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Friday March 4, 2016
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No. 727
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Plan to move 1,000 students into iconic building
PIONEER COLLEGE BOOST FOR TOWN A TENANT has at last been found for an iconic Dewsbury building in a major boost for town centre regeneration. Kirklees College will move 1,000 students to Pioneer House from their Halifax Road campuses under plans due to go before councillors on Tuesday. The former Co-operative Society building on Northgate has stood empty for the last five years after Kirklees Council spent £2.5m restoring the derelict building following their compulsory purchase of the
By David Miller News Reporter davidmiller@thepressnews.co.uk
property from Stayton Developments Ltd in 2011. Potential occupant Connect Housing pulled out of a deal for the building three years later. More cash is needed to make Pioneer House suitable for students – though the cost is currently unknown. Council chiefs have earmarked £2m from their capital
budget and a further £850,000 from the Townscape Heritage Initiative to help. The college also has applied for cash from the Local Enterprise Partnership Skills Capital Fund. An outcome from the bid is expected by summer, with building works to be completed by September next year. The plan has been given the thumbs-up by chamber of trade president Trish Makepeace and Dewsbury councillor Darren O’Donovan (see page 5). The college is also seeking to
build a new campus at the longvacant former Safeway site on Bradford Road. The college’s current premises on Halifax Road would be sold for residential use in a total transfer of up to 2,600 students. About 1,000 students would be based at Pioneer House, with a further 1,600 at the new Bradford Road site. Courses involved include creative and digital media, art, healthcare, business, finance and construction. Decisions are due to be made by
Kirklees Council’s Labour cabinet at a meeting in Huddersfield. Coun Cathy Scott (Lab, Dewsbury East) said: “Pioneer House is an iconic building that defines our town. This proposal and investment is a statement of our transformational plans for Dewsbury town centre.” She is cabinet member for housing and is a colleague of regeneration chief Coun Peter McBride. He said: “The plan is the kickstart to wider regeneration and investment in Dewsbury.
Continued on Page 5
‘This proposal and investment is a statement of our transformational plans for Dewsbury town centre’ – COUN CATHY SCOTT, KIRKLEES COUNCIL CABINET MEMBER FOR HOUSING
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Friday March 4, 2016
NEWSOME NEE JENNINGS MAVIS DOREEN On 29 February, of Batley, aged 83. Wife of Derek. Funeral enquires to George Brooke Ltd, Tel 454476.
READ WALLACE
Deaths APPLEYARD PATRICIA On 26 February, of Batley, aged 87. Wife of the late Walter. Service at Dewsbury
Crematorium, Tuesday 8 March at 10.30am.
BLAKELEY NEIL RICHARD On 26 February, aged 54, of
Batley. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 11 March at 2.45pm.
BROCKLEHURST FORMERLY BATLEY NEE RAMSBOTTOM MARGARET On 27 February, formerly of Birstall, aged 95. Wife of the late William Arthur (Bill) Brocklehurst and formerly of Harry Batley. Service at St Saviour’s Parish Church, Brownhill, Tuesday 15 March at 10.15am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 11.15am.
BUCKLEY JOSEPHINE On 28 February, aged 88. Wife of the late John. Service at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Cleckheaton, Tuesday 15 March at 11.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.
BUCKNELL KENNETH On 28 February, aged 83 years, formerly of Liversedge. Husband of the late May. Service at Dewsbury
Crematorium, Friday 11 March at 1.15pm.
Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 7 March at 2pm.
CROSSLEY SELWYN On 23 February, of Batley, aged 79. Husband of Dorothy. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 7 March at 1.15pm.
CUNNINGHAM WINIFRED LAURA ‘WINNIE’ On 26 February, of Soothill Lane, aged 91. Wife of the late Frederick Alan. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 8 March at 1.15pm.
FERGUSON ANNE (NEE GRAHAM) On 23 February, aged 90. Wife of John. Service at Batley Parish Church, Monday 14 March at 11.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.
FERRARI DOMINIC On 24 February, of Soothill, aged 89. Husband of Helena.
FOSTER JOAN On 24 February, aged 88, formerly of Mirfield. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Friday 11 March at 9.30am.
GOODEN ROY On 22 February, aged 47. Service at Batley Central Methodist Church, Thursday 10 March at 1.30pm.
HARGREAVES (NEE STATHER) BETTY RANDAL On 22 February, aged 87, of Batley, wife of Jack. Service at St Saviour’s Church, Brownhill, Birstall on Friday 11 March at 12.45pm.
HEMMINS MURIEL (NEE DUCKWORTH) On 19 February, aged 89, of Batley. Wife of the late Percy. Service at St John’s Church, Carlinghow, Monday 7 March
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at 11am, followed by committal at Batley Cemetery.
HILLAM CHARLES HENRY CHARLIE On 23 February, aged 83, of Gomersal. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 7 March at 3.15pm.
LONGDEN JOAN On 26 February, of White Lee, aged 96. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 7 March at 9.45am.
MALLINSON BOBBIE On 27 February, aged 76, of Liversedge. Husband of Margaret. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 18 March at 12.30pm.
MITCHELL WALTER ‘BRIAN’ On 21 February, aged 85, of Mirfield. Husband of the late Winnie. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Tuesday 8 March at 2.45pm. Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296
On 25 February, aged 87. Service at Liversedge Cemetery, 9 March at 2.30pm.
ROEBUCK DAVID On 22 February, of Dewsbury and proud owner the narrow boat ‘The Poop-Deck Bar’, aged 70. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 7 March at 2.45pm.
ROSS NEE JOHNSON ANNE On 26 February, aged 83. Wife of the late Louis. Service at Ebenezer Methodist Church, Hanging Heaton, Monday 14 March at 12.15pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.
SHEARD BARRY On 24 February, aged 69, of Littletown. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 9 March at 11.15am.
SPIVEY NEE BURTON CHRISTINE On 27th February, formerly of Batley, aged 72. Wife of David. Requiem Mass at St Mary’s RC Church, Batley on Monday 14 March at 10am, followed by
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WALLS BETTY (NEE OATES) On 28 February, aged 83. Wife of the late Walter. Service at Cleckheaton Central Methodist Church, Tuesday 15 March at 2.30pm, followed by committal at Cleckheaton New Cemetery at 3.30pm.
WILKS NEE HEWICK SYLVIA On 28 February, of Ravensthorpe, aged 87. Wife of the late Arnold. Service at St Saviour’s Church, Ravenshorpe, Wednesday 9 March at 2pm.
WINDLE DENNIS On 26 February, of Earlsheaton, aged 82. Husband of Margaret. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 14 March at 2pm.
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On 17 February, aged 92, of Ossett. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 9 March at 10.30am.
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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.
ThePress
Friday March 4, 2016
Burglary ‘not linked’ to spate of violent robberies POLICE moved to quell fears of more targeted attacks on Asian homes after a burglary in Thornhill Lees. Four suspects forced their way into a home on Headfield Road at around 3.15pm last Wednesday. They made off with a number of items after waking the occupant and telling him they were there to check the water and gas. Last November there was a string of violent robberies around the area
which prompted vigilante action. Drivers in parked cars were confronted by a mob in Ravensthorpe. Det Insp George Bardell of Kirklees CID believes the latest incident is not connected. He said: “We are conscious of community concerns following a series of offences in the area towards the end of 2015. “A number of people were injured during robberies and aggravated bur-
glaries. Arrests were made in connection with those offences and enquiries continue to bring those responsible to justice. “No violence was used or threatened against the victim in this incident and I don’t believe this is linked to those previous offences.” One suspect is described as a white man in his 40s, 5ft 7in tall and of medium build. He had short black hair, a long face and was wear-
ing a black woollen jacket and blue jeans. Another is also a white man, in his early 30s, about 5ft 7in tall and of heavier build. He had a long, small face and a long nose and was wearing a black baseball cap, black t-shirt and blue jeans. The quartet made off on foot up the street after three of them searched the house while the fourth kept the victim in the kitchen. Det Insp Bardell said:
“Clearly this has been a frightening experience for the occupant. “There continues to be a focused police presence in the area, including high visibility and covert patrols. “I would also ask the local community to continue to be vigilant, and report suspicious activity to the police.” Anyone with information can call Kirklees CID on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
Dealer must pay £80k or face extra two years
Daud... made hundreds of thousands of pounds from drugs
Shutdown order on council offices COUNCIL offices in Mirfield have shut after a health and safety inspector ruled the building unsafe. At one time the Huddersfield Road premises housed Kirklees Council, the GMB union and Mirfield Town Council. The town council, the only remaining tenant, is now homeless and meetings are held elsewhere. Tuesday’s council session was held at Trinity Methodist Church and the next one is at St Mary’s Church. The situation came
to a head in January when three councillors were taken ill and blamed the damp in the old building. Coun James Taylor (Con, Northorpe) complained to Kirklees that it was not fit for purpose. A health and safety inspector ordered the premises be shut down. Kirklees are said to have estimated repairs at £360,000. The town council wants a second opinion and could still try to take over the building as an asset transfer.
A DRUG dealer from Dewsbury must repay more than £80,000 within three months, or face an extra two years in prison. Asad Mohammed Daud, 29, was found to have made hundreds of thousands of pounds from his activities. But his available assets came to £83,437.11 and a confiscation order has been made for that sum at Leeds Crown Court. Daud, of Cowper Street, Savile Town, was jailed for seven years and three months in June last year. He admitted possessing heroin, cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, and possessing criminal property. It was agreed in court that serial offender Daud had made £222,885.51 from his criminal conduct. Police found more than £50,000 in cash in neat elasticated bundles in the boot of a car at his home. There was also more than two kilogrammes of heroin and crack cocaine worth £160,000 in another vehicle nearby belonging to Daud. In 2009 Daud was jailed for 16 months for possessing cocaine with intent
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to supply. He then received a three-year jail sentence for supplying heroin and crack cocaine in June, 2010. Daud’s later arrest made him liable, as a “three strike” offender, for a minimum seven-year term. Tony Kelbrick, for Daud, said his client came to be involved as an addict who was easily controlled by others. He added Daud regretted his actions and had become clean of drugs while in prison. Judge James Spencer QC ruled Daud’s available assets should be seized and gave him three months to pay up.
News in Brief Forensic secret of stolen lead tiles MIRFIELD: Thieves stripped lead tiles from the roof of a building at the Community of the Resurrection in the early hours of Tuesday. But the tiles were marked with a forensic liquid used to trace stolen goods, after a similar theft in 2009. Temporary covers had to be put on the New Refectory to stop water leaking in, though the premises remained open for conferences and other events. Anyone with information can call Kirklees CID on 101, quoting reference 13160091021, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Burnham in debate CLECKHEATON: Shadow home secretary Andy Burnham was among six political figures who took part in a debate at Whitcliffe Mount School. The aim of the debate was to examine what difference politicans can make to people’s lives and how young people can get involved in their community. Also attending were Jo Cox MP, Labour council election candidate Ken Lowe, Tory Allan Docherty, Lib Dem Coun Andrew Marchington and a GMB union representative.
Club doomed? BATLEY: The derelict former working men’s club on Wellington Street could be demolished. Arsonists torched the empty building last August, leaving it gutted inside and with extensive structural damage. Owner Richard Haigh has applied for a demolition order but has no specific plans for redevelopment. Public consultation runs until Sunday, March 20. To comment, go to www.kirklees.gov.uk.
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Friday March 4, 2016
News In Brief Care calls ‘chaos’ NORTH KIRKLEES: The new call-handling service for a £238m Care Closer To Home contract was in “chaos” at its launch. Locala boss Robert Flack made the admission to councillors at a health and wellbeing board meeting. He said the number of calls which came into their contact centre far exceeded what they expected. Extra staff were brought in but Mr Flack said: “We were overwhelmed with demand. The first few days were chaos, frankly.”
Addict’s shop thefts DEWSBURY: A serial thief struck four times at shops to feed an addiction to amphetamines. Simon Chambers, 30, of Daisy Hill, admitted stealing jumpers from Peacocks on December 23 last year. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard he also took meat from Asda in Batley worth £37 on January 25. Chambers then mounted raids on the Co-op on Brunswick Street, Westborough, on January 17 and February 8. Paul Blanchard, mitigating, said his client’s record showed many similar offences due to drugs. Magistrates adjourned sentencing for a probation report.
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Parents and other loved ones can be the unseen victims of alcohol and drug abuse. Press reporter David Miller meets those behind a new counselling service in Dewsbury town centre...
A new Haven of hope for addicts and their families SUSPECTED addicts could sometimes be spotted in an area opposite the former offices of The Press on Oates Street in Dewsbury. Now a new counselling service, Kirklees Haven, is based just yards away from there, run by volunteers for the hidden casualties of substance abuse. Services for the parents, carers, husbands and wives of addicts are not that common. But Kirklees Haven is where they can talk about their feelings in confidence with trained counsellors. Meetings are held at Union House, on Union Street, from 6.30pm to 8pm on the first and third Mondays of the month. Referrals are through drug and alcohol service The Base at Dewsbury Town Hall and in Huddersfield. A counsellor spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of her work. She said: “With drugs and alcohol there may not be a
recovery – it’s more an on-going process. “One member has a son in rehab and another has a son who’s relapsed three or four times.” She added: “Many parents and carers feel angry and ashamed
and often don’t get much empathy from other people. “At Kirklees Haven we offer them a chance to express their feelings with the support of others. “New members are encouraged to say what they’ve been
through, or they can listen to the experiences of others.” She has seen alcohol, heroin and crack cocaine in particular do terrible things to addicts. They can disappear for days, leaving family not knowing where they are or even if they are still alive. She said: “When that happens the toll it can take is debilitating and can make people ill if they’re not careful.” Kirklees Haven offers a chance to talk but she added: “What we don’t do is give advice. “Often people just want someone to take their problems away, but we’ve discovered nobody can. “That can only come through the individual and that’s what we’re here to support, in a welcoming and non-judgemental environment.” Anyone interested in talking to a counsellor can call The Base in Huddersfield on 01484 541589.
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• A TOT had great fun dressing up as Belle, from Beauty and the Beast, for World Book Day. Daisy, left, is the six-month-old daughter of Dewsbury nursery Child’s Play manager Amy Jasiewicz. Staff at the Thornhill Road premises became characters from the Cat in the Hat series by Dr Seuss. Other children became Snow White and Buzz Lightyear for reading activities across the day.
News In Brief Woman found dead LIVERSEDGE: A post-mortem is to be carried out after a woman was found dead yesterday (Thurs). Police, who were called to Eighth Avenue, Windybank, said there was nothing suspicious about the 33-year-old mother of two’s death. Det Insp Vanessa Rolfe, of Kirklees CID, said the woman’s partner woke up around 7am. He tried to wake her but found she was unresponsive. The man called an ambulance and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Det Insp Rolfe added: “Police are continuing their enquiries and the coroner has been informed.”
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DEWSBURY: One of the big fundraising events of the year takes place at the town hall on Thursday, March 10. Kirklees Council’s annual mayor’s business
networking dinner is at 6.30pm in aid of Diabetes Care. The cause is the chosen charity of mayor Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dewsbury East) and efforts will benefit the area. Cash raised is for diabetes groups locally and Coun Kane said: “Kirklees has a disproportionate amount of people suffering from Type 2 diabetes.” Tickets are still available. For details call Jonathan Scott on 01924 485177 or email jonathan@britology.co.uk.
New blooms welcome NORTH KIRKLEES: New blood is wanted to take one of the area’s oldest flower growing groups to the next level. The Spen Valley Paxton & Chrysanthemum Society, founded in 1908, have a flourishing membership. Annual shows in September and November attract crowds of more than 200 people to see flowers, pot plants, home-grown vegetables and crafts. But new members are always welcome at monthly meetings held at Liversedge CC. Call secretary Alan Butcher on 07463 481458 for more details.
ThePress
Friday March 4, 2016
‘Practice what you preach’ call to church over land sale
Mum’s £7,000 benefit fraud
By Staff Reporters
A WOMAN committed a £7,000 benefit fraud by claiming she was a single mother of two children. Kayleigh Blackham, 29, of Cambridge Road, Batley, applied for housing benefit and income support in October, 2012. Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard she failed to disclose she was living with partner Adrian Beddoe. Blackham was found out when bills including TV licence and gas were given to officials with his name on them. Alex Bozman, prosecuting, said: “She said it was a gradual relationship but she accepted she hadn’t notified the appropriate departments.” Andrew Sugden, for Blackham, said his client had not said anything because she was unsure if the relationship would work out. The couple have since split up, though the fraudulently claimed benefit money is now being repaid. Magistrates gave Blackham a community order featuring 80 hours of unpaid work. She must also pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
CAMPAIGNERS accused religious leaders of hypocrisy after a fresh bid to stop the concreting-over of Dewsbury fields failed. The Chidswell Action Group (CAG) discussed the fate of green belt land off Leeds Road with Church of England Commissioners on Wednesday. A meeting at Woodkirk Country Club ended with the church signalling intent to press on. The commissioners own the land and made it available for development under Kirklees Council’s Local Plan. Some 1,500 homes and 50 hectares of industry could go on the fields up to the year 2031. CAG hoped the church commissioners would withdraw the land before any plans go before councillors. At the meeting was John Weir, head of strategic land investment for the church commission-
Fighting on...from left, action group spokesman Mark Eastwood, lawyer Charlotte McKay and action group member Jim Aveyard ers, and Nolan Tucker of WYG consulting. CAG spokesman Mark Eastwood said: “We’re disappointed but not surprised by the stance of the the church commissioners. “As a group we think the Church of England
needs to practice what it preaches. You have the Archbishop of York and the previous and current Archbishop of Canterbury giving sermons about the evils of capitalism. “Yet they’re happy to turn a blind eye to their commissioners, who are
“The building is important in itself – but this also allows other pieces of the jigsaw to fall into place. “We’ve made Dewsbury a priority and our North Kirklees Growth Zone plans to deliver between 7,000 and 7,500 new homes, generating 5,000 new jobs. “Our skills strategy targets us having the right opportunities for our young people in the right sectors. “The partnership with the college will go some way to meeting all these priorities.” College vice principal Melanie Brooke said: “We are excited by the prospect of being at the heart of the transformation plans for Dewsbury. “It would allow the college to upgrade its estate and focus on delivering the skills needed for this region. “We would be able to provide fantastic opportunities for students, employers and apprentices in a more accessible town centre location.” D e w s b u r y Chamber of Trade
DEWSBURY: Kirklees College library service has received top marks from inspectors. The Council for Learning Resources (CLR) ranked the insitution's six libraries at the highest Grade 1 for their provision. This includes the Halifax Road campus in Dewsbury and Batley School of Art at the Wheelwright centre. The college was runner-up in CLR’s Beacon Awards for integration of library services out of 350 establishments nationally in November. Around the same time, the library service was highly commended by the Association of Colleges.
Chased and robbed MIRFIELD: A man was robbed by three suspects who ran after him along Sunny Bank Avenue. The victim got out of a taxi at around 3.15am last Saturday with a friend and they started walking home in different directions. As the man reached Old Bank Road he saw three men standing by a cash point next to a shop. They shouted after him and caught up with him on Sunny Bank Avenue after giving chase. The suspects, all white, aged 18 to 25 and wearing tracksuits, robbed him of his wallet and house keys. Anyone with information can call Det Con Andy Clayton at Kirklees CID on 101, quoting reference 1316087562.
‘You have the Archbishop of York and the Archbishop of Canterbury giving sermons about the evils of capitalism. Yet they’re happy to turn a blind eye to their commissioners, who are desperate to sell the land for maximum profit.’ – CHIDSWELL ACTION GROUP SPOKESMAN MARK EASTWOOD
Pioneer college boost for town Continued from Page 1
desperate to sell the land for maximum profit. “This is a slap in the face for the local community and the whole thing reeks of hypocrisy on the part of the church. “However, we shall continue to fight both the church and the council to the bitter end.” CAG appointed planning lawyer Charlotte McKay to fight their case after fundraising by the group. She was at the meeting and Mr Eastwood said: “We attended with only one thing in mind. “That was to demand the church withdraw their plans and preserve precious farmland and ancient woodland at Chidswell for future generations. “While the meeting was amicable, both sides failed to reach any agreement on the future of the land. “The church commissioners signalled their intent to press ahead with plans to sell off the land to the highest bidder, despite huge opposition from residents.”
News in Brief Library accolades
president Trish Makepeace said: “We kept asking and asking about Pioneer House without getting an answer. “But I welcome these plans as it would be good to bring more footfall into the town centre. “And it might encourage more small businesses to open up, which is what we need to build on the work already being done.” Coun Darren O’Donovan (Lab, Dewsbury West) said: “This is exactly what is needed in the town centre. “Whether it’s a college, university or major private sector employer, we need something that will bring footfall from people who have disposable income and would be happy to spend their money in Dewsbury.” He added: “In any good news story about Pioneer House it’s important to remember that there is £5m in the town centre action plan for regeneration. “What the Tories proposed in their budget last month would have moved some of that money elsewhere at a time when we could be on
the brink of a major breakthrough in terms of regeneration.” ■ THREE grant bids for new shop fronts around Northgate in Dewsbury will also be discussed by the Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday. Money would come from the £3.7m Townscape Heritage Initiative the council is running for the restoration of the conservation area
around Pioneer House. The owners of the following premises have sought funds: ■ Northgate House; ■ 38 Northgate/47 Foundry Street; ■ 13 to 17 Corporation Street. Work would include replacing broken guttering and fall pipes, stonework and structural repairs and the fitting of new windows.
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Friday March 4, 2016
BACK IN PRINT Now on sale, the updated 2015 edition. Reserve a copy in office hours on 01924 470296, order via www.thepressnews.co.uk or call in at our office, 31 Branch Road, Batley
LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood
They’re as shocked as we are OU KNOW, I’m not sure you lot fully appreciate the extreme lengths your local newspaper man is willing to go to, in order to bring you the inside line on global issues. I have had to ‘brave’ 90plus degree weather this week, cross a desert, and walk streets where you know two out of every three people own a handgun. I’ve even had to drink Budweiser Lite beer, which I can only describe as being akin to getting a cat with a bad case of cystitis to pee into a bottle, then putting it into a freezer until it’s cold enough to freeze your lips off. At least that sensation takes your mind off the taste for a few seconds. But only a few. And the purpose of my noble sacrifice?
Y
Ted Cruz and Donald Trump Simply to reassure their British cousins across the water that the American people are every bit as aghast at the neanderthal qualities of the entire Presidential candi-
dacy line-up as we are. I was in a bar on Tuesday night as the first USA ‘Super Tuesday’ results started rolling across the TV screen above the bar. (And for the uninitiated, America chooses the respective Democrat (Labour) and Republican (Conservative) nominees for the Presidential election state by state. For the Republicans it’s a race between Combover Trump and a bloke named Ted Cruz who, I’m rapidly learning, is even more dangerous than The Don. For the Democrats it’s Bernie Sanders (their version of Jeremy Corbyn) versus Hillary Clinton, who has more skeletons than clothes in her wardrobes. And she has plenty of wardrobes. On Super Tuesday a whole raft of states voted. A long
way to go but it will be Trump-Clinton. Back to that bar. On my left Jim, a good ‘ole boy construction worker with fond memories of a month in London back in 1989. To my right Rodolfo, a second generation Mexican from Lubbock, Texas. Both had guessed that I was Irish, both apologised profusely when I said no, English. News of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement has been slow making its way to southern California. As photos and interviews rolled across the screen, both men shook their heads. ‘Embarrassing,’ said Jim. ‘What must you guys think?’ It was the same everywhere. Assertive and successful women who admitted they ‘should’ want Hillary in the White House were literally outraged at the prospect. ‘Anyone except that woman,’ said Lesley. ‘Anyone. Except Bernie Sanders of course. You might as well elect Colonel Sanders and feed the world on Kentucky Fried Chicken.’ Me: ‘But it’s one or the
other, Lesley.’ Her husband Steve chipped in, ‘Or Trump.’ She had a sharp kitchen knife in her hands. I swear she looked at her wrists. Such as there was a common assent on Trump, it was summed up by Stan, who came out west from Missouri 50-odd years ago and hasn’t been anywhere since, unless it involved fishing (he once nearly got us run over by the battleship USS New Jersey). Stan doesn’t say much, but throws a lot of bulls eyes when he does. “Trump says what a lot of people only say in the bar. “His biggest vote winner is that he’s not a politician and people have had enough of them, goddamn liars, thieves and hypocrites to a man – and woman. “But if he does win, he won’t be able to be as outrageous as he has been in the campaign. For a dumb **** (expletive deleted) he’s pretty smart.” Fingers crossed on that Stan, who also addressed the other elephant in the presidential room. “Man needs to do something with that stoopid hair though...”
COULD probably stand for election in California right now and do pretty decently. Even by Palm Springs standards – it gets very hot in the low desert – 92 degrees on March 1st was ridiculous. It’s due for 90 today (Wednesday) too. When I was first here in 1982 I told my mum it was 110 degrees in the shade. She told me to stay out of the shade. No flies on that woman. Up at the beach where this time of year is usually in the 60s, with the odd 70-plus day, they’ve had a run of summerhot days to see out February. Not to worry folks. Locky is here. I’ve just put the telly on and the biggest news beside the election circus is muchneeded weather relief. California is going to get anywhere between three and seven inches of rain by the weekend. One old friend, Rhoda, is probably standing by her screen door as you read this, waiting to run out and dance in the rain like a child experiencing its first fluffy snow day. I’m not kidding.
I
Let’s just ban living at all I
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WAS intrigued by the news that more than 70 doctors and academics have written to the Government calling on tackling to be banned in schools rugby. They clearly never saw me play. Why tackle when you are an expert at delegating ... and standing next to big blokes who enjoy inflicting/experiencing pain? But seriously, I have a better idea. Won’t the world be a better place if we at least sack these politically correct buffoons? I haven’t a clue who they are individually, but wouldn’t mind a fair bet that virtually every one is lavishly funded from the public purse. If we’re looking at building a better, safer world, I have a variety of ideas, starting with these killjoys. Sacking them isn’t good enough actually. Remove their reproductive organs. Voice boxes too, if we’re serious. Any means of them communicating their stupid, socially-engineered agendas. If you’ve watched schools or junior rugby, you soon identify the kids who aren’t comfortable with either the sport or the physical contact part of it. Like life itself, natural selection channels them down a different path. For the others, the kids that love it? They are taught self-discipline, the team ethos, in good clubs they come to terms with life lessons about winning and losing and hard work. Sure, kids get a knock. Teenagers, adults too. My old mate David Roebuck has been quadriplegic for 34 years after a tragic rugby accident. Those doctors should ask Dave if he regrets ever picking up a rugby ball. Dave was as good a tackler as you’ve ever seen, but a scrum collapsed. Accidents happen. Kids fall out of
trees (although that’s a part of life that’s almost been eradicated). Let’s ban crossing the road. Heck, let’s ban cars. But then we’d have to walk everywhere and think of all the ankle/knee/hip operations we’d eventually need! Could the NHS cope? In fact if you develop the mindset of these goody-twoshoes, there’s only one inevitable outcome – hold on, you’ll like this – we have to ban sex. Really. And no, not as well known local Facebook sage Steve Archer replied to me, to avoid wrist injuries, chafing and the like. The inexorable dream of the medical profession seems to be to live forever, without experiencing so much as a winter cold, sprained ankle or toothache – which is clearly impossible. Or is it? The child who was never born can’t get hurt by a stray knee or elbow on a rugby field. The old man who never drew first breath, won’t end up being neglected in a badly-run care home. It’s the only way to avoid death. Avoid birth. Ban sex. Think of it! The polar bears would get all the ice caps they need. Fresh, crispy, clean air, yummy yummy. How the greenies would love that (and I’m half expecting an enthusiastic call of support from Jeremy Corbyn). And if we’re impatient for this ridiculous utopia, why not kick start things with a Reverend Jim Jones-like mass suicide? Can I nominate our idiot politicians, public servants and 70-odd doctors and academics to get the party started? We’ll all follow right along, honest! If you lot are serious it’s your public duty to set the example. And I really mean it when I say the world will be a better place...
ThePress
Friday March 4, 2016
Health chief’s £120,000 ‘freeze’ By Staff Reporters PAY for health boss Robert Flack has been frozen – at a cool £120,000 for this financial year. Batley-based Locala have revealed their wage bill for eight top managers in 2015/16 comes to more than £400,000. Chief executive Mr Flack takes the most and also claimed £1,533.96 in expenses. Director of transformation Jim Barwick and director of clinical and operational services Christina Quinn both earned £90,000. Sharon Lowrie, director of finance, was the fourth-highest paid executive on £85,000. In comparison, UK Prime
Minister David Cameron was said to earn £142,500 a year in March last year. Pay deals for all top Locala bosses except chairman Mark Sanders are frozen. His pay increased from £20,000 to £25,000 a year to reflect an increased workload. The social enterprise’s board approved the rise after hearing he now works nine days a month, up from seven. Non-executive directors Pat Drake, Malcolm Rogers and Tim Straughton each picked up £8,250. Expenses claimed from April to December 2015 include £768.36 for Mr Sanders, £591.45 for Mr Barwick and £385.84 for Mr
Straughton. In March, 2014, Mr Flack gained a 27 per cent pay rise to the current level and a £5,000 bonus owed from the previous year. It came at a time of voluntary redundancies among frontline staff which saved £100,000. Locala provides community nurses and therapists for hospitals and GPs in Kirklees and Calderdale. A statement on Locala’s website said: “There has been no increase in salaries during 2015/16, other than for the chair. “The remuneration of the chair is based on working nine days a month, and for the nonexecutive directors is based on 3.5 days a month.”
Students’ work on show at Book Fair STUDENTS from Batley School of Art will show how publishing is turning a new leaf at an exhibition this weekend. They will be at the 19th annual International Contemporary Artists’ Book Fair in Leeds tomorrow (Saturday, 11am to 6pm ) and Sunday (11am to 4pm). On show will be everything from small editions to film, sound, digital text and illustrations. The event is at The Tetley, a new arts venue in the former headquarters of the world-famous brewery. Students from the school’s degree in fine art for design are involved in the exhibition. Course leader Eve Gray said: “We’ve been making artist books, self-
publishing and also exhibiting at the book fair for quite a number of years. The works made by the students are always visually exciting and conceptually diverse. “The genre of artist’s books is a fascinating one and also one that students respond to with such a breadth of approach.” Graduates go on to design books for artists and illustrators through self-publishing or publishing houses. Over the weekend there will be talks, workshops and a chance for visitors to buy work from artists.
A creative arts piece created by students Manpinder Mann and Robyn Westwood
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Tory chief should be pressing his government Dear Sir, Councillor Robert Light, leader of the Conservatives on Kirklees Council, is right to point out, as was reported in last week’s Press, the perverse and financially damaging effects of PFI contracts on the delivery of health services in Kirklees. The huge cost burden that PFI contracts have brought has clearly been a factor in prompting the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and the Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation NHS Trust to push for the downgrading of A&E departments at Dewsbury and District Hospital and at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. This leaves Kirklees, with its growing population both of young people and of
Ask your MP to go to debate From: Christine Hyde, Dewsbury Dear Sir, I went to the Joint Kirklees
Letter of the Week: Peter Claydon, Dewsbury the elderly, without a full service A&E facility. Coun Light proposes in response to what he describes as the “financial mismanagement” that is driving the downgrading of services, a greater sharing of resources between hospital trusts. Whilst it makes sense for hospital trusts to be collaborating rather than competing with each other, this suggestion doesn’t address the fundamental
and Calderdale Health Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday February 22 about proposals to close Huddersfeld Royal Infirmary, because it seemed so similar to the 2013 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust fiasco. With experience I gained from 2013, I came to the fol-
lowing conclusions. The law requires public money to be spent from the NHS budget to conduct an expensive consultation process. The law requires the councils to spend a large amount of public money scrutinising the consultation content.
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problem, the excessively usurious terms of the PFI contracts imposed on the Mid Yorkshire and Calderdale and Huddersfield Trusts. Perhaps Coun Light should be pressing his Conservative colleagues in the Government to establish a national NHS scheme to re-finance PFI contracts and at the same time inviting them to call a halt to the signing-off of any new PFI contracts in the health arena. The law is disputed by campaigners, whose legal advice says scrutiny committees can stop the consultation process, and the council legal advice which says it can’t. Any subsequent scrutiny committee referral is to the Independent Reconfiguation Panel chaired by a Conservative peer, which leads one to wonder, independent from what? This will require additional expense from the NHS budget. This would all be okay if Jeremy Hunt had not got his way with the amendment to the Care Act in which his ‘hospital closure clause’ trumps all considerations and the closure will go ahead. The law rides roughshod over all health considerations. There is only one answer to all this, change the law. Please ask your MP to attend the debate in the House on March 11 and vote for the private members’ bill second on the agenda, the NHS Reinstatement Bill. They have the power!
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Dear Sir, As we know from the closures and service reductions across the Mid-Yorkshire Hospital Trust, the NHS is under huge pressure from a combination of lack of trained staff and billions of pounds of private finance initiative debts accumulated under every Government since John Major. PFI debts are particularly scandalous, given the payback from the taxpayer is as much as six times the value of the assets built by the private companies. In our own local case, the debt has actually been sold on to a Channel Islands investment firm which didn’t
even have anything to do with the construction of the black hole that is Pinderfields Hospital. However, what many people don’t realise is under the 2012 Health & Social Care Act, all NHS services must be put out to tender. As a result, although when you go to the hospital it may appear to be all-NHS, in fact more and more services are run by private firms including Boots, Specsavers, Virgin Healthcare and even Sainsbury’s. This is leading to the fragmenting of services and higher costs to the taxpayer. All these companies are siphoning growing amounts out for their own profit. One estimate suggested that in 2014 this already took more than £5 billion out of patient care. The Green Party MP Caroline Lucas has introduced a private members’ bill called the NHS Reinstatement Bill which, if passed, would end the tendering out of services and take them back into public hands. It would abolish health trusts and centralise PFI debts for the national government to sort out, rather than leave local people having to bear the burden. This would save huge amounts of taxpayers’ money and provide resources for better care and support to patients. The bill is due to be debated on Friday March 11, a day when many MPs do not attend parliament. I would encourage local people to contact our Labour MPs, Paula Sherriff and Jo Cox, and ask them please to make sure to attend and vote for Caroline Lucas’ bill. Although put forward by the Green MP, it was supported by Jeremy Corbyn before he became Labour leader and by other prominent Labour MPs including John McDonnell and the late Michael Meacher and it has support from MPs from five different parties.
The bill may have relatively little chance of becoming law because the Tory Government is so keen to continue to auction out NHS services and hints at charging us for visiting doctors and hospitals. However the more MPs that vote for it, the stronger the message will be that there is no room for profiteering in health care and the public want to save our NHS.
Best buildings sold off? From: M Robertshaw, Birstall Dear Sir, Have we any historical buildings left to sell off? The building inspectors we had quite a few years ago would not have allowed this to happen; they were very strict in their dealings with people, and would have made sure the people who are selling them had a right to do this. Dewsbury was a lovely town then; Daisy Hill, Church Street and the shopping arcades were a pleasure to walk round, not the dump it is today, and not many people want to come here. It’s to be hoped in many years in the future there are building inspectors like we used to have, or the Tower of London, the British Museum and the Albert Hall etc will disappear. Some of us are past our ‘sell-by’ date, but we think we have had the best years.
Thanks, Jade! From: Stephen Walker, Secretary, St Mary’s Social Club, Batley Dear Sir, Through your paper could I please thank the very talented local singing star and musician Jade Helliwell, who with her friends entertained
Continues on page 10
Friday March 4, 2016
ThePress
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Find out more at open days Advertising Feature F YOU want to find out what courses and facilities Kirklees College can offer you, come and have a look around at one of our March open days! The college offers a wide range of courses, including: • Full-time courses for 16-18 year olds; • Part-time professional courses for adults, • Higher education (degree level) courses; • Adult education leisure courses; • Apprenticeships and traineeships. There is bound to be a course for you whether you’re interested in animal care, business, science, engineering, hairdressing, catering and hospitality, travel or one of the many other options we offer. Why not come along and talk to tutors, employers, students and tour the facilities at one of our open days to find out more. And if you’re not sure what career path you want to take or what qualification to do next, you can chat to our careers advisors. Our Huddersfield Centres – Brunel Construction Centre, Engineering Centre, Hargate Hill Equestrian Centre (Glossop), Highfields Centre for Media, Music and Performing Arts, Huddersfield Centre and Taylor Hill animal care Centre – are open on Tuesday March 15. And our Dewsbury Centre and Batley School of Art are open on Thursday March 17. Both open days run from 5.30-8pm (last admission 7.30pm). Read more information about courses at www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk, call 01484 437070 or email info@kirkleescollege.ac.uk or pre-register to attend on our events page. #Search #Apply #Enrol
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Friday March 4, 2016
News In Brief Rage man in court DEWSBURY: A man admitted threatening to attack a social worker. Darren Parchment, 35, vented his anger at deputy manager Debbie Harrison at a contact centre on November 11 last year. He told her: “You know I hit women, I’ll do it to you. I hate social services. It’s down to social services why I am what I am.” Parchment, now of Keighley, admitted at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court to a charge of threatening behaviour. Sentencing was adjourned for reports.
Bed firm backs Tykes RAVENSTHORPE: Shire Beds, based in Northfield Road, hopes to bowl over the opposition by sponsoring Yorkshire County Cricket Club. The company is to be unveiled as a major backer of the club at Headingley on Tuesday, when players including Adam Lyth and Tim Bresnan are due to attend.
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DJ Andy is star turn at Lit-Fest By David Miller BBC radio DJ Andy Kershaw will headline Cleckheaton’s Literature Festival for the second time. Kershaw brought his one-man show to Whitcliffe Mount School for the inaugural event last year and this time he will perform at the town hall on Sunday, May 1. The venue switch is part of moves to make the festival even bigger than in 2015, when Kershaw headlined the fourday event with novelist Joanne Harris. Now the festival will be spread over two weeks from Thursday, April 21 to Sunday, April 24 and Thursday, April 28 to Sunday, May 1. Events include: ■ Performance poet Luke Wright on Friday, April 22 (7pm to 9pm). ■ Dr Who panel on Saturday, April 23 (1pm to 3pm). ■ Travel and children’s writer Horatio Clare on Sunday, April 24 (4pm to 6pm).
LIBRARY CHANGES START UP
A crime panel featuring novelists Leigh Russell, Alison Taft and Helen Cadbury is on Thursday, April 21 from 7pm to 9pm. Further activities, including creative workshops, will be run in schools during the festival. Laura Hobson-Tyas, one of the organisers, said: “After last year’s extremely successful inaugural event we’re back with a bigger and better programme. “It’s hoped the festival will be an annual event reaching all parts of our community. “We’ve tailored our line-up to ensure everyone can take part in our events and help them learn about the creative arts. “Our festival includes workshops and author talks as well as readings and performances for all ages. “Most events will take place at Cleckheaton Library as it’s a vital place in our community and we want to ensure it remains available to everyone.”
THE writing may not be literally on the wall – but changes are under way at Mirfield Library. Book-drop boxes are being installed, self-checkout of items is starting and updated computers and wifi are installed. Jenny Tomlinson Walsh, chairman of the Friends of Mirfield Library, asked for patience. She said: “There will be some disruption and sometimes change can be rather difficult to come to terms with. But the library is now on the brink of developing into a valuable asset as a cultural, social and educational hub.” A calligraphy group is
starting up with beginners through to seasoned calligraphers welcome on Wednesday, March 9 (1pm to 4pm). To book, or for more information, call Jenny on 07977 627128. The library is also the venue for a knitting group raising cash for charity. The Knit ’N’ Natter club, above, meets on Mondays at 4pm, knitting goods including tops, hats and rabbits and hedgehogs for children in Uganda. ‘Twiddlemuffs’ for dementia patients raised £180 for a cerebral palsy charity and fingerless gloves boosted the Samaritans’ shoe box appeal.
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Continued from page 8 us with their singing and guitar playing at an acoustic evening at St Mary’s Parochial Hall/Social Club, on Friday February 26. This popular fundraising event, which was for a new church roof at St Mary's Church, Cross Bank, raised over £600. Miss Helliwell not only performed on the night but organised the whole enjoyable event.
Great debate from our MPs From: Jean Lorriman, Huddersfield Over Fifties Forum (HOFF) Dear Sir, I have watched the recording of the scheduled parliamentary debate on the proposed closure of A&E facilities at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. It was led by Jason McCartney, MP for Colne Valley, who was superb in putting the case for keeping Huddersfield’s A&E open. He was backed up by the equally knowledgeable and very experienced Huddersfield MP, Barry Sheerman. There was also measured yet emotive input from the Dewsbury
and Batley MPs Paula Sherrif and Jo Cox. How can the Kirklees population of nearly 450,000 fit into the Calderdale Hospital which caters for 200,000? The maths don’t add up and l know that A&E staff at Halifax are rightly alarmed by the prospect! There was also a recent ‘Black Alert’ at both Huddersfield & Halifax Royal Infirmaries, meaning they had to close for a while as they could not cope with further admissions. Clearly Halifax A&E on its own will be unable to cope and there will therefore be continuous alerts. Also adding to the four Kirklees MPs contributions was the Cheshire MP, Justin Madders. He rightly congratulated all four on their eloquence, passion and knowledge but I was pleased to hear him make the important reference to the plight of a growing elderly population who will surely suffer most if these clo-
We don’t need EU partners From: David Walker, Liversedge Dear Sir, Re Jo Cox MP’s comments during the last week about our membership of the EU. She said we were more secure thanks to the EU. Well, let me remind her and your readers of recent events.
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sures come about. Ben Gummer, the Health Minister, contrasted badly with the four Kirklees MPs. He waffled, shuffled and looked awkward and had to be told by the chairman to look into the camera. A poor performance by a man who is a brilliant academic. He wrote a book on The Black Death. Bit ironic. Let’s hope his policies don’t lead to more modern versions!
In Madrid in March 2004 alQaeda bombed trains and instructed the Spanish government to withdraw their troops from Iraq or further terrorist attacks would follow. Their troops were brought home by the end of June. German troops on duty in northern Afghanistan (the safest part of that country by the way) would not leave the safety of their armoured personnel carriers when on patrol and had to be back inside their secure bases before nightfall! Yes, perfectly true! They didn’t like the idea of facing the enemy in the dark. Brussels, the ‘capital city of Europe’, last November went into lockdown, closed the whole of the subway system, shops, schools, offices, theatres and cinemas for several days and its citizens advised not to come into the city and to avoid all open spaces. All this after a terrorist attack in another country – France. So there we are readers, we can all rest easy in our beds thanks to the brave governments of our partners in the EU. Thank god for the professionalism and bravery of our armed forces! What an insult to them and our great country to suggest we need the help of the likes of our European partners. Shame on you, Jo Cox.
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S Wilson, New Hall, 1 Nova Lane, Birstall, erection of fence. N Hancock, Pioneer House, Northgate, Dewsbury, Listed Building Consent for installation of five luminaires (within a Conservation Area). R Bean, Lands Farm, Cliffe Lane, Gomersal, extensions and alterations to agricultural building to form one dwelling. Kirklees Council, Raikes Lane Pavillion and Depot, Raikes Lane, Birstall, planning permission for demolition of unlisted buildings within a Conservation Area. My Little Barn Owls Ltd, The Old Barn, Roberttown Lane, Roberttown, building for use as a day nursery facillity. Mr & Mrs A Mahmood, 66 The Crescent, Ravensthorpe, two-storey rear and single-storey front extensions. J Burn, 1 Sunnybank Woods, Upper Batley, conversion of integral garage to living space, rooms in roof space and erection of detached double garage (within a Conservation Area). A Stott, 12 Lockwood Avenue, Mirfield, the proposal is for erection of single-
storey rear extension. The extension projects 5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.6m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.6m. Eshton C/O Agent, Oakwell Business Centre, Dark Lane, Birstall, formation of car park. R and CP Haigh, Batley Working Men's Club, 5 Wellington Street, Batley, planning permission for demolition of an unlisted building within a Consevation Area. M Wazir, 9 Ravens Avenue, Scout Hill, single-storey rear extension and dormers to front and rear. M Booth, 47 Richmond Grove, Gomersal, conversion of garage to form living accommodation. Calder Architectural Services, 113 Leeds Road, Mirfield, discharge conditions 4 (land contamination), 6 (site investigation), 9 (drainage), 11 (biodiversity) on previous permission 2015/93109 for demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings and erection of detached dwelling, detached garage and detached
outbuilding ancilliary to 113 Leeds Road. Darren Smith Homes, Newgate, Mirfield, removal of condition 6 (bus stops) on previous permission 2009/93133 for erection of retirement development consisting of 36 units and one concierge unit. S Laher, 2 Oxford Street, Batley, alterations to convert existing dwelling to ground floor offices and first floor selfcontained flat. N Schofield, 29 Crowlees Road, Mirfield, extensions and alterations. A Smith, 45 Briar Drive, Dewsbury Moor, single-storey rear extension. M Brooke, 114 West Royd Avenue, Mirfield, demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two detached dwellings. D Sharp, 81 Latham Lane, Cleckheaton, erection of detached store. John Broadhead, 1 York Court, Upper Batley, work to TPO(s) 23/77 within a conservation area. Martin Walsh Architectural Limited, 99 Leeds Road, Dewsbury, installation of two illuminated signs and three non-illuminated signs.
For North Kirklees plans and public and traffic notices go to www.thepressnews.co.uk/plans
Friday March 4, 2016
ThePress
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ThePress
News In Brief Teen broke night curfew MIRFIELD: A teenager broke a court curfew by going out at night. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, faces charges of burglary and aggravated vehicle taking and bail terms agreed at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court included a curfew. But when police visited his home one night, he was not there. Now he has been released on the same bail conditions as before.
Friday March 4, 2016
‘Sky-high rents stifling town’s chances of regeneration’– trader
‘Sex act’ man hunted THORNHILL LEES: An arrest warrant was issued for a man who failed to appear at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court accused of performing a sex act on himself. Mohammed Ozair, 30, of Providence Court, is alleged to have committed the act in the Cleckheaton area on November 23 last year.
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Empty shop premises in Batley, including Sian Makepeace’s Reunion Cafe. She plans to re-open in smaller premises – if the price is right
By David Miller PROPERTY landlords are stifling Batley’s regeneration with sky-high rent demands, a trader has claimed. Sian Makepeace closed her Reunion Cafe on Branch Road on Monday due to ill-health but vowed to be back when she has recovered. She scouted alternative premises in the town centre and was shocked by what landlords wanted.
Sian said of her future plans: “The sad truth is a lot of the empty units are owned by big corporations. “One in particular is owned by a company in London and it would take an enormous amount of money to refit the shop. “They were then asking for rent which is far and above what the footfall of Batley can cover.” Another empty shop needed a new ceiling and rewiring on top of what Sian claimed she was quoted in rent – £11,500 a year
plus VAT. She said: “That’s a lot of money to ask a small trader to invest in terms of the capital to do the building up and then pay rent.” Two other units said to be owned by Tesco could be more up Sian’s street when she returns. She said: “When I enquired about those, they were prepared to let you go in for six months rent-free. “The capital saved could then be used on the refit. That’s a much more favourable view of things
because investment is needed in this town.” Aside from Sian’s cafe, hair salon Above and Beyond on Upper Commercial Street closed recently. The Press counted 10 empty shops on Commercial Street from the town hall to Wellington Street, including the old Batley News office. Recent arrivals include ice cream parlour Gelato Passion and the Hometown Diner. Batley Business Association secretary Sian said the town could create
a niche for itself in vintage goods. She said: “Leave the supermarkets and chain stores to out-of-town shopping centres. I think what Batley is crying out for is vintage. “When you look at the success of Vintage Day and what else is already here, like Redbrick Mill, I think Batley is ripe for retro knick-knacks and clothes.” The third annual Batley Vintage Day is set for Sunday, May 28 (10am) in Market Place.
Burglars may have targeted victim before BURGLARS stole cash from an elderly woman they may have targeted before. Two men called at the woman’s property on Chapel Avenue, Heckmondwike, at around 2.30pm last Wednesday. One asked for a glass of water, while the other asked to use the toilet. It was later discovered that
money had been stolen from a wallet in the woman’s coat. The same men, both white and aged 30-40, may have approached her last year. One suspect is slim, about 5ft 7in tall, with short black hair and clean-shaven. His accomplice is of medium build and cleanshaven. He wore a white t-shirt and jacket.
PC Tracy Boucher of Kirklees CID said the burglars did not speak with local accents. She added: “The lady believes the men also approached her last year asking if she wanted any gardening work doing. Anyone with information can call Kirklees CID on 101 quoting reference 13160082398, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
‘Leave EU and save the NHS’ urges campaigner THE NHS can be saved by voting to leave the European Union, a campaigner has claimed. Aleks Lukic, chairman of UKIP’s Dewsbury, Batley and Spen branch, believes a trade deal leaves health care at risk of privatisation. He is in the ‘out’ camp pressing for the UK to leave the EU in a referendum vote on Thursday, June 23. Teacher Mr Lukic fears a deal with the USA called the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) puts the NHS in danger. Under the deal, public services could face competition from private firms across the pond. He said of a vote to leave: “The NHS will be safe from the TTIP deal being negotiated in secret by the EU and the USA.” Mr Lukic polled more than 9,000 votes when he stood in Batley and Spen at last May’s
Aleks Lukic... ‘NHS at risk’ general election. He lost to Labour’s Jo Cox, who is in favour of staying in Europe and was an advisor to Baroness Glenys Kinnock MEP in Brussels. Mrs Cox’s reasons for stay-
ing include jobs, employment rights, investment and national security. Mr Lukic said: “Workers’ rights are written into our laws, so they continue as normal. “Our co-operation in international bodies like NATO will continue to ensure our safety and security. “But we’ll gain full control over immigration. It will then be easier to plan schools, transport and NHS services to meet our needs.” He added: “Our laws will all be made here by people we elect. And we’ll gain control of other vital issues. “These include dredging rivers to prevent floods, state aid to protect jobs in struggling industries and exclusive fishing rights in our waters. “And nobody is seriously proposing that the French would make it harder to sell us their wine or the Germans their cars.”
ThePress
Friday March 4, 2016
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Devolution ‘a failure’ fumes Tory after school parking impasse... By David Miller
Dancers walk the line to raise cash for charity TWO line dancing events at Brighton Street WMC in Heckmondwike raised £538 for cancer charity Macmillan. Souls ’N’ Stone duo Jaynie Gregory and Greg Harrison, above, performed a live show. There were raffles, a hamper, a collection box and club officials provided the room free of charge. It followed an earlier fundraiser at the line dancing class Jaynie leads at the club on Monday nights. She thanked all those who donated, plus club workers including Diane Walton behind the bar for their hard work. She added: “I’d like to give a heartfelt and emotional thank you to my big brother Graeme for coming and joining us on stage for a few.” Jaynie’s line dancing classes are at the club on Mondays at 7.45pm. Call 07989 308255.
DEVOLUTION is not working and old-style Kirklees Council area committees should be brought back. That is the view of Coun Martyn Bolt after he was left fuming by a Dewsbury and Mirfield district panel meeting this week. He claimed a bid to tackle school parking issues in Mirfield was blocked by other councillors. In January, the council’s
Labour cabinet was said to have rejected a £30,000 Kirklees-wide proposal. Coun Bolt (Con, Mirfield) said the district panel put forward a different scheme solely for Ravensthorpe on Tuesday, costed at £23,000. He had worked on a project for Mirfield but assumed it would not be funded due to the cabinet decision. So when plans for Ravensthorpe were announced, Coun Bolt
asked for Mirfield to get some cash for its scheme too. But he claimed an amendment seconded by Coun Vivien LeesHamilton (Con, Mirfield) did not get to a vote as Dewsbury councillors blocked the attempt. Coun Bolt said: “Devolution is a failure and it’s affecting the people of Mirfield and that’s why I’m speaking out about it. “When Mirfield had its own area committee, we
could commission reports from officers to tackle issues proactively. “Now we find that those efforts are blocked either by bureaucracy or political interference.” Before the district panel, Mirfield was paired with Denby Dale and Kirkburton for an area committee that spent devolved funds. This could be for grants to community groups and Coun Bolt wants the system back, “or there needs
to be an understanding that Mirfield money should be spent without interference from Dewsbury councillors,” he said. “The irony is many of the school parking problems in Mirfield are caused by parents coming from Ravensthorpe. “Many pupils at MFG and Castle Hall are from outside the area. “I’m not sure, but I suspect the schools in Ravensthorpe are more localised.”
... but we can’t go back to old way says critic A COUNCILLOR has hit back at a Mirfield councillor’s claims that devolution is a failure – and said the town has control over its own budget. Dewsbury and Mirfield district panel chairman Coun Darren O’Donovan took aim at Coun Martyn Bolt’s suggestion that oldstyle area committees should be brought back. Coun O’Donovan (Lab, Dewsbury West) said the former committees had a cash pot that pitted wards against each other. He added Mirfield faced compe-
tition from Kirkburton and Denby Dale for funds under that system. Coun O’Donovan said: “No councillor was free to put forward any project because it was a democracy. “Under the district committee, wards have the freedom to come up with their own projects.” He accused Mirfield councillors of not coming up with ideas and said: “Their budget has rolled over for the last couple of years. “They’ve got quite a lot of money in their revenue budget because we’re not seeing them
come forward with projects.” Coun O’Donovan said any ideas would be considered and added: “There is deprivation in Mirfield and there’s young people who need things to do.” Recent decisions in the town’s favour include cash to protect public spaces like Knowl Park from illegal use. On Tuesday, Tories proposed an amendment to a school parking scheme in Ravensthorpe. This would have given Mirfield cash for a similar project, but the amendment did not get to a vote.
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Coun O’Donovan said: “There was no report on the table for any project in Mirfield. “If councillors in a ward want to table a project it requires a lot of work from officers to show it is viable. “Not every idea may be viable but where it is and where it is accompanied by a report, we’ll look at. “In order for the district committee to work, it’s important that ideas come organically from councillors, as well as members of the public.”
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Friday March 4, 2016
Update to stay ahead! O, did you follow any of the New Year’s resolutions in last month’s column? This month I would like to focus on one of them – ‘content is king’. Content is king Last month saw a major update in Google’s algorithm. Google Panda (the content review algorithm) used to be a filter that was applied to the search engine’s results criteria on a periodic basis, so every once in a while Google would review your website and read its content. Any duplicate content (both on the site itself and on other sites) is bad, any pages that don’t have unique ‘meta data’ (the page title and description that displays on a Google search) is bad. Any sites that remain static and are not evolving are deemed to be delivering less value than before and so will start to fall within the rankings, to name just a few of the criteria. The bottom line is that the content of your website is key to your success. Websites that are regularly updated (evolving) within a good structure, offering unique content are the ones that succeed. They are also the ones more
Web TALK with Andrew Firth Welcome to the latest edition of Web Talk, helping Kirklees website owners to prosper online since the changes came in, in mid-January. We are finding that longer pieces of content that are laid out with images, that offer a ‘how to’ or have tips and advice are scoring well in the search engines. These pieces will have the impact of bringing up your overall positions and are more likely to be shared by others. By preparing some good-quality content and then sharing it through your social media channels you are more likely to get others to share it, the more ‘viral’ your information goes the better and the new Google changes will reward you quicker for this. Content has always been king but it is now more important than ever and implementing a content strategy for your business is the quickest way to search engine success in 2016.
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likely to have their content shared, as you know from content you share on the internet, it has to be new, fresh and rarely promotional – good-quality content is thought leading and information rich and the recent Google update makes this even more important.
Google algorithm change Recent changes to the way Google ranks websites now means that instead of being a periodic filter, Panda is now part of the core Google algorithm. This means that every time Google reviews your site it takes content into account.
The advantage of this is that if you regularly update your content then this will be recognised more quickly by Google and so you can change your search engine positions quickly. For websites that only update content sporadically, you may have noticed a fall in positions
• To read more on this and other subjects, please visit the blog at www.ascensor.co.uk/blog For more information contact andrew@ascensor.co.uk Twitter: @andrewjfirth Connect on LinkedIn: andrewjfirth Ascensor are a Birstall-based digital agency providing website design, ecommerce and search engine optimisation.
ThePress
Friday March 4, 2016
EAT, & DRINK
mingle
A Greek gem that’s worth a visit
Nikoz, Ossett Review by Adele Latham OUR FIRST visit to this wonderful Greek gem will certainly not be our last. Our group of five adults were warmly greeted on
arrival by the staff and promptly shown to our table. It was mid-week and to my delight, they offer a midweek special of two courses for £12.95. The food was truly delicious, enjoyed by all, the
service was prompt, courteous and friendly, and the ambience was truly authentic. We were that impressed when we visited that we gave a five-star review on Tripadvisor.
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If you would like your restaurant, pub, bar, cafe, deli, takeaway or food business featured in our Eat, Drink & Mingle feature, please call Press editor David Bentley on 01924 470296 or email david@thepressnews.co.uk. Let the district know about your exciting new dishes and special offers, or arrange for a Press reviewer to visit!
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ThePress
Friday March 4, 2016
Hear Ann across the BBC radio network
Ann enjoys Saturday Night Takeaway with Ant & Dec I F YOU want the definition of a perfect Saturday night TV show, just ask Ant and Dec. The cheeky Geordie duo are masters at the art form, with their hit ITV series Saturday Night Takeaway making for ridiculously easy watching right in the middle of the weekend. I was lucky enough to visit the set at The London Studios to meet the boys. More coming soon, but for now I am preparing for ‘Ant vs Dec’...
Johnny Carr’s corporate imagery was the focus for Batley School of Arts students this week
Inspirational speech for budding photographers
COMEDIAN Norman Pace will be joining the musical Rocky Horror Show tour, joining fellow comedian Steve Punt and Coronation Street actor Charlie Condou in sharing the role of The Narrator on the UK tour.
Ann at the Saturday Night Takeaway studios in London
HARRY ENFIELD is to play Prince Charles in Channel Four’s new comedy soap opera The Windsors. The broadcaster has announced the cast as filming begins on the new six-part series, and Harry tells me: “It won’t be cruel but good fun and I think the royals may just enjoy it too.”
FORMER EastEnders actor Bobby Davro has complained that he can’t get TV slots as he’s been pigeonholed as ‘belonging the 1980s’. The comic, a regular on prime-time variety shows of the 1980s and 1990s, accepts that tastes change – but he’s keen to prove that he’s still relevant. “They should bring back a form of entertainment for performers of my era, they should call it Still Alive at the Apollo,” he said.
NICK GRIMSHAW and host Caroline Flack will not be returning to The X Factor as Simon Cowell tries to save the singing competition from falling viewing figures. A source tells me: “It’s been a difficult decision but after the showing of last year’s figures Simon felt he had no choice.” MICHAEL CRAWFORD will reprise his famous role as Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em in a one-off special for Sport Relief. Michael, well known as the Phantom of the Opera, is also looking to fill a London theatre as he prepares to return to the stage this spring. A source reveals: “It’s a great mix, as it reminds people what a great actor Michael is and also they may just book to see him too.” THE VICAR of Dibley could return to television. Star Dawn French has reiterated her belief that Geraldine Grainger could return to screens as a bishop. Dawn tells me: “I think it could work, and why not? Time has moved on and I think people would be happy for her to have the top job too.” BBC TWO’S social experiment The Real Marigold Hotel is to return for a second series. The first series, which saw Wayne Sleep and
comic Roy Walker spend time in India with a view to retirement, has proved a ratings success and now the TV show is looking towards another clever mix of stars to go to another location.
EMMERDALE’S new boss Iain MacLeod says the show is overlooked for awards. “It’s desperately unfair,” he told me. “I think we do some great work, and yet we seem to be the soap that year on year gets overlooked. I plan to change all that and bring our fans out fighting. They all want us to win, you know.” BBC TWO will delve into TV news and gossip in a live teatime format presented by Emma Bunton, Sara Cox, Rufus Hound and Aled Jones. A source reveals it’s nothing new, just a mix of previews and guests of shows that are coming up on the BBC’s channels. But if it’s a success it could be an all-year-round fixture. THE BBC is to air another tribute to Peter Kay’s comedy career – this one spanning six half-hour episodes. Peter Kay’s Comedy Shuffle follows on from BBC One’s Christmas special about the comedian, which was subtitled 20 Years Of Funny. The Beeb – which recently signed the comic to star in Car Share and Cradle to Grave, after a long career with Channel Four – said the new show will be a chance to ‘celebrate and re-discover’ Kay’s old work.
Maycon Pictures
A STATUE of Morecambe and Wise is to be unveiled in Blackpool this autumn as part of the celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of their theatrical debut. Eric Morecambe’s daughter Gail tells me: “Dad and Ernie would be very honoured and excited to know that the statue celebrating their 75th anniversary as a double act is to be sited in the foyer of the magnificent Blackpool Winter Gardens. This is where they appeared in the 1955 Royal Variety Show, it’s great news.” DOWNTON ABBEY actor Brendan Coyle, who played Mr Bates, tells me he is hopeful of a movie version of the TV drama. “I think we all are, as we all miss getting together on location,” he said. “But you do, after all it’s been six years in total and you’re in people’s lives, which they love of course.” EMMERDALE actor Danny Miller says: “I take breaks alone, I make sure I’m not snapped out of Aaron’s dark mood. He is a complex character, so I know how it can pan out, but people ask do I find it hard to keep in character? I do, hence the breaks, but it’s great playing him, he is a one-off.”
THE WORLD of corporate imagery was in focus for Batley School of Art students on Tuesday. Former student Johnny Carr gave a talk at the Kirklees College-based school about life after he completed an HND in photography. Jonny, who has a studio at Redbrick Mill, is now a seasoned snapper who has branched out into TV adverts.
He has won awards for his work with Audi, Wagamama, Malmaison and Fruit of the Loom. And Johnny even created a film piece for comedian Michael McIntyre which was shown on stage before his entrance. Katrina Whitehead, course leader of the school’s degree in photography and moving image, said: “Johnny was able to talk about the prob-
lems he faced when competing with other photographers in London. “It was also interesting to learn about his journey from being a student here at Batley School of Art and how he has worked around the world including Los Angeles and Australia, developing the extra creative skills needed to work with very tight budgets.”
BRASS BAND RELOCATING FOR TRADITIONAL MARCH CONCERT BRIGHOUSE & Rastrick Band are visiting a fresh venue for their traditional March concert but are sure to provide the height of entertainment when they relocate to Dewsbury Town Hall for their own spring promotion on March 19. Major roof repairs at Huddersfield Town Hall have forced the change, but Kirklees Council have gone out of their way to support one of their most popular acts at another of their venues. Band personnel are thrilled to be returning to the Dewsbury hall due to its homely atmosphere with great sightlines, space and acoustics. Recently-appointed resident musical director Leigh Baker will front proceed-
ings next month, and judging by the reaction to his first appearance in front of the band in Brighouse recently, concert-goers are in for a treat. Leigh focuses on entertainment and there are sure to be plenty of smiling faces at the Dewsbury concert. The band will feature no guest band, as normally happens in Huddersfield, enabling them to display their own exceptional form and musicality to the full. Tickets for the event are available from all usual Kirklees outlets including Cleckheaton and Dewsbury town halls, contact the box office on 01484 223200 or visit the website at www.kirkleestownhalls.co.uk.
Treasured classic reimagined
GEORGE CLOONEY admits that he still watches old episodes of Downton Abbey. He told a source: “I think the show is great, and I loved making a guest cameo in it. Yes I was nervous, because when you love something you want to get it right, and I so did.” THE GREAT British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc is to star in a new Radio Four sketch comedy show described as a ‘modern Round the Horne’. She tells me: “I have always loved radio comedy and this is my chance to really show some of the characters I have been developing over the years, I can’t wait to get started.”
THE NORTHERN Ballet's remarkable dancers bring the legendary Swan Lake to life for one unmissable week at Leeds Grand Theatre. Adored by audiences for over 100 years, Swan Lake is the most famous ballet in the
world and is performed to Tchaikovsky’s beautiful and moving score, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia. A treasured classic reimagined and timeless ballet for a modern audience, tickets are priced £10 to £47.50.
Swan Lake opened yesterday (Thurs) and runs until Saturday March 12 (evenings 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm). Box office: 08448 482700 or visit www.leedsgrand theatre.com.
ThePress
Friday March 4, 2016
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Support our local towns – and CLOSING DOWN SALE your neighbours Everything Must Go!
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SHOPPING locally means receiving professional, personal service from people who care about their business, right on your own doorstep. One of the common themes of modern life that people complain about is the breakdown of community – but it’s in our hands to make a difference! Towns like Dewsbury, Mirfield, Batley, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, Ossett and areas like Liversedge, Gomersal, Birkenshaw, Healey, Ravensthorpe and Savile Town are the lifeblood of our communities – and the people plying their trade there are our neighbours. The modern ‘convenience’ age of outof-town shopping centres, and the massive but personality-free supermarkets are an everyday part of our life. But for real, friendly service, helpful personal advice that the bigger multinational businesses can’t match, and for a rich diversity of goods and services, you can’t beat the warm and friendly high streets on your doorsteps. It’s the wide range of services available that sets your local town apart. If you want a plumber or your car fixing, you want someone who’s known
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Friday March 4, 2016
Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details WEDNESDAY MARCH 16 MONDAY MARCH 7 LUDDITES TRAIL (2) P & C H (NK) BLUE HILLS OF BIRKENSHAW (NK) Meet 11.30am at junction of Meet 1pm top car park at Oakwell Primrose Lane & Cartwright Hall WF17 9LG Street, BD19 5LS GR SE 217 270 5.5 miles (M) GR SE 198 25 5 miles (M) Note: No dogs Leader: Jim Leader: Kathleen O’Shea Tel: 01924 469700 Tel: 01924 471473
Orbison fans get show treat A SHOW celebrating the life and music of the Big ‘O’ arrives at Dewsbury Town Hall next weekend. Barry Steele and Friends’ ‘The Roy Orbison Story’ celebrates a special year, as 2016 would have been the rock & roll musician’s 80th birthday. The new production is touring venues across the UK taking the audience on a specially-revamped musical journey in time, from the early Sun Records years right through to the late 80s and the internationally acclaimed concert ‘A Black and White Night’. The show also pays homage to the time Roy spent with the Traveling Wilburys. Added to the mix are guest artists celebrating the music from legends Roy actually toured and performed with, backed by top musicians and singers. It was on a family holiday in Cornwall in 2001 that Barry Steele took the first steps on the road to becoming a professional singer, when his wife Lynne and their daughter Leonie entered him into a singing competition without his knowledge. It was there that a fellow competitor said to him: “You know you sound just like Roy Orbison singing Robbie Williams!” so with the help of family and friends a tribute to the Big ‘O’ was born. Barry is now widely recognised as one of the world’s leading tributes to Roy Orbison. He’s also on stage with a big screen featuring both live streaming and images from the life and times of the artist, interspersed with factoids about the life and times of a man considered to be one of the best singers the world has ever known. ‘The Roy Orbison Story’ comes to Dewsbury Town Hall on Saturday March 12, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets priced £19 are available online at https://tickets.kirklees.gov.uk or by calling 01924 324501.
Church house rock ELVIS PRESLEY is coming to Thornhill. Rev Andy Kelso’s tribute act will be at Thornhill Parish Church tomorrow (Sat) at 7.30pm. Andy’s show comprises the best of Elvis with rock, ballad and gospel songs. The well-known entertainer is chaplain at Worcester Warriors rugby club and combines this with his touring life as Elvis. Andy says of the show: “I want everyone to have a great evening, enjoying the best of Elvis and hopefully some dancing! "I’m able to share some of Elvis’ journey in and between songs and how his journey and mine were the same. It will definitely be a night to remember.” A near fatal motor cycling accident was to change the course of Andy’s life and parts of his amazing story are weaved into his act to make it a more memorable and magical evening. Tickets are available online at www.wegottickets.com/event/347239, from the church or Thornhill Newsagents or by calling 01924 507782.
CRUCIBLE CREW... TONIGHT (Fri) sees Dewsbury Arts Group begin performances of The Crucible by Arthur Miller, one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. The powerful drama concerns the Puritan purge of witchcraft in Old Salem and tells how small lies can build and build until a whole town is aroused and 19 men and women go to the gallows for being possessed by the devil. They are good men and women, upright, hard working
and compassionate god-fearing people. The play opened on Broadway in 1953, won a Tony Award and quickly became an acknowledged classic. The large cast includes a number of Dewsbury Arts youth members who are taking part in this main production. The Crucible will run on March 4 and 5 then from March 7-12 at the Artspace, Lower Peel Street, off Bradford Road, Dewsbury at 7.30pm. For bookings call 01924 465647.
Holme Moss for Brian’s ride The very model of ENTRIES are being sought for the 10th annual Brian Robinson charity bike ride in April. Riders can test themselves on gruelling Holme Moss – which formed part of the Tour de France Yorkshire Grand Depart in 2014. Cash raised from the Sunday April 25 event will be in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. It is being organised by Coun Martyn Bolt in celebration of Mirfield Tour de France legend Brian Robinson. Brian, 85, the first Briton to win a stage of the famous race in 1958, still rides his bike twice a week. The 2016 event is based at Huddersfield New College at Salendine Nook near the M62. Hundreds of riders from across the UK, Europe and even further afield are expected to take part. The first 12 miles are without a turn as the route drops over Buckstones Moor into Lancashire before coming back into Yorkshire via Standedge. Riders will be supported by marshals from West Yorkshire Advanced Motorcyclists. Mechanical and first aid will be on standby and there will be a well-stocked refreshment station at about half-way.
a modern show
Coun Bolt said: “This year’s event will once again feature a closed road roll-out for all riders to start en masse. “That will make for a fantastic spectacle as the noise of hundreds of riders combines with the roar of motorcycle engines to lead the event away.” Entries can be made online at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/det ails/140837/Brian-Robinson-Challenge-Ride2016.
Art fair next month Finale to another great concert season CALLING all artists! The Yorkshire Art Fair 2016 takes place at Cleckheaton Town Hall and will be held on Saturday, April 16. If you are interested in taking a stand or would like further information, call Ann on 07946 548046 or email info@yorkshireart fair.com.
ENJOY the vocal talents of Ross McInroy (bass) with Geoffrey Tanti (piano) on Wednesday March 9 in the final lunchtime concert of the season at Dewsbury Town Hall. Ross McInroy is a prizewinning rising star of classi-
cal music, who has appeared in operas ranging from Mozart to Britten. In the finale to the 2015/16 Kirklees Lunchtime Concert series, Ross will be singing something for all tastes, with songs from both opera and Broadway.
The concert starts at 12.30pm, and competitively priced lunches are available from 11.30am. Tickets are £5.50 each (£4 for concessions) and can be booked by calling 01484 223200 or visiting www. kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls.
HECKMONDWIKE Players have chosen Gilbert and Sullivan’s popular operetta The Pirates Of Penzance for their March production – coinciding with the fact that 2016 is a leap year. Due to be performed at Cleckheaton Town Hall from Wednesday March 16 to Saturday March 19, the central character in the swashbuckling tale is Frederic, a pirate apprentice who has finally graduated into a full-fledged buccaneer – or has he? Unfortunately it has been overlooked that Frederic’s birthday is on February 29 – a leap year, making him in reality only five years old! Hilarity ensues as a band of inept and rather cowardly police are drafted in by Major General Stanley and his daughters to deal with the brigands. Playing the Major General is Ian Fryer, who regular audience members will remember for his outstanding performance in Jekyll And Hyde last year. Richard Armstrong is playing the lovelorn Frederic, with Players regulars Sheelagh Wood and Helen Wrigglesworth in the roles of pirate maid Ruth and Mabel. There are plenty of laughs in the rollicking, chaotic and witty tale set to the much-loved music of Arther Sullivan. Songs include With Catlike Tread, When The Foeman Bares His Steel and I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major General. Evening performances start at 7.15pm from March 16 to March 19, with a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm. For ticket details call 01924 492671.
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Birkenshaw How to advertise... book place in cup final There are THREE ways to place your advert: 1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Come into the offices of The
NEW Stag mahogany minstrel set of drawers, very good condition £22. Tel 07806 431728. (1868) Extendable table and 6 chairs, in dark oak, £150 ono, only two years old, bought from Redbrick Mill. Tel: 01924 467710 (after 5pm) (1881) Stag mahogany Minstrel TV stand with storage, excellent condition £22. Tel 07806 431728. (1882) Two Stag mahogany Minstrel carver dining chairs, never used, £25 the pair. Tel 07806 431728. (1882) Nero Sport treadmill with digital readout, speed/timer/calories etc. Good working order, no longer required (joined gym), £80 ono. Tel 01924 439556. (1883)
Four single duvets with mattress cosy toppers, £20 for all four. Tel 01924 470866. (1884) Shoe rack (extends), £4. Tel 01924 470866. (1884) Space saver spare wheel, fits Ford Ka 2009-2016 and Fiat 500 same years. Complete with fitted tray, jack and tools. Used twice, genuine Ford part £50. Tel 01924 505600. (1885) COLLECTABLES Collectable Edwardian sledge, wooden slaits on cast iron blades, ideal for use as sledge or garden ornament £15 ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1855) Boxed Victorian dolls, porcelain 12” high, with stands. Brand-new, in boxes £6 each ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1823) FABRIC/FASHION/ CLOTHING Two leather jackets, one brown, one black. Size 44 reg, as new £7 each. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal) (1870)
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
tern, in excellent condition; electric mechanism seldom used. Approximately one year old £600 ono, buyer collects. Tel 07555 586935 after 5pm. (1880)
Cot bed, in light oak, bought from Babies R Us. Good condition £65. Tel 07806 431728. (1875) Quality teak pedestal, round dining table, extends to oblong, with four spindle back chairs in padded green with studded seats. All in good condition, £150. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) Two-seater conservatory settee and swivel chair, in beige, with upright table and buffet in wicker. Very good condition, all for £175 ono. Tel 01924 495473. (1874) Three-seater sofa, twoseater sofa and armchair, beige material, good condition £120. Tel 07792 567788, buyer collects. (1867) Orange and cream carpet, good condition, 6yds x 4yds £60. Tel 07792 567788, buyer collects. (1867) Oblong mahogany coffee table, glass topped £15. Tel 07806 431728. (1868) Oak TV stand with storage £25 ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1868) Pine wardrobe two drawers at bottom £40 ono. Tel 01924 494704. (1862) Pine chest of drawers £40 ono. Tel 01924 494704. (1862) Computer table, light oak, good condition £12. Tel 01924 406513. (1859) Bed settee, metal action. Opens out to double bed, in blue, excellent condition £150. Tel 01484 656666. (1857) Teak, round dining table, extends to oblong, and four chairs all in good condition £200. Tel 01484 656666. (1856)
Ladies double-breasted red coat, size 12, new, not worn £15. Tel 01484 656666. (1856)
Smokers’ stand in brass, over 50 years old, in good condition £20. Tel 01484 656666. (1856)
Vintage wedding dress with train. Very pretty white chiffon and lace. Size 10/12. High neck and flared sleeves. £70 Tel 01924 495675 (1853)
King-size brown leather sleigh bed. £75. Tel 01924 464527 (1852)
Two leather jackets. 44 reg, one black and one brown. Excellent condition. £7 each. Tel 01274 876814 (1844) Ladies coat size 16/18. Fully reversible. Coloured suedette patches and faux fur. £25 ono. Tel 07876 163070 (1845) FURNITURE Oak finish dinette kitchen table (48” x 30”), with four matching chairs, excellent condition £50. Tel 01924 218361 (evenings only before 9pm). (1879) Shackletons riser chair, mid green with pale beige pat-
Black recliner electric massage chair. £150. Tel 01274 398891 (1848) Large three-seater and twoseater settee with matching pouffe in leather. Mid-mushroom colour. Extremely well made, good condition. Buyer to collect. £100 ono (Gomersal) Tel 01274 687250 (1849) Five-foot damask bed. Pocket sprung base and mattress with two drawers. Good condition. £50 Tel 01924 464527 (1850) King-size four-drawer bed, with Benson’s Sleepmaster individual pocket sprung censor foam luxury mattress. Unmarked, excellent
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.
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condition. Cost over £1,000 new, bargain at £150 ono. Sale due to removal. Buyer collects (Mirfield) Tel 07876 163070 (1841)
15x – 45x spotting scope with angled eyepiece. Tripod mounting bush. Mint condition £45. Tel 01924 524201. (1863)
Stunning, ornate, Japanesestyle, lacquered, oval occasional table with six buffets, in dark red wood, with removable glass top, and mother of pearl decorations. £600 ono. Tel 07952 526527 after 2pm. (1831)
MOBILITY Rollator walking aid with seat and basket, four wheels and twin brakes; height adjust level. Folds flat for transport, fits behind driver’s seat. As , £45, can deliver. Tel 01924 524201. (1863)
GARDEN/OUTDOOR Electric rotavator, garden shredder and builder’s bag of topsoil, £20 each item. Tel 01274 876542 (buyer to collect) (1872)
SPORTING/ OUTDOOR/FITNESS Camping stove and picnic basket, table, gas and kettle £20. Tel 01924 505834. (1878)
HOUSEHOLD Brass standard lamp for sale, with glass shade, £25. Tel 01924 470028 after 6pm. (1836) Crown regency gold leaf china tea set. £10. Tel 01924 464527 (1851) KITCHEN Modern kitchen (still fitted until mid-March). Light cream, custom built, nine wall units, nine floor units. Sensible offers considered. Tel 01924 408171 (message service available). (1877) Russell Hobbs bread maker with all the instructions, used twice £15. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) MOTORING Trailer indespension unit, including 50mm tow hitch and wheel rims £20. Tel 01924 505834. (1878) Pair of steel wheels (five stud), with winter tyres, as new, three months old. Excellent condition. To fit Astra or similar cars. Size 205/60 R16/92H, £100 ono for quick sale; grab yourself a bargain! Tel Michael 07919 257229. (1873) Matching pair of Jebs GTR motorcycle helmets. Very little used. Colour white with mauve and green flashes, show use only, £25 each, prefer to sell as a pair. Tel 01924 451024. (1869) MISCELLANEOUS Professional aluminium photographic case. Absolutely bomb proof. Top tray for camera, filters etc, with large vertical compartments below for flash & large zoom lenses. As new £45. Tel 01924 524201. (1863)
Genuine USA wooden baseball bat, seen active service in Baltimore and Roberttown Rec. for dogs! £15. Tel 01924 524201. (1863) Wondercore II exercise machine, unused, as new £30 ono. Tel 01924 501770. (1860) Cross trainer/exercise bike, very good for low impact exercises, complete with computer displaying time, speed and calories £80, buyer to collect. Tel 07719 431991. (1858) Set of crown green bowls, black lignoid, 2lb 10oz £20. Tel 07772 910983. (1854) Apollo ladies/girls bike with 18 gears and suspension. New lights etc. Excellent condition. £35. Tel 01274 876814 (1842) TOOLS/DIY Plasplugs manual floor and wall tile cutter, will cut tiles up to 16” square. Used for one job only, £25 no offers. Tel 01924 451024. (1869) Timber, 2 metre lengths, 4 x 1, 20 pieces £20. Tel Batley 01924 472043. (1838) TOYS, GAMES & CHILDREN’S GOODS Graco child safety car seat, as new condition £15, only used for grandchild. Tel 01924 511296. (1865) Two scooters. £5 both. Tel 07806 431728 (1846) Barbie two-tier dolls house; pulls up for storage £5 ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1823) WANTED Wanted: Small ‘N’ gauge model railway, baseboard, rolling stock, engines etc. Tel Ray 07833 355170. (1864)
BIRKENSHAW booked their place in the Heavy Woollen Challenge Cup final after goals from Joel Farrar (brace), Liam Fox and Luke Barker saw them win 4-2 against Millbridge WMC, who replied through a Luke Sherman double. St John Fisher cruised into the other semi-final with a 30 win over Heckmondwike Sports Club. Fisher meet Mirfield Town at Overthorpe Sports Club on March 13 to see who will be Birkenshaw’s opponents in the final. Mirfield Town moved three points clear at the top of the Premier Division after beating bottom side Overthorpe Sports Club 6-1. Lewis Ward opened the scoring for Overthorpe but Town hit back with goals from Michael Rounding, Jonathan Mitchell, Reece Drake, Gibril Bojang, Adam Brown and Tom Hague. In the only other Premier Division game to be played, AFC Chickenley earned three vital points in their battle against the drop with a 3-2
win at Woodman Batley Carr thanks to strikes from Jack Smith, Tim Clarke and Michael Chadwick. Woodman replied through Dominic Karimi and Jonny Walton. Clifton Rangers lead the Championship by a single point following a 1-1 draw against sixth-placed Hartshead. Town Rangers climbed to fifth place with a 5-0 win at bottom side Ravenswharfe. Richard Carter led the way with a double for Rangers, with John Morris, James Hutchinson and Lee Breen also finding the net. Dave Hall, Thomas Secker and Scott Lightowler all scored as Hanging Heaton Cricket Club maintained their eight-point lead at the top of Division One with a 31 win at third-placed Battyeford, who replied through Joe Green. The Yorkshireman lie second after they won 8-2 at lowly Punch Bowl (Nathan Williams and Kyle Kershaw). St Ignatius climbed to sev-
enth place after coming from behind to win 3-2 against Scholes Athletic. A Jonny Irvine brace put Scholes in control, but Ignatius won the points thanks to Alex Spurr, Tim Blackburn and Christian Fletcher. The top two sides in Division Two met at the weekend and it was leaders Old Bank WMC who emerged victorious with a 3-1 victory over Batley Irish Nash. Joshua Cooke (two) and Robert Evans netted for Old Bank, with Sean Housecroft hitting Nash’s consolation. Saul Lee and Nathan Rogerson scored as Saville Arms climbed to third place with a 2-1 win at Clifton Rangers A. Overthorpe Sports Club Reserves won 4-2 at bottom side Shire thanks to Danny Marshall (brace), Lee Davey and Sean Hodgson. Shire replied through Dwayne Chappell and Steven Evans. And finally Six Lane Ends won 4-2 at home to Snowdon, who scored through Irfan Ali and Atif Basharat.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
BELLES LAY DOWN MARKER WITH WIN OVER CLOSE RIVALS BATTYEFORD BELLES took a huge step toward fulfilling their hopes of a promotion to the West Riding County Women’s League Premier Division when they crushed First Division title rivals Bradford City A 5-1 in their last league outing. The City side, like Battyeford, have enjoyed successive promotions and are looking for their third in a row, but it may not be a third successive title on this showing. Two goals in the first 10 minutes, firstly from Battyeford’s Becky Wiggans and then an equaliser from City’s Lois Cooper, saw the two side fighting it out in the most even of contests but the game swung Battyeford’s way with two goals from Bex Raynor and one, right on half-time, from in-form Sarah Hemmingway. City came out fighting in the second half but Raynor curled a shot into the top corner in the 51st minute and, at 5-1, City’s last hope of salvaging something from the game disappeared. Megan Kerr picked up the player of the match Award for Battyeford, who have no game this week, but this youthful talented side will be keen to get back in action against Leeds Medics and Dentists, also in the promotion hunt, in their next game the week after. Leeds Medics, at home to Hebden Royd, and Bradford City, at Ilkley, both have a chance to close the gap on the Belles if they can win their respective games this week. In the Premier Division Hemsworth’s 2-2 draw at Brighouse Athletic leaves just three points separating the top five teams, with Ossett Town nicely poised in third place with games in hand. Third-placed Town had no game last week but a win at second-placed Tingley Athletic on Sunday will put them top of the table on goal difference. Belles reserves managed their second win of the season in beating Middleton Park 2-1 last week, but they entertain runaway leaders Brighouse Town Development
Player of the match Megan Kerr clears the ball in Battyeford’s impressive win this week and are unlikely to get anything out of the game. Dewsbury Rangers remain well-placed for promotion from Division Three after a 2-1 win over Crossley left them in joint second place with games in hand on their closest rivals, Farsley Celtic Development, ahead of a derby clash at the Ossett Town Development side who went down 4-0 at Skipton in their last game.
DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS Tuesday February 23: 1 G Bragg and C Walker; 2 W and J Davies;
3 G Fishwick and J Tomlinson; 4 J Bragg and D Hannam.
ThePress
Friday March 4, 2016
25
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Fears increase over Sedge’s survival hopes NCEL Premier
BRIGG TOWN
2
LIVERSEDGE
1
at The Hawthorns LIVERSEDGE’S fixture congestion gets worse by the week and their league position is not getting any better either following a 2-1 defeat away at Brigg Town last weekend, before
their Tuesday night match against Retford United was called off in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division. The Clayborn outfit took an early lead against fellow NCEL strugglers Brigg Town but in the 20th minute the hosts hit back through Matthew Parker. The teams were level at the interval and after the restart both sides searched for a vital three points.
With little over 20 minutes remaining in the cagey encounter the hosts took the lead through Paul Grimes and his goal was enough to seal the win for the home side. The defeat, followed by Tuesday’s home game being postponed, leaves Liversedge eight points adrift at the bottom of the table and with a serious mountain to climb if they are to avoid their first relegation from the NCEL Premier Division.
Town unbeaten in last three outings Evo-Sik First Division North
OSSETT TOWN
2
LANCASTER CITY
2
at 4G Voice and Data Stadium OSSETT TOWN were robbed of all three points at the death against Lancaster City in the Evo-Stik First Division North. Lancaster’s Zach Clark earned the visitors a point with a last minute equaliser to make it 2-2, a result which did neither side any favours. Town started strongly, going ahead in the 12th minute through Alex Peterson. Danny Frost then doubled the Reds’ advantage nine minutes
later with a fine stike. But a half-time grilling from the Lancaster boss rejuvinated his side and they pulled off a surprise second half comeback. Jacob Gregory halved the visitors deficit before Clark clinched a point for his side late on. Town’s Tuesday night game against Witton Albion was postponed, which leaves Grant Black’s men two points above the relegation zone. They look to extend that margin when they host Bamber Bridge tomorrow (3pm). For that game Black’s squad has been boosted by the arrival of Alex Metcalfe from Scarborough Athletic. The versatile midfielder, who is comfortable in the middle or on
SPEN VALLEY SUNDAY LEAGUE FOOTBALL
the left wing, has had plenty of experience in the Evo-Stik league having previously played for Harrogate Railway and Town’s near neighbours Ossett Albion. Reds boss Black said: “It is a coup for Ossett Town to sign a player of Metcalfe’s quality. “He is hungry to get back playing and enjoying his football again, he has the potential to be a big player for the club for the remainder of this season.” Meanwhile Josh Moore has left Town, having dual-signed with NCEL side Parkgate. The striker made the decision in a bid to find first team football for the remainder of the season. He scored three goals in eight appearances for the Reds since joining the club last November.
RUGBY UNION EXTRA
Albion’s promotion dream dealt blow Evo-Stik First Division North OSSETT ALBION 0 RADCLIFFE BOROUGH 2 at Queens Terrace OSSETT ALBION’S promotion hopes were dealt a severe blow on Tuesday night when they lost 2-0 at home to Radcliffe Borough in the Evo-Stik First Division North. Jodie Banim gave his side a 10th-minute lead but the game was evenly balanced through to half-time. But Richard Tracey’s men were slow out of the blocks in the second period and that allowed Sam McMahon to double Radcliffe’s lead in the 48th minute. Albion struggled in front of goal for the remainder of the game and in doing so fell to their 13th defeat of the campaign. The loss to Radcliffe was Albion’s second league defeat on
Adam Jones had a chance to put Albion ahead against Farsley Adam Hirst the bounce following their away loss to Farsley Celtic last Saturday. Jordan Deacey’s 53rd minute strike was the difference between the two sides that day. Albion have slipped to sixth in the league and play Lancaster City away tomorrow (3pm).
JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE
Birstall Vic’s youth pre-season training with T3 Wellbeing LAST weekend saw Birstall Victoria youngsters take part in a pre-season training camp organised by T3 Wellbeing. The day’s activities also acted as a fundraiser for the Leeds Rhinos chal-
lenge event being held at Skegness’ Butlins resort in May. Victoria’s under10s and 11s were put through their paces with challenges including moving beer kegs, pushing a large tyre and com-
pleting 25 sit-ups as a team whilst linking arms last Saturday. The day was to enable Victoria’s junior ranks to further their skills, with accolades being awarded based on fitness, leadership and positive attitude.
Savile Youth still second March set to be despite Hightown defeat vital month in Cleck’s season
IN THE Spen Valley Football League Premier Division, league leaders Girlington dropped points away at Idle following a 33 draw. Luke Chandler and a Aaron Irving double was enough to earn Idle a point as the away side scored through Adeeb Jawad Shoaib Javed and a Danyal Dar penalty. But Savile Youth remain second after they slipped up against Hightown Jets 4-3. Tahir Polli’s hat-trick made it a tight game but the Jets edged it thanks to Nathan Clarke (two), James Mortimor and an own goal. Hartshead comfortably beat Vision 4-0 with strikes from Jordan Fox (two), Haydan Fox and Ryan Kirton. Palestino also made ground on the league leaders. Ben McCardle’s hat-trick and a strike from Abdur Rahim rounded off a 4-2 win over Savile United, who
replied through Faisal and Uzair Kola. Athletico also edged out White Abbey Road 1-0. In the First Division Jamil Sair’s four-goal-haul and an Atif strike helped Dewsbury West Side extend their lead at the top following a 5-2 win over West End Park, who replied through Matty Softley and Connor Lyons. But Norfolk suffered a surprise 4-0 home defeat to Smoking Aces. Abbas Arif (two), Bilal Salu and Gulam Habib scored for the visitors. And in the Spen Valley Memorial Trophy Mount Pleasant beat Howden Clough 3-0 with goals from Saif Akbar, Adam Zaman and Abdullah Mayat. Savile Town managed a goal from M Wadee but it wasn’t enough against Inter Batley, who went through thanks to goals from Osama Ahmed (two) and Moosa Hafej.
CLECKHEATON RUFC aim to boost their survival hopes in National League Three North when they travel to face Sheffield tomorrow (3pm) to start a tough month which includes three away fixtures. The Moorenders didn’t play last weekend and will go into the Sheffield clash lying third from bottom of the table. Lymm will be Cleckheaton’s only home game in March before games at strugglers Stockport and mid-table Rossendale. It will be a tough month and one that could determine Cleckheaton’s chances of avoiding the drop. So far this season the Moorenders’ away form has been poor and they have only won once on the road. Sheffield currently lie fifth in National League Three North, so a win for Cleckheaton tomorrow could be a big morale boost. The Moorenders do have form on their side, however, having won three of their last four games.
Birstall Victoria’s Under-10s and 11s in action during a training session organised by T3 Wellbeing
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ThePress
Friday March 4, 2016
KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Brambani earns Bulldogs impressive win at Halifax Kingstone Press Championship
HALIFAX
12
BATLEY BULLDOGS
17
John Anderson at The Shay BATLEY BULLDOGS produced a magnificent defensive performance to make it three wins out of four at the start of the Championship season. In a tight game, the Bulldogs’ forward pack provided the platform for former Sheffield man Dominic Brambani to provide the spark to secure victory in this fiercely contested West Yorkshire derby. Halifax were on the back foot from the kick off as Ben Heaton knocked the ball on to give the visitors great field position. Halifax survived though as Wayne Reittie couldn’t claim Brambani’s high kick. The opening quarter saw both sides doing the basics well and kicking the ball deep into opposition territory with no clear chances for either side. That changed in the 18th minute as Cain Southernwood made a half break for Batley. He looked like he was going to make a run for the line but a terrific tackle from Mitch Cahalane denied him any further progress. The first penalty of the game arrived a minute later and, straight from the tap, Heaton ran through some weak defence. The Halifax centre was stopped just inches from the line but the hosts forced a repeat set as Alex Bretherton was trapped in goal after a good kick by Scott Murrell. On the back of that drop out Halifax thought they’d opened the scoring as Gareth Moore produced a lovely step and dashed through a gap to score. Referee George Stokes had other ideas however as he pulled play back for an obstruction and Batley were handed a reprieve. But he Bulldogs didn’t heed the warning
and in the 26th minute a great run from Richard Moore attracted four opposition defenders towards the prop forward. This left huge space out wide as Gareth Moore timed his pass perfectly to set Dane Manning through a gap to score. Steve Tyrer converted. John Kear’s side tried to force their way back into the game and just past the half hour mark it took more heroic defence from Cahalane to deny them as he somehow stopped Alex Rowe from scoring as he charged onto the ball from close range. Two penalties in quick succession just before half-time gave Batley a chance to attack their opponents’ line and it was a chance they didn’t waste. Brambani showed his class to expertly sidestep through the Halifax defence before offloading to Bretherton who touched down at side of posts. Brambani added the extras and then superbly kicked a penalty from 40 metres out with the last kick of the half to give the visitors an 8-6 half-time lead. At the start of the second half it was Halifax’s turn to benefit from back-to-back penalties as Gareth Moore threw a superb dummy before stepping back on the inside to cross the line untouched. Tyrer added the extras to extend Halifax’s lead to 12-8. But that was as good as it got for the home side and in the 49th minute Batley spread the ball out to the right hand side where Brambani was waiting. There didn’t seem to be much on but the half back produced a great side step before grounding the ball despite heavy pressure from Halifax defenders. The try-scorer added the extras before he missed a penalty to extend his side’s lead. In the 65th minute Batley did double their advantage as Pat Walker knocked over a penalty from under the posts. And in the final 10 minutes Halifax threw everything at their opponents but they couldn’t force their way over the line and a Brambani drop goal with just seconds left sealed the win for the Bulldogs.
MATCH STATS: HALIFAX 2. Will Sharp 25. Jake Eccleston 4. Ben Heaton 3. Steve Tyrer 5. James Saltonstall 7. Gareth Moore 6. Scott Murrell 10. Luke Ambler 9. Ben Kaye 8. Mitch Cahalane 27. Ross Divorty 11. Dane Manning 14. Adam Tangata SUBS: 13. Jacob Fairbank 15. Ryan Maneely 16. Richard Moore 26. Ed Barber
7 6 7 6 6 7 7 6 6 8 7 8 7 6 6 7 6
BATLEY BULLDOGS 22. Dave Scott 2. Wayne Reittie 23. Danny Cowling 3. Chris Ulugia 5. Shaun Ainscough 6. Cain Southernwood 7. Dominic Brambani 8. Keegan Hirst 9. Luke Blake 21. James Brown 19. Alex Bretherton 17. Joe Chandler 13. Pat Walker SUBS: 20. Alistair Leak 15. Adam Gledhill 10. Alex Rowe 19. Tom Lillycrop
7 7 7 7 7 7 9 8 8 8 7 7 8 7 7 8 7
HALIFAX Tries: Manning (26), G.Moore (45) Goals: Tyrer 2/2
BATLEY BULLDOGS Tries: Bretherton (38), Brambani (49) Goals: Brambani 3/4,Walker 1/1 Drop Goals: Brambani (80)
Dom Brambani powers his way to the line for a Batley try John Miller, www.memorymill.co.uk
Referee rating: G Stokes 60/100 / Half-time: 6-8 / Penalties: 9-7 / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / Weather: Sunny but cold / Man of the Match: Dominic Brambani (Batley) / Attendance: 2,010
RUGBY LEAGUE Family honour Bulldogs supporter with Chairman’s Supporters Club ambition collection for Yorkshire Cancer Centre THERE will be a charity bucket collection in aid of the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal before Batley Bulldogs’ next home game against Bradford Bulls on March 13. The collection is being carried out in memory of Steven Jordan, who was a lifelong supporter of the Bulldogs. Steven passed away last August, aged 57, following a battle with cancer and the
collection is just one of a number of fundraising events being arranged this year by his family, friends and also colleagues at the John Cotton Group in Mirfield. Steven was always grateful to the team at St James’ Hospital in Leeds for the treatment and care they gave him at the end of his life and now his family believe it is only right to raise money for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal who in turn help to
fund St James’ institute for Oncology. Steven’s family and friends have also started a Just Giving page (www.justgiving.com/steven) for anyone who wants to donate to this worthy cause. All money raised will directly benefit cancer patients in this excellent hospital by funding specialist medical equipment, research, patient home comforts, arts and gardens projects.
RUGBY UNION
Ossett RU hope for an end-of-season charge Yorkshire Four OSSETT RU
24
LEEDS CORINTHIANS
10
at Queens Terrace OSSETT RU have turned a corner in Yorkshire Four having sealed their
second win in a row, this time at home against Leeds Corinthians 24-10. In what was a new-look Ossett team Matt Hemingway, Tom Tattersfield and Tim Roberts scored the home side’s three tries. Roberts also kicked three conversions and a penalty to round off
an impressive win. Ossett’s back-to-back victories leaves them in sixth place as they chase Burley eight points above them. Next up for Ossett is an away trip to third-placed Wensleydale tomorrow (3pm), a side who have also won in their last two outings.
BATLEY BULLDOGS chairman Kevin Nicholas hopes to restart the official Supporters Club by hosting a meeting for anyone interested in getting involved on Monday March 14 (7.30pm). The event will take place in Ron’s Lounge at Mount Pleasant and it is hoped the club can generate enough interest so that the supporters club can be given a fresh start. During Batley’s long history the supporters club has played an important role in keeping the club going, particularly during the 1970s with the help of John Winner, Jack Walker and Ron Earnshaw among others. But Nicholas accepts the club can start with low-key responsibilities. He said: “Initially if we said that the priority for the Supporters Club was to help generate interest in the club and run
Kevin Nicholas (centre) with Dom Brambani and Pat Walker John Miller, www.memorymill.co.uk coaches to as many away games as possible that would be a good start. “Social events and any fundraising would be an ‘add on’ if possible. “Clearly everybody is welcome to the meeting whether they have been on the committee or whether they have never been near any committee, it matters not. “Simply an interest in
the club and willingness to give a bit of time to help is all that is needed. “Any supporter who is free please come along even if you are unsure as to whether to get involved or not.” The meeting will last for one hour and a complimentary drink will be on offer from the club’s new bar for everyone who turns up on the night.
ThePress
Friday March 4, 2016
KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP
RUGBY LEAGUE
Stags shocked by first league defeat Pennine League Championship
ODSAL SEDBERGH MIRFIELD STAGS
40 26
at Cleckheaton Road MIRFIELD STAGS saw their unbeaten run grind to a halt on Saturday afternoon after they suffered a disappointing 40-26 defeat at the hands of Odsal Sedbergh.
Shane Grady touches down for Dewsbury Rams’ second try in what was a dominant win over Whitehaven
Steve Horsfall
Rams maintain good home form Kingstone Press Championship
DEWSBURY RAMS WHITEHAVEN
20 4
Oliver Roby at the Tetley’s Stadium DEWSBURY RAMS made it three wins from four in 2016 as they climbed into the Championship’s top four with a hardearned win over Whitehaven at the Tetley’s Stadium. Josh Guzdek, Shane Grady and Scott Hale got the tries for the Rams, Paul Sykes adding four goals, with Scott McAvoy providing Whitehaven’s only response in a lively affair. Dewsbury head coach Glenn Morrison said: “It was good to get the win today after the disappointment of last week, but we still have a lot of improving to do. “We’ve already played with a lot of different half backs this season and it has been tough, but, to be third in the league is a positive. It could be a lot worse.” After a rumbustious start which saw both sides have chances to break the deadlock, it was the Rams who finally got on the scoreboard after 13 minutes as Guzdek sliced through the away defence to go over from 20 metres out. Sykes missed the resulting conversion, leaving the Rams 4-0 up. That slender lead was one the hosts had to work hard to retain as Whitehaven enjoyed long spells of possession, but it was the home side who had the game’s next big chance as Toby Adamson found himself in space after a slick right-to-left move, only for the second rower to spill the ball over the line. But the home side weren’t to be denied on 26 minutes as the rangy Grady reached over out wide following a pinpoint ball from man-of-the-match Andy Kain.
Sykes atoned for his earlier error to convert impressively from the touchline before hammering over a penalty goal on 31 minutes to hand Dewsbury a 12-0 lead. But Haven were back on top thereafter with only a superb try-saving tackle from Guzdek preserving the Rams’ advantage going into half time. Haven came flying out of the traps after the break as they launched an immediate assault on the home line, but Chris Taylor was unable to gather a towering cross-field kick from Dion Aiye. They soon had another chance as Craig Calvert failed to hold on to a booming cutout pass with the tryline in his sights, but they finally got their first points of the game soon after. They came on 55 minutes when McAvoy’s angled run saw him rip through the home defence with ease before striding over from 25 metres out. Louis Jouffret was unable to add the extras, but the visitors suddenly sensed a way back into the game. Within minutes, they were on the attack again as Jouffret tore down the right flank before he was felled by the impressive Guzdek, the former Hull KR full-back denying his French adversary a certain try. Despite Guzdek’s heroics, the Rams were still on the ropes and appeared to be suffering as influential half-back Kain went down injured after a fierce tackle by Ted Chapplehow. But, after extensive treatment, the veteran number 22, who was already playing with a broken bone in his hand, continued on before combining with Aaron Brown to put Hale over for an unopposed gallop to the line. That proved to be Kain’s last contribution of the afternoon as he headed off the pitch to a standing ovation, while Sykes made it 18-4 to the hosts. Sykes then added extra gloss to the scoreline with a simple penalty goal on the final hooter.
Send your sports reports, news and photos to Joseph Link at joe@thepressnews.co.uk
MATCH STATS: DEWSBURY RAMS 1. Josh Guzdek 2. Dale Morton 4 Shane Grady 15. Jason Crookes 5. Dalton Grant 6. Paul Sykes 22. Andy Kain 8. Matt Groat 9. Tom Hemingway 10. Ryan Hepworth 16. Toby Adamson 12. Scott Hale 13. Aaron Brown SUBS: 31. Ryan Wright 14. Luke Adamson 18. Tony Tonks 24. Jack Teanby
8 6 7 6 7 5 8 7 6 6 7 7 7 6 6 6 6
WHITEHAVEN 1. Louis Jouffret 5. Elliot Miller 3. Chris Taylor 4. Jessie-Joe Parker 2. Craig Calvert 6. Dion Aiye 7. Grant Gore 26. Ted Chapplehow 29. Alma Savilla-Tagayuma 8. Sam Brooks 11. Dave Allen 12. Scott McAvoy 15. Ben Davies SUBS: 9. James Newton 27. Jay Chapplehow 19. Glenn Riley 28. Ed Chamberlain
DEWSBURY RAMS Tries: Guzdek (13), Grady (26), Hale (70). Goals: Sykes 4/5.
WHITEHAVEN Tries: McAvoy (55) Goals: Jouffret 0/1. Ref rating: S Ansell 85/100 / Half time: 12-0 / Penalties: 810 / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / Weather: Sunny, cold / Man of the Match: Andy Kain (Dewsbury Rams) / Attendance: 778
6 7 6 6 6 6 5 7 6 7 6 7 6 6 7 6
An impressive first-half showing saw Odsal rack up a 26-point advantage, one which proved insurmountable for the Championship Division leaders to overcome. Despite something of a fightback after the break, which saw the Stags move to within three converted tries of gaining the lead at one stage, the hosts had done more than enough to hold on. Four unanswered tries, scored inside 34 minutes, put Odsal in the driving seat. Skipper Reece Spurr hit back for the Stags, who hadn't lost since last September, the backrower getting on the end of an inch-perfect grubber to touch down. However, on the stroke of half-time Odsal rallied and cancelled out Spurr's effort. The home side extended their advantage by four points after the interval, landing suc-
cessive penalty goals from close range, leaving Mirfield even further behind on the scoreboard. Stags coach Richard Silverwood re-shuffled his lineup going into the game’s closing 30 minutes and it helped his side’s cause. Despite a below-par performance, Mirfield’s fighting spirit saw them cross the whitewash for back-to-back tries, courtesy of Jake Shaw and Braden Hunter, who converted both. But just as the visitors appeared to be gaining the upper hand, disaster struck as front-rower Phil Shotton was shown a red card following a minor fracas. AJ Boardman was sinbinned shortly afterwards having being judged guilty of a professional foul by the man in the middle. This left Mirfield with 11 men and something of a mountain to climb during the final quarter. Lewis Martin grabbed two late touchdowns as the Stags did everything they could to get a grip of proceedings. But it was a case of too little too late as Odsal grabbed a lastgasp try to seal Mirfield’s fate. The Stags face a trip to West Leeds tomorrow (2.30pm) as Silverwood’s men look to bounce back quickly from their setback against Odsal.
Youthful Maroons outclassed in one sided second half Pennine League Div Four East
DEWSBURY MOOR WORTLEY DRAGONS
16 34
at Carr Lane DEWSBURY MOOR’S youngsters put up a valiant effort against Wortley Dragons in Division Four East but ultimately lost out 34-16 at Carr Lane. The first half was evenly balanced, with Moor holding their own against stronger more experienced opponents. The hosts were first to score thanks to an Elliot Sheard touchdown following his lung-bursting 70-metre sprint to the whitewash. Brad Samme goaled to make it 6-0 to the Maroons. Moor looked lively after going ahead but they were eventually pegged back and following a series of Wortley attacks the visitors scored a converted try. The home side responded well, however, and they were unlucky not to retake the lead on the stroke of halftime when Aiden Sheard was held up short of the try line. After the restart Moor continued as they left off, playing lively rugby.
In heated exchanges Connor Gavaghan and Kyle Wadsworth held their own against their older counterparts. And as Moor pressed the busy Archie Bruce went over from close range. Alex Hollingworth added the extras to regain the hosts’ six-point lead. But having gone behind for a second time the Dragons began to dominate and in the next 20 minutes the away side took control gaining a 28-12 lead. Despite throwing away their lead Moor responded with another try, this time through Billy Yarrow for an unconverted score. It was Wortley who had the final say at the death with a converted try to round off a flattering 34-16 win over Dewsbury Moor. The two sides are now tied for fourth in Division Four East. Next up for Moor’s Pennine League is a trip to play Swillington Miners Welfare tomorrow (2.30pm). Meanwhile the Yorkshire Junior League gets underway and Moor’s Under-18s kick off their campaign with a home game against York Acorn.
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Chris Ulugia is a doubt for Batley’s game against Workington this weekend due to an ankle injury John Miller, Memory Mill Photography
Competition for places proves key Kear outlines reasons for Dogs’ top form By Joe Link Sports Reporter joe@thepressnews.co.uk
FOLLOWING an impressive victory over Halifax in the Championship, Batley Bulldogs’ start to the 2016 season just keeps getting better. But this weekend will see John Kear’s men face a different test in the form of Workington Town at Mount Pleasant. And for the first time in this year’s Championship, campaign the Bulldogs will be favourites. “I’m delighted with the effort of my players this season, they’ve been excellent, but what pleases me even more is that we have improved gameon-game so far and that’s because of their commitment in training,” said Kear. “I was particularly impressed with our kick-chase against Halifax.
“But this form stems from pre-season when we changed so much more than just personnel. “We did much less work on strength this time around and instead worked on power and explosive training. “Because of that we are a lot more agile and energetic in matches and it seems to be winning us games.” “And for the condition of the players I can’t take all the credit, John Heaton is the main man responsible for getting the guys in such peak fitness.” But on top of improved fitness levels Kear believes his side’s good start to the campaign is a result of strong competition for places. “James Davey has been left very frustrated since picking up a hamstring injury this season because the likes of Luke Blake and Alistair Leak have performed so well that he’s not had a chance to get back into the team yet,” added Kear. “But there will be a time when James gets his chance and he’ll have
IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED AHEAD OF TOUGH GAMES DEWSBURY RAMS head coach Glenn Morrison insists the best is still to come from his new-look 2016 squad. The Owl Lane side have won three games from four this season and following their win over Whitehaven last weekend find themselves in the top four in the Championship. But this Sunday’s trip to Featherstone will be the Rams’ toughest test of the season so far, and Morrison realises his side will have to improve if they are to repeat their win at the Big Fellas Stadium last year. “To be three wins from four having not played your best rugby is good, but obviously we would have liked to have won our first four games against teams who will be fighting to be around us come the end of the season,” said Morrison. “So far we’ve seen glimpses of what we can do but we need to maintain that per-
formance throughout a full game and not lose concentration. “We’ve been working on basic skill moves this week and hopefully that will pay off for us against the so-called stronger teams in the league. “It’s good to be up their with the full-time teams, but given our part-time training schedule it will take us a little longer to get up to speed and play at our best.” Morrison does have a number of injury
concerns going into this weekend’s game with Featherstone. Jack Teanby is a doubt with an ankle injury and Andy Kain is set to miss the game because a knee and rib problem. Local boy Zach Johnson will also be unavailable after he joined Hunslet this week on a one-month loan deal. The injury-prone prop forward missed the entirety of his debut season with the Rams last year and is looking for first team rugby in a bid to improve his fitness. Elsewhere this week Dewsbury were drawn against Bradford Bulls in what is the pick of the Challenge Cup fourth round ties. “From the club’s perspective it’s a great tie and I expect it will bring a high turn out to the game,” added Morrison. “But from a coach’s angle it couldn’t have got any tougher.”
to make sure he claims his spot back by putting in solid performances.” “It’s a great position to be in though and with so many players performing well they are all spurring each other on.” Kear does have a number of injuries to consider ahead of this weekend’s clash with Workington, however. Joe Chandler is a doubt after suffering concussion against Halifax. The prop forward has trained this week having passed RFL concussion guidelines, but the 26-year-old will now have to pass a late fitness test before a decision is made on whether he can play. Chris Ulugia is also a doubt after he picked up a knock to his ankle which has left him with severe swelling. • Batley Bulldogs will face Whitehaven in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup on the weekend of March 19-20.
Zach Johnson has joined League One side Hunslet Hawks on a onemonth loan deal Steve Horsfall