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

Thousands pay their respects at Savile Town cleric’s funeral

Friday February 26, 2016

12 MONTHS

No. 726

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KIRKLEES NHS STORM: Council demands showdown with Hunt

TALK TO US JEREMY! A&E STORM: Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is being urged to hold talks

A NEW front opened this week in the fight to save the Accident & Emergency department at Dewsbury District Hospital from cuts.

Moves centre on separate proposals to axe Huddersfield Royal Infirmary’s A&E completely – which could have a knock-on effect in our district as the minor injuries unit planned for

By David Miller News Reporter

davidmiller@thepressnews.co.uk

Dewsbury Hospital would be the only significant emergency care centre in Kirklees.

Councillors and MPs oppose such a situation and want the Government to intervene.

The district’s four political

group leaders and the chief executive of Kirklees Council this week officially demanded talks with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Meanwhile, an extraordinary meeting of the council is due to be held in Huddersfield on March 16, and local Conservatives have put forward a motion for the debate proposing a way to keep A&E departments at both hospitals (see panel, right).

But their staff-sharing proposal is complicated by the hospitals being run by separate NHS trusts.

MPs think the Huddersfield decision was taken in isolation and that any public consultation there should include the fate of A&E at Dewsbury.

Dewsbury & Mirfield MP Paula

■ Continued on Page 4 ■ Health news special, Pages 4&5

Tories call on trusts to share consultants – and save A&Es CONSERVATIVES on Kirklees Council want Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust to share consultants with the Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation NHS Trust.

They also want to see minor injuries centres set up in the Spen Valley and Holme Valley to reduce travelling.

Tory leader Coun Robert Light wants this to form a new model of care drawn up between both trusts, ambulance bosses, the council and commissioners.

Under this plan the most critically ill would still be taken to a specialist centre, as happens already.

Coun Light said: “The trusts need to look beyond their narrow organisational view and put what’s best for patients first.

“Consultants are very well paid and it should perhaps be they who are moving across the hospitals rather than patients being transported.

“I believe it's achievable, but it will need partners to work together and make significant improvements in how they communicate.

“If done properly I believe this would improve services to patients and make savings for each of the trusts.

“This principle should be applied to more than just accident and emergency services.

“It should be rolled out across other hospital specialties so that care is available in an accessible way and accessible place for patients.”

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ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

BENTLEY Margaret

nee Butterworth -- • --

On 15th February 2016 peacefully, formerly of Heckmondwike aged 88. Wife of Joseph and Mother, Grandma and Great Grandma. Requiem Mass at St Bedes Catholic Church Marske-bythe-Sea, Cleveland on 29th February at 1.15pm followed by Interment at Redcar Cemetery.

Deaths DUTTON MAVIS On 18 February, aged 83, of Liversedge. Wife of the late Arthur. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 4 March at 10.30am.

Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 26 February at 10.30am.

SHUTTLEWORTH ARNOLD On 22 February, aged 83,

of Howden Clough. Service at St Saviour’s Church, Brownhill, Wednesday 9 March at 11.15am, followed by interment in Batley Cemetery at 12noon.

HEMINGWAY BARRY On 21 February, formerly of Ravensthorpe, aged 67.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 8 March at 10am.

HICK NEE JOYCE MARIAN On 21 February, of Hanging Heaton, aged 61.

Wife of Michael. Service at St Paulinus RC Church, Thursday 10 March at 10.30am, followed by interment at Dewsbury Cemetery.

MCQUILLAN MALCOLM On 14 February, aged 73 years, of Batley. Husband of Marjorie. Service at

David Butterfield INDEPENDENT FAMILY

Car dealership to support festival FUNDING for the 14th Heckmondwike Crown of Lights Music Festival got off to a flying start when Batley car dealership Hammertons grabbed one of four available top-end £1,000 sponsorship packages – and pledged £1,800 for it.

Thousands of people have enjoyed the free event in Heckmondwike’s Green Park and for several years Kirklees Council provided the core funding, but organisers do not expect any more significant grants due to budget constraints.

Festival organiser Donal O’Driscoll was delighted with the news that the Kia and SsangYong car dealer was on board and said: “I’m trying to make the two-day festival self-financing.

“It’s impossible to ticket the event due to the town centre location and we can’t keep relying on Kirklees Council to fund it.”

To fit in all the bands the free family-friendly festival became a two-day event for the first time last year, and this year is planned for July 16-17.

Donal has opted for crowdfunding to meet the essential costs of the festival, totalling £16,000.

The target has to be reached by Sunday March 13 so services can be secured and people can pledge

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No money is taken until shortly after the deadline – and then only if the target is reached.

On top of online donations the organisers are also hoping for sponsorship from town centre traders, who benefit from the festival, and other local businesses.

For the first time the Crown of Lights group intend to have a glossy eight-page festival programme so sponsors can choose from a variety of advertising opportunities in print, plus banners, stalls or exhibition stands.

Those interested in sponsorship can call Donal on 07957 765573 or email info@Crown OfLights.org.uk.

Nearly £3,500 has been pledged so far for what will be the 14th ‘Heckyfest’ as it is locally known.

Organisers say there will be a total of 26 acts on two alternate stages so that the music is almost non-stop over 16 hours.

For more information or to pledge your support search for ‘Crown of Lights’ online or go to www.crowdfunder.co. uk/14th-heckyfest/.

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Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: David Bentley Reporter: David Miller Sports Reporter: Joe Link Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Sales Executives: Nicola Finch Janet Black Kate Fisher Office Manager: Adele Latham Accounts: Amy Wright The Press abides by the principles of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and at all times attempts to report fairly and accurately and correct mistakes or errors as soon as possible. In the first instance, contact the editor, otherwise we will be happy to give details of the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

Drowned dad ‘let down’ by faulty medical gear

By Staff Reporters A FATHER from Heckmondwike who died on holiday was “woefully let down” by inadequate medical equipment.

Coroner Martin Fleming made the assessment at the conclusion of an inquest into the tragic drowning of 36-year-old Carl Thompson.

The lighting technican went swimming on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura on August 10 last year.

A sudden rip current pulled Dewsbury-born Mr Thompson under the water with his family.

Mr Thompson, of Leeds Old Road, was on the second day of a holiday when the incident happened.

Fiancee Sally Barrett was also caught in the water but swam for land and raised the alarm.

Lifeguards pulled Mr Thompson from the sea but he was unresponsive when a British nurse and a German doctor tried to resuscitate him on the beach.

A defibrillator

TWO defibrillators didn’t work and other life-saving equipment was damaged or missing, Coroner told

BATLEY: The owner of Fox’s Biscuits is believed to be in talks about selling the company.

The Wellington Street factory is currently in the hands of Birmingham-based 2 Sisters Food Group. Talks with Burton’s Biscuits, the maker of Jammie Dodgers, are said to be at an early stage.

Fox’s, which dates back to 1853, has about 900 staff and is valued at up to £340m.

MPs in ‘stay’ camp NORTH KIRKLEES: The area’s two Labour MPs are in favour of the UK staying in the European Union.

Jo Cox (Batley and Spen) and Paula Sherriff (Dewsbury and Mirfield) both set out their position after a referendum on membership was called for Thursday, June 23.

Ms Sherriff posted on Twitter: “For stability, jobs, growth, trade and workers rights, I strongly believe we’re stronger in.”

Mrs Cox posted: "A vote to remain in the EU is the patriotic choice.”

Church wins lottery A beach at Corralejo on the Canary island of Fuerteventura, where Carl Thompson sadly died last year machine did not to have a battery, while other lifesaving equipment was damaged or missing.

One example the Bradford inquest heard was the valve bag used to pump air into a patient had a hole in it.

It then took 50 minutes for another defibrillator, to arrive from the fami-

ly’s hotel. That also turned out to be faulty.

And there was a delay in a third defibrillator arriving in an ambulance with a doctor.

Coroner Mr Fleming gave a narrative verdict in which the cause of death was given as asphyxia by drowning.

He said it could not be

known if a quicker response with a working defibrillator would have helped.

Mr Fleming said: “The sea suddenly turned treacherous and it was completely unexpected.

“There is no evidence to suggest the lifeguards did not act professionally or with the requisite

Derelict factory finally flattened

Picture Mike Popplewell

‘Stolen vehicle parts’ in blaze SUSPECTED stolen vehicle parts were found following a fire in Ravensthorpe early on Monday.

The former Rosey’s Bar on Huddersfield Road, now a shop, went up in flames at around 2am.

Police searched the premises after the fire was extinguished and a number of what were believed to be stolen vehicle components were found.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. Police enquiries are continuing.

News in Brief Fox’s ‘in sale talks’

The pub closed several months ago and was then turned into a shop specialising in Eastern European food.

Called the East European Mini Market, the premises were taped off for forensic examination with a police officer on guard outside.

The rear was also sealed off and a police car parked down an access road to industrial units nearby.

Anyone with information can call Kirklees CID on 101, quoting log number 77829.

A FORMER factory in Gomersal plagued by vandals and arsonists has finally been demolished. Over the years the derelict Maccess site, on the corner of Spen Lane and Nibshaw Lane, had been set on fire, had its windows smashed and graffiti daubed on it. The fenced-off site was surrounded by rubble and overgrown vegetation.

It is now no more and there are plans from Swift Properties to build 30 flats in two blocks.

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urgency.

“Carl was let down by woefully inadequate lifesaving equipment and a lack of experience in its use.”

Mr Fleming added he would write to tour operator Thompson Holidays and the authorities in Fuerteventura about the situation.

GOMERSAL: The future of a church is brighter thanks to more than £200,000 in lottery cash.

The tower and roof at St Mary’s, on Spen Lane, need repairs to make the building safe. A first phase of work has already taken place and £203,000 from the lottery will go towards part two.

Parishioners still need another £100,000 for phase three but the Heritage Lottery Fund grant is a huge boost.

Rev Karen Nicholls said: “It’s absolutely wonderful news. The tower is unsafe and there’s 150 years of corrosion to the roof.”

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ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

News In Brief Community care talks DEWSBURY: Residents can tell health chiefs what community care is needed in their area at a meeting on Tuesday.

Locala host their first Connecting Communities event at Ravensthorpe Community Centre, for those in the Dewsbury West ward around Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury Moor and Staincliffe. It involves the roll-out of Care Closer to Home.

Locala want to know what social links, support groups and wellbeing programmes already exist. They also want to know about any gaps in how healthcare is delivered to improve services.

Those interested have to join as a Locala community member. For details, email membership@locala.org.uk or call 030 3330 9802.

Store worker’s scam BATLEY: A supermarket worker stole £3,500 from his employer through a card refund scam. Tom Adams, 21, took the cash from Aldi on Branch Road despite his actions being easily detected. Kirklees Magistrates' Court heard the thefts were discovered on July 20 last year.

Adams, of Kilpin Hill Lane, admitted theft by employee and was ordered to pay the store £2,000 in compensation. He must also complete a community order, including 120 hours of unpaid work.

Pension advice DEWSBURY: Workers over 50 with a defined contribution pension plan can get free advice on Government changes.

Sessions are available at the Kirklees Citizens’ Advice and Law Centre at Empire House.

To book an appointment, call 01924 869835.

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Health News Latest

Dear Jeremy...

The letter from the party leaders on Kirklees Council to the Secretary of State for Health, calling for a meeting to discuss proposed NHS changes which ‘would leave a borough with 420,000 people without A&E provision’ Dear Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Motion by Kirklees Council as to NHS services in Kirklees.

On 20 January 2016, Kirklees Council considered an All-Party Motion on NHS Services in Kirklees in response to current proposals by Calderdale and Huddersfield Acute Hospital Trust regarding changes in service provision.

These changes, if implemented, would leave a borough of more than 420,000 people without accident and emergency provision.

On behalf of Kirklees Council, we write to you in the strongest possible terms as we are clear that the proposed changes are not in the best interests of the population of the Kirklees borough.

The public reaction has already been very significant, with the district’s four MPs coming together to secure a parliamentary debate.

We have instructed the chief executive, Adrian Lythgo, to make contact with you to arrange for us to meet with yourself to further discuss this matter.

He will therefore be contacting you shortly to put such arrangements in place.

Yours sincerely,

Councillor David Sheard (Leader of Labour Group), Councillor Robert Light (Leader of Conservative Group), Councillor Nicola Turner (Leader of Liberal Democrat Group), Councillor Andrew Cooper (Leader of Green and Valley Independent Group) Motion approved by Kirklees Council on 20 January 2016: This Council recognises; (1) That the recently published

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proposal of the Calderdale and Huddersfield Acute Hospital Trust could result in the closure of full Accident and Emergency Services in Huddersfield and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary being replaced by a smaller, albeit new, hospital.

(2) That, in particular, the combined proposals of the Calderdale and Huddersfield Acute Hospital Trust and Mid Yorkshire Hospital Trust mean that Kirklees will not have a full Accident and Emergency service in either Huddersfield or Dewsbury.

(3) That, due to decisions being taken in isolation about services offered at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and at Dewsbury District Hospital, services could be affected and that some specialities may not be available in any part of Kirklees.

This Council resolves to: (1) Oppose any proposals which leave Kirklees without a

full Accident and Emergency provision.

(2) Request Clinical Commissioning Groups ensure that consultation on the changes that are proposed for hospital services in Kirklees are given maximum publicity and that consultation encompasses the widest possible range of residents.

(3) Agree to the holding of an extraordinary meeting of the Council to discuss changes to NHS Services in Kirklees as the single item for consideration at the meeting, to take place at the earliest opportunity.

(4) Request that all Party Groups work together to establish a joint resolution on changes to NHS Services in Kirklees to be presented to the extraordinary meeting.

(5) That an All Party delegation from the Council meet the Secretary of State to express the views of the residents of Kirklees.

See for yourself, minister urged HEALTH minister Ben Gummer was this week invited to the area to see for himself the impact of hospital cuts.

The invitation came from Dewsbury & Mirfield MP Paula Sherriff after she and Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox quizzed the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Care Quality about changes to Dewsbury and Huddersfield hospitals.

Issues raised included an alleged lack of joined-up thinking given that cuts to Dewsbury could come into effect as early as September.

Ms Sherriff said: “I’m keeping up the pressure on the Government to resolve

the serious shortfall in A&E care that is threatening residents due to their failed health policy. I want to make sure the minister follows up on the concerns Jo and I raised with him last month. I urge the Government to take account of the concerns local people have about the reconfiguration and downgrade of our health services.”

“I campaigned against the closure of A&E at Dewsbury prior to my election. I simply cannot sit back and watch this situation. Action must be taken and it is my job to stand up and fight for constituents.”

■ A HEALTH campaigner

claimed more patients could be seen at Dewsbury if Huddersfield A&E shuts down – and Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield might need an extra eight beds.

“That could be a positive in one respect for Dewsbury,” the campaigner told The Press. But not when you look at the overall picture because it still wouldn’t be a full A&E and we’d also have lost the only other full A&E in Kirklees.”

Colne Valley Tory MP Jason McCartney said he knows Dewsbury could be affected. He added: “I’ll be saying to commissioners that they need to look at what’s happening across the whole of Kirklees.”

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Council demands Hunt showdown Continued from Page 1

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Sherriff said: “The loss of full emergency services in Dewsbury was a bitter blow.

“Now we hear the Calderdale and Greater Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Group is planning their own hospital downgrade.

“These plans will see the whole of Kirklees without any accident and emergency provision.

“That’s over 430,000 people who will have to travel outside the borough to access vital emergency health care for themselves and their loved ones.”

Huddersfield would get an “urgent care cen-

tre” with resuscitation facilities in a new-build hospital.

But most emergency patients would go to Halifax, elsewhere in Yorkshire or even over to Greater Manchester.

Part of Ms Sherriff’s seat, Kirkburton and Denby Dale, would be directly affected.

The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust insist the majority of patients currently seen at Dewsbury would still be treated at its new minor injuries unit.

Consultants will be there during the day but on call from Pinderfields in Wakefield at other times.

ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

News in Brief

Health News Latest

Aromatherapy gives patients a break from illness and anxiety

By Staff Reporters

Aromatherapist Karen Smith and patient Irene Rowley

AROMATHERAPY sessions are proving a breath of fresh air for those living with lung cancer, Parkinson’s and other life-limiting illnesses.

Run at Dewsbury District Hospital’s Rosewood Centre, short bursts of back, hand and foot massages with essential oils are helping to boost circulation and reduce numbness caused by treatments such as chemotherapy.

The 20-minute sessions are also helping patients to relax physically and speak openly about problems including worries about money and fear of death.

Funded by The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Kirkwood Hospice, the Rosewood Centre is a specialist unit offering patients a range of different therapies including arts and crafts, relaxation, medicines management education and drop-in days where they can talk privately and candidly about the issues facing them.

Occupational therapist Margaret Houghton said: “The atmosphere at Rosewood is so relaxed that when people come here they think they are having a day off their treatment.”

One of the chief successes of the centre is that it helps patients who rarely get out to meet people – something

PFI deals ‘have a perverse effect on health services’ PRIVATE finance deals for new hospitals are having a “perverse” effect on health services, a councillor has warned.

Coun Robert Light (Con, Birstall and Birkenshaw) hit out as he launched a bid to retain full A&E departments in both Dewsbury and Huddersfield.

Commissioners there are said to have blamed a private finance deal in Halifax for their recent decision.

Huddersfield will lose its A&E amid reports that taxpayers will fork out £774m over 60 years for Calderdale Royal Hospital.

The deal is said to have originated under John Major’s Conservative Government but was signed in 1998 after Tony Blair came to power.

The hospital is believed to have cost a mere £64m to build. Repayment terms are

PFI critic ... Coun Robert Light apparently ‘watertight’.

Here the situation is more complicated as Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust had historic debts.

But as The Press reported in 2012, the trust is paying at least £1bn over 35 years for the £311m hospitals at Pinderfields and Pontefract.

Campaigners claimed the deal was a factor in the decision to downgrade Dewsbury District Hospital.

Trust bosses always denied that and said the arrange-

ment was “affordable”, despite payments of more than £4m in December and £4.5m in November.

Coun Light, the Conservative group leader on Kirklees Council, criticised the contracts.

He said: “The consequences of each of our trusts having large PFI mortgages are resulting in perverse decisions which I believe are against patients’ interests.

“The council can’t change the PFI contract as they were set up by the last Labour Government.

“However, it can work with the trusts to help them develop an alternative to the present proposals which keeps A&E services based in Kirklees.

“The reason we are in this position is nothing to do with logic, and everything to do with financial mismanagement.”

Rocking round the clock for hospital radio VOLUNTEERS will rock around the clock this weekend – to raise funds for hospital radio.

Presenters will be on air at HWD Hospital Radio for 48 hours from 6pm tonight (Friday).

The station, founded more than 60 years ago, broadcasts from Dewsbury District Hospital.

Programmes cover every-

thing from live music to film reviews and rugby league matches.

Donations and fundraising keeps HWD on air.

Chairman Mike Binns said: “As well as keeping our broadcasting equipment in good working order, we also have to pay for licences to play music and present news.

We don’t receive any regular income from other sources.”

HWD’s first broadcast was commentary on a Batley RLFC game at Mount Pleasant in 1952.

Their current studio, since updated to include the latest digital technology, opened at Dewsbury District Hospital in 1989.

Donations can be made via www.hwdhospitalradio.com, where listeners will also find the 48-hour broadcast.

retired Mirfield librarian Irene Rowley appreciates.

Said Irene, who is living with cancer and recovering from a stroke: “I come here each week and really look forward to it.

“If I wasn’t here I would be sitting at home, when I used to love going here, there and everywhere. The staff are brilliant and they are not just nurses – they are friends.”

Carol Ince from Ossett is living with heart and bronchial conditions that are so acute she cannot walk more than 80 yards at a time.

The 64-year-old said: “The activities help me to relax and give me far more energy. The staff are brilliant and they really are helping me. I don’t go out that much so I am glad of the company.”

Staffed by nurses, physiotherapists, health care assistants and occupational therapists, the centre is backed by community nurses and GPs who refer patients to Rosewood. Those attending have ranged in age from 20 to 90.

Julie Pagan, senior sister at the Rosewood Centre, said: “Most centres like ours are run by voluntary sector organisations, but being on the site of the hospital means people can attend by ambulance and tie in a visit to us with an appointment, say, for radiotherapy.”

Beauty shop closes CLECKHEATON: Beauty and cosmetics store Body and Soul closed last Saturday after 21 years in business.

The unit at the Cheapside end of Central Arcade is now to let.

Cleckheaton Photos next door has moved into the arcade.

Body and Soul owner Stefan Simmons said: “We have had 21 good years in Cleckheaton but the time has come for us to move on. We had a closing down sale and gave all our customers some very nice bargains.”

Tory candidate DEWSBURY: A long-serving town councillor is the Conservative Party’s candidate for Dewsbury West at May’s local elections.

Coun John Nottingham has served on Mirfield Town Council for more than 12 years and is a former deputy mayor. He was selected at hustings at Earlsheaton Conservative Club.

Coun Nottingham is to campaign on issues including budget cuts, council devolution and health services.

He is the second candidate to declare.

Last year Labour announced Mussarat Pervaiz after incumbent Coun Karen Rowling was deselected.

Smash ’n’ grab raid MIRFIELD: Thieves smashed their way into a shop storeroom to steal scratch cards and cigarettes worth about £500.

They used tools to break down a wall at the rear of the Huddersfield Road premises between 10pm last Sunday and shortly after midnight.

Anyone with any information can call PC Helen Keane at Kirklees Police on 101, quoting reference 13160077782.

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ThePress

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Friday February 26, 2016

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

A holy man’s unhelpful mission AVILE TOWN was an interesting place to be last Friday, as the clock ticked around towards 4pm and the funeral of Hafiz Patel.

There were a couple of police officers trying valiantly to control the traffic, about 8,000 Muslims come from near and far to pay their respects – and me. Like I said, interesting.

Ironically we’d been to bury my mum’s ashes in Dewsbury cemetery just a couple of hours before and the grave of Mr Patel, the leader of Europe’s Tablighi Jamaat Muslims, was being prepared nearby. I was pleased to see that he was being buried in the main area of the cemetery, and not Coun Abdul Patel’s private enterprise up the hill.

You won’t be altogether surprised to hear that quite a few of the mourners wondered what I was doing there.

S

Thousands flocked to Savile Town’s sports fields Most just looked curiously (or suspiciously) at the nosey white bloke. One or two asked – in a friendly enough manner – and were surprised that I knew as much as I did about Mr Patel.

One group of young men couldn’t resist having a go.

Typically, they didn’t know where to put their faces when I turned and engaged them in conversation. And again typically, there was snide bravado as I walked off.

They reckoned there won’t be anyone at my funeral but I beg to differ. There will be plenty – if only to make sure I’ve kicked the bucket.

One man hurrying to get into line with what looked like his sons said they were expecting 50,000 people, from all over Europe. That was a bit hopeful. I’ve seen varying estimates of the actual numbers, wildly varying between 5-20,000. It’s an imprecise science, but I’d put the crowd at around 8,000.

The men – no women present obviously – lined the entire length of the Savile Town playing fields and must have been 30 or 40 deep, all facing the road. Indeed the man on the PA system had to instruct some that they need-

K I TC H E N S - B E D R O O M S - B AT H R O O M S

ed to face Headfield Road, otherwise their Janazah – the Muslim funeral prayer – would not be heard by Allah.

Inside two minutes, it was over.

And as much as it was a huge outpouring of respect for Hafiz Patel, there were a great many local Muslims who were not there, for the same reason CofE worshippers wouldn’t attend a Catholic priest’s funeral.

O, WHO was the man that could bring an entire town to a standstill? Well, it wasn’t the first time Hafiz Patel had done that to Dewsbury.

He was the organiser of the 1994 Ijtema when a reported 50,000 pilgrims came from all over the world for Tablighi Jamaat’s global gathering.

That really threw a spanner in the local works. I remember it well.

What Mr Patel has been to western Muslims can be fairly compared with what the Roman missionary and saint Paulinus was to British Christians in the 7th century, ironically at the same time the Prophet Muhammad was

S

founding Islam. Paulinus brought Christianity to Dewsbury in AD627. In 1960 Hafiz Patel brought Tablighi Jamaat, the ultra-conservative strain of Islam.

Tablighis, like Mormons and Jehovahs Witnesses, express their faith via missionary work – ‘Dawa’ – and Hafiz Patel was both a devout and tireless evangelist. Some people credit his efforts of over 50 years with being directly or indirectly responsible for the founding of half the mosques in the UK and Europe. He really was that influential.

Sadly for community relations however he was also the key reason that places like Savile Town are increasingly isolated from, rather than integrated with, mainstream British society.

I don’t expect the PC numpties at Kirklees to ‘get’ that.

Their understanding of the Muslim community is basically: throwing money = buying peace and quiet.

Tablighis are against violent jihad, but they do preach a ‘pure’ adherence to 7th century Islam, and ultimately an Islamic caliphate. Television

and technology is evil. Malefemale segregation is total.

It’s a bit Old Testament, which is ironic because it wasn’t founded until 1927 by Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi.

Mr Patel was invited here

by Savile Town’s early Indian Guajarati settlers to give spiritual guidance and he was respectful of his nonMuslim neighbours, but absolutely nothing more.

For Tablighis, life in this world is a duty, preparation for the paradise beyond, and Allah will deliver the caliphate by virtue of them converting non-believers (including other Muslims).

Unfortunately, the many former Tablighi devotees like Mohammed Siddique Khan, shoe bomber Richard Reid, the 21/7 plane bomb plotters, and the Birmingham gang who came to Dewsbury in 2012 to wreak havoc on an EDL rally, but went to Mr Patel’s Markazi to pray when they missed it, weren’t blessed with his patience.

A devout and holy man?

Surely. But the concept of community integration in 21st century Great Britain has nothing to thank him for.

The times they are a-changing AVE YOU had your fill of the EU referendum teddy-throwing yet? Do you reach for the remote the minute an image of David Cameron or Boris Johnson flashes up on the TV screen?

Me too. I’ve seen/heard all the arguments there can possibly be and my mind’s made up. I’m a leaver (I can picture you all now, as one, slapping your thighs and going to the foot of your stairs!)

And we’ve another four months of this? Jeez Louise!

Boris ...

Can’t we vote next week and off-putting? have done with it?

I’m going to try to ration my two-pennorths, but I figure that four-month hiatus could have a real impact. We’re still in February and already 10 times as many migrants have fled North Africa/Syria/Iraq as at this time last year. European unity will be sorely tested in very many ways.

If a week is a long time in politics, four months is an age, in these turbulent times.

such pressures this past 40 years, as jobs, resources and services, from our police HQ to the magistrates and county courts – and yes, our hospitals – have been systematically transplanted, usually for their convenience.

Churlish or not, it’s about time Huddersfield tasted its own medicine.

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KNOW you shouldn’t, but it fair gladdened my heart to hear the screaming and wailing of Huddersfield folk, protesting proposals to shift their hospital A&E services to Calderdale Royal Infirmary in Halifax.

You’d have thought the entire town had broken a leg, such was the clamour.

Not nice, is it, having your civic and community pride and joys stripped away?

To be sure, any argument for hospital services to be closed down seems counterintuitive, at a time when the demand for services has never been higher. Dewsbury and North Kirklees knows all about that.

But Huddersfield has been immune from

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HE SWINGEING financial cuts to Kirklees services are already a political football for the deeply entrenched party apparatchiks who are such a costly and generally useless blight on the district (there are a few worthy exceptions). It’s no surprise that the self-same people rejected the chance for Kirklees to have an elected mayor. Turkeys voting for Christmas etc. I suspect however that would have been the only means of cutting the council budgets effectively – from the top down, not the bottom up.

T

E’RE a couple of years off, but the EU referendum will have less direct impact on our borough than the Boundaries Commission report due in 2018.

It’s highly likely to be a mirror of the plan to reduce MP numbers by 50 that the sulky Lib Dems scuppered when in Coalition.

If so, Dewsbury and Batley will effectively disappear off the Westminster map. Mirfield will be the centre of one seat (with Dewsbury West bolted on), the rest of Dewsbury will be the unloved stepchild of a new Wakefieldcentric seat, and most of Batley will be subsumed into Morley/south-west Leeds.

Do you ever get the feeling somebody up there doesn’t like us...?

W

ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

Hands off our green spaces

By David Miller

– Civic Society’s plea over building plans

C A M PA I G N E R S have slapped down council chiefs for taking too much green belt land for development.

The Spen Valley Civic Society took a district-wide view when giving feedback on Kirklees Council’s draft Local Plan.

Consultation on the proposal, which sets out where new homes and industrial units could be built, ended earlier this month.

Society members may have been expected to focus on issues affecting places in their area such as Cleckheaton,

Heckmondwike and Liversedge. But they challenged the council on a perceived bias in favour of d e v e l o p m e n t throughout North Kirklees.

Their submission stated: “There is currently much less accessible open space and green belt land in North Kirklees than in other parts of Kirklees.

“Population density is higher in North Kirklees; residents’ quality of life is poorer; and their health needs are greater.

“Kirklees Council has produced a number of reports over

Freeze to hit families THOUSANDS of families in Kirklees will be hit by a four-year benefit freeze, it is claimed.

The Children's Society said 32,100 families will be affected by changes coming into force from April. Child tax credits, working tax credits and jobseekers’ allowance are due to be frozen as part of

the Welfare Reform and Work Bill.

Government figures collated by the charity showed there are 22,300 families in Kirklees claiming an in-work benefit which would be affected.

Almost 10,000 more, and a total of 63,200 children, would be hit by the changes, the society said.

recent years which confirm these facts and demonstrate that inequalities continue to persist.”

The society wants green belt retained whereever possible in the fight against these issues.

They claimed only one area of green belt

is set aside for development in South Kirklees.

In contrast, green belt land at Hunsworth and the Chidswell area of Dewsbury are two of many proposals in North Kirklees.

The Local Plan decides where 29,000

new homes and how 32,000 new jobs will be created up to 2031.

The society said: “North Kirklees faces a massive, disproportionately larger use of such land for housing and industry.

“There is relatively little green belt to start with, and where

the spaces between existing settlements are smaller.

“The fundamental aim of green belt is to protect urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open.

“The existing green belt in North Kirklees is fulfilling precisely this function, yet a significant percentage of it is to be sacrificed.”

7

News in Brief Fire safety warning BATLEY: Residents were warned to make sure they have smoke detectors installed and working after a fire left a man in hospital. The man, 27, was caught in the blaze at his home on Hyrst Walk early last Sunday.

The fire is believed to have involved an electrical unit and Neil Shaw, crew commander at Dewsbury Fire Station, said the property did not have a smoke detector.

He added: “It’s imperative that everyone has a working smoke detector as they do save lives.” Free devices can be installed with a home safety visit. To book call 0800 587 4536 or see www.westyorksfire.gov.uk.

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Friday February 26, 2016

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No room at Pinderfields for post-op patients Letter of the Week: Name and address supplied LGI

Where were the police?

From: Mr Hirst, Mirfield Dear Sir, I agree with Mr Lockwood’s definition of Dewsbury being an Islamic Republic.

It was very evident on the afternoon of Friday February 19, when Huddersfield Road from Ravensthorpe to the town centre was gridlocked, and also roads leading out of the town centre, and around Savile Town, because of a Muslim funeral .

In last week’s Press Forum there was a letter referring to Mr Sheard, stating that the demonstrators should be made to pay the police costs for their services on that day.

I say the people responsible for gridlocked roads should have to pay shopkeepers’ and stallholders’ loss of earnings.

What is left of Dewsbury market these days was closed by 3pm.

There has been a lot said about what could and should be done about Dewsbury

town centre to get it back up and running.

I suggest they start with problems like these last two weeks.

And where were the police to do something about indiscriminate parking in the areas of Savile Town and surrounding areas?

Not one to be seen, Mr Sheard.

I’ll be voting on the issues From: John Appleyard, Liversedge Dear Sir, I thought Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn made a fine speech putting the case for Europe in Parliament, but much of what he had to say has largely been ignored by the national media who are making this into a debate between David Cameron and Boris Johnson.

There are far more important issues to debate than the divisions within the Conservative Party, such as jobs, investment, employ-

ment rights, environmental protection, peace, security and international cooperation.

That is what I will be voting on.

Cuts come from Tories From: Ray Holderness, Dewsbury Dear Sir, The cheek of it!

Following the recent resurfacing of Sugar Lane in Dewsbury, I received a letter from Mark Eastwood, the prospective Tory local election candidate for Dewsbury East, chelping on about it being better late than never and how he has been campaigning for years after receiving complaints about the state of the road from local residents in the immediate vicinity.

All I can say is at a time when deep cuts have already been made in the council’s budget; 1,400 jobs have been lost since 2010, services slashed and another 1,000

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS P Symonds, rear of 161 Hunsworth Lane, Hunsworth, detached bungalow.

J Walsh, 3 Fieldhead Way, Heckmondwike, alterations to convert integral garage to accommodation and first floor extension above.

A English, the West End Public House, Latham Lane, Gomersal, porch and formation of access ramp.

S Yacub, 27 Broomer Street, Ravensthorpe, two-storey side and rear extensions and attached garage.

Royal Air Forces Association, Broughton House, Cambridge Street, Batley, installation of replacement windows.

K Lill, 2 Well Street, Littletown, Liversedge, single-storey side and rear extension.

C Crookes, 35 Fair View, Liversedge, singlestorey extension and demolition of existing conservatory.

C Smyth, 4-6 Lumb Lane, Roberttown, Liversedge, discharge conditions three (materials) and 10 (ventilation) on previous permission 2015/93179 for erection of four dwellings.

Dreams, Birstall Shopping Park, Holden Ing Way, Birstall, installation of two

illuminated signs.

Binks Developments Ltd, Mayman Lane, Batley, modification of Section 106 obligation relating to previous permission 2013/90287 for alterations to former mill to form 181 residential apartments with internal car parking and alterations to former go-karting building, and erection of retail foodstore and petrol station and formation of car park (within a Conservation Area).

R Brooks, 32 Spen View, Dewsbury Moor, two-storey rear extension.

G Holloway, 611 Bradford Road, Birkenshaw, single-storey front extension adjoining existing garage.

S Talati, 103 Warren Street, Savile Town, detached garage.

C Simpson, former Soothill Cricket Club, Soothill Lane, Batley, non-material amendment to previous permission 2014/90037 erection of 34 dwellings and four apartments with associated private gardens and access parking, and formation of new access road.

PO Mills, 3 Thatchers Way, Gomersal, work to TPO(s) 2/70.

Mr & Mrs Taylor, 17 Whinmore Gardens, Gomersal, single-storey side extension.

Ahmed Akudi, 2 Swiss Walk, Batley, twostorey rear extension and porch to front.

I Malik, 166 Ealand Road, Batley, detached garage and demolition of existing detached garage.

Hussain Dadu, 103 Bywell Road, Dewsbury, front and rear dormers and erection of outbuilding to rear.

Saiwa Ali, Uplands View, 12 Heaton Road, Upper Batley, work to TPO(s) 23/77 within a conservation area.

Mr A Fulat, 2B Grosvenor Road, Batley, certificate of lawfulness for proposed erection of porch (within a Conservation Area).

West Yorkshire Fire Service, Dewsbury Fire Station, Carlton Road, Dewsbury, work to TPO(s).

Dean Parkinson, Six Lane Ends Working Men’s Club, Leeds Road, Heckmondwike, discharge of conditions three (provision of a right turn lane) and four (land levels) on previous permission 2015/90802 for change of use of car park to form car sales area, formation of new access and associated works.

Imran Sadiq, 4 The Avenue, Dewsbury, single storey rear extension and alterations to garage to form living accommodation.

For all North Kirklees plans and public notices go to www.thepressnews.co.uk/plans

Dear Sir, I recently had pains in my arms and chest. My wife called 999, and the ambulance arrived in quick time.

A telephone call by the paramedics to Pinderfields Hospital confirmed the hospital was full.

Therefore a phone call to Leeds General Infirmary was made, and they accepted admission.

This was following a rapid ride to Leeds in the ambulance with blue lights and horns sounding.

On arrival at LGI emergency admissions, a posse of nurses and staff were waiting at the door, rushing me up to the cardiology department, and

jobs forecast to be lost by 2020, does he not understand that it’s his Tory government that are bringing about this misery by imposing their austerity measures on the council?

Kirklees Council have already been forced to make savings of approximately £89m since 2010 and further huge cuts of approximately £84m need to be made by 2020, with £30m of those cuts to be implemented in 2016/17.

Any improvements should be welcomed at this time because it will be even harder to secure funds for similar improvements in the coming years, unless there is a dramatic u-turn regarding the government’s austerity measures!

Had to change my mind...

From: David Honeybell , Heckmondwike Dear Sir, In the referendum of 1975, the question asked was “Do you think the UK should stay in the European Community (Common Market)?”

All the polls indicated the answer would be a resounding NO! The result was yes 67%, no 33%. As a no voter who was against joining in the first place, it came as a big shock.

In the 41 intervening years nothing has happened to change my mind.

Until, that is, Sunday February 21 when along came Boris Johnson, throwing his hat in the ring on the leave Europe side.

If Johnson wants to leave, then I’ve been on the wrong side all this time.

Boris the Buffoon, Bouncing Boris, Jovial Johnson, friend to many, at least on the surface.

But the reality is different.

When he stops his happy-golucky Jack the lad caricature, he is revealed as another old Etonian, working to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.

If he were to become leader

into the theatre for an operation to insert stents.

Some 45 minutes later, when I was back in the post-operation ward, staff informed me I would be sent to Pinderfields to recover. However it would be a long wait as there were six other patients waiting to go to Pinderfields for post-operation recovery, but Pinderfields had no beds.

I was discharged on the Thursday with some of the same patients still waiting to go to Pinderfields.

Meanwhile the Mid Yorkshire Trust, in their wisdom, has closed the cardiology department at Dewsbury District Hospital.

of the Tory party, and heaven forbid, Prime Minister, the remaining trades unions would be crushed under foot and workers’ rights abolished.

It pains me to write this, but only by staying in the European community can these rights be protected.

Proof we need to keep DDH From: Peter Moreland, Heckmondwike Dear Sir, My daughter-in-law had her first baby delivered last Wednesday evening at Dewsbury Hospital, having been admitted the previous night.

The treatment she received from the staff there during a very difficult and stressful birth was outstanding.

Constant care and attention were provided her as she brought our little granddaughter into the world, and special thanks go to midwives Dawn and Anna.

Further proof of the need to keep our local hospital.

We will control our borders From: Graham Turner, via email Dear Sir, According to the Office of National Statistics 560,000 people came to the UK to work or study in the year ending June 2015.

So it’s no wonder controlling our borders is the main priority for the majority of people in the UK. Europe’s most densely populated country is England.

England’s population density is 413 people per square kilometre.

To reach the same density as England Germany could take 67 million migrants, France could accommodate a whopping 160 million, Spain an even larger 161 million and Scotland have room for

over 24 million.

The deal, if you can call it one, Mr Cameron achieved on benefits, will not stop immigration from the Eastern European countries of the EU from coming to find work in this country, earning a lot more than they could at home.

If we stay in the EU, you have to accept free movement of people.

If we come out of the EU we will be able to control our borders.

Would EU believe it?

From: John Walshaw, Earlsheaton Dear Sir, One can hardly fail to notice that the diggers and planters have been at work again in the parks and open spaces, to produce an array of crocuses which really cheer one up, and confirm that spring should be around the corner.

I met one of them in a suit collar and tie one day on Caulms Wood, sporting a 3ft spirit level, looking rather sorry for himself.

He was having a bad day; they had sent him out of the office to check that all the trees and shrubs were vertical!

He said it was another EU directive that had been passed down to them to action.

We need to be represented From: Harold Laycock, Mirfield Dear Sir, Further Mr DS Boyes’ comments “We don’t need any more pointless councillors” about three weeks ago.

There have also been a considerable number of unresolved problems in our area, ie the Old Bank/Sunnybank Road area of Mirfield, where the requests for help have

ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

9

t i a o g n i v T ave r n a N e MIRFIELD h T ★ Continued from page 8 gone unanswered by our local councillors.

As Mr Boyes stated: “Councillors have no power to do anything, they merely pass the questions raised by us on to the army of council officers and managers who know all the rules and regulations etc.”

I find this to be very true, as well as the fact that they then usually ignore the problem, as I have found to be true in our locality.

If we consider the area stretching from Kitson Hill Road, taking in Old bank Road, Sunnybank Avenue and Sunnybank Road, there are, and have been for a many years, a number of recurring problems which

remain unresolved.

It would often appear that whilst our councillors often lack the will to tackle the problems, they can usually spot a camera a mile away.

Some time ago I was a member of our local neighbourhood forum. The forum folded due to lack of support by our councillors and solutions to our problems.

A new councillor was elected last year for our area of Mirfield. I never saw him electioneering, nor have I seen him since.

Mirfield railway station is in dreadful state of repair with sink holes in one of the platforms.

The platform for trains in the Leeds direction is inaccessible to people with disabilities due the large num-

ber of steps to be negotiated.

Some organisation should be prosecuted! The lack of adequate car parking facilities is also a major problem with cars parked the length of the road into Lower Hopton.

Whilst there is a vital need for major improvements to Mirfield station, its approaches and parking facilities, it would appear that the Ravensthorpe station is going to be given priority over Mirfield under the future spending plans.

Bearing in mind that just over 60 people a week use Ravensthorpe station and with no platform for trains from Wakefield!

It may not be 1939 but is this appeasement?

Bulldogs’ networking event BUSINESS chief Andrew Marsden is guest speaker at a Batley networking forum this morning (Fri).

Mr Marsden, chairman of the Batley Business Association, will be at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium for the Bulldogs Networking event.

It starts at 8am on Friday and attendees will be served breakfast for a nominal charge of £5.

The aim is to pull businesses, community and voluntary groups together for the good of Batley.

Mr Marsden, a lawyer at Brearleys

Solicitors, is involved in organising events such as the town's annual 1940s day.

It comes after the re-launched networking group met for the first time last month.

Paul Harrison, chief executive of Batley Bulldogs, said: “These kind of events can work brilliantly for all parts of the community.”

The success of last month's meeting means the networking sessions will be a regular fixture at the Mount Pleasant venue.

Anyone wishing to attend can do so on the day or can call Mark Redfearn for more details 07710 591465.

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ThePress

News In Brief

Cash aid for flood relief and hospice OSSETT: Rotarians raised £3,700 for flood relief and the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

A street collection and the rotary club’s annual charter dinner generated £1,600 for the Yorkshire Flood Appeal.

Two weeks ago a cheque for £2,100 was presented to the Huddersfield-based children’s hospice.

More funds are to be raised for good causes when soprano Sarah Redgewick stars with two choirs at a concert at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday, March 12 (7pm). Sarah will appear alongside the Skelmanthorpe Male Voice Choir and Wakefield Amateur Operatic Society Chorus. Tickets are available from the rotary club on 01924 848179, the chorus on 01924 848925 or Holy Trinity Church on 01924 263497.

Rotary meetings are on Tuesdays at the Community Centre on Prospect Road (12.30pm).

Friday February 26, 2016

8,000 flock to funeral of ‘visionary’ Muslim cleric

Mourners gather at Savile Road playing fields for the funeral of Hafiz Patel, who played a key role in the founding of the Markazi mosque in Savile Town

Police priorities OSSETT: Police priorities for the town are to be shaped at a town hall meeting on Tuesday.

Officers will take feedback from residents at a Partners and Communities Together (PACT) session at 7pm.

All are welcome for the hour-long event. Current issues include alleged drug dealing in the Broadowler Estate.

www.facebook.com/ThePressNews

By Steve Martyn AN estimated 8,000 mourners attended the funeral of one of the country’s most prominent Muslim clerics in Dewsbury last Friday.

Hafiz Patel, who died last Thursday aged 92, was the “Ameer” of the Markazi mosque in Savile Town and leader of the Tablighi Jamaat movement in Europe.

The organisation was founded in India in 1926 and is closely linked to the conservative Deobandi school of Sunni Islam.

Its global membership today is believed to range from 12m to 80m, including at least 150,000 in Europe.

Mr Patel came to Dewsbury in 1960 as a spiritual guide at the invitation of Savile Town’s predominantly Gujarati Indian community.

He was instrumental in the 1978 founding of the Markazi, which holds 4,000 worshippers and is home to Tablighi Jamaat’s main Islamic seminary outside Saudi Arabia.

A devout Muslim who used to carry out door-to-

door missionary work, Mr Patel’s funeral was held on the nearby Savile Road playing fields, the only space large enough to accommodate the mass of mourners.

His funeral was reportedly attended by leading Muslims from the UK and Europe, including France, Spain and Portugal.

Following the brief ceremony at 4pm, a private burial took place in Dewsbury cemetery.

Coun Masood Ahmed (Lab, Dewsbury South) said: “He was always respectful, humble and

approachable. He will be a big loss to the Muslim community as a whole as a spiritual leader.”

The funeral caused traffic gridlock in Dewsbury last Friday afternoon and early evening.

News of Mr Patel’s death was reported by the website Islam21c.com, which carried tributes to him.

It said in the early days of Mr Patel’s missionary work he would walk to people’s homes in the snow, calling them to prayers.

Ishtiaq Ahmed, from the

Bradford Council for Mosques, said: “We are all very saddened and shocked by his death. He will be missed by thousands in Britain and Europe.

“He was a pioneer, a visionary when it comes to the Islamic identity and the place of the Muslim community in Britain.

“He established Dewsbury in West Yorkshire as a centre for European Muslims in Britain as far back as 1978. He also was a strong believer in British homegrown Islam.”

Paula Sherriff, MP for Dewsbury and Mirfield

‘Politically speaking’ It’s my duty to expose Tories’ false promises and statements K

IRKLEES Council has had £110m cut from its funding over the last five years and is set to be starved of millions more over this parliament.

It appeared the government were starting to understand the impact this was having on people and local authorities when they announced a £300m ‘transitional grant fund’.

Unfortunately Kirklees will see none of this. With the fund coming from a currently unknown source, it has emerged that wherever this money is found, the vast majority – some 85 per cent – is to be given to affluent Tory-controlled councils who have had far lighter cuts over the last five years.

It is clear that the government have little time for Dewsbury or Kirklees. However, I have made it my duty to hold them to account on every false promise and misleading statement made about our area.

Before Christmas, following a question by my colleague Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen, on the social care crisis we are faced with, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Letwin, accused Kirklees Council of having ‘£200m in useable and unused reserves’.

Knowing this was an outrageous-

ly incorrect statement, I had the official figures confirmed. It is in fact less than a fifth of the stated amount.

I raised a point of order on the issue to ensure that it wouldn’t go unnoticed.

You may remember that prior to the General Election, Chancellor George Osborne told a local newspaper that Dewsbury would be an Enterprise Zone within 100 days of the election.

An Enterprise Zone would have meant that any new business or existing business moving into a town premises would be spared rates for five years as a means of encouraging investment.

As soon as I was elected, I start-

ed to push the issue, last year asking twice in the House of Commons as well as submitting a written question and being fobbed off each time.

Recently I raised it again, pointing out that it had been nine months and there had been no mention of an Enterprise Zone in Dewsbury.

As usual, I was fobbed off by the minister. This time completely avoiding the answer, he insinuated that Dewsbury should look to prosperous tourist towns for tips on how to regenerate.

It is obvious to me that the government has no intention of granting Dewsbury an Enterprise Zone.

But I’m pleased to have exposed the Chancellor for his broken promise in what was a despicable piece of electioneering.

I will continue to lobby for muchneeded investment in our town and to hold the government to account on behalf of local people.

Paula • What do you think about Paula Sherriff MP’s views? Email forum@thepressnews.co.uk and have your say.

ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

Lorry gets stuck under rail bridge A RAILWAY bridge in Mirfield had to be checked for damage after a lorry got stuck on Monday morning.

Engineers were called to the bridge, which carries the Leeds to Huddersfield line over Station Road, at around 7.40am. Rush-hour trains were delayed while traffic backed up as the bridge was inspected and declared safe.

Rail passengers faced a delay of nearly 90 minutes until the lorry could be moved from underneath the bridge after its tyres were deflated.

Warning signs indicating the height of the bridge are clearly visible to road users.

Zak Webster, Facebook

11

News in Brief Craft fair double

Haroon Adam (Engage Dewsbury), Abdul Baasit (Kick Off), Ammarah Pandor and Colin Bradley (Let June Make A Difference) with the Engage girls football group

Ammarah wins football coaching honour to break down barriers A TEENAGER from Dewsbury is celebrating after passing an FA coaching qualification.

Ammarah Pandor, 17, started volunteering with the Engage Dewsbury community group three months ago, coaching young girls in football every Sunday. The sessions led to her becoming a Level One-qualified coach. Ammara’s FA course was funded by Let June Make a Difference, a charity which provides grants to young people in North Kirklees, in memory of June Dewhirst, who died in 2014.

Ammarah was mentored through the course by Haroon

Adam, the founder of Engage Dewsbury, a voluntary community project set up to tackle radicalisation.

He said: “We recognised Ammarah’s talent very early on. She is a gifted footballer and has a real enthusiasm and commitment to pass on her skills and knowledge to other females.

“We put her forward for this qualification and we hope she uses it as a stepping stone to bigger and better things in women’s football.”

Jamil Baig, from five-a-side football centre Kick Off Dewsbury, also congratulated Ammarah and presented her

with sports store gift vouchers.

Ammarah is excited about the future and added: “It’s not often you get a female from the ethnic minorities playing and coaching football, so hopefully I am breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I want to thank Engage Dewsbury, Let June Make A Difference and Kick Off Dewsbury for their wholehearted support and encouragement.”

Colin Bradley, a trustee from Let June Make A Difference, said: “We were thrilled to be able to help her obtain her Level One FA coaching qualification.”

BLUEHILLS FARM SHOP & PLAY BARN Birkenshaw, BD11 2DU Tel: 01274 682007

OSSETT: Residents have two chances to get crafty at different fairs this weekend.

Tomorrow (Saturday) a Spring Craft Fair featuring 30 stalls is being held at the town hall from 9.30am to 1pm.

Organised by the Ossett Town Centre Partnership, entry is free and there will be refreshments including bacon butties.

Then on Sunday there will be a craft fair at the Holiday Inn on Queen's Drive from 10am to 4pm.

There will be 30 stalls packed with gifts suitable for Mother’s Day. Entry and parking is free.

Coffee fundraiser BATLEY: Shoppers can do their bit for Kirkwood Hospice by calling in at a fundraising coffee morning.

The event, organised by the hospice’s Batley and Birstall support group, is at the town hall on Saturday, March 5, from 10am to 12noon.

Admission is £1.50 and includes coffee and biscuits. There will also be stalls selling cakes and jewellery.

Correction DEWSBURY: In a story last week a resident claimed that Thornhill Lees Community Centre was “earmarked for closure”.

But the centre on Brewery Lane is in fact very much open and meeting the needs of the local community. We are happy to set the record straight.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES OUR SPECIALITY £5--£8 £4--£5 £4 £8pe pe £5--£8 £5 £8pe perrch child ild

ild ild Great Value!

Come and visit our FREE PET AREA

PLAY BARN Cow Slide, Climbing Frames, Glass Floor, Pod, Football Area, Quad Bikes,

Spiders Web, Dizzy Disc + UNDER 5s SOFT PLAY AREA etc etc Registered Childminders – Half Price Entrance Fees Special FRIDAY NIGHT TEA with MINIONS & PEPPA PIG £5 per child includes entrance to PLAYBARN and their TEA from Childrens Menu CAFÉ All Day Farmhouse Breakfast, Home Made Steak Pie & Chips Peas & Gravy.

Freshly made sandwiches with our home cooked Beef, Pork & Ham. Home Made Quiche & Salads, Jacket Potatoes. Home made Cakes & Scones.

Open Teas, coffee & various cold drinks etc.

7 days Est. 1967

FARM SHOP

1/2 LAMBS ..............................................................only £42 10lb LEAN MINCE ...................................£20 now only £10 Whole/Half HAMS ...............................£2 lb now only £1 lb Whole SHOULDERS LAMB.........................£35 now only £25 10lb PORK CHOPS ...........................99p lb now only 85p lb 10 YORKSHIRE PUDDS........................................................£1 2 BACON CHOPS................................................................£1 LIVER & ONIONS ................................................................£1 SUGAR..............................................£1 pkt or now 2 for £1 LARGE FAMILY BEEF LASAGNE ...only £2.25 5 MINCE BEEF & ONION PIES............£1.50 BOTTLED SPRING WATER ...................£1 each NOW 5 for £1 CANNELLONI.....................................75p pkt or buy 2 for £1 DOLMIO PASTABAKE ................................75p each 2 for £1 3 LEMON SOLE FISH FILLETS...........£1.99p now only £1.50p WILTSHIRE CURED HAM ...........................................£2.88 pkt

NEW LINES

2 CORNFED CHICKENS ........................................................£7 2 CORNFED DUCKS...........................................................£10 GUINEA FOWL ...............................................£8 now only £5 2kg BEST BACK BACON ................................£8 now only £6 Large TURKEY LEG THIGH..............................................£1.75

★★★30 PKTS WALKERS CRISPS★★★ MIXED FLAVOURS..................only £2.99

10 LARGE CHICKEN LEGS ....................................................£5 3 TINS BEANS ..............................................................£1.50 ANCHOR BUTTER....................................£1.50 now 2 for £2 MUCKY FAT PORK DRIPPING.............................now £1.50 tub HOMEMADE POTTED MEAT, GREAT VALUE!......................£1 Tub 15KG Dog Flake ................................................................£9 PEDIGREE CHICKEN & VEG DOG BICCYS....£3 now 2 for £3.50 PET MINCE - Turkey, Beef, Chicken ..............................40p lb

JUDITHS BAKEHOUSE PORK PIES, STAND PIES, STEAK PIES, various FRUIT PIES, QUICHES, SPONGE CAKES, BAKED FRESH DAILY BUNS & SCONES. FRESH FRUIT & VEGETABLES FRESH EGGS, MILK, CREAM & YOGHURT

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ThePress

News In Brief

Health exhibition DEWSBURY: A free exhibition featuring art from Canada and Austria about mental health is now on display at the museum in Crow Nest Park.

Called Soul Searching and curated by Mark Milnes of the Creative Arts Hub in Mirfield, it will run until Thursday, March 31 and focuses on how art can be used as therapy for those with conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder.

Some of the subject matter may not be suitable for children.

Friday February 26, 2016

Flytipping riddle of burnt-out cash safe

All abaht Yorkshire

By David Miller

BIRSTALL: All things Yorkshire are on the menu when dialect speakers Alan and Carol Walker are lunch guests at St Saviour’s Church on Brookroyd Lane from 11.30am to 1.30pm tomorrow (Saturday).

Corned beef hash and Yorkshire pudding, jacket potatoes, rhubarb crumble and jelly and ice cream will be served for lunch.

There will also be children’s activities.

THIEVES are thought to have blown open a safe left burnt-out on a Gomersal path notorious for flytipping.

It was found behind Shirley Terrace last Tuesday with its crumpled door hanging off.

Inside were burnt documents, while laying nearby was an opened money tin which contained a single blackened euro coin.

The safe was sitting on a bed of stones and resident Mike Popplewell said: “It looks like they’ve put the safe on the stones and then tried to blow it open or set it on fire.”

Mr Popplewell, of Roberson Terrace, reported the find to police.

He added: “If you

RAF war stories BATLEY: The exploits of a Second World War RAF veteran are to be told at a meeting on Tuesday.

Alan Pugh will tell tales about his father’s wartime service in a talk for Probus Club members called Dai goes to War. The meeting is at the Older People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street at 10am for a 10.30am start.

Visitors and potential new members are always welcome. For more details call 01924 471337.

had a small business or a cafe this might be the sort of thing you’d have in an office or in the kitchen.

“It’s certainly bizarre. I don’t know if it was stolen, but it doesn’t make sense in any other way.”

The path is strewn with junk, including a fridge, toys, plastic chairs, a sideboard and a mattress.

Oil cans, tyres, an exhaust, vacuum cleaner, bits of broken wood and bin liners full of rubbish were also found – and even an old bra left hanging in a tree.

Mr Popplewell added: “The area looks like a rubbish tip and that’s a shame because it’s not just an out-of-the-way path, it’s well used.

“But flytipping along here has been a problem for as long as I can remember.”

Orchard barrier to park squatting

Joseph aims to be a cut above A CLECKHEATON hairdressing student is out to prove he can cut it with the best in the land.

Joseph Smith is bidding to be named the UK Student of the Year in a competition run by the Hair Council.

Trainee stylist Joseph, who works in Krystal’s Salon in Cleckheaton, alongside studying at Bradford College, has entered the cut and blow-dry category of the prestigious awards contest.

If he makes it through to the final, the hairdressing hopeful will head to London in May and be required to recreate the design

live in front of a celebrity judging panel made up of X Factor stylist Jamie Stevens and top hairdressers Andrew Barton and Patrick Cameron.

Joseph said: “It would be amazing to get through to the final. I was happy with the finished result but it is over to the judges now.”

Joseph primped and preened his model in Bradford College’s state-of-the-art hair salon on Great Horton Road in Bradford before submitting photographs of the end results to the judging panel.

Costumes now in stock for children and adults

AN orchard featuring raspberry bushes is planned at a Mirfield park – to help keep travellers out.

The orchard at Knowl Park, would complement a wooden barrier to be erected with £7,000 from Kirklees Council’s Dewsbury and Mirfield district committee.

Sponsors are to be sought to ensure the orchard is developed at no extra cost to taxpayers.

Travellers who camped at Knowl Park last summer left behind mess including human excrement that cost thousands of pounds to clean up.

Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield) said: “The park and Knowl House were given to the people of Mirfield in the 1930s.

“A community orchard would be very much in keeping with the generosity of the Walker family.”

Coun Bolt previously campaigned to make ‘squatting’ on public land illegal, as a way of reducing the cost of evicting travellers and cleaning up after them.

Prices starting from £8 for costumes and £1 for accessories

10%

discount on production this advert

Friday February 26, 2016

ThePress

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Friday February 26, 2016

Chem Scaffolding Limited Smithies Mill, 883-887 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 8NN Phone: 01924 474 384 Fax: 01924 420 199 Email: info@chemscaffolding.co.uk Web: www.chemscaffolding.co.uk

Providing excellent service since 2006 Expertise in all aspects of scaffolding Small & Large Projects Fast, Reliable Service & Competitive Rates Based in Batley, West Yorkshire we currently work throughout Yorkshire, Lancashire, the Midlands and the North East.

We offer a fast and reliable service at competitive rates.

Our friendly and helpful staff are always available to offer expert guidance and discuss your needs.

Allowing us to provide the solution that is right for you.

Here at Chem Scaffolding, Health and Safety is paramount. All of our competent staff are fully trained and receive ongoing training. So that our clients can be sure the works will be carried out in a professional and safe manner.

Our Products and Services Include: ✓ Hire and erection of tube and fitting scaffolds ✓ Temporary roof ✓ Chemical Plant specialist ✓ Protection fans. monarflex and debris netting ✓ Lift shaft scaffolding ✓ Haki staircases ✓ System scaffolds ✓ Confined space working ✓ 24hr service 7 days a week ✓ Labour only service ✓ Scaffold design service

Chem Scaffolding Limited has been providing an excellent service since it was established in 2006.

We have expertise in all aspects of scaffolding which enables us to undertake both small and large projects.

ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

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Let Miss Elegance take care of your every detail OPENING HOURS 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Saturday Late Night Thursday til 7pm

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ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

Where every girl deserves their

Cinderella moment

“

A woman should be two things...

Who and what she wants

As a woman in business you need a good support network

Q& A

Name: Sallyanne Hendry Business: Ever After Bridal Wear

Like us on Facebook to be kept up to date with new arrivals!

10% OFF a full price BRIDAL GOWN or PROM GOWN with this advert APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED

”

Coco Chanel

Tell us about your business – what product or service you provide and who your target audience is...

Ever After Bridal wear is a small family-run business. We provide a relaxed and calm atmosphere in order to help brides choose their wedding dress with no pressure.

We cater for girls of all shapes and sizes and carry a variety of styles to suit most budgets.

We attend a trade fair every September where we meet our designers to keep up to date with current trends, giving our brides more choice.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?

I always wanted to be my own boss, though my husband still thinks he is!

We planned to start a business from

scratch, but when the opportunity arose to buy an existing business and turn it into the going concern it is today we took a deep breath and went for it!

I think that having been a bride myself recently who struggled to find a wedding dress suitable for a more mature lady I have a better understanding of how brides feel when looking for their dress.

Patience, understanding, listening and good customer service is key.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

My greatest influence has been the belief my husband, children and friends have in me.

They are all behind me 110 per cent and support me in so many ways, I couldn’t do this without them and I am eternally grateful.

I feel a great sense of pride when I see the happy photos of my brides, bridesmaids and prom girls and read the lovely things they say about us in their reviews on Facebook.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment to date?

Being nominated last year for a customer service award through the North of England Wedding Awards.

A great achievement for us especially as we have only been in business just under three years.

We didn’t win, but we were in the final with eight other great bridal shops and it was lovely to see how our brides felt about us and our customer service.

What’s the best advice you have received that you wish to pass on to our readers?

It isn’t easy, I don't always have the right dress and a lot of time is invested in each client where a sale may not happen, so some days it feels like you’re working for nothing but my husband told me you should never give up your dream, just keep trying!

As a woman in business you need a good support network and be prepared for some role reversal, my hubby often cooks my tea for me after a long day in the shop!

Your Local Jewellery Specialist

ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

Extension to last weekend’s hugely successful sale! e l a S d n e k e e W r e 3 Day Sup y a d n u S , y a d r u t a S , y Back this Frida

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www.birstallmillcarpets.co.uk OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm • Saturday 9.30am-4pm • Sunday 11am-4pm

In front of Fuzzy Lemon Self Storage - Next to Funny Onion Café

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Friday February 12, 2016

EAT, & DRINK

mingle

A reputation that’ll keep you coming back for more Review by Adele Latham LWAYS keen to try out a ‘new’ venue, I was delighted to be invited to sample The Plough’s lunchtime menu.

Situated on Shillbank Lane, Mirfield, with ample parking, the pub offers a wonderful choice of dishes from both the menu and specials board, including lamb shank.

There is a ‘light bites’ selection featuring giant filled Yorkshire pudding, omelettes and jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings, and also the more traditional lunchtime menu favourites.

Lunchtime choices include scampi with

A

The

PLOUGH

tartare sauce and lemon, beer battered fish, gammon garnished with pineapple etc, all for just £6.95.

There is also a Pie of the Day – a dish for which The Plough holds an enviable reputation par excellence.

For those with a hearty appetite there is a mouthwatering selection of starters, including mushroom gondolas, pate served with French bread and redcurrant jelly, all at a very reasonable £3.45.

If you really want to push the boat out and indulge in a dessert, you won’t be disappointed, with fruit crumble, cheesecake, chocolate gateau etc, all for just £3.45.

------------------------------ MIRFIELD ------------------------------

Our friendly, welcoming bar has a selection of Real Ales, Lagers and Beers, and a traditional friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy good times in good company.

WHY NOT TRY KARAOKE NIGHT 12-4pm 8.30pm 5th March OUR NEW EVENTS SUNDAY CARVERY Kicks Off @

3 Courses for ONLY £11.95

Reservations strongly recommended

MOTHERING SUNDAY SPECIAL MENU MARCH 6th

We can cater for your event/private parties/birthday celebrations/funerals teas.

1 course £13.95 2 courses £16.95 3 courses £19.95

Please contact Bev or Faye to discuss your requirements

65 Shillbank Lane, Mirfield 01924 480787

The Plough Bar & Restaurant - Mirfield

LUNCHTIME MENU AVAILABLE Mon–Wed 12noon–8.30pm, Thurs–Sat 12noon–9pm, Sunday 12noon–8pm.

UNDER NEW P OWNERSHI BITTER from only .8..0....p..int £1..

LAGER from only £2.00 pint

Full menu & special seniors menu available all day every day

BANKFIELD INN OFFERS A WARM & WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE

Our lovely renovated & refurbished Inn ★ has charm & character ★★

★★ GUEST ALES KARAOKE EVERY FRIDAY POOL/DARTS/ DOM TEAMS from 8pm

• SKY & BT SPORTS ★ • FREE WI-FI • FREE POOL TABLE Tea & coffee served ★ ★

★★

SMALL FUNCTIONS CATERED FOR

BLEAK STREET, GOMERSAL

Lunches are served Tuesday–Saturday 12noon –2.30pm and Sunday lunches (two courses for £9.95) from 12noon–4pm.

Diners can choose to eat either in the main bar area of the pub or in the wellappointed dining room, which is spacious, tastefully decorated and lends itself to a delightful restaurant dining experience.

I chose the scampi dish, served with chips and a tasty salad mix, and it really was delicious.

The scampi was a very generous portion, and was some of the nicest I have tasted.

Craig was a charming host and made sure all the diners were looked after.

SUNDAY LUNCH MENU 12–4PM Full menu served 4pm–8pm

STEAK NIGHT EVERY THURSDAY 2 steaks and bottle of wine from £24.95

Separate bar menu offered Mon-Sat 12–6.30pm

Just a small example from our delightful menu:

STARTERS Warm salad of slow Cooked Duck Battered brie, rocket, cranberry relish Prawn/Crayfish salad, lemon croutons

MAIN Roast Topside of beef, potato fondants, Yorkshire Pudd Roast Belly Pork, apple stuffing, rosemary gravy Herb Crusted Cod Loin, pea & mint sauce

QUIZ NIGHT DESSERTS EVERY 2ND TUESDAY Sticky Plum & Ginger Sponge 8PM START Choc Brownie, Choc Blondie, Choc sauce Rollover cash prize Classic Eton Mess – our way!

The Dusty Miller - Mirfield, 47 Dunbottle Lane, WF14 9JJ info@thedustymillermirfield.co.uk www.thedustymillermirfield.co.uk TEL 01924 490178

ThePress

Friday February 12, 2016

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If you would like your restaurant, pub, cafe, deli, takeaway or food business featured in our Eat,Drink & Mingle feature please call Press editor David Bentley on 01924 470296 or email david@thepressnews.co.uk. Let the district know about your exciting new dishes and special offers, or arrange for a Press reviewer to visit!

EAT, & DRINK

mingle

Mother’s Day Sunday 6th March BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN All mums RECEIVE a complimentary

cupcake & glass of PROSECCO FOR BEING AMAZING ALL YEAR THROUGH Please see our website for all our menus

www.travellersrestmirfield.co.uk 252 Hopton Ln, Mirfield, WF14 8EJ Telephone 01924 493898

FREE 2 Courses for £10 Glass of Prosecco or £15 or Cocktail 3 Courses for £13.50 for mums and grandmas or £18.50 Children can enjoy 2 courses for £5 or 3 courses for £7 from our childrens menu

including a FREE Soft Drink Live Music late afternoon from local duo Acoustix 114 OWL LANE, OSSETT. TEL: 01924 273965

* Regular Menu always available W OW YOUR MUM HO * Special Menu changes every Friday SH TO MUCH SHE MEANS DAY * Cask Marque accredited real ales YOU THIS MOTHERSTHE WITH A MEAL AT * Wide range of wines and spirits PEAR TREE * Variety of speciality Whiskeys, Malts SUNDAY MARCH 6th & Cognacs Now taking bookings * Free 24 hour moorings available 4 Sittings * Dogs welcome 11.30–1.30pm * Children welcome 1.45pm–3.45pm * Big screen for showing Sports 4pm–6pm 6.15pm–8.15pm

HOME COOKED HOT & COLD FOOD Sundays 12noon till 7pm, Mon-Wed 12noon till 2pm, 5pm-9pm Thu / Fri / Sat 12noon-9pm

thepeartreemirfield@gmail.com

01924 491 360

£5 deposit secures your booking

call us now!

20% OFF

our EarlySerBvedird Menu Mon-Wed 12pm-2pm & 5pm-7pm Thurs 12-7pm

ThePress

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Friday February 26, 2016

BEST OF BRITISH! - FA M I LY

BUTCHERS-

HAGGARTS B I R S TA L L

★★ Quality British Meat ★★

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Beef, Pork & Ham from our family-run, friendly local butchers Try our mouth-watering & delicious pork pies Highly recommended by our loyal customers GREAT FRIENDLY SERVICE & GREAT VALUE -F A M I L Y

BU T C H ER S -

from H A G G A R T S B I R S TA L L

Tel. 01924 473841 77 Low Lane, Birstall, WF17 9EY

www.haggartsbutchers.co.uk

LAT caps and whippets, flat vowels and our eponymous pudding – we Tykes have long laboured under a downtrodden public misconception, our Yorkshire pudding, like a Cornishman’s pasty, being a rare jewel in our cultural crown.

But if no-one in the world can make pudding batter rise majestically on a Sunday lunchtime quite like us, it’s time to pronounce our unequalled skills in another area of culinary artistry – the pie!

It is a well-known fact that British people love pies. Not to be confused with American-style pies which are mostly sweet, the ultimate British comfort food is a delicious, golden pastry wrapped around a succulent, meaty filling.

It’ll soon be National Pie Week, and there’s one thing that cannot be argued – that the Yorkshire pie is king of the British pies.

We’ve got a fair few champion manufacturers in our own district. So where else is supposed to be as good as us when it comes to pies?

Melton Mowbray porkies?

F

Generic, mass factory-produced fayre, to my mind. Okay for a motorway services stop if you’re famished and don’t want to spend a tenner on a limp all-day breakfast, but hardly the real thing.

And as for the self-proclaimed pie kings over ‘the hill’ in Wigan, where they even revel in the nickname ‘the pie-eaters’ ... well, most of them might look like they ate all the pies, but have you tasted the stuff they hold forth as an example of excellence?

A soggy, anaemic pastry shell, enveloping a dollop of

1st

★★

★

Fantastic Quality ★ Award Winning ★ ★

Andrew Jones Pies

★

★AND MUCH MORE ★★

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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DEAL OF THE WEEK

HALF PRICE SAUSAGES 128 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield Telephone: 01924 492185

microwaved mush whose meat could be anything from cat to cattle, all in a gravy that tastes like a miner’s work socks were washed in it.

No, if it’s a meat and tatie pie you want – nominally what t h o s e Wiganers purport to offer – there should be proper, individual chunks of tender beef nestled up to spuds that reside in a succulent and rich sea of gravy.

And with lunchtime approaching, that’s me heading out for a bite, spoiled for choice here in the heart of pie-country.

Just one thing in closing – whoever decided to stick kidneys in a perfectly good steak pie should have been taken out and shot. Or exiled to Wigan.

And as for the Aussies and

their pie-floaters ... don’t get me started!

While 75 per cent of UK consumers eat at least one pie a month, there are big regional differences, according to research.

Just eight per cent of people in the south eat more than four pies a month, compared to 11 per cent in the North and Scotland, 20 per cent in the Midlands and Wales and 33 per cent in Northern Ireland.

Recently one incensed citizen began a government e-petition to “make wrongly describing a casserole with a pastry lid a criminal offence”.

The petition gained 5,000 signatures, falling short of the 100,000 needed to be considered by parliament, but highlighting the importance of the pastry in a pie.

In the poll, 18 per cent of consumers oped for a shortcrust pastry lid, 19 per cent wanted a shortcrust bottom and lid, 26 per cent would choose a shortcrust pastry bottom and puff pastry lid, but the winner was just a puff pastry lid with 37 per cent of the vote.

B & M COLLINS BUTCHERS & BAKERS

YORKSHIRE SUPREME CHAMPION PORK PIE 2015/2016 BLACK PUDDING CHAMPIONS 2014/2015 SMALL PORK PIE CHAMPIONS 2013/2014 87 Westgate, Cleckheaton, BD19 5HS (200 yds from Lyons confectionery) Tel: 01274 872930

Friday February 26, 2016

ThePress

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Friday February 26, 2016

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 MONDAY MARCH 7 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27 BLUE HILLS OF BIRKENSHAW (NK) FULNECK & COCKERSDALE (NK) Meet 1pm top carp park at Meet 10.30am Keeper Lane, Oakwell Hall WF17 9LG Tong BD4 0RS GR SE 217 270 5.5 miles (M) GR SE 223 306 Note: No dogs 6.5 miles (M) Leader: Kathleen O’Shea Leader: Norma Tel: 01924 471473 Tel: 01274 685343

Special show for the Big O A SHOW celebrating the life and music of the Big ‘O’ arrives at Dewsbury Town Hall next month.

Barry Steele and Friends’ ‘The Roy Orbison Story’ celebrates a special year, as 2016 would have been the rock & roll musician’s 80th birthday.

The new production is touring venues across the UK taking the audience on a specially-revamped musical journey in time, from the early Sun Records years right through to the late 80s and the internationally acclaimed concert ‘A Black and White Night’.

The show also pays homage to the time Roy spent with the Traveling Wilburys.

Added to the mix are guest artists celebrating the music from legends Roy actually toured and performed with, backed by top musicians and singers.

It was on a family holiday in Cornwall in 2001 that Barry Steele took the first steps on the road to becoming a professional singer, when his wife Lynne and their daughter Leonie entered him into a singing competition without his knowledge.

It was there that a fellow competitor said to him: “You know you sound just like Roy Orbison singing Robbie Williams!” so with the help of family and friends a tribute to the Big ‘O’ was born.

Barry is now widely recognised as one of the world’s leading tributes to Roy Orbison.

He’s also on stage with a big screen featuring both live streaming and images from the life and times of the artist, interspersed with factoids about the life and times of a man considered to be one of the best singers the world has ever known.

‘The Roy Orbison Story’ comes to Dewsbury Town Hall on Saturday March 12, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets priced £19 are available online at https://tickets.kirklees.gov.uk or by calling 01924 324501.

Long live the King ELVIS PRESLEY is coming to Thornhill.

Rev Andy Kelso’s tribute act will be at Thornhill Parish Church on Saturday March 5, at 7.30pm.

Andy’s show comprises the best of Elvis with rock, ballad and gospel songs. The well-known entertainer is chaplain at Worcester Warriors rugby club and combines this with his touring life as Elvis.

Andy says of the show: “I want everyone to have a great evening, enjoying the best of Elvis and hopefully some dancing!

"I’m able to share some of Elvis’ journey in and between songs and how his journey and mine were the same. It will definitely be a night to remember.”

A near fatal motor cycling accident was to change the course of Andy’s life and parts of his amazing story are weaved into his act to make it a more memorable and magical evening.

Tickets are available online at www.wegottickets.com/event/347239, from the church or Thornhill Newsagents or by calling 01924 507782.

Art fair at town hall CALLING all artists! The Yorkshire Art Fair 2016 has moved to Cleckheaton Town Hall and will be held on Saturday, April 16.

If you are interested in taking a stand or would like further information, call Ann on 07946 548046 or email info@yorkshireart fair.com.

Sumptuous re-telling of a fairytale classic Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Until Saturday February 27 Box office: 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk Review by David Bentley MATTHEW BOURNE’S dazzling gothic production of Sleeping Beauty won the hearts of thousands of the entire audience on opening night at the Alhambra.

His New Adventures ballet company have revived this new classic in the repertoire to give audiences one more chance to see the final piece in the trio of Tchaikovsky masterpieces.

If you loved Nutcracker, the enchanting Edward Scissorhands or the famous Swan Lake with a menacing all-male ensemble,

then this production will become another firm favourite.

With sumptuous sets and costumes, evocative lighting and masterly storytelling the audience is transported in time in four acts from the halcyon days of the late Edwardian

era through to the modern day.

In a world full of magic, fairies, vampires, love and romance, all bought to life by uniquely talented dancers – will Princess Aurora ever find her true love again?

The traditional tale of good vs evil and rebirth is turned upside down, creating a supernatural love story that even the passage of time itself cannot hinder.

Aurora was played almost effortlessly by the fiesty Ashley Shaw, her gamekeeper lover Leo by Leeds-born Dominic North, and both Carabosse and her son by the imposing Liam Mower.

I really must applaud the effort that Bourne has put into giving this fairy-tale some bite, and not for the first time with a New Adventures confection, the set and costume designer Lez Brotherston really excelled himself.

Governer to tell tales of the ‘Big House’ PEOPLE who turn up for next Monday’s History Group meeting in Batley Town Hall look set to hear a captivating talk.

The speaker is Graham Smith, a former governor of Wakefield Prison who will be revealing the experiences he gained while spending 40 years of his life dealing with lawbreakers.

That contrasts with the fact that since retiring in 2009 Graham spends a good deal of his time both serving as a magistrate in Leeds or as a member of a victim support group helping people who have suffered from various forms of crime.

Graham was born in South Derbyshire where his father was a miner, became a prison warder in 1969 (“that’s when I started my life in what people called the Big House,” he says) and worked at various prisons until being appointed governor of Wakefield prison, where some well-known criminals were on the register, and overseeing the running of eight highsecurity prisons.

He now lives in Meltham with his partner Roberta and finds his time occupied in a variety of ways.

As well as being a Leeds magistrate and

chairman of the Retired Governors’ Association he is secretary of the Meltham Probus Club, a Victim Support volunteer and invigilator for Leeds Beckett University.

He also loves music, thanks mainly to Christmas concerts in Huddersfield Town Hall, and joined the Honley Male Voice Choir to enjoy the variety of songs and friendships formed from performing in a team.

The history group meeting starts at 7.30pm but free refreshments are available from 7pm.

Admission is £2 for members and £4 for nonmembers.

Group’s wealth of talent is evident Review by Helen Fox AS EVER Dewsbury Arts Group put on an excellent evening’s entertainment last week, with three one-act plays.

First was ‘The Good, The Bad and The Upside Down’, a new play written by members of the group.

This was performed by the Advanced Youth Class and was made up of various TV show sketches, ranging for a spaghetti western to ‘The Jeremy Vile Show’ which was a very amusing feature about Henry VIII and his six wives – all of which appeared.

Due to the size of the cast there are far too many to mention but the play showcased their talents brilliantly.

Second on was ‘Bird Song’ by James Saunders – with three budgies effectively played by Dan Sean Henry, Steve Goddard and Jess Jackson.

It was an interesting, amusing and moving play where we see how the three live together, expertly played by Steve as the older, more knowledgeable of the three, Dan as the younger more excitable and Jess as the loud, pushy ‘bird’ who just wanted

The youth advanced class performed The Good, The Bad and The Upside Down freedom and didn’t care how she got it.

Finally was ‘The Bay At Nice’

by David Hare. This was definitely the serious play of the night, set in the Hermitage Museum in Leningrad where Valentina Nrovka is summoned to authenticate a painting of The Bay of Nice

by Matisse.

Jacky Fletcher’s portrayal of

Valentina was exceptional, while Valentina’s daughter Sophia, played by Jess Jackson, showed a softer side to her acting.

Stuart Marshall as the curator of the museum showed a lovely nervousness in the presence of Valentina.

Finally Mark Bailey as Sophia’s older lover Peter, brought a wonderful softness to

the character, yet also constantly looking for approval from Sophia.

All in all the whole evening was evidence of the wealth of talent that Dewsbury Arts Group has to offer.

Their next production is one of the greatest plays of the 20th century, The Crucible by Arthur Miller on March 4-12.

For details call 01924 465647.

ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

23

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network

Jimmy is back on song with a great new show Y GOOD friend Jimmy Osmond celebrates his 50th anniversary in the music business in 2016, and is returning to the UK in the autumn with a new live show called Andy Williams – Moon River and Me. Packed with award-winning music, nostalgic footage and Jimmy’s own personal memories of Andy Williams, the 27-date tour will begin on September 26.

M

Brighouse & Rastrick Band recently featured on the BBC’s One Show, as part of a feature dedicated to the late Terry Wogan. The band, seen here with host Alex Jones, played on Wogan’s 1977 hit song ‘The Floral Dance’.

New venue for brass lads

ITV has commissioned a fourth series of detective drama Endeavour. The hit drama set in Oxford, is of course the prequel to Morse, and has become a huge hit around the world with over 60 countries now taking the show.

ALREADY hitting the headlines when Chris Evans announced he’d be joining the Top Gear line-up, Matt LeBlanc may not have much time for cars if his latest comedy venture is a success. Insider news suggests that the Friends star is taking the lead in a new CBS comedy pilot, and if it’s picked up, he’ll certainly be kept busy...

BRITISH TV presenter and model Alexa Chung has partnered with Marks & Spencer to create a new collection.

Insiders though tell me that again she is not the typical M&S customer, but they picked the TV star as they want to appeal to a younger audience.

JAKE WOOD is clearly enjoying his break away from EastEnders, as he hasn’t watched a single episode of the BBC One soap since he left Albert Square. The actor’s character Max Branning is currently in jail, but he tells me: “I wanted a clean break – no hearing any news and then I can come back to it totally fresh, which I like the idea of.”

HOLLY WILLOUGHBY celebrated her 35th birthday and admitted she is worried about bosses soon looking for a younger model to take on her TV throne. “I know this is not a job for life and I do enjoy it, but I don’t want it to end,” she said. “There is always someone else coming up who’s new and exciting, so I will just hang in there.”

HAPPY Valley star James Norton tells me that playing the bad boy in the show is a great challenge, but: “I think the hardest thing was losing

Ann and Jimmy Osmond

the weight so that I looked thin and as bad as he is supposed to look. Not eating much over the festive period was tough.”

THE NEW Dad’s Army film has been so well received that bosses are already thinking of lining up another.

I heard: “We are thrilled it’s done so well at the box office, and BBC films knew they had something special on their hands with this, so we hope to offer more of the same.”

EMMERDALE has been criticised for inappropriate storylines that are shown again on ITV 2 in the mornings. A source reveals: “Some of the storylines are racy, even at 7pm but they seem to have disregard for people watching at such an early hour.”

ITV claim they will review the situation.

Maycon Pictures

and I would recommend it truly, but I don’t think I can live there ... I would miss Blackpool too much.”

JOHNNY CARTER is returning to Walford – but Sam Strike won’t be playing him again. The role is being recast and a source reveals: “He was offered a return to the role but declined, leaving us no choice but to re-cast and I think people will be glad to see the character return.”

SHAYNE WARD is the latest former X Factor star to have his say on the future of the ITV talent show – and he thinks it could do with a rest.

He said: “I love the show, but honestly I think give it a break, and the fans will want its return even more. It’s had a long run – people like a change don’t they?”

GRANCHESTER star Robson Green says that people still ask him if and when he will return to the world of singing. He told me: “I do find it flattering, but in reality it’s tough as I never know if they mean it, or just like to take the mick, but I know we did have quite a few fans out there at the time.”

CORONATION Street star Paula Lane is to leave the show after six years playing troubled Kylie Platt. She tells me: “I am expecting my second child, and I think this would be a good time to take a break. I know she goes out with an explosive storyline and for me it will be too hard to have two children and work full time.”

VIEWERS have called for a second series of Indian retirement series The Real Marigold Hotel. The threepart programme saw a group of older famous faces travelling to India to explore the possibility of retiring there – just like in the Hollywood film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Comedian Roy Walker tells me: “It was great fun

FORMER Waterloo Road star Leon Ockenden will set the cat among the pigeons when he arrives on Coronation Street.

He tells me: “He is the first boyfriend of Michelle Connor, who is now married to Steve. It’s a great storyline, and I think a nostalgic one too, which the fans will enjoy.”

BRIGHOUSE & Rastrick Band are visiting a fresh venue for their traditional March concert but are sure to provide the height of entertainment when they relocate to Dewsbury Town Hall for their own spring promotion on March 19.

Major roof repairs at Huddersfield Town Hall have forced the change, but Kirklees Council have gone out of their way to support one of their most popular acts at another of their venues.

Band personnel are thrilled to be returning to the Dewsbury hall due to its homely atmosphere with great sightlines, space and acoustics.

Recently-appointed resident musical director Leigh Baker will front proceed-

ings next month, and judging by the reaction to his first appearance in front of the band in Brighouse recently, concert-goers are in for a treat.

Leigh focuses on entertainment and there are sure to be plenty of smiling faces at the Dewsbury concert.

The band will feature no guest band, as normally happens in Huddersfield, enabling them to display their own exceptional form and musicality to the full.

Tickets for the event are available from all usual Kirklees outlets including Cleckheaton and Dewsbury town halls, contact the box office on 01484 223200 or visit the website at www.kirkleestownhalls.co.uk.

Players pick popular Pirates HECKMONDWIKE Players have chosen Gilbert and Sullivan’s popular operetta The Pirates Of Penzance for their March production – coinciding with the fact that 2016 is a leap year.

Due to be performed at Cleckheaton Town Hall from Wednesday March 16 to Saturday March 19, the central character in the swashbuckling tale is Frederic, a pirate apprentice who has finally graduated into a fullfledged buccaneer – or has he?

Unfortunately it has been overlooked that Frederic’s

birthday is on February 29 – a leap year, making him in reality only five years old!

Hilarity ensues as a band of inept and rather cowardly police are drafted in by Major General Stanley and his daughters to deal with the brigands.

Playing the Major General is Ian Fryer, who regular audience members will remember for his outstanding performance in Jekyll And Hyde last year.

Richard Armstrong is playing the lovelorn Frederic, with Players regulars Sheelagh

Wood and Helen Wrigglesworth in the roles of pirate maid Ruth and Mabel.

There are plenty of laughs in the rollicking, chaotic and witty tale set to the muchloved music of Arther Sullivan.

Songs include With Catlike Tread, When The Foeman Bares His Steel and I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major General.

Evening performances start at 7.15pm from March 16 to March 19, with a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm. For ticket details call 01924 492671.

Entries are open as countdown to Brian Robinson’s charity bike ride is underway ENTRIES are being sought for the 10th annual Brian Robinson charity bike ride in April.

Riders can test themselves on gruelling Holme Moss - which formed part of the Tour de France Yorkshire Grand Depart in 2014.

Cash raised from the Sunday April 25 event will be in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

It is being organised by Coun Martyn Bolt in celebration of Mirfield Tour de France legend Brian Robinson.

Brian, 85, the first Briton to win a stage of the famous race in 1958, still rides his bike twice a week.

The 2016 event is based at Huddersfield New College at Salendine Nook near the M62.

Hundreds of riders from across the UK, Europe and even further afield are expected to take part.

The first 12 miles are without a turn as the route drops over Buckstones Moor into Lancashire before coming back into Yorkshire via Standedge.

Riders will be supported by marshals from West Yorkshire Advanced Motorcyclists.

Mechanical and first aid will be on standby and there will be a well-stocked refreshment station at about half-way.

Coun Bolt said: “This year’s event will once again feature a closed road roll-out for all riders to start en masse.

“That will make for a fantastic spectacle as the noise of hundreds of riders combines with the roar of motorcycle engines to lead the event away.”

Entries can be made online at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/det ails/140837/Brian-Robinson-Challenge-Ride2016.

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ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

ThePress

Friday February 26 2016

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NEW Shackletons riser chair, mid green with pale beige pattern, in excellent condition; electric mechanism seldom used.

Approximately one year old £600 ono, buyer collects. Tel 07555 586935 after 5pm. (1880)

163070 (1845)

Cot bed, in light oak, bought from Babies R Us. Good condition £65. Tel 01924 519370. (1875)

Two-seater conservatory settee and swivel chair, in beige, with upright table and buffet in wicker. Very good condition, all for £175 ono. Tel 01924 495473.

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Antique green leather, winged armchair. As new, hardly used £55. Tel 07806 431728. (1876) Modern kitchen (still fitted until mid-March).

Light cream, custom built, nine wall units, nine floor units. Sensible offers considered. Tel 01924 408171 (message service available). (1877) Trailer indespension unit, including 50mm tow hitch and wheel rims £20. Tel 01924 505834.

(1878) Camping stove and picnic basket, table, gas and kettle £20. Tel 01924 505834. (1878) Oak finish dinette kitchen table (48” x 30”), with four matching chairs, excellent condition £50. Tel 01924 218361 (evenings only before 9pm). (1879) COLLECTABLES Collectable Edwardian sledge, wooden slaits on cast iron blades, ideal for use as sledge or garden ornament £15 ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1855) Boxed Victorian dolls, porcelain 12” high, with stands. Brand-new, in boxes £6 each ono. Tel 07806 431728. (1823) ELECTRICAL Vacuum cleaner, Dirt Devil, lightweight, upright, as new, with user guide book £20. Tel 01484 656666.

(1857) FABRIC/FASHION/ CLOTHING Two leather jackets, one brown, one black. Size 44 reg, as new £7 each. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal) (1870) Ladies double-breasted red coat, size 12, new, not worn £15. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) Vintage wedding dress with train. Very pretty white chiffon and lace. Size 10/12. High neck and flared sleeves. £70 Tel 01924 495675 (1853) Two leather jackets. 44 reg, one black and one brown.

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(1856) Smokers’ stand in brass, over 50 years old, in good condition £20. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) King-size brown leather sleigh bed. £75. Tel 01924 464527 (1852) Black recliner electric massage chair. £150. Tel 01274 398891 (1848) Large three-seater and two-seater settee with matching pouffe in leather.

Mid-mushroom colour.

Extremely well made, good condition. Buyer to collect. £100 ono (Gomersal) Tel 01274 687250 (1849) Five-foot damask bed.

Pocket sprung base and mattress with two drawers.

Good condition. £50 Tel 01924 464527 (1850) King-size four-drawer bed, with Benson’s Sleepmaster individual pocket sprung censor foam luxury mattress. Unmarked, excellent condition. Cost over £1,000 new, bargain at £150 ono.

Sale due to removal. Buyer

cheque for payment.

ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. When your item(s) are sold ring 01924 470296 to cancel.

All unsold adverts will stay in the paper for a MAXIMUM OF TWO MONTHS.

PRICE SYSTEM ITEM bands

Cost per item

Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus collects (Mirfield) Tel 07876 163070 (1841) Stunning, ornate, Japanese-style, lacquered, oval occasional table with six buffets, in dark red wood, with removable glass top, and mother of pearl decorations. £600 ono. Tel 07952 526527 after 2pm. (1831)

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11 524201. (1863) MOBILITY Rollator walking aid with seat and basket, four wheels and twin brakes; height adjust level. Folds flat for transport, fits behind driver’s seat. As , £45, can deliver. Tel 01924 524201. (1863)

GARDEN/OUTDOOR Electric rotavator, garden shredder and builder’s bag of topsoil, £20 each item.

Tel 01274 876542 (buyer to collect) (1872)

SPORTING/ OUTDOOR/FITNESS Genuine USA wooden baseball bat, seen active service in Baltimore and Roberttown Rec. for dogs! £15. Tel 01924 524201.

(1863)

HOUSEHOLD Oil filled radiator, nine fin, ex-caravan use, seldom used. As new condition £15. Tel 07772 910983.

(1866)

Wondercore II exercise machine, unused, as new £30 ono. Tel 01924 501770.

(1860)

Brass standard lamp for sale, with glass shade, £25.

Tel 01924 470028 after 6pm. (1836) Crown regency gold leaf china tea set. £10. Tel 01924 464527 (1851) KITCHEN Russell Hobbs bread maker with all the instructions, used twice £15. Tel 01484 656666. (1856) MOTORING Pair of steel wheels (five stud), with winter tyres, as new, three months old.

Excellent condition. To fit Astra or similar cars. Size 205/60 R16/92H, £100 ono for quick sale; grab yourself a bargain! Tel Michael 07919 257229. (1873) Matching pair of Jebs GTR motorcycle helmets. Very little used. Colour white with mauve and green flashes, show use only, £25 each, prefer to sell as a pair. Tel 01924 451024.

(1869) MISCELLANEOUS Professional aluminium photographic case.

Absolutely bomb proof. Top tray for camera, filters etc, with large vertical compartments below for flash & large zoom lenses. As new £45. Tel 01924 524201. (1863) 15x – 45x spotting scope with angled eyepiece.

Tripod mounting bush. Mint condition £45. Tel 01924

Cross trainer/exercise bike, very good for low impact exercises, complete with computer displaying time, speed and calories £80, buyer to collect. Tel 07719 431991. (1858) Set of crown green bowls, black lignoid, 2lb 10oz £20.

Tel 07772 910983. (1854) Apollo ladies/girls bike with 18 gears and suspension.

New lights etc. Excellent condition. £35. Tel 01274 876814 (1842) TOOLS/DIY Plasplugs manual floor and wall tile cutter, will cut tiles up to 16” square. Used for one job only, £25 no offers.

Tel 01924 451024. (1869) Timber, 2 metre lengths, 4 x 1, 20 pieces £20. Tel Batley 01924 472043.

(1838) TOYS, GAMES & CHILDREN’S GOODS Graco child safety car seat, as new condition £15, only used for grandchild. Tel 01924 511296. (1865) Two scooters. £5 each. Tel 07806 431728 (1846) Barbie two-tier dolls house; pulls up for storage £5 ono.

Tel 07806 431728. (1823) WANTED Wanted: Small ‘N’ gauge model railway, baseboard, rolling stock, engines etc.

Tel Ray 07833 355170.

(1864)

IN THE Spen Valley Football League three teams progressed to the next round of the Spen Valley Trophy.

Idle came up with a surprise 6-3 win over Hightown Jets.

Aaron Irving’s brace along with strikes from Callum Doherty, Luke Chandler, Adam Wood and an own goal was enough to see off their Premier Division rivals.

In reply Jordan Midwood, Nathan Clarke and James Mortimor scored for the Jets.

Palestino are joining Idle in the next round after Anthony Burke, Zubair Khan and James Chadwick all scored in their 3-1 victory over Vision. Craig Kellet got the goal for the losing side.

And Hartshead also triumphed 3-1 in their game against White Abbey Road.

The hosts scored through Chris Martindale, Ryan Kirton and Thomas Meaghan.

White Abbey’s contribution was courtesy of a Hartshead own goal.

Meanwhile in the weekend’s only Premier Division clash Savile United lost out at home to Savile Youth 5-1.

The hosts scored thanks to Faisal Adam but it wasn’t enough as Abdullah Aswat (hat-trick), Huzaifa Patel and Mohammad Kadya scored to win the match comfortably.

In the First Division second-placed Mount Pleasant thrashed third-placed Norfolk 9-3.

Saif Akbar netted five, Jaabir Patel completed a brace and Jawad Khan and Adam Chibda also got their names on the scoresheet.

Norfolk replied with a

Eugene brace and an Ismail Loonat strike.

Howden Clough also won convincingly 10-4 against Smokin Aces.

A Reece Scholes hat-trick, Dom Carr’s, Lewis Boddy’s and Lee Crossland’s doubles along with a strike from Macauley Clark rounded off the win.

Danyal Pandor (two), Ahmed Nana and Saad Dagi scored for Aces.

Dewsbury West maintained their advantage at the top of the table with a 4-0 win over Inter Batley.

Arfan Ali (two), Atif and Jamil scored the others.

And finally West End Park lost out to Savile Town 6-1.

Matty Softley scored for the hosts, but Sajeel Qadir’s hat-trick, Amir Khan, Uzair Patel and Mueen Hyder won the game for Town.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Belles fight back to keep promotion hopes alive in West Riding League

By Mike Popplewell Football Correspondent sport@thepressnews.co.uk

ON A pitch resembling a battlefield Battyeford Belles actually found themselves in a battle to win 6-3 at Calderdale side Hebden Royd in their West Riding League First Division clash.

Hebden took complete control of the game in the early stages and raced into a threegoal lead – with former Ossett Albion player manager Nicky Davies amongst the goals as her side quickly mastered the atrocious conditions.

The Belles were at risk of only a second league defeat of the season but, on the stroke of half-time, Louise Wardman broke through to get a goal back.

Manager Chris Hoyle recognised the need to adjust his side’s game plan and the second-half formation paid dividends.

Sarah Hemingway netted twice in two minutes to level the scores and on the hour Beth Winsor edged the Belles in front when she cut in from the right to fire home.

Hemingway then put her side in the clear, scoring twice more, and clinched the player of the match award.

Battyeford entertain promotion rivals Bradford City on Sunday (2pm) in a game that will have a huge impact on the title race.

Battyeford’s Sarah Hemingway battles for the ball with Nicky Davies Due to flood damage at West Mills the game has been switched to the Batley Sports & Tennis Centre at Howden Clough.

In the Premier Division Ossett Town had a welcome return to action when they took on bottom club Gledhow and romped to a 9-0 win that lifted them into second place in the title race and just two points behind leaders Hemsworth who held on to top spot by virtue of a 4-0 win over Bradford Park Avenue.

Frustratingly Town are once again faced with a blank day this week.

And while promotion to the North East Regional League is Ossett Town’s target, just staying in it is the objective of local rivals Ossett Albion.

Although they have games in hand on the clubs above them Albion are currently bottom of the North East Regional League Southern Section and are once again left without a fixture despite having played five games fewer than some of their relegation rivals.

DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS Tuesday February 16: 1 G Clarke and M Watson; 2 J Tomlinson and G

Fishwick; 3 J Paxton and D Hannam; 4 G Bragg and C Walker.

ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

29

RUGBY UNION

Cleck show determination to ease relegation worries National League Three North CLECKHEATON 17 ILKLEY 13 at Moorend CLECKHEATON held out for a deserved 17-13 win against West Yorkshire rivals Ilkley in National League Three North.

Joe Rowntree got Ilkley on the scoreboard with a penalty goal after five minutes but then a long kick down field from Cleckheaton was not cleared and, as Ilkley’s back three tried to over-engineer their way out of trouble, they got caught in possession and conceded a penalty just outside their own 22.

Ronan Evans kicked the ball to the corner and Cleckheaton’s powerful pack would not be stopped.

An assured throw from James Crowther and a clean catch by Luke Pearson set the ball up for the drive, which was well controlled resulting in an unconverted try for Richard Piper.

Shortly afterwards Ilkley’s Paul

Richard Piper leads a charge for Cleckheaton Petchey was sent to the sin-bin and from the associated penalty Richard Piper went over for another touchdown.

The conversion was missed and on the stroke of half-time

Gerald Christian

Cleckheaton’s Jack Seddon was sinbinned for entering the ruck from the side.

The hosts started the second half with a 10-3 advantage which was soon reduced when Rowntree added

another three points for the away side. But the hosts were dealt a set back when Mikey Hayward was harshly sin-binned for a dubious high tackle.

And Richard Piper added to the

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL Wait continues for next Town’s Black gets off Liversedge home game to a winning start in LIVERSEDGE are rooted to the foot of the Northern Counties East League Premier and are likely yo remain there while ever their playing surface is waterlogged.

It is well over 100 days since Liversedge played at Clayborn, which was a 4-3 league win over Barton Town Old Boys last October.

Sedge’s last scheduled home game on Tuesday night against Clipstone was also postponed due

to an unsafe playing surface.

It has been rearranged for this coming Tuesday (Feb 23, 7.45pm).

Jonathan Rimmington’s men have up to nine games in hand on the sides above them but fixture congestion for the Clayborn outfit means they will have to play up to three games in a week between now and the end of the season as they aim to climb to safety.

Liversedge travel to play Brigg Town tomorrow (3pm).

Albion maintain push for place in play-offs Evo-Stik First Division North OSSETT ALBION

1

SCARBOROUGH ATHLETIC

0

Evo-Stik First Division North BURSCOUGH

1

OSSETT TOWN

2

at 4G Voice and Data Stadium OSSETT TOWN eased their Evo-Stik First Division North relegation fears with a vital three points on the road against Burscough thanks to a 2-1 victory.

New Ossett Town head coach Grant Black witnessed his side clinch their first league win since September last year, the same month which last saw the Reds win back-to-back games.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for the visitors however, as they went behind after 15 minutes to a Paul Williams strike.

But they went into half-time level at 1-1 after Danny Frost equalised for the Reds in the 37th minute.

In the second half Black’s men took the lead just after the hour mark through Alex Peterson.

And Town held on to seal an important win in their quest for survival this season.

They remain two points above the drop after Harrogate Railway’s victory, but Black’s side host Lancaster City tomorrow (3pm) in a bid to further distance themselves from the relegation zone.

YOUTH RUGBY LEAGUE

Missed conversion ruins Celtic dream BARLA National Cup DEWSBURY CELTIC UNDER-16 WOOLSTON WIZARDS UNDER-16

16 18

at Crow Nest Park DEWSBURY CELTIC Under-16s were edged out by Lancashire side Woolston Wizards 18-16 in the BARLA National Cup. With a quarter-final place up for grabs Celtic were quick out of the blocks thanks to a converted try in the corner.

But at half-time the hosts found themselves trailing 12-6.

The away side went further ahead after the restart but Celtic never gave up and reduced their deficit to six points once more with a converted try.

This was followed by a fortunate try late on for Celtic, but due to a missed conversion that would have levelled the scores for the home side they lost by two points.

HEAVY WOOLLEN SUNDAY LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Woodman and Oakwell share four goals in Premier

at Queens Terrace OSSETT ALBION are clinging on to their play-off place after a narrow 1-0 win at home against Scarborough Athletic.

The game was cagey and both sides could have perhaps won the match, but it was Danny South’s second-half strike that was the difference between the teams.

Albion defended well late on to seal the three points which keep Richard Tracey’s men in fifth

charge of strugglers

hosts’ woes when he too was yellowcarded two minutes later.

But the Moorenders’ remaining 13 players stood firm and kept Ilkley at bay in what could prove to be a pivotal point in their campaign.

The depleted home side held onto possession for large periods until they were restored to their full compliment.

And Cleck extended their lead through centre Matt Piper soon after. Ronan Evans’ conversion gave the hosts a 17-6 lead.

Ilkley did manage a consolation try late on through Pat Power, with Rowntree converting, but Cleckheaton will be happy with their defensive display.

The win moves them level on points with Huddersfield YMCA but with a better points difference the Moorenders moved above their close rivals and are now only two points behind Birkenhead in 11th.

Next up for Cleckheaton is a trip to South Yorkshire where they play Sheffield, a side they lost out to in the reverse fixture by a single point.

Ossett Albion boss Richard Tracey position, three points ahead of Burscough who lost out to Albion’s arch rivals and strugglers Ossett Town last time out.

Next up for Albion is a trip to play Farsley Celtic tomorrow (3pm).

DUE TO district cup matches and the poor weather only eight games took place in the Heavy Woollen Sunday League.

In the Premier Division Woodman Batley Carr maintained their fourth place with a 2-2 draw at Oakwell Motel.

Lee Brook and Jason Milner netted for Woodman with Oakwell replying through Ashley Fallas and Troy Bagshaw.

In the Championship Heckmondwike Sports Club remain in fourth place after Ross

Palfreeman bagged a brace and Ben McClean the other in a 3-1 win at bottom side Ravenswharfe, who replied through Stefan Madden.

Elsewhere Town Rangers enjoyed a 5-0 win over Cleckheaton side Marsh, who resigned from the league this week, with their results declared null and void.

The Yorkshireman are in second place in Division One, albeit eight points behind leaders Hanging Heaton Cricket Club,

after they won 6-0 at bottom side Birkenshaw Reserves.

Scholes Athletic climbed to fifth place after a Jonathan Irving double, plus a Michael Hutton strike saw off the challenge of FC Liversedge in a 3-2 win, Chris Trott and Daniel Fawcett replying for the away side.

Desmond Manso and Alex Spurr earned a point for St Ignatius as they came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Clifton Rangers Reserves.

In Division Two Rose of York

climbed to third after Matthew Bolton (brace), Nathan McDaid, Dean Vernon and Luke Hemmings all scored in a 5-4 win against Snowdon.

Snowdon replied through a Shakeel Pandor hat-trick plus a goal from Ebrahim Akudi.

Danny Marshall (two), Craig Fryer and Tom Hirst put Overthorpe Sports Club Reserves in control at strugglers Clifton Rangers A, but the home side hit back to win 5-4 in a thrilling Division Two contest.

30

ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH STATS: OLDHAM 1. Richard Lepori 2. Adam Clay 25. Tom Ashton - Jake Bibby 4. Jack Holmes 6. Lewis Palfrey 22. Danny Grimshaw 8. Phil Joy 20. Gareth Owen 10. Jack Spencer 24. Will Hope 12. Danny Langtree - Liam Thompson

8 8 8 7 7 7 7 8 9 8 8 8 8

SUBS: 11. Josh Crowley 16. Kenny Hughes 9. Sammy Gee 26. Michael Ward

7 7 7 8

Out-of-sorts Dewsbury stunned by Roughyeds Kingstone Press Championship

DEWSBURY RAMS 1. Josh Guzdek 2. Dale Morton 15. Jason Crookes 6. Paul Sykes 5. Dalton Grant 7. Ben Reynolds 22. Andy Kain 8. Matt Groat 19. Nathan Conroy 16. Toby Adamson 32. Kyle Trout 4. Shane Grady 14. Luke Adamson

7 7 7 7 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 7

DEWSBURY RAMS

16

OLDHAM, last year’s League 1 champions, picked up their first Championship win at the third attempt against an out-of-sorts Dewsbury Rams side.

Scoring seven tries in total the hosts completely dominated the first half, leading 24-0 at the interval and Scott Naylor’s men were in no mood to let their advantage slip.

“It’s the club’s first win at this level since 2005 so it’s a memorable occasion for the fans and for everyone connected with the club,” enthused coach Scott Naylor, who masterminded this win in league with his able lieutenants Lee Spencer and Peter Carey.

“On behalf of the lads on the field I’ll dedicate this win to the fans, who again turned up in numbers on a bad day and got behind us from start to finish.”

His Rams counterpart Glenn Morrison was left to reflect on the damage done in the first 30 minutes, by which time Roughyeds led 18-0 on the back of an 8-2 penalty count in their favour.

Referee Joe Cobb had a busy afternoon, whistling up 23 penalties in total and putting four players – three from Dewsbury – in the sin-bin.

Steve Horsfall First to go, for tripping in the 23rd minute,

7 7 6 7

OLDHAM Tries: Ashton (5), Owen (17, 70), Langtree (24, 37), Ward (47), Clay (75). Goals: Palfrey 5/8.

DEWSBURY RAMS Tries: Grant (41, 55), Teanby (79) Goals: Reynolds 1/2, Sykes1/1.

Ref rating: Joe Cobb 65/100 / Half-time: 24-0 / Penalties: 13-10 / Sin Bin: Grant, Lepori, Conroy, Reynolds / Sent Off: None / Weather: Cold and wet / Man of the match: Owen / Attendance: 816

38

Roy Craig at Bower Fold

SUBS: 31. Ryan Wright 24. Jack Teanby 18. Tony Tonks 25. Joel Farrell

OLDHAM RLFC

Jack Teanby gave it his all against Oldham

was Rams winger Dalton Grant; followed just before half-time by Oldham full-back Richard Lepori, for a professional foul on Joel Farrell as the Rams sub chased down a loose ball close to Oldham’s line after Lewis Palfrey had a kick charged down.

Trailing 30-10 with little more than ten minutes left some of the Rams lads lost their composure and both Nathan Conroy and Ben Reynolds were also shown yellow, both for dissent, in separate incidents within a minute of each other.

Full of vim and vigour, and no small amount of skill, the Roughyeds made the most of their penalty advantage in the early stages and raced into a substantial lead with unanswered tries by Tom Ashton, Gareth Owen and Danny Langtree in the first 24 minutes.

Owen had a massive influence on the game, scoring again in the second half and then setting up his side’s seventh and final try with a couple of dummies up the short side before sending Adam Clay in at the corner.

Langtree grabbed his second with an interception just before half-time and, already 240 down, the Rams had a mountain to climb.

They made a better fist of it in the second half with a brace of tries by winger Dalton Grant and a third, in the last minute, by Jack Teanby.

But Oldham had no intention of sitting on their first-half laurels and they also scored three second-half tries by Michael Ward, man-of-the-match hooker Owen and finally Clay.

RUGBY LEAGUE

Mennell’s Rams kick off season with Fax victory Friendly game DEWSBURY RAMS RESERVES 30 HALIFAX RESERVES

22

at Tetley’s Stadium A POWERFUL first-half performance laid the platform for victory in Dewsbury Rams Reserves’ home friendly against Halifax on Monday evening.

Both coaches named strong teams for the encounter.

Senior players Karl Pryce, Paul Jackson, Tom Hemingway and Scott Hale were all selected by Reserves boss Paul Mennell, and they were joined in the side by several of the stars of last year’s campaign plus a handful of new faces.

Halifax coach Simon Grix handed call-ups to Miles Greenwood, Tommy Saxton and Andy Bracek and there were opportunities for a number of the club’s promising young players.

Following an even start to the game, Halifax took the lead in sixth minute through Conor Robinson’s

dummy and jinking run, which resulted in a try under the posts that he was able to convert into six points.

The Rams were level seven minutes later when Karl Pryce powered his way over on the right. Brad Delaney tagged on the conversion.

Shortly after, Brad Delaney’s excellent tackle on Miles Greenwood forced the drop-out and laid a platform for the young half-back to step his way over from short range.

The former Halifax player converted his own try, taking his early haul to eight of the Rams’ 12 points.

Delaney was on target with the boot twice more in the first half as the Rams added to their lead courtesy of Dom Horn’s impressive individual

effort and Dec Brereton’s try out wide after being fed by Pryce.

The visitors enjoyed much of the early pressure after the interval as they searched for a route back into the game.

Conor McGrath’s acrobatic try in the right hand corner gave the visitors hope, and Robinson’s conversion put Halifax to within 12 points.

But the 18-point cushion was restored by Hemingway’s try from dummy half, which was converted by Delaney, and the Rams saw another effort disallowed for a forward pass, before Fax found a response through Josh Greenwood-McDonald’s effort from close range.

The conversion was missed and it remained 30-16 heading into the final stages of the game, before Bob Holroyd charged over for Halifax in the dying moments to ensure the visitors ‘won’ the second half.

Billy Gaylor’s successful conversion was near enough the final act of a contest watched by a crowd of more than 250, which offered both head coaches plenty to be optimistic about ahead of the new season.

Send your sports reports, news and photos to Joe Link at joe@thepressnews.co.uk

Trojans humble League One Cougars in season warm-up Friendly THORNHILL TROJANS KEIGHLEY COUGARS

40 20

at Overthorpe Park THORNHILL TROJANS pulled off a morale-boosting 40-20 victory over professional side Keighley Cougars in a pre-season friendly.

In horrendous conditions it looked like Thornhill wanted the win more than their opponents, and the Trojans won the game in fine style.

It took the hosts just two minutes to take the lead thanks to a Danny Ratcliffe try and Sam Ratcliffe conversion.

But the Cougars showed their calibre with a well-earned try to draw level from Josh Hunt.

Danny Lawton converted.

The exchange of scores ensued in what was a pulsating first half.

Anthony Harris edged the Trojans once again and Sam Ratcliffe added the extras.

But the lead was soon reduced when Lawton went over for Keighley, but the conversion was missed.

Thornhill’s narrow two-point advantage was soon extended when good ball work resulted in Luke Haigh sneaking over for an unconverted touchdown.

But Keighley turned the half on

its head and all of Thornhill’s hard work was undone by halftime.

Carl McGuigan scored in the corner for an unconverted try before completing his brace moments before the end of the half to give the hosts plenty to think about at the break. Lawton converted to give the visitors a 20-16 interval lead.

The hosts remained confident knowing they were capable of scoring against their high-profile opponents.

Joss Ratcliffe was the first Thornhill player to score after the restart.

And in strong winds Andrew Bates managed to convert from the touchline to restore his side’s lead to two points.

But the defining moment in this game was a quickfire double from Jake Wilson.

Wilson touched down either side of the hour mark to put clear daylight between the sides.

Bates converted both tries.

And Thornhill’s final try of the game, in what was a dominant second-half performance, came from substitute Joe Waters.

He ran onto the ball from close range to force his way over for a try between the posts. Bates added the extras. And the Trojans held out for a memorable 40-20 win to start jubilant celebrations at Overthorpe Park.

ThePress

Friday February 26, 2016

31

KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP

Bulldogs remain unbeaten at Mount after Eagles win Kingstone Press Championship

BATLEY BULLDOGS SHEFFIELD EAGLES

20 8

Alex Spindler at Mount Pleasant DOM BRAMBANI came back to bite his old side as Batley Bulldogs ended Sheffield Eagles’ 100 per cent start to the season.

The experienced scrum-half, who swapped South for West Yorkshire during the off-season, scored a brace of tries as the hosts fought back from a half-time deficit to charge to an ultimately deserved win.

John Kear’s men held the promotion hopefuls scoreless in the second half as they recorded their second eye-catching victory of the season, following the opening-day success over Leigh Centurions.

Loose forward Pat Walker was also facing his former employers and Danny Cowling made his Bulldogs debut in the centres.

The former Doncaster man replaced Shaun Squires, who suffered a medial ligament injury in the narrow loss to Featherstone Rovers last time out.

For the visitors, Steve Thorpe returned to the front row and Papua New Guinea international Garry Lo made his Eagles debut on the wing.

It was the visitors who made the brighter start and when Wayne Reittie spilled the kick-off, they camped themselves down at the Batley end.

The Eagles’ early pressure told in the ninth minute when Menzie Yere dived on Dave Hewitt's clever grubber into the left corner to open the scoring.

But Mark Aston's men let the Bulldogs straight back into the game, allowing Walker’s kick off to

bounce into touch.

In the 16th minute, the hosts crossed for their first try.

A clever inside pass from the outstanding James Brown created just enough space for Brambani to dive over for his first try. Walker added the extras to nudge the Bulldogs 6-4 ahead.

On the half an hour mark, another perfectly-weighted Hewitt kick allowed Lo to open his Eagles account and give his new side an 8-6 half-time lead.

But just six minutes into the second half, Lo undid his earlier good work by failing to deal with Brambani’s low kick, allowing the 30-year-old to touch down the loose ball and put the Bulldogs back in front.

Ten minutes later, livewire replacement hooker Alistair Leak somehow wrestled his way over the whitewash despite the attention of a host of Eagles defenders.

On the hour, dissent towards referee Sam Ansell gave Walker the chance to rub salt into his ex-teammates’ wounds with a penalty.

The former Eagle calmly slotted home the kick, despite the difficult conditions, to increase the lead to two converted tries.

The Bulldogs made the final quarter of an hour more difficult than it perhaps should have been when hooker Luke Blake was sent to the sin-bin.

But the hosts withstood everything the Eagles could throw at them, before hammering a final nail into the visitors’ coffin when Walker kicked an excellent 40/20 to end any hopes of a comeback.

The Bulldogs’ surprise victory moves them level with a pack of teams, including the Eagles, with two wins from three, chasing early leaders Bradford Bulls.

Kear hopes for a similar performance against Halifax next time out.

MATCH STATS: BATLEY BULLDOGS 22. Dave Scott 2. Wayne Reittie 3. Chris Ulugia 23. Danny Cowling 5. Shaun Ainscough 6. Cain Southernwood 7. Dom Brambani 8. Keegan Hirst 9. Luke Blake 21. James Brown 19. Alex Bretherton 17. Joe Chandler 13. Pat Walker SUBS: 10. Alex Rowe 15. Adam Gledhill 18. Tom Lillycrop 20. Alistair Leak

8 7 8 7 7 7 8 7 7 9 7 7 8 7 7 7 8

SHEFFIELD EAGLES 1. Quentin Laulu-Togagae 19. Garry Lo 3. Menzie Yere 4. George Tyson 5. Ben Blackmore 6. Cory Aston 21. Dave Hewitt 8. Steve Thorpe 9. Keal Carlile 15. Scott Wheeldon 11. Michael Knowles 13. Matt James 18. Elliot Minchella SUBS: 10. Mitch Stringer 14. Matty Fozard 16. Adam Neal 17. Mark Mexico

6 6 6 6 7 6 7 6 6 6 7 6 6 6 6 6 6

BATLEY BULLDOGS Tries: Brambani (16, 46), Leak (56).

Goals: Walker 3/3, Brambani 1/1.

SHEFFIELD EAGLES Tries: Yere (9), Lo (29).

Goals: Knowles 0/2.

John Kear handing off-season recruit David Scott the Scotland player of the year award prior to his side’s win over Sheffield Eagles Paul Butterfield

Ref rating: S. Ansell 60/100 / Half-time: 6-8 / Penalties: 9-11 / Sin Bin: Blake (66) / Sent Off: None / Weather: Wet and windy / Man of the match: James Brown / Attendance: 814

RUGBY LEAGUE

Moor throw away lead late on Weakened Maroons defeat BARLA National Cup DEWSBURY MOOR UNDER-18

22

WIGAN ST PATRICKS UNDER-18

32

promotion chasers Toll Bar Pennine League Div Four East

at Carr Lane

DONCASTER TOLL BAR

DEWSBURY MOOR’S Under-18s suffered an agonising extra-time 32-22 defeat against Wigan St Patricks in the first round of the BARLA National Cup. The Moor youngsters got off to a great start, taking the lead through an Archie Bruce try which Cameron Adleigh goaled.

The Maroons looked confident against their esteemed rivals and things got better for the hosts when Elliot Sheard forced his way over. Adleigh was again accurate with the boot.

And despite Moor’s lead being halved to 12-6, following the visitors’ only try of the first period, Dewsbury responded strongly.

Their efforts to regain a 12-point cushion were rewarded thanks to a Jacob Crosswell try and an Adleigh conversion.

But in the second half the away side proved a different prospect.

Early on Wigan pulled a converted try back to make it 18-12 but Moor held firm and once again extended their advantage with Bruce’s second touchdown of the game.

DEWSBURY MOOR Dewsbury Moor’s Archie Bruce But Moor were left to rue the missed conversion when with 15 minutes left on the clock Wigan pulled off a remarkable fightback.

The hosts’ 10 point advantage was decimated thanks to two late tries, the first was converted but the second wasn’t, which meant the game went to extra-time with the sides level at 22-22.

Dewsbury, disappointed they couldn’t hold on to their hard earned lead in normal time looked tired in extratime.

St Patricks scored a first-half extra-time converted try to take the lead for the first time in the game and this was followed by another touchdown in the second period to take the game away from Moor and progress to the second round of the cup with a 32-22 win at Carr Lane.

6 22

at Prospect Road DEWSBURY MOOR closed the gap on Doncaster Toll Bar in Pennine League Division Four East thanks to a 22-6 win away from home.

A threadbare Moor squad took the lead following a Doncaster mistake.

When the home side lost possession Louis Greenwood and Jamie Samme combined well to set up Jacob Flathers, who needed no second chances as he ran down the wing to touch down.

Flathers also goaled to give

the visitors a 6-0 lead.

But on 25 minutes the Maroons found themselves pegged back at 6-6 after the hosts scored a converted try.

Samme almost restored Moor’s lead in the dying seconds of the first half but he was held up inches short of the line.

In the second period Moor upped their game and Toll Bar struggled to contain their energetic visitors.

Moor’s persistence paid off when Brad Foster went over for his side’s second try of the game.

Flathers added the extras and Moor led 12-6.

In response Toll Bar probed at the Maroons’ backline but Foster’s astute kicking game relieved the away side of any sustained pressure.

It was Toll Bar who were to make another costly mistake which directly led to another try for Moor, this time it was Scott Sheard going over.

And with Toll Bar in search of a try to get back into this game in the closing stages Moor inflicted one final blow on their rivals by rounding off the win with a converted try late on.

Chris Mortimer touched down next to the posts and Flathers goaled to make the final score 22-6.

Next up for Dewsbury Moor, as they look to close the gap on the sides above them, is tomorrow’s game against Wortley Dragons in the Pennine League.

Meanwhile the Maroons’ National Conference League side host Hunslet Warriors in a pre-season friendly.

The best is still to come, insists Kear

By Joe Link Sports Reporter joe@thepressnews.co.uk

BATLEY BULLDOGS travel to face Halifax this weekend brimming with confidence after pulling off an impressive win over Mark Aston’s full-time Sheffield Eagles last weekend.

The victory was Batley’s second of the season and John Kear’s men remain unbeaten at home, having triumphed over Leigh on the opening day.

The Mount Pleasant outfit now go into the game against Halifax on Sunday (3pm) level on four points with Richard Marshall’s second-placed side.

And despite acknowledging that the game will be tough Kear believes his men are capable of causing a third upset in four outings.

This comes after the Bulldogs boss, now in his fifth season in charge at Mount Pleasant, admitted his squad this year is the strongest he’s assembled so far.

“We’ve had a good start to the league campaign and the good thing is that we’ve shown steady improvement in every match so far,” said Kear.

“I intend on the squad evolving throughout the season and we’ll see what we can achieve.

“I’m not surprised by our two wins so far and I thought on another day we could have edged it against Featherstone, but the lads responded brilliantly after that defeat to play so well in the second half against Sheffield.

“But they’re a very talented bunch and this squad is probably the strongest I’ve had in my time at Batley.”

Another good outcome from last weekend’s game is that the Bulldogs boss has no fresh injury concerns to ponder ahead of their clash with Halifax.

Alex Brown could also be in line for a return to his former club, having left The Shay during the off-season before joining up with Batley for a fourth stint.

Elsewhere, Batley have teamed up with Oxford RL in a dual-registration agreement.

Batley, rugby league’s second oldest club, have teamed up with one of the new sides who are looking to expand the game away from the M62 corridor.

Kear said: “Rugby league expansion is important. Oxford in their short time have developed a few players who have gained honours in emerging nation rugby league competitions and it’s key to keep this pathway healthy and it’s terrific that one of the oldest clubs is forging links with one of the new kids on the block for the good of the game.”

“It will also be a great opportunity for some of our players to gain valuable experience should Tim (Rumford) require one or two of our players during the season.

“The likes of James Harrison and Zack McComb could really kick on and progress with arrangements such as these.

“It would be wrong of me to throw them in at the deep end against the likes of Leigh or Bradford, but at a club like Oxford they could really gain confidence and improve even more as players.”

Dewsbury Rams’ young half-back Brad Delaney Steve Horsfall

John Kear is delighted with Batley’s start to the season and Tim Rumford (inset) is pleased his Oxford squad can be boosted by the Bulldogs’ talent this season

RAMS TO BOUNCE BACK STRONGLY DEWSBURY RAMS face bottom placed Championship side Whitehaven on Sunday (3pm) looking to bounce back quickly from their disappointing defeat away at newly-promoted Oldham last time out.

And the squad could have a different look to it after the reserves kick-started their warm up campaign with a confidence-boosting win over Halifax on Monday.

The experienced Karl Pryce returned from injury to score a try in that game, and youngster Brad Delaney also impressed as he aims to cement a place in coach Glenn Morrison’s first team squad this season, having helped the

reserves to their Grand Final success in 2015.

Morrison will have been pleased to see so many players capable of making the step up into the first team as he prepares his side for the visit of Whitehaven, where the Rams aim to respond well following the loss to Scott Naylor’s Oldham.

But to do that they need to improve on their discipline which proved costly against the Roughyeds.

“The penalty count was 8-2 against us after just 30 minutes,” said Morrison.

“I’ve been analysing the video of the game to see where we can

go to improve the situation.

“I’ll talk to whoever I need to talk to in order to work more closely with referees and try get the penalty count down.”

The Rams also had three players in the sin-bin and found themselves on the back foot early on.

Morrison added: “We didn’t get a chance to play against Oldham, they were very good so I can’t really comment on our performance.”

Morrison has no new injury concerns to contend with ahead of the visit of Whitehaven, but James Coyle’s men will be boosted by the return of their captain Scott McAvoy from injury.