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No. 771
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GRIDLOCKED 11 hours to see a doctor 20-hour wait for a bed Loos ‘backed up’ - claims By James Morris News Reporter james@thepressnews.co.uk
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 says 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. Another said they were denied a pillow as there were none spare, and other patients faced long waits to use the toilet as the two commodes in the department could not be emptied and cleaned quickly enough. Health bosses blamed the pressure resources on people turning up to A&E departments when they did not have a serious illness. David Melia, director of nursing and quality at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “People need to remember that A&E is for real accidents and emergencies –
chest pain, blacking out, blood loss and fractures – and those with severe conditions will always take priority. “We’ve been advising the public through all channels possible that, like all hospitals across the country, our A&E departments have been busier than usual over the last week. “Our hospitals have the resources and expertise to deal with the patients who come through our doors but our issue has been one of capacity. “We have opened extra beds on the wards and are working with care providers in the community to get the right level of care and support for those patients who no longer need to be in hospital to enable us to admit those who do. “Patients are seen in order of clinical priority which means that people with less urgent needs may wait longer to be seen and some people
Both MPs Tracy Brabin (left) and Paula Sherriff are asking questions of the Trust in charge at DDH who need admission may have to wait longer than usual in the A&E departments for a bed to become vacant.” The district’s two MPs expressed their concerns over the reports coming out of Dewsbury Hospital over Christmas and New Year. Tracy Brabin has asked the Trust to clarify the situation after she was contacted by a number of constituents regarding the problems. She said: “I understand the festive
period is an incredibly busy time for A&E departments and what is very clear is phenomenal NHS staff are working flat-out in ever more difficult conditions. I’d like to thank staff members for their commitment. “Our community needs to know that Dewsbury Hospital has sufficient resources to deal with demand, it seems clear that at times over the festive period they fell short of that mark.” Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Paula
Sherriff added: “I’ve been concerned to hear reports of long waits faced by local people accessing A&E and admissions at Dewsbury Hospital over the festive period. “Well known staffing shortages at the Trust stand to increase waiting times and damage patient safety. “I’m in regular contact with the Trust and I’ve asked the chief executive for an update on pressures being faced and to ask what steps are being taken to address these.”
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Friday January 6, 2017
Property taken in burglary Deaths BESWICK LINDA On 24 December, aged 70,
of Thornhill Lees. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 11 January at 2pm. Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296
24 hour service. Telephone: Cleckheaton 01274 852 885 Roberttown Residence
On 29 December, aged 86. Wife of the late Sam. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 18 January at 12.30pm.
JEWELLERY, cash and a games console were stolen from a house in Thornhill Lees. Police are appealing for information following the burglary, which occurred between 12pm and 7pm on December 22 at a property on Caldermill Way. The suspects forced entry to the property before making off with a large amount of jewellery, a Playstation 4 and an amount of cash. Among the jewellery stolen was a classic silver Armani watch, model number AR2460, and a gold Swarovski pendant, bangle, ring and necklace set. Detective Constable Nicole Rubio-Senior said: “The items stolen have great sentimental value to the victims and I am appealing to anyone who has any information about the burglary, or the items to get in contact. “We have carried out house-to-house enquiries, but I would ask any residents in the area who we haven’t spoken to and who may have private CCTV to get in touch. “If anyone has seen the items for sale, or been invited to buy them, please contact the police.” Anyone with information can contact DC Rubio-Senior at Kirklees CID on 101, quoting log number 13160749638 of December 22.
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BRODERICK FRANK On 25 December, husband of the late Madge. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 13 January at 10.30am.
COLLOMOSSE FORMERLY TOLLEY NEE OATES KATHLEEN ESTHER On 26 December, aged 91, of Thornhill. Wife of the late Dennis Collomosse and formerly the late Harold Tolley. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 16 January at 1.15pm.
DOLBY RON On 1 January, aged 80, of Mirfield. Husband of Carole. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 16 January at 10am.
ELLIS ELLA On 23 December, aged 88, of Mirfield. Wife of the late
Bryan. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Wednesday 11 January at 2.45pm.
FIRTH LEONARD (LEN) On 28 December, aged 88, of Dewsbury. Husband of Mary. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 16 January at 2.45pm.
GLOVER NEE PITT DOREEN MARY On 28 December, aged 85, of Dewsbury. Wife of Leslie. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 12 January at 2.45pm.
GREENWOOD PHILIP DAVID (RIGGY) On 30 December, aged 70, of Gawthorpe. Service at St Paul’s Church, Hanging Heaton, Tuesday 17 January at 1pm, followed by interment in the churchyard.
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HALLAS GEOFFREY On 31 December, aged 71, of Birstall. Husband of Val. Service at St Peter’s Church, Birstall, Monday 16 January at 12noon, prior to interment in the Churchyard.
HAYES PAUL MICHAEL On 27 December, aged 46. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 12 January at 3.15pm.
HILL NEE WOOD BESSIE (BETTY) On 30 December, aged 94, of Dewsbury. Wife of the late Fred. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 17 January at 10.30am.
HIRST JOHN RICHARD On 22 December, aged 50. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium on Tuesday 10 January at 2.45pm.
HOLDERNESS ALAN On 27 December, aged 77, formerly of Batley. Husband of Madge. Service at
Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 13 January at 1.15pm.
JOHNSON NEE MARSHALL NICOLA LOUISE On 25 December, aged 40, formerly of Soothill. Wife of Scott. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 13 January at 12.30pm.
KELLETT ELIZA (PEGGY) On 27 December, aged 93, of Healey. Wife of the late Harold (Harry). Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 11 January at 12.30pm.
LEDGARD RAYMOND On 27 December, aged 87. Husband of Rose. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, 16 January at 11.15am.
MALONEY ALICE On 21 December, aged 96, of Heckmondwike. Wife of the late John and the late Herbert Naylor. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium today, Friday 6 January, at 2pm.
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MCGUIRE DENNIS On 27 December, aged 80. Husband of Maureen. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 17 January at 2pm.
NEWBY GRANVILLE On 30 December, aged 92, of Batley. Husband of the late Marjorie. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 12 January at 12.30pm.
NEWSAM KATHLEEN RUBY On 20 December, aged 88 of Dewsbury. Wife of Gordon. Service at Dewsbury Minster, Tuesday 10 January at 12noon, followed by interment at Dewsbury Cemetery.
PORRITT ALFRED On 29 December, aged 90, of Chickenley. Husband of Dorothy. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 13 January at 2.45pm.
SCOTT MIKE On 28 December, aged 68, of Gomersal, formerly of Batley. Husband to Elaine. Service at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, Wednesday 11 January at 12.45pm.
TATTERSFIELD JOAN On 30 December, aged 80. Wife of the late Jack. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 13 January at 3.15pm.
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On 28 December, aged 74, of Windy Bank Estate. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 16 January at 2pm.
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Friday January 6, 2017 Issue No: 771
31 Branch Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5SB Tel: 01924 470296 Fax: 01924 472561
www.thepressnews.co.uk @ThePressLatest /ThePressNews Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: David Bentley Reporter: James Morris Sports Reporter: Joe Link Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Sales Executives: Nicola Finch Janet Black Sam Gilbert Office Manager: Adele Latham The Press abides by the principles of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and at all times attempts to report fairly and accurately and correct mistakes or errors as soon as possible. In the first instance, contact the editor, otherwise we will be happy to give details of the Independent Press Standards Organisation.
ThePress
Friday January 6, 2017
Honours for the district’s heroes By James Morris ONE OF North Kirklees’ greatest sporting heroes has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Mirfield cycling legend Brian Robinson has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to cycling and charity. The 86-year-old fatherof-three, who was the first Briton to win a Tour de France stage, said he hadn’t “broadcast” the news since receiving a letter about two weeks ago. He said: “It’s like a bonus, really, I don’t suppose anyone ever counts on this sort of thing, not at my level anyway. “It is very nice for cycling to be rewarded. I come from a cycling family, my father was a champion so we have a pedigree. “A long time ago somebody proposed it but never got any further, we’re talking about 40 years ago. “It’s nice to come at this time of life.”
Mr Robinson was put forward for the honour by North Kirklees-based cycling charity Streetbikes, who he is a keen supporter of. Founder Gill Greaves said: “Brian’s become like a mechanic for us. He actually has been trying to get bikes off his friends. “He’s absolutely brilliant and he’s been supporting us now for years. “He’s such a lovely, gentle guy. We love him to bits and we’re so proud of him. He’s finally recognised.” Mr Robinson was part of the British Olympic team in 1952 alongside his brother Desmond. He was the first Briton to finish the Tour and in 1958 he became the first to win a stage of the race. He then won the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré in 1961 before retiring from professional cycling in 1963. He has continued to have close ties with the sport to this day, volun-
Coroner’s appeal BATLEY: Coroners are asking for the public’s help in tracing the family of a Batley man who died last week. Coroners have so far been unable to trace the relatives of Gabriel Chodonionek. Mr Chodonionek, 64, passed away on December 30 at his home in James Street. He died from natural causes. Any relatives are asked to get in touch with Sam Cariss at Bradford Coroner’s Office on 01274 373721.
Volunteers wanted MIRFIELD: Oxfam are currently appealing for volunteers at their Mirfield branch. The newly-refurbished store on Huddersfield Road, which sells furniture, clothes, music and other goods, needs people to volunteer for a variety of roles including sales, sorting and electrical testing. To find out more visit the shop or call 01924 489085.
Man denies arson Brian Robinson teering for a number of charities and the Brian Robinson Challenge Ride raises money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Also recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list was Thomas Miskell, from Mirfield, who was awarded an OBE
for services to housing associations in northern England. Mr Miskell is the current group chairman of Accent Group and Northern Housing Consortium and was the chief executive of Together Housing
Painting cash must not be ‘swallowed up’ by council A LOCAL historian has entered the debate over a Francis Bacon painting thought to be worth tens of millions of pounds. Leader of the council David Sheard recently called for a debate into the possible sale of the ‘Figure Study II’ painting that is owned by Kirklees. Last week, art experts put the value of the artwork at anywhere up to £60 million. The Figure Study II (right) was originally gifted to Batley Art Gallery in the 1950s - and now campaigner Malcolm Haigh says that if it is sold, then Batley should be the town to benefit. “If Kirklees Council does go ahead and sells it then it should be a point that whatever is raised is used in Batley for special projects and make sure that other places such as Oakwell Hall are maintained as public museums,” said former journalist Malcolm, 80. “We should not just allow the money to be added to Kirklees’ funds and disappear with no lasting benefit to the town. “I can see the reason behind it and that’s the sad part about that particular painting. “If we cannot exhibit it in safe surroundings then maybe it would be right to sell it off.” A legal covenant attached to Figure Study II allegedly stops the painting from being sold by Kirklees. There were initially hopes that a sale of the painting could reignite hopes of Dewsbury Museum and Red House Museum in Gomersal being re-opened after both were recently closed due to funding cuts. But a top councillor has now said that even if it was sold, the money would not be used to re-open either of the museums. He said: “Why would we want to dismantle our collection? We are not heathens. “We just have to make the best of our budget. We have no intention of selling anything from the art gallery.” “I cannot foresee a situation where we could re-open even if we wanted to.”
News in Brief
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Group until 2014. Government expert and public speaker Charlotte Sweeny, from Dewsbury, has also been handed an OBE for services to women and equality.
• Dewsbury’s ‘Stevo’ gets MBE in Queen’s Honours - p23 Sport
BATLEY: A man has denied setting a car on fire. Jack Haynes, 21, pleaded not guilty to arson when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court. He is alleged to have set a black Ford Focus alight on November 11 at an address on Hayburn Gardens, Batley. Haynes, of Bradford Road, also denied further charges of threatening to destroy a property after he allegedly threatened to petrol bomb a man’s house. The alleged offence took place in the Dewsbury area on November 27. Haynes was remanded in custody until January 23.
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ThePress
Friday January 6, 2017
Right said FRED
In Brief Pet cremator approved MIRFIELD: Planning officers have given the goahead for a pet crematorium at a home in Mirfield. David Aris applied to Kirklees Council for permission to install a pet cremator in his back garden and to operate a business from a room at his home on Huddersfield Road. Documents state: “The need for this service was identified by the applicants who found they had to travel 20 miles to this type of service for their own pets. “Although local vets will offer a service of bulk disposal of dead pets, many owners want a more personal service.”
A NEW reading scheme that encourages dads to read to their children has been launched at a Batley School. FRED – Fathers Read Every Day – is a four-week project that asks dads to read with their children for 10 minutes a day in the first two weeks and then 20 minutes per day for the following two weeks. Pupils at Purlwell Infant and Nursery School will be undertaking the scheme this term. Head teacher Safeena Nazam, who is pictured here with some of the pupils she hopes to get involved, said: “We are trying it out with reception children initially, and hope to grow from there if FRED is a success. It is also really important that dads take part too.” Families that get involved will be entered into a raffle to win a set of books.
‘Slum’ site slammed Derelict building and public dump are ‘accident waiting to happen’ Dangerous eyesore – the car park behind Yorkshire House in South Street
Chip pan fire dealt with RAVENSTHORPE: A woman was taken to hospital following a chip pan fire at a flat in Ravensthorpe. Crews from Dewsbury Fire Station attended the property on Huddersfield Road at 6.16am on Sunday. The female occupant of the flat suffered smoke inhalation during the fire and was taken to hospital for a precautionary checkup.
By Steve Martyn A ‘SLUM’ area of Dewsbury town centre has been branded as “an accident waiting to happen” by a local construction business owner. The man, an experienced builder, says any project he’s run would be “shut down in minutes” if it was left in the condition of a car park near Dewsbury bus station which is being used as an open dumping ground for domestic and industrial waste. And he says a derelict adjacent building – on School Street near its junction with Daisy Hill – is in danger of imminent collapse. “It’s a good job the windows have all been blown out. That’s probably the only
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reason that structure is still standing,” he said. “One good storm and that could go – and you really would not want to be anywhere nearby,” said the businessman, who asked not to be named. The building overlooks the car park, situated off South Street and which is behind Yorkshire House, currently being redeveloped into 24 apartments by local businessman Tahir ‘Terry’ Zaman. A further application by one of Mr Zaman’s companies, Mibz Developments, for eight more apartments in the building, is currently under consideration. Rubble and building debris is strewn across the site along with large bags of what appear to be domestic waste. The land is used by pedestrians to cut t h r o u g h from Daisy Hill to the bus station. Although the entrance to the car park still has an official Kirklees C o u n c i l p a r k i n g sign, a town centre traffic warden said it had been sold and was now privately owned. L e e d s -
based JD Parking Consultants, who patrol the car park, did not return calls or emails inquiring about its ownership. Meanwhile the roofless building nearby was sold at auction in mid-December, but the Leeds estate agents Manning Stainton refused to give details about the new owners, saying the transaction was still subject to contract.
Below left – the derelict building in School Street, overlooking the car park being used as a tip
Local Probus clubs in merger THE New Year has brought together two neighbouring Probus clubs as partners. Groups in Batley and Dewsbury, whose meetings were held only a mile apart, have merged to become the Batley and Dewsbury Probus Club. For many years Dewsbury have held their meetings at Hanging Heaton Church Hall, while Batley have been housed at the Batley Old People’s Centre. The merger follows meetings led by Batley
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president David Garforth and his Dewsbury counterpart Barry Howard. Probus clubs are aimed at retired or semiretired business or professional people. The Batley club is the oldest, being formed in 1976, with Dewsbury starting in 1982. Both have experienced dwindling memberships in recent years. The first meeting of the new club will take place next Tuesday, January 10, at Batley Old People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street, which will be its regular home. The Batley Audio and Visual Club will give a special presentation and the inaugural meeting will be an open one for members to invite guests. The club meets fortnightly at 10am for coffee, before the meeting starts at 10.30am. Officials from the new group expressed regret at the closing of Cleckheaton Probus Club and have welcomed any of their members to join them. Anyone interested in Probus or wanting further information should call David Garforth on 01924 254636.
ThePress
Friday January 6, 2017
Cleck arrests in cop shooting op By Staff Reporters TWO people were arrested in Cleckheaton as part of a police operation that saw a man shot dead. The pair were arrested from a car at Chain Bar roundabout during what police described as a pre-planned swoop. Simultaneously, father-of-two Mohammed Yassar Yaqub, 28, and three others were stopped by armed police just off the M62 at
Ainley Top. Mr Yaqub was shot after officers surrounded their cars. Police say they were tipped off about a firearm before a weapon was found in Mr Yaqub’s vehicle at around 6pm on Monday evening. Initial reports claimed that there had been a major crash on the slip road at Ainley Top involving an Audi, a BMW and a Mercedes. However, pictures from the scene showed bullet holes through the windscreen of the
Audi. The incident was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). Police have confirmed that the operation was not terrorism related. Three people were arrested at the Ainley Top scene besides the two in Cleckheaton. A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “There were five arrests in total, three from the incident at Ainley Top and a further two from a related stop of another vehicle in the
News in Brief Cellar Bar accused pleads not guilty
Yasser Yaqub – shot dead
Chain Bar area at about the same time. The operation related to information received about criminal possession of a firearm, as a result of which vehicles were stopped at two separate locations.” Three of the men remain in police custody while two men, aged 26 and 30, have STAFF and volunteers at a Dewsbury superbeen released on bail market have been celebrating their fundraispending further ing efforts over the festive period. enquiries. Asda Dewsbury have been giving back to The IPCC conthe community and made a £500 donation to firmed an inquiry had been launched the Downs and Special Friends group which and a spokesman helped pay for their Christmas party. said: “What appears The Mill Street store also donated five trolto be a non-police leys of food and gifts to Dewsbury’s commuissue firearm was nity Christmas lunch, held at Longcauseway discovered in the Church on Christmas Day, as well as giving vehicle in which Mr £180 to Dewsbury Minster for festive food. Yaqub was travelCommunity champion Sharon Kingswood, ling, and is being fursaid: “We have had an amazing Christmas ther examined. supporting our community and there will be a “IPCC investigalot more to come in 2017. We have already tors are continuing secured a grant from the Asda Foundation for to seek any relevant rugby kits for Dewsbury Celtic. CCTV footage. “If you think that we could help your group, “Initial accounts sports club or charity, contact me at the store from police officers on 01924 431500.” involved have been Community Champion obtained.”
Asda spreads a little Christmas cheer
Sharon Kingswood and store manager Michael Sutton with members of the Downs and Special Friends group
Candles and cooking fire alert FIREFIGHTERS across the district were kept busy over the new year period. Candles and forgotten cooking were blamed for the majority of incidents as people saw in 2017. Fire chiefs urged people to use heat-proof mats or holders for candles and reminded people of the dangers of cooking while under the influence of alcohol. A forgotten candle sparked a blaze at a house in Mirfield on Friday night. Fire crews from Dewsbury and Mirfield were called to the property on Kings Head
Drive after a tea light was left to burn in the bedroom. The curtains then caught fire and spread throughout the room. None of the three people in the house were injured but the upstairs was badly damaged. At around 1.30am crews from Dewsbury were called to a suspicious car fire in Ravensthorpe. A Ford S-Max vehicle in a driveway was set alight on Broomer Street. Police are currently investigating the incident.
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BATLEY: A man has denied breaking into a popular bar. Damien Wood, 40, pleaded not guilty to burglary when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court. He is alleged to have used a flagstone to smash his way into the Cellar Bar on Station Road in the early hours of Tuesday, December 27. The contents of the cash box and a hard drive linked to a CCTV system were taken during the incident. Wood, of East Bath Street, Batley, will appear at the magistrates’ court again on February 20.
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Friday January 6, 2016
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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood
Police have questions to answer ITH apologies to my current and past friends who have been serving police officers, I’m going to swim against the public tide over the killing of Yasser Yaqub in Huddersfield this week. I suspect we can thank the freezing weather on Tuesday night for the fact that protests in Bradford were as muted as they were. Had this been summer in London, the city would have been ablaze, as it was when police killed a character very much like Yaqub, Mark Duggan. First of all, hands up (and very slowly too, if a twitchyfingered West Yorkshire firearms officer is pointing his automatic rifle at your chest, because he’s probably as unused to these nerve-jangling situations as you are). All of the circumstances of ‘gangster’ Yaqub’s killing are yet to be unveiled and the
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WPC Sharon Beshenivsky – killed in the line of duty
IPCC are investigating. Perhaps he was foolishly pointing the weapon found in the vehicle he was travelling in at the armed officers – although I suspect we would have been swiftly told so, if that was indeed the case. Other than that – an immi-
nent and visible threat to their lives – I can envisage no circumstance in which a police officer should be authorised to kill a person in cold blood. Except of course, it wasn’t ‘cold’. Those officers’ blood would have been running very hot. These are not men out of spy fiction or the SAS, who face life-threatening danger on a daily basis. When not training, they are probably mostly seen dressed up like Robocop at big public events or on duty at Leeds-Bradford airport, looking tough and moody. On Monday night their adrenaline would have had them bouncing around their pursuit cars like Skippy the bush kangaroo. Suddenly, on a dark night
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someone saw something inside a darkened car that prompted him to take a life. And slap my thigh, wouldn’t you know that none of the officers were wearing cameras to record the incident! The West Yorks force can afford all kinds of gadgets and weaponry, but not the crucial equipment common in other forces when people’s lives are on the line. Not good enough. But more than that, I’m sorry to say that absolutely nothing about the British police force from Sir Robert Peel via Hillsborough and all the way to Duggan and now Yaqub, persuades me that the
biggest noise in the background won’t be the swishswish sound of brushes applying liberal coats of whitewash. I’m not talking about the individual acts of heroism of officers who have paid terrible prices for their bravery, and more fortunate ones like the two unarmed PCs who took down Jo Cox’s killer Tommy Mair, while he was in possession of a loaded and cocked gun. Critics will be swift to throw back at me the murder of Sharon Beshenivsky, shot in 2005, or PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, ambushed and murdered by madman
AS BLAKE famously wrote in Jerusalem: “And did those feet in ancient times // walk upon England’s mountains green...” I don’t know about that, but had Mary, Joseph and donkey come waddling through the Heavy Woollen district at Christmas 2016 they’d have been told sharpish that the nearest bed was probably a stable round back of
Dale Cregan in Manchester in 2012. I’m not disputing the dangers of being a police officer, or the overwhelming good service they give. But I would ask back, when was the last time an armed officer was killed in the line of duty? In corporate terms the police force acts first and foremost to protect itself and its own. It always has. So yes, I hope for everyone’s sake that this was a copybook operation and the police acted proportionately. But their silence is every bit as unpersuasive as the crocodile tears of ‘innocent’ Yaqub’s family and friends.
Pinderfields hospital. You’d laugh (if it was funny) at the howls of Mid Yorks officials who exclaimed: “We told people it would be busy at A&E and not to come!” No s*** Sherlock! Hands up anyone whose idea of a fun New Year’s Eve is sitting for eight hours in casualty, when they could be home in bed...
English CVs in double dutch N
O-ONE gets more defensive about their profession than teachers. I sometimes think they consider themselves more social workers in the business of producing emotionally-rounded sweethearts than educators equipping young people with the skills to do something useful in life. I can’t speak for maths, history, physics or even cookery teachers, but the bunch responsible for cultivating basic English language skills should collectively hang their heads in shame. I get lots of letters and CVs from university students mostly doing media/journalism degrees, which are basically gobbledegook. Spelling, grammar and punctuation is generally appalling with apostrophes thrown randomly at any word ending in ‘s’ more in hope than expectation that they’ll land in the right place. They usually don’t. There’s often no sense of simple past or present tense prose, with the simplest phrases convoluted beyond comprehension. This is an excerpt from someone interested in joining my rugby league publication: “I am interested in applying for work in your paper because it is a career path I am extremely motivated to be a part of. Sports reporting has been something I have been wanting to do for quite some time because of my undeniable passion for sport, especially British, throughout my life.”
England RL coach Wayne Bennet (sic) He’s doing a Sports Journalism degree, for crying out loud. I hardly expect him to tell me he’s passionate about milking cows. As for the excruciatingly mangled syntax – dear me. And then this on the work experience section … “These articles involve pieces such as opinion pieces on topics such as “Wayne Bennet - Can he England a success under his leadership?” Apart from the England coach’s name being spelled wrongly, did he even bother reading what he’d written before sending it? And these young people are running up over £30,000 of debt to equip them for a place in the working world? Forget the teachers, the university system isn’t fit for purpose if these ‘students’ can be awarded degrees. ENTION of universities, and I wonder who funded the research by Professor
M
Christopher Boyle, a man who has deduced that introducing our children to the story of Father Christmas is tantamount to child abuse. It’s cruel and inhuman; psychologically damaging for life. I’d happily show Prof Boyle some real and lasting damage if he tried to ruin the magic of Christmas for my kiddies. They have long enough to come to terms with life’s brutal truths. Perhaps he’d like us to greet their first tentative steps with a slap in the face that sits them on their backsides – there’s decades of that to come, youngster! A pound under the pillow left by the Tooth Fairy? I suppose Prof Boyle would prefer us to knock the other teeth out as well. Better get used to life kicking you when you’re down, kids... His rationale is that upon realising there is no Santa, a child will wonder what else its parents have been lying about all this time. Forget benign concepts like the Easter Bunny and Rudolph, what about where babies come from? And that baby Jesus tale! It presumably never occurred to childless Prof Boyle (you don’t say!) that children also need to learn about imagination and wonder, the difference between white fibs and black lies – and the fact that they’ll be deceived by everyone from politicians to pompous professors for the rest of their lives.
ThePress
Friday January 6, 2017
Shopkeeper sees off knife robber By Steve Martyn A COURAGEOUS shopkeeper has spoken about the moment he came face-to-face with a knife-wielding robber. Mohammed Saghir Rafiq, 42, was working at Key Store – known locally as Ruby Stores – on Staincliffe Road, Dewsbury, when the man burst into the shop. He pushed a customer’s young daughter out of the way before leaning over the counter and demanding cash. But Mr Rafiq was determined not to give in to the thug and grabbed a metal bar from behind the counter – which prompted the raider to leave empty-handed. Mr Rafiq, who has worked at the family business for 35
years, said: “It was all instinct and was over in a few seconds. “I was serving a lady customer who was in the shop with her two children when the man burst in. “He told the lady to move her children out of the way and pushed the little girl. “He pulled the knife and threatened me and said: ‘I want all the money.’ I said: ‘OK, give me a second, mate’ and grabbed the nearest thing I could. “When he realised I wasn’t going to give him any money he was off.” The incident happened just before 11am on Thursday December 29, around an hour after a man with a knife had also demanded cash from a
shop on High Street in Westtown. The shop assistant there refused and the man left empty-handed. PC Luke Mitchell said: “This was undoubtedly a terrifying attack on a lone member of staff who has worked in the community for many years. “CCTV enquiries have shown that there were a number of members of the public in the area at the time and I am appealing for them to come forward to assist police with our enquiries.” Police are currently investigating whether the two incidents are linked. Detectives from Kirklees CID have taken CCTV footage from Mr Rafiq’s shop. They say the raider wore a hooded Adidas top with three red stripes, dark coloured tracksuit bottoms with white stripes on the calf, trainers with three light-coloured stripes – which also appeared to be Adidas – and black gloves. Anybody with information is asked to contact Kirklees CID via 101.
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News in Brief Assault on woman denied by partner BIRSTALL: A man denied assaulting his partner at a recent court appearance. Jonathan David, 35, pleaded not guilty to attacking Helen Williamson on December 1 and also denied criminal damage to her mobile phone. The alleged incident happened at an address in Birstall, Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard. David, of Low Lane, will return to the court on March 3 for his trial.
Huddersfield New College: Outstanding in every respect Advertising Feature HUDDERSFIELD NEW COLLEGE, judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2016, is perfectly placed for students from either Kirklees or Calderdale. Situated on the edge of the Pennines, the college is a specialist sixth form college which caters exclusively for young people in the 16-18 age range, and offers a variety of courses at levels one, two and three. It is the only college in Kirklees to allow students to study a mix of both A Level and BTEC qualifications. With a 99 per cent pass rate for A Levels and a 100 per cent pass rate for BTEC qualifications in August 2016, exam results continue to keep the college in the top 10 per cent of schools and colleges nationwide for Advanced Level performance; 40 per cent of our A Level students and 87 per cent of BTEC students achieved the much-coveted A*, A and B grades or equivalent. As well as outstanding exam results, the college is also home to top-class facilities, and is constantly investing in amenities to ensure
students get the very best out of their studies. With fully-equipped PC and Mac workrooms, a media studio, indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, including a state of the art ‘Sports Barn’, an all-weather 3G pitch and an ‘outdoor gym’, two on-site theatres, top-of-therange music and dance studios, specialist art, design and photography workshops and purpose-built study rooms for each subject area, the college has something to offer everyone!
Ofsted judgments (April 2016) Effectiveness of leadership and management - OUTSTANDING Quality of teaching, learning and assessment - OUTSTANDING Personal development, behaviour and welfare - OUTSTANDING Outcomes for learners - OUTSTANDING 16-to-19 study programmes - OUTSTANDING Overall Effectiveness – OUTSTANDING For more information about Huddersfield New College please visit www.huddnewcoll.ac.uk, call 01484 652341, or email on info@huddnewcoll.ac.uk.
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Friday January 6, 2017
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Not met anyone who disapproves Dear Sir, On the subject of the pilot scheme requiring ID checks at polling stations – I couldn’t agree more with the Government! It’s a minor inconvenience that will hopefully restore a bit of faith in the whole voting system, and if they tighten up on postal voting then all the better. It’s never been much of a problem up in the suburbs of leafy Batley where I live, but your picture on the front page last week
One step away from a crisis From: Pauline Beaumont, Liversedge Dear Sir, I had to wait for several hours with a close relative of
Letter of the Week: Beth Chappell, Batley of the Dewsbury South election count really hit the nail on the head. The statistics show that allegations of election fraud have tended to pile up in parts of Dewsbury, hence we’ve been chosen for this pilot scheme. mine last week at Dewsbury’s A&E department. It was a minor injury, admittedly, but the wait and the lack of staff really brought home to me what a state our NHS has become. Usually when people come into contact with the health service all the news stories and scaremongering fades
I’ve not met one person since this was announced who doesn’t think showing some form official ID at a polling station isn’t a good idea. Even if you don’t have a driving licence or passport (and I’ve not met into the background and we all praise what a wonderful experience we, individually have had. I’ve done that before too, but what I saw last week has really dented my faith in what used to be a brilliant system we could rely on. I won’t go into specifics, but it felt like the whole place
many people who don’t have that) then a utility bill or some other form that ties you to an address is a simple way of proving who you are. Other countries have done it for years (heck, in some places you have to carry official ID with you at all times) so it’s not like we’re really guinea pigs. Let’s get on with it and make sure our elections are free and fair – and make sure we can all have faith in a secure system. was just a computer crash or simple piece of equipment failure away from a major crisis. Quite how the doctors and nurses there are still functioning under the strain I shall never know.
That was the actual idea?
Read the fully updated version
From: Maureen Scatchard, Batley
One man s story of a cultural and social revolution in his home town. Publisher and journalist Danny Lockwood marks June 24th 1989 as the date that Dewsbury changed for ever. His book, first written in 2011 but fully updated with new material in 2015, charts the repeated failure of politicians, police, local and national government to understand, let alone tackle, the widening gulf between communities. By turns funny, tragic, angry and nostalgic, the author points the finger of blame not at a creed or colour, but at a Politically Correct dogma that has failed everyone.
Dear Sir, MP Tracy Brabin fears that having to show proof of identity could drive some ‘voters’ away. Isn’t that the whole simple idea?
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Cold wind of reality From: R Spreadbury, Liversedge Dear Sir, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I have been reading reports in The Guarniad of late (for the sake of my blood pressure, I really need to stop reading this paper), which appear to be trumpeting (excuse the pun) Jeremy Corbyn as the Donald Trump of the British political class. He is apparently to be marketed as the radical, leftfield, anti-establishment figure with the idea that Labour will then hoover up voters who are disenfranchised and alienated from the incumbent elite ruling class. What mind-bending drugs do they take down in London? A 70s throwback pacifist
vegan communist, who has his Momentum thought police stifling any criticism, whose strings are pulled by the two Red Lens, Mccluskey and Livingstone. Is Jeremy to be the acceptable face of the Militant Tendency-inspired Big Brother state? It is plainly obvious from recent pronouncements from the general socialist chattering classes that Labour has abandoned its core voters in the northern industrial areas, in favour of being a party of the “minorities” of whatever colour, caste, batty cause, or ethnicity. This explains the incomprehensible policy statement and rhetoric issued of late, both locally and nationally, ie: They want to represent the 48% Remainers, despite the fact that in our area they were 35%ish. Another reality check for R Trace here! The fact that they support uncontrolled immigration, and endlessly state what a benefit it is to the UK. This flood of cheap immigrant labour which was started by “Toxic” Tony Blair, is of course a ready voter base. They never tried to reverse Thatcher’s neoliberalism because of the above. They even made it worse by embracing American-driven globalisation. The dismissal of the recent Creasy report on the lack of integration by certain sectors of the Pakistani Sunni population. Apparently there isn’t a problem, and if there was one, it is created by “white flight?” Perhaps they assume that the northern working class will just vote Labour no mat-
ter what, so no need to bother with their concerns or views. I feel the cold wind of reality is already starting to blow up the kilts of leftie luvvies everywhere, they just haven’t noticed yet.
Firth was a real pioneer From: John Appleyard, Liversedge Dear Sir, I’m enjoying reading Mike Popplewell’s revelations as he follows the Spen Valley Civic Society’s ‘Fame Trail’. His latest offering refers to Firth Park in Heckmondwike. Sir Algernon Firth, who owned the Flush Mills in Heckmondwike, was also involved in pioneering model housing schemes which would benefit working class people who wanted to build houses so that the days of cramped and insanitary homes would be over. The Firthcliffe Estate in Liversedge was built between 1923-24 on land donated by Sir Algernon Firth. Firth didn’t want his workers living in close proximity to the mills, but on the hillside where they could enjoy the glorious view of the Spen Valley. How did Firthcliffe get its name? Firth set up mills in the United States of America and was one of that country’s largest carpet producers. One of the mills he set up to the north of New York had a village built especially for its workforce, and it was called Firthcliffe.
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ThePress
Friday January 6, 2017
National science award for Maariyah A BATLEY apprentice has received a prestigious national award for science. Maariyah Rawat, pictured, who works for chemical firm Syngenta in Huddersfield, received the City and Guilds prize at the Salters Institute Awards. The Kirklees College student
was recognised at the awards, held in London, which celebrate excellence within the science education sector. Maariyah received her award alongside two other apprentices, Emily Shaw and Reece Connolly from Huddersfield. The trio received their prizes for their academic achievement while
In Brief
studying for the Level 3 qualification in Process Manufacturing. Ian Nunn, learning and development facilitator at Syngenta, said: “It was an excellent event attended by some of the most influential chemistry experts from industry and academia as well as some real emerging talent.”
Minister highlights plight of homeless By James Morris
Health trust wants to find star staff THE trust responsible for Dewsbury and District Hospital has launched a staff awards scheme. Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust wants to recognise the very best of its 8,000 staff and volunteers. This year, the trust is inviting people to identify individuals and teams who make a positive difference to patients in a special award category called the Dr Kate Granger Compassionate Care Award. Dr Granger was a doctor at the trust who raised £250,000 for cancer charities before she died in July last year. The award is a chance for patients at either Dewsbury, Pinderfields or Pontefract Hospital to say thank you for the care they have received. Trust chairman Jules Preston MBE said: “Our Celebrating Excellence Awards are a key part of the Trust’s commitment to celebrate the excellence of individuals and teams and to recognise best practice across the organisation. “This new Dr Kate Granger Compassionate Care Award provides an opportunity for members of the public to acknowledge an individual or team for compassionate care and to show their appreciation.” To nominate a member of staff or team who you believe has provided care worthy of recognition, complete a nomination form at www.mid yorks.nhs.uk before Wednesday Feb 15.
THE NEW man in charge at Dewsbury Minster says that homelessness in the district is still a serious problem. Reverend Simon Cash (pictured) took up his new role as Area Dean in September and has become aware of the scale of the issue during his first few months in charge. Homelessness is often thrown into focus during the festive period and the new minister has spoken out. Rev Cash said: “My perception is that it (homelessness) is not necessarily getting better, but rather the problem just moves from one locality to another, depending upon who is able to provide help. “In the past the
minster has provided food parcels and clothing, but we do not have the capacity to do that any longer.” The minster still opens each morning between 9.30am and 11am for needy and vulnerable people to get a hot drink and a sandwich. Rev Cash, who has moved from Worksop to head the Dewsbury Team Parish, said that the people who use the service come from a variety of situations.
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On one morning recently when 11 people visited the Minster, one was homeless, one person was ‘sofa surfing’ while the other nine had some form of accommodation. Homeless charity Shelter estimated there were 156 homeless people across Kirklees this Christmas – one in every 2,758 people. This ranked the district 11th of 20 across Yorkshire. Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin recently raised homelessness in Parliament, calling on the government to do more to tackle the issue. “When I was six, my family fell behind on the mortgage repayments, and we had to hand back the keys of our home to the building society,” she said. “The council stepped in and found us a new home. “But with 14,000 people on
the Kirklees council house waiting list if what happened to us happened now, I’m not sure what would have become of my family. “Perhaps we too would’ve had to rely on the kindness of strangers, in an emergency B&B or even on the streets.” Ms Brabin has worked alongside volunteers at a Batley drop-in centre who claim they have seen a 15 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of people using the centre. She said: “What stood out to me from the conversation we had is the fact that not all of those who use the centre are what we’d usually deem homeless. “They’re not all sleeping on the streets, they’re sofa surfing until the goodwill runs out and they move onto another friend.”
Dangerous horseplay BIRSTALL: Police are appealing for information after a horsebox drove off from the scene of a motorway collision. The incident happened close to junction 27 of the westbound M62 on Wednesday, December 28 at 4.15pm. The blue Ford Iveco horsebox collided with a grey Audi which was forced onto the hard shoulder and into the barriers. The driver needed hospital treatment. Police want anybody who may have witnessed the incident to contact PC Rob Hoyle on 101 quoting log number 954 of December 28.
Burnt toast LIVERSEDGE: Fire crews called to reports of a house fire found only a very minor blaze. Dewsbury and Cleckheaton firefighters went to a property on Upper Barker Street after reports of a house fire with people inside. However, when they arrived the occupants of the house were outside and the fire had been extinguished. The cause of the fire, at 10.20am on Saturday, was a toaster which had ignited.
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Friday January 6, 2017
Pupils unite with Rotary
News In Brief ‘A row, not assault’ BATLEY: A man has appeared in court accused of assaulting two women. Shaun Cole, 37, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of assault, two relating to one alleged victim. He also denied criminal damage to a UPVC door worth £500. The alleged incidents happened at addresses on West Park Terrace and Healey Lane in Batley on September 24 and 25. Cole admitted being involved in a verbal row but denied any assaults took place. His trial will take place on February 24 at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court.
Sister act denied DEWSBURY: A man has denied ignoring a court order prohibiting him from contacting his own sister. Nicholas Williams, 49, pleaded not guilty at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court to breaching a non-molestation order on November 26. He allegedly did this by making numerous phone calls to his sister, Susan Hartley, and her husband Paul. Williams, of Frances Road, Dewsbury, was granted conditional bail ahead of a trial on March 2.
Thieves started fire BATLEY: Burglars are thought to have caused a fire which badly damaged a bungalow. Fire crews were called to the property on Manor Way shortly before 5am on Thursday, December 29. The back bedroom at the bungalow was totally gutted, according to firefighters. A police spokesman said burglary suspects are believed to have set fire to the property. Anybody with information is asked to contact Kirklees CID via 101, quoting reference number 13160756900.
FOUR Batley schools have been getting creative by taking part in an art project alongside Batley Rotary Club. Rotary sponsors the RotaKids and Interact extra curricular clubs run in schools and students from St Mary’s Primary, Lydgate Junior and Infant, Batley Girls High and Upper Batley High School were asked to work on a piece of art for the Howlands charity in Dewsbury. The unveiling of the artwork was attended by the Mayor of Kirklees, Coun Jim Dodds, Rotary D1040 Governor Philip Poole, along with approximately 100 Rotarians and members of Howlands.
Autistic youth mugged on Boxing Day in Soothill
Attack leaves Tim terrified By James Morris A YOUNG man has been left frightened to leave the house after he was attacked by a gang of youths in Batley on Boxing Day. Timothy Yarnold, who is autistic, was walking along Cardigan Close towards Grace Leather Lane in the Soothill area when he was approached by two youths. They spoke to the 19-year-old before he ran away scared.
However they caught up with him and took a bag which contained his money and bank card. He then ran back to his mum’s house on Howley Walk. Timothy’s mother Jane said her son was distraught when he returned home and she said that he is now afraid to leave the house. “I just heard a scream from outside and when I saw him he was in tears. “It has really affected him, he is
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scared of going out,” she said. “We were walking along the path the other day and a lady was following us with a pushchair and he had to let her go past because he didn’t want her walking behind him.” Timothy’s father, Neil, was at the annual Boxing Day clash between Batley Bulldogs and Dewsbury Rams when he received a call telling him what had happened. He said: “He was so scared because he is not a grown up in his mind.” West Yorkshire Police are appealing for anybody with any information
about the incident to come forward. A spokesman said: “Police are investigating following a theft on Boxing Day in Batley. “The incident happened between 11.50am and 12.15pm on Cardigan Close, Soothill, where the 19-year-old male victim was walking down the road. “He was approached by two Asian males who demanded money from him. “They stole some cash and they fled the scene.” Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kirklees CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13160754379.
Tim Yarnold – scared to leave home
‘Tour’ in Birstall A ROADSHOW about the Tour de Yorkshire will be held in Birstall next month to give people information about the major cycling event. Details on road closures, an annual ride for amateurs and Welcome to Yorkshire’s various cycling legacy projects will all be discussed, along with ways in which people can become an official ‘Tour Maker’. It will be at Birstall library on Wednesday Feb 8, 6.30-8.30pm. Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive Sir Gary Verity said: “We run these roadshows to share information about how the race works and to encourage people to show off their community to a global TV audience of over 11 million people. “I’d encourage everyone who lives or works on the route to come along, ask questions and get inspired on how we can all make the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire the biggest and best one yet.” Full details of the roadshows plus details of how to register can be found at w w w. l e t o u r. y o r k shire.com/2017/roadshows.
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Friday January 6, 2017
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Friday January 6, 2017
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Cops take to YouTube to get message across Carers can
get support
POLICE in Kirklees have launched a web-based TV series in an effort to tackle crime in the district. Kirklees Crimetime was launched on Christmas Eve, with monthly installments set to be uploaded to kirkleeslocaltv.com. West Yorkshire Police has teamed up with Kirklees TV, a social enterprise based in Huddersfield, for the project. Each episode will feature crime appeals, a caught on camera section, West Yorkshire Police campaigns and information about Kirklees-specific policing operations. Chief Inspector Jon Dunkerley said: “This is an exciting project which has been a long time in the making and we hope that communities in Kirklees tune in and watch the installments of Kirklees Crimetime. “Our aim is to engage with our communities, inform members of the public about safety and security in their local area, as well as giving helpful crime prevention tips and advice.” For more information visit http://kirkleeslocaltv.com.
Tesco shaves its prices, thanks to MP Paula! By Staff Reporters A SUPERMARKET giant has agreed to reduce the cost of women’s toiletries following pressure from Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Paula Sherriff. Tesco have announced they will reduce the cost of women’s razors to match that of men’s as debate around gender discrimination continues. An investigation at the start of 2016 found that women were paying an average of 37 per cent more for gender-targeted products, including razors. Tesco was charging £1 for a pack of five women’s twin blade razors, twice the price of the men’s equivalent product. The firm say they have now standardised the cost of the razors and Ms Sherriff, who raised the issue with Tesco, tweeted this week: “Really pleased with this result. Chipping away at gender pricing bit by bit. Watch out retailers – I’m onto you!” A letter sent by Tesco’s commercial director for packaged products, Kari Daniels, said the supermarket had reviewed its products to ensure it was not guilty of genderdifferentiated pricing. But she defended the supermarket’s pricing policy, stating the difference in pricing was due to more male razors being sold. She said: “In the instance of our twinblade razors, the difference is driven by the fact that male razors are produced and sold in significantly higher volumes, which reduces the price we pay for them. “However, following an internal review and discussions with our suppliers, we have acted on concerns about the difference in price of our female and male disposable twin-blade razors, in line with our commitment to ensure consistently low, simple and affordable pricing. “We have aligned the prices of these products so that the male and female razors are the same price per unit.
“We have done this by reducing the cost of the women’s razors and keeping the cost of the men’s razors the same.” Both sets of razors will now cost 10p per unit. Labour MP Ms Sherriff said: “This is a welcome step from Tesco, and I hope other companies will identify and correct similar disparities. “The government has refused to act on gender pricing so we have had to take a lead. I’d encourage anyone who sees examples to get in touch and I’ll take it up.” Ms Sherriff, who is also the Shadow Minster for Women and Equalities recently persuaded high street pharmacy Boots to trial donation boxes where customers could leave sanitary products for distribution to food banks.
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FREE COURSES for unpaid carers are set to take place in Dewsbury Arranged by Kirklees Council’s Health Trainer Service, new courses are available on healthy eating and juggling time as a carer, in addition to courses covering caring for someone with memory deterioration, building resilience and safeguarding. A new ‘healthy eating and nutrition’ session will give carers an understanding of the impact of food and nutrition on their body and mind. It will particularly benefit those caring for people with a long-term health condition. The ‘juggling your time as a carer’ session explores strategies and tools that can be used to help manage the daily challenges of balancing a caring role with other responsibilities and commitments. Courses, which take place in Dewsbury and Huddersfield, last two-and-a-half hours and are delivered in a confidential, supportive group environment. Coun Viv Kendrick, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “These free courses offer much-needed support to carers. “Carers can be anyone looking after a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who is in need of help. The person they care for may need help because they are ill, frail, have a disability or substance misuse problem. “The courses provide practical help and support on how to manage their day to day caring role. They also offer an opportunity to talk with other carers in a similar position to themselves.” Course dates and further information can be found at www.kirklees.gov.uk/ lookingafterme, calling 01484 414774 (select option 3), or emailing lookingafterme@kirklees.gov.uk.
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Friday January 6, 2017
Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details MONDAY JANUARY 9, 2017 POPELEY AND THE RED HOUSE Meet at 1pm at Oakwell Hall top car park (WF17 9LG, SE217271) No dogs please. Contact: Kathleen Tel: 01924 471473 kathleenoshea5@aol.com
SATURDAY JANUARY 14, 2017 THORNHILL Meet at 10.30am meet at the car park behind Dewsbury Sports Centre (WF12 8EN, SE246216) 8 miles – moderate Contact: Eddie and Andrea Tel: 01924 470 091
Show will Gibb you Night Fever YOU WIN AGAIN, a musical theatre show celebrating the story of the Bee Gees, is coming to Cleckheaton Town Hall in March. Michael Taylor, managing director of international theatre show producers Easy Theatres, says that he is surprised that the intriguing tale of the Bee Gees has not been set to music before. “They were one of the greatest bands of our time,” he said. “The Bee Gees were responsible for multi-million selling, generation-shaping hits. “But dig a little deeper beneath the fantastic music and worldwide fame and the story of the Gibb Brothers is one of highs and lows, triumph over adversity and personal tragedy.” Easy Theatres promises an evening packed with great music and pathos in equal measure. Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb
came to represent one of the greatest songwriter collectives ever, but at a cost, according to this production’s storyline. “Their journey to the top was never an easy ride,” added Michael. “Set spanning the 60s, 70s and 80s, the tale of You Win Again unfolds to incorporate the glittering, superstar songstresses who carried many of the biggest Gibb Brothers’ penned songs to the top of the charts.” According to Michael, this glamour and glitz is contrasted by the reported ‘dark external corruption’ that blighted the three brothers’ lives. You Win Again not only promises incredible portrayals of Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb – it also provides a platform for all-live performances of their celebrated songs, taking you on a musical journey through all your favourite hits,
including: Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, More Than A Woman, You Should Be Dancing, How Deep is Your Love?, Jive Talkin’, Tragedy, Massachusetts, Words, I’ve Got To Get A Message to You, Too Much Heaven, Islands in the Stream, Grease, If I Can’t Have You and many more. Michael said: “You Win Again tells the tale of the ultimate contradiction. It is the story of a family torn apart. A tale of brothers who came to learn the hard way that the whole is greater than the sum of its component parts, but who wrote truly beautiful songs that inspired a generation. Theirs is a story that needs to be told.” You Win Again is on at Cleckheaton Town Hall as part of a debut nationwide tour on Saturday March 4 at 7.30pm. For tickets call 01484 225755 or visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls.
Collegians do Aladdin DEWSBURY Collegians will present an Aladdin’s Cave of entertainment for all the family to enjoy, with fabulous costumes, superb song and dance routines and lots of laughter in their pantomime at Dewsbury Town Hall later this month. Aladdin, a poor young man in Old Peking, is working for his mother Widow Twankee in her laundry along with their half-wit laundry hand Wishee Washee when one or two chance meetings change his life forever. First he meets the lovely Princess Pekoe, with whom he falls instantly in love, then the dastardly Abanazer leads him treacherously in search of the magic lamp and his fortune. Like all pantomimes, goodness and love prevail in the end. Along the way the audience will meet a Chinese Dragon, a Yeti, the Magic Lamp and other surprises. A great cast has been assembled from some Collegian favourites and one or two making their debut. The fun begins at Dewsbury Town Hall on Thursday January 19 and runs until Saturday
January 21. Evening performances are at 7pm and the Saturday matinee is at 2pm. The Sunday matinee is already a sell-out. Ticket prices are stalls £9 (concessions £7) and balcony £10 (no concessions). Contact the booking hotline on 01484 225755, visit www.kirkleestownhalls.co.uk or call in to the Dewsbury Town Hall Box Office during opening hours.
There’s plenty of rambling afoot THIRTY walkers from Dewsbury & District Rambling Club set off on a six-mile New Year Ramble on Monday. Led by David Banks, the route started at Carr Gate and went via East Ardsley and Kirkhamgate. Walkers then took field
paths to Wrenthorpe before returning to Carr Gate. A ‘C’ grade walk is planned for tomorrow (Sat) in the Kildwick area of North Yorkshire. Please meet Tony Glover at Link Road in Dewsbury at 9.30am. A ramble on local foot-
paths is also planned for Sunday January 8. Meet Stuart Gledhill at Wellington Road Car Park at 9.30am. Another walk is planned for Wednesday January 11 around Harewood and ‘Emmerdale’ – meet Marlyn Walsh at 10.30am at Harewood Village Hall.
Choral society starts next week WANT to try something new for the New Year? Mirfield Choral Society are starting rehearsals for their spring concert next Monday, January 9, at 7.30pm at Trinity Methodist Church in Mirfield. New members
are always welcome. The group currently has around 60 members. For more details call secretary Duncan Smith on 01924 495395 or email duncan.smith853@ntlworld.com.
Winter lectures on an influential arts group DO YOU know your Morris from your Monet? If being more cultural or learning something new was one of your New Year’s resolutions, then a new series of lectures at Batley’s Bagshaw Museum could be for you. From secret societies to socialism, the PreRaphaelites were an interesting group. Art historian Simon Poë will be sharing insights into this group of artists in his winter lectures at Bagshaw. The Pre-Raphaelite Movement was founded by three young students who went on to transform British art. Each of Simon Poë’s three lectures will consider the movement from a different perspective. As well as the pictures there’ll be the chance to explore everything from photography to stained glass, from interior decor to dress reform. The first lecture, on Sunday January 15, will examine the politics of the PreRaphaelite Brotherhood. They were founded in 1848, ‘the Year of Revolutions’, and they modeled themselves on the secret society of the Italian Carbonari.
You will also learn about Pre-Raphaelite designer and poet William Morris, who ended up as a pioneer socialist and became convinced of the necessity for violent revolution. Simon Poë said: “The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood had just seven members, not all of whom were even artists, and fizzled out after only a short existence. “With the wisdom of hindsight, however, we can see that the movement that now shares its name was already under way when the brotherhood was founded and persisted well into the 20th century.” The first lecture is on Sunday January 15, with subsequent lectures on Sunday January 29, and Sunday February 15. All start at 2.30pm and admission is £3.50; no booking is required. The second lecture will look at the movement from the point-of-view of style and technique and consider the effects advances in technology had on their work. The third and final lecture will look at the aftermath of the Pre-Raphaelite movement and will bring their story into the present day. For further information call Bagshaw Museum on 01924 324765.
ThePress
Friday January 6, 2017
Hear Ann across the BBC radio network
Marketplace
Strictly’s Brendan Cole has something Turn your unwanted items to ‘Shout’ about on a certain partner into cash £££s TRICTLY’S Brendan Cole, now back on tour, tells me his least favourite partner on the dancefloor was 60s songbird Lulu. “Total nightmare for me, and basically we did just not get along, plus I am quite tall and she is short, so it was not the best combination, but we got through it, you know. We are professional,” he giggled.
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Ann and Brendan Cole Maycon Pictures
1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by credit or debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque, credit 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.
DAME Julie Andrews, Alec Baldwin and Josh Groban have signed a deal to star in pre-school Netflix show to get children learning about the various areas of performing arts. It’s called ‘Green Room’ and will have advice, mentors and above all else the chance to work with the legend from the Sound of Music. It’s on screen, later this year. IT WAS announced back in October that Helen Flanagan would be reprising her role as Rosie Webster after five years away from Coronation Street. Helen says: “As in all typical soap returns it will be ‘explosive’ – is there a soap return that isnt?” Insiders are hopeful that she will get the younger audience to watch who are falling away in droves, leaving the soap with a serious ratings problem.. BROOKE VINCENT took a break from Corrie to make her theatre debut this year, but she’s already back filming, and Sophie will be returning to Weatherfield alongside her sister Rosie early this year. Are you looking forward to seeing the Webster sisters back together? STRICTLY veteran Anton Du Beke, who has danced on the show since it started in 2004, is the bookies’ favourite to replace head judge Len Goodman. Anton, who is as bashful as ever, tells me he would “love to take on the role, but sadly it’s not up to me. I just hope that I can remain part of the show, as I truly love it and never have any idea who I will end up with on the dancefloor, but that is the magic of the show.” BRITAIN’S Got Talent judge Amanda Holden recently starred in a pantomime at the London Palladium, but with so many bigger names in the cast like Paul O’Grady, she admitted it was “such a laugh backstage because these people are genuine talent. I at times would give myself the famous red buzzer for sure.” MODEL and TV presenter Alexa Chung launched a col-
NEW Convector heater, excellent condition, 750w, 1250w, 2000w, £16. Tel 07519 288925. (2070) Metal framed foldup occasional bed/mattress, £20. Tel 07519 288925. (2070)
laboration with Marks & Spencer earlier this year in a bid to revive dwindling sales. The range went down a storm with critics, yet no-one bought it. Now Marks & Spencer, who paid her thousands, are just going to let her quietly go, hoping noone will notice. X FACTOR runners-up 5 After Midnight are about to be signed up to Simon Cowell’s record label, but are hopeful they also won’t be quickly dropped. One of the boys tells me: “We are under no illusions, I mean it’s an opportunity and that is what you have to think, but again, why not? We may just strike lucky.” WILL Strictly Come Dancing winner, BBC sports presenter Ore Oduba, want to return to his day job? The one-time actor and children’s TV presenter apparently believes he is now hot property and thinks plenty of new job offers will come through once he has finished the tour of the show. Or, as one friend told me: “He could simply go back to reading the sports bulletins.” BRADLEY WALSH has enjoyed success on The Chase and as an actor, but the would-be singer, who launched an album called ‘Chasing Dreams’ last year, appears to have chased off all those that may have bought it. Sadly, apparently plans for a follow-up are on hold. Bradley, though, does have a pleasant voice, so maybe he can chase a role in a musical next. HOLLYOAKS pulled a major casting coup last year by revealing that Dallas legend
Linda Gray would be playing Marnie Nightingale’s mum Tabitha. Tabitha’s stay in the village was only brief, but it’s since been revealed that Linda has signed a new contract with Hollyoaks and will be popping in and out of the show on a more permanent basis. Yay! THE brilliant Sir David Jason, now back with a new series of Still Open All Hours, tells me that there has been talk about a big screen version of the show. “They used to do that all the time in the 70s with popular sitcoms, so yes, I know all of us would consider it ... it’s such a fun show to be in,” he said. FORMER Labour MP and Strictly contestant Ed Balls is now on the arena tour, and admits he is hopeful he can keep dancing in some form or another. “I think it would be a shame to see it all go to waste, so who knows maybe a musical role is on the cards next,” he said. DAVID WALLIAMS’ BBC One sketch show is to be dropped after one series, due to bad ratings and reviews. A friend reveals: “It was expensive to make and we played to all his strengths, but in the end the simple fact was it was seriously unfunny.” EMMERDALE boss Iain MacLeod confirmed last March that Chas and Cain’s chaotic mum Faith would be returning to the show with a new actress in the role. She was previously played by Gillian Jephcott in 2000 and 2004, but now looks set to have an even bigger impact as she shakes up life for the Dingle clan.
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Mini fridge, electric and 12-volt, never used £25. Tel 07519 288925. (2070) Two red ladies' handbags (large), in red, 12” x 10” and 15” x 12”, both excellent condition, still in wrappers £20 each. Tel 01274 861904. (2071) Three wheeler, ride-on buggy with charger. £100 ONO. Tel 01924 467057. (2072) CHILDREN’S GOODS/TOYS Red Tomahawk Mongoose twowheel bike, suit 69yr old. Very little used, stabilisers availablem £50 ono. Tel 01924 476050. (2066) Tonka toys, tipper truck and crane with grab, £26, will split. Tractor/loading shovel, ride-on, suit 4/5 year-old, good quality, Germanmade, £27. Tel Mirfield 01924 492544. (2059) Early Learning Centre baby’s wooden toddle truck with coloured bricks. Excellent condition £10. Tel 01924 407400. (2054) iCandy apple pram. Includes carrycot, pushchair, rain cover. Converts to 3 wheeler. Like new, bargain £135. Tel Gomersal 01274 870164 (2044) A selection of toys
for girls and boys (age 3–7 years), good condition. Vacuum cleaner, guitar, boys scooter etc. Great Christmas present (may split), £12.00. Tel 07806 431728. (2039) BEDROOM FURNITURE Four drawer, 6ft x 6ft 6” super king size bed (frame with separate to make two single beds), six months old quality mattress. (Free to buyer – DIY headboard, three fitted valanced sheets and mattress cover). Buyer to dismantle and collect £50. Tel 01924 469652. (2064) Dormeo double orthopaedic mattress with memory foam topping. New condition, cost £200, will accept £50. Buyer to collect, Gomersal. Tel 01274 877611. (2049) CHRISTMAS Approx 7ft spruce hinged Christmas tree, only used once. Cost £90, will accept £30 ono. Tel 01924 478723. (2043) COLLECTIBLES Bradford Exchange collection of Marilyn Monroe plates by artist Chris Notarile, in mahogany frames, complete with certificates of authenticity. In good condition £10 each. Tel 07719 954892. (2061) DIY Small Calor Gas blower heater, suitable for shed or workshop £25. Tel 01924 430088. (2068) Aluminium extension ladder, 3 mtrs/10ft, 24 rungs in total. Ideal for DIY, £30 ono, buyer to collect. Tel 01924 462494. (2047) DISABILITY/MOBILITY Black wheelchair with brakes, in working order but needs
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 attention £10. Five mobile phones, no chargers, offers invited. Tel 01924 609015. (2035) ELECTRICAL 2 x 3 light pendant ceiling fittings in pink, £10 each, two matching wall lights £10 each. Tel 07521 540623. (2060)
£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11
£35. Tel 079615 64984. (2050) HOME ENTERTAINMENT Panasonic TV, 50” plasma TX-P50510B, as new, has been stored a while, £100 with free wall bracket, (no offers). Tel 07599 322227. (2058)
2 x 3 light chandeliers in glass and brass £10 each. Tel 07521 540623. (2060)
HOUSEHOLD Upright bagless vacuum, on board tools, very little used, bargain £25. Tel 01924 444000. (2069)
Nespresso Magimix coffee machine with separate hostess milk frother, almost new, £40.00. Tel 01924 495640. (2037)
Large yukka plant, 3ft, minimum £35. Tel 07961 564984. (2050)
FURNITURE Dark wood dining table, extending to 6ft plus six chairs, £100 ono. Tel 01924 499643. (2063) Open dark wood book case with three shelves, £20 ono. Tel 01924 499643. (2063) Comfortable threeseater settee and chair, excellent quality from M&S. Westcott chenille hessian, neutral colour £150. Tel 01924 442711. (2055) Shackletons ‘Sherbourne’ twoseater sofa, armchair and large storage footstool in beige. Two years old, excellent condition. £300, buyer to collect. Tel 07703 183220. (2046) GAMES Table-top casino board in carrying case, for blackjack and poker, with 400 casino chips, cards, dealing shoe and dice. New, £25. Tel 01274 876814. (2065) GARDEN Ride-on grass cutter 40” cut, double cutters. Vanguard 14hp, £350 ono. Tel 01924 278949. (2053) Old stone sink, suit garden ornament,
Tom Gower painting, £40, Tel: 079615 64984 (2050) MOTORING Motor spares new spacesaver wheel with tyre, buyer to collect, £40.00. Tel 01924 409809. (2041) SPORTING/FITNESS Gym workout bench, hardly used. Ideal Christmas box, was £100, now £55. Tel Mirfield 01924 498341. (2057) Ridgeback 401GS mountain bike, 18 gears, 18” frame size. Good brakes, excellent condition £40. Tel 01924 407400. (2054) British Eagle Zancara 21” bicycle. Polished aluminium frame, 21 speed, good condition. Approx. 10 years old, £50. Tel 07910 405324. (2051) Falcon Futura Cycle, full suspension, 18 gears, suit teenager, £25. Tel 07910 405324. (2051) WANTED WANTED: Timber to recycle for garden project. Tel 07790 568986. (2052) WANTED: Gas cooker for cash. Will call and collect. Tel 01924 471481. (2042)
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Friday January 6, 2017
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ThePress
Friday January 6, 2017
CRICKET
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Solly to give prize for the king of spin By Mike Popplewell Cricket Correspondent sport@thepressnews.co.uk
SAVILE TOWN businessman Solly Adam has a particular interest in the forthcoming England v India One Day Internationals - in fact he leaves this week to actually watch the games first hand and wont be home until February 9. Much has been made of England’s struggle against the Indian spin attack in the Test series but Gujurat-born Adam refuses to be critical of the English batsmen and, as a former left arm spinner himself, with the likes of Batley and Spen Victoria, he knows a bit about the subject. “On India’s last tour of England they came up against two bowlers, in James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who were exceptionally brilliant,” he explained. “In the same way England now find themselves up against a group of exceptionally brilliant spinners – it isn’t a generalised failure to master spin.” Spinning has always been of specific interest to Adam and he is keen to see it flourish in league cricket. In fact he has promised to team up with The Press to provide Solly Sports cricket equipment for the district’s most successful spinners in the forthcoming 2017 season. “I would particularly like to see young spinners rewarded so I want to give an award for the most first team wickets and another for the most wickets in senior cricket (first or second team) by a player under 17 years old at the start of the season,” he said. “I have played with, and against, some outstanding spin bowlers in the old Central Yorkshire League and the Bradford League.
Some, like John Burton at Spen Victoria, were very good at containing batsmen but it is wickets that are usually decisive in games and that is why I would like to see the awards go to the most successful wicket-takers.” Adam has great admiration for spinners like Simon Purdy (Hanging Heaton and Liversedge), David Jay (East Bierley) and Glenn Roberts (Spen Victoria), the latter going on to play for Derbyshire. But, he has no doubt about the greatest he has ever seen and that is the West Indian spin wizard Sonny Ramadhin who had a season at Liversedge. “I wasn’t the best batsman but I wasn’t alone in never knowing which way the ball was going to turn when Sonny bowled,” declared Adam. “I played against him when I was at Thornhill and he was almost unplayable.” Solly’s assessment was borne out by the fact that Ramadhin collected 96 wickets in his one season at Liversedge – and they came at barely four runs apiece. It is unlikely that we will see the likes of Ramadhin again in league cricket, but that will not stop today’s exponents of the art from trying. The majority of players involved will be from the All Rounder Bradford Premier League – ie from Hanging Heaton, East Bierley, Cleckheaton, Woodlands, Batley (Premier Division), Birstall, Gomersal, Scholes, Ossett (Championship 1), Hopton Mills, Spen Victoria, Liversedge, Hartshead Moor, (Championship 2), Crossbank, Heckmondwike (Conference). However players with Horbury Bridge (Pontefract League), Savile Stars (Dales Council) and a handful of Dewsbury League clubs all qualify as players of clubs in The Press circulation area.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Albion Ladies facing long wait THE WOMEN’S football scene is up and running again this week, after the Christmas and New Year break, but Ossett Albion find themselves playing the waiting game in the North East Regional Women’s Football League Southern Section while teams around them play catch-up. Having enjoyed their best first half of the season in recent years, Albion’s seemingly annual fight to avoid relegation is looking much more promising from their current fifth place position, but they are now without a scheduled fixture until their home game with Westella and Willerby on January 22.
In the meantime Sheffield Wednesday, Courts City and AFC Preston could overtake them while Malet Lambert move just one point behind with games in hand. Struggling Battyeford Belles have a chance to lift themselves off the bottom of the West Riding League Premier Division when they go to Silsden while Ossett Town, lying second from bottom, are like Albion as they sit out the next two weeks hoping they don’t sink even deeper into relegation trouble. A first win of the season for Ossett Town Reserves at Crossley will lift them off the bottom of Division Two and
at the other end of the table a win for leaders Leeds City, over second-placed Clifton Rangers, will give thirdplaced Dewsbury Rangers the chance to slip into that second promotion spot next week if they can beat Silsden. Lower Hopton return to league action in Division Three, having lost 13-0 to Brighouse Town in the County Cup before Christmas, and desperately need to complete a win at New Farnley if they are to keep in the promotion race. They are currently third but are five points adrift of jointleaders Middleton and Ripon.
RUGBY UNION
Ossett getting more people involved OSSETT RUFC are taking part in the Rugby Football Union’s ‘Return to Rugby program. An RFU coach will run a training session once a week for 10 weeks, with the first taking place on Tuesday, January 10. The aim is to boost numbers at the club for the remainder of the season. Past players and new
faces are welcome to attend the training sessions and there are
rewards, in the form of alcoholic beverages, for existing players who bring someone new to a session. To find out more you can contact the club on Twitter @OssettRugby, visit their facebook page at facebook.com/ OssettRugby, or visit the club website at www.pitchero.com/clubs /ossett-rufc.
Wells sinks Town hopes Evo-Stik First Division North OSSETT ALBION
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OSSETT TOWN
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at Queens Terrace EVO-STIK First Division North strugglers Ossett Albion earned the local bragging rights and boosted their survival chances with a narrow 1-0 win over arch-rivals Ossett Town. Town were table toppers going into the game but lost for a second time this season to Richard Tracey’s Albion, who have turned around their form in recent weeks to climb to 17th in the table. A crowd of over 500 turned out to Queens Terrace to watch the two teams do battle, both needing a win for very different reasons. High-flyers Town looked worthy of their position in the league early on as they took the game to Albion, creating several chances, one of which struck the woodwork. But Albion defended strongly on the whole and were a relieved side to go into the break level at 0-0. Whether it was pressure to maintain first place, or tiredness from what was a gruelling festive campaign, Town fell away in the second half as their tempo dropped significantly. It allowed Albion a chance to take control of the game, but despite creating a few chances they were unable to break the deadlock. Town keeper Leigh Overton was to thank for that after he tipped a goal-bound shot round the post. But in the final 10 minutes Albion kept up the pressure looking for that morale-boosting win they so crave in order to turn around their disappointing season. It came courtesy of Will Wells, who provided the vital touch to guide the ball into the net from a corner in the 82nd minute. Town attempted a response but it was too little too late for Grant Black’s side, who slipped to their eighth league defeat of the
Ossett Albion’s Will Wells earned the bragging rights for the Unicorns fans with his late matchwinner against Town Adam Hirst season. Town dropped to second after the loss, but the Reds hope to stay within touching distance of league-leaders Lancaster City when they entertain Ramsbottom United this weekend. Meanwhile Albion travel to Droylsden. Both games kick off tomorrow at 3pm.
Black boosts his midfield options at in-form Town FIRST Division North promotion hopefuls Ossett Town have strengthened with the signing of experienced attacking-midfielder Martin Pembleton from Bottesford Town. Pembleton came through the ranks at Lincoln City early in his career before making his first team debut with the club in 2008. Since then the 26-year-old has played for Lincoln United and Winterton as well as Evo-Stik League Football with Goole and Buxton. An ambitious Pembleton said: “Having played at a professional level I am keen to play at the highest level I can. Most recently at Bottesford where we won promotion last season and achieved great things. “My ambition now, having signed here at Ingfield and seen the league table, I have to say, is to go on and win the title. That is what I will be looking to help the boys achieve.”
Martin Pembleton, right, has signed for Ossett Town from Bottesford Town
ThePress
Friday January 6, 2017
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RUGBY LEAGUE
Dewsbury’s ‘Stevo’ gets MBE in Queen’s Honours DEWSBURY rugby league legend Mike Stephenson received an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. The award came as a timely signoff for ‘Stevo’ who retired his Sky Sports microphone at the end of the 2016 season, after a 26-year stint as the face and voice of the station’s rugby league coverage alongside his friend and colleague Eddie Hemmings. His award was for services to the sport and broadcasting. Now 69, as a player Stephenson represented his home-town club Dewsbury more than 250 times and captained them to an upset win over Leeds in the 1973 Championship final. Dewsbury had finished eighth in the league and beat the top three teams in lifting the trophy with a man of the match performance from the Great Britain hooker. Stevo – better known then to his friends as ‘Mick Stivvy’ – was a member of the last GB team to lift the World Cup in 1972. He was signed by Penrith for a then-world record fee of £20,000 and after a successful stint in Australia went into journalism and then broadcasting. Stevo, who has a home in Sydney’s northern beach suburbs, broke off his New Year celebrations
Mike Stephenson, left, with partner-in-crime Eddie Hemmings and inset Stevo scores a try for Dewsbury to pay tribute to the people who set him on his RL career. “It came as a shock but a nice one,” he said.
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Wood rescues point for Sedge NCEL Premier
ATHERSLEY REC LIVERSEDGE FC
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at Sheerien Park NORTHERN Counties East League play-off hopefuls Liversedge were once again held to a frustrating draw against Athersley Recreation on Monday, in what was the second instalment of a festive double-header between the two sides. The first half was a dull affair as both teams struggled to get up to pace following the New Year celebrations, meaning the game remained goalless at the break. But fans were given a treat in the second period with four goals shared between the two sides. The first of which was netted by Liversedge’s Joe Walton, but the visitors’ lead lasted little more than a minute before Jack Briscoe put Athersley on level terms.
Things got better for the hosts when Kieran Scargill struck in the 67th minute, but Athersley, who would have gone level on points with Sedge in the Premier Division had they held on to their 2-1 lead, conceded a late Simon Wood goal which kept Jonathan Rimmington’s side in seventh. Liversedge don’t have a game this weekend but have already started preparations for their clash away at strugglers Armthorpe Welfare on January 14 (3pm), where they will hope to record their first win of the calendar year.
Send your sports reports, news and photos to Joseph Link at joe@thepressnews.co.uk
“I would like to thank all the Dewsbury RL fans who supported me for many years as a player and of course my fellow players, espe-
cially the team that won the Championship in 1973. “I’m very proud of my birthplace and those people at Shaw Cross
Boys Club who gave me my chance to start playing the greatest game of all as a junior. “Special thanks to my first ever coach David Bradshaw who guided me through some difficult times as I desperately tried to learn the ropes of rugby league and the support of the ‘legend’ at the club, Dougie Hird, the man who founded the club and still works tirelessly each day to ensure the club continues to produce not only good players but youngsters of good character. “I owe those two men so much for they set me on the road to a successful career.” The chief executive of the RFL, Nigel Wood, said: “I am incredibly pleased to have heard the news that Mike Stephenson has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list. “Mike Stephenson was a worldclass rugby league player and an integral part of the last British team to win the Rugby League World Cup. “His reputation as a ‘straight talking’ commentator who pulls no punches have made him the voice of rugby league broadcasting. “He is well respected and great company and it was a sad day for rugby league when he retired from broadcasting in October.”
BOXING
Thornhill Akbar brings home prepare for NABC national title first game in over a month AMAAR AKBAR of Dewsbury’s Warrior Breed boxing gym has clinched the NABC national title in Bristol.
It is 16-year-old Akbar’s second national title, which he won following a gruelling six bouts in as many weeks. It adds to his Junior Development title which he claimed in 2015 and the youngster is now rated as one of England’s finest boxers in his weight division. The NABC tournament was attended by several of the country’s most promising boxers over numerous weight divisions, with several former national champions competing in the finals.
During the Northern stages of the competition Akbar overcame tough bouts against James McMeekin and Leonard Hughes on his way to reaching the final. Repton Boys boxer Joel Bannon was Akbar’s opponent in the final, but the Dewsbury fighter battled his way to a unanimous decision victory. Along with Akbar’s achievements, Khalid Ayub is a Three Nations Champion and England representative who is preparing for a run at national titles along with training partner Daniel Foster, both of Warrior Breed. Warrior Breed boxers have also collected eight Yorkshire titles and two Chairman’s Cup Gold medals.
BASKETBALL
Vipers show some bite SPEN VALLEY VIPERS Seconds start the year at the top of the Leeds Basketball League Men’s Division Two following a 78-32 win over Queensbury Hawks. A solid all-round performance with a big team defence led to numerous blocked shots which ensured the points went the way of the Vipers. They have lost just once all season and start 2017 with their sights firmly set on the Division Two title. In contrast the first team struggled in their last outing of 2016, losing 72-62 to
Division One’s in-form side Bradford Maroons. Meanwhile the Ladies team have suffered two setbacks in recent weeks, losing to table-toppers Trinity Tigers before a narrow defeat to York Vikings. They have a chance for revenge, however, when they meet the Vikings again in the semi-final of the women’s cup competition. The ladies remain in search of their first win in the league this season.
THE latest batch of Winter Pennine 11-aside League fixtures have been announced, confirming that Thornhill Trojans will host Stainland Stags at Overthorpe Park tomorrow (2pm). Seven days later the Trojans will travel to face bottom club Cowling Harlequins (2pm). The Trojans are currently sitting second in the table six points behind leaders Lock Lane, who have played four games more than their closest challengers. However the Trojans may take some time getting up to speed against Stainland tomorrow. The last time the Overthorpe Park side was in action was against Lock Lane back in November. Meanwhile the Xamax BARLA National Cup game between Thornhill and Waterhead will be played on Saturday, February 4 (2pm). A bus will be run to the game for Trojans fans, which will depart Overthorpe Park at 12noon. In other news Thornhill were due to find out who they will be facing in this year’s Challenge Cup First Round following the draw which took place at The Deep in Hull last night (Thursday, 7pm).
Rams to host Trinity in first game of 2017
Pictured with head coach Matt Diskin and Dean from Station Coaches are Supporters Club committee members Mike and Jean Booker, Sue Rush, Ged Littlewood, Pete Rawnsley and Graham Hunter
Diskin’s plans ruined by Bulls Batley’s doomed friendly with Bradford is unlikely to be replaced By Joe Link BATLEY BULLDOGS boss Matt Diskin expressed his shock and disappointment at the news that Bradford Bulls went into liquidation this week. The former Bulls captain and assistant coach, who left Odsal to take up his first head coach role at Batley last year, said: “It is shocking and devastating that this has happened to such a great club. “I just hope the boys there can get back on their feet and get something in place for the future.” All the players and staff were made redundant of Tuesday when it was confirmed the club had ceased trading, making them all free agents. But the Rugby Football League have confirmed that if a new club in Bradford can be formed then it would be allowed to take part in the 2017 Kingstone Press Championship. The Bulls were lined up to play Batley in a warm-up game on January 15 and, despite the hope
that a new club in the city can be formed, the fixture is not expected to go ahead. Diskin added: “I’m not overly concerned about the fixture and it won’t be detrimental to our season (if it doesn’t go ahead). “It would have been a nice game to have as we look to improve on our errors from Boxing Day, but the season is still three or four weeks away.” If the clash with the Bulls does not go ahead Batley are unlikely to replace the fixture. The Bulldogs face Keighley Cougars on January 22 (2pm) and dual-reg partners Castleford Tigers on January 27 (7.30pm) in their remaining warm-up games. Meanwhile, the Batley Bulldogs Supporters Club has been assisting with Matt Diskin’s pre-season plans.
Diskin is taking his players to the Yorkshire Dales this weekend and the Supporters Club have stepped in to sponsor the event with the help of Station Coaches. At the beginning of last season the Supporters Club were struggling to run buses to away games, but with the help of Station Coaches and the re-organisation of the away coach, which was also renamed the ‘Battle Bus’, the club began to build up more support, so much so that they were able to run a coach to every game and also make a small profit. Supporters Club member Mike Booker said: “We have all been invigorated in 2016 by the increased interest and support we have had clearly on the back of the team’s success. “This has enabled us to make a profit and if we can help Matt
with his team preparation for this year then that is why we are here. “We all just want to help the club continue to improve and hopefully people can see that by travelling on the ‘Battle Bus’ and supporting the Doghouse we can help the club achieve success. “We will all be continuing to work hard in 2017 and also with help from Jim McVeigh we will continue to run car parks at home games to further assist in anyway we can.” Bulldogs chairman Kevin Nicholas says he has been humbled by the dedication and hard work of the supporters. He added: “The Supporters Club went from strength to strength in 2016 and to be in a position to give us £1,300 to fund Matt’s preparations is superb. “This is yet another example of all parts of the club working together. I hope supporters can see that, by getting behind the Supporters Club in anyway, they can make a difference and help us to improve. A big thank you to everybody.”
DEWSBURY RAMS will challenge themselves against Super League side Wakefield Trinity in their first outing of 2017. The Rams’ second pre-season friendly takes place at the Tetley’s Stadium on Sunday (3pm). Trinity boss Chris Chester has revealed he is aiming for his side to finish in the top eight of Super League next season for a second successive year, and Morrison is expecting Wakefield’s big-name players to be on show at the weekend. Wakefield are in fine form following their 30-6 away win over Leeds Rhinos on Boxing Day, while Dewsbury will be hoping for big improvements after their disappointing loss to Batley at Mount Pleasant. The Rams will assess the knee injury to full-back Josh Guzdek, who limped out of the Boxing Day derby early in the second half, but Morrison is not expected to include the 21-yearold in his squad against the Wildcats. Veteran Paul Sykes, who was impressive against Batley, is expected to feature against his old club. The former Super League player made 60 appearances for Trinity and scored 310 points in a two-year spell. Dewsbury have two other players with Wakefield connections in the form of Rob Spicer and Lucas Walshaw. Spicer, who is currently Dewsbury’s longest-serving player, featured 46 times in Wakefield colours early in his career. Meanwhile Walshaw played for the Belle Vue side before switching to Bradford Bulls 2015. The Rams will also be reacquainted with former player Anthony England on Sunday. The prop was a Dewsbury player in 2010-11, when he made 44 appearances before moving to Featherstone and ultimately earning a break in Super League. England was a member of the Rams squad the last time the two clubs faced each other in a game that saw Trinity run out 30-10 victors. Dewsbury chairman Mark Sawyer will be hoping for a big turnout for what is the pick of the club’s pre-season friendlies. Admission has been reduced to £12 for adults, £10 concessions and £5 for under-16s. Junior season ticket holders from both clubs can watch the game for free. But Morrison’s men will still have two friendlies to navigate after Sunday’s clash with Wakefield. They will host Australian tourists The Yowies on January 15 before travelling to Leigh to take on last season’s Championship winners. The club have a limited number of tickets to sell for that game and will provide coach travel to the match.