The Press – Friday December 20, 2019 by Yorkshire Golfer

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Friday December 20, 2019

TERRY AT TIPPING POINT INSIDE: What’s on the festive box?

SPECIAL PULL-OUT

Disgraced businessman cries foul at Council action By Staff Reporters A DEWSBURY councillor has raised concerns of a Kirklees Council witch-hunt against disgraced local businessman Tahir ‘Terry’ Zaman. Mr Zaman appeared in court in November on fly-tipping charges brought by the local authority, relating to land in Pepper Royd Street, Eastborough, which is subject to planning applications for a range of apartments in the derelict mill buildings.

That case was adjourned for trial in February. Mr Zaman was back at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (December 12) when similar charges were brought relating to another piece of land he owns at Caulms Wood Road. That case has been adjourned until March. However The Press has been sent documents showing that Dewsbury East Labour councillor Cathy Scott raised a “formal complaint” with the council’s Strategic Director of Economy

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and Infrastructure, Karl Battersby, over Kirklees’s approach to the convicted slum landlord, who already had a range of offences to his name – including fly tipping – before he was disqualified as a company director for six years, back in March. Coun Scott (right), who is a member of the Heavy Woollen planning sub-committee wrote: “Mr Zaman is not happy that the council are continually targeting him on issues.” Continued on p2

No. 925

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ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Zaman cries foul at Kirklees action Deaths

Family notices in The Press

TEALE Carrie (Caroline) (nee Lettice)

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

Passed away 14th December Much loved mother to Bren and Becky, much loved Gran, Great Gran and Sister. Funeral will be held at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium Friday 3rd January 2020 at 10.30am. Family flowers only please. Donations to Motor Neurone Disease Association.

BEDFORD Brian David On December 13, at home aged 61, Brian, son of the late Florence and John Bedford. Funeral service will be held at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday December 30 at 10am.

ENGLAND Alan Died peacefully on December 11, aged 66, of

Crematorium, Somerset on Friday Jan 3 at 2pm.

Birstall. Son of the late Constance and Ronald. Funeral service will be at Eric F Box Funeral Directors, Bradford Road, Dewsbury, on Monday December 23 at 11.30am.

HOLMES Anthony Paul On December 11, aged 62, husband of Gillian. Funeral will be at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Tuesday December 31 at 11.15am.

HARRISON Eric

KELLEY Ronald

On December 11, formerly of Hartshead, aged 86, in Nashley House, Weston Super Mare. Service will be at Sedgemoor

On November 28. of Mirfield and formerly Staincliffe, aged 90, husband of the late Betty. Funeral will be at Huddersfield Crematorium on Monday Jan 6 at 2pm.

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On December 14, of Birstall aged 92, husband of Marjorie. Funeral will be at St Peter’s Church, Birstall on Thursday January 2 at 11.30am.

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THINN Maung On Sunday, December 15th, of Batley, aged 87 years. Peacefully in hospital after a short illness. Maung, much loved husband of Sybil, loving dad of Thiri, father-in-law of Ian and brother-in-law of David. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Friday, December 27th at 10.30am. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Maung for the benefit of Shelter may be made on leaving the crematorium or sent to Eric F. Box Funeral Directors, Bradford Road, Dewsbury. Crematorium on Monday January 6 at 1.15pm.

SMITH Maureen On December 12, of

Heckmondwike, aged 81, wife of the late Gordon. Funeral service will take place on Monday January 6 at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium at 12.30pm.

PEARSON Bertrand

In Memoriam

On December 14, of Batley aged 91, husband of the late Mary. Funeral will be held at Dewsbury Moor

INGHAM Ellen Another Christmas without you, we shared 45 together before you were taken, those were the happiest for me. Rest in peace my love. Your husband Terry

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Continued from p1 Coun Scott added: “What is worrying to me he may have a point that there appears to be no resolve and a continued pattern of enforcement.” Coun Scott’s concerns were raised on November 12, the week after the trial was due to be heard at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court. It was adjourned after Zaman told the court one of the witnesses he planned to call had died suddenly. That was believed to be former Heavy Woollen Planning sub-committee chairman and Dewsbury East Labour councillor Paul Kane. Coun Kane was found dead at his Bywell Close home the previous evening. An inquest into his death is pending. Planning applications for the Pepper Royd Street development posted near the properties show Tahir Zaman as the applicant, on behalf of the company Zeyy Ltd, registered at his home address in Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury. Zeyy Ltd’s only director is his son Yusuf, who is facing the same tipping charges along with his brother Mohammed Eesaa Zaman – both also of Heckmondwike Road – and a fourth man Uwais Rashid of James Street, Batley. They also face charges relating to controlled waste offences in Walker Street, Earlsheaton. All four men have pleaded not guilty.

Bin collections stop for two weeks from 24th By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter

waste and recycling collections will continue as normal up to and including December 24. There will be a 12-day break over the festive BIN collections in Kirklees will end period, which means everyone will on Christmas Eve and begin again miss one bin collection. on January 6. The council has made special But residents will be able to put arrangements to ensure people out up to three bags of excess who have their bins emptied on a household rubbish beside their Wednesday or Thursday – includbins on their first New Year collecing Christmas Day and Boxing Day tion of 2020 up until January 14. – don’t miss a collection two Kirklees Council says normal weeks in a row. For bins due to be emptied on Christmas The Press abides by the Day, a special collecprinciples of the Independent tion will take place on Press Standards Organisation January 3. Friday December 20, 2019 and at all times attempts to Bins scheduled for Issue No: 925 report fairly and accurately a Boxing Day collecand correct mistakes or tion will be emptied 31 Branch Road errors as soon as possible. on January 2. Batley In the first instance, contact Coun Rob Walker, West Yorkshire the editor, otherwise we will the council’s Cabinet WF17 5SB be happy to give details of the Member for Tel: 01924 470296 Independent Press Environment said the Fax: 01924 472561 Standards Organisation. authority had tried to www.thepressnews.co.uk keep arrangements as @ThePressLatest If you notice a factual simple as possible to inaccuracy, please email minimise disruption /ThePressNews news@thepressnews.co.uk. over the festive periPublisher: Danny Lockwood You can also write to od. Reporters: Zoë Shackleton The Press, Residents who wish & Connor Teale 31 Branch Road, Batley, to visit the borough’s Sports Reporter: WF17 5SB recycling centres over Stephen Ibbetson Christmas will find Photography: We adhere to the Editors’ them open every day Mike Clark & YappApp Code of Practice as enforced except Christmas Day, Graphic Designer: Craig Moore by IPSO, who are contactable Sales Manager: Boxing Day and New Lucy Tissiman for advice at: Year’s Day. Key Account Manager: IPSO, Gate House, You can find waste Jo Gilbert 1 Farringdon Street, and recycling collecSenior Sales Executive: London, EC4M 7LG tion dates and recyJanet Black Website: www.ipso.co.uk cling centre opening Classified Sales Executive: Email: advice@ipso.co.uk times at www. Rachael Hall Telephone: 0300 123 2220 Office Manager: Angela Hall kirklees.gov.uk/bins.

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A case management hearing in November went ahead in Terry Zaman’s absence as he was overseas – he is thought to spend the majority of his time in Saudi Arabia. Karl Battersby, Strategic Director for Economy and Infrastructure, said: “We do not target people in any circumstances but we take our enforcement responsibilities very seriously and when we have reason to investigate an offence we will. “As elected representatives local councillors regularly raise concerns to the council on behalf of their constituencies, which is what has happened here. “The issue Coun Scott contacted us about was around an ongoing problem with waste being dumped on land owned by Mr Zaman and she has been briefed about this directly. “Mr Zaman raised some wider concerns and they have been noted and are being treated as a formal complaint, which will be investigated fully.” Regarding the Pepper Royd Street Mills, a plan submitted in October to convert first and second floor offices to residential was refused on November 15, while another application to convert the ground floor to nine apartments is still under consideration, but has been opposed by more than 70 local residents in a petition.

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

important notice – no press next week! RACE yourselves. Due to the Christmas holidays, there’ll be no Press next Friday. With Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day falling on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week, that leaves The Press’s hard-working staff too little time to prepare an edition for you to really get

No edition on December 27 – but normal service resumes on Friday, January 3 your teeth into. So instead of selling you short, for the first time in several years The Press

team is taking a welldeserved break and not publishing a paper on Friday December 27.

It also means that our offices at 31 Branch Road, Batley, will be closed from the end of today (Fri) until 9am on Friday December 27, when we will be back hard at work on the January 3 edition. • Everyone at The Press would like to wish our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Body found in river is missing pensioner Colin By Staff Reporters A BODY found in the River Calder has been identified as missing Dewsbury pensioner Colin Vasey. Police divers searching the river discovered the body close to a builders’ yard at Horbury Bridge at around 12.50pm on Tuesday (December 17).

Mr Vasey’s family has now formally identified him. Detective Chief Inspector Fiona Gaffney said: “Following an extensive search over the past four weeks, we are sad to inform the public that a body has been found in the search for Colin Vasey. “This wasn’t the outcome

we were wishing for but we hope Mr Vasey’s family will now have the closure they need and can begin to grieve for Colin. “They have requested that their privacy is respected at this time. “I would like to thank all those who have helped in the search for Mr Vasey – the outpouring of support

Picture Jon Foley, Beyonder Photovision

Star Hecky students recognised at prize-giving HUNDREDS of guests attended Heckmondwike Grammar School’s annual senior prize-giving in the grand surroundings of Dewsbury Town Hall. The event, held on Tuesday, paid tribute to year 11 and 13 students and their outstanding success in the 2019 exams.

The audience was entertained by the school’s Soul Band, which was accompanied by vocalists performing a medley of songs from Phantom of the Opera. Aaisha Kara was awarded the Jo Cox Memorial Award for his services to the community and

Sara Saloo was presented with the Rex Scolarum award for the highest academic success (three A* grades at A-level). Guests of honour Gordon, Jean and Kim Leadbeater – parents and sister of Jo Cox – awarded prizes to the top performing students.

Students’ surprise gifts for Hazel, 79 A MIRFIELD pensioner took delivery of unexpected Christmas gifts when four secondary school students visited her. Hazel Bancroft, who lives in Royd Court, a retirement home close to the town centre, has struck up an unusual relationship with some local youngsters. Since moving into the area in May last year, the pensioner started to notice four

Mirfield Free Grammar pupils walking by her flat daily. “They pass on their way to school on a morning and then again on an evening,” she said. “I wave at them every day from my window but we don’t know each other personally.” It came as a surprise then, when the children visited Hazel’s flat with a Christmas gift last week.

“I was astounded,” she said. “Young people get a bad press these days but it was so kind of them.” Erin, Oliver, Ellie and Lucy dropped off two presents for the 79-year-old, who says she won’t be opening them until Christmas Day. “I haven’t opened them yet, but one rattles and I did allow myself to open the Christmas card they gave me,” she joked.

and the response from the public has been nothing short of immense. “We have had hundreds of people helping in whatever way they can, from providing and searching for CCTV, to on-the-ground searches. “Their support is greatly appreciated by Mr Vasey’s family, the police and the wider community.”

News In Brief Church lays on three-course spread CLECKHEATON: St John the Evangelist Church is hosting a Christmas meal on December 25. Organised by Margaret Couch, the free meal is open to singles, couples and families. There will be a three-course meal, entertainment between courses and ‘Secret Santa’ giftgiving. People are asked to meet at St John’s Community Room, in the town centre, on Christmas Day for 12.30pm. To book a place, or volunteer at the event, call 01274 874661before Sunday.

Sally celebrations HECKMONDWIKE: Kirklees Mayor Coun Mumtaz Hussain will attend the 10th birthday celebrations of the town’s Salvation Army charity store. Coun Hussain will visit the shop with Mayoress Noreen Hussain tomorrow (Saturday, 11am). They will hand out long service awards to Ray and Mavis Mackereth for 10 years of service. Paul Thompson, Suzanne Glazebrook, Sandra Pickersgill and Valerie Spreadbury will also be recognised for their five years’ service. A cake-cutting ceremony will take place and the Salvation Army band will perform outside the store in Market Place.

Festive fun session BATLEY: St Thomas’s Church is hosting a messy festive fun session on Saturday. There will be a variety of Christmas crafts, songs and refreshments at the event on Grosvenor Road. Workshops run from 11am to 12.30pm. For more information call 01924 726461.

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

GENERAL ELECTION 2019 / DEWSBURY & MIRFIELD

‘I would like to see politics a bit nicer’ says new Tory MP

Tories ‘caught mood of nation weary of Brexit’ By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter LIB DEM peer Baroness Pinnock of Cleckheaton says Boris Johnson’s Tories have caught the mood of a nation weary for a decision on Brexit. Speaking at Friday morning’s Kirklees election count, veteran Kath Pinnock, a former council leader, said parts of the country would still be neglected under a new Tory government. “The Conservatives have understood how the country has felt about Brexit. It’s hung around for three-and-a-half years and people are fed up with it,” she said. “They have caught the mood of the nation. “Even people that voted Remain have told me that they are voting for the Conservatives, probably for the first time, because they are fed up with the Brexit arguments.” She added: “What I worry about is what happens next, because all the forecasts are that the country will be less well off; so how on earth are we going to have the money to improve our public services, which we desperately need, such as social care? “The Conservatives have won a majority but with a majority comes responsibility. “There are a lot of deep-seated ills in the country and the Tories are very superficial. “They are now going to have to take responsibility for addressing those ills properly. “What you cannot have is a large part of the country being neglected, as Yorkshire has been over the last four or five years. “Across the country it will be depressing. What it shows is that our hopes that we could make the argument for remaining in Europe have been rejected in this election. “For me that is extraordinarily sad.”

CONSERVATIVE Mark Eastwood took the Dewsbury seat from Labour incumbent Paula Sherriff on a night of massive Tory gains nationwide. In a closely-fought two-horse race, Mr Eastwood polled 26,179 votes, with Ms Sherriff coming in second with 24,618. Mr Eastwood, a local Tory activist for the last decade, had previously stood six times in Kirklees Council elections and took the seat in his first candidacy as a parliamentary hopeful. He overturned Ms Sherriff’s 3,321 majority from 2017 and said winning was “a great feeling”. “To coin a footballing phrase, I’m over the moon – very pleased,” he said. Mr Eastwood acknowledged the “fantastic result” for the Tories both locally and nationally and put some of his success down to running a positive campaign in his home town. “There has been quite a lot of unpleasantness in politics. Maybe Brexit has contributed to that,” he added. “I would like to see politics

Firth wins by-election FORMER Labour councillor Eric Firth returned to Kirklees politics by winning the Council by-election in Dewsbury East. The poll was called following the death of Labour stalwart Paul Kane and Mr Firth, who was unseated from the Dewsbury East ward by Independent Aleks Lukic in May, polled 3,299 votes to reclaim his place as a councillor. The Conservatives’ Keith Mallinson was second with 2,669 and Chris Stoner (Dewsbury Borough Independents - Heavy Woollen District) was third with 1,515.

be a bit nicer in the future.” In a magnanimous acceptance speech, he paid tribute to Ms Sherriff for being a hardworking MP for the town and said there had never been a bad word between them. He reiterated his pledge: “The first priority will be to get Brexit over the line. “When you’re in a ‘Leave’

Sherriff’s powerful pledge: ‘Labour will be back’ Despair... Paula Sherriff fights back tears after losing Mike Clark

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‘Over the moon’... triumphant Conservative Mark Eastwood

DEWSBURY’S former MP Paula Sherriff (Lab), who lost her seat to Mark Eastwood (Con) in last week’s general election, has spoken publicly for the first time since her defeat. In an emotional and personal statement given to The Press, Ms Sherriff said: “I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who have put their trust in me over the past four-and-a-half years and those 24,618 people who

voted for me last week. “It has been an honour and a privilege to represent Dewsbury in Parliament and has been so much more than just a job for me. “I’m proud to have been a Labour MP, proud to have done my best for Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton and, above all, proud of the positive difference my team and I have made to the lives of local people.

area where 57 per cent voted Leave, people want that vote respecting. We encountered a number of people on the doorstep who said they’d voted Labour all their lives who said they’d be switching to the Conservatives and I think that was reflected in the result. “The unpopularity of Jeremy Corbyn was also a major issue. One chap said he was on the picket line with Arthur Scargill and said he’d be voting for me, which was pleasantly surprising. “We knew it was going to be positive and we felt we could win it, but we knew it was going to be a tight result in the end.” Looking to the future he said, “the hard work starts now” and, adopting the mantra of Boris Johnson, added: “Let’s get Brexit done.” An exhausted-looking Paula Sherriff left Cathedral House in Huddersfield soon after the count without speaking to the media. Mr Eastwood was sworn in as an MP in the House of Commons on Wednesday and told The Press he was settling in well to his new role. “I offer my congratulations to Mark Eastwood, thank him for taking part in a fair campaign, and in his new role as Dewsbury’s MP, urge him to always act in the best interests of local people. “I’m confident, even in this difficult time for Labour, that as the country faces monumental decisions that will shape the future of our nation, its public services and its protections for the most vulnerable, we will regroup and reform more determined and more united than ever. Labour will be back – nationally and here in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton,” she added.

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BEING a hard-working constituency MP was no guarantee of survival amidst the ructions of the General Election, according to a ‘People Power Index’ which ranked all 650 MPs ahead of last Thursday’s vote. Two of Kirklees’s four Labour MPs lost their seats to the Conservatives, and they were amongst nine of the Yorkshire region’s 54 MPs who were ousted. The defeat of Paula Sherriff by Mark Eastwood, and the return of Jason McCartney in Colne Valley wasn’t too much of a surprise, as both seats have been Tory in recent

years. The People-Power Index, generated by the Change.org website, ranked all 650 MPs based on a number of criteria, including their availability to constituents, participation in Parliament and whether they are judged to “listen to the public”. It used the period between 2017 and 2019 to come up with the list. It wasn’t good news for Ms Sherriff, who languished in 45th place amongst Yorkshire’s 54 MPs, in 469th place overall. She had confirmed her intention to campaign to Remain in the EU despite her constituency voting by a large

margin to Leave in the 2016 referendum. Batley & Spen’s Tracy Brabin survived questions over her much-repeated but widely disparaged commitment to “honour” the referendum result, but was still ranked in the bottom half of MPs – 30th in Yorkshire and 344th overall. Some 29 of the county’s 54 MPs ranked in the top half of the list, but that didn’t prevent seven of them – six Labour and one Lib Dem – losing their seats, including Wakefield stalwart Mary Creagh, who contested the last Labour leadership race.

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

GENERAL ELECTION 2019 / BATLEY &SPEN

Brabin sees off rivals with reduced majority TRACY Brabin held onto the Batley & Spen seat for Labour, seeing off the challenge of Conservative Mark Brooks with a reduced majority. She polled 22,594 votes, while Mr Brooks, a Kent-based businessman who had only been selected three weeks prior to polling day, received 19,069. Independent Paul Halloran came third with 6,432 votes. In a statement this week Ms Brabin

said: “I want to thank my entire team of staff and volunteers for the tireless work they have put into this campaign, and the good people of Batley and Spen for once again electing me as their MP. “This is the third election I’ve won in four years, and it’s the privilege of my life to represent my home town, which made me the woman I am today. The national result was a disaster for communities like ours and I

will fight tooth and nail in Parliament to get our area the funding and support it needs. “It’s extremely sad to see great colleagues like Paula Sherriff and Thelma Walker (Colne Valley) go, but it makes me more determined than ever to continue their work to create a fairer society with opportunities for all. “I hope the new local MPs deliver on their promises to our community.”

Halloran: We rose above slurs with character and dignity intact

Elation ... Tracy Brabin, with husband Richard Platt, celebrates retaining her seat

Mike Clark

INDEPENDENT candidate Paul Halloran has thanked “the voters of Batley & Spen who placed their trust in me”. He said in a statement: “With just four weeks’ notice and no big party machinery behind me, I received 6,432 votes. “This figure was more than the Liberal Democrats and both the Brexit and Green parties put together and was one of the best results for an independent candidate in the country. My campaign was built on truths and honesty, a long lost virtue in politics and our campaign team fought a hard and fair election. “The period of reflection is still ongoing. We are proud to have engaged lots of voters who have either lost faith in

the existing main parties or never had trust in them, resulting in never voting before. I thank my family, who sadly had to be witness to numerous slurs and appalling misrepresentations of me. I’m proud that we rose above it with our character and dignity still intact. “It’s a sad indictment as to how politics in this area is going when someone telling the truth is castigated for dealing in facts, however uncomfortable they may be to some. The forgotten people of the area found their voice over the last four weeks and I implore each and every one of you to continue speaking out. Your children’s and grandchildren’s future depends on it.”

Paul Halloran ... ‘numerous slurs’

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

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Labour dancing to their own tune ’M NOT often seen dancing a merry jig round the village pub but I was on Thursday at about 10.05pm, as the stunning General Election exit poll was announced. I doubt many of my staff were in raptures – some were probably crying buckets – but they should have been. They still had jobs. Would I have flipped a Corbyn government the middle finger and walked? I guess we’ll never know .... fnar, fnar! I felt a teeny bit sorry for Paula Sherriff when voters sent her packing, because I quite like the lass. But between flipping Leave voters her own middle finger, that ugly Commons outburst, compounded by terrorist-loving Corbyn’s economic insanities, she was always at risk.

Later, between crying my own buckets of tears (tears of laughter at the Snowflake meltdowns), I spared a brief moment to reflect on Britain becoming a one-party democracy, because that’s not good. It’s certainly not good longterm, but for the next five years I think it’s kinda fandabby-dozy! (Sorry, I can’t type for breaking out in spontaneous fits of laughter…) Where were we? Ah yes. Those half million jobs that would be gone on June 24th, 2016; 15% interest rates, soaring unemployment, plummeting sterling; the masses of city bankers, traders and companies running to get the last Eurostar out of London. Well we’ll see now, won’t we? But while I might have felt a slight twinge of regret at losing the Labour Party of

VER the years I’ve dragged myself out of bed and into work in some desperate states. There might (though probably not) have been a pair of grundies pulled on back to front, or a rare pair of mismatched socks. Again, I doubt it. But while I remember EU President Jean-Claude Juncker the Drunkard being filmed staggering onto a stage wearing odd shoes (one black, one brown), at least the old soak had them on the correct feet. Did you see the picture of Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott going to vote on Thursday? Not just odd shoes on, but two left feet? Firstly, how do you even do that, but secondly, how do you take more than two steps

hard-working, aspirational working folk, by the hour it became clearer and clearer that all of them, extreme and moderate alike, are deluded.

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before realising something is wrong? Being ‘far left’ is one thing, but that’s a bit much. Sure I once doffed my trews in Aussie rugby sheds to reveal a pair of my girlfriends’ frillies, but that was a legitimate laundry emergency. No bloke would wear a pair of those cheese cutters by choice, would they? (I need to be careful – that’s probably considered trans-hate speech these days). But going out in full public glare? In two leftfooted, odd shoes? All I can conjure is that having been tied up and gagged in a Momentum basement for the entire election campaign, Abbott managed to evade her captors to go vote, and those were the only clothes available. But then again … nah. Just thick as mince.

They really don’t get it. The rabid, Brit-hating Far Left are happy to throw Corbyn on a token bonfire, but in every interview they were blaming Brexit and the treacherous media (and there was I thinking the BBC and Channel 4 are just Diane Abbott with half a brain – as opposed to none). The nation loved their manifesto – that’s what they actually thought! It was just that nationalising everything (possibly including the air that we breathe), free wifi and generous benefits for every lazy sod, from home or abroad … well, it just wasn’t enough. Their economics work, they just need a more plausible front man. They’ll really punish the dastardly rich next time... (As a brief aside, the top

1% of UK earners might pay 27% of all income tax, but they still only have 1% of the vote. Don’t blame them). Meanwhile, the myopic moderates who self-indulgently ushered in Corbyn, McDonnell and Momentum are in just as much denial. For them, Jezza lost it, and if they can only elect a sane leader, No.10 will be theirs... What a treat we’re in for, watching horrible Emily Thornberry, the up-his-ownwotsit Keir Starmer (sorry, ‘Sir’ Keir – very man of the people), and a selection from Angela Rayner, Lisa Nandy, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Yvette Cooper and Jess Phillips fighting like cats in a sack. Oh – except for one thing. As with Corbyn, it will be the Far Left loonies picking the next leader and I don’t see

the Marxists yielding power quite so easily, after waiting 100-odd years to get it. It’s not hard to read their minds: “If only we could extend the vote to over-11s, legalise state euthanasia – preferably at 70, so as to hasten the departure of those crusty old xenophobic bigots, who can’t be trusted to know what’s good for them….” Ah, but that’s the point you’ve missed, Labour. Those people have their own homes (many of them ex-council houses), they support their kids, enjoy their holidays and Sky telly; they’re proud of the lives they’ve lived and love the country that made it possible – even if still being a bit peeved at fat-cat FTSE directors and the many injustices all societies have. No country’s perfect but when all’s said and done, this England of ours isn’t anything like as bad as Labour’s oafs hysterically pretend. And the bottom line is this – if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, we know a duck when we see one. And this Labour duck will be dead in the water for some time. I wouldn’t trust Boris to walk my missus across the road without trying it on, but he’s smarter than the entire Shadow Cabinet. And I was going to say that a lot of people could end up eating ‘humble’ pie, but there’s no humble about these haters. That’s one of their biggest problems.

No ho-ho-ho’s in Emmerdale O NCE upon a time ... back in the days of Jack and Vera Duckworth and Jim McDonald ... I actually used to watch a bit of Corrie. Not slavishly, in a three-line-whip sort of way, but it was easy watching. The odd laugh. I saw enough of EastEnders to know the pub was the Queen Vic and the Mitchell brothers were never destined for a happy ending, but Emmerdale? Thanks but no thanks. I’d rather Jack – good for a laugh pour bleach in my eyes than sit through a week’s worth of ‘Emmer’ episodes. Unfortunately, Mrs L, despite not setting foot in Yorkshire until 1995, is a soap junkie when it comes to Emmerdale. I occasionally run through the room with my eyes scrunched shut shouting “blah blah blah” out loud, so I don’t get an Emfection, but just occasionally, the remote goes ‘click’ and I can’t avoid being exposed to the televisual rubbish. She’s just returned from nine days overseas on business, which means endless hours of Emmerdale catch-up and if you closed your eyes, our house would sound like a mass marriage

counselling session that someone brought a case of Special Brew to, and has turned violent. That’s not me and the gaffer having a barney by the way, it just appears to be the default diet of the Emmerdale script-writers, who I can only assume are on day release from Armley Prison, having been persuaded to re-sit their English GCSE. From what little I’ve been unable to avoid gleaning, it appears that everybody’s rumpy-pumpied with everyone else; everyone’s plotted to kill everyone else – and some of them have succeeded; every younger cast member is an illegitimate son/daughter of several older cast members – and I’m not exactly sure how that works given our incest laws – and every single flaming episode contains fewer laughs than the Parliamentary Labour Party’s Christmas fuddle. Oh well, at least there’s the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special to look forward to, plus the usual repeats of Only Fools and Horses, Morecambe and Wise and Vicar of Dibley. They really don’t make ‘em like that any more.

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

CASH GIFT GIVES PUPILS CHANCE TO TRY NEW RECIPES

Council may take back control of housing stock By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter

A DEWSBURY school for children with special needs is to increase its number of cookery lessons after being backed by a £1,000 donation. Ravenshall School, on

Ravensthorpe Road, received the funding as part of Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme, which seeks to support groups across West Yorkshire.

The donation will go towards funding specialist cooking equipment, enabling more pupils to safely engage with the subject. Felicity Farrar-Smith, food technology teacher at the

school, said: “We work tirelessly to ensure all pupils can learn how to cook and this donation will enable us to introduce many more exciting recipes to the pupils.”

‘Inadequate’ care home at risk of closure A DEWSBURY care home for the elderly has failed its sixth consecutive inspection, putting it at risk of closure. Lyndhurst Residential Home, on Oxford Road, has been in and out of special measures for the past three years and once again finds itself in the lowest care quality rating.

It has been rated ‘inadequate’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after an unannounced inspection took place in October. Although the report stated that residents were mostly happy with their care, it listed a catalogue of failings described as “significant shortfalls”. The report says: “The

registered provider and the registered manager have repeatedly failed to ensure systems and processes were established and operated effectively to assess, monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service provided and the quality of the experience of people who lived at the home.” Issues raised include a

bedroom smelling strongly of urine; a communal sofa that was ‘visibly soiled’; a dirty kitchen and upstairs windows that put residents at risk of falling out. The home remains on notice until it improves to at least a ‘good’ rating. Another inspection will take place within six months.

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THOUSANDS of council properties in Kirklees could be returned to the management of the local authority under plans being considered by the Council. It could mean the end of Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH), the arms-length management organisation (ALMO) that has run the council’s properties since 2002. There are more than 21,000 council-owned properties in the borough, ranging from 6,464 onebedroom flats to five six-bedroom houses. The vast majority are managed by KNH. Members of the Council’s all-party Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panel heard that the ALMO model has become less popular in recent years. Of the 69 councils using ALMOs in 2010, 29 have returned the landlord function to the stock-owning council. Among the reasons is to maintain control of the multi-million pound Housing Revenue Account (HRA). But the Grenfell fire of 2017 and the Hackitt Review confirmed the need for social landlords, including Kirklees Council, to mitigate

risks and provide assurance to tenants that properties meet regulatory standards. The Council is looking at three options, which will be considered by the Ad-Hoc Scrutiny Panel. It will then make a recommendation to the Council’s decision-making Cabinet in the New Year. The options are direct management by the council; management of the stock by an ALMO or other management company; and transfer of the stock ownership and management to another organisation. The Council considers that a return to in-house management “is most likely to achieve the Council’s objectives”. Director of growth and housing Naz Parkar said the Grenfell tragedy had “put a different complexion” on how to run services and that if such an incident happened in Kirklees it “would be the responsibility of this Council”. He said streamlining services into a single entity would save time and money. The panel also sought and received reassurances that more than 800 existing KNH jobs are guaranteed, regardless of which model is selected. The panel will meet again on January 15.

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ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

A misguided campaign Corbyn, Brabin, dustbin ... all full of rubbish, as the current abject election results have proved! As a long-standing supporter of socialism, where do the present Labour Party members stand having been totally humiliated during this election by your manipulative left-wing leader and his misguided supporters?

You won’t get same service... From: John Dewhirst, Dewsbury It does seem strange that after announcing her departure for a Christmas holiday on social media, Tamara Ecclestone was relieved of her responsibility for the safe keeping of £50,000,000 of personal jewellery. To the bystander it appears that this was either an opportunist move, or perhaps a job performed by those made aware of her planned travel arrangements. It looks like Robin Hood and his two accomplices have brought about a more equitable distribution of personal wealth in a manner that Jeremy Corbyn was attempting to effect by more lawful means. I trust the police will have forwarded a crime number for what they describe as “a home invasion”. They have also promised “a fast-paced investigation”. If you have the misfortune

Labour campaigners at the election count on Friday morning

Letter of the Week: G Dennis, Birstall You still appear to remain in total denial of local communities’ wish-

to suffer a burglary it is highly unlikely that it will be described in these terms or you will be offered similar follow-up services. The moral to be found in this story is ‘if you are excessively rich it is not wise to publicise your holiday arrangements’. Alternatively, ‘Robin Hood has relocated from Sherwood Forest to Palace Green, Kensington’.

Where Labour went wrong From: CM Westwood, Cleckheaton Perhaps the demise of the Labour party started with Tony Blair’s illegal Iraq war, followed by Gordon Brown, who seemed to do almost everything wrong and made the unforgettable gaffe of calling an old lady a “bigot” because she was concerned about uncontrolled immigration. There was a sneaky plan to get three million immigrants quietly into the country hoping their votes would keep

es and hence the resultant current election outcome.

Labour in power forever. This was camouflaged for the voting public until leaks started to appear. One whistleblower, Stephen Moxon, was paid £50,000 to keep his mouth shut! In my opinion, some of the Labour leadership have finalised their fate. In a new challenge for power they are faced with a choice of self-righteous characters such as Emily Thornberry, Stephen Kinnock and Yvette Cooper, who along with husband Ed Balls were some of the biggest names implicated in the expenses scandal. Or warm, friendly, northern lasses like Rebecca LongBailey, Angela Rayner or Lisa Nandy, who the Tories would eat for breakfast.

We could have avoided this From: Harry Teale, Mirfield I believe that but for the actions of a selfish person Boris Johnson would have

been appointed Prime Minister in July 2016. Article 50 would then have been invoked before the end of 2016. By end of March 2017 the EU “negotiators” would have realised that negotiating instead of dictating was necessary! Since the EU were unlikely to capitulate, the UK would have left by the end of 2018 and we would have been sailing into independence and sovereignty! Just think of the funds we would have saved over the last three years but for the actions of a selfish person!

An oldie but goodie... From: David Oyston, via email The coach was filling up nicely at Bradford Interchange, there would be pick-ups at Halifax and Huddersfield, then straight onto Blackpool. Seated immediately behind the driver was an elderly woman and her husband. As the driver was about to

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS D Rose, partial demolition, erection of extension and alterations to existing farmhouse, demolition and alterations to existing barns and erection of extensions and alterations to existing cottage with associated external works, Ings Farm, Ings Lane, Thornhill. J Wilkinson, single-storey extension to create dwelling forming annex accommodation associated with 71 Park Avenue, Liversedge. M Akram, change of use of outbuilding with extension and alteration to form dwelling, 678-682 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe. Wolseley, advertisement consent for erection of nonilluminated signs, Unit 4 Luddite Way Business Park,

Rawfolds, Cleckheaton. M Sharpe, single-storey rear extension and front porch, 2A North Street, Lower Hopton. N Carter, change of use of existing house of multiple occupation (C4) to guest house (C1), Rose Dene, 100 Syke Lane, Earlsheaton. M Arif, single and twostorey extensions and dormer window to front, 20 Lee Road, Ravensthorpe. P Zafar, alterations to detached garage to create dwelling forming annex accommodation associated with 50 Headfield Road, Savile Town. J Coubrough, single-storey side extension and installation of access ramp to rear, 16 Swincliffe Crescent, Birkenshaw.

Mr Dawood, single-storey rear extension, 23 Carriage Way, Heckmondwike. Mr & Mrs Hibbert, first floor side extension and alterations to convert garage to living accommodation, 44 Fernhurst Road, Mirfield. Irwin Mitchell LLP, twostorey rear extension and external alterations, 53 Deighton Lane, Healey. W Trueman, orangery to rear, 38 Shirley Avenue, Gomersal. I Sabir, alterations to integral garage to form living accommodation, 2 Longfield Court, Heckmondwike. A Mulla, change of use from former doctor’s surgery to dwelling, 37 Warren Street, Savile Town. M Siddique, erection of hip to gable enlargement, front

dormer and flat roofed second floor extension to rear, 4 South View Terrace, Clarkson Street, Ravensthorpe. Mr Iqbal, change of use from A1 shop unit to A3 noodle bar (within a Conservation Area), 80 Commercial Street, Batley. Next Group PLC, advertisment consent for erection of illuminated sign, Unit 8c, Birstall Shopping Park, Holden Ing Way, Birstall. M A Kamal, single-storey rear extension, 17 Woodside Crescent, Staincliffe. L Archer, discharge conditions 11 (surface water drainage), 12 (Ecological Impact Assessment), 13 (bus stop location) on previous permission 2017/90362 for outline application with all matters reserved for residen-

tial development (up to eight dwellings), Maple Mount, Chickenley Lane, Chickenley. E Halstead, work to trees in CA, 9 Hilberoyd Road, Batley. Commercial Development Projects Ltd, non-material amendment to previous permission 2019/92281 for variation condition 2 (plans) on previous permission 2017/93925 for erection of three retail units and associated works (within a Conservation Area), land at junction of Cemetery Road and Mayman Lane, Batley. Hyder Properties Ltd, prior approval for change of use of office to nine flats (within a Conservation Area), 13 Nelson Street, Dewsbury. E Halstead, work to TPO(s) 49/95, 19 Burgh Mill Gardens, Dewsbury Moor.

set off, the old lady tapped him on the shoulder and asked: “Do you like peanuts?” “I certainly do,” he replied. “I love them.” With that, the lady passed him a bagful. Before the coach left Halifax she asked him if he was enjoying the peanuts. “Yes thank you,” replied the driver. She passed him another bagful. The driver was too polite to refuse the bagful she passed him at Huddersfield, but he vowed he wouldn’t accept any more. He reckoned he’d eaten more peanuts that day than he had in 10 years. The coach pulled into the hotel car park in Blackpool and the elderly couple were the last to get off. The old lady again asked: “Are you alright for peanuts? I’ve plenty more here if you want some.” He replied: “I couldn’t think of eating any more! What are you and your husband going to chew tonight whilst you watch the telly?” “Oh we don’t eat peanuts,” she said. “We’ve hardly a tooth between us – all we do is suck the chocolate off!”

Humbling and inspirational From: Chris Stoner, Dewsbury Borough Independents I would like to thank everybody who supported the Dewsbury Borough Independents and myself at the local elections. It was a tough fight with the by-election being run alongside the general election, and as we all saw the Brexit vote dominated the evening. To receive 1,515 votes on a cold, wet December day was both humbling and inspirational. It demonstrated the desire of people in our area for real change. I will still be avail-

able for the community and help where I can to make changes. I do have a very real passion and belief in my local area. We will continue the fight for a better Dewsbury in May at the next local elections, and until then will continue to watch and hold the council to account.

Thanks from a Raving Loony From: Sir Archibald Stanton Earl ‘Eaton, Dewsbury I write this letter to thank you for the publicity received during the recent general election campaign. I received five times more votes than expected, however I was told on numerous occasions that ‘you would have had our vote but for the seriousness of the situation’. To quote: “We have had to vote Conservative as we didn’t want the sitting MP to ‘get in’, or for us to have Jeremy Corbyn as PM.” There were 9,739 votes nationwide in all for The Official Monster Raving Loony Party – yes, that many people wanted us to represent them in Parliament. Also a big thank you to: • The 252 Loony voters in the Dewsbury constituency; • Peter Townend (photographer); • The Woodman Inn Batley Carr (campaign HQ); • The John Ringo Band. Don’t forget, the road is rocky but it won’t be rocky for long. Look out, we are about... Hope you enjoyed the trip – we did. Here’s to the next time.

Please note: Correspondents must supply a name and postal address, even if you do not wish the information to be published. The editor reserves the right to shorten or amend letters for legal or other reasons.

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Launch day takings donated to charity A NEW Batley donut shop has opened its doors. Dukes, on Branch Road, opened on Wednesday and donated all its launch-day proceeds to two local charities. The eatery partnered with Batley charity One Nation and Leeds based ASK4ACTION to help those who need it most over

Celebrating Christingle joy HUNDREDS of people flocked to St Paul’s Church in Hanging Heaton to celebrate a Christingle service over the weekend. Those who attended the spectacle, held in aid of The Children’s Society, were treated to performances by Shaw Cross Infants Choir and Bywell Junior School Choir. Rev Canon Mark Umpleby said: "It was fantastic to have so many attend our Christingle this year. We raised hundreds of pounds towards the work of the Children’s Society." There are other Christingle services coming up at St Thomas’s Church, Batley, and St Andrew’s Church, Purlwell, on Sunday (4pm). And on Christmas Eve, a Christingle will take place at Batley Parish Church (4.30pm).

Ex-cop is banned from force

Christmas. One Nation provides hot food and support for the homeless in the UK along with emergency aid, clean water, food, clothes and shelters in devastated countries around the world. The Batley branch is the third outlet to open for the Dukes chain, with two stores already in Leeds.

Stuck truck damages shop A TRUCK damaged a shopfront in Dewsbury town centre on Wednesday evening. The flat bed vehicle became stuck between a scaffolding pole and the shop window of the Scope charity shop on Daisy Hill after turning out of Union Street. The driver then lost his gears and heavy lift recovery was needed to remove the vehicle. A police spokesman confirmed no-one was injured as a result of the incident.

Photo: YappApp

A FORMER police officer and Mirfield business owner will be barred from working in law enforcement in England and Wales, a misconduct hearing panel was told. Ben Robinson, 39, who worked as a police constable in Kirklees, resigned after starting a sexual relationship with a woman who he met as a victim of crime in 2015. Robinson, who set up the Babyccinos cafe in Mirfield town centre, was investigating a domestic violence incident, during the course of which he engaged in consensual sexual acts with the victim. Another officer became aware of the relationship and reported it to the force, resulting in Robinson’s arrest in October 2017. The misconduct hearing, held last week, heard Robinson would have been sacked if he hadn’t resigned his post and that he will now be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list. He was handed a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, fined £1,200 and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work when he appeared at Preston Crown Court in September of this year.

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Pupils take lessons in democracy By Jane Yelland CHILDREN at Norristhorpe Junior and Infant School experienced democracy first-hand with a mock election. As voters in North Kirklees went to the polls last week, pupils formed their own political parties, created their manifestos and election broadcasts and canvassed other children during playtime and lunchbreaks to seek their votes. Pupils also gained an insight into the organisation of an election, staffing the polling station, counting the votes and declaring the results. After learning about the democratic process in assemblies, children participated enthusiastically in their chance to have their say, with a schoolwide turnout of more than 70 per cent. The children were so keen to choose their candidate that they were happy to join long queues – even braving showers of rain. The winning candidate was Ellie, whose campaign focused

on national issues such as hospital staffing, voting reform and local issues such as school libraries and safer road crossings. She said: “I was nervous during the count because I was unsure who was going to win. “It was fantastic to win as it felt like all the hard work of my team and I had paid off. “I would like to run as an MP for real one day, because going out and encouraging others to vote was really rewarding.’’ Gareth Luby, the teacher who organised the election said: “I was really pleased with the way the children participated. “I hope they will continue to understand how democracy affects them as they grow up to be young voters.’’ The election at Norristhorpe was part of the nationwide Mock Elections 2019 schools campaign, supported by the Hansard Society. Mock Elections in Schools has been running for 50 years and is the longest civic education project of its kind, involving students all over the world.

Clockwise, from main: Casting his vote; canvassing the voters; collecting a voting slip; the count; and the winner is...

Fugitive dealer tried to stash drugs in cinema

Season’s Greetings from

Batley & Birstall Civic Society to the readers and staff of

ThePress

A DRUG dealer entered Birstall’s Showcase Cinema and asked a member of staff to “stash” a bag of tablets, a court heard. Leeds Crown Court was told that Kyle Maw, 32, of Healey Street, Batley, was being chased by police at the time. Robert Galley, prosecuting, said Maw told the cinema worker he was a drug dealer before placing a bag of tablets on the counter. He also offered to pay the employee £10 to tell the police she was his girlfriend. The court heard that officers saw an Audi A4 narrowly avoid a collision close to the cinema, on Gelderd Road, just before midnight in March of last year. Police then drove into the

retail car park and found that the vehicle had crashed into a bush. One witness told them two men had fled the scene, with one going inside the cinema. At the time of his arrest, Maw was found to be in possession of 18 wraps of heroin and 12 wraps of cocaine with a total street value of around £300 and £352 in cash. He admitted possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply. But the court heard Maw “would have been easy to manipulate” at the time of the offence due to his own substance abuse and that he has since turned his life around. He was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Volunteers take loneliness out of Christmas...

TEAMS of volunteers have been busy packing festive hampers and delivering them to elderly people in Batley and Dewsbury, backed by funding from the Asda Foundation. Laurence Quirk of the RVS said: “Christmas can be a lonely time for anyone without friends and family nearby. “That’s why our wonderful volunteers will be stopping by homes, hospitals, social clubs and commuEAST BIERLEY CRICKET CLUB has won the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) pub of the nity services to season award. The certificate was presented by Mike Roebuck, chairman of the Heavy offer festive cheer Woollen branch of CAMRA. Service from club steward Andrew Preston and bar staff John and a chat where Mountain and Alison Sykes was described as excellent by the group. it’s needed most.”

Friday December 20, 2019

ThePress

News In Brief New head confirmed HECKMONDWIKE: The town’s grammar school has officially confirmed the appointment of a new headteacher. Peter Roberts, who has been serving as acting head for the past year, was handed the job on a permanent basis last week. He said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be confirmed as headteacher and we are all looking forward to 2020 with great excitement.”

Third Age prospectus DEWSBURY: The spring term of Dewsbury and District Third Age will start on Monday, January 6. The voluntary organisation, based at the Town Hall, provides a wide range of classes for the over-50s to help people make friends and develop new interests. Vacancies are available in a number of classes. For more information, pick up a prospectus at your local library, phone 07842 284778, or visit www.dewsbury-district3age.co.uk.

Church services BIRSTALL: A family crib service will be held at St Saviour's Church on Christmas Eve (6pm). Midnight communion will be held at 11.30pm and on Christmas Day, a family communion service will take place at 10am. On Friday, December 27, a ‘social’ will be held at 2pm.

Coroners’ appeal DEWSBURY: Coroners are appealing for information to help trace the relatives of Stephen Brian Freeman, 54, who died in Dewsbury on December 5. Anyone with any information should contact Lynsey Atkinson on 01274 373721.

Friday December 20, 2019

Butchers who made TV pork pies shut up shop TWO brothers who have run a butchers’ shop in Birkenshaw for 32 years have retired. Ian and Paul Hopkins closed their business on Bradford Road last weekend. Ian said younger people were not eating as much meat as previous generations and supermarkets were having an impact on traditional butchers.

The brothers started their business in 1987, first beginning their careers as Saturday boys, then working full-time and finally opting to set up on their own. Ian, 54, and Paul 62, who both have health problems, own the shop building and are undecided what to do with the premises.

The closure of P&I Hopkins has been met with dismay from loyal customers, who said they would miss the business, especially the brothers’ pork pies. The award-winning pies had a starring role in the BBC production of South Riding in 2011. The brothers produced 36

pies, typical of the 1930s, for an episode of the drama which featured a pie-seller. In 2002, the brothers made history by holding presidential positions in the Confederation of Yorkshire Butchers’ Councils at the same time. Paul was elected All Yorkshire President and Ian North West Riding President.

Hospital Trust hit by 450 complaints in six months By Staff Reporters MORE than 450 complaints were lodged in just six months against the Trust which runs Dewsbury & District Hospital. A total of 453 grievances were received by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust between April and September. One case study which was revealed in a report told how a lack of communication between staff led to a patient’s procedure being cancelled as their pacemaker needed to be monitored. Another complaint came from a patient who said they “did not feel fit or well enough to be discharged” after surgery. But the overall number of com-

plaints is down 13 per cent on this time last year. The Trust has also been told by the health ombudsman that they are “over-reporting complaints’’, though they were praised for being transparent by doing so. According to the latest figures, the organisation was the 16th most complained-about NHS Trust in the country. Speaking at a Trust board meeting last Thursday, director of nursing David Melia said: “We have improved our ranking (among NHS Trusts) so that we are no longer in the top 10 most complained-about Trusts in the country. “Learning lessons is important, so there are some examples in the

report of some of the issues that have come up and the things we’ve changed.” The report showed that about 40 per cent of people felt either “very” or “quite” confident that the Trust would learn from a complaint. Mr Melia added that convincing people that improvements have been made was “something we need to do more of”. The board was told that a significant number of complaints related to the speed of treatment a patient received. But the Trust’s chief operating officer, Trudie Davies, suggested that clinical staff were being trapped in a “vicious circle”, where they were unable to treat

patients because they were dealing with complaints they had been too slow to see someone previously. She said: “I think our staff would find it very reassuring that they’re not being blamed for something they can’t help. “We’ve tried everything and we can’t see patients any more quickly than we can at the moment. We just can’t.’’ Bosses are considering sending out more ‘standardised’ responses to this kind of complaint in future, in a bid to free frontline staff. Mr Melia added: “I think it’s about keeping the balance between assuring somebody’s concerns, being respectful but not overburdening someone (a staff member).”

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CHILDREN AT THE CHILD’S PLAY NURSERY IN DEWSBURY have been getting into the festive spirit with a performance of ‘Ralph the Reindeer’. Youngsters had fun learning their lines and songs for the play, which was performed in front of their parents, before enjoying a Christmas party.

Teen arsonist cleared of pensioner’s murder A TEENAGE arsonist who set fire to two properties in Mirfield within four days has been cleared of murdering a pensioner during his spree. Tyler Flanagan, 19, set fire to Julia Flynn’s rear porch at her home on Huddersfield Road on June 17 of this year. She died 12 days later. Leeds Crown Court heard that the 74-year-old slept

downstairs and was helpless when the fire took hold. Flanagan, who was living at a friend’s house in Ravensthorpe at the time, was acquitted of murder by a jury. He accepts a charge of manslaughter and will be sentenced at a later date. Flanagan also started two other fires shortly after the killing, and a third between

June 16 and 19 of this year. He admits arson on a woman’s stone outhouse in Mirfield and also admits arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, in relation to a house fire on Leeds Road, Mirfield. He was cleared of arson with intent to endanger life in relation to the latter offence.

Friday December 20, 2019

ThePress

Jo Cox’s widow calls on Twitter to think again THE husband of former Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox is concerned that her personal social media presence will be lost because of plans to remove inactive accounts. Twitter is to start deleting accounts that have been dormant for six months and is warning owners that they could be removed. Brendan Cox, who was married to murdered Batley & Spen Labour MP Jo Cox, fears his late wife’s account could be deleted because it has not been used after June 15 2016, the day before her death. Mr Cox said it was a shame that families could lose precious memories that are preserved on the network. “I think Twitter is a very modern equivalent of keeping someone’s diary or letters,” he said. “From my point of view, there are lots of things on there where she talks about the work that she’s doing, she posted a few bits on there in terms of the family and it’s something that I want the kids to scroll through when they’re older.’’ Mr Cox added: “It gives you an insight into the day-to-day stuff that their mum was concentrating on and I don’t want to be in a situation where they lose that.’’ Twitter has said that people do not need to tweet from their account to keep it active, they just need to sign in and follow on-screen prompts – though for families without their loved one’s password this is difficult to do. Rival social network Facebook enables the family of someone who has passed away to freeze their account, so it can be seen and messages can be posted on their page.

Friday December 20, 2019

Throughout 2019 local historian Mike Popplewell will be searching through his newspaper collection from the 1920s and 30s for some of the biggest headlines from home and abroad – while also taking a look at stories making the news in our own district. Readers are welcome to provide feedback if any of these features are remembered personally, or you can recall being told them by an earlier generation.

War clouds gather HIS WEEK concludes our look at life in Dewsbury and beyond between the wars in the only way possible – the outbreak of World War Two on September 3, 1939. “The day war broke out,” began the Rob Wilton monologue, “my missus said to me

‘what good are you?’ “‘I don’t know’, I said, ‘I’ll think of something’ ... ‘You’ll have to go back to work’, she said. Oooh, she’s got a cruel tongue has my wife!...” Liverpool-born Wilton created this bumbling work-shy layabout character and played him to perfection for laughs. The late Batley comedy writer Mike Craig actually wrote a play based on Wilton’s Life – named ‘The Day War Broke Out’ – and it has twice been performed locally. But, the war was no laughing matter in reality, even though comedy was to play a huge role in maintaining the morale of the public at home, via the radio, and service men abroad thanks to the ENSA concert parties. As Britain persisted in the policy of appeasing Hitler throughout the summer of 1939, it eventually became obvious that the German dictator had no intention of holding back his expansionism and apparent quest for European, if not world, domination. Entertainment continued with Dewsbury’s cinemas and theatres continuing to provide the kind of entertainment that would forge a little break in the gathering war clouds, if only for an hour or two. April saw what became known as the ‘Monkey Gland’ Cup Final at Wembley, with Wolves players being given ‘monkey gland’ injections to boost their fitness and well being – before losing 3-0 to a Portsmouth side whose players had also opted for the monkey gland treatment. Throughout the summer Yorkshire dominated cricket’s County Championship and subsequently took the title for the 21st time, while local cricket featured prominently in the pages of the local papers with cartoonist ‘Thack’ producing a cartoon report of a different ground every Saturday night. On June 27 1939 ‘Thack’ was at Cleckheaton to cover events at the game with Heckmondwike then the new football season got underway in August, with more than a hint of trouble ahead, and sure enough, three games into the season everything went decidedly pearshaped. The First Division season opened with Leeds United playing Charlton Athletic twice before meeting Sheffield United, in front of 10,000 people at Elland Road, on Saturday September 2 and going down to their third 1-0 defeat in a row. But, it was the calm before the storm as the following day the Football League season was

June 27, 1939

brought to an abrupt halt. Adolf Hitler, having ignored Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s ultimatum to withdraw his troops after invading Poland, ignored the deadline set and when war was declared all the established sports tournaments were abandoned. So apart from Rob Wilton’s wife having her own particular outlook toward the war, what did happen on the day it broke out? Monday morning’s Daily Mirror had a full page ‘Wanted’ poster of Hitler, while front page news was Winston Churchill’s appointment as First Lord of the Admiralty. There was news that petrol was to be rationed and King George IV announced: “The task will be hard. There may be dark days ahead...” he wasn’t wrong. The dark days were not far away at all for Dewsbury’s Arthur White and his wife Emma. It had been a tough start for Mirfield-born Arthur, for he was living with his widowed mother and six siblings at Marshall Street, Mirfield in 1901, and having married his wife Emma in 1910 the couple were living at Duke Street, Ravensthorpe, with his wife’s grandparents, John and Mary Ann Milner, by the 1911 census. Within a year a son, John Henry, was born. Arthur died in 1931 aged just 42 and John Henry was married to Gladys Fawcett in 1933. With a daughter, Peggy, born in the spring of 1934 another daughter, June, came along in 1937. Things were looking up for the young couple, but as the prospect of war grew ever likely John Henry joined the Royal Engineers. Sadly, his war was to prove a very short lived affair for on November 21 1939, only 80 days after war was declared, John Henry White, Sapper 4613605, lost his life and was buried in an unconsecrated grave in Dewsbury Cemetery. As if this wasn’t hard enough to deal with for Gladys, she was also carrying a third child at the time. The emotional trauma for Gladys is hard to imagine, but it got worse. Within four months of John Henry’s death John Henry Junior had been born – and died. John Henry White’s death was possibly the first war death to hit the district, but the death of John Henry Junior could arguably be another given what his young mother went through. But, sadly, the White family’s tragedy was going to be an all too familiar story in the ensuing years.

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

MONDAY MONDAY Cleckheaton Cleckheaton St St Pauls Pauls Church Church Cleckheaton Cleckheaton 9.00am 9.00am & & 11.00am 11.00am Tel Tel Tracey Tracey 07970 07970 722726 722726 Cleckheaton Cleckheaton St St Pauls Pauls Church Church 5.30pm 5.30pm & & 7.30pm 7.30pm Tel Tel Shirley Shirley 07578 07578 568245 568245 The The Trinity Trinity Centre Centre Batley Batley Carr Carr 9.00am 9.00am Tel Tel Hameedah Hameedah 07983 07983 445501 445501 Earlsheaton,Dewsbury Earlsheaton,Dewsbury District District Sea Sea Cadets Cadets (behind (behind Earlsheaton Earlsheaton WMC) WMC)

9.00am 9.00am 5.30pm 5.30pm & & 7.30pm 7.30pm Tel Tel Amber Amber 07471 07471 826774 826774 Staincliffe Staincliffe Cricket Cricket Club Club Halifax Halifax Road Road 5.30pm 5.30pm Tel Tel Diane Diane 07961 07961 631257 631257 Tingley Tingley Methodist Methodist Church Church Westerton Westerton Road Road 5.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm Tel Tel Lyn Lyn 07792 07792 032170 032170 Mirfield Mirfield Zion Zion Baptist Baptist Church Church Mirfield Mirfield 5.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm Tel Tel Claire Claire 07768 07768 311351 311351

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

Gomersal Gomersal Public Public Hall Hall Gomersal Gomersal 5.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm Tel Tel Sharon Sharon 07904 07904 650476 650476 Shaw Shaw Cross Cross Boys Boys Club Club Leeds Leeds Road Road 3.30pm 3.30pm 5.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm Tel Tel Lynne Lynne 07988 07988 662052 662052

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY Dewsbury Dewsbury Town Town Hall Hall 9.30am 9.30am 11.30am 11.30am Tel Tel Lesley Lesley 07534 07534 500138 500138 Staincliffe Staincliffe Cricket Cricket Club Club 6.00pm 6.00pm Tel Tel Lyn Lyn 07792 07792 032170 032170 Thornhill Thornhill Social Social Club Club Edge Edge Top Top Road Road 5.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm Tel Tel Sarah Sarah 07539 07539 452622 452622 Hunsworth Hunsworth Scout Scout Headquarters Headquarters Cleckheaton Cleckheaton 5.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm Tel Tel Paul Paul 07848 07848 958798 958798

THURSDAY THURSDAY

SATURDAY SATURDAY

Batley Batley Town Town Hall Hall 9.00am 9.00am 11.00am 11.00am Tel Tel Lynne Lynne 07988 07988 662052 662052

Liversedge Liversedge St St Andrews Andrews Methodist Methodist Church Church 7.30am 7.30am 9.30am 9.30am Tel Tel Emma Emma 07786 07786 513072 513072

Batley Batley Town Town Hall Hall 5.00pm 5.00pm 7.00pm 7.00pm Tel Tel Lynne Lynne 07988 07988 662052 662052 Westborough Westborough Ratepayers Ratepayers Club Club Dewsbury Dewsbury Moor Moor 5.00pm 5.00pm 7.00pm 7.00pm Tel Tel Lucy Lucy 07730 07730 264938 264938 Millbridge Millbridge WMC WMC Liversedge Liversedge 5.00pm 5.00pm 7.00pm 7.00pm Tel Tel Kathryn Kathryn 07906 07906 118636 118636 Battyeford Battyeford Christ Christ The The King King Church Church 5.00pm 5.00pm 7.00pm 7.00pm Tel Tel Mandy Mandy 07793 07793 732268 732268

FRIDAY FRIDAY

Roberttown Roberttown Community Community Centre Centre 5.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm Tel Tel Kathryn Kathryn 07906 07906 118636 118636

Thornhill Thornhill Social Social Club Club Edge Edge Top Top Road Road Friday Friday 9.30am 9.30am Tel Tel Sarah Sarah 07539 07539 452622 452622

Mirfield Mirfield Trinity Trinity Methodist Methodist Church Church Hall Hall 5.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm Tel Tel Claire Claire 07768 07768 311351 311351

Battyeford Battyeford Christ Christ The The King King Church Church 9.00am 9.00am Tel Tel Mandy Mandy 07793 07793 732268 732268

St St Pauls Pauls Church Church Hall Hall Hanging Hanging Heaton Heaton 8.30am 8.30am 10.30am 10.30am Tel Tel Lyn Lyn 07792 07792 032170 032170 Heckmondwike Heckmondwike Comrades Comrades Club Club 9.00am 9.00am Tel Tel Sue Sue 07790 07790 590763 590763 Cleckheaton Cleckheaton Howard Howard Park Park Community Community School School 8.00am 8.00am 10.00am 10.00am 12noon 12noon Tel Tel Paul Paul 07848 07848 958798 958798 Mirfield Mirfield Trinity Trinity Methodist Methodist Church Church Hall Hall 8.30am 8.30am 10.30am 10.30am Tel Tel Jo Jo 07553 07553 747875 747875

ThePress

Saturday 21st December

Sunday 22nd December

Friday December 20, 2019

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Monday 23rd December

THE BAKERY 100 BREWERY LANE,

THORNHILL LEES

HIGH CLASS BAKERS & CONFECTIONERS

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas & A Prosperous New Year Open 8-2.30 Weekdays, 8-12 Saturdays Open Xmas Eve 8am-12noon

TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME

01924 467050

THORNHILL THORNHILL LEES THORNHILL THORNHILL LEES LEES LEES VILLAGE VILLAGE HALL HALL VILLAGE VILLAGE HALL HALL SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL FRIENDS & TRAVELLING COMPANIONS from Iris & Terry Looking forward to seeing you all in 2020 ALWAYS A LOVELY SELECTION OF TRIPS PICK UP POINTS, THORNHILL LEES, DEWSBURY BUS STATION, BATLEY CARR & BATLEY BUS STATION & HECKMONDWIKE

Please ring IRIS on

01924 439525 to book your next adventure

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

ALL WORK GUARANTEED email: mark@furnessroofing.co.uk 01924 406941 07850 786270 www.furnessroofing.co.uk

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Christmas Eve Wednesday 24th December

Tuesday 24th December

JADE

HELLIWELL

Thursday 26th December AFTERNOON

KEVIN KENDRICKS & JAMES KING EVENING

Saturday 21st December Tribute to the Legendary

ROD STEWART

GODS OF FORTUNE Brilliant local band

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES

Xmas Eve: 12noon - 11.30pm Xmas Day: 11am - 2pm and 7.30pm - 10.30pm Boxing Day: 11am - 11.30pm NYE: 12noon - 12.30pm

Tuesday 31 December

JEEPSTER

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Christmas Day Wednesday 25th December

IMPROVE YOUR HOME WITH

Bespoke Packages Installation Local Tradesmen

Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

11.30am - 4pm 11.30am - 4pm Closed 11.30am - 4pm 11.30am - 4pm 9am - 12pm Closed

Tel: 01924 422212 dm_interiors@btconnect.com www.dm-interiors.co.uk

102 Greenside Road, Mirfield, WF14 0AT

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Boxing Day Thursday 26th

December

HARFORD’S SECURITY LTD

Est 45 Years

Key cutting, all types available. Including Magnum, Yale Superior, M-Tlock, Kaba, Iseo, Bilock, Avocet ABS, ABS high security locks and many more. Car keys - most car keys in stock, Car remotes repaired, Large Selection of different types of locks, IE, Doors, Windows, Shutter, Cabinet Locks, Specialist locks - Keys & Cylinders always in stock

MASTER LOCKSMITHS ACCESS CONTROL INTRUDER ALARM INSTALLERS Member of Master Locksmith Association

Ring for details on monitored alarms & service contracts

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 T: 01924 450 999 WHAT ’S ON AT

Telephone: 01924 473273 opposite Birstall Library 12marketstreet

The

Woodman Hartley Street, Batley Carr

Sew ‘n’ Sews

Alterations, Repairs, Dressmaking and Revamping No job is too small or too big! Reward system for loyal customers Mon, Wed, Fri 9-4pm (Closed between 12.30-1.30pm) Sat 9-12.30pm Daisy - Lu Rounding 01924 460006 07857 547608

XMAS DAY

OPEN 12-2.30PM

(Closed Xmas Day Night) ~~~~~~~~~~

BOXING DAY

KARAOKE from 5.00pm onwards

6 Princess Street, Mirfield, WF14 8AQ

SEE IN THE NEW YEAR WITH TOP TUNES PLAYING WITH TOP DJ DAVE WHITTAKER

LOOKING AFTER CARS FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Everyone welcome

• SERVICING • BATTERIES • MOT TESTING FOR DIESEL, PETROL & CATALYST • ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS & FAULT FINDING • GENERAL REPAIRS • TYRES, BRAKES & EXHAUSTS

~~~~~~~~~~

NELSON STREET, DEWSBURY, WF13 1NA TEL: 01924 467269 FAX: 01924 430800

John, Jane & staff would like to wish all our customers a Merry Xmas and a Happy & Peaceful New Year

WEBSITE: www.harfordssecurity.co.uk

Tel: 01924 463825

LMAN

COLMAN TYRE & MOTOR CO

FOR A GOOD JOB AT A FAIR PRICE

LOCAL SERVICE 01924 409348 GREEN ROAD, LIVERSEDGE

WISHING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS OLD & NEW A MERRY CHRISTMAS

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Friday 27th December

WILKINSON BROS SCRAP METAL MERCHANTS

All Types Of Metal Season’s Greetings to all our customers

Spen Fairdeal Albion St, Cleckheaton Tel: 01274 874753

www.spenfairdeal.co.uk

PICTURE FRAMING A SPECIALITY

For all your DIY requirements, timber mouldings, varnishes, ironmongery, curtain rails, household, hardware & garden supplies, key cutting Largest selection of fireside accessories in town Coal scuttles fireguards companion sets

ARTISTS MATERIALS

Est. 2006

Amazing prices for all types of goods! probably the cheapest around!

SEASON’S All types of electrical appliance Brand New - Graded or GREETINGS FROM US Reconditioned with warranty AT H.A.S Appliance Sales & Repairs Service 111 Commercial Street, Batley, WF17 5DQ (near to Batley Post Office) Tel: 01924 452 366 @Homeapplianceservices

WANTED IMMEDIATE PAYMENT ✓ Copper ✓ Brass ✓ Lead

McFaddens ✓ Aluminium and all types of cable Drighlington ✓ Lead Acid Batteries Best wishes from Martin & Andy Quality Cars for over 50 years On main A58 - Whitehall Road, Drighlington 0113 285 3996 McFaddenscarsales.co.uk

(01924) 469409 14 Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury, WF13 3PH

We would like to wish all our customers a wonderful Xmas & a very prosperous New Year

ThePress

Saturday 28th December

Sunday 29th December

Friday December 20, 2019

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Monday 30th December

Obtain Your LGV or PCV Licence With Ease Use The Professionals Over 30 Years’ Experience Instructions On All Aspects Of Driving

Season’s greetings from all of us at ATKINS LGV TRAINING

T: 07711 771685 www.atkinlgv.net Fieldhead Lane, Drighlington, Bradford BD11 1JL

TSS

TIDYWASTE SKIP SERVICES

MINI, MIDI & MAXI SKIP HIRE IN CLECKHEATON

Best wishes for Xmas and NewYear

from all of us at TSS

SKIP HIRE & SCRAP YARD SERVICES Domestic & commercial • ALL SIZES OF SKIPS • 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • KIRKLEES RELIABLE SKIP HIRE COMPANY • AFFORDABLE SERVICES SECOND TO NONE

TIDYWASTE SKIP SERVICES Unit 10, Westend Mills, Brick St, Cleckheaton, BD19 5EH

Tel: 01274 851120 Open: Monday – Friday 8am-5pm, Saturdays 8am- 12pm, Closed Sundays

BOLLANDS Funeral Directors

BIRSTALL FUNERAL SERVICES We provide 24 hour service with complete arrangements for both burial and cremation

PRE-PAID FUNERALS Consideration for others is the most common reason for buying & taking out a funeral plan & peace of mind the most common benefit Contact Robert Edmond, 18 Kirkgate, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9PB Telephone: 01924 472178 (24hour) Email: ra.edmond007@btinternet.com www.bollandsfuneraldirectors.co.uk

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

NewYear’s Eve Tuesday 31st December

Les Enfants

*Subject to T&C’s

Reliable Drivers Great Service

Service Washes, Dry Cleaning & Ironing IS YOUR IRONING A CHORE? BASKET OVERFLOWING? NOT ENOUGH TIME IN THE DAY? USE OUR

IRONING SERVICE

MOST HIGHLY EFFICIENT & COST EFFECTIVE DRYERS!

OPEN 7 DAYS 6am til 8pm

SHIRTS £1.00 LOCAL PICK UP & DROP PER KILO £4.00 OFF SERVICE AVAILABLE 7 The Knowl, Mirfield, WF14 9RH Tel: 01924 506884

The Airport Specialists Whishing all our customers A Merry Xmas and a Prosperous New Year

The Workshop, Springwell Mills, 233 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 6JL

Euro Cars Private Hire Ltd,

Bosch, Hotpoint, Beko, Candy, Swan, Zanussi

www.europrivatehire.com 387 Tong Street, Bradford, BD4 9RU

COMPETENT ASPHALT Co Ltd Roofing Specialists Established Over 50 Years All Work Fully Guaranteed

EVERYTHING MUST GO! CLOSING DOWN 2020

Unit 3 Foldhead Mill, Newgate, Mirfield, WF14 8DD

624 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 8HF (Nr Batley Park)

www.competentasphalt.co.uk MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

Tel: 07814 213283 / 01924 919781

Call 01924 489085

68-99-99

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS

• WASHING MACHINES • FRIDGE FREEZERS • COOKERS • DRYERS • IRONS • KETTLES • TOASTERS • VACUUMS

Quality furniture needed Free pick up ---------------------------------------Clothes & homeware ---------------------------------------Wishing All A Merry Christmas & New Year

01274

01924 451584 www.bedsdirect-batley.co.uk

BARGAIN APPLIANCE CENTRE

URGENT APPEAL

ALL UK AIRPORTS • SAME FARES 24/7 TAXIS AND MINIBUSES 1st MILE £2.50

STILL BARN CATTERY & DOG GROOMING Home-From-Home Environment

Copper Stillbarn, Upper Batley, Low Lane, Batley, WF17 0AW 01924 474851 or 07456 441100 Wishing all customers old & new a merry christmas & new Year

Tel: 01924 480992 Mobile: 07778 809295

SEASONS GREETINGS TO CLIENTS OLD & NEW

rogers of mirfield

Gentlemen’s Hairdressing est.1964 Visit our renowned MEN’S HAIRDRESSING ESTABLISHMENT Where courtesy & care matter Roger & his team of experienced barbers extend a warm welcome

101 • Knowl Road • Mirfield

Telephone: 01924 493800

Private Day Nurseries Ltd

FREE NURSERY PLACES for 2, 3 & 4 year olds*

Fieldhead Lane, Batley, WF17 9BH

Recent Ofsted Inspection

Tel: 01924 478338

Battye Street, Dewsbury, WF13 1PH

Tel: 01924 485001

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

Garlands Residential & Dementia Care Home Wishing all our residents & their families a Merry Christmas

Telephone: 01924 404122 27 Church Street, Heckmondwike

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

NewYearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Wednesday 1st January

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Ramblers’ corner FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 28 GOING TO JAIL Starts at 10.30am at Thornhill Rectory car park (WF12 0JY) 8.5 miles – moderate Contact: David Parkinson 01274 879794 or 07704 813715 david.parky@tiscali.co.uk

Choral celebration tomorrow night MIRFIELD Choral Society present a Christmas Celebration on Saturday December 21 at 7.15pm at the town’s Trinity Methodist Church. Tickets priced £10 including refreshments are available from any member of the choral society, by emailing mirfield choral@gmail.com or calling 01924 494708.

Can you help David watch his films? A PENSIONER is appealing for anybody with a projector suitable for playing 9.5mm film to contact him. David Oyston wishes to watch his special edition films before selling them but is relying on the generosity of readers to help. Anyone who may wish to lend a hand can contact The Press newsroom on 01924 470296.

When ‘flu struck SPEN Valley Historical Society’s next meeting is on Wednesday January 8 when John Brooke will give a talk titled ‘A Memorable Visitation: The 1891 Spen Valley Influenza Epidemic’. Meetings are held in the Catholic Church Parish Hall on Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7.15pm. The cost is £2 per meeting for members, £4 for guests and membership is £10 per year. For more information email scooper@thecoopersonline.org.uk.

No audition required! DEWSBURY Concert Society is on the lookout for new members. The friendly group of singers meets on Wednesday evenings at Longcauseway Church Hall from 7.30pm 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. For details contact Keith on 01924 443196.

Keep fit and have fun 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 9pm-11pm.

SATURDAY JANUARY 4 MIRFIELD MEANDER Starts at 10.30am at Mirfield Library car park (WF14 8AN, SE203197) 7 miles – moderate No dogs please Contact: Noel 07780 328561

A tree-mendous way to feel festive MIRFIELD residents are invited to get into the Christmas spirit by joining carol singers outside the town library on Christmas Eve. Now in its ninth year, the annual Carols Round The Tree event is becoming a Mirfield tradition with families meeting up with friends to welcome in the big day. Carols will include favourites such as Away in a Manger, While Shepherds Watched, We Three Kings and Silent Night. The Ark Church choir will lead the singing and the Salvation Army brass band will provide music. To add to the festivities mulled wine, mince pies, juice and sweets, supplied by Mirfield Co-op, will be distributed by the MyMirfield volunteer team. Martyn Jones will compere the event and members of the Salvation Army, Ark Choir and MyMirfield will give their take on Christmas. Song sheets printed by Thornhill Insurance will be available on the night. The event starts at 4pm and people are advised to bring a torch and wrap up warm. For full details visit the MyMirfield Facebook page.

COMMUNITY: Hundreds turn out every year to sing in Mirfield town centre

You shall go to the ball! By David Bentley NORTHERN Ballet has returned home for its highly-anticipated festive season in Leeds, with an enchanting adaptation of Cinderella, the world’s most famous rags-to-riches fairytale. Choreographed by David Nixon OBE and combining thrilling dance with magic and circus skills, Cinderella opened on Tuesday night and will be at Leeds Grand Theatre until January 2, 2020. Set in imperial Russia, this version is crammed with novelties. Audiences see dancers skate on a glistening lake of ice, stilt walkers entertaining in a marketplace, three huskies and a bear bound across the stage and the fateful ball is held in a Fabergéinspired ballroom. The skating scenes, with chassés, pirouettes and low-travelling lifts are one of the ballet’s choreographic highlights. Last performed in Leeds during its 2013 world première, Northern Ballet’s Cinderella sees a tragic end to a perfect summer’s

day leave Cinderella with no choice but to accept a desolate life of servitude. At the mercy of her wicked Stepmother, Cinderella seeks joy where she can but after encountering the handsome care-free Prince skating on a glistening lake of ice, she yearns for another life. Despite her sadness, Cinderella never forgets to be kind and her generosity is repaid when a chance encounter with a mysterious magician changes her destiny forever. Cinderella’s dazzling party outfit is matched by a scenic sleightof-hand, which pimps the kitchen range into a sledge with her name in lights along the side. The show is choreographed and directed by Northern Ballet’s artistic director David Nixon OBE, who has also designed the opulent costumes. It is performed to an original score by Philip Feeney, which is played live at every performance by Northern Ballet Sinfonia. Tickets are on sale now. To book visit leedsgrand theatre.com or call 0844 848 2700.

Abigail Prudames and Joseph Taylor in Cinderella

Photo: Guy Farrow

Friday December 20, 2019

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

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 Attractive Italian leather 4-piece suite comprising of 3-seater, 2-seater, chair and storage pouffe. Black with red trim (bought from DFS), £550. Buyer to collect. Tel 07876 411694. (2535) BEAUTY Light box for drying gel nail polish. Only used once. In excellent condition, £10. Tel 01924 450919. (2514) CLOTHING Two traditional cowboy hats as new. One black, one fawn. Suit lady or gent, £10 for both. Tel 07988 955976. (2515) Six casual men’s shirts various sizes and colours. Quality brands. Some worn once or new. £1 each. Tel 01924 519750. (2509) ELECTRICAL Six outdoor post lights, Georgian style, white (mains only), very good condition, £24. Tel 07943 114801. (2534) 40-inch Bush flat screen TV with remote control and manual, £40. Tel 07933 422024. (2526) Glass TV stand to match above Bush TV, £10. Tel 07933 422024. (2526) Toshiba 28” wide screen television with stand and remote control. Excellent condition, can deliver locally, £50. Tel 01924 471758. (2524) 3 x Winter warm oil-filled radiators, 1600 watt. £25 each. Tel 01924 469537. (2521) FURNITURE Dropleaf oval dining table with four chairs. Medium wood colour. Buyer to collect. £100 ono. Tel 01924 401280 (Heckmondwike). (2533) Black glass TV stand with two shelves. Suitable for 43” TV. Good condition £20 Tel 07876 536335. (2529) 6 x French hardwood dining chairs with white legs and ladder backs. Complete with seat cushions. £25 each or will sell in pairs. Tel 01924 408171. (2522) 2 x Canterbury office chairs, black, unassembled in box £40 each. Tel 01924 469537. (2521)

One True Design Office Chair, black leather task chair, gas lift & tilt, unassembled in box £40 Tel 01924 469537. (2521) Three seater settee and two armchairs. Good Condition. Pink draylon with plum/ beige loose covers. Buyer to collect £90 ono. Tel 01924 454332 (2519) Small brown wicker sofa with two matching chairs. Excellent condition, buyer to collect. £30. Tel 01924 408197. (2512) Nest of three mahogany tables. Good condition £10 Tel 01924 403080/ 07548 798908. (2511) GARDEN Two garden strimmers, £5 each. Bosch cordless hedge cutter and charger, £25. Bosch electric scarifier lawn rake with catching box, £20. Tel 07988 955976. (2515) Standard holly tree in pot, £10. Standard bay tree in pot, £15. Tel 07415 238960. (2513) HOBBIES Small collection of unworked tapestries with wools plus other embroidery articles, from £5 each. Tel 0113 253 4632. (2532) HOUSEHOLD Focus HE slimline gas fire. Good condition. Serviced £100 Tel 01924 474062. (2528) Central heating control, Salus RT510TX with instructions. Only 12 months old, £25. Tel 07939 599381. (2527) Adey Magnaclean filter (for central heating), £35. Tel 07939 599381. (2527) 12 ltr expansion vessel (for central heating), £20. Tel 07939 599381. (2527) Green/pink/peach lined full length curtains (fits floor to ceiling). Each curtain measures 10ft 6ins W x 7ft D. Includes matching pelmets, tracks, fixtures & fittings plus brass holdbacks. Very good clean condition, £75 ono. Tel 07475 109308. (2525) Love heart mirror 650mm W (25.5”) x 720mm H (28.5”) £45. Tel 01924 408171. (2522)

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 Royal Albert Old Country Roses coffee set, eight cups and saucers, coffee pot, sugar bowl & cream jug. As new, never used, £40. Delonghi coffee machine Caffe Corso. ESAM 2600 bean to cup. In black, cost £179, sell £40. Tel 07928 233213. (2516) Dimplex Cheriton coal effect electric fire. Black and brass. New condition, £25. Tel 01924 403080/07548 798908. (2511) Solid fuel fireplace set, 16”. Brass fret, grate and ash pan. Very good condition, very little use. £25. Tel 01924 403080/ 07548 798908. (2511) KITCHEN/DINING Glass punch bowl set for 12 people. Complete. No chips or damage. Boxed. Ideal for parties, £25. Tel 07773 875472. (2517) MISCELLANEOUS Gaming equipment. Black Jack shoe, 400 casino chips, gaming board etc. £20 ono. Tel 01274 876814. (2523) Dixon Atlantic universal projector screen, 40 x 40 on tripod legs. Made in USA. Excellent condition in original box. £12 buyer to collect. Tel 01924 519750. (2509) MOTORING New Ultimate Speed bottle jack. Lifts 3.000kg £12 Tel 01274 876814. (2523) MUSICAL Very nice Reynolds Bb tenor trombone In its original hard case showing Reynolds USA logo. The gold lacquer is about 90% full & nice inner legs of the slide. Ideal for a beginner to professional player, £145

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11

ono. Tel 01924 477016 (cash only). (2531) Technics Electronic Organ. 2 Keyboards, floor standing. Complete with stool. Excellent condition £60. Tel 01924 490266. (2520) OUTDOOR Five traditional walking sticks, various sizes, £10 for all. Two pairs of Nordic walking sticks, adjustable. Suit lady or gent. £15 for both pairs. Two director chairs in carrying bags. Good condition, £10 for both. Three folding tripod stools with carrying handle. Good condition, £10 for all. Tel 07988 955976. (2515) SPORT/ EXERCISE Fishing equipment including 3 poles, specialist carp rod & 2 rods, box, weather shelter & umbrella. Pole rigs & floats, reels, rod holder plus misc items inc hooks, telescopic pole roller, bank sticks etc. Cost £1,800, will accept £350. Tel 0113 252 4266. (2530) Confidence vibration plate, power plus. Cost £179, sell £50. Total crunch body revolution system. Cost £95, sell £30, Tel 07928 233213. (2516) Set of golf clubs, suit beginner. Includes 3 woods, 7 irons, putter, umbrella, balls, tees etc. In green canvas bag, £20 Tel 07988 955976. (2515) TOYS/ CHILDREN’S GOODS Thomas the Tank Engine item. Various engines, track, towers and pirate ship. £120 for the lot or will split if required. Tel 01274 600402 (2518)

ThePress

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

Friday December 20, 2019

BUILDING & LANDSCAPE SERVICES

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Classified

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

COMPUTING

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Concrete Garages & Sheds Dismantle & Bases Garage re-vamps Garage Doors 230 Bradford Rd, Batley Tel: 01924 461996 dencroftgarages.co.uk

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

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Classified section continues over page >

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

PUBS AND CLUBS

SCRAP METAL

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ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Lingard looks to recreate derby joy of playing days BATLEY BULLDOGS boss Craig Lingard hopes that his charges can experience some of the Boxing Day joy that he remembers as a player when he leads the club out for the first time against Dewsbury. Lingard spent his entire playing career at Mount Pleasant, becoming the club’s all-time record try-scorer, and took charge as head coach in September. He will finally get to see his players in action next week as the Bulldogs make the short hop to the Tetley’s Stadium for the festive derby fixture, and his playing experience makes him fully aware of the rivalry and the importance of the Boxing Day game in particular. “I used to enjoy them as a player. It was a really great crowd to play in front of, with between two and three thousand there every season,” said Lingard. “It’s always great to play in, there’s a great atmosphere, and if you win the game as a player you celebrate well as a team. I remember some really good Boxing Days over my time as a player so hopefully our players can experience that this year as well.” He added: “I played in maybe two or three dozen Batley-Dewsbury games so I

MEMORIES: Craig Lingard know full well what it means to the spectators. “Whether or not it’s a friendly on paper, it’s always good to get one over your rivals. We know that it’s not going to impact on league positions at the end of the season but it’s always nice to start your pre-season with a victory over your rivals, so we’ll certainly be going out to win the game, as Lee (Greenwood) will be at Dewsbury. Make no mistake, we’ll definitely be out to win the game.” The fixture tends to come at an inconvenient time for coaches in their pre-season preparations although Lingard says that, while his team will no doubt be scratchy in their first hit-out, there will be plenty he can learn. “There are still a lot of

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things that you haven’t worked on and a lot of areas that you need tighten up on, so you go into it a little bit blind,” he said. “But likewise you can look at some of the players in a game apply what you’ve been working on in training. “It’s a strange one for a coach as you want to play it and you don’t want to play it. You’d like a little bit more preparation but what it does do is it gives you an idea of where you really are in your preparation for the first game at the start of February. “It will give us a very good idea of where the players’ understanding is with what we’ve been working on ballin-hand and the positions in the field that we need to be in to get the shapes that we’re looking at, and how they can adapt that from training to a game situation.” Batley will be without centre Lewis Galbraith for the match as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, and winger Niall Walker has been away from training for personal reasons so won’t feature. Loose-forward James Brown may not be risked on Boxing Day with the forward nursing a minor foot injury, while the trialists at the club are unlikely to be considered.

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Boxing Day tie ticket prices THE BOXING Day derby between Dewsbury Rams and Batley Bulldogs will kick-off at 12pm at the Tetley’s Stadium. Advance tickets can be bought at a discount online from the Bulldogs, with adult tickets at £18 seated and £16 standing, concessions at £13 and £12 respectively, and juniors at £2 and £1 respectively. On the gate, this will increase to £20 seated and £18 standing for adults, £15 and £14 for concessions respectively, and £4 and £2 for juniors. Anyone with a 2020 junior season ticket for either club can gain admission to the game for free. Both sides will run with 20-man squads for the match, which is a first test of preseason for both and a chance to see their new signings in action.

Friday December 20, 2019

Rams hungry for derby clash LEE GREENWOOD says that his Dewsbury Rams players are looking forward to taking on local rivals Batley in the first game of pre-season on Boxing Day. The traditional festive fixture sees both enjoy their first hit-out ahead of the new campaign, with a host of new signings set to be on show for both sides at the Tetley’s Stadium. Although the timing is typically awkward for coaches and players in their pre-season preparations, head coach Greenwood says that his side have been eagerly anticipating the Boxing Day bout. “The lads are actually looking forward to it, which you don’t always find because it gets in the way of your Christmas time. The lads seem to be really looking forward to it,” he said. “We’re giving them a little bit of time off after it, which we didn’t manage to do last year because we had the Yorkshire Cup not long after it. This year we’ve managed to give them a week or so off after the game, and the lads are looking forward to playing and then having that time off. “Hopefully we’ll give a decent account of ourselves. I’m sure Craig (Lingard, Batley coach), like me, isn’t expecting to see us anywhere near our best, but I’d like to think it can be an improvement from what we produced last Boxing Day. I wasn’t that keen on that.” The Rams were beaten 16-10 in the fixture last season, in what was Greenwood’s first match leading the club. This time the boot is on the other foot, with Lingard the new man in the other dugout after replacing Matt Diskin as boss at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.

IMPROVEMENTS: Lee Greenwood hopes the gap to Batley will be narrower than last season, when the Rams lost all four derbies “It’s not a massively changed squad but he’s brought a few influential players in like (Shaun) Lunt, and (Lucas) Walshaw and (Dale) Morton from ourselves,” said Greenwood. “They’ve had quite a settled squad for a number of years so it’ll be interesting to see what Craig does differently to what Matt had been doing.” The Dewsbury boss will hope to improve on last season’s record against the Bulldogs, having played their neighbours four times and lost all four, and he believes the gap between the sides should be narrower this time around.

“I did feel that Batley’s squad was better than ours going into each game,” Greenwood reflected. “We’d have had to cause a surprise to beat them if I’m being honest, with the two sets of squads that were put out in each game. I dare say they were favourites in all four and they won all four. “I think this year will be interesting. I’m confident that in some areas we’re stronger than them and in others, that remains to be seen, whereas last year overall I felt they were better. “Let’s see if I’ve managed to make those improvements and make us stronger in certain areas.”

Dewsbury could be without four of their squad on Boxing Day. Centre Jason Walton has been out with an ACL injury for the past year and is aiming to be fit for the start of the season, while forward Chris Annakin won’t be risked against Batley as he continues his recovery from groin surgery. Full-back Joe Martin has suffered minor ligament damage to his ankle and prop Jon Magrin has been out of training through a combination of illness and a toe injury, with Greenwood reluctant to risk either unless they are fully fit.

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ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

Sawyer hopes to bring festive cheer for fans CONFIDENT: Rams chairman Mark Sawyer hopes the home crowd will have something to cheer on Boxing Day

DEWSBURY chairman Mark Sawyer hopes to see the Rams end their Boxing Day hoodoo and get the new season off to a positive start next week. The Tetley’s Stadium will host the annual derby fixture, which Batley have won in each of the past seven years, with a typical bumper crowd expected. Although just a pre-season game, the match holds special importance for the two sets of supporters, and Sawyer hopes that it is Rams fans who are celebrating come the final whistle this time. “We used to win our fair share of them,” he said. “We haven’t won one for a few years now but let’s just keep our fingers crossed. “I’m confident that we’ll put a decent performance in. At the end of the day it’s only a friendly

but the supporters take the Boxing Day game quite seriously, so let’s hope we can get a win for them.” Both clubs will be wishing for a strong turnout to help fill the coffers following the off-season, with the gate receipts shared out between the two clubs, and Sawyer explained the lure that continues to draw people to the festive fixture. “The Boxing Day match has been going on for decades and it’s eagerly awaited by people,” he said. “There are quite a lot who go to that friendly and it’s their only visit to either Batley or Dewsbury each year. “People through the generations have come to that match on Boxing Day. You speak to a lot of people who go there just for that one match as it’s a family tradition.”

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DEWSBURY RAMS will look to end a run of seven consecutive defeats in the Boxing Day derby when they host Batley at the Tetley’s Stadium for this year’s clash. Since last coming on top in 2011, beating the Bulldogs 28-6 on home turf, they have been on the losing side in every festive meeting. Batley reclaimed bragging rights in 2012 when they overturned a half-time deficit to win 28-18, and they followed that up with a hard-fought 10-4 victory a year later thanks to Luke Blake’s try with five minutes left on the clock. It was even tighter in 2014, with the sides scoring three tries apiece in an 18-16 nail-biter. 2015 saw another tough derby contest, with Alex Bretherton and Shaun Ainscough crossing

for tries in the second half to register a 12-4 win for the Bulldogs. Their success continued the following year as Matt Diskin won his first game in charge, thanks to three tries in the space of seven minutes in the second half securing a 28-18 triumph. There was yet another secondhalf surge in 2017 from the Bulldogs to make it six in a row. A brace from Rob Worrincy had put Dewsbury in front at the break, but four tries in the second 40, including Wayne Reittie’s double, earned a 28-16 win. And the Rams’ Boxing Day misery continued last year with a 16-10 defeat in Lee Greenwood’s first game at the club. A fightback came too late at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium after Dave Scott, Johnny Campbell and Michael Ward had scored tries for the hosts.

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ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

FOOTBALL

Ossett sink to defeat against Marine Clough second Northern Premier N/West Division

MARINE OSSETT UNITED

3 0

A SLOW start cost Ossett United dearly as promotion-chasing Marine took full advantage to get on their way to victory last weekend and leave their opponents in the relegation zone. On a very windy day on the Merseyside coast, the hosts scored twice in the first eight minutes before adding a late third. Manager Wayne Benn said: “All of the talk was about making a good start, staying in the game, being compact, and the game plan went out of the window after five minutes. “I said some harsh things at halftime because, for me, it was the first time the boys have really let themselves down. I thought we were meek, I thought we were bullied, I thought we were second to most balls and poor all over the pitch. “They were left in no doubt that was unacceptable, and in the second half we improved a little bit.” It took only three minutes for Marine to break the deadlock. George Newell was left free to make a run towards the near post from a

corner and he connected sweetly with Craig Lindfield’s delivery to find the bottom corner. With Ossett under huge pressure, Newell had two other chances before scoring his second when again he beat the defender to get to a cross and finish. Goalkeeper Brett Souter was by far the busiest United player, and he made saves to deny first Lindfield after Josh Soloman-Davies had weaved into the box, and then Newell looking for his hat-trick. Ossett’s first chance of the game came through Marko Basic, who made something out of nothing when he strode through midfield, tried his luck from distance and smacked the post with the goalkeeper motionless. Souter was at the centre of things to keep the score at 2-0, denying James Barrigan following a counter, a curling effort from George Hassall, Lindfield and Jordan Lussey strikes, and Hassall again in the final moments of the half. He was in action again at the start of the second to deny SolomonDavies, before Ossett started to impose themselves on the match and craft chances of their own. Skipper James Knowles saw his header from a corner cleared off the line by Kenny Strickland, before

secured the win, against the run of play, with nine minutes to go. A good through ball played SolomonDavies in behind and he beat Souter. There was still time for things to get worse for United as Jack Stockdill received two late bookings to see his side finish with 10 men. Ossett are second-from-bottom in the BetVictor Northern Premier N/West Division, but only one point from safety ahead of a trip to Mossley tomorrow (Saturday, kickoff 3pm). They then return home for a visit from local rivals Pontefract Collieries on Boxing Day, with an earlier kick-off time of 1pm.

BUSY MAN: Brett Souter

PHOTO: John Hirst

Mariners goalkeeper Shamal George made a great save to tip a strike onto the crossbar. George then clawed away a Basic free-kick, and a scramble ensued from the resulting corner which saw the keeper deny Ossett on the line again. Aaron Haswell also headed wide for the visitors before Marine

WAYNE BENN has made his first signing as Ossett United manager, bringing in Brodie Litchfield from Gainsborough Trinity. The forward began his career at Stocksbridge Park Steels before signing for Sheffield United’s youth team at the age of 17. Litchfield played for Mickleover, returned to Stocksbridge and had a spell at FC United of Manchester before moving to Gainsborough ahead of this season. However, the 22-year-old departed the club last week in search of more game time and has now joined Ossett.

HOWDEN CLOUGH moved up to second place in the Wakefield and District League Division One with a 42 win away at Ossett Dynamos. Warren Carr scored a hat-trick and Reece Scholes also netted while Ryan Ellis and Michael Lemm responded for Ossett. In Division Two, Overthorpe Sports Club were 4-2 victors at home to Hemsworth Town. Overthorpe’s West Yorkshire Association League team, however, were beaten 5-0 at Kellingley Welfare. Hartshead moved up to 10th in the West Yorkshire Division One table with a 5-1 success at Kippax. Benjamin Smith scored twice while Nathan Foster, Jack Rodgerson and Tom Smith netted the others. In the Calder Valley Division Two, Sands Lane picked up a 2-2 draw at Halifax Rangers.

Cup washout OSSETT United Ladies saw their County Cup clash with Harrogate Town postponed last weekend. Both Ingfield and Dimple Wells were waterlogged so the third-round clash, a repeat of the previous week’s league tie that Harrogate won 2-1, had to be called off and rearranged for January 5.

BOWLS A walk in the park for Paisley? Andy fights back for first Spen success RACING PREVIEW WITH MIKE SMITH

AISLEY PARK Is the headline act of a fantastic card at Ascot as he bids to become a multiple winner of the Long Walk Hurdle. Emma Lavelle’s seven-yearold is seeking his seventh straight success tomorrow (Saturday) to join a list of greats including Big Bucks and Baracouda who have more than one Long Walk to their name. He made his Grade One breakthrough in this renewal last year and on official marks has 14lbs or more in hand on his rivals, so it would be a surprise if he failed to deliver successive titles in this contest for connections. He had THE WORDS END behind when winning the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury recently and he should confirm that form with Tom George’s charge, who looks set to battle out the runner-up spot with the returning L’AMI SERGE who has well-being to prove after a lengthy lay-off. With AGRAPART out of sorts, and both PAPAGANA and TOBEFAIR taking big hikes in grade, this looks a relatively poor renewal of this Grade One prize. Trainer Venetia Williams has hit top form recently and is operating at an impressive strike rate, which could be enhanced by BELAMI DES PICTONS, a 7/2 favourite with Carrigill’s who side with 12/1 shot BLACK CORTON in Ascot’s Silver Cup Handicap Chase (3.00). BELAMI DES PICTONS’

eye-catching reappearance in Cheltenham’s BetVictor Handicap Chase behind Happy Diva last month, where he stayed on steadily after losing being hampered and losing his place early on, should have helped put him spot on for this. The race has worked out well with third Warthog winning the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup last Saturday and the fifth Magic Saint winning a decent race at Newbury two weeks ago. In YALLTARI Williams also has a worthy market leader at Haydock in the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase, which is the highlight of what is a potentially classy and competitive card tomorrow (Saturday). The feature race has a predictably open feel to it, but it is not hard to see last year’s winner DAKLONDIKE playing another leading role in the expectation of a return of some headgear. Only 6lb higher than 12 months ago, he is far from straightforward but loves the mud and trainer David Pipe continues to bang

in the winners. Donald McCain has a handful of entries at the meeting, the most interesting of which could be FIN AND GAME, who has the choice of two options and is expected to go in the opening race rather than a more competitive handicap later on the card, and will have the dependable Lorcan Murtagh up top. McCain is responsible for the early favourite in the other race via course specialist CHTI BALKO, who returned to form when hacking up at Bangor last time. An 8lb rise for that success is perfectly understandable, particularly when considering the well-beaten runner-up BURROWS PARK came out and won at Hereford last weekend. At Newcastle, STONEY RIVER could be a backable price after he finally got his act together over fences last time out with the addition of cheekpieces. A proper chasing type, the son of Scorpion now gets to tackle three miles for the first time and trainer Katie Scott looks to have found a very winnable race for the promising six-year-old. CARRIGILL’S NAP: (money back as a free bet if finishes outside top four. Write Augur on your slip to qualify): BLACK COTTON, Ascot, Saturday, 3.00. AUGUR’S BEST BET: STONEY RIVER (e/w), Newcastle, Saturday, 12.30.

COMEBACK: Andy Gallagher (left, with Peter Ellis) beat Sarah Edmondson (right) in the Spen sweep final ANDY Gallagher secured his first ever Spen Victoria winter sweep win, coming from behind to make a dramatic turnaround and beat Sarah Edmondson in the final. Sarah, who knocked out four of the competition’s best bowlers to reach the final, led 13-2 before Andrew made a superb fightback to win 21-18. Once again tricky bowling conditions met the hardy souls who turned to the sweep but this week, more than most, showed how difficult it is to win this competition and that retaining it is even harder. Last week’s winner, Mike Sweeney, took an early bath at the hands of the in-form Derek Hewitt and 12 of the 16 first-round ties went to the underdogs. With Regan, Tattersley, Speed, Coates and both Mordues out, the field was wide open, but the shocks didn’t stop there. Sarah, fresh from beating two-time Sweep winner Tattersley, put Slattery, Smith and Thornton to the sword to reach the final while, in the other half, Andy managed to beat Speed, Hewitt, Simpson and wily old campaigner Fowler to take up the other final spot. After going behind 2-1 in the early stages of the final, Sarah won the jack and headed straight for the corners which she had bowled so well all day.

With the green starting to change pace, Gallagher struggled massively to compete as even if his opponent bowled a poor lead, she made up for it with her second bowl to sprint into a 13-2 lead. With Andy spraying them to all parts of the green it looked a formality she would get home from there. However, bowls is a funny old game and when Sarah uncharacteristically bowled two poor bowls, he jumped in for a brace to make it 13-4. It was Andy’s turn to start to lead, shortening the length down and put them close. Three doubles followed by a single brought the game to 13-11 and he was back in it. However, it was then his turn to bowl two poor bowls and Sarah jumped in with a brace of her own. Chalks where exchanged until the crucial part of the game came with Sarah leading 1816 and, with block in hand, she left two bowls short. Andy’s were not much better but they were good enough to count two and make it 18-18. Andy shortened to end again and had two within 18 inches, and Sarah played through clipping the jack but not hard enough. It was 20-18 to Andy and with the homester bowling a tricky mark across the crown, a bowl three feet away was good enough to give him his first-ever win at Spen.

ThePress

Friday December 20, 2019

RUGBY LEAGUE New 21-man rule

Sharks claim bragging rights over rivals

BATLEY BULLDOGS and Dewsbury Rams will announce a 21-man squad before every competitive game next season under changes confirmed by the Rugby Football League. Clubs will be required to name, by noon two days before each fixture, a larger squad than the previous 19-man selection. However, for each player from outside that 21 who is then called into the team’s actual 17, that team will lose one of their eight permitted interchanges. It will apply to all fixtures in the Super League, Championship, League One, Challenge Cup and the 1895 Cup. There are exceptions regarding dual-registration players, who can be recalled by their parent club and replaced in the 21 without the partner club losing an interchange. In an additional change, Championship clubs will be permitted to register up to five players from the amateur game.

SHAW CROSS Sharks kept up their winning run in the Pennine League’s Division Two with a 2016 win at rivals Thornhill Trojans. Thornhill scored two early tries at Overthorpe Park but three Sharks scores, from Tennison Neagle, Sam Bastow and Marcus Stocks, saw them lead 18-8 at the break. The gap was narrowed early in the second half but two red cards for the hosts in a heated contest helped Shaw Cross hold on despite a late Trojans try. Both sides have 10 points going into the Christmas break, two points behind leaders Fryston Warriors. In Division One, Mirfield Stags have won six games out of six and are four points clear at the top of the table after a 48-0 thumping of Almondbury Spartans. The fixture was switched to the Tetley’s Stadium 4G pitch, owing to poor conditions at the Stags’ Hillrich Park home. Ben Kendall and Connor Squires led the way with a brace of tries apiece, while Casey Canterbury, Omar Alrawi, Brad

New staff injection DEWSBURY RAMS have made changes to their medical staff ahead of the 2020 season. Club physiotherapist Amy Wesson has departed after three years at the Rams for a full-time role. Jonny McRae, who was previously the Under16s physio at Castleford, has taken on her role while Tom Pearson remains at the club as an understudy and Nick Raynor is staying on as head doctor for a fourth season.

Boys recruiting BATLEY BOYS are recruiting for a number of coaching and gameday roles for their NCL open age team next season. The club are advertising for two assistant coaches, along with a gameday team co-ordinator and a media manager. Anyone interested can email batleyboysarlfc@mail.com.

HEAVE: Shaw Cross look to push forward in the mud as the Thornhill defence resists Delaney, Dom Flanagan, Lewis Holliday and Craig Miles also weighed in with scores and

Squires added four goals from 10 conversion attempts. Hanging Heaton were also vic-

PHOTO: Thornhill Trojans

torious, beating Sharlston Rovers 32-4 for their second win of the campaign.

Shaw Cross girls to walk for Natalie SHAW CROSS Sharks’ girls teams will take part in a sponsored walk to Wakefield to raise money for the family of Natalie Harrowell, the England international player who passed away earlier this month.

TRAGIC: Natalie Harrowell passed away earlier this month

Natalie, 29, played for Featherstone Rovers, earned three caps for England and had a development role at Wakefield Trinity which saw her work with the girls section at Shaw Cross. Their Under-12s, 14s and 16s will hold a sponsored walk from the Shaw Cross clubhouse to Wakefield Trinity on February 9

for their game against Catalans, and a ticket to the match will be supplied to everyone who gets sponsors. As well as sponsoring the girls on their walk, a JustGiving page has been set up for donations and can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/natalie-harrowell.

RUGBY UNION

Cleckheaton end year on high note North One East

CLECKHEATON RUFC KENDAL

26 15

CLECKHEATON will spend the Christmas break fourth in the league table after a bonus-point victory over Kendal. James Wilson’s late score earned them all five competition points from a hard-fought encounter at a blustery Moorend. Cleckheaton were unchanged from the derby win over Bradford and Bingley the previous week with the exception of Chris Piper taking his place on the bench. Kendal went on the attack from the start and when outside-half Glen Weightman sliced through the defence, Rory Blankney-Edwards was on hand to take the scoring pass. A few minutes later Cleckheaton were back on level terms with hooker Ben Thrower forcing his way over the whitewash for his sixth try of the season, although Dale Breakwell was wide with the kick to keep the scores level. Kendal were trying to get their backline moving but seemed to kick a lot of possession away which Wilson, Mikey Hayward and Jack Marshall dealt with competently

ON THEIR WAY: Ben Thrower scores Cleckheaton’s first try and frequently returned the ball with interest. Once again the powerful Cleckheaton forwards were making the hard yards and kept putting the visitors on the back foot. At a scrum five metres from the line, the chance seemed to be lost when the ball came free and Jack Seddon had to turn and pick up, but he had enough power to get over the whitewash for his fifth try of the season. Breakwell goaled and Cleckheaton led for the first time at

PHOTO: Gerald Christian

12-5, although this was reduced on 25 minutes when Weightman slotted a simple penalty. Three minutes later, Kendal got their second try with a simple catch and drive from a lineout close to the tryline. Wrathall was the scorer and Weightman added the extras to restore the lead to 12-15. Scoring opportunities were limited and, as half-time approached, Breakwell attempted a 35-metre drop goal that sailed wide of the posts.

The first points of the second half came after 10 minutes, with prop Andy Piper rumbling over the try line and Breakwell adding the goal as Cleck edged back in front in this see-saw game. Cleckheaton put some fresh legs on the park with Chris Piper and Archie Rika-Rayne replacing Niall Jackson and Thrower, while Ben Etchells got some game time in replacing the outstanding Tom Lillicrop, who along with Gus Milborne had fine games. Breakwell had a chance to put the game to bed with three minutes left but his 30-metre penalty went wide. They went into panic mode at the restart as a quick tap on the 22 saw Kendal make 20 yards but the ball was lost in contact. When Ollie Depledge picked up the loose ball he fed Wilson who powered away for the bonus-point try. Breakwell added the goal and the referee ended a contest which had entertained the big crowd from start to finish. There will be Boxing Day rugby at Moorend with Old Brodlieans making the short trip down the road. Kick-off is at 11am and the club will be open with food and drink available all day. League action returns on January 4 with Percy Park visiting for a 2.15pm kick-off.

First Sevens try for Jodie

SEVEN UP: England’s Jodie Ounsley JODIE OUNSLEY scored her first England Sevens try at the World Series in Cape Town last weekend. The Dewsbury-born teenager, who joined the sevens programme in the summer, scored her first try for the team in a victory over Ireland. England went on to be beaten in the quarter-finals of that leg of the around-the-world tour competition. Ounsley, who was born profoundly deaf, plays for Loughborough Lightning, starred in the Under-18 Sevens European Championship in Poland earlier this year, and was named Young Deaf Sports Personality of the Year in 2018.

INSIDE: Boxing Day derby preview special Coaches’ views, team news and more for the big match

Stags expect biggest test yet in cup final By Stephen Ibbetson Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

AFTER the idea to relaunch the club came at a wedding earlier this year, Mirfield Stags will be hoping to be the bride rather than the bridesmaid in next week’s BARLA Yorkshire Cup final. Mirfield have been invincible this season, winning 11 games out of 11 in all competitions to top the Pennine League’s top tier and reach the cup final, which they will contest against Drighlington on Sunday December 29 (kick-off 1.30pm) at Featherstone’s LD Nutrition Stadium. Despite their success, the club was only reformed in the summer after the previous set-up closed down two years ago. Head coach – and former international referee – Richard Silverwood explained how the idea to bring the team back together came about. “It was at a wedding to be honest! Some of the players that are playing now, they are friends of mine and they were at that wedding in May,” he said. “Up to that point I’d had no real aspirations about setting it back up, as it took up a lot of my time. But we’d had one or two drinks and started to talk about forming it again. “We got a bit of interest, a few

of the lads said they’d be up for it, and it just went from there. “We started training in August, we had good numbers, sponsors were flying to us, and it’s just built and built. We didn’t really think about how well it would go but it’s been brilliant.” With some of the old gang mixed in with new blood, it couldn’t have gone much better. A 48-0 win against Almondbury Spartans last weekend saw Mirfield maintain their winning streak and extend the gap at the top of the league to four points, while cup wins over Normanton Knights and Doncaster Toll Bar, either side of a quarter-final bye, have put them 80 minutes from silverware. Silverwood revealed: “When we had the signing-on evening we were discussing which league we wanted to go in. A few of the lads were thinking ‘do we go in the league below?’ But looking round the room I thought we had enough ability, so we went for the top division and it’s worked out pretty well. “First and foremost we’ve got some talented players, but it’s the togetherness of the group. Everybody gets on. A lot of lads have played at a higher level but fell out of love with where they’d been playing. “They’ve come to us and they’re all saying they’ve never enjoyed their rugby so much. The lads are brilliant and I think it’s the closeness of the group that is making our success.”

FAVOURITES: Richard Silverwood’s side have won every game in all competitions this season Fellow Division One side Drighlington await the Stags in the final, although the two sides are yet to face each other this season. Mirfield’s quarter-final bye did give Silverwood the chance to check them out last month in their own cup tie, and he expects a strong challenge from a side coached by Dewsbury Rams player Martyn Reilly. “We’ve played everybody else apart from Drighlington, so I don’t really know too much about them,” said the Stags boss.

“I went to watch the game against Illingworth in the quarter-finals and they seemed well drilled, they threw the ball about well. They’ve got some Conference players in there as well, so I’m expecting a really tough game. “We’re 11 games unbeaten, including friendlies and cup matches, so we go in as favourites but we’re certainly not underestimating Drighlington. We’re expecting our toughest game of the season.”

Legend Walker back at Sedge LIVERSEDGE FC manager Jonathan Rimmington has heralded the returns of player Paul Walker and coach Sean Regan to the club. Walker, 33, has returned on loan from National League North side Farsley Celtic to the club where he made his name a decade ago. He was managed by another returning face this week in former boss Regan, who is back at Clayborn as an assistant under Rimmington. Another coach and further signings are expected in the coming days as Sedge refresh their squad ahead of an NCEL Premier Division promotion push. Walker came onto the scene at Sedge before moving to Garforth Town in 2009, and the striker has gone on to have prolific spells at both Bradford Park Avenue and Farsley. He has spent the past few months on loan at Scarborough Athletic but decided to cut that stint short and return home. Rimmington said: “He’s a very good footballer. He gets you up the pitch, he won’t give the ball away, and he can go past people as well. I don’t think he’s lost much pace. “There were higher clubs than us trying to get him. It’s a testament that he’s come to us really. He’s had a great career in non-league football and done very well out of it, and he’s one of those very down-to-earth footballers. He looks after himself and he’s a really nice person which is really important.” Liversedge have also brought back Regan, who managed the club in the 2009-10 season and recently had a three-and-a-half-year spell at Eccleshill United. “He’s got really good technical knowledge, he works for the FA as a coaching mentor,” said Rimmington. “He’s got good knowledge of players so it’ll be a good move.” Further arrivals are anticipated soon as Rimmington tries to refresh a side which has won one of their past six matches. He said: “We’re still trying to challenge. Hopefully we can sign a couple more and just refresh the group, that’s what we need. “We’ve just got to settle down again. We’ve let ourselves down over the past month, giving silly points away.” Liversedge face the toughest challenge possible tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) when they travel to league leaders Penistone Church.

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