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ONE PAPER ... ALL THE NEWS from Dewsbury, Batley, Ossett, Mirfield, Liversedge, Birstall, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton & Spen Valley
Friday December 18, 2015
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No. 716 50p
WE’RE HERE TO HELP Local volunteers respond to floods
Terror cops found clip of hostage beheading
By Staff Reporters AN AUDIO clip of a notorious beheading was found at premises owned by a Dewsbury man convicted of a terror offence. The file featuring Ken Bigley, the British hostage who was killed in Iraq in 2004, was discovered in a police search. It was stored on a computer hard drive at a business owned by Adeel Amjad – but the discovery could not be disclosed until now. A jury at Leeds Crown Court was not told of its existence as other people also had access to the premises, so it could not be linked to Amjad. Details were only given when Amjad appeared for sentencing on another matter last week. Amjad, 35, of Headfield Road, was convicted in October of having material likely to be useful in committing or preparing an act of terrorism. Police found hand-written notes called
‘Commander of Mujahideen’ when they raided his home on November 5, 2013. Prosecutors said it was a terrorist training manual – but Amjad claimed it was for fitness purposes. At his trial, he insisted he copied the details from a friend because he wanted to lose weight. Further searches found the audio of Ken Bigley’s beheading and video of Islamic preacher Anjem Choudary. Also found were documents called 44 Ways To Commit Jihad and antiwestern rap songs. Barrister Peter Crampin, mitigating, said the fitness instructions lay forgotten in the bottom of Amjad’s wardrobe for five years. He said Amjad was a hard-working, devoted, family man with three children who had organised an aid convoy of 20 lorries for Syrian refugees. Mr Crampin added that Amjad – who has run a jewellery business in Dewsbury for 17 years and also has a hotel in Leeds – “is not someone without a social conscience”.
Amjad was given a 12month prison term suspended for two years for the ‘Commander of Mujahideen’ notes. He was also told to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and take part in a 30day activity programme. Judge Peter Collier QC accepted that Amjad had the notes for a weight-loss routine. But he added: “It is clear from what else was found... that you opened your mind, your home and your business premises to those who promote terrorism.” Det Chief Supt Clive Wain, head of the North East Counter Terrorism Unit, welcomed the sentence. He said: “Adeel Amjad was found to be in possession of literature that is designed to influence the reader to support terrorism. “This is a serious offence. We hope the sentence sends out a clear message that anyone caught having this type of material in their possession can expect to be brought before the courts.”
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ThePress
Friday December 18, 2015 Church, Mirfield, Wednesday 23 December at 11.30am, followed by committal at Huddersfield Crematorium at 12.30pm.
TELFORD NEE HARKIN SHEILA
Deaths ANTHONEY DAVID On 8 December, aged 83, of Mirfield. Husband of Betty. Service at St Mary’s Church,
Mirfield, Monday 21 December at 1pm, followed by private committal.
ATKINS MARJORIE On 9 December, formerly of
Hightown, aged 89. Wife of the late Jim. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 21 December at 1.15pm.
DICKINSON NEE KILBURN LUCY On 12 December, formerly of Soothill, aged 93. Wife of the late Alfred. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 24 December at 11.15am.
DYSON BRENDA (NEE WHITWORTH) On 11 December, aged 81, of Cleckheaton. Wife of Norman. Service at Whitechapel Church, Cleckheaton, on Tuesday 22 December at 1.45pm, followed by interment at Cleckheaton New Cemetery.
GAMBLE KEN On 10 December, aged 86, in Perth, Western Australia, former local builder. Husband of Mavis.
Funeral took place on 17 December in Perth.
GLYNN MARY AUGUSTA On 11 December, aged 75. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 23 December at 11.15am.
LAND NEE ELLIS DOREEN On 13 December, of Scout Hill, aged 89 years. Wife of Rowland. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 24 December at 10.30am.
HALLETT ROGER
MCNULTY JACK (JOHN)
On 12 December, aged 72, husband of Anne. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 23 December at 12.30pm.
On 16 December, formerly of Westtown, aged 87. Partner of the late Anne. Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd. Tel 01924 454476.
HODGSON JOHN
NOBLE
On 5 December, aged 83. Husband of the late Mary. Funeral enquiries to Eric F Box Funeral Directors. Tel: 01924 465402.
KNIGHTS (NEE BROWN) NORMA On 10 December, aged 75, of Howden Clough. Service at Cottingley Crematorium, Wednesday 23 December at 10.20am.
Eric -- • --
Passed away at Batley Old Hall Wednesday 9th December, aged 89. Funeral to be held at Dewsbury Crematorium Monday 21st December at 3.15pm. Family flowers by request. All welcome.
David Butterfield INDEPENDENT FAMILY
MILLAIRD VERA MARGARET
On 9 December, aged 89, of Hightown. Wife of the late Ronnie. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 21 December at 2.45pm.
PARKER NORMAN WARD
On 5 December, aged 89, of Staincliffe. Partner of June. Service at Central Methodist Church, Batley, Tuesday 22 December at 11am.
WINDLE MARION
On 11 December, aged 90, of Mirfield. Wife of the late Douglas. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Wednesday 23 December at 10am.
Birth
PARLING NEE ABBOTT JEAN
Briggs & Teale
On 9 December, formerly of Ossett, aged 84. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 22 December at 10.30am.
RICHARDSON FRANK
On 10 December, of Soothill, aged 91, husband of the late Annie. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 21 December at 10.30am.
ROBINSON DESMOND
On 6 December, in Dewsbury Hospital. Service at St Mary’s RC Church, Batley, Tuesday 29 December at 2.15pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 3.15pm.
On 10 December, of Mirfield, aged 87. Husband to Beryl. Service at Christ The King
Congratulations Natasha and Bren on the birth of your beautiful son
ISAAC JAMES PATRICK
Born Friday 11 December weighing 8lb 8oz. ~~~~~~~ A bundle of joy to treasure forever. Welcome to the clan Isaac Love from both families XX
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NHS OFFICIALS are encouraging people in North Kirklees to plan their healthcare during the festive season. With advice on common illnesses and the best medicines to treat them, visiting the pharmacist could save you time in the waiting room and help you feel better faster. Dr Paul Twomey, medical director at NHS England in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Many pharmacies will remain open over the Christmas holidays, when other routine services may be less available. “As most GP surgeries will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day we would also encourage patients to ‘plan ahead’ and order any routine medication they need in plenty of time.” Pharmacy opening hours across the district can be found on the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk) along with information on walk-in centres, urgent care centres or minor injuries units. Patients can type in their postcode on the website to find local services.
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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 December 18, 2015
the press will be published on XMAS EVE
EXT week’s edition of The Press will be published on Christmas Eve, Thursday December 24. Our offices at 31 Branch Road, Batley, will be closed from midday on Christmas Eve. They will re-open on Tuesday
N
December 29, when we will be back hard at work on our next edition – which will be out on Thursday, December 31, rather than Friday, January 1. • Everyone at The Press would like to wish our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
‘Asset-strip’ row as council stands firm on centre’s use COUNCIL chiefs refused to change an order on Mirfield Community Centre amid a row about ‘asset stripping’. The Labour cabinet were told by officers to consider adding a release clause which would let the Water Royd Road building be sold off. The cash raised could then be used by the new owners, Mirfield Community Trust (MCT), to help fund a new centre. The current premises have been ‘temporary’ for nearly 20 years since the old Gilder Hall was closed and later demolished. A covenant blocking all future use except as a community centre was added to an asset transfer. The cabinet was asked to think again by a scrutiny panel after the decision was ‘called in’ by Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield). They did so, but decided against any change and stated
that MCT could come back later for the restriction’s removal. Coun Graham Turner, cabinet member for resources told MCT: “We’re never going to give you a building that you can sell. We certainly won’t be letting you take the asset and trouser the money, in effect asset strip our assets.” Coun Bolt said this is hypocrisy, given that the council wanted to sell the building earlier this year. A report stated a huge maintenance backlog put the site beyond economic repair and it should close. Coun Bolt said: “Kirklees would have sold the building on the open market and Mirfield would have been left without a community centre. They were suggesting we want to give away assets – but nothing could be further from the truth. “There must be a way of putting a covenant in that safeguards the building but which also
‘Revenge porn’ man spared jail Photos ordeal of‘violated’ex
A STAINCLIFFE man who committed an act of ‘revenge porn’ against a former girl-
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friend was spared jail. Raheas Ahsan, 18, of Dewsbury Gate Road, posted intimate pictures on social media. Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court heard he did this in November after an eight-month relationship ended. Ahsan also printed the pictures out and plastered them on lamp posts on the street in Bradford where the woman lived. Copies addressed to her parents were posted through the door of a family friend. And he was said to have sent the images to his former partner’s sister-in-law and two of her friends. As a result the woman was moved to a police refuge for her own safety. Ahsan, who believed she cheated
on him, admitted a charge of disclosing private sexual photographs with intent to cause distress. Linda Fowler, prosecuting, said intimate images were posted on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. The images were later shared and forwarded on to others, causing the victim to feel “violated and embarrassed”. Upkar Bahia, for Ahsan, said his client had struggled to cope with rejection and “lashed out”. Ahsan was given an 18-month community order with a 50day rehabilitation requirement and 50 hours of unpaid work. He was told to pay £60 compensation, £85 costs and a £180 Courts Charge. A three-year restraining order was imposed, banning him from any contact with the victim.
News in Brief ‘Great interest’ in Mirfield homes plans MIRFIELD: Crowds flocked to a meeting on Wednesday to learn more about plans for hundreds of new homes. The event, at St Paul’s Church from 3pm to 8pm, gave information on Kirklees Council’s Local Plan. Officially, about 400 new homes are allocated in the town – but nearly 600 more classed as ‘Ravensthorpe’ are technically in Mirfield. Organised by the town council, it was claimed 300 residents attended in the first hour alone. Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Battyeford) said: “The door was continually on the go and shows there is great interest in these potential schemes. “It also shows the town council at its best – the money spent on this is a far better use of public funds than a by-election.” New by-election rumpus: Page 4
PARTY TIME! Tenants from Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing retirement schemes in Batley, Cleckheaton and Thornhill Lees travelled to Northfield Hall, Deighton, for a festive celebration. They enjoyed a 1960s act and a ukulele orchestra composed of fellow tenants and pupils from a nearby primary school.
By David Miller
3
allows MCT to take forward its plans. In terms of council time and cost, I said this should be done once and done properly, not revisited later. As it is, the only people who will benefit from this decision are solicitors, when it comes to drawing up documentation.”
Free Christmas lunch CLECKHEATON: Places are available for a Christmas Day lunch organised for anyone in need. It takes place in the community room of St John’s Church at 2pm and is free, though a donation towards the cost is welcome. Anyone who is either on their own or can’t afford a meal is welcome, as are armed forces veterans and their families. Unfortunately transport to the town centre venue is not available. Places can be booked with organiser Margaret Couch on 01274 874661. ■ There is a community carol service in Cleckheaton tonight (Friday) at 7pm. The event starts by the Christmas tree and continues at St John’s Church on Church Street from 7.30pm.
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Options Options for for everyone! everyone! The Options Centre is completely accessible to wheelchair users and offers an exciting range of day and evening activities for all ages and abilities. Phab Club on Monday and Thursdays 6.30-8.30 Activity and disco nights for all ages and abilities he hall and T Transport to and from the club nights can be re meeting rooms a arranged Huge air conditioned sports hall with facilities for • Table tennis • 5-a-side football • Basketball/netball • Pool • Darts • Lunch Club Every Tuesday and Thursday 2 Community transport minibuses for hire self drive 16-seater accessible vehicles Fully insured. (Driver can be arranged at extra charge Visit the Options Centre Monday-Friday 9.00-5.00 or call Lesley O’Donnell, Centre Manager on 01924 438239 email: options.centre2@hotmail.com
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ThePress
Friday December 18, 2015
Soccer backing for food bank
News In Brief Alcoholic jailed for attacking mum-to-be DEWSBURY: An alcoholic was jailed for assaulting his pregnant girlfriend and smashing her laptop. Peter Porter, 30, of Lacey Street, Westtown, admitted criminal damage and assaulting Jodie Wilson on May 5. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard Porter rowed with Ms Wilson. Having returned from drinking, he grabbed her arm and slapped her, then threw her laptop on the floor, smashing the screen. Ms Wilson was 22 weeks pregnant at the time while Porter has a long-running drink problem. District judge Michael Fanning jailed Porter for 14 weeks. He must also pay a £150 court charge and £80 victim surcharge.
Nominate your unsung heroes NORTH KIRKLEES: Nominations are wanted for unsung heroes who volunteer for all kinds of causes. Mayor of Kirklees Coun Paul Kane has organised a celebration of their work at Batley Town Hall for Saturday, February 13. Called Love Thy Volunteer, Batley firms Locala and Binks Vertical are among the sponsors. The Batley Business Association are also involved, though nominations can come from across the area. Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox has also sponsored an award and said: “We have a rich and benevolent spirit when it comes to volunteering.” Nominations should be sent by Sunday, January 17 to: The Mayor's Office, Town Hall, Ramsden Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2TA.
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Ridhwaan Nadat, left, from the food bank, with Kick Off’s Irfan Baig
A NEW indoor football centre has made a donation to Dewsbury Food Bank – and has pledged to make regular contributions in future. Items given to the food bank included tinned and dried food, which will now be distributed to families in need. Ridhwaan Nadat, manager at the food bank, said: “We are very grateful for the food donation. It is a particularly busy time of the year for the food bank as people struggle to make ends meet. Christmas comes on top of meeting continuing needs and it’s a tough time for a large number of local families.” Jamil Baig, director of the privatelyowned Kick Off, in Savile Town, said: “Everyone needs a little help every now and again and at Christmas time we are so pleased to be able to make a difference to local families. “I have visited the food bank and discussed the amazing work they are doing. People imagine that this is being handed out to the homeless in our town but there are also many families across the town who, for many reasons, are struggling financially.” Kick Off has also pledged to become a drop-off point for the food bank and staff are encouraging customers and community members who want to donate to drop off non-perishable food items at the Mill Street East centre.
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By David Miller A MAYOR lashed political rivals after last week’s lowkey by-election in Mirfield – but claimed the right candidate won. Coun Vivien LeesHamilton (Con, Hopton) criticised UKIP for calling the poll in the Eastthorpe ward. Conservative nominee Paul Blakeley got more votes than the other two candidates put together on a turnout of just 15.37 per cent. He polled 212 votes to 91 for Labour’s Thimme Gowda and 57 for UKIP’s James GriffithJones. In total 361 people voted, including one spoiled ballot paper. Coun Blakeley took 59 per cent of the vote. The vacancy was triggered in October by the resignation of Labour councillor Gary Bunton, who quit for a dream job down south.
Coun Lees-Hamilton said: “This matter should have been for co-option, which would have been like a job interview. It’s disappointing nobody talked to the town council about co-option. Instead, they went straight for the ‘nuclear’ option of a by-election.” A by-election poll in Battyeford in August, which featured rancour between Tories and Labour, cost taxpayers about £10,000. The town council’s income is about £46,000 a year, which comes from a precept paid by Mirfield residents. Coun Lees-Hamilton said: “I wasn't surprised by the turnout given it’s the run-up to Christmas. Also, the brouhaha over the last by-
election, even though this is Eastthorpe, not Battyeford, may have put people off.” Despite the poll controversy, Coun Lees-Hamilton believes the town council got the right man. She said: “Paul has a proven track record of community involvement – and we were looking for someone who fitted that role.” Coun Blakeley is on the Mirfield Show committee, a member of Mirfield Round Table, takes part in the Mirfield pantomime and is a scout leader with the 8th Mirfield (St Mary’s) group. The council is now focusing on matters including the asset transfer from Kirklees of their offices on Huddersfield Road. But Coun Lees-Hamilton said: “I’m not quite so relieved. I’m holding my breath in case something else happens to another councillor.”
Campaigners upset as Zumba dictates early start for crucial sports centre talks CAMPAIGNERS bidding to save a Cleckheaton sports centre from demolition wanted a crucial meeting delayed. Kirklees Council’s cabinet was due to discuss the fate of Whitcliffe Mount at 4pm yesterday (Thursday). The meeting, which was open to the public, was held at the Turnsteads Avenue sports centre but was arranged at that time due to a scheduled Zumba class at 5.30pm. Protest group Save
Whitcliffe Mount Sport Centre believed fewer people than expected would be able to attend. A spokesman said: “It’s right the meeting is held in Cleckheaton. However, at no stage was the community consulted about the venue of the meeting. “Common sense dictates holding a meeting at 4pm will result in a significant number of the community being unable to attend.” It was arranged after Kirklees was found to have
pre-judged its decison on demolition. The Local Government Ombudsman ruled that the council only went for public consultation after deciding to knock Whitcliffe down. A council spokeswoman said the meeting was publicised, including on social media. She added: “If anyone is unable to attend, they are able to send in written submissions and these will be circulated to cabinet members.”
ThePress
Friday December 18, 2015
Volunteers get their hands dirty in Cumbria clean-up
News in Brief Bin collections run late in new system KIRKLEES: Nearly 32,000 bins were not collected on time in November after a new system was introduced. The council changed how it collects rubbish in September to save about £500,000 a year. Coun Cathy Scott (Lab, Dewsbury East), cabinet member for housing, told a cabinet meeting: “Over the five weeks of November, about three per cent of collections were missed. “We collected 912,500 bins in November. Ones that weren’t collected – 31,662 – were collected later the same day or on the next day.”
Best and worst in school tables By David Miller VOLUNTEERS from three Heavy Woollen district groups brought aid to those in Cumbria devastated by flooding. Crews from One Nation in Batley and Dewsburybased Kumon Y’all and the Ansaar Organisation travelled to Keswick last Saturday. They were joined in clearing homes, gardens and driveways by charity
Food for Thought. Extra muscle came from soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the Duke Of Lancaster’s Regiment. Efforts were co-ordinated by Team Rubicon, a group of UK and US armed forces veterans who run civilian aid schemes worldwide. In freezing cold and heavy rain, a children’s playground destroyed by Storm Desmond was also cleared. One Nation, of Oxford
Street, Mount Pleasant, hit the headlines recently for their work supporting refugees fleeing Syria. They organised aid convoys dispatched to Europe and even helped on the front line on the Greek island of Lesbos. One Nation volunteer Imran Bin Abu said: “We came to this country and got fed by the people, now we can go out to feed the people.” In Facebook posts, One Nation reported seeing
ruined homes that will take months to repair. The Ansaar Organisation, based at the Bretton Street Enterprise Centre in Dewsbury, and Savile Town’s Kumon Y’all are both youth groups. Farook Yunus, of Kumon Y’all, said: “We were talking to our young people about the floods and they asked us what we should do. “We thought we should go and get our hands dirty, so we brought 17 volun-
teers, shovels and food for the day.” In one case, a 97-year-old war veteran who lives alone was found with four feet of water in his home. Unable to get out, he was low on food but was restocked by volunteers, who will return to Cumbria over the next few weeks. Mr Yunus added: “It’s been very rewarding to do something for our neighbours in Cumbria and absolutely fantastic to work alongside the army.”
NORTH KIRKLEES: The district has two of the top three best junior schools at Key Stage Two – but it also has two of the lowest-ranked. Hopton Primary in Mirfield and Roberttown Junior were second and third in Kirklees, based on pupil tests in reading, writing and maths. Schools were ranked in league tables by the Government based on data from this year. St Peter's Junior in Birstall came eighth in the local authority rankings out of more than 100 schools. But Fieldhead Primary, also in Birstall, was 108th, while Chickenley Community Primary was 110th. At Hopton, 97 per cent of pupils achieved the expected level or above in reading, writing and maths, while at Chickenley it was 41 per cent.
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High-speed chase driver trapped by airbag DNA A TEENAGER tried to make police believe he was not the driver of a car involved in a high-speed chase in Dewsbury. Owais Amjid was found in the passenger seat of a Toyota Yaris which crashed into a squad car last New Year’s Eve. The trainee mechanic, then aged 17, was rumbled when his DNA was found on the driver’s airbag. Amjid, of Ashfield, Thornhill Lees, admitted at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. The court heard Amjid attracted police attention due to his car’s loud exhaust and uneccessary use of the horn.
Rory Byrne, prosecuting, said officers tried to pull Amjid over but he sped away. He said: “They pursued the vehicle through residential streets, reaching 50mph in 30mph areas. “He headed onto Slaithwaite Road, where he veered onto the opposite side of the carriageway. “The incident came to a head when the vehicle collided head-on with a marked police vehicle which was trying to stop the car.” An Asian male seen climbing out was initially arrested as the driver but later released. Amjid accepted he was the driver as his DNA was found on the airbag.
Anne-Marie Hatton, for Amjid, said: “At the time he was not a legitimate driver and it boils down to a lack of judgement.” District Judge Michael Fanning adjourned sentencing for reports and banned him from driving in the meantime. He told Amjid: “It’s a shockingly bad example of driving. You put at peril other road users. “If somebody had stepped out you would have killed them. You then drove smack bang into a police car coming the other way. “You need to be made an example of, so other people who behave in this way know there are consequences.”
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Friday December 18, 2015
BACK IN PRINT DUE IN TODAY, Friday, Dec 18th. The fully updated 2015 edition. Reserve a copy in office hours on 01924 470296 or order via the website www.thepressnews.co.uk
LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood
The planet saved – for now!
Radical leopard has changed his spots in Gitmo
HAT’S a relief. The planet, saved by 196 politicians simply signing a piece of paper at last week’s UN Climate Change Conference in Paris. I’m not sure David Attenborough’s polar bears will be dancing a jig on their melting ice caps just yet though. And I doubt the residents of Cumbria broke off from mopping out their flooded homes to raise a glass of cheer at the news. But still, China and Russia agreeing with America. The UK agreeing with France and Germany. Something needs doing and we’re all going to do it. It’s a result, if only a symbolic one. It should mean the beach in Benidorm, circa August 2099, will be a baking 32 degrees Celsius as opposed to a scorching 33.5 degrees. Not that I expect to be pondering over whether to slap
ATCHING Shaker Aamer, the recently released Guantanamo prisoner, my ‘dodgy-detector’ hovered around the 5/10 level. Softly spoken, smiling, with a direct look and an apparent disarming honesty, he should go into politics. Maybe not. If he is a genuinely nice guy that would quickly corrupt him. If Mr Aamer can get professional doubters like me to warm to him, then he has a gift – this despite him admitting to being a ‘pal’ of hate preacher Abu Qatada, knowing hook-handed fanatic Abu Hamza, having ‘possibly’ been in Osama bin Laden’s house, and even ‘possibly’ at al Qaeda’s Battle of Tora Bora, with the Americans. That’s a lot of unfortunate coincidences when wondering why the Americans kept him banged up in Camp Gitmo for 13 years. But Shaker Aamer’s 5/10 trustrating from me makes him a full 4/10 higher than I would give any US military/intelligence functionary, and 3/10 higher than any British authority, from a Chief Constable to the head of MI5 and our Prime Minister. How Aamer can smile, reflect so articulately and without apparent rancour about his experiences in a place that will be a stain on America’s flag for centuries, I really don’t know. Most of us would be bitter haters of the west now if we weren’t already – which he was – and that makes him all the more remarkable. His story will make for interesting following.
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Phew... just in the nick of time on the factor 50 or ‘go for the burn’ by the turn of the next century. I don’t like what I see in the mirror now, so I really don’t fancy having a face like a melted welly looking back at me in 80-odd years, no matter what miracles medical science will be capable of by then.
How much of a difference to changing weather patterns Paris will make, if any, I haven’t a clue – but if it does nothing except shut the climate-apocalypse mob up for a while, it will have been worthwhile in my book. Am I a climate change ‘denier’ – which in the modern Politically Correct world, is perhaps worse than being a Holocaust denier? I wouldn’t say that. The planet’s weather certainly seems to be changing – but engines and power stations weren’t pumping out millions of tons of CO2 before or after the last ice age. Whatever did create mountain ranges, ocean canyons, and separated not just the UK from mainland Europe but Canada from Russia, Australia from South Africa/South America and formed our deserts and ice caps, it wasn’t anything to do
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with a dodgy emission reading on Volkswagen cars. The world has been having its weather cycles for 4.5 billion years and, to put things in scale, we’ve been ‘measuring’ it for the daily equivalent of about a thousandth of a second. But hey, man knows everything… TILL, the faces of the open-toed sandal boys will be a picture if, in 2099, the planet has been carbon free for 40 or 50 years as agreed at Paris, but that beach in Benidorm isn’t just a searing 43 degrees, but six feet under water. Oops. And imagine the irony if the genius of the day produces science ‘proving’ that the problem all along wasn’t too much CO2, but too little! (And as much as I may be talking uninformed rubbish, most science is basically today’s best guess – until a smarter guess comes along). And what if, by 2099, mother Earth’s winds have died down to the point of not being able to extinguish a candle, let alone turn one of those monstrous wind turbines defacing the nation? At least the blokes in the solar power industry will be having it large I suppose – because of course that’s the real agenda here. The people making the most ‘green’ noise about climate change are the people making money and careers out of it. Ever
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was it thus, ever shall it be. I regularly drive past the new mega turbines at the junction of the M1/A1M and I confess, in my luddite ignorance, to not ‘getting’ them. Most days there’s barely a breath of wind. Not a leaf moving on a tree. Yet two or three will be turning away – while a couple will be still. What’s that about? Do they put the brakes on? Or when there’s no wind, do they switch them on at the mains? (Bit of a contradiction, that). And when it is windy, why are some turbines as still as a Buckingham Palace sentry? We know it gets too windy for them and also that the government subsidises companies to turn them off when the grid’s at capacity. All of which makes zero sense, unless you’re Tim Yeo, the disgraced former Tory minister who was chair of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, while trousering fortunes from numerous ‘green’ companies. No? What’s wrong with that? Must be just me then. True, the world needs to live more responsibly, cleanly and efficiently. That’s sensible and I’m glad those countries found rare agreement. Do I think it will make a blind bit of difference, either to emissions or mother Earth running an occasional cold or fever? Not really. But I do know the ‘sustainable energy’ racket will run and run.
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Tough love from this Pep lad know where Bri got his ‘mean E BID farewell far too streak’ (meant in the nicest soon to another fallen sense) – possibly from growing troop this morning up in a tough neighbourhood (Friday) at St Paulinus RC where nothing came free and Church, with the funeral of my little came easy. cousin Brian Pepper. SixtyI was a late starter at rugby three. It’s no age. and got a painful lesson the If you know the four Pepper first time I played for the Gate brothers, you know all about Inn – today’s Thornhill Trojans – laughing out loud. And against a Dewsbury Celtic although at times like this it’s team featuring ‘our Bri’ down customary to write tender homilies about the deceased, on Savile Town’s rugby field, if you knew Bri, you know he back when locals were still wasn’t quite that kind of bloke. allowed to use it. At one point I I can only ever picture him with ran back to cover a loose ball, two expressions on his face – unwisely exposing my ribs and creased hilarious laughter kidneys to Brian Pepper’s Brian Pepper (usually at someone’s misforonrushing and well-aimed tune) or red-faced, indignation of the infuriknees. I don’t think I breathed or slept right ated type. Bri went from freezing to boiling for a month. I was peeing Shiraz for a week. in a heartbeat. “But … but we’re family!” I wheezed in He and wife Jackie had been together distress, a little later. He couldn’t contain his since meeting as not much more than kids, glee. “In which case you don’t need to thank working the holiday seasons down in Devon. me for teaching you not to drop on a ball I can only think they endured as long and as like that, our Danny! You were wearing the well as they did because they both verged wrong coloured shirt, kid!” on being barking mad. Tough life, tough love. No quarter asked The Peppers got their side-stitching and none given. Tell Gabriel to get his elbow humour from their mum, my auntie Mary, up if he’s being tackled by Brian Pepper in one of those old-school women who could the celestial Sunday morning league – othcreate Disneyland out of a bag of rags, a erwise he will get his lug warmed, whether washing line and an imagination. I don’t he’s an Archangel or not...
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Friday December 18, 2015
Paul survives hard times to join fight to revive Dewsbury By David Miller A FREE internet cafe opened last Saturday in another boost for Dewsbury town centre. Surf ‘N’ Slurp has moved in upstairs in the old Hudson’s premises in the Kingsway Arcade. It is a joint venture between traders Paul Coates of DC Floors and Dale Hooley of Pixelle Print.
Carpet fitter Paul, 46, and gift shop owner Dale have neighbouring ground floor units at the arcade on Northgate. They now have six computers for use, subsidised by a cafe serving hot food and drinks. Paul, of Savile Town, is doing the cooking himself, having just passed his food hygiene certificate. He said: “People always say Dewsbury’s
dead – and ask ‘why on earth would you invest money in that dump?’ “Well, I believe in Dewsbury and want to show people that even when you’re at rockbottom you can build yourself back up." His motivation comes from experiencing personal problems three years ago that left him homeless. Paul had a spell ‘sofa surfing’ and even slept in his car as the diffi-
Paul, left, with Mayor Coun Paul Kane at the opening of his new internet cafe, Surf ‘N’ Slurp
culties took their toll. With the support of
friends he fought back and launched his own business. He added: “It was a bad time, but now it’s time to give something back for all the help I had.” Paul bought four Dell computers from eBay while two more, including one for gaming, were donated.
Dewsbury artist John Chamberlain painted a mural on a wall inside the cafe, which can seat up to 25 people. Mayor of Kirklees Coun Paul Kane attended the official opening last Saturday. Job-seeking sessions for former forces personnel, including army and police, are being held on Mondays. Paul also aims to host a sign language course and added: “Dewsbury needs people to start showing faith – if you’ve a business idea, have a go.” ■ Baby clothes retailer Little Bumps became the second shop to open in The Arcade, Dewsbury, last week. Owner Suzanne Robson, of Liversedge, joins Sam Hirst of gift shop Sama Flora at the arcade, now run by community group Dewsbury Pioneers.
10,000 back teacher’s call to save exam course AXING courses in information and communications technology (ICT) will hit female students hard, a teacher has warned. Aleks Lukic, right, is fighting to keep the subject at GCSE and ALevel after the Government announced its removal from 2017. In future pupils will only be able to study computing – a subject
traditionally by boys.
favoured
Heckmondwike Grammar ICT and computer science teacher Mr Lukic has launched an online petition. It has already been signed by 10,000 people, which means the Government will have to respond. Mr Lukic, UKIP candidate for Batley and Spen at May’s general election, said ICT and computing are different.
He said: “Computer science is the study of how computers work in terms of hardware and coding. “ICT focuses on how we use technology in the world and teaches business-orientated skills.” Mr Lukic added that 111,934 children sat ICT at GCSE this year, while 35,414 took computing. Most pupils studying ICT are girls and Mr
Lukic said they outnumber female pupils doing computing by eight to one. Mr Lukic said: “This is a bad decision that will drastically narrow the curriculum for children aged 14 to 18. “It will particularly affect girls, who are far more likely to choose to study ICT than computer science. “ICT and computer
science are distinct qualifications with very little overlap in content. “If this is allowed to happen, many more students will leave education without any computing qualifications at all. “The knowledge and skills students gain with ICT are invaluable in today’s economy. The Government needs to look again at this.”
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News in Brief Event advice NORTH KIRKLEES: Groups planning outdoor events such as festivals, galas and parades can get free advice on dealing with red tape. The council has organised a session called Basic Event Planning and Logistics on Tuesday, January 19, in Huddersfield (4pm). Fundraiser Sharon Jeoffrey hit snags when she planned events at Roberttown WMC earlier this year. A risk assessment and a copy of the club’s liability insurance were needed for outdoor activities. Limited places are left on the course. To book, see the council website.
Tattoo clue DEWSBURY: A thief was betrayed by a distinctive tattoo which referred to his name. Aaron Tate, 25, admitted stealing tools worth £180 from a van parked on Kirk Close in Chickenley on August 3. He was identified through CCTV footage which showed a tattoo on his arm which said “Tatey”. Tate, of Squirrel Hall Drive, Staincliffe, was ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work and pay £180 compensation, £85 costs, a £160 court charge and £60 victim surcharge.
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Friday December 18, 2015
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Why are these consultants needed? Dear Sir, Here’s yet one more disappointing example of the way in which the NHS is going. The North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has responded to the announcement that its chief executive, Chris Dowse, will be retiring, six months down the line, by bringing in management consultants to advise on succession planning. At the last North Kirklees CCG governing body meeting earlier this month, Jayne Brown of the Good Governance Institute outlined in an interim report options for replacing Chris Dowse. The options were all blindingly obvious, so it was difficult to understand why it was necessary to bring in an outside consultant to articulate them.
Prayer room row rumbles on From: Name & address supplied Dear Sir, I am not writing this letter objecting to anyone’s faith, or what they are taught or believe, but I was rather surprised that parents could even consider bringing legal action against the school that educates them, for not having a prayer room for Muslims. First and foremost, Mirfield Free Grammar School is a Christian school and parents and students are told that it is not a faith school when they first start their education there, and no prayer room has ever been provided for any religion, so why, once again, precedence should be given to Muslims? Both my son and grandson have gone to that school, and
Letter of the Week: Peter Claydon, Dewsbury And, worryingly, with over two months of Chris Dowse’s notice period gone, there were hints that there might not be time to implement a long term solution by the beginning of April 2016. To an innocent observer a more practical approach to succession planning might have been for the North Kirklees CCG governing body to have, two months ago, canvassed the
no prayer room was provided. Most of these students come from Batley who are complaining, taking places from local scholars. Chairman Akooji Badat, of the Masjid and Madresa Noor-ul-Islam in Batley, considers the conditions are horrible because of no prayer room: If so, why does he not find school places in Batley for his flock? I can tell Mr Badat when I served in the Middle East, I saw a lot worse conditions where Muslims prayed. In The Press on December 4, there is an advert with a picture of Dewsbury Town Hall draped in the Muslim flag. I agree with Mr Lockwood’s definition that Dewsbury is now an Islamic town. My wife’s grandfather worked in India for 25 years, part of which is now Pakistan. When Muslims
first came to Dewsbury in the late 50s they settled in Westtown, which, like Danny Lockwood, I considered my home. My wife’s grandfather’s very words were: “Now it won’t be long before they take control”. Look around your town, his words are coming true!
Thanks to all concerned From: Adele Latham, Batley Dear Sir, We would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to midwives and staff at the Bronte Tower triage delivery suite, who were truly exceptional, caring and considerate during my niece Natasha’s recent 29-hour labour and subsequent C-section. She could not have
PLANNING APPLICATIONS Elite Retirement Act - NC Johnson, Tung Hing, 46 Daisy Hill, Dewsbury, alterations to convert (A3) restaurant to (A4) drinking establishment (within a Conservation Area). David Taylor, 122 Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton, extensions to rear. Damian Hartley, Clough Mills, Dewsbury Road, Gomersal, two-storey warehouse. Advance Welding, Units 1 & 2, Taylor Street, Cleckheaton, factory extension. Fazal Novsarka, 71 Purlwell Lane, Batley, twostorey side, front and rear extensions. Citivale, Unit 27, Oakwell Way, Birstall, change of use from existing warehouse to a flexible employment use comprising light industrial, general industrial and/or warehousing (Classes B1c,
B2 and/or B8). P Barclay, adjacent to Oakgarth, 3 Blake Hall Drive, Mirfield, detached dwelling. G Kaye, Westmoor Primary School Key Stage 2 Site, Church Lane, Dewsbury Moor, single-storey extension to form office and store. A and C Parker, 34 Burnley’s Mill Road, Gomersal, first floor side extension and alterations to convert existing garage to living accommodation. C Thompson and C Jessop, 47 Sycamore Way, Birstall, two-storey side and rear extension. N Saddington, 24 Jackroyd Lane, Upper Hopton, non-material amendment to previous permission no 2015/92391 for single and two-storey extension. Daniel Maddox, 12 Nook Green, Thornhill, work to
TPO(s) 15/82. Mohammed Hanif, 49 Cemetery Road, Heckmondwike, alterations to convert one dwelling into two flats. Mr A Muhaudden, 14 Woodside Crescent, Staincliffe, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.55m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.53m. Cross Hall Developments (Leeds) Ltd, Old Presbytery, Kirkgate, Birstall, variation condition two (plans) on previous permission 2014/93827 for alterations to existing church hall and presbytery to form eight dwellings and erection of nine dwellings (within a Conservation Area).
Mr I Khan, 25 Spen Valley Road, Ravensthorpe, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.9m. Faisal Bahadur, 34 Laithe Croft Road, Soothill, extension to rear, dormer windows to front and first floor balcony to rear. Mr I Malik, 166 Ealand Road, Batley, the proposal is for erection of singlestorey rear extension. The extension projects 5m 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 2.7m. R Mason, Lyncroft, 21 Cliffe Lane, Gomersal, works to TPO(s) 45/92.
opinions of the 28 GP practices that are members of the CCG, agreed a strategy and then set about implementing it with speed and vigour. Instead, time has been wasted and it may now be necessary to have interim management arrangements in place next April. I wonder, perhaps, if those interim arrangements could be satisfied by bringing in ... another management consultant?
received better care anywhere and is now the proud mother of a beautiful little boy. Thank you to all concerned.
A Bronte celebration From: Imelda Marsden, life member of the Bronte Society, Mirfield Dear Sir, Next year, in 2016, there are several notable anniversaries starting with the Queen’s 90th birthday on April 21. There is the bicentenary of Charlotte Bronte’s birth 200 years ago on April 21 1816, Shakepeare was born on the April 23 500 years ago and the late former Prime Minister Harold Wilson was born 100 years ago. We are to celebrate Charlotte Bronte’s birth in North Kirklees by filming where she stayed and visited in Dewsbury, Mirfield and the Spen Valley with one of her cousin’s descendants. The film is to go on a DVD, which will go worldwide. Profits will go to the Hollybank Trust in Mirfield. It would be great to see books of all the Bronte siblings’ stories that they wrote as children. Also Roger Hargreaves’ Mr Men books. Roger was born and lived in Cleckheaton, and it would be great to see these children’s books sold in the Red House and Oakwell Hall museum shops.
What next for our NHS? From: Christine Hyde, Dewsbury Dear Sir, The recent Clinical Commissioning Group ‘engagement’ in Batley Town Hall was an exercise in keeping participants moving
round the stalls! They’re still intent on spreading the myth that we all have long-term conditions which are complicated to treat, in spite of research which indicates that everyone uses the health service more in the last two years of life, whether that comes at 55 or 95 years old and insurance companies are ready to maximise profit from the largest population of healthy over55s ever. Also it was stated that mental health has ‘parity of esteem’, which it may be in theory, but not in practice according to the presentation by the mental health trust during their engagement event in the spring. Contradictions in the health service have never been more apparent. In spite of a record number of private companies drawing profits from it, the bosses at NHS England are calling it a social movement. Local ‘not for profit’ companies are falling over themselves to withdraw money from it for initiating ‘self help’ groups and yet there are around 80,000 volunteers in the NHS. Conservative estimates are that ‘the market’ costs the NHS £4.5bn, but it could be as much as £10bn. None of this is for patient care. What next?
Help services cope at Xmas From: Rod Barnes, chief executive of Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust Dear Sir, As a vital emergency service that provides life-saving care and treatment to people across Yorkshire and its many visitors throughout the year, the Christmas period is a normal working week for many of our staff. To ensure patients receive the care they need our staff will be working in the emer-
Chris Dowse gency ambulance service, including those handling 999 calls in our two Emergency Operations Centres, and the 24/7 NHS 111 service which provides advice and help for those people who have an urgent healthcare need. During December so far we have been experiencing rising demand and our emergency service has been very busy responding to everything from heart attacks and strokes to road traffic collisions and alcohol-related injuries. Our NHS 111 service has been providing advice on common ailments such as winter-related illnesses, headaches and minor injuries. As the festive period is usually a challenging time for the NHS and emergency services, I am writing to your readers to ask them to do what they can to alleviate the pressure on our services. This includes behaving responsibly, looking after friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable at this time of year and staying safe, whether at home or out and about on the roads or busy town centres. This will help to avoid the need to call an ambulance – something no-one wants to do at this time of year. Please ensure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked so that you can manage common health conditions at home, make sure you have sufficient prescription medicine to last over Christmas and the New Year and remember to pack your medication if you’re going away to stay with friends or relatives. Take extra care when you are out and about, keep warm and ensure you drink responsibly when celebrating. Only call 999 for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury and needs time-critical help.
Continued on page 9
ThePress
Friday December 18, 2015
Continued from page 8 We will always respond to patients needing vital medical assistance, but we find on many occasions that our staff are called out to deal with patients whose needs are less urgent. This means that emer-
gency ambulances can be diverted away from patients with potentially very serious conditions. People suffering from minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate services for their needs such as visiting their local phar-
macist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111. Whilst the majority of people do use our emergency service appropriately, some callers do need to be reminded about the importance of making the
right choice about their healthcare needs and the NHS Choices website provides helpful information and advice on many common conditions, treatments and local services – www.nhs.uk We also have a dedicated ‘Choose Well’ page on our website which contains details of local walkin centres and minor injuries units across Yorkshire and the Humber, in addition to the NHS 111 service provided by the Trust. You can find the page here www.yas.nhs.uk/Calling9 99/Choose_Well.html or
by clicking on the Choose Well link on our homepage at www.yas.nhs.uk. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff who have worked hard over the last year to care for patients and to those who are working over the festive period for their continued dedication, compassion and professionalism during what will be our busiest time. It is very much appreciated by our patients and their families. I would also like to wish you and your readers a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
Graham plans to put sizzle back in Batley
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News in Brief Angel’s delight THORNHILL: Visitors to the Angel’s Cafe at Thornhill Parish Church have helped raise more than £2,600 for good causes this year. The latest to benefit is the Dewsbury Women’s Refuge (£300) and Leeds-based animal sancturary Hope Pastures (£50). Other causes supported in 2015 include Water Aid, Nepal Earthquake Appeal and Kirkwood Hospice. Sums ranged up to £300.
Bank backs hospice HECKMONDWIKE: Staff at the town’s Yorkshire Bank branch are fundraising for Kirkwood Hospice. They have organised a raffle which will be drawn on Christmas Eve, with prizes including a luxury hamper, prosecco, biscuits and chocolates donated by Morrison’s, Cage’s and other local donors. Everyone can take part and buy a ticket, not just Yorkshire Bank customers, and all the money raised will be matched by the bank. As well as the raffle, there are Kirkwood Hospice Christmas cards and ornaments on sale to help raise more funds for the charity.
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By David Miller RESTAURANT owner Graham Fryer is backing Batley’s renaissance by taking over premises which have been empty for 18 months. His new Smokey’s Original barbeque joint opened on St James Street, near the bus station, on Wednesday. In a further boost for the town, bookmakers Betfred are to take a long-vacant unit next to the O2 shop on Commercial Street. And on Boxing Day, Aspire Bedding opens nearby in the former Boots, which closed earlier this year. The constituency office of MP Jo Cox is
now open at the junction of Commercial Street and Branch Road. Meanwhile Graham, 41, of Soothill, has created a US-style eatery featuring a barbeque smoker imported from Oklahoma. He said: “Batley was once a thriving mill town. To me, it’s like an old car – it just needs a kick-start. “If people like myself and others get involved we can raise some investment and community spirit and get this place going again.” Smokey’s Original serves ribs, burgers and steaks with meat supplied by Bluehills Farm of Birkenshaw. All except desserts, which come from a bakery in Shipley, are home-made, with
meats spiced by a ‘secret’ blend inspired by time abroad. Former Earlsheaton High School pupil Graham lived on a kibbutz in Israel in 1998 and 1999. Two years later he lived in Australia, then in 2004 he stayed in New Zealand and had further spells in Thailand and Malaysia.
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Poppy cash nears £20,000 A POPPY appeal across Batley and Birstall raised nearly £20,000 for armed forces veterans. The cash was collected by the Royal British Legion branch from September 2014 to September this year. Activities included a trip to the National Memorial Aboretum in Staffordshire in June. It proved so popular that branch chairman Alan Roberts gave up his seat so others could go instead. The next campaign is already off to a great start
thanks to big turnouts at remembrance services last month. A return to the aboretum is planned for 2016, along with trips to Southport and Bridlington. Branch vice-chairman Alan Spencer said: “We’d like to thank all our supporters in the area. “The Poppy Appeal was again superbly supported – it has surpassed last year’s magnificent effort and is approaching £20,000.” He thanked those who
attended remembrance events and added: “There was a tremendous turnout from all sections of the community.” Branch members meet on the third Wednesday of each month at the Batley Irish Democratic League Club. New members or anyone who wishes to join the committee are welcome to get in touch. Anyone interested can call Alan Spencer on 01274 873767, Peter Brierley 01924 440832 or Colin Whitworth on 01924 524827.
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ThePress
Friday December 18, 2015
Stable sleepers’ boost for homeless
News In Brief Meeting to discuss plan for new homes BIRSTALL: A meeting is to be held today (Friday) over plans to build 224 new homes on land off Mill Street. The scheme is in Kirklees Council’s draft Local Plan and residents are concerned about road safety at the busy Smithies Junction. Coun Andrew Palfreeman is due to attend the meeting, which is at Warwick House at 8pm.
VOLUNTEERS who slept out in a stable in Cleckheaton last Saturday raised nearly £360 for a homeless charity. Rev Brunel James of St John’s Church held a party with a disco, bonfire and carol singing at Lower Blacup Farm. Cash raised was for the Advent Sleepout Challenge, which supports the Church Urban Fund.
Lunch switch from cafe to marquee DEWSBURY: Plans for Christmas lunch at the Crow Nest Park cafe proved so popular that organisers had to hire a marquee! The event, featuring a food bank and clothes stall, is for those in need and was originally set for the cafe. But when more than 100 people showed interest in the Christmas Day event, the venue was switched to a marquee in the park. Organiser Michele Hainsworth said: “We don’t want anyone to struggle or be alone this Christmas.”
Guides serve dinner BATLEY: Girl Guides were set to serve Christmas dinner for older people at the town’s resource centre yesterday (Thursday). The group, all pupils at Batley Girls' High School, helped behind the scenes at the Commercial Street venue. It was for the Batley Pensioners’ Luncheon Club festive bash, which was expected to draw a capacity attendance.
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Stable sleepers and supporters with Rev Brunel James, second right
Marathon Mike nets more cash in holiday island test By David Miller VETERAN athlete Mike Luby, right, raised more than £200 for a cancer charity by running the Lanzarote Marathon. Mike, 61, of Dewsbury, took part in the Spanish holiday island’s 25th annual event last Saturday in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research. He completed the route from Costa Teguise to Puerto del Carmen and back in five hours and 20
minutes. It was the 16th marathon of Mike’s running career since he took up the sport in 2001. He has previously taken part in the London, New York and Paris marathons and is a regular at the Great North Run. Included among Mike’s charitable causes are disabled group Whizz Kidz and the Society for the Blind of Dewsbury, Batley and District. Sponsorship from two Dewsbury traders, Val’s
Book Shop on the market and Creative Crafts, helped get Mike to Lanzarote. His fundraising total was £202 – and he hopes
to raise more by running the Dewsbury 10k in February. Mike joked: “The day after there were a few of us who were stiff and walking a bit funny. “But by Tuesday I’d recovered and I’ll keep running for as long as I’m fit enough to keep enjoying it.” Lanzarote was a feast of running last Saturday, with half marathon, 10k, 5k and wheelchair races complementing the main event. Thousands of people
PUPILS HELP KEEP THE AIR AMBULANCE FLYING
Manor Croft Academy assistant principal Matt Ryder with Year 7 pupils and Sainsbury’s staff PUPILS from an Earlsheaton school raised nearly £1,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance last Friday. Year 7 children from Manor Croft Academy, helped by assistant principal Matt Ryder, did a sponsored bag pack at Sainsbury’s.
They also had a stall inside the Dewsbury supermarket selling Christmas cards and diaries. Sainsbury’s also donated a hamper which was raffled to customers in aid of the air ambulance, which is their charity partner for this year.
In total £993.31 was raised and the store’s Dawn Harding said: “Sainsbury’s would like to thank their customers for their generosity in achieving this amount. “We also want to say a big thank you to Manor Croft Academy for their help with the bag packing.”
Police seek hammer and knife thugs THUGS armed with a claw hammer and a knife robbed a man of his mobile phone in Dewsbury Moor on Monday. The victim, 21, was walking on School Lane at around 11.30pm when the two thugs approached. They demanded property and the man handed over his phone. The first robber is
described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, about 6ft tall, of average build, with dark hair. He wore a dark tracksuit. His accomplice is black, about the same age, about 5ft 10in and chubby, with short dark hair. Det Con Richard Brooke, of the Kirklees Police robbery team, said: “These men have both been armed
with weapons. While not physically harming the victim, they have put him in fear for his safety. “We urge anyone who has witnessed this offence or who has information to come forward.” Those who can help should call the robbery team on 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
took part, including 1,500 alongside Mike in the main marathon. Oscar Alberich Garcia won in two hours 28 minutes on a sunny day where even in December the temperature was a balmy 21 degrees. Salesman Mike, also a caretaker at the Machell’s Mill flats where he lives, has his sights on Las Vegas next. He said: “Having done the New York Marathon, that gave me a taste of America and I’d love to do more over there.”
OBITUARY
Desmond Robinson FORMER Olympic cyclist Desmond Robinson has died at the age of 87 after a long illness. The brother of fellow Mirfield bike hero Brian Robinson, he suffered a stroke in May. Born in Ravensthorpe in 1927, he competed alongside his brother at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. Desmond, who worked for their father’s joinery business, also won the 1955 amateur Tour of Britain race. He was a member of the Ravensthorpe Cycling Club until the age of 62 and often led evening rides with young members. Desmond, of the Maltings, Mirfield, leaves his wife Beryl, whom he married in 1953, and daughters Linda, Denise and Jane. Daughter Denise Edwards said: “He was a lovely man and a true gentleman who had a really full and interesting life.” His funeral takes place at Christ the King Church on Stocks Bank Road at 11.30am next Wednesday.
ThePress
Friday December 18, 2015
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Friday December 18, 2015
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Friday December 18, 2015
Learning ‘hub’ aims to give children the best start in life By Staff Reporters MP JO COX visited Hightown to officially open the new Windybank Learning and Community Hub. The hub brings together two primary schools – High Bank and Hightown – as well as the Liversedge Children’s Centre and Central Avenue Community Playgroup, in an initiative which aims to give children the best start in life. As part of the scheme, High Bank School has taken over the Children’s Centre building, which was on its site, and has completed work to link the two facilities. It now provides muchneeded extra space for its early years classes and rooms have been created to accommodate community events. The playgroup, which used to meet there, has moved into the nearby Windybank Community Centre, while Hightown School has also been improved with a new nursery, learning hub and library. Children’s centre services will now be delivered across each site to provide a more flexible service for parents and children. Speaking at the official launch at High Bank, Batley and Spen MP Mrs
“The hub brings together the schools, playgroup and children’s centre to create a brilliant space for families to come, learn and share.”
News in Brief Wok Ever delayed CLECKHEATON: The opening of a new Chinese restaurant has been delayed. The Wok Ever Palace, on the corner of St Peg Lane and Dewsbury Road, should already be open after a £400,000 investment but more internal work than planned for has been necessary. Owner Weicheng Lin said the restaurant, which will seat 112 people over two floors, is now expected to open in January. He said: “We’ll have a grand opening possibly around Chinese New Year at the beginning of February.”
Town centre carols MIRFIELD: Carols will be sung around the town centre Christmas tree for the fifth year running. The free family event outside the library on Huddersfield Road takes place on Christmas Eve (4pm-5pm).
The Railway Inn ------------------------------
Learning curve... from left, children’s centre manager Tracey Daniel, High Bank head Karen Summers, Hightown head Russell Ingleby and MP Jo Cox Cox said it was a “brilliant” initiative. She added: “I am a big fan of early intervention for 0-5 year-olds. “It’s about making sure children are getting the best start in life and giving support to parents. “The hub brings together the schools, playgroup and children’s centre to create a brilliant space for families to come, learn and share.” Windybank was chosen by Kirklees Council to pilot
the scheme, which could be introduced in other areas of the district. Its priorities will be to boost child and family health, prepare children for nursery and school and give families quick access to services. High Bank headteacher Karen Summers said: “It’s the council’s aim to reshape services so local communities are much more involved in schools. “It means that school is
the hub for different services such as health, school nurses, social services and family workers, who can come in and work with children and families in a familiar environment. “We are pleased to be a pilot for this initiative – there is still a lot to be done and we are only a little way on our journey, but we were delighted that Mrs Cox came along and helped us to celebrate all that has been achieved so far.”
Film documentary marks Bronte milestone A DOCUMENTARY about the lives of the Bronte sisters could be on sale by June next year. Former BBC Look North journalist John Thirlwell is to make the film, which will raise funds for the Hollybank Trust. Locations set to feature include St John’s Church, Dewsbury Moor and Red House Museum, Gomersal. Mr Thirlwell was contact-
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ed by fellow Bronte Society member Imelda Marsden over plans to mark next year’s 200th anniversary of the birth of Charlotte Bronte. A re-enactment of the journey she made from Haworth to Roe Head in 1831 will also be filmed. Roe Head was the school on the border of Mirfield and Hartshead at which Charlotte taught. It is now
home to the Hollybank Trust. The film will be on sale at Red House Museum, Oakwell Hall, Birstall and the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth. Imelda, of Mirfield, is also organising an event on fields near the Hollybank Trust for Sunday, June 12, when participants will tackle an obstacle course in period costume. Joanne Catlow, of
Kirklees Council, said: “Across the Spen Valley, Birstall, Dewsbury and Mirfield, there are over 25 locations with Bronte connections. “We hope groups and places will host a wide range of activities to mark the 200th anniversary. “These events can raise public awareness of our Bronte heritage and encourage visitors to the area.”
Mirfield
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Calendar girls are perfect Xmas present TWO FRIENDS from Roberttown and Mirfield have joined forces to appear as pinups in a popular charity calendar. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service worker Holly Stuart and fitness instructor Andrea Springthorpe posed in boxing attire for the Red Hot Sirens calendar, which raises funds for the Fire Fighters Charity and other good causes. The Red Hot Sirens is a sister publication to the now-famous Red Hot Dates calendar, in which West Yorkshire firefighters feature in various states of undress. The Red Hot calendars have been running for 13 years, selling over 30,000 copies and raising over £100,000 for charity. Women from partner organisations and charities have also joined forces with fire service staff for the Sirens calendar, which is 1940s-themed. Holly, of Mirfield, works in the fire service control room and her family’s business has also been involved in printing the calendars. Roberttown-based Andrea, who also writes a health and fitness column for The
Friday December 18, 2015
Hear Ann across the BBC radio network
Ann meets Military Wives choir conductor, Professor Paul Mealor WAS lucky enough to spend some time in London with the brilliant Professor Paul Mealor, who many will know for his number one single ‘Wherever You Are’ from Gareth Malone’s choir TV show. Paul also wrote and performed music at the wedding of HRH Prince William and Catherine – he is busy working on a new album for Decca right now and will have something new out in the spring.
I Andrea (left) and Holly (right) strike a few poses for the 2016 Red Hot Sirens charity calendar Press, said: “We are both into fitness so we chose a boxing-themed photo shoot. It was great fun and great motivation to train harder to get into shape.” The calendars are the brainchild of Station Commander Dom Furby and this year the women’s version will support Parkinsons UK, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, Heartbeat of Sport and the Fire Fighters Charity. Station Commander Furby said: “We are incredibly proud of the calendars’ achievements. “The men’s calendar has been hugely popular in the past, raising £17,000 alone last year, but we hope to top that this year! “The women’s calendar has returned after a year off and we have tried something new by giving it a 1940s theme and we are really pleased with the result.” The calendars cost just £5 (plus £2.80 postage) if bought online via www.redhot dates.co.uk. Alternatively, they are also available to buy outside the Ikea store in Birstall, in the grotto-style shed.
THE last-ever episode of Downton Abbey will air at 8.45pm on Christmas Day, after BBC refused to move Call the Midwife in a behindthe-scenes scheduling tussle. Downton’s Michelle Dockery tells me: “I am thrilled we are giving fans a chance to watch both shows, as I know they are so popular.” She also teased: “It’s a tear-jerker, that’s for sure.” MALE BALLET dancers are now centre stage, Darcey Bussell says. The former prima ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge claims the ballet spotlight has ‘dramatically shifted’ back onto men. Darcey will host a special on the BBC over Christmas and told me at the launch: “I do feel it’s changed, but in a good way and everything goes in cycles, so why not? I think also you will find the show interesting, as it gives it a totally different perspective.” WITH two big shows ending, it looks like ITV might have found its next great prestige drama in the style of Mr Selfridge and Downton Abbey. ITV is partnering with Trust Me writer Charlotte Jones on an eight-part, 60minute drama called The Halcyon, which examines World War II London from a new perspective. More soon... DON’T miss ‘And Then There Were None’ on BBC One over the festive period. It’s the world’s top-selling crime novel with several movie versions already, but Agatha Christie’s classic is now a three-part TV series for the first time. The plot follows 10 strangers on an island that are killed one by one. Charles Dance, Miranda Richardson and Aidan Turner star. IT’S AN accusation aired as much as the Morecambe & Wise Christmas Specials – that the BBC is filling its seasonal schedules with a record number of repeats. So this year the corporation has issued a pre-emptive attack by claiming that it will
Ann Montini and Professor Paul Mealor at the Savoy Hotel, London Maycon Pictures
screen fewer repeats this Christmas and deliver more original programming than rival channels. A source tells me: “It’s simple – the BBC does spend more than anyone else on new programmes, but then people do love to see old favourites again and again.” THE BBC wants a third series of Detectorists, but Mackenzie Crook is not so sure. The BBC is understood to have offered creator and star Crook a third run of the BBC Four metal detecting comedy, but he is yet to make up his mind. He reveals: “I am flattered, I really am, but I need time to think if we have any more good stories to tell on this.” Hopefully so... TFI FRIDAY presenter Chris Evans has revealed the new, revamped series of Top Gear will hit our TV screens in spring next year. He tells me: “It’s all so exciting and I think totally different in many ways, yet will retain all the elements that Top Gear fans love, that’s for sure.” IT HAS been one of the most watched soaps for over 30 years, but Adam Woodyatt was so uncertain if EastEnders would take off that he kept his job in a butchers. He revealed: “I had no idea, so I asked if I could leave the job open which was very kind looking back, but thankfully all these years on I am still here.” CHRISTMAS DAY will be a little less sparkly this year as Sir Bruce Forsyth has had to pull out of hosting the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. A source tells me: “Sir Bruce is still recovering from a recent operation, but he has recorded a special message for the
fans at the start of the show, as he knows he will be missed by all.” CROSSROADS creator Hazel Adair has passed away at the age of 95. Ms Adair created the classic ITV soap – set in a motel in the fictional village of King’s Oak – with Peter Ling in 1964. It ran for 24 years and boasted 18 million viewers at its peak in the 1970s, before being axed in the 1980s. FORMER Friends star Matthew Perry will come to London early next year to star in a new play he has written. Called ‘The End Of Longing’, he says it is about four broken people yearning for love. The production will run at the Playhouse Theatre in the West End from February 2 to May 14. SIR TOM JONES controversially lost his seat on The Voice judging panel earlier this year, and it appears his departure had a hard impact on fellow judge Will.i.Am. He tells me: “He really was the voice of reason, and for that sure I do miss him. It was a big mistake letting him go.” EMMERDALE actress Charlotte Bellamy has revealed that her character Laurel Dingle will once again go off the rails. “I do laugh at what they come up with for us to do, and when you think it all goes on in that small village, but honestly the writers are brilliant the way they keep it all together,” she said. JAILED murderer Rob Donovan is out for revenge on Coronation Street. Actor Marc Baylis said: “It’s a great return, and so well written, so I jumped at the chance. It will shock fans though, for sure.”
Friday December 18, 2015
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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 DECEMBER 19 MONDAY JANUARY 4 AMONG THE SCULPTURES (NK) GOMERSAL CIRCULAR (NK) Meet 10.30am Meet 1pm top car park, Oakwell Bretton Country Park S75 4BX Hall WF17 9LG GR SE 294 122 GR SE 217 270 5 miles (L) 5 miles (M) No dogs Leader: Mike Church Leader: Kathleen O’Shea Tel: 07776 077289 Tel: 01924 471473
Gingerbread Tales at Birstall Library A PUPPET show featuring live music and magic is on at Birstall Library tomorrow (Sat). Community arts company Satellite Arts bring their Gingerbread Tales to the Market Street venue at 1.30pm. Lasting about an hour, the show has been created for young children and their families. The show is also at Heckmondwike Library on Tuesday December 22 at 10.30am. For bookings call 01484 848072.
All are welcome to come and dance BRIGHOUSE Scottish Country Dance Club are holding their open night dance on Saturday February 13. Whether you are new to Scottish dancing or an experienced dancer, you will be welcome at the friendly club, which has members of all ages. You don’t need experience or a partner to take part in their weekly dance meetings. Open night is every second Saturday of the month, when many dancers come from other clubs and there is also a weekly meeting at Waring Green Community Centre, Brighouse HD6 2AX every Thursday at 7.30pm. Call Pat on 01484 685072 for details.
Brass and voices BLACK DYKE Brass Band will perform with Skelmanthorpe Male Voice Choir in a Christmas concert at Dewsbury Town Hall tonight (7.30pm). Tickets are £13 plus concessions.
Showstopping wizard HECKMONDWIKE-BASED Showstoppers Productions will be performing the Wizard of Oz pantomime at Cleckheaton Town Hall until Tuesday December 22. Tickets are £10 for adults and £8 for children and senior citizens.
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Dazzling & dark sides of history THERE’S a treat in store in the New Year for fans of the History Wardrobe, with two very different presentations in two of the district’s museums. A dazzling fairy godmother will dress Cinderella for her glorious ball in ‘Fairytale Fashion’ at Batley’s Bagshaw Museum on Saturday February 13, as the enchanting history of the ‘Princess dress’ is unfolded. Favourite stories will be used to help visitors explore the world of magical clothes – from the red riding hood and cloaks of invisibility to seven league
boots and the legendary glass slippers. In stark contrast Gothic for Girls, at Red House Museum in Gomersal on Sunday February 28, showcases sinister women and the enduring lure of black in fashion.
The presentation combines shiveringly beautiful costumes and darkly dramatic readings from the best of British ‘gothic’ writing, including Jane Austen, Emily Brontë, Mary Shelley, Mrs Radcliffe, Charles Dickens and
Horace Walpole – and coming right up to date with The Woman in Black. Both presentations start at 2pm and last approximately two hours. Tickets for ‘Fairytale Fashion’ are £12.50 and are available from Bagshaw Museum, in Wilton Park, or by calling 01924 324765. Tickets for ‘Gothic for Girls’ cost £10.50, including a complimentary drink, and are available from Red House on Oxford Road, or by calling 01274 335056/ 07773 212763. Access to the Red House presentation is via stairs and early booking is advised for both events.
Camera ready PHOTOGRAPHY courses are being run at Oakwell Hall in Birstall in the New Year. Courses for beginners to digital photography and SLR cameras will be held on Saturdays January 23 and February 6. A further course for those keen to learn more about advanced settings and techniques is being run on Saturday March 19. The courses are delivered by professional photographer Patrick Crowley. They run from 9.45am to 4.30pm and cost £20 per person. Places must be booked in advance by contacting Oakwell Hall Visitor Centre on 01924 324761.
The great outdoors await with a walk to blow the cobwebs away LOVERS of the great outdoors can join Castle Hill ranger Julian Brown for a refreshing winter walk on Tuesday, December 22. The ‘Winter Solstice Walk’ marks the longest night and shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The Winter Solstice is the ancient belief that the sun stood still for 12 days in the middle of winter. Ancient tribes would light a yule log during this time (hence the term yuletide) to conquer the darkness and banish evil spirits and to welcome the rebirth of the sun and longer days and bring luck for the coming year. The walk is five miles long and starts at 11am from the car park at the top of Castle Hill in Almondbury, Huddersfield, and will
last around three hours. Walkers will need good footwear, warm clothing and waterproofs. No dogs are allowed, except assistance dogs. The walk is free but places must be booked in advance by contacting Julian on 07968 426312. Meanwhile Victoria Tower on Castle Hill is once again opening its doors to welcome visitors from all over the district during the
Christmas holidays. The tower has already welcomed over 11,000 visitors and will open again on December 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 29, 30, 31 from 11am to 3pm. Castle Hill boasts some of the best views in the area from the top of Victoria Tower. Santa will once again be making a special visit to the top of the tower tomorrow (Sat) before he commences his duties on Christmas Eve. Admission charges to Victoria Tower are adults £1.80, children 55p and family ticket £3.60 (two adults and up to two children). Kirklees Passport holders can visit for free.
Panto stars shine again Jack and the Beanstalk Bradford Alhambra Runs until 24 January www.bradfordtheatres.co.uk Review by Adele Latham JUST when I thought it couldn’t possibly get any better, this year’s Alhambra panto blew my thoughts out of the water. Jack and the Beanstalk exploded on stage with a starstudded line-up and, of course, our own local star Billy Pearce, now in his 17th panto at the Alhambra. Jake Canuso, who plays Mateo in the ITV series Benidorm, plays Benny Dorm (yes, that’s right), assistant to the good fairy The Spirit of the Beans, played by actress Lisa Riley, and John Challis (AKA Boycie in Only Fools and Horses), plays baddie Fleshcreep. Stunning outfits, imaginative and creative sets, and theatre special effects, combined with a breathtaking 3D sequence that had the audience screaming and squirming in their seats. Special mention must also go to the ‘animals’ that appeared on stage, who were, quite simply, the cutest I have ever seen. Most definitely a pantomime extravaganza!
DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS: Tuesday, December 8 1 M Holt and M Hirst; 2 C Walker and J Bragg; 3. M Loveridge and G Bloom; 4. J Paxton and D Hannam.
ThePress
Friday December 18, 2015
wheels £15. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) Golf clubs, bag, balls, 2 x hand carts with accessories £100 for quick sale. Tel 01924 465808. (1825)
How to advertise... There are THREE ways to place your advert: 1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-2pm Tuesday to Thursday). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Come into the offices of The
NEW Stunning, ornate, Japanese-style, lacquered, oval occasional table with six buffets, in dark red wood, with removable glass top, and mother of pearl decorations. £600 ono. Tel 07952 526527 after 2pm. (1831) Pretty pink dralon chaise longue, with gold and pink fringing. Never used, bargain at £50. Buyer collects. Tel 07979 794161. (1832) New this year, threeand two-seater settees, two-seater has recliners, Mink colour, £340 for both. Buyer must collect. Cal 01924 464491/ 07873 426740. (1833) Treadmill ‘Dynamix’, motorised with distance/ time set/ speed/ calories/ pulse; low mileage, good condition £125. Tel 01924 458658. (1834) Computer desk, wood/metal with pull out shelf £12. Tel 01924 458658. (1834) Computer armchair in black PVC, with height adjustment £12. Tel 01924 458658. (1834) Clear glass, three-tier TV table, with chrome effect trim £12. Tel 01924 458658. (1834) BABY/ CHILDREN’S GOODS Mothercare cot bed in pine, Chico hi-chair and safety gate. All in good condition £80. Tel 01924 403625. (Can deliver if required). (1776) CHRISTMAS B&Q Christmas tree, woodland pine, 1.83cm (6ft), sectional, boxed, used once £10. Tel 07909 742005. (1809) COLLECTIBLES Seven different boxed Victorian dolls with stands. Brand-new, in boxes £5 each ono, or £30 for all. Tel 07806 431728. (1823) Dolls house – never played with. Stands 5 foot 10. Consists of three floors and basement. Fully decorated, wired and furnished.
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
Come complete with display unit, separates into four pieces. £600 ono. Tel: 07791 294963 (1783). ELECTRICAL Epson Stylus SX425 3-in-1 printer/ scanner/ copier. Wi-fi, boxed, very good condition £25. Mirfield 01924 491306. (1827) Ingersoll Rand V twin air compressor, suitable for garage or home use, 250v electrics, good working order. Reluctant sale £100 no offers. Tel 01924 451024. (1793) Bosch dishwasher with three heat settings, in very good condition £50. Tel 01924 440755. (1791) Oreck Excel Pro vacuum cleaner in black. Excellent clean condition and working order. One light at front not working. Accept £70 ono. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785) Mira Sport thermostatic electric shower, very good condition £50. Tel 01924 496345. (1781) Hotpoint Ice diamond under counter fridge, very good condition £50. Tel 01924 496345. (1781) FABRIC/ FASHION/ CLOTHING Ladies sheepskin jacket, size 12, light brown, VGC, cost over £200, too small now, bargain at £30. Tel 07786 404627. (1819) Two leather jackets, 44” reg, one black and one brown, as new £7. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) Curtains pair lined, wine-coloured, velour 66” x 54” drop, very good condition £30. Tel 07786 404627. (1794) FURNITURE Four ladder-back pine dining chairs with seat covers. 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, £300 for quick sale. Tel 01924 465808. (1825)
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.
Sofa bed in light blue/ grey. Metal action, full mattress, as new. Cost £1,000 will accept £550. Buyer collects. Tel 01924 473376. (1817) Metal computer trolley, silver with sliding shelf for keyboard. (H) 78cm x (W) 70cm x (D) 55cm. Ex-Argos, excellent condition £20. Tel 01924 461639. (1818) Electric, adjustable double bed, excellent condition. Cost £999, absolute bargain at £200. Ring 07815 034680 (Batley). Buyer collects. (1811) Teak wall unit, 5ft long, with two illuminated glass door display cupboards, plus two end cupboards, three drawers and drinks cupboard. Unit separates into two parts. Excellent condition £50. Tel 01924 407400. Buyer collects. (1813) Three-shelf black glass TV stand, chrome legs. As new, two years old £15. Tel Tel 07909 742005. (1809) Stag mahogany fivedrawer dressing table, three detachable mirrors. Could be used as hall table £25 ONO. Tel 07806 431728. (1803) Two high back swivel chairs in grey material, very good condition, bargain £50 each. Tel 01924 410973/ 075197 25771. (1802) Two black leather twoseater sofas, chrome feet, very good condition, £100 each, also matching large coffee table in clear glass/chrome, offers. Buyer collects Tel 01924 401729/ 402077. (1800) Over bed wardrobe unit (Littlewoods), new, oak, 10 months old, cost £280, sell for £125. Buyer collects 07786 404627. (1794) Cane conservatory suite, two-seater settee and two chairs £60, buyer collects. Tel 01924 473676. (1797) Nest of medium oak coffee tables, solid wood, in good condition £7. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) TV stand, black glass & chrome, 3 tier 19” high x 23” wide x 16” deep,
good quality £7. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) Three-piece suite in red material, three years old, good condition £500. Tel 01924 448613. (1790) Three-seater settee and two armchairs, in pale green with traditional pattern, goodcondition £100, buyer to collect. Tel 01924 266694. (1787) Solid pine table plus four chairs, measures 90cm (W) x 160cm (L) £100 ono. Tel 01924 671065/ 07787 113980. Buyer collects. (1788) Period writing bureau in dark oak. Drawer, cupboard and writing slope. Drop down lid with key. Nine hatches inside and two drawers. Width 30 inches by height 39 inches. £65 ono. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785) GARDEN Well-rotted horse manure (no straw), five bags £10. Free local delivery. Ring Ken 01924 409540/ 07922 186721. (1814) Two bamboo plants for sale 7ft high in large pots. £20 each. Tel: 07964 607502 (1780). HOUSEHOLD Aluminium two-way combination ladder, hardly used; many different positions, for wide variety of uses £40 (can deliver locally). Tel 07775 774253. (1789) Centre light shade. Two tier opaque glass. Approx 10-inch diameter. No chips or scratches. £15. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785) Inset Ceramic bathroom sink complete with chrome taps £25. Tel 01924 496345. (1781) Mobility walk-in bath complete with taps, very good condition £200. Tel 01924 496345. (1781) MISCELLANEOUS Lightweight, aluminium transit wheelchair, with handle brakes. 20” wide seat, max carry weight 20 stone. Colour two shades grey. Cost new £178, used three times (bought for operation), bargain at £95. Tel 01274 861430
PRICE SYSTEM ITEM bands
Up to £7 £8 - £25 £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus (Gomersal). (1815) Black leather brief case, as brand-new £7. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) Shopping trolley on four wheels. Tartan bag with cover. Aids mobility and balance. £8. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785) MOTORING Space saver wheel, complete with tyre 125/70R 16 and canvas zip bag, never used £75. Tel 01924 454664. (1810) Set of three new genuine Ford Mondeo 2000 on/Ford Focus MkZ 16”
Cost per item
£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11 wheel trim hub caps £8 each or £20 for all three. Tel 07934 603470. (1780) PETS Large dog travel crate in hard-wearing plastic, (L) 29” x (W) 21” x (H) 22” approx. good condition £20. Tel 07934 603470. (1780) SPORTING/ OUTDOOR/ FITNESS Muddy Fox dual suspension bike. Tornado 6 speed 20” x 1.95” wheels. Excellent condition £30. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) BMX Universal bike 14”
6ft snooker/pool table, complete with balls/ cues/triangles etc. £50. Tel 01924 467995. Can deliver. (1828) Olympus 20kg chrome dumbell set, in carrying case, as new £25 ono. Tel 01924 505834. (1822) Roger Black fitness gold, magnetic exercise bike. NB: Argos page 262 No 1, price was £140, now £70. Little used. Tel 01274 861645. (Cleckheaton) (1820) Step aerobic, abs roller, plus various other keepfit items £10. Tel 07806 431728. (1816) Girls/ladies Apollo cycle, 18 gears, front suspension, lights back & front, excellent condition £25. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) Boys’ bike Ridgeback MX 20”, very good condition, front shock absorbers, gears £48. Tel 01924 471481. (1796) Treadmill, like new (Argos own), folds up for storage, no longer used as joined a gym, £45 was £100 new. Tel Julie on 07900 865715
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or 01924 627596. (1782) TOYS AND GAMES Boys bike Sabre GTX, 5 speed. Front wheel 20” x 2.25”, rear 20” x 3” £15. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) Mamas & Papas dolls buggy, excellent condition £25. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) 18 Barbie dolls (inc 4 mermaids) £30. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) Barbie two-tier dolls house; pulls up for storage £10 ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1823) Ikea child’s rocking reindeer. Ideal Xmas present. Good condition, bargain £6 ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1821) Girls’ pink and white Barbie fancy dress, aged four years, with Barbie book, as new. Also girls’ fancy dress, in light mustard/lilac colour, aged four years, with matching powder wrist bag; as new £7 both outfits. Tel 07806 431728. (1821) Six x 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles, new unopened £20. Tel 07934 603470. (1780) Child’s wooden chalet type open plan dolls house with wooden furniture plus four wooden dolls, very good condition £10. Tel 07934 603470. (1780)
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Friday December 18, 2015
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ThePress
Friday December 18, 2015
Signings set to miss Boxing Day friendly By Joe Link Sports Reporter joe@thepressnews.co.uk
DEWSBURY RAMS head coach Glenn Morrison will be without six key players going into the Boxing Day clash against close rivals Batley Bulldogs. The injury list includes Scott Hale (shoulder), Karl Price (bicep), Sam Bates (jaw), Ben Reynolds (shoulder), Tony Tonks (ankle) and Aaron Brown (knee), but despite the setbacks Glenn Morrison is optimistic he can improve his Boxing Day record against the Bulldogs this time around. “We’ve struggled against Batley on Boxing Day since I arrived at Dewsbury, but the good thing is that throughout the regular season when points are up for grabs we have had the upper hand,” said Morrison. “We hope that we can get a win for the fans, it would make their Christmas. “We have been preparing for the game well and I’m happy with how the players have been
performing in training. “The players are eager to kick start our pre-season schedule with a win, as am I, and it would make it even more special that the win would come over Batley. “I’m also excited to see the new signings in action, I’m confident they will offer us a lot, not just on Boxing Day, but during the season.” The Bulldogs under-performed last year, finishing ninth in the Championship table, just four points above the drop, but the Mount Pleasant side have strengthened, bringing in eight new players (one fewer than the Rams) in preparation for 2016. “I expect Batley to come back strong,” added Morrison. “They have a good looking squad and have a very experienced manager in John (Kear). “I’m sure they will be aiming to finish above us this coming season and they will definitely be close challengers to us. “It just makes this Boxing Day game even more important because it will act as a great marker for us and tell us exactly where we are at and what we need to do to improve.”
Glenn Morrison (inset) will have to wait a bit longer before giving new loan signing Ben Reynolds his Rams debut after the half-back picked up a shoulder injury
ThePress
Friday December 18, 2015
Coach Kear to learn from derby BATLEY BULLDOGS head coach John Kear acknowledges that the Boxing Day clash with Dewsbury is just another step towards preparing his team for the start of the 2016 Championship campaign. The Bulldogs underachieved last season and Kear knows improvements have to be made in order to challenge Dewsbury for a place in the Championship Shield play-offs. “We must improve on last season and we can use this Boxing Day clash as a stepping stone for greater things next year,” said Kear. “But having said that I’m well aware about the history of this fixture and how much it means to the fans. “Me and the players will do our best to give the fans something extra to celebrate over Christmas. “We’re confident we can win the game, but for me what I’m most looking forward to is seeing some of our new signings in action and how they gel on the pitch with the guys from last season.”
Dewsbury Rams v Batley Bulldogs At the Tetley’s Stadium Boxing Day (Saturday December 26), 12pm Entry prices – Adults: £15
Students and Over-65s: £11 Under-16s: £2 Referee: Mr T Grant
Some of the Bulldogs’ latest additions include former Rams players Dom Brambani and Patch Walker, who both arrived at Mount Pleasant from Sheffield Eagles in the off-season. “I have high hopes for my squad, they have been impressing me in training and they’ve been working hard,” said Kear. “The new guys seem to have settled in well and I’m sure they will improve the teams performances on the field. “Everyone is eager to get out there and play some rugby again.” Two players who definitely won’t feature on Boxing Day are Sean Hesketh, who is recovering from knee surgery and Chris Ulugia, who is nursing a shoulder injury with family back in New Zealand. “It’s frustrating I have a couple of players out but I’ll still be able to see a large proportion of my squad in action,” added Kear. “Every player will get a stint in at least two of our three preseason games.”
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ThePress
Friday December 18, 2015
Sykes eyes Boxing Day triumph
Paul Sykes in the 2016 Dewsbury Rams home shirt
Coults Est 1930
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WISHING BATLEY BULLDOGS LUCK FOR THE BOXING DAY DERBY & ALL THE BEST FOR THE 2016 SEASON!
DEWSBURY RAMS’ new signing Paul Sykes is relishing the opportunity to play in his first derby match against Batley Bulldogs. The experienced Dewsbury-born fullback or centre has settled in well since joining his hometown club from Featherstone ahead of the 2016 campaign – and he cannot wait to play in his first game for the Rams at the Tetley’s Stadium. “It will be a great experience for me playing against Batley,” said 34-yearold Sykes. “I’ve had an interest in this fixture since I was a boy but I have always had to watch the match from the stands until now. “I would love to be able to mark my debut with a win against our biggest rivals.” Despite the Boxing Day match being classed as a friendly Sykes will not be treating the game in such a manner, and added: “As a player you want to win every game you
play in and you want to play well whether there are points up for grabs or not. “For the fans, bragging rights are at stake, which to them are almost as important as points. “I know Glenn (Morrison) will experiment and try out new things that we have been working on in training, that is what makes him a good manager, he’s always finding new areas where we can improve, but it is up to us players to implement those tactics and techniques in order to win the game for the fans on Boxing Day.” The Heavy Woollen Boxing Day derby always draws in the crowds and the former Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls player is understandably excited. He continued: “It will be a great experience and I expect there to be a real buzz around the ground, it will spur me on and together I’m confident the team can play well together and get a win.”
£ We Buy GOLD $ TOP PRICES PAID!!
YOUTH RUGBY LEAGUE
Maroons reach BARLA Cup final BARLA Yorkshire Cup Dewsbury Moor U18s 28 West Hull U18s
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at Carr Lane DEWSBURY MOOR’S Under-18s have made it to the final of the BARLA Yorkshire Cup following a 28-16 home win over West Hull. Moor signalled their intent from the first whistle when they went on the attack. Caden Wilkinson went over for the game’s first try after strong running from Alex Hollingworth, Cain Crotty and Jacob Cresswell paved the way for him to touch down. Cameron Adleigh goaled. Shortly after Moor went over for another try. This time Dean Carr was the scorer following good play from John Bowness, Tom Kaye and Archie Bruce to put Moor 10-0 in front. But West Hull are always tough opposition and they bounced back with a wellworked try in the corner. A
difficult conversion was added and the visitors were right back in the game at 106. In the second half it wasn’t long before the hosts found themselves trailing. West Hull’s prop forwards’ hard work paid off when they found a gap in the Dewsbury defence and went over for their second try. The goal attempt was successful and West Hull
led 12-10. Moor’s Max Vernon soon put Moor ahead again however, with a clever run which resulted in an impressive try. Vernon also added the extras to make it 16-12. But West Hull never went away and fought hard to the final whistle. They equalised with their third try of the game at 16-16 and was it not for the missed conversion the visitors would have had the lead. But Moor dug deep once more in the closing stages of the game to seal the win. The try came from Cresswell after he forced his way over. Vernon added the extras to make it 22-16. Soon after Vernon kicked a penalty goal which extended Moor’s advantage further. The game was then beyond doubt after Crotty forced his way over for the game’s final try which sealed an impressive win for the home side. Moor have booked their place in next month’s final at the South Leeds Stadium, where they will meet either Skirlaugh or Farnley Falcons.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Ossett Town go top OSSETT TOWN manager Dan Robinson can go into the Christmas break feeling very pleased with his team, and himself, after a 4-2 win over Bradford Park Avenue on an artificial pitch in Thornton took them to the top of the West Riding Women’s League Premier Division. With the weekend weather once again decimating fixtures across the district Robinson was
pleased to see his game go ahead, but Town had far from an easy passage against an Avenue side who have had so little game time this season. Town went in front twice in the first half, Danielle Sidebottom and Caroline Omboyi scoring, but Avenue hit back each time to level at the break. A draw looked increasingly likely as the half wore on but with just a minute to go Chloe Holt and Sidebottom each
found the net to secure the points. With no games involving the district’s women’s teams in either the West Riding County League or the North East Regional League managers and coaches have little to concern them other than their players overdoing the seasonal celebrations. This is a particular consideration for Town, rivals Albion, whose County Cup tie at Brighouse
Athletic was postponed for the fifth successive week, Battyeford Belles, chasing promotion from the First Division, and Dewsbury Rangers, who are enjoying an encouraging season in the West Riding Third Division. Battyeford were denied their chance to close the gap on leaders Bradford City last weekend when their fixture also fell foul of the weather.
DEWSBURY RAMS CAR BOOT EVERY SUNDAY CLECKHEATON CRICKET CENTRAL ARCADE Excitement builds after cricket draw NOW OPEN For more details contact Andrew Farrow on
07980 767167 Official foreign currency supplier to Dewsbury Rams GOOD LUCK TO BOTH DEWSBURY RAMS & BATLEY BULLDOGS IN THE BOXING DAY DERBY
THE DRAWS for the district’s senior cricket competitions were made recently, and an interesting new adventure awaits last season’s Central Yorkshire League Premier Division clubs as they prepare to face completely new opponents. The merger with the Bradford League sees the likes of Liversedge, Ossett, Hopton Mills and Batley taking part in the 111-year-old Priestley Cup competition for the first time. As it happens Hopton Mills actually play Batley in the first round, on May 1, and Ossett are at Wrenthorpe, as old CYL rivalries are renewed. But in the second round, on May 15, Birstall will go to Baildon, Altofts are at home to Cleckheaton, Carlton entertain Spen Victoria and East Bierley go to Methley. However, there will be huge interest in this draw at Liversedge as the newcomers go to cup holders Bradford and Bingley hoping to produce the biggest upset the competition has seen in years. Amongst the other ties there is an all-Premier
Division clash between Pudsey Congs and Hanging Heaton while Gomersal are at Windhill in an allChampionship tie. Hartshead Moor are at Lightcliffe, Scholes are at Morley, Hopton Mills or Batley will be at home to Saltaire, and the winners of the Wrenthorpe v Ossett game will be at Hunslet Nelson or Brighouse. These changes mean that the Jack Hampshire Trophy, now only for Conference sides, could have a new name on it next season. Among the first round ties ,former CYL clubs knocked out in the first round of the Priestley Cup will get a chance to play in the Jack Hampshire. This means Batley or Hopton Mills will go to Heckmondwike and Carlinghow, while Wrenthorpe or Ossett will entertain Wakefield St Michael’s. Crossbank at Gildersome is the other tie involving one of the district’s clubs. These first round games will be played on Sunday, May 22.
ThePress
Friday December 18, 2015
23
RUGBY LEAGUE
Brave Celtic teen Ben loses battle with cancer DEWSBURY CELTIC youngster Ben Restall has died aged just 17, following a battle with bone cancer. Ben, who played prop, was diagnosed with the illness in March this year and as news spread of the Celtic player’s condition, a flurry of fundraising events were planned and hosted, including one by St Helens player Alex Walmsley, who also played for Celtic as a junior. Ben’s father David, who described his son as ‘happy go lucky’, said: “We would like to thank everyone who has offered their help and support to Ben and our family as a whole. “Especially Dewsbury Celtic, but also the charity Friends In Deed who have been great providing Ben with what he needed, making his life this year as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible. “They also hosted a dance fundraising event which we really appreciated, their efforts helped pay for Ben a new shower room on the first floor which was much more accessible for him. “Ben was a great boy and we will
miss him so much, but it is a special feeling to know Ben was loved by so many others as well.” Ben attended St John Fisher High School and had just started sixth form there, studying A-Levels as he continued to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. “The school have been great with Ben during this difficult year and he liked it there and he made some very close friends along the way who are all very upset at the news,” said David. Ben’s funeral will take place on Tuesday December 22 at St Paulinus RC Church, and everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate Ben’s life. Dress code for men is a white shirt with green tie in honour of Ben’s Dewsbury Celtic connections. The Restall family have requested that donations be made to Friends In Deed. A tray will be placed at the back of the church, alternatively donations can be given to committee members or be left behind the bar at the Dewsbury Irish Nash marked ‘In Memory of Ben Restall’.
Ben Restall (back, third from right) won many matches and tournaments alongside his Celtic teammates and his efforts earned him the player of the year award in 2013
GOLF
JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE
Dewsbury Golf Club honour Hirst for his 40-year service
WARRIORS’ AWARDS BASH
NIGEL HIRST is celebrating 40 years as a professional at Dewsbury District Golf Club. Known as one of the region’s most endearing professionals, Hirst has been presented with an engraved cut glass memento and a caricature at an event to mark the occasion. Hirst, who lives down the road from his beloved golf club in Hopton, began his career as assistant pro at Woodsome Hall and later went on to become the country’s youngest club professional at Halifax Ogden. Although he is now 61, Hirst is understandably proud that he can still mix it with the younger players on the course. Last year Hirst won the Huddersfield Golf Alliance’s Page Trophy, beating his assistant and latest protege James Ward into second place. “I was really proud of myself. It was a 36-hole event and my wife asked if I was really up to two rounds in one day at Crosland Heath,” said Hirst. “I first won the event in 1972 so to beat some good young guys to pick up the title 43 years on was a bit special. “It was a big thing for me to know that I can still
Nigel Hirst was awarded with an engraved cut glass trophy as a tribute of his dedication to Dewsbury Golf Club compete at that level. I’m still playing and practising as much as possible.” Unlike some professionals, Hirst, who was captain of the Yorkshire Professional Golfers Association in 1989 and president in 1991, is always keen to get out and play. He added: “The playing side has always been very important to my business as I have met a lot of people over the years and built up some very loyal cus-
tomers.” And 40 years on Hirst’s enthusiasm for the game and his job remains as great as ever. “It will be more of the same for me for a few years more hopefully and I will still be working as hard as ever and looking after my customers,” he added. “I absolutely still have the enthusiasm for the job. Things are always changing and you have to stay ahead of the game.”
One of Hirst’s proudest achievements involved the completion of Dewsbury’s new clubhouse. He instrumental in pushing for the project, which was built at a cost of £750,000 back in 2002, but Hirst believes the money was well spent. The Dewsbury pro believes the state of the art clubhouse was the biggest and most important change during his tenure as professional at Dewsbury. “The new clubhouse really put the club on the map and allowed us to be one of the first golf clubs to really tap in to the non-golf market,” said Hirst “With two bars on two floors we can really maximise the revenue in the clubhouse whilst still keeping our members happy. “A more traditional clubhouse with just one bar full of golfers makes it difficult to attract the corporate business that is out there, and we are always busy with a range of functions which have put us in a healthy position and allowed us to re-invest in the course and facilities. “This additional source of income has helped the club ride out the challenging times golf as a sport has endured over the past few years.”
Thornhill Trojans Warriors Under-10s pictured at their awards ceremony THORNHILL TROJANS Warriors Under-10s hosted their end-ofseason presentation evening to celebrate the team’s achievements throughout 2015. Felix Ellis and and Connor Hickling shared the players’ player of the year award. But Hickling also bagged himself the parents’ player of the year honours. The most improved accolade went to Henri Wood and Kye Hodgson collected the boy of steel award.
Rising star was Bailey Lee and club man of the year was Oliver Brown. Finlay Ratcliffe bagged himself the coaches’ player of the year honours. New players are always welcome for the 2016 season. If you are interested or want to find out more contact Rachel on 07745 722347. Training sessions will continue to take place on Monday evenings as the Warriors prepare for 2016.
HEAVY WOOLLEN FOOTBALL
Liversedge FC go joint third ONLY TWO games survived the wet weather last week in the Heavy Woollen Sunday League, both of which were in Division One. FC Liversedge remain in fourth place after Danny Stocks fired a hat-trick in a 5-1 win at seventh-placed Punch Bowl. Lee McKeown and Mark Wigley bagged the others, with Josh Wood hit-
ting Punch Bowl’s consolation. And in the other fixture Gareth Jones fired a brace as Scholes Athletic won 4-2 at Batley Celtics to stay in fifth spot. Jonny Irving and Mick Hutton were also on the scoresheet for Scholes, with Rafal Siudak and David Bennington replying for Celtics. Batley are now eighth after the defeat.
Three-page Boxing Day derby special inside
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‘DOGS ARE GETTING SHIRTY!
Keegan stays as skipper IT HAS been confirmed that Keegan Hirst will continue as captain of Batley Bulldogs throughout 2016.
New Batley Bulldogs signings Chris Ulugia and Danny Cowling pose in the new 2016 home and away shirts
And head coach John Kear admits the decision was an easy one. “Keegan was arguably our best player last year and he proved himself as a great leader,” said Kear. “He was joint captain last year but was excellent in the role and now he will be there leading the players on the pitch to much greater things in 2016.” In other newa at Mount Pleasant, new loanee signing Chris Ulugia is in New Zealand with his family recuperating from a shoulder injury. This comes a week after Batley were declined a visa by the RFL, which meant they could not sign the centre on permanent deal, with Ulugia remaining on the books at Bradford Bulls. “It was disappointing that we couldn’t bring Ulugia to Batley
on a permanent deal,” said Kear. “We thought we had done enough to be granted a visa but it wasn’t to be. “However I would like to thank Bradford for their support and allowing us to sign Chris on another loan deal which states he can’t be recalled throughout next year and can also play against Bradford when the sides meet.” Meanwhile new club ‘ambassador’ Danny Maun has been keeping busy in the build-up to Christmas. Former Batley fans’ favourite Maun has been picking up tips from high-profile figures at Leeds Rhinos this week in order to come up with new ideas on how to make Batley more profitable, through new sponsors and by also improving the matchday experience for fans. New sponsors so far include Zucchini’s Restaurant, Birstall’s Priestley’s Bar, Projex Solutions of Brighouse and Danny Thomas’ T3 Wellbeing Centre on Bradford Road.
Yorkshire Building Services Albion cement and Rams construct new deal play-off place DEWSBURY RAMS have agreed a new and improved two-year shirt sponsorship deal with Yorkshire Building Services. It is a boost to the club finances and comes on the back of a number of other recently confirmed new partnerships. Rams chairman Mark Sawyer said: “We are delighted to have agreed a new and extended deal with Yorkshire Building Services to continue as our shirt sponsors for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. “The company have provided us with some great support over a number of seasons and I would personally like to thank Andy Sutcliffe for helping us out not just as shirt sponsors but in a number of different ways
when we were in particular need of support. “Yorkshire Building Services continue to go from strength to strength as a company and we are extremely proud to be associated with them and we hope that both YBS and the Rams enjoy a successful future together.” Elsewhere, the Dewsbury club have donated a signed shirt to help raise funds for the Cumbrian flood victims. Organiser Tony Harrison said he was “overwhelmed by the generosity” of not just Dewsbury Rams but all of the rugby league family, from Super League to League One. Donated items are being auctioned on eBay.
OSSETT ALBION climbed to fourth in the Evo-Stik First Division North table after a 21 away win at Scarborough Athletic. Albion squandered early chances to take the lead, but in the 25th minute they went ahead. Luke Porritt’s cross was spilled by the keeper for Nicky Matthews to steer home. But in the second half, for-
mer Albion player Tom Corner fired the hosts level after a period of sustained pressure which put Albion on the back foot. But the away side showed determination to the very end of the game. Their efforts paid off when a 25-yard volley from Rikki Paylor found the top corner in the 95th minute to earn the visitors all three points to climb the table.