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ONE PAPER ... ALL THE NEWS from Dewsbury, Batley, Ossett, Mirfield, Liversedge, Birstall, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton & Spen Valley
Read our full edition online!
Friday February 1, 2019
No. 879
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Three charged after £900,000 found in van
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See page 20
COURAGE OF LITTLE WARRIOR By Zoe Shackleton
A BRAVE Birstall youngster is having pioneering treatment in an attempt to beat a rare form of cancer.
Warriors united ... boxing champion Josh Warrington visits Taegan
Eleven-year-old Taegan Pickles had a visit from world champion boxer Josh Warrington on her hospital ward this week and is being supported by Batley Bulldogs head coach Matt Diskin and his players after she was diagnosed with ovarian germ cell cancer in December. Since then, Taegan has had two rounds of chemotherapy and has had her left ovary and fallopian tube removed, as well as a large tumour, which doctors say was the size of a tennis ball. Mum Kelly Lister said: “Taegan is doing a trial-based chemotherapy because of how rare her tumour is at her age. “The chemotherapy is what they would usually do for adults, because this cancer is a lot more common in adults. “We know it works because it’s
‘It’s fine, Mum’, says 11-year-old Taegan as she fights rare cancer been ongoing for two years. Doctors wanted to see if Taegan would do it at her age. We opted to let them do that and the results so far have been amazing. “Taegan’s tumour cell count results have gone from 6,000 down to 78 with just two rounds of the chemotherapy.” Taegan, who attends Windmill C of E Junior School in Batley, is now on the third of six rounds of chemotherapy, which should end on March 4. Back on December 4, she was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer – which affects only 43 children in the UK – after having stomach pains. Kelly took her to Dewsbury Hospital, thinking it was appendicitis. But after having blood tests, Taegan was sent to Pinderfields for an ultrasound scan before going to Leeds
General Infirmary to be told that the pain was caused by a cancerous tumour. Two days later, Taegan was being operated on but the cancer had also spread to her lungs. She has been having treatment ever since. Said Kelly: “Taegan’s been amazing. She’s so strong and she carries me through it. There are times when you can’t hold back the tears and she’ll say, ‘mum... it’s fine!’ “Even on bad days we just say ‘it’s a bumpy road, we’ll be fine and get through it’ – because there’s no other outcome, we’ve got to get through it.” Taegan, who has two younger brothers, Lennon, aged nine, and Kingsley, four, has been dubbed the ‘Yorkshire Warrior’ by her Continued on Page 4
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ThePress
Friday February 1, 2019
CLAYTON
Deaths
ARRAN-JONES
Joyce Elizabeth
Clive
On 25th January 2019, in hospital, of Dewsbury, aged 80 years, Joyce, dearly beloved wife of Brian, much loved mum of Carolyn and Angela, dear mother-in-law of Melvyn and David, a much loved grandma and great grandma. Funeral service will be held at Wakefield Crematorium on Monday 11th February 2019 at 11am. Friends please accept this intimation and meet at the crematorium. Family flowers only, donations in lieu may be placed in the collection box provided by George Brooke Ltd., for the benefit of Guide Dogs for the Blind. The family sincerely thank the staff of Ward 8 at Dewsbury & District Hospital for their care at this time.
In hospital on the 19th January 2019 aged 79 years and of Liversedge. The beloved husband of Pauline. A loving dad of Stuart and Martin, step-dad of Richard and David and a dear father-in-law. A devoted and much loved grandpa of Milly, Hannah, Hector, Rhys and Aiden. The funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday 18th February at 11.30am. Would friends please accept this intimation. Family flowers only please, however if desired donations in lieu would be appreciated for The Stroke Unit at Calderdale Royal Infirmary for which a collection box will be provide following the service. Any enquiries to David Butterfield Funeral Directors, Cleckheaton. Tel. 01274 852885. BROWN (NEE FLETCHER) SYLVIA On January 27, peacefully at home in Earlsheaton, aged 78, wife of Leslie. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Wednesday February 27 at 10.30am.
Crematorium on Monday February 25 at 11.30am.
FOZARD EDWIN On January 25, suddenly, of Gomersal, formerly of Birstall, aged 84, husband of Jacqueline. Funeral service will take place at St Peter’s Church, Birstall, on Tuesday February 12 at 1pm.
FENTON MARK
GARLAND JEAN
On January 15, peacefully at Ings House Nursing Home, Liversedge, after a long illness bravely borne, aged 52, a muchloved husband, dad, son-in-law, father-in-law, uncle and great uncle. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor
On January 24, peacefully at Avery Mews Care Home, Heckmondwike, of Cleckheaton, aged 76, wife of the late John. Funeral service will take place at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, on Friday February 15 at 3pm.
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On January 20, in hospital, of Fieldhead Court, Thornhill, and of Ravensthorpe, aged 62, son of the late Maria and Pawlo. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady and St Paulinus RC Church on Thursday February 7 at 1pm.
LEE ERIC On January 23, suddenly at home, aged 70, husband of the late Elaine. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Wednesday February 20 at 12.30pm.
LILLEY MARGARET
On January 15, suddenly at home, formerly of Birstall, aged 40, partner of Alex. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Wednesday February 20 at 10.30am.
On January 23, peacefully at home in Tentercroft Court, Dewsbury, surrounded by her loved ones, formerly of Soothill, aged 92, aunt of Trevor, Julie, Peter, Valerie, Margaret, Jenny, Jackie, Tom, Robbie, Luke, Richard, James and the late Allan. Funeral service will take place at Eric F. Box Funeral Directors, Bradford Road, Dewsbury, on Monday February 4 at 12.30pm.
On January 10, at Harewood Court Nursing Home, Leeds, of Upper Hopton, wife of Charles. Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Tuesday February 12 at
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IWANIW PETER STEFAN
GAUNT ALAN
HINCHLIFFE MARGARET
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12.30pm.
LYNCH MARY On January 25, at home in Birstall, aged 90, sister of Mildred. Funeral Mass will take place at St Patrick’s RC Church, Birstall, on Friday February 8 at 11am.
MCNAMARA JOHN (JONNY MAC)
Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Thursday February 21 at 10.30am.
On January 16, suddenly at home, aged 78, dad of Maria, Paul and Sharon. Funeral service will take place at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Batley, on Friday February 15 at 10.30am.
STOTT STAN
MELTHAM ALAN On January 4, peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital, of Cleckheaton, aged 81, husband of Margaret. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Thursday February 7 at 12.30pm.
MOIZER ROBERT STEVEN (BOB) On January 23, of Emley, formerly of Thornhill, aged 60, wife of Christine. Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Wednesday February 13 at 11am.
NICHOLSON HAZEL EMILY On January 21, peacefully at Eden Court Care Home, Birkenshaw, aged 79, wife of Bob. Funeral service will take place at Nab Wood Crematorium, Shipley, on Friday February 8 at 10.10am.
PEASE GEOFFREY On January 17, peacefully at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, of Cleckheaton, formerly of Heckmondwike, aged 83, husband of the late Joan. Funeral service will take place at
THOMPSON (NEE SHEARD) MOIRA On January 24, peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital surrounded by her family, of Ossett, aged 66, wife of Frank. Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Tuesday February 19 at 2.20pm.
WALKER KENNETH On January 26, at home in Gomersal, aged 80, husband of the late Molly. Funeral service will take place at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, on Monday February 18 at 12.45pm.
WILKINSON DAVID LESLIE On January 22, at home in Dewsbury, aged 64, husband of Shirley. Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Thursday February 14 at 2.20pm.
WRIGHT AUDREY MAUD On January 17, peacefully in hospital, aged 96. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Wednesday February 20 at 11.30am.
RICKETT Neville
On 19th January 2019, in hospital, of Dewsbury, aged 86 years, Neville, much loved husband of Pauline, a dearly loved dad, father-in-law, grandad and great grandad. Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Tuesday 5th February 2019 at 1.40pm. Friends please accept this intimation. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu may be placed in the collection box provided for the benefit of Kirkwood Hospice and Bloodwise.
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On January 1, aged 40, of Littletown, Liversedge, son of Ruth and the late Mark. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday February 11 at 9.30am.
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Wonderful Wendy will be much missed TRIBUTES have been paid to a “kind and gentle” former nurse who has passed away. Wendy Senior, of Hanging Heaton, was a staunch health campaigner and volunteered for various care support groups. The 78-year-old was a keen reader of The Press and featured on The Forum page regularly, discussing health topics that she was passionate about. Wendy was a nurse at Dewsbury Hospital before retiring, and worked for Crossroads Care where she would provide support for carers. She campaigned against the downgrade of Dewsbury and District Hospital and was a member of the Dewsbury and District Women’s Health Group. “She just loved caring for people,” said husband Alan. “She was a really kind and gentle woman. “She’d been a nurse for a few years and worked for Crossroads, she realised there was a lot of things that weren’t correct and she tried to put them right.” Alan and Wendy lived together in Hanging Heaton and were married for 60 years – celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary on December 6, just before Wendy passed away. Wendy died from a brain haematoma on December 22. She was a much-loved mum, mother-in-law and grandma. Her funeral took place at St Paul’s Church on January 10 where a total of £353 was collected for the Happy Memories Dementia Support Group – a group with which Wendy regularly volunteered. 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. If you notice a factual inaccuracy, please email news@thepressnews.co.uk. You can also write to The Press, 31 Branch Road, Batley, WF17 5SB We adhere to the Editors’ Code of Practice as enforced by IPSO, who are contactable for advice at: IPSO, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London, EC4M 7LG Website: www.ipso.co.uk Email: advice@ipso.co.uk Telephone: 0300 123 2220
Night to support BHF THORNHILL: Thornhill Cricket Club is hosting a fundraising night of music next week to celebrate the British Heart Foundation Dewsbury group’s 20th birthday. On Saturday February 9 (7.30pm) there’ll be a performance from an Elvis Presley impersonator plus a tribute to the Motown era, followed by a disco. It’s £5 a ticket and all funds will go to the BHF. There’ll also be a raffle on the night with prizes donated by local businesses.
ThePress
Friday February 1, 2019
Three charged after £900,000 cash discovery
THREE Batley men have been charged after £900,000 in cash was discovered inside a van stopped by border officials at the Channel Tunnel. Kent Police confirmed the trio was arrested at the Folkestone terminal on
Wednesday. Faisal Khan, 26, of Grafton Street, Mohammed Khan, 42, and Asim Khan, 18, both of Healey Lane, were each charged with one count of money laundering. Faisal was also charged with possession of articles
Driver’s ‘not guilty’ plea over death crash
for use in fraud and conspiracy to defraud. The men appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday and were remanded in custody until their trial at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, February 22.
A DRIVER appeared in court following the death of another motorist in a two-car crash. Yasir Qadoos, 48, of Ravenshouse Road, Dewsbury Moor, denied causing the death of Mohammed Zaman on June 13 last year. Mr Zaman, aged in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene following the smash on Thornhill Road. During the brief hearing at Leeds Crown Court, Qadoos spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, nationality and to enter his not guilty plea to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. He will return to the same court on September 2 for his trial and was bailed under the same conditions as before – to live and sleep at his address and not leave the UK.
‘Depraved’ sex predator jailed 20 years for repeated abuse By Staff Reporters
Police seeking missing teen POLICE are appealing for information to help trace a teenager who has been missing since Monday (January 28). Thirteen-year-old Joseph Schofield was last seen at 4.30pm on Westfield Lane, Scholes. He was reported missing from his home in the Moorlands Road area of Birkenshaw earlier that day. He is described as of slim build, 5ft 7ins tall, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He is possibly wearing a black Under Armour tracksuit with black trainers and a
blue/grey coat. Police and family are concerned for his welfare. Anyone with information or who has seen Joseph is asked to call police via 101, quoting log 338 of January 28.
DETECTIVES investigating a robbery in Batley have issued a picture of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident. Jack Haynes, also known as Jack Barrett, lives in Batley and is wanted in connection with the robbery on January 10. He is 23 and described as of medium to stocky build, 5ft 8ins tall with brown hair which is short at the back and sides and longer on top. Anyone who sees him or has
any information about his whereabouts should not approach him but contact Kirklees District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 1319017925.
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in coming forward and reporting the abuse to the police. “She was subjected to a horrific ordeal at such a young age and I hope that now she will be able to start the long process of rebuilding her life. “In Kirklees, we have a dedicated child safeguarding unit which has specially-trained police officers who support victims through the judicial process and protect the safety of children. “I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to report it immediately to the police. “Any report will be handled with the utmost sensitivity and thoroughly investigated to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
A ‘DEPRAVED’ sexual predator has been caged for 20 years for repeatedly abusing a young girl from the age of just six. Liversedge man Philip Stott, pictured, will also have to serve a further four years on licence, having been found guilty of 10 counts of child sexual offences, including four counts of rape of a child under 13. Leeds Crown Court heard that the victim was just six years old when the abuse began in 2010. Stott, 32, continued to sexually assault her for a further four years until she was 10. Stott, of Hare Park Avenue, Hightown, was charged with four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and two counts of taking indecent photographs of a child. He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and has to sign the sex offenders’ register for life. PC Suzanne Clark, of Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, who led the police investigation, said: “Stott was described by the judge who sentenced him as a dangerous individual who posed a significant risk of harm to female children. “The sentence that has been handed down to him is a reflection of the seriousness of his crimes; he Curtain Express is a depraved individual Up to who repeatedly abused his victim. “I would like to praise Curtains his victim for her bravery
GREEN-fingered students at Thornhill Community Academy have been busy sprucing up the nearby Rectory Park. A group of Year 7 pupils joined up with volunteers every week to help with gardening and maintenance duties at the park off Hostingley Lane. Project leader Sarah Summersall-Frith said: “The students worked really hard and we are all very proud of the results they have achieved.”
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ThePress
Friday February 1, 2019
News In Brief MP speaks of abuse she suffers online DEWSBURY: MP Paula Sherriff revealed at a Counter Hate and Extremism event on Wednesday the extent of daily online abuse she receives. The Labour MP for Dewsbury and Mirfield admitted that she gets a barrage of abuse, including people telling her she’d be “better off dead” and that “she’ll get what’s coming to her”. Miss Sherriff said: “As an MP, I experience hate and abuse on a daily basis. I simply cannot remember the last day that went by that I didn’t receive messages saying I’d be better off dead, that I’ll get what’s coming to me. “That I’m a fat, useless, and a word beginning with ‘c’. The list is endless. “Along with this, perhaps more worryingly, is a quiet acceptance that people suffering abuse should just toughen up and get on with it, it comes with the job – it never does.” Miss Sherriff spoke out at an event showcasing 21 projects countering hate and extremism in UK communities.
Drinkers evacuated after car crashes into pub’s entrance Paul Young, third right, with Batley Town Council campaigners
Campaigners step up fight for town council By Zoe Shackleton
Homes plan on view MIRFIELD: Residents are invited to view plans for the massive Dewsbury Riverside housing scheme at a drop-in event next week. More than 4,000 homes could be built on green belt land between Mirfield and Ravensthorpe, along with schools, primary care facilities and retail premises. The plans have already received backlash from campaigners who believe the proposed housing numbers are too high. The drop-in session will be at Mirfield Community Centre on Thursday (February 7) from 3.30pm-7pm. Anyone not able to attend can email their comments to andrew.rose@spawforths. co.uk, or call 01924 876876.
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AN ELDERLY driver crashed into the entrance of a popular Dewsbury town centre pub on Saturday morning. Customers were enjoying early morning drinks when the man lost control of his car and smashed into The Time Piece pub on Northgate at around 9.40am. It is believed he was attempting a uturn in his grey Saab estate and hit the accelerator by mistake. A number of customers had to be evacuated, but there were no injuries. The man was freed by firefighters from Dewsbury and Cleckheaton and was treated for minor injuries. Northgate was closed by police for well over an hour while emergency services completed their rescue and recovery. Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The incident at The Time Piece pub on Saturday was a complete shock to everyone. “Fortunately no one was injured as a result of the crash. “Structural engineers will be assessing the pub but in the meantime it remains closed and at present there is no date set for its reopening.” Staff will relocate to nearby pubs and will be paid in full.
BATLEY is a step closer to creating its own town council as campaigners continue their fight to bring politics back to a local level. Over the last few months, residents have been busy finalising the campaign and an official petition to introduce a town council in Batley will be launched on Saturday, March 2 at the Town Hall (noon). Former Conservative candidate Paul Young is spearheading the non-political project along with community volunteer Ann Hall. A town council is the most local, grassroots level of government available and is funded through council tax, with a small precept paid by the residents it represents. There are already five town and parish councils in the Kirklees district, including a long-established body in Mirfield.
The official campaign petition documentation has been approved by Kirklees Council and it needs the signatures of 7.5 per cent of registered voters within the Batley East and West wards to be considered. Mr Young said: “We are excited and honoured to be bringing this historic opportunity to the people of Batley. “The town has been ignored for too long and we are looking to ensure Batley has a brighter future and a louder voice within Kirklees. “We have already engaged with many community groups and through social media and there is a real sense that this campaign will be the start of a new chapter in Batley’s illustrious history.” The group is working on finalising marketing leaflets and community information documentation ahead of the launch. Batley’s town council group can be contacted at batleytc@gmail.com or on Twitter, @tcbatley.
Pub thug bragged on Facebook about attack on cancer victim A MAN who beat up two strangers in a Cleckheaton pub has been spared jail. Michael Coleman, 49, of Turnsteads Avenue, Cleckheaton had bragged about the attacks on Facebook, including one where he punched a cancer sufferer in the face. He had previously been banned from using the social media site last year after he posted messages about a woman he had harassed. Coleman pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Kirklees magistrates also heard that he had 25 previous offences to his name. The assaults happened at The Commercial pub in Cleckheaton in the early hours of February 18, when Coleman saw his first victim in the toilets. The man was having trouble urinat-
ing because of his cancer treatment, and Coleman called him a ‘f*****g nonce’ before punching him several times. The victim then spoke to the barman about the attack and Coleman overheard and assaulted him again. The man had left the pub and was standing outside with his friend when Coleman came out and decided to attack the friend. The defendant was arrested after the unprovoked attack but claimed he didn’t know anything about the incident – despite being caught bragging about it on Facebook. Coleman must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and stay at his address between the hours of 7pm and 7am as part of a six-month curfew. He’ll also have to pay £350 in compensation to the first victim and £100 to the second.
Boxing champ Josh and Bulldog Matt backing warrior Taegan Continued from Page 1 family and friends. Because of that, Kelly got in touch with Leeds Warrior and boxing champ Josh Warrington to see if he would send Taegan a message to cheer her up. Little did she know Josh would take time out of his busy schedule to visit Taegan on the oncology ward at LGI on Tuesday and present her with a signed boxing glove. Batley RL coach Matt Diskin, meanwhile, will have his body hair waxed at
a charity night next weekend. He’ll be joined at Priestley’s Bar in Birstall by some of his players on Friday (February 8), to help raise money for wards 31 and 33 at LGI, plus children’s charity Candlelighters, whose volunteers regularly visit Taegan. Kelly said: “We’ve had a lot of help and support from the community, I can’t thank people enough for how much they’ve helped us.” There have been various fundraisers to help Kelly and her family. Taegan’s
friend, 11-year-old Jordan Wallace and his dad raised £350 having their heads shaved. Once Taegan’s chemotherapy is complete, she’ll have to have end-oftreatment scans and regular MRI and CT scans to check her lungs. Kelly said: “It’s just the start of a very long journey.” Everyone is welcome to the charity waxing night next Friday, where there’ll be fundraising raffles and, for a small donation, you can even whip a strip of wax from the participant of your choice.
ThePress
Friday February 1, 2019
Police cuts ‘putting us at risk’: MP
Government cut to council rents to cost Kirklees £10m
BATLEY & SPEN MP Tracy Brabin says police cuts are putting public safety at risk. The Labour MP has hit out after new figures revealed charge rates for key crimes have fallen dramatically across West Yorkshire in 2017/18. The statistics, produced by the House of Commons Library, revealed that the proportion of arrests for sexual offences leading to a charge or summons in West Yorkshire is as low as 4.9 per cent. The charge rate for violence against the person is just 9.7 per cent, and 6.2 per cent for theft offences. Ms Brabin said: “These shocking figures provide yet more chilling evidence that cuts to West Yorkshire Police force are putting public safety at risk in areas like Batley and Spen. “We have lost hundreds of front-line officers across West Yorkshire and our communities are undoubtedly suffering as a result of these cuts. “The police are working incredibly hard to tackle crime against a backdrop of austerity but we desperately need more police officers to keep us safe.”
By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter RENTS for council house tenants in Kirklees will drop next year – at a cost to the authority of a whopping £10m in lost revenue. The one per cent reduction, imposed by central government, comes into effect on April 1 and will mean average weekly rents for 201920 will fall from £69.04 to £68.35. The move will cost the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) £10.1m in lost rental income for 201920. The HRA relies on rents and does not receive cash from other areas. The reduction is said to have “significant financial implications”. Overall, from 2016 to 2020, the amount of rental income lost to the council is expected to be “a very,
very significant” £24.3m. Members of Labour-controlled Kirklees Council’s cabinet were united in their condemnation of the reduction, which was described by one as “robbery”. Outlining changes to rent and service charges, Coun Cathy Scott (Lab, Dewsbury East) said some of the most vulnerable people would benefit from a discretionary hardship fund to assist in paying other charges related to extra care and night-time security. Coun Peter McBride (Lab, Dalton) said the reduction was an example of the consequences of the austerity programme. “We are saving from Peter to rob Paul. We happen to be Paul,” he said. “This is robbery. Their savings are not really savings because other parts of the public sector – us – pay for it. It’s ludicrous.”
Coun David Sheard (Lab, Heckmondwike) said the reduction represented a subsidy to the government. He said: “What the government has done...is hand itself £10m from Kirklees. “It was a really crafty, sneaky, down-handed, twisted decision. “Trying to sell it as helping the poorest in the community was absolutely appalling, when all it was doing was handing money back to the Treasury. “We should not let people think that the one per cent reduction in housing rents was to help poor people. It was to help the government.” Council Leader Shabir Pandor said the government’s affected the most vulnerable and said: “Our residents aren’t daft. “They will see the reality.”
manager Farook Yunus said: “Our group visits residential homes, offering friendship, games, snacks and pampering sessions for the elderly residents. The target of the project is to combat loneliness and isolation felt by elderly people and to give them a sense of worth and to learn
from their amazing life experiences. The Soup grant will allow us to buy equipment and supplies.” The next Soup event is at Shackleton’s furniture outlet on Bradford Road, Batley, on May 2 (6.30pm). For more details visit www.dewsburysoup.org.uk.
Soup-er success for super group YOUTH charity Kumon Y’all were the big winners at the latest Dewsbury Soup fundraising event. The group, which supports various sections of the local community, bagged £414 at Dewsbury Soup #3 at Dewsbury Sports Centre. The cash grant was made up of door takings on the night, with £5 going towards a bowl of soup and a voting card to pick the community group with the best pitch benefiting North Kirklees. Kumon Y’all saw off competition from three other community groups – Juniper Foods, Howlands and Active Kidz. Kumon Y’all project
News In Brief Dry January drives brewer to despair CLECKHEATON: The owner of a popular pub and brewery is considering closing his doors for the whole month next January – because of the no-drinking pledge which sweeps the country at the start of the year. Brewer Steve Hemingway, of the Mill Valley Brewery, says Dry January – a trend which sees people give up drinking for the month – has had a huge impact on takings at the South Parade-based venue. He said: “We’ve had fewer parties and bookings this year and we’ve spoken to people who have said they haven’t come in because they or their friends are doing Dry January. “We’re thinking about not bothering to open up next January. We’ll take some time off and look at going away on holiday instead.” An estimated 25,000 people in Kirklees have taken the no-drinking pledge.
Drink-driver banned LIVERSEDGE: A drink-driver has been banned from the roads after nearly hitting another vehicle while trying to reverse. Sarah Hanson, 27, of Kirkgate, Birstall, had been drinking at a nearby pub on January 6 when a police officer spotted her turning from Leeds Road onto Saxton Street in Liversedge. She was attempting to reverse when she nearly hit another car. Police arrested her when she failed a roadside breath test. Hanson had an alcohol reading of 54, 19 above the limit. Kirklees magistrates banned her from driving for a year and she was also fined £120. She must pay £85 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £30.
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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood
Nothing to hide? Doesn’t feel like it Y WAY of an editorial disclaimer, can I assert that the following comments bear no reference to the current legal woes of three Batley men found allegedly trying to take £900,000 through the Channel Tunnel.
B
The matter is sub-judice and the law will have its day, but I write with wonder as someone with years of experience of the border-crossing collywobbles. My first trip abroad, aged 22, ended with me riding a ramshackle bus from Athens to London in mid-winter. There were Afghans, Greeks, Serbs and all sorts on board, including a young hippy white kid with dreadlocks. He must have endured half a dozen body searches at the various borders, bless him. He probably still has trouble riding a bike. I recall that US customs in particular used to be a night-
mare and I got searched once having misguidedly written “nothing to declare” regarding bringing gifts into the country. “So what are these?” asked Officer Mac McNasty, holding up a large box of Tampax, Jaffa Cakes and Boots no.7 make-up remover. “Erm, gifts sir…” Another time I was in a mad rush to get across Heathrow Airport to make a connecting flight. Big mistake – rushing through an airport. Guarantee of a stop and search and a missed plane. “Allo, allo, allo sunshine, stop right there, step this way and let’s ‘ave a look at what’s inside this case you’re in such a hurry to get into Her Majesty’s green and pleasant land, shall we?” “It’s a week’s worth of ripe y-fronts, three sweaty t-shirts and a toilet bag you jobsworth dipstick,” (I thought, but didn’t say). He knew that – he just wanted to make me miss my
Remember, you’ve done nothing wrong... flight. They can barely contain their joy at inconveniencing an obviously flustered member of the public. But come on, admit it – who amongst us hasn’t walked through the ‘Nothing to Declare’ doorway feeling just a little nervous over whether the spirits allowance is one or two litres of gin? And yes, I’m sure you’ve done it, as you walked past those opaque sheets of glass, the one-way windows beyond
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which peer the beady eyes of customs officers – admit it, you’ve adopted an overly casual, ‘I’ve got nothing to hide!’ saunter, haven’t you? Or maybe you’ve even guiltily perspired a little? Even when you’ve had nothing more embarrassing in your suitcase than a pack of condoms and a mankini? Last spring I was taking the Hull ferry to Rotterdam and found myself in a shed with half a dozen officers basically taking my motor apart. I know I can be dangerous with my Ping 3-wood, but usually only to fellow golfers. (I’ve since deduced that was probably the first instance of my being on an official ‘target’ list). But given last week’s news about the charges being brought against three Batley gents (see page three), what I really can’t imagine, is girding my loins to drive the thick end of a million quid in cash onto the Eurotunnel. To reiterate, the chaps may well have been oblivious to their cargo. Time will tell. But can you imagine the conversation with a wide-eyed customs officer who found that stash in the back of your old banger? “Excuse me sir, what is inside this large bale and where are you taking it?” “It’s just some dirty gear, officer, we’re taking it for laundering...” (quite possibly a true explanation, you’d have to say). “But it appears to be paper
Spreading the message FFECTIVE this week, your full super-duper digital edition of The Press will regularly be freely available in glorious technicolour, either on a Thursday night or first thing on a Friday morning. Whether on your PC, laptop, tablet or phone, you can access the full page-turning edition and even download the entire darn thing. I know, we’re virtually cutting off our nose to spite our face, but these days the customer is king. So whether you’re a loyal supporter who shells out
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sir, not cloth.” “Ah yes, this load is paper – we’re taking it for recycling…” (again, works for me). “Just a blooming minute sir, this appears to be half a ton of used twenties! Care to explain that?” “Well, we have a big family, lots of kids, and they’re all very good at saving their loose change – you won’t believe how many piggy banks we had to break open to collect this little lot officer!” “I’m sure I wouldn’t, sir. But piggy banks? Piggies, as in pork products? I really don’t think so. Care to try again?” “Yes well, our friends and family have been really generous in collecting for the poor and needy of Iraq and Syria.” “Really sir, you intend driv-
50p, someone who gets The Press through your letterbox, picks a free copy up, or now reads online, we just want to keep spreading the message. In the week that our poor, downtrodden old pals at the Reporter, Batley News and Spen Guardian were again offering to put free adverts in the Morpeth Herald (it’s up near Scotland I think) we just want to keep building our local readership. Access the edition from Facebook (ThePressNews) or Twitter (@PressNews Latest) – and be sure to like, follow and share! ing 3,000 miles across 10 countries to hand out nearly a million quid in cash to starving children?” “Erm, yes officer, no point funding those money-grabbing middle men at charities like Unicef and the Red Cross.” “I can understand that concern sir. But tell me – is there a proliferation of Bureaux de Change in the bombed-out remnants of Mosul and Aleppo, in order to exchange sterling for the local shekels…?” I dare say the three Batley gentlemen arrested and charged with money laundering at Folkestone have an eminently plausible explanation for the discovery, and I look forward with relish to hearing it in court.
If you’re offended, then don’t watch DON’T tune in for the puerile banter between Jeremy Clarkson and his two driving pals on their Grand Tour motoring adventures.
I
If you enjoy the bloke-ish mickey-taking, good for you. One person who certainly doesn’t is Will Young, the lightweight songster of Pop Idol fame. Young is currently trying to get Amazon Prime dragged before a judge for hate crimes, courtesy of Clarkson telling Richard Hammond he drives like a big girl’s blouse, or words to that effect. Will Young is accusing Clarkson/Prime of driving fragile young LGBT persons to the brink of suicide with their mildly insulting exchanges. We all know the world has gone mad anyway, but clearly Young has far too much time and money on its hands (you can’t use a he/she pronoun – hate crime!) than is good for it. But please, Will darling – if your highly strung LGBT friends are so offended by blokeish banter then, like me, they really don’t have to watch it. It’s not as if there are only two TV channels any longer. Why don’t you encourage them to write insulting jokes about grumpy, balding, middle-aged boors for one of their own screen heroes? I doubt Clarkson – or fellow old grumps like me – will be offended, because we just wouldn’t tune in. And if we did, we’d shrug and say ‘so what’? It’s a free world, with free speech and
equality in everything, including bad jokes. Or it was, until people on your hysterical fringes of society got to take over the world. I was going to say I’m not sure who’s more dangerous, the Will Youngs or the ‘serious’ people giving them the time of day, but I have that answer in the Gestapo-like behaviour of Humberside Police. They interrogated one Harry Miller for 30 minutes, because he ‘liked’ a limerick that questioned whether biological men could actually become biological women. The officer said he needed to get inside Mr Miller’s ‘thinking’ – very sinister –and it was being recorded as a hate crime. Now, I suspect Humberside Police solve as few real crimes as Chief Supt Julie Sykes’s Kirklees Keystones, but all of them have become so politicised as to be not just criminally incompetent, but enemies of the people. That today’s police are mistrusted by the public at best and despised at worst, is entirely of their own doing. Anyway, here’s my last word on the ludicrous Limerick debate:
The chief of police likes to say ‘Recruit PCs who’re ethnic or gay’, But they went on a bender, And all turned transgender, Cos it isn’t just crime that’ll pay. Thank you, I thank you…
ThePress
Friday February 1, 2019
Council tax rise ‘to help services for vulnerable’ By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter COUNCIL tax in Kirklees WILL go up as the authority continues to struggle with the “massive onslaught” of austerity. In last week’s Press, Tory leader David Hall slammed the council’s planned 2.99 per cent tax hike. Now Council leader Shabir Pandor says money raised by the increase – just below the threshold set by central government – will be pumped into services to protect the most vulnerable. The increase forms part of the Labour-run authority’s latest budget, which will be put to a meeting of the full Council on February 13 for approval. It comes as the Local Government Association (LGA) warns that some council services nationally will be swallowed up by an £8bn black hole in funding by 2025. In outlining the tax rise at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, Coun Pandor (Lab, Batley West) said he hoped all political groups in Kirklees would support it. “One thing that is not up for negotiation is the bottom line on the money that we’re going to get into the council,” he said. “It is a budget that is balanced and will put something back into our communities.” The increase will net the council
£5.2m. That equates to a £29.21 rise for Band A homeowners, for whom bills will rise from £977.18 to £1,000.39. It is expected there will be further increases over the following two years, though at the lower level of 1.99 per cent. That would raise another £3.6m each year. Coun Pandor added: “Let’s just be very, very clear. Over the last 10 years we’ve been hit year-on-year by a massive onslaught on local government. “Kirklees has actually lost 60p of every pound that it gets from national government. Although Theresa May’s government says that austerity has stopped, make no mistake: places like Kirklees will continue to face the brunt of Tory austerity. “Having said that, I am upbeat in terms of this budget. “What we are proposing is to protect our most vulnerable, protect services and put money back into older peoples’ services, especially around dementia and people coping with dementia. “It also looks at putting major capital resources into our road infrastructure.” Kirklees has lost around £150m in government funding since 2010. Over the same period, it has made cuts totalling £183m, with £54m of that in 2017-18. The LGA cautioned that some councils “are being pushed to the brink” by what it described as an unprecedented loss of funding and an ongoing surge in demand for services.
News In Brief Wood burner mishap starts factory blaze
Heckmondwike Grammar School’s headteacher Peter Roberts, second left, with front from left, Jo Cox’s sister Kim and parents Gordon and Jean, celebrate the opening of the Jo Cox Centre.
Centre named after Jo opens at Grammar school THE parents and sister of Jo Cox were “proud and honoured” to be back at the school they all attended as they officially opened Heckmondwike Grammar’s new sixth form centre on Wednesday. Jean and Gordon Leadbeater and Mrs Cox’s sister Kim performed the ribbon-cutting duties as the Jo Cox Centre was officially named after the late Batley & Spen MP. The £1.1m facility is based in the nearby former St James’s Church, where Kim and Jo attended Brownies and Guides. A mural of former head
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girl Mrs Cox, with her famous “more in common” quote from her maiden speech, hangs on a wall alongside famous words from the likes of Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai. The centre, which was 18 months in the planning, has been open to sixth form students since the end of last year. The official opening was attended by former students and friends of Mrs Cox, current and former teachers, councillors and Mayor of Kirklees Gwen Lowe. Kim admitted being “emotional” as the new centre and a plaque dedicated to her sister was unveiled.
LIVERSEDGE: A blaze broke out at a factory in Liversedge on Tuesday night. Three fire engines were called to the Leyburn Fencing factory at Hightown at 7.30pm after a fire had started accidentally in a wood burner. Crews managed to contain the flames to a small area of the factory and extinguish the blaze. Nobody was on the factory floor at the time and nobody was hurt. Watch commander Mark Hemingway, from Dewsbury Fire Station, confirmed there was no damage to surrounding property.
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Initiatives to help the less fortunate FOLLOWING your article in last week’s edition of ‘The Press’, we are pleased that Batley Homeless Project now has premises in Dewsbury from which to improve the provision of food and other essentials to people in need on a Friday evening. Across the week however, there are other initiatives seeking to provide for those less fortunate than ourselves in Dewsbury. Churches Together in Dewsbury through CARE Dewsbury is open on Mondays and Thursdays between 10am and noon and offers a hot meal, clothing, toiletries, help with form filling, making appointments and advice on the other agencies available for support. Clients are assured of a listening ear and a warm welcome. Thirty-eight hot meals were served on Monday. The initiative was launched over 10 years ago in 2008 and since then there have been 30,668 interactions with people who have called in for support. CARE Dewsbury is based at Dewsbury Baptist Church’s small hall, staffed by volunteers, with food and other essentials supplied by many different churches and individuals locally and further afield. Others are busy in Dewsbury providing food to those in need. Dewsbury Minister offer
Politics can be better than this From: Garry Kitchin, Batley I have been a keen political
Letter of the Week: Liz Exley, administrator for CARE Dewsbury, and David Currie, member of Churches Together in Dewsbury sandwiches, soup and a hot drink between 9.30am and 10.30am every day except Sunday. Fusion Housing is open weekdays (except Wednesday) from 10am to 12noon and 1pm to 3pm. It is a housing charity but also provides emergency food parcels alongside guidance and support. We understand that Chart, a free confidential drug and alcohol service for adults, is open on Wednesdays 9.30-11am for a cooked breakfast. On the last Sunday evening of each month food is given out to those in need at the town hall. Universal Credit was rolled out in this area in November 2017 and seems to have coincided with increased requests for help.
observer since watching closely the Miners’ Strike in the 1980s. I can honestly say I have never known a Parliament so poor and so useless in all this time. We have a Prime Minister
who week by week, shows herself to be utterly illequipped to lead the nation, especially at such a critical time. What does she do when her key policy is defeated by a record margin?
LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS M Payne, demolition of existing dwelliing and erection of detached dwelling, The Poplars, Pinfold Lane, Mirfield. M Akram, change of use of first floor to self-contained flat, 83 Bradford Road, Cleckheaton. B G Grey, conversion of existing derelict building to two dwellings and a holiday let, erection of detached stable block and change of use of land to extend domestic curtilage, Primrose Farm, Primrose Lane, Hightown, Liversedge. Dervish Grill Ltd, change of use from public house to restaurant and takeaway, construction of single-storey extension to rear, alterations to front elevation, installation of extraction flue and new access to rear, Royal Hotel, 616 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe. S Rafiq, two-storey and single-storey rear extension, single storey front extension and alterations, and detached double garage with store and formation of access to Fir Grove, 21 Fir Parade, Ravensthorpe. S Masood, change of use from retail (A1) to hot food takeaway (A5) and new shop front with security shutters and extract flue system (within a Conservation Area), 33A
Wellington Road, Dewsbury. Staincliffe Fresh Grocers, single-storey side extension with canopy, fence and wall and formation of ramp and raised platform, 133 Halifax Road, Heckmondwike. K Phillips, work to trees in a Conservation Area, Flat 1, Pollard Hall, 279 Oxford Road, Gomersal. WHP Wilkinson Helsby, prior notification for telecommunications installation and associated works, Hanging Heaton Golf Club, White Cross Road, Dewsbury. R Drake, single-storey side extension and porch, 4 Sunnybank Close, Cleckheaton. C Pearson, work to trees TPO 42/94, 37 Pinfold Lane, Mirfield. A&P UK Ltd, change of use and alterations to convert Trade Counter Retail Unit to Function Room, former Harrisons Electrical Warehouse, Huddersfield Road, Dewsbury. Kirklees Council, Listed Building Consent for external door alterations and external signage (within a Conservation Area), Dewsbury Town Hall, Town Hall Way, Dewsbury. S Gharda, single-storey front, side and dormer extensions, 66 Manor Farm Drive, Soothill. A Javeed, two-storey side
extension, porch to front and second floor extension, 190 Halifax Road, Heckmondwike. R Mahmood, demolition of existing dwelling and erection of attached dwelling with detached outbuilding, 61 Caledonian Road, Savile Town. H Pollard, extensions to rear, 11 Lower Lane, Gomersal. Mr Iqubal, single and two-storey rear and side extensions and alterations, 73 Mortimer Avenue, Healey. P Lathey, single-storey and two-storey side extension, 1053 Leeds Road, Woodkirk. J Preston, attached dwelling and associated works, adjacent to 56 Frances Road, Earlsheaton. M Liaqat, two-storey front, side and rear extensions with new roof over (within a Conservation Area), 15 Park Road, Westborough. K Gough, single-storey rear and side extensions, 10 Scott Lane, Gomersal. Kirklees Council, Listed Building Consent for reroofing (within a Conservation Area), Batley Baths And Recreation Centre, Cambridge Street, Batley. M S Akram, two-storey rear extension and front dormer window, 44
Cravendale Road, Ravensthorpe. Mr M Pandor, work to trees within a conservation area, Blenheim House, Oxford Road, Dewsbury. J Bentham & S Goodall, outline application for erection of one dwelling, adjacent to 368 Norristhorpe Lane, Liversedge. S Hunter, two-storey side extension, 3 Priory Close, Mirfield. Rossco Construction Services Ltd, discharge condition 2 (parking) on previous permission 2016/94318 for prior approval for proposed change of use of agricultural building to one dwelling and associated operational development, Mount Pleasant Farm, Gomersal Lane, Gomersal. Masjid Ghusai, non-material amendment to previous permission 2015/92174 for demolition of existing dwelling and erection of three-storey extension and internal alterations to extend existing mosque, 21-29 Warren Street, Saville Town, Dewsbury. S Ali, two-storey side and rear and single-storey front extensions, 183 Soothill Lane, Batley. Berkeley DeVeer, six dwellings, rear of 93a Halifax Road, Hightown, Liversedge.
We recommend that people in need contact the Local Welfare Provision (LWP) team at Kirklees Council in Empire House. The council website states: “If you are in immediate need which will mean serious damage or risk to the health or safety of you or a She carries on regardless. She struggles forward – ‘Brexit is Brexit’ – when she is politically dead. For some reason her body hasn’t quite got the message that her credibility died a long time ago. She leads a party that fights like rabbits in a sack, but which realises the Prime Minister is currently on a hiding to nothing, so are happy for her to take the damage, hoping to step into her kitten heels once the difficult decisions have already been made by someone else. The official opposition is as weak as I can remember. In normal times, such an appalling Government would have been taken to pieces by the opposition, who would be very comfortably ahead in the polls. However, despite all the problems with Theresa May’s government, the main parties are neck and neck in the polls. The same polls have consistently shown that Theresa May still leads Jeremy Corbyn as ‘Best PM’, and by some margin. This is like coming second in a beauty contest to Quasimodo. May and Corbyn lack what successful Prime Ministers have – a strong political antenna. Those who occupy Downing Street for long periods, like Wilson, Thatcher and Blair, mostly understood well how the nation was thinking.
Please note: Correspondents must supply a name and postal address, even if you do not wish the information to be published. The editor reserves the right to shorten or amend letters for legal or other reasons.
member of your family, please contact the local welfare provision team on 01484 414782 or lwp@kirklees.gov.uk. If you would like to find out more about the work of CARE Dewsbury please drop in or phone Liz Exley on 07815 583144.
They knew when it was time to push certain policies, as the public mood would accept them, in addition to when to back down when it would not. I think May and Corbyn are politically tone deaf. They comfort themselves in believing the hype from their own tribes, but beyond their tribes public opinion of them is low. I really hope we can break out of this Brexit phase, as it is destroying Parliament. My only hope is that afterwards our political parties find new, better leaders, and our politics can be better than it has been recently. Our democracy demands it.
MPs should respect result From: Steven Whitelock, via email Steve Oliver’s response to my point about the vote at the Referendum, which has now been given the term ‘Brexit’ was well made, thank you. I pondered about including my source material in the letter published January 18 2019, deciding it may be too much information. However I feel it appropriate to share the source of the statistics I quoted. “The referendum was conducted very differently to the European Communities membership referendum in 1975 with a more localised and regionalised counting procedure and was overseen by the Electoral Commission .... This article lists, by voting area for Great Britain and Gibraltar and by Parliamentary constituency for Northern Ireland. “Under the provisions of the European Union
Referendum Act 2015 there were a total of 382 voting areas across twelve regions using the same boundaries as used in European Parliamentary elections since 1999 under the provisions of the European Elections Act 2002 with votes counted at local authority level: in England the 326 local government districts were used as the voting areas ... in Scotland the 32 Scottish council areas were used as voting areas ... in Wales the 22 Welsh council areas were used as the voting areas... “On 23rd June 2016 the recorded result was UK voters favoured leaving the European Union, by 51.9% for Leave, and 48.1% for remain with 270 (67.7%) voting areas ... voting to ‘Leave the European Union’ to (32.3%) which voted to ‘Remain a member of the European Union’.” P Wenman (2019). In my view a resounding majority of the ‘constituencies’ which I say my local MP(s) should respect and vote leave accordingly. Bibliography: en.m.wikipedia.org Results of the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum. Accessed January 2019.
D-Day vets can take trip From: Wendy Storey, vice chairman Batley Branch, Royal British Legion The Royal British Legion has announced plans to take 300 Normandy veterans to France on a specially-chartered ship for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The voyage will take veter-
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Friday February 1, 2019
2019 Brochure now available From page 8 ans who helped liberate France during the Second World War to a series of commemorative events on both sides of the Channel at no cost to them. The vessel will depart from Dover and will arrive in Normandy on June 6, exactly 75 years after the D-Day landings. Normandy veterans interested in taking part should apply by February 4, so please help us spread the word. If anyone in our local area is interested in this trip could they please contact Peter Brierley, secretary of Batley Royal British Legion on 01924 440832 or mobile 07858 730033.
Opportunity of a lifetime From: John Whelan, Dewsbury Whether you are a Remainer or a Leaver, surely the BBC Two programme ‘Inside Europe’ on Monday night, should have convinced you why it is essential for us to free ourselves from the cloying grip of the intransigent EU. Their myopic view that
their opinion for the future of Europe was all that mattered, was laid open for all to view. The stoic resistance to Cameron’s (although pathetic) appeal for understanding, should underline the fact that the EU cannot be negotiated with, and to remain would see a complete loss of any influence we might be deluded enough to think we have over the future direction of the EU. Surely our ‘Remainer’ MPs should at last wake up to the fact that to get out now before the roof caves in, is the opportunity of a lifetime, literally!
Show them we’ve got guts From: Colin Walshaw, Scholes, Cleckheaton So now you have it! The Remainers in Parliament have spoken, the Caroline Spelman motion to stop a No Deal result was passed, although this is nonbinding it shows that MPs, our own included, are willfully ignoring the directive of the people who voted them into office to do their bidding. They will ultimately reap the wind! Clinging on to the belief that we did not understand
the implications or were bamboozled by the lies of the Leave campaign is both arrogant and insulting. They forget that those of us who voted in the original referendum in 1975 were most definitely directly lied to, in particular by the devious Edward Heath. The vote was to stay in a common market (which we joined without a public vote). This was a trading relationship which made good sense, as Britain was in a mess as a result of Labour mismanagement, and was being described as ‘the sick man of Europe’. No mention of a political amalgamation! It may be also argued that there were also under 18 year-olds who did not have a vote, note that until January 1 1970 the voting age was 21 (and should be again). Doubtless the EU will reject the proposal of the Brady Amendment passed by Parliament on Tuesday night, thus showing their intransigence and forcing us into our own proposal of trading under WTO rules. Bring it on Mrs May, show them Britain has the guts once again.
Editor’s note: Several letters have been held over until next week due to a lack of space.
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News In Brief ‘Dire’ trading forces closure CLECKHEATON: Another shop is quitting the town centre. Gift and homeware store Peppermint Pig has announced its closure following a “dire” start to 2019. The shop opened on Albion Street in July 2008 but owner Germaine Brooke said: “It is with great sadness that I announce that Peppermint Pig is closing down. “After a tough 2018 and a dire start to 2019 and footfall dwindling, I have made this difficult decision. “I would like to thank customers, past and present, for their continued support over the last 10 and half years.”
Oldies’ rugby BATLEY: Older people are being invited to try a “walking rugby” session at Batley Older People’s Centre. It’s part of the First Time For Everything programme, which gives elderly people a chance to get together, try something new and stay active. The class takes place on Tuesday, February 26 (1.303.30pm), with Sharaz Ajmal from the Batley Bulldogs community team leading a gentle passing game suitable for all ages and abilities. A light lunch will be served. Call 01924 446100 to book a place or just turn up on the day.
Bandits talk PROBUS: The next Batley and Dewsbury Probus Club meeting is on Tuesday (February 5). Roy Gunson will give an illustrated talk called “Lampiao – King of the Bandits” at the Batley Older People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street (10am for 10.30). Visitors and potential members are always welcome. For further details, phone 01924 471337.
Friday February 1, 2019
Jack’s next Destination is film premiere at Showcase
Commons plea for hospitals’ smokeban
By Steve Martyn
BATLEY & SPEN MP Tracy Brabin has called for a law banning smoking in hospital grounds. She lodged a Ten Minute Rule bill in the House of Commons, calling for new legislation to back NHS Trusts to create smoke-free environments. It comes after reports from staff and patients at the Mid Yorkshire Trust, which runs Dewsbury and District Hospital, highlighted the impact smoking around entrances and exits is having. Smoking is prohibited in some areas within NHS Trusts but the legislation for hospitals to go fully smoke-free is not in place. Ms Brabin said: “It is clear from my discussions with Mid Yorkshire Trust that the impact of smoking in hospital grounds goes beyond an unpleasant odour at the entrance. “Our hard-working and already underpressure NHS staff are being taken away from their duties to escort patients for a cigarette. “What I’m proposing to the government is not an attempt on my part to deny unwell people the ‘pleasure’ of a cigarette. “I simply want to support our hospitals to make their grounds smoke-free to create a more pleasant, healthier experience for staff, patients and visitors alike.”
AN IRREVERENT comedy film with scenes shot at North Kirklees locations will premiere at Birstall’s Showcase Cinema later this month. Destination Dewsbury, which tells the story of a group of friends travelling to see their terminally-ill friend, will have a gala screening on Saturday, February 23, followed by a London premiere in Leicester Square the next day. Made on a small budget of £150,000, with an average crew age of 21, first-time director Jack Spring shot the film at the end of 2016 at spots around Dewsbury, Batley, Leeds, York and Bradford. Locals were brought on set as film extras and runners. Jack knew of Dewsbury through his love of rugby league. A former season ticket holder at London Broncos, he had previously travelled to see the team take on the Rams. Filming locations in Batley included Bagshaw Museum, the Corner Cafe, Soothill Club, Batley Irish Nash and Batley Cemetery. Destination Dewsbury had an American premiere at the Beverly Hills Film Festival last April. It was then picked up by Showcase Cinemas for screening in the UK and will be released in March. Jack, who also co-wrote the
Jack Spring... his comedy tells the story of friends travelling to see a terminally-ill pal script, said he sees the film as a “middle-aged version of The Inbetweeners. It’s got real heart and strikes a comedic and emotional chord with a huge spectrum of people; it’s a proper laugh-out-loud comedy that touches the heart.” Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin, a former actor, met
with the cast as they filmed locally in September 2016 and reunited with the creative team at a promotional event at Showcase Cinema last Friday. Jack, who was born in London but now spends extensive time in Yorkshire as well as the US, said: “It’s been a really long process, but now it’s all
done and it will be nice to finally share it.” Destination Dewsbury will be screening from Friday, March 1. To book tickets for the Birstall premiere on Saturday, February 23, visit www.showcasecinemas.co.uk. For more information on the film, visit www.destinationdewsbury.com.
‘Dangerous’ dad went on hitting ko’d victim A FATHER-OF-TWO has been locked up for two years after punching a man to the ground and continuing to hit him whilst he was unconscious. Matthew Hunt, 24, of Squirrel Close, Dewsbury, also assaulted two members of staff at Batley’s The Rose of York pub on the same night before going back and attacking his other victim. Leeds Crown Court heard a
brawl had broken out on June 22 last year because a man had said something to Hunt’s girlfriend. Hunt assaulted the male and female staff members when they tried to intervene, picking the woman up and throwing her backwards. He then left on his bike but came back because he’d forgotten his mobile phone.
On his return, a man tried to detain him but Hunt punched him and he fell and hit his head on the pavement. As he lay unconscious, Hunt jumped on him and hit him repeatedly. Hunt admitted charges of unlawful wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and criminal damage. He also has previous convictions of wounding with
intent, possessing an imitation firearm and common assault. Recorder John Thackray said: “It’s clear to me that you are very quick to lose your temper and that when you do you completely lose control and are a dangerous man.” Hunt must spend two-thirds of his jail sentence behind bars and he was also sentenced to a further two years on licence.
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Friday February 1, 2019
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Friday February 1, 2019
Awareness campaign for ‘Clare’s Law’ A SCHEME set up after a Batley woman was murdered by her abusive ex–boyfriend has been highlighted by West Yorkshire Police. The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare’s Law, has been in place in West Yorkshire since 2014. Named after Clare Wood, who was strangled and set on fire by her ex George Appleton in 2009, the campaign urges men and women to use their ‘right to ask’ to check whether their current or ex–partner has a history of domestic abuse. Clare’s father Michael Brown lobbied the government hard in the wake of her death to get the scheme introduced. The number of requests has increased in recent years, but WYP is keen to ensure that all members of the public are aware of their rights. The force’s new focus comes in the same week the government published its draft Domestic Abuse Bill which is aimed at further supporting victims and their families and pursuing offenders. Superintendent Jon Morgan, of WYP’s safeguarding central governance unit, said: “We want people to know that if they have concerns for whatever reason about a romantic partner that there is no shame in making a request under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. All requests are dealt with sensitively with police establishing a safe way to contact the applicant and any disclosure being made in person.” A request for information under Clare’s Law can be made by visiting a police station, phoning 101 or talking to a police officer. More information can be found at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/clareslaw.
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Throughout 2019 local historian Mike Popplewell will be searching through his newspaper collection from the 1920s and 30s for some of the biggest headlines from home and abroad – while also taking a look at stories making the news in our own district. Readers are welcome to provide feedback if any of these features are remembered personally, or you can recall being told them by an earlier generation.
Conditions that did not make headlines HE NEWSPAPERS of the early 1920s frequently carried tales of economic hardships and increased mental health issues amongst the population, particularly in the north, but whilst many of these situations were the result of the Great War, other events seem to have gone unnoticed.
T
I have recently been taking stories from my newspaper collection – but this week I am talking about stories that didn’t make the newspapers at the time. For example, I have found few references as to the impact of either Spanish Flu or the chronic effects of ‘shell shock’ – both of which I personally witnessed 50 years later at the start of my training as a psychiatric nurse. Ten years ago our district featured prominently in the making of a drama, starring Bill Patterson, Mark Gatiss and Kenneth Cranham, about the 1918 outbreak of Spanish Flu in Manchester, with Dewsbury Town Hall providing the setting for many of the scenes. No precise figures are readily available regarding the extent of the infection, and its consequences, in our area but, with an estimated 228,000 deaths making up around 10 per cent of those infected in the UK, we can estimate that there were probably at least two million victims nationwide – with the Heavy Woollen district unlikely to have remained untouched. There were those who completely recovered, but others subsequently became victims of a mysterious condition which was known by the man in the street as ‘Sleeping Sickness’ but medically referred to as Encephalitis Lethargica – a condition commonly believed to be a post–viral syndrome. In 2009 the TV film about the fight to control the disease in Manchester during the 1920’s was particularly interesting to me as I actually nursed one of the victims of the Manchester outbreak in 1928 when working at Parkside Hospital in Macclesfield. The inflammation of the brain resulting from the viral infection had caused my client to develop epilepsy, with an accompanying mood and behavioural disorder, and he needed periodic psychiatric care. But, while that situation was a very rare one the shell shock diagnosis was a little more common amongst the older patients when I started working in Yorkshire in 1970. Shell shock has subsequently been replaced as a diagnosis by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but there were other
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This cartoon, captioned ‘My dream for years to come’, was a hugely insightful contribution to the ‘Bystander’ magazine in 1916, from their WW1 cartoon contributor Capt Bruce Bairnsfather who had himself been hospitalised with shell shock in 1915 wide reaching effects in the First World War, with the conflict stress and dramatic change of lifestyle triggering conditions more psychiatric than psychological, and schizophrenia was among those conditions initially included under the ‘shell shock’ banner. The advances in the understanding and treatment of mental illness have been quite remarkable in the last 100 years, with an increase of smaller psychiatric facilities, like Dewsbury Hospital’s Priestley Unit, replacing the huge 1,500–2,000 bed Victorian Hospitals like Storthes Hall who began life as lunatic asylums. Arguably, many of the instances of suicide or self harm reported in the newspapers during the 1920s might well have been residual psychiatric problems that had resulted from the traumas of the Great War. As recently as the year 2000, having returned to nursing after a 20–year break, I came across another long–lasting health issue while working on the Priestley Unit that was indirectly linked to WW1. I encountered men in their late 80s and early 90s whose challenging behaviour could be traced back to childhood and the loss of their fathers in the war. The sense of loss, often coupled with subse-
quent ill treatment from step–fathers, led to really deep–rooted psychological problems that had lain dormant until the onset of dementia had diminished their capacity to suppress them any longer. One such case was that of a Birkenshaw man whose father had been killed in the fighting at Vimy Ridge. Though immensely proud of the father he lost as a child, he was unable to put behind him the difficulties he experienced with an uncaring, even cruel, step–father as his dementia advanced. This led to him suffering much distress with those recollections. Dementia isn’t just a case of becoming forgetful in respect of recent experiences. There is often difficulty dealing with the emotional effects of distant memories and behaviour is frequently affected by emotional memories – even long after the sufferer can identify the events to which challenging behaviour may relate. It was sad to see such painful events with each client carrying his own private story. But, these are stories that have never filled column inches in any newspaper, whether local, regional or national, and they are never likely to do so.
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By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter
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MILLIONS of pounds are being pumped into fire safety measures in buildings across Kirklees. Schools, children’s homes, offices, older peoples’ homes, libraries and other buildings owned by Kirklees Council will receive new or upgraded fire alarms and emergency lighting systems, fire compartments and fire doors. The £3m programme of work, which has already begun, will run to 2022/23 with an allocation of £1m per annum. The spending, approved almost a year ago, is funded by borrowing with the cost estimated at £189,000 per annum for 20 years. If the council failed to carry out the
work it would lead to some premises being non–compliant and expose the authority to the risk of enforcement action. In outlining the work senior councillor Graham Turner said it followed on from the blaze that devastated Grenfell Tower in London in June 2017 and ensured that the council met its moral and legal obligations in regard to fire safety. “Members will note that some works have already been carried out due to the urgency of the work required and in light of Grenfell,” he said. The council carries out a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) in each of its buildings as part of a periodic review. Its portfolio of buildings is extensive and complex and includes children’s
homes with 24/7 occupancy through to large and small schools, libraries, major office blocks, small changing facilities on playing fields and listed town halls. Fire safety in the council’s housing stock is dealt with separately. Priority in 2018/19 is being given to buildings that contain sleeping accommodation and/or provide a service to vulnerable children and/or adults. Subsequent programmes will target buildings such as multi–storey schools and large office accommodation blocks. Additional works to improve children’s homes – including redecoration, improved dining facilities and, where needed, sensory provision – are also being carried out.
ThePress
Friday February 1, 2019
School rated ‘inadequate’ By Zoe Shackleton A DEWSBURY school that does not have a headteacher in post has been criticised by education bosses. The Branch Christian School was deemed ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted following their recent visit, almost three years after a previous ‘good’ rating. At the time of the official inspection, in November last year, the independent school for boys and girls aged from three to 18 had 22 pupils enrolled. It has been open since 1994 and while it is predominantly a Christian school, it does admit pupils from different faiths. A statement in the Ofsted report said: “At the time of
the inspection, the school did not have a headteacher in post. The school is currently being led by a sub-committee of four members of the board of trustees (the proprietor) and the school’s senior administrator.” The school, based at Dewsbury Gospel Church on West Park Street, was rated ‘inadequate’ in two of the four main categories, and was told it ‘requires improvement’ in quality of teaching, learning and assessment, and outcomes for pupils. Ofsted’s report said: “The trustees have not ensured that the independent school standards are consistently met. Trustees do not effectively check the work of the school. “Leaders do not ensure that safer recruitment proce-
Paula Sherriff, MP for Dewsbury and Mirfield
‘Politically speaking’ So many lessons for us to learn I
STARTED this week at a service of remembrance at Dewsbury Town Hall. It gave me pause to reflect on the need to come together and unite against hate and extremism in all its forms. The Holocaust Memorial Day event was deeply moving, particularly the powerful depiction of The Weeping Sisters, which were created here in Dewsbury. The lessons we can learn from the horrors of the holocaust should be enduring, and down in Westminster, making decisions on the deeply divisive and far-reaching issues that have been thrown up this week, I’ve carried with me the need to reunite as a community and as a country. With the Conservatives voting on Tuesday to let the Prime Minister waste another two weeks until Brexit, and a damaging No Deal still an option, we need to act with determination and respect to find a path that brings us together, and works for communities like ours. I’m not taking any decision on this weighty issue lightly, and, although everyone is understandably fed up with the whole process, it’s too important to just walk away. I’ve resolved to do all I can to prevent a disastrous No Deal. Nobody voted to put their working rights at risk. Or to be left without essential trade and agreements that allow our planes to land and our food and medicines to be regulated. Yet this is not the only important issue worthy of scrutiny, and in
dures are followed. They do not check employment history well enough before staff appointments are made. “The quality of teaching is variable, particularly in subjects taught in the afternoon. Pupils do not have sufficient opportunities to develop their writing and mathematical skills across the curriculum.” However inspectors did say that trustees were “committed and dedicated” to improving the school and that pupils enjoy going to school. To improve the school was told it must ensure the independent school standards are met and provide wider opportunities for pupils to develop, among other targets. The Branch Christian School did not respond to our request for a comment.
Thiu’s training hard for Iron Man Challenge CLECKHEATON RUFC coach Thiu Barnard is heading back to his native South Africa to take part in a gruelling Iron Man Challenge. The 34-year-old rugby player and coach has signed up for the mammoth task – which includes a 2.4-mile swim, 118-mile bike ride and a 26-mile
marathon run – to fulfil the wishes of his late grandmother and to raise money for Cleckheaton charity Sapper Support. And it’ll be even tougher for Thiu, because he has only given himself three months to train for the event. Thiu said: “The last time
I went home to Port Elizabeth my gran told me she wanted me to complete an Iron Man. “She died two days later and I’m going to complete it in her memory.” Sapper Support, based in an office above the Hub26 gym on Hunsworth Lane, provides support for ex-ser-
vicemen and women suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues. Thiu has raised over £400 of his £3,000 target and anyone wishing to donate can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundrai sing/ironman-sappersupport.
Parliament I’ve raised other issues that have been slipping under the radar, like the impact of staffing shortages affecting our NHS. I’ve tackled the appalling performance of rail operating companies in our region, and raised wider concerns about our public transport network. Funding for our bus services has been halved in the past eight years. We’ve seen the impact – cuts have meant routes being altered or withdrawn completely – and local people often tell me of the difficulties they face in accessing much needed services. The impact of failed deregulation is that fares have risen and passenger numbers have fallen by over a third. But our bus services continue to play an important role in our communities and are relied on by many otherwise isolated older people. They’re vital for our economy, to get people into work, school and access essential services.
The same story is being told across the country. It's time for our bus services to be regulated locally, so that the fares, routes and timetables serve our communities first, ahead of the interests of private profit. This week we’ve also seen analysis published by the Centre for Cities that, unsurprisingly, shows austerity has hit northern communities hardest. Social isolation, poverty and a lack of opportunity are all things that have been exacerbated by cuts and austerity, and contribute to a feeling of social exclusion and marginalisation that cannot and should not be disregarded. If we want to bring people together in this time of division and uncertainty, we need to tackle deprivation and decline. I’ll keep fighting for the best for Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton. As always, if there’s anything I can do to help you or your family, on these or any other issues, please don’t hesitate to contact me by emailing paula@paulasherriff.org.uk, calling my office on 01924 565450 or writing to Paula Sherriff MP, The Old Dewsbury Reporter Building, 17 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HQ.
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Friday February 1, 2019
‘Use Coke can CCTV cameras to nab tippers’
News In Brief Bells toll for lost soldier DEWSBURY: Bell-ringers at the Minster are holding a special service next week to mark the centenary of the death of a Dewsbury soldier. Private Lewis Harold Lumb, a former bell-ringer from Earlsheaton, died of pneumonia on February 4, 1919, aged 35, having served in the Royal Army Service Corps. A quarter peal of bells will be rung in his memory at 12.15pm on Monday before ‘Ringing Remembers’ recruits ring together at 6.30pm to mark the end of local World War One commemorations. ‘Ringing Remembers’ is a campaign to recruit new bell-ringers to replace the 1,400 who died during the First World War. There are now 2,792 ringers who are part of the project. Everyone is welcome to attend the two events.
By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter
Band concert BIRSTALL: The Hammonds Saltaire Band is performing at St Saviour’s Church on Brookroyd Lane later this month. Admission to the concert on Saturday, February 16 (7.30pm) is £8. Tickets can be bought on the door, or in advance by calling Sue Edwards on 01924 477635.
Coun David Sheard wants to collar fly-tippers by concealing cameras in Coca Cola cans
FLY-TIPPERS could be caught by the use of cameras hidden inside Coca Cola cans. That’s the opinion of a veteran councillor who says covert surveillance might be the answer to halting the scourge of fly-tipping across Kirklees. The council already employs CCTV throughout the borough and has used footage to help secure a prosecution. But it does not use CCTV covertly. The notion of using covert cameras to target fly-tippers was raised during a debate on the Council’s use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), which sets out how and when a local authority can engage in covert surveillance. The act regulates directed surveillance, the use of covert human intelligence and the obtaining of communications data. In Kirklees, no RIPA authorisations have been granted during the last 12 months. Coun David Sheard (Lab, Heckmondwike) suggested that RIPA guidelines were too restrictive and that councils such as Kirklees should be free to install hidden cameras at fly-tipping hotspots. “It’s my belief that we should use all methods we can to stamp out fly-tipping,” he said.
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“At one stage we bought some Coca Cola cans that had CCTV cameras in them that allowed us to film on sites. “So we have methods that we can use but this policy means we can’t. We ought to be reviewing that.” Coun Sheard has previously expressed his frustration at the growing toll of fly-tipping in Kirklees, which annually costs the council around £200,000 to clear illegally-dumped waste. Latest figures revealed there were 4,145 incidents of fly-tipping recorded in the borough in 2017-18. The Council took some action – be it conducting an investigation, sending out warning letters at £33 a time, doling out fines or prosecuting someone – on 1,214 occasions. Assuming that one action relates to a single incident of rubbish dumping, the conclusion is that at least 71 per cent of fly-tipping incidents go unpunished. At the same time, the Council prosecuted just four people. Similarly, only 31 fixed penalty notices, which do not come with a criminal conviction, were issued, just four of which had been paid at the time the data was released. Overall, the Council did manage to collect £150 in fines over the course of the year. The Council works with partners such as West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Trading Standards to share its CCTV capability. Information can be provided to the police following a formal request.
Snake found in Spen LIVERSEDGE: RSPCA officials rescued a snake which was discovered in the car park of Spenborough Leisure Centre on Friday morning. Staff at the Liversedge complex spotted the yellow corn snake next to a skip and called the RSPCA for help. RSPCA inspector Paula Clemence said: “When I arrived at the sports complex the worried staff told me that they found the snake almost motionless and had contained it in a box. “Having rescued similar snakes in the past I knew this was a corn snake. “The poor animal was very lethargic and cold and appeared to be quite underweight. She is now being looked after by local reptile experts Reptilia who have named her Ruby, and we are hoping to reunite her with her owner. “If anyone has any information about this corn snake, please do contact us via the RSPCA Appeals Line on 0300 123 8018.”
Digger driver’s narrow escape A RAILWAY worker had a narrow escape after his digger nearly toppled into the Calder and Hebble Navigation canal on Monday. Network Rail is currently working to strengthen two bridges on the line between Dewsbury and Ravensthorpe and the digger was helping to construct an access road close to the water when it got into difficulty. A Network Rail spokesman said: “Work on this project began on January 14. “On Monday there was an incident where a digger overturned. Thankfully, the driver was not injured. “Network Rail takes safety incidents such as this extremely seriously and an internal investigation is taking place.”
Parents of pre-school children missing out on free childcare KIRKLEES Council officials are urging families to apply for free childcare. They want more families to benefit from the 30 hours of free childcare to which some working parents are entitled. All three- and- four-year-old children have been eligible for 15 hours of free learning and childcare during school term time for a number of years. More recently, the entitlement has been extended to some two-year-olds – if their parents receive certain benefits or are on a low income. In September 2017, the ‘30 hours free childcare’ scheme was launched, entitling some
working parents of three- andfour-year-old children to an additional 15 hours of free childcare. More than 3,000 families benefited from 30 hours of free childcare in summer last year. The free early learning and childcare entitlements can also be used with other schemes such as tax-free childcare, universal credits or tax credits. Coun Masood Ahmed, the Council’s cabinet member for learning and aspiration, said: “I understand all too well that any help to ease the pressures of juggling work and paying for childcare is an entitlement
that families really should be taking advantage of. “I would urge anyone with two-, three-, or four-year-olds to find out more about free childcare – there are a number of different options because all working families are not in the same situation. “We want all children and families to benefit and get the financial help and free learning they are entitled to.” For more information, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk, www.kirklees.gov.uk/free childcare, or www.gov.uk/ apply-30-hours-free-childcare, or email fis@kirklees.gov.uk for help and advice.
ThePress
Friday February 1, 2019
Fall in waiting times for autism assessments By Tony Earnshaw Local democracy reporter WAITING times for autism assessments in Kirklees have dropped “markedly” over the last four years. Health officials say the borough’s waiting times – currently at 11 months – are the lowest in the region. In 2015 the borough’s record was far worse, with waiting times of up to fourand-a-half years for an assessment for autism spectrum disorder. Managers say they are confident they can reduce times further, with a target of six months in mind. Reporting to a meeting of Kirklees Council’s Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel in Huddersfield Town Hall, Tom Brailsford, joint commissioning manager for Kirklees Council, NHS North Kirklees CCG and Greater Huddersfield CCG, said the news was positive. Mr Brailsford added that the findings of an inquiry into Children’s and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) by the Health Select Committee were “quite damning”, with experts describing a national picture of services with inadequate data, reductions in funding and growing demand. As a result, Kirklees drew up its “Future in Mind” transformation plan with ambitions for culture change over five years. “As part of the plan we included
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autism in that, although there wasn’t a national requirement to do that initially. We felt that it was such a problem that (it was important) that we did,” Mr Brailsford said. “In 2015, waiting times in Kirklees were around four-and-a-half years. Currently they’re around 11 months, which is a real achievement but is still too long for a lot of children and families.” Last week the CCG allocated a further £100,000 to help tackle waiting times in Kirklees in a bid to reduce them to six months. Guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advocate no more than three months for autism wait times. Comments from parents and families of those with autism were included within the “Future in Mind” plan and were often negative. They included: “My child has been on a waiting list for eight months with no sign of him seeing anyone face to face”... and “Waiting times are horrific...we waited five months for an emergency appointment following my son’s threatened suicide.” Mr Brailsford said referrals were up from around 10 or 11 a month in 2015 to almost double that. Coun Lisa Holmes (Con, Liversedge and Gomersal) said: “Families shouldn’t be put off by thinking they’re going to have to wait a year, that it’s pointless. Really, it’s not pointless. A lot can happen while they’re sat on that waiting list.”
MP sets up chance to quiz railway top brass
Claire and her family in holiday heaven A HECKMONDWIKE family is busy choosing the perfect holiday destination, thanks to a competition in The Press. Claire Moir, 38, of White Lee Side, won a £500 Jet2 Holidays voucher, courtesy of Total Travel, after being drawn out randomly from almost 300 correct entries in our giveaway competition. Mrs Moir, pictured left, met Total Travel director Katie Battye at the firm’s store on Northgate in Heckmondwike to pick up her prize. Her two sons, aged eight and three, are thinking hard where they want to go on their next getaway! Thank you to everyone who took part.
BATLEY & SPEN MP Tracy Brabin has secured a public meeting with senior representatives of TransPennine Express following “months of unacceptable service” in North Kirklees. She wrote to the chief executive of the rail company after several constituents contacted her when the service from Batley to Manchester was removed from schedules without warning. Ms Brabin said: “I am very pleased TransPennine have accepted my invitation to Batley to engage with those who are reliant on its services. “This meeting will give my constituents, many of whom have had a torrid time on our rail network over the past eight months, the opportunity to air their concerns and ask questions of the operator. “While I understand that the buck stops with the government for much of what we’ve had to endure, I know there are commuters who would welcome the opportunity to have an open dialogue with TransPennine.” According to independent website OnTimeTrains, Batley station is in the bottom 100 stations for performance in the UK, with only eight per cent of trains running on time. The public meeting will take place between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, February 23, at the Older People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street in Batley.
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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.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2 AROUND & ABOUT AGAIN Meet at 11am at Mirfield Library car park (WF14 8AN, SE203197) 7 miles – moderate Contact: Noel 07780 328561
Relax and get creative ENJOY writing? Enjoy the great outdoors? Then the perfect place to be is Oakwell Hall Country Park on Sunday March 17. Les Hughes, a former journalist and lecturer at Leeds University, is running a creative writing session that will use the country park and its gardens as inspiration to put pen to paper. “I'll try to get folks to find ideas, moods and keywords sparked by being outside in the wonderful setting of Oakwell Hall Park and gardens and weave them into prose or poetry. “Whether we work as a group or individuals will depend on levels of skill, confidence and experience,” explained Les. The creative writing will be in a relaxed setting around a campfire. Participants are asked to bring a notepad and pen to write down their thoughts. The session will be from 2pm to 4pm and costs £5 per person. Then, the following week, Les Hughes is also offering an opportunity to find out more about the popular activity of tai chi with an introduction session at Oakwell on Sunday March 24. Tai chi was originally developed as a martial art in 13th century China but is now practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise suitable for all ages. Oakwell’s two-hour session is being run by tai chi practitioner Les Hughes who will introduce participants to the philosophy of tai chi, some basic exercises and meditation before moving onto the 24-movement Yang style of tai chi. The session will be from 10am to 12noon on the rear lawn of Oakwell Hall. The cost is £5 per person. Places must be booked in advance at the Visitor Centre shop or by calling 01924 324761. The Visitor Centre shop is open Wednesdays to Sundays 10am-4pm and Tuesdays during school holidays.
Batley’s new Ref! A NEW play inspired by the true story of Julia Lee, who survived and thrived against the odds to become one of the first women to referee men’s rugby league, comes to Batley’s Mount Pleasant ground next week. ‘Ref!’, produced by arts and social change charity Space2, is a fictionalised account of Huddersfield-based Julia’s life, written by playwright Sarah Jane Dickenson. It follows the story of a girl called Alex as she tackles the status quo in order to prove that she is as good as, if not better than, the men she works alongside. The play is part of a larger project called ‘Crossing the Line’ which aims to uncover and share the stories of women connected to rugby league. The project will work in partnership with RL clubs and foundations in Hull and West Yorkshire, taking the theatre performance and interactive community workshops into the community. Dawn Fuller, strategic director of Space2, said: “The performances of Ref! are a catalyst for meeting and chatting with women who’ve been involved with rugby league in Hull, Batley, Castleford and Featherstone over decades, bring their rugby league stories to the wider community and support positive development with local women.” Julia, who recently became the first woman to receive the Lord Lofthouse Award for services to rugby league, is quietly proud that her story will
finally be told. “I’m excited because it enables me to use my own experiences to support other women to build their confidence and skills to overcome barriers to succeed,” she said. I’m not just a survivor – I thrive on what I do and I want them to as well.” Julia retired in 2000 due to a back injury and became a director of community projects and events for rugby league in 2012. She eventually managed to bring about changes that she could only have dreamed about as a young woman. “Telling my story will allow me to reach out to women who still experience discrimination in their everyday lives, and help them realise that they are in control and can realise their true potential,” she said. The play will be linked to workshops where members of the public will be encouraged to bring along stories and memorabilia relating to rugby league. All the stories and memories that people share will be part of a wider collection of artefacts and archives at Heritage Quay and the National Rugby League Museum due to open in Bradford in 2021. ‘Ref!’ is suitable for ages 15 and above and will be performed at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium on Friday February 8 at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 in advance or £7 on the door – go to www.csi2012.co.uk/ bookings.
START the new year with a swing at Millbridge WMC, with music from Eddie Martell and the Ronnie Bottomley Quartet on the third Tuesday of every month. You can listen and dance to songs from the swing era and the Great American Songbook. The music at Millbridge club, on Bennett Street in Liversedge, starts at 8.15pm and admission is £3.50. Call 01924 402696 for more details.
Chances to enjoy JOIN the Royal Voluntary Service’s Over 50s Conversation, Coffee and Cake group at The Butterfly House, at the top of Wilton Park, Batley on the first Monday of every month, from 10.30am to 12pm. The session is free. You can also get active with the Over 50s Movement and Games group (followed by tea and biscuits) every Friday, from 10.30am until 12pm at Birstall Community Centre (below Birstall Library) on Market Street. The cost is £3 per session. Batley Older People’s Centre also has a number of activities planned next week. On Monday (February 4), there is the popular Movement and Games group at the centre on Upper Commercial Street (10.30am-noon). And on Thursday, the Lunch Club meets from 11.30pm to 1pm – prebooking is essential. For details on any activities call 01924 446100.
A hymn & a prayer
Seventy-year celebration for Parish panto stars MIRFIELD-BORN actor Sir Patrick Stewart has sent his best wishes to the Mirfield Team Parish pantomime who are celebrating 70 years of productions this year. Sir Patrick used to perform with the pantomime team alongside his brother Trevor before going to drama school in 1957. And although he won’t be a part of next week’s performance of Aladdin, he congratulated the team for their unbroken 70-year run. He said: “It makes me very happy to wish the Mirfield panto happy birthday and congratulations on an unbroken 70-year run. “I am not sure that I was in
MONDAY FEBRUARY 4 OAKWELL COUNTRY PARK Meet at 1pm at Oakwell Hall top car park No dogs please Contact: Kathleen 01924 471473 kathleenoshea5@aol.com
SPEN Valley Historical Society’s next meeting is on Wednesday February 13, 2019, when John Lyte will give a talk on the hymn Abide With Me, by Henry Francis Lyte. 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.
Choice of two walks
number one, although I very well could have been. “I am grateful to Mr Wood who organised the early pantomimes and played the piano. He set my feet on the path, which at 78 I am still excitedly following. I am often amazed and disbelieving when I look back at my career, particularly as it still seems to be flourishing. “I have three films to be released over the next six months or so and in April I begin filming a new Star Trek series in Los Angeles. “It all seems a long way
from Dick Whittington but without Dick, Aladdin and company, I would never be where I am today.” The show at St Mary’s Church Hall in Mirfield runs from Wednesday February 6 to Saturday February 9. Tickets are sold out for the show on the Friday, but it’s £4 per ticket on Wednesday (7.15pm), and then £6 for adults and £4 for concessions on Thursday (7.15pm) and Saturday (1pm and 5.30pm). Tickets are available from Julia Wilding on 07973 745510 or jwilding17@sky.com.
RAMBLERS: The Dewsbury and District Rambling Club have two walks scheduled this week. On Wednesday, join walkers on a ramble through Spofforth and Sicklinghall led by Brian Doyle. Meet at Castle Street at 10.30am. Then on Sunday there’s a walk in Silsden, meeting Stuart Gledhill at the Wellington Road car park at 9am. Last Wednesday a group of 20 ramblers walked through Fairburn Ings and Ledsham.
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Nigel Smith (second from right) with other winners at the Pride in the Job Awards
Small is best for Nigel
Race will close roads By Steve Martyn MOTORISTS face disruption when the Dewsbury 10k road race hot-foots into town this Sunday. A record 2,200 runners have entered this year’s event, which makes its way through Dewsbury, Batley and Birstall. The race, organised by Dewsbury Road Runners, starts at 9am and passes from Dewsbury Ring Road, along Bradford Road to Birstall Smithies and back.
The first runners will finish at about 9.30am and the last ones at approximately 10.30am. Bradford Road will be closed to vehicles between Birstall Smithies and Dewsbury for the duration of the event. Drivers are advised to plan ahead to avoid routes which either cross or use the main road into Batley and Birstall. Road closures also mean there’ll be a disruption to bus services, and commuters are
asked to double check before making their journey. The following roads will be closed: Dewsbury Ring Road, both directions between Halifax Road and Leeds Road (7am-12pm). Bradford Road, between Dewsbury Ring Road and the A62 (8.15am-10.30am). Cliffe Street slip road, from Dewsbury Ring Road to Crackenedge Lane (7am-12pm). Greaves Road, for its full
length (7am-12pm). Wood Street, for its full length (7am-12pm). Long delays are expected all along Bradford Road, particularly at the Town Street/Jack Lane junction, the Rouse Mill Lane junction, the Hick Lane junction, the Stocks Lane/Batley Field Hill junction and the Carlinghow Lane/Centenary Way junction. The outward and inward streams of runners can cause delays for as long as 40 minutes.
MIRFIELD builder Nigel Smith has been rewarded for his work on the town’s St Paul’s Lock development. Nigel, of Darren Smith Homes, was crowned Supreme Award winner in the small builder category at the National House Building Council’s Pride in the Job Awards. It’s the second year in a row he has won the top title – this time for “his disciplined approach to this complex scheme”. He was handed the award by television personality Paddy McGuinness at a blacktie event in London on Friday night. Steve Wood, NHBC chief executive, said: “The site manager’s job is a very important one and undoubtedly one of the toughest and challenging in the entire industry. “Congratulations to Nigel, this accolade is thoroughly deserved.”
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Friday February 1, 2018
Option 1
Option 2
Help shopping park choose a new look By Steve Martyn
Option 3
TV TALENT shows aren’t the only thing that the people of North Kirklees are going to be able to vote on this winter. Birstall Shopping Park is changing – and the power is with the people. The shopping destination will be getting a new brand, and shoppers can vote for their favourite that they’ll see across the park’s signage, website and social media. Everyone that votes will be in with a chance of winning one of four annual passes to Eureka, the National Children’s Museum in Halifax, or one of five £50 vouchers to spend at the shopping park.
A NEW event planning business founded by young entrepreneurs is aiming for the top.
with Andrew Firth Welcome to the latest edition of Web Talk, helping Kirklees website owners to prosper online
Your data security must be paramount W
you on a monthly basis at a minimum, if not speak with them because if a website gets hacked it can lead to a data breach, and data breaches can incur huge fines from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). GDPR The General Data Protection Regulations have been in force for over nine months and in that time we’ve seen some whopping fines being dished out. You can see the action that the ICO has taken here: https://ico.org.uk/action-wevetaken. We’re still seeing many examples (not our clients) of businesses flouting the GDPR rules. Emailing people without consent, sharing information with third parties, not making website visitors aware of your privacy policy are all examples that can land businesses with hefty fines with the ICO. Uber were recently fined nearly £400k for not protecting customer data following a cyber-attack and there are many other examples of smaller firms getting fines that put
have a distinct connection to Birstall. “One plays on our unique location and proximity to Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and Wakefield. “Another pays homage to a scientific discovery made in the area and another is all about pride that people have about being from Yorkshire.” To take part head to www.birstallshoppingpark.co.uk/vote where the voting is now live and remains open until Thursday February 28, giving everyone plenty of time to take part. “I’m sure we’ll get a great response and I’m looking forward to seeing which of the three designs is chosen to be our new brand,” added Simon.
Young entrepreneurs have an eventful start planned
Web TALK
E’RE A MONTH into the New Year, and Monday was Data Protection Day. A day to raise awareness of cyber security, privacy and all things data. Do you process your clients’ data carefully, are you careful with your own data? Website security I’ve been banging on for ages about the importance of HTTPS – this is the security certificate that encrypts the data that is passed to and from a website. If you own a website that is still not secure then it really is time to get it sorted, it’s inexpensive and it will give more customer confidence, improve your professionalism and you’ll fair better in the search engines. If you are on a website that says ‘Not Secure’ next to the domain name then the website really shouldn’t be trusted, please don’t submit your data to it. Are you keeping your website software up to date? WordPress in particular is constantly becoming vulnerable – your website developer should be updating the website for
Whilst the name will be staying the same, each potential new logo has its own unique look, feel and story behind it, from playing on the location of Birstall, to the history of the area and to the passion of locals for its Yorkshire setting. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of West Yorkshire to tell us what they think the new brand of the park should be,” said Birstall Shopping Park facilities manager Simon Burgin. “We really value all of the feedback we get in relation to the park from visitors and this is a great way for them to play a part in deciding how the park should look and feel in the long term. “We’ve chosen our final three logos that all
the business into administration. If you receive communications from a business that you had not agreed to then you have the right to submit a subject access request and be provided with the details of what data the business holds on you, when it was obtained, and you have the right for it to be deleted. We believe every day should be data protection day because the cyber threat is everywhere in our information age. As a consumer be vigilant, as a business be really careful to protect your website and your customers data because not doing so can result in business-ending fines! • To read more on this and other subjects, please visit the blog at www.ascensor.co.uk/blog. For more information contact andrew@ascensor.co.uk Twitter: @andrewjfirth Connect on LinkedIn: andrewjfirth Ascensor are a digital agency providing website design, ecommerce and digital marketing.
Mirfield-based EJ Events was launched in October 2018 by Joseph Taylor and Elliott Rayne to organise bespoke events – and the entire team is aged under 20. Former Mirfield Free Grammar student Joseph, 19, linked up with friend and St John Fisher old boy Elliott, also 19 to offer ‘end to end elegance’ at their events and also provide opportunities for other young entrepreneurs. They’ve hired two 16-yearold aspiring North Kirklees videographers and marketers, Sam Teale and Niall Kelly. The business also employs six affiliates, all local, that assist with marketing and ticket sales. And last night (Thurs) one of their first major events, a cocktail masterclass at Artisan bar in Mirfield town centre, sold out. “We hope to run events all around the UK,” said Joseph. “What makes us different is our agility, eye for premium touches and our age.” EJ Events is building relationships with local businesses and suppliers to help organise birthday celebrations and anniversaries, student events, club nights and corporate functions. “Some people may question our ability and our age,” said Elliott. “We see this as a selling point. “We are versatile and together we support each other. “We would love to connect
Elliott Rayne (left) and Joe Taylor (right) have big plans for their events firm local businesses through networking events.” In the future, the cofounders hope to offer support and mentorships to young entrepreneurs that want a kick-start in business in the district. The duo want to share their experience and knowledge with entrepreneurs that are following their own dreams. Launched in Oct. 2018, EJ Events isn’t the first foray into the entrepreneurial arena for Joseph. He operated a small clothing company at the age of 13 and passed on an opportunity to attend the University of Newcastle in favour of following his business dreams.
After meeting entrepreneurs including Karen Brady and Deborah Meaden, he was determined to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. He also went to Tanzania to coach football and volunteer from September to November last year. “My big dream is to expand my business experience, give back to the Tanzanian community I served and most importantly, I want to inspire other young entrepreneurs to follow their passions and dreams,” he said. For more information visit www.ejeventsuk.co.uk or connect with EJ Events on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.
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into cash £££s 1) Ring Angela on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge). 3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment. ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. (We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in Marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296. NEW Sofa bed, 12 months old. Bought from Harveys. Bed never been slept on. £250 ono. Tel 01274 864483 (leave a message) (2348) Eden Mobility scooter, red with chrome bumper. Anti tip wheels, swivel seat for easy getting on/off. Battery replaced 2018 but little used. Excellent condition. Cost over £1,500, will accept £650. Tel 01274 871098. (2349) BABY/CHILDREN’S GOODS Britax Maxi Cosi child’s car seat. Suit child 6 months to 4 years. Good condition, £6. Tel 01924 477178. (2329) DIY Mono super 140watt stick welder plus some rods, £30 ono. Tel 01924 430088. (2343) Metal tool box, red with keys. Four drawers. Full of engineering tools, £110 ono. Tel 01924 430088. (2343) ELECTRICAL Dyson DC33 Vacuum. Very good condition, £25. Tel
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down in thrilling contest Slazenger Men’s 1st 5-7 City of York 2nd IN-FORM Slazenger travelled away to York, who were sitting comfortably mid-table. A bright start from Slaz led to a goal from some quick passing in midfield, with Jimmy Swinden breaking through the York defence and lifting beyond the keeper. York woke up and hit back straight away with a well-worked team goal, but Slaz heads were held high and some great attacking play down the wing from Dan Perry won two short corners for Slazenger’s, effortlessly tucked away by Tuddenham. After failing to maintain possession under pressure York hit back and within a blink of an eye Slaz were 4-3 down at the break after a great solo goal from the York attacker along with two well-worked team goals. Slaz started the second half brightly, maintaining possession and threatening the York goal, but a hamstring injury to Harry Gunning led to a loss of shape in midfield and York scored three goals in quick succession, which Slazenger were disappointed to concede. However, after rebuilding some shape with Matthew Chilton moving into midfield, Slazenger looked threatening again and pulled a goal back courtesy of Chris Gascgoine. The green army threw attack after attack, but it was little too late and the York defence had cemented itself to see the game out. The man of the match award went to Mark Swinden, who impressed in central midfield.
Men’s 2nd 8-1 Sheffield Uni Bankers 6th SLAZENGER started at a steady pace and gradually gained a foothold in the game, with Asad Baig opened the scoring with the first of his hat-trick, followed quickly by Ted Richardson netting a neat drag flick. Ian Hedges wrapped up the third from a welltimed Ben Jackson cross. Man of the match Jackson continued to have the run of his man on the right wing, netting the fourth and setting up two more; both Richardson and Baig’s second goals. Mark Hammond rippled the roof of the net with a well taken open stick strike, and Baig completed his hat-trick tally with the final goal of the match. Men’s 3rd 2-2 Sheffield Uni Bankers 5th THE GAME was evenly matched early in the first half. Slaz were unfortunate to concede a short corner against the run of play after around 15 minutes – thanks to a deflection – but the reverse stick of Slaz’s silver-haired striker Tim Carr was on hand to tap home a Andy Fisher cross and level just before half-time. Sheffield started the second half with wave after wave of attacks, and they were rewarded from one of these when, after multiple saves by Harry Buttery, the ball was finally stroked in. However, Slaz showed great character to respond, and the experienced Mark Swallow executed a perfect flick, launching the ball just millimeters below the bar and above the waving hand of the Sheffield keeper.
Men’s 4th 1-7 Leeds 8th SLAZENGER played at home on Saturday with a last-minute side strung together team due to injuries and unavailability of players, and it told as they suffered a heavy defeat. Leeds were kept to 2-0 at the break, but the second half was a constant struggle as Leeds proved too organised and the goals came thick and fast. Pete Gunning did score a consolation goal for Slaz. Men’s 5th 0-4 Wakefield 7th THIS WAS a moral victory for the 5th team, who were drubbed 9-0 earlier in the season by their local rivals. Ladies’ 1st 2-6 Kingston Upon Hull 1st THE LADIES first team were beaten 62 at Hull, with Frankie Tyrell and Lisa Minchella the Slaz scorers. Ladies’ 2nd 3-2 Colne Valley 1st SLAZENGER 2nd’s game against Colne Valley was equally matched. Slaz deservedly led 2-0 at the break, although Colne Valley fought back in the second half, twice reducing the deficit down to one. Ladies’ 3rd 0-5 Sheffield Hallam 4th THE THIRD team started off strongly, but couldn’t convert a chance in the first half and saw a late goal put them behind at the break. After half-time they met a more determined Hallam side with an early goal scored off a Slazenger foot, and more followed to complete the win.
RACING PREVIEW WITH MIKE SMITH
Sporting eyes all on Dublin T
HERE’S top-class racing wherever you look this weekend but many a canny eye will be cast over the star-studded Dublin Racing Festival. This is the second of two mega meetings in the space of six weeks at Leopardstown. Money talks, and when you stage seven Grade 1’s worth over 1.5 million euros in prize money the big guns come a calling. Eight of the Emerald Isle’s Cheltenham winners in 2018 ran at this meeting last year and three did the double, so the likes of MIN, APPLES JADE and ALBOOM PHOTO will be closely watched. Willie Mullins holds all the cards tomorrow (Saturday) in the Grade 1 Chase at 1.25 where MIN, who is 6/4 with Carrigill’s and their weekend nap, could just be too good for stablemate FOOTPAD. Last year’s top Festival trainer Gordon Elliott also fields a strong hand with BATTLOVERDOYEN well fancied in the opener before APPLES JADE goes in the Irish Champion Hurdle at 3.10. APPLES JADE will typically like on the pressure from the front which might play right into the hands of strong traveller MELON who I’m taking to upset the apple cart. It’s no surprise to see KEMBOY sit atop the betting in Sunday’s Irish Gold Cup (3.35) after that sevenlength triumph at Christmas. I, however, still have my doubts as to whether he genuinely is a top-class stayer and Willie Mullins’ charge won’t be allowed to dictate the race this time around. Gigginstown will be out for revenge and they will try to put the
favourite off his game, leaving the door open for ROAD TO RESPECT (11/4 Carrigill’s) – who, for me, remains the best staying-chaser in Ireland today – to pick up the pieces and win. On this side of the Irish Sea Sandown Park’s Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase has attracted some really smart types as VINDICATION bids to remain unbeaten. VINDICATION never wins by a wide margin, with a four-length triumph in a novices’ hurdle the widest victory he’s ever recorded. The form figures alone suggest his performances are workmanlike, but David Bass has never had to ask the sixyear-old any serious questions. His trainer describes him as “bone idle” and there are clearly a couple more
gears that this talented chaser has never had to search for. Kim Bailey’s charge faces stiff opposition from LOSTINTRANSLATION and OK CORRAL who is looking to give Nicky Henderson his sixth win in this race in the last 10 encounters. And this race looks to be the perfect stepping stone for Colin Tizzard’s LOSTINTRANSLATION. Connections feel the seven-yearold gelding could develop into a Gold Cup horse in time – despite the fact that he’s never raced on a left-handed track – and he looks to be heading to the JLT in March. He showed great determination in overhauling Defi Du Seuil at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day when winning the Dipper and is reportedly ripping it up at home. Phil Kirby’s stable star Lady Buttons posted a Grade 2 win at Doncaster last Saturday and another win in his home county is on the cards at Wetherby tomorrow if the meeting survives the cold snap. The in-form Middleham handler saddles TOP VILLE BEN in the Towton Novices Chase. He hacked up by 46 lengths over this course and distance over Christmas and can follow up. Always highly regarded during his time at Seven Barrows with Henderson, he’s really come on with Kirby and has adapted to fences extremely well for a horse who tumbled three times over hurdles.
CARRIGILL’S NAP: (money back as a free bet if finishes outside top 4): MIN, Saturday, Leopardstown, 1.25. AUGUR’S BEST BET: TOP VILLE BEN, Saturday, Wetherby, 2.40.
ThePress
Friday February 1, 2019
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FOOTBALL
start brings Five-star showing Rapid reward for Sedge despite early red NCEL Premier Division
BOTTESFORD TOWN LIVERSEDGE FC
Evo-Stik East Division
GRESLEY OSSETT UNITED
THREE GOALS in the opening 26 minutes were enough to see Liversedge claim the three points away at Bottesford Town, despite the hosts’ valiant comeback attempts. Sedge took the lead inside 60 seconds, with Kevy Tarangadzo netting to give
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OSSETT UNITED got back to winning ways in style, thrashing Gresley despite playing more than half of the game with 10 men. They were one goal up already when captain Alex McQuade was controversially dismissed, but their reduced ranks still produced a superb performance with Adam Priestley scoring a hattrick and Tom Corner registering a brace. United manager Andy Welsh saw the performance as a triumph in adversity, claiming that “it was one of those days where I think everything was against us.” He added: “The sending off of Alex McQuade should never have been sending off. Coming across, the guy has tripped him and it’s just a natural reaction. “I think for me there, the ref should have had more of a look at it, rather than just brandishing the red card straight away.” That came on 37 minutes, when United were already in front thanks to Priestley’s opening goal just before the half-hour mark. Tom Greaves had been denied on the break by a good save before that opener, in which a ball in behind confused the defenders as they all left the ball and Priestley was allowed to smash the ball in. Then came the red card. Curvin Ellis, one of seven players making their Gresley debuts, was running towards goal when McQuade tumbled over and handled the ball in the process, with the referee having no doubt that it was deliberate and sending him for an early shower. Despite that setback, United strengthened their lead just before the break when Priestley fired a low free kick past the wall and into the bottom corner. Just seven minutes into the second period, the
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them the best possible start following the previous week’s 4-2 defeat at Maltby Main. Rhys Davies and Emile Sinclair both netted in that game, and both did so again within seven minutes of each other in Bottesford as the visitors approached the halfhour mark in a brilliant position. The home side, who are chasing a play-off place in the NCEL Premier Division, weren’t going to lie down all
game, and they got a goal back before half-time when Jack McMenemy scored from the penalty spot after having to retake his kick. McMenemy then scored again mid-way through the second half, setting up a tense finish as the home side looked for an equaliser. Liversedge were able to hold on though, claiming three points which lifted them up a place in the league table to 14th. They host Bridlington Town tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) at Clayborn and will expect a considerably better result than in the reverse fixture in November, when the East Yorkshire side ran out as 10-0 winners.
HEAVY WOOLLEN FOOTBALL
High-scoring ties in Heavy Woollen Cup quarter-finals HAT-TRICK HERO: Ossett United’s Adam Priestley Gibraltar international claimed his hat-trick, this time heading in at the back post from a cross to put his side 3-0 in front. Gresley did start to grow in the contest, forcing a couple of saves from the otherwise unbothered Brett Souter in the away goal. Greaves should have made it 4-0 when he set himself up perfectly by beating two defenders, but he could only put his effort wide of the post. The fourth goal did come seven minutes later though, in embarrassing fashion for Gresley goalkeeper Oliver Fairbrother. Corner’s strike from distance looked to have been denied by the stopper, but the ball still managed to sneak over him and end up in the back of the net. The striker then added his second of the game in injury time, completing a comprehensive victory on an afternoon where Welsh felt every one of his players had performed. “You’re talking about two
PHOTO: John Hirst
young lads coming out of the academy, and Myles Foley did very well,” he said. “We’ve got young Myron (Gibbons) on the bench from Doncaster trying to learn, but you’re also looking at Marko Basic, a young lad who’s come on and affected the game. We could go through all of the team.” The big victory comes ahead of a big week for the club, with National League side FC Halifax Town visiting Ingfield next Tuesday (February 5) in the County Cup semi-finals. Before that, United will look to build on their fivematch unbeaten run in 2019 when they host struggling AFC Mansfield in the league tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm). There is likely to be a United debut for new signing Tyrone Gay in that game, after his arrival was announced last week. The 30-year-old centre-back has previously played for both Ossett Town and Ossett Albion.
THE CUP competitions dominated last week’s Heavy Woollen Sunday League fixtures with most quarter-final ties taking place. Mirfield Town booked their place in the semi-final with a 64 win over AFC Chickenley thanks to doubles from Gibril Bojang and Adam Brown, plus strikes from Callum Firth and Harry Stead. They will play either Wellington Westgate or Clifton Rangers who were unable to play due to an unfit pitch. In the other ties, Linthwaite will play Walkers Hounds in the last four after they won 7-2 at Deighton WMC, whilst Hounds defeated Roberttown Rovers
5-2. In the Heavy Woollen Challenge Trophy, Battyeford enjoyed a 5-0 win over Inter Batley thanks to a brace from Nigel Saddington plus strikes from Matt Windall, Josh Auty and Peter Glover. They will play Snowdon, who won 4-3 against Mount Pleasant. Clifton Rangers Reserves are also in the semi-finals after they won 3-2 at Wire Works who scored through Dom Harris and Nolan St Hilaire. In the only league game to take place, Corey Joshua netted for Ravenswharfe but they lost 4-1 against Clifton Rangers Athletic.
CRICKET
Cleck sign former Yorks star CLECKHEATON Cricket Club have captured former Yorkshire off-spinner Azeem Rafiq. The 27-year-old made his county debut in 2008 and has had two spells with the team, but was released at the end of the 2018 season. Cleck’s Bradford Cricket League Premier Division campaign begins on April 27.
ATHLETICS
Record field for Dewsbury 10K FINAL DAY DEFEAT: Ossett United Ladies were unable to complete their North East Regional Southern Division campaign unbeaten, with the champions going down 2-1 to Altofts last Sunday. PHOTO: John Hirst
A RECORD field of 2,200 runners has entered this Sunday’s Dewsbury 10K Race. Chris Parr (Jarrow and Hebburn), a sub-30 10K runner, is favourite to take the title, having finished second there in 2013. His nearest challengers are likely to be Michael Joyeux (Quakers, Darlington), Jonathan Johnson (Rotherham) and Canadian athlete Adam Stacey (Leeds City). In the women’s race, Laura Hesketh (Clayton-le-Moors) is favourite to resist the challenge of previous winner Julie Briscoe (Wakefield) and last year’s runner-up Sharon Barlow (Harrogate). Briscoe is favourite for the women’s veterans prize with last year’s winner Mark Couldwell (Charnwood) likely to
retain his men’s veterans title and Treena Johnson of the host club Dewsbury Road Runners a very strong favourite for the V55 prize. Race director Heather Ellis said: “We have reached our entry limit and have had to turn hundreds of runners away.” The race starts on Dewsbury Ring Road at 9am and goes along Bradford Road through Batley to Birstall Smithies, returning along the same route. The sponsors of the race, which is organised by Dewsbury Road Runners, are Disken & Co solicitors and SMK Sports Elland, with water supplied by Shepley Spring (Ice Valley). The charities to benefit will be Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Teenage Cancer Trust.
ThePress
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Friday February 1, 2019
AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE
Youth to the fore as Sharks rebuild It can be difficult to halt a slide down the NCL, but Shaw Cross Sharks coach Paul March is hoping that a new generation of young talent will help them recover from last season’s relegation… HILE a number of Heavy Woollen sides have enjoyed considerable success over the last 12 months, 2018 was a year of struggle for Shaw Cross Sharks. An early change of head coach did little to arrest the slide in Division One as the Sharks suffered relegation, winning only four league matches all season. After struggling to field a team for some games, player-coach Paul March is optimistic that brighter times are ahead as they embark on this year’s Division Two campaign. There is a new coaching structure at the top, with the ex-York, Hunslet and Keighley boss assisted by second-team coach Danny Flowers and under-18s chief Mat Cawthron. March has been able to report that numbers are up in training, aided by a number of new talents who are being given their chance in the first team. “The pre-season last year was one session on the field and one session in the gym, and I felt that we didn’t have enough workload in our legs for when the season started,” explained March. “This year has been a bit different, we’ve got them on the field, we’re doing gym work, we’re doing a lot of running. But that’s credit to the lads turning up. When we’ve got numbers we can do quality stuff.” Their pre-season matches have produced mixed results, with victory over local rivals Dewsbury Celtic in a friendly before defeat to Haydock in the Challenge Cup. However, there were still positives for March following their cup exit in the performances of the youngsters who have been brought into the side. “I thought Henry Dave was excellent, he carried the ball really strongly for his first hit out,” he
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BLEND: Paul March will continue playing, but the Sharks will be a much younger outfit said. “Lynden Metcalfe, coming into the side off the bench at hooker, I thought did really well. Then mentions to Nathan Wright and Joe Halloran, two young lads who are normally wingers playing at centre.” One in particular caught his eye though, in the shape of 17-year-old back-rower Elliott Richardson. “I thought he was outstanding last week at Dewsbury Celtic but (in the Challenge Cup) I think he’s grown from an under-18s player to a first team player. Physically he held his own and looked good, so I’m excited as to what he can do. “But we’ve got players still to come into the squad, and hopefully we can get some good training under our belt now in the next five weeks and then take Division Two by storm.”
March admits that the two games came “a bit too early for us after the rebuilding”, but the Cup exit means that the team can now focus on getting things right in training ahead of the big kick-off on March 2. He said: “I think we need to just keep pushing on getting the load into us and getting ready for that first game, because if we do that we’ll get more out of the players.” While getting the squad ready to go on the field will be essential, the coach acknowledges that, after a difficult year for the club, he needs to rebuild the team spirit as well if they are to compete at the right end of the table. “It’s going to be a different pressure on us because we’re coming out of Division One and everyone will think that we’re one of the favourites for this league. It’s a tough division,” March said.
“We’re just on a rebuilding job, we’ve got a young side and we just want to go into every game with a lot of effort, good discipline, and hopefully we can compete. “But if we don’t, players will fall out and we don’t want that. We want players to be committed to this club and a tight group, because if we’re a tight group then the results will take care of themselves. “We’ve just got to be tight and show everyone that we are together, and I think that’s what the club and the supporters want. If we can do that, we’ll be at the right end of the table.” March has plenty on his plate this year after being offered the role of head coach with Featherstone Rovers’ new reserves side, and with first team coach Ryan Carr only recently arriving in the country from Australia, he has been in full charge of the Championship side for most of the off-season. “It’s been tough, having training Tuesday and Thursday night, Saturdays with the first team, and building the new reserve side over there as well,” he said. “With the coach Ryan Carr not coming until two weeks ago, it’s been a busy nine or 10 weeks, but I’ve got through that now. “My workload’s going to be just as busy, but obviously Ryan is there to take the team now and I can concentrate on what I need to do with the reserves, being assistant coach, and playing for Shaw Cross Sharks. “I’ve got a massive thank you to Mat Cawthron and Danny Flowers. They’ve stepped up with my busy workload at Featherstone and done a great job. “I think having three coaches singing off the same hymn sheet can only take this club forward, and I’m happy to relinquish some of my responsibilities on the first team
but I’ll still be playing and having a massive input with sessions.” Featherstone have also profited from the Sharks with three players earning a place in their reserves side for this season and one of those, centre Brendan French, now signed up on a permanent deal. “Frenchy got the player of the year (for Shaw Cross) last year and I think he just needs to commit himself to 12 months in a professional environment,” he said. “I think that will make him better. He’s already looking different; his body shape is changing with training with the first team. “Even if it doesn’t work out at Featherstone or in the professional game I think he’ll come back a better player and all that hard work will definitely benefit him.” Shaw Cross will still have the services of the two players in March’s Featherstone side though, with full-back Sam Ottewell and winger Nathan Wright in both squads. March said: “They’re both doing really well and, the same as Frenchy, I think if they keep training in that kind of environment it’ll make them better players, and if they’re both playing for Featherstone reserves and Shaw Cross it’ll make Shaw Cross a better team as well.” As for March himself, the exSuper League half-back believes that he can still carry on his playing responsibilities for a number of years to come. “Until I have to stop, I’ll carry on,” he said. “Once I retired (professionally) I was just coaching for another couple of years and I felt that I had things to offer, and I think, using my brain, I’ve got a lot more years in me. “I’m 40 at the minute, so we’ll see how we go!”
RUGBY UNION
Cleck provide stern test for league leaders North One East
CLECKHEATON RUFC 18 MORPETH 24 CLECKHEATON suffered a fourth consecutive defeat but there were plenty of positives to take from a narrow defeat to the league leaders at Moorend. The hosts were without two experienced forwards from the previous week’s squad with Andy Piper and Josh Plunkett both succumbing to shoulder injuries. Joey Carley joined the front row at hooker with Brad Marsden returning at flanker, taking on the No. 7 jersey, whilst skipper Matt Piper played the match in an unfamiliar role at blindside flank. Cleck started the better, having most of the early possession, and on 10 minutes took the lead after Morpeth were penalised for holding on to the ball on the halfway line. A good lineout drill and good drive by Matt Piper took play deep inside
Morpeth’s 22 and when the visitors were penalised for not releasing, Jack Seddon took a quick tap and forced his way over the line under the sticks. The ball may have come loose as he dived over because the absence of a conversion would indicate the referee awarded a penalty try. Either way, Cleckheaton had opened up a 7-0 lead. Morpeth had made a slow start to the game and following the restart it was still all Cleckheaton. As the half hit its mid-point, man of the match Mikey Hayward made a terrific break down the left and a long pass from Dale Breakwell found Danny Booth in space, the speedy winger crossed for a fine try which went unconverted. Morpeth finally got their act together just before the half-hour mark, when the power of their scrum shunted Cleckheaton backwards a number of times inside the home side’s 22. The scrum collapsed twice during the retreat and the referee lost his patience,
LOCKED OUT: Niall Jackson is tackled by Morpeth sending Cleck’s Paul Turner to the sin. Speedy adjustments were required as Morpeth opted to scrum again from the ensuing penalty and 18-year-old Henry Iwanejko took up the mantle at prop with Damian Pearson sacrificed for the fol-
PHOTO: Gerald Christian
lowing 10 minutes. With Cleck down to 14 men, Morpeth scrum-half Steve Irving picked up at the base of the scrum and crashed over for a try, which Hornby converted. Almost immediately from the restart Morpeth took the
lead, with some poor initial defence from Cleck combined with a finely executed finish by Morpeth. A great run by flanker Ollie Dynan and some good support work resulted in Johnny Ward going over for a try at the side of the posts. Hornby converted this double whammy to make the score 14-12 to the visitors going into the break. It was clear that there wasn’t much between the sides despite the difference in league position, but on 57 minutes Morpeth extended the lead with a Hornby penalty. Three minutes later the men from Northumberland scored a third try after a comedy of errors. Cole burst through some indifferent tackling, but the ball came loose and was deemed to have gone backwards. It was propelled into the in-goal area and Booth took an air shot at it but caught it enough to seemingly put it dead, however the ball suddenly stopped, still the wrong side of the dead-ball line, and
Morpeth centre James Phillips got his hand to it. Hornby converted the try to make the score 12-24, with 20 minutes left to play. Cleck kept probing for an opening and Breakwell kicked a penalty on 64 minutes to reduce the lead to 1524. Breakwell repeated this again five minutes to bring his team within six points. When Tony Moody was shown the yellow card for the visitors following a high tackle, Cleckheaton sensed a chance of victory. They pounded away with commendable determination but couldn’t break through as time ran out, and they had to settle for the losing bonus point. Although three of their recent defeats have been at the hands of the top three sides in the table, Cleck need to get back to winning ways quickly to prevent a tense end to the season. There is no game in the North One East Division this weekend, and Cleckheaton’s next opponents will be West Leeds away on February 9.
ThePress
Friday February 1, 2019
27
RUGBY LEAGUE
Trojans pull off Parkside shock Coral Challenge Cup
HUNSLET CLUB PARKSIDE 16 THORNHILL TROJANS 30 THORNHILL TROJANS caused the upset of the weekend in the Coral Challenge Cup with victory at last season’s NCL Premier Division champions Hunslet Club Parkside. The hosts completed a historic unbeaten campaign in 2018, but on this evidence they will have a formidable challenger for their crown in 2019. The two sides were level with 13 minutes to go, but three late tries for last season’s Division One winners ensured that it was Thornhill
who progressed to the second round of the Cup. The conditions favoured good, expansive rugby and the opening exchanges saw some good defence on both sides. On the 10-minute mark a flowing Trojans move saw the ball pass through several sets of hands before Luke Haigh offloaded to Danny Ratcliffe to score under the posts, but it was not to be as the referee chalked it off for a forward pass. Hunslet came back strongly and the game saw Thornhill spend an extended period defending in their own half. However, it was the Trojans who eventually got the first score. Another good move again saw
Thornhill put the ball along the line and Nick Mitchell touched down in the far corner with George Woodcock converting. The large crowd didn’t have to wait long for the next try either. Good work from Will and Jack Gledhill saw an neat inside ball to Haigh, who managed to evade the chasing defence to score on the left, this time with the conversion unsuccessful. This seemed to galvanise Hunslet into a quick response. Elusive fullback Craig McShane beat the Trojans defence to score to the right of the posts with Andy Hullock adding the extras. Hunslet didn’t let up and seven minutes later a floated pass to
CARRYING ON: Declan Tomlinson leads the charge Hullock saw Ben Shulver ghost through a large hole in the defensive line, with Hullock again converting to give Hunslet a narrow 1210 half-time lead. The second half starred in the same vein as the first and Thornhill levelled the scores through a Woodcock penalty. On the 67th minute Thornhill regained the lead via a crash ball on the line which saw George Stott cross and Woodcock again convert. Hunslet replied again with McShane crossing, but Jamie Fields unusually missed the conversion. With the game finely balanced, Thornhill applied the finishing touches. From a quick play the ball
SHOWING MUSCLE: Zach Johnson is wrapped up by the Parkside defence
PHOTOS: Dave Jewitt
Ratcliffe dummied and slipped between the centre and scrum-half an inside ball which found Haigh, who offloaded to the supporting Woodcock and he crossed under the posts before duly converting. From the next set of defence a big shot from Stott dislodged the ball from the attacker. He quickly picked up the ball and passed to the ever-present Ratcliffe to race 20 metres to complete the try count, with Woodcock again converting to seal a 16-30 win for the Trojans. Thornhill now have a home tie against Rochdale Mayfield, another Premier Division side who saw off Kells last weekend, in the second round on February 9.
Sharks sunk by Haydock Moor mark return Coral Challenge Cup
SHAW CROSS SHARKS HAYDOCK
16 28
HAYDOCK put in a spirited performance to defeat Shaw Cross Sharks in the first round of the Challenge Cup. The Sharks, who defeated local rivals Dewsbury Celtic in their first pre-season fixture last weekend, were outplayed by a determined visiting side who were roared on by a vocal away following from Lancashire. They showed their intent to go toe-to-toe with the Sharks early on, and scored the first try after eight minutes. Dean Dollin, who was a thorn in their side throughout, was kept out by scrambling defence on the line, but Danny Davies then danced through to score with Steven Jones adding the extras. The Sharks eventually began to gain a foothold in the game, and after putting pressure on the line to no avail the defence forced Haydock back over their own line following a turnover. From the drop out, they moved the ball left and Sam Ottewell took on the line and twisted through to dot down. Just short of the half-hour mark, both sides saw a man sent to the bin. John Travena deservedly saw yellow for a high tackle, while the Sharks’ Elliott Richardson was more harshly directed to the sidelines for running in. The home side were first to take advantage of the open space, with
BEST EFFORTS: Sam Ottewell scored a try and two goals in the defeat hooker Dec Naughton burrowing over the line to take the lead and Callum Barker adding the conversion. However, back-to-back tries in the final three minutes of the first half changed the complexion of the game going into the break. Despite having little attacking position in the previous 20 minutes, Haydock were effective when they did as Stuart Simmons went over, with Jones converting to put them back in front. Just seconds later they were over the whitewash again, as a sweeping
break across the field was finished off by half-back Andrew Bacon. Jones’s kick made it 18-10 at the interval. Haydock made a good start to the second half as well, and were celebrating when Danny Gee thought he had touched down. The referee consulted with his touch judge though, and they ruled that the Haydock forward had been held up. It was the visitors who eventually got the next try though and it was a superb solo effort from Dollin which left the Sharks on their knees, as the centre weaved across the line before rounding the winger and sprinting in to touch down. Jones’s conversion made it 24-10. There was still life left in Shaw Cross, however, and Logan Stephenson wriggled free from tacklers to score on the left after good work from Barker, with Ottewell reducing the deficit to eight. The hosts kept the pressure on their opponents, but they continued to be undone by errors as they tried to force passes to break down a determined Haydock defence. They were fortunate to still be in the game when Haydock broke through in midfield, with a number of offloads seeing Michael Sexton close to the line but desperate defending managed to keep him at bay. The Sharks weren’t taking chances at the other end though, and the tie was settled with eight minutes to go when Connor Smith sprayed a cross to the right wing and Karl Dinsdale dived over in the corner to wrap up the win.
with comeback win Coral Challenge Cup
DEWSBURY MOOR SKIRLAUGH
24 10
DEWSBURY MOOR came back from 10-6 down at half-time to see off Skirlaugh and progress to the second round of the Challenge Cup. In their first appearance in the competition in a number of years, Maroons took the lead with a Jordan Foster try before Aiden Ineson landed the first of his four goals from four attempts.
Skirlaugh hit back with a try from Matty Harling and then one from Harvey Gotts, after which Carl Puckering landed the conversion. However, a superb second-half display saw the visitors kept scoreless as Danny Maun’s side charged to victory. Archie Bruce, Foster and George Croisdale added further tries, complimented by the boot of Ineson, to secure the win. Moor will travel to East Leeds, conquerors of Batley Boys, in the second round of the Cup on February 9.
No cup repeat as Boys beaten in fiery clash Coral Challenge Cup
EAST LEEDS BATLEY BOYS
24 10
NCL NEWCOMERS Batley Boys went down to defeat at Division Two side East Leeds after an epic tussle. Boys had a superb run to the third round of the Challenge Cup last season, but couldn’t make it past the first hurdle this time round as East Leeds edged a feisty contest. The home side led 12-6 at the break but the match official was kept busy, sending four
players to the sin-bin. East Leeds had Jack Norfolk go for persistent offending midway through the first half, but the flashpoint came on 62 minutes, when Easts’ Jake Normington and the Boys’ Gavin David and Anthony Kellett were all binned for their part in a brawl. Easts’ points came from tries by James Duckworth, with two and one each for Luke Tomlinson and Dominic Hardisty, plus four Nathan Conroy goals. The Boys’ reply came by way of tries from Josh Knowles and Damon Fletcher plus one conversion from last year’s Cup hero, Adam Bingham.
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Bienek joins Batley on eve of opener By Stephen Ibbetson Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk
BATLEY BULLDOGS have added to their ranks with the shortterm loan of Hull FC prop Lewis Bienek ahead of the new season. However, the Ireland international is still recovering from an ankle injury suffered during last autumn’s European Championships and won’t feature in the opening rounds of the campaign. The former London Broncos forward appeared in Hull’s final seven Super League games last season, and will have the opportunity to get back up to speed at Batley while continuing to train full-time with the Black and Whites. After coming close to winning the pre-season Yorkshire Cup tournament, the Bulldogs begin their Betfred Championship campaign with a home game against Barrow Raiders this Sunday (February 3, kick-off 3pm). With four friendly games under their belt, including victories over fellow second-tier sides Dewsbury Rams and York City Knights, head coach Matt Diskin feels that they are in a good place. “We’ve had a really good preseason, our preparations have been very good,” said coach Matt Diskin. “We just want to play this week, finally have a look and see where we are in a competitive game.” Diskin is embarking on his third season at the helm, and has made a number of impressive signings in the off-season. Danny Yates has been brought in to challenge for a half-back spot while Sam Wood, on loan from Huddersfield Giants, and Niall Walker provide extra cover in the backline. The forward pack has been bolstered by the arrivals of Toby Everett, Jack Downs, Joe Taira and Tyler Dickinson, along with
COMEBACK TRAIL: Tom Lillycrop is back in full training
READY TO GO: The RFL held their season launch last week ahead of the start of the new Betfred Championship campaign this weekend. Batley Bulldogs’ Louis Jouffret (fifth from left) and Dewsbury Rams’ Paul Sykes (fifth from right) were at the launch at York Minster. Batley host Barrow in their opener, while Dewsbury travel to Rochdale. Paul Brearley who recently signed a permanent deal with the club following a successful trial. Diskin said: “The guys who have been here for that threeyear period really know how I want the game to be played. “Recruitment-wise, it’s the first time in the three years where I can say that it’s my squad, which is really positive. We’re really excited about it. “We’re quietly confident about the ability that we’ve got in this group, and if we keep our heads down and work hard then we’ll upset a few of the big players along the way and hopefully finish in a decent position at the end of the year.” New signing Walker has yet to feature for the club since joining from Hunslet and won’t be available for the first round of the season, but has been back in training following surgery. “He’s training and training exceptionally well,” said Diskin.
“Given the time constraints on the NHS, he’s still waiting to be signed off by the specialist! But other than that, he’ll be available for selection soon.” Prop forward Tom Lillycrop is also back with the group, after a shoulder injury limited him to just two appearances last season and other commitments delayed his start to pre-season. Diskin confirmed: “Tom’s back in full training. We’re having to rein him back a little bit, give him a little bit more structure than some of the others. “We need to make sure we get the right amount of running into his legs so that when he does jump into the game, he’s going to jump in and stay there.” Diskin will have the same squad available to him as for the narrow Yorkshire Cup final defeat to Bradford Bulls, as they return to the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium for their league opener. Barrow provide their first test, with the Raiders making some strong signings as they look to improve on a ninth-place finish, two places and nine points behind Batley, in 2018. The Cumbrian side have signed three Papua New Guinea players in Stargroth Amean, Wartovo Puara and Willie Minoga, as well as former England international Gareth Hock, and they have also picked up forward Josh Johnson this week following his release by Hull KR. However, Diskin warns that the three-quarter line is as strong as the pack following the additions of Tee Ritson from Newcastle, St Helens’ Jake
Spedding, and Deon Cross from Rochdale. “They’ve got a really big set of middles that lay a fantastic foundation for them, and they’ve got some speed out wide as well with Ritson and Spedding. “They’ve got some real quality about them, and if you give them an opportunity to play then they will play. “So we know that it’s just making sure that all the work we’ve put in over pre-season is put into the 80 minutes this week, making sure we’ve improved where we needed to, from last year and from pre-season games.” Diskin also confirmed that the club’s partnership with Super League side Huddersfield, which has seen the two clubs take part in a number of matches over preseason and given Batley access to some of the Giants’ facilities, would extend to bringing players in on loan, if and when they are needed. The coach had expressed some concern over the size of his squad, with 24 players on deals alongside the short-term addition of Bienek. “We’re solely focused on the recruitment that we’ve done, and the players we’ve got fulfilling the fixtures for us,” he said. “But we’d be very naïve to expect no injuries and last year they hit us quite hard. We didn’t have the depth to be able to cope with that, and we had a bigger squad last year. “We are running the squad that we’ve assembled and will continue to assemble, and Huddersfield will be there to help us if needed.”
Rams bring in Whiteley DEWSBURY RAMS have secured another signing on the eve of the new season with the addition of young hooker Harvey Whiteley. The 20-year-old came through the Leeds Rhinos academy and played one game in Super League in 2017, but wasn’t offered a senior contract at the end of last season. He has now joined the Rams, but having only just started in training again following four months out of the game, he is unlikely to make his debut in this weekend’s Championship season opener at Rochdale Hornets. On signing for the club, Whiteley said: “I am excited to just get out on the pitch again. I have had a couple of months out, but now I am excited to get back training and playing. “Hopefully all that I have learnt will help me this year, from every skill I have learnt from the amateur game to the academy game and now here. “I haven’t really played against men before except for a short stint in a Super League game for Leeds against Wigan, so it is the next step in my career.” Whiteley was coached by Rob Burrow in the academy, and there are similarities in both stature and style with the Rhinos legend. “I like to be nippy around the rook and I have learnt a lot from the likes of Rob Burrow and my old coaches,” Whiteley said. “Whenever the markers are down, I just scoot straight away. “I am not a selfish player and I like playing for my team when there is a good environment, and I like defending. I don’t mind getting stuck in, even for a little lad like me. “Any blips in their back line and I am straight over to score. I have scored quite a few tries just from diving over the line and spotting some weak defenders. “I like being a leader. I captained the academy side I was in and I got us to the Grand Final, but I hope to lead on the pitch.” On the new signing, head coach Lee Greenwood added: “I am pleased to bring in Harvey who is another young hungry player who wants to do well at this club.” Whiteley is the 19th new player to sign a deal with the Rams for 2019, as Greenwood looks to build a squad capable of matching the three consecutive eighth-place finishes under his predecessors. Their Betfred Championship campaign begins with the trip to the Crown Oil Arena to face Rochdale on Sunday (February 3, kickoff 3pm). The Hornets narrowly escaped the drop last season, with an 11th-place finish sufficient thanks to the late change in league structure, but have been widely tipped for relegation this time around. Like Dewsbury, they have a new boss in place with Carl Forster joining from Whitehaven in the off-season, and the player-coach is among 15 new names in the squad. For the Rams, Liam Johnson, Martyn Reilly and Harvey Hallas remain absentees, while hooker Robbie Ward serves the second match of a two-game suspension.