.CO.UK
P R O M A N D PA G E A N T W E A R
AMAZING DESIGNER PROM & PAGEANT DRESSES FROM THE UK & AMERICA 31 Low Lane, Birstall, WF17 9EY Tel: 07522 120532
www.misselegance.co.uk
ONE PAPER ... ALL THE NEWS from Dewsbury, Batley, Ossett, Mirfield, Liversedge, Birstall, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton & Spen Valley
Selfless Henry uses his head
Friday March 29, 2019
No. 887
50p
Park life! p7
p5
TAKING ON THE YOBS ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: A gang of youths has plagued residents on Centenary Way and further afield with serious anti-social behaviour in recent months, but authorities say they’re clamping down
Police, council and MP vow action on 20-strong gang running amok on our streets POLICE and councillors say they are cracking down on anti-social behaviour from a gang of 20 youths in Batley who have made residents’ lives hell. A group of locals, who didn’t want to be named, contacted The Press in a bid to put a stop to the yobs “running amok on the streets” – because they felt that police weren’t doing enough to help.
But this week a spokesman said the force is aware of the incidents and officers are doing all they can to tackle the problem. One woman – who lives close to Centenary Way where residents say most of the anti-social behaviour is taking place – said her and neighbours have simply had enough. She says the group, aged between 12 and 16, have been tormenting
By Zoë Shackleton News Reporter zoe@thepressnews.co.uk
residents up Centenary Way for the last two years. The gang has allegedly smashed windows in houses, damaged dozens of cars, been verbally abusive, intimidating, and constantly
ride motorbikes anti-socially at all hours of the day and night. Another resident said: “Something needs to be done sooner rather than later. They think they’re invincible because of their age.” Similar incidents have been reported in Birstall and Batley town centre, believed to be caused by the same group of youths.
Paul Halloran, who is standing in Batley West for the Heavy Woollen Independents in May’s local elections, was present at a recent meeting with residents and said: “People have a right to live in their own property in safety. Before long people will take matters into their own hands. Enough is enough.”
Continued on Page 2
Celebrating Mum at Holiday Inn Leeds Bradford
MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL A TRADITIONAL SUNDAY LUNCH 3 Course Meal From £25.00 Complimentary glass of sparkling for mum Grab a member of staff for more details & book your table today
EASTER EGG HUNT Sunday 21st April, 11am - 4pm
LIVE MUSIC FROM 12.30PM FEATURING THE ONE & ONLY JILL RYDER
Kids Craft, Face Painting, Bouncy Castle, Ice Cream Van Search for lost eggs scattered throughout the grounds, solve riddles and claim a chocolate prize
Holiday Inn Leeds Bradford, The Pastures, Tong Lane, Bradford, BD4 0RP Telephone: 0113 285 4646 www.holidayinn.com/leedsbradford
2
ThePress
Deaths BINNS (FORMERLY MCMANUS) (NEE JONES) MARION On March 16, peacefully in hospital, of Healey, wife of the late Arthur. Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium
Friday March 29, 2019
on Friday April 12 at 12.30pm.
service will take place at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, on Friday April 5 at 10.30am.
HALEY (NEE REID) (FORMERLY BRIGGS) MARGARET
HAMLIN BESSIE On March 22, peacefully in hospital after a short illness, of Heckmondwike, aged 97, wife of the late Harry. Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Tuesday April 23 at 12.30pm.
On March 15, peacefully at Kirkwood Hospice, of Gomersal, aged 74, mum of Anne and Jane. Funeral
Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296
LINDLEY DONALD After a long illness bravely borne, of Gomersal, aged 90, reunited with his beloved Sallie. Funeral service will take place at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, on Thursday April 4 at 10.30am.
MENNELL MARGARET On March 22, peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital, of Batley, aged 85, wife of the late Joseph. Funeral service will take place at St Mary’s RC Church, Batley, on Monday April 8 at 10am.
SENIOR JOHN MICHAEL ‘MICK’ On March 22, in hospital, of Dewsbury, aged 72, dad of Jason, Stephanie and Michael. Funeral service will take place at St Paul’s Church, Hanging Heaton, on Monday April 8 at 11am.
Telephone 01924 472178
BOLLANDS (BIRSTALL) Funeral Directors
SENIOR RENE
Prepaid Funerals Funeral Flower Service Contact Robert Edmond 24 hours Available
On March 20, suddenly but peacefully in hospital, of Batley, wife of David. Funeral service will take place at Cottingley Hall Crematorium on Thursday April 4 at 1pm.
18 KIRKGATE, BIRSTALL, BATLEY, WF17 9PB www.bollandsfuneraldirectors.co.uk
SMITH PETER CLIFFORD The legendary DJ ‘Me dad’ On March 16, suddenly but peacefully at his home, aged 79, dearly loved husband of the late Joan, a very dear and loved dad, father-in-law, grandad and great grandad. Horse drawn cortege will process to Staincliffe Parish Church on Friday April 12 for funeral service at 1pm, followed by committal at Wakefield Crematorium at 2.20pm. *The Press sincerely apologises for publishing the incorrect date for Peter Smith’s funeral in last week’s edition.
SNELSON DAVID On March 23, at Pinderfields Hospital, of Dewsbury, aged 83, he will be sadly missed by his wife Brenda, daughters Jill and Mandy, stepsons Trevor and Michael, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his dear friends Duncan and Deanna. Funeral service
will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Thursday April 18 at 11.15am.
SYKES GEORGE DOUGLAS On March 20, at his home in Mirfield, formerly of Morley and Wortley, aged 91, husband of Brenda. Funeral service will take place at Zion Baptist Church, Mirfield, on Tuesday April 9 at 12noon.
THORNTON BRIAN PERCY On March 22, peacefully at Dewsbury and District Hospital, aged 75, husband of Kathleen. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Paul’s of the Cross RC Church, Cleckheaton, on Thursday April 4 at 10am.
WIGMORE (NEE WOOD) NANCY On March 13, at her home in Dewsbury, aged 67, wife of David. Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Thursday April 11 at 12.30pm.
Anniversary
GILL
Betty & Raymond
S N O N G I R A O T T ULA C
on our Diamond Wedding Anniversary Married 30th March 1959
Thank You Betty For 60 Years Of Marriage All My Love, Ray x x x
A Family Business providing a complete and caring service for over 65 years Golden Charter Pre-Payment Plans 24 Hour Service Head Office - 14 Sharp Street, Dewsbury Chapel Of Rest - 9 Battye Street, Dewsbury Room Of Repose - 14a St Paul’s Road, Mirfield
Police target gang of yobs in Batley Continued from page one And while residents have criticised police for not taking stronger action, a spokesman for WYP said: “Officers from Batley & Spen NPT are aware of incidents in the area relating to antisocial behaviour. “The incidents date back to February 6, with instances of anti-social behaviour involving a small number of local youths. “The group were reported to be trespassing onto a site with derelict buildings. “A 15-year-old male was arrested and charged with a public order offence, threats to commit criminal damage and attempting to commit criminal damage and will be appearing at Youth Court early next month. “Since then, further incidents have been reported to police about a group of youths causing issues in Batley town centre. As a result patrols were increased in the town centre. These increased high visibility patrols remain ongoing, particularly on weeknight evenings and weekends. “Around 20 youths, both males and females aged between 12 and 16 years old, have been identified and so far 10 anti-social behaviour warning letters and two acceptable behaviour contracts have been issued, with further work ongoing. Investigations remain ongoing into several linked offences of criminal damage in the area.” Sgt Anita Patel, of Batley & Spen NPT, added: “Since we have been receiving reports of antisocial behaviour, we have taken positive action to tackle these problems. There are a number of ongoing criminal investigations and we have arrested and charged a youth who will be appearing at court next month. “We are continually working in conjunction with partners from Kirklees Council and Kirklees Housing to tackle these issues. This includes using wider powers such as dispersal notices and other proportionate enforcement action.
ThePress Friday March 29, 2019 Issue No: 887
George Brooke Ltd 01924 454476 / 497352
www.georgebrooke.co.uk
Professional & Caring Cremation Service from £1765 This includes all necessary third party fees. No hidden costs
01274 653115/891335 Southfield Terrace, Birkenshaw 53 Bradford Road, Cleckheaton
Pre-Paid Cremation Funeral Plans Fully Guaranteed From
£1550
01274 852885 01924 658770 Available 24 Hours Fully guaranteed funeral plans from £1714 Funeral directors AND necessary third party fees fully guaranteed
Golden Charter Double Award-Winning Funeral Planner of the Year and Butterfly Award Finalist
Necessary disbursements & funeral director’s fees fully guaranteed offered by award-winning funeral director At Need Cremation Funerals From Includes All Fees & Disbursements
£1200
www.gatewayfuneralservices.co.uk
Proudly caring for families for 60 years
31 Branch Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5SB Tel: 01924 470296 Fax: 01924 472561
www.thepressnews.co.uk @ThePressLatest /ThePressNews Publisher: Danny Lockwood Reporter: Zoë Shackleton Sports Reporter: Stephen Ibbetson Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Key Account Manager: Jo Gilbert Senior Sales Executive: Janet Black Office Manager: Angela Hall
“Anyone with any information about any criminality or antisocial behaviour in and around the Batley & Spen area are urged to contact the police. We act on all intelligence passed to us by our communities and it can often prove vital in our investigations.” Batley West councillors Gwen Lowe and Shabir Pandor have also vowed to help put a stop to the behaviour. In a joint statement they said: “Kirklees Council understands and appreciates residents’ concerns over any form of anti-social behaviour and strongly believes it should not be tolerated. This is why Safer Kirklees have been working with its partners, including police to tackle antisocial behaviour in Batley West. “On a weekly basis, Safer Kirklees Community and Environmental Support Officers (CESOs) works in the area to gather intelligence, provide reassurance and encourage reporting of any anti-social incidents. The CESOs have spoken to many residents and businesses, and reporting leaflets left at a number or properties. “They have also worked in conjunction with the CCTV van on various streets/areas such as Centenary Way, near the town hall and other areas at key times to provide assurance and deter further incidents. “A multi-agency meeting has been held with residents from a particular street to look at further action and support. These residents reported a decrease in incidents since the council became involved. In addition, Safer Kirklees Neighbourhoods Officers have been dealing with two referrals from Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing about the issues and are looking at proportionate enforcement action. “If anyone has any concerns or issues around crime or antisocial behaviour they can contact us and we will help as we always do. The council believes it is doing all it can, in conjunction
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
with its partners, to combat anti-social behaviour and will take action against those who commit these acts.” Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin added: “This is something I have been made aware of and I know that anti-social behaviour can be hugely damaging to communities. “I am in close contact with the police and local agencies to see what steps can be taken to address this issue. If any local residents or businesses who have reported this to the authorities and do not feel they’ve had a satisfactory response then please contact my office on 01924 900036 or by emailing t r a c y. b r a b i n . m p @ parliament.uk.”
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
EU’s local Brexit boost if May’s deal passes
Station’s sale to help keep police presence
THE for-sale Batley Police Station could remain officially part of the EU, even after Brexit. It is set to be snapped up by the EU as a diplomatic outpost for European nationals who have settled in North Kirklees, if Prime Minister Theresa May’s Withdrawal Bill is passed by Monday. Brussels officials are keen to give an “administrative lifeline” to EU nationals who may feel isolated in the UK after Brexit. Local residents who want to obtain a visa to travel for holidays in such as Spain and Greece could also access the new office. As a bonus to local youngsters, the office would also be a collection point for letters to Santa Claus. The UK was due to leave the EU today (March 29) but if Mrs May gets her deal through Parliament by noon on Monday, April 1st, it could mean a jobs bonanza for North Kirklees. Austrian Lisa Fropol heads the EU quango ‘Innocents Abroad’ which already has offices in far flung outposts like the Isle of Man and Jersey. “We respect the UK decision to leave the EU, but we have the right to create diplomatic residencies,” she said. “In effect, part of Batley’s Market Place would be territorially Brussels.” She said the offer only lasts until noon on Monday, April 1st “as West Yorkshire Police are eager to conclude a swift deal, owing to cash shortages.”
By David Bentley BATLEY Police Station is up for sale. The two-storey building, in Market Place, has been put on the market with a guide price of £325,000. The station has not been used for some time, with officers deploying from Heckmondwike to local patrols and call-outs. Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson has reassured Batley residents that the sale will not lead to any loss of police presence or response times. The 6,892 sq ft station is described as a “substantial prominent two-storey office building ... constructed in attractive stone under a pitched tiled roof (offering) a mix of open plan and cellular office space”. The building is not Listed but lies within the Batley Market Place conservation area. Original features include a ‘statement entrance’ and a holding cell block to the rear. Chartered surveyors Carter Towler say it may be suitable for a range of uses, subject to planning consent. The money from the sale will go into West Yorkshire Police coffers. PCC Mark Burns-Williamson, who is responsible for the overall policing budget in West Yorkshire, said: “Since 2010, West Yorkshire Police has experienced Government cuts to the tune of £140m, with the loss of around 2,000 jobs. “Given this sustained austerity,
we have explored every possible option with West Yorkshire Police that ensures we retain a strong frontline presence, coupled with premises which are fit for modernday policing. He said an estates strategy came up with a slimmed down list of police properties required. He added: “The local officers previously based from Batley are therefore using the nearby Heckmondwike Police Station as their new deployment base and regularly undertaking drop-in sessions in Batley town centre. “What is important to recognise, however, is that the loss of a building does not equate to the loss of police presence or a change in response times. “We have been careful to ensure that there is an enduring neighbourhood policing footprint across the town and that every opportuni-
Railway closed for track death
A MAN died after falling on the tracks at Dewsbury Railway Station on Friday morning. A spokesman for British Transport Police confirmed: “Officers were called to Dewsbury station at 10.25am on Friday March 22 after reports of a casualty on the tracks. “Paramedics also attended however a 48year-old man was sadly pronounced dead.
“The incident is not currently being treated as a suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.” Services between Leeds and Huddersfield were disrupted throughout the day as the railway station closed for around three hours while emergency services dealt with the incident. PHOTO: YappApp
Depressed new mum drove drunk A WOMAN who got drunk at work and then drove home has been banned. Linda Kadege’s boss at the Fox’s Biscuits factory in Batley spotted her drinking wine in the locker room shortly after 6pm on January 8. He called the 35-year-old into a meeting but instead she left and drove away, so he called police. Officers caught up with Kadege’s Mazda 3 but after they lost track of her, they
headed to the car’s registered address on Millroyd Crescent, Birstall. There they found Kadege and took her to Dewsbury Police Station after she failed a roadside breath test. She had 91 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – more than two-anda-half times over the legal limit of 35mcg. Kadege has since lost her job and admitted to drinking to cope with post-natal depression after giving birth
to her son. She told Kirklees Magistrates’ Court: “It was really selfish of me and I’m really devastated as to what could have happened. I know it will never happen again.” After admitting a charge of driving while over the prescribed limit, Kadege was sentenced to a community order with six months of alcohol treatment. She was banned from driving for 23 months and will have to pay £85 in court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.
ty for contact is exploited. Importantly, there was a public consultation survey undertaken measuring contact through the use of police buildings. “It found that 91 per cent of participants had not used a public help desk in the last 12 months, with 61 per cent having never used one at all. “Whilst the financial returns from the sale of buildings can only be used as investment towards future capital investment, the money saved from their significant running costs has been pumped back into frontline policing wherever possible.” He said the sales have placed West Yorkshire Police in a better position for the future in keeping more people employed with an additional 264 officers and specialist staff while maintaining community officer numbers.
3
News In Brief No charges yet in flats ‘drugs’ blast BATLEY: Police have yet to make any arrests following a huge explosion at a building on Hick Lane last month. Detectives are continuing to investigate after the blast ripped through the two-storey former HSBC premises on Wednesday February 17. It was initially thought a mains gas leak could have been to blame, but police quickly ruled that out. Following the explosion, sources told The Press that part of the property was allegedly being used in the production of illegal drugs. Five men aged between 35 and 39 were taken to hospital with burn injuries. The Grade II Listed mid-19th century building had been converted into a number of flats after several years of use as a nightclub. A police spokesman this week simply said that enquiries are ongoing.
Clocks go forward NORTH KIRKLEES: Readers are reminded that the clocks go forward for the start of British Summer Time on Sunday. The clocks go forward one hour at 1am. Many modern gadgets do this automatically – but check them all to be sure!
Bloomin’ lovely MIRFIELD: The Mirfield in Bloom committee have organised a litter pick in the town next month (April 13-14). Everyone can take part and do it in their own time, work alone or in a group, and choose where they want to clean up. To get involved, contact Ruth Edwards on her mobile at 07840 395096 or email raedwards@virginmedia.com.
www.facebook.com/ThePressNews
ThePress
4
Friday March 29, 2019
News In Brief Woman neighbour on arson charge THORNHILL: A woman accused of setting fire to her neighbour’s home has appeared in court. Around £18,000 in damage was caused to the Thorn Avenue property in Thornhill when Susan Rogers allegedly set fire to it on April 21 last year. An adjoining building also suffered some fire damage. Rogers, 63, faces a charge of committing arson with intent to endanger life or being reckless as to whether life was endangered, but didn’t enter a plea at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court last week. Her case was sent to Leeds Crown Court where she will appear on April 16.
Pre-school praised MIRFIELD: Upper Hopton Pre-school continues to be ‘good’, according to education officials. Ofsted said that children at the nursery school “make good progress” and “staff plan activities around children’s current interests and a variety of topics”. The report said: “Staff are enthusiastic and playful in their approach. “Children develop very close attachments to the staff. This helps children to settle quickly in the pre-school and to foster their emotional well-being successfully.”
Town’s charter to get major makeover By David Bentley THE REMARKABLE document that marked the creation of the Borough of Batley is being restored. The Charter of Incorporation, which was issued by Queen Victoria in December 1868, gave the people of Batley the power to elect a council, and has had pride of place in the town hall’s council chamber for decades. The first meeting of Batley Borough Council took place at 12 noon on March 25, 1869, in the Public Hall – almost exactly 150 years ago. Now, as part of the Batley 150 celebrations, Kirklees
Council and West Yorkshire Archive Service are restoring the charter to its former glory. The Royal Charter of Incorporation consists of three large sheets of parchment, which have been taken to the West Yorkshire Archive Service’s base in Huddersfield. Once fully restored it will be kept at the Archive Service’s premises, where it will be on public view. A facsimile of the
Here for your plumbing & gas needs IF YOU need a trustworthy and competent gas and heating engineer at a fair price, then look no further. “l’m based in Birstall and have been running CR Gas & Plumbing Services for almost ten years after working as a British Gas engineer for 30 years. “I will take care of all of your heating and plumbing needs, from breakdowns to servicing, from boiler exchanges to fitting appliances and everything in between.
Removing the Charter
Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service
charter will be framed and displayed in Batley Town Hall. Officials hope to organise an unveiling ceremony in mid-May, when the restored original and the copy will be on show together in the town hall. Featuring Queen Victoria’s seal, the charter was the culmination of years of campaigning and petitioning by Batley residents, who wanted the democratic powers to be able to transform
their town, which had dramatically grown in size and stature due to industrialisation and urbanisation throughout the 19th century. The powers created by the charter led to Batley Borough Council developing and creating such as the town hall and Market Place, Batley General Hospital, cemeteries, council housing, the public baths and library, Wilton Park and Bagshaw Museum.
TIMELINE 1850s: Local Boards of Health formed in response to cholera epidemics with power to control sewers, clean streets and provide water. 1862: Dewsbury incorporated; Batley people concerned they could be run by Dewsbury. 1867: Dewsbury drafts Bill for taking Batley and other areas into its boundaries. The Bill was abandoned. July – Batley chairman of the board of health calls a public meeting. September – a petition raised. Government appoints commissioners to conduct inquiry and report back to the Privy Council, who decide Batley should become a borough. Royal Charter received amongst great pomp. 1869: Elections held on January 13 and first council meeting on Thursday March 25, with 18 councillors from the three wards. Six aldermen chosen plus John Jubb made first Mayor of Batley. Also appointed were town clerk, treasurer, watch committee (responsible for basic policing), new board of health members, finance committee and other posts including for collection of rates.
Paula takes up play area battle
“
l’m Gas Safe-registered and I cover all of West Yorkshire, with no call-out charge and free quotes and estimates. “A major local lettings agency trust me to service all of the properties on their books and most of my work
comes from word of mouth after l’ve done a great job for a customer. ‘‘I’m a local Birstall lad who’Il do quality work at a great price — just ask my clients! Call me today on 07921 151177. Clarke Rothwell, Owner
DEWSBURY MP Paula Sherriff has raised concerns about Kirklees Council’s decision to remove ageing equipment at play areas across the district. Last week, The Press reported that scores of playgrounds could have their equipment removed entirely as Kirklees tries to boost play provision. But the council received a backlash from some residents who face being left without an outdoor play space for children. Kirklees says they will upgrade the equipment in 177 of the district’s 314 play areas, to ensure all pieces are less than 15 years old. The remaining 137 will then be made up of
natural play features such as boulders, logs, appropriate planting and new landscaping. Miss Sherriff said in her letter to chief executive Jacqui Gedman: “In these austere times, I welcome the £9.5million investment in play areas across the next three years. “Unfortunately this announcement has been, rightly or wrongly, diminished by media reports of the potential loss of play equipment at a number of sites across my constituency. “Although subsequent statements have claimed that there will be a full consultation with ward councillors and residents,
I share the concerns of local residents that a list of recreational spaces at risk of losing their equipment has been published, apparently pre-empting public engagement over this issue.” A council spokesman said: “We have already extensively consulted on what we might be able to offer and this formed part of the (play) strategy. “We want communities to help us get this right and that’s why we’re encouraging everyone to take part in the upcoming consultation so they have their say and we work together to ensure that sites meet our communities’ needs.”
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
Henry’s close shave for a great cause IT’S NOT the kind of thing that’s at the forefront of most 11-year-old rugby players’ minds, but when Henry Thornton decided he wanted to raise some money for charity, he had his head in exactly the right place – because he reckoned he would just shave it. Henry, who lives in Scarr End Lane, Dewsbury, but goes to St Mary’s Junior School in Batley, thought it would be a good idea to help others after seeing his grandma lose a close friend to cancer last year. He’s followed in his dad Michael’s footsteps by playing for Dewsbury Celtic since the age of five, and dad and mum Joanne fully supported his sponsored head shave – and what a response Henry had, raising over £1,400 for the Martin House Children’s Hospice. It’s a charity and a cause that’s been close to the family’s heart for years – his dad and Press publisher Danny Lockwood once pushed each other in a wobbly-wheeled
Before
Henry with a certificate from Martin House
After
supermarket trolley from the hospice shop in Headingley all the way to the Irish Nash club in Westtown to raise money. Mum Joanne said: “When Henry started talking about shaving his head, we realised how serious he was about it. “Full credit to him, he wrote to
Martin House himself asking for a fundraising pack. “We originally thought he might raise a few hundred pounds so we were astounded and overwhelmed at the final amount.” Henry presented a cheque for £1,410 to the children’s hospice, and said: “I just want to thank
KIRKLEES COUNCIL’S ruling Labour group has been accused of “civic authoritarianism” after it voted down a move by opposition groups aimed at preventing councillors from being “gagged” in meetings. It follows two bruising and chaotic episodes in February when debate was cut short by Labour members. It prompted leaders of the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party and Independents to call for a review of council procedure rules in an attempt to improve the process. Their motion asked that members be given “a reasonable chance to speak” in key debates around “whole of council decisions”. But after the Labour group voted en-masse to support an amended version – which deleted the entire opposition motion and referenced “more meaningful and open debate” at meetings – it was slammed for failing to take democracy seriously. Council leader Shabir Pandor pledged: “I have got no intention of undermining democracy in this council chamber. It means a lot to me. “Please do not assume what’s in my heart and what’s in my head.” In proposing the motion Liberal Democrat group leader Coun John Lawson (Cleckheaton) said a swift overhaul of procedure rules “will go a long way to showing the public that this council is committed to making its democratic processes as robust as possible.” He added: “The public needs to know that democracy in Kirklees, especially now, is as rigorous as it can be.” In response Coun Pandor (Batley West) said: “I want to look at the totality of the thing. “I give you my personal undertaking that this motion that you put forward will be taken into full consideration.” He added that opening up debate meant not looking at things “in isolation”. And he admitted that the council was not engaging properly with residents. “Sometimes I feel like I’m talking to myself. This is an opportunity to look at the complete shooting match around our democracy and how it’s delivered.” Coun Pandor came in for sharp criticism from the Conservatives’ Coun David Hall, who questioned if he was actually in control of his group and whether the amendment had been “foisted” on him.
“These are important issues by statute and we want an assurance that we can speak,” said Coun Hall (Liversedge and Gomersal). “Instead what we have is an attempt to push it into the long grass.” Coun Lawson described it as “a smothering motion”. He said: “It’s designed to lose this very simple ask, to bury it. It compounds the mistake that was made during the extraordinary council meeting (on February 27). It makes it worse. You are in a hole and you are digging fast. “I’m deeply saddened. I don’t know where we go from here. I’m almost lost for words. You will reap what you sow. You have made this bed, start to lie on it.” Speaking after the meeting Coun Andrew Cooper (Green, Newsome) said the Labour group’s response “smacks of civic authoritarianism”. He added: “It’s worrying because they are confirming that they did not make a mistake last time and that that is genuinely their approach as to how they address views that are different from theirs. “That shows a lack of respect for opposing views and democratically elected members from other groups.”
WE BUY GOLD AND SILVER Top prices paid
HOUSE CLEARANCES No job too small FOREIGN CURRENCY All available currencies bought and sold We buy foreign notes and coins, even if not bought from us CHEQUES CASHED All cheques considered
Cleckheaton, Central Arcade - weekdays Dewsbury Rams Car Boot Sale - Sundays Home visits can be be arranged. Quotes given.
For all gold, silver, foreign exchange and house clearance matters please ring Andrew Farrow on
07980 767167
www.dewsburygold.co.uk
News In Brief Candidates’ Q&A session at the Nash BATLEY: Local election candidates from both Batley wards will be telling residents about their plans at a public event next week. The Batley Irish Democratic League Club is hosting a question-and-answer evening with the council candidates for Batley West and East on Thursday (April 4, 7.30pm). Members of the public will have the opportunity to ask the candidates questions, while they will inform residents what they have planned for the community if they were to be elected. Standing so far in Batley West is Heavy Woollen Independents’ Paul Halloran, Conservative Paul Young and Labour’s Yusra Hussain. In Batley East it’s Conservative Kieron Gavaghan hoping to take Coun Habiban Zaman’s seat from Labour. Not all parties have announced their candidates yet. It is believed that the Labour candidates will not be attending due to prior commitments.
everyone who has been so generous and supportive. People have been fantastic and it’s great to be able to do something for such a worthwhile cause.” It also seems he’s got the fundraising bug – apparently he fancies doing the Three Peaks next!
DEWSBURY: Schoolchildren will be visiting a veterinary practice next week to learn about animals and what being a vet entails. The youngsters from Westerton Primary School in Tingley will have a full day at Dewsbury’s newest vet practice Animal Trust on Thursday. They’ll hear from the vet surgeon, vet nurse and client care team who will explain their roles at the surgery and then have a chance to interact with the animals.
Concerns over state of local democracy By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter
Coun Lawson said: “The motion was written to be politically neutral and was not politically-driven. “It’s going to take a lot of work to be able to work together again.”
SPEN: A teenager has gathered over 600 signatures for his petition to save the skate park behind Spenborough Leisure Centre. The site will be lost, according to plans for a £15million revamp of the centre, and 17-yearold skater Jake Butterfield says “it’s the best facility around and we can’t lose it”. Jake is meeting with Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin this weekend to discuss the petition – which he hopes will persuade Kirklees not to demolish the skate park, or even better replace it. The petition can be signed at www.change.org/p/kirklees-council-savespenborough-skatepark.
2019 Brochure now available MARCH Sat 30th Scarborough or Filey or Bridlington £14.00 £14.00 Sun 31st Whitby (Mothers Day) APRIL Wed 3rd Bury Market £10.00 Fri 5th Pickering or Whitby £14.00 Sat 6th Morecambe £14.00 Sun 7th Scarborough or Filey or Bridlington £14.00 Mon 8th Bakewell Market £14.00 Wed 10th Hull or The Deep Aquatic Centre (transport only) £14.00 Sat 13th Whitby Goth Day £14.00 Sat 13th Bury Market £10.00 Sun 14th Whitby Goth Day £14.00 £10.00 Mon 15th Yorkshire Wildlife Park (transport only) Wed 17th Southport £14.00 Thu 18th Yorkshire Dales & Lunch in Leyburn £22.00 Fri 19th Llandudno £16.00 £14.00 Sat 20th Blackpool or Blackpool Zoo (transport only) Sun 21st Skirlington Market & Bridlington £14.00 Mon 22ndSouthport £14.00 Tue 23rd Scarborough or Filey or Bridlington £14.00 £14.00 Wed 24th Chester or Chester Zoo (transport only) Pick-Up & Drop-Off at: Ossett, Horbury, Wakefield, Mirfield, Heckmondwike, Batley, Dewsbury and Cleckheaton
TEL: 01924 477 230 Official supplier of foreign currency to Dewsbury Rams RLFC MLR Reg
5
Call now to request our new brochure
www.stationcoaches.co.uk www.daytripsbycoach.co.uk
ThePress
6
Friday March 29, 2019
NOW ON SALE The fully updated edition. Reserve a copy in office hours on 01924 470296, order via www.thepressnews.co.uk or call in at our office, 31 Branch Road, Batley
LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood
The political classes versus the people EDNESDAY night, 9.30pm. This is my fourth attempt at writing this week’s humble offering, and after the previous three I’ve run into the kitchen, ripped open the fridge door and glugged down mouthfuls of wine. My usual tipple of choice is red, but I required something cold like a Chenin Blanc to stop my overheating temper from exploding and ending with a perfectly good 27-inch Apple Mac computer being thrown through my office window. I can’t speak. My left leg is involuntarily shaking – a phenomenon which may be familiar to anyone unlucky or stupid enough to get into a fist fight. It’s how your adrenaline-fuelled body can react during the moments before all hell lets loose. A half hour ago I joined UKIP. Fifteen minutes ago I contributed to an online petition to raise funds for the
W
Seb Walsh – hounded out legal battle of a University of Central Lancashire student thrown out because he disagreed with someone’s rabidleft mantra. UCLAN used to run the best journalism course in the country – I even sat on their
interview panel (I was the ‘bad cop’ editor) because there would be something ridiculous like 2,000 applicants for 20 places. And now that once-lauded seat of knowledge is reduced to ending the career of a young man, because he finds halal meat potentially controversial. I guess that confirms everything we’ve recently suspected about the dying notion of ‘free speech’. We have to fight it, folks. And now. With the UCLAN case, I can only imagine a practised expert in hate-speech like Kirklees Council leader Shabir Pandor (yes, you didn’t misread that – I’ll elaborate shortly) is using his well plotted position of political power to pocket a university Vice Chancellorship on the side. Nothing would surprise. I’m struggling to focus my ire on one subject today, mainly due to the gross
t i a o g n Tav er n i v a N e h T MIRFIELD Purveyors of
2014
Legendary Ales
★★ The
Home Of Real Ale ★★
The We are on Home of the Trans Real Ale in the Heavy Pennine Real Woollen Ale Trail District
We’re Off & We’re Racing!
THEAKSTON’S
CHARITY RACE NIGHT
In Aid Of Motor Neurone Disease Friday 12th April, 7.30pm for 8pm start Rail Enthusiasts Society Monday 1st April (First Monday in every month)
★ ganza Motown & Soul Night Extrava April ★ th 13 y a rd tu a S ★
★
6 Station Road, Mirfield, WF14 8NL T: 01924 492476
treachery being carried out under our noses in Westminster. If there’s no Ed Lines next week it’s because either they won’t let me file copy from Wormwood Scrubs, or I’ve been taken out while storming the Palace of Westminster on Friday. Someone needs to. UT THE treason in London is almost surreal in that it’s not in the here and now of the people of the Heavy Woollen and Spen Valley. Shabir Pandor is. Most of our lives will carry on as normal whatever happens over coming days in Parliament. We’ll all hopefully wake up for a family weekend, before wiping the sleep from our eyes for the grind of another Monday to Friday. Brexit betrayed won’t affect most of our lives – but I pray it becomes the overwhelming force that obliterates our mainstream political parties. May is a pathetic, weak and unhinged liar, Corbyn a particularly dim political glove puppet seated neatly on the hand of the Far Left. Boy but I’d love to see Jezza and the intellectually-challenged Shabir Pandor in a two-man quiz team. The lot of them are playing self-serving games on a variety of levels, that I pray will be duly rewarded at the ballot box. Because if it doesn’t happen now, then this country will get all it deserves. The first opportunity to strike a blow for the tattered principle of free speech will be here though, in our neighbourhood, in just a few weeks. Voters will be able to send a distinct message to Shabir Pandor and the feebly opportunist Tory leader David Hall (with plenty of company from across the Huddersfield council chamber) at the local elections in May. In Batley West and Dewsbury East two local men in Paul Halloran and Aleks Lukic are standing under an Independent banner. The disgraceful and ostensibly racemotivated attacks upon them led by Pandor clearly show how worried the political establishment is. Pandor had already weaponised Mr Lukic’s per-
’LL BE as glad as the next man when we can all forget about politics for a while, but in the meantime it was interesting to see our local MPs playing it cute during Wednesday’s ‘indicative vote’ charade, when Parliament couldn’t even find a way to agree with itself. What a circus. Both Paula Sherriff (pictured) and Tracy Brabin are arch-Remainers but interestingly abstained on the two crucial votes, to revoke Article 50 (ie cancel Brexit) and to back calls for a second referendum. Whether an instruction from the party or an attempt not to infuriate constituents (a bit of both I reckon) they gave that a wide berth. And a wide berth is what’s being given to the high seat of political debate in the district, Batley Nash, next Thursday (April 4) when local council candidates are invited to face the public. Labour’s two candidates, Coun Habiban Zaman and Yusra Hussain are sadly otherwise engaged. Yes, of course they are...
I
B
fectly reasonable attempt to examine the Kirklees position of secretly supplying non-stunned halal meat in local schools – something that would find concern shared across the British populace. It is not by any means outrageous, let alone deserving of the disgraceful form of “extreme and dangerous” rhetoric that Pandor hurled at it, comments which Tory wet David Hall pathetically echoed. ND that is why I believe Pandor’s words are implicitly racist in content. Here we have white British political candidates raising a legitimate concern over a cultural/religious issue, for which they have been attacked under a brazen ‘race hate’ flag. We know exactly why, but it’s worth re-stating the question again, amongst others. If I inquired whether the local authority supplies Catholic schools with meat lunches on a Friday, and no fish option, would that make me “extreme and dangerous”? (Theological note: it’s old hat now mostly, but when I was growing up we Catholics always had fish on Fridays, as was the religious tradition). Or more pertinently, what if I asked whether Church of England schools were served only fish and denied meat on a Friday, in order to kowtow to a minority religious community? Surely it would be worth a civilised discussion
A
REALLY won’t mind the hour of lost sleep on Saturday night due to the clocks going forward. That wonderful feeling of driving home from work in daylight is well worth it; the prospect of sitting outside the village pub of a balmy early evening with Arthur (pictured, bored stiff) .... sigh, bring it on. In fact come October, I’ll be dreading the clocks going back – and so in a complete about-face, can I praise the EU (yes
I
at least? But no, in order to silence debate, in order to establish the moral superiority of Islam – which is the implicit sub-text here – anyone challenging the new cultural norm is labelled “extreme and dangerous”. If you are not explicitly of their blindly conformist mob, you are labelled and libelled. It is a disgrace. Pandor laughingly refers to “our modern and inclusive” society. Really? Modern as in insisting on 7th century-type repression of women, as his own brother Mufti Mohammed Amin Pandor happily asserted to me? (Shabir was privately keen to ridicule his cleric brother at that time, but I no longer feel bound by confidentiality, given how hypocritical and duplicitous Pandor has proven himself to be). There is a nasty paradox here. In citing ‘inclusivity’ and ‘cohesion’, people like Pandor expressly foment division and suppress the very freedoms that his ideological brethren would never enjoy in any of their original homelands. ‘Inclusivity’ the tool with which to crush free speech – I doubt he’ll even understand the irony – and it’s a syndrome that is infecting halls of academia and the corridors of the establishment like a virus. I respect the wide freedoms of people of all faiths and ethnicities in this country. I do not believe “extreme and dangerous” people like Pandor share that respect.
them!) for their diktat about the continent deciding once and for all on its timezone. No more back and forths. Of course, I’d prefer if we were making this eminently sensible decision for ourselves, and not having it handed down like naughty schoolchildren being given their homework. Still, I expect it won’t really matter. With the dawn of British Summer Time, it will no doubt snow next week!
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019 Plenty of people turned out for Wilton Park’s Green Flag ceremony – and below, Mayor of Kirklees Gwen Lowe got a particularly fond welcome from one park visitor, nine-year-old therapy dog Monty!
Wilton flies the flag for environment... DOZENS of people turned out to see the raising of Wilton Park’s Green Flag on Thursday. The park off Bradford Road was awarded a green flag last July – an international award which shows the space has the highest possible environmental standards, is well maintained and has excellent visitor facilities. The Friends of Wilton Park group celebrated with chairman David Flint helping Mayor of Kirklees Gwen Lowe raise the prestigious flag near to the entrance to the park.
be put in them. A yellow sticker will be placed on each recycling bin which contains incorrect waste – including soiled nappies, food waste, glass and black bin liners. Advisors will then contact residents to explain why the sticker was given and what needs to happen to address this. Advisers, along with ward councillors, will be checking bins and talking to residents in North Kirklees from May 27 to July 26.
News In Brief Green field homes GOMERSAL: More than 90 homes could be built on green fields in Gomersal. The 8.9-acre site, to the north of Cliffe Lane and close to the Fanwood scout activity centre, is earmarked for housing in the Local Plan. KCS Development had initially wanted to build 135 detached and semi-detached homes, but Kirklees Council planners advised a reduced number of 92. The application involves demolishing a residential plot at 271 Cliffe Lane to allow entrance to the site. Plans suggest that 75 two- to- four-bedroom houses would be built alongside eight affordable homes for rent and 10 affordable homes for sale through shared ownership. The homes will be mostly two-storey, in line with nearby properties. People have until Tuesday April 16 to have their say on the proposed development at www.kirklees.gov.uk.
Town centre clean-up DEWSBURY: MP Paula Sherriff has organised a number of litter picks tomorrow (Saturday) as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean campaign. In North Kirklees, there’s a tidy-up in Dewsbury meeting at the town hall at 11am. To volunteer, email paula@paulasherriff.org.uk.
Green bin ‘police’ hit streets KIRKLEES is introducing ‘waste advisers’ to check whether residents are putting the right waste in green bins – and your councillors could be having a look too. The council’s new campaign is being launched to tackle the district’s low recycling rate which at 27 per cent falls well below the national average of 45 per cent. Recycling and waste advisers will be physically checking every green bin in Kirklees to help residents understand what should
7
Coun Naheed Mather, cabinet member for communities and environment, said: “We have got to create change to impact our recycling rates and we must take action now. “Kirklees Council is committed to providing a clean, green, sustainable environment for our community but we can’t do it alone – to make a difference we need our residents’ help. “Over the next four months we will be out and about talking to
households and providing help and advice. I am very hopeful that our new approach to recycling will be met with positivity – especially because our communities are very conscious about the irreversible effects of our carbon footprint. “So I am asking every household to stop and check before putting anything in a green bin that they are not sure can go in it.” For more information see www.kirklees.gov.uk/greenbin.
PET FOOD – OPEN 7 DAYS - Manufacturing over 50yrs -
TURKEY BEEF & CHICKEN MINCE 15kg WORKING DOG FLAKE £10 SPRATS, VENISON STICKS, DRIED CHICKEN BITES, FILLETS, HEARTS, PIGS EARS, FILLED BONES, NECKS, WINGS, FEET, TRIPE, BEEF HEARTS, LIVER, KIDNEY, TONGUES, TROTTERS, TINS SARDINES 35p, 5L DISINFECTANT KENNEL & STABLE CLEANER £2.50, BALES SAWDUST £7 B L U E H I L L S FA R M S H O P B I R K E N S H AW, B D 1 1 2 D U TEL: 01274 682007 Lic: 49/529/8119A8P/PTF
QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVERS by simply replacing the doors and worktops
Est.1999
20%
DISCOUNT
FOR MARCH 2019
8
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
ENJOY A RELAXED WEEKDAY LUNCH Choose from table service from our Lunch Menu or select from our...
ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET BAR! Opening Times: Monday-Saturday 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10.30pm, Sunday 12pm-9.45pm
Mon-Fri
Still Only £6.50 p.p
Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 6JD Tel: 01924 473970 www.zucchinirestaurant.co.uk
Playground politics could run and run... When I saw that Kirklees are planning on getting rid of play equipment in The Press last week, I had mixed feelings. I have a strong feeling that this could be a story that will run and run, as the play strategy is set to take place over the next three years. Whilst there’s no malice in what Kirklees are doing (who wants to take away swings and slides from kids?!), the fact remains that some communities will feel hard done by if their rickety playground equipment is taken away. I suspect we’ll have a few ‘Save Our Playground’ groups set up in the next few months, and fair enough, if that’s what communities want to do. I’m not usually one for sup-
What do I do about this car? From: Mr J Allott, Dewsbury By law for a vehicle to be on a public road it must be taxed
Letter of the Week: Carol Wagstaff, Dewsbury porting the powers that be, as a lot of times they rightly come in for criticism from all sides. But when you consider the facts of what they’re proposing, it actually makes a lot of sense. Who wants their kids to risk injury or worse on knackered old play equipment? Kirklees has way more council-run play areas than you’d think, far more than Bradford or Leeds councils have to look after.
And with very little money to do what they want to get done, it makes sense to focus on bigger, more popular playgrounds and make them really attractive places to play. The smaller play areas will still be places kids can go, there just won’t be old bits of health and safety nightmares for them to come a cropper on. I’m not a Labour supporter, but in this case I want to say I’m behind what they’re trying to do.
and insured. Two years ago this coming May two young males parked a Vauxhall Corsa car on the road opposite where I live. Since that day the vehicle has never moved nor has anybody been to it.
This vehicle, according to the DVLA is neither taxed or insured. I have written to the police and the DVLA about this vehicle but never had a reply. I had thought about contacting my local councillors but
LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS C Ineson, five detached dwellings, adjacent to Headland House, 9 Headland Lane, Earlsheaton. Tesco Stores Ltd, notification for prior approval for the installation, alteration or replacement of other solar photovoltaics (PV) equipment on the roofs of nondomestic buildings, Bradford Road, Batley. D Esterine, single and twostorey extension, 22 Ashfield Road, Birstall. Asif Karim, single-storey rear extension, 66 Princess Street, Batley. Whiteleys Garden Centre, two-storey extension to existing restaurant/cafe with terrace, Far Common Road, Mirfield. M Cooper, single-storey rear extension, Orchard House, 917 Leeds Road, Shaw Cross. Mr Mayat, single-storey front and rear extension, 10 Purlwell Avenue, Batley. K Mahmood, single-storey front and two-storey side extension, front dormer window and alterations to rear roof, 105 Woodsome Estate, Staincliffe. Mr Lambat, two-storey and single-storey rear extensions and single-storey front extension, 58 Woodfield Avenue, Staincliffe. T Hussain, formation of private car park facility for the use of the community centre 61 Battye Street, land between St Philip’s
Close and Battye Street, Dewsbury. Laurence Campbell, work to TPO(s) 26/76, The Holt, Briestfield Road, Briestfield. C Wright, two-storey side and single-storey rear extension, 31 South Street, Lower Hopton. J Snee, single-storey rear extension and decking to rear, 82 Hopton Lane, Mirfield. S Vachhiat, single-storey front and two-storey rear extensions, 16 Whitaker Street, Batley. L Khan, change of use and alterations to convert ground floor of dwelling to office including installation of shopfront and roller shutter, 3 Bradbury Street, Ravensthorpe. N Black, demolition of attached garage and erection of single and twostorey extensions, 225 Whitechapel Road, Scholes, Cleckheaton. L Meade, two-storey side and single-storey rear extensions, porch to front and demolition of existing detached garage, 14 Gregory Springs Road, Lower Hopton, Mirfield. Z Noor, porch to front, 4 Hill Top Estate, Heckmondwike. J Haigh, discharge conditions 3, 6, 7, 11, 13 on previous permission 2014/93764 for erection of detached dwelling and demolition of existing dwelling and outbuilding, Mount Pleasant Farm,
Gomersal Lane, Gomersal. S Hodge, front porch, 9 Stoney Croft, Gomersal. Mr P Harris, dead or dangerous tree, land at Transvaal Terrace/Carlinghow Hill, Batley. N Hussain, the proposal is for the erection of singlestorey rear extension. The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.515m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.508m, 10 Chalcroft Close, Heckmondwike. R Burman, two-storey side and rear extensions, singlestorey front extension and dormer to rear, 53 Ravens Avenue, Scout Hill. K Hussain, single-storey extension to rear, 51 Bywell Road, Dewsbury. J Andrews, single-storey side extension, 1A Station Road, Earlsheaton. N Adam, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.8m, 12 Caldermill Way, Thornhill Lees. Shovel Ready 9 Ltd, development of a synchronous gas-powered standby generation facility, plus ancillary infrastructure, equipment, and access, land off
Bradford Road, Batley. M Anwar, discharge conditions 5 (Phase II), 6 (Remediation Strategy) and 12 (materials) on previous permission 2018/92059 for erection of two semidetached dwellings with associated garden space and hardstanding, land adjacent to 163 North Road, Ravensthorpe. A Hussain, two-storey side and single-storey front extensions, 22 St Mary’s Avenue, Staincliffe. KH Butt, single- and twostorey rear extension, 13 Kertland Street, Savile Town. Krispy Kreme, singlestorey rear extension, Centre 27 Business Park, Bankwood Way, Birstall. Z Iqbal, change of use from shop (A1) to shop and residential (A1 & A3) (within a Conservation Area), Shamaz Fabrics, 102 Commercial Street, Batley. A Hussain, raising of roof to form third floor extension, 1-3 Park Street, Heckmondwike. L Oldham, single-storey rear extension and fencing to rear, 62 Lumb Lane, Roberttown. Owens Developments Ltd, discharge condition 6 (ventilation) on previous permission 2017/91495 for erection of two blocks of three terraced dwellings and one pair of semidetached dwellings, Phoenix Roofing, Whewell Street, Birstall.
soon disregarded this because knowing the circumstances they would not want to be involved. As a last resort I wrote to my MP and to be fair she passed my concerns to the DVLA and they replied to her. However I am no further forward. In the letter the DVLA state they are serious about tackling vehicle tax evasion but go on to say that when they are notified about an untaxed vehicle on a road it does not guarantee that it will be clamped or removed. It further says that under the legislation they work under: “This vehicle is not suitable to take enforcement action on. We are unable to disclose the circumstances due to the Data Protection Act.” However when they are in the area they will put a sticker on it to encourage the keeper to tax the vehicle. So this vehicle could be here forever. We are inundated with driving schools in this area and this parked vehicle is used every day of the week for learner drivers to reverse around, they are nearly queing up to use it. A cynical person could form the opinion that this vehicle was left for that
purpose. To rub salt in the wounds a few weeks ago a road sweeper with a cart, who are as rare as a police officer in this area, turned up and cleaned the road under this vehicle and took away sacks of rubbish. How do I get this vehicle removed lawfully?
The final curtain From: Anne Jessop, via email On Saturday night the curtain came down on our production ‘Holiday At Home’, and unfortunately it was the final curtain for our drama group as we know it. The Ebenezer Methodist Drama Group Hanging Heaton was founded in May 1963 by Mr Eric Giles. It has continued successfully over the years, led by to a great extent by his daughter Dorothy Cape, Mary Glover and many others. We have entertained our faithful audiences with many plays, pantomimes, musical halls and even musicals. Many of Eric Giles’ family have been involved in the group and his granddaughter
Allison Pollard directed our last production. We, as a group have many, many happy memories and hope that our audiences have enjoyed themselves as much as we have. Hopefully in the future we may be able to re-form in a different guise to continue some kind of local entertainment.
No action over tree removals From: Name and Address Supplied A story in the national press last week tells of a man in Dorset fined £1,200, plus £15,000 costs for chopping off 12ft-long branches from an oak tree subject to a Tree Preservation Order, in order to give him more sunlight on his balcony, albeit the tree still stands. Compare that with total destruction and removal of several TPO-designated trees in a garden in Dewsbury, to make way for a proposed mosque – without even a slap on the wrist from Kirklees Council, let alone enforcement. What a difference a county makes.
Agencies come together to make mental health a priority KIRKLEES COUNCIL is working with Public Health England in a bid to help more people suffering with mental health issues. The council has signed up to the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health – a programme designed to facilitate local and national action around preventing mental health problems and promoting good mental
health. The Concordat marks the first time agencies across the community and care sectors have come together to make prevention a priority for mental health. Rachel Spencer-Henshall, director of public health for Kirklees, said: “We know that we are strong and achieve more by working closely with our partners.
“This shows our commitment to tackling poor mental health which is one of our key priorities. “Promoting good mental health is everyone’s responsibility and can only be achieved if organisations – including local authorities, NHS trusts, businesses, local communities and religious groups – work together at local and national level.”
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
‘Stupid’ smuggler A JUDGE has called a Dewsbury man, jailed for his part in a grooming trial, “remarkably stupid” after he tried to smuggle drugs and phones into prison. Fahim Iqbal, of Quarry Road, Westtown, was spotted alongside fellow defendant Naveed Akhtar, of Manningham, trying to smuggle cannabis, class C drug Subutex, miniature mobile phones and sim cards into Leeds prison. A dock officer caught the pair committing the offences while the recent Bradford grooming trial was running in open court. Iqbal, 28 who is serving seven years for a charge of aiding and abetting rape, and
Akhtar, 44, serving 17 years for two offences of rape, both received five more months in prison. They pleaded guilty at Bradford Crown Court to conspiracy to supply cannabis and Buprenorphine (Subutex) and to bring three miniature mobile phones, with chargers, and 10 sim cards into prison. The court heard that the grooming trial was running on February 4 when Akhtar spent 20 minutes in the toilet behind the dock, before Iqbal – who was already serving a jail sentence for unauthorised possession of phones in prison – joined him. A dock officer found a package, containing six
Subutex tablets, two phones and chargers plus 10 sim cards, in the toilet roll dispenser. Akhtar then tried to hand an extra package to another defendant from Dewsbury, Kieran Harris, but he refused to take it and Akhtar threw it under his seat. In that package was cannabis worth £68, a mobile phone and charger, plus 10 Subutex tablets. Judge Durham Hall said: “How on earth, Mr Iqbal, you thought you would get this back into Armley I do not know. It was remarkably stupid and very serious. It was also an appalling distraction during the trial, which had to be adjourned for the police to investigate.”
Town council plans in progress By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter THE team behind the proposed Batley Town Council is to officially launch its campaign in May. And in the run-up to the event, set for May 25 at Batley Town Hall, members are drawing up a draft constitution to be shared with the local community. It is spearheaded by Paul Young, a Conservative candidate in the forthcoming local elections, who has stepped down from his role as group chairman for the next two months. Ann Hall will
assume the role of acting chairman until June 1. In a presentation to the group’s seventh meeting in Batley Library, Craig Munns said the constitution “did not need to be overly complex” but that it should be “discussed widely”. The group is also drawing up a Neighbourhood Plan, which will explain why Batley needs a town council.
It will look at social economics, define green belt and development areas, how the town council will work with the Kirklees Local Plan as well as details of the area’s infrastructure. In recent weeks a meeting was held with Batley Business Association, with all present supporting the idea of a town council. The May 25 launch event coincides with 1940s Vintage Day in Batley, giving group helpers the opportunity to engage with large numbers of local people. The next meeting is scheduled for April 29 at Batley Library.
9
Paula Sherriff, MP for Dewsbury and Mirfield
‘Politically speaking’ Local issues won’t slip under my radar as Brexit impasse continues S THE Brexit impasse continues to occupy the eyes and ears of the nation, I’ve been pleased to have the opportunity to speak out on issues that should not be allowed to slip under the radar. While the Chancellor’s Spring Statement may have passed by largely unnoticed in the media, here in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton, the consequences of years of austerity are hitting home. I’ve been incredibly concerned to hear from local headteachers about the impact of school funding cuts, with local schools in Mirfield and Skelmanthorpe telling of considering closing school on a Friday afternoon to save money, or relying on parent donations and fundraising to cover the basics. After raising the financial crisis facing our schools in Parliament, I’ll keep pressing schools minister Nick Gibb MP to come through on his commitment to meet with local headteachers to hear their concerns directly. Our schools and local children deserve better. I’ve also continued to raise concerns with the bus company Arriva about cuts they’ve made to our bus services that are having a serious effect on our communities and local people. Bus services are crucially important to our towns and villages and they’re a lifeline for many, particularly
A
older people. But sadly, a poor regulatory framework and insufficient funding means they’re often left at the mercy of private business interests. I’ll keep calling on the government to recognise the importance of these services. Our buses need to be backed with better funding, and more powers for local authorities to franchise their own services, so that public funding goes towards better bus services, not in the pockets of private shareholders. Ahead of World Autism Awareness Week from April 1, as Shadow Minister for Mental Health I’ve also been speaking out about services for people with autism and raised concerns about where these are falling short of the provision and support that is needed.
Delays in diagnosis are just the start of the issues experienced by too many autistic people, and services are falling short of the provision and support that is needed in education, employment, health services and social care. Autism itself is not a mental health condition, but around four in five autistic people develop mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, and four in 10 children with autism have at least two mental health challenges. Without access to necessary services, too often autistic people end up in mental health hospitals when they should be supported in the community. There is much to be done to provide the services that people with autism need – I hope that the Government have heard the message and will now act on it. As always, if there’s anything I can do to help you or your family on these issues or any others, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Email me at paula@paulasherriff.org.uk, call 01924 565450 or write to me at The Old Dewsbury Reporter Building, 17 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HQ.’
Paula
www.abblindsandcurtains.co.uk
FAMILY RUN BUSINESS Est. 20yrs
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM M O N - F R I 9 A M - 5 P M , S AT 1 0 A M - 4 P M
ThePress
10
NORTH KIRKLEES: A charity which helps homeless and vulnerable people is holding a coffee morning and bake sale to raise funds.
Friday March 29, 2019 The Batley Homeless Project event will be at their new premises on Bond Street, Dewsbury, tomorrow (Saturday) from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Entry is free.
HAIGHS FARM SHOP
01924 490118
MIRFIELD WF14 0DQ Like our Facebook Page to keep updated with special offers: www.facebook.com/haighsfarmshop
WARNING: FAILURE TO READ THIS ADVERT MAY SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR WEALTH!
Schools get savvy on internet safety for pupils BATLEY & SPEN MP Tracy Brabin joined Google’s online safety public policy manager Rosie Luff at Carlinghow Princess Royal School to deliver the ‘Be Internet Legends’ programme – a nationwide project designed to educate teachers and children, aged from seven to 11, how to explore the internet safely. Gomersal St Mary’s Primary have joined and Ms Brabin is hoping more schools will follow in teaching pupils about avoiding hackers, phishers and bullies on the internet.
390G NAPOLINA CHOPPED TOMATOES, OCADO PRICE: £1.36 – OUR PRICE: 45P / 2 FOR 80P (OR BUY 10 FOR £3.50) HEARTSEASE FARM 750ML GINGER BEER, OCADO PRICE: £2.29 – OUR PRICE: 59P / 2 FOR £1 (OR BUY 6 FOR £2.70) 500ML CHERRY COKE OR DR PEPPER: 69P / 2 FOR £1.20 (OR BUY CASE OF 12 FOR £5.99 - <50P EACH) 24 PACK J20 FOR ONLY: £8.40 (=35P EACH) 24 X 250ML CANS COCA COLA: ONLY £7.20 By Staff Reporters =30P A CAN (80P EACH IN TESCO) A HECKMONDWIKE care home is at 500G FLORA: MORRISONS PRICE: £2 risk of being shut down after it was OUR PRICE ONLY: 39P EACH OR 3 FOR £1 placed in special measures for persistently failing to improve. SEASONED LOGS:– BUILDERS BAGS: £39 Newlands Hall had been on notice – NETS: £2.99 / 5 FOR £14 because health officials deemed it as WHOLE LEGS OR LOINS OF PORK: ONLY 99P/LB either ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’ following inspections in 5LB PRIME SIRLOIN STEAK: ONLY £25 2016, 2017 and 2018. Care Quality Commission (CQC) 15 X HOME MADE BEEFBURGERS: £9.49 inspectors visited the premises for a 10LB HOME MADE PORK SAUSAGE FOR ONLY £17.50 fourth time earlier this year and didsee enough improvement to war12 X 200ML SCHWEPPES PREMIUM CUCUMBER n’t rant a higher rating. TONIC FOR ONLY £1.99 (LESS THAN 17P EACH) While the High Street care home rated ‘good’ for being caring, it BOLANDS FIG ROLLS – SUPERMARKET PRICE 80P A PACK was either ‘requires improvement’ or is OUR PRICE: 39P EACH OR 3 FOR £1 ‘inadequate’ in four other categories.
Newlands on notice
Heckmondwike home still missing CQC standards
PLUS 1000S MORE BARGAINS *e&oe
IT’S WORTH A RIDE OUT - YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED
£50
DISCOUNT OFFER WITH THIS VOUCHER Quote ‘Press 01’ T&C’s apply
There were 29 people living at the home at the time of inspection – one short of its capacity. The report said that residents’ care
records weren’t reflective of their current needs, while plans for end-oflife care weren’t always completed. There was also concerns over residents’ diets, with one person being fed sausage and chips despite them being on a soft food diet, which put them at risk of choking. It was noted that people weren’t getting enough calories or drinking enough water, while inspectors said there was enough staff, but for some training wasn’t up to date. However, there were positives in that medicines were stored safely and administered in a caring manner, and people were treated with kindness. Asif Alvi, spokesman for the home, said: “Some concerns were raised by CQC during a recent inspection. There were identified gaps in documentation and other areas where there was room for real improvement. At the same time quite a lot of
positives were highlighted about the care. “As a service we are very disappointed that the standard of documentation had dropped below what we would demand of ourselves. “We have been working very closely with the CQC to review how the home operates, to streamline practice and to improve documentation. We have already seen real improvement across the service. Additional support is being provided to the home.” Newlands Hall will be kept under review and inspected again in six months. A CQC spokesman said: “If not enough improvement is made within this timeframe so that there is still a rating of inadequate for any key question overall, we will act in line with our enforcement procedures to begin the process of preventing the provider from operating his service.”
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
11
F R U U L O L Y H T O E U P S R E A C FROM AS LITTLE AS
£699 ask in store for details *
We have over 3,000 carpets & 1,400 vinyls to choose from
FREE DELIVERY ON ALL PRODUCTS
o e n l b C a l o i r a m v a a r s l a A e b D i n l a g i d c d e W t a i e c a e o v s s e r A p s Carpets on S Westex l l a F r u o f l l s & e t a N R ew hou t c a r t n
o C l a i c e p S FREE FLOORCARE CLEANING KIT
se orde rs
With all orders of Karndean Luxury Vinyl Flooring *T&C’s based on 75 sq m, does not include installation & underlay
We are recommended stockists of ‘Karndean’LVT Luxury Vinyl Tiles Member of The ACG (Associated Carpet Group)
Birstall Mill
CARPETS & BEDS LTD
01924 420894 934 Bradford Road, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9PH t:
FREE PARKING OUTSIDE STORE AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
All work fully guaranteed by our 8 installation teams
ONLY 1 MILE FROM M62, JUNCTION 27
www.birstallmillcarpets.co.uk OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm • Saturday 9.30am-4pm • Sunday 11am-4pm
In front of Fuzzy Lemon Self Storage
12
ThePress
News In Brief Glaucoma sufferers helped by tiny device THE NHS organisation in charge of Dewsbury Hospital is using ground-breaking treatment on patients suffering with glaucoma. The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is the first in Yorkshire to offer the iStent inject – a tiny implanted device which reduces pressure in the eye caused by glaucoma. It is usually fitted during cataracts surgery, and already nearly 100 patients in Dewsbury, Pinderfields and Pontefract have benefited from the treatment. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world and the only previous options available were the use of eye drops, laser treatment or complex eye surgery. One patient, Ronald Bretherton, is already feeling the effects of the treatment. He said: “Since having the device fitted I haven’t looked back. I no longer have to use eye drops every day to treat my glaucoma, it’s marvellous.” Standalone iStent implantation can be performed in patients who have previously had cataracts surgery where eye pressures cannot be controlled with medical treatment, or they have difficulty administering drops due to physical disability. But it’s not for everyone, and consultant ophthalmologist Nadhu Nagar said more research is needed to be sure of the long-term outcome.
Sociable history walk BIRSTALL: Batley Men’s Group is hosting a history walk around Birstall next month. The group was set up to get men who may be feeling lonely out and about and meeting up with others. And the group is inviting men from the district to meet at St Saviour’s Church in Brownhill on Saturday April 6 at 9.30am for a walk visiting the various historic sites in Birstall – including Oakwell Hall. If you’re interested, text 07340 596334 or turn up on the day.
Friday March 29, 2019
New vision for growth? By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter KIRKLEES COUNCIL has unveiled its economic strategy for the next six years with a focus on business, jobs, homes and state-of-the-art digital infrastructure aimed at turning the borough into “an economic powerhouse”. The plan, which trumpets the borough’s hoped-for economic success, embraces five priorities – modern and innovative business, skilled and ambitious people, active partnerships, advanced connectivity and infrastructure and revitalised centres – to allow the borough to thrive. Part of the authority’s vision is to raise connectivity and infrastructure to the highest standards via securing a Trans-Pennine rail upgrade, a Huddersfield-Dewsbury-Leeds Inclusive Growth Corridor, 10,000 new homes and “excellent” digital and green infrastructure. Setting out the plan Coun Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said the strategy “will help us unlock the true potential of Kirklees so we can see our economy thrive”. He added: “This strategy … will work for all of our towns, villages and valleys. “We are committed to building stronger partnerships across Kirklees and beyond. “This strategy gives us the basis
for joint action. “Closer working not just locally, but within the Leeds city region and other cities and towns across the UK, will help us deliver our vision and see Kirklees become an economic powerhouse.” Coun John Taylor, deputy leader of the Conservative group on Kirklees Council, tore into the administration’s plan and slammed the borough for lagging behind neighbouring authorities. He described the strategy as little more than “warm words” and said it failed to address the needs of the rural south of the borough. “We have, in fact, had a missing decade,” he said. “Whilst other neighbouring authorities have been developing and delivering for the their districts, Kirklees has stagnated. “Even now it sees itself as little more than a dormitory for Leeds and looks only towards Leeds rather than creating its distinctive identity as in the centre of the powerhouses of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield.” He added that the strategy was “lacking in real ambition” and that the council had projected no business growth rates income during its threeyear budget plans. “To be fair to business, when faced with the choice between Kirklees and some of its neighbours, why would you choose Kirklees as your base for growth?”
The scene at the premises on Well Lane
Owner fined for not clearing up waste A BATLEY business owner has been fined £2,000 for failing to remove a huge pile of rubbish blocking a fire escape. Mohamed Said Esmail Raja was given a remedial order by Kirklees Council on November 29 last year to remove the waste on his business premises on Well Lane. The council initially contacted Raja last June to get rid of the rubbish, which consisted of window and door frames, because it was a safety risk. He was given until January 9 this year to remove the waste, but when officers visited the site it was still there – despite Kirklees contacting Raja days earlier to see if he needed an extension to clear the rubbish. They revisited Raja on March 13, but the waste still hadn’t been cleared. Raja, of Woodend Court in Bradford, was found guilty of non-compliance with a remedial order. He didn’t attend the hearing at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court but was found guilty in his absence. He was fined £2,000, and will have to pay a £170 victim surcharge and £300 in costs. Karl Battersby, director economy and infrastructure, said: “We have a very clear standard we expect people to meet in Kirklees and if you’re not doing your bit to keep your borough tidy we will not hesitate to take action.”
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
A cultural bonanza? The £25m bid: Will pay for a ‘significantly enhanced’ town centre library and art gallery, and a new live music venue in Huddersfield. The council hopes the new museum – which may replace the Tolson Museum – will be in the vicinity of the Lawrence Batley Theatre. The location of the live music venue, which would have a capacity of 700-1,000, has not been made public.
The £45m allocation: Includes investment in the library and art gallery, piazza and Queensgate Market Hall. Includes £13m for the North Kirklees Leisure Centre to replace c r u m b l i n g Spenborough Pool and £200,000 for town and village ‘champions’. For the town and village champions, the council wants Kirklees staff to act as ‘fix-it’ teams for half a day a month, providing hands-on support to local voluntary and community groups.
But questions are raised over why it’s centred on Huddersfield – and if it will actually be delivered By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter KIRKLEES faces a £70m spending bonanza on arts, culture and leisure – but where will the money go? That’s the question facing the Labour-run authority after it revealed it has submitted a bid for government cash plans to invest £25m in ‘a vibrant cultural quarter’ in Huddersfield. The funding bid has now been officially submitted. It follows on from an announcement last April to pump £45m into arts and leisure across the borough. The Labour group’s manifesto pledge for Town Centre Arts and Culture was directed towards making the “best use of our artefacts, heritage and streetscape”. Other election pledges included £13m for a North Kirklees leisure centre and £200,000 for town and village ‘champions’. A council spokesman confirmed that if its bid to the High Street Fund was successful the resultant £25m “would be in addition to the £45m already allocated”. In announcing the hoped-for £25m pot Coun Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “It’s clear to see that we are an ambitious and innovative council that is investing to ensure Kirklees is a great place to live, work and do business. It’s crucial that we get this right.”
Referring to the new bid Karl Battersby, director of economy and infrastructure at Kirklees Council, said it was “an opportunity we had to grasp with both hands”. He added: “We want our town centres to have something for everyone, including families, and this funding would help us take a huge step forward. “Whilst we’re bidding for funding for Huddersfield in this case, we’re working on a range of projects to improve our other town centres too.” Members of the Conservative group reacted with caution and urged the Labour group to unveil its masterplan, which is scheduled to be shared in the coming months. Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield) asked: “Why does Coun Pandor need an extra £25m when he hasn’t brought forward any plans for his £45m?” His colleague Coun Richard Smith (Con, Kirkburton) urged the council to align its investment with a “coherent” plan that addressed the needs of business owners in the borough.” And Conservatives’ deputy leader, Coun John Taylor, said he was wary that some of the elements being ear-
marked for investment were “merely aspirational”. He added: “I would be interested in knowing what the £45m cultural quarter will deliver as we have seen no detail on this yet despite a year passing since Labour’s big launch. “I’d then be interested to see what extra they are delivering with this additional £25m. “In the past I have been told that there were no firm plans for the cultural quarter so it’s difficult to see if this is genuinely an additional £25m or not. “I am fully supportive of the ambition to transform our town centres. “My criticism is: what has this Labour administration being doing for the last 10 years, the ‘lost decade’ when all our neighbouring authorities were working on regeneration initiatives? “You can now see these coming on stream and yet we are still at the starting point.”
• What do YOU think of Kirklees’ plan to pump millions into art and leisure across the district? Is enough being spent in your area? Let us know what you think by emailing forum@ thepressnews. co.uk.
13
News In Brief Ebenezer’s farewell HANGING HEATON: An amateur dramatic group which has been running for almost 56 years has drawn the curtain for the final time. The Ebenezer Methodist Drama Group performed its last production ‘Holiday at Home’ on Saturday night. The group was founded in May 1963 by Eric Giles, and later led by his daughter Dorothy Cape, Mary Glover and many others. A spokesman for the group said: “We as a group have many, many happy memories and hope that our audiences have enjoyed themselves as much as we have. Hopefully in the future we may be able to reform in a different guise to continue some kind of local entertainment.”
JOIN OUR FRIENDLY GROUP FROM
THORNHILL THORNHILL LEES THORNHILL LEES LEES VILLAGE VILLAGE HALL HALL VILLAGE HALL
ALWAYS A LOVELY SELECTION OF TRIPS
EVERYONE WELCOME!
SUN 19TH MAY SCARBOROUGH.....£14 SAT 22ND JUNE WHITBY...............£14 SAT 27TH JULY SOUTHPORT..........£14 SAT 3RD AUG BEVERLEY MARKET ..£10 SUN 11TH AUG BRIDLINGTON ........£14 PLEASE RING FOR OUR 2018 TRIP LIST
SMALL GROUPS WELCOME TO JOIN - CARD SENT TO YOUR DOOR PICK UP POINTS, THORNHILL LEES, DEWSBURY BUS STATION, BATLEY CARR & BATLEY BUS STATION & HECKMONDWIKE
Please ring IRIS on
01924 439525 to book
14
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
A family feel to new venture Advertising Feature A NEW car showroom has opened in Birstall – and it covers all your motoring needs. The Motor Family, situated off the main Bradford Road that runs through Batley and Birstall, is a family-run independent car sales, service and MOT centre. Its newly-refurbished showroom and workshop to the rear boasts a huge, clean open space for clients to browse top-quality cars. And whatever car you’re interested in buying, The Motor Family has them all. From Mini Cooper, to Fiat, or BMW and Audi, the team of experts will help you pick the best model for you at the
best price. Staff price check the company’s cars daily so that they can provide customers with the best value on the market. But if it’s not a car you’re looking to buy and simply need an MOT or a service on the vehicle you’ve already got, then look no further. Until Sunday, they’re offering an MOT test for £25 when booked with any other service. If it’s an oil change service you need, they start from £69 while an interim service begins at £99 and a full service from £139. And manufacturer services are available with a digital service history update on selected models – including
BMW, Audi and Mazda. The premises, formerly Brams, is managed by Andrew Bowett – the son of Robert Bowett who owned various car dealerships in Ossett, Leeds and Huddersfield for the likes of Honda, Saab, Suzuki, Subaru and Mitsubishi. Andrew describes The Motor Family as a “new business with a family history”. They’re experienced, knowledgeable and based on one of the main roads in North Kirklees – it’s a nobrainer if you want a new car or a service at the best value. Open from 8.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am4.30pm on Saturdays, there’s no excuse not to pop in.
15
16
ThePress
Meat and greet at Bespoke!
A DESIGNER kitchen firm is celebrating the relaunch of its stylish Gomersal studio with a special event tomorrow (Sat). Create Bespoke Kitchens, founded by businessman Bryan Munslow and based on Bleak Street, will welcome in the public for an open day that will also see a talk by a craft beer expert, a free raffle to win a home beer machine and artisan charcuterie for guests to sample. Create designs, supplies, and installs designer kitchens throughout West Yorkshire and has now forged links with two new top-quality kitchen brands. The showroom, based in a disused coach building, now features fully installed working kitchens from Leicestershire-based Gaddesby Kitchens and German brand Nobilia. Founder Bryan (pictured above) said: “It’s two years since we launched and we want to celebrate working with our new suppliers, so we’re inviting everyone to come along, sample some craft beers from the experts at Beer Hawk and enjoy food and drink from local artisan cured meat specialists, The Cure Fine Charcuterie.” The open day takes place on Saturday from 10.30am until 5pm and everyone is welcome. Bryan, who also runs a successful local electrical firm, is also keen to work with local builders and architects on the supply-only side of the business. He came up with the idea of Create Bespoke Kitchens after undertaking his own kitchen renovation and getting frustrated with the customer service and sales process he experienced. Since launching in 2017 the firm has completed scores of design-led kitchens across the region with a team of dedicated installers. To cement the new partnership with Nobilia, Bryan travelled to Germany to receive full product training and says: “Now we’re ready for the next level.” For more details visit www.createbespokekitchens.com.
Friday March 29, 2019
Lottery cash to help Kirklees museums MUSEUMS in Kirklees have been given more than £200,000 to help develop a masterplan for their future use. Kirklees’ museums and galleries team successfully bid for £216,700 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s (NLHF) Resilient Heritage Fund. The cash boost will go towards “developing an ambitious vision for museums and heritage in Kirklees” – including working with local groups and organisations to “explore how the unique stories of the people and places of the past can inspire the future and play an important role in tourism, economic regenera-
tion, education and people’s health and well-being.” Starting in spring 2019, the museums and galleries team will work with an experienced NLHF-approved mentor on the first stages of major strategic planning. Kirklees says the completed plans will help in bidding for more investment. The news comes as the borough’s remaining museums are under scrutiny following the closures of Red House Museum, in Gomersal, and Dewsbury Museum. In North Kirklees, the team will financially test a masterplan for Oakwell Hall in Birstall and Batley’s Bagshaw
Museum. The project will also look at strategic priorities for what is termed the ‘heritage offer’ across the district. Jacqui Gedman, chief executive of Kirklees Council, said: “It is exciting to have an opportunity to engage with partners and audiences, take a collaborative approach to our heritage and focus on the long-term future. “This is vital in order to protect and support our rich heritage and to make it as accessible as possible for the people of Kirklees. “We hope that local people and stakeholders will give the project their full support.”
More grants for local causes A THORNHILL charity that helps community organisations is giving out more cash grants. The Thornhill Poors Estate Charity each year offers grants to established community organisations which serve senior and youth age groups within the districts of Thornhill, Thornhill Lees, Savile Town, Netherton, Middlestown, Flockton, Overton, Midgley and Whitley. While the charity has already handed out grants for the year in January, trustees have agreed for a
further sum to be made available for a second round of grants. They are taking applications from organisations, with the grants to be awarded in June. Previous recipients of grants in January should not apply this time round. Each application will be considered by the charity’s trustees, with the simple rules that the organisation must be from one of the areas mentioned and that the grants are promised to be spent on activities and not wages or associated costs.
Organisations wishing to apply for a grant should submit an application form, available at www.sitlingtonparishcouncil.gov.uk. Grant applications should be sent via post to the address on the form no later than May 17. NORTH KIRKLEES: A scheme to help community projects get off the ground is taking its next event to Shackleton’s furniture showroom, on Bradford Road, Batley, on Thursday May 2 (6.30pm). The evening sees different
community group representatives pitch their idea ‘Dragons Den’-style to a panel of judges who pick the best option to win the cash. The money comes from a £5 entry fee, which includes a bowl of soup and a voting card for all participants. The only rule is that pitches benefit the North Kirklees area and they must be submitted by Thursday April 4. You can also apply to be a judge, but to do so you must live or work in a North Kirklees postcode. Pitch application forms and more details can be found at www.dewsburysoup.org.uk.
Ezmuve can help to get you moving Advertising Feature IF YOU’VE previously thought of moving, but are worried about selling your own property, we can help! New, Batley-based online estate agency Ezmuve, have a team of experts on hand to show you a range of options to help you sell your property and secure your new dream home. We offer a ‘hybrid’ service, meaning that you can choose the package that best suits you, your lifestyle and your budget. Our client-customised process guarantees to get results meaning you can sidestep the stress and uncertainty associated with a traditional estate agency service and remove the need for paying high agent fees. Each of our packages include high quality, professional photos of your home. We use the latest cameras to ensure we capture key features of your home, making sure the photos are crystal clear and looking great. Whilst taking photos, we will also compile a detailed floor plan of your home to be added to your online advert. All properties are advertised on Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location – giving your home maximum exposure to millions of buyers each month. With our team being on hand throughout the whole time, your move will be a nice and easy process. Get the service you deserve, make your move stress free, call 01924 927 073 or visit www.ezmuve.co.uk for more details.
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
Throughout 2019 local historian Mike Popplewell will be searching through his newspaper collection from the 1920s and 30s for some of the biggest headlines from home and abroad – while also taking a look at stories making the news in our own district. Readers are welcome to provide feedback if any of these features are remembered personally, or you can recall being told them by an earlier generation.
Bert’s naked approach ’M BERT, Bert, I haven’t a shirt....” sang Edwardian music hall star Vesta Tilley, in her trademark ‘Burlington Bertie’ persona ... but Cleckheaton had its own ‘shirtless Bert’ between the wars and that was Herbert ‘Bert’ Haley. Bert Haley was a Spen Valley man, born in Cleckheaton in January 1903, and he certainly had a whole different outlook in life. In fact, it was an outlook that saw him remove himself from the disillusionment he felt living with the hardships of post-Great War Britain to become a recluse in nearby woods where he lived in a tent and spent the summers living as a naturist. I imagine Bert’s story would have been long forgotten had it not been for the collection of stories under the title ‘Plain Tales from Yorkshire’, written by Skipton-born barrister/lecturer Roger Mason in 1982. In retelling his life story Bert gave a marvellous insight into Spen Valley life during his first 30odd years and also a fascinating revelation of his personal eccentricity. His mother Annie was a Kenworthy, and linked by marriage to the Allott family, who had several inter-marriages with my Firth and Popplewell families, while his father Lamplough Haley was a Gomersal-born woodworking machine operator with a great love of music. Amongst Lamplough’s activities outside of work was to play the
“I
Above: Bert and friends, cooking in the woods Left: Mr Haley in his later years cornet in the Cleckheaton Victoria Prize Band, but he was only 50 when he died in 1921. Bert then lived with his mother along with a great aunt and uncle above their confectioners shop at the top of Brooke Street. Bert regarded his great aunt and uncle as grandparents, and in Roger Mason’s book he told the tale of the death of his 21-stone ‘grandpa’, Bill Allott, and how they had to remove the window frame in Bill’s bedroom and lower him to the ground outside with a block and tackle. Not the most dignified way to go! It was a sense of dignity that finally persuaded Bert to branch out on his reclusive adventure. The shop was sold and the family had to move out but, despite finding a house to rent, work in the Spen Valley in the 1920s became increasingly hard to come by and Bert eventually found himself collecting the dole.
MONDAY Staincliffe Cricket Club Halifax Road 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Faye 07852 714364 St Paul’s Church Hall Cleckheaton 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Emma 07786 513072 Tingley Methodist Church Westerton Road 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Lyn 07792 032170 Zion Baptist Church Mirfield 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Claire 07768 311351
In 1924, with his apprenticeship almost over, he would be eligible for a full man’s pay but, in these circumstances, it was commonplace for employers to sack the apprentice on any grounds they could think of. Bert was accused of ‘bad work’ after a measuring error at his lathe in an engineering works. In his interview with Roger Mason he explained how dole queues grew increasingly longer in those days, with him having to wait five hours, in a mile-long queue, to sign on one day. Then, when it came to his signing on interview he faced a vigorous interrogation as to his search for work and saleable assets - both of which could make him ineligible for government support. One day, after collecting his dole money, Bert looked at the groups of men just hanging around the street corners and went home miserable. He hated hanging around doing
TUESDAY Comrades Club Heckmondwike 9am 11am 3pm 5pm 7pm Tel Sue 07790 590763 Shaw Cross Boys Club Leeds Road 3.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Lynne 07988 662052
WEDNESDAY
nothing, and was convinced there was nothing to do in Cleckheaton, so he resolved to get out. Recalling his time camping in the woods with the Scouts, he decided to buy himself a tent and remove himself to the woods, leaving his mum free to rent his room out, and so ... the die was cast! Throughout the rest of the 1920s and into the 1930s Bert settled into his new life as a woodsman. Friends would seek him out for fun around the camp fire and during the summer he would abandon his clothes and live as free as the woodland animals around him. This became Bert’s life for seven years and his fame as the ‘half-naked hermit of Sun Wood’ began to spread around the district. However, he occasionally got casual work and once made a trip to the Great War battlefields. The sight of neighbours going off to fight and not coming back had affected him deeply as a child, now the memory of those rows and rows of crosses in Flanders made him start thinking again about his life. Then, in 1934, the thoughts of the post-war slump and general strike etc seemed a long time ago and having met Annie May Frith at the mill where he was working, he gave up his life as a hermit, bought a house, married in 1937, and raised two daughters as he settled down to enjoy a life of newfound normality. Herbert passed away in 1995, aged 92, having left behind a fascinating tale of pure eccentricity.
Scout Headquarters Cleckheaton 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Paul 07848 958798 Roberttown Community Centre 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Kathryn 07906 118636 Trinity Church Hall Mirfield 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Claire 07768 311351
THURSDAY Dewsbury Town Hall 9.30am 11.30am Tel Debbie 07821 438207 Dewsbury Town Hall 5.30pm Tel Lyn 07792 032170
Batley Town Hall 9am 11am Tel Lynne 07988 662052 Batley Town Hall 5pm 7pm Tel Lynne 07988 662052
17
Ossett and Horbury ‘ignored’ – Tories By David Spereall Local Democracy Reporter CONSERVATIVES have accused Wakefield Council’s free quarterly newspaper of ignoring areas it represents. Ossett councillor Angela Taylor claimed that the latest edition of The Citizen, which is circulated by the local authority to homes across the district, did not feature anything about her ward or the surrounding areas. In a full council meeting Coun Taylor said the spotlight had been focused on the city of Wakefield and the eastern half of the district and that taxpayers’ cash has been broadly spent in those areas. Four of the six members elected to represent wards covering Ossett and Horbury are Conservatives, but the ruling Labour group insists it distributes the council’s cash as fairly as possible. Referencing the Spring edition of The Citizen, Coun Taylor said: "Ossett, Horbury and the surrounding areas aren’t mentioned once.” In response, the council’s acting portfolio holder for corporate services, Michael Graham, said: “I’m sure there are a lot of fantastic things happening in Ossett, so we’ll make sure that for the next one all the great work the council’s been doing in Ossett will be in there.” During a later discussion about the success of recent events in Wakefield, including the Rhubarb Festival, Coun Taylor later claimed the council had “denied” Ossett financial help for the attractions it had put on. “When we’ve asked for assistance, and we don’t ask for much, we get nothing,” she said. “We get no help whatsoever for all the events we put on in Ossett.” In response Cabinet member for leisure, Jacquie Speight, said: “I’m sorry you feel that way, but as you know there is only so much money and we spread it around as best we can. “There are other towns that don’t have support from us for festivals and events. We try to aim it where the biggest populations are. “It’s not fair to say Ossett doesn’t get anything. We’re investing £50,000 into football in the area. Ossett is the centre of the universe in our district when it comes to football. “There are going to be hundreds of young people in Ossett and surrounding areas that will benefit from that, and that’s an investment that this council has made.”
Westborough Ratepayers Club Dewsbury Moor 5pm 7pm Tel Lucy 07730 264938 Millbridge WMC Liversedge 5pm 7pm Tel Kathryn 07906 118636 Battyeford Christ The King Church 5pm 7pm Tel Mandy 07793 732268
SATURDAY St Pauls Church Hall Hanging Heaton 8.30am 10.30am Tel Lyn 07792 032170 Comrades Club Heckmondwike 9am Tel Sue 07790 590763
FRIDAY
Howard Park Community School Cleckheaton 8am 10am 12pm Tel Paul 07848 958798
Battyeford Christ The King Church 9am Tel Mandy 07793 732268
Trinity Methodist Church Mirfield 8.30am 10.30am Tel Debra 07504 973964
18
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
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 MARCH 30 B.B.N.G.WYKENSHAW Starts at 10.30am at the Walkers Arms, Scholes (SE166259) 8 miles – moderate Contact: Geoff 01422 379921 geoff.terry11@btinternet.com
Funny and poignant... The Full Monty Leeds Grand Theatre Until Saturday March 30 www.leedsgrandtheatre.com Review by Janet Black THE ‘LUNCHBOX’ has landed. Audiences are invited to leave their hat on for the return of The Full Monty to Leeds Grand Theatre, telling the story of six out-of-work, impoverished steelworkers from Sheffield with nothing to lose. The Full Monty has become one of Britain’s most successful stage shows and features iconic songs by Donna Summer, Tom Jones and Hot Chocolate among others. The cast is a great line-up of well-known actors who play their characters seamlessly, and the interaction between the cast members is superb. In a plot that revolves around the desperate efforts of a group of redundant steelworkers to cope with unemployment, Gaz (Gary Lucy) and his mate Dave (Kai Owen) are on the lookout for ways to make a bit of cash on the side to supplement their dole money. This masterpiece gives insight into what such men went through when their lives were torn apart by a faceless government and illustrates what inspiration and the Northern sense of humour can achieve. Clever banter is the tone of the whole show. A super, funny, poignant show and it made a wonderful evening at the theatre. Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call the box office on 0844 848 2700. • A GROUP of 29 Dewsbury and District Ramblers enjoyed a five-mile walk around the Upper Don Valley on Wednesday. Next Wednesday (April 3), Brian Doyle will lead a walk in Silsden. Meet in the town centre car park by the memorial gardens at 10.30am. • DEWSBURY Collegians Amateur Operatic Society are on the hunt for people to take part in their next major production, Calamity Jane. The group urgently needs both men and women to make up the chorus and for small principal roles. The performance is being staged at Dewsbury Town Hall from Wednesday June 12 to Saturday June 16 and rehearsals are underway. To join in the fun, contact Kirstie Firth on 07977 761785 or Noel Rigg on 01924 466659. Tickets for the show, priced at £13 (balcony) and £12 (stalls, £10 concessions), are available from the Collegians’ ticket line 01924 492742 or the Town Halls box office 01484 225755. You can also get tickets from Dewsbury Town Hall. • DEWSBURY Minster is hosting a special Easter performance on Saturday April 13. A dramatisation of Handel’s Messiah will be performed by the Merry Opera Company, in which 12 strangers seek spiritual comfort in their struggle to understand the world. Singing together in a church, they inspire each other to pick up the ragged ends of their faith and look to the future with hope. Starting at 6.30pm, tickets priced £7.50 are available direct from the Minster or online at https://bit.ly/2Oyuh7V.
Mateys wanted ONE OF THE stars of Batley Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s latest show is hoping to bring back some happy memories for a group of people who appeared in Wheelwright Sixth Form College’s production of The Pirates of Penzance in 1976. Malcolm Parkinson is trying to contact cast members from 43 years ago to form a group booking to see him reprise his role as the Major-General in Batley Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s production of Pirates at Batley Town Hall next month. Back in 1976 the venue was the hall at Birkdale High School – previously known as Wheelwright Boys’ Grammar School. Pirates boasted a cast of over 50 people, a figure unheard of in most Gilbert & Sullivan societies today. It was produced by Mavis Roberts and musical direction and accompaniment was provided by Ray Wood. Both were teachers at the college, and costumes were also made in-house. Wheelwright College was created in September 1974 as one of the last major decisions of the former County Borough of Dewsbury, but in 1987 it merged with Dewsbury & Batley Technical and Art College as part of a re-organisation. Some of the cast of that 1976 production, however, continued their involvement with the works of Gilbert & Sullivan. Elizabeth Ward, who played Ruth, and Joe Zserdicky, who played Frederic, would eventually marry and
become leading lights of Wakefield Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Carol Aveyard, who was a chorus member in 1976, and Malcolm Parkinson, who played Major-General Stanley, would also marry and become long-standing members of Batley Gilbert & Sullivan Society, a group which this year celebrates its 70th anniversary. Their production of Pirates at Batley Town Hall runs from Wednesday April 10 to Saturday April 13 at 7.30 pm night-
ly, plus a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm. The show also features Carol as Mabel, and Jennifer Day (nee Jones) who played Mabel in the 1976 production. If you were in Wheelwright College’s 1976 production and would like to join the party, please ring Malcolm on 01924 456780. Alternatively, tickets can be obtained by calling 07810 447183 or through the Kirklees box office.
The naughtiest puppets in town Avenue Q Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Until Saturday March 30 Tickets: £36.50-£15.50 Box Office: 01274 432000 bradford-theatres.co.uk Review by David Bentley HILARIOUS, joyous, crude, vulgar, charming, quirky, irreverent and in parts unexpectedly moving. This was quite possibly the best adult-themed Tony Award-winning puppet musical I’ve ever seen. The naughtiest puppets in town are back at the Alhambra Theatre as comedy musical Avenue Q makes a welcome return. Following five years in the West End, sell-out runs worldwide and smash hit tours in 2014, 2015 and 2016 (packed with mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness) the Tony Award-winning musical, created by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, co-creator of Book of Mormon and writer of the songs for Disney’s Frozen, is an irresistibly charming tale of the loveable characters on a New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues. Uproariously entertaining, with a cast of 11 talented performers and puppets, Avenue Q is a musical like no other. The story revolves around naive graduate Princeton, who comes to New York with big dreams and little money to match. When he moves to Avenue Q he meets his neighbours, where he tries to find his purpose in life. Together they tackle various issues and learn to be happy with their lot in life.
MONDAY APRIL 1 BATLEY BLUEBELLS Starts at 1pm at Oakwell Hall top car park (WF17 9LG, SE217271, no dogs please) 6.5 miles – moderate Contact: Kathleen 01924 471473 kathleenoshea5@aol.com
So much going on THE ROYAL Voluntary Service has a number of activities planned in the district next week. Tomorrow there is the annual showcasing event at Batley Older People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street (4.30pm-6pm). And the Happy Trippers group will be out visiting M&S at Pudsey and Tong Garden Centre from 1pm – meet at the older people’s centre. On Sunday there is the ‘Social Sunday’ gathering from 2pm4pm at the same venue. Monday sees the popular Movement and Games group, also at the Older People’s Centre (10.30am-noon). Running at the same time is the Conversation, Coffee and Cake group at Batley Butterfly House and the ‘Sociables’ meeting at Bleak House, both in Wilton Park. On Tuesday, Jem’s Chat session meets at Jem’s Diner on Bradford Road from 2pm-3.30pm. On Wednesday, there’s the Midweek Meet and Eat at the Older People’s Centre from 12.30pm-2pm – bring a packed lunch and join in activities. Thursday sees the Movement and Games group at Cleckheaton Library from 10.30am12pm, and the lunch club at the Older People’s Centre (11.30am-1pm) – packed lunch is required. Then on Friday there’s another Movement and Games session at Birstall Community Centre from 10.30am-12pm.
Free music So far, so normal ... but Avenue Q is a little different. It’s a musical puppet show for adults, featuring rude songs and outrageous jokes that touch on issues from internet pornography, being gay and puppet sex. Think of a cross between Sesame Street and South Park and you’re not far off. The audience readily and happily suspends its disbelief as the actors are in full sight while operating the puppets, and both the actors and puppets are always in sync. It looks effortless as the hand-made puppets really seem to come to life – and that takes a lot of skill. In a cast that sparkles with energy and enthusiasm, for me Cecily Redman is the standout as Kate Monster and Lucy The Slut
(yes that really is her name). There is brilliant definition between the voice and attitudes of the characters, especially when they talk to each other. She has a fantastic singing voice and looks incredibly comfortable on stage, particularly in the touching song ‘There’s A Fine, Fine Line’. Musically the production is incredibly astute. Songs such as ‘Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist’, ‘The Internet Is For Porn’ and ‘If You Were Gay’ have already become legendary for good reason. They are pointed social observations, but also incredibly funny and the cast perform them with boundless enthusiasm. The spark and humour of the show create a fantastic energy and a brilliantly fun night.
THERE’S free live music and dancing every Sunday afternoon at Batley Central Club, with the wellknown Reg Hargreaves Trio playing at the venue from 1.15pm to around 3.30pm. A variety of guest singers perform each week. The bar is open and the club on Bradford Road in Batley, wants to encourage as many people as possible to come down and enjoy the afternoon’s entertainment.
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
Plenty of chuckles By David Bentley ALLIGATORS can live for up to 100 years, which is why there’s an increased chance that they will see you later. An elderly couple are sharing an intimate dinner in honour of their 75th wedding anniversary. The man says softly: “Dear, there is something I must ask you. It has always bothered me that our sixth child never quite looked like the rest of our children. “Now, let me assure you these 75 years have been the most wonderful I could have hoped for, and your answer will not take all that away. But, please tell me, did he have a different father?” His wife lowers her eyes, pauses for a moment, and then confesses: “Yes. Yes, he did.” The old man tightens, very shaken, the reality hitting him hard. “Who? Who was he? Who was the father?” he asks. Again, the woman lowers her head, trying to muster the courage to finally tell her husband the truth. She says: “You.” Apparently the Weight Watchers website requires you to have cookies disabled.
Who wants to learn Roman numerals? I for one. The Ikea colouring book that came with my bed is pretty boring. It’s just a load of pictures of partiallybuilt beds. FIVE SECONDS AGO! What do we want? TIME TRAVEL JOKES! When do we want them? I always used to want to be the centre of attention. Now look at me. The creator of predictive text has died. RIPE I just paid £250 to join the National Reincarnation Society. It’s a lot of money, but heck, you only live once. I was delighted when the kind people at HMRC wrote to me recently, telling me that my tax return was ‘outstanding’, particularly since I can’t even remember sending it in.
I told my girlfriend she drew her eyebrows too high. She seemed surprised. What’s the difference between a hippo and a Zippo? One is really heavy, the other’s a little lighter. Apparently you can’t use ‘beef stew’ as a password. It’s not stroganoff. What do Alexander the Great and Winnie the Pooh have in common? Same middle name. I have a Polish friend who is a roadie for a band. I have a Czech one too. Just been to Blackpool, and I saw a man and woman shouting then fighting with each other in broad daylight! A copper turned up, but instead of calming things down he started smacking the guy with his baton. Somehow the bloke got hold of the baton and started hitting the copper AND his
wife. Then this crocodile turned up and stole all the sausages. CELEBRITY FACT: Emma Watson’s parents gave her the unfortunate middle name ‘Mentrymydear’. I feel sorry for Hank Marvin, getting stuck with that name just because his mum was really hungry when he was born. I’m reading a horror story in Braille. Something bad is about to happen… I can feel it. A Starbucks was robbed at gunpoint this morning. The culprits are still at venti. I just got an email that said ‘Want to see Ed Sheeran live?’. At first I thought it was a ransom demand...
His friend cried into the abyss: “How are you? Are you alive?” “Yes!” was the answer. “How’s your head?” “Okay!” “How are your legs?” “Okay!” “And what about your arms?” “Everything’s fine!” “That’s brilliant! Can you start to climb back out?” “Not really pal. I haven’t stopped falling yet.” A friend of mine always wanted to be run over by a steam train. When it happened, he was chuffed to bits. Why do ballet dancers always dance on their toes? Wouldn’t it be easier to just hire taller dancers in the first place?
So very sad. The man who ate a load of scrabble tiles has just passed a Y.
My wife and I were arguing about which band’s gimmick was the silliest. Eventually we agreed to Kiss and make-up.
Two men went into the mountains for a hike. Suddenly, one of them fell into a crevasse.
We DID NOT walk 500 miles. And we WOULD NOT walk 500 more. ~ The Disclaimers.
19
20
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
TSS
TIDYWASTE SKIP SERVICES
MINI, MIDI & MAXI SKIP HIRE IN CLECKHEATON
We collect ALL non-ferrous scrap including:
✓ Aluminium and lead piping ✓ Heavy copper & alloys ✓ Copper cabling ✓ Lead ✓ Household wiring & insulated wiring SKIP HIRE & SCRAP YARD SERVICES Domestic & commercial • ALL SIZES OF SKIPS • 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • KIRKLEES RELIABLE SKIP HIRE COMPANY • AFFORDABLE SERVICES SECOND TO NONE
Get in touch with us today!
TIDYWASTE SKIP SERVICES
Unit 10, Westend Mills, Brick Street, Cleckheaton, BD19 5EH Tel: 01274 851120 Open: Monday – Friday 8am-5pm, Saturdays 8am- 12pm, Closed Sundays
Classified
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
Want to advertise in our Classified section? Call 01924 470296 or email advertising@thepressnews.co.uk
BEDS
BUTCHERS
Stockists of Leading Brand Beds
173-175 Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, BD19 3TJ
SPECIALISTS
Your Local Quality Butcher
5kg Chicken £28 2.5kg Chicken £15 5lb Steak Mince £12.99 See instore for more details
(Next to The Horncastle Pub)
www.junction26beds.co.uk t. 01274 879100
Up until recently however, he’d not given much thought to those people who don’t have social media, prefer not to use it, or simply prefer to pick up a copy of their local newspaper every week. Steve picks up a copy of The Press every Friday, he says it’s a great read, it’s informative, honest and relevant. There are thousands of people locally who think the same. Steve soon realised he was missing a trick and decided to contact us. He now advertises on a regular basis, and business has never been better!
Contact us on 01924
470296 for more info
Remember folks, not everyone uses social media!
AIR/GAS CYLINDERS
AERIAL & SATELLITE
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Cylinder Gas Agent
10% DISCOUNT ON ALL AERIALS WITH THIS ADVERT
AERIAL SHOP
80 Town Street, Earlsheaton, WF12 8JL
• SKY TRAINED AUTHORISED ENGINEERS • AERIAL / SKY 2ND ROOM £39 • TELEVISION / PC & LAPTOP REPAIRS Open 7 Days until 8pm - Est 20yrs
FREEPHONE 0800 074 8967 or 01924 450999
The Press – no other local paper can touch us on advertising prices!
AerialVision Established 1980
4Year
GUARANTEE
Reliable Local Family Firm • Aerial Installations Repairs and Extensions • Sky and FreeSat Work TV Wall Mounting • Burglar Alarms • CCTV Our Engineer has over 30 years experience Neat work, No mess
Tel: 01924 441294 Mob: 07922 017909 ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS! Contact 01924 470296
128 Huddersfield Rd, Mirfield
T: 01924 492185
CAR BOOT SALE
CARE HOMES
The Area’s Biggest and Best Car Boot Sale every Sunday at Dewsbury Rams, Owl Lane, Dewsbury OPEN AS USUAL DURING GROUND DEVELOPMENT WORK Price £12 per car, opens at 6.00am, ring 01924 465489 for further details
GARLANDS
The MOST affordable advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees CHARTERED SURVEYER
Residential & Dementia Care Home
Providing 24-hour Care, Respite & Day Care 27 Church Street, Heckmondwike 01924 404122
QUALITY COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS
VALUER BUILDING ENGINEER BUILDING SURVEYOR 18 Broadgate, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 0PU
Tel.Wakefield (01924) 275275 Email: davidghorner1@btconnect.com Fax.Wakefield (01924) 271860
Prices include excursions Wheelchair & Scooter Friendly No Single Supplement Executive Coach Travel with Hostess Service All Our Chosen High Quality Hotels Are Ensuite Up To 4* Rating Spenborough & Mirfield Pick-ups are Door-ToDoor at No Extra Cost 93 Killinghall Road, Bradford, BD3 8AB
01274 851477 www.carolstravel.co.uk
● Forklift Trucks ● Heating
68-99-99 PC DOCTOR Euro Cars Private Hire Ltd, 387 Tong Street, Bradford, BD4 9RU
AUTOCARE Supporting Visit us for Breast all your Cancer motoring needs Care
MOTs, Servicing, Repairs, Tyres, Batteries, Exhausts Hi-Q Gold Award for customer service and Retail Tyre Centre of the Year finalist Hi Q, 499 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, WF13 3JW Tel: 01924 468210 www.hiqonline.co.uk
www.banglalounge yorkshire.co.uk
Mon: 9:30-6pm, Tues: CLOSED, Wed-Sat: 9:30-6pm, Sunday: CLOSED 27 Bradford Road, 01924 Dewsbury, WF13 2DU 461283 10mins M62 jn28
DRIVES & PATIO SPECIALISTS
DRUMS, MUSIC, AMPS
E.J.GREENWOOD GUITARS, AMPS DRIVEWAYS & PATIO & DRUMS SPECIALISTS BEST DEALS IN TOWN TARMACADAM BLOCK PAVING INDIAN FLAGS etc ALL AREAS OF KIRKLEES & CALDERDALE COVERED
FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL
07973 959968
Carols DAVID FENCING G. HORNER Travel &TSPROPERTY CHARTERED SURVEYOR
ALL UK AIRPORTS SAME FARES 24/7 TAXIS & MINIBUSES
www.europrivatehire.com
T 01924 474777 01924 422218
PART EXCHANGE & CASH DEALS ALWAYS WELCOME 39b Westbourne Road, Marsh, Huddersfield, HD1 4LQ Tel: 01484 321388
www.keithdawsonmusic.com ELECTRICAL
The Airport Specialists
Providence Mills, Wormald Street, Heckmondwike, WF15 6AR Tel: 01924 403212 Email: george@english-textiles.co.uk
www.hargreavescycles.co.uk
38 LOW LANE BIRSTALL WF17 9HB
FENCING
● Welding ● Cutting ● Helium for balloons ● Industrial gases such as Nitrogen, Oxygen, Helium and Hydrogen
01274
MOUNTAIN - ELECTRIC BMX - ROAD - KIDS ACCESSORIES CLOTHING COMMUTER/LEISURE MAINTENANCE Finance Available Free Delivery
COACH TOURS
Your local supplier of Air Products & Calor Gas Cylinders
Delivery or collection available
MALCOLM’S
Reliable Drivers And A Great Service
DINING OUT
HARGREAVES cycles
Family Run Business Open 7 Days
Steve is a local joiner, he makes the most of every opportunity social media offers. Steve’s business has picked up since using Facebook. He says it’s easy, it’s instant, and sometimes it gets him work!
CYCLES
21
COMPUTING
Computer Problems? Sick of Cowboys? MAIN
07976 877 768 23 Years Experience
• No Repair, No Charge • No call out charge • We repair on site
REPAIRS
All type of fencing, gates, decking, flagging & patios etc All types of property repairs, general handyman work. Any Odd Jobs Big or Small
Call Tony 07939 018428
01924 402578
ANYTHING ELECTRICAL
ALARMS, OUTSIDE LIGHTS Electrical Cookers Repaired Supplied & Fitted, No Job Too Small, 35 Years Experience, Same Day Service Available Ring Batley:
0113 285 4563 or 07801 063911
GARAGE DOORS
UP+OVER DOORS fitted, repairs,
SPEN remote supply only FENCING from £295 All types of fencing and gates supplied & fitted Repair work undertaken
PENSIONERS DISCOUNT AVAILABLE All major debit/credit cards available
01924 850141 07836 723821
01274 874095 07454 132548
Park House, High Road, Dewsbury GARAGES
DENCROFT GARAGES Concrete Garages & Sheds Dismantle & Bases Garage re-vamps Garage Doors 230 Bradford Rd, Batley Tel: 01924 461996 dencroftgarages.co.uk
www.facebook.com/ThePressNews
Follow us @ThePressLatest
Classified section continues over page >
Classified ThePress
22
Want to advertise in our Classified section? Call 01924 470296 or email advertising@thepressnews.co.uk
GARDENING SERVICES
TO Green & Tidy ADVERTISE Garden Maintenance CONTACT • Lawns & Hedges OUR SALES • Regular or One-off tidy TEAM ON • Weeding • Jet washing • Fully Insured 01924 Call Martyn 470296 07703 858245
Car body repairs Imperial Motor Company 107 Bradford Road, Dewsbury Tel: 01924 461607 or 07860 754984
PLUMBING & HEATING
COMPETENT ASPHALT Co Ltd
CALL US ON
01924 470296
Any gas appliance serviced £50+VAT then £20+VAT for each of others. Combi boilers fitted with For All 7 year guarantee Your Heating Choose Experience & Plumbing T: 01924 666669 Needs M: 0758 1552797 36 Greenacres Drive, Birstall, WF17 9RA www.ecoheatingyorkshire.co.uk
SIX LANE ENDS
GOMERSAL CRICKET CLUB FREE • 80-100 FUNCTION people ROOM HIRE • Kitchen use available • DJs, Bands, Entertainment organised • Low drinks prices
Snooker & Pool Table All Sky & BT Sport
HGV TUITION
LAGER & BITTER FROM ONLY £2.70 A PINT
• PAMPER PARTIES • WEDDING MAKEUP • PROM • SPECIAL OCCASION
Tel: 01274 864902 Tutti Frutti 141 Birkenshaw Lane Birkenshaw, Bradford BD11 2HD
Obtain your HGV or PCV Licence With Ease Use The Professionals Over 30 Years Experience
Open 12 noon - 12 midnight
PAGEANT, PROM & EVENING WEAR Find us on
All Aspects Of Driving
Tel: 01274 686211 www.atkinslgv.net
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
KITCHENS & BEDROOMS Makeovers, Facelifts, Revamps, Repairs, Alterations
PROM, PAGEANT & EVENING WEAR WORLD LEADING DESIGNER DRESSES FROM THE UK AND USA
Independent
LLoockcsmaithl
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Emergency Lock Replacement Locks Changed Locks Fitted Snap Safe Cylinders Fitted UPVC Specialised
Police Approved Call Now
07977 127676
MASTER LOCKSMITH
HARFORD’S SECURITY LTD NELSON STREET, DEWSBURY, WF13 1NA
TEL: 01924 467269 FAX: 01924 430800 MASTER LOCKSMITHS ACCESS CONTROL INTRUDER ALARM INSTALLERS WEBSITE: www.harfordssecurity.co.uk
Tel: 01924 480992 Mobile: 07778 809295
PAINTING & DECORATING Exterior & Interior
07884 495530 01924 476432
Chem Scaffolding Limited Providing excellent service since 2006 Fast, Reliable Service & Competitive Rates Smithies Mill 883-887 Bradford Road Batley, WF17 8NN Phone: 01924 474 384 Fax: 01924 420 199 Email:
TO ADVERTISE TIM PRYKE CONTACT PLASTERING Too Small OUR SALES No JobQuality TEAM ON Workmanship! Free Quotes 01924 01924 492272 470296 07765 542409 Telephone
SELF STORAGE
Email:
A.T BELL PLUMBING & HEATING
From a dripping tap, to a full central heating system, bathrooms designed supplied & fitted
DISCOUNTS FOR PENSIONERS
Landlord Servicing & Certificates
Call Tony today for a quote on Mobile: 07831 260466 or 01924 492556
OAYSIS ★ MOTEL CALIFORNIA★ ★
UKs NO.1 OASIS TRIBUTE TICKETS £5 Please check availability
★ ★
★
BRILLIANT EAGLES TRIBUTE TICKETS £5 Please check availability
IMMEDIATE PAYMENT
• Copper • Brass • Lead • Aluminium and all types of cable (01924) 469409 14 Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury, WF13 3PH TRAVEL INSURANCE
AUTHORISED AND REGULATED BY THE FCA CONDITIONS APPLY PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS
CONCERT ROOM FOR HIRE • PRIVATE PARTIES WELCOME
FIND US ON FACEBOOK 01924 402696
SIMPSON DENNIS (Roofing Services)
All roof repairs. Insurance work Re-roofing, lead and chimney work – Reduction for OAPs All work guaranteed, free estimates Established 25 years Tel Mirfield
01924 497776 Mobile 07768 298739 www.simpsondennis-roofing.co.uk
Approved by leading insurance companies
ALLAN BELK
Mob: 07880 581977 Tel: 01924 468148 Roofing & property repairs, chimneys lowered, new roofs, strip and re-fix flat roofing. Free estimates. All work guaranteed
0116 272 0500 WANTED WANTED
SCRAP CARS & VANS WANTED Cash paid & free collection Open 7 days a week
07743 134616
S.D Metals Recycling
FURNESS ROOFING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • New Roofs • Flat Roofs • GRP • Chimney Stacks • Gutters, Pointing • Fascia and Soffits • Insurance Work • General Building Work • Leadwork • Velux Windows
ALL WORK GUARANTEED email: mark@furnessroofing.co.uk 01924 406941 07850 786270 www.furnessroofing.co.uk
RW Roofing & Property Repairs ALL INSURANCE WORK UNDERTAKEN
11557
All Types Of Metal
• Single trip cover now with NO AGE LIMIT • Annual multi-trip cover maximum age 86 • Air Ambulance get you home service • 24-hour customer support telephone numbers • FREE medical screening service
Low Beer/Lager Prices!
Pointing, guttering and general maintenance work
Check us out on
SCRAP METAL MERCHANTS
FULLY COMPREHENSIVE TOP QUALITY COVER
clubsecretary@gomersalcc.com
ALL TYPES OF ROOFING REPAIRS
PLUMBING & HEATING
WILKINSON BROS
info@chemscaffolding.co.uk www.chemscaffolding.co.uk
ROOFING PLASTERER
Call KEVIN FLYNN
01924 469633
One of the area’s friendliest clubs.
Fri 29th ★ Mar ★ Sat ★ 30th Mar ★
Seamless Aluminium, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic All roofing work & repairs New roofs Insurance work undertaken Plus all flat roofing
SCRAP METAL SCAFFOLDING SERVICES
TOP CLASS TURNS • BINGO - SNOOKER ★
REPAIRS OR RENEWAL
www.competentasphalt.co.uk
Millbridge CLUB ★
LTD
joIN US AT THE
www.misselegance.co.uk info@misselegance.co.uk
YOUR LOCAL TRUSTED PLUMBER ESTABLISHED OVER 40 YEARS
Tel: 01274 874100 / 07422 510043
JUST
GUTTERING
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Tel: 01924 473892
www.kitchenbedroom.co.uk
The MOST affordable advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees
146 Leeds Road Heckmondwike 01924 402764
PAINTER & DECORATOR
Telephone Steve
31 Low Lane, Birstall WF17 9EY
Free quotes 01924 506616 LOCKSMITHS
Station Road, Bradley, HD2 1UW
MOTORCYCLE LESSONS & MORE
T utti F rutti N ails H air B eauty P ackages
11556
Roofing Specialists Est Over 50 Years All Work Fully Guaranteed
PUBS AND CLUBS
Public House HAIR & BEAUTY
ROOFING
CHECK FOR CARBON MONOXIDE
YOU PAY HOW MUCH TO ADVERTISE?
MOTOR CARE
Friday March 29, 2019
07901 750921 • 01924 485168
House Clearances No Job Too Small
Quality WATCHES BOUGHT Foreign Currency All available currencies bought & sold Cheques Cashed All cheques considered CALL ANDREW ON
07980 767167 WINDOW REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
FED UP WITH Est 1990 STEAMY WINDOWS? We replace Misted-Up Sealed Units Locks | Handles | Hinges Faulty Door Mechanisms and Much More!
HOME SECURE WINDOW MAINTENANCE T: 01924 412279 M: 07974 700789 Find us on
www.repairs4windows.co.uk
Classified
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
Want to advertise in our Classified section? Call 01924 470296 or email advertising@ thepressnews.co.uk
23
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
FOR YOUR PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES
CALL OUR OFFICE IN BATLEY ON ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS! Contact 01924 470296
01924 470296
TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE) (ENGLAND) ORDER 2015 NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 13 OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION Proposed development at: The Commercial Hotel, 125 Wellington Street, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 5TH Take notice that application is being made by: Applicant name: Ms Sophia Janjua For planning permission to: Demolition of former public house and erection of 10 apartments Local Planning Authority to whom the application is being submitted: Kirklees Council Local Planning Authority address: Planning, Investment and Regeneration Service, PO Box B93, Civic 3, Off Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2JR Any owner of the land or tenant who wishes to make representations about this application, should write to the council within 21 days of the date of this notice. Signatory: Ms Sophia Janjua Date: 29/03/2019 Statement of owners' rights: The grant of planning permission does not affect owners' rights to retain or dispose of their property, unless there is some provision to the contrary in an agreement or lease. Statement of agricultural tenants' rights: The grant of planning permission for non-agricultural development may affect agricultural tenants' security of tenure. 'Owner' means a person having a freehold interest or a leasehold interest the unexpired term of which is not less than seven years. 'Tenant' means a tenant of an agricultural holding any part of which is comprised in the land.
24
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
A healthy eating Marketplace plan that comes into cash £££s with a sense of community Turn your unwanted items
Special advertising feature
New mum Faye Richardson has lost more than four stone and relaunched Slimming World’s Staincliffe group on Monday. Here, in her own words, is her inspiring weight loss story: I JOINED Slimming World when my daughter was four months old as I’d been struggling to lose the baby weight. I was really unhappy with my weight and my confidence was at rock bottom. I hated going to any social events and would spend the evenings sat down, so nobody would look at me. I wouldn’t go shopping so was still wearing my maternity clothes. Worst of all, I wouldn’t have any pictures taken so I have none together with my daughter in the first four months. Someone had mentioned they’d lost weight through Slimming World and there was a voucher for free membership in the paper that weekend, so I took it as a sign that I needed to join. I was so nervous about joining and I thought about backing out numerous times. I knew I had to do it though, as I’d been trying to lose weight for four months and got nowhere. I needed help and guidance and knew Slimming World could provide it. So off I went one Wednesday, feeling more nervous the closer I got. It was massive step walking through those doors into the unknown. I was shocked at how busy it was but also pleasantly surprised that nobody stared at me when I walked in. I’d built up this idea of what it would be like, and it was the exact opposite. Everybody was really friendly and helpful. I was the only new member that night and while listening to the ins and outs of the plan I was secretly thinking, this can’t possibly work. I can’t eat all that and lose weight; there must be more to it. Then another member came over and showed my consultant a half-stone award. My consultant congratulated her and after she’d walked away she told me it was the lady’s first week. I couldn’t believe it. I’d being trying to diet for four months and hardly lost anything and this lady had lost half a stone in one week. That made me believe that if I could follow this it would work and I would lose the weight. I went home feeling inspired and excited for my week ahead. The next week I went back for my first weigh. It was still nerve-wracking but not as much as the previous week. I
“
1) Ring Angela on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge). 2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge). 3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment. ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. (We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in Marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296.
NEW Toshiba 28” widescreen television with remote control. Excellent working condition. Can deliver locally. £50. Tel 01924 471758 (2369) Caravan awning carpet (Dorema Starlon). Size 5.5m x 2.5m (18ft x 8ft) As new, only used twice, £45. Tel 01924 495713. (2370)
Faye now!
got on the scales holding my breath and was told I’d lost 2.5lb. Initially I was disappointed as I’d hoped for more, but then it started to sink in that I was 2.5lb lighter in one week. I was going the right way. Each week it got easier going to group and by week four I’d achieved my own half-stone award and for the first time stayed for image therapy. That was when I really started to understand what Slimming World was all about.It’s not just a diet, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a healthy eating plan that comes with a sense of community. If you are a Slimming World member you are never alone. Once I started staying to group my weekly losses tripled. As a new mum I was worried how I would find the time to prepare all the meals. However, it actually made life so much easier. I plan my meals on a weekly basis while doing the shopping list. There’s also no need for extra trips to the supermarket so our food bills are a lot more reasonable. It also works for family life. We prepare one meal for the whole family from scratch every night in as little as 30 minutes.
There are so many Slimming World recipes you never get bored. Variety is the key to keeping it interesting and helping to ensure you get good losses every week. It also means you don’t feel segregated at meal times as everyone is eating the same meal. It took me eight months to get to my target weight and in total I have lost 4 stone 3lb. I am now a target member and still enjoy going to my group. Slimming World has changed my life in so many ways. Not only has it helped me achieve my dream of losing my baby weight, it’s also helped me overcome anxieties that have held me back so many times before. I now have the confidence to do things I never dreamed I’d be able to do before, like being a Slimming World Consultant. I’ve come so far since joining Slimming World and when I think back to the old me that didn’t dare walk through those doors as a new member, to now be stood up at the front leading a group of my own, I’m so grateful I didn’t let my nerves get the better of me and stop me from joining that Wednesday night. I feel honoured that I am going to be helping people achieve their dreams and I cannot wait to get started.
Electric Skill saw 1350 watts with 180 diameter blade, £45. Tel 01924 430088. (2377) Belt and disc sander, £40. Tel 01924 430088. (2377) 6kg calor propane cylinder with valve, £10. Tel 01924 430088. (2377)
2 x single memory foam mattresses. 5cm thick x 180cm L x 55cm W. £45 each. Tel 01924 496377. (2371)
Metal toolbox, red with keys. Four drawers. Full of engineering tools, £90. Tel 01924 430088. (2377)
Chair bed to make into single size bed. Includes blankets etc. In good condition, £30 ono, Tel 01274 811232, (2372)
CLOTHING Two pairs of Hotter sandals size 7, one salmon pink, one rose gold. £25 each. Tel 07564 739087. (2368)
Wanted: Manual typewriter, must be in good working order. Tel 07729 518086. (2373)
Faye before
430088. (2377)
Mahogany corner TV unit, glass lead effect doors. Shelves for DVDs, Sky box etc. Good condition, £15. Tel 01924 404846. (2374) Mahogany effect pendulum wall clock, plastic. Very good condition, £10. Tel 01924 404846. (2374) Commode – fold-up, as new plus raised toilet seat. Cost £100, sell for £25. Tel 07522 540908. (2375) Mothercare red stroller, rain cover & shopping net. Hardly used, £25. Tel 07974 967055. (2376) Britax Prince child’s car seat 9-18kgs. Excellent condition, £30. Tel 07974 967055. (2376) Shogun Trailbreaker gents’ mountain bike, bright green, 18 gears. Good condition £50. Tel 07974 967055. (2376) Peugeot ladies’ drop handle racing-style bike. White/red stripes, 10 gears, circa 1988, £40. Tel 07974 967055. (2376) Rope 25mm diameter, approx 50 metres long. £20. Tel 01924
Gents Barbour breathable coat, size large. Dark green colour. Hardly worn and in excellent condition, £100 ono. Tel 01924 497679. (2366) ELECTRONIC Bush personal CD player plus headphones. Only used once, £20. Tel 07564 739087. (2368) FURNITURE Solid wood, small folding occasional table. 13ins square x 17ins high, £10. Tel 07564 739087. (2368) Faux leather chaise longue, beige colour. Like new, £50. Tel 01924 453932. (2361) Nest of three tables, dark wood. Good condition, £10. Tel 07548 798908. (2354) CD rack, dark wood. Takes approx 80 CDs. 42 inches high. Very good condition, £5. Tel 07548 798908. (2354) All wood table with centre leaf, 47” L x 95” W x 30” H, £75. Tel 01484 656666. (2352) Leather three-seater reclining sofa. Burgundy colour. Very good condition, £150. Tel 01484 656666. (2352) HOUSEHOLD Homebrew Kit includes 4 x 25/35ltr buckets, dispensing taps, syphon pump, filler tube and valve, hydrometer, thermometer, bottle corker and bottle capper, shrink cap tool, caps, corks,
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 bubblers, stirring utensils, half steriliser and many other items. Paid over £160, sell for £95 ono. Tel 07486 636196 collection only. (2365) Brother Industrial sewing machine on new flatbed table. Good working condition, £200 ono. Tel 07510 323053 (after 3pm). (2359) New portable gas heater on wheels. Size 720mm x 420mm x 330mm. Includes hose and connectors for propane and butane gas. Three heat settings. £55 ovno. Tel 07925 944885. (2351) KITCHEN/DINING George Foreman grilling machine. Like new, hardly used, £10. Tel 01924 477122. (2356) Royal Doulton set of four display plates featuring different cats. With certificate of authenticity. Make a lovely gift, £15. Tel 07925 127198. (2350) MOBILITY Disability aid – raised toilet seat with safety handles. As new, cost £50, will accept £20. Tel 07931 003053. (2357) Disability aid – kidneyshaped over armchair dining table. As new, cost £120, will accept £50. Tel 07931 003053. (2357) Eden Mobility scooter, red with chrome bumper. Anti tip wheels, swivel seat for easy getting on/off. Battery replaced 2018 but little used. Excellent condition. Cost over £1,500, will accept £650. Tel 01274 871098. (2349) MOTORING Reliant Robin spare parts for sale. Various items
£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11
from clutch cables to gearboxes, starters, doors, bumpers etc. Tel 07414 297858 for more details. (2362) MUSICAL Reynolds USA good quality tenor trombone, in original quality case with Reynolds logo. Serial no 237455. The gold lacquer shows signs of normal wear which does not affect the playing. No plate loss on inner slide legs, comes with original mouthpiece no 3. £120. Tel 01924 477016. (2355) Small violin and bow in case, £25. Tel 01924 402931. (2353) OUTDOOR/CAMPING Motorhome awning. Kampa Air Motor Rally Pro390. Used twice, £450. Tel 07754 890433. (2367 Aqua roll water carrier for fresh water, £25. Tel 07754 890433 (2367) Wastemaster waste water carrier, £25. Tel 07754 890433. (2367) Calor gas bottle 13kg, half full, £15. Tel 07754 890433. (2367) PET GOODS Indoor small rabbit/guinea pig cage, includes feeding dishes and bedroom. Size 100cm L x 50cm W x 33cm H. £10. Tel 01924 468509. (2360) Pets at Home rabbit playpen. Use inside or out, 35 inch x 20 inch, £6. Tel 07925 127198. (2350) TOYS 2 x Kids E scooters. Electric scooter with seats. One pink, one blue, £25 each. Tel 07754 890433. (2367)
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
25
FOOTBALL
Greaves at the double as Ossett United remain in play-off places Evo-Stik East Division
OSSETT UNITED WISBECH TOWN
4 0
OSSETT UNITED continued their march towards the play-offs with a big home win over Wisbech Town. Three goals in the space of five minutes early in the second half put them well in command, with Tom Greaves netting a brace as United moved up to fourth in the table on goal difference. On the response following a goalless first half, assistant manager Paul Quinn said: “We just felt we needed to raise the intensity a bit. We huffed and puffed in the first half but probably didn’t move the ball about quick enough. “Fair play to Wisbech, they came with a game plan and frustrated us first half, but in the second half we had a lot more intensity about our play, got the ball into good areas and we picked the pace up. “That told in the first 15 minutes of the second half when we really put the opposition to the sword.” There was just one change from the side that won at Frickley the previous weekend as Tom Corner came into the side in place of Adam Priestley, who was on international duty with Gibraltar. Ossett had the better of the early exchanges without
NCEL Premier Division
LIVERSEDGE FC 1 BRIDLINGTON TOWN 0
SHARP SHOOTER: Tom Greaves (left) bagged a brace being able to make it count, as Tom Corner, Aidan Chippendale and Tyrone Gay all failed to hit the target. Wisbech were holding out at the back and created some chances towards the end of the half as well, with James Burke making a crucial block to keep things level. Goalkeeper Brett Souter was at his busiest at the start of the second half, stretching himself twice to keep Wisbech out. Those saves soon proved significant as Ossett began their rampage. The first goal came thanks to the strength of Greaves up front, holding off the defender to finish after being played through. The visitors were all over the place from the restart, with Andy Monkhouse in acres of space on the right to cross the ball for Chris Chantler to tap in and double the lead. Shiraz Khan came on for United’s first substitution,
PHOTO: John Hirst
and he was straight into the action with his first three touches of the game to control the ball, set himself for the shot and then finish following Chippendale’s ball over the top. It could have been four just two minutes after that, as Greaves struck the crossbar with his effort after a fantastic run and cross from Burke. Things eventually had to calm but the damage had been done, and there was still time for a fourth goal as Greaves grabbed his second of the game with nine minutes left on the clock, in similar fashion to his first. Only goal difference separates Ossett in fourth and Sheffield FC in the sixth, meaning there is still little room for error with six matches left to play and the two chasers having a game in hand. They travel to Stamford tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm).
RACING PREVIEW WITH MIKE SMITH
Freshness key for Lincoln Handicap LAT RACING on the turf is back with a bang at Doncaster this weekend with the Lincoln Handicap taking centre stage. William Haggas has confirmed last year’s winner Addeybb will not line up in this year’s cavalry charge leaving AUXERRE, winner of his last three starts, as one of the shortest-priced favourites for years at 7/2. The average rating of the winner since 2000 is 97, but that’s creeping upwards all the time as the Lincoln begins to have the look of a Group race, rather than being merely a stepping stone for horses with such aspirations. And that has made finding a winner very tricky with only six jollies going in from the last 20 runnings. But since the year 2000, 13 of the 19 Lincoln winners came into the race fresh after a break of 126 days or more which is a trend that could well continue this year, with the six horses at the top of the market – AUXERRE, KYNREN, HUMBERT, RIPP ORF, SALTONSTALL and SOUTH SEAS – all going into the race on the back of a break of five months or more. A stable switch has also been a key pointer in recent years. In 2006 Blythe Knight won the Lincoln at Redcar on his first start for John Quinn having previously been trained by Ed Dunlop, while Quinn repeated the feat seven years later having picked up Levitate from Alan McCabe. The most significant first-time-fora-new-yard winner with this year’s renewal in mind, though, is the 2017 hero, BRAVERY, who was running his stable debut for David O’Meara who got him from Aidan O’Brien’s.
Liversedge make it four in a row
F
This year O’Meara runs Lincoln plunge horse HUMBERT for the first time having acquired him from Hugo Palmer’s, while REMARKABLE could also represent the North Yorkshire handler on his first run since leaving John Gosden. Phil Kirby is set to run the former Andrew Balding-trained SOUTH SEAS for the first time as well, and this one-time smart performer has been given a real opportunity by the handicapper. Now off 100 having been 110 at his peak, Jamie Spencer is an eyecatching booking for a yard that has provided the former champion jockey with two wins from only six rides to date, while Adrian McGuinness is set to unleash the well-backed SALTONSTALL on his first start since leaving Mick Halford’s. Tomorrow’s (Saturday) card on Town Moor also features the traditional first race of the year for two-
year-olds. The Brocklesby Stakes is therefore a clean slate from a form point of view, so other factors, including the pedigrees of the runners, take precedence. KILHAM ticks plenty of boxes, with a February foaling date and from Declan Carroll’s stable which won a division of the Brocklesby two years ago with the ill-fated Santry who went on to finish second in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. A 62,000 guinea yearling, he’s among the most expensive of these as might be expected of a colt by Pivotal out of an Invincible Spirit mare. His dam Russian Heroine won a couple of six-furlong handicaps for Sir Michael Stoute in the Cheveley Park Stud colours and was a daughter of the same connections’ 1000 Guineas winner Russian Rhythm who had been a smart two-year-old herself, winning the Princess Margaret and Lowther Stakes. The Cammidge Trophy is another prestigious Listed race with DONJUAN TRIUMPHANT and market leader INVINCIBLE ARMY just two of the class acts on show but a drop back to six furlongs could suit Hugo Palmer’s ARBALET. His sire Dark Angel has produced top class sprinters like Battash, Mecca’s Angel and Harry’s Angel and at 5’s he’s an each way bet to nothing.
CARRIGILL’S NAP: (money back as a free bet if finishes outside top 4): SAFE VOYAGE, Saturday, Doncaster, 3.35. AUGUR’S BEST BET: SOUTH SEAS (e/w), Saturday, Doncaster, 3.35.
LIVERSEDGE secured a fourth consecutive win on Tuesday night with victory over promotion-chasing Bridlington Town. The Clayborners lost 10-0 away at the seaside club earlier in the season, but they have been a much-improved side in recent weeks and demonstrated that with another win. For the third game in a row they came out on top by a one-goal margin, with Rhys Davies scoring the crucial goal just before the hour mark. They now look ahead to two derby clashes with
Thackley in the space of seven days, starting with the home tie tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm). The two sides are next to each other in 13th and 14th place in the table, with Liversedge currently three points ahead. Sedge also have an NCEL League Cup semi-final tie to look forward to, with Division One side
Swallownest drawn as their opponents. The game will be played on either April 30 or May 1, after the conclusion of the league season, with the final taking place on May 13 at Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium. Hemsworth Miners Welfare and Worksop Town will face off in the other semi-final.
NCEL Premier Division
that was the case again despite Sedge being much the better side throughout. The winning strike came in the 27th minute, when start striker Joe Walton clinically headed in a cross to put Sedge in front. They hit the crossbar at the start of the second half and had a number of other chances as well, but they had already done enough to seal the win.
HARROGATE RA LIVERSEDGE FC
0 1
LIVERSEDGE completed the double over relegation-threatened Harrogate Railway Athletic with a narrow away win last weekend. One goal was the difference when the two sides played in November, and
HEAVY WOOLLEN FOOTBALL Hounds through to Challenge Cup final WALKERS HOUNDS booked their place in the Heavy Woollen Challenge Cup final with a hard earned 3-0 over Linthwaite. They will meet either Mirfield Town or Clifton Rangers in the final. This Sunday sees the second semi-final of the Heavy Woollen Challenge Trophy between Birstall Cricket Club and Clifton Rangers Reserves. The game kicks off at 11am at Overthorpe Sports Club. In the Premier Division, titlechasing Deighton WMC were stunned last Sunday as they went down to a shock 7-2 defeat at the hands of Clifton Rangers. The result leaves Deighton in third place, a point behind both Mirfield Town and Walkers Hounds – although Walkers have a game in
hand over both their rivals. Mount Pleasant were crowned winners of the Championship after they won 3-1 against Ravenswharfe and their only challengers Birstall Cricket Club were held to a draw. Mount had a brace from Abdulla Mayat plus a strike from Nadeem Seedat to thank for their goals, with Daniel Stocks replying for Ravenswharfe. Meanwhile, Birstall could only draw 5-5 with bottom side Clifton Rangers Reserves, despite a double from Johnny Beverley and goals from Sean Housecroft, Kyle Walker and Daniel McDaid. In the only other game played, thirdplaced Snowdon won 2-0 at Battyeford.
BOXING
Purge’s Zayan the ‘real champ’ PURGE BOXING’S Zayan Ahmed impressed in reaching the final of the England Boxing National Junior Championships last weekend. Competing in the Junior Under 50kg category, Zayan was defeated by Miley Cash in Rotherham last Sunday by a split decision. He beat a Yorkshire champion and two other national finalists on his way to reaching the final of the national tournament. However, coach Mohammed Amin Patel criticised the judging and declared Zayan should have been the real champion. “Zayan controlled the tempo, was the aggressor and landed much cleaner shots snapping the opponent’s head back,” he said. He added that he feels Yorkshire clubs are sometimes not judged fairly and
YOUNG STAR: Zayan Ahmed (left) with coach Mohammed Amin Patel said: “Zayan really deserved it because I’ve seen the work
that he put in and it all got taken away from him.”
26
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE
First win back at the top for tough Trojans
Moor remain winless NCL Division One
PILKINGTON RECS DEWSBURY MOOR
DEWSBURY MOOR remain rooted to the bottom of Division One after a third consecutive defeat. They are yet pick up a point since promotion and were no match in the second half for Pilkington Recs, who by contrast sit top of the pile. Moor began the match strongly and did actually take the lead in the 23rd minute with a Sam Tillotson try.
NCL Premier Division
THORNHILL TROJANS KELLS
18 6
THORNHILL TROJANS dug deep to grind out victory over Kells and record their first win back in the Premier Division. They had to wait three weeks to make amends for their opening-day loss to West Hull because of the Challenge Cup and postponements, but a strong performance provided the boost that last year’s Division One champions needed. The Trojans had to reshuffle for this game to accommodate absent players. The line-up featured the half-back paring of Joel Gibson and Matthew Tebb, with Liam Morley switching to the centres. Thornhill were determined to make a quick start and avoid the problems they caused themselves against West Hull in their previous outing. Instead they took the game to Kells and George Stott made an early raid for the line but was held up. Thornhill continued to test the defence and eventually the ball was moved at speed, with Stott timing his run to perfection to collect the ball and charge over the tryline. Gibson converted. Kells tried to fight their way back into this game and at one point David Lowery looked to have gone over for a try, but it was chalked off for a forward pass. In the run up to half-time a brilliant pass from Morley created space for winger Sam Ratcliffe to go hurtling down the wing, making good ground and going round an attempted tackle from the Kells fullback to go over and see his side 100 in front at the break. The second half started with Kells piling the pressure on the try line and forcing repeat sets, but Thornhill’s defence was simply out-
32 4
Pilks were 6-4 in front by the break though as Jamie Smith crossed for a try five minutes from half-time and Kyran Knapper landed the conversion. The home side dominated in the secondhalf as Moor had Allan Samme sent off for dissent on 55 minutes. Tez Riley went in for the first as Knapper landed the conversion before Ian Stanley added another eight minutes later. Stanley crossed for his second 10 minutes later before a converted Knapper effort and a Tom Chisnall try completed the win. Moor will look to get off the mark tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm) when they host York Acorn.
Beverley too good for Sharks NCL Division Two
BEVERLEY 30 SHAW CROSS 16 GRINDING IT OUT: Casey Johnson drives forward in Thornhill’s win standing and kept them out. The pressure was finally relieved when Gibson intercepted a pass to race away at speed. The chasing Kells defenders couldn’t get near him as he sprinted 80 metres and score an unconverted try. This try really did put Thornhill in a commanding position but as the intensity increased the referee put the Trojans on a team warning. Therefore, when Jake Wilson was penalised for striking the ball, the referee produced a yellow card to send him to the sin-bin. Kells pressed the Thornhill try line and tempers boiled over when Ben Kendall took exception to a hand in his face from Danny Dougherty. The Kells man was shown yellow but Kendall received a red card for punching. It was while Thornhill were down to 11 men that Kells scored their only try of the game. After being held close to the line, their next attack saw Ryan Watson go over and Ross Gainford converted. But this proved to be the opportunity for Thornhill to have the final say in proceedings. Declan Tomlinson bravely charged down a kick, Morley exchanged a pass at
PHOTO: Dave Jewitt
speed with Wilson who in turn sent Haigh racing towards the posts and over. The conversion attempt rebounded off the post and man of the match Wilson also had an attempt at goal from a penalty in the final minute fail to go between the posts. Tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm), the Trojans are away to a Siddal side who have lost both of their games so far this season.
SHAW CROSS SHARKS came up short with defeat at last season’s Division Three champions Beverley. A great start for the home side put the game out of reach, despite a strong second-half performance from the Sharks. They had the worst possible start with two quick tries going against them, with the first coming as Lewis Straw intercepted a pass from John
Rourke and ran in. Beverley’s rapid start continued when Tom Moor darted over from dummy half, and Straw converted both for a 12-0 lead. The Sharks responded well and got on the board with Cameron Benson picking up a loose ball and racing away to score and Sam Ottewell adding the extras to halve the deficit. The home side went into the break with a commanding lead though thanks to two tries for Alex Starling, the first in the corner after good work from Sam Coleman and the second from close range.
Straw added a penalty before half-time and Will Wallis scored early in the second half to put Beverley 30-6 ahead. Despite that, Shaw Cross were the better side in the second half and did admirably to win the second 40 on the scoreboard. Callum Barker rose highest to catch Owen Lumb’s kick and touch down, before Barker’s offload saw Ben Ripley dive over. That should provide plenty of positives for the team ahead of another away trip tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm) to Askam.
Back-to-back victories for maturing Boys NCL Division Three
OLDHAM ST ANNES BATLEY BOYS
16 25
BATLEY BOYS backed up their first-ever NCL win with a second away from home at Oldham St Annes. Batley started strongly as their forwards laid a strong platform in the opening five minutes, culminating in a try for Jonathan Marsden which Adam Bingham converted. Ill-discipline was costing St Annes field position and Josh Knowles then set up man of the match Aaron James to score under-
neath the posts. Bingham converted again and then added a drop goal from around 25 metres out to stretch the lead to 13-0. However, Oldham finished the half strongly as tries from Matt Whitehead and James Shaw, as well as a Whitehead goal, reduced the difference to three points at the break. The Boys responded at the start of the second half with the same intentions that they displayed at the beginning of the first, James went close to scoring his second of the game on the break before Ryan Crossley’s dummy opened up the defence for a converted try in the 52nd minute.
Resilient defence was required to keep the home side out before Bingham secured their fourth try of the match and again converted for a 24-10 advantage. Both sides saw a player sent to the bin, with Batley’s Josh Whitehead ordered off for a professional foul and Oldham’s John Deakin shown the yellow card for a high tackle. Deakin did come back on to score a try four minutes before the end, but the Boys had done more than enough for the win. They will try to make it three on the bounce tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2:30pm) when they host Drighlington at Staincliffe.
RUGBY UNION
Indiscipline proves costly for Cleck in relegation fight North One East
CONSETT 43 CLECKHEATON RUFC 41 CLECKHEATON suffered a major blow to their hopes of avoiding the drop with defeat to already-relegated Consett last weekend. Indiscipline once again cost them in a high-scoring game, and they now face local rivals Morley tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) in a crucial fixture. Both Bridlington and West Leeds also suffered defeats last week, although the two bonus points at least saw Cleck extend the gap to the relegation zone to six points with three games left to play. On their first-ever trip to Amethyst Park, on-lookers could be forgiven for confusing which side was already down and which side was fighting for survival, as the Spen Valley men trailed 7-0 within five minutes and 14-0
after less than 10. Cleckheaton eventually got a foothold inside the opposition 22 as the front row trio powered forward before Ben Thrower forced his way over the line for Cleckheaton’s first try. Consett’s Nick Cook extended his team’s lead to 17-5 with the first of five successful penalty kicks, after a Cleckheaton player tried to disrupt play from an offside position. Cleck responded midway through the half as a neat kick from Dale Breakwell found Danny Booth, who offloaded to Mike Swetman for a score in the corner. Cleck were briefly within seven points of Consett before a kick through from the home side found Henry Race quickest to react and he went in for his second try of the game. Cook, who came off the field with a 100 per cent kicking record, improved Consett’s lead to 24-10. The final act of the half
IN VAIN: Mikey Hayward dives over for Cleckheaton was another gift of points courtesy of needless foul play from Cleckheaton. Consett accepted them gratefully to lead 27-10 at the break. Cleckheaton’s half-time team talk seemed to have effect and a penalty more or less at the kick-off allowed
PHOTO: Gerald Christian
Breakwell to kick the ball to the corner. The line-out drill was solid, as was Ryan Piercy’s marshalling of the ball at the back of the maul, which allowed him to crash over a minute later. The conversion was good and Cleck had a lifeline
at 27-17. A no-arm tackle from Jack Seddon reversed the Moorenders’ fortune, gifting Cook another three points before Booth latched onto a Breakwell kick for his 12th try of the season. Breakwell’s conversion narrowed the scores to 30-24. Moments later, quick hands down the right flank by Ollie Depledge put Mikey Hayward across in the corner for his 12th try of the campaign and when Breakwell added a towering kick from the touchline, Cleck had worked their way back into a slender lead. Consett were not done and were once again assisted by Cleckheaton’s indiscipline, which leaked another three points to put Consett back ahead, and their day looked to be done when the home team went in again to extend their lead to 40-31 with seven minutes to go. Coach Thiu Barnard moved Swetman to outside
centre and it paid off when the big man had too much momentum to be stopped from crashing over the line. Breakwell added the conversion to put Cleckheaton within just two points of Consett and within minutes, when the penalty came, he kept his composure to hammer over a long-range goal. Cleckheaton had got into the lead at 41-40 with just 90 seconds left on the clock. All that remained was for Cleckheaton to secure the restart and run in three or four drives, and victory would be secured. It was not to be though, as the pack did not organise themselves in time for a short kick-off and Consett tapped the ball back. Thrower tried to wrestle a ball from a Consett player but ended up with his arms around the player’s head and the referee had little choice but to give Consett a penalty, which sailed over from 40 metres out to win the game.
ThePress
Friday March 29, 2019
27
RUGBY LEAGUE
Rams finally hold on to win Betfred Championship
FEATHERSTONE ROVERS
22
DEWSBURY RAMS
32
Stephen Ibbetson at LD Nutrition Stadium LEE GREENWOOD was understandably a relieved man after his Dewsbury Rams side pulled off a surprise win at Featherstone Rovers. No fewer than four times already this season had the Rams led in the closing stages of games, only to see the win slip from their grasp. Yet against a Featherstone side with a faultless home record in 2019, they were finally able to maintain an advantage to secure a first win over the Rovers in eight meetings. After the game, the Rams boss joked: “Even when the final hooter went I was still thinking we might throw this one away! “From where we’ve been at, Featherstone’s home record and the results from last season, that’s a massive shock to everyone outside our dressing room, but we know that when we get it right we take some beating.” For his opposite number Ryan Carr, it was a very frustrating afternoon. “We made way too many errors and gave away way too many penalties to even give ourselves a chance,” he said. “It’s a simple game, rugby league. Play field position and hold onto the ball. Today we did neither of those and that’s why lost the game.” The first of many errors came just seconds into the contest when debutant winger Jimmy McDaniel knocked on from the kick-off. Dewsbury didn’t pun-
MATCH STATS BATLEY BULLDOGS: Dave Scott Niall Walker Sam Wood Lewis Galbraith Johnny Campbell Louis Jouffret Olly Russell Adam Gledhill Alistair Leak Tyler Dickinson Jack Downs Keenen Tomlinson Dane Manning Subs: James Brown Tom Lillycrop Sam Smeaton Joe Taira Tries: Jouffret (23), Leak (38). Goals: Scott 2/2. TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE: Mark Kheirallah Paul Marcon Mathieu Jussaume Bastien Ader Tony Maurel Anthony Marion William Barthau Clement Boyer Dean Parata Joe Bretherton Con Mika Rhys Curran Brenden Santi Subs: Justin Bouscayrol Maxime Puech Tyla Hepi Justin Sangare Tries: Bretherton (14), Mika (33), Sangare (43), Maurel (51, 62), Barthau (56), Marcon (72). Goals: Kheirallah 5/7.
8 6 8 6 6 7 8 7 7 6 6 6 7
ish them that time, but took the lead in the sixth minute when Paul Sykes’s unconventional kick found half-back partner Liam Finn for his first try back at the club. Sykes added the first of his three conversions. Rovers hit back with their best attacking play of the match, as a rightto-left move went through the hands of Ben Reynolds, Wilson Boas and Ash Golding before Luke Briscoe touched down. Five minutes later they had the lead as Cameron King went over from dummy half after Scott Wheeldon had been held a metre out, with Reynolds adding the first of three conversions for a 10-6 lead. A response came quickly from the Rams though. Robbie Ward and Luke Hooley combined on a breakaway, and
7 8 7 8 8 8 9 7 8 8 7 8 7 6 7 7 8
Referee: T Crashley Half-time: 12-10 Penalties: 10-6 Sin Bin: Lillycrop (51, dissent) Sent Off: Galbraith (72, dissent) Man of the match: William Barthau (Toulouse) Attendance: 857
drove into the post and touched down himself. Sykes was sin binned for dissent immediately after the awarding of the try, but the Rams managed to maintain the mere four-point deficit in those 10 minutes before regaining the lead with the full complement restored. A Finn kick was impressively claimed by Morton on the fourth tackle, and from there they attacked the short side with Knowles diving into the corner and Finn then converting from the touchline. Three minutes later, the lead was extended to 10 as Sam Day dived low from dummy half and touched down on the line, and the Rams ensured that history didn’t repeat itself yet again as they held on for the two points with a degree of comfort.
Firm ground bringing best of Dewsbury Continued from back page “There were really good signs of that half-back combination working (with Paul Sykes and Liam Finn), and we’ve got some big ballplaying guys out wide as well. “We feel like we’re a good side, and we changed the way we played slightly to combat what Featherstone would throw at us and to cause them some problems. “There was a patch where we got in front and then went behind pretty quickly, and I’m sure all the lads
were still doubting whether we were going to crumble and throw it away. “Good determination from the boys as well because we were down to 12 men for the second try. That showed a bit of character, and that’s what I’ve been asking them to show. “To come to places like Featherstone and come away with something, it needs 1-17 to put in a massive shift. Some lads played longer than others but they all put in a very big shift.” The firmer conditions
make it easier for any side to play good rugby compared to the mud baths of the early months of the season, but Greenwood is particularly pleased with how things are shaping up for his side heading into spring. “It was windy but underfoot it was a bit more firm for both teams to play slightly different. That’s the first time anyone would have seen us playing like that, because it’s the first time I’ve ever seen it as well,” he said. “It’s the first time it hasn’t
been ankle deep in mud so you saw a little bit of rugby played by us. We scored a couple of nice tries and looked decent throwing the ball around. “We’ve shown that we can do it tough and keep it tight, but we’ve shown there that we can throw the ball around well and cause teams problems. “I do like my teams to be adaptable every week depending on who you’re playing and where, so that’s a big tick for me as we did do it a bit differently.”
6 7 6 6 5 8 5 7 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 5
DEWSBURY RAMS: Luke Hooley 9 Rob Worrincy 8 Lucas Walshaw 7 Adam Ryder 8 Dale Morton 8 Paul Sykes 7 Liam Finn 9 Chris Annakin 7 Robbie Ward 8 Kyle Trout 8 Samy Kibula 9 Michael Knowles 8 Daniel Igbinedion 7 Subs: Sam Day 8 Owen Harrison 6 Jode Sheriffe 7 Jordan Andrade 6 Tries: Finn (6), Morton (22, 34), Kibula (43), Knowles (65), Day (68). Goals: Sykes 3/5, Finn 1/2. Referee: G Hewer Half-time: 10-14 Penalties: 10-6 Sin Bin: Sykes (54, dissent) Man of the match: Luke Hooley (Dewsbury) Attendance: 1,943
Toulouse too good in second Sheridan hails half as Batley woes continue superb Celtic win Betfred Championship
BATLEY BULLDOGS 12 TOULOUSE 38 Stephen Ibbetson at Fox’s Biscuits Stadium
7 5 6 7
the ball went left on the next play as Michael Knowles played Dale Morton into the corner. Dewsbury enjoyed a strong spell and deservedly took a lead into the break, thanks to a second try for Morton on the end of a quick move through the hands of Finn, Hooley and Ryder. They started the second half in a similar vein as well with big forward Samy Kibula, on loan from Wigan, slipped in by Sykes for his first score of the season. However, two tries in the space of four minutes turned things back around for Featherstone. The first came on the back of a penalty, with a well-worked move creating space on the right for Reynolds to slip Golding through to score for a third consecutive game, before Reynolds
MATCH STATS FEATHERSTONE ROVERS: Ashton Golding Luke Briscoe Josh Hardcastle Harry Newman Jimmy McDaniel Ben Reynolds Watson Boas Scott Wheeldon Cameron King Daniel Smith John Davies James Harrison James Lockwood Subs: Luke Cooper Brad Day Jack Ormondroyd Makahesi Makatoa Tries: Briscoe (14), King (19), Golding (50), Reynolds (54). Goals: Reynolds 3/4.
BATLEY squandered a halftime lead to lose their seventh game of the season, this time against Toulouse. The French outfit won convincingly in the end, despite the absence of both first-choice half-backs, Johnathon Ford and Stan Robin, as William Barthau impressed in plugging the gap. “We knew it would be tough, especially changing our combination in the halves without Ford and Robin, but the boys responded really well,” said their coach Sylvain Houles. “In the first half we tried to play a little bit and we pushed some passes, so we spoke about it and in the second half I thought they dug deep and took the opportunities.” The Bulldogs displayed their intent to go toe-to-toe with their full-time opponents early on, but it was Toulouse who scored points in typically inventive style. Barthau and Rhys Curran initially combined to put the defence in retreat, and they then kept the ball alive for Joe Bretherton to go through. Fullback Mark Kheirallah added the first of his five conversions. However, Batley responded
with a fine try of their own. Sam Wood delivered a delicious offload to set Dave Scott racing away, with the full-back finding Louis Jouffret inside him to score before adding the conversion to level. They were nearly over again but Olly Russell’s offload didn’t find its target, and moments later the ball was grounded at the other end as a quick left-toright play went through Barthau and Anthony Marion to set up Con Mika for an unstoppable charge. Indiscipline cost the Frenchmen at the end of the first half though, as three consecutive penalties allowed Batley to increase the pressure and Alistair Leak scooted over from dummy half to dot the ball down, with Scott kicking for a two-point lead at the break. Toulouse needed a response at the start of the second half and, going down the slope, registered four tries in 19 minutes. It took only three minutes for the lead to be regained, as sizeable substitute Justin Sangare proved surprisingly elusive to go over to the right of the posts. The game really turned in their favour with the next try in the 51st minute, when Barthau smartly timed a pass to send Tony Maurel into the corner. That score came after Batley were harshly judged to have knocked on, and Tom Lillycrop
had words for the referee and was immediately sent to the bin. That did the under-pressure Bulldogs no favours at all and Toulouse kept the momentum going. Barthau’s kick in behind was reached first by Sangare, who tapped it further on for the half-back to get back to it and touch down. When Lillycrop returned to the field they were under more pressure thanks to back-toback penalties, and a full complement of players could do little to prevent Maurel from diving into the corner for his second after Barthau’s long pass and Ader’s deft assist. Paul Marcon then secured the final try, flying into the right corner after an initial break on the other side of the field. The home side’s frustration told as Lewis Galbraith spoke out of turn to earn himself a red card. Coach Matt Diskin was unhappy with the referees too, remarking that the game was officiated with “quite obvious bias.” He added: “We’ve come across that the last few weeks. Referees are refereeing fulltime teams differently to parttime. “There were a couple of key decisions which changed the momentum of that second half and then we couldn’t get back in the game.”
MATCH-WINNER: Danny Thomas scored the crucial drop goal
NCL Division Three
MILLOM DEWSBURY CELTIC
16 17
DEWSBURY CELTIC coach Brendan Sheridan hailed his side’s dramatic triumph at Millom as “one of the greatest wins I’ve ever witnessed.” Danny Thomas scored a drop goal four minutes from time to ensure that Celtic came back from Cumbria with the spoils. “There are no words that can describe how proud I am of the 17 players that took to the field,” said Sheridan. “There’s no doubt the belief and desire to come away from Millom with the two points is one of the greatest wins I’ve ever witnessed and been involved with. “The players deserve every ounce of
credit for what they achieved and I’ve nothing but admiration for the playing group.” Celtic needed only eight minutes to get on the board with a try from Danny Crabtree which went unconverted. Two minutes later, Millom were back in it when player-coach Tom Sibley powered his way over as Ross Brookes added the extras. Just before the half-hour, Celtic retook the lead when Charlie Heaton went in for a try that he goaled himself. Two tries in three minutes at the start of the second half gave Millom a 16-10 lead as Jordan Moyes and Brookes both added four-pointers. A Billy Yarrow try and Heaton conversion brought the sides level before Thomas popped over the one-pointer. Celtic are back on the road tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm) when they take on Woolston Rovers.
Rams aware of West Hull threat in Cup LEE GREENWOOD says that his Dewsbury side will be taking amateur side West Hull seriously ahead of this weekend’s Challenge Cup clash. After picking up an impressive 32-22 win at Featherstone Rovers last week, the Rams host the National Conference side in the fourth round of the Cup on Sunday (kick-off 3pm). They will be expected to progress comfortably, but Greenwood anticipates a tough challenge. “We’ll take West Hull seriously, because I know quite a lot about them,” he said of last season’s NCL Premier Division Grand Finalists. “They’re a good side and they’ll probably come to Dewsbury looking for an upset, so we need to prepare right.
IN TROUBLE: Ryan Piercy scores for Cleckheaton last weekend ... but they remain in relegation danger in the North One East division after a 43-41 defeat at Consett PHOTO: Gerald Christian
Diskin blasts ref ‘bias’ after latest defeat By Stephen Ibbetson Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk
BATLEY coach Matt Diskin blasted referees for showing “quite obvious bias” in favour of fulltime clubs after his side’s defeat to Toulouse. The French team came from behind to claim a 38-12 win over the Bulldogs, who also lost the previous week to Toronto and have won just one of their first eight Championship matches this season. After the Toulouse tie, the under-pressure boss was far from pleased with some of the decisions which he felt took the game away from them, particularly the second try of the second half which came following what was judged to have been a Batley knock-on. “It changed the whole momentum of the half and it’s an absolutely ridiculous decision,” said Diskin. “It’s a penalty to Batley every day of the week. The referee has seen it with a certain bias, perceived it as a knock-on and how he’s come to that decision I won’t understand in a million years. “I thought the second half was refereed with some quite obvious bias, and I think we’ve come across that in the last few weeks. “Referees we’ve come across are refereeing part-time teams differently to full-time and I thought that showed. There were a couple of key decisions that changed the momentum of the second half and once that had gone, we couldn’t get back in the game. “You try and speak to the RFL
‘BIG PERIOD’: Matt Diskin says the club needs success over Easter department at Red Hall and there’s no response, they don’t entertain you. So you’re left to try and deal with stuff yourself. “That’s not condoning the two players that got sin -inned and sent off (Tom Lillycrop and Lewis Galbraith respectively for dissent), as mouthing at the referee is unacceptable. I’ll deal with that accordingly and there’ll be fines in place for them. “But I can understand that frustration when you see it quite obviously being refereed differently for both teams.” Batley led 12-10 at half-time and Diskin was able to grasp some
positives from the first-half performance. “In the first half I thought we were good. We could have taken some more opportunities, and we had a couple of people step out of systems in defence, but we did some decent stuff. “I thought we controlled the ruck and the tempo really well, but in the second half we were down to 12 men for 20 minutes of it and it’s going to be tough to control the rucks. Toulouse took advantage of that overall. “At the start of the second half we kicked out on the full straight away which put us under pres-
sure, and then that poor decision really turned the momentum for us.” There is some respite for the Bulldogs from their poor league form this weekend as their Challenge Cup campaign gets underway, with amateur National Conference side Lock Lane providing the opposition at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium (Sunday, kickoff 3pm) in the fourth round. Diskin says that the Castleford club should not be underestimated, although he admitted that there will be changes to his lineup. “I’ll try and give game time to those boys who haven’t had much going into the Easter period,” he said. “But Lock Lane are a quality amateur outfit, they’ve got a couple of players that have got previous with Batley as well. Young Danny Sowerby is playing down there and we know what a talent he is. “We’re not going to take them lightly but in the same sense it’s an opportunity to give some minutes to players who haven’t had many recently.” The Cup clash is followed by games against Widnes Vikings, Dewsbury Rams and Swinton Lions in the space of eight days, and the Bulldogs boss knows that they need more wins on the board soon. He said: “The Easter period is a big period for us. We’ve got to come out of that with some success, given the poor start we’ve had to the year. “We’ve had a tough start, played some good teams in those first eight games, but to be one from eight is not acceptable and we need to start picking up points quickly.”
THE PRIZE: The Challenge Cup trophy “I’ve been on the other side of it and been charge of an amateur team that has beaten a professional team, so we’ve got to be careful what we do this week. We want to keep a winning run going, and that means winning next week as well.” The Rams boss hinted at changes to the team, with several members in a large squad looking for game time. “We’ll have a look at it and see if anybody needs resting,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of players not involved each week and it’s good that you win because they know they need to be good to get in the side and they need to perform when they come in.” Greenwood was able to hail his side’s “best performance” of the year so far in the win at Featherstone, only their second of the season, and declared that “people will start to take us seriously” following the result. “I think that for the effort that the boys have put in for a lot of the games and not just today, we did need that win,” he said after the game. “I think it was the manner of it as well, we actually looked really good. The others have been at home and we’ve dogged it out just to try and make it tough for the other team, stuck in there, kicking penalty goals and just crashing over for the odd try, whereas today I thought we actually looked good.
Continued on page 27