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Friday December 4, 2015
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No. 714
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Towns & Clashes, arrests villages and confusion in light up Ravensthorpe
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STAY AWAY Traders, councillors and community leaders condemn far-right’s demo in Dewsbury plan PLANS by far-right group Britain First to hold a demonstration in Dewsbury next month have been condemned. Traders, councillors, campaigners and mosque leaders are united in opposing the demo on Saturday January 30 at 1pm. Police and Kirklees Council are aware of the plans, but neither had been formally notified when asked by The Press. Britain First, which dubbed Dewsbury “a well-known nest of Islamism”, called their protest a “Day of Action” on Facebook. Coun Mumtaz Hussain (Lab, Dewsbury West) called for the demonstration to be blocked. He said: “I’m not happy that this event could take place and I’m sure most law-abiding people in Dewsbury don’t want it either. “How much will it cost? The last one by the English Defence League (EDL) cost thousands of pounds. “That money should be spent on putting police on the streets and sup-
porting businesses.” He added that at the time of the EDL rally in 2012, he had a shop on Foundry Street and closed early due to the disruption. Six terrorists were later jailed for plotting to blow up protesters. Coun Masood Ahmed (Lab, Dewsbury South) called on the local Asian community to ignore any Britain First activity. He said: “They shouldn’t be given the platform that would come from any sort of reaction. They should be left to stand around among themselves.” Dewsbury Chamber of Trade president Trish Makepeace said: “I wouldn’t be happy if this goes ahead. “We’ve had enough bad publicity as it is and now Dewsbury faces being in the national headlines for all the wrong reasons yet again.” She and community activist Mark Eastwood fear lost trade will be a blow to regeneration efforts. Mr Eastwood said: “I’m all for freedom of speech and the right to protest, but this isn’t what Dewsbury
Britain First leader Paul Golding and deputy Jayda Fransen ... “stay away from Dewsbury” message needs. We want to move Dewsbury forward but while ever there’s extremists, whether they’re far right or Islamist, Dewsbury isn’t going to move forward.” Kaushar Tai, of the Kirklees Inter-
Faith Forum, wants to meet Britain First to discuss their concerns (see p4 for details). The Press phoned Britain First on Wednesday to quiz them on their reasons for coming but was put on hold
for 15 minutes. There was also no reply to an email, though there was a statement on social media that gave an indication of the group’s intent.
Continued on Page 2
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ThePress
Friday December 4, 2015
PRESTON NEE ELLIS BESSIE On 1 December, formerly of Dewsbury, aged 99. Wife of the late Bill. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 15 December at 2.45pm.
STEVENS DARREN
Deaths ARMITAGE MARION NEE VENNER Aged 85, of Gomersal. Wife of the late Gerald. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 8 December at 2.45pm.
BECK GEORGE Aged 70, of Birstall. Husband of Anne. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 11 December at 10am.
BENNETT ARNOLD On 29 November, aged 92. Husband to Joan. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 9 December at 2.45pm.
BILLINGTON ANNE ELIZABETH On 27 November, aged 70, of Mirfield. Wife of Ray. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 8 December at 2pm. Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296
CLOUGH MICHAEL JOHN On 29 November, aged 77, of Gomersal. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 14 December at 12.30pm.
COCKER NEE PRESTON CONSTANCE MARGARET On 27 November, of Thornhill, aged 78. Wife of the late Robert. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 10 December at 12.30pm.
CROWTHER PAUL On 24 November, aged 77, of Gomersal. Husband of Hazel. Service at St Mary’s Church, Gomersal today, Friday 4 December, at 12noon, followed by interment in the churchyard.
DAWES DOROTHY On 28 November, aged 89. Wife of the late Ralph. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 9 December at 10.30am.
DEAN PHYLLIS IRENE On 17 November, of Batley aged 75. Wife of the late Alan. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 27 November at 10.30am.
HARTLEY MARGARET ‘SHIRLEY’ (NEE HOLT) On 30 November, of Batley Carr, aged 80. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 10 December at 11.15am.
DRAKE TERENCE MALCOLM
HICKLING MICHAEL
On 29 November, aged 84, of Cleckheaton. Husband of Nita. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 9 December at 12.30pm.
On 29 November, of Mirfield, aged 73. Husband of Penny. Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd. Tel: 01924 454476.
EATHERLEY DAVID
JARZEMBOWSKI EDMUND
On 28 November, of Dewsbury Moor, aged 62. Partner of Melanie. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 11 December at 11.15am.
On 24 November, aged 65, of Mirfield. Husband of Lynn. Requiem Mass at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield, on Thursday 10 December at 11am, followed by interment at Lockwood Cemetery.
FRANCE GORDON On 27 November, of Thornhill, aged 77. Husband of Marlene. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 10 December at 10.30am.
Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296
JOHNSTON DAVID ANTHONY On 1 December, of Batley, aged 61. Husband of Pauline. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 15 December at 12.30pm.
LOCKWOOD HORACE On 2 December, aged 87. Husband of the late Nora. Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd. Tel: 01924 454476.
PAPE JACK On 24 November, aged 87, of Mirfield. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 7 December at 12.30pm.
PLATTS NEE MARTIN SADIE On 20 November, of Birstall, aged 90. Wife of the late George. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 7 December at 1.15pm.
POPPLE NEE MCMENAMIN JILL On 24 November, of Chickenley, aged 49. Wife of Brian. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 7 December at 11.15am.
Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296
David Butterfield INDEPENDENT FAMILY
On 1 December, of Fir Cottage, Dewsbury, aged 48. Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd. Tel 01924 454476.
TEMPERTON JAMES EDWARD ‘JIMMY’ On 27 November, aged 90, of Liversedge. Husband of the late Doris. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 8 December at 11.15am.
Dickinson. Service at Batley Parish Church, Friday 11 December at 11.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.
WILBY LEONARD On 26 November, aged 94. Husband of the late Annice. Service and cremation on Thursday 10 December at 2pm.
WILSON REG On 1 December, formerly of Upper Hopton, aged 89. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 10 December at 3.15pm
WOULDS NEE SYKES NELLIE
On 25 November, formerly of Cleckheaton, aged 91. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 8 December at 1.15pm.
On 25 November, formerly of Wards Hill Court, aged 96. Wife of the late Harold. Service at Batley Central Methodist Church, Wednesday 9 December at 12.15pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.
WALKER GLADYS ISABELLA
WRIGGLESWORTH SUSAN
THOMPSON JOSEPHINE CELIA
On 30 November, formerly of Staincliffe, aged 91. Wife of the late Roy. Service at Christ Church, Staincliffe, Tuesday 15 December at 1pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 2pm.
On 25 November, aged 99. Wife of the late Edwin. Service at Thornhill Methodist Church, Wednesday 9 December at 10.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 11.30am.
WARREN MAISIE (NEE WAILES) FORMERLY DICKINSON
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November 27, aged 92, of Batley. Wife of the late Bill Warren and the late Harry
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Continued from Page 1 It said: “Islamic terrorism and extremism is a worldwide problem, affecting tens of millions of people. “Join us in Dewsbury, a wellknown nest of Islamism, to protest against the scourge of hate preachers, extremism, terrorism, halal slaughter, FGM, child brides, radicalisation, ‘Trojan Horse’ infiltration of our schools, grooming gangs, and Sharia courts.” In October, five members of Britain First’s ‘Northern Brigade’ visited 26 mosques in Dewsbury and Bradford in another ‘Day of Action’. They went online to post pictures of themselves confronting Muslims at a street stall on Longcauseway in Dewsbury.
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Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: David Bentley Reporter: David Miller Sports Reporter: Joe Link Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Sales Executives: Nicola Finch Janet Black Kate Fisher Office Manager: Adele Latham Accounts: Amy Wright The Press abides by the principles of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and at all times attempts to report fairly and accurately and correct mistakes or errors as soon as possible. In the first instance, contact the editor, otherwise we will be happy to give details of the Independent Press Standards Organisation.
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Friday December 4, 2015
School may face legal action over prayer room LEGAL action could be taken against a Mirfield school because it does not have a prayer room for Muslim pupils. It is claimed that children at the town’s Free Grammar School are performing their prayers outside for the second winter running. The dispute began in October last year, when
use of the school hall was allegedly withdrawn. There have since been several pleas from parents for facilities – and now a law firm is taking up the case on their behalf. School leaders claim the hall has never been used as a prayer room for the pupils. The row is said to particularly affect sixth form-
ers, who now go to the Community of the Resurrection monastery for Friday prayers. Executive principal Lorraine Barker said: “We are a broadly Christian academy and have never had a prayer room. “Before students join the sixth form we make them aware of the facili-
ties we have on site and we are clear that we have no prayer room.” She added pupils can go off-site for prayers and arrangements had been made for this to happen. Many of the children affected are from the Masjid and Madressa Noor-Ul-Islam mosque in Batley. Chairman Akooji Badat
said: “For children to be made to go outside in horrible conditions is surely wrong in anybody’s eyes. “I’m hearing from parents that children have been soaked to the skin and can’t concentrate in lessons. “It’s not unreasonable to ask for the children to be able to pray indoors, like they used to do.”
Junkie is jailed for her ‘wicked crimes’
Hospital ruled unsafe – again
A DRUG addict was condemned by a judge for trying to rob a 94-year-old woman in Heckmondwike. Paula Nugent was seen hanging around near Morrisons supermarket on May 15 this year. Leeds Crown Court heard that Nugent, 38, tried to grab her victim’s handbag as she walked past along Union Street. The elderly woman was dragged to the ground in a tussle for the bag before a witness intervened. Found through CCTV images, Nugent, of Seventh Avenue, Liversedge, was arrested on June 10. Having been bailed she went to the home of an 87-year-old woman in the village on July 12 and stole a purse from her handbag. Later the same day Nugent walked into the home of an 80year-old woman in Heckmondwike. Nugent, a mother of four, asked to use the toilet and then stole £100 from a handbag. Recorder Taryn Turner said: “These are unquestionably wicked crimes which will incite public revulsion.” In jailing her for four years the judge added: “It is inevitable that immediate custody is imposed.” Earlier Nugent admitted attempted robbery and two burglaries. She also asked for three more burglaries to be taken into consideration. David Orbaum, for Nugent, said his client’s partner had died from drug problems and left an “immense” cash debt to dealers. He added: “...she was being put under pressure to find the money or face the consequences.”
‘Significant shortage’ of nurses highlighted in new report on Mid-Yorks Trust By David Miller
As of August, there were 111 whole time-equivalent registered nurse vacancies. This was despite 89 nurses being offered posts by the trust in February and who arrived in cohorts throughout the year. A further 10 nurses were offered jobs in July. The CQC was told the trust is now pro-actively recruiting rather than waiting for staff to leave. Overall, Mid Yorkshire was rated as ‘requires improvement’, having made some progress with its problems. Chief executive Stephen Eames said: “We have improved the services and the care we provide in the last year. And we have continued this improvement since the inspectors visited us in the summer. “Our challenge now is to make more improvements more quickly where we can. “We are convinced making the changes to services as set out in Meeting the Challenge are the right things to do. “They will improve outcomes for patients and enable the trust to deliver sustainable services.”
HOSPITAL services have been found to be unsafe – for the second time in just 12 months. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found a “significant shortage of nurses” at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust. This was across medical wards, community inpatient units and palliative and end-of-life care. The rating affects all three of the the trust’s hospitals, including Dewsbury, where parts of A&E and the mortuary departments were found to be dirty. Inspectors visited the trust on four occasions over six days from June to September. A report published yesterday (Thursday) rated Mid Yorkshire as ‘requires improvement’ in three out of five categories. The categories are for services being effective, responsive and well-led, while caring was judged ‘good’ and safety ‘inadequate’. The CQC previously issued warning notices about unsafe services in July last year. A lack of staff and the management of medicines, particularly open cabinets, were problems then. On their return, the CQC found that the administration and storage of medicines had improved. But there were concerns about the temperature of the medicines room at Dewsbury District Hospital’s intensive care unit. Here the room was found to be 27.1 degrees, compared to We can provide insurance for guidelines for storage Shops, Offices, Pubs, Take Aways, of 15 to 25 degrees. Mid Yorkshire is Restaurants, Hotels, Property due to bring in elecOwners and Many More.... tronic monitoring of fridges and rooms by It takes just 6 simple steps. September. Visit On staffing levels, the CQC found the or call nurse ratio did not for more information consistently meet the 704 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, WF13 3HU standard of one per Brian Thornhill & Son Insurance Brokers are Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority eight patients.
Challenge... Trust boss Stephen Eames
News in Brief Sherriff against air strikes; Cox abstains NORTH KIRKLEES: Dewsbury & Mirfield MP Paula Sherriff voted against the bombing of ISIS targets in Syria on Wednesday. The proposal in the House of Commons was backed by 397 MPs to 223, with 12 abstentions. Ms Sherriff tweeted: “I will be voting against the Government motion for UK air strikes in Syria. But that does not make me a ‘terrorist sympathiser’ – far from it.” Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox, a supporter of intervention, was one of those who abstained. She wrote on Wednesday that the need for a humanitarian effort had been lost between two extremes. Mrs Cox characterised these as the “something must be done after Paris” brigade and anti-war protesters opposed to everything.
Benefits assessment centre plan success KIRKLEES: An assessment centre for disability benefits could now be opened in the district. Currently disabled people in the district, when asked by contractor Atos to attend medical assessments, have had to travel as far as Stockport. MP Jo Cox (Lab, Batley and Spen) tabled a motion in parliament demanding that Atos open a centre here. This week the firm wrote to her stating they are working on plans for a base in Kirklees as part of a planned expansion. Mrs Cox welcomed the move and said: “Kirklees has 440,000 residents but no assessment centre. “Anyone undergoing medical assessment should have appropriate and easy access to Atos and I’m pleased they seem to be agreeing.”
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Friday December 4, 2015
News In Brief M62 traffic chaos as van topples over NORTH KIRKLEES: A van caused traffic chaos on Tuesday when it toppled over on the M62. The vehicle ended up on its side between junction 26 at Chain Bar and junction 27 at Gildersome at around 7am. One lane had to be shut. During the morning rush hour, queues stretched to junction 22 at Saddleworth. Roads through Birstall, Batley and elsewhere were busier than normal as drivers sought alternative routes.
Sail to see Santa MIRFIELD: Boat rides with a festive twist are to be held at the Shepley Bridge Marina next weekend. The voyages, from 10am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, will end at Santa’s Grotto. Organised by charity the Safe Anchor Trust, Thomas the Tank Engine will be running on their garden railway, weather permitting. The cost to see Santa is £7.50 per child aged up to seven and includes a present. Parents go free. • From Monday to Friday next week, more than 500 children will experience the Safe Anchor Trust’s annual Christmas bash. All those attending have special needs or are from disadvantaged families or local schools. They will meet Santa, who arrives by boat, sing carols, and take away a present, balloon and festive goodie bag.
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Eight arrested over robberies By Staff Reporters EIGHT people were arrested following major disturbances in Ravensthorpe last Thursday night. A mob of about 150 people came onto Charles Street amid tensions following a series of robberies across the district. The previous night, masked raiders struck at a home on Ravens Crescent at around 6.15pm. A gang of four or five men in balaclavas, one of whom was believed to be armed, fled emptyhanded after searching the property. Two adults and a number of children were at the address at the time but no violence was used against them. Last Thursday night people were seen getting in and out of suspicious cars on Church Street. Rumours swept through a community already on high alert – and angry residents came out to confront them. The driver of a silver Vauxhall Insignia was in collision with five
“Policing the streets of Dewsbury and Batley is the preserve of the police. We cannot allow individuals to take on this role and in effect act as vigilantes. This is raising concerns and fears unnecessarily and has resulted in at least two serious incidents.”- INSPECTOR MOHAMMAD RAUF people, including the nephew of Coun Mumtaz Hussain, as he sped off. He soon abandoned the vehicle and fled to the Ravensthorpe Shopping Park, chased by locals. The suspect hid in toilets at Subway until police came to arrest him. A large mob was outside while three officers tried to keep order. Police confirmed a 17-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent. Tensions in Ravensthorpe were further inflamed by an assault on Charles Street at around 5pm last
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Friday. The victim, 43, suffered cuts and bruises. A suspect was described as aged 35 to 40, 6ft tall, of Middle Eastern appearance and wearing a red bomber jacket. Four men were arrested in connection with armed robberies around Savile Town and Staincliffe. Suspects aged 20 and 27 were held over a robbery on Thorncliffe Road in Staincliffe, where a family was threatened with a plank of wood. Another two, aged 25 and 26, were arrested in connection with
an offence on South Street in Savile Town. Three more were quizzed by police after a suspected car-breaking operation was exposed as a result of the trouble. Vigilantes also surrounded Graham McGough, 53, of Mirfieldbased GM Roofing last Thursday. He was on a job in North King Street, Batley, when confronted with claims that he was driving a van used in the robberies. This was not the case but false rumours had spread through the social media network WhatsApp. Inspector Mohammed Rauf said: “Policing the streets of Dewsbury and Batley is the preserve of the police. “We cannot allow individuals to take on this role and in effect act as vigilantes. “This is raising concerns and fears unnecessarily and has resulted in at least two serious incidents. “We ask that this behaviour cease immediately. “Please speak to officers and pass on any information you may have to them.”
Work starts on new £1.48m baby unit WORK has started on the new midwife-led maternity unit at Dewsbury District Hospital. The £1.48m unit is due to open in summer next year as part of controversial changes backed by the previous coalition government. It will have six en-suite birthing rooms, two of which will have their own birthing pools. In future, Dewsbury will be for ‘straightforward’ births; complex or emergency situations will be handled at Pinderfields. There is still controversy over how transfers from Dewsbury to Pinderfields will be managed. MP Jo Cox (Lab, Batley and Spen), who was previously a critic of
the proposals, attended a launch event for the new unit. In September, Mrs Cox said the lives of women who suffer unexpected complications could be at risk. But midwife-led birthing centres are recommended for most women with normal pregnancies. And community midwives will still offer home births and provide ante-natal care in GP practices, clinics and hospitals. Gill Pownall, head of midwifery at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This is an exciting time for our maternity services. “We are working closely with the community and midwives to create a calm, peaceful and safe environment for women to birth their babies.”
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MY VIEW: Kaushar Tai, co-chairman of the mosque in Dewsbury, gives his reaction to
‘I
understand that Britain First are planning a demonstration in Dewsbury on January 30. They have described Dewsbury as a ‘well-known nest of Islamism’. With all the negative publicity about Islam and Muslims and associating the whole Muslim community with terrorists, I understand why the leadership of Britain First wants to do something about this. Well, I would like to do something about terrorism as well; whether it is committed by a small minority of misguided Muslims or otherwise. In fact, I would happily work together in defeating terrorism. Perhaps what Britain First needs to understand is that British people and British Muslims have so much in common, but this
can only be known through dialogue. The horrific terrorist acts that took place in Paris and elsewhere, including Britain, committed by a handful of people, have no basis in Islam and have been condemned by Muslims all over the world and I have done so as well, many times in this very newspaper. Perhaps many do not know the good work that goes on in Dewsbury. Our local mosque, along with other mosques in Dewsbury and Batley, have raised funds a number times for various charities and homeless charities such as Macmillan nurses, Cancer Research, Diabetes UK, Dewsbury Hospital; they even raised £16,000 to assist the flood victims in Somerset – I went there along with other mosque representatives, to hand over the cheque to the Bishop of Taunton. Unfortunately, there are young Muslims who can easily be radicalised by people who
ThePress
Friday December 4, 2015
after tensions stir mob fury Trouble leads police to stolen prestige cars in hidden ‘factory’ A SUSPECTED stolen car factory was exposed as a result of trouble in Ravensthorpe last Thursday. Community fears over a series of robberies brought crowds onto Charles Street at around 8.30pm when suspicious vehicles were spotted. Information passed to police later led to raids on two units at Calder Wharf Industrial Estate on Tuesday. Inside were several high-powered prestige cars believed to be stolen and in the process of being dismantled for spare parts. Three local men, aged 54, 35
and 21, were arrested at the scene. They are now on bail. Police said the raids were “not directly connected” to the robberies but did come from tip-offs received in the wake of those incidents. It is not known if there is a link between those spotted on Charles Street and the later arrests. Coun Mumtaz Hussain (Lab, Dewsbury West) said of those vehicles: “It may have been a case of wrong time, wrong place. “They came into an area where there’s been robberies and the community is suspicious.”
A mob of about 150 people, their anger seemingly fuelled by misinformation on social media, came out onto the streets. Coun Hussain condemned vigilantes and said: “You can’t just assume that a person driving down the road at midnight is a thief. “You also don’t have the power to stop them and you shouldn’t take the law into your own hands. “If it’s an innocent person they could be hurt. If not, and they’re armed, you could get hurt. “If you see something suspicious call the police – do a little surveillance from a distance and
Cox, second left, looks in on the start of work on the new maternity unit
Kirklees Inter-Faith Council and the Masjid Al-Hidayah our Page One story on the proposed Britain First rally may have other vested interests and misquote the Quran, contrary to Islamic teachings. But these are very few and far between. These terrorists do not get their teachings from mosques and Islamic institutions but are radicalised on the internet. We must all work together to prevent terrorism. Let us differentiate ourselves as civilised people from those who commit atrocities and kill innocent people as terrorists. Not between Muslims and non-Muslims. This way we will be able to achieve peace and defeat terrorism, whoever causes it. It is sad to learn that some people describe this town of Dewsbury in a very negative light. People outside the town need to know the hard working people of this region. There are many Muslim-owned businesses and companies just as anywhere else, working hard and contributing to the economy and cre-
ating thousands of jobs. There are thousands of Muslim doctors, dentists, nurses and other professionals in the UK providing community services. In my own family we have a doctor, dentist, midwife, nurse and an accountant – all public servants fully integrated and contributing to society and paying their taxes. All live in Dewsbury. For over 20 years I have been active in Christian-Muslim dialogue and have been a member of the North Kirklees Inter-Faith Council with Bishop Tony Robinson; together, we have done much work to create harmony and peace among our communities. I would like to invite the leader of Britain First to a meeting to discuss their concerns about this town in order to bring peace and not hatred of each other and hope that he cancels the demonstration that is organised on January 30.
then tell them as much information as you can. “I’ve been assured that as soon as they get calls, police will be dispatched straight away.” On the stolen car arrests, Insp George Bardell, of Kirklees CID, said vehicles from across northern England may have been at the industrial units. He added: “Our investigation is at an early stage and we would encourage anyone who has any information to come forward.” Those who can help should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
News in Brief Knife-wielding thugs steal teen’s mobile BATLEY: Knife-wielding thugs stole a mobile phone from a terrified 17-year-old man on Wednesday. The victim was walking along Hilberoyd Road at around 8.40pm when two suspects approached. They asked if he had any drugs and when he said ‘no’, a knife was brandished and his Samsung Galaxy Ace stolen. Both robbers are described as Asian and aged about 16. One was 5ft 7in tall and skinny and was wearing a long-sleeved dark hoodie with the hood up. The other is about 5ft 8in tall and chubby and was wearing a long-sleeved dark hoodie with a light-coloured zip and the hood up. Anyone with information can call DC Andy Clayton at the Kirklees Robbery Team on 101.
Christmas treats THORNHILL LEES: Hand-made cards, crafts, jewellery, pickles and jams are available at a Christmas fair on Saturday, December 12 (11am-3pm) at Holy Innocents Church Hall on Vicarage Road. Festive plants and decorations will also be on offer. Refreshments include mulled wine and hot mince pies. • Brownies will light candles as part of a Christingle event at Holy Innocents Church on Wednesday (6pm).
Strictly dancing CLECKHEATON: Latin, sequence and ballroom dancing is on offer on Thursdays at the town hall. Everyone from beginners to experienced movers and shakers are welcome from 24pm. Tickets are £2.50 on the door. For more details call 01924 360449 or email g.morton28@btinternet.com.
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Friday December 4, 2015
Why do we keep avoiding the real issues with ISIS? ADDAM Hussain had nuclear weapons when he was the dictator of Iraq. The UK was 90 minutes from total wipe-out. No, really, it’s true. Tony Blair said so. Alistair Campbell – to Blair what Goebbels was to Hitler – said so too. Honest. Promise. Cross his heart and hope to die (proof of how useless that childhood oath is!). It had to be true – and some think that the state even had a good man, Dr David Kelly, murdered to press home the point that this was a mortal threat. At least until oops, it wasn’t! Sorrreeeee – a word, shamefully, that Blair has still not uttered for his part in massacring thousands. I’m far from being the first person to say that David Cameron is the natural heir to Tony Bliar, and probably not the first to opine that he is a stupid man, too. He hasn’t learned a damned thing from all of the brutal, painful lessons of recent history. A one-dimensional Eton toff, who believes the last
S
word whispered in his ear – but only from trusted friends obviously. People who know a hearty Rioja from a thin Shiraz, who have a well performing FTSE 100 shares portfolio. God help us. God help the people of Syria. I never thought I would be siding with Jeremy Corbyn over anything, from a preference of milk chocolate over plain, to whether the moon is made of green cheese or has an elderly caretaker from John Lewis sitting on it. But this week, like mad Jezza, I stood accused by the Prime Minister (with a large proportion of the country I suspect) of being a terrorist sympathiser. Me? Really? Seems so. If you opposed Cameron’s rash policy – a blatant, populist attempt to score a cheap point in Parliament before French people’s bodies were cold – you were a traitor, an ISIS supporter. There was no other way to interpret his teenage-tempered attack. I applaud Corbyn for standing by his principles and vot-
LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood
Book him, Dan-O MY 2011 book The Islamic Republic of Dewsbury has been out of print for quite a while. As such it’s timely that I was putting the finishing touches to the updated 2015 version just as the streets of Ravensthorpe turned into a war zone. Just as in 2003 when a mob of Iraqi Kurds tried to kill Lee Massey and his friends, the police assumed their default position – put their fingers in their ears, closed their eyes, and hoped that nobody would notice. Real heroes, that lot. Who clearly never learn a lesson. Much of the book remains the same, because the town’s history doesn’t change, but much has moved drastically on in the four or five years since I wrote it. Democracy remains an occasional disgrace, Kirklees Council’s politically correct appeasement rages on, and some names and faces have changed, if not the crime and corruption. I’ve sub-titled the book ‘Requiem’ because I see this as an impending farewell to the town I, and my generation, knew and loved. That might not be your Dewsbury, and if so then I’m happy for you. It goes to print next week and should be available before Christmas. More details to follow... ing against extending British bombing raids from Iraq to Syria – even though it’s only a line in a hellish stretch of deathly desert. Even though we’re talking about half-adozen RAF planes, who can bomb from now until next
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Christmas and not kill as many people as disease, starvation or barbaric, throatcutting ISIS madmen. Oh yes, them. ISIS. Hmmm. Problem. We should do our stiff-upperlip British best to see those blighters off, shouldn’t we? Yes we should, actually. I think even Corbyn agrees with that. It’s the means he disagrees with – and where he and I part ways. The French don’t have the noblest of records as our military allies but whatever else might be going on in the EU, we’re together in this. The only reason Paris 13/11 didn’t happen in London was because of the incompetence of their home security, and the highly effective (and intrusive) professionalism of ours. But we will have our Paris, don’t kid yourselves otherwise. N F O R T U N A T E LY Corbyn would hand Islamic radicals the keys to the Tower of London, even lock himself in the condemned cell – “they’ll let me out when they realise I’m a friend!” – before he’d have a British infantryman’s boot squash a single Syrian ant. He truly is a simple-minded quisling. Lord Haw-Haw with a frightening mandate and terrifying lack of intelligence. Where Corbyn is right however is in saying that lob-
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bing a few of our bombs at Syria by way of ‘being one of the gang’ won’t make a blind bit of difference. Neither the French, Americans and certainly not Cameron, seem to accept the bigger problem – the ideology that drives ISIS, which means that no bomb short of a nuke (and not even that!) can solve it. Want Iraq/Syria back? Boots on the ground or nowt, lads. A stable Syria? That means a sizeable United Nations occupying force for 20 years. And no-one has the stomach for that. Indeed the more we pin ISIS down without growing a pair of balls big enough to finish the job, the more likely that terror attacks are coming to a city or holiday resort near you. It will become the only way they can respond. Back however, to our own current Parliamentary knicker-twisting. Cameron is obsessed with holding Syrian President (and all-around nasty bloke) Bashar al-Assad as being, if anything, more evil and dangerous than ISIS. Really Dave? Why? Is that because Assad only studied postgrad at London’s Western Eye Hospital (he’s a qualified opthamologist) and you Eton boys like knocking them about? Your ‘fags’ as I think the lexicon has it? Assad wants nothing more than to hang onto his patch
of desert. Pretty brutal about it yes – but if you hadn’t noticed, that’s what Middle East despots do best. Kill people. Mostly their own people. When we depose tyrants like Gaddafi and Saddam, what do the next lot at the front of the queue do? Up the kill rate, take a big step towards Islamic radicalism and blame us for everything. Does anyone else think we might be missing a trick? For some reason, and why I think Cameron is at best naive, at worst barking mad, is in holding up the antiAssad ‘Free Syrian Army’ as some kind of modern day crusaders, our allies. We supported a set of those in Libya two years ago. The first morning, the ISIS flag flew off Benghazi town hall. Result, Dave. Does he know what the Syrian freedom fighters are? They’re ISIS in a different set of t-shirts. They probably have a spare al Qaeda kit in the back of the truck. They are radical Sunnis, just like ISIS. It’s like arguing over the middle two in Fifty Shades of Grey (and there was quite a bit of sadism in that too – nothing on these boys though!) But even assuming our pink-cheeked goof of a PM is right, here’s what happens in a war without frontiers, uniforms or peace treaties. Whether it’s Nato troops or ‘friendly’ Sunni militias storming Raqqa, far from a fight to the death, most of the ISIS zealots will disappear, fade into the desert sand with their AK47s, like the Viet Cong into the jungle and the Taliban into the hills, where they all look like poor farmers and tribesmen – until your back’s turned. Know where they’ll turn up Dave? Amidst your ‘friendly’ conquerors of President Assad. Or perhaps amongst other Caliphate cavaliers, never short of Saudi money to fund the next fourletter Islamic freedom front. Dig in for a long battle Dave – not that you’ll still be around to see it through. You’ll be sitting on half a dozen of your mates’ FTSE 100 boards long before the war for western civilisation ends.
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I WAS impressed by Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox’s lucid and articulate rationale for abstaining on the ‘Bomb Syria’ vote in Parliament this week. She didn’t bottle the issue or indulge in the gesture politics of Cameron and Corbyn, but produced a thoughtful analysis of exactly why this is an issue that requires the wisdom of Solomon – something woefully missing from most of our political classes. JUST a quick update, having potentially embarrassed my nephew Thomas McGrath with news of his first boxing bout last week. I’m not sure if his mum was over the moon or quietly despairing, but it seems he’ll be back in the ring having
despatched of his opponent in some style. I was working, but my son was present and very impressed. I just hope he doesn’t go getting any ideas. Not at his size. And with his temper. STILL ON boxing and we have a new world champion in Tyson Fury, a 6ft 9ins giant with a voice like a boy soprano. I note he said that he’s going to be “the next Ali”. Sacha Baron Cohen must be quaking in his boots. And what a weekend in sport – tennis player Andy Murray won the Davis Cup for England! (If Murray thought it would be construed as a win for England and not Great Britain, he might have gone on court with a table tennis bat. Still, well done Andy. The nation salutes you!
ThePress
Friday December 4, 2015
Tax credits u-turn: ‘60% of families will still suffer’ By David Miller A U-TURN on Government welfare cuts only delays the impact on low-income families, a Batley councillor has warned. Coun Marielle O’Neill (Lab, Batley West) dismissed as “smoke and mirrors” Chancellor George Osborne’s decision to ditch plans to cut in-work tax credits in April. Instead, the system, due to be axed by 2018, will be replaced by a Universal Credit set at a lower level. Coun O’Neill said: “The uturn is only smoke and mirrors and is just delaying the pain of the cuts on
low-paid families.” Figures from the Children’s Society show that 60 per cent of families in Batley & Spen claim some form of tax credit. Some 13,000 youngsters in the area, which includes Birstall, Gomersal and Heckmondwike, are affected. Coun O’Neill said: “We need jobs that pay a living wage so people can afford to support their families. “However, until we reach that point, we need tax credits, and sadly food banks, to ensure families are not driven into poverty. “That so many in Batley & Spen receive tax credits shows how crucial they are to families and how important they
are in driving the local economy.” Coun O’Neill used the Children’s Society data in a Kirklees Council motion which was approved last week. It called for a report on the effect of welfare cuts locally and asked that council boss Adrian Lythgo should write to the Government opposing the changes. In a speech before Mr Osborne’s announcement, Coun O'Neill said: “I know a family in Batley West that will be over £1,000 worse off. “As politicians, we should be fighting to ensure every child in Kirklees has a fair shot in life.”
Domino effect Park fence to Man ‘attacked on charity fund deter trespassers partner twice’ DEWSBURY: It was dominoes at the ready when regulars at Westtown’s Beer Street pub gathered for the George Childe Memorial Trophy. The annual dominoes tournament at the Boothroyd Lane pub was created to remember exprisoner of war George Childe. Once again it proved to be a popular night, with wonderful support plus lively competitive games. The sum of £80 raised on the night was added to the pub’s ongoing annual charity fund, which supports local causes.
MIRFIELD: A fence is set to be erected around Knowl Park in a bid to keep out trespassers. It is one of several town projects to be funded by a £20,000 grant from Kirklees Council’s Dewsbury and Mirfield District Committee. Travellers left taxpayers to foot a clean-up bill after they last camped at Knowl Park in August. Talks are also under way over the creation of a community orchard - which would form a natural barrier in addition to the fence. Cash to protect land around Mirfield from trespassers was awarded at a meeting on Tuesday.
DEWSBURY: A man denied attacking his partner after allegedly taking legal high drugs. Malcolm McFeggan, 48, of Cliffe Street, is accused of two incidents on November 11 and 12. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard claims that in the first he punched Joanne Bedford's arm and chest. The following day it was stated he shouted at her, stamped on a phone and hit and pushed her. McFeggan faces trial on Monday, January 18.
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Thank you, and good luck for future Dear Sir, As your readers may know, Birstall Village Improvement Group has organised the erection of the Christmas lights and tree as well as the switch-on evening for many decades. Early this year, Birstall Chamber of Trade decided to bid for funding from the council and so it was with great pleasure that our group relinquished the mantle. We have passed on the street light features, tree lights and decorations to the care of the chamber, so the main change people will see is that the old festoons of lamps that were strung along the shop fronts
Some degrees are pointless From: Mr A Roberts, Dewsbury Dear Sir, There was a top man, from
Letter of the Week: Hilary and Ian Wainwright, for Birstall Village Improvement Group have been fully retired this year. Last year, the chamber started to take over responsibility for decorating above the shops by erecting little trees and the rollout should be complete this year. We would like to thank all those who kindly donated to the cause and the past members of the Improvement Group for their
a low-grade university down south, on the radio, not speaking in proper English, but ‘street cred urban’ talk. The importance of going to university was drilled into parents by past Labour governments under Blair and Brown, to keep their youth unemployment figures down.
tireless efforts in ensuring that the festivities went on through thick and thin. You know who you are and we also appreciate what you had to endure! We would also like to wish the chamber of trade good luck with their switch-on this year and our very best wishes for the future.
No disrespect, but as a retired careers teacher, I know from experience that a degree in media studies, sociology, history, English lit or sports science etc, from a lesser university, means very little. They may have three years having a ball, but it would be
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costly with all the tuition fees and lost earnings climbing up the career ladder. To put it kindly, not the best of unis include Teeside, Bangor, North East Lincolnshire, Sunderland, South London, Northumbria and Central Lancashire – where’s that? Well, Preston!
Correspondent of the week From: Maureen Scatchard, Batley Dear Sir, Is this Mr Hutchinson person real? I ask because he’s turned into the the ‘joke correspondent’ of the week. He seems to live in a virtual world of his own, where everyone is of inferior intelligence and out to ‘get him’. I love reading his paranoiac ramblings.
Please keep him.
Pleased by court’s ruling From: Tony Kelsall, North Kirklees Green Party Dear Sir, Even though this will not affect me personally, as an unpaid carer for my disabled wife I was pleased that the High Court ruled this week that the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has unjustifiably indirectly discriminated against unpaid carers for disabled family members by failing to exempt them from the Benefits Cap. The court upheld the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s submission that carers’ Article 14 rights under the European Convention on Human Rights had been contravened by not considering the
impact on disabled people. Commenting in response to this ruling, Rebecca Hilsenrath, CEO at the Equality and Human Rights Commission said: “We are pleased that the court has found the impact on disabled people of losing a family carer had not been properly considered. “The effect could be profound and the loss of a trusted carer devastating. “The substantial reduction of income could jeopardise the ability of those affected to continue to care for severely disabled relatives. “The court noted that the Secretary of State did not provide any information to Parliament about the effect on disabled people if their family carer were unable to continue. “The court also held that, rather than saving public money, it would cost consid-
Continued on page 9
PLANNING APPLICATIONS Harron Homes, land off Owl Lane, Dewsbury, variation of condition three (approved plans and specifications) on previous permission 2014/90780 for erection of 206 dwellings, formation of community and sports facilities comprising floodlit practice rugby pitch, two floodlit multi use games areas, public open space, footways/cycleways, car parking and associated landscaping (relocation of MUGAs). B Rayner, 1 Judy Haigh Lane, Thornhill Edge, variation condition two (plans) on previous permission 2013/92140 for erection of front, rear, side and roof extensions. A Todd, 15 St Paul’s Road, Birkenshaw, single and two-storey
extensions. Mr & Mrs T Cost, 7 Malham Drive, Roberttown, single-storey side and rear extension. McDonald’s Restaurant Ltd, Centre 27 Business Park, Birstall, extensions, internal and external alterations and illuminated signs. M Bowley, Dalefield House, Briestfield Road, Briestfield, installation of hallway window. Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, Unit 1, Fountain Works, Huddersfield Road, Roberttown, Liversedge, variation condition 16 (delivery/despatch hours) on previous permission 2012/91320 for outline application for mixed use development comprising of (A1) retail and (B1) business.
Mrs S Janjua, Coach House, adjacent to The Commercial Hotel, Wellington Street, Batley, extensions and alterations to coach house to form dwelling. Harbour Landmark Living Ltd, Bright Street/Sunny Bank, Mirfield, demolition of existing dwelling and erection of three dwellings. R Goodyear, 185 Moor Lane, Birkenshaw, twostorey side and singlestorey rear extensions. C Taylor, 3 Grosvenor Road, Batley, single-storey rear extension and two rear dormers and demolition of existing porch (within a Conservation Area). Mandy Mitchell, 9 York Road, Mirfield, dormer to rear.
Mr Z Mohammed, 8 St Paulinus Close, Westtown, Dewsbury, non-material amendment to previous permission 2015/91738 for erection of two-storey side and single-storey rear extensions. Mr Akram, 13 The Avenue, Dewsbury, twostorey side extension. Kirklees Council (Forestry), Ash Bank, Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, work to TPO(s) SP2/70. Mr M Ikram, 15 Gardens Road, Ravensthorpe, 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 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.7m.
ThePress
Friday December 4, 2015
9
News in Brief Village switches on Continued from page 8 erably more for the care to be provided by local authorities or the NHS.”
Stop this war on poor From: John Appleyard, Liversedge Dear Sir, For those of us not blessed with a university education, watching debates in Parliament can be really stomachchurning. The pantomime behaviour of the likes of George Osborne and David Cameron is evidence that these two in particular still have their hearts at the campus. They have learned their politics through university textbooks, unlike most of us who experience real life. Their idea of a debate is to try to pull a fast one on the opposition, something they learned in their student days. Watching Osborne perform reminds me of the old Mac Davies song: “It’s hard to be humble, when you’re
perfect in every way, can’t wait to look in the mirror, I get better looking each day”. Following his spending review speech which was a further attack on the poor, the so-called experts, all from the same backgrounds and universities, tried to analyse the details of his speech for those of us they consider to be inferior to themselves. Whilst Osborne looks forward to leading the Tory Party, many of us will be significantly out of pocket. This is not an end to austerity, as claimed by some Conservative-supporting newspapers, but a continuation of their war on the poor.
Hearing loss battle From: Christine Hyde, Dewsbury Dear Sir, The charity Action on Hearing Loss was well represented at the NHS Citizen Assembly in London on November 25. They revealed that Stafford CCG do not now fund hearing aids
for people with moderate hearing loss. This is shocking, because research shows that people who begin to wear hearing aids at an early stage, adapt to the aids better than those who wait until the loss is more advanced. Hearing loss leads to social isolation and lowered self esteem. This may in turn lead, to anxiety and depression. A legal challenge is on the cards there. (More health spend on lawyers!) What is North Kirklees CCG’s take on hearing aids? If you choose to go to a shop for your hearing test, please go to more than one. Anecdotal evidence suggests that one shop may tell you that you have a problem but NHS hearing aids will not be as effective as these for £3,000, while another shop will tell you that you have some hearing loss but that, at the moment it is not significantly down. It’s your choice, make sure you do choose and don’t take the first advice. The NHS is increasingly becoming a marketing opportunity.
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BIRKENSHAW: A fair featuring stalls and brass band music takes place on Sunday as part of the Christmas lights switch-on. The event, at venues around Bradford Road from 2pm, has been organised by the village association. Stalls will be in the community hall and at a marquee on the lawn outside St Paul’s Church. There will be an outdoor stage for entertainment from Birkenshaw First School choir and Drighlington Brass Band. The winner of a children's raffle will switch on Christmas lights at around 4.15pm.
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investigated the case, said: “Gary Johnson made it his business to steal large sums of money from vulnerable and elderly members of society. “The people he defrauded have been left deeply upset by his actions and it is no exaggeration to say his frauds have had hugely negative effects on their lives. “He may well have offended before and there may be other victims out there whose losses have not been reported to police. “If anyone suspects a friend, neighbour or family member is being subjected to fraud by those in positions of trust we would ask you report it to police.”
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Friday December 4, 2015
Labour rulers ‘inept’, claim rival parties
News In Brief Any questions? BIRSTALL & BIRKENSHAW: Councillors will answer questions from residents about housing and industrial development schemes put forward in Kirklees Council’s draft Local Plan at a meeting at BBG Academy, on Bradford Road in Birkenshaw, on Thursday (6.30-8.30pm). BATLEY PROBUS CLUB: Roy Hedges is the guest speaker at the Older People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street on Tuesday (10am).
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By David Miller ANOTHER war of words has broken out between Kirklees Council’s Labour cabinet and opposition leaders. Tory chief Coun Robert Light branded the ruling administration “inept” over the number of times major decisions have been ‘called in’ for scrutiny. Changes to grass-cutting, libraries and community asset transfers have all been reviewed. An independent report which said Kirklees pre-judged the closure of Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre was also cited. Coun John Lawson (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) backed the claims and said: “It all goes together in building a picture of a cabinet that is struggling.” But council leader Coun David Sheard (Lab, Heckmondwike) blamed opposition groups for not doing their homework. He said: “Opposition members do receive cabinet papers in advance of meetings. “Unfortunately it is exceptionally rare for opposition members to ask for any clarification before meetings. “And not many bother, even when they are encouraged to do
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Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox, centre, lends her support to the appeal
Chocs plea for food bank kids STAFF at a building society in Cleckheaton have decided to go the extra mile to ensure that local disadvantaged children have an extra special festive season. Colleagues at Skipton Building Society have launched an appeal for selection boxes and chocolate gifts to be dropped off at their branch in Northgate, which they will then pass on to Batley Food Bank. Cleckheaton branch manager Judith Fleming said: “So many families rely on food banks these days and they provide basic food items to keep families going. “However, the last things these parents will be able to afford this
Christmas are chocolates and selection boxes for their children, as they are not seen as essential. “We thought it would be a good idea to ask our customers and the public in general to donate gifts so we could make Christmas special for these children. We had enormous success last year when we did the same and hope we can surprise as many children this year. “The building society is now acting as a collection station and we are asking customers to buy an extra selection box or chocolate gift and drop it off at our branch. We know they love to help good causes, especially at Christmas.”
so, to attend cabinet meetings to share their views.” He added: “Of the four items on which the Conservatives and Lib Dems are basing their opinion, only two have been deliberated by cabinet. “Neither resulted in significant change. Both reports concentrated on process rather than the substance of the decisions. “In both, the cabinet followed the process used by the previous Conservative and Lib Dem administrations.” Coun Light (Con, Birstall & Birkenshaw) said: “The Labour administration is proving itself to be inept when it comes to decision-making. “They don’t consult. They don’t listen. And they have proved themselves to be incapable of leading Kirklees. “The council needs to have an urgent re-think as to its governance process before the Labour administration destroys it. “The situation is made more serious because every time a decision is challenged it costs the council a substantial amount of money. “That means immediate savings are lost and, in the longer term, others will have to be found.”
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Friday December 4, 2015
News In Brief
Torch-lit carolling CLECKHEATON: A torch-lit carol singalong is part of a festive celebration organised by the Friends of Cleckheaton Library on Saturday, December 12 (2.30-4pm). There will also be poetry and prose at the library from the Talking Zebras group, refreshments and crafts activities for children. Places are limited. Call 01274 335170 for details. Talking Zebras are also performing at the Wickham Arms Hotel, St Peg Lane, tomorrow (Saturday, 2.15pm).
School Horror show HECKMONDWIKE: A production of Little Shop of Horrors at the Grammar School next week features more than 50 pupils from year seven and up. Performances are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday December 8, 9 and 11 (7pm-9.30pm). Tickets (£7.50, including a programme) are available from the school.
Consultation on new homes and industry plan ‘is flawed’ By Steve Martyn CAMPAIGNERS in Dewsbury branded consultation on Kirklees Council’s Local Plan “flawed” after the deadline was extended by five weeks. Residents now have until Monday, February 1, to comment through a process run mostly online. The Chidswell Action Group (CAG), fighting plans for homes and industry off Leeds Road, feels this disadvantages anyone without a computer. Respondents have to fill in an online questionnaire. Submissions
in writing and via email are also acceptable. The previous deadline of December 21 has been extended due to what the council claims is a high level of interest. CAG chairman Mark Eastwood said: “We feel the consultation is fundamentally flawed. “The council is pushing residents to fill out an online form which many have found complicated. “It’s almost as if they don’t want people to take part.” Officials claim one advantage of the online system is the ability to view other comments, which makes the process “transparent”.
When asked if the consultation was run this way to save money, Mr Eastwood pointed out that the Local Plan is the council’s second effort. The previous Local Development Framework (LDF) cost taxpayers £590,000 before being axed. He said: “There’s no point in them complaining. If they’d got it right the first time there wouldn't be this cost now.” There will be another consultation period to comment on the final version of the Local Plan later in 2016. It will then be submitted to the Government and could succeed the current Unitary Development Plan by early 2018.
Coun Peter McBride (Lab), the cabinet member in charge of the process, is delighted with the public response. He said: “What is even more satisfying is the tone of responses – which in the vast majority of cases is thoughtful, rational and constructive. “This indicates an understanding of the complexities of the decisions to be taken.” Spelling out the importance of taking part he added: “This document spells out the future of Kirklees for the next two decades.” See www.kirklees.gov.uk/local plan for details. Anyone registered will also receive details of future consultations.
252 Hopton Ln, Mirfield, WF14 8EJ Telephone 01924 493898
Christmas Food & Drink Festival Festive food & drinks Local stalls selling festive goods Brass band during the day Live music in the evening Please see our website for our full Christmas menu
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DON’T MISS THESE BARGAINS! £4.49 our price £1.10 or 2 for £2.00 Award winning 2LB Stand Pies ----------------------------£4.50 each ----------------------------10 large fresh chicken legs £5.00 ----------------------------Christmas Trees grown in 10lb lean braising steak £17.50 Mirfield from £1.00 each --------------------------------------------------------500g Mature Cheddar Cheese £2.65 500g Nesquik or 2 for £5.00 supermarket price £2.99 ----------------------------OUR PRICE £1.99 8 Pink Lady Apples £1.00 --------------------------------------------------------150g Pilgrims Choice Grated Ox Tongues £1.99p LB ----------------------------24 x 380ml Lucozade Energy Mature Cheddar supermarket price £1.50 OUR PRICE 69p or 2 for £1.20 drink £7.99 --------------------------------------------------------250g Bigger Pack Ryvita 55p 12 x 22g Monster Munch Asda or 2 for £1.00 price £2.97 our price 99p --------------------------------------------------------Old El Paso Enchilada kit Tesco 6 x 330ml Diet Coke £1.79 ----------------------------price £3.79 OUR PRICE 99p ----------------------------Fresh Turkey Crowns £2.70p LB 10lb Lean Mince Beef £15.00 (nowt but Turkey Breast) --------------------------------------------------------4 x 200ml Schweppes Indian Tonic 25kg potatoes £5.50 Water supermarket price £2.75 our ----------------------------Home grown Turnips 39p each price £1.10 or 2 for £2.00 ----------------------------or 3 for £1.00 Whole leg or loin of pork only ----------------------------4kg onions only £1.00 99p lb --------------------------------------------------------4 x 340ml Bundaberg Lemon & Lime 105g tin Wild Pink Salmon 39p each or 3 for £1.00 or Peach drink, Supermarket price Haighs Farm Shop, Common Road, Mirfield, WF14 0DQ ANY QUANTITY SUPPLIED - ALL WELCOME
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HUNDREDS turned out for Birstall’s Christmas lights switch-on on Tuesday. There were fairground rides, craft stalls, children’s entertainment, dancers, music and fire jugglers – and Santa and his wife also made an appearance. This year was the first that Birstall Chamber of Trade had assumed the responsibility of arranging the switch-on, taking over from Birstall Village Improvement Group. Large crowds also turned out last weekend for similar events in Mirfield, Batley, Ossett, Horbury, Roberttown and Heckmondwike.
Police hunt town centre thugs A GANG of thugs is being hunted by police after two unprovoked attacks in Cleckheaton early last Saturday morning. The first happened between 1.30am and 2.30am, near the currently-closed George pub on Market Street. Six men approached the 18year-old victim and assaulted him. A short time later, two 17year-olds were assaulted at the junction of Market Street and Bradford Road. All three teenagers sus-
tained facial and other injuries. The attackers walked off along Bradford Road in the direction of Cleckheaton Town Hall. All six are described as white and aged around 20. One of them, who assaulted one of the 17-year-old victims, is described as 5ft 9ins tall, of stocky build, with short, light ginger hair and darker ginger stubble. He was wearing a light blue bomber-style jacket, jeans and pumps. PC Chris Birkenshaw, of Batley & Spen Neighbourhood
Policing Team, said: “These appear to be completely unprovoked assaults with no apparent motive, which have resulted in one victim requiring hospital treatment and two other victims also being injured. “We are keen to speak to anyone who has witnessed any part of these offences or with information about the group involved.” Anyone with information is asked to call Batley & Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team via 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Friday December 4, 2015
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Friday December 4, 2015
Turkey with fizz RAVENSTHORPE: A Christmas lunch and quiz will go with a fizz when visitors to the St Saviour’s Church event at Dewsbury West Community Centre will
be welcomed with a glass of prosecco. Also on the menu on Monday, December 14, are turkey with all the trimmings, French pastries and smoked salmon blinis. Places are limited. For more details call Tracey on 01924 672103.
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Homes plan ‘a disaster for future generations’ By David Miller NEW homes on fields at White Lee would be a disaster for future generations, a campaigner said. Developer Jones Homes wants to build 66 properties on fields between White Lee Road and Carlinghow Lane. Kirklees Council earmarked the land as urban greenspace in its draft Local Plan. But that may not be in force until 2018, while public consultation on the new homes ends on Monday, December 14. Resident Peter Gonsalves,
“What will we say to our children: that there were once beautiful fields here but we let them go because we didn’t try?” 74, of Jail Road, highlighted road safety from increased traffic levels as one issue. He said of nearby schools and playing fields: “They park down both sides of White Lee Road all day as it is, and when there’s a match there’s hell on.” Jones Homes were behind a previous scheme for 25 homes known as “White Lee Phase One”.
The new proposal, called “White Lee Phase Two” is separated from Healey by farm land. Mr Gonsalves, a director at Batley-based Ace Fire Equipment, claimed a similar plan was thrown out about 30 years ago. He said: “If they get away with this it may not be long before they get it all and you’ll see a coalescing of communities. “We’re only the custodians. What will we say to our children: that there were once beautiful fields here but we let them go because we didn’t try?” Information is being
delivered door-to-door encouraging residents to take part in the consultation. It also asks people to register their views in the Local Plan consultation exercise, which now ends on Monday, February 1. The flyer adds that the Local Plan had “...found enough land for housing without having to build on these fields”. To take part in the consultation, see the council website or write to the Planning, Investment and Regeneration Service at PO Box B93, Civic Centre 3, Huddersfield, HD1 2JR.
Council starts sports centre re-think A CONTROVERSIAL plan to demolish a Cleckheaton sports centre is to be reconsidered. Kirklees Council will reopen discussions about Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre at two public meetings. The first debate is due to involve the full council at Huddersfield Town Hall on Wednesday, December 9 (6pm). Cabinet members will then hold a meeting at the sports centre on a date to be confirmed.
A re-think was ordered by the Local Government Ombudsman – who found Kirklees pre-judged their decision on Whitcliffe Mount. The sports centre faces demolition to make way for a rebuilding of the school next door. The re-think comes amid a series of challenges to council policies which has led to accusations that the Labour administration is “inept”. Tories are to propose a motion of “no confidence”
in the cabinet at Wednesday’s meeting. This week council leader Coun David Sheard claimed scrutiny call-ins of grass cutting and libraries alone had cost Kirklees about £400,000. It is now hoped that a review of Whitcliffe Mount could lead to the building of a new sports centre. Currently, Kirklees intends to construct new facilities at the Princess Mary athletics track in Liversedge. The new school gets an integral sports centre as
part of its rebuild but this would only be for public use on evenings and weekends. Coun John Lawson (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said: “We only had discussions with (contractor) Lang O’Rourke. “It wasn’t feasability tested or anything but they did say you could build a separate sports centre for public use for about £2.5m. “And this would be of a similar size to the existing one and would include an indoor bowling area.”
ThePress
Friday December 4, 2015
Hear Ann across the BBC radio network
Be upstanding for Game of Thrones star and his new role Maycon Pictures
IR JOHN STANDING is one of England's most respected stage, film and television actors, and I was lucky enough to interview him at a London TV studio. Famous for roles in just about everything from Games of Thrones to those famous Rank films, he told me his new film is titled Churchill’s Secret, co-starring Matthew Macfadyen. “I get to play his butler, and it’s based on a true story, so it’s all rather exciting,” he said.
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DOWNTON ABBEY reeled in a consolidated audience of almost 11m viewers for the climax of its final series – its biggest audience since the penultimate episode of last year’s run. The show’s creator Julian Fellowes tells me: “It’s tough knowing that the show is over, but I shall miss them all, and to be honest I do hope that they may miss me a bit too.” DAME Shirley Bassey is set to ‘out sparkle’ the stars when she sings on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Day show. The Welsh songstress has teamed up with harmony group Blake to release The Christmas Song. FOOTLOOSE: The Musical is set to tour again next year, with former Pop Idol runner up Gareth Gates playing the role of Willard. The show will be premiering at the Spa Bridlington in January, before embarking on a major UK tour. CORONATION STREET actress Kym Marsh has unveiled new fitness DVD plans, telling sources that she has found the perfect way to get fit and wants to share it with the rest of the world. Clearly not visiting her local pound store, where all last year’s efforts are clogging up the shelves, she trills: “I think mine is different, because it’s simply accessible and that is what appeals to many who want to get fit.”
Fight is on to save community centre By David Miller MOVES are under way to save Birstall Community Centre from the axe next year. Coun Andrew Palfreeman hopes to pull together traders, centre users and voluntary groups for an asset transfer. A transfer bid needs to be in by the end of January, otherwise the centre will lose its council funding. The cash could run out by October after Kirklees reviewed the Market Street premises, which is underneath the library. Coun Palfreeman (Con, Birstall and Birkenshaw) said loss of funding would mean the closure of the centre unless it is taken over.
Sir John Standing and Ann at the Westminster Live Studios in London
THE NEW format of Watchdog with Matt Allwright is not going well, with many people attacking his ill-suited appearance. With his unshaven look, halffixed tie and scruffy clothes on screen, a source tells me: “That is just Matt and how he looks. We don’t hire him as a model, but as a TV presenter.” Oh dear... THE BBC plans to revive Porridge nearly 40 years after the series ended. Series creator Ian La Frenais confirmed that the broadcasters asked him and co-creator Dick Clement to work on a modern adaptation of the sitcom, as a one-off project as part of a season to mark the 60th anniversary of the first broadcast of Hancock’s Half Hour. DOCTOR WHO’S Jenna Coleman has joined calls for the show to be returned to its traditional teatime slot. She tells me: “I think it’s a family show and that slot should be available for the whole family to watch. We have so many younger fans, and they all want it returned to an earlier time too.” FANS of Emily Bishop, played by Eileen Derbyshire on Coronation Street, are in for a treat as she has a huge storyline coming up in the new year. Fans have asked why more of the established stars don’t feature as much, and a source tells me: “Now we have a new producer coming along, she is listening to what the long-term fans of the show actually want.” IT IS now confirmed that plans are already in place for the BBC to film the next three performances of the London production of Gypsy, to be shown on TV. There are discussions about the musical stage show being broadcast on BBC4 over the Christmas holidays and also being shown on US television, although no actual dates have yet been fixed
because the deal is yet to be complete. I will keep you posted on more details... LOUIS WALSH was set to compete in I’m A Celebrity ... until Simon Cowell talked him out of it. Louis tells me: “It was a moment of madness as I am really missing being on TV all the time, and they were near to talking me into it, but he said no, so I agreed in the end.”
He said: “Closure would rip the heart out of the community, particularly if it were to take the library out as well. “They’ve taken our toilets. And there’s been an asset transfer of Howden Clough Community Centre. “Already there’s no councilowned community assets left in East Bierley and Birkenshaw. This is the last – and if it’s taken away you can see how people in the ward might decide they want nothing to do with Kirklees at all.” He added that a council review was discovered when councillors followed up on rumours over the centre’s future earlier this year. Councillors made their case at a meeting with officials and thought the idea had been
dropped. Then last month they were told the community centre would lose its funding if there was no “genuine” interest from a group wanting to take it over. The news came on the same day as Birstall Library gained extra opening hours in a review of changes there. Coun Palfreeman said: “You would’ve thought, given where the library is, that they would review the building as a whole. “What we don’t want to see is this used as a back door way to closing the library. “That’s why we’ve got to put a group together for an asset transfer – nobody is going to buy half a building with a library on top.”
Council ready to support asset transfer COUNCIL chiefs insist they can no longer afford to run Birstall Community Centre. A spokeswoman said: “The council can no longer continue to fund the running of this building. “However, it wants to support the local community with an opportunity for a community asset transfer.” Huge funding cuts were blamed and she added: “Over
the next three years, we’re going on a journey to become a very different council.” Councillors said a review of the community centre should have been carried out at the same time as the library. The spokeswoman explained: “On September 22 the cabinet decided on service levels in libraries, not the buildings. “The buildings that libraries are located in will be included
as part of the council’s wider asset review. “Consideration will be given as to the most economically viable building to deliver the library service from. “With regard to the library and community centre in Birstall, while part of the same building, they are not linked. “The library part of the building can remain open should the community centre be closed.”
Have your say on the future of library
DAVID TENNANT has confirmed that part of Broadchurch series three is already written. He said: “I think fans will love what they have come up with, but you can’t please everyone, and a show like that is huge, so I am just hoping that people will give it a chance and embrace the idea of what will happen.” VERITY RUSHWORTH will be sharing the role of Holly Golightly with Pixie Lott on the UK tour of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Verity played Donna Windsor in Emmerdale for 11 years, a role for which she won a British Soap Award this year. LOVABLE midwife Chummy has become a favourite since Call the Midwife debuted in 2012. But Miranda Hart has told bosses she is tied into a Hollywood movie, so can’t make the filming of the next series. A source tells me: “They are not happy as now scripts have to be rethought, but they wish her well in her bid for Hollywood stardom.” THE CHARLESTON was the dance that former Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote is hoping will land her a West End musical role. “That is my goal for appearing on the show. I have really loved it all and hopefully someone can see that it may be a new career for me, and cast me,” she pleaded.
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Christmas in the 1830s RED HOUSE Museum in Gomersal will be taking visitors back in time to discover the sights and sounds of an early-19th century Christmas. The museum on Oxford Road will celebrate Christmas as it would have been in the 1830s, when it was home to the Taylor family, on Sunday, December 13 (noon-4pm). Normal house admission charges apply, which also cover entry into The Secret’s Out Gallery, but there is free entry to the museum shop, the
Cartshed and the award-winning gardens. Meanwhile, the latest performance by the popular presentation group History Wardrobe will take place at the museum on Sunday (2-4pm). History Wardrobe provides a chance to look at the lives of women from the past through the clothes they wore. Tickets are £10.50, including a drink. For both events, call 01274 335056 or 07773 212763.
THERE will be a festive flavour when the Friends of Batley Library holds its second public meeting in the library tomorrow (Saturday). Parents are being encouraged to accompany their children to the special Christmas session (1pm) and take part in an afternoon of modelling and music. The children will be asked to help decorate the group’s 7ft Christmas tree and make their own decorations at a supervised arts and crafts session. There will also be Christmas carols and music led by the Batley Community Choir. Refreshments will be available and Simon Roadnight, chairman of the Friends Group, hopes the event will help kick-start the group into action. He pointed out that it is free to become a member of the Friends and added that such events would give people the opportunity to say which types of events and activities they would like to see at their library.
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Friday December 4, 2015
Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details SATURDAY DECEMBER 5 MONDAY DECEMBER 7 UP TO SCHOLES (NK) GINNELS, SNICKETS & Meet 11am Cleckheaton ALLEYWAYS (NK) Town Hall BD19 3RH Meet 1pm top car park Oakwell GR SE 191 254 Hall WF17 9LG GR SE 217 270 7 miles (M) 4-5 miles (M). No dogs Leader: Noel Corina Leader: Kathleen O’Shea Tel: 07780 328561 Tel: 01924 471473
Yorkshire goes crackers for the Girls The Girls Leeds Grand Theatre Tickets £10-£45 www.leedsgrandtheatre.com Runs until Saturday December 12 Review by Lucy Tissiman THE HUGELY-ANTICIPATED new musical The Girls lived up to every expectation at its world premier at Leeds Grand Theatre on Tuesday night. Before the show even started theatre-goers were thrilled when co-writer Take That’s Gary Barlow took to the red carpet, chatting with the crowd and taking selfies. After a two-year collaboration, childhood friends Tim Firth and Gary Barlow have delivered a musical version of the amazing true story of the Rylston WI mem-
bers who posed nude for a calendar and raised millions for charity. As a musical, it bears all the hallmarks of a Gary Barlow piece. It is inspirational, happy and easy to tap along to. Right from the opening scene featuring the show’s theme song ‘Yorkshire’, the audience are drawn into a story of friendship, bravery, love and loss. It’s about the ups and downs of everyday life in the small Yorkshire town of Knapely, where the whole community are brought together through the story of ordinary Yorkshire women who in the face of adversity come together and pull off something truly amazing. The story reflects true Yorkshire spirit and as we are introduced to each of its charac-
Max’s Mirfield mission TICKETS are still available for a fundraising variety show at Mirfield’s Old Bank WMC next week. Comic Max Lemon, the alter ego of Mirfield salesman Peter Morgan, is due to perform at the venue in aid of Kirkwood Hospice on Friday, December 11 (7.30pm). Tickets are available from Old Bank WMC on 01924 492343 or from Max/Peter on 07530 934332, or from jlmee@sky.com.
Camera courses PHOTOGRAPHY courses are being run at Oakwell Hall in Birstall in the New Year. Courses for beginners to digital photography and SLR cameras will be held on Saturdays January 23 and February 6. A further course for those keen to learn more about advanced settings and techniques is being run on Saturday March 19. The courses are delivered by professional photographer Patrick Crowley. They run from 9.45am to 4.30pm and cost £20 per person. Places must be booked in advance by contacting Oakwell Hall Visitor Centre on 01924 324761.
Town hall concert THE UNIVERSITY of Huddersfield Brass Band play a concert at Dewsbury Town Hall on Wednesday, December 9 (12.30pm). Directed by the charismatic Phillip McCann, the band will perform lots of new pieces to welcome in the festive season, including a carol sing-a-long. Tickets are priced at £5.50 (£4 concessions) and can be booked by calling the ticket hotline on 01484 223200 or visiting www.kirkleestownhalls.co.uk.
Free music for all OVERTHORPE Tenants and Residents Association are offering local residents a great night of Christmas music for the whole family with a free concert by Altofts and Normanton Brass Band tonight (Fri). It takes place at Edge Top WMC (the Whistling Blackbird) at 7.30pm and includes a raffle and free buffet. The TRA’s final event of 2015 is a sold-out ‘Frozen’ children’s show at Thornhill Trojans ARLFC on December 19.
Matt Crockett
ters the audience are subjected to a see-saw of emotions. It’s brilliantly funny, tear-jerkingly sad, poignant, gritty, brave, defiant and real.
An amazing performance by all the cast, with the entire audience on their feet at final curtain and what a special treat – a surprise rendition of the show’s theme song Yorkshire per-
formed by Gary Barlow. A truly fantastic evening, which makes you proud to come from Yorkshire and promises to take the world by storm.
Kids get a gift from Santa Claus ST MARY’S Theatre Group are rehearsing for another fun-packed Christmas show at St Mary’s Hall in Batley. The theatre group are offering tickets for sale at just £4 to ensure that everyone, including those with young families, can enjoy live entertainment at Christmas time without breaking the bank. In addition all the children in the audience will receive a gift from Santa Claus. Chairman Stephen Walker said: “We have a fantastic great value show which has something to appeal to everyone. “Children from St Mary’s School open the show singing carols, followed by the ever-popular pantomime Cinderella. “Through the magic of panto Santa Claus will also pay a visit and give all children under 12 years in the audience a present. “The performance will be rounded off by our own rock and roll band playing and singing popular Christmas pop songs. This year we
have some very young performers on stage, many of them for the first time. I am sure the audiences will appreciate them.” Evening performances are at 7.30pm on Friday December 11 and Saturday December 12. Matinee performances take place
at 2.30pm on December 12 and 1.30pm on December 13. Tickets at £4 are available by contacting Steve Walker on 01924 478394, from any theatre group member, at St Mary’s Social Club or at Batley Resource Centre on Commercial Street.
Open house at Oakwell for Xmas STAFF at Oakwell Hall in Birstall are giving everyone an early Christmas present. Oakwell is throwing open its doors on Thursday evening, so members of the public can enjoy the new attractions added recently as part of a major refurbishment. Between 4.30pm and 6.30pm there will be free entry to the hall, which is present-
ed as the Batt family home of the 1690s. Everyone is invited to come along for festive drinks and mince pies and discover some of the colourful stories the building has to tell. Talking portraits are among the new interactives which, along with imaginative displays and information panels, bring to life the sights and sounds
of the hall from its origin in the 1560s, through bloody battles of the English Civil War, becoming a 19th century boarding school, to a muchloved visitor attraction and successful film location. Costumed staff will be on hand to welcome visitors, show them around the hall and encourage them to have a go at tradi-
tional crafts such as pomanders and God’s Eyes. At the same time the shop in the visitor centre courtyard will be offering late night shopping with 10 per cent off all purchases. The shop, revamped as part of the refurbishment programme, is full of festive decorations, seasonal goodies and local produce.
Band and school join together THE STARS of one of Batley’s most popular Christmas shows are due to come together once again tomorrow (Sat). Hammonds Saltaire Band is maintaining its local links by joining with youngsters from Batley Parish School Singing Group to provide a riveting festive programme in the town hall on Saturday. This is the eighth successive year that the two groups have appeared side by side and the band’s publicity officer Ted Griffiths – whose son Morgan is band conductor – describes it as a tremendous twinning. “We love having the youngsters appear with us and it is great that, while doing so, they have learned a lot about the wide range of instruments we use,” he said. The singing group, conducted by Kate Delaney, will have the audience swinging with such numbers as Over The Rainbow from the Wizard Of Oz, the Twelve Days Of Christmas and Let It Snow, Let It Snow. The band, due to feature in the London Jazz Festival and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, will touch different parts of the world with such items as the Gaelic Blessing, the Ukranian Bell Carol and Caribbean Christmas. They also mix classic items like the Poet and Peasant Overture, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom with such seasonal classics as Frosty the Snowman, White Christmas and A Christmas Festival. Tickets, priced at £12 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for children, are available in person from Batley Library, from Kirklees box office on 01924 324501, at www.kirkleestownhalls.co.uk or by contacting Ted Griffiths on 01924 478933. The concert starts at 7.15pm.
ThePress
Friday December 4, 2015
~~~~ Christmas at ~~~~ South Ossett Infant Academy Choir
Monday 14th December ............................
South Dale School Choir
Tuesday 15th December ............................
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Wednesday 16th December Arrive at 12noon, Dine at 12.30pm, Sing at 1.30pm 3 Course Meal from our Christmas Fayre Menu ÂŁ15.95 To book call 01924 280472 ............................
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Family Fun Day
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Boxing Day
Traditional Sunday Lunch, 12noon til 8pm Dimple Well Lodge Hotel is the perfect backdrop for any occasion, with our own bar and private garden. We can cater for an intimate event or take it up to a grand level for the Celebration of your Dreams.
CALL 01924 280472 The Green Ossett WF5 8JX I www.dimplewell.co.uk
Traditional Sunday Lunches Home Cooked every Sunday 12noon-4pm
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Friday December 4, 2015
Garlands Residential & Dementia Care Home
Wishing All Residents a Merry Christmas
Vacancies available Telephone:
01924 404122
27 Church Street, Heckmondwike
ThePress
Friday December 4, 2015
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Friday December 4, 2015
Friday December 4, 2015
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ThePress
Friday December 4, 2015
suite for sale, including armchair, recliner chair plus medium size sofa in cream/ blue. Good condition £375, may sell separately. Tel 01924 273385 (Buyer collects). (1779)
How to advertise... There are THREE ways to place your advert: 1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-2pm Tuesday to Thursday). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Come into the offices of The
NEW Olympus 20kg chrome dumbell set, in carrying case, as new £25 ono. Tel 01924 505834. (1822) Barbie two-tier dolls house; pulls up for storage £10 ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1823) Seven different boxed Victorian dolls with stands. Brandnew, in boxes £10 each ono, or £35 for all. Tel 07806 431728. (1823) BABY/ CHILDREN’S GOODS Mothercare cot bed in pine, Chico hi-chair and safety gate. All in good condition £80. Tel 01924 403625. (Can
Press at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge). 3) Post your advert to us at The Press with details of your name and a contact number. Include
cheque for payment. ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. When your item(s) are sold ring 01924 470296 to cancel. All unsold adverts will stay in the paper for a MAXIMUM OF TWO MONTHS.
deliver if required). (1776)
£100 no offers. Tel 01924 451024. (1793)
CHRISTMAS B&Q Christmas tree, woodland pine, 1.83cm (6ft), sectional, boxed, used once £10. Tel 07909 742005. (1809)
Bosch dishwasher with three heat settings, in very good condition £50. Tel 01924 440755. (1791)
COLLECTIBLES Dolls house – never played with. Stands 5 foot 10. Consists of three floors and basement. Fully decorated, wired and furnished. Come complete with display unit, separates into four pieces. £600 ono. Tel: 07791 294963 (1783). ELECTRICAL Ingersoll Rand V twin air compressor, suitable for garage or home use, 250v electrics, good working order. Reluctant sale
Oreck Excel Pro vacuum cleaner in black. Excellent clean condition and working order. One light at front not working. Accept £70 ono. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785) Mira Sport thermostatic electric shower, very good condition £50. Tel 01924 496345. (1781) Hotpoint Ice diamond under counter fridge, very good condition £50. Tel 01924 496345. (1781) Frigidaire table top
freezer, excellent condition £45 ovno. Tel 07909 742005. (1753) FABRIC/ FASHION/ CLOTHING Ladies sheepskin jacket, size 12, light brown, VGC, cost over £200, too small now, bargain at £30. Tel 07786 404627. (1819) Two leather jackets, 44” reg, one black and one brown, as new £7. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) Curtains pair lined, wine-coloured, velour 66” x 54” drop, very good condition £30. Tel 07786 404627. (1794) Empisal Knitmaster 360 knitting machine, complete with manuals and pattern books,
PRICE SYSTEM ITEM bands
Up to £7 £8 - £25 £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus all accessories and punched cards. Condition as new, huge bargain £120. Tel 07598 397702. (1766) Ladies size 14 Bailey’s sheepskin jacket, vgc £25. Tel 07598 397702. (1766) FURNITURE Sofa bed in light blue/grey. Metal action, full mattress, as new. Cost £1,000 will accept £550. Buyer collects. Tel 01924 473376. (1817) Metal computer trolley, silver with sliding shelf for keyboard. (H) 78cm x (W) 70cm x (D) 55cm. Ex-Argos, excellent condition £20. Tel 01924 461639. (1818) Electric, adjustable double bed, excellent condition. Cost £999, absolute bargain at £200. Ring 07815 034680 (Batley). Buyer collects. (1811) Kelvin mahogany extending dining table with four chairs and 2 carvers; Kelvin sideboard/display cabinet and corner cabinet to match, £100 ono the lot. Sale due to downsizing. Tel 01924 469317, buyer collects. (1812) Teak wall unit, 5ft long, with two illuminated glass door display cupboards, plus two end cupboards, three drawers and drinks cupboard. Unit separates into two parts. Excellent condition £50. Tel 01924 407400. Buyer collects. (1813) Three-shelf black glass TV stand, chrome legs. As new, two years old £15. Tel Tel 07909 742005. (1809) Stag mahogany fivedrawer dressing table, three detachable mirrors. Could be used as hall table £25 ONO. Tel 07806 431728. (1803) Two high back swivel chairs in grey material,
Cost per item
£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11 very good condition, bargain £50 each. Tel 01924 410973/ 075197 25771. (1802) Two black leather twoseater sofas, chrome feet, very good condition, £100 each, also matching large coffee table in clear glass/chrome, offers. Buyer collects Tel 01924 401729/ 402077. (1800) Over bed wardrobe unit (Littlewoods), new, oak, 10 months old, cost £280, sell for £125. Buyer collects 07786 404627. (1794) Cane conservatory suite, two-seater settee and two chairs £60, buyer collects. Tel 01924 473676. (1797) Nest of medium oak coffee tables, solid wood, in good condition £7. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) TV stand, black glass & chrome, 3 tier 19” high x 23” wide x 16” deep, good quality £7. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) Three-piece suite in red material, three years old, good condition £500. Tel 01924 448613. (1790) Three-seater settee and two armchairs, in pale green with traditional pattern, goodcondition £100, buyer to collect. Tel 01924 266694. (1787) Solid pine table plus four chairs, measures 90cm (W) x 160cm (L) £100 ono. Tel 01924 671065/ 07787 113980. Buyer collects. (1788) Period writing bureau in dark oak. Drawer, cupboard and writing slope. Drop down lid with key. Nine hatches inside and two drawers. Width 30 inches by height 39 inches. £65 ono. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785) Bridgecraft three piece
Waterfall bookcase with three shelves in yew, 40” (H) x 24 1/2” (W) x 12” (D), £45 ono. Tel 01924 823457. (1777) GARDEN Two bamboo plants for sale 7ft high in large pots. £20 each. Tel: 07964 607502 (1780). HOUSEHOLD Aluminium two-way combination ladder, hardly used; many different positions, for wide variety of uses £40 (can deliver locally). Tel 07775 774253. (1789) Centre light shade. Two tier opaque glass. Approx 10-inch diameter. No chips or scratches. £15. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785) Inset Ceramic bathroom sink complete with chrome taps £25. Tel 01924 496345. (1781) Mobility walk-in bath complete with taps, very good condition £200. Tel 01924 496345. (1781) MISCELLANEOUS Well-rotted horse manure (no straw), five bags £10. Free local delivery. Ring Ken 01924 409540/ 07922 186721. (1814) Lightweight, aluminium transit wheelchair, with handle brakes. 20” wide seat, max carry weight 20 stone. Colour two shades grey. Cost new £178, used three times (bought for operation), bargain at £95. Tel 01274 861430 (Gomersal). (1815) Black leather brief case, as brand-new £7. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) Shopping trolley on four wheels. Tartan bag with cover. Aids mobility and balance. £8. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785) Two metre lengths of 4 x 1 timber, 20 pieces £20. Tel 01924 472043. (1760) MOTORING Space saver wheel, complete with tyre 125/70R 16 and canvas zip bag, never used £75. Tel 01924 454664. (1810) Set of three new genuine Ford Mondeo 2000 on/Ford Focus MkZ 16” wheel trim hub caps £8 each or £20 for all three. Tel 07934 603470. (1780)
MUSICAL Carlsbro cobra 60 watt guitar top amp, six inputs, 16ohm speaker output, good condition £50. Comes with free speaker in cabinet; cabinet tatty but works. Other guitars and effects pedals available. Tel 01924 456181. (1804) PETS Large dog travel crate in hard-wearing plastic, (L) 29” x (W) 21” x (H) 22” approx. good condition £20. Tel 07934 603470. (1780) Dog crate (folds flat). Suitable size for lurcher, still boxed, used for just two weeks. £25. Tel: 01924 406571. SPORTING/ OUTDOOR/ FITNESS Roger Black fitness gold, magnetic exercise bike. NB: Argos page 262 No 1, price was £140, now £70. Little used. Tel 01274 861645. (Cleckheaton) (1820) Step aerobic, abs roller, plus various other keep-fit items £10. Tel 07806 431728. (1816) Girls/ladies Apollo cycle, 18 gears, front suspension, lights back & front, excellent condition £25. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) Boys’ bike Ridgeback MX 20”, very good condition, front shock absorbers, gears £48. Tel 01924 471481. (1796) Treadmill, like new (Argos own), folds up for storage, no longer used as joined a gym, £45 was £100 new. Tel Julie on 07900 865715 or 01924 627596. (1782) TOYS AND GAMES Ikea child’s rocking reindeer. Ideal Xmas present. Good condition, bargain £6 ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1821) Girls’ pink and white Barbie fancy dress, aged four years, with Barbie book, as new. Also girls’ fancy dress, in light mustard/lilac colour, aged four years, with matching powder wrist bag; as new £12 both outfits. Tel 07806 431728. (1821) Six x 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles, new unopened £20. Tel 07934 603470. (1780) Child’s wooden chalet type open plan dolls house with wooden furniture plus four wooden dolls, very good condition £10. Tel 07934 603470. (1780)
ThePress
Friday December 4, 2015
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ATHLETICS
Aspindle honoured at awards evening GLENN ASPINDLE collected a number of major honours in reward for a successful season at Spenborough and District Athletic Club’s annual presentation evening.
Spenborough and District AC president Brian Ward (left) presents Glenn Aspindle with the Allat Memorial Trophy Cath Chaplin
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Albion run ends on the coast Integro Doodson League Cup
SCARBOROUGH ATHLETIC OSSETT ALBION at Queensgate OSSETT ALBION’S recent winning streak came to an abrupt end when they lost 2-0 away at Scarborough Athletic in the second round of the
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Integro Doodson League Cup. Alex Metcalfe fired the hosts in front on 16 minutes and a Ryan Blott goal before half-time effectively ended Albion’s hopes of a spot in the third round. Albion weren’t playing to their full potential and will expect a better performance away at Trafford in the EvoStik First Division North tomorrow (Sat 3pm).
SPEN VALLEY FOOTBALL
The event, staged at Cleckheaton Sports Club, brought together the cream of Spen Valley’s track and field talent with 17-year old multi-eventer Aspindle collecting much of the silverware. The youngster collected the Allat Trophy for being named the ‘outstanding athlete of the year’ along with the Earnshaw Trophy for the best field performances. Aspindle also took the honours for earning the most points in junior men’s track and field competition in addition to a cash prize for winning the Yorkshire Under-20s Javelin and Triple Jump titles. Elsewhere Under-15 county champion, Charlotte Bell, was not far behind after a season of steady progression in the discus, shot and hammer, which took her and several of her clubmates to Italy and the Czech Republic during the summer to represent Kirklees in the European Kids Games. There were also trophies for Kevin Ogden, who competes in road and cross country races, and also Linda
The Spenborough and District AC award winners 2015 North, Erin Newsome, Jason Newell, Jake Darby, Mason Smith, Sam Taylor, James Bell, Emma Rawnsley, Rosa McKie, Georgia Smith Calvert and Natalie Groves for track and field success. Joe Sagar, Rob Chaplin, Katy Gomersall and Joanne Burden collected road running accolades. In the cross country categories Paul Davis, Jack Barrowclough, Harry Brackenridge, Olivia Reeah, Nicolas Brackenridge, Courtney Benson, Tobin Rhodes and Natasha Geere were honoured. Club president Brian Ward was on
IN THE Spen Valley League only three games went ahead last weekend due to poor weather conditions. In the Premier Division Savile United hosted Palestino in an entertaining six-goal thriller. The star of the game was Palestino’s Ben McCardle who netted a hat-trick with his teammate Damian Rushworth bagging the visitors other goal. In reply Savile netted twice thanks to Faisal Adam’s brace. Savile Youth strolled to a comfortable 9-1 triumph over Hightown Jets in the Premier Division’s only other fixture thanks to a hat-trick of hat-tricks from Ozary Munshi, Tahir Pooli and Yusuf Patel that put the hosts in a commanding position. Nathan Clarke scored a consolation
goal for The Jets. Palestino’s victory along with Hightown’s defeat means that the two sides are level on points in the Premier Division, but Palestino have two games in hand. And in the First Division Norfolk’s 45year-old player manager Ilyas Lunat rolled back the years with a tremendous performance that saw him complete his brace and help his side to a dominant 5-0 home win over West End Park. Eugene Ogordo’s hat-trick rounded of the comfortable victory that sees Norfolk go level on points with third placed Mount Pleasant in the First Division table. Meanwhile West End Park are still in search of their first win of the season and are currently bottom of the table with one point.
DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS: TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24: 1 J Roberts and J MacKillop;
2 G Fishwick and J Tomlinson; 3 M Watson and G Clarke.
ONLY THREE games survived the wet weather in last week’s Heavy Woollen Sunday League programme. In the Premier Division Oakwell Motel earned three vital points in their relegation fight with a 7-2 win at AFC Chickenley. Reece Scholes led the way with a hat-trick for Oakwell who also had Jonny Beverley, Jack Anderson, Jamie Sands and Gary Riley on target. Shaun Doran and Michael Chadwick replied for Chickenley, who drop into the
bottom two. In Division One Tom Ramsden fired a hat-trick as Hanging Heaton Cricket Club climbed to second spot with a 6-2 win over Clifton Rangers Reserves. James Keen, Chris Goodair and Jamie Baulk bagged the others for the Cricketers. Rose of York moved up to second place in Division Two after Matthew Bolton (hat-trick), Jordan Brook (two), Andrew Asquith, Ashley Wells and Reece Brook all netted in an 81 win at Six Lane Ends.
CRICKET
Cricket awards round off season LONG-SERVING Cleckheaton Cricket Club secretary Bob Speight has collected what is perhaps the most prestigious Bradford Cricket League award when he received the Sir Leonard Hutton Trophy for outstanding service at last week’s annual awards ceremony. Speight has been Cleckheaton’s official scorer for almost 54 years and has also been club secretary for the past 26, and in his spare time wrote the official Cleckheaton CC history.
Bob Speight collecting his award Hanging Heaton also figured amongst the awards, with skipper Gary Fellows recording the highest score of the season, 192, to collect the Pennine Trophy and featuring in the highest
opening partnership with Nick Connelly for the John Heaton Memorial Trophy. The club’s Bennett Lane ground was voted the most improved and cricket secretary Andy Hunt was awarded for his part in Hanging Heaton’s staging of the Priestley Shield final. Gomersal picked up the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ award while Woodlands’, Birstall raised spinner, Chris Brice won the First Division Bowling averages and was also the league’s highest wicket-taker.
hand to present the Spen Grand Prix titles – for a series of 13 mostly road races – to Ian Ogden and Jackie Carter, with Henry Carter and Courtney Benson picking up the junior awards. Track and field team managers Emma Rawnsley and Tracey Mitchell were jointly awarded the President’s Cup for their behind-the-scenes work and Michael Dransfield, Richard Lee, Ian Whittaker, Nick Crimmen, Frank Reddington and Chris Drake all given life membership for long-standing services to the club, reaching back as far as the 1970s.
SPORTS NEWS
HEAVY WOOLLEN FOOTBALL
McCardle earns Oakwell Motel boost Palestino victory their survival hopes
Cath Chaplin
Sporting talents receive special award FOUR of Dewsbury’s sporting talents have been honoured by the Mayor of Kirklees at a civic reception in Dewsbury Town Hall. Swimmer Kyle Chisholm and boxer Amaar ‘Showtime’ Akbar have earned their civic honours having had successful years in their respective fields. Chisholm won three silver and two bronze medals at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Samoa and Akbar defeated Caulay Suttie to clinch the England Boxing Junior Development title. Sadly Yorkshire cricket captain Andrew Gale and international rugby star Sam Burgess were unable to attend the event due to prior commitments. Nevertheless all four
Amaar Akbar and Kyle Chisholm on Wednesday evening sportsmen were thanked by Coun Paul Kane at the civic reception on Wednesday night. Coun Kane said: “These successful athletes do a huge amount to increase the profile of Dewsbury and are positive role models for the town, its people, and especially our young people.
“When you look at the success they have achieved as young athletes, it is impossible not to be impressed by their talent, their commitment, but also their personalities and their dedication to succeed. “I want to say a personal thanks to them on behalf of all the people in Dewsbury and wider Kirklees.”
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Teams battle the elements to play THE FRUSTRATION goes on for Ossett Albion as their West Riding County Cup second round tie at Brighouse Athletic fell foul of the weather. But Wetherby Athletic dealt with the adverse conditions by staging their tie with Bradford City on an artificial 3G pitch. The Brighouse v Albion game is now the only outstanding tie and the winners have been drawn at home to FA Women’s Premier League North side Guiseley Vixens in the quarter-final on January 17. Ossett Town were in action against Brayton Belles in a West Riding County League Premier
Division game, earning a 3-3 draw. Town also made a good show of it in very difficult conditions and two goals from Danielle Sidebottom helped secure a vital point in their quest for promotion to the Regional League. It is League Cup action this week in the West Riding League and Ossett Town’s first team play Farsley Celtic Development side, the reserves go to Gledhow, Battyeford Belles are at home to Crossley, while their reserves are at home to Hebden Royd in the League Shield. Promotion-chasing Dewsbury Rangers go to Skipton Town in the Third Division.
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Friday December 4, 2015
RUGBY UNION
Harrogate too strong for Cleck Premiership Merit League KESTRELS 24 HARROGATE 2NDS
31
at Moorend C L E C K H E A T O N KESTRELS’ second-half fightback was too little too late as they fell to a disappointing 31-24 home defeat at the hands of Harrogate Seconds in their latest Premiership Merit League clash.
Luke Pearson gathers the ball under the lights
Gerald Christian
The Moorenders’ second string were trailing 31-5 at half-time, but in the second period the hosts turned the tables on what was previously a very one-sided contest. Cleckheaton scored 19 points without reply but second-placed Harrogate held on for the win to keep pace with Sheffield Seconds, who are currently two points clear at the top of the table.
Brad Marsden finds a gap in the Harrogate defence
JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE
Moor reach the last four of BARLA Cup BARLA Yorkshire Youth Cup DEWSBURY MOOR U-19S LOCK LANE U-19S
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at Heckmondwike Road DEWSBURY MOOR Under-19s thrashed Lock Lane 46-1 to reach the last four of the BARLA Yorkshire Youth Cup. Cameron Adleigh was on top form with the boot, kicking a total of seven goals and also scoring a try along the way. Cain Crotty and John Bowness also had good games in the pack. Max Vernon opened the scoring
when he found a gap in the visitors’ defence. This was closely followed by a Tom Kay try after he also found a gap in the poor Lock Lane defence. Bradley Samme was next to touch down just wide of a post and when Adleigh converted Moor were 18-0 ahead. On the stroke of half-time Adleigh latched onto a Bowness offload to score a try and give his side a commanding 22-0 lead at the interval. After the restart Conor Ineson went close and the subsequent passage of play saw Vernon go over for his second try of the game. Archie Bruce was next to score for
the hosts after he capitalised on a disorganised Lock Lane defence after they dealt with an Aiden Sheard break away on the wing. Bruce then scored a fine individual try, outpacing his opponents on a 40 metre sprint to the line. Adleigh added the extras to make it 40-0 in Moor’s favour. Vernon then completed his hattrick late on to round off a solid performance from himself and the rest of the team. There was time for Lock Lane to score a drop goal but it didn’t deter from the Moor celebrations as they now look forward to a home tie in the semi-final against West Hull.
Birstall Victoria youngsters celebrate campaign with presentation night at Mount Pleasant THE RON EARNSHAW Lounge at Batley Bulldogs’ Fox’s Biscuits stadium played host to the Birstall Victoria Under-7s presentation night. The youngsters, inspired by the League Leaders Shield, Super League Trophy and the Challenge Cup which were standing beside them, were each handed squad awards in acknowledgement of their efforts throughout the past year. Six other awards were also up for grabs. Max Grinhaff and Harrison Stevens each won a trophy in the coaches’ player and parents’ player of the year categories. Grinhaff also collected the players’ player of the season award. The clubman honours went to Harley Aston, Harley Trapps secured the red and black merit award for his improvement throughout the season and Jack Kirkaldy was presented with the most improved player acco-
Awards night ends successful season THORNHILL TROJANS Under-10s’ end of season presentation evening was held to mark the end of a fantastic campaign for the promising youngsters, who finished the season with 13 wins, six defeats and one draw. The event started with an opening speech followed by a presentation video highlighting what a great team and season the age group had. The guest speaker was first team coach, James Ratcliffe,
who said a few words of encouragement to the team before handing out the honours. Louie Creaser collected the parents’ player and shared the players’ player award with Frazer Cass. Connor Emerson was named boy of steel and Charlie Key was named most improved player. The rising star honours went to Kieron Haigh, Harry Yates collected the coaches’ player of the year accolade and Rosie Richardson was named clubman of the year.
GIRLS RUGBY LEAGUE
Dewsbury Moor’s girls impress against Oulton
Birstall Victoria’s Under-7s squad at their presentation night at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium lade. The siblings of squad members who attended games and training week in, week out were also given an award to show their support and commitment to the team is appreciated.
The parents weren’t forgotten either and they were presented with a personalised photobook containing over 40 pictures of their child in action throughout last season as a token of appreciation.
DEWSBURY MOOR’S junior girls teams were in fine form last weekend, with the under-13s beating Oulton Raiders 52-6 and the under-15s edging out Oulton Raiders 14-12. Caitlin Beevers was the standout performer for the under-13s with a resounding five tries to put her side in a commanding position. The full-back also scored eight conversions. And a new addition to the Moor side, Ellie Frain, also shone with a hat-trick of tries. In the under-15s match, Moor turned around a 12-0 half-time
deficit to come back and clinch victory. Courtney Wood was first to score and start the comeback for the hosts. And this was followed by a Georgia Copley try that put Moor within touching distance of their opponents at 12-8. Moor threw everything at the Oulton defence in the closing stages and stole the win when Lacey Bruines darted over the whitewash to touch down for a converted try. Copley’s successful kick sealed the win for Moor.
ThePress
Friday December 4, 2015
27
RUGBY LEAGUE
Adverse weather doesn’t halt Stags’ winning streak Pennine League Championship MIRFIELD STAGS
22
BATLEY BOYS
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at Hillrich Park DESPITE horrific weather conditions Mirfield Stags found the strength to continue their winning streak, putting neighbouring Batley Boys to the sword with a commanding 22-4 triumph in the Pennine League Championship. Having made a fast start, Richard Silverwood’s Stags never looked back. They held a slender interval lead and had done enough by the time referee Tony Martin had seen enough as the game was ended before time. Following an impeccably-observed minute’s silence to pay tribute to the father of Stags half-back Jordan Anderson, Dave Batchelor, who passed away last week, Mirfield, donning black armbands as a mark of respect, got matters underway. Mirfield were quickly out of the blocks and
Mirfield remain undefeated following their win over local rivals Batley Boys in challenging conditions almost opened the scoring inside three minutes, only for a Ross Hayden effort to be chalked off by the man in the middle. But this did not dampen their eagerness and moments later some neat interplay
released AJ Boardman for the game’s first points. Full-back Hayden converted the centre’s effort from the touchline to make it 6-0. Mirfield went close to scoring again short-
ly after, but did not have to wait long as visitors Batley struggled to cope in testing conditions. Danny Flowers dinked a chip-kick through the Boys’ line and Hayden was on the end of it, the former Cleckheaton RU talent making it 12-0 with the kick. Josh Whitehead ran the length of the field to provide the visitors with some hope going into the break. But they were left with too much to do by the time the referee brought matters to a close. Hayden got himself on the end of another kick-through to put real daylight between the two teams, before Dominic Flanagan found a gap in a tiring Batley backline to seal the away side’s fate. Hayden managed to add extras to Mirfield’s final touchdown of the afternoon and, having seen players from both sides leave the field due to the conditions, the match official abandoned the remainder of the Pennine League Championship clash. The result stands and the Stags are four points clear in the Championship having recorded five victories out of five this winter.
BARLA Cup exit ends Trojans’ season Carl Gibson guest at BARLA Yorkshire Cup SHARLSTON
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THORNHILL TROJANS
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at Weeland Road A DEPLETED Thornhill Trojans side was overcome by the strength of hosts Sharlston Rovers as they fell to an 18-14 defeat in the BARLA Yorkshire Cup quarter-final encounter. The Trojans travelled to Sharlston to fulfil the Yorkshire Cup tie with only 13 players, but the visitors battled hard to make it an intriguing contest. The away side took a surprise lead but the loss of full back Mark Hodgson following a nasty head injury meant that the 12 men would have to dig deep in the second period. But Sharlston’s extra man advantage proved crucial in the closing 20 minutes as the hosts took control to progress to the semi-final stage. And despite only playing 53 minutes, Hodgson was named official man of the match for the Trojans
because of his solidity at the back. The loss of Hodgson was a major setback but other players who shone in this game were Jordan Lowther and Luke Haigh. Haigh was outstanding in his attacking play, constantly urging his teammates on. Lowther on the other hand used his magnificent kicking game to put Sharlston on the back foot. It was a Lowther kick which created the opening try of the game when he allowed Mindaugas Bendikas to run in and ground the ball for an unconverted try in the corner. Lowther was again the try creator when he intercepted a Sharlston pass in front of his own posts and with a turn of pace off-loaded to the supporting Bendikas who had the necessary pace to sprint clear, covering over half the length of the field to score a fabulous try. Hodgson converted to make the score 10-0 to the Trojans. Thornhill battled hard throughout the first half with Shane Johnson making a couple of dangerous raids. But they were given a taste of things to come on the stroke of half time when Adam Jones sold a dummy
close to the Trojans line, which left the Thornhill defence flat-footed, a gap appeared and Jones nipped over for an unconverted try. In the second half Sharlston created an overlap to put Sam Wilson over for an unconverted try in the corner. This score also saw Hodgson leave the field with a heavily bandaged head and with no available substitutes the Trojans battled on with 12 men. It was another dummy from Adam Jones close to the tryline which gave Sharlston the lead. Jorge Richardson converted. And on 70 minutes Sharlston scored another try when the ball was booted along the ground towards the in goal area where Chris Shaw was quickest to react, grounding the ball to seal the win for his side. The conversion was off target. There was one final flurry from Thornhill in the final minute when a kick from Mason Bailey dropped into the in-goal area for Sam Ratcliffe to score an unconverted try. But it was too late for the Trojans and the referee eventually blew for full time to bring their season to a close.
James Ratcliffe (left) and Carl Gibson (right) present Luke Haigh with the supporters’ player of the year award
Sharks look ahead to 2016 SHAW CROSS SHARKS hosted their annual presentation night in front of a packed clubhouse at the end of a long season which saw the first team reach the National Conference League Division One play-off semi-final. Long-serving coach Steve Jones was honoured with a life membership award for over 10 years commitment to the club. In the National Conference side Jordan Anderson was named player of the year. Matthew Byatt collected the players’ player of the year award and the forward of the year honour went to Adam Masson. Back of the year was won by Robbie Byatt and Brandan French was named young player of the year, while clubman
of the year went to Benny Richardson. In the Yorkshire Men’s League squad Jake Townsend won the player of the year award. Players’ player honours went to Zac Parkinson, who also collected the forward of the year honour. Jamie Searby claimed the back of the year and Declan Ellis was awarded the young player of the year honours, while clubman of the year went to Mark Bickerdyke. The Sharks are now already planning for next year. Their first game is a Challenge Cup match and the squad is already eagerly anticipating the draw. Shaw Cross will be running two sides again in the summer and all players old and new are welcome.
Thornhill award bash
Player of the year Jordan Anderson
THORNHILL TROJANS held their annual presentation evening last Saturday, with the honours handed out by former Leeds and Great Britain star Carl Gibson. In the first team awards Lee Smith was named most improved player. Liam Morley took home the coach’s special award and Luke Haigh bagged himself three honours by winning the players’ first team player of the year, supporters’ first team player and first team player of the year awards. In the A team category Chris Mitchell was awarded the
most improved player title with Craig Homes collecting the players’ player of the year silverware. Adam Hoyle won both the supporters’ team player of the year and team player of the years awards. Mark Mitchell earned the Rob Brook award, Phil Robson and Richard Turner shared the Stanley Gath accolade and Pauline Ratcliffe took the John Bragg award. The Roy Harrison club man of the year award went to first team head coach James Ratcliffe for overseeing the first team’s promotion to Division Two.
Knee op sidelines Hesketh By Joe Link Sports Reporter joe@thepressnews.co.uk
BATLEY BULLDOGS’ Sean Hesketh will miss the start of the 2016 Kingstone Press Championship campaign following surgery on a stress fracture to his knee. The 29-year-old, who featured for the Bulldogs 24 times scoring six tries last season, first picked up the injury four weeks from the end of the 2015 Super-8s, but the prop struggled through to the end of season on painkillers and with heavy strapping. “It was a shame that Sean had to have surgery and it is understandably a blow to us, we want every player fit,” said Batley Bulldogs coach John Kear. “We tried to manage the
injury the best we could and we hoped that with rehabilitation and a rest period the injury would sort itself out. “However, at the European Championships Sean was unable to play through the pain barrier any longer so his tournament with Ireland had to be cut short and that’s when we decided that surgery was the best option,” added Kear. Hesketh is currently two weeks into a six-week no weight bearing period and the prop is facing a total of four months on the sidelines, but the Batley boss remains upbeat about his squad and their preparations for the coming season. “It is very disappointing that we have Sean out for a prolonged period but I should be happy that he is my only injury concern and there aren’t more of my
squad in his position,” said Kear. “Other than Sean my squad are in good shape and are eager to start playing rugby matches again. “The lads have been training really hard as we try to match the fitness levels of the full-time teams in the league, I could not have asked for anything more from my players so far. “The intensity and the work ethic of my squad has really impressed me, so i know we will be in good shape ahead of our tough start to the new campaign.” Batley will be unveiling their new 2016 home and away kits in the Ron Earnshaw lounge at Mount Pleasant on Friday December 11. At the same event Kear will confirm his squad and their numbers for the 2016 season.
Get your kit on...
Paul Sykes (left, home) and Joel Farrell (right, away) pose in the new 2016 Dewsbury Rams home and away kits Steve Horsfall
Grady snubs rival club to remain at Dewsbury DEWSBURY RAMS’ Shane Grady has rejected an offer from a rival club and decided to stay at the Tetley’s Stadium for the 2016 Kingstone Press Championship season, to the delight of head coach Glenn Morrison.
Shane Grady is to remain a Ram for 2016
Grady, 25, who has scored 24 tries in 48 appearances since joining Dewsbury in 2014, is honouring his contract to stay with the Rams for 2016, despite being offered more money to play elsewhere. “It is great Shane has decided to stay with us and turn down an offer from a rival club,” said Morrison. “I think Shane’s decision is proof of how good our set-up really is here. “We want everyone associated with the club to be happy, especially the players, because when they are happy they usually perform well and that is
why we have improved year on year since I took over, which is also our aim for the coming season. “Shane is a quality player and losing him would have been a big blow because he his a great guy to have around the place,” added Morrison. But one player departing the club this week is 21-year-old Sam Wood, due to work commitments. “It’s a shame for Sam that he can no longer commit to training due to his new shift patterns,” said Morrison. “He was injured for a large part of last season so we didn’t get a chance to see exactly what he can offer us and 2016 could have been his season to shine. “But I wish him all the best and if his shifts change and he can make training again then he will always be
welcome to come back to the club because I think he’s a real talent.” Elsewhere at the Rams, fans have finally had the chance to see the new home and away kits for 2016, which have been designed in part by Morrison himself. “I think the kits look great,” said Morrison. “I think we’ve done well incorporating a mix of the old and new. “Tradition is important yet the kit still looks modern so I’m very happy with the final outcome.” The kits are now available to order from the club website and can be collected at the 2016 season launch event on Wednesday December 16 at the Tetley’s Stadium, where Morrison and Rams chairman Mark Sawyer will be in attendance ready to answer questions.