The press 23rd jan 2015

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Teacher shock

HEAVY DUTY

‘Educating’ star Danny Maun and had sex with top amateurs are former pupils ready for ‘Dogs p3

SPORT

Friday January 23, 2015

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No. 669

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STAN’S TEARS OF JOY “To be able to hear Ruby’s voice again means so much to me.”

Precious voice recording of late wife he thought was lost forever is found

By David Miller News Reporter davidmiller@thepressnews.co.uk

WIDOWER Stan Beaton is to get back a treasured voicemail recording of his late wife – thanks in part to The Press.

Staff at telecoms giant Virgin Media went into overdrive when we reported earlier this month that the message had been deleted by mistake in a phone service upgrade.

Stan, 68, of Northway, Mirfield, had kept an answerphone welcome greeting from his late wife Ruby for 14 years.

In December the recording disappeared and he was told it was gone forever, despite previous assurances over its security in the upgrade.

Now after days of searching Virgin Media have found the recording and, while they cannot put it back on his answerphone system, they have put Ruby’s voice on a CD for him.

A delighted Stan said: “I felt pure elation and I don’t mind admitting there were a few tears.

“I can’t thank Virgin Media enough. They really pushed the boat out. To be able to hear

Ruby’s voice again means so much to me.”

The firm rang last Saturday morning to say they thought they had found the message and played it for him to confirm.

Stan said: “I knew it was Ruby as soon I heard the first word. I was in tears by the end of the message.”

Ruby, a packer at Fox’s Biscuits in Batley, recorded the welcome message two years before she died of stomach cancer aged 63 in May 2003.

The couple had been married for 20 years.

Ruby had previously battled breast cancer.

Retired forklift truck driver Stan would take comfort from hearing her voice if he was feeling down.

Stan said: “It would be nice to just hear her voice again. In the early days it would be

Stan and Ruby Beaton every day, but even though the hurt eases it never goes away.”

Plenty of other media interest has followed since The Press’s initial story, with Stan even discussing bereavement on BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

He added: “People have asked why I didn’t record it myself but I’ve tried to before. It

never seemed to work and all I got was blank tapes.”

Virgin Media previously called Stan to apologise and he was given the Sky Sports channels free for a year.

The company also pledged to make

Continues on page two

2

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

Stan’s voice joy From page one

Deaths BINNS ELAINE MARY On 16 January, of Shaw Cross, aged 68. Wife of the

late John. Funeral at Parkwood Crematorium, Tuesday 3 February at 9.45am.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

BLAKELEY BRENDA NEE COOPER On 17 January, formerly of Dewsbury, aged 84 years. Wife of the late Geoffrey. Funeral at St Mary’s Church, Gomersal, Thursday 29 January at 2.15pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 3.15pm.

BOULD DONALD On 17 January, of Heckmondwike, aged 82.

Husband of the late Barbara and formerly the late Margaret. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 3 February at 2pm.

CARTER NEE MANN BETTY On 13 January, of Mirfield, aged 81 years. Wife of Johnny.

Funeral at St Mary’s Parish Church, Mirfield, Monday 2 February at 12.30pm.

COLLING RICHARD HUDSON On 18 January, aged 82 years.

Husband of Maureen. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 3 February at 1.15pm.

COWBURN IRENE On 19 January, aged 90 years, of Hightown View. Wife of the late Peter. Service at Cleckheaton Central Methodist Church, Monday 2 February at 11am, followed by private committal.

CUMMINS CATHERINE JOSEPHINE On 16 January, of Dewsbury Moor, aged 61. Requiem Mass at St Paulinus RC Church, Wednesday 28 January at 11am, followed by interment at Dewsbury Cemetery.

CUNLIFFE MARGARET NEE WILCOCK On 9 January, aged 89.

Funeral at St Patrick’s Church, Birstall, Friday 30 January at 2pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

FITZSIMONS NEE MOORE THELMA On 18 January, aged 87.

Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 26 January at 10am.

GARWELL KENNETH On 15 January, of Dewsbury, aged 99 years. Husband of Winnie and formerly the late Annie. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 3 February at 12.30pm.

GOY MARGARET On 13 January, aged 90 years, of Mirfield. Wife of the late Vernon. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium on Wednesday 28 January at 2pm.

GRAY JAMES WALKER “JIM”

95 years. Husband of Alice.

Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 27 January at 2.45pm.

HAINSWORTH MARK (BANGER) On 13 January, of Heckmondwike, aged 51 years. Son of Una and Alan.

Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 23 January at 2pm.

HART SHEILA On 17 January, aged 81, of Heckmondwike. Wife of the late Eric. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium on Wednesday 4 February at 11.15am.

HAYWOOD Donald -- • --

Who departed this life 16th January 2015

Will always be remembered and sadly missed

by Eileen and Families.

Rest in peace.

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On 16 January, aged 82, of Birstall. Husband of the late Marjorie. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium on Thursday 29 January at 11.15am.

HOWARTH NORMAN On 14 January, of Liversedge.

Husband of Elizabeth. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 6 February at 12.30pm.

KAYE DOUGLAS On 15 January, aged 83 years.

Husband of the late Betty.

Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, on Friday 30 January at 1.15pm.

LISTER BARBARA On 15 January, at Hopton Care Cottages, aged 85. Funeral at Huddersfield Crematorium, Monday 2 February at 10.3oam.

NUTTING ANNIE KATHLEEN On 19 January, aged 84 of Dewsbury. Wife of the late Arthur. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 5 February at 11.15am.

RHODES PETER On 10 January, aged 82 of Drub. Husband of Margaret.

Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 27 January at 12.30pm.

On 14 January, of Batley, aged

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SEED ARTHUR ALDRIDGE On 16 January, aged 91 years, of Hightown. Husband of the late Lily. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 27 January at 10.30am.

SPALDING ROBERT Passed away 9 January in Rotherham Hospital, aged 92, formerly of Chidswell.

SPIVEY NEE WOOD MYRA On 18 January, of Soothill, aged 93 years. Wife of the late John. Funeral at St Paul’s Church, Hanging Heaton,

SUDDICK STANLEY On 14 January, of Birstall.

Husband of Jennifer. Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, on Friday 30 January at 12.30pm.

TILLOTSON MARY On 13 January, aged 75 years, of Mirfield. Wife of Frank.

Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 2 February at 10.30am.

TUNNICLIFFE MARY EILEEN NEE HARTLEY On 17 January, aged 86 years, of Dewsbury. Wife of Jack.

Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 28 January at 1.15pm.

WARNER KEVIN On 12 January, of Batley, formerly of Mirfield, aged 65.

Husband of Patricia. Funeral service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 27 January at 10am.

WILKINSON GARY Aged 42 years, of Dewsbury.

Son of the late Frank & Rita.

Funeral at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 29 January at 12.30pm.

Acknowledgement

HIRST Eric -- • --

Mona and family wish to thank family, friends and neighbours for kindness and support given during their bereavement, British Legion standard bearers Ossett Branch, special thanks to Community Carers and nursing staff who cared for Eric in his last months.

Also Isabel Jones Social Worker for attention given, also to Rev Colin Macdonald of Christ Church South Ossett for his comforting words at the service. To George Steele & Son Funeral Directors for carrying out the efficient funeral arrangements

donations to his favourite charities to make amends.

Stan named Cancer Research, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and cleft palate charity Operation Smile, all of which he donates to regularly.

He now hopes to meet the Virgin Media engineer who spent six days from last Monday tracking down the recording.

He said: “I’d love to find out this person’s interests so I can buy them something as a thank you.

“And if they enjoy a glass of whisky I’ve got a bottle of Glennfiddich they can have with the greatest of pleasure.”

Hall tours BIRSTALL: Film lovers can have a special tour of Oakwell Hall themed around its on-screen roles.

Visitors can learn how the Elizabethan mansion house was transformed for the various productions shot there.

The hall is about to be shown in new BBC drama called Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.

Places must be booked in advance, costing £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

Tours are from 2pm to 3pm on Saturdays February 7 and March 7. For more details call staff on 01924 326240.

ThePress Friday January 23, 2015 Issue No: 669 31 Branch Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5SB Tel: 01924 470296 Fax: 01924 472561

www.thepressnews.co.uk @ThePressLatest

Telephone 01924 472178

/ThePressNews

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ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

Ex-RL star facing jail over hit-and-run crash Keith Mason’s 4x4 smashed into a mum’s Mini but he left the scene, slept at his sister’s home for ‘five or six hours’ and failed to report to police... and he still didn’t turn up at court to answer the charges against him

By Staff Reporters FORMER rugby league star Keith Mason was convicted in his absence over a Birstall hit-and-run smash.

Mason, 33, left, ploughed into a car carrying a mum and her two daughters on Cambridge Road on the afternoon of August 9 last year.

Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard the Dewsbury-born star was driving a Nissan Qashqai 4x4.

Katie Galvin, who suffered minor injuries in the incident, was in her Mini Cooper with her daughters aged eight and 11.

Michael Miles, prosecuting, said the former Wakefield, Melbourne, St Helens, Castleford and Huddersfield player was travelling so fast that his vehicle bounced up off a speed bump.

Ms Galvin pulled over to let Mason pass but he crashed into her head-on after seeming to accelerate just before impact.

Mr Miles told the court: “Both drivers got out and passers-by gathered at the scene. Mr Mason walked away from the scene and didn’t make any attempt to exchange details with the driver of the Mini.

“One member of the public told him to stay at the scene or he would be in trouble.”

Mason instead went to his sister's house, where he “slept for five or six hours and didn’t report the matter to police”.

Minutes before the crash, Mason nearly struck the car of an off-duty police officer on Halifax Road, Staincliffe.

Mason, who failed to attend court, was convicted of careless driving, leaving the scene of a collision and failing to exchange details.

Sentencing was adjourned until Tuesday, February 3.

Mason, who retired at the end of the 2013 season in order to pursue a career as an actor, could face up to 26 weeks in jail.

TV teacher banned after sex with pupils

Transport cuts plea DEWSBURY: Parents will face a dilemma if funding for a school bus service is cut, a headteacher warned.

Kevin Higgins, of St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy, fears parents face a huge rise in costs or will have to move their children elsewhere.

Kirklees Council plans to cut £228,000 from school transport, which means an end to the subsidy for faith schools.

Mr Higgins said: “Families on low incomes face the prospect of having to find several hundred pounds to enable their children to travel to school.”

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Racers in pole position HECKMONDWIKE: Pupils are in pole position to win a trip to Singapore for the world finals of a motorsport design contest.

A team from Heckmondwike Grammar won four awards in the ‘F1 in Schools’ challenge last week. Called Delta Force, the team took first place in the rookie class and also won fastest rookie, best-engineered car and best team identity.

In the regional heat at Sheffield Hallam University the team built a wooden model F1 racing car powered by a compressed air cylinder.

Delta Force are through to the national finals in London in March, which could take them to Singapore later this year.

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PUPILS in Batley did Alan Sugar proud when they made a profit of more than 1,000 per cent from a charity challenge.

Youngsters from Batley Business and Enterprise College were given 24 hours on Tuesday to make as much money as possible from a £10 note.

They made £104.80 profit through an on-site pop-up shop which will be used to help deprived communities in India.

A relay team of children went out to invest earnings in new stock throughout the day to boost proceeds. Not even bad weather deterred the pupils – who initially wanted their shop outdoors but found the plan scuppered.

Teacher Elizabeth Berry said: “The weather meant students had to restart their business plan from scratch. Seeing their resilience and their ideas translate into reality was a fantastic experience. We’re very proud of what they achieved.”

The project was part of the Young Enterprise Tenner Challenge, a national fundraising drive.

Proceeds are for Indiability, a charity which provides education, health care and support to poor communities in India.

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“sexually motivated” and amounted to unacceptable professional conduct.

He was banned indefinitely from teaching having shown regret but little insight into the effect of his actions.

A report said: “There is a repeated pattern of behaviour and there was clear potential for a vulnerable pupil to be harmed.”

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A TEACHER who starred in the TV hit show Educating Yorkshire has been banned after having sex with two pupils.

Neil Giffin, 35, former head of humanites at Thornhill Community Academy admitted to relationships from 2007-08.

The National College for Teaching and Leadership heard the events occurred at a school in Cheshire.

One girl was over 18 at the time but the identity of the other pupil was not revealed.

Mr Giffin joined Thornhill Community Academy in 2012 but resigned on April 14 last year after he was suspended four months earlier.

It followed claims he set up fake Facebook accounts while at Thornhill to contact three other former pupils.

Some messages were sexual, including references to cross-dressing and to the wearing of tights.

He faced 16 allegations in total, 15 of which he either admitted or the panel found proven.

The panel ruled Mr Giffin’s behaviour was

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ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

News In Brief

Drugs man refused to name his dealer THORNHILL LEES: A driver refused to give the name of his drug dealer when caught with cannabis.

Rizwan Razaq, 24, of Parker Road, was stopped on Dewsbury Ring Road at around midnight on November 22, when police made a routine check on his green Ford Focus, Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard.

Officers smelled cannabis and seized a bag containing the drug from the door pocket.

Andy Wills, prosecuting, said Razaq told police he bought the drugs from a local dealer but would not give a name.

He admitted possessing a class B drug and was fined £100 plus £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Chip shop fracas LIVERSEDGE: A wheele bin was thrown through the window of fish and chip shop in a row about prices.

A 37-year-old man threw the bin after being asked to leave the the Spen Valley Fish Bar on Listing Lane on Sunday evening.

The man agreed to pay for the damage, rather than face court action.

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Junkie hired thugs to rob and beat up her ex-lover

PIRATES AND PRINCESSES RAISE CRACKERJACKS CASH

Jail sentences for cocaine addict and accomplices total 20 years

By Staff Reporters A DRUG addict from Batley hired two thugs to help beat up and rob her former lover.

Amy Bright, 24, and her accomplices tied up, beat and robbed victim James Johnson at his Heckmondwike home.

Mr Johnson answered a knock at the door of his home off Market Street at around 9.30am on February 24 last year.

Bright, of Victor Street, barged in with two men and said: “This is what you get if you f**k around with me”, as Mr Johnson was tied up.

Leeds Crown Court heard the suspects were father and son

Idrees and Feroz Khan, the younger of whom was armed with a knife.

Bright began taking various items while Feroz Khan, 22, searched another room and Idrees Khan, 42, picked up the victim’s phone and charger.

Mr Johnson struggled free and tried to get out through a window but was dragged back. He was then punched and kicked on the floor before his legs and hands were tied with electric wires.

Mr Johnson was tied to a radiator in the bathroom, where Bright stamped on and kicked him.

He managed to get free again and ran to a neighbour’s home for help and police were called.

Bright admitted robbery, driving while unfit through drugs, driving with no insurance and without a licence and failing to attend court.

Feroz and Idrees Khan, both of Leeds, pleaded guilty to robbery. Feroz Khan also admitted multiple other offences.

Bright, who had a “raging and out-ofcontrol cocaine habit” at the time, was jailed for fiveand-a-half years.

Feroz and Idrees Khan were sentenced to eight years and three months and six years and nine months respectively.

BAD weather proved a bonus when tots in Heckmondwike held a fundraiser for disabled children.

Youngsters at the White Lee Playgroup dressed up as pirates and princesses on Wednesday.

Some dressed as Elsa and Anna from the film Frozen – which was perfect for the snow and cold temperatures that hit.

Cash raised from the event is for national charity the Crackerjacks Children’s Trust.

Sally’s warning after fight with skin cancer

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“...his injuries were relatively minor but it must have been a terrifying experience...”

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said the burglary was professionally organised and caused distress to Mr Johnson.

He said: “I am prepared to accept his physical injuries were relatively minor but it must have been a terrifying experience for him.

“He was told he would be stabbed and after the incident there was an element of ransacking and property was taken.”

A MUM from Heckmondwike is warning about skin cancer after her condition went unchecked for three years.

Sally Parker, 49, noticed a lesion on her lower back while on honeymoon with husband Steve in the Dominican Republic in 2011.

The mother of three, a pharmacy manager at the Spire Hospital in Leeds, forgot about it until last November when she decided to get it checked.

A biopsy showed the lesion is basal skin carcinoma – a slowgrowing malignant skin cancer.

Sally opted for surgery, which was done at the hospital where she works by consultant derma-

tologist Dr Robert Sheehan-Dare.

The cancer was removed and Sally has made a full recovery in time for her 50th birthday in March.

Sally will celebrate the milestone with a road trip across the USA with her husband.

She said: “We all now know the importance of sun protection but when I was young it was the norm to use sunbeds or bake for hours in the sun.

“I now check myself every three months and encourage others to do the same.

“Obviously I now keep out of the sun and will use high-factor sun cream and cover-ups for my birthday trip.”

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

1907 pact ‘ensures library can’t be sold’

By Steve Martyn A 108-year-old agreement means Batley’s underthreat library cannot be sold, councillors have been warned.

Campaigner Malcolm Haigh spelled out a deal involving philanthropist Andrew Carnegie at a meeting last Wednesday.

Mr Haigh also gave

Kirklees Council’s cabinet a petition containing more than 9,700 names.

He said: “Batley was lucky enough to benefit from the generosity of Andrew Carnegie to get its library in 1907. But before it could be built Mr Carnegie insisted the land should be donated so that it could not be sold off on a whim by the authorities.”

As a result, the Ackroyd

Trust, which owned much of the area, donated the site for free. Mr Haigh’s petition was backed by a further 300 names from the Indian Muslim Welfare Society and 541 signatures online.

Consultation on the future of libraries, which is costing £20,000, began on Monday and runs until Friday, April 10.

A proposal could see all

except Dewsbury and Huddersfield libraries close unless volunteers take them on. The Friends of Birstall Library met on Monday to discuss their plans under that scenario.

The closure of Batley Library, Mr Haigh said, “could have a knock-on effect by damaging the takings in the shopping centre.”

He highlighted the art

Health staff set ‘dry’ standard GIVING up alcohol for a month after a boozy Christmas has become a British custom.

But health workers in Batley have gone a step further by joining a national charity campaign.

Locala are backing Dry January – an Alcohol Concern scheme now in its second year.

Staff have already raised hundreds of pounds for good causes in the process.

Other benefits from not drinking for a month have included weight loss and improved sleep.

Lead alcohol nurse Wendy Edmondson said Dry January may be fun but it also has a serious message.

She said: “Nationally, we’re seeing an increase in the num-

DRY RUN: From the left, Locala’s Lyn Barker, Andrea Stocks, Gemma Gardner, Jo Marshall, Lesley Shotton and Robert Bachelor ber of deaths from alcohol-related liver disease in the under40s.”

Other conditions linked to alcohol include throat, mouth and breast cancer and heart disease.

Wendy added: “Taking a break not only encourages you to change your drinking habits but reduces the risk of these conditions.

“It also lowers your calorie intake, makes

you feel more alert and energised and without a hangover.

“The message isn’t really about abstinence but people should drink sensibly and need to be aware of their limits.”

£5m monastery plan deadline RESIDENTS have only two weeks left to comment on scaled-down plans for a £5m monastery in Mirfield.

Consultation on the Community of the Resurrection scheme ends on Friday, February 6.

Revisions were made in the hope that planning permission granted in 2011 and about to run out can be extended.

The revised scheme is small-

er and features a brick exterior instead of white rendering, which could be costly to maintain.

The almond-shaped building, to be paid for with grants and fundraising, was controversial.

It was described by the Victorian Society as looking like “an ocean liner on a collision course” with the current church.

Community superior Fr George Guiver said the plans had been looked at again by new architects.

He said: “We realised we could make the building about a metre smaller all round, which was better visually and saved some money.”

The planning application (2014/70/93955/E) can be seen on the Kirklees Council website.

gallery upstairs and the various services offered, from careers to IT. Mr Haigh said: “It has more than a dozen groups meeting on a regular basis as a means of educating, informing, enabling and exciting people... “... and fascinating facts and stories from past eras can be unearthed from the many files in the reference library.”

News in Brief Shop robbery DEWSBURY: A robber threatened to smash a bottle of sherry on the counter as he demanded cash from a shopkeeper.

The man walked into Nisa Local convenience store on Wakefield Road around 6.30pm last Saturday and pulled the bottle from a shelf.

He fled with a quantity of cash – and the sherry.

A suspect was arrested yesterday (Thursday). Anyone with information can call the Dewsbury and Mirfield NPT on 101.

Another power cut BIRSTALL: A blown fuse at a sub-station caused a power cut which affected homes near the town centre on Wednesday.

Power was out around Union Street from about 10.10pm to 11.30pm.

It is the latest in a series of power cuts in the area since last month, with Tesco Express and the Priestley Care Home among those affected.

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Friday January 23, 2015

Democracy – the biggest deception in last 800 years T WAS ‘Democracy Day’ on the BBC on Tuesday, celebrating exactly 750 years since Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester and de facto ruler of England, called the first ‘commons’ parliament, having overthrown Henry III. Counties and boroughs elected two representatives each to attend the January Parliament of 1265 at Westminster, nearly 400 years before Oliver Cromwell picked up that ball and ran with it. They even had their expenses paid.

Where’s de Montfort when you need him, eh? Because in the year that is also the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, you could make a decent argument for democracy going steadily downhill from there.

It went downhill for him soon enough, in a manner that suggests democracy started in England as it’s finished today. Simon got greedy, appropriated the earldom of Chester – didn’t take long, did it? – and paid the price when nobles switched sides and Henry and his son Edward I chopped de Montfort to bits.

I’m not even sure our penal

I

Simon de Montfort – not a happy ending for democracy system has improved.

All these centuries on, power is still dictated by a self-serving elite. We’ve even ceded power back to rulers on the continent, not for the first time – waxy, poxy little Brussels. But it’s possibly for good this time.

Sure, we all get to vote now and then, but we have little or no say about who, or what, we’re voting for.

As for holding the ruling elite to their electoral promises? We should cocoa.

Whether it’s block union

votes in the Labour Party dictating that a whimpering pup like Ed Miliband leads the party, or ministers and their rich allies in the unaccountable House of Lords running the country in the shadows, I would argue that the United Kingdom has never been less realistically democratic.

With Northern Ireland and Welsh Assemblies and the resurgent Scottish Parliament, certainly for the English it hasn’t.

Labour’s Scottish leader Jim Murphy says they’ll appropriate taxes from the wealthy south-east of England to subsidise drunken lardarses in Glasgow. Did you get a vote in that? Me neither.

And it wasn’t just student fees the Lib Dems reneged on when they got their sweaty little feet under the cabinet table. They scuppered vital boundary reforms too, their petty spite a blatant slap in the face for progressive ‘democracy’.

Why? Because they could!

And if the electorate make the Lib Dems pay in May, don’t think egalitarian Nick Clegg and friends will snub a

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cosy peerage, due medieval reward for their treachery.

You can’t vote for membership of that club, either.

FEW years ago, I had a private dinner with an old rugby pal and then Mayor of Doncaster, Martin Winter.

He could have been Labour MP for Doncaster North, but chose to run for elected mayor and sort out one of the UK’s real rotten boroughs. Doncaster Council was corrupt to the core in the 90s. Over 20 councillors were convicted of fraud. Men went to jail. Democracy, eh?

Having made that career choice, Gordon Brown then pleaded with Martin to use his influence to ‘get’ his office boy the Labour nomination for Doncaster. Hello, Ed Miliband.

I wouldn’t have divulged Martin’s stories about the hapless would-be Prime Minister, except that he’s now publishing a book about it, which was serialised by the Mail on Sunday last weekend.

Nearly gassing himself, burning the Winters’ carpet and offering a Muslim prayer mat to cover the scorch – really – being made to look an economic idiot by the Winter kiddies … there was (and is) no end to Miliband’s buffoonery.

Yet he is 50/50 to be our next Prime Minister? A gullible union placeman. Lordy.

Martin Winter turned Doncaster Council around in large part, but at great personal cost – because it was one man against a political establishment and a self-serving officer class.

They determined to destroy an elected mayor banging down the door of their ivory towers.

He eventually had to leave Labour and ended his second mayoral term as an independent mayor, in the wake of a scandal over the deaths of seven children on council ‘at-risk’ registers over a period of five years.

Here’s the thing – he was the man demonised, but it was Martin Winter who raised that alarm and called in outside help when he realised that one man couldn’t beat an entrenched, back-covering, left-wing cabal.

Power swirls amongst its own in London and de Montfort’s

A

Page 3 cover up is no victory for hair bears EING in the newspaper game, I’m duty bound to peruse different titles now and then. On the rare occasion I pick up The Sun, I turn from page 1 to page 4/5. It may mean missing vital news on page 2 but it’s a price worth paying. For many years now, page 3 has been disheartening.

Such glistening, bosomly perfection, and sweetly airbrushed buttocks. Sigh. You see, I’m at the age where even a fleeting daydream of a heavenly encounter with ‘Evie, 21 from Matlock’, suffices to induce a bout of raging dyspepsia.

No soaring, Romeo-esque Liz’s wholesome smile does it aspirations in middle age. Just for this old bloke, every time bald and wrinkled reality, sadly.

The truth is that Evie, 21 from Matlock, complete with her magnificent, thrusting love puppies, is meant for the starry eyes (and don’t let mum and dad catch you peeking) of Britain’s 14 and 15-year-old boys.

Or at least it was, back in the days when 14 and 15-year-old boys feigned interest in ‘Modelmakers Monthly’ or ‘Build the Bismarck in 56 Weekly Steps’ while surreptitiously scanning the top shelf, their bug-eyes ogling the covers of Penthouse and Playboy, Fiesta and Mayfair. One day ... One day…

I’ll share a secret, boys – Evie is, and will remain, a furtive dream, but one that’s a rite of passage nonetheless. Or at least she was because I suspect that these days, 14 and 15-year-old boys scoff at ‘Parental Controls’ on the family internet service.

“Yeah, right dad. You concentrate on hiding your own web browsing history from mum.” Most teens can probably code their own porn apps during the lunch break at school.

Evie, 21 from Matlock and her threepenny bits? Kids’ stuff.

That’s why I don’t buy this week’s grunting, fist-pumping celebrations of Britain’s joyless, grey toe-nailed, hairy arm-pitted feminists over The Sun’s decision to retire its topless p3 totty.

Indeed I wouldn’t be surprised if their victory dance provoked Rupert Murdoch into a u-turn, just to show who’s the boss. (I wrote that on Wednesday – they were back on Thursday!)

But mostly, page 3 has had its day, I’d say. It’s not about feminism and especially not submitting to it. The format is old, tired, and it no longer titillates (pun obviously intended). The bare boobies can be better – and more profitably – exposed behind The Sun’s online paywall. Expect the enduring page 3 saddos to be enticed into paying for the pleasure. Literally.

For now, page 3 can be better used. And if it’s used to feature birds togged up in lacy basques and benders – and especially Liz Hurley wearing anything – then I might just have to take out home delivery. Maybe there’s life in the old dog yet…

B

shires are still run mostly by a narrow political elite – a bloated bureaucracy that cynically defies reform.

I can close my eyes and imagine Soviet Russia if I try

hard enough.

The biggest victory of British ‘democracy’ has been fooling the electorate that it actually exists in any meaningful fashion.

I’m just tilting at windmills...

I

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’M NOT sure where I stand on man-made global warming, except to assure you that putting humungous wind turbines in every field in England is about as much use as trying to make cows use a toilet (apparently bovine flatulence literally blows automobile CO2 emissions off the pollution scale).

I’m minded towards scepticism, mostly because of the green industry that milks billions off soppy governments, based on science they seem to simply make up as they go along.

NASA climate scientists announced last week that 2014 was the warmest year on record. Within 48 hours they were having to admit that, erm, they were “38% sure” it was the warmest on record.

Eh? Isn’t “sure” supposed to be 100%? Surely 38% sure is another way of saying 62% unsure?

They must just come out with this scientific claptrap and hope their inventions quietly pass into the public consciousness without being chal-

lenged. An entire industry is being run on that premise, abused by men like Tim Yeo (Tory chair of the Energy and Climate Change sub-committee). Yeo doubles up as a director of numerous eco-businesses and in a rare contradiction of my main piece on democracy (above), has been deselected for 2015 by his constituency.

As for wind turbines, I regularly drive past a huge thing that I swear turns when there isn’t a breath of wind.

It beats me how something that big can be rotated by anything less than a hurricane anyway – but sure enough, the leaves on the trees are dead still, but round and round the sail goes (maybe they plug it into the mains when it’s a still day, although that would rather seem to defeat the object).

And have you noticed how, quite often, lots of those turbines are stock still when it’s blowing a gale, and at other times, half of them spin and half are still? What’s that about?

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

Hospital staff asked to help out with portering

By Steve Martyn HOSPITAL staff are being offered training in portering to help ease pressure on A&E units.

The Press can reveal that Dewsbury District Hospital is still at Resource Escalation Plan (REAP) Level Five.

This means the number of patients waiting at A&E remains classed by officials as a “significant incident”.

An internal email asked staff at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust to help with portering.

The ‘lifting and holding team’ were due to hold two

training sessions at Pinderfields Hospital on Wednesday. Patient backlogs mean management, described as “corporate staff” in the email, are also helping out.

The email added: “...we are continuing to ask for volunteers to help wards to progress discharges and care for patients, especially at mealtimes.”

It also warned there could be a further rise in the number of people attending A&E due to the recent bad weather.

Hospitals across England declared “major” or “significant” incidents, with many unable to meet tough waiting time targets.

The email said: “We are still facing sustained high demand on our services and we remain on REAP 5 status.”

Mid Yorkshire has begun an ‘Is A&E Right For Me?’ campaign to cut unnecessary patient visits.

About a fifth of people attending the Trust’s three A&E units could have been treated by a GP or pharmacist.

The email added: “We will continue to appeal directly to members of the public through Twitter and Facebook to only attend A&E in an emergency.

“Our website is directing patients to other sources of help, eg GPs, walk-in centres and NHS 111.”

Curry house ‘lamb’ was beef A RESTAURANT owner admitted his Heckmondwike premises sold a lamb curry that was made of beef.

Ilyas Mohammad, who runs the Shama restaurant and takeaway on Leeds Road, pleaded guilty to breaching the Food Safety Act 1990.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard meals had never contained lamb, despite it being on the menu.

A probe was launched after a complaint about menu descriptions was made by a customer to trading standards.

An officer placed a takeaway order on December 18 for a lamb rogan josh and then sent the food to be tested.

Analysis showed the meal did not contain any lamb, only beef. When questioned, Mohammad said they had never sold lamb as a main dish in the two years he been trading at the restaurant.

Menus were copied from other businesses and included lamb because they wanted to “follow suit”. He denied it was done to mislead anyone.

Magistrates fined him £400 with a £40 victim surcharge

and told him to pay £1,607.74 costs.

Coun Andrew Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton), of the West Yorkshire Trading Standards Committee, hit out at Mohammad and the restaurant manager.

He said: “They deliberately wrote their menus to include lamb in the main dishes, when they had no intention of actually putting lamb in them.”

Anyone with concerns about meals that might not be as described can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.

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ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

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Your leaders aren’t showing true grit Dear Sir, Once again there has been much comment about the performance of Kirklees Council’s road gritting.

I think it is fair to question if a council can’t keep at least the main roads through the borough clear of ice and snow, then what can it do?

Bad weather is hardly a shock to any council as the Met Office provides the most accurate forecasting service ever, so being caught out is no defence for Kirklees.

Some may believe that the council thinks that if it’s not snowing in central Huddersfield or Dewsbury it’s not snowing in the

An issue for the election From: ‘Al Downham’, Full Bottle Debating Society, Mirfield Dear Sir, The recent scaremongering regarding Wetherspoons getting a toehold on Mirfield’s hallowed turf could only be conjecture for a story newsworthy on April 1.

The council chambers will not be up for grabs; it will be a key issue in the May elections, waiting for a saviour to pick up Brownie points and convert them into votes.

The Black Bull or Tesco?

The last time Wetherspoons showed an interest, the trading space available was too small to be an effective site, so that was that.

Mirfield is about halfway on the Real Ale Trail railway route from Leeds to Stalybridge, and a cheap ale venue may prove popular with those who are having a stag or hen party on the cheap.

The last two times I did the Ale Trail, those revellers bore the most numbers, and were the rowdiest and most vulgar travellers since Ming the Merciless.

If you’ve been to any of the local Wetherspoons, who specialise in low prices and fast

Letter of the Week: Coun Robert Light rest of Kirklees – at times the evidence on the ground does support that view.

Last weekend Batley and Dewsbury were snow-free, yet my ward (Birkenshaw & East Bierley) endured significant snowfall.

Even at 7.30pm on Saturday night the main A651 was gridlocked and there were at least two accidents that I know of in the

turnover, an unusual pattern of cloned clientele prevails.

I have never seen such a concentration and gathering of people too strong for light work, along with people who want to sing to you and box their own shadows.

Cor blimey, Neville Chamberlain, peace in our time, or what?

So, let’s project ourselves forward a few years in time, when Asda is built and all the green space and people’s back gardens are all housing ... Mirfield is packed and gridlocked with happy shoppers all looking for a smart price bargain.

Then would be the time for Wetherspoons to strike its fatal blow for the spendthrift quaffers.

So where would they go?

Station Road has two pubs on the Ale Trail, so where else to get a slice of the action would the might Wetherspoons try to buy?

One of busiest parts of Mirfield is the Huddersfield Road/Newgate/St Paul’s Road junction; one corner is occupied by a thriving café and delicatessen, and next door is Mirfield’s one-stop hardware store, where you can buy anything from a hurricane lantern to a full-blown paint workshop.

And there’s Bargain Booze next door, ideal for a few tinnies to keep you going on your journey back to the rail station.

If Wetherspoon managed to purchase these properties, it

blizzard conditions.

Kirklees Council gritters once again were nowhere to be seen, yet half a mile up the road the A650 was kept free by Bradford Council.

There have been inaccurate statements by Labour councillors about what Kirklees does compared to other councils which, to those of us who see what happens

would command the key area in Mirfield’s cosmopennine activities.

So, what should we call such a bright new pub venue?

One name springs easily to mind, ‘The Paraffin Lamp’, a beacon for Mirfield’s demise.

Enough said. It will soon be the May elections.

As sure as eggs are eggs From: Phil Haley, Liversedge Dear Sir, Gee, thanks for the whuppidydoo selfie of Ed Balls and his cohort of local housing experts.

So nice of him to pop up around his old homestead to tell us just what Batley and Spen and Dewsbury and Mirfield really do need from his party, and just how excited he and Paula and Jo are in being ready to give it to us!

I don’t really expect much to be made of it in next week’s Ed Lines, if anything at all, and knowing how happy you are with the current administration and its personnel (witness your cosying up [not!] to your bosom pal Sayeeda), it feels as though it’s left to me to point out that amongst all the blame culture being thrown by these Labour representatives.

Nowhere is it mentioned that they are able to cast blame only

on the ground, are plainly untrue.

I live very close to the Kirklees border with both Bradford and Leeds. Often roads cross these borders and on snow days the reality is stark – Leeds and Bradford clear their roads, Kirklees do not.

It may be the deliberate policy of Labour for Kirklees Council to keep the roads in Huddersfield centre and Dewsbury and Batley free and ignore the rest, and if that is so then it’s wrong and should be changed.

And before someone says it’s all about money – it’s not. Kirklees has massively underspent on winter maintenance over the last two years.

because of the dire political shenanigans from their last effort at being in charge, and from comments made by their fearless leader regarding his spending plans which he can’t cost, it appears that it wouldn’t take five minutes for us to be back in that particular mess.

It will be too easy for the local electorate to elect Labour MPs as a slap in the eye, heaven knows even perhaps a UKIP MP, but don’t be daft eh?

Do you want the country to continue the great improvement already made despite a few austere years, or do you want to take a chance on a possible Labour/coalition administration which will, as sure as eggs are eggs, put the country back on its knees?

We’ll do what we do best From: Muhammad Abdullah, via email Dear Sir, I would like to respond to Mr Lockwood’s Ed lines in last week’s publication.

Boo hoo, the media did not publish the cartoons, don’t get your knickers in a twist.

The fact of the matter is the the British press doesn’t have the balls to publish the cartoons as they know what the consequences would be, and they are quiet sensible in not

PLANNING APPLICATIONS Mrs Shah Anwar, 28 Lee Road, Ravensthorpe, two-storey side and single-storey front extensions.

Mr Khalid Hussain, Unit 5, 2 Bradford Road, Dewsbury, change of use from A4 drinking establishment to A5 hot food take-away with alterations to shopfront (within a Conservation Area).

D Lyons, 8 Upper Batley Lane, Birstall, two-storey side extension and attached single garage.

PAB Estates Ltd, T/A Whitegates, 1-3 Northgate, Dewsbury, change of use from charity shop to A2 (within a Conservation Area).

M Limbert, Batley Girls High School Visual Arts College, Windmill Lane, Birstall, installation of dual-pitched hip-ended

roof lantern above an existing inner courtyard.

Mr A Ali, 268 Headfield Road, Thornhill Lees, change of use of land to garden and extension to garage.

Mr T Hussain, R Drummond Chemist, 71 Halifax Road, Dewsbury, demolition of outbuilding and extension of pharmacy (within conservation area).

C Cass, 81-83 Daisy Hill, Dewsbury, discharge condition 4 (roofing) on previous permission 2013/91671 for alterations to convert existing offices/vacant storage floors to five apartments (within a Conservation Area).

Mr S Rafiq, 16 Market Street, Heckmondwike, alterations to convert upper ground floor

office to flat.

Mrs S Cook, 10 Stocks Bank Drive, Mirfield, works to TPO(s) 10/92.

L Crowther, 2 Walnut Grove, Chickenley, single-storey rear extension.

Mr & Mrs Bentley, 123 Drub Lane, Drub, Cleckheaton, singlestorey rear and side extensions.

N Munt, land to rear of 49 Cornmill Drive, Liversedge, change of use of land for domestic purposes and erection of garage.

Mr & Mrs Figg, 7 Moorside, Cleckheaton, first floor and single-storey rear extensions.

Mr Mohammad Nadeem, 1 Chidswell Lane, Shaw Cross, certificate of lawfulness for proposed

rear dormer extension.

Jim McTiffin, 13A Littlethorpe Hill, Hartshead, single-storey rear extension and change of use of integral garage into living accommodation.

Mohammad Nadeem, 1 Chidswell Lane, Shaw Cross, demolition of existing detached garage and erection of attached garage, basement works including insertion of new door and windows, and formation of new off-street parking.

RBS, NatWest, 15 Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, illuminated and non-illuminated signs.

Lidl, Station Road, Mirfield, erection of non-illuminated signs.

Kirklees Council, land off Battye Street, Dewsbury, outline applica-

tion for erection of up to four dwellings with associated access, landscaping and ancillary works.

Kirklees Council, land off Holland Street, Batley, outline application for erection of four bungalows.

Kirklees Council, public conveniences, Wilton Park, Bradford Road, Batley, prior notification for demolition of public conveniences.

Mr & Mrs N Khan, 11 Dearnley Street, Ravensthorpe, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 4m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.3m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 3.3m.

doing so. You are having a go at all the other newspapers, why didn’t your paper publish them?

I will tell you why, because your insignificant paper does not affect anybody.

Your constant and clear hatred of Islam is very apparent but it is only making us Muslims more firmer and more zealous in our religion, and I congratulate you for this.

You keep spreading fear and hatred, and we will carry on doing what we do best, being MUSLIM.

Looks ominous From: Alec Suchi, via email Dear Sir, I commend Mr Lockwood’s forceful condemnation of the timidity displayed by the establishment in the wake of militant Islam, when writing in his column (Press January 16).

Showing respect and consideration from a position of strength is one matter, but making endless compromises as part of an appeasement policy is one which bodes ominously for the wider society.

I do not object to showing consideration and constraint to foster good relations, but do not take kindly that matters such as the cartoons are circumscribed through intimidation and violence.

If anything I am exasperated and unimpressed by the continual expressions of offence by certain sections of the Muslim community on a plethora of issues, when greater acceptance and robustness are required in a pluralist society.

It should be realised that what is considered sacred and important to members of a particular faith, may not be shared by others.

A mature and constraint approach makes a far more favourable impression, rather than constantly expressing selfrighteous indignation!

So nauseating From: John Appleyard, Liversedge Dear Sir, Danny Lockwood, in his haste to put pen to paper and

support his ‘right to mock and ridicule’ (Press 16/01/15), failed to express any sympathy whatsoever for the citizens who were brutally murdered in France.

Maybe he takes the view of other right-wing commentators that the French, who didn’t support the Blair and Bush invasion of Iraq, are ‘cheese eating surrender monkeys’.

There is nothing more nauseating than watching David Cameron and other war mongers on our TVs chanting from the French Revolution the demands of liberty, equality and fraternity when all of them are seeking to reduce the rights of people in this and other countries.

Get off your backside From: David Pinder, Mirfield Town Councillor Dear Sir, I quite understand K Brown’s frustration but his recent letter concerning Mirfield Town Council is in places illinformed and in others downright wrong.

Most of Mirfield Town Council are in fact ‘elected’ not ‘co-opted’ nor are they all Conservative – several are Independent councillors, taking neither orders nor direction from any political party.

And in fairness, whilst I am an Independent myself, I am happy to admit that the Conservatives to whom Mr Brown objects always seem to put Mirfield first rather than play party politics.

The Town Council buildings were built many years ago by the-then Mirfield Urban District Council, using Mirfield residents’ money.

So for Kirklees to decide to sell them off for its own benefit with the arrogant comment that there is no reason why the money thus earned should be used to benefit Mirfield tells you all you need to know about the Kirklees politburo’s attitude to Mirfield.

The Town Council are not the only occupants of the build-

Continues on page nine

ThePress

From page eight

Budget inequality

ing, as the highly-successful Mirfield branch of the Royal British Legion also occupies two rooms there.

His ‘Farmer Jones’s donkey’ reference seems to be his version of the much older and better known saying that ‘if you put a red rosette on a donkey folks in Dewsbury would vote for it!’ and probably applies to many people of all parties who always vote for the same rosette!

Regarding Mr Brown suggested solution for the Town Council building, this is exactly the solution which I and the rest of the Town Council have been advocating for over a year.

However trying to get Kirklees’ cabinet (and indeed many of the senior officers) to understand business sense and practice seems a lost cause.

If indeed we are ‘a pathetic set of so-called councillors from all ranks playing pass-the-buck politics with each other’, I suggest to Mr Brown that the answer is not to sit on his backside firing off letters of righteous indignation but stand for election – or at least come to the open council meetings and put his views face-to face.

If he does he will find that the unpaid hours he has to put in, both at meetings and prior to meetings, making himself familiar with the complex and lengthy legislation which has to be understood if the decisions taken are to be legal are a bit more time-consuming than letter writing.

From: Peter Claydon, Dewsbury

Their manifesto promises should be held up by law.

Often they come up with nasty surprises; one of the worst in history was Labour’s hidden plan to bring in three to four million immigrants, without even consulting the people.

They used three immigration ministers who were prepared to deceive the public about the plan; two of whom were sacked for other matters: Beverley Hughes, Phil Woolas and Liam Byrne.

This devious trick has changed Great Britain for ever; the majority of people now think for the worse!

Labour MPs say that we are free to work anywhere in Europe, but there are millions more Europeans here.

Many British going abroad take money to retire, to places like Spain.

Also, how many people, does any reader know, who can speak Polish or Latvian, and are working in those countries?

What do people want? Russian oligarchs coming to London and ploughing billions into the economy with their vast spending, or Somalian women rolling up with four or five kiddies, demanding a house and money to sponge off workers?

Who do we want Thank you, lads From: Mr G Sykes, Carlinghow coming to UK? From: Arthur Roberts, Dewsbury Dear Sir, It seems a waste of time listening to the politicians going on about their promises if they win the next election.

Dear Sir, I would just like to say a big thank you to the two young men who came to my assistance, when I fell on the ice on my drive, on Sunday morning, January 18.

My wife could not lift me and, as I have two artificial knees, I cannot

kneel up – but it was so bad you could not stand.

When she called the ambulance they said they would not be long, and, in fact, it was only five or six minutes before they arrived.

They were very efficient and caring. Once again, thank you lads.

Simple ideas to turn us around From: CR Westwood, Cleckheaton Dear Sir, Action needed to turn this country round: European Union – don’t try to alter this corrupt, costly ‘talking shop’. The UK pays £54m a day – just get out of its clutches.

House of Lords – shut down this ‘social club’ completely.

No MPs under the age of 40. Must have had a proper job for at least 10 years.

Immigration – stop it all until our borders are sealed as much as possible.

Overseas aid – cut by 70 per cent.

NHS – drastically cut waste, health tourism and the vast layers of management.

Family Allowance – no child allowance after second child for new families.

Crime – massive prisons and borstals on remote Scottish islands, with hard labour and army discipline.

Immigrant criminals – deported immediately, for good.

Bonuses and pay-offs – fully reduced, and none for failure in the private and public sector, especially councils.

Dear Sir, North Kirklees loses out again!

On the Friday before Christmas NHS England slipped out details of how it wants to see its £2 billion emergency cash fund spent.

Disappointingly the increase that North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will be allowed in 2015/16 is a miserly uplift of 0.24% on this year’s expenditure.

This is the lowest percentage increase awarded to any CCG in the country.

The Health Service Journal has analysed the NHS England allocations and has found that the biggest increases in funding – between three and four per cent – have gone to CCGs in areas with Conservative and, to a lesser extent, Liberal Democrat MPs. In the main, it is CCGs in London and the south east that will get the biggest uplifts.

It is areas such as Harrow, Bromley, Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead and Milton Keynes that will benefit, areas that have growing populations like North Kirklees but where, on average, people enjoy a longer-lived, healthier and more comfortable time than they do in our part of the world.

When Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health, was challenged in the House of Commons to explain the political bias of the allocations, his scarcely credible response was that the decisions were entirely a matter for the “independent” NHS England.

Closer to home it would be interesting to know if our local MPs had any opportunity to argue the case for higher levels of NHS England investment, to address the particular health and social care needs of North Kirklees.

If, of course, they are happy to see our area discriminated against in favour of wealthier parts of the country then we should be told.

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ThePress

News In Brief Club raises £1,000 for heart boy Finlay DEWSBURY: Members of Dewsbury Moor amateur rugby league club have rallied together in support of a youngster who suffers from a rare heart condition.

When club chairman Peter Charlesworth learned of four-year-old Finlay McDonald’s plight, he immediately set about organising a fundraising event.

Finlay, who lives in Leigh, suffers from hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare condition which affects blood flow through the heart. As a result, he is paralysed down one side of his body.

When Finlay and his dad visited the Dewsbury Moor club, members raised £1,000 which will go towards medical treatment.

Beer thief in court BATLEY: A man was recorded on CCTV helping to steal two crates of beer from the West End pub. Richard Fennell, of Woodfield Avenue, admitted burglary when he appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court.

The hearing was told a worker who arrived at the Upper Commercial Street premises on the morning of September 16 last year discovered the doors to the cellar were open and beer was missing.

CCTV showed Fennell and another man entering the cellar and emerging with the beer.

The court was told Fennell had previously been jailed for burglary. Sentencing was adjourned until Tuesday, February 10.

Quad bike blunder BIRKENSHAW: Thieves aimed to steal a quad bike – but found the vehicle had a broken clutch.

Two suspects entered a farmyard on Whitehall Road East early last Friday morning in a vehicle with false number plates.

When police spotted them trying to start the quad bike they tried to flee on foot.

Two suspects aged 16 and 19 were later arrested. The 16-year-old, of Bradford, was wanted in connection with another alleged offence.

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Friday January 23, 2015

Jodie plots path to ‘perfect’ childbirth

Workmen shopped bread man who was over limit

By David Miller

A DRINK-DRIVER in a bread delivery van was reported to police by the workmen who raced to help following a crash.

Adrian Goodlad, 56, of School Lane, Dewsbury Moor, struck a telegraph post on Healds Road, Dewsbury, when he lost control of his vehicle on November 13.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard workmen smelled alcohol on his breath and called police.

Goodlad admitted drink-driving and failing to stop after an accident.

Alex Bozman, prosecuting, said: “The vehicle collided with a telegraph post, causing damage to the street furniture.”

Goodlad had 124mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – more than three times the legal limit of 35mg.

Prior to the crash, Goodlad suffered a gash when a large tray of bread he was loading slid off and hit him on the head.

Mike Sisson-Pell, mitigating, said his client had little recollection of the crash and had problems with alcohol.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until Friday January 30 for reports.

Goodlad is banned from driving in the meantime.

GIVING birth proved to be a traumatic experience for new Batley mum Jodie Hudson.

She needed surgery and physiotherapy after a long and difficult labour with son Cohen in January 2013.

She remained in hospital for four days and needed to take 18 tablets and have an injection daily for a week.

Husband Neil became upset and Jodie, 34, of Rudding Drive, Carlinghow, said: “He saw all this and was traumatised because there was nothing he could do about it.”

So the couple looked for alternatives when she became pregnant again that summer.

She said: “I was worried about the labour.

A Caesarian section was discussed but I decided I wanted a natural birth.”

Jodie discovered a programme called hypnobirthing that made things much easier the second time around.

Aided by a birthing ball and calming music, she went into a trance to avoid feeling the pain of contractions during her labour at Dewsbury maternity unit.

Jodie said: “About an hour and a half later I’d hummed my baby out – and she was a lot bigger than

DIY

FAMILY WAY: Jodie with husband Neil and children Cohen and Thea her brother.”

There was no surgery, no drugs and Jodie and Thea went home the same day.

Jodie was so impressed that she set up her own business promoting the benefits of hypnobirthing.

Hudson Holistic and

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Birth Preparation is based at the Batley Enterprise Centre on Bradford Road.

Jodie completed a Wise Hippo Birthing Programme course backed by the Royal College of Midwives and now passes on her skills.

She said: “I want women

to know what’s possible – that they can have the perfect birth.”

She runs classes at her premises and also does home visits.

See www.hudsonholistic.co.uk for more information.

Simon Reevell’s

Notes from Westminster

Shocking Paris killings were a reaction from the past N OT that many years ago there were protests outside cinemas that were intending to show Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian’.

These days the film, which is a parody of the life of Christ, is routinely shown on the television but then there were demonstrations.

The demonstrations were noisy but no-one reached for a Kalashnikov.

In general terms it’s a good thing for people to be passionate about their religion, but in Western democratic countries, including ours, this has to be tempered by recognition of the overriding right to freedom of speech.

Of course that right doesn’t allow any us to say whatever we want – using threatening language has been a criminal offence since the 1800s – but it does allow us to mock things and those things include religion.

That didn’t used to be the case.

We have a history in this country of the dominant religion quite literally setting fire to members of the opposing faith, but not for a very long time.

Religious tolerance is something that Britain has been proud of for far longer than any of us can remember.

It’s why the murders in Paris were so shocking. Killing people because you don’t like what they publish is a

reaction from the past.

It has no place in a civilised nation and those who seek to import these attitudes into the UK are completely out of step with the values of this country.

After the murders in Paris the debate about the powers that the security services need and the effect on civil liberties has returned.

My own view is that it is pretty straightforward. The powers go back to when communication was only by letter.

People now communicate in many other ways and so modifying powers to reflect this fact seems reasonable – just as they were modified when ‘land-line’ telephones became available to everyone.

There must be safeguards and I

would rather see access governed by a judge rather than a politician. But the idea that there are places created by modern technology where, if the safeguards are met, those charged with protecting our safety can’t look, seems bizarre.

It’s a bit like saying you can intercept letters but not if the letter is in a particular type of envelope.

If that were the case you don’t have to be a genius to work out which envelopes the bad guys would use!

If there is a method of communication that is beyond the reach of the police and MI5, guess how the terrorists will choose to communicate.

• THE MOST noticeable building in this constituency may well be Emley Mast.

It’s one of the tallest free-standing buildings in Europe and it’s where the Freeview TV signal comes from.

Along with many employers, Arqiva – the company which runs the mast – is looking for apprentices. If you’re interested, have a look at their website – www1.pds-group.co.uk/arqiva – and the best of luck.

Very best wishes,

Simon

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

Power scheme could be a winner for town

By David Miller

able energy.

A firm called Yorkshire Hydropower want to construct a micro turbine on a weir on the River Calder, near the Ship Inn off Steanard Lane.

Producing enough electricity for up to 180 homes, work on the scheme could start by November. Coun Pinder linked the idea to the infrastructure needed to support hundreds of new houses in Mirfield.

He said: “If we have to have all these new homes, wouldn’t it be better to have them drawing from renewable energy rather than the National Grid?”

Coun Pinder added that water power could be a better bet than a wind turbine.

“With a wind turbine, the blades need replacing every 15 years and so it takes longer to get a return on the investment,” he said.

A HYDRO-ELECTRIC turbine could be a “win-win” for Mirfield, the town’s former mayor has claimed.

Coun David Pinder (Con, Eastthorpe) believes the £900,000 scheme could take some homes off the National Grid.

And it would be a more stable way of generating electricity than other forms of renewCLECKHEATON: New members are welcome to join the Cleckheaton Writers’ Group, which meets fortnightly on Mondays (6-8pm). The group covers all aspects of writing and organises outings to meet-the-author events. Call Karen Naylor on 01274 864658.

“There’s also problems here with either not enough or too much wind, so the turbines are hardly ever on.”

Mirfield Town Council heard the plans last week after an outline bid was made to Kirklees Council.

The meeting was told hydro turbines are cheaper to maintain for longer than wind power due to little mechanical involvement.

Yorkshire Hydropower are in talks with anglers and Ship Inn owner Greene King.

Coun Pinder added: “It must be at least six years since I was first asked to get in touch with the angling club about this.

“But I think it could be a win-win. What’s not to like about a system that’s low maintenance and won’t be a blot on the landscape like a wind turbine?”

Rat-infested takeaway shut down A RAT-infested Ravensthorpe takeaway has been closed due to the risk posed to public health.

The Bismillah Roti House was subject to a routine inspection by environmental health officers on January 7.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard rat and mouse droppings were found on the premises. The Huddersfield Road

takeaway is also known as Saifs Krunchy Fried Chicken, or FKC. Magistrates granted Kirklees Council a hygiene prohibition notice after hearing there was an “imminent risk to public health”.

The notice will stay in force until officials are satisfied the premises have been cleaned up. Mohammed Zain, of Myrtle

Road, named on court papers in connection with the takeaway, did not attend the hearing.

A council spokeswoman said: “The business was closed due to a risk to public health.

“A court order was granted on the food premises operator Mohammed Zain to remain closed until the health risk had gone.”

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ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

Top Tory’s fury over Sayeeda’s political speech

News In Brief Scam warning BATLEY: A resident is warning others not to fall victim to a phone scam after being plagued last week by suspected fraudsters.

Chris Nolan, 61, of Moor End Land, Staincliffe, was called up to four times a day by people claiming his computer was infected by a virus. They then offered to fix the problem for a fee and requested his bank details.

Chris’s neighbours said they had similar calls around the same time.

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‘I’ll never speak to her again’

By Staff Reporters A TOP local Tory refused to apologise after a bizarre row with Dewsbury peer Baroness Sayeeda Warsi.

The former cabinet minister gave a speech last Sunday which mentioned the situation in Gaza.

Dewsbury Conservative Association chairman Alan Burton stormed out of the Huddersfield event in protest.

Mr Burton, who is a dual British-Israeli national and served in the Israeli Army, accused Baroness Warsi of being anti-Israel and pro-Hamas.

He vented his anger on Facebook – prompting an online storm for and against the life peer.

Mr Burton wrote: “Just listened to Sayeeda Warsi’s speech at Itrat Ali’s event, which turned into a diatribe against Israel and a pro-Hamas speech.”

He added he walked out in disgust and will never speak to Baroness Warsi again.

Baroness Warsi demanded an

Meat thief had her benefits cut A WOMAN stole two joints of meat from a supermarket after her benefits were stopped.

Rebecca Wilkinson, 25, of Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor, admitted to the theft at Morrisons in Heckmondwike in September.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard security staff saw Wilkinson put the items in her bag.

Wilkinson, who tested positive for cocaine after her arrest, said she had no money and would have eaten the meat.

The court was told Wilkinson's benefits were interruped after a brief spell in prison.

She was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

apology after insisting her speech contained nothing of the sort.

Mr Burton stood by his accusation and said: “I don’t think I’ve anything to apologise for.

“I walked out because of certain things that were said. But as far as I’m concerned the matter is over and I’ve no more comment to make.”

Baroness Warsi attended an event for general election candidate Itrat Ali, who is standing in Huddersfield.

MP Andrew Stephenson (Con, Pendle) said on Twitter of her speech: “... I can confirm it was neither anti-Israel nor proHamas.”

Imran Safdar wrote: “I was there on stage throughout the evening and I can verify there was no mention of Hamas whatsoever. V silly accusations.”

Baroness Warsi also took to Twitter and was critical of online comments made following Mr Burton's claims.

She wrote: “Appalled and disgusted at the continued lies and propaganda to silence me on the issue of human rights.”

Man denies harrassment Baroness Warsi “...appalled and disgusted at the continued lies and propaganda to silence me on the issue of human rights...”

A MAN denied harrassing his ex-partner by sending her numerous unwanted messages.

Ian Butterworth, 40, of Moat Hill, Birstall allegedly sent Rebekah Marriner emails, Facebook posts and letters.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard Butterworth was also said to have attended her home and work.

He faces trial on Wednesday, April 22. In the meantime he is banned from going to Arundel Walk and the Oakwell Hall estate.

BUNGLING BIKE THIEVES DROP A CLANGER BUNGLING thieves loaded a stolen motorbike onto their getaway van – but it fell off as they drove away.

The Triumph Trophy machine was lifted into the white van which pulled up outside a property on Halifax Road, Liversedge, on December 28.

CCTV cameras recorded the van, at the top of the picture, shortly after the attempted theft between 9pm and 10.10pm that night.

PC Chris Birkenshaw, of Kirklees Police’s Batley and Spen NPT, said the bike was damaged but returned to its owner. He added: “The van was quite distinctive, with writing on the side panel which we believe reads ‘M Tomlinson’." Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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£30,000 project ‘gives park new lease of life’ A £30,000 improvement project has given a “new lease of life” to Thornhill’s Rectory Park, says a local ‘Friends’ group.

Improvements include: ■ A small replacement pedestrian footbridge over the medieval moat of the former Thornhill Hall.

■ A new footpath to the footbridge landing.

■ Footpath improvements from the Hall Lane pedestrian entrance to the park, along the side of the moat to the start of the new pathway to the bridge.

Tim Duke, chairman of Friends of Rectory Park, commented: “The new bridge and access path has opened up the

island and its wealth of history to a whole new audience and is already being used by people in wheelchairs and on mobility scooters.

“The improvements have given a new lease of life to the lower park, opening it up to residents once again and helping us to achieve our regeneration goals for the park as a whole.”

The cash for the scheme came from SITA Trust, which supports projects to improve public recreation facilities and also backs nature conservation projects.

Work was carried out by Kirklees Council and council leader David Sheard said:

“The scheme has already made a big difference to facilities in and around Thornhill Rectory Park.

“It has demonstrated how we will need to work in the future, by seeking new sources of finance to enhance the council’s services.”

SITA Trust is an independent funding body set up in 1997 to provide funding through the Government’s Landfill Communities Fund.

It has supported more than 3,600 projects with a combined value of over £100m. For information on how to apply for funding from the Trust, call 01454 262910 or visit www.sitatrust.org.uk.

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

Sports centre’s closure may be brought forward

By David Miller THE closure of a Cleckheaton sports centre could be brought forward by up to seven months.

Councillors will consider shutting Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre in May 2016 to help in the building of a new school.

It was originally planned to close the Turnsteads Avenue facility by the end of next year.

But a report shows the site layout of the new

Whitcliffe Mount Business and Enterprise College has been changed.

Construction will take longer – so Kirklees Council’s cabinet are to discuss on Tuesday an earlier start.

Laing O’Rourke won a Private Finance Initiative

(PFI) contract in October last year under the Government’s Priority Schools Building Programme.

The report said changes would “position the new school further forward in the existing site...”

It added: “... this would

bring considerable benefits including a reduction in the impact on green belt...” Changes, which will see the site of the school’s new sports hall moved, will also create a “simpler and safer construction site”.

It is hoped an earlier start will enable the school to open as originally planned in autumn 2017.

The report also spells out what will happen to activities once the sports centre is closed. Fitness

classes will move to a revamped Spenborough Pool, netball squads to Huddersfield and squash to Batley. Football and badminton could be accomodated at the new school but there are still problems.

The report concluded: “The more challenging issues are roller hockey and indoor bowls.

However, the council ... is committed to exploring alternative opportunites for indoor bowling and work on this is on-going.”

TRADERS’ FUND-RAISING PROVIDE BOOST FOR CHARITIES TRADERS in Birstall raised £800 for two charities with a series of events over the last year.

Proceeds for the Royal British Legion (RBL) and Help for Heroes came from a summer fair, race night and the Christmas lights switch-on.

The RBL were handed their £400 share at a Chamber of Trade meeting last Wednesday, pictured.

Traders present included Jill Mellor of the Fashion Workroom, Kate Farmer of Trim It and Angela and Mary Hanson of the Pet Shop.

Chamber of Trade chairman Anne Thompson, of Seaspray, presented a cheque to Debbie Westlake of the RBL. She said: “We’d like to thank traders and all those in Birstall who attended their fundraising events.

“With the new Pop In Centre opening in Leeds the need for local support is ever growing.

“And as the RBL spends more than £1.4m a week on welfare work, the money raised will be well spent.”

Baroness Kath’s bow CLECKHEATON’S new life peer Baroness Kath Pinnock was due to give her maiden speech to the House of Lords yesterday (Thursday).

She was set to call for greater devolution and a "serious loosening" of ties between local government and Westminster.

Her speech was scheduled during a debate on council funding and local government.

13

News in Brief Bank card fraud NORTH KIRKLEES: Fraudsters running a bank card scam are phoning residents claiming to be from Dewsbury Police Station.

Callers claim a person’s bank card has been fraudulently used to buy goods and services.

They then offer to collect the person’s credit or debit card from their home, either in person or by sending a taxi.

Victims have predominantly been Asian families and callers are aware of their name and address before they make contact.

Det Con Stef Wiseman, of Kirklees CID, said police would never ask anyone to hand over bank cards or financial information over the phone.

She added: “If someone rings your home out of the blue and asks for your bank details or your card, please do not give it to them and ring us on 101.”

Butchers raided again DEWSBURY: A large quantity of meat was stolen in the second raid in three weeks on a commercial supplier.

Thieves hit Cross’s Pork Butchers on Central Street between last Sunday and 6.20am on Monday. The premises were also targeted at New Year but nothing was taken.

The stolen meat, possibly belly pork, could be for sale “at too good to be true prices” across the area, say police.

Anyone with information can call Kirklees Police’s Dewsbury and Mirfield NPT on 101.

Assault in WMC HECKMONDWIKE: A man assaulted a woman in a row about his relationship with her sister.

Mark Taylor, 35 of Leeds Road, admitted the attack on Julie Monaghan while on a night out.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard the incident happened at the Six Lane Ends Working Men’s Club on July 9.

Sentencing was adjourned for reports.

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ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

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 FEBRUARY 2 OAKWELL IN WINTER (NK) Meet 1pm Oakwell Hall top car park WF17 9LG GR SE 217 270 4 miles (L) No dogs please Leader: Kathleen Tel: 01924 471473

Self-taught Eric holds a ‘Clexhibition’

Frank on Spencer...

BIRKENSHAW-BASED artist Eric Humphrey will soon be holding his first exhibition at Matthew’s Coffee House in Cleckheaton, having previously exhibited at the Mall Galleries in London.

Eric began painting 30 years ago and is mainly self-taught.

Taking early retirement from teaching in 1992 enabled Eric to concentrate on the landscape and aviation subjects in

ART historian Simon Poë will be talking about the work of Roddam Spencer Stanhope (18291908) in his second Victorian art lecture at Batley’s Bagshaw Museum on Sunday.

Spencer Stanhope was born at Cannon Hall and was a ‘Yorkshire PreRaphaelite’.

The illustrated lecture starts at 2pm and costs £3.50 per person – no booking is necessary.

Simon’s third and final lecture will be on Sunday February 8, when Walter Richard Sickert is the featured artist.

For further information contact the museum in Wilton Park on 01924 326155.

which he specialises.

His latest work features original works in watercolour, oil and acrylic, plus prints.

The paintings will be on display at the coffee shop on Market Street from Monday January 26 until Saturday March 7.

There’s an opportunity to meet Eric at a ‘meet the artist’ event on January 26, from 6pm until 8pm at the café.

Bringing history alive RARE stories from historical events in the first half of the 20th century will be highlighted when former librarian Ian Dewhirst presents an informal history of the times at Batley History Group meeting next Monday (January 26).

Table top sale A TABLE TOP sale takes place at Ossett War Memorial Community Centre on Saturday February 7, starting at 10am.

Admission is 50p which includes a cup of coffee, tea or glass of juice and a biscuit.

Bacon sandwiches are available at a reasonable price.

The sale will be a good opportunity to clear out unwanted possessions ready for a spring clean.

Contact ossettwecarboot@yahoo.co.uk for a booking form.

Ian, who has a reputation for injecting unusual and highly amusing stories in all his talks, is already rated as one of the best speakers to have attended the history group’s meetings over the past few years.

And it seems likely that his standing will be reinforced as he tells more of his unexpected findings.

The First World War has to feature in any round-up of 20th century events, but Ian has found numerous unusual angles such as the letters written by one serviceman who spent his time as part of the country’s east coast defence forces.

He has also uncovered informal and personal items from letters written by a man serving with a barrage balloon unit

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and, on the entertainment side, he reveals some of the interesting matters which people discovered when they first starting going to cinemas.

Added to this are reports of what happened when film companies started to descend on Yorkshire to collect footage, along with lots of other fascinating stories from the early 20th century.

As well as being librarian at Keighley reference library for many years, Ian, pictured right, is the author of several history books and has written numerous columns about Yorkshire’s historical past for newspapers and magazines.

He continues to write and give numerous talks and has been awarded the MBE for his services to local history.

His talk will be held at Batley Town Hall on Monday January 26, starting at 7.30pm.

Admission is £2 for members and £4 for non members with free refreshments available from 7pm.

BATLEY’S Frontier Club will play host to an X Factor star as part of a fundraising prom show.

Teen singer Jack Walton, right, takes to the stage on Thursday, February 12, for the first-ever Yorkshire Prom Show (7.30pm).

Organised by Clare Ellarby, who runs the Miss Elegance fashion shop in Birstall, the charity event will feature a prom fashion show and stalls showcasing dresses, shoes, hairstylists and limousines.

Proceeds will go to the Yorkshire Down Syndrome Group.

Mrs Ellarby said: “We are passionate

about prom and everything that goes with it, so we thought we would create an event which showcases the very best products available to those who are looking to create the most magical night of their lives.”

Jack Walton, who reached the finals of the 2014 X Factor competition, will headline the entertainment, with a special guest appearance from DJ and

dance music star Tom Zanetti.

Miss Elegance will also be showcasing some of its prom products on the catwalk, and organisers are holding a competition to find two girls to model dresses, with the chance to win a full prom package, including a dress.

Competition details can be found at www.yorkshirepromshow.com and all entries must be in by Sunday, January 25.

Tickets are £11.20, or £22.40 for a VIP seat, and are available by searching for Yorkshire Prom Show on Ticketmaster.

They are also on sale at the Miss Elegance shop on Low Lane, Birstall.

Opera North Orchestra bring festive grandeur to town DEWSBURY Town Hall will play host to the Orchestra of Opera North and works

by Dmitri Shostakovich and Mozart on Saturday February 7 (7.30pm).

Shostakovich may be best known for his intensely serious symphonies and string quartets, but there

was a lighter, more carefree side to his musical personality, and it is given free rein in the predominantly cheerful Second Piano Concerto.

Next to be performed will be Fratres by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, who for the past few years has

been the most frequently performed contemporary composer in the world.

Titled ‘Festive Grandeur’, the concert closes with Mozart’s last symphony, the ‘Jupiter’, a grand and festive work which is a fitting climax to his symphonic career.

Audiences can join in with a lively discussion about the performance by attending ‘Talking Music’ which starts at 6.40pm.

Tickets can be purchased from www.kirklees.gov.uk/ townhalls or by calling the 01484 223200.

Facing up to a new drawing challenge WHEN it comes to drawing, faces are perhaps the most difficult to master.

To help youngsters produce that perfect portrait, Red House in Gomersal is running ‘Pastel Portraits for Kids’ on Wednesday February 18.

Artist Richard Lucas will show children how to get the right shape for the face and how to position the

eyes, nose and mouth as well as demonstrate different techniques, such as shading and blending, to help them create their own masterpiece.

As well as pastels, the young artists will be able to work in pen, pencil and charcoal. All materials will be provided.

Youngsters can bring their own photographs to work from but there

will also be a selection of pictures of well-known faces on which to base their portraits.

There are two sessions to choose from; 10am-12noon or 1pm-3pm. Each session costs £3.50 per child.

Children must be aged over eight to take part.

Places can be booked by contacting Red House on 01274 335100.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 KIRKBURTON TO EMLEY & FLOCKTON MOOR (NK) Meet 10.30am Kirkburton Library HD8 0RT GR SE 198 127 9 miles (M) No dogs please Leader: Dave Sharp Tel: 07981 720099

Scottish capers A BURNS Night celebration takes place at Ossett War Memorial Community Centre tomorrow (Sat) at 7pm.

A traditional Scottish supper will be served and entertainment provided by the St Raphael Singers and Wakefield Caledonian Society.

There will be a bar and raffle.

Tickets are £10 and are available from the community centre on 01924 274838 or by phone from Cynthia on 01924 261046.

• Mirfield’s Old Colonial pub will also be joining in the Burns Night festivities on Saturday night.

The Dunbottle Lane venue will host a ceremonial piping of the haggis from 8pm, with food, music and other traditional Scottish activities. All are welcome.

Willow workshop ANYONE looking for a creative new hobby need look no further than Oakwell Hall Country Park.

Ranger Patrick Crowley will be teaching people how to turn a natural material into a living structure at a ‘Willow Workshop’ on Saturday February 7.

The day-long workshop will involve harvesting willow from the country park’s own stock before working as part of a team to build arbours around benches in the gardens and a willow screen around benches by the wildlife pond. Tools will be provided.

The workshop will run from 10am to 3pm and costs £25 per person.

Places can be booked by contacting Oakwell on 01924 326240.

• Get your event featured in Life and Leisure by emailing david@thepress news.co.uk.

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

15

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network and on Ent News (UBC Media Showbiz online)

Billy’s so happy being our king of pantoland CORONATION STREET actress Kym Marsh is ‘furious’ after internet trolls attacked her daughter Emilie Cunliffe, following the 16-year-old’s performance on BBC’s The Voice. “I just thinks it’s so cruel, she is still a young girl and yet because of me gets attacked,” she said.

“Hopefully she won’t let this put her off from having a go at other attempts to break into showbiz.”

HE KING of Bradford pantomime, Billy Pearce, has just finished another sell-out run in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at the Alhambra Theatre, and he tells me: “I have already signed up for next year. It’s like my home now, I have been doing this since 1994 and love it. I just hope my fans and newcomers allow me to stay here forever doing panto, it really is my favourite venue.”

T

EASTENDERS boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins has promised to ease up on the Carter family a bit in 2015. “They have established themselves now quite a bit, so I think that people will enjoy having a break and seeing some of the other characters back taking centre stage,” he said.

STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Len Goodman is not a man to skip on his luxuries.

While in London the supersmooth dancer likes to stay at the Park Royal near St James’s Park, and he tells me: “I am a member, and it’s very swish, with great food too, so I always make this my home from home.”

ROSS KEMP has confirmed he will not be involved in EastEnders’ 30th anniversary celebrations – he says he’s simply too busy. He told me: “I like the idea and would never say never, but right now is not the perfect time for me, and I know I am letting many fans down, but it’s beyond what I can fit in right now.”

COMEDIAN and actress Dawn French is to return as a bishop in a special episode of The Vicar Of Dibley for Red Nose Day in March. She told me: “I can’t resist bringing her back, and she is always great fun to play, so when they suggested this special, I thought well why not and I am so looking forward to it.”

THE X Factor 2014 runner-up Fleur East has signed a record deal with Simon Cowell’s record label Syco.

She tells me: “I know it’s a hard road to climb, but I am raring to go and Simon says he will support me all the way, so I am looking forward to starting work on the tour and the new album.”

JOHNNY VEGAS is back in Benidorm, playing quiz king and mummy’s boy The Oracle, and he tells me that

PANTO PAIR: Montini and Billy Pearce at the Maycon Pictures MADONNA is apparAlhambra Theatre, Bradford

he missed playing the role. “I think we all know people like him, he is annoying but harmless and above all else he has a good heart,” he said. “You go to Spain and trust me you will see lots of him around the resorts…”

BENIDORM actor Jake Canuso has admitted he would love to take part in Strictly Come Dancing. “I love the show, and yes I was a dancer, but that was years ago, so I think it would be all new to me again,” he said. “I just hope that one day they may just give me a call.”

FORMER Emmerdale actress Claire King admits that appearing in Coronation Street is a dream come true, and confesses: “I had just appeared in Big Brother and I needed something exciting as a challenge acting-wise, so this was the dream ticket ... I could not be happier.”

AFTER 13 years on screen, BAFTA-winning drama Foyle’s War has ended, with the final episode airing on Sunday. Writer Anthony Horowitz claims to have run out of stories, but fans are up in arms over this and have suggested to the makers of the show they should find another writer to keep this favourite going ... I will keep you posted.

CORONATION Street producer Stuart Blackburn has revealed that the show’s upcoming live episode is unlikely to revolve around a huge stunt. As announced late last year, the soap will go live again in September 2015 to mark the 60th birthday of its broadcaster ITV. “I think that would be so expected if we did that, so obviously we will look at other options,” he told me.

MONDAY

Earlsheaton Central WMC 7.30pm, Carolyn 07710 749563 Healey, Alder House Hotel 5.30pm and 7.30pm, NEW CONSULTANT Fran 07593 788109

Mirfield Zion Baptist Church.

5.30pm and 7.30pm. Sue 01924 406836 Woodkirk Country Club, 7.30pm Louise 07882 229133

TUESDAY

ently on the bill for this year’s Brit Awards. A source told me at the launch show that the pop icon would be there, maybe just to present, but they are hopeful of an performance also, as she has a new album out called ‘Rebel Heart’.

Heckmondwike Comrades Club 10am and 12pm Sue 01924 406836

DOWNTON ABBEY star Joanne Froggatt recently won a Golden Globe for her role in the TV series, and told me at a party she can’t believe just how her career has turned out. She laughed: “I am from Whitby – I mean things like that don’t happen to people like me, but I’m truly over the moon and just stunned. The show is a gem and is so well-loved over here in the US. Long may it continue.”

WEDNESDAY

JEREMY PIVEN has admitted he loves nothing more than being recognised as his character from Mr Selfridge.

“I think it’s really opened doors for me and people love a bad guy, right?” he said. “Plus at that time it was so much fun to be rich and boy he did enjoy it, so I guess it’s rubbing off on me for a bit, don’t you think?”

Mirfield Old Bank W.M.C 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Susan 01924 495647

SIMON COWELL may have suffered a decline in popularity of late with his shows, but he thinks his own tell-all book could revive it. “I think a picture book would also be good, as I have many which the public have never seen,” he said.

ZOE BALL has said that she does not want Tess Daly’s job presenting Strictly Come Dancing. She tells me: “I get asked it all the time, but I just love doing the tour and the spin-off show, plus Tess has been there from the start, so why would I want to do that?”

Heckmondwike Comrades Club 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Sue 01924 406836 Shaw Cross Boys Club 5.30pm and 7.30pm Lynne 07988 662052 Thornhill Lees Community Centre 7.30pm Joanne 07870 545342 Birstall Community Centre 9.30am & 11.30am Yvonne 07727 137854 Birstall Community Centre 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Yvonne 07727 137854 Dewsbury Town Hall 9.30am & 11.30am Debbie 01924 453681 Dewsbury Town Hall 5.30pm & 7.30pm Debbie 01924 453681 Hunsworth Scout Headquarters 5.30pm & 7.30pm Paul 07848 958798

Mirfield Zion Baptist Church.

5.30pm and 7.30pm Debra 07504 973964 Roberttown Community Centre 7.30pm Kathryn 07906 118636 Thornhill Rugby Club 5.30pm and 7.30pm Joanne 01924 468645

THURSDAY Dewsbury Moor Westmoor School 7.30pm NEW CONSULTANT Michelle 07899 319285 Batley Town Hall 9.30am and 11.30am Lynne 07988 662052 Batley Town Hall 5.30pm and 7.30pm Lynne 07988 662052 Liversedge Millbridge WMC 5pm and 7pm Kathryn 07906 118636

SATURDAY

Mirfield Trinity Methodist Church 9am Debra 07504 973964

ThePress

16

Friday January 23, 2015

How hackers can affect your online business EBSITE security should be a key consideration for owners. If you own a website then it is highly likely that it has been targeted at some point by hackers or other malicious activity.

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Protection from hackers Hacking comes in various guises, from individuals trying to break into websites to post content (often links to other websites) or to steal information.

Hackers will normally break into websites using their forms, data capture fields (eg for newsletter signup) or client areas and these

sorts of attacks are normally done by chancers.

Unfortunately many of the open source website builders and low-budget options have their vulnerabilities exposed by hackers because the code is readily available for them to work with.

It is important that if you have one of these (eg Wordpress or Shopify) then you regularly use their updates as often these are provided to block holes.

It is a good idea, particularly with custom-built websites, to have them penetration tested to ensure that there are no places where the website code can be accessed.

It is also very important to maintain your own local security.

Often with more targeted attempts hackers will use viruses to gain access to computers where passwords may be held, meaning they don’t have to break into the website, they can access the content management system using your details and make changes this way.

DDOS attacks Distributed Denial Of Service attacks have been the subject of several high-profile cases recently, notably Sony and Paypal.

A DDOS attack comprises thousands of computers

SUCCESFUL-LEE: Designer Lee Kennedy of Lambchop Creative

Web TALK with Andrew Firth Happy New Year and welcome to the first Web Talk of 2015, helping Kirklees website owners to prosper online accessing the front-end of a website over and over again.

Generally more than 100,000 hits per second will be experienced, enough to cause the server to overload and crash the website being targeted, and any other website on the server.

DDOS attacks are becoming ever more common, there are websites where you can order an attack and the computers used are everyday machines owned by innocent people who don’t even know their machines have been compromised and are being used to access a website.

The sheer volume of machines in operation, all in different locations across the

world, make these attacks very difficult to stop.

Generally when an attack is stopped it comes back even stronger and lasts as long as someone is prepared to pay for it, or until the hosting company manage to block it.

Stopping DDOS attacks generally involves installing heavy-duty firewalls that are capable of filtering traffic to identify which traffic is not part of the attack and allow it through.

If you have experienced hacking or even DDOS attacks then it is best to review your hosting provision.

Websites that are unavailable not only lead to a loss of

earnings but can also effect search engine positions.

• TO READ more on this and other subjects, please visit the blog at www. ascensor.co.uk/blog.

For more information contact andrew@ascensor. co.uk.

Follow me on Twitter: @andrewj firth.

Connect on LinkedIn: andrew jfirth.

• Ascensor are a digital agency providing website design, ecommerce and search engine optimisation.

Lee’s date with Dragon guru A LOGO designer based in Thornhill is celebrating after winning a competition to meet a Dragons’ Den guru.

Lee Kennedy, who runs Lambchop Creative, entered a weekly competition run by entrepreneur Theo Paphitis on his Twitter page.

The well-known businessman personally picks six winners from the whole country for a ‘Small Business Sunday’ award.

The chosen six are businesses that Mr Pahitis thinks would represent him well, and Lee will get to meet him in person next

Friday at his annual award show in Birmingham. Lee set up Lambchop Creative in 2012 and has worked with major companies including shoemaker Nicholas Deakins, Asda, Just-Eat and Hilton in Leeds.

He added: “I will receive a certificate, a photo with the man himself and £50 to spend at his Ryman store. I also get to hear speeches from representatives of some of the UK’s leading companies.”

For more information visit www.lambchopcreative.com.

Help to Buy – a helping hand to your new home F YOU are thinking of getting a foot on the property ladder or wanting to ‘upgrade’ your present home but are finding it difficult due to money constraints, then the government’s Help to Buy Scheme may be just what you need.

The scheme, first launched in its present form in April 2013, has so far helped over 48,000 people to get on, or up the housing ladder.

In fact 82 per cent of people who have benefited from the scheme have been first time buyers.

This shows that the scheme is successfully targeting the people that need it the most.

The scheme is split into two parts – Equity Loan and Mortgage Guarantee.

Equity loans are open to both first time buyers and home movers on properties within England. The maximum purchase price is £600,000 and the property must be a new-build.

With an equity loan you will only need a five per cent deposit and the government can give you a loan of up to 20 per cent of the purchase price.

This means that you would only need a mortgage for 75 per cent of

I

Susan Simpson, Conveyancing Executive Dewsbury Office (01924) 455515 66 Daisy Hill, Dewsbury Tel: 01924 455515 2 Nelson Street, Birstall Tel: 01924 472596

Legal Eye with Hellewell, Pasley and Brewer the purchase price of the property.

The equity loan, if paid back within the first five years of the loan is interest-free.

If paid back after the first five years then the interest rate applicable will be dependent on the prevailing interest rates at that time.

You can pay back part or your entire loan at any time. The minimum percentage you can pay back is 10 per cent of the market value of your home. The amount you pay will depend on the market value at that time.

The mortgage guarantee scheme, as with the equity loan, is open to both first time buyers and people moving up the property

ladder.

However, the mortgage guarantee is available for properties throughout the UK and is also offered on ‘second hand’ homes.

The maximum purchase price is still £600,000 and you only need a five per cent deposit.

Under both schemes the property upon which the loan is secured has to be your only residence and the property cannot be rented out after purchase.

There are many builders up and down the country who participate in the Help to Buy scheme and your solicitor/conveyancer will be able to guide you through the documentation and ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible for you.

Once you have found the home that you are looking for, contact your financial advisor and they will be able to advise you as to whether you would qualify for the scheme or not.

Don’t think that the schemes are only for people on low incomes, as this is not the case.

The scheme is open to everyone to apply for and the property, if a new-build, is bought through an approved Help to Buy builder.

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

17

A mark of trust for customers N WHATEVER industry, in whichever walk of life, we all strive to be the best at what we do.

And when it comes to being a customer and parting with your heard-earned cash, you want to know that you’re dealing with

I

the very best around.

One of the easiest ways of discerning who’s going to be your best bet is by using a business that’s officially registered and recognised by a relevant trade association or body.

Trade associations and other

professional organisations give you peace of mind that the firm you’re dealing with know what they’re doing, and are respected and reviewed by their peers.

And having industry-standard qualifications also show that they’re up to the job.

HARFORD’S SECURITY LTD

Est 45 Years

Key cutting, all types available.

Including Magnum, Yale Superior, M-Tlock, Kaba, Iseo, Bilock, Avocet ABS, ABS high security locks and many more Car keys - most car keys in stock, Car remotes repaired, Large Selection of different types of locks, IE, Doors, Windows, Shutter, Cabinet Locks, Specialist locks - Keys & Cylinders always in stock MASTER LOCKSMITHS ACCESS CONTROL INTRUDER ALARM CRB CHECKED INSTALLERS Member of Master Locksmith Association

Ring for details on monitored alarms & service contracts

NELSON STREET, DEWSBURY, WF13 1NA TEL: 01924 467269 FAX: 01924 430800 WEBSITE: www.harfordssecurity.co.uk

Keeping up to date with best practice and the latest techniques and regulations in the trade is vital and relevant qualifications are a mark of trust for the customer.

Firms that set the standard focus on their customers and

aim to constantly improve and give value for money.

The local firms on the next six pages stand for safety, trustworthiness, professionalism, innovation, great customer service and are among the very best in their respective sectors.

QA Your name: David Crossland

Name of your business: Crossmann Builders & Contractors When was the business established? 1985

Are you members of any trade or industry bodies, an official association or a professional society? FMB CHAS

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Has your business or any of your employees reached an official standard or received any awards?

MEWPs Working at heights certificate Abrasive wheels certificate CDM Construction skills Fire marshal certificate First aid at work certificate Excavation certificate for 360º excavators, and 180º back hoe and front loading shovels

Why is being a member of a trade association or other official body important to your business?

Shows that we are serious about the construction industry and proficient in the service we offer What makes your business stand out from all the rest?

We stand out from the rest because we are good at what we do. Clients include CR Longley, Kraft Foods, Premier Foods, Dow Chemicals, Esseco UK Ltd, Mondelez

Crossmann Builders & Contractors Ltd

Quality builders offering a complete service with all the required skills and experience necessary to complete projects within budget and on time. » Civil Works and new Production Sheds in Chemical Plants » Domestic Extensions » Domestic New Build & Renovation » Excavation and Machines Bases » Bund Walls » Excavation and Road Works » Built Up Felt Roofing Contact us today for a free consultation

www.crossmannbuilders.co.uk email: crossmann@btconnect.com

53 Vulcan Road | Dewsbury | WF13 2NA T: 01924 457721 | F: 01924 439861

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ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

Your name: Julie Helm Name of your business: Flatts Nursery School & Day-care

Q A When was the business established?

December 1951

Are you members of any trade or industry bodies, an official association or a professional society?

Kirklees Local Authority Maintained Nursery School - Registered with Ofsted

Has your business or any of your employees reached an official standard or received any awards?

Judged 'Outstanding' by Ofsted - third time in a row

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Do you or any members of your team hold any other industry-standard qualifications?

Investors in People March 2013 National Basic Skills Award for Literacy & Numeracy Teaching Why is being a member of a trade association or other official body important to your business?

Staff qualifications and well-being represent quality practice

What makes your business stand out from all the rest?

The enthusiasm and commitment of the whole staff team towards our very young children and their families

From unused hotel to luxury care home FURNITURE specialists Shackletons have been heaped with praise after they transformed an unused hotel into a comprehensive care home environment.

The firm who have a showroom in Batley and a large manufacturing base in Dewsbury, were contracted to work on the refurbishment project to develop a tired and unused hotel into an elegant care home environment in Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

Shackletons created spaces that offer comfort for the needs of every resident.

Whether reading newspapers in the library or enjoying refreshments with family and friends in the cafe, every aspect was tailored to the residents’ requirements.

Shackletons designed and manufactured furniture for the reception, residents’ bar and cafe, a reminiscence lounge, cinema room, spacious lounge and 54 en-suite bedrooms,

Amanda Falleth, design manager at Milford Care said: “Everything we do is tailored to individual needs. This is why we chose Shackletons to help us translate our tailored approached into our interior design and furniture.

“They completely understand the needs of our residents and our need as a business to put our residents first.”

Jason Bloom, national sales manager at Shackletons added: “With state-of-the-art facilities, spacious bedrooms and beautiful communal areas, Ashbourne Lodge offers elderly care in exceptional surroundings and we wanted to make sure our product and service complemented that.

We’re ecstatic with the results.”

Shackletons have been in the business of creating comfort for over 50 years and are the UK’s leading provider of specialist care furniture which is manufactured on Weaving Lane in Dewsbury.

Ashbourne Lodge in Derbyshire, with furniture from Shackletons

c h S o o y l r & e s r D u a N y s c t are t a l F Ashworth Green, Dewsbury, WF13 2SU (5 minutes away from Dewsbury Railway Station)

01924 325290 office.flatts@kirkleeseducation.uk www.flattsnurseryschool.co.uk This school is a very special place where each child is valued as an individual and helped to reach their full potential. The enthusiasm, enjoyment and love of learning found here is infectious. - Ofsted December 2014 At Flatts Nursery School & Day-care education is about learners experiencing the joy of discovery through play, talk and first hand sensory experiences. Children will develop their self-confidence as learners and mature socially and emotionally. We combine high standards with a broad, balanced and rich Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum in an environment which is welcoming, safe and stimulating.

We offer: • Free Nursery Education for some 2 (see criteria) & all 3 and 4 year olds.

• Day-care Open 48 weeks of the year. Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

• Qualified teachers and nursery officers. - Teaching is Outstanding - Ofsted December 2014 • Part-time and full-time places available.

• Excellent facilities including ICT & Sensory Room. - The nursery is vibrant and well resourced - Ofsted December 2014 • Safe, enclosed outside play area with ‘Forest School’ & Vegetable Garden - The outdoor area is extensive and very challenging - Ofsted December 2014 • Freshly prepared food served on the premises. Five Stars. (Kitchen Hygiene rating) • Kirklees Healthy choice Award 2013-2015 • School ‘Outstanding’ OFSTED December 2014

To apply for a place at the Nursery School please contact the school to arrange a visit in person so that you can be shown around the provision on offer. If you wish to register your child please bring his/her birth certificate and fill in a registration form. You will then be contacted the term before your child is due to start and invited to make some visits with your child to help in the settling in process. - Children are sensitively supported as they start nursery - Ofsted December 2014.

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

19

Your name: Joe Brennan Name of your business: Chem Scaffolding Ltd

Q A When was the business established?

2007

Are you members of any trade or industry bodies, an official association or a professional society?

We are members of CHAS, SMAS, Construction Line, and also Safe Contractor

Greek success in Ossett LOVERS of Mediterranean food are flocking to a restaurant in Ossett.

Nikoz, on Dale Street in Ossett, opened five and a half months ago and business is improving week on week.

Managed by Eleftherios Takos, originally from Thessaloniki in Greece, Nikoz blends Greek and Mediterrean cuisine and has proved a big hit in central Ossett, with customers travelling from across the district.

Known as ‘Lefty’, life-long restaurateur Mr Takos previously ran the Lalousis restaurant in Dewsbury and launched Nikoz in what used

to be an Italian eatery in late 2014.

The family-run venture employs around 20 staff and there are plans to soon have live music on Friday nights.

The menu includes Greek favourites such as souvlaki, lamb kleftiko, stifado, moussaka and signature dish king prawn saganaki.

Mr Takos said: “People are really enjoying the food and business is growing really nicely. It’s improving all the time and we'd like to thank all of our customers for supporting us.”

For more information visit www.nikoz.co.uk.

&

Has your business or any of your employees reached an official s tandard or received any awards?

We try to employ local people and a few have now been on training courses and gained scaffolder’s certificates

Why is being a member of a trade association or other official body important to your business?

It differentiates us What makes your business stand out from all the rest?

All these accreditations and the experienced staff we have.

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ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

Sandra’s treat SANDRA MUSGRAVE was presented with a hamper full of goodies after winning a free prize draw on the new ‘My Dewsbury’ Facebook page. Sandra was one of the 270 people who liked the page before the competition deadline.

The community Facebook page provides an online place for businesses, community groups and

local residents to share information about offers, events, activities and news from in and around the town.

The page came about following the creation of the ‘Dewsbury – worth shouting about’ logo which was designed by students from Kirklees College, SHARP agency and Kirklees Council.

There are plans to develop the new identity further with a new website planned later this year.

Sandra was presented with her hamper – which was kindly donated by Sainsbury’s – at Dewsbury Town Hall by businessman Neville Morris (left) and chairman of My Dewsbury Gary Gordon (right).

QA QA Your name: David Bolland

Name of your business: Garlands Residential & Dementia Care Home When was the business established? May 2007

Are you members of any trade or industry bodies, an official association or a professional society?

We are regulated by the CQC and Kirklees Council. We are also part of ‘The Gold Standards Framework’ which is all to do with end-of-life care.

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Has your business or any of your employees reached an official standard or received any awards?

All staff who work at Garlands are trained to NVQ Level 2 and senior staff go on to be NVQ Level 3 trained. All staff, whether it be cooks or domestic, are all Level 2 NVQ trained.

Why is being a member of a trade association or other official body important to your business?

Lindsay Bolland is the Registered Manager which is a requirement from the CQC.

What makes your business stand out from all the rest?

We are a small, friendly-run business, our residents always come first. We are competitively priced, we do not offer top-ups, each of our residents is treated with respect and dignity.

We are not only a care home, we are a family. Our residents’ families are welcome at all times and we always make them feel welcome.

Garlands Residential & Dementia Care Home

Vacancies available Telephone:

01924 404122

27 Church Street, Heckmondwike

Your name: John Metcalfe Name of your business: Metcalfes butchers Ltd. When was the business established? 1967 Are you members of any trade or industry bodies, an official association or a professional society?

We are members of The National Federation of Meat, The Federation of Small Business and The Guild of Fine Food Has your business or any of your employees reached an official standard or received any awards?

All of our employees have passed levels 1 and 2 in food safety and manufacturing award, some have level 3. We have won numerous awards over the years – the more recent ones are as follows: in Harrogate 2013 we were awarded gold for our pork pies, gold for our dry cured gammon, gold for our dry cured back bacon, gold for haslet, gold for our Scotch eggs and gold for our black pudding. In 2014 we hit gold in the food industry’s biggest wards when we won a ‘Golden Fork’ award in London for Best Northern Speciality Product, for our free range dry cured back bacon. This award is for excellence and is recognised by Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols as the highest possible accolade in the food industry – The Oscar!

Do you or any members of your team hold any other industry-standard qualifications?

The IMO butchery qualification stopped in the 80s and 90s as it was seen as too long (six years), to be replaced by NVQs in catering. As I wanted to study highly-skilled butchery I served a 10-year apprentice under my Master butcher father, David Metcalfe, with additional influence from Master butchers Reg Curtis, Frank Wright, and David Brown, who all inspired me!

Why is being a member of a trade association or other official body important to your business?

They keep us up to date on changing laws and practices, and some offer relevant training courses for staff etc.

What makes your business stand out from all the rest?

We are highly specialised selling the best of British! We are very interested in animal wellbeing and welfare, a happy pig will always produce better meat than a factory farmed animal that is under inhumane stress. That’s why 100 per cent of the pork we sell is free range, and all of our herb-fed chickens are 100 per cent free range. We are a specialist, we only sell one product ... meat! And you'll be pleasantly surprised at our fair prices!

After being in business for 47 years, I think that says it all.

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ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

Builders of beautiful homes

Advertising Feature A NOBLE Home is much more than bricks and mortar.

To the purchaser it means a home designed and built to be economical to run with efficient central heating, double glazing, good insulation & solid construction.

Noble Homes is a familyrun company which has been building in Yorkshire for over 50 years and won multiple industry awards.

Noble Homes is one of the region’s longest established and most respected house builders.

They have an expanding build programme encompassing a wide-ranging residential portfolio, providing everything from city-style apartments and mews homes to family and executive detached houses.

“We take the skills and values of yesterday and combine them with technology and

design of today to create beautiful homes for you today,” said managing director Chris Noble.

The Noble Homes team is dedicated to advise and assist you with a wide range of choices of fixtures and fittings (subject to stage of construction) so that you can buy an individual home reflecting your quality and style.

Contact them very soon, they are all there to help.

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ThePress

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Friday January 23, 2015

Quality Cremation Funeral Service at a fixed price of £1649.00 Prepayment Funeral Plans from £2300.00 53 Bradford Road, Cleckheaton and Arnold House, Southfield Terrace, Birkenshaw Contact: Richard Arnold or Janice Hutton 24 hours

01274 891335 or 01274 653115

www.gatewayfuneralservices.co.uk

SALE NOW ON GUITARS, AMPS & DRUMS BEST DEALS IN TOWN 39b Westbourne Road, Marsh, Huddersfield, HD1 4LQ Tel: 01484 321388 www.mi4all.com PART EXCHANGE & CASH DEALS ALWAYS WELCOME

ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS Here for your plumbing & gas needs

“Save up to 30% on your fuel bills”

“

IF YOU need a trustworthy and competent gas and heating engineer at a fair price, then look no further.

“I’m based in Birstall and have been running CR Gas & Plumbing Services for more than two years after working as a British Gas engineer for 15 years.

“I will take care of all of your heating and plumbing needs, from breakdowns to servicing, from boiler exchanges to fitting appliances and everything in between.

“I’m Gas Safe-registered and I cover all of West

Yorkshire, with no call out charge and free quotes and estimates.

“A major local lettings agency trust me to service all of the properties on their books and most of my work comes from word of mouth after I’ve done a great job for a customer.

“I’m a local Birstall lad who’ll do quality work at a great price – just ask my clients! Call me today on 07921 151177 or 01924 470982.”

Clarke Rothwell Owner

“I AM Mike Kitchen, formerly of TM Gas. I am a former British Gas engineer with more than 35 years’ experience and we can supply and install complete new central heating systems, gas fires and other gas appliances.

“All the equipment we install is A-rated for energy efficiency. That means that the boilers could save you up to 30 per cent on your fuel bills. That’s a great saving with gas prices always going up.

“I also service and maintain gas heating and appli-

ances and attend emergency breakdowns. We offer friendly, no nonsense advice and a free, no obligation quote.

“Whatever you need just give me a call. I’ll be happy to help.

“We are professional, only use the best parts and materials and we are entirely focused on the needs of the customer. Our

pricing is very competitive.

“We also specialise in complete bathrooms or shower installations so if you are looking to improve your home give us a call.

“For a free no-obligation quote or just some friendly advice ring me on 07894 454495.”

Mike Kitchen, M&T Heating

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

JUST GUTTERING Established 1985

E&RUPHCOLLSETEARYN CCAARPLD ET S CLEANING SPECIALIST

PHONE NOW FOR RS NEW YEAR OFFEon n Call Tim Riorda

01924 490241 62239 or 07770 4 alderclean.co.uk Email: tim@c www.calderclean.co.uk

The

DOG P A D GROOMING

carpenter and blished 28 years ago by JUST GUTTERING esta enter son in now managed by carp joiner Kevin Flynn, and with over 40 years experience , Daly law Michael Flynn between them. endation for reputation and recomm repairs to Just guttering relies on With jobs ranging from an expert . tion sfac sati r ome cust k, by wor e ranc insu and renewals, storm damage team of installers. m in a .9 gauge e in seamless aluminiu iron or Just guttering specialis also available in cast ters Gut em. syst tang and mus as dry verges, Roofline products such ice of cho a wood, as well as UPVC. in pipes are all available facias, soffits and down colours. services Kevin Guttering isn't all the Despite its name, Just out all roofing The firm also carries ide. prov l hae Mic and estic houses, dom on of, rero full to work from a slipped tile l properties. stria indu and cial mer new GRP garages/porches, com also fully qualified in the ns etc.

Kevin and the team are garages, dormers, extensio for l Idea em. syst ing flat roof

For a no-obligation quote

on contact Kevin / Michael

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23

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ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

25

Perrys launches affordable options on stylish Mazda Advertising Feature AMILY-CAR style and practicality is within reach for customers in Huddersfield as local dealer Perrys Mazda has announced fresh finance deals until March 31 2015 for its newest family car – the Mazda3.

F

The attractive offers put customers in control thanks to affordable payment options across the award-winning range.

Visitors to the showroom on Northgate can now take advantage of a combination of zero deposit and 0% APR* representative finance when purchasing the Mazda3 with a Mazda PCP finance package, plus this is now available with a £500 Mazda deposit contribution.

The zero deposit, 0% APR Representative PCP finance package requires no up-front payment and simply asks that the customers commit to up to 42 monthly payments.

A single final payment at the end of the contract allows customers to complete their purchase and take ownership of the car.

Those that take advantage of these unbeatable offers benefit from the superior design, quality and performance that is guaranteed with the Mazda3 range.

Combining Mazda’s sleek, striking KODO – Soul of Motion design theme with premium quality interior, the Mazda3 range takes customer comfort and style to a new level.

Steve Garth, dealer principal at Perrys Mazda in Huddersfield, commented: “The

superior performance and aesthetic of the Mazda3 is already popular with our customers in Huddersfield, and we believe that the new finance options will make it even more irresistible.

“The Mazda3 offers customers the unique combination of style and efficiency, eliminating the need for compromise.”

All of the latest sixth-generation Mazda vehicles are equipped with Mazda’s innovative fuel-saving SKYACTIV engine technology.

Thanks to the Japanese brand’s convention-defying engineering, these SKYACTIV models deliver a unique combination of big engine performance with small engine fuel economy, low emissions and low ownership costs, while retaining Mazda’s traditional fun-to-drive characteristics.

The 36-strong Mazda3 range comprises 21 hatchback and 15 fastback (saloon) variants, with prices from £16,995 to £23,745 on-the-road.

Customers to the Northgate-based showroom can choose from three SKYACTIV-G petrol engines (with 100ps, 120ps or 165ps outputs), or the award-winning 2.2-litre 150ps SKYACTIV-D turbo diesel as well as having the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and five specification levels (SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and the flagship Sport Nav) depending on model.

To find out more about these special offers, or to test drive any Mazda model, call Perrys Mazda on 01484 481250, or visit the dealership on Northgate in Huddersfield.

Alternatively, visit www.perryscars-mazda.co.uk.

26

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

EASY ways to book your advert:

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Friday January 23, 2015

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Ring for best price on Builders Skips for Green Waste ~~LEVEL LOADS ONLY~~ We cover Mirfield, Dewsbury, Ossett, Cleckheaton, Scholes, Thornhill & Batley ALL OF NORTH KIRKLEES

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Large cars £200 Cash paid & free collection Open 7 days a week Tel 0800 450 9674 or 01924 726606 OR 07743 134616 S.D Metals Recycling

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27

28

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

Hoover washing machine, good condition £50. Tel 07594 430397. (1603)

How to advertise...

There are THREE ways to place your advert: 1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm).

Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge).

2) Come into the offices of The

NEW Fold-up pushchair, large wheeled, used for two weeks £50.

Tel 01924 488554.

(1624) Oval, solid wood extending pine table, 57” length extending to 68” x 34” wide, plus 4 matching chairs £60. Buyer to collect. Tel 01924 438735. (1625) Gents shoes size 8, adapted for swollen feet, in good condition £10 ono. Tel 01924 441640.

(1626) Two recliner chairs, natural colour. Very clean and in good condition, £140 for both. Tel 01924 441640. (1626) CHILDREN’S

Press at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge).

3) Post your advert to us at The Press with details of your name and a contact number. Include

GOODS Cot/bed with mattress, very little use, in excellent condition, 18 months old, bought from Ikea, colour beech £40 ono. Tel 07766 610689. (1610) Infants cot/bed with safety mattress. In good, clean condition.

Used rarely at granny’s, now sadly outgrow, £35 complete. Tel 01924 609015 (1591) ELECTRONIC White Kenwood Chef mixer & liquidiser £60.

Tel 01924 494161.

(1609) FABRIC/ FASHION Two heavy quality sleeping bags £5 each.

Tel 01924 473218.

(1619) Ladies navy blue, long winter coat, size 14 –

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.

16, as new, £4.50. Tel 01924 463116 (1608)

Tel 07704 154433.

(1617)

Ladies blue fleece, short jacket, size 14 – 16, as new, £2.50. Tel 01924 463116. (1608)

Two leather armchairs, burgandy colour, in excellent condition £75 each. Tel 07817 671669. (1614)

FREE Free to collect horse manure, bring your own bags. Tel 07814 577224. (1600) FURNITURE Two brown leather dining chairs from Next, as new. Cost £240 accept £95 the pair. Tel 07831 186571. (1622) Large cane rocker swivel chair, mustard yellow cushions £40.

Tel 01924 473218.

(1619) Double divan bed with drawers, also as new 1500 pocket Outlast memory foam mattress £120. Buyer to collect.

Dressing table/console table, 6ft 4” long, with separate 3-folding mirror, from Ikea, colour Malm. Dressing table £30, mirror £20. Tel 07766 610689. (1610) Single mattress as new, used in spare bedroom, bargain £25 ono. Tel 07796 927000.

(1611)

PRICE SYSTEM ITEM bands

Up to £7 £8 - £25 £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus like new £100. Tel 01924 453932. (1604) Ikea round dining table and four tuckaway chairs, as new £80. Tel 07594 430397. (1603) ‘Nevada’ rise & recliner chair, in gold, perfect condition, used for one month only. Paid £900, will accept £250. Tel 07505 166835. (1596)

Ikea three-door wardrobe with mirror; chest of drawers, bedside cabinet, new condition £70. Tel 07594 430397. (1603)

Pine corner unit with light in top cupboard, 27” (w), as new £75.

Tel 01924 485972.

(1597)

Beige leather chaise longue, two years old,

Pine table 53” (L) x 30” (W), plus 4 dining

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Avento Delonghi oil filled radiator, variable thermostat and overheat safety shut off £35. Tel 01924 450919.

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Cost per item

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11 chairs, good condition £100. Tel 01924 485972. (1597) Tea/drinks trolley on castors, gilt metal, three trays high (removable trays for normal use), £10 ono.

Tel 01924 462494.

(1598) GARDEN Fencing laths, 4” wide, 3/4” thick, x 32 pieces.

Length 56 - 66”, £20 the lot. Tel 01924 472043. (1590) HOUSEHOLD Gas cooker, as new, ideal for flat £50. Tel 07594 430397. (1603)

MISCELLANEOUS Box of 48 scented small pillar candles, 8 hr burn time £15. Tel 07831 186571. (1622) Standard holly tree in pot £12. Tel 07508 834666. (1618) Aspidistra in pot £10.

Tel 07508 834666.

(1618) Well-rotted horse manure (no straw) 5 bags £10, free delivery.

Ring Ken on 01924 409540 or 07922 186721. (1616) Strong clothes rail and smaller rail; suit carbooter £30 for both. Tel 01924 474574. (1595) Ten John Wayne DVDs £10. Tel 01924 450919.

(1594) MUSICAL Tenor saxophone complete in case with original mouthpiece, neck sling and reeds. Gold lacquered, made by B&S Company GDR (Germany). Many pros and semi-pros play B&S saxes. Both instru-

ment and case are like new, although slightly used. Owned from new, well cared for by sixth form school girl, reduced to £295 for quick sale, cash payment only. Tel Batley 01924 477016.

(1613) SPORTING/ FITNESS/ AbKing stomach exercise bench, with instructions, cost £120 accept £50. Tel 07831 186571. (1622) Exercise bike, good condition, little used £40. Tel 01274 876997.

(1623) Ladies Slazenger golf clubs, only used three times.

Inc. navy & silver Slazenger bag, 3 to 9 irons, 3 woods, driver, sand wedge and putter.

Bargain £120. Tel 01924 455295/ 07815 850482. (1599) Ping golf clubs, 3 iron to 9 iron, plus pitching, wedge and sand wedge. Full set of original Ping rail £50. Tel 01924 473835. (1593) WANTED Wanted: New/used lengths of wood for exterior of shed. Will dismantle if needed.

Ring 07790 568986.

(1620) Wanted: Wooden clothes horse. Tel 01924 472250. (1615)

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

ATHLETICS

SPEN AC THRIVE IN MUD SPENBOROUGH and District Athletics Club celebrated success in climatic extremes as Ashton Greenwood won the North of England Indoor 300 metre Championship while the club’s distance runners revelled in the cold and mud of the cross country scene.

Teenage sprinter Greenwood won her heat, semi-final (in a fastest in the UK so far this season 40.17) and final to take the under-17 title at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield meeting.

The Heckmondwike Grammar School pupil was still nine-hundredths of a second short of her lifetime best at the distance, set at Wigan last August, but over two seconds faster than in the corresponding indoor championships 12 months ago.

Under-20 sprinter Erin Newsome won her 200 metre heat before finishing fifth in the final, then came home second in her heat of the 60 metres, and fourth in the final.

While James Anthony finished fifth in his heat of the under-20 men’s 800 metres.

Meanwhile, and seemingly a

MUD BATH: Spenborough’s first five seniors (L-R) Darren Wake, Johnny Turpin, Cath Chaplin Keith McGhie, Kevin Ogden and Tom Dart world away from the covered warmth of Sheffield, Spenborough hosted a series of cross-country open races at their Princess Mary Stadium home and were rewarded with individual and team prizes.

Spen’s Kevin Ogden, one of the regions top veterans, separated Leeds City’s winner Nick Hooker and Halifax Harriers Ben Crowther through the sleet and

liquid mud which greeted the 7.2km male senior runners.

Ogden had the consolation of taking the Veteran 40 award and leading the home club to victory in the team event – Tom Dart, despite a fall, finishing fourth and European Veterans 800m Champion Keith McGhie (seventh) completing the winning trio.

Other Spenborough runners were John Turpin (ninth), Paul Bolland (10th), Darren Wake (11th), Dave Butler (13th), Lee Dolman (14th), and Grant Cooper (16th).

While Jason Newell, who competes for the Cleckheaton club in track and field competition during the summer, was 17th.

In the younger age races there were wins for Tobin Rhodes in the shorter under-17 men’s race, Courtney Benson in the under-15 girls’ race and Olivia Reah in the under-13s.

Benson led Molly Waring and Alice Cooper to the girls’ team prize. Alicia Rhodes and Mia Butler were second and third in the under-13 girls’ race.

Other young Spenborough competitors included Nickolas Brackebridge (fourth in the under-15 boys’ race) Jack Quinn (sixth) and Jack Barraclough (12th) in the under-11 boys’ race and Molly Briggs (12th) in the under-11 girls’ race.

Spen’s Sarah Barker, Jackie Carter and Sharon Cooper took the women’s team prize in a race won by Jaqui Khoueiry from Holmfirth.

SPEN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Aces lose as weather halts Spen Valley League IN the SPEN VALLEY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION only one game survived the weather as Smokin Aces failed to prevent Route 1 Rovers from securing top spot.

Aces netted through Ashraf Navsarka, but two goals from Rover’s Usam Hussain secured a 2-1 victory for the visitors.

In DIVISION ONE Hightown Jets climbed to second place as they defeated George Healey

3-2 away from home.

Bradley Balmforth led the way with a double and Adam Rhodes added a goal to complete the scoring. Healey replied through Luke Newsome and Ben Aparicio.

The Jets now sit in the promotion spots, one point behind leaders Palestino, having played two more games.

Inter Batley remain without a league victory from their 12 games after

losing 4-0 at home to Norfolk.

Z Khan netted a double, with further goals from Said Said and Ismail Sallu completing the rout.

Fox and Hounds Batley remain in mid-table after they were beaten 4-2 at unbeaten league leaders Palestino.

George Farmer and Paul Beaumont got on the scoresheet for the visitors, but replies from Palestino’s Ryan Sanson (two), Ben McCardle and James Chadwick ensured

the home side maintained their unbeaten start.

• ONCE again the wintry weather took its toll on last week’s Heavy Woollen Sunday League programme.

In fact, the only game to survive the conditions saw Division Two leaders FC Liversedge move eight points clear at the top after Mark Wigley, Jamie Fawcett and Danny Stocks all netted in a 3-0 win at Six Lane Ends.

BOXING

A change may be good for Sykes, says McGowan RETIRED boxing coach Julian McGowan says a change of coaching for Gary Sykes may do the fighter a world of good.

McGowan, who helped turn Sykes from a one-fight novice to a two-time British Champion, announced his retirement from coaching professional fighters after 23 years in the sport last week.

And now the Central EBC owner admits a change of trainer for ‘Five Star’ may be a welcome boost for the Dewsbury-born star.

He said: “At the stage Gary is at now he is fighting for money and not belts, so when you have that mentality the truth is any coach will do the job, it’s merely a conditioning role.

“A change may do him good however as it often refreshes people, having a new team can be exciting.

“I wish him well and hope there are future successes there for him, he may change his team, but he needs to make changes to his life that no coach can enforce.”

McGowan admitted that the decision to retire from the professional game was made a year ago, but it was not one he took lightly.

With the pressures of working full-time at UK Greetings in Dewsbury, alongside family life

CHAMPION: Julian McGowan and Gary Sykes celebrate together and settling into a new home, the coaching veteran said he simply wanted to put a focus on his life outside of boxing.

On his decision to retire McGowan said: “There are too many reasons to list and some of them are very personal, but the reality is boxing is not my profession and as such I choose to do this, I don’t need to.

“When you get to a stage you are not enjoying something and

Steve Horsfall

don’t feel appreciated, the reward versus the stress and sacrifice really isn’t worth it.

“As a coach, I have expectations of fighters and how they live their life outside of the gym.

If the fighters can’t meet those expectations then I am not the person to give them my valuable time.

“This is a dangerous sport, I don’t take the risks lightly.

Fighters shouldn’t either.”

“I made the decision to retire about 12 months ago, but hung on for the British title fight out of obligation and to complete the circle and 32 months of frustration for the whole team.

“I advised Gary after the Kays glory to walk into the sunset with his health and dignity and the belt. I didn’t support the Walsh fight, I made the mistake agreeing to it and we were in a situation really where the other options were not good.

“However when Gary accepted the Campbell fight it was time to go because that fight is so wrong on many levels.”

McGowan will continue to work alongside close friend John Tallant in running their Batleybased gym, which now plays host to a wealth of amateur talent.

“I looked in a mirror, at my life. I was spending time with people who didn’t appreciate me, and not spending time with those who do,” he added.

“I have a great life, a beautiful wife, great kids, a very good job, an amazing family and close friends, I’ve just bought a beautiful new house and I am out every night, running around, stressed, after boxers who have gone AWOL in camp, it’s madness really.

“I had a word with myself.”

29

Scholes handed holders in Heavy Woollen draw CRICKET BRADFORD LEAGUE new boys Scholes CC will host holders Pudsey Congs in the first round of the Heavy Woollen Cup on Sunday April 19.

The New Popplewell Lane men will begin their assault on England’s oldest club cricket competition at home, but face a Congs side who overcame Townville at Spen Victoria in last year’s final to claim the trophy for the first time.

It is equally tough for Central Yorkshire League side Birstall, who travel to beaten finalists Townville in their opening round tie.

Ossett – who will stage this season’s Heavy Woollen final for the first time in 16 years on Sunday August 2 – are also away when they take on Shepley in round one.

Bradford League side Hartshead Moor face Central Yorkshire League giants Methley – who lifted the Premier Division title in a dramatic finale last season.

Huddersfield League Premier newcomers Moorlands are at home to New Farnley, whilst Gomersal are away at Baildon and Mirfield Parish Cavaliers (CYL) host Bradford League runners-up Woodlands.

In other round one ties Spen Victoria host Scholes (Halifax League), Hanging Heaton host competition first-time entrants Great Preston and Liversedge travel to Kirkburton.

HEAVY WOOLLEN CUP FIRST ROUND: Townville v Birstall, Shepley v Ossett, Hartshead Moor v Methley, Wakefield Thornes v Morley, Moorlands v New Farnley, Baildon v Gomersal, Mirfield Parish Cavaliers v Woodlands, Slaithwaite v Delph & Dobcross , Spen Victoria v Scholes (HL), Hoylandswaine v Wrenthorpe, Hanging Heaton v Great Preston, Barkisland v Golcar, Kirkburton v Liversedge, Skelmanthorpe v Buttershaw St Paul’s, Scholes (BL) v Pudsey Congs, Jer Lane v Shelley.

Tyke Sidebottom to open new Hopton Mills nets CRICKET YORKSHIRE and England international cricketer Ryan Sidebottom will cut the red tape as Hopton Mills Cricket Club open their state-of-the-art cricket practice facilities on Sunday.

The Mirfield-based club were awarded a BIFFA grant for £43,200 in September which allowed them to build ECB-approved international-quality cricket nets at the club.

Club members and players helped clear the site in October so that work could begin ahead of the 2015 season.

And now the completed facilities will be official opened by Sidebottom on Sunday at 10.30am.

The club is seeking players for its under9s, under-11s and under-13s teams to compliment their existing squads.

Anyone interested should contact Richard Myers on 07969 342933 for further information.

Belles get sponsor help GIRLS’ FOOTBALL

BATTYEFORD BELLES UNDER-8s have been given a sponsorship lifeline after The Plough pub in Mirfield came to their rescue.

With the weather getting worse and no sponsor in sight for the girls team it looked as though they would struggle.

However, The Plough helped their plight by sponsoring the team and offering all of the players new rain jackets.

Landlord Mr Stefan Przepiorak’s own granddaughter Sade Harrison plays in the team and she took it on herself to visit her grandad.

The Under-8s Belles are the older team within Battyeford’s girls development squad.

The team (pictured) had just come back from finishing a close second to Castleford in the Leeds Under-8s girls’ monthly indoor tournament at Leeds Sports Centre.

The team are developing in readiness to go into the West Riding Girl’s League as an Under-9s side in September.

ThePress

30

Friday January 23, 2015

RUGBY UNION

PIPER BOOTS CLECK TO DRAW CLECKHEATON SANDAL

Cleckheaton battle to low-scoring draw as Sandal’s winning National League Three start is halted at Moorend

By Jared Priestley

NATIONAL LEAGUE THREE

3 Sports Reporter 3 sport@thepressnews.co.uk

at Moorend

CLECKHEATON produced a battling performance to halt league leaders Sandal’s winning start to the season in a 3-3 draw at Moorend on Saturday.

The visitors have not lost on their travels this year and, prior to this match, had won every game they’ve played since the opening weekend of the campaign.

The first 10 minutes saw the game largely take place in the middle third of the pitch, with early signs that defensive capabilities would determine the outcome of the match.

Cleckheaton had a foray into Sandal’s half but came away empty-handed and when the visitors did the same they too were repelled but picked up a penalty, which Mark Pease kicked through the uprights to give Sandal what would be their only score.

The half wore on with both sides trying to make headway against impregnable defence.

Cleckheaton pressed once or twice and looked dangerous but a player running into his own man, poor passing and a knock-on frustrated their efforts as the conditions

ARM WRESTLE: The Cleckheaton scrum gets to work in the cold conditions at Moorend and right, Matt Piper passes the ball as the hosts look for a try made their presence felt.

Sandal had another shot at goal on 25 minutes with the ball sailing wide.

As the half-hour mark passed Cleckheaton looked to have handed a significant advantage to the visitors as Carl Mason was sin-binned and to make matters worse, Paul Turner followed him a few minutes later.

Down to 13 men Cleck would surely find it impossible to keep Sandal out. But a

magnificent defensive effort proved otherwise, with Richard Piper and Rob Afoa Peterson leading the way to deny Sandal any further score.

Cleckheaton started the second half still down to 13 men for two minutes until second row Tom Hanson, who recently joined the club from Morley, made his Cleckheaton debut, replacing Mason.

The home team were

trapped in their 22 but weathered the storm and were then returned to full compliment as the referee signalled that Turner’s 10 minutes had elapsed.

Cleckheaton had a line-out 30 metres out which Ollie Akroyd plucked out of the air to set up the drive. As progress was made Sandal infringed and the referee signalled advantage to the home side.

A quick pass from Jack

Bickerdike gave Mike Piper time to take aim and, despite the unfavourable surface, drop a goal straight between the sticks to level the scores.

Sandal battered Cleckheaton’s line for the last five minutes of the game but could not find a way through a defence that was nothing short of magnificent.

With around a minute to go Cleckheaton looked to have secured the draw when Sandal knocked on close to

RUGBY LEAGUE

Bendikas treble sinks Thatto PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

THATTO HEATH CRUSADERS 25 THORNHILL TROJANS 34 at Crusader Park

THORNHILL TROJANS continued their preparations for life back in the National Conference League with a confidence-boosting victory at Premier Division side Thatto Heath Crusaders.

The Trojans really were good value for their victory, with star of the show Danny Ratcliffe putting on an exhibition of in-play kicking.

The choice of opposition for this warm-up game looked to be a brave move for the Trojans and the opening exchanges suggested they were heading for a long day at the office.

No sooner had the game kicked off than second row Luke Bradshaw took advantage of Thatto Heath’s ability to keep the ball alive.

Bradshaw finished the move by crashing over for a try which Shaun Quinn converted.

Thatto Heath continued to ask questions of Thornhill in the

Academy added by Mirfield

opening exchanges. With play close to the Trojans’ line a Thornhill player dropped off in a tackle situation allowing Adam Heskith to go over for the secCRICKET ond try of the game. Quinn converted.

Trailing by 12 points Thornhill looked to be heading for a comprehensive defeat but suddenly the visitors took a hold of the game. After a couple of earlier attacks, Thornhill finally got the breakthrough they required.

The turning point came with play on the last tackle when Danny Ratcliffe chipped the ball forward into the path of Mindaugas Bendikas. The Thatto Heath defence was opened up and Bendikas pounced to score an unconverted try.

This score really did give Thornhill some self-belief and after Jake Hickling and Sam Ratcliffe had taken Thornhill close, a back to one call from the referee allowed the pressure to be maintained.

Play was quickly moved to the other side of the field and Joss Ratcliffe broke clear to go over for a try. Sam Ratcliffe converted MIRFIELD STAGS have announced the launch of an Academy ahead of the coming season.

This comes on the back of impressive interest in the club, which has led to the recruitment of more than 40 players.

to see Thornhill trail by two points at the interval.

The Crusaders came out for the second half realising that they now had a game on their hands. Good hands from Thatto Heath caused Thornhill problems. This quick handling over stretched Thornhill and Ben Roberts went over for a try in the corner. Quinn converted.

This try was swiftly followed by a drop-goal from Jack Jones as Thatto Heath tried to make the game safe.

But instead the game rapidly slid away from the hosts as the Trojans turned on the style to seal victory.

A chip forward from Danny Ratcliffe put Bendikas away on a run and he showed a devastating turn of pace as he sped 30 metres to score an unconverted try.

Thatto Heath then lost the ball from a scrum down situation, Bendikas snapped up the loose ball and raced 40 metres to score his hat-trick try. Sam Ratcliffe converted and for the first time in the game the Trojans were in front.

As a result, Stags officials have moved to provide the club’s open-age section with a second team, allowing players to maintain match fitness while pushing for firstteam action.

Adrian Land, who currently works as

part of Dewsbury Moor’s junior setup, has been handed the Academy coaching reins.

All Stags players will train together, however, with team selections being made in the days leading up to league fixtures.

Another kick forward from Danny Ratcliffe once again proved to be Thatto Heath’s undoing. Tom Ripley finished the move by touching down for an unconverted try.

Liam Morley turned the screw when from a back-to-one situation, close to the tryline, he played on and went over for an unconverted effort.

Tempers were now beginning to boil over and small scuffles began to break out, resulting in the referee having to speak to players in order to calm down this “friendly” game.

On the stroke of full-time Thatto Heath’s Andy Lea went over for a try at the side of the posts which Quinn converted.

But deep in stoppage time Thornhill put the result beyond doubt when Sam Ratcliffe broke clear.

Ratcliffe went racing up the field and as the defence moved in on him he kicked forward.

Danny Ratcliffe was on hand to gather the ball and score a try between the posts.

Sam Ratcliffe converted and the referee blew for full-time.

Newly-appointed Land said: “I see this first season as a building year. It is important we put the building blocks in place for the future.

“The Stags represent a great opportunity for players in the local area.

Hopefully the allnew Academy can provide a platform for younger or inexperienced players coming through.”

Those wishing to join the club are asked to get in touch with them via e-mail: info@mirfield stags.co.uk.

Gerald Christian

the Moorenders’ line.

Unfortunately the scrum went against the head and the home record was hanging by a thread when the visitors were held up over the line a few seconds later.

With 10 seconds left on the clock Sandal opted for a kick at goal. But, much to the jubilation of at least half of the sizeable crowd, the kick curled to the right and hit the sticks, ending the contest with honours even.

Batley stutter to shock loss at King Cross Park PENNINE LEAGUE BATLEY BOYS suffered a disappointing loss on Saturday as King Cross Park collected only their second win of the season by a 3610 scoreline at Savile Park.

It was a tough defeat for the CHAMPIONSHIP ONE Boys, who failed to build on last week’s BARLA National Cup success, and they have now slipped to four straight league defeats.

And the Halifax Road men will perhaps be thankful for another cup tie tomorrow (Sat) when they host Illingworth in round two of the National Cup. Thornhill Trojans are also involved in the second round as they host North West Men’s League side Heysham Atoms.

Dewsbury Moor, meanwhile, take on Hunslet Club Parkside on Saturday February 7 (2pm) in the same competition.

Ossett Trinity, without a fixture last week, face a tough trip to new DIVISION ONE league leaders Stainland tomorrow.

In DIVISION TWO Shaw Cross Sharks saw their league fixture at West Craven last weekend fall foul of the weather, but they will be hoping for better luck tomorrow when they travel to Wibsey Warriors.

DIVISION FOUR newcomers Dewsbury Celtic suffered a narrow 28-20 defeat at second-placed Sherburn Bears last weekend.

And the Crown Nest Park outfit could give themselves a significant survival boost tomorrow if they can beat bottom-placed side Wortley Dragons.

Hanging Heaton closed the gap on the DIVISION FIVE summit after picking up an impressive 32-16 win at home to Slaithwaite Saracens.

The Dewsbury side have played significantly more games than second-placed Keighley Albion but a win at Guiseley Rangers could increase the pressure on their promotion rivals.

Dewsbury Moor A return to DIVISION SIX EAST action when they host league leaders Drighlington A.

ThePress

Friday January 23, 2015

31

RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER RATINGS BATLEY BULLDOGS James Craven Wayne Reittie Shaun Ainscough Shaun Squires Johnny Campbell Jordan Grayston Scott Leatherbarrow Tim Lillycrop Joe Chandler Alistair Leek James Brown Alex Bretherton Lee Mitchell

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

SUBS: Anthony Nicholson Alex Rowe Adam Gledhill Sean Hesketh Brad Day Tom Thackray

7 7 7 7 7 6

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS Ian Hardman Ben Blackmore Thomas Minns Nathan Chappell Will Sharp Paul Sykes Gareth Moore Jordan Baldwinson Andy Ellis Paul Wood James Lockwood Jamie Cording Jack Bussey SUBS: Kyran Johnson Jack Ormondroyd Luke Teasdale Liam Walmsley Luke Cooper Tim Spears Will Milner Mason Tonks

5 5 7 5 6 4 4 8 6 5 7 6 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7

GAME GUIDE BATLEY BULLDOGS Tries: Chandler (16) Leek (25, 72) Campbell (34) Ainscough (38).

Goals: Leatherbarrow 3/5.

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS Tries: Tonks (62).

Goals: Sykes 1/1.

STATS Penalty Count: 12-12 Referee: T Crashley Attendance: 744 Half-Time: 22-0 Weather: Cold and wet Sin-Bin: Nathan Chappell (Fev, 47) Sent Off: None

ThePress MAN OF THE MATCH

SHAUN SQUIRES The Bulldogs centre impressed in attack and was unlucky not to score a try

BULLDOGS STUN ROVERS Batley overcome tough conditions to claim Fev scalp PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

BATLEY BULLDOGS 26 FEATHERSTONE ROVERS 6 Matthew Shaw at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium

BATLEY’S promising pre-season continued as they cruised past a disappointing Featherstone.

Five tries were enough to secure victory against a Rovers team that lacked commitment, was void of ideas in attack and frail in defence.

The visitors’ performance was of stark contrast to that of the home side, who produced impressive periods of rugby despite the boggy conditions and looked enthusiastic throughout.

“We looked energised and our enthusiasm levels were through the roof,” said Batley head coach John Kear.

“We’ve put a marker down of the standards we can achieve this season and I’m very pleased with that.”

His opposite number Andy Hay, however, had nothing positive to offer on behalf of a team that looked like it wanted to be anywhere other than Batley on a cold, winter afternoon.

Featherstone had the better of the opening exchanges but failed to capitalise on Batley’s ill-discipline.

They were punished for it in the 16th minute. Back to back penalties marched the

INSTIGATOR: Half-back Scott Leatherbarrow led his side around the field and had a hand in several tries Bulldogs up-field before Alistair Leek’s flat pass saw Joe Chandler crash over from two yards.

Scott Leatherbarrow’s conversion hit the post, however he kicked his first of three conversions nine minutes later when Leek scored a try of his own, pouncing on a loose ball after a surging run from James Craven caused confusion in the Featherstone ranks.

The hosts registered their third try with six minutes of the half remaining.

Leatherbarrow’s grubber kick in-goal appeared to have been cleared by Ben Blackmore, however Johnny Campbell somehow grounded the ball.

And when Batley scored a fourth try in the 38th minute, with Shaun Ainscough diving over after Wayne Reittie superbly offloaded as a num-

ber of Fev defenders pushed him towards touch, the game appeared over.

It proved to be the case.

Featherstone’s first-half horror show continued in the opening 20 minutes of the second period, with penalties and knock-ons in abundance and signs of a comeback sparse.

Meanwhile, Batley continued to press forward. Shaun Squires, a recent signing from Sheffield, was particularly

WE ARE READY NOW Heavy Woollen Select side prepared for tough Batley test HEAVY WOOLLEN SELECT coach Danny Maun says he thinks his side can rise to the occasion when they take on CRICKET Batley Bulldogs on Sunday.

The Dewsbury-born centre will coach the Heavy Woollen Select team, which is made up of the region’s best amateur players, as they take on the Bulldogs on Sunday at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium (2pm).

Maun – who made over 250 appearances at Mount Pleasant – has opted for a number of young local players including Thornhill duo Joel Gibson and Mindaugas Bendikas, alongside George Croisdale of Dewsbury Moor.

And the Hunslet Hawks star says he thinks some of the players have the ability to play at Championship level.

Maun said: “It is great that Batley have accepted this friendly and it is a fantastic opportunity for local talent to be shown.

“The preparation has been going well and I have been impressed with the talent on show, hopefully we can be ready for Sunday.

“There are some great players in the squad but Joel Gibson of Thornhill and George Croisdale of Dewsbury Moor look like stand-outs.

“We know it will be a massive challenge against a semi-pro

LOCAL LEGEND: Heavy Woollen coach Danny Maun shows off the new shirt side who can train three times a week together, but I think my squad will rise to it.

“I believe we have one or two players in this side who could get a shot at professional rugby and this game gives them a

chance to show that.

“It is a great chance for Batley to see the talent that is on offer in the area and you only have to look at Alex Walmsley and Shaun Squires to see that there are good local players who can

make that step up.”

The 34-year-old Championship One Grand Final winner has opted for a young squad with the intention of putting his players on show to professional clubs.

Birstall Victoria half-back Brendan Sheridan will captain the side which will be named tomorrow (Sat) at the side’s final training session.

“They are all up for it and playing at Batley will be a highlight for them, some of the players are only 18, they are all begging for local clubs to snap them up.

“I like the look of Gibson, he reminds me of a young Johnny Campbell, and I’ve heard great things about Thornhill winger Mindu (Mindaugas Bendikas).

“You also have experienced players like Ben Kendall (Thornhill) and Andrew Robinson (Dewsbury Moor) who has played at Championship level before.

“The local semi-professional teams have got to look at these lads and rather than buying bigname Championship players, bring local lads in who would have pride in the shirt.”

The Heavy Woollen select side will sport a brand-new Ravensport kit (pictured).

It has been sponsored by The Press, along with League Weekly, Priestley’s Cafe Bar in Birstall, XL Building Services, Lynx Energy, T3 Well Being Centre and Nicholas and Partners.

impressive, and was desperately unlucky not to score when he leapt highest to claim Leatherbarrow’s kick, only to drop it on his way back to ground.

Things took another turn for the worse for Featherstone when Nathan Chappell was sin-binned for a late tackle on Leatherbarrow, with the game turning scrappy thereafter, the heavy conditions and freezing temperatures doing little to help proceedings.

Featherstone finally scored in the 61st minute after bombing two tries in the space of a minute – first Chappell’s wayward pass to the unmarked Sharp going into touch before Blackmore dropped a looping pass with the line at his mercy.

However, interchange man Mason Tonks rampaged through the Batley defence and to the line, with Paul Sykes cutting the arrears by adding the conversion.

Yet Batley deservedly had the last laugh. With the game coming to a close they produced a try of the season contender.

Leatherbarrow was the instigator, launching a cut out pass to Ainscough within his side’s own 20 before Batley juggled the ball between several sets of hands all the way up the Mount Pleasant slope, with Leek finishing the flowing move.

Ex-Dewsbury coach lands England Academy position INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE FORMER Dewsbury Rams chief Andy Kelly has been announced as coach of the England Academy team.

The appointment follows England’s 2014 Autumn Academy International Series win against the Australian Schoolboys.

He succeeds Richard Marshall, who has stepped down to focus on his role as coach of Championship club Halifax.

Kelly, who coached at the Rams for five seasons between 2003 and 2008, is also the head of youth at Super League club Huddersfield Giants and has also coached at Wakefield Trinity, Gateshead Thunder and Ireland at the 2008 World Cup. He was awarded the National League Two coach of the year in 2006 and helped guide Dewsbury to the league championship in the same season.

Thornhill-based Kelly said: “It’s an absolute honour to be appointed as England Academy coach. It is a role that comes with a great deal of responsibility. Richard Marshall did a great job in last year’s series against Australia so the bar is set and we need to push on again.

“My tenure will begin with time spent looking at the performances against Australia and getting some good insight into the culture of the academy players in their own club environment.

“Players are moving into a new era of academy player development and the demands to develop better quality athletes has never been greater.

“I believe in a bright future for academy rugby league at both domestic and international level.”

DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS: Tuesday January 13 1 J Paxton and D Hannam

2 M Belk and M Holt 3 J Roberts and M Loveridge 4 G Bloom and M Watson

CROOKES CAUGHT

Sykes sets sights on Super League star pens one-year deal a new start REUNITED: New Rams signing Jason Crookes will link up with former Bradford teammate Glenn Morrison at the Tetley’s Stadium

By Jared Priestley Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

DEWSBURY RAMS have signalled their intent for the new Championship season with the capture of former Super League centre Jason Crookes on a one-year deal.

The 24-year-old already has 45 top-flight appearances under his belt following stints with Bradford Bulls, Widnes Vikings and Hull FC, and has experience in the Championship from short spells with Featherstone Rovers and Sheffield Eagles.

He also played for Hull at Wembley in the 2013 Challenge Cup Final.

Crookes, who takes the Rams’ first team squad total to 31, says he is delighted to join the club and to be given the opportunity to work alongside former Bulls teammate Glenn Morrison.

“I’m looking forward to joining back up with Glenn and settling down and trying to play my best,” said Crookes.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to says it’s a great club with excellent team spirit and it just showed last year with their league position and performances.”

Rams boss Morrison says he jumped at the chance to sign Crookes, who learnt his trade as with Huddersfield amateur side

Newsome Panthers.

“I’ve known Jason since my days at the Bulls,” said Morrison.

“He has been a full-time player from the age of 16 and has represented England at a junior level.

“I have had a lot of time for his development since his early days and I look forward to partnering up with him for this coming season and letting him show his talents with the Rams.”

Meanwhile, Dewsbury have added former player Ryan Glynn to the club’s reserve team

coaching staff.

Aspiring young coach Glynn made 24 appearances for the Rams and is highly regarded on the local amateur scene following an illustrious spell with Shaw Cross Sharks.

Glynn’s playing career was cut short when he suffered a serious back injury while playing with the Sharks, but he has remained closely involved in the sport at a local level.

The new assistant attended his first session in the role last week,

and his contacts at local clubs could prove invaluable to reserve team head coach Jonathan Schofield and first team boss Morrison.

“As a club we are looking to encourage local lads for the second team and also local people to be involved in the coaching set up,” said Morrison.

“After hearing about Glynny’s injury, which prevented him from playing rugby again, and upon hearing of his interest to get into coaching, we moved quickly to snap him up and provide him with a pathway that will keep him in sport and help him fasttrack his coaching career.”

The reserves recently added James and Brad Delaney to the squad.

Brad’s dad and James’s uncle is Paul Delaney, who made more than 200 appearances for Dewsbury around the turn of the century.

Several other young, ambitious players from the local amateur scene join the two Delaneys in the squad, and more will be added in the weeks ahead as the club continues to hold trials.

The reserves will play a preseason match against Oxford at home on Saturday February 7 and several players may also be given the opportunity to play alongside first team players in the friendly at the newly-named Newcastle Thunder tomorrow (Sat).

No extra pressure on us – Kear BATLEY BULLDOGS will not be feeling any extra pressure when they face the Heavy Woollen Select side on Sunday, despite being expected to win, says coach John Kear.

The Bulldogs take on a Heavy Woollen Select side made up of the best local amateurs on Sunday (2pm).

The hosts are coming into the game in great form, having beaten near neighbours Dewsbury Rams on Boxing Day before stunning Featherstone last weekend.

Danny Maun’s Heavy Woollen Select XIII have been in training for a number of weeks in preparation for the game, and Batley chief Kear says his side shouldn’t take their opponents lightly.

He said: “This game is a different challenge for us. We have faced a Dewsbury side who will be aiming for around the same league posititions as us and a Featherstone side where we had nothing to lose against a top-four hopeful.

“And now we have a game where as the semi-professional side we are expected to win.

“But we won’t feel any extra pressure because, even though we want to win, the result isn’t important and no league points are on offer.

“It is a celebration of the amateur game in the area and a great reward for those players to come to a semi-professional ground and play a Championship side.

“I am sure they will be looking to come

and cause an upset and if they didn’t come along with that mentality I would be disappointed.

“For these players it is a chance to make the step up from club rugby and some will have aspirations to play at this level.

“You only have to look at Tom Thackray, Shaun Squires and Alex Walmsley who have made that step up and I am sure some of the Heavy Woollen side will be wanting to do the same.

“Danny (Maun) is a good lad and Batley through and through so he will want a good display when he comes back here, whether

that is with the Heavy Woollen side or with Hunslet later in the season.”

Kear is likely to welcome back new signing Cain Southernwood for the match, after the former Whitehaven half-back was sidelined through injury.

Also likely to feature is centre Ayden Faal, who has recovered from a season-ending broken collar bone.

Kear will also hand Batley debuts to three trialists, with former Castleford academy star Jordan Anderson joined in the squad by fellow hopefuls Jacob Morgan and Curtis Sidebottom.

And the Wales chief says these players will have to impress if they want to break into the starting line-up for the season opening game.

“The reality is if they don’t play as well as the lads who played in our first two games they won’t start against Workington in our first league game,” Kear continued.

“It will be hard for those returning players to knock the door down and get back into the starting line-up.

“But that is what professional rugby is like, it isn’t easy and it is tough for those who are injured at the moment.

“When you look at our injury list with the likes of Luke Blake, Sam Scott, Keegan Hirst and Brad Hey to come back all areas of our squad can be strengthened.”

Tickets for the Heavy Woollen Select trial game are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for juniors.

BOXER Gary Sykes says he is looking to rebuild his career after a split with retired trainer Julian McGowan.

McGowan announced his retirement from coaching professional fighters last week, leaving Sykes on the hunt for a new coach and gym to train in.

The pair had worked together since Sykes’ second professional fight and the Central EBC coach guided his fighter to two British titles, as well as victories over WBA world title hopeful Anthony Crolla.

But following Sykes’ loss against Cromer’s Liam Walsh, which saw the British champion relinquish his crown, McGowan took the decision to step down from his coaching role.

‘Five Star’ was due to take on Olympic gold medal sensation Luke Campbell at the Hull Ice Arena on March 7.

However, the fight will now not go ahead as Sykes says the time was not right to challenge Hull’s Campbell.

He said: “I was offered the fight when (promoter) Steve Wood was on holiday and was told to have a think about it.

“But I don’t think it is the right time for me to be taking a fight like this with my current situation.

“I haven’t even started training yet and I am only meeting my new trainer this week and I also need a new gym.

“It takes time to bed into a new group and I don’t want to rush into it. If I had taken the fight it would have only been for the money.”

Sykes admits that there were other factors in his decision not to take the Hull showdown.

The Dewsbury-born fighter is expecting a baby on Valentine’s Day and he admits that his training camp for the March 7 fight would only be disrupted by his upcoming fatherhood.

“It simply wasn’t the right time to take the fight, especially when I have a baby due on Valentine’s Day,” Sykes continued.

“I need to rebuild my career now and I think two losses in a row would stop me being able to do that.

“I want to thank John and Julian for everything they have done for me over the years, I can’t thank them enough.

“It is a fresh start for me and a time for me to take responsibility and grow up a bit, because Julian used to do everything for me.

“It is a new prospect and a fresh start for me in a new camp and a new gym, I need to look out for myself now.”

Sykes will look to fight in a six-round bout in March before a fight with Campbell at a later date.