by Good Morning Britain reporter Katy Rickitt. Retired forklift truck driver Stan, 68, said: “I told him I really do appreciate what he’s done. “I told him, ‘you can look back in later years and know you’ve done something wonderful for a little old guy’.” Adrian was one of 10 engineers who worked for six days to find the missing recording. Others involved were Andrew

Anderson, Paul Carr, Colin Dick, Dave Tucker, Bob Hatcher, John Latham, George Wawman, Austin Naylor and John Hannah. Adrian said: “When we found the voicemail it was like drawing the winning numbers on a lottery ticket.” The business improvement manager called Stan and played the recording down the phone. He added: “Within a couple of seconds, Stan started shouting, ‘you’ve got it, you’ve got it!’ “It was a very emotional call.”

DEWSBURY: A homeless drug addict tried to steal groceries worth £32 to feed her heroin habit. Zoe Pollard, 30, of no fixed address, was noticed by staff at Asda on October 31 last year. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard she dropped her shopping bags and fled but was caught by police. Peter Hampson, for Pollard, said his client started using heroin in the belief it would ease the pain of her pancreatitis. She was given a conditional discharge for two years but must pay a £15 victim surcharge.

Bike-care lessons BIRSTALL: Cyclists can learn how to look after their bikes through a series of free lessons. Kirklees Council has teamed up with Oakwell Cycles to offer classes on Saturdays from February 21. Oakwell Cycles are based at the Wilton Court Industrial Estate on Bradford Road, near the Smithies junction. To book a place call the shop on 07851 824831 or see www.oakwell-cycles.co.uk.

JUNKIE ROBBED PREGNANT WOMAN AND THUMPED HER IN THE STOMACH

Mum-to-be feared for baby A PREGNANT woman feared for the health of her unborn child when she was robbed by a drug addict in Ravensthorpe. Natasha Roberts was attacked outside a takeaway on Huddersfield Road one night last August. Leeds Crown Court heard that Liam Delsol, 28, of Foxroyd Lane Estate, Thornhill, stole a purse from her and then thumped her in the stomach with his elbow. Kate Bisset, prosecuting, said Miss Roberts, who was

37 weeks pregnant at the time, was in such pain she had was admitted to hospital overnight. She had gone to the takeaway with her boyfriend and her sister and was carrying her sister’s purse in her hands when Delsol came up from behind and grabbed it in a tussle. He then pushed her sister, causing her to stumble, and grabbed two pizza boxes from Mr Whitehouse. Bank cards from the stolen purse were recovered from a

Pupils join ‘Sky’ star on stage YOUNGSTERS from junior schools in Thornhill and Liversedge are to perform with Nashville country music star Beth Nielson Chapman. She is to perform songs from her Grammy-nominated album The Mighty Sky – a collection of astronomy-themed songs aimed at children of all ages – at Huddersfield Town Hall. The Kirklees Music School has been commissioned to adapt the songs for the event on Thursday, March 19, so young musicians can play them. They will be support-

ed by choirs from six schools, including Thornhill and Norristhorpe. The concert will cap a day of sciencethemed events aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and musicians. Thom Meredith, principal of Kirklees Music School, said: “It’s a privilege to be part of something so exciting. All the hard work put in by our young musicians and schools will make for a memorable day.” Tickets cost £6, £8 and £10. Those for children under 16 are £5 for all areas. To book, call 01484 223200.

recycling bin but the £85 in cash inside was not found. Anastasis Tassou, representing Delsol, said his client had been put under pressure that day to pay back a debt owed for drugs. As a result, he decided to commit a handbag snatch and did not know Miss Roberts was pregnant because he approached from behind. Delsol, who admitted both robberies and common assault, was jailed for 33 months.

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ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

A romantic date – which could end up in a right ruck ODAY IS Friday the 6th of February. Mrs L’s birthday (she’s 38 again if you’re asking). This is generally a happy day – in respect of her special event, not the consecrating of one more darn year. They fly by ever faster, I swear. Mrs L likes to have the day off work, do something nice, with both family and friends. Lunch out, a get-together. However, being a proud ‘Taffy’ lass (despite being born in Croydon) and with Wales playing England in the rugby union Six Nations tonight, it’s not going to be a ‘happy’ birthday if the men in white happen to win. We’re visiting friends, because apart from being lovely folk, they have a telly the size of Briestfield. Mrs L might not watch one other sporting event the whole year, but Wales versus England at kick-and-clap is always a big deal at ours. In 13 years of me publishing a rugby league newspaper, she’s been to one live RL game, and once caught 20 minutes of a Warrington-

My ‘pal’ JPR - the best full back of either code. Ever. Wigan match on TV. She was pleasantly surprised to watch a sport where the ball is passed from hand to hand – but not sufficiently enchanted to bother watching again. Hey ho. Fairy nuffsky. I can live without Emmerdale Streetenders and Last Tango in Huddersfax. Each to their own. However, as the players link arms for the national anthems this evening, Mrs L will be on her feet, eyes glistening with patriotic tears, belting out Hen Wlad Fy

Nhadau (Land of our Fathers) like a true daughter of Glyndwr – despite being born in Croydon (had I already mentioned that?) And despite my ritual mockery of Union – which is mostly a League affectation, not grievously meant – I’ll be duty-bound to cheer England. Firstly, I’m an Englishman. Secondly, several England RU chaps are really League men quietly getting rich on the Twickenham dollar – assistant coach Andy Farrell, his lad Owen who’s injured for tonight, George Ford, son of former RL star and Bath coach Mike who will be playing, while Kyle Eastmond, Chris Ashton and Sam Burgess are ‘ours’ really. Their coach Stuart Lancaster, although born in Cumbria, is spiritually a Yorkshireman and also a very nice bloke. And thirdly, I’ll be cheering for England because the wife will be cheering for Wales, despite being born …. no, better pack that in now (if she reads this I’m a goner). It’s a matter of national pride, though, isn’t it? You’ve

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood got to fly your own flag, cheer your own lads. Country comes before marital pleasantries … doesn’t it? Gulp! Sure, my first-ever trip ‘abroad’ was a memorable school camping week with Westborough High School to Criccieth in North Wales. But our British cousins? The native teenagers chased us out of the town centre and threw bricks at our tents. I can even call JPR Williams an old pal – and being able to name-drop the greatest fullback ever to play either code of rugby almost cancels out those inhospitable sheep sh… sh… shearers in Criccieth. But not quite. Ultimately, national pride is at stake – so I will be cheering for England. (However, having said all of that, Mrs L is only ‘38’ once. And this game means such a lot to her. So although I’ll go through the patriotic motions, I won’t be too upset if the Taffies win. I’ll put up with the taunting in good spirit, like a sturdy Englishman – heartened by the knowledge that half the bloody Welsh team was probably born in Croydon anyway). ODAY being February 6th, I’m sure that 50% – almost half! – of GCSE maths students can calculate that next Friday is the 13th. Good old British education, where Ofsted inspectors find it more important to ask 11-yearolds if they know any lesbians, than whether they know that 6x7 is 54. Ahem. (And that would probably be the Ofsted inspector’s best guess, if the fascist didn’t have its calculator with it. It’s 42.) Well, by lunchtime on Friday the 13th, unless really unlucky, I should be in the middle of the Mojave Desert, not far from the spooky Area 51 which, for you conspiracy theorists, is the location of various alien landings and UFO sightings. Who knows, Friday the 13th could see poor old Locky disappear from the face of the earth, abducted by ET’s cousins (cue massive cheering in some parts of Dewsbury and Batley.) ET’s cousins had better bring their ray guns, that’s all I can say. Because I’ll be with 15 or 20 good old boys, teammates from my long-ago rugby years in

Come to bed eyes? Not with a gun to my head! WOULDN’T want to get on the wrong side of Alison Saunders. You certainly wouldn’t want to try sleeping on her side of the bed, after a few too many sherries at the Christmas party. Actually, it would need more than a few sherries for most blokes to end up caanoodling with the UK’s Director of Public Prosecutions, because our Alison has a face that could stop a clock. I saw her joyless visage on TV the day of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. I thought she was an East German prison Alison Saunders guard. Female possibly. Unkind, I know. Looks aren’t everything. But come on, what else do we have to fight back with against these people? Alison Saunders runs a legal Gestapo that doesn’t so much apply criminal evidence to tests of law, as pick Politically Correct causes to champion, swathes of people to persecute. The tens of millions of pounds the Crown Prosecution Service have spent pursuing a handful of journalists who thought it clever to call people’s answerphones, is just one example. Hardly members of the Cabinet or House of Lords raping and murdering children is it? Except they’re above the law. Saunders has announced there will be at least a third more prosecutions for rape brought to court this year. Sorry? Evidence is evidence, isn’t it? What’s changed? Saunders isn’t encouraging our Bradford Road beauties to hike up their knicker pelmets a few inches more – if that’s possible – in order to entice unsuspecting, testosterone-fed young men. Instead she insists men must be able to prove a woman not only said ‘yes’ but meant ‘yes’ before indulging in a spot of how’s-your-father. Prove? How, exactly? I suppose with modern phones the moment is easy enough to record – although that could bring its own problems. There might even be a few quid to be made, printing consent forms that come free with packs of condoms. No pen? Just kiss the consent box love and we’ll get the DNA off your lipstick, in the event that he farts in bed in the morning and you suddenly decide you were a bit squiffy and this was all a bad idea. It’s a serious subject, I know. But it isn’t rape that invites mockery, it’s this proscriptive, politically correct zeal, demanding more men are jailed – whatever the facts. Alison Saunders could say ‘yes’ till she went blue in the face – I’d rather feel poorly than feel that. But despite having a face that screams ‘Noooo!’, she’s married with children. Well, Mr Saunders has either got bad eyes or he’s a braver man than me. (You don’t suppose he woke up with a bad headache wondering if it was something in his drink?) Mind you, he’s a lawyer, like her. The pair of them probably filled consent forms in, in triplicate.

California. We’ll be en route to Las Vegas for a reunion at the IRB Rugby 7s tournament. Yes, yes, yes. It’s rugby union. Kick and clap. I know, that makes me a League hypocrite. Guilty, your honour. What do you want me to do, cancel? Let down pals

from LA and San Francisco, from New Zealand and South Africa – our old scrum half’s coming from Hong Kong? Not on your nelly. Locky’s off on his jollies. But at least I’ll be cheering for England, loudly and proudly. It’s just a shame Mrs L won’t be...

Little brother’s wilting in the shadows I SUSPECT Ed Miliband will look back one day and rue the moment the unions strong-armed him into the Labour leadership, over brother David. The Labour rank-and-file cry into their cornflakes every morning over the disaster. Brother Dave is hardly George Clooney, but he makes Ed look like George Formby. The business world’s big guns are out for Ed, and the man who would struggle to advise fiveyear-olds on how to cross the road can only call names back at them. Bad move, little bro. If Labour manage to lose this election against a Coalition whose only real achievement has been to manage staying on the bike while the economic road below it levelled out, it will be entirely down to Miliband and his sidekick Ed Balls. Here’s the thing with champagne socialists like Red Ed. During five years of so-called public austerity, while the union members who sustain him

really have struggled, he’s managed to ramp up his personal travel bills to £63,000 A MONTH. Over £750,00 in 2014 to chauffeur Miliband and his entourage around. It makes Shahid Malik’s fancy armchair and telly look like a bargain. Labour denies it of course. They just don’t have an alternative figure to offer. Rather like the financial chaos of 2008 being nothing to do with them. Do you really fancy another ration of that? TO ADD to beheading, crucifying, and stoning to death, ISIS burns a terrified prisoner alive. No matter, the ‘allies’ are resolute. Allies? I mean the BBC of course. ISIS remain ‘militants’ not terrorists for the Beeb. Those of you who recall the 70s/80s will remember Trade Union ‘militants’. Derek Hatton, socialist leader of Liverpool, was ‘militant’. Is it me, or is the unspoken BBC admiration the same?

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

PUPILS PUT THEIR SHIRTS ON SCIENCE Teacher Holly’s bright idea bags cash for school A TEACHER in Liversedge is spreading the word about science after winning a £6,700 grant. Holly Fitzgibbon noticed Year Two pupils at Littletown Junior and Infants learned better with a ‘visual recap’. So she got them to write scientific terms on old shirts brought from home and used them in class as makeshift lab coats. Educational charity Shine loved the idea and gave her cash to kit out pupils with

real lab coats. Dubbed by Holly as Word Up, she presented her idea at a Dragons Den-style challenge run by Shine in London. Holly said: “We found children became more engaged with their learning and were more eager to have a better understanding of the topic.” Hers was one of only 12 projects chosen to be funded out of hundreds of proposals. The grant paid for all Littletown’s pupils to have a lab coat embossed with the school logo. Words are written on them whenever a youngster has successfully grasped a scientific term. Cash also paid for iPads which are used in class to further support learning. Holly is now writing a report on how the idea helps boost pupil interest in the subject and identifies gaps in knowledge. Headteacher Fiona Cullivan-Ward praised Holly and said: “It’s an idea that’s really engaged our children. “We want to build aspiration by showing them they can become professors or doctors. There’s no glass ceiling at Littletown.”

GETTING SHIRTY: top, a pupil shows off his lab coat; left, Holly and her class

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Friday February 6, 2015

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We’re an optimistic bunch, Danny... Dear Sir, Although of course I’d never know for sure, I’ve not imagined Danny Lockwood to be a likely Green Party supporter, but even so I feel his rundown of our policies last week (Green politics? Mad more like) was more than a tad unfair. I won’t dwell on the benefits of Australian and other immigration to Britain, with evidence showing that migrants provide an overall benefit to the financial well-being of our country; nor on Green Party policy to focus on appropriately defending our country rather than getting involved in dangerous and expensive overseas wars like Iraq and Libya. But on his statement that our party leader believes it is okay to be a member of ISIS, I do need to respond. Natalie Bennett never spoke these words – they were actually spoken by the BBC’s Andrew Neil in a very aggressive interview where he gave her virtually no chance to reply to his

Pinnock’s got sympathy pains From: Christine Sykes, Mirfield Dear Sir, I felt Coun Andrew Pinnock’s pain as I read on your front page of his concerns for the infrastructure of Cleckheaton if developers succeeded in building a total of 87 houses in his ward. The houses are set to be spread between three brownfield sites, which presumably attracted traffic etc in the past. He mentioned Mirfield’s similar problems. However he did not say that he had voted in favour of the building of 166 houses on green fields in Mirfield. This was in spite of listening to numerous reasoned arguments against the plan.

Why do we need houses? From: Derek Cartwright, Soothill, Batley Dear Sir, Each November Kirklees used to produce a local economy’ fact sheet. The latest have just come out – the 2014 Fact Sheets (well, I’ve just found it!). You will have readers who look not at the facts, but the politics and over time tell us what a good job Labour did. I don’t care for the politics, let’s see the facts again. How are we

Letter of the Week: Adrian Cruden, Dewsbury & Mirfield Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Green Party increasingly wild claims about Green policies. The policy Neil referred to was one passed in 1990 to support the ANC in South Africa, which Tories at the time had denounced as terrorist and some even called for Nelson Mandela to be hanged. ISIS is a totally different beast to the ANC and Natalie has made this clear in a statement to party members: “ISIS is a violent and horrific organisation – anyone involved in it should be dealt with through the criminal justice system. “Anyone who is involved in violence – be it the violent act itself, the planning of violent acts, or the financing of violent acts – is a crimi-

doing from 2002 to 2013? Bluntly, very badly! The production sector lost 14,039 jobs – we’ve lost 2,600 in the last year alone. Talk about re-structuring the economy – not round here mate! The service sector made me look twice, overall from 2002 to 2013 – there are 7,733 more jobs, not at all bad then. The finance sector is almost back to the 2009 level, now that is not what I expected. You might believe that our public sector has shrunk, but it is about the same as in 2002 (49,495), a bit less than last year from 50,200 to 49,200. Where are the cuts we keep hearing loads about? What this tells us is that our Labour council has buried its head in the sand since 2007 and has now to start making the cuts it should have been making. You get a Labour government and the axeman will be really chopping round here! Then I had another surprise with the figures as from last year full-time employment had gone down from 97,000 to 94,400. So to balance the numbers an increase occurred in parttime employment from 48,000 to 51,400. Next time you hear a politician saying we need to restructure the economy, look at our job losses in production and think how long it will take to gain back the job losses. It is not going to happen in the next five or seven years is it? Well, that’s what I wrote last year and the year before that. Okay, would our great load of politicians please explain

nal and should be dealt through the criminal justice system. “Being a member of the Green Party means signing up to a commitment to peace and non-violence, as reflected by our commitment to the abolition of Trident nuclear weapons and our opposition to the Iraq and Afghan wars. “People should be free to believe in whatever they want to – but supporting organisations that use violence against members of the public to advance their cause is a criminal act and should be treated as such.” Next, Danny Lockwood dismissed Green Party ideas for a basic Citizens’ Income where every adult would receive £72 a week from the

why we need all these houses round here when our economy is going at best nowhere and at worst down the pan? But what do you think?

Increasing the financial gap From: Peter Claydon, Dewsbury Dear Sir, This week, a long way away from Dewsbury, EU and US negotiators are meeting in secret to discuss the terms of the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). David Cameron tells us that TTIP will bring jobs and greater prosperity to the UK and to the EU. Unfortunately the latest research, carried out by academics at Tufts University in the US, suggests that he is wrong. It argues that TTIP will depress wages and cost the EU some 600,000 jobs. I suspect that it will also increase the gap between the earnings of hard-working families living in North Kirklees and in other industrial heartlands of the UK and the payouts received by top earners in tax avoiding multinational corporations. Indeed it is the multinational corporations that appear to be the main beneficiaries of TTIP. When, on January 15, MPs had the opportunity to debate in the House of Commons

state, paid for by abolition of personal tax allowances, merging it with benefits like JSA and increasing taxes on the richest in society. This is not a policy we would seek to implement right now – but it sits alongside our other plans to tackle poverty through a £10 per hour minimum wage, an annual tax on individual wealth of more than £3 million, and higher income tax for those earning more than £100,000 PA. Britain is still the fourth-richest country on the planet, but it is competing with the USA for top spot as the most unequal. Just five British families own more wealth than the poorest 12,600,000 put together.

whether or not there should be greater transparency in TTIP negotiations, questions were asked as to why the interests of multi-national corporations were being given such prominence. Disappointingly, only one MP from the Yorkshire and the Humber region spoke in the debate ... and it was not Dewsbury’s MP, Simon Reevell.

S Murray, 226 Spen Lane, Gomersal, certificate of lawfulness for proposed alterations to convert store over garage to living accommodation. S Browning, 2 Church Road, Birstall, non-material amendment to previous permission 2014/92865 for erection of

single-storey extension to side and rear. Abdul Samad Bodhania, 1 The Drive, Carlinghow, twostorey side and rear extensions and front single-storey extension, pitched roof to existing flat roof and increased hardstanding area

Also jobs such as ‘Equality’ and ‘Diversity’ have to end in this financial climate, not closing public toilets. These so-called jobs haven’t done much anyway, only held up the costly banner of political correctness. Now Kirklees Lib Dems are calling for a closure of the Cabinet, thus saving £72,000. A good start, but only a start.

Cabinet plan is Still so much positive news only a start From: Bernard Cosgrove, Norristhorpe Dear Sir, People often wonder why seemingly thriving companies go bankrupt. On occasions it is the directors who have milked the business, especially if they think profits are slowing down. You would think that all the money councils get from us, they wouldn’t have to make minor cuts, such as bin collections and closing toilets etc. My opinion is that the cabal of the top people are paying themselves too much, thus copying private FTSE 100 operations. Some of them wouldn’t last two minutes in the private sector. There are plenty of their favoured employees on over £1,000 a week, that is £500,000 over 10 years, each! There is an urgent need to look into this, and also redundancy golden handshakes, and gilt-edged pensions.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS S Clarke, 4 Heaton Road, Upper Batley, demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single-storey extension (within a Conservation Area). Mr M Sajjad, 31 Crawshaw Street, Ravensthorpe, twostorey rear extension.

With more and more wealth in the hands of a tiny number of people, something like Citizens’ Income will be the only way to tackle inequality, remove the “poverty gap” that stops work paying and give ordinary people more choices in life. With a lot more work being mechanised (the so-called ‘fast lane’ in many shops is just the tip of the iceberg), it may even soon be the only way to keep the economy going at all. So Danny, we are an optimistic bunch but we are not “having a laugh” – Greens want a fairer, more equal society and we are more than aware of the need to protect it from dangerous people.

to front. Mrs S Janjua, 50 Dark Lane, Batley, erection of porch. Nahid Mahmood, 25 Moorside Avenue, Dewsbury Moor, two-storey side extension. Mr & Mrs N Khan, 11 Dearnley Street,

Ravensthorpe, 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 3m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 3m.

From: Robert Cowan, Sandal Dear Sir, I have several friends and family members who do not buy newspapers or watch the news on television because so much of what is reported in these media is unfailingly depressing. I however like to keep abreast of topical events locally, nationally and internationally, but I have to admit that the incessant stream of reports of crime, violence, political and economic instability, acts of terrorism and armed conflicts can paint a very bleak picture of the human condition and can be thoroughly dispiriting. By stark contrast there are from time to time stories which can restore your faith in human nature. A prime example of this was illustrated very recently by the altruistic actions of the young lady who launched an internet appeal to provide financial aid to visually impaired 67-year-old Alan Barnes from Gateshead, a victim of a mugging outside his own home to which he was then afraid to return after the attack which left him with a broken collar bone. Although she hoped to raise a modest £500, the young lady concerned, now appropriately referred to as the other ‘Angel of the North’, was so successful with her appeal that at the time of writing she had achieved a figure well in excess of £200,000 and rising! This overwhelming response from far and wide is testimony

to the fact that there are an awful lot of good people out there more than willing to come to the aid of a complete stranger in distress. Such examples of human kindness and compassion do not grab the headlines as often as they should, but when they do the effect on readers can be very uplifting. Endless misery in its countless forms exists at home and abroad and it is of course the duty of the press to report it for all who seek to be informed of the world they live in. But equally there is a much more positive side to human nature that should never be overlooked if a balanced view of that world is to be given. We could all certainly take inspiration from the words once written by Anne Frank: “I don’t think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains.”

Budget can be balanced From: Robert Reynolds, Batley Dear Sir, My last letter told you the Tories sold us a lie – that wealth creation would be shared. Now I want to tell you their austerity plans are also based on a lie. Our politicians, Labour and Tory, have got us into massive debt. We’re still borrowing more than we earn, about £92 billion a year. Believe George Osborne and “we’re all in it together”. A lie which has seen the rich double their wealth since 2010 whilst the poor have experienced massive cuts in living standards. However, there’s no need to implement austerity cuts. Our Government pays £85 billion in corporate benefits. Yes, YOUR taxes go to big business – which creates poverty jobs and refuses to pay tax. Abolish that and the budget

Continues on page nine

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

Extra From page eight deficit becomes manageable. Second, we must nationalise the money supply. This is a complex issue. Basically, banks issue loans and use OUR currency to make fat profits for themselves. Surely OUR currency should be used for US the British people? The Bank of England would decide how much money a Government could create without causing excess inflation. Instead of borrowing on the markets and paying interest, that money is free. We need social housing, schools, hospitals, roads etc. This would create thousands of jobs and cost you the taxpayer absolutely nothing. The only political party coming close to these measures is the Green party.

Don’t let work be in vain From: Name and address supplied Dear Sir, Is it not time we had some honesty from members of parliament? We are continually told by Labour that the opposition are trying to make the National Health Service into a private insurance arrangement, but that Labour is stopping it going ahead. Sorry, but we have seen what Labour can do. Forty years ago Dewsbury Hospital group consisted of 14 hospitals and was never in the red. From then on we steadily lost all the hospitals but one, and it looks as if that won’t be long before ‘last one out turns the light out’!

Why, what happened to all the money raised from the sale of Batley General, North Bierley, Batley Maternity, Morley Maternity and others? I have not included Dewsbury General, as over the front entrance used to be a plaque telling you the millowner who gave the land to the people of Dewsbury if they collected the money to build the hospital; but, if it ever ceased to be used for a hospital, the land was to transfer to the people of Dewsbury. According to the internet, Wakefield was refused a new hospital owing to insufficient area covered, so they requested could they add the Dewsbury area onto their list, and were told yes. All the NHS funds are being drained through bad management. We read of a man with AIDS passing it on to four women and then he cannot be deported as he may not get his medication in his own country. Immigration is fine, and has been in the past and we are a multi-national country, but sadly the Muslim community are not satisfied with our rules and laws, but want to bring their laws and way of living with them. For every one person allowed to stay, two more come as dependants. We are being drained financially. Is it not time we paid benefit only on the first two children, and not to those children who have only seen Britain on a map? Also start charging for all medical and hospital treatment, as other members of the EU do. We give millions in aid each year and they still come on health holidays. A memory comes to mind of some years ago during a Christmas visit to a hospital by a celebrity.

He went to a young woman and, through an interpreter, asked was she being looked after (yes), and how long had she been in the hospital? Three years. I am sorry and how long have you been in Britain? Three years. He moved on. I have just been listening to debate about looking after the elderly in nursing homes in the future. Do they realize it is no good encouraging people to pay into a pension then telling them if they do, their pension pot will be used to pay for nursing home bills? An immigrant who comes in as a dependent along with those who have lived on benefits will pay nothing for the same home. PLEASE don’t let all the work our predecessors did in making the NHS the envy of the world, go. At the rate we are going in 20 or 30 years, we will be another third world country looking for handouts to countries that used to be part of GREAT BRITAIN.

Truths and lies From: Graham Turner, Gomersal Dear Sir, The recent Labour leaflet regarding UKIP and the NHS is a load of rubbish – UKIP will keep the NHS free at the point of delivery. It was Labour who brought £79 billion of private finance debt into the NHS. Parking charges at hospitals should be scrapped, paid for by visitors and migrants to the UK, who must show proof of health insurance as a condition of entry to the UK, saving the NHS up to £2 billion a year. A national, not international health service.

Simon Reevell’s

Notes from Westminster

I’ll keep speaking out on issues as important as this HIS week the news was dominated by the horrific murder of Moaz al-Kasasbeh the Jordanian pilot who was murdered by ISIS. That he was murdered is bad enough but the manner of his death – being burned alive in a metal cage – was truly horrific. And yet still young men and women from the UK seek to join these butchers. Those people who would leave the UK to fight on the side of ISIS must be either thuggishly stupid, tragically misguided or both. It’s tempting to say let them go. Perhaps Coalition airstrikes and/or Kurdish fighters will be the end of them. But it’s not as simple as that. Many, when they have learned their murderous new tricks, want to use them back in the UK. Some have made it back and although they have then failed in their plots, sometimes they’ve not failed by much. One solution is to remove the passports from those seeking to go to Syria. Some people have contact-

ed me to complain about this proposal. It is contained within the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill that is currently going through Parliament. The Second and Third Readings of the Bill were unopposed. In other words all the political parties back the legislation. The opponents of the Bill who have contacted me argue that it may impact predominantly on Muslims. It may do. The real question is why might it? Catholics and atheists are not swelling the ranks of ISIS. Its recruits purport to be Muslims. Those who follow the path of the

terrorist are wholly responsible for their actions, but those who enjoy the status of ‘community leaders’ within the largely peace-loving British Muslim community must take their share of the blame for the existence of circumstances in which a small number of people have been radicalised to the extent that they will travel thousands of miles to join an organisation that cheerfully kills other Muslims – most recently by fire – and who would indiscriminately murder any of us. Instead of complaining about security measures designed to allow us all to sleep safely at night, those leaders may wish to consider how relevant they are to some young people and how they can divert their energies to countering radicalisation so that legislation such as this isn’t needed. I believe that it is important for MPs to speak out on issues like this and will continue to do so, however close an election happens to be. With best wishes,

Simon

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

News In Brief Market stall closes after century of trade BATLEY: A market stall in business for more than a century is due to close today (Friday). Brother and sister Stephen Early and Kathleen Colan-Ainsworth have run clothes stall Rotherys for 55 years. It was founded by their great-grandfather Tom Rothery and also trades at Heckmondwike. But changing times mean the pair are to retire and Kathleen said: “People aren’t coming to the market like they used to.”

Hospital campaigner joins election fight BATLEY & SPEN: The general election field is taking shape after another parliamentary candiate was named. Hospital campaigner Dawn Wheelhouse will represent the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition. She joins Jo Cox (Labour), Imtiaz Ameen (Conservative), Aleks Lukic (UKIP) and Karl Varley (Patriotic Socialist) in the fight to replace Labour MP Mike Wood, who is standing down.

Leaving centre in the cold is ‘asset-stripping’, says Mayor By Steve Martyn LEAVING hundreds of Mirfield residents in the cold for three months can be seen as “asset stripping”. That’s the view of town mayor Vivien Lees-Hamilton, who hit out at Kirklees Council over the fate of Mirfield Community Centre, pictured. Users have been without heating since the building’s boiler packed up on November 10. Asbestos found in the boiler room means landlords Kirklees

Council will not act without its removal. They are alleged to have quoted tenant the Mirfield Community Trust, a charity, a bill of £30,000. Coun Lees-Hamilton (Con, Hopton) said: “Kirklees are trying to move the goalposts now

that things are tight. To me, it’s asset stripping. No matter how tight things are, people shouldn’t be left in the cold.” The Water Royd Road centre, ‘temporary’ since 1995 as a replacement for Gilder Hall which closed, is used by about 800 people a week. Groups include cubs and scouts, toddlers, martial arts, yoga and adult education. Portable heaters have been brought in but it is claimed that these cause power cuts due to the overloading of old electrics. The trust still hopes to build a

replacement on the site of the former Gilder Hall on Greenside Road. It would have three multipurpose rooms, toilets, a kitchen and cafe, a store and an activity room. The original Gilder Hall was where Mirfield-born Sir Patrick Stewart started his acting career. It was demolished in 2004. Coun Lees-Hamilton added: “If this continues, the people who use the centre will go elsewhere. “It’ll become untenable for the trust to keep going and then Kirklees can try to flog the building.”

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ART depicting a much-loved woodland in Mirfield is due to go on show at the town’s library on Monday. Pupils from Battyeford Primary School created six panels for Lady Wood on the theme of the wood as a workplace. Boards showing kilns, looms, mining and farming were designed with sculptor Lewis Morgan. The final three pieces of work from a project which started last year went up at the wood off Sands Lane this week. How all the designs were created by pupils is the subject of an exhibition at the library. The Mirfield Community Trust (MCT) organised the project with funding from Kirklees Council and help from Saville Estates. MCT chairman David Pinder said: “Over the years the wood has been absolutely transformed. “People used to rough ride around there in 4x4s but now it’s a lovely area with a bluebell meadow and sculptures. “The panels are just the latest addition. And it was great to get children involved.”

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

A SHOP in Chickenley was robbed for the second time in as many weeks last Friday. The raider claimed he was armed with a knife when he burst into the Nisa Local store on Wakefield Road. He forced a terrified shop worker to open a till and hand over about £200 at around 7.50pm. It follows an incident two weeks ago which led to a suspect appearing in court. In the latest raid, the robber barged in and told the 24-yearold employee: “I’ve got a knife in my pocket. Open the till.” The victim, shaken but unhurt, is the nephew of the owner who has run the business since 2003. The shop owner, who did not want to be named, blamed drugs and said: “There’s some pretty desperate people out there.” Anyone with information can call Kirklees CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Photo opportunity TOWN’S ‘BRIGHT FUTURE’ BOOST FOR SNAPPER JONATHAN By David Miller A TRADER is showing the love for Heckmondwike, 15 years after launching his photography business. Jonathan Wall opened Photoshoot on Market Street on Valentine’s Day 2000 – and intends to be there for many more years to come. He believes the town has a bright future, with new shops opening and the arrival of a bus terminal. Jonathan, of Berwick Avenue, White Lee, said: “There’s a lot of things going on in Heckmondwike at the moment and I think the future’s very positive.” Green Park’s restoration and a new health centre are among the changes over the last 15 years. Heckmondwike also hosts the 13th Crown of Lights music festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19. Jonathan said: “There’s been ups and downs. We saw Heckmondwike go to its lowest level in about 2004. “It was quite bad then but you’ve got to keep going and have faith in what you’re doing.” Photoshoot specialises in portraits, from families to pets, and also offers picture framing and photographic restoration. Snakes are among the more unusual subjects and Jonathan added: “Cats can also be fun when you see them climbing up walls.” The rise of digital cameras allowed Jonathan to move away from having a costly lab. He said: “A lot of expensive chemicals were needed and it also used a lot

News in Brief

Bench dedication DEWSBURY: A wooden bench will be dedicated on Monday for a rambling club’s centenary. The Rev Kevin Partington will carry out the ceremony at 1pm at the town’s Minster in honour of the Dewsbury and District Rambling Club. The bench is situated near the Minster’s main entrance. The club’s Centenary Walks booklet featuring six routes covering 28 miles is available free from libraries and community centres. The club, one of the oldest in Britain, is chaired by Batley historian Malcolm Haigh.

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ThePress

News In Brief Shoplifter nabbed DEWSBURY: Eagle-eyed supermarket staff caught a known shoplifter in the act as he tried to leave the store. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard Naseer Laher, 33, tried to steal a CD and two speakers from Asda on January 19. Staff who knew Laher from a previous incident stopped him outside and the goods were recovered. Drug addict Laher, of Halifax Road, tested positive for Class A drugs after his arrest. He admitted theft. Sentencing was adjourned until Monday, February 23, for reports. In the meantime, Laher is banned from Asda stores in Dewsbury.

Station talks venue BATLEY: A meeting next month to discuss the railway station’s future will be held at the Older People’s Centre. We incorrectly stated the Friends of Batley Railway Station were due to meet at Batley Resource Centre on Tuesday, March 17 at 7.30pm. It is actually at the Upper Commercial Street venue on the same date and time. Apologies for the confusion.

Names wanted GOMERSAL: Street name ideas are wanted for new homes on the site of the former Roundhill Mill on Cliffe Lane. Streets are generally not named after persons who are living or who have lived in the recent past. Preference is given to names with local connections. The deadline is Monday, February 16. Suggestions can be e-mailed to street.naming@kirklees.gov.uk, phoned to 01484 221560 or sent by post to Building Control, Flint Street Depot, Flint Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6LG.

Friday February 6, 2015

FEARS OF A COUNCIL U-TURN ON SPORT

‘Come clean’, Cabinet urged

By David Miller A REVIEW of sports provision in North Kirklees will not be published until after May. The audit, due last month, looks at the fate of Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre in Cleckheaton. It will be demolished to allow for the rebuilding of the secondary school next door. Coun Andrew Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said a replacement depends on what the review says. He called on the Kirklees Council Cabinet to come clean and added: “Until Labour’s review is published, their promises can’t be relied on. “There's nothing to stop them saying one thing now but using the review to make a post-election uturn.” Lib Dems want £8m for a new pool in Liversedge and £2m to replace Whitcliffe Mount. Cash for some extra facilities was put into a draft council budget due to

be debated on Wednesday, February 18. This would partly involve temporary buildings at Spenborough Pool. The issues were discussed at a public meeting at Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre on Wednesday. Cabinet member for leisure, Coun Peter O’Neill (Lab), was among those who attended. Coun Pinnock, speaking before the meeting, said councillors have campaigned for three years for new facilities. He added: “Until the review is pubished, I’ve serious reservations about whether plans for replacing Whitcliffe Mount will ever come to fruition. “I’m acutely aware that money put in a column in February could disappear based on what the review says. “The fact that they have chosen to delay the report until after May makes me very suspicious. “As such, we’re openly challenging the Cabinet to publish the review before May.”

The Dewsbury Music Centre Intermediate Swing Band at last year’s Thornhill Parish Church summer fair

Ready, steady...bake! BAKERS are wanted to rise to the occasion at one of a trio of events in aid of Thornhill Parish Church. Buns and cakes are among the home-made produce needed for a coffee afternoon at the United Reformed Church in Dewsbury. It takes place on Saturday, February 28, from 1pm to 4pm. Funds raised are for Thornhill Parish Church. Also at the Church Lane, Thornhill, venue, BBC Radio

Leeds gardening expert Joe Maiden is to give a talk at 7.30pm on Friday, March 13. And plans are already in place for a summer fair on Saturday, July 18, from 11am to 3pm. It will feature a barbecue, live entertainment inside and outside, plus numerous stalls. Anyone who can help with baking for the coffee morning should call Chris Sheerin on 01924 457918.

Alcoholic stole vicar’s car A HOMELESS alcoholic was jailed for stealing a car from a Batley vicar who put him up for the night. Rev Anthony Howe took Robert Metcalfe, 34, into his vicarage in Staincliffe last Thursday. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard he asked to sleep in the garage as he had nowhere else to go. Rev Howe, of Carlinghow’s St John the Evangelist Church, allowed Metcalfe to stay in his spare bedroom. The next morning he told Metcalfe to go to a housing

association, gave him £10 and took him to Dewsbury bus station. After Rev Howe returned home he parked his VW Polo outside and went to church. Alex Bozman, prosecuting, said when he returned to the vicarage at around 10.40am, his car was missing. Metcalfe, who had been banned from driving in January, had stolen it to drive to a homeless shelter in Leeds and then left it in a car park. Police found a spare car key on Metcalfe that he had stolen, plus alcohol and some of his

clothes on the back seat. He admitted taking a vehicle without consent and driving while disqualified. Zahid Majeed, mitigating, said Metcalfe, jailed for 20 weeks, was ashamed of his actions. Mr Majeed added: “He has an inability to address his alcohol consumption and this takes over his common sense.” Last month, Metcalfe had been given a 16-week suspended jail sentence and banned from driving for 28 months for drink-driving.

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ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

‘Aladdin’s cave’ of stolen vehicles at ‘chop-shop’ By Staff Reporters POLICE raided a ‘chop-shop’ full of suspected stolen cars in Cleckheaton last month. Several high-value vehicles were found at an industrial unit on Balme Road at around 3pm on January 24. A ‘chop-shop’ is where stolen cars are stored and stripped for the sale of their parts. Engines from five different BMWs, Audis and Volkswagens were on the floor. Officers found stacked-

up wheels, body panels, seats and interior trims on the premises. Coincidentally, a private car theft investigator turned up at the unit at the same time. He was trying to trace a new Mercedes C220 saloon worth up to £30,000 through its fitted tracking device. The man did not want to be named due to the nature of his investigative work. But he said: “There was a fire exit which had been blocked and the windows covered up.

“When we got through that door we were in an Aladdin’s cave. The car we were looking for had been three-quarters stripped down. Det Chief Inspector Paul Jeffrey, of Kirklees CID, said the operation could be linked to others in Bradford. He said: “Officers are working with specialists to identify the specific vehicles parts were taken from. “Inquiries are ongoing.” Components from six cars, including models manufactured by Seat, Mercedes and BMW, have been identified.

Drunk head-butted partner A MAN was jailed for headbutting his partner three times in a drunken attack on Boxing Day. David Leslie Smith, 59, of Beech Street, Mirfield, left Tina Evans with a “nasty” gash on her face.

Leeds Crown Court heard the couple were at home drinking on the afternoon of December 26. She raised concerns when he began drinking vodka due to the effect it has on him. Later that evening she spoke to her son over the phone and when BATLEY: Three men accused of Smith took over the constealing £350 from a gambling versation he argued machine at the Irish Democratic with and swore at him. League Club are due to face trial She told police she at Kirklees Magistrates' Court on had asked Smith not to Tuesday, May 5. Mark Pownall, swear at her son and 27, of Bradford Road, and Ian that was when the vioParker and Luke Partington, both lence happened. of Chester, are alleged to have When Smith was committed the offence on arrested he said he was September 16 last year. drunk and had no mem-

ory of what happened. He was jailed in 2013 for battery and assault of the same woman but they resumed their relationship after his release in May last year. Robin Frieze, for Smith, said his client’s partner was still prepared to continue the relationship. Smith admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 20 months. Judge Robert Bartfield said the complainant was reluctant to let Smith drink so much “because she knew your tendency to violence once you have had too much to drink”.

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ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

If you’re lucky enough to be in a marriage, then look after it! HAVE you noticed how life can get extremely busy?

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In fact, so busy that it’s all too easy to forget the reasons that inspired you to get married in the first place. It’s not even as though being busy is a bad thing. Often we are busy doing good things, like looking after children, moving house, new jobs, working and so on – and therein lies the challenge In the midst of all this activity we can forget to look after our marriages. Marriage Week is a great annual focus for couples to take time to pause and learn some new skills to take their marriages from good to very good! Many couples drift through their relationship, so Marriage Week is about saying ‘wake up’ and get intentional about your marriage, read a book, go on a course or even just go out for a meal together. The awareness event began in 1996 in the UK and has attracted the support and attention of a host of political, religious and media figures.

The wedding day should only the start, and all marriages can get better and better with each passing year. Marriage Week is supported by a group of charities and individuals who believe that healthy marriages bring benefits for all of society and should be encouraged and supported wherever possible. It is a massive aide-memoire to the nation which says: “If you’re fortunate enough to be in a marriage – then you should look after it”. There will be hundreds of events happening across the UK as part of Marriage Week 2015, hosted by hundreds of marriage champions who will be putting on smaller local events where they live. From Valentine suppers with after-dinner speakers to communication workshops within a pub quiz, it is great to see healthy marriages being encouraged in such creative ways. Last year a total of 1,500,000 people attended a Marriage Week event worldwide –why not join in celebrating your own marriage this year? For more information visit www.marriage-week.org.uk.

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ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

IT’S A NICE DAY FOR A WHITE WEDDING ...

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A HISTORY WARDROBE presentation celebrating the traditional white wedding will be held at Red House Museum in Gomersal on Sunday March 15. Everyone loves a wedding, especially the gowns, and there is a chance to indulge in all the silk and satin glory of the occasion when the History Wardrobe celebrates the traditional white wedding with one of its special costume presentations. In addition to bringing family history photographs to life, the presentation will tell the stories behind an array of gorgeous original gowns from every decade of the 20th century. Which dress will the young bride choose? Will it be the structured opulence of the Edwardian age ... knee-skimming 1920s lace ... the Hollywood glamour of the 30s ... the austerity dressing of the war years ... the New Look ... 60s glamour ... flower power ... faux tulle. .. or the flamboyant 80s imitations of Princess Diana’s wedding dress? As the gowns are revealed, so too are the stories of blushing brides – and brazen ones too – as well as some scandalous alternatives to divorce. The two-hour presentation starts at 2pm and tickets are £12.50 per person. Booking is essential due to the popularity of the History Wardrobe’s presentations. Access is via stairs. For more information or to book a place contact Red House, on Oxford Road, Gomersal by calling 01274 335100.

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ThePress

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ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

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ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015 Hear Ann across the BBC radio network and on Ent News (UBC Media Showbiz online)

Anita and Ann have a right Carry On ... TUNNING Anita Harris wowed the crowds at Wakefield Theatre Royal recently, where I was lucky enough to catch up with her, and she wants me to tell Press readers two exclusives. She will be appearing in hit drama Casualty and a new ITV documentary all about magicians’ assistants – Anita of course ably assisted David Nixon on TV for many years.

CORONATION STREET actress Barbara Knox has had a tough time of late, with her court appearance and drink driving-related incident, but she told a friend: “It’s nothing to what is happening to Rita in the coming months ... she is set for more heartache.” ACTRESS Patsy Kensit says she was ‘thrilled’ to be the third housemate booted from the Celebrity Big Brother bungalow, and is planning a career away from acting. “I have a new skincare range looming, and I am looking at property next as a career. I just want to take some time out from it all and try other things,” she confessed. DANNY DYER didn’t fancy his chances in the celebrity version of The Great British Bake Off, because he was worried he had offended star baker Mary Berry at a showbiz party. “She is lovely and so nice, but I was being a fool as usual and now I am afraid to face her ... I just hope she forgives me,” he added. BENIDORM the movie? After the ‘success’ of recent British films like Mrs Brown’s Boys, it appears that other cross-over TV shows could be going the same way. The Spanish-based comedy featuring Johnny Vegas and Sherrie Hewson, is now being lined up for similar treatment. ‘CILLA’ actress Sheridan Smith tells me she has yet to officially hear from the singer herself regarding her performance in the drama. “It’s a tough one as it may be a good thing, but I know she has watched it,” she said. DID YOU know that The Voice wanted Pete Waterman as a judge? A source tells me: “He liked the idea, but he can’t commit to the length of the run, so he had to decline.”

MAGIC COUPLE: Ann and Anita Harris backstage at the Theatre Royal Wakefield Maycon Pictures

FUNNY man Peter Kay tells me that he likes doing TV far more than live work, as: “I like to be near home and I am not happy staying away long, so TV suits me fine.” JULIE WALTERS says she turned down a role on Downton Abbey, as: “I wanted to be upstairs but they wanted me downstairs ... I thought no thanks, why can’t I have the glamorous life just once?!” STARS in their Eyes was meant to be the big comeback for Harry Hill, but after only a few weeks on air, ratings have slid down to a very low level. Insiders tell me unless they increase soon, then the show could be doomed. ANYONE remember 1970s children’s show Runaround hosted by a pre-EastEnders Mike Reid? A new version is set for a comeback for CITV later in the year. SHANE RITCHIE has admitted that his time as ‘king of Albert Square’ is now over since the arrival of Danny Dyer in the show. He reveals: “The Carter clan have exploded on the show, but I know Alfie Moon will always be in the background somewhere.” CORONATION STREET’S Sally Dynevor has revealed she doesn’t think Sally and Kevin Webster should ever get back together. She said: “Oh no, I think that has all been and gone thank you, but you never know with the writers. For me I would like to leave it all in the past, and for Sally to have new adventures.”

FORMER X Factor runner-up Stacy Solomon admits she signed on to appear in winter sports relaiity show ‘The Jump’ as there was “nothing else on offer, so I thought I may as well learn a new skill and signed up.” EMMERDALE actress Sammy Winward, who plays Katie in the soap, tells me she is leaving the show, as: “Pretty much everything has happened to her, so I figured now would be a good time to move on, I will miss playing her for sure, though.” STARS of Coronation Street and Emmerdale are happy when it snows because it means all exterior filming is called off. A source tells me: “Because it’s filmed six weeks in advance we can’t have deep snow just as it’s early spring on-screen.” GOOD Morning Britain host John Stapleton tells me he still loves presenting early morning TV. “I have been doing this since the early 80s, so I think I am getting good at it and no I don’t mind the 4am starts, you do get used to it,” he said. DOWNTON ABBEY may think they have a super-posh voice with Michelle Dockery, but the actress admits: “I just hide my Essex twang on camera, as t it’s quite strong in real life. I suppose you may say I am good at hiding it.” NIGEL HAVERS has not ruled out a return to Coronation Street, I can reveal. The actor, who played super-cad Lewis in the show, reveals: “The door is left open so who knows when he will decide to ruffle Audrey’s feathers again...”

BATLEY’S Frontier Club will play host to an X Factor star as part of a fundraising prom show next week. Teen singer Jack Walton takes to the stage on Thursday February 12 for the first-ever Yorkshire Prom Show (7.30pm). Organised by Clare Ellarby, who runs the Miss Elegance fashion shop in Birstall, the charity event will feature a prom fashion show and stalls showcasing dresses, shoes, hairstylists and limousines. Proceeds will go to the Yorkshire Down Syndrome Group. Jack Walton, who reached the finals of the 2014 X Factor competition, will headline the entertainment, with a special guest appearance from DJ and dance music star Tom Zanetti. Miss Elegance will also be showcasing some of its prom products on the catwalk, and 20 young ladies from across the region will be taking part in a contest to be crowned Miss Elegance 2015. Details about all the entrants can be found at www.yorkshire promshow.com. Bethany Cammack, Miss Teen Galaxy England, will be on hand to help with the judging. Tickets are available from the Ticketmaster website or from the Miss Elegance store in central Birstall. For more information call 01924 473892.

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ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

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. SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 KIRKBURTON TO EMLEY & FLOCKTON MOOR (NK) Meet 10.30am Kirkburton Library HD8 0RT GR SE 198 127 9 miles (M) No dogs please Leader: Dave Sharp Tel: 07981 720099

Year of the Sheep celebrated THE START of the Chinese New Year will be celebrated with craft and activity sessions at Bagshaw Museum in Batley. To mark the start of the Year of the Sheep, children are being given the chance to learn all about the traditions associated with Chinese New Year, such as fortune cookies and lucky money envelopes, and make their own celebration masks, dragons and New Year cards. On February 17 there will be a chop stick challenge, with stickers and certificates for everyone, as well as a Chinese-themed trail around the museum. Other activities on the day will include colouring sessions and fun word searches. The activities run from 12pm until 4pm and cost £1 per child. No booking is required and there’s free admission to the museum in Wilton Park. For more information contact the museum on 01924 326155.

Bake off in Cleck ST JOHN’S Church in Cleckheaton is hosting a “bake off” this weekend to raise funds for the town’s Kenmore Cheshire nursing home. This Sunday’s allage service at 11am will involve mixing, stirring and baking, with church members making cakes and biscuits to sell on the day. You don’t need to be a regular church member to take part in the event - just turn up on the day, whether you want to contribute some baking or come home with someone else’s. For more details contact vicar Brunel James by emailing bruneljames@icloud. com.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11 AROUND LOW LAITHES (NK) Meet 12pm Spring Mill car park Queens Drive Ossett WF5 9AH GR SE 288 210 4 miles (M) Leader: Jim Tel: 01924 469700

Joe McElderry brings new show to Town Hall Fast X-FACTOR winner Joe McElderry will bring his Evolution Tour to Cleckheaton Town Hall on Friday 27 November. The tour showcases Joe’s renowned versatility which has won

him a large fan base and features new numbers and new routines. His unmistakable voice, easy wit and warm rapport have endeared him to all ages, from five to 95. Joe has evolved from boy crooner

to the master of his craft since winning X Factor in 2009 and has recently appeared in the Alhambra Theatre’s record-breaking pantomime alongside Billy Pearce. The show starts at 7.30pm and

tickets are £19.50, with no concessions. Tickets can be purchased from www.kirkleestownhalls.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01924 324501.

Fall in love with music this Valentine’s Day Creative Scene producer Vicky Holliday CLECKHEATON music-lovers can start a new relationship on Valentine’s Day by joining said: “We are looking for ways to make art a part of everyday life – and band sessions hosted by local what better way could there musician Jacqui Wicks. be than to bring music into Taking place at Matthew’s the intimate surroundings of Coffee House in the town centre, one of Cleckheaton’s best cof‘Matthew’s Coffee House Band’ fee houses? is part of the Artist@Work proj“We can’t promise you will ect run by Creative Scene, which find true love but we do matches local businesses with promise a date with a topartists to inspire people to take quality musician and the part in arts activities. chance to fall in love with Jacqui, pictured right, will music.” perform alongside percussionist Following the launch event Ralph Dartford on Saturday on Saturday February 14, February 14 from 10am until drop-in sessions will take 12noon, at a special event to place every Thursday and launch the community band, Saturday for six weeks, from which is being set up to bring Thursday February 19 to together local people interested in developing skills with a musical instru- Thursday March 19 (10am-12pm) and are free. If you can already play an instrument feel ment or those who simply enjoy live music. Creative Scene is an Arts Council-funded free to bring it along, but instruments will group that aims to bring people in North also be provided and no previous experience is required. Kirklees high-quality arts experiences. Having previously worked with many communities to get people excited about DAVID GREED and Friends will be performmaking their own ing a lunchtime concert at Dewsbury Town music, including the Hall on Wednesday from 12.30pm. Citizens’ Orchestra YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to be in Armley, the White David Greed, leader of the Orchestra of creative and have fun this half-term at a Rose Strummers in Opera North, is joined by some of the series of entertaining sessions at two Cleckheaton and the north of England’s finest chamber musimuseums. Ossett Ukulele cians in a programme which includes perRed House Museum in Gomersal is Philharmonia, haps the finest of all Romantic chamber offering hands-on art and craft activities Jacqui and her infecworks, the Schumann Piano Quintet. for children running 11am to 4pm from tious enthusiasm and Paired with this is Mozart’s G Minor February 17 to 19. passion for musicPiano Quartet. The activities are free, but normal making will now Tickets can be purchased from museum admission charges apply (adult come to Matthew’s www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls or by call£2.50, child £1 or family £6). Coffee House on ing the Kirklees box office on 01484 Red House Museum is also running Market Street for a ‘Pastel Portraits for Kids’ at two sessions 223200. six-week residency.

Fact: Greed is good Hands-on arts and crafts

from 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm on Wednesday February 18. Those attending will learn different techniques of portrait drawing to help them create their own masterpiece. Each session is open to children aged over eight years old, costs £3.50 per child and places must be booked in advance by calling 01274 335100. Oakwell Hall in Birstall is hosting a fun quiz over half-term, with prizes for all correct entries. The quiz will run from February 17-19 at the historic hall, open 11am to 4pm with an admission charge (adult £2.50, child £1 or family £6). For further information please call (01924) 326240.

Libraries packed with authors and events ACTIVITIES will be taking place in libraries across the district this February as they celebrate National Libraries Day. Tomorrow (Sat) is National Libraries Day itself, and there will be author talks covering a variety of genres. At Dewsbury Library from 2pm to 3.30pm writer Valerie Harkness and poet Amir Darwish will present engaging, humorous and moving tales about what it feels like to be a foreigner ‘landing’ and living in the UK. They will be sharing poetry and images and readings in French, Arabic and English.

Tickets cost £2. Author and journalist David Barnett will be at Mirfield Library from 2pm to 3.30pm, where he will be giving a talk about his thrilling ‘alternative history’ steam punk series, which began with Gideon Smith And The Mechanical Girl. Entry is again £2. A number of interactive sessions are also taking place tomorrow. Then at Dewsbury Library at 11.30am children have the chance to try Chinese painting with author John Harkness, and listen to his story The Red Palm Tree (£1).

Those who work with young people are being encouraged to join poet Erin Bolens and writer Pete Hose for an interactive workshop exploring how poetry and language can encourage youngsters to express feelings and gain confidence at Batley Library. Running from 10.30am to 12.30pm, tickets cost £2. Families with children aged eight to 12 can also get creative upstairs at Batley Art Gallery when Martin Rothery combines the fun of writing and drawing in an illustration workshop with puppets. The event takes place from 1pm to 3pm, individual tickets

are £2.50, a family ticket (adult and two children) costs £5. Next weekend (Saturday February 14 at 1.30pm) Birstall Library will play host to novelist, poet, playwright and senior lecturer in creative writing, Michael Stewart. Michael’s novel King Crow won The Guardian’s ‘Not the Booker’ prize and his new book Café Assassin is a tense psychological thriller. Michael will be sharing hints and tips and tickets cost £2. Tickets for all the events can be bought from Kirklees box offices, or online by visiting www.kirkleestownhalls.co.uk.

paced and funny CALAMITY JANE Until Saturday, February 7 Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Box Office: 01274 432000

Review by Adele Latham JODIE PRENGER, who landed the role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver after winning the BBC’s I’d Do Anything show, plays leading lady Calamity Jane in this ‘whip-cracking’, stunning and fastpaced musical. Calamity Jane really did exist – born Martha Jane Cannary in 1852 and married to James Butler Hickok, Wild Bill Hickok to you and I, within a year of meeting. Poignant in parts, hilariously funny in others, the audience were transported to the days of the stagecoach, when hard-drinking, roughliving wild women were two a penny along the frontier of the Old West. But beneath this hardened veneer beats a heart of pure gold, always first to pitch in when needed, fuelled by the sadness that Calamity gave up her daughter Janey in 1873, forever to secretly mourn that decision. Laughs were aplenty, and the audience enthusiastically joined in with the songs, Whip Crack Away, The Deadwood Coach and, my favourite, The Black Hills Of Dakota. Before the show we ate at the Alhambra’s own Restaurant 1914, situated on the top floor, with panoramic views of the city centre. A superb dining experience, in plush surroundings, at a very reasonable cost (approx £12 per meal).

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

Grandeur at Town Hall DEWSBURY Town Hall will play host to the Orchestra of Opera North and works by Dmitri Shostakovich and Mozart tomorrow (Sat, 7.30pm). Shostakovich may be best known for his intensely serious symphonies and string quartets, but there was a lighter, more care-free side to his musical personality, and it is given free rein in the predominantly cheerful Second Piano Concerto. Next to be performed will be Fratres by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, who for the past few years has been the most frequently performed contemporary composer in the world. Titled ‘Festive Grandeur’, the

concert closes with Mozart’s last symphony, the ‘Jupiter’, a grand and festive work which is a fitting climax to his symphonic career. Audiences can join in with a lively discussion about the performance by attending ‘Talking Music’ which starts at 6.40pm. Tickets can be purchased from www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls or by calling the 01484 223200.

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Bag a bargain at Ossett sale A TABLE top sale takes place at Ossett War M e m o r i a l Community Centre tomorrow (Sat), starting at 10am. Admission is 50p which includes a cup of coffee, tea or glass of juice and a biscuit. Bacon sandwiches are available at a reasonable price. The sale will be a good opportunity to clear out unwanted possessions ready for a spring clean. Contact ossett w e - c a r b o o t @yahoo.co.uk for a booking form.

A trip back to swinging times IT’LL BE FUN all the way as the ‘Purveyors of Cool’ come to Dewsbury Town Hall on Saturday February 21 with a sensational Rat Pack show featuring some of the greatest music of the 20th century. Wonderful memories of three incredible performers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior are invoked in a fabulous production now in its 12th year that continues to be successful all over the world. The all-action show is live

both musically and vocally, with every song an absolute classic – Come Fly With Me, Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Fly Me To The Moon, That’s Amore, Mack The Knife, Sway and many more. Musicians from a fantastic orchestra also join in the fun on stage, along with the fabulous Vegas showgirls who add a touch of glamour to proceedings. With an abundance of class and style they take you on a

trip back in time to vintage 60s Las Vegas hip and cool, as their timeless soiree remains the pinnacle of quality entertainment. Tickets for the 7.30pm show are available from the Box Office at www.kirklees.gov.uk/events, by calling 01924 324 501 or visit www.ratpack.biz for more information. The Dewsbury Town Hall show will also be supporting local charity the Howland Centre.

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

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Friday February 6, 2015

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replacement glass units, handles, hinges, letter boxes, anti snap locks & servicing, CRB checked, 28 years experience. Reliable service. For all your double glazing needs, call Jason

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Make the Rite Choice NOW is the perfect time to get your windows replaced and my firm has several offers that make it more affordable. I’m Mark Parker, owner of Rite Choice Windows in Cleckheaton, and I know the economic climate has hit people’s pockets. That’s why I’m offering free fitting on all new windows and a buy-back scheme for any old ones that we replace. The value of your old windows is knocked off the price of the new ones while the items themselves are recycled. And if that’s still beyond your

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means, we can repair windows and even jazz up UPVC frames by re-spraying them in a colour of your choice. There’s no call-out fees, free quotes are available and there’s no pushy salesmen. All our windows are guaranteed for 10 years. We also source and install doors, conservatories, facias and soffits, using top quality Selecta System products with state-ofthe-art handle locks, and also repair any double glazing from misted-up units, to broken hinges and locks. If that was not enough, we even

have a showroom at our Woodroyd Mills site in Westfield Road that’s open from 8.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday. It also opens on Saturdays by appointment. I’ve more than 25 years’ industry experience and aim to give the best service at unbeatable prices.

Mark Parker, Rite Choice Windows (Spen Valley) Ltd, Woodroyd Mills, Westcliffe Road, Cleckheaton Tel: 01274 874800 Mob: 07515 596230 Email: markparker049@googlemail.com www.ritechoicewindows.co.uk

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015 good condition £100. Tel 01924 485972. (1597) Tea/drinks trolley on castors, gilt metal, three trays high (removable trays for normal use), £10 ono. Tel 01924 462494. (1598)

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

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

NEW Black, glass top computer desk with shelf and also chair. In good condition £25 ono. Tel 01924 689891.(1630).

with magazine shelf 125cm (L) x 67cm (W) x 47cm (H), good condition £40 or £100 for both, buyer collects. Tel 01924 519458 (1633).

White fridge in excellent condition, 12 months old; (H) 84cm x (W) 55cm x (D) 58cm £40. Tel 0871 312059 (1631).

CHILDREN’S GOODS Dunlop kids’ mountain bike. DS Sports, special edition, silver. 15-speed, 24” wheels. Front and back suspension. Looks like new, hardly used £40 ono. Tel 07961 602572. (1628)

Z-Tec Deluxe folding aluminium transit wheelchair, with running handbrakes. Metallic blue with side skirts and lap belt. Fitted with kerb lifter, parking brake and leg rest. Folds to fit in almost any car. Like new £60. Tel 01924 489540 (1632). Large oak coloured display cabinet with two large leaded display windows, plenty of drawers and two lower cupboards with shelves 180cm (L) X 109cm (H) X 46cm (W). Excellent condition, first to see will buy, bargain £80. Large dark wood coffee table, very heavy,

Demon kids’/ teenagers’ motorbike helmet, black, red and white. Bought from Padgett’s, cost £80. Never worn, unwanted gift £40 ono. Tel 07961 602572. (1628) Cot/bed with mattress, very little use, in excellent condition, 18 months old, bought from Ikea, colour beech £40 ono. Tel 07766 610689. (1610) Infants cot/bed with safety mattress. In good, clean condition. Used rarely at granny’s, now sadly out-

cheque for payment. ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. When your item(s) are sold ring 01924 470296 to cancel. All unsold adverts will stay in the paper for a MAXIMUM OF TWO MONTHS.

grow, £35 complete. Tel 01924 609015 (1591) ELECTRONIC White Kenwood Chef mixer & liquidiser £60. Tel 01924 494161. (1609) FABRIC/ FASHION Gents’ shoes size 8, adapted for swollen feet, in good condition £10 ono. Tel 01924 441640. (1626) Two heavy quality sleeping bags £5 each. Tel 01924 473218. (1619) Ladies navy blue, long winter coat, size 14-16, as new, £4.50. Tel 01924 463116 (1608) Ladies blue fleece, short jacket, size 14 – 16, as new, £2.50. Tel 01924 463116. (1608) FREE Free to collect horse manure, bring your own bags. Tel 07814 577224. (1600) FURNITURE

Oak table 30” wide x 45” (extends to 69”). Oak Welsh dresser 37” wide. Tops of both require re-polishing. Free to whoever collects. Tel 07951 820002. (1627) Two recliner chairs, natural colour. Very clean and in good condition, £140 for both. Tel 01924 441640. (1626) Two brown leather dining chairs from Next, as new. Cost £240 accept £95 the pair. Tel 07831 186571. (1622) Oval, solid wood extending pine table, 57” length extending to 68” x 34” wide, plus four matching chairs £60. Buyer to collect. Tel 01924 438735. (1625) Large cane rocker swivel chair, mustard yellow cushions £40. Tel 01924 473218. (1619) Double divan bed with drawers, also as new 1500 pocket Outlast memory

PRICE SYSTEM ITEM bands

Cost per item

Up to £7 £8 - £25 £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus foam mattress £120. Buyer to collect. Tel 07704 154433. (1617) Two leather armchairs, burgandy colour, in excellent condition £75 each. Tel 07817 671669. (1614) Dressing table/console table, 6ft 4” long, with separate 3-folding mirror, from Ikea, colour Malm. Dressing table £30, mirror £20. Tel 07766 610689. (1610) Single mattress as new, used in spare bedroom, bargain £25 ono. Tel 07796 927000. (1611) Ikea three-door wardrobe with mirror; chest of drawers, bedside cabinet, new condition £70. Tel 07594

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11 430397. (1603) Beige leather chaise longue, two years old, like new £100. Tel 01924 453932. (1604) Ikea round dining table and four tuckaway chairs, as new £80. Tel 07594 430397. (1603) ‘Nevada’ rise & recliner chair, in gold, perfect condition, used for one month only. Paid £900, will accept £250. Tel 07505 166835. (1596)

GARDEN Well-rotted horse manure (no straw) 5 bags £10, free delivery. Ring Ken on 01924 409540 or 07922 186721. (1616) Fencing laths, 4” wide, 3/4” thick, x 32 pieces. Length 56-66”, £20 the lot. Tel 01924 472043. (1590) HOUSEHOLD Gas cooker, as new, ideal for flat £50. Tel 07594 430397. (1603) Hoover washing machine, good condition £50. Tel 07594 430397. (1603) Avento Delonghi oil filled radiator, variable thermostat and overheat safety shut off £35. Tel 01924 450919. (1594)

Strong clothes rail and smaller rail; suit carbooter £30 for both. Tel 01924 474574. (1595) MUSICAL Tenor saxophone complete in case with original mouthpiece, neck sling and reeds. Gold lacquered, made by B&S Company GDR (Germany). Many pros and semi-pros play B&S saxes. Both instrument and case are like new, although slightly used. Owned from new, well cared for by sixth form school girl, reduced to £295 for quick sale, cash payment only. Tel Batley 01924 477016. (1613) SPORTING/ FITNESS/ AbKing stomach exercise bench, with instructions, cost £120 accept £50. Tel 07831 186571. (1622) Exercise bike, good condition, little used £40. Tel 01274 876997. (1623)

MISCELLANEOUS 100 vinyl LP records; large selection of 60s, 70s, 80s, various artists, as new, plus 30 audio cassettes with storage case. Ideal for car boot £50. Tel 07810 343525. (1629)

Ladies Slazenger golf clubs, only used three times. Inc. navy & silver Slazenger bag, 3 to 9 irons, 3 woods, driver, sand wedge and putter. Bargain £120. Tel 01924 455295/ 07815 850482. (1599)

Fold-up wheelchair, large wheeled, used for two weeks, £50. Tel 01924 488554. (1624)

Ping golf clubs, 3 iron to 9 iron, plus pitching, wedge and sand wedge. Full set of original Ping rail £50. Tel 01924 473835. (1593)

Box of 48 scented small pillar candles, 8 hr burn time £15. Tel 07831 186571. (1622)

Pine corner unit with light in top cupboard, 27” (w), as new £75. Tel 01924 485972. (1597)

Standard holly tree in pot £12. Tel 07508 834666. (1618)

Pine table 53” (L) x 30” (W), plus 4 dining chairs,

Aspidistra in pot £10. Tel 07508 834666. (1618)

WANTED Wanted: New/used lengths of wood for exterior of shed. Will dismantle if needed. Ring 07790 568986. (1620) Wanted: Wooden clothes horse. Tel 01924 472250. (1615)

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ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

RUGBY UNION

CLECK BREAK YMCA HOODOO By Jared Priestley

NATIONAL LEAGUE THREE NORTH

CLECKHEATON HUDDERSFIELD YMCA

24 Sports Reporter 17 sport@thepressnews.co.uk

Cleckheaton end losing run against rivals Huddersfield YMCA to maintain unbeaten run in National League Three

at Moorend

CLECKHEATON ended their losing run against Huddersfield YMCA on an emotional day at Moorend. Players and spectators alike stood for a minute’s silence in memory of late club president Alan Bentley prior to the kick-off of this National League Three North game. The visitors to Moorend had proven to be a bogey side for Cleckheaton, inflicting the club’s only two defeats of the 2014/15 league-winning campaign and already claiming a victory in their home game against Cleck back in October. The melancholy of the day was lifted 10 minutes into the match with a classy touch from Cameron Burnhill, who flicked a loose pass off the floor with his foot into his out-stretched arms, before putting Martin Woodhead one-on-one with his opposite number and he powered over. Ross Hayden added a touchline conversion to give the home side a 7-0 lead. YM were up for the contest and tried to wear down Cleckheaton’s defence but there was no getting through with Richard Piper, Rob Afoa Peterson, Paul Turner and Carl Mason all putting in a

EMOTIONAL WIN: Ross Hayden is brought down after making a half-break and right, the Cleckheaton forwards pack down against a YM side in their change strip shift to keep the opposition out. The visitors settled for a penalty goal to open their account before Cleckheaton responded with vigour and some belligerent work from the forwards. Jack Seddon, Ben Thrower and Ollie Akroyd made in roads before Alex Dawson powered his way over the line. The conversion was

missed and at the break Cleckheaton led 12-3. Huddersfield YM went up to dressing rooms at half-time and returned with a change of strip, with the predominantly yellow colours now creating sharper contrast with Cleckheaton’s cherry and white. The change of shirt at halftime gave the away side new impetus and a try 10 minutes

in gave them new hope as the score was reduced to 12-10. The reduction in deficit was short-lived however, as Cleckheaton’s fabled catch and drive sprang into action following a long touch-finding kick from Michael Piper. The momentum of the pack was irresistible and Richard Piper got the touchdown, which Hayden converted. Cleckheaton extended their

lead and claimed a try-scoring bonus point following a kick down-field from YM. Jack Bickerdike took the catch and fed James Wilson who combined well with Hayden to set up field position on the left just inside YM’s 22. A long pass from Bickerdike and a pin-point cross-field kick from Mike Piper was pounced upon at

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Bower proves dominant as Albion are held to draw Clitheroe Ossett Albion

1 1

A SECOND-HALF penalty denied Ossett Albion a valuable three points at mid-table Clithroe on Saturday. Albion played up the infamous Clitheroe slope in the first half and it was the home side who started brightly and for the first 10 minutes the visitors were under severe pressure. The back four stood firm however and Albion, on their first attack, could have taken the lead only for Connor Bower to shoot straight at the Clitheroe goalkeeper. More and more was seen of Albion as an attacking force with Peter Collinge in the home goal being kept very busy, especially when he tipped another Bower effort over his crossbar. The Unicorns took the lead in the 33rd minute, inevitably through Bower, whose 25yard shot took an unexpected sharp bounce just in front of the diving Collinge, deceiving the Clitheroe custodian and nestling in the corner of the net. Bower continued to prove a thorn in the side of the home team’s defence and latched

KEY MAN: Connor Bower Adam Hirst

on to a shrewd through-ball from Luke Sharry. As Bower raced clear the first of the referee’s somewhat controversial decisions resulted in Bower being stopped in his tracks by the whistle, which he had blown for a late lunge on Luke Sharry. The second half began in a very even fashion and the visitors should have extended their lead on a couple of occasions, only to be foiled by weak finishing or an inadequate final ball. The most controversial decision of the afternoon came on 66 minutes when Pat Lindley was adjudged to have fouled a Clitheroe player just inside the Albion penalty area – although there were claims for simulation. The hosts made no mistake from the spot with Jason Hart firing in a well-struck penalty, with his side’s only shot on target all afternoon. A long period of Clitheroe pressure ensued with Albion restricted to the occasional sharp breakaway from which Bower was, on at least a couple of occasions, very unlucky to be flagged offside.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

West End Park FC awarded charter standard A JUNIOR football team from Cleckheaton have been celebrating after they were awarded the Charter Standard Award, less than two years after they were formed. West End Park FC have enjoyed great success since they were set up and have more than 100 players playing on a regular basis. The club have 10 FA-qualified level one coaches and a further five adults booked to train as

coaches later this year. West End also have one level two qualified coach at their West End Park base. They run three under-7s sides, two under-8s teams, along with under-9s and under-10s dsquads. A number of players are also in training for a proposed under-12s team next season, while the club run a tots training session for children between the age of two and five years old. West End Park also have plans

to expand with the addition of an open age team next season, as well as potentially fielding a veterans side. The club have held talks about adding a women’s team in the future and have had discussions with the West Riding County FA regarding the introduction of disability football. Head of development Paul Lawson said: “I am so proud of all the players, parents and committee at West End Park for all

their hard work over the last two years. “The club also has 10 very good sponsors, especially main sponsor ‘Kids Come First’ who provide all the players with a training kit.” The club have introduced a new website where further information about training and the various teams can be found. For more information visit: www.westendparkjuniorsfc.inthe team.com.

Gerald Christian

the edge of the in-goal area by Burnhill. Hayden again found the middle of the uprights with the conversion. With a minute left on the clock, YM got themselves a consolation try under the sticks and with it the simple conversion, which brought the final score to 24-17, they earned themselves a potentially valuable bonus point.

Woodkirk Valley hold on to second spot in league HEAVY WOOLLEN SUNDAY LEAGUE

HIGH-FLYERS: Woodkirk Valley in action Dave Jewitt ONLY two games survived the weather last weekend in the Heavy Woollen Sunday League. In the CHAMPIONSHIP Woodkirk Valley consolidated their second place by winning 5-1 at Barr Street. Scott Love and Danny Barton both hit doubles for Woodkirk, with Jonny Downey also finding the net. Neil Sutcliffe netted for Barr Street, who remain in fifth spot. In DIVISION ONE Deighton WMC enjoyed a 6-5 win at Bay Horse East Ardsley, who had Karl Nightingale, Declan Hidle, Kyle Walker, Stephen Day and Robert Vickers on target. Deighton remain in fifth place, but only two points behind leaders Navigation, whilst Bay Horse remain eighth. Rob Hiscox and Rob Bordman fired St John Fisher into the semi-final of the West Riding County Sunday Cup with a 2-0 win at King George.

DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS: Tuesday January 27 N/S: 1 W and J Davies; 2 G Fishwick and J Tomlinson;

3 A Haith and G Clarke. E/W: 1 J Bragg and T Johnson; 2 A Cooper and J Lodge; 3 P and D Sampson.

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

RUGBY LEAGUE

RAMS TAME THE BRONCOS Thackeray inspires Dewsbury to a capital victory PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

DEWSBURY RAMS LONDON BRONCOS

DEWSBURY RAMS: Karl Pryce Dalton Grant Sam Wood Shane Grady Dale Morton Matty Wildie Anthony Thackeray Matthew Haggarty Tom Hemingway Ryan Hepworth Rob Spicer Scott Hale Aaron Brown Makali Aizue Wayne Godwin Joel Farrell Toby Adamson Zach Johnson Kieran Hyde Jason Crookes

Oliver Roby at the Tetley’s Stadium

ANTHONY THACKERAY ran the show as Dewsbury Rams upstaged London Broncos at a cold Tetley’s Stadium.

7 7 7 8 7 7 7

LONDON BRONCOS

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT: Man-of-the-match Anthony Thackeray crosses for a try for Dewsbury enthusiasm as he latched onto the end of a neat kick from Thackeray to crash over from close range. Minutes later, Aaron Brown was in for the home side. The former Leeds youngster showed a great turn of pace to travel 40 metres before rounding Richard Mathers to score. Tom Hemingway added the extras to make it 10-0.

Soon after, London took charge of possession but the Rams defence stood firm and the home side added to their lead on 20 minutes. The impressive Hemingway chipped a dangerous ball into the air and Thackeray took advantage of a defensive mixup to touch down. But on 28 minutes the visitors were offered a glimmer of

Steve Horsfall

hope as Scott Hale was sinbinned for a late challenge on Liam Foran. London took advantage almost immediately with Matt Garside punching through the gap left by the Dewsbury second-rower after a delayed pass from Joe Keyes. Wes Naiqama added the extras. Though London began the second period brightly, errors

often saw chances go to waste. Naiqama and Mathers notably coughing up possession in promising positions. Dewsbury took full advantage of London’s profligacy with a try on 53 minutes. Toby Adamson laid the platform with an excellent arching run on the left flank and he produced a slick pass to give Sam Wood a walk-in. Hemingway added the extras with an excellent kick from the touchline. It took 10 minutes for Wood to add his second of the day, capitalising on a mix-up in the visiting defence after a high kick from Thackeray before Dalton Grant crossed for the try of the game. The Welsh winger was put in space by some quick hands from Jason Crookes and he used his searing pace to get clear before cutting inside and bouncing his way through a number of London defenders and going over beside the posts. Hemingway converted.

Richie Mathers Rhys Williams Ben Farrar Wes Naiqama Ben Hellewell Liam Foran Joe Keyes Nick Slyney Ray Nasso Josh Cordoba Daniel Harrison Rhys Lovegrove Matt Garside

DEWSBURY RAMS Tries: Grady (3), Brown (6), Thackeray (20), Wood (53, 63), Grant (65). Goals: Hemingway 5/6.

LONDON BRONCOS Tries: Garside (29). Goals: Naiqama 1/1.

STATS Penalty Count: 4-7 Referee: T Crashley Attendance: 751 Half-Time: 16-6 Weather: Fine but cold Sin-Bin: Scott Hale (Dewsbury) Sent Off: None

ThePress MAN OF THE MATCH

ANTHONY THACKERAY The Rams half-back had a hand in everything good his side produced

Abu-Rezeq defends his Dewsbury 10k title

GIRLS RUGBY LEAGUE

NEW VENTURE: Batley Bulldogs girls XIII

in 36:14 and Richmond & Zetland’s Sharon Barlow third (36:27). Spenborough AC’s Lesley Leggett finished 31st in the women’s race, but placed first in the 55+ female category. A total of 1,077 runners – seven athletes more than last year – took part on the out-and-back course between Dewsbury Ring Road and Birstall Smithies.

6 6 5 5 5 7 6

GAME GUIDE

Bulldogs add girls team

WINNERS’ CIRCLE: (L-R) Men’s winner Mohammed Abu-Reqez, Annie Smith enjoys the fun as she runs in her onesie and women’s winner Shona Fletcher races to victory Stephen Bird

4 5 5 6 5 6 6 5 6 5 6 5 6

SUBS: Brad Dwyer Toby Everett Jon Wallace Iliess Macani Joel Wicks Oscar Thomas Harvey Burnett

ATHLETICS RACE favourite Mohammed Abu-Rezeq won last weekend’s Dewsbury 10k race, overcoming a field of over 1,000 athletes to claim first place. Abu-Rezeq (Altricham & District Athletics Club) – who produced a grand stand finish to clinch the 2014 title in a pulsating finale, with just one second dividing the first four athletes – made it a memorable double by defending his title in a time of 31:02. It was a far more comfortable victory for the Jordanian, cruising to first place almost 30 seconds ahead of secondplaced athlete Chris Parr (Gateshead Harriers & Atheltics Club) who completed the course in 31:30. Herne Hills Harriers runner Lee Van Haeften came in third with a time of 32:14. There were notable performances from the district’s athletes with Spenborough Athletic Club’s Kevin Ogden finishing in 12th place overall in 32:50 and second in his 40+ age category. The women’s race was won by Richmond & Zetland Harriers athlete Shona Fletcher (35:55), with Heather Sellars (Abbey Runners) second

7 7 7 7 7 8 9 7 8 7 7 7 8

SUBS:

34 6

Dewsbury head coach Glenn Morrison said: “I thought we were impressive today. We wanted to put a marker down against what is a quality side with lots of Super League and NRL experience and I was very happy with how we did. “We asked a lot of questions of the London defence and we defended solidly too. Everyone stood up and did their job today and we’re building some good momentum going into the season.” Broncos coach Joey Grima said: “It’s a very disappointing result. To take a positive from today, I would say it has been a good opportunity to see what we will face this season and we’ve got to learn from it very quickly. If you don’t turn up every week, teams like Dewsbury will have your pants down.” The Rams looked the hungrier of the two sides from the outset, forcing a drop-out in the opening minutes. Shane Grady proved to be the beneficiary of the home side’s early

PLAYER RATINGS

BATLEY BULLDOGS have launched a new girls rugby section with teams playing at under-13s, under-15s level and plans to launch an under-17s side. A selection of players from the team have played rugby for various Heavy Woollen sides from the age of six, with the majority switching from Birstall Victoria ARLFC. Birstall Under-15s girls played Australian schools champions Merrimac High at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium in November and are set to become the first English team to tour Australia later this year. The girls will play five matches in their tour of Queensland in October and early November, including a rematch with Merrimac and games against other top girls teams in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. There is also a proposal for a new 10team girls league in Yorkshire and Lancashire, with the girls – many of whom have been Batley fans from a young age – looking forward to representing the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs girls welcome players in school years 7 and 8 for the under-13s team. Training takes place on Fridays between 6-7pm on the artificial pitch next to Mount Pleasant. Further details on the girls section are available by contacting Bulldogs chief executive Paul Harrison on 01924 470062 or coach Craig Taylor by email at craig. taylor1609@hotmail.co.uk.

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER RATINGS BATLEY BULLDOGS James Craven Wayne Reittie Shaun Ainscough Ayden Faal Jordan Grayston Cain Southernwood Scott Leatherbarrow Sean Hesketh Alistair Leak James Brown Alex Bretherton Lee Mitchell Luke Blake

‘DOGS GET WELSH LESSON ‘Disrespectful’ Batley beaten by League 1 Crusaders PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

SUBS: Joe Chandler Anthony Nicholson Alex Rowe Brad Day Jordan Anderson Sam Scott Curtis Sidebottom Tom Lillycrop Shaun Squires

NORTH WALES Tommy Johnson Scott Turner Stuart Reardon Christiaan Roets Rob Massam Karl Ashall Jamie Dalimore Joe Burke Callum Wright Jonny Walker Jono Smith Mark Hobson Gary Middlehurst

SUBS: Elliot Davies Ryan Duffy Alex Davidson Craig White Declan Patton Gene Ormsby Matt Reid Iain Mort

GAME GUIDE BATLEY BULLDOGS Tries: Squires (2), Mitchell, Reittie. Goals: Southernwood (2/3).

BATLEY BULLDOGS NORTH WALES CRUSADERS

20 30

Malcolm Haigh at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium

THE CRUSADERS completely out-shone the Bulldogs with some stunning tries and great defending in this pre-season game. It wasn’t just their coach, former Batley player Anthony Murray, who thought so as he praised the individual skill and teamwork of the side. Batley coach John Kear readily agreed and said the result might teach his players not to be disrespectful of teams from lower positions. Certainly while Batley struggled to stamp any authority on the game the lively Crusaders were inventive and supportive from the start. Their speedy and creative play regularly posed threats to the home side. A clever Crusader chip had to be kicked dead to prevent a try after just two minutes and seven minutes later smart inter-passing provided the channel to allow Jono Smith to go over for the first of his two touchdowns. Batley hit back and took the lead for the only time in the game when the visitors spilled a high ball, Batley gained possession and ushered Lee Mitchell over for a converted try which gave them a narrow 6-4 lead.

It was a short-lived position for just before the break Crusaders wingman Rob Massam showed speed and strength to finish off some superb approach play with a try in the corner. Goalkicker Tommy Johnson could not convert from the touchline but he made no mistake with

another attempt three minutes later after Karl Ashall had sent a superb chip towards the corner which Scott Turner snapped up to score and open up a 14-6 half-time lead. Within minutes of the restart the Crusaders stretched the lead further as Ryan Duffy produced a great break which enabled Smith to get his second try. Momentarily it looked as though the Bulldogs were going to get back into the game when some smart running from Alex Rowe and Brad Day gained good ground. It produced the position from which wingman Wayne Reittie was able to make a break and score to bring a 10-20 scoreline. But the Crusaders hit back with some fine approach play and a kick to the corner which Turner collected in style to score and widen the gap further. Batley replied with some smart inter passing and a break from Shaun Squires who sold a dummy to cut through and score but Cain Southernwood was unable to add the conversion. Crusaders took advantage and opened up the gap yet again with a smart kick to the corner which was collected and moved infield to allow centre Stuart Reardon to touch down for a converted try. Batley had the final word as a switching run from Day allowed Squires to power his way through for his second try, converted by Southernwood. But it was too little too late.

NORTH WALES CRU Tries: Smith 2, Turner 2, Massam, Rearden. Goals: Johnson 3.

STATS Penalty Count: Unknown Referee: M Thomason Attendance: 407 Half-Time: 6-14 Weather: Cold Sin-Bin: None Sent Off: None

ThePress MAN OF THE MATCH

SHAUN SQUIRES The Bulldogs centre scored two tries after starting on the bench

Birstall to raise funds for star centre Hunter’s BARLA tour

BIRSTALL VICTORIA ARLFC will hold a fundraiser for open age player Braden Hunter as he looks to fund his trip to Canada with the BARLA Great Britain Young Lions. Hunter – who plays centre for the open age side in the Yorkshire Men’s League – will tour the Great White North in July.

To support Braden and help him on his way the club are holding a fundraising evening and all members are welcome to come along. Birstall Victoria will be holding a family race night at Priestley’s Cafe on Saturday March 7 along with an auction, and any donations for this would be gratefully received.

Moor ease to home win Maroons hit Allerton for half-century to climb league table PENNINE LEAGUE DIVISION SIX EAST

DEWSBURY MOOR A ALLERTON BYWATER A

52 10

at Heckmondwike Road

DEWSBURY MOOR A continued their push for DIVISION SIX EAST promotion as they brushed aside Allerton Bywater 52-10. After edging past league leaders Drighlington A last week Moor knew a victory over Allerton could move them into third in the table – and it was an opportunity they didn’t miss as they posted a half-century and moved within two points of second-placed Halton Moor Storm. In one of only a few games to survive the weather in the district the visitors proved tough opposition in the opening quarter as they opened the scoring with a converted effort. But the youth of Moor proved

too much for the sizeable Bywater outfit, with half-backs Tom Kaye and Cameron Bruce combining to send centre Lewis Harvey over for the opening try. The conversion was missed by Bruce, but he made no mistake minutes later when teenage substitute Cameron Adleigh proved too elusive for the Allerton defence. As half-time approached Heavy Woollen Select player Tobias Richardson broke through and sent supporting hooker Jacob Crosswell over under the sticks. Bruce added the extras and the Maroon and Golds led 16-6 at the break. Upon the resumption the visitors tested the Moor defence, but the hosts were alert and good defensive work from Scott Sheard, Matt Shaw and Jack Clarkson kept them at bay.

After soaking up the early pressure Dewsbury went up the other end and stand-off Kaye sprinted through a gap to touch down. Bruce converted to give the home side a comfortable 226 lead. Moor’s free-flowing rugby continued as winger Dean Carr and Adleigh both produced crowdpleasing runs which created the space for Lee Burton to go in at the corner. The conversion was missed. The home side did not let up and, after centre Adam Barrett went close, the busy Crosswell went over for his second. Bruce goaled and minutes later the scrum-half nipped over for a try of his own. Not to be outdone, half-back partner Kaye soon found space and raced in for his second of the game. Substitute Connor Vickers

took over the goalkicking duties to convert Kaye’s effort for a 426 advantage. Dewsbury continued to produce champagne rugby and substitute Louis Greenwood set a move in motion before Barrett sent Richardson over for a wellearned try. Moor showed no mercy and Crosswell went over for his hattrick and Vickers goaled to take the host’s tally to 52 points. A game but ultimately outplayed Allerton side battled to the end and with minutes remaining got some reward when they found a gap in the Moor defence and crossed for an unconverted effort. Moor’s second string travel to near neighbours Drighlington A tomorrow (Sat) as they aim to complete a memorable double over the league leaders and boost their promotion chances.

Ex-Trojan March set for Thornhill friendly return THORNHILL TROJANS will clash with semi-professional side Keighley Cougars as part of their pre-season campaign. The League 1 club – led by former Thornhill coach and junior player Paul March – will bring a squad to Overthorpe Park on Saturday February 28 (2pm).

March played his junior rugby at Thornhill before signing for Wakefield Trinity and has since enjoyed spells at several semi-pro clubs. Paul, identical twin brother of fellow Super League player David, was also head coach of Thornhill from the summer of 2006 to October

2007, when he left to become coach of York City Knights. The Cougars clash is

part of a packed pre-season for the Trojans as they prepare to embark on an assault on the National Conference League Division Three in March. Thornhill have already seen off the challenge of Holderness Vikings in the BARLA National Cup round one, as well as

defeating NCL Premier high-flyers Thatto Heath in January. They continue their build up to the 2015 summer season tomorrow (Sat) when they take on Lancashire coast-based based outfit Heysham Atoms in the second round of the BARLA National Cup (2pm).

Celtic suffer heavy loss as weather hits again PENNINE LEAGUE

ONLY a few games survived the winter weather in the PENNINE LEAGUE as postponements dominated again. DIVISION FOUR side Dewsbury Celtic did manage a game at Selby Warriors but were soundly beaten 54-16. A rare victory for second-bottom West Bowling A (at bottom club Wortley Dragons) now means that Celtic remain just two points clear of relegation. But the Crow Nest Park outfit are in cup action tomorrow (Sat) as they host divisional rivals Emley Moor in round three of the Pennine Supplementary Cup. Hanging Heaton’s game at second-placed Keighley Albion also survived the weather – but it proved a step too far for the DIVISION FIVE promotion-chasing Dewsbury side who were defeated 28-4. Hanging Heaton have an equally important fixture tomorrow when they play host to an East Leeds outfit breathing down their necks in fourth place. CHAMPIONSHIP ONE Batley Boys will hope to make a return to action tomorrow as they travel to Halifax side Illingworth in the second round of the BARLA National Cup. Former divisional rivals and now newlyentered National Conference League side Dewsbury Moor are also in National Cup action. They face fellow NCL rivals Hunslet Club Parkside tomorrow. Elsewhere in DIVISION TWO Shaw Cross’s fixture at West Craven has already been postponed, meaning their next game will be at Littleborough on Saturday February 14.

CAPITAL GAINS RAMS DEFEAT FULL-TIME BRONCOS

CLECKHEATON END LOSING RUN AGAINST BRAVE YMCA

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BULLDOGS ARE READY Batley coach Kear is geared-up for new season FULLY PREPARED: Batley coach John Kear says his side are in great shape

By Jared Priestley Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

BATLEY BULLDOGS are in much better shape than last year going into the Championship season, according to coach John Kear. Kear, who will take charge of the Bulldogs for a fourth year in 2015, admits he has been extremely pleased by his side’s pre-season campaign. The Fox’s Biscuits Stadium outfit rounded off their warm-up calendar on Sunday with a 30-20 defeat at home to North Wales Crusaders, but before that had picked up three victories over near neighbours Dewsbury Rams, Championship rivals Featherstone and a Heavy Woollen Select side made up of the district’s best amateurs. And Kear says his side will enter the new season with a renewed confidence. He said: “I am much more confident than last year, because even though we reached the play-offs in the last week it could have easily gone the other way. “We have enjoyed a much better pre-season, but it had to be after last season. “It is not just about the games we have played but it’s also about the work away from the playing field and the players have showed that as well.

“But when you put it into context and look at how tough the league will be we knew we had to learn lessons from last year and we’ve certainly done that. “The North Wales game was very disappointing because I felt we showed a lack of maturity in our preparation, we had enjoyed a good pre-season up until that game. “I am taking nothing away from the Crusaders because they were very good, but

it was a good kick in the pants that we probably needed before the season starts. “Before that game I was struggling to pick a 17-man squad. Unfortunately some players have played themselves out of a shirt, but that is rugby league.” Batley begin the regular season on Sunday February 15 with a home game against Workington Town (3pm). But despite their impressive pre-season

Kear accepts that it will count for nothing if his side don’t pick up victories in the Championship. “We know that this year every game will be a massive contest,” he added. “Right from Hunslet who have been promoted to the champions Leigh there is not an easy game. “Hunslet have been promoted and recruited well, established clubs like Dewsbury have proved the full-time clubs aren’t invincible and Leigh have been seamless in picking up three good wins in pre-season. “It is very important we take our good preseason into the first game against Workington, it is a shame about the North Wales game. “But I am sure Workington will be feeling good too. They beat their rivals Whitehaven 26-0, beat a Wigan reserve team with a number of first team players included and have scored 50 points and only conceded one try.” In other club news the Bulldogs will launch their 2015 away shirt tonight (Fri) in the Ron Earnshaw Lounge from 7.30pm. Batley players will be in attendance at the sponsors’ night when the new change shirt will be presented and replicas will be on sale. Last season’s player sponsors will receive a thank you and will be presented with a playing shirt of the man they sponsored. The club will also look to finalise player sponsors for the 2015 season, which are priced at £200 + VAT per squad member.

Rams remain realistic about season targets DEWSBURY RAMS coach Glenn Morrison says he is realistic about his side’s chances in 2015. Under the new ‘Super 8s’ structure the top four Championship clubs will have the opportunity to be promoted into the Super League. The remaining eight sides will battle for the Kingstone Press Championship Shield – with the bottom two after the Shield rounds relegated to League 1. However, despite the chance for a shot at the elite league the former NRL and Super League star admits his side have more rational targets. The Rams open the Championship season with a home tie against Sheffield Eagles on Friday February 13 (8pm). Morrison said: “Our goal as a club is to keep improving this year, but we have to be realistic with

the budget we have. “The top four spots are likely to go to the four clubs who have spent the most. “We want to improve on last year and push for a top-six spot and the Championship finals. “We go into the season confident and know we have no dramas beating the top teams. “Where we let ourselves down is losing to clubs in the bottom half of the table and we can’t afford to do that this year. “Last year was stressful with five teams being relegated and this year will be no different. “We want to be away from danger and dropping two points could mean the difference between being at the top or at the bottom.” The Rams’ new signing Zach Johnson is a doubt for the season opener after suffering a knee injury against London last Sunday.

The former Swinton prop will undergo a scan to determine the extent of the damage and Morrison hopes it isn’t as serious as feared. Stephen Nash (knee), who returned to full contact training last week, and Greg Scott (knee) are also likely to miss out. Winger Scott is yet to return to full contact sessions and could miss several games at the beginning of the 2015 campaign. Meanwhile the Rams’ reserves are in action again tomorrow (Sat, 1pm) when they welcome Oxford RL to the Tetley’s Stadium. It is the first official pre-season game for coach Jonathan Schofield’s side, although a number of reserve players did feature in Dewsbury’s 36-10 defeat at Newcastle Thunder in January. Admission to the North Stand for the match is £6 for adults and

concessions, although under-16s can gain entry for free with a junior season ticket. The Eastern Terrace will be opened if required. Australian Morrison is expected to field a selection of first team players in the game, as he aims to establish his starting XIII for the Rams’ season opener at home to Sheffield Eagles. “After the London game I have a bit more of an idea about the squad for the Sheffield game,” he continued. “A few of the first team players will get a run-out this week against Oxford, then we will see who we will work with for the first game. “The London result was a great result, but it was more about the performance and I think we showed we are in really good nick DOUBTFUL: Zach Johnson will undergo a scan on his injured knee Steve Horsfall for the start of the season.”