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Friday November 25, 2016
12 MONTHS GUARANTEE
No. 765
AN EVIL COWARD Sullen, silenced Mair will perish in jail as Jo’s memory lives on DANNY LOCKWOOD reports from the Old Bailey PATHETIC and insignificant man, Thomas Mair was destined to die in jail from the moment his amateurish efforts to escape the scene of his brutal murder of Jo Cox were thwarted. Mair was quickly exposed as a silent, brooding racist who fooled the few people who had ever been close to him. The only serious question before the Old Bailey court that would try him as a de facto terrorist, was whether Mair would ever actually open his mouth and attempt to explain his actions. When he had chance, he
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refused. At the end of the trial when his barrister requested that he be allowed to make a public statement, it was denied. Since his first public court appearance at Westminster Magistrates when he gave his name as “Death to traitors, freedom for Britain” he has spoken only to confirm that he is Thomas Mair, 53, of Lowood Lane, Birstall. The jury went out to consider the four counts against him at 10.52am on Wednesday and informed the court it had reached a unanimous decision at 12.19pm. Ten minutes later the foreman pronounced Mair guilty. As the judge prepared to pronounce sentence, West Yorkshire Police were continuing their quest to find a suspected accomplice who provided Mair with the murder
weapon, a .22 rifle stolen from a 4x4 vehicle in Keighley 10 months ago. The police believe he got the gun just weeks before the attack – and that it was only then he started formulating a political assassination. They do not think Mair stole the sawn-off gun himself. Such drama as remained came after a touching, eloquent victim statement from Bernard Kenny was read to the court, and Jo’s husband Brendan Cox had taken to the witness stand to pour scorn on Mair’s “act of supreme cowardice. Cowardice that has continued throughout this trial”. For the first time since the trial began 10 days before, Mair actually returned someone’s stare, looking directly back at Mr Cox. At that point his barrister,
Mr Simon Russell-Flint, told the court the defence had no submissions to make but asked if Mair could make a public statement before sentence was passed. He said Mair’s speech “would be sentences, not paragraphs”. The Honourable Mr Justice Wilkie replied: “Mr Mair had his opportunity (to give evidence) and he declined … I am not inclined to give him the opportunity to make a speech.” Having cruelly and cynically made Jo Cox’s family repeatedly re-live her horrific final moments in graphic detail over seven days of testimony, Mair was finally being put in his place.
Continued on page 3 Background, judge’s verdict and Brendan Cox statement, p3/4/5 Questions remain – Ed Lines, p6
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ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
MCDAID WILLIAM JOHN (BILLY) On November 21, aged 67, of Batley. Husband of Doreen. Service at Staincliffe Parish Church, Tuesday 6 December at 10.30am, followed by interment in Batley Cemetery.
ROOKE JOHN
Deaths ABBOTT ERIC On 17 November, aged 87, of Birkenshaw, formerly of Batley. Husband of Elaine. Requiem Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Birstall today, Friday 25 November, at 11am, thereafter interment at Birstall Churchyard.
ARNOLD BRYAN On 16 November, aged 76, of Cleckheaton. Husband of Linda. Funeral enquiries to Michael Wright & Son Funeral Directors. Tel 01274 871092.
BARKER SHEILA On 17 November, aged 88. Wife of the late Malcolm. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 1 December at 2pm.
BEANLAND JOAN On 15 November, aged 79. Wife of Dennis. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 30 November at 12.30pm.
BOULTON ANITA On 15 November. As she has donated her body to medical science, a service in celebration of Anita’s life will be held at Mirfield Conservative Club on 1 December at 1pm.
BOYER THOMAS PETER On 15 November, aged 90, of Birstall. Service & committal at St Peter’s Church, Birstall, Tuesday 29 November at 12.30pm.
BROOK (NEE GLEW) CLARE On 20 November, aged 38, of Thornhill. Wife of Richard. Service at Thornhill Parish Church, Thursday 8 December at 1pm, followed by private committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.
BROWN (NEE MONAGHAN) EILEEN On 20 November, aged 68, of Dewsbury. Wife of David. Service at Dewsbury
Crematorium, Wednesday 30 November at 1.15pm.
CASTLE PETER
Sylvia. Service at St John’s Church, Upper Hopton, Thursday 1 December at 2.30pm, followed by interment in the churchyard.
On 21 November, of Upper Hopton, aged 82. Husband of
Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296
DISKIN Dorothy (Nee Calvert) -- • --
On 14th November 2016, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family, Dot aged 76 years of Dewsbury. Beloved Wife of the late Terry, devoted Mum of Colleen, David, Lorraine, Terence and Amanda also a sadly missed Mother-in-law, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister and good friend to many. Reception in to Our Lady and St Paulinus RC Church on Wednesday 30th November at 5pm. Funeral service on Thursday 1st December 2016 at 11.00am followed by interment in Dewsbury Cemetery. Family flowers only by request, donations may be made in lieu if so desired for Kirkwood Hospice and Faith & Light, Dewsbury – a plate will be available for this purpose. You are also invited to leave messages of condolence, donations and share memories of Dot online at www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk Any enquiries please contact Co-operative Funeralcare, Park View House, Westgate, Heckmondwike WF16 0EH, Tel: 01924 401143
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CHAPPELL (NEE GOODER) BARBARA CATHERINE On 14 November, aged 85. Wife of the late Roy. Service at Thornhill Methodist Church, Friday 2 December at 1.45pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.
FOULSTONE BETTY MAY On 16 November, aged 85, formerly of Thornhill Lees. Wife of the late Eric. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Monday 28 November at 1.15pm.
HARGREAVES WALTER On 19 November, aged 86, of Ravensthorpe. Husband of Brenda. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 30 November at 10am.
JACKSON (NEE GRAYSON) JUNE GRETA On 15 November, aged 81, of Mirfield. Wife of the late Roy. Service at St Michael’s Church, Emley, Thursday 1 December at 12noon, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 1.15pm.
JENNINGS ERIC ARTHUR On 16 November, aged 85, of Soothill. Husband of Wanda.
On 19 November, aged 91. Husband of Marjorie. Service and committal at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 2 December at 2pm.
Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 2 December at 12.30pm.
KITSON (NEE HOLLIDAY) ANNE CLARE On 17 November, aged 80, of Birstall. Wife of the late Norman. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 30 November at 11.15am.
LINFORD KEITH On 10 November, aged 80, of Thornhill Lees. Husband of the late Audrey. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 2 December at 11.15am.
LISTER SYLVIA On 21 November, aged 86, of Gomersal. Partner of Peter. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 7 December at 11.15am.
MACAVOY (NEE BROMLEY) FREDA MAY On 16 November, aged 86, of Croftlands. Wife of the late Jack. Service at Ebenezer Methodist Church, Hanging Heaton, Tuesday 29 November at 2pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium. Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296
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SPEIGHT ELSIE (NEE KING) On 17 November, aged 85, formerly of Thornhill. Wife of the late Brian. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 28 November at 2.45pm.
SPEIGHT GEOFF On 17 November, aged 81, of Liversedge. Husband of Sandra. Service at 12noon, Holy Trinity Church, Low Moor, followed by cremation at Scholemoor Crematorium.
STENCHION BRIAN On 21 November, aged 87, of Birstall. Husband of the late Vera. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 5 December at 10.30am.
SWALES ARTHUR On 15 November, aged 81, of Birstall. Husband of Margaret. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 1 December at 12.30pm.
TEAL BRADLEY JOHN On 14 November, formerly of Batley and Dewsbury, aged 23. Son of Anne and John. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 29 November at 12.30pm.
WALSHAW KENNETH On 19 November, aged 71, of Thornhill. Husband of Mandy. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 5 December at 11.15am.
WALSHAW (FORMERLY KETTLEWELL) MARGARET On 18 November, aged 98, of Thornhill Lees. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 1 December at 10.30am.
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On 16 November, aged 92, of Dewsbury. Wife of the late Billy. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 30 November at 2pm.
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BOLLANDS (BIRSTALL)
Jo’s team pay tribute FOLLOWING the conviction of Thomas Mair on Wednesday an official statement was released by Jo Cox’s staff members Sandra Major and Fazila Aswat, who were travelling with the MP on the day of her murder in Birstall. “On Thursday June 16 our friend and boss, Jo Cox, was brutally murdered,” the statement reads. “So many lives were changed forever, including ours. However, our thoughts will always remain with Jo’s very young children, husband and family – especially her parents who have lost a child in the most horrific circumstances. “We take some comfort from being with Jo on the day, as she was not alone, we were with her and both loved her and feel honoured to have been with her in her last moments; despite being one of the worst days of our lives. “We would like to thank everyone who has provided us with support and warm wishes during this dark period.”
ThePress Friday November 25, 2016 Issue No: 765
31 Branch Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5SB Tel: 01924 470296 Fax: 01924 472561
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WILKINSON SHEILA MARGARET On 3 November, aged 88, of Roberttown. Wife of the late John.
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ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
JO COX MURDER TRIAL Continued from page 1 Describing the murder as “planned and pre-meditated” and an “act of terrorism” motivated by extremist white supremacist views, Mr Justice Wilkie passed a whole-life sentence for the murder of Jo Cox, a life sentence with a minimum tariff of 30 years for GBH against Bernard Kenny, 20
years for possessing an illegal firearm with intent and four years for possessing a dagger with intent. Barring intervention from a future Home Secretary, said the judge, he will perish in prison. Although the jury was told Mair had pleaded not guilty, that was a legal artifice. By refusing
EVIDENCE & BACKGROUND to speak, or plead to the charges, the court had to enter a statutory not guilty plea on his behalf, appoint a defence team – his first barrister quit – and make the prosecution prove its case. Mair chose to use a sullen and protracted silence as his final weapon against his victims and their families. Mr Justice Wilkie
THE EVIDENCE During the first week of Thomas Mair’s trial the court heard from arresting officers, Jo Cox’s staff and numerous witnesses to his movements on the day and the attack itself. One of the final people to identify Mair before he struck was his long-time next door neighbour Katie Green, 33, who appeared by video link from Leeds Crown Court. She described Mair as “very quiet, very shy” and said she “did not see any visitors” to his council semi. She said: “He always kept his garden neat and tidy and helped neighbours.” He even cut her grass once. On the day of the murder she took one of her children into Birstall on the bus. Her ticket was printed at 12.42pm. “I saw Tommy Mair. He was stood looking as though he was waiting to get on the bus.” In fact Mair had positioned himself where he would get the best view of Jo Cox arriving for her surgery. “I saw him walk off, we did not make any eye contact. He looked as if he was going off towards the Co-op.” She intended doing some fruit and veg shopping in the market place, but moments later heard a commotion and someone said a man had a gun. “I got my little girl and got a taxi home,” she told the court. In the minutes before, Mark Donlan had seen Mair lingering around outside the Vape Lounge “acting in a strange way”. He described how he had casually eaten a Cadbury’s Flake before the attack, putting the wrapper in a bin. Investigators recovered it. Mr Donlan told police: “I can definitely say that the man who discharged the gun was the man I had seen outside my shop.” As Mair made off down Market Street, he was encountered by Robert Luckhurst. Mair walked towards him and pointed the gun from a distance of about 10ft. “He had no emotion on his face, he was scary,” he said. Although he did not see Mair discard the jacket that was over his arm, Mr Luckhurst found it and alerted the police. It was covered in blood, DNA and gunshot residue. FOLLOWING the verdict, the judge paid tribute to several people, including Bernard Kenny. Mr Justice Wilkie also praised Darren Playford, a witness who dialled 999, then stayed on the line and directed emergency services operators – even though at one point he thought Mair was pursuing him. The recording of Mr Playford’s call was played before the court in which he was heard telling the operator “He’s shooting everyone.” Operator: “Who’s shooting everyone?” “The gunman. Outside the library in Birstall.” He said the attacker had also “stabbed a lady” and said: “He’s following me at the moment. I’m just trying to get away from him.” Mr Playford said the attacker had gone behind the Vaults pub and described how he had changed his clothes. Mair discarded his coat and cap in a back garden at 9 Nelson Close. When recovered it contained blood and DNA matching both him and Jo Cox. There was also an ejected bullet cartridge, from where he had reloaded his gun. Mr Playford saw Mair head up Brownhill Road and told the 999 operator how the police
could cut him off at the top of the road. The judge also commended the courage of arresting Police Constables Nicholls and Wright, who apprehended a man knowing he was suspected of both shooting and stabbing Mrs Cox while they were unarmed. Following evidence from witnesses, police and North East Counter-Terrorism officers and forensic experts in turn described the search of Mair’s home and discovery of extremist reading materials and Nazi artefacts, details of his internet searches using Kirklees computers, and the DNA evidence linking him directly to the discovered weapons and clothes with his victim, Jo Cox. Continued on pages 4/5
PCs Nicholls and Wright tend to Mair after his arrest in Risedale Avenue. A head wound he suffered required four stitches
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condemned him for “lacking the courage” to admit to his actions which he said was “deliberate”. “Very well, take him down,” he concluded. Mair, slightly flushed, much diminished and still unable to meet the eyes of anyone amongst the packed courtroom, shuffled away to his ignominious fate.
Locals help deliver swift justice to Mair
The court heard that the dagger used by Mair was probably a replica of a military weapon that was produced during World War II for use by British special forces and Commandos. It was double edged, with a 17.7cm long blade.
Musical Jo tribute KIRKLEES: Politicians and musicians have joined forces in a bid to raise funds in memory of Jo Cox. The Kaiser Chiefs’ Ricky Wilson, singersongwriter KT Tunstall, Cockney Rebel Steve Harley and pop star David Gray are among those taking part in the special rendition of The Rolling Stones’ You Can’t Always Get What You Want. A group of 20 MPs, including Batley and Spen’s Tracy Brabin, members of parliamentary rock group MP4 and the Royal Opera House Thurrock Community Chorus also feature on the track. The single, due to be released next year, will mark the official launch of the Jo Cox Foundation.
Pupil assault denied DEWSBURY: A teacher at a mosque has appeared in court after he was accused of assaulting a pupil. Maksud Jamsa, 57, denied striking the seven-year-old girl when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court. Jamsa, of Savile Road, will appear at the court again on March 1, 2017, for his trial.
Man slapped partner
The sawn-off .22 rifle Mair used in the attack
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THORNHILL LEES: A man blamed a lack of sleep for his violent outburst which saw him slap his partner. Jonathan Johnson, 40, assaulted Rebecca Hartley on February 19. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that the victim accused Johnson of “messing around” which led to him slapping her. Ms Hartley failed to give a police statement and another witness failed to co-operate. The defendant said he had lashed out due to a lack of sleep and that he had never been violent before. Johnson, of Ouzelwell Road, was fined £50 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £30 victim surcharge.
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ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
JO COX MURDER TRIAL
Judge condemns BRENDAN TE killer Mair to die ‘YOUR HATRE in his prison cell Excerpts from the Victim Statement of Brendan Cox
‘You have betrayed the quintessence of our country’ Sentencing Remarks of Mr Justice Wilkie Y the verdicts of the jury, Jo Cox was murdered by you on 16 June 2016 and you caused Bernard Kenny grievous bodily harm with intent to do so. Because of her position as a Member of Parliament, her death was both a personal tragedy and a crime with great public significance. To her family, friends and colleagues Jo Cox was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, partner, and companion, her generosity of spirit evident in the selfless concern she had for others even when facing a violent death. Their loss, caused by your actions, is and will be, almost unbearable. But because she was a Member of Parliament, the reason you murdered her, your crime has an additional dimension which calls for particularly severe punishment. She was just 41. Before being elected as an MP she had already demonstrated herself to be a credit to herself, her community, and her country in the work she performed for Oxfam and other organisations devoting herself to seeking to better the lot of those less fortunate than her. She had only recently embarked on her role as an MP but had already shown herself to be passionate, openhearted, inclusive and generous as well as highly effective. The tributes to her from across the political spectrum were spontaneous, sincere and fulsome. The fundamental importance to our democracy for Members of Parliament to be able to perform their duties and meet their constituents safely and fearlessly is reflected in the fact that no respectable political party contested the by-election caused by her death. In the true meaning of the word she was a patriot. You affect to be a patriot. The words you uttered repeatedly when you killed her give lip service to that concept. Those sentiments can be legitimate and can have resonance but in your mouth, allied to your actions, they are tainted and made toxic. It is clear from your internet and other researches that your inspiration is not love of country or your fellow citizens, it is an admiration for Nazism, and similar anti democratic white supremacist creeds where democracy and political persuasion are supplanted by violence towards and intimidation of opponents and those who, in whatever ways, are thought to be different and, for that reason, open to persecution. Our parents’ generation made huge sacrifices to defeat those ideas and values in the Second
‘B
Mair
by Julia Quenzler
World War. What you did, and your admiration for those views which informed your crime, betrays the sacrifices of that generation. You are no patriot. By your actions you have betrayed the quintessence of our country, its adherence to parliamentary democracy. You have not even had the courage to admit and acknowledge what you did. You have, instead, forced the prosecution to prove this case in detail, withholding your agreement to anything which would have lessened that task, thereby adding, I have no doubt deliberately, to the anguish of Jo Cox’s family and the witnesses to these awful events forced, as they have been, to relive them. Y CONTRAST your second victim on that day, Bernard Kenny, acted instinctively and courageously trying to save a person he saw being attacked and by so doing was seriously injured himself. The ongoing cost to him is evidence from his Victim Personal Statement. His actions on that day are deserving of the highest praise and commendation. As you know, the only sentence I can pass on you for murder is one of life imprisonment, and I do so. I also have to consider whether to fix a minimum term or, by not doing so, to impose a whole life sentence which would mean that you would, in all likelihood, die in prison. I have to consider schedule 21 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
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“In the true meaning of the word she was a patriot. You affect to be a patriot. The words you uttered repeatedly when you killed her give lip service to that concept. Those sentiments can be legitimate and can have resonance but in your mouth, allied to your actions, they are tainted and made toxic.” MR JUSTICE WILKIE
There is no doubt that this murder was done for the purpose of advancing a political, racial and ideological cause namely that of violent white supremacism and exclusive nationalism most associated with Nazism and its modern forms. That is one of the indices of an offence of exceptionally high seriousness for which the appropriate starting point is a whole life term. This was a brutal, ruthless example of such a murder committed with determination and persistence. You armed yourself with a handgun and a vicious dagger designed to kill. You attacked Jo Cox repeatedly with both of them. You repelled an attempt by Mr Kenny to stop you in a similarly ruthless manner and, when it appeared, after your first assault, that Jo Cox might survive, you returned to inflict further fatal blows upon her. Your choice of weapons, a firearm and a knife places your offending even, without the political dimension, in categories having starting points of 30 and 25 years In addition, as an aggravating feature, there was a substantial degree of premeditation and planning. You had, over a period of weeks, researched your intended victim, you had researched the firearm which was modified to become a hand gun. You made inquiries about its ability to inflict fatal injury and you sought instruction on how to use it in that modified form. You informed yourself about previous murders of civil rights workers and a past assassination of a serving MP. You contemplated the aftermath, researching lying in state arrangements. You even researched matricide knowing that Jo Cox was the mother of young children. You planned your escape from the scene by adopting a form of disguise to put off those searching for you and, in the course of your escape, you reloaded the firearm ready for any eventuality. Finally, as the jury has decided, you fully intended to kill Jo Cox. You are aged 53 and have no previous convictions both of which I must take into account. I must consider whether the seriousness of this offence, though categorised as exceptionally high, in fact requires a whole life sentence or whether I should fix a minimum term which would hold out the possibility of release on licence when you are very old to permit you to die in the community. I have considered this anxiously but have concluded that this offence, as I have described it, is of such a high level of exceptional seriousness that it can only properly be marked by a whole life sentence. That is the sentence which I pass.’
E ARE not here to plead for retribution. We have no interest in the perpetrator. We feel nothing but pity for him, that his life was so devoid of love that his only way of finding meaning was to attack a defenceless woman who represented the best of our country in an act of supreme cowardice. Cowardice that has continued throughout this trial. We are here because we want to tell you about Jo. Who she was and what she meant to us. You have heard so much about her death, we’d like to tell you just a little about her life. Jo was interested in everyone. Driven not by her ego but by her desire to help. Connected deeply to her community and proud of her country, but interested in the world. Connected to her roots but not defined by them. Earnestly committed to making the world a better place but with an easy smile and a devilish sense of fun. Jo grew up on the streets of Batley and Heckmondwike. She’d spend the long summer evenings in the fields across from her house with her sister and friends. She’d often tell our kids about her adventures, one of her favourites was rolling down hills in old barrels. How she made it to adulthood was a miracle. She was inseparable from her sister and had a close-knit group of friends. Her mum and dad gave her all the love and support growing up that she needed. She had an especially close relationship with her grandad, Arthur, who was the local postman. She loved going for long walks with him on the weekend, loved how he greeted everyone as friends and his deep connection with the community. When growing up Jo was painfully shy, so much so that she couldn’t even call rail inquiries to find out train times and used to ask her sister to do it for her. So going to Cambridge, and becoming the first member of her family to graduate from university, was quite a shock. It was at this stage that she started to become more political, to realise that who you were and what accent you had often defined your life chances. And that, she felt, just wasn’t right. She decided to dedicate the rest of her life to trying to change that in whatever way she could.’
‘W
O AND I first met when we both worked for Oxfam shortly after she moved to their headquarters in Oxford. We fell in love walking the banks of the River Thames, climbing mountains and living on our narrowboat on the canals and rivers of Oxford. We were bound together by a love of adventure, laughter and a zest for life. Our commitment to doing our bit to improve our country and the world deepened our bond and gave us a shared mission. On our holidays we’d go to Bosnia and Croatia to work with kids who had lost their parents. She threw herself into it, so much so that she’d regularly sustain injuries from running into trees or getting balls of ice masquerading as snowballs in the face during increasingly chaotic games with dozens of kids. Jo and I got married in 2009 in one of the most remote places in the UK, a wild peninsular called Knoydart, much to the bemusement of our family who had to hike in in their wedding gear.
‘J
Jo’s sister Kim promises to keep her memory alive JO COX’S sister Kim Leadbeater (pictured) said: “Jo would have been extremely impressed although not at all surprised by the courage of her staff and constituents during this process and indeed on June 16. “There may have been one act of extreme cowardice on that day but there were many acts of bravery, particularly from Fazila and Sandra and Bernard Kenny. We think about them often. “Our focus now as a family is to look forward, we can begin to consider our own loss in our own
way and in our own time. “We can and we will work through our pain and as a family we are stronger and more united than ever. “What can be difficult
at times is thinking about the ripple effect of Jo’s murder and the many lives it has affected. “However, it has always been my belief that whilst we can not always choose what happens to us, we can try to choose how we respond. “I for one will not be beaten by what has happened and I know I am not alone. It is the last thing my sister would want and it is not who I am. I will channel my energy into ensuring Jo’s legacy continues and as a family we will respond with strength, love, positivity and enthusiasm.”
ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
5
By Danny Lockwood
LLS MAIR ED FAILED’
Our second child was born two years later and she spent her first week in intensive care. We didn’t know if she would make it. Jo hardly left her side in a week and thanks to the amazing care of the doctors and nurses, combined with our love, slowly she got better. Jo loved being a mum ... many people think of Jo first and foremost as an MP and a campaigner but being a mum always came first. ‘WHEN Jo became an MP she committed to using her time well. She decided early on that she would work as if she only had a limited time and would always do what she thought was right, even if it made her unpopular. So she walked her own path, criticised her own party when she felt it was wrong and was willing to work with the other side when they shared a common cause. The causes she took on ranged from Syria to autism, protecting
civilians in wars to tackling the loneliness of older people in her constituency. Above all, she loved being an MP because of the connection back to her home town. It made her feel grounded again to be back in Batley and the surrounding towns. She especially loved talking at schools. I often teased her about the lack of votes in schools to which she’d reply: ‘It’s not about votes, it’s about getting kids to know that they can do anything they set their minds to.’ None of this means she was perfect. She was far from it. From driving in the middle lane to being late for every meeting. From forgetting her bike for a cycling holiday to absentmindedly almost burning down our boat on at least two occasions, she could be one of the most frustrating people in the world. But the things that made her frustrating we now remember with as much
The loner with a library of extremism his half brother had expressed arguWHO IS Thomas ‘Tommy’ Mair, the 53ments both for and against the quesyear-old volunteer at Oakwell Country tion of leaving the EU. Park, shy and retiring but helpful to He described Tommy as sometimes neighbours? The man interested in using scouring pads to clean his Emily Bronte, Charles Dickens and hands, such was his obsession with who subscribed to the Literary cleanliness. Neighbour Katie Green Review, but was also obsessed by vile told of him often being seen wearing anti-semitic and white supremacist pink marigold waterproof gloves. writing? Behind the curtains of 86 Lowood Born in Kilmarnock in Scotland, his Lane however, Mair was radicalising mother Mary Goodall, 70, brought him himself. A wealth of extreme white to Birstall when he was just two. He supremacist reading material was diswas reportedly beaten by his since covered by detectives who kicked in dead father James, had a younger the side door of the house on the brother Scott and was brought up by afternoon of June 16. his grandmother Helen Grier, with As long ago as 1991, Mair had a letwhom he lived in Lowood Lane until ter published in the South African she died in 1996. The boys went to Fieldhead Junior Mair’s bookcase then Batley Boys with a Third Reich High schools. eagle atop it Always shy, and suffering with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), anxiety and mild agoraphobia in later years, Tommy was said to be bright enough to join Mensa, although he never did. His mother first remarried Reginald St Louis, a wool spinner originally from Grenada, in 1973. They had a mixed race son Duane, who says he got along fine with Tommy and was completely unaware of any racist tendencies. He even said affection as the things that made her exceptional. ‘THE killing of Jo was in my view a political act, an act of terrorism, but in the history of such acts it was perhaps the most incompetent and self-defeating. An act driven by hatred which instead has created an outpouring of love. An act designed to drive communities apart which has instead pulled them together. An act designed to silence a voice which instead has allowed millions of others to hear it. Jo is no longer with us, but her love, her example and her values live on. For the rest of our lives we will not lament how unlucky we were to have her taken from us, but how unbelievably lucky we were to have her in our lives for so long. As a much-loved friend, daughter, sister, auntie, wife and mum, Jo lit up our lives. And she still does.’
Parents Jean and Gordon Leadbeater, with sister Kim
Patriot magazine, bemoaning the antiApartheid stance of the British media. He concluded: “Despite everything I still have faith that the White Race will prevail, both in Britain and South Africa, but I fear that it’s going to be a very long and very bloody struggle.” Chillingly, in another letter dated 1999, he wrote: “In my opinion the greatest enemy of Apartheid was not the ANC and the Black masses but White liberals and traitors.” Police also found newspaper cuttings about the Anders Breivik terrorist massacre in Norway, neatly filed away in his sparse twobedroomed council house.
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ThePress
6
Friday November 25, 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
Jo’s tragedy was that Mair lived here Danny Lockwood’s verdict on Thomas Mair RENDAN Cox promised Court 8 of the Old Bailey and later the watching world that Tommy Mair’s cowardly murder of his wife would not defeat but inspire her family, her legion of friends and supporters, her legacy of good. Jo’s composed and dignified parents, Gordon and Jean Leadbeater, somehow managed a smile and a nod throughout their seven-day ordeal for everyone who offered a greeting. Her occasionally distraught sister Kim likewise saw it through with consummate courage. I confess to not quite comprehending the compassion and forgiveness that people so cruelly treated can find. It would be beyond me. I doubt that I would rest until I danced on Thomas Mair’s
The two faces of Tommy Mair – a volunteer in the gardens at Oakwell Country Park, and some of his library of white supremacist literature, found by police at his Fieldhead Estate home
B
grave. I would want to put him there personally. From beginning to end, I never saw dad Gordon give Mair so much as a sideways look. Such strength. Mum and sister occasionally couldn’t avoid casting their contempt in his direc-
tion. They were present from first to last. Husband Brendan appeared only on the penultimate afternoon and final morning. Such as justice can prevail in these instances, it was ultimately delivered. A life sentence, meaning life.
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What they never got, what no-one got however, was the answer to the simplest question of all: Why – and why Jo Cox in particular? What actual event or idea suddenly turned Mair’s sad life from warped extremist fascination to calculated, murderous intent? We know Mair had a collection of books many of which – but far from all – focused on extreme rightwing ideology. But equally some of his reading matter suggested a man of deep intelligence. Tommy Mair the loner and social misfit maybe – but not a stupid man. It seems evil has many faces, some of them the most unlikely. In the febrile aftermath of the killing, tabloid papers and social media alike lit up with links of Mair to far-right groups. Was that a photo of him at a Britain First rally? No. Is this him with the National Front? No again. BNP, EDL, even support for UKIP? If Mair had any past or present affiliation with any of those ‘mainstream’ organisations, no evidence of it was presented to the court. RULY then, a lone wolf, albeit one with an unhealthy appetite for extremist white ideology ranging from the Third Reich and South Africa’s white supremacists to the Ku Klux Klan. His house, with its bare but clean walls and patterned carpet, cheap pine furniture, a cupboard of neatly stacked tins of HP beans and Tesco condensed milk, a solitary single bed … it yielded few clues to his obsessions, apart from his reading material and a statuette of a gold Nazi eagle. The engraving on one of a bag of rune stones bore resemblance to the South African fascists’ emblem. A small American Confederate pin inside his coat pocket. That’s all. There was no shrine of
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hatred towards Jo Cox that we may have expected; no obsessive paper trail suggesting he was incensed by her thoughts, writings and actions – just a couple of newspaper cuttings and a Wikipedia entry. Elements of the liberal media must be downhearted today, perhaps even her husband Brendan, who I thought perhaps cynically used the tragedy to whip up support for the EU Remain campaign – almost before his wife’s body was cold. But inside 86 Lowood Lane there was no sign of Brexit fanaticism, no evidence that Jo Cox’s passionate belief in staying in Europe was anything more than incidental to a man whose hatred was cast higher and wider than that. Rather Jo Cox appears to have been symbolic of Mair’s obsession. And she was tragically within his physical reach. The fact that Mair had no home computer at which to sit and indulge his unhealthy interests ultimately brought him closer to his victim. He was a habitual user of both Birstall and Batley libraries, spending hours on end at them, always at the computers. He was even accredited by Kirklees to help other users. His final visit was the day before the murder, when he discussed her Thursday lunchtime surgery with a member of staff. But again, why Jo Cox? Exhaustive evidence going back to April 2012 was gathered regarding Mair’s internet habits. But it appears to have been June 7 before he started researching Jo Cox – just nine days before he struck.
Mair’s interest in Jo Cox appears to have started only on June 7... Having searched for her name and images, Mair went onto look into the lethal capacity of .22 rimfire ammunition, sawn off .22 weapons and a YouTube video of a firearm almost identical to his being shot and reloaded. Six days later, again in Birstall library, he did a Yahoo search for Jo Cox’s Wikipedia page and looked at her Twitter account. With the days ticking down to the assassination, Mair queried whether a single .22 shot to the head would be fatal. He read about the IRA assassination in 1970 of MP Ian Gow, then former Tory leader William Hague, who like Jo Cox had shown support for the Syrian people.
William Hague, however, did not hold public constituency surgeries in Batley and Birstall. Mair didn’t drive or, apparently, travel far. On June 14, Mair was at Batley library. He was looking at the human vertebrate column, but also the vulnerability of organs like the liver. Finally, on June 15 back at Birstall, he spent almost an hour on a computer, 35 of his 260 searches including dead people lying in state, paupers’ funerals, .22 rifles and ammunition, the assassination of US civil rights figures, the Nazi SS, Israel/ Palestine and far-right figures. By the time he logged off and checked details of Mrs Cox’s Thursday lunchtime surgery, for whatever deluded reason, Tommy Mair was ready to kill. The police said in the immediate aftermath of him being sent down that they believed he’d come into possession of the gun only recently. They believe that it provided the trigger – literally – for his smoldering obsessions to burst into such murderous flame. They believe but don’t know that he had an accomplice – in the gun if not the murder. We don’t even know if he’d ever had an email account. It seems not. To the very end he remained Tommy Mair, the loner who cut the grass, shopped for his mum, the insignificant bloke who according to one neighbour, “wouldn’t harm a fly”. Until 12.51pm on Thursday June 16, 2016. Mair himself, in refusing to instruct his lawyers to present any defence whatsoever, provide any explanation – save what we can only assume would have been a final outpouring of personal political propaganda – gave us nothing, gave Jo’s family nothing except more pain. Before the inevitable sentence was passed, the Honourable Mr Justice Wilkie denied Mair his sick moment in a spotlight for which he had presumably been waiting the entire length of the trial. Would that have given the Cox family, the wider public, some greater insight into his evil character and motivation? Would it have offered them partial solace and consolation, or further hurt and anger? Only the pathetic and lonely Thomas Mair, sitting alone in a cell with just his mad obsessions for company for the rest of his life, knows the answer to that.
ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
Council chief bows out THE chief executive of Kirklees Council is to stand down next year. Adrian Lythgo will leave his post in February after more then six years in the role – a period in which council services have been slashed due to severe budget cuts, and turmoil over planning and development regulations. It is believed he is not leaving the job for a different position elsewhere. Mr Lythgo said: “When I became chief executive, I anticipated doing the job for five years, which I think is about the right time for both the person and the organisation. “However, there have been challenges I have wanted to see
through, including our major transformation programme, our budget challenges and our senior management restructure. Earlier this year, we had a period without political leadership which I also wanted to see through. And I did not want to leave before the Local Plan was ready to move forward, before
we had moved to a commissioning culture, or before we had the stability of a four-year budget in place. “Kirklees is the only council I would want to have this role in. It is a great place to live and work, and while there are still significant challenges ahead, I feel we are in the best place we can be to deal with those.” The chief executive role has now been offered – on an acting basis for a 12-month period from Mr Lythgo’s departure – to his deputy, Jacqui Gedman. Council leader Coun David Sheard said: “I want to put on record my sincere thanks to Adrian for the work he has done in leading the organisation through an incredibly chal-
lenging period. His calm and thorough approach and strong guidance has been vital as we face the most difficult period local government has known. “I am delighted Jacqui has agreed to step up, which is vital for the success and the continuity of changes we are making.” Conservative leader Coun David Hall said: “Adrian has brought a strategic view to Kirklees and has also played a key role in the development of the Combined Authority, ensuring Kirklees’s voice is heard at that table.” Liberal Democrat leader Coun Nicola Turner said: “He has seen the council through some very difficult financial times.”
Shoplifter’s racist rant Council property sell-offs net £29.5m A SHOPLIFTER was jailed for racially abusing a security guard who caught him stealing. Scott Bolland, 35, was questioned after he tried to steal meat from the Lidl store in Dewsbury on September 25. As he left the Commercial Street premises, the store’s security alarms sounded and he was chased by a security guard. The men struggled in the car park and Bolland was detained and the police called. As he was led to the police van, he was heard
calling the victim a “black c**t”. Bolland admitted to racially aggravated threatening behaviour and two shop thefts when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court. The court was also told he stole a £190 Radley handbag from the Mill Outlet in Batley on September 21 and sold it to fund his drug habit. Bolland, who was on license at the time of the crimes after being released from a 45month sentence for burglary, was jailed for a further 70 days.
KIRKLEES Council has offloaded dozens of properties and plots of land over the last two years as it attempts to balance its books. Land all over North Kirklees has been either sold or signed over to community groups as the council looks to save £29.5m by 2021. Fifty-six assets were disposed of in 2015/16, netting the council £5.9m. This year, just two assets worth £945,000 have been sold. Among the properties sold were Soothill Community Centre and Thornhill Council Offices. A number of high-profile buildings will be either sold or transferred to local groups in the near future, including Dewsbury Museum in Crow Nest Park and Red House in Gomersal. Kirklees’ property and land assets are valued at £1.2bn.
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PROPERTY SOLD IN 2015/16 Land adjoining 18 Holland Street, Batley; land adjacent 57 Caledonia Road, Batley; land at Caledonian Road, Savile Town, Dewsbury; land fronting 68 Boothroyd Lane, Dewsbury; land adjacent to 61 Kitson Hill Road, Mirfield; Soothill Community Centre, Broomsdale Road, Batley (asset transfer); former Heaton Avenue F & N School, Westcliffe Road, Cleckheaton; land at Oastler Street, Westtown; land at Chapel Lane, Dewsbury; land at Healey Lane, Healey; land opposite 38 Upper George Street, Heckmondwike; former caretaker’s house, 5 Blenheim Drive, Batley; Thornhill Council Offices, scout hut and land, The Common, Thornhill; units 1, 2 & 3 Riverside Way, Ravensthorpe Industrial Estate, Dewsbury; land adjacent to 225 Ravenshouse Road, Dewsbury; 98 Commercial Street, Batley; land at Churwell Vale, Shaw Cross; land at Knowl Grove, Mirfield; land at Upper George Street, Heckmondwike; land on the south side of North Road, Dewsbury; land at Halifax Road, Liversedge; land at Upper Road, Batley; land at Battye Street, Dewsbury; land on the east side of Holland Street, Batley; land at Church Lane/Kirkgate, Birstall; land at Upper Road/Naylor Street, Batley; land at Norfolk Street, Batley; land adjoining 3 Mount Street, Cleckheaton; land to the rear of 268 Headfield Road, Thornhill Lees; land to the north side of 11 Commercial Street, Ravensthorpe; land at Chickenley Lane, Dewsbury.
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Outstanding college in every respect HUDDERSFIELD New College, judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2016, is perfectly placed for students from Kirklees or Calderdale. Situated on the edge of the Pennines, it is a specialist sixth form college catering exclusively for students aged 16-18 and offers a variety of courses at levels 1, 2 and 3. It is the only college in Kirklees to allow students to study a mix of both A Level and BTEC qualifications. With a 99% pass rate for A Levels and a 100% pass rate for BTEC qualifications in August 2016, exam results continue to keep the college in the top 10% of schools and colleges nationwide for Advanced Level performance; 40% of A Level students and 87% of BTEC students achieved the much coveted A*, A and B grades or equivalent. As well as outstanding exam results, the college also has top-class facilities and is constantly investing in amenities to ensure students get the very best out of their studies.
With fully-equipped PC and Mac workrooms, a media studio, indoor and outdoor sporting facilities – including a state of the art ‘Sports Barn’, an allweather 3g pitch and an ‘outdoor gym’ – plus two on-site theatres, top of the range music and dance studios, specialist art, design and photography workshops and purpose-built study rooms for each subject area, the college has something to offer everyone! Ofsted judgments (April 2016) Effectiveness of leadership and management – OUTSTANDING Quality of teaching, learning and assessment – OUTSTANDING Personal development, behaviour and welfare – OUTSTANDING Outcomes for learners – OUTSTANDING 16 to 19 study programmes – OUTSTANDING Overall effectiveness – OUTSTANDING ■ For more information about Huddersfield New College, go to www. huddnewcoll.ac.uk, call 01484 652341, or email info@huddnewcoll.ac.uk.
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ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
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So many groups help make our parade great Dear Sir, On Remembrance Sunday, I was standing on the upper slope of Lowlands Road in Mirfield, forming up the human jigsaw of what is renowned as ‘a very large parade’. Someone came up to me wearing the regalia of the masonic lodge and said: “Where do you want us lot to go?” I replied: “You see that bridge about a quarter of a mile down the road? You’ll be formed up not far from that.” “Really?” “Yes, really, you’re the rear section of number three column.”
Thanks for group support From: Mark Eastwood, Chidswell Action Group spokesman Dear Sir, I am writing to The Press, on behalf of the Chidswell Action Group, to say a massive thank you to residents in Dewsbury and Batley, who have supported our campaign to overturn Kirklees Council’s Local Plan to allocate land for hundreds of houses and units for industry on green belt at Shaw Cross and Chidswell. Despite huge opposition from local people, both Kirklees Council and the Church Commissioner landowners have flagrantly ignored the concerns of the whole community who want precious farmland and ancient woodland in the area protected for future generations. Kirklees Council need to realise that just because the church desperately wants to sell its land on to developers to maximise its profits, that is not
Letter of the Week: Tim Wood, Mirfield Mirfield Parade these days is not just big, it’s massive, made possible by churches, scouts, guides, veterans, serving personnel, mums, dads, onlookers, civic fur coats, top hats, bling and all the pomp of great British tradition, each lending their own unique stature to the parade. Quite a spectacle. The safety of the parade is
a valid reason to include it in their Local Plan. However, thanks to the generosity of residents in the area who have kindly donated money to help cover our legal fees, we are nearly in a position to present a full legal argument to the Independent Planning Inspector with the aid of a professional lawyer who will argue the case that the Local Plan once again fails the tests of soundness set by the Government, as it did three years ago. To date, we have hosted two successful Saturday morning street stalls at the top of Heybeck Lane, Batley, opposite the Babes In The Woods, and a quiz at a packed out Huntsman Inn, Chidswell, which overlooks large swathes of farmland proposed for development. Whilst we have been overwhelmed by the amazing level of support from people in the area who have helped us to get more than two thirds of the way to our fundraising target, we are still a little way off raising the final amount estimated to pay the full legal fees. With this in mind, we are hosting two more street stalls before Christmas, again at the
managed by the West Yorkshire Police and our own team of local marshalls who do a fantastic job. The spotting and correcting of potential problems is handled quickly, professionally and quietly. A lot of hard work and constant planning and overcoming the mountains of red tape and
Gardens, Woodkirk, Dewsbury. Mr & Mrs Kirton, singlestorey side extension, 870 Bradford Road, Birkenshaw. Simpson Tree Care, work to TPO(s) 11/08, 12 Greenside Road, Mirfield. Daniel Maddox, work to TPO(s) 15/82, 12 Nook Green, Thornhill. D Hare (Construction) Ltd, variation conditions 11-14 (Phase II Intrusive Site Investigation Report/ Remediation Strategy) and 19 (Bat Survey) on previous permission 2014/93414 for alterations to barn to create dwelling, including partial rebuild of 11 Wellhouse Farmhouse roof and party wall, demolition of outbuildings, erection of detached dwelling, erection of two carports and associated landscaping, Wellhouse Farm Barn, Mirfield. Mr & Mrs Spence, singlestorey extension, dormer extension and external chimney and alterations, 39
pipes, or is it the wreath-laying? To me it’s neither. It’s the face that we are in a position to remember the fallen and what they gave for our future. All gave some, but some gave all. Then after reflection, all the bright, cheery faces of our youth organisations who we hope will carry on the traditions and organise events long after we’ve put our parade boots in the cupboard. Next year will be our dress rehearsal for the 100th anniversary of the armistice in 1918, make a note in your diary. Thank you Mirfield, you made a lot of proud people prouder. have nine polluters! Get your calculators out and see the arithmetic for, say, a couple with five kiddies who have four children each! Driving past schools at going-home time, it reminds me of a football crowd. It is obvious that there will only be jobs for a fraction of these. There were 23,000 applications for 600 jobs at Siemens, a German company operating in Humberside, mainly specialising in wind farms. Some people believe that the choice for many of our youngsters will be the dole queue, prison or the armed services, if they stay in West Yorkshire.
Potential new development sites in Thornhill Lees top of Heybeck Lane, between 10am and 11.30am on Saturday November 26/December 3. This is probably the last chance we have to stop Kirklees Council’s Local Plan in its tracks, therefore any support local residents can give could make all the difference in
LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS T Hamer, one pair of semidetached dwellings, adjacent to 193 North Road, Ravensthorpe. D Gibson, two-storey front and single-storey rear extensions, 7 Moorfield View, Roberttown. Mr & Mrs D Pratt, demolition of existing garage and erection of two-storey side extension, 41 Birksland Moor, Birkenshaw. M Habib, works to TPO(s) 57/96, 1 Park Grove, Mirfield. Mr & Mrs M Zarchi, conservatory to rear, 89 Overthorpe Road, Thornhill. R Gospel, first floor side extension on piers and twostorey rear extension, formation of vehicular access, 49 Grasmere Road, Dewsbury. Horizon Care & Education Group Ltd, certificate of lawfulness for proposed use of dwelling (C3) to (C2) residential institution, 2 Greenhill Court, Hanging Heaton. Saville Estates, work to TPO(s) 05/78, 5 Woodkirk
paperwork is part and parcel of most big events these days. To help me through the mountain I have to thank the police, Kirklees Council Highways and Mayor’s Office, the local bus companies, the Lord Lieutenant’s office, waterways, plus all the organisations that take part. Without their continued support we would be unable to progress at such speed and build our parade further. Someone asked me afterwards what’s the best bit of the parade? Is it the marching to the beat of the drum and the skirl of the
Springfield Park, Mirfield. Ever After Bridal Wear Ltd, installation of security shutters, 103 Upper Commercial Street, Batley. Domino’s Pizza Group Ltd, change of use from retail (class A1) to hot food takeaway (class A5) and installation of extraction and ventilation equipment, 17 Cheapside, Cleckheaton. Hanging Heaton Rugby Club, c/o agent, erection of clubhouse and facilities, Bywell Road Playing Fields, Bendigo Road, Dewsbury. Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, four illuminated and one non-illuminated signs, 525 Bradford Road, Birkenshaw. J Hanby, certificate of lawfulness for proposed singlestorey rear extension, 62 Oakway, Birkenshaw. Mr B Hussain, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse.
The maximum height of the extension is 3.8m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.6m, 84 Victoria Road, Thornhill Lees. Michelle Quarshie, twostorey side extension and single-storey rear extension, 61 Liversedge Hall Lane, Liversedge. Asad Hashmi, work to TPO(s) 38/80, Jamiah Masjid AlHaramania, Jeremy Lane, Heckmondwike. Mr & Mrs Gothan, the proposal is for erection of singlestorey rear extension. The extension projects 4.5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.9m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.3m, 11 Slaithwaite Avenue, Thornhill Lees. R Eglan, work to TPO(s) 09/81, Westroyd House, 2 Water Royd Lane, Mirfield. Mrs Nixon, work to TPO(s) SP2/70, 3 St John’s Close, Cleckheaton.
our fight to protect the Green Belt. Remember, once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
It’s going to be the place to be From: ‘A resident of Thornhill Lees’ Dear Sir, Miller Homes recently unveiled proposals for two considerable housing developments in Thornhill Lees. The consultation held in the local community centre attracted a good number of residents, it was interesting to note that the main concerns people raised were not about the number of homes planned but the further congestion on local roads that the developments will create. Kirklees Council have plans to eventually create 4,000 new homes, schools and commercial outlets on farmland to the south of Lees Hall Road and Ravensthorpe Road, which at present is the only vehicular access to what will be a truly massive area of housing. Clearly new transport links will be needed. The sale of council-owned land within this project is reportedly worth in the region of £25million and would be more than enough to provide
the new roads so desperately needed. Another plus for the local community is the money generated by the Section 106 development funding process, where part of the immediate profits made by developers when farmland gains full planning permission goes to the community for projects such as creating new public green spaces etc. For the village of Thornhill Lees, which has never really had the amenities other communitues take for granted, this could finally mean that Thornhill Lees really is going to be the place to be.
Not enough jobs for us all From: Bernard K Powell, Lower Hopton Dear Sir, Current British problems – the HS2 railway, roads, Brexit, fracking, schooling, care homes, employment, housing and the NHS. Anyone with just a modicum of intelligence can see that these are all affected adversely by rapid population growth in most towns and cities. We have two children and five grandchildren, so from Mr and Mrs Powell gobbling up Planet Earth’s goodies, we now
Will leaders take heed? From: R Spreadbury, Liversedge Dear Sir, So there you have it. Thatcher’s bible was ‘The Constitution of Liberty’ by Frederick Hayek 1960, whose economic philosophy was shared by Reagan and many city slickers and captains of industry. Basically, minimum controls on commerce so the entrepreneurs can get richer and their wealth trickles down into the wider economy. But Hayek missed one major point – humans have a greedy gland and this is overdeveloped in the rich and successful. They are generally selfobsessed egotists, don’t like sharing, don’t like paying tax and they squirrel away their money in tax havens. This was the birth of neo liberalism, which led to unregulated capitalism, which led to globalisation, which led to industry either moving to countries with cheap labour or driving government policies of the uncontrolled immigration of cheap labour, which led to a gross inequality in wealth distribution which neither left (shame) or right (to be expected) addressed, which led to the current political sh** storm we now have in the west. Will our esteemed leaders take heed? The jury’s out.
ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
School must raise standards A PRIVATE Muslim school in Batley has been told it must raise its standards following a government inspection. Ofsted inspectors ruled that Zakaria Muslim Girls’ High School, pictured, requires improvement after they visited in September. The Warwick Road school was rated as needing improvement in the effectiveness of leadership and management, the quality of teaching and the outcomes for pupils. Behaviour at the school was rated as good. The school was inspected from September 27-29 after a previous inspection had taken place in which the inspector failed to speak to pupils. During the most recent inspection, inspectors observed: “Teaching has not been consistently strong enough over time to ensure that all pupils are making
good progress, particularly in mathematics. “The most able pupils are not provided with sufficient challenge. “As a result, not enough of these pupils make good progress.” Inspectors were critical of the leadership at the school, stating: “Leaders and managers have not ensured that all the independent school standards are consistently met.
“Leaders have not taken robust actions to promptly improve the quality of teaching and pupils’ progress rates.” The report was also critical of the school’s governing body, which it said did not challenge aspects of the school’s work. Inspectors did praise the atmosphere at the school, commenting: “Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural developments is a
strength of the school. Pupils are friendly, behave responsibly and co-operate well together.” The criticism from Ofsted comes weeks after another school, run by the same Islamic sect, was forced to change its curriculum, overhaul teaching standards and improve child safety. The Institute for Islamic Education in Dewsbury was served with a statutory notice after it was revealed that pupils were threatened with expulsion for mixing with outsiders. Pupils were forbidden from watching TV, listening to music or reading newspapers. They were also banned from talking to the media. The school has now introduced safety checks on staff, a less restricted curriculum and has hired a new head teacher for nonIslamic subjects and has been told it is meeting required standards.
New beginning for mansion
100mph driver jailed
THE Dewsbury Museum building will be throwing open its doors for an afternoon of festive fun. The new Friends of Dewsbury Park Mansion group are getting set to welcome the local community on December 10 following a clear-out of the museum’s exhibits. A giant crow from Callaloo Carnival Arts will be greeting guests outside the mansion, while inside there will be singing, poetry, dancing, carols and craft activities. Youngsters will also have the chance to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. The group is hoping to hear ideas from visitors about what they would
BATLEY mechanic Arshaq Ahmed Patel has been jailed after leading police on a 100mph chase in a Seat Leon brought to his business for repair. Leeds Crown Court heard that Patel, 32, of Frederick Walker Gardens, used the car to drive to a party without permission. Traffic officers in Elland Road, Leeds spotted the car at 1.15am on September 11 turning out of Old Road with its tyres screeching. Patel then ignored the officers, who had to accelerate up to 80mph in the 30mph zone. They continued to chase Patel,
like to see happen to the mansion in Crow Nest Park as they attempt to generate enough revenue to keep the building open. Spokesperson for the group, Jax Lovelock, said: “We want to ensure that all the people of this historic town have a chance to feed into the process, to have a sense of ownership and excitement about what is possible – and have a great afternoon out whilst doing it.” The festive fun afternoon will be held between 1pm and 4.30pm. More details can be found on the Friends of Dewsbury Park Mansion Facebook page or at www.dewsburyparkmansion.uk.
who drove on the wrong side of the road, causing oncoming traffic to take evasive action. When he was eventually caught, he told officers: “I panicked. It’s not my car, it’s my mate’s." Patel admitted using the car without permission to go to the party, where he had been drinking. The court heard he had previous convictions for dangerous driving. He was jailed for eight months and disqualified from driving for three years for dangerous driving.
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Santa’s calling in BIRSTALL: A Christmas fair at St Saviour’s Church tomorrow (Saturday, 11am-3pm), will feature a visit from Santa at noon. Windmill School choir will give a special performance and the church cafe will serve refreshments.
Bronte meeting KIRKLEES: The Kirklees and Calderdale Bronte group will on Thursday (December 1) at Fausto’s Cycling Cafe, Mirfield (2pm).
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ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
News In Brief Man launched violent attack on girlfriend
Pudsey calls in with treats for Zack and his family
THORNHILL: A man launched a violent attack on his girlfriend during an argument. Paul Angus, 35, of Smithy Parade, rowed with Louise Hartley on October 16 after he had decided to stay out drinking and Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that when he returned home he accused her of ruining his life. He punched a unit, which caused candles and paint to fall to the floor and grabbed Ms Hartley by the throat with both hands and slammed her head against the bedroom door. The court heard that he then said he did not care what he had done to her. Police were called and Angus was arrested. The case was adjourned to await a presentence report.
A TERMINALLY-ILL boy was given a special surprise – a visit from Pudsey Bear. Five-year-old Zack Barrett, twin brother Leo and mum and dad Katie and Ryan were settling down to watch the Children in Need show on Friday night when there was a knock at the door. Standing on their front step was the show’s mascot Pudsey, who had brought along some toys for the boys to play with. The visit was organised by the Asda store in Dewsbury, which donated the toys. Asda community champion Sharon Kingswood said: “After doing my role for seven years this has got to be the highlight, seeing the boys so excited. Something so small and easy to organise created a memory for the boys that they will treasure forever.” Five-year-old Zack has been
Police found drugs LIVERSEDGE: A man accused of dealing crack cocaine and heroin appeared in court on charges of possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, possession of criminal property, cash and using a vehicle without a licence. The alleged offences were discovered when Andrew Wilson, 43, of Healds Avenue, was stopped by police on Reuben Street, Littletown, and searched. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that as well as the drugs, officers also discovered messages on Wilson’s mobile phone indicating commercial sale. The case was sent to Leeds Crown Court, where Wilson will appear on December 15.
Surprise ... Pudsey meets the Barretts
Canal clean-up success By Steve Martyn
Climate change talk MIRFIELD: A talk on climate change and the environment at Mirfield library on Friday, December 2 (11am) is part of the coffee o’clock series of short talks. Entry is free.
diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour and has been given 18 months to live with treatment. A fundraising page set up to help the Mirfield-raised Barrett family create as many memories as possible has already raised more than £13,700. Meanwhile, the Old Colonial pub in Mirfield is hosting a Golden Oldies’ fundraising night tomorrow (Saturday), with all the proceeds being donated to Zack Barrett’s memory funds. From 8pm onwards there will be music, an auction, raffle and a penny auction, with prizes including a video camera, chocolates, champagne, beauty vouchers and a fitted carpet to the value of £500 from Mirfield Mill Carpets. Entry is £5. Anyone who wants to donate prizes for the raffle can contact landlord Tim Wood on 01924 496920.
‘See for yourself’ plea to Hunt from MP
Cleaning up ... canal litter-pickers
A CAMPAIGN to clear rubbish left in Mirfield’s canal following last year’s winter floods has been hailed a success. Canoe and canal enthusiasts combined to clear litter from the banks of the Calder and Hebble Navigation between Battyeford Island and Ledgard Flood Lock. The Canal and River Trust teamed up with the Environment Agency in response to requests by residents, businesses and the South Pennine Boat Club. Twenty canoeists from the Pennine Canoe and Rowing Club tackled the water-bound litter, while 15 volunteers – members of the Trust and the Agency, boaters
from Mirfield’s South Pennine Boat Club and the Safe Anchor Trust, and members of the public – scoured the bank. The clean-up was supported by Kirklees Council. Twenty bags of rubbish were collected, as well as more unusual items such as part of a six-foot fence and a discarded fridge. Said David Himsley, a member of the Safe Anchor Trust at Shepley Bridge Marina: “The floods were devastating and when we started with the boating season in March, you could see all the rubbish on the bank and in the trees overhanging the water. “With the foliage dying back, it was our first real opportunity to get to grips with the problem.”
DEWSBURY MP Paula Sherriff has asked the Health Secretary to visit the district as campaigners fight to save emergency medical services in Kirklees. She wrote an official letter to Jeremy Hunt following the recent decision to downgrade Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and close its A&E department. She wrote: “I should like to invite you to visit Kirklees in order to better understand the full implications and ramifications of the decision for the area, including the depth of feeling amongst the local population about this issue. “The decisions to downgrade both Dewsbury & District Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary will leave the whole of Kirklees – a population of some 430,000 people – without an accident & emergency department. “The area includes many semi-rural areas and throughout the campaign to avoid the closure of Huddersfield’s A&E, concerns have been raised over response times and the capacity for local people to travel to further-flung hospitals. “Much of my constituency is located between Huddersfield and Dewsbury hospitals and my constituents will be hit hard by the downgrades of both A&E departments. “My constituency is also a demographically diverse area with complex healthcare challenges. “There are questions over whether Calderdale Hospital, which currently shares 141,000 A&E visits a year with Huddersfield, can cope with the pressure alone. One recent estimate even suggested that the changes could result in 157 more deaths a year. “This is not a trivial decision for my constituents and the people of Kirklees. This decision will have far-reaching consequences for the whole area. I hope you will seriously consider this invitation to see and hear from the affected communities.” Ms Sherriff’s office is yet to receive a response.
ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
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Care home criticised again over staff levels By Staff Reporters A CLECKHEATON care home remains in special measures after inspectors found it to be understaffed, with members of staff asked to work extremely long hours. The Care Quality Commission report found Ashmeadows to be ‘inadequate’ in the categories of safety, effectiveness and management. It was rated as ‘requires improvement’ for its care and response times. Inspectors found that one resident who requires assistance in the shower had gone without bathing for seven days. The residential home on Moorbottom was visited in September, when inspectors found that staff were struggling to meet the demands of
the residents due to a lack of carers. It was previously inspected in December 2015, when there were six breaches of regulations identified, which resulted in the service being put into special measures. Inspectors conducted two unannounced inspections in September and although they noted some improvements had been made, there were still several breaches of the regulations. The report noted that “staffing levels were poor” and there were “not enough staff to meet people’s needs”. Staff were not adequately trained or supported to carry out their roles safely. One carer had worked for 120 hours over 10 consecutive days while the home manager also sometimes covered for catering or cleaning staff. Inspectors said: “Only two staff were deployed at a time,
day and night, and this was not sufficient to meet people’s needs. “One person’s care record showed an additional staff member was needed to support them between the hours of 5pm and 8pm, yet we saw from the rotas this was rarely achieved.” Residents did tell inspectors they felt safe at the home, despite the CQC questioning how rigorous the staff hiring process was. The CQC also noted a number of hygiene issues at Ashmeadows, including “strong offensive odours, such as sanitary waste bins and some bathroom areas”. They noted there were no cleaning staff working at the home at weekends. Residents praised the meals on offer but inspectors did find that weight loss was not being monitored properly.
Jailed sex attacker’s appeal bid rejected A DEWSBURY man who was locked up for repeated sex attacks on a pre-teen schoolgirl has failed in a bid to clear his name. Ahtisham Arif, 31, was jailed for 12 years after he sexually abused the youngster a decade ago. He was convicted at Leeds Crown Court in 2008 after the
girl told her parents about the attacks. Arif, of Calder Road, was found guilty of two counts of rape and other charges of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. But his case reached London’s Appeal Court after he refused to accept the jury’s verdict, maintaining he was the victim of a campaign of lies.
He accused the victim of lying, stating that she was coached, while also launching an attack on his trial barrister, whom he accused of failing to press his case. Arif had asked for permission to appeal his conviction but this was rejected by Mrs Justice Jefford, who described the case as “unarguable”.
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ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
News In Brief Man charged over knifepoint carjack
Bat attack couple spared jail
MIRFIELD: A man in his 50s has been arrested and charged following a knifepoint robbery in which a woman had her car stolen. The robbery happened at around 5.30pm on November 11, when the victim was parked on Knowl Road. She was threatened with a knife and told to hand over keys. The assailant then made off with her blue Ford Focus. She was unhurt.
A COUPLE who used a baseball bat during a Dewsbury town centre attack have been spared jail. Jasmine and Basharat Hussain, of Burnsall Drive, Batley, were filmed carrying out the attack on August 24. The victim of the attack had parked his VW Golf on Northgate,
By Staff Reporters
having agreed to sell it to the couple. They drove past him before parking behind his vehicle. Hussain then got out of his car, ran towards the victim and became involved in a struggle. He then kicked the vehicle and broke the wing mirror as the victim fled. His wife then ran towards the altercation with a baseball bat. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court
heard that around £300-worth of damage had been caused during the assault. The incident was captured by another driver on a dashcam. Hussain, 33, pleaded guilty to criminal damage while his wife, also 33, admitted possession of an offensive weapon and threatening behaviour. District Judge Michael Fanning said: “This was an ugly incident.
It’s violence on the street and violence breeds violence.” Hussain was sentenced to a community order with 10 days of rehabilitative activities and six months of alcohol treatment. His wife received a 146-day prison sentence suspended for one year. She must also comply with a community order which requires up to 20 days rehabilitative activities.
Teen ‘breached order’ RAVENSTHORPE: A trouble-making teen has appeared in court after he was banned from Huddersfield town centre. Ian Muchmore, 19, of Spen Valley Road, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court after he allegedly broke the court order that had been imposed on him by the same court at an earlier date. He was handed the order last month after committing a number of offences in the town, including urinating outside a supermarket. He denied breaching the order and claimed he had a legitimate reason for being in Huddersfield on October 31. He will appear before magistrates again on December 23.
‘Assaults on partner’ BATLEY: A man has denied assaulting his partner on two occasions. Krzysztof Jasiniewski, 33, of Sykes Close, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court this week where he pleaded not guilty to assaulting Wiktoria Kozowicz on October 25. Jasiniewski is alleged to have struck his partner in the face while the two of them were in a park, before digging his nails into her. The second assault is said to have taken place at their home. Jasiniewski's trial will be held on January 5 at the magistrates’ court.
This Dewsbury furniture workshop at GB Projects at The Mill on Pepper Royd Lane was engulfed by fire at around 5.30pm last Thursday (November 17). Firefighters from Dewsbury, Cleckheaton, Ossett and Huddersfield tackled the blaze. People living nearby were without power for around six hours. PICTURES ASH MILNES
‘10-minute’ rail station talks DEWSBURY MP Paula Sherriff finally met rail minister Paul Maynard to discuss issues at Mirfield railway station – but the meeting, which took place “in a cafe, for no more than 10 minutes”, failed to achieve anything. Said the MP: “All the minister said was there was nothing he could do. “He said the funding for this period is all spent and Mirfield is not even close to meeting the requirements for funding.” In an online post last month, Ms Sherriff said Mr
Maynard had rebuffed her request for a meeting. But just hours later, officials from his office made contact and an informal meeting was quickly arranged. An official confirmed: “The minister met with Paula Sheriff on Wednesday, October 26 at 6.15pm to discuss Mirfield station. “A private secretary was in attendance and a note was taken of the meeting.” Ms Sherriff has confirmed she met with the minister and clarified that she had
written the online post prior to the minister agreeing to meet her. She said: “Someone heard I’d gone public on social media, and rightly so, and they were just trying to limit the damage. “It was literally a meeting in a cafe for no more than 10 minutes.” The lack of clarity in the situation was raised by Mirfield Conservative councillor Martyn Bolt, who said that the Dewsbury MP should have updated her constituents on the position.
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ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
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ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
Xmas in Batley BATLEY’S festive season will officially begin tomorrow (Sat) when the lights are switched on at 5.55pm in the Market Place. The festivities begin at 1pm with fun fair rides, Santa’s grotto and more. Join Paul Griffiths from Pulse 1 for music, singers and live entertainment leading up to the big switch-on at 5.55pm. Kids can chill out in the giant snow globe before watching the fantastic performers, brought to you by Creative Scene. The event is being sponsored by Fox’s Biscuits and supported by Batley Business Association and Creative Scene.
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Timetable of events in the Market Place: 1pm Market stalls and children’s fairground rides open; Snow Globe, sponsored by Fox’s Biscuits, available. 3pm Santa arrives and the grotto opens. Admission £2.50. 4.15pm Radio show starts, hosted by Paul Griffiths, including local entertainment: • Musica Kirklees Saxophone ensemble; • Acorn Theatre group; • Christmas message from Rev Deborah Wainwright.
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4.35pm-5.30pm Fire performers Flame Oz will be performing in the Market Place. 4.45pm Deputy Mayor Coun Christine Iredale and MP Tracy Brabin will arrive and be escorted around the event. 5.40pm Santa’s grotto closes. 5.55pm Lights switch-on by Deputy Mayor, Tracy Brabin, Andrew Marsden (BBA chairman) and Santa. 6pm Close.
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THE FESTIVE season will officially begin in Dewsbury when the lights are switched on on Wednesday, November 30. The festivities begin at 4.15pm in Market Place, when you can join Dewsbury-born Jacqui Blay from Pulse 1 for music and live entertainment, leading up to the Christmas lights switch-on at 5.40pm. Children can enjoy playing in a giant snow globe before watching fantastic performances, courtesy of Creative Scene. The event is being been sponsored by
Edinburgh House (owners of the Princess of Wales Precinct) and supported by Creative Scene, the arts organisation for North Kirklees. • There will also be a Christmas lights switch-on in Staincliffe Park on Thursday, December 1. The Friends of Staincliffe Park group will hold the event at the park’s pavilion from 6pm until 8pm, with the lights being turned on at 7pm. There will be entertainment and refreshments available.
ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
One of highlights of the year Twoday event THE VILLAGE of Roberttown will join together to celebrate the festive season next Friday, December 2. The annual event will see the Christmas lights switched on by Santa himself, introduced by town crier Vic Watson. Organisers hope Father Christmas will do the honours at around 5.30pm at the Jubilee Garden on Church Road. Visitors can enjoy a mince pie and a drink with Santa, and after the switch-on he’ll be in his special grotto in the church where children will be able to visit him. Huddersfield Youth Brass Band will be playing festive music and carols
will be sung by the Christmas tree, with performances from Roberttown church singers, Roberttown rock choir, Strive Community Dance and the Timesteps School of Dance. Many local businesses will open late to get into the Christmas spirit, offering tasty treats and special offers for visitors and residents, with many people dressing up in Victorian attire. There will be entertainment afterwards at Roberttown Club. Roberttown Lane through the village will be closed to traffic during the festivities and villagers hope for a big turnout for one of the highlights of the community’s year.
Back with a bang HECKMONDLIGHT 2016 promises to surprise and delight as it celebrates Heckmondwike’s famous tradition of illuminations and lights up the town with artworks and performances tomorrow (Sat). The event will run from 4pm to 8pm, with the light switch-on at 6.30pm. Building on last year’s enchanting event, Heckmondwike Community Alliance have once again been working together with North Kirklees arts organisation Creative Scene to bring the latest and most exciting innovations in light-based artworks to the area, including works created specially for Heckmondwike. Simon Thirkill, of Heckmondwike Community Alliance, explained: “Last year we were really excited by the new digital illuminations we brought to the town and working with local people and Impossible Arts we have received a grant from Arts Council England to develop The Momentum Wheel specially for the town. “It will mark the moment of switching on the lights with gas-fired jets, a nod to the original illuminations, dig-
ital imagery and pyrotechnics. “It will really set off the celebrations with a bang. We want to put Heckmondwike back on the map for the best light show in the north!” Vicky Holliday, creative producer at Creative Scene, continued: “The whole town is set to be illuminated for the evening. “Starting in Market Hall you’ll be able to join a cast of local people with tales to tell by the fireside, warm yourself with a hot drink and meet Santa. “In Green Park you will be able to stroll through arches bejewelled with LEDs and listen to enchanting birdsong in Aviary Arcadia. “Watch as the bandstand is transformed with animations drawn live in response to the surroundings. “And across the sites you’ll be able to enjoy the sounds of The Ski Band, mobile projections from Frabric Lenny Light Trike and glowing circus tricks from Flame Oz. “This is going to be something out of the ordinary, a free fun-filled evening for all the family.”
OSSETT’S Christmas lights will be switched on as part of a two-day festive extravaganza! Taking place on Saturday and Sunday November 26-27 (10am to 6pm), there will be a two-day Victorian market in the precinct with Santa in his grotto, fairground and donkey rides, live entertainment all weekend and plenty to eat and drink. The lights will officially be turned on at 5.30pm on Saturday evening. In Horbury, the village will come together tonight (Fri) for the lights switch-on, with events planned from 4pm to 8pm. There is also Horbury’s popular pre-Christmas late night shopping event on Thursday December 1, with shops open until 8pm.
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ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
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MIRFIELD’S SUPER SUNDAY ORGANISERS in Mirfield are planning what could be one of the biggest and most spectacular days on the town’s high street. This Sunday the town will be hosting the Mirfield Christmas Festival, which includes the Christmas lights switch-on. Starting at around 2pm, the festive high street extravaganza will continue throughout the afternoon and into the evening, closing at around 7pm. As well as the big switch-on itself, there will be a festive food and craft fayre, on-stage entertainment, a family funfair, high street stores open late for Christmas shopping, and a visit from Santa. Organised by the MyMirfield group, in conjunction with Mirfield Town Council, the festival will be the perfect event – for an hour, or all day – to get you and your family in the full festive spirit – and buy some Christmas presents locally. At the festive food and craft fayre, you can expect the very best of festive gifts, hand-made crafts and artisan foods, pro-
duced and sourced by people who are passionate about what they do. Plus organisers hope to have a mulled wine bar and street food providers to help make it a full day out for everyone. Town centre shops are being encouraged to open throughout the event, so you can shop on the high street and support your local businesses as you start buying gifts for Christmas. Organisers are also expecting another year of creative festive window displays in the Best Dressed High Street Window competition. Schedule: 12pm - Family funfair opens in library car park. 2pm - Festive high street open and Christmas window display competition. 4pm - Festive food and craft fayre stalls in Co-op
car park. 4pm - Christmas songs played from the stage in Coop car park. 5pm - Over two hours of stage entertainment, including ... • Christmas brass from Mirfield Salvation Army; • Christmas tunes from local group Flutastic; • Carol singers; • The big switch-on; • A visit from Santa. • ON SATURDAY December 24 there will be carols sung around Mirfield’s Christmas tree, just outside the library in the centre of town. Now in its sixth year, the free festive community gathering is quickly becoming a Mirfield family tradition. Starting at 4pm, song sheets will be available on the night and there will be a few surprises in store for those who come along.
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ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
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LAST Sunday members of Birstall Chamber of Trade spent the morning erecting a Christmas tree in the middle of the Market Place. Chamber of trade treasurer Pat Thornes said: “It definitely looks a lot like Christmas in Birstall. “Brute force, a little knowledge and a lot of humour were the order of the day. “Thank you to Ikea for supplying the tree, and a very big thank you to Donna and her team at The Cobbles for the fantastic breakfast.” Birstall's official lights switch-on event takes place next Tuesday, November 29, and the itinerary is as follows:
3pm Stalls and Marshalls Fairground open 3.30pm-5.30pm Santa’s grotto inside the library 4pm + 5pm Creative Scene’s magical light show 5.30pm Chris Beaumont Dancers perform 6pm Blessing of the lights
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ThePress
News In Brief Man robbed on cricket field
Friday November 25, 2016
Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin spent a day observing a typical shift with ambulance paramedics Jamie and Lauren. Here, she writes for The Press about her experience...
STAINCLIFFE: A man was punched in the face during a robbery in which his money and keys were taken. Police are appealing for information after the incident at the cricket field off Halifax Road. The man was walking home across the field on November 9 at 11.30pm when he was attacked. The attacker searched the man’s pockets and stole the items before running off. Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 6088 Divek Singh Ubhi at Huddersfield CID via 101.
Food bank’s Christmas fair BATLEY: The town’s food bank is holding its annual Christmas Fair tomorrow (Saturday) in the Town Hall Annexe, off of Brunswick Street (11am-3pm). There will be stalls, games and food and drink – and youngsters will even have the chance to visit Santa. Funds raised will go to the bank and the entrance fee is a donation of food or a Christmas treat.
Park mansion discussion DEWSBURY: The next public meeting of the Dewsbury and Mirfield district committee meeting will be held on Tuesday (November 29) at Dewsbury Town Hall (7-9pm). Items on the agenda include the future of the Mansion House at Crow Nest Park and heritage services in Dewsbury. The agenda is available to view online at the Kirklees Council website.
Festive event for hospice BATLEY: The Batley and Birstall support group for Kirkwood Hospice is getting set to host its ‘A Taste of Christmas’ event at Batley Older People’s Centre on Sunday, December 4 (2pm4pm). There will be a chance to buy Christmas gifts and cakes and visitors can win on the raffle and tombola. Tickets (£6) are available from Edith on 01924 441122 or at the hospice’s Batley shop.
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My day with paramedics From clock-on to clock-off, I couldn’t fault the dedication and commitment of the team as we went from call to call throughout the eight hours I was with them
S
INCE becoming your MP, I have heard the message loud and clear: people in Batley and Spen are concerned about the NHS. When I’m out and about or holding a surgery, you tell me you’re worried about the downgrade of Dewsbury Hospital and you’re concerned about what the £26m budget cuts facing the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust this year will mean for patient safety. The very first time I spoke in the House of Commons, I questioned Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt about the downgrade of Dewsbury Hospital and will use my upcoming meeting with him to put your concerns to him directly. With the challenges facing the NHS in mind, I wanted to see what it was like on the front line. After visiting the Bronte Birthing Centre, I jumped at the chance to spend Sunday with a Yorkshire Ambulance Service paramedic crew. I was shown around the state-of-the-art facility in Manor Mill, Beeston, by Dr David Macklin, YAS executive director of operations, and had the opportunity to discuss my constituents’ concerns about a build-up of ambu-
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lances waiting to hand over patients at Pinderfields, and the downgrade of Dewsbury Hospital. During my shift, I was placed in the capable hands of Jamie and Lauren, who had already dealt with two calls and were on a break, picking me up on the way. Jamie, a fully-trained paramedic and GMB rep, talked me through the demands of the job. Lauren is an emergency care assistant who was behind the wheel. Our first call was to a man who was struggling after an operation on his kidney stones. His partner was used to the trip to A&E, reflecting that although their regular waiting time at St James’s is invariably under four hours, they recently spent 36 hours in a surgical assessment unit before a bed on a ward was found. This is a process called reverse boarding. Patients get through A&E in under four hours – to comply with national targets – but with pressure on bed places off the scale, often find themselves waiting in side rooms or assessment wards. Next was a serious road traffic accident, where a young man on a motorbike
had crashed into the side of a car; he was not breathing. The Hazardous Area Response Team was nearby and started work on the young man minutes before we arrived. In such serious incidents, these minutes are crucial and he was very lucky they were nearby. He was stabilised and lifted into our ambulance to be taken to A&E, where he was cared for by an experienced team. There is no doubt the teamwork, procedural discipline and medical expertise saved his life. The last call-out of the day was a young pregnant woman who seemingly had suffered a mini stroke. With pre-eclampsia a serious danger for pregnant woman, Jamie made the sensible decision to take her to A&E for further tests. From clock-on to clock-off, I couldn’t fault the dedication and commitment of the team as we went from call to call throughout the eight hours I was with them. It was a privilege to spend time with such hard-working, dedicated professionals, but I can’t help but feel the government is making an already tremendously difficult job even harder. The NHS is struggling
Two jailed for theft of cars worth £238k BURGLARS who stole high-end cars in Dewsbury, Batley and Cleckheaton have been jailed for a combined 11 years. Thomas Quinn, 37, and Gordon Hopkins, 39, both from Leeds, masterminded the theft of cars including
VWs, Audis, BMWs and a Seat Leon between October last year and April. The pair targeted mainly new-build houses in West Yorkshire where the cars were parked outside. They broke in through windows or unlocked
Jailed: Hopkins, left, and Quinn doors, taking the victim’s keys before driving away. The total value of the stolen cars has been estimated at £238,000 and several were used as transport to commit further offences.
financially across the board. Take Yorkshire Ambulance Service: the Government’s offer of less money for 2016/17, rather than more when demand has increased by seven per cent, is insulting. I was also made aware there is a cost to the NHS when ambulances are left waiting to hand over patients at A&E, which is an unnecessary expense and a drain on already over-stretched budgets. The only way to stop this happening is to increase bed numbers to ease the pressure on A&E and nurses on the wards having to monitor poorly patients in side rooms without facilities. Cutting beds at Dewsbury seems counter-intuitive when social care is in disarray. Lack of beds holds back the swift discharge of patients ready to be looked after in the community and forces ambulances to stack up – a sight we’re seeing increasingly at A&Es around the country. With this in mind, I’d encourage everyone who cares about our NHS to join me on the Labour Party stall we’re running in Batley tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am to 1pm, where we can discuss this further. Cash and jewellery was also taken from some properties. Quinn was sentenced to five years while Hopkins was given six years after both pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to 13 burglaries. Detective Chief Inspector Sue Jenkinson of Wakefield District CID, said: “Quinn and Hopkins are organised and prolific criminals who targeted households across the
Plan for CCTV in all taxis CCTV could soon be mandatory in all Kirklees taxis in an effort to improve safety. Kirklees Council has opened a public consultation on the scheme. Councils in Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale, Wakefield and York will also be consulting with people in their areas. If given the go-ahead, taxis will be covered by audio and CCTV. The audio would only be in operation when the taxi is in use and could be switched on by either the driver or the passenger. The Council was quick to assure the public that CCTV and recordings would only be accessible to the police once a crime had been reported. The consultation will run until February 3. Full details can be found on the council’s website and comments can be sent to l i c e n s i n g @ kirklees.gov.uk.
Knife man behind bars A BATLEY man has been jailed after he admitted to a police officer that he was carrying a knife. William Morris, 22, pictured, was on licence at the time of the offence after serving a 40-month custodial sentence for armed robbery. The incident happened after Morris asked police for a lift to his home on Bromley Road, Batley, after he had been to Huddersfield Police Station. An officer agreed, but in the car Morris admitted he was carrying a large kitchen knife which he said he had for his own protection. He has now been recalled to prison for a breach of his licence conditions. Morris pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court. The court was told that he had the knife tucked into his tracksuit bottoms and at no point was it brandished in public. He was jailed for 28 days. county in a series of highvalue burglaries. They were arrested following a long-running and detailed investigation by my officers and now face prison sentences for their crimes. “We hope seeing these men behind bars will bring some peace of mind to those they stole from and I wish to commend the hard work of my officers in detecting this string of offences.”
Friday November 25, 2016
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Friday November 25, 2016
Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details SATURDAY DECEMBER 3 GILDERSOME MOOR AND MORE Meet at 10.30am at Moorland Road, near Drighlington Library (BD11 1JZ, SE223285) 7.5 miles - moderate Leader: Norma - Tel: 01274 685 343 or 07951 413012
Quiz night to raise funds for Howlands A CHARITY Christmas quiz night is being held at Shaw Cross Boys Club on Friday December 2. The event, which starts at 7.30pm, will benefit Howlands, the community hub on School Street in Dewsbury. There is ample parking, full disabled access and a well-stocked bar at the Shaw Cross club. Tickets are priced at £6 including hot supper and a free prize draw are available by calling Howlands on 01924 463693. Please confirm in advance your preferred choice of hot supper, and festive dress is encouraged!
Oakwell art display ARTISTS from the Oakwell Art Group will be displaying their work at their annual exhibition at St Peter’s Church in Birstall this weekend. The exhibition, on Saturday and Sunday November 26-27, is free to visit and refreshments will be available. A wide variety of paintings will be on display in the church on Kirkgate, which will be open from 10am to 3.30pm on the Saturday and 12pm to 3.30pm on the Sunday. The paintings are the work of local people mainly from the Birstall and Batley area.
MONDAY DECEMBER 5 GOING SHOPPING TO IKEA Meet at 1pm at Oakwell Hall top car park (WF17 9LG SE217271) 5 miles – moderate No dogs please Leader: Kathleen Tel: 01924 471473
Band set for Batley show THE STARS of one of Batley’s favourite Christmas shows are due to exhibit their musical talents once again on the first Saturday of December. The highly-popular Hammonds Saltaire Band is maintaining its local links by again joining with the talented youngsters from Batley Parish School’s Singing Group to provide another riveting festive programme in Batley Town Hall on December 3. This is the ninth successive year that the two groups have appeared side by side to bolster the town’s festive spirit. The 35-strong children’s singing group, conducted by the popular Kate Delaney, also gets a lot of satisfaction out of the partnership. This year the singing group will embrace items from The Sound of Music, the Muppet Christmas Carol and the Carpenters’ Whistle Down The Wind. The past year has been a comparatively quiet one for the band but its musicians are looking forward to their Batley performance. Their programme includes such items as Away in a Manger, the Coventry Carol, A
Christmas Fantasy and The Final Dance from Three Cornered Hat. Tickets are £12 (£10 concessions) and £5 for children under-16. They are available from 01924 324501, online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/ townhalls or direct from Mr Griffiths on 01924 478933. The concert starts at 7.15pm
Best medicine at talk LAUGHTER will most definitely be in the air at next Monday’s meeting of Batley History Group being held in Batley Town Hall. The speaker, former council chief Alan Swann, is so convinced that laughter is an important means by which people can keep a healthy attitude to life that he has mapped out a talk entitled ‘Laughter is the best medicine’. He is Barnsley-based but his grandfather Harry Hinchliffe, who was a plate layer with British Rail, came from Batley and so he feels strong links with the town. In a career embracing local government Alan worked for the West Riding County Council at Wakefield and also as director of human resources with Rotherham Council who employed more than 14,000 people. In doing so he has noted how humour and laughter can help bring great satisfaction to people and he is convinced that more people should use it to encourage widespread conversation and associations with others. He will be explaining his theory and some of the amusing moments associated with it at the History Group meeting on Monday, to which members and non-members are invited. Admission charges, which include free refreshments, are £2 for members and £4 for non-members. The meeting starts at 7.30pm.
Still time for Scrooge DEWSBURY Arts Group’s ‘The Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge’ show opened last Saturday at the Artspace on Lower Peel Street. It’s a fun, festive, family-friendly tale that follows the Victorian misery, Ebenezer Scrooge. Theatre-goers can have lots of fun watching Mr Scrooge on his journey to become a better sort of person. See if he still thinks Christmas is a load of ‘humbug’ at the end! The show has been running all week and there are some tickets available for the Sunday matinee performance on November 27 at 2.30pm. For more information visit www.dewsburyartsgroup.info or call the box office on 03336 663366.
Historical meeting SPEN VALLEY Historical Society next meet on Wednesday, December 14, when there is a talk called ‘The History of Handbell Ringers’ by Peter Fawcett. 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 email scooper@thecooper sonline.org.uk.
A real Showstopper FOLLOWING last year’s record-breaking production of The Wizard of Oz, Showstopper Productions are rehearsing another action-packed pantomime, Aladdin, ready to be performed at Cleckheaton Town Hall on December 9-21. The show is a classic family tale, packed with music and dance, fun and laughter, love and a magic lamp. Tickets priced £11 (£9 concessions) are available from Showstopper Productions on 01924 412224 or Kirklees Town Hall Box Office on 01484 223200.
Ramblers’ Xmas jaunt Concert full of pomp ON SATURDAY November 19 a coach took Dewsbury & District Rambling Club on their annual ‘Turkey and Tinsel’ outing. The fivemile walk started off at Killinghall and went via Knox to the Harrogate Ringway. Walkers then went through the Valley Gardens back into Harrogate and afterwardas a meal was enjoyed at Millstones Restaurant. A walk is planned for Sunday November 27 in the Digley area. This is a ‘B’ walk, please meet Cynthia O’Driscoll at 9am at Wellington Road Car Park, Dewsbury.
MIRFIELD Rifles Volunteers are hosting a concert called ‘A Festive Pomp’ at St Paul’s Church on Friday December 9. The concert, which starts at 7.30pm, features Grange Moor Brass Band, who will play military music in the first half and Christmas favourites after the interval. Tickets priced £5, which includes a glass of mulled wine or soft drink, are available from the Old Colonial pub (01924 496920), Ramsdens Butchers and Mirfield Mill Carpets. Mirfield Rifles Volunteers are a community group that support two different charities each year – one service charity and one local charity. All the proceeds will be donated to Christ the King church in Mirfield and the Pilgrim Bandits, a national group who help and inspire wounded soldiers.
Chicago hits the right notes CHICAGO at Leeds Grand Theatre Until Saturday November 26 Tickets £22-£47 www.leedsgrandtheatre.com Box office: 0844 848 2700 Review by Lucy Tissiman
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WRITTEN by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, Chicago is based on real-life events from the roaring 20s. Set in the midst of the Prohibition Era, when Chicago was run by gangsters, it is the story of Roxy Hart, a devious chorus girl who shoots her lover, and Velma Kelly, the cabaret
singer accused of the murder of her married lover. Set in County Cook Jail, reporter Maurine Watkins is assigned to cover the trials of both women on murderesses’ row. Fighting for survival they are helped by smooth lawyer Billy Flynn and the corrupt Matron, Mamma Morton. With an all-star cast this musical promises an evening of razzle dazzle! Velma Kelly (Sophie Carmen-Jones) sets the scene with her opening number ‘All That Jazz’ and from then on, the audience are left in
no doubt that they are in for a night of corruption, adultery and seduction. The sexy score includes ‘Razzle Dazzle’ by John Partridge (Billy Flynn), ‘When You’re Good To Mamma’ by Jessie Wallace (Mamma Morton) and ‘Me And My Baby’ by Hayley Tamaddon (Roxy Hart). Chicago is an exciting, fastmoving story of murder, debauchery and wrong-doing. It is musically sensational, with sensual and seductive choreography. Sophisticated and slick, this show is pure sass.
ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
Hear Ann across the BBC radio network
Look! 007 Sir Roger Moore reveals all in a new ‘An Audience With’ stage show S IR ROGER MOORE, the ever-charming former 007, is off on the road with a new book and stage tour. Sir Roger, famous for roles in The Saint, The Persuaders, and of course James Bond, told me: “The stage show is a riot of fun, because the audience lead the questions and of course you never know what you’re going to be asked. I am always surprised at the questions.” Roger, who is also still acting, admits: “I have just had a very lucky career, and my advice is to take everything offered, and learn from it.”
Ann with Sir Roger Moore
STRICTLY Come Dancing Contestant Ore Oduba tells me that it’s true – the show becomes the hardest thing that contestants ever do. He said: “I think about nothing all the time, apart from my next dance and I mean that to the point that even when I wake up I am going through it in my head, it’s that intense.” FORMER Girls Aloud singer Cheryl is set to trace her roots in the new series of genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are? Former X Factor judge Cheryl, 33, is set to discover the story of her great-grandfather – a soldier in the First World War. ITV HAS cancelled popular crime drama DCI Banks after five series. The show, which co-stars Andrea Lowe as Detective Sergeant Annie Cabbot, follows stubborn DCI Alan Banks, played by Stephen Tompkinson, as he unravels disturbing murders across Yorkshire. An ITV source tells me: “It’s had a good run, but now it’s time for something new.” GREAT British Bake Off cohost Mel Giedroyc tells me she has been very upset over the last few weeks, as: “It was like a family on the show, and every year we would catch up. It was like a ritual, so yes I am going to miss it all. It’s silly as it’s just a baking show, but people did love it and so do I.” THE 2016 I’m A Celebrity contestants’ pay packets have reportedly been leaked. Carol Vorderman was thought to be taking home the most cash, after signing a huge £200,000 contract. Not quite true, as this includes potential magazine deals, and as ITV told me “We don’t get that kind of
advertising any more, she is a tiny fraction of that...” EMMERDALE character Andy Sugden could be on the verge of an explosive return. The village favourite, played by Kelvin Fletcher, was forced to pack his bags and go on the run earlier this summer, after Chrissie White framed him for shooting her father Lawrence. He didn't of course, but left town in a bid to avoid prison. But now, the path is clear for him to return. And Kelvin teased me: “Never say never, I like the idea at some point.” ITV HAS cancelled Ann Summers-inspired comedy drama Brief Encounters after just one series. A source tells me that they had high hopes for the show as a vehicle for Downton Abbey star Penny Wilton, but “it’s failed to lift with the viewers, and so it’s now resting. It may come back one day, but not here right now on ITV.” ED BALLS has admitted his stint on Strictly Come Dancing has brought him closer to his political rivals. He told me: “I think it crosses divides and I have had some wonderful cards and good wishes from everyone.” MILLIONS of viewers tuned in to watch the last episode of the second series of Poldark, making it one of the biggest successes of the year for the BBC. Fear not though ladies, as Aiden Turner is signed up to make series three which starts filming again in Cornwall next April. FORMER Emmerdale actor Rik Makarem has a new role in Casualty, and did you know about his other life as a songwriter? He tells me: “I have written songs for years and I’d love to write for
Maycon Pictures
Adele, Olly Murs, Sam Smith ... those kinds of artists. I have no intention to be an artist myself, just to create new material for others.” So now you know... STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Anton du Beke is to become a father for the first time, to twins, with his girlfriend Hannah Summers. Anton announced the news via Twitter, where he posted a picture of a top hat, cane and two pairs of ballet shoes with the caption ‘We hear the tippety-tap of tiny feet’. WEATHERFIELD residents may want to watch themselves, as Coronation Street villain Pat Phelan is set to be around for a while yet. Actor Connor McIntyre, who plays the villain, tells me: “His luck is running out for sure, but he has a plan, and of course people believe him, he has that kind of ability, which is why I love playing him so much.” STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood tells me that people really believe his on-screen persona and that he is nasty in real life. “I am on the show to offer an opinion, but it’s the truth and I don’t sugar coat it for the celebrities,” he said. “It’s a proper dancing contest, so they better get used to it, is what I say.” CORONATION Street’s Catherine Tyldesley is releasing her debut album, but admits that she is not expecting Kylie-style success, as she is in a soap. “I think that comes along once in a lifetime and she is a great pop star,” she said. “For me this is just me launching an album and following my dreams. I hope people enjoy it and my voice.”
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News Extra Six lucky groups win Lotto cash A Dewsbury pub raised over £4,000 in aid of a veterans’ charity. The Ravenswharfe Hotel’s football team, landlady Cheryl Buckley, bar staff and local Armed Forces veterans took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and presented a cheque for £4,275.42 to Blind Veterans UK.
Mum voices her fear over children’s centre cuts By James Morris ANOTHER mum has spoken about her fears over potential cuts to children’s services in North Kirklees. Yasmeen Iqbal uses a number of adult education services around the Dewsbury area to get help and support for her two daughters, Aliyah, 12, and Liyanah, three. Liyanah has cerebral palsy and a visual impairment, which Miss Iqbal said is sometimes difficult to manage. However, since Liyanah has started using the creche services available at the centres, she said her condition has improved. She uses the centres for three days through the week. “Interacting with other adults and children has massively helped her development,” said the 30-year-old, who lives in Dewsbury Moor. “She uses the sensory room there, which is great for her.
The courses are really good for me and they have been a massive help.” Kirklees Council is reviewing services as it looks to make widespread savings in its budget. It has been running a consultation exercise with parents for the past two months and plans to close a large number of children’s centres. Eleven of the council’s 32 centres will be closed, with more services centralised and the buildings either sold off or transferred to other services within the council. Under the proposals, four central early help ‘hubs’ would be created in Batley & Spen, Dewsbury & Mirfield, Huddersfield, and Kirklees rural. But Miss Iqbal said she would more than likely be forced to travel further, encountering more expense. She added: “We would have to get a taxi there, but the disabled taxi is not always available at the times we need.”
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SIX GROUPS in North Kirklees have been granted thousands of pounds in the latest round of Lottery funding. Healey Junior, Infant and Nursery School in Batley received £10,000 for an after-school child care service. North Kirklees Autism Support Group and Friends obtained £9,836 for an activity club. Life Skills, which helps people find jobs, was awarded £9,885, while Shaw Cross Infant and Nursery School has been given £9,800 for a tyre park. Flatts Nursery School in Dewsbury received £9,600 for healthy lifestyle sessions and Heckmondwike’s Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School was granted £10,000 to develop a play area.
NEW Shackletons ‘Sherbourne’ two-seater sofa, armchair and large storage footstool in beige. Two years old, excellent condition. £300, buyer to collect. Tel 07703 183220. (2046)
once. Cost £90, will accept £30 ono. Tel 01924 478723. (2043)
refused. Ring 01924 407943. Buyer must collect. (2013)
DIY New light alloy decorating steps, cost £25, accept £15. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal area), can deliver. (2015)
M62 crash biker hurt
Aluminium extension ladder, 3 mtrs/10ft, 24 rungs in total. Ideal for DIY, £30 ono, buyer to collect. Tel 01924 462494. (2047)
DISABILITY/MOBILITY Four-wheel walker (Zimmer) with basket, like new, only used twice. £40.00 ono. Tel 01274 861645. (2040)
Large dark brown riser/recliner, 12 months old, hardly used, excellent condition £295 cash ono. Tel 07592 913425 after 6pm. (Heckmondwike area). Buyer collects please. (2006)
Daiwa TDR 16-metre fishinh pole. Includes; 4 top twos (hydros & preston hallows), Power No 2/ Short 3 & 4/cupping kit. All tubed, really good condition, £360. Tel 07773 875472. (2048)
Black wheelchair with brakes, in working order but needs attention £10. Five mobile phones, no chargers, offers invited. Tel 01924 609015. (2035)
A MOTORCYCLIST was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with serious but none-life threatening injuries after a collision on the M62. The yellow Honda motorbike collided with a truck and an Audi A1 at junction 27 yesterday (Thursday) at around 12.30pm.
Bulldogs networking BUSINESSES and community groups are invited to “Bulldogs Networking” at PPG-Johnstone’s Paint, Huddersfield Road, Birstall, today (Friday, noon). PPG director Matthew Baines will be the guest speaker. Attendance is free and a buffet lunch is provided. Booking is not essential.
Man jailed after threat of violence
Wife kicked car after rowing with cheating husband
A MAN who threatened his ex-partner with violence, despite a restraining order against him, has been locked up. Craig Eyles, 26, of Heath Road, Chickenley, made a threatening phone call on the same morning Katie White was due to give evidence against him in a harassment case. He was sentenced at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court to 32 weeks in prison after he pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order and intimidating a witness. Eyles was due in court after he had bombarded the victim with a number of phone calls and Facebook messages, despite a court order preventing him from doing so.
A WOMAN damaged her estranged husband’s Land Rover and pushed his mother to the floor during a row. Sofia Bi, 28, of Honeysuckle Drive, Thornhill, had discovered her husband Choudry Hussain had been cheating on her. The couple had split up a month prior to the incident on October 15, when Mr Hussain had gone to her home to see their children but they had argued. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard he then went to his mother Saleem Akhtar’s home, which his wife also attended with one of their children. When she entered the house, Bi pushed past 65-year-old Mrs Akhtar, who fell to the floor. Bi then left the house and kicked the rear side light of Mr Hussain’s car. Mohammed Arif, mitigating, described it as a “genuine one-off” incident. Magistrates gave Bi, who admitted assault and criminal damage, a conditional discharge as they felt there had been some provocation.
However, hours before she was due to give evidence against him, Eyles phoned Miss White and threatened: “I’m going to slap you, grip you to the throat and punch you in the nose.” Despite the threats, the victim still gave evidence against him in court. His solicitor, Emma Hayley, said that he accepted his behaviour was appalling. She said: “Mr Eyles was terrified of going to prison and his own conduct has brought about the very consequence that he feared. He had no intention of carrying out the threats he made. “Nonetheless he doesn’t seek to excuse his behaviour and he’s well aware that the entry point must be a custodial sentence.”
Marketplace 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.
Dormeo double orthopaedic mattress with memory foam topping. New condition, cost £200, will accept £50. Buyer to collect, Gomersal. Tel 01274 877611. (2049) Large yukka plant, 3ft, minimum £35. Tel 07961 564984. (2050) Old stone sink, suit garden ornament, £35. Tel 079615 64984. (2050) Tom Gower painting, £40, Tel: 079615 64984 (2050) British Eagle Zancara 21” bicycle. Polished aluminium frame, 21 speed, good condition. Approx. 10 years old, £50. Tel 07910 405324. (2051) Falcon Futura Cycle, full suspension, 18 gears, suit teenager, £25. Tel 07910 405324. (2051) CHILDREN’S GOODS/TOYS iCandy apple pram. Includes carrycot, pushchair, rain cover. Converts to 3 wheeler. Like new, bargain £135. Tel Gomersal 01274 870164 (2044) A selection of toys for girls and boys (age 3–7 years), good condition. Vacuum cleaner, guitar, boys scooter etc. Great Christmas present (may split), £12.00. Tel 07806 431728. (2039) Mamas & Papas Lumix pram, black with black & white hood, black apron, parasol, rain cover. Only used at Grandma’s. Like new, cost £186, only £50 bargain. Tel 01924 511981. (2020) CHRISTMAS Approx 7ft spruce hinged Christmas tree, only used
ELECTRICAL Nespresso Magimix coffee machine with separate hostess milk frother, almost new, £40.00. Tel 01924 495640. (2037) 84 traditional bulbs, 40w, 60w, 75w, all new and in boxes, £12.00. Tel 07708 199300. (2032) Tall, white Hotpoint freezer, 7 compartments, 5 of which are drawers. Was used as overflow, no longer required £80 ono. Tel 01924 609015. (2018) FABRIC/FASHION Three-quarter brown faux fur coat. Size 16. Never been worn, was £75, will accept £40. Tel 01924 689891. (2038) Bailey’s ladies sheepskin jacket, size 14+, brown, in excellent condition £12 ono. Tel 01924 609015. (2018) Superfine wool worsted suit lengths (3), plus several smaller pieces of good quality cloth £20. Removal forces sale. Tel 07876 163070 (Mirfield) (1979) FURNITURE Solid oak table, 2 x carver chairs, 6 x chairs, extendable, excellent condition, buyer to collect, £295. Tel 07929 257475. (2031) Double bed base (no mattress), never used, cream damask £25 ono. Tel 01924 609015. (2018) Stunning vintage, dark wood, traditional side table; 58” (W) x 17”(D) X 31”(H). Large, bulbous legs, one drawer, all deeply carved £199 ono. Tel 01924 609015. (2018) X2 two-seater sofas, as new, in light beige/ cream fabric. First to see will buy. Double bed with pine headboard; washing machine; fridge. Ideal for first home setup. No sensible offer
Cost per item
Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus
Left-hand leather corner suite complete with pouffe (opens for storage). Attractive suite, immaculate condition, no scratches. Colour cream & brown, size left 240cm, right 220cm £475. Buyer collects. Tel 07753 603598 (2002) GAMES Table-top gaming table, portable in its own carry case. Suitable for poker/ blackjack etc with four hundred plastic chips & dice and cards. All brand new £25. Tel 01274 876814. (2015) GARDEN Petrol lawnmower, Power Devil 3.5hp, in good working order. £55, buyer to collect. Thornhill area. Tel: 01924 430088 (2026) Rockery stone for sale, various sizes, over 40 individual stones. Buyer collects £35 ono. Tel 07999 889986. (2005) White plastic furniture garden set, one round table + 4 chairs £15 ono. Buyer collects. Tel 01484 720989/ 07806 984349 (2001) HOUSEHOLD Small wicker peacock chair, good condition £6.00. Buyer to collect. Tel 07934 603470. (2027) Two Baxi Brazilia balanced flue wall heaters, F5 oak, good condition with installation guide. £150 ONO, cash only. Tel 01924 457399. (2028) Three sliding wardrobe doors, 93” x 31” with track, full mirror doors, ready to fit. £50 ONO, buyer to collect. Tel 01924 503021. (2029) 80-20 carpet, fawn colour (neutral), excellent condition, 20 foot 2 inch by 12 foot 1 inch. £90 ONO, buyer to collect. Tel: 07908 089283 (2025) De-humidifer Ebac 2650E, good condition, £35, Roberttown area. Tel: 01484 518288 (2022) Vax carpet shampooer, only used 3 times, includes several bottles carpet shampoo. Absolute bargain £50. Tel 01924 476568. Buyer collects. (2011)
£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11
Four Hofmeister glass boots, (2 large, 2 smaller) pub memorabilia £30. Removal forces sale. Tel 07876 163070 (Mirf) (1979) Very rare early 1900s Victory V tin (shop display), Fryer & Co, Nelson, collectable/ antique £30. Removal forces sale. Tel 07876 163070 (Mirf) (1979) Small coffee table, solid marble with brass legs £10. Removal forces sale. Tel 07876 163070 (1979) Period lamp standard, polished mahogany, with floral shade £15. Removal forces sale. Tel 07876 163070 (Mfd) (1979) MISCELLANEOUS Downsizing collection of ceramic pottery, china, pewter tankard, several tea sets etc, all excellent condition, buyers welcome to view and choose. Items from £5.00, would make good Christmas presents, need the space, hence the bargain prices. Mirfield area. Tel: 078761 63070. (2024) Grimston concrete garage 20ft x 9ft with windows and side opening main doors £100. Buyer collects. Tel 07733 999542. (2019) Four-ring gas hob £20; Get you home wheel and tyre for Vauxhall Vectra T115/70 R16 £20; 4 tonne Halfords bottle jack £10, 1 no.3 size copper hammer £5, 1 no. 3 size leather hammer £5. Tel 01924 477563. (2016) Timber 2m lengths 4” x 1”, 20 lengths, £20. Tel 01924 472043. (2009) MOTORING Motor spares new spacesaver wheel with tyre, buyer to collect, £40.00. Tel 01924 409809. (2041) Engine oil 4 x 4 litre in plastic container, Castrol GTX 10-4 A3-B3. £10.00 each, buyer to collect. Tel 01924 451024. (2030) PET GOODS Dog kennel 3ft x 2ft floor. Weatherproofed, lined, all wood, unused £60. Tel 01924 472043. (2009) SPORTING Giant Trance Mountain bike, medium frame, 27 gears, full suspension. Rockshox front, Fox rear Shimano SLX, cateye computer, 26” Superstar XC wheels, Avid hydraulic brakes, aluminium frame. Very good condition £350. Tel 07999 889986. (2005) WANTED Wanted: Gas cooker for cash. Will call and collect. Tel 01924 471481. (2042)
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ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
BOXING
25
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Six-goal Campbell ends Albion Ladies’ cup run By Mike Popplewell Football Correspondent sport@thepressnews.co.uk
Amaar Akbar, celebrating above, eyes national glory after winning the 2016 Yorkshire title
OSSETT ALBION’S West Riding County FA Women’s Cup giant-killing dream was, figuratively, sunk without a trace on a day when countless other fixtures were literally sunk by waterlogging throughout the district. In Albion’s case they were hit by wave after wave of Bradford City attacks as the FA Women’s Premier League side proved too strong for the North East Regional League outfit. Their defence finally cracked after 14 minutes when Hannah Campbell fired home the first of a club record-breaking six goals in the eventual 8-0 win. While the City keeper was rarely troubled it was just the opposite at the other end as the visitors were denied time and time again by Kim Nallon in the Albion goal until she was forced off with an injury. The final score was perhaps disappointing,
though not entirely unexpected, but Albion will be hoping to shake off this setback as they return to league action on Sunday with a visit from East Yorkshire side Malet Lambert. Battyeford’s County Cup game at home to Farsley Celtic was one of those games hit by the weather but they will try again this week, and in the West Riding League Premier Division Battyeford’s fellow relegation battlers Ossett Town are at home to Hemsworth knowing a win would lift them out of the bottom two. Ossett Town’s Reserves had a creditable draw at leaders Leeds City in Division Two but promotion-chasing Dewsbury Rangers, in third place, were another side hit with a postponement, against Silsden, and they now go to second-placed Skipton on Sunday for a crucial contest. Lower Hopton, another side who will be trying again to get their County Cup tie played this week, entertain fellow Third Division promotion-chasers Ripon City.
Akbar eyeing national title Tough opposition
RACING WITH TOP TIPSTER MIKE SMITH
WARRIOR BREED’S promising young Dewsbury boxer Amaar Akbar has reached the National Amateur Boxing Championship quarter-finals following a resounding win over Durham boxer and former national champion James McMeekin. The NABCs, formerly known as the CYPs, are renowned for producing some of the most exciting boxing in England. With boxers competing from across the country, they must battle their way through their individual regions before contesting rival regional champions in knockout stages in order to secure a spot in the national final. This year Akbar clinched the Yorkshire title with impressive wins over the highly-rated Callum Dyce of Tommy Coyle Academy and Sheffield Boxing Centre’s Owen Durnan. Akbar’s Yorkshire title success set up the bout with McMeekin and the Dewsbury-based boxer needed no second chances as he battled his way into the last eight. Akbar said: “This was
my 20th bout, it’s a bit of a milestone, in two years or so of boxing I’m fortunate to have achieved so much. “I have crossed paths with Mac (McMeekin) a couple of times. I think people heard a bit about me after I won the development championships, and then again after my successful run up to the England Championship final last season. “There’s a tense sort of respect between us, I’m still fairly new to this game and he has been doing this for years. It’s how boxing is. “After the first round we had a bit of a stare down. You can’t back down in those situations, McMeekin is tough, he knows how to win. “We sat down and watched the video back last night. I think I edged the first, and swept the third. “The second round took me a bit to get into gear though, but it all fell into place midway. I’ve never felt so good having my hand raised, the emotion kicked in.” Warrior Breed’s Khalid Ayub and Raheem
Mustakeem have also had a strong year for the gym, situated on Bradford Road in Dewsbury. Warrior Breed’s head coach Zahir Akbar said: “We’ve had a great season so far, we’re unbeaten and comfortably so and we don’t mind travelling to get ourselves good bouts. Amaar and Raheem Mustakeem opened the season for us during the Chairman’s Box Cup. “They both came away securing gold, Raheem’s been with us since the early days and they’re both good friends. Somehow they never boxed on the same show up until recently. “Khalid Ayub also represented England in Croatia over the summer, unfortunately he didn’t get the decision we hoped for, but he's still young and the experience has changed him for the better. “He’s appearing at England camps and sparring much older kids and he’ll be looking to box for England again before setting his sights on a second national title.”
GOLF
Talented teen golfer Clarke bags Stateside scholarship HECKMONDWIKE golfer Megan Clarke has secured a four-year scholarship in the USA as she aims to become a professional in the women’s game. The scholarship, with Western Kentucky University, will allow Megan the time to play full-time golf alongside her studies. The 17-year-old is a member of Cleckheaton Golf Club and plays off a handicap of one. During her time at the club Megan has played in Yorkshire Ladies’ first team and
was a member of the England Under-16s squad. The talented youngster also won the Yorkshire Girls Championship in 2015 and 2016 and clinched the WPGA One Day Series event at Forest Pines. Megan earned the scholarship by working with Glasgow-based sports scholarship consultancy United Sports USA. They help talented young sports enthusiasts, namely in football, swimming, golf and athletics, gain academic scholarships in the United States’ college system.
for Native River HE 60th running of the Hennessy Gold Cup marks one of the longest running and continuous sponsorship deals in sport and promises to be a typically competitive affair at Newbury tomorrow (Saturday). On strict line of form the horse to beat is Native River, but the tried and trusted pairing of Tom Scudamore and David Pipe look to have unearthed another prime candidate in second-season chaser Un Temps Pour Tout, a general 8-1 chance who is headed in some bookmakers’ lists only by favourite Native River. A Cheltenham Festival winner last season, Un Temps Pour Tout looked to have the Newbury highlight on his radar when reverting to hurdles for his seasonal reappearance at Aintree earlier this month when he left fellow Hennessy leading hopeful and the well supported Vyta Du Roc in his wake. Vyta du Roc is a young and improving horse but the Hennessy is a true test of a staying chaser’s grit, and of the bigger-priced horses one that catches the eye is Henri Parry Morgan, who was travelling well when favourite for the Bet 365 Gold Cup until parting with Sean Bowen five from home. His 5lb pull at the weights can only favour Peter Bowen’s charge. The Tizzards are now firmly number one in chas-
T
es, and whilst the rigours of the race will suit Native River perfectly, I wouldn’t rule out the other runner they saddle, Theatre Guide, who had a wind operation over the summer and has twice finished in the frame in the Newbury race. Lucinda Russell’s Final Assault looks well handicapped in the Sir Peter O‘Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase at 1.30pm. In Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle on Saturday, Sceau Royal may go off too short for my liking and the veteran Hidden Cyclone won’t mind the likely softer ground, especially since there are now question marks about Apple Jade after her disappointing last show at Down Royal. In the Rehearsal Chase I like Definitely Red who, in typical Brian Ellison fashion, has been laid out for this race. Former Wakefield QEGS pupil and part owner Mike Tindall was very emotional after he and connections decided to retire Welsh National winner Monbeg
Dude this past week. Tindall and fellow rugby internationals James Simpson-Daniel and Nicky Robinson paid £12,000 for ‘The Dude’ whilst admittedly worse for wear after a day at the races, and were rewarded with some great memories and over £260,00 in prize money. Now rising 12, he will now be turned out at Gatcombe with Toytown, the horse ridden to victory in the world eventing title by his wife and the Queen’s grand-daughter Zara. On the tipping front, those who stuck with Nonios (first highlighted in this column on September 9) were rewarded when David Simcock’s lightly raced four-year-old finally triumphed under a peach of a ride from Martin Harley at Wolverhampton on Wednesday afternoon, whilst last week’s tip Killermont Street duly obliged at Newcastle last Friday. • CARRIGILL’S nap this weekend goes in the Hennessey (see below) and if outside the top four punters will receive their money back as a free bet. AUGUR’S BEST BETS: Definitely Red, Saturday Newcastle 3.30 and Blue Court, Sunday Leicester 2.40pm CARRIGILL’S NAP: Blaklion, Hennessy Gold Cup Saturday Newbury 3.10pm.
26
ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Liversedge drop out of play-off places Northern Counties East League Premier
ALBION SPORTS
2
LIVERSEDGE FC
2
at Throstle Nest LIVERSEDGE have slipped to seventh in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division after a 2-2 draw away at Albion Sports last weekend. Albion struck first in the 19th minute through Devonte Morton and the home side held on to that slender lead through to the half-time whistle. But in the second half Jonathan Rimmington’s men upped their game and
West Riding County Amateur League PREMIER DIVISION Newsome FC Huddersfield YMCA Littletown Salts Golcar United Steeton Lepton Highlanders Honley FC Halifax Irish Campion Lower Hopton D.R.A.M. Community FC Overthorpe Sports Club
P 13 13 10 13 12 10 13 11 12 11 8 11 11
W 7 7 7 7 6 6 4 4 4 1 2 2 1
D L 4 2 4 2 2 1 1 5 3 3 1 3 4 5 2 5 2 6 6 4 2 4 0 9 1 9
PTS 25 25 23 22 21 19 16 14 14 9 8 6 4
WEST YORKSHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION Carlton Athletic Beeston St Anthony's Leeds City Knaresborough Town Pool Sherburn White Rose Field Headingley Hunslet Club Shelley Robin Hood Athletic Horbury Town Ilkley Town Brighouse Old Boys Oxenhope Recreation Wetherby Athletic
P 12 11 12 14 13 13 11 15 14 12 13 14 14 14 13 13
W 12 9 7 7 6 7 7 6 5 5 5 4 4 2 3 2
D L PTS 0 0 36 0 2 27 2 3 23 2 5 23 4 3 22 1 5 22 1 3 22 1 8 19 3 6 18 2 5 17 2 6 17 3 7 15 0 10 12 3 9 9 0 10 9 2 9 8
DIVISION ONE Hall Green United Hartshead Wyke Wanderers Leeds Modernians Kippax Huddersfield Amateur Boroughbridge Howden Clough East End Park Aberford Albion Old Centralians Featherstone Colliery Swillington Saints Whitkirk Wanderers Otley Town
P 10 13 12 12 13 10 11 13 13 11 13 10 14 11 14
W D L PTS 9 1 0 28 6 6 1 24 7 3 2 24 6 2 4 20 6 1 6 19 5 3 2 18 5 3 3 18 6 0 7 18 4 4 5 16 5 0 6 15 4 3 6 15 3 2 5 11 3 2 9 11 3 2 6 11 2 0 12 6
DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS: TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15: 1 J Paxton and D Hannam;
2 J Lodge and A Cooper; 3 G Fishwick and J Tomlinson.
just three minutes after the teams returned to the pitch Rhys Davies netted the equaliser for Sedge. In an even contest it looked likely that the next goal could clinch victory for either side. Stephen Wales thought he had won the game when he found the back of the net eight minutes from time for the visitors.
But Sedge couldn’t hold out for their first win in six outings. In the final minute of the game Karl Hall levelled matters for Albion who stole a point at the death. Rimmington’s men hope to climb back into the play-off places with victory away at Retford United tomorrow (Sat, 3pm).
REDS CHASING DOWN LEADERS Evo-Stik First Division North
TADCASTER ALBION
0
OSSETT TOWN
1
at i2i Stadium OSSETT TOWN are joint second in the Evo-Stik First Division North table following a slender 1-0 win away at Tadcaster Albion on Tuesday night. Tadcaster battled hard against the high-flying Reds but couldn’t hold out for what would have been a well-
earned 0-0 draw. Town’s Danny Frost was the man to dampen the hosts’ spirits with a 90th-minute strike to seal all three points for his side. The victory puts Grant Black’s men within two points of league leaders Scarborough Athletic, who have played a game more. Also hot on Athletic’s heels are Farsley and Lancaster, who are level on points with Town in a tie for second place, but they have played two games fewer than their Heavy Woollen rivals. Town’s next league outing is against Droylsden tomorrow (Sat, 3pm) at Ingfied.
HEAVY WOOLLEN SUNDAY LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Birstall CC move to second with narrow Woodman win DUE to a combination of District Cup matches and bad weather only five games took place in the Heavy Woollen Sunday League last weekend. In the Premier Division Birstall Cricket Club moved up to second place after winning 3-2 at Woodman Batley Carr thanks to a Max Vernon double plus a strike from Joe Lyttle. Andy Bates hit both goals for Woodman, who remain in sixth place. The only game in the Championship saw Hanging Heaton Cricket Club climb to fourth place after a Joe Jagger brace plus goals
from James Keen and Ryan Rylah saw them win 4-2 against Battyeford, who replied through Guy Hollinshead and Daniel Parris. Scholes Athletic moved nine points clear at the top of Division One after Kieran Armitage and Jonny Irving both struck twice in an 8-2 win over Clifton Rangers Reserves, with Mick O’Hara, Gareth Jones, Richard Burke and Ashley Barnes competing the tally. Saville Arms moved up to third after Nathan Rogerson
and Patrick Davies both fired hat-tricks in a 7-2 win over FC Liversedge. Jack Baldwin hit the other with Danny Stocks and Danny Stephenson replying for Liversedge. In the only game played in Division Two Overthorpe Sports Club moved up to second place after braces from Lee Davey, Kristian Angus and Tom Hirst saw them win 7-1 at home to bottom-side Wike Horse. Michael Hutton got the other with Danny Secker netting the visitors’ consolation.
SPEN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Savile Youth lose ground as Girlington climb off bottom IN the Spen Valley Football League Girlington climbed off the foot of the Premier Division thanks to a 4-3 win over third-placed Savile Youth. A brace apiece for Mohammed Qasim and Umar Zahoor sealed the three points for the home side. But Youth put up a fight with strikes from Hateem, Jamal and Hizaifa Patel. That was the only match that took place in the Premier Division last weekend, but elsewhere in the First Division league-leaders George Healey thrashed second-placed Marsh 6-0. Reece Scholes led the way with a hat-
trick while Luke Newsome, Benho Aparicio and Matty Parkinson all added one goal each. The victory extends Healey’s uneaten run this season to seven games. But the game between Savile Town and Inter Batley was a much closer affair with the teams drawing a four-goal thriller. With home advantage Town netted through Zubair Hussain and Noman Hussain, but those goals were evened out by strikes courtesy of Inter’s Awaad Ahmed and Siddique Yoosof.
Tracey’s Albion are feeling the pressure Evo-Stik First Division North
OSSETT ALBION
0
TRAFFORD FC
6
at Queens Terrace A POOR team performance saw Ossett Albion slump to a heavy 6-0 home defeat to Trafford in the Evo-Stik First Division North campaign. For the first 20 minutes Albion were more than a match for their higher-placed opponents and should have taken the lead, but Nathan Joynes’ header was just over the bar. A clever first-half substitution changed the nature of the game with Trafford immediately looking more dangerous. Mark Derbyshire was the man thrown into the action for the visitors in place of Filose Irakoze. Playing on the break Trafford created two glorious opportunities and Aaron Burns netted both with his head to give the away side a two-goal lead at half-time. Early in the second half Albion showed some promising glimpses of what they can do without creating a clear-cut opportunity. But shortly before the hour mark the Unicorns’ faint hopes of salvaging something from the game looked to be over when Derbyshire hit Trafford’s third. After going 3-0 down Albion’s defence was in disarray. Andrew Langford netted for the visitors before Derbyshire went in twice more to complete a wellearned hat-trick. The defeat leaves Richard Tracey’s strugglers in 20th and four points adrift of safety as they prepare for their next league outing away at Hyde United tomorrow (Sat, 3pm).
RUGBY UNION
Ossett Seconds find rare victory Yorkshire Merit Central & North League
LEEDS MODERNIANS SECONDS OSSETT RUFC SECONDS
7 34
at Cookridge Lane OSSETT RUFC Seconds have climbed off the foot of the Yorkshire Merit Central and North League thanks to a comprehensive 34-7 away win at Leeds Modernians Seconds. A converted try in the opening exchanges gave the hosts the early advantage. But points were hard to come by in a low scoring first half, with neither side able to threaten the opposition whitewash. Ossett battled hard in the snow and went over for a try of their own through Lee Hemingway shortly before the break. But the conversion was missed and the visitors trailed 7-5 at the change of ends. Ossett were a different side after the restart while playing with the slope to their advantage. The introduction of Oliver Lightfoot, who returned from a lengthy spell in the treatment room, also had a positive impact on Ossett’s performance. Man-of-the-match Jim Edginton also looked dangerous and went over for a try to extend the away side’s lead. The visitors ran riot for the remainder of the half crossing for five unanswered tries. Lightfoot crossed for two of them before good work from Clinton North set up Ryan Fonquernie for another of his trademark close-range tries. Scrum-half Danny Buckley also put in another impressive display and continued his successful cross-code switch by scoring a try from the back of a ruck. Ossett could have scored more in the closing stages was it not for careless handling errors but the bonus-point win was just what they needed as they try to ressurect their Central and North campaign. Next up for Ossett Seconds is a trip to face Morley Thirds tomorrow (Sat, 2.15pm). Meanwhile, at the same time, Ossett’s first team host Stanley Rodillians in Yorkshire Four.
ThePress
Friday November 25, 2016
27
RUGBY LEAGUE
Treble prize glory for Trojans’ Wilson
Thornhill preparing for some Xmas cheer
FORMER Dewsbury Rams and Ireland boss Andy Kelly was on hand to present the Thornhill Trojans Annual Awards.
THORNHILL TROJANS are holding a Christmas fair on December 10 at Overthorpe Sports Club. Festivities get underweay at 2pm with stalls being run by the under-6s through to the ladies’ and men’s open age sides. There will be lots for visitors to do with a tombola, raffles and a Santa’s grotto for the children. And from 5pm the event will transform into a German market with authentic food and beer being served till late.
Jake Wilson took top billing in lifting a treble of the First Team Player of the Year, Supporters’ Player of the Year and the Players’ Player. George Woodcock was adjudged this season’s Most Improved Player with the Coaches’ Special Award going to Danny Ratcliffe. To commemorate the club’s BARLA National Cup triumph, Danny Ratcliffe was also presented with a miniature replica of the BARLA National Cup Man of the Match Sword and medals handed to players who featured in earlier rounds but not the final. Luke Carter lifted the A-team Player of the Year with the Players’ A-team Player of the Year going to Scott Carter. Vinnie Johnson took the Supporters’ Player of the Year while James McHendry was the Most Improved player for the A-team. The Rod Brook Award went to Danny Ratcliffe while the Stanley Gath Trophy went to Barry and Kim Ward. The John Bragg Award was collected by David and Ruth Hoyle and they then went on to present the Ged Brentnall Memorial Award with this year’s recipient being the outstanding junior player Gage Dawkins. The Roy Harrison Clubman of the Year went to Thomas Cadman with outstanding awards going to Anthony Broadhead, Lee Smith and Vinnie Johnson. Kim Ward and Pauline Ratcliffe were presented with flowers for their efforts throughout the year.
BASKETBALL
Vipers scouting for youngsters to bolster Under-16s Jake Wilson (centre) posing with his three awards alongside Jake Ratcliffe and Andy Kelly. Danny Ratcliffe (inset, centre) collects the Rod Brook award
RUGBY UNION
Moorenders earn vital win over Waterloo
BOWLS
National League Three North
FIRWOOD WATERLOO
22
CLECKHEATON RUFC
27
Memorable season for Morton House
at St Anthony’s Road CLECKHEATON RUFC showed some grit and determination to secure a narrow 27-22 win away at Firwood Waterloo in National League Three North. In a game of vital importance to both sides it was the Moorenders who made the early breakthrough with a try from Ronan Evans, who also added the conversion. But Waterloo, buoyed from their impressive win over Morley a week earlier, threw the ball wide at every opportunity to utilise their pacy three-quarter line. The visitors quickly became their own worst enemy by making several unforced errors. As a result the hosts ran in three tries without reply in the run up to half-time courtesy of Mark Rylance, Liam Reeve and Jack Weare. Reeve converted two of the touchdowns and also added a penalty before the break. At the start of the second period Cleck were trailing 22-7 and appeared to be heading for yet another defeat. The Moorenders played with more vigour and cut out the careless errors that proved so costly in the first half. Martin Woodhead went close before Cleck won a line out 10m from Waterloo’s line, from which Ryan Piercy guided the ball over the whitewash. With renewed optimism it didn’t take long before Cleckheaton narrowed the deficit further. A chip over from Neil Chivers bounced in Cleck’s favour and was
SPEN VALLEY VIPERS are on the lookout for more players to join their under16s side. The Vipers train on Mondays (6pm7.15pm) at Spen Valley High School and the first week is free for players sampling the sport. It costs £12 per month to play for the Vipers and tournaments cost a further £3 to cover hall, insurance and refereeing charges. To find out more contact club secretary Greg Dolan on 07843 240588 or coach Adam Fisher on 07715 583064. Alternatively you can email spen valleyvipers@gmail.com.
ADRIAN LEACH and 13-year-old rising star Leah Weatherill were the big winners at the recent Morton House Bowls Club presentation night. Dougie Bulmer, Chris Sweeney, Mick Robinson, Rob Dunford, Darren Ripley, Charlie Ripley, Marcus Leach, Mandy Hyde, Millie Hyde and club president David Peace were also handed prizes on the night. Meanwhile special presentations were made to the club’s juniors with Ollie Parker winning the most improved player from the junior side.
Birstall Victoria Under-7s, pictured with club secretary Mark Lockwood and coach Dave Shields, enjoyed their first-ever presentation evening at Priestley’s Cafe Bar in Birstall after a successful season under the guidance of Shields. collected by Josh Hall, who rounded the last defender for a try. Evans converted to put Cleck within three points of the hosts. In a reverse of the first half Cleckheaton were now hogging possession and thanks to a 30m rampage by skipper Richard Piper, and a number of strong runs from Jack Seddon, the visitors found themselves with a line out 5m from Waterloo’s line. Luke Pearson collected the ball and Richard Piper clamped in under his arm before breaking to his left for Cleckheaton’s fourth try. The conversion was missed but Cleckheaton had the lead again and Evans quickly widened Cleck’s advan-
tage with a penalty goal. The referee played six minutes of injury time, in which Mark Chivers was sin-binned and Cleckheaton finished the game defending for an incredibly nerveracking last five minutes with only 14 men, as Loo pressed for one last twist in an entertaining game. But it was to be Cleckheaton’s day in the end as the final whistle blew to signal a bonus point win for the Moorenders. Cleckheaton are left occupying 10th after the victory ahead of their tough-looking match against unbeaten league-leaders Huddersfield at Moorend tomorrow (Sat, 2.15pm).
Morton House won the Wakefield League and Wakefield Knock-Out Cup this year Dave Jewitt
Manning ‘delighted’ at Bulldogs return By Joe Link BATLEY’S latest recruit Dane Manning says he is delighted with his move back to Mount Pleasant – but admits he left Halifax with a heavy heart after a four-year stint at The Shay. The 27-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Bulldogs late last week which made him the 28th member of Matt Diskin’s squad. And the the former Leeds Rhinos and Featherstone Rovers forward is now determined to help his new club prove that their success this year was no fluke. “Part of my reason for joining Batley is because I feel they have a very good chance of reaching the Qualifiers again,” said Manning. “As a player you want to play at the highest level possible and from the talks I had with Matt (Diskin), before signing, made me very confident the club are going to have another really strong year. “Matt is really enthusiastic and he has some really big plans for the club in the next couple of seasons, both on a off the pitch, and I wanted to be a part of it.” Manning returns to Batley following his decision to contact other clubs when Halifax asked their players to take a 10 per cent pay cut. Fax are believed to be struggling financially following a poor 2016 season which saw them miss out on a place in the Super 8s Qualifiers at the expense of parttime rivals Batley and Featherstone. He added: “I really enjoyed my time at Halifax. I thought they were a very good side and I joined them originally because I thought there was an outside chance that
Dane Manning, right, pictured with Batley head coach Matt Diskin at a pre-season gym session last week they could even reach Super League, which for a part-time club would have been an amazing achievement. “But for one reason or another things didn’t work out last season and I didn’t agree that the players should have to take a pay cut.” Family-man Manning, who works as a window cleaner away
from rugby league, admits playing closer to home was another big reason why he approached Batley over a return. He added: “I live in Hanging Heaton so the commute to training is a lot easier for me. “I have a two-year-old son, Jude, and playing for Batley means I get to spend an extra hour with him
on the evenings when I train. “I’m really happy with how things have worked out, I will miss a lot of people at Halifax, I made some good friends there but I’m now focusing on playing my best rugby for Batley,” added Manning, who joined for an undisclosed fee. “The pressure is on me to perform now. I want the club to feel
Morro pleased with Sawyer’s approach DEWSBURY RAMS boss Glenn Morrison has praised chairman Mark Sawyer and the way he finances the Championship club. It has been a tough year for many rugby league sides, most notably York, Sheffield Eagles and more recently former Super League giants Bradford Bulls, who all currently face uncertain futures due to financial worries. But Sawyer (right), who provides the Rams with the eighth-highest budget in the Championship, has never missed a payment during his time in charge of the club, according to his Australian coach. “You know as a coach a tight budget can be frustrating at times,” admitted Morrison. “But at the end of the day you must
try avoid going into administration because that’s no good for anyone. “At Dewsbury we only spend what we can afford. Mark (Sawyer) always makes sure there is enough money to pay the bills even during the off-season when there are no gate receipts. That is when most teams struggle financially because they rely too heavily on the income generated from playing matches. “Of course as a coach I’d love to go out there and spend big money on players but it’s important to remain realistic. “Because at the end of the day the players and coaching staff all have families to provide for so I feel really bad for anyone at a club that has gone into administration.” Morrison spent two years with cash-
strapped Bradford between 2007 and 2009 and still knows many of the staff at Odsal. “I feel terrible for Bradford,” he added. “I know a lot of people there and I wish them all the best. “There’s nothing worse than worrying about whether your job is safe and not knowing what the future holds.” In other news the Rams have had their Championship clash with Featherstone Rovers in May brought forward by a day from Sunday May 21, to Saturday May 20. The game will be played at the Big Fellas Stadium and will give both sides an extra day’s rest before the Championship heads to Blackpool for the 2017 Summer Bash.
I’m a bargain to them and not feel like they’ve been short-changed.” Eager fans will have to wait patiently for Manning to make his second Bulldogs debut. He will not be able to pull on a Batley jersey until the new year because of a broken thumb which he sustained late last season. The injury has already ruled Manning out of next month’s Boxing Day derby against Dewsbury, but that hasn’t dampened the excitement of Bulldogs chief executive Paul Harrison. He said: “We are very pleased to have him (Manning) back at the club. “We believe he is one of the best back rowers in the Championship so although we used up our budget we decided to take a bit of a leap and exceed our spending plans as we believed this was an opportunity not to be missed if we are to show our ambition to finish high in the Championship again. “Clearly it is also a loss to Halifax, one of our close rivals, which adds to the importance of the signing. “When Dane was at Batley before he was very popular and so we think everybody will be delighted to have him back and this will add to our optimism for the coming season under new coach Matt Diskin, as well as adding a bit of spice to our early home game against Halifax in February.” Batley supporters will have the chance to meet the 2017 squad at a meet the players night on Friday December 2 (7.30pm) at the Ron Earnshaw Lounge at Mount Pleasant. Batley’s new home strip and season tickets will also be on sale on the night.