Dewsbury press 9th jan

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Friday January 8, 2016

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No. 719 50p

OUR HOSPITAL BOSS LANDS NEW JOB ... BUT STAYS ON AT MID YORKSHIRE...

HOSPITAL boss Stephen Eames is to take up a new role in Cumbria for three days a week.

Trust chief executive Stephen Eames

But Mr Eames will remain as chief executive of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust under the 12-month deal.

Other members of the trust board will fill in for him on the days when he is away.

These include deputy chief exectutive and acting chief nurse David Melia and medical director Dr Karen Stone.

The Press understands that Mr Eames will still be accountable for any decisions made in his absence.

Yesterday (Thurs) Mid Yorkshire were unable to say whether Mr Eames will definitively leave the

trust at the end of the 12-month arrangement.

His role at the North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, which starts on Monday, is titled ‘interim chief executive’ and will be reviewed in March.

Mr Eames has been hired to tackle “long-standing performance and financial issues”.

A Mid Yorkshire spokesman said: “Senior people will be put in place at both organisations for the days when he’s not there.”

Stephen Eames said: “I have thought long and hard about making this change.

“However I feel I must support the wider NHS in taking up this very challenging role in Cumbria.”

...as MP attacks plans for Dewsbury downgrade and urges...

DON’T RUSH IT!

COMMUNITY care is not ready to take the strain of cuts to Dewsbury District Hospital’s A&E department, an MP said.

Paula Sherriff (Lab, Dewsbury and Mirfield) made the claim as she hit out over plans to bring forward the hospital’s downgrade by about six months.

A&E was to be reduced to a minor injuries unit in spring 2017 – but it could now be as early as September this year.

The Trust Development Authority, which oversees health trusts in England, was due to discuss the proposal yesterday (Thursday).

And today (Friday) the joint Kirklees Council and Wakefield Council Health Scrutiny Committee was set to debate the issue at Dewsbury Town Hall.

Miss Sherriff, meanwhile, accused the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust of a string of broken promises.

The spring 2017 move would previously only have been given the goahead if a new community care scheme had been shown to work.

Known as Care Closer to Home, the expanded service began a phased roll-out just three months ago under Batley-based contractor Locala.

Reconfiguration means the transfer of critical care services from Dewsbury to Pinderfields Hospital.

Extracts from Dewsbury & Mirfield MP Paula Sherriff’s letter to Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Stephen Eames

“You have said repeatedly over the last two years that the reconfiguration would not take place until the Care Closer to Home proposals were in place and had been proven a success.

“The Care Closer to Home contract is very much in its infancy and there is no sustainable evidence to show that it will relieve hospital pressures, a vital component in the decision to remove services from Dewsbury and District Hospital.

“I have grave concerns regarding

bringing forward reconfiguration.

You had a clear, established timeframe for this and your decision brings forward only one aspect of the proposals and could potentially lead to patients in Dewsbury and surrounding areas being unable to access vital medical services.”

Miss Sherriff, who is on the parliamentary health select committee, asked Mr Eames to work closely with her on any transition arrangements.

“My request is borne of a slight

frustration and I feel that there have been issues that I feel have not been handled well by yourself and your colleagues, not least the disabled parking charges that you implemented with very little notice and then subsequently reneged on a promise to review the decision at a trust board meeting.

“I sincerely hope that we can find a more productive way to move forward with a much more open and honest two-way relationship.”

Continued on Page 4

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Deaths BENNETT JOHN On 3 January, aged 70, of Heckmondwike, formerly of Batley. Husband of Val. Service

Friday January 8, 2015

at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 21 January at 12.30pm.

BINKS JEFFREY On 1 January, aged 84, of

Liversedge. Husband of Dorothy.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 12 January at 1.15pm.

COOPER GORDON LAMONT On 31 December, of Hightown, aged 61. Husband of Mary.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 13 January at 12.30pm.

DRANSFIELD DAVID On 27 December, aged 85, of Gomersal. Service at Grove U R Church on Tuesday 12 January at 11.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.

ENDERSBY IRENE MAY On 3 January, of Mirfield, aged 93. Wife of the late Arthur.

Service at St Mary’s Church, Mirfield on Monday 11 January at 1pm, followed by interment in the churchyard.

FAWCETT MOLLY On 18 December, aged 85, of Liversedge. Wife of the late Don. Service takes place at Christ Church, Staincliffe, on Friday 15

January at 1.45pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

FIRTH BRIAN On 29 December, of Scout Hill, aged 69. Husband of Collette.

Service at Dewsbury Minster, Monday 18 January at 1.30pm, followed by private committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

FISHER ARTHUR IVINSON On 4 January, of Scout Hill, aged 90. Husband of the late Lillian.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 14 January at 10am.

GILL WILFRED ‘WILF’ On 23 December, husband of Valerie. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 12 January at 2pm.

GOODWIN NEE PARKINSON LESLEY KAREN On 5 January, aged 54, of Mirfield. Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd. Tel 01924 454476.

HARDCASTLE PAT On 3 January, aged 94, formerly of Cleckheaton. Wife of the late Wilf. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 20 January at 11.15am.

HARDING HERBERT On 26 December, formerly of Heckmondwike. Husband of Glenn. Graveside service takes place in Heckmondwike Cemetery, Monday 11 January at 2.30pm.

HUGHES JACK On 24 December, formerly of Liversedge and Dewsbury, aged 80. Husband of the late Jean.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 13 January at 10.30am.

HUNNEYBELL EDNA On 3 January, aged 99, of Liversedge. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 18 January at 10.30am.

JESSOP GLADYS JOYCE On 29 December, aged 84, of Liversedge. Wife of Reg. Service

David Butterfield INDEPENDENT FAMILY

and committal at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 13 January at 3.15pm.

of Peter. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 15 January at 10.30am.

KIRK NEE FARRINGTON SHEILA On 30 December, formerly of Staincliffe, aged 86. Wife of the late Henry (Harry). Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 15 January at 1.15pm.

SCHOFIELD LAWRENCE (LAURIE) On Tuesday 29 December, aged 81, of Mirfield. Husband of the late Mary. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Friday 15 January at 10.30am.

MARSDEN (MAZA) DAVID HENRY On 28 December, aged 66.

Devoted husband of Denise.

Service at St Saviour’s Church, Brownhill, Tuesday 12 January at 11.130am, followed by private interment in Batley Cemetery.

NUTTON PAUL ANDREW On 25 December, aged 50.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 11 January at 2pm.

O’SHEA TERRY On 30 December, of Dewsbury, aged 62. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 14 January at 3.15pm.

PLATTS FRANCES THERESA On 25 December, aged 84, of Heckmondwike, formerly of Birstall. Wife of the late Alan.

Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Church, Batley on Thursday 14 January at 12.45pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

RIGG NEE WILKINSON MAUREEN On 31 December, aged 73. Wife

SENIOR NEE HIRSCHMULLER MOIRA On 29 December, aged 60. Wife of Dennis. Service at St Paulinus RC Church, Monday 18 January at 11.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.

SINCLAIR BILLY On 1 January, of Batley Carr, aged 80. Husband of Lena.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 20 January at 12.30pm.

VAINES DAVID WILLIAM “BILL” On 29 December. Husband of the late Carol. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 14 January at 11.15am.

WIPER NEE JESSOP DOROTHY On 31 December, at Fieldhead Court,Thornhill, aged 94. Wife of the late Irving. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 13 January at 1.15pm.

YATES PENELOPE JAYNE NEE SHEARD On 25 December, aged 57. Wife of David. Service and cremation at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 13 January at 2pm.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

Acknowledgement

HELLEWELL Christine -- • --

Michael, Samantha, Brian and family would like to convey their thanks to all relatives, friends, neighbours, committee and members of Old Bank WMC especially Andy & Jo for the kind expressions of sympathy, flowers, cards and donations for the benefit of Kirkwood Hospice received following the sudden sad loss of a loving Wife, Mum and Nana.

Thanks also to the Ambulance Service and Paramedic, staff of Ward 6 DDH, Ward 11 at Pinderfields and Mirfield Health Centre for their care, to Mr S Paterson for his visit and comfort at the ceremony and to Helen and staff of George Brooke Ltd for efficient funeral arrangements.

In Memory

FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND MONUMENTAL MASONS Proudly serving this area for 50 years

JENKINSON Eileen

(nee Wilkinson) -- • -1937 - 2005

Simple, Modern, Traditional, Bespoke, Pre arrangement funeral specialists

Award-Winning Yorkshire & East Lancashire Regional Funeral Planner Of The Year 2015

TURNER TERESA On 31 December, aged 76. Wife of the late Joe. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 19 January at 12.30pm.

Always missed by David & all the family

FULLY GUARANTEED FUNERAL

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Friday January 8, 2016 Issue No: 719

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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 January 8, 2015

Dinner lady Gaynor, 75, wins New Year honour

Spate of car thefts starts in Gomersal

BEM reward after working 43 years at Ravensthorpe school

By David Miller A DINNER lady has been honoured after working at the same Ravensthorpe school for 43 years.

Gaynor Clegg was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s Honours List for services to education.

The 75-year-old started at Ravensthorpe Junior School on Myrtle Road on October 2, 1972.

In that time she has raised about £23,000 for school funds and is now looking after the children of youngsters she cared for decades ago.

Mrs Clegg, a mother of three, ran the school breakfast club for nine years and was also a cleaner. She still runs the tuck shop and is involved at school sports days and parents’ evenings.

Mrs Clegg has no plans for retirement despite being on the verge of her second knee replacement operation.

She said: “I do it because I love it. I get a buzz every time I go through the gates – everybody knows I’m potty about the school.

“I do it for the children,

not accolades. But the nomination was wonderful. I never thought in my wildest dreams that something like this would happen.”

Mrs Clegg knows the secret to her success and said: “I’m strict. I’m no ‘Earth Mother’ and they all know it. But I love the bairns and I love Ravey. We get a lot of knocks here but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Her sons Darren and Dean and daughter Dawn are all former pupils at the school, which was rated “good” across the board by Ofsted in May, 2012. Darren and Dean are now headteachers, while Dawn is a nurse at the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

Mrs Clegg, who has eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, still works at the school five days a week. She was sworn to secrecy about the honour and could not even tell her husband of 55 years, retired electrician Jeffrey, 84.

The couple lived at Nab Lane, Mirfield until their marriage in 1960 and a move to Field Lane, Ravensthorpe, where they still reside.

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the letter,” she said.

Well done ... Ravensthorpe Junior School pupils produced their own tribute to Gaynor

HIGH-PERFORMANCE cars have been stolen in a string of violent robberies which began in Gomersal.

A VW Golf GTI was taken from Woodlands Crescent at around 6.40pm on Monday after a 42-year-old man was threatened with a knife.

The victim was forced to the floor in an incident which saw his glasses and mobile phone damaged.

It is believed the knife-wielding robber, who demanded the victim hand over his car keys, had three accomplices.

He is about 6ft tall, of slim to medium build, wore a red face covering and spoke with a Yorkshire accent.

The robber got into the Golf, registration B2 SKP, with one of his accomplices and drove off.

Two other men, wearing dark clothes and hooded tops similar to those of the other robber, fled in another vehicle.

Five more raids took place later that night and on Tuesday across West Yorkshire.

In one incident in Bradford a victim was threatened with a screwdriver and then punched. Cars stolen include a silver Mercedes Benz E250 and A200 models, a black Audi A4 estate and an Audi Q7.

Det chief insp Gary Hooks said the incidents are being linked due to their similarities.

He added: “A team of specialist detectives is investigating these under one large-scale inquiry.

“Enquiries are at an early stage with regard to who the suspects might be and any vehicles which may have been used.

“The level of violence used in these offences is clearly of concern and we are committed to keeping the public safe.”

Anyone with information can call Bradford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“But I had to keep it quiet and couldn’t tell a soul.

“I finally had to tell Jeffrey on Sunday. He didn’t know what to say but then he is a bit quiet.

“I’m the loud one. That’s what happens when you have to raise your voice to be heard above all the kids.”

• Headteacher Neil Clephan, of Upper Batley, received an OBE for services to education. He has led an outstanding-rated school in Leeds for nearly 20 years and is a governor at the University of Leeds.

“I do it for the children, not accolades. But the nomination was wonderful. I never thought something like this would happen.”

“Bath out shower in”

Frontier assault BATLEY: A teenager had his jaw broken in an assault outside the Frontier nightclub.

The 17-year-old male was waiting for a taxi with a friend on Bradford Road when the attack happened.

An unknown man came up and punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.

The assailant is white, aged about 19, 6ft tall and stocky, with fair, spikey hair. He was wearing a black bomber jacket and blue jeans.

The incident happened at around 3.45am on December 13. Witnesses can call Kirklees CID on 101.

Table top sale at centre OSSETT: An indoor car boot sale takes place at the community centre on Prospect Road next month.

Organised by the Ossett and Gawthorpe Labour Party, the event is from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday February 6.

Entry is 50p, which incudes a cup of tea or coffee and biscuit. Bacon butties will also be available. Table hire is £7 and can be booked by calling 01924 263618 (voicemail) or email ossettwe-carboot@yahoo.co.uk.

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ThePress

DEWSBURY HOSPITAL NEWS ROUND-UP

Friday January 8, 2016

Hospital will handlechange says report NEW ways of working will help Dewsbury District Hospital cope once A&E has been downgraded, councillors are to be told.

A web of structures is detailed in a report for the joint Kirklees Council and Wakefield Council health scrutiny committee meeting today (Friday).

Figures show that a type of triage system called Ambulatory Emergency Care (AEC) is cutting hospital admissions. This is where some patients attending A&E are treated and discharged on the same day.

From December, 2014, to November, 2015, 7,117 such cases were handled by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust. Of these 568 people had to be admitted later, saving 4,718 and 1,831 bed days at Pinderfields and Dewsbury hospitals respectively. The report said the figures are higher than those predicted in the business case for downgrading Dewsbury’s A&E. The extension of the AEC system at the Staincliffe site was delayed due to difficulties in recruiting nurses. Staff have now been recruited to training posts and the service will now be extended from April.

AEC at Pinderfields was extended to 8am-8pm on weekdays and 9am5pm on weekends from April last year.

The report said: “The Dewsbury

service has the potential to further reduce admissions in core hours...

“A phased programme to increase the operational hours will also start in the New Year.

“In the meantime, access to the weekend service provided at Pinderfields Hospital has been extended to GPs in North Kirklees.”

In addition to AEC, there is a pilot rapid assessment scheme for elderly people attending A&E. Starting at Pinderfields in April last year, this has so far resulted in 13,000 fewer admissions, a saving of 41 bed days.

The service, which runs 12 hours a day, seven days a week, may be brought over to Dewsbury.

Extra support for hospices and patients with respiratory and heart problems are also designed to reduce hospital admissions.

Overlaying these activities is Care Closer to Home, the expanded community care service run by Locala.

The report said: “The new community model will have a positive impact on reducing attendances, admissions and length of stay...

“Whilst the benefits of this service were not considered as part of the Meeting the Challenge business case, additional benefits will be quantified by March, 2016, and will support the final stage of acute bed reductions and reconfiguration of acute services.”

Waiting times ‘will only get worse’, says MP

Hospital cafe volunteers, from left, Janet Moore, Barbara Pickles and Diane Willis

Volunteers needed to save ‘quiet haven’ cafes VOLUNTEERS are wanted to serve customers at Dewsbury District Hospital’s two cafes.

It is feared the cafes, in the Bronte Tower and Ridings building, may close unless people come forward.

Cash raised is used to buy equipment such as wheelchairs, beds and pressure monitors.

The cafes have another role in offering patients, visitors and staff a ‘quiet haven’ for refreshments.

Current volunteers include Barbara Pickles, 65, who joined two years ago after being wid-

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owed. She said: “Sometimes people come into the hospital feeling really low and perhaps lonely. But a drink and a kind word helps – and a smile from a volunteer can make all the difference.”

Fellow volunteer Diane Willis, 62, a former hospital worker from Mirfield, said her work gives her a sense of fulfilment.

“When I worked in the outpatients department in Dewsbury, I knew how much volunteers mattered and what a contribution I could make,” she said.

Volunteers also perform

other roles, such as acting as hospital guides and offering chaplaincy.

Vikki Padgett, voluntary services manager, said: “Our volunteers perform a vital service that is not restricted to weekdays and daylight hours.

“We want to be there for our visitors, patients and staff when they need us and that takes commitment.

“But what you put into volunteering, you get back in spades.”

Anyone interested can email volunteer@midyorks.nhs.uk or call 01924 543451

Hunt urged to step in HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt should reverse controversial A&E cuts if the new system does not work.

That’s Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox's view of plans to bring forward changes to Dewsbury District Hospital.

Mrs Cox raised the matter with Mr Hunt in parliament on Tuesday and asked for a meeting with him.

The A&E department could be reduced to a minor injuries unit in September instead of by spring next year.

It comes after services were branded unsafe by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Mrs Cox said: “The Mid Yorkshire trust plans to bring forward the downgrade of Dewsbury District Hospital’s A&E after yet more criticism from the CQC. “This is less than a year since we learned that Dewsbury had been carrying the burden when Pinderfields A&E couldn’t cope or was closed to ambulances dealing with 999 calls.

“There is great concern and nervousness about the downgrade at this time and the confidence that this will work is low.

“If this does not work I want the health secretary to pledge to step in and order the downgrade of our hospital to be reversed.”

THE A&E downgrade will only worsen waiting time delays, Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox claims.

Her staff used NHS England figures to show that the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is routinely missing targets.

From November, 2014, to October, 2015, between 93 per cent and 82.7 per cent of A&E patients were seen within four hours. This is against a target of 95 per cent – and the figure of 82.7 per cent, from October last year, made it the eighth-worst performing trust in England.

Mrs Cox branded Mid Yorkshire’s failure to meet waiting time targets a “recurring problem” and added: “Our A&E is clearly struggling to cope with the demands placed on it and it is very worrying that we have not seen significant improvements.

“I fear that the planned reconfiguration of A&E and the downgrade at Dewsbury will worsen this situation, not improve it.”

Mrs Cox accused the Government of not being on the ball.

She added: “The government should spend less time cutting funding and waging war on our medical professionals and more time making sure patients can access the kind of care they need and that the NHS and social care has the investment needed to meet modern demands.”

Don’t rush downgrade, pleads Sherriff Continued from Page 1

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To create room at Pinderfields, outpatient surgical specialities will move from there to Dewsbury.

Mid Yorkshire wants to accelerate the timetable partly due to being rated “inadequate” for safe services.

Last month, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found the Trust sometimes does not meet a nurses-to-beds ratio of one to eight.

Mid Yorkshire's cuts involve a net loss of 165 beds – 44 in April last year, 41 this April and 80 more in September.

A report for councillors on the joint health scrutiny committee said: “There is a risk that a protracted transition creates instability and anxiety in the workforce which may result in staff seeking employment elsewhere and could exacerbate staff short-

ages. There is potential that if the programme is not completed the national drive for consolidation and specialisation could jeopardise the existing plans.

“Completing the programme sooner could, therefore, provide greater security for the future of Dewsbury Hospital as a vibrant local health resource.”

It added that earlier implementation of the plans would save Mid Yorkshire £10m a year.

Last month the Trust forecast a financial deficit of £21.3m for 2015/16 – £6.5m higher than planned.

Mr Eames said the North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) was asked for its views.

He said: “There is agreement in principle that the benefits that could be derived in terms of clinical safety by better deployment of existing

workforce would justify delivering full reconfiguration in summer 2016.”

Meanwhile, acting chief nurse David Melia said new guidance was issued about the nurse-to-beds ratio in October.

It came in a letter from the CQC, the chief nurse for England, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and NHS Improvement.

Mr Melia said: “Rather than use a predetermined ratio, such as 1:8, trusts would be expected to adopt a more pragmatic approach to providing safe and effective staffing ratios based on best practice and clinical requirements.

“To this end, Mid Yorkshire is initiating a series of reviews of its nursing workforce to ensure this is achieved. We will continue to use this approach throughout the reconfiguration.”

ThePress

Friday January 8, 2016

Prized collection of vintage motorbikes stolen VINTAGE motorbikes worth tens of thousands of pounds were stolen from a Batley dealership over Christmas.

Raiders cut a hole in the side of a corrugated storeroom at Padgett’s Motorcycles on Bradford Road.

The break-in happened

sometime between 6pm on December 20 and 3.30pm on Monday, January 4.

Six machines, all part of company founder Peter Padgett’s personal collection, were stolen.

It is believed four suspects armed with wire cutters were involved and drove off in a white van.

Probe into care home death of soccer fire hero David

The bikes stolen are: • A white Yamaha RD 250cc from 1976 with “Kenny Roberts Speeds Block” in red on the tank; • An orange and black Yamaha YR5 made in 1971; • A blue and white Vespa scooter from the 1960s; • A purple Ariel Square

4, made in 1954; • A Yamaha DT100 with a white fuel tank made between 1976 and 1978; • A BSA Gold Flash made between 1950 and 1960.

Mr Padgett’s granddaughter Fiona Padgett said: “Grandad is devastated by the loss of these

machines. They’ve been a big part of his life.

“Let’s try and put a smile on his face and find the thieves responsible and recover his motorcycles.”

Anyone with information can call Kirklees CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Want to earnf a minimum or? £8.25 per hou Then get involved in Huddersfield Trade Union Council’s ‘Make Kirklees a Living Wage Borough’ Public meeting

7.00pm on Thursday 14th January 2016 at the Methodist Mission, 3-13 Lord Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1QA Speakers: Paula Sherriff (MP for Dewsbury) Ronnie Draper (Bakers’ Union General Secretary) Paul Holmes (Joint Trade Union Secretary, Kirklees Council) Councillor Graham Turner (Cabinet Member, Kirklees Council)

ALL WELCOME

Man stole TVs from ex-partner’s home BATLEY: A man stole two TVs from his former partner’s home while she was out.

James Chatham, 25, let himself into the address on Centenary Way between December 1 and December 6 with keys he had not returned.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that Chatham, of Thirlmere Road, Dewsbury, sold the TVs to buy alcohol. He admitted burglary but sentencing was adjourned until Wednesday, January 27.

Harassment charge BATLEY: A warrant was issued for the arrest of a man accused of harassing a woman by making calls and texts when she was at work.

Ian Lomax, 32, of Roman Road, who is said to have committed the offences from July to November, faces a charge of pursuing a course of conduct amounting to harassment. He was due to appear at Kirklees Magistrates' Court on December 30 but failed to attend.

Wounding arrest

By Steve Martyn AN INVESTIGATION is under way into the death at a Heckmondwike care home of a pensioner who was a hero of the Bradford City fire disaster in 1985.

David Hustler, 76, died at Meadow Green on Dale Lane at the end October after a short “unexpected” illness. Police and council chiefs are looking into concerns raised by Mr Hustler’s family about his care.

Kirklees launched a safeguarding inquiry at the home, which is owned by the council but operated by Widnes-based Community Integrated Care.

Police have interviewed staff at Meadow Green, where Mr Hustler had lived since January, 2014.

Mr Hustler, below, who had vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal after suffering burns as he rescued two people from the blazing main stand at Bradford City’s Valley Parade ground.

Mr Hustler, formerly of Shipley, who later raised funds for the burns research unit and volunteered with a special needs group, died at Dewsbury Hospital.

His funeral today (Friday) was due to be attended by the Mayor of Bradford and one of those he rescued, Matthew Wildman, now 48.

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Hustler’s family at this sad time.”

Det Supt Simon Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “We are trying to establish if there is a link between Mr Hustler’s death and the care he was receiving.”

Mr Hustler’s son Simon said: “His experience of the Bradford City fire probably helped him to appreciate life so much more.

“He was a generous, fun-loving person who was well liked by everyone whose lives he touched.”

News in Brief

MIRFIELD: A man suffered serious head injuries in an incident outside the Shoulder of Mutton pub.

The man, aged 26, of Savile Town, left the pub shortly after 10.30pm on New Year’s Day and was hurt in an incident with a VW Golf. The driver, a 19-year-old man from Liversedge, was arrested on suspicion of wounding. The injured man required surgery at Leeds General Infirmary and is in a serious but stable condition.

Anyone with information can call Det Insp Ian Thornes at Kirklees CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cheque mates, from left, Lyndsey Richardson and Jackie and Darren Brooke and Peter Morgan (aka Max Lemon) COMEDIAN Max Lemon has raised £12,000 for Kirkwood Hospice in just eight months.

He handed a cheque to hospice fundraiser Lyndsey Richardson and was accompanied by Jackie and Darren Brooke, who hosted his show at their home on Boathouse Lane, Mirfield, which raised £3,200.

Max, the alter ego of salesman Peter Morgan, began his fundraising with a skydive in April.

He hopes to gen-

erate £100,000 for the hospice in memory of his late wife Jackie.

Peter, a comedy circuit regular in the 1980s and 90s, brought Max Lemon out of retirement for his fundraising.

He performed shows across the district at venues such as St Mary’s Social Club in Batley.

Max, aka Peter, wants to thank all those who helped, including Jackie and Darren, Katy Bowyer, Cheryl Tyler and Joanna Smith.

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Friday January 8, 2016

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

Floods really are man-made disaster RITONS being natural pessimists where the weather is concerned, I doubt that anyone is currently contemplating a six-week heatwave through March and April.

No, I don’t have inside information, and I wouldn’t believe such a prediction if the Met Office swore it on a stack of bibles, but bear with me.

Despite the wettest month almost literally since Noah built his Ark, in the event of a prolonged dry spell you can bet your bottom dollar that we would face hosepipe bans and dire warnings of standpipes on street corners.

Sympathies go out to all of the householders and businesses facing ruin in some cases because of the incessant floods. I imagine they would be fit to be tied if a few months hence they were told we had a water shortage.

For once I’m inclined to

B

Sir Philip Dilley – no, of course that’s not a suntan. It’s rust... half-agree with the climate change witchdoctors – our soddened state really is a man-made problem.

However in Great Britain’s case it is not necessarily because of CO2 emissions. It’s because of short-sighted gov-

ernance and profiteering, by everyone from the Government and the Environment Agency, to the culpable privatised water companies.

Just consider the current Kirklees Council plan to build 4,000 homes behind and adjacent to Thornhill Lees.

Much of that land is the flood plain of the river Calder.

That’s not asking for trouble, is it?

Building new reservoirs in Cumbria, the Pennines and North Yorkshire would both future-proof our water supplies should we ever be blessed with a drought, and be part of a solution to flooding.

But no, despite a rapidly growing population, water companies are actually being allowed to sell-off reservoirs many for housing, ironically - and certainly in the south of England they’ve been seizing the opportunity with gusto.

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Thames Water had closed 25 reservoirs by 2012, the fact being highlighted only when London had a desperate water shortage.

When the Thames Valley suffered disastrous flooding last year, it emerged that dredging, which would basically have solved the problem, had been stopped. Costs money, you see.

We can throw billions of pounds in international aid at schemes which might include tackling flooding on the river Ganges in India – a nation with a bigger economy, military, and its own space programme – but our own taxpayers? Let them take their chances, they’ve got insurance.

Except that a lot of these people, especially after previously being flooded, can’t get insurance any longer.

Meanwhile the chairman of the Environment Agency, Sir Philip Dilley, lived up to his promise to be ‘right in it’ with the flood victims.

He truly was up to his knees in water, like so many of them. In the warm Caribbean seas of Barbados, enjoying the fruits of his £100k three days a week sinecure, and the knighthood handed him by his good friend David Cameron.

In fact his first instinct wasn’t to don wellies and grab a plane, but to get his press office to say he spent Christmas “at home with his family” and hope no-one noticed his tan when he finally bothered turning up.

His ‘efforts’ probably amounted to singing a chorus of the childhood ditty “Rain, rain go away, come back another day” while sipping

ONE PERSON who I suspect will never be proud to be British is Emily Thornberry, who in the event of Labour coming to power again, would be the Secretary of State for Defence.

Our nation, in Emily’s safekeeping. Good grief. I’ll bet Kim Jong-Un, the North Korean tyrant, let that hydrogen bomb off in celebration at the news.

This is the same woman who, during the General Election tweeted a mocking photo of a white van outside a house bedecked with England flags. Says all you need to know about the woman.

on a rum punch and watching a spectacular sunset.

I’m sure the people loading their ruined carpets and sofas into skips across the North of England fully understand. They’d probably all bow and doff their flat caps ... if their hands weren’t full with sandbags. Makes you proud to be British.

AS IF THE poor flooded Cumbrians didn’t have enough on their plate, now their own knackered health trust is getting the imbecilic Stephen Eames as makeshift Chief Exec.

What have the beleaguered Marras done to deserve that? If the floods don’t finish the poor sods off, once they’ve seen Eames in action they’ll be looking for a river to throw themselves in.

Leigh Day meanwhile is a law firm that specialises in touting for business in Iraq, looking for potential ‘victims’ of British soldiers that it can represent on a no-win, no-fee basis by taking our own government to court for compo. The firm’s critics say no case is too spurious (ie false). I think if they had their way, they’d fill their boots prosecuting our entire armed forces for war crimes.

Along with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s appointment of his friend to the defence brief, came news that Thornberry (a former lawyer, not coincidentally) had accepted £48,000 in donations – from the self-same Leigh Day.

Germans on top ... again T SOUNDS to me like the oberleutnants at Kirklees Council and Kirklees Police need to share a minibus with their pals from Rotherham and Rochdale and hightail it over to Berlin.

I didn’t think our authorities could be matched when it comes to covering up crime, corruption and abuse for fear of “upsetting ethnic sensitivities”, but it seems we’ve lots to learn.

Not content with knocking our football team out of World Cups and European Championships on a regular basis, the Germans are now giving us a lesson in how to split a country in two and set two communities at each other’s throats. (Fair play, I suppose they’ve had a bit of practice at that).

Over New Year, a mob of around 1,000 Arab and north African migrants took over the centre of Cologne and started molesting, abusing and stealing from young women.

The police were inundated by reports from victims and promptly took a leaf out of the Kirklees book – they ran and hid under their desks with their fingers in their ears while shouting “la, la, la‚ la” very loudly, until everyone had gone away.

There was mayhem, some

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LOOKING GOOD, ANGIE: Frau Merkel women were being assaulted dozens of times and yet the police didn’t make a single arrest.

With a brass neck that even the jokers running our councils would envy, local mayor Henriette Reker, said: “There are no indications that there are people involved here who have received accommodation here in Cologne as refugees.”

Well slap my thigh and all that!

Far from fleeing the various murderous evils of Isis, President Assad, Boko Haram, al Shabaab

etc, the young men of the wartorn region appear to be organising large-scale jolly boys’ outings to European cities to celebrate the New Year.

No? Well it’s either that, or actually they are precisely the refugees that have been flooding into Germany.

And to add insult literally to injury, Mrs Reker went on to warn local women not to “make themselves targets for migrant sex violence”.

Now, I’m not quite sure what that’s supposed to mean, but if, as it sounds, she’s warning attractive young women not to wear short skirts or show cleavage, then why not go the whole hog love, and tell them to wear a burkha?

Even more troubling were similar outbreaks on a smaller scale across other German cities, which some sources say appeared to be co-ordinated.

It may just be that the migrants took the welcoming open arms of Chancellor Angela Merkel a little too literally and thought that all these western frauleins would be equally accommodating.

Or it could also be that, for once, it’s Germany that’s been invaded. I know where my money would be...

ThePress

Friday January 8, 2015

Town council fumes over damp offices

By David Miller KIRKLEES is trying to force Mirfield Town Council out of its run-down offices, a councillor has claimed.

Coun James Taylor (Con, Northorpe) wants officials to fix the Huddersfield Road building’s damp problem.

He suggested that the lack of repairs at the Kirklees-owned premises is down to a specific agenda.

Coun Taylor said: “I feel with the lack of action on this building, Kirklees are trying to push us out.

“Thankfully we have good relationships with the community groups we give grants to.

“Battyeford Sporting Club said if we ever need a room they’ll sort us out. And there’s

also Trinity Methodist Church.”

Buckets collect water from the leaky roof of the council offices, wallpaper is peeling off and there is a mouldy smell.

Over Christmas, Coun Taylor took his own dehumidifier along to suck up some of the dampness.

Matters came to a head on Tuesday after Kirklees Council held a Dewsbury and Mirfield District Committee meeting there.

Coun Taylor’s mother Kath, who also serves on the town council, went home ill with an asthma flare-up blamed on the damp.

She missed the debate which followed the committee meeting.

Coun Taylor added: “The situation is stopping us from

doing our jobs – and bearing in mind it’s still a Kirklees building they should be looking after us.

“Whether anything happens is another matter. There still seems to be a barrier at Cooper Bridge where the investment stops.”

Kirklees is to charge the town council nearly £15,000 a year in rent despite the repairs backlog.

The town council is seeking to take over the building in an asset transfer, which Kirklees is considering.

A Kirklees spokesman said “We are aware the roof has been leaking and an investigation has taken place to find the cause.

“We are planning to make some repairs whilst considering further action.”

4,000 sign sorting office petition POLITICIANS are backing a campaign to save Ossett’s mail sorting office.

Coun Angela Taylor (Con, Ossett) has collected more than 4,000 names on a petition against switching collections to Grange Road in Batley.

The petition is backed by Wakefield Council leader Coun Peter Box (Lab) and city MP Mary Creagh.

Coun Taylor said: “The fact that so many people have signed the petition shows they don’t want to lose this service.”

People in Ossett without a car or having problems rearranging a delivery could find Grange

Road difficult to get to, as the sorting office is out of Batley town centre and not on a bus route.

A decision on shutting the Towngate sorting office is due to be made later this month.

Coun Box said: “This and other local postal services are highly valued facilities in our communities and provide an essential service to residents.

“A reduction in services will have a huge impact. There are a large number of elderly and vulnerable residents who rely on the service.

“I shall be doing all I can to see that the current level of services are maintained in Ossett.”

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Warm tributes to Peter O’Neill Dear Sir, We have been saddened by the sudden loss of former councillor Peter O’Neill, who was a truly remarkable man in more ways than words can describe.

Peter exuded warmth, love and generosity to everyone and always left a lasting impression upon those who he met.

We will always remember Peter for his passion and desire to seek justice and equality for all.

He never shirked a challenge and neither was he moved when confronted with the challenges of the day.

He will be hard act to follow From: Pat Crisp, Batley Dear Sir, I would like to pay tribute to Peter O’Neill, who sadly passed away, and thank him for all the hard work, help and support he gave me over the past 35 years.

Firstly as a Brownie Guider at St Mary’s Church, Batley, and secondly as a commuity rights activist with the Carlinghow and Crossbank Neighbourhood Watch.

He never missed a meeting and was always there with advice and sorting people’s problems out.

He will be a hard act to follow. Our thoughts are with all his family.

Let’s have less of all these From: Mr AS Hemingway, Gomersal Dear Sir, Things to see the back of, or less of, in 2016: • The House of Lords; • The European Union; • The title of ‘Dr’, preserved only for medical people. For example ex-Health

Letter of the Week: Abdul Ghaffar, Fiaz Rashid and Mohammed Sadiq Patel, Batley Peter was a true example to all of us in that he always fought to establish the true at the expense of falsehood and this was witnessed in none other than his opposition to war in Afghanistan, Iraq and most recently Syria.

For us, Peter was a man who strove to establish the rights of

Minister Dr John Reed; His ‘Dr’ bit was for a degree in communism in West Africa!

• Wayne Rooney (footballer); • Double-barrelled names; • The plethora of Lords and Baronesses; • Any immigration over 20,000 a year; • Angela Merkel; • ‘Two Jags’ John Prescott and his efforts to talk posh, having become a member of the establishment.

• Mammoth pay grades for chief executives of councils, NHS, police and other public bodies; • Unfairness. Failed executives (private and public) paid massive bonuses instead of being sacked.

Brian Firth remembered From: Andrew Hutchinson, Dewsbury Dear Sir, I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Brian Firth on Tuesday December 29.

He was a popular, kind, caring, humble man of great honour and integrity.

Brain was my general election campaign manager in 2010, when I stood as the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate.

the Palestinian people and we will fondly remember him with regards to his unstinting service for this cause.

Peter was no ordinary politician and served our community in Batley with distinction and a sense of civic pride.

He was a proud Batelian who

I found him to be very thorough, committed and a man of boundless energy.

We would often be out together campaigning in the daylight hours and then putting up posters on lampposts into the early hours of the morning.

He never complained, no matter what the weather or workload was.

I also knew Brian from other areas of life in which our paths crossed.

He was a committed Christian and, along with his wife Collette was a member of the Dewsbury Minster choir and St John’s Church congregation, where he served as church warden.

He was an academic support worker at Huddersfield University, where he assisted disabled students. He was a member of Dewsbury Matters, the local history group. He was active in many other areas of life too.

A devoted husband, father and friend to so many; truly one-in-a-million, he will be sorely missed.

A few questions From: Christine Hyde, Dewsbury Dear Sir, With the £1 million spend on a new entrance for Dewsbury Hospital now

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strove to do the best for the people of the town.

We will always be indebted to you, Peter, and we mourn your loss.

Peter we will never forget you and your loving family are an endearing testimony to your legacy. May you rest in peace, Peter.

under way for cosmetic reasons, I am prompted to share some questions the local clinical commissioning groups do not put to the public in their AGM or ‘engagement’ events.

These are: Should the NHS ‘fund’ profit-making management companies to plan and completely restructure the hospital services in England?

Should the NHS fund the administration costs of ‘the competitive market for healthcare’ to the tune of five per cent, 10 per cent, 15 per cent, 25 per cent or 30 per cent?

Should the NHS fund properly qualified doctors with five years’ training, or rely on volunteers and unpaid interns?

The chairs of Huddersfield and North Kirklees CCGs may or may not be interested in your views. Your parliamentary representative should certainly be!

Changes are a crazy idea From: Wendy Senior, Dewsbury Dear Sir, Reading a newspaper last Saturday, I came across an article about A&E being centralised at Pinderfields Hospital six months earlier than planned, which means Dewsbury hospital will be downgraded to an urgent care centre treating minor ailments which will see critically ill and injured patients taken to a beefed-up A&E at Pinderfields Hospital.

How much is beefing it up going to cost? Why is money raised by Dewsbury people being spent in Wakefield?

I was at Dewsbury Hospital on Christmas Eve, I went to look at the new maternity unit and entrance being built and asked staff at the hospital what they thought about it.

They agreed with me, it is a crazy idea. One nurse said how are they going to transfer women with difficult births, but the trust members

do not seem to care about lives lost, it is all about money.

I was also at Pinderfields Hospital on New Year’s Eve afternoon looking for somewhere to park.

There were no disabled parking spaces free, so we had to walk a long distance in the pouring rain. Where are all these extra people attending Pinderfields going to park?

It also says in the paper that after being warned by the Care Quality Commission about low staffing levels and poor hygiene levels in parts of the hospital trust, the precarious situation is leading to fears of more top-down reorganisation by the government.

This again is an EU directive – one large hospital for far too many people.

The same has happened with the recent floods – councils forbidden to dredge the rivers to protect the environment, and not the people.

Sir Stuart Rose and Sir Richard Branson insisting we stay in the EU because they are the large conglomerates who benefit most from the EU.

Water comedian From: John Walshaw, Dewsbury Dear Sir, Regarding the recent flooding, and in an attempt to bring a little levity into a subject which is very serious to some people, I do apologise for any hurt feelings it may cause.

The Minister, when given a grilling about the recent flooding, tried to water it down, but has tarnished his reputation.

He was warned about cutts in spending, but said: “We’ve got a pool of money which we shall put on the stream, but these things tend to ebb and flow.

“We shall pump and pour more in instead of barging about laking as we are doing.”

In my own opinion, the quay to all this is to flood the

area with money, wash away all the jetsam and flotsam and deadwood, lock the basin and levee a charge: Then wait for the tidal wave of complaints it produces.

Singing surface From: Mark Adam and B Rhodes, Dunbottle Debating Society Dear Sir, It is said at certain times of the year, residents of parts of York can hear the clatter of armour, hooves and the swish of marauding Roman soldiers as the ghost army moves along historical byways of Eboracum.

There are the singing stones high above the Yorkshire Moors, on the way from Holmfirth to Derbyshire, where winds passing through the millstone grit outcrops mimic the lamented call of a young lass who, on hearing of the death of her lover in the Civil War, threw herself to her death below.

Around the old Bomber Command satellite stations near York and Selby, people can hear on one night of the year the eerie drone of a lone bomber circling high in the sky looking for an unfogged runway to land on – a true tale of the Halifax Bomber that crash-landed with the loss of the whole air crew on a foggy night in the early 1940s.

These are tales now set in Yorkshire folklore. There are hundreds to be told throughout Britain’s largest county.

Well, has anyone heard of the sighing surface of Dunbottle Lane?

Before Christmas, Dunbottle Lane was closed off for major resurfacing, and since its completion vehicles travelling along its route from St Mary’s Church to Greenside Road now emit a long and mournful sigh.

It is not an uncommon sight to see drivers pulled up at the roadside examining the underside of their vehi-

Continued on page 9

ThePress

Friday January 8, 2016

Continued from page 8 cle, probably thinking their suspension was faulty.

Some local residents prone to differing sound frequencies are having trouble sleeping at night.

Different makes and models of cars with differing tyres all emit varying noises, and sometimes it can be quite melodic, a symphony of the streets perhaps?

A local landlord is putting up a prize for the most apt name for the noise, with a folklore tale to go with it.

Knowing the landlord there will probably be more overtures yet to surface.

Join the picket From: David Honeybell, Heckmondwike Dear Sir, The junior doctors who are taking strike action on Tuesday January 12 can by no stretch of the imagination be described as militants or hot heads or anarchists, or any other derogatory name the Tories reserve for other groups of striking workers.

They have spent years, not only at university, but gaining experience working for no pay on hospital wards.

These people don’t go on strike just on a whim. And they are NOT striking for more pay, whatever Cameron, Osborne or Hunt may say.

With their academic qualifications, they could all earn more in other walks of life.

These doctors are striking because they fear for patient safety if the working practices being forced onto them are implemented.

The junior doctors have to be supported, because if they lose their battle for patient safety, the whole of our NHS is in grave danger of becoming a thing of the past, because the government is relentless in its policy of privatising our NHS. Our NHS must survive, and I urge everybody to join the picket line at Dewsbury District Hospital, and show the government the depth of feeling the public have for the junior doctors and our NHS. Spend an hour with the doctors, let them know what you think. Help save our NHS for future generations.

Please join the picket for an hour on Tuesday.

Health worries From: Imelda Marsden, Mirfield (former general nurse, served on North Kirklees Community Health Council) Dear Sir, Let’s hope that health centres and hospital care in North Kirklees improve in 2016. Some hope!

At Mirfield Health Centre getting an appointment is near impossible; one could get an audience with the Pope quicker.

You telephone for an appointment in the morning, no appointment available; asked to phone back in the afternoon; still no appointment; then told you can go and queue for an appointment at 7.30 in the morning, outside in all weathers!

Very ill patients, mothers with young babies and children are stood outside; then the doors open, you get to the desk and all the appointments are gone for the morning. It’s like the lottery.

Some travel down to the surgery by car; others take the bus and, if they’re lucky to get an appointment in the morning, go home and come back.

For those having to take the bus that’s four journeys.

It could be a week going onto two to get an appointment.

Why does Mirfield Health Centre have such a problem with appointments, as when one manages to secure an appointment with a GP, they give a good service?

Ravensthorpe, Cleckheaton and Haworth Health Centres cover a large area, and have a similar ratio of GPs to patients.

Some patients at Mirfield are frightened to complain, in case they are thrown off the GP panel.

We need community health councils back, we fought for patient care in GP surgeries and hospitals. We had three office staff, the rest of us were voluntary.

One big thank you to MP Paula Sherriff.

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Friday January 8, 2016

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‘I was so proud of dad’ Grieving daughter’s tribute to Peter O’Neill, ‘a man steeped in Labour values’ A COUNCILLOR has spoken of her pride in her father after he died suddenly on holiday in Vietnam last Tuesday.

Coun Marielle O’Neill (Lab, Batley West) said dad Peter was “a man of the highest integrity and moral character”.

Peter, 68, a former Kirklees Council cabinet member, passed away due to natural causes after swimming with family members.

The Labour stalwart represented Batley West for eight years and held cabinet roles including the schools and leisure portfolios.

He stood down last May and Coun O’Neill won the battle to replace him at that month’s elections.

Coun O’Neill said her father was a man steeped in Labour values and added: “My dad was a man of the highest integrity and a

Pride ... Coun Marielle O’Neill with her father, former councillor Peter high moral character.

“Where he saw wrong he tried to right it, where he saw injustice,

he tried to fight it.

“He was the most non-judgemental person who always saw

were called when his partner came home to find him drunk outside, shouting and demanding his clothes.

A struggle ensued after police tried to arrest him. Richardson admitted a charge of assaulting a police officer in the execution of his duty.

He is now on a residential detox programme. Sentencing was adjourned until Friday, January 29, for reports.

I’ll batter you’

the good in others.

“He always gave 100 per cent to everything he did and would go out of his way to help people.

“I am devastated at the loss of my beloved father. He will be sorely missed by his family and the local community.”

Peter is survived by his wife of 42 years Gillian, three children – Dawn, Sean and Marielle – and five grandchildren, Ella, Teo, Jude, Ben and Ted. Coun Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) called him a “true campaigner for social justice”.

Former colleague Coun Shabir Pandor (Lab, Batley West) said he was “a man of very high morals and strong principles.

“He was a very thoughtful, strategic thinker and a very compassionate and very caring person.”

A funeral and celebration of Peter’s life will be held in Batley and everyone who knew him is welcome to attend.

For information about the funeral, email Coun Marielle O’Neill at Marielle.O’Neill@ kirklees.gov.uk.

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Police attack MIRFIELD: An alcoholic attacked a policeman in a late-night disturbance at his home. Mark Richardson, 41, threw a can of drink at the officer, aimed two punches and then kicked his left leg on December 11.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court was told the incident happened outside his home on Grove Street. Police

DEWSBURY: A robbery victim fought off a town centre attacker who said he would “batter” him.

The 20-year-old man was at the junction of South Street and Old Westgate last Saturday night when three suspects approached.

One, described as a mixed race

youth aged about 15, tried to steal the man’s phone and bag. But he shrugged them off and ran to nearby Dewsbury Police Station.

The robber is small and thin and was wearing a blue T-shirt and dark bottoms. His accomplices were chubby with red hair and small with blond hair.

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ThePress

Friday January 8, 2016

News In Brief Air rifle wounding RAVENSTHORPE: A man suffered a cheek wound when he was shot with an air rifle in Holroyd Park. The victim, 25, was walking alone at around 6.50pm last Wednesday when he sustained a small puncture wound which needed hospital treatment.

Det Con Tony Marshall, of Kirklees CID, said: “This appears to be an isolated incident but is clearly of concern. We are keen to speak to anyone who can help us identify the individual responsible.”

Anyone who can help should call Det Con Marshall on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.

Meat cleaver robbery CLECKHEATON: A masked man armed with a meat cleaver robbed a shop last Sunday night.

The suspect, in his mid-20s to early 30s, went into the premises on Centurion Way at around 7.35pm and demanded cash.

A female worker was forced to remove a cash box from a safe. She was then told to open the till and empty its contents into the cash box.

The robber, who was white, stocky and wore a balaclava and dark clothes, then fled on foot.

Anyone with information can call the Kirklees Police robbery team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

£30k for charity DEWSBURY: A charity won a grant of more than £30,000 to continue its work with disabled people.

Howlands on School Street benefitted from Health Bloom, a social enterprise firm which tackles inequalities in Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees.

Their grant of £30,412 came from funds given to the firm from the health lottery.

Bitten and punched by angry ‘ex’

By David Miller A FREE lunch is to be held every month in Dewsbury following the success of a Christmas Day event.

More than 150 people packed into a marquee near the cafe in Crow Nest Park for turkey and all the trimmings, when cafe owner Navid Akhtar and big-hearted Michele Hainsworth catered for needy families and individuals.

Michele, 50, said the day showed there is a need for continuing support for those on the breadline.

A pregnant woman and her partner from Thornhill who attended spent nights recently in the dark and cold as they cannot afford electricity. Navid, who took over the cafe in September last year, gave them £20 towards the cost of heating and lighting.

The cafe owner was the brains behind the event after hearing of Michele’s previous Christmas Day deeds.

For 20 years Michele, also a lunchtime superviser at Westborough High School, has welcomed folk to her home on Lidgate Lane in Batley Carr.

Disabled people or children from poorer families had Christmas lunch there.

Michele’s children, Danny, 30, Shanice 19, and foster daughter Peyton, 14, join in the festivities.

Said Michele: “I’ve always felt guilty when I see children with nothing in a world of plenty.

“There’s enough to go around and if there was a bit more sharing the world would be a better place.”

When Navid heard what the family did every year, he offered the cafe as a venue to cater for more.

And when demand outstripped seating at the cafe, businesses

Tucking in... Christmas Day lunch in the Crow Nest Park marquee

Michele puts joy into Christmas...

Michele and cafe owner Navid

including Asda in Dewsbury and volunteers came forward to help organise a marquee.

As a result children went home with toys while there were gifts, food parcels and clothes for the rest.

Michele said of those who donated: “There were so many kind people. Nobody turned us down, not local businesses or the mosques.

“We want to thank them and all the volunteers who helped make it such a great day.”

BLUE HILLS FARM SHOP & PLAY BARN Birkenshaw, BD11 2DU Tel: 01274 682007

A MAN bit and punched his ex-girlfriend after he got into trouble for a previous attack on her.

Aiden Coupe, 22, of Syke Ings Close, Chickenley, admitted two assaults and two charges of criminal damage.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that Coupe split up with Rebecca Tupper before the first attack on November 13.

On that day he went to her home on nearby Hazel Avenue to collect his belongings.

He was abusive towards Miss Tupper and caused her to fall backwards onto stairs by pushing her in the chest.

Coupe, who also damaged a door and a living room window, appeared in court on December 4.

Released on bail, he went back to Miss Tupper’s home to remonstrate with her for the trouble he was in.

Vanessa Jones, prosecuting, said: “He appeared and told her she’d got him into trouble.

That escalated into punching her, pulling her hair and biting her arm.”

Coupe was told to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of activity. He must also pay £120 injury compensation, £950 for the damage caused, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Magistrates also imposed a two-year restraining order banning him from contacting Miss Tupper.

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ThePress

Friday January 8, 2016

13

LET THE SEARCH BEGIN

AT KIRKLEES COLLEGE Advertising Feature IRKLEES COLLEGE is encouraging prospective students and their families to let the search for their future career begin by seeing what the college has to offer at its January open days.

K

Open day events will be held at all centres this month to showcase courses and let visitors tour the facilities. Find out about: • Full-time courses for 16-18 year-olds; • Apprenticeships; • Part-time professional courses for adults • Higher education (degree level) courses; • Adult education leisure courses.

The Dewsbury Centre and Batley School of Art are holding open days on Thursday January 21, 5.30pm-8pm (last entry 7.30pm).

At Dewsbury you can get tea, coffee and cakes in our Rumbling Tums cafe, run by Foundation students.

Batley School of Art will be participating in The Big Draw – the World’s biggest drawing festival which has the theme ‘Every

line tells a story’.

The Huddersfield sites including the main campus on Chapel Hill, Taylor Hill Animal and Countryside Centre, Engineering Centre, Brunel Construction Centre and Highfields Centre for Media, Music and Performing Arts and the Hargate Hill Equestrian Centre in Glossop are open on Saturday January 16, from 10.30am-1pm (last admission 12.30pm).

At the Huddersfield Centre there will be practical demonstrations in a number of course areas so you can have a go, as well as displays of work and quizzes and problem solving tasks with the chance to win a £10 Love to Shop voucher.

Learn to spell your name in finger sign language at our Signing Cafe and have your photo taken in our free fun photo booth.

The Engineering Centre will have displays of work on show from vehicle bonnets and engines and a go-kart made by students to a model dinosaur made by fabrication students and painted by motor vehicle.

Pre-register to attend the open day at www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk or register on arrival.

14

ThePress

Friday January 8, 2016

Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen

North of Westminster Short-sighted attitude to flooding he floods we’ve seen in West Yorkshire have been horrendous. Just about every district has been affected.

Cities, towns and villages only a stone’s throw from here have suffered terribly.

I was astonished by the images, not least from Mirfield and the devastation people along the Calder have had to endure.

My heart goes out to all those who have been affected.

Anyone who has ever been flooded doesn’t forget what it is like.

The violation of their homes or businesses, the unstoppable destruction, the loss and tainting of their properties and belongings.

The futility of attempting to stem the flow and then, afterwards, the heartbreaking clean-up and the weeks of inconvenience and disruption.

For some there are battles to re-open, redecorate or rebuild.

For others there is no recovery at all – homes or livelihoods that have been built up over years, per-

T

haps even generations, have to be abandoned completely.

And then, every time there’s heavy rain there is that sense of dread, wondering whether this is the time it will happen again.

Many of the people I’ve met and spoken to about flooding say this is the worst part – the apprehension, the fear and expectation that everything they have worked to restore can quite literally be washed away again overnight.

It’s one of those examples we get from nature

now and again about its unstoppable, devastating power.

But actually these things can often be prevented, or their impact minimised.

No matter what schemes we had in place, the wettest December on record would have seriously tested them. But the Government’s short-sighted approach since 2010 has a lot to answer for.

This cavalier attitude and lack of sympathy was brought home to me on Wednesday while sitting in the House of Commons. As the Prime Minister was being quizzed about the floods, Tory MPs jeered and laughed.

After the 2007 floods, the Labour government took on board recommendations in the Pitt Review and developed a strategy that would involve hundreds of millions of pounds of extra investment.

Spending on flood prevention went up and would keep going up in response to the biggest civil emergency modern Britain had ever experienced.

Much of this was can-

celled, reduced or mothballed when the Coalition took power in 2010.

The Chancellor immediately cut the budget by 15 per cent in a single year, from £670m in 2010-11 to £573m in 2011-12.

This included the loss of schemes in Batley & Spen designed to stop homes and businesses from continuing to flood.

There have since been smaller-scale schemes but nothing like what the Environment Agency had initially intended.

The funding Labour committed wasn’t some reckless spending frenzy.

It wasn’t a luxury or a pre-election giveaway. It was based on a clear and considered assessment of what was needed.

That funding should never have been cut.

It may not have stopped the devastation we saw at Christmas but we will never know.

It certainly could have and it surely would have reduced it.

Jo Cox

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Residents voice major concerns over traffic congestion and health

By David Miller TRAFFIC problems, road and pavement repairs and health care were the top three concerns recorded in a survey of Mirfield residents.

Town councillors asked for views so they can set priorities over the next few years.

A questionnaire was sent to all 8,965 homes in October and 2,491 were sent back – a response rate of 28 per cent.

The cost, paid for by the town council and including a reminder notice sent in November, was about £17,000.

Holmfirth market research firm Spirul has analysed the responses and, by a big margin, traffic congestion and road and pavement repairs were the main issues.

In total, 78 and 71 per cent of respondents said they are unhappy with these two areas respectively.

One respondent wrote: “Bypass so Mirfield is not used as a through way for all traffic.”

The GP surgery edged a lack of sports facilities for third place by 32 per cent to 31 per cent.

Those satisfied or very satisfield

Spring fair OSSETT: There will be 30 tables packed with craft items at an early spring fair organised by the Town Centre Partnership at the

with Mirfield Health Centre fell to 49 per cent from the 75 per cent recorded when the survey was last carried out in 2007. Only 25 per cent of respondents said it was easy to make an appointment, compared to 67 per cent eight years ago.

Ideas from residents include building a new health centre on the site of the current Lidl, once the supermarket has moved.

More than 100 people volunteered to be part of working groups who will seek progress on such matters.

This will involve harnessing ‘pester power’ with Kirklees Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and bodies like Network Rail.

Survey leader Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Battyeford) said: “We can influence partners who are in control of such issues.”

On the cost he added: “Whether this is money well spent will be assessed over the next three or four years.

“Asking people what they want is only the starting point. What we want next is action taken to address these areas and for satisfaction rates to go up.”

town hall on Saturday February 27 (9.30am-1pm). Admission is free.

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ThePress

Friday January 8, 2015

Still crazy after all these years!

Never too old THE ACADEMY of Northern Ballet is set to offer classes for people aged 55 and over in Gomersal.

The over 55s classes, which the Academy currently holds thrice weekly at its base in Leeds, are one of the most popular in the timetable.

Commencing on January 25, classes will be held every Monday from 10.30am to 11.30am at The Dancing House on Moor Lane, Gomersal.

The classes will be the first regular over-55s sessions to be held away from Northern Ballet’s Leeds city-centre home. They are designed for those who have danced their whole lives, or those with no dance experience who want to try something new.

The sessions consist of gentle ballet exercis-

es at the barre and in the centre, held in a social and friendly environment offering the perfect way to get active this New Year.

Director of academy operations Catherine Worthington said: ‘Ballet is a great way to keep fit and our over-55s classes have become increasingly popular.

“We are delighted to be working in collaboration with The Dancing House to offer our first regular class in the community.

“We are pleased to be able to offer access to our academy’s renowned teaching on the doorstep of people in our local community.’

For more information or to register for classes at The Dancing House visit northern ballet.com/academy, email academy@northernballet.com or contact The Dancing House on 01274 861720.

A NEW exhibition of concert photography at Mirfield’s Creative Arts Hub captures rock royalty in its prime.

Celebrating artists as diverse as Pulp, David Bowie, the Sex Pistols, Wham!, Status Quo and The Prodigy, the exhibition showcases a veritable who’s who of the rock music scene over the past five decades.

Photographed at gigs and festivals by photographers Mark Bickerdike and Ian Clegg Walsh, the rare and unseen images will prove fascinating to anyone with even a passing interest in music.

The selling exhibition offers visitors the chance to acquire their very own snapshot of history, and launches today (Fri) with an opportunity to meet the photographers and talk to them about their work.

Curated by artist Kay Dawson, the exhibition will bring the work of two local photographers together and also Ian Clegg Walsh’s image of Johnny Rotten at Leeds Polytechnic 1976 features a slideshow of archive material provided by Dave Siviour and Steve Riding, courtesy of the University of Leeds.

The Hub gallery, on Huddersfield Road, is open Wednesday 10am to 5pm, Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday 10am to 5pm, and Saturday 10am to 3pm.

Entry is free, for further details contact mark@creativeartshub.org.uk, or ring 01924 492775.

Tonight’s launch event is from 7pm to 9pm and the exhibition runs until The Happy Mondays at Elland Road in 1991 by Mark Bickerdike February 27.

15

ThePress

16

Friday January 8, 2016

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ThePress

Friday January 8, 2015

17

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18

ThePress

Friday January 8, 2016

Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details WEDNESDAY JANUARY 13 SUNDAY JANUARY 10 ANOTHER URBAN TRAIL (NK) BOTH SIDES OF THE VALLEY (NK) Meet 12pm Leeds Town Hall Meet 11am Heckmondwike LS1 3AD Market Place WF16 0EZ GR SE 298 327 GR SE 215 234 4 miles (M) 6.5 miles (M) No dogs Leader: Jim Leader: Geoff Tel: 01924 469700 Tel: 01422 379921

Microbrewery beers set to launch at pub TWO beers from a new Liversedge microbrewery will be launched at The Old Colonial in Mirfield on Friday January 22.

Steve Hemingway's Mill Valley Brewery, based on Clough Lane in Liversedge, will officially introduce a session ale and a blonde beer at the launch event, which starts at 8pm.

CAMRA members will be in attendance at the Dunbottle Lane venue, and proceeds will be donated to worthy local causes.

The following evening (Sat, January 23, 8pm) The Old Colonial hosts a charity Burns Night, organised in conjunction with the Mirfield Rifle Volunteers group.

For £10 a head guests can tuck into haggis, neeps, tatties and hot toddies.

Memory lane art DINERS at Matthew’s Coffee House in Cleckheaton can take a walk down greeting card memory lane.

Local artist Bruce Baillie, of Scholes, produced artwork for Rushcraft Greeting cards in Dewsbury back in the 1970s.

For six weeks the series of humorous artworks will be on display in the coffee shop’s gallery on Market Street.

First 2016 acoustic night will aid flood victims THE FIRST Crown of Lights Acoustic Night of 2016 tonight (Fri) will raise funds for flood victims in neighbouring Calderdale.

The Comrades Club on Regent Street, Heckmondwike, is playing host to some of the most popular and requested Crown of Lights artists from 8pm, including Joe Kemp,

Julian Socha and Chris ‘Man in The Hat’ Martin.

Entry is free but organisers are also collecting voluntary donations and running a raffle, every penny of which will go to help people in Calderdale who have been devastated by the unprecedented flooding over the Christmas period, many losing their homes and businesses.

A Glorious show full of songs and laughter DEWSBURY Arts Group will perform Glorious, a comedy

by Peter Quilter, from next weekend.

The hugely entertaining and comedic play is set in 1940s New York and invites the audience into the world of Florence Foster Jenkins, an enthusiastic soprano – and the worst

singer in the world.

Based on a true story, the play premiered in 2005 starring Maureen Lipman, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for best new comedy.

Spinning from charity recitals, before groups of devoted friends, to extravagant balls, Florence’s enthusiasm and joy more

than made up for her imperfect pitch.

Glorius! will be performed at Dewsbury Arts Space, on Lower Peel Street, off Bradford Road.

On January 16 and then from January 18-23, all at 7.30pm.

For tickets and information call on 01924 465647.

Dewsbury Arts Group’s Jacky Fletcher

Collegian Natalie is reliant Robin!

DEWSBURY COLLEGIANS' latest show is ready to take to the stage after an actress stepped in late on to fill the lead role.

The Collegians had been rehearsing for their Babes in the Wood pantomime at the Town Hall but the original principle boy fell ill at the beginning of December – and Natalie Jackson volunteered to join the cast as Robin Hood to ensure the show could go ahead.

Natalie, who has played a principle several times before and most recently played Dick Whittington in 2015.

Rehearsals have gone extremely well and Natalie has worked hard to learn her lines, musical numbers and dance routines in time for the opening night on Tuesday January 12.

The 12-strong cast are joined by dance students from the Mirfieldbased Sutton School of Performing Arts, and youngsters from the group also play the Babes from the show's title.

The panto has been produced by long-serving Collegian Sarah Bullers, who has produced many of the group's concerts but this is her first time producing the pantomime.

Group publicity officer Alan

Dewsbury Collegians are putting the finishing touches to Babes in the Wood Longley, who plays Alan a Dale in the show, said: “Since the first week in December Natalie’s been learning her lines – she has done shows before so she knows the ins and outs, but it’s more difficult at short notice.

“It’s going to be great – there are a lot of funny moments in the show and the audience will be able to see how we are progressing and growing.

“A lot of new members are in the production. The matinee always sells well and we have a cheap night on the Tuesday when stall seats are £6.”

Babes in the Wood runs from January 12-16 at Dewsbury Town Hall, with performances at 7.45pm each night and 2pm on Saturday.

For ticket details see the advert to the left.

ThePress

Friday January 8, 2016

Unique provision for young women

19

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network

Why Sir David would be ‘Open All Hours’ to a movie version IR DAVID JASON is a TV legend, proving that great comedy never goes out of style after the triumphant return of ‘Open All Hours’ on ratings-busting form. But with so many TV shows now being made into big screen films, would he like this to happen to the show? He said: “I do like the idea, but as ever it’s got to be the script and while people will watch it on TV, will they pay to see it Ann, I wonder?”

I think that is a resounding yes from us all, right?!

S

CORONATION STREET has confirmed that there will be a dramatic new drugs-related storyline in 2016, clearly not taking notice of the loyal fans, who usually abhor this kind of plot. Show bosses say it will shock and inform many who have no idea that this goes on...

Advertising Spotlight – Batley Girls’ Sixth Form College WE BELIEVE that Batley Girls’ Sixth Form has an outstanding offer and a unique position in the provision of post16 education in Kirklees.

As an all-girls’ provider we are able to tailor all our activities to the promotion of the education and holistic development of our young women.

As such, we have an extensive in-school support team and are able to provide many additional opportunities.

These include a wide range of opportunities such as Debretts, the Social Mobility Foundation, our STEM activities or our Pathways to Law and Accountancy programmes.

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“

students. We were inspected by Ofsted in October 2013, who stated that “the Sixth Form is outstanding”.

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In September 2013 we opened our new, purpose-built Sixth Form Centre to accommodate our increasing numbers and to support the outstanding teaching and learning we deliver.

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Keynote speeches will take place at 6pm and we hope everyone will attend these in order to hear key information about the school and the applications process.

We look forward to meeting you and supporting you through the next phase of your education.”

THE GREAT British Bake Off judge Mary Berry has signed up to present a new six-part series for BBC Two called Foolproof Cooking. The concept is ‘making delicious food simple’, and she tells me: “I think it’s easier than people think, so now I am going to show them.”

FORMER dancing champion Camilla Dallerup wishes she was back on Strictly. She tells me: “I did not leave the show because I was unhappy. I always loved it, but my other career took off too. If they asked me, for sure I would love to have another stint. I think everyone misses the show when it’s not on.”

THE APPRENTICE final for 2015 was its lowest-rated since the show began 10 years ago, having lost around 800,000 viewers from last year. Sir Alan Sugar naturally does not agree with this, saying: “Many people watch it on catch-up, so it’s not a true reflection of what people are doing.”

BRENDAN O’CARROLL is planning a Mrs Brown’s Boys Movie sequel with a much bigger budget. He tells me: “I was stunned at the success of the movie, we all were, but now I think we can do so much better, and that is what we hope to do next time. It was great fun.”

PEEP show actor David Mitchell reveals that 70s sitcom Terry and June inspired him to go into comedy. “I loved the show and I think it got knocked cruelly, because looking back they all made it work and above all it was great fun,” he said.

STRICTLY Come Dancing

Ann Montini and Sir David Jason judge Darcey Bussell has laughed off reports that she has secretly had a nose job.

“I did hear that, but trust me it’s the same nose that I was born with, and yes I heard the surgery rumours too, but you can’t take it seriously,” she said.

JOHN SESSIONS, who starred in the recent Dad’s Army Story drama, tells me that the BBC are keen to recreate some more episodes of the show with the new cast. “I think it surprised everyone with how well it all went, and of course the radio episodes would be ripe now to be turned into TV shows,” he said.

JACK WHITEHALL has told us that Bad Education will most likely come to an end with its big screen upgrade.

Studio bosses feel the same after the movie failed to take anything like they had hoped at the UK box office.

IT’S NO secret that Kym Marsh has upped her exercise regime recently. The Coronation Street actress looks virtually unrecognisable in her new workout DVD, but she denies that her figure is also helped by her smoking habit, and tells a friend she is “hoping to give up this year”.

POLDARK star Aiden Turner reveals that the Cornish coast where they film is: “Not always that warm ... that is the magic of TV – it looks fine, but in reality, it can be out of season and cold. We smile through chattering teeth,” he laughed.

EASTENDERS fans haven’t seen the last of Cora Cross following her apparent exit from the show recently, I can reveal. Ann Mitchell’s outspoken character moved away from Albert Square in early December, but the actress will be back at some point later in the New Year. “We

Maycon Pictures

have not seen the last of Cora yet, she is trouble, and soaps love that to play with,” Ann tells me.

IT MAY be almost a year away, but it looks like after weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, BBC business reporter Steph McGovern could be the next to take on the famous dance floor of Strictly. A source tells me: “She was at the final and was very keen to speak with producers, so let’s just wait and see.”

THE SHOWING of ‘Carry On Forever’, a three-part documentary, became ITV3’s biggest hit since the channel started. A source reveals: “The heady mix of the famous Carry On team and its celebration was a great success for us. We are looking at other options now...”

FORMER EastEnders actor David Witts has joined ABC Family drama Recovery Road. Witts, who played Joey Branning in the BBC soap, is playing Craig, a caring counsellor at rehab facility Springtime Meadows. He will appear as a series regular in the drama.

THIS MONTH, Ian and Janette Tough – aka comedy duo The Krankies – are celebrating 50 years together as a couple. Janette tells me: “We just get on and enjoy showbiz. It’s given us a great life and a lot of laughs along the way, plus you don’t retire in showbiz, you just get asked back.”

STRICTLY Come Dancing champion Jay McGuiness has no plans for a solo music career after his band The Wanted split two years ago.

“A few of us liked the idea at the time, but honestly I don’t think that is the direction I want to go down,” he said. “I would love to move into acting or musicals.”

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Friday January 8, 2015

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Friday January 8, 2016

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Friday January 8, 2016

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 DMA red mobility scooter, excellent working order, will fit in car boot, £90.

Tel 01924 609015.

(1840) 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 Boxed Victorian dolls, porcelain 12” high, with stands. Brandnew, in boxes £6 each ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1823) Dolls house – never played with. Stands 5 foot 10. Consists of three floors and basement. Fully decorated, wired and furnished.

Come complete with display unit, separates into four pieces. £600 ono. Tel: 07791 294963 (1783).

ELECTRICAL Dyson ball vacuum cleaner, only two years old, in very good condition. Hardly used £100. Tel 01924 48613. (1835) Epson Stylus SX425 3-in-1 printer/ scanner/ copier. Wi-fi, boxed, very good condition £25. Mirfield 01924 491306. (1827)

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

496345. (1781)

485972. (1824)

Hotpoint Ice diamond under counter fridge, very good condition £50. Tel 01924 496345. (1781)

Three-piece suite comprising threeseater settee and two man & lady recliner chairs, in very good condition, will sell separately, offers invited. Tel 01924 465808. (1825)

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 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)

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)

Computer desk, wood/metal with pull out shelf £12. Tel 01924 458658. (1834)

Bosch dishwasher with three heat settings, in very good condition £50. Tel 01924 440755. (1791)

Clear glass, three-tier TV table, with chrome effect trim £12. Tel 01924 458658. (1834)

Mira Sport thermostatic electric shower, very good condition £50. Tel 01924

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.

Computer armchair in black PVC, with height adjustment £12. Tel 01924 458658. (1834)

Four ladder-back pine dining chairs with seat covers. Excellent condition, like new £60 ono. Tel 01924

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) 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 two-seater 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-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.

PRICE SYSTEM ITEM bands

Up to £7 £8 - £25 £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus 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 (Gomersal). (1815) Black leather brief case, as brand-new £7. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) MOTORING Space saver wheel, complete with tyre 125/70R 16 and can-

Cost per item

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11 vas zip bag, never used £75. Tel 01924 454664. (1810) Set of three new genuine Ford Mondeo 2000 on/Ford Focus MkZ 16” 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 Treadmill ‘Dynamix’, motorised with distance/ time set/ speed/ calories/ pulse; low mileage, good condition £125.

Tel 01924 458658.

(1834) Muddy Fox dual suspension bike. Tornado 6 speed 20” x 1.95” wheels. Excellent condition £30. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) BMX Universal bike 14” wheels £15. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) Golf clubs, bag, balls, 2 x hand carts with accessories £100 for quick sale. Tel 01924 465808. (1825) Olympus 20kg chrome dumbell set, in carrying case, as new £25 ono. Tel 01924 505834. (1822) Step aerobic, abs roller, plus various other keep-fit 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

23

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 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) 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)

24

Friday January 8, 2016

ThePress

EASY ways to book your advert: • Ring us on 01924 470296 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) • E-mail classified at advertising@thepressnews.co.uk • Post or bring your details to: The Press, 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB

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CAR BOOT SALE The Area’s Biggest and Best Car Boot Sale every Sunday at Dewsbury Rams, Owl Lane, Dewsbury OPEN AS USUAL DURING GROUND DEVELOPMENT WORK Price £12 per car, opens at 6.00am, ring 01924 465489 for further details

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TS FENCING & PROPERTY REPAIRS All type of fencing, gates, decking, flagging & patios etc All types of property repairs, general handyman work.

Any Odd Jobs Big or Small

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NELSON STREET, DEWSBURY, WF13 1NA

PC DOCTOR

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Over 28 years experience For a free estimate call 01924 450325 07710 503538

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MAIN

Any gas appliance serviced £45+VAT then £15+VAT for each of others.

Combi boilers fitted with For All 7 year guarantee Your Heating Choose Experience & Plumbing T: 01924 689776 Needs M: 0758 1552797 301 Norristhorpe Lane, Liversedge

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For mixed waste add £15.00 to above costings

Ring for best price on Builders Skips for Green Waste ~~LEVEL LOADS ONLY~~

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All roof repairs. Insurance work Re-roofing, lead and chimney work – Reduction for OAPs All work guaranteed, free estimates Established 25 years Tel Mirfield

01924 497776 Mobile 07768 298739 www.simpsondennis-roofing.co.uk

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Self-employed position, preferably Level 3. Monday–Saturday, some long hours Please call Justine on 01924 450022 Dewsbury Newly refurbished salon looking for experienced stylists/barbers to join our growing team Full and part-time positions available Wage to be discussed at interview Successful candidate(s) will be working on a self-employed basis only Own clientele not essential but would be an advantage Please contact Lauren Delaney in the first instance on 01924 411481 or send covering letter and CV to Lauren Delaney Salon, 204 Huddersfield Road, Liversedge, WF15 7QQ

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ThePress

Friday January 8, 2016

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Woeful Town form extends into New Year Evo-Stik First Div North MOSSLEY OSSETT TOWN

2 1

at Seel Park EVO-STIK First Division North strugglers Ossett Town lost their fourth game in a row after falling to a 2-1 defeat away at Mossley.

Graham Nicholas’ honeymoon period as Ossett Town boss is very much over after four straight defeats, which have left his men dangerously close to the relegation zone

Bamber dent Albion promotion dreams Evo-Stik First Div North OSSETT ALBION BAMBER BRIDGE

0 1

at Dimple Wells Road OSSETT ALBION’S run of eight successive league wins came to an abrupt end when they were edged out 1-0 at home by Bamber Bridge in the Evo-Stik First Division North.

The away side were organised and defended strongly to keep Albion at bay, a team who have been scoring at will of late.

But on a rain-soaked pitch the hosts and promotion hopefuls Albion struggled to find their rhythm.

And shortly before halftime the visitors scored through Matty Kay to go into the break 1-0 ahead.

In the second half the game followed a similar pattern to that of the first.

Albion probed but Bridge remained resolute to hold out for an impressive win.

Albion’s Rob Bordman will be disappointed he couldn’t find a goal in the

The hosts got off to a great start when Tom Dean scored from close range, having given himself a yard of space inside five minutes.

But despite conceding an early goal Graham Nicholas’ men bounced back well, creating some good chances.

Shortly after going behind a deep cross almost found Mark Simpson unmarked at the back post, but the opportunity was wasted.

But Mossley began to take control of the game as the half progressed.

They were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when the ball struck Ross Shelton’s arm and Chris Backhouse had to be on hand to make a couple of smart saves from close range.

And matters got worse for Town when Simpson had to be replaced after he picked up an injury. Roy Fogarty was the man introduced.

With Mossley dominating the first half Nicholas was hoping for his team to hold on for half time trailing just 1-0 but it wasn’t to be.

The hosts snatched their second goal through Tom Pratt, who put his side in a commanding position following a fine individual strike.

Nicholas made changes at half-time with Dan Monfredi making way for Cameron Lyn and the tactical switch proved worthwhile 10 minutes into the half when the visitors pulled a goal back through Fogarty.

With a foothold in the

match Town upped their game and could have drawn level ,was it not for heroics from Mossley keeper Liam Flynn.

But as Town pressed for an equaliser, they were left vulnerable at the back but Backhouse was on hand to keep the score at 2-1.

But there was excitement in the closing stages when Andy Hawksworth thought he had scored following a clever interchange with Lyn. Hawksworth’s shot beat the keeper but a desperate sliding clearance prevented the goal despite the ball appearing to have crossed the line.

From then on Mossley played the clock down and held on for a valuable three points, which puts them eighth.

Meanwhile Town are still just three points above the relegation zone, having played two games more than Harrogate below them.

Smith arrives to bolster Sedge’s survival chances LIVERSEDGE FC fans have been given something to cheer following the signing of striker Dempsey Smith from Droylsden as the Clayborners try to strengthen their squad ahead of a relegation scrap to stay in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

Sedge haven’t played a game since December 5 when they lost 5-1 at Albion Sports and due to postponements, the most recent being last weekend’s clash against Garforth Town, Liversedge have slipped to the foot of the table.

But despite such a woeful run of form Sedge boss Jonathan Rimmington believes the signing of Smith, 25, could prove a turning point in the club’s fortunes.

Given Sedge’s current plight a lot of pressure is going to lie with the former Farsley and Bradford Park Avenue man to get the Clayborn side some goals for the remainder of the season.

“After weeks of looking for a striker to play

with our young side, the search ends with Dempsey,” said Rimmington.

“Dempsey has a fantastic pedigree and hopefully in the coming months he can produce the performances that we know he is capable of.

“He is also hungry to help the youngsters at the club and with hours of talking he is looking forward to working with our talented group.”

The festive period also witnessed Liversedge bring in three 19-year-olds, Marc Lumb, Rhys Davies and Rhys Jenkinson.

The trio have all had scholarships at professional clubs – Lumb at Chesterfield United, Jenkinson at Bradford City and Davies at Sheffield Wednesday.

All the latest additions will be looking forward to Liversedge’s first game of 2016 which, weather permitting, is due to take place tomorrow (Sat) at Clayborn with the visit of Clipstone FC in what is set to be a hectic month for Rimmington’s men.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

More women’s football halted by ‘Big Splash!’

Richard Tracey’s Ossett Albion side slipped up against Bamber Bridge as their recent good form came to an end second half to bring his side level, but the striker had a rare off day.

The defeat means Albion

slip to fourth in the league table but Bamber Bridge remain in the bottom half despite the victory.

OLDER football fans may remember the 'Big Freeze' of 1963, when there was no local football for 10-12 weeks. Well, right now we are facing the ‘Big Splash’!

Once again we are faced with a catalogue of postponements as women’s football ground to a halt all over the district.

This week Ossett Albion host Courts in the North East Regional League Southern Division, while Battyeford Belles go to Leeds Medics and Dentists in the First Division of the West Riding League hoping to maintain their push for promotion, weather permitting.

Belles reserves are also in Leeds

when they go to bottom club Middleton Park for a Second Division game while in Division Three Dewsbury Rangers face a lengthy trip to Boroughbridge.

Ossett Town have arranged a friendly with lacklustre Durkar, while Town’s reserves home game must be in doubt against Skipton Town.

ThePress

Friday January 8, 2016

27

RUGBY UNION

Kestrels build confidence following New Year victory Friendly CLECKHEATON KESTRELS SELBY SECONDS

14 7

at Moorend CLECKHEATON KESTRELS overcame Selby Seconds 14-7 at home to start 2016 in the best possible way.

The game was a close encounter, with both teams failing to find a way to break the deadlock leaving the match pointless at the interval.

But in the second half Cleckheaton began to play some of their finer attacking rugby.

Guest player Ross Hayden and teammate Jack Seddon both went over to give Cleckheaton a comfortable lead to defend.

The hosts can take encouragement from their 14-7 win and the victory may prove the catalyst for a sustained run of form that can see them climb the Yorkshire Merit League Premiership table in 2016.

Next up for the Kestrels is a home game against Scunthorpe tomorrow (Saturday, 2.15pm).

Meanwhile the first team begin 2016 with a trip to face Sheffield Tigers tomorrow (2:15pm) as they look to climb the National League Three North standings.

Luke Pearson battles his way past Selby defenders as he looks to put Cleckheaton on the offensive Gerald Christian

Ossett defy conditions to see off Stanley in friendly Friendly STANLEY RODILLIANS

7

OSSETT RUFC

15

at Manley Park OSSETT RUFC and Stanley Rodillians played out an entertaining New Year friendly at Manley Park which the visitors won 15-7.

Stanley proved tough opposition for Ossett but the away side looked strong following the festive period, despite fielding some second team players due to absences.

Tim Roberts dictated play well in the backs and with clinical running and accurate passing opened up the

field for man of the match Andy Webber to cut holes in the Stanley defence.

Roberts’ game took a turn for worse mid-way through the first half however when he was yellow-carded for not releasing.

But Stanley couldn’t capitalise on their man advantage.

The opening try of the game came from Jack Drury, who reacted quickly at scrum half to dive for the line.

The second try came soon afterwards thanks to Roberts’ quick thinking and his kick and chase was gathered for the score.

Both conversions were missed but Ossett led at the break 10-0.

In the second period Stanley

fought hard to find a way back into the game.

They piled the pressure on the Ossett defence but the visitors held firm with some strong tackling.

The away side managed to ride the storm and found themselves on the front foot once again.

This led to a Jonathan Banks try in the corner.

But with the weather deteriorating conditions almost became unplayable towards the end of the match.

Nevertheless Stanley managed to use the treacherous conditions to their advantage as they scored a late consolation try, which was converted, to round off the game’s scoring.

TENNIS

Mirfield volunteer honours MIRFIELD Tennis Club chairman Brian Fox and vice-chairman Matt Morgan have been acknowledged for their efforts in 2015 after being awarded the Yorkshire county Aegon volunteer of the year and young volunteer of the year honours respectively.

The duo have now been nominated for the subsequent regional and national awards.

The accolades come after both men put in long hours, amongst other things, to make the tennis

club run like clockwork, which proved especially important during last year’s successful Great British tennis weekends, which saw over 100 guests flood through the doors of the Mirfield club.

Meanwhile Mirfield Tennis Club’s annual general meeting is due to take place at the end of this month (January 28) at Hopton Mills WMC. The event will include a trophy presentation for the winners of the men’s doubles floodlit tour-

nament, won by David Holderness and Morgan, and also the men’s singles champion Jimmy Finnigan.

In addition trophies will be presented to the winners of tournaments held earlier in 2015 such as the Strawberry tournament.

Elsewhere plans are underway to encourage new visitors to the club with the introduction of a new pay-and-play system which could come into force in time for the busy summer months.

CHALLENGE CUP RUGBY LEAGUE

Away ties for Trojans and Sharks in Challenge Cup THE DRAW for the first round of the 2016 Challenge Cup has been made, which included two of our local sides.

Shaw Cross Sharks will face a long trip to play London Chargers, ,while Thornhill Trojans were also drawn away from home and will play Hull Dockers.

The Sharks and Trojans have odds of 5,000 and 10,000-1 respectively with the bookies to go all the way and lift the trophy at Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 27.

The first round ties will take place over the weekend of January 30-31

Thornhill Trojans official Andy Byram with the Challenge Cup

NATIONAL CONFERENCE RUGBY LEAGUE

NCL countdown begins WITH THE 2016 National Conference League season just around the corner local teams are preparing themselves for another tough gruelling campaign.

Following their promotion last year Thornhill Trojans start life in Division Two against local rivals Dewsbury Celtic

on March 12.

Shaw Cross Sharks, who narrowly missed out on a play-off final place last season, start their year with a Division One clash away at Featherstone Lions.

Dewsbury Moor Maroons face Castleford Panthers in their opening Division Three game of the season on March 19.

LOCAL SPORT

Weekend sport cancellation DUE TO continued heavy rainfall Kirklees council have called off football and rugby matches on their pitches this

weekend.

Extra efforts will be made to get the pitches in playable conditions.

Affected leagues have

been informed of the decision and and safety inspections will continue to take place in the coming days and weeks.

Hirst demands improvements

Rams aiming for progress

By Joe Link Sports Reporter joe@thepressnews.co.uk

DEWSBURY RAMS continue their pre-season schedule this Sunday when they host Sheffield Eagles at the Tetley’s Stadium (3pm).

Keegan Hirst in action last season for the Bulldogs, where he captained his side against local rivals and former club Dewsbury Rams Memory Mil Photography

FOLLOWING a challenging 2015 for Batley Bulldogs Keegan Hirst is relishing the chance to put things right this year and the prop is high on confidence after retaining the captaincy at Mount Pleasant.

Hirst was given the honour of leading his hometown team on the field for the first time in 2015 and the 27-yearold has never looked back.

“I’m a local boy so I found it a great privilege to captain Batley,” said Hirst.

“And to find out I was retaining the role for 2016 gave me a tremendous amount of confidence.

“I worked really hard and tried my best last season, it is great John (Kear) noticed that.

“He’s obviously a very experienced coach and has had many captains during his career so the fact he has kept faith with me is a great honour.”

But Hirst’s retention of the captain’s armband is one rare continuation in an off-season that has seen a lot of change at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.

Bulldogs boss Kear has brought in eight new players, including the highly rated Patch Walker and Dom Brambani from Sheffield Eagles.

“The squad is looking really strong at the moment and pre-season so far has gone really well,” said Hirst.

“The new guys have settled in well and the team is already gelling. I think that showed at times in our Boxing Day win over Dewsbury.

“With the new signings, alongside the hard work every player has put into training, including the youngsters, we look in really good shape for the start of the Championship.

“We’ve learned a lot from last season and our pre-season preparations are in a more advanced stage this year.

“We have been doing a lot of attacking work in training which is

something we didn’t have much time to do last year so we are looking very sharp.

“It is a credit to John (Kear) that we are in such a good place as a team right now.

“We under-performed last year but John knew exactly what we needed to do to improve this time around and he has brought in very talented cover in the halves, which was a weak area for us last season because of injuries.”

The positive news coming out of Mount Pleasant is increasing excitement amongst Batley supporters, but Kear’s men cannot afford a slow start to the season.

They face Leigh at Mount Pleasant on February 7, before travelling to play Featherstone Rovers a week later and hosting Sheffield Eagles at home on February 21.

All three teams will be challenging for a top four spot in 2016 and they will be sure to test how much Batley have improved on last season.

“We are trying to think of our tough start to the campaign as a positive,” added Hirst.

“We are very confident at the moment and if we pick up a few points from the first few games then it could kick-start our season and potentially lead to something very special for us come the end of the season.

“We weren’t a million miles away last year, we lost 10 games by very narrow margins and I know John is desperate for us to turn at least half of those defeats into wins.

“If we manage that then we can easily be challenging for places higher up the league, but our realistic aim is to break into the top six.”

Pre-season continues for Batley when they host Heavy Woollen Select on January 17 before playing North Wales Crusaders January 23.

It will be a different-looking side to the one that faced Batley Bulldogs on Boxing Day as head coach Glenn Morrison looks to give as many of his squad a run-out as possible and a chance to impress before their Championship opener against Swinton.

James Glover and Brad Delaney look set to feature along with hooker Ryan Wright, who recently returned to the club.

Dalton Grant, who missed the Roy Powell Trophy fixture due to family commitments, will also make an appearance on the wing.

Morrison said: “Pre-season games are important and we want to see steady improvements in each match we play but the result is not necessar-

ily the most important factor.

“I’ll be giving a lot of guys a chance in the friendlies and they will get a chance to impress me ahead of the Swinton game.”

One Ram who is delighted with how pre-season has gone so far is Zach Johnson.

The prop forward missed all of the 2015 campaign because of a knee ligament injury but returned against Batley – which was his main goal during rehabilitation – and Johnson is currently working hard to get himself match fit for the start of the 2016 Championship campaign.

“Playing against Batley Bulldogs on Boxing Day was a big thing for me mentally, as that’s the goal I set when I got injured. It was a great feeling to hit that target,” said Johnson.

“I’m nowhere near where I want to be yet, in terms of conditioning and performance, but I will keep working hard at it and hopefully the fans will soon get to see me back on top form.

“It was really tough being out of action and not playing and training with the lads.

“Staying motivated was tough, but

Zach Johnson returns from a long lay-off everyone at the club kept me going and I have to say that pre-season has been quality so far.”

Johnson will be hoping for more game time against Sheffield as he aims to impress Morrison and stake his claim for a regular first team spot throughout this year.

Despite poor weather recently the game is set to go ahead at Owl Lane.

The pitch has been rested since the Boxing Day game and Morrison’s men have been training away from the stadium for the past week.

Golf day success for Bulldogs

Stewart Carley (Masons), Paul Harrison, Tim Crawshaw (Rigel Financial), Craig Lingard, Derek Ventress and Kevin Nicholas BATLEY BULLDOGS have received two cheques of £280 from the Royal Arch Masons of Yorkshire to donate to charity following their golf day success.

The event was organised by the West Yorkshire Masons and was played at the Yorkshire Golf Club in Darrington, with Batley’s winning team consisting of Bulldogs chief executive Paul Harrison, chairman

Kevin Nicholas, Tim Crawshaw from Bulldogs sponsor Rigel Financial and Craig Lingard.

The money which the club has been donated will be shared between the Motor Neurone Disease Association, in memory of the wife of Bulldogs chaplain Derek Ventress, and the Batley Sporting Charitable Trust.

Paul Harrison said: “Batley

Bulldogs would like to thank the West Yorkshire Masons for their very generous donation to two charities very close to us, firstly the Batley Sporting Charitable Trust who work with a wide range of people around the Batley area, and the Motor Neurone Disease Association which is very close to chaplain Derek Ventress who sadly lost his wife to the disease.”