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Friday February 5, 2016

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No. 723

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After the far-right Britain First protest in Dewsbury, the English Defence League warns of another rally in the town ... and earns a swift rebuke:

THINK AGAIN! A hailstorm lashes Britain First protestors and police during last Saturday’s far-right rally in Dewsbury town centre By David Miller ARRESTS were made in connection with a Britain First rally in Dewsbury – and now another far-right group, the English Defence League, could return to the town. A man was detained at the railway station last Saturday on suspicion of assaulting a police officer. Four other men were arrested for alleged racially-aggravated public order offences at Barnsley railway station.

And Dewsbury could now be targeted again by the EDL. Their protest in 2012 cost taxpayers £500,000 in police and council costs, plus lost town centre trade. Last Saturday afternoon the EDL’s Dewsbury division announced a protest in response to what it claimed was police “intimidation” and “persecution”. A statement on their Facebook page said the date and time is yet to be confimed. The post added of the police “... no matter what happens, the only thing that matters is to guarantee the protection of the Muslim community.

“It’s therefore announced that due to their intimidation and persecution of our members, the senior officer has been issued with a written confirmation that the English Defence League will hold a regional demonstration in Dewsbury.” There was a further dig at police after counter-protesters allegedly put placards on the railings of the war memorial gardens. Despite claims of written confirmation, the police and Kirklees Council said they had not been formally told of the new protest threat. Simon Cope, co-ordinator of the North Kirklees Green Party, said: “I would ask the

Picture: Mike Clark EDL to think again about what they are doing and why. Policing the Britain First march cost tens of thousands of pounds of scarce public money. And it led to shops either shutting or having fewer customers than usual because people were put off by the possibility of trouble. “That is the last thing Dewsbury’s devastated town centre needs when it is just finally enjoying a small recovery.” Police said about 120 Britain First members attended last Saturday’s rally in freezing conditions.

Continued on Page 4

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

Baby cafe success Deaths BEDFORD JOSEPH JOE On 31 January, aged 99,

of Batley. Husband of the late Lily. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 11 February at 3.15pm.

BINNS EVELYN

BROOK DAVID

On 27 January, aged 98, of Liversedge. Wife of the late Billy. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 10 February at 10am.

On 2 February, aged 78, of Birstall. Husband of Annette. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 15 February at 11.15am.

BIRMINGHAM JAMES PETER On 24 January, aged 26, of Mirfield. Son of Stephen and Joanne. Service at St Mary’s Parish Church, Mirfield, Friday 12 February at 1.45pm, followed by private family committal.

FRETWELL KENNETH On 25 January, aged 92. Husband of Mary. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 9 February at 12.30pm.

HOODLESS GEORGE On 23 January, aged 80,

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of Gomersal. Partner of Wendy. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 11 February at 11.15am.

NICHOLSON MARGARET LYDIA On 30 January, aged 99, of Thornhill. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 9 February at 10am.

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Helen Hartley (left) with son Oscar and community maternity support worker Fidelma Chapman A NEW mum hailed the breastfeeding support she received in Batley from a cafe with a difference. Helen Hartley, 33, struggled in the days after son Oscar was born and turned to the Staincliffe and Healey Children’s Centre for help. The Chestnut Avenue site hosts the Batley Baby Cafe on Thursdays for new mums across North Kirklees. Run by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, it is staffed by midwives and health visitors. Helen, of Dewsbury, had problems getting Oscar to latch on and said: “I was close to giving up. “I found it really hard to

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breastfeed and then I heard about the café so I decided to come along and I’m so glad I did. “Over the course of about six weeks I got lots of advice about how to get Oscar to latch on properly and different ways to feed him.” The cafe, which works with about 1,000 mums a year, operates on a drop-in basis on Thursday from 11am to 1pm. Outreach work like this has seen breastfeeding rates across the trust’s area rise by 15 per cent over the last five years. Fidelma Chapman, a community maternity support worker at Mid Yorkshire, explained the benefits. She said: “This cafe helps people to realise that they aren’t on their own. “Years ago we lived in closer communities so you could pop down to see a friend or family member and share your struggles. “But now I know this cafe provides great support in helping women breastfeed their babies for longer.”

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Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: David Bentley Reporter: David Miller Sports Reporter: Joe Link Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Sales Executives: Nicola Finch Janet Black Kate Fisher Office Manager: Adele Latham Accounts: Amy Wright The Press abides by the principles of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and at all times attempts to report fairly and accurately and correct mistakes or errors as soon as possible. In the first instance, contact the editor, otherwise we will be happy to give details of the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

Road race disruption for motorists MOTORISTS face disruption on Sunday due to the annual Dewsbury 10K Road Race. A field of 1,300 runners is due to race from Dewsbury to Birstall Smithies and back from 9am. The Bradford Road route takes in Batley town centre and will result in road closures. These include Dewsbury Ring Road, northbound from Webster Hill to Halifax Road, from 7am to 12noon. The ring road eastbound from

Bradford Road to Leeds Road will also be shut over the same period. It will be possible to drive a full circuit of the ring road as the other carriageway southbound and eastbound will stay open. The other closures from 7am to 12noon are: ■ Cliffe Street slip road from Dewsbury ring road to Crackenedge Lane; ■ Greaves Road for its full length; ■ Wood Street for its full

length. There will also be a rolling road closure of Bradford Road between Dewsbury Ring Road and Birstall Smithies from 8.50am to 10.20am. Disruption is expected particularly at the junction of Centenary Way and Carlinghow Hill in Batley. Here the outward and inward streams of runners can cause delays for as long as 40 minutes. Other delays can be expected along Bradford Road at junctions

including Rouse Mill Lane, Hick Lane and Batley Field Hill. The first competitors are due to finish at around 9.30am and the last ones at about 10.20am. Organised by Dewsbury Road Runners, the race is sponsored by Disken and Co solicitors, SMK Sports of Elland and Shepley Spring. The race headquarters is at Dewsbury Sports Centre. Entries have closed and there are no entries on the day.

Yasmin’s hospital role could land her a dream job By David Miller

Yasmin ... hopes to study for a medical degree

Have you seen missing ‘Taff’? A MAN reported missing from his home in Heckmondwike is being sought by police. They would like to speak to anyone who has seen or has information about Ronald ‘Taff’ Hughes of Back Lane. He was reported missing on Wednesday, January 27, by relatives and has not been seen since January 24. He is white, 5ft 9in tall, of medium build, with short, light-brown greying hair. He may be unshaven and wears glasses. He usually wears a navy blue waterproof coat with an inner fleece and carries a black and grey rucksack. Anyone who has seen him or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Kirklees Police on 101 referencing log 681 of January 27.

A TEENAGER is volunteering at Dewsbury District Hospital as a springboard to a potential career in medicine. Yasmin Khanagha, 18, works one day a week as a patient guide and in the hospital cafe. The former Heckmondwike Grammar School pupil is believed to be one of the youngest-ever hospital volunteers. She hopes to study for a medical degree and volunteering has helped her gain confidence in speaking with patients and their families. And Yasmin’s work has given her an insight into the work of departments such as A&E and maternity. She said: “I love the sciences and passed my A-Levels but wasn’t mentally ready for university. “I always try to remember that some of the people who talk to me might be visiting very poorly family or have even had someone who has passed away. “I try to see life from their point of view and stand in their shoes. I don’t ask too many questions. I’m just there for them and to listen.” Those Yasmin helped included a patient she guided from the car park to the venue for his first-ever blood transfusion. Yasmin also volunteers at Dewsbury Health Centre on Wellington Road, working with older people. And she is currently helping children write, direct and star in films as part of a project at Thornhill Lees Library. Vikki Padgett, voluntary services manager at

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the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, praised Yasmin. She said: “How savvy of Yasmin to use work experience to help create a career for herself. “I’m sure that when she goes for interviews, the time she has had with patients is going to stand her in great stead and put her ahead of other candidates. The majority of our volunteers are older people – and that’s great – but we would like to see more younger faces too.” For details about volunteering opportunities at the hospital, email volunteer@ midyorks.nhs.uk.

News in Brief Two arrested after man found in boot BATLEY: Two people were arrested after a suspected illegal immigrant was found in the boot of a car. Driver Amanda Marreakhy, 28, and Arsalan Marreakhy, 32, both of Batley, were detained at a ferry crossing in Jersey on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration. Jersey Magistrates' Court heard Customs and Immigration officials searched their car last Saturday. Amir Marreakhy, 28, who claimed to be from Iran, was found in the boot and arrested on suspicion of being an illegal entrant. The vehicle arrived on a Condor Rapide ferry from St Malo. Amir Marreakhy had no identity documents. All three are due back in court on Tuesday February 16, after which the case will be transferred to Jersey’s Royal Court for a hearing on Tuesday March 15.

Maccess site is being cleared GOMERSAL: Diggers began tearing down the notorious Maccess building on Tuesday. The derelict factory, a magnet for vandals and arsonists, is making way for flats approved by council planners in January. Former Tory councillor Derrick Yates said: “It’s taken some years to get to this stage. “It remained a target for vandals - there were people still trying to get inside despite the fencing that was put up.” The site, at the junction of Spen Lane and Nibshaw Lane, is set to be replaced by 36 apartments.

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

Sell-offs to raise £1m NORTH KIRKLEES: Nearly £1m is expected to be raised from the sale of three councilowned plots for housing. Land off Healey Lane in Batley next to the primary school is earmarked for 14 homes and could fetch £400,000. The disused Heaton Avenue First School in Cleckheaton has a guide price of £350,000 to £400,000. And the former Thornhill council offices and adjacent scout hut are for sale for about £150,000. Other land includes plots at Blenheim Drive, Batley, Oastler Street in Dewsbury and Chapel Lane in Thornhill. The auction, hosted by Walker Singleton, takes place at 7pm on Thursday February 25 at the Cedar Court Hotel in Huddersfield.

Soothill name needed BATLEY: Names are wanted for a new street leading to a development on land next to Oaks Road in Soothill. Suggestions should not duplicate or be closely similar to existing street names in the area. Streets are also not named after people who are living or have only recently died. Preference is often given to ideas with local connections. Names can be sent on email to street.naming@kirklees.gov.uk before Monday February 15. You can also write to: Building Control, Flint Street Depot, Flint Street, Fartown, Huddersfield HD1 6LG.

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‘Traders should TAKE BRITAIN FIRST TO COURT: COUNCIL CHIEF By David Miller SHOPKEEPERS should consider suing Britain First for lost trade, Kirklees Council leader David Sheard said. He was in Dewsbury last Saturday watching the rally and a counter demonstration pass off peacefully. He said: “I think the message got out that local people should stay away. “That’s quite a pity for a lot of traders because they’ll have lost quite a lot of trade because of this. “It’s a few people from outside the area who wanted to wave flags and they’ve ended up costing people business. “I’d love to see a trader take Britain First to court for loss of earnings because that’s the most frustrating thing.” Coun Sheard was out in Ravensthorpe and Savile Town on the morning of the protest. He said: “We advised the community the one reason for them doing this is to get them to respond. “We advised them the best thing they could do is not respond and just get on with

their lives.” Councillors including Coun Masood Ahmed (Lab, Dewsbury South) and Coun Mumtaz Hussain (Lab, Dewsbury East) were also there. Coun Ahmed had briefings with police about their operation from 7.30am last Saturday morning. Britain First said they would flout police orders if they were not enforced and Coun Ahmed said: “The police legal officers really went to town on them. “It was explained to them after they said they wanted route X, Y and Z that they’d not come up with anything constructive. “They wanted a longer route but they didn’t get that because it could be controlled and managed better.” Coun Hussain said: “Dewsbury has been on its knees and we’re trying to build it back up again. “With the weather being what it was, trade would have been down anyway but this made it even worse. “The demonstrators don’t care about Dewsbury. They’re going to go away and leave us here to pick up the bill.”

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Police and Britain First protesters gather by the Good Samaritan statue in

REVIVAL OF TOWN CENTRE ‘PUT AT PROTESTERS were criticised for putting the revival of Dewsbury town centre at risk. Mark Rourke, of Guns and Roses on Westgate, said traders had experienced a recent upswing. Positive developments include new businesses opening and craft shops in the once all-but

empty Arcade opposite Market Place. Mr Rourke said: “There’s more people coming into Dewsbury and more people spending a bit more money. But every time the town does that bit better, something like this happens and we lose a day’s trade because of it.” He added: “What seems to be hap-

MP questions role of government to protect business and economy IF the English Defence League fulfils its pledge of a rally in Dewsbury, it would be the fourth time it has targeted the district. The far-right group held protests in the town in 2011 and 2012 and then in Batley two years later. Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff said: “With speculation of the EDL planning on coming to Dewsbury, questions have to be asked. “With the cost to taxpayers to police these events and the

cost to the local economy and local businesses, can the government do more to prevent extremist organisations from holding demonstrations in our town?” Ms Sherriff spoke at a counter protest to Britain First last Saturday, along with Batley imam Mufti Mohammed. She said: “I attended the counter demonstration briefly, before the arrival of Britain First, to speak about the benefits of living in a multi-cultur-

al society. “It was heartening that the people of Dewsbury carried on with business as usual on Saturday and showed that they will not be intimidated. “Unfortunately there were businesses adversely affected on the day and this is my greatest concern. “I have written to the Chief Superintendent of Kirklees Police to commend them on the exemplary operation they conducted on Saturday to keep our streets safe.”

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ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

sue for losses’ THINK AGAIN! Continued from Page 1

front of Dewsbury Town Hall last Saturday

Picture: Mike Clark

RISK’ BY EXTREMIST PROTESTORS pening is traders are chipping in to get the town going again. “The last 12 months in Dewsbury have probably been better than the last five years. “But the protests were always going to have an effect because anyone with any sense would have stayed away.”

Mr Rourke praised police and said: “It was reassuring that there were so many officers walking about. “Normally Westgate gets ignored but the police were circling constantly. I thought they did a pretty fantastic job.”

Mark Rourke ... praised police

Praise for peaceful residents

Business ‘dire’ as streets stay empty

RESIDENTS were praised for turning their backs on last Saturday’s demonstration. There was a small number of onlookers outside a police cordon on the Princess of Wales Precinct. But the atmosphere was calm and there was no trouble. Green Party activist Simon Cope said: “We believe people have a right to demonstrate and express their views, even if they are distasteful and deeply misguided. “But Britain First’s visit to the town was calculated to try to cause trouble and sow division. “It’s to the credit of people from all parts of the town that the response to them was peaceful and united and generally good-natured.” “It’s to be hoped, given the tiny turnout of their supporters on the day, that Britain First realise they aren’t welcome here and don’t try to come and darken our streets again.”

TRADERS felt the impact of last Saturday’s demonstrations when shoppers stayed away. Cold weather and a hailstorm hardly helped but shopkeepers said streets were unusually quiet. Karen Wood, owner of Cardland on Foundry Street, said business up to the protests starting around 1pm had been “absolutely dire”. She added: “The street would normally be full of people and the first Saturday after January payday usually brings more out.” One shopkeeper said he had told all his customers to stay away. He said: “It’s a lot less bother that way. All you’ve got to watch for then is your shop getting damaged, not customers getting hurt.” The man, who did not want to be named, criticised a joint letter from police and the council ‘banning’ media contact. It said: “Please don’t respond to media enquiries. Media statements will be prepared and approved in partnership with the police.” For more The shopkeeper said: “It’s different if it’s national media who just want to stir things up. But I’ve no problem talking with

local papers who care about Dewsbury.” A council spokeswoman said: “Any information shared with traders was intended as guidance, and the offer of support was for anyone who may feel uncomfortable dealing with the media. “It was not intended as an instruction. We absolutely recognise that traders and individuals have every right to speak to the media if they wish.”

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Around 80 anti-facist campaigners held a counter protest. No arrests were made at the rallies, which ended at around 4pm. Police numbers were put at about 300 officers – the cost of which is unknown. Britain First gathered outside the town hall while a joint Kirklees Unite Against Facism and Huddersfield TUC event was in the war memorial gardens. Police formed a ring around both protests while other officers went on town centre patrols. Longcauseway was shut to traffic, while other disruptions included the closing of car parks at Bond Street and Wakefield Old Road. Speakers at the Britain First rally included leader Paul Golding, deputy leader Jayda Fransen and Jim Dowson. It was hard to hear what was said at either protest from outside the police cordons. Kirklees Police Chief Supt Steve Cotter said: “Both demonstrations passed off peacefully. I want to thank residents for their calm and considered response to events and to traders and local businesses for their support.” Within half an hour of the Britain First demo ending, the EDL took to Facebook to make their announcement. Coun Masood Ahmed (Lab, Dewsbury South) said: “I’m shocked. Dewsbury needs to move on. The last thing we need is another demonstration. “I can’t understand what they’re trying to achieve or what they want to say that Britain First hasn’t already said.”

News in Brief Man’s racist abuse BATLEY: A man threatened and racially abused his neighbours after he lit a bonfire behind flats. Jason Walshaw, of Sykes Close, accused the couple of spoiling a party by calling firefighters on October 30 last year. The 26-year-old said he would set fire to their car and beat up them and their “P*ki” family. Walshaw admitted at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court to racially-aggravated threatening behaviour. Ben Tighe, mitigating, said his client had lost his temper in the heat of the moment. Walshaw was handed a community order with 25 days of activity. He was also told to pay a £100 fine, £100 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

MP in station talks MIRFIELD: Railway station improvements could be stalled until at least the year 2019. The detail came in a reply from transport minister Andrew Jones to questions raised by Paula Sherriff MP (Lab, Dewsbury and Mirfield). She demanded action on lack of parking, waiting areas and poor platform access for disabled and other passengers. Mr Jones replied Mirfield had been considered for work under a £160m Access for All scheme. But it missed out due to being ranked 177th out 278 stations by footfall. All funding is now allocated until 2019. Miss Sherriff said: “The government talks of a Northern Powerhouse but needs to act to ensure we have the infrastructure in place rather than leaving places like Mirfield with outdated and inaccessible stations.”

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

Six quid a pint – it ain’t what it used to be! LOCKY’S AUSSIE DIARY Days 1-3: Perth, WA THE problem with returning to places you have fond memories of, is that given sufficient time and distance, they will inevitably have changed – and usually for the worse. Nostalgia, eh? It just ain’t what it used to be. I was musing on the subject last Saturday night, sitting outside a pub in Perth, watching the world go by, and trying to put my finger on what parts of ‘change’ to the city I was so disappointed by. The fact that the city governors clearly employed Blind Pugh to plan their traffic management system didn’t help. I’ve crawled home on my hands and knees at 3am faster than you can drive round that place. The sad conclusion I

reached however, is that I’ve turned into a miserable old so-and-so. The faces of the predominantly young and exuberant people filling the streets and bars were excited, happy, optimistic. I remembered

thinking the same about London – that big cities in particular are places for young people. I love London. I sometimes wish I’d worked there back when it was an option. But now? I’d rather live in a cave, thanks (and I’ve done that too – also a young person’s gig). These days my cave would need to have home comforts and wifi. And being a typically ‘thrifty’ Tyke, it didn’t help that Perth is now the third most expensive city in the world. Six quid for a pint? And lousy beer at that? I’d have swallowed my false teeth if I’d had any. A fiver for a small glass of wine – “We don’t do large glasses, sir, it encourages drinking”. Explain that pearl to me, will you?

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What’s more, I had just one decent meal in three days. In search of a fruit breakfast I bought two small bananas from a convenience store – two quid. Parking the car? £5.50 an hour. My frame of mind wasn’t helped by the fact that the Australian mid-summer was almost English – cold, wet and windy. The January weather that waved me off at Manchester airport arrived in Perth about an hour behind me. Cyclone Stan, apparently. Maybe if Locky’s Tours don’t work out (see recent columns), I can hire myself out to drought-stricken regions. Don’t bother getting the local witchdoctor to do a rain dance. Just invite Locky for the weekend and confidently stock up on wellies and brollies. I had an it’s-a-small-world encounter with a young couple (see page 10) and met up with an old journalist pal Peter Rowe and his family, but we nearly got blown into Fremantle harbour, the gales were that strong. There went the weekend. Fortunately, even though Monday dawned dark and windy, by the time I’d packed my bag and driven up to Scarborough Beach, the skies had cleared and I got at least a half day of Oz as it’s meant to be. It’s a little bit different

SCARBOROUGH FAIR: Swim, surf and risk the sharks by all means, but don’t walk through the sand dunes to get to them – full of snakes

from our Scarborough – after which it was named, when its first settler John Hughes bought 40 acres of land for £20 in 1868. These days £20 will just about buy you a curry in their Scarborough. It will buy you the curry house in ours. I briefly contemplated a dip in the balmy Indian ocean, but literally as I waded in, a siren rang out up and down the beach. I thought maybe I’d won the meat raffle. Turns out if I’d paddled much further I might have ended up as the prize in the meat raffle. “Please leave the water,” said a bloke on a tannoy. “A shark is in the vicinity. Please leave the water.” It was a tiger shark – every

bit as nasty as a great white. Apparently when spotted the coastguards don’t kill them, they tag them, and there’s a line of beacons in the water. This tagged tiger shark had set off a beacon and stayed around for about an hour, after which surfers and swimmers were given the all clear and piled back in without a second thought. Unsurprisingly, I didn’t bother. They can’t have tagged every shark – and I fancied taking both legs with me to Sydney that night. Still, Perth ended on a bright note – I found a beach club with a half price happy hour. You can take the bloke out of Yorkshire, but you can’t take Yorkshire out of the bloke...

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But here’s the funny thing – they have been friendly, helpful and THE AUSSIES are a funny lot, quite respectful to a man. I spent half a like the Americans in that they think day at the St George-Illawarra the world revolves around them. I’ve Dragons and they couldn’t do always thought in both cases it enough for me. must be due to their relatively isolat(And as a brief aside, I can take ed geography. or leave Sydney, but the public The Americans call their domestic transport system is terrific. My 90baseball championship the World minute return trip to Wollongong on Series, even though the sport is a modern, double-decker train cost massive in nations like Japan and a fiver!) Cuba. Rugby wise, however, there was Australians worship their soccer only one prima donna – Dewsbury’s and basketball clubs every bit as very own Sam Burgess. A total passionately as fans of Liverpool or blank. Sam Burgess Man Utd, or America’s NBA – despite I’m not sure whether it’s the fame the fact that they are completely that’s gone to Sam’s head, or the pants at it. Third division stuff with Premier bruising encounter with England rugby union League attitude. Hey ho. that’s put him off the media, but The Press and The problem is that I’m down here on rugby my other paper League Weekly were founder league business, so the British inferiority commembers of his fan club. plex probably even shows up on airport securiAnd here’s the thing – I drove Sam to The ty scanners. Every time I mention the sport, I Belfry golf course and back just before he first feel like I should genuflect (what we Catholics met with South Sydney Rabbitohs owner do when we bow and kneel before the altar in Russell Crowe to talk about his move down church). under. I should have brought a flat cap, so I could He was all excited about it – and who woulddoff it in suitable deference. If an Aussie league n’t be? – but asked me to keep the story quiet. bloke slapped me instead of shaking hands, I’d So I did. be minded to say ‘thank you’. Ever so ’umble, Cheers, Sammy. Anything for a superstar, sir. mate. Maybe the new England RL coach, Australian Next stop, Auckland. And after a final day of guru Wayne Bennett, can change our reputarainstorms in Sydney, the weather forecast for tion as also-rans. If he does, no doubt the New Zealand’s biggest city is … more of the Aussies will claim credit for that too. same. Bah bloody humbug!

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

‘Habitual paedophile’ jailed for sex with boy By Staff Reporters A PAEDOPHILE from Dewsbury was jailed after having unprotected sex with a 13year-old boy. James Bould, 35, of Swindon Road, Eightlands, was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison, plus five years and four months on licence. Judge Tom Bayliss QC described Bould at Leeds Crown Court as a “habitual paedophile”. Bould admitted eight offences, including three of sexual activity with a child and two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. It followed a police investigation into a child sex and indecent images ring across West Yorkshire. At the time of the offences, in May 2014, Bould was out of prison on licence after being jailed six years earlier for sex

crimes against a child under 16. The court heard Bould blackmailed his 13-year-old victim into having sex with him at his Dewsbury home. Anthony Dunne, prosecuting, said the boy chatted with users on the KK instant messaging service, giving his age as 14. In reply, some users asked if he wanted to “get dirty” and he went along with it by sending a picture of his penis. Bould responded by sending a picture of himself naked in the bathroom and then asked to meet him. The boy, from the Huddersfield area, refused but Bould said he would “send the pictures round”. Fearing that meant his school friends might see the images, the boy agreed to meet him and travelled by train to Dewsbury and was directed by phone to Bould’s home. He was ordered to strip to

his boxer shorts and get into bed with Bould, who then began touching him. They did not have sex on that occasion but the boy said he felt dirty and ashamed. He did not want to return but felt coerced into going back because of the threat to disclose his photo. The next time they met, Bould – who had sent the image to other paedophiles – had sex with him without using a condom. Gillian Batts, for Bould, said due to “disassociative amnesia” he did not recall what he had done. But he conceded he is a danger and was willing to comply with any treatment suggested. Co-defendant Andrew Lynes, 51, of Huddersfield, was jailed for seven and a half years and must then serve five years on licence. A third man, Michael Fiek, 40, killed himself in London hours before sentencing.

Hope for disabled

Plea for festival helpers

NORTH KIRKLEES: Disabled people may soon no longer have to travel as far as Stockport for assessments. Atos, the contractors who conduct the assessments, has applied to open an office in Huddersfield town centre to deal with applications for personal independence payments. Some people currently have to travel much further afield due to a shortage of local appointments. Kirklees Council planners will now rule on the bid.

BATLEY: Volunteers are needed to help make the fifth annual Batley Festival the biggest and best yet. The event is pencilled in for Saturday, September 10. Anyone interested can contact Richard Martin on 07906 156679 or email richardmartin01 @btinternet.com. Alternatively they can attend the festival’s annual general meeting at Batley Town Hall on Thursday February 11 (7.30pm, light refreshments provided).

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ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

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Where are we all going to go? Dear Sir, I am writing because I am really concerned at the proposed closure of Huddersfield’s A&E department and the downgrading of Dewsbury A&E services. Where are we going to go to get treatment in the future? Do the trusts take this into consideration when making these decisions? No, I don’t think they care to be honest with you, and this is very worrying indeed. How are we going to treat

Greatest leader got the boot From: John Appleyard, Liversedge Dear Sir, Needless to say I don’t agree with Danny Lockwood’s assertion about Churchill being our greatest

Letter of the Week: Tyrone Bowers, Liversedge people properly with the right treatment if they have to travel extra miles? People who don’t have a car will struggle to get to other hospitals out of the area. The system is already at breaking point, the NHS is crum-

leader in last week’s Press. How does Boris Johnson find the time to be Mayor Of London, an MP and to write a biography of Winston Churchill? Even Dewsbury’s former part time MP Simon Reevell didn’t find time to write a book! Winston Churchill began his political career with the Liberal Party claiming he

bling and you want to close hospitals. I think it is ludicrous and short-sighted of the government wanting to cut and cut until there is nothing left of the NHS. And as more migrants pour into our country this will put

hated “the Tory Party, their men, their words and methods”. He did introduce reforms such as a minimum wage, unemployment insurance, improved prison conditions and safety in mines, but when workers stood up for their own rights he dealt with them brutally. During the First World War the navy suffered a

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added pressure on a failing NHS system. It about time David Cameron woke up and began to live in the real world because the Tories are responsible for everything that is happening at the moment.

series of failures and ships destroyed because of his interference in operational decisions. He quit the Liberals for the Tory Party, and it’s important as we remember Holocaust Day not to forget that during the Second World War he refused appeals to bomb the railway lines that carried the cattle trucks transporting Jews to the Auschwitz death camp. We can all argue the pros and cons of Churchill, but where it mattered at the 1945 General Election, he was given the boot and millions of working people gave the Labour Party a massive mandate to run the country.

God forbid that Trump wins From: Robert Cowan, Sandal Dear Sir, I must admit I used to enjoy watching billionaire Donald Trump in the original American version of the reality show The Apprentice as he pointed the finger at hapless candidates with the now famous words: “You’re fired!” But now that he has launched himself as a candidate in the preliminary rounds of the US presidential elections, it is time for the American public to address those unequivocally dismissive words to him. Never have I known such a prominent, aspiring politician to express such disparaging remarks about his opponents, including the allegation that democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton is a major national security risk. Trump prides himself on telling it like it is, but in doing so many of his extreme comments go way beyond the eschewing of political correctness into the realms of immaturity, insult, and pure ignorance. His PR department has come up with the slogan ‘Make America Great Again’, but Trump’s ways to do this, such as his plan to build a

huge wall between the USA and Mexico and then sending the Mexicans a bill for its construction, must leave any right-thinking person reeling in disbelief. His aim clearly is not to unite people but to divide them. His reprehensible views on women, immigration, ethnic and religious minorities, all expressed with the rhetoric of a true zealot should cast him into a political wilderness from which there is no return. What is deeply worrying however, is that despite all this Trump is apparently admired by a wide cross-section of Americans and is garnering much political support from working-class voters. God forbid that he should ever end up in the White House with all the power which that confers. Our already unsafe world would be a lot more unsafe, and our special ally across the Pond would surely be special no more.

Thoughts on abortion debate From: David Honeybell, Heckmondwike Dear Sir, Occasionally TV soaps have a storyline that stirs up emotions on both sides of the argument. Emmerdale has one at the moment, where Laurel is pregnant but because her husband Ashley has dementia she feels she couldn’t cope with a new baby, and at the same time care for her rapidly-deteriorating husband. Laurel wants to abort the baby, but Ashley believes abortion is wrong. In real life, there must be couples in the same sort of predicament,most likely for different reasons, But at the end of the day, if a couple have sex then a pregnancy, wanted or not, could be the outcome. Why though should the baby have to die? The baby is

like a witness to the couple’s actions. If two people rob a bank and are taken to court and a witness gives evidence which leads to their conviction, the culprits would go to jail, not the witness. Why then should a baby lose its life for the actions of others?

Left without critical care From: Wendy Senior, Dewsbury Dear Sir, If plans for Huddersfield Royal, and Dewsbury District hospitals’ A&E downgrade go ahead, the whole of Kirklees will be left without critical care. The nearest hospitals providing these services will be Halifax and Pinderfields, which are roughly 25 miles apart. There are also plans to demolish Huddersfield and build a new hospital, again with a downgraded A&E. The government no longer make hospital decisions, as they have passed all responsibility to the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Mr Stephen Eames, who is now trying to run two hospitals when he can’t run Dewsbury Hospital correctly, and he now says there will have to be more cuts. I went to the council meeting on Wednesday January 27. I asked what they were going to do regarding there being no fully functioning A&E in Kirklees. All the councillors were in agreement – they were going to look into the PFI contract and have meetings with the trust. The NHS everywhere is in a mess; we have recently lost young children through doctors’ and 111 call centres’ neglect. The Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, says the 111 service is not working cor-

Continued on page 9

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

Continued from page 8 rectly. How many lives are the government prepared to

lose before they stop the downgrading of hospitals? People have paid taxes for a good healthcare system, it

is frightening hearing people’s stories about hospital failures and reading about he deaths of young babies.

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS OTS Group Ltd, Soothill Business Park, Soothill Lane, Batley, use of land for storage of small plant and materials and siting of modular unit (in association with railway infrastructure). P Thompson, land at 46 Clough Lane, Liversedge, outline application for one detached dwelling. P Storey, Lower Hall Farm, Lower Hall Lane, Hightown, discharge of condition four (roof/facing materials) and five (walls/fence materials) on previous permission 2015/91472 for erection of detached annexe associated with Lower Hall Farm. T Randall, 3 Fernhurst Way, Mirfield, single-storey rear extension. Greenstone Solicitors, 48 Daisy Hill, Dewsbury, installation of security roller shutters to front, side and rear (within a Conservation Area). J Smith, Bullace Trees Farm, 13 Bullace Trees Lane, Roberttown, Listed Building Consent for alterations, restoration and conversion of existing barn and outbuilding to form two dwellings and stables and storage (Listed Building). M Patel, 78 Wharf Street, Savile Town, single-storey rear extension. Mr M Ditta, 55-57 Daisy Hill, Dewsbury, prior notification for change of use from property letting agency to dwellling and associated operational development (within a Conservation Area).

P Heeley, 67 Bywell Close, Dewsbury, single-storey rear extension. L Holmes, 874 Bradford Road, Birkenshaw, first floor extension, singlestorey rear extension and internal alterations. T Busby, 33 Knowles Lane, Gomersal, non material amendment to previous permission 2015/93473 for erection of single-storey extension. M Mills, 14 Hostingley Lane, Thornhill, side extension and raising of existing roof to form living accommodation. J Thompson, 232 Oxford Road, Gomersal, two-storey side extension. Jones Homes (Yorkshire) Limited, Cleckheaton Bowling Club, Park View, Cleckheaton, discharge of Conditions 5, 6, 7, 9, 13-16, 18-20 & 22-24 on previous application 2015/ 90022 for erection of 23 dwellings. High Grove Beds Ltd, land adjacent to 198 Cliffe Lane, Gomersal, non material amendment on previous planning application 2013/92302 for erection of detached dwelling. Greene King Amenity Restaurant, Whitehall Road West/Heathfield Lane, Birkenshaw, discharge of conditions six (remediation strategy) and 15 (travel plan) on previous permission no 2015 /92196 for variation of condition 24 (surfacing and fencing scheme) on previous planning permission 2014/ 92644 for erection of

class A3/A4 amenity restaurant and three manager/staff apartments, office and storage with associated access, car parking and landscaping. MTC Homes, Glen Dene, Syke Lane, Earlsheaton, discharge conditions three (materials), four (boundaries), seven (landscaping), 10 (landscape maintenance) on previous 2013/93574 permission for erection of eight semi-detached dwellings. D Kirkby, 9 Church Lane, Mirfield, work to TPO(s) 21/85. Michael Harper, 43 Southcroft Gate, Birkenshaw, work to TPO(s) 26/77. Mr & Mrs Jackson, 110A Oxford Road, Gomersal, two-storey side and singlestorey rear extensions. M Adalat, 168 Headfield Road, Savile Town, single-storey rear extension. Philip Middlehurst, 4A Rutland Road, Batley, work to tree(s) within a conservation area. Perfect Fried Chicken, 38A Northgate, Dewsbury, installation of two non-illuminated and one illuminated signs (within a conservation area). P Scouller, 28 Knowl Road, Mirfield, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 4m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.7m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.9m.

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Kevin, 80, fumes at council after pothole tumble

Sian and Dave Freeman with daughter Isla in Perth, Western Australia ‘SMALL world’ syndrome didn’t take long to hit Heckmondwike Grammar and RAF old boy Dave ‘Lofty’ Freeman when he moved to Perth in Western Australia. Dave’s wife Sian, who as Sian Hills captained Great Britain RL Students and was a development officer for the Leeds Rhinos, overheard two men discussing Heckmondwike while watching a rugby match. And one of the guilty subjects was none other than Press publisher Danny Lockwood, in town for a few days and busy looking up old friends and rugby teammates. “I approached one ‘senior’ gent

and inquired after some pals,” said Danny. “The chap was able to help me but when he asked where I was from, he said he’d married a woman from Heckmondwike and added, ‘the coldest I’ve ever been was one day on Dewsbury market’. “Sian overheard us and the next thing you know we were ticking off long lists of people we knew.” Sian and Dave and daughter Isla were moving into their new home this week, with Sian just a few weeks away from the birth of their second child. She is a rugby league development officer with the Western Australia RL.

A PENSIONER from Mirfield has accused Kirklees Council of gross negligence after he was badly hurt in a fall. Kevin Speight, 80, suffered serious facial injuries when he tripped and tumbled after losing his footing on a pothole in an uneven pavement on Leeds Road. Kevin – the founder of Speights Lighting in the town – also injured his shoulder and spent four hours in A&E at Dewsbury Hospital. He said: “The hole I fell into measures 192cm by 50cm and has a Kevin Speight... badly hurt depth of 6cm. The pavement is in a inspections on its roads and footshocking state. “I fell forward onto my face, sus- paths in accordance with national taining multiple lacerations to my guidance, and carries out repairs where necessary. face, hands and legs.” “We have been made aware of His glasses and hat were also damaged. A neighbour took him to the incident and it is being investihospital after he managed to get gated by our insurers.” home. He has spoken to solicitors but is waiting for Kirklees Council to CLECKHEATON: Historian David Pinder respond before deciding is to give a swashbucking talk in costume whether to take legal about Robin Hood. action. He will be at the Spen Valley Civic He added: “I consider Society meeting at St Paul's Church on the Kirklees authorities Dewsbury Road on Wednesday (7.30pm). are guilty of gross negliThe talk, entitled The Real Robin Hood gence. and the Kirklees Connection, is £2 for A council spokesmembers, £4 for guests, with light woman said: “The counrefreshments included. cil carries out safety

Robin Hood talk

Friday February 5, 2016

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

News In Brief High speed chase HECKMONDWIKE: A man is accused of leading police on a high speed chase through the town centre. Mohammed Hussain, 26, is alleged to have driven at up to 80mph, gone through red lights and reversed into a police car. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard the incident was said to have happened on Christmas Eve. Hussain, of Trueman Avenue, made no plea to charges of dangerous driving and failing to stop. The case was sent to Leeds Crown Court, where Hussain is due to appear on Thursday February 25. In the meantime he was given unconditional bail.

Petrol station incident RAVENSTHORPE: A man appeared in court accused of an attack at a garage on Christmas Day. Liam McCarthy, 26, of Shillbank Lane, Mirfield, is charged with unlawful and malicious wounding of Shahbaz Ahmed. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard the incident allegedly took place at a petrol station on Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe. Magistrates sent the case to Leeds Crown Court, where McCarthy is due to appear on Thursday Febraury 25.

Officer hit with beer can MIRFIELD: An alcoholic threw a beer can at police who attended the scene of a domestic incident. Mark Richardson, 42, struck the officer on his stab vest, with beer splashing up into face and down onto his clothing. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard the incident happened on December 11 last year, Richardson, now of Sheffield, admitted assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty. He was handed a community order with 30 days of activity and alcohol treatment, and must pay £20 compensation, a £20 fine and a £60 victim surcharge.

Residents’ fears over young drink drivers By Steve Martyn LIVES are at risk from drinkdrivers who congregrate down a Mirfield alleyway, a resident has claimed. Christopher Osman said up to six vehicles often park at night behind cottages on the Hopton Mills Estate, near Wheatley Business Park. Inside are believed to be youths in their teens or early 20s who drink vodka. Mr Osman, manager of the

Flower Pot pub, has removed nine empty bottles of Smirnoff dumped there since Christmas. He said: “My concern is they’re drinking and driving and I don’t want lives to be put in danger. “In my job I’d be breaking the law if I served someone who was drunk or who I knew would be driving home.” Mr Osman, who moved in six years ago, said the problem first started in about 2012.

He added: “Some of the others who live here catch it all the time – one house is right by the road and there’s cars up and down all night. “I’ve started putting it down in a logbook when they come to see if there’s a pattern. “You can’t put a night on it, it’s weeknights and weekends, often until two or three in the morning.” Cars were said to be there late last Wednesday and last

Friday and Saturday nights, after which vodka bottles were cleared away by residents. Mr Osman claimed drug paraphernalia has sometimes been found after they leave. But it is mainly booze and he added: “They’re coming for a crafty drink and a fag and you can smell it when you go outside.” Police, unable to comment by our deadline, are believed to be investigating the claims.

Remembering the victims of 1974 bomb TRIBUTES will be paid on Sunday to those who died in an IRA bomb attack 42 years ago. Mayor of Kirklees Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dewsbury East) is due to be among the dignitaries at the Hartshead Moor commemoration. On February 4, 1974, a coach carrying off-duty soldiers and their families was blown up on the M62. Twelve people, including a husband and wife and their two childen, died while 38 others

were wounded. A memorial is held annually on the Sunday nearest to February 4 which brings together about 200 survivors, relatives and guests. This year’s service is being led by Terry Brewis, chaplain of the Royal British Legion’s Spenborough branch. Those attending should meet at the westbound Hartshead Moor Services site at 10.15am for a 10.30am start.

The mayors of Calderdale and Oldham are to join Coun Kane in speaking at the memorial. Derrick Yates, who helps co-ordinate the event, was involved that night in 1974. The former Kirklees councillor acted as a makeshift porter at Batley Hospital after the atrocity, which occurred when the bus was between junction 26 and 27, near Oakwell Hall. He just had taken radiographer

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wife Ruth to work when the coach was blown up by a bomb hidden in a luggage locker. Derrick, of Gomersal, said: “What happened is always at the back of your mind. “And whenever I think about it the memories are so fresh and vivid it could have happened last night. “I still have enormous sympathy for the victims, especially the women and children, who were innocents.”

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ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

Cash raised for family of tragic father-to-be Danny By Staff Reporters FUNDS are being raised for the family of a Heckmondwike man who has died, leaving behind his wife and unborn son. Danny Webster, 32, passed away last Friday from complications related to leukaemia. Wife Adele, 30, is expecting their first child, a boy, in May, and friends have rallied to offer support. An internet campaign has already raised nearly £6,000 in less than a fortnight. Contract electrician Danny, of Occupation Lane, previously fought off leukaemia three

years ago. He had also twice beaten a different form of cancer, Hodgkins Lymphoma, in his teens. Due to radiation treatment, Danny and Adele needed IVF when they wanted to start a family. They only announced in December that Adele was pregnant before Danny fell ill with flu-like symptoms on Boxing Day. He went for a check-up, only to be told the leukaemia had returned and he was admitted to St James’s Hospital in Leeds. Last Friday he died from pneumonia, surrounded by Adele and family members.

Adele, who works at UK Greetings in Dewsbury, said: “It’s all he ever wanted, to be a dad. “What keeps me going at the moment is that I feel I haven’t lost him completely as he will carry on in the baby.” Pal Trevor Cadieux initially began raising funds as Danny was unable to work due to his illness. He wrote on Facebook of Danny’s death: “Our hearts are shattered and I can’t find the right words to say. “Please keep going. Adele and their little boy need your help more than ever.” To contribute visit www.gofundme.com/f7jyanjg.

Party time to launch library Lego club A FREE party is to be held at Heckmondwike Library celebrating the launch of its new Lego Club. The event, which includes refreshments, takes place at the Walkley Lane building from 10am to 12noon on Saturday, February 20. After that the new club meets on Saturdays between the same

times and is free. It has been organised by the Friends of Heckmondwike Library and features donated Lego and also new sets bought with cash from a grant. Last year community funding body It’s Up To You awarded the friends group £500. The money paid for Alice in Wonderland and book reading events and also the cost BIRSTALL: Items including jewellery, of buying new Lego. crafts and food can be sold at a table A similar Lego Club at top sale. Tables costing £10 are availCleckheaton Library able for the event at St Peter’s Church began last August and on Saturday, February 20. has proved a hit. Household goods and books are Chris Martin, Friends other stall ideas. For details call 01924 of Heckmondwike 440511 or email leifwilks7@gmail.com. Library chairman, said:

“We hope the Lego Club will be popular. “I’d challenge anyone not to start building something if they have a box of Lego pieces in front of them - you just can’t help it! “We've provided a good selection of Lego and Duplo bricks as well as base boards and figures. “And we’ll be presenting the club with the Lego Big Ideas book, which has over 1,000 building ideas which should keep them busy." More projects are coming up in the spring. Check Twitter @heckylibrary or see Facebook for details.

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

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Providing excellent service since 2006 Expertise in all aspects of scaffolding Small & Large Projects Fast, Reliable Service & Competitive Rates Based in Batley, West Yorkshire we currently work throughout Yorkshire, Lancashire, the Midlands and the North East. We offer a fast and reliable service at competitive rates. Our friendly and helpful staff are always available to offer expert guidance and discuss your needs. Allowing us to provide the solution that is right for you. Here at Chem Scaffolding, Health and Safety is paramount. All of our competent staff are fully trained and receive ongoing training. So that our clients can be sure the works will be carried out in a professional and safe manner. Our Products and Services Include: ✓ Hire and erection of tube and fitting scaffolds ✓ Temporary roof ✓ Chemical Plant specialist ✓ Protection fans. monarflex and debris netting ✓ Lift shaft scaffolding ✓ Haki staircases ✓ System scaffolds ✓ Confined space working ✓ 24hr service 7 days a week ✓ Labour only service ✓ Scaffold design service

Chem Scaffolding Limited has been providing an excellent service since it was established in 2006. We have expertise in all aspects of scaffolding which enables us to undertake both small and large projects.

Friday February 5, 2016

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

Bar & Restaurant

Valentine’s Day

Sat 13th Feb & Sun 14th Feb

3 Course Meal £30 per couple Open BOOKforNOW DAY 6 Days MOTHERS to avoid Closed Tuesdays

disappointment

Sunday 12-9pm, Monday & Wednesday 5-9pm

£11.95 Adults, £7.95 Children (under 140cm) £3.50 Infants

EAT, & DRINK

mingle

N OLD name with a quirky new twist has arrived back on the local drinking and dining scene. The Shoulder of Mutton in Briestfield is wowing customers following a major refit and a change of direction, thanks to new landlords Lisa and Darren Newby. The pub, which was the focal point of village life in Briestfield for many years, has had new life breathed into it as a ‘country pub with dining’ – and the redesign has got a huge thumbs-up from customers. Darren Newby, a commer-

cial interior designer, led the work which has seen the Shoulder alter radically inside to become a cosy, contemporary but still traditional-feeling venue. The couple, who live in Hopton, have taken on a team of local staff and are still searching for more after launching their food offering late last month. The dedicated restaurant area seats 32 diners, who have been impressed by dishes such as game suet pudding and home-made pork pie with crispy quail’s egg. There are a couple of snugs and the bar area, which fea-

tures a quirky ‘grass’ wall, has four hand-pulled ales (one of which is a regularlychanged guest ale) plus premium lagers, wines and spirits. Lisa Newby said: “There’s been a tremendous response from locals and the feedback about the food and drink has been wonderful. “We’ve been incredibly busy – people have said it’s an unusual setting and we’ve been described by some of our customers as ‘quirky’, welcoming and homely, so we’re really pleased.”

Available from Tuesday

The new Travellers Rest

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Weekdays Tuesday-Friday 12-3pm 2 COURSES £7.95 3 COURSES £9.95 VALENTINE'S MENU

2 courses £59.95 per couple 3 courses £69.95 per couple - FREE Bottle of prosecco Please see our website for all our menus

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If you would like your restaurant, pub, cafe, deli, takeaway or food business featured in our Eat,Drink & Mingle feature please call Press editor David Bentley on 01924 470296 or email david@thepressnews.co.uk. Let the district know about your exciting new dishes and special offers, or arrange for a Press reviewer to visit!

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259 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, WF14 9DL

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KELLY & CHRIS Extend a warm welcome to one of our area’s most well loved hostelries

Our friendly, welcoming bar has a selection of Real Ales, Lagers and Beers, and a traditional friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy good times in good company.

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01924 491 360 uary for the r b Fe 7 y a d n Su IS TH s u Join

iz u q b u p t s e g ig b ’s d l wor ALL THE

Taking place to raise money for local charities & trying to break the world record for the largest multi-venue pub quiz. All money raised for Kirkwood Hospice. £1 entry fee

FUN STARTS Quiz supper (for a donation) AT 7PM Raffle tickets only £1 available from the bar now – winning tickets drawn during quiz. Lots of great prizes donated from local businesses include:

* Delightful new Winter Menu available * Cask Marque accredited real ales * Wide range of wines and spirits * Variety of speciality Whiskeys, Malts & Cognacs * Free 24 hour moorings available * Dogs welcome * Children welcome * Big screen for showing Sports

£75 voucher for a cut and colour at Anthony Fellows Hair Salon & Clinic The first quiz question must be asked at 7.30pm, in order to synchronise with A cut and finish at Vibe Hair Design the other venues taking part. A cut and blow dry at Morris & Rose People may also text to donate by sending A makeover worth £30, including eyelashes, by Jessica Houldsworth PTWY70 £3 to 70070 to donate £3. hair & make up artist. If you require any more information Voucher to use at Perfection Nail & Beauty about the event please let me know. Vouchers to use at Georgi’s Unisex Tanning and Beauty Salon http://worldsbiggestquiz.pubaid.com/ £20 voucher to be used on any treatment from Beauty by Francesca Plus many A TIGI hair product hamper more prizes on A month’s supply if IASO Detox and Weightloss tea HOME COOKED

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EAT, & DRINK

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

Mon-Wed 12pm-2pm & 5pm-7pm Thurs 12-7pm

HOT & COLD FOOD

Sundays 12noon till 7pm, Mon-Wed 12noon till 2pm, 5pm-9pm Thu / Fri / Sat 12noon-9pm

Valentine’s Day LUNCHTIME MENU AVAILABLE Mon–Wed 12noon–8.30pm, Thurs–Sat 12noon–9pm, Sunday 12noon–8pm. Full menu & special seniors menu available all day every day

Come and join us on FRI 12TH FEB & SAT 13TH FEB for

2 steaks and bottle of wine from £24.95

SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY MENU 3 Courses & Bottle Of Wine For 2 people £49.95

Separate bar menu offered

5pm through to 9pm

SUNDAY LUNCH MENU 12–4PM Full menu served 4pm–8pm

STEAK NIGHT EVERY THURSDAY

Mon-Sat 12–6.30pm

QUIZ NIGHT EVERY 2ND TUESDAY 8PM START

Full normal menu also available

Now serving quality modern British menus, freshly cooked in-house using locally-sourced produce Restaurant opening times: Wednesday – Friday 12-2 & 5-9, Saturday 12-9, Sunday 12-4

Wednesdays are Steak Night for two people including a bottle of wine £39.95

Fridays are Fish Supper Night £8.95 each

Rollover cash prize

The Dusty Miller - Mirfield, 47 Dunbottle Lane, WF14 9JJ info@thedustymillermirfield.co.uk www.thedustymillermirfield.co.uk TEL 01924 490178

Bookings advisable Briestfield Road, Briestfield, Dewsbury, WF12 0PA Tel: 01924 840981

info@shoulderofmuttonbriestfield.co.uk www.shoulderofmuttonbriestfield.co.uk

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6 EASTBIERBIRKENGOMERS (NK) DENBY DALE TO CANNON HALL & Meet 10.30am R/O Cleckheaton DEFFER WOOD (NK) Town Hall BD19 3RH Meet 10am at Denby Dale Library GR SE 191 254 8.5 miles (M) Car Park on A636 HD8 8RX No dogs GR SE 231 087 10 miles (M) Leader: Geoff Leader: Dave Sharp Tel: 01422 379221 Tel: 07981 720099

Film night at Minster DEWSBURY Minster plays host to an evening of silent films tonight (Fri, 7pm), with live organ improvisation by Jonathan Eyre. Tickets for the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ event are £5 on the door.

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

Panto dates ROBERTTOWN Players’ Sleeping Beauty pantomime will be performed from Tuesday, February 16, to Saturday, February 20, at the community centre on Church Road. Tickets (£6, £5 for under-16s) are available from Buckles Butchers in the village.

TURNING THE CLOCK BACK TO THE 1940S ACTRESS Karen Clegg is travelling back in time to the 1940s – to help local people recover from serious brain injuries. The West End star, who appeared in the original London production of 42nd Street, now hosts a sparkling nostalgia show that has proved particularly effective at helping older folks re-engage with past memories. Karen – who also appeared in Casualty and Dr Who – is popping in to Ponderosa later this month to bring vintage hits such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘Pack Up Your Troubles’ to the Lakeside Café at the Heckmondwike visitor attraction. Money raised at the Sunday lunchtime event will be used to fund everything from physio equipment to music therapy sessions for Dewsbury Hospital patients. Kathryn Fishwick, a consultant at Dewsbury Hospital, said: “People recovering from a stroke, a traumatic injury or viral illness need help to get back to being who

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they once were. “The funds we receive will enable them to stand and walk again, boil a kettle, handle money – the types of things we take for granted.” For Karen, rehabilitation is an issue very close to home. Whilst living in London her husband, singer Kevin Curtin, contracted Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of the disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. “I can understand what patients and their families are going through,” said Karen, “and it was seven months before he could walk again. Something like this can change your life completely.” Karen, who played alongside Sylvester McCoy and Kate O’Mara in the Doctor Who adventure ‘Time and the Rani’ enjoys turning the clock back and has a particularly fond memory of northern songstress Gracie Fields. “My dad was the manager at

Karen Clegg and Kathryn Fishwick are preparing for a fun 40s night at Ponderosa, Heckmondwike the Batley Variety Club in the 1960s when Gracie played and there will be a few of her anecdotes in the show,” she said. “What I am doing is so fulfilling and I hope young and old will come along and support us.” The Neuro-Rehab vintage show is being staged at the Lakeside Café, Ponderosa, on Sunday February 28 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. You can join

Five venues for family friendly half-term show A MAGICAL puppet show from leading puppet theatre company Horse + Bamboo will entertain young children and grownups too this half-term. ‘Storm in a Teacup’ will be performed at five venues across North Kirklees, with all tickets costing £4 (£13 for a family of four) and the show lasting 55 minutes. It’s not always easy making friends, especially when you live by yourself in a lighthouse and are surrounded by dangerous rocks, towering waves and some very badly behaved seagulls. So when the chance arrives for a tea party with a passing boat, the lighthouse keeper is delighted. But things never run that smoothly! There’s a storm blowing and disaster looms ... will

the hero find the courage to save the day and finally make some new friends? Suitable for all the family, Storm in a Teacup will first be performed at The Venue on Market Street, Birstall, on Tuesday February 16. On Wednesday February 17 the show moves to Thornhill Sports & Community Centre, then Batley Bulldogs’ Fox’s Biscuits Stadium on Thursday February 18. Healey Community Centre on West Park Road, is the venue on Friday February 19 before The Northorpe Barn, on Northorpe Lane, Mirfield, rounds off the tour on Saturday February 20. All performances start at 2pm. Book online at www.ticket source.co.uk/creativescene.

in the fun by dressing 1940s style. Staff from The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust are planning a series of fundraisers over the coming months, including an October Halloween murder mystery. Kathryn Fishwick concluded: “Small items that stimulate recovery can make a huge difference to the quality of a patient’s life.

“In music therapy for example, the remembrance of a song can almost literally bring a person back to life. “I urge everyone – including businesses and big organisations – to get behind our efforts and start by joining us for a feast of 40s nostalgia!” Tickets for the 1940s fundraising show are priced at £15 and can be bought by phoning 01924 816164/543162.

Musician returns ACCORDIONIST Paul Chamberlain will return to Dewsbury Town Hall on Wednesday, February 10 (12.30pm) with a programme including virtuoso music from Russia, Argentina and France. Chamberlain is recognised as one of the finest players in the country and his concerts have taken him to Russia, Finland and the USA. Lunches will be available from 11.30am and tickets (£5.50, concessions £4) can be booked on 01484 223200 or at www.kirklees townhalls.co.uk.

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network

Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart was everyone’s ‘Choice’ on Radio 1 WAS so sad to hear of the recent passing of radio icon Ed Stewart whom I was lucky enough to know. He was recently entertaining the listeners of BBC Radio Two’s Junior Choice with his cheerful banter, and was a huge hit on the children’s TV show Crackerjack as well as hosting Top Of The Pops. The BBC assure me they are planning a special tribute show very soon to the likeable and missed broadcaster.

THE BBC has lined up Agatha Christie mystery The Witness For The Prosecution to follow And Then There Were None after its recent success at Christmas. A source said: “Christie never really goes out of fashion, but there is always a new way to re-tell her wonderful stories.” LES DENNIS, who plays Michael in Coronation Street, may be getting written out, but he is thankful he is not being killed off. “I am assured of that, as I would love to come back at some point,” he said. “This show has been the highlight of my career, and I think people have warmed to Michael over the time.” STRICTLY Come Dancing winner Jay McGuiness has said the show’s live tour is helping him cope with his time on the series coming to an end. He tells me: “I have really missed the people and the show, it becomes a great routine which is hard to leave when the show is over.” Jay is on the dancefloor for the Strictly tour, which kicked off in Birmingham last month. CORONATION Street actor Bill Roache is looking for love, on-screen. Things are looking particularly promising for his character Ken Barlow, who Roache believes is due another wife. He reveals: “He and Audrey will become closer, but it will be played out in full comedy form which suits us both.” UKTV’S Gold channel is adapting Andrew Birch’s long-running Oldie Magazine cartoon strip as a three-part comedy series starring Simon Callow. The drama/comedy may also feature real-life guest stars who are also in the magazine, to make it appear “more real”. DID you know that Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman almost had a tattoo? A source reveals: “He was going to get one, but

Ann and Ed Stewart at Bournemouth Pavilion then he felt the pain on his arm and only got as far as a dot of ink before pulling out, so he has no plans to make a return visit as it really hurt.” FORMER Brookside actor Leon Lopez is returning to the soap world with a short guest role on EastEnders. The actor will appear in a handful of episodes later this year, taking on the role of Linford – one of Claudette Hubbard’s foster sons. Lopez has already started filming with the BBC show. THE EASTENDERS omnibus is set to return to TV, after finding a home at UKTV’s newly-rebranded channel “W”. Fans of the BBC soap will also be able to catch same-day episode repeats on the channel – formerly Watch – from February 15 onwards. YOU have a chance to meet Ant & Dec at sea: The pair host their ITV show Saturday Night Takeaway live from the top deck of P&O’s newest ship, Britannia, on April 2. The lads will be on the ship while it is in Barcelona overnight, during a two-week cruise to the Mediterranean. Get ready to splash the cash though, as the cheapest ticket is a staggering £1,479pp... SHERRIE HEWSON, who stars in Benidorm as holiday boss Joyce, tells me she sees the show as a Carry On-style comedy. “It’s all saucy postcard humour but done in an up-to-date way, plus it’s winter outside and we’re looking at some sun on screen, so it cheers everyone up,” she said. CORONATION STREET and Phoenix Nights actor Ted Robbins tells me that he has no idea just how his character will pan out on the soap. “It’s been a huge blessing to be in the show like this and I have enjoyed it, plus playing

Maycon Pictures

opposite the character of Mary has great comic potential and we both love that, but who knows their future?” he teased. ITV are pondering broadcasting its new weekly politics show hosted by Robert Peston on a Sunday evening rather than the morning. A source tells me: “The BBC has The Andrew Marr Show, so it would be pointless going head-to-head with that, and we think also we have a rather different style of show to work with too.” ROSS KEMP will make a ‘brief return’ to EastEnders for Peggy’s farewell this spring. He tells me: “I only agreed out of respect to the final exit of Peggy, played by Barbara Windsor in the show, I think she is a terrific actress, and when the producers asked it was too hard to say no. It’s emotional, but it’s all true to life as well.” GEORGE SAMPSON, who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2008, is set to appear on Emmerdale. His debut will screen at the end of February and his guest appearance will reportedly last for four episodes. EIGHT celebrities will put the pedal to the metal in ITV’s motor racing show, Drive, which will be presented by Vernon Kay. The celebs will drive old bangers, buggies, 4x4s and rallycross cars in a variety of unexpected and action-packed driving challenges. FOLLOWING their second place on Strictly Come Dancing, former Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote, 24, and Italian dancer Giovanni Pernice have confirmed they are dating. Insiders on the show, though, described Georgia as: “Very ambitious and wants to make sure she stays in the limelight...”

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ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

BIRDWATCHERS TAKE FLIGHT A NEW generation of birdwatchers took flight at Crow Nest Park in Dewsbury last Sunday. Park volunteers welcomed 51 beavers, cubs and scouts from the 1st Heckmondwike Ansaar Scouts. There were also families in attendance at the Big Garden Birdwatch, backed by the RSPB. They recorded bird activity around the lake and wildflower garden. Birdfeeders were made from recycled materials while youngsters got treats to take home. The event was organised by the Friends of Crow Nest Park with help from environmental charity Groundwork. Jenifer Devlin, of the friends group, said: “Sadly it wasn’t a day for spotting anything out of the ordinary. “The RSPB had warned that the exceptionally mild winter would mean fewer unusual birds this year on garden feeders. “But there were plenty of our familiar garden birds, plus the mallards and moorhens on the lake. “Hopefully at least some of these young people will go on to take an interest in the natural

Jobs at risk in merger of housing services By Steve Martyn

Birdwatcher and scout Unais Mamaniat

JOBS could be lost in a proposed merger of council housing services due to take effect from March next year. Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing’s long-term deal to manage council homes expires then and officials suggested a merger of the authority’s building services department and KNH to form a new stand-alone contractor. A report due to be considered by the council cabinet

on Tuesday states that jobs could be culled in management and administration roles, plus support workers in fields such as anti-social behaviour. There are about 500 staff at Building Services and another 320 at KNH. Those in Building Services would move to the new contractor under rules known as Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE). Much of their work is in maintaining the district’s stock of 22,500 council homes.

KNH, which is not part of the council, manage those homes and commission repairs, often from Building Services. A review commissioned last September found keeping the two functions separate is no longer viable. The council expects to lose £23m over the next four years due to a one per cent rent budget reduction demanded by the Government. Cabinet member for housing Coun Cathy Scott said tenants and residents had been consulted.

Coun Scott (Lab, Dewsbury East) added: “I am confident that the merger is the right plan in principle. “We need to move quickly to set out the clear contractual arrangements and expectations that will need to be in place. “I will recommend the merger, having taken all of the option appraisals into account. “These are two high-performing organisations and they would merge to build on those strengths and improve still further.”

world around them.” She also thanked Groundwork, the experts who turned up on the day to share their knowledge and the scouts for their contribution towards costs.

Test run for restored organ A CHURCH organ under restoration in Thornhill burst back into life for the first time last Friday, in a test to make sure the state-of-theart electronics inside the Binns organ at St Michael and All Angels Parish Church work. The organ is due to be ready for a recital by Dr Gordon Stewart on Saturday, May 21 (7.30pm).

■ A cake sale is due to be held after the service at 9.30am on Sunday in aid of the church’s leprosy mission. And there will be a summer fair planning meeting at the rectory on Monday, February 29 (7.30pm). This year’s event is on Saturday, June 11, to coincide with the Queen’s 90th birthday.

OBE honour for university achievement A LIVERSEDGE man received an OBE at Buckingham Palace for accountancy and charity work. Andrew McConnell has led the University of Huddersfield to a position of no debt and multimillion pound surpluses. At the same time the institution is spending £200m on a campus rebuilding programme. Director of finance Mr McConnell is credited

with that feat – which has put the university in the top 10 nationally for financial security. Mr McConnell also raises thousands of pounds for the Forget Me Not children’s hospice. His award was presented by Prince Charles. Mirfield-born Mr McConnell attended the former Whitcliffe Mount Grammar School in Cleckheaton.

Volunteers wanted for centre offering a multitude of Options A COMMUNITY centre dedicated to helping people wants to attract more users and volunteers. The Options Centre, on George Street, Dewsbury, is home to a number of community groups which use the venue. Now centre manager Lesley O’Donnell is keen to make more people aware of the facilities on their doorstep. The popular Phab North Kirklees club is based there and has been providing a meeting place for children and young adults with a range of difficulties for decades. Phab stands for Physically Handicapped Able Bodied and the club works with a wide range of people with a huge variety of needs. The Phab Club meets on Monday and Thursday evenings with plenty of fun

and activities providing a home-from-home for dozens of people who might not have much of a social life without it. Several other groups also call the Options Centre home, including a Parkinson’s group, an autism social club and a pulmonary rehabilitation health group. There’s a lunch club open to all every Tuesday and Thursday, offering a homecooked dinner, dessert and a drink for just £3.70, while the One Good Turn community group also meets on a Thursday morning for a cuppa, a chat and the chance to swap unwanted items. There’s a large air-conditioned sports hall with facilities for table tennis, five-aside football, basketball, netball, pool and darts. The hall and various meeting rooms suitable for up to 200 people are available to

hire for parties, weddings, meetings, training events and conferences. The centre is accessible to wheelchair users and also has two 16-seater community transport minibuses available for hire. Said Lesley: “We’re always on the lookout for volunteers to make sure our members can enjoy all the centre has to offer. “As well as volunteers to help supervise our Phab club evenings, it would be great to hear from people able to help us for a couple of hours on reception, or whatever they can offer. “It takes so little to make such a big difference to the lives of people not as fortunate as most of us. And it is so rewarding.” For more information email options.centre2 @hotmail.com, or call 01924 438239.

ThePress

Friday February 6, 2015

Working together, we can beat this GLOBAL event taking place every year on February 4, World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer. It aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action. Taking place under the tagline ‘We Can. I Can’, World Cancer Day 2016 has a positive and proactive approach to the fight against cancer, highlighting that solutions do exist and that they are within our reach. World Cancer Day is a unique opportunity to raise awareness that there is much that can be done at an individual, community and government level, to harness and mobilise these solutions and achieve positive change.

Why World Cancer Day is important Put simply, because the global cancer epidemic is huge and is set to rise. Currently, 8.2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out of which, four million people die prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years). Urgent action needs to be

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Friday February 5, 2016

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ATHLETICS – DEWSBURY ROAD RACE

Strong field How to advertise... for local 10K There are THREE ways to place your advert: 1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Come into the offices of The

NEW Hoover Candy single gas oven with grill, in black; built-in model, brand-new, still in box. Serial No 15210013, code 33701054. All measurements on Hoover Candy website. Change of kitchen colour scheme forces sale, £200. Buyer collects Gomersal area. Tel 01274 877339. (1861) Pine wardrobe two drawers at bottom £40 ono. Tel 01924 494704. (1862) Pine chest of drawers £40 ono. Tel 01924 494704. (1862) Rollator walking aid with seat and basket, four wheels and twin brakes; height adjust level. Folds flat for transport, fits behind driver’s seat. As , £45, can deliver. Tel 01924 524201. (1863) Professional aluminium photographic case. Absolutely bomb proof. Top tray for camera, filters etc, with large vertical compartments below for flash & large zoom lenses. As new £45. Tel 01924 524201. (1863) 15x – 45x spotting scope with angled eyepiece. Tripod mounting bush. Mint condition £45. Tel 01924 524201. (1863) Genuine USA wooden baseball bat, seen active service in Baltimoor and Roberttown Rec. for dogs! £15. Tel 01924 524201. (1863) COLLECTABLES Collectable Edwardian sledge, wooden slaits on cast iron blades, ideal for use as sledge or garden ornament £15 ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1855) Boxed Victorian dolls, porcelain 12” high, with stands. Brand-new, in boxes £6 each ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1823) ELECTRICAL Vacuum cleaner, Dirt Devil, lightweight, upright, as new, with user guide book £20. Tel 01484 656666. (1857) Russell Hobbs bread maker with all the instructions, used twice £20. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) Epson Stylus SX425 3-in1 printer/ scanner/ copier. Wi-fi, boxed, very

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

good condition £25. Mirfield 01924 491306. (1827) FABRIC/ FASHION/ CLOTHING Ladies double-breasted red coat, size 12, new, not worn £20. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) Vintage wedding dress with train. Very pretty white chiffon and lace. Size 10/12. High neck and flared sleeves. £70 Tel 01924 495675 (1853) Two leather jackets. 44 reg, one black and one brown. Excellent condition. £7 each. Tel 01274 876814 (1844) Ladies coat size 16/18. Fully reversible. Coloured suedette patches and faux fur. £25 ono. Tel 07876 163070 (1845) FURNITURE Computer table, light oak, good condition £12. Tel 01924 406513. (1859) Bed settee, metal action. Opens out to double bed, in blue, excellent condition £200. Tel 01484 656666. (1857) Mahogany, round dining table, extends to oblong, and four chairs all in good condition £200. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) Smokers stand in brass, over 50 years old, in good condition £20. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) Quality dark green leather, winged armchair, never used, excellent condition £50. Tel 07806 431728. (1855) King-size brown leather sleigh bed. £75. Tel 01924 464527 (1852) Black recliner electric massage chair. £150. Tel 01274 398891 (1848) Large three-seater and two-seater settee with matching pouffe in leather. Mid-mushroom colour. Very well made, good condition. Buyer to collect, very heavy. £199 ono (Gomersal) Tel 01274 687250 (1849)

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.

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Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus ono. Sale due to removal. Buyer collects (Mirfield) Tel 07876 163070 (1841) Stunning, ornate, Japanese-style, lacquered, oval occasional table with six buffets, in dark red wood, with removable glass top, and mother of pearl decorations. £600 ono. Tel 07952 526527 after 2pm. (1831) Four ladder-back pine dining chairs with seat covers and table. Excellent condition, like new £60 ono. Tel 01924 485972. (1824) Three-piece suite comprising three-seater settee and two man & lady recliner chairs, in very good condition, will sell separately, offers invited. Tel 01924 465808. (1825) GARDEN Well-rotted horse manure (no straw), five bags £10. Free local delivery. Ring Ken 01924 409540/ 07922 186721. (1814) HOUSEHOLD Brass standard lamp for sale, with glass shade, £25. Tel 01924 470028 after 6pm. (1836) Crown regency gold leaf china tea set. £10. Tel 01924 464527 (1851) MOBILITY DMA red mobility scooter, excellent working order, will fit in car boot, £90. Tel 01924 609015. (1840)

Five-foot damask bed. Pocket sprung base and mattress with two drawers. Good condition. £50 Tel 01924 464527 (1850)

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Cost per item

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THE DEWSBURY 10K Road Race will take place this Sunday (February 7) with a maximum field of 1,300 taking part in the event, which starts at 9am. The favourite to win the men’s race is Matthew Pierson of Stainland, who has a personal best of 30:05 minutes. He has pedigree, having won the York Brass Monkey Half Marathon and the Liversedge Half Marathon, but his best finish in the Dewsbury 10K is fifth back in 2007. His closest challengers for the £400 first prize are Leeds

City duo Jamil Parapia and Jason Cherriman, who have personal bests of 31:37 and 32:05 respectively. Hallamshire’s Dave Archer is also expected to contend with a PB of 31:38. Favourites in the women’s race include 2014 winner Julie Briscoe and Charlene Thomas, who has an impressive PB of 33:43. Meanwhile Wetherby’s Pauline Munro and Barnsley’s Jilly Ingman are in contention for the minor placings. Such has been the demand for this year’s race even accomplished athletes have missed out on starting.

But race director Bernard Disken insists the race is not just about elite competition. He said: “We have been overwhelmed by the interest in the race and have had to turn many people away. “A couple of potential winners failed to get their entries in on time and I am afraid as we have reached the race limit they have been treated the same as everyone else. “While we welcome entries from high-quality athletes, the main aim is to put on a race for club runners and for people who are new to running and would like to improve their fitness.”

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Liversedge earn hard-fought point NCEL Premier PARKGATE LIVERSEDGE

2 2

at Green Lane A DEFIANT Liversedge earned what could prove to be a valuable 2-2 draw away at fellow strugglers Parkgate in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division. Parkgate’s Jordan Turner was in fine form against the league’s bottom side, scoring two goals in the space of eight minutes. His first strike came in the 11th minute before he dou-

bled his side’s lead from 12 yards in the 19th minute, which left Liversedge staring down the barrel of another defeat. But the visitors didn’t let their heads go down and after Jonathan Rimmington’s half-time team talk Sedge were a different prospect. The Clayborn outfit pulled of an impressive comeback thanks to a goal from Vaughan Redford in the 51st minute to make it 2-1. And with little over 20 minutes remaining Tom Jackson levelled things up at 2-2 to make the game nervous viewing for both sets of fans in the closing stages.

Liversedge will be happy with their point given the manner in which they earned it, but they will hope for more against Pontefract Collieries at Clayborn tomorrow (3pm) in what will be their first home game since a 4-3 win over Barton Town Old Boys in October last year. But despite the draw Liversedge remain four points adrift at the foot of the table and with fixtures set to come thick and fast in the coming weeks Rimmington’s men will need to be on the ball and not waste their games in hand on the teams around them.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL Tracey’s Albion bounce back after Town remain on poor January form promotion charge Evo-Stik First Division North MOSSLEY OSSETT ALBION

0 0

at Seel Park OSSETT ALBION played out a goalless draw away at Mossley in the Evo-Stik First Division North on Tuesday night to maintain their place in the play-offs. That followed a 2-1 league win against Droylsden last Saturday, which put Richard Tracey’s Albion side back on track for a serious push for promotion following a slump in form after the New Year. However Albion did go behind to Droylsden after a penalty in the 50th minute was scored by Ben Barber. But Albion’s top goal-scorer Rob Bordman rediscovered his form and saved Albion once again. His late brace helped clinch a vital three points for his side. Bordman’s first goal came in the 72nd minute before the prolific striker doubled his tally five minutes later. Next up for third-placed Albion is a home game against Prescot Cables tomorrow (3pm).

OSSETT ALBION go to to Harrogate Railway in the North East Regional League, Southern Division, desperate to put last week’s 12-0 County Cup thrashing by Guiseley Vixens behind them. It was to prove a disappointing day all round for Albion, who not only failed to match their FA Premier League opponents but actually slumped to the bottom of the league as the teams around them took advantage of their inactivity on the league front. In a remarkably close relegation battle only two points separate the last six teams, but with games in hand on their rivals, Albion are well-placed to pull clear. Ossett Town were without a game in the West Riding League Premier Division last week which saw the girls slip to fourth place. Town still have games in hand on three of the teams above them and they are still only two points off the top, but promotion ambitions will be put on hold this week as they prepare to take on visiting First Division title-chasers Battyeford Belles in the League Cup. Battyeford’s last game, at Hebden Royd, was another postponement but they remain in joint top spot with Bradford City A. In Division Three Dewsbury Rangers’ promotion hopes were dealt a crushing blow at 100 per cent leaders Wigton Moor as the home side rattled up 12 goals without reply. Rangers boss Kirsten Thomas will be hoping for better luck at home to pointless First Division outfit Oulton Athletic in Sunday’s League Shield contest. Ossett Town reserves are at Farsley Celtic Development in a league game this week.

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

RUGBY UNION

Rejuvenated Cleck win two in a row National League Three North CLECKHEATON HULL

16 5

at Moorend CLECKHEATON have lifted themselves out of the relegation zone after winning back-to-back games for the first time this season, following their 16-5 triumph over fourth placed Hull in National League Three North. Cleckheaton clicked for the first time all season by defending well, not conceding needless penalties and not making costly mistakes. It was the Moorenders who came closest to scoring the first try of the game, but Richard Piper was held up on the line. But on the half hour mark Cleckheaton finally took the lead

thanks to a Ronan Evans penalty goal. Cleckheaton were dealt a blow before half time though when Jack Seddon, who has been a consistent performer all season for the Moorend side, limped off with an hamstring injury. But his replacement Danny Graham put in a good performance for the hosts. Snow and hailstones greeted the players for the start of the second period and with the wind behind them Cleckheaton were able to bombard the Hull defence. The pressure finally paid off for the home side when Matt Piper forced his way over for an unconverted try. Hull were on the back foot and struggled to get out of their half in the second period. Cleckheaton again made the most of their dominance with a try from Mark Barlow, who touched down

after a chip into the in-goal area by Michael Piper. Once again the conversion was missed but Evans extended the home side’s lead to 16-0 with just five minutes left to play with a wellstruck penalty goal from 45 metres out. Cleckheaton, who had concentrated well throughout the game, let that slip late on and Hull punished them with an unconverted try following a dubious line-out from the away side which made it 16-5. Nevertheless is was an impressive win for the National League Three North strugglers and because Huddersfield YMCA and Birkenhead Park both lost last time out the Moorenders have now climbed to 11th. They look to make it a hat-trick of wins against Rosendale tomorrow (2.15pm) and climb further away from the relegation zone.

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE

HEAVY WOOLLEN FOOTBALL

Premier Division’s Birkenshaw and Chickenley play out nine-goal thriller ONCE AGAIN the poor weather decimated the Heavy Woollen Sunday League programme, with only seven games surviving. The only game in the Premier Division saw Birkenshaw climb to fifth place with a 5-4 win at AFC Chickenley. Jack Rogerson (two), Liam Fox, Dale Wright and Ben Smith were on target for Birkenshaw, with Chickenley replying through braces from Tim Clarke and Shaun McDaid. In the Championship Town Rangers moved up to fifth place after Kieron Kavanah, Richard Boustead and Kieran Ryan all netted in a 3-1 win at Marsh, who replied through Dave Addison. Division One leaders Hanging Heaton Cricket Club lost out 7-5 to third-placed FC Liversedge after Mark Wigley hit five goals for the away side. Lee McKeown bagged the other two, with Hanging Heaton replying through a Scott Lightowler double, plus strikes from Jack Morris, Dave Hall and Tom Ramsden. Four games were played in Division Two, with leaders Old Bank WMC emerging 6-1 winners at Overthorpe Sports Club Reserves. Joshua Cooke led the way with four goals, Tom Frizzell and James Hardwick completed the scoring. Lewis Ward hit Overthorpe’s consolation. Second-placed Batley Irish Nash recorded the day’s highest score as they won 17-0 at home to bottom club Shire. Kyle Walker led the way with a superb eight-goalhaul, Elliott Williams chipped in with four, Lee Ryan bagged a hat-trick with Tom Yarnold and Ben Lister completing the scoring. Matthew Bolton recorded a hat-trick for third placed Rose of York as they beat Snowdon 9-1. Dean Vernon (two), Jordan Brook, Luke Hemmings, Reece Brook and Andrew Asquith completed the scoring for Rose of York. Saville Arms climbed to fifth place after Saul Lee (brace), Adam Nicholls, Lewis Tolson and Patrick Davies all scored in a 5-1 win over Clifton Rangers A.

DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS TUESDAY JANUARY 26: 1 G Fishwick and J Tomlinson; 2 J Bragg and D

Hannam; 3 D Jordan and G Lumb; 4 G Bragg and C Walker.

Cleckheaton’s Craig Blackburn led by example in defence, holding up a Hull player Gerald Christian

Moor cruise to easy win Pennine League Div Four East LEEDS UNDERDOGS 0 DEWSBURY MOOR 70 at Church Lane IN HORRENDOUS conditions Dewsbury Moor Maroons pulled of an emphatic 70-0 away win against woeful Leeds Underdogs in Pennine Amateur League Division Four East. Moor set the tone for the onesided contest early on when Ashley Boddy scored the visitors first of 13 tries in the game. He would later complete his brace. But the stand out performer for the Maroons was Alex Jeffs with his four-try-haul. Touchdowns were scored at regular intervals throughout the

game, Jordan Foster, Scott Sheard, Brad Samme and Louis Greenwood bagging a try apiece. Jamie Samme had a game to remember at stand-off however, scoring 30 points in challenging conditions, thanks to a hat-trick of tries and nine goals making him Moor’s top-scorer in the game. Due to the deteriorating weather and the one-sided contest, the referee called time on the game 10 minutes early. Next up for Moor is a home Pennine League game against Doncaster Toll Bar tomorrow (2pm). And on Sunday Moor’s Under14s host Humberside outfit Skirlaugh at Carr Lane in the National Youth Cup.

Moor looking good DEWSBURY MOOR Under-10s have a brand new rugby kit along with training wear, leisure wear and training equipment courtesy of sponsorship from Paramount Accountancy, Hunters, Roh2o, Batley Fabrications and Stuart and Tracey Sheard.

The support of the sponsors means Moor’s youngsters are fully equipped for the new campaign on top of adapting a more professional appearance (see picture below) ahead of the upcoming 2016 season.

Mirfield Stags handed victory Pennine League Championship MIRFIELD STAGS 30 0 BROTHERTON BULLDOGS at Hillrich Park MIRFIELD STAGS extended their good form into the new year by increasing their advantage at the top of the Pennine League Championship, having been awarded a 30-0 win over

strugglers Brotherton Bulldogs who failed to fulfil the fixture. This comes after an 18-0 home win in the National Cup against Hunslet Old Boys which means the Stags have yet to concede a point this year. They will aim to keep that run going against Wath Brow Hornets in the National Cup tomorrow (2.30pm) when the Stags will play host at Hillrich Park.

Stags extend sponsorship deal MIRFIELD STAGS have confirmed the continuation of their partnership with estate agents Wilcock & Co. The agreement sees the locally-based firm continue to sponsor the Pennine League Championship leaders, with

the Wilcock & Co branding being placed on the club’s home strip. The deal means the Stags, who currently top the Pennine League Championship, will have the backing of Wilcock & Co for the remainder of 2016.

TABLE TENNIS

Table tennis participation drive DEWSBURY Table Tennis Club are on the look-out for new talent to join their Colts section at Heckmondwike Sports Club. All abilities are welcome, with the sessions designed specifically for

eight to eighteen-yearolds. Juniors train Saturday mornings (9.30-11.45am) and Monday evenings (6.45-8.30pm). And as the players develop they will have the chance to progress into

the match squad which competes in the Dewsbury Table Tennis District League. If you would like to get involved, or want more information, contact Chris Reece on 07867 426963.

Stags coach Richard Silverwood (right) at Wilcock & Co in Mirfield

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

RUGBY LEAGUE

Batley undefeated in pre-season schedule Pre-season friendly

BATLEY BULLDOGS

HUNSLET HAWKS

Alex Spindler at Mount Pleasant BATLEY BULLDOGS made it three wins from three in pre-season with a convincing victory over League 1 opponents Hunslet. Winger Wayne Reittie stole the show with a well-taken hat-trick on a day when the Bulldogs were always in complete control. The hosts dominated from start to finish, scoring seven tries, and were less than a minute away from holding the visitors scoreless. The Hawks’ crushing defeat left them without a win in 2016 and much work will need to be done if they are to rejoin Batley in the Championship in 2017. Head coach John Kear named a close-to-full-strength side for the Bulldogs’ final pre-season friendly. Only front-rower Alex Rowe was unavailable from the team that will likely face Leigh Centurions in this weekend’s Championship opener. Amateur trialist Jonathan Tinker was named on the bench. Hawks head coach Matt Bramald gave a debut to Danny Thomas, a winter signing from Oxford, and named fellow new recruit Craig Robinson on the bench for what would be his first outing for the club.

Batley Bulldogs’ Wayne Reittie bagged a hat-trick against Hunslet in a fine pre-season performance After spending the opening seven minutes camped deep in Hunslet territory, a theme that would continue throughout the first half, Adam Gledhill opened the scoring for the hosts. The front-rower burst onto a short ball and crashed through a gap in the visitors’ defensive line to score from close range.

But despite totally dominating the half, it took close to 20 minutes for the Bulldogs to cross again. Shaun Ainscough’s score was chalked off after Cain Southernwood’s looping miss pass was adjudged to have travelled forward, but there was no doubt about fellow winger Reittie’s 25th-minute effort. Reittie rose above Hawks trialist

Lee Mapals to snatch Pat Walker’s high, hanging kick out of the air and increase the lead to 10 points. On the half hour mark, Bulldogs substitute James Brown was sent back to the dug-out for 10 minutes after having a little too much to say to referee Robert Hicks. But the hosts’ numerical disadvantage did not stop them from crossing twice more before the break. In the 32nd minute, Reittie juggled and touched down Dom Brambani’s cross-kick for his second of the afternoon. Then, two minutes before the half-time hooter, Southernwood sliced his way through the tiring Hawks defence to set up Sam Scott for an easy score with a clever out-the-back pass. Six minutes into the second half, Reittie completed his hat-trick. Once again, he beat his opposite number to a long Walker cross-kick, this time catching on the run and sliding over in the corner. Moments before the hour mark, Ainscough got his try. Another inchperfect Walker cross-kick, this time to his left winger, was touched down to take the score to 28-0. Substitute Alistair Leak completed the scoring for the hosts, diving on his own grubber-kick into the in-goal area in the 71st minute. But it was the visitors that scored the game’s final try. Liam Mackay went over moments before the fulltime hooter to give the Hawks a consolation score that their improved second-half effort deserved.

MATCH STATS: BATLEY BULLDOGS 22. Dave Scott 2. Wayne Reittie 4. Shaun Squires 3. Chris Ulugia 5. Shaun Ainscough 6. Cain Southernwood 7. Dom Brambani 8. Keegan Hirst 14. James Davey 15. Adam Gledhill 17. Joe Chandler 12. Sam Scott 13. Pat Walker SUBS: 1. James Craven 9. Luke Blake, 11. Brad Day 18. Tom Lillycrop 20. Alistair Leak 21. James Brown 23. Danny Cowling 24. James Harrison 31. Jonathan Tinker

HUNSLET HAWKS 1. Marcus Elliott 15. Mo Agoro 4. James Duckworth 17. Lee Waterman 2. Lee Mapals 13. Liam Mackay 7. Danny Thomas 10. Lewis Reed 16. Matthew Tebb 8. Michael Haley 12. Ben Crane 11. Daniel Williams 3. Nathan Darby SUBS: 9. Jack Lee 18. Austin Bell 19. Matt Carbutt 20. Jamie Milburn 21. Craig Robinson 23. Richie Barnett

BATLEY BULLDOGS Tries: Gledhill (7), Reittie (25, 32, 46), Scott (38), Ainscough (59), Leek (71). Goals: Walker 2/5, Brambani 0/1, Southernwood 1/1.

HUNSLET HAWKS Tries: Mackay (79). Goals: Waterman 1/1. Referee: Robert Hicks HT: 20-0 Penalties: 6-5 Weather: Cold and damp Sin Bin: Brown (Batley), dissent Sent off: None Man of the Match: Pat Walker (Batley) Attendance: 455

Memorial trophy set up Trojans’ Challenge Cup to honour Ben Restall run ends at first hurdle after agonising defeat TOMORROW will see Dewsbury Celtic and Shaw Cross Sharks play for the Ben Restall Memorial Trophy at Crow Nest Park (Sat, 2pm). The annual fixture has been arranged in memory of teen Ben, who played for Celtic until cancer sadly ended his life last December. Some of Ben’s former teammates, who currently play at Under-17 level, will feature for Celtic’s open

age side and wear Ben’s number eight shirt during the game, with the rest of the Under-17 squad watching on in support from the sidelines. The winning team will lift a trophy provided by Pennine Trophies of Heckmondwike. The idea behind the fixture is to raise money for charity and any proceeds raised this weekend will be donated to the Friends In Deed charity.

There will also be a raffle taking place during the game, a match programme available for spectators to buy and an auction taking place after the match in the Dewsbury Irish Nash club. Items up for auction include signed shirts, boots and four tickets, or a family ticket, to a Leeds Rhinos game of the bidders choice, which were donated by the Super League club.

Ben Restall (back row, third from right) with some of his Celtic teammates

Ladbrokes Challenge Cup first round

HULL DOCKERS

THORNHILL TROJANS

at Holderness Road THORNHILL TROJANS were edged out 8-6 by Hull Dockers in the first round of the 2016 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup. But the underdogs put up a good fight against National Conference League Premier side Hull. It was a mixture of poor discipline and a dubious refereeing decision that led to their agonising defeat. The visitors set out their stall early with a try in the sixth minute. It came from Sam Ratcliffe in the corner, but the conversion was missed. The returning Scott Green caused Hull many problems throughout the game, but when he conceded a penalty for an altercation with Nathan Powley the Dockers hooker forced his way over the line for an unconverted try. Shortly afterwards Green set up a fine move, starting with a pass to Danny Ratcliffe which resulted in Mindaugas Bendikas crossing the whitewash in the 27th minute. But the try was chalked off by referee Andy Toller because of Green’s apparent for-

ward pass in the build-up. The decision spurred Thornhill on and they created chances but were unable to score, until Joel Gibson kicked a penalty goal on the stroke of half-time to give his side a slender 6-4 advantage. The second half was a cagey affair with both teams cancelling each other out in the falling temperatures. The Trojans looked to be the side mostly likely to score and extend their lead before Jake Wilson was sin-binned in the 68th minute for dissent. It was an incident which proved to be fatal for the away side as the Hull Dockers immediately made the most of their man advantage with a try from Jamie Jenkyns which gave his side a narrow 8-6 lead with minutes to play. The conversion was missed but the hosts held out in the closing stages to book their place in round two of this year’s Challenge Cup.

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

ThePress

Friday February 5, 2016

RUGBY LEAGUE

Rams dominate Broncos Pre-season friendly

MATCH STATS:

DEWSBURY RAMS LONDON BRONCOS

DEWSBURY RAMS 1. Josh Guzdek 2. Dale Morton 15. Jason Crookes 4. Shane Grady 5. Dalton Grant 7. Ben Reynolds 22. Andy Kain 8. Matt Groat 19. Nathan Conroy 10. Ryan Hepworth 32. Kyle Trout 16. Toby Adamson 13. Aaron Brown SUBS: 14. Luke Adamson 31. Ryan Wright 18. Tony Tonks 12. Scott Hale 24. Jack Teanby 27. Jason Muranka

7 7 8 7 8 9 8 8 7 6 6 8 7 7 6 8 6 8 7

LONDON BRONCOS 1. Alex Walker 2. Rhys Williams 3. Nathan Stapleton 4. Wes Naiqama 5. Illiess Macani 6. William Barthau 7. Joe Keyes 8. Jamie Thackray 9. Andy Ackers 10. Eddie Battye 11. Daniel Harrison 12. Alex Foster 13. Matt Davis SUBS: 14. Jack Bussey 15. Matt Garside 17. Mark Loane 18. Ben Hellewell 19. Scott Leatherbarrow

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

DEWBURY RAMS Tries: Grant (2, 52), T Adamson (23), Tonks (26); Crookes (63); Teanby (78). Goals: Reynolds 5/6. Penalties: 8-8 Sin Bin: Kyle Trout (Rams), use of knee Sent Off: None Attendance: 703 Man of the Match: Ben Reynolds.

34 0

Oliver Roby at the Tetley’s Stadium LEIGH CENTURIONS loanee Ben Reynolds picked up the man of the match award on debut as Dewsbury Rams recorded an impressive 34-0 win over London Broncos at the Tetley’s Stadium on Sunday. Wales international Dalton Grant scored a try in each half, alongside first-half scores from Toby Adamson and Tony Tonks, as the Rams led 18-0 at the break. The instrumental Reynolds kicked five goals, with further four-pointers coming in the second period from Jason Crookes and Jack Teanby. Rams boss Glenn Morrison was left delighted with his side’s showing ahead of their first game of the season – a trip to face Swinton Lions at the AJ Bell Stadium this weekend. “I thought all 19 of our players were outstanding today,” he said. “We were looking to put a marker down with a good performance against one of the sides who will be hoping to finish in the top four this season and I think we pulled it off. “To keep London to nil is a great effort from everyone involved and the 34 points will give our backs a lot of confidence going into next week. “It will be tough to drop two players from that team.” In tough conditions, the Rams enjoyed an almost perfect start as Reynolds hurled a booming pass out wide for Grant who finished well in the left corner on two minutes, before Reynolds converted from the touchline to hand the hosts

Sharks progress in Challenge Cup Ladbrokes Challenge Cup first round

LONDON CHARGERS SHAW CROSS SHARKS

14 22

at Clapham Common SHAW CROSS Sharks overcame London Chargers 22-14 to progress to round two of the 2016 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup. In treacherous conditions in the capital, Shaw Cross got off to a brilliant start thanks to a try from Tom Stuckey in the corner. And with gusts of wind buffeting the posts man of the match Danny Flowers kicked an impressive conversion to put his side 6-0 in front after just two minutes. The game was evenly balanced for much of the first half, but the Chargers, with overseas players in their ranks, notably from Australia and New Zealand, struck back with an unconverted try on the half hour mark. And four minutes later the hosts took a 10-6 lead as the Sharks lost concentration. This sparked some urgency from the visitors, and they fought their way back to level the scores with an unconverted try from Joe Halloran. The Sharks started the second half strongly as they did the first. Their period of dominance resulted in a fine try from Sam Ottewell under the posts which Flowers converted for a 16-10 lead in the 42nd minute. But the capital side refused to go away and shortly afterwards touched down to reduce their deficit to two points. The missed conversion kept the Sharks ahead. However the Chargers’ resolve was finally broken when James Davies powered his way over for a touchdown following a good period of pressure by the away side. Flowers added the extras to round off the game’s scoring and give Shaw Cross an impressive away win to keep their cup run alive. The Sharks host Castleford Lock Lane in round two.

an early 6-0 lead. With Reynolds and fellow half-back Andy Kain dictating proceedings, London’s chances were at a premium and Rhys Williams failed to latch on to a long pass when the Broncos did make a rare foray into the Rams’ territory during the first quarter. Though Kyle Trout was sin-binned for foul play on 18 minutes, the 12-man hosts looked galvanised and quickly added two further tries despite London’s numerical advantage. It was Adamson who struck the Rams’ next blow, reaching over under a pile of bodies following a Reynolds pass after a prolonged period of pressure. Reynolds again added the extras for a 12-point advantage, before former Huddersfield Giants prop Tony Tonks barrelled over from close range for Dewsbury’s third try of the day. From a simple angle, Reynolds made it 18-0 as the game wound down towards the interval. London made wholesale changes at half-time, including the introduction of former Batley half-back Scott Leatherbarrow, but Dewsbury’s momentum simply continued after the break. The Rams’ barnstorming pack, led by a veteran of 17 NRL appearances in Matt Groat, set an indomitable platform as conditions worsened, leaving Reynolds and Co to enjoy an element of freedom in the back division against the ever-depleting Broncos. The hosts soon had their fourth try of the day as Grant notched his second, strolling in out wide after a slick cut-out pass from Luke Adamson. Reynolds missed the resulting conversion, but soon had the chance to atone for his error as he landed his fourth goal of an impressive display after 2013 Challenge Cup finalist Jason

Tony Tonks made an impressive (but muddy) debut for the Rams Crookes drove his way over from a quick play-the-ball just after the hour mark. However there was still time for one final sting in Dewsbury’s tail as fanfavourite Jack Teanby crashed

Steve Horsfall

through a gaping hole in the Broncos’ defence to grab his first Rams try late on. Man of the match Reynolds then rounded off the scoring with his fifth and final goal of the game.

Sawyer recognises outside chance of spot in Championship’s top four DEWSBURY RAMS chairman Mark Sawyer says he has been encouraged by the club’s preparations for the new season both on and off the field. The Rams’ Championship season kicks off this Sunday (Feb 7) with an away trip to face newly promoted Swinton Lions. Morrison has strengthened his squad with 11 new signings for the new campaign, while Sawyer has underpinned the club's ambitions in the coming years by sealing a number of new commercial partners, completing an improved deal with main club sponsor Yorkshire Building Services as well as continuing with improvements to the Tetley’s Stadium, which included a new sprinkler system that has been installed for the 2016 season. And Sawyer believes the progress that has been made on and off the field during the offseason will ensure that momentum continues in 2016. “We’re pleased with the way recruitment has gone, and the figures that season ticket sales have delivered as we prepare for the new campaign,” said Sawyer. “We’re at a similar kind of figure as last year for total sales, but the junior sales in particular have been extremely encouraging when compared to 2015. “Last year we were very happy with the percentage of junior season ticket holders regularly attending matches. “And the current indications are that we can continue that progress in 2016. “That's something we're particularly delighted with as the club continues to build for the future.” Dewsbury’s stated aim year on year is to

Dewsbury Rams chairman Mark Sawyer is looking forward to the new Championship season and is quietly optimistic about his club’s chances

improve gradually, but having reached the Championship Shield semi-final last time around, going one step further will be no easy task against full-time clubs with bigger budgets. However Sawyer remains optimistic about the Rams’ prospects. “On the field we are confident that we can at least hold our own in the division,” he added. “There’s an increasing number of full-time teams in the Championship but, whilst our first hurdle is avoiding relegation, we’d be disappointed not to be around the top

seven or eight. “I think there’s a lot of hard work that's gone on during the last five years to cement our position in the Championship. “Our regular stalwarts are no longer worrying about relegation, and though we still look over our shoulder in what is a hugely competitive division, we are a team that can look upwards, too. “We have a glimmer of hope in terms of making the top four, in the company of some powerful, full-time clubs, and I think that speaks volumes of how far we’ve come.”

RAMS’ DELIGHT AT COACH’S NEW DEAL By Joe Link Sports Reporter joe@thepressnews.co.uk

DEWSBURY RAMS have been given a boost ahead of their Championship opener against Swinton Lions this Sunday after they revealed head coach Glenn Morrison has extended his contract to the end of 2017. Since his arrival ahead of the 2013 season the Rams have seen a steady improvement year on year – an impressive record given the post is the Australian’s first as a head coach. Morrison, said: “We’ve played well and improved each year. “I think the club chairman said on Sunday that the club’s now not thinking about relegation at the start of every season. “It is about achieving success and although we’ve done well I still think we want to do a bit better. “I still think that there’s the potential there for the club to get even better. “I suppose at clubs like Dewsbury it’s a lot of work and you come up against tough conditions. “However I think I have come a long way and we've looked at maybe creating that second team and we’ve made big decisions at the club. “Like bringing through the youth, there’s a lot of hard work gone into it and now we’re getting the gains of it. “I’m delighted to extend my contract and

excited about the challenges that are ahead of us.” The future looks bright for the Rams and hopes are high that they can go one step further than last year and reach the Championship Shield Final, having been beaten by London Broncos at the Tetley’s Stadium in the semi-final in 2015. At the 2016 Championship season launch Morrison said: “We probably fell one game short last season, we could have made that final but lost at the wrong time. “But if we make that final this year we will have had a successful year. “It’s going to be tough, every club is spending money and improving their squad so it’s going to be good competition. “But the news guys have fitted in really well and I’m happy with how we have recruited so I’m very happy with where we are at.” Following their impressive win over London Broncos in their final pre-season friendly last weekend Morrison has discovered he has a selection headache ahead of the Swinton clash this Sunday. Tony Tonks and Ben Reynolds came back from injury and played well in a 19-man squad against London. Co-captain Paul Sykes missed the Broncos game but would be expected to feature against Swinton. It leaves Morrison needing to cut two players from his squad which performed so well against the capital side. Dewsbury’s Championship opener against Swinton will be played at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium (3pm).

Morrison delighted with his side’s performance against London Broncos

Steve Horsfall

Kear happy with Batley’s progress as Leigh await

It’s touch and go if Alex Rowe will be fit in time for the visit of Leigh this Sunday

AFTER TWO months of preparation for their Championship opener against big spenders Leigh Centurions, Bulldogs boss John Kear has almost decided on his starting XIII. Batley have performed well in pre-season winning, all three of their games against Dewsbury Rams, North Wales Crusaders and Hunslet Hawks. And they could be facing Leigh at a good time after head coach Paul Rowley departed last week, to be replaced by his assistant Neil Jukes. “The news Paul Rowley had left the club was surprising but his replacement was his assistant and knows everything about the club already so we

expect to be playing Leigh at their best on Sunday,” said Kear. “We’ve been preparing a long time for this game, since well before the Boxing Day game with Dewsbury, so we expect Leigh to be facing a very strong Batley side. “The players are confident and in good shape after pre-season so we expect to cause Leigh a few problems, we’re defi-

nitely capable of that.” After the disappointment of the 2015 campaign Kear admits his side have done things differently in preparation for the new season. “In training we have been having shorter more intense sessions and they seem to have worked,” said Kear. “We’ve shown definite progress throughout preseason and against Hunslet I was pleased with our game management.” Kear has no fresh injury concerns before they host Leigh at Mount Pleasant this Sunday (3pm), but they could be boosted by the return of Alex Rowe. “Alex is one of the ‘ponderables’ that we have yet to decide on, we’ll have to wait and see,” added Kear.