The press 5th jan 2018

WE BUY ANY HOUSE Cash in 7 days Free Legals No Fees

VERTICAL BLINDS

3 FOR

£89 SALE 046 1502

07966 553040

Tel: 0800

01274 305 410

ONE PAPER ... ALL THE NEWS from Dewsbury, Batley, Ossett, Mirfield, Liversedge, Birstall, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton & Spen Valley

Dewsbury boss calls for fairer system

Friday January 5, 2018

12 MONTHS GUARANTEE

No. 823

50p

Good causes given a boost

Sport

p4

Muscular dystrophy sufferer John Hubbard is back at home following an operation on his left foot

BROKEN PROMISES John could have lost his foot after 10-HOUR wait for an ambulance

By Zoë Shackleton News Reporter zoe@thepressnews.co.uk

A MAN with a muscle wasting disease could have lost his foot after being forced to wait almost 10 hours for an ambulance.

John Hubbard, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, fell to the floor of his Dewsbury flat on Christmas Day night.

Mr Hubbard’s wife, Susan, phoned 999 at around 9.20pm worried that he had a dislocated or broken foot and couldn’t get back up without help.

But the ambulance didn’t show up until just after 7am the following morning.

When she called the emergency services, Mrs Hubbard was told that they were too busy to attend.

Mr Hubbard, 52, said: “She must have phoned about five or six times.

“The last time she phoned was at five in the morning and they said to her ‘don’t phone again, it’s not an emergency’.

“The ambulance came just after 7am, so more than nine hours after the first phone call.

“When we got to hospital, the doctor said

‘you should have come in straight away, you could’ve lost your foot through this’.

“They’ve X-rayed it and I’ve dislocated and broken my ankle, broken my achilles heel and broken my tibia and fibula.”

Mr Hubbard requires round-the-clock care and moved into the Woodland Court social housing complex on School Lane three years ago.

The couple have now put in a formal complaint with the ambulance service after Mr Hubbard needed to have an operation to fix his foot.

“I’m absolutely disgusted at the way my wife was treated. She was crying her eyes out at one point when she was on the phone,” added Mr Hubbard.

“I was disgusted about that, but I was totally grateful for Pinderfields Hospital and the NHS. They’ve been absolutely brilliant.

“I don’t want this to happen to someone else and an apology would be nice.”

A spokesman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: “We are sorry for any distress caused in relation to this incident.

“Our patient relations team is in direct contact with the patient to respond to their concerns.”

NHS WINTER CRISIS: Dewsbury Hospital chiefs say they’re busy but coping – full story on page 3

FROM CLASSIC TO CONTEMPORARY Gas, Electric & Solid Fuel Fires Fireplaces to suit all budgets Multi fuel and Wood burning Stoves Full Installation by qualified/certified engineers Bespoke fireplaces to your own design

FLAMES FIREPLACES Commercial Park, Horbury Bridge, Wakefield, WF4 5NW Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9.30-5

Sat 10-5 Telephone: 01924 277308

www.flamesofwakefield.co.uk

2

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

Tracy Brabin, Labour MP for Batley & Spen

I’m determined to do my bit to cut waste in 2018 Deaths CARNEY SALLY On 27 December, aged 79, of Cleckheaton. Wife of the late Johnny. Service at St John’s Church, Cleckheaton, Monday 15 January at 11.30am, prior to private cremation.

CHAPMAN ALLAN On 29th December, aged 66, of Thornhill. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 17 January at 12.30pm.

DRURY TINA On 29 December, aged 60, of Dewsbury. Wife of Philip.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 10 January at 2.45pm.

EYRE BRIAN RICHARD On 30 December, aged 80, of Soothill. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 19 January at 2pm.

FOX JOHN

GASKIN NEE KEY GILLIAN On 30 December, aged 70, of Dewsbury. Wife of Brian.

Service at Dewsbury Minster, Wednesday 17 January at 1.30pm.

On 26 December, aged 75, of Liversedge, formerly Birstall.

Wife of Mike. Service at Holy Spirit RC Church, Heckmondwike on Wednesday 10 January at 10.30am, followed by interment at Heckmondwike Cemetery.

On 19 December, aged 91, of Mirfield. Wife of the late Cyril.

Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Thursday 11 January at 1.15pm.

JOHNSON NEE HARRSION GLADYS CONSTANCE

GRIFFITHS NEE KILBURN MAUREEN On 24 December, aged 84, of Batley. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium. Enquiries to George Brooke Ltd Tel - 454476.

HARDY RENE On 22 December, of Heckmondwike. Committal at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 18 January at 11.15am, followed by a celebration of her life service at Norristhorpe URC at 12.

HARRAP MAURICE On 24 December, aged 88, of Ossett. Husband of Marjorie.

Service at Kingsway Church, Ossett on Tuesday 9 January at 4pm.

On 17 December, aged 58, of Chickenley. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 15 January at 11.15am.

FRIEND CLARE (NEE DELANEY)

HOLDSWORTH ELIZABETH (NEE PATON)

HEMINGWAY JANICE (NEE GARSIDE) On 22 December, aged 70, of Cleckheaton. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 8 January at 2pm.

HEMINGWAY RONNIE (RONALD) On 30 December, aged 87, formerly of Heckmondwike and Hanging Heaton. Husband of Joan. Service at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium, Wednesday 24 January at 10.30am.

On 23 December, of Ravensthorpe, aged 89. Wife of the late Wallace. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 9 January at 1.15pm.

JUSTICE DERRICK On 26 December, aged 83.

Husband of Irene. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 17 January at 2pm.

On 18 December, aged 43, of Birstall. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 12 January at 12.30pm, followed by a celebration of his life at Priestley’s Café Bar in Birstall.

On 22 December, aged 91, of Batley.

Service at Christ Church Staincliffe, Tuesday 9 January at 10.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

ROBERTS JOHN

WALKER LILIAN JOYCE

On 21 December, aged 74, of Heckmondwike. Husband of Sylvia. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 16 January at 11.15am.

On 21 December, at Avery Mews Care Home, aged 97. Wife of the late Tommy. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium Friday 12 January at 10am.

MORRIS DOREEN (NEE HINCHLIFFE)

SCHRAMM (NEE HOWSON) LIZ

MYERS JEAN On 20 December, aged 77 of Liversedge. Service at Norristhorpe URC on Thursday 11 January at 2.30pm followed by interment at Dewsbury Cemetery.

01924 454476 / 497352

On 22 December, aged 53, of Heckmondwike. Wife of Rob. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 12 January at 1.15pm.

SWIFT DAVID On 21 December, aged 68, of Cleckheaton. Husband of Sheila.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 10 January at 1.15pm.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

Quality Cremation Funeral Service at a fixed price of £1699 53 Bradford Road, Cleckheaton and Arnold House, Southfield Terrace, Birkenshaw Contact: Richard Arnold or Janice Hutton 24 hours

This includes all necessary third party fees. No hidden costs

01274 891335 or 653115 www.gatewayfuneralservices.co.uk Telephone 01924 472178

BOLLANDS (BIRSTALL) Funeral Directors

Prepaid Funerals Funeral Flower Service Contact Robert Edmond 24 hours Available

18 KIRKGATE, BIRSTALL, BATLEY, WF17 9PB www.bollandsfuneraldirectors.co.uk

On 27 December, aged 73. Wife of the late Alan. Service at St James Parish Church, Heckmondwike, Monday 8 January at 2pm.

WAINWRIGHT WALTRAUD

On 31 December, aged 93, of Liversedge. Husband of the late Mavis. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 17 January at 10.30am.

On 29 December, aged 92, formerly of Thornhill Lees. Wife of the late Bill.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 16 January at 12.30pm.

TROTT (NEE RHODES) MARGARET LESLEY

RIACH PHILIP ANTHONY

ROTHERY MARY ELLIS

George Brooke Ltd

www.georgebrooke.co.uk

On 13 December, aged 88, of Batley. Husband of Sylvia.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium Thursday 11 January at 2.45pm.

MALTAS GEORGE

A Family Business providing a complete and caring service for over 65 years Golden Charter Pre-Payment Plans 24 Hour Service Head Office - 14 Sharp Street, Dewsbury Chapel Of Rest - 9 Battye Street, Dewsbury Room Of Repose - 14a St Paul’s Road, Mirfield

PELL BERNARD DAVID

Proudly caring for families for 60 years

On 22 December, of Roberttown.

Wife of the late Ronnie. Service at All Saints Church, Roberttown on Wednesday 10 January at 11.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.

WATKINSON CLAIRE On 20 December, aged 89.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 9 January at 2pm.

WEBSTER NEE ETHERINGTON MARY On 24 December, aged 84, of Barnsley, formerly of Chickenley.

Wife of the late Dennis. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 11th January at 12.30pm.

WILSON ANN PATRICIA (SCRUTTON) On 25 December, aged 67, of Heckmondwike, formerly of Batley. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium Wednesday 10 January at 10am.

ET ME start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year! I had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas and New Year with my family and friends. I am now fully refreshed and ready for the year ahead.

I was delighted to see the hard work all volunteers were doing all over the country this festive season to help those in need.

With our own Royal Voluntary Service team celebrating with some of our loneliest at what can be an extremely difficult time for some people.

I would also like to thank the emergency services staff who worked during the festive period to ensure that someone was there if we needed them.

New Year is often a time when we try to make changes in our lives like joining a gym or vowing to give up eating chocolate until the temptation is too great!

So this New Year I decided to make a resolution to be the best MP I can be for my constituents.

As Jeremy Corbyn said in his New Year message ‘we are a government in waiting’ and I will work tirelessly for the community that I came from and that I love to ensure we get what we need.

I also want to celebrate the quality of TV over the festive period.

From The Crown to Little Women, McMafia to Blue Planet, we really did have the best entertainment on offer. But the show I found the most upsetting was Plastic Whale.

A whale, emaciated and close to death had washed up on the Norwegian coastline. Put out of its obvious anguish, the vet performed an autopsy where they discovered the reason the whale was underweight and starving was that the entire contents of its stomach was plastic.

Plastic from all over the world including Tesco chickens and Walkers crisp packets. It was deeply saddening and as one of the fishermen said, ‘a cry of help from the deep'.

It made me more focused than ever to look at how we can live in a better, more

L

respectful world.

It can’t be right that with such brilliant scientists from around the world and (some) politicians committed to change that we still have plastic clogging up the insides of our greatest marine life and a crisis in the quality of the air we breathe that affects so many of our youngsters and the elderly.

I am determined to do my bit to cut down on personal waste, recycle more as well as work more closely with local environmental campaigners such as Mary Creagh in Wakefield to ensure we leave our beautiful planet as good as we can for the next generation.

And if you’ll forgive a plug you can always ditch the plastic bag and buy my canvas ‘I Heart BatleyandSpen’ bags for £5 with all proceeds going to my charity of the month.

If we all do a little then maybe we can change a lot.

Tracy ThePress Friday January 5, 2018 Issue No: 823

31 Branch Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5SB Tel: 01924 470296 Fax: 01924 472561

www.thepressnews.co.uk @ThePressLatest /ThePressNews Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: David Bentley Reporter: Zoë Shackleton Sports Reporter: Ben McKenna Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Sales Executives: Nicola Finch, Janet Black, Rachael Hall Office Manager: Adele Latham Accounts administrator: Angela Hall

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 January 5, 2018

News In Brief Heartless burglars target charity shop

Girl aged 2 found dead at home

By Staff Reporters A TWO-month old child was found dead at her home in Dewsbury on New Year’s Day. The girl’s parents were arrested following the incident but were soon released pending further enquiries.

Police attended the home on Pildacre Lane, which links Chickenley with Ossett, just before 6am on January 1 to reports of an unwell child.

The girl was found unre-

sponsive and taken to Pinderfields Hospital, but was pronounced dead a short time later.

The 26-year-old man and 24-year-old woman, both initially arrested on suspicion of neglect, were released without charge pending further investigation.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out but the cause of death remains “unascertained”.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said that enquiries are ongoing.

Pildacre Lane in Chickenley

Mid Yorks Trust is ‘just about coping’ THE NHS TRUST running Dewsbury and District Hospital have said they are just about coping with the high demands of the winter period.

It emerged this week that tens of thousands of non-urgent NHS operations and procedures in England may be deferred until after January 31 because of an increase in

the number of patients going to A&E departments.

Officials have also told hospitals to delay routine outpatient appointments so that they can concentrate on emergency care.

A&E departments across the country have been put under increasing strain due to patients attending with non-emergency problems.

The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Dewsbury Hospital, say they are so far dealing with such pressures but remain extremely busy.

Trudie Davies, director of operations for hospital services, said: “We are continually risk assessing capacity to ensure that we are able to safely treat both acute and elective

patients.

“Our winter plan always factors in the reduction of elective activity during this period of winter in order to ensure safety is maintained as per the recent guidance that has been shared. Our teams are therefore able to prioritise providing care for the sickest patients.

“Our staff have worked

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS ESTABLISHED 1974

20% OFF Selected made to measure curtains

BRAND NEW PRESTIGIOUS FABRICS NOW IN STORE • Ready made Curtains • Bespoke Curtains • All types of blinds made in our own workroom • Sheers & Voiles

Quality and Friendly Service with Great Prices to Match 25 Commercial Street, Batley WF17 5HJ T: 01924 471578 • www.batleycurtains.co.uk OPEN: Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm

Find us on

3

and are continuing to work extremely hard over this very busy period, for which we are both profoundly grateful and proud.”

The Trust also warned residents to only call 999 or visit A&E for serious accidents and emergencies. Otherwise, phone NHS 111 which provides information and free medical advice.

HECKMONDWIKE: Thieves broke into a charity shop and stole a safe, cash and a laptop computer .

The break-in happened overnight between Wednesday December 20 and Thursday December 21 at the Kirkwood Hospice shop in the Northgate Centre.

Police want to speak to anyone who has information or who might have come across the large free-standing safe.

PC Cara Papworth said: “Any theft from a charity benefiting others is an abhorrent act and we are appealing for information from anyone who can help us identify those responsible.

“We do know the shop was broken into overnight, most likely at about 3.30am on the Thursday, and we would also like to speak with anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour at that time or who may have CCTV which captures the offenders nearby.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Cara Papworth at Heckmondwike Neighbourhood Patrol Team 5 on 101, referencing crime number 13170594279.

Community appeal KIRKLEES: The ‘One Community’ group is appealing for donations to help the elderly cope this winter.

As part of the Surviving Winter Kirklees campaign, the community foundation want to ensure residents don’t have to choose between heating or eating. Funds in the past have helped with emergency boiler and radiator repairs, replacement cookers, duvets, electric blankets and hot water bottles. Visit www.one-community.org.uk to make donations or call 01484 468397 for more details.

www.facebook.com/ThePressNews

4

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

ASDA’s huge £25,000 community give-away

News In Brief Donations needed for charity group CLECKHEATON: A community group that helps needy people locally and internationally is appealing for donations.

Focus4Hope are holding a new year dropoff session on Saturday January 20 at the Live Rooms on Northgate, Cleckheaton, from 12-3pm.

They need items such as non-perishable foods including oil, rice and tinned goods, as well as warm winter clothing and hygiene products such as toilet paper and shower gel.

The donations will be distributed locally and to refugees in northern France.

For more information, please contact Louise Reed by email at focus4hope @gmail.com.

ASDA supermarket in Dewsbury has handed out over £25,000 to charities and good causes across the district.

Last week, The Press reported that a surprise £6,000 donation was handed to the Batley-based Downs and Special Friends group.

Asda Dewsbury also gave £400 to the Friends of Crow Nest Park to help pay for their ‘Crow about Christmas’ event.

Their next handout was to the Batley Homeless Project, with £300 going towards paying for sleeping bags and warm clothing.

A huge donation of £19,826,54 was given to St Mary’s Community Centre in Mirfield to help pay for some much-needed repair work, while an extra £200 was presented to the Yorkshire Down Syndrome Group.

And it isn’t just monetary donations from the Mill Street East store. They provided trolleys of gifts to the Mirfield gift appeal, the Dewsbury Cares group and the children’s assessment unit at Dewsbury and District Hospital as well as food for Batley Food Bank.

Asda’s Sharon Kingswood said: “We have had the best Christmas ever and changed a lot of people’s lives in our community for the better, and can’t wait to do even more in 2018.”

Services under threat again as Kirklees brings in consultants

New library review ANOTHER review into library services in the district is being launched on Monday.

The consultation is being carried out on behalf of Kirklees by Qa Research consultants and will ask library users for their views on how the service should be run in future.

Over the last two years the department’s budget has already been cut by £1.8 million.

The latest reduction could see Kirklees libraries having to operate within a budget of just £2.2

million a year.

This could mean that libraries such as Cleckheaton or Batley could potentially face closure.

A similar consultation in 2015 saw the closure of the library in Thornhill Lees, as well as cutting the opening hours of other libraries.

The mobile service was scrapped while in North Kirklees eight libraries were kept fullystaffed, including Dewsbury, Batley, Cleckheaton, Mirfield, Birstall and Heckmondwike.

HARFORD’S SECURITY LTD

Est 45 Years

Key cutting, all types available.

Including Magnum, Yale Superior, M-Tlock, Kaba, Iseo, Bilock, Avocet ABS, ABS high security locks and many more Car keys - most car keys in stock, Car remotes repaired, Large Selection of different types of locks, IE, Doors, Windows, Shutter, Cabinet Locks, Specialist locks - Keys & Cylinders always in stock

MASTER LOCKSMITHS ACCESS CONTROL INTRUDER ALARM INSTALLERS Member of Master Locksmith Association

Ring for details on monitored alarms & service contracts

NELSON STREET, DEWSBURY, WF13 1NA TEL: 01924 467269 FAX: 01924 430800 WEBSITE: www.harfordssecurity.co.uk

Those wanting to share their views on library services will be able to complete a 10-minute questionnaire from Monday January 8.

They will be available online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/libraryconsultation or by picking a copy up at a local library.

Interested parties have until Monday April 2 to take part in the consultation.

Following the consultation a final report is expected to go to cabinet in July.

Coun Graham Turner, cabinet member for corporate services, said: “We want to ensure that people can continue to enjoy the wide range of services that libraries provide in the future, and whilst there is no way of avoiding our ever decreasing budgets we are confident that we can find a way to keep delivering a comprehensive, high-quality, modern service by considering a range of different delivery models – many of which already exist in other local authority areas.”

Town centre initiative extended THE Dewsbury Townscape Heritage Initiative will continue until 2019. The scheme was set up in 2013 to restore old buildings and make the town centre a more attractive place by replacing existing modern shop fronts with traditional designs.

The Heritage Lottery-funded regeneration programme, also financially supported by Kirklees Council, has been given the go-ahead for another 18 months until the end of 2019. One of the biggest renovations undertaken has been at Pioneer House, where work is underway to restore the landmark building to use as part of the Dewsbury Learning Quarter.

Corporation Street is another key area benefiting from the initiative, with takeaway restaurant Pizza GoGo among those getting a makeover.

Good progress is also being made on other properties, with applications having been submitted for 19-19A Foundry

Street, 28-30 Northgate and the former Black Bull pub close to submitting planning permission.

Coun David Sheard, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We are hoping that the change in the town centre will make it a better area to live, work and visit, and encourage

more businesses to move into the town.”

Pictured (from left): Ifran Adam and Massi Vahed of Pizza GoGo, Coun David Sheard, Hamid Dhorat of DK Architects, Coun Eric Firth, John Roebuck of Roebuck and Holmes, and John Lame, Dewsbury THI Officer.

Hunt for ‘three Asian males’ in Batley baseball bat attack A MAN was attacked by a gang of men wielding a baseball bat in Batley.

The 27-year-old victim was walking down Purwell Lane onto Oxford Street when a dark-coloured vehicle pulled up next to him.

Three men got out of the car and started assaulting the victim with what is thought to be a baseball bat.

The attack happened on Tuesday January 2, at around 3.45pm.

The man managed to escape from the suspects and they then fled the scene.

They were described as three Asian males.

DC Simon Thomas, of Huddersfield CID, said: “This was a frightening and unprovoked assault on a lone male.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about this incident or witnessed anything in the area to contact the police to assist with our investigation,” he added.

Anyone with any information about the attack or the suspects is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting crime reference number 13180002369.

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

AMYA lads clean up

News In Brief Mushy makes his mark in ‘TV moment’

MEMBERS of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association Spen Valley branch brought the new year in by offering prayers for a prosperous 2018 – then joining in a Batley street clean-up following the new year festivities.

The AMYA members took to the streets with brooms and bin bags as part of the ‘Big Street Clean’ initiative.

Across the festive period the group also organised blood donation sessions, charity collections, children’s hospital and nursing home visits, and helped feed the homeless.

Manzoor Ahmad, head of the AMYA Spen Valley group, said: “Our members have enjoyed living in Spen Valley for decades and so any opportunity to help our local community is welcome.”

Pictured: Members of the AMYA clean-up group

Police make 38 drink-drug arrests A TOTAL of 38 people from the district were arrested for drink or drug driving as part of a police campaign.

Not The Usual Suspects was launched at the start of December and lasted throughout the festive period. It resulted in 264 arrests being made across West Yorkshire. Out of the 38 that were arrested in Kirklees, 26 were charged – 20 men and six women.

Sgt Gary Roper said: “We have once again seen a high number of motorists arrested for drink and drug driving in December, with the highest number of arrests being during the weekends.

“Thirty two per cent of people were arrested between midnight and 3am, highlighting that many people are still choosing to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs – behaviours that we really want to encourage people to change.

“We have also continued to see a high number of people aged over 35 being arrested and charged for the offences; something that continues to be a concern.

“These are individuals who have seen generations of drink driving campaigns and still have the opinion ‘it’ll never happen to me’,” he added.

Kenmore site gets council go-ahead

By Zoe Shackleton CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 55 homes on green fields in Cleckheaton have been given the go-ahead.

Residents living near the land off Kenmore Drive have long voiced their concerns about the effect extra housing will have on the area.

But campaigners have now almost given up hope that they can save Kenmore Field from being developed after the latest plans were passed.

Kirklees Council still owns the site and will now be able to sell it on to a developer with planning permission.

Joel Purnell, a member of community group Friends of

5

Kenmore Field, feels the issues that have been raised in opposition haven’t been adequately answered. He said: “The main issue ... is the access via the two Kenmore roads – Kenmore Drive and Kenmore View.

“They are expecting traffic from 55 extra houses, potentially 100 cars, to fit through there over a period of time.

“Physically, I don’t understand how they can do it.

There’s so many issues, it’s all so vague.”

Around 150 letters of objection were submitted to the council, and Mr Purnell believes “not one person wanted this to go ahead”.

It is understood the site

will now go up for auction in March.

Mr Purnell, who lives on nearby Vine Avenue, said protesters aren’t averse to devlopment – just the type and the scale of it.

“We’d be quite open to an old people’s home or something that’s a bit more community-based, that has a bit more pedestrian traffic rather than over 100 cars,” he said.

Plans had been deferred because of access issues but it was passed with conditions including a £221,657 ‘Section 106’ payment towards education and around £108,000 as an off-site contribution to cover amenity loss.

• Showroom open to public & trade • Glass balustrades • Coloured splashbacks & worktops • Shower enclosures & screens • Mirrors • And much more...

Check out our online visual kitchen splashback colour tool

www.onestopglassltd.co.uk

Unit 5 Staincliffe Trade Centre, Halifax Road, Staincliffe, Dewsbury, WF13 4AP Tel: 01924 792781 Fax: 01924 900493 Email: onestopglassltd@gmail.com Opening Times: Mon-Fri 8am-4.30pm, Sat 8am-12pm

Council cashes in on new bin sales KIRKLEES: Recent figures revealed that the council have earned over £30,000 from residents who had to buy new wheelie bins.

Some new bins were issued to replace those that had been burned-out or vandalised, while others were for missing bins or for new properties.

The current cost to replace and deliver a grey bin in Kirklees is £25.

Overall, bin replacement charges earned Kirklees £33,150 in 2017.

Probus diary date NORTH KIRKLEES: The next meeting of the Batley and Dewsbury Probus Club will be on Tuesday January 9. The Batley Audio Visual Club will present their Showcase 2016 at Batley Older People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street. Visitors are welcome from 10am for a 10.30 start. Further details are available at 01924 471337.

2yea9rs

-------------------------------ONE STOP GLASS -------------------------------SUPPLIERS OF ALL BESPOKE GLASS PRODUCTS

DEWSBURY: Educating Yorkshire favourite Musharaf ‘Mushy’ Asghar won a prize for one of the best moments in TV history this week.

Mushy was 16 years old when he appeared on the Channel 4 programme, which followed students through a year at Thornhill Community Academy.

The teenager, who still lives in Dewsbury, struggled with a lifelong stammer and viewers followed his journey throughout the series, up to the point where he was able to present a speech to his year group in the final episode.

And that moment was what bagged him and teacher Matthew Burton a gong at ITV’s Greatest TV Moments of All Time awards ceremony on Tuesday night, for the best moment in the 2010 decade category.

of curtains

UP TO 25% OFF Ena Shaw custom made curtains, blinds & cushions UP TO Curtain Express - made in 7 working days 25% OFF Curtains, blinds and cushions UP TO Custom made from Sanderson, Bill Beaumont, 15% OFF Prestigious, Romo, Harlequin, Fryetts (Selected period) 10% OFF Fabric Only

ROLL END CLEARANCE • SALE ENDS 24th FEB (order placed by)

ThePress

6

Friday January 5, 2018

ON SALE

YORKSHIRE SPORTING GUNS SHOOTING & FIELDSPORT SUPPLIES COUNTRY CLOTHING & GIFTWEAR AIR RIFLES, AIR PISTOLS, SHOTGUNS, CLOTHING & SHOOTING ACCESSORIES 10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS ADVERT

22 WESTGATE, DEWSBURY, WF13 1BL TEL: 01924 437771

Updated edition.

Reserve a copy on 01924 470296 or call in at our office, 31 Branch Road, Batley

LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

This patient is a terminal case...

HE NOTION of the NHS being ‘in crisis’ during a pretty average English winter is as unsurprising as newspaper front pages declaring ‘Storm Doris Blows Bins Over’.

You don’t say.

I’m not sure what medical conditions are so trivial that operations have to be delayed for weeks or months – just in case it turns chilly. It’s not as though we’ve had a bird flu epidemic lately, is it?

If something requires medical intervention, I reckon the people funding it – we, the patients – have a right to expect it in reasonably timely fashion.

Now, at this point I can almost hear the snowflaky ‘Ohhhhh Jeremy Corbyns’ jumping up and down, frothing at the mouth, blaming fatcat executive pay and those evil dastards, the Tories, for starving our sainted NHS of money.

T

Well, for once the sweethearts would be partly right – on the fatcat pay issue. But it’s not down to the sky-high salaries of NHS bosses or anyone else. It’s about their incompetence.

If you paid a fiver an hour to some of the clowns that have mismanaged the Mid Yorks NHS Trust over the years, they’d still be overpaid. These are the people, remember, who paid consultants Ernst & Young £15 million to tell them how to save money when things got a bit tight.

A question for Mid Yorks execs – tell me, what do your Chief Executive and Finance Director actually do, if not run ‘the business’ – which is what a hospital trust is?

That’s what they do in the real world – but NHS executive are like drunks with a taste for champagne, but a hole in their glass. They don’t know how to fix the hole, so

they just shout louder that they need more champagne.

I’m not questioning the devotion, skills, care or professionalism of many of the doctors and nurses labouring within what, actually, is a system unfit for modern-day purpose.

In the vast majority of health trusts, they are 21st century troops in the style of World War I – lions led by donkeys.

Like most people, I’m angry that there’s £13 billion of taxpayer cash ring-fenced for spurious third-world projects like finding a Somali version of the Spice Girls – but mostly slipped as de facto bribes to corrupt third-world politicians and officials.

We’ve every right to be. It’s a scandal. But would throwing that at the NHS cure all its ills in a flash?

Well, it would buy some time before – oops! – it all disappeared again. And disap-

Sun’s out – cancel all elective ops!

pear it would, because the modern health service is a bottomless pit.

The failed £11 billion NHS technology system should have seen people jailed. It’s more likely that the guilty parties got OBEs or a pension-rich pay-off for their rank incompetence.

Because that’s how this corrupt, nepotistic system works. These incompetent, career bureaucrats play ringa-ring-a-roses, promoting

each other and approving huge pay-offs before surfacing in a neighbouring trust on another six figure salary, all primed and ready to bugger the next project up.

But that criminal IT failure was in 2011. A Scottish project, due in 2013, was £50 million over budget in 2016 and still not live.

Sorry, but if medics worked like that on the wards, they’d still be opening people’s veins and bleeding them to cure everything from a bad back to leprosy.

These are the words of a burnt-out senior nurse: “The NHS does not need more money! I’ve seen millions wasted by NHS trusts on white elephant projects … my manager once paid over £100 out of our office budget for a printer cartridge readily available from Amazon for less than £20.

“My trust recently spent over £1m on computer tablets for all nurses which didn’t work (and were) replaced with another couple of mil-

lion spent on notebook computers. The old ones we were told to just dump or keep ourselves. The new ones don’t work either!”

Meanwhile the snowflakes never mention the ruinous PFI bills their heroes Gordon Brown and Ed Balls saddled health trusts with, while parties of all political colours never mention that they gladly abandoned elderly care to a private sector that now can’t cope.

Put all of it together, and in the unlikely event of a decent British summer, expect announcements that the NHS can’t cope with the number of heatstroke cases ... resulting in longer delays in treatment.

I’m not saying that privatising the NHS is the answer but I am saying that exposing and breaking up these incestuous cabals would be a good start.

Sadly, things can only get worse, primarily because we have a government and civil service that operates on the self-same principles.

Ding-dong, gongs for the boys KITCHENS - BEDROOMS - BATHROOMS

START the New Year with VAT Free for jobs fitted in

January and February 01924 441494

FIND US ONLINE

www.wormaldinteriors.com email: wormaldinteriors@btconnect.com Visit us at:

152 Leeds Road, Heckmondwike, WF16 9BJ

ID you get a gong in the New Year honours? Me neither. I’m not holding my breath although I’m sure plenty members of the Westminster estate would love to give me the black plague if it was in their gift.

The fact is, for every worthy recognition of volunteers and honest-to-God good people, there’s a Nick Clegg knighthood that disgraces the entire system.

‘Sir Nick’ for what exactly? Lying to the electorate? Proving himself an arch hypocrite?

Maybe it was for destroying the Liberal Democrat party, which he and that other ‘Sir’,

D

Vince Cable, effectively did. No end of Labour and Tory grandees would love to reward him for that!

But it gets worse. Six non-entity MPs trusted with shoe-horning through the biggest backhander in modern UK history – the HS2 railway scam – have now all received knighthoods.

Tory and Labour alike, these nondescript, political under-achievers have been rewarded for slavish devotion to a phenomenally expensive scheme which will enrich the friends and relatives of cabinet ministers, peers and members of the establishment alike. It stinks.

Why does anyone heed this liar?

T HE war criminal was at it again this week, arguing himself blue in the face that a second Brexit vote would be ‘democratic’.

I’m surprised Tony Bliar is so keen on staying in Europe if only because that’s where the International Criminal Court is based, and where he should be appearing to answer for the blood of hundreds of thousands of people on his hands.

It’s classic EU politics however. If the voters choose ‘wrong’ just keep tweaking the question and going back to them until they get it right. They did it with Denmark over Maastricht and the Irish twice (Nice and Lisbon treaties).

That Bliar got a bit of a mauling from the John Humphrys on the Radio 4 interview is no consolation.

Why was this self-enriching and self-righteous hasbeen allowed on the pro-

Shoving his oar in – Bliar gramme in the first place?

Ahh, sorry. It’s the BBC, isn’t it? And no doubt someone’s paying him.

I LOVE my little trivia book, ‘1,227 QI Facts to Blow Your Socks Off’ and don’t doubt its wisdom. But I would love to know exactly how they know there are 10 million times

more stars in the known universe than grains of sand on planet earth.

Presumably someone, at some point, counted either one or the other.

Neither am I so sure I like the fact that writers and artists are 18 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population.

Mind you, some folk would say I don’t qualify...

Oh, and if human saliva really contains a painkiller six times stronger than morphine, why doesn’t swallowing your spit cure belly-ache?

I can however believe that every human being begins life as an a***hole – apparently the first part of the body to form in the womb.

And I would like to test the theory that Loch Ness could hold the entire population of the planet 10 times over.

Could all lawyers, senior police officers and politicians form an orderly line please.

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

Breast unit to Three suspects be based at in race bike theft Dewsbury A NEW mobile breast screening service will be based at Dewsbury and District Hospital until July.

More than 8,000 women from across the district are being urged to book an appointment, provided by the Pennine Breast Screening Service – a national programme which entitles all women aged between 47 and 73 registered with a GP to breast screening.

Sessions at the mobile unit, which is parked at the Healds Road entrance, will run Monday to Friday from 9.20am-12.20pm and 1.30-4.30pm, until the summer.

Principal superintendent radiographer Leah Richardson said: “The mobile screening unit plays an important role in the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and it is important that the service is as accessible as possible for the women we screen.

“I am very grateful to Dewsbury and District Hospital for their support in offering the unit a home so we can provide a local service to the women of Dewsbury and Birstall and I hope they will take advantage of their breast screening invitations.”

Women are invited for breast screening every three years. The 30-minute appointment involves taking an image or mammogram of the breast to detect any early signs of breast cancer.

Mammography can pick up cancers that are too small for a woman to see or feel in the breast, and early detection means treatment will be more effective.

Nearly 70 per cent of women screened receive the all-clear, while others receive further tests.

News In Brief Crossing job for schools

A DISTINCTIVE red racing bike was stolen from a house in Heckmondwike on Tuesday.

The Ribble carbon road bike went missing from a property on Robin Lane between 5.20am and 5.35am on January 2.

There were reports of three men seen in the area at the time, however there has been no further descriptions of their appearance.

If you have any information please contact PC Oliver Coates at Kirklees CID on non-emergency number 101.

Green light for plant’s 40ft power generators

By Zoe Shackleton PLANS to build a new power plant in Batley have been given the go-ahead.

The proposed gas-powered standby generation plant is set to be built adjacent to the railway line at the back of the old Frontier Club building, which is now home to a JD Gym. According to plans the plant could generate up to 20 megawatts of electricity at times of peak demand, with gas brought onto the site through an underground pipeline to power the generators.

Developers Shovel Ready Ltd say the facility will primarily respond to calls from the National Grid in times referred to as ‘stress

events’ – when the electricity network has a surge in demand, or if large-scale generation (i.e. coal, wind, solar) is reduced. The fenced-off site will house eight generators nearly 40ft high.

Residents on nearby streets have been informed and raised issues regarding the plant’s effect on amenities, the environment, noise pollution, and flood risk and drainage.

But a report from Kirklees Council’s Strategic Planning Committee stated: “The proposal would provide a useful facility for the generation of electricity at peak times which would help manage demand on the Grid.

New 2018 brochure now available, please contact us for your copy JANUARY 2018 Wed 10th Bury Market Sat 13th Cheshire Oaks Outlet & Chester (Hit the Sales) Sat 20th Trafford Centre & Salford Quays Wed 24th Bury Market FEBRUARY Wed 7th Bury Market Sat 17th Scarborough or Filey or Bridlington Sun 18th Whitby Mon 19th Liverpool & Albert Docks Tue 20th Chester or Chester Zoo (Transport Only) Wed 21st Bury Market Thu 22nd Yorkshire Wildlife Park (Transport Only) Fri 23rd Blackpool or Blackpool Zoo (Transport Only) MARCH Wed 7th Bury Market Thu 8th York or York Designer Outlet

Contact us for a quote for away games

£10.00 £14.00 £10.00 £10.00

Call now to request our new brochure

www.stationcoaches.co.uk

area’s local environment.

“This application has been assessed against relevant policies in the development plan and other material considerations.

“It is considered that the development would constitute sustainable development and is therefore recommended for approval.”

Developers must abide by various conditions, including not installing a plant until the colour has been approved, not starting to develop until vehicleturning facilities have been implemented, and that hours of operation are restricted to 7am-11pm on any day.

The plans were given conditional full permission by councillors.

Ramblers at the ready NORTH KIRKLEES: A group of 31 Dewsbury and District ramblers celebrated the new year with a six-mile walk from Thornhill’s Rectory Park.

They walked up to Foxroyd and down to Thornhill Lees before returning via the canal.

Another walk is planned for next Wednesday, January 10, from Rectory Park to Mirfield.

Meet Margaret Chamberlain and Ruth Knowles at the park for a 10.30am start.

GOT NEWS? CALL US ON 01924 470296

www.abblindsandcurtains.co.uk

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS Est. 20yrs

£10.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £10.00 £10.00 £14.00 £10.00 £12.00

Pick-Up & Drop-Off at: Ossett, Horbury, Wakefield, Mirfield, Heckmondwike, Batley, Dewsbury and Cleckheaton

TEL: 01924 477 230

“It is considered that, whilst utilitarian, the design of the proposal is acceptable.

“Noise generated by the development would not have significant detrimental effects on the nearest sensitive receptors and would result in negligible impacts on the air quality of the vicinity of the site.

“The development is served by existing access arrangement and provides adequate parking and vehicle manoeuvring facilities within the site and it is therefore considered that it would not adversely affect the local highway network.

“Furthermore it is considered that this proposal would have no significant detrimental impact on the

MIRFIELD: A new crossing patrol is needed to serve three schools in the area.

The crossing point would be at the bottom of the steps next to the cricket ground leading to Wellhouse Lane in Mirfield, to provide children and parents from Crossley Fields Junior and Infants, Castle Hall Academy, and Mirfield Free Grammar with safe access across the road.

Hours of duty would be 7.55am-8.55am and 3pm3.45pm Monday-Friday, with a pay of £8.19 an hour.

The successful applicant would also get paid an amount for every week of the school holidays.

Contact Kirklees School Crossing Patrol Service on 01484 221166 for more details.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM M O N - F R I 9 A M - 5 P M , S AT 1 0 A M - 4 P M

7

8

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

HOLME HOUSE CARE HOME WITH NURSING GOMERSAL, CLECKHEATON Purpose built, highest quality accommodation & care from a dedicated and well-trained staff team Contact the manager or her team on 01274 862021

So what’s the explanation, Ms Brabin?

I was more than a little perplexed by Batley MP Tracy Brabin’s choice of Hartshead as the location for her second home.

In the House of Commons and in her constituency Ms Brabin consistently exhibits a keen enthusiasm for “diversity” as the ideal form of society, and isn’t she forever singing the praises of “diverse Batley” – with special emphasis on her “Batley roots”?

And yet she chooses less diverse Hartshead over more diverse Batley?

That’s an interesting conundrum. How can it be explained?

I suppose one explanation is that Ms Brabin’s geography is a bit out, and that because Hartshead is in the Batley constituency she has erroneously conflated the two.

But I think that stretches the imagination beyond breaking point.

Some gems over Christmas From: John Appleyard, Liversedge The BBC yet again was the most watched television channel over the Christmas period, with Mrs Brown’s Boys receiving the most viewers, which shows that ‘Auntie’ despite its critics is still popular with viewers.

However there were also some gems on local radio, with Scott ‘Pretty Boy’ Midgeley, a bare knuckle boxer from the Buttershaw estate in Bradford who is ranked world number two at the sport.

Apparently bare knuckle fighting is on the increase and its supporters claim it is now safer than boxing with gloves.

I also enjoyed an hour-long interview with John Kear talking about his life in rugby league from his time at Bramley, Paris, Sheffield, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Hull, Batley and now at Bradford.

If anyone can take the Bulls back to the top flight, then there’s no one better

Letter of the Week:

Steve Cass, Mirfield I know MPs can’t be expected to know everything, but surely even Tracy Brabin knows that Hartshead is not Batley.

Another is that Ms Brabin’s choice was governed by her altruism – she chose Hartshead over Batley so as not to deprive another family of the joys of living in “wonderfully diverse Batley”.

Such self sacrifice would indeed be praiseworthy, but I remain to be convinced.

In fact try as I might I was unable to come

than John Kear.

Finally, the acclaimed writer Kay Mellor did a couple of interviews on Radio Leeds. Kate is so busy and has such a prolific output of work, advancing the causes of women that often get neglected.

Lay the blame elsewhere From: Derek Cartwright, Soothill A Labour supporter is spinning history again. These Labour people want you to ignore history, indeed like the dictators of ‘1984’ they want to re-write it.

The yobs of Labour came out to stop what I would have said was an ill-judged event at a museum.

Ill-judged because it was another excuse to state coal mines were shut for no valid reason. That reason was simple, we stopped using as much coal.

Coal is historically where the railway industry came into our national story.

The making of rails ate up thousands of tons of iron. For instance, the 2,000 miles of

track laid in 1847-8 required in all approximately 400,000 tons, with a similar market abroad.

In 1847, two million tons of iron were produced which required about eight million tons of coal.

British locomotives consumed more and more – 750,000 tons in the year ending June 30, 1849.

So the rise in the rail industry demanded more and more coal, the decline of steam meant a reduced demand for coal, as nationalized coal became dearer and private oil cheaper.

Last week’s writer wants to blame a Conservative government for the final decline in the coal industry.

Yet we have to remember that if we didn’t buy British cars, then we didn’t need as much British steel, and then we didn’t require as much energy, so didn’t require as much coal, and of course that goes across the whole of industry.

In addition, not all the decline in employment in the mines was due to demand, there was also mechanisation!

With the political spin of the 1980s we tend to forget that the coal industry was in

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS N McVeigh, discharge condition 8 (materials) on previous permission 2016/91946 for demolition of existing dwelling and erection of new dwelling, 333 Drub Lane, Cleckheaton.

Owens Developments Ltd, discharge conditions 3 (materials), 6 (ventilation), 7-9 (land contamination), 14 (waste storage) on previous permission 2017/91495 for erection of two blocks of 3 terraced dwellings and one pair of semi-detached dwellings, Phoenix Roofing, Whewell Street, Birstall.

M Bamford, detached garage, 37 Mount Gardens, Cleckheaton.

K Enright, single-storey rear extension, 77 Station Lane, Birkenshaw.

A Longbottom, C/O Agent, two-storey side extension, 2 Syke Avenue, Earlsheaton.

M Rajah, discharge of Conditions 6 (drainage scheme) for previous permission 2017/91540 for outline application for erection of 3 dwellings, land

Hartshead village

adjacent to 55 Norfolk Street, Batley.

L Gardner, discharge of Conditions 5(Phase I Desk Study Report) 6 (Phase II Intrusive Site Investigation Report) and 7 (Remediation Strategy) on previous application 2016/90988 for erection of one dwelling and part demolition of existing stables, Cliff Hollins Riding School, Cliff Hollins Lane, East Bierley.

Legal and General, change of use of land from car parking to external seating area and associated works, Unit 8b, Birstall Shopping Park, Holden Ing Way, Birstall.

www.facebook.com/ThePressNews

up with any explanation that satisfies both Ms Brabin’s preference for diversity and her decision to live in ‘un-diverse’ Hartshead.

Something had to give.

According to that great problem-solver Sherlock Holmes, “... when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”

And the only explanation that makes sense of Ms Brabin’s choice is that her professed love of Batley and its diversity is for decline almost throughout the 20th century.

The tale of the nationalised coal industry is like the railway industry, the Coal Board was run in parallel with the union leaders, appointing the mine managers with their approval so that mines were only slowly closed and they produced in the 1980s too much coal that was too expensive when compared to foreign imports.

The real question is why were the mines not shut down more quickly under Labour governments?

That was when the large unions with their payments and Labour chickened out of acting in the national interest.

I regard all politicians as chickens. Do not forget the railways today are 90 per cent nationalised. I do not think railways should be privatised, but I do think the chickens should remove all subsidies from them.

Let southerners pay the full price of travelling into London!

So disappointed in Beeb output From: Tim Goddard, Batley We must congratulate the BBC for their skills over the festive season.

Fitting in 50s, 60s and 70s repeats, and then a repeat of the same repeat the very next day must require a brilliant brain.

I was most disappointed that they hadn’t time to wheel out Johnny Weissmuller, alias Tarzan, and Hopalong Cassidy from the 40s films.

Talk about robbing Peter to pay Paul!

Nondescript ‘B side’ music they play on Radio 2 also does the trick – less royalties.

The Royal Charter states that the BBC has to ‘keep strict stewardship of licence payers’ money’.

Oh yes! Names like Gary Lineker, Graham Norton, John Humphrys, Claudia Winkleman and their ilk

public consumption only.

Quite clearly it is a case of do as I say not do as I do.

How very typical.

spring to my mind.

Also, it states they are to be ‘politically neutral’.

Is that why between January and July, after complaints to Ofcom, analysis showed that there were 85 Remainers on Question Time, against only 36 Brexiteers? Disgraceful!

How the BBC have the cheek to hound people to court, I don’t know.

For entertainment, I’ll have to ask the bookie for odds on the following: How many pot holes there are in Batley?

How many weeks it takes me to spot a policeman?

The percentage increase in salaries for council chiefs, NHS top dogs and BBC newsreaders.

Thanks for all your support From: Tim Wood, the Old Colonial, Mirfield As 2017 has now drawn to a close, I would like to say thank you for the generosity of all concerned who have given so much for the charities and fund raising associations connected in various ways to the Old Colonial Pub. The year 2017 saw the Mirfield Rifle Volunteers raise funds for SSAFA and local Alzheimers support in the local community.

A carol concert last Saturday alone raised the beastly sum of £666 for the MRV. Prior to that the RBL raised yet more funds via our annual Christmas auction.

Just one week before that more funds were raised for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, cheers to Johnny Hunter and his team.

This year’s poppy appeal is set to top the £17,000 mark in Mirfield.

The giving goes on with the Round Table beer festival in Mirfield, and the Bobtown Beer Bash just up the road.

I am privileged to work each year with so many dedicated and kind individuals,

it’s truly great.

Visit church over Xmas?

From: Ms A Rawat, Batley So you’ve all had a good Christmas. Turkey. Presents.

Decorations. Oh, I do love all the lights that people put up every year. It’s marvellous that you make the effort, well done to you all.

But why the emphasis on presents, and too many of them? It’s not your birthday, and it’s not even the birthday of Jesus for that matter.

It’s said that he was born some time around March.

However you are celebrating the coming of your saviour, so why do so many of you not go to church?

Wouldn’t that be a lovely way to start the day?

Then after that, if the turkey is dry or the presents are disappointing, it won’t matter.

Not as much anyway, because you will have done the important thing – and you will be feeling more spiritually connected.

Make it a tradition every year, then you will always know what you will be doing for Christmas. The rest will follow more easily.

Happy new year to you all.

What a great way to help From: Colin Wright, Liversedge It has warmed the cockles of my heart to see how various community groups and adhoc groups of friends have come together over the last couple of years at Christmas time.

The advent of social media for once has proved positive, with once-unconnected people now able to organise wonderful events for those less well off, raise money and hand out presents and other goods. Well done to all involved!

Friday January 5, 2018

ThePress

9

10

ThePress

News In Brief

Friday January 5, 2018

Local historian Mike Popplewell starts a new series of articles for 2018 looking at the people and places that have shaped the history of the district...

Footballer’s wife who became a mayoress Traffic chaos as lorry gets stuck

Alf Ramsden in his mayoral finery

DEWSBURY: A lorry driver caused mayhem after he misjudged a corner and got stuck.

Traffic was snarled up as recovery vans made their way to the scene on the A644 Ravensthorpe Gyratory just after 9am on Wednesday morning.

Police also attended after the truck mounted the roundabout on the main route between Dewsbury, Mirfield and Huddersfield.

It took several hours to free the HGV.

Magical time for kids at the library DEWSBURY: The library is hosting a magical story time and crafts morning next week.

Doors will open at 10.30am on Wednesday January 10 for youngsters to enjoy magical stories, rhymes and crafts in the children's section at the library on Railway Street.

Tickets are free, but you are advised to book by ringing 01484 414868 as there are limited spaces available.

www.facebook.com/ThePressNews

Vic and Maureen Metcalfe in 1957 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN’S first season back in the top flight of English football has revived memories of times gone by when, like in the 1920s, they were the top team in England and in the early post war years when they

fed the England international side with a flood of players in all positions.

One of those players was the late Vic Metcalfe, who progressed from Dewsbury and District side Ravensthorpe to Huddersfield in 1940 and on to the full England side, where he appeared twice as a left-winger in 1951.

Vic was to play a big part in Dewsbury life in his younger years and later as a support for life-long friend Alf Ramsden of Thornill – another leftwinger, but in the world of politics.

When Alf, a Labour councillor for Kirklees, was elected mayor of the district in 1983 he needed a mayoress as he had never married.

So, he turned to his pal

Vic and his wife Maureen for help.

Maureen, who now lives in Golcar, stepped in as Alf’s consort for the year and has always had fond memories of stealing the limelight from her famous footballing husband.

Vic, who had experienced a far-from-glamorous working class upbringing, was only to pleased to step aside and let Maureen take centre stage for once.

Alf was born in Dearnley Street, Ravensthorpe, to gas fitter Leonard Ramsden and his wife Liza (nee Whitwam) in 1922 and, having done an apprenticeship as an upholsterer at Bickers of Dewsbury, he eventually went into his own business.

In his spare time he became leader and presi-

Here for your plumbing & gas needs IF YOU need a trustworthy and competent gas and heating engineer at a fair price, then look no further. “l’m based in Birstall and have been running CR Gas & Plumbing Services for almost ten years after working as a British Gas engineer for 15 years.

“I will take care of all of your heating and plumbing needs, from breakdowns to servicing, from boiler exchanges to fitting appliances and everything in between.

“

l’m Gas Safe-registered and I cover all of West Yorkshire, with no call-out charge and free quotes and estimates.

“A major local lettings agency trust me to service all of the properties on their books and most of my work

Michael Shaw, when he got a job as a clerk with Shaw’s Accountants in Dewsbury.

But with the Second World War now a reality Vic was to play just 13 games in the wartime league before joining the RAF as a wireless operator, and it was four years before he returned to the Town team and subsequently made 434 league appearances.

Despite Alf being seven years older than Vic the pair became the best of friends, and after Vic married Maureen in 1948 he became a firm friend of the family.

As well as his upholstery business Alf’s interest in politics saw him serve on the old Dewsbury Council, taking the mayoral office in 1971-72 and when the authorities merged to become Kirklees he remained involved and had the unique experience of taking the mayoral office of Kirklees Council as well in 1983-84.

In office Alf successfully opposed the building of high-rise flats in Dewsbury and was chairman of the housing committees for both Dewsbury and Kirklees.

Sadly, his last days were not altogether happy ones.

As the youngest in comes from word of mouth his family he inevitably out-lived after l’ve done a great job for his siblings and at a customer. the age of 86 he devel‘‘I’m a local Birstall lad oped dementia and who’Il do quality work at a was hospitalised. great price — just ask my Even then Vic and clients! Call me today on Maureen were by his 07921 151177. side, as next of kin, Clarke Rothwell, Owner and travelled regularly to visit him.

dent of Thornhill Youth Club from its inception and took an active part in the organisation behind the scenes at Thornhill Cricket Club.

Vic and Alf certainly got to know each other well at Thornhill CC as Vic was a good club cricketer as well as a brilliant footballer.

Even though he was born in Barrow to a professional rugby league player, Vic was brought up in Thornhill and on leaving school, as the storm clouds of war were gathering, his sporting life was his least concern.

Unlike today’s pampered Premiership superstars, Vic left school and started work like everyone else.

It was at this time he met Lord Shaw of Duxbury Hall, then just plain

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

Thousands share mince pie moment

By Zoe Shackleton THOUSANDS of people across the country united to help combat loneliness at Christmas in memory of Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox. Following the success of the Great Get Together in summer, which marked a year since Mrs Cox’s death in June 2016, her family organised another event, #MincePieMoments.

The new campaign took place across the UK over Christmas, to encourage communities to come together and share something as small as a mince pie to carry on Mrs Cox’s legacy in helping to unite people and tackle loneliness.

And Mrs Cox’s sister Kim Leadbeater was in her

home town of Batley on Christmas Eve to hand out mince pies and warm drinks.

An event took place at Batley Methodist Church on Commercial Street where people turned up in their droves to join in.

Kim said: “Around 100 people came to the event to chat and share food and drink, including Harry Gration from BBC Look North and his son, Dean and Janet Hoyle from Huddersfield Town FC and Paul Harrison and his family from Batley Bulldogs.

“Shoppers and passersby called in, listened to Christmas music and filled the room with festive chat and laughter.

“It was a lovely example of people from across the

Kim (centre) with Fazila Aswat (right) from the Royal Voluntary Service and volunteers from RVS and More in Common community coming together at Christmas, exactly what the Great Get Together is about.

“I would like to thank

Batley Methodist Church for the use of their room and all the brilliant volunteers who helped to make it such a success.”

Funds available for Spen area groups ORGANISATIONS and groups from the Liversedge and Gomersal ward can now apply for cash grants from a community fund.

The area’s three Conservative councillors are seeking bids for sums of up to £500 for schemes or events that will benefit local residents.

To apply, groups must state the amount they are applying for, along with a full breakdown of how they would spend the money, who would

benefit and how, and when the money would be spent by.

If groups are not applying for a one-off purchase or event, then they must state how long the project or events will run for.

Any other information to support your application should also be included.

Funding would have to be paid into a bank account with a lead person taking responsibility for compliance

with the policy and providing documentary evidence that the funding was spent appropriately.

Bids can be submitted in writing for the attention of Liversedge and Gomersal ward councillors, Civic Centre 3, Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2YZ. Emails can be sent to michelle.grainger@kirklees.gov.uk, to david.hall@kirklees.gov.uk, or to lisa.holmes@kirklees.gov.uk.

11

Mirfield cadets have plenty to celebrate MIRFIELD Air Cadets celebrated 2017 with an end-of-year presentation evening.

Over 200 certificates were presented to 60 cadets and adult staff, including six blue, nine bronze, one silver, and two gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.

There were 30 certificates handed out to mark academic progress through the air cadet classification programme, as well as five BTEC awards in Aviation Studies.

Sergeant Kiara Baillie scooped the South and West Yorkshire sports cadet of the year trophy, with Alex Irving receiving the Gillian Lockwood trophy for cadets’ cadet.

Presentations concluded with promotions awarded to flight sergeants Baillie and Matthew Smith, sergeant Thomas Fedzin, and corporals Jonathan Barrett, Irving, Gabriele Kvederaite and Caitlin Pugh.

Guest for the evening, Colonel David Fuller OBE, deputy chairman of the reserve forces and cadets association for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “It was a real pleasure to be with you for the awards evening and to see the achievements of both cadets and adults.”

The squadron meets at the Air

Cadet centre on Huddersfield Road near the Stocks Bank Road junction on Tuesday and Friday.

For more information contact Flt Lt Peter Doubell on 01924 498896.

Squadron Leader Dominic McCarron is pictured presenting Sgt Kiara Baillie with her award.

ThePress

12

Friday January 5, 2018

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

13

LOOKING AFTER CARS FOR OVER 40 YEARS

LMAN

WILKINSON BROS

COLMAN TYRE & MOTOR CO

SCRAP METAL MERCHANTS

C

All Types Of Metal

FOR A GOOD JOB AT A FAIR PRICE

• SERVICING • BATTERIES • MOT TESTING FOR DIESEL, PETROL & CATALYST • ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS & FAULT FINDING • GENERAL REPAIRS • TYRES, BRAKES & EXHAUSTS

IMMEDIATE PAYMENT

• Copper • Brass • Lead • Aluminium and all types of cable • Skip Hire - All Size Skips Available

LOCAL SERVICE 01924 409348 GREEN ROAD, LIVERSEDGE

(01924) 469409 14 Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury, WF13 3PH

4 Sirloins £10 Turkey Sausages & Lean Turkey Mince 5 Kilo Chicken Fillets £25 2.5 Kilo Chicken Fillets £13 128 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield Telephone: 01924 492185

We can all help each other APPY NEW YEAR to all our readers, advertisers, correspondents and customers.

Thank you for all of your support in 2017 – we’re here to help however we can, and we look forward to supporting, promoting and fighting for North Kirklees throughout

H

Pressed For Time First Class Service For All Your

•WASHING•DRYING• •IRONING•DRY CLEANING• Happy New Year To All Our Friends & Customers

OVER 18 YEARS IN GOMERSAL VILLAGE

THOUSANDS OF HAPPY CUSTOMERS OVER THE PAST 53 YEARS

Best Wishes For The New Year!

Open 8am - Late Nights Tues 6pm Thurs 7pm. Closed Weekends

248 Oxford Road, Gomersal Tel: 01274 852055

COMPETENT ASPHALT Co Ltd

Roofing Specialists Est Over 50 Years All Work Fully Guaranteed Unit 3 Foldhead Mill, Newgate, Mirfield, WF14 8DD

Tel: 01924 480992 Mobile: 07778 809295

www.competentasphalt.co.uk

2018.

Local newspapers play a vital role in keeping communities informed.

If you want to know what is happening across the district and beyond in 2018, then The Press is a must-read every week.

Our track record in getting results for advertisers and standing up for the rights of local people is second to none.

We’re based in the heart of our patch, and we really do care about what happens

locally. We try to maintain the highest standards in everything we do, always providing readers and advertisers with the best product possible.

We like to promote businesses and organisations that share our values and practices.

These fine local businesses and services from across the district regularly support us, and here we are pleased to recommend them to you.

They are tried and trusted, and come with The Press seal of approval.

SALE NOW ON BOLLANDS GUITARS, AMPS (BIRSTALL) Telephone 01924 472178

& DRUMS BEST DEALS IN TOWN 39b Westbourne Road, Marsh, Huddersfield, HD1 4LQ

Tel: 01484 321388 www.keithdawsonmusic.com PART EXCHANGE & CASH DEALS ALWAYS WELCOME

Garlands Residential & Dementia VACANCIES Care Home AVAILABLE

18 KIRKGATE, BIRSTALL, BATLEY, WF17 9PB www.bollandsfuneraldirectors.co.uk

25% OFF

Selected Stock throughout the store

We provide respite & daycare in a happy and friendly environment, where respect & kindness are paramount

Telephone: 01924 404122 27 Church Street, Heckmondwike

Prepaid Funerals Funeral Flower Service Contact Robert Edmond 24 hours Available

WEEKEND EVENT

Our family run home from home offers our guests undivided care & attention

Our doors are always open to the public to pop in for any information, or to look around our home... No appointment necessary

Funeral Directors

Plus superb offers and FREE FITTING on selected Stock Rolls FREE DELIVERY on ALL products in store

Cider Strongboww & Strongbo2.50 Dark Fruitsm£ £2 Bitter fro oors Carling & C £2.50

Birstall Mill

i Available Mon-Fr ls Ho nk Ba cl Ex

CARPETS & BEDS LTD

t:

01924 420894

FREE PARKING OUTSIDE STORE AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESS All existing flooring can be uplifted & disposed of by prior arrangement

Snooker & Pool Table • Showing all sports on SKY & BT Sport • Function Room Hire SIX LANE ENDS PUBLIC HOUSE, 146 Leeds Rd, Heckmondwike, WF16 9DQ. 01924 402764

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm • Saturday 9.30am-4pm • Sunday 11am-4pm

Open 12pm-12am

In front of Fuzzy Lemon Self Storage

934 Bradford Road, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9PH ONLY 1 MILE FROM M62, JUNCTION 27

www.birstallmillcarpets.co.uk

14

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2017

MILL VALLEY BREWERY & TAP

Brewers of Real Ale Open to the public

Woodroyd Mills, South Parade, Cleckheaton

w w w. m i l l v a l l e y b r e w e r y. c o . u k

Heroes, baddies, and a tap-dancing camel...

FOLLOWING the success of last year’s sell-out panto, Carlinghow Theatre Company return to Batley Town Hall next weekend to tell the hilarious tale of Robinson Crusoe.

SPEN Valley Sewing Bee Club meets for the first time in 2018 tomorrow (Sat).

The club runs on the first Saturday of the month from 1pm to 4pm in the function room of The Black Bull pub in Birstall.

The club suits any level from total beginners to advanced tailors.

Each session costs £3 and participants are asked to bring their own sewing, knitting or crochet project. Just turn up on the day.

There’s always a happy ending Dewsbury Collegians will be telling the story of Mother Goose at Dewsbury Town Hall.

Based on an old Greek legend about a goose that lays golden eggs, the pantomime was first produced at the Theatre

MIRFIELD Choral Society start rehearsals for their Spring concert on Monday, January 8.

New members are always welcome to come along and give singing a try downstairs at Trinity Methodist Church in the town centre.

The group meets on Mondays at 7.30pm.

Bee a part

The am-dram group’s show tells the tale of Crusoe and his friends as they find a treasure map and set sail in search of the Island of San Cramello and the fortune that is hidden there.

Featuring a talented cast of comical characters, music, baddies to boo, heroes to cheer and a tap-dancing camel, this year’s pantomime is written and directed by Jane Griffin and promises to be lots of fun.

The town hall show goes on stage on Friday January 12 at 7.15pm, Saturday January 13 at 2.15pm and 7.15pm and Sunday January 14 at 2.15pm.

Tickets are priced at £11 and £8 concessions.

To book, call 07774 128533 or 01924 324501 or book online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls.

AN AMATEUR dramatic society is putting on a pantomime later this month – and it’s well worth a gander.

Singers welcome

Royal in 1902 and is as popular now as it proved back then.

The story tells that the golden eggs laid

by Priscilla the goose will bring wealth to the Dame, Mother Goose. But she soon realises they will not satisfy her craving to be young and beautiful.

A demon tricks Mother Goose into parting with Priscilla in return for youth

and beauty, however this comes at the expense of her happiness.

The Collegians’ adaptation of the much-loved tale has all the ingredients of a traditional family pantomime, with songs, dance, humour, audience participation and a happy ending.

Performances start from Thursday January 18 and take place in the evenings

at 7.15pm until Sunday January 21.

There will be 2pm matinee performances on the Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets for the stalls are £9 and £7 concessions, with the balcony seats priced at £10. Sunday matinee tickets are £5. To book, ring 01924 492742 or 01484 225755 (Town Halls ticket line), or visit www.kirkleestown halls.co.uk.

Oh, let’s go ... see a show!

STUDENTS from Heckmondwike-based Timestep Studio Musical Theatre have been learning their lines and rehearsing hard ahead of their performance of Mary Poppins at the end of the month.

Tayler Dunstan will be starring as Mary Poppins alongside Carl Cammish as Burt the chimney sweep at Batley Town Hall on Saturday January 27, 2018 (7pm).

The strong cast will entertain the audience with all the Mary classics – A Spoonful Of Sugar, Jolly Holiday and Let’s Go Fly A Kite – it’s a show the whole family can enjoy.

Timestep Studio Musical Theatre teachers Elizabeth Johnson and Rebecca O’Gorman have gone the extra mile, and the production coincides with the release of Mary Poppins at the cinema over Christmas.

The show is also part of Timesteps’ 25th anniversary celebrations that will take place throughout 2018.

Tickets are available from the Kirklees Town Hall box office on 01484 225755.

Magic is on display A SPELL has been cast over Dewsbury Library as the magic of Harry Potter went on display this week.

As part of the British Library’s major exhibition ‘Harry Potter: A History of Magic’, 20 public libraries across the UK are launching their own displays.

And at Dewsbury visitors can discover all they need to know about magic with images of rare books, manuscripts and magical objects. Material from JK Rowling herself is also on show.

Based on the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the exhibition opened at the library on Wednesday.

Local connections to magic and folklore are also showcased, including publications on botany and herb lore, as well as stories of ghosts and witches recorded by local historians.

A series of magical events and activities will be hosted throughout the duration of the exhibition.

For more information visit the library on Railway Street.

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network

Marketplace

Patti Boulaye is on song as she stars Turn your unwanted items in a new show about Billie Holliday into cash £££s

1) Ring Angela on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge).

2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge).

3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment.

ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words.

(We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in Marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296.

Ann and Patti Boulaye OLLOWING her sold out performances in London last year, award-winning singer and musical theatre star Patti Boulaye is bringing her moving one-woman show ‘Billie and Me’ on tour. Patti, who is a whirlwind of fun, recently also appeared on Celebrity MasterChef and the ‘Real Marigold’ TV show. But as Patti told me on set: “Singing is the one thing I always go back to, because it brings me so much joy and fun and hopefully the audience enjoy it too.” Patti is a sensation as Billie, and if you get the opportunity don’t miss it while it’s on tour. Patti will be at Otley Courthouse Arts Centre, on Friday April 27, 2018.

F

COMEDIAN Peter Kay stunned fans by cancelling his £40 million tour, but it seems he can afford it as new financial documents show that his fortune has increased by £1.8 million.

Kay has a combined £29.5million in his two performing arts companies, Good Night Vienna Productions and Hussein Traders, at the latest count.

STRICTLY Come Dancing professional Aljaz Skorjanec is back on tour this March with a new show all about his dancing hero Fred Astaire. “To me he was the best, simple as that and to even appear in a show with his name attached to it is just beyond my dreams,” he said. “I never tire of watching his films, you can learn a lot from him.”

SHIRLEY BALLAS will not appear on the Strictly Come Dancing tour alongside her fellow judges, like previous head honcho Len Goodman. A friend reveals: “Shirley only ever signed to do the TV show and is very busy flying between the US and London, so it would be impossible for her to fit that in too.” Fans (and yes there are some) believe she should have stayed and done the live tour also...

GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART, the sitcom about a man who can time travel back to the 1940s, is to become a musical stage show. The comedy will premiere on the stage in

© Maycon Pictures September. Creators Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran say: “This will be a small-scale production by an enterprising theatre company,” adding: “We hope that a major West End show will follow in 2019.” The BBC has declined to order a new TV series so the programme is now being offered to other broadcasters.

ing back, due to “time and pressure to get A-list guests”.

TAKE note of this date – February 21. The day before what would have been his 90th birthday, BBC Studios is staging a very special event to honour one of this country’s biggest and best-loved entertainers, and broadcasters, Sir Bruce Forsyth. The show will be broadcast on BBC One later. Filmed at the London Palladium – the theatre which helped propel Sir Bruce to stardom – the hour-long celebration will have music, dance, entertainment and comedy at its heart, and many stars who appeared with Sir Bruce during his career.

REMEMBER Susan Boyle from Britain’s Got Talent a few years back? Well, it appears that Simon, Piers and co have almost forgotten her too.

Normally around the festive period she would release an album of tunes, but fans are asking what happened this year. Susan herself confided in a friend that she is always ready to record and loved being in the studio. It appears some think her time in the limelight could be over...

TV PRESENTER Chris Tarrant sneaked in to see the new play Quiz, which was inspired by the cheating scandal on his show ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ Chris told me: “I think that was the biggest thing on the show, I mean I had no idea at the time, but now looking back yes of course, someone coughing all the time, it’s a bit of a giveaway really!”

AFTER confirming she will reprise her lead role in ITV’s Victoria for its third series next year, Jenna Coleman tells me that she finds it odd off-set when she forgets that people don’t have to scrape and bow in front of her.

“It happens all day on set, so yes it’s a bit of a shock when I get home and there is no-one there to do it,” she giggled.

RYLAN has announced that he will be taking a break from This Morning in the new year.

The former X Factor chap, who features regularly on the ITV daytime show, is also taking a break from his much-panned chat show which aired on Channel 5 and won’t be com-

THE CREATORS of Birds of a Feather have revealed they’re planning a new live show titled Early Birds, which would premiere at the Edinburgh Festival in 2018. The show would tie in with the sitcom’s 30th birthday.

THE SEARCH for the nation’s best young singers will continue as The Voice Kids is returning for a second series. ITV has confirmed Pixie Lott is one of the judges, despite having zero chart success for years, but as she points out: “I do have lots of experience in the business.”

CORONATION STREET’S Catherine Tyldesley is not too happy, I hear, at being given the axe from the soap after four years. A source on the show told me: “We have a new producer and she is clearing out all the ‘dead wood’ as she sees it, and Catherine, Shayne Ward and others are heading for the door. It’s also about costs as it’s an expensive show to run.”

RICKY NORWOOD starred as Fatboy in EastEnders for five years before his character was tragically killed off in a case of mistaken identity. That was two years ago, and now he tells me about his new role on stage in panto. Ricky said: “I play the Court Jester in York this year, and while people knock panto, to me it’s just another role and a good way of learning theatre, plus I love it when all the children really get involved. They create a great atmosphere.”

NEW Bosch front-loading washing machine, 12 months old £90.

Selling due to fitting new kitchen. Buyer collects. Tel 07775 536153 (Dewsbury area). (2078) CHILDREN’S GOODS /TOYS Boys’ BMX style bike, (Terrain model), 20” wheels with stunt pegs, as new £45. Tel 07961 842563/ 01924 501325 (Liversedge/ Roberttown). (2273) Girls’ BMX style bike, white/green, 5 gears, 18” wheels, as new £35.

Tel 07961 842563/ 01924 501325 (Liversedge/ Roberttown). (2273) Girls’ 3-wheel scooter, pink/white, with front brake. Good condition £30. Tel 079618 42563/ 01924 501325 (Liversedge/ Roberttown). (2273) Early learning centre wooden baby walker/ trolley with coloured bricks. Excellent condition, £10. Tel 01924 407400. (2252) Mamas & Papas (Cybex) baby’s first car seat.

Suitable from birth.

Comes with carry handle. Excellent condition, £15. Tel 01924 407400.

(2252) DIY Two wood trestles, 8ft high 2’6” wide to 22”, £15. Tel 01924 458658.

(2074) Triple extension ladder 3.5m, £85. Tel 01924 458658. (2074) Strong, folding 4-step ladder with platform, £15. Tel 01924 479647.

(2272) ELECTRICAL X Box 360, grey console including 3 games, Medal of Honour black ops, Call of Duty and COD Ghosts. £50. Tel 07533 209056 (Heckmondwike). (2259) Ricoh MPC 3500 full colour copier/printer in working order. Good condition, £320. Tel 01924 490266 (evening).

(2260) Indesit fridge in good working order, can be seen working, £30. Tel 01484 656666. (2257) FASHION/FABRIC/CLOTHING

Girls’ faux fur coat in cream, from Next. Suit 7-8 yr old, as new, £35.

Tel 07961 842563/ 01924 501325 (Liversedge/ Roberttown). (2273) Girls’ leopard print ankle strap shoes (River Island), size 2, never worn £10. Tel 07961 842563/ 01924 501325 (Liversedge/ Roberttown). (2273) Pair men’s grey leather slip on shoes, size 7 1/2, brand-new £6. Tel 01924 518904. (2271) Genuine boxed Louis Vuitton Paris black leather trainer-style shoe, size 8. Worn twice. Cost £400, sell £140. Tel 07804 233073.

(2258) FURNITURE Lovely antique side table, 5ft wide x 15in deep x 33” high. Highly carved, solid oak, 2 large bulbous legs, one drawer with 2 brass handles. Approx. 100 years old £60. Tel 01924 609015. (2075) Stripped pine console table with drawer, 3 ft high x 3ft long x 1 ft wide £25. Tel 01924 479647. (2272) Tub chair in brown material, £15. Tel: 01274 876748. (2264) Swivel chair in beige material, £15. Footstool to match, £5. Tel 01274 876748. (2264) Dining suite – Refectory table 30” x 58.5”, 4 ladder back chairs plus 2 carvers, tapestry seats, light wood. 3 separate cupboards with glass shelved display above each one, 31.5” x 71” high. Good condition, little use. £150 for all (will separate). Tel 01924 494526 (Mirfield). (2262) Pine wardrobe 6ft 4ins high x 31 inch wide, with two drawers. As new (not self assembled) £50 Tel 01484 656666. (2257) TV cabinet in pine, two shelves and one drawer. (not self assembled) As new, £30. Tel 01484 656666. (2257) Pine oblong coffee table, as new, £7. Tel 01484 656666. (2257) Three-piece suite from M&S, one large sofa, two armchairs and foot-

15

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

ITEM bands

Cost per item

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

Cost £2,500 new. Very good condition, £195.

Tel 01924 489657/ 07970 965369. (2252) HEALTHCARE Commode as new, folds up, £30. Also high seat for normal toilet, as new £7.50. Tel 07522 540908 (Mirfield). (2266) HOMEWARES Dinner set, cream with pale peach flower pattern, 6 dinner plates, 6 tea plates, 6 cups and saucers. New, £10, other items available.

Tel 01274 876748. (2254) Curtains in cream brocade, fully lined. Size 7ft drop x 9ft wide, as new, £50. Tel 01484 656666.

(2257) KITCHEN Hotpoint dishwasher, full size, good working order, colour grey, £25.

Tel 01924 458658. (2074) Nutribullet Extractor Pro15 juicer/smoothie maker.

900W motor, includes many extras. Cost £100, sell £50. Tel 01924 405423. (2267) Stainless steel gas hob, £20. Tel 07804 233073.

(2258) MISCELLANEOUS Antique upright piano (1914). FOC, collection only, no delivery. Tel 01924 497206 (Birkenshaw). (2268) Wine-making and home-brew equipment – gallon demi-johns, clear glass. 2 for £10. King keg pressurised beer barrel with gas cylinder, £15. Tel 07773 875472.

(2263) MUSICAL Tenor trombone (gold lacquered), serial number 430226. Make Elkhart USA. Hardly distinguishable from new.

Original 12C mouthpiece and original sturdy, lightweight, fitted case. All in excellent condition. Needs to be seen, £120 (cash only).

Tel 01924 477016 (can deliver locally). (2077) Trombone Practice Silent Brass Personal Studio S135-9 PM5.

Complete with all accessories, only used once. Still boxed, bargain £70 cash. Tel 01924 477016 (can deliver locally). (2077) PETCARE

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11

Wrought iron pet bed, new, 2ft x 2 1/2 ft £7. Tel 01924 479647. (2272) SPORT/FITNESS/OUTDOORS Trimline 3550 Space Saver Treadmill, electric (stands up when not in use). Manual or programmed mode, £150.

Tel 07934 187407 (Dewsbury). (2076) Dynamax electric treadmill, 8 programmes, with instruction book, £50 ono. Tel 01924 458658. (2074) Hi-Pro folding snooker/pool table, red baize.

2 full sets balls, 2 cues, scorecard, 6ft x 3ft, in excellent condition £65.

Tel 07961 842563/ 01924 501325 (Liversedge/ Roberttown). (2273) Reebok Irun 3 treadmill, instructions and tools included. Black & white in immaculate condition.

Cost £500, sell £250. Tel 01924 405423. (2267) Mountain bike, GT Paloma, 18” frame, 26” wheels. Good tyres and good general condition, £40. Tel 01924 274137.

(2265) StowaMatic golf push trolley with three wheels. Black, £24. Tel: 01274 876748. (2264) Fishing equipment – Shimano perfection carp rod, 12ft – 2lb TC with tube. Very good condition, £25. Boss pole roller with bag, new and never used, £15. Tel 07773 875472.

(2263) Scuba equipment includes 1 x wetsuit plus 1 shortie, set of regs, SMB, 3 masks, 1 set of fins, torch, knife, pair of boots size 9, hood, weights, belt, pouch, camera & flashgun, snorkel and compass, £250. Tel 07857 026569. (2261) Pool table in good condition, £10. Tel 01924 518904. (2255) Infiniti Fitness System Ergometer Elliptical Cross Trainer. Hardly used. Cost over £400. £200 ono. Tel 01924 460397. (2251) WANTED WANTED: N-Gauge railway rolling stock (English).

Private buyer, cash waiting. Tel Andy 07900 110768. (2269)

ThePress

16

Friday January 5, 2018

Plenty to look back on and T’S BEEN another eventful year in the district, with Dewsbury Moor back in the TV spotlight, crime stories galore, the Great Get Together and the fight to save hospital services story all playing their part. Here’s a look back, month by month, at some of the major headlines in The Press in 2018...

I

JANUARY: DEWSBURY Hospital’s A&E department was stretched to its limits over the festive period – with reports of patients having to wait up to 11 hours to see a doctor.

Amid pleas from health chiefs to only visit Dewsbury’s A&E in a real emergency, Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin said her team was contacted by shocked constituents, one of whom claimed they’d had to spend almost 20 hours there before a bed on a ward was found.

ONE of North Kirklees’ greatest sporting heroes was recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

Mirfield cycling legend Brian Robinson was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to cycling and charity.

A DEWSBURY man blamed his strict religious upbringing after he was found with

child and animal sex images on his computer.

Saleem Patel, 40, signed the Sex Offender’s Register for five years after he was sentenced at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court.

Police searched his Wharf Street home in Savile Town after he was arrested in London for filming a woman breastfeeding.

with serious but non-life threatening injuries after three other incidents nearby that officers linked to the shooting.

Police were called to an address on Park Parade, Westtown, shortly before 10.30pm on February 1 following reports that a man had been shot.

A PETITION to save a restaurant’s illuminated palm trees attracted over 1,200 signatures as planning officials looked set to remove them.

Kirklees Council demanded that the Shama Restaurant at White Lee remove the three highly-visible trees situated in the car park but later backed down, allowing the popular trees to stay.

A TV DRAMA portraying the community’s response to the kidnapping of Shannon Matthews polarised local opinion when it was broadcast.

More than seven million viewers tuned in to watch BBC One’s ‘The Moorside’, which starred BAFTA-winner Sheridan Smith.

FEBRUARY: A MAN was shot in Dewsbury in what police believed was a targeted attack.

A 24-year-old man was taken to hospital

KAREN MATTHEWS was planning on fleeing Britain to set up a new life abroad, according to national newspaper reports.

The disgraced mother applied for a passport and told a friend that she wanted to start a new life in Spain.

THE landlord of the Thornhill pub where a man was tragically killed appealed for the people who saw what happened to come forward and speak out.

Jonny Binns was hit by a car and killed in the car park of The Scarborough pub, after a fight broke out on The Town, the road which runs through the heart of the village.

Police arrested and charged nine men and youths aged between 17 and 20. A trial begins on January 15.

MARCH: HEAD coach Glenn Morrison leaves Dewsbury Rams after a run of six consecutive defeats. He is later replaced by Neil Kelly and the side finished comfortably in mid-table.

A BUSINESSMAN claimed Kirklees Police were leaving towns and communities at the mercy of criminal gangs after his bar was broken into for the third time in nine months.

Clarke Rothwell and his partners in Priestley’s Bar in Birstall town centre were around £20,000 out of pocket after the latest raid on the premises – before taking into consideration the repeated cost of repairs.

A MAN was left with serious injuries after he was dragged from his car and attacked with baseball bats.

Roads in Dewsbury town centre were sealed off following reports of a serious assault.

A SOLICITOR was jailed for stealing more than £4million from clients’ accounts to fund her lavish lifestyle.

Linda Box, 67, forced the 200-year-old Dixon, Coles and Gill law firm to close after plundering the money over a 12-year period.

The Dewsbury grandmother’s spending included £800-a-night stays at The Ritz in London for her and her family and a collection of vintage wines for her son worth £800,000.

APRIL: KIRKLEES Council staff were accused of desecrating graves in local authority-run cemeteries across the district.

A team of Kirklees personnel were thought to be patrolling the graveyards “pressure-testing” headstones and memorials – some as small as 14 inches high – to see if they could withstand 150kg of force.

A COMMUNITY facility in Batley was officially renamed in celebration of the late MP Jo Cox. Batley Resource Centre was no longer, and Jo Cox House was emblazoned on the building in Market Place in her memory.

RECORD-BREAKING crowds lined the streets of North Kirklees to watch the Tour de Yorkshire pass through. The peloton whistled through Birstall, Gomersal, Liversedge, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Mirfield as raucous crowds cheered them on.

MAY: LOCAL Tories were caught on the hop by the announcement of a General Election.

After Prime Minister Theresa May called the snap June 8 poll, Conservative Party officials in North Kirklees admitted that it would be several days before their candidates were in place, giving an early boost to the district’s two incumbent Labour MPs.

The Tour de Yorkshire peloton races through Birstall in late April

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

17

lots still to debate after 2017 A FORMER soldier from the Spen Valley travelled to a clinic in Switzerland to end his life after a 10-year battle with motor neurone disease.

A final message from 62-year-old David Nigel Casson, known commonly as Nigel, was posted on several local Facebook community pages after he decided to travel to the Dignitas assisted dying clinic.

A CROOKED lawyer who stole millions from a law firm was told she could face an extended jail term if she did not pay back almost £2million in the next three months.

Linda Box, of Halifax Road in Dewsbury, was jailed for seven years in March for stealing over £4million from client accounts at Wakefield-based Dixon, Coles and Gill.

RED HOUSE MUSEUM is set to be sold on the open market – angering campaigners who had attempted to save the building for community use.

The Save Red House Museum and Gomersal Public Hall group say they had put together a plan to take over the 17th century property in the hope that they could renovate it to provide a range of local services.

THE TWO police officers who arrested MP Jo Cox’s armed killer received medals for their bravery.

PCs Craig Nicholls and Jonathan Wright (pictured left) were awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal in the Birthday Honours list this year following their actions in chasing down Thomas Mair, the right-wing extremist who murdered Mrs Cox outside Birstall Library last June.

The pair were at Buckingham Palace when the Prince of Wales presented them with their medals.

A YOUNG man from Dewsbury who was caught up in the Manchester Arena bombing said that memories of the night would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Twenty-year-old Harry Shillito and his girlfriend, Chloe, were at the arena to watch American singer Ariana Grande before suicide bomber Salman Abedi launched an attack that killed 22 people and injured 64.

Despite being just 20 metres from where the explosion happened, the couple managed to escape uninjured.

JUNE: A MOTHER-of-two was jailed for at least 13 years after stabbing her partner to death as they “kissed and cuddled”.

Michelle Spencer had previously denied murdering David Butterfield, 43, at their home on Shirley Terrace, Gomersal, on January 13.

LABOUR incumbents Paula Sherriff and Tracy Brabin were reelected with increased majorities in Dewsbury and Batley & Spen in the General Election.

Ms Sherriff saw off a determined challenge from young Conservative hopeful Beth Prescott to retain her Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton seat, clinching 51 per cent of the vote and increasing her majority to more than 3,000.

Tracy Brabin romped home in Batley & Spen, seeing off Tory Ann Myatt comfortably.

ALMOST 120,000 events took place nationwide to mark a year since the death of Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox. Dozens of events were planned across North Kirklees as part of The Great Get Together, which was set up by Mrs Cox’s family to encourage people of all ages and faiths to celebrate togetherness.

ARMED police roused residents from their beds in the middle of the night after reports of a gun being fired during an attack at a house in Scout Hill.

The incident happened at a terraced property in Thornville Place,

when two men – one of them with a gun – were seen trying to batter their way into the house before a shot was fired and they escaped driving a car the wrong way down the one-way street.

DEWSBURY MP Paula Sherriff slammed the Prime Minister for her response in Parliament as she skirted a question about the downgrading of Dewsbury & District Hospital’s A&E services.

At Prime Minister’s Questions Miss Sherriff asked Theresa May to confirm that all services at both Dewsbury Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary would remain open – including full A&E provision.

JULY: AMBITIOUS plans to transform the former Dewsbury Museum building into a community hub were set to create up to 15 new jobs.

A bold new business plan for the Grade II listed building in Crow Nest Park was submitted which could see the museum rebranded as Dewsbury Park Mansion Community Hub (DPMCH).

HEALTH SECRETARY Jeremy Hunt admitted that 30 per cent of patients at Dewsbury and District Hospital’s A&E department would be transferred to Pinderfields as a result of the downgrade.

The figure was revealed in a letter he sent to Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff after she requested information about the proposed changes to A&E services at the hospital.

CAMPAIGNERS in Mirfield geared up to fight a fresh bid to build new homes on green fields.

Property developer Bellway Homes had previously drawn up plans to build 130 homes on Balderstone Fields, off Wellhouse Lane.

Community group Project Mirfield campaigned hard against the move and, in 2015, Bellway Homes withdrew its plans.

The developer organised a public consultation event – and residents were warned that plans for 60

homes were in the pipeline.

AUGUST: A BATLEY man was sentenced to six years in prison after revealing to an undercover police officer that he intended to join Islamic State and fight in Syria.

Ghulam Hussain admitted back in April to buying plane tickets so that he could fight for the so-called Islamic State group.

He had purchased airline tickets with credit cards he had obtained fraudulently.

TRIBUTES poured in after Bernard Kenny, who was awarded the George Medal for bravery for intervening when MP Jo Cox was murdered, passed away peacefully at his home in Birstall. He was diagnosed with cancer in June.

VANDALS caused up to £10,000 of damage as Batley Bulldogs’ ground was broken into for the fourth time in a month.

Officials at the Championship club found the windows of hospitality boxes smashed when they arrived at Mount Pleasant.

SEPTEMBER: A DEWSBURY man was jailed for 13-and-a-half years for raping and sexually assaulting a young woman.

Steve Williams, of The Combs in Thornhill, and William Kelly, from Blackpool, were sentenced to a total of more than 25 years behind bars at Preston Crown Court.

The pair raped and assaulted a 25year-old woman in Blackpool last April.

BEREAVED families faced a winter of chaos and anguish after Dewsbury Crematorium fell foul of ‘cheap’ Kirklees Council repairs and was left delaying funerals for weeks on end.

The facility in Dewsbury Moor has been the centre of repeated investment arguments dating back years and despite having superficial improvements four years ago, was running at only one third of its capacity.

THREE men were jailed for a total of 47 years following a targeted shooting in Dewsbury.

Owais Ashfaq (18), Hasnain Khan (19) and Ahmed Mohammed (18) were sentenced at Leeds Crown Court for their involvement in the drug-related firearms incident on February 1.

The trio shot 24-year-old Aftab Khan in his car in front of his girlfriend after luring him to Cemetery Road for a drug deal.

OCTOBER: UNDER-FIRE Heckmondwike animal park Ponderosa announced it will close until March 2018 for refurbishment.

The news came days after a series of complaints were made online which claimed that some of the attraction’s animals were housed in unsuitable conditions.

But Ponderosa officials said the revamp had been long-planned and was unconnected to the flurry of bad publicity.

A GOVERNMENT planning inspector was scathing of Kirklees Council over its Local Plan strategy that could see vast swathes of the district concreted over for homes and industry.

Inspector Katie Child wrote to the council following two weeks of public hearings in Huddersfield, expressing a wide range of concerns over plans to build 33,000 new homes across the district inside the next 15 years.

FIREFIGHTERS battled a blaze at the site of the former Batley General Hospital.

Smoke could be seen from several miles away – and the fire was investigated as arson.

NOVEMBER: TWO DEWSBURY men were jailed for eight years for their part in smuggling almost £100,000 worth of heroin from Afghanistan.

Arfan Hussain and Akmal Afzal were involved in delivering a package – containing 1.94kg of heroin – to an address in Dewsbury Moor.

KIRKLEES Council leader David Sheard announced he will step down in 18 months.

Coun Sheard (Lab, Heckmondwike) confirmed he would not be seeking re-election when his current term ends in May 2019.

DECEMBER: CONSERVATIVES in Dewsbury had their annual dinner plans cancelled after a political backlash.

The Dewsbury County Conservative Association had booked the National Coal Mining Museum as the venue for their gettogether next March, but vocal opposition and threats to protest the event saw the museum cancel the booking.

Critics labelled the choice of venue as politically insensitive.

THE FAMILY of murdered Dewsbury schoolboy Steven Mullins were not told his killer was already walking free – because authorities didn’t want to spoil their Christmas.

Steven’s furious father Michael Mullins said they are still waiting for answers about Richard Mortimer, who served 34 years in prison for the killing of 12-year-old Steven in 1982.

Mr Mullins and wife Margaret, of Pennine Road, Earlsheaton, discovered by accident that Mortimer was set free and is thought to be living in Leeds.

A FORMER employee of ex-Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood threatened “bomb scares” in a wave of far left intimidation that forced the cancellation of the Conservative Association dinner at the National Coal Mining Museum.

Labour Party activist Peter Ward, who lives in the Liversedge area, suggested targeting the caterers who eventually forced the cancellation of the event in March, saying they were concerned for the safety of their staff.

He later apologised and was reprimanded for his comments.

18

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

Classified

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

Want to advertise in our Classified section?

Call 01924 470296 or email advertising@thepressnews.co.uk Aerial & Satellite

Carpet & Flooring

Dining Out

BUFFET RESTAURANT

BYO DRINK FREE CORKAGE BUFFET £12.95 SPECIALIST IN LARGE GROUP BOOKINGS OPEN 7 DAYS T: 01274 681545 74 Westgate Hill St, Tong, Bradford BD4 0SB

• Shop at home service • 35 years experience • Samples brought to your home without obligation • Open 6 days per week

FOR YOUR PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

Farm Shops

BLUEHILLS FARM SHOP & PLAY BARN FRIDAY NIGHT DISCO! 4pm-6pm GROOVY

MOVIES! CALL OUR Music & Dancing Every Wed & OFFICE IN BATLEY Friday 10.30am ON PLAY BARN OPEN 7 DAYS 01924 470296 BIRTHDAY PARTIES The MOST affordable

advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees

19

Financial Services

Are you managing your money in a way that improves your life?

Call us today for a free investment and pension review

OUR SPECIALITY

Tel: 0333 456 0333

Birkenshaw BD11 2DU T: 01274 682007

Dining Out

• Expert fitting service provided

Fireplaces

MALCOLM’S

Bespoke Kitchens

All you can eat buffet £6.50

AERIAL SHOP

80 Town Street, Earlsheaton, WF12 8JL

• SKY TRAINED AUTHORISED ENGINEERS • AERIAL / SKY 2ND ROOM £39 • TELEVISION / PC & LAPTOP REPAIRS Open 7 Days until 8pm - Est 20yrs

FREEPHONE 0800 074 8967 or 01924 450999 Butchers

Let Us Design & Create Your Perfect Kitchen 2 Bleak Street, Gomersal, BD19 4RD Studio: 01274 873359 Mob: 07887 995705 imagine@createbespokekitchens.co.uk www.createbespokekitchens.co.uk

Your Local Quality Butcher

5kg Chicken £25 2.5kg Chicken £13 See instore for more details 128 Huddersfield Rd, Mirfield

T: 01924 492185 Care At Home

COMPASSIONATE PERSONALISED CARE AT HOME

Flexible homecare to meet individual needs For more details Tel: 01924 403450

38 LOW LANE BIRSTALL WF17 9HB

Computer Problems?

Sick of Cowboys?

T 01924 474777 01924 422218

MAIN

Care Homes

23 Years Experience

• No Repair, No Charge • No call out charge • We repair on site

Carols Travel QUALITY COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS

No Single Supplement Door To Door Service Hostess Onboard Friendly, First Class Holidays & Service

Residential & Dementia Care Home

TRAVEL SHOP 19 Albion Street, Cheapside, Cleckheaton, BD19 3JD

27 Church Street, Heckmondwike 01924 404122

SHOP AT HOME SERVICE We can bring the samples to you!

Carpets, vinyls, laminates, solid wood and all flooring accessories CHOOSE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME We will not be beaten on price & service.

Fitter with 30+ years experience.

Call Carl

07719 012018

birkenshawflooring.co.uk

SALE 3 FOR

£89

Dimple Well Lodge Hotel` 35 The Green, Ossett WF5 8JX

01924 280472

DRIVEWAYS & PATIO SPECIALISTS

TARMACADAM BLOCK PAVING INDIAN FLAGS etc FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL

07973 959968 www.drivewaypatiospecialist.co.uk

Electrical

GUARANTEE

Curtains & Blinds

Days Out/ Excursions

ANYTHING ELECTRICAL

Northern Domestics

ALARMS, OUTSIDE LIGHTS

Repairs to most makes of domestic appliances.

Competitive rates

Curtains, Blinds, Wallpapers & Accessories

Electrical Cookers Repaired Supplied & Fitted, No Job Too Small, 35 Years Experience, Same Day Service Available Ring Batley:

0113 285 4563 or 07801 063911

Fibre Firm Ltd GRP ROOF SPECIALISTS GARAGES DORMERS BALCONIES

01924 650935 07850 786270

info@fibrefirm.co.uk www.fibrefirm.co.uk Funeral Directors

Function Room Hire

David Butterfield

GOMERSAL CRICKET CLUB

INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Is Your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan Fully Guaranteed? ...Ours is 01274 852 885

Fencing

www.stationcoaches.co.uk

The Press – no other local paper can touch us on advertising prices!

TS FENCING & PROPERTY SPEN FENCING All types of fencing and REPAIRS gates supplied & fitted All type of fencing, gates, decking, flagging & patios etc All types of property repairs, general handyman work.

Any Odd Jobs Big or Small

Call Tony 07939 018428

01924 402578

Repair work undertaken

01274 874095 07454 132548

T: 01924 277308

FLAT ROOF PROBLEMS?

CLECKHEATON

BATLEY BULLDOGS Don’t miss your local team away Call Us!

OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri 9.30 - 5.00 Sat 10.00 - 5.00

Flat Roof

For more information call

Tel: 01924 467472

FLAMES FIREPLACES Commercial Park, Horbury Bridge, Wakefield, WF4 5NW

www.flamesofwakefield.co.uk

Electrical

Tel: 0800 046 1502

01274 305 410

18-22 Market St, Cleckheaton T: 01274 851151

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL 2 dine for £15 or upgrade to ‘Wine & Dine’ extra £10.

5pm-7.30pm SUNDAY LUNCHES 12-4pm, 2 people, 2 courses only £15

12 MONTHS

01274 851477 www.carolstravel.co.uk

E.J.GREENWOOD

Curtains & Blinds

VERTICAL BLINDS

The only name in fireplaces

Drives & Patio Specialists

Park House, High Road, Dewsbury

GARLANDS

Providing 24-hour Care, Respite & Day Care

Tel: 01924 473970

07976 877 768

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

www.banglalounge yorkshire.co.uk

PC DOCTOR

Coach Holidays

Carpet & Flooring

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS! CONTACT 01924 470296

Computing

Fires and Fireplaces to suit all budgets!

FREE • 80-100 FUNCTION people ROOM HIRE • Kitchen use available • DJs, Bands, Entertainment organised • Low drinks prices

Tel: 01274 874100 / 07422 510043 Email:

clubsecretary@gomersalcc.com

Classified ThePress

20

Want to advertise in our Classified section?

Call 01924 470296 or email advertising@thepressnews.co.uk Furniture

House & Home

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS! CONTACT 01924 470296

359 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 5PH

Tel: 01924 440600 www.shackletonsltd.co.uk

Friday January 5, 2018

FOR YOUR PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

HUGE SELECTION OF CARPETS, SOFAS SUITES, BEDS & MATTRESSES

Mob: 07880 581977 Tel: 01924 468148

readers in North Kirklees

01924 420894

Pubs and Clubs

ONLY 1 MILE FROM M62, JUNCTION 27

joIN US AT THE

934 Bradford Road, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9PH

Roofing & property repairs, chimneys lowered, new roofs, strip and re-fix flat roofing.

Free estimates.

All work guaranteed

Millbridge CLUB

www.birstallmillcarpets.co.uk

Concrete Garages & Sheds Dismantle & Bases Garage re-vamps Garage Doors 230 Bradford Rd, Batley Tel: 01924 461996 dencroftgarages.co.uk

The MOST affordable advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees

HGV Tuition

Obtain your HGV or PCV Licence With Ease Use The Professionals Over 30 Years Experience All Aspects Of Driving

Tel: 01274 686211 www.atkinslgv.net

Home Improvements

Makeovers, Facelifts, Revamps, Repairs, Alterations

Free quotes 01924 506616 www.kitchenbedroom.co.uk Home Improvements

NELSON STREET, DEWSBURY, WF13 1NA

TEL: 01924 467269 FAX: 01924 430800 MASTER LOCKSMITHS ACCESS CONTROL INTRUDER ALARM INSTALLERS WEBSITE: www.harfordssecurity.co.uk

Contact us to find out

01924 441494

FIND US ONLINE

www.wormaldinteriors.com email: wormaldinteriors@btconnect.com 152 Leeds Road, Heckmondwike, WF16 9BJ

Opening Times:

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday Closed

★

★

★

★

Sat 6th

JADE HELLIWELL★

★

Mobile Valeting

GARYTERRIFIC JOHNSON ★ VOCALS

★

★

CONCERT ROOM FOR HIRE • PRIVATE PARTIES WELCOME

FIND US ON FACEBOOK 01924 402696

SIX LANE ENDS

Motor Care

Elite Mobile Valeting Services

Public House Snooker & Pool Table All Sky & BT Sport

Elite Mobile Valeting Services

LAGER & BITTER FROM ONLY £2.40 A PINT

25 yrs experience Director: Jason

• Cars • Caravans • Motorhomes • Vans • Carpets & Upholstery • Driveways • UPVC Windows 07717 805900 4theelitevalet@gmail.com

New Home

BUILDERS OF BEAUTIFUL HOMES www.noblehomes.co.uk

YOU PAY HOW MUCH TO ADVERTISE??

CALL US ON

01924 470296

Open 12 noon - 12 midnight

CARS • BIKES • VANS CALL: 01924 497069

Unit 1, Station Business Park, Back Station Road, Mirfield, WF14 8QF

Scrap Metal

Roofing

SIMPSON DENNIS (Roofing Services)

All roof repairs. Insurance work Re-roofing, lead and chimney work – Reduction for OAPs All work guaranteed, free estimates Established 25 years Tel Mirfield

GOMERSAL CRICKET CLUB FREE • 80-100 FUNCTION people ROOM HIRE • Kitchen use available • DJs, Bands, Entertainment organised • Low drinks prices

Tel: 01274 874100 / 07422 510043

146 Leeds Road Heckmondwike 01924 402764

advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees

★

Pubs and Clubs

KITCHENS - BEDROOMS - BATHROOMS

Wormald Interiors does it all.

Why call 10 trades when you can call one?

Do you qualify for no VAT?

Low Beer/Lager Prices!

This Fri ★ Jan 5th LOVELY LOCAL VOCALIST ★

KITCHENS & BEDROOMS

Visit Us At:

TOP CLASS TURNS • BINGO - SNOOKER

HARFORD’S SECURITY LTD

• New Roofs • Flat Roofs • GRP • Chimney Stacks • Gutters, Pointing • Fascia and Soffits • Insurance Work • Leadwork • Velux Windows

WWW.FURNESSROOFING.CO.UK EMAIL: MARK@FURNESSROOFING.CO.UK

One of the area’s friendliest clubs.

DENCROFT GARAGES

ALL TYPES OF ROOFING REPAIRS

406941 ALL WORK CALL OUR OFFICE 01924 07850 786270 GUARANTEED IN BATLEY ON 01924 470296 The MOST ALLAN The MOST affordable affordable BELK advertising with the MOST

Birstall Mill Carpets & Beds

Master Locksmith

Garages

Roofing

Email:

clubsecretary@gomersalcc.com

Find us on

01924 497776 Mobile 07768 298739 www.simpsondennis-roofing.co.uk

Approved by leading insurance companies

WILKINSON BROS SCRAP METAL MERCHANTS

All Types Of Metal IMMEDIATE PAYMENT

• Copper • Brass • Lead • Aluminium and all types of cable (01924) 469409 14 Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury, WF13 3PH

Skip Hire

TIGER

SKIP HIRE L I M I T E D

Roofing

Car body repairs Imperial Motor Company 107 Bradford Road, Dewsbury Tel: 01924 461607 or 07860 754984 Pageant, Prom & Evening Wear Find us on

PROM, PAGEANT & EVENING WEAR WORLD LEADING DESIGNER DRESSES FROM THE UK AND USA 31 Low Lane, Birstall WF17 9EY

Tel: 01924 473892 www.misselegance.co.uk info@misselegance.co.uk

RW Roofing & Property Repairs Pointing, guttering and general maintenance work ALL INSURANCE WORK UNDERTAKEN

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC MINI • MIDI • HALF BUILDERS • BUILDERS

01924 494964 / 07860 711948

www.tigerskiphire.co.uk THE STONE YARD, BACK STATION ROAD, MIRFIELD, WF14 8NL

07901 750921 • 01924 485168

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US...

“We are extremely IMPRESSED with the attention and service we have received since we started advertising with The Press newspaper.

So far we have had an EXCELLENT RESPONSE” Thank you

Find us on Facebook

Twitter

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US...

“The Press always tells the TRUTH, they aren’t frightened to tell us how it is and they don’t scaremonger.

It’s a GREAT READ full of local news.

We have been advertising for a number of years with The Press and are always more than happy with the service they give us and the adverts are really reasonably priced too.”

Charles Whitehead

Michael

Sales Manager, Walker’s Windows

Harfords Security Ltd, Dewsbury.

The Press – no other local paper can touch us on advertising prices!

Linkedin

Many happy returns, and all the best for the next 15 years.

Classified

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

Wanted

Travel Insurance

Window Repairs & Maintenance

TRAVEL INSURANCE TOP PRICES PAID FOR GOLD

FULLY COMPREHENSIVE TOP QUALITY COVER • Single trip cover now with NO AGE LIMIT • Annual multi-trip cover maximum age 86 • Air Ambulance get you home service • 24-hour customer support telephone numbers • FREE medical screening service

07980 767167

AUTHORISED AND REGULATED BY THE FCA CONDITIONS APPLY PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS

Wanted

Wedding Services

SCRAP CARS & VANS WANTED

Idyllic countryside wedding venue

Cash paid & free collection Open 7 days a week

07743 134616 S.D Metals Recycling

Public Notices

01924 452500 Double Glazing Manufacturers SAME DAY GLAZING Unit 2 Queens Mill, Queen Street, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, WF13 3BT www.ultimateglassltd.com

The MOST affordable advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees

0116 272 0500

Licensed for Civil Ceromonies HOLIDAY INN

LEEDS - BRADFORD THE PASTURES, TONG LANE, BRADFORD, BD4 0RP 0113 285 9303 www.hileedsbradford.co.uk

www.facebook.com/ThePressNews Public Notices

Follow us @ThePressLatest Windows & Fittings

Doors, Conservatories and so much more

Unit 10 Woodroyd Mills Cleckheaton 01274 874800

Come and visit our online showroom at: www. yorkshirewindows.co.uk

Tel: 0800 043 4536

Window Repairs & Maintenance

HOME SECURE Est 1990 WINDOW MAINTENANCE We replace Glass | Locks | Handles | Hinges | Faulty Door Mechanisms and Much More!

Call now for a secure, safe home!

T: 01924 412279 M: 07974 700789 www.repair4windows.co.uk

Find us on

The MOST affordable advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees

21

ThePress

22

Friday January 5, 2017

FOOTBALL Albion finish year on high Evo-Stik North

OSSETT ALBION ATHERTON COLLIERIES

3 1

OSSETT ALBION ended 2017 in style thanks to victory over Atherton Collieries.

The opening half hour had little of interest and at that point, Adam Priestley had to be replaced by Tommy Wood due to injury.

Shortly afterwards, a long ball out of defence found Aidan Chippendale, who beat the defender and sent the ball across to Wood who slotted it home to give Albion the lead.

Straight after the interval Albion came close to doubling

their lead, but the final ball struck the post and bounced clear.

The game became end to end and gradually Atherton began to apply pressure.

This eventually gave them an equaliser when a shot from Gareth Peet struck the post and went in.

Albion had saved the best until the final 10 minutes of the match.

A ball into the Atherton box was cleared to Scott Metcalfe who rifled his shot across the goalkeeper as Albion regained the lead.

Three minutes later, a free kick from the left was floated to the far post and Wood was there to fire it home for his second of the match and his side’s third.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Table-toppers face off WOMEN’S FOOTBALL gets underway again this weekend.

In the Second Division of the West Riding County Women’s League, Lower Hopton seem to have taken on the mantle of the dissolved Battyeford Belles side, who stormed through the County League ranks in recent years.

They go into Sunday’s game at Woodend Road against Middleton Athletic relishing the top spot.

However, both sides boast a 100 per cent record.

In the same division Ossett Town’s Development side are

at home to Boroughbridge still embroiled in a relegation battle.

It is a different story for the Town first team as they prepare to take on Silsden at Springwell.

They will hope to defend their unbeaten record and keep the pressure on leaders Farsley Celtic reserves.

Farsley are at Dewsbury Rangers this week but Ossett Town are unlikely to get much neighbourly help from Rangers as they battle in secondbottom spot to improve on their one solitary win this season.

In the North East

Regional League Ossett Albion, perennial relegation fighters, find themselves in a heady fourth place in the Southern Division table.

But they have played more games than any other side in this division and face an extended winter break while the other clubs catch up.

Having chalked up a 9-0 win over Swallownest Beighton on November 26 Albion are not due back in league action until the short trip to third-placed Altofts on February 4.

A two-month midwinter break?

Can’t see that catching on!

Black resigns as Ossett Town boss GRANT BLACK has resigned as first team manager at Ossett Town following their New Year’s Day derby defeat to Ossett Albion.

A statement on the Town website said: “We would like to formally acknowledge and thank Grant for the significant achievements he has brought to the first team over the last two years.

“We have many fantastic moments from his tenure that will live in the memories of all associated with Ossett Town and others for many

years to come.”

Black’s appointment in February 2016 was his first managerial role following a successful playing career in the Conference North and NPL. He guided the club away from the Evo-Stik First Division North relegation zone to safety and then to the play-off final in under 16 months.

Despite a good start to the 2017/18 season, Town’s form has stumbled in recent weeks, picking up just three

points in their last eight league games.

A tremendous freekick from Ossett Albion’s Adam Priestley on the stroke of halftime gave them a welldeserved 1-0 victory over rivals Ossett Town on New Year’s Day. Lee Ashforth and Steve Ridley will take temporary charge of 12th-placed Town who welcome Colwyn Bay tomorrow.

Albion sit three places off the foot of the table ahead of their game away at Trafford.

Grant Black

Yates goal not enough for Town Evo-Stik North

DROYLSDEN OSSETT TOWN

2 1

OSSETT TOWN suffered late heartbreak in their final fixture of 2017, conceding an 86th-minute penalty at Droylsden last Saturday December 30.

Droylsden took the lead just before the half-hour mark as Liam Caddick buried the ball home.

Town responded shortly before half time through skipper Jason Yates, who slotted in at the far post from a corner.

Less than a minute after the restart, Town were reduced to 10 men with captain and goal-scorer Yates

READY: Town face Colwyn Bay tomorrow shown a second yellow card.

The 10 men defended well though and frustrated Droylsden, who despite dominating couldn’t break down the visitors’ defence.

With just under five minutes to go,

the home side found a breakthrough after being awarded a penalty for a tug on centre half John Shaw.

Danny Ventre converted from the spot to snatch the point away from an undeserved Town side.

RACING WITH MIKE SMITH

GOLF

Welsh National to battle elements again

Cleckheaton club opens indoor virtual golf centre

HIS WEEKEND’S feature race is the rescheduled Welsh Grand National which was once again lost to the weather over the Christmas period.

More rain is forecast for Chepstow between now and tomorrow’s (Saturday) race, casting further doubt on the 3m 5 1/2 furlong slog.

If it does go ahead it will be run on heavy ground.

The appropriately named ASK THE WEATHERMAN may prove to be more than a cryptic tip as the eight-year-old loves a stamina test and stayed on gamely to win at Exeter last month carrying a big weight.

It’s tight at the head of the betting, with the Nicky Henderson-trained BEWARE THE BEAR leading the market.

The favourite has always looked like he would make a smart staying chaser and defied a slipping saddle to stay on strongly for a dramatic win in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle.

However, Henderson has never trained the winner of any National and it might pay to look elsewhere, especially as the in-form Irish trainer Gordon Elliot has FOLSOM BLUE entered.

This horse has only had two races since joining Elliot, winning one and then running fourth over a shorter than ideal distance.

Distance and the anticipated heavy ground shouldn’t hold any problems, and, at a working man’s price of 10/1, a strong run is expected.

The gallops report from Lambourn on Wednesday suggest WE HAVE A DREAM is doing everything right ahead

T

of the grade 1 juvenile hurdle (1.35) and he will be hard to catch if he can jump as well as he did at Doncaster last time out.

Tomorrow’s meeting at Sandown is one that brings back memories from 2004 for one local bookmaker who paid out their biggest ever bet of nearly £150,000 to one lucky punter.

The bet was a combination of trebles and four folds, and as the day went on his horses kept winning.

The first was 7/2, then at 12/1 and when Over The Storm won at 8/1 it meant if his last horse won he would collect the life-changing amount.

The horse in question was called Dickens, trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by Paul Moloney and was priced at 66/1.

With 17 other runners in the race and

horses trained by Paul Nicholls and Henderson heading the betting it seemed most unlikely that Dickens would prevail.

But jumping the third last, Dickens took the lead and was never headed leaving George Carrigill to accept the result with his customary good humour, remarking that it would be jam and bread for tea for the next month.

When I asked the punter how he had picked Dickens at such a big price, he told me how he had backed it before, when it was with a different trainer, and tracked it in a couple of previous races.

Simply put, he had done his homework and that is the key to successful punting.

In the Veterans’ Handicap Chase at 3pm the forecast looks good for CLOUDY TOO who has been campaigned with another go at this valuable prize in mind.

He finished fifth last year after a poor show of jumping over the Railway fences, but the weights for this year’s contest are in favour of Sue Smith’s runner and he is 14lb better off than favourite GAS LINE BOY. In the closing handicap hurdle at 3.35 I like WILLIAM HENRY not least for the fact that he’s named after my great great grandfather and has some top-class hurdles form from last winter.

• CARRIGILL’S NAP (Stake returned as a free bet if selection does not finish in the top 4): KALASHNIKOV, Saturday, Sandown, 2.25.

• AUGUR’S BEST BET: CLOUDY TOO (e/w), Saturday, Sandown, 3.00.

£30,000 VAT refund which we put towards the cost of the building itself and the rest of the money came from club funds and the donation.

“But without Emerson & Renwick’s help we couldn’t have The ambitious projfully financed the project was jointly funded ect. by the members and “The support we the club who were have received is typihelped by a sizeable cal of this club and we donation from are grateful to the 48 Accrington-based spemembers who believed cialist engineering in the vision and company Emerson & bought shares in the Renwick. project.

Company directors “The members have Colin and David been superb in getting Hargreaves have both Pro Lee Shepherd with a pupil at the centre behind a number of served Cleckheaton fund raising initiatives cost £75,000, which was consecutively as captain and over the years,” he added. financed by the club and the President in the past.

There are two studios, with Current president Phil donation, and the same the members room boasting a Lazenby and club member amount was required to fit huge screen and a simulator out the purpose-built strucNick Kenyon can also take a which has 78 courses for the ture. lot of credit for project manultimate indoor golf experiThis was funded by selling aging the build and installaence for up to three guests. tion – which was completed shares to members in a sepaThe adjacent state-of-therate company, Cleckheaton in just three months and on a art teaching studio features Virtual Golf Centre Limited. budget. the latest Flightscsope techLazenby said: “We had a The standalone building nology.

RENDITIONS of Dean Martin’s ‘Let It Snow’ can be heard ringing around the clubhouse at Cleckheaton & District following the opening of the club’s new £150,000 indoor virtual golf centre.

ThePress

Friday January 5, 2018

23

RUGBY LEAGUE

Hanging Heaton ready for test

UNBEATEN: Hanging Heaton are yet to be defeated this season TABLE-TOPPERS Hanging Heaton are hoping to pick up from where they left off last year as they resume their season with a trip to secondplaced Ovenden A tomorrow (Sat).

Steve Smith’s side ended 2017 at the top of the Pennine League Division Two West table following victory over Greetland on December 16.

After resuming training on Tuesday, Smith insists his players are feeling refreshed and eager to get going again.

“After our win over Greetland, let’s say we had a nice start to the Christmas period, but it’s now back to work time,” he said.

“It can be frustrating for myself and the boys when there are gaps between games – it’s a case of remaining focussed and concentrating on the things we can control.

“We must keep preparing well, tweak things and maintain our fitness levels.”

Victory tomorrow would create added breathing space for Hanging

Heaton, who sit just a point ahead of Ovenden A. “Obviously Ovenden are having a good season, as are we,” said Smith.

“It will be a tough outing, we’re under no illusions. There is a point between us, but we have two games in hand so a win will see us widen that gap at the top.

“We came out comfortable victors at home and managed to keep them to one score but I think it will be a different story at their place.

“The conditions will be totally different with worse weather and heavier pitches at this time of year, so if our forwards can get on top and we look after the ball, I think we are capable of grinding out the win.”

Hanging Heaton’s performances have been exemplary so far, conceding just 10 points on average per game and scoring 310 points in the eight games played.

“We are only half-way through the season but I am very pleased with how things are going,” said Smith.

“We’ve had quite a few good wins and played some excellent attacking rugby.

“What I’m most pleased with is our defence, averaging 10 points per game conceded is testament to how hard the boys work for each other.”

Smith’s men have won seven of their eight games this season, only dropping points in a draw against forth-placed Underbank in October.

“We were a bit disappointed with the draw away at Underbank, but still remain undefeated all the same,” said Smith.

“The club management did set a target of finishing in a comfortable position at the higher end of the table, I however had other ideas.

“We came close to some silverware last year so I wanted us to go one better.

“We are on track for that top spot but we’ve a long way to go yet. We will just keep working hard and hopefully the results will take care of themselves.”

Potts will be fast out of the blocks DEWSBURY RAMS winger Gareth Potts has set his sights on a quick start to the 2018 campaign after finishing last season in good form.

Potts had to wait for his opportunity in 2017, but produced a decent try-scoring return during the Super 8s.

The former Halifax and Batley player will be aiming to secure a starting spot for Dewsbury this year, after being introduced from the bench in the Boxing Day defeat to Batley.

“It was a slow start last season and obviously we want to improve that this time around,” he said.

“We want as many points on the board as early as possible, then continue that good form for the rest of the season.

“We finished strong last season and put a good run of games together, but it was the start that ruined our chances.”

Potts has similar aspirations on a personal level.

“Last year was a bit hit and miss for me, with injuries and then not being selected, so I couldn’t really get going,” he

CONSISTENCY: Gareth Potts wants to continue the try-scoring form he showed in last season’s Super 8s

Bulldogs getting moving with Comoodle BATLEY BULLDOGS community manager Jon Humpleby has welcomed a new partnership between the club and online sharing platform Comoodle, aiming to boost community active sessions in the area.

Thanks to a range of equipment provided by Comoodle, the Bulldogs community team will deliver its Mission Active Project from the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.

Sports equipment including speed jumps, spinning bikes, BATAK walls and trampolines will boost the programme in North Kirklees.

A range of people have already benefitted from the sessions; from school pupils to the elderly, the project encourages whole community engagement and has also targeted young people with complex needs, including those from Ravenshall School in Dewsbury.

Humpleby explained the value of the equipment lent by Comoodle.

“We have been able to borrow

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Bulldogs’ Community team with Ravenshall School equipment from Comoodole that has enabled us to hold Mission Active multi-skills days, while growing our community gym sessions,” he said.

“Comoodle’s help has also meant we have been able to visit

schools and take our sessions into the community, which has been fantastic.

“We couldn’t afford two BATAK walls without Comoodle’s help, so it has allowed us to do things that we wouldn’t have

said.

“However, I did play a lot better when I got a run of games under my belt and this is my main focus for this year – to cement a place in the team and keep that shirt.”

The winger added that the squad is excited by the challenge of an ever-improving Championship.

“It’s always getting tougher, and there are some massive away trips coming our way, going to the likes of Toulouse, and then to Cumbria, and that isn’t even mentioning the trip to Toronto,” he said.

“We want to try and pick as many points up as we can at these places, but we know it won’t be easy.

“You also have got the fulltime teams coming back into it, while the likes of Leigh and Featherstone will be up there, as they always are; the league is just getting harder every year.

“It all comes back to the start though. If we can get off to a good start then we should be looking at at least a top six finish, if not higher.”

been able to do otherwise.”

Humpleby stressed the importance of the Bulldogs’ community presence.

“It’s really important we get involved in the community and that we are seen to be a focus group where people can come along, get together and do fun activities,” he said.

“From a club perspective, it’s really nice for the supporters to see you doing things within the community because the young people are the future fans of the club so we need to engage them.

“It is also nice to think you are making a difference within the community.

“Whether that is getting people active, building confidence or self-esteem.”

He added: “We need to spread the word about Comoodle and the amazing things we have been able to borrow.

“We have a responsibility to keep in contact with the groups we work with and share the good work it does for the community.”

Shaw Cross hit the ground running SHAW CROSS SHARKS held their first training session of 2018 last night (Thurs).

The session took place on the 4G pitch at the Tetley’s Stadium, and will be followed next Tuesday with a session at the T3 Wellbeing Centre on Bradford Road.

The sessions will contin-

ue on the same days at the same venues through to April.

If you are interested in attending, please visit the event page on Facebook.

The club’s AGM will be held on January 11.

They face a home tie against Beverley on Saturday January 27.

Delaney stays with Moor DEWSBURY MOOR have announced that James Delaney will remain head coach for the 2018 season.

Delaney will be eager to maintain his strong start to coaching, after leading Moor to promotion from National Conference League Division Three last year.

A former Rams player, James is the cousin of Brad Delaney, and nephew of current assistant coach Paul.

The club will also announce a new assistant coach after Chris Mortimer stepped down from his role at the end of the 2017 season.

Derek Ineson will remain in position with Moor’s Reserves side and an announcement regarding his assistant will be made in due course.

Moor’s pre-season training started on Tuesday evening.

Funding must be Diskin wants RFL revamp fair says Kelly Rams boss wants better reward system

By Kayley Dickinson DEWSBURY RAMS head coach Neil Kelly believes the current distribution of funding in the Championship is restricting clubs from progressing.

The Rams are looking to build on last year’s eight-placed finish in what will be Kelly’s first full season in charge of the club.

To do so however, Dewsbury will have to defy the odds as they look to compete against sides who have received significantly more funding than themselves.

“I think the funding allocation process in the Championship could be better,” said Kelly.

“I’m not saying it’s right or wrong, because it has been done with the best intentions in terms of taking the competition forward and getting it a higher profile, but it could be better.

“I have spoken to other coaches and they are of a similar opinion.

“I don’t see any positives in giving people too much money.

“The gap between the top four and the other clubs needs reducing – I’m not saying the reward needs to be smaller, but the gap definitely needs closing.”

Leigh have received an additional £500,000 parachute payment following relegation to the Championship.

Kelly believes the rewards on offer could lead to clubs risking more than they can afford.

“Why have a reward-based system that actually predetermines or dictates table standings as a result of the reward being so significantly different to what everybody else is getting?” Kelly questioned.

“It almost encourages speculating financially with your budget rather than taking a more common sense approach.

“I accept that successful sides need rewarding, but I think the size of the reward encourages clubs to be speculative with their money. “‘If’ is a huge word in rugby league because it’s the motivating factor for some teams spending money that they haven’t got.”

Kelly stressed the size of the challenge that lies ahead of teams like Dewsbury in the Championship.

“I’ll use Featherstone as an example – I don’t know the exact figures,

PREDICTABLE: Kelly says funding allocation can dictate Championship standings but let’s say they get £200,000 for finishing in the top four. That added £200,000 in their budget represents my entire squad,” he said.

“If Featherstone have got ambitions to get into Super League, then they should be able to generate the finances themselves, they shouldn’t need somebody giving them more money.”

The recruitment of players is an area where smaller clubs can fall short as a result of smaller budgets and this can play havoc particularly in the off-season, as clubs seek to boost their squads for the year ahead.

“I have been trying to recruit a side for the new season, as has Matt Diskin at Batley and everyone else,” said Kelly.

“What we are finding is that the quality of player has not changed, but the asking price has, so there is an inflation effect.

“If I’m an agent and represent a player and let’s say I go to

Featherstone, they might say they would pay £25,000 a year for that player.

“If they don’t sign him, the £25,000 remains in the agent’s head, so when it comes to Dewsbury, Batley, Halifax etc, the asking price is £25,000.”

The Championship is currently without a sponsor with Kingstone Press’s deal expiring last year.

Kelly believes the reward-based system currently in place means the Championship is not an attractive prospect for potential investors.

“The league is in a situation now where it is looking around for a new sponsor, but why would any company want to sponsor a competition that is a foregone conclusion, when you know which teams will finish at the top and which will finish at the bottom?” said Kelly.

“That is not as attractive as a league where you think anyone who kicks a ball in the competition can win the thing.”

Tel: 01924 492457 Fax: 01924 480466

General Waste Recycling Centre

You can now order a skip from Arthur Brook Ltd for all your waste!

THE CHAMPIONSHIP is at risk of being wiped out unless there is a massive overhaul at the top of the sport, according to Bulldogs boss Matt Diskin.

Diskin has slammed the RFL, Super League clubs and Sky Sports for taking a disillusioned and disrespectful approach to lower divisions.

The comments come amid speculation surrounding Toronto negotiating a deal with Premier Sports to televise their 2018 games.

“I think the screening of Toronto on Premier Sports is good for the game, but it also highlights the mismanagement from the RFL and Sky Sports,” said Diskin.

“One game per year has been shown from the Championship over the past couple of years and that shows an utter lack of respect for any coach, any player, any CEO, any owner in the Championship.

“There isn’t even any highlights – no coverage whatsoever – and that shows a complete lack of respect from anyone above Championship level. It’s disgusting and detrimental for the game.”

Diskin praised Toronto for their attempts to promote themselves and the sport.

“I don’t think there is any disrespect from Toronto at all, I think they are trying to look after their own backyard,” he said.

“I think where the disrespect comes from is from the RFL itself, the Super League clubs and from Sky Sports.

“Fair play to Toronto for taking some initiative.”

It is not the first time the Batley coach has questioned the priorities of the RFL and their management of the sport.

Diskin believes poor leadership could be in danger of jeopardising the “fantastic spectacle” of the Championship.

“If you look where we are as a game at the moment, it’s going to be a tough few years when you look at the growth of rugby union, the Australians and teams coming in from further afield such as Toronto,” he said.

“We’re just going to be a breeding ground for other people’s

We accept all of your household and commercial waste

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

DISRESPECT: Diskin has criticised the hierarchy of the sport success.

“Unless we get some strong leadership and strong guidance from the top, then this game is just going to get smaller and smaller and eventually disappear.

“This would be such a shame because the sport’s got some amazing athletes and some amazing people involved.

“It is these athletes and those around them who need to be the face of the game, not the hierarchy.

“This won’t change without a massive overhaul at the top.”

According to Diskin, the rugby on show in the Championship regularly offers more entertainment than that on display in its top flight counterpart.

“The top is very elitist, they only generally care about Super League, whereas the divisions below and the Championship, if I’m honest, provided more exciting rugby than anything shown on Sky Sports last year,” he said.

“The lower divisions still have some of the core value of the game – it’s not as sterile, it’s nitty, it’s gritty, it’s tough and uncompromising.

“We’d love to be able to put our sport and our division on show and highlight the positive attributes it has. It’s a shame that we don’t have the ability to do that.”

The Bulldogs face Wakefield Trinity on January 14 in what will be their second of four preseason games.

General Household Waste Wood ✓ Cardboard Plastic ✓ Polythene Rubble ✓ Soil

Ravensthorpe Industrial Estate, Low Mill Lane, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, WF13 3LN