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Friday March 31, 2017
12 MONTHS
No. 783
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£4m FRAUD £800k for fine wines Stole church funds £236k to PR firm By Staff Reporters THE FAMILY of a solicitor jailed for seven years after stealing more than £4 million have spoken of their “devastation” at her crimes. Linda Box, 67, of Halifax Road, Dewsbury, was a company director of the well-known Dewsbury family firm of funeral directors, Eric F Box, based in Bradford Road, until her crimes were discovered last year. Box’s massive deceptions over a 12-year period forced the closure of the 200-year-old Dixon, Coles and Gill law firm. The Dewsbury grandmother’s spending included £800-a-night stays at The Ritz in London for her and her family and a collection of vintage wines for her son worth £800,000. She also stole £63,000 in Church
of England funds via her trusted position in the Wakefield diocese. Other spending included paying off mortgages for relatives, private school fees for her grandchild and landscaping work at her home. She held a special account at the Harrods store in London and on one occasion spent £11,000 for her family to visit the Edinburgh Festival. Box also paid £236,554 in marketing and public relations costs for her husband’s firm of undertakers. Box, of Halifax Road, Dewsbury, pleaded guilty to nine counts of fraud, two of forgery and one of theft. She was jailed for seven years. This week her family, who police cleared of any involvement, spoke of their shock. Following the sentencing, a spokesman said: “The
Box family recognises that many people have been affected by the actions of Linda Box, who is now paying for her crimes by losing her liberty. “Whilst the male members of the family, Edward, Andrew and Richard, were found by police to have had no involvement whatsoever in the criminal activities of Mrs Box – wife of Richard and mother of Andrew and Edward – it does not lessen the devastation felt by the family for all concerned. “Now is the time for a period of reflection and for everyone to rebuild their lives. Justice has been served and Mrs Box has said she will do everything in her power to put right the dreadful wrongs she accepts that she has committed.”
Continued on page 4
JAILED: Linda Box was handed a sevenyear sentence
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Friday March 31, 2017 April at St Patrick’s Church, Birstall, at 10am, followed by interment at Batley Cemetery.
Church, Batley, Monday 10 April at 1.45pm, followed by private committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.
SCOTT BRIAN On 26 March, aged 84, of Cleckheaton. Husband of Sheila. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 13 April at 11.15am.
Deaths BAINES JOANNA LOIS On 23 March, aged 61. Wife of
Steve. Interment at Rose Hill Green Burial Ground, Birkby, Huddersfield on Monday 10 April at 11.30am, followed by service at Liversedge Cricket Club at 12.30pm.
CARLTON REX On 23 March, aged 89. Husband of the late Jean. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 4 April at 10.30am.
CORDINGLEY DELLA On 22 March, aged 84, of Liversedge. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 5 April at 10.30am. Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296
EDMOND JAMES ‘JIMMY’
FIELD NEE RILEY MARGARET
On 23 March, aged 81, of Birstall. Husband of Christine. Service at St Peter’s Church, Birstall, Tuesday 4 April at 11am prior to private interment in Birstall churchyard.
On 26 March, aged 73, of Heckmondwike, aged 73 years. Wife of Terry. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 13 April at 12.30pm.
EVANS HARRY On 25 March, aged 93. Husband of the late Betty. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 6 April at 11.15am.
FRICKERS Kathleen
On 22nd March 2017, in hospital, of Thornhill Lees, aged 69 years, Kathleen, beloved daughter of the late Ernest and Edith, much loved sister of Peter, David and the late Stanley, a very dear sister in law and auntie. Funeral service will be held at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Thursday 6th April 2017 at 10am. Friends please accept this intimation and meet at the crematorium. Family flowers only, donations in lieu may be placed in the collection box provided by George Brooke Ltd., for the benefit of The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.
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GREEN KATHLEEN MARY On 28 March, aged 82, of Cleckheaton. Wife of the late Leonard. Service at Central Methodist Church, Friday 21 April at 11am, followed by interment at Cleckheaton New Cemetery.
HALL KEVIN On 20 March, aged 59. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 3 April at 10.30am.
HARDAKER STANLEY On 24 March, aged 87, of Heckmondwike. Husband of the late Sarah. Service at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland on Thursday 13 April at 1.30pm.
JACKSON EDITH LUCY MAY On 27 March, aged 97, of Mirfield. Wife of the late Fred. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 7 April at 10.30am.
JELLY ELLEN (NELL) On 27 March, aged 97 of Batley. Wife of the late Harold. Requiem Mass at St Joseph’s RC Church, Batley Carr on Wednesday 5 April at 11am followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.
KINGSBURY NEE LENDON CHRISTINE On 22 March, aged 74, of Dewsbury. Wife of Barry. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 7 April at 2pm.
LAWFORD MURIEL DAPHNE On 26 March, aged 98, of Birstall. Requiem Mass at St Joseph’s RC Church, Batley Carr on Tuesday 11 April at 10am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 11.15am.
NICHOLSON BETTY On 22 March, aged 91. Wife of the late Brian. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 3 April at 12.30pm.
On 19 March, aged 80, of Birstall. Wife of the late Alec. Requiem Mass on Friday 7
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STRICKLAND (FORMERLY ELLIS, NEE TATE) MARION On 22 March, aged 86, of Thornhill. Wife of the late Cyril Strickland and formerly the late Ronald Ellis. Service at St Saviour’s Church, Ravensthorpe, Tuesday 4 April at 10.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.
WALKER NEE HIRST BEATRICE On 26 March, aged 92, formerly of Batley and Dewsbury Moor. Wife of the late Ronnie. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 11 April at 12.30pm.
WALKER NEE RAPER FORMERLY GRAYSHON TRACY SUSAN
On 23 March, aged 74, of Birkenshaw. Wife of Alan. Service at St Paul’s Church, Birkenshaw on Friday 7 April at 1pm, followed by interment in the churchyard.
WILCOCK JACK On 28 March, aged 92, of Mirfield. Husband of the late Christina. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 7 April at 1.15pm.
WILKINSON JACK On 25 March, aged 92, of Thornhill. Husband of the late Dorothy. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 5 April at 1.15pm.
WILLIAMS MARK ADRIAN On 19 March, aged 49, of Batley. Service at Staincliffe Parish Church, Thursday 6 April at 2pm followed by interment in Batley Cemetery.
WOOD SUSAN ELIZABETH On 17 March, aged 68, of Thornhill. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 10 April at 11.15am.
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Acknowledgement
LOCKWOOD Vicky
Simple, Modern, Traditional, Bespoke, Pre arrangement funeral specialists
RICHARD FEARNLEY
On 18 March, aged 81. Husband to Margaret. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 7 April at 12.30pm.
On 25 March, aged 52. Wife of Ken. Service at St Thomas’
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(nee MOSS) Frank and family would like to sincerely thank all relatives, friends and neighbours for the kind expressions of sympathy, messages and cards of condolence, generous donations and the overwhelming attendance at Vicky’s funeral service.
Grateful thanks are extended to: Doctors and Staff of the I.C.U. at Dewsbury Hospital for all their care and attention. Steven Ginnever for his visit and personal and comforting funeral service.
24 hour service. Telephone: Cleckheaton 01274 852 885 Roberttown Residence
Andrew Box of Eric F. Box Funeral Directors for his kind help and support.
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ThePress Friday March 31, 2017 Issue No: 783
31 Branch Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5SB Tel: 01924 470296 Fax: 01924 472561
www.thepressnews.co.uk @ThePressLatest /ThePressNews Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: David Bentley Reporter: James Morris Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Sales Executives: Nicola Finch Janet Black Sam Gilbert Office Manager: Adele Latham The Press abides by the principles of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and at all times attempts to report fairly and accurately and correct mistakes or errors as soon as possible. In the first instance, contact the editor, otherwise we will be happy to give details of the Independent Press Standards Organisation.
ThePress
Friday March 31, 2017
Residents face moving as care home closes A MIRFIELD care home is set to close, leaving dozens of elderly people with the problem of finding somewhere new to live. Woodlands Care Home, at the top of Sands Lane, is set to be closed down by its owner Four Seasons Healthcare. The home was rated as “inadequate” by the Care Quality Commission in January and the home’s owners said they were struggling to maintain standards, which has led them to take the decision to close. The closure means that 46 residents could need new accommodation and up to 60 jobs are at risk. Four Seasons said building work would be required to bring the home up to standard and its remote location meant it was not easily accessible. A spokesman for the company
Woodlands Care Home – owners won’t spend on necessary work
said: “The plan to cease operating the home has not been arrived at easily, but we think it is unavoidable based on a combination of factors. “As we struggle to maintain the standards that we expect to
provide, we are not prepared to continue with the home. “The premises would require very substantial work to bring it to our expectations of a modern care home and we think the residents’ needs can be met better in
an alternative environment.” Four Seasons was trying to find alternative jobs for care staff facing redundancy. The company also said it was working with Kirklees Council’s Social Services department and residents’ families to find alternative accommodation. A date has not yet been set for the closure. A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “We have already identified that there are a number of similar vacancies in some of Four Seasons’ other nearby homes and that there are sufficient places in the local care market for any families and relatives that may prefer an alternative provider.”
Warsi will Toy big boys not playing take us back in time By Tim E Lord THE STANDARDISATION of British time in line the rest of the continent is to be implemented at midday tomorrow (Sat) – despite this week’s Brexit move. Although the clocks went forward an hour last weekend, only to go back in October, the UK will simply adjust clocks back by half an hour tomorrow at midday – and that will be it for years to come. The term BST (British Summer Time) and GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) will be replaced by Greenwich Intermediate Time. The new Intermediate Time legislation was rubber-stamped by Brussels prior to Brexit, and a last-minute late-night reading in the House of Lords got the statute passed just in time to be implemented this Saturday, April 1. The origins of Greenwich Intermediate Time go back to Henry VIII, when he got frustrated at ships turning up late to take his armies off to Europe. If they missed the tide the Europeans gained the upper hand, so Henry standardised the time back in 1540. Sundials had to be re-carved and calibrated, just as modern-day garden and ornamental sundials will have to be after Saturday. To mark the occasion, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi (pictured) will be on hand to officially wind back the hands of the clocks on Dewsbury Town Hall. Lady Warsi, who launched her new book this week (see p10) will break off from her round of media appearances to perform the task. Accompanying her will be members of Kirklees Council’s health and safety team, who will be on hand to make sure she does not get her shalwar kameez caught in the winding mechanism. A Kirklees spokesman said: “We’re winding back to 11.30 and don’t want Baroness Warsi to get stuck in the middle ages.” North Kirklees residents can re-calibrate their timepieces by tuning in to the time signal on local digital radio station Shoddy FM. In the meantime Baroness Warsi will go into the history books as the first Peer to implement GIT on behalf of the upper chamber. “I suppose it’s a bit like back to future all over again,” said a council spokesman.
A BUSINESSMAN from Staincliffe ended up going head-to-head with one of the world’s biggest toy retailers due to a dispute over his company’s name. Mohammed Siddique Shaikh was ordered to hand over the web address of his soft play equipment firm due to it containing the word “toysrus”. The US toy giant Toys R Us filed a complaint against Shaikh’s company which led to internet address regulator Nominet ordering him to give up the name following a hearing. Shaikh’s registration of the domain name softplaytoysrus.co.uk was described as “abusive”. Nominet expert Andrew Lothian said that visitors to his site would be confused into thinking his site had links with the giant retailer. They made the complaint in January after they were made aware of the Batley businessman’s site. It claimed its use by Shaikh, of Manor Way, was “likely to confuse” web surfers into thinking the site was operated by Toys R Us. They said that it was not possible Shaikh was not aware of the existence of Toys R Us as he was in the same industry as them. Shaikh argued that he had a right to use the address as it was simply the name of his company. However, ruling against him, Mr Lothian said the address contained the American company’s trademark “in its entirety”. Anyone going to the site would be likely to
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assume that Toys R Us had begun supplying soft play equipment, rather than it being an unrelated business, he said. “Mr Shaikh’s belief that he has an entitlement to use the domain name purely because he has been able to register a corresponding limited company name is wholly misconceived,” Mr Lothian added. Nominet ruled that the address should be transferred to the US company.
News In Brief Police draw blank on street violence DEWSBURY: Enquiries are still ongoing into a violent assault that saw a man dragged from his car and beaten with baseball bats. Police were called to Wellington Street in the town centre on Wednesday March 22 following reports of an attack involving weapons. West Yorkshire Police this week confirmed that no arrests had been made and officers are again appealing for information. Witnesses to the incident are asked to call police on 101 quoting log 431 of Wednesday, March 22.
Crash biker has a lucky escape HECKMONDWIKE: A motorcyclist escaped serious injury in a crash on Monday evening. The black Honda bike collided with a Nissan Qashqai on Chapel Lane in Heckmondwike at 7.30pm. Paramedics and police were called to the scene and the biker was taken to hospital, but his injuries were not thought to be serious. The road was closed for a short time.
Basment house fire MIRFIELD: A fire in a basement caused smoke damage to a house in Quarryfields last Friday morning. Two firefighters went into the house wearing breathing equipment at around 9.30am. Nobody was injured during the fire, although a woman in her 30s was home at the time. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
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Friday March 31, 2017
News In Brief Partner assault charge is denied THORNHILL: A man has denied assaulting his former partner. Dennis Barraclough, 55, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded not guilty to assaulting Nicola Fawcett and breaching a non-molestation order in place against him. The alleged incidents happened at her home on Edge Top Road in Thornhill on March 15 and 19. During one row a neighbour allegedly heard shouting and smashing sounds coming from the property. Miss Fawcett then told police he had punched her and dragged her around. Barraclough, of Warwick Road, Batley, will be tried before magistrates on May 10.
Fairtrade group has status renewed
From page 1 LEEDS Crown Court heard how Linda Gill was a senior partner at the historic Dixon, Coles and Gill firm and abused her position to maintain an opulent lifestyle. She also took advantage of her position as a “pillar of the church” when she was registrar with the Diocese of Wakefield to steal £63,000 of Church of England money belonging to the Bishop of Wakefield’s fund, as well as diverting other church cash to herself. The total amount stolen by Box over the 12-year period came to £4,055,329. Jailing her, Mr Justice Blake said it was a tale of misplaced trust “all because of your unrestrained and out of control greed.” The judge said that 75 individual client files, many involving estates of deceased people and 10 files relating to the church, showed misappropriation. Box repeatedly lied to relatives of clients when they made enquiries about funds. The mother of one deceased client said: “How can there be a more vile crime than pretending to be my friend when I was obviously overwhelmed with grief.” Joe Hingston, representing Box, said: “Her reputation lies in ruins.
“This was a course of conduct which simply spiralled out of control.” The firm, which had offices in Horbury and Wakefield, closed in January last year after a fraud investigation was launched by police. A senior partner in the firm, Julian Gill, initially became suspicious about a £5,000 payment from a client account in December 2015 and undertook a review. It quickly became clear
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BATLEY: The Batley and Spen constituency has successfully renewed its Fairtrade Zone status for the next two years. The area was first awarded Fairtrade status in 2008 in recognition of the support for the Fairtrade cause within the constituency. Tina Walker, of the area’s Fairtrade steering group said: “I’m thrilled to receive the 2017 certificate on behalf of everyone who has worked so hard towards this successful renewal - businesses, schools, faith and community groups and Kirklees Council. “The accreditation is given to the people of Batley and Spen and I’m incredibly proud to shout out about the phenomenal goodwill in our area.” A number of businesses and schools in the constituency are involved in the Fairtrade movement, which promotes decent working conditions and better prices for farmers and workers in developing countries.
An ‘unrestrained and out of control greed’
Yorkshire Windows
Dewsbury’s Favourite Window Company
Box was arrested in February 2016 and then had her practising certificate suspended by standards monitor the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Simon Higginbotham, from the CPS Specialist Fraud Division, said: “Linda Box used her position as a trusted partner in a law firm to steal millions of pounds from the estates of those who had died, depriving their grieving friends and families of their rightful inheritance. The offices of the family firm “She also abused on Bradford Road, Dewsbury her senior position of responsibility that other payments had been within the Church of England by made, some directly to Box’s stealing. American Express account – the “Box used the money she stole police were called in when it on spending sprees and to pay off dawned that at least £1 million multiple mortgages. had been stolen from a variety of Through careful analysis of the sources. financial transactions, prosecuShe was company secretary at tors and investigators were able Eric F Box Funeral Directors to build a strong case against until she resigned the post on her.” January 14, 2016. Amongst her many criminal Dixon Coles and Gill closed its activities, Box also forged the sigdoors just two weeks later and all nature of a colleague so that she of the staff were made redundant. could raid a trust fund.
New social care bill for Kirklees residents By James Morris SOCIAL care users in Kirklees are set to be hit with increases to the bills they pay. From tomorrow (April 1) a number of users and their families will be hit with the rises as the council looks to save more money. In a letter sent out to Kirklees social care users, officials explained the changes are set to be introduced “because the previous system was too expensive for the council to continue”. Families who have savings over £23,250 or a second prop-
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Tesco car boot date CLECKHEATON: A charity car boot sale will be held at the Tesco store on Sunday April 16 from 10am to 2pm. Pre-booked cars cost £7.50 and vans are £10. Places can be booked in store. Alternatively, on the day costs are £10 for cars and £15 for vans. All proceeds will go to Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation. Traders are asked to arrive no earlier than 9.30am.
erty will now be charged a £250 per year administration fee for arranging care services. The council say they believe it is “reasonable to charge those that can most afford it to set up and manage any changes to their care services”. Currently there is also an automatic discount rate for respite stays in a residential setting, which previously stood at £20 a night for the first seven nights. However, this is set to be scrapped. Instead a financial assessment will be carried out to determine what each family should pay. Users of social care services in Kirklees have reacted with anger to the news, with many believing the new charges are unfair. Louise Thomas’s husband Fred suffers with dementia, and the couple currently use services provided by Kirklees to help them. A carer visits their Mirfield home twice a week to care for the 80-year-old to allow Louise to get out of the house. However she said that they were being “punished” with the increase in fees. “I don’t know why they are charging an admin fee,” she said.
“It is already set up so I don’t see why they are charging me. “A £250 charge is unfair as it is like they are punishing people for having money.” A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “Kirklees Council’s charging policy is delivered in line with the Care Act 2014 and the overarching principle that people should only be required to pay what they can afford. “Under the act people are entitled to financial support based on a means-test and some will be entitled to free care. “Following a period of consultation with the public, a number of changes in the way we charge for Social Care support were agreed as part of the budget setting process in January. “The changes have been made to ensure our approach is fair, transparent and protects services that support vulnerable people at a time when there are significant reductions in budget. “Letters have been sent to all people who will be affected by these changes, offering them a review of their assessed financial contributions and opportunity to call us discuss any concerns they have about the impact on their personal circumstances.”
ThePress
Friday March 31, 2017
Nursing staff shortage leaves hospitals critical By James Morris NURSES at Dewsbury & District Hospital have been struggling to provide adequate care for patients. Staff at hospitals run by the Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust have been stretched to their limits in recent months, with dozens of occasions reported when they were unable to provide one-to-one care. Almost 200 instances were reported at Mid-Yorkshire, which as well as Dewsbury runs Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals, according to the organisation’s latest staffing report which covers the month of January. The incidents were among “red flag” safety events that hospital
staff are required to record. The report said: “A red flag is an event that leads to a patient missing care or sustaining harm (i.e. falls) and may indicate staff are unable to deliver the required care to patients.” In January there were more than 280 nursing vacancies at the trust – the equivalent of 115 fulltime nurses, 96 healthcare assistants and 33 safety support workers. The shortages meant 23 wards at the trust reported being staffed at below 80 per cent of the planned level during day shifts throughout the month. The trust said 57 new nurses were due to start in September. Director of nursing David Melia said: “Whilst we have seen
an improved situation for attracting registered nurses to the trust over the last year, we are experiencing the same challenges as other organisations with a national shortage of available staff. “This is being compounded by a dramatic decrease in the number of EU nurses applying for posts.” The report follows the news that Dewsbury Hospital will keep around 100 more beds than was originally planned under a shakeup of services. The A&E department at Dewsbury is set to be downgraded to an urgent care unit later this year, with emergency care centralised at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.
However, as reported in The Press, the A&E department at Dewsbury has been stretched almost to breaking point in the past few months. A report to the Wakefield Health and Wellbeing Board said: “Demand and occupancy rates have consistently been higher than predicted in our original planning. “It is acknowledged that, whilst work to develop enhanced services outside hospital settings is continuing, at the point when the changes happen the number of hospital beds that are needed is unlikely to be significantly reduced. Plans are being developed, therefore to retain about 100 more beds at Dewsbury than in the original plan.”
They nose how! A DEWSBURY supermarket held a fundraising weekend to celebrate Comic Relief. The Sainsbury’s store on Railway Street saw colleagues bring in baking ingredients for a staff bake off, as well as a tombola and children’s lucky dip. A gift-wrapping service was offered for Mother’s Day gifts, with proceeds going towards Comic Relief. A total of £686.07 was raised through the various events over the weekend. Mick Hepworth (store manager) is pictured with Carol Riley and Dawn Harding in front of the colleague baking competition.
News In Brief Knife threat charge denied by boyfriend BATLEY: A man has denied grabbing his exgirlfriend around the neck and threatening her with a knife. Reece Parker, 26, pleaded not guilty to assaulting Emily Bretton when he appeared before Kirklees Magistrates. He also faces further charges of threatening violence against her and contacting her, breaching a non-molestation order and other orders. The alleged offences are said to have occurred at Parker’s home on February 27. Parker, of Emerald Street, Batley, will appear before magistrates again on June 14.
Snooker marathon BIRKENSHAW: Two men are getting set to take part in a 24-hour snooker marathon in the name of charity. Bill Gillespie and Gareth McCoy will be playing snooker non-stop for a day at Birkenshaw Liberal Club. The pair will take it in turns to face opponents for single-frame matches during the challenge which starts at noon on Saturday, May 6. During the first 12 hours, the duo have invited any players to come play them. They will then only play each other for the second 12 hours. Money raised will be split evenly between Cancer Research UK and Birkenshaw Bluedogs, a junior rugby league team. People can donate to the pair at Birkenshaw Liberal Club.
Probus meeting BATLEY & DEWSBURY: David Glover will give a speech about the ‘scandal and humour from Halifax parish registers’ at the next Batley & Dewsbury Probus Club meeting. Member and visitors are asked to meet at the Older People’s Centre in Batley on Tuesday (April 4) at 10am for a 10.30am start.
Woman’s sex assault ordeal after sharing taxi By Steve Martyn POLICE are investigating after a woman was sexually assaulted close to Six Lane Ends in Heckmondwike. The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday morning on a grassed area on Little Green Lane. The 36-year-old victim met the suspect in the Acapulco Nightclub in Halifax before they both left in a taxi, believed to be a white minibus. After they left the taxi, the victim was subjected to a serious sexual assault. A police cordon remained in place on Little Green Lane earlier this week to allow specialist officers to conduct a detailed search of the area. The suspect was described as a white man, in his late 20s, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He was 5ft 10in tall and of average build and was wearing a dark blue shirt, cream jeans and black shoes. Detective Inspector Seth Robinson, of Kirklees District CID, said: “The victim is being supported by specially-trained officers and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to trace the suspect. “We are appealing for the taxi driver to come forward. “We would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area at this time and who may have heard or seen anything suspicious, or anyone with any information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch.” Anyone with any information is asked to
call Kirklees District CID, via 101, quoting crime reference 13170136730, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
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Friday March 31, 2017
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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood
Nation loses its cool, looks daft ID you buy a bunch of lilies and go on a day rover to London so that you could pay homage to the Westminster victims? Light a candle maybe? If you’re into social media, did you paste a Union Jack filter over your profile picture, perhaps post a Winston Churchill quote to the effect that you too will fight them on the beaches? Did you, in short, make a complete berk of yourself last week? I physically cringed, despaired almost, last Thursday night when the usually admirable BBC political guru Andrew Neil, went off on a maniacal rant .. ‘London has seen off the Luftwaffe, and we’ll see off you too, Johnny Jihadi!’ or BS to that effect. Not your finest moment, old boy. Mind you, Andrew Neil
Keep your hair on Andrew ... Mr Neil nearly blew a jingoistic fuse
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was fully in tune with the gaping tourists, the weeping flower-layers, the hysterical British national press. They were all wetting themselves with righteous angst. All because a deranged nutter, Khalid Masood, went rangoon on the doorstep of Parliament.
I refused to join the jingoistic clamour last week for several reasons, the first being that this was as far from being London’s 9/11, or even a repeat of our own horrific 7/7, as you can get. A Glasgow binman killed more people in 2014 when he blacked out at the wheel of his lorry. It’s a good job Harry Clarke wasn’t called Patel otherwise wee Nicola Krankie might not have emerged from her bunker yet. But the scale of what was still a terrible criminal act apart, using a car and a knife as random weapons hardly indicated an Isis attack. If it wasn’t for where it happened, on the doorstep of Parliament, it could have been just another failing of
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our mental health services. Indeed and as we soon discovered – too late for everyone who’d already panicked and painted him as the second coming of Osama bin Laden – Masood was as much a troubled man as he was a fanatical Muslim. Neither could I help notice there were no reports of screaming ‘Allahu Akbars’ as he literally lost control of his pathetic life. It’s usually a clue. No Isis flags, videos or paraphernalia although you can bet your bottom dollar the police scraped the bottom of the barrel of his life looking for something, anything, to pigeon-hole him into a fanatical jihadist corner. So far however, nothing. Oops. I wonder how many national newspaper editors, how many BBC producers and people like Andrew Neil, wish they could have their front pages and their on-camera breast-beating back? All other things considered, how on earth are they going to ramp up the hype to
We need proper ‘justice’ ALWAYS liked those Charles Bronson Death Wish films, where the rugged old loner plays a lethal vigilante. In the same vein, Clint Eastwood was terrific in Gran Torino. I even have an outline of a script for my own modern version … one of these days. I’m surprised we don’t see more vigilantism, especially as the police are generally worse than useless and the CPS excels mostly in going after soft targets. If it was feasible through some online forum (and it may well be!) to get a gun for hire, I think I’d get plenty of financial support for renting
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one and sending him the address of Phil Shiner (pictured), the discredited lawyer who made a mint pursuing false lawsuits against innocent British troops. Having been struck off and now facing a criminal investigation, Shiner has sold his house at a knock-down price to his daughters and declared himself bankrupt in order to avoid paying the huge legal fees he incurred. As Sgt Alexander Blackman awaits his long overdue homecoming, my only regret is that he won’t be passing Shiner going the other way. I can’t wish enough evils on the vile creature.
even greater levels of hysteria when those returning jihadis from the vanquished Isis forces in Iraq and Syria finally do unleash hell?
Because they will. Make sure you’ve saved some flowers and tears for when they’re really needed, folks.
Her ladyship cashes in on a very timely tragedy IMAGINE that archopportunist, Baroness Sayeeda Hussein-WarsiAzam of Dewsbury, was stomping her dainty little feet in glee in the aftermath of Khalid Masood’s attack. Not celebrating the horrific act I hasten to add. Not at all. But talk about fortuitous timing for peddling her new book telling the world how it’s got Muslims so badly wrong. That woman could fall into a sewer and come out clutching banknotes. On top of the £350 a day we have paid Warsi for sitting and writing her book in her House of Lords office, this publicity is guaranteed to sell books by the barrowload. Warsi must have been jumping up and down in delight for quite some time however, because she didn’t even have time to do her eyebrows before trotting off to do The Andrew Marr Show. Seriously, she looked like Groucho Marx’s mum. And what about that bouffant hairdo Sayeeda? Back when she was David Cameron’s pet Muslim, being wheeled out regularly for Question Time, I actually got phone calls asking about which hairstyle looked most slimming. I kid you not. Her Sunday morning ‘do’ reminded me of the time I
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went to the Advanced Hair Studio and came out looking like a Grenadier Guard. I kid you not there, either. I know what you’re thinking – this is a very serious subject, Lockwood, and you’re getting all lookist and sexist which is quite demeaning. I get that – but we are talking about Warsi, who’s got a better eye for an opening than Leeds Utd striker Allan ‘Sniffer’ Clarke ever had. She’s not to be taken seriously folks, so why should I play her game? The woman went on national tv and tried to peddle the line that “Khalid Masood was a violent Christian for a lot longer than he was a violent Muslim”. Seriously? Ergo, he could lash out in a pub as a Christian, but it took converting to Islam to move him onto the next level, of driving a 4x4 at 76mph into crowds of
innocent tourists and stabbing a police officer to death? That’s some justification for your religion of peace. And no hole’s ever deep enough to stop the intellectually flaccid Warsi from keeping digging: “There are people around the world who are evangelical Christians and commit violent acts, and extremist Hindus, even extremist Buddhists who commit violent acts...” I don’t know about you lot, but I can’t cross the road these days for dodging a bald bloke in flowing orange robes trying to mow me down while chanting “ohhmmmm” and throwing rose petals out of the car window. For crying out loud. Still, Warsi climbed on the bike that Michael Howard and David Cameron gave her, and for all her hypocrisy and opportunism, she’s turned it into a Rolls Royce. That’s all you need these days kids – a broad Yorkshire accent, and knowing how to balance the burkha with a titillating cheeky wink. But Warsi remains more dangerous than helpful, if only because the London intelligentsia still imagines she speaks with any Muslim authority whatsoever. She speaks and acts only for Sayeeda. Always has.
ThePress
Friday March 31, 2017
Easter chick time THE BATLEY and Birstall support group for Kirkwood Hospice have launched their popular Easter chicken campaign. Every year the group knit thousands of Easter chicks, each one filled with a Cadbury’s Creme Egg which are sold for £1.50, with all profits going towards the hospice. Over 24 years, the campaign has raised in excess of £50,000. This year, to help the group raise even more for the hospice, Tesco in Huddersfield have donated over 4,700 creme eggs. Support group member Barbara Hodgkinson, who runs a large team of 50 knitters at her local churches in Batley, said: “It’s a real team effort. Some knitters specialise in also known as ‘Chicken Mary’, hats, some in bodies, some who is one of our champion knitsewing them all together, and ters and has knitted thousands of other people even donate the wool to us. We want to make spe- chicks over the years for us.” The chicks will be available to cial thanks to Mary Heckworth,
News In Brief Drub abuser was caught shoplifting
purchase in Kirkwood Hospice shops, local businesses (including The Press office in Batley) and in the hospice itself in the lead-up to Easter. For more details call
Margaret Davies: 01924 504177. Kirkwood’s Lyndsey Richardson (left) and trustee Kath Hinchliffe are pictured with group members and Tesco staff.
Restoring old fingerpost – and some civic pride By James Morris CLECKHEATON residents will soon be able to enjoy a local landmark in its original glory. The 80-year-old fingerpost sign outside Cleckheaton Fire Station was erected when Hightown Road was built, directing travellers towards Leeds, Huddersfield, Elland and Brighouse. But in recent years the landmark has been neglected and has become little more than a rusty relic. Spen Valley Civic
Society restored its ‘sister’ sign at the top of Hightown Road in 2003, and last year the society decided to tackle the one at the junction of Hightown Road and Westgate. Thanks to a grant from Kirklees Council’s ‘You and Your Community’ funding programme, civic society volunteers have been able to get to work on the project over the winter. New metal letters were made to match the originals, brackets were manufactured using the one
remaining original as a pattern, wooden finger boards were created, and the metal post has been stripped of rust and repainted with several coats. The restored signpost will be unveiled at 10.30am on Monday, April 10 by Jan Scrine BEM, treasurer of the Milestone Society, who raise awareness of stone and iron milestones. Chairman of Spen Valley Civic Society Max Rathmell said: “We’re delighted Jan Scrine has agreed to unveil the fin-
gerpost sign. It’s a piece of Cleckheaton’s heritage which deserves a new life, so that local people can appreciate it for many years to come. “These fingerpost signs are an ‘endangered species’ and we’re lucky to have more than one in Spen Valley. “The timing of our project means that the restored fingerpost will be on show to the world when the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race passes right by it along Westgate, on Sunday April 30.”
CLECKHEATON: A woman who was caught with cannabis as she stole from a store has been jailed. Amanda McLaughlin, 36, attempted to take £40 worth of steaks and laundry products from Home Bargains in Cleckheaton on March 4. She was stopped by the store’s manager and the goods were recovered. When she was asked if she had anything else on her, she produced a bag of green vegetable matter. McLaughlin, of Turnsteads Mount, Cleckheaton, pleaded guilty to theft and possession of cannabis. She also tested positive for the use of cocaine and opiates following her arrest. Magistrates jailed McLaughlin for 12 weeks.
Trial date set for dual assault case DEWSBURY: A man has denied attacking two people. Steven Thornton, 50, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Shane Barry with intent to do him grievous bodily harm. Thornton faces an additional charge of assaulting Elizabeth Cowsill as she tried to prevent the assault. The alleged offences occurred at an address in West Park Street, Dewsbury, on May 29. Thornton, of Leeds Old Road, Heckmondwike, pleaded not guilty to the offences. His trial will be held at Leeds Crown Court, where he will first appear on April 20.
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Thanks for a wonderful event! Dear Sir, What a book launch.What a day for Maureen Prest and her book ‘King of Clubs’. It was a magnificent turnout from the people of Batley and elsewhere, all with their own tales about the world-famous Batley Variety Club. Ian Clayton did a great job fronting it all and the multi-talented local lad, our own Sammy King, sang his song ‘Penny Arcade’ which was a great hit for Roy Orbison. The room was filled with people exchanging their own memories of the
Letter of the Week:
Annual show was a treat for eyes and ears
ward to the joys of summer and travel. Thank you again Batley AV Club – we’re already looking forward to seeing you next year!
From: Alan Greenwood, Batley Dear Sir, On Friday March 24 I went to Budapest, Lanzarote, the Rocky Mountains and Zanzibar, ending up close to home amongst the intriguing formations of Brimham Rocks. And it only cost me a fiver! It was all thanks to the skill and imagination of Batley’s Audio Visual Club members, who entertained a packed house at Brimer Hall in Batley with their annual show incorporating history, humour and visits to lots of beautiful locations. The club’s varied and fascinating visual presentations are always accompanied by well-chosen music and informative commentary and the sound quality is excellent. The BBC could learn a thing or two from Batley AV Club about choosing appropriate music and balancing it with spoken commentary. We came out whistling the catchy tunes we’d heard. The AV Club’s annual show is held in March each year and it is a wonderful way of shaking off the hibernation of winter and looking for-
Wendy Storey, Mirfield club and there was a magical atmosphere in the town hall. I hope Maureen’s book is a huge success, she so deserves it to be. I have read it and and loved everything about it, recognising so many names and it left me feeling quite emotional at the ‘twist’. The fact that it was the 50th
anniversary on March 26 of the club opening made it even more special, and the fact Maureen chose the town hall to launch it was spot on. Thanks Maureen, you have brought back a lot of memories for many of us and told it as it was! Who knows, maybe a sequel next and you are our own Jackie Collins!
Our National Health Service is disappearing From: Name and address supplied Dear Sir, At a time when even GPs are beginning to get worried about the direction of the NHS to an American-style system, the lack of transparency between profit makers and publicly-run bodies in planning meetings and the reduction in size and scope of the commissioning groups, a very small group of car-owning patients at the recent Patient Participation Group engagement with the CCG, happily sanctioned the idea of certain specialised GP services being held in various locations in North Kirklees. They completely missed the fact that there are no buses from Cleckheaton to Mirfield or Birstall. It is very difficult to get a bus from certain locations to Batley and even if a surgery is open on a Saturday or Sunday this is still the case. With the gradual managing of certain groups, often the poor and low income families, out of
LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS Shepherds Meadow Farm, extension to existing agricultural building, Shepherds Meadow, 31 Wellands Lane, Cleckheaton. N Walker, erection of dwelling and erection of balcony and external alterations to existing dwelling, 183 Raikes Lane, Birstall. John Gawthorpe, work on TPO(s) 14a/02, Beech Grove House, 13, Doctor Lane, Mirfield. M Bham, two-storey side and single-storey rear extentions, 7 Hill Rise, Soothill. S Ellsworth & G Needham, certificate of lawfulness for proposed single-storey rear extension, 90 Raikes Lane, Birstall. J Green, porch to front and conservatory to rear, and demolition of existing conservatory, 66 Station Lane, Birkenshaw. S Mohammed, single-storey extensions to side and front, 8 Wormalds View, Thornhill Lees. Kirklees College, C/O Agent, discharge of conditions 4 (drainage) and 5 (surface water) on previous application 2016/92420 for erection of college building and associated infrastructure works, former Safeway Store, Commercial Road, Dewsbury.
James Huxley, discharge of condition 5 (drainage) on previous application 2014/91018 for alterations to convert barn and outbuilding to two dwellings and associated external works (Listed Building), Back Lane Farm, Back Lane, Briestfield. J McKaig, the proposal is for a single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 6 metres beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling house. The maximum height of the extension is 4 metres, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.8 metres, 28 Lower Lane, Gomersal. M Akhtar, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.75m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.5m, 56 Spen Valley Road, Ravensthorpe. J Raynor, the proposal is for a single-storey rear extension, the extension projects 8 metres beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse, the maximum height of the extension is 4 metres The height of the eaves of the extension is 2.8 metres, 81 Chidswell Lane, Shaw Cross.
Mr Moss, extensions, 61 Jackroyd Lane, Upper Hopton. Pete Smith, single-storey rear extension, 23 Spinners Way, Lower Hopton. D Moyser, non-material amendment on previous permission 2015/90830 for erection of extensions to rear and detached garage, 203 Raikes Lane, Birstall. M&S Hussain, the proposal is for a single storey rear extension. The extension projects 6 metres beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4 metres. The height of the eaves of the extension is 3.7 metres, 152 Sackville Street, Ravensthorpe. Mr Faraz Hussain, work to tree(s) within a Conservation Area, 13 Moorlands Avenue, Dewsbury. Sajid Butt, the proposal is for erection of single storey rear extension. The extension projects 5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.75m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.5m, 58 Spen Valley Road, Ravensthorpe. H Din, prior notification for singlestorey rear extension, 33 Chadwick Crescent, Dewsbury.
the NHS, and the removal of certain treatments out of health (which is free) and into social care (which is paid for), one wonders how far it can go before people realise that the National Health Service really has gone. Join the Leeds March To Fund the NHS; Saturday April 1, 11.30am outside Leeds Art Gallery, on the Headrow.
Tougher prisons, and more of them From: CN Middleton, Cleckheaton Dear Sir, It seems that nowadays people in power have little regard towards waste of taxpayers’ money. Millions were spent on 17 police officers investigating Edward Heath’s alleged paedophile activities, which the case is now being closed, and the findings remaining confidential. The ex-Prime Minister died in 2005, aged 89. Also, police up north have re-opened a case where someone went missing 60 years ago. Many people believe that a lot of police forces have lost the plot because of political correctness, and the fear that they may offend different minority groups, for example in the Rotherham and Rochdale fiascos. Surely, the main job, with all hands on deck, should be to prevent crime and protect the general public from villains and burglars. Two new prisons are to be built, one near York. No doubt they will be like comfortable holiday camps. Please do the public a favour for a change instead of to the rogues and the vermin of society. We need more prisons built that will make criminals never ever want to go back inside, preferably on remote Scottish islands. Only then will we genuinely see crime figures shoot down, instead of false figures ‘massaged’ by the authorities.
West’s social policy has been a disaster From: R Spreadbury, Liversedge Dear Sir, Here is an idea which might redress the balance. Deport the immediate family of any terrorist – mother, father and siblings – back to their ethnic homeland, perhaps even giving the receiving country a few quid as a incentive to re-settle them. Perhaps these sort of consequences will force the community which spawns such ideology, and protects the perpetrators of cowardly violence against defenceless civilians, into a reassessment of their beliefs and motivations. Perhaps then will we see a real attempt in addressing the fundamental problems of Wahabi ideology instead of the trotting out of the same old platitudes after each atrocity, led as always by that great beacon of democratic multiculturalism, the Muslim Council of Britain. Remember the lessons of Northern Ireland? The communities which spawned terrorists eventually got sick to death of their actions.
This meant that the various terrorist organisations and their members could no longer rely on the tacit support and shelter afforded by their respective communities. The leaders were then forced to renounce violence and embraced political dialogue. In case anyone needs reminding, the consequences and effects of Wahhabi Sunni Musliminspired violence are completely one-sided. From ever-more stringent airport security checks endured when we go on our holidays, through to casting a shadow over the simple pleasures of strolling outdoors in our cities and open spaces. Despite the constant rhetoric of the delusional, we are a divided society, from rich and poor, haves and have-nots, north and south, western and Asian, Christian and Muslim. The socialist policy of bending over backwards to accommodate the practices, traditions, values and desires of every ethnic minority has been a complete disaster. If necessary, people need forcing into a broad common western cultural identity. Allowing disparate autonomous groups to flourish is a recipe for disaster. Always has been, always will be.
What leadership? From: Stephen Cass, Mirfield Dear Sir, As the Mayor of London Labour’s Sadiq Khan has said: “Terror attacks are part and parcel of living in a major city ...” In other words, get used to it. And anyway, surely the occasional terror attack is more than compensated for by the many, many benefits that diversity bestows on this country. That’s the argument, isn’t it? Of course nobody knows how they’d react if caught up in a terrorist incident, but I’m afraid what little confidence I do have in our politicians and leaders was yet further diminished when I learned of our MP Paula Sherriff’s somewhat undignified reaction to the attack in London last week: She hid in a cupboard. What kind of leadership is that? Then again, hiding in a cupboard is a pretty good metaphor for burying your head in the sand, so on reflection Ms Sherriff’s reaction was maybe the perfect response – if the cowards in Parliament excel at anything they excel at avoiding the issue.
Press praise made me laugh out loud From: ‘An avid Press reader’ Dear Sir, Writing as just an ordinary reader, can I add my own congratulations to The Press upon reaching your 15-year milestone. Reading Danny Lockwood’s pieces about the founding of the company, and the difficulties that modern newspapers are facing, made me appreciate just how hard you all must work. Your success in light of the collapse of your local competitor titles is proof that honesty and
Continued on page 9
ThePress
Friday March 31, 2017
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Paula Sherriff, MP for Dewsbury and Mirfield
‘Politically speaking’ From page 8 hard work really can deliver results. Well done again. The very many tributes paid by such a wide range of your customers that you have printed over recent weeks must make you all proud, but one in particular caught my eye on page 12 last week. I laughed out loud at the wonderful comments from Helen Wilson (nee Brooke) of George Brooke Funeral Directors, about how she resisted the temptation to go for ‘a spag bol at Danny’s flat in Thornhill Lees’. Oh Helen, as someone who accepted that kind invite (hence my letter being anonymous!), can I just say that you missed a treat. It was entirely home-made, the pasta was perfectly al dente, and Danny was a perfect gentleman.
I voted remain, but we must respect the result From: David Honeybell, Heckmondwike Dear Sir, I’m really surprised by the actions of those stalwarts of democracy, Tony Blair, Peter Mandelson and Alastair Campbell. Surely all of them would respect and support the democratic result of the EU referendum? It seems not, and the only form of democracy they believe in is if the result goes their way. But credit where it’s due, all three of them are singing from the same hymn sheet. After seeing them all on TV recently, all trotting out the same mantra – the referendum result can be overturned. We can show the leave the EU voters the error of their ways. Just who do these people think they are? Obviously, they regard the people who voted ‘out’
as being ignorant uneducated thick idiots, who they, the smart well-educated three wise men, can manipulate into accepting another vote. nd not only that, they would persuade them to change the way they voted. As someone who campaigned to remain in the EU, I was disappointed by the result, but the vote went against what I wanted, and that should be the end of the debate.
Sturgeon’s idea of democracy is wrong From: Harold Laycock, Mirfield Dear Sir, In the 2014 Scottish Referendum over 50 per cent of the Scottish people voted to remain in the union with the United Kingdom. In last year’s referendum, the people of the United Kingdom, including Scotland, were asked whether or not they wished to remain in or leave the European Union. By a majority, the people indicated that they wished to leave. Nicola Sturgeon cannot accept this decision and rants on about the lack of democracy. Her idea of democracy is to hold a referendum, if you don’t get what you want, hold another referendum and another and another until you do get what you do want!
Thanks for handing it in From: Margaret Mitchell, Dewsbury Dear Sir, I recently left an expensive umbrella on the 268A bus from Dewsbury to Bradford. I didn’t think that I would get it back, but a kind person thankfully handed it in. I would just like to say a massive thank you to whoever that person was.
Local children deserve better N OT FAIR and not funded – children are paying the price for broken Tory promises on education funding. I’ve been disgusted lately by the lack of government support for our public services. The NHS is in crisis, there’s a meltdown in social care funding, councils are being forced to take extreme measures to protect residents from vicious cuts to funding and now this fresh attack on education. Across Dewsbury and Mirfield the government’s socalled ‘fairer funding formula’ will see 50 out of 50 schools lose funding, and not one will gain. This is the second-highest number of schools facing cuts in any parliamentary constituency. Thornhill Academy for example, is set to lose over half a million pounds, which equates to nearly £700 per pupil. In Parliament last week I pressed the Education Secretary, Justine Greening, on this. When the Tories were asking local people for votes, parents were promised that funding would be protected for every child. These cuts are
an appalling betrayal of local children. Schools are, rightly, one of the most important issues for people living in our area. Sadly, as happened with the Tory governments of the 1980s and early 90s, once again the Government is cutting back funding for schools. The Government say they are addressing unfairness in school funding between different parts of the country. But the result will be to take funds from areas which have the greatest need. Research by an independent think-tank has found that
Kirklees will be on the receiving end of the largest cuts outside the major urban centres of London, Manchester and the West Midlands. Across the local area, 169 schools will see their budgets reduced by a total of nearly £6.5m a year, amounting to over £100 per pupil. Schools in this constituency shoulder over £2m of the total cuts across Kirklees. The council and our schools need more support from central government. We should be enabling all children to learn and fulfil their potential. That requires investment. I will be fighting alongside local parents, pupils and teachers to hold the government to the commitment they made and make sure our children do not pay the price for broken Tory promises. The government promised a fairer funding formula, but it’s not fairer and it’s not funded. Local schools are threatened with cuts to staff, subjects or school days, or passing the begging bowl around parents. Local children deserve better.
Paula
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Volunteers at the ready
News In Brief Maureen’s book launch at town hall
TWO denim jackets, a carpet and a car radiator grill were among the items picked up by the Batley Cemetery Support Group during their latest clean-up event. The group collected 20 bags of rubbish during their spring litter pick on March 25. Volunteers are pictured enjoying a tea break amongst their good work.
BATLEY: A new book detailing the life of the man who brought Batley Variety Club to the town has been launched. ‘King of Clubs’ by Maureen Prest, was launched at Batley Town Hall to mark 50 years since the club was opened by James Corrigan. The book is available from Waterstone’s and online.
Grant handed to dog rescue charity CLECKHEATON: A dog rescue charity has been awarded a £4,000 grant. Yorkshire Rose Dog Rescue, based in Cleckheaton, was given the money by Support Adoption for Pets to help pay vets’ bills. Susan Tozer, from Yorkshire Rose Dog Rescue, said: “This amount could not have come at a better time as an old dog in our rescue has just had a major operation, hence a large bill. “We also took in a lovely elderly dog last Sunday, which has been badly neglected and diagnosed with Cushings disease, which requires expensive medication. “We as a small rescue charity have now been given a lifeline.”
Asthma pupil airlifted DEWSBURY: A young pupil was airlifted to hospital following a severe asthma attack. The air ambulance was called to Westborough High School on Wednesday to deal with the emergency. The Year Eight female pupil remains in hospital.
Sayeeda stirs things up DEWSBURY-BORN peer Baroness Sayeeda Warsi courted controversy during a round of talk show interviews as she promoted her new book this week. The former chairman of the Conservative Party caused outrage when she claimed that the man who carried out last week’s Westminster terror attack was a “violent Christian long before he was a violent Muslim”. Khalid Masood, 52, killed four people and injured 50 in London last Wednesday before he was shot dead by police. Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday morning, Baroness Warsi criticised the government’s counter terrorism strategy, stating it was wrong to focus only on Islam. She said: “One of the questions I’ve asked for a couple of years is what actually makes a violent jihadi? What makes a terrorist? “My argument has consistently been that the government has
been obsessively focussed on just just one – which we refer to as Islamist ideology.” The former parliamentary candidate for Dewsbury also said it was unfair to say that all Muslims had a responsibility to root out extremists. “There has been a narrative that says Muslim people know
who these people are,” she said. “And not only do they know them but they’re condoning them and sheltering them. “I think what we’ve seen in the terrorist attack last week is it’s incredibly difficult (to predict). “This is a man who was born in a Christian home, born in a fairly comfortable home, seemed
Candidate keen to start A PROSPECTIVE Kirklees councillor has begun his campaign – despite elections not taking place until next May. Imtiaz Mirza will stand for the Liberal Democrats in Dewsbury West in the council elections which are due to be held on May 4, 2018. The political hopeful has set up a base in Ravensthorpe and has vowed to knock on every door in the ward between now and the election. Setting out his objectives, Mr Mirza said: “I
have seen what’s happened here in recent years with one Labour councillor after another supporting a Labour-led Kirklees Council based in Huddersfield. “Our area has been neglected and what’s worse it has not had a strong voice speaking up for it in the council.” The Dewsbury West Liberal Democrats have opened a new office on Huddersfield Road in Ravensthorpe, which is now open for constituents to visit.
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to be living a fairly good lifestyle, was popular. “He then got involved in criminality and didn’t convert to Islam until later in life. So he was a violent Christian long before he was a violent Muslim. “I’m not sure any of the people who were growing up with him, indeed his own family, would have known that he would go on to commit such an extremist act.” Baroness Warsi also said that people of other religions were guilty of carrying out terrorist attacks. She said: “People always want to find a cause. Nobody’s going to say ‘I am an extremist or a terrorist, I just want to commit violent acts, because that’s the kind of violent man I am’, which clearly Khalid Massod was. “They want to try and find an air of respectability as justification for it. “If you go back to the GBH he was convicted of in early life there’s some suggestion that the argument he presented in court was that he had been racially abused. His violent act was based upon his racial identity. People will always find a grievance.” Baroness Warsi had been doing a number of publicity appearances to promote her new book ‘The Enemy Within: A tale of Muslim Britain’ in which she details her experiences of being a Muslim in the UK. The 46-year-old former lawyer grew up in Dewsbury, where she stood for the Conservatives in the 2005 General Election. After she lost to Labour’s Shahid Malik in a bitter campaign, she was raised to the peerage by David Cameron in 2007 and served as Shadow Minister for Community Cohesion before resigning n 2014.
Ravensthorpe station on improvement list IMPROVEMENT work is set to get underway at Ravensthorpe railway station next month. Passengers at the station will benefit from a refurbished waiting shelter as well as improvements to the information provided. The work is part of a three-year modernisation plan by train operator Northern to revamp stations across the north of England. Ravensthorpe is one of five stations Northern will be trialling the improvement works at. Paul Barnfield, regional director (East) for Northern, said: “Customers at Ravensthorpe will get fully refurbished waiting shelters as well as improved customer information. “We want people to be able to see – and experience – the proposed improvements rather than just hear about them. “Most importantly, we want to know what our customers think before we commit to rolling out these and other improvements at all stations across the north of England.” The features installed throughout March and April will not be the final versions, and Northern is calling on as many customers as possible to visit the test stations and provide feedback on the new equipment.
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Friday March 31, 2017
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Friday March 31, 2017
News In Brief Search for relatives of Betty Nicholson
Cadets do their bit for Red Nose
CLECKHEATON: The Coroner is appealing for relatives of a woman who recently died to come forward. Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Nicholson passed away on March 22 aged 92 at Kenmore Care Home in Cleckheaton. It is believed she has an older brother who lives in America and also had relatives more locally in Keighley, Cleckheaton and Bradford. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bradford Coroners’ Office on 01274 373721.
MEMBERS of a local air cadet squadron held a fundraising event in aid of Comic Relief. 868 (Mirfield) Squadron Air Cadets took part in an evening which saw the cadets take part in a traditional military ‘Sods Opera’, where each one presented a humorous sketch. Five brave cadets also took part in a charity leg wax. Lieutenant Peter Doubell said: 'That was amazing, I really laughed until I cried, and there were some wonderful individual performances ñ Iíve seen talents tonight I never suspected were there. Just under £200 was raised on the evening.
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HECKMONDWIKE: A driver has been banned after police spotted him behind the wheel of a car linked to a burglary. Jonathan Furness, 37, was stopped as he drove in the Batley area last August. The Mazda had been linked to an earlier burglary of a mosque and he was charged with this offence, together with handling stolen goods. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that those two matters were dropped but he pleaded guilty to driving without insurance. Furness, of Crabtree Avenue, Heckmondwike, was fined £100 and ordered to pay costs.
By Staff Reporters A BURGLAR who broke into a Liversedge couple’s home while they were asleep upstairs with their young granddaughter has been jailed. Despite a long history as a career criminal and previous prison sentences, Luke Mark Menzies, 25, was sentenced to just three years and eight months in prison by a judge at Leeds Crown Court. The court heard that police used DNA found on a blowtorch which was used in the crime to catch him. The occupants of the house on Kings Lea in Norristhorpe had gone to bed for the night when the break-in happened in the early hours of February 22. Stephen Welch, prosecuting, said the blowtorch was used to target a side door which then had the lock snapped off. Menzies took a mobile phone, a tablet device, a wallet containing £200 in cash and the keys to an Audi A1 which was driven off. At 3.50am police saw the stolen vehicle, along with a VW Golf which had false number plates on it, being
Menzies – been in court 36 times for 101 offences
driven on Halifax Road, Dewsbury. Both vehicles sped off and the Audi was found abandoned a short time later. When it was searched the blowtorch was found inside, along with a pair of mole grips still holding the barrel from the lock at the burgled premises. Forensic evidence showed Menzies’ DNA present on both tools. The court heard that he had nine previous convic-
tions for house burglaries. Ray Singh, representing Menzies, said he realised he would be receiving a lengthy sentence which would be the longest he had ever served. After release from his last term he had struggled financially “and resorted to the way of life he knows”. Menzies, 25, of no fixed address, admitted burglary and theft of the car. The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC, said he had a long record, having appeared on 36 occasions for 101 offences. He added: “Significantly, on nine previous occasions you have been sentenced in relation to dwelling house burglaries. “You broke into a house at night occupied by a man, his wife and granddaughter who were asleep upstairs. “You broke in using equipment taken to the scene, a blowtorch and mole grips and having got in you stole a number of items including a tablet and phone and the keys to the car outside.” He said such offences, known as Hanoi burglaries after a previous police operation, “cause enormous impact on the community”.
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ThePress
Friday March 31, 2017
HWD Hospital Radio chairman and presenter Mike Binns
Van theft man jailed By Staff Reporters
Twice around the clock for HWD A HOSPITAL radio station will be going on the air for 48 straight hours in a bid to raise cash to keep it running. Volunteer presenters at HWD Hospital Radio will be broadcasting from 6pm on Friday March 31 to 6pm on Sunday April 2. The station serves patients and staff at Dewsbury and District Hospital, although anyone can listen as it broadcasts live on the internet. As well as a variety of programmes and music being featured, there will also be live commentary from Dewsbury Rams' game against Featherstone Rovers. Vikki Padgett, voluntary services manager at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “HWD Hospital Radio provides a fantastic service to help aid the recovery of patients in Dewsbury and District Hospital and connect them with the outside world during their hospital stay. “The Trust is helping to promote their programmes across the hospital and I’d urge people to support this willing group of volunteers by making a donation, however small, to keep the station broadcasting.”
A BURGLAR has been jailed after he used a forklift truck to steal a van from a mill complex. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that Peter Schofield, 21, was caught by a tracker belonging to his mother. The owner of the vehicle continued the chase using his own tracking device before police cornered him outside an address in Dewsbury, where he was stood next to the van drinking a cup of tea. Andy Wills, prosecuting, told the court Schofield had borrowed his mum’s mobile phone before leaving her address at around 7pm last Friday. He said: “She has an app on her phone and can track it. “He was in the Batley area, driving past Brooklands Nightclub on Bradford Road.” His suspicious family then watched online as the phone tracker travelled to Hi-Q Beds in the Alexandra Mills complex, where witnesses heard a commotion. Schofield, and another man who is still wanted by police, smashed a window and took a safe and the keys to a Mercedes work van. Mr Wills said: “The defendant was seen on CCTV trying to get the van out of the complex but the gates were locked. “He used a forklift truck and
rammed the gates, forcing them open.” The court heard Schofield’s family knew the owner of the premises and phoned him. He then activated the tracker he had attached to the van. The van headed onto Howard Street in Batley, where it mounted the kerb and drove around the owner’s vehicle as he tried to stop him in his own car. It then narrowly missed some parked cars before colliding with a wall on Low Road in Dewsbury. Mr Wills said: “Officers attended at Beckett Walk in Dewsbury Moor where the defendant was now outside the van, drinking a cup of tea. “The keys to the van were inside his jacket and he said: ‘You’ve got me on handling but not burglary.” Schofield, of Moorside Road in Dewsbury Moor, pleaded guilty to burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving and using a vehicle without a licence or insurance. The incident happened while he was on a 22-week suspended sentence imposed for a non-dwelling burglary. His solicitor described the crime as unsophisticated and said others had led him down the wrong path. Magistrates activated the suspended sentence and added a further 32 weeks for the new offences, totaling 54 weeks in custody. Schofield was also banned from driving for 24 months.
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News In Brief Drink-driving charge for Moor man DEWSBURY MOOR: A man admitted driving under the influence of alcohol while close to his home. Matthew Ellis, 25, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving without insurance or a full licence. The incident happened on January 28, when he was stopped by police while driving a Peugeot 307 dangerously on Moorside Avenue, where he lived. He had 75 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 microgrammes. District Judge Michael Fanning was told that the dangerous driving was brief but he warned Ellis he was considering custody. He asked for a probation report to be prepared prior to sentencing.
Remanded before assault trial BATLEY: A man has appeared in court accused of controlling and assaulting his girlfriend. Joshua Spry, 25, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court where he denied the offences. The alleged offences occurred at his home on Bond Street, Batley, between February 1 and March 8. He is said to have assaulted Tiffany Healey repeatedly and locked her inside the house. Spry pleaded not guilty to assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, stopping her from contacting her friends or family. District Judge Michael Fanning sent the case to Leeds Crown Court where Spry will appear for the first time on April 20. He was remanded into custody.
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News In Brief Taxi assault denied THORNHILL LEES: A man has denied assaulting a taxi driver because he refused to take him anywhere. Mohammed Karim, 29, appeared before Kirklees Magistrates where he pleaded not guilty to the alleged offence. The court heard the alleged offence occurred on November 12, when the alleged victim was called to Bradford Road in Batley to pick up a customer. Magistrates heard that the driver asked him to get out due to past problems with the customer. Karim, of Brewery Lane, Thornhill Lees, is said to have then struck the cabbie and thrown alcohol over his face. He will be before magistrates again on June 10 for his trial.
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Local link to cricket legend’s biography By Steve Martyn PRE-WAR Yorkshire and England cricket legend Maurice Leyland has only a tenuous connection to North Kirklees – but a chance conversation between Liversedge woman Jayne Barber and Gomersal-based Press correspondent Mike Popplewell has paved the way for his biography to be published by the Association of Cricket Statisticians. Jayne, of Knowler Hill, is a family friend of Mike’s and one day asked him if he had heard of Maurice Leyland. “Of course,” he said. “Why?” “He was my granny’s cousin,” she replied. “I’d like to know more about him for my family tree.” Mike told Jayne he would find a biography for her but, when he made enquiries, he found that noone had ever written one. So, he set about the task himself. “It was actually finished nearly 20 years ago but I couldn’t find anyone to publish it,” Mike explained. “So, when I found out that the ACS were thinking of producing a biography as part of their ‘Cricket Lives’ series I offered my research for them to use. “But they just said ‘Send in your manuscript. If you’ve already written it there is no point in us doing it.’” The eventual outcome was an acceptance of the manuscript for publication at the end of this year. Leyland played 41 Test matches for England between 1928 and
Maurice Leyland was a special guest at a charity evening at Birstall Congregational Church where his cousin was the minister 1938. In first-class cricket, he represented Yorkshire between 1920 and 1946, scoring over 1,000 runs in 17 consecutive seasons. A left-handed middle-order batsman and occasional left-arm spinner, he was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1929. Leyland spent much of his life in Harrogate and died on New Year’s Day in 1967 after a long fight against Parkinson’s Disease. But he was caught in the above
photograph, in the late 1950s, when he was a special guest at a charity evening held at Birstall Congregational Church where his cousin, Rev Maurice Kaye, was the minister. Earlier visits to Dewsbury had been much less enjoyable as the old Dewsbury and Savile Ground, which hosted Yorkshire County Cricket fixtures annually until 1933, was rarely a happy hunting ground for Maurice personally,
even though Yorkshire did not lose one of their post-WW1 games there. “I had hoped for it to coincide with the centenary of Maurice’s birth in 1900,” Mike reflected, “but it is now due in the 50th anniversary of his death! Maurice was quite a character and was fondly remembered by everyone – except his opponents. I’m just glad the effort wasn’t wasted.”
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A FATHER gave himself up to police in an attempt to let his son escape after they had both stolen bottles of whisky from a supermarket. Marcel Letremy and his son had each stolen a bottle of Jack Daniels from the Morrisons store in Heckmondwike. The 58 year-old had initially hidden in bushes outside the store but handed himself into staff to allow his son to make his escape.
Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard the pair were spotted selecting a bottle each before hiding them in their clothing and trying to flee the store on September 2, 2016. Prosecutor Andy Wills said: “They left the store through the fire exit and the defendant initially tried to hide in bushes. “He then surrendered himself to staff in order to allow his son to
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A DOG had a lucky escape when it was rescued from a fire by a builder in Birstall. West Yorkshire Police said the incident happened on Tuesday on Bridge Street. A post on the Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Police Team Facebook page said: “The fire, which accidentally started with some garden waste, quickly spread to a nearby tree and threatened to spread further to a nearby bungalow. It was spotted by local builders who ran to investigate. “One of them, Richard Irvine, noticed a kennel next to the fire and a scared dog tethered inside. “He managed to rescue the dog before she was injured by the fire or smoke. “Firefighters who were in attendance shortly afterwards dealt with the blaze before serious damage was done to the house or anything else. “Well done Richard, we think you have made a friend for life.”
Richard Irvine with the dog he rescued in Birstall
leave with the whisky.” Letremy, of no fixed address, initially claimed that he was with a friend but a PCSO was able to positively identify the other man as his son. He said he was going to sell the two bottles, worth £50, to support his heroin habit. Magistrates fined Letremy £40 and ordered him to pay £25 compensation plus court costs.
ThePress
Friday March 31, 2017
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Friday March 31, 2017
Bring your home to life ITH the daylight hours becoming longer and the temperatures (hopefully) rising, there’s no better time to carry out improvements to ensure that your home both looks and functions brilliantly.
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After all, who wants to be stood outside doing a spot of repainting while constantly shivering? Spring is here and you can finally get on with those improvements you’ve been putting off all winter – but where to start?
Check your roofing and guttering Winter may have taken its toll on your roof, causing holes, leaks or broken tiles. The best thing to do is regularly check your roof, look at the tiling, cement work, verges and chimney. Your guttering is just as important and can easily be effected by ice, snow and excess water, so check you have no blockages or leaks. If water in your gutter isn’t running
ThePress
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A DESIGNER kitchen showroom is due to open its doors in Gomersal tomorrow (Sat) after months of extensive renovation work. Create Bespoke Kitchens, founded by businessman Bryan Munslow and based on Bleak Street, designs, supplies, and installs designer kitchens throughout West Yorkshire. The new showroom, based in a disused coach building that has undergone major work, features an extensive range of fullyinstalled working kitchens. Customers will be able to get a realistic insight into how their finished kitchen will look using virtual reality headsets. The firm is hosting a launch event on Saturday at its Bleak Street showroom for people to drop in and look around, talk to Bryan about their requirements and enjoy food and drink from local artisan cured meat specialists, The Cure Fine Charcuterie. Local interior designer Louise Smith of Minnie Rose Interiors will also be on hand to offer inspiration and guidance on what’s new in the world of interiors. Bryan, who also runs local electrical firm BM Electrical Ltd, came up with the idea of Create Kitchens after undertaking his own
kitchen renovation and getting frustrated with the customer service and sales process he experienced. He said: “For most of us, buying a kitchen is something we’ll only do maybe once or twice in our lifetimes and from my own experience, I felt there was a lot of potential to make the process of designing and purchasing a new kitchen less stressful and a lot more enjoyable. “That’s how Create was born, from taking something that’s already being done but seeing an opportunity to do it better. “Our ethos is to deliver design-led kitchens that are going to stand the test of time both aesthetically and functionally. “We want you to fall in love with your kitchen every time you step through the door and to really enjoy being in the space youíve created.” Everybody who visits the showroom on April 1 will also be given a 15 per cent discount on any kitchen ordered within three months. The showroom on Bleak Street will be open from 10am until 4pm on Saturday. Visit www.CreateBespokeKitchens.co.uk to book a consultation.
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Check that your fencing, shed or greenhouse hasn’t been damaged during the winter and clear the garden of debris. You may find that outdoor furniture and fittings are covered in mould or mildew from the wet conditions – these can be easily cleaned with a soap and water mixture. Garden paths or driveways may also have come under attack from moss or algae, which is simple to remove too. Spring is a good time to repaint or stain outdoor furniture to protect it from further
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External painting and maintenance Spruce up the exterior of your home by repainting your weather-weary walls, but
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Have a spring clean! From page 18 first, check that they don’t have any cracks in them. Painting will also protect your home from damp – don’t forget that window frames can also be transformed with a lick of paint or gloss. Painting your front door can also make a big difference to your home,
FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS ESTABLISHED 1974
Sort out your boiler and insulation Spring is the perfect time to make your home more energy efficient; this will also help you save money on fuel bills. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) recommends giving your windows a good clean to help heat and light your home naturally, as well as using energy-saving light bulbs.
Cut down your heating bills by switching your boiler to ‘summer mode’ and installing proper heating controls. Loft insulation will keep your home cool in summer as well as warm in winter.
Check your plumbing Over winter your pipes and plumbing may have suffered frost damage, particularly if they haven’t been lagged. Other common plumbing problems such as blocked pipes, leaks or dripping taps may not seem immediately pressing, but it’s best to get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Hire a qualified plumber to deal with all your plumbing problems.
BLUEHILLS FARM SHOP •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
NEW SPRING DESIGNS ARRIVING DAILY • Ready made Curtains • Bespoke Curtains • All types of blinds made in our own workroom • Sheers & Voiles
Quality and Friendly Service with Great Prices to Match 25 Commercial Street, Batley WF17 5HJ T: 01924 471578 • www.batleycurtains.co.uk
Find us on
OPEN: Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm
Chem Scaffolding Limited Smithies Mill 883-887 Bradford Road Batley WF17 8NN Phone: 01924 474 384 Fax: 01924 420 199 Email: info@chemscaffolding.co.uk Web: www.chemscaffolding.co.uk
Providing excellent service since 2006 Expertise in all aspects of scaffolding Small & Large Projects Fast, Reliable Service & Competitive Rates
Heavy duty craftsman made at wholesale prices to the public!! 4, 6 & 8 seaters, children's bench available Child’s bench £80 4 Seater £125 4 Seater bench £135 6 Seater £150 8 Seater £250 Come down and visit us - 100s of bargains in the farmshop BD11 2DU ~ 01274 682007
Extend or convert your property If your home is starting to feel cramped or you’re looking for a change without having to move, consider a home extension or conversion. Take advantage of neglected areas of your house and convert your garage, loft or basement into usable space. A new one or twostorey extension will also provide with that vital extra room and inject new life into your property.
Spring clean Finally, the good oldfashioned spring clean is a must. De-clutter to begin with, and always recycling where possible.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US... “After 15 years of advertising in our preferred local newspaper, we can rely on The Press to REACH our customers every time. EFFICIENT, RELIABLE and savvy!” Paula Empson Marketing Manager
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Friday March 31, 2017
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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 APRIL 1 A SPRING WALK Meet at 10.30am at Back Station Road, Mirfield (WF14 8QF, SE203193) 8 miles – moderate Contact: Pauline. Tel: 01924 497322 paulineoates@hotmail.co.uk
MONDAY APRIL 3 EGYPT VIA CALIFORNIA Meet at 1pm at Oakwell Hall top car park 6.5 miles – moderate Contact: Kathleen Tel: 01924 471 473 kathleenoshea5@aol.com
Western night to raise vital cash for Andy
Bugsy star drops in THE ACORN Youth Theatre Company were visited by an original film cast member as they prepared for their own ‘Bugsy Malone’ show at Cleckheaton Town Hall this weekend. The young actors met Mike Kirkby, one of the 1976 film’s original stars. Mike played Angelo, one of Fat
Sam’s ‘bad guys’, in the classic musical, and visited rehearsals on Sunday to answer cast questions about his time filming. The 50-strong youth cast loved the visit, and Mike was kind enough to stay and watch some of the rehearsal. Sarah Barker, co-founder of AYTC, said: ‘It’s great when the youth group get visits from professionals, especially when they
have been involved in the shows we are doing.” It wasn’t the first time Dewsbury-based AYTC have had special guests drop in. During last year’s rehearsals for ‘Cats’ the group were visited by Karen Clegg, who performed in the show professionally, and Jane McDonald who played the role of Grizabella. The group also had acting tech-
nique training from Ben Newsome, a London casting director and special messages of good luck from Darren Day when he heard they were performing ‘Summer Holiday’. Bugsy Malone is on at Cleckheaton Town Hall tomorrow (Sat) at 7.30pm and on Sunday at 1pm and 6pm. Tickets are available from http://tickets.kirklees.gov.uk/.
Pageturners festival returns to libaries school holidays from Monday April 10 to Saturday April 22. Coun Graham Turner, cabinet member for resources, said: “This is a fantastic way to get young people excited about books and reading, and this year’s festival is accessible to children across the whole of Kirklees. “In previous years the festival has been in centred in Dewsbury and Huddersfield, but this year there’s at least one event in every Kirklees Library, and all the activities are free to attend – so why not get
EVER-POPULAR children’s reading festival ‘Pageturners’ returns to the district for the Easter holidays with a host of exciting workshops and talks from some of our best loved children’s authors and poets. Organisers have announced that authors Linda Chapman and Steve Skidmore will be running workshops at this year’s festival. Linda is famous for her stories of unicorns, mermaids and stardust spirits which include Not Quite a Mermaid, and Sophie and the Shadow Woods. Author Steve Skidmore works on the popular interactive iHorror and iHero books and the Monsters Like Us series. There will also be workshops by ‘Rappaman’ Donavan Christopher; poet and performer James Nash; West Yorkshire artist and anime/Manga expert Tasneem Kausar and storyteller Eden Ballantyne among others. This will be the fourth festival and the biggest to date, with more than 40 events spread across library venues across Kirklees. This year, for the first time, all the events will be free. There will be sessions suitable for children
of all ages and in a range of genres. These will include drama workshops, interactive storytelling and puppetry, musician-led explorations of children’s books and innovative art workshops. The festival will run throughout the Easter
involved?” Tickets and the full programme are now available through the Pageturners Festival website, www.pageturnersfestival.co.uk, or can be booked at any library.
Thrilling audiences across the globe LORD OF THE DANCE: DANGEROUS GAMES Leeds Grand Theatre Until Sunday April 2 FRESH from hugely-successful runs in the West End, Broadway, Europe and the Southern Hemisphere, Micheal Flatley’s Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games continues to thrill audiences around the globe. It has a mix of dance and music that fuses the traditional with the contemporary, in a classic tale
that has hot-footed its way into the Leeds Grand Theatre to wow audiences here. Celebrating 20 years since he debuted Lord of the Dance, the tour is produced, choreographed and directed by Michael Flatley and stars his proteges James Keegan, Morgan Comer and Matthew Smith. “I’m blown away by the remarkable talent and abilities of the great cast we’ve gathered,” said Flatley. “And I’m delighted to return to the UK where we started out 20 years ago.” With all the precision and
thrills of the original, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games features new staging, cutting-edge technology, new costumes and choreography, world champion acrobats and 40 of the world’s most outstanding young performers, all directed by Michael Flatley. With new music by composer Gerard Fahey, this latest iteration combines the best tradition with all the excitement of new music and dance. Michael Flatley’s innovative and ground-breaking choreography and unforgettable performance at the 1994 Eurovision Song
Contest saw his work change the world of dance (and particularly Irish dance) forever. Followed by massive global success with the creation of hit shows Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames and Celtic Tiger, Flatley’s extraordinary career has seen the artist and musician – holder of a place in the Guiness Book of Records for an incredible 35 taps per second – break box office records and thrill audiences around the world for over two decades. Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call the box office on 0844 848 2700.
STAINCLIFFE Social Club is hosting a special country and western night to raise money for a local man’s vital treatment. Members at the club, on Halifax Road, will be moseying on down tomorrow (Sat) for great country music, a raffle, games and an auction. The night is in aid of Andy Chapman, who needs life-saving cancer treatment in Germany. Originally from Dewsbury and now of Horbury, Andy was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma – cancer of the bile duct – in February 2015 and has begun treatment at the Hallwang Clinic, located in Dornstetten, which offers a different course of treatment to that available on the NHS in Britain. The Chapman family are footing the bill for the treatment themselves and a number of fundraising events have been held in recent weeks. At Staincliffe Social Club’s country and western night there will also be a pie and pea supper and DJ Bob Mumford playing top C&W hits from the likes of Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Shania Twain. Running from 7.30pm to 11.30pm, tickets priced £5 are available from the club, or on the door. All are welcome.
Easter egg hunt YOUNGSTERS can take part in an Easter egg hunt at Oakwell Hall over the holidays. From Saturday April 8 to Sunday April 23 you can pick up a form from the visitor centre on Nutter Lane in Birstall and look for the clues hidden around the walled garden. Correct entries win a mini egg and a 2-for1 voucher for entry into Oakwell Hall. It costs 50p per sheet and runs from 12noon to 4pm.
Fair’s in its sixth year THE YORKSHIRE Art Fair & Crafts returns to Cleckheaton Town Hall next weekend. Now in its sixth year, the fair welcomed more than 400 visitors in 2016 and this year, due to popular demand, there will be stalls selling hand-made crafts. Also on sale on Saturday April 8 will be original paintings and artwork, photography, prints, sculpture, artists’ accessories, cards and gifts. This year’s free demonstration will be given by renowned Yorkshire artist Roger Simpson, who will show how he creates his fabulous horse racing pictures, starting at 1pm. A prize tombola and raffle in aid of Cancer Research UK will run throughout the day. There is an optional £1 charity donation on the door, which includes a drink. Children get in free. For information call 07946 548046 or email info@yorkshireartfair.com.
Trinity jumble sale A JUMBLE sale will take place this evening (Fri) in Trinity Methodist Church's Community Room in Mirfield. Admission to the sale, on Trinity Street, is 20p and doors open at 6pm.
Underground talk SPEN VALLEY Historical Society’s next meeting is on Wednesday April 12, when Dr Julian Somerville will give a talk titled ‘A Brief History of the London Underground’. 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@the coopersonline.org.uk.
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ThePress
Friday March 31, 2017
Hear Ann across the BBC radio network
Ex-UKIP leader and now radio star Nigel plans a tell-all book HEAR that Nigel Farage had been hoping for a sixfigure memoir deal from HarperCollins for his book – but he is way too polite to reveal figures. He admits: “It will tell about a time in history which changed the world of politics and beyond.” Nigel now also hosts a radio show on LBC and says: “It’s such fun, and we cover farranging diverse topics which hopefully are highly entertaining.”
I
DID you know that if you’re a pop star you have to pay to appear on your favourite shows? Going on Strictly Come Dancing or The X Factor costs a band a fortune. It’s about £30,000 to go on Strictly, and about £100,000 for The X Factor, because you pay for the whole production, the lighting, the staging etc. A source said: “You will sell records, but it’s all about money. Hence the reason why only big US stars can afford to appear on them now.” ITV HAS commissioned a fourth series of its variety show Tonight at The Palladium. The new series tapes from April 10 to May 24 at the famous 2,200capacity theatre, and free audience tickets are available. Previous hosts have included Jack Whitehall, Jimmy Carr and Rob Brydon. But there’s no word on whether Bradley Walsh will return full-time. MIRANDA HART is making her first move into children’s TV. She has created 10 twominute episodes of ‘So Sammy’for the Disney Channel, which launched on the broadcaster’s app recently. The series of shorts revolves around a ‘tweenage’ blogger and her colourful family. Miranda reveals: “I hope children everywhere will be enchanted by lovely, funny Sammy, who gets herself into many silly scrapes and adventures, much to our delight.” CARLA CONNOR’S wedding dress is to be put up for auction to raise money for charity, the Coronation Street team has revealed. The white strapless gown, which glamorous factory boss Carla wore last year as she married Nick Tilsley, has been given to St John’s Hospice for them to auction
Marketplace Turn your unwanted items
into cash £££s 1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge). 3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment. ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. (We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296. NEW Three 10” Mini wheels (old type), needs refurbishing, sensible offers. Tel 01274 855661. (2120) Old Raleigh bicycle, tidy condition, drop crossbar, Brooke’s saddle, rear rack, five sprocket gears £40. Tel 01274 855661. (2120) Two small violins, need restoration, £20 each. Tel 01924 402931. (2121) Two Spanish guitars £20 each. Tel 01924 402931. (2121) Aria semi-acoustic guitar £300 ono. Tel 01924 402931. (2121) Timber, 8 lengths, used, 2.4m x 40mm x 60mm or 94” x 1 1/2” x 2 1/2”. Not new, ideal fencing, stoothing etc £12 ono. Tel 01924 462494. (2122)
Nigel Farage and Ann Montini off. A soap insider tells me: “We wanted to do this as we felt that it was something rather special and could really make a difference.” Quite where anyone would wear it, though, is another story... X FACTOR are scrapping their live final shows this year, say insiders, and I can reveal that cost is the real reason. ITV want to save more money on this expensive show, and this is simply a way to do that. It means that Louis, Sharon and co will be paid far less, and of course taped shows are cheaper and easier to run. ITV3 WILL broadcast a documentary called Morecambe & Wise Forever. The new two-part series follows on from ITV3’s previous ‘Forever’ shows on Les Dawson, Rising Damp and Carry On. Morecambe & Wise Forever, which will be narrated by Martin Clunes, will hear stories told by those who knew Eric and Ernie best – including Eric’s wife Joan, sons Gary and Stephen and daughter Gail. The show will also reveal recently-found photos of the duo, images which have never been seen in public before. AFTER his bid to become a music star failed, former Lewis actor Laurence Fox has joined TV drama The Frankenstein Chronicles for
Maycon Pictures its second season. The adaptation, inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic tale, stars Sean Bean and has begun filming its follow-up run for ITV. It will return to our screens later this year. GOOD Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has released a lifestyle book – and is hopeful for it not to end up in the pound shop too quickly. She reveals: “I am always stunned when I see pals’ books in there, and now knowing how hard it is to make a book, honestly, I am living in fear...” AFTER all the dramatic Bake Off headlines, Paul Hollywood says he’s finally looking forward to a ‘brand new adventure’ as he prepares for the show’s big move to C4 without Mary, Sue and Mel later this year. He adds: “I think once the show gets under way, people will love it as much as the old show, so it will all calm down.” TV PRESENTER Ben Fogle tells me that he believes manners have slipped in Britain, and society has lost some of its charm. Ben has made a passionate plea for people to behave less selfishly towards others, regardless of their age or gender. He said: “I do believe it’s down to the parents, and we should teach people the manners that can set them up for life.” Do we all agree?
Two bright-coloured, striped, upholstered chairs, as new, £110 each. Also matching buffet, as new, £25. Tel 01924 470866. (2123) Cane corner unit, £15. Tel 01924 470866. (2123) BEDROOM FURNITURE Silentnight Miracoil twodrawer single divan bed with headboard, complete with 2 fitted sheets, 2 pillow cases, 2 duvet covers, 1 winter quilt, 1 summer quilt. All in excellent and unmarked condition from a clean home, £50 the lot. Tel 0113 2049824 (Morley area) (2117) Single foldaway guest bed and mattress, £15. Tel 01274 862769 or 07519 288925. (2108) Double bed mattress, very good condition, £25; buyer to collect. Tel 01924 485972. (2102) Double wardrobe, two bedside cabinets, set of drawers, all in teak basket weave. Good condition £60. Tel 01274 959373. (2094) Sofa bed, Clive Metel futon. Black/ red mattress £100, closed 183 cm (W) x 98cm (D) x 85cm (H), extended 183cm (W) x 135cm (D) x 30cm (H). Excellent condition, tel 01274 871715 (after 5pm). (2095) Stag dressing table, 6 drawers, 3 mirrors, mist on one, hence price £27. Tel 01924 503603. (2087) Two metal guest beds with mattresses £10 each. Tel 01924 401729. (2085) CHILDREN’S GOODS/ TOYS Baby crib in white with unused new mattress,
includes bedding £25. Tel 01924 430088. (2119) Child’s high chair, solid wood c/w wipe-clean cushion and safety straps £20. Tel 01924 478476. (2118) Child’s Razor E300 electric scooter, as new, with charger, suit 8 year old upwards, bargain £90. Tel 07961 842563. (2098) Boy’s Anaconda BMX-style bike, 14” wheels with foot pegs, suit age 9 years+. As new, £40. Tel 07961 842563. (2098) Large fur rocking horse, £30. Tel 01924 401729. (2085) COLLECTIBLES 1950s baby black doll, made by Pedigree, £50 ono. Tel 07804 233073. (2091) ELECTRICAL Morphy Richards pyramid kettle in cream/chrome, hardly used, in excellent condition. Cost £49 accept £25. Tel 01274 862769 or 075192 88925. (2108) Cookworks 2 slice toaster, good condition, very little used, £12 ono. Tel 01274 862769 or 07519 288925. (2108) Brother fax/ phone/copier and answer machine, complete with owners manual; cost £85, accept £20. Tel 01274 862769 or 07519 288925. (2108) Huawei Ascend Y550 Android phone, EE networked, 4.5” screen, 2GB, 5meg camera, includes charger and phone case, genuine reason for sale, £40ono. Tel 07952 526527. (2103) New microwave, never used, bought for use in caravan, £25. Oval, bevelled, glass top coffee table with gold-coloured legs and frame £20. Tel 01924 359621. (2100) Indesit front loader washing machine. Good working order £50 ono. Tel 01924 407943. (Buyer collects) (2093) Breville electric kettle, modern dome shape, cream colour, good working order, £7. Tel 01924 444000. (2079) FASHION Gents navy blue blazer and gents grey jacket, both Brook Taverners, 38/40”. Excellent condition, £12.50 each. Tel 01924 518904. (2111) Men’s Louis Vuitton black trainer shoes, size 8, boxed, worn only twice. Cost £500, bargain £200 ono. Tel 07804 233073. (2091) FREE Baled, dry wood, ideal for
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ITEM bands
Cost per item
Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus wood burners/home use. Free to collect from local area. Tel 07580 135488. (2078) FURNITURE Two seater, fabric settee + 3 cushions. Hardly used, no stains whatsoever. Excellent condition £85 ono. Tel 01924 442711. (2109) Two-seater sofa, 1 chair + footstool, all in tan leather. Like new, £200 ono. Tel 07944 703146. (2106) Solid, medium oak dining room table, 6 high-back chairs + 2 carver chairs. Excellent condition, £150. Tel 07929 257475. (2107) As-new brown leather, reclining, swivel chair, with unused footstool. Cost £260, would like £100 ono. Tel 724680/ 07743 586001. (2104) Sherbourne two-seater sofa in oatmeal fabric. Pristine condition, never been sat on, bargain £485, also Sherbourne chair in oatmeal fabric, in pristine condition, never been sat on, bargain £380. Tel 07961 842563. (2098) Hand-crafted designer chaise longue (unused), cream faux leather seat and arm, back and seat trim in Stewart tartan fabric, chrome legs. Also includes lumber and loose cushion in same fabric, £350. Tel 07961 842563. (2098) Black leather settee with light brown ribbed cushions, 146” x 36”, adapts to corner settee 96” x 72”. Includes separate footrest 36” x 24” and scatter cushions. Excellent condition, first to see will buy £300 ono. Tel 01924 407943. (Buyer collects) (2093) Three-piece suite in light green fabric, 3 seater/2 seater/ plus recliner chair. Reversible cushions plain/ pattern. Excellent condition, first to see will buy £300 ono. Tel 01924 407943. (Buyer collects) (2093) Multi-purpose exercise bench, needs constructing, was £86, accept £25. Buyer collects, Tel 01924 501770. (2089) Heavy, black, oval, cast aluminium garden table and 4 chairs, 2 of them carvers. Cost £700, will accept £300 ono. Tel 07804 233073. (2091) Five-drawer chest in antique pine £30 ono. Tel 07719 954892. (2088) Polished hall table £25. Tel 01924 401729. (2085) Dusky pink dralon winged fireside chair, good condition, £25. Also blue dralon winged two-seater sofa, good condition, £50. Tel 01924 472619. (2080)
£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11
GARDEN Due to house move, sit-on lawnmower, £500 ono. Tel 07961 564984. (2112) Hand Garden Groom with bag, new, cost £70, accept £30 ono. Tel 07804 233073. (2091) Garden shed, 8’ x 6’, apex roof, very strong, never used, £280 delivered & erected. Tel 01924 278949. (2081) HEALTH EQUIPMENT Acorn stairlift, four years old, fits any typical straight staircase, price includes delivery and fitting by trained Acorn engineer and full 3 months’ manufacturer’s warranty, bargain at £885. Genuine private sale but please contact supplier for removal and installation. Tel 0800 073 9793, quote Ref: 199025. (2097) HOUSEHOLD Flamerite Inset electric fire, coal effect, brass surround. Excellent condition, £30. Tel 01924 411213. (2115) MISCELLANEOUS Roof rack for P100 van, cost £115 brand new, hardly used, will accept £65. Tel 01924 430088. (2119) Trailer, size 56” x 36” approx. Includes headboard, tailgate, spare wheel, ramp and tail light board with lights. Reasonable condition, £80. Tel 01274 878757. (2114) 6ft x 4ft trailer, with tail lights £150 ono. Tel 07961 564984. (2112) All saddlery, best offers. Tel 07961 564984. (2112) Shopping trolley (wicker), on 7-inch rubber wheels, £20. Tel 01924 472043 (Batley) (2105) Portable Black Jack casino dealing shoe with cards, 400 casino chips. Table top marked layout for dealing, £25 the lot. Can deliver, tel 01274 876814. (2101) MUSICAL Large keyboard with stand £25. Tel 01924 401729. (2085) PET GOODS Black cage for small dog (as seen in Argos book), cost £30, accept £15 ono. Tel 07804 233073. (2091) SPORTING/FITNESS Aerobatron exercise machine with instructions; cross country ski-steppereliptical. Computer counter calories/ strides/ mins & seconds. Sturdy machine, will fold, not lightweight. Set price £49. Tel 01924 503603. (2087) Keep fit machine all the family can use, type used in gyms using vibration, several programmes, cost £150 as new, will accept £50. Tel 01924 469652. (2083)
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Friday March 31, 2017
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ThePress
Friday March 31, 2017
RUGBY UNION
CRICKET PREVIEW
Heaton aim to go one better By Mike Popplewell HANGING HEATON look likely to spearhead the district’s challenge to reigning champions Pudsey St Lawrence in the 2017 All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League season. With no departures, the addition of Pudsey Congs batsman Callum Geldart looks like giving skipper Gary Fellows an extra string to his bow. His side’s failure to match the 68 batting points accumulated by St Lawrence was a contributory factor in Hanging Heaton finishing just four points adrift of their title rivals, and Geldart will surely strengthen what was sometimes a vulnerable middle order last season. While there will be inevitable disruptions due to adverse weather conditions this coming season, a look at last year’s tables, under the ‘abandoned’ column, is yet another reason for the Bennett Lane club to feel aggrieved about that problem last year after they finished with one more abandoned game than Pudsey. Although that could have made all the difference cricket chairman John Carruthers makes no excuses. “It wasn’t one game that cost us the title,” he told The Press, “we lost games we should have won.” Despite the strengthening of the squad with Geldart’s signing Carruthers is making no predictions. “At this stage it is always a case of waiting and seeing how things develop,” he insists. It is hard to see anyone breaking up last season’s top six as CLECKHEATON and WOODLANDS look set to be amongst them again although Woodlands will doubtless miss the consistent bowling and sometime explosive batting of the retired Safraz Ahmed. Former Gomersal and Hanging Heaton leg spinner Mark Lawson, an England under 19 player during his time at Yorkshire, has joined Woodlands from New Farnley while Cleckheaton have lost Mohammed Zaman to neighbours Hartshead Moor but are otherwise largely unchanged. SCHOLES were relegated after just one season in the top flight but BATLEY have found themselves in the Premier Division after only one season in the Bradford League. Having come through what was perhaps the weaker of the two Championship sections as champions a huge task awaits them as they try to cement their Premier Division place. Batley were full of confidence ahead of their admission to the Bradford League and having only signed Shabir Rashid, from Ossett, and Hassas Abbass, from Heckmondwike and Carlinghow, they are clearly confident of their title winning Championship side being good enough. East Bierley, once one of the league’s leading clubs, struggled last season and they look like facing another long slog.
True grit – Moorenders dig deep for a Waterloo victory Cleckheaton RUFC Firwood Waterloo
28 24
CLECKHEATON overturned a 17point deficit as they fought back to secure a decisive victory at home to Firwood Waterloo. Cleck now sit four points clear of the bottom three after Danny Vento’s try in the final minutes of the game secured the bonus point win. Waterloo were first on the board as Tom Lovell went in for a try. Lovell broke down the centre of the field and was too quick for the Cleckheaton back line. Liam Reeve added the conversion. Richard Piper replied for the Moorenders as he barged his way over the line from the back of a close-range scrum. Firwood showed the pace of their back line as Lovell and Reeve both went over after rounding tackles, and Reeve converted both scores to give the visitors a 21-7 half-time lead. Firwood asserted their dominance further 10 minutes into the second half as Reeve made it four from four with the boot as he added a penalty goal. With Cleckheaton’s survival in the division hanging by a thread
Richard Piper plunders the Moorenders’ first try the Moorenders overturned the points deficit in the last 30 minutes. Vento scored his first of two tries after the Cleck forwards rumbled their way into a good position. The ball was spread to Vento from the ruck who dummied the ball to Josh Hall before stepping inside to score. Jack Seddon reduced the
FIVE games took place in the Spen Valley trophy this week, with Palestino recording the biggest win with a 6-1 victory against George Healey. Zain Mushtage, Theo Bujra, Junade Iftikar, Titch Chibit (2) and Zubair Khan were all on target for the visitors with Ash Parkinson scoring Healey’s consolation. Athletico scored all four goals as they beat Marsh 3-1 at home, an own goal from Athletico was cancelled out by goals from Abdul Ghanu, Mohammed Ikraa and Shamraz Hussain. Norfolk cruised to a comfortable win as they beat Dewsbury West Side Reserves 4-1, Ismail Loonat, Haroon Lunat, Ilyas Loonat and Saad Daji were all on target for Norfolk, Arfan Ali scored Dewsbury’s only goal. A hat-trick from Adeeb Jawad helped Girlington to a
PHOTO: Gerald Christian
deficit further as he stretched to score in the corner, and Ross Hayden added the conversion from the touchline to reduce the gap to three points. With only two minutes left on the clock James Wilson looked to have got the ball down, but Vento picked the ball up and put it down further over the line. The try was met by rapturous applause from the Cleckheaton
faithful. The victory moves Cleckheaton nine points clear of Firwood with three games left to play, and a shock win for Doncaster Phoenix over Kendal makes Cleck’s win all the more important. The Moorenders face a difficult test as they face unbeaten league leaders Huddersfield at Lockwood Park tomorrow afternoon (3pm).
Ossett can’t rise from these Phoenix ashes Rotherham Phoenix Ossett RUFC
34 21
OSSETT RUFC put in a brave display away to fourth-placed Rotherham Phoenix but a poor start prevented the visitors taking anything from the game. Ossett knocked on from the kick-off and a strong scrum from Rotherham saw them go over for the first try. The hosts scored soon after as they led 12-0 inside the first 10 minutes. Ossett were next on the board as they looked to force their way back into the game. Mark Fisher gathered an offload from Jack Drury and scored under the sticks. Rob Young forced his way over from the line-out as Ossett went in leading 14-12 at the break. A sin-bin for Ossett early in the second half
ROUND-UP SPEN VALLEY SOCCER
29
3-1 win over Saville Youth, an own goal from Girlington only proving consolation for Saville Youth. Jamil Sair scored a brace as Dewsbury West Side won 2-1 away to Saville United, Faisal Adam replied for United but it wasn’t enough as Wests held out.
JUNIOR RL DEWSBURY Celtic U-14s continued their fine home form as they ran out 22-6 winners over Keighley Albion. Playing downhill Celtic took the game to Keighley with tries from Jordan Callaghan and Joe Mitchell. Keighley hit back late in the first half for 12-6 at the half. A superb defensive effort in the second half saw Celtic keep their visitors pointless, with Morgan Ferry and Elliot Hardwick crossing. Joe Mitchell picked up the opposition man of the match award.
RL SIGNINGS DEWSBURY CELTIC and Shaw Cross Sharks have both signed Jamaican internationals to their squads. Both teams won their first competitive league games last weekend, with their new signings playing an influential role. Danny Thomas (photo) has turned from coach to player coach for Celtic with Shaw Cross also signing former Toronto Wolfpack player Nathan Campbell.
wasn’t taken advantage of by Rotherham, who struggled to break down a resilient defence. Shaun Abson added another try for Ossett midway through the half as he went around the back to put the ball down under the posts and Drury added his third conversion of the day. But Phoenix proved too strong towards the
end as they went over for three tries and notched a penalty after constant pressure on the Ossett line was converted into points. Ossett were due to play Wibsey in the Yorkshire Vase tomorrow afternoon, but Wibsey have withdrawn from the competition, with Ossett being crowned winners last weekend.
RACING WITH TOP TIPSTER MIKE SMITH HE RAIN forecast to fall on the opening day of the flat turf season at Doncaster has left punters scurrying around to find horses with form on soft ground. Thunderstorms are predicted for today (Friday) and Saturday’s anticipated heavy showers may result in the second year in succession that the Lincoln will be run on testing ground. Twelve months ago Town Moor was drying out quickly before heavy rain on the day changed everything and mud lovers drawn high found themselves with a clear advantage. YUFTEN can give Roger Charlton his first win in the Lincoln. The six-year-old who ran creditably in Group 1 company as a three-year-old joined the Beckhampton trainer from Johnny Murtagh last year and off 105 he is 11lb below the mark he reached at his peak. Brian Ellison has shown he can bring horses back to form and has each way claims with veteran TOP NOTCH TONTO who has been targeted at this traditional curtain-raiser, whilst soft ground will suit SIR RODERIC and SPRING OFFENSIVE who acts on any ground. If the heavens do open the opening Cammidge Trophy (1.50) could play right into the hands of Kevin Ryan’s new stable inmate RIDE LIKE THE WIND who won a Group 3 race for Freddy Head over 7f on soft ground, beating subsequent Group 1
T
winner Make Believe. The Cammidge is shaping up to be a fair betting race, and Ryan’s charge showed plenty of speed on his debut for the Hambleton handler in a Listed contest at Lingfield last month before being eased down well before the line beaten by three Ω lengths, with jockey Jamie Spencer receiving a caution for his actions. Soft ground specialist ABSOLUTELY SO may be his biggest challenger. CUSTOM CUT finished third in the Doncaster Mile a year ago and can improve in tomorrow’s (Saturday) renewal at a decent each way price, with STORMY ANTARCTIC and CRAZY HORSE both having strong claims. At the same track on Sunday (2.45) Godolphin will unveil homebred son of Frankel DREAM CASTLE who can score at the first time of asking and a double may be on the cards for the boys in blue with FIRST NATION in the 5.05. CARRIGILL’S NAP (stake returned in a free bet if finishes outside top 4): Crazy Horse, Saturday, Doncaster 3pm. AUGUR’S BEST BET: Ride Like The Wind, Saturday, Doncaster 1.50pm. AUGUR’S ONE TO WATCH: Magical Memory from the Charlie Hills stable will go to the Duke of York Stakes at May’s Dante meeting looking for a repeat success.
30
ThePress
Friday March 31, 2017
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Bad week hurts play-off hopes OSSETT TOWN’S hopes of finishing in the playoffs suffered a blow as they were defeated 6-1 away to Droyslden on Saturday afternoon, before a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Radcliffe Borough on Tuesday evening. Steve Ridley put Ossett into the lead against Droylsden after only eight minutes as he headed home from close range at the back post. Town were only ahead for a matter of minutes as Liam Caddick equalised for Droyslden. Caddick went past his men and put the ball in the bottom corner from the edge of the area. They took the lead with just under half an hour played, the ball was crossed low to the front post to Adam Farrell who side-footed into the net. Farrell scored his second early in the second half as he controlled the ball from a long free kick and scuffed the ball past Leigh Overton in goal. Ossett’s miserable afternoon was sealed inside a 15 minute period as Droylsden cruised into a five goal lead. Jake Connor scored the hosts’ fourth after a goal mouth scramble and Ciaran Kilheeney scored the pick of the crop after he volleyed into the top corner from 20 yards out. Jamie Frost scored the final goal of the game as he was first to latch onto the rebound. On Tuesday evening the game against Radcliffe remained scoreless until the 79th minute. Ashley Jackson put Town ahead as he headed home after the ball rebounded off the crossbar. Lewis Reilly equalised for Radcliffe three minutes later as his penalty went in off the post. Ossett Town’s next game is away to Tuesday’s opponents, Radcliffe (3pm), where Town will hope for more this time in their quest for the play-offs. OSSETT ALBION slumped to a 3-0 home defeat against mid-table Hyde United on Saturday . Albion found it difficult to create with their only real chances coming from set pieces but they still struggled to test keeper Russ Saunders. Hyde got the break-through after 25 minutes, Ross Hardaker was beaten in the corner as the winger played a low ball across the box to Omry Perel, who slotted home. Any chance of a fightback from the home side disappeared as Hyde doubled their lead within a minute of the restart. Leon Osborne’s shot rebounded off the post back to him and he tapped home/ Peter Boyle made it three for the visitors as he scored the final goal of the game. Ossett face a tricky away trip to third-placed Trafford (3pm) on Saturday.
‘Sedge fall behind LIVERSEDGE FC were not in action this week, but did drop further in the table as sides around them won their games in hand. Sedge are without a win in seven games, with their last victory coming at the end of January. They will desperately want to get back to winning ways as Cleethorpes Town visit Clayborn tomorrow afternoon (3pm).
RUGBY LEAGUE
Attack-minded Dogs have plenty of bite BATLEY BULLDOGS OLDHAM
Football Correspondent sport@thepressnews.co.uk
OSSETT ALBION go to bottom club Harrogate Railway this week with their North East Regional League survival suddenly under threat once again. Having risen to what looked a comfortable mid-table position in the Southern Division a month ago, they now find themselves still in sixth place but with only five points ahead of Railway. In their last outing they went to Sheffield Wednesday looking to avenge their 4-2 defeat the previous week, but they never came close to accomplishing it as Wednesday ran out 7-0 winners. AFC Preston, with only one game left, cannot overtake Albion and even a win for Railway on Sunday would leave them needing to beat champions-elect Farsley Celtic in their final game to better Albion’s 15-point tally. But, with a tricky clash with Courts City in their final game, the Sheffield club are also on 15
50 10
TRYTIME: Fun in the sun at the Mount
at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium BATLEY BULLDOGS produced a magnificent display at Mount Pleasant as they ran in nine tries against Oldham and moved to within one place of the Championship’s top four. Batley have now won four of their first seven games in this year’s Kingstone Press Championship, but Oldham are now left with only one victory from their opening six so far this season. Batley got their first try of the game after some great work from prop Alex Rowe, who broke the line on half-way before finding Mikey Hayward. Hayward then gave it to the onrushing Dave Scott, who accelerated away. Richard Lepori raced back to try and pull Scott down but the momentum carried the Batley full-back over the line for the game’s opening score. Batley hooker Alistair Leak was next over for the home side after he burrowed over the line from dummy half. Leak broke up the field initially before winning a penalty five metres from the Oldham line. Batley were in the ascendancy as they moved up the famous slope. Hayward scored his first of the game after he gathered Patch Walker’s perfectly-weighted kick and touched the ball down to score in the corner. Hayward was in for his second moments later as Batley continued to dominate proceedings. The hosts moved the ball swiftly along the line on the last tackle to Hayward, who gathered Smeaton’s pass and powered through the tacklers to score on the right wing.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL By Mike Popplewell
seventh successful conversion to take Batley to 50 points for the afternoon.
Kingstone Press Championship
points going into their last two games, so it looks like being a nail-biting finale. At one point Albion looked to have bypassed their perennial relegation battle this time around but it hasn’t worked out that way. In the Women’s West Riding League, Premier Division, Ossett Town have finished their league programme having failed to avoid a bottom two finish and current bottom club Battyeford Sporting Club will join them if they lose at Hemsworth this week. Ossett Town Reserves are already assured of a bottom-two finish in Division Two, but they go to Dewsbury Rangers on Sunday determined to end Rangers’ outside chance of the runners up spot and promotion. Rangers need to win their last three games to overhaul secondplaced Leeds City, who have finished their league season. Joint second Lower Hopton are in the ‘last chance saloon’ this week when they entertain closest rivals Middleton in a must-win game to have any chance of runners-up spot in Division Three.
MATCH STATS:
Walker made it four conversions from four as he found the posts with a measured kick from the touchline. Batley began the second 40 in the same fashion as they finished the first, with Walker going over for a try. Dom Brambani’s high kick caused trouble for the Oldham back line, who under the glare of the sun failed to gather the ball, allowing Walker to hack on to the line and touch down to score. Oldham responded with two tries in 10 second-half minutes. Michael Ward scored underneath the posts after he gathered a clever offload from Danny Langtree. Former Bulldog Scott Leatherbarrow added the conversion from in front of the posts. The visitors’ second score came after the tackle count was reset five metres from the Batley line. The ball was moved to Lepori on the left, who darted to the line from
10 metres out to reduce the deficit to 20 points. Oldham were unable to make any further mark on the scoreboard as the Bulldogs scored four tries in the last 17 minutes of the game. Joel Farrell ran onto a short ball and charged over the line to quell any chance of an Oldham fightback. Brambani kicked a 40/20 as Batley looked to further their advantage. From the resulting tap Brambani’s pass found Smeaton, who fended the tackler off to get the ball down. Leak scored his second of the afternoon with five minutes to play as Smeaton popped the ball over to Hayward, who burst down the touchline before moving the ball back inside to Leak, who gratefully accepted to score. Adam Gledhill finished the scoring for Batley a minute before the hooter as he barrelled through the Oldham defence to touch down beside the posts. Walker added his
BATLEY BULLDOGS 1. David Scott 7 25. Michael Hayward 8 3. Sam Smeaton 7 15. Daniel Cowling 7 5. Shaun Ainscough 7 13. Patch Walker 9 7. Dom Brambani 8 8. Adam Gledhill 7 9. Alistair Leak 8 10. Alex Rowe 8 18. James Harrison 7 12. Joel Farrell 7 13. Dane Manning 7 Subs: 14. James Davey 7 16. Tom Lillycrop 8 21. James Brown 8 27. Will Maher 7 Tries: Scott (8), Leak (23,75), Hayward (29, 39) Walker (46), Farrell (63), Smeaton (66), Gledhill (79). Goals: Walker 7/9 OLDHAM RLFC 14. Sam Wood 6 2. Adam Clay 7 3. George Tyson 7 29. Tuoyo Egodo 7 26. Richard Lepori 7 6. Scott Leatherbarrow 6 7. David Hewitt 6 18. Ben Davies 7 9. Gareth Owen 6 10. Adam Neal 7 17. Michael Wood 6 12. Danny Langtree 7 13. Liam Thomson 7 Subs: 15. Liam Bent 7 21. Kenny Hughes 6 16. Michael Ward 6 11. Jack Spencer 7 Tries: Ward (49), Lepori (59). Goals: Leatherbarrow 1/2 Ref rating: C Straw 75/100 Half-time: 24-0 Penalties: 12-7 Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None Weather: Dry and Sunny Man of the Match: Patch Walker Att: 781 / Match Rating: 3/5
HEAVY WOOLLEN SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Fisher book spot in cup final ST JOHN FISHER booked their place in the Heavy Woollen Challenge Cup Final with a 3-1 win over AFC Chickenley in the semi-final at Overthorpe. Rob Hiscox, Steve Wales and Matthew Bugg netted for Fisher, with Chickenley replying through Shaun McDaid. Fisher will play Linthwaite on April 26 in the final at Ossett Albion FC. In the Premier Division Mirfield Town climbed to third place after edging out Mount Pleasant 6-5. Oliver Rounding, Chris Meeson, Niall Wood, Adam Brown, Tom Hague and Gibril Bojang all scored for Mirfield. Mount’s reply came through a Raees Lorgat brace plus strikes from Faisal Adam, Abdullah
Mayet and Muhammad Omar. The result sees Mount remain next to bottom. Dom Karimi fired a hat-trick as Woodman Batley Carr won 5-1 at bottom side Heckmondwike Sports Club. Alex Pickles and Alistair Duncan also scored for Batley, George Porter hit Heckmondwike’s consolation. Slip Inn Hounds lie in second place in the Championship despite being held to a 2-2 draw at home to fourth-placed Wellington Westgate, who scored through an Adam Hill double. Third-placed Overthorpe Sports Club recorded the day’s highest score, thrash-
ing bottom side St John Fisher Reserves 12-0. Tom Ransden led the way with four goals, Kristian Angus bagged a hattrick, Lee Brook hit a brace with Reece Patterson, Elliot Brooke and Josh Blakeway completing the tally. Roberttown Rovers were crowned Division One champions with a 4-0 win at Clifton Rangers Reserves. Taylor Biggins (two), Reiss Brook and Nathan McDaid all scored for Roberttown, who cannot be caught by second placed Saville Arms who have two games remaining. Birstall St Patricks ended their season with a 6-1 win at bottom side St Ignatius thanks to a double
from Joe Ratcliffe, plus strikes from Matthew Orme, Nathan Malett, Greg Churchward and Tom Williams. In Division Two Dewsbury United kept their slim chance of claiming the title alive with a 33 draw with Snowdon. Michael Thompson, Jack Smith and Jamie Beever found the net for Dewsbury, who must win all seven of their remaining games and hope that leaders Overthorpe Sports Club Reserves fail to take the single point they need to be crowned champions. Westgate 23 are in third place after Josh Parker scored four goals in a 5-1 win at second-placed Wire Works, Logan Hall hit the other with Craig Smith netting Wire Works’ consolation.
ThePress
Friday March 31, 2017
31
RUGBY LEAGUE
Pointless Rams in relegation mire Kingstone Press Championship
BRADFORD BULLS
56
DEWSBURY RAMS
18
at The Provident Stadium BRADFORD may look back on an astonishing last half hour as pivotal in their quest for Championship survival. The Bulls’ prospects looked bleak as they three times fell behind against a lively Rams outfit – the nearest side to them in the table – who proved good value for an 18-12 lead. Then the Odsal side, still making up their 12-point preseason handicap, exploded into action, scoring eight tries and 44 unanswered points in the final 28 minutes. Even Bulls coach Leigh Beattie, rumoured to be coming close to ending his stint at the helm with Geoff Toovey’s elusive paperwork imminent, struggled to fully explain the turn around. He said: “It was the same story in the first half errors and indiscipline - and we came out just the same in the second half. “Dewsbury scored again and then the lads turned it round.” Beattie went on to state: “Dewsbury self-destructed,” and Rams coach Glenn Morrison, now with six straight defeats behind them and just a four point cushion on Bradford, was left to ponder a fate that would soon see him leave the
club after six years. Bulls bench included winger Omari Caro for the first time since damaging ankle ligaments in the pre-season friendly at Huddersfield, while Colton Roche returned from a knee problem and the home side recalled their five loanees, who had all been prevented from playing by their Super League clubs the previous week for fear of being cup-tied. Dewsbury, fresh from their only win of the season – conquering League One Newcastle in the Challenge Cup – bolstered their bench with the use of dualregistered Wakefield forwards Mikey Sio and the outstanding Anthony Walker, while Jack Teanby was also back from injury. Bulls were second best for much of the opening half, repeatedly looking fragile down centre field and only a wonderful try-saving tackle by last line of defence Johnny Campbell prevented Andy Kain ghosting his way through. But shortly afterwards Jason Crookes rose to take a Kain cross-field kick and run in for the opening score with fellow former Bulls star Paul Sykes adding the extras for the first of three goals. A well-timed pass from Murray then allowed Brandan Wilkinson to reach out across the whitewash, Joe Keyes’ boot levelling the scores. It didn’t stay that way for long as Sykes edged the Rams back
MATCH STATS:
in front with a penalty. Murray celebrated his 21st birthday in the week with a first try for the club, scored at the end of a convoluted move begun when Ryan and Oakes created a thrilling break down the Bulls left. James Glover dived in at the corner and Sykes added a fine touchline conversion to edge the visitors ahead. Dewsbury increased the lead after the break, when Alex Brown capitalised on Bradford’s inability to deal with another cross-field kick but Sykes missed his first attempt at goal and the chance to open a twoscore lead. Rams were quickly made to pay when Bradford hit back with a blitz of four tries in seven sensational minutes. Caro scored after a mazy run from Keyes and, barely a minute later, Johnny Campbell’s vision and determination set up a spectacular 85-metre try from Iliess Macani to nudge the home side back in front. A Lee Smith stab to the corner was then chased and grounded by Macani before Smith broke the line for a fourth Bulls try. Keyes’s added two conversions to help turn a worrying 1812 deficit into a comfortable 14point lead. Kuzdek was denied by a forward pass before Jon Magrin claimed two tries either side of a Colton Roche score as the Rams, for 50 minutes so good,
BRADFORD BULLS 19. Johnny Campbell 8 5. Iliess Macani 8 4. Ross Oakes 8 1. Lee Smith 7 2. Ethan Ryan 7 7. Joe Keyes 8 26. Jordan Lilley 8 15. Jon Magrin 8 34. Scott Moore 8 22. Daniel Murray 8 16. Kevin Larroyer 7 11. Colton Roche 7 21. Brandan Wilkinson 7 Substitutes: 8. Liam Kirk 7 18. Omari Caro 7 26. Vila Halifihi 7 30. Josh Jordan 7 Tries: Wilkinson (15), Murray (25), Caro (52), Macani (54, 56), Smith (58), Magrin (68,75), Roche (73), Oakes (78). Goals: Keyes 5/7, Lilley 2/2, Caro 1/1. DEWSBURY RAMS 1. Josh Guzdek 7 31. Alex Brown 7 21. Hamish Barnes 6 3. Jason Crookes 6 2. Dale Morton 6 6. Paul Sykes 6 7. Andy Kain 7 28. Brandon Douglas 6 15. Robbie Ward 7 10. Mitch Stringer 7 11. Rob Spicer 7 4. Lucas Walshaw 6 20. Aaron Ollett 6 Substitutes: 29. Mikey Sio 7 23. James Glover 6 27. Anthony Walker 7 18. Jack Teanby 6 Tries: Crookes (5), Glover (33), Brown (47). Goals: Sykes 3/4. Referee: G Hewer Half-time: 12-14 Penalties: 12-7 Sin Bin: None Sent-Off: None Weather: Sunny and warm MOTM: Johnny Campbell Attendance: 4,136 Match Rating: 4/5
capitulated leaving Ross Oakes to complete the Bulls biggest win of the season two minutes from time.
Boys just miss out Batley Boys Milford Marlins A
48 12
BATLEY BOYS missed out on the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Men’s Forty 20 Cup despite a 48-12 victory over Milford Marlins ‘A’. The Boys finished fifth in the overall standings, with their inferior points difference causing them to miss out on the top four places. Josh Whitehead scored the first try after he was fed the ball by Adam Bingham. Bingham goaled. Jay Price broke the line 40 metres out to score Batley’s second, with Gav Davies and William Brook both adding a try each before half-time. Milford responded with a score of their own as Batley lead 24-6 at the break. William Brook scored his
second of the afternoon as he gathered a great pass from Josh Knowles to go over for the Boys’ first score of the half. Josh Ritcher scored in the corner as Josh O’Sullivan popped the ball over to him on the right wing, before Milford scored their final try. Batley responded straight from the kick-off as Matthew Sheridan provided a lovely pass for Knowles who was knocked out as he got the ball down. Bingham scored his second after good yards were made by Crossley, Hardy, Sheard and Davies and Bingham added his eighth conversion. Batley travel to Queensbury tomorrow afternoon in their opening game of the Yorkshire Premier Men’s League. The game is at Halifax RUFC (2:30pm).
Sharks put on a show NCL Division One
BLACKBROOK SHAW CROSS SHARKS
10 46
SHAW CROSS SHARKS secured their first win of the season in style as they ended Blackbrook’s 10-game unbeaten home run. They led by 14 points at half time – and head coach Brett Turner feels the pressure has been eased. “It was one of those days where we got every bounce of the ball and everything we tried came off, it has been coming and I thought we were fantastic,” said Turner. Shaw Cross took a firstminute lead through Nathan Smith from dummy half. The Sharks doubled their lead when Danny Flowers put a grubber kick into the right corner and Nathan Wright was quickest to it. A third came from another Flowers grubber when Benjamin Spaven pounced on the loose ball. Blackbrook scored on the stroke of half-time and after a close call Spaven scored his second after a superb offload from Casey Johnson. Moments later Smith was in for his second as he again jinked his way through. The Sharks were in full flow and
intricate play from Paul March, Flowers and French saw Sam Ottewell over. Shaw Cross’s next try came only moments later as Flowers kicked the ball horizontally across the field to debutant Nathan Campbell, who gathered the ball at pace and charged towards the line. Campbell’s run was too powerful for the Blackbrook line who could only watch as the Jamaican international went over for a debut score. Blackbrook were reduced to 12 men in the midst of the try celebrations as Jordan Wellsey was shown red for dissent. Ross Roebuck scored the Sharks’ final try with some brilliant individual play. Roebuck gathered on the left-hand side before charging 40 metres. The centre was brought down but jumped straight back up before moving infield and barging through the tacklers to score underneath the posts. Matt Johnson added a consolation for Blackbrook after a clever grubber to the left corner was touched down. They asserted some pressure in the closing stages but the Sharks held firm. Shaw Cross are back at home tomorrow afternoon as they host Milford Marlins (2.30pm).
Celtic finally notch a win NCL Division Three
DEWSBURY CELTIC OLDHAM ST ANNES
21 14
CELTIC secured their first win of the season with a hardfought victory over Oldham St Annes at Crow Nest Park. Celtic led 14-0 after the early stages but almost let that lead slip as Oldham fought back to make it 14-all with a spirited comeback. A late Pat Foulstone try, Tom Halloran conversion and a drop goal from Danny Thomas proved decisive in securing both points for Celtic. They led in just the third minute with a try from Dom
Senior and Lewis Martin added Celtic’s second inside six minutes. Pat Foulstone converted the try but was unable to add the extras to Brad Clarkson’s try as Celtic raced into a 14-point lead. St Annes replied before the half-time whistle with tries from Matthew Bottom and Kieran McGinty, but Matt Whitehead could only add one conversion as Celtic led by four points. Bottom scored his second of the game early in the second half to level the scores, however Celtic held firm and their late rally allowed them to take the spoils. Celtic are at home once again this week as they host Woolston Rovers (2.30pm).
Top show by Maroons NCL Division Three Brothers Jack, Tom and Will Gledhill all starred for Thornhill Trojans at the weekend in their win at Salford – report below THORNHILL TROJANS ‘A’ had the perfect warm-up for the 2017 Yorkshire Men’s League with an impressive 44-20 victory over Myton Warriors ‘A’ . The Trojans handed debuts to Tyler Oakes, Dean Carr and Darius McCarthy as well as including several experienced players. Scott Green picked
up the man of the match award. The Thornhill tries were scored by Adam Johnson (2), Adam Allerton (2), Luke Carter, James McHendry, Anthony Broadhead and Chris Mitchell. Mark Hodgson kicked six goals. They begin their campaign away to Milford Marlins ‘A’ tomorrow (2:30pm).
DEWSBURY MOOR 32 WATERHEAD WARRIORS 0 DEWSBURY MOOR remained top of the NCL third Division with a superb all-round display. Moor are level on points with Eastmoor Dragons and Stanningley but their superior points difference see them maintain top spot. The Maroons were ahead within five minutes
as Archie Bruce went over for the only score of the first half. Moor won the game in nine second-half minutes as they went over for three tries. Brad Foster added the first before man of the match Toby Richardson found a way over. Foster converted Luke Adamson’s try before landing a penalty, Dom Hale and James Davey both scoring in the closing stages. Moor take on undefeated Ryland Sharks (2.30pm) on Saturday afternoon.
Oh brother – Gledhill trio make their mark as Trojans bounce back NCL Division Two
SALFORD CITY ROOSTERS 10 THORNHILL TROJANS 54 THORNHILL TROJANS put the previous week’s disappointing defeat to Saddleworth Rangers firmly behind them as they posted 54 points on Salford City Roosters. The Trojans welcomed for-
mer Huddersfield Giants Academy player Will Gledhill into the team, after serving an eight-game ban, as he played alongside brothers Jack and Tom for the first time in a Thornhill shirt. The Gledhill brothers played a big part in the win as they scored five tries between them. Thornhill opened the scoring early on as Josh Ratcliffe went over after some good play by full-back James
Craven and George Woodcock. Craven scored a try of his own moments later as he ran to create the overlap and give himself the space to score. Will and Jack Gledhill linked up for Thornhill’s third try as Will sent a looping pass out to his brother Jack who touched the ball down in the corner, and Woodcock made it three from three with the boot from the touchline.
Salford got themselves on the scoreboard after a high kick from Thornhill was sliced into the in-goal area. Paul Morgan was quickest to react as he touched down for an unconverted try. Will Gledhill added two tries in quick succession as Thornhill put a 22-point gap between themselves and the Roosters. Ratcliffe scored Thornhill’s first try of the second half as he ploughed over in the cor-
ner after the ball was moved swiftly along the line. Tom Gledhill was next over as he barged through under the posts. Salford scored their second and final try as Paul Morgan latched onto a kick to score for the hosts. Jack Gledhill scored his second of the game after Thornill attacked the right wing. Craven broke the line soon after before finding Jake Wilson, who in turn
gave the ball to Andrew Lambert who went over for a try. James Craven capped a magnificent individual performance as he went over for the final try of the game, and George Woodcock added another conversion to take Thornhill to 54 points. The Trojans will be aiming to make it four wins from their first five games as they host Drighlington tomorrow afternoon (2.30pm).
‘Fearless’ Bulldogs excited about Hull KR challenge BATLEY BULLDOGS boss Matt Diskin says that his side “fear nobody” as they prepare for a tough away trip to unbeaten league leaders Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday (3pm). Sunday’s game will arguably be Batley’s most difficult test in this year’s Kingstone Press Championship, with Hull KR winning all seven of their league games and opening up a four-point gap at the top of the table. The Bulldogs have had mixed form, winning four of their opening seven but they will go into Sunday’s clash full of confidence after brushing aside Oldham last weekend.
“Hull KR will class themselves as a Super League side, they will have set goals to go through the season unbeaten and we want to go there on Sunday and test that,” said Diskin. “We are capable of competing with and beating most teams in this division and we have no fear about how we go about our business.
“We are gradually getting better and we will go to Hull KR and we will play our brand of rugby and see where it gets us. It is going to be tough but we are excited about it.” Diskin believes Batley are moving in the right direction after they scored a half-century of points against Oldham at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium on Sunday.
Six of the worst sees coach Morrison call time at Rams
Sawyer expecting ‘dozen’ applicants By Ben McKenna DEWSBURY RAMS chairman Mark Sawyer has said that it is time for the club to move forward after Glenn Morrison departed as head coach. Morrison left his role off the back of Sunday’s 56-18 defeat against Bradford Bulls – the Rams’ sixth league defeat. It has been a turbulent season so far for Dewsbury, with only one victory in 2017 – against League 1 Newcastle Thunder in the Challenge Cup. Sawyer said that the “wheels have come off” but was full of praise for Morrison after his five years at the club ended. “When it comes down to it, we have lost six out of six (league) matches. Glenn and I have been talking on a regular basis about things, but there has to be a time when you need to move forward,” said Sawyer. “You don’t panic when you lose one or two matches, you hope things can begin to turn around and we looked at times like we were moving in the right direction. “On Sunday against Bradford we were playing really well, however the final 30 minutes took their toll and we collapsed. “I spoke to Glenn after the match and had a long chat with him on Monday, and we both agreed it was time to move on. “Glenn has done a great job for us over the last five years. Last season was hit and miss and this year the wheels have come off. “We have been inundated with injuries over the last two years but overall Glenn has done a great job for us in his time here. “I have no regrets about Glenn’s time with the club, he was a part-time coach who at many times put in full-time hours.” With plenty of games left to play in the Championship Sawyer feels that Dewsbury have enough time to bring someone in who can begin to turn results
Rams chairman Mark Sawyer – about three weeks to find a coach around. The chairman hopes that a new coach at the helm will help to jolt the club into action, however no candidate has been identified by the club. Dewsbury-based former Keighley Cougars coach Paul March has ruled himself out of contention, and Wakefield assistant coach Lee Gilmour has also been linked with the job but his appointment appears unlikely. Current Gloucestershire All Golds coach Lee Greenwood, former Great Britain coach Karl Harrison and ex-Salford head coach Phil Veivers have all also been linked to the vacancy. Sawyer said: “Everyone is aware how important it is for us to remain in the Championship, a change of personnel might spark us into action. “I have had one or two calls from people, I have told them to put their applications in and we
have about 12 people who we believe are going to apply. “We want to get someone in as soon as possible, however realistically speaking it will probably be three weeks before we get someone. I want to know who is applying and all the options we have got and then we will make an informed decision.” Sawyer has also revealed that current assistant coaches Karl Pryce and Jonathan Schofield have both been told they can apply for the head coach role on a permanent basis. They have taken over on an interim basis until a new coach is appointed. The chairman added: “We will see how things go over the next few weeks, however I have told both Karl and John that they are welcome to apply for the position. “It is the first time that they will have experienced being in a
head coach role, it is up to them what they chose to do.” With many already expressing interest in the vacant head coach role Sawyer is not worried about Dewsbury being able to appoint someone immediately. He said: “We will certainly be able to get someone in, there are a lot of people interested already, there are not many opportunities for coaches in the game. “People want the opportunity and we will hopefully be able to recruit the right person. “We are open-minded about the role, it would be an advantage if we could get someone with experience in the Championship, we will look at all the applications we receive and take everyone into consideration, I’m sure we will have no problem getting someone.” Morrison was appointed head coach of Dewsbury in September 2012 and Sawyer hopes to see him in another coaching role as soon as possible. He said: “Glenn was very downbeat on Sunday, it is not nice to find yourself losing six matches in a row, it hurt him quite a lot. “We know he is having a look at his options, we wish him all the best and hope he can get another role as soon as possible.” Morrison says that he was honoured to have coached the Rams and he is proud of his time with them. “I want to thank the club for the opportunity and the years I have had here, I wish Mark and the club all the success in the future, it has been an honour to have coached Dewsbury Rams,” he said. “We have had some successful seasons that I’m proud of, but unfortunately we have just not had the results required this season and so I feel the time is right to part ways.” Dewsbury will be in for another tough test this weekend as they host in-form Featherstone Rovers on Sunday (3pm).
The former Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls star feels that the team showed in glimpses what they are capable of producing this season. He said: “We showed in small glimpses what we were capable of with the ball, I thought defensively we lapsed a few times, however overall I thought we were very solid. “I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, I just want to play a more exciting brand of rugby. The game in general has become quite boring to watch at times. “There are times when you need to grind it out but I want us to play a little more, it is not going to happen overnight but the halves are starting to recognise what we want from them.” Batley face a challenging few weeks as they play Hull KR, London, Rochdale and Dewsbury twice – in the traditional Good Friday Heavy Woollen derby before backing up against them a week later in the Challenge Cup. Diskin only wants his players to focus on the games one at a time as he feels that there are no easy fixtures this year. He said: “Week to week each game is important, it is one of the toughest Championships we have had for a long time, it has been quite open. “Oldham have played well this season, we did things the way we wanted to but we cannot afford to take our eye of the ball and look three or four weeks down the line.” Batley will be without several key names for Sunday’s game after the squad picked up a few injuries in the win over Oldham. Joel Farrell is waiting for the results of a scan on his knee, Alistair Leak has picked up a knock to the leg, Danny Cowley has a cut above the eye and Sam Smeaton is also carrying a knock that could see him ruled out of Sunday’s game. However Diskin is still confident that there is enough depth in the squad for Batley to go to Hull KR and get a positive result.
An evening with ‘Sir Kev’ at club HANGING Heaton ARLFC have organised “An evening with Kevin Sinfield,” to be held on Friday April 21. The ex-Leeds Rhinos skipper will be appearing at Hanging Heaton Working Men’s Club from 8pm. Tickets are priced at £15 and are selling fast. Local singer Jade Hellewell will also be appearing with a buffet, sports auction, raffle and a charity auction all taking place on the night. Tickets can be purchased from Hanging Heaton WMC or by contacting committee members Anthony on 07749 647175 or Adrian on 07971 353282.
OLD BANK WMC Mirfield
LOOKING FOR FOOTBALL TEAM - SATURDAYS 2017-2018 Season If you are an existing team or manage and can form the team You will have great facilities and committee to support: Includes new kits, fundraising, kit wash and secretarial support.
If you’re interested please contact: Andy Foggo 07815 486098