The Press – Friday September 27, 2019

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS ESTABLISHED OVER 45 YEARS

• Curtains • Blinds • Poles T: 01924 471578 25 Commercial Street, Batley

ONE PAPER ... ALL THE NEWS from Dewsbury, Batley, Ossett, Mirfield, Liversedge, Birstall, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton & Spen Valley

MPs’ shock and anger at PM after toxic Brexit debate

Friday September 27, 2019

No. 913

50p

p3

COUPLE HELD AFTER £2M DRUGS SEIZURE Airport security find 22kg of heroin concealed in luggage

By Staff Reporters A DEWSBURY couple could face the death penalty after attempting to smuggle £2million of heroin out of Pakistan, it is claimed.

The Foreign Office has not confirmed the duo’s identities but they are believed to be 26-year-old Mohammed Tahir Ayaz, of Dewsbury, and his wife Ikra Hussain, 20.

Airport security allegedly found the class A drug whilst scanning the pair’s baggage as they tried to board an Emirates Airlines flight from Sialkot Airport in north-east Punjab, via Dubai, to the UK last Thursday.

The man’s travel documents traced him to a property in Dewsbury, and the woman’s photo ID contained an address in Cleckheaton Staff apparently discovered packets of drugs sewn into several items of female clothing.

The seizure, described by officials as ‘fine-quality heroin’, could be worth around £2million on the international market.

The couple have been handed over to Pakistan’s Anti Narcotics Force for further investigation.

They allegedly told local security officials they were planning on smuggling the drugs from Pakistan to the UK. If found guilty, the pair could potentially face the death penalty or life behind bars.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: “We are urgently seeking more information from the Pakistani authorities following reported arrests of a British couple.”

In a statement Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff said: “I understand that a Dewsbury couple have been arrested at an airport in Pakistan, allegedly attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of heroin into the UK. “This is an appalling crime and I am pleased to hear that these lifedestroying drugs have been intercepted.”

Kirklees Council leader Shabir Pandor added: “If anyone breaks the law in this way it’s completely appalling and they are out of order.”

The duo were stopped at Sialkot Airport in Pakistan

Officials weighed the seized drugs Photos: YappApp

2

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

Deaths BALMFORTH MICHAEL On September 10, of Birkenshaw, formerly of Gomersal, aged 70, former secretary of Liversedge FC, a brother, brother-inlaw, uncle and friend to many. Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Friday October 11 at 12.30pm.

BARLOW STEPHEN On September 17, peacefully, aged 81, husband to Maureen. Funeral service will take place at Cottingley Hall Crematorium, Leeds, today (Friday) at 10.20am.

EVANS (LATTERLY MITCHELSON) IRENE On September 17, peacefully at Hopton Care Cottages, Mirfield, formerly of Batley, aged 86, wife of the late Henry and formerly the late James.

Funeral service will take place at St Mary's RC Church on Monday October 14 at 11.30am.

Telephone 01924 472178

BOLLANDS (BIRSTALL)

FISHER (NEE SMITHSON) MARGARET

Funeral Directors

Prepaid Funerals Funeral Flower Service Contact Robert Edmond 24 hours Available

On September 23, peacefully at Ashworth Grange Care Home, Dewsbury, formerly of Smallwood Road, aged 91, wife of the late Fred. Funeral service will take place at the Funeral Home of Eric F Box

18 KIRKGATE, BIRSTALL, BATLEY, WF17 9PB www.bollandsfuneraldirectors.co.uk

Funeral Directors on Thursday October 3 at 1.15pm.

FROST CAROL ZINA On September 16, formerly of Gomersal, aged 68, wife of the late Mike.

Funeral service will take place at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, on Thursday October 3 at 12.45pm.

GREENBANK (NEE GLEW) LINDA MAY On September 20, peacefully at home, Mirfield, formerly of Dewsbury, aged 69, wife of John. Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Tuesday October 8 at 10.30am.

HALLETT ANN On September 13, at her daughter's home surrounded by family, of Dewsbury, aged 74, wife of the late Roger. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Friday October 4 at 11.30am.

MARCHANT CONSTANCE (CONNIE) On September 17, in hos-

pital after a short illness, aged 93, wife of Colin.

Funeral service will take place at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, on Tuesday October 8 at 12.45pm.

MORTIMER KENNETH SPENCER On September 15, peacefully at home, of Lightcliffe, formerly of Cleckheaton, aged 86, husband of Mona. Funeral service will take place at Park Wood Crematorium on Monday September 30 at 10.30am.

SCOTT DAVID GEOFFREY On September 19, in hospital, of Batley, aged 78, a long-time partner of Judith. Funeral service will take place at St Saviour's Church, Brownhill, on Tuesday October 8 at 11am.

WALKER (NEE BROADBENT) VALERIE On September 16, peacefully at Linson Court Nursing Home, Batley, aged 80, wife of Trevor.

Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Friday October 4 at 10am.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296 or visit our office at 31 Branch Road, Batley, WF17 5SB

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

A rubbish performance

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter

per cent of households. They are now to be handed back.

Coun Walker said the process KIRKLEES Council is recycling had been “incredibly useful”. an extra 35 tonnes of rubbish He added: “We have found that every week – the equivalent of the majority of residents are willsix full bin wagons of waste. ing to learn about recycling and And the authority, which has want to put the right items in the ambitions to lift its recycling right bins. rates to become “one of the best “We have also learned that boroughs in the country”, is urg- some people would like clearer ing residents to do their information on recybit. cling and we are workThe council says its ing on this. recent crackdown on “A small minority contaminated green don’t want to recycle bins has been successand make no effort to ful in that many people and that is why their are now recycling betbin was removed, to ter. prevent contamination Kirklees’ recycling of recycling loads. rate during 2017/18 was “In total less than 27 per cent, falling well one per cent of housebelow the national holds had their green bin average of 45 per cent. removed. We never intended to New rates, which are pubretain these bins but to educate lished annually, will be released and help those householders to in November by the Department recycle before returning them. for Food, Environment & Rural “I will soon be writing to resiAffairs. dents to offer them their green The council’s Cabinet Member bins back, as was always the for Environment and Culture, plan.”

Coun Rob Walker, said: “We take However he warned those who recycling very seriously and our persistently make no effort to use rates in Kirklees are simply not their green bins for recycling good enough at the moment. “will face losing them because we “Kirklees Council’s main objec- have to take issues that impact tive is to improve recycling rates our environment extremely seriacross the borough. ously.”

“The next set of recycling rates The council made its results will not reflect this good announcement to mark Recycle work yet as they are back-dated.

Week, running from September “However, improvements are 23-29. expected in future results, with It is committed to creating less the quality and volume of waste waste and recycling more as part coming into Kirklees’ recycling of its commitment to a Climate centre in Huddersfield – operated Emergency, which was declared

by Suez – already visible.” in January.

In April the council began conCoun Walker said: “We cannot fiscating contaminated green declare this and not follow bins as part of a programme through by shirking our responaimed at advising residents on sibility in ensuring everyone what could and could not be recy- does their part to recycle. cled, and why some waste was “We will be presenting an being rejected. action plan, which lays out our

By July 23 it had seized 1,650 targets and aims, in the coming bins – representing less than one months.”

DEWSBURY: A The Press abides by the woman pocketed principles of the Independent £9,000 in benefits Press Standards Organisation that she was not entitled Friday September 27, 2019 and at all times attempts to to, a court has heard.

Issue No: 913 report fairly and accurately Victoria Keogh, of and correct mistakes or Fieldhead Gardens, legiti31 Branch Road errors as soon as possible. mately claimed income Batley In the first instance, contact support and housing beneWest Yorkshire the editor, otherwise we will fit as a single mum - but WF17 5SB be happy to give details of the failed to notify the Tel: 01924 470296 Independent Press Department for Work and Fax: 01924 472561 Standards Organisation.

Pensions when she got www.thepressnews.co.uk married.

If you notice a factual Kirklees magistrates @ThePressLatest inaccuracy, please email heard the offences news@thepressnews.co.uk. /ThePressNews occurred between You can also write to September 2015 and Publisher: Danny Lockwood The Press, February 2018, when Editor: David Bentley 31 Branch Road, Batley, Keogh was in an on-off Reporters: Zoë Shackleton WF17 5SB relationship with her hus& Connor Teale Sports Reporter: band. The 32-year-old We adhere to the Editors’ Stephen Ibbetson pleaded guilty to six Photography: Code of Practice as enforced charges of dishonestly failMike Clark & YappApp

by IPSO, who are contactable ing to notify a change in Graphic Designer: Craig Moore for advice at: circumstance affecting her Sales Manager: IPSO, Gate House, entitlement to a benefit.

Lucy Tissiman 1 Farringdon Street, She was given a comKey Account Manager: London, EC4M 7LG munity order with 80 hours Jo Gilbert Website: www.ipso.co.uk of unpaid work, ordered to Senior Sales Executive: Email: advice@ipso.co.uk pay £85 in court costs and Janet Black Telephone: 0300 123 2220 Office Manager: Angela Hall an £85 victim surcharge.

ThePress

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

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

40 years of brilliant news

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter KIRKLEES Council’s talking news service for the visually impaired has clocked up 40 years of chat.

Among those who gathered to celebrate the birthday of KR Talking News, set up in 1979 as the Kirklees Recorder, were 103-year-old Molly James and 20-year-old Zubayr Bhatti. She is the oldest listener, and he is the youngest.

KR Talking News, which is part of Kirklees Council’s library service, is a free, weekly audio publication.

News In Brief Nash date for Tracy

It provides news from a selection of local newspapers (including The Press) with views, interviews and features from around the borough.

It is produced on USB for anyone visually impaired or unable to read an ordinary printed newspaper, and is provided free of charge.

Editions can also be listened to on a podcast, which can be accessed from the Facebook Page @KTSandKRTN – pictured are Chief librarian Carole Stump, 103-year-old Molly James and 20-year-old Zubayr Bhatti.

MPs round on PM Boris

By Staff Reporters THE district’s two Labour MPs have attacked Boris Johnson after the Prime Minister claimed in a heated Commons debate that the best way to honour the memory of Jo Cox “would be to get Brexit done”.

Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff referenced murdered Batley & Spen MP Mrs Cox as she pleaded with Mr Johnson to stop using “dangerous” words like “surrender” in his public speaking.

Mrs Cox, 41, was killed in June 2016 by Thomas Mair in Birstall, a week before the Brexit referendum.

Miss Sherriff said during a highly-charged debate as Parliament resumed on Wednesday that the prime minister had “continually used pejorative language to describe an Act of Parliament passed by this house”.

Pointing to a plaque in the chamber commemorating Mrs Cox, Miss Sherriff said: “We should not resort to using offensive, dangerous or inflammatory language for legislation that we do not like, and we stand here under the shield of our departed friend with many of us in this place subject to death

threats and abuse every single day.

“They often quote his words ‘Surrender Act’, ‘betrayal’, ‘traitor’ and I for one am sick of it. We must moderate our language, and it has to come from the prime minister first.” She added: “He should be absolutely ashamed of himself.” Mr Johnson said he had “never heard such humbug in all my life”.

Mrs Cox’s successor Tracy Brabin MP also urged Mr Johnson to moderate his language “so that we will all feel secure when we’re going about our jobs”.

Mr Johnson said that “the best way to honour the memory of Jo Cox and indeed the best way to bring this country together would be, I think, to get Brexit done”.

Mrs Cox was a prominent Remain campaigner and his remark drew gasps of astonishment in the chamber.

Some MPs left the Commons in protest.

Following the debate Ms Brabin said: “Last night (Wednesday) was possibly the worst day in Parliament.

The language used by Boris Johnson was not casual and he did not misspeak, it was calculated to whip up division in the country to get this

no-deal Brexit through.

“We should be working night and day to unite the country and his insulting response to Paula Sherriff’s plea to dial down the rhetoric, that it was ‘humbug’, was deeply shocking.

“There were audible gasps in the Chamber when the Prime Minister suggested that the best thing to honour Jo Cox’s memory was to ‘get Brexit done’, when we all know she was a passionate campaigner for Remain.

“This morning (Thursday), Mr Speaker announced a cross-party Speaker’s Committee that will look into behaviour and language in the House of Commons. This could not have come soon enough.”

This week also marks the third anniversary of the founding of the Jo Cox Foundation.

The prime minister was asked to clarify his remarks on Mrs Cox and said: “I can, I think, explain exactly what I mean because I believe that the continuing failure to deliver on the mandate of the people greatly exacerbated feelings and the best way to reduce that tension is, as I say, to get it done and then the whole country can move on.’’

Kirklees Council ramps up ‘no deal’ preparations

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter KIRKLEES Council is deep into preparations for a ‘No Deal’ Brexit.

Senior figures from the authority will be speaking with Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay as the clock ticks down on the Prime Minister’s Halloween deadline.

The Government has allocated £20m to help councils prepare for a no deal scenario. Kirklees’s share of that money will be £104,984.

Officers and politicians have formed a ‘tactical team’, which has been meeting for some time and will draw down cash from the Government’s pot as needed.

Referring to the Government’s “worst out-

come” Yellowhammer contingency plan, Sean Westerby of the council’s emergency planning team, said it had not been a surprise.

“That was the information that we have had all the time.

But it’s a very fluid situation.

“We have tried to set ourselves up with a framework for the pulls and pushes that we might get through Brexit and different outcomes that might come of it.”

The council is to commission a report “as a matter of urgency” into the potential economic impacts of a no deal Brexit.

Among other areas it would look at trade, investment and migration.

Members of the council’s Corporate Scrutiny Panel sought clarity on how a no deal Brexit might affect the

Kirklees community, from oncology services and care homes to looked-after children and food banks.

Mr Westerby said the council was getting assurances from the NHS that it was looking at all impacts and said the council was working on delivering key services.

Coun Graham Turner, the council’s political lead on Brexit, cautioned that the £20m released to Kirklees by the Government was, in fact, only £10m as the remainder was “old money” that had been previously committed.

He pledged that the authority was “doing all we can” to prepare and was liaising with the health service, the police and the voluntary sector in the run-up to October 31.

3

BATLEY: MP Tracy Brabin says she is looking forward to hosting a question and answer session at ‘The Nash’ next month.

The Labour MP was due to hold a similar event earlier this year but couldn’t name a date because of parliamentary work.

Now she has rearranged the public meeting for Saturday October 19 (9.30am-11am) at the Batley Irish Democratic League Club on Churchfield Street.

She said: “It will be an informal, relaxed event discussing a wide range of issues including concerns around anti-social behaviour, transport, regeneration and Brexit, and I will be joined by local councillors and police.”

Trio deny charges HECKMONDWIKE: Two men and a woman have denied the attempted murder of a family in an arson attack.

Four people escaped the blaze at a house on Stonedene Court on Sunday August 11. A 17-year-old boy managed to jump from an upstairs window while a woman and two girls were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Mohammed Iftikhar, 45, and Semia Hussain, 25, both from Batley, and Vishal Thapar, 31, of Cleckheaton, pleaded not guilty at Leeds Crown Court. The trio were remanded into custody until a trial on January 20.

This shouldn’t hurt...

Miss Sherriff, speaking out against the PM

DEWSBURY: A group of dentists will put their best foot forward when they take part in a 9km midnight walk for two mental health charities. Staff from Thornhill Dental will trek from Edge Lane, to Emley Moor Mast on Friday October 4.

All funds raised from the trek will be split between Leeds Mind and Andy’s Man Club.

4

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

News In Brief Luke’s Lads event NORTH KIRKLEES: A party is being held in Cleckheaton tomorrow (Saturday) to raise funds for a local mental health charity.

Luke’s Lads is hosting the ‘Houserocks End of Summer Party’ at George’s Bistro from 2pm, featuring six DJs and all money raised will be donated the charity, which was set up in memory of Norristhorpe man Luke Naylor, who took his own life in 2018.

Based at Timestep Community Dance in Heckmondwike, Luke’s Lads provides a weekly men’s work-out session followed by a group chat. Everybody is welcome to the free event, and donations are encouraged.

Thief had drugs DEWSBURY: A shoplifter who was caught by police more than two months after the offence was in possession of crack cocaine.

Daniel Cummins, of Savile Walk, stole washing powder and conditioner worth £33 from JK Nice Foods on Hanover Street on April 20. Police arrested Cummins in July and found him in possession of the drugs.

The 33-year-old, who is serving an 18month prison sentence for burglary, told Kirklees magistrates the drugs were for personal use. He was jailed for 12 weeks, but the term will run concurrently with his existing sentence.

CCTV catches thief NORTH KIRKLEES: A woman with 40 previous convictions was caught shopping with a stolen bank card. Claire Dyson, 37, of Middle Road, Earlsheaton, claimed she found the bank card in a taxi before using it to buy £23 worth of cigarettes.

CCTV from BP Service Station on Bradford Road in Batley was circulated on social media and identified Dyson. She pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and got a six-month conditional discharge, with an order to pay £23 compensation and a £20 victim surcharge.

WE BUY GOLD AND SILVER

DUE TO THE REFURBISHMENT OF CENTRAL ARCADE, CLECKHEATON

THE WE BUY GOLD UNIT IS RELOCATING TO

CLECKHEATON INDOOR MARKET (200yds away)

SAME GREAT RATES ON GOLD, SILVER & CURRENCY 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

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

Thomas Cook stores close – but local help is at hand THOMAS COOK stores in Mirfield and Cleckheaton were closed with immediate effect this week, with around a dozen job losses.

The Thomas Cook group, including its airline, ceased trading early on Monday morning and all its flights and holidays were cancelled.

Shops on Bradford Road in Cleckheaton and adjoining the Co-op in Mirfield have been shuttered, with a simple note in each window directing customers to a website for more information.

The firm’s outlet in Dewsbury’s Princess of Wales Shopping Centre closed earlier this year, and a large Thomas Cook administrative centre at the top of

Birkenshaw shut in 2015 with the loss of nearly 150 jobs.

One of the world’s bestknown and oldest tour operators, Thomas Cook, which can trace its history back to 1841, offered package holi-

By Connor Teale WORK has begun on a major £2.5million makeover of Cleckheaton’s fondly named ‘Rubber Tunnel’.

Renovations to the Central Arcade, situated between Cheapside and Market Street, started earlier this month to replace shop fronts inside the well-known shopping venue.

It has meant most businesses inside the complex have been forced to move elsewhere temporarily – but traders have welcomed the news.

The revamp has been funded by owners Willow Properties Ltd and also includes stone fascias, new flooring, lighting, and external seating, whilst a new £150,000 roof has already been installed.

Known locally as the ‘rubber tunnel’, the site, which will also be renamed Victoria Court when completed, consists of 10 retail shops with two floors of offices above.

Current tenants include Halifax Bank and Titan Business Centre, who are both still trading in the

WHAT’S ON AT The

Woodman Hartley Street, Batley Carr Sunday 29th September

TEA-time

complex, as well as Dominos Pizza and From The Heart gift shop.

Andrew Farrow, owner of We Buy Gold And Silver, has had to move his business to Cleckheaton Indoor Market.

But in spite of the disruption Mr Farrow says the renovations are welcome. “The plans look fantastic and we’re looking forward to getting back in,” he said.

“We’ve had a lot of communication with the landlord, they’ve been very good to us, I’ve got no problem with it at all.”

Mr Farrow, who is also a director at Dewsbury Rams, admitted the uncertainty over rent payments once the arcade reopens is “worrying”, but acknowledged it may be a small price to pay.

“Any change is always a problem,

but hopefully it will drag the arcade up from the slightly down-market spot it was, to the fantastic end product that it’s looking like it will be,” he said.

A spokesman for Ernest Wilson, the agent overseeing the redevelopment, said: “Earlier this year planning permission was passed to stone clad both the elevations to Cheapside and Market Street together with new signage, windows and replacement of all the shop fronts within the arcade.

“The project will give a massive lift to the town and the arcade.

“A fabulous new coffee shop is being introduced early in 2020 together with other new quality retailers to complement the existing tenants.”

Above right: An artist’s impression of the new arcade

soul & Troubled teen’s axe threat to mum motown elvis 5pm onwards

.............................................

is back in the building 8.30pm onwards EVERYONE WELCOME

.............................................

MLR Reg

THE funeral of Batley Bulldogs and Dewsbury Moor player Archie Bruce takes place next week.

A service will be held at St Mary’s Parish Church, Mirfield, on Thursday October 3 at 12.30pm followed by a private family committal.

The 20-year-old was found dead in the early hours of Sunday August 18, shortly after making his first-team debut for Batley Bulldogs in Toulouse.

An announcement on Dewsbury Moor RLFC’s website said those attending the service should note that club shirts and smart attire will be acceptable.

Donations in memory of Archie can be given to George Brooke Ltd Funeral Directors or via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/archie-bruce-1.

Traders welcome arcade disruption

SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER Official supplier of foreign currency to Dewsbury Rams RLFC

days to hundreds of destinations worldwide.

Mirfield-based independent operator Tivoli Travel has been busy this week helping customers left stranded abroad or out of pocket. The firm have also employed one of the workers who lost their job at Thomas Cook in Cleckheaton.

Owner Jo Richards (pictured) said: “The phone’s ringing constantly. People have lost not just a holiday, but in some cases the holiday of a lifetime, and some haven’t got the money to book again.

“We’re here to help anyone who needs it and can support them with any claims with Thomas Cook.”

Funeral date set for Archie Bruce

Tel: 01924 463825

A TEENAGER threatened to kill his mum – then went to her Batley home armed with an axe, a court heard.

Callum Cleland, now of Lavender Croft in Heckmondwike, had been living with his mother and stepfather but was moved into assisted housing because of issues with his behaviour.

The 18-year-old claimed he’d been assaulted by fellow occupants since moving to the accommodation in September and blamed his mother for the

ordeal.

Kirklees magistrates heard that on the day of the incident, Cleland’s mother had called him after he sent her a text message saying he was going to harm himself.

The teenager became aggressive on the phone and threatened to come to her home with an axe.

Cleland’s mum then phoned police and officers advised her to go to a different address.

After moving to a different location, she then watched on

CCTV as Cleland tapped on the doors of her home in Lonsdale Avenue with an axe.

Cleland pleaded guilty to threatening to damage property and was sentenced to a community order with 15 rehabilitation activity days.

He was also ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and banned from going to his mother’s home for a year.

He will have to pay £85 court costs and a £90 victim surcharge.

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

Putting pride back into Hecky COMMUNITY-spirited folk in Heckmondwike are hoping to clean up the town and change people’s mindsets about littering.

‘Keep Hecky Tidy’ was launched back in April by resident John Gautry, in an effort to highlight the problem of littering and instill some pride in the town.

In five months the group has attracted 300 members and been on several litter picks in the town centre.

On Saturday around 40 people armed with litter pickers took to the streets and filled a skip full of rubbish.

News In Brief Souper ideas sought

John, who lives on Jeremy Lane and works at Lidl, said: “I want to get Heckmondwike clear of rubbish, change people’s mindsets and for them to have pride in where they live and not having people rely on others to do it for them. We’ve also put some planters at Heckmondwike Hub and we’re going to try for ‘Heckmondwike in Bloom’ next year.”

Anyone wanting to help can find the group on Facebook at Keep Hecky Tidy – KHT. Pictured: John Gautry and David Pollard busy cleaning up in Heckmondwike on Saturday

Pub pals scramble Eggheads

By Zoe Shackleton A QUIZ team from Gomersal took on TV’s famous Eggheads and beat them at their own game.

The victorious ‘Gomersal Westenders’ became one of just a handful of challengers to beat the team of general knowledge gurus in the BBC show’s history.

The team was made up of quiz regulars at the village’s West End pub, Peter Lockwood, Lewis Lockwood, Jonathan Lister, Jane Brown and David Taylor.

The Westenders saw off the Egghead experts, with all but David making it to the final round in an episode that aired on Monday.

They shared the £5,000 prize pot between themselves and another member, Julie RhodesMckie, who travelled as reserve with the team to Glasgow where the show was filmed. Peter’s wife Jackie Lockwood was the driving

force behind getting the team together.

Team member Jane Brown, 53, said: “We’ve been waiting quite a while for it to come on television.

“We loved it. They (BBC) paid for us to go on the train – so we were all swatting on the way up, going through quiz books.

We all really enjoyed it.

“That was the first quiz we’d done together, we all met up to discuss what categories we would each cover because there’s more than are on your particular episode.

“Initially we submitted application forms which included relating interesting facts about Gomersal and ourselves.

“After that we were asked to

5

NORTH KIRKLEES: Dewsbury Soup is taking its next event to Howlands, on School Street in Dewsbury, on Thursday November 21 (6.30pm).

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 November 7. You can also apply to be a judge, but to do so you must live or work in a North Kirklees postcode.

Application forms and more details can be found at www.dewsburysoup.org.uk.

Park lake warning BATLEY: Kirklees Council has warned pet owners that toxic algae has been detected in the lake at Wilton Park. The algae can cause illness in humans and animals. Kirklees officials have told park-goers not to go in the water or touch any scum present on the lake surface. Pets should not drink from or swim in the lake. The area was due to be fenced off yesterday (Thursday) as the council made the water safe.

Making a difference make and submit a group video.

The Eggheads were gracious in their defeat and all came over and shook our hands at the end of filming.”

The team fielded questions on music, film and television, science and history.

Jane saw off former

Mastermind winner Chris Hughes in the second round on film and television.

Family, friends and regulars gathered at the West End pub on Monday evening to watch the show, because the team had to remain tight-lipped about their victory until it aired.

KIRKLEES: Council leader Shabir Pandor says tackling climate change is at the top of his agenda – but he is pleased with the progress that’s already been made locally.

The council declared a ‘climate emergency’ earlier this year and set up the Climate Emergency Working Party. It will be presenting a report focusing on reducing harmful emissions, creating less waste, recycling more and improving the environment.

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS ESTABLISHED OVER 45 YEARS

LARGEST SELECTION OF CURTAINS IN THE AREA

• Measuring & Fitting Service • Ready Made Curtains • Bespoke Curtains • Blinds • Sheers & Voiles 25 Commercial Street, Batley WF17 5HJ T: 01924 471578 OPEN: Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm

Visit our website: www.batleycurtains.co.uk

FREE UPGRADE to BLACKOUT LINING with this advert

Find us on

ThePress

6

AirBus Transfers & Events

Friday September 27, 2019

• Airport Transfer • Seaport Transfer • Day at the Races • Golf Days • Wedding Venues • Corporate Events Call Neil

ON SALE

PICK-UPS MIRFIELD & SURROUNDING AREAS

07775 356 527

Email info@airbustransfers.co.uk or neil@airbustransfers.co.uk www.airbustransfers.co.uk

Updated edition.

Reserve a copy on 01924 470296 or call in at our office, 31 Branch Road, Batley

LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

Bloodless maybe, but still a coup HERE were no tanks and armoured cars rolling down Whitehall on Tuesday morning; soldiers didn’t occupy Heathrow and Gatwick airports or storm Westminster and round-up dissident MPs. But make no mistake, what the United Kingdom experienced on Tuesday was a coup in everything but name.

A panel of judges, along with their ally in Parliament, Speaker of the House John Bercow, have overthrown the elected government and its Prime Minister in their brazen attempt to reverse the result of the 2016 referendum.

I can’t see any other way to interpret it.

And while the outside world either shakes its head in disbelief or rolls about laughing at how embarrass-

T

ingly stupid the Brits are, the Brussels elite are heartily slapping each other on the backs and considering the sabotage of Brexit a job well done.

Why would Michel Barnier offer Boris Johnson’s negotiators anything except a diffident Gallic shrug, when the entire weight of the British establishment – Johnson and his beleaguered colleagues apart – is on the EU’s side?

Where on earth is Oliver Cromwell when you need him?

Those 11 Supreme Court judges who decided they could read Boris Johnson’s mind and, based on that, essentially tear up centuries of executive protocol, must have been emboldened by seeing treasonous Bercow usurp Parliament.

Coup leader Brenda Hale Hey, if all bets are off, they reasoned, why don’t we make our own grab for power? Of course they didn’t consider the fact that as long as the UK is inside the EU, that Supreme Court remains anything but supreme.

Those judges are already

XMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN Opening Times: Monday-Saturday 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10.30pm, Sunday 12pm-9.45pm

FAMILY & SPECIAL ENJOY A RELAXED WEEKDAY LUNCH OCCASIONS WELCOME Choose from table service from our Lunch Menu or select from our...

ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET BAR! Mon-Fri

Still Only £6.50 p.p

SPECIAL LUNCH OFFERS Mon-Wed-Sun Delicious Menu Great Choice (Not (Not including including Xmas/Boxing Xmas/Boxing Day) Day)

Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 6JD Tel: 01924 473970 www.zucchinirestaurant.co.uk

only top dogs in certain areas of law and in others are little more than the EU’s lapdogs.

Maybe that doddering old crow who presides over the unelected cabal, Baroness Brenda Hale, is lining up family members for a job in the European Court of Justice? You wouldn’t put it past this lot.

In fact wouldn’t it would be hilarious if Prime Minister Johnson tried appealing their ruling to the ECJ, if indeed it falls within their remit?

And so, where to now? The good Lord alone knows the answer to that.

I guess we all stay transfixed, watching the threeringed Westminster circus as it lurches from drama to pantomime and back again – until finally these clowns have to stand before the court of the British electorate, where millions of judges will pass their verdict.

I suspect most MPs won’t like the way that vote goes either, because as history shows us time and again, the people usually have the last word.

And I sincerely hope the next government brings those egomaniac judges to heel – throwing them out on their backsides would be a good start as and when Boris hopefully has the people’s mandate.

THAT was some holier-thanthou pulpit MPs Sherriff and Brabin preached at Boris Johnson from on Wednesday.

No doubt there were pats on the back all round in the bar afterwards.

And not a single word on their continued conceit about wanting to deliver Brexit – just not ‘no deal’ – that is wholly responsible for the divided and angry nation we now occupy.

School’s out for these fools ENDING our kids to private school was never an option, although given the experiences of some friends who did, I’m pleased our money was put to rather more pragmatic use like moving to a friendly English country village.

It isn’t just the Etons and Harrows that this week’s Labour Party conference said it would close, rob and pillage, but schools closer to home like QEGS and Silcoates, both excellent privately-funded educational institutions – though not necessarily any higher achieving than Heckmondwike Grammar, or the high school my children attended, Fulford in York.

But QEGS and Silcoates would be emptied out too by Comrade Corbyn’s state gangsters, while the organisation that without fear or favour tries to drive up school standards, Ofsted, would be thrown on their bonfire of vanities. Well, it stands to reason, doesn’t it? All children must be allowed to fail dismally in complete, impoverished

S

equality...

I don’t get worked up by the principle of private education – at least not until it is targeted for annihilation by idiot hypocrites like Diane Abbott who famously sent her son to private school. Indeed, half the Labour front bench are tarred with the same hypocritical brush – do as we say, not as we do.

The once-great Labour Party now stinks of poisonous envy; why work hard and achieve by merit, when they can send in their bullyboy bailiffs and just steal it?

And all of it screamed over and over throughout their conference in the name of “fairness and democracy”.

A question arises however.

If all private schools face closure, does that include the Markazi mosque’s globally renowned religious seminary, the nearby Paradise Primary or the many private Muslim schools across the district?

Or would there – as many people probably suspect – be a special case made in those instances?

HEN the furious schoolgirl and ‘eco-princess’ Greta Thunberg has what seems an inevitable breakdown, I wonder who her lawyers will sue? Will it be BP and Shell, Ford and BMW? The rulers of arch global pollutants China (good luck with that)? Or everyone aged over 40 who has conspired to destroy ‘her' generation’s planet?

Should our school-skipping, pre-pubescent climate protestors get their carbon-free planet and end up living ‘holistically’ in caves, you can just picture it: “Mum, there’s no wifi in here – I’m sorry I complained about having a diesel car...”

Greta Thunberg, the climate rebellion poster-child, is a troubled youngster anyway, suffering with Asperger’s, but I defy anyone who witnessed her raging, hate-filled speech at the United Nations this week, not to fear the worst for her.

I am not denying climate change, nor man’s potential impacts on it, but I am challenging the adult manipulation and exploitation of partly-formed youngsters like this girl, who should still be learning about how the world works, before preaching to us how to fix it.

W

A broken system, breaking young lives ’VE banged heads with Kirklees Social Services several times over the years and on at least one occasion prevented their management from decimating good, honest people’s lives. It is a reeking failure of our country that these stories can rarely be made public and these corrupt or ideologically-poisoned people held to account.

I’m mired in an horrendous case right now, which if I reported it, would see me rapidly hauled before a judge.

A child and its mother’s lives are being systematically destroyed by a combination of bent lawyers, a vain and stupid judge, the nasty autocrats and incompetent staff of Kirklees Social Services and a little known, but widely despised organisation called CAFCASS – the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.

I

These people have innocent and vulnerable lives in their hands, but they act like demigods and are tragically, unthinkably, answerable to no one. If a parent challenges them they can pay for their audacity with their child’s very life.

People – survivors of domestic abuse – are trying to fight this broken system, and a rally aimed at dragging the sadistic actions of Cafcass officers particularly into the daylight, is being held in London on October 26.

To find out more and lend your support, go on Facebook and search for #thecourtsaid.

As you read this at least one local child, a bright and intelligent youngster, is being forced to live in absolute misery – purely because its mother stood up to a lying Cafcass officer.

It is wrong on every imaginable level.

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

#HeckHikers cover 10,000 miles for Kirkwood Hospice

News In Brief Burglary crackdown nets six suspects

Artists’ impression of the revamped Field House

Field of dreams

By Steve Martyn

OVER 1,000 students from Heckmondwike Grammar School completed a 10-mile walk in aid of Kirkwood Hospice.

Pupils were joined by hospice staff last Friday as they trekked from the school via the Spen Valley Greenway to Oakenshaw and back.

Dubbed #HeckHike, the school wanted to promote environmentally-friendly initiatives as well as raising funds for the hospice.

Headteacher Peter Roberts said: “All the students and staff really got into the spirit

of #HeckHike and the ringing of the start bell by every student signified 10 miles of community team-building and supporting each other emotionally and certainly physically. The camaraderie was superb, particularly demonstrated by the high-fives of the returning walkers passing their mates still on their way to Low Moor with lots of shouts of encouragement.”

HAPPY HIKERS: Pictured above are students Christopher Newsome, Devraj Dhillon and Zain Tahir

7

A DEVELOPER is hoping to restore a prominent building in Dewsbury town centre to its former glory.

Peter Mason, of Mood Developments, has lodged an application with Kirklees to transform Field House into a block of 23 apartments, with a cafe on the ground floor.

The Grade-II listed building, which used to be home to a number of businesses and a nightclub, is currently vacant and stands opposite Dewsbury Railway Station on Wellington Street.

Plans include the erection of an additional storey and a cafe/restaurant unit which would create jobs for 10 full and part-time staff.

There would be 10 one-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedroom and one three-bedroom. The plans come a year after initial designs were first made public by Mr Mason.

Field House is the second property in Dewsbury that Mood Developments is revamping, alongside the Black

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

Bull pub in Market Place, which is due to re-open soon.

A statement accompanying the planning documents said: “These proposals offer the investment opportunity to revitalise and bring back into sustainable use a currently neglected listed building, as a catalyst to encourage the further regeneration of the town centre.

“The proposed uses will create new vibrant, active frontages at ground floor level, spilling out onto the public realm, and provide new dwellings above to promote the living town concept and encourage heritage house ownership.”

Dewsbury East councillor Aleks Lukic said: “I welcome Mood Developments’ interest in reviving this key town centre building.

“While there are elements of the design that should be improved before this application is passed, this could become an impressive showcase for regeneration in Dewsbury to visitors stepping out of the railway station.”

NORTH KIRKLEES: Six arrests have been made following a crackdown on burglaries across Kirklees.

From last Tuesday (Sept 17) officers were busy providing crime prevention advice to local residents and businesses.

Suspects from the Batley and Spen area were among those arrested.

Leaflet drops were conducted in crime hotspots and drop-in sessions were carried out by officers at community centres.

There were also enhanced police patrols throughout neighboourhoods in Batley, Spen and Dewsbury.

Det Ins Stephanie Fox, who led the operation, said: “We have been advising residents and local businesses that simple precautions such as setting lights with timer switches, making sure curtains/blinds are closed at night and even installing low cost lighting outside can all make a difference in deterring opportunist thieves, especially as the nights draw into the autumn and winter periods.”

Call The Press newsroom on 01924 470296

WANTED

An angel of mercy with a love of small wildlife to turn my overgrown wilderness of a garden into a safe place for Frogs, Hedgehogs, Birds, Butterflies and more

white lee / batley area Would suit active retired / semi-retired

for more information call 07761 964556 NO PROFESSIONAL GARDENERS PLEASE

8

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

Just throwing in cash won’t help Ah, so that explains it.

I’ve often wondered what makes Dewsbury such an unattractive and uninviting place, but I could never quite put my finger on it. That’s what we have politicians for I suppose, to answer those questions that are beyond the capacity of us ordinary men in the street.

Whereas the rest of us are left scratching our heads after considering the state of Dewsbury, the politician has his incisive thinking to call on.

Dewsbury’s problem, or so they say, and the Libs, Labs and Cons all agree on this one, is that it is struggling with ‘post-industrial decline, austerity, and long-term underinvestment’ (The Press, Sept 13).

Sounds terminal to me. But not to the politician – it’s nothing that a hefty injection of cash won’t put right.

The Government has thrown Dewsbury a £25m tempter. Of course Labour doubts it’ll materialise and even if it does it won’t be enough,

Time marches on for us all From: David A Wood, Gomersal It was really good to read your feature on village life, especially as it covered my very own Gomersal, though it was disappointing to read the continued intention of our council to sell off one of the district’s leading historical buildings.

Seemingly it is okay for a councillor from Denby Dale to see no reason why Gomersal and Spenborough should not accept that its demise is part of improving museum and galleries services in the district!

Improving services? Sir, you

Letter of the Week: Steve Cass, Mirfield but all agree that money is the medicine.

The plan is for the council and businesses and community groups to put their heads together to come up with ways of spending this money to make Dewsbury better.

No, don’t laugh, this really is the plan.

Mark Eastwood, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Dewsbury, is thrilled at the prospect of all that dosh to “...regenerate the community.”

He says: “... I firmly believe Dewsbury still has great potential and possibilities.” Yeah, yeah, of course he does.

have closed Red House down and now put it up for sale!

When I was but a lad I can remember a dozen coaches every morning arriving at Thomas Burnley’s full of workers, Hill Top Post Office run by Mr Wilde and on the opposite corner the Co-op building with a toy department down the side.

Time marches on and only recently two well-known older Gomersal residents have passed away. Thank you Mr Gawthorpe for your special tribute to Michael Balmforth, a former stalwart of Liversedge Football Club who as a lad along with several of us mates formed Gomersal Park Rangers which he also helped run and organise.

‘Bandy’, as he was known to us, was all the Liversedge pres-

I’ve heard it all before, many times, and I’m sick of hearing it. Hasn’t he worked it out yet – the only people who take any notice of politicians’ flannel are the mass media and other politicians. Everybody else knows it’s BS. What Mr Eastwood doesn’t say is far more interesting than what he does say. For instance, he talks about “community” rather than “communities” – why is that?

He talks about Dewsbury’s “potential” and its “possibilities” but doesn’t put either in any context. Why not?

Seems to me he’s scared of stepping on the cracks. Just what we

ident says and more.

I can remember attending Town away games with Michael and talking of his many other interests.

Sadly it is many years since Mr Balmforth and I had the pleasure of renewing our acquaintance, but I would like to endorse all that was said in the tribute to him in The Press.

Living on the Shirley Estate we had lovely neighbours, among them the Hurst family, Vonda and Alan and the girls.

Your family notices brought to my attention the passing of Vonda, who had a character all of her own.

I distinctly remember one New Year’s Eve when whisky was most generously available, leading to a January 1st never to be forgotten!

To the family and friends of

Dewsbury town centre don’t want from politicians.

But anyway, why does Dewsbury need all this money spending on it?

Hasn’t it got everything it needs?

Paula Sherriff has argued that immigration brings billions of pounds to the country, and she and the rest of her parliamentary colleagues never tire of telling us how much bet-

Vonda and Michael, I am sure I can speak for many of my ilk when I say you will be missed but the memories you created in life will live on.

I offer mine and my family’s deepest sympathies on your loss. God bless.

Development adds to woes From: Ben Marshall, Liversedge I agree entirely with Gerald Christian’s letter regarding the Fountain traffic lights, the Child Lane ‘rules’ and subsequent extra traffic at the Yew Tree junction.

But I suspect the current

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS Central Cafe, change of use of premises from A1 (retail) to A3 (restaurant/cafe) (within a Conservation Area), Broadway House, 8 Foundry Street, Dewsbury.

Home Furnishings UK, change of use from A1 to A5 and erection of single-storey side extension, Unit 8 Rapyal Business Park, Dewsbury Road, Marsh, Cleckheaton.

Northern Community Pathways Children’s Residential Services Ltd, certificate of lawfulness for proposed use of dwelling for four-bed children’s home, Walton Cross Cottage, 158

Windy Bank Lane, Hightown.

Mr R Messenger & Miss H Jennings, two-storey side extension, 19 Norristhorpe Avenue, Norristhorpe.

W Ramzan, certificate of lawfulness for proposed use of premises for taxi service, 15 Thornhill Street, Savile Town.

C Teal, single-storey attached garage to side of property, 67 Syke Lane, Earlsheaton.

Mood Developments, additional storey and conversion of building to provide 23 selfcontained apartments and A3 use in basement and part of ground floor (Listed Building

within a Conservation Area), Field House, 15 Wellington Road, Dewsbury.

A Hussain, front porch, 3 Abbey Road, Healey.

Mitchells and Butlers, installation of nine externally illuminated and non-illuminated signs, Hare And Hounds Inn, Liley Lane, Upper Hopton.

Mr & Mrs Mosby, five dwellings and associated works, former Stephenson Autos, Healey Lane, Healey.

A Ellis, work to trees in CA, 18 Carlinghow Hill, Batley.

S Hanif, single-storey rear extension, 6 Providence Street, Batley.

Mr J Lees, dead or dangerous tree, Little Gomersal House, Lower Lane, Gomersal.

C Fenton, 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 2.8m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.8m, 193 Carlinghow Lane, Batley.

F Delaney, non-material amendment to previous permission 2016/91351 for erection of detached dwelling, adjacent to Sunny Bank

Riding School, Sunny Bank Road, Upper Batley.

K Burns, discharge conditions 3, 5, 6, 12 on previous permission 2019/90240 for demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two semi-detached dwellings, 15 Quarryside Road, Mirfield.

WSG Property (Holdings) Ltd, discharge condition 17 (mine shaft caps) on previous permission 2018/90186 for conversion of former fire station to four residential apartments and office and erection of factory outlet, former fire station, Huddersfield Road, Scout Hill, Dewsbury.

ter off we are thanks to all the benefits ‘diversity’ has bestowed on us.

Dewsbury is what the politicians have made it – their pie in the sky ‘vision’ hasn’t materialised as they’d expected. Isn’t it about time they stopped flogging this dead horse and owned up to their monumental ‘cock-up’?

‘improvements’ will need further improvement with the sad sight of a ‘For Sale sign’ on the nine-acre former PYO field at the back of the Rydal Garage and the top of Sunny Bank Road.

The inevitable ‘development’ will have the entire already overwhelmed traffic systems stretched to the limit again.

Sadly I can see the entire stretch between the Fountain and Stocks Bank Road being ‘developments’ within five years.

I say again, why aren’t the brownfield sites not developed first, and if they are, why don’t we ever hear about them?

I’m not a fan From: Peter Moreland, Heckmondwike With the Conservatives in such a mess, the next election should be a walkover for the Labour Party if they had a leader, but Corbyn, McDonnell and Abbott ... oh dear!

Have a heart, send a reply From: Jean Hodge, Dewsbury May I through your letters page have a rant?

Where has the decency in this world gone? Why when people are going for a job do they not get a reply as to whether they have got a job or not?

It’s awful to be waiting to hear about the outcome and

very distressing when they don’t get one.

So employers, please have a heart and send a reply.

Not many are originals From: Michael Stott, Ossett I read with interest your review of Showaddyaddy’s show and noted your reviewer won’t forget it for a long time, despite being fully aware of how much of the band she really did see.

However with only one of its two drummers and the bass player still in place out of an eight-piece, that is a slim proportion to represent the name and emphasises the blurred line between the current version and a ‘tribute’ act.

However with an enviable catalogue of hits to lean on there remains a sizeable though diminishing bounty to be made at any box office.

The singer is usually the focal point readily identifiable with the name, and in a revealing interview with UK Rock ‘n’ Roll magazine this year, former frontman Dave Bartram disclosed he still manages the band along with the original drummer, and while he quit performing as far back as 2011, the drummer was indeed part of the line-up your reviewer witnessed.

He also disclosed that not all eight participants contributed to their recordings but having so many in the band gave it a strong visual impact, the only downside being come payday,

Continues on page 9

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

9

‘Politically speaking’

by Paula Sherriff, Labour MP for Dewsbury and Mirfield From page 8 in hindsight thinking a sixpiece would have been more manageable.

With individuals of course the problem resolves itself but bands apparently present an endless conundrum.

After all the Glenn Miller Orchestra emerged pre-Second World War yet still occasionally performs in name despite all original members now being long deceased!

of the people is an absolute travesty. The sooner we have an election and let the people decide which of the time-wasting, self-centred losers are put back in the better.

Whichever party you support, whether you voted leave or remain, you have witnessed the worst possible betrayal of the voting public.

Boris, bring us out as you promised, and silence these hypocrites once and for all.

Millions are Bring us out as turning off you promised From: Arthur Roberts, From: Anthony Doyle, via email I watched the BBC breakfast show this morning and see a retired judge say that a vote of 52 per cent to 48 per cent does not constitute a mandate to leave. The 52 per cent must enter into negotiations with the 48 per cent to agree a way forward!

In any walk of life the side that ‘wins’ takes the spoils.

The debacle we have witnessed at the Supreme Court this week, the undermining of every step the PM takes, the jibes, the ridicule, the millions of pounds that have been thrown away fighting the will

£50

DISCOUNT OFFER WITH THIS VOUCHER Quote ‘Press 01’ T&C’s apply

Dewsbury Perhaps the aspect of Brexit which leaves the nastiest taste in peoples’ mouths is the blatant bias served up by the BBC. It should be called the Brussels Broadcasting Corporation.

In programmes like Question Time and Newsnight, we have not only the biased presenters but often three Remainers against two Brexiteers.

I have even seen four v one.

It spoils the BBC’s reputation for all the good news and entertainment they have.

They’ll find it a lot harder to get their licence money in because not playing it is not now classed as a criminal offence with a prison sentence.

Bias has set millions and millions of voters against the BBC.

Lining pockets of landlords From: Harry Teale, Mirfield Democracy is definitely dead in Kirklees (not cremated at the still inoperative Dewsbury Crem).

Evidence has been printed that Kirklees Cabinet have dictated that £ 1.5million of honest tax payers’ money will be used to line the pockets of the owners of properties in Dewsbury.

The same owners who have over the years removed millions from the economy of Dewsbury without maintaining the structure and fabric of the town centre!

Only inept politicians could expect a lick of paint would regenerate an area!

Since the dictators of Kirklees seem incapable of rational thought, I will repeat advice given to them by the intelligent public many times – provide us with products and services we require at what we believe to be good old Yorkshire value rather than what you dictate we should accept in accordance with your beliefs!

DENTURE WEARERS...

Do You Want To Feel More Confident, Look Years Younger and Eat Better than ever?

I am absolutely thrilled with the final result - Mrs. A

As one of the UK’s most experienced Clinical Dental Technicians with 41 years denture design experience gained over thousands of happy customers, it’s no wonder denture wearers trust David Coates to help them feel more confident with a great appearance and live their denture wearing lives to the full.

To book your FREE consultation with David, call today on:

01274 911 820 4 Cross Crown Street, Cleckheaton, BD19 3HW (Next door to Age UK)

(Patients with natural teeth remaining or have dental implants will need a prescription from a dentist)

Paying the price for deep cuts S INCE 2010, we’ve seen the police cut back, crime rise, and local people and communities pay the price.

That the government has only now quietly acknowledged the link between police numbers and crime levels, is frankly, astounding.

Just a couple of weeks ago, the Prime Minister left West Yorkshire Police trainees and officers waiting around for hours – to the point that one cadet collapsed – so that he could make them the backdrop to a party political speech. The content of which the Chief Constable has confirmed he had not been made aware of.

But while the Prime Minister might see our police force as little more than political window dressing, I’ve been working locally with residents who are suffering the impact of his government’s cuts, and I’ve been meeting alongside them, and local police, to discuss issues across Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton.

Reports from local people have been of a growing incidence of crime and anti-social behaviour in our towns and villages – this covers burgla-

ries, vehicle crime, theft and criminal damage as well as gang- and drug-related crime.

While police resources are undoubtedly stretched thin, the best way we can tackle these issues is by police and community working together, so I’ve been meeting with police, residents and local councillors to discuss how crimes are responded to and how we can work together to promote community safety.

Unfortunately, the reality is that despite recent recruitment drives, I’m told there are still around 800 fewer officers on our region’s streets than there were in 2009/10 and that

neighbourhood policing has borne the brunt of this hit.

The Tories have overseen the collapse of neighbourhood policing, and the erosion of that crucial link between communities and police that is integral to working with communities in the fight against crime in all its forms.

It will take more than the Prime Minister’s political stunt to right the wrongs inflicted by years of austerity.

Even this new, albeit unspoken, acceptance that cuts were wrong, won’t restore police numbers to what they were in 2010.

And even if it did, that would still be ignoring population growth and the devastating damage done to public confidence in police, and to police morale, through years of being understaffed and under-resourced.

This is a situation that will not be easy to turn around – the Prime Minister could start by showing respect and support to our police – not wasting their time on political game playing.

Paula 2019 Brochure now available

SEPTEMBER Sun 29th Whitby OCTOBER Wed 2nd Bury Market Sat 5th Southport Sun 6th Chester or Chester Zoo (transport only) Sat 12th Pickering 1940s Day or Whitby Sun 13th Pickering 1940s Day or Whitby Sat 19th Bury Market Sat 26th Blackpool Illuminations Sat 26th Whitby Goth Day Sun 27th Blackpool Illuminations Sun 27th Whitby Goth Day Mon 28th Blackpool Illuminations Tue 29th Blackpool Illuminations Wed 30th Blackpool Illuminations Thu 31st Halloween in York Thu 31st Blackpool Illuminations NOVEMBER Fri 1st Scarborough or Filey or Bridlington Sat 2nd Blackpool Illuminations Wed 6th Bury Market Cheshire Oaks Shopping Outlet & Chester Sat 9th Sat 16th Bury Market

£14.00 £10.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £10.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £10.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £10.00 £14.00 £10.00

Pick-Up & Drop-Off at: Ossett, Horbury, Wakefield, Mirfield, Heckmondwike, Batley, Dewsbury and Cleckheaton

TEL: 01924 477 230 Telephone lines open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm (Excluding Bank Holidays)

www.stationcoaches.co.uk www.daytripsbycoach.co.uk

10

ThePress

Alumni invited to annual reunion FORMER pupils of Warwick Road School in Batley Carr are holding their annual reunion on Friday October 11.

Ex-students and teachers are invited to the Parochial Hall at St Mary’s Social Club, Melton Street, for 7.30pm.

Organiser of the event Betty Maudsley is appealing for anyone who may feature in the picture above, taken in the late 1950s, to come along.

Four past pupils in the photograph have been identified by Betty – they are Mary Etherington, Josephine Jessop, Douglas Donovan and Michael Hubbard.

Anyone with a general interest in the Batley Carr area is also encouraged to join the reunion.

Turkish delight DEWSBURY: A live comedy event hosted by Dewsbury-based comedian Graeme Rayner is coming to the Old Turk pub tonight (Friday).

The show begins at 8pm and features performances from eight up-and-coming acts from across the northern comedy circuit.

The ‘Turk It Or Leave It’ show will be ‘pay as you feel’, with donations being split between the comedians to cover their expenses.

Friday September 27, 2019

Three decades of dedication to district

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

A STALWART Mirfield firefighter has marked 30 years of keeping the district safe.

Richard Rhodes has served as an on-call fireman at the station on Huddersfield Road since 1989.

Now 61, Richard continues to work regular shifts on top of his day job as a window cleaner.

Crewing the pump alongside him are HGV drivers, office workers, retirees, a chef and a stay-at-home mum, who drop what they’re doing and rush to the station as soon as they’re called to an emergency.

“From 3pm until 6am the following morning, I’m on call from home, if I’m needed I get paged,” said Richard, who was recognised by his colleagues for his three decades of service last week.

“We manage to keep the appliance manned 24/7 with the number of guys we have on different shift patterns.”

Mirfield’s retained firefighters, who all must live within a mile of the station, operate two fire appliances – one engine that attends incidents with a crew of six, and a second that transports pods of specialist equipment.

The life of an on-call firefighter can mean long days and sleepless nights, but Richard says that helping people in need makes it all worth it.

West Yorkshire Fire Service is recruiting new retained firefighters to serve in Mirfield.

Potential recruits must live within five minutes of the station (one mile).

For more information visit https://oncall.joinwyfirefighters.com

Richard Rhodes “I’ve been to hundreds if not thousands of different jobs over the years – when you’ve been to an incident and you’ve helped somebody or saved their life that’s the most rewarding thing,” he said.

“They then might send you a thankyou letter or a box of chocolates so it’s really nice to get that bit of feedback.”

The 61-year-old admitted serving the community for nearly three decades has meant he’s had to make personal sacrifices.

“It does put a lot of strain on your family and social life, you have to have people around you that are understanding,” said Richard.

“When I’m on call I can’t go more than five minutes away, I could be needed at any time.

“I’m married to this (pager), it buzzes and I’m up and out, we can get a fire appliance

out of the door in two to three minutes, every second counts.”

Richard, who lives on Fenton Street just yards from the station, has encountered huge changes to his role over the years, from improvements to fire engines to witnessing colleagues come and go.

“The service has come on leaps and bounds compared to what it was like when I joined, particularly in the equipment we use,” said Richard.

“When I first joined we wore plastic trousers, cork helmets and rubber wellington boots, but nowadays the kit is so much more advanced.

“We have flash hoods and helmets with visors, there was nothing like that when I first joined – we had little neckerchiefs to put around your neck!”

Health fair success for PCN THE Batley Birstall Primary Care Network (BB PCN) hosted its first Health and Wellbeing Fair on Saturday September 14.

Held at Batley Health Centre, the event aimed to raise awareness of the BB PCN and

engage the local community to help residents live a healthy lifestyle.

Stands were in place offering advice on issues including eating well and managing longerterm illnesses such as diabetes

Biker dealer on trial CLECKHEATON: Police chased a man on a stolen motorbike after they witnessed him selling drugs whilst on the vehicle.

The incident occurred on June 19 when officers in an unmarked car noticed Ben Greenwood acting suspiciously on Whitechapel Road.

He was detained after a chase and a container filled

and asthma.

The event was attended by Mayor of Kirklees Coun Mumtaz Hussain and medical professionals were also on hand to answer any questions and receive feedback from patients.

with several bags of cannabis was seized.

Greenwood, of Brighouse, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply, driving a vehicle taken without the owner’s consent, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a vehicle without insurance.

Kirklees magistrates committed Greenwood to Leeds Crown Court for sentencing on October 10. He will remain in custody in the meantime.

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

Take a bow, Town Hall BATLEY History Group has unveiled another of its blue plaques celebrating the town’s storied past. The latest was unveiled at Batley Town Hall on Monday evening, explaining the building’s history.

Group chairwoman Wendy Storey said: “It was a privilege and honour to unveil the latest plaque in my capacity as not only the new chair of BHG but also

Mansion meeting

because my late father Harold Hall was a former councillor and Mayor of Batley when it had its own borough council.”

Committee member Peter Connor kick-started the initiative last year and more plaques are to be installed in the coming months. The next one will be at Batley Library.

Pictured are Malcolm Haigh, Wendy and Peter.

DEWSBURY: The Dewsbury Park Mansion Community Hub AGM is at The Lodge, behind the mansion in Crow Nest Park, on Monday October 21 at 11am.

Anybody wanting to help with the community asset transfer of the Park Mansion building is invited to attend.

June’s memory changes young lives

By Zoe Shackleton A CHARITY which helps youngsters in North Kirklees has celebrated its fourth birthday.

‘Let June Make a Difference’ was set up by the family of June Dewhirst (pictured) in 2015 to help underprivileged children.

Mrs Dewhirst died in April the previous year and her husband Graham wanted to honour the work she had done helping kids in all corners of the world.

June, from Upper Hopton, worked at a school for children with special needs and volunteered with children in rural Ecuador.

She also founded the Edward Bear Mother and Toddler Club at Mirfield Salvation Army, which is still going.

From handing out 20 grants in its first year, the charity has recently awarded its 290th gift –

to a young girl who has Irlen Syndrome and needs special glasses to be able to see.

Graham said: “When June died, we’d been married a long time, and I was wondering what to do. I had the idea that maybe we could create a charity which

We provide a luxury salon experience at an affordable cost to our clients. We deliver high end hair experience in a friendly, down to earth and comfortable atmosphere

11

could have June at the centre, so that we could do something for children – and it’s got to be in North Kirklees.

“Armed with that idea I talked to my sons Matthew and Phillip and their wives and we decided we’d start the charity – here we are four years on, having just made our 290th award. It’s amazing really.”

Let June Make a Difference provides grants for children, aged seven to 17, who face a variety of challenges.

Graham added: “I do it because it’s an extension of June. If I had any regrets it’s that I wish I’d had the idea when she was still here. If we can do something positive for a young person, it could last a lifetime.”

The charity welcomes applications on behalf of needy young people.

Further details at www.letjunemakeadifference.org.

Sarah Breeze and Steve Walsh, of Fairfield School, accepting a gift from the charity

The hair care you need and a service you will love Our team is super passionate about hair and love what we do, which reflects in our work. We only use the highest quality products and our hand picked creative hair team are additionally trained in house regularly by our TonI & Guy trained owner, Ashleigh Gannon, to ensure we keep up to date with all of the latest products, hair techniques and hair trends.

OPENING TIMES

Monday - Closed Tuesday 9am-5:30 pm Wednesday 9am-5pm Thursday 9am-7pm Friday 9am-4pm Saturday 9am-3pm Sunday - Closed

• Colouring • Cutting & Colouring • Styling • Extensions 656 Leeds Road, Dewsbury, WF12 7QH

| opalsalon@hotmail.com

12

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

News In Brief Can you help out with cadets’ admin?

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.

DEWSBURY: Air cadets in the town are appealing for volunteers to help with administration tasks.

The civilian committee of No 96 Dewsbury Squadron Air Training Corps are appealing for anyone over the age of 20 to spare a few hours every month.

The committee does not run the squadron but focuses on fundraising and management of finances.

People who can take notes, manage money or lead meetings would be particularly welcome.

For more information email Felicia Doubell at oc.96@aircadets.org.

Cards that created fame and fortune...

HE CONCLUSION of this year’s Ashes series sees cricket enjoying something of a high point in popularity, and it also coincides with the conclusion of our ‘10 Days One BATLEY: The town’s camera club will host Summer’ series in which the 1934 Ashes feaan open day exhibition tomorrow (Saturday). tured prominently in the pages of the Yorkshire The free event will run from 2pm to Observer.

But will the names of Joe Root’s England 5.30pm at Batley Community Centre on team, or those of Tim Paine’s Australia, be Upper Commercial Street. logged in people’s memories for decades to There will be a studio light set-up for anycome? one who wishes to bring their camera and One thing is certain, the names, and even have a go, along with an exhibition of prints faces, of the 1934 sides probably reached as and a display of members’ equipment. many as today’s Sky TV audiences and Test For details visit Match Special devotees on radio, even without www.batleycameraclub.co.uk. modern communication technology.

The fact is, according to the London Cigarette Card Company based in Somerset, John Player and Sons, a branch of the Imperial Tobacco Co, produced around 15,000,000 individual cards in their ‘Cricketers of 1934’ sets of 50 cards, which equates to approximately 300,000 cards for each player.

This was a time when industrial towns like Dewsbury had thousands of smokers in their midst.

The dangers to health of smoking was not Please reply with a brief introduction common knowledge amongst ordinary people, & contact details to even if the cigarette manufacturers had a good TMP005 idea – but kept quiet. c/o The Press News Ltd, Prominent people in sport and entertainment would endorse smoking as a positive health 31 Branch Road, Batley, WF17 5SB influence and children would encourage their parents to smoke more so they could boost their cigarette card collections.

MIRFIELD Cards were origiWF14 0DQ nally introduced to Like our Facebook Page to keep updated with special offers: cigarette packets at a www.facebook.com/haighsfarmshop time when those packets were of a flimsy pre-cardboard nature.

However those cards very soon became a ‘collecting’ hobby and TASTES NICER FROM A GLASS BOTTLE! probably a first introduction to smoking. period between ONLY £1.59 2 FOR £3 theThe wars was one of tremendous growth of card collecting, and much of that could (=LESS THAN 42p A CAN) well have been down to the return home of hundreds of thousands of new smokers fresh from the First World War trenches.

Camera club event

T

Professional lady aged 55 would like to meet a professional gentleman for days out, socialising & friendship

HAIGHS FARM SHOP

01924 490118

1LB JAR CLEAR HONEY 24 X 200ML GLASS

FOR ONLY £1.99

10LB HOME MADE PORK SAUSAGE

BOTTLES DIET COKE

FOR ONLY £7.50

4-PACK J20 FOR ONLY £17.50 5LB PRIME SIRLOIN 6 CANS COCA-COLA FOR ONLY £25 FOR ONLY £2.49 HALF LAMBS 3KG CLASS 1 ONIONS FOR ONLY £39.99 FOR ONLY £1

450G HP BROWN SAUCE 25KG LOCAL POTATOES ASDA PRICE: £2.29 FOR ONLY £6

OUR PRICE ONLY: £1.49 8 PINK LADY APPLES

FOR ONLY £1

HOME GROWN TURNIPS

39P EACH / 3 FOR £1

1KILO CARROTS 59P 1KILO PARSNIPS 59P ONLY 45P / 2 FOR 80P OR BUY 1KG OF EACH FOR £1 185G JAR MINT SAUCE SEASONED LOGS £2.99/NET 69P / 2 FOR £1.20 OR 5 NETS FOR £14 OR BUY 6 FOR ONLY £3.30 OR BUY A BUILDERS BAG FOR ONLY £39 454G TIN LYLES

120G QUALITY SPANISH SARDINES

BLACK TREACLE

MASSIVE TIN GOOSEBERRIES

NOW ONLY 59P / 2 FOR £1

FOR ONLY £1.99

IDEAL TO MAKE YOUR BONFIRE PARKIN / TOFFEE BAKE A PIE OR CRUMBLE TODAY!

PLUS 1000S MORE BARGAINS IT’S WORTH A RIDE OUT - YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED

Cigarettes were a standard palliative for the shocked and wounded. So much so that one particular army chaplain earned himself national fame on the back of his practice of handing out cigarettes to soldiers.

Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, born in Leeds to an Anglican vicar and his wife, went into the ministry himself and was an army chaplain in World War One who would hand out Woodbines, a cheap and popular cigarette, to the wounded and dying – a practise that earned him the epithet ‘Woodbine Willie’ and a Military Cross for bravery.

As for the cards from 1934 it will come as no surprise to cricket fans to see Don Bradman featuring in the ‘Cricketers’ set, while Yorkshire’s Hedley Verity, from Leeds, was one of the England players represented. Sadly, Verity lost his life at Monte Cassino while serving as a captain in the British Army.

The number of different subject matters represented on cards are too numerous and varied to mention, but The London Cigarette Card Company has a website and magazine that provides all the information that any collector, or would be collector, can readily access.

Sport has always been a popular subject for collecting, but so has entertainment. There were no TV stars yet in 1934 but radio was in most homes around the district at this time and if you were in Heckmondwike or Healey, Batley or Birstall, Ossett or Overthorpe, there would be names instantly recognisable as radio stars.

Among these would have been names like

Renee Houston, a part of a sister act before the war and a very good actress after, and also one man who is arguably far more recognised for his later work in films than radio, and that was Will Hay. Hay’s professional persona was as a comic schoolteacher/headmaster who moved from radio to the cinema with ease in the 1930s before becoming a comedy ‘staple’ during WW2.

Interestingly, whether you were laughing in the aisles at Dewsbury’s Majestic or palpably apoplectic at the Plaza in Batley, Will Hay’s bumbling apology for an academic could not be further from the truth.

Hay, another Yorkshireman, was in fact a highly-intelligent, if eccentric, man who was an aviator (he gave Amy Johnson flying lessons) and was a Fellow of the Astronomical Society. In 1933 in fact, he became only the third person ever to observe the ‘White Spot’ on Saturn – a huge storm that occurs every 25 years or so.

As for the cricket, for the record, England lost the last Test of the 1934 series, and with it the Ashes, and it would need heroics from Huddersfield’s Willie Watson in 1953 to regain them once again.

Well, there was obviously more to the interwar years than 1934, and with 14 weeks of the year remaining we will be looking at the events of the next five years and the ever-darkening clouds of war – together with the occasional breaks in the cloud for the little rays of sunshine that entered the lives of the people of the Heavy Woollen district during those dark days.

Fashion show

Remember wreaths COMMEMORATIVE wreaths that will be laid at November’s Remembrance Day service in Mirfield town centre are now available.

Groups and individuals who usually buy wreaths or other memorial items in advance for the Ings Grove Park ceremony are asked to contact Tim Wood, of the Royal British Legion’s Mirfield branch, on 01924 496290 to arrange pick-up.

Payment on collection is required.

Tim Wood, of the Royal British Legion’s Mirfield branch

MIRFIELD: Christ the King church in Battyeford is hosting a special event on Friday October 11.

‘Cheryl’s Fashion Show’ starts at 7.30pm at the church on Stocks Bank Road.

Tickets are available on the door priced £5 and include a glass of wine.

For more details or for advance tickets call Cheryl on 07739 864043.

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

Special Deals on HIGHGROVE BEDS & MATTRESSES

a s nd see u t i s i V r e a g n u g h e of r u o

13

3 FLOORS OF

Flooring, Beds & Furniture

CARPETS, BEDS & SOFAS FREE DELIVERY ON MOST PRODUCTS

i l t o W n s s r T e t w s n i m x A ys - Carpet Tiles - Viniysts Saxon ates for all Full & N ls

R t c a r t n o C l a i c e p S

Our Measuring & Planning Service is FREE Please ring for details

ew house orders

Mattresses sold seperately

All existing beds can be taken away and disposed of by prior arrangement All existing flooring can be taken uplifted and disposed of by prior arrangement We are recommended stockists of ‘Karndean’and ‘Moduleo’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

14

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

Advertorial Feature

Exciting times at scenic Hanging Heaton Golf Club FEW golf clubs and courses can match the stunning, panoramic views across the Broad Acres enjoyed by anyone playing a round at Hanging Heaton, perched as it is on an escarpment above the neighbouring towns of Dewsbury and Batley.

From the Pennines that range all along the western aspect, to the foothills of the Dales beyond Bradford to the north, Hanging Heaton feels very much ‘far from the madding crowds’ even though it’s very handy for both the M1 and M62 motorways.

A friendly club with a buzzing social calendar, and vibrant memberships among all categories, Hanging Heaton has a number of forthcoming landmarks and is celebrating them with a special offer to new members of 15 months for the price of 12 – already a very affordable £640 for 7-day rights and just £480 for the midweek membership.

There is also the opportunity to book lessons with resident PGA professional

Gareth Moore.

And this October is a big month for Gareth, who learned his golf at South Bradford and trained at Northcliffe, before becoming head pro at Hanging Heaton on October 19, 1999. To mark his 20 years in the job, this October 19 Gareth is hosting a 9-hole 4-ball, better ball competition which is sure to be well supported by the membership.

And October also marks the start of the first indoor Winter League competition featuring the club’s state of the art new Foresight GC Quad simulator.

Open to anyone with an official handicap – members or non-members alike – competitors will play eight 9-hole rounds on a pairs, better-ball basis.

And courses to choose from include the ever-popular Pebble Beach, Royal Birkdale, Wentworth West – which recently staged the PGA Championship – Carnoustie, Quail Hollow and more.

Details can be found on the dedicated website at www.yorkshiregolfsimulator. co.uk, where bookings can also be made for groups.

And for golfers who enjoy the social aspect of the game, it is worth mentioning that the simulator studio is exactly 23 paces from the well frequented clubhouse bar!

For visitors who want to experience the real thing out on this testing but fair 9-hole track, there are 13 different tees over the course of the 18 holes, and few first timers will forget their tee shot on the signature 4th, the Quarry hole.

At 247 yards it is only just shorter than the next hole, which is a par 4, and golfers have to trust themselves to make the 150 yard or so carry over, as the name suggests, a quarry, to a downhill green.

The introduction in recent years of new drainage channels have created strategically placed hazards for anyone thinking they can overpower Long-serving club professional Gareth Moore the course. tries out the Yorkshire Golf Simulator

Councillor wins battle to open new polling station HUNDREDS of residents in Hanging Heaton will now be allowed to vote at their local church hall after a councillor pushed for a rule change.

At a review of polling station boundaries, Coun Aleks Lukic (Ind, Dewsbury East – pictured right) highlighted that a large number of residents living near St Paul’s Church were not permitted to vote there.

Around 500 voters on Rathlin Road and surrounding streets had previously been forced to cross the busy Shaw Cross junction to vote at the community centre on Smallwood Road.

Kirklees Council’s acting returning officer proposed Coun Lukic’s recommendation to the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee, which approved the change at its last meeting.

Coun Lukic said: “It made no sense to me that these voters in Hanging Heaton were assigned to Shaw Cross Community Centre, and I’m delighted that the committee has agreed to let them vote at St Paul’s from now on.”

www.facebook.com/ThePressNews

Hanging Heaton Golf Club

founded 1922

One of the friendliest clubs in Yorkshire, with panoramic and picturesque views across the Pennines which can be enjoyed from various vantage points. A fabulous 9 hole course with different tees on 13 of the 18 holes

SPECIAL NEW MEMBERS’ OFFER! 15 months for the price of 12 7-day membership, £640 midweek membership £480 Hanging Heaton Golf Club, White Cross Road, Dewsbury, West Yorks WF12 7DT Tel 01924 430100 – Societies welcome Website – www.hhgc.org

Hanging Heaton GC is the home of the Yorkshire Golf Simulator. Play the world’s best courses on the world’s best simulator, the Foresight GC Quad.

As used by Rickie Fowler and Bryson Dechambeau.

The state of the art studio can be booked by members and non-members. Check the website for details

www.yorkshiregolfsimulator.co.uk

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

A family and a community Advertising Feature HORNHILL Community Academy isn’t your ‘usual’ type of school. We truly exist as ‘A School, A Family, A Community’, and we work together to ensure that every child who steps into the building is treated with respect, is given every opportunity to excel academically, and is given opportunities to build themselves as an individual to thrive as part of an ever-evolving world.

Whatever your child’s background or circumstances, TCA will ensure that they are given the tools to help them achieve the very best that they are capable of.

Whether that be an apprenticeship, college, sixth form or employment, we will work together with you to guide students to make sure that the envelope full of GCSE results at the end of the five years is not only full of outstanding results, but is also being opened by an outstanding person.

How will we do that for your child? We can make some guarantees, but we also need your commitment, too.

T

We can promise we will deliver excellent teaching and learning, matched to children’s needs, stretching and challenging them to think deeper, work harder and strive further.

We can also promise that we will reward the good conduct that we see, but that we will challenge any behaviour that doesn’t meet our high expectations.

We will give children every tool they need; we will light a fire to make sure their desire to succeed burns bright.

What do we ask of you? Simple – that you work together with us to make your children the best that they can be.

Our values – the ingredients that make any TCA student – are trust, openness, generosity, equality, tolerance, humility, emotional intelligence and resilience.

Striving to reach these, underpinned always with respect and effort, help turn TCA students into those who will make a difference in an ever-evolving world.

Join us at our open evening on Thursday October 3 between 5pm and 8pm, see us in action, and take the first step towards working TOGETHER towards an outstanding future.

15

16

ThePress

Friday September 27, 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.

Last chance for a boat ride this year MIRFIELD’S Safe Anchor Trust are holding their last Open Weekend of the year.

Free boat trips will run tomorrow (Sat) and Sunday from 10am to 4pm each day, starting and finishing at Shepley Bridge Marina.

The trips, lasting around 50 minutes, travel along the Calder & Hebble Navigation through Mirfield & onto the River Calder before turning for the return journey.

Trips operate on a first-come first-served basis but as there is a boat departing every 15-20 minutes there is usually never too long to wait.

Safe Anchor Trust have two boats that are suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

In addition to boat trips, a large model railway will be running and the cafe open serving hot and cold refreshments.

The trust is a charity operated entirely by volunteers – no charge is made for the boat trips but all donations are very gratefully received.

Timeless music and anecdotes Joe Brown 60th anniversary tour King’s Hall, Ilkley Bradford Theatres Box Office 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk Review by Janet Black ON TUESDAY I shared a quite wonderful evening at the King’s Hall, a beautiful venue in Ilkley.

In a packed auditorium and with an audience of similar enthusiastic fans of the 60s pop legend Joe Brown, we were entertained

by Joe himself and his accomplished fellow musicians playing fiddle, banjo, bass, percussion and, ukelele, of which Joe is a big fan and plays with love and humour.

Joe entertained us with anecdotes of his years in the music industry and talked of famous people who have shared his musical past and become great friends along the way.

As a raconteur Joe is second to none, and as a performer he is just as comfortable solo as with a band.

He is a musical talent that has successfully traversed the years and has a new band for this tour, more eclectic and with a different line-up to previous appearances.

During the evening Joe combined timeless classics, rockabilly, gospel, country, bluegrass and rock ‘n’ roll, all interwoven with his effervescent delivery and humorous reminiscences.

This lovely venue has a fantastic selection of shows and events coming up and into the new year, something to suit everyones taste.

I suggest you check it out.

Police band to play at St Saviour’s ST SAVIOUR’S Church in Ravensthorpe is hosting a fundraising concert with the West Yorkshire Police Band tomorrow night (Sat) from 7pm.

Tickets are £12.50 each and the event will raise funds for the church and Dewsbury West Community Centre.

MONDAY OCTOBER 7 GINNELS, SNICKETS AND ALLEYWAYS OF BIRSTALL Starts at 1pm at Oakwell Hall top car park (WF17 9LG) 5 miles – moderate Contact: Kathleen 01924 471473 kathleenoshea5@aol.com

SATURDAY OCTOBER 12 QUAKER BOTTOM Starts at 10.30am at Skelmanthorpe Co-op car park HD8 9DA (SE232106) 7 miles – moderate Contact: Andy 01484 866968 deacstimson@yahoo.co.uk

Time for Batley to get the party started

DEWSBURY Concert Society is on the lookout for new members.

The friendly group of singers meets on Wednesday evenings at Longcauseway United Reformed Church from 7.30 pm to 9.30pm to rehearse a varied programme of songs for concerts throughout the year.

New members are always welcome for all singing parts, but especially tenors and contralto singers.

No audition is required and all are welcome.

BATLEY FESTIVAL returns tomorrow (Sat) for another entertaiment bonanza in the heart of the town centre.

Taking over the cobbles of the Market Place and Memorial Gardens this year will be Mufti Games, One Kid & Their Dog, Bollywood performers The Firm Band Baja and many more performances and activities to entertain the whole family.

There’ll also be workshops for visitors to try their hand at, including Bhangra skills and Polish dancing.

The Magnificent Marquee will be up to shelter festival-goers, who can bring picnics or grab a coffee or lunch from one of the array of food trucks rolling in on the day.

Performances from Batley Community Choir and Sarah Taylor School of Dance will keep people entertained and the town’s streets will be lined with an artisan market.

Kimberley Thirkill, chairman of the festival, said: “It is a huge community effort to put on Batley Festival each year and I want to thank the team of local volunteers, without who none of this would be possible.

“I also want to pay tribute to our funders who have shown such faith in this festival as we continue to go from strength to strength. I can’t wait for families to see how we’re going to transform the town centre this year, and to see how many more memories they make as they explore the arts, crafts and performances on offer.”

Everyone is welcome from 11am to 5pm, and entry is free.

CJGriffiths Photography

Captivated from beginning to end Strangers On A Train Dewsbury Arts Group Review by Paul Goulden DEWSBURY Arts Group opened their new season with ‘Strangers on a Train,’ a play by Craig Warner, based on the psychological novel of the same name written by Patricia Highsmith.

Two men meet in the dining car of a train on a long journey from New York to the American South West.

Guy is a young architect with a failing marriage, initially reluctant to engage with the forceful Charles, a bored man living on family money.

Charles is clearly a psychopath. By the end of the journey he thinks he has done a deal and as the play develops he manipulates Guy until, by the interval, two people are dead.

Both leading men are outstanding.

Iain Winstanley, more familiar in lighter roles, shows Charles, losing control and descending into alcoholism.

Chris Avery, as Guy, is equally brilliant, conveying his nightmare of psychological torment and watching his life disappear

as the pressure builds up.

The action switches rapidly between a dozen locations, achieved without scene changes by the use of lighting, projection and an ingenious multi-level set designed by David Fletcher.

On DAG’s small stage this gives a feeling of claustrophobia that echoes the narrowing horizons of the

two men, a contrast with the wide open spaces of the USA at a time when rail was still the popular way to travel.

Director Susan Saville handles her experienced cast with a sure touch.

Although the other parts are smaller, all are essential to moving the story on.

This is not a mystery, it unfolds clearly before your eyes.

Particular mention must be made of Rachel Wood as the young wife, watching her husband’s self-confidence unravel.

I was not familiar with this play but was captivated from beginning to end, I genuinely loved it and the high standard of performance of all the actors.

Runs until Saturday September 28 at Dewsbury Arts Group, Lower Peel Street, Dewsbury.

Tickets online at ticketsource.co.uk/dewsburyartsgroup or call 03336 663366.

SPEN Valley Historical Society’s next meeting is on Wednesday October 9 when Patricia A Bell will give a talk titled ‘Little Known London (East End continued)’.

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

The cost is £2 per meeting for members, £4 for guests and membership is £10 per year.

For more information email scooper@thecoopers online.org.uk.

PEOPLE keen on learning how to dance are invited to a rock & roll jive class, held every Thursday at Heckmondwike’s Brighton Street WMC (8pm-9pm).

It costs £5 and is ideal for those who want to keep fit and have fun.

The class is followed by a social dance (£3) from 9pm11pm.

THE Dewsbury and District Rambling Club have a walk planned in Marsden (tomorrow).

Meet Cynthia O’Driscoll at the Wellington Road car park for 9am.

Want to publicise your event?

Call The Press on 01924 470296

Friday September 27, 2019

ThePress

17

18

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

ThePress Special Feature GOMERSAL Twilight Tattoos CRICKET CLUB & Piercing Studio

At the heart of the village A place for all the family JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL

HALLOWEEN PARTY SAT 26TH OCT FANCY DRESS • LIVE MUSIC GREAT BAR & GOOD PRICES • BIRTHDAYS FUNCTION • ANNIVERSARIES ROOM FOR • FUNERALS • EXCELLENT HIRE CATERING FACILITIES Oxford Road, Gomersal, BD19 4RQ

Tel: 01274 874100 AFTER 6PM

ESTABLISHED STUDIO, PROVIDING TATTOOS, PIERCINGS AND PIERCING JEWELLERY Our friendly, clean & modern Studio offers you outstanding, unique & inspiring designs Call & speak to our friendly & knowledgable staff Open: Tues-Sat 10.30 - 5.30pm

Find us on Twilight Tattoos & Twilight Body Piercing and Jewellery twilighttattoos@icloud.com

621 Bradford Rd, Birkenshaw, BD11 2AU Tel: 07824 328913

Keep it local!

SHOPPING locally means receiving professional, personal service from people who care about their business, right on your own doorstep.

One of the common themes of modern life that people complain about is the breakdown of community – but it’s in our hands to make a difference!

Villages like Birkenshaw and Gomersal are the lifeblood of our communities and the people plying their trade there are our neighbours.

The modern ‘convenience’ age of online shopping, faceless out-of-town shopping centres and the massive but personality-free supermarkets are an everyday part of our life.

But for real, friendly service, helpful personal advice that the bigger multi-national businesses can’t match, and for a rich diversity of goods and services, you can’t beat the warm and friendly high streets on your doorsteps.

But it’s the wide range of services available that sets your local town apart.

If you want top-quality food, a night out, beauty treatments, or even your car fixing,

you want someone who’s known locally, who’s accountable, and who’s keen to build up a reputation for doing a good job, at affordable prices.

That’s how we build local business, local friendships, and strengthen our communities – by keeping it local!

MONDAY

The Dancing House, Gomersal, BD19 4LF 10.00-10.45am Pre-school Sounds Right Phonics Class

TUESDAY

The Wesley Playhouse, Howden Clough, WF17 0HU 10.00-10.45am Pre-school Sounds Right Phonics Class with 15mins free play

WEDNESDAY

St Andrews Methodist Church, Liversedge, WF15 6EF 10.00-10.45am Pre-school Sounds Right Phonics Class

Our highly experienced and motivated team work hard together to ensure that your child gains the best out of their time spent with us, and has helped us grow to be one of the leading nurseries in West Yorkshire.

This is an outstanding nursery 2018 Ofsted says

We offer 30 hours free chidcare for working parents of 3 & 4 year olds 559 – 565 Bradford Road, Birkenshaw, Bradford, BD11 2AQ Open Monday to Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm

Open i ng

children a their parents to nd

rld a wo

of

rac e t i L

y

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

So passionate about caring for your children

19

ThePress Special Feature Find us on

Follow us on

Advertising Feature STAFF at Helen Howes Nursery are celebrating 30 years of caring for Birkenshaw’s future generations.

Helen began running the day care in 1989 because she couldn’t find a suitable nursery to send her youngest daughter, Charlie.

And life has now come full circle as Charlie, who was three when the nursery first opened, manages the business.

Helen’s eldest daughter, Danielle, also works for her mum.

“I still absolutely love my job, there’s never been a day in 30 years that I didn’t want to go to work,” said Helen, who’s seen her business go from strength to strength over the past three decades.

“We’re very passionate

about making sure parents go to work happy – they shouldn’t have to worry about whether their children are alright or not.

“That’s why I started the business because I couldn’t do that, I didn’t have anywhere like that for Charlie.”

Helen, who’s continued to work from the same building on Bradford Road since opening the nursery, says she has witnessed huge changes in the Birkenshaw area.

“We’ve stood by that village from it being a small place with everything in it, down to nearly nothing, for it now to be growing again into a thriving place.”

Helen Howes Nursery is open between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, with 7.30am early starts available.

For more information, call 01274 681643.

“Your journey is our drive” Reliable Drivers And A Great Service

The Airport Specialists ALL UK AIRPORTS SAME FARES 24/7 TAXIS & MINIBUSES 01274 1ST MILE ONLY

£2.50 68-99-99 www.europrivatehire.com

Euro Cars Private Hire Ltd, 387 Tong Street, Bradford, BD4 9RU

LUNCH MENU 12 – 2.30pm

2 courses £15.95 3 courses £19.95

SUNDAY LUNCH MENU 12 – 6pm

2 courses £19.50 3 courses £24.50 Young diners £9.50 3 courses £12.50

Join us at our newly opened restaurant in the heart of Birkenshaw Our LUXURIOUS EATERIE offers a GRAND DINING EXPERIENCE at very affordable prices Innovatively & skilfully cooked food Only the best of locally sourced produce is served We are an independent restaurant and are passionate about our Yorkshire produce & fabulous wines from around the world We have a regularly changing a la carte & tasting menu

XMAS MENU

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR PARTIES LARGE OR SMALL Dates still available

Sample menus available to view on our website grandcrurestaurant.co.uk

5 5 9 - 5 6 5 B r a d f o r d R o a d , B i r k e n s h a w, B D 11 2 A Q Te l e p h o n e : 0 1 2 7 4 6 8 6 2 2 2

20

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

T utti F rutti NAILS • HAIR • BEAUTY

A ngie’s A utumn O ffers

1. FREE LUXURY CONDITIONING TREATMENT WITH ALL CUT AND DRYS end 2. OLAPLEX & BLOW DRY £22.50 Recomm A Friend F 3. BOOK 2 CUT & BLOW DRYS GET XT£5TREAOTMFEN T YOUR NE lied on completion FOR ONLY £40 refund app erral of ref – normal price £50 .................................................................

Beauty by

J essica Rose

.................................................................

All Aspects Of Beauty Treatments Available .................................................................

LASH EXTENSIONS/LIFTS DERMALOGICAL FACIALS MAKE UP & WAXING .................................................................

LOOK OUT FOR JESS’S SPECIAL OFFERS ON FACEBOOK .................................................................

W edding P ackages A vailable Tel: 01274 864902

141 Birkenshaw Lane • Birkenshaw • Bradford • BD11 2HD

Centuries of living history IRKENSHAW is quickly maturing into an attractive place to live, shop and do business.

In the past the village may have been seen by pessimists as simply a ‘dormitory village’ for people commuting to nearby Leeds or Bradford but with an influx of new housing developments it’s also becoming a property hotspot.

But what about its history?

Like much of England, the Spen Valley was once heavily wooded and this is reflected in place names like Birkenshaw, which means birch grove.

The village lies at the crossroads between the A58 Leeds to Halifax road and the A651 Bradford to Heckmondwike road.

Birkenshaw is right on the edge of the Kirklees Metropolitan Council district, and is also perceived by some to be traditionally part of nearby Bradford – and the area sports a Bradford postal address.

The village joined Spenborough Urban District Council in 1937, along with Hunsworth and Hartshead, and then became part of Kirklees when the authority was created in 1974.

During the English Civil War a major battle took place just a mile east of Birkenshaw at Adwalton Moor, and involved many people from the area.

The local lords and landowners were made Royalist officers and made some good progress before the Parliamentarians took control of the area.

B

Local Royalist families were forced, after the war, to pay large fines to keep their lands and avoid imprisonment.

All the time clothiers were growing wealthier and by the end of the 17th century more than half of the wills in the parish came from men whose wealth came from textiles, chiefly cotton and wool.

Textiles, farming, ironworking and coal mining have all played their part in Birkenshaw’s development, but during the industrial revolution Birkenshaw – along with the rest of the Spen Valley – expanded rapidly, with populations rising five-fold or

BLUEHILLS FARM SHOP & PLAY BARN

more in just a century.

The hamlet of Birkenshaw Bottoms was gradually subsumed into Birkenshaw proper as the settlement expanded and The National Gazetteer Great Britain and Ireland of 1868 states that Birkenshaw was: “A hamlet in the parish of Birstall, wapentake, of Morley, in the West Riding of the county of York, seven miles to the SW of Leeds.

“It is a station on the Gildersome branch of the Leeds, Bradford, and Halifax Junction railway. Coal and ironstone are obtained in great abundance here, and many hands are employed in the cotton and woollen manufactures. The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Ripon, value £150, in the patronage of the Vicar of Birstall.”

St Paul’s Church (pictured left) in the centre of Birkenshaw was built in 1831 and substantially rebuilt in 1893.

The grade-II listed building also sported a church school which faced onto Bradford Road and the buildings have now subsequently been turned into Birkenshaw community hall, where pre-school clubs and community groups regularly meet.

The impressive Oakroyd Hall, set back off Whitehall Road, was built in 1867 on the land of what was the Halfway House Colliery.

Since 1964 it has been used as the headquarters of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, where the senior management have their offices.

ENJOY OUR BRILLIANT

Birkenshaw, BD11 2DU Tel: 01274 682007

SENSORY PLAY AREA

Call into our farmshop downstairs for MEAT, VEG & GROCERIES at FANTASTIC PRICES! ★ UNDER 3s & 5s ★ Babies & Toddlers

FANTASTIC ADDITION TO OUR EXISTING PLAYBARN

will love to interact in this special FUN AREA

for the best fun playbarn in our area! ...........................................

GROOVY MOVIES! FOR THE OLDER KIDS - THEIR OWN

Music & Dancing Every Wednesday & Friday 10.30am

PLAY BARN OPEN 7 DAYS NO TIME HAVE LIMIT YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY HERE!

D E D IC A T E D PLAY AREA

with GO KARTS • FOOTBALL • SLIDES • CLIMBING ROPES and so much more fun to be had in our BRIGHT & CLEAN

NEW & IMPROVED ADVENTURE AREA Mums, Dads, Grandmas & Grandpas, Childminders - Bring The Kids Along!

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

Classified Want to advertise in our Classified section?

Call 01924 470296 or email advertising@thepressnews.co.uk

BUILDING & LANDSCAPE SERVICES

PROSPECT BUILDERS & LANDSCAPE GARDENERS

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

AIR/GAS CYLINDERS

AERIAL & SATELLITE

Home-From-Home Environment Copper Stillbarn, Upper Batley, Low Lane, Batley, WF17 0AW

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM ON 01924 470296

NICHE JOINERY For all your joinery & carpentry needs

We offer a quality, affordable and professional joinery / carpentry service

• • • • • • • • • • •

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Windows Doors (Internal and external) Stairs Kitchens Wardrobes Skirting and architrave Bespoke work undertaken Floors Walls New Build Domestic

07894 878837 Niche.Joinery

10% DISCOUNT ON ALL AERIALS WITH THIS ADVERT

The Airport Specialists

● Welding ● Cutting ● Helium for balloons ● Industrial gases such as Nitrogen, Oxygen, Helium and Hydrogen

ALL UK AIRPORTS SAME FARES 24/7 TAXIS & MINIBUSES

● Forklift Trucks ● Heating

68-99-99

Delivery or collection available

MALCOLM’S 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 450 999

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

Reliable Drivers And A Great Service

Your local supplier of Air Products & Calor Gas Cylinders

Providence Mills, Wormald Street, Heckmondwike, WF15 6AR Tel: 01924 403212 Email: george@english-textiles.co.uk

BATHROOMS

01274

Euro Cars Private Hire Ltd, 387 Tong Street, Bradford, BD4 9RU

BEDS

Free no obligation quotes

Family Run Business Open 7 Days

Designs and Visuals available

173-175 Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, BD19 3TJ

Visit our showroom

(Next to The Horncastle Pub)

Bradford Road, Dewsbury 01924 460239 www.splashingoutbathrooms.co.uk @splashingoutbathroomsltd

Your Local Quality Butcher

5kg Chicken £28 2.5kg Chicken £15 5lb Steak Mince £12.99 See instore for more details

CHARTERED SURVEYER

CHIMNEY SWEEP

DAVID G. HORNER

18 Broadgate, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 0PU Tel.Wakefield (01924) 275275 Email: davidghorner1@btconnect.com Fax.Wakefield (01924) 271860

128 Huddersfield Rd, Mirfield

T: 01924 492185 CARE HOMES

Residential & Dementia Care Home

Providing 24-hour Care, Respite & Day Care 27 Church Street, Heckmondwike 01924 404122

CAR BODY REPAIRS

COACH TOURS

The Press Carols – no other Travel local paper can touch us on advertising prices!

01274 851477 QUALITY COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS

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

www.carolstravel.co.uk

COMPOSITE DOORS

Steven Clay Composite Doors

From a scuffed bumper to a full re-spray CARS AND LIGHT COMMERCIALS AND FLEET WORK UNDERTAKEN INSURANCE REPAIRS COURTESY CARS

All work guaranteed

Unit 3, Wensleydale Mills, 825-829 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 8NN

u.P.V.C Double Glazing. Large range of quality, affordable composite doors. Many styles & colours Double glazed windows 30 years experience Fully backed by Certass Trust Marked Approved Please ring for no obligation quotes

07778 615829

Email: s.clay757@gmail.com

COMPUTING

Tel: 01924 443071

CAR BOOT SALE 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

YOU PAY HOW MUCH TO ADVERTISE??

CALL US ON

01924 470296

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

BEDS & MATTRESSES

01924 474851 or 07456 441100

CHARTERED SURVEYOR VALUER BUILDING ENGINEER BUILDING SURVEYOR

www.europrivatehire.com

SPLASHING UT B AT H R O O M S A family-run business supplying & installing high quality bathrooms, ensuites & cloakrooms

BUTCHERS

GARLANDS

Please contact us via telephone to book a free quotation on

Cylinder Gas Agent

STILL BARN CATTERY & DOG GROOMING

• Qualified Bricklayer & Plasterer • Building Work • Rendering • Gardening Work • Fencing • Decking • Flagging & Concreting • No Job Too Big or Small • 25 Years Experience • Free No Obligation Quotes • Damp Specialist • Timber Treatment • Basement Conversions • Wall Tie Specialists

CARPENTRY / JOINERY

Remember folks, not everyone uses social media!

CATTERY

All building work, property maintenance & home improvements

Call Marc Tel 07834 383957 or 01274 887911 Email prospectbuilders@hotmail.com

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!

21

CALDER CLEAN CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING • • • • •

Stain removal protection Anti-allergy treatment Curtains & blinds cleaned Insurance work undertaken Rug cleaning

Call Tim Riordan Tel: 01924 490241 / 07770 462239

www.calderclean.co.uk

25

years service

www.junction26beds.co.uk t. 01274 879100 www.facebook.com/ThePressNews

Follow us @ThePressLatest

Computer Problems?

Sick of Cowboys?

MAIN

PC DOCTOR 07976 877 768 23 Years Experience

• No Repair, No Charge • No call out charge • We repair on site

Park House, High Road, Dewsbury

FOR YOUR PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

CALL OUR OFFICE IN BATLEY ON 01924 470296 The MOST affordable advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees

Classified ThePress

22

DOORS, DECKING & TIMBER

CYCLES

HARGREAVES cycles SPECIALISTS

MOUNTAIN - ELECTRIC BMX - ROAD - KIDS ACCESSORIES CLOTHING COMMUTER/LEISURE MAINTENANCE Finance Available Free Delivery

www.hargreavescycles.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

DOUBLE GLAZING

ALL TYPES

DECKING

SOFTWOOD HARDWOOD COMPOSITE

01924 469726 400 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, WF13 3EL

www.draysontimber.co.uk DRIVES & PATIO SPECIALISTS

Ultimate Glass Ltd

www.ultimateglassltd.com - 1st for glass in Dewsbury

SAME DAY GLAZING Paul Walker, proprietor UNIT 2 QUEENS MILL, QUEEN STREET, RAVENSTHORPE, DEWSBURY, WF13 3BT PHONE: 07786 191217 FAX: 01924 452500

Local Domestic Electricians Fully Qualified and Certified Father & Son Team Over 30 Years Experience (working in peoples homes)

No Call-Out Charge Contact

Jason

07929 850056 Email:

jpeelelectrical@gmail.com Facebook search

J Peel Electrical

FENCING

All major debit/credit cards available

FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL

07973 959968 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

YOU PAY HOW MUCH TO ADVERTISE??

CALL US ON

01924 470296 FISH RESTAURANT

TS FENCING & PROPERTY 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

from £295

TARMACADAM BLOCK PAVING INDIAN FLAGS etc

All Work Undertaken (ranging from putting up a light fitting to full house rewires)

YOU PAY HOW UP+OVER MUCH TO DOORS ADVERTISE??

PENSIONERS DISCOUNT AVAILABLE

ALL AREAS OF KIRKLEES & CALDERDALE COVERED

OPEN 7 DAYS

FRESH FISH, COOKED TO PERFECTION!

TEL: 0113 253 5376 Britannia Road, Morley, Leeds, LS27 0BA

www.themermaidfishrestaurant.co.uk

01924 470296

Makeovers, Facelifts, Revamps, Repairs, Alterations

Free quotes 01924 506616 www.kitchenbedroom.co.uk HYPNOTHERAPY

Mirfield Hypnotherapy Centre

GARDENING SERVICES

Green & Tidy Garden Maintenance

Let Dave Cut Your Grass All gardening & Maintenance work Free estimates 20 yrs experience No job too small Please call 01924 527852 07875 052983 HAIR & BEAUTY

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

Fears and phobias Smoking cessation

Weight management Anxiety management

Confidence building Fear of public speaking Appointments available 8am-8pm, 7 days

GARDENING SERVICES

• Lawns & Hedges • Regular or One-off tidy • Weeding • Jet washing • Fully Insured

N ails H air B eauty P ackages

• PAMPER PARTIES • WEDDING MAKEUP • PROM • SPECIAL OCCASION

and more!

enquiries@ mirfieldhypnotherapycentre.com www.mirfieldhypnotherapycentre.com Tel: 07580 107241 (Andrew) or 07808 931714 (Louise)

The MOST affordable advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees

MASTER LOCKSMITH

HARFORD’S SECURITY LTD NELSON STREET, DEWSBURY, WF13 1NA

TEL: 01924 467269 FAX: 01924 430800 MASTER LOCKSMITHS ACCESS CONTROL INTRUDER ALARM INSTALLERS

Call Martyn 07703 858245 HGV TUITION Independent

LLoockcsmaithl

All Aspects Of Driving

Tel: 01274 686211 www.atkinslgv.net

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM ON 01924 470296

HOYLES DENHOLME

WANTED

MOTORHOMES & CAMPERS TOP PRICES PAID We can come to you Instant Bank Transfer, Cash or Draft Contact Tim Hoyle anytime

01274 832836 • 07786 735544 OVEN CLEANING

PAINTER & DECORATOR

PLASTERER

PAINTING & TIM PRYKE DECORATING PLASTERING Exterior & Interior Telephone Steve

07884 495530 01924 476432

No Job Too Small Quality Workmanship!

Free Quotes Telephone

01924 492272 07990 956685

PLUMBING & HEATING

MASTER LOCKSMITH

Obtain your HGV or PCV Licence With Ease Use The Professionals Over 30 Years Experience

MOTORHOMES

WEBSITE: www.harfordssecurity.co.uk

T utti F rutti

Tutti Frutti 141 Birkenshaw Lane Birkenshaw, Bradford BD11 2HD

RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY

CALL US ON

01924 850141 07836 723821

Tel: 01274 864902

The Mermaid Fish Restaurant

KITCHENS & BEDROOMS

GARAGE DOORS

SPECIALISTS

ELECTRICAL

J. Peel Electrical

230 Bradford Rd, Batley Tel: 01924 461996 dencroftgarages.co.uk

fitted, repairs, remote supply only

Want to advertise in our Classified section?

Call 01924 470296 or email advertising@ thepressnews.co.uk

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Drayson’s DENCROFT GARAGES Concrete Garages & Sheds Timber Dismantle & Bases Garage re-vamps DOORS Garage Doors

Ultimate E.J.GREENWOOD Glass Ltd DRIVEWAYS & PATIO 01924 452500

GARAGES

Friday September 27, 2019

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Emergency Lock Replacement Locks Changed Locks Fitted Snap Safe Cylinders Fitted UPVC Specialised

Over 20 years in the business

07977 127676

MOTOR CARE

Car body repairs Imperial Motor Company 107 Bradford Road, Dewsbury Tel: 01924 461607 or 07860 754984

MOTORCYCLE LESSONS & MORE

SPECIAL OFFERS ON NEW HIGH EFFICIENCY BOILERS 7 YEAR GUARANTEE SERVICE INCLUDED

A.T BELL PLUMBING & HEATING

From a dripping tap, to a full central heating system, bathrooms designed supplied & fitted

10 years guarantee available on selected boilers

Check us out on

Landlord Servicing & Certificates

Call Tony today for a quote on Mobile: 07831 260466 or 01924 492556

11557

SPS PLUMBERS Fit your bathroom or we can supply

FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ ThePressNews

WORCESTER BOSCH SPECIALISTS • All Boilers - Breakdowns Checks & Services • Full Bathroom Installations • All Electrical Work Undertaken • All Work guaranteed By Our Qualified tradesman

Follow us @ThePressLatest

TEL JOHN 07802 470860 01924 490665

Gas safe registered

www.spsplumbers.co.uk

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

PUBS AND CLUBS

Millbridge CLUB One of the area’s friendliest clubs.

TOP CLASS TURNS • BINGO - SNOOKER

Low Beer/Lager Prices!

★ EVERY SUNDAY ★ ★ BINGO NIGHT ★ Starts 9pm

★★

CONCERT ROOM FOR HIRE • PRIVATE PARTIES WELCOME

FIND US ON FACEBOOK 01924 402696 Bennett St, Liversedge, WF15 7ER REMOVALS & CLEARANCES

ROOFING

HARVEYS REMOVALS .COM

SIMPSON DENNIS

Full/Part House Removals House Clearances Ebay/Online Items Collected Single Item Pick-ups/Delivery Home and Garden Waste Cleared Full Packing Service Available (call for details) No Job Too Small

FAST FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Call Michael on 07740 815883 or 07795 433008 (Office)

SCRAP METAL

SEAMSTRESS

WILKINSON BROS

Reel to Reel

SCRAP METAL MERCHANTS

All Types Of Metal IMMEDIATE PAYMENT

• Copper • Brass • Lead • Aluminium and all types of cable (01924) 469409

SELF STORAGE

SKIP HIRE & SCRAP SERVICES

TIDYWASTE SKIP SERVICES SKIP HIRE & SCRAP YARD SERVICES

Tel Mirfield

01924 497776 Mobile 07768 298739

Domestic & commercial

www.simpsondennis-roofing.co.uk

ALL SIZES OF SKIPS 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE KIRKLEES RELIABLE SKIP HIRE COMPANY AFFORDABLE SERVICES SECOND TO NONE

Approved by leading insurance companies

Unit 10, Westend Mills, Brick Street, Cleckheaton, BD19 5EH Tel: 01274 851120

ALL INSURANCE WORK UNDERTAKEN

07901 750921 • 01924 485168

FURNESS ROOFING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ALL TYPES OF ROOFING REPAIRS • New Roofs • Flat Roofs • GRP • Chimney Stacks • Gutters, Pointing • Fascia and Soffits • Insurance Work • General Building Work • Leadwork • Velux Windows

01924 406941 07850 786270

www.furnessroofing.co.uk email: mark@furnessroofing.co.uk

Station Road, Bradley, HD2 1UW

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

SCAFFOLDING SERVICES

Chem Scaffolding Limited Providing excellent service since 2006 Fast, Reliable Service & Competitive Rates

Tel: 01924 480992 Mobile: 07778 809295

Smithies Mill 883-887 Bradford Road Batley, WF17 8NN Phone: 01924 474 384 Fax: 01924 420 199

www.competentasphalt.co.uk

info@chemscaffolding.co.uk www.chemscaffolding.co.uk

Email:

WANTED

SCRAP CARS & VANS WANTED Cash paid & free collection Open 7 days a week

07743 134616

S.D Metals Recycling

The MOST affordable advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees WILL-MAKING SERVICES

WESTFIELD WILLS FROM £99 HOME VISITS POWERS OF ATTORNEY ASSET PRESERVATION HAVE YOUR WILL DRAUGHTED IN YOUR OWN HOME, AT A TIME TO SUIT YOURSELF 194 Oxford Road, Gomersal, BD19 4HA Phone: 01924 036888

www.facebook.com/ThePressNews

For a swift service please call:

07576 779385

All roof repairs. Insurance work Re-roofing, lead and chimney work – Reduction for OAPs All work guaranteed, free estimates Established 25 years

Pointing, guttering and general maintenance work

Roofing Specialists Est Over 50 Years All Work Fully Guaranteed

Based in Batley

(Roofing Services)

RW Roofing & Property Repairs

COMPETENT ASPHALT Co Ltd

More than 30yrs experience

14 Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury, WF13 3PH

ROOFING

ROOFING

Clothing Alterations Dress Making Soft Furnishings

Follow us @ThePressLatest

www.westfieldfs.co.uk

House Clearances No Job Too Small

Quality WATCHES BOUGHT Foreign Currency All available currencies bought & sold

NOW IN

CLECKHEATON INDOOR MARKET CALL ANDREW ON

07980 767167

WINDOW REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

WINDOWS • DOORS • REPLACEMENT GLASS UNITS • HANDLES • LETTERBOXES • ANTISNAP CYLINDERS • LOCKS & SERVICES Window cleaning services also available

CALL JASON 07954 150983 01924 504216

email: windowsapane@gmail.com www.windowsapane.co.uk

23

Classified Want to advertise in our Classified section?

Call 01924 470296 or email advertising@thepressnews.co.uk

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

ADVERTISE YOUR PUBLIC NOTICE! Contact 01924 470296

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

24

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

PUBLIC NOTICES

Marketplace Turn your unwanted items

into cash £££s 1) Ring Angela on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (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 One True Design office chair, black leather task chair, gas lift & tilt, unassembled in box, £50. Tel 01924 469537. (2489) 3 x winter warm oilfilled radiators, 1600 watt, £25 each. Tel 01924 469537. (2489) 2 x Canterbury office chairs, black, unassembled in box, £50 each. Tel 01924 469537. (2489) Conservatory suite comprising of one twoseater settee and one chair, £7. Tel 01274 876814. (2490) 50 vinyl records, 12” LPs and 7” singles. Big bands and various artists of yesteryear. In good condition, £5 the lot or will separate. Tel 01924 519750. (2491) CLOTHING Leather coat, size 12, as new. Stone colour, offer over £50 will secure. Tel 07802 460630. (2486) 4 x white evening dress shirts size 16 & 16 1/2” collar, worn once. £3 each. Tel 01924 519750.

(2485) DIY New knee pads suitable for carpet fitter/flag layer, £5 ono. Tel 01274 876814. (2480) Timber-effect porcelain floor tiles, grey/brown in colour. Tile size 12.5cm x 60cm each. Up to 50 sq metres for sale, £16 per metre. Can be viewed as laid in seller’s kitchen.

Buyer to collect. Tel 07503 927237. (2459) Old engineering bricks, 5 sq metres available. Ideal for gardening or path project. £40. Buyer to collect. Tel 07503 927237.

(2459) ELECTRICAL LEC industrial fridge and freezer (both worth £1,600 when new). 1.6m high x 60cm W x 60cm D. £75 each or £125 for both. Buyer to collect. Tel 07503 927237. (2459) FURNITURE Wooden round table and 4 chairs that fit neatly under table. £40, Possible local delivery.

Tel 01924 470866. (2488) 2 x La-Z-Boy electric recliner chairs, very good

clean condition. In full working order. Buyer to collect, £475 for both or will split. Tel 07999 882257. (2479) Double bed including mattress and headboard. £60, buyer to collect. Tel 07764 574203. (2473) FREE - Three-seater settee and two armchairs.

Cream leather, reasonable condition. Collection only Tel 01924 494704.

(2474) Two-seater settee, beige with modern Aztec pattern. Excellent condition and very comfortable, £50 ono, buyer to collect.

Tel 07876 163070 (Mirfield). (2471) Dark beige armchair with autumn leaf pattern.

Excellent condition and very comfortable, £35 ono, buyer to collect. Tel 07876 163070 (Mirfield).

(2471) Three-piece suite, 3seater sofa with recliners plus two armchairs.

Cream/ beige colour, excellent condition, £300, buyer to collect. Tel 01924 454929. (2467) GARDEN Standard holly trees & bay trees in pots from £10. Tel: 07415 238960 (2483).

Lawnmower, adjustable speed and cut depth, heavy duty. Hardly used.

Cost £400, sell £70. Tel 07922 019632. (2461) Qualcast Concord 32 lawnmower with adjustable cut depth. £30. Tel 07922 019632.

(2461) Garden chipper, used only twice. Excellent condition, £25. Buyer to collect. Tel 07503 927237.

(2459) HOUSEHOLD Good-quality Oriental rug predominantly burgundy & cream flower pattern & cream fringing. Size 9 1/2 ft x 6 1/2 ft. Recently dry cleaned & still in wrapping. Can deliver locally (Ossett), £90. Tel 01924 274137. (2484) New TV bracket. Fit up to 39-inch, £5 ono. Tel 01274 876814. (2480) Curtains, very heavy, in beige/gold colour lined brocade. 6ft D x 10ft 10ins W. Immaculate condition. Cost £345

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 (receipt available), accept £30. Tel 07949 282066.

(2463) Heavy pine fire surround with cream marble inset and gold-coloured electric fire (cost over £1,000). Dismantled, ready for collection, £299 ono. Tel 07806 984349.

(2458) KITCHEN/ DINING Stoves new home gas cooker, white with glass top, 4 burners, 2 ovens one with grill. Good condition buyer to collect (Ossett), £50. Tel 01924 274137. (2484) Solid oak quality dining table & 4 chairs. 3ft square with 2 extensions of 14”, perfect condition due to being covered.

Cost over £1,000 when new, sell £120, buyer to collect. Tel: 01924 274137 (Ossett). (2484) Hotpoint built-in electric double oven – black, as new, fan assisted (needs to be seen). Offers over £100 secures. Tel: 07802 460630. (2486) Kenwood Chef Mixer (as new) complete with accessories. Offers over £50 secures. Tel: 07802 460630. (2486) Oval glass-topped dining suite. Measures 5’ x 3’ complete with 4 matching chairs with cream fabric seats. Black lattice steel framework. All unmarked in very good condition. £45. Tel 0113 2049824 (Morley area).

(2482) Retro coffee machine with milk frother, only used twice, £25. Tel 01924 495640. (2460) MOBILITY Mobility scooter, approx 5 years old. Battery in

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11

good working order with charger. Will dismantle for easy transporting. £185 ono. Tel 07999 882257. (2481) MOTORING New Ultimate Speed bottle jack. Lifts 3,000kg, £15 ono. Tel 01274 876814. (2480) 4 x VW alloy wheels with good tyres (185 x 55 x R14). To fit VW Golf MK 3 or 4 or Polo MK 3 or 4.

Four stud, £120. Tel 01924 444867 /07981 863679. (2478) MUSICAL Various electric guitars, £100 each ono. Tel 01924 402931. (2464) PET GOODS MMG dog cage, to fit Ford Focus estate or similar. 1m x 1m x 70cm high, lockable with escape hatch, £50. Tel 01924 497360. Buyer to collect. (2487) SPORT/ EXERCISE Six mountain bikes in various sizes. £25 for the lot. Tel 07596 757453.

(2477) Billabong wetsuit, size large with shoes and gloves, £30. Tel 01924 430088. (2476) Jag short leg wetsuit, size large £20. Tel 01924 430088. (2476) One set of boules and three coloured jacks to match. In plastic holder.

Never used, £7. Tel 01924 519750. (2470) Mountain bike. Very good condition, £40 ono. Tel 01924 423533. (2466) Set of Dunlop golf clubs with bag, trolley and numerous balls. £20, buyer to collect. Tel 07503 927237. (2459)

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

25

RUGBY UNION

Cleck shine in the sun to defeat YMCA North One East

CLECKHEATON RUFC HUDDERSFIELD YMCA

32 20

CLECKHEATON made it two home wins out of two with a deserved victory over Huddersfield YMCA at a sun-drenched Moorend.

They bounced back in perfect style from their previous defeat at Percy Park, showing great fitness to come from behind in the second half and earn a bonus-point win.

Cleck had to cope with a couple of late changes to the team. Skipper Matt Piper was a late withdrawal and was replaced by James Wilson on the right wing with Mikey Hayward starting at inside centre, whilst Brad Marsden was awarded the captaincy. Niall Jackson returned in the front row, with Archie Rika-Rayne, Cain Crotty and Charlie McGovern on the bench.

Cleckheaton opened the scoring on three minutes after good driving by the pack and a measured crossfield kick from Dale Breakwell found Wilson. YMCA’s defence were committed to the ruck and the ball was spun left for Jack Seddon to stroll over the line for a first try this season by a Cleck forward.

Breakwell added the goal to make it 7-0, and then slotted a 25-metre goal to put his side 10 points in front after as many minutes when YMCA were guilty of not releasing in a tackle.

BIG EFFORT: Andy Piper goes in for a tackle in Cleckheaton’s win at home to Huddersfield YMCA The Huddersfield side hit back after winning a penalty and kicking to the corner. Stout defence saw the ball held up over the line but from the five-metre scrum that followed Sean Barrett crossed for a try, which was converted by Gavin Stead.

Cleckheaton scored their second try when progress was made by Brad Marsden, Joey Carley and Tom Austin, before quick hands by Breakwell and a lovely pass from man of the match Olly Depledge put Seddon in again on 27 minutes to make it 15-7.

Cleckheaton were putting themselves under pressure by trying to

force an extra pass when it may have been better to take the tackle and go through the phases again.

On 32 minutes Seddon was penalised for an offence at the ruck and Stead kicked the penalty to take the score to 15-10.

With two minutes to go in the half YMCA took the lead when outside-half Alex Bull powered through some ragged tackling to score next to the posts. Stead added the goal so the visitors led 15-17 at half-time.

Cleckheaton had a couple of opportunities to regain the lead early in the second half. Breakwell narrowly missed a 45-metre penalty and also tried an outrageous drop-

PHOTO: Simon Hall

goal from a similar distance that very nearly made it.

The Moorenders also knocked on in a promising position deep inside the opposition 22.

However, Cleck’s front row of Andy Piper, Rika-Rayne and Jackson took the ball against the head and Depledge put Wilson in for an unconverted try. Stead added another penalty for a hand in the ruck offence to level the scores at 20-all and the last quarter was set to be a thriller.

YMCA got an advantage when Cleck full-back Jack Marshall was adjudged to have illegally slowed the ball down as they pressed the

line. He was dispatched to the sin bin for 10 minutes but the hard graft delivered by strength and conditioning coach Lee Queeley in preseason now came into its own and a fitter-looking Cleckheaton would not be breached despite the disparity in numbers.

A monstrous kick out of defence

by Breakwell led to YMCA getting penalised for not releasing. Whilst they were expecting a routine kick at goal, Breakwell took a quick tap and, after exchanging passes with brother Tom, went in for an opportunist try, which also earned Cleck a bonus point. He added the goal to make it 27-20.

Cleckheaton’s fifth and last try came on the back of good work from Carley, who made some good yards down the left and handed on to Depledge, who was tackled inches short of the line. The ball was quickly recycled and Danny Booth glided in-field past the defence for a well-finished try.

YM tried to get some consolation points as the game came to an end but strong defence, with Ryan Piercy putting in a few of his classic slam-down tackles, meant their efforts came to nought.

Tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) Cleck travel to Leeds for a first league encounter with promoted side Moortown. Both teams go into the game with identical records, with two wins and 10 points each from their opening three games.

HOCKEY

RACING PREVIEW WITH MIKE SMITH

Bedouin could be the big Story HERE ARE three superb two-year-old Group races over Newmarket’s Rowley Mile course this weekend, but the historic 1m1f Cambridgeshire Handicap is one of the big betting races of the year.

Carrigill’s have reported strong interest in Andrew Balding’s NICE BIRTHDAY following this week’s rainy spell. The three-year-old likes to get his toe in and any more rain will enhance his chances over this unusual trip.

He did well to overcome a tardy start and trouble in running at Beverley last time out, showing a good turn of foot to get past Desert Icon in the closing stages.

There is an element of guesswork regarding just how testing the ground will get, but it’ll be surprising if there isn’t some form of ‘soft’ in the description given the volume of wet stuff predicted by the weatherman.

More juice will also prove welcome for battle-hardened handicapper BEDOUIN’S STORY at a succulent 16-1.

Saeed bin Suroor’s charge has a formidable record on going described as ‘good to soft’ or worse and although he is yet to win over further than 7f, he has been seeing his races out strongly this year, finishing with a wet sail when an unlucky second in a good race

T

over 1m at Chelmsford latest.

The four-year-old is by stamina-influence Farhh and out of Sadler’s Wells mare Time Crystal, herself a 1m4f winner from a family full of stayers, so there is no doubt in my mind that BEDOUIN’S STORY will cope with the step up to this unique nine-furlong trip.

Mark Johnston’s RAFFLE PRIZE has looked one of the best juveniles around and could be first out of the hat when she drops back to fillies only company in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes over 6 furlongs.

After winning the Queen Mary she was impressive when giving 3lb to Daayeh to land a second Group 2 at Newmarket in July, and only Andre Fabre’s colt EARTHLIGHT got past when she

attempted to make all in the Prix Morny.

EARTHLIGHT is the favourite in what could be the best Middle Park Stakes for years and lines up against Richard Hannon’s unbeaten MUM’S TIPPLE. But the Herridge handler believes his other horse in the six-furlong contest, THREAT, has been “massively overlooked”.

MUM’S TIPPLE was hugely impressive in an 11-length demolition job in a sales race at York, but Hannon has never made any secret of the regard in which he holds THREAT – winner of the Gimcrack at York and the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster on his two most recent starts – and yet he is available at doublefigure odds with Carrigill’s.

CITRON MAJOR can overcome a disappointing show in last week’s Ayr Silver Cup and go well for Nigel Tinkler at Ripon tomorrow (Saturday), a course where two visits have produced a win and a creditable third in the Great St Wilfrid.

CARRIGILL’S NAP: (money back as a free bet if finishes outside top 4): MUM’S TIPPLE, Saturday, Newmarket, 3.00.

AUGUR’S BEST BET: BEDOUIN’S STORY, Saturday, Newmarket, 2.40.

Slazenger’s under-12 girls took part in a tournament at Leeds Adel Hockey Club last Sunday, and were praised for their teamwork. They drew the opening game 0-0 against Northallerton before close defeats to Driffield, Leeds Adel and Halifax.

Slaz firsts lose it late in season opener Slazenger Men’s 1st 0-2 Leeds 4th AFTER a gruelling summer of fitness training the Slazenger firsts’ squad looked primed and ready for the season opener.

Both teams had chances in the first half but it was 0-0 half-time.

As the second half progressed Slazenger’s had several chances but couldn’t convert, and Leeds scored two late goals to get the win.

Men’s 2nd 9-2 Doncaster 4th THE seconds got off to a strong start following last sea-

son’s promotion with a big win on the road. Asad Baig got no fewer than seven goals while Isaac Fisher and Damo Grieg scored the others.

Men’s 3rd 1-2 Brigg 3rd THE third team were beaten in a hard-fought encounter in Brigg with Tim Carr scoring their only goal.

Men’s 4th 7-1 Bradford 3rd Men’s 5th 0-4 Kingston-upon-Hull 4th Ladies’ 1st 2-2 Kingstonupon-Hull 1st THE Ladies’ first team picked

up a creditable draw away at Hull in their first game of the season, with Mollie Gilbert and Holly Tyers scoring their goals.

Ladies’ 2nd 2-3 Skipton 1st THE second team were edged out at home to Skipton, despite goals from Mia Davies and Sarah Cooper.

Ladies’ 3rd 1-2 Thirsk 2nd CARO Schofield gave the thirds a first-half lead at Thirsk but the hosts came out firing in the second half to turn it around and edge the win.

Ladies’ 4th 0-4 Ben Rhydding 6th

ThePress

26

Friday September 27, 2019

FOOTBALL

Repeat thrashing as Ossett beaten in replay FA Cup

OSSETT UNITED COLNE

0 4

Stephen Ibbetson at Ingfield COLNE cruelly ended Ossett United’s FA Cup run with a ruthless victory in Tuesday night’s second qualifying round replay, in a repeat scoreline of last month’s league thrashing.

United had done well to force the replay after a goalless draw in the original tie last weekend, largely thanks to a heroic display from goalkeeper Brett Souter.

They never looked to have much chance of beating the Lancashire side at Ingfield though, as a lacklustre display was punished in clinical style.

United were uninspiring from the start and Max Hazeldine almost gave Colne the lead when he clipped the crossbar with a left-footed drive, before two goals in the space of three minutes put them in the driving seat.

Andy Monkhouse cleared Anthony Donaldson’s header off the line but Donaldson received the ball again moments later and found the bottom corner from the edge of the box for the first goal of the tie.

The second was much quicker in coming and it was provided by exOssett man Aidan Chippendale.

Hazeldine was found in space down the right and passed to the winger, and Alex McQuade failed to take the

ball from his former teammate before he fired into the far corner.

Ossett were struggling to make any progress up the pitch, resorting to a succession of long balls which Colne’s towering defence had little problem in dealing with. Tom Greaves had a half-chance from one ball which slipped through, but couldn’t find the target.

The visitors still looked the likelier to score in the second half but it took the introduction of winger Will Hasler-Cregg from the bench to see them wrap up the game.

First he tested Tom Scott, another substitute after replacing the injured Souter in the Ossett goal, before his ball into the box was placed perfectly for giant striker Sefton Gonzales to nod in with ease.

United came closest to some form of consolation when, after Nick Guest’s effort had been blocked behind, Alex O’Keefe headed the resulting corner agonisingly wide of the post.

Instead Colne completed their misery with 12 minutes to go as a terrible mistake saw possession lost in the box and Connor Hughes was handed the simplest of finishes.

United’s focus now switches to the FA Trophy as they begin their campaign in that competition at home to Widnes on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

They then return to Northern Premier N/West Division action on Tuesday night with a third home clash on the bounce, welcoming Runcorn Linnets (kick-off 7.45pm).

PHOTO: John Hirst

ON THE BALL: Tom Greaves looks for space

FA Cup

COLNE OSSETT UNITED

0 0

Daniel Johnson at Sovereign Play Stadium IN THE late September sunshine, a heroic performance from Brett Souter meant Colne and Ossett United played out a lacklustre draw in Lancashire with neither side creating many open-play chances.

Since the league meeting between the two sides, where Colne ran out 4-0 victors, Ossett United have gone unbeaten, but they failed to threaten the opposition goal regularly enough to impact the game.

Andy Welsh’s men started the game well. Great work from Tom Greaves meant Nick Guest had the chance to

Joe the hero in crazy cup tie NCEL League Cup

BARTON TOWN LIVERSEDGE FC

4 4

Liversedge win 4-2 on penalties JOE WALTON is frequently the hero for Liversedge but their star striker outdid himself in a crazy clash at Barton Town on Tuesday night, scoring two goals in an eightgoal thriller before making a crucial save in the penalty shoot-out after going in goal.

Three days after scoring an eightminute hat-trick to seal a late league win, Walton netted a brace before taking the gloves when goalkeeper Gary Stevens was forced off in the second half through injury.

Although he couldn’t prevent Barton from equalising to take the dramatic tie to a penalties, he saved their first spot-kick from Ben Hinchliffe before Peter Winn skied his effort to send Liversedge through.

Hinchliffe had scored two goals himself in normal time for the hosts, including a ninth-minute opener. The ball was played through to the striker and he curled an effort into the bottom corner to put Barton in front.

Liversedge reached the final of this competition last season and looked determined to enjoy another run.

They were on level terms just three minutes later, with Walton taking advantage of an error at the back from the hosts to tap in.

Marc Cooper was denied by Stevens before Hinchliffe was tripped in the area in the 36th

minute. He stepped up to take the penalty himself and converted to make it 2-1 at the break.

Barton could have been in an even stronger position at the interval, but Cooper was only able to nod a free header straight at the keeper.

At the other end, Sam Riches pulled off a fantastic double save to deny Sedge.

Liversedge took the game by the scruff of the neck early in the second half though, with three goals in the space of 12 minutes appearing to have put them on course for the third round.

Walton got the first of those, smartly lobbing the onrushing goalkeeper from the edge of the box to level the scores.

They took the lead with a more fortuitous goal when, in an attempt to clear an incoming cross, defender Matt Plummer instead prodded it into his own net.

Just four minutes after that, another error looked to have put

the game out of Barton’s reach.

Riches went to clear the ball but it ricocheted off Sedge forward Oliver Fearon and in.

Liversedge couldn’t keep their focus to see the game out though, with Tom Waudby first giving the home side hope with a low strike finding its way through a crowded box.

Walton then had to don the gloves when Stevens was forced off the field through injury, and he couldn’t stop substitute Reece Moody from converting a Winn cross with 10 minutes to go.

Neither side could find a ninth goal in that time and the game went straight to penalties. Liversedge’s first kick was converted before Walton pulled off a great save to keep out Hinchliffe’s effort.

The next six penalties were all scored to put Winn under pressure, and he rifled his effort over the crossbar to allow Sedge to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Three arrive LIVERSEDGE have bolstered their squad with three new arrivals at Clayborn in the past week.

Goalkeeper Gary Stevens joins after playing for Nostell Miners Welfare last season, and is a former Tadcaster Albion, Emley and Handsworth player.

Winger Rhys Davies has returned to the club after scoring seven goals as a regular

OSSETT UNITED LADIES moved into the second qualifying round of the FA Cup with a dominant 7-0 win at Bridlington Rangers.

Emily Starkie got them up and running with the first goal last weekend before Chelsea Schofield, Danielle Sidebottom and Ellie Betteridge all scored doubles.

United will face familiar opponents in the next round on October 6 when they head to Durham Cestria, who defeated them in last season’s North East Women’s League Cup final.

Before that, they travel to Harrogate Town Ladies on Sunday (kick-off 2pm) looking for their first league win of the season.

GOOD TO BE BACK: Rhys Davies (right) returns to Sedge starter in Jonathan Rimmington’s team last season.

Rimmington has also

brought in Louis Horne, a former Bradford City defender, after time away from the game.

add to his goal in the previous game against Ramsbottom, but the winger was denied by a block.

Ex-Ossett man Aidan Chippendale threatened often for the home side and after winning a free kick for Colne, the resulting shot was deflected off the wall. Minutes later he had another chance following a soft drop to the floor by big target-man Sefton Gonzales, but his shot was wide of the goal.

Colne looked most dangerous from set-pieces and in particular corners and were denied the lead by Souter, who dived to his left to save a powerful header from Colne centre-back Andrew Hollins.

The second half started in the same vein as the first, as neither side managed to carve out clear opportunities to go ahead. Ossett United appeared

to be the team most determined to be in the hat for the next round with sustained pressure going forward from Elliott Harrison and Greaves holding the ball up effectively.

Eventually, Ossett’s pressure buckled, and Colne built some sustained chances, including a corner kick which was whipped in by Chippendale, but Souter again kept Ossett on level terms with a sensational stop in his top left-hand corner to deny Hollins once more.

Souter saving United was becoming the pattern of the game, as he again did well to keep out a well-struck Waqas Azam free-kick.

Ossett had the best chance of the second half though, with Nick Guest failing to convert his shot across goal after a delightful flick over the Colne defence from substitute Luke Porritt.

Late treble puts Sedge joint-top as impressive start continues NCEL Premier Division

AFC MANSFIELD LIVERSEDGE FC

2 4

A LATE hat-trick from Joe Walton saw Liversedge steal the three points at Mansfield and move up to second place in the league table.

The scores were locked at 1-1 heading into the final 10 minutes, but Mansfield had been much the better side as they looked to maintain their 100 per cent home record.

Liversedge were clinical when it mattered though, and netted three times in the space of eight minutes for the win.

They did make the better start to the game and Walton had two early opportunities to score, seeing his header ruled out for a foul before glancing another corner just over the crossbar.

Oliver Fearon lobbed over goalkeeper Hugo Warhurst, but the flag was already up for offside.

He didn’t have to wait much longer for a goal against his old side though, rounding Warhurst to score after the keeper’s clearance had hit his back.

Mansfield grew into the game following the opener. Luke Walker couldn’t put the ball past goalkeeper Gary Stevens, who had earlier palmed wide Cameron Hough’s effort, and Ross Duggan’s deflected long-range effort was blocked by the stopper.

Liversedge could have been further in front at the break, but Alfie Raw’s attempt was blocked by Brett Lucas and Fearon skimmed an

effort the wrong side of the post.

The hosts came out determined in the second half and were level within 10 minutes as Diggan glanced Jack Warner’s cross in.

They had enough chances to win the game as well, the biggest coming when Duggan had rounded Stevens only to blaze his shot over the bar with two Sedge defenders on the line.

Mansfield were simply not clinical enough, and Walton would show them how it’s done.

The striker finished off a quick counter for his first, poking the ball past substitute goalkeeper John Stancliffe after a swift move up the pitch.

He then emphatically headed home a Liam Marsden long throw just two minutes later to make it 3-1 with five minutes to go, but the result was not in the bag just yet.

Luke Walker, who had put a chance wide just before Sedge regained the lead, couldn’t miss with a minute of normal time left as he poked in a rebound from close range.

But the points were finally made safe in the first minute of injury time with another classy finish on the break from Walton after Jake Thompson’s pin-point pass.

Only goal difference separates Liversedge from top spot in the division ahead of a tough test at Clayborn tomorrow (kick-off 3pm), when fellow promotion-chasers Yorkshire Amateur visit.

Sedge then begin their West Riding County Cup challenge on Tuesday night with a first-round trip to Campion (kick-off 7.45pm).

ThePress

Friday September 27, 2019

27

RUGBY LEAGUE

Brereton wins top Shaw Cross award DEC BRERETON won the Player of the Year award at Shaw Cross Sharks’ open age awards night last Friday.

Brereton scored seven tries in 16 appearances in an impressive campaign for the Sharks in NCL Division Two and no player received more man of the match awards, and the centre was also handed the Back of the Year prize.

The only player to score more tries in the season was Callum Barker with 11, and the half-back took the Players’ Player of the Year award after an impressive first season in open age rugby.

The Forward of the Year award went to hard-working prop Luke Hudson, who always made a big impact in the middle in his 19 appearances.

The only player to feature in every game for the Sharks was Elliott Richardson in a fantastic debut season, and he was rewarded

Rivals ready for play-off showdown...

DANGER MAN: Dec Brereton won the Sharks’ Player of the Year award with the Young Player of the Year prize.

Meanwhile, experienced and

dependable forward Neil Watters was named as the Clubman of the Year.

Stags in good shape for Pennine League opener THE RE-LAUNCHED Mirfield Stags will play their first league match in two years this weekend as the Pennine League begins.

East Leeds will be the visitors to Mirfield’s ground on Slipper Lane for their Division One season opener tomorrow (Saturday).

The club made their first outing last week in a comfortable 44-4 win in a pre-season friendly at Illingworth.

Aaron Nicholson led the way with a brace of tries while Oliver

Rounding, Lewis Martin, Luke Manning, Ben Kendall, Adam Allerton and Brad Delaney also scored. Martin kicked five conversions and Richard Casanove also added one.

Stags head coach Richard Silverwood said: “The scary thing is we won the game with ease and I still think there are massive improvements in us, which bodes well.

“The lads are buzzing with confidence and can’t wait to play on

home soil for the first time in two years this Saturday.

“We aim to have a team Mirfield can be proud of again – and to show up this Saturday and deliver.”

Hanging Heaton will also compete in the Pennine League’s top tier but do not have a fixture on the opening weekend.

In Division Two, Thornhill Trojans host Seacroft Sharks while Shaw Cross Sharks start with a home match against Kings Cross Park tomorrow.

Quartet to stay at Mount Pleasant for 2020 Continued from back page “But we’re working hard behind the scenes to get some more strength in depth in the squad, and hopefully within a week or two the squad will be finalised.”

Four more of last year’s squad have had their new deals confirmed by the club in the past week, with Lewis Galbraith, Joe Taira, Wayne

Reittie and Danny Yates all staying put for another year.

Galbraith, 24, who can play at centre or on the wing, will enter his third season for Batley, having made 46 appearances and scored 11 tries since first signing from Rochdale.

Powerful prop Taira, 30, was also originally brought to the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium from the Hornets,

ATHLETICS Official award for volunteer Jean A DEWSBURY-BASED official won an award at this week’s England Athletics Regional Volunteer Awards.

Jean Jackson, 73, from the Wakefield Harriers club, was presented with the Official of the Year prize at a special awards night at the Holiday Inn in Wakefield to celebrate volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to athletics in Yorkshire and Humberside.

“I began officiating 25 years ago in Hull when my daughter began competing,” she said. “Then I decided to become qualified, in 2001 I was put on the national list and was lucky enough to be at London 2012.

I now enjoy working closely with Wakefield Harriers as club secretary and general volunteer.

“My main interest now is supporting the young people’s development leagues as well as acting as field referee in many local meetings.”

AWARD: Jean Jackson

and played 19 matches in his first season for the club in 2019, scoring three tries.

The 2020 season will be an eighth at the Bulldogs for experienced winger Wayne Reittie. The 31-yearold had his first spell at the club in 2011 and then re-joined from Halifax in 2014, making 152 appearances in total and scoring 89 tries.

And 25-year-old Yates has committed to a second season at the club after injuries limited the half-back to 17 appearances in 2019 following his move from Rochdale.

The departure of Paul Brearley has been confirmed this week with the giant back-rower, who impressed in his first season after signing from Rochdale Mayfield, snapped up by Championship rivals Halifax.

Meanwhile, the club plan to begin pre-season training early in November, and Lingard says that he is looking forward to getting on the training field when their recruitment is done.

“When you’re doing this stuff off the field it’s probably the busiest time of the year, your recruitment phase, getting your training venues sorted and your plans in place, and discussing everything with your backroom staff.

“Once the training starts, that’s the exciting period when you can see what you’ve got, and see which players are putting their hands up to make a bid for the starting shirts in the first league game of the season.

“We’re probably going to have five or six weeks of really intense training before the Boxing Day game, then give the guys a little bit of time off over that New Year period before they come back full tilt in January.”

PHOTO: Ash Milnes

SCRAMBLE: Will it be Dewsbury Celtic or Batley Boys that grasp their chance?

DEWSBURY CELTIC and Batley Boys will go head-to-head this weekend in the NCL Division Three playoff semi-finals.

Celtic will have home advantage at Crow Nest Park tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm) in the Heavy Woollen showdown after finishing a place and two points ahead of their neighbours, in fourth spot, in the regular season.

They secured an emphatic 68-30 home win over Hensingham last week to seal that place, while Batley fell to a 28-6 defeat at champions Woolston Rovers.

The rivals have played three

times so far this season, with the home side coming out on top on each occasion.

Celtic won 26-10 in their first league meeting in May but the Boys have won the two most recent clashes at Staincliffe, claiming the league points with a 29-22 win in June before an 18-12 success in the Heavy Woollen Cup in August.

Batley enter the play-offs in poorer form though, losing four of their past five matches.

In contrast, Celtic have won three of their last four and have only been beaten once on their own turf all season.

Celtic warm up Boys fail to spoil champions’ party with biggest Three score of year NCL Division WOOLSTON ROVERS 28 BATLEY BOYS

NCL Division Three

DEWSBURY CELTIC HENSINGHAM

68 30

A FINE win over Hensingham on the final day of the regular season saw Dewsbury Celtic secure a home playoff semi-final.

George Senior deservedly took the man of the match award, leading the way with an 18-point haul of three tries and three goals.

Jermaine Akaidere also scored a hat-trick of tries with two from Nathan Waring, in a game that Celtic virtually had won by half-time when they led 32-12.

Will Copley, Danny Thomas, Drew Judge-Clarke and Paul Foulstone also crossed as Celtic recorded their highest points tally of the season, with Charlie Heaton landing six goals with one from Dom Senior.

Finn Barwise, Steven Smith, Aaron Turnbull (two) and Luke Charlton scored Hensingham’s tries and Callum Sirkett landed all five goals but they were comfortably second-best.

6

BATLEY BOYS finished the regular season in defeat as they failed to prevent Woolston Rovers sealing the league title.

Woolston broke the deadlock after 17 minutes with a Josh Bray try as Ben Dixon landed the conversion, and Dixon then added his own converted try to put them 12-0 in front.

The Boys, already guaranteed a play-off place, responded just before half-time with an Aaron James try and Adam Bingham conversion, while the hosts were down to 12 men after Josh Sudlow had been sin-binned for throwing the ball at an opponent while his side were on a team warning.

Batley lost a player early in the second half themselves, with Nathan Williams shown yellow for use of the elbow on 43 minutes.

That allowed Rovers to get back on the front foot and they scored three second-half tries to lift the trophy with Adam Flies scoring twice and Danny Griffiths also crossing the whitewash, while Dixon landed two goals.

Lee looking for help as assistants depart

White signs as Dogs aim to complete squad

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

DEWSBURY RAMS boss Lee Greenwood is on the hunt for a new assistant coach following the departure of his brother Gareth and Rikki Sheriffe.

Both coaches were originally brought in ahead of the 2019 season, with Gareth Greenwood a former boss of amateur side Siddal.

Sheriffe, brother of current Rams forward Jode, has also left and has been linked with a return to his former club Halifax.

Head coach Greenwood said: “I’d like to thank Gareth and Rikki for their hard work during what has been a challenging year.

“They both have bright futures in their coaching careers should they choose to continue in the game.”

Greenwood has said that he is looking for just one assistant coach for the 2020 campaign, and preferably somebody looking to start their own coaching career.

Meanwhile, the Rams have continued their squad-building for next season with the announcements of two further resignings, as prop Martyn Reilly and hooker Dom Speakman have penned one-year deals at the Tetley’s Stadium.

Reilly, 23, missed a large part of last season with an ACL injury but recovered to make 12 appearances to help Dewsbury avoid relegation.

He played 11 games in his first season at the club in 2018, after joining from Halifax, and off the field has helped to establish their ‘Rampage Club’ for junior sides.

Greenwood said of the forward: “Martyn had already impressed me before his return from injury with his attitude and commitment.

PHOTOS: Simon Hall

INBOUND: Ben White playing for Halifax last season

LEAVING: Dewsbury Rams assistant coaches Gareth Greenwood and Rikki Sheriffe have both left the club “I had come across him before and I know he’s a likeable character, his work with the Rampage Club alongside Kyle Trout this year has been fantastic and a big positive for the club and the local juniors.

“Since his playing comeback, he has worked hard at his game and he’s the type of person I like to coach – honest, hard-working and willing to improve his game.”

Reilly says the way that he was treated during his lengthy spell on the sidelines was a key factor in wanting to remain at Dewsbury.

“I missed the back end of the first year, and the first half of last season,” he said. “However the club stood by me and Mark (Sawyer, Rams chairman) looked after me and sort of pulled me in.

“He put an arm around my shoulder and said he liked the look of me and what he’d seen.

He said the club was going to keep me on board and help me through my recovery.

“To be honest it was an easy decision for me. I had no thought of going anywhere else. I want to be here, a lot of clubs might just turn their backs on an injured player.

NEW DEAL: Martyn Reilly

“However he didn’t, he wanted me here, he looked after me and I want to repay the club. Hopefully I will get a full pre-season under my belt and have a full season with Dewsbury finally.”

Speakman returned to the Rams during the 2019 campaign, having originally left ahead of the season to join Championship rivals Widnes.

The 25-year-old struggled to establish himself in their team and came back to Dewsbury, scoring three tries in four matches to add to 74 appearances and 17 tries in his first three-year spell at the club, having first moved from North Wales in 2016.

“I am really pleased we’ve managed to secure Dom for next season,” said boss Greenwood.

“He impressed me immediately after joining during last season and it’s great that he’ll be with us from day one of pre-season.

“He’s a smart and tough player and I feel like him and Sam Day will compliment each other well next year.”

CRAIG LINGARD hopes to have his Batley Bulldogs squad finalised in the next couple of weeks, after the club’s first new signing of the off-season was announced this week.

Two weeks into the job following his appointment as head coach, Lingard currently has 15 players tied down to deals for 2020, including two new signings.

One of those has now been confirmed as half-back Ben White who joins on a one-year deal from Barrow Raiders.

White, 24, started at Leeds Rhinos and appeared in Super League before impressing in three seasons at Swinton Lions.

Following a spell in Australia with Berkeley Eagles he joined Halifax, but he struggled to make an impression last season and finished the year in Cumbria.

White is only the second half-back on the club’s roster for next season alongside Danny Yates, whose own deal has been confirmed this week, after the departures of Louis Jouffret and Dom Brambani.

Lingard says that his focus now, with the help of former Bulldogs head coach Karl Harrison who has returned to club to assist with recruitment, is on finding further additions to the squad.

“We’re working behind the scenes, and with Karl Harrison as well, looking to get some players identified coming in,” said Lingard.

“It’s 13 players from last year that will return and will be announced in the coming weeks, and there’s a few we’ve already recruited externally.

Continued on page 27