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Friday May 20, 2016

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No. 738

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A&E DOWNGRADE: NOW IT’S IN APRIL Hospital Trust’s new chief drops controversial plan for September changes PLANS to bring forward the downgrade of A&E at Dewsbury District Hospital have been ditched. Its controversial transformation into a minor injuries unit is now set to go ahead in April next year. Health chiefs wanted to bring forward the plan to September this year amid staff shortages. But a new timetable was revealed at a Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust board meeting earlier this month. Interim chief executive Martin Barkley is said to have

ordered the change after a review. MP Jo Cox (Lab, Batley and Spen) said: “The new chief executive of the trust has taken the decision to look again at the timetable for these significant changes to services at our hospital. “In my regular meetings with the Trust, I have asked that the timetables for all these changes be scrutinised carefully and continually in order that there is minimal disruption in the services being offered.” Mrs Cox added: “Underlying these issues are the very serious staffing prob-

MPs Paula Sherriff and Jo Cox... concerned over hospital staffing lems at the Trust, which are having a severe impact on service delivery. “I have been pushing them to find a resolution to these issues and I will continue to do so.” The Trust hired hundreds of nurses after being criticised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) over

staffing levels. But they were unable to give a net figure – taking into account staff who have left – since the recruitment drive began last year. MP Paula Sherriff (Lab, Dewsbury and Mirfield) said: “Staffing levels need to be the priority – it is absolutely vital that patient safety is put first.

“That is why I am keeping up the pressure on the Government to ensure everything is done to tackle this very grave issue.” Other parts of service reorganisation are going ahead either on time or ahead of schedule. Changes to the maternity and children’s units are still set to take place in September. Surgical reform, in which Dewsbury gains outpatient specialisms, is ahead of schedule and could come into force later this year. A public meeting about all the hospital changes and featuring both MPs is likely to be held next month. The overall effect will centralise emergency care for the most seriously ill at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, where A&E is to be exanded in a bid to cope. But about 70 per cent of patients who currently attend A&E in Dewsbury will still be

seen at the Staincliffe site. Kevin Oxley, Mid Yorkshire’s director of operations, said the timetable for change is not fixed. He added: “We continue to implement the proposals that were agreed following public consultation in 2014. “In September we will introduce changes to the children’s assessment unit and welcome the opening of a new birthing centre. “Changes to services for people who need an operation may also happen later this year. “We are working to a ‘proposed’ timetable only and therefore the Trust, working with commissioners, may decide to bring forward or delay parts of the programme. “Ensuring changes can be delivered safely and there is the right staff cover are our most important concern.”

IN DETAIL: How Dewsbury’s A&E unit will change – p5

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ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

WILKINSON JEFFREY RILEY (Of Toffee Smith) On 14 May, aged 96. Husband of Eileen and the late Elsie. Service at East Riding Crematorium, Octon, Thursday 26 May at 12noon.

Deaths BOOTHROYD FLO On 15 May, aged 91, of Mirfield. Wife of the late

WOOD (NEE TAFT) JOYCE Harry. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 31 May at 10.30am. Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

CALVERT BERTHA On 14 May, aged 88, of Gomersal. Wife of the late George. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 25 May at 2.45pm.

CARTER NEE SUGDEN SHEILA On 10 May, of Mirfield, aged 74. Wife of the late Gerald. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 24 May at 1.15pm.

CROWTHER GERALD On 11 May, of Lower Hopton, aged 87. Husband of the late Joyce. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 25 May at 2pm.

HEATON (NEE SYKES) DOROTHY On 6 May, aged 90. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium today, Friday 20 May at 2.45pm. Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

LEGGETT (NEE LITTLE) ELIZABETH BETTY On 14 May, aged 78, of White Lee. Wife of Thomas. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 25 May at 1.15pm.

LOCKWOOD GEOFF ‘MAVERICK’ On 15 May, of Soothill, aged 65. Husband to Libby. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 27 May at 12.30pm.

MACORISON NEE CROSS NELLIE On 14 May, formerly of Dewsbury, aged 91. Wife of the late Eddie. Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd. Tel: 01924 454476.

MICKLETHWAITE CHRISTOPHER MARK On 12 May, of Thornhill Lees, aged 53. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 26 May at 2pm.

RIGG MARY On 10 May, of Hightown, aged 89. Wife of the late Alf. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 27 May at 11.15am.

On 10 May, aged 86, of Batley. Wife of the late Geoff. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 24 May at 12.30pm.

Register to vote in EU poll DETAILS of how to register to vote in the EU referendum have been released. Residents are due to receive a booklet about the Thursday

SPEDDING MARTIN On 10 May, aged 58, of Batley. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 25 May at 10am.

SYKES DEREK On 11 May, aged 83, of Mirfield. Husband of the late Mavis. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 26 May at 10.30am.

SYKES NEE BENNETT KATHLEEN On 13 May, of Mirfield, aged 81. Wife of the late Donald. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 25 May at 10.30am. Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

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June 23 poll from the Electoral Commission. The final deadline to register to vote, which takes minutes online, is Tuesday June 7. If you are already registered to vote there is no need to register again for the EU referendum. Ben Brook, of the Electoral Commission, said: “Keep an eye out for our information booklet which is being delivered to homes across the UK. “It contains really important information on how to take part in this historic event.” There are various ways of voting and residents should plan advance where they will be on polling day. Mr Brook said: “If you’re likely to be away on the day and unable to get to a polling station then you can look at options for postal or proxy votes.” For more details see www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. To register to vote head to www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote.

ThePress

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Friday May 20, 2016 Issue No: 738

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

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

Ex-head admits online child sex offences A FORMER primary school headteacher has admitted sex offences against two 11-year-old-girls. David Warbrick, 51, was suspended from his post at Gomersal Primary School after his arrest last year. He made contact with the girls on Facebook and asked them to take their clothes off. The victims, from Derbyshire, were encouraged to do so through webcam chats. Their parents discovered what had happened and alerted the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. Warbrick, of Lightcliffe, near Halifax, was arrested after police were brought in to investigate. At Derby Crown Court on Tuesday he admitted two offences of encouraging the girls to engage in online sexual activity. Warbrick, who did not return to Gomersal Primary, is due to be sentenced next month. Parents were said to have known Warbrick had left the Oxford Road school but not why until now. Some expressed concern about that when interviewed for a TV news report on Wednesday. Chairman of Governors Karen Walker sent a letter to parents dated Tuesday May 18 explaining the reasons. It said: “I would like to reassure you that the charges relating to Mr Warbrick have no connection with any of our current or former pupils. Nor do they have any connection whatsoever with the school. “I can confirm that Mr Warbrick was suspended from his post as soon as these allegations came to light. “He did not return to the school prior to leaving his post permanently in 2015. “Clearly this news will be upsetting for many people. “However, as I am sure you understand, we had to take advice from the relevant authorities and due to ongoing legal proceedings, it has not been appropriate for us to disclose information relating to Mr Warbrick.”

MOTHER JAILED FOR MURDER OF HER DAUGHTERS By Staff Reporters A MOTHER from Heckmondwike has been jailed for life for murdering her two young daughters. Samira Lupidi, 24, denied murder but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. A jury at Bradford Crown Court took just 90 minutes on Tuesday to find her unanimously guilty of the more serious offence. Judge Mr Justice Edis said Lupidi must spend a minimum of 24 years behind bars. She stabbed daughters Evelyn Lupidi, three, and Jasmine Weaver, 17 months, to death on November 17 last year. The incident happened at a women’s refuge in Bradford, where she was taken by police the day before. Lupidi, of Church Lane, Heckmondwike, claimed her life was in danger and that her partner wanted to take their children away from her. She did not give evidence in her own defence at a week-long trial which heard shocking details. Evelyn, who was autistic, was killed first in front of Jasmine, who was said to have screamed in terror. The jury heard Lupidi had a borderline personality disorder and was suffering from a “complete misinterpretation of reality” at the time. Mr Justice Edis said Lupidi came to see partner Carl Weaver and his family as enemies through a delusion. He said: “You had formed a delusion-

Samira Lupidi murdered Evelyn and Jasmine in a “spasm of violence”. Evelyn was stabbed to death with a kitchen knife in front of her sister, who screamed in terror before she too was killed al belief that you were in danger of being killed...” The judge added her fears that she would be abandoned and would not see her children again were part of that delusion. Both youngsters died from nine stab wounds inflicted with a kitchen knife in a “spasm of violence”. The judge said: “You killed them in a violent rage to which a moderate to severe depressive illness contributed and lowered your degree of culpability. “Jasmine, you later said, had been crying while you were killing her sister in a way she had never cried before. “It does not take much imagination to know what happened in that dreadful scene. “And the way in which Jasmine died has traumatised

their father, who has only just learned of it.” The trigger for her delusion were arguments with Mr Weaver and his family days before. Mr Justice Edis said: “You reacted to this very difficult situation by saying ‘if I cannot have them, neither can he’. “This is a crime which speaks of rage and I sentence you on the basis that you killed them in anger and out of a desire for revenge. “This passion was not long-lasting but it lasted long enough to see them both dead.”

News in Brief Light stands down as Tory group leader BIRSTALL & BIRKENSHAW: The Conservative group leader on Kirklees Council, Coun Robert Light, is to stand down from the role. The Conservatives will elect a new leadership team on Monday ahead of the council’s annual meeting next week. He intends to focus on the ward, which he has represented from 1987 to 1995 and from 2000 onwards. Coun Light said: “It has been a privilege to be the leader of the Kirklees Conservative Group for 15 years. “I feel though that now is the right time to hand the reins over to someone else. “I need to take a step back from the front line and spend more time with my family and working for the residents of Birstall and Birkenshaw.”

Crowds expected for Vintage Day BATLEY: A crowd of up to 20,000 is expected for the third annual Vintage Day on Saturday May 28. The 1940s, 50s and 60s-themed free event is centred around the Market Place with a variety of stalls and live entertainment. Other attractions include free workshops in the library and a flyover from a Lancaster bomber. The fun begins the night before with a 1940s dance at the Victoria Function Rooms featuring music from Natasha Harper and the Andersons. Entry is £12.50 including a hot supper. Doors open at 7pm. The dress code is “dress to impress”.

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ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

News In Brief Bus driver collects two-year road ban DEWSBURY: A man who drove while more than three times over the legal alcohol limit has been banned from the road for two years. Kirklees Magistrates Court was told that bus driver David Wilkinson was on his way home from a barbeque on April 23 when he was stopped by police on Staincliffe Road. Wilkinson, 40, of Thorn Avenue, Thornhill, had 116mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The limit is 35mg. He has now lost his job and must also do 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £85 costs plus an £85 victim surcharge.

Cricket fan hurt in embankment plunge UPPER HOPTON: A cricket fan was badly hurt when he fell down an embankment during a match. The spectator was chasing a ball which had gone out of the ground at Upper Hopton last Saturday. There is a steep drop down an embankment to a stream and the man slipped and fell head first into the water. It is believed he suffered serious injuries to his face and hands and suspected broken fingers. The game against Old Town CC of Hebden Bridge was delayed for nearly an hour due to an ambulance being on the field. It is thought the man was allowed home from hospital that night.

Drug addict stole coats worth £400 BIRSTALL: A drug addict stole coats worth more than £400 from Next at the junction 27 retail park. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that Louise Hillas, 40, entered the store at around 7pm on December 9 last year. She was unable to recall the incident due to being high on drugs at the time. The court heard her addiction to Class A drugs is so severe she faces the prospect of having her leg amputated. Magistrates adjourned sentencing on Hillas, who lives in a Bradford hostel, for reports.

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Publisher hits back after hate campaign against Press By Staff Reporters THE PUBLISHER of The Press has made a robust defence of the newspaper after an anonymous hate campaign was started against the business and its customers. Advertisers, newsagents and Kirklees councillors all received an unsigned letter calling for paper to be boycotted and making veiled threats by “the community” if they refused. The letter accompanied a special edition of an independent fortnightly news sheet in Bradford called Urban Echo, which featured a two-page profile of publisher Danny Lockwood. In further developments, all Kirklees councillors and senior officers were sent an anonymous email on Wednesday accusing The Press of exploiting local people with special needs by having them deliver the newspaper. A number of angry Press customers phoned Urban Echo publisher Irfan Ajeeb. One of them said he was told by Ajeeb that 2,000 copies of a special Kirklees edition were ordered by a Dewsbury businessman whose identity he claimed not to know. Questioned later by a Press journalist, Ajeeb denied that. He also attributed the article

about Lockwood to a colleague who was no longer at the business, despite The Press owner having a record of their conversation. Mr Lockwood, who founded The Press in 2002, said: “I can laugh off these cowardly attacks on my character but what I can’t ignore are these vile suggestions that we would exploit vulnerable people. “For many years we have worked with local groups related to social services, whose special needs users have a part-time job delivering The Press. “They are paid, they are supervised, it brings them into contact with local people and businesses, and we are proud of our partnership. “Irfan Ajeeb rang me two weeks ago and it was clear he was being manipulated by people we’ve upset in some way. I imagine that whoever put him up to this is quite disappointed. The ‘profile’ on me is both poorly-written and not even very critical. Ajeeb did use a nice photo of me though – although he’s breached copyright, so there will be a bill in the post for that. “This week Ajeeb told us that he was being inundated by complaints about my book The Islamic Republic of Dewsbury. “Really? It was published nearly five years ago! And as you’d expect, he hasn’t read it. He told

Urban Echo ... cover photo and article on Press publisher Danny Lockwood me he’s a Muslim who likes a pint and doesn’t like Dewsbury – I’ll bet he doesn’t, now that he’s been stitched up like a kipper.” The Press has a copy of the unsigned letter sent to local newsagents. It said it was “to express my local community’s ongoing concerns regarding the continuing sale of The Press at your store”. It accuses the paper of having racist undertones and promoting conflict rather than integration and adds that it has “now reached the point that our community is considering extending our boycott to not only The Press but to advertisers within, and vendors of this newspaper”. Mr Lockwood added: “This is not the first time we’ve had an attack like this and I’ve been

Fundraisers sing for their supper A ‘CURRYOKE’ event at a Heckmondwike restaurant saw £1,400 raised for two good causes. Roy and Catherine Scott organised the food and singing bash at the Sharma on Leeds Road last month. Proceeds are to be shared equally between Kirkwood Hospice and Diabetes Care UK. Bosses at Sharma donated every penny from the night to the couple – who have

now raised more than £4,500. On Wednesday Mayor of Kirklees Coun Paul Kane collected a cheque on behalf of the two charities. Diabetes Care UK is a cause Coun Kane (Lab, Dewsbury East) is raising funds for in his year as council civic leader. Roy runs Roy Scott Joinery in Dewsbury and wife Catherine works at Upper Batley High School. Last November they helped organise an

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advised that it’s the same person behind it this time. “I’ll say again what I have said before. We see news, crime and corruption, not colour or creed. If one community has a disproportionate share of people either in court for dealing drugs, or causing controversy in public life, then that’s going to be reflected in any newspaper’s pages. It would be perverse if it didn’t. “This individual hasn’t the guts to put his name to his barelyveiled threats and he daren’t even invoke the actual name of his Muslim community, just imply it and hope no-one notices. “I don’t think Dewsbury and Batley businessmen and women of any community will be bullied by these cowardly tactics. The Press certainly won’t be.”

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event at Batley Nash which raised £3,148 for Kirkwood Hospice. A star from that night, Luther Vandross tribute act Harry Cambridge, is due to return for another fundraiser next February. Roy thanked all those have donated and said: “People keep asking us when the next one will be. “So while ever there’s still interest we’ll try to raise as much money as we can.”

Roy and Catherine Scott are shown second and third left with mayor Coun Paul Kane and staff from the Sharma restaurant

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

Council members owing tax were able to vote NO COUNCILLORS in debt illegally voted in meetings over the last two years, The Press understands. Five out of 69 members on Kirklees Council received a court summons for council tax arrears totalling £3,997.54. Their identities are unknown but they may be named under a legal precedent involving another council. The Press asked Kirklees if any had voted in the finance meetings where there could be a conflict of interest. Councillors in arrears by two months or more are banned from setting council tax and the budget. A spokesman said none of them were in arrears by that much and so were able to vote. Of the five, “Coun F” owed the most – £1,186.16 in 2014/15, including council costs for recovering the debt. In 2015/16, “Coun M” was handed court summons for the sums of £172 and £977.77. “Coun E” owed £870.34, “Coun G” owed £763.53 and “Coun I” was summoned to court for just £27.74. Nine other councillors were issued reminders over the last two years for not paying on time. It is not known if any of the 14 are from North Kirklees. In Kirklees, 85,000 reminders and 26,000 court summons are sent every year invoving 180,000 council tax accounts. The council spokesman said: “Councillors are treated in the same way as members of the public. “They do not get sent extra reminders or have monies deducted from their allowances.”

Who should pay bus fare: party or Paula?

News in Brief Accused of threats RAVENSTHORPE: A man is accused of threatening to kill his ex-partner and breaking into her home to harm her. Dale Laycock, 24, of Sackville Street, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, facing charges of making threats to kill and burglary with intent to cause grevious bodily harm. Alex Bozman, prosecuting, said Laycock allegedly sent 124 texts to Kirsty Hatch, some of which contained threats to kill. These were sent over a couple of days. Then last Saturday he is said to have broken into her Dewsbury home. Laycock was remanded into custody for an appearance at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday June 14.

Van break-in foiled MIRFIELD: Would-be thieves were defeated by the lock on a van parked on Stocks Bank Road last Thursday. An attempt to break into the Mercedes Sprinter vehicle was made between 1am and 3am. The lock was damaged but the culprits fled. Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information can call PC Chris Birkenshaw at Kirklees CID on 101, quoting reference number 13160202148.

Assault denial By David Miller A COMPLAINT has been made about a Labour election battle bus which came to Dewsbury in March last year. Political website Guido Fawkes obtained records showing the event was not declared as a campaign expense by candidate Paula Sherriff. Local Tories asked returning officer and Kirklees Council chief executive Adrian Lythgo to investigate. He replied it is a matter for the Electoral Commission – so they referred their complaint alleging a breach of spending rules to them. Those rules, which the Conservatives nationally are also accused of breaking, are not clear-cut. The debate centres on how a Labour election battle bus came to Dewsbury on March 7 last year. It brought to town MPs Tom Watson and Jon Ashworth, plus up to 100 activists. The visit was during the “long campaign” period from December 19, 2014, to Parliament’s dissolution on March 30, 2015. This has a candidate spending limit of £30,700, plus 9p per voter in county seats and 6p per voter in borough seats. The formula gave Miss Sherriff a spend of up to £37,774.72 for the “long campaign”. Electoral law states: “If a battle bus promotes both the local candidate and national policies, then a portion of the cost of that bus should be allocated towards the candidate’s spending limit and a portion towards the party’s national spending limit.” It adds that candidates should make an “honest assessment” as to whether such a visit is for their campaign or only for the party generally.

Reports claim that A&E at Dewsbury will close REPORTS have surfaced claiming that the A&E department at Dewsbury District Hospital will close entirely, suggesting no patients will be treated there. In June last year the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust categorically told The Press this is not true. From April 2017, A&E, one of four types of emergency care, will become a minor injuries unit which will still see most patients who currently attend. Broken bones, sprains and strains and wound infections are some of the areas which can be treated. Those with chest pain, breathing difficulties or other problems could be transferred elsewhere, depending on severity. Director of corporate planning and partnerships Caroline Griffiths set out in June last year

how the new system will work. She said: “Our plans have always been to keep A&E services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Dewsbury District Hospital. Patients can continue to attend this hospital as needed and will be seen and treated here. “We will have full resuscitation facilities available to support anyone who is seriously ill.” Dewsbury will have resident consultants working during core hours, with an on-call service outside these times. She said: “Patients who need to be admitted for further treatment will be transferred to the most appropriate care setting, which could be Pinderfields. Anyone who is critically ill or injured will be taken directly by ambulance to Pinderfields or the nearest hospital with specialist services.”

Both the Tories and Labour stand accused of using battle buses as solely national campaign spending. Documents obtained by Guido Fawkes showed Miss Sherriff declared her transport costs during the “long campaign” as “nil”. Her total spending was declared as £33,550.46, including £27,866.10 for unsolicited materials sent to voters. Once the “real” election was under way from March 30 last year, candidates could spend a further £8,700, plus the 9p or 6p allowance per voter. Tory constituency party chairman Mark Eastwood referred the battle bus to the Electoral Commission. Mr Eastwood said: “Any sort of irregularity in the electoral process needs to be addressed as a serious matter and investigated thoroughly. “But it’s not for me to say if any rules have been broken, it’s for the Electoral Commission to make a judgement.” A spokesman for the Labour Party said: “Labour is clear that the ‘Labour Express’ and the deputy leader’s tour during the general election campaign were part of a nationally branded tour. “As such, the transport costs are rightly national spend. Labour’s spending is within the law and the rules set out by the Electoral Commission.” ■ Police are still probing claims of a voting irregularity involving local Tories in Mirfield at this year’s Kirklees council elections.

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HECKMONDWIKE: A man denied charges of assaulting his pregnant partner and criminal damage at her home. Steven Lynn, 29, of Mount Avenue, is said to have committed the offences at a council property in Batley where his partner was a tenant. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that Lynn is alleged to have punched her in the face in the street last Sunday. He is accused of then causing damage to the home. He was remanded into custody for a trial due to be held on Monday, July 11.

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ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

BACK IN PRINT Now on sale, the updated edition. Reserve a copy in office hours on 01924 470296, order via www.thepressnews.co.uk or call in at our office, 31 Branch Road, Batley

LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

Eurovision slapstick could turn nasty T’S time to cast a lighter sky over the thundering EU ruckus, which by now seems to have been going on longer than some European conflicts. If the thought of warring armies in high heels, heavy make-up and spangly dresses brings a smile to your face – with bearded transvestites cheering from the sidelines – last Saturday’s Eurovision Song Contest ticked the box. It’s absolutely laughable that something so childishly circuslike could have nations at each other’s throats. Sure, it would have me and wife at each other’s throats if she suggested watching it, but the trigger for war? Jeez Louise. Russia took massive umbrage over the slap-in-theface it got when a morbid dirge about Soviet persecution of Crimean tatars in 1944 won the contest.

Conchita Wurst could referee between President Putin and the Ukrainian winner Now, we should mention that Eurovision has form. Anyone remember the little 1974 ditty, Waterloo? I reckon that got ‘nul points’ from France too, but apart from the subject matter it was also a very catchy toon.

This year’s winning song however could wipe the superglued smile off Michael McIntyre’s mush. It is positively suicidal – which given that it was also a veiled attack on Russia for its recent annexation of Crimea, could prove quite prophetic for Ukraine. Vladimir Putin is not renowned for his sense of humour. The winning song’s opening lyrics were: “When strangers are coming, they come to your house, they kill you all and say ‘We’re not guilty.” Not quite Cliff Richard and Congratulations, is it? A bit more Lulu and Boom Bang a Bang I suppose – but only if you’re talking bombs and rockets. I won’t be booking a holiday flight that goes over Crimea any time soon. The farce is now heightened by Eurovision organisers convoluting the points

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system to make it less obvious how nations voted (I’ve read about this – I didn’t watch, honest, apart from one quick glimpse to see if The Press editor David Bentley really did have front row tickets in Stockholm. He did. The disciplinary hearing is on Monday). The 42 Eurovision national juries give their familiar 1-12 points, before phone votes are added. Post-result analysis however confirmed the old voting blocs. All the former Russian satellite states fall in line (Azerbaijan, Latvia, Armenia, Georgia etc). Greece usually gives Cyprus 12 points, the Balkan states support each other, the Scandinavians the same. eyond those age-old tribal alliances however, you learn more from who doesn’t get votes than who does. Because we get a nod from the Irish and the grand old citizens of Malta, we finished 24th out of 26, the same as last year. Bottom spot went to Germany who, slap my thigh, were plum last in 2015 also – nul points in two years. Why do you think thatwould be, given that all the songs are equally pants? Well, one theory might be that the impoverished states already in the EU resent the rich northern powerhouses, while Greece hates Germany with a vengeance. Meanwhile the countries who want to be in the EU blame Germany for keeping them out. Anyone who thinks the EU is fuelled by brotherly love as opposed to rabid self-interest shouldn’t be allowed a vote in the upcoming referendum. Still, I never thought I’d see the day when I’d say ‘welcome to the club, Germany!’

Keeping abreast of the law ANY years ago I was a guest at a Dewsbury Divisional CID Christmas party at the old Marmaville Country Club in Mirfield. They can let their off duty hair down with the best of us, coppers or not. I sat quietly alongside my female Detective Constable friend listening to all of the typically ribald workplace stories – highly entertaining, ACC Sutcliffe ... a bit of a boob although if a judge heard them he might end up opening half the cell doors in Armley. Towards the end of the night I explained that, actually, I was a journalist. That wiped a few smiles off a few faces. But what I wouldn’t have given to be in the bar at the Senior Women in Policing conference at Manchester’s Hilton Hotel last week. Asst Chief Constable Rebekah Sutcliffe, 46 (I think that’s reference to her age), loudly challenged Superintendent Sarah Jackson (a junior rank to ACC) over which of them had the best set of knockers; raunchiest rack, hottest hooters, loveliest love puppies. I could go on. Now, we are not told if ACC Sutcliffe actually unloaded her funbags onto the bar top in a brazen act of busty bravado, but with my best detective hat on I’d deduce that she’s single with no kids, otherwise at 46 they’d have flopped over the bar and into the beer slops. Their bosses at Greater Manchester Police, the rotten killjoys, have promptly suspended ACC Sutcliffe, a hearing I would desperately love to cover if only on the off-chance of witnessing the evidence first hand. It ended an already lousy week for the Greater Manchester force, after a training exercise at the Trafford Centre featured an officer masquerading as a terrorist who launched his fake attack by shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’. This, yawningly predictably, was roundly condemned by all the left-wing sweethearts with the police falling all over themselves to apologise at giving offence. Why, the good Lord alone knows. Anyway, could I helpfully suggest that ACC Sutcliffe lead the next terror training exercise and run into the Trafford Centre shouting ‘Get yer t*ts out for the lads!’ Far more appropriate for Manchester.

Remind me, who are the good guys? N OLD friend of mine is a probation officer. Twice in recent months he’s told me about warders and staff being attacked and held hostage by prisoners. I passed the most serious case onto a national newspaper pal. The prison service denied everything. In the new age of media relations, everyone from Kirklees Council to the Metropolitan Police operates a policy of brick wall denial. They make journalists fight for every ounce of information unless it is so benign as to be meaningless. They do, until it suits their backside-covering agendas. Even the politically bent Met struggles to match the malign South Yorkshire

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Force which, in the aftermath of Hillsborough and Rotherham, should have been put in special measures. It’s really something when you need a police force to investigate a police force. Yet in the immediate fallout of the Hillsborough inquest verdicts, what did South Yorks do? Announce it was pursuing an ancient case against Sir Cliff Richard, the one it had gained notoriety for after alerting the BBC to cover its raid on his home. I suspect that was them putting two fingers up at us. It came on the heels of the police and CPS spending £5m on three trials, trying to imprison a man who had actually informed on the crime he was accused of.

He gave police months notice of a drugs deal, yet an officer destroyed evidence and the police/CPS then exposed him in court as being a long-time informant. After all that time and public money a judge gave him an absolute discharge. He now lives in fear of his life. Meanwhile a collapsed rape case was brought against four young men after a detective got a crush on the victim and spent more time chatting her up than investigating her claims. Still, if the police fit you up, it seems there’s an unending supply of drugs in prison – if you don’t get radicalised by extremists first. Anyone got a desert island we can hightail it to?

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

Tyres stabbed and slashed in rampage By David Miller VANDALS destroyed the tyres of at least 25 cars in an area of Liversedge last week. Damage totalling thousands of pounds was caused to vehicles on Valley Road, Valley Court and Ings Crescent last Thursday night. A sharp object was used to puncture the side wall of as many as all four tyres on a vehicle. Some victims reported finding a pinprick hole, suggesting a dart, while others appeared to have been slashed with a knife. When victim Dawn Foster took her dog for a walk on Friday morning, she spotted flat tyres everywhere. Dawn, 46, checked her and

husband Richard’s cars and found that all the tyres on both vehicles were flat. She said: “I’m struggling to get my head around what’s happened. “Some holes look like they could have been made by a dart but others look to have been slashed with a Stanley knife.” Richard, 45, was able to walk to work without his 57plate blue VW Polo. But Dawn, who works in Bradford, had to take a day off to sort out the Polo and her 63reg grey Ford Fiesta. The cost of replacing all eight tyres was £600. They decided not make an insurance claim because of the excess and the chance that their premiums would go up. “It’s caused a lot of incon-

venience and has cost families a lot of money,” Dawn added. “In our case we’ve used some of our savings, which we wanted to use for the nicer things in life.” Police stepped up patrols around the area in response to the vandalism. Insp Mohammed Rauf, of the Batley and Spen NPT, also wants anyone who saw suspicious activity to come forward. He said: “We have a number of positive lines of enquiry and are working closely with local partners. “We have increased patrols to reassure residents that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.” Anyone with information can call PC Kirsty Stanley on 101, quoting log 209 of Friday May 13.

Head hits out over SATs system A HEADTEACHER attacked the Government for making exams for youngsters too hard. Andy Blakeley, of Hopton Primary in Mirfield, hit out at Key Stage Two SAT tests for 10- and 11-year-olds. He questioned the value of changes which had made the exams more complicated. In a letter to parents, Mr Blakeley said the Government had forgotten about children in the “relentless drive” for higher standards. He added the tests are now so hard many adults would struggle to answer the questions. A sample study of nine teachers, academics and MPs highlighted the problems.

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Mr Blakeley wrote: “Of the 18 reported tests, only two scored 100 per cent, with one as low as 60 per cent. “The Government expects our 10- and 11year-olds to do better. Is that reasonable, and will it raise standards?” Hopton Primary is consistently one of the best performing junior schools in Kirklees. Accusing the Government of botching its reforms, Mr Blakeley said: “I wonder if they have achieved the standard expected of them? “It is a shame that our educational system is in the hands of politicians of any persuasion.”

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Friday May 20, 2016

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What does our town council actually do for us? Dear Sir, The outgoing Mayor of Mirfield, Coun Vivien Lees-Hamilton, has handed her chains of office to her deputy, Coun Sean Guy. The handover was not conducted in the usual civic buildings because they were shut by Kirklees Council without so much as a whimper by the town council. How strange. What is even stranger is the charity that town mayors raise money for during their office. In Vivien Lees Hamilton’s case, no

More teachers, yes ... but good ones From: Mel Stradling, via email Dear Sir, By background and inclination, I am a Labour voter – for many years I have voted for Mike Wood, who I knew personally as a good local MP and representative for the less fortunate in our area. I have just read Jo Cox’s article in The Press in which she quite rightly states that “nothing politicians do matters more than ensuring that no child is left behind”. She goes on to say that the answer is (partly) “teachers, teachers, teachers”, and in case you missed the significance, this paraphrases Tony Blair’s “education, education, education” speech. Whilst lamenting the woeful state of achievement in GCSE passes in our region, Mrs Cox also says: “I never cease to be impressed when I visit local schools”. This is a politician’s way of speaking which I had hoped she would not have fallen into. You cannot have impressive schools and the worst performing educational regime in the country. She goes on to state that “30 years of neglect and lack of focus from Government” means local children have less chance of reaching their potential than those in London. Those 30 years cover the period in which the Labour government

Letter of the Week: G Robinson, Mirfield monies were raised. Monies were given out to local worthy causes, that is for sure, but that was our own money from our council tax payments being redistributed back to the town council for its grace-and-favour handouts. No charitable monies have yet been announced from Coun Lees-Hamilton’s term of office. As far as I can make out via social media,

under Tony Blair had overwhelming control of our education system and, not to put too fine a point on it, they blew it! The message is simple: those children who have a family background of expectation and are taught by teachers who are most able, will make the most of their opportunities. Parents have a massive responsibility and effect on their children’s performance in education, allied to teachers who have the skills to enlighten them. School governance is vital to the promotion of high standards. Without proper oversight of a teacher’s performance there will inevitably be a deterioration in standards. I have had the privilege of working with teachers, both excellent and poor. The excellent ones could teach even the most “difficult” of classes and the poor ones often required rescuing from the situations in which they found themselves. In conclusion, my comments on Ms Cox’s article are a reaction to her politician’s way of speaking. We do not have the worst performing educational structure in the country for no reason. Those, like me, who were able to progress from what would now be described as difficult backgrounds, will always look back at those wonderful teachers who inspired us to make the most of our lives. As in most aspects of life, it is the

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS H Patel, alterations to existing single-storey flat roofs to form pitched roofs (within a Conservation Area), 27 George Street, Batley. Kirklees Community Association, formation of skate park and associated works, Wilton Park, Bradford Road, Batley. Mr A Ul-Haq, prior approval for change of use from shop to three dwellings and associated operational development, First Floor, 21-23 Leeds Road, Liversedge. PD Truman, single-storey side and rear extension, 75 Mill Street, Birstall. P Mills, extension to existing raised patio, 5 River View, Mirfield. J Shirt, rebuilding of boundary wall and alterations to entrance, Fir Dene, Fusden Lane, Gomersal.

John Cotton Group, prior notification for demolition of existing building, Low Mill Lane, Ravensthorpe. G Rhodes, first floor side extension and porch to front, Corner Cottage, Tichbourne Street, Healey. D Burrows, single and twostorey side extensions, replacement boundary wall and external alterations, 202 Woodlands Road, Batley. Mr M Banaras, three-storey side extension and part single-storey rear extension, 6 Highfield Chase, Dewsbury. Mr A Mahmood, erection of a single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.9m, 2 Churwell

Avenue, Dewsbury. G Woodhead, work to TPO(s) 29/80, 19 Hightown View, Liversedge. W Garside, work to TPO(s) 01/10, 16A Bracken Hill, Mirfield. N Robinson, work to TPO(s) SP2/70, 8 Snelsins Lane, Cleckheaton. PAH Highway Consultants Ltd, discharge condition 11 (surface water) on previous permission 2015/91956 for erection of 36 apartments in two blocks, former Maccess office site, Spen Lane, Gomersal. Mr & Mrs Lee, erection of single storey rear extension. The extension projects 5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.65m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.7m, 26 Wood Avenue, Heckmondwike.

For North Kirklees plans and public and traffic notices go to www.thepressnews.co.uk/plans

no charitable cause has been announced by the new mayor, Sean Guy. Is there still a civic dinner? No, that has been taken over by the My Mirfield Awards, run by Richard Hartley and associates. Is there anything that the town council organises using funds from its own pockets? No, not to date. All the things that make Mirfield stand out are organised by other groups: the Mirfield

Show, the bonfire by the Round Table, the Beer Festival by the Round Table, the local parish pantomime, Brass in the Wood, the Remembrance march, canal boat trips – all cross-pollinated with our own cash in some instances – but no overall back-breaking input by the town or Kirklees Council. I don’t reckon much to a group that can’t keep a roof over its own head and I despise the fact it was taken off them in such a mean manner, without a fight. It’s completely nuts – or should I say lack of!

Dewsbury A&E proposals unworkable An open letter from Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dewsbury East) to: Dr David Kelly, chairman, North Kirklees CCG CC: Adrian Lythgo (Kirklees Council chief executive), Jules Preston (chairman, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust), Stephen Eames, Coun David Sheard, Coun Robert Light, Coun Kath Pinnock, Jo Cox MP, Paula Sherriff MP Dear David, As you may know, in two weeks’ time I shall no longer be the Mayor of Kirklees and as such, will not have the personal political constraints which I’ve had for the last two years. I have to say that I am confused and surprised that there has not been a greater uproar and campaign made of the effects on the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust as a result of proposals to shut Huddersfield Royal Infirmary’s Accident and Emergency

quality of the people involved which makes the difference. No amount of tinkering with structure, curriculum or political ideology will make things better without the inspiration which GOOD teachers give.

A review of EU ‘Remain’ camp From: R Spreadbury, Liversedge Dear Sir, Just to review the support for remaining in that mafia state, the EU: Lagarde: Leader of IMF, French, currently making Greece a failed state. The US government has by far the largest share of votes in the IMF and the World Bank and, along with its closest allies, effectively controls their operations. In 1998, the US held 18 per cent of the votes in the IMF and 15 per cent in the World Bank. Together, the United States, Germany, Japan, the UK and France control about 40 per cent of the shares in both institutions. With the rest of the shares spread among 175 other member governments, some holding a tiny number of votes, the United States is effectively in charge. Carney: Head of “independent” Bank of England, Canadian, has the enviable position of whatever he says becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. The Bank of England never saw the 2008 crash coming; always gets its predictions wrong. Obama: Leader of the “free” world, American, president for nearly seven years having actually

department. Having been on the scrutiny panel for over seven years – up to two years ago – and having chaired a scrutiny review on the reconfiguration of the Mid Yorkshire Trust, I can talk from experience when I say that the option to downgrade Dewsbury A&E did include some of the possible patients from North Kirklees going to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary A&E. With the possible loss of this facility, the calculations used render the proposals unworkable.

achieved nothing. Various foreign city institutions, banks and hedge funds: Either created the 2008 crash or didn’t see it coming. Goldman Sachs to pay $5bn for its role in the 2008 financial crisis (Guardian 11/4/16). However, the crash has had no effect on their remuneration (top 12 hedge fund managers pocketed £15bn between them last year), since they are adept at generating cash from thin air, ie spread betting, short selling (selling shares you don’t actually own and the fastest computer link profits) and other weird, made-up financial jiggerypokery. David Cameron: Etonian elitist. Seems to think thousands of British soldiers gave their lives for an integrated Europe and the right for Britain to be run by Brussels-based Eurocrats, not actually defending their country from a German invasion and Europe from becoming a greater Germany. Oops, it’s actually happened. Further, he seems to think leaving the EU will precipitate a third world war. With whom? Romania or Germany? We are lions run by donkeys, to misquote a WWI truism.

Keep up the good work at The Press From: A loyal Press advertiser (name supplied) Dear Sir, Can I first apologise for not signing my name to this letter. It probably won’t happen, but I would prefer not to get a brick

Therefore, I ask you to think again about the downgrading of Dewsbury Hospital’s A&E department and request that you attend a public meeting, which can be arranged at a mutually convenient time in Dewsbury Town Hall, to discuss with the people who may have to use the A&E facility. The people of North Kirklees are, and can be, as vocal as the people in Huddersfield and need to know what the options are if the facility at Huddersfield closes. I look forward to your response.

through my house window, or lose the custom I get from a lot of Asian customers. I might not be quite as courageous as Mr Lockwood and his staff, but I do want to put on record my appreciation for the service they give the people of this district. I am one of the businessmen who received a letter this week, unsigned, which I took as threatening me with the Asian community refusing to use my services, if I kept advertising in the paper. I have advertised in The Press for several years and it has been an excellent service, very affordable and has definitely helped me grow my small business. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, the paper is an excellent read, and it tells us things going on in this district which we would never otherwise find out. I don’t agree with Mr Lockwood’s views in his Ed Lines column more often than not, but I still enjoy reading them. And I do wonder sometimes at his willingness to challenge both authority and the activities of certain parts of the local community. In that I say more power to his elbow. I wasn’t planning to advertise this week but having received this letter, I have phoned up and booked. The Press management will know better than me if these threats are illegal or not, but I would call on people in the same position as me to ignore them and do what Britain used to do best – business as usual. Keep up the good work.

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

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ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

Ofsted inspector disciplined

News In Brief Man on station ledge DEWSBURY: Police talked a man down from a window ledge at their headquarters. Officers spent about half an hour coaxing the 27-year-old down from his precarious perch at Dewsbury Police Station last Friday evening. The man was later arrested for causing a public nuisance. Aldams Road and the Asda footbridge opposite the police station were closed to the public until about 9pm.

Alzheimer’s event DEWSBURY: Residents can learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease at an information event today (Friday). The Calderdale and Kirklees branch of the Alzheimer’s Society will be at the Wallace Hartley Bandstand from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Those attending can also write messages of support for sufferers on memory trees.

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RETURN MY JEDI... Mystery it is as thieves spend two days carrying off a hidden hoard of Star Wars collectables. But now the (police) Force is on it By David Miller BURGLARS stole Star Wars toys worth £50,000 from a Dewsbury collector in a plot that could have come from the blockbuster movies themselves. Many of the rare items were secretly stored in a cubby-hole behind a wall in the loft at the Moor Gardens home of superfan Christopher Lupton. Devastated Mr Lupton, 46, has been left wondering how the culprits knew where to look. He said: “Not only has the collection been stolen, but I am now finding myself looking into my friends and even members of my own family. “The people who did this knew about my collection and had some idea about where it was kept.”

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Thieves broke into Mr Lupton’s home between April 10 and 19 while he was on holiday in Dorset with his bride-to-be, Laura Barber. Police believe the thieves could have been in the property for two days, given the time it would have taken to break through the loft wall. Among the items stolen were Star Wars village sets, vehicles, spaceships and more than 300 figurines, including Jedi knights. Of particular value is a Darth Vader figurine and an extremely rare FX Yoda light saber. Also stolen was an AT-AT walker, which Mr Lupton’s mother spent 31 weeks saving up to buy decades ago. The majority are vintage toys from the 1970s and 80s, most in their original boxes or in near mint condition. Some items are autographed and have written dedications to Mr Lupton and his twin brother, who started the collection with him following the first film’s launch in 1977. Mr Lupton is now contacting Star Wars specialists and auctioneers across the country in the hope of finding the stolen goods.

He said: “I can only hope that an auctioneer or a buyer comes forward to say someone has been trying to sell a large amount of Star Wars collectables. “I have been searching through websites and contacting various people all over but found nothing yet. “There are only a few specialists in the UK and it would be very difficult to sell the whole collection.” ■ Anyone with information about the burglary can call PC Simon Reddington at Kirklees CID on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

AN INSPECTOR was disciplined for not speaking to children at a Muslim school in Batley due to Eid. Ofsted admitted the worker had made a mistake during an unannounced visit to the private Zakaria Muslim Girls’ High last October. They were brought in to check the 147-pupil school on Carlinghow Hill was meeting new safeguarding rules. In particular there were concerns about policies towards radicalisation and female genital mutilation. The investigation was carried out at the request of the Department for Education. An inspector said he could speak only to senior managers at the independent school, including the headteacher. His report said: “It was not possible to talk to students during this visit as they and the staff were celebrating the festival of Eid.” The school was established in 1982 and costs up to £1,300 a year for day pupils. It was initially found to have met Government requirements for safeguarding children - but could now be subject to further monitoring. A spokeswoman for Ofsted said the school was inspected again in December last year. She added: “We can confirm an inspector failed to speak with students during an inspection of Zakaria Muslim Girls’ High School in October 2015. “This was a mistake and we have taken appropriate action regarding the inspector. “We carried out another inspection of the school in December 2015 and we are in discussion with the Department for Education about further monitoring of this school.” The school is run by those from the Deobandi sect, who are said to teach a conservative version of Islam. A Department for Education spokesman said: “As soon as concerns were raised we launched urgent investigations and while these are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further. “Extremism has no place in our society and it is vital all schools are providing a high quality, broad and balanced curriculum.”

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A SHOP worker stole £7,000 from her employer – to bribe her ex-husband to stay away from her. Slovenian Sanela Miskic, 38, took cash on two dates from a safe at Mirfield convenience store One Stop Shop. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard she took £2,000 on March 21 and £5,000 on April 8. The first incident happened just two weeks after she started working at the Greenside Road premises. Magistrates heard Miskic came to the UK to escape an

abusive relationship in Slovenia. Laura McBride, prosecuting, said a check of CCTV footage showed Miskic was responsible for the thefts. She added: “On March 21 she hid it on her person before going home and then sending two cash packages to her exhusband in Slovenia.” For the second theft, Miskic, of Pinfold Close, hid the money in a bin before retrieving it. Miskic, who admitted two charges of theft by employee, sent all but £100 of the cash to her ex-husband.

Mike Sisson-Pell, mitigating, said: “She didn’t steal the money for herself, she stole the money to keep her husband away from her. “It was done on impulse and she was bound to be detected because of the CCTV cameras.” He added her ex-husband pursued her through email and Facebook and had also threatened violence against her family in Slovenia. Miskic was given a community order with 10 days of rehabilitation and 180 hours of unpaid work.

Friday May 20, 2016

ThePress

News In Brief Residents vow to restore pond deck

Friday May 20, 2016

Anyone for angling? Enthusiasts turn ‘hole in the ground’ into fishing lake and wildlife haven

A POND platform in Gomersal has been removed three weeks after arsonists set fire to it. The decking in the Burnley’s Mill Estate was torched at around 5am on Bank Holiday Monday. By Wednesday of this week the pond platform had been removed, with residents vowing restoration. It is used to view wildlife, including ducks. CCTV cameras could be now be installed. Last weekend there were reports of two more fires on Shirley Road and Barrington Place.

Robbery charge BATLEY: A man is accused of robbing a teenager on his own doorstep after he befriended him. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that Shaun Morris, 46, is alleged to have gone to the home of the 17-year-old boy and asked for money. When he refused, Morris, of Chinewood Avenue, pinned him in a corner and took his wallet from his shorts. Morris was remanded into custody until a hearing at Leeds Crown Court on Monday, June 13.

AN AMBITIOUS leisure project in Heckmondwike, that looked like becoming an expensive hole in the ground for Kirklees Council, has been salvaged by a group of angling enthusiasts. Under the auspices of the illfated Able Project, which set out to create a fishing and leisure facility and collapsed in questionable circumstances, as much as £1.2m was frittered away on reclaimed land between the Spen Valley Greenway and Ponderosa Therapeutic Centre. But now two angling enthusiasts have taken on a 10-year lease and next week will launch a new angling club dedicated to young people across the district. Keith Ward and Trevor Facer, with the assistance of fellow anglers and volunteers, have turned the barren site – which is reached via Spen Vale Street, off Station Road – into a wildlife haven and fishing lake. Next Sunday (May 29, 9am), Keith, Trevor and their friends, who include angling coaches Faye and Brian Kellett, are holding an open day for their new Dewsbury & District Junior Angling Club to attract young enthusiasts. Said businessman and former Huddersfield University lecturer Keith, from Bywell Road in Dewsbury: “Most angling clubs are aimed at adults, with young people only allowed to fish if accompanied. “This is the complete antithesis

Keith Ward, right, and volunteer John Fisher at the new angling lake near Heckmondwike of that. Adults are welcome, but only if they accompany a junior angler.” The group is busy putting the finishing touches to a clubhouse/classroom and will provide all the equipment necessary for youngsters interested in trying the sport. Young members will be trained towards achieving the Kingfisher Awards. The men have created 18 fishing bays, or ‘pegs’, including ones suitable for either disabled enthusiasts or family groups. The lake is well-stocked with tench, roach, bream and crucian carp.

After repeated incidents of vandalism, the group also spent £10,000 on security fencing, just the latest of its many investments. Added Keith: “We’ve put in a huge number of aquatic plants and planted hundreds of trees. We have Canada geese on the lake, a sparrowhawk nesting nearby, and see lots of rabbits and foxes, and even a deer recently. “We’ve installed a composting toilet, have plans to turn some of the land into vegetable patches and ideally would like to install a wind turbine too.” Already an island has been cre-

ated on part of the lake, with plans for a floating platform. Keith appealed for more volunteers to come forward. “It’s really rewarding, seeing these things come to life,” he said, “but we can always use more help. If any people have skills – for instance in putting in bids for grant aid and funding – that would be appreciated.” The site can be accessed on foot or cycle from the Greenway, or by a gated entrance on the left at the end of Spen Vale Street. Keith Ward can be contacted on 07918 665981.

Texas honour for DJ Graham AWARD-winning DJ Graham Lees has been honoured again – by the Governor of Texas. Graham, 68, of Thornhill, travelled to the Lone Star state earlier this month to collect a country music gong. While there he also received a surprise commendation from state governor Greg Abbott. It was in recognition of the efforts which saw him crowned DJ of the year by the Cowtown Society of Western Music. Graham, of Overthorpe Avenue, is the first DJ from outside North America to win such an award. His commendation is signed by Republican Mr Abbott with the seal of the state of Texas. Graham said: “To receive a certificate from Governor Abbott was unbelievable. It was the icing on the cake. “In 15 years of doing country and western shows, I would never in my dreams

Graham shows off his certificate from the Governor of Texas have expected this to happen to me.” Graham is a presenter on HWD Hospital Radio at Dewsbury District Hospital and also broadcasts online. When not DJ-ing he is secretary of the Overthorpe

Tenants’ and Residents’ Association. Graham travelled for the awards to Mineral Wells, a city about 140 miles east of Dallas. On the night of May 6 there were jam sessions featuring country musicans who had travelled from all over. The following day Graham and 25 others received their awards, including seven-piece outfit Shoot Low Sheriff as band of the year. All were presented with a medal and lifetime membership of the Cowtown Society. Western Swing, one of the two genres that make up country music, is the official music of the state of Texas. Graham said: “I had a great time and met many of the performers whose music I’ve played on my shows. “It’s been a great honour and privilege for me to win an international award as DJ of the year.”

Three arrested after car chase A MOTORIST was allegedly attacked after being pursued by a gang through Batley and Dewsbury. The victim’s black Honda Civic was followed from the Shell petrol station on Bradford Road in Batley by two cars at around 12.30am last Thursday. Two more vehicles joined in a 20-minute chase that travelled from Batley into Dewsbury several times.

Police believe the Civic was pursued up and down Bradford Road, around Batley Carr and then back into Dewsbury. It pulled into the Cliffe Street car park at around 1.0am, where the 21-year-old driver was assaulted. Though not badly hurt, his car and several other vehicles were damaged in the incident. Three men from Batley, two aged 20 and a 22-year-old,

were arrested. Police enquiries are continuing. Det Sgt Ady Belle, of Kirklees CID, said the cars involved have been recovered for examination. He appealed for witnesses and added: “We are continuing to liaise with community leaders.” Anyone with information can call Kirklees CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

Out & About

BANK H LIDAY FUN

Give me a name! A BABY donkey was born at a farm in Birkenshaw last Thursday – and Press readers can name her. The beautiful white female (pictured) is a welcome addition to the range of animals at Blue Hills Farm in Birkenshaw. Visitors can see her in a paddock near the front entrance to

What’s odd at Oakwell? the farm shop off Whitehall Road. And there is a £20 voucher for the farm shop or play barn on offer to the winner of a naming contest. Suggestions can be put in a box at the farm shop entrance

along with the entrant’s name and contact details, including phone number. The deadline is 5pm on Friday May 27. The winning entry will be drawn at random from the box that evening.

AMATEUR sleuths are in for treat when they visit Oakwell Hall this halfterm. Things are not as they should be at the popular hall in Birstall. Objects not normally found in a 17th century home have found their way into the rooms of the historic house. Young visitors to the museum are being challenged to find them with a fun ‘Odd One Out’ trail. The trail runs from Saturday May 28 to Sunday June 5, between 12noon and 5pm. The trail is free but normal hall admission charges apply – they are £1 child, £2.50 adult, £6 family (two adults and up to four children).For more information contact Oakwell Hall on 01924 324761.

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ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

Brontës celebrated on World Goth Day

FOXY LADIES

AS PART of the Brontë 200 celebrations, marking the bicentenary of the birth of Charlotte Brontë, local art historian and writer Simon Poë will give a lecture at Gomersal’s Red House Museum on Sunday entitled ‘Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know: Yorkshire, the Brontë Family and the British Romantic Movement’. Simon will talk about the Romantic Movement and its role in shaping the imaginative world of Charlotte Brontë and her sisters. He will also trace the roots of their writings in the rugged landscape of Pennine Yorkshire and in Gothic culture. By coincidence May 22 is World Goth Day so people coming to the lecture are welcome to wear black. Simon will also explore the Brontës’ afterlife in popular culture, in television and cinema; right up to the present day. The hour-long lecture starts at 2pm and costs £3.50 per person. There is no need to book, just turn up on the day. For more information contact Red House on 01274 335056.

ST MARY’S Theatre Group are putting the finishing touches to their new musical play ‘FoX-factor’, which starts tonight (Fri). The show, set in 1970s Batley, follows the journey of a local band, the Brandy Snaps, as they set out to find their lead singer. When a public audition is announced, to be held at the worldfamous Batley Variety Club it attracts the attention of the town. The story follows a group of workers from Fox’s Biscuits as they decide to go along and take part in the audition. Will the Brandy Snaps be successful in finding the star they are looking for in Batley? Or will the talent in the town be just too crummy? Featuring a live band, FoX-factor includes songs from many of the stars who performed at the club. And what’s more, veteran songwriter Sammy King has promised to attend. Local man Sammy, who wrote Penny Aracde and other pop songs for 1960s stars, will have his work performed in the show and has taken a ticket to come along. The new show has been written by long-time theatre group member and mother-of-three Michelle Anderson, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Variety Club, which made Batley the ‘Las Vegas of the North’ at the time. The 12-strong cast will also benefit from memorabilia supplied by Fox’s Biscuits, together with authentic overalls and hairnets from the famous factory. Michelle, 34, said: “It has been hard

Camera course A NEW series of Oakwell Hall Country Park’s popular one-day photography courses will run over the summer. There are three dates, each aimed at a different level of experience. All are being run by Patrick Crowley, a professionally trained photographer and Oakwell Hall Country Park Ranger. On Saturday June 25 there is a course for complete beginners which will give an introduction to digital photography. The course on Saturday July 9 is

aimed at beginners with SLR cameras and will help them learn more about how to make use of the different settings on their cameras. The third course, on Saturday July 23, is advanced SLR photography and will show participants different techniques and effects to get the best pictures. All the courses run from 9.45am to 4.30pm and cost £20 per person per course. Places must be reserved in advance and, due to the popularity of these courses, early booking is advised. For details call 01924 324761.

Historical treats in Spen work writing the show and getting it to fruition, but we have had great fun at rehearsals. “The idea came about last year and I started writing it last September. “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the foundation stone of Batley Variety Club being laid and we wanted to mark that occasion.” Michelle, who also wrote a wartime

musical production called Blitz and Pieces, added: “We’re looking at Batley in the past and want to really bring it to life for young people.” Performances at St Mary’s Hall start at 7.30pm on Friday May 20 and Saturday May 21. Tickets priced £5 are available from St Mary’s Hall, Batley Resource Centre or by calling 01924 478394.

SPEN VALLEY Historical Society’s next two upcoming meetings will be: Wednesday June 8, ‘The Pilgrimage of Grace’ by Julia Hickey; Wednesday July 3, ‘Dawson City – the building of the Walshaw Dean Reservoirs’ by Ann Kilbey. Meetings are held in the Catholic Church Parish Hall on Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7.15pm. The cost is £2 per meeting for members, £4 for guests and membership is £10 per year. For more information, contact society secretary Sue Cooper via email on scooper@ thecooperson line.org.uk.

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ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

Vintage vibe in Dewsbury Dramatic disasters to be chronicled at History Group

Lula and the BeBops DEWSBURY will be the place to be tomorrow (Sat) for anyone who loves the vintage vibe or who fancies travelling back in time to the 1950s. From 10am the town will come alive with music, dance and cars from the 50s period, as the crowds put on their best threads and lose the squares. There will be period vehicles on display courtesy of the Yorkshire Thoroughbred Car club, plus alternative and vintage market stalls. You can grab a girl and give her a twirl when dance group Backstep Boogie Club take to the stage, with Lula and the BeBops and Songsational also performing throughout the day.

Younger cats and kittens will be able to have their faces painted, and there is a competition for the best-dressed boy and girl. Street theatre act ‘The Gossips’ will make sure we all know what’s happening, whether it’s relevant or not. Food will be available from an American school bus diner serving traditional US food and many of the local cafes and shops will be open. There is also an hour-long heritage walking tour of the town centre at 11am and 2pm, starting from Dewsbury Town Hall and ending at Dewsbury Minster. The rest of the action takes place in Market Place and nearby

Longcauseway will be closed to all traffic from 7am to 7pm. Funding has come from a £5,000 grant from Kirklees Council. Mayor of Kirklees Coun Paul Kane, who was instrumental in bringing the event to the town centre, will be on stage at 11.30am. Coun Kane (Lab, Dewsbury West) said: “I wanted to finish my mayoral year with a bang by putting something back into Dewsbury. “We’ve had the funding for 18 months but we wanted to do something a bit spectacular. “It should be a great event and I’ve taken the opportunity to spend some money in Dewsbury to help promote the town.”

A SERIES of dramatic Yorkshire what happens in such situations but the tremendous effect they disasters will be examined in can have both on people detail by the speaker at next involved in such situations and Monday’s meeting of Batley others who learn of them. History Group. Over the years she has Former teacher Vivien brought out seven books on variTeasdale will be revealing some ous aspects of county life but of the stunning facts and figures still finds time to pursue and which she has discovered over enjoy other activities such as the past few years while investicaravanning, fundraising for the gating the background to some of the county’s biggest disasters. RSPCA, tracing textile ancestors and checking the effects that Vivien, who was born in Hull wars can have on communities. but grew up in Castleford and Vivien says she is looking forWakefield, has spent a great deal ward to coming to Batley and of her life teaching in secondary meeting History Group members schools, especially in the in the Town Hall and will be happy Huddersfield and Elland areas. In 2007, following lots of inves- to give comments and answer questions after her talk. tigative work, she brought out a Admission to the meeting, which book detailing some of the 19th starts at 7.30pm, is £2 for History century Yorkshire disasters. Group members and £4 for visitors The attention and congratulathough there are free refreshments tions it aroused encouraged her from 7pm to 7.30pm. to devote even more time to the subject, especially after her retirement in 2010. • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the She was captivatRamblers – non-members are ed by the fact that always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details disasters can occur MONDAY JUNE 6 SATURDAY JUNE 4 in numerous situaOFF TO CLECKHEATON EMLEY CIRCULAR tions – on railways, Starts at 11am at Commonside, Starts at 10am at Church Street car in mines, mills and Roberttown (WF15 8BE) park, Emley (HD8 9RW, SE244131) even out at sea on Contact: Noel 7 miles – moderate (finishes 3pm lifeboats. Tel: 07780 328 561 approximately) 7 miles – moderate (finishes 5pm Contact: Dave Sharp But she is captiapproximately) Tel: 07981 720099 vated not only by

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ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

HOWARD’S WAY...

The feelgood factor’s back for one of district’s best-known names By David Bentley Editor david@thepressnews.co.uk

HECKMONDWIKE’S Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre is opening a major new attraction tomorrow (Sat). The Smithies Lane site now boasts an impressively-equipped adventure playground for kids – situated where a lake once stood in the middle of the park. Owner Howard Cook has embarked on a £300,000 programme of refurbishments and upgrades to help breathe fresh life into the visitor attraction. What’s more, the disabled and special needs service users that contribute so much to the Ponderosa experience also have a luxurious new home. Their day centre, down at the Ponderosa Park business units, brings all of their facilities under one roof and opened last month. Launched in the mid-1980s, the small Ponderosa farm was originally established to help bridge the gap between disabled and able bodied people. Now, to compliment the visitor attraction, more than 70 people with all kinds of abilities and disabilities attend to work on projects to benefit themselves and the community. Open five days a week, the new day centre is open to the public, who are welcome to pop in for a cup of coffee and a chat. Founder Howard Cook MBE said: “A great example of what we’re doing is that the service users have set up their own ‘loom bands’ business, to sell wristbands at craft fairs and at Ponderosa itself. They money they make is spent on whatever they want, and gives them

Taken during construction, Howard Cook MBE overlooks work on the adventure play area at Ponderosa new skills and confidence. “With the new centre, it’s all change and it’s really exciting. We’ve made the changes gradually and we’ve done it together. People are blown away when they come in here.”

Howard was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago – an experience which totally changed his outlook on life. Now recovering, the 72-year-old workaholic said: “It made me a different person. It was a

learning experience and it’s made me fight for what’s important to me. “I had to decide what I really wanted, so we kicked on, got going and started making changes, both to my life and to Ponderosa.” As well as upgrading the visitor attractions and the new day centre, Howard and his team are busy working on the 20-acre former Yorkshire Water site adjacent to the original park. The site is being decommissioned and is due to be fully landscaped, with habitats for birds and other wildlife as well as a ‘dome’ feature that Howard wants to become a major feature of the local area. The ‘Dewsbury Dome’ could be ready in 18 months, but Howard is not resting on his laurels. At Ponderosa itself there are newly-refurbished party rooms to compliment the adventure playground, plus new fencing at the entrance and new animals and habitats which are proving very popular. “We thought Ponderosa was getting a bit tired, so we’ve taken on board all the comments and advice that we received and decided to make some changes,” Howard continued. “After moving all the fish and other creatures we filled in the central lake, which we felt was acting as a barrier between the Lakeside Restaurant and the animal park. “Now, there’s a great ‘countryside’ feel with the new playgound, which is built to the highest safety standards. “This is another movement forward. The feelgood factor’s back, and it really feels for visitors like they’re coming into a farm again. “There’s a real buzz about the place and people are talking about Ponderosa.”

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ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

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Set in 20 acres of countryside with superb gardens & lake Why not sample Ponderosa’s many attractions including: Plenty to see with Birds of Prey, The Reptile Room, Bunny Barn, Aquatica, Aviaries & lots of other Farm & Exotic animals, even Reindeer!

With newly refurbished Party Rooms Ponderosa is the ideal location for your little one’s Birthday Party with all their friends!

For the younger children visit the Bonanza Play Barn for soft indoor play fun for children up to 8 years old.

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside! Beach area and outdoor play area, Pony rides, Ice Cream Parlour, Gift Shop and much, much more!

Planning a Wedding or Function? Want beautiful scenery and an inviting atmosphere? Then contact The Lakeside Restaurant for more information.

Spring Bank Holiday 2016 Please come and join us for an actionpacked week of fun!! Our activities for the week are planned as following: Monday 30th May • Circus Workshop – come and practise some juggling, stilt walking and other circus skills!! Tuesday 31st May • Falconry Display with Ridgeside Falconry here from 11am onwards flying at 1pm and 3pm Wednesday 1st June • Beach Day - Come and build a sand castle at our beach and paddle in our pools etc Thursday 2nd June • *NEW* The Archery Experience come and have a go for a small fee between 12 - 3pm Friday 3rd June • TBC Weekends open as normal and opening times are 10am - 5pm daily

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

Thumbs up for Heckyfest HECKMONDWIKE will host its 14th free music festival in the town centre in mid-July. Thanks to the continued financial support of Batley and Spen District Committee the ‘Heckyfest’ event will take place on July 16-17. Green Park has played host to the musical gathering since it was started in 2007 by current organiser Donal O’Driscoll. It has now become a popular family-friendly two-day festival of non-stop music provided by a total

of 26 of the best local bands and acoustic artists. Donal said: “Obviously I’m delighted that my home town gets the opportunity to show itself off yet again. “Each year we manage a different line-up of excellent artists covering a wide genre of music. “I’m also delighted to confirm that the superb Ska House from Mirfield will be finishing the first day. “They will create an amazing

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party atmosphere. And we’ll be opening the Sunday with a 25-piece swing band.” As usual there will be plenty activities laid on for children and over the coming weeks the full line-up will be confirmed. Most of those chosen have already played for the Crown of Lights organisation at their free events at the Comrades Club in the town on the first and third Friday of each month. Their Band Night takes place

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tonight (Fri) and includes renowned Dewsbury band Eric The Viaduct. This year, for the first time, a 16page colour programme is planned giving full details about the festival over the two days. Businesses can buy advertising space or as little as £60. Contact Donal on 07957 765573 for details. To keep up to date with developments about the festival and to make online donations visit www.heckyfest.org.uk.

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VISITORS from far and wide are expected to attend Mirfield’s annual model railway exhibition tomorrow (Sat). The event has previously attracted enthusiasts from as far as Spain and Germany. It takes place at St Mary’s Parish Church Centre from 10am to 4pm and is aid of the Team Parish Music Guild. The choir, who perform at services, weddings, funerals and carol singing, are self-funded. Cash raised from the exhibition, which is the choir's only fundraiser, pays for music, robes and other equipment. This year there are 17 railway layouts, including Austrian, Swiss and Benelux gauges. Traders attending include Winco of Southampton, Mount Tabor Models from Derbyshire and Millbridge Models from Huddersfield. Admission is £3.50 for adults and £2 for children. Guidebooks will be available at the door for £1. There also will be a free organ recital at the church next door from 3pm to 3.45pm. The event, the seventh at the current venue, is held in memory of co-founder Peter Dransfield MBE. He launched the first Mirfield Model Railway Exhibition 27 years ago. He died suddenly in March last year aged 75. Widow Jennie, a retired teacher, vowed to carry on in his memory.

Round table member James Graham

Beer festival growing fast MIRFIELD and District Round Table are now well under way with the planning for their fourth annual beer festival in July (8-10), which promises to be even bigger and better than ever. This year’s festival will host a music stage over the weekend – more than 15 talented bands and solo artists will perform – as well as a dedicated Pimms and prosecco bar. Entry is £5 and includes a free festival glass. However this has not been without its problems, as the growing popularity of the event has forced organisers to move venue to the bigger St Paul’s Church in Mirfield. Event organiser Paul Blakeley said: “A bigger venue has given the event chance to expand and offer even more beers, ciders and live entertainment than ever before. “A lot of quality local talent have chosen to support this event, and so is set to be a great weekend.” The Mirfield and District Round Table put on events throughout the year to raise money for local charities and good causes, and have recently donated money towards a new defibrillator in Mirfield, a new kit for the Battyeford Belles football team and, due to recent council cuts, the Round Table stepped forward and have funded the regeneration of the Remembrance garden outside Mirfield Library. Follow updates via the website (www.mirfieldbeerfestival.co.uk) or via Facebook, where you can get touch if you are a business that wishes to sponsor the event.

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network

Is Emmerdale the next prescription for Brookside star Michael Starke? MICHAEL STARKE is best known for playing Sinbad in Brookside and Ken Hopkirk in The Royal, which is repeated daily on ITV3, but he tells me he would love another go at a soap. “I was lucky enough to be in Coronation Street as Jerry Morton for a while, but it ended way too soon,” he said. “I quite like the look of Emmerdale now and they don’t have a Scouse in that do they, so who knows it could be time.” ONE of British comedy’s bestloved characters is heading to the Yorkshire coast for two special shows this autumn. John Challis, best known as Boycie from Only Fools and Horses, will bring his new show, Only Fools and Boycie, to Whitby Pavilion on Monday, October 10 and Scarborough Spa on Friday, October 28. Audiences are being invited to join John for an intimate evening, as he reveals secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes. DRIVE has been dropped after one series on ITV. The Vernon Kaye-fronted show, which featured minor D-list celebrities driving around in stock car challenges, has been driven off the screen due to low ratings. OLLY MURS appears not to be too bitter about being ‘let go’ as host of X Factor this year but is hopeful he will be invited onto the show to perform his new tracks from his forthcoming album. He revealed: “I don’t mind at all; the show is great for me, it helped discover me and gave me this career.” FANS of Coronation Street will have noticed how much screen time is given to the younger characters in the show recently, while the old stalwarts are hardly used. I can tell you this is because it’s cheaper for the show, as the budgets have to be trimmed back, and young inexperienced actors cost far less than those who, like Ken and Rita, have been on the show for years. WE all know Caroline Flack can dance ... she did so well with victory in the Strictly Come Dancing 2014 final and she had high hopes of joining a musical from that. But it appears that the bosses of the musical Chicago passed over the idea of her in the show, so now she has posted a video clip of herself singing online in the hope that someone will book her for a role in a top-line musical. FORMER Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas has been

Amazing performances from young dancers BILLY ELLIOT Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Ends Saturday 11 June Box Office Tel 01274 432000 Review by Adele Latham SET IN the mining community of Easington, County Durham, during the Thatcher years and the 1984/5 miners’ strike, this heartwarming, inspirational story charts one young boy’s struggle against all the odds and

the harsh realities of life. Billy finds himself swapping boxing lessons for ballet lessons, much to the disgust of his father and brother. Sheer grit and determination, of both Billy and his ballet teacher, pave the way for an audition at the world-renowned Royal Ballet. Billy and his young best friend Michael treat the audience to a brilliant display of noholds-barred exhilarating, foot tapping dance routines, including some jaw-dropping tap dancing and amazing ballet performances. A fantastic storyline, brilliantly presented by the whole cast.

Must-see Egyptian lecture Ann Montini and Michael Starke

Maycon Pictures

removed from Bear Grylls’ Mission Survive show, due to lifestyle concerns. He had agreed a deal to compete in the ITV reality show but there has been a change of heart by producers, as they have concerns as to whether Ryan is in the ‘right state of mind’ to cope with the gruelling tasks.

tells me: “I love the travel stuff because it’s like a holiday; you get paid and also you learn a lot.”

EMMERDALE actor Freddie Jones, who plays Sandy in the soap, told me he has no plans to retire. “Don’t be silly!” he says. “Actors don’t retire, we die. I remember working with this actress in the desert once. She was 95 and loving it. I intend to do the same; it’s what we do.” ONE of the stars of Downton Abbey tells me she would love to appear in a film version of the show but the cast is still waiting to see the script. Lesley Nicol, who played the cook, Mrs Patmore, in the ITV drama, said there was a lot of interest in a big screen adaptation, but creator Julian Fellowes had not revealed his plans for the story. EX-EMMERDALE actress Lisa Riley showed off her trim figure to the media recently and fans could not believe how good she looks. She told me: “I did it the right way – a lot less portions, plus I don’t really drink now. I will hopefully be offered some great parts as the new me, so fingers crossed.” DOLLY PARTON wants a Broadway show about her life. She reveals: “I know they made a show about the film I was in called Nine to Five, but I think I have a good enough story with songs to make a Broadway musical about my life. “I just hope someone else can see the light of the idea too.” ROBSON GREEN, currently acting alongside James Norton in Grantchester as well as presenting two travelogues – Tales from Northumberland and Australian Adventure –

“EASTENDERS saved me,” Danny Dyer tells me. “I couldn’t get any work before the Mick Carter role. I was known for all the bad boy roles, which is fine and good, but in the end this came about just at the right time and I am so grateful for it ... it’s a good role.” EX-CORONATION STREET actress Georgia May Foote has landed a role in theatre after her success in Strictly Come Dancing, playing Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She is sharing the role with Pixie Lott and Emily Atack and told me: “I am so excited, that for my first theatre role I will be playing such an iconic character. I am really nervous, but loving the challenge.” FORMER Minder actor Gary Webster is to appear in EastEnders as Belinda Peacock’s mysterious husband. He has appeared in EastEnders before, but as a different character. In 1987 he played the brother of Barry Clark. CORONATION Street’s Alison King (Carla Connor) tells me she is hoping to do something with comedy in her next role. “I have loved playing Carla,” she says, “but I think I would like to see myself doing something less serious, and showing my fun side, the side people never get to see from me.” CORONATION STREET’S Beverley Callard has returned to work after battling depression and insiders tell me she is “feeling a lot better and heart-warmed by the kind response she has received”. EMMA WILLIS, who appears to front everything on TV right now, has a show called “What Would Be Your Miracle” on ITV, but a second series looks dubious due to low ratings.

BAGSHAW Museum in Batley is hosting a lecture on its Egyptian collection on Tuesday May 31, starting at 7pm. The lecture is being given by Dr Margaret Serpico, a consultant Egyptologist who curated the capital’s ‘Beyond Beauty’ exhibition which brought national acclaim to objects gathered from collections around the United Kingdom. TO MARK Love Your Local Market fortnight Kirklees Council are offering young people aged 13 to 29 the use of some of their award-winning market stalls. Dewsbury Market is offering free stalls tomorrow (Sat),

Around 40 objects in the exhibition came from Bagshaw Museum. Dr Serpico made several trips to Bagshaw Museum during the process to select objects for ‘Beyond Beauty’ and so impressed was she by the museum and its collection that she offered to give a one-off lecture for free. She will explain how Amelia Oldroyd, a local mill owner’s daughter from

Dewsbury was instrumental in bringing artefacts to Kirklees from early archaeological excavations in Egypt. She will also highlight some of the most important objects in the collection. There is free admission to the lecture but, due to limited numbers, places must be booked in advance. Places can be booked by contacting Bagshaw Museum on 01924 324765.

Market stalls chance Wednesday May 25 and Saturday May 28. At Queensgate Market in Huddersfield, Kirklees are offering two free pop-up shops for the Love Your Local

Market fortnight to businesses looking to have a taster of life in a six-day-a-week indoor market. Anyone is interested is encouraged to email markets@

kirklees.gov.uk with the subject LYLM2016. The opportunities are part of the Alternative Market project managed, which has supported over 200 young people since it started in 2014.

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

ThePress

News in Brief Legends fundraiser BATLEY: Singer Samual Hoyle is to star at a fundraiser for disabled children on Sunday. He will be among the artists featured at Legends from 5pm in aid of the Yorkshire Down’s Syndrome Group. Prizes, auctions, raffles and refreshements are among the other attractions. Entry is £3 on the door. The Yorkshire Down’s Syndrome Group offers support to families affected by the condition. Meetings are held at the Healey Community Centre on West Park Road. For more details see www.ydsg.co.uk.

Free fun day MIRFIELD: It is back to the 1970s for a free fun day at Battyeford playing fields on Saturday, May 28. A space-hopper race is one of the attractions, along with a super hero fun run and penalty shoot-out at the event from 1pm to 5pm. There will also be face painting, glitter tattoos, a fancy dress contest, various stalls and a raffle.

Pub assault BIRSTALL: A man suffered serious facial injuries in an assault at the Old Wine and Spirit Vaults pub. The incident happened at the Huddersfield Road venue between 11.30pm on May7 and 12:30am on May 8. Two men launched what police described as a “violent assault” on the 38-year-old victim. Anyone with information can call Det Con Oliver Coates at Kirklees CID on 101, quoting reference 13160206569.

Friday May 20, 2016

Club’s memorial bench tribute to Batley cricket legend Philip A MEMORIAL bench has been unveiled in honour of a Batley cricket legend who died earlier this year. Philip Akroyd, who passed away in January, was an avid fan of Mount Cricket Club in Staincliffe. He also supported the coaching of junior players and named the club as a beneficiary in his will. In tribute, a bench with a plaque bearing his name is now in front of the dressing rooms. It was fitting that on the day of its unveiling by Philip’s widow Patsy that the club launched its latest junior coaching scheme. More than 80 boys and

Philip’s widow Patsy with friends and club members and, above, the tribute to ‘Mr Cricket” on the bench

girls aged eight to 15 will be schooled by ECB-qualified coaches.

Yusuf Kayat, of the cricket club, said: “We were truly saddened at the

loss of a dear friend. “When we heard of the gift he had left, we all

agreed we wanted to utilise that in a way in which we would honour Philip for years to come. “We were delighted Patsy agreed to come to the ground and unveil the new bench. “We are equally delighted that Patsy accepted our humble offer to make her a life-long member of the club."

Centenary arcade is being ‘left to rot’, fumes trader By David Miller A TRADER in Dewsbury accused council chiefs of leaving an arcade at the heart of regeneration to rot. Paul Coates, of DC Floors and Pixel Print, said the roof of the Kingsway Arcade on Northgate desperately needs repairs. When it rains, water cascades down from guttering

which has trees and branches growing out of them. Mr Coates cannot put hoardings advertising his business outside because his carpet samples get wet. He said a contractor acting on behalf of Kirklees Council visited to price up for repairs about eight months ago. Since then traders have heard nothing – nor have they heard anything about

council plans to celebrate the arcade’s centenary this year. The Kingway Arcade is part of the authority’s multi-million pound Northgate regeneration area. Mr Coates said traders were told last October that the council was planning to mark the arcade’s 100th birthday in 2016. He added: “If they’re going to do something,

they need to let us know so we can prepare. “They also told us the roof would be done but being told that and them doing it are totally different things.” Shops in the arcade include Hemingway’s Pet and Aquatic Store, Cosmic Toys and Imsons. Mr Coates said: “There's traders here trying to bring shoppers in – but they get wet when it rains

and water also comes flooding down the arcade. “With the regeneration there’s some optimism for the future looking ahead two or three years down the line. “But the council needs to do something now to make sure we’re still here in two or three years’ time.” Kirklees Council was asked to comment but had not responded by our deadline.

Friday May 20, 2016

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

Chem Scaffolding Limited Smithies Mill, 883-887 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 8NN Phone: 01924 474 384 Fax: 01924 420 199 Email: info@chemscaffolding.co.uk Web: www.chemscaffolding.co.uk

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

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

Friday May 20, 2016

ThePress

Marketplace

Turn your unwanted items

into cash £££s 1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge). 3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment. ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. (We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296. NEW As new, Razor Spark child’s scooter, with spare spark and manual £25. Tel 01274 874409. (1923) Petrol lawnmower, Mountfield HP 470. Good working order, reliable starter £40. Tel 01924 492440. (1924) Mother of the bride outfit, Condici size 18, dress/coat in pink and navy with pink hat. Worn once, cost over £200, will accept £60. Tel 07806431728. (1925) Stag oak bureau, 38” height, width 30”, depth 17”. In good condition, well looked after £50. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal) (1926) Computer/office chair, adjustable height, armrest. Excellent condition £20. Tel 01924 724680 (1927) Browns wooden extension ladder; 1 x 16ft, 1 x 14ft, approx. 25ft reach, every rung wired. Top make, very good condition £40 ono. Tel 01924 525700. (1928) Fridge freezer, cost £140 Argos 06/14. As new, A-star, 89 litre/29 litre £50. Buyer collects, tel 07786 404627. (1929) Double aluminium ladder, suitable for window washing, painting etc. Very good condition £60 ono. Tel 07881 598155. (1930) DIY Approx 30 metres 3 x 4 steel wired armoured recycled cable £20. Tel 07790 568986. (Soothill) (1920) 8in x 2in unsawed wood, approx 6 x 6ft lengths (recycled) £30. Tel 077905 68986. (Soothill) (1920)

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ITEM bands

Cost per item

Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11

ELECTRICAL Onyx standard lamp (no shade) £20. Tel 01274 874851. (1917)

Two wicker armchairs in very good condition. Buyer to collect £25. Tel 01924 530473. (1898)

fridge and freezer £650. Tel 01924 408171/ 079512 30326 (1877)

Epson Stylus SX425 3in-1 printer/ scanner/ copier, Wi-fi. Boxed, very good condition £25 ono. Tel Mirfield 01924 491306. (1903)

Dark oak Welsh dresser, 3ft wide, Priory, £50. Buyer to collect, tel 07792 567788 (1895)

Oak finish dinette kitchen table (48” x 30”), with four matching chairs, excellent condition £50. Tel 01924 218361 (evenings only before 9pm). (1879)

FABRIC/ FASHION/ CLOTHING Ladies Hotter boots, size 8 in fawn. Never worn, still in box, cost £89, bargain £20. Tel 01484 656666. (1896) FURNITURE Small tiled top dark wood coffee table, in good condition £5.00. Tel 07790 568986. (Soothill) (1920) Cane conservatory furniture set, comprises of 1 x 2 seater settee, 1 chair, 1 footstool, 1 glass topped coffee table, 1 glass topped side table. All in very good condition £200. Phone 01924 517994. (1921) Teak display cabinet with glass front and lighting, 3 drawers, 2 cupboards. Excellent condition £40. Tel 01274 878450. (1922) Mahogany extending dining table and four chairs. Two-seater settee + one recliner in green fabric. Divan bed with mattress; All in good condition, £150 or will sell separately. Tel 01924 505834.(1905) White, plastic oval garden table with matching 4 chairs (inc seat pads) and matching parasol £18 ono. Also various large garden pots, offers. Tel 07806 431728. (1904) HSL Linton Petite dual rise & recline chair in wine colour, excellent condition £600 ono. Ring 07883 970603. (1900)

Traditional mahogany telephone table with gold seat, excellent condition £20. Tel 01924 400652 (buyer collects) (1892) GARDEN/ OUTDOOR German-made, heavy duty petrol strimmer, inc assessories & manual. Used once £65 ovno. Tel Jim 01924 402697. (1919) Gazebo, green material, approximately 3m x 3m, only used once, good quality, bargain £30. Tel 01924 470866. (1893) Well rotted horse manure (no straw), five bags £10. Free local delivery. Ring Ken 01924 409540/ 07922 186721 (1889) HOMEWARE China tea service, white with gold trim, as new. Includes 5 side plates, 6 salad plates, 6 cups and saucers, milk jug and sugar bowl; 25 pieces in all £20 ono. Tel 01274 876814. (1911) HOUSEHOLD Two single inflatable mattresses with pump, good quality, £16 for both. Tel 01924 470866. (1893) New lightweight bedroom type commode, £25 ono. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1911) KITCHEN Fantastic kitchen (can see fitted), must go end of April. Light cream, modern, craftsman built; 9 wall units, 9 floor units, includes cooker, hob, extractor,

MISCELLANEOUS Eight bales of meadow hay £3 per bale. Tel 01274 874851. (1917) Calor gas propane 6kg, part used £15. Tel 07939 599381. (1908) Calor gas propane 3.9kg, full, £10. Tel 07939 599381. (1908) MOTORING Trailer for sale, 4ft (L) x 3ft (W) x 2ft (D), new light board worth £25. £40 no offers. Tel 07790 568986. (Soothill) (1920) MUSICAL Four Spanish guitars, £25 each ono. Tel 01924 402931 (1918) PLUMBING Britony II T water heater, complete with flue. Regularly serviced, £45. Tel 01924 423363. (1906) SPORTING/ OUTDOOR/ FITNESS Six-section windbreak, 18ft x 4ft approx, poles included £15. Tel 07939 599381 (1908) TOOLS/DIY Timber, 2 metre lengths, 4 x 1, 20 pieces £20. Tel Batley 01924 472043. (1902) WANTED WANTED – petrol lawnmower, working or in need of attention, must be inexpensive or free. Phone Graham 01924 493938. (1915) WANTED – wringer/ mangle. Tel 01274 876814. (1914)

Classifieds ThePress

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BISHOPS BAKERY

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

Useful Numbers

Libraries Kirklees Libraries Tel 01484 414868

Sport/Fitness Centres (KAL – Kirklees Active Leisure) Batley Sports & Tennis Centre Tel 01924 565059 Batley Baths & Recreation Centre Tel 01924 565388 Dewsbury Sports Centre Tel 01924 565254 Spenborough Pool & Fitness Complex Tel 01274 891767 Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre Tel 01274 891019

MPs Batley & Spen – Jo Cox 3–5 Branch Road, Batley Tel 01924 910499 Dewsbury & Mirfield – Paula Sherriff The Old Dewsbury Reporter Building Tel 01924 565450

Useful Numbers Citizen’s Advice Dewsbury Tel 01924 487860 Kirklees Council Switchboard Tel 01484 221000 Police (non emergency) Tel 101

22 Blacker Rd, Birkby, Hudds 01484 513322 /

077150 55115 Cleaning

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Friday May 20, 2016

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ULTIMATE GLASS Ltd is one of the leading glass manufacturers in the area – and with our experienced team our reputation goes from strength to strength. With our same-day glazing service there’s no need to panic, we have helped out scores of local people in their hour of need. We cut glass, mirrors, shelves and safety glass at our trade counter in Ravensthorpe. Contact us on 01924 452500 or 07786 191217. At www.ultimateglassltd.com you can take a look at examples of our previous work. Paul Walker, proprietor

Garages

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Park House, High Road, Dewsbury Decorators

DECORATORS David Grayshon & Son Interior & Exterior Decorators FREE ESTIMATES Insurance work undertaken

Tel: 01924 477844 / 01924 443822 Mob: 07702 373315 The Press – no other local paper can touch us on advertising prices!

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Electrics - Plumbing - Joinery Kitchens & Bathrooms

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016 Joinery

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Removals/ Couriers

LICENSING ACT 2003 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENCE

Kidz Zone

TAKE NOTICE that I, BIPIN PATEL, have applied to Kirklees Council under Licensing Act 2003, for the grant of a premises licence in respect of premises known as BATLEY NEWS & CARD CENTRE, 91 COMMERCIAL STREET, BATLEY, WF17 5EF For RETAIL SALE OF ALCOHOL MON-SAT 10.00AM-6.30PM Interested parties and responsible authorities may make representations regarding the application where they believe that the proposed activities would undermine any of the four licensing objectives. Any representations must be submitted in writing to the Licensing Office, Flint Street, Fartown, Huddersfield, HD1 6LG or by email at licensing@kirklees.gov.uk by 07/06/2016 Persons wishing to inspect the Licensing Register may do so at the above address during normal office hours or online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/licensing It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and on summary conviction would be liable to a fine not exceeding £5,000.

Little Bumps Knitted Crochet Wear Home Decor Nappy Cakes Seasonal Gifts Hair Slides/Bands Hand Made Baby Cards Buttons Bespoke Orders Welcome

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Public Notice

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Any gas appliance serviced £45+VAT then £15+VAT for each of others. Combi boilers fitted with For All 7 year guarantee Your Heating Choose Experience & Plumbing T: 01924 689776 Needs M: 0758 1552797 301 Norristhorpe Lane, Liversedge www.ecoheatingyorkshire.co.uk

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Wanted

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ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

CRICKET

’Sedge spinner’s six-blitz agony By Mike Popplewell Cricket Correspondent sport@thepressnews.co.uk

FORMER Gomersal and East Bierley left arm spinner Matthew Barnes made the headlines this week when he acquired a Priestley Cup record he could have done without. Barnes, who joined Bradford League Championship side Liversedge this season from Buttershaw St Paul’s, was recruited primarily as a second team player at Roberttown Lane. But he was pressed into first team action against Cup holders Bradford and Bingley – and faced a ‘Barnesstorming'’ innings from Bingley’s Noman Ali. Barnes bowled six overs in all, five of them quite tidily whilst conceding 28 runs, but it was the other that proved a record-breaker as Ali hammered six successive sixes, making Barnes the first bowler in the competition’s 112 year history to concede 36 in an over. In the same game, there was an outstanding performance from Liversedge all-rounder Paul Marlow, who held the innings together with a superb unbeaten 105 as his side made a respectable 222-9 in response to the Premier League side’s 308. There was no joy either for Birstall, who lost their first Priestley Cup game by 56 runs at Baildon, where the home side were restricted to 189-9 thanks to a three for nine return from Kamran Khan late in the innings. Birstall never looked likely to overhaul that total as Blake Glen took the first three wickets with only 27 on the board and Mushtaq Ahmed wrapped it up late on with a five for 21 return.

Gomersal’s left arm bowler James Russell claimed the wicket of Bankfoot’s Shoukat Ali for 14 in their Championship B clash Mike Popplewell There

was

some

success

for

Cleckheaton, skipper John Wood hitting 81 in 59 balls to secure a sevenwicket win at Altofts, while Hanging Heaton and Batley, the League’s surprise performers, will join Gomersal in the last 16. Gomersal went through by virtue of a bye following Windhill’s late withdrawal from the League. At Pudsey Congs, it was skipper Gary Fellows who proved Hanging Heaton’s match winner when he hit 124 not out to record his second century of the weekend, as he followed up a two for 42 bowling stint that helped restrict the home side to 254 for 9 on the way to a seven wicket win.

Champions end in style Chris Bower and Liam Shields. Savile United beat Hartshead 4-1 as a hat-trick from Abdul Jabber Ibrahim was backed up by Uzair Kola, with Tom Smith responding. • The Spen Valley League Memorial Trophy was won by Norfolk as they beat favourites Dewsbury West Side 3-1 on penalties after the final finished 1-1. Norfolk ended a 15-year wait for silverware in their first final since joining the league

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Rangers in promotion battle FOURTH-PLACED Dewsbury Rangers play their final West Riding County Women’s League Third Division game of the season on Sunday when they go to Crossley Ladies. It is a crucial game for Rangers, as they need a win to clinch the runners-up spot and with it a place in the Second Division next season. With the Second Division finishing with only five teams, Battyeford Belles reserves occupying the bottom spot,

In the Premier Division second-placed Hanging Heaton go to reigning champions, and current leaders, Pudsey St Lawrence still smarting from a defeat at the hands of Lightcliffe despite starting the game with a double-century partnership from Gary Fellows (113) and Nick Connelly (113). Chasing a total of 320-6 Lightcliffe’s Suleman Khan hit 121 not out to steer his side home by six wickets with just four balls remaining. John Wood, skipper of third-placed Cleckheaton, hit a typically quickfire 48 for his side on the way to an eight-wicket win over New Farnley and he will be hoping for more of the same when they go to Farsley. Conference leaders Buttershaw St Paul’s are without a game this week and that gives second-placed Heckmondwike and Carlinghow, nine-run winners over Gildersome, the chance to close the gap at the top when they take on Wakefield St Michaels at Cemetery Road. Crossbank Methodists are at home to Oulton hoping to shake off thoughts of their 110-run defeat at Buttershaw last week. • Hanging Heaton skipper Gary Fellows, a one-time Yorkshire CCC all rounder, will captain a Bradford League representative side against his former employers in a T20 Challenge match at Pudsey Congs next Thursday, May 26. The Yorkshire Vikings v Bradford League game will start at 6pm.

Liam aiming for full Disability side Batley, who lead the way in the Championship A division with four wins out of four, added a cup success to their Bradford League CV when they saw off Saltaire by 21 runs in their tie at Mount Pleasant. A superb six for 22 performance from Muhammed Shanawaz was the key element of this match as Batley successfully defended a total of just 145 all out. Scholes beat Morley by five runs at Scatchard Lane, Hartshead Moor were crushed by nine wickets at Lightcliffe, despite making 181-6, East Bierley lost by three wickets at Methley and Spen Victoria went down by 89 runs at Carlton.

there will be some reorganisation in the summer that results in more than two teams being promoted but, as it stands, that runners-up spot is the only guarantee. Battyeford Belles have long since been cro wned champions of Division One and they can look forward to the challenge of life in the Premier Division next season along with the likes of Ossett Town, Bradford Park Avenue and Brighouse Athletic.

GOMERSAL wicketkeeper Liam Thomas, having rejoined the club from Scholes for this season, missed out on his side’s win over Bankfoot last week after being called up for the England Physical Disability side’s training camp. Thomas, pictured, has already represented the Physical Disability ‘Lions’ side but the head of the ECB’s Disability Cricket, Ian Martin, insists he wants Liam to be involved in both the Lions and the full England side training. Martin said: “Liam is a very talented cricketer. He has had a couple of years out, his own decision, and we obviously found a replacement, but he is now involved again and keen to win back his place. “We are meeting up every month or so as part of our preparation for the tour of Bangladesh in October and November, and Liam is in contention for that.” Thomas, who has an artificial leg, helped Scholes to the runners-up spot in the Bradford League Second Division last sea-

son with 23 catches and 10 stumpings, while his eight not outs in 10 innings left him with an average of 60 with the bat.

SCHOOL SPORT

SPEN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE ATHLETICO celebrated winning the Premier Division title in style as they ended their league campaign with a 5-2 victory at Girlington. Brandon Dexter, Mahine Malik, Shuib Yasin, Mohammed Ikraaz and Qendrin Emini scored for the champions, while third-placed Girlington responded through Saad Abbas and Shoaib Javed. Vision were 2-1 winners over secondplaced Palestino thanks to goals from

Batley’s bright start CHAMPIONSHIP sides Batley and Gomersal have made an unexpectedly bright start in the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League, with both among the early-season promotion hopefuls. Gomersal’s Championship B win against Bankfoot has propelled them into third place ahead of tomorrow’s game at second-placed Methley, when Graham Hilton’s side will be looking to produce an upset. Against Bankfoot James Russell helped bowl Gomersal into a good position, with 444, before Craig Lightowler’s unbeaten 46 saw them home by five wickets. Among the other Championship B games there is a derby game at Spen Victoria against Hartshead Moor, while Hopton Mills are at Wrenthorpe. Batley have won all four of their games to date, with a two-wicket win over Baildon in their last outing, and a visit from Yeadon to Mount Pleasant tomorrow (Sat) is their next test in the Championship A division. Aqsad Ali, with 4-44 in 15 overs and 39 not out, was a key man in the win over Baildon but it is the consistent all-round contributions with both bat and ball that have been a feature of Batley’s success so far. Liversedge are at home to historic Bradford League side Idle while Ossett, who fielded only 10 men in last week’s eight-run defeat at Undercliffe, will be at home to former CYL rivals Birstall.

Top performers collect awards THE TALENT, commitment and achievement of Whitcliffe Mount’s sportsmen and women were celebrated at an awards ceremony for the Cleckheaton school. More than 250 students and parents attended the school’s annual sports presentation evening at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, where the guest of honour was former Whitcliffe Mount student and ex-Yorkshire and Scotland cricketer Iain Wardlaw. Students representing 49 school teams and clubs were presented with awards for performer of the year, players’ player and progress. There were also special awards for outstanding contribution to sport and dance leadership, the winners being Freya Bignell (sports leadership), Jessie Botha, Alexa Tyers, Lilyella Featherstone, Charlotte

Lois Toulson ... outstanding achievement award Wilson and Millie Leadbeater (dance leadership). Performer of the Year awards went to Alex Midgley and Danielle Miller (Year 7), Miles Craven and Katelyn Muff (Year 8), Tom Oldroyd and Jessie Botha (Year 9), Jackson Smith and Lauren Halloway (Year 10) and Freya Bignell and Bex Rayner (Year 11). The under 16 girls’ foot-

ball team was crowned team of the year after emerging winners of the Huddersfield five-a-side tournament, the Spen Valley seven-a-side tournament, Kirklees Schools seven-a-side tournament, the Futsal League, Spen Valley Cup and County league and cup. They also reached the last 32 in the country in the English Schools Cup. Lois Toulson, 16, won the outstanding achievement in sport award for the fourth successive year. Lois is taking the international world of diving by storm. Following tremendous success at junior level, she has made a successful transition to senior competition. She has has competed all over the world and, in addition to the solo 10m platform event, has recently been paired with fellow Team GB diver Tonia Couch in the synchro event. Success in this week's

European aquatics championships in London could lead to a place in the Team GB squad for the Olympic Games in Rio. Other nominees for the outstanding achievement award, who are all competing at an elite level, were Drew Judge-Clark (rugby league), Bex Rayner (football), Frances Whitworth (rugby union), Freya Bignell (netball), Jessie Botha (Irish dance), Keiran Constable (roller hockey), Charlotte Bell (athletics), Niall O’Regan (football), Oliver Priestley-Standing (football) and Leah Burnett (horse riding).

DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS TUESDAY MAY 10: 1 J Tomlinson and G Fishwick; 2 A Cooper and J Bragg; 3 M Loveridge and G Bloom; 4 P McKenzie and L Sargent.

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE Celtic struggles continue

Craven stars in frustrating draw NCL Division Two SADDLEWORTH RANGERS 26 THORNHILL TROJANS

at Shaw Hall Bank Road DESPITE a battling performance on their travels, Thornhill Trojans could only share the league points in a frustrating draw in the Pennines. The game was littered with penalties against both teams, with the referee showing four yellow cards. As such, at full-time the size of the penalty count was more of a discussion point tham the numbers on the scoreboard.

Thornhill included the returning James Craven among their substitutes. After being released by Batley Bulldogs midweek, the Trojans were more than happy to welcome him back to the club. Craven came on as a first-half replacement for the injured Mindaugas Bendikas and marked his return by scoring a try and picking up the official man of the match award. There was also another outstanding performance from Liam Morley at scrum half. Jake Ratcliffe was another player who shone in the frustrating circumstances and had his best game of the season with some fine attacking play. The lead changed hands six times in

the game, with Rangers leading 16-12 at the break but needing the boot of Ben Whitehead to kick a late penalty to secure a share of the spoils. First-half tries for Thornhill came from Mindagaus Bendikas and Liam Morley, plus a couple of goals from Andrew Bates. Ethan Langhorn and Matt Bottom scored Rangers’ tries. Whitehead kicked two conversions and a couple of penalties to give them their lead at the break. There was only a Josh Bradbury try in the second period for Rangers, with Whitehead adding a conversion and a couple of penalties. Thornhill scored tries through Craven and Ryan James Fenton. Bates landed both conversions and a penalty.

Stags storm back to dump leaders YML Premier Division MIRFIELD STAGS

at Hillrich Park MIRFIELD STAGS pulled off an impressive fightback to down Yorkshire Men’s League Premier Division leaders York Acorn 21-14. York, who entered the tie as early-season pacesetters at the top tier’s summit, raced into an early lead and took an unanswered threetry advantage into the halftime break. Acorn started the second period in a similarly strong fashion, though Mirfield eventually gained the upper hand and took some control of the tie. It took the Stags all of 50 minutes to breach the away side’s line, despite going close on many occasions. But when they did the tide turned and it was the hosts who finished the stronger, as Mirfield bounced back from successive defeats. York stand-off Nathan Lazenby took nine minutes to break the deadlock, crashing over to give the visitors an early advantage. Mathew Chilton added the extras to make it 6-0 and

he was again called to the kicking tee when Tom Wilcock Harrison crossed for a second York try. Acorn refused to lie down despite a few moments for Mirfield which saw Ross Hayden, Reece Spurr and Danny Howard all go within a whisker of scoring. The North Yorkshire club extended their lead on the stroke of half-time as Lazenby bagged his second of the afternoon. The Stags did everything they could to post a response early in the second half and after almost 49 minutes of struggling to do so, they touched down. Prop Ben Mather powered over after getting on the end of a neat pass and Hayden added the extra two, narrowing the gap to just eight points. Alex Muff crashed over in the corner just past the hour mark, making it a onescore game. And Mirfield completed their comeback, levelling the scores at 14-14 with less than 15 minutes remaining when Howard crossed the

SIDDAL ACADEMY

12 16

at White Lee WITH key players away coaching junior teams in Skegness and several missing due to injury, Birstall Victoria faced an uphill battle against a young Siddal side and lost 16-12 at White Lee. The visitors took control in the first half with tries after 15 and 25

at Crow Nest Park DEWSBURY CELTIC continue to struggle as man of the match Sam Dowsett led Cumbrian visitors Askam to their fourth win in a row. They led 22-8 at the break with the Celtic points coming from tries by Danny Crabtree and Jake Richardson.

Dan Sayle had opened the Askam account with a fourthminute effort before Adam Jackson, Ben Lewney and Gary Bolton all found their way over the Celtic line. Dowsett landed three goals. In the first minute of the second half, Askam increased their lead with a Russ Bolton try, before one for Ethan Guy. Pat Foulstone added a converted try for Celtic with Sam Tattersfield going in late on, but in between Tom Askew and Lewney had crossed for the visitors.

Moor recovery is too late NCL Division Three OLDHAM ST ANNES

DEWSBURY MOOR

at Higginshaw Road DEWSBURY MOOR gave Oldham St Annes a real fright in the latter stages of their clash at Higginshaw Road but came up short, losing 48-32. Greg Worrall put Saints in front with a couple of tries and

NCLTABLES P 9 8 7 8 9 9 7 8 9 8 9 8 8 9

W 7 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 1 1

D 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

L 2 2 1 2 4 4 3 4 5 4 6 5 7 8

F 244 226 159 210 203 214 255 250 186 201 220 158 109 116

A DIFF PTS 168 76 14 156 70 12 128 31 12 128 82 11 130 73 10 184 30 10 165 90 8 190 60 8 213 -27 8 220 -19 7 238 -18 6 171 -13 6 269 -160 2 391 -275 2

DIVISION TWO P W D L F A DIFF PTS Hunslet C Parkside 8 8 0 0 298 134 164 16 Askam 7 5 1 1 198 130 68 11

Matt Whitehead also scored to give them a 20-0 lead before Moor registered. Carl Fields, Ryan Powell, John Deakin, Ben Mayers, John Denbigh and Jake Grayshon were their other try-scorers. Moor played their part with a brace of tries each for James Samme, James Bardell and James Eatherley. The Maroons face Eastmoor Dragons at home tomorrow (Saturday, 2.30pm). THORNHILL 8 Leigh East 8 Bradford Dudley Hill 8 Saddleworth Rangers8 Wigan St Judes 8 Salford City Roosters 8 Blackbrook 8 DEWSBURY CELTIC 8 Stanningley 7 Stanley Rangers 8

4 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 1 0

2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2

2 3 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 6

206 224 220 238 262 150 208 128 108 112

148 58 176 48 176 44 204 34 182 80 204 -54 276 -68 230 -102 216 -108 276 -164

DIVISION THREE Crosfields Woolston Rovers Drighlington Oldham St Annes Rylands Sharks DEWSBURY MOOR Eastmoor Dragons Castleford Panthers Gateshead Storm Waterhead Warriors

W 7 6 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 0

D 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0

L 0 1 1 3 3 3 4 5 6 6

F 286 214 204 220 259 128 145 122 148 112

A DIFF PTS 146 140 15 150 64 12 96 108 9 236 -16 9 152 107 7 168 -40 7 190 -45 5 286 -164 4 236 -88 2 178 -66 0

P 8 7 6 8 7 7 7 7 7 6

10 10 10 9 8 6 6 4 2 2

ATHLETICS

Hot work in Leeds

Wayne Wilson powers forward for the Stags whitewash out wide. Hayden landed a dropgoal nine minutes from time to give the Stags a 1514 lead. And there was jubilation

Dave Wood

at Hillrich Park when man of the match Reece Spurr raced away to put the outcome beyond doubt in the dying minutes, Hayden again goaling.

Cox shines but Victoria stumble YML DIVISION FOUR BIRSTALL VICTORIA

ASKAM

DIVISION ONE Oulton Raiders Thatto Heath Crus Myton Warriors Hunslet Warriors Milford Marlins Normanton Knights Featherstone Lions Skirlaugh Underbank Rangers East Leeds Ince Rose Bridge SHAW CROSS Millom Elland

YORK ACORN

NCL Division Two DEWSBURY CELTIC 18

minutes, giving them a 10-point advantage at the break. Birstall Victoria showed great character in the second half with strong running and defence from Anthony Cox. He was backed up once again by props Matthew Smith and Matty Ginnelly, who have both started the season in great form. Second half tries came from centre Jonni Parrish, playing his first game of the season, and player-coach Brendan Sheridan added his second of the campaign to get Birstall back

in the game, but it was Siddal who completed the scoring. The man of the match award went to Cox for his very strong defence, and he seems to be enjoying his new role in the forwards. Second was Matthew Smith and third Matty Ginnelly, while topping the tackle count was hooker Sheridan. Birstall Victoria’s next game is at home against Farnley Falcons tonight (Friday) at 7pm, when there will be a pitch-side barbeque from 6.30pm.

TIM DEAN led home a strong contingent of Dewsbury Road Runners on a hot day in the Leeds Half Marathon. He was 204th in 1 hour 30 minutes 49 seconds, followed by Andrew Byram 1:34:12 (321st), Kevin Watson 1:39:27 (582nd) and Steve Chapman 1:45:38 (880th). Other Dewsbury results: Wayne Ryan 1:46:55 (1012th), John Tate 1:45:20 (1021st), Paul Smith 1:56:46 (1733rd),

Graham Yeomans 1:48:05 (1825th), Trish Kaye 1:57:18 (2530th), Mike Shackleton 1:59:54 (2780th), Haroon Umarji 2:04:02 (3090th), Martin Bare 2:07:10 (3392nd), Ghafar Azam 2:16:49 (4185th), Kathy Tait 2:14:50 (4707th), Paul Hayhurst 2:19:18 (4876th), Shaun Camponi 2:26:55 (5305th), Chrissie Burton 2:34:41 (5663rd), Tracey Blackburn 2:55:54 (6149th).

BOXING

Duo eye GB call-ups TWO local boxers could be selected for the Great Britain squad after being invited to assessment camps. Heckmondwike’s Cory O’Regan and Ismail Khan, who fights out of the KBW club in Dewsbury, both caught the eye of GB scouts with impressive performances at the English National Championships last month. The pair both reached the final of their weight division and finished as runners up at the tournament in Liverpool. For 18-year-old Khan, a student at Bradford College and part of the college’s elite box-

ing programme, the GB invitation comes early in his senior career. “It has been an amazing start to my first year as a senior and it's only getting better,” he said. “I will perform to the best of my ability, which will hopefully result in me getting a place on Team GB. “Busy times ahead and I am more than ready.” Before the GB camp in June, Khan and O’Regan, who represents the Bradford Police and Boxing Club, will both compete for England in the Three Nations.

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE

Slow start and late burst deny Sharks NCL Division One SHAW CROSS SHARKS MYTON WARRIORS

14 28

at Leeds Road SHAW CROSS went in search of their fourth consecutive league win but were left to rue missed opportunities as Myton won 28-14 at Shark Park. The Sharks got off to a slow start and were made to pay as the visitors went 12-0 up inside the first 15 minutes. A good passing move to the far left enabled the Myton winger to get over the line and moments later the lead was doubled as the away side ploughed over to score their second of the afternoon. Shaw Cross did start to get into the game but were dealt a blow as Ryan Chalkley was sin-binned for dissent. Minutes later the Warriors received a yellow card for the same offence, leaving it 12 against 12. The hosts did get on the scoreboard as Ross Roebuck crossed the line to score his sixth try of the season. Brandan French got the assist

as he offloaded well to Roebuck, who scored in the far corner. The kick was unsuccessful. The Sharks nearly reduced the deficit further as Dickie Piper barged through the tacklers but was stopped inches before the line. The home side continued to press but were unable to add to their points tally before the half-time whistle. Brett Turner’s side knew they would need a big performance in the second half, and only five minutes had been played when they got over the line to score. Will Gledhill put in a great grubber kick and Thomas Ripley showed the most desire as he sprinted to touch the ball down. Chalkley kicked the two points and the hosts were right back in it. Shaw Cross nearly took the lead for the

first time in the game as Ottewell made a brilliant run through the Myton line. But his pass to Chalkley was judged to have been forward and the teams were brought back for the scrum. However half-way through the second half the home side did take the lead. Following a wonderful pass to the far left from Gledhill, Ripley was there again to get over the line. The conversion missed, leaving Sharks with a narrow lead of two points. Shaw Cross had opportunities to increase their advantage but were unable to capitalise. Chalkley did brilliantly to get on the end of a chip kick from Ottewell but his pass was intercepted. Jake Dooner also looked like he would score his first try but was held up on the line. Shaw Cross were dealt a hammer blow as Myton scored with 10 minutes remaining. The ball fell kindly to the winger from a grubber kick and the away side led again. The Warriors sealed it as they scored another two tries with eight minutes to go. Nathan Slater was the man who punished Sharks as he showed blistering pace to score twice and secure the win for the Hull-based side.

Celtic U-15s implode

Malcolm Waring Cup semi-final Batley Boys U-15 Dewsbury Celtic U-15

26 24

INDISCIPLINE cost Celtic dearly as they surrendered an 18-0 half time lead and a 24-4 advantage in the second half to lose at the death. As Batley stormed back to trail 20-24 with 10 minutes to go, tempers flared and three Celtic players, plus two more from Batley, were despatched to the sin bin. And when Batley hoisted a high bomb on the last tackle, it was misjudged by the Celtic defence and grounded to level the scores. The ensuing kick looked to be drifting wide in the breeze but curled in to dissect the uprights and leave Celtic shell-shocked. Earlier, a try by Cameron Berry, goaled by Charlie Heaton, gave Celtic the advantage and they strengthened their grip with tries from George Hirst and Lewis Teale and addons from Heaton. Batley posted their first points soon after the interval but Heaton crossed for a try between the sticks which he improved himself. But then came the home side’s fightback.

JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE

Butlins boost for Birstall Victorious DEWSBURY CELTIC U-14S lost 30-16 in a hard-fought game at Castleford Panthers. After a frustrating first 10 minutes in their Yorkshire Junior League Division Three clash Celtic’s front men Janeil Simpson and Oliver Thornton took control and created an early lead with try’s from debutant Rhys Padgett and Alex Wharton. Both conversions were successfully landed by Wharton. Celtic’s attack was strong with forwards Gabriel Croft and Archie Sunderland making good yards, but the Panthers took advantage of some poor discipline and handling errors to win. The visitors’ only other try scorer was man of the match Tynam Moses. BIRSTALL VICTORIA U-11S visited Butlins Skegness and took part in this year’s Rhinos Challenge event. They played seven games over the weekend and faced teams from across Yorkshire and Lancashire, enjoying a fantastic weekend. On the Saturday they won one game

Action from Dewsbury Celtic U14s’ match at Castleford Panthers

and on the Sunday they managed two more victories, giving them first place in play-off pool four. THORNHILL TROJANS U-10S travelled to Dewsbury Moor and came away with a good victory in a closelyfought contest. Thornhill opened the scoring when Tyler Jowitt powered over from closerange. The Trojans defended their line well, denying Dewsbury Moor. Blake Clegg led the way, topping the tackle count. Jowitt then scored his second of the game, beating three defenders to score. Dewsbury Moor hit back with a fine try of their own but Jowitt completed his hat-trick with a powerful run. Tom Metcalfe scored a good try from close range to extend Thornhill’s lead. Finally Toby Lumb scored the try of the game, racing 40 metres to touch down. THORNHILL TROJANS WARRIORS U-10S’ game against West Leeds started slowly but turned into a closely-fought game with home scores

being matched by tries from Zak Haigh, Charlie Blacka, Kai Bryant and William Lister. Some consistent form from Zak Haigh and Charlie Blacka earned Haigh the man of the match and parents’ awards, with Blacka named as opposition man of the match. The 100 per cent effort award went to Bailey Hargreaves, with strong runs from Charlie Harrison and a try-saving tackle from William Lister. Top tackler was Jack Chamberlain and the magic moment winner was Kai Bryant. Debut players Phillip Ellis and Memphis Purdy put in a promising performances. Missed kicks from West Leeds meant the final try from Haigh gave the win to the Warriors. SHAW CROSS SHARKS U-8S travelled the short distance to Dewsbury Moor for a midweek game. Moor were keen to show an improvement but Shaw Cross walked away with the win. The opposition man of the match award was shared by Charlie Tilford, Dillan Charlton, Frankie Beverley and Phoebe Wilson. Top tackler was Bailey Woods and the magic moment went to Jack Stephenson for flying off his line eager for the tackle, and encouraging his teammates to do the same. Recognition awards went to Isaac Redgwick for considerably improving his tackle count, Lennon Smith for displaying great confidence in his game and Casey Hirst for his skills when running onto the ball. Great fun was had by all the team which consisted of Alfie Ibbitson, Teddy Dawson, Seb Jeffers, Ben Tranter, Kaiden Mullins, Harvey Cavanagh, Alfie Law, Edan Gleadhill, Jacob Stevenson, Charlee Raby, Eviee Raby, Tom Wharton, Francis Appleyard and Ethan Brereton. BIRSTALL VICTORIA U-8S

Another powerful run from Birstall Victoria U-8s at the Skegness tournament returned from a very successful Rhinos Challenge in Skegness. Despite playing against much bigger teams who play by the tournament rules week-in and week-out Birstall gave a very good showing of themselves. There were outstanding performances from Max Grinhaff and Harrison Stevens, who were continually a threat with the ball in hand and were both rewarded with numerous tries. The extra size of the pitches in the tournament gave some of Birstall Vics’ speed merchants a lot more space to work with, and both Sam Whiteley and Alfie Watson kept finding gaps on the wings. None of the extra space would have helped if it hadn't been for the excellent tackling of Harley Aston and Alfie Davison. The team’s performance put them into the pool two playoffs on the Sunday. Victoria were drawn against local

rivals Shaw Cross Sharks and Oldham side Limehurst Lions. Vic started off strongly against Limehurst with some big runs from Harley Trapps and Jack Kirkaldy. The match was virtually finished when Jack Pickles managed to scoot over with a hat-trick of tries, all from virtually the same spot on the field. They won the tie 6-1. In the final game of the tournament Birstall met Shaw Cross to decide the league winners. In a very tight game Archie Walker and Charlie Orr worked really hard to get Vic on the front foot and after some fantastic defence from Pickles, Grinhaff and Stevens Victoria found themselves one try in front with only minutes left to play, before Billy West crashed over in the corner to end the match 5-3. The result made Birstall Victoria group winners and they collected their awards from Leeds Rhinos Ryan Hall and Carl Ablett.

ThePress

Friday May 20, 2016

KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP

BULLDOGS LEAPFROG FAX Kingstone Press Championship

BATLEY BULLDOGS

HALIFAX

at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium BATLEY BULLDOGS moved ahead of Halifax into fifth on the Championship ladder after a fine 32-16 win over their West Yorkshire rivals at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium. Steve Tyrer, who notched two goals, opened the scoring for Fax, before a quickfire double through Wayne Reittie and Shaun Ainscough, plus a Pat Walker goal, put the ‘Dogs 10-6 up at the break. Though the visitors quickly went back ahead after the interval thanks to Matt Sarsfield’s converted try, a second score for Reittie and one for Walker put the hosts in front and they never relinquished that lead. Ben Heaton added Fax’s final try of the game on 69 minutes, and a late rally from the Bulldogs saw man-of-the-match Dave Scott and James Brown both touch down in the last five minutes, alongside two more Walker goals, to seal the points. Batley boss John Kear said: “We knew what was riding on the game but I’m really pleased we kept our focus. “It was a really tough game, but we completed our sets and concentrated on going through the processes of playing rugby league, and I think that paid off for us. Halifax are a quality side so I’m delighted we’ve managed to get the win.” In the other camp, Halifax boss Richard Marshall said: “We put in a lot of effort but it’s another loss which is disappointing. “Batley were just better than us and strangled our energy with a great kick-

MATCH STATS: WHITEHAVEN 1 Louis Jouffret 25 Ryan Ince 4 Jesse Joe Parker 16 Connor Holliday 2 Craig Calvert 21 John Paul Brocklebank 7 Grant Gore 26 Ted Chapelhow 9 James Newton 10 Glenn Riley 11 Dave Allen 6 Dion Aiye 13 Liam Carberry SUBS: 31 Ryan Duffy 17 Stephen Fox 15 Ben Davies 20 Jordan Burns

5 6 7 6 6 5 5 6 7 7 7 5 5 6 6 6 –

DEWSBURY RAMS 1 Josh Guzdek 38 Etu Uasiele 15 Jason Crookes 4 Shane Grady 5 Dalton Grant 6 Paul Sykes 22 Andy Kain 8 Matt Groat 9 Tom Hemingway 14 Luke Adamson 12 Scott Hale 32 Kyle Trout 25 Joel Farrell SUBS: 19 Nathan Conroy 13 Aaron Brown 27 Jason Muranka 18 Tony Tonks

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

WHITEHAVEN Tries: Calvert (47), Holliday (56), Ince (68). Goals: Jouffret (2).

DEWSBURY RAMS Tries: Hale (8), Sykes (39, 63), Grady (58), Guzdek (76), Grant (79). Goals: Sykes (6). Referee: J. Roberts / Half-time: 012 / Penalties: 10-7 / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / Weather: Warm / MOTM: Paul Sykes (Dewsbury) / Attendance: 684 / Match Rating: 1/5.

ing game and they used their big pack really well – they played the game on their terms. “On current form, we don’t deserve to be in the top four. We’ve got to start fixing things up.” ‘Fax enjoyed an almost perfect start as Steve Tyrer collected Gareth Moore’s cross-field kick to go over out wide on three minutes. He goaled it to put the visitors 6-0 up, but Batley battled back, with only heroic goal-line defence denying them a first try. But, after a sustained spell of pressure, they finally got their reward as Reittie pounced on a Domininc Brambani kick to hit back. Though Walker was unable to convert, the hosts were in the ascendancy and quickly had their second score of the day as Ainscough got over in the left corner. Walker kicked the goal to make it 10-6 to the home side at the break. Fax got themselves back into the tie soon after half-time with Salford loanee Sarsfield bagging a debut score following a fine Richard Moore break. Tyrer again got the goal, but Batley roared back with Reittie going over just before the hour mark after an error from Miles Greenwood. That made it 14-12 to the Bulldogs, which soon became 20-12 as Walker rushed over from dummy half before converting his own try. Heaton led a revival for Fax on 69 minutes with a last-tackle try and, despite Tyrer going wide with the goal, the visitors were back in the game. At four points down, they looked favourites to bag the game’s next try. But against the run of play Dave Scott all but sealed the points after a counterattack, before Brown’s four-pointer on the hooter gave the scoreline a more convincing look.

MATCH STATS: BATLEY BULLDOGS 22 Dave Scott 2 Wayne Reittie 3 Chris Ulugia 30 Greg Minikin 5 Shaun Ainscough 6 Cain Southernwood 7 Dominic Brambani 8 Keegan Hirst 9 James Davey 10 Alex Rowe 17 Joe Chandler 24 Alex Bretherton 9 Luke Blake SUBS 16 Adam Gledhill 18. Tom Lillycrop 13. Pat Walker 21. James Brown

WHITEHAVEN

DEWSBURY RAMS

at the Recreation Ground DEWSBURY RAMS found an extra gear in the closing exchanges of their encounter in Cumbria to emerge comfortable winners over Whitehaven. The visitors gained the lead when Dalton Grant’s interception and 80-metre run laid the platform for Andy Kain to send Scott Hale over from short range. Paul Sykes added the conversion. Glenn Morrison’s side went further in front when Grant combined with Etu Uaisele to break, before Kain’s grubber was pounced upon by Sykes, who converted his own try to give Dewsbury a 12-point lead. Haven found a response when Craig Calvert went over wide on the left on the overlap, for Louis Jouffret to convert, and the hosts were level when Connor Holliday finished off a fine move, which Jouffret again turned into six points. The Rams made a quick start to the second half to re-establish their advantage. First, Shane Grady produced a strong hand-off to force his way

6 7 8 7

HALIFAX 18 Miles Greenwood 5 James Saltonstall 4 Ben Heaton 3 Steve Tyrer 2 Will Sharp 7 Gareth Moore 6 Scott Murrell 17. Gavin Bennion 30 Brandon Moore 14 Adam Tangata 11 Dane Manning 33 Matthew Sarsfield 13 Jacob Fairbank SUBS 9 Ben Kaye 10 Luke Ambler 16 Richard Moore 21 Adam Robinson

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

BATLEY Tries: Reittie (27, 55), Ainscough (33), Walker (61), Scott (76), Brown (80). Goals: Walker (4/6).

HALIFAX Tries: Tyrer (3), Sarsfield (43), Heaton (69). Goals: Tyrer (2/3).

Batley’s Scotland full-back Dave Scott put in another excellent performance

Solid Rams ease past Whitehaven Kingstone Press Championship

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over from close range, Sykes again converting. Shortly after the former Bradford Bulls half-back ran a great line in midfield to evade three defenders and crash over next to the posts, which he again converted. The hosts gave themselves hope when the ball was scrambled right for Dave Allen to cross, although the conversion was missed missed, and Josh Guzdek quickly restored breathing space when he crashed onto a short ball and had enough momentum to fly over the try-line And the Rams confirmed their victory when quick thinking from Aaron Brown following a Whitehaven knock-on sent Dalton Grant sprinting over out on the left. Sykes added the goal from the touchline to make it six from six on the day and cap a fine individual display, which helped the Rams secure a crucial two points ahead of this Sunday’s visit of Featherstone Rovers. Morrison was happy to come away from West Cumbria with the points and said: “It was a tough game but I felt like we deserved the scoreline at the end. “Our defence is solid, and we withheld the pressure. We then managed to put some points on the board.”

Referee: M Woodhead / Half Time: 10-6 / Pens: 9-7 / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / Weather: Mild / MOTM: Dave Scott (Batley)/ Attendance: 900 (est) / Match Rating: 4/5

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE

Stags worry Shaw Cross – but Conference quality wins Jim Brown Heavy Woollen Cup SHAW CROSS SHARKS MIRFIELD STAGS

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at Leeds Road DESPITE dominating for long periods Mirfield Stags fell short in their first Jim Brown Heavy Woollen Cup outing, going down fighting at the hands of National Conference League Shaw Cross on Wednesday night. The Stags made a solid start but found themselves two tries down after a Sharks attack inside the opening quarter of an hour. Mirfield eventually got a foothold in the tie and bagged successive tries, late in the first half, to move to within two points of levelling. After squaring up the scoreboard, the visiting Stags marched into the lead for the first time prior to the hour mark. But against the run of play Shaw Cross scored a breath-taking try and then kicked on to win. Veteran John Rourke broke the deadlock and he was joined on the scoresheet shortly after when Sam Ottewell touched down, with Ryan Chalkley adding extras to both to make it 12-0. The Sharks were in a commanding position but the Stags were in no mood to roll over. On the half-hour Mirfield hit back through the returning Sam Crowther, whose effort was improved by Ross

Hayden, and on the stroke of half-time the Stags went over again. Half-back Graham Charlesworth fired a looping three-man miss pass and Danny Howard got on the end of it to score in the corner. Shortly after the interval, Mirfield were handed a penalty just metres from the uprights and Hayden delivered, making it 12-12. The Stags had picked up from where they had left off and appeared to be in the driving seat. And they were in the ascendancy when Hayden delivered a piece of magic, chasing up his own kick-through and pouncing on it just to the right of the posts. He added the extras and Mirfield led 18-12, with the clock ticking down at Leeds Road. However, Shaw Cross then delivered a hammer blow in response. Rourke ran 50 metres, bypassing a pair of Stags defenders along with way, and found Ottewell, who finished brilliantly. Chalkley improved and was on hand to convert a Tom Rogers score shortly after, which gave the hosts a 24-18 advantage. Tom Coates brilliantly finished a Hayden bomb nine minutes from time to move Mirfield to within two points. But Shaw Cross finished the stronger, displaying their experience in the game’s dying moments to move clear on the scoreboard. Late tries courtesy of Chalkley and Greg Wilby, in addition to a Will Gledhill drop-goal, took them clear.

POSITIVE RAMS FACE BIG-SPENDING FEV By Steve Martyn DEWSBURY RAMS’ injury crisis appears to be easing ahead of the visit of in-form Featherstone Rovers on Sunday (3pm). The Rams returned to winning ways with a 36-16 victory at Whitehaven last weekend and crucially picked up no new knocks, meaning coach Glenn Morrison may select the same side to face fourthplaced Fev. The Rams lost out by a single point when they faced Featherstone Rovers at Post Office Road in March, and Morrison is anticipating a similarly tough encounter at the Tetley’s Stadium. “Featherstone are very strong but we are at home and these are the games you need to win if you are going to push for a top six or a top four finish,” said Morrison. “They have put a virtually Super League-strength side together, topped up by some Super League loan and dual registration signings. “It will be a big ask but we are determined to give it our best. “We still have a few players missing but we are looking to get a strong side back fit for the right time of year, so we can give it a good push.” Dewsbury moved up to eighth in the Kingstone Press Championship following their win at Whitehaven, running in six tries as several players returned from injury to make the trip to Cumbria. “It was a much-improved display from our last few games and it showed what we can do when we have front-rowers back in the side,” Morrison added. “Before we went up to Cumbria the message was to put everything behind us from the last few weeks and to start the season again. “We look at it being our first game, so we are one from one and will look to build from here.

REGGAE WARRIOR: Glenn Morrison

Morrison takes on Jamaica job Dewsbury lost 21-20 at Featherstone Rovers’ Big Fellas Stadium in March “Getting the win enabled us to enjoy the journey back and the family feel is back again.” Pack men Ryan Hepworth and Rob Spicer are close to a return after being sidelined by injury, but with the Rams coming through the Whitehaven game relatively unscathed, Morrison is likely to name the same team as last Sunday. Featherstone boss Jon Sharp is also anticipating a close match and said: “There could be a fag paper between us again. “Dewsbury always seem to raise their game and play really well against us. “It’s a small, tight field at Dewsbury and I think it will be a war of attrition.”

Steve Horsfall

Championship table 1 Leigh Centurions 2 London Broncos 3 Bradford Bulls 4 Featherstone Rovers 5 BATLEY BULLDOGS 6 Halifax 7 Sheffield Eagles 8 DEWSBURY RAMS 9 Swinton Lions 10 Oldham 11 Whitehaven 12 Workington Town

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DEWSBURY boss Glenn Morrison has taken on the role of senior team manager for the UK-based Jamaican national RL side. The ‘Reggae Warriors’ are due to play Ireland in an international in October, and Morrison is hoping to put together a strong squad ahead of next year’s World Cup. Rams forward Joel Farrell is a key part of the Jamaica squad and Morrison said: “We want to raise the profile and rankings of the national side in Jamaica as we work towards the next World Cup. There are some quality players and we would like to be in a position where some of their players can come over here and earn professional contracts.”

Bulldogs pair pen new deals BUOYANT Batley are not in “bad nick” after all, claims coach John Kear. The Bulldogs ended their fourmatch losing run with an encouraging 32-16 success at home to Halifax and are keen to maintain their momentum as they make the journey to bottom-of-the-table Workington Town on Sunday. The victory saw Batley move ahead of Fax into fifth spot, just a point outside the top four. Kear, who was on hand to see Sunday’s Cumbrian opponents beat full-timers Sheffield last weekend, is still wary of the threat they could potentially pose. The departing head coach was pleased with the Bulldogs’ performance against Halifax and said: “I was absolutely delighted with what the players served up. “They prepared very, very well, were focused and intense in all the training drills, I could feel

Batley forwards James Brown and Alex Rowe have signed up until 2018 their concentration in team meetings so was confident they’d play well. “People have been questioning

these fellas as we lost four in the league. But in between they beat Featherstone at home in the Challenge Cup and put in a great

performance against Catalans Dragons so we’re not in bad nick and that Halifax win demonstrated that.” This week the Bulldogs announced that props James Brown and Alex Rowe have signed new deals until the end of the 2018 season, despite the pair attracting interest from other clubs. Brown joined the Bulldogs in 2015 from Swinton while Rowe has previously had stints at Castleford, Sheffield and Doncaster. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have sought a second opinion on Brad Day’s thumb injury and provided a scan is satisfactory he could return at the end of May or the beginning of June.

• The Batley Bulldogs supporters’ coach to Workington leaves the club at 9am on Sunday. To reserve your seat call 01924 477230.

MAGGOTS ONLY £2 PER PINT Cheapest in the area

JACK PYKE ----------------------------OF ENGLAND