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

Worlds apart

Friday February 20, 2015

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No. 673

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Festival bid up for debate in Mirfield

Brontë-inspired girls perform at Red House

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THE AXE FALLS After shambolic debate councillors vote for £69m of cuts

• Batley and Birstall markets to close • Loss of 1,000 Kirklees jobs • Council tax increased by 2% By David Miller News Reporter davidmiller@thepressnews.co.uk

HUGE cuts to public services were backed on Wednesday – but only after a Kirklees Council meeting descended into farce. A Huddersfield Town Hall budget debate was set to be the most important of recent years. The fate of services vital to all residents in our community, from libraries to markets and police, were at stake. But a marathon four-hour meeting was at times dominated by arguments about debate procedures. Chaotic scenes saw party leaders whisked away at the end for a meeting with council chief executive Adrian Lythgo. It overshadowed cuts of £69m over the next three years which will see 1,000 council jobs lost.

Other decisions include: • Batley and Birstall markets axed; • Cash for Dewsbury Spirit festival stopped;

• Transport to faith schools ended; • Cuts to public health services; • No funding for police community support officers.

But rows began when, in an unusual move, amendments were debated before the main budget proposals. No votes were taken so councillors could go back to the bigger issues once the amendments had been discussed. Mayor Coun Ken Smith (Lab) told the chamber this was agreed to by party leaders beforehand. Votes were finally taken after rows gave way to actual debate – only for the meeting to collapse into shambles. A Lib Dem motion, which featured cash to replace the Spenborough Pool, fell by 36 votes to 11 with 18 abstentions. Proposals from the Green & Valley Independents passed by 39 votes to 16 and eight abstentions. Coun Smith ruled the amendment, when added to Labour’s plans, equalled a budget. He pressed for an instant vote without having a ballot on plans

Council leader David Sheard from the Tories – which caused uproar on all sides. Conservative leader Coun Robert Light (Birstall and Birkenshaw) demanded a council lawyer should be consulted on the legality of such a move. Some Tories muttered about the mayor’s “impartiality” while councillors across the chamber traded verbal jibes.

Continues on page three

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ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

Stan’s big in Japan Deaths BEDFORD SCOTT LEE On 5 February, aged 40, of Birstall. Son of Trevor and

the late Jennifer. Funeral service Tuesday 24 February, 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints,

Dewsbury, followed by committal at St Peter’s Churchyard, Birstall.

BENNETT HEDLEY On 14 February 2015, of Batley, aged 82. Husband of Elsie. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium on Monday 2nd March at 10.30am.

BIRCH BARBARA NEE WATMOUGH On 14 February, aged 88. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 25 February at 2.45pm.

BRIGGS FRANK On 15 February, of Mirfield, aged 94. Husband of Mary. Service at Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury, Tuesday 3 March at 1.30pm.

BROWN KEVIN JESSE On 11 February, aged 66, of Batley. Dad of David, Phillip and Steven. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 23 February at 10.30am.

the late Peter. Funeral at St Peter’s Church, Earlsheaton, Wednesday 25 February at 12.15pm, followed by interment in Earlsheaton Cemetery.

EVANS NEE HAWKINS DOROTHY JEAN On 17 February, of Liversedge, aged 84. Wife of the late Kenneth. Funeral at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Liversedge, Wednesday 25 February at 2.15pm, followed by interment at Liversedge Cemetery.

HOWARD CHARLES HENRY On 17 February, aged 93 years. Dad of Barry and Keith. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 26 February at 2.45pm.

HUNTER WINIFRED MAY Peacefully on 14 February, aged 89 years, of Mirfield. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 25 February at 3.15pm.

CLARE WINNIE

JOHNSON BETTY NEE TERRY

On 13 February, aged 84, of Earlsheaton. Wife of

On 8 February, of Dewsbury, aged 87 years.

Wife of the late Cyril. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 27 February at 12.30pm.

JOHNSON JOSEPH BRYAN On 12 February, of Woodkirk, aged 82. Husband of Edith. Requiem Mass at St Mary’s RC Church, Batley, Tuesday 24 February at 12noon, followed by interment at Batley Cemetery.

JONES DAVID HENRY On 13 February, of Dewsbury, aged 67. Partner of Michelle. Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd Funeral Directors of Dewsbury. Tel 01924 454476.

PEACE NEE SPENCE MOLLY EILEEN On 13 February, aged 91, of Thornhill. Wife of the late Willie. Funeral at Thornhill Parish Church, Monday 2 March at 2.15pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

PEARCE TERRY JOHN On 11 February, aged 75 years, of Roberttown. Husband of Margo. Funeral

service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 27 February at 11.15am.

Friday 27 February at 1.15pm.

WEBSTER DAVID WILLIAM

PETERSON MARIAN On 10 February, aged 77, of Mirfield. Wife of the late Peter. Funeral at St Mary’s Church, Mirfield, Wednesday 25 February at 11.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.

SELLERS DORIS ELSIE On 18 February, formerly of Thornhill and Briestfield, aged 89. Wife of the late Stanley. Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd. Tel 01924 454476.

SQUIRES JOHN On 11 February, aged 90 years, of Roberttown. Husband of the late Joan. Funeral at All Saints Church, Roberttown, Tuesday 24 February at 2.15pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 3.15pm.

SYKES ERIC On 12 February, aged 90 years. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium,

On 15 February, formerly of Chickenley, aged 60. Son of Mary and Dennis. Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd Funeral Directors. Tel 01924 454476.

WELLS MARTIN On 14 February, of Batley, aged 34. Partner of Jessica. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 3 March at 1.15pm.

WOLFENDEN DOREEN On 16 February, formerly of Cleckheaton and Birkenshaw, aged 84 years. Wife of the late Lawrence. Funeral enquiries to Michael Wright & Son Funeral Directors. 01274 871092.

WYLIE DAVID On 17 February, of Thornhill, aged 80. Husband of the late Alice. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 27 February, at 10am.

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ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

SICKENING Owner of dogs found caged in horrifying conditions in a caravan is banned from keeping animals

DOGS were kept in sickening conditions at a filthy caravan in Ravensthorpe, a court heard. Charlotte Richards, 42, was banned from keeping animals for 10 years after admitting a catalogue of neglect offences. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard some dogs were kept in a tiny cage inside the caravan. Richards, of no fixed abode, used the vehicle on Clarkson Street as a mobile home. Philip Brown, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said other dogs were kept at a nearby garage. The animals, up to 15 in total, had fleas, were dehydrated and left in their own faeces. Mr Brown said RSPCA inspec-

tor Gemma Fowler attended the scene on July 14 last year. She observed conditions at the garage, where the stench was “horrendous”, and then called police to force entry to the caravan. Inside, terrier-cross chihuahuas were found in a tiny cage littered with dirt and faeces. Clive Rees, for Richards, said his client became overwhelmed by the number of dogs she was asked to look after. He said: “It seems much of this came about through her goodwill, that she could not say ‘no’ to people.” Richards was handed a 12month community order with 30 sessions of activity. She was told to pay £260 from her benefits towards costs of £14,970, most of which was for boarding the animals.

News in Brief Congregation grab ‘glassing’ suspect MIRFIELD: A man who allegedly hit another man in the face with a glass bottle was detained by members of the congregation at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Newgate last Thursday night. The 34-year-old victim was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary with injuries described as non-life threatening. A 36-yearold man was arrested and taken to a mental health facility. Det Insp Andy Leonard, of Kirklees CID, said: “It’s not clear whether the incident happened inside or in the immediate vicinity of the building.”

Wartime flypast CLECKHEATON: A Battle of Britain flypast will cap a fourth annual wartime showpiece in July. Details for the Yorkshire Wartime Experience on Hunsworth Lane, Hunsworth, were confirmed this week. The theme marks 75 years since the 1940 evacuation of Dunkirk and the subsequent aerial battle over southern England. On display will be more than 300 military vehicles, plus re-enactments and 1940sthemed live entertainment. The event is from Friday, July 3, to Sunday, July 5. Tickets can be bought in advance. For more information see www.ywe-event.info.

Damage charge LIVERSEDGE: A man is accused of causing criminal damage at the home of his ex-partner. It is claimed Jordan Lee Miller, 24, went to a property on Firthcliffe Mount, Littletown, last Tuesday. Miller allegedly damaged a door when denied entry. He is due to appear at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

MISERY: These terriercross chihuahuas were found in a tiny cage littered with faeces. Inset, inside the caravan

Tories slam tax ‘whammy’ A COUNCIL tax increase is “Labour's double tax whammy”, Kirklees Tory leader Robert Light claimed. Bills will go up by 1.95 per cent in 2015/16. It means those in the lowest band will pay £977.01 a year, an increase of £1.50 a month. The budget approved this week is for three years and assumes similar council tax rises in the next two years, which Coun Light said meant rejecting Government grants. He accused Labour of turning down £4.8m to raise £8.1m extra in tax up to 2017/18.

Coun Light called the budget “morally indefensible” and added: “This is Labour's £13m tax double whammy. “It’s unacceptable to cut universal public services and then charge people more in council tax.” Coun Graham Turner (Lab) said Tories only proposed taking a tax freeze for 2015/16, leaving a £6m funding gap over the following two years. Deputy Tory leader Coun David Hall (Liversedge & Gomersal) retorted that they proposed £14m of efficiency savings.

These would include cuts to union funding, expenses for executives and council bureaucracy. The rest would come from reserves and Coun Hall said: “You build up reserves in the good times to balance things out in the bad times.” Coun Molly Walton (Lab) said reserves are for the future, to which Coun Hall replied: “The future is now.” Tory amendments to the budget fell, as did a Lib Dem motion which would have cut £3m of regeneration funding from Dewsbury town centre.

Councillors back £69m budget cuts From Page One Eventually, votes took place on Tory motions for the budget and devolution which were lost 39 to 16 (10 abstentions) and 46 to 13 (three abstentions). A combined Labour/ Green/ Indendent budget was then passed by 37 votes to 16 with nine abstentions. Afterwards, party leaders, who heard Coun Smith’s actions were above board, were told to see Mr Lythgo in private. The seriousness of the budget issues facing councillors was spelled out early on by council leader David Sheard. He said: “The debate has been mainly about visible public services like libraries, public toilets and markets. “But not much has been said about the biggest part of this council’s budget, which is social care. “The problem we face is that if we don’t reform by 2022, Kirklees Council won’t be able to fund much else apart from our social care responsibilities.” The Press reported last August how the council budget would affect ‘unseen’ services such as drug and alcohol dependency.

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ThePress

News In Brief E-fit of pet store gun robber is released A HOODIE-wearing armed robbery suspect is being sought after a raid in Mirfield last week. Police released an e-fit image of man in his late teens or early 20s wanted over an hold-up at Pet Supplies. Cash was stolen from the pet shop on Lee Green at around 2.30pm last Tuesday. The suspect, armed with what was believed to be a handgun, wore a dark hooded top and dark grey scarf over his face. Det Con Kris Roberts, of Kirklees CID, said: “The man involved in this armed robbery may have been loitering around the shop shortly beforehand. “We urge anyone who believes they saw this man or who has information about his identity to call Kirklees CID on 101.”

Care nurse probe GOMERSAL: A fresh probe is to be held into a care home nurse who avoided being struck off for not resuscitating a dying patient. High Court judge Mr Justice Singh ruled a disciplinary hearing against Winifred Jozi did not reflect the seriousness of an incident on December 5, 2012. Dementia sufferer Susan Burgess, 59, of Dewsbury was found unconscious at the Holme House care home on Oxford Road. Mrs Jozi was found not guilty of misconduct and suspended for just two months by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) last year. The judge issued an injunction preventing Mrs Jozi from practising as a nurse between now and a second NMC hearing. He said: “...the view to which the (NMC) committee came was indeed a view to which no reasonable committee could have come.”

Friday February 20, 2015

Pioneer annexe opens Affordable town centre housing now up for rent By Steve Martyn A FIRST step in the regeneration of Dewsbury’s historic Northgate quarter was completed this week. Pionner House’s annexe on Branch Road has been turned into six one-bedroom flats which are now available to council tenants. Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KHN) will manage the homes – which rent for £63 to £68 per week. The once-derelict Grade II-listed Victorian building was taken over by compulsory purchase order (CPO) in 2011. Pioneer House was left to rot by developer Robert Stayton – who battled the council’s CPO bid. Kirklees got cash from the Government’s empty homes cluster scheme for the flats. The rest of Pioneer House is being transformed under the £3.7m lottery-funded Dewsbury Townscape Heritage Initiative. It focuses on the Northgate conservation area and includes the Kingsway and

PROPERTY PIONEERS: Coun Cath Scott cuts the ribbon as Dewsbury Regeneration Board chairman Coun Eric Firth (centre) and KNH staff look on Queensway arcades. Coun Cathy Scott (Lab, Dewsbury East) said: “An important part of the work involves bringing Pioneer House back into use. “We’re starting to do that by converting the annexe into affordable town centre housing.” The flats, which retain period features, boast fitted kitchens and bathrooms, double glazing, heating and are wired for the internet. They are available for those on KNH’s housing register, which currently has 9,130 people on it.

At any one time only about two thirds are actively looking for a home. The figure was 62 per cent this week. Tenants at the Pioneer House annexe will have to complete a course in a bid to prevent anti-social behaviour. Coun Scott, cabinet member for housing, added: “Two key priorities for the council are to create more affordable housing and to boost our town centres. “This project is a prime example of how we can do that. I hope all the residents will be very happy in their new homes.”

Relationship row led to attack www.facebook.com/ThePressNews

A MAN attacked a friend in Heckmondwike he blamed for ending his brother’s engagement. Christopher Skeffington, 31, went to a home on Raynor Avenue on the night of Christmas Eve last year. The baker, of Priestley Avenue, initially went there at around 10.45pm for ‘clearthe-air’ talks. But when friend Andrew West opened the door and “smirked” a melée started. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard Mr West suffered a black eye, fat lip and a sore wrist. Skeffington was thrown out of the property after Mr West’s father Stewart, also injured, intervened. Carl Kingsley, for Skeffington, said the defendent’s brother John was upset by the end of his relationship with Gemma Quarton. They got engaged in October last year but rumours of an affair spread when she was caught “red-handed”.

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Mr Kingsley said: “John was devastated. He had to move back into his parents’ home and to this day he still sleeps on the sofa.” Skeffington admitted two charges of assault. He was fined £270 plus £87 costs and a £27 victim surcharge.

Driving ban and curfew for Mason FORMER rugby league star Keith Mason feared for his own future after a mother suffered injuries in a Birstall car crash. Katie Galvin still experiences back and neck pain following a head-on collision last August. Her Mini Cooper, also containing her two daughters, was written off after the smash on Cambridge Road. Mason, right, was sentenced on Tuesday for a hit-and-run incident where he fled the scene to take a nap. Magistrates in Leeds banned Dewsburyborn Mason from driving for 12 months. He was also given a nine-month community order and will be under curfew from 7pm to 7am for two months. In addition the former Super League and NRL prop was told to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge. The court heard Mason made no attempt to exchange details with Ms Galvin and did not inform police of the crash. Charles Watson, for Mason, said his client was worried his actions may harm his fledgling acting career. He said: “As you can imagine many sportsmen find the transition period after retirement difficult and this tragic accident hasn’t helped that. “(Mason) wants to move on with his life and he has various options open to him in the film/entertainment industry.” In sentencing Mason was given credit for guilty pleas to multiple motoring charges. But chairman of the bench Pat Rothery told him: “These are serious offences, with examples of bad driving that left injured people at the scene.”

ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

Les is more for Judo By David Miller A JUDO coach from Hanging Heaton insists he will not bow out from the sport he loves – even at the age of 79. Les Tolson is about to have his left knee replaced for the fourth time and is living with prostate cancer. But Les, of Ullswater Avenue, led a team from his Dewsbury Judo Club to medal success last Sunday. Four golds were among the tally at the West Yorkshire Closed Championships in Bradford. Lucie Whitworth, 12, of Ravensthorpe, and senior competitor Neil Poyzntz, of Batley, were among the gold medalists. And Les, who started in judo nearly 50 years ago, is marshalling them for another contest in Goole. The retired mechanic said: “I can’t watch the box all day at home. I’ve got keep on the move.” Les is still going despite his health problems and added: “Life’s so short I want to pack in as much as possible.” He’s tried paragliding, waterskiing, scuba diving, photography and is a member of the Spenborough model railway and Kirklees model boat clubs. Wife Molly, 78, jokes he spends so much time in the garage on projects he should live there. But his main love is judo, which Les believes teaches discipline and boosts confidence, strength and fitness. In particular he gets a kick out of seeing

News in Brief Trust’s funding blow NORTH KIRKLEES: Cash strapped hospitals are being stung with multi-million pound penalties for admitting too many patients. Health chiefs were hit for £9m in 2012-13, £8.7m last year and £3.6m in the first six months of this year. Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust was punished for too many admissions and too many patients returning within 30 days of discharge. The trust, which runs Dewsbury District Hospital and has history of financial problems, has a deficit this year of £9.1m. It is believed the £21.3m withheld from Mid Yorkshire was spent elsewhere in the NHS locally.

Stolen property return BATLEY: Burglary victims could be reunited with their stolen property at the police station next month. Officers will publicly display items recovered from incidents in 2014 and this year on Saturday, March 14. The police station counter will be open at the bottom door nearest the town Hall. Times are to be confirmed.

GOING STRONG: Les Tolson (left) alongside David Hutchinson, Carlo Maguire, James Stainburn, Neil Poyzntz, Ivan Michaels and technical coach Andy Whitworth youngsters overcome their nerves in competition. He said: “Some of our younger ones have only been with us for six months so to see them win medals fills me with pride.” Les is a second dan level two black belt with about 25 years’ coaching experience. The club, which he took over in 2004, meets at Dewsbury Sports Centre on Tuesday and Friday nights. For more details call Les on 01924 461420, 07900 597085 or email les26@live.co.uk.

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ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

Reevell right to tell ‘Scholars’ where to get off HE 17 Muslim clerics who declared electoral war on MP Simon Reevell last week won’t be the only people not to miss him come the middle of May. By the time Crow Nest Park’s trees are fully in leaf, the Dewsbury and Mirfield MP will be an already-fading memory – mostly because he wouldn’t know his way round the town’s glorious park without a map, compass, and ‘Lady of the (park) Lake’ Mavis Secker holding his hand. The Conservative MP has spent more time plying his legal trade in court rooms than he has plying his Parliamentary duties in Dewsbury or Mirfield over the past five years. Under the heading of “what did the MP ever do for us?” (to paraphrase the Monty Python reference to the Romans), his list of achievements could be read by a dyslexic blind man. He’s spoken up on behalf of his corporate clients occasionally in the House of Commons (Simon’s very well supported by the rail companies) and he’s supported plans to run Dewsbury District Hospital into the ground, the subtext of which will ultimately see the

SImon Reevell MP – right call, but much too late district with a cottage medical centre and most likely a shiny new housing estate. The idea is to fight ‘for’ your constituents, Mr Reevell, not ‘fight’ your constituents. He’s a pleasant enough bloke, but he never got that part of the job description. All of which being said, Simon Reevell was absolutely right to stand up to the bolshie mullahs who launched a thinly veiled political attack on him last week, with their protest about the government’s antiterrorism legislation.

Some mosques in this district don’t lift a finger to even try to give the impression they aren’t a hotbed of Islamic fanatics. I doubt that they are, but you wouldn’t know it by their actions which, in my book at least, legitimises people who actually care about this country to regard them with suspicion at best. But you don’t hear a dicky bird out of the area’s Muslim clerics, until they’re moved to protest over something or other that offends their delicate sensitivities – like this. And if Labour candidate Paula Sherriff had any backbone – and every other election candidate by the way – she would have waded in on Simon Reevell’s side last week. She, and they, could have put up a united front of national interest over this ethnic political gameplaying. She didn’t, possibly because she’s an inexperienced enough liberal to think showing these people more ‘love’ (backed up with a never ending supply of blank cheques) is the way to win their affections. And secondly, she was probably too busy clapping her hands with joy at having the mosques apparently come out

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood in Labour’s favour. The 17 Islamic scholars, clerics or teachers who wrote to the MP accused the Tories of trying to demonise Muslims to score political points. They accused Reevell’s party of paradoxically playing to extremist tendencies. What? (And I say ‘men’ because of course these bigots purporting to speak on behalf of Dewsbury’s Muslims haven’t got the best track record when it comes to 21st century civil liberties. I’ll gladly, heartily apologise if a woman’s name was on that letter because it would signify more social and cultural progress than these religious dinosaurs have brought to the district in 50 years). UT back to the issue. Firstly, the government bill currently going through Parliament has all-party support, which kind of scuppers their main theme. I also wonder, did Ednan Hussain, the new parliamentary Lib Dem candidate, get a copy of the letter? The Lib Dems were still part of the government coalition the last time I looked. And Ednan’s certainly Muslim. Secondly, I doubt that showing more ‘love’ to people who think beheading, burning alive, and using children to blow themselves and other innocents to kingdom come, is what anyone would call a winning strategy. It’s not worked so far. When a religious fanatic’s sanity is that far gone, a hug and a kiss from a lily-livered liberal isn’t going to dissuade them from taking up a Kalashnikov or a nail bomb. Those extremists need tackling

I’m on the gravy train... DON’T know if I’ve asked this before, but does anyone else have gravy on their pancakes, as an alternative to jam or sugar? Pancakes are – unfortunately I’d say – increasingly marginalised in the modern culinary lexicon. It takes Shrove Tuesday for them to pop up in our consciousness. Shameful. In my local pub, the other regulars looked at me like I’d been caught dressing up as a Playboy bunny when I licked my lips at the prospect of half a dozen pancakes, smothered in onion gravy. To the world outside Dewsbury, it seems they are exclusively a ‘sweet’ dish. In my childhood pancakes and gravy were the main course and one smothered in strawberry jam and rolled up was dessert. And it wasn’t just one Tuesday a year, either. I can’t make pancakes, like I did this week, without my mostly grown-up kids waxing nostalgic about tea-times at grandma’s, every week. Is it just the Lockwood family? Really?

at source, and I don’t think the mullahs fancy giving me or Simon Reevell centre stage in Savile Town’s mosques to appeal to their kinder natures – which means it’s up to them to take that responsibility. Do those 17 clerics preach peace and harmony with their Christian brethren, both here and in the middle east, on a daily or weekly basis? Maybe they do. Maybe they just need a better PR spokesman. But I know what I think, and until the mosques get their medieval backsides in gear and start proving they are part of the solution and not the problem, then they have no right to a voice. In the meantime, the political part of the problem will most likely be Paula Sherriff’s before long. I can’t say I hold out much hope for progress

when that change comes – although I suppose there is an outside chance (and only a very, very faint chance) that the mosques will come out for young Hussain. That would be Simon Reevell’s best hope of clinging on. What doesn’t change, and won’t, is that the self-anointed Scholars of Dewsbury are in dire need of a reality check. The government, and the perpetually silent majority of British Muslims, can’t awaken soon enough to the necessity that they must prove they’re the good guys, because the naïve presumption of that innocence has persevered far too long. It continues to undermine both our sovereignty, national security, and give community relations not a cat in hell’s chance.

From good news to bad, all our politicians are one and the same HEN the latest figures were unveiled on Wednesday showing that unemployment was down to its lowest level in donkey’s years, that inflation was rock bottom and wages were growing at their fastest pace too, what do you think the reaction was in Labour Party headquarters? Do you think the two Eds, Miliband and Balls, jumped up and threw an elaborate, sports-style high five? Clinked their glasses of sparkling mineral water and said ‘cheers’ to the continuing economic upturn? Or do you think their chins hit the floor like two bags of mouldy spuds? That those glasses of sparkling mineral water were used to wash down anti-depressants, because there went a few more polling points flying straight out of the window? Be honest now, which do you think it was? Yup, me too. And there you have it. Politics is every bit as much about personal ambition, power-grabbing and the ‘me-me’ of modern

Sir Stuart – report buried life, as any city of London bank or trading room. I doubt that Ed Miliband has a cat (although that nasal bleat does sound like it’s brought on by an allergy to something), but if he does, the neighbours might have seen it go flying down the garden on Wednesday, propelled by Ed’s shiny brogue up its jacksy. The economy’s doing well? Bugger bugger bugger. Moribund is intent on weaponising the NHS, which anyone who’s had much to do with it recently probably agrees with – as in blow the whole damn structure up and start again.

It seems there isn’t a week goes by when a failed NHS Trust director isn’t richly rewarded for presiding over financial and medical incompetence. That was highlighted more than two months ago in a scathing report to the government by Sir Stuart Rose, one of the country’s leading business brains. Sir Stuart was commissioned by the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to look specifically at leadership in the NHS. In short, it is understood his report gave it the last rites. And so, because publishing the report would play into the hands of Labour, Hunt has buried the report so deep (as in until after the election) that it probably needs a headstone. Who cares how many old people die of neglect, or critically ill people expire on the living room floor because an ambulanceman decides it’s time for dinner? In the Westminster world of ‘me-me’ the people always come last. They’re all as bad.

ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

Crusade to raise £120,000 in six weeks to save cemetery chapel By David Miller CAMPAIGNERS aim to raise £120,000 in just six weeks to save one of Dewsbury Cemetery’s derelict twin chapels. The online crowdfunding campaign comes after the New Friends of Dewsbury Cemetery lost out on lottery cash to turn one of the buildings into a community hub. So group members have taken to the internet, and althought secretary Paul Edwards said the April 7 deadline to raise the cash is “probably not realistic”, the group wants to make a point about the urgent need for action. The community hub proposal would include a history archive of the cemetery and the people buried there.

Mr Edwards said: “The lottery fund knocked us back at the first stage as they don’t think the community hub idea is viable as it stands.” The vandal-hit mon-conformist and Anglican chapels, opened in 1860, have been derelict for years. Last February, storms caused more damage and forced the top gate to the cemetery to be closed on safety grounds. Volunteers are improving the cemetery, which was in a neglected state.

Angels’ Corner, where infants are buried, has been renovated, while overgrown family graves have been cleared. Mr Edwards added: “We want the cemetery to be a respectful place and a resource for the community.” For more details on the crowdfunding campaign, see www.crowdfunder.co.uk/dewsbury-cemetery-chapels-restoration. All money pledged will be returned if the target is not reached.

■ A CEREMONY was due to be held at Dewsbury Cemetery today (Friday) in honour of a soldier who drowned in a First World War training exercise. Private John Myers, who is buried at the cemetery, was one of seven who died at

Gainsborough 100 years ago. A service will be led by Rev Kathy Robertson at noon. It follows a similar one for Private Edmund Battye, another who died in the accident, at Batley Cemetery yesterday (Thursday).

Knifeman hid in terrified family’s loft A KNIFE attacker hid in a terrified Batley family’s home after launching a random assault on a passer-by. Blake Sonny Johnson, 25, was identified by police from CCTV footage of an incident on January 25. The next day they went to a bail hostel in Batley where Johnson was staying on licence, but he fled. Johnson, shirtless and shoeless, burst into a home on Healey Lane demanding scissors and a knife when a resident answered his knock at

the door. Leeds Crown Court heard Johnson grabbed a tshirt and dashed upstairs to hide in the loft. Andrew Horton, prosecuting, said the occupant was too scared to say anything when police came looking for Johnson. But he was able to indicate “upstairs” and when officers went up, Johnson emerged from the loft. The drama unfolded after Johnson stabbed a man in the buttock on Gledhill Terrace in Dewsbury Moor.

The victim, Christopher Kitchen, said “alright” to two men who passed him in the street. One of them then punched him and the other, identifed as Johnson, stabbed him. Johnson, previously of Staincliffe Road, Dewsbury Moor, admitted unlawful wounding, having an offensive weapon, affray and damage. Judge Peter Collier QC jailed him for three years and said his crime was a “mindless random act of violence”.

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ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

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He should be shouting from the rooftops Dear Sir, Green Party candidate Adrian Cruden wrote in The Forum (6/02/15): “I won’t dwell on the benefits of ... immigration to Britain...” Who’s asking him to dwell on them? I just want him to tell us what they are. But instead of spelling out precisely what those alleged benefits are Mr Cruden prefers to hide behind the essentially meaningless “... evidence (shows) that migrants provide an overall benefit to the financial well-being of our country.” What evidence is that and where do I locate it? What makes Adrian Cruden think his sentimental and wishful thinking ramblings are an adequate substitute for hard facts? It’s as if these politicians and wannabe politicians expect us to take their word for it. In this day

Wood’s good value for me... From: David Honeybell, Heckmondwike Dear Sir, After representing Cleckheaton for eight years on Kirklees Council and Batley and Spen for 18 years as MP, Mike Wood should be proud of his exemplary record. From the start of his parliamentary life, Mike became the target of Danny Lockwood’s childish ‘Woody Watch’. Fair enough, if you put yourself forward for a high profile position, then you’re left wide open to criticism from all directions. After 18 years of having his every move, every claim and every payment scrutinised, it appears his only offence is HE HASN’T ACTUALLY COMMITTED ONE! If the only criticism of Mike, either from the media

Letter of the Week: Stephen Cass, Mirfield and age! You’ve got to admire their brass neck – if nothing else. Of course the ostrich position isn’t restricted to the Greens, it’s adopted just as enthusiastically by the Libs, Labs, and Cons and their heads-in-the-sand supporters. I’ve emailed our ‘Conservative’ MP Simon Reevell on a number of occasions to ask about the ‘benefits of immigration’, but like Adrian Cruden, he doesn’t want to ‘dwell’ on them and prefers instead to take refuge in a throwaway statement: “Taking everything into consideration immigration has been beneficial for Britain.” Yeah, sure. If immigration really has been beneficial why are its supporters

in general, The Press in particular or the TaxPayers’ Alliance, is that he only claimed for what he was entitled to, whether large or small, then all of us in Batley and Spen owe him a great deal of thanks. Mike Wood was very good value for money.

... or is he the Grim Reaper? From: David Williamson, Emley Dear Sir, Now we all know that standards of behaviour in public office have deteriorated dramatically over recent years, but your revelations last week revealing that Mike Wood MP has been charging us the taxpayer to attend his own constituents’ funerals has brought levels of ethical standards to a new low and personal greed to a new high. We can only assume from his own actions that he was

so reluctant to give us the facts on which they base their stance? Precisely what did Mr Reevell and the Tories take into consideration and what cost benefit analysis did they employ in reaching the conclusion that “Taking everything into consideration immigration has been beneficial for Britain”? Why can’t we be told? What’s the big secret? According to the Office for National Statistics 583,000 people immigrated to the UK in the year ending 2014 – that’s on the Tories’ watch don’t forget. All those people, all that ‘benefit’. Surely Simon Reevell should be shouting it from the rooftops.

only attending in an official capacity and would not have otherwise gone to pay his own personal respects. Although he does share an uncanny likeness with the traditional stereotypical image of the Grim Reaper. If you do happen to look over your shoulder at a funeral and find him sitting on the pew behind writing notes in his little black book, don’t worry, he’s not putting your name forward to be next on the list or writing a poignant eulogy for the poor soul in the coffin at the front, he’s just filling in his mileage claim...

When will it end From: Mr SK Jenkins, Dewsbury Dear Sir, In medieval England, one person in every hundred was an immigrant. Studies at York University say 65,000 people came to the country between 1330 and

1550. The influx was largely due to the Black Death creating a labour shortage. Perhaps nowadays 65,000 may come in a few months or so. We have no labour shortage; just look at the dole figures. There are 800,000 of our young forgotten generation hanging around doing virtually nothing. So when is this nonsense going to end? Continuing mass immigration will make things worse for everyone.

Transport is a main bugbear From: Wendy Senior, Dewsbury Dear Sir, Last Saturday (February 14) the Save Dewsbury Hospital Services Group held a stall on Dewsbury Market to collect signatures to keep services at Dewsbury Hospital. Speaking to people signing

PLANNING APPLICATIONS Kirklees Council, 53 Pioneer House Annexe, Branch Road, Dewsbury, variation of Condition 2 (plans) on previous permission 2013/92287 for alterations and change of use to convert existing building to six dwellings (Listed Building within a Conservation Area). Mr U Kola, land off Perseverance Terrace, Batley, variation of condition 2 (approved plans) on previous permission 2014/91112 for erection of detached dwelling. P Hepworth, 14 Stubley Road, Heckmondwike, two-storey side and single-storey rear extensions. M Turner, 21 Ullswater Road, Dewsbury, side and rear extension, raising of eaves and ridge height to create living accommodation. Albany Courtyard Investments, 8a Birstall Retail Park, Holden Ing Way, Birstall, erection of anti-ram

bollards and external alterations and installation of mezzanine floor. S Tranter, Fallbrook House, Falhouse Lane, Whitley, demolition of existing building and erection of detached dwelling. Kirklees Council, Bywell CofE Junior School, Bendigo Road, Dewsbury, demolition of existing changing room, erection of changing facilities/store and construction of car park. Mr A Khan, 71 Ravens Avenue, Scout Hill, first-floor rear extension. E Draper, 22 Broomfield Terrace, Moorbottom, Cleckheaton, firstfloor extension. RCC Autos Ltd, rear of 491-497, Wakefield Road, Millbridge, Liversedge, use of premises for MOT test station and vehicle repair garage. Mr A Azeem, 17 Falcon Road,

Savile Town, erection of extensions. Mohammed Sohail, 10 Millwater Avenue, Thornhill Lees, singlestorey front extension and conversion of garage. Mirfield Leisure Ltd, Xtg Hair, 4 Knowl Road, Mirfield, change of use and alterations to convert A1 (retail) to A4 (bar/restaurant). Mr A Chunara, 11 Commercial Street, Batley, prior approval of proposed change of use from office (B1) to 2 flats (within a Conservation Area). Pod Space Ltd, Thornhill Community Academy Trust, Valley Drive, Thornhill, discharge of condition 3 (facing and roofing materials) on previous planning permission 2014/93501 for erection of detached school building. Park Farm, off Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike, demolition of existing buildings and erection of

43 dwellings with associated access, parking, landscaping and open space. S Brosnan, 19 Byron Grove, Dewsbury Moor, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.4m. Junction 27 Retail Unit Trust, Unit L, Junction 27 Retail Park, Gelderd Road, Birstall, installation of three illuminated signs. M Bonner, 34 Greenside Estate, Mirfield, the proposal is for a single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 3.8 metres beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.7 metres. The height of the eaves of the extension is 2.5 metres.

Southdale Ltd, former Soothill Cricket Club, Soothill Lane, Batley, non-material amendment to previous permission 2014/90037 for erection of 34 dwellings and four apartments with associated private gardens and access parking, and formation of new access road. Kirklees Council, Streetscene, Mirfield Memorial Park, Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, erection of cricket practice nets. Mrs N Kauser, 26 Heaton Grange, Hanging Heaton, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.9m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.49m. Mr D Woodhead, 6 Rutland Road, Batley, work to tree(s) within a Conservation Area.

our petition, I noticed it was always the subject of having to travel from Dewsbury to Pontefract or Pinderfield Hospitals for treatment that came up. Elderly people are being given appointments in Pontefract for eye surgery at 7.30am. There are no buses running at that time from Dewsbury Hospital, so if you don’t have a car how are you supposed to get there? Remember, when you receive your appointment for Pinderfields or Pontefract Hospital, you can ring the appointment centre and ask for it to be changed to Dewsbury Hospital; you can have treatment at the hospital of your choice if the services are there. I cannot believe the money the Mid Yorkshire Trust and Clinical Commissioning Group have wasted (I could write a list but I don’t want to get people into trouble). Dewsbury Hospital could have been the best in the country if the money had been spent correctly. No wonder the Care Quality Commissioners are watching them; our group had a part to play in that too.

Wasting shoe leather voting From: RT Smithson, Batley Dear Sir, As an elderly Englishman I don’t feel as if I’ve had a say on anything in my lifetime. Yes! Our so-called democracy gives us a vote every five years, but that’s small change. Most people disagreed with the Iraq War, the smoking ban, now the European Union and mass immigration etc, but they were foisted on us. Also, they are giving Lords and Baroness titles out like birthday cards.

In Batley you are wasting shoe leather going to the polling station. It will be Labour again, whose only attainments appear to be the number of times they succeed in bringing the country to its knees. Now the Scots and Welsh think they can boss England around. The leaders of the Scottish National Party and Welsh Plaid Cymru are demanding a veto on any EU exit. Stubborn Ed Miliband won’t even give us a referendum if he wins.

Don’t be fooled From: John Appleyard, Liversedge Dear Sir, The Conservatives turned up outside Heckmondwike Library last Tuesday morning for a photoshoot ‘saving your local library’. The Tories remained outside the building, failed to talk to the staff or customers, have not attended any of our meetings at the library to discuss its future and have not helped with the gathering of signatures for our petitions. It was nothing more than a publicity stunt and the electorate will not be fooled.

Stop littering Jackie Johnson, Chickenley Heath Farm, Dewsbury Dear Sir, Can I, via your paper, ask the people throwing rubish into my field to stop? I’ve just picked up four dustbin bags full of glass, beer and whisky bottles, cans, umbrellas etc, etc. My horse went lame and the farrier said she’d cut her foot on something. If it had cut an artery, she would have bled to death.

ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

Plans for music festival repeat ORGANISER SEEKS BACKING FOR 20-HOUR SHOWCASE OF 30 LIVE ACTS OVER TWO DAYS PLANS for a music festival in Mirfield will be up for debate next week. Following last May’s debut MFEST event at Mirfield Showground, organiser Donal O’Driscoll is drawing up proposals for a two-day family-

friendly music festival on June 20-21 at the same site. Despite a few teething troubles with the inaugural festival, many Mirfield residents were supportive of the event and Mr O’Driscoll would like to hear locals’ thoughts about

Union in credit

Robbery charge

BOSSES at a credit union showed how to save money – by moving to new premises. The Borough and Parish Credit Union is now based at the United Reformed Church on Longcauseway in Dewsbury. An annual general meeting was told the move had led to a big drop in running costs. The meeting heard loans of about £69,000 were made to members last year, while a one per cent dividend will be paid to savers. An energy efficiency scheme also helped the purchase of household goods.

A DISABLED student was followed home by a robber who stole his rucksack, a court heard. The 19-year-old has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court was told he fell to the floor, with the wheelchair landing on top of him, in the robbery on Victoria Drive, Thornhill Lees, on Tuesday night. The case against defendant Simon Brooke, 45, of Flash Lane, Mirfield, will be heard at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday. He was remanded in custody until then.

his plans for 2015. He said: “We hope to showcase a total of 30 different performances over the two days in a large marquee, with the

stage at one end and bar at the other. “To abide with the premises licence, the live music would take place between

noon and 10pm, with warmup performances beginning at 11am each day. “That’s over 20 hours of live music covering a wide range of genres, with the acts alternating between acoustic and full band.” A meeting is due to take place on Thursday at a Mirfield venue still to be confirmed, to discuss the proposals in detail. Added Mr O’Driscoll: “We are looking into crowdfunding and seeking support and

sponsorship to cover the core costs of the festival, such as the marquee, generators, stewarding and toilets. “We are keen to have business representatives attend the meeting as well, so the business opportunities can be clearly conveyed through the presentation.” The meeting is free to attend but seating is limited. Mr O’Driscoll can be contacted on 07957 765573, or email donal@odriscoll.me.uk to confirm attendance.

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Friday February 20, 2015

News In Brief Yobs run amok CLECKHEATON: Town centre patrols are being stepped up after yobs ran amok at the bus station last Friday. A large group of youths caused a disturbance at around 6.35pm. Police searched several suspects and moved them out of the area. Parents of some youngsters were informed.

Drink-drive charge BATLEY: A man stopped by police last Saturday was allegedly twice over the drinkdrive limit. Nasser Shah, 20, of North Park Street, Dewsbury, was spotted by officers on Hawthorn Avenue in Staincliffe at around 4.40pm. He was given bail and is due to appear at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Club’s Easter parade BATLEY: Irish Nash members who raise thousands of pounds for charity every year are staging an Easter Bonnet parade, auction and grand draw on Easter Monday, April 6 (2pm). Cash raised will be shared by Kirkwood Hospice and the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Huddersfield. From 2009 to 2013, members at the club raised nearly £30,000 for good causes.

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Winnie,97,and friends set pace as the cash rolls in for charity WINNIE BROOK, 97, put her best foot forward and joined other elderly tenants who helped raise more than £8,400 for the Macmillan cancer charity. Residents, including Winnie, at the Kings Court retirement scheme on King’s Drive in Birstall, hit the jackpot with their efforts. They raised £1,201.47 to add to £978.56 from Walker Street, Thornhill, and £899.20 from Denham Court in Batley. Activities included bingo, a sponsored walk, raffles, coffee mornings and sweet sales. Winnie said: “I wasn’t

sure I’d be able to do a sponsored walk at my age. “But I really wanted to give it a try because it was for Macmillan and they do such important work.” Wendy Rayner, a coordinator at Kings Court, said: “I’m so pleased with the amount we raised and so proud of our residents. “Nothing is ever too much for them and they really get behind everything we do.” Macmillan was the charity partner of Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH) last year – and the target was to reach £5,000. Staff held a World Cup

Stacey Rhodes, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Wakefield & Kirklees, receives a cheque for £8,450 from KNH boss Simon Rogers. Back, from left, are KNH staff Jeanette West, Melanie Goodall, Wendy Rayner, Sarah Brennan and Anthea Daley

sweepstake, did a sponsored bike ride, ran the Leeds half marathon and played rounders.

Home-made cakes, a raffle and the sale of CDs, books and vintage items brought in more cash.

KNH chief executive Simon Rogers said: “Our staff have done a fantastic job of supporting our chosen charity during the year. Macmillan provides a vital service... I’m proud we can support the life-enhancing work they do.”

Family firm nominated for top business award DEWSBURY-BASED insurance brokers Brian Thornhill and Son has been nominated for a Yorkshire Family Business of the Year award. The 14-strong firm, with offices in Ravensthorpe and Skelmanthorpe, was founded by Brian Thornhill in 1982. The prestigious nomination is part of the

TOP TEAM: Brian Thornhill, centre, and staff aim to land award Family Business United Awards and Brian

Thornhill said: “This has come at a fantastic and

exciting time for our business. We are delighted to be nominated and proud to be recognised in 2015, which is the year of our third-of-a-century anniversary.” The Family Business United Awards were created to celebrate the UK family business sector. Brian Thornhill and Son is one of the UK’s largest family-run insurance brokers and spe-

cialises in commercial insurance, as well as offering a wide range of personal insurance products for businesses and individuals. With a dedicated commercial team, a personal lines department and an in-house independent financial advisor, the business offers clients a one-stop shop for impartial advice on insurance and financial services.

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Friday February 20, 2015

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Friday February 20, 2015

Extra A&E burden an ‘affront’ By Staff Reporters

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AMBULANCE diversions laid bare the ‘centralisation’ of emergency care away from Dewsbury. Emergency vehicles were redirected from Pinderfields Hospital over to Dewsbury District Hospital 70 times last year – including on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Health bosses believe extra beds and a bigger A&E department in Wakefield will reduce the need for diversions.

Ambulance diversions to Dewsbury “mean people suffer and wait longer” Investment will be at Pinderfields as part of the project that sees Dewsbury’s A&E reduced to a minor injuries unit. Plans by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust won backing last year from the Government. But Parliamentary candidates Paula Sherriff (Lab, Dewsbury & Mirfield) and Jo Cox (Lab, Batley

& Spen) called for a rethink. Miss Sherriff said it was an “affront” that Dewsbury was having to take extra patients so often. She added: “And this is at a time when those who run the hospital want to downgrade Dewsbury and centralise services at Pinderfields.” Mrs Cox said: “What impact are

... but we’re on top of the situation, says health chief HEALTH chiefs insist they are getting on top of A&E admissions despite rising demand. Neil Clark, director of operations at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, detailed the situation. He said ambulance visits to their three hospitals are up by four per cent year-on-year. And in December last year there was another 10 per cent jump in ambulance attendances. But anyone needing immediate recusitation is sent to the closest A&E, even if a divert is in place. Mr Clark said: “We’re committed to providing

Craft fair date ANYONE looking for unusual gifts should head to Ossett Town Hall for the spring craft fair next weekend. Word art, hand-knitted and crocheted scarves, hand-woven blankets, handbags and glass items will be on sale. There will also be personalised cards and

patients with the most appropriate care in a timely manner. It's part of the trust’s current escalation process to ensure patients’ treatment isn't delayed. “Ambulance crews should be able to hand over patients and be available to attend to the next emergency as quickly as possible.” Mr Clark said diversions are mainly between the Trust’s three sites – Dewsbury, Pinderfields and Pontefract. He added: “Despite the increased demand on our service, these figures show that there were just five diverts in December 2014.”

these diversions having on waiting times for people here? Every time an ambulance that should be going to Pinderfields arrives at Dewsbury, it means local people are having to suffer and wait longer.” Trust director of operations Neil Clark said diversions are only made when an A&E department is full. He said: “Over the last year we’ve added additional beds at Pinderfields Hospital to minimise the need for diverts. Our clinical service strategy will deliver a bigger A&E and more acute beds at Pinderfields Hospital.” He added this would further reduce the need for diverts, of which there were five in December. Last January, Pinderfields was over its official patient capacity three times, while in recent months demand for A&E across the Trust area has risen. Mid Yorkshire declared last month the numbers waiting for admission was a ‘significant incident’.

Three £800 chainsaws snatched

for those with a sweet tooth, a chocolatier. The event, organised by the Ossett Town Centre Partnership, runs from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, February 28. Admission is free. Refreshments will be available, including locally-sourced bacon sandwiches.

THREE chainsaws worth £2,400 were stolen in broad daylight while workmen were at a Cleckheaton roundabout. The Stihl machines, which are orange and white and marked with the initials K5, were taken from a van at

around 2.45pm on February 7. Two men pulled up near the vehicle at the Chain Bar roundabout in a silver Toyota saloon around that time. The suspects, both Asian, left the scene shortly after the van’s rear window was found

smashed. Workmen noticed three chainsaws, worth £800 each, were missing. Police believe they could be offered for sale. Anyone with information can call PC Chris Birkenshaw at Batley and Spen NPT on 101.

Help for cyclists

Buckets of cash

LIVERSEDGE: The Tour de France legacy continues with free lessons in how to maintain bikes. Not-for-profit group Streetbikes hosts classes at the Princess Mary running track on Thursdays from 11am to 1pm. Those attending will learn skills including how to fix punctures and repair chains. Funding is from Kirklees Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in conjuction with Go:Cycling. The same project funds a similar scheme at Oakwell Cycles in Birstall from tomorrow (Saturday). Places need to be booked. For details of the Liversedge sessions, call Gill at Streetbikes on 07873 773417.

DEWSBURY: Cemetery campaigners are to hold a bucket collection at the town’s Asda supermarket tomorow (Saturday). Members of the New Friends of Dewsbury Cemetery will be around the foyer in high visibility jackets from 10.15am. They are also auctioning a Dewsbury Rams signed rugby ball and a match ticket on eBay. The ball was signed by the 2014 squad while the ticket is for any home game of the current season. It is at http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dewsbury-RamsSigned-Ball-and-Ticket/161606611761?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&has h=item25a0813331.

Groovy gear for a fiver FASHIONISTAS will have the chance to pick up some genuinely vintage clothing at a sale in Batley tomorrow (Saturday). A fashion retail supplier to The Mill shopping outlet mentioned they had thousands of items in a warehouse which had been there for years – some of it dating from the late 1960s and early 70s. The suppliers were per-

suaded to send in a few samples and Paula Hammerton, marketing manager at The Mill, said: “We loved the clothes and know that retro fashion is very sought-after, so we decided to put on a sale event specifically for this stock. “We have around 1,000 pieces of original and unworn vintage clothing for men and women which will go on sale from 11am

until 4pm. “Every item is £5, so I would advise people to get there early if they want to get their hands on some real groovy gear!” There will be a vintage double-decker bus on site, courtesy of the Dewsbury Bus Museum, a 60s busker, flower-power face-painting and a free workshop to create a Mary Quant-style flower embellishment.

ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

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ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

Batley schools hit top form off to flying for added value Academy start in bid to emerge

GIRLS’ HIGH AND ALL-BOYS COLLEGE PERFORMING WELL WITH PUPILS WHO NEED TO CATCH UP ON LEARNING

from special measures

By David Miller

By Steve Martyn

TWO schools in Batley are doing well with children who start academically below where they should be. New ‘value added’ figures show Batley Girls’ High and Batley Business and Enterprise College (BBEC) are performing above expectations. Batley Girls’ High is in the top two per cent nationally in data compiled by the Government. ‘Value added’ is a measure of how well pupils do given their circumstances when they start school. Batley Girls’ High has topped Kirklees league tables in the category and was among the best in England last year. The Windmill Lane school is now in the top few dozen out of more than 3,000 secondaries. And BBEC, an all-boys school rated inadequate by Ofsted after an inspection in October, also came out well. It achieved a value added score of 1,004.6, where the average for all schools is 1,000.

But as headteacher Sam Vickers explained, progress by boys nationally was below average at 988.9. The data was made available in December to schools and to Ofsted, who visited only weeks earlier. Miss Vickers said: “It’s a great shame the data wasn’t available in our Ofsted inspection as it proves the progress being made." BBEC’s figures, equal to many coeducational schools, were good enough for a top-half finish. Miss Vickers added: “This just goes to show that we provide the best education for boys in Batley. “We make better than expected national progress with our learners, for whom many are significantly below national averages when they arrive. “We look forward to welcoming the next Ofsted team into school so they can see the progress really being made here.”

AN ACTING headteacher is helping to lead a Birkenshaw school out of special measures. Ofsted made the positive verdict in a report on the BBG Academy published last Thursday. The Bradford Road school was judged inadequate in December, with chairman of governors Sharon Light vowing swift action. And inspectors found on a follow-up visit the school is making the progress promised. Acting headteacher Alex Burnham is joined by a new deputy head while a director of curriculum starts after half-term. The report said: “The academy’s leadership capacity has been strengthened and senior leaders are clear

PROGRESS: We provide the best education for boys in Batley, says Batley Business and Enterprise College head Sam Vickers

about what actions need to be taken.” Pupil behaviour, one of the reasons for the inadequate rating, is improving due to tough new procedures. A new curriculum for personal, social and health education has also been brought in. The report noted further changes are coming in the summer with guidance

from Leeds-based Rodilian Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Inspectors noted BBG’s partnership with Rodilian is backed in principle by the Regional Schools’ Commission. Due diligence is still ongoing but the report said: “The governors’ decision to join the Rodilian MAT is beginning to pay dividends.” The creation of BBG was backed by David Cameron in 2010 after a campaign by parents. Mr Burnham said: “The report is the result of the hard work from staff and students who have embraced working with the Rodilian MAT. “We’re incredibly pleased with the progress that’s been made in such a short period of time.”

Final piece in Greenway creation THE final piece in the creation of the Dewsbury to Ossett greenway has now been installed. An information board shows route maps and also details the lives of famous folk featured in a nearby sculpture. The greenway offers cyclists and pedestrians trafficfree journeys between Dewsbury and Ossett. Funded by Kirklees and Wakefield councils, the lottery and charity Sustrans, it also offers access to other walking and cycling routes. The information

Sustrans volunteers with the new interpretation board board sits at a junction of paths to the Dewsbury town centre side of Earlsheaton Tunnel. Not far away is the Dewsbury Heroes sculpture, which features disabled microlight pilot Dave Sykes, Tour de

France legend Brian Robinson and Rugby League legend Eddie Waring. Steve Scott, of Sustrans, said: “The map board is a fitting finishing touch to the greenway. “It clearly shows how you can use the

route to get from A to B and make local journeys without the need to jump in the car or go on the bus. “As a group, we do our bit to keep the route clean and tidy, which encourages more people to use it.”

At last, a new post office: now use it, villagers urged VILLAGERS left without a post office for nearly two years will soon have a new one open seven days a week. Birkenshaw has been without a post office since the Bradford Road premises shut in June, 2013. A replacement will finally open on Tuesday inside the Top Shop off-licence, following a campaign led by Kirklees councillors. Its opening hours will be 7am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Coun Robert Light (Con, Birstall & Birkenshaw) hailed the move and said: “We’re very pleased that after quite a discussion this shop pursued their interest.” The previous facility shut after an alleged row between the sub postmaster and his landlords. Coun Light added: “We’ve been working with the Post Office since the other one closed to ensure that they don’t forget us and walk away. “The new one is going to be

open much longer hours. We hope people find it convenient and use it.” Simon Drinkwater, of the Post Office, said the investment is part of a national modernisation. He added: “We’re making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking. “We know how important these services are to residents. We’re confident reopening Birkenshaw Post Office will be popular.”

VICTIM: Abdul Aziz inspects the damage caused to his greenhouse at a Ravensthorpe allotment

Gardeners hit in allotment raids TOOLS were stolen in a series of break-ins at an allotment in Ravensthorpe this week. Locks and windows to five greenhouses were smashed at the site between Northstead and Field Lane. Owners discovered the thefts and a trail of broken glass at around 12.45pm on Tuesday. One victim was Abdul Aziz, 65, of Field Lane, who had tools worth £200 stolen, including a cordless drill and a cordless screwdriver.

The retired textile worker grows coriander, spinach, strawberries and a range of vegetables. It is not known what tools were taken from other plots. The thefts may have happened the previous night. Mr Aziz’s daughter, Mussarat Pervaiz, condemned the thieves and added: “We ask the Ravensthorpe community to look out. “It’s bad enough that this has happened to us, but we wouldn’t want this to happen to anybody else.”

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ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

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ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

10 things you probably didn’t know about Locala Community Partnerships What we do • Provide community healthcare to 400,000+ people in and around Kirklees; • We’re three years old and offer almost 40 different services from District Nursing to a Community Dental Service; Health Visiting to the Walk In Centre. For the full list see our website: www.locala.org.uk/yourhealthcare. Providing great care is our priority • Nine out of 10 of our patients would recommend Locala to their friends and family*; • In 2013/14 we had approx. one formal complaint for every 20,000 patient contacts**; • Care Quality Commission visits in 2013/14 gave us a clean bill of health. * using the ‘Friends and Family’ sample survey figures for the whole of 2013/14 **we had almost 800,000 contacts with patients in 2013/14 – and 40 formal complaints

We’re owned by our employees • We’re a social enterprise – a Community Interest Company (CIC) registered with Companies House and owned by our employees. Locala is

the 14th largest employee-owned business in the UK***; • ‘Following the founding principles and values of the NHS and social care’ is in our Articles of Association. ***by number of employees. Using data from the Employee Ownership Association: http://employeeownership.co.uk/

We can’t sell off the ‘family silver’ • A CIC is a special category of limited company. We have an asset lock, which means we can’t sell any asset for less than market value and then only to another Asset Locked Body (with the consent of the CIC Regulator) or for the benefit of the community; • We must report annually to the CIC regulator; • We can’t pay dividends! • Any surpluses are retained for investing in services and the community. We’re an ethical employer with a committed and motivated workforce • We’ve recently achieved Investors In People (IIP) Silver Award – in the top

15 per cent of UK organisations; • A majority of our colleagues would recommend working for Locala; • We offer employee benefits e.g. salary sacrifice lease car scheme, child care vouchers and flexible working; • We pay in line with NHS ‘Agenda for Change’ rates.

• Almost three quarters of our colleagues live in Kirklees • We are a key member of the Kirklees Third Sector Leaders Group and the biggest third sector employer in Kirklees.

Advertising Feature

Our members have a big say • We have a board and a members’ council made up of 10 shareholder (employee) members, six community members and four co-opted members currently: a GP, a GP practice manager and two local councillors – one from Huddersfield and one from North Kirklees; • Our members’ council appoints the chair and non-executive directors. We’re rooted in Kirklees communities • We’ve provided financial support to 43 local community groups through our Locala Community Fund;

We make a difference to the local economy and

environment • We spend over £2.5m in Kirklees annually; • We support local schools, mentoring 10 students from St John Fisher School, Dewsbury last year; it’ll be 15 in 2015; • We’ve given 30 local graduates paid work experience. All have gone on to permanent roles in Locala/elsewhere/returned to further studies, citing their Locala work experience as key to their progress; • Soon we’ll have an independently certified environmental management system and be trialling an electric car. Using digital technology helps to reduce carbon emissions.

We listen to our patients and their carers • We’re the only NHS-related organisation in Yorkshire and the Humber who are Institute of Customer Service members – able to benchmark against John Lewis and M&S; • We’re one of the first community health services to bring in the ‘Friends and Family’ survey. The ‘Patient Opinion’ website highlights how well we engage with patients; • In the last year we’ve made changes to Family Nurse Partnership, Foot Health, Continence services and a Rehabilitation Unit after patient feedback – to name but a few! We’re at the leading edge of digital technology in community health • All clinicians have access to and are trained to use mobile technology, providing access to vital information, eg electronic patient records, wherever they are working; • We’re rolling out video appointments where appropriate; • We’re helping our continence service users increase their independence through a recently-launched app.

Charity wants your help VOLUNTEERS are wanted to the help the Salvation Army shop in Heckmondwike drum up more funds. The Market Street premises sells everything from secondhand clothes to books, music and household goods. Proceeds support the charity’s work with vulnerable people, such as victims of human trafficking. Anyone who thinks they might have some spare time to give is welcome to drop in or call 01924 402997.

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ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

A glittering evening

MORE than 350 people attended the inaugural Yorkshire Prom Show at Batley’s Frontier Club earlier this month. The charity event, organised by Clare Ellarby, who runs the Miss Elegance fashion shop in Birstall, featured a prom fashion

show and stalls showcasing dresses, shoes, hairstylists and limousines. Proceeds, which are yet to be calculated as money is still coming in, will go to the Yorkshire Down Syndrome Group. Teen singer Jack Walton, who

reached the finals of the 2014 X Factor competition, headlined the entertainment, with a special guest appearance from DJ and dance music star Tom Zanetti. Local singer Jade Helliwell also performed on stage. Miss Elegance showcased some of its prom products on the catwalk, and about 20 young ladies from across the region took part in a contest to be crowned Miss Elegance 2015. The winner was Miss Atlanta McBride of Halifax, and the runner-up was Jessica Swallow, who attends Woodkirk High School. Young men from Mirfield Grammar School also took part in the catwalk show and Claire Ellarby said: “They all did so well. Jack Walton and Tom Zanetti were a big hit and Jade

Helliwell was brilliant. “We had great support from the Frontier, and we’re now looking at making this an annual event.”

Photos courtesy of Prom dresses now in stock Please make an appointment to ensure a dressing room is available

ThePress

Friday February 13, 2015

Vibrant events This is the news! Ann at the Victoria Hear Ann across the BBC radio network and on Ent News (UBC Media Showbiz online)

brings you the latest from the BBC studios AS the much-hyped BBC breakfast show been a failure since moving up to Manchester? The show, I can reveal, will be returning to the BBC London studios for the buildup to the General Election. A source tells me: “It’s the only way we can be sure to get all the main guests and who knows if it will return to Manchester after that .. Getting big guests has always been a problem being up in Salford...”

stunned to find that it’s the Blackpool one and not the London venue. He is still hopeful that “it may go on tour around the world”. Quite...

PADDY MCGUINNESS has signed up to host a new Channel 4 daytime gameshow where members of the public help contestants win thousands of pounds. Paddy, best known for his work with comedian Peter Kay, is “thrilled to be giving away so much money, and for me it’s a great return to Channel 4 too.” A GROUP of former soap stars are aiming to launch a new TV comedy show with the help of Kickstarter. ExHollyoaks actress Terri Dwyer, former Crossroads star Jane Gurnett and EastEnders actor Mark Homer will appear in the upcoming series Storyline. Terri tells me: “We hope to make the pilot and then fingers crossed get it turned into a full series with a main channel.” LUKE PERRY has revealed he would like a role in Downton Abbey. The onetime teen star from Beverley Hills 90210 told me: “I love the show, and now I am at an age where I think I could do that kind of role some justice, so if the producers are reading this do consider me please, it would be great to take on a role.” AFTER 21 years away, Sally Ann Matthews is back as Jenny Bradley in Coronation Street. She tells me she has missed the show, but will always be known as the girl who treated Rita badly. “I still get asked about it now, but I am not sure what she will be like this time around,” she said. FORMER Strictly contestant Vanessa Feltz tells me she has lost three stone, all thanks to taking up dance. She said: “It’s silly because finally I have found something I enjoy, and yes it’s helped me lose the weight, I would recommend it to any-

Ann in the BBC news studio in London Maycon Pictures one ... it really does work, you know.” ALESHA DIXON has jokingly admitted she’s fed up with fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams boasting about his recent National TV Award. “He is so annoying about it, but good for him really, I think deep down we all want to have won one, and who knows we may just pull it off next year,” she said. I CAN’T SING, the X Factor musical written by Harry Hill and backed by Simon Cowell and Sir Philip Green of BHS fame, was the worst performing musical of last year, losing millions in its six-week run at the London Palladium. STARS in their Eyes ended recently, but did you know a celebrity version – with former MP Edwina Currie as Edith Piaf – was so bad it was never shown, and she has “no idea why”... NATALIE CASSIDY claims soap stars in Britain are more famous than movie stars. The actress, who has been playing Sonia Jackson in EastEnders for 22 years, explained that she can’t go away without someone recognising her. “It’s nice, but here in the UK I do think we are that famous really, far more than Hollywood stars because of the times we’re on TV,” she said. FUNNY MAN Brian Conley is touring with the hit stage show Barnum, but I hear that bosses at EastEnders are keen to sign him up for a short role. He would be joining the likes of ex-comics Bobby Davro and Shane Ritchie in the show. FORMER X Factor runner-up Olly Murs is going to be a waxwork at Madame Tussauds, but he was

DAVINA MCCALL may have found fame on shows like Big Brother and Long Lost Family, but she told a friend she makes far more money from her keep fit videos and exercise equipment. She reveals: “I love the buzz launching my new ranges gives me, and in the future this could be my new career.” 60s STAR Lulu recently popped up in The Great British Bake Off and told me: “I am not a great baker ... I mean I will give it a go but it’s not what floats my boat, but the experience was great. You do want to please Mary Berry as she is the queen of baking. I think she liked what I did in the end.” PHILLIP SCHOFIELD sends a chill down UK spines with news he would consider another musical after his illadvised 90s stint in ‘Joseph’. He reveals: “Getting over 50, it makes you realise there are things you still want to do.”

Advertising Feature BATLEY’S Victoria Function Room is continuing to thrive after decades as one of the district’s most popular entertainment venues. Situated above the prominent Batley Conservative Club on Stocks Lane, the Victoria Function Room plays host to regular live music and dance nights, with Motown, rock & roll and soul events all pulling in folk from far and wide. There are live band nights once a month, with ‘Elvis’ due to appear a week on Saturday and a reggae group playing in May. The space, which can comfortably seat 200 people, has a large dancefloor, well stocked bar and is easily adaptable for both formal and informal occasions. The function room has had many guises over the years, starting life at the turn of the 20th century as the Victoria Hall and originally used for grand occasions, banquets and dances as well as being a notable headquarters for the Conservatives. It became the Victoria Cinema in 1909 before later becoming a bingo hall (run by Variety Club legend Jimmy Corrigan) and then a popular spot for dancing, known for many years as Dance Club 21. Sheila Howie has been involved with the function room since 1985, taking over the running of it from her mother. “It’s the ideal venue for

bands and shows, with a large stage and great facilities,” she said. “We have regular live events and attract big crowds to see some top-class acts.” The Victoria Function Room caters for weddings, Christenings, birthdays, anniversaries and fitness

classes, and for charity events there is no room hire charge. Currently Sheila and her team are offering room hire plus a DJ on a Friday night for just £150. For more information on the Victoria Function Room call 01924 440217.

Diet ... ‘a way of life’ By Roberttown-based health & fitness expert Andrea Springthorpe

X FACTOR winner Sam Bailey won the show just 14 months ago, but now Simon Cowell has decided to part ways with her and she has not been re-signed to his record label Syco. A source tells me that Sam is less than happy, but they decided it after her solo tour was deemed not a success. DANNY DYER, who plays Mick Carter in EastEnders, tells me he starred in the flop movie ‘Run For Your Wife’ simply because it was produced by Allo Allo star Vicki Michelle. “She is a good friend and she asked me and I was delighted to say yes, I hope one day she may just pop up in Albert Square too,” he said. THE VOICE hopeful Nathan Moore, formerly of Worlds Apart and Brother Beyond, has said the programme is more welcoming for former pop stars like himself than other TV contests. “It’s a great experience and also reminds people that you are still out there, so why not have a go and just enjoy it?” he revealed.

E ARE well into February and I wanted to ask how those New Year resolutions and healthy regimes are going? I know I found January hard to get back into the swing of things ... I was back at work, doing my own training, eating healthily and I felt overloaded! I think I went from zero to trying to be a hero instead of starting back gradually. I am now half way through my transformation plan and I feel great, full of energy and starting to lose the Christmas excess. I was shocked after Christmas to discover that someone who attends my boot camp had been told by her slimming club not to exercise as it won’t help her lose weight! As a fitness instructor I thought it was common sense that healthy eating AND exercising was the way to get results! It really brought it home to me that people need educating in this area. People seek advice and put trust in the person giving it ... whether it is right or wrong! For a start the word ‘diet’ alone is misconstrued in modern society. It suggests something that

is restrictive, short term and unsustainable. The true meaning of the word diet is ‘way of life’ or ‘manner of living’. How many times do you hear of people following a ‘fad’ diet or taking a shake instead of having a meal, or even taking pills to help them lose weight? All these may work in the short term, but how sustainable are they? NOT AT ALL. Most people who follow

these fads end up putting the weight back on, plus more besides. People should look for a lifestyle change, not a quick fix! Sugar is the main culprit in most people’s downfall. I know I love a sugary snack every so often, but it is when it becomes a regular habit that it becomes an issue. The more you eat sugar (sweet, cakes, biscuits etc) then the more your body craves it and you feel sluggish and tired all the time. You could think of your body in the same way as a car – you wouldn’t dream of putting diesel in a petrol car or vice versa. If that were to happen then the car either wouldn’t run efficiently, or run at all. The same goes for the human body – fuel it right and it will last and run well for years! So ditch the shakes, pills, fads and start a healthy eating and exercise regime. Let your diet be a ‘way of life’ rather than a restrictive, sin and point-based bad habit!

Andrea Fit 4 Force www.fit4force.co.uk info@fit4force.co.uk 07949 959 547

ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details. SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21 BY FIELD AND SPRING (NK) Meet 10.30am at the junction of Station Lane and Tan House Lane, Ackworth, WF7 7HL GR SE 448 173 5 miles (L) No dogs please Leaders: Paul and Chris Tel: 01924 470531

Talk on royal visit A CLUTCH of stories surrounding a royal visit to Batley, Dewsbury and other parts of the West Riding just over 100 years ago will be revealed at Monday’s meeting of Batley History Group. The storyteller will be History Group member Christine Leveridge, who lives in Mirfield but was born and brought up in Dewsbury. Christine – a mum of two and grandmother to three – has long been interested in the area’s history but was rocked a few years ago when her entire collection of local picture postcards was stolen. Since then, however, Christine, who has worked for Kirklees Council for 28 years and specialises in helping people with learning disabilities, has redoubled her efforts to collect the many local postcards and other historical objects. She uses these to illustrate the history talks she gives to numerous groups around the county. Next Monday’s ‘Royal’ talk will be given at Batley Town Hall at 7.30pm, though several other items, such as the Save the Library campaign, the possibility of creating a blue plaque trail and a bid to clean up the town’s boundary signs will be discussed at the start of the history group meeting. Entry costs £2 for members, £4 for non members and free refreshments are available from 7pm.

Easter fun from TRA OVERTHORPE Tenants and Residents Association are hosting a free Easter bonnet fancy dress party on Easter Saturday, April 4. The party takes place at Edge Top WMC, on Whitley Road, Thornhill, from 2pm to 4pm. Children aged 10 and under can enjoy a disco, games, face painting and food, and there will be prizes for best fancy dress and best Easter bonnet. All children will also receive an Easter egg. Places are limited and can be reserved by calling Niki on 07920 272975.

MONDAY MARCH 2 KIRKLEES WAY TO BIRKENSHAW (NK) Meet 1pm at Oakwell Hall top car park WF17 9LG GR SE 217 270 5.5 miles (M) No dogs please Leader: Kathleen Tel: 01924 471473

Red House is backdrop for new Brontë inspired play A TALENTED cast of young South Asian women are exploring what it’s like to be young, determined and to challenge popular misconceptions ... just as the Brontë sisters did before them. Arts organisation Creative Scene is premiering ‘Worlds Apart’, inspired by the life and work of Charlotte Brontë, at Gomersal’s Red House Museum tomorrow (Sat). Worlds Apart, a February half-term project, is a collaboration between Huddersfieldbased Chol Theatre and Red House and involves developing a theatre piece responding to the surroundings of the muse-

um, with its special connections to Charlotte Brontë. Throughout the week a cast of young women aged 14 to 20 have had the chance to create a new piece of theatre in the idyllic surroundings of Red House, as well as taking trips to the Brontë Parsonage in Haworth to gain inspiration. Creative Scene’s Rebecca Legg said: “We are so pleased to give this tremendous opportunity to a group of talented young women. “The chance to work with professional artists such as Evie Manning and Aisha Zia is such a rare opportunity. “As part of Bradford-based

Common Wealth, they recently made the critically-acclaimed No Guts, No Heart, No Glory – a performance event that was staged in a boxing gym, based on interviews with and performed by young Muslim women. “We want to shout about North Kirklees’ connections to the Brontës and this project is part of that storytelling.” The public performances at Red House take place on Saturday at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Tickets are £5 and can be purchased via Red House Museum in person or by calling 01274 335100.

Cricket club fundraiser features Motown act TRIBUTE act ‘Miss Is Motown’ is back by popular demand at Hanging Heaton Cricket Club. The female Motown trio will perform on Saturday February 28 at a charity event in aid of quadraplegic ex-rugby league player Dave Roebuck. There’ll also be a disco,

raffle and buffet to raise funds for Dave, who was paralysed playing for the Heavy Woollen district team more than 30 years ago. Tickets priced £10 are available by calling Dave on 01924 439314 or Julie on 07717 175728. Alternatively you can pay on the door.

A refreshing, romantic change for Mirfield Brook’s Deli, Mirfield Review by Nicola Finch AFTER arriving at Brook’s Deli on Valentine’s Night for a five-course Thai meal the aromas along with the mood lighting and beautifully-decorated tables immediately told me I was going to enjoy my night. Staff greeted us, offered us a table and took our drinks order very promptly. All the staff were friendly and eager to ensure our meal was enjoyable. Owner Amanda Brook had arranged the special night and Sam Griffith Jones was asked to be the guest chef for the evening. Sam was obviously very experienced with cooking Thai food and talked us through the menu. Our first course was tom yum soup, which is king prawns in a hot and sour sauce. The soup was fragrant with a beautiful fresh taste and a bit of a kick – a perfect first course which left us hanging on ready for the second. Next was a Thailand sharing platter – two Thai chicken satay skewers with peanut soy dip and Thai-style crab fish cakes with sweet chilli and ginger dip served on a bed of Thai prawn crackers. The course was beautifully presented on a wooden board and I can only describe it as absolutely out of this world. The chicken skewers were succulent, moist and full of flavour and if you are a peanut butter lover the peanut and soy dip will be right up your street. The crab fish cake fell to pieces in your mouth and accompanied with the sweet chilli and ginger dip really set the dish off. A definite favourite course. We were given the choice between

The Thailand sharing platter

The team at Brook’s in Mirfield traditional Thai beef or crisp fried sea bass with mango and mint salad – not being a massive lover of red meat I went for the sea bass, and boy did I make the right choice. There was a very strong smell of sea-

soned fish – not a smell that could put you off but one that made your mouth water … we just couldn’t wait to taste it. The dish was a whole piece of seabass on a bed of mango, onions and mint dressing.

The flavours of the mango and mint really set the sea bass off. The crispness of the skin and the fresh taste of the fish itself were also accompanied by a rather nice vinaigrette that really set off the whole dish. In all honesty the course I was least looking forward to was the Thai chicken green curry. How wrong I was. Served in a teraccotta dish the gorgeous chunks of succulent chicken practically melted in the mouth and the portions certainly weren’t skinny, that’s for sure! The sauce that covered the chicken was the perfect amount to accompany the rice and noodles. Although I thought the dish was quite spicy the aromatic flavours still came through and it was very enjoyable. Again, the lovely Michelle who served us a number of times made sure we were topped up with drinks and was interested to see that we were enjoying the food … a number of times we told her we had no words as the food was that delectable. Finally, we finished off with a tropical fruit compote served with coconut ice cream. The dessert was the perfect end to a perfect meal. Not normally being a coconut lover, I found it not overbearing at all and just the right amount of taste. The kiwi, pineapple and mango were exceptionally fresh and juicy and accompanied the ice cream perfectly. I cannot thank Amanda, Sam, Michelle and the rest of the team enough. They went the extra mile to make sure that we were always happy and served the most delicious meal. I would highly recommend Brook’s Deli and look forward to the next time they put on an evening like this.

ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

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462494 (1644) CHILDREN’S GOODS Demon kids’/ teenagers’ motorbike helmet, black, red and white. Bought from Padgett’s, cost £80. Never worn, unwanted gift £40 ono. Tel 07961 602572. (1628) FABRIC/ FASHION Gents’ shoes size 8, adapted for swollen feet, in good condition £10 ono. Tel 01924 441640. (1626) Two heavy quality sleeping bags £5 each. Tel 01924 473218. (1619) FREE Free to collect horse manure, bring your own bags. Tel 07814 577224. (1600) FURNITURE Two two-seater sofas in burnt orange, Skopos material with fitted, removable covers, 145cm x 173cm £70 each in good condition. Tel 01924 467710 after 4pm. Buyer collects. (1637) Elderly person’s electric recliner chair, colour green almost new as owner now in care home. Paid £800, will accept £300. Tel 07900 865715. (1635) Table + four chairs in light mahogany, good condition £30. Tel 07900 865715. (1635) Three seat sofa and chair, in blue pattern, good condition £50. Tel 07900 865715. (1635) Double bed and mattress, good condition £30. Tel 07900 865715. (1635) Large oak coloured display cabinet with two large leaded display windows, plenty of drawers and two lower cupboards with shelves 180cm (L) X 109cm (H) X 46cm (W). Excellent condition, first to see will buy, bargain £80. Black, glass top computer desk with shelf and also chair. In good condition £25 ono. Tel 01924 689891.(1630). Oak table 30” wide x 45” (extends to 69”). Oak Welsh dresser 37” wide. Tops of both require re-polishing. Free to whoever collects. Tel 07951

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COMEBACK KING: Harvey Muir won on his return to the ring at the KBW home show

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

KBW BOXERS picked up a clean sweep of victories at their recent Dewsbury Town Hall home show. There were a total of 13 bouts on the fight card, with eight KBW boxers representing the Dewsbury-based club. In the first fight of the night Michael RiverBrooke (KBW) boxed Lewie Greenhoff of Barnsley Star ABC in a schoolboy bout at 41kg. The home fighter got off to a fast start, displaying some fine boxing to gain a unanimous decision on all the judges cards and extending his winning streak to three fights since joining KBW. Moqeet Rehman enjoyed similar success when he took on White Rose Amateur Boxing Club’s AJ Wright in a schoolboy 40kg bout. Rehman got off to an impressive start and overwhelmed his opponent with a flurry of combinations to secure a unanimous decision victory and maintain his perfect 4-0 record. Callum Grace (KBW) and Jack Bance (Bulkington Sport ABC) fought an actionpacked junior 48kg contest, with the Dewsbury-trained Grace clinching a split decision win. There was also an impressive debut victory for KBW’s Josh Wisher, who secured a TKO victory after drawing blood from opponent Warren Mills (Bracebridge ABC) and forcing the referee to stop the contest in the third round. Home club boxer Kasim Hussain returned

from a six-month lay-off, boxing cleverly and sharply to secure a majority points win over Jack Thompson of Bracebridge ABC. There was another comeback victory for KBW’s Dhaamin Rasheed who returned from a lengthy absence – last fighting on the first KBW show in December 2012 – to claim the bout of the night trophy with a TKO victory over Christian Radcliffe. Rasheed proved too good for his Moss Side ABC opponent. Roared on by the partisan home support he showed no signs of ring rust in the opening round with his flashy antics and skillful boxing keeping his opponent at bay. The second round saw Rasheed coming out even more aggressively and he proved too much for Radcliffe, forcing the referee to stop the contest and award Rasheed a TKO victory. Harvey Muir (KBW) showed few signs of a four-year lay-off as he fought a bloody threeround brawl with Tameside Elite ABC’s Bobby Gilder, claiming a win by majority decision after a dominant third round. In the final fight of the night for the Dewsbury club veteran Kevin Pratt once again brought plenty of action and excitement to the ring and continued with his winning streak. Pratt pushed the action for the three-round fight and stayed dominant throughout to secure a unanimous decision win and conclude an impressive evening for the KBW boxers, who picked up eight out of eight wins. Overall there were 13 bouts with boxers from as far away as Scarborough taking part, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening with Labour PPC Paula Sheriff in attendance giving out trophies as well as Olympic hopeful and GB podium boxer Jack Bateson.

Local talent on show at Batley Frontier Muay Thai showdown THE FRONTIER in Batley will be the scene for a flurry of fights as Dean White’s Gym clash with Belgium in a bumper Muay Thai show. The England vs Belgium fight card, which includes 15 fighters, many of whom come from the local area, includes two title fights as well as a range of junior and senior bouts. Harvey Anderson from Earlsheaton and Kobe Christopher (Seacroft) are both aiming to add belts to their collections. Doors open at 12noon with the first fight beginning at 1pm. Dean White’s Gym has been open for 22 years, originally on Bradford Road in Dewsbury, and owner Dean says he is targeting a record haul of silverware. The gym currently holds an impressive 97 titles and Dean says it would be a tremendous achievement to reach the big 100. He said: “Fighters from the gym have already won 97 titles and I am hoping to make that 100 in the near future.

DREAM TEAM: (L-R) Dean White (coach), Harvey Anderson, Mathew Welbourne, Courtney Hanley, Mark Baker, Dale White (coach), Kobe Christopher, Kieran Johnson, Matthew Oldroyd and Finlay Cawthorne “That won’t happen on The Frontier show because we only have two titles on the fight card, but if we do achieve it we would be the only British gym to hold that record.” A number of juniors will also be on the fight card, with the youngest being Finlay Cawthorne who is just eight years old. Birstall-based Kieron Johnston,

13, will also take part in his first fight at the Batley event and will be hoping for success on home soil. Fighters can begin training at the gym from five years old and upwards, although contact with the head is not allowed until they are 15. Dean and son Dale White, a fivetime world champion, coach fighters three to five times a week.

ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

RUGBY UNION

KESTRELS SECURE DERBY WIN YORKSHIRE MERIT LEAGUE PREMIER

By Jared Priestley

HARROGATE 5 Sports Reporter CLECKHEATON KESTRELS 32 sport@thepressnews.co.uk

Cleckheaton second string ease to victory over depleted Harrogate to end Yorkshire Merit rivals’ winning streak

at The County Ground

C L E C K H E A T O N KESTRELS soared to a 32-5 bonus point victory over Yorkshire Merit League Premier Division Rivals Harrogate on Saturday. Harrogate could only field 14 men and so George Speight, with a mixture of his gallantry and his late arrival at Claro Road, was loaned to the home side for the duration of the match. Josh White got the scoring underway after five minutes when a Cleckheaton penalty was kicked to the corner and the ensuing catch and drive was expertly guided to the whitewash for a try. Matt Piper’s conversion attempt sailed wide. The hosts tried to counter and a couple of chips into Cleckheaton’s 22 caused tension but were ultimately dealt with by full-back Keiron Downes. Cleck’s pack started to gain momentum with 17-year-old Joe Humphreys, debuting for the Kestrels at scrum-half, showing that he has plenty to offer the senior squad. A mistake from Harrogate gave Cleckheaton a scrum 15 metres out and props Will Denham and Max Blakeley

TRY SCORERS: Josh White makes a break down centre field as the Harrogate defence closes in and right, Craig Blackburn gets a pass away as the Kestrels attack steadied the ship and gave White a clean pick-up from No.8 and he offloaded to Luke Pearson for Cleckheaton’s second try. The conversion was missed but the scoreboard did not remain stationary for long. From the restart the ball was fielded by second-row Richard Brown who then went on a 40-metre charge up the wing, he offloaded as the

last tackler brought him down and Colts duo Elliot Whetham and Elliot Hallas combined for the latter to score. James Wilson tried his hand at adding the conversion but, like Cleckheaton’s previous attempts, the ball flew wide and the whistle blew to end the half with Cleckheaton holding a 15-0 lead.

It wasn’t long before the Kestrels went further in front when a cross-field kick from Matt Piper was gathered by Craig Blackburn for Cleck’s bonus-point try. The Georgians’ defence was broken down again when Wilson sprinted round the outside for a score. Seddon stepped up to take the conversion but also pushed the ball wide, main-

taining Cleckheaton’s unwanted 100% record. Seddon did make up for it in the last few minutes of the game when he took a ball back on the inside, pushing through the defence and passing to Niall Jackson for Cleckheaton’s sixth try. This time Seddon’s conversion attempt went through the uprights and put the Kestrels into a 32-0 lead.

HEAVY WOOLLEN SUNDAY LEAGUE GOAL SCORER: Fisher’s Rob Hiscox takes on a Sports defender Dave Jewitt

were able to close the gap at the top to just two points after winning 4-2 at The Yorkshireman (Jamie Maude, Robert Davison). Birkenshaw Reserves climbed to fourth spot as goals from Phil Bell, Jack Rogerson, Tom Smith and Ash Gibson saw them win 40 at Overthorpe Sports Club Reserves. Punch Bowl earned themselves three vital points in their battle to avoid the drop with a

3-1 win at Ravenswharfe. Nathan Clarke, Ryan Foster and Dale Motlib were on target for Punch Bowl, with Ben Smith replying for Ravenswharfe. Elsewhere Clifton Rangers edged out Dewsbury Westside 3-2 in a midtable battle. With DIVISION TWO leaders FC Liversedge’s game with Snowdon being postponed, second-placed Scholes Athletic were able to close the gap to five points after they won 4-1 against Six Lane Ends. Gareth Jones (two), James Crines and Kieran Armitage were Scholes’ scorers, with Nathan Littlewood replying for the visitors. Third-placed Cobras slumped to a 3-0 defeat at St Ignatius, Bunn Darboe grabbing all three goals for the Wakefield side. Hanging Heaton Cricket Club enjoyed a 50 win over bottom side Batley Irish Nash thanks to a Sam Hetherington hat-trick plus strikes from Dave Hall and Craig Stephenson. Jordan Lewis hit a brace for Clifton Rangers Reserves in a 3-0 win over Batley Celtics, with Joe Waterhouse netting the other.

SPEN VALLEY LEAGUE

Winless week for Heavy Woollen elite clubs IT was a tough weekend for Heavy Woollen sides competing in the SPEN VALLEY PREMIER LEAGUE as all three teams sank to heavy losses. Savile United’s relegation worries were worsened as they were beaten 6-1 by Bradford side Vision. James McLoughlin, Junior King, Chris Bower, Craig Kellett, Chris Benn and Michael Roebeck accounted for Vision’s tally, with Faisal Adam scoring United’s only goal. It was a similar story for fellow divisional strugglers Smokin Aces who went down 9-2 at runaway

leaders TVR United. Adam Momaniat and Zakariya Daji scored for the visitors, but TVR’s Asif Iqbal was the star of the show scoring four goals. Faisal Shabir netted a hat-trick and further goals from Nassar Hussain and Abid Khan completed the rout. Aces remain three points clear of the drop-zone thanks to relegation rivals Savile United’s loss at Vision. Marsh aren’t entirely out of trouble – sitting just one place and three points above Smokin Aces – and a 10-0 defeat at Bradford Athletic on Saturday did little to

help their cause. In DIVISION ONE Hightown Jets continued their assault on the league summit with a hardfought 4-2 win at Howden Clough. Jamie Asquith, Bradley Balmforth, Adam Smith and Nathan Clarke netted for the visitors, with Howden Clough replying through Simy Moore and Macaulay Clarke. Two goals from Said Said proved the difference as Norfolk picked up a 4-2 victory at Savile Town. Eugene and Ismail Loonat also scored for the home side, with Amaan Safeer (two) scoring

With the match drawing to a close, it looked like Harrogate might be facing the ignominy of being ‘nilled’. However Blackburn must have been feeling charitable and drifted a long pass through the air, which the home side’s winger gratefully intercepted before sprinting the 75 metres to spare his team’s blushes.

Sedge in double defeat

Fisher win Premier summit battle with Overthorpe THE top two sides in the HEAVY WOOLLEN SUNDAY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION met at the weekend and it was leaders St John Fisher who emerged 4-0 winners at Overthorpe Sports Club. Rob Bordman put Fisher in front before half-time, Rob Hiscox and Andy Godding added to the tally, before Bordman completed the scoring just before the end. Fisher are now three points clear and have yet to drop a point this season. With the top two sides in the CHAMPIONSHIP not in league action, third-placed Mount Pleasant blew the chance to close the gap after they were beaten 2-1 at fourth place Heckmondwike Sports Club. Joe Jagger netted both Heckmondwike’s goals, while Faisal Adam hit Mount’s consolation. Conor Gissing hit a double for St John Fisher Reserves in their 2-1 win against Birstall St Patricks (Declan Dawson). Marsh hit the day’s highest score as they climbed to sixth place with a 9-2 win over Taylor. DIVISION ONE leaders Navigation weren’t in action so second-placed Town Rangers

Gerald Christian

Town’s goals. George Healey were less fortunate as they were beaten 4-0 by table-toppers Palestino. In the SPEN VALLEY MEMORIAL TROPHY Dom Simpson scored four times as Fox and Founds Batley picked up the local bragging rights with a 5-0 win over Inter Batley. Elsewhere, two goals from Mount Pleasant’s Uzair Amirat proved in vain as the Batley side were beaten 7-2 by Idle FC in the same competition. Cleckheaton Sporting suffered a similar fate as they were beaten 30 at Athletico.

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL Liversedge Staveley Miners Welfare

0 2

LIVERSEDGE remain in a relegation scrap as they were condemned to back-to-back defeats following a 2-0 loss at home to Staveley Miners Welfare. After a defeat at Bridlington on Saturday, Sedge knew victory over Welfare on Tuesday night could be vital as they battle the drop. But despite their first-half defensive efforts they found themselves trailing at the break when Staveley’s Ellis Wall scored on the stroke of half-time. The second half remained a close-fought affair before a 68th-minute strike from Kurtis Morley sealed the victory for the visitors.

Gomersal CC set to host club sportsman’s dinner CRICKET GOMERSAL CRICKET CLUB are hosting a special sportman’s dinner at their clubhouse on Saturday March 28. The ‘five year plan’ fundraising event includes a three-course meal, plus entertainment from guest speakers Steve Daley (exManchester City, Wolves and England footballer) and comedian Lea Roberts. Former Batley Bulldogs player Paul Halloran will MC the dinner which also includes an auction, with prizes including a Leeds Rhinos signed rugby ball, a round of golf and a signed Bradford City shirt. The famous Gomersal CC Stand Pie penny auction will also be taking place. Tickets, priced at £32, can be purchased from Gomersal CC Bar, Oxford Road, Gomersal and the event begins at 7.30pm. The sportsman’s dinner forms part of a fundraising effort by the JCT600 Bradford League side, with club members also taking part in a 12-mile sponsored walk on Saturday March 7 to raise funds for their new electronic scoreboard. Members of the club will walk from Yorkshire Cricket Club’s Headingley ground to Oxford Road, the home of Gomersal CC.

ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP

PLAYER RATINGS DEWSBURY RAMS

RAMS END EAGLES’ RUN Dewsbury beat Sheffield to end 16-match losing streak KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP

DEWSBURY RAMS SHEFFIELD EAGLES

19 10

Martin Singleton at The Tetley’s Stadium

DEWSBURY RAMS kicked off the new Championship season with a tense victory over Sheffield. The Eagles had won the previous 16 games against the Rams, but with no pre-season matches under their belt Sheffield tired in the latter stages of the game while Toby Adamson, Joel Farrell and Makali Aizue made a big impact from the bench for the hosts. Rams head coach Glenn Morrison handed competitive debuts to four new signings, while Eagles boss Mark Aston named close-season additions Sam Smeaton, Steve Thorpe and Ben Musolino in his squad. The Rams had the first chance when Tom Hemingway charged down Dominic Brambani’s kick but, with the try line in his sights, he was unable to regather the ball. In an advantageous position, Menzie Yere’s crushing tackle on Scott Hale cost the Rams possession on the first tackle and Hale then went close from Thackeray’s short ball. But, with Thorpe making

DREAM DEBUT: Dalton Grant scored two tries in his first competitive game for Dewsbury Rams early inroads in the centre of the park and hooker James Davey exploiting some slow work at marker, the Eagles started to carve out chances of their own. And when Dale Morton deflected a clearance kick in to touch, it gave the Eagles a platform from which Brambani produced a grubber

to the corner to find Scott Turner in acres of space. Turner dotted down but Brambani’s conversion attempt hit the post. Hemingway found a 40/20 in response but the Rams were unable to make their growing territorial dominance pay. And after Dalton Grant was penalised for an accidental off-

Steve Horsfall

side, Briggs produced a sensational sliced grubber, which bamboozled Dewsbury fullback Karl Pryce. The Eagles’ Pat Walker was quickest to the ball to extend the visitors’ lead and this time Brambani was able to add the extras. But the Rams continued to apply pressure and forced

three goal-line drop-outs in the first half. The Eagles’ resistance was eventually broken when Grant was first to Matty Wildie’s neat grubber kick. Hemingway added the extras and the Rams struck again soon after when Anthony Thackeray threw a dummy which fooled three Sheffield Eagles defenders before jinking his way over the tryline. Hemingway converted to send Dewsbury in at the break with a slender advantage. The second half was as tightly contested as the first. Following a scrappy start the Rams appeared to be winning the arm wrestle, but Briggs’s 40/20 put the hosts on the back foot. But poor ball retention and indiscipline around the ruck cost Aston’s men in the minutes that followed. Thackeray edged the Rams further in front with a drop goal, which starved the Eagles of the ball with just four minutes on the clock. And after the Eagles had been pegged back by a penalty, the Rams scrum-half produced a looping pass to the left wing which caught the Eagles defence off-guard and gave debutant Grant an easy run to the line for his second try and the match-clinching score.

Maloney to skipper Stags MIRFIELD STAGS have appointed former Super League star Francis Maloney as the club’s first captain. Maloney, an ex-England international, enjoyed a 20-year professional career representing the likes of Castleford, Wakefield, Leeds, Featherstone, Warrington and Salford. The Dewsbury-born stand-off is to head up coach Richard Silverwood’s five-man leadership group at the Stags, which also includes former Army hooker Andrew Parkin, Liam Brooke, Wayne Wilson and Conner Sockett. Maloney said: “I feel absolutely honoured to have been named the first Mirfield Stags captain. “The club is being operated in a very professional manner and the

PROFESSIONAL PEDIGREE: Mirfield Stags captain Francis Maloney

buy-in has been fantastic from everyone concerned. “I think this is going to be a huge success. I am lucky enough to see what goes on behind the scenes here and I think it

is fantastic. “I wanted to start playing again and loved the sound of what is happening here. “I am fitter now than I was when I retired from playing pro-

fessionally and that made me think, why not give it another go?” Silverwood, who took over the Stags coaching reins last November, added: “Francis is a great addition for us and he will make an awesome captain. “He is an asset and him playing for us represents a major coup for the club, both on and off the field. “He has played at the highest level and is exactly the sort of player we were looking for.” Mirfield will make their playing debut tomorrow (Sat) taking on Shaw Cross Sharks A in a preseason friendly. Meanwhile, fixtures for the Stags’ Forty-20 Cup and Yorkshire Men’s League Division One campaigns are set to be confirmed this week.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Albion destined for relegation spots after disappointing Dearne & District draw OSSETT ALBION’S lack of cup success will mean an early finish to their season in the North East Regional League Southern Division and their 5-5 draw at pointless South Yorkshire side Dearne and District has left them assured of finishing in second-bottom spot. Their last game is at Courts City on Sunday and this will leave the club with an agonising three-month wait before the League rules on promotion and, in Albion’s case, relegation issues. Hopes of moving out of the bottom two were

DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS: Tuesday February 10 N/S 1 G Fishwick and J Tomlinson 2 W and J Davies 3 J Roberts and M Loveridge

E/W 1 M Belk and M Holt 2 M Watson and G Bloom Equal 3rd A Cooper and J Lodge A Briggs and S Blamires

always slim but failing to beat a side who have lost all their previous 13 games was the final straw. Even a win at Sheffield side Courts, who beat Albion 5-0 at Dimple Wells earlier in the season, would not be enough to lift them above a Sheffield Wednesday side who already have a four-point advantage and have four games to play. Victory over Dearne looked a formality, after Albion’s 9-3 win in the home fixture earlier in the season, but whilst leading scorer Nikki Swift fired in four, to take her season’s league tally to 17, and Kim Nallon hit her eighth, the defence took their tally to a disastrous 92 in just 21 league and cup games. In the Women’s West Riding League Premier Division Ossett Town bounced back well from their penalty shoot-out defeat in the League

Shield to secure a 4-1 win over bottom club Keighley Shamrocks. The win moved them into mid-table and set themselves up for a double when they go to Keighley for the return game on Sunday. Second Division promotion hopefuls Battyeford Belles entertain Premier Division leaders Harrogate Railway in the League Shield but they are in good spirits after a 5-0 win at Thornes lifted them level with leaders Bradford City A – albeit having played a game more. Second-bottom Dewsbury Rangers closed the gap on the clubs above them when they had a very welcome 5-3 win at bottom club Middleton Park but are once again sidelined without a fixture this week. Belles reserves’ slide continued in Division Three with a 4-0 defeat at home to Skipton and they face a return contest at Skipton this week.

Karl Pryce Dalton Grant Jason Crookes Shane Grady Dale Morton Matty Wildie Anthony Thackeray Matthew Haggarty Tom Hemingway Ryan Hepworth Rob Spicer Scott Hale Aaron Brown

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

SUBS Sam Wood Joel Farrell Toby Adamson Makali Aizue

7 9 9 9

SHEFFIELD EAGLES Quentin Laulu Togagae Scott Turner Menzie Yere Sam Smeaton Misi Taulapapa Kyle Briggs Dominic Brambani Eddie Battye James Davey Steve Thorpe Michael Knowles Duane Straugheir Pat Walker

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

SUBS Cory Aston Jack Blackbrough Tony Tonks Ben Musolino

7 7 6 7

GAME GUIDE DEWSBURY RAMS Tries: Grant (33, 79), Thackeray (36). Goals: Hemingway (3/3). Drop Goals: Thackeray (76).

SHEFFIELD EAGLES Tries: Turner (16), Walker (31). Goals: Brambani (1/2).

STATS Penalty Count: 11-5 Referee: M Thomason Attendance: 1,309 Half-Time: 12-10 Weather: Cold, still Sin-Bin: None Sent Off: None

ThePress MAN OF THE MATCH JOEL FARRELL The Rams substitute made a massive impact coming off the bench

Mount Pleasant claim a win in Sports friendly JUNIOR FOOTBALL

SKILLS: Corban Greaves makes a run

Dave Jewitt

OVERTHORPE SPORTS UNDER-11s played at home for the first time in eight weeks as they battled Division Two side Mount Pleasant Batley in a friendly fixture. The away side started brightly, making use of the slope advantage, and soon found themselves 3-0 up inside the first 15 minutes. Overthorpe pulled one back after great build-up play from Chris Armitage and Ethan Saunders, Harvey Wilson took Saunders pass before he finished nicely with a first time shot to make it 3-1. The visitors then scored again to make it 4-1, before Owen Hemingway made it 4-2 at half-time with a quick fire reply. The second half was much more evenly matched with Mount Pleasant striking the first blow to extend their lead. Luke Chapman’s impressive chipped goal reduced the arrears, but shortly after Mount Pleasant scored again to end any hopes of a Sports fightback, making it 6-3 at full-time. Joshua Sykes collected the man-of-thematch award and there were other good performances from Thomas Frain, Corben Greaves, Khadeem Harris and debutant Shea Midwood who hit the post with a great effort.

ThePress

Friday February 20, 2015

KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP

PLAYER RATINGS BATLEY BULLDOGS James Craven Wayne Riettie Shaun Ainscough Shaun Squires Johnny Campbell Cain Southernwood Scott Leatherbarrow Alex Rowe Alistair Leak Tom Lillycrop Sam Scott Alex Bretherton Joe Chandler

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

SQUIRES STEALS THE SHOW

Ex-Shaw Cross man crosses four times in Batley win

SUBS Anthony Nicholson Luke Blake Adam Gledhill James Brown

7 7 7 7 8 7 6 6 5 6 7 6 7 6 8 6 6

SUBS Karl Olstrum James Greenwood Steve Scholey Nathan Lucock

KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP

BATLEY BULLDOGS WORKINGTON TOWN

30 6

Michael Higginbottom at Fox’s Biscuits Stadium

WORKINGTON TOWN Jack Murphy Dominic Manfredi Jason Mossop Perry Whiteley Brett Carter Carl Forber Callum Phillips Lee Mossop Graeme Mattinson Marc Shackley Brett Phillips Kurt Horton Jarrad Stack

6 6 6 6

GAME GUIDE BATLEY BULLDOGS Tries: Squires (20, 22, 34, 64), Bretherton (77). Goals: Leatherbarrow (5/7).

WORKINGTON TOWN Tries: B Phillips (17). Goals: Forber 1/1.

STATS Penalty Count: 9-9 Referee: G Stokes Attendance: 801 Half-Time: 14-6 Weather: Dry, cold and overcast Sin-Bin: Karl Olstrum (Workington) Sent Off: None

ThePress MAN OF THE MATCH

DEBUTANT Shaun Squires claimed four tries as Batley got their season off to a winning start with an ultimately comfortable victory over Workington. Squires, a winter signing from Sheffield who learned his trade with local amateurs Shaw Cross, wrapped up his hat-trick inside 14 decisive firsthalf minutes to help the Bulldogs overturn an early six-point deficit. The tall centre exploited a back injury to opposite number Brett Carter, who suffered a torrid and painful afternoon, out-jumping the struggling Town winger three times to claim pin-point Cain Southernwood kicks and leaving him grasping thin air with a smart change of direction on the other occasion. A delighted Bulldogs coach John Kear said: “It was a complete team performance based on hard work and smartness but there’s not many players who score four tries on their debut so Shaun deserves the plaudits but he’ll get a lot of attention after this. “Their winger got injured so the idea was to give him as much work to do as possible and catching high balls was part of that. “North Wales highlighted some frailties in how we were defending (in a

STAR MAN: Former Shaw Cross Sharks player Shaun Squires crossed for four tries on debut friendly two weeks beforehand) and we sorted that out in training and put in a very efficient performance with clever game management and a tough, aggressive performance up front.” Town boss Phil Veivers highlighted Carter’s plight but explained: “I had no-one to replace him. “We need a few attitude changes from our guys. After the two results we had pre-season our guys thought all

they needed to do was turn up but they have to earn the right to win and they didn’t today.” The Cumbrians, fielding three dualregistered players from Wigan, including a return to the British game following a year in the NRL for former England prop Lee Mossop, scored first. Jack Murphy broke incisively from halfway for the supporting Brett Phillips to score with Carl Forber, now

just eight points short of 1,000 for Workington, converting. The visitors’ lead lasted barely three minutes before Squires struck for the first time, adding his second a couple of minutes later to give the Bulldogs a lead they would never relinquished. Workington’s cause was not helped by the sin-binning of substitute Karl Olstrum for a high tackle on Johnny Campbell. Batley capitalised on having the extra man as Squires rose serenely to catch another Southernwood diagonal kick before tumbling over the line to complete his quick-fire first half hattrick. The men from Derwent Park began the second half brightly, forcing a pair of goal line drop-outs, before they suffered another blow when hooker Nathan Lucock was caught high by James Brown and needed five minutes careful attention before leaving the pitch. Veivers expressed his unhappiness, pointing out: “Olstrum makes contact with the head and gets put in the bin, their bloke does the same and nothing happens!” The Bulldogs extended their lead through two Leatherbarrow penalties before another Southernwood kick was plucked from the air by Squires for touchdown number four. James Craven and Southernwood combined to put Alex Bretherton through for a final try.

SHAUN SQUIRES The former Shaw Cross amateur posted four tries in an impressive debut

Send your sports reports, news and photos to Jared Priestley at sport@thepressnews.co.uk

Moor edged in cup battle PENNINE SUPPLEMENTARY CUP ROUND 3

DEWSBURY MOOR A EASTMOOR DRAGONS

6 12

at Heckmondwike Road

DEWSBURY MOOR A fell agonisingly short of an unlikely cup upset as they were beaten 12-6 by Eastmoor Dragons in the third round of the Pennine Supplementary Cup. Going into the game with just 13 men against a side flying high two divisions above them, Moor were up against it from the start, but they produced a gritty performance that had the Division Four promotion-chasers worried until the final whistle.

With a front row which included three 17-year-olds in John Bowness, Caden Wilkinson and Jacob Crosswell, the hosts kept their Wakefield opponents at bay for 50 minutes. After solid defending Eastmoor finally broke the deadlock when they raced in for a converted try. And they had the home side worried when minutes later they broke through the Moor resistance to register their second score. But the much younger Maroon and Gold showed they had plenty of back bone as they clawed their way back into the cup tie. Lively three-quarter Jonjoe Fox popped up in the middle of

the park, barging past several Dragons defenders on his way to the line. The goal was added by Tom Kaye and Dewsbury were back within one score. Kaye and elusive half-back partner Cameron Adleigh continued to torment the visiting defence as they pushed for an equalising try. Moor threw everything at Eastmoor as they looked to get back into the match, with Scott Sheard, Connor Ineson and 16year-old debutant Joseph Longstaffe making defence-testing runs. Eastmoor had to be alert and defend well to keep the hosts out, and Moor suffered a set-

back when the impressive Fox had to leave the field through injury. Despite the loss of their key man Dewsbury went close on several occasions through Lee Burton, Simon Whitely and Dominic Scanlon. But Moor had left it too late and Eastmoor’s defence stood firm as the full-time whistle sounded. Tomorrow (Sat) Moor A return to league action with a tough away fixture at Doncaster Toll Bar A. The first team are also in action when they play host to Pennine Premier side Sharlston Rovers in the quarter-finals of the BARLA National Cup (2pm).

Flowers boots Shaw Cross to late Hill draw PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

BRADFORD DUDLEY HILL SHAW CROSS SHARKS

18 18

at the Neil Hunt Memorial Ground

DANNY FLOWERS booted Shaw Cross Sharks to a pre-season draw with Bradford Dudley Hill at the Neil Hunt Memorial Ground on Tuesday night. Following their narrow 12-4 Challenge Cup loss at Normanton last weekend, the visitors began the game on the back foot. The home side started strongly and went in to an early 6-0 lead with a fortunate bounce leading to a simple touchdown. This seemed to spur the Bradford side on and they played some quick and well-organised rugby to build an 18-0 lead. Forwards Matt Byatt, Adam Brummit, John Rourke and Matty Collet ran hard but

FLOWER POWER: Danny Flowers in action Shaw Cross played too close to the ruck to trouble the Hill defence out wide. But some late Sharks pressure saw skipper Andy Fawkes slip the ball inside for 17-yearold prop Declan Ellis to power over to make

it 18-4 at the interval. The visitors had to withstand some early pressure as the second stanza began and they slowly started to pile on their own, with manof-the-match Luke Hudson to the fore. The pressure told when a good break from Aussie centre Rob Byatt put the supporting Leon Lonergan away and the Sharks were back on track at 18-10. Shaw Cross’ sustained attack saw them go close several times before a superb pass from Robbie Byatt put Ben Spaven through a gap and the supporting full-back Sam Ottewell was on hand to side step the defence and score a well-worked try. The closing stages were all Shaw Cross as they looked to snatch an unlikely comeback victory. And a penalty just two seconds from fulltime saw Danny Flowers level with his 40 metre kick.

Boys end barren league run in Halifax PENNINE LEAGUE

BATLEY BOYS ended their losing run with a much-needed 22-12 victory over CHAMPIONSHIP ONE rivals King Cross Park on Saturday. The Halifax Road men, without a league victory since November, will have renewed confidence for tomorrow’s (Sat) league fixture against runaway leaders Doncaster Toll Bar – a side who remain undefeated after 12 league matches. In DIVISION ONE Ossett Trinity were no match for a rampant West Leeds side as they slipped to a 32-6 defeat. Trinity take a break from league action tomorrow when they host CK Vikings in the second round of the Wakefield & District ARL Open Age Cup. Dewsbury Celtic eased their DIVISION FOUR relegation worries with a confidenceboosting 32-18 victory over basement club Wortley Dragons. Celtic – now two points clear of relegation rivals West Bowling A – will be looking for an instant repeat as they welcome Wortley to Crow Nest Park tomorrow in a reverse fixture. Hanging Heaton enjoyed similar success in DIVISION FIVE as they hammered divisional strugglers Moorends Thorne Marauders 46-14. Despite the victory the Dewsbury side slipped down to fourth spot, following victory for East Leeds, but they will be looking to regain third place tomorrow when they travel to Guiseley Rangers.

Jackson on board after Rams injury By Jared Priestley Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

DEWSBURY RAMS have added experienced Super League forward Paul Jackson to their squad. Jackson enjoyed an excellent career in the elite division with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers, where he made close to 300 appearances. He also has experience in the Championship following a recent spell with Whitehaven and is a Scotland international. The news come as the Rams revealed prop Zach Johnson has been ruled out until at least the end of the season with a serious knee injury. It is a bitter blow for the forward, who only linked up with the Tetley’s Stadium outfit from Swinton Lions this season. Johnson sustained triple knee ligament damage during the preseason match against London Broncos and requires surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation to correct the problem. “I got disillusioned with rugby last season and wanted to finish my career on my terms, enjoying myself,” said Jackson. “I have heard great things about the Rams and I am excited to be joining them and can’t wait to get started.” Rams head coach Glenn Morrison says he is pleased to bring Jackson on board. “Unfortunately Zach received a season-ending knee injury against London and we considered our options,” he explained.

SUPER SIGNING: Former Castleford forward Paul Jackson has joined Glenn Morrison’s side following a season-ending injury for Zach Johnson (inset) “Wayne Godwin informed me that Paul was wanting to play another season and that a few clubs were chasing him but he was keen to speak to us. “He is a very talented and experienced player and was a perfect fit to what I was after. I’m pleased to have got him on board. “I know he is here for the right reasons and that he will add to our squad.” Stephen Nash, who was only ruled out with a serious knee injury in 2014, continues on the road back to full fitness. Morrison also has Makali Aizue, Ryan Hepworth, Byron

Smith, Josh Barlow and Saintsbound Matthew Haggarty to select from at prop. “It’s a tough break for Zach to be ruled out for the season and we wish him well in his recovery,” added Morrison. Meanwhile, Rams chairman Mark Sawyer has expressed his delight at the response from supporters following an attendance of more than 1,300 fans against Sheffield Eagles. It is believed that the figure is a highest-ever crowd for a fixture between the two teams. It also represents an increase of 51 per cent on the attendance at the

same match last year. “We worked extremely hard as a club to promote the game against Sheffield and we were delighted that local people responded in the way they did,” said Sawyer. “More than 100 junior season ticket holders were among the crowd – the fans of the future – and we’re extremely encouraged by that statistic in particular.” Over 650 people have snapped up a Dewsbury Rams season ticket for 2015, including 220 local youngsters. “I think we can be proud of what we have achieved in terms of season ticket sales and take-up of junior season tickets,” added Sawyer. “The club continues to take significant strides forward on and off the field and it is pleasing that this progress is being underpinned by an increase in numbers through the turnstile.” In other club news, a small number of spaces remain on the supporters’ coaches to Workington on Sunday. The Rams travel to West Cumbria to face the men from Derwent Park following last Friday’s superb opening-day win over Sheffield. And Rams chief Morrison has asked supporters to travel in big numbers to get behind the players for another big game in the Championship. Two coaches are running. The first leaves from the industrial estate next to the Tetley’s Stadium at 9.30am and departs from Derwent Park at 6.15pm. The second coach leaves the industrial estate at 10.30am and departs from Derwent Park immediately after the match.

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‘Dogs seal sponsor deal for family stand BATLEY BULLDOGS have agreed a new season-long sponsor partnership which will see the family stand re-named. The structure, previously known as the ‘Challenge family stand’, will now be called the Bede Financial Group family stand after the club agreed a new deal for 2015. Current Batley Bulldogs and Wales coach John Kear officially opened the stand ahead of his side’s season opener against Workington. The Marske-by-the-Sea-based Bede Financial Group have supported Batley for a number of years, through their Birstall-born director John McVeigh. John and his family have been lifelong supporters of the

Bulldogs. Jim, John’s father, a Bulldogs life member, can be seen policing the club car park on match days assisted by John’s brother Andrew. John said: “Although I do not get down to watch the Bulldogs as often as I would like to, it is a great privilege that I can play my part in helping the club’s quest for success this coming season. “I can remember when there was no stand at the ‘top end’ of the ground, just open terracing, and at half-time queueing up at the tin refreshment hut in the freezing cold for a cup of soup and a pie.” Batley make the short trip to South Leeds Stadium on Sunday (3pm) to take on Hunslet Hawks. The newly-promoted League 1 side are looking for their first win

in the Championship following a hard-fought loss at beaten Grand Finalists Featherstone in round one. The Bulldogs meanwhile will be aiming to make it two wins in as many games following their victory over Workington last Sunday. However, Kear says his squad will not be complacent against a side new to the division. He said: “They will be out to prove a point in this division and after going to watch the Featherstone game it looked as if they could well do that. “They looked the better side for 65 minutes against a good Featherstone outfit and they will be a challenge for us. “Unlike the Fev game at Wakefield, they will not have the

same dimensions as that ground and will be playing on a much smaller pitch at home. “We won’t be complacent and we realise they are a good team, and if not the players will know that after watching Monday’s game against Featherstone. “Every game is a tough one this year in this division and Hunslet will be no different.” The Hawks feature a number of player familiar to the Batley chief, with ex-Bulldogs Brad Brennan, fans’ favourite Danny Maun, Vinny Finigan and George Flanagan all featuring for Barry Eaton’s side. And Kear says these players prove that Hunslet have the quality to compete in the second tier of professional rugby league. “They have a number of well-

known players not just because of the Batley connection, but because they have been playing in the Championship for so long,” he added. “You have to look at players like Andy Kain, Richie Barnett and Vinny Finigan and you can see they have the quality to compete at this level. “We might know them well but Barrie Eaton and Danny Maun will also know our team well from their Batley connections.” Batley could be boosted by the return of Keegan Hirst, with the prop forward undergoing a fitness test on his injured foot ahead of the Hunslet fixture. Brad Hey is also making good progress and has returned to contact training.