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No. 743

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“We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.” World pays tribute to MP Jo Cox • Almost £1.5 million raised in her memory • Memorial events across globe on her birthday • Brendan Cox: She died because of her political views • Accused in court - latest • Pages 3-14

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Deaths BESFORD NORMAN On June 14, of Chickenley, aged 70, husband of Carol.

Friday June 24, 2016

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BUSBY RHODA DOROTHY 'JENNY' On June 16, of Hanging Heaton, wife of the late Ray. Service at Church of the Nazarene, Dewsbury, on Monday June 27 at 3pm.

CAVE (FORMLEY KNIPE, NEE COLLINSON) SHIRLEY On June 13, aged 81, wife of the late Jack. Service at Staincliffe Baptist Church on Wednesday June 29 at 12noon.

CLEGG GORDON On June 9, aged 86, husband of Rita. Service at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium, Tuesday July 5 at 11.15am.

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Betty. Service at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday June 27 at 10.30am.

HEALEY BERNARD On June 8, aged 81, dad of Simon and Ashley. Service at Holy Spirit RC Church Heckmondwike today (Friday June 24) at 2pm.

LAWFORD (NEE SHAW) MAUREEN On June 16 aged 87, wife of Peter. Service at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday June 27 at 1.15pm.

NEWSOME JOSEPH On June 18 aged 71, of Thornhill, husband of Mandy. Service at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Tuesday June 28 at 10.30am.

On June 18, formerly of Westtown, husband of

OATES PETER On June 15, aged 73, husband of Kathleen. Service at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Friday July 1 at 1.15pm.

SENIOR (NEE BENSON) MARGARET On June 10, formerly of Gomersal, wife of the late Jeffrey. Service at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday June 27 at 12.30pm.

SIMPSON (NEE BOOTHROYD) JANET On June 18, aged 69, of East Bierley, wife of Donald. Service at St Paul's Church, Birkenshaw on Wednesday June 29 at 12noon.

Above: Batley Community Choir sing at the Jo Cox ‘More In Common’ memorial event. Left: Upper Batley High School head boy Mohammed Raja gave an eloquent and emotive speech about his memories of meeting Jo Cox. Above: Lily Allen sang ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ on screen in a live link-up with London’s Trafalgar Square.

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/ThePressNews 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 Wayne Farkas Office Manager: Adele Latham The Press abides by the principles of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and at all times attempts to report fairly and accurately and correct mistakes or errors as soon as possible. In the first instance, contact the editor, otherwise we will be happy to give details of the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

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Friday June 24, 2016

Outpouring of love Crowds in Batley Market Place for the birthday memorial tribute to Jo Cox Inset: Jo’s sister Kim addresses the gathering

THOUSANDS of people around the world celebrated what would have been Jo Cox’s 42nd birthday on Wednesday. Batley joined a list of cities including London, New York, Sydney, Brussels, Dublin and Nairobi. In Trafalgar Square in London there were tributes from U2 singer Bono, actors Gillian Anderson and Bill Nighy and the humanitarian Malala Yousafzai. Pop star Lily Allen sang while broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, a friend of Mrs Cox, compered. Dignitaries present included Lily Caprani, the deputy executive director of Unicef. Bristol trip-hop group Portishead made a video tribute and are to release a cover of Abba’s SOS as a charity single. Fighting back tears in front of a packed crowd, Brendan Cox said of his wife’s death: “It was an act of terror designed to advance hatred towards others. What a beautiful irony it is that an act designed to advance hatred has in fact instead generated such an outpouring of love. “Jo’s life is proof that a message of peace is more powerful than any weapon of war. Once again the extremists have failed.” In Batley Market Place a crowd of about 2,000 gathered, from all races, religions and backgrounds. Watched by parents Gordon and Jean, Mrs Cox’s sister Kim Leadbeater said: “From Batley to Burma and the Spen Valley to Syria, Jo’s life was centred around helping people and standing up for the causes she felt so passionately about. “My sister would want her murder to mobilise people, to get on with things, to try to make a positive difference in whatever way we can, to come together and unite against hate and division and to fight instead for inclusion, love and unity. In Jo’s honour, and on behalf of her grieving family, I urge you to please do so.” She finished by blowing a kiss to the crowd. Present at the Batley event were Labour MPs Paula Sherriff (Dewsbury and Mirfield), Rachel Reeves and Dan Jarvis. In New York, hundreds gathered near the UN building to hear Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the UN, read a statement from President Barack Obama. “Jo knew that our politics at its best still works,” he said. “If we recognise our humanity in each other we can advance social justice, human dignity and the peace that we seek in the world.” Former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin

Rudd urged followers on Twitter to support Jo Cox’s legacy by donating to the campaign which has already raised £1.3m in her memory. In Edinburgh, about 100 people gathered on Portobello beach with candles spelling out the phrase “more in common” pressed into the sand. Jo Cox’s two young children, Cuillin and Lejla, were at the Trafalgar Square event with their father. Their day began at the family’s home on a barge on the Thames, where a community dinghy named Yorkshire Rose was carpeted with 1,000 roses. Mr Cox and his children travelled up the river to Westminster, where the dinghy will be moored for a week. He added: “We try to remember not how cruelly she was taken from us, but how unbelieveably lucky we were to have her in our lives for so long. I hope that everyone will understand that after this event it will be time for me and all our family to grieve in private.”

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Crowds gather at town’s ‘shrine’ A SERVICE to mark the first week’s anniversary of Jo Cox’s death took place in Birstall yesterday. Crowds gathered near the impromptu shrine at the Joseph Priestley statue in Market Place at 12.50pm. Rev Lesley Anne Mattacks, of St Saviour’s Church, said: “The town is beginning to come to terms with what happened. “But it is going to take a while. What is clear is it will not break this community apart, we’ll stick together.” Rev Roger Smith, of Birstall Methodist Church, said: “She had a passion for local and global issues and tied them together. “I think she was someone full of hope; the last time I met her she was speaking about Palestine, where she worked with Oxfam. “She was realistic about the situation but she refused to give up hope.”

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

Calls grow for George Cross honour for hero Bernard BERNARD KENNY was released from hospital on Monday as calls grow for him to be honoured for his bravery. Bernard, 78 on Wednesday, intervened in the incident in which Jo Cox died. He suffered a serious injury to his abdomen but was discharged from Leeds General Infirmary following treatment. A police officer was outside his home on Bradford Road, Birstall, amid media interest. In a statement, Bernard and his family express condolences to the family of Mrs Cox, whom they called “a very sad loss for the community”. They added: “We would also like to thank people at the scene, the police, ambulance service and the staff at LGI, who were excellent in dealing with the situation. “Many people have shown great kindness over the last few days. This has been much appreciated by

Dewsbury & Mirfield MP Paula Sheriff, centre, at the birthday memorial tribute to Jo Cox in Batley, alongside other MPs and politicians the whole family but now we hope you will respect the fact that we need time and privacy for Bernard to recover.” Meanwhile a petition calling for him to receive the George Cross for bravery has been signed by almost 40,000 people. The George Cross is the highest gallantry award for civilians and the armed forces and recognises bravery in peacetime and war. In 1973 Bernard helped rescue miners from the flooded Lofthouse Colliery. Thirty men were working below ground at the time. Most were rescued but seven were killed. The petition is at http://www.the petitionsite.com/864/ 101/396/award-thegeorge-cross-to-herowho-fought-attackerof-jo-cox-mp/.

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Fellow MP Paula tells of ‘shock and devastation’ By David Miller MP PAULA SHERRIFF is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her friend Jo Cox. In one of her first media interviews since the tragedy, she told how staff in her office go from periods of relative calm to floods of tears. Miss Sherriff (Lab, Dewsbury and Mirfield) attended Wednesday’s birthday memorial for Mrs Cox in Batley. She said of last Thursday: “It was utter shock. And I’m still shocked. I’m not sure if it’s sunk in if I’m honest. “When I got that phone call, and I play it back in my head, and was told Jo’s been shot, I was absolutely devastated.” She added: “How do you

compute in your mind that there is so much hate in the world? “And I cannot conceive of how somebody could have so much hatred of somebody like Jo. “We owe it to Jo to continue her legacy in every sense, locally, nationally and internationally. “And we must fight extremism in all its forms, whether it be the far right or any other form of extremism.” Wednesday’s birthday memorial was compered by Paul Taylor of the Royal Voluntary Service, one of the charities benefiting from fundraising. A choir from Norristhorpe Junior and Infants sang Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and Love Shine A Light. Upper Batley High

School headeacher Sam Vickers and pupils Mohammed Raja and Bilal Khan spoke. Tributes were also paid by Batley, Purlwell and Hanging Heaton priest Rev Mark Umpleby and Moulana Shokat of the Medina Mosque in Batley. The Batley Community Choir sang and then announced the recording of a charity single. Kim Leadbeater finished the event by asking people to sign “moment of action” pledge cards in her sister’s memory. She told the crowd: “Think of an action you can take that would make a positive difference to someone’s life.” One ready to take up the baton is Leilah Nolan, who came from Birkenshaw with six-year-old daughter

Ella. Leilah recently moved back to the area from Pudsey and did not know Mrs Cox was her MP, but having heard of her work now wants to do more. She also brought toy unicorns to pass on to Mrs Cox’s two children, Cuillin and Lejla. Leilah, formerly of Gomersal and Batley, said: “Just listening about Jo has made me want to do more for other people. “I’d like to be less selfish and get into volunteering and doing other things that can make a difference.” Coun Shabir Pandor (Lab, Batley West) said: “It’s quite clear that Jo’s death is not the end. “Her legacy will continue, and events across the world show there is a lot of good in the world.

“It’s like Jo said, there’s more that unites us than divides us, and we should take that by the horns and put it into practice.” He praised the turnout from all walks of life and said: “That’s what humanity is about. Humanity is about diversity, differences, tolerance and sharing.” Fiaz Rashid, director of projects at the Pakistan and Kashmir Welfare Association on Manor Way, Batley, also hailed the crowds. He said: “That demonstrates we have a lot in common and we must continue to celebrate that.” Mr Rashid added: “It was an incredible event. The people of this area showed they will stand together against bigotry and hatred.”

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PM leads politicians’ tributes PRIME Minister David Cameron visited Birstall last Friday as a fundraising drive in memory of Jo Cox took off. He laid flowers at the statue of Joseph Priestley along with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow. Helicopters circled overhead while on the ground there was a throng of media and well-wishers. Mr Cameron said: “Where we see hatred, where we find division, where we see intolerance, we must drive it out of our politics, our public life and our communities. “If we truly want to honour Jo, what we must do is recognise that her values – service, community, tolerance – the values she lived by and worked by; those are the values we need to re-double in our public life in the months and years to come.” Mr Corbyn said: “Jo was an exceptional, wonderful, very talented

Prime Minister David Cameron in Birstall with, from left, House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, Parliament chaplain Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn Mike Clark woman, taken from us in her early 40s when she had so much to give and so much of her life ahead of her. “It’s a tragedy beyond tragedy what happened yesterday. In her memory, we will not allow those

people that spread hatred and poison to divide our society, we will strengthen our democracy, strengthen our free speech.” Mr Bercow added: “Today I think everybody is united in grief, in horror, and in an overpower-

ing respect for someone we came to know, whose talents we admired, and whose passion we admitted on a daily basis.” By 9pm that night more than £150,000 had been raised for the Royal Voluntary Service, Hope

Not Hate and White Helmets. On Monday the appeal topped £1m, just as MPs were lining up to pay their respects after Parliament was recalled. Brendan Cox and his two children watched from the gallery as MPs spent an hour remembering Mrs Cox. One of the most moving speeches came from Leeds West Labour MP Rachel Reeves, who broke down in tears at the end. She said: “It is ironic that after travelling the world to some of the most damaged, war-ravaged places, Jo died so near to her home. “But she died doing the job that she loved, in the place that she loved, representing the people she loved.” By yesterday (Thursday) the total raised was £1,375,154, with donations from more than 36,000 people worldwide. See https://www.go fundme.com/jocox.

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

International leaders are united in sorrow Obama: Hate and violence no match for Jo’s love and compassion PRESIDENT Barack Obama released a moving statement from the White House, honouring Jo Cox’s legacy and sending his condolences to Jo’s parents, sister, husband Brendan, and her children. Here it is in full: “I did not have the privilege of knowing Jo Cox. But I know the spirit that defined her life. “When I first ran for President, she came to America and volunteered on my campaign. “She gave her time and passion to a country that was not her own because she believed in an idea that transcends borders and cultures – the power of people to bring about change, from the grassroots up. “She later described being in North Carolina on election night watching an elderly African-American grandmother holding her granddaughter on her knees. “And through her tears, she told her granddaughter, “when I was your age they said we couldn’t sit on the bus, now we’re the President. We must never doubt how much things can change.” “Jo knew that our politics, at its best, still works – that, if we recognise our humanity in each other, we can advance the social justice, human dignity and peace that we seek in the world. “Reflecting on a difficult time in university, she once said that it made her realise that it mattered where you were born, how you spoke and who you knew. “In her radiant life, Jo turned that truth on its head. She was such an effective public servant for her beloved Yorkshire because she was born there. “She earned the respect of her colleagues in parliament because she was unafraid to speak her mind. And countless women, children and refugees around the world live with more dignity and hope because they knew Jo Cox and were touched by her work on their behalf. “Today, we stand united – British, Americans and people around the world – to affirm that the hate and violence that took her from us are ultimately no match for the love and compassion that she spread in her life. “On behalf of the American people, I offer our deepest condolences to Jo’s parents, sister, husband Brendan, son Cuillin and daughter Lejla. “May these two young children, like all our children, never doubt how much things can change. “With our help, may they grow up in a world of greater tolerance, justice and peace – a future that would make their mum proud.”

From the war-torn ruins of the city of Aleppo in Syria, one man’s message echoed by people all over the world

By Steve Martyn US PRESIDENT Barack Obama called the husband of murdered MP Jo Cox to offer his condolences. He phoned Brendan Cox from Air Force One while on a tour of national parks with his family. Mrs Cox worked on Mr Obama’s presidential election campaign in 2008 before becoming MP for Batley and Spen. One of Mr Obama’s potential successors, Hillary Clinton, was among the other international figures who paid tribute to Mrs Cox. The Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee for president called the murder a “violent act of political intolerance”. She added: “It is critical that the United States and Britain, two of the world’s oldest and greatest democracies, stand together against hatred and violence. “This is how we must honour Jo Cox – by rejecting bigotry in all its forms, and instead embracing, as she always did, everything that binds us together.” US Secretary of State John Kerry, French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid tribute. In Canada, there was a minute’s silence in parliament followed by tributes from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and MP Nathan Cullen, a friend of Mrs Cox who broke down in tears. Joe Cerrell, of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where Mrs Cox used to work, said:

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“We are utterly devastated by the news of Jo’s murder. “She was a remarkable, compassionate, and brilliant champion of women and girls everywhere. “Our thoughts are with her husband Brendan and their two children at this saddest of times. She was a shining light and she will be missed by so many.” There was worldwide media interest, including BBC Radio 5Live from Birstall Market Place on Thursday night.

Channel 4 News, BBC Newsnight and BBC Radio 4’s Today programme were also there. Satellite trucks packed both sides of Low Lane while dozens of reporters swarmed around shops through last weekend. Coverage was carried by CNN, the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Melbourne Age, Toronto Globe & Mail and NBC New York among others. Police cordons were taken down at around 3.30pm last Saturday, after which the scene gradually returned to a form of normality.

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

‘Martyring’ of Jo is cynical and sad NE week on from Jo Cox’s brutal, senseless murder, and I find myself torn about how to express my feelings today. The shock and the stunned disbelief is the easy bit. That’s the rational reaction of anyone with a semblance of humanity about them. The entire world has been doing that and I declined a BBC opportunity to contribute to that public outpouring at the weekend. I didn’t know Jo Cox at all, except in what friends and acquaintances said and thought of her. A good person – even if one whose politics I disagree with in large part. I popped into her office, she was in Westminster. She was here on constituency business and I wasn’t around. No doubt we’d have exchanged handshakes – and possibly opposing views – at some stage. It was not to be.

But the very simple point is that she was the mother of two young children, a young woman going about her life and job with both passion and compassion. Whatever hell awaits her killer can’t burn hot or long enough, to my mind. Forgiveness? That’s in the domain of whatever god awaits the man. I suspect

that’s a reaction held by many, although I equally imagine it’s a reaction that Jo Cox herself might not have subscribed to. In that she was probably a better person than me. In the past I’ve ridiculed the theatrical emotions the national media has visited on our little part of the West Riding. ‘Dewsbury In Shock’ headlines after a young radicalised Muslim blew himself up under an ISIS flag. No, Dewsbury not in shock. Dewsbury, barely surprised. Last week was different. I don’t know if it was the unexpected nature of the act, the fact that she was so young, fresh-faced and innocent – indeed the fact that she was a woman or that the attack was so frenzied and brutal. What perverted level of insanity provokes someone to commit such a heinous, senseless atrocity? On a slip

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DON’T know what kind of a sick narcissist Jack Buckby is, but if I ever found him in danger of drowning in Batley Beck, I’d gladly throw him a discarded shopping trolley to help speed the process. Buckby is the ‘me-me’ opportunist who was quick out of the blocks to announce that he would stand against Labour in the Batley & Spen by-election to replace Jo Cox. While the world was still reeling from news of the killing, the far right press officer for something calling itself Liberty GB (which sounds like it’s him and a few bug-eyed, mouth-frothing mates) was effectively hurling insults at Mrs Cox’s memory. He did everything except accuse her and the Labour party of being responsible for what happened - and didn’t stop far short of that. It isn’t just Buckby’s rabid, hate-filled politi-

of a girl, for crying out loud. If you’re going to be barking, howl-at-the-moon mad, go confront someone your own size, you rank coward. N THE following days, Batley was in a proper daze, literally, a town in shock, regardless of faith or colour. Ordinary people looked blankly at each other, failing to quite comprehend. I joined the ranks stricken by stunned disbelief. The global outpouring of respect and grief provided a magnificent backdrop to the voices from Trafalgar Square on Wednesday that echoed round the planet. It created a memorial for the ages and it united the nation – at least until her husband arguably yielded to the temptation to turn it political. I had no intention of being drawn into that mire and I don’t question Brendan Cox’s right, even within his grief, to invoke his wife’s name – on behalf of which ever side – in the looming referendum. He told the world it was a political killing – and it may

cal agenda. We are still a democracy and everyone and anyone ultimately has the right to contest any by-election, whatever the circumstances leading to it. The nasty, disrespectful timing of his announcement, exploiting the gesture from other mainstream parties in saying they wouldn’t contest the seat, was bad enough. But I also suspect that if there was a regular, contested ballot after a period of respectful reflection, then I doubt we would ever have heard of this nobody. He just used Jo Cox’s murder to seize his 15 minutes in the limelight. If he has the nerve to go through with his threat and force a by-election however, I hope that he equally has the nerve to go out on the stump, knocking on doors and canvassing local constituents. He might wish he hadn’t bothered.

have been. Time will tell. But better surely to leave the sleaze to the morons who flew a ‘Vote Leave’ banner over the service, not slip in a party political for Jo’s ‘Remain’ beliefs. Isn’t that a dividing rather than uniting sentiment, contrary to the ‘More In Common’ theme? Or are we already seeing the cynical creation of a martyr for one strain of political thought? I so, so hope not. Certainly I’m glad I didn’t rush to donate to the memorial fund swiftly founded in her name. Do you know what ‘charities’ will benefit? The very worthy Royal Voluntary Service is one. But of the other two the ironically titled ‘Hope Not Hate’ is a far-left group that espouses too much hatred of anyone disagreeing with it, for most reasonable people’s liking. And while the ‘White Helmets’ (the Syrian civil defence force) are the emergency response unit of the rebel resistance against President Bashar al-Assad, I do wonder what Mrs Cox made of accusations of its

members’ links to al Qaeda and the al Nusra Front. Not cash for the International Red Cross, Save the Children, Oxfam or Unicef, but a specifically partisan group amidst a terrible, chaotic conflict. The people closest to her did not choose those causes accidentally, despite the depth of their desolation, but I do believe people should know exactly what their sympathies are funding. In taking this publicly political path Brendan Cox and friends have legitimised people like me at least raising an eyebrow at their motives. I wish they hadn’t. I’m still uncomfortable, because the only thing of consequence is that this smart, sparky, passionate mother of two, had her life extinguished by a lunatic. I wish that I’d been there last Thursday lunchtime because whatever anyone’s politics I’d like to think that I wouldn’t have hesitated to get between a vulnerable young woman and her fanatical attacker. The world’s gone mad.

It’s done, so let’s move on T IS 2pm on Thursday, and unlike on most general election nights, I won’t be staying up, eyes glued to the telly. I’ve had enough of the EU Referendum now, thanks very much. It’s gone on too long and been altogether far too divisive. I’ve no idea which way the vote will go, but I really do hope people can take whatever the result is and move on. I love a heated debate but some of the nasty, personal vitriol being hurled – most from behind the safe haven of social media – shows what otherwise mild and meek people are capable of. A referendum is what it is and we should respect the people’s choice. Debate the motives, the impacts, certainly, but please, let’s keep a sense of proportion folks.

FRIEND was understandably concerned about her 15-year-old son’s impending school visit to Paris, given the terror attacks so recently and indeed the ongoing security concerns surrounding the Euro 2016 tournament. She needn’t have worried. Both the school and our own mighty Home Office civil servants are all over this baby. Fighting to hold back the tears (of laughter) she told how the school has given each student a card on which is written (in French obviously) “I am lost” along with handy contact phone numbers for any Parisian good Samaritans who happen by. As a brief aside, I’ve no idea what the plans are if we’ve woken up today (Friday) to a post-EU world. Maybe they’ll scribble out another card say-

ing “At least my mum and dad voted to Remain!” But the James Bond-like precautions don’t stop there. Oh no. On the back of the “I’m Lost” card has been stuck a second official Home Office piece of advice, telling the youngsters what to do in case of a terrorist incident. You’ll love this: 1) Run away. 2) Hide. Someone probably got paid a fortune to dream that up – but not as much as the person who created the graphic on the government website illustrating good evasive tactics. It shows two people lifting up a sofa, and someone else hiding under it. Since when did Ikea or DFS for that matter start making bulletproof sofas?

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

Trial date set for accused THE MAN accused of murdering MP Jo Cox is set to stand trial in November under what were described in court as “terrorist protocols”. Thomas Mair, of Lowood Lane, Birstall, faced multiple charges at Westminster Magistrates Court in London last Saturday. They were murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon. He made two further court appearances at the Old Bailey on Monday and yesterday (Thursday), when a provisional trial date of Monday November 14 was set. Asked to confirm his name last Saturday, Mair, 52, told the court: “My name is death to traitors, freedom for Britain.” The judge asked the defendant’s lawyers to confirm his name is Thomas Mair, which they did. Mrs Cox (Lab, Batley and Spen) was killed last Thursday near Birstall Library, where she had arrived just before 1pm to hold a constituency surgery. The 41-year-old mother of two was declared dead at 1.48pm after being shot three times and repeatedly stabbed. David Cawthorne, of the

A court artist’s impression of the accused, Thomas Mair counter-terrorism division of the Crown Prosecution Service, said Mrs Cox visited a primary school and care home that morning. She then headed to the library on Market Street, Birstall for a publicly scheduled surgery with her constituents. Mair was arrested by officers on Risedale Avenue, Howden Clough. When he appeared in Westminster Magistrates Court handcuffed to a guard he did not enter a plea but an application for legal aid was made. Deputy chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot remanded Mair to the high security

Belmarsh Prison in London for an appearance at the Old Bailey, which took place on Monday. She added: “Bearing in mind the name he has just given, he ought to be seen by a psychiatrist.” On Monday Mair appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from Belmarsh before Mr Justice Sweeney under terrorism protocols. He spoke only to confirm his name, saying “Yes, I am” when asked if he was Mair. Again, no application for bail was made. Yesterday it was confirmed in a 15-minute hearing that Mair’s case will be dealt with as a terrorist trial. Mair again appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from Belmarsh. He sat throughout with his head bowed, taking notes, and made no reaction as his lawyer Cairns Nelson QC discussed his case with the prosecutor Mark Dawson and judge Mr Justice Saunders. Another hearing is due on Monday September 19 at the Old Bailey with a plea hearing pencilled for Tuesday October 4. The trial will be heard before a high court judge and is likely to be at the Old Bailey.

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We’ll keep Jo’s passion alive Dear Sir, We at the PKWA (Pakistan and Kashmir Welfare Association) would like to add our voices to the great many voices expressing shock, sadness and dismay at the senseless and terrible murder of our MP Jo Cox. In this time of grief, loss and pain, we extend our thoughts, prayers and love to Jo’s family, friends and all who knew her and were touched by her. It is simply tragic beyond words that the job she so clearly loved and brought so much energy, vibrancy and determination to seems to have been the cause of her death.

I’m getting more involved From: Ms A Rawat, Batley Dear Sir, We were all so very busy in thinking and debating about the EU referendum and in the midst of all that we were brought down with a thud. The brutal killing of Jo Cox has shattered us all. The feeling of sadness has been overwhelming. Even reporters at the scene looked shaken and one was crying after interviewing someone who knew Jo. We hear about killings everyday and many of them do distress us, but when it happens on your own doorstep and to someone that many knew, it is even more shattering. Any violence or killing would have been terrible but the intensity of this made it worse. She was a petite lady and the violence he inflicted was great.

Letter of the Week: Pakistan and Kashmir Welfare Association Jo’s memory and legacy will live on, not just in Batley and Spen but all around the world in the many places where she made a positive difference and to the many, many people whose lives she improved, helped and aided. Jo was passionate about speaking for the voiceless and in causes that were sometimes considered unpopular.

All we can do now is gather up our thoughts and our feelings and find the strength to carry on and send our condolences to Jo’s family and wish them well as they go forward. Who can even find the words to express our deep grief for the children? Her family though are quite obviously amazing. I watched on TV their attendance in Birstall and I found their stoic and loving presence comforting and soothing. When I was there on Friday a reporter asked me what effect this event will have on me in going forward. I replied that it will make me want to get more involved in politics so that my voice can also be heard. Keeping anger in and not feeling that I have a stake in local politics or society is not good. There are people around us who are shaping our society using politics and politicians. If you don’t like what they are doing, try to find a way of challenging it using the same

means. It is not easy, I know, and I suffered much in the past trying to do it but I must try to find the motivation to keep doing it.

Left without a champion From: Ednan Hussain, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Dewsbury and Mirfield Dear Sir, It is a week since the dreadful events of last Thursday which left a husband without his wife, two children without their mother, and communities without the champion that gave them an effective voice in Parliament. As a Liberal Democrat I had differences with Jo. But there was also much we agreed about, especially in her views about the European Union and

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We at PKWA will strive to ensure that Jo’s passion and commitment to causes of justice and equality, particularly womens’ rights and the hope for peace in the Middle East, continues to inspire us to campaign and work for positive change. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to Jo’s family. how we should respond to the plight of refugees. Above all, like her, I am a local person who grew up in the area I want to represent. I with many others was devastated that such a thing could happen in broad daylight on the streets of a town so similar to many others in this part of West Yorkshire. It’s quite understandable that, mystified and horrified, people look for someone or some organisation to blame; and expect changes to make sure it can never happen again. I fully support the efforts of the police to investigate this murder and I urge anyone with information that might help them to come forward. Once the facts are known, lessons need to be learned and action taken to prevent any repeat. But there are some things I don’t want to change, and nor would Jo. I want MPs to be more accessible to their constituents, not less. I want all MPs to be as brave as Jo in speaking up for what they believe in, even when it’s against the grain of public opinion. Her death is an appalling glimpse into where the politics of hate and intolerance can lead, if we fall prey to it. The most fitting tribute to her would be a decisive rejection of those attitudes by all the diverse communities of North Kirklees. I for one pledge to work tirelessly alongside everyone – of all beliefs and none, from every walk of life – to make sure our communities emerge from last week’s events stronger and more united than ever before.

Remembered as a Samaritan From: Jabar Khaliq, Dewsbury Moor Dear Sir, Jo Cox was an MP who was approachable, caring, and full of inspiration and hope. It is very sad and hard to overcome that Jo’s life had been taken in the way that it has. The community, not only from Batley and Spen but the whole society have shown what we feel.

Jo had a long life ahead and didn’t deserve what happened to her. No-one does. Well, there is one thing to say and that is Jo will be remembered as someone who was a Good Samaritan, concerened about vunerable people in societies around the world.

United in grief From: Michael Clarke, Batley Dear Sir, Re: Jo Cox. Sad news, it was with deep sadness to hear the way you passed away only doing your job. No-one deserves to be killed just because you don’t agree with their views. I hope the person who did this stays in prison for the rest of their life. What’s life nowadays, he’ll be out before you know it. I feel sorry for her family left behind, RIP Jo.

We need a full by-election From: Garry Kitchin, Batley Dear Sir, The list of other sitting Westminster MPs murdered since 1923 is short: Airey Neave – 1979, Robert Bradford – 1981, Anthony Berry – 1984, Ian Gow – 1990. All were murdered by terrorists and each subsequent election was contested fully by all parties. Tragically Jo Cox, much loved MP for Batley and Spen has joined this list. The people of Batley and Spen are devastated. She leaves a grieving husband and two children behind. She was universally liked by all who met her. The decent thing was to let people grieve and Jo’s funeral pass before by-election matters were considered. Sadly, the Conservatives announced early they would not stand, ensuring a media scrum to get responses from all parties. I wonder why the convention of contested by-elections has been ignored? In the darkest moments of our democratic system, we must stick firmly to solid democratic principles. Every Westminster election

needs a choice of candidates to be legitimate. The mandate of a deceased MP does not pass the next representative of that party. Jo was a great MP and Parliamentarian. I’m sure she would have wanted her successor to be mandated by a fully democratic election process, not a Labour Party coronation. Rest in peace, Jo.

I fear for our country From: Darren F Whitley, Cleckheaton Dear Sir, It is with great sadness that I find myself writing to you today. Last Thursday I left home for work, as many more in the country did, with the reasonable expectation that I would return home safe to my family. There was also one very well-respected lady that did the same, but her reasonable expectation did not come to reality. Of course that lady was Jo Cox. May she rest in peace. I have to admit, I was not the greatest fan of Jo, indeed at times I have been critical. However, no-one deserves to suffer the fate that she did, regardless of the claimed reasons for the actions of the madman who carried out the selfish act. Regardless of political affiliation, I feel that we all must stand firm against those who wish us harm, for whatever deluded justification they seek to claim. I now fear for what our country has become. Is it not time that our politicians considered what penalty should be suffered by those who seek to instill fear through murder, particularly the murder of someone such as an MP? Should we consider the reintroduction of the death penalty for those who commit murder against those in government of the country, so that it is at least an option when sentence is passed? Yes it is a rare occurrence, but it should surely be one that rather being rare, should never occur. Once again, may Jo rest in peace.

Continued on page 9

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

New rector of Minster appointed

Many of the area’s leading politicians attended the vigil at the Al Hikmah centre

Photo: Rachel Megawhat

Tributes from Muslim leaders A VIGIL for Jo Cox at the Al Hikmah Centre in Batley last Friday attracted many of the area’s top politicians. In attendance were councillors Masood Ahmed and Nosheen Dad, who earlier that day visited the growing shrine in Birstall Market Place. The Dewsbury South Labour councillors were joined by Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. She worked with Mrs Cox on Islamophobia just before the general election in May last year. Baroness Warsi said: “It takes a certain kind of Labour politician to convince the ex-chairman of the Conservative Party to share a platform with her weeks before the general election, and to praise her for the work that she was doing. “But that was Jo – working above the fray, across the political divide. She reminded many of us why we entered politics. “She allowed us to believe that we could make a difference and that we could change things.” Mohamed Mulla, chairman of the Indian Muslim Welfare Society said: “Ever since Jo stood as a candidate she went out of her way to engage with individuals and organisations and as such I had the privilege to meet and talk

From page 8

Because we are worth it From: Christine Hyde, Dewsbury Dear Sir, Talking to people about the NHS, I sometimes meet folk who think immigrants should pay for NHS treatment. They are usually unclear about which immigrants. There is now a charge for non-EU citizens before they even enter the country and of EU people, the NHS claims back from their country, and workers, shoppers and drivers pay tax.

with her on many occasions. She was a personal friend too. She was inspiring and full of ambition for the constituency and was always willing to support and promote causes close to the community. “Amongst her goals was the rejuvenation of Batley town centre and she had been working hard to bring in inward investment into the area. “She was also instrumental in standing up against the cutbacks in the services at Dewsbury District Hospital. “She always fought for her constituents irrespective of race or faith. “There is no place in our society for any form of extremism or violence instigated through radical thoughts. “It is a huge loss to all locally. And an even greater one to those close to her especially her husband and two young children. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family.” The Kirklees Imams & Mosques Advisory Board (KIMAB) said in a statement: “She was a tireless campaigner for peace and justice and was a truly committed humanitarian and a most caring constituency MP who made a firm stand against all forms of racism. “Our community has lost a

Research shows that more UK citizens seek treatment abroad than EU citizens seek here, so the NHS reimburses other countries far more than people generally realise. As for upfront charges generally, Germany tried it about four or five years ago. They soon stopped it discovering that people put off going to the doctor until their condition got really bad and was therefore much more expensive to treat than it would have been had they sought treatment earlier. Also it is a public health nightmare. Someone does not go to the GP with a cough because of the cost. It is only a cough, right?! However, if that cough is TB then there is a risk of spread of

truly great MP who will be sadly missed locally as well as nationally. “Our heartfelt and deepest condolences to her husband Brendan, her two sons and family and friends at this extremely difficult time.” Islamic scholars at the Peace Institute, which is headed by Dewsbury Mufti Mohammed Pandor, also paid tribute. In a statement they said: “We are all extremely stunned by the horrible murder of Jo Cox. “We wanted her so much to pull through after the dreadful shooting. We utterly condemn terrible violence of this sort regardless of who perpetrated it. “Our sincerest heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of Jo. Jo was very much loved by all members of our faith and nonfaith community. “We had a special affinity towards Jo because she gave us hope in the political process. “Her passion for speaking up for the voiceless everywhere

infection right across the board, babies, infants, people in the bus. The same is true for other disease and immunisations. Hepatitis is very infectious, especially amongst children at school. Would we really want that? Counselling for mental health problems is unavailable to most people unless they pay privately these days. If people have not got incentive or income to pay with money they do without help and relatives and the public pay the price in suicide and death. Is this the sort of society we want? If we really had a democracy, the Government would invest in the NHS! Because we are worth it.

locally, nationally and internationally will be immensely missed.” In particular they praised Mrs Cox’s work with Batley charity One Nation, whom she helped to secure a cemetery on the Greek island of Lesbos for Syrian refugees who died crossing the Aegean Sea. Shaikh Hashim Sacha added: “Let us all honour Jo’s memory by pledging today to dedicate ourselves to carry on the good work Jo was involved in and unite to fight against the hatred that killed her. “All she wanted was peace on earth.”

JUNE Sat 25th Sun 26th Tue 28th Wed 29th JULY Sat 2nd Sun 3rd Tue 5th Fri 8th Sat 9th Sun 10th Tue 12th Wed 13th Thu 14th Sat 16th Sun 17th Mon 18th Wed 20th

A NEW rector has been appointed at Dewsbury Minster nine months after Rev Kevin Partington gave his last service. He is Rev Simon Cash - an appropriately-named former business manager at the Halifax branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Elland-born Rev Cash, 52, is rector-designate and is due to be installed on Tuesday, October 4, a year to the day since Rev Partington, who joined in 2003, gave his last service. Rev Cash is currently priest in charge at a number of churches in the Worksop area. A married father of three grown-up children, he studied theology from 1999 to 2001 in Nottingham. His interests include walking and speedway and he is also a supporter of Huddersfield Town. Rev Cash’s induction in October is due to be led by the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev Nicholas Baines, and

Dr Jonathan Gibbs, the Bishop of Huddersfield. Richard Middleton, one of the Minster’s wardens, said: “He’s very approachable and down to earth. The appointment of a new rector is a long process that can take nine months to two years.” Meanwhile, Rev Ann Pollard is due to retire from Trinity Church, Batley Carr and St Peter’s Church, Earlsheaton, on Sunday, September 4. Her work is set to be shared, with other retired clergy helping out, until an appointment can be made. ■ Dewsbury Minster hosts an arts festival tomorrow (Saturday, 10am to 3pm) featuring a show by photographer Sandi Nicholson. The free event also features an interactive bear hunt, story reading, balloon modelling, games and various stalls. There will be children’s handbell ringing, face painting and a mosaic coaster competition.

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News In Brief Police hunt for woman in distress CLECKHEATON: A hunt is under way for a distressed and injured woman who got into a van. The woman was seen on Bradford Road near the Chain Bar roundabout at around 7am last Friday. In her late teens or early 20s, she was wearing a tshirt and black shorts or skirt with an old curtain or tarpaulin-type sheet wrapped around her. She was not wearing any shoes, had blood on her feet and scratches to her legs. Possibly called Bethany, she was taken by a passerby to Cleckheaton Golf Club, where she was picked up by a man in a white van. Police want to make sure she is safe. Anyone with information can call Kirklees CID on 101.

Assault man avoids jail

Friday June 24, 2016

‘I hope she’ll be replaced by another female MP’ BRENDAN COX insists he will not stand in the Batley and Spen by-election. Mr Cox spoke publicly for the first time about the death of wife Jo in a ‘pool’ interview on Tuesday conducted by the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg. She asked if he would run and Mr Cox replied: “No. No, my only overriding priority at the moment is how I make sure that I protect my family and kids through this. “Jo was a passionate feminist, somebody who actively campaigned to get more women into Parliament and I think she would have been very annoyed with me if I decided that when an angry man kills a young female MP, she would be replaced by another man. “So I hope that whoever replaces her will become another female MP.” Mr Cox added: “She was a politician and she had very strong political views and I

“Jo was a passionate feminist, somebody who actively campaigned to get more women into Parliament and I think she would have been very annoyed with me if I decided that when an angry man kills a young female MP, she would be replaced by another man...” – BRENDAN COX believe she was killed because of those views. “I think she died because of them and she would want to stand up for those in death as much as she did in life. “I don’t want people ascribing views to her that she didn’t have but I certainly want to continue to fight for the legacy and for the politics and the views she espoused. “Because they were what she was, she died for them and we definitely want to make sure that we continue to fight for them.” Mr Cox said his wife was worried about the tone of politics, particularly the EU refer-

endum, which she saw as whipping up hatred. He said: “I think she was very worried that the language was coarsening, that people were being driven to take more extreme positions, that people didn’t work with each other as individuals and on issues; it was all much too tribal and unthinking. “She was particularly worried – we talked about this regularly – about the direction of politics, not just in the UK but globally, particularly around creating division and playing on people’s worst fears rather than their best instincts.” Mr Cox also praised efforts

to bring communities together in the wake of his wife’s death. “Right around the world there’s this idea to mark what made her who she was and also both as an act of memorial but also to say that our societies can be fairer, more loving, less nasty, less hostile places,” Mr Cox said. “But then I also hope it will bring people together and send a message that counts, not just in the next few weeks, and that it will change the way people think about how you do politics, how you engage with each other, how you treat people – that’s what I hope.”

CLECKHEATON: A man has avoided jail after assaulting his ex-partner in a moving car. Kyle Scott, 26, of Manor Park Road, was found guilty after a trial of kicking out at Sophie Smith and striking her hand. He was also convicted at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court of causing criminal damage to her windscreen. The Huddersfield bench was told the incident happened on March 12 during a row. Scott tried to get into her car as she drove off, with the assault happening while he was half inside the vehicle. He was given a 12-week suspended sentence, a twoyear restraining order and told to pay £200 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

Car vandal must pay up BATLEY: A vandal was caught with spray paint on his hands after three parked cars were damaged. Luke Foley, 19, admitted criminal damage and possession of cannabis when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court. The bench was told a Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 306 and Ford Transit were damaged with paint on Roman Road on February 1. Foley, of Cleethorpes, used to live there and his family had had problems with neighbours. Bill Astin, prosecuting, said of Foley: “He was arrested at the scene with paint all over his hands.” Foley was told to pay £250 compensation, plus £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. The spray paint was forfeited and destroyed.

Drifts of flowers and a poignant banner in Birstall Market Place

Photo: Mike Clark

Traders and councillors pay respects TRADERS and councillors in Birstall paid their respects to MP Jo Cox, led by Chamber of Trade chairman Anne Thompson. She posted on Facebook on Thursday: “There is a profound sense of shock in this village today. Birstall has lost a friend in the most unimaginable way. Jo Cox was a fine MP but above all she was a fine human being and we should all give thanks for a life so very well lived.” Natalie Tai, of the Powder Room on Low Lane, posted: “We are all deeply saddened here in Birstall, watching the news and seeing it all unfold in front of our own eyes this afternoon. “Jo Cox made a lasting

impression on my boy as he met her personally at school and in London in Parliament on the school trip. “Our thoughts are with her family and children today and I fear for the future of my own at this controversial time as horrible things continue to happen all over the world. “Let’s try to make it a better place together, it shouldn’t be this hard.” Some shops, including New Brooklyn Dental Care, were closed as a mark of respect last Friday. The library remained shut for most of the week, but opened as a polling station for the EU referendum yesterday (Thursday). At the Wellbeing Centre on

Gelderd Road there was a memorial service for Mrs Cox on Wednesday. Rebecca Walker posted on Facebook: “Through our tears, this terrible event brought not only our nation together, but the entire world. Segregation stopped and true humanity was our guiding light.” Yesterday at 12.50pm there was a service in Birstall Market Place called Standing Together in Birstall to mark a week on since the tragedy. It was led by St Peter’s Church, which attracted a crowd of 400 people to a memorial last Friday. Kirklees councillors Robert Light, Liz Smaje and Andrew Palfreeman also paid tribute.

In a joint statement they said: “Such an attack could have happened to any MP or elected public servant anywhere in the country, but it is obviously a source of great sadness that this savage attack occurred in our ward and indeed in the peaceful and busy village of Birstall. “We are sure that local residents will express their own sadness, but will also pull together in the community. “We believe that is what Jo would have wanted and as the local ward councillors we will do everything we can to help the community to do so. “That would be the most fitting tribute that Birstall could make to Jo and her hard work.”

Jo was set to warn of increase in attacks on Muslims JO COX was due to warn Parliament of an increase in anti-Muslim attacks, it has emerged. Later this month she was set to introduce a report she had been working on with the Islamophobia watchdog Tell Mama. It is expected to show an 80 per cent rise in attacks on Muslims in Britain in 2015 over the year before. Tell Mama founder Fiyaz Mughal told The Guardian newspaper: “She met us to talk about how people could report attacks; particularly women in her constituency.” The report is the group’s latest in a series on the number of Islamophobic attacks. Mr Mughal added: “We were hoping she would highlight the impact on Muslim women; particularly given the targeting (that exists). “The majority (of incidents) at street level were on women and she was going to raise that.” Mr Mughal added the study was based on data from his group and three police forces. He expects the report to conclude that Tell Mama recorded 1,100 Islamophobic attacks in 2015 – an 80 per cent rise on the previous year. The three forces reported a further 1,200 incidents, which were combined to give a national estimate. In a video filmed outside Parliament, Mrs Cox said: “... many of our young women do not feel safe as they should when they are out on the streets of Batley and Spen.” Meanwhile, Kirklees Council is working with Tell Mama after the authority’s community safety partnership found “community tensions” linked to “far-right activities”. A report in July last year said: “The main extremist threat to national security is connected with Iraq and Syria and in particular travelling and supporting terrorist activity. “There has been evidence of community tensions, including some farright activities in reaction to these events, cases of child sex exploitation and change of use of buildings to mosques. “It is critical that individuals at risk are identifed at the earliest opportunity to ensure they receive appropriate support to prevent further radicalisation.”

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

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Friday June 24, 2016

Former BNP man will contest by-election A FORMER member of the BNP is to contest the Batley and Spen by-election in the wake of the killing of Jo Cox. All major political parties said they do not intend to field a candidate to find her successor. But Jack Buckby has announced he will be contesting the seat for far-right political group Liberty GB. It states its aims as “halting the Islamisation of Britain” and “promoting British values and assimiliation rather than multiculturalism”. Mr Buckby was a member of Crusaders, the youth wing of the BNP, and was tipped as an “heir apparent to Nick Griffin”. But he left the BNP in 2013 after claiming the party’s views turned to “open race hatred”. The following year, Mr Buckby, 23, stood in the European elections for Liberty GB. Within hours of Mrs Cox’s death last Thursday, Mr Buckby posted on Twitter: “Media and left will milk this for all it’s worth.” In a statement on Liberty GB’s website he wrote of his candidacy: “While the murder of Jo Cox is tragic, we must not let this tragedy blur the fact that the Labour Party is responsible for the demographic and cultural assault on Britain which has already done great damage in areas of Yorkshire. “Too much is at stake to allow Labour to retake Batley and Spen unchallenged. “The constituency is part of a region that has been turned upside down by mass immigration, with mosques sprouting like triffids, Islamic extremism proliferating, child-rape gangs still on the loose, and long-standing English communities under threat of demographic eradication. “The Labour Party has blood on its hands. And by shutting down debate and labelling working class people concerned about their communities as racists, they risk driving desperate, disenfranchised people to further horrendous acts like this.” Mr Buckby also criticised donations made to Hope Not Hate since Mrs Cox was killed and mentioned his support for capital punishment.

By-election: Far-right Jack Buckby

Thousands of people gathered in Batley Market Place to pay tribute to Jo Cox on Wednesday and broke into emotional applause at several points during the event

‘She lit a candle to dispel the darkness’ BIRSTALL was only one of many places that held vigils for Jo Cox last Thursday night. About 400 people packed into St Peter’s Church on Kirkgate – including many political figures. Among those who attended were Labour MPs Yvette Cooper, Rachel Reeves, Dan Jarvis and Caroline Flint. Other vigils were held in places including London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast.

In Birstall, the church bells rang 42 times for Mrs Cox, who was to celebrate her birthday this week. The Rt Rev Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, said she “lit a candle to dispel the darkness. “She grew up in this community, she’s served this community, she loved this community and she died in this community.” He added: “We must celebrate the way she lived rather than mourn the way she died.”

Prayers for Mrs Cox were also said at Wakefield Cathedral, Halifax Minster and All Saints Church in Batley. Tributes also poured in from celebrities, such as Mariella Frostrup, Lily Allen, Dermot O’Leary, Simon Cowell and Dawn O’Porter. Last Friday, a minute’s silence in Batley Market Place drew a crowd of several hundred people. The previous evening, Rev Paul Knight at St Peter’s Church summed

up how many people were feeling. He said: “In many ways we’re still numb. That’s why it’s right we should mostly be still. But there will be opportunity to talk after. “There will be feelings of great anger and pain. We will be here for each other in the days ahead. “Jo grew up in this community and she gave her life for it. She was someone who was deeply committed to her own family as a wife and a mother.”

Vandals kill ducks and go on ‘mindless’ wrecking spree in park VANDALS killed two ducks and left a trail of damage behind at Wilton Park in Batley last weekend. The culprits waded across the boating lake to reach the island where the ducks were looking after their young. They lifted the duck houses, throwing many of them

into the lake and leaving two ducks dead. A swan which also lived on the lake has not been since the attack, which mirrors a similar one at Crow Nest Park in Dewsbury a month ago. There, duck houses donated by

the park’s Friends group were vandalised and litter was dumped. In Wilton Park, a new fence around a children’s playground was damaged and graffiti was left elsewhere. It came amid worldwide media attention on the area in the wake of

the death of Jo Cox MP. A spokesman for Kirklees Council said staff and visitors had been left upset by the vandals. He added: “The Friends groups have raised money to build the houses and hopefully we can repair them and put them back.

“This kind of mindless attack is heart-breaking for all the team, volunteers and visitors involved in the park. “Many people visit the parks just to feed and see the ducks. Two ducks have died and the swan is still missing. It’s so sad.”

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

Our love for Jo, by former schoolmates and teachers By David Miller CLASSMATES and staff at Heckmondwike Grammar School have told of their love for Jo Cox. And the admiration cuts across the political divide, with two Tories leading the tributes. Coun David Hall (Con, Liversedge & Gomersal) was a classmate from age 11 to 18. He joked he knew the Conservatives faced a tough general election battle as soon as Mrs Cox was selected to contest the Batley & Spen seat for Labour in 2014. Kirkees Council opposition leader Coun Hall said: “I had a sneaky smile that they had picked the right person because I knew she would work hard and I knew she was rooted in the area.” Of their time at school together Coun Hall said: “She was the model student. She was funny, attractive, sporty and had a good

Home comfort ... Jo and her houseboat on the Thames brain which got her to Cambridge University. “She was always popular, and was voted head girl by her peers when we were in the sixth form – she was

Brendan Cox

the kind of person everyone liked. She studied hard for her exams. She was always getting top marks. In virtually all the subjects you could guarantee she

would be in the top three of whatever exams she took.” Fellow Conservative Itrat Ali, who stood in Huddersfield at the last general election, walked to and from school with Mrs Cox every day. Last Friday she posted on Twitter: “The sun did rise this morning but it’s still dark in Batley and Spen a town mourning the loss of their champion #JoCox.” She said of their time at school: “She was really fun-loving and she was so good at everything – sport, drama, debating – but you couldn’t hate her for it. “She was just genuinely talented and always very confident. She brought out the best in everyone.” By coincidence, Mrs Cox was taught geography by Philip Kenny – the son of Bernard Kenny, who intervened to try to save her life last week. A statement from Heckmondwike Grammar said she was remembered as a popular pupil with a

glittering future. It added: “Just last year she visited the school, calling in to the classrooms of some of her former teachers and joyfully reminiscing with them about her time with us, and then generously giving her time to engage in discussion with sixth form politics students. “The school is proud of Jo and her contribution to local and national democracy, to which she brought passion and commitment, and of her determined, caring campaigning for the world’s disadvantaged. “She fully embodied and exemplified the school’s values and we consider her a shining example for the students who have followed her. She was one of us. “The intensity and depth of her compassion, her profound sense of service to others, and the vigorous way she pursued her conviction for the things that really matter, marked her out.”

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News in Brief Man’s jealous rage CLECKHEATON: A man has been sentenced for assaulting his ex-partner in a jealous rage. Jack Cookson, 23, of Wesley Street, was convinced Emma Jagger was seeing other men prior to the incident on March 27. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard the couple had split up two months before then. Cookson, who admitted assault, went to her home on Whitechapel Road and grabbed her by the hair, pushed her and then dragged her around the floor. He was said to be “in drink” and still grieving over the death of his father. He received a 12-month community order, fined £40 and ordered to pay £145 costs.

Stalker verdict DEWSBURY: A man was handed a fouryear restraining order after stalking his ex-partner. Mohammed Khan, 28, used a listening device to monitor Hayley Ambler and then made distressing calls to her. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard the offences happened from February, 2015, to February this year. Khan, of Huddersfield Road, pleaded guilty and was banned from contacting Ms Ambler for four years. He was also given a community order and told to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

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ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

• Floral tributes to Jo Cox were laid at several spots across North Kirklees, including in Birstall Market Place, outside her office on Branch Road, Batley, and at Tom Myers House in Cleckheaton – the base for the Spen Valley Labour Party. Flowers were also left at Batley Town Hall, where a book of condolence has been opened and will be available for the public to sign until 5pm today. Dewsbury, Cleckheaton and Huddersfield Town Halls also have books of condolence, and flags are flying at half-mast on all Kirklees town halls. Photos: Mike Clark, David Bentley and Gerry Woodgate

‘No words to describe our pain’ ‘T

HERE are no words to fully describe the shock, pain and anguish the people of Batley, Birstall and the Spen Valley are feeling at the loss of our MP. “For me, Jo wasn’t just a colleague, she was a friend. She is someone I have worked with closely over the past couple of years and who I have admired greatly. “Only a few days ago I was with her campaigning for Remain for the EU Referendum and had more campaigning planned in the coming days with her. “I have worked with her on a weekly basis and sometimes on a daily basis over the past two years. “From campaigning to casework I have worked closely with Jo and have seen first-hand how committed she was. “I first met Jo when she came to Batley interested in being selected as the Parliamentary candidate for Batley and Spen. “My father, Peter O’Neill, then a councillor for Batley West and a Kirklees Council cabinet member, was the first person in the local Labour Party to publicly endorse Jo. “I remember my dad driving Jo and I around the constituency to all the members’ homes to introduce them to Jo and get them to support her as Labour’s candidate. “My dad saw Jo as a daughter and saw greatness within her. My mum made packed lunches for her. “We hosted ‘Team Jo’ campaign meetings in our home during the selection process – we were excited

Coun Marielle O’Neill worked closely with Jo Cox in recent times. Here the Batley West Labour councillor pays tribute to her friend and inspired by Jo and what she represented as a young, vibrant woman. “Jo energised the local Labour Party and the whole community. Me, my mum and dad had no doubt that Jo was destined for the top and would be a cabinet minister one day. “Jo and I were elected at the same time, me as a councillor for Batley West to replace my father, Jo as the MP for Batley and Spen and as such we have had a kindred bond. “As two young women politicians working in Batley, we had much in common and were both committed to encouraging more women to seek political office. “As a young woman from Batley interested in politics, I was inspired by Jo. She was always encouraging to others and said to me I would become a great councillor. “The thing that struck most people about Jo was how bubbly and friendly she was. “She always had a bright smile on her face and would greet you with a warm hug. Jo was one of the most energetic people I know and was always positive. “She had the incredible combina-

tion of being a down-to-earth Yorkshire lass, as she proudly called herself, and a super-intelligent, astute politician. “This is something that is very unique in politics and is what would have taken her far. “Jo was committed to public service but she was a woman of such talent that she could have done anything with her life. “It’s indicative of her character that she chose to spend her life helping others as an aid worker and public servant, rather than seeking money and power for herself. “We will not be scared and intimated by violence and hate in Batley and Spen but will do what Jo would have wanted us to do – come together as a community, stronger than ever, united against hate. “I will work hard to honour Jo’s legacy as an energetic politician committed to serving all of the local community.” ■ Coun O’Neill and the Batley Smile group are hosting a civic event at Batley Town Hall tomorrow (Saturday, 2-4pm) in tribute to Jo Cox. All are welcome to meet, have a cuppa and share memories. Coun O’Neill said: “We will show the world that, in Jo’s words, we have more in common than the things that divide us. “Batley and Spen is a strong community and we won’t let hate and bigotry divide us.” The event is sponsored by Spices and Rices, the Batley Business Association and Fastrack Solutions Ltd.

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

Legion look to recruit members NEW members are wanted for the Batley branch of armed forces charity the Royal British Legion (RBL). In particular, four recruits are wanted to join the group’s committee to help organise events. It comes after a number of members, including former chairman Peter Gater, died or became ill recently. As a result, trips to the Eden Camp military museum and the National Arboretum had to be postponed. Chairman Colin Whitworth, treasurer Alan Spencer, secretary Peter Brierley and poppy appeal organiser Mary Day have appealed for help. It is hoped with the aid of new members, the two trips can go ahead later in the year. Mr Spencer said: “Between the four of us, all we’re doing is keeping things ticking over.” He added that a common misconception is that RBL members have to be armed forces veterans. Mr Spencer said: “That’s not the case, and in my situation I joined as a tribute to Colin Harker, one of my friends from school.” He said Mr Harker, an army lance corporal, was killed in Northern Ireland in the late 1960s. Batley RBL meetings take place at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at the Irish Democratic League Club. Membership forms will be available at a RBL stall at a summer fair at Wellington Court, Batley, today (Friday, 1pm).

News in Brief House cellar blaze CLECKHEATON: A tumble dryer is believed to have caused a fire in the cellar of a home on Claremont Street at around 9pm last Friday. The occupants, a couple in their 20s, found smoke pouring up the stairs of the cellar. They closed the door, fled outside and called firefighters, who had the flames extinguished by 10.30pm. There was extensive smoke damage to the property.

Canal litter-pick MIRFIELD: Volunteers removed litter from the canal bank at Battyeford last weekend, as part of a national effort by the Co-op to encourage communities to tackle grot-spots.

Police cordoned off part of the car park at Birstall Shopping Park after the road rage incident

Picture: Ash Milnes

Road rage victim ‘critical’ after shopping park fracas By Staff Reporters A MAN was left fighting for his life after a road rage attack in Birstall. The victim, 25, suffered serious injuries as he tried clinging to a moving car at Birstall Shopping Park. It happened at around 6.15pm last Saturday in the car park outside Marks and Spencer’s Simply Food outlet. He remains in a critical but stable condition at Leeds General Infirmary, while police arrested four men. It is thought the incident began when there was a collision

between two vehicles. This resulted in the occupant of one of the cars, the victim, chasing the other vehicle and then clinging onto it. Believed to be from the Birstall area, he grabbed the front passenger window of a Seat Leon as it sped off. The Leon was driven towards a parked Nissan Navara, which caused the victim to collide with that vehicle and fall to the ground. Three 17-year-old males and a 51-year-old man, all from Bradford, were arrested. All four were detained on suspicion of wounding with intent. They were released on bail pending further enquiries.

Det Sgt Damian Roebuck, of Kirklees CID, said: “We have already spoken to a number of witnesses at the scene. “But we would urge anyone else with information about this incident who we have not spoken to already to please come forward. “This offence has taken place in a busy car park and it was necessary to close the car park for a short period of time while we dealt with this incident. “We would like to thank the many shoppers and shop workers affected for the patience they showed during this time.” Anyone with information can call Kirklees CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Friday June 24, 2016

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Friday June 24, 2016

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HE DEMON Barbers are among headliners at this year’s Cleckheaton Folk Festival. This year will be the 29th festival and it has become known worldwide, with visitors coming from Europe and North America in recent years to sample the atmosphere at the ‘best little festival’ on the folk circuit. The popular Spen Valley event from Friday July 1 to Sunday July 3 and ‘folkies’ from up and down the country will swamp the town once again for music from both international and UK-based folk acts, complemented with generous helpings of fun and entertainment for all the family. The artists are booked, the campsite is ready, the beer has been ordered – all that’s needed are the visitors! There will be concerts, singarounds, workshops, music sessions, street entertainment and markets.

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T’S ALWAYS tough being the parent of a famous child, but Tony and Jackie Adams, better known as the parents of global superstar Victoria Beckham, tell me they could not be more proud. Jackie said: “She really has achieved her dreams and now in the fashion world it’s going great guns too, which we are both excited about.” Sipping drinks at the luxurious Hampshire Hotel in London, they teased about a possible Spice Girls reunion. Jackie added: “We love all the girls but again it’s all down to them, and let’s not forget, they are all mums now too, which makes it even harder to tour.”

Haworth-based folk band The Demon Barbers will perform their XL song and dance show on the Saturday of the festival, in partnership with North Kirklees arts organisation Creative Scene. This year local groups Time Step School of Dance and Batley Community Choir will be be taking to the stage along with the specially formed Festival Choir. They’ve been working with The Demon Barbers to create a very special performance as a curtain raiser for the group’s Saturday night headline gig. The Demon Barbers have previously won the BBC Radio 2 Best Live Folk Act award and will be coming to Cleckheaton fresh from a Glastonbury set. It’s folk with a modern twist – expect clogs, swords, hip hop and break dancers with floorshaking live folk music. The evening’s entertainment will also feature BBC Folk award-winners Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar and acclaimed folk trio Said the Maiden. There will also be pre-festival workshops and a chance to join in part of the festival entertainment.

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The Pitmen Poets are the Friday headliners at the festival, featuring former Lindisfarne singer Billy Mitchell, Bob Fox, Benny Graham, and songwriter Jezz Lowe. The All Stars Concert at Cleckheaton Town Hall on the Sunday will feature a capella trio Coope Boyes And Simpson, multi-instrumentalists The Shee, Radio 2 Folk Award winners Faustus, Young Folk Award nominees Granny’s Attic, plus Coope, Boyes and Simpson. Other artists who will be appearing over the weekend include Crab Apples Ceilidh Band with caller Ron Darnbrough, Copper Kettle, Fireside Knights, Graeme Knights and Jim Mageean, John Prentice and Jill Drury, Keepers Lock, Keith Donnelly, Lucy Ward, Nick Dow and Yan Tan Tether. The campsite on Primrose Lane, just behind Spenborough Pool, opens on Friday afternoon and a free mini-bus service will be provided over the weekend from the campsite to the town hall. The regular Farmers Market will be held in the main St John’s car park on Saturday 9am to 1pm, and there are 22 stalls due on Albion Street on both days of the weekend.

There’s also a freeto-watch Hiring Fair on Saturday in the magnificent surroundings of the Masonic Hall Temple on Whitcliffe Road, from 3pm to 5.30pm, where the winning act earns a booking at next year’s festival. As always alongside the concerts there will be singarounds, workshops, music and dance sessions, street entertainment and markets. As well as lots of free events taking place across the town, weekend tickets for all the concerts are available from www.cleckhea tonfolkfestival.org and individual concert tickets will be on sale over the weekend. See you there, folks! For more information call 01274 879761 or 07522 593867.

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A HAPPY DAYS return is “very possible”, according to series creator Garry Marshall. The 50s jukebox comedy was a huge success in the 70s and early 80s starring Henry Winkler and Ron Howard. It’s been more than 30 years since Happy Days aired its final episode, signing off after 11 series in 1984.

THE BBC has cancelled its ‘embarrassing’ Wimbledon 2day highlights show after fans panned the set’s fake grass, bar and ‘awkward’ host Clare Balding. Bosses have decided to cut their losses and move forward with another more traditional idea, but essentially saving lots of money and no doubt earache from devoted tennis fans.

GOGGLEBOX may be a show where people seem to comment on all things TV with great witty lines, but it appears that all is not what it seems, with many of the sofa ‘stars’ being given script direction, and ideas on what to say about the programmes shown. So not quite as offthe-cuff as it appears...

RUSS ABBOT is back with a 2016 reinvention of the

sketch show, and a brandnew band of exciting live performers. The show is full of big memorable characters and some old friends. Russ told me: “I never thought it would happen, but it proves people want to see a return to good clean laughter, and I am over the moon at the offer.”

TOMMY COOPER has been honoured with a blue plaque. English Heritage unveiled the dedication at his former home in Chiswick, West London. 51 Barrowgate Road was home to the comedian, his wife Gwen and their two children from 1955 until he collapsed on stage and died in 1984.

EMMERDALE actress Samantha Giles has hinted that she may be looking to move on from the show in the future. The actress first appeared as Bernice Blackstock in 1998, returning in 2012 after nearly nine years away. She signed a new contract last November, allowing her to stay on the show for another year, and she tells me: “I became an actress to try other roles, and so who knows what the future holds?”

JUST IN case there is not enough Holly Willoughby on your TV, she is launching a book about how to help young mums. Holly insists she wrote the book herself and it’s based on “all the tips and tricks I have picked up from having three very young children”.

CORONATION STREET’S Catherine Tyldesley was serenaded on her wedding day by on-screen boyfriend Shayne Ward. Now soap fans are asking why he won’t release the track as a special download single. Shayne, who made a pop comeback last year, admits: “I am tempted but the final decision must

Maycon Pictures

remain with Catherine.”

FERN BRITTON claims she would like another go at hosting a teatime chat show, even after the flop of her own on Channel Four way back in 2011. She reveals: “I think there was too much hype around it at that time, and that was not a good thing. Maybe now people would give it a chance.”

EMMA WILLIS has said she is “absolutely delighted” to be announced as the presenter of The Voice UK when it moves to ITV. Emma tells me: “I had no idea if I would be offered the job or not, but I do love the show and was thrilled when they did ask me. So yes, roll on The Voice.”

JENNA COLEMAN could be making an unexpected return to Doctor Who. Currently starring as Queen Victoria in a new ITV drama, she tells me: “I think it’s not quite done yet and there is a chance I may return, but I can’t say more than that at this stage. I know fans will be excited by this...”

JONATHAN ROSS’S long-running chat show will return in 2017. The decision comes as Ross’s contract with ITV is due to come to an end this year, and a source reveals: “He is proving less and less popular with every series and now ITV are thinking how low they can get him to sign for.” Not great news for Mr Ross, is it?

MOTORISTS in the North West should look out for trouble on the roads as Peter Kay and Sian Gibson will be driving about in a new series of the BBC’s BAFTA-winning comedy Car Share in 2017. Peter tells me: “Who would have thought a comedy about two people sharing a car would become so popular, but it has. Amazing, really.”

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

Park music festival celebrates Armed Forces Day DEWSBURY’S Crow Nest Park will stage a music festival celebrating Armed Forces Day tomorrow (Sat). The national event provides a morale boost for veterans, troops and their families and for reservists and cadet forces. The festival will raise cash for the Royal British Legion, which is the chosen charity for the Mayor of Kirklees, Coun Jim Dodds. The Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community – serving men and women, veterans, and their families. It helps those with lifechanging injuries and

trauma to battle back to a full life, supports sick and disabled veterans and cares for bereaved families and children. The Friends of Crow Nest Park have organised the festival as a free event, which will be launched by the Deputy Mayor, Coun Christine Iredale at 11am. The aim is to provide a fun day, offering a blend of musical styles and performances that will hopefully appeal to all audience members, within the relaxed park setting. Visitors are invited to take along picnics and seating facilities (no barbecues). The Friends group says: “In staging this event, we

News In Brief Mayor’s cash help for 14 charities KIRKLEES: Former mayor Coun Paul Kane has given funds from his time as civic leader to 14 charities. Coun Kane chose Diabetes UK as the main cause to benefit but he vowed 10 per cent of funds raised would go to other causes – which means £280 each for 14 groups. They are: Mencap Kirklees, Electronic Village, the Welcome Centre, Better Future for the Blind, Parkinson’s UK Huddersfield, Charlotte's Fundraiser for Crohns and Colitis, Kirkwood Hospice, Happy Memories Dementia Support Dewsbury and Mirfield, Kirklees Dementia Action Alliance, Howlands Dewsbury, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Cardwell Angels, Kirklees Macmillan Cancer Support and the Dewsbury Women’s Health Group.

wish to reinvigorate and revive Crow Nest Park’s association with musical performances – a rich tradition which has included Friday night dances, weekend band performances and major pop concerts organised by Kirklees Council.” Performers are expected to include: ■ Gawthorpe Youth Brass Band, an experienced band which took the Joseph Priestley Trophy in the Open section of the 2015 Rothwell music festival and gained a merit at the National Youth Finals. ■ 96 Dewsbury Squadron, Air Training Corps, Drumming Band, which “aims to be a mod-

ern, dynamic, sustainable, air-minded youth organisation of choice that offers fun and challenging opportunities”. ■ St Joseph’s School Choir. ■ Sisters by Soul – Mollie Targett and Paige Smith are a female vocal duo who celebrate the best in popular songs over the last few decades. ■ We Were Lawless – a rock, blues, punk, country and jazz group, with touches of Ukrainian folk. They have been described as “sounding like Tom Waits put through a Queen of the Stone Age blender singing from a West Yorkshire gutter and produced by

Call for review of hospital changes By David Miller

Forces Day events MIRFIELD: Events to mark Armed Forces Day take place at the Old Colonial pub tomorrow (Saturday), organised by the Mirfield branch of the Royal British Legion. A service and speeches begin at 10.30am at the venue on Dunbottle Lane, led by Padre Rev Ian Grange. Also present will be the Queen’s representative, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mayor of Mirfield Coun Sean Guy and members of the Mirfield Rifle Volunteers, Air Training Corps and the Army Cadets. There will also be a parade of standards and a wreath-laying at the veterans’ memorial in the garden. Dunkirk veteran and recent Legion D’Honneur recepient Bernard Richardson, 98, is due to attend and afterwards lunch will be available in the Old Colonial. In the evening there will be a 60s, 70s and 80s night and a fundraising evening organised by the Mirfield Rifle Volunteers charity group, with supper included. For more information call 01924 496920.

Fundraiser’s award MIRFIELD: Fundraiser Derek Highe has won his second charity award in as many months. Derek, 58, won the Contribution to Charity gong from radio stations Pulse 1 and Pulse 2’s Local Hero awards. In April he took the Best Community Event or Attraction at the My Mirfield awards. Derek has raised more than £30,000 for Kirkwood Hospice through an annual display of Christmas lights at his Robin Royd Avenue home. He has helped raise thousands more through Huddersfield Town’s Pedal for Pounds bike rides. Proceeds from this go towards the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the club’s youth academy.

David Lynch”. ■ Luke Newsome – a solo musician playing songs with indie/rock and roll influences ■ Elastic Waste – a three-piece pop-punk band from Liversedge influenced by Brand New, Blink182, Sum41, NOFX and Jimmy Eat World. ■ Limited Edition – an exciting covers band with a rhythm and blues feel, performing numbers from the 1960s to the present day in their own individual style. Their influences include Bad Company, The Kinks, T Rex, Joan Jett, the Monkees, Stereophonics, Kings of Leon, The Jam, Paul Weller and many more.

Coun Kane ... ‘decision made on a false premise’

A CAMPAIGNER has called for hospital changes to be reviewed – as health chiefs insist their plans are still valid. Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dewsbury East) has had to keep his views to himself over the last two years due to holding the ceremonial roles of Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Kirklees. In that time, a separate reorganisation in Huddersfield which affects our area has been announced. But now Coun Kane is free of the ceremonial chains and can speak against the plans. He said: “In the response I had from Mid Yorkshire, their reductions were based on retention of a full A&E at Huddersfield.” Coun Kane wants it looked at again and added: “It turns out they made their decision on a false premise.” He said: “What they (the NHS) talk about in terms of A&E is a critical mass of 500,000 people. “Kirklees has a population of 440,000 and is the sixth biggest metropolitan council. “Why isn’t there a single hospital trust for all of Kirklees? And if there was, it wouldn’t carry the burden of PFI.” A&E at Dewsbury District Hospital is due to be downgraded to a Minor Injuries Unit in April 2017. Most patients will continue to be seen there, though the most criti-

cally ill will be taken to Pinderfields in Wakefield or elsewhere. The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is working on what will happen if the Huddersfield scheme goes ahead. Kevin Oxley, director of operations (corporate services), said: “We have been working with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust to assess what would happen in four or five years’ time if the changes to the emergency department at Huddersfield go ahead. “It is likely the effect would be a small number of patients, who already live furthest away from Dewsbury Hospital, would be taken to Calderdale Hospital with some taken to Leeds or Bradford hospitals.” He added: “The need for some patients to go to hospitals other than Pinderfields was considered long before any discussions about Calderdale and Huddersfield services. “However this latest review of where patients would be taken suggests there would be very little difference in terms of the numbers or the areas where they would be from. “We are confident, therefore, the plans we are implementing now still stand. “The changes at Dewsbury will ensure the hospital has a viable future and that there are more sustainable services for this population from a clinical, workforce and financial point of view.”

Hudds will have urgent care centre CONSULTATION on hospital changes in Huddersfield which could affect North Kirklees ended this week. The process, called “Right Care, Right Time, Right Place” was run jointly by the Calderdale and Greater Huddersfield clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). Before the deadline expired, some common myths were exposed – such as Huddersfield being left with no emergency care at all. In fact, the proposed

replacement for Huddersfield Royal Infirmary will have a minor injuries unit similar to the one planned for Dewsbury. A spokeswoman for the two CCGs said: “Our proposals are along the lines of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.” She added they are based on recommendations in the Keogh Review, which in 2013 proposed the most seriously ill should be treated at specialist units. Along with A&E, a minor

injuries unit, which can also be called an urgent care centre, is one of four types of emergency care. A statement from the CCGs said: “The proposed changes are about changing the way services are organised. “New names for some of these services – for example, ‘Urgent Care Centre’ and ‘Emergency Centre’ – would replace familiar names like ‘Casualty’ and ‘A&E’. “We are proposing centralising emergency care at

Calderdale Royal Hospital and investing in new Urgent Care Centres in both towns (Huddersfield and Halifax). “Many people who go to A&E now could be treated in an Urgent Care Centre for things like broken bones, minor injuries and infections that may need treatment. “There would be significant investment in a state-ofthe-art Planned Care Centre on the Acre Mill site, Huddersfield, with 120 beds and 10 operating theatres.”

Somme ‘100’ badges tribute

NEW badges commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme are now available in Mirfield. The Royal British Legion fundraising pins can be obtained for a suggested donation of £3 from Poppy Appeal officer Tim Wood, landlord at the Old Colonial pub on Dunbottle Lane. Featuring both the British and French flowers of Remembrance, the pins are a tribute to the 19,240 lives that were lost on July 1 1916 – the bloodiest day in British military history. “There wasn't a street in the West Riding that wasn't affected by the Battle of the Somme, with tens of thousands of casualties from homes across the region,” said Tim. Anyone interested in the badges can contact him on 01924 496920.

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

New low-cost product has premium features By Steve Martyn DIGITAL agency Ascensor has launched a new e-commerce version of its successful packaged website solution. Since its release in 2013 by the Birstallbased firm, Ascensor Air has provided startups and small businesses with a professionally-designed website as an effective alternative to other low-cost options that often do not generate a return. Having seen the benefits this has brought to local businesses, they have now created a solution that allows them to significantly reduce the costs associated with e-commerce – without sacrificing quality, stability or security. This has been achieved by standardising the core features of their most sophisticated ecommerce websites into a fixed design template. Known as ‘Ascensor Air: Ecommerce’, the new product allows retail businesses that don’t yet have the required budget for a fully bespoke option to still benefit from a site that is built to high commercial standards. The websites use exactly the same platform

as Ascensor’s bespoke developments which mean they are easy to manage, perform on search engines and can be fully customised, but still leave enough change to market the business online. The content management system is also mobile responsive, which means you are able to manage your business on the move. Ascensor managing director Andrew Firth said: “When it comes to e-commerce, your business is only as good as the website build and many low-cost options do not generate a return. “Unlike with Magento and other off-theshelf ecommerce platforms, ‘Ascensor Air: Ecommerce’ only contains the features you require. “It offers superior performance and does not need constant updates as all the software is developed in-house. “We are delighted that we can now provide all retail businesses – no matter their size or the products they sell – with a solution that allows them to take advantage of our 10 years’ experience in giving clients the ability to generate online profit.” Visit www.ascensor.co.uk or

www.ascensorair.co.uk.

Web TALK with Andrew Firth Welcome to the latest edition of Web Talk, helping Kirklees website owners to prosper online

You need to treat your site as a serious investment HAT does your website say about your business? Last month we discussed the importance of good quality content on websites. To continue the theme of professionalism, this month I’m going to discuss the quality of the website itself and the use of templates. Professional websites A good-quality website doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but it should be treated as a serious investment. After all, it will still probably be one of your most cost-effective marketing resources. Even more cost-effective is the use of social media, but ultimately you will probably be driving traffic to the website for further information, to generate enquiries and even sales, and if the website lets your business down then all hard work may be lost. As well as good-quality content it is important that images are of a good standard and there are no broken pages. Websites should be mobile

responsive, so if you are on a phone, or a tablet, whether landscape or portrait the website should look good. If it doesn’t then this is generally down to the building of the website rather than the content that it holds, but regardless, the user experience may then put someone off from contacting you. Template websites There are many free website templating systems available these days, the most popular are Wordpress for standard websites and Magento and Shopify for ecommerce websites. In theory these systems are great because with a limited amount of training, anyone can set up a website and get their content online. Sometimes these solutions can be problematic though, in terms of quality and ultimately data security. Templates allow website owners to save money on the website build, but we would always argue that if the templated route is preferred (to save costs) then the website is built

by someone that understands the code that the template is written in. Any theme that is purchased goes out of date very quickly, so if the website builder cannot understand the coding behind the scenes, the final website may not be what you expect and may not be compatible with modern browsers. Other issues relate to security, where lots of plug-ins are used template systems can be unstable and so it is important to keep all of the code patched up to protect data from hacking – more about that next month! • To read more on this and other subjects, please visit the blog at www. ascensor.co.uk/blog. For more information contact andrew@ascensor.co.uk Twitter: @andrewjfirth Connect on LinkedIn: andrewjfirth Ascensor are a Digital Agency providing website design, ecommerce and search engine optimisation.

Heart of the community Advertising Feature ROBERTTOWN-BASED independent financial planners Utopia Group are putting the local community at the heart of their business. The family-run firm has a passion to improve the financial future for their clients but also to build, improve and increase opportunities for the local community. This year they’ve supported pupils from Heckmondwike Grammar School with their Sri Lanka Community Expedition Project, the Tour de Roberttown cycling festival, Roberttown Community Cycling Club and the Bobtown Beer Bash. Joint managing director Darron Whitehead said: “There are so many great projects and events in our local area run and set up by local volunteers for the benefit of the community, it makes us very proud just to play a small part. “Our philosophy to help our clients achieve a more secure financial future was reflected in the first project where a group of young students were raising funds to travel to Sri Lanka. “They are going to work to develop the community, improve surroundings and secure a future for the local people. “We wish the team all the best and look forward to hearing about their trip and the improvements they have made.” Utopia have supported Roberttown Community Cycling Club for several years and thoroughly enjoy seeing how the community come together. “The Tour de Roberttown was a great success,” continued Mr Whitehead. “It encouraged local children and families to get on their bike and come together. “Everyone, of all ages, seemed to enjoy themselves. The cycling club are keen to help encourage the next generation of cyclists and educate them on the benefit of the sport.

“While financial education is not quite as much fun we share this enthusiasm to educate the next generation.” As a family firm, supporting all generations with their financial decisions is essential to Utopia. Bringing generations together through local events is key part of this and Utopia’s continued support of the Bobttown Beer Bash has seen local families enjoying the event for the past six years. Fellow joint managing director Ray Garnett described their passion for supporting local events. “We are a close-knit team who focus on trust and values,” he said. “The extended family, we feel, includes our local community and our clients and there is nothing better than seeing local families joining together in a great local event. “Roberttown’s beer festival is a great event to bring the local community together. “In its seventh year, the event is organised by local volunteers, bringing together local ales, food and live music. “It’s held at the Roberttown Community Centre and always reflects the heart of the community. Make sure you come down and join us on July 30 from 12noon. “We are delighted to be supporting such great causes and look forward to continuing to support local events in the area.” Based on Roberttown Lane, Utopia Group are certified to ISO 22222 standards and assist clients with all aspects of financial planning and protection, including investment, pensions and estate planning in particular. For more information visit www.utopia-

group.com.

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Friday June 24, 2016

Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details SATURDAY JUNE 25 SATURDAY JULY 2 – IN THE CLECKHECKMONDSEDGE FOOTSTEPS OF ROBIN HOOD Starts at 10.45am at rear of Starts at 10.30am at Miller and Cleckheaton Town Hall (BD19 Carter steak house (WF14 0BY, 3RH, SE191254) 6.5 miles – modSE183212) 5 miles - leisurely. erate. Finishes 2.15pm approx Finishes 1.15pm approx Contact: Geoff Contact: Mike Church Tel: 01422 379921 Tel: 07776 077289

Walks changed in respect of Jo Cox THE QUARTET of discovery walks being led around Batley by local historian Malcolm Haigh has been slightly altered because of the death of Jo Cox MP. Malcolm was to have launched the first walk, taking in Batley town centre and the Station Road conservation area, last Thursday but because of the tragic incident in Birstall both he and the people who were to accompany him were so sickened they decided to join the Vigil at Batley Parish Church instead. The programme of walks has now been slightly changed. with the walk entitled ‘Into The Hamlets’, which looks at the delights of Healey, Staincliffe and Kilpin Hill going ahead last night (Thurs) and the three other walks being programmed for the following three weeks. That means that the walk entitled ‘Birstall's Background’ – looking at some of its outlying delights – will go ahead on Thursday June 30 leaving Birstall Market Place at 6.30pm and the exciting Hiking into Howley walk, surveying Howley and some parts of Upper Batley, will go ahead on Thursday July 7 and leave the Tesco car park in Bradford Road at 6.30pm. The walk which was cancelled because of Jo Cox's death – Around the Town – will now be staged on Thursday July 14 with walkers leaving Batley Market Place at 6.30pm. The charge for each walk is £6.

Brass band spectacle THORNHILL Community Academy are opening their doors for an evening of entertainment with a brass band concert on Wednesday at 7.30pm. The Altofts and Normanton Brass Band will be headlining the evening, with the academy’s choir taking lead vocals. Audiences will enjoy an array of songs and brilliantly arranged pieces of music, old and current. Tickets are £4 adults, £2 concessions available to purchase at the Academy. The concert is being held as part of a programme of community events run by the academy, giving the audience an opportunity to enjoy a breadth of musical talent and a fun evening for all.

King remembers his Batley roots AN INSIGHT into the life of a local lad whose outstanding musical career began at the world-famous Batley Variety Club will be given to members of Batley History Group when they meet next Monday (June 27). Sammy King – the name that he adopted for his stage appearances – well remembers the backstage routines and the problems which had to be solved during the early days of the club. And he, in turn, is well known for the marks he made in the entertainment world, as composer of top songs including Roy Orbison’s world famous hit Penny Arcade. Not only did it reach the top 20 in the UK hit charts but shot straight to number one in Australia and, New Zealand, outselling numbers from The Beatles and The Rolling

Stones as it did so. Sammy, whose pre-fame name was Twohig, was born in Batley Carr and was educated at St Joseph’s School in Batley Carr and St Bede’s Grammar School in Bradford before seeking a career in the world of the stage. He found work in the Variety Club which was very near his mum’s Bradford Road shop and he got plenty of encouragement from club owner James Corrigan. “He was very good to me,” he said. It helped him value a place as a member of a skiffle group which was so talented it attracted lots of attention and also opened doors so that he could perform at higher levels and also meet lots of well-known stage names, including Roy Orbison, who recorded three more of Sammy’s songs – Say No More, I Got Nothing and After Tonight.

He also became involved with The Dingos and The Voltaires who, at one time, acted as backing group for 60s stars such as Cilla Black and Craig Douglas. Other well-known names with whom he has appeared alongside include The Beatles, Louis Armstrong, Dame Shirley Bassey and Lulu along with The Rolling Stones. Now married for a second time, Sammy retired from showbusiness 10 years ago but still has an interest in its activities and knows lots of stories which he will reveal to those who attend the History Group meeting next Monday at Batley Town Hall. Members pay £2 admission but visitors – who are always welcomed – can gain access for £4. The price includes free refreshments from 7pm to when the meeting starts at 7.30pm.

A look at Dawson City SPEN VALLEY Historical Society’s next meeting will be on Wednesday July 3, titled ‘Dawson City – the building of the Walshaw Dean Reservoirs’ by Ann Kilbey. Meetings are held in the Catholic Church Parish Hall on Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7.15pm. The cost is £2 per meeting for members, £4 for guests and membership is £10 per year. For more information, contact society secretary Sue Cooper via email on scooper@thecoop ersonline.org.uk.

Get snap happy A NEW SERIES of Oakwell Hall Country Park’s popular one-day photography courses begins this weekend. There are three dates, each aimed at a different level of experience. All are being run by Patrick Crowley, a professionally trained photographer and Oakwell Hall Country Park Ranger. Tomorrow (Sat) there is a course for complete beginners which will give an introduction to digital photography. The course on Saturday July 9 is aimed at beginners with SLR cameras and will help them learn more about how to make use of the different settings on their cameras. The third course, on Saturday July 23, is advanced SLR photography and will show participants different techniques and effects to get the best pictures. All the courses run from 9.45am to 4.30pm and cost £20 per person per course. Places must be reserved in advance and early booking is advised. For details call 01924 324761.

Gypsy show finale DEWSBURY Arts Group’s final production in their season of plays is ‘Gypsy’ – considered by many to be one of the the greatest American musicals. The show is loosely based on the 1957 memoir of the famous Gypsy Rose Lee and focuses on her mother, Rose, whose name has become synonymous with the ultimate showbusiness mother. Gypsy features songs that have become standards in musical theatre, including ‘Let Me Entertain You’ and ‘Coming Up Roses’. It has been revived over and over again in Broadway and the West End, most recently in the West End starring Imelda Staunton. The arts group are currently performing Gypsy at Dewsbury Artspace until Saturday July 2 (except Sunday June 26), on Lower Peel Street, at 7.30pm each night. Tickets can be reserved by calling 01924 465647.

• MIRFIELD’S ‘Q’ Trinity Drama Group will be performing two one-act plays at Trinity Methodist Church Hall next Saturday. The youth theatre take to the stage with ‘Three’s a Crowd’ and the main drama group showcase ‘The Protest Meeting’, with performances at 2.30pm and 7pm. Tickets are £5 for adults and £4 concessions at the Huddersfield Road venue. To book call 01924 522993.

KPSD marks dance milestone A DANCE school in Mirfield is marking its 15th anniversary with a special celebration show involving hundreds of local families. Back in the year 2000 a few Mirfield mums asked their friend and former dancer Katie Philpott to teach their toddlers a few dance steps. Many of those children are now young adults embarking on their own journeys in the world of professional dance – and the Katie Philpott School of Dance is a flourishing academy. In July the school is celebrating its anniversary with a dance extravaganza at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield called 'KPSD – A Celebration!'

A cast of more than 300 students, aged from three to 53, will showcase a wide range of dance genres including ballet, tap, jazz,

modern theatre, street dance, musical theatre, freestyle, contemporary, cheerleading and Disco Duck for pre-schoolers.

Based at the Wellhouse Moravian Church and Zion Baptist Church, Katie said: “I was so proud of how far the school has come since 2000 and our growth and success is purely down to all the hard work put in by my staff and students who are the heart and soul of KPSD.” The show is a look-back over 15 years of KPSD shows, revitalising popular classics and spicing things up with some new pieces and will feature favourites from Sister Act, Oliver, Bugsy Malone, Oklahoma and The King and I. The celebration takes place on Saturday and Sunday July 9-10 at 2.30pm and 7pm on each day, and tickets are now on sale.

Discover your past GENEALOGY classes are being held at Batley Library on the first Thursday of each month, between 10am and 12pm. The classes have been arranged by the Friends of Batley Library group, in cooperation with researchers from Bleak House. They are an ideal opportunity for members of the local community to come along and start to begin building their own family tree. All are welcome to attend.

Friday June 24, 2016

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Friday June 24, 2016

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Friday June 24, 2016

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Friday June 24, 2016

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R HEY & SONS LTD of IDEAL TRIPE WORKS, MEADOW LANE, DEWSBURY, WF13 2BE is applying for a licence to use IDEAL TRIPE WORKS, MEADOW LANE, DEWSBURY, WF13 2BE as an operating centre for 2 goods vehicles and 0 trailers Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who would believe their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to making representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner's Office.

SNOWDON TRANSPORT LTD of UNIT 9, LOCK STREET, DEWSBURY, WF12 9BZ is applying to change an existing licence as follows To keep an extra 8 goods vehicles and 0 trailers at the operating centre at UNIT 9, LOCK STREET, DEWSBURY, WF12 9BZ Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who would believe their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to making representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner's Office.

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ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

Marketplace Turn your unwanted items

into cash £££s 1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge). 3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment. ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. (We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296. NEW Work table 3ft x 2ft formica top, wood design, legs unscrew; with two strong chairs and Ikea rise and fall stool, all unpainted. Used but clean £18. (Can deliver locally for small charge). Tel 01924 462494. (1946) New Hotter shoes, size 4ee, mustard colour, with tube of cleaner. Cost £71, accept £20 ono. Tel 01924 478723. (1947) Valor Dream gas fire, coal effect, in black & chrome with side controls. Cost £450 Xmas 2015, will accept £200. Absolute bargain, must be seen. Tel 01274 875178/ 07977 679703. (1948) 20 + greenhouse glass sheets, 2ft x 2ft, £10 the lot. Buyer to collect. Tel 01274 874409. (1949) Corner TV stand, polished wood effect, glass doors, shelves, 42” long x 18” deep x 18” high. Very nice, clean condition bargain £25 ono. Could deliver locally. Tel 01924 462494. (1950) Parrot cage, 21 1/2” wide x 56” high, on wheels. Good condition £20 ono. Tel 01924 470866. (1951) CHILDREN’S GOODS/TOYS New child’s buggy, £10. Tel 01924 4708866 (1941) As new, Razor Spark child’s scooter, with spare spark and manual £25. Tel 01274 874409. (1923) DIY Double aluminium ladder, suitable for win-

dow washing, painting etc. Very good condition £60 ono. Tel 07881 598155. (1930) ELECTRICAL Bang and Olufsen record player/ radio/ recorder, plus 250 LPs. All excellent condition, £300. Tel 01924 471065. (1932) FABRIC/ FASHION/ CLOTHING Mother of the bride outfit, Condici size 18, dress/coat in pink and navy with pink hat. Worn once, cost over £200, will accept £60. Tel 07806431728. (1925) FURNITURE Mahogany, round, extending dining table with six chairs. Immaculate condition, £70 ono. Buyer collects. Tel 01924 469119/ 07598 919282. (1942) Pine double bed frame with memory foam mattress. Good condition £50. Tel 01924 506189/ 07590 610822. (1943) Pine 4ft 6” double bed, slatted base, head and foot boards. Good mattress, like new, used as guest bed, bargain £125. Tel 01924 442430. (1941) Two-seater settee in grey & black cord, six months old £200. Tel 01924 423376. (1940) Double bed with black frame and two storage drawers, faux leather £100. Tel 01924 423376. (1940) Dark blue, threeseater, leather threepiece suite in very good condition £95. Tel 07531 775603. (1934) Stag oak bureau, 38” height, width 30”, depth 17”. In good condition, well looked after £50. Tel 01274

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Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus 876814 (Gomersal) (1926) Computer/office chair, adjustable height, armrest. Excellent condition £20. Tel 01924 724680 (1927) Small tiled top dark wood coffee table, in good condition £5.00. Tel 07790 568986. (Soothill) (1920) Cane conservatory furniture set, comprises of 1 x 2 seater settee, 1 chair, 1 footstool, 1 glass topped coffee table, 1 glass topped side table. All in very good condition £200. Phone 01924 517994. (1921) Teak display cabinet with glass front and lighting, three drawers, two cupboards. Excellent condition £40. Tel 01274 878450. (1922) HOMEWARE China tea service, white with gold trim, as new. Includes 5 side plates, 6 salad plates, 6 cups and saucers, milk jug and sugar bowl; 25 pieces in all £20 ono. Tel 01274 876814. (1911) HOUSEHOLD Comfort Quest inflatable double mattress, new, still boxed, including pump £20. Tel 07766 394629. (1931) New lightweight bedroom type commode, £25 ono. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1911) KITCHEN Wood effect, laminate breakfast bar top, 26” wide x 5ft long £50. Tel 07833 136856. (1945) Kitchen cupboard doors, glossy white, brushed steel handles; eight doors, three complete drawers. Perfect condition £50. Tel 01924 724680. (1939)

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11

Platinum Prestige premium 24-piece BBQ tools in aluminium case £20 new. Tel 07766 394629. (1931) Fridge freezer, cost £140 Argos 06/14. As new, A-star, 89 litre/29 litre £50. Buyer collects, tel 07786 404627. (1929) LUGGAGE Two x two-wheeled suitcases, measurements 29” x 18” x 13” retractable handle, two external and two internal pockets, good clean condition, strong and durable, £10 each. Tel: 07939 599381. (1942) MISCELLANEOUS Bath lift for sale £50. Tel 01924 264330. (1944) Pair 6ft ramps (portable) £50. Tel 01924 423376. (1940) Pet cage – strong metal, measurements 26” x 41” x 28”, strong spring fastening door. Folds flat for storage, waterproof crate mat, £20. Tel: 07939 599381. (1942) Eight bales of meadow hay £3 per bale. Tel 01274 874851. (1917) MUSICAL Four Spanish guitars, £25 each ono. Tel 01924 402931 (1918) SPORTING Set of Wilson lady’s golf clubs, bag & trolley, all in excellent condition, some unused £150. Tel 01924 442430. (1941) WANTED WANTED – petrol lawnmower, working or in need of attention, must be inexpensive or free. Phone Graham 01924 493938. (1915) WANTED – wringer/ mangle. Tel 01274 876814. (1914)

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

CRICKET

DIVING

Heckmondwike lose derby and Crowther

Gomersal girl on way to Rio

By Mike Popplewell

Crossbank’s James Lord was in fine form against Heckmondwike Mike Popplewell

Cricket Correspondent sport@thepressnews.co.uk

WHEN THE All Rounder Bradford Premier Cricket League fixtures were drawn up at the start of the season, last week’s Conference clash between Crossbank and Heckmondwike at The Rumbolds looked like a routine derby game. But the day turned out to be anything but routine. Firstly, Heckmondwike all rounder Paul Cooper was unavailable due to his involvement in a long distance relay from Gretna Green to Roberttown with The Roberttown Road Runners to raise funds for Cancer Research. Then, early in a game reduced to 33 overs a side after a delayed start, Heckmondwike wicket keeper Matthew Crowther took a blow in the mouth from the ball and had to be rushed to hospital, where he remained until midnight. There proved to be no bone damage to his jaw but his teeth have been wired up in the hope of saving them. This sparked Crossbank’s decision to offer their opponents a wicket keeper as a replacement fielder but, although this was a very sporting gesture, it did actually contravene

the Laws of Cricket. Bradford League official Alan Birkinshaw acknowledged that Heckmondwike did ‘tech-

nically’ break the rules but told The Press: “Given the circumstances it was extremely sporting of Crossbank and we would have to be very mean-minded to take disciplinary action.” In the Crossbank innings skipper Chris Allen then needed treatment after an outstanding, though unsuccessful, attempt to take a catch in the outfield and, to add insult to injury, the runs added ultimately proved the difference between the sides. Batting first Crossbank were indebted to James Lord (52 not out) for accumulating a total of 141-7 and, with opening batsman Matthew Crowther absent through injury, 10man Heckmondwike bravely battled their way from 116-8 to 139 in a ninth-wicket stand between Maqsood Hashmi (25) and Andrew Crowther (15). At that point Lord once again came to his side’s rescue to dismiss Hashmi and leave Heckmondwike two runs short of Crossbank’s total and no-one left to come in. Tomorrow (Sat) both sides are back in action with Crossbank at East Leeds and Heckmondwike at home to Wakefield side Azaad. Although Heckmondwike will have Cooper back, hopefully refreshed after his 35-mile contribution to his running club’s fund raiser, it may be a while before Matthew Crowther is back in action.

Hanging Heaton aim high in Priestley Cup THIS SUNDAY sees the quarter final of the Priestley Cup, with Hanging Heaton, Scholes and Oakenshaw side Woodlands carrying the Kirklees flag, but it has been a nail-biting time getting to this stage for some clubs. In fact, it has been something of a lottery. The second-round ties were originally scheduled for the June 5 and while

rain washed out five ties then, they fared little better last week. Gomersal made 161-8, Adam Greenwood making 60 not out, but lost out at Undercliffe on a faster scoring rate despite the home side making only 85-1 in their reply. Batley made only 87-9 in their 25 overs but 41-1 in 11 overs was enough

DODGEBALL

St Paulinus lift dodgeball trophy ST PAULINUS Primary School have won the School Sports Fundraising Academy dodgeball tournament. St Paulinus have become the first school to lift the trophy for a second time following on from their 2012 success in the event, which has been hosted by Upper Batley Boys High School for the

past six years. This time around Paulinus won the title by beating Healey, Eastborough and Mill Lane. If any schools wish to know more about dodgeball or would like to get involved the SSFA can be contacted on 07950 098767 or alternatively you can visit their website at ssfa.co.uk.

St Paulinus’ dodgeball team celebrate their success

to see Lightcliffe through on faster scoring. Pudsey St Lawrence went through under the same rules against Wrenthorpe and Scholes beat Yeadon the same way. In another 25-over game Scholes made 163-3, Kasir Maroof top-scoring with 84 not out, then James Stansfield took 4-20 to reduce Yeadon to 97-7 in 18 overs. There was no play at all in the game

between Woodlands and Cleckheaton so that tie was decided in a ‘bowl out’ that finished 2-1 to Woodlands. All that leaves Hanging Heaton travelling to Bradford and Bingley in their lasteight game, Scholes are at home to Lightcliffe, Woodlands are at home to Baildon, and First Division leaders Pudsey St Lawrence go to Championship side Undercliffe.

Fellows excels in Premier HANGING HEATON are still clinging to the coat tails of leaders Pudsey St Lawrence after their resounding 128-run win at Bradford and Bingley moved them a point closer, but still 26 points adrift of top spot in the All Rounder Premier Division. A century from skipper Gary Fellows (101) and 76 from his opening partner Nick Connolly gave Hanging Heaton the perfect start . After closing on 240-6 they shot out Bingley for 112 with the help of a 4-9 return in seven overs from David Stiff. That win will give Fellows confidence ahead of Sunday’s cup clash with Bingley, but tomorrow’s Premier Division game at home to fourth-placed New Farnley could be a tougher proposition, with Mark Lawson keen to do well against his old club. Cleckheaton have had a disappointing season to date and their position in the bottom half of the table is a new experience for a side used to being amongst the title challengers every year. Their 103-run defeat at the hands of Pudsey Congs last week was their fifth of the season and a win over East Bierley at Moorend tomorrow would be very welcome indeed. However, with Bierley trying to climb out of the bottom half of the

table themselves it will not be a walk in the park. Scholes will be cursing their luck, after losing to New Farnley by just one wicket, but the bottom club cannot expect much respite with a visit tomorrow from an inform third-placed Farsley side fresh from a win over Woodlands. In the Championship, Batley, without a game last week, still lead the A Section but they have Liversedge to thank in part for that as the Roberttown Lane men beat an Undercliffe side also carrying title ambitions. All of which leaves Batley’s clash at Undercliffe tomorrow as the stand-out game in the division. Another key game, though, is at Birstall where they entertain Liversedge. That is a match neither can afford to lose in their current position while Ossett are at Saltaire in a mid-table encounter. Townville are runaway leaders in B Section, with nine straight wins having given them a 44 point lead over Wrenthorpe and opened up a 58-point gap between them and third-placed Gomersal. Gomersal, three-wicket winners at Bowling Old Lane last week are at Carlton tomorrow while Spen Victoria go to Townville looking to end that outstanding winning streak.

Local diver Lois Toulson will represent Team GB at this year’s Rio Olympics

LOCAL diver Lois Toulson has been selected to represent team GB at this year’s Rio Olympics. The 16-year-old will compete for her country alongside the likes of experienced Olympians Tom Daley and Tonia Couch, who have also been named in the GB diving squad. The Gomersal-based athlete, who is a pupil at Whitcliffe Mount School, has earned her place in Rio off the back of a fantastic 2015 season when she became the European Games 10m platform gold medalist in Baku following on from her 10m platform success at the British Championships. Toulson, who has been diving since the age of seven, also bagged medals on the senior grand prix circuit. And earlier this year Toulson was paired with Couch in the 10 metre synchronised event at the World Series.

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Black names Wakefield as new skipper OSSETT Town boss Grant Black has named new signing Jack Wakefield as captain for the 2016/17 campaign. The midfielder will wear the captain’s armband following the departure of last year’s skipper Danny Frost. Black has also strengthened his squad with the introduction of promising youngster Nick Guest. The prolific striker, who began his football career with the Reds reserves, has scored 57 goals in the last two seasons playing for Hemsworth Miners Welfare, Farsley Celtic and Goole. Black said: “Nick is someone I spoke to early in the summer, he had a lot of offers, and I was told by one club he had joined them. “But Nick has bought into what we are trying to build here and will be a key member of the squad throughout the season.” Town fans will be able to see the club’s new recruits throughout preseason which starts with an away match against Parkgate (July 14) before Black’s men take on Hemsworth Miners Welfare for the Steve Kelly Memorial Trophy (July 23). The Ingfield side will then play Frickley Athletic (July 26), Spennymoor Town (July 30) and Handsworth Parramore (August 1) before the Evo-Stik First Division North season gets underway on Saturday August 13.

DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS: TUESDAY JUNE 14: 1 J and W Davies;

2 J Tomlinson and G Fishwick; 3 M Watson and G Bloom.

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE

Stags battle for valuable point Yorkshire Men’s League Premier

YORK ACORN A

MIRFIELD STAGS

at Thanet Road MIRFIELD Stags overturned a first-half deficit to clinch a vital point against York Acorn and in doing so maintained their unbeaten record against their North Yorkshire rivals in the Yorkshire Men’s League Premier Division. The Stags, who have yet to find top form this season, put their stamp on first-half proceedings within eight

minutes of the action getting underway, scoring an early try through Harry Burgess following good work from the returning Braden Hunter, who has recently arrived back from a four-week tour of Jamaica with the BARLA Great Britain Under-23s. Richard Silverwood’s men soon doubled their advantage as Hunter himself touched down in the corner. York battled back, however, racing over for back-to-back tries in quick succession. They scored again on the halfhour to ensure an interval advantage, which almost proved the difference in North Yorkshire. A fortunate bounce allowed the

home side to make it three unanswered tries seven minutes into the second half, which both teams started slowly. Mirfield eventually responded, crossing for a vital try beneath the uprights which Ross Hayden improved. The scores were level at 18-18 as the game entered its final seven minutes. It resulted in a drop-goal shootout, but neither Mirfield or York could get one between the uprights before the referee signalled for full-time. Mirfield travel to play West Bowling tomorrow (Saturday June 25, 2.30pm).

JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE

Moor Under-14s focus on the positives

Victoria one win away from topping the table YML Division Four

BIRSTALL VICTORIA SHEFFIELD HB HAWKS

34 6

at White Lee Road BIRSTALL Victoria are within a point of top spot in Yorkshire Men’s League Division Four thanks to a convincing 34-6 win over second-placed side Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks. Strong running centre and man of the match Jonni Parish got the hosts off to a flying start with a try on 10 minutes after he latched onto a Brendan Sheridan pass. After that Victoria never looked back with further first-half tries coming in the 25th and 30th min-

Trojans salvage draw at league’s strugglers YML Division Four DEARNE VALLEY B’DOGS 24 THORNHILL TROJANS A

at Ings Lane

Birstall Victoria Under-14s held a minute’s silence in memory of MP Jo Cox DEWSBURY MOOR MAROONS UNDER-14S lost out 28-14 away at Siddal in Yorkshire Junior’s League Division One. But despite the defeat there were some positives to take from the game, including Brad Llewelyn’s solid performance that saw him catch high balls and gain valuable metres for his side. The powerful youngster also notched up a try for the Maroons. Moor’s other try-scorers were opposition man of the match Tom Berry and parents’ man of the match Dan Foster. Brad Frost managed to convert one of the touchdowns, meanwhile, Adam Kirby collected the coaches man of the match award. On the plus side Moor are fourth in spite of the loss and have two games in hand on league leaders Brighouse Rangers. BIRSTALL VICTORIA UNDER-14S edged out Bradford Dudley Hill 30-26 in Yorkshire Junior League Division Three. But Vic had to win the game the hard way, having gone 10-0 behind early on against strong opponents. Naylor pulled a try back for Birstall before Richardson ran the length of the field to score a fine individual try. Birstall were ahead for the first time and consolidated their advantage thanks to a touchdown by Beattie. Two quickfire tries from the visitors Dudley Hill meant Birstall had their work cut out, but a try from Newsome helped to ease some fears of an away side comeback. Dudley Hill hit back again shortly afterwards, narrowing their deficit to just four points, but Birstall managed to hold out for the win that takes them up to second in the table. Elsewhere BIRSTALL VICTORIA UNDER11S won three, drew one and lost one at

Leeds Rhinos’ second challenge weekend of the year which took place in Blackpool. The pick of the games was Vic against local rivals Thornhill Trojans Warriors. A great defensive display helped Birstall dominate proceedings as they cruised to a 41 win. THORNHILL TROJANS UNDER-11S faced Newsome Panthers in their game last weekend. The Overthorpe Park youngsters struggled against a disciplined team. Panthers’ big forwards dictated the game in the first half but after the change of ends Thornhill stepped up a gear and scored three tries. Charlie Key claimed the player of the match award, Kieron Haigh was named top tackler, Harry Yates won the parents’ award, the opposition accolade went to Louie Creaser and Dylan Harpin clinched the 100 per cent effort prize. DEWSBURY MOOR MAROONS UNDER-10S played out a close game against Eastmoor Dragons. Sam Beaty opened the scoring for Moor before the Dragons hit back. Lucas Sheard crossed to regain Moor’s lead before Eastmoor responded with their second of the game. But then Moor took control with tries from Callum Billing, Zain Ajmal, Joe Maloney (two). Moor’s conversions were scored by Harley Stocks, Beaty and Sheard. The opposition and parents’ player of the match award went to Maloney, Cobi TaskerTaylor bagged the coaches honour and the top tackler prize went to Sheard. Other notable performers included magic moment winner Logan Riddle.

SHAW CROSS SHARKS UNDER-8S’ game with Kippax saw Teddy Dawson claim the opposition man of the match award. Other trophy winners included Seb Jeffers (top tackler), Charlee Raby (magic moment) and Evie Raby (top trainer). Dawson, Jack Stevenson and Edan Gleadhill were all handed recognition awards for their efforts. And finally BIRSTALL VICTORIA UNDER-8S played Birkenshaw, Limehurst Lions and Hindley in the Leeds Rhinos Challenge event. Against local rivals Birkenshaw, Vic went ahead through Max Grinhaff who got on the end of a Jack Pickles pass. Billy West went over for a try to record a 61 win for Vic. Against Limehurst defensively Birstall were excellent, only conceding one try. Victoria won the game 7-1 thanks to strong running from Alfie Watson and Harley Aston. Pickles and Grinhaff also went over for two tries apiece. And in their final outing of day one Birstall ran out 5-2 winners over Hindley to top the table over night. Will Wilkinson and Jake Hartley defended strongly at the back while Charlie Orr and Archie Walker excelled in attack. In the next day’s fixtures Birstall overcame Limehurst Lions’ second team 6-1 before going on to be crowned champions with a win against Clock Face Miners. Both teams defended valiantly but Birstall’s Mackenzie Sheldrake went over to edge Vic in front. For the remainder of the contest Birstall were on the back foot but held out to collect the silverware.

utes with prop Matthew Smith and stand off Will Copley supporting Sheridan to take Birstall’s lead to 18-0 at the change of ends. Sheffield responded in the second half with a try from Tom Dickson which was was converted by James Proctor, but Sheffield’s faint hopes of getting something out of the game were quickly extinguished when Anthony Cox scored on 70 minutes before completing his double eight minutes later. In between the brace Sheridan grabbed his second of the game, collecting his own clever chip on his way to the line. Birstall’s next game is away at Garforth Tigers tomorrow (Saturday June 25, 2.30pm).

THORNHILL TROJANS A snatched a late point from their Yorkshire Men’s League Division Four game against Dearne Valley Bulldogs. Sam Ratcliffe’s last-gasp goal attempt ensured the visitors went home with a 24-24 draw as they look to gather momentum in Division Four. Thornhill looked destined to slump to their fourth defeat in five games, having fielded a weakened team due to injuries to Liam Green, James Folan and Declan Ryan.

But Joss Ratcliffe (two), Vinnie Johnson, Jordan Clough and Kurt Ryan bagged Thornhill’s tries to keep the visitors in touch of their rivals. Nevertheless Anthony Broadhead was named man of the match but commendable performances from Ryan, Clough and James McKendry made sure the Overthorpe Park outfit didn’t leave emptyhanded. The Trojans travel to face Siddal Academy A in their next outing tomorrow (Saturday, 2.30pm). Meanwhile the Trojans’ first team game against Blackbrook tomorrow in National Conference League Division Two has been moved forward to 2pm.

Danny Jones Appeal receives donation from Amber Ribbon DEWSBURY RAMS supporters’ group the Amber Ribbon have raised £900 for the Danny Jones Defibrillator Appeal at a recent fundraiser in the newlyrefurbished Tetley’s Stadium South Stand bar. The campaign, launched by

Danny Jones’ wife Lizzie, raises awareness of the importance of defibrillators and also provides funding for community clubs and junior teams to buy the life saving cardiac devices up and down the country.

Rams chairman Mark Sawyer and committee members Liz Coates and Yvonne Ashton with the £900 cheque Steve Horsfall

ThePress

Friday June 24, 2016

KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP

Kear ‘pig sick’ after Batley’s loss to Bulls Kingstone Press Championship

BRADFORD BULLS

BATLEY BULLDOGS

at the Provident Stadium BATLEY boss John Kear launched a furious tirade after a late Kurt Haggerty drop-goal gave Bradford a vital 17-16 victory to climb to third place in the Championship while edging the Bulldogs out of the top four. Kear was incensed that the try which brought Bradford level was allowed to stand. The Bulls trailed 16-12 with 13 minutes remaining when Lewis Charnock’s kick in-goal was chased by Epalahame Lauaki who, combined with the rain, caused Dominic Brambani to slip and lose the ball. Jay Pitts was quick to pounce but Kear fumed: “He (Brambani) grounded the ball and that is the top and bottom of it. “It was a really competitive game which the rain spoilt and when it came Bradford looked after the ball

better, which is credit to them. “We haven’t helped ourselves but I’m adamant that had there been a video here the try, the turning point, would have been a drop-out from under the posts. “I thought we played well with two outstanding tries in the dry in the first half but my reflection is tainted and I’m a very angry person at the moment. “I’m gutted. I’m pig sick.” Bradford, playing their third game in eight days, had new recruits, Australian Kieren Moss and St Helens loanee Charnock, making their home debuts as Rohan Smith continued to rotate his squad within the limitations of a sizeable injury list. The Bulls, with Haggerty becoming the latest in a long line to fill the halfback role, dominated the opening stages and two James Clare tries helped carve out an 8-0 lead. Charnock’s high bomb saw Clare rise and take ahead of Alex Brown before the Bulls winger twisted to score as he came down. Quick hands from Charnock and Alex Mellor then put Clare in at the corner again.

And shortly afterwards Clare almost claimed his hat-trick two after chasing a Charnock kick. The introduction of Pat Walker, James Brown and Tom Lillycrop midway through the half began to turn the tide for Batley. Chris Ulugia set Alex Brown free down the Batley left and former Bulls stand-off Cain Southernwood, who began the move, was up in support to score. Pat Walker closed the gap to just two points with the conversion. Some innovative handling then led to Ulugia also scoring against his parent club after a strong dummying run to the line. Walker attempted a drop-goal as the hooter approached but the Bulldogs went in at half-time in the ascendancy. The Bulls emerged from the changing rooms with intent but the Bulldogs held firm until a Dominic Brambani 40/20 relieved the pressure. Walker then extended the lead to four points with a penalty shortly afterwards. But, as Kear pointed out, the game turned dramatically with Pitts’ try, converted by Haggerty, who then

added a penalty. But Batley weren’t finished and within two minutes they were level again as a Walker dab in-goal squirmed free for Southernwood to dive onto. But crucially Walker failed with the touchline conversion. Charnock did miss his chance with a long range drop-goal attempt but Haggerty successfully landed the decisive one-pointer which won the game and denied a Bulldogs side searching for their first win at Odsal in 40 years.

Championship table Leigh Centurions London Broncos Bradford Bulls Halifax BATLEY BULLDOGS Featherstone Rovers DEWSBURY RAMS Swinton Lions Whitehaven Sheffield Eagles Oldham Workington Town

BRADFORD BULLS 39. Kieren Moss 22. James Clare 4. Kris Welham 24. Lucas Walshaw 5. Danny Williams 28. Kurt Haggerty 40. Lewis Charnock 10. Adam Sidlow 9. Adam O’Brien 20. Mitch Clark 23. Alex Mellor 14. Jay Pitts 8. Paul Clough SUBS: 11. Tom Olbison 19. Steve Crossley 21. Epalahame Lauaki 30. Joe Lumb

7 8 7 7 6 7 7 6 7 6 7 8 7 6 6 6 6

BATLEY BULLDOGS 22. Dave Scott 2. Wayne Reittie 30. Greg Minikin 3. Chris Ulugia 26. Alex Brown 6. Cain Southernwood 7. Dominic Brambani 8. Keegan Hirst 14. James Davey 15. Adam Gledhill 17. Joe Chandler 19. Alex Bretherton 9. Luke Blake SUBS: 13. Pat Walker 18. Tom Lillycrop 21. James Brown 11. Brad Day

6 7 7 7 6 7 7 7 8 7 6 6 7 7 7 8 6

BRADFORD BULLS

W D L Pts

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 15 11 11 11 11 7 7 5 5 4 2

1 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

MATCH STATS:

1 3 5 6 6 7 11 11 12 13 14 16

33 30 24 23 23 22 14 14 11 10 8 4

Tries: Clare (16, 23), Pitts (70). Goals: Haggerty 2/4. Drop Goals: Haggerty (75)

BATLEY BULLDOGS Tries: Southernwood (29, 72), Ulugia (35). Goals: Walker 2/4. Referee: J. Cobb / HT: 8-10 / Pens: 10-5 / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / Weather: Overcast, turning wet / MOTM: James Clare / Attendance: 4,617 / Match Rating: 3/5

Rams lose physical battle Kingstone Press Championship

MATCH STATS: DEWSBURY RAMS 1. Josh Guzdek 2. Dale Morton 15. Jason Crookes 4. Shane Grady 5. Dalton Grant 6. Paul Sykes 22. Andy Kain 8. Matt Groat 17. Dom Speakman 33. Paul Jackson 12. Scott Hale 27. Jason Muranka 14. Luke Adamson SUBS: 19. Nathan Conroy 24. Jack Teanby 3. Karl Pryce 18. Tony Tonks

7 7 6 6 6 7 6 6 6 6 7 6 6 7 6 5 6

HALIFAX 1. Ben Johnston 5. James Saltonstall 4. Ben Heaton 3. Steve Tyrer 2. Will Sharp 7. Gareth Moore 6. Scott Murrell 8. Mitch Calahane 9. Ben Kaye 14. Adam Tangata 11. Dane Manning 33. Matt Sarsfield 13. Jacob Fairbank SUBS: 10. Luke Ambler 12. Simon Grix 22. Connor Robinson 34. Ryan Boyle

7 7 6 6 6 7 8 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 6

DEWSBURY RAMS Tries: Hale (29), Morton (33). Goals: Sykes 0/2.

HALIFAX Tries: Moore (37), Saltonstall (40), Calahane (50), Robinson (76). Goals: Tyrer 4/5. Referee: M Woodhead / HT: 8-10 / Pens: 6-10 / Sin Bin: Groat (58, fighting), Calahane (58, fighting) / Sent Off: None / Weather: Drizzle Man of the match: Scott Murrell (Halifax) / Attendance: 1,146 / Match Rating: 3/5.

DEWSBURY RAMS HALIFAX

8 24

at the Tetley’s Stadium DEWSBURY'S recent upturn in fortunes came to an abrupt end with a 24-8 defeat at home to top four chasers Halifax Light rain arrived mid-way through the first half and turned the match into a real war of attrition. Silence descended upon the Tetley’s Stadium prior to kick off as both sides paid tribute to the Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox, who was killed serving her community last week. The silence was then replaced with thunderous applause for a minute to celebrate the life of Ronan Costello – the Huddersfield Giants youngster who died last week after suffering an injury during a game. Dewsbury made a good start to a bruising first half which boiled over in the fifth minute as Luke Adamson and Jacob Fairbank sparked a melee that required referee Michael Woodhead to speak to both captains. Halifax started to look the more threatening, a last ditch tackle from Dewsbury full-back Josh Guzdek stopped Ben Johnson crossing the line and Matt Sarsfield lost the ball right on the Dewsbury try-line. Will Sharp was denied by Dale Morton in the corner just before the Rams scored first on the half hour mark. A strong run by Tony Tonks gave Dewsbury field position and, on the next play, Andy Kain fed Scott Hale who managed to power his way over.

The Rams crossed again just a few minutes later when, after they had forced a goal-line drop out, a Paul Sykes chip to the corner missed everyone and bounced kindly into the hands of the waiting Morton. That score shocked Halifax and they responded with two quick tries before half-time. Some great work by Sharp, Steve Tyrer and Simon Grix to keep a Scott Murrell kick alive saw Gareth Moore kick and collect to get his side’s first points of the afternoon. Halifax went ahead right on the hooter through James Saltonstall, who gratefully accepted a perfectly weighted Murrell chip to the corner. Halifax extended their lead to eight points 10 minutes into the second half through Mitch Calahane, who crashed over from close range. Both number eights – Calahane and Groat – were sent to the sin-bin for their part in a brawl that attracted the interest of all 26 players on the pitch. Steve Tyrer slotted over a penalty to make it a 10-point game with 15 minutes to go before Connor Robinson completed the scoring four minutes from the end when he chased his own grubber kick to seal the victory for Halifax. Fax head coach Richard Marshall was pleased with the effort and concentration his side had during the game. He said: “I thought we performed very well and the win is a bit of a bonus really. “We managed the game in the second half a bit better than Dewsbury did but we still made a handful of errors with the ball, but I thought that our defence was good enough to

Scott Hale battled his way to the line to score the game’s opening try Steve Horsfall deal with it. “Our line speed and contact was first class today and there was some good attitude towards defending today.” Dewsbury coach Glenn Morrison was disappointed his side couldn’t convert their early lead into a win.

“I don’t think the result reflected the game,” he said. “We knew it would be a real grind and we dominated the first half. They got two tries from lucky bounces from kicks and then in the second half we didn’t get enough of the ball and didn’t get a chance to play.”

‘We’re still in a good place’ Kear remains optimistic ahead of derby clash Dewsbury were unlucky not to get the win against rivals Batley at the Summer Bash last month Steve Horsfall

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

BATLEY BULLDOGS coach John Kear insists his side don’t have to feel like victims following a narrow defeat to Bradford Bulls. After the game, which the Bulldogs lost by a single point, Kear was incensed that Jay Pitts’ try was allowed to stand and as a result the experienced coach had lengthy talks with match review panel member Steve Presley. “I was angered by the decision (to allow Pitts’ try) but I’ve calmed down now and on reflection we’re still in a good place,” said Kear. “Everything is in our own hands and despite us being very disappointed we know we can bounce back and get in the top four. “The Bradford game was vital and we didn’t get the win, but we have reviewed it thoroughly and taken the positives from it, as well as highlighting areas for improvement like we do every week. “Now our focus is firmly on Dewsbury and we need to be very well prepared because this fixture is never easy.” Going into the third Heavy Woollen derby of the season, Kear is likely to be without Luke

Blake, who had to leave the field at the Provident Stadium after taking a knee in the back. It was later revealed that the hooker suffered bruising to his kidneys. But Kear was happy with the fitness of Alex Rowe, who has reportedly trained well this week and is staking a claim for selection in Sunday’s showdown at Mount Pleasant (3pm). Batley Bulldogs fans could

quickly forget the disappointment they felt after the game against Bradford if their side bag a third win of the season against old rivals Dewsbury. Batley won 44-30 at the Tetley’s Stadium in a thrilling contest on Good Friday before narrowly edging out their old foes 28-24 at the Summer Bash in Blackpool. A victory would also give the Bulldogs a place back in the top four as close rivals Bradford and

Halifax lock horns at Odsal. “We know what we have to do and we’re still in a good position,” added Kear. “I’m not going to get drawn in to looking at different outcomes, I’m just focusing on Batley winning. “We have five games left and we’re going to try and win them all. I won’t allow myself to set an outcome goal until we play Swinton on the final day.”

BERNARD KENNY GUEST OF HONOUR AS RUGBY LEAGUE PAYS TRIBUTE TO JO COX TRIBUTES will be paid to MP Jo Cox ahead of the Heavy Woollen Championship Derby between Batley and Dewsbury on Sunday. Rugby league fan Bernard Kenny, who heroically tried to save Mrs Cox during the tragic events of last Thursday, will be guest of honour at the game alongside his family. The match will take place at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium and will be preceded by the hymm ‘Abide With Me’, performed without music by Paul Egan. There will also be a com-

memorative programme available for fans to buy, the proceeds of which will be donated to charities supported by Mrs Cox. Batley Bulldogs are hoping to raise £2,000 in total. Also before kick-off Batley and Dewsbury chairmen Kevin Nicholas and Mark Sawyer respectively, along with Mr Kenny, players and other dignitaries will in turn place sunflowers in the centre of the pitch. The Bulldogs cheerleaders will then put the Sunflowers in the memorial garden after a minute’s silence.

And on the weekend of Armed Forces Day, the Yorkshire Regiment will be at the game with a live band and activities for children behind the Glen Tomlinson Stand. Nicholas said: “The supporters, players and officials of both Dewsbury and ourselves are huge rivals on the pitch and nothing will change in this important game. “However, we are all united both as rugby league people and Heavy Woollen District friends. “We hope we can all come together and demonstrate

how proud we are of one of our own in Jo Cox and also the pride we have for the bravery of Bernard Kenny. “We understand the sunflower was a favourite flower of Jo and it is also appropriate for her and a celebration of her life as anyone who ever met her will know that with her infectious smile and unbounding energy and enthusiasm for life, she could not fail to brighten anyone’s day. “It is a very sad occasion but we also wish to highlight the joy and goodness she brought to our community.”

Rams boss thrilled with Stringer deal DEWSBURY RAMS have boosted their slim chances of climbing into the Championship’s top six with the introduction of former Sheffield Eagles captain Mitch Stringer, who has signed until the end of the season. Glenn Morrison was quick to swoop and capture the signature of the 32-year-old Scottish international, who is line to make his debut in the Heavy Woollen derby this Sunday (3pm). Stringer left the Eagles, with whom he played over 300 games, under a cloud last week after requesting to have his contract terminated with the struggling South Yorkshire club. “Mitch is a top-quality experienced leader and a middle man in a position where we have really struggled this season with injuries,” said the Dewsbury boss. “He has captained Sheffield Eagles for some time and will bring those leadership qualities to the team at a crucial time for us in the campaign. “A number of clubs were after him and I am so pleased he chose to come to Dewsbury.” Dewsbury have struggled against their arch rivals this season and are desperate not to lose a third straight game against Kear’s men. After the disappointment of Good Friday and the Summer Bash the Rams are determined to get revenge and hamper Bulldogs’ push for a place in the top four. “We’ve improved recently,” said Morrison. “Plus we had seven guys missing against Halifax and I’m hopeful we’ll get a couple of them back this weekend. “The guys are really eager to get a win against Batley, it’s been a while since we last beat them and we need to put that right. “It won’t be easy, they’re a strong side but if we show the same level of effort we put in against Halifax, especially in defence, then we will have a good chance.”

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