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No. 792

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Who’s the culprit? Left, the arsonist sets a car in the club car park alight; centre, the two cars ablaze; right, club bar manager Danielle Burkinshaw

POLICE UNDER FIRE OVER CAR ARSONIST

By Zoe Shackleton A BAR manager has blasted police for not doing enough to help solve an arson attack in which two cars were gutted in the car park of her club.

Danielle Burkinshaw, 30, manager at the Irish Democratic League Club on Churchfield Terrace, Batley, says she had to call the police on several occasions to remind them to collect

CCTV footage of the man who set fire to a parked car on May 23.

And when they eventually picked it up – five days after the incident – Miss Burkinshaw said they claimed they didn’t recognise the culprit from the footage and so wouldn’t be taking any further action.

Police deny this and say they are still looking into a spate of arson attacks in the area.

CCTV footage of the incident on the club’s Facebook page has been viewed more than 43,000 times and

Miss Burkinshaw said: “On the day, they (the police) all turned up and were brilliant, but since then there’s been no follow-up.

“That’s my family home and I’ve got two children in there who were in danger and for them to not even want to look into anything when we’ve got such clear evidence, what’s the point in having CCTV if nothing is ever going to be done about it?”

The footage shows a man walking up to one of three parked cars and producing what looks to be a bottle of

spirit. He then pours the liquid on the back offside wheel and over the bonnet. He lights what looks like a piece of paper and first sets fire to the wheel before throwing the paper onto the bonnet and running away.

In the process, the man had unscrewed the lid from the spirit and thrown it away. The lid was taken by police on the night but Mrs Burkinshaw says no further investigation has taken place yet. Police have said enquiries are ongoing.

The blaze caused the car next to it

to catch fire but nobody was injured.

Mrs Burkinshaw’s car narrowly missed going up in flames as she managed to drive it away undamaged.

She said: “I heard a loud bang and saw the two cars on fire. I panicked and had to get into my car through the passenger door to get through to the driver’s side to move it.”

As she moved her car, the original vehicle that had been set alight began

Continued on Page 2

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ThePress

Friday June 2, 2017

Arson attack on Batley cars Continued from Page 1

Deaths BATTYE COLIN On 19 May, aged 70.

Service at St James’

Church, Heckmondwike, Monday 12 June at 2pm, followed by burial in Heckmondwike Cemetery at 3pm.

COLLINS NEE ANDERSON FORMERLY ATTWOOD JULIE

GIBSON NEE DUFFY TERESA

On 27 May, formerly of Earlsheaton, aged 54. Wife of David. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Monday 12 June at 2pm.

On 25 May, aged 84. Wife of the late David. Service and Mass will be held at St Patrick’s RC Church, Birstall, Friday 9 June at 10am, prior to interment in Birstall Churchyard.

DEWHIRST HARRY

GILL NEE PURDY RUTH

On 22 May, of Dewsbury, aged 80. Husband of Maureen.

Service at Dewsbury Minster, Monday 12 June at 11.30am followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

ELLIS ALAN TERRY On 23 May, of Hopton, aged 83. Husband of Rita.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 13 June at 2pm.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

On 26 May, aged 87. Wife of Allan. Service at St Saviour’s Church, Brownhill, Wednesday 14 June at 11.30am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.

HALEY NEE WALSWORTH LUCY On 26 May, aged 84. Wife of the late Frank. Service at Huddersfield Crematorium, Tuesday 6 June at 3.15pm.

HART ALLEN On 17 May, aged 65, of

Batley. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 1 June at 3.15pm.

MARSHALL ALAN On 27 May, aged 73, of Thornhill Lees. Husband of Pat. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 13 June at 12.30pm.

NICHOLSON ROBERT JOHN BOB On 23 May, aged 63, of Earlsheaton. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 6 June at 3.15pm.

to move forward and Mrs Burkinshaw, who has only been managing the pub for three weeks, feared it would roll back and hit the building.

She quickly ran inside to get her children before the police and fire brigade arrived.

June at 12.30pm.

STREET DONALD On 24 May, aged 86, of Dewsbury. Husband of the late Gertie.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 6 June at 2pm.

WARD MICHAEL On 20 May, aged 73, formerly of Earlsheaton.

Husband of Elaine. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 8 June at 12.30pm.

O’DONNELL DENIS PATRICK

WILCOCK NEE SWALLOW EILEEN MARY

On 22 May, aged 82, of Dewsbury. Husband of Miriam. Requiem Mass at St Paulinus RC Church, Dewsbury today, Friday 2 June, at 10am followed by interment in Dewsbury Cemetery at 11.15am.

On 26 May, of Heckmondwike, aged 77.

Wife of Malcolm. Requiem Mass at St Mary’s RC Church, Batley, Friday 9 June at 10am followed by interment at Batley Cemetery.

SLACK SIMON PHILIP

WILLIAMSON JULIE CATHERINE

On 23 May, aged 59, of Cleckheaton. Husband of Deborah.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 6

On 25 May, aged 59. Wife of Stephen. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 8 June at 11.15am.

The flames were extinguished but the arsonist had long since fled the scene – he had escaped towards the bus station, where CCTV shows a car driving past just at the moment the man walked off.

Mrs Burkinshaw said there are cameras nearby that could potentially have caught the registration of the car or a clearer look at the offender.

On the evening in question, there were reports of two other incidents in which cars had been set alight.

Mrs Burkinshaw said: “On the evening, we’d heard both from the police and some taxi drivers that two other cars were done that day, so potentially the same person going round targeting random cars is a bit of a danger.”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “The incident is being treated as arson and enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances.

“CCTV footage from the scene was taken by officers and is being examined.”

Sergeant Chris Field, Batley NPT, said: “We have seen a spate of arson attacks in the area over the past couple of weeks and we are in the process of investigating each incident.

“I would like to reassure local communities that we take all reports of crime and vandalism very seriously and that we are working to catch the perpetrators.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police via 101, quoting crime reference 13170232202.

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ThePress Friday June 2, 2017 Issue No: 792

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

www.thepressnews.co.uk @ThePressLatest /ThePressNews Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: David Bentley Reporter: Zoë Shackleton Sports Reporter: Ben McKenna Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Sales Executives: Nicola Finch, Janet Black 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 June 2, 2017

News In Brief Arena fundraiser MIRFIELD: A special event tomorrow (Sat) featuring an auction, raffle and concert has been organised to raise funds for the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing.

The Mirfield Rifle Volunteers fundraising group are putting on a shindig at the Old Colonial Club, on Dunbottle Lane, from 8pm.

Businesses, groups and individuals in Mirfield have donated prizes.

Rock-country band Broken Flowers are playing a gig for free.

Open to all ages, entry is £5 including a free supper, and all proceeds will be donated to the victims of the suicide bombing and their families.

If anyone wishes to donate prizes, call 01924 496920.

Getting Together VISITORS to The Mill outlet in Batley did so at their peril earlier this week as they were greeted by a scary-looking dinosaur. A life-sized baby T-Rex was roaming around the car park and wowing the crowds of shoppers on Bank Holiday Monday. Children and parents were fascinated by how lifelike it was ... some might say it was a roaring success!

Picture: Mike Clark

Cleck derelict site plans include new care home

By David Bentley PLANS for an 83-bed care home and retirement community close to Cleckheaton town centre have been submitted.

Developers McCarthy & Stone want to build on disused land off Serpentine Road.

The scheme could also create up to 91 fulltime equivalent jobs if given the go-ahead, according to the application.

The plans call for 42 retirement living apartments, an 83-bed care home with communal facilities, seven affordable houses, landscaping and parking for 55 cars on the 13.7 hectare plot.

The scheme will be a joint venture between McCarthy and Stone, Darrington Health Care and Leeds Federated Housing Association.

Derelict industrial buildings that stood on the Serpentine Road site were flattened in 2013, after years of wrangles which ended with Tesco shelving controversial plans to build a new supermarket there.

A consultation exercise was held locally in March and developers claim the public response was “100 per cent in favour” of the plans.

Darrington Health Care, which owns three specialist care homes (including Oak Park in Chickenley), and Leeds Federated Housing

Association will develop the care home and affordable housing aspects respectively.

The town’s three Lib Dem councillors are broadly supportive of the plans – but with a proviso. Baroness Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said: “We’re pleased that the site could be put to use, and that it’s a residential development.

“There was a pre-application meeting where we were consulted, but we’re a bit at odds with the 83-bed care home. We think what’s needed is ‘extra care’, which provides flexible on-site care with more independence for residents. We hope that McCarthy & Stone will amend their proposals to include ‘extra care’, but apart from that, we’re very pleased.”

Steve Secker, regional managing director (North East) for McCarthy and Stone, said: “100 per cent of those who responded to our consultation were in favour of the proposals and it is now imperative that local residents who want this site redeveloped let Kirklees Council know.

“With public transport links and easy access to local shopping, these plans represent a great opportunity to boost the economy in the area and will give people the chance to downsize, freeing up larger homes.

“If anyone has any questions about the scheme I would encourage them to get in touch with the project team.”

Tesco car park fines reinstated PARKING fines at Mirfield’s Tesco Express store have been reinstated.

Signs taken down three years ago after an outcry state that the car park around the store is for Tesco shoppers only, with a maximum stay of 90 minutes and the threat of a £70 fine.

Facebook community group Mirfield Matters warned shoppers, “They (the signs) are back – and don’t get caught out”.

After expressing concern about the new signs, traders have since welcomed the move but believe spaces should be for

all shoppers rather than Tesco shoppers only.

Chris Sowerby, who runs Sowerby Bros Cycles and Fausto’s Coffee Shop, said: “The car park was being abused. People assumed they had a right to dump cars there when they went into Leeds.”

Mirfield councillor Martyn Bolt revealed that the scheme had been put in place without consultation, and fellow councillor David Pinder said that the fines were not legally enforceable unless the police or local authorities issued them.

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Comments on the plans can be made via the Kirklees planning website until Tuesday, June 20. Search for application reference 2017/91677.

BIRSTALL: Howden Clough Community Centre will be hosting a Great Get Together event as part of the nationwide tribute to Jo Cox. There will be stalls and games such as bingo, cards and indoor bowls at the Leeds Road centre from 11am until 3pm on June 17.

Visitors can take a picnic or tuck into soup, rolls and cake.

‘Hammer attack’ HECKMONDWIKE: A man has been accused of hitting his neighbour in the head with a hammer. The alleged attack took place on Bank Holiday Monday outside an address on High Street, but Lee Morton, 42, denies assault occasioning actual bodily harm and unlawfully threatening violence with an offensive weapon.

Kirklees magistrates heard that the victim, Terry Williamson, had told Morton to calm down after he heard him shouting outside his home. Morton allegedly then threw punches at Mr Williamson and struck him to the head as he lay on the ground.

Morton has been remanded in custody, with a trial scheduled for July 19.

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ThePress

Friday June 2, 2017

News In Brief Water-jug attack

Mike Clark

BATLEY: Amar Shahzad, 43, admitted hitting his partner in the face and throwing a jug of water over her after a row, when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court.

The attack happened on April 29 at the couple’s former home on Manor Way. Jill Seddon, prosecuting, said Shahzad had pleaded guilty because his partner, Donna Morley, had struck him first during the argument.

She said: “He pushed her backwards onto the bed, slapped her to the face and threw a jug of water over her.”

Shahzad was ordered to pay an £85 fine, and costs of £115.

Man damaged home CLECKHEATON: A man escaped with a conditional discharge after causing £1,000 damage to a property he thought was his parents' home, when he was drunk.

Jamie Mullen, 20, broke into the property on Whitehall Road on March 5 when it was empty – only to find out it had been sold following his mum and dad’s separation.

Mullen had smashed a window on his way in, took nothing and then broke another window on his way out.

He admitted burglary and escaped punishment after Kirklees magistrates heard that police had offered Mullen a caution but only if he paid £50 compensation to the owner.

Mullen failed to pay in the two months he was given so he was taken to court.

Magistrates granted him a conditional discharge, meaning that he will escape punishment if he stays out of trouble for 12 months.

He has also been told to pay the new owner £200 compensation for the damage caused.

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Comedian’s Batley send-off for Jo Cox Great Big Walkers

By Zoë Shackleton COMEDIAN Jo Brand was in Batley on Monday to help launch the start of the Great Big Walk, a community initiative in honour of the late Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox. Five groups of walkers set off on treks to Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cornwall, Wales and London on routes that will take them almost three weeks.

Their departure from Batley was filmed live for BBC’s The One Show, and the walkers are

due to arrive back in time for Great Get Together events on the weekend of June 16-18.

The Great Get Together was set up by friends and family of Mrs Cox to coincide with the first anniversary of her death. Over the weekend, communities around the country will get together for street parties and the like to celebrate her life and nowfamous words, “we have far more in common than that which divides us.”

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others, Great Big Walkers will visit different community projects each day, to spend time with people who go the extra mile to bring communities together.

Jo Brand, who was asked to be involved following her 135-mile walk in a week last year for Sport Relief, said: “I know these guys are going to have an incredible time on the Great Big Walk and I urge anyone who sees them to beep, honk, wave and clap to show you care.

“From all the way up in sunny Scotland right down to the coast of Cornwall, let’s see which town

can give them the friendliest welcome! I never met Jo but I admire any woman MP because I know how tough a job that is.

“But to have this unimaginable tragedy, you want to be able to support her views, carry forward her memory and it is really important to include stuff she was supportive of.”

She added: “It’s never been more important to come together and support one another, so it’s reassuring to know there are so many individuals, families, groups and organisations taking strides to do just that.”

Nicola ‘proud to give the PM a tough time on TV’ A LOCAL school teacher was in the national spotlight on Monday as she quizzed the Prime Minister about her “damaging plans on school funding” on an election debate programme.

Nicola Middleton, an early years teacher at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Birstall, questioned Theresa May on The Battle For Number 10 programme broadcast on Sky News and Channel 4.

She asked the PM: “Are you prepared to change your current plans to prevent further damage to our schools?”

The 32-year-old, from Gomersal, then heckled “you’ve clearly failed” after

Mrs May’s response. Mrs Middleton said: “When pressed on the Institute of Fiscal Studies’ report, that schools will see per-pupil funding fall in real terms, the Prime Minister clearly faltered.

“Mrs May stuttered the retort: ‘nobody can guarantee the real terms per funding increase’ – a promise she has, now self-admittedly, falsely made in her own manifesto.

“My heckle was an attempt to force Mrs May to admit that her manifesto costings have clearly failed to take into account inflation and rising pupil numbers, with per-pupil funding actually set to fall nearly three per cent in real

terms.” Mrs Middleton added: “I felt very proud to represent every teacher, parent and pupil in the UK. “My local constituency of Batley & Spen will be one of the worst-affected areas with every school facing significant cuts – equating to £9.4m overall.

“I am not affiliated to any party. My motivations for taking part were solely to seek transparency from the Prime Minister and a reassurance that education will receive sufficient funding to ensure our children receive the outstanding education they deserve.

“Mrs May clearly failed to provide both!”

Homes fight goes to public inquiry AN ONGOING battle between White Lee residents and developers could be settled at a public inquiry next week.

Homeowners are fighting proposals to build 66 properties on fields between White Lee Road and Carlinghow Lane, Batley.

Some 25 homes have already been built by developer Jones Homes in a scheme known as ‘White Lee Phase One’ – and they now want to erect a further 66 houses on adjoining urban green space.

After having their plans blocked last year, Jones Homes have made amendments to their proposals in an attempt

to address planning officials’ concerns. Their plans have been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and a public inquiry will open at Batley Town Hall on Tuesday (June 6) at 10am. The hearing is scheduled to last for four days.

Alan Brook, whose home in Enfield Drive overlooks the field where the proposed houses would be built, said: “They should not be building on green space. We are losing our land and the area can’t sustain the buildings there.

“We are allowed at the inquiry but it depends upon the officials if we are able to

speak. It is just corporate greed. We would lose a lot of light and our views. It’s already over-built, they should not be allowed to build on green space – what right do they have to build on it?”

According to Mr Brook, one man who lives nearby has already sold his house because of the proposed development and if the plans go ahead it could have similar repercussions for other residents.

Mr Brook is under no illusions that it will be tough to get a positive result from the public inquiry. He said: “We have won the battle but not the war.”

ThePress

Friday June 2, 2017

ELECTION 2017

Hospital in the spotlight as candidates go head-to-head

By Staff Reporters TWO election candidates went head-to-head on live radio on Tuesday.

Dewsbury Conservative candidate Beth Prescott and Labour’s Paula Sherriff sparred verbally on BBC Radio Leeds as they discussed the future of under-pressure Dewsbury and District Hospital.

Ms Sherriff, who used to work in the NHS, said: “We’ve had some limited success – we forced a uturn in terms of the bed reduction numbers, but I’ve never seen Beth at a public meeting about the hospitals.”

Dewsbury-born and bred Miss Prescott, who is standing for election at the age of just 24, responded: “I haven’t been yet, but it’s something I’m looking into that I want to support.

“I was born in Dewsbury

Hospital, it’s my local hospital and I am passionate about it.

“I want to work with whoever it takes, I will push the CCG, I’ll push the government, I’ll meet with local residents. I will do what it takes.

“Dewsbury really needs this strong local voice fighting for the area.”

Ms Sherriff, who has campaigned hard against the downgrade of Dewsbury Hospital, remains adamant that under the Tories, the NHS is in crisis.

She said: “If you care that much, Beth, why didn’t you go to the other public meetings? I’ve never seen you. You’re a prolific tweeter, which is great, but I’ve never seen you tweet about Dewsbury Hospital prior to a few weeks ago.

“If it’s something that really means so much to you, where have you been these last few years?”

Miss Prescott replied that she

has spoken with the Health Secretary and she will be fighting for the hospital.

Ms Sherriff said: “I’ve been fighting the downgrade of services at Dewsbury Hospital for the last four years – long before I was MP or even a candidate.

“Dewsbury needs an MP who is genuinely committed to protecting our health service – not just at election time.”

■

A HUSTINGS EVENT scheduled for Wednesday night had to be cancelled after only one candidate standing in Dewsbury & Mirfield was able to attend.

Tory Beth Prescott committed to the event, organised by the Kirklees branch of the Federation of Small Businesses and due to take place at the National Coal Mining Museum, but none of the other three Dewsbury hopefuls could make it.

A spokesman for Labour’s Paula

Sherriff said she had prior diary commitments that couldn’t be rearranged while Simon Cope, of the Greens, had personal commitments which pre-dated the snap election.

Green spokesman Adrian Cruden said: “We had offered a replacement speaker, our district chair Nick Whittingham, who we understood was acceptable to the FSB. It is a matter of much regret to us that the hustings are not going ahead.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Ednan Hussain said he had a preplanned engagement and was going to send another Lib Dem parliamentary candidate from another constituency.

Miss Prescott’s campaign manager Mark Eastwood added: “We’re shocked that the hustings had to be cancelled. We don’t blame the FSB for the cancellation and thank them for inviting us along.”

Autism group visit ELECTION candidates visited an autism support group in Batley. The Whole Autism Family group was founded by Mirfield couple Martin and AnneMarie Kilgallon. Its main aim is to raise awareness of autism and the impact it can have on family life and to increase awareness of the autistic spectrum disorder. Labour election candidates Tracy Brabin and Paula Sherriff visited the group with Batley & Spen Green Party hopeful Alan Freeman.

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News In Brief Sue lands care award DEWSBURY: A senior care assistant has won an award for her outstanding contribution to Ashworth Grange care home in Dewsbury.

Sue Ackroyd, who has worked at the home for more than five years, won the Ideal Care Homes Certificate in Excellence for activities.

She leads exercise and music classes and hosts coffee afternoons in the home’s café.

She said: “I love sitting down with the residents and teaching them something new. We have lots of fun, especially at the monthly pop-up restaurants which are great for residents who struggle to get out and about.”

Ready, set, go!

CLECKHEATON: It’ll be ready, set and go with fun-filled races tomorrow (Saturday, noon-4pm) in West End Park.

The fundraising event – organised by the Friends of West End Park group and Cleckheaton Rotary Club – will combine traditional events like the egg and spoon race and three-legged race with a host of stalls, face painting and food and drink to raise money for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Arthritis Research UK.

Airambulance call-out DEWSBURY: An air ambulance landed in Dewsbury on Tuesday after a man died suddenly. Emergency services were called to a property on Bretfield Court, Savile Town, at 10am but the patient was pronounced dead after being taken ill. There are no suspicious circumstances.

Vintage car display BIRSTALL: Vintage cars will be on display at Oakwell Hall on Sunday (11am-4pm).

‘Back me for smooth Brexit’, says Prescott DEWSBURY’S Tory election candidate this week urged voters to put aside their usual political allegiances and back her to help ensure a smooth delivery of Brexit.

The majority of people in Kirklees voted to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, and Conservative hopeful Beth Prescott claims the issue is a major talking point on the local campaign trail.

Miss Prescott, 24, said: “The same lines have come up on the doorstep time and time again, be they from lifelong Labour voters, former UKIP voters or Conservative voters: ‘I am voting Conservative because I know only they will deliver Brexit and secure the best deal for the United Kingdom’.

“Just 11 days after the General Election, Brexit negotiations with Britain will begin. So whoever is Prime Minister must be up to the job and ready to start.

“Getting these negotiations right is central to everything.

People are putting aside any former political allegiances because they know Theresa May is the strong leader we need at the negotiating table.

“I am the only candidate in this constituency who backed leaving the European Union. I want to be stood alongside

Beth Prescott with Theresa May Theresa May, as your Member of Parliament, fighting tooth and nail for the best deal for our country and our area.”

In response, Labour candidate Paula Sherriff said: “The people have spoken on Brexit.

That’s why I voted in Parliament to trigger the process of leaving the EU. That issue is settled – it’s not whether we leave, but the deal we get.

“The Tories must not be allowed to sell us short in the negotiations to leave the EU. I will fight to get the best deal for our area. Too often, the only voices we hear are from Scotland or London.

“I am the only candidate with the experience and resolve to stand up and be

counted. I’m not a Tory novice hiding in Theresa May’s shadow – I will make sure your voice is heard too.”

The Lib Dems’ Ednan Hussain responded: “The people of Dewsbury and Mirfield did not vote for a hard Brexit that will take Britain out of the single market, risking jobs and our economy.

“Many businesses in our area trade with mainland Europe on a daily basis and it is essential they are allowed to continue trading.

“Theresa May is not willing to debate party leaders; how is she going to handle negotiations with other European leaders?

“The Liberal Democrats have promised the people the final say on the Brexit deal.

Voting for a departure is not the same as voting for a destination.”

Green Party hopeful Simon Cope said: “The Greens want to get the best Brexit deal possible for the British people and that can only be done through proper negotiation.

“It is now clear to everyone that ‘weak and wobbly’ Theresa May backs down whenever she is challenged.

She can’t even face the other party leaders in the TV debates, so how can we trust her, or Beth Prescott, to stand up for Britain?”

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

These jokers just aren’t funny Y how we laughed.

My, how all the world laughed! America, a great nation of 325 million souls and the best they could come up with for President was a corrupt career politician in Hillary, and a demonic, bewigged halfwit in Donald.

Who’s laughing now?

If you’ve been following the demoralising General Election coverage this past week, I challenge you not to despair at the choice facing us.

I haven’t a clue what Theresa May’s guard dogs have been putting in her tea, but it’s gone to her head.

A woman who was a safe, steady, understated pair of hands, has turned into Coco the Clown, manically running around frightening the kids with that scary face and her “vote for me, vote for me!” banshee wail.

M

And we thought the Yanks were in a bad way...

Calm down, woman. It’s not all about you.

Except for Theresa and her puppeteers, Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill – who apparently won’t let the more sane members of the Conservative cabinet near her – it is all about her.

She’s like Trump after a charisma bypass. Suddenly a nation that was grateful for her calm, measured leadership after all the Brexit histrionics, has woken up to the depressing realisation that she’s just another selfabsorbed egomaniac.

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Mrs May’s the only person to trust with Brexit? After her manifesto omnishambles, I wouldn’t trust the woman to butter my toast.

Theresa – the woman who made Jeremy Corbyn Prime Minister. What, it couldn’t happen? Tell me that next Friday.

In this strangest, most unpredictable of political ages, anything could happen.

We really could wake up with a Prime Minister who despises England and the United Kingdom, who celebrated IRA and Palestinian murderers, and who would cheerfully bankrupt our children’s futures just to strike a last, fleeting blow for the discredited creed of socialism.

If people thought Brexit was a bad move for the national fortunes, wait until the reality of a collection of deluded Marxists running Downing Street sinks in.

If the Corbynistas succeed in introducing just half of their manifesto pledges, this

country will be down the toilet. Last one out, switch off the lights.

And you know what? The one-eyed fools who get their mean-spirited revolution and ultimately find themselves potless will blame it on the bankers, on Brexit, on the Tories … on anyone and anything except their own idiocy.

I think it was Winston Churchill who once said: “Socialism only works in two places – in heaven where they don’t need it, and hell where they’ve already got it.”

But go on, indulge me. Tell me where socialism such as it is imagined by Corbyn, Diane Abbott and John McDonnell, has ever worked.

I’m not talking about the soft, democratic socialism of post-war Britain, but their hating, wealth-destroying textbook march of the masses. The Soviet Union? China?

Cuba, the Eastern Bloc?

When socialism fails economically (and it always does), history tells us that

dictatorship follows. Stalin, Mao, Castro … and you’re right, that couldn’t and wouldn’t happen here. We’ll just have a divided society and ruined economy for a generation. That’s all.

But anyone who tells you that open borders and unchecked immigration is compatible with a manageable NHS and education system, as Labour do, is either economically incompetent, insane or lying. Or all three.

That’s especially so when small businesses are driven to the wall and the big wealth creators (who I agree should contribute more) take their industry elsewhere.

But then again neither Corbyn, McDonnell nor Abbott has ever held a proper job, lived in the real world outside the political bubble of the trades union creche.

It will always be someone else’s fault though, not theirs.

That’s underpinned the talentless myopia of socialism since its birth.

Spoiled for choice – the unthinkable FEEL sorry for hard-working, honest MPs at times like this and especially in this election when voters are being motivated by something of seemingly greater import than saving local services or representing local people.

Paula Sherriff and Tracy Brabin have both shown admirable energy and commitment to their constituencies in their brief Parliamentary careers, certainly more than their predecessors Simon Reevell and Mike Wood (I exempt Jo Cox for obvious reasons).

Speaking with a ‘local’ hat on, I don’t care what colour rosette an MP wears so long as they fight their constituents’ corner. I will be very surprised if either Miss Sherriff or Ms Brabin fails to be elected next week.

But this election isn’t about

I

them and despite my horror at the prospect of a traitor in 10 Downing Street I cannot bring myself to vote for the vain hypocrite that is Theresa May. The Liberal Democrats?

Have you seen or heard Tim Farron? He’s away with the fairies and apart from developing a handy line in snippy sarcasm brings absolute zero to political discourse. The Lib Dems are no longer credible.

UKIP are a burst balloon, although they could forseeably rise again if Brexit isn’t delivered, or PM Corbyn offers a second referendum.

I voted Labour in every local and general election until 2001 (yes, even with the moronic Neil Kinnock at the helm) when I voted Independent Labour, having witnessed Ann Taylor’s corruption of the Muslim vote.

In 2005 and 2010 it was the

Tories, in 2015 UKIP. And next Thursday? If Aleks Lukic or someone similar was standing in my constituency I’d vote for them, but I have no such choice.

So although I can hardly believe I’m saying this, I will drive home from work, go with my best mate Arthur for a pint in the village pub, then walk across to the polling station and deliberately spoil my ballot paper in protest at what UK politics has become.

It might be a swear word scrawled across my ballot.

Heck, depending how quiet the place is and whether I’ve stayed for a couple or three pints, I might even wipe my backside with it.

Then Arthur and I will wander home and settle down to see what fate awaits the United Kingdom.

I fear the worst.

Police are a barrel of laughs T ALK about laughing – I howled at news the Met Police is recruiting ‘detectives’ straight off the street in order to boost numbers. Says something about ordinary coppers, doesn’t it? “We’d promote you PC Plod, but have you noticed your shoes are on the wrong feet? And as for that missed 999 call?” ... “I couldn’t find the car keys gaffer!”

I can picture Met commander Cressida Dick sifting through the applications, hoping against hope for one from S. Holmes, H. Poirot, M. Marple...

The scheme wasn’t why I laughed though.

It was the quote from a senior officer saying “people want an experienced detective investigating their house break-in”.

Which world do you live in pal? A detective

for a burglary? You’re having a laugh.

It’s a civilian phone operator and a crime number for the insurance, if you’re lucky.

I can’t speak for Huddersfield but in this part of Kirklees the streets are largely lawless and the crime has to be significantly bigger than a break-in to merit anything more than rudimentary acknowledgment.

We’re reduced to policing via Facebook up here, with people doing all their own legwork and then hoping the cops will take it seriously. You have to embarrass the force (see our p1 story) to shame them into a response.

It can’t be too serious though – a proper hoo-ha and the Serious Crime Squad are wheeled out, with our lot back safe behind their desks. Mind how you go...

ThePress

Friday June 2, 2017

TEACHERS GET A SOAKING...

BATLEY'S Mill Lane Primary School raised an incredible £659 at their annual summer fair.

There was a host of activities put on by the Friends of Mill Lane group to raise funds for a sensory garden to be built at the school, including an obstacle course and a chance for chil-

dren to get their own back by 'sponging the teacher'.

A range of raffle prizes were donated and Caroline Pringle, secretary of the group, extended thanks to the Uniform Centre in Batley, Rawcliffes in Dewsbury, Mint at the White Rose

Centre, Tesco in Batley, Down to Earth Florists in Batley, Mark Betts Hairdressers and everyone else for their generosity.

The group are still welcoming donations for the sensory garden, and people are encouraged to contact Caroline on FoML1@outlook.com.

Warsi ‘give up the veil’ plea to UK Muslims

By Staff Reporters DEWSBURY-BORN politician Sayeeda Warsi has said she hopes the Islamic face veil will disappear from the UK within 20 years.

Lady Warsi – the Conservative peer and first Muslim woman to serve in a British cabinet – had previously defended the wearing of the full face veil but said at the Hay literary festival that she did not ‘know what its purpose is in terms of British Islam’.

The former chair of the Conservative Party, 46, also

said she did not want the niqab to be banned by legislation but that she wanted ‘British Muslims to lead the charge’.

According to The Times, she said the veil was not a ‘British manifestation’, adding that its use in Saudi Arabia could historically be understood because “I presume if you were running through the desert it was good because you didn’t get sand in your face”.

She continued: “I just don’t know what its purpose is in terms of British Islam. In Britain – and I am a huge civil libertarian – we don’t

ban things. We actually allow communities to say this is not a good thing for us, and the argument I’m making is I want British Muslims to lead that charge, to say this is not the best manifestation of British Islam and, therefore, is this a garment which in 10 or 20 years’ time is going to be part of the landscape?

“I sincerely hope we’re heading in that direction where it won’t be. But I don’t want it to be done with a government diktat.”

Lady Warsi also drew parallels between how some Muslim women dress today

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BATLEY: Bagshaw Museum is to remember the life and times of Batley’s Catherine Exley – a soldier’s wife who accompanied her husband when he served in Portugal and Spain during the Napoleonic Wars.

Catherine was most famous for writing a diary from the viewpoint of a military wife. The museum’s presentation on June 10 &11 (2-4pm), visitors will be able to explore her life abroad and in Batley during the Industrial Revolution.

There will be a preview of the presentation this Sunday (June 4) from 2-4pm.

Tickets are free, but a donation to the Bagshaw Museum is encouraged.

To book, visit https:// pathtocatherine.eventbrite. co.uk or contact Mark Griffin on 07736 416668 (email mark. griffin@batleysmile.co.uk).

Follow the road to Oz BATLEY: Volunteers are being invited to follow the Yellow Brick Road... and join Batley Amateur Thespians in their production of The Wizard of Oz. Anyone interested in taking part in titled roles, the chorus, or assisting backstage can pop down to MENCAP Hall in Park Road on Tuesday, June 13. The production will be staged from November 22-25 at Batley Town Hall. Auditions take place on July 13 and 16.

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and how “small ‘c’ conservative” women dressed in Britain in the 1950s.

She recalled how her mother told her that when she came to the country in the 1960s, white British women wore headscarves.

“It astounds me sometimes because if you listen to EDL (English Defence League) types who want to go back to a 1950s Britain, I just think, ‘Come to Muslim homes, you get 1950s Britain’.”

Baroness Warsi was at the Hay festival promoting her recently published book, The Enemy Within: A Tale of Muslim Britain.

News In Brief The life of a soldier’s wife

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ThePress

Friday June 2, 2017

Thorny topic was a conversation-killer Dear Sir, I was on my way back to the car the other Saturday after an expedition for supplies to Cross’s charcuterie on Dewsbury Market when I came across a group of men attending a stall advertising the Conservative Party.

“How do you differ from Labour?” I enquired.

“We’re like chalk and cheese,” came the reply.

I asked for an example of this supposed difference, and the one I was given kind of confirmed my belief that it’s not so much a case of chalk and cheese as it is one of cheese and cheese.

And instead of the ‘contrast’ between Labour and Conservative being illustrated by reference to the serious issues facing the country, which is what I’d expected, I was told that Labour-controlled Kirklees is fining people £75 for dropping litter but a

Don’t lose someone who cares as MP From: Phil Andruchow, Dewsbury Dear Sir, It is a long time since I wrote to your newspaper but I think there is a need for people of Dewsbury to consider this.

On the 8th of June the people of Dewsbury have a decision to make – this being do they vote for Paula Sherriff to continuing fighting for Dewsbury or do they vote for another candidate?

Do you remember the last Conservative MP (the vanishing one)? The only time I recall seeing him he was picking up litter as an election stunt. After his selection the only ‘picking up’ was his MP’s salary whilst doing other work, not in Dewsbury.

The present Member of Parliament fights for her constituents of Dewsbury. Paula Sherriff has raised numerous issue in the House of Commons on behalf of all of us, and due to her passion has been told by the Speaker to sit down and be calm, but she still carries the fight on and is not

Letter of the Week: Steve Cass, Mirfield Conservative-controlled Kirklees wouldn’t!

I may as well have been told that the Conservatives wear blue rosettes whereas Labour wear red.

I said: “Relative to the problems facing the nation, littering is a trifle.”

“It’s not a trifle to those who’ve been fined,” he replied.

“But it’s a trifle when compared to the great issues of the day. I want to know how the Conservatives differ from Labour on the economy, on the NHS, on immigration - how do you differ from Labour on immigration?”

Oops – once again the thorny topic of

immigration proved to be the ultimate conversation-killer and my friendly local Tory activist quickly shuffled off to busy himself rearranging the leaflets on his stall.

What is it about the subject of immigration that turns these establishment politicos to jelly? Lib, Lab or Con they'll talk about anything but.

I think I know why.

Out of all the gross incompetence that the Libs, Labs and Cons have served us up over the years, their incompetence on the matter of immigration has had the most serious consequences.

put off. This is the type of MP we need.

Rightly or wrongly, I can disregard the national policies of all the national parties because during the election they promise the world.

When elected, strangely enough, things change. Vote for Dewsbury’s fighting MP Paula Sheriff, she has a proven record committed to fighting for her constituents.

Don’t lose someone who cares, they are rarity in politics today.

majority of them in built-up areas such as Batley, Birstall and Dewsbury.

Many others, the young and old especially, suffer from related breathing problems.

If these deaths were the result of terrorism or massive road traffic accidents, there would rightly be an outcry about them.

But because much pollution is invisible and the deaths slow and indirect, the issue is not a priority, it seems.

Locally, our roads are clogged up for hours at a time with commuters and longer distance drivers, with many HGVs perhaps mistakenly thinking a diversion through our area is a handy shortcut from the M62 to the M1, and vice versa.

We need to see action to stop this invisible slaughter – reductions in car emissions are welcome, but we also need better public transport and actual controls on bigger vehicles, as well as cleaner energy production generally.

While the Tories accept donations from oil companies and, with the Lib Dems in the Coalition, changed the law to open up nearby areas like Kirkburton and Denby Dale to possible fracking, countries like India are now closing coal mines in favour of solar energy and China is investing more money in clean energy technology than the rest of the world put together.

Britain is at risk of being left behind.

So when people go to vote, I hope they will think about the environment – it’s not a luxury option to tack on when we have some time; it is absolutely key to healthier and happier lives everywhere.

Think of environment when you vote From: Adrian Cruden, Dewsbury Dear Sir, It is worrying that in all the debate around the election, one vital issue has been largely ignored both nationally and locally by most politicians apart from the Greens – our environment.

This is even although the Government admitted a few months ago that pollution is killing around 40,000 people a year nationwide, with around 300 of these deaths in Kirklees, the

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS M Fletcher, demolition of existing dwelling and erection of dwelling and detached garage (within a Conservation Area) (modified proposal), Malvern Lodge, 10 Old Hall Road, Upper Batley.

M Brown, work to TPO(s) 28/79, 19 Quaker Lane, Hightown, Liversedge.

M Sharp, raising of garden level by 1 metre with retaining wall and erection of garage to rear, 30 Field Head Lane, Birstall.

Mr S Hussain, dormer to front, 3 St James Street, Heckmondwike.

C/O Agent, work to TPO(s) 01/86, Rectory View, Pinfold Lane, Mirfield.

G Harris, single-storey side extension, 37 Beechwood Avenue, Mirfield.

McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd, 42 retirement living apartments, 83bed care home with provision of communal facilities, landscaping and car parking and erection seven affordable dwellings, land at Serpentine Road, Cleckheaton.

S Worthington, single-storey side and rear extension, 30 Woodlands Crescent, Gomersal.

Mr & Mrs M Merriman, single-storey side and rear extension, 15 Ullswater Avenue, Dewsbury.

Mr & Mrs Snaddon, two-storey rear extension, 127 Upper Batley Lane, Batley.

Plantation Developments Ltd, discharge conditions 9 (Trees), 10 (Parking), 12 (Remediation Strategy), 13 (Drainage) and 15 (Habitat Creation) on previous permission 2014/91974 for erection of two semidetached dwellings with associated parking, land off Francis Street, Mirfield.

S Midgley, the proposal is for erection of a single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 3.5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.5m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.4m, 46 Radulf Gardens, Littletown, Liversedge.

M Benson, the proposal is for erection of single storey rear extension. The extension projects 4m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 3m, 8 Millers Court, Norristhorpe, Liversedge.

Mrs S Nasim, two-storey rear extension and dormers to front and rear, 30 Tanhouse Street, Ravensthorpe.

Kirklees Council Highways & Operations, non material amendment to previous permission 2017/90349 for erec-

tion of storage building, garage and salt barn, formation of stone gabion walling and associated works including amendment to site boundary fence, Council Depot, Headlands Road, Liversedge.

Yusuf Laher, single-storey front extension and two-storey side and rear extension, 40 Purlwell Crescent, Batley.

Mr M Ahmed, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 7.5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.8m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.72, 9 Millwater Avenue, Thornhill Lees.

Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust, work to TPO(s) 33a/96, Dewsbury And District Hospital, Halifax Road, Dewsbury.

S Ellsworth & G Needham, certificate of lawfulness for proposed single-storey rear extension, 90 Raikes Lane, Birstall.

IIB Developments Ltd, variation condition 2 (plans) on previous permission 2016/90915 for erection of one detached dwelling (within a Conservation Area), adjacent to 12 Grosvenor Road, Batley.

John Gawthorpe, Dead or Dangerous Tree(s), Beech Grove House, 13 Doctor Lane, Mirfield.

And we’ve got to the point now where it's no longer possible for them to pull the wool over our eyes.

The threadbare reasons, excuses, and justification they've used in the past and their stories about the beneficial effects of mass immigration just won’t wash any more.

The evidence is all around us: Mass immigration has been a disaster and only the willfully blind fail to see it.

The positive spin can’t be spun any more because it flies in the face of readily observable reality – immigration has had a negative effect on our quality of life, in so many ways.

But of course the politicians and their supporters can’t afford to admit the truth because they’re responsible for it, so when confronted by it they do a runner.

They make the mistake of ignoring reality in the hope it'll go away - it won’t. we all rely – our doctors, higher-paid local government officers, headmasters in our schools, senior police officers and care worker managers etc – the very organisations he says he is going to throw billions at.

Does Jeremy Corbyn actually know how much a billion is?

Again he is promising to raise Corporation Tax. This will affect companies who employ you and I. Some will fold because they simply cannot cover the extra taxes and the increase in the minimum wage, others will consider reducing staff and the bigger companies may even move abroad, with more job losses.

Some workers will be better off but others will lose their jobs.

Also, the personalities and their leadership qualities need to be examined.

The biggest challenge over the next two years and probably in our lifetime, is going to be our negotiations with Brussels.

Who will make the better negotiator? Jeremy Corbyn cannot even muster the support of his own MPs, who have repeatedly shown that they have no confidence in his leadership abilities.

He has never had any responsibilities in any post within any Labour government.

If he found he had to form a coalition with the SNP to grab power then he would stand no chance against the bully from north of the border and he would just become her lapdog.

Whatever your political views you must consider not just local issues or even domestic issues but on who can stand up to Europe, negotiate with strength and experience and then to work for the future of Britain post-Brexit.

Not just local issues to consider in election I’m voting for Beth Name: F Alan Graves, via email

From: Barbara Harrison, Mirfield

Dear Sir, The Labour representative in Parliament for our area, Tracy Brabin, has done a very good and enthusiastic job on behalf of the electorate.

However, in this election more than any other, we have to look beyond local issues and local personalities.

We must consider the leaders of the parties and their abilities to lead.

Jeremy Corbyn is concentrating his entire campaign on domestic issues with promises of throwing billions at education, social care, the NHS, pensions, minimum wages etc, etc.

His intentions are to impose an ‘ambition tax’ on anyone earning over £80,000.

What will be the incentive to get a good education, leading to a good job or to take on new and challenging opportunities at work?

This will affect many in our society on whom

Dear Sir, I am a retired resident from the area. I have lived in Mirfield all of my life, and I for one am very pleased to say that we have a local young lady, namely, Miss Beth Prescott, who too is locally born and bred in Dewsbury and therefore knows the area very well.

I am pleased to see Beth has been out campaigning hard to become the next Conservative MP for Dewsbury. She is totally dedicated to her work as a candidate, she also knows the issues that are in Dewsbury and Mirfield, and if elected I know will do her best to work with the residents and business people to get these issues sorted out.

I will be voting for Beth and Theresa May, and hope you do too.

Continued on page 9

ThePress

Friday June 2, 2017

9

From page 8

Extra Bank Holidays would be a nightmare From: Kevin Hirst, Heckmondwike Dear Sir, On reading that a certain man in power wants more Bank Holidays, I wondered if it was a new method of dive-bombing the economy!

As a rep having to travel on the Thursday and Friday before the holidays, I’d like to see him trying to get to Scotch Corner, on the A1(M) road, from both the south and north.

Here, traffic turns off for the Lake District and Scotland, or South to the M6, and the other way to Teeside and the Yorkshire Coast.

Other obstacles encountered were: A tractor crawling along pulling a high load of hay at school run time, holding up a half mile of traffic; A gypsy horse-trap followed by a dirty black Transit van with its hazard lights on ‘for safety’ with about a mile of cars held up; But, worst of all, a tractor on the road with extended cutters doing the grass on the verges!

Thank goodness I was going the other way.

Do these people ever think they just might be holding up miles of holiday traffic?

Finally, there is a saying: ‘Politics is showbusiness for ugly people’. Well Batley, you’ve only to look at Angela Merkel and her cronies to know it’s true.

Debt could be reduced From: Name and address supplied Dear Sir In reference to the council’s £2.7m overspend.

I would like to point out to council leader David Sheard that this could and should have been reduced by £300,000 if they had in my estimation collected the debt from the rental of Dewsbury Cemetery.

I cannot think that anyone in Kirklees has been allowed to incur such debt without payment.

Also, in reference to the letter by the nurse, Mrs Lister, who points out how good the Labour Party have been with the NHS. As a 75-year-old I remember that over the years all Labour governments have left the country worse off than when it came to power.

This is highlighted with their exit in 2005.

Who sold our gold reserves? Labour. Who deregulated financial services? Labour. And who took us into what I consider two illegal wars? Labour.

I hope she remembers the sacrifices people have made since 2005 and it seems everyone has forgotten this.

Jeremy Corbyn is a pacifist, not a bad thing unless it means we leave ourselves open to attack from anyone and everyone.

They win if we let them divide us From: Ms A Rawat, Batley Dear Sir, I am so sorry that we have had another attack.

My heart bleeds for everyone. I have been sobbing my eyes out, and if I need to say the obvious, I will, I condemn the attack vehemently.

Good, ordinary people do not go around bombing anyone, let alone innocents. But, also good ordinary people do not condemn innocents for the actions of mad, deranged people whose motives we can’t even begin to understand.

They win if we let them divide us. There must be, has to to be, bigger powerful people behind these stupid young attackers, who cause so much carnage.

The Batley Vintage Festival was very enjoyable. The entertainers did a brilliant job, the flyover was a wow, and it was amazingly wonderful that so many people made the effort to dress up in vintage clothes.

They looked fabulous and smart, but I also saw such pride on their faces that it quite choked me up.

I wonder if the organisers should give out prizes for best outfits in different categories next year?

Re the election: I would like to urge people to go out and exercise their right to vote. I can’t understand why so many people don’t.

It only takes five minutes. If you are not happy with any of the candidates, then spoil your ballot paper like I do.

If more than one per cent did this, then it would be considered as important to be talked about.

By spoiling your ballet paper, you are giving a message; by staying away, you show that you just don’t care and you can be ignored.

I spoil my ballot paper by putting a big cross on the whole page.

All the main political parties care more about votes than policies: I have seen them go against their own policies to do the bidding of people

who are active and vote, and thus make themselves powerful.

I have suffered personally as a result, and I will not let them forget.

I have no congratulations to offer for their promotions up the political ladder as they were gained without integrity.

I will either vote for the Green Party which, like Labour, has caring policies for the non-privileged and, where I am concerned, is fresh and has a clean record round here in their behaviour.

Or, I will spoil my ballot paper again. I may decide at the last second when I am in the voting booth.

I would also like to remind people that they do not have to give their details of their voting cards to the people standing outside the polling station: They work for the political parties and they are usually Labour people.

You only need to give your details to the poll clerks inside.

Can I also remind the party members and polling officers that only the party agent is allowed inside the polling station. The rest have to be outside, no matter what the weather, and well away from the doorway so as not to be intimidating.

Cost and benefits From: Tony Kelsall, North Kirklees Green Party Dear Sir, As Green party candidate for Dewsbury East in local elections since 2011 I always made reference to the Energy in Deprived Communities Scheme for the Yorkshire and Humberside region, which cost £14m for the period 2010 to 2013 and received £7m towards the cost from the EU and benefited some residents in Chickenley and other areas of the ward.

Unfortunately, the scheme ended in May 2014 because the Liberal Conservative Coalition negotiated an agreement to reduce the contribution to the EU raised through taxation so that tax cuts for the rich could be afforded.

As well as benefiting people in deprived communities by reducing their home energy costs (for example through home insulation) the adverse affects of environmental pollution have been reduced for everybody else.

This has also meant those hard-pressed local councils such as Kirklees, which include some deprived areas, have needed to fund existing schemes in their totality instead of sharing the costs and benefits with wealthier areas that lie in the London-Milan-Frankfurt Triangle.

This has been achieved by diverting money from other much-needed local causes.

For example, in Kirklees the weekly collection of clinical waste in yellow bins has been abolished recently and is now collected with other waste every two weeks.

When the UK leaves the EU I feel very strongly to commit ourselves to reduce the international effects of environmental pollution and that its cost should be shared throughout different countries and regions, instead of the burden of schemes like this falling on councils which include some deprived areas.

Pension answers please From: G Harrison, via email Dear anyone who will listen, Seeing as the elections are coming closer, I wondered if anyone could explain to me why the minimum living wage is about £7.50 per hour when pensioners like myself (and all others) are paid the equivalent of approx £4 per hour?

We have the same things to pay, utilities, food, transport, clothing, etc on half the pay of the workers.

Quite a lot of my era didn’t have enough pay in our working days to be able to “save for the future” and so are dependent on their pensions.

On the subject of money, why do people who have never worked and don’t intend to, end up with more benefits than most pensioners?

All this boils down to is, I would like the pension to be comparable to the living wage.

Does anyone know the answer?

A mini-referendum From: Colin Walshaw, Scholes Dear Sir, Brabin for Corbyn. It has a nice ring to it for a campaign slogan doesn’t it; I wonder why

Tracy Brabin isn’t using it?

Remember, both her and her predecessor were ardent Remainers, and Brabin only voted for Article 50 under the Corbyn directive.

So what choice do we voters have?

Vote Liberal and you do not get cuddly councillor Lawson, but Tim Farron, friend and ally of Tony Blair, both whom had the audacity to suggest that we, the uneducated proletariat did not understand the issues.

How arrogant can they be to show such contempt for the British people?

So no UKIP, who have stood down to give the more powerful Brexit supporters a chance to dislodge the Remainers.

The only two parties supporting Brexit are the Conservatives and an independent – Aleks Lukic.

A vote for either of these protects against the Corbynisters.

Also remember that Kirklees voted overwhelmingly for Leave in the referendum.

Therefore the most important thing is to get out and vote again, make no mistake this is another mini-referendum!

Time for a different government approach From: R Spreadbury, Liversedge Dear Sir, Over the last year or so we’ve been treated to some lacklustre performances by our politicians.

Some of my favourite moments have been Natalie Bennett and more recently Diane Abbott.

Both of whom gave a fine impression of being absolutely useless.

It brings to mind that in the past, a career in politics was an acceptable occupation for the dimmer offspring of the moneyed elite.

It was only during the war years when we got politicians of integrity and foresight and leaders

with backbone.

Then we saw the UK stand up as a lone beacon against a fascist megalomaniac, the birth of the NHS, and the development of a welfare state.

Sadly, when it comes to recruiting the current crop of politicians, we seem to have reverted back to the 19th century.

We have the same moneyed elite bankrolling their offspring into unpaid internship in Westminster. Here, once ensconced, they can brush up on their Ladybird Book of Economics and can then become one of an army of influential Special Political Advisors and perhaps even graduate to being an MP. Or alternatively, we have MPs recruited from the party faithful who can readily espouse votewinning weasel words based on variations of the themes of “milk the rich”, “squeeze the poor” or “feed the world” depending on the colour of their rosette, and with no regard of the consequences or ramifications of such utterances.

Perhaps it’s now time we had a more ‘professional’ approach to our governance and recruited the masters of our destiny from the ranks of those who have actually had some success in working in the real world.

Your choice of leader From: Graham Turner, Gomersal Dear Sir, Thanks to Mr Cameron offering a referendum on whether we stay or leave the European Union, I worked with people from all parties, and we surprised ourselves by winning the Leave vote.

The election on June 8 is not only about who will govern our country for the next five years, but who will be the right person to negotiate the best possible deal for the United Kingdom in the Brexit negotiations, which will affect our country for future generations.

These negotiations commence on June 19.

Your choice, Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn.

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News In Brief

Intruder threatened woman with knife MIRFIELD: A woman returned home to find a man brandishing a knife at her after he had broken in.

It is believed the intruder entered the house on Balderstone Hall Lane, Mirfield, at around 2.40pm on Friday, May 26, when it was empty.

The culprit fled from the scene after coming downstairs and swearing at the woman while waving the knife at her.

West Yorkshire Police want to speak to a white man, around the age of 50, with grey hair and a bald patch on top, grey stubble and “possibly some missing teeth”.

He was reportedly wearing a khaki jacket, had a bottle of Lucozade in his pocket and was carrying a black draw-string bag.

Witnesses are asked to call Huddersfield CID on 101, quoting log 1071 of May 26.

Screwdriver offence

Scanner boost for Dewsbury hospital

By Staff Reporters DEWSBURY and District Hospital has a new state-of-theart CT scanner.

The hi-tech machine has a wider range of applications, meaning that the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust now has more scanning capabilities – including carrying out cardiac CT scans which were previously only done at Pinderfields.

Ruth Clarke, consultant radiographer at the Trust, said: “The new scanner has a

number of other benefits which include the ability to acquire scans in a reduced time, shortening the length of time patients are required to hold their breath, making it a much more comfortable experience for them. Additionally, due to recent technological innovations, the scans can be undertaken at a reduced radiation dose when compared with older CT scanners.

“Around 4,000 of our patients have a CT scan each year, a demand which is increasing, so it’s really important we are able to keep up

with new advances in technology, as it enables us to give the best possible care and diagnosis to our patients closer to home.”

The new equipment is housed in a purpose-built room which includes a new control room and provides a much-improved, more spacious environment for the radiology team and patients.

The Trust says it plans to spend £2.5m a year investing in the “modernisation and rationalisation” of Dewsbury Hospital, for each of the next several years.

From left, consultant radiographer Ruth Clarke, clinical support worker Gillian Taylor and senior radiographer Sarah Hanson with the new scanner

LIVERSEDGE: A man who admitted possessing an offensive weapon in public – a screwdriver – faces sentencing.

Andrew Lewis, of Spring Street, was caught by police with the screwdriver outside an address in Trueman Avenue, Heckmondwike, on November 13 last year.

Sentencing has been adjourned by Kirklees magistrates due to the 31-year-old’s drinking problem and he has been granted unconditional bail until June 8.

Assault on police GOMERSAL: A man has been jailed for assaulting three police officers.

Lewis Jackson, of Nibshaw Road, was given a 14-week suspended sentence but failed to turn up for appointments on January 26 and February 13.

Kirklees magistrates activated Jackson’s suspended sentence order and jailed him for two weeks.

The new war memorials honour 107 war veterans buried in Dewsbury cemetery

Memorial stones unveiled

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SCORES of people attended the unveiling of new memorial stones in Dewsbury Cemetery.

The memorials honour 107 war veterans who are buried in the cemetery and representatives of the armed forces were there to witness the special occasion, alongside relatives, civic dignitaries, com-

munity groups and First World War re-enactors.

The memorial commemorates the lives of all those who died from their wounds, the majority in the Great War of 1914-18.

Included on the new memorial is local hero Sgt John Willie Ormsby VC, who sur-

vived on the Western Front but was later laid to rest in his home town graveyard.

The event was the culmination of two years of hard work by the New Friends of Dewsbury Cemetery group, who raised £8,000 to pay for the stones.

Committee member Patricia Taylor posted on social media: “A very special day, although we all got drenched beforehand, it didn’t detract from the wonderful event that this was. Something to look back on for many years to come.”

Paula Sherriff, Labour election candidate for Dewsbury, said: “Both my father and grandfather are veterans, so I know the huge sacrifices that members of our armed forces make in the service of our country.

“It made me all the more proud to speak at the unveiling of the memorials at Dewsbury Cemetery in honour of the 107 war veterans who are buried there.

“It is only through years of hard work and the perseverance of local volunteers that this important project has come to fruition, so it was wonderful to see the unveiling so well attended.”

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News In Brief

Wanted: Verdict on station facilities RAVENSTHORPE: Northern Rail wants feedback from passengers on new facilities installed at Ravensthorpe station as part of a trial programme.

The Better Stations programme aims to improve stations throughout the network, and said Northern regional director Paul Barnfield: “We have installed a variety of facilities, including waiting shelters, seating, customer information screens and customer technology panels, at the four test stations.

Now we want to know what our customers think.

"These are, however, not the final versions, as we want to get feedback from those who will be using them on a regular basis before we decide which versions will be rolled out to the rest of our stations.”

To have your say on the new facilities, visit the online survey at: www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/7FDYMQG.

Friday June 2, 2017

‘Litter police’ warning

By Zoe Shackleton A KIRKLEES councillor has warned that a company under the spotlight for handing out official litter fines in an ‘aggressive’ manner are on patrol in the Dewsbury area.

Coun Martyn Bolt witnessed an altercation between a member of the public and a man working for private firm Kingdom Services.

The company came under fire in a BBC Panorama investigation last month after an under-

cover reporter exposed the controversial techniques employed by staff in handing out the fines.

The firm has been given a one-year trial by Kirklees Council to see if it can clean up the streets.

Bodycam-wearing Kingdom enforcement officers are permitted to hand out £75 fixed penalty notices for littering.

Coun Bolt said: “I saw a couple of guys in fleeces with Kirklees Council written on the front. They just looked like they were working for the council.

“I noticed a member of

the public having a heated talk with one of the officers so I went over to introduce myself and asked what the problem was.

“The officer said to me ‘I’m dealing with this, go away,’ so I tried to introduce myself again but he said ‘I’ve told you to go away, if you don’t I’ll call the police’.”

The tactic was highlighted on the Panorama programme, where one enforcement officer told the reporter that he often threatened to call the police in order to encour-

age members of the public to hand over their personal details.

The officers had caught the man in question flicking a cigarette butt to the floor.

Coun Bolt added: “There are problems with litter and something does need to be done.

“But at the moment, they are not actually resolving the problem.

“As it is now, people are walking round looking like Kirklees Council and handing out fines.

“It’s causing reputational damage. Nobody is

actually picking the litter up, they are just making money.

“People will start to get wise.

“Members of the public don’t have to give their details to civilians.”

A spokesperson for Kirklees Council said: “The Council is aware of the incident and has reviewed video footage.

“We found the officer involved acted firmly but professionally and the member of the public, subject to the penalty notice, admitted their actions.”

Couple’s ‘banger rally’ expedition

Jo Cox documentary BATLEY & SPEN: The BBC will air a documentary on the murder of MP Jo Cox this month.

Jo Cox: Death of an MP, will go out on BBC Two on Tuesday, June 13 at 9pm – three days before the anniversary of her death.

The programme explores why Thomas Mair, with no previous convictions, killed the mother-of-two.

A COUPLE are gearing up for a charity car rally drive from Dover to Benidorm.

James Conyers and Emma Maude, who own The Pie Shed Cafe in Dewsbury, are taking on the ‘Benidorm or Bust Challenge’ to raise money for Kirkwood Hospice.

But where other car rallies involve topof-the-range vehicles, this one has to be done in cars worth no more than £500.

More than 200 bangers are taking part in the four-day mission, starting next Wednesday (June 7).

James and Emma have entered their £300 trusty orange Volvo, which will head off next week.

To support the couple and for a chance to see the bright orange Volvo embark on its adventure, head down to The Pie Shed on Green Lane or visit www.kirkwoodhos pice.co.uk/benidorm to make a donation.

Children’s home plan

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Friday June 2, 2017

BATLEY VINTAGE DAY

Town steps back in time for yesteryear spectacular

By Zoe Shackleton THOUSANDS of people went back in time to celebrate Batley’s fourth Vintage Day as the town centre came alive with the sights and sounds of yesteryear.

On Saturday the market place was packed with more stalls than ever before and with plenty of music and dance, comedy, costumes and vintage vehicles, the annual festival was as successful as in previous years.

Despite poor weather, with torrential downpours and thunderstorms at one point, people from far and wide came to enjoy a line-up of music from the 30s through to the 60s, with the return of some Batley favourites and some new bands getting the crowd dancing.

Visitors were again treated to a spectacular flyover by a Spitfire at around midday, thanks to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. There was an array of vintage vehi-

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cles with exhibitors travelling from across the north of England. The festival spanned the town centre, with the Memorial Gardens showcasing history exhibits and allowing the crowd to relive the music and styles of Batley Variety Club in its heyday.

Even when it had stopped raining, people were still camped under Mrs M’s NAAFI tent, where the urns were never off and the tea and cake was flowing all day.

Event organiser Andrew Marsden, said: “As always, there are so many things I take from the day, catching up with our many regular visitors to having a chat with people who had come along for the first time.

“Feeling the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as the Spitfire flew low and loud over the event, and looking around at the look of awe on everyone’s faces.

“But, as always, the one thing that stands out the most are the smiles. Everywhere I looked I saw happy, smiling, relaxed people taking time out from the rush of everyday life to just enjoy themselves; that makes all the time and work that goes into the day so very worthwhile.”

The whole day, from 10am-5pm, was free to attend but visitors were urged to “bring a tin to get in” to (25p each) support the work of Batley Food Bank.

Labour election candidate Tracy Brabin came along and said: “The day was an amazing success and a wonderful experience for attendees of all ages. I take my (vintage) hat off to everyone who was involved in making the day such a wonderful and varied event, which involved lots of incredible local groups.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to the day’s organisers, Andrew Marsden and members of the Batley Business Association, who always do a wonderful job, and whose passion and flair for all things vintage turns our lovely town into a celebration that the whole community can enjoy every year.”

Batley Vintage Day will return next year on Saturday, May 26.

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Batley & Spen Labour candidate Tracy Brabin, second right, rated the day “an amazing success and a wonderful experience for all ages”.

ThePress

Friday June 2, 2017

BATLEY VINTAGE DAY

“Low and loud”... the Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight swoops over Batley

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Police burglary appeal A SUITCASE and power tools have been stolen from a Dewsbury property.

Police are appealing for information following a burglary that took place between 11am on May 22 and 6.35am on May 26 at a block of flats on Bradford Road.

Among the items, taken from a storeroom in the car park of the property, were a Ryobi Drill, Ryobi Saw and Ryobi Impact Driver, along with two men’s suits and several men’s shirts which were inside a suitcase.

DC Coates, of Kirklees CID, said: “I would appeal to anyone who has any information on this burglary to please get in touch with police.

“I would also ask for anyone who may have been offered or sold the items taken in the burglary, or anyone who has any information on the whereabouts of the items taken, to please get in contact.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Huddersfield CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13170238090.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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ALEKs lukic – your independent brexit candidate

A strong, Independent voice for Batley & Spen Q: Why should people in Batley and Spen vote for you? will not have a political party to serve, I will not be told how I should vote and I will only act in the interests of the people of Batley and Spen and our country.

If you want a strong local voice on Brexit, I am the only candidate who campaigned for ‘out’ across our district.

I believe everything is pointing towards a large Conservative majority, so voters in our constituency can really focus on who they send to Westminster to represent their interests in Parliament.

With my family, I have lived in and around the area for nearly all of my life.

I understand the issues and would speak up for everyone who lives here.

In times like these people in Batley and Spen should not simply vote for the usual candidates taking their party lines.

We should elect an Independent MP who will shake up Parliament and confront head-on the toughest challenges facing Britain today.

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Aleks Lukic is the Independent Brexit Candidate for Batley and Spen. He tells us his priorities and why local people should vote for him on Thursday 8th June.

And, we need to make sure we’re ready for the economic opportunities Brexit will bring to local manufacturers.

Q: In light of the terrorist attack in Manchester last week, how should we deal with Islamist extremists?

IRSTLY, the events were deeply tragic. We will never forget the victims and we will always praise the support from the emergency services and the ordinary citizens of Manchester during and after this atrocity.

I believe we can do much more through domestic legislation and tough political leadership.

How? Well, any person living in the UK who travels overseas to fight for a terrorist organisation should be stripped of their British citizenship and/or their right to live here.

In fact, they should be denied re-entry into the UK forever.

However, it also appears that many of these people on terrorist watch lists spreading extremist messages may not be committing a crime.

It is clear then that we have to tighten up Britain’s criminal code towards this behaviour, by introducing new criminal offences against inciting racial or religious supremacy.

There is much more to be done besides this. If I am elected on the 8th June I will work with constituents and speak out with policy priorities to the new Government.

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Q: Tell us a little bit more about yourself? ’M A third generation British Serb, born in Dewsbury Hospital, and a proud Yorkshireman.

I went to Heckmondwike Grammar School and I want more local children to have the opportunity of a grammar school education.

I have been a local computer science teacher for the last four years, and recently I was also a workplace representative for the National Union of Teachers (NUT).

Last year, I jointly co-ordinated the successful VOTE LEAVE campaign with former Conservative Councillor Jonathan Scott.

In 2015 I was proud to receive 9,000 votes in Batley and Spen, as the UKIP candidate.

I am driven by a love of this country, and the home it gave my family after World War 2,

and I want to make sure pressure is put on the Prime Minister to get us the very best.

We must remember the cards are seriously stacked in our favour.

We’re very strong by way of trade, security and defence.

Also, the EU enjoys an annual trade surplus of goods and services with us of £100 billion

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and I want to make sure that we get the Brexit we were promised.

In my spare time, I love walking in the Yorkshire Dales and I also play in a local brass band.

Q: What are your top priorities for Batley and Spen?

HERE are pressing issues in our constituency that really need attention.

All but one of our secondary schools are chronically oversubscribed; we need more places as this distresses parents and young people. Our NHS services are struggling; I will

T

fight for local people to have a full range of accessible health services.

I want to crack down on Islamist extremists, plus those who support and sympathise with their actions, as part of an overall plan to better integrate communities.

We have had two local people convicted of offences relating to Islamist extremism in the last six months.

These people want to drive our local communities apart and impose their twisted ideology on all of us.

Our infrastructure has been neglected. We deserve local road network, footpath and public transport improvements.

Q: You’re Mr Brexit locally.

What do you think will be the outcome of negotiations with the EU? ’M OPTIMISTIC that the UK will secure a very favourable negotiated settlement with the EU, but it is a negotiation

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ON June 8 vote Aleks lukic

Firm but fair on Brexit, tough on terrorism and a fighter for local people and services a year – a figure which is rising.

Both sides want a free trade deal. A bad deal is unlikely, but we have to be prepared to walk away if this happens.

The European car manufacturers, wine and beer producers are just

two sectors that would be seriously affected if both sides imposed tariffs and no deal was secured.

Even if tariffs are imposed and we revert to World Trade Organisation rules, the UK would pay an annual tariff fee to the EU of £5.5 billion – but the EU would have to pay the UK an annual tariff fee of £14.9 billion.

So there is every sign that we will have a deal, but it needs to be the right one that doesn’t just suit Westminster but where we live too.

Q: Do you think immigration is bad for Batley and Spen and bad for the UK? ES, the mass uncontrolled immigration we have had over the last 20 years has been very bad for Batley and Spen and the country. But properly managed immigration is completely different and can be good for all of us.

We must get control of our borders and introduce a fairer system so we attract the quality trained people we need for our workforce.

What we’ve seen is the impact of huge numbers of unskilled labour driving down wages and putting enormous pressure on our public services.

Y

Q: You’ve been quite critical of the UK Foreign Aid policy and called for the budget to be slashed – surely it is right to look after the world’s poorest countries?

AM very critical of the UK’s policy towards Foreign Aid. I don’t think anyone, including myself, would argue that in circumstances of genuine humanitarian distress caused by natural disasters, conflict or disease we should intervene and contribute, and we do.

But, it is not right that the UK funds what David Cameron himself described as ‘fantastically corrupt regimes’ and countries that hate us and everything we stand for.

It is not right that we fund

I

countries failing to look after their own children but investing in nuclear weapons, military hardware and space programmes.

We need a fundamental review of this huge amount of money, almost £14billion a year.

The government department should be abolished and most of the money should be redirected to our defence, schools, NHS and social care.

Q: What’s your vision for the NHS and our local schools?

ELL, firstly I hope the other political parties can stop using both as political footballs.

The truth is that Labour’s record on the NHS and our schools is no better historically than that of the Conservatives’.

They’ve both overseen massive charges for the NHS be they dental, prescriptions, car parking, or even watching TV when you’re recuperating.

Successive governments have also expanded the Private Finance Initiative in the NHS, which has left most of our hospitals facing bankruptcy.

I want to see our NHS proper-

W

ly funded with a full range of local services for local people, and yes we can use the savings we will make from taking back control of our EU membership fees.

Similarly, I support the rein-

troduction of grammar schools.

I personally had the benefit of a grammar school education and I teach at a local grammar school where children thrive.

We need more school places; our children deserve better.

WHAT ALEKS LUKIC STANDS FOR...

IMMIGRATION: No to mass numbers, Yes to controlled immigration BREXIT: A strong and fair negotiation assuring the best deal for Britain LOCAL ISSUES: Focus on

NHS, education and better transport and infrastructure EXTREMISM: New laws to to combat religious supremacy ABOUT ALEKS: A proud local schoolteacher who speaks up for Batley & Spen

email: aleks@alekslukic.co.uk

Promoted by Aleks Lukic of 6 Boundary Terrace, Staincliffe, WF13 4PN

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Friday June 2, 2017

Thrive hub launched A NEW community hub for children has been launched in Dewsbury as part of a collaboration project between schools.

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The ‘Thrive Hub’ scheme has been created by 22 schools in Dewsbury to help deliver services, resources and support to ensure that local children are given the best opportunities.

Co-ordinator Allison Simpson said: “The mission of Thrive is to meet the needs of our children, from cradle to career, such that they can benefit fully from the teaching and learning within their schools and develop into healthy and productive young adults.

“To create collaborative, constructive links within the school’s network and between different agencies to ensure effective and efficient and targeted use of scarce resources for

the benefit of the families in our care.”

Thrive is made up of three clusters of schools; Thrive South, Thrive East and Thrive West – a full list of schools can be found on the website www.thrivehub.info.

Collectively, they will be in support of 8,000 children and their families in the area as they grow up.

Michael Rowland, headteacher of Thornhill Junior and Infant School, said: “The Thrive Hub is a really important development – we have 22 like-minded schools working together to benefit all the children in our care.

“Schools are at the heart of their communities, so we believe our partnership can really make a difference for our families.”

For any more information, contact Allison Simpson on coordinator@thrivehub.info.

Fips is fun for all the family Advertising Feature GOT ELECTION fatigue? Got the Brexit blues? Sick of the political circus?

Well, come and see a proper circus!

Mr Fips Wonder Circus is heading for Heckmondwike with an entertaining treat for

the whole family.

There will be beautiful girls in the air, funny clowns on the ground, break-dancing acrobats, stunning Andalusian stallions and Miss Lola and her loveable ponies – plus an amazing transforming robot car!

It’s all topped off with a

whip-crackin’, knifethrowin’, line-dancin’, guntotin’, rope-spinnin’, yeehawin’, foot-stompin’ Western spectacular with cowboys, Indians and a whole lot more.

If you only see one circus this year, Mr Fips wonder Circus is the one to see...

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Friday June 2, 2017

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LIVING TOGETHER – WORKING TOGETHER SUPPORTING EACH OTHER

Celebrating friendship NCE again care homes are planning to celebrate connections with their local communities.

After a successful day of celebrating great care across the UK last year and with over 4,300 care homes taking part, the date for 2017 has been confirmed as Friday, June 16.

As Care Home Open Day’s emphasis is on the importance of connecting with communities, developing lasting relationships and encouraging intergenerational rapport, the theme for 2017 is ‘Friendship’ and as part of the event, organisers are celebrating Care Home Open Day in conjunction with The Big Lunch.

The Big Lunch, part of the Eden Project in Cornwall and an annual event, aims to get as

O

many people as possible to share lunch together in an act of friendship that will encourage communities to connect and help to prevent isolation amongst those who may be living alone.

It’s the perfect recipe for having fun with your neighbours, feeding community spirit and helping to build stronger neighbourhood connections – so fits in nicely with the Care Home Open Day ethos.

Care homes are encouraged to celebrate friendships that have developed between residents, families, friends and staff, as well as with their neighbours, to reinforce how they should be an integral part of their local community.

You can find participating homes at www.care h o m e o p e n d a y. o rg . u k / care-home.

Garlands Residential & Dementia Care Home Our family run home from home offers our guests undivided care & attention We provide respite & daycare in a happy and friendly environment, where respect & kindness are paramount Our doors are always open to the public to pop in for any information, or to look around our home... No appointment necessary

Telephone: 01924 404122 27 Church Street, Heckmondwike

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Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details MONDAY JUNE 5 UNCIVIL WAR Meet at 1pm at Oakwell Hall top car park (WF17 9LG, SE217271) 7 miles – moderate Contact: Kathleen Tel: 01924 471 473 kathleenoshea5@aol.com

New draws for big show

Artisans set up shop at Hall OAKWELL HALL’S Artisan Emporium will be opening its doors on Sunday, featuring independent artisans from across the region.

Visitors can browse a large selection of stalls in Oakwell Barn, including paintings and prints, artisan crafts, clothing and accessories, deli preserves and vintage.

Stalls include Sweet n Twisted’s very unusual artisan jams; home accessories, ceramics and vintage from Apple Blossom Home and Sue Geldard; contemporary macramé accessories from ‘Get Knotted’ and original artwork from Rachael Gorton and Eric Humphries as well as rag dolls, toys, hand-made children’s clothes, knitted goods, needlefelt animals, cards, woodwork and more.

Admission is free and the emporium runs between 11am and 4pm.

A classic car rally, organised by the Yorkshire Rover Club, takes place on the same day on the front lawn of the hall in Birstall featuring classic cars of all makes and models.

Half-term visitors to Oakwell are being challenged to spot the objects that are out of place in the rooms of the historic house.

‘Odd One Out’ features items that would not have been around when the Batt family lived there in the 17th Century – families just have to find them.

The quiz runs from 12noon to 4pm tomorrow (Sat) until to Sunday June 4. The Hall is closed tomorrow (Fri). The quiz is free to enter but normal Hall admission charges apply.

For more information call 01924 324761.

Our link to the Dales A BUS firm has launched a direct Sunday service from Dewsbury and Batley to the village of Malham, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Service 884 – Craven Link – operated by Arriva Yorkshire leaves Dewsbury Bus Station at 8.55am and Batley Bus Station at 9.05am every Sunday and Bank Holiday until September 24 for Ilkley, Skipton and Malham, arriving at Malham at 11.15am and returning at 4.30pm.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is there for everyone to enjoy, so we offer bargain fares and Rover tickets to cut the cost of travel.

Senior citizens with passes travel free, as do MCard and MetroCard holders, and holders of all Dales Rover tickets can take two children free of charge.”

Full details of the service and connections are in the Metro DalesBus timetable available at Dewsbury Bus Station and other outlets, or timetables can be downloaded at www.dalesbus.org.

He’s talking treasures SPEN VALLEY Historical Society’s next meeting is on Wednesday June 14, when there will be an illustrated talk by archaeologist Simon Tomson, who will introduce the group to some of the historical treasures that have been uncovered in parts of Yorkshire.

Meetings are held in the Catholic Church Parish Hall on Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7.15pm.

The cost is £2 per meeting for members, £4 for guests and membership is £10 per year. For more information email scooper@the coopersonline.org.uk.

THURSDAY JUNE 8 TREASURE HUNT AROUND OAKWELL HALL Meet at 6.30pm at Black Bull pub car park (WF17 9HE, SE219262) 3 miles – leisurely Contact: Mike Church Tel: 07776 077 289

Photos: Care Johnson

It’s the hard knock life...

‘IT’S THE Hard Knock Life’ for these girls (above) as the orphans give their all to make sure Dewsbury Collegians’ production of ‘Annie’ is another success.

The much-loved and everpopular musical will be staged at Dewsbury Town Hall from June 14-17.

The heartwarming story is based on a cartoon character ‘Little Orphan Annie’ and traces her adventures from

the clutches of Miss Hannigan in the orphanage to the luxury home of billionaire Oliver ‘Daddy’ Warbucks.

The show contains many memorable tunes such as Maybe, It’s the Hard Knock Life, Little Girls, NYC, Easy Street and the legendary Tomorrow.

The production begins at Dewsbury Town Hall on Wednesday June 14 and runs

Art in limbo A NEW exhibition of work by Huddersfield-based artist Terence J Lambert is on display at the Creative Arts Hub in Mirfield.

Bedford-born Terence J Lambert graduated in Fine Art from Batley School of Art and received multiple Koestler awards, a scholarship and has exhibited at the South Bank Centre on numerous occasions.

‘Limbo’ is an exhibition of his work centred around society. He is interested in the psyche, social dynamics, how people choose to represent themselves and how

they are represented by others.

He uses this interest creatively by referencing high / low culture in content such as television programmes and CCTV footage and in the production of his work that consists of digitally-painted prints alongside drawings.

The exhibition runs until July 1 and is open from 10am to 5pm Wednesday to Friday, and 10am to 3pm on Saturday.

For more information contact Mark Milnes on 01924 492775, or at info@ creativeartshub.org.uk.

until Saturday June 17.

Evening performances are at 7.15pm and there’s a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Ticket prices are stalls £12 (concessions £10) and balcony £13 (no concessions).

To book, call Marion on 01924 492742 or contact the Kirklees box office on 01484 225755. You can also book online at www.kirkleestown halls.co.uk or visit the town hall box office in person.

ORGANISERS of this year’s Mirfield Show say it promises to be the best yet, with new attractions and competitions being showcased alongside old favourites.

The award-winning show continues to grow in popularity and last year attracted more than 10,000 visitors from across Yorkshire.

It will make its grand return on Sunday August 20 to the Mirfield Showground on Huddersfield Road, and this year there will be fun for all the family, with a 1960s theme.

Children can enjoy the horse and pony show, baking, flower and vegetable exhibits, craft making and plenty of 60s-inspired games throughout the day including hula-hooping and welly wanging.

As with every year, the judges will have the difficult decision of picking the winner of the fancy dress competition – hopefully with lots of flower girls, spacesuits, hippies and Austin Powers-inspired costumes.

The Bonny Baby Show is a chance for even the youngest in the family to get involved, and there’s a host of competitions for the adults too.

There are classes for the best home brew and wine, and a men-only baking competition to see who can make the best coffee and walnut cake.

And finally, closing the show will be the ever-popular tug-of-war final.

It’s a free competition and you can register a team through the Mirfield Show website, but entries close on August 15 so book early to avoid disappointment.

Louise Hardy, head of competitions and classes, said: “We are really excited to reveal the competitions and classes for this year’s show and are looking forward to receiving and judging all the entries.”

The full list of competitions and classes can be seen at www.mirfieldshow.com and in the show programme, available in local shops.

Advanced tickets are available through the website at £3.50, but you can pay on the day for £5. All children under 16 go free.

Ramblers’ leafy lanes BANK Holiday Sunday provided sunny weather for 10 Dewsbury & District Ramblers to enjoy a walk from Honley though to Royd Edge, Helme and Hill Top, Netherton, led by Maureen Mitchell.

A ‘D’ category walk is planned for tomorrow (Saturday) through the ‘Leafy Lanes of Leathley’ in North Yorkshire.

Maureen and Norman Dewhirst will be meeting at Link Road Dewsbury at 9.30am.

ThePress

Friday June 2, 2017

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network

Clare taps her way to West End stardom in hit revival of 42nd Street LARE HALSE stars in the role of Peggy Sawyer, who famously segues from unknown to star while tapping her heart out in the smash hit musical 42nd Street.

She tells me: “I love the show and can’t believe how I get to star on that famous stage every night, plus of course we have the lovely Sheena Easton starring too.”

Clare adds: “I believe if you want a role and dream hard enough it can come true.” So we can assume that Clare’s dreams have been realised – check out the show at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London right now.

C

IF YOU’RE a fan of the BBC Sunday night drama Call The Midwife then you may like to know that many believe there could be a musical of the show. A friend tells me: “They made a compilation album a few years back now which sold well, and it got them thinking, given the era it’s set in, it could be oh so simple to turn this into a stage show too.”

I’ll keep you posted.

FORMER Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has given her seal of approval to recruit Shirley Ballas. The so-called Queen of Latin was announced as the surprise new head judge on the BBC One show, taking over from Len Goodman.

Arlene told me: “She is fierce, she is tough, she is hard and she’s sharp. I believe she will really mix up the show for the better.”

CORONATION STREET actress Jane Danson revealed she is devastated at the departure of actor Ben Price, who plays Nick in the show, and added “absolutely stunned too. I completely understand his reasons for wanting to go, but he will be a huge loss to the show, and selfishly, on my part, to my working day. I will miss him so much, it’s hard when a cast member goes as it throws the whole team into chaos for a while, until we regroup again and move on.”

THE BRITAIN In Bloom contest, which began half a century ago as a way of ‘prettifying’ the nation’s villages and towns, is to become a television show for BBC. If successful they also plan to launch seasonal versions of the show, and hope this will encourage others to start to look after their gardens and homes a bit more.

TOUGH guy actor Ray Winstone tells me that he is always having to deny he is

Ann and 42nd Street star Clare Halse joining EastEnders. “I have seen the show of course, but for me I don’t want to be tied to a long series, and as much as I love it, I am not ready to be that committed, but you never know in the future,” he teased.

CORONATION STREET actress Claire King has revealed she is leaving the soap and has not been fired, to head for new challenges beyond Weatherfield. Claire, who had been well known as an Emmerdale star before joining Corrie, had only planned to stay at Corrie for six weeks when she first joined in 2013 as shop worker Erica Holroyd.

FORMER EastEnders Producer Dominic TreadwellCollins believes Mick and Linda could be the next couple to follow Kat and Alfie with their own show. He said: “I could watch them for ages, but it’s because they’re based on my mum and dad, so I’ve got a lot of stories there.”

LINE Of Duty actor Martin Compston has joined the cast of Victoria for the second series. The actor, best known for his performance as DS Steve Arnott in the hit BBC police drama, will guest-star as Dr Robert Traill, a key campaigner in the fight to raise awareness of the potato famine in Ireland in the 1840s.

NBC has just announced its next live production of a major musical will be Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Following on from its successful Christmas season broadcasts of live musical productions, they have unveiled plans to bring the groundbreaking musical to the small screen for one night only on Easter Sunday next year. NBC’s live broadcasts of major Broadway shows began in 2013 with The Sound of Music featuring Carrie Underwood. It will be shown over here on ITV2.

Maycon Pictures

FANS of The Great British Bake Off will be treated to two Christmas specials on Channel Four. The ex-BBC show, now with Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood as judges and Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig presenting, is set to debut later this year. It will also return for a pair of hour-long festive specials, Channel Four confirmed.

LOCATION, Location, Location presenter Kirstie Allsopp denies that coming from a wealthy background means she cannot help others create fun things on a budget. She said: “I don’t think people mind at all, but I always try to offer some good advice and of course we all have varied incomes.

My shows just give you ideas that you may want to make.”

ALWAYS remembered for his portrayal of James Bond in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, George Lazenby tells me that he would like to still act more in the UK. “I don’t get it as my Bond has now become a cult classic as they say, and I would love to appear in a comedy or period drama,” he said. “I loved Downton for instance, but I never get those kind of calls.”

DOCTOR WHO Actress Pearl Mackie says she has no idea whether she will be kept on the hit show following the departure of Peter Capaldi.

Peter, bows out as the Doctor after the current 10th series of the BBC One show.

FORMER Hollyoaks and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ricky Whittle told me about his new role in the US fantasy series American Gods. He revealed to me: “I always try to spread positivity online about chasing your dreams, so I went to America and gave it a go.

Sometimes things happen, and they take off and this is what happened for me, I am so over the moon about it all.”

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(2150) Stannah 420 stairlift, suitable for straight staircase.

Excellent condition £300 ono. Buyer to collect. Tel 07740 270660. (2151) CHILDREN’S GOODS/ TOYS Tommee Tippee prep machine in white, also Tommee Tippee microwave steriliser, both in good condition, £40 for both. Tel 07422 576289. (2131) Twin cots, Mothercare, in antique pine, plus quality mattresses.

Will sell separately £50 each. Tel 07773 393364. (2132) Cot bedding includes duvets, pillows, bumpers, blankets, sheets £20. Tel 07773 393364. (2132) COLLECTIBLES Spike Milligan limited signed edition “Milligan’s War”, complete and unabridged collection books on tape boxed 14 cassettes £50. Tel 01924 478031. (2136) DIY Circular table saw in working order, 8” diameter blade £25 ono. Tel 01924 468069. (2147) TUV aluminium com-

bination ladder with self locking hinges; open 3.7mtrs, closed 4 x 3 mtrs. Very little used, very good condition £25 (no offers).

Tel 07876 163070 (Mirfield area), buyer collects. (2144) Timber, 8 lengths, used, 2.4m x 40mm x 60mm or 94” x 1 1/2” x 2 1/2”. Primed white, ideal stoothing etc £15 ono. Tel 07729 394383. (2122) ELECTRICAL LG flat back upright freezer in white, fits under worktop, three drawers plus fast freeze compartment.

Very clean, unmarked, excellent condition. Can see working. Space needed due to kitchen upgrade, bargain at £25, no offers, buyer collects (Mirfield area). Tel 07876 163070. (2144) Record player with three separate speakers £20, plus various vinyl LPs £1 each. Tel 01924 264330. (2140) Yamaha keyboard, as new, hardly used, complete with starter pack and beginners, earphones, stand and music holder £150 ono. Tel 01924 478031. (2136) Tall freezer, Hoover, 5 drawers + 2 separate units. Can be seen working. Good used condition £65 ono.

Tel 01924 609015.

(2125) FURNITURE Black leather settee with light brown ribbed cushions, 146” x 36”, adapts to corner settee 96” x 72”, includes separate footrest 36” x 24” and scatter cushions. Excellent condition, first to see will buy, absolute bargain £200 ono. Tel 01924 407943 (Buyer collects). (2142) Pair of brown faux leather, high backed, winged chairs, as

new £200 ono (buyer to collect). Tel 07884 428070/ 01924 439403. (2143) Table, kitchen style, 3ft x 2ft, formica top, detachable legs with 2 matching wheel back chairs. Lightcoloured wood, all excellent condition £20 ono. Tel 07729 394383. (2129) Luxury cream leather pouffee, excellent condition, was £200 new, bargain £40. Tel 07719 954892. (2135) Two bright-coloured, striped, upholstered chairs, as new, £110 each. Also matching buffet, as new, £25.

Tel 01924 470866.

(2123) Cane corner unit, £15. Tel 01924 470866. (2123) HOUSEHOLD Hozelock 3500, slight use, cost £53.99, will accept £15. Tel 01924 465760. (2148) Two garden sinks for sale; one old Victorian stone approximately 3ft x 2ft, one brown pot sink approximately 18” x 2ft. Best offers, buyer collects (Thornhill Lees area), tel 01924 469166.

(2146)

200 x 200mm. Mains operated, very good condition. Boxed with instructions £25 ono. Tel Mirfield 01924 491306. (2127) Aluminium zimmer frame, adjustable, in excellent condition £15. Tel 01924 609015. (2125) Old Raleigh bicycle, tidy condition, drop crossbar, Brooke’s saddle, rear rack, five sprocket gears £40. Tel 01274 855661. (2120) Three 10” Mini wheels (old type), needs refurbishing, sensible offers. Tel 01274 855661. (2120) MUSICAL Two small violins, need restoration, £20 each. Tel 01924 402931. (2121) Two Spanish guitars £20 each. Tel 01924 402931. (2121) Aria semi-acoustic guitar £300 ono. Tel 01924 402931. (2121) SPORT/OUTDOORS Isabella Statesman 865 caravan awning.

All poles, pegs and guy lines included.

Good condition, bargain at £200. Please ring 07779 538254 to view. (2145)

Henderson garage door in white, 7ft x 7ft, just door – no running gear or key for lock £25. Tel 07922 019632. (2141)

Hillbilly battery operated golf trolley, new battery & charger.

Perfect working order £50. Tel 07732 370900. (2138)

Outdoor, round, wooden table, 58” diameter, suitable for BBQs etc £60, also four white plastic chairs with seat pads £10. Buyer to collect.

Tel 01924 479297.

(2130)

Neoba six-man tent, plus awning, camp kitchen table + chairs, gas bottle, gas cooker, electric hook-up cable, other extras. Good condition, only used couple of times £250 ono. Tel 01924 503190. (2134)

MISCELLANEOUS Fish tank with light & filter, 40cm (W) x 28cm (D) x 32cm (H) £20. Tel 01924 453870. (2139) Wotan Diastar 200 large sized slide viewer – screen size

WANTED Semi high Ford Transit van, preferably private seller, in fair condition at fair price. Around 07 plate. Tel 07790 568986. (2124)

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Friday June 2, 2017

CRICKET with Mike Popplewell

Hilton hits 72 as Gomersal beat Birstall Double weekend a HANGING HEATON, Scholes and Hartshead Moor are setting the early pace in their respective divisions in the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League, but what of the rest?

In Championship One Gomersal, in sixth place, are the district’s nearest challengers but they already have a 64-point deficit to make up on the leaders, and are currently 45 points adrift of secondplaced Wrenthorpe going into tomorrow’s game at home to Baildon.

Skipper Graham Hilton was in top form in their last game when he hit a determined, season’s best, 72 at the top of the innings as his side made 236 for six off 40 overs in a rain-affected match.

This re-run of the old CYL derby clash saw Hilton’s men rise to the occasion, with Richard Wear weighing in with 55 off 47 balls and Jack Seddon’s 28, off just nine balls, setting the visitors a tough chase.

A four-wicket return from skipper Craig Wood was a welcome break for Birstall but the 79 runs conceded in 12 overs left his side with just too much to do. Although Wood then top-scored with 40 he

Skipper Graham Hilton inspired Gomersal could not save his side as off spinner Adam Greenwood (4-35) bowled his side to a 41-run win and left Birstall in bottom spot.

Birstall have another derby game tomorrow when they make the short trip to Morley, while leaders Scholes take on fourth-placed Undercliffe knowing another win will increase their odds of an early return to the Premier Division.

In their last game skipper James Stansfield (4-31) and Chris Jackson (3-31) helped dismiss Bowling Old Lane for 148 and a hard-hitting 68

from Shoukat Ali saw Scholes through to victory in the 27th over with six wickets to spare.

Ossett, still finding their feet in this division, face a tough game at home to second-placed Wrenthorpe tomorrow while in Championship Two, leaders Hartshead Moor, fulfilling all pre-season predictions, are 28 points clear at the top and will fancy their chances of further success when they take on Spen Victoria in the Spen Valley derby at Highmoor Lane.

Spen Vic, along with Liversedge, are currently in the bottom half of the table and only 17 points clear of second-bottom Hopton Mills. In tomorrow’s games Liversedge are at home to Idle while Hopton Mills will be looking to give their relegation fight a boost when they go to bottom club Brighouse.

Crossbank Methodists are struggling at the bottom of the Conference, and can’t expect much from their game at second-placed Azaad tomorrow, but Heckmondwike and Carlinghow are in fourth place and could greatly improve their promotion hopes with a result at leaders East Ardsley.

RACING WITH TOP TIPSTER MIKE SMITH

Yorkshire winner on the cards at Epsom ARK JOHNSTON believes likely favourite CRACKSMAN will have to improve “significantly” if he is to confirm previous form with his Investec Derby contender PERMIAN at Epsom tomorrow (Saturday).

The John Gosden-trained Cracksman got the better of Permian by a short head in Epsom’s Derby Trial last month, but has not been seen in competitive action since.

Permian, meanwhile, has lifted his game to win a Listed prize at Newmarket and the Dante Stakes at York - for which he was supplemented - and Johnston is quietly confident his charge can become the first Yorkshiretrained winner since Dante himself in 1945.

“Cracksman is our best guide. Obviously and quite understandably his connections are going to expect him to come on from that Epsom race,” said the Middleham-based trainer.

“There’s nothing in it.

They would have expected Cracksman to improve on that and beat us further, but this is the same track and a different distance and I think we’re the more assured of the pair to benefit from the step up in trip.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt in anybody’s mind that Permian has come on considerably since that Epsom encounter and Cracksman is going to have to improve significantly to beat him this time.”

Aidan O’Brien’s record in the race is second to none and his Ballydoyle brigade contains six contenders as

M

he bids to win the Premier Classic for a sixth time.

CLIFFS OF MOHER got the job done at Chester and has a similar profile to US Army Ranger, who he beat all bar the winner Harzand 12 months ago, but there’s lingering doubt the trip for him and running six suggests even O’Brien doesn’t really know, which has left jockey Ryan Moore equally undecided.

There has been support this week for CAPRI, sired by a Derby winner but beaten in his last three runs, whilst VENICE BEACH has won his last two.

Workmanlike at Chester, he’s a grinder and looks the value for an each way bet.

Elsewhere on the card in the Epsom Dash (3.45) Paul Midgley, who has a knack of keeping old sprinters rumbling, can land another blow for Yorkshire with DESERT LAW who was 12lbs higher at his peak.

Mick Easterby’s BOWSON FRED is also worth an

each way glance in a race that will be over in just 55 seconds, whilst his nephew Tim Easterby will be hoping for drying conditions for EXCESSABLE who has top three claims if he can find his ground.

Gosden’s LAUGH ALOUD should leave punters beaming after the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at 2.35, whilst EMENEM can land a popular victory for local trainer Simon Dow in the opener at 2pm.

It’s ladies first today (Friday) in the Investec Derby Festival and O’Brien’s RHODODENDRON is a worthy favourite for The Oaks. But this race is always full of improvers and Andrew Balding’s Pretty Polly winner HORSEPLAY also fits the bill, but I like Ralph Beckett’s scopey filly ISABEL DE URBINA to run well at what looks a massive price of 25-1.

In the mile handicap at 2.35, MUTARAKES looked the winner last time out at Newbury, until hanging right then veering left, and only went up 1lb, and the buzz of an Epsom could keep him interested long enough to land this contest.

CARRIGILL’S NAP (stake returned in a free bet if finishes outside top 4): CLIFFS OF MOHER, Investec Derby, Saturday 4.30 Epsom.

AUGUR’S BEST BET: ISABEL DE URBINA each way, Investec Oaks, Friday 4.30 Epsom.

AUGUR’S ONE TO WATCH: NEVER BACK DOWN. Hugo Palmer’s 2 yo colt is being lined up for the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot.

complete washout THE eagerly-anticipated Bank Holiday fireworks provided little more than a very damp squib as the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League’s Premier Division double weekend was wrecked by the persistent rain on Monday.

Hanging Heaton did manage to hold on to their lead in the end, but that lead is now down to just one point after Townville picked up bonus points in their defeat at home to Cleckheaton.

All games were abandoned on Bank Holiday Monday, but on Saturday Hanging Heaton’s game at Farsley lasted only 9.4 overs before rain interrupted with their score on 41 for no wicket.

Tomorrow Gary Fellows takes his side to struggling Pudsey Congs and will be desperate to get another win under his belt and keep their noses in front of a Townville side who are favourites to get a win at home to East Bierley.

Cleckheaton did Hanging Heaton a favour with a tied game at Townville, the result achieved

under Duckworth Lewis calculations, and they will do it again tomorrow if they can get the better of third-placed Pudsey St Lawrence at Moorend.

At Townville it was a superb innings of 110 from Nick Lindley that held the Cleckheaton innings together.

After he was fifth out with the score on 192, not a single Cleckheaton player managed double figures but while Qaiser Ashraf and Curtis Free took three wickets apiece, Townville’s last pair held out to avoid defeat.

The stage was set for a keen derby game at Bennett Lane on Sunday, with Batley the scheduled visitors.

But, along with every other Premier Division fixture, it was the rain that had the final word with every game being abandoned.

Batley are currently propping up the Premier Division table but they are hoping to get something from the game at home to fellow strugglers Bradford and Bingley tomorrow.

TENNIS

Meet the young tennis star who is making a racquet TENNIS prodigy Taylor Aitcheson is becoming quite the sensation – already beating players six years older than him at just eight years of age.

Taylor, who turns nine next week, picked up a tennis racquet when he was still a toddler and has never looked back as he looks towards a bright future in the sport.

“He started watching tennis one day on the TV with his nappy on and he was mimicking what the players were doing,” said Taylor’s father Tony.

“We bought him a tennis racquet and started throwing some balls to him and he was hitting them back, I couldn’t believe it because the racquet was bigger than him.

“I would take him up to the park to play when he was quite young and people watching were amazed at how good he was as he could barely see over the net.”

Taylor is a member of the Lawn Tennis Association and has competed in 13 different events since June last year, winning his last tournament at the end of April.

He also needs permission to leave his school, St Josephs in Dewsbury, early on a Thursday to attend an academy run by the LTA at Thongsbridge Tennis Club in Holmfirth.

Taylor has also been asked to play for Liversedge Tennis Club.

Playing in matches against 12-14 year olds and yet to lose a game, Taylor is also hoping to have a game against one of the top county players when Liversedge hold an open event in the next few months.

“He has played three singles matches and three doubles matches against players much older than him and is yet to lose a game,” said Tony.

“He plays full court with a proper ball and is already winning matches and he hasn’t even turned nine yet.”

WINNING FEELING: Taylor is already beating players many years his senior Dad Tony said that it is not cheap to fund Taylor’s training and says that he receives sponsorship to help him and helps to raise money for the children’s charity Candlelighters.

“Taylor has had a couple of sponsors as it costs quite a lot money, especially when there are weeks

where he has to train for six out of seven days,” added Tony.

“We do bike rides together and get people to sponsor, he has also set up his own charity, and he goes round and does charity events for Candlelighters who provide support to children with cancer.”

30

ThePress

Friday June 2, 2017

RUGBY LEAGUE Boys maintain their perfect league start Moor target promotion ahead YML Premier Division

BATLEY BOYS SHARSLTON ROVERS

64 6

BATLEY BOYS welcomed Sharlston Rovers last Friday night and came away with their fifth-straight win as they remained top of the Yorkshire Men’s League Premier Division.

Man-of-the-match Adam Bingham kicked 10 goals and notched a try, with full-back Jay Jay Price scoring four tries.

Batley opened the scoring thanks to hooker Josh Knowles who darted over from dummy half.

Price then went over before Aaron James along with Matthew Sheridan, Gavin Davies and Josh O’Sullivan set a platform for half-backs Sheridan and

Bingham to control the game.

Ryan Crossley and Damo Fletcher crossed, with Josh Whitehead also getting over for a try, Josh Ritcher followed soon after with another score.

Sharlston offered a few chances with their man-of-thematch Lee Bettinson but the defence from Batley held out, as they only conceded a single score.

The second-half tries came in a regular succession, with O’Sullivan scoring one of the tries of the game after a pass from Bingham, before Price crossed for another three tries along with William Brook.

Batley now travel to Nottingham Outlaws tomorrow afternoon (2.30pm). Nottingham currently sit second from bottom having lost four of their first six games.

RUGBY UNION

Home comforts for Cleck on opening day CLECKHEATON RUFC will be looking to make an immediate return to National League Three North as they prepare for life in the North East One. Cleck were relegated after defeat on the final day and will be keen to make amends for a disappointing campaign.

The fixtures for the 2017/18 season were released this past week and Cleckheaton will begin the season with a home tie to Penrith on September 2, before a local derby away to Bradford & Bingley the following week.

The Moorenders will also be involved in another local derby as they host Huddersfield YMCA at the beginning of November, before a 128-mile trip to Morpeth

in the second weekend of December, with the return fixture against Bradford & Bingley coming the following week.

An away trip to Bridlington awaits in Cleck’s first game of the new year, and the longest away game of the year comes at the end of January as Cleck travel 147 miles to Alnwick.

Cleckheaton will then make the short trip to Huddersfield YM on March 10, with their last two home games coming against Malton & Norton and Morpeth.

The final game of the season will be played on April 21 with a trip to the Lake District awaiting the Moorenders as they take on Penrith and round off the season against their opening day opponents.

of clash with ‘fiercest of rivals’ DEWSBURY MOOR MAROONS host Dewsbury Celtic tonight (Fri, 7pm) in National Conference Division Three, with Moor head coach Allan Samme describing the clubs as the “fiercest of rivals.”

The clubs have had contrasting fortunes this season, with Dewsbury Moor only three points from the top of the table, while Dewsbury Celtic are one point from propping up the division, having only won a single game this campaign.

Celtic head coach Danny Thomas believes form will go out of the window this evening and is confident that his team have every chance of coming away with the two points.

“It is a massive game for us, we will go down there

full of confidence, I feel that we have done well over the last few weeks and everything is slowly coming together,” said Thomas.

“I have said before that it is a young group we have got, but a lot of things we are doing in training are starting to come off on the field.

“Dewsbury Moor have been playing well and have had a good start to the season but we will be confident of doing a good job.

“I think in local derbies it comes down to the little things, it is not a lot to do with who plays the better rugby but who has more passion and the desire to do the right things with a good attitude.

“Form will probably go out of the window and it will be down to whoever

wants it most.”

Samme has said that he will not be taking Celtic lightly and is expecting a tough encounter tonight.

“It is a big local derby, out of all the Heavy Woollen derbies Celtic are probably our fiercest of rivals, all the players know each other and have grown up together so it is certainly a big derby,” said Samme.

“It is back to the drawing board for us after Shaw Cross ran away with it against us last Friday, we are looking to put on a good performance.

“League positions probably won’t come into it, it will be a close hard-fought game and we will be giving Dewsbury Celtic the respect they deserve and we won’t be taking any-

thing for granted on Friday.”

With Dewsbury Moor currently in the play-off places Samme is targeting promotion for his side and feels that a win will be another big step towards that goal.

He said: “Promotion is a goal that we set ourselves at the beginning of the season.

“We have had a few hiccups in the league when we have been forced to field a weakened team but we have looked as good as any team in the division when we have fielded our strongest side.

“All the teams above us still need to come to our place and we have played them all away so we are confident that promotion is a real possibility this year.”

JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE

DEWSBURY MOOR UNDER-9S travelled to the Beaumont Legal Stadium last Friday as they participated in a pre-match rugby festival before Wakefield Trinity took on the Huddersfield Giants.

The Maroons took part in three games, taking on Stanley Rangers, Eastmoor Dragons and Sharlston Rovers.

Moor started their evening off slowly but

soon found their rhythm with some excellent tries scored by Kaven Oaks and Finlay Whittaker against Stanley.

In the second game Arin Mahmood scored for Moor as he drove the ball in hard to force his way over in the corner.

Moor’s excellent attacking game was followed up by some excellent tackling from Thomas King, Jake Manton and Connor

Williams.

Against Sharlston, Haris Mushtaq and Alfie Brammah combined as the latter went over in the corner. The warm weather took its toll as Moor conceded some soft tries after going ahead.

The U-9s are still in search of new players and anyone interested can contact coach Michael King on 07591 795094.

FOOTBALL

Ellam recalls promotion joy and praises Hoyle’s contribution

By Mike Popplewell Football Correspondent sport@thepressnews.co.uk

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN’S remarkable rise to the pinnacle of English football has raised questions about the challenges awaiting them – but that is something Mirfield gym owner Roy Ellam already knows plenty about.

The 45 years since Town last appeared in the top flight of English football has been an oftrepeated fact this week, but Ellam doesn’t need reminding – he was part of that Town team.

“I can’t speak too highly of Dean Hoyle,” Ellam told The Press, this week.

“He has made money available to strengthen the squad and he will do it again in the summer.

“When we went up in 1970,

under Ian Greaves, we didn’t buy a single player in the two years we were in the old First Division.

“We had good players, like Trevor Cherry and Frank Worthington, but, without that team strengthening, we didn’t have enough players who were good enough.”

Although his family went to Wembley, Ellam stayed at home to watch it all on TV. “You can see so much more on TV than you can high up in the stand at Wembley,” he added.

But, nevertheless, he was “elated for the players”, and had a few words of advice for them ahead of their new adventure.

“First of all, look forward to playing in the Premiership and go into it with confidence,” he insisted.

“Believe in yourself, and go for it.

“In many ways we found it eas-

ier in the top division. It is much faster but, at the same time, you have less physical stuff to deal with.

“You get the chance to play football without thinking you’re going to get clattered any minute.”

Hemsworth-born Ellam began his professional career at Bradford City and went on to play for Leeds United after his promotion winning team broke up.

Today, in his 75th year, he makes full use of his gym to keep himself fit and, still a Huddersfield fan, he is a regular visitor to the John Smith’s Stadium on matchdays.

In other news, Huddersfield chairman and Heckmondwikeborn Dean Hoyle has announced that fans who have held season tickets since 2009 will only be charged £100 for a season ticket for the Premier League campaign.

LEFT: Roy Ellam in his gym in Mirfield

RIGHT: Ellam in 1971 as a Town player

ThePress

Friday June 2, 2017

31

RUGBY LEAGUE

RAMS TAKE BRAGGING RIGHTS Kingstone Press Championship

BATLEY BULLDOGS

12

DEWSBURY RAMS

13

at Bloomfield Road PAUL SYKES dropped a 60th-minute goal to give Dewsbury the Heavy Woollen derby honours for a third time in 2017.

Lewis Fairhurst’s single-pointer separated the sides in the Challenge Cup earlier this season.

And history repeated itself for Matt Diskin’s Bulldogs as ex-England international Sykes earned the Rams only their second Championship win – again at their derby rivals’ expense.

And Diskin should introduce extra kicking fatigues for Cain Southernwood and Dom Brambani. The half backs missed a total of three conversions, one penalty and two drop goals.

This latest clash was also their third meeting of the Summer Bash era with honours even before kick-off.

Sadly, the opening 40 minutes did little to thrill the sparse crowd.

Batley, however, were good value for an 8-4 half-time advantage as they attempted to reverse those defeats.

From Batley’s point of view all that mattered was to close in on two points if they held any hopes of pushing for a top-four finish.

An early James Glover penalty gave Neil Kelly’s Dewsbury a 2-0 lead and the Rams still led when Batley’s Brambani was yellow carded by referee Jon Roberts for a high tackle on Glover.

Brambani’s return from the ‘bin’ brought a try-scoring pass for Danny Cowling but Southernwood couldn’t add the extras.

Joel Farrell’s late tackle enabled

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: Batley’s Bradley Day tackles Dewsbury’s Toby Adamson Dewsbury to briefly obtain parity through Glover’s boot after 28 minutes.

But Batley deserved the lead for a second time as Sam Smeaton’s assist

saw winger Wayne Reittie dive in at the right corner.

Batley extended their lead to 12-4 five minutes after the re-start when James

Harrison timed his run to perfection to touch down.

Southernwood was left with another tricky conversion attempt and failed to make it third time lucky.

The misses were keeping Dewsbury in the hunt and they took advantage with a try-of-the-weekend contender from Aaron Brown four minutes later.

The loose forward, on his 100th appearance, outpaced three players on an arcing, 50-metre run to the line.

Glover maintained his 100 per cent record with the boot and then kicked a 53rd-minute penalty to bring the teams level.

Basic Batley handling errors left them struggling to finish sets and Dewsbury were now in the ascendancy.

Dom Speakman missed with a drop goal in the 58th minute but Sykes guided over a single pointer to regain Dewsbury’s lead with a quarter to go.

Sykes then guided a kick behind Dewsbury’s try line only for centre Glover to bounce the ball as he tried to touch down.

But Dewsbury weren’t made to rue their opportunities in an increasingly tense finish.

Skipper Brambani accepted goal kicking duties for a 73rd minute penalty but didn’t do any better than Southernwood.

The ex-Sheffield Eagles star tried to make amends with a 20-metre drop goal attempt. This time he hooked the ball harmlessly wide.

And it was game over when Southernwood went for and missed a point-saving drop from nearly 40 metres.

Dewsbury’s victory ended a run of four successive defeats, took them two points behind third-bottom Swinton but they celebrated as though they had clinched promotion.

MATCH STATS BATLEY BULLDOGS 1. David Scott 2. Wayne Reittie 3. Sam Smeaton 15. Danny Cowling 5. Shaun Ainscough 6. Cain Southernwood 7. Dominic Brambani 27. Will Maher 9. Alistair Leak 16. Thomas Lillycrop 22. Dane Manning 12. Joel Farrell 11. Bradley Day Subs: 10. Alex Rowe 14. James Davey 18. James Harrison 8. Adam Gledhill

6 6 6 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 6

Tries: Cowling (26), Reittie (35), Harrison (45).

Goals: Southernwood 0/3, Brambani 0/1.

DEWSBURY RAMS 26. Luke Hooley 2. Dale Morton 23. James Glover 4. Lucas Walshaw 41. Lewis Fairhurst 17. Dom Speakman 9. Tom Hemingway 24. Jode Sheriffe 15. Robbie Ward 18. Jack Teanby 27. Billy Hayes 30. Daniel Igbinedon 13. Aaron Brown Subs: 6. Paul Sykes 16. Toby Adamson 20. Aaron Ollett 10. Tony Tonks

6 6 7 6 6 7 6 6 6 7 6 6 7 7 6 6 6

Tries: Brown (49) Goals: Glover 4/4 Drop Goal: Sykes (60).

Referee J Roberts Half-time: 8-4 Penalties: 8-7 Sin Bin: Brambani (Rams) Sent-Off: None Weather: Warm and breezy Attendance: 4,887

Sharks breeze past Moor in nine-try rout Oldham fixture confirmed Heavy Woollen Cup

SHAW CROSS SHARKS DEWSBURY MOOR

46 10

SHAW CROSS SHARKS produced a fine display as they ran in nine tries to advance to the semi-finals of the Heavy Woollen Cup at the expense of Dewsbury Moor, on a sun-drenched evening at Leeds Road.

After a quick start from Dewsbury Moor it was Shaw Cross who opened the scoring through Paul March.

The former Huddersfield and Wakefield star broke the line deep in his own half before giving the ball to the supporting Sam Ottewell, who then offloaded it back to March on the overlap to complete a brilliant move and give the Sharks the lead.

Moor hit back after Nathan Smith had managed to move his way out of the in-goal. The Sharks’ full-back played the ball with no man in dummy half and James Delaney pounced to level the scores, and the successful conversion put the visitors ahead.

The Sharks soon found themselves back in front as they worked the ball down the right-hand side to Brandan French, who offloaded it to Nathan Wright. He then managed to squeeze his way over the line to put his side ahead.

Ottewell got his second assist as Shaw Cross went further ahead. The young half-back provided a perfect pass for Smith, who gratefully gathered and raced away to score.

The hosts extended their lead shortly into the second half when French gathered the ball one-handed as it was going behind him and then found Smith, who went over for his

Sam Ottewell notched three assists and a try second try of the evening.

Smith had been tormenting Moor all night with his powerful and tricky runs from full-back and played a huge part in the Sharks’ next try.

The full-back gathered the ball deep in his own half before jinking through several players to burst clear and then moved the ball to the supporting Ottewell, who went over in the corner.

Shaw Cross were in full flow and scored another through Tom Rodgers, the hosts moved the ball across the attacking line and quick hands got the ball to the centre who went over out wide.

Rodgers then added his second try moments later as Moor were unable to deal with a ferocious spinning kick from March. The full-back knocked on and Rodgers pounced to gather the loose ball and score under the posts.

Moor soon hit back after back-toback penalties close to the Shaw Cross line, the visitors took advantage as AJ Boardman spotted a gap and burst through to score.

The Sharks made it to the 40-point mark as Casey Johnson received the ball and thought about the pass

before running towards the line and stepping past the tacklers to get the ball down.

Rodgers completed his hat-trick with the last action of the game as the ball was moved wide and looked to have been going out of play but Rodgers ran onto the pass and burst down the line before cutting back inside to score under the posts.

Shaw Cross head coach Brett Turner was extremely pleased with the performance from his players, especially in the second half.

“To be honest I thought for the first 25 minutes we were poor, we couldn’t complete our sets and they came at us really hard and really quick,” said Turner.

“We knew if we weathered the early storm that we would begin to have some joy if we could control the ball and that proved to be the case.

“We looked really good today, we are coming into our weather now with a dry pitch and hopefully we will see a lot more of what we saw tonight.”

Dewsbury Moor head coach Allan Samme was disappointed with the performance from his players as he saw them dumped out of the cup.

“It’s back to the drawing board for us, Shaw Cross played with a higher intensity and ran away with it,” said Samme.

“It is back to square one and we just want to compete and perform in our next game.”

The victory means Shaw Cross will meet Batley Boys in the semi-final of the competition, with the game due to take place at Leeds Road on June 14 at 6:30pm.

In the other semi-final Thornhill will host Dewsbury Celtic. The final of the competition is scheduled for August 24 at 8pm, with the game taking place at Mount Pleasant.

DEWSBURY’S rearranged fixture away to Oldham RLFC has been confirmed for June 21 at 8pm.

The game was originally meant to be played on March 5 but was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Many Dewsbury fans had already arrived in Oldham before notice was given that the game was to be called off.

The Rams met Oldham at the end of April, when they squandered a 24-6 halftime lead to lose the game 24-28 and surrender what could prove to be a precious two points.

Dewsbury currently sit two points behind Swinton in the Kingstone Press

Championship but do have a game in hand, and the fixture against Oldham could prove vital in their quest for survival.

Oldham head coach Scott Naylor was this week handed a five-match touchline ban, with three of the games suspended until 2018. This means that he will only have to serve two of the five games and will return to the touchline for the clash with Dewsbury in a few weeks.

Naylor was found guilty of using foul and abusive language towards multiple match officials during the Championship Round One game against Sheffield Eagles.

Duo leave Dewsbury ANDY KAIN and Luke Adamson became the latest players to leave Dewsbury Rams after Scott Hale announced his retirement at the beginning of May. Like Hale, Andy Kain had been battling all season to remain fit and available for selection but has decided to call it quits on his career after he was unable to recover from his latest injury setback.

“Andy has been suffering from quite a few niggling injuries as well as having work commitments,” said chairman Mark Sawyer.

“It felt like he was banging his head against a wall trying to get back and trying to continue, so he has fully retired from the game and will not be signing for

another club and we wish him all the best.”

Adamson has left the club with immediate effect after Sawyer revealed the player wanted to leave following the departure of Glenn Morrison, who signed Adamson back in 2015.

“Luke Adamson felt he wanted a change after Glenn had left.

“He sat down with Neil Kelly and told him that he had some concerns and wanted to move on,” added Sawyer.

“He wasn’t committed to staying at Dewsbury so we allowed him to leave as we need everyone 100 per cent behind the cause, because we have a hell of a task in front of us to try and stay up.”

Send your news and photos to: sport@thepressnews.co.uk Tel: 01924 471339

More to come from ‘consistently average’ Bulldogs BATLEY boss Matt Diskin wants more consistency from his side as they prepare to host Toulouse Olympique this Sunday (3pm), after what he describes as a “consistently average,” season.

The Bulldogs lost their ninth game of the league campaign against Dewsbury at the Summer Bash last weekend and are still the only team to be beaten by the Rams in the Kingstone Press Championship.

Diskin feels the players have been weighed down by the burden of last year’s success, but he believes his side still have a lot more to offer despite their stuttering league campaign.

“The only thing we have been this year is consistently average,”

said Diskin.

“We have only scratched the surface of our capabilities and the players are feeling the pressure and burden from last year’s success and have not handled it well.

“I have put a little too much expectation on them and we are trying to take that pressure away from them now.

“The lack of success this year has nothing to do with the players and it solely rests on my shoulders.”

Batley have travelled to Toulouse on two occasions this year, losing heavily in the first game of the league season but returned to get a surprise win in the Challenge Cup. All of Toulouse’s defeats in 2017

have come away from home, including defeats to Swinton and Bradford, but Diskin is expecting another difficult game when the French side visit Mount Pleasant.

He said: “They will pose a massive threat, they play some flam-

boyant rugby and pose challenges at both ends of the field and that was reflected at the Summer Bash when they played so well against Halifax.

“We go into every game genuinely thinking we can win, especially home games, Toulouse will probably fancy their chances when you look at our run of form but we are confident in our own abilities.”

Diskin was left extremely frustrated after Batley’s loss against Dewsbury last weekend, their third defeat against the Rams this year.

Batley out-scored Dewsbury by three tries to one, but three missed conversion attempts and a fluffed penalty from Dom Brambani saw Dewsbury snatch the win.

“It was really frustrating and a

Dewsbury have chance to go eight points clear of Bulls

Season-defining game for Rams?

By Ben McKenna Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

RAMS chairman Mark Sawyer hassaid that it would be very difficult for Dewsbury to survive if they were to be relegated this season and hailed their win over Batley last weekend as “massive.”

Dewsbury’s only victories have come against their Heavy Woollen rivals, and they have only been kept off the bottom of the table by Sunday’s visitors Bradford Bulls.

A win for the Rams this weekend against Bradford would open up an eight-point gap between them and the Bulls and could move them level on points with Swinton Lions with a game in hand.

“If we beat Bradford on Sunday it gives us an eight-point gap and then we can set our sights on the next team that we need to try and get past,” said Sawyer.

The lack of funding in the Kingstone Press League 1 is a worry for Sawyer, who believes that a club like Dewsbury need the funding that comes from being in the Championship to continue to run as a semi-professional club.

“In the bottom division there are some development clubs, it means it is not a very competitive division and it is not well-funded – it would be very very difficult for a club of our type to survive,” said Sawyer.

“We have been down once or twice before so we know what it is like.

“The funding in the Championship allows you to run a semi-professional outfit, the funding in the bottom division doesn’t allow that.

“It is similar to our division in the sense that there is a big difference

Paul Sykes played through injury as he helped Dewsbury defeat Batley – full report on p31 between the top and bottom team but each and every team in the Championship is a competitive rugby league side.”

Dewsbury have been blighted by injuries this season and Sawyer is pleased with the job that new coach Neil Kelly is doing as the Rams closed the gap on 10th-placed Swinton to two points with victory over Batley.

He said: “In the last two to three weeks we have been struggling to field a team, we have had to take two youngsters from Wakefield and Huddersfield, as well as playing some players out of position “I think Neil is doing very well in the circumstances and the win in Blackpool over the weekend gives us

some hope of staying up. It was a great effort with Paul Sykes agreeing to play when he was injured.

“The win is absolutely massive as it gives us a six-point cushion over Bradford.

“It is going to be very tough against Bradford on Sunday, they have loaned a few players from Leeds and have some players coming back from injury.”

Sawyer has also revealed that the club have been in discussions with a few players that they want to bring into the side in order to ease the strain caused by the mounting injuries, with some signings already confirmed this past week (see story, right).

really poor game of rugby league,” added Diskin.

“It wasn’t an entertaining game, the tempo was slowed down and that is what Dewsbury set out to do and we struggled to handle it.

“We out-scored them and in theory you should be winning the game, but Dewsbury showed a little bit more passion and that is the heartbreaking thing, as there hasn’t been a point where I have thought they are a better side.”

Batley will be without Joel Farrell and Brad Day on Sunday, as both suffered hamstring injuries at the weekend, but will have Dom Brambani available who was found not guilty of two separate disciplinary charges after the defeat to Dewsbury.

Kelly plays down significance of Bradford clash DEWSBURY head coach Neil Kelly has played down the significance of their game against bottom club Bradford Bulls at the Tetley’s Stadium this Sunday (3pm).

With Bradford’s point deduction the only thing that has kept the Rams from the bottom of the table, a win would put Dewsbury on their way to moving out of 11th position for the first time in 2017.

Victory will put an eight-point cushion between them and Bradford, and if other results go their way they will end up on level points with Swinton in 10th.

“The game is no bigger than last week’s game or any other game, we know how close we are to them in the table but if we focus on how big the game is we are focusing on the wrong thing,” said Kelly.

“Every game is tough in this division, it will be a physical challenge and they have some quality, especially with Jordan Lilley and Dane Chisholm.

“I want to get on with things week by week and it is important for us to focus on our own performance and focus on the things we need to do to win games and then we will look at the bigger picture.”

Dewsbury battled their way to their second victory of the season with a one-point victory over Batley. Kelly has also played down the significance of that victory but does feel things are starting to fall together for his side.

“The win is just worth two points, it is not worth any more than that,” added Kelly.

“It felt good to get that second win. It felt like the players had turned a corner, the players were supporting each other and it felt like a good team performance with some good individual efforts.”

Kelly hopes to have Paul Sykes

ANOTHER ONE: Hallet becomes latest name to sign for Dewsbury fully fit for Sunday’s game after the veteran played through injury against Batley, and he is hopeful that Josh Gudzek will be fit enough to be available for selection.

The Rams have added to their squad this week with Macauley Hallet joining the club from Batley in a swap deal with Jason Crookes going the other way.

Kelly is also in talks with former player James Craven about a return to the club.

Craven currently plays for local amateur side Thornhill.