The Press – Friday February 21, 2020 by Yorkshire Golfer

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Change lives by becoming a ‘puppy walker’

Friday February 21, 2020

No. 933

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ARMED SIEGE Three arrests after gunshot reports in Dewsbury

An armed police officer is pictured outside the house where three men were eventually arrested Inset – police cordoned off the area

By Connor Teale News Reporter connor@thepressnews.co.uk

POLICE arrested three men following an apparent shooting incident in Dewsbury that resulted in a stand-off at a house in Heckmondwike. Armed police descended on Leeds Old Road at 9am on Wednesday after officers had attended the scene of a potential firearms discharge on Birkdale Road in Dewsbury. Police were called to the initial incident, where it is believed the passengers of two vehicles were involved in a dispute, between 8am and 8.30am on the same day. Swift enquiries then led officers to the address in Heckmondwike. The force helicopter was seen circling the area and several police vehicles and armed officers were spotted at the scene. Three men aged 27, 24 and 47 were arrested

from the address in connection with the incident and remain in custody. Detective Inspector Andrew Lockwood of Kirklees CID said: “All reports of firearms offences are taken very seriously by Kirklees Police and we are appealing for witnesses to the reported discharge on Birkdale Road.

“We have not had any reports of any persons being injured and are very keen to speak with anyone who witnessed the reported incident involving two cars.” Enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with any information should call 101 quoting crime reference 277 of February 19.

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ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

‘Sorter-outer’ leaves By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter

Deaths FAWCETT (NEE BARRACLOUGH) SHEILA On February 10, of Norristhorpe, aged 87, wife of the late Eddie. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Friday February 28 at 1.15pm.

GELDERD (NEE ROPER) PAMELA On February 9, of Birstall, aged 85, mum of Paul and

Family notices in The Press

Mary. Funeral service will take place at Batley Parish Church on Wednesday February 26 at 10.30am.

Although we carry some abridged funeral notices, we cannot guarantee inclusion. However you can ensure information about your loved ones, whether that be a death/funeral notice, an acknowledgement or a birthday memory, reaches by far the most readers in North Kirklees. What’s more, Family Notices in The Press are significantly more affordable than other newspapers. For personal service, from a local business, call us on 01924 470296. Notices can be taken until 1.30pm on Thursdays.

HEPWORTH (NEE HIRST) (FORMERLY WOOD) JOYCE On February 13, of Westborough, aged 75, wife of Ernest. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Wednesday February 26 at 12.30pm.

JOHNSON VINCENT ‘NORMAN’ On February 10, of Thornhill, aged 85, husband of Doreen. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Thursday February 27 at 11.15am.

LOCKWOOD JOHN On February 16, of Chickenley, aged 81, a beloved father. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Thursday March 5 at 1.15pm.

Family Notices Call: 01924 470296

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WALFORD Kenneth On 12th February 2020, passed away, suddenly at his home in Batley, aged 67 years, Ken, devoted son of the late Veronica, much loved brother, brother-in-law, beloved uncle and great-uncle. Funeral service will be held at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday 2nd March 2020 at 3.15pm. Friends please accept this intimation and meet at the crematorium. Family flowers only please donations in lieu may be placed in the collection box provided or sent to George Brooke Ltd, for the benefit of charitable donations close to Ken’s heart. RIP

On February 6, formerly of Mirfield, aged 46, son of Kathryn and the late Austin. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday February 24 at 1.15pm.

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STONES ROY On February 9, of Dewsbury, aged 79, husband of the late Hilda May. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor

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KIRKLEES Council is to lose one of its most senior figures. Karl Battersby is the council’s strategic director for economy and infrastructure. His role includes managing tens of thousands of refuse collections in the borough. He is joining North Yorkshire County Council as Corporate Director of Business and Environmental Services and will leave Kirklees over the summer. He was appointed in 2018 from Wigan Council, where he had worked for two years as director of economy and environment. Mr Battersby has had responsibility for all front-line environ-

News In Brief Racing blooms BIRSTALL: A good night out is promised by the Birstall In Bloom group at their fundraising race night. A meat and potato pie and pea supper is offered along with the thrill of the races at the event on Thursday, March 19 at the Birstall Nash. Doors open at 7pm and the first race takes place at 7.30pm. Tote betting will be held along with a raffle and bar. All the proceeds go towards providing bedding plants, gardening tools and planters to improve the appearance of the town. Tickets cost £8 which includes the supper at the Irish Democratic League Club on High Street, Birstall. Anyone who would like to join the group of volunteer gardeners are welcome to attend on a Thursday morning at 9am outside the library or join them for coffee at 11am at Cafe No1 next to the library. For information call 07792 221149 or email mail2joanna@ yahoo.co.uk.

Great night out BATLEY: The next meeting of the Batley History Group is taking place on Monday (February 24,

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mental services, planning, regeneration and development functions, the capital programme and all council land and property assets. He has been at the heart of negotiations with union officials to prevent potentially crippling bin strikes and was a key figure in the presentation of the £250m Huddersfield Blueprint, which was unveiled last summer. He has also been a spokesman for the council on issues as varied as the restructure of the borough’s museums and the furore over Kirklees schools serving halal meat from non-stunned animals. One councillor described Mr Battersby as “an impressive and capable professional” and “a sorter-outer” who worked hard to solve problems.

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

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7pm). Stuart Hartley will give a presentation called ‘What made Yorkshire great’. It’s £2 for members and £4 for non-members, everyone is welcome.

Trinity pancakes MIRFIELD: Pancake Day will be celebrated in Mirfield next Tuesday. People can pop along to Trinity Methodist Church and tuck in to a stack of savoury or sweet pancakes for an hour between noon and 1pm on February 25. Members of the Huddersfield Road church will host the event at its community rooms beneath the worship area on February 25.

Memory meets THORNHILL: The Dewsbury Memories group meets today (Friday, 10am) at the ‘Our Neighbourhood Nest’ hub inside Overthorpe Academy on Edge Top Road. The group meets on the third Friday of the month to reminisce about rugby league, sport, Thornhill and Dewsbury, and everything in between. The community hub also hosts a weekly seniors group on Mondays from 10am-12pm and a coffee morning from 9am-11am on Wednesdays. Everyone is welcome.

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

Coffee shop open BATLEY: A new Starbucks will open in the town today (Fri). The 24-hour outlet, next to the Zucchini restaurant on Bradford Road, will open its doors to customers for the first time at 8am. Situated on the car park of the former Frontier nightclub – which is now a busy JD gym – the store was given the green light by Kirklees Council in August 2019. It will create 14 jobs and includes a drive-thru lane.

Got a story? Call The Press on 01924 470296, email news@thepress news.co.uk or visit our office at 31 Branch Road, Batley, WF17 5SB

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

Oh brother – Bradley and ‘bros’ still going strong A PERFORMER from Roberttown is one step closer to making it through to the final of BBC show ‘The Greatest Dancer’. Bradley Walmsley, a 21year-old dancer and teacher at dance studio Timestep in Batley, is part of the Brothers of Dance group which keeps wowing audiences week after week. Mum Rachel Walmsley, the founder of Timestep, travels to London each weekend to watch Bradley and said: “I’m so proud”. The group is made up of nine young men from up

News In Brief Beware HMRC scam call

and down the country, put together especially for the show. On Saturday they received 91.3 per cent of the audience vote and made it through to the next round of the live finals. Mentored by former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl, the boys could bag £50,000 if they win the whole competition. If they make it through tomorrow (Saturday, 6.45pm BBC1) they’ll be into the semi-finals, with the final taking place the following week.

NORTH KIRKLEES: Residents are being warned to spot fraudulent calls from HM Revenue and Customs. A local Press reader who didn’t want to be named received a phone call from someone pretending to represent HMRC in a bid to get his bank details. They said they had issued a lawsuit and an arrest warrant for him and told him to ‘select option one’ to be transferred to an advisor. HMRC says it will never contact people by email or phone about tax refunds. Email phishing@hmrc.gov. uk if you have any concerns.

Hospital installs ‘virus pod’ By Jane Yelland DEWSBURY and District Hospital has installed a temporary isolation pod for any patients it may have to admit suffering from coronavirus. David Melia, director of nursing and quality at The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Following national guidance, all hospitals are putting in place NHS 111 pods at their emergency departments so that anyone attending hospital with symptoms of the virus can be kept isolated from other patients and avoid causing unnecessary pressure in A&E.

“Over the coming weeks many more of us may need to self-isolate at home for a period to reduce this virus’ spread. “Everyone can continue to play their part by taking simple steps such as washing hands to prevent the spread of infection and calling NHS 111 first before going to the doctor or A&E if they have any concerns or show symptoms.” Similar units are being installed at Pontefract and Pinderfields. Coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms include fever and a cough that may progress to

severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. There is no specific treatment except to relieve the symptoms while the body fights the infection. General coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. The infection currently being experienced, ‘novel coronavirus’ (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China.

Rubbish driving MIRFIELD: A bin lorry got stuck under a railway bridge on Monday morning. Newgate was closed in both directions when the Veolia truck become trapped under the 3.8m bridge. Engineers from Network Rail were quickly on the scene to release the wagon.

Relatives sought

It may look like a car park attendant’s shed – but in fact it’s a Mid Yorkshire Trust ‘coronavirus isolation pod’

DEWSBURY: Coroner’s officers are appealing for information to help trace the relatives of Mike Erno. The 68-year-old passed away in Dewsbury on Monday (Feb 17). He is originally from Hungary and officers believe he has family there. Anyone with information should contact coroner’s officer Carol Taylor on 01274 373721.

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

Grant cash available

News In Brief Mining memorial meeting tonight THORNHILL: A public meeting is being held tonight (Friday) as part of a bid to bring a permanent memorial to the victims of a mining disaster to the village. People are invited to have their say at Thornhill Edge WMC from 7.30pm8.30pm. The memorial will pay tribute to the 139 men and boys who lost their lives after an underground explosion at The Combs Colliery in Thornhill in 1893.

Story workshop BATLEY: Older people in Kirklees are invited to try their hand at writing stories and songs at a free workshop next Tuesday (February 25, 1.30pm-3.30pm). Local singer/songwriter Rachel Ireland will be showing attendees how to write stories and create songs before giving them the opportunity to come up with their own. It’s part of the First Time for Everything programme, aimed at older Kirklees residents. To book a place ring 01924 446100.

WASPI advice NORTH KIRKLEES: A coffee morning organised by the WASPI group is to be held in Mirfield on Wednesday. Women affected by changes to their state pension age are invited to drop in to the session at The Railway pub on Huddersfield Road on Wednesday, February 26, from 11.15am-2pm. Advice will be on hand from members of Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI), who have been hit by changes to state pension age.

A FLOOD OF PROBLEMS Prevention up Calder Valley sends trouble our way By Jane Yelland RAPID action needs to be taken to prevent future flooding in Mirfield, says a leading councillor. Coun Martyn Bolt says the town is prevented from building its own defences by Environment Agency rules, so he wants to see flood water channelled into designated areas. “In Selby and Castleford there are areas where the water is allowed to overflow on land that’s not critical,” he said. “Locally we have the quarry at Thornhill or the former sewage works at Cooper Bridge that could be used.” Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Mark Eastwood witnessed the recent flooding in a 4x4 vehicle with the help of volunteers from Mirfield Rescue Services. And the Conservative Member of Parliament is now seeking a meeting with the Environment Agency and Kirklees Council in a bid to thrash out a plan. Mr Eastwood said financial assis-

tance was available to areas where homes or businesses were affected by flooding via the government’s emergency Bellwin Scheme. “Some people have insurance and are fine but others do not because they are in a flood risk area,” he said. He added that where planning permission was granted by Kirklees Council on land that had subsequently been flooded, the local authority may have to pay compensation to the developer if it went back on its decision. The John Cotton bedding factory on Huddersfield Road was badly affected in the recent flooding, as were units at the Holme Bank Mills business park on Station Road (pictured above). Coun Bolt said he felt that Mirfield was becoming more vulnerable because of actions taken higher up the Calder Valley in Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. “Everybody has seen in the news a lot of flood defences going on up the Calder Valley but there is no mitiga-

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tion to deal with that water as it is pushed further down. “That water has got to go somewhere – but we have been told we cannot build flood defences in Mirfield that might impact further down the valley.” The Environment Agency said their assessments are meant to ensure schemes are not protecting one community at the expense of another. “Kirklees Council completed a viability study in 2017 to identify potential options for reducing flood risk in Mirfield and Ravensthorpe,” they said. “The review identified that because of the low levels of benefit generated by each option in terms of reducing flood risk versus the cost, none of the identified options were economically viable. “The Environment Agency will continue to work together with Kirklees Council and partners to look at funding options and investigate the feasibility of reducing flood risk in Mirfield.”

HOMES that have been flooded during recent storms may be eligible for a £750 clean-up grant, with businesses able to claim a £3,000 sum, writes Tony Earnshaw. Kirklees Council is poised to announce a Flood Recovery Grant “to support immediate recovery/clean-up costs only – is not intended to be a replacement for flood insurance.” Kirklees is also proposing to offer 100 per cent discounts on council tax and business rates for residents and traders unable to return to their homes or premises due to flood damage. The council has said the money should be spent on elements such as clean-up equipment, essential fixtures and fittings, and temporary accommodotion costs. Damage to the fabric of buildings, damaged stock or other items normally covered by property insurance, where available, will not be eligible for grant support. Households eligible include those in which flood water entered into the habitable areas, or where the council considers a residence was rendered unliveable in. Also, where services such as sewerage, draining, and electricity were severely affected and residents had to vacate the premises. Second homes, empty homes and student accommodation are not eligible. Small and medium-sized businesses and registered charities will be able to apply for a fixed grant of £3,000.

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

Why becoming a ‘puppy walker’ can change lives

VITAL COMPANION: Lindsey out and about with guide dog Charlotte, who died last month

Press reporter Zoe Shackleton continues her interview with blind campaigner Lindsey Moore, who faces a long wait to be matched with another guide dog... INDSEY MOORE’S life changed for the better when she was paired with her beloved guide dog Charlotte six years ago.

But now the 48-year-old professional singer from Gomersal faces a potentially long wait to be allocated another guide dog following the death of Charlotte last month after a short battle with lymphoma. Despite having a guide dog for such a long time, Lindsey explained she’ll be at the bottom of the waiting list for another – because so many others are in line before her. Lindsey, who has raised thousands of pounds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association since being diagnosed with a degenerative condition 20 years ago, said: “Unfortunately there are so many people diagnosed with sight loss that there is quite a high demand on the services. “I have to be reassessed again just to see that nothing has changed in my medical status, and they can come out and assess where I live.” One of the main reasons Morley-born Lindsey will have to wait so long is due to a shortage of ‘puppy walkers’ in her local area. Guide dogs need volunteers – puppy walkers – to train them in their early years. Lindsey said: “They prepare the dogs for

every situation that somebody like myself would encounter on a daily basis. They get them used to shops, buses, trains, shopping centres, get them used to sounds in the home. “These people are volunteers and because we have a shortage of puppy walkers I think it might have a bit of a knock-on effect.” She explained hers and husband Craig’s decision to apply for a guide dog all those years ago, and how it will now affect her everyday life as she waits to be paired with another companion. “Getting Charlotte in the first place was a huge decision anyway, because 12 years from being diagnosed I didn’t want anyone to know,” said Lindsey. “When I first applied I waited 14 months. It’s a lengthy process because they have to assess where you live … and how I walk, they match the dog on your walking speed and lifestyle.” She added: “It’s hard because obviously there’s the emotional side because I’m still coming to terms with the sudden loss of Charlotte and friends are great, but with Charlotte she would assess the situation, she would know whether it was safe to take me down a pavement. “She would be able to see obstacles and with the long cane you can only really know there’s an obstacle there when you’ve hit it. “With Charlotte she would already have got

me safely round the obstacle. I don’t like using the cane but I’ve got to use it to keep up my independence. “It’s just not the same, when I had Charlotte it was so much more than having a guide dog, it was about the companionship. “When we used to go out shopping it was fun, whereas now people don’t see a cane they just want to walk all over you and it’s a bit daunting.” Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer puppy walker can find out more at www.guidedogs.org.uk.

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ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

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his track record all heard you…” you’d think it “Should you would be Rhinowish to persist in thick – so maybe that malicious it’s his Rasputinfalsehood, you like No. 10 aide can go and sit on Dominic Cummings his knee…” (although he looks I’d thought more like Gollum Boris and our from Lord of the Attorney General Rings) who’s whisGeoffrey Cox pering in his ear were peas in a and pointing the pod, but no – dagger at various sacked. Andrea Leadsom likeBoris’s best buddy backs. What is becoming wise, much-laudDominic Cummings crystal clear is that ed Northern having pushed, Ireland Secretary Julian Smith and then to top it shoved and grunted Brexit over the all, it was see-ya-later Saj. The line, Boris isn’t tolerating nay-sayers Chancellor of the Exchequer in his new team. I can understand it on several levdown the road too. The PM doesn’t strike me as els, not least in that Whitehall’s civil being overly thin-skinned – with service mandarins watch the parade of PMs – Blair, Brown, Cameron, May and now Johnson – through institutionally resistant eyes. They see all PMs as temporary inconveniences as they, the ‘important’ Sir Humphreys, meander through decades of well-rewarded mediocrity, hindering not helping ministerial initiative, before retiring to a knighthood or the Lords. function rooms are the perfect place for If Johnson/Cummings clear out that most anti-democratic of Whitehall cabals, then more power

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Boris could give Trump a run for his money RIKEY, Boris means business, doesn’t he? I thought I could bear a grudge, but it seems the Prime Minister has taken not so much a page as an entire chapter out of Donald Trump’s book ‘Payback is a Bitch’. (There isn’t such a book, but I suspect the US President would give homicidal North Korean maniac Kim Jong-Un a run for his money in the ‘settling scores’ department – if he thought he could get away with it). “I asked for one sugar in my coffee. I am the world’s greatest, most famous ‘one sugar’ coffee billionaire. This is undoubtedly two. Tie that man to a chair in the middle of a field and fire heavy ordnance at him.” “But Mr President, you clearly told the poor man two sugars, we

PICK-UPS MIRFIELD & SURROUNDING AREAS

to their elbows. It’s time for ‘can-do’ people at the steering wheel, not a class of bureaucratic untouchables expert in ‘can’t-do’ obstacles. S A newspaperman, I should have supported the industry uproar at 10 Downing Street cherry-picking which journalists to allow into briefings. Instead I chuckled mightily, as I did at No.10’s refusal to put up ministers for Radio 4’s Today news programme. The haranguing negativity of Today’s presenters does neither journalism, politics, nor supposedly serious issues any credit at all. So why bother? I fairly skipped home through Storm Dennis’s howling gales from the paper shop on Sunday morning, clutching my Sunday Times with its headlines ‘No.10 to axe BBC licence fee’. Yes! I’d pay the full fee just to see smug Gary Lineker thrown out on his overpaid backside, but more than that, the agenda-riddled BBC behemoth no longer speaks for ordinary people. We should all resent being forced to pay to be preached down to – and even if we choose not to watch the BBC, we still have to pay. It’s time to break it up and make the commercially viable parts of it start singing for their own suppers.

Digging up a protest idea ’VE got a great idea for a public protest. As readers of old will understand I’m not a fan of West Yorkshire Police – being run off the A64 by armed cops and locked up, to give a Chief Superintendent a bit of a laugh, can have that effect on a bloke. So if any of you guys are up for it, and because Kirklees Police couldn’t find the holes in their own backsides with both hands and a miner’s lamp, let’s go protest outside Chief Supt Julie Sykes’s house. Everyone bring a shovel and we’ll dig up her front lawn, in the name of saving future generations of groomed, raped and abused children that her force have sacrificed via 30 years of turning politically correct blind eyes. It’s fair enough isn’t it? I mean, if the morons of Extinction Rebellion can dig up the pristine lawns of Trinity College, Cambridge, while the law blithely watches on, why isn’t an over-promoted, incompetent copper fair game? On second thoughts, maybe not. Because before we’d turned a clod, we’d have vans full of tooled-up riot police giving us the full mashing of tasers, batons round the bonce and possibly even a few 9mm rounds if we’re unwise enough to resist. All of which is what those unwashed, self-righteous, eco-warrior idiots should be getting a ration of, instead of to wallto-wall coverage from the BBC, while the authorities sit around tut-tutting, shrugging their shoulders and muttering ‘what can you do?’ Turn a flaming water cannon on them and haul them off to the nick. That’s what you can do.

It’s love at first slight in our house... V ALENTINE’S Day cards are all well and good, but they are a bit on the slushy, soppy side, don’t you think? We’ve been married 24 years and we’re so much ‘as one’ that we can communicate simply by the looks on our faces and minimal sign language. You know … I’ll turn around when the wife’s not expecting and see the look on her face – a generation’s-worth of dismal “what did I do to deserve him?” disappointment. Seeing that I’ll curl my lip up, she’ll flip me a finger and I’ll throw her a ‘V’ back*. Happy days. I went into a card shop last week and confess to being quite surprised at the entire section of smoochywoochy cards dedicated to same-sex couples. I suppose it was bound to

happen, and I have no kind of an issue with it, but still … sign of the times, I guess. Having browsed the red and glittery ranks of “love you to the moon and back” mush, I selected something as close to a “you’re not too shabby, I suppose I should be grateful” sentiment and took it to the counter. I am a bit of a natterer, I

suppose. I handed my card to the blank-faced young woman at the till and jested “I don’t suppose you have Valentine’s cards for wives or husbands who can just about stand the sight of one another?” “We ony av wotsout ont shelves…” “I was joking, love.” “That’s £1.49 please, cash or card…” (And no, I did not look at the price before buying the card, I would gladly have paid £4.99 or even north of that. You cannot put a price on true love). And at least mine was a bona fide Valentine. My Friday morning card didn’t even pretend towards kissy-kissy romance, it was just a plain statement saying: ‘Yorkshire Legend’. It was probably meant as a mickey-take, but I donned my ceremonial flat cap and stood it proudly on

the mantelpiece. *Of course I’m only joshing, fools. We had a lovely (if stormy) few days in Anglesey for her birthday the previous weekend, and a cosy movie-night in front of a log fire for Valentine’s. In fact I even waited until she was sending out Zzzzz’s like an air raid siren before sneaking off to the pub with the dog for a sneaky nightcap… MEANWHILE a school in Wigan gave 14-year-olds a sex ‘education’ leaflet which suggested sucking someone’s toes is a good way to show them love without having sex. That must have been what Mrs L was at when I woke suddenly to see her dainty size nine poised inches from my mush. She could have taken off those steel toe-cap boots I bought her for Christmas though...

Friday February 21, 2020

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

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 29 4 NIL Starts at 10.30am at Mirfield Library car park (WF14 8AN, SE203197) 8 miles – moderate Contact: Eddie and Andrea 01924 470091

Dave On Film

Sonic The Hedgehog Review by Dave Woollin

*****

OLLYWOOD’S dabble with converting video games into films has long been a sketchy one. Who can forget the abomination that was the Super Mario Bros movie and the laughable Street Fighter film? So when it was announced that there was a Sonic The Hedgehog film being made, eyes rolled everywhere. The despair was even stronger when towards the back end of 2019, the first trailer was seen and fans were outraged. The ‘Sonic’ in the trailer didn’t look anything like how the speedy blue character should look. After much backlash and ridicule, the filmmakers announced they would be completely redesigning the animated model of Sonic in an attempt to please the fans. It’s for this reason that I was eager to see what had been changed. Sure, the new Sonic at least looked like he should, but would the film be anything worth throwing your own gold rings at? I am pleased to say that I really enjoyed Sonic The Hedgehog. Sure there’s a flimsy story of why he had to flee his own planet all those years ago and live in Green Hills (fans of the game will appreciate this little nod), but once the action gets going and Sonic comes into the life of Sheriff Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) it settles into a fun and entertaining story. Jim Carrey plays Dr Robotnik, a government agent trying to track down the alien hedgehog using his own crazy technology. The film allows Carrey to be his madcap 90s self which I absolutely adored across most of his career. Slow-motion bar fights, plenty of comedy and a lot of heart go into creating a great film with plenty to sing about. Sonic the Hedgehog is rated PG and is in cinemas now.

Top five in five words: Parasite – Oscar-winning Korean absolute brilliance Emma – Jane Austen’s matchmaking mark misser Dolittle – Fun adventure just lacking depth Birds Of Prey – Harley Quinn. Explosively great fun 1917 – An absolute cinema must-see

• Read more of Dave Woollin’ s reviews at DaveOnFilm.co.uk. • Leeds Film Club meets on the third Thursday of every month at the Starbucks inside Cineworld Leeds, White Rose Centre, at 6:30pm. Search on Facebook for Leeds Film Club.

Fringe benefits at the Minster... WORKERS and shoppers in Dewsbury can enjoy a spot of culture during their lunchhour next week when the Not-The-Fringe music festival kicks off at the minster. The launch event on Tuesday, February 25, will feature vocal group II Cor Tristo and will be free to attend. The group includes James Cave who is currently preparing to tour with Dewsbury-based arts organisation Manasamitra in the The Sound of Tea, commencing in London in March. The performance, which starts at 1pm, will also feature Sing Your Head Off, a Hoot Creative Arts singing group led by Jessica Baker. Jessica works with a wide range of community singing groups and performs regularly under the name of Kaninchen using loop pedal and voice. A further six performances will be held on March 24 and 31, April 21 and 28, and May 7 and 12. Each event will host a guest artist and feature a local community group. They will

incorporate a mixture of music, poetry, speech and sound, highlighting local talent and celebrating the creative diversity within the district. Supriya Nagarajan, founder of Manasamitra, said: “Being able to team up with Dewsbury Minster for Not-The-Fringe is very exciting for us. We’re based in Dewsbury so are incredibly pleased that we can give something back and get the local communities involved, showcasing the unbelievable talent we have in the area.” Entry will cost £3 on the door after the launch event. Manasamitra delivers a range of South Asian arts and cultural experiences and uses diverse disciplines, talents and cultures to create new sounds. For more than 10 years it has presented original touring productions, one-off commissioned performances and challenging community projects such as the recent Festival of Conversations.

Get rocking out to a thrilling show We Will Rock You The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Until Saturday February 22 Box Office: 01274 432000 Bradford-theatres.co.uk Review by Janet Black THIS FANTASTIC show has been described as a ‘Juke Box Musical’ based on the songs by British rock band Queen with book by Ben Elton. The musical tells a story of a group of ‘Bohemians’ who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion and live music in a distant future, where everyone dresses thinks and acts the same.

Musical instruments and composers are forbidden and rock music is all but unknown. It is full of great music (of course) with an excellent band playing some of the many songs of one of the most popular bands of all time – and one of the few bands to genuinely appeal to almost every kind of music fan, boasting a long and eventful career with recordbreaking achievements. It is extremely well done, very funny with incredible performances – particularly from all the lead characters. With outstanding performances given for every num-

ber I have to mention that Bohemian Rhapsody was performed so beautifully by the whole cast and made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up – fabulous harmonies! There was exciting and imaginative scenery, it really was enjoyable from start to finish. I believe that in the past this show has had mixed reviews but I can assure you that this particular cast gave us a vibrant and thrilling show that had the audience on its feet sending out rapturous applause for a show that will long be remembered in my memory.

Cabaret boasts star-studded cast KANDER and Ebb’s landmark musical Cabaret returns to Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday March 3 to Saturday March 7. Directed by Rufus Norris and produced by Bill Kenwright, Cabaret tells the tale of a young American writer, Cliff Bradshaw, and his relationship with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles. It features some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, including Money Makes the World Go Round, Two Ladies, Maybe This Time and Cabaret. John Partridge, winner of Celebrity MasterChef 2018, well known to TV audiences as EastEnders’ Christian Clarke, and one of West End theatre’s most prolific leading men (A Chorus Line, Chicago, La Cage Aux Folles) fronts this production as the enigmatic

Emcee. Kara Lily Hayworth, best known for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Cilla Black in Cilla the Musical, will star as Sally Bowles, and the role of Fraulein Schneider will be played by singer and screen icon Anita Harris (Follow That Camel, Carry on Doctor, Grizabella in Cats (West End)). Since its Broadway premiere in 1966 – and the famous movie version starring Liza Minnelli and Oscar-winner Joel Grey – Cabaret has won a staggering number of stage and screen awards, including eight Oscars, seven BAFTAs and 13 Tonys. Norris’s production has enjoyed two smashhit West End runs and has picked up two Olivier Awards. Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call 0844 848 2700.

MONDAY MARCH 2 GOING SHOPPING TO IKEA Starts at 1pm at Oakwell Hall top car park (WF17 9LG) 4.5 miles – moderate No dogs please Contact: Kathleen 01924 471473 Kathleenoshea5@aol.com

Happy chappy Shaun rides into Morley HAPPY MONDAYS legend Shaun Ryder is coming to Morley next month. ‘An Evening With Shaun Ryder’ comes to the town hall on Friday March 13. As the lead singer of the Happy Mondays he was a key figure in the Manchester cultural scene during the late 1980s and 90s. Join Shaun as he discusses his life, career and the music industry, and there will also be a chance for fans to ask him a question during the Q&A session. Guests will be treated to live music, from an act yet to be confirmed, along with a fully licenced bar. Tickets for the 18+ event cost £20 per person. There are also 30 VIP tickets available, which include a meet and greet and photo with Shaun, at the price of £50. For more information call 0113 378 8575.

Songbirds concert WHITECHAPEL Church in Cleckheaton is hosting its monthly free concert on Wednesday March 4. The church on Whitechapel Road enjoys different singers, choirs and entertainment on the first Wednesday of every month. There’s also afternoon tea and cakes on offer, and everyone is welcome. Next month’s concert is with Fixby Songbirds Choir. People are encouraged to arrive from 1.30pm to get a good seat, with the concert starting at 2pm. Contact Trevor Bowers on 01274 862635 for more information.

New singers welcome OAKENSHAW Community Choir is looking for more members. Men and women of all ages are welcome and the first three weeks will be free for newcomers. No previous experience or auditions are required. The Oakenshaw Community Choir rehearse every Monday at St Andrew’s Church on Bradford Road from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. For more information visit www.oakenshawcommunitychoir.co.uk.

Loving tribute to Sir Elton GET ready for take-off as the number one tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all time comes to Morley Town Hall on March 20. No-one else recreates the flamboyant Sir Elton John with as much vigour and brilliance as world renowned tribute artist Jimmy Love. The amazing live band will take you down the Yellow Brick Road with two hours of Elton hits, from Crocodile Rock, to Philadelphia Freedom and the beautiful Your Song. Are you ready for love? Tickets for the 18+ event (6.30pm to 11pm) cost £26.10 for a seated table and £21.15 for balcony seating.

Local disasters talk SPEN Valley Historical Society’s next meeting is on Wednesday March 11 when Christine Leveridge will give a talk titled ‘Local Disasters and Tragedies’. Meetings are held in the Catholic Church Parish Hall on Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7.15pm. The cost is £2 per meeting for members, £4 for guests and membership is £10 per year. For more information email scooper@thecoopersonline. org.uk.

Open mic at Dashers BUDDING writers, poets and musicians are encouraged to attend an ‘open mic’ night in Morley. Hosted by Kathleen Strafford, the monthly event takes place at the Morley Dashers pub on High Street (6pm-9pm). Guests are invited to read, sing or just listen to talented writers. Locally-published writers appear as guest speakers and afterwards there is an open mic session. Taking place on the second Sunday of every month, there’s cake available and a chance to win a bottle of cava or gin from the raffle. For more information visit the website: www.runciblespoon.co.uk.

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

Owing to the high volume of letters we’ve received, a number have had to be held over until next week

Some bright sparks... Letter of the Week: Colin Auty, Dewsbury As I write I am fuming. I took my dog for its evening walk (7.00pm) and as we walked along the pavement (Dewsbury/Ossett border near Leeds Rd end) I noticed an electric power box. It was the size of a sink unit, torn from its base and laid on its back, doors off and the inside consisting of what looked like fuse boxes (one lit up) and other electric components, along with power cables which went underground, open to the heavens. If it had been raining on this God knows what could have happened. I collected the doors and put them back on top of the unit making it as safe as possible. The danger now was if the wind

blew strong enough to pull the unit from the power cables. I went straight home to report it to the police because there was no ID on the unit. After automised ballyhoo and what not, I was at a loss – you could report a crime, or as another automated response instructed me, if I had suffered ‘regarding skin colour, religion or gender abuse’ what I had to do. But anything dangerous to report like a power unit with volts pushing through it waiting for rain? No. So I waited, eventually a voice came through, I told the person why I was ringing and we got somewhere when I said it was a

green unit. He said that sounds like the National Grid – you should ring them. I almost fell off me chair! No, says I, my duty is done, I’m almost 70 years old and time’s precious, I have no idea what or where their number is! I’ve done my community service. I was finally asked the address of said dangerous unit. Phone down and a brew. I can really understand why a lot of the public walk on and don’t get involved. I also realised how police priorities are questionable – had I been reporting a homophobic namecalling I guess a patrol car would have been on the scene in minutes. Sorry but it’s true – 1,000 volts sticking out of the ground in wet windy weather takes second priority. Wifey asks: “Why bother?” Because I don’t want anyone hurt!

Population puzzles

Kirklees left out of pocket

From: Derek Cartwright, Batley

From: Christine Hyde, Dewsbury

Is immigration a bad thing? I do not know. Yet, I expect it to continue as we have skill shortages and want more nurses, doctors, maths teachers and tradesmen for construction. However, I get concerned when I do not hear the media tell people that the population of England & Wales in 1600 was an estimated 6m and in 1750 7m and 9m in 1801 (first census) and then 32m in 1901 and now over 60 million. Yet that previous century saw a lot of people leave this country – indeed a lot of people left here in the last century. If we double this in next 100 years where are all these people going to live? Where are we going to get the houses from – especially now when we hear there is a shortage of ‘affordable houses’.

I’m glad local people are so pleased with the NHS these days that they voted to elect Conservative MPs in two areas of Kirklees. Perhaps we are a very healthy bunch and don’t need doctors. It’s just as well. Instead of the 5,000 extra GPs promised by David Cameron, there are 1,000 fewer than when he promised it, so where the new babies are going, to see a GP, I don’t know. NHS bosses who buy services in for us in Kirklees, are still talking about ‘Care Closer to Home’ which was promised in 2013. They find that there’s still not enough of it! They’re discussing plans for the NHS to fund Kirklees Council for social care as well as medical care. This is a huge shift in national life. The govern-

SALE NOW ON

ment used to fund councils to provide social care, but it is now cutting money. Next year Kirklees Council is likely to lose £6.5m from what it gets this year. We need to ask our MPs to make the case with their fellow MPs, to get us more money in Kirklees.

A fond farewell From: Wendy Storey Re: Mirfield Team Parish Pantomime. I would like to thank everyone who attended our 71st pantomine ‘Rapunzel’ last week which was a sell out every show and a huge success. What a pantomime it was – one of the best ever. We are a communitybased group and we have all ages from four years to 70 plus involved. Not only performing but painting scenery, wardrobe, tickets, sales, publicity, lighting

Continued on p10

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020 residents are watching carefully what is happening in Mirfield with interest and with some incredulity that the proposals for this site could have got as far as they have.

Continued from page 9 and helping on show nights. Almost every person is a volunteer. It was especially poignant for me this year as after 20 years of tickling the ivories and being chair of the group for five years I have decided to hang up my panto tights. Oh yes I have! It has been a difficult decision to make but at 73 I feel now the group needs younger blood and new ideas and we have some very talented people now involved. I will miss the fun, the camaraderie, the dramas of which there have been many but most of all the people and especially the children. Thanks to everyone who has supported me over the 20 years and I wish you all the very best for the future.

Now take us seriously... From: Cheryl Tyler, chairman of Save Mirfield Further to my recent correspondence regarding Granny Lane in Mirfield, after the recent storms, Ciara and Dennis, Save Mirfield and

GLAAG decided that they could not give up the fight on Granny Lane. These storms demonstrated the issues that the residents have been trying to get taken seriously for many months. Everyone by now knows that our concern is with the loss of the flood plain, that the so called plans for drainage may be shown to be ineffective. A Planning Advisor at the Environment Agency in a recent letter to a member of GLAAG, said that they would request a condition to ensure no raising of ground levels in Flood Zone 3, which they had been informed would only be in the public open space, in order to “protect people and property from flooding and to prevent the transfer of risk elsewhere”. Sadly this is exactly what is actually proposed because contrary to what they were told, the access to the site is in FL3 and it is proposed to raise the ground levels! A letter has been sent to the councillors on the Strategic Sub Committee and to the leader of the council Coun Pandor, asking them to take this application back to committee so that it can be reviewed again in the light of recent events and the mistakes that have been made. This can be done if they are

Well done to Save Mirfield From: Brian Watson, Mirfield

Coun Shabir Pandor minded to do so because final permissions have not yet been granted. The application was approved at committee with incorrect information. The independent Flood Risk Assessment commissioned by residents pointing out errors was completely ignored. Coun Pandor has been quoted recently as saying that he will not let Kirklees residents down – so we need him to show that these were not just empty words. This should not be about saving face but doing the right thing. The local elections are coming up in May and Kirklees

Congratulations to Cheryl Tyler and the Save Mirfield group, who time and time again toil away at ridiculous attempts to make Mirfield into a non-eco sustainable urban metropolis. The latest attempt to save areas around Granny Lane from greedy speculators and planning officials has failed. With the USA, China, South America and South East Asia doing little to curb carbon emissions it looks like global temperatures are set to rise further. Eighteen degrees celsius was recorded in Antarctica last week – warmer than Spain at the time. Storm Ciara has caused untold damage to businesses and infrastructure in Mirfield once more. Rail travellers were unable to access the station due to flooding. Walls and barriers were knocked over by the sheer volume and force of the mighty Calder. The flood alleviation measures in Hebden Bridge have marred the problem further downstream. It’s evident there’s been no communication between Calderdale and Kirklees – it seems more a case of ‘I’m alright Jack’. I urge one of our three local Conservative councillors to rip the door off its hinges at Mark Eastwood’s office and drag him screaming all the way from London to take another look. Yes his boss (Boris) wants to build more houses, but that doesn’t mean they have to be built in areas prone to flooding. Come on you politically motivated planners! History tells of great mistakes, we have to learn from them. Have another look, Mr Eastwood etc.

Planning for accidents From: S Crossley, Hanging Heaton Not only should our MP get Kirklees Council to have another look at their decision to build on the flood plain in Mirfield. He should look into planning granted to the east of High Street, Hanging Heaton. To build an estate which exits on to an already hazardous bend shows how little caring and awareness councillors have for people, especially the children. We now find this was granted 12 months ago but has only just come to light with the land going up for sale – and we wonder why was it kept quiet. Over recent years we have seen the traffic on High Street steadily increase as the traffic on Grange Road increases. High Street has become a notorious rat run with at least three serious accidents in the last 18 months. To create a situation where traffic coming round a blind bend confronts traffic pulling out from a junction asks for trouble. This has been passed and it shows how much our councillors think of the people they represent.

It seems councillors are keen to reap rewards from building on every blade of grass possible instead of acting responsibly. They’re acting like a gang of land grabbing cattle barons from a John Wayne movie. If these developments are allowed to go ahead any mishaps which might happen will solely be down to Kirklees Council.

Finding where to clear the air From: Colin Walshaw, Scholes Re: The religion of The Thermageddonites. I look forward to Fridays, mainly due to the publication of Ed Lines. They always make me smile and sometimes, as per last week, laugh out loud. Don’t worry Danny, we “vile apocalypse deniers” are not alone, you just need to know where to look. I suggest anyone with ecoanxiety look on line for the alternative view. “The Great Global Warming Swindle” is still available on YouTube, this was made some years ago on Channel 4, but it still covers the major issues. More recently access to the web pages ‘wattsupwiththat’, ‘clintel’ (Climate Intelligence Foundation), ‘thegwpf.org’ (Global Warming Policy Foundation), and ‘The Heartland Institute’ are all very informative, but beware, they can be addictive. I love the quote from The Times, November 19th 2019, from ‘Saint’ Sir David Attenborough. “The mathematics of what the dangers are going to be are something that I am not capable of doing, and I take what other people tell me. I am not a climate scientist.” Well I wish he would stop banging on about it. This, from the man who is the architect of Greta Thunberg’s fallacies. Apparently, she believes every word Attenborough utters and sees him as some sort of Messiah (as do some here). His misleading pictures of starving polar bears, has been discredited by the photographer as being ones of a probably cancerous animal (they like us die of natural causes). Attenborough does the voice overs and had never questioned his sources, neither has Greta. Both are out of touch with what is really happening in the Arctic, Polar bears are thriving and some Canadians are culling the growing numbers. Attenborough is no better informed than poor 17-year-old autistic Greta, who is now being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. As far as CO2 is concerned, our atmosphere is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% Argon, some trace gases and only 0.04% Carbon Dioxide (CO2), the gas most often blamed by alarmists for the supposedly ‘existential’ climate change threat. There is no way that this minuscule volume of life-giving gas (the only reason along with oxygen, we can inhabit the Earth) is a threat to life as we know it today. The Earth is growing greener because of increased CO2. So-called climate scientists ignore the real existential factors of clouds, ocean currents, solar effects, etc, mainly

because they cannot accurately predict them, so they concentrate on something they can measure – CO2 concentrations. There is no climate emergency. I just hope I live long enough to say “I told you so”.

Thanks to MP Brabin From: Dave Wood, by email Perhaps I am now a moaning, miserable old g*t? For so long now I have despaired at the service companies and organisations give me. Customer care? Now there’s a laugh. Signs abound telling us they will not accept any behaviour or tolerate any action THEY consider bad. What about us, the clients – the customers keeping the company and staff working? Ah well, as I say put it down to my age! A little while back I had HMRC after me for what they said was unpaid tax. Despite several communications we were still at loggerheads and getting absolutely nowhere. So I turned to the office of our MP who took the matter up, resulting in a letter from the tax people informing me the matter was sorted. Also Ms Brabin MP, with her hard-working staff, have more recently helped family members and very quickly replied to their request for assistance. I’m currently reading ‘A Yorkshire lass at the court of Thatcher’ written by a former MP, and an excellent one at that, Mrs Elizabeth Peacock. It has opened my eyes to many aspects of the life and work of our MPs. I have always wanted our MP numbers halved, and also our councillors, but reading this book makes me grudgingly accept there is more to the roles than I want to give credit. So thank you Ms Brabin and your colleagues. As I say, put it down to my age!

Closing cop shop criminal From: Janet Stewart, Birstall I can’t understand why our police station is being sold off in light of what has gone on in Batley over the last few years. Jo Cox; the body found in the bank; the old bank getting blown up; people being assaulted and all the ‘wacky backy’ factories around here. It’s just not on. When our council tax bills come through we shouldn’t have to pay for the police because we don’t have any in our area! How can those who run Kirklees Council (the worst in the country in my opinion) agree to close a police station in any town centre? And why have the police agreed when Batley covers such a big area? What they should have done is close Kirklees police station in Huddersfield – nine miles away from us. They don’t have a clue what goes on in Batley. I think it’s a case of you scratch our back and we’ll scratch yours. There’s something fishy going on. Any drastic crime that happens from hereon in is on their head. The Government have allocated more money to the police and we haven’t got any. We need to get out of Kirklees and run our own towns. Batley and Dewsbury were once great places.

Friday February 21, 2020

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

FOOD FOR THOUGHT...

A taste of Japan, without the fuss HICKEN katsu curry – Wagamama’s most popular dish, beloved by people across the country for the perfect combination of crispy chicken, sticky rice and rich, fragrant sauce. But here’s the thing – it’s so easy to make, and it’s even more delicious at home. Pretty much every ingredient that you’ll need will be in your cupboard, or can be picked up at any supermarket. Start to finish, it takes around 30 mins to make, and you can always whip up extra sauce that will keep in the fridge for a few days. I always used to struggle with rice. I could just never get it right. But this recipe uses a foolproof method I first heard from Jamie Oliver – one mug of rice, two mugs of water, and just leave it to bubble away. Chucking in a slice of lemon whilst it is cooking gives a subtle fragrance that works wonderfully with the rich sauce. The sauce, with delicate spice and creamy coconut milk, coats the strips of crispy chicken, which are shallow fried in breadcrumbs until they are wonderfully crisp and tender. The whole dish just works. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing midweek meal, crav-

TSS

ing a takeaway or serving up a dinner party spectacular, chicken katsu curry is a great option, and one you should definitely try.

For the sauce: 1 tbsp olive or coconut oil; 2 onions, finely chopped; 2 large carrots, chopped; 1 1/2 tsp curry powder; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced; Good chunk of ginger, finely chopped (if you don’t have fresh, ground ginger is fine, use 1 tsp); 1 tsp ground turmeric; 400ml coconut milk; 2 tsp honey; Salt and pepper.

For the chicken: 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 large chicken breasts; 1 egg; 50g plain flour; 1/2 tsp curry powder; 200g panko breadcrumbs; Salt and pepper.

For the rice 1 mug of basmati rice; 2 slices of lemon.

Method: • Add the vegetable or coconut oil to the pan, and on a medium heat, fry the chopped onions and carrots until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and ginger and cook through. • Add the curry powder and turmer-

ic, and stir through. Add the coconut milk and honey along with a splash of water. • Add the salt and pepper and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring regularly. • Slice the chicken breasts into oneinch strips and set aside. • In a small bowl, beat the egg. In

another bowl, add the flour, curry powder, salt and pepper and mix. Add the panko breadcrumbs to a third bowl and set aside. • Rinse the rice under cold water for a minute or so to remove some of the starch. This stops the rice clumping. Add the mug of rice to a pan with two mugs of boiling water. Add the lemon slices and cover, cooking until the water has evaporated – around 10 minutes. • Dip each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, then into the egg, then coat in the panko. Repeat for all the chicken. • Heat the oil in a frying pan or skillet, and fry for three to four minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. • Remove the rice from the heat, discard the lemon and fluff up with a fork. • Give the sauce a good stir, adding a splash of water if it is a little thick. Plate the rice and chicken, and spoon the sauce over the chicken and rice.

• I have my own food blog, called Dan’s Always Hungry, which is packed with my own recipes and even more ramblings about food. You can check it out over at dansalwayshungry.com, and follow me on Instagram at @Alwayshungrydan.

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Free Food Festival As a Slimming World Consultant, Team Developer and member, I know that Food Optimising and particularly Free Food is simply amazing. After struggling to manage my weight for most of my adult life, I joined a local Slimming World group and from that moment, I knew that the support I received in group and the knowledge I built in group about Food Optimising would change my life forever. That was 8 years ago and I've maintained my 4stone 7lbs weight loss for 7 years. I work as part of a team of Consultants across West Yorkshire, running Slimming World groups in your community and every week we support hundreds of members to change their health, their weight, their lives. Free Food at Slimming World means that every member can comfortably satisfy even the biggest appetite, not have to worry about weighing, measuring and counting and make deliciously healthy meals the whole family can enjoy. Free Food at Slimming World is food that is highly satisfying and naturally low in calories –like lean meat, eggs, fish, pasta, potatoes, fruit and vegetables Slimming World’s philosophy was founded on the invention and development of Free Food 50 years ago, and the consequent freedom and liberation from hunger, guilt and shame that was once – and still often is – associated with losing weight. We founded the idea that you don’t have to stop loving food to start losing weight. As part of a month long celebration, Slimming World is calling all of its members across the UK and Ireland to celebrate their love for Free Food and create a brand-new recipe to add to its collection. The Free Food Festival encourages Slimming World members to cook, share and win – with Free Food cook-offs in Slimming World groups around the country. Every weekly group will then have a winner and be entered into a national competition to find the best new Slimming World recipe. An award-winning foodie, the winner of the Great British Bake Off 2019, David Atherton, will join us in celebrating our Free Food Festival. He will be a judge for the national final of the competition along with Slimming World HQ head chef and Slimming World’s Head of Food and Publications. Of course, Free Food isn't just for February, its for life. If you'd love to come along to a warm and friendly group and diiscover how Food Optimising can change your life too, check out your local group on www.slimmingworld.co.uk.

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

Scholes Cricket & Athletic Club 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Lily 07507 204210

Dewsbury Town Hall 9.30am, 11.30am Tel Amber 07471 826774

Cleckheaton St Pauls Church Cleckheaton 9.00am & 11.00am Tel Tracey 07970 722726

Thornhill Social Club Edge Top Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Sarah 07539 452622

The Trinity Centre Batley Carr 9.00am Tel Hameedah 07983 445501

Hunsworth Scout Headquarters Cleckheaton 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Paul 07848 958798

Earlsheaton, Dewsbury District Sea Cadets (behind Earlsheaton WMC) 9.00am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Amber 07471 826774 Staincliffe Cricket Club Halifax Road 5.30pm Tel Diane 07961 631257 Tingley Methodist Church Westerton Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Lyn 07792 032170 Mirfield Zion Baptist Church Mirfield 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Claire 07768 311351

TUESDAY Heckmondwike Comrades Club 9.00am, 11.00am, 5.00pm & 7.00pm Tel Sue 07790 590763

Roberttown Community Centre 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Kathryn 07906 118636 Mirfield Trinity Methodist Church Hall 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Claire 07768 311351

THURSDAY Batley Town Hall 9.00am & 11.00am Tel Lynne 07988 662052 Batley Town Hall 5.00pm & 7.00pm Tel Lynne 07988 662052

Gomersal Public Hall Gomersal 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Sharon 07904 650476

Westborough Ratepayers Club Dewsbury Moor 5.00pm & 7.00pm Tel Lucy 07730 264938

Shaw Cross Boys Club Leeds Road 3.30pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm Tel Lynne 07988 662052

Millbridge Sports Bar Liversedge 5.00pm & 7.00pm Tel Kathryn 07906 118636

Battyeford Christ The King Church 5.00pm & 7.00pm Tel Mandy 07793 732268

FRIDAY Thornhill Social Club Edge Top Road Friday 9.30am Tel Sarah 07539 452622 Battyeford Christ The King Church 9.00am Tel Mandy 07793 732268

SATURDAY Liversedge St Andrews Methodist Church 7.30am & 9.30am Tel Emma 07786 513072 St. Pauls Church Hall Hanging Heaton 8.30am & 10.30am Tel Lyn 07792 032170 Heckmondwike Comrades Club 9.00am Tel Sue 07790 590763 Cleckheaton Howard Park Community School 8.00am, 10.00am & 12noon Tel Paul 07848 958798 Mirfield Trinity Methodist Church Hall 8.30am & 10.30am Tel Angela 07745 894238

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

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N TUESDAY people across the district will be tucking into a pancake feast as part of a tradition that has lasted for centuries. Traditionally, Christians would eat pancakes on the last day before Lent begins, to use up foods like eggs and milk, before starting 40 days of fasting for lent. Now, Pancake Day is celebrated by people all over the world, and some people even hold pancakeflipping competitions.

And this week you can win a £25 Tesco gift voucher, courtesy of our friends at Batley Tesco Extra, simply by having a bit of pancake-related fun! We’ve hidden a number of tiny frying pans flipping pancakes in the adverts on this page. And if you can spot them all, you’re in with a chance of winning the £25 prize. All you have to do is search the adverts and add up the number of tiny frying pans. Send your answer (a

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IF YOU’RE celebrating Shrove Tuesday this year, make it easier for yourself with this foolproof step-by-step guide to delicious pancakes. Treat this classic Pancake Day recipe as a blank canvas to add your favourite toppings to, or if you’re feeling adventurous, tweak the batter with different flours – swapping in wholemeal will give you a nuttier flavour, or use self-raising for thicker, fluffier American-style pancakes. Pancake Day is a great excuse to rustle up a batch of your favourites! Classic lemon and sugar is great, but fresh fruit, thick and creamy Greek yoghurt, and even peas and Parmesan cheese all make

great fillings. So, get flipping! 1: Place 125g of plain flour and one pinch of sea salt into a large bowl. 2: Crack in three large freerange eggs and pour in 250ml of milk. 3: Whisk well until you get a smooth batter, or alternatively blitz it all in a liquidiser. Leave to one side for 15 minutes. 4: Place a large non-stick frying pan on a medium heat. Once hot, rub a knob of butter around the pan so it melts. 5: Pour in one ladle of the batter.

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ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

Development projects could win civic prize By Jane Yelland

NEW DAWN: Coun Eric Firth at The Arcade in Dewsbury town centre

Blueprint brings positivity for businesses By Alison Bellamy BUSINESS leaders are celebrating a brighter future for Dewsbury, following an announcement which could see the town centre undergo a £200m improvement boost over the next decade. The town is set to be revitalised, with neglected areas overhauled and improved, as the much-needed investment from Kirklees Council begins to be rolled out. And ahead of the changes a massive spring clean is set to take place in and around the town centre, with volunteers from Dewsbury Forward planting and sprucing up the shopping areas. Coun Eric Firth (Lab, Dewsbury East), chairman of Dewsbury Forward which works alongside Dewsbury Chamber of Trade, said it was big news for the town. He said: “On behalf of shops and businesses at the heart of the town, we are feeling more positive about the future. Things are starting to happen. “Plans for the Arcade to open up again are wonderful and will see shops with tenants which will hopefully become an attraction for the town. Alongside the market upgrade and a town centre park, there is a lot to look forward to.” He said there were many buildings in the town that had been neglected and shut up for too many years and had become major eyesores. The Arcade – which has remained closed and fallen into disrepair for several years – will be repaired and the shop units open once more, as Kirklees Council purchases the premises from the landlord. Highlights of the plans include a new bus station, market overhaul, a pedestrianised Longcauseway and town park, plus new office premises for 750 council staff. Daisy Hill will become a mainly residential area, plus a revamp of Empire House will take place. Coun Firth added: “The Arcade will now remain forever in the hands of Kirklees, as will Pioneer House, which is due to open in September as Dewsbury College’s New Pioneer Higher Skills Centre. “Two historic buildings have been saved from dereliction by the council who are determined to protect our listed buildings and ensure they remain in the hands of local people. “No longer will absent landlords take ownership of these buildings. “It is a new dawn for Dewsbury - the first step to realising the long-term vision which Kirklees Council has made possible.” • What do you think of the council's Dewsbury Blueprint? Email forum@ thepressnews.co.uk with your views.

SPEN VALLEY Civic Society has launched a new scheme to celebrate well-designed developments that make a positive contribution to the local environment. And it wants local people to nominate worthy winners. But there is not much time as entries must be submitted by next weekend on Saturday, February 29. Civic society secretary Erica Amende said: “We want to encourage individuals, groups and businesses in the area who’ve done high-quality work either on a new-build, restoration, refurbishment or an environmental project. “Nominated projects will be judged by a civic society panel and winners will be presented with a certificate later this year. “We hope this will raise awareness of good design and increase civic pride in the Spen Valley.” In the past the society has awarded plaques to The Old Hall

pub Heckmondwike for its restoration, Hightown Junior and Infants School for an extension, the Aakash restaurant in Cleckheaton, for its conversion, Lowfold Hall Roberttown for its restoration and the National School in Liversedge, for its conversion to apartments. The new scheme aims to celebrate recent developments. To qualify, projects must: • Have been completed in the last two years; • Be visible from a public place; • Be in the Spen Valley. The project should also enhance the environment or heritage, complement its surroundings and may demonstrate good conservation or sustainability practice. Schemes that improve the area for wildlife or human recreation are also eligible; they do not have to be a building. People cannot nominate a project that they own. To enter, log on to www.spenvalleycivicsociety.org.uk and download a nomination form from the homepage.

Previous winners include the Aakash restaurant

Much-loved cherry trees set to be cut down and replaced

PHOTO: J HOLROYD

TWELVE flowering cherry trees are to be axed in Heckmondwike and replaced with new ones. An inspection found that the trees, which have been growing in Green Park for about 70 years, are in a poor condition and there is a danger that branches may fall off. Fungi growing round the base of many of the trees points to significant rot and decay inside. The trees were planted shortly after the Second World War and have lived well beyond their life expectancy of 20-50 years. They will be replaced with new cherry trees between now and March. Parks and forestry teams from Kirklees Council have met local councillors and community groups to discuss the situation. Though unwelcome, it was accepted that action is unavoidable. It is hoped that members of the local community will help with the replanting of cherry trees in the gaps. Coun Naheed Mather, cabinet member for Greener Kirklees, said: “Removing trees is always a last resort and it's always sad when we have to do it. “These trees have stood there since just after the Second World War and are very much part of the park and the community. “They have lived well beyond their life expectancy but now sadly have to be removed for safety reasons.”

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS I Ayub, demolition of existing house and barn and erection of office block/storage with canopy over parking area, Crossfield Farm, 17 Woodland Grove, Dewsbury Moor. J Lin, single-storey rear extension, 9 Tailor Close, Scholes. Caldervale Technology Ltd, discharge conditions 3-9 and 11 on previous permission 2018/93946 for erection of single-storey extensions to existing factory and erection of office block, Bretton Street Industrial Estate, Bretfield Court, Savile Town.

RM Khan, front porch, 30 Garden Crescent, Ravensthorpe. Mr & Mrs Wood & Garforth, raised decking to side and rear, 64 Lumb Lane, Roberttown. V Pudic, summer house, 39 Lansdowne Close, Batley. Mr & Mrs P Marshall, single-storey rear extension, 2 Elm Way, Birstall. A Fajandar, two-storey and singlestorey rear extensions and demolition of existing conservatory, 17A White Lee Road, White Lee. K Patel, single-storey rear extension,

38 Bridon Way, Marsh, Cleckheaton. J Hillam, certificate of lawfulness to confirm valid commencement of development approved under 93/01119 for change of use of workshop to dwelling, The Barn, Latham Lane, Gomersal. M Siddique, change of use of part of existing retail unit to restaurant with associated kitchen and stores, 57 Market Place, Market Street, Heckmondwike. Mr & Mrs Benson/Mrs Pollard, outline application for demolition of two

dwellings and outbuildings and the erection of 25 dwellings, 7 & 11, Church Lane, Gomersal. R Savage, demolition of existing garage and erection of two-storey side extension, 33 Rosslyn Court, Earlsheaton. D Featherstone, attached garage to side and external alterations, 6 Lincoln Avenue, Heckmondwike. E Connolly, dead or dangerous tree, 1a Hightown View, Hightown. Mr Kneen, discharge condition 3 (Remediation works) on previous per-

mission 2019/90648 for variation condition 2 (plans) on previous permission 2017/90677 for demolition of existing dwelling and outbuilding and erection of new detached dwelling with attached garage, Red House, Briestfield Road, Briestfield, Dewsbury. M Dadibhai, work to TPO 97/90 within a CA, 10 Oxford Road, Dewsbury. A Dadipatel, work to TPOs 97/90 within a CA, 14 Park Road, Westborough.

Friday February 21, 2020

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

Out and About ... Yorkshire attractions with plenty of history to explore

Discover some of our lesser-known historical gems JANE YELLAND takes a look at some local landmarks that you may have missed, but that are definitely worth a visit with the family... ANS of the popular BBC TV series Gentleman Jack should enjoy a trip out to Shibden Hall and estate.

Parts of the series were filmed at Shibden, near Halifax, the actual home of 19th century diarist Anne Lister, otherwise known as ‘Gentleman Jack’. The hall is set in 32 hectares of informal park and woodland which have won the Green Heritage Award. While the hall will not open until March 2, the historic grounds have been restored and now offer cascades, pools, tunnels, terraced gardens and ‘Paisley Shawl’-inspired Victorian bedding designs. A nature reserve is located in a wooded area known as Cunnery Wood which is rich in wildlife with stunning displays of wildflowers under English oak. A new children’s play area will keep youngsters entertained, along with the boating lake, orienteering course and the Mereside Cafe and visitor centre. Those with an interest in local history and costume should enjoy a visit to the Bankfield Museum in Halifax. A museum since 1887, Bankfield was the home of local mill owner, philanthro-

WHAT A VIEW: The stirring sight of Sandal Castle

pist and MP Colonel Edward Akroyd. Many of the displays cover local history, costume, art, toys, military history, jewellery and textiles from around the world. An exhibition celebrating the costumes of some of Britain’s best loved TV dramas such as Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, Poldark, Victoria and many more will be featured at the museum until September. The Grade I-listed Piece Hall in Halifax is another of Calderdale’s historic gems. It is the sole survivor of the great 18th-century northern cloth halls, a class of building which embodied the importance of hand woven textiles during the pre-industrial economy from the Middle Ages through to the early 19th century. Dating from 1779 the Piece Hall was a stunning combination of commerce and culture, which was adapted from the neo-classical orders of Roman architecture. Now home to a multitude of shops and restaurants, visitors can learn more of the history of the complex by joining a free guided tour. Call 01422 525217 for details. Brodsworth Hall and gardens near Barnsley was built in the 1860s for the Thellusson family and is now a ‘conserved as found’ country house run by English Heritage. The property provides visitors with a glimpse of Victorian life and tells the story of the changing fortunes of the people who lived and worked there. Built by the fabulously-wealthy

TOP: Brodsworth Hall near Barnsley. ABOVE: Shibden Hall in Halifax. BELOW: The York Cold War Bunker Charles Thellusson and designed in the Italianate style, Brodsworth was a family home for more than 120 years with the last resident, Sylvia Grant-Dalton, leaving in only 1988. After exploring the interior people can enjoy refreshments in the tearoom while youngsters take advantage of the updated play area. The remains of Sandal Castle at Wakefield could also stir the interests of local historians. The castle is thought to have been built in the early 12th century after William de Warenne received the Manor of Wakefield from Henry I in about 1106. The Battle of Wakefield took place at Sandal in 1460 during the Wars of the Roses when the Duke of York was mortally wounded. Parking is free and there is a Castle Cafe which benefits from fantastic views. For something altogether different, you could try a day out to the York Cold War Bunker. The building is the most modern and spine-chilling of English Heritage’s properties and uncovers the secret history of Britain’s Cold War. The bunker was in active service from the 1960s to the

1990s and was designed as a nerve-centre to monitor fallout in the event of a nuclear attack. A visit includes a short introductory film, guided tour and a visit to the decontamination room. Access to the bunker is by tour only and last approximately an hour. Conisbrough Castle near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe and still fires the imagination today. With floors and roof restored in the lofty circular keep, visitors can fully appreciate the magnificence of the original 12th century building. For 850 years the castle was a landmark for its community and a symbol of the power, wealth and ambition of the powerful de Warennes who built it. In the visitor centre a digital model, object displays and illustrated panels all help to bring the castle’s history to life. There are plenty of grassed areas that visitors can use for games and picnics. Children are welcome to run around and explore and visitors can feel free to bring a football or fly a kite.

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

‘Over the moon’ with youth group’s growth By Jane Yelland A YOUTH club launched in Birstall has proved so popular that crime has reduced in the area. Paula Dyson opened the club with friend Donna Paling at her cafe, The Cobbles, last November. “I’m over the moon with its success,” said Paula. “We have never had any trouble with the kids and the crime rate dropped three per cent within the first six weeks of us opening. “Now it’s down by 12 per cent.” From an initial 12 youngsters the club on Market Street now attracts up to 30 at its two-hour session on a Wednesday night. And the organisers are now looking to expand into a larger building. “We did not expect it to go so well,’’ said Paula. “We had about 12 children to start with and now can have up to 30. “We would now like to open four nights a week and we would like some bigger premises so we

can run a mother and toddler group as well. “We have somewhere in mind but want to see how it goes.”

The club, known as the Birstall Youth Project, caters for children between the ages of 11 and 15 who pay £1 per session.

Activities on offer include pool, table football and arts and crafts. “We are now in the process of getting a karaoke machine,” added Paula. The club received a £1,000 grant from Kirklees Council and it has also been well supported by Birstall Chamber of Trade, who paid for public liability insurance, a computer printer and a whiteboard for the children to doodle on. “They have just given us £100 for arts and craft materials,’’ added Paula. Local firm Ellie’s Flowers also supplies the club with fruit every week so the children can enjoy a healthy snack, and the council’s It’s Up To You funding programme assisted with a £500 grant. Two volunteers help run the club and a committee has been established. Paula said that despite the hard work it was very worthwhile. “I get a huge buzz out of seeing these kids happy,” she said.

Man whose record ‘littered with offences of violence’ awaits jail A DANGEROUS Batley man will have to wait to find out whether he faces life behind bars after admitting to a charge of wounding with intent to do grievous

bodily harm. Fiyaz Nawaz, of Batley Field Hill, appeared at Bradford Crown Court to plead guilty to the charge which relates to an attack on a man in

Halifax in July last year. The 50-year-old also admitted carrying a knife on Hanson Lane on the same day. Judge Jonathan Rose adjourned the case until

next month so that the probation service could determine whether the defendant was dangerous and if he required a life sentence or an extended prison sen-

tence. The judge said Nawaz's previous record was “littered with offences of violence”. Nawaz was remanded into custody until March 17.

Laura uses Slimming World’s Free Food Festival to help maintain her dream weight Advertising Feature THROUGHOUT February at Slimming World there’s a month-long celebration called the ‘Free Food Festival’. It’s a time when slimmers focus on the power of ‘free foods’ and how they can enjoy delicious and filling meals and snacks the whole family can enjoy. Meet Laura, a busy mum of four who has achieved her dream target by doing just that. Laura joined the Cleckheaton group tipping the scales at 21 stone. She had lost four stone on her own first, but heard about Slimming World’s amazing food optimising plan which meant she could lose weight eating all her favourite foods such as spaghetti bolognese, chilli and curries. “I still enjoy all my favourite meals like burgers and chips and roast dinners, but I’ve learned how to make small changes like using lean meat or cooking with a low-calorie spray instead of oil or butter,” said Laura. Laura recently achieved Slimming World’s prestigious Club 50 award, having halved her starting weight – losing an incredible 10st 7lbs. She has been maintaining her dream weight now for nearly a year. Paul Cannell, who runs the Cleckheaton Saturday Slimming World groups, said: “The changes we’ve seen in Laura are incredible. “I hope her success will inspire other people who’d like to lose weight by forming new lifestyle habits and as a result become happier and healthier to come and join us. “There’s a warm welcome waiting at Slimming World and, just think, if you start

Laura before

News In Brief

Teens robbed after fast food trip FOUR teenagers were robbed at knifepoint in a frightening attack in Heckmondwike. Harry Endicott, a pupil at Spen Valley High School, was in the McDonald’s restaurant with three of his friends on Friday night when they were sized up by a group of older boys. Harry, 14, left the restaurant on Northgate with his friends and walked towards the nearby Peacocks store, where they were assaulted by the other group. The assailants brandished a knife and threatened to stab Harry and his pals if they didn’t hand over money. More than £25 in cash was produced but in spite of that the younger boys were attacked. Harry has a swollen jaw and bruises to his head while another boy got a black eye. West Yorkshire Police said two males, a 15 and a 16-year-old, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and released on conditional bail.

Children’s homes get ‘good’ rating KIRKLEES Council is providing high-quality support to some of the district’s most vulnerable children, according to education officials. After inspecting three residential care homes in the district, Ofsted praised the way that children and young people with difficult backgrounds are being helped to fulfil their potential. All three homes were rated ‘good’ by inspectors, who said “young people are given a voice in their care plans” and “staff are ambitious for young people, enabling them to flourish, aspire and achieve”. Kirklees children’s homes are for small groups of children in care, giving them a safe and stable environment which meets their needs until they are ready to live independently, return to their family or move to a different placement. Coun Viv Kendrick (Lab, Heckmondwike), cabinet member for children, said: “Our children’s homes are incredibly important in supporting young people who might have complex needs or a background which makes them especially vulnerable. “Getting it right for each of these young people, so that our support is based on their unique circumstances, is challenging work. It’s excellent that Ofsted have recognised our high standards.”

Newsagent robber gets three years A WOULD-BE robber who wielded a knife at a Batley shopkeeper has been jailed for more than three years. Mohammed Fiaz entered Patsons News, on Branch Road, at 4pm on March 13 and asked about a specific brand of cigarettes. He left the store but then came back just before 6pm and asked for four packets of the cigarettes, before placing two bars of chocolate on the counter and producing a knife. Leeds Crown Court heard that the 37-yearold, of Milnsbridge, swung the knife at the victim and said: “Give me the money and cigarettes”. The shopkeeper grabbed hold of Fiaz and pushed him out of the shop. Fiaz handed himself in to Dewsbury police station later that evening and appeared to be drunk, but when questioned in his interview he said he couldn’t remember what had happened. He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an article with a blade or point and was jailed for three years and four months.

Laura now today you could soon feel like a completely new person – just like Laura.”

Look online for your nearest Slimming World group at www.slimmingworld.co.uk.

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ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

Marketplace Turn your unwanted items

into cash £££s 1) Ring Angela on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card. 2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card. 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 Round dining table (36 inch) complete with 4 padded chairs. Very good condition. £100 Buyer to collect. Tel 07764 300959 (Liversedge) (2563) Eco-motion folding electric assist bike with extras, helmet, inflator, rechargeable, lights, cove, etc. Excellent condition as new, very little use (health reasons) cost £495 plus extras. Accept £350 Tel 07764 300959 (Liversedge) (2563) Black X Box 360 and 4 games including Black Ops 3 and controller £20 Tel 07533 209056. (2564) X Box One game COD Modern Warfare. Not used just seal broken on box £15 Tel 07533 209056. (2564) CLOTHING Ladies raincoat with detachable hood. Beige with navy trim. Size 14. Worn twice. £8, tel 01924 518904. (2554) Vivienne Westwood men s trainers, black/grey. Size 9. Worn once. £10, tel 01924 518904. (2554) DIY Table saw (Ferm) 10 circular saw, 1800 watts. Table extensions to 3 sides. Ideal for the handyman or on-site work, £65. Tel 01924 495713. (2560) Aluminium 4-piece folding ladder, 3 positions, £30. Tel 07582 662715. (2561) New wheelbarrow with pneumatic tyre. Unwanted gift. £30. Tel 01924 441978. (2556) Howden joinery worktop template with pegs, in very good condition, £20. Tel 01924 441978. (2555) Clarke Torque wrench 3/8 drive. Unused, still in box. Retail £24, will accept £12. Tel 07563 968522. (2548) ELECTRICAL Nikon Coolpix P50 compact camera. 3.6x zoom. Boxed. Mint condition with Lowepro camera

case and carry strap, £25. Tel 01924 491306. (2557) Beko fridge freezer. Good condition, £50. Tel 07533 209056. (2539) FURNITURE Modern mahogany book/display unit. 5 adjustable shelves. 137cm H x 90cm W x 28.5cm D. Excellent condition, £50. Tel 01924 440392. (2562) Small attractive mahogany entertainment unit. Storage for CDs if required, central glass display. 106cm W x 73cm H x 45cm D (cost £500 McDonagh Fine Furniture). Excellent condition, £50. Tel 01924 440392. (2562) Black TV stand with chrome legs and two shelves. Suitable for TV up to 43inch. Excellent condition, £30. Tel 07876 411694. (2558) Kingsize two-drawer divan bed in excellent condition, clean and hardly used by one lady owner needing to downsize. Comfortable pocket sprung silk covered mattress. Cost £1,000, will accept £98. Buyer to collect. Tel 01924 724680/ 07743 586001. (2553) Dining table (170cm x 100cm) with six high back chairs. Medium colour in real wood. All in excellent condition (seat pads still have protective cellophane on them), £120 ono. Tel 01132 523709/ 07716 186487. (2551) 2 x Canterbury office chairs, black, unassembled in box, £40 each. Tel 01924 469537. (2542) Two mirror-backed display cabinets in silver. One corner, one straight unit. As in current Argos catalogue, £60 each or £100 for both. Buyer to collect Tel 07746 245435. (2544) Two seater sofa, scroll arms style with chocolate and beige chenille fabric cushions. Eight months old (size 58 L x 35 D). Very good condition. £100 ono, buyer to collect. Tel 07508 580211. (2546)

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ITEM bands

Cost per item

Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus Two-seater sofa, a little dated but very seldom sat on. Very good condition. Colour light brown, £200 ono. Tel 07563 968522. (2549) Phoenix 3ft single adjustable electric bed base (no mattress). Good condition. Buyer to collect, £100. Tel 07740 717701. (2541) Three-seater leather settee. Good condition, £45. Tel 07533 2090. (2539) Two x three-seater settees with beige dralon velvet seat cushions. One sofa has 5 large orange/ gold scatter cushions. The other sofa has two beige back cushions plus four orange/ gold scatter cushions. Plus brown leather-effect foot stool. £200 ono, buyer to collect. Tel 01924 430088. (2536) Attractive Italian leather 4-piece suite comprising of 3-seater, 2-seater, chair and storage pouffe. Black with red trim (bought from DFS), £550. Buyer to collect. Tel 07876 411694. (2535) GARDEN Electric garden shredder, £20. Tel 01924 524232. (2547) HOUSEHOLD Clarke mobile gas heater, 1.5 -4.2 KW. Nearly new, £50. Can deliver locally. Tel 01132 537019. (2552) 3 x winter warm oil filled radiators 1600 watt £25 each. Tel 01924 469537. (2542) Ikea pendant light, 35cm, white and copper, £25. Tel 07746 245435. (2544)

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11

Copper and white light shade, £10. Tel 07746 245435. (2544) KITCHEN/ DINING Kenwood Chef Gourmet shredder FP596. Never been used, £60. Tel 01924 490266. (2538) MOBILITY Four-wheeled mobility rollator walker with seat. One year old, used once and in excellent condition. Bargain at £45. Tel 07821 194749. (2550) MOTORING Hood motorcycle jeans, unworn, waist 36 L29 . Complete with knee and hip armour. Navy blue. Retail £160, will accept £100. Tel 07563 968522. (2548) MUSICAL Goldring Lenco GL72 record player turntable. Amplifier, 2 speakers + microphone. Excellent working order, £225. Tel 07720 958377. (2549) OUTDOORS Harris Dry walking boots, size 8, colour brown. Guaranteed waterproof & washable. Hardly worn. Retail £70, will accept £35. Tel 07563 968522. (2548) SPORTING GOODS Cannon 57 two-piece snooker cue. Complete with original case. Hardly used, £40. Tel 07508 162369. (2540) TOYS/CHILDREN’S GOODS Scalextric-type car race game. Includes four cars, flyover, 28ft (8.5metres) track and track circuit counter. Good working order, £15. Tel 01924 495713. (2559)

ThePress

Classified Want to advertise in our Classified section? Call 01924 470296 or 0113 457 2900 or email advertising@thepressnews.co.uk

Friday February 21, 2020

BUILDING & LANDSCAPE SERVICES

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ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

COMPUTING

ELECTRICAL

Computer Problems? Sick of Cowboys?

ANYTHING ELECTRICAL

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HYPNOTHERAPY

Mirfield Hypnotherapy Centre Unleashing the power of your own mind, to help you make positive changes

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FENCING

Tel: 07580 107241 (Andrew) or 07808 931714 (Louise)

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Any Odd Jobs Big or Small

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RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY OPEN 7 DAYS

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ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

ROOFING

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ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

BOWLS

Tattersley the victor on Spen sweep finals day ASH TATTERSLEY claimed the Geoff Brough Trophy on finals day at Spen Victoria last Saturday, beating surprise finalist Derek Hewitt. The top 16 bowlers throughout the winter sweep season had earned their place in the competition, and it was Tattersey who shone brightest as Storm Dennis hurtled through Spen. Chris Bly topped the table over the course of the season but, having seen off Andrew Gallagher and Michael Sweeney in the opening rounds, was stopped by Hewitt 21-20 in the semi-final. Hewitt was fully deserving of his place in the final after that performance, which followed wins over Mark Regan and Andy Thornton in the previous two rounds. Gary Wike did well to reach the semis by beating Mally Fowler and Chris Mordue, both by a nervewracking 21-20 scoreline, but he was seen to by Tattersley, who also defeated Garry Walker and Joe Cranston, 21-19. Tattersley went into the final as the strong favourite but Hewitt set off like a house on fire, taking a 7-0 lead. A huge shock was on the cards. Ash finally got hold of the block and made a break of five himself,

but when Hewitt got in at the eighth end he was back on one of his favourite marks and, having led well all day, the shock was still on. A loose lead let Tattersley back in and, to the amazement of the spectator, took Hewitt on 20-metre pegging marks rather than going to his beloved corner marks. It was a stroke of genius as Hewitt struggled to cope with the changing conditions and Ash hit a break of 13 to take him into an 18-8 lead. Hewitt managed to grab a few more chalks but that break seemed to break Derek’s spirit and Ash ran out as 21-13 winner. Alongside this competition ran the Supplementary Cup for 20 bowlers who missed the cut for the Geoff Brough Trophy, and Neil Simpson edged the final against Thomas Scorah. Simpson saw off the older Scorah, Colin, in the first round before dispatching Jordan Wike and Danny Teale to make the final, while Scorah progressed thanks to wins over Darren Goodall, Sarah Edmondson and Karen Hill. The final was a very cagey affair with the score 5-5 after nine ends. Things didn’t change much in the next eight ends either as chalks

were exchanged and, after 17 ends, the pair were again locked at 10-10. With pairs coming at a premium it always looked like whoever could put together a decent run would end up winning. Unbelievably the pattern continued and after 24 ends the score was tied again at 14-14. All 14 of Simpson’s points had been singles. Young Scorah managed to score a vital pair, taking the score to 16-14 in his favour, but all of a sudden Simpson decided to start using both his bowls and scored three pairs in the next four ends. With a lead of 20-17 it was looking good for Simpson but, showing maturity far beyond his age, Thomas scored a pair of his own and, at 19-20, bowled two decent woods to leave him lying game with Simpson to bowl his final wood. However, showing a steady nerve, Simpson bowled a six-inch wood to claim the game. That brought an end to the sweeps for another winter, and the club thanked the tireless work of the Spen grandees including Pete Ellis, supported by his wife Liz, John Blackburn, Kevin Wood, Brenda and Liz in the kitchen, the Brough family, Paul Holt, Alan Forrest, Eddie Mordue, Duncan Reeves and Gary Wike.

RACING PREVIEW WITH MIKE SMITH

THE FINALISTS: Derek Hewitt and Ash Tattersley (top) competed for the Geoff Brough Trophy while Neil Simpson and Thomas Scorah battled for the Supplementary Cup.

HOCKEY

Eider Chase not for faint-hearted Slaz sing in rain T HAS been a case of last man standing in recent weeks due to incessant rain contributing to bottomless ground, and this weekend’s Vertem Eider Chase looks set to be another war of attrition. Arguably the most gruelling race in the National Hunt calendar over the 4m1f trip at Newcastle, this marathon is seen as another key Grand National trial ahead of the big Liverpool race next month. The David Pipe-trained Comply Or Die (2008) is the most recent example of the winner of this race going onto land the Merseyside showpiece that same season. It is such a test that if you can find one that finishes the race, you will probably be in the money. So, there are better punting propositions tomorrow (Saturday) but two to consider are PRIME VENTURE and CALIPSO COLLONGES in what will be no place for the faint-hearted. Trainer Olly Murphy has resisted the temptation to run the latter from out of the handicap in some classy affairs but has no such worries as the Eider has attracted a weak field despite a purse of £80k. Evan Williams’ nine-year-old PRIME VENTURE may strip fitter since going down as favourite at Exeter last time out and will be looking to recapture the form that saw him finish fourth behind Potter’s Corner. Intriguingly, unlike the Grand National, horses carrying a low weight have not fared that well in this race. Since 1997, hors-

es carrying under 11st have won just five times compared to those shouldering 11st or more who have won 13 times (the race was abandoned in four years). Based on those stats we should be looking at something carrying 11st or more, and both fit that bill. Punters will be eyeing a short-priced double at Lingfield, where GOOD EFFORT is the 7/4 favourite to win the Hever Sprint Stakes and BANGKOK the Winter Derby (8/11 favourite). The latter looked awesome when winning the Winter Derby Trial for Andrew Balding and Rob Hornby, who has to sit on the side-lines tomorrow (Saturday) as King Power Racing’s retained jockey Silvestre de Sousa is back from his winter stint in Hong Kong. His biggest danger may well be John Gosden’s progressive four-year-old DUBAI WARRIOR, who impressively brushed aside his rivals at Chelmsford in November. At Kempton, Colin Tizzard’s

RESERVE TANK could be back in the winner’s enclosure after he was beaten at oddson at Newbury on his last start back in November. He’s 9/4 favourite with Carrigill’s to win the Pendil Novices’ Chase with the drop back to twoand-a-half miles ideal. SOLO makes his UK debut for Paul Nicholls in the Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle, where he’s 13/8 and currently 14/1 in a red-hot Triumph Hurdle market. The Dovecote normally goes to a decent novice and WEST CORK is among the most exciting in this field but I’m keen on HIGHWAY ONE O TWO, who gave weight to all his rivals when claiming his second novices’ hurdle at Plumpton. BENSON was a 66/1 roughie for a Listed race on his hurdles debut at Sandown three weeks ago but was in contention when unseating two from home, and the 8/1 shot can be a threat in this company. Course and distance winner NONIOS returns to his favoured Chelmsford track tomorrow night and connections expect him to go close in the Class 2 handicap over 1m2f at 6.30pm. CARRIGILL’S NAP: (money back as a free bet if it finishes outside top four. Write Augur on your slip to qualify): BENSON, Kempton, Saturday, 3.02. AUGUR’S BEST BET: NONIOS (e/w), Chelmsford, Saturday, 6.30.

SLAZENGER’S ladies firsts braved Storm Dennis to travel across the floodplains to Selby on Saturday, and maintained their unbeaten run in 2020 in style with a 7-1 win. They started strong to go ahead early on and, after a defensive error gifted Selby an equaliser, captain Frankie Tyrell showed great skill to set up Slaz’s second. The remainder of the half was spent in opposition territory and Slazenger went into the break 5-1 up. A change in formation saw Selby come out stronger, but not strong enough to break the defence. A couple of missed chances from them and another couple on target for Slaz saw them wrap the game up. Neither the ladies’ second or third teams were playing last weekend, while the fourths travelled without a full team to Ben Rhydding 5th and lost 9-0. The men’s first team defied a depleted squad to put in a respectable performance against York and claim a 5-5 draw. At one stage Slaz were 3-1 down but they battled back for the draw, with Richard Tuddenham slotting a hat-trick while Will Gascoigne and Harry Buttery also scored. Slazenger’s second team continued their road to promotion with a 1-1 draw against traditional bogey team Sheffield Hallam. Hallam played some fast-moving hockey and took the lead with a well-worked passing move. Slaz continued to battle but couldn’t find their usual form, and things got worse when Keith Leonard was carried off the pitch with a broken ankle. It looked as though the game was going to be lost until Lucas Smith slotted home a strike from the edge of the circle to share the points. It was less about Storm Dennis and more about Storm Doncaster for the men’s thirds, who faced top-of-the-league Doncaster Independent and were beaten 15-0. The fourths lost out 4-2 on the short journey to Wakefield despite Eddie Kendall and Andy Birkett goals. Finally, the sixth team beat Bradford 4th 5-2 with Luke Minchella scoring four of the goals himself and Curtis Jones adding the other.

Sport In Brief New Sedge stopper FOOTBALL: Liversedge have strengthened their squad for the season run-in with the signing of goalkeeper Jason White. He joins from Long Eaton and previously played for AFC Mansfield, where he won two promotions, and Scarborough Athletic. White was unable to make his debut at Eccleshill on Wednesday night as the league match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. It will instead be played on April 8. Weather permitting, fourth-placed Sedge will resume their promotion push tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) at home to Bridlington Town, who they are ahead of in the table on goal difference.

Batley CC sign three CRICKET: Bradford League Premier Division side Batley have signed Imran Mahboob from Wakefield St Michaels. He was one of the top all-rounders in the league last season, hitting over 500 runs while also getting 38 wickets. The top-flight newcomers have also added Mount’s Imran Ravat and Seif Hussain, from Baildon, ahead of the new season in April. Hanging Heaton have brought in Sam Drury from Scarborough, as well as Ossett’s Finnley Morgan and Lighcliffe’s Josh Wheatley. Division One side Ossett have added three new players in recent weeks, signing Joe Seddon from Ackworth, Callum Issott from Denby Grange, and Ian Philliskirk from Lightcliffe. Gomersal have also been busy, bringing in Cleckheaton’s Andy Gorrod and Jer Lane’s Daniel Syme.

Moor lose friendly RUGBY LEAGUE: Dewsbury Moor lost out 16-6 in a pre-season friendly away at NCL Division Three outfit Oldham St Annes. The Maroons, back in Division Two after relegation, scored through a Connor Vickers try and Aiden Ineson conversion. After a scoreless first half, Oldham prevailed with the help of tries from Rob Charles, Craig Basnett and Callum Fletcher, two of which were converted by Luke Skilling.

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

RUGBY LEAGUE

High hopes Boys’ for second season After a successful season of consolidation on their introduction to the NCL, head coach Terry Bairstow says promotion is now the aim as Batley Boys strive to progress both on and off the field... S FIRST seasons go, Batley Boys could be more than satisfied with their introduction to the National Conference League last year. After several years dismantling the opposition in the Yorkshire Men’s League, they were elected into the NCL for 2019, the first time a club in Batley had taken part in amateur rugby’s top competition. Having been in the thick of the battle for automatic promotion from Division Three for much of the season, a fifth-placed finish and defeat to local rivals Dewsbury Celtic in the play-off semi-final might even be looked back on as a disappointing way for it to end. However, head coach Terry Bairstow – who will be assisted in the upcoming season by Jimmy Hooley, with Pete Bingham stepping back from coaching duties – was happy with consolidation ahead of a real promotion push this time around. “This was the first season in a long time where we hadn’t had it our own way, and we’d played every week,” he said. “In the Yorkshire Men’s League you could have three weeks off. “It told in the end but I consider it a success. We lost to Celtic in the play-offs but personally I don’t think going up would have done us any good. “(We’re happy) to consolidate

SO CLOSE: Batley Boys were beaten by Dewsbury Celtic in last year’s play-offs again for this season and see where it takes us. I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a long, hard pre-season with this weather and training on Batley’s (Mount Pleasant) ground. “We fear nobody and that’s the aim, promotion. We’ve got a young side, they’re all hungry, they’re all looking forward to it and we’re going for promotion.” Having a season to gain experience of the week-to-week rigours of their new league has given the players a better idea of what they need

to do to compete at the very top. “It’s made the lads realise this time that they’ve got to be better prepared. It’s not far off semi-professional in your attitude and your training,” said Bairstow. “They’re all talking in training that they’ve got to do this, got to do that. We’ve got to be prepared. “It’s not necessarily tougher, it’s quicker and smarter players. You’ve got to think about your rugby, it’s not just bashing each other for 80 minutes. In the

Conference it’s all about playing rugby, which is good as far as I’m concerned.” The Boys will have to keep progressing without several of their regulars from last season. The loss of controlling half-back Adam Bingham, who retired at the end of 2019, will be felt most keenly, while Josh Whitehead and Owen West have also stepped back from the team. Bairstow hopes that the young talent at the club is ready to make the step up, with the likes of Charlie Sandell, Jack Bestwick and Max Clark set for more NCL action this year. “We’ve lost three or four experienced players which might tell in the end, I don’t know,” said Bairstow. “Hopefully these youngsters are going to step in. You never know, it might take them a season or two to get comfy in those shoes, but we’ll see.” The team have been training since December but haven’t been able to agree a pre-season fixture to help get the team ready for their opening fixture this weekend, when relegated Shaw Cross Sharks provide the opposition for what should be a full-blooded local derby. The match will be played at the Batley Bulldogs’ Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, and the club are hopeful that this year will finally see an end to the walk from Mount Pleasant to

their Staincliffe pitch for every game. Bairstow said: “At the moment, we’re looking at playing them all (at Mount Pleasant). Kevin Nicholas (Bulldogs chairman) has been in a couple of meetings with us and he agrees, as long as it isn’t foul weather; he doesn’t want the pitch cut up, particularly if Batley are at home the next day. “But we’ve had a look at the fixtures and we’ll only possibly clash with two (games), and they’re in the middle of the summer so the pitch will stand that no problem.” A potential switch isn’t the only recent development being made by the Boys, who are hoping to bring in more revenue this season, not only from matchday income at the ground but other sources. “Hopefully we’re going to be more professional; we’ve got sponsorship packages where players have got individual sponsors, we’ve got matchday sponsors. It’ll help make some money. “We’ve got Daniel Clayton doing all the media stuff. We’re just trying to catch up really. Shaw Cross have been doing it for years, and Thornhill have. Hopefully we can try to match those lads and do the same, hopefully we can be as professional as them. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes and hopefully we can match it on the pitch.”

RUGBY UNION

Cleck rue missed chances in Durham setback North One East

DURHAM CITY CLECKHEATON

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CLECKHEATON were unable to continue the momentum from their spectacular win over leaders York the previous week as they were beaten at Durham. The Moorenders remain in second place despite picking up just the one bonus point from a second away defeat in a row, but they trail York by 10 points with the two teams below now within three points of their play-off place. It was a below-par performance from Cleckheaton, although if they had taken their opportunities in a dominant first half they would have been out of sight by half-time. There was one late change to the team as Tom Lillycrop was unavailable and Gus Milborne replaced him at flanker. Cleckheaton played with the blustery wind behind them in the first half and put Durham under early pressure. They earned a succession of penalties and the referee deemed that second-row Showler had infringed once too often and sent him to the sin bin after just three minutes. Whilst Cleckheaton were dominant, the scoreboard remained redundant and it was 21 minutes of

almost constant pressure before Jack Marshall got into space and touched down for his 10th try of the season, converted by Dale Breakwell. It should have been more. From a five-metre scrum, Jack Seddon controlled the ball at the back of the pack until he was short of the line and was about to touch down when a Durham hand got under the ball and the chance was lost. On the half-hour mark Marshall scampered over in the the corner for his second try of the game only to be pulled back for a forward pass. Brad Pears, the Durham 13, was then dispatched to the sin bin for not releasing in the tackle, which would cost him later in the game. The only attack that Durham put together in the first half saw centre Gary Izomor go on a powerful run into the visitors 22. When the ball was recycled and moved right, Cleckheaton were stretched but a great cover tackle by Mikey Hayward should have prevented a score, only for the referee to deem the tackle illegal and send him to the sin bin, with a penalty try making it 7-7 at the break. At the start of the second half Cleckheaton made progress down the middle of the field and a penalty was awarded some 40 metres out, but Breakwell pushed it left of the posts. Durham were coming into the

game more and, on 52 minutes, they took the lead when the visitors lost the ball at the lineout and it broke loose for flanker Dominick to seize and score wide on the left. On the hour, after Cleckheaton knocked-on in midfield, from the scrum captain Paul Armstrong slipped away from the defence to score an individual try under the posts. The kick was good and Durham led 19-7. The next score could have been vital and it went to Cleckheaton. Good handling down the left wing saw Hayward elude the cover to cross for his 18th try of the season, although Breakwell hit the post with the conversion. Durham went back on the attack from the restart and Cleck conceded two needless penalties, the second of which added three points to the total at 22-12. There was a frantic last eight minutes of play as Cleckheaton powered downfield. First Josh Plunkett and then Matt Piper broke through the defence before Ollie Depledge put Marshall into space on the right, and as the cover came across he stepped inside only to be upended by a tip tackle from Pears, who was sent from the field having already been yellow carded. From the penalty the ball was moved left and a try should have been scored but it was lost forward. The referee brought play back for

CLECKHEATON’S second-string Kestrels earned an impressive 38-7 win over West Park at a stormy, rain-sodden Moorend last weekend. Liam Goldthorpe scored a brace of tries while Ed Curley, Richard Noble, Wade Laycock and Lyndon Ashley also went over. The Kestrels will look for an eighth consecutive PHOTO: Gerald Christian win away at Castleford tomorrow (Saturday) an earlier infringement and, from that play, captain Piper gave them a lifeline with a converted try narrowing the difference to three points with as many minutes to go. Cleckheaton tried to make a game-winning score at the death

but were thwarted by a knock-on. There is a break in league action this week before Driffield visit Moorend on Saturday February 29 (kick-off 2.15pm) for a massive game between the sides second and third in the table.

ThePress

Friday February 21, 2020

RUGBY LEAGUE

Team effort earns Rams first win Betfred Championship

HALIFAX DEWSBURY RAMS

16 18

Stephen Ibbetson at the MBi Shay Stadium DEWSBURY RAMS secured a first win of the season with a determined team performance to defeat Halifax in a rearranged match on Tuesday night. The original tie was postponed on Sunday as Storm Dennis made its mark on The Shay and things threatened to get stormy again two days later with four cards being shown, including reds for Dewsbury’s Dom Speakman and Halifax’s Scott Grix following a scuffle. Referee Cameron Worsley also dished out yellow cards to Kevin Larroyer and Ed Barber in an ill-disciplined first half from the hosts, with Dewsbury going into the break 6-0 up. Fax came out fired up in the second half but the Rams wouldn’t be beaten and tries from Matty Gee, debuting on dual registration from Hull KR, and Andy Gabriel earned them the narrow win. Rams coach Lee Greenwood said: “I’m really happy with that and it’s a much-needed win in terms of confidence. “We upset Halifax and rattled them a bit, which is probably why the penalty count was as it was,” he added. “There was a lot of Halifax trying to get the penalty from us and the referee seeing that.” Greenwood didn’t see the incident which resulted in two red cards but Halifax boss Simon Grix was sure that

7 6 6 6 8 7 8 7 7 7 8 7 7 7 6 7 7

SWINTON LIONS: Mike Butt 6 Richard Lepori 6 Ben Morris 6 Mitch Cox 7 Brandon Wood 5 Rob Fairclough 5 Jack Hansen 7 Gavin Bennion 6 Luke Waterworth 6 Lewis Hatton 6 Rhodri Lloyd 6 Frankie Halton 6 Will Hope 6 Subs: Billy Brickhill 6 Louis Brogan 6 Paddy Jones 6 Jose Kenga 6 Tries: Cox (63), Halton (73). Goals: Hansen 1/2. Referee: B. Pearson Half-time: 20-0 Penalties: 7-10 Sin Bin: Everett (20, high tackle), Reittie (37, kicking out) Man of the match: Danny Yates (Batley) Attendance: 746

KEY POINTS: Paul Sykes kicks one of his five goals An awkward bounce from the restart kick turned the momentum around though, with the Rams attacking from the drop out and Finn’s short pass seeing Gee over from close range. Parity lasted only five minutes as James Woodburn-Hall’s looping pass gave Broughton his second in the corner. Woodburn-Hall nailed the first two conversions but crucially couldn’t add this touchline effort.

PHOTO: Simon Hall

Back came Dewsbury again – Sonny Esslemont and Finn were held up in one dangerous attacking set, before Joe Martin’s pin-point kick to the corner from deep at the end of the next was missed by the defender to allow the chasing Gabriel to touch down. Sykes put them ahead with his fifth goal of the game and, despite a couple of errors making some nervy spells of defence required, they held on.

4 5 7 5 6 7 5 6 5 5 6 5 5 6 6 6 5

DEWSBURY RAMS: Joe Martin 8 Andy Gabriel 8 Adam Ryder 7 Matty Fleming 7 Will Oakes 7 Paul Sykes 8 Liam Finn 7 Frazer Morris 7 Sam Day 6 Chris Annakin 7 Sonny Esslemont 7 Michael Knowles 7 Matty Gee 8 Subs: Dom Speakman 3 Liam Johnson 7 Jon Magrin 7 Connor Scott 7 Tries: Gee (52), Gabriel (64). Goals: Sykes 5/5. Referee: C. Worsley Half-time: 0-6 Penalties: 7-12 Sin Bin: Larroyer (27, repeated team offences), Barber (31, kicking out) Sent Off: Speakman (37, fighting), Grix (37, fighting) Man of the match: Matty Gee (Dewsbury) Attendance: 1,151

Lions tamed on muddy Mount

MATCH STATS BATLEY BULLDOGS: Luke Hooley Wayne Reittie Dale Morton Lewis Galbraith Johnny Campbell Ben White Danny Yates Toby Everett Alistair Leak James Brown Dane Manning Lucas Walshaw Anthony Bowman Subs: Shaun Lunt Tyler Dupree Michael Ward Jack Blagbrough Tries: Campbell (3, 24), Manning (29), Ward (40). Goals: Hooley 0/2, Morton 2/2.

Speakman was the aggressor, and gave a muted criticism of the referee’s overall performance. “He (Scott Grix) punched after being defenceless on the floor, having a knee dropped in his face. That’s a red card. I’m not sure defending yourself should be,” he said. “(The half-time penalty count was) 10-2 then after 10 minutes it’s 4-0 to us in the second half. It tells a bit of a story.” The first-half narrative was all about Halifax indiscipline and calls which made the official a very unpopular figure in the ground. Dewsbury were 4-0 up after the opening quarter thanks to two Sykes kicks, while both sides lost key players to injury with home scrum-half Tom Gilmore and Rams hooker Sam Day going off. Larroyer was the first to be carded when he held down too long with his side on a team warning. Sykes made it 6-0 with the resulting penalty and Barber then joined his teammate on the sideline after kicking out. Dewsbury came as close as they had to a try all half when Speakman was held up, but the following scuffle saw two reds dished out and meant reshuffles for both teams, with Liam Finn moving to hooker and, for Halifax, Scott Murrell playing just about everywhere. Fax came out fired up in the second half and looked to have turned things around with two quick tries. A misread in defence saw space open for Murrell to breeze over, before a Michael Knowles missed tackle allowed Jodie Broughton through.

MATCH STATS HALIFAX: Scott Grix Shaun Robinson James Woodburn-Hall Ed Barber Jodie Broughton Scott Murrell Tom Gilmore Dan Fleming Keal Carlile Elliot Morris Matt Garside Paul Brearley Kevin Larroyer Subs: Brandon Moore Keegan Hirst James Saltonstall Oliver Wilson Tries: Murrell (45), Broughton (49, 57). Goals: Woodburn-Hall 2/3.

Betfred Championship

BATLEY BULLDOGS SWINTON LIONS

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Stephen Ibbetson at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium BATLEY ground out a first victory of the season in the Mount Pleasant mud as a dominant first-half performance saw them past Swinton Lions. Having been beaten by Featherstone and Widnes in the first two weeks of the campaign, Craig Lingard got his first win as Bulldogs boss largely thanks to a 20-0 lead built up by half-time. Johnny Campbell scored a double but it was Michael Ward’s try, precisely on the half-time hooter, that proved most crucial, and came despite the Bulldogs twice going down to 12 men in the opening 40 minutes. “We knew that even in the third game of the season, this was a massive game as Swinton are expected to be around us,” said Lingard. “We knew this week was massive, we put that pressure on the boys and they responded. “I think we managed the conditions and the pitch pretty well for 95 per cent of the game. “To say we were down to 12 men twice and we didn’t concede a point (in that time), it’s a massive testament to the effort that the players put in.” Swinton coach Stuart Littler admitted that his side gave themselves too much to do following a lacklustre first half. He said: “Them getting the try on half-time broke us a bit, to go 20 points down with the last effort of the half. “I made my feelings known at halftime and I thought things improved in

the second half, but we gave ourselves too much to do.” Campbell made his first appearance of the season for Batley following a hamstring injury and needed only three minutes to make it a scoring return. Danny Yates brilliantly dummied his way through the line, found Dane Manning in support and he in turn offloaded for Campbell to finish. The Bulldogs failed to convert further pressure and it looked like the game would shift when Toby Everett was sent to the sin-bin for a late tackle, but the home side defended well before marching up the pitch with Anthony Bowman, and Campbell leapt highest to catch a Yates chip and score again. They continued to defy their numerical disadvantage and, after Ward burst through the tackles, Manning went over from close range. Wayne Reittie was shown a red card – quickly changed to yellow when referee Ben Pearson realised he’d taken the wrong one out of his pocket – for kicking out, but again the extra man was no help to Swinton as Ward planted the ball down just as the half-time hooter sounded. Dale Morton converted the latter two scores for a well-deserved 20-0 lead. The slope neutered Batley in the second half and evened things up, with the help of the increasingly muddy pitch on which the two sides slogged it out. Swinton still had little threat but got their first points in the 63rd minute. Jack Hensen forced a drop out and then made the pass which allowed Mitch Cox to slide through. Cox’s break got them motoring for a second try with seven minutes left, with Hensen’s delicate grubber kick then touched down by Frankie Halton, but it was too late for a comeback.

READY FOR MALTA: Priestley’s Sports Bar manager Ellis James (with shirt, right) presented Heavy Woollen ARL chairman Mick Turner with the polo tops to be used on the district’s Under-23s tour to Malta in April

Stags face BARLA cup expulsions MIRFIELD STAGS are believed to have been expelled from the BARLA National Cup after Kells were awarded their second-round tie as a bye last weekend. The Stags are alleged to have fielded more ex-professionals in December’s Yorkshire Cup final victory over Drighlington than BARLA’s regulations permit. League Express reported that Mirfield have been barred from the National Cup, as well as next season’s Yorkshire Cup. BARLA did not respond to a request for comment from The Press. Meanwhile, Stags head coach Richard Silverwood believes his team holds the advantage as the race for the Pennine League Division One title heads into the final stretch. They have won all 10 matches this sea-

son and sit six points clear of secondplaced Upton, who will need to win all four of their remaining fixtures if Mirfield win at home to Drighlington tomorrow (Saturday). Silverwood said: “It now puts all the pressure on Upton to win every remaining game – they have to send it to a decider in the last game of the season with us. “As we beat Upton 14-10 at home, they would need to win all their remaining three games and then beat us by five points to win the league, so it very much is advantage Mirfield at this stage.” Hanging Heaton were knocked out of the National Cup last week, losing 20-6 at home to Wigan St Cuthbert’s, while Shaw Cross beat Eastmoor Dragons 44-14 in the second round of the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy.

GREENWOOD HAILS NEW RAMS SPIRIT

Fringe players set for chance to shine in cup RINGING THE CHANGES: Craig Lingard

By Stephen Ibbetson Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

LEE GREENWOOD hailed the spirit and togetherness in this season’s Dewsbury Rams squad after they earned a first win of the campaign at Halifax in midweek. In the re-arranged match from last Sunday, tries from Matty Gee and Andy Gabriel, along with five Paul Sykes kicks, saw them earn a hard-fought 18-16 win. Greenwood has remarked throughout pre-season on how the attitude of the group has been much improved on last year, and he was delighted to see the proof of that on show at Halifax. He said: “Obviously we were underdogs in everyone else’s book, but I’ve spoken a bit about the different attitude in our squad and the only way you can show that publicly is on the pitch. “We’d have 100 per cent lost that last year. Once we went behind straight after half-time we’d have crumbled there and probably lost comfortably, but there’s a different character and some of the performances out there were outstanding. “There are loads of positives to take, loads of huge efforts individually, every single one of them put in a massive shift, but that’s what it takes to come here and win. “There’s nothing technical between the team we had out there and the team we had last year, when we were losing some tight games, but it’s the attitude and mentality of the lads. “When we got a couple of things wrong, no one said that’s it; everyone got straight up. When we had the adversity, we

‘MASSIVE SHIFT’: Sonny Esslemont in Dewsbury’s impressive win at Halifax on Tuesday night flicked quickly into defending the next set.” Focus now switches to the Challenge Cup, with the Rams heading to fellow Championship side Whitehaven in the fourth round on Sunday (kick-off 3pm). Greenwood stated following the draw that he would give fringe players the chance to impress in that game and, particularly with a shorter turnaround from that bruising encounter at Halifax, the likes of Morgan Punchard and James Thornton are likely to make their first competitive appearances. “There will be some lads we

haven’t seen yet, that’s for sure,” said the Dewsbury boss. “We haven’t got the biggest squad but I want to see everyone play and put their hand up for a shirt. “The lads that have played (against Halifax) have done themselves no harm whatsoever, but there’s also some lads chomping at the bit and training well, and they’re looking forward to an opportunity on Sunday. “There was a hell of a lot of tackling so there are some sore bodies and a trip up to Cumbria on Sunday might not be ideal for some of them. “The Challenge Cup and 1895

PHOTO: Simon Hall

Cup are not a massive priority for us. As it always is for clubs of our size, it’s cementing your Championship status as quickly as possible.” The Rams will wait to see the extent of an injury picked up by hooker Sam Day in Tuesday night’s victory, while prop Martyn Reilly missed the game with a neck injury but could return for the cup game. Dewsbury were knocked out of the Challenge Cup at Whitehaven at this stage of the competition two years ago, going down 25-18, but made the sixth round last season.

BATLEY coach Craig Lingard will rotate his squad for tonight’s (Friday, kick-off 8pm) Challenge Cup tie away at Leigh Centurions. The Bulldogs earned their first win of the season at the third time of asking last weekend, seeing off Swinton 20-10 thanks to an impressive first-half performance. Attention this week has switched to the cup and a fourth-round tie against the early Championship leaders, and some of the players who are yet to feature in the league will have the chance to impress. Joe Taira will return from an elbow injury to make his first competitive appearance of the season, while fellow front-rower Tyler Dickinson is pushing to make his own injury return. Dave Scott has only played once so far and will feature, as will young half-back or second-row George Senior, who has two firstteam appearances to his name so far from the end of last season. “We’ll rotate a few players,” said Lingard. “There are some guys who are waiting to come back in. “After a game like (against Swinton), five days is a short turnaround, and we want to try and keep people fresh as much as we can. The important game for us is Sheffield the week after so playing on the Friday gives us an extra couple of days to prepare.” Batley’s chances of success against a Leigh side who have started the season in superb form appear to be slim but Lingard insists there is always a chance. “It’s 17 players, two arms and two legs,” he said. “They’re in the same division as us. Yes, budget-wise it’s different and that’s what we’ve got to contend with, but we can’t change that fact. “Realistically we’re not going to win the Challenge Cup so we’ll see how far we can get. If we don’t get past Leigh it’s a good pay day for the club, but we will be going out there intending to win. We know it’s going to be difficult but we’ll play without any pressure on us.”

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