The press 23rd march 2018

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Friday March 23, 2018

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No. 834

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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH...

• Gunman jailed • Drug dealers caged • Shops ram-raided and burgled • Violent mugging in town centre • Traders say they have no confidence in police

Is crime in North Kirklees getting out of control?

Stories and comment on p2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 & 12

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ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

ThePress – Comment 3 April at 3pm.

Deaths

FIRTH WILLIE EMMOTT

BEEVERS CHRISTINE (NEE HODGSON) On 12 March, aged 79, of Liversedge. Wife of Jack.

Service at St James Church, Heckmondwike, Tuesday 27 March at 1.45pm. Followed by private committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

BREWER ISABELLA FERGUSON On 11 March, formerly of Gomersal. Wife of the late Douglas. Service at St Paul’s Church, Birkenshaw, Wednesday 28 March at 1.45pm prior to private cremation.

COCKER BARRY On 8 March, of Dewsbury, aged 63. Partner of Noelene.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 28 March at 1.15pm.

CROSSLEY MAY (NEE SWAN) On 15 March, aged 92, of Liversedge. Wife of the late Sydney. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 6 April at 11.15am.

FIRTH FRANCIS EZRA (FRANK) On 10 March, aged 90, of Skipsea, formerly of Dewsbury. Husband of the late Joyce. Service at East Riding Crematorium, Octon, Tuesday

On 4 March, at Fieldhead Court, Thornhill, aged 76.

Husband of Margaret. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium Tuesday 3 April at 1.15pm.

FREEMAN MARGARET ROSE On 16 March, aged 92. Wife of the late Derek. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 5 April at 12.30pm.

GRACE NEE SHAW MARGARET On 13 March, of Thornhill Lees, aged 93. Wife of the late Herbert. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 3 April at 2pm.

HAINSWORTH DAVID On 14 March, aged 70, of Gawthorpe. Husband of Doreen. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 5 April at 1.15pm.

HALEY JUNE On 15 March, aged 88. Wife of the late Brian. Service and committal at St Saviour’s Church, Brownhill on Tuesday 27 March at 3.30pm.

HALSTEAD RICHARD (DICK) On 10 March, aged 67, of Soothill. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium today, Friday 23 March at 3.15pm.

Telephone 01924 472178

BOLLANDS (BIRSTALL)

HAMER BRIAN On 14 March, aged 54, formerly of Heckmondwike.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 3 April at 12.30pm.

HUBBARD IAN On 21 February, aged 69, of Thornhill. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 26 March at 2.45pm.

KENDRICK DAVID On 6 March, aged 69, formerly of Dewsbury. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 3 April at 2.45pm

LISTER DALISA MARIE On 5 March, of Ravensthorpe, aged 43. Service at St John’s Church, Dewsbury Moor, Thursday 29 March at 2pm, followed by a private interment at Dewsbury Cemetery.

LISTER NEE SUTHERLAND EILEEN On 12 March, of Thornhill, aged 72. Wife of Alan. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium on Thursday 29 March at 11.15am.

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POTTER (NEE KAYE) SYLVIA On 14 March, aged 77, formerly of Staincliffe. Partner of Ken. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 6 April at 2pm.

RIDER FRANK THOMAS On 2 March, aged 73. Husband of Jacquie.

ROBINSON DERRICK WILLIAM On 15 March, of Thornhill, aged 91. Husband of Margaret. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 4 April at 12.30pm.

RYDER MARY WINIFRED WINNIE On 13 March at Newlands Hall Care Home, Heckmondwike, aged 105. Wife of the late Bill.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 27 March at 3.15pm.

SHARP MALCOLM On 17 March, aged 71. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 27 March at 10am.

SHEARD Kathleen

Passed away 14th March 2018, of Birstall aged 77 years. Beloved wife of the late Ian and loving mum of Charles and Chris.

Funeral to be held at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 3rd April 10.30am.

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Crematorium, Tuesday 3 April at 11.15am.

On 16 March, aged 87, of Roberttown. Husband of Shirlie. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 5 April at 11.15am.

MOXON IRENE MARY NEE STENTON On 8 March, aged 82, formerly of Cleckheaton. Wife of Gordon. Service at Dewsbury

TALBOT BRIAN

Forces of law and order appear to be struggling ESTERDAY government inspectors gave West Yorkshire Police an overall ‘Good’ rating in an effectiveness report.

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Judging by the correspondence we regularly receive and the victims we speak to, many of our readers might disagree.

Recent crime statistics showed that in the 12 months up to last September, recorded crime in West Yorkshire rose by 14.9 per cent.

And our happy little corner of the county wasn’t immune from that increase.

You will see from today’s edition of The Press that we feature prominent stories on drug dealing, a violent mugging, a drive-by shooting, a ram raid and traders who say they have no confidence in the police’s ability to prevent crime in their town.

There have been spikes in Hanoi-style burglaries and raids on town centre business premises in recent weeks, and many people’s first reaction is naturally “where were the police”?

While it’s not always borne out by the figures, residents’ perception of crime

Still no sign of missing girls ThePress Friday March 23, 2018 Issue No: 834

31 Branch Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5SB Tel: 01924 470296 Fax: 01924 472561

WADESON GRAHAM MICHAEL On 16 March, aged 74.

Husband of Jenifer. Service at St Mary’s Parish Church, Mirfield, Thursday 5 April at 1pm, followed by a private committal.

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the current lack of faith many of our readers have in the forces of law and order?

We don’t doubt that every day officers work hard to try and keep North Kirklees safe, and it’s positive to hear that West Yorkshire Police have just finished a new recruitment drive.

But increases in demand in times of tight budgets are putting local policing under real strain.

In short, more cash from central government, more officers on the beat and a willingness from the police to communicate openly with the public – and the media – when they come up short would all help.

Conservative Chancellor Philip Hammond said recently that there appears to be light at the end of the Austerity tunnel and that he may soon be able to loosen the purse strings a little.

That may come as good news to the upper echelons of the police force, but for victims, local traders and families in towns and villages across our district, something needs to change sooner rather than later.

Lives, livelihoods and communities depend on it.

On 14 March, aged 82, of Mirfield. Husband of Sheila.

Service at St Mary’s Parish Church, Mirfield on Wednesday 4 April at 2.15pm followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

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seems to be increasing at a time when police resources are stretched thinner than ever.

It’s rare for people to see officers regularly patrolling, and the feeling is that in some areas the streets have been surrendered to the criminals.

At The Press we occasionally hear of incidents apparently not worth investigating, of police taking hours or even days to respond to calls, of crime numbers being issued and nothing more being done.

In recent weeks there have been three public meetings – in Dewsbury, Cleckheaton and Mirfield – organised by politicians to try and address concerns over the perceived rise in crime.

MPs Paula Sherriff and Tracy Brabin and Mirfield councillor Martyn Bolt, together with local police representatives, took questions from the public and, by and large, received a positive response from residents.

But the fact that the meetings had to be held at all shows how much work there is to be done.

So, what is the answer to

Proudly caring for families for 60 years

Bernadett Berki POLICE are continuing their appeal for information to trace two young girls from Staincliffe who are still missing.

Officers and staff have been conducting extensive enquiries to locate Bernadett Berki, 12, and Szimonetta Berki, 11, who were reported missing on Tuesday March 6.

It is now thought that the two sisters could be with their three-year-old niece, Leonetta Bogdan.

The girls live in the Chapel Fold area of Staincliffe, but have extensive links and extended family across Huddersfield. It is also believed they have links to the Leicester area.

All three are known to have strong links to the Hungarian community.

DCI Fiona Gaffney, or Kirklees District Police, said: "We have been carrying out extensive enquiries to trace all three children since they were reported missing, including press appeals.

“Most of the work has been behind the scenes, however, as we strongly believe the three girls are with family members.

“We do not believe any third party is involved.

“Work has included enquiries with partner agencies including those in Hungary.

“We are, however, becoming increasingly concerned for their welfare as we have been unable to find them and are now calling on members of the public, particularly members of the Hungarian community, to come forward and help us find these girls as we need to locate them and ensure they are OK.” Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police via 101, quoting log number 1107 of March 6, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

/ThePressNews Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: David Bentley Reporter: Zoë Shackleton Sports Reporter: Ben McKenna Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Sales Executives: Nicola Finch, Janet Black, Rachael Hall Office Manager: Adele Latham Accounts administrator: Angela Hall

The Press abides by the principles of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and at all times attempts to report fairly and accurately and correct mistakes or errors as soon as possible.

In the first instance, contact the editor, otherwise we will be happy to give details of the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

News In Brief Miller Homes to build 4,000 houses

Off-licence hit by car for the FOURTH time A CAR crashed into the front of an off licence in Batley on Monday afternoon – the latest in a string of such incidents.

Shopkeeper Kiran Patel had just served a mother and daughter at White Lee Off-Licence on Leeds Old Road when a red Peugeot 207 careered through the shop front.

Luckily no one was hurt.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed that the car lost control following a collision with a silver Kia, but no injuries were reported from the scene.

It is the fourth time a vehicle has crashed into 61-year-old Mr Patel’s store in the 27 years he has owned it.

TIME FOR ACTION Traders’ vote of no confidence for ‘invisible’ police force

By Zoe Shackleton TRADERS in Birstall say they have absolutely no confidence in police after a spate of crimes in the area.

Vice chairman of the Birstall Chamber of Trade, David Exley, highlighted his concerns to Batley & Spen Inspector Mohammed Rauf following incidents which saw two elderly ladies have their bags snatched by thieves in the town centre.

But Mr Exley says he has had “nothing but lip service” from the inspector.

“We have got zero confidence in police,” said Mr Exley. “We have totally been abandoned by them, it’s very rare that officers come out.

“We just want that to change, we want a visual deterrent and to get a relationship with the police and traders.”

In a letter to Insp Rauf Mr Exley, together with Chamber chairwoman Natalie Tai, explained issues with nuisance motorbike rid-

ers and one instance where a group of youths threw a brick at a female motorist who was driving on Low Lane with her baby.

The pair claim they have provided police with footage of alleged perpetrators and even been able to give names of potential suspects – but Mr Exley says nothing has been done to try and catch them.

“I rang police on both occasions (after the bag snatch incidents) and got nothing back. It’s hard getting the police to respond.”

He added: “We are now saying that enough is enough, we have had all the lip service we can stomach and we are now demanding that we have the police presence in Birstall as a matter of urgency so that positive and preventative actions can be taken against those that do not want to live within the law in Birstall.”

Insp Rauf said: “We fully acknowledge the public’s concerns regarding recent incidents in the Batley & Spen

area and want to reassure our communities that we are taking positive action to tackle these issues.

“Only this week, West Yorkshire Police have announced its reinvestment in its local neighbourhood policing teams (NPTs), with each district – including Kirklees – benefiting from additional frontline officers.

“This demonstrates the ongoing commitment to our communities, enabling us to engage with residents, intervene at an earlier stage to

Teen accused over child porn images A GOMERSAL teenager is accused of having over 1,000 indecent images of children on his computer.

James Turner, 19, appeared in front of Kirklees magistrates faced with three

charges of making indecent photographs or movies.

Police searched his Spen Lane family home on February 24 and found the images when they seized his computer.

Magistrates heard that allegedly 366 Category A images were found – the most serious. Turner is also accused of having 293 images classified as Category B and 511 Category C.

Turner has been granted unconditional bail until his trial at Leeds Crown Court after giving no indication of a plea to the charges.

He will first appear on April 16.

Three in court WE BUY GOLD over death crash AND SILVER Top prices paid

THREE young men have appeared in court after a woman was killed in a car crash in Dewsbury last year.

Hamida Sidat, 55, died when she was hit by a rented white BMW 420 Coupe on Bradford Road, just outside Lidl, on February 4 2017.

Batley man Faizal Kadia, 21, is accused of causing her death by dangerous driving and driving without insurance and a valid licence.

Kadia, of Benny Parr Close in Soothill, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court alongside two other men who are also accused of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in relation to the incident.

Hamza Fulat, 22, of Town Street, Batley, and Ammaar Gora, 22, of Howard Street, Batley, and Kadia, allegedly provided false information about who was driving the BMW when it collided with Mrs Sidat.

Fulat also faces another charge of fraud by false representation because he claimed he was the only person using the rental car.

The trio gave no indication of their pleas and were granted unconditional bail until their trial at Leeds Crown Court on April 17.

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protect people from harm and solve problems and ensure we can deliver a more effective local policing service.

“Over the past few months, we have a team of dedicated officers who have been conducting proactive policing operations across the area; these have been set to continue to tackle any ongoing issues but I would also strongly encourage anyone who has any information about any specific incidents or any other information to pass this onto the police so we can investigate thoroughly.”

DEWSBURY: Kirklees Cabinet members have reached an agreement in principle with developers who could build thousands of new homes in Dewsbury.

Around 4,000 houses are set to be built by Miller Homes as part of the Dewsbury Riverside project – and they have now agreed to sign a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with the council.

The plans will see an effective new town being built on open space between Mirfield and Ravensthorpe.

There has been widespread backlash from residents concerned over the loss of green fields, traffic congestion and the impact it would have on infrastructure.

The Dewsbury Riverside project is part of a wider regeneration plan for the whole of Dewsbury, which will also see £2million invested into a ‘Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) scheme.

Run in partnership with Historic England, the scheme will be aimed at neglected buildings in the town centre to turn them into housing, community or retail spaces.

Clocks go forward this weekend NORTH KIRKLEES: Readers are reminded that the clocks go forward for the official start of British Summer Time on Sunday.

The clocks go forward one hour at 1am.

Many modern gadgets do this automatically – but check them all to be sure.

Sadly it means one less hour of sleep – unless you’re lucky enough to not be working and can have a lie-in!

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ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

Dealer had debts

News In Brief Harry’s arena trek DEWSBURY: A man from Thornhill who was at Manchester Arena during the suicide bombing last May is returning to the scene for the first time.

Harry Shillito is raising money for the We Love Manchester charity – set up after the attack which killed 22 concert-goers – by cycling from Dewsbury Railway Station to the arena tomorrow (Saturday).

The 21-year-old has raised over £1,000 so far, and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harry-shillito1. Read more about it in next week’s Press.

Gunshot victim dropped son at school, then went selling heroin and crack cocaine

By Staff Reporters

Search for family DEWSBURY: The Coroner is appealing for any relatives of Dewsbury man Simon Gilder to contact them. Mr Gilder, 50, of Spen Valley Road, Ravensthorpe, died of natural causes at his home on March 15. Any relatives of Mr Gilder, who was born in Mirfield, are asked to call coroner’s officer Jayne Dawson on 01274 373754.

Atif Latif – jailed

A DRUG dealer who was shot last year has been jailed for selling heroin and crack cocaine.

Atif Latif was arrested on January 28 after he dropped his six-yearold son at school. Police stopped the 25-year-old in his Volkswagen Golf on Highfield Mount, Thornhill Edge, and found wraps of the Class A drugs hidden inside Kinder Egg tubs.

Latif, of Centenary Way, Batley, was shot in the chest by Philip Nriapia in August 2017 – leaving him with injuries he still suffers from – and recently gave evidence at Leeds Crown Court against the defendant (see p5).

The court heard that police had received information from locals that Latif drove around Dewsbury and dealt drugs from his car.

The substances found by officers were valued

just under £500, prosecutor Philip Adams said. Messages had been found on Latif’s phone when it was seized referring to drugs supply, and Latif admitted that he had started selling them to pay off a debt.

He pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply. Latif said he was remorseful for what he had done and struggled being the main carer for his son,

with his wife suffering from severe arthritis.

He was jailed for two years and four months.

Recorder Rachim Singh said: “The fact that you were paying off a debt means there was a financial motive on your part. You clearly have not set yourself up as a role model.

“Within a short period of time you were dropping your son off at school and were then out dealing Class A drugs.”

St John pupils help a friend CHILDREN and staff at St John’s Under-5 Pre-School in Dewsbury Moor celebrated World Down’s Syndrome Day by rocking their funky socks.

On Wednesday everyone came wearing bright-coloured, patterned or odd socks to the nursery on Heckmondwike Road.

The event helped raise money for a family whose child attends St John’s, to support them with medical equipment costs.

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Sock it to ‘em!

PUPILS from Windmill Primary School in Howden Clough ‘rocked their socks’ to raise funds and awareness on World Down Syndrome Day. The pupils wore odd socks on Wednesday to support the global awareness campaign and raise cash for the Yorkshire Down Syndrome Group, which has recently moved to a new base in Dewsbury after several years in Batley.

The group was founded by Clare Ellarby, whose son Denum has Down Syndrome. His brother Lucas attends Windmill Primary and the school were happy to lend their support to the odd socks campaign.

The group has also been named as MP Tracy Brabin’s charity of the month for March.

Tomorrow (Sat) members will also be present at Ms Brabin’s International Women’s Day event, at Batley Older People’s Centre, hosting a tombola and raffle stall.

Now meeting at Boothroyd Primary Academy on Temple Road, Dewsbury, any families wanting to get involved can call Clare Ellarby on 07522 120532.

The next group meeting is on Sunday April 8 from 2pm to 4pm. The group can also be found on Facebook by searching for Yorkshire Down Syndrome Group.

ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

MP Paula blames Dewsbury crime wave on cuts DEWSBURY MP Paula Sherriff held a public meeting last week amid growing concerns that crime in the town is soaring.

Neighbourhood Police Inspector Chris Hughes and Chief Supt Steve Cotter spoke to residents at the meeting at Longcauseway Church.

Miss Sherriff said: “After receiving reports from local people of an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in our area,

it was good to have an opportunity for local people to voice their concerns and to hear about the demands on local policing and how crime is responded to.

“There’s no doubt that here in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton, the impact of years of reckless cuts is being felt. Despite being a particularly cold, wet evening, many local people turned out to discuss their concerns and to hear from our

local police about how they’re responding to crime in our area.

“Attendees told of their experiences, and often sadly, their lack of faith that reporting crime has results.

“Chief Supt Steve Cotter offered assurances that reported crime is mapped and resources deployed accordingly, so reporting is key to ensuring issues can be responded to appropriately.

“The message from our polic-

ing team was that even though they have 2,000 fewer police officers and staff than in 2010, they are doing their best to protect us under pressure.

“Here in our towns and villages, our police are working hard but we can’t be complacent.

We work best when we work together – and as a community, we need to keep working with our policing teams to reduce crime in our area.”

Shotgun attacker gets 12 years for wounding

By Steve Martyn A MAN who fired a shotgun at a family in Dewsbury has been locked up for 12 years.

Philip Nriapia (pictured) shot drug dealer Atif Latif in the chest on Ravenshouse Road on August 29 last year.

Batley man Latif, who was also jailed in relation to a different drugs matter – see story on p4 – still has at least 30 of the shotgun pellets in his body. He was with his 16-year-old nephew Hatib Latif, who was the boyfriend of Nriapia’s 14-year-old daughter Tyler, and his brother Adeel Latif at the time of the shooting.

Nriapia had been accused of trying to kill Hatib Latif because of his relationship with his daughter, but he denied attempt-

ed murder at Leeds Crown Court.

A jury found him guilty of wounding Atif Latif, 25, and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

He was found not guilty of three counts of attempted murder, three of wounding with intent, and two of wounding.

The shooting occurred outside a newsagents just around the corner from Nriapia’s house on Ravens Avenue.

Nriapia – known commonly by his nickname Tank – drove past the trio in his silver Toyota Corolla and fired the shotgun.

Leeds Crown Court heard that the 43-year-old had threatened the men and arranged to meet them there.

Nriapia allegedly said to Atif Latif before the shooting: “Come

to the shop and I will kill you” after calling him a “b*****d, P**i c**t”.

Prosecutor Christopher Rose said the drive-by shooting left Atif Latif with the pellets in his body, which were at risk of bursting.

Nriapia was also involved in drug dealing, and had 24 previous convictions over a 20-year period for offences such as robbery and aggravated burglary, the court heard.

Mark McKone, for Nriapia, said the defendant wasn’t happy with the teens’ relationship.

When Mr Justice King jailed him for 12 years, he said to his daughter in the public gallery: “Send my love to your mum.”

She ran out of the courtroom crying.

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News In Brief Hotel opens door to Hungarian homeless BATLEY: Staff at Healey House Hotel have been working with the Jo Cox charity to give three homeless people a room and board for the past two weeks. The hotel has hosted two Hungarian men and a woman after the charity asked for their help.

Charlotte Pell, guest relations manager, said: “They asked if we could put them up and I said we would do it for free. Jo Cox was our local MP and it’s something the hotel wanted to do.”

The charity insisted on paying £250 for the homeless group to stay at the hotel on Healey Lane and they are due to leave tomorrow (Saturday).

Watch group date NORTH KIRKLEES: The Neighbourhood Watch Association for North Kirklees is holding its AGM on Wednesday night (March 28).

The meeting will be a chance to see what the group does and to highlight any concerns or issues from across the district. Everyone is welcome at Dewsbury Police Station, meeting at the help desk for a 7pm start.

Warming to task MIRFIELD: The people behind homeless project Winter Warmers are hosting their first fundraising event since forming last year.

Initially set up to donate warm clothes to the homeless, founder Sarah Watkinson is now raising money to not only provide for those living on the streets but their animal companions as well.

The first event will be a bake sale at the Co-op on Huddersfield Road from 10.30am on Saturday, April 7.

There will be a raffle on the day as well as homemade cakes donated from local businesses, and all proceeds will go towards Winter Warmers and sister charity Stanley’s Companions.

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LADIES from Croft House Cookies Women’s Institute had a fun lesson in basic vehicle maintenance techniques at a garage in Ravensthorpe.

The Women’s Institute members from Upper Hopton attended an evening session at Hi-Q on Huddersfield Road, where director Chris Blewett showed them how to make checks on their own cars.

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The event included practical demonstrations of checks on various vehicles, with the ladies taking an active role.

Chris said: “It gave us the opportunity to reassure the ladies that we are not the ogres often portrayed in our industry and that we are approachable.

“Our aim is to help in a time of need, whether that be an engine breakdown or simply a tyre pressure check.”

All proceeds from the evening were donated to Northorpe Hall, which is Croft House Cookies’ chosen charity.

Chris Blewett is pictured with WI members Sharon, Audrey, Pat and Judy

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ThePress

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Friday March 23, 2018

NOW ON SALE The fully updated edition.

Reserve a copy in office hours on 01924 470296, order via www.thepressnews.co.uk or call in at our office, 31 Branch Road, Batley

LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

TM the PM – it could be MUCH worse F YOU could swap our Prime Minister Theresa May for any other national leader, who would it be?

I know. Not a lot of choice is there?

Trump is simply mad.

Deranged. The world’s just lucky that so far he’s been all mouth and baggy trousers.

You do rather hope his secret service agents have been given authority to ‘intervene’ if he starts asking for the red button codes.

Vladimir Putin? A killer, quite literally – perhaps not quite on Stalin’s scale, but he appears to share the mad ambitions of Napoleon, Mao, Hitler and friends.

Ordering the poisoning of people in Salisbury he considered traitors, and having another out-of-favour emigre strangled in London, just days ahead of the Russian election, was absolutely up his street.

This is a man who bombs

I

Theresa – a keeper by comparison with most hospitals in Syria, who uses Russian mercenaries to fight proxy wars, who gives rebels rockets to shoot down civilian airlines.

Don’t expect that a stern ticking-off from headmistress May is going to rein him in any time soon.

And then you read that Trump got a briefing from his National Security Adviser saying DO NOT CONGRATULATE after Putin ‘won’ his rigged election. Yup, sure enough Don was straight on the phone to his pal. “We had a very good call,” he bragged. The moron.

When you do get somewhere reasonably normal like nicey-nice Canada, you get a President in Pierre Trudeau who has yet to find a minority cause he doesn’t want to champion above ‘normal’ citizens.

He’d probably resign tomorrow if he could guarantee a gay transgender Muslim PM (he’s too stupid to understand the basic contradiction there).

Australia’s deputy PM has just resigned after being caught tampering with the staff, which at least makes a change from Aussie officials being on the take.

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The glory days of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa are dim and distant history and even though the tyrants Jacob Zuma and Robert Mugabe have been toppled, there’s little hope that Cyril Ramaphosa and Emmerson Mnangagwa will be much better.

Assad in Syria, Kim JungUn in North Korea, the Chinese president Xi Jinping changing the law so he can rule for life – what’s occurring out there? Even the sainted Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma is vilified for not lifting a finger to stop the genocide of Rohingya Muslims.

I was going to praise the long-serving Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, but last month police announced he could face corruption charges. Ho hum.

Closer to home the Harvey Weinstein of Italian politics, Silvio Berlusconi, is back trying to pull the strings in

FROM the telephone and steam engine, to the TV and the world wide web, the list of British inventors and inventions is rather staggering. The Industrial Revolution was every bit as responsible (or more) than our famed Royal Navy for creating the largest empire human civilisation has witnessed.

Graphene was discovered at Manchester University in 2004 and is the strongest material known to man.

It’s lighter than paper and 200 times stronger than steel.

As such, and despite the fact that cement was invented as

long ago as 1824 and Tarmac in 1902, I do find it rather remarkable that it is clearly beyond the wit, wisdom and combined intelligence of the British scientific and industrial complexes to develop anything that could fill a bloody pot hole and stay filled beyond the next time it rains or snows.

How difficult can it be?

You could even be forgiven for thinking it’s in the interests of council pothole-spotting staff and the filthy-rich road construction companies to persevere with expensive but ineffective make-do fixes.

Hmmm...

Rome, despite his litany of legal woes, France has yet another effete mincer in the Elysee Palace, der mutter Angela Merkel is clinging on for dear life, and right on our doorstep you have Brit-hating wee Nicola Krankie, whose predecessor Alex Salmond works as a propa-

gandist for Putin on the state broadcaster Russia Today.

Put it all like that, and our dithering, path-of-least-resistance Theresa May, looks like a cross between Churchill, Roosevelt and Mother Theresa. Sometimes I guess we just need to count our blessings, however small.

NO SURPRISES from the public meeting MP Paula Sherriff staged with senior Kirklees police this week. She got her six-pennorth of putting the boot into Tory cuts, which has some merit but is not quite the point.

Violent criminals are terrorising the streets of this district and “assurances” from Supt Steve Cotter that “reported crime is mapped and resources deployed accordingly” is whitewash worthy of a Cabinet minister.

“Keep on calling and reporting crimes because we take y’all really, really seriously, we’re feeling your pain,” might sound good in the shaving mirror Superintendent, but people

like the long-suffering traders of Birstall know bullshine when they smell it. They don’t want token “high visibility community patrols” in the middle of the day, in places where most people will see a police hat and be “reassured”.

They want action. They want a plan. They want the bloke trousering the big salary to talk honestly to them, to show that he has the slightest clue what is going on, and an idea of what he’s going to do about it.

Right now, all they’re hearing is small ‘p’ political platitudes from a bloke who’s probably sweating on his next posting to somewhere that the streets haven’t been simply handed over to the villains and gangsters. Not good enough.

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WAS going to write a brief postscript on my recent domestic heating woes, whereby the clowns at Ideal Boilers respond to faults in their rubbish machines by doing their bit for the duvet and blanket industries – ie, wrap up warm and get used to being a bit smelly.

But no, it’s more than that.

It’s more likely MI5 than Putin that’s trying to drive me round the bend – or worse – but someone’s definitely got it in for me.

My sense of smell is rubbish, thanks to numerous broken noses and operations over the years.

Mrs L, on the other hand, can be at the opposite end of the house and goes off like a smoke alarm if I attempt to silently break wind in the closed confines of my distant office.

I wondered the other day why I was feeling unusually woozy and the dog was even more lethargic than usual.

“I can smell gas – lots of it!” she announced from the

I

proximity of the boiler.

She called Ideal, who did what Ideal do. “Nowt to do wi’ us!” (they’re based in Hull). “We’ll let Transco know” (it’s Northern Gas Networks actually).

“But it’s your boiler that’s leaking gas – poisoning us!”

“You don’t know it’s our boiler, could be the mains, or a Martian spaceship or summat” (bit of an exaggeration there). “Call us back if Transco say it’s t’boiler.”

“But it IS your bloody boiler that’s leaking!”

“Who suddenly made you a gas engineer then?”

Within the hour the NGN man was there. “It’s the boiler,” he said immediately.

“Whoever worked on it left this fitting loose.”

Great, I thought. Another week without heat, because Ideal have two speeds, service-wise: Slow and stop.

“I can sort it, no problem,” said Mr NGN. “Only two minutes.” I’ve got a new slogan for Ideal – ‘The boiler for eskimos and people considering gassing themselves’.

UT that wasn’t all – oh no! I consider BT the worst set of commercial racketeers around and have belatedly switched my home phone and broadband to John Lewis – a reliable, well thought-of retail brand, yes? They work with Plusnet.

On switching day, sure enough BT shut down promptly. By that night I’d wasted about 12 hours trying to get it working, before John Lewis said oops, there was a problem (no s*** Sherlock!), “So fix it,” I suggested.

“I’ve raised a case number,” came the reply. “You should hear from us” – hear from us mind, not have it fixed – “within three to five working days. But if the problem’s at your end you’ll have to pay a service fee.”

Aaaaaarggghhhh!!!!

Anyway, turns out the cock-up was BT’s – and nice John Lewis is “doing something to compensate for your troubles.” Good service is bad service dealt with quickly and politely.

It’s not rocket science, is it?

B

ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

Shop ram-raid

By Zoe Shackleton A SHOP owner worked through the night to repair thousands of pounds’ worth of damage caused to his store front by a ram raid carried out by a gang of four men.

Abdul Haq Patel was at home when thieves used a 4x4 to smash their way in to his Nisa Local store in Earlsheaton, just after midnight last Sunday.

But he didn’t let it stop him from opening the store the next day, despite around £10,000’s worth of damage being done.

Mr Patel said: “I checked the CCTV from my phone and I saw this big ram raid and phoned the police.

“A 4x4 hit my front window and door, and it very badly damaged the front.

“They took the cash machine but police found it later on. We got the cash machine and money back.

“The next day we opened normally, all night we worked very hard and managed to re-open the shop as normal.”

The 59-year-old shopkeeper, of Batley, said there was around £4,000 in cash in the ATM. Mr Patel also has shops in Batley and Dewsbury town

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The remains of the ATM outside

The shopfront was damaged

centres and admitted he would have to be very careful from now on.

He added: “We are not sure what to do, putting the cash machine back in is very risky.”

Police managed to recover the machine and the vehicle used to carry out the raid.

A spokesman said: “Police are investigating following a burglary in Earlsheaton at the weekend where an ATM machine was targeted.

“The incident happened on Sunday March 18, just after midnight at the Nisa shop on St Peter’s Parade.

“A vehicle was used to

drive into the premises and the ATM cash machine outside was attacked by the suspects and loaded into the car.

“The vehicle, a black Mitsubishi Shogun, used during the incident has since been recovered by police and also the ATM cash machine.

“The suspects are described as four males all wearing dark clothing.

“Enquiries are ongoing including gathering CCTV from neighbouring commercial premises.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting crime reference number 13180127796.

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DEWSBURY: A 27-year-old man was due to be sentenced yesterday (Thursday) after stealing £300 worth of lead.

Kyle Sweeting was caught with another man stealing the lead from an address on Boothroyd Lane, Dewsbury, on March 3.

He was meant to be at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court last Friday to enter a plea, but his solicitor said that he was a serving prisoner at HMP Doncaster so couldn't attend. She entered a guilty plea on his behalf.

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Friday March 23, 2018

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Reformed group stands for unity – will you join?

We, the members of the North Kirklees Interfaith Council, made up of people from the Christian and Muslim community in North Kirklees but open to all faiths, wish to make it clear that we deplore the act of terrorism and hatred that has been carried out in the sending of the letter entitled ‘Punish a Muslim Day’ to some people within the Muslim community in this country.

There is simply no place for such inflammatory remarks and incitement to violence in this day and age.

We stand together as those who wish to achieve greater unity between all members of our community regardless of their religious persuasion.

Whilst we recognise that there are the-

Community rallies round From: D Hirst, Dewsbury I have just been told a lovely story. It relates to a lady and her family, resident in the West Ardsley area, she has become ill with terminal cancer.

Her friends and neighbours decided to do a collection to buy her an electric chair.

They visited numerous houses and business premises in the area, and were amazed at the response.

Gifts of money and goods poured in, many from complete strangers.

The icing on the cake came when a local businessman stated he had an electric wheelchair which he would donate.

It was gratefully accepted.

The collectors then sought a venue where the donors could be invited to an auction and raffle.

A place was found in Woodkirk and the proprietors offered its use free.

Sadly, the recent harsh frost fractured the water pipes, damage was incurred and the meeting place was closed.

Help was sought at the near-

Letter of the Week: Rev Simon Cash & Kaushar Tai, North Kirklees Interfaith Council ological and cultural differences between the Christian and Muslim faith, both faiths have their origins in the Abrahamic tradition and as such we share much in common.

As a group, which has been dormant for a few years, but has now recently been re-

by Woodkirk Tennis Club. The management agreed that the club could be used for the meeting free of charge. The meeting was held on Friday March 16, and was a tremendous success.

All the monies collected, together with the electric wheelchair have been passed to the lady and her family; they have also given her a precious gift of independence.

She can now visit the neighbours and local shops.

Again, such a lovely story which I thought should be shared.

We still pay in other ways From: Norman Backhouse, Roberttown I developed a medical problem on Saturday and went to the Locala walk-in clinic at the hospital in the afternoon.

It was busy and I had to wait about three quarters of an hour before being seen.

By the time I had been examined and given a prescription and back to the car park I overran the two hours and was shocked to find myself forking out £5 through no fault of mine.

formed, we are looking for ways in which we can do more things together and welcome new members to our meetings.

If you might be interested in joining us please contact Rev Simon Cash on 01924 465491 or Mr Kaushar Tai on 07813 811914.

These charges a rip-off, so treatment is free but we pay in other ways!

Yorkshire is not one place From: LR Hirst, Northorpe, Mirfield Once again the subject of devolution has arisen and fears of those who want it, of the people of Yorkshire who may jeopardise it.

I believe it was in 2002 when John Prescott, as he was known then, raised the subject in parliament of an elected assembly for Yorkshire.

A Mr John Watson started an organisation under the title Yorkshire Says No, of which I became a member.

After 10 years the Labour government at that time cancelled the referendum, they knew that they would have lost the vote.

During that 10-year period of Mr Prescott’s plan, there had been 28 TV interviews, 117 radio interviews and over 1,000 newspaper articles printed, also the BBC held a telephone poll. The result: 5% for and 95% against.

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS Littletown Junior Infant And Nursery School, outdoor building, Bradford Road, Littletown.

C Osborne, detached dwelling, adjacent to Foxroyd Croft, 30 Whitley Road, Thornhill.

S Mahmood, two-storey front side and rear extension, 10 Moor End Lane, Dewsbury Moor.

Luke Clough, works to TPO 57/92, 78A Westgate, Cleckheaton.

Mrs Megson, change of use of motor cycle sales area to restaurant, Brookroyd Mills, 678 Bradford Road, Batley.

A Jawad, detached dwelling, adjacent to The Old School House, Battye Street, Heckmondwike.

G Harris, single-storey side extension, The Coach House, 37 Beechwood Avenue, Mirfield.

M Razak, dormers to front and rear and alterations, 20 Tanhouse Street, Ravensthorpe,.

Alpha Living (RSL) Ltd, alterations to convert former manager’s flat into two flats, Barnfield, Beckett Road, Dewsbury.

A Mahoney, single-storey rear extension and alterations to convert garage to living accommodation, 77 Allen Croft, Birkenshaw.

Caddick Developments Ltd, reserved matters application pursuant to outline permission 2014/90688 for erection of commercial floorspace (B1c, B2, B8) including details of engineering operations to form serviced employment plots and full application for the erection of 166 dwellings (industrial part only), land at Slipper Lane, Mirfield.

Caddick Developments Ltd, removal of condition 31 (B8 floorspace) and variation of conditions 23 (Residential) (Road Safety Audits) and 30 (Industrial) (Road Safety Audits) on previous application 2014/90688 for outline application for erection of commercial floorspace (B1c, B2, B8) including details of engineering operations to form serviced employment plots and full application for the erection of 166 dwellings, land at Slipper Lane, Mirfield.

L Ellam, change of use of part of land from private boat yard to buying and selling vehicles and erection of detached dwelling, 772a Bradford Road, Birstall.

Fatima Laher, works to trees in CA, The Lodge, 16 Reservoir Street, Dewsbury.

A Patel, rear extension, front porch and dormer window, 11 Howard Street, Batley.

Northern Powergrid, modular switch room building, land off Aire Street,

The shocking and disturbing letter that has been sent out in recent weeks

Ravensthorpe.

D Nutter, dormer windows to front, 6 Pyenot Avenue, Marsh, Cleckheaton.

M Bainton, single-storey side and rear extensions, dormers to front and alterations to roof, 11 Tetley Drive, Birkenshaw.

T Mahmood, single-storey front and two-storey side and rear extensions, 83 Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury Moor.

A Rehman, 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 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.6m, 23 Beacon Street, Ravensthorpe.

Eric Paxman, discharge conditions 3 (noise) and 4 (ventilation) on previous permission 2017/93125 for change of use of bank (A2) to restaurant (A3), 138 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield.

J Harper, works to trees TPO 48/80, 24 Field Head Lane, Birstall.

Kirklees Council, installation of 2.4m boundary fencing, 4 Woodend Road, Lower Hopton.

U Adam, single-storey side and rear extension and front porch, 16 Purlwell Crescent, Batley.

James Clark, works to tree in CA, Grove House, 25 Soothill Lane, Batley.

Atsham Ul-haq, discharge condition 2 (materials) on previous permission 2016/93603 for reserved matters application pursuant to outline permission 2015/92068 for erection of one detached dwelling, adjacent to 26 Track Road, Batley.

Mr & Mrs Broomhead, single-storey rear extension and alterations to convert integral garage to living accommodation, 10 Lady Heton Avenue, Mirfield.

R Addison, rear extension to existing garage and new pitched roof to replace existing flat roof, 12 Robin Hill, Batley.

M Ghulam, the proposal is for erection of single storey rear extension. The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 3m, 6 South View Terrace, Ravensthorpe.

Akhtar Patel, proposed single and two storey rear extensions and dormer, 123 Healds Road, Dewsbury.

Gleeson Dev Ltd, non-material amendment to previous permission 2017/90557 for erection of 99 dwellings, Calder View, Lower Hopton.

Network Rail, prior approval for extensions to platforms, Mirfield Railway Station, Station Road, Mirfield.

If it is ever decided to have an elected mayor I think the people should have the vote.

Can you think what it would be like getting anything done under one authority and one Mayor?

Since we got rid of the Ridings of this great Yorkshire control by their own authorities and mayors, things have just gone backwards in their towns.

You have only to take a look at your towns that are controlled by councils such as Kirklees, Calderdale, Leeds, Wakefield and Sheffield.

Most are ghost towns with shops closed by bad planning; assets and artefacts sold off, but money received not used in the towns to whom these assets and artefacts belong to.

Most services of these atrocities are nearly nil. In Kirklees you can no longer pay your council tax, parking fines or other things by cash or cheque.

Try phoning departments of Kirklees, most of the time you receive an answer machine saying ‘all our operators are busy’!

Roads, police and fire services: Roads you cannot get repaired; police are nil, except they can provide video vans and traffic wardens which is an easy way of boosting finances.

Now can you imagine what it will be like living under the control of one mayor and one authority? The people of Yorkshire in this large county of ours are not the same and have different ways of working and enjoying themselves. All that is big is not good.

I say to Mr Heseltine, stop interfering in Yorkshire problems, you are not a Yorkshireman.

I have never seen a balance sheet concerning the sale of the assets and artefacts printed in the press of the monies the towns should have received.

Maybe it was all spent in Huddersfield.

Where are the police?

From: Anthony Doyle, Birstall I read this week the last remaining male white rhino has died. Another creature now in danger of extinction.

Sadly we have lost another creature in Birstall, namely the

police, they seem to have become extinct.

Cars the length of High Street have their windows broken.

Uninsured motor cyclists racing through town doing wheelies.

Last night an attempted break-in up High Street.

Where are our police? I cannot honestly remember the last time I saw a police presence in Birstall at night!

Council tax has gone up again this year, a percentage of which will be a rise in policing costs?

There is no deterrent visible to these morons and even less preventive policing.

No reassured over Mirfield From: Barbara Schiff, Mirfield I write in connection with the letter from Mr Tony Hollands written in reply to my original letter of February 16.

I appreciate his attempt to reassure me about Mirfield’s future, but am not convinced.

When Mr Hollands says there are four bus routes between Mirfield and Dewsbury, I assume he includes the 202.

It is true this service includes part of Mirfield but it goes nowhere near the town centre, making it of little or no use to the many residents who live close to the centre.

Of the other buses the hourly 253 is often timetabled within minutes of the main service, the 203.

This week, as is often the case, I watched them pull into Dewsbury Bus Station together.

The 205 – also hourly – goes on a convoluted route, though it is clearly needed, it is only used as a last resort for people living near the town centre.

Even with the 203 there is over an hour between the 15:39 and 16:46 service from Mirfield to Dewsbury.

Incidentally getting from Huddersfield to central Mirfield just after 5:05 involves waiting for 55 minutes for the 262.

The re-routing of the 262 to include Brighouse rather than Dewsbury is hardly an improvement since the discontinued 278 went directly from Mirfield to Elland and Halifax

– now it is necessary to change at Brighouse. There is no longer a direct service from Hopton to Dewsbury.

The half-hourly train service is further from the centres of Dewsbury and Mirfield, making the journey more difficult for anyone with walking difficulties.

I have great admiration for the helpful and committed staff and volunteers of Mirfield Library, but the fact remains the library is still under threat of closure despite the efforts of our councillors and Friends of Mirfield Library like myself who are working hard collecting signatures for a petition to keep a library somewhere in Mirfield.

Despite the increase in Council Tax of 5.99 per cent Kirklees Council is considering many cuts to services, including the closure of many libraries such as Mirfield.

I am far from re-assured.

Happy times with Jim From: Peter Moreland, Heckmondwike The death of Jim Bowen last week brought back happy memories of the time I invited him to open the legendary Dewsbury Moor gala in 1986.

Jim was a great success with the hugh crowd who turned out to welcome him to the ground as he led the gala procession.

Jim Bowen in 1986

Friday March 23, 2018

ThePress

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News In Brief Witnesses sought in fatal Batley crash BATLEY: A woman has died from injuries sustained after being hit by a car last week.

Sandra Lee, 56, from Batley, was hit by a red Skoda Fabia when it reversed down Brookroyd Lane near its junction with Brookroyd View. The car hit Mrs Lee and careered through a fence and into a garden, at 12.42pm last Tuesday, March 13.

Mrs Lee was taken to Leeds General Infirmary, where she later died.

Officers are continuing enquiries and are still trying to trace two pedestrians – a male and female – who may have witnessed it.

Any witnesses are asked to call the Major Collision and Enquiry Team on 101 quoting 799 of Tuesday March 13.

Council iPad prize KIRKLEES: Residents could be in with a chance of winning another Apple iPad by registering for a My Kirklees Account.

The account gives people access to a range of council services online all in one place and with one password, 24 hours a day.

They ran a similar prize draw at the beginning of the year. Anyone who registers for an account before midnight on Monday April 30 and links it to either a council tax, rent or benefits account, as well as signing up for paperless billing, will be automatically entered into the draw. Register at my.kirklees.gov.uk.

Read all about it...

MIRFIELD: Residents turned out in numbers for an open day at Mirfield Library last Saturday as campaigners try and save the service from closure.

MP Paula Sherriff met library volunteers at the event staged by the Friends of Mirfield Library group.

A council consultation for people to have their say on library services is available at www.kirklees.gov.uk/libraryconsultation until April 2.

Friday March 23, 2018

Ex-soldier ‘terrified’ after town knife attack

By Zoe Shackleton A FORMER soldier says he’s been left terrified of leaving the house after being attacked and robbed by a group of teenagers in Dewsbury.

Andy West, who other than to attend served in the army a doctor’s appointfor five years and did ment. two tours of Iraq, had “I’m terrified. I just finished shop- keep hearing in my ping in the town on head that person sayMonday evening ing ‘no don’t do it’,” when a gang of seven said Mr West. “I was or eight youths angry, I went through threw him to the so much emotion on floor and started Monday. I did five punching and stamp- years in the army for ing on him. my country and this Mr West, of is what I get.

Staincliffe, said one “I’m not able to of the teens threat- sleep on a night, I ened him with a can sleep during the knife while another day when it’s light shouted “no, don’t do but not at night.” it” during the attack, Mr West worked as near the underpass a security guard but connecting Long- is currently unemcauseway and ployed because of his Railway Street in the PTSD and lives with town centre. His girlfriend Gemma Sony Xperia mobile Quarton, who has phone and shopping been caring for him were stolen. since the assault.

The 34-year-old has A woman and an suffered post trau- elderly couple who matic stress disorder were nearby at the (PTSD) since his time called the police time in the army and and Mr West was hasn’t felt able to taken straight to leave his home fol- Pinderfields Hospital lowing the attack, where he was treated

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Andy West and his girlfriend Gemma Quarton

for concussion and muscle damage in his legs.

He was on the phone to his mum when the gang sur-

rounded him at around 6.30pm.

Miss Quarton said: “It’s getting ridiculous that you can’t walk through

Dewsbury before 7pm. He doesn’t want me going out by myself until they’re caught because he’s scared it could happen to me. It’s such a horrible place, it shouldn’t be like that.”

A statement from West Yorkshire Police however only mentioned one suspect in the attack between 18.30 and 18.45pm. It said: “The 34-year-old male victim was walking through a small park area between the underpass and the road when he was

approached by the suspect.

“The victim was knocked to the ground and then assaulted. The suspect then threatened him with a knife and demanded his phone and shopping.

“Once the items were given to the suspect, he fled on foot in an unknown direction.”

Any witnesses can call the police 101 number quoting crime reference 13180130652.

Mr West added: “I want to thank those people for helping me. I don’t want this to happen to anybody else.”

Bangla charity event a big hit

A CHARITY night at a Birstall restaurant helped raise more than £3,300 for a health project in Bangladesh.

The Bangla Lounge on Low Lane held the sold-out event late last year but recently presented a cheque to representatives of the Lamb Project, a hospital and community health organisation.

The event included a special meal, Bollywood dancers, a

magician, auction, raffle and karaoke for the 70-plus diners.

Bangla Lounge owner Abdul Kahar holds an annual fundraising event, choosing a new good cause every year.

Almost £1,700 was raised on the night, and local businessman Peter McVeigh generously agreed to match the amount raised. Mr Kahar said: “It was our first time being involved with the Lamb Project, and in

the past we’ve supported more local causes, but with our links to Bangladesh this was a perfect fit.”

Members of St Peter’s Church helped organise the night and a medic who has worked with the Lamb Project, Dr Rebecca Rhodes, accepted the cheque for £3, 341.52.

Dr Rhodes and Mr Kahar are pictured with fundraisers and Mr McVeigh (right).

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NEW faces have been added to the line-up for MP Tracy Brabin’s International Women’s Day celebrations tomorrow (Sat).

Tomorrow’s event, which will also mark 100 years since women were given the vote, was originally billed for March 3, but had to be postponed because of the snow.

The festival has also had to change some of its speakers, with actor and writer Sue Vincent and author Helen Smith unable to make the rescheduled event.

Now appearing will be Coronation St and Eastenders actor and campaigner Michelle Collins, plus award-winning author Frances Brody (the Kate Shackleton mysteries).

Ms Brabin said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Michelle and Frances are now joining us to share their expertise on what promises to be a fascinating, fun and inspiring day.”

There will be workshops, performances, historical displays, talks on a range of subjects and the day culminates with a screening of the award-winning film Suffragette.

The event is being held at Batley Older People’s Centre on Saturday between 10am and 7pm, with food and drink provided.

ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

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News In Brief Church Easter events BIRSTALL: Brownhill St Saviour’s Church has a busy week of events coming up to celebrate Easter. On Sunday (March 25) there will be Holy Communion from 8am, followed by family Communion at 10am.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will see a ‘holy week meditation’ at 7.30pm, with an ‘institution of the Lord’s supper’ at the same time on Thursday.

An act of witness is being held in Birstall Marketplace from 10am on Good Friday and at Junction 27 Retail Park at 11am.

There will be a family Easter eve vigil at 5pm on Saturday, and an Easter day Holy Communion on Sunday followed by breakfast at 8am. Easter celebrations will be rounded off with an egg hunt at the church, following the family Communion at 10am.

All welcome at party LIVERSEDGE: Windybank community centre is hosting an Easter party tomorrow (Saturday). It’s just 50p per child, and that includes a packed lunch, Easter crafts, party games and a colouring competition.

The party starts at 1pm until 3pm.

A grand result MIRFIELD: Three lucky neighbours cashed in after their postcode saw them pocket £1,000 each with the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The winners live on Water Royd Crescent, Mirfield, and were presented with their cheques last week. They each bought a ticket, and a minimum of 32 per cent of ticket sales goes directly to charities.

The money raised from ticket sales was given to Mirfield’s Hollybank Trust.

Friday March 23, 2018

Drugs kingpin is locked up for district-wide plot

By Steve Martyn THE LEADER of a drugs gang has been locked up for more than eight years for his part in supplying heroin and crack cocaine.

Robert Brame was the last of a five-man gang to be sentenced, with the group facing more than 24 years of jail time in total.

The 29-year-old’s sentencing marked the end of a two-year investigation into the drugs ring who were supplying Class A drugs – namely heroin and crack cocaine – from Dewsbury into Batley, ready for distribution in Wakefield.

Brame, of Foldings Parade, Scholes, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at Leeds Crown Court last week, and was sentenced to eight-and-ahalf years behind bars.

Wakefield CID started their investigations as part of Operation Mailhouse in April 2016 and began making arrests later that year.

Co-conspirator Jack Green, 21, of Wakefield Road, Earlsheaton, was sentenced to eight years in November last year after admit-

Robert Brame – eight and a half years

Jack Green – eight years

ting the same offence.

Three other men from Cleckheaton, Dewsbury and Leeds, aged 23, 22, and 28, were also sentenced in 2017.

They each pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine and received 28-month, three-year and 33-month jail terms

respectively.

Det Serg Steve Sayles, of Wakefield District CID, said: “The sentencing of Robert Brame brings an end to what has been a significant and lengthy enquiry into a well-planned drugs network, developed to sell Class A drugs in our district.

“Class A drugs were imported

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from Kirklees into Wakefield by these males and I am pleased they have been given significant sentences for their roles in this criminal conspiracy.

“Brame was very much the main player in this network and his lengthy prison sentence, despite a guilty plea, demonstrates how seriously the courts treat offending of this nature.”

Wakefield District Police have said more operations are in the pipeline to try and tackle the drugs problem.

DCI Vanessa Rolfe said: “Class A drugs are an utter blight on our communities and tackling the organised crime groups who supply them is a priority.

“We have had some major successes in putting dealers away in recent years and the overall 24year sentences given to this crime group should serve as an example to those involved in drugs supply of the penalties they can expect to face.

“As a CID department we have the officers and skills to investigate and take down these groups and I would ask anyone who has information about the supply of drugs to contact the police.”

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ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

Mother’s Day lock-out ‘Flippant’ council boss blasted over crematorium attitude

By Zoe Shackleton A MIRFIELD dad has blasted the leader of Kirklees Council for his attitude over Dewsbury Crematorium’s grounds being closed on Mother’s Day. Darren Halmshaw took his 16-year-old daughter Eve to visit her late mum’s memorial plaque on Sunday March 11 to find the gates locked.

They arrived at around 9.50am and left at 10.30am with the crematorium still closed.

Mr Halmshaw said: “Of all the days for it to be locked, both me and my daughter were very disappointed. I’m angry with the response from the so-

Darren Halmshaw and his daughter Eve

called leader of the council.”

Darren emailed council leader David Sheard to express his concerns and

question why the gates were locked. Coun Sheard (Lab, Heckmondwike) explained: “We open the Dewsbury Crematorium

£7,000 given to Spen groups LIVERSEDGE and Gomersal councillors have handed out almost £7,000 to community projects in the ward.

Councillors granted cash to 14 successful bids after asking for applications for sums of up to £500.

The maximum £500 was given out to 10 groups: the 7th Spen Valley Scouts, Roberttown Pre-school, Roberttown Karate Club, Gomersal Primary School, Roberttown Community Centre, Windybank Craft Club, Roberttown Residents Committee, Little Gomersal Community Association and Roberttown Grange Tenants and Residents.

Most of the money will be spent on

improving facilities or to put towards events in the community. Other winners of the cash grants were the Scouts at Fanwood (£405), Bricks 4 Kidz (£420), the Great Get Together (£235), and Firthcliffe Tenants and Tesidents Association.

Councillors have also made contributions to the Wacky Wednesday events at Oakwell Hall and the Rotary technology tournament, plus £500 for the Roberttown Christmas lights.

Coun Lisa Holmes (Con, Liversedge and Gomersal) is also purchasing the first community fund defibrillator, due to be located at Hill Top Foot Clinic on Oxford Road, Gomersal.

ground from 9pm to 4pm on a weekend.

“Unfortunately on the day you visited, the private company who operate security were running late. So that is why the gates were not open at the time you visited.”

Darren, who has raised thousands of pounds for Ovarian Cancer Action after his wife Pamela passed away from the disease in 2016, was appalled that Coun Sheard had not apologised.

He said: “He’s not acknowledged the fact that it’s Mother’s Day and the crematorium was locked, there was no ‘I’ll look into it and find out why’. It was just a case of ‘we’re running late, end of’. It’s appalling.

“You can see what the response is. It’s non-existent, it’s very flippant.

“I was very clear why I was upset, the fact is I’ve taken my daughter on Mother’s Day – I’d rather be going somewhere else than the crematorium – but he’s not acknowledged the hurt that’s caused.

“Why is he not looking into it? Why is he not making sure that there’s practices in place?”

The pair finally got

access through a side gate but Mr Halmshaw said there were at least four other groups of people who arrived with flowers before looking at the locked gate and leaving, while an elderly gentleman couldn’t get through to visit his wife’s grave.

He sent another email to Coun Sheard – to which the Labour leader replied: “You asked for an answer as to why the gates were locked. That is what I gave you.”

He blasted that response as “shameful” and added: “He’s offered nothing, it’s very frustrating, it’s upsetting and it really shouldn’t happen.”

When asked to comment by The Press, Coun Sheard said: “Mr Halmshaw asked why the gates were not open, which meant he had to walk into the grounds with his daughter.

“I explained that the contractors were late opening the gates that day. I didn’t respond to the rest of his email as I didn’t see how exchanging insults added anything.

“Mr Halmshaw and his daughter were not prevented from paying respects to his wife, he just couldn’t drive there.

It is a pity that the contractors were late.”

13

News In Brief CLECKHEATON: Crews from Cleckheaton Fire Station are hosting another charity car wash this weekend to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The next session will be tomorrow – Saturday March 24 – from 10am to 4pm at the Hightown Road site, with all proceeds going to the two charities.

GOMERSAL: The Batley and Birstall support group for Kirkwood Hospice is hosting a luncheon at Gomersal Park Hotel.

Tickets are £8, which includes a light lunch and glass of wine, with all proceeds going to the hospice.

Doors open from 12.30pm on Sunday April 8.

For tickets contact Edith on 01924 441122.

Tickets on sale £15 each

01924 462138

14

ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

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T’S never fun being in hospital – especially for children and even more so during the Easter school holidays.

That’s why The Press, with the help of all the businesses who have taken adverts and sponsored eggs on these pages, is determined to bring a bit of cheer.

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With the support of Asda, we will be taking dozens of eggs and other goodies to the children’s unit at Dewsbury District Hospital next week.

Thanks to all those who helped and look out for pictures of our visit in forthcoming editions of The Press.

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ThePress

Cash boost for social care in Kirklees KIRKLEES Cabinet members have agreed to spend an extra £2.7 million on social care.

The additional money is a result of a Leeds City Region pilot scheme to pool business rates funding, alongside an increase from central government in the district’s adult social care grant.

The ruling Labour group say they will use the cash to transform the delivery of social care.

At a cabinet meeting members pledged to invest in technology and equipment to help people to remain as independent as possible, to develop a more sustainable care market, support a programme of work to develop, build and staff the most appropriate accommodation to meet specific needs, and manage any increased demands.

Coun Cathy Scott (Lab, Dewsbury East) said: “The £1.16 million additional from government and the £1.6 million from the business rates pilot are obviously very welcome, and we have pledged at our budget meeting to use this money for some of our most vulnerable people.

“Of course the money is also just a sticking plaster until the government comes up with a sustainable way of funding this vital work – which is a challenge to councils all over the country – and which is so desperately needed.”

Despite the extra cash, the council are looking at ways to save money for the future as demand for adult social care is expected to grow by at least 30 per cent in the next 10 to 15 years.

They launched another consultation exercise yesterday (Thursday) for people to have their say on potential changes to social care.

Visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/careoffer.

MIRFIELD: Campaign group Save Mirfield are holding their AGM at the end of the month.

It will be a chance for residents to see what the group has been doing, as well as listen to reports on campaigns and the Local Plan, and to ask any questions or volunteer to help.

Everyone is welcome at The Plough on Shillbank Lane on Monday March 26 from 7.30pm.

Friday March 23, 2018

Local historian Mike Popplewell looks at the people and places that have shaped the history of the district...

Family ties bind Anne to Napoleon’s demise MY, MY! At Waterloo, Napoleon did surrender ...’ So wrote the Swedish duo Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. The English usage leaves a bit to be desired, but it is historically accurate, as Dewsbury man Joseph Silkstone would have testified back in 1815 – he was there!

Joseph was born in 1795. George III was on the throne and becoming increasingly erratic as the disease Porphyria caused repeated attacks of toxic confusion (not the madness attributed to him at the time) and he ultimately declined into a state of dementia.

What Joseph did in his early years is not known, but by 1815 he was an infantryman with the 30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment of Foot and heading for Flanders as the British Army, under the Duke of Wellington prepared to face Napoleon Bonaparte one last time.

Hollywood has never worried about being totally factually accurate in their presentation of historical events, but last weekend there was a showing of the 1970 film on TV with Rod Steiger as Napoleon and Christopher Plummer as Wellington which gave a real sense of the enormity of the conflict – not to mention the carnage.

I’m not sure if Napoleon ever looked as anguished as Steiger, or whether 19-year-old Joseph Silkstone ever got close enough to see, but Joseph and his fellow infantrymen showed the kind of resilience that shook the French

‘

‘Chelsea Pensioners Reading The Waterloo Dispatch’ – a painting by David Wilkie.

Dewsbury’s Joseph Silkstone became a Chelsea Pensioner in later life

leader and helped inflict a defeat that condemned him to spend the rest of his life in exile.

You would need a military historian to analyse the rights and wrongs of Napoleon’s battle plans, but perhaps he had never had to face up to Yorkshire grit before!

It has been described as the battle that changed history – but how much did it change Joseph Silkstone’s life?

Dewsbury was a very industrialised town in the 19th century, and that proved a key part of life for Joseph and his family.

After he left the army he married and had children.

Living at Lees Moor, Dewsbury, in 1851 he was listed as a Chelsea Pensioner. The ‘boys of the old brigade’ can be seen at every Remembrance Day parade in their black tricorn hats and bright red coats, but these are the residents of the Royal Chelsea Hospital.

In fact, this organisation has always provided assistance to old soldiers who live outside the hospital as well as those who live in.

Joseph married late, he was nearly 40 when he married his wife Elizabeth and she appears to have been a widowed or divorced woman as a Charles Beckwith, listed as a son, was living with them at Lees Moor in 1851 as well as three Silkstone children and three lodgers.

Charles (22), eldest son Joseph (17) and 15-yearold John were coal miners while the lodgers were labourers in the nearby ironworks.

An indication of the uncertainties of life could be seen in the way the family were constantly on the move. For example Charles was born in Walton, Wakefield (Elizabeth was from Horbury), Joseph Jnr was born in Mirfield, John in Bradford and 10-year-old daughter Ann in Thornhill.

Joseph and Elizabeth remained in the Dewsbury area from 1840 onwards with Joseph working as a miner, as well as collecting his army pension, right up to his death in 1868.

John married in 1864 and he had a son, Joseph II, in 1836 and the young Joseph was to play a part in Dewsbury life in the next half-century working in a blanket mill, then as a warehouseman and in 1897 as a road labourer for District Council.

By 1911 his involvement with the roads in the district had taken a new turn. Nine years earlier Tarmac had been invented and the laying of this material on the roads required someone to level it off, so Joseph became a steamroller driver.

Life was not always easy and he was always on the move. He was living with his parents in the Charlesworth Building, Thornhill, in 1871, at 2 Forrest Cottages in 1881 and, having recently

married, he was living with his wife Elizabeth Ann and their newborn daughter Lilly at Whitworth Road, Westtown in 1891.

Married life was not without its problems, but young Joseph and Elizabeth seemed to make the most of it.

In the 1911 census Ingham Colliers had offered employment for their son John William while John Oates employed Laura (16) and George Henry (14) at Bridge Mills. Doris (11) and Elsie (six) were still at school leaving Annie (three) and six-month-old Harry at home with his mother.

That Census showed that Joseph and Elizabeth were living in four rooms at 38 Watergate with SEVEN children under the age of 17.

Napoleonic War hero Joseph Silkstone died when his grandson Joseph was only two years old, but he would have doubtless been pleased to see the child grow into such a hard working citizen and complete military service himself in the Great War. At the outbreak of the war Joseph II was drafted into the Royal Defence Corps and he remained in service until his discharge in 1917.

Joseph was not a big man, standing just under 5ft 5ins, and despite his blue eyes and greying hair his appearance did not particularly make him stand out, but he still made an impression with his character.

On his discharge in February 1917 he was said to be ‘a man of very good character, steady and well conducted’ but, at 51, he was no longer considered fit for war service.

Despite that decision Joseph was to live on past his 77th birthday before passing away in 1942.

He just missed seeing the birth of youngest son Harry’s daughter Christine, and the Silkstone family work ethic has continued with Christine’s daughter Anne France (pictured left)), who has served the Dewsbury community as a healthcare worker in the district for many years.

Anne had no idea of the extent of her family background before this research but admitted to being very interested about her ancestors.

She said: “The family never really spoke about these characters from the past but it is fascinating to find that old Joseph was involved in one of the major events of the 1800s and that his descendants have played such a big part in the everyday life of Dewsbury for nearly 200 years.”

It is also fascinating to see that while the Silkstone family have moved around the district a lot in those 200 years they have never left it – Dewsbury diehards to a man (or woman)!

Friday March 23, 2018

ThePress

17

18

ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

Ramblers’ corner FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details SATURDAY MARCH 24 UP THE JUNCTION 26 Starts at 10.30am at the rear of Cleckheaton Town Hall (BD19 3RH, SE191254) 8.5 miles – moderate Contact: David Parkinson 01274 879794 david.parky@tiscali.co.uk

Maggie Poppas in THE WAY in which retirement can activate a new and exciting lifestyle for some will be spelled out by former management consultant Maggie Poppa at next week’s Batley History Group.

After enjoying working for many years in the clothing industry, Leeds lass Maggie was amazed to find how a change in lifestyle during her retirement fascinated increasing numbers of groups around the county.

It was created when Maggie was persuaded to leave her industrial lifestyle and mix with numerous fascinating characters as she embraced life as a broadcaster and journalist.

Having enjoyed mixing with many personalities and others who led fascinating lives Sally decided to share her experiences by giving talks – and is set to appear at Batley Town Hall at 7.30pm on Monday March 26.

Demand for her talks took up so much of her everyday life she moved from her regular job, a recruitment consultant, and started working for the BBC providing interviews for local radio stations.

She continued by interviewing lots of well-known personalities for magazines, especially Down Your Way, published by The Dalesman.

As that took up increasing amounts of her ‘retirement’ she also found that increasing numbers of groups wanted to hear more about her life.

Answering the demand has not only provided her with material for her talk entitled ‘Retirement – what retirement?’ but her fees have provided a sizeable sum of money for her favourite charity, St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds.

The History Group meeting is open to all, with members paying £2 and non-members £4.

Refreshments are available from 7pm.

Ebenezer’s trap HANGING HEATON’S Ebenezer Methodist Drama Group are currently rehearsing their next production.

Trap For A Lonely Man, a thriller by Robert Thomas, will be performed in the school room from April 26 to April 28 at 7.15pm each night.

Admission, including refreshments, is £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children.

Car boot sale THE COMMUNITY of the Resurrection is hosting a car boot sale on Sunday April 8.

The site, on Stocks Bank Road, will be open from 9am.

There will be a £10 charge per car for sellers, and refreshments will be available.

For details call Leanne O’Sullivan on 01924 483302 or email losullivan@mirfield.org.uk.

SATURDAY MARCH 31 HORBURY BRIDGE CIRCULAR Starts at 10.30am – meet outside Bingley Arms pub on the A642 at Horbury Bridge 7 miles – moderate Parking across from pub Contact: Annelis 01924 460597 a.griffin4@ntlworld.com

Quality ‘shines’ through

Some of Batley Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s ‘villagers’ Inset: Malcolm Parkinson as the Sorcerer

The Band Leeds Grand Theatre Review by Janet Black Until Saturday March 31 Book online at leeds grandtheatre.com or call the box office on 0844 8482700

The Sorcerer brews up trouble at Batley Town Hall WHEN a newly-engaged young man called Alexis Pointdextre decides to employ John Wellington Wells, a magician, to distribute a love-potion amongst the inhabitants of the little village of Ploverleigh, his aim is to make everyone happy.

The potion is added to tea served at the

engagement party, making all the villagers fall in love with the first person they meet.

Unfortunately, some of the pairings are not quite what Alexis intended, and mayhem and mirth are the results.

This, in short, is the plot of Gilbert &

Stars will be out in force THE STARS will be out in Batley on Saturday April 7 when Songsational take to the stage for an evening of sparkling song, dance and entertainment.

This will be the eighth year that the talented group of 10 performers have put on a show at Batley Town Hall, and it promises to be the best yet with a packed programme of music from many different genres such as West End, pop, swing and comedy.

Each year the group has used the evening to raise funds and awareness for the Mayor of

Kirklees’ charities, and this year is no exception as money will be raised for Coun Christine Iredale’s good causes which are Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s Society.

Tickets are only £8 (but bring your loose change) and are available from Kirklees Box Office on 01924 324501/ 01484 225755 or online at kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls.

Front row: Chris Hall, David Hall, Lisa Cockroft. Middle: Gareth Jones, Melanie Harrison, Jane Griffin, Amanda Marsden. Back row: Adam Schewtschuck-Hoyle, Richard Wayman, Robert Burns

Sullivan’s sparkling operetta The Sorcerer, which is being presented by Batley Gilbert & Sullivan Society from Wednesday April 18 to Saturday April 21 at Batley Town Hall. Tickets cost £12 (£5 for under-16s) and are available by ringing 07810 447183 or 01484 225755.

THE BAND is a powerful story of a boy band, five female fans, and how music becomes the soundtrack to, and has a profound effect, on each of their lives.

Written by Olivier Award-winner Tim Firth, its producers include Take That’s Gary Barlow, and the authenticity in this show really ‘Shines’ through too.

Against a musical backdrop of Take That songs, the story tells of five 16-yearold friends in 1992 for whom ‘the band’ is everything.

Twenty five years on, the group of friends, now 40-something women, try once more to fulfil their dreams of meeting their heroes.

A terrific cast play really believable, ordinary characters that all us girls of a certain age can relate to.

Quirky, sad, thought-provoking, sentimental, happy and joyous – this show has it all.

Discovered via the Saturday night primetime TV competition Let it Shine, Five to Five are ‘The Band’ of the title, and with a technical team that include specialists who work on Take That’s big arena shows, there are also loads of ‘wow’ moments through the show too.

The Band is thoroughly enjoyable and here until Saturday March 31.

For a wonderful and entertaining evening I recommend you book your tickets at the lovely Grand Theatre in Leeds.

• MIRFIELD Choral Society’s spring concert will be held on Saturday April 14 at Trinity Methodist Church on Huddersfield Road (7.15pm). Tickets priced £10 (U-18s and students £5) are available by emailing mirfieldchoral@ gmail.com.

ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network

19

OSSETT

YOUR

YOUR VOICE

She just won’t go away: TOWN Michelle Collins is still

By Richard Taylor, of Ossett Town Centre Partnership recognised as Cindy Beale! L M ICHELLE COLLINS, who played the manipulative Cindy, wife of the hapless Ian Beale in EastEnders from 1988 to 1998, says: “She just won’t go away. I still get called Cindy even today!”

The actress also starred in Coronation Street as Stella Price and revealed to me: “I don’t think she will ever be back, as the only character I was related to is now leaving also which is a shame, as I did enjoy playing her.”

The actress, though, is as busy as ever with the launch of her own skincare range.

“It’s simple and works, plus I like also now being a businesswoman,” she added.

CALL the Midwife star Charlotte Ritchie said she “howled like a child” over her character Nurse Barbara’s death.

She said: “I read the script of course, but when you film it and then it becomes a bit real, you do think ‘oh no this is it, I can’t come back from this can I?’ But seriously it was a well written piece and I have enjoyed my time on the show so much.”

Charlotte, though, thinks the show would make a great theatre piece. “As a musical or as a play, I think people would love to see it live,” she said.

SIR MICHAEL CAINE admits he loves so much of the dramatic TV that is on right now.

He said: “I do honestly, I mean a lot of the productions are topping so many Hollywood films, but I never get asked to be in them, which is odd ... but maybe one day eh?”

WHO Wants To Be A Millionaire returns to ITV with Jeremy Clarkson as host, and will be stripped across a week in the spring on ITV. If the show is a success, it will return for a full series. This is the way ITV hope to make even more money by attracting big advertisers to the channel.

THEY are more usually seen spoofing other people’s movies, but Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, are now planning to make their own film together. French said the pair are planning to put all of next year aside to work on the project, and that it will be “very funny, bringing lots of fun elements and fan favourites together”.

HARRY POTTER star Sophie Thompson’s arrival into

Ann and Michelle Collins Coronation Street as clairvoyant Rosemary has proved a great success, and added some much-needed comedy into the dreary soap of late – so much so that viewers are calling for her to become a regular on the show.

TV’S Judge Rinder tells me that he would have loved to become an actor like his best pal Benedict Cumberbatch, but in reality he said: “I did not have that talent at all, but I loved performing so in the end, I have combined the two and ended up on TV which has been great fun.”

JULIE WALTERS has spoken about how she relished playing off-the-wall character Petula Gordino in Victoria Wood’s classic comedy Dinnerladies. The 68-yearold actress is reuniting with other stars for a new Gold documentary, called Dinnerladies Diaries. Julie said: “She played to your strengths as an actress, and that is what made the shows gold in many respects. That and her brilliant writing.”

FORMER EastEnders actress Louisa Lytton claims, like so many actors who leave: “I don’t watch the show now, not many people who leave do as it’s a job and you don’t have time to tune in like a fan as we all work so many different things ... but I am being honest at least.”

DOMESTIC Goddess Nigella Lawson might not be happy to hear this, but I hear that she is often mistaken for Coronation Street actress Alison King, who plays Carla Connor in the soap. A friend reveals: “I know it’s happened as I have been with her, but I don’t think she is a

© Maycon Pictures fan of the soap and would have no idea who Carla is...”

EXTRACTS from Larry Grayson’s never-published autobiography are to feature in a new two-hour TV documentary about the comedian’s life. However fans may not be so keen on the TV show, as the people speaking rarely worked with Larry or knew him professionally, but as it is ITV3 expect it to have a darker element too.

COUNTDOWN host Nick Hewer tells me he has no plans to ever quit the show.

“I enjoy it so much and I find we get a great class of viewers who are just as addicted to it as I am,” he said.

“It’s so amazing that the show itself has lasted so long, but what a show we have.”

EMMERDALE’S Emily Head, who plays Rebecca White in the soap, tells me she misses all the other members of the White clan that were axed a few months back.

She says: “I started out living at the glamorous Home Farm and now she is destitute with a baby, so yes I do look back at that time with fondness, but who knows if she may climb back up again.”

STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke has said he feels “terrible” for Brendan Cole, who has been dropped from the show after 14 years.

The pair had both featured in every series of Strictly since it began in 2004, but the BBC made the “editorial decision” not to renew Brendan’s contract. “It will be different, I will miss him.

He was a big part of the show and I am sad to see he is not returning this year,” he said.

IKE many in West Yorkshire, Ossett is a town where the industries which made it prosperous in the 19th and 20th centuries have largely disappeared, although the prosperity they brought can still be seen in the impressive buildings which dominate the town.

Foremost of these is the Town Hall, designed, like Batley Town Hall, by Walter Hanstock and Sons and subsequently opened in 1908.

It stands today overlooking an impressive pedestrian precinct – the heart of the town.

Ossett Market, held in the precinct every Tuesday and Friday, is probably the most popular in the district, with people coming from far and wide in search of bargains.

The precinct is also the home to a variety of events, put on by local voluntary groups.

Building Ossett Better (BOB) hold a Food & Craft Market on the last Saturday in the month, from March through to October.

They also run the annual Ossett Gala (this year on July 14) and are associated with Ossett Beercart 2018 (June 2).

More than 100 Morris dancers come from across the country to help haul a decorated cart through Ossett, finishing in the precinct.

In the Town Hall there will be a beer festival and Morris dancing outside throughout the day.

Ossett Town Centre Partnership will once again be running their very successful ‘Big Screen Saturday’ on July 28 in the precinct.

Five feature films will be shown throughout the day from 10am until 9pm and there will be food and drink available, along with fairground rides. A fabulous family day out.

Come along and bring a chair or a rug!

OTCP also host the annual Christmas Lights switch-on event in the town (Nov 24).

We have indoor and outdoor markets, fairground rides, street food stalls and, of course, Santa in his grotto.

The precinct has been enhanced over the last 12 months by the planters and hanging baskets, no longer supplied by Wakefield MDC. The planters are now being planted and maintained by groups and individuals under the auspices of Love Ossett and Ossett in Bloom. The hanging baskets have been supplied through Ossett Town Centre Partnership.

Love Ossett also saw to the repainting of all the street furniture in the precinct. The cost was largely funded by the Ossett Loyalty Card which they operate.

In Gawthorpe (part of Ossett, but sadly cut off from the main town by the ‘mad mile’ or Ossett Bypass) Easter Monday sees the prestigious 55th Annual World Coal Carrying Championships.

The race begins at the Royal Oak pub on Owl Lane and finishes on the Maypole Green. Competitors come from all over the UK to compete.

Gawthorpe has one of the few remaining, genuine, maypoles in the country and on May 5 the annual parade, with floats, bands and the May Queen, will process from the maypole to the centre of Ossett and back.

Ossett Civic Dinner, hosted by Ossett Civic Trust, will take place on April 14 at the War Memorial Community Centre, when some of those individuals and groups who have given the ‘extra mile’ for Ossett will be honoured.

The old industries may have gone, but Ossett is a vibrant town with lots to do and see – well worth a visit!

This has just been a snapshot of Ossett.

There are many other groups in the town putting on fantastic events, but we’ll have to save those for another day!

200+ Yorkshire beers American German Belgian Cider Specialist Spirits

DAVID G. HORNER

CHARTERED SURVEYOR • VALUER • BUILDING ENGINEER • BUILDING SURVEYOR 18 Broadgate, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 0PU Tel.Wakefield (01924) 275 275 Email: davidghorner1@btconnect.com Fax.Wakefield (01924) 271 860 David G. Horner FRICS FBEng Over 40 Years Local Knowledge and Professional Experience of the Types of Property in this Area

20

ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

The Marketplace Turn your unwanted items

into cash £££s ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. (We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in Marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296.

NEW WANTED: Calor Gas portable room heater. Tel 01924 472250/ 07761 964556 (2107) Crusader Denver 390 porch awning, 390cm (W) x 240cm (D) x 235250 cm (H). Steel frame, pegs & fibreglass poles.

Two side doors with full mesh, three roll up front panels, ripstop polyester. Only used once, bargain £75. Tel 07818 481725.

(2108) Large fish tank fits in corner, includes pump, heater, LED light, £55 ono. Tel 07816 132472.

(2109) Hoselock hose pipe wall fitted

£25. Tel 07816 132472. (2109) Humidifier in good condition £50. Tel 07816 132472.

(2109) Vax cordless vacuum cleaner with tools & charger.

Very good condition £65. Tel 01924 359464 (2110) BEDROOM Modern wood wardrobe (H) 66” x (D) 21 1/2, £25 ono.

Tel Batley 01924 479647. (2104) Complete bedroom unit includes two wardrobes and 4 top boxes £85 ono.

Tel 01924 470866.

(2103) Single bed with firm mattress and sliding drawer in base.

Complete with solid

antique pine headboard. Guest bed, so only used a handful of times, £50.

Photo can be texted/emailed on request. Tel 07752 325842 (to collect from Mirfield) (2101) DIY Howden Joinery 700 worktop jig with pegs, in superb condition, £30. Tel Mr Smith 01924 441978 (Batley) (2102) Steel up-and-over garage door within steel frame. As new, with all hardware.

Door 6’5” wide x 6’11” high with frame 6’11” wide x 7’3” high, £100 ono.

Tel 07756 164491.

(2092) ELECTRICAL Dyson DC33 vacuum cleaner. Light

use, excellent condition, £50. Tel 01924 476050.

(2098) Bosch cylinder vacuum cleaner, model Terrossa, 1800 watt.

Like new £25. Tel 01924 689074.

(2095) Panasonic portable colour television, in excellent condition, with remote control.

Ideal for child’s bedroom etc. Can deliver locally, £20.

Tel 01924 471758.

(2086) FASHION/CLOTHING Two pairs of jeggings, brand new (with labels), size 24, short leg, 1 blue denim, 1 black £5 each.

Tel 01924 504009.

(2097) Ladies reversible coat with hood, size

12. Creamy white, suede effect one side, leopard print fur the other side.

Cost new £150, sell for £60. Tel 01924 468069. (2089) Red, short ladies jacket, wool and cashmere, size 12/14 £30. Tel 01924 468069. (2089) FURNITURE Round dining table & 4 chairs, good condition £50. Tel 01924 470866.

(2103) Class cabinet 6ft high £20. Tel 01924 470866. (2103) Low table 2ft sq, glass top in white £10. Tel 01924 470866. (2103) Large Italian inlaid dining room table with 4 chairs + 2 carvers, plus

Dimplex 2kw con-

PLANTS Large aspidistras in pots, £10 each. Tel 07508 834666.

(2094)

0777 8 6158 29

STILL BARN CATTERY & DOG GROOMING

WILKINSON BROS

Home-From-Home Environment

LOW COST MINI SKIP

01924 469633 07790 5483 93

HEATING Modern gas fire little used £100. Tel 01924 467496.

(2105)

MOBILITY Lightweight, portable, folding access ramp, suitable for mobility scooter or wheelchair. 4ft long, never used, still boxed, as new £55.

Buyer collects. Tel 01924 405185.

(Liversedge area) (2090)

Email: s.clay757@gmail.com

- Call Us!

REPAIRS OR RENE

Three piece suite in brown fabric, 3 seater + 2 seater + chair, excellent condition, bargain at £75. Tel 01924 476596. (2096)

MISCELLANEOUS Fish tank, 64 litres, includes pump, filter & ornaments, £50.

Tel 01924 504009.

(2097)

Please ring for no obligation quotes

clicked yet?

WAL Seamless Aluminium, Cas Iron, Wood, Plastic. All roofingt wor k New roof repairs Insurance work undertaken Plus all flat roofing

Shackleton chair, beige/ brown moquette material.

18 months old, £150 ono. Tel 01924 504009. (2097)

vector fan heater, coal effect, used three times, central pump failed, as new condition, £75 ono.

Call Jim on 01924 402697. (2106)

Double glazed windows 30 years experience Fully backed by Certass Trust Marked Approved

Tel: 01924 459092 or visit our website: www.ironing-servic es.com Have you

GUTTERING

Oak effect, dropleaf dining table with four chairs – covered in a cream material. Excellent condition, bargain at £60. Photo can be texted/emailed on request. Tel 07752 325842 (to collect from

Mirfield) (2101) Nest of three, dark wood tables with glass inlay tops.

Excellent condition £20.

Photo can be texted/emailed on request. Tel 07752 325842 (to collect from Mirfield) (2101)

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11

u.P.V.C Double Glazing Large range of quality, affordable composite doors Many styles & colours

Weekly, fortnightly or one off collections availa ble 24 hour turn around - Fully insured - Free collection and delivery Contact: FLAIR LAUNDERCARE

JUST

Traditional, beige chenille-type fabric, three-piece suite (inc recliner chair) – excellent condition.

Bought from Middlestown Furnishings for £1800, will accept £250 for quick sale.

Photo can be texted/emailed on request.

Tel 07752 325842 (to collect from Mirfield) (2101)

Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus

Composite Door

We have been servicing the people of West Yorkshire for over 30 years

Copper Stillbarn, Upper Batley, Low Lane, Batley, WF17 0AW 01924 474851 or 07456 441100

matching corner unit in excellent condition, £200 no offers. Tel 01924 503500. (2100)

Cost per item

Steven Clays

PROFESSIONALLY FINISHED & DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR DO YOU HATE IRONING? LET US TAKE THE STRA IN!

Call KEVIN FLYNN

ITEM bands

1) Ring Angela on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm).

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

2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge).

3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment.

IRONING SERVICE

When there’s not enough hours in the day

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Mini

Mid i

Lar ge

skip s ava ilab le Household and industrial waste removed Licensed Transfer Station

•

•

(01924) 469409 14 Heckm

ondwike Road, Dewsbury

Ultimate Glass Ltd 01924 452500

IN FOCUS:

Ultimate Glass Ltd

www.ultimateglassltd.com - 1st for glass in Dewsbury Paul Walker, proprietor UNIT 2 QUEENS MILL, QUEEN STREET, RAVENSTHORPE, DEWSBURY, WF13 3BT PHONE: 07786 191217 FAX: 01924 452500

SAME DAY GLAZING

Support ing

Brea st Can cer Care

MOTs, Serv icin g, Rep airs , Tyre s, Batt erie s, Exha usts Visit us for all your motoring needs Hi-Q Gold Award for customer service and Retail Tyre Centre of the Year finalist Hi Q, 499 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, WF13 3JW Tel: 01924 468210 www.hiqonline.co.uk

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Friday March 23, 2018

In Focus

Want to advertise in our Classified section?

Call 01924 470296 or email advertising@thepressnews.co.uk Carpet & Flooring

Dining Out

Make your house a home...

Beautiful carpets from County Carpets

Nawaab

R

BUFFET RESTAURANT

• Shop at home service • 35 years experience • Samples brought to your home without obligation

50% Off all rugs in stock

• Open 6 days per week • Expert fitting service provided

Mobile Mobile Cosmetic Cosmetic Repairs Repairs

• Scuffs and Scratches • Alloy Wheel Repairs • Leather Repairs • Machine Polish

info@invisibletouchuk.co.uk www.invisibletouchuk.co.uk Bodyshop Repairs: 0113 2525736 Mobile Repairs: 07740 286287 Unit 2, Britannia Mills, Gelderd Road, Birstall, WF17 9QD Aerial & Satellite

Car Boot Sale The Area’s Biggest and Best Car Boot Sale every Sunday at Dewsbury Rams, Owl Lane, Dewsbury OPEN AS USUAL DURING GROUND DEVELOPMENT WORK Price £12 per car, opens at 6.00am, ring 01924 465489 for further details

McFaddens Quality Cars for over 50 years

Care At Home

Our Reputation Your Satisfaction ON MAIN A58 DRIGHLINGTON

0113 285 3996

FREEPHONE 0800 074 8967 or 01924 450999 Bespoke Kitchens

Butchers

MALCOLM’S AERIAL SHOP

80 Town Street, Earlsheaton, WF12 8JL

• SKY TRAINED AUTHORISED ENGINEERS • AERIAL / SKY 2ND ROOM £39 • TELEVISION / PC & LAPTOP REPAIRS Open 7 Days until 8pm - Est 20yrs

Let Us Design & Create Your Perfect Kitchen 2 Bleak Street, Gomersal, BD19 4RD Studio: 01274 873359 Mob: 07887 995705 imagine@createbespokekitchens.co.uk www.createbespokekitchens.co.uk

Your Local Quality Butcher

5kg Chicken £25 2.5kg Chicken £13

COMPASSIONATE PERSONALISED CARE AT HOME

Flexible homecare to meet individual needs For more details Tel: 01924 403450

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

VIEW ALL OUR STOCK

McFaddens carsales.co.uk

Care Homes

GARLANDS Residential & Dementia Care Home

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

www.banglalounge yorkshire.co.uk

Computing

Drives & Patio Specialists

Computer Problems?

Sick of Cowboys?

E.J.GREENWOOD

MAIN

DRIVEWAYS & PATIO SPECIALISTS

07976 877 768

TARMACADAM BLOCK PAVING INDIAN FLAGS etc

PC DOCTOR 23 Years Experience

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

Park House, High Road, Dewsbury

FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL

Curtains & Blinds

www.drivewaypatiospecialist.co.uk

07973 959968

VERTICAL BLINDS

Curtains, Blinds, Wallpapers & Accessories 18-22 Market St, Cleckheaton T: 01274 851151

SALE 3 FOR

£89 12

MONTHS

Electrical

Northern Domestics Repairs to most makes of domestic appliances.

Competitive rates Tel: 01924 467472

Electrical

Fencing

ANYTHING ELECTRICAL

TS FENCING & PROPERTY REPAIRS

ALARMS, OUTSIDE LIGHTS Electrical Cookers Repaired Supplied & Fitted, No Job Too Small, 35 Years Experience, Same Day Service Available Ring Batley:

0113 285 4563 or 07801 063911

GUARANTEE

Tel: 0800 046 1502

01274 305 410

All type of fencing, gates, decking, flagging & patios etc All types of property repairs, general handyman work.

Any Odd Jobs Big or Small Farm Shops

Call Tony 07939 018428

01924 402578

Decorators

BLUEHILLS SHOP DECORATORS &FARM PLAY BARN Paul Grayshon

Interior & Exterior Decorators FREE ESTIMATES Insurance work undertaken

Tel: 01924 477844 / 01924 443822 Mob: 07702 373315

128 Huddersfield Rd, Mirfield

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T 01924 474777 01924 422218

T: 01274 681545

See instore for more details T: 01924 492185

38 LOW LANE BIRSTALL WF17 9HB

BYO DRINK FREE CORKAGE BUFFET £12.95 SPECIALIST IN LARGE GROUP BOOKINGS OPEN 7 DAYS 74 Westgate Hill St, Tong, Bradford BD4 0SB

Car Dealers

Est. 1965

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

Full house deals

from £399

• Accident Damage Repairs • Insurance Repairs • Interior Repairs • End of Lease Repairs • Free Courtesy Cars

21

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Fireplaces

FRIDAY NIGHT DISCO! 4pm-6pm

The only BIRTHDAY PARTIES name OUR SPECIALITY in Birkenshaw fireplaces BD11 2DU GROOVY MOVIES! Music & Dancing Every Wed & Friday 10.30am PLAY BARN OPEN 7 DAYS

T: 01274 682007

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Friday March 23, 2018

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Flat Roof

Gardening Services

Mobile Valeting

FLAT ROOF PROBLEMS?

Green & Tidy Garden Maintenance

Elite Mobile Valeting Services

Fibre Firm Ltd

• GRP ROOF SPECIALISTS • GARAGES • DORMERS • BALCONIES • NEW ROOFS & REPAIRS

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Call Martyn 07703 858245 HGV Tuition

01924 650935 07850 786270 info@fibrefirm.co.uk www.fibrefirm.co.uk Furniture

Funeral Directors

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

David Butterfield INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Is Your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan Fully Guaranteed? ...Ours is For more information call

All Aspects Of Driving

359 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 5PH For more info or a free brochure Freephone

01274 852 885

08081 695300

CLECKHEATON

www.shackletonsltd.co.uk Garages

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

Garage Doors

Tel: 01274 686211 www.atkinslgv.net

Elite Mobile Valeting Services

Director: Jason

4theelitevalet@gmail.com

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Pubs and Clubs

CALLING ALL LANDLORDS

GOMERSAL CRICKET CLUB

We specialise in all aspects of property repairs & maintenance 30 years’ experience Competitive rates from housing associations to private landlords

25 yrs experience

• Cars • Caravans • Motorhomes • Vans • Carpets & Upholstery • Driveways • UPVC Windows 07717 805900

Property Maintenance

Motor Care

CARS • BIKES • VANS CALL: 01924 497069

Unit 1, Station Business Park, Back Station Road, Mirfield, WF14 8QF

Find us on

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

Call Andy

07976 752780 or email

andrew-walsh@sky.com

BRUNSWICK GLAZING & MAINTENANCE

FREE • 80-100 FUNCTION people ROOM HIRE • Kitchen use available • DJs, Bands, Entertainment organised • Low drinks prices

Tel: 01274 874100 / 07422 510043 Email:

clubsecretary@gomersalcc.com

Pubs and Clubs

joIN US AT THE

Millbridge CLUB One of the area’s friendliest clubs.

TOP CLASS TURNS • BINGO - SNOOKER

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TONIGHT - FRIDAY 23RD ★ CHARITY FASHION SHOW ★ IN AID OF KIRKWOOD HOSPICE £5 ENTRY

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PROM, PAGEANT & EVENING WEAR WORLD LEADING DESIGNER DRESSES FROM THE UK AND USA 31 Low Lane, Birstall WF17 9EY

Tel: 01924 473892 www.misselegance.co.uk info@misselegance.co.uk

Plumbing & Heating

advertising@thepressnews.co.uk The Press, 31 Branch Road, Batley, WF17 5SB

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

TEL: 01924 467269 FAX: 01924 430800 MASTER LOCKSMITHS ACCESS CONTROL INTRUDER ALARM INSTALLERS WEBSITE: www.harfordssecurity.co.uk

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(Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

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Any gas appliance serviced £45+VAT then £15+VAT for each of others.

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11556

146 Leeds Road Heckmondwike 01924 402764

Roofing

ALLAN BELK

Mob: 07880 581977 Tel: 01924 468148 Roofing & property repairs, chimneys lowered, new roofs, strip and re-fix flat roofing.

Free estimates.

All work guaranteed

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Friday March 23, 2018

Travel Insurance

Roofing

SIMPSON DENNIS (Roofing Services)

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

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0116 272 0500

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URGENT APPEAL

Quality furniture needed Free pick up Clothes & homeware, Musical instruments, Also volunteers required for Mirfield shop (training given)

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

07743 134616

Call 01924 489085

S.D Metals Recycling

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07901 750921 • 01924 485168 The MOST affordable advertising with the MOST readers in North Kirklees

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WILKINSON BROS

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Tel: 0800 043 4536

IMMEDIATE PAYMENT

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

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01924 470296

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WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US...

“The Press always tells the TRUTH, they aren’t frightened to tell us how it is and they don’t scaremonger.

It’s a GREAT READ full of local news.

Doors, Conservatories and so much more Unit 10 Woodroyd Mills Cleckheaton 01274 874800

01924 452500 Double Glazing Manufacturers SAME DAY GLAZING Unit 2 Queens Mill, Queen Street, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, WF13 3BT www.ultimateglassltd.com

HOME SECURE Est 1990 WINDOW MAINTENANCE We replace Glass | Locks | Handles | Hinges | Faulty Door Mechanisms and Much More!

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We have been advertising for a number of years with The Press and are always more than happy with the service they give us and the adverts are really reasonably priced too.”

Michael Harfords Security Ltd, Dewsbury.

Many happy returns, and all the best for the next 15 years.

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24

ThePress

Classified In Focus

Friday March 23, 2018

Public Notices

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ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

25

FOOTBALL

Albion surprise play-off chasers

Fans given say on new United crest

Evo-Stik North

OSSETT ALBION CLITHEROE

3 0

OSSETT ALBION climbed further clear of the relegation zone with a win over play-off chasing Clitheroe.

Albion started the better of the two sides and got their reward in the 11th minute when Marcus Day played the ball across the face of the goal to Adam Priestley.

Priestley cooly slotted the ball into the net giving the opposition keeper no chance.

Clitheroe responded well to going behind but were unable to find a way through the Albion defence.

The second half followed in a similar vein but again the away side were unable to penetrate the Albion back line.

Both teams were forced to cope with snowy conditions but Albion managed to keep Clitheroe at bay.

Ossett caught the hosts on the break and won a penalty following a rash challenge from the Clitheroe defender.

Priestley stepped up and hammered the penalty down the middle of the goal to score his fourth goal in

OSSETT UNITED are giving supporters a chance to vote for the new club crest.

After a consultation process and numerous submissions from fans the choices have been narrowed down to three options.

The first option features a ram sitting below the white rose of Yorkshire, with grains of wheat along the side.

The second option includes the year the club will be established, if

FA approval is granted.

It also features the new club motto as well as a ram, unicorn and white rose of Yorkshire.

The final choice’s predominant feature is the Yorkshire rose and also includes the club’s proposed formation date.

Anyone wishing to have their say can do so by visiting the Ossett United Twitter page and following the instructions on how to cast their vote.

Ossett fire blank at Kendal Evo-Stik North

KENDAL TOWN OSSETT TOWN PHOTO: John Hirst

DOUBLE DELIGHT: Albion’s Adam Priestley

two games.

Two minutes later, Priestley turned provider as he played in Day who finished to make it three.

Tomorrow afternoon Albion travel to Mossley (3pm) looking to put further daylight between themselves and the relegation places.

1 0

SAM STAUNTON-TURNER’S 34th-minute goal proved decisive as Ossett Town lost away at Kendal Town.

Due to recent poor weather it was Ossett’s first game since February 24, and it showed as they struggled to fashion any real openings.

Town’s only real chance came in the first half when Anthony Mackie’s effort was palmed round the post by Kendal keeper Matthew Johnson.

Kendal’s goal came as Matthew Clarke fed the ball through to Staunton-Turner and he fired the ball into the right corner to open the scoring.

Ossett might have snatched a point in injury time as Seon Ripley had a chance at goal.

However his effort was tame and was easily saved by Johnson.

RACING PREVIEW WITH MIKE SMITH

FOOTBALL

Fire Escape to douse rivals as flat season starts at Doncaster

Easy win for Liversedge

MICHAEL BELL hasn’t had too many runners in the Lincoln Handicap but he’s expecting a big run from FIRE ESCAPE when the turf flat season opens in earnest tomorrow (Saturday) at Doncaster.

With soft ground anticipated jockey Ryan Moore will find the conditions much different to those in Hong Kong last weekend when he partnered Ping Hai Star to victory in their Derby.

Moore’s agent Tony Hind is one of the shrewdest in the business and Bell has described his charge as having ‘a serious chance’.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that he has been supported in the 22-runner field from 8-1 to fives and could go off shorter.

Moore won the first three races at this meeting last year and bookies saved an estimated £40M when he was touched off by a neck in the fourth, and he’s an eye-catching booking with Moore having partnered ADDEYBB – who also lines upon Town Moor – to victory last autumn over his chosen mount in South Yorkshire this weekend.

It’s a big field straight track handicap, so the draw is important and the best place to be is likely where the pace is.

But within three stalls of a rail has been a big advantage in this race, so, looking only at the top and bottom three

stalls, that’s four winners and five places from 14 runners, so my suggestion would be to top up on anything you like drawn 1-3 or 20-22.

As wide open as befits the curtain-raising nature of this heritage handicap, the likely favourite, FIRE BRIGADE, has an obvious chance, albeit one which is fully factored into his price.

Should he get berthed near to either rail his case would be still further enhanced. But he’s less than a 5/1 shot.

Against him, there’s AFAAK, whose Silver Cambridgeshire form ties in closely with ADDEYBB and FIRE BRIGADE but who is two-and-a-half to four times the price of that pair.

Trained by Charles Hills –

father Barry won the Lincoln in 2003 with Pablo – he should enjoy the ground, is versatile pace wise, and can progress in his second season racing. The ante-post price of 20/1 is quite appealing. And if BALLARD DOWN returns in the same form as when he blitzed his rivals under similar conditions, he could defy his chunky weight allocation. He’s worth a chance at 16/1.

MITCHUM SWAGGER is a horse I have followed off a cliff but is another 20/1 shot with conditions in his favour, and I can’t help but stay with him.

In the Cammidge Trophy bookies appear to have focused on the highest rated horses when comping their odds, but races this early in the season can throw up surprises and the king of sprinters Robert Cowell has an interesting challenger in BLUE DE VEGA. His 5-year-old was once touted as a classic contender, and although not bred to contend as a sprinter he’s worth an each way punt at 14-1.

• CARRIGILL’S NAP (stake returned as a free bet if selection does not finish in the top 4): ARTHUR’S SPIRIT, Saturday, Doncaster, 4.10.

• AUGUR’S BEST BET: MITCHUM SWAGGER (e/w), Saturday, Doncaster, 3.35.

NCEL Premier Division HARROGATE RAILWAY ATHLETIC LIVERSEDGE FC

0 3

LIVERSEDGE earned another three points as they cruised to a comfortable win over Harrogate Railway Athletic.

Sedge travelled to Harrogate hoping to climb up the table with victory against one of the division’s relegation-threatened sides.

Bradley Davies put Sedge ahead on seven minutes with a sublime goal, bending the ball into the top corner from close to the touch line.

Rhys Davies doubled the lead half an hour later and put Liversedge well in control of the

clash at the interval.

Three minutes into the second half Joe Walton made it three as he headed the ball into the net.

Liversedge could have added another but Rhys Davies’ penalty was well saved by the Harrogate keeper.

Elsewhere, Sedge’s hectic fixture schedule is showing no signs of letting up.

The Clayborners had two more games postponed this past week with their clash against Bottesford Town yet to be rearranged.

Sedge are now expected to play 16 games in just 35 days with an average of two days’ rest coming between fixtures.

Liversedge have had the most away postponements of any side in the division with 13, four more than any other club.

Town women ready for big clash UNBEATEN leaders Ossett Town will be hoping their enforced winter break comes to an end this weekend as they face an enticing top of the table battle with secondplaced Farsley Celtic Development in the race for the West Riding County League First Division title.

At present Town find themselves five points in front but having played a game more.

So, a win for Farsley would put them in the driving seat while a win for Town would effectively clinch the title.

By coincidence Dewsbury Rangers, at the other end of the table, face a six-pointer when they are at home to jointbottom Silsden with both sides currently on three points

and desperate to avoid bottom spot.

With Second Division leaders Lower Hopton facing a difficult trip to Boroughbridge there will be hopes of a change in the weather and the win they need to keep on course for the championship.

As it stands they are level on points with second-placed Middleton but have played a game more.

Middleton’s 100 per cent record looks in little danger as they prepare to take on bottom-club Hebden Royd, who have yet to earn a point.

Last week’s fixtures were a complete whiteout as a result of the heavy snowfall throughout the county.

Cleck Golf Club to host ladies night CLECKHEATON AND DISTRICT GOLF CLUB are hosting a ladies open evening on Tuesday April 3, at 7pm.

Those who attend will learn about the social and health benefits that golf can provide.

The club professional and his

team will be in attendance, along with a number of the club’s lady members.

There is also a chance to see the new state-of-the-art facilities.

More details will be shared on the night in regards to taster sessions

and golf packages available for ladies.

Anyone who requires further details is advised to contact Lee on 07837 207269, or Jane on 07754 565975, or alternatively e-mail atkin4956@gmail.com.

26

ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

RUGBY UNION

Three wins in a row for Cleck North East One CLECKHEATON RUFC

45

WEST HARTLEPOOL RUFC

14

CLECKHEATON made it three wins in a row as they cruised to victory over West Hartlepool on a cold afternoon at Moorend.

Cleck were finally able to don their specially-commisioned pink kit in aid of breast cancer awareness.

The Moorenders were originally due to play West Hartlepool on March 3 but the game was postponed due to the weather.

Cleckheaton were forced to shuffle their pack, with Paul Turner joining Luke Pearson in the second row.

Ben Thrower, James Crowther and Andy Piper made up the front three whilst Mike Swetman switched to stand-off.

The Spen Valley men started on the front foot and scored five first-half tries to put the result beyond doubt

RAISING AWARENESS: Cleckheaton players wearing their pink kits inside the first 40 minutes.

Lee Queeley opened the scoring as he sprinted between the sticks following a break and offload from Jack Seddon.

Swetman converted and soon after put Matt Piper over for the first of what

would become a hat-trick of tries.

Cleck went further ahead as Piper brushed away the tackler and dived over the whitewash.

Ben Thrower then scored for the second consecutive game as he grounded the ball

PHOTOS: Gerald Christian

in the corner.

West Hartlepool hit back as Jake Linighan caught the ball from a lineout and darted through a confused Cleck defence for the try.

Cleckheaton had the final say before the half-time whistle as Matt Piper went over

for his hat-trick with Swetman once again the provider.

The Moorenders changed ends leading 31-7.

Head coach Thiu Barnard decided to introduce Niall Jackson and Cain Crotty for the second 40.

West Hartlepool enjoyed their best spell of the game following the second-half restart.

The visitors’ man of the match Rob Thorn went over for Wests second and final try.

Cleck started to work their way back into the half and a great support line from James Wilson put him through a gap for the hosts’ sixth of the afternoon.

Swetman rounded off the scoring as he collected a poor clearing kick from the visitors and delighted the crowd with a 30-metre dash to the try line.

The final 15 minutes of the game became defined by handling errors as blizzard-like conditions descended on

HAT-TRICK HERO: Cleck captain Matt Piper scoring his third try Moorend. The victory helps Cleck consolidate their position in North One East and they will look to make it four wins from four when they host Malton and Norton tomorrow afternoon.

RUGBY LEAGUE

Trojans battle for draw in blizzard Celtic surrender lead NCL Division One

THORNHILL TROJANS

18

MILFORD MARLINS

18

THORNHILL TROJANS are still waiting for their first win in Division One of the NCL after they drew with Milford Marlins.

It was a bitterly cold day at Overthorpe Park, with a strong blizzard in the second half making spectating almost impossible.

The small number of supporters that turned out saw the Trojans outscore Milford four tries to three.

However, it was Thornhil’s inability to convert tries that proved costly.

It took only a minute for the home side to take the lead following a combination between Will Gledhill and Joss Ratcliffe.

Gledhill received the ball and flung it wide to Ratcliffe who dived over for an unconverted try in the corner.

Milford worked their way back into the contest and soon went ahead with a converted try from Josh Cawood.

A good interchange of passes took the visitors close to the line before Cawood ran onto a pass, beat the defender and grounded for an impressive individual score.

Martin Loveridge converted to give Milford a 6-4 advantage.

The visitors maintained the pres-

BRACE: Joss Ratcliffe crossed twice sure as they gathered the restart and pressed for the Trojans’ line.

A grubber kick into the in-goal wasn’t dealt with by the Thornhill

defenders and James Barker pounced to score.

Liam Morley reduced the deficit as he made a break and stepped past the full-back to score Thornhill’s second.

George Woodcock added the Trojans’ only conversion of the day to cut the deficit to two points.

Ben Kendall helped to put the Trojans in front as he broke clear and found Sam Ratcliffe out wide.

Ratcliffe took the pass with ease and dotted down in the corner.

Just before half-time Woodcock was sin-binned for dissent after he disputed a decision from the touch judge.

The Marlins regained the lead early in the second half as Cawood burst onto another pass and scored next to the posts.

The weather then took a turn for the worse as an icy-cold wind brought hail and snow.

Play continued despite the worsening conditions as Thornhill managed to draw level with a well-worked score.

George Stott slipped the tackles to break away and found Gledhill who in turn sent out a pass to Joss Ratcliffe.

The winger raced clear and planted the ball down to level the scores.

Neither side managed to regain the lead as the referee blew for full time, with the spoils shared.

Tomorrow afternoon Thornhill travel to Castleford to take on Lock Lane (2.30pm).

NCL Division Three

CLOCK FACE MINERS DEWSBURY CELTIC

16 8

DEWSBURY CELTIC were unable to build on their win over Salford City Roosters as they were edged out by Clock Face Miners.

The Miners came from behind for a hard-earned victory in freezing conditions.

It was all square at 4-4 at halftime before the home side domi-

nated the second period to move up to fourth in the table.

Pat Foulstone gave Celtic a 4-0 lead with a fifth-minute try before Miners hit back to level matters with one from Ryan O’Donnell.

Foulstone did give Celtic an 8-4 second-half lead before Miners replied with three second-half efforts to win the game with another from O’Donnell and two from Shaun Costello.

Celtic now have a blank weekend with no league fixture scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

Hanging Heaton stay undefeated after draw Pennine League Division Two West

HANGING HEATON UNDERBANK

8 8

HANGING HEATON are still the only unbeaten team in the Pennine League Division Two West after they drew with second-placed Underbank Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

It is the second time that the sides have played out a draw in the league after a 28-28 result earlier in the season.

Jake Green and Danny Hainsworth crossed for Hanging Heaton, both scores went unconverted.

Underbank went over twice but they also failed to convert their tries leaving the scores tied at 8-8.

At the end of the first half William Brooke controversially had a try chalked off as the ball was adjudged to have gone dead.

Both teams struggled in the bitterly-cold conditions throughout the second half with neither team able to add to their half-time tallies.

BOXING

Purge’s Rizwan crowned Open Class Yorkshire Champion PURGE BOXING’S Rizwan Aslam exited the ABA National Championships after a judges’ decision against Great Britain Champion William Tyres.

Rizwan, who boxes out of the Purge Boxing Academy in Alexandra Mills, qualified for the National Championships by winning the Open

Class Yorkshire title at 52kg.

The 15-year-old defeated Patrick Lee, who boasted 25 wins from 29 fights, from Platinum Boxing Club in Bradford.

The Ravensthorpe fighter cruised through the pre-quarters before he was drawn against GB and Three Nations Champion, William Tyres.

Despite the defeat, trainer Mo Amin Patel holds high hopes for Rizwan, who has now won three Yorkshire titles.

“The Open Class is when the best in the country come to box and with Rizwan being the least experienced he beat Patrick Lee to become Yorkshire Open Class Champion,”

said Mo. “So he has won three Yorkshire titles back to back.

“He was the most talked about kid in the championships because he was such a novice boxer and he beat some of the best kids in the country.

“Rizwan gave a fantastic account of himself against the GB champion, William Tyres.

“He wasn’t out of his depth and he boxed his heart out but unfortunately he came up short.

“He had a fantastic run in these championships, it gives us hope that by next year he will be up there challenging for the title.

“I would say he is now one of the top five in the country.”

ThePress

Friday March 23, 2018

27

LADBROKES CHALLENGE CUP

Brave Bulldogs edged out Challenge Cup fourth round

BATLEY BULLDOGS LEIGH CENTURIONS

4 8

Ben McKenna at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium BATLEY BULLDOGS exited this year’s Challenge Cup despite a battling performance against Leigh Centurions in bitterly cold conditions at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.

On a snowy day at Mount Pleasant, an army of volunteers worked throughout the morning to clear the pitch from the snow that had fallen overnight.

Both sets of players were required to warm up on small patches of grass surrounding the stadium with the playing field still recovering from the heavy snowfall.

The weather played its part in ensuring a low-scoring game that was littered with handling errors from both teams.

Patch Walker kicked the first points of the afternoon as he slotted a penalty goal following a high tackle on Michael Ward to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.

Walker then doubled the Bulldogs’ lead with another penalty after Leigh were penalised for a ball strip 10m in front of their own posts.

Batley defended valiantly for the majority of the first 40 minutes and, for the most part, managed to keep Leigh out with a number of try-saving tackles on their own line.

However, just shy of the 20-minute mark Leigh managed to get their first points of the afternoon as Ricky Bailey scored on his Centurions debut.

The ball was worked wide to Rhys Evans who drew the tacklers before finding Bailey who darted over the whitewash on the left for what proved to be the only try of the game.

In the final 10 minutes of the half, Leigh increased the pressure on the Bulldogs

MATCH STATS WHITEHAVEN: Dan Abram 7 Jordan Burns 7 Jason Mossop 8 Jessie Joe Parker 9 Dave Thompson 7 Dion Aiye 8 Callum Phillips 7 Marc Shackley 7 James Tilley 7 Carl Forster 8 Liam Cooper 7 Ellis Gillam 7 Stuart Howarth 7 Subs: Connor Holliday 7, Kris Coward 7, Brad Billsborough 7, Lewis Brown 7.

Tries: Parker (8, 47) Forster (19), Mossop (34).

Goals: Burns 4/5.

Drop Goals: Howarth (78).

DEWSBURY: Jared Simpson 6 Gareth Potts 6 Harry Woollard 6 James Glover 7 Rob Worrincy 7 Danny Ansell 6 Gareth Moore 6 Toby Everett 6 Dom Speakman 6 Martyn Reilly 6 Lucas Walshaw 6 Michael Knowles 6 Kyle Trout 6 Subs: Sam Day 6, Robbie Ward 7, Jode Sheriffe 7, Jack Teanby 7.

Tries: Reilly (17), Teanby (37), Glover (55).

Goals: Glover 3/3.

Referee: A Sweet Half-time: 20-12 Penalties: 4-10 Sin Bin: None Sent Off: None Weather: Dry, windy and cold Man of the Match: Jessie Joe Parker (Whitehaven) Attendance: 414 Match Rating: 3/5.

defence as they looked to extend their lead before the interval.

The visitors almost went over for a second try but Nathan Mason was held up over the line.

Two minutes before the break Bodene Thompson thought he had extended the Centurions’ lead but he was held up by determined defending from the hosts.

The second half started with more pressure from Leigh but they continued to struggle against a well-organised Batley defence.

With 10 minutes played the Bulldogs almost broke through for a try of their own but a brave dive on the ball from Bailey kept the hosts at bay.

It took over 20 minutes for the first and only points of the second half to arrive, with Leigh extending their lead through the boot of Jack Owens.

Owens kicked the penalty goal from 25 metres after the Bulldogs were penalised for an interference at the play-the-ball.

Minutes later Batley had a golden chance to draw level as Leigh lost the ball in the tackle, but the home side squandered the opportunity.

James Brown gathered the loose ball and put in a perfectly-weighted grubber for Wayne Reittie but he was unable to ground under pressure from the Centurions’ defence.

Reittie had another chance to draw Batley level but he knocked-on over the line as he attempted to gather a difficult pass from Smeaton.

The game petered out with neither team able to create any real openings, and both sides continuing to produce a number of handling errors.

Batley tried to spread the ball wide with a minute remaining but a knock-on from Danny Cowling gifted possession to Leigh.

The Centurions took their time with the scrum and went through the tackles at a snail’s pace until the hooter sounded and Leigh secured their place in the next round.

They host London in the next round.

MATCH STATS BATLEY: Dave Scott Wayne Reittie Danny Cowling Jason Crookes Lewis Galbraith Patch Walker Dominic Brambani Alex Rowe James Davey Michael Ward James Harrison Brad Day Joe Chandler Subs: Tom Hemingway James Brown Keenan Tomlinson Sam Smeaton

7 6 6 6 7 6 6 7 7 8 6 7 7 6 7 7 6

Tries: None.

Goals: Walker 2/2.

LEIGH: Peter Mata’utia Matty Dawson-Jones Ben Crooks Rhys Evans Ricky Bailey Jack Owens Drew Hutchinson Paterika Vaivai Liam Hood Nathan Mason Kyle Lovett Bodene Thompson Nick Gregson Subs: Micky Higham Jordan Thompson Jordan Dezaria Harrison Hansen

7 7 7 7 8 8 8 7 7 6 7 6 7 7 7 7 7

Tries: Bailey (18).

Goals: Owens 2/2.

KICKING DUTIES: Patch Walker kicked all of Batley’s points against Leigh on Sunday

Referee: T Grant Half-time: 4-6 Penalties: 9-8 Sin Bin: None Sent Off: None Weather: Cold and windy Man of the match: Michael Ward (Batley) Attendance: 606 Match Rating: 2/5.

Rams shocked by Whitehaven Challenge Cup fourth round

WHITEHAVEN DEWSBURY RAMS

25 18

at the Recreation Ground DEWSBURY RAMS were on the wrong end of a Challenge Cup upset as they crashed out of this year’s competition at League One Whitehaven.

Victories may still be lacking in terms of league form for Carl Forster’s men but two Challenge Cup wins mean they face another Championship side in Rochdale in the next round.

It was Papua New Guinea centre Jessie Joe Parker who got the first points of the afternoon as he finished off a move on the left-hand side by powering past the Rams defender.

Jordan Burns converted and then got the next points of the afternoon as he slotted over a penalty goal.

The Rams hit back in the 17th minute when prop Martyn Reilly ran over Haven full-back Dan Abram to ground the ball, a conversion from James Glover reduced the gap to a solitary two points.

The gap didn’t last long though as Haven got the ball back from the restart as the Rams failed to deal with the kick off and knocked on.

Player coach Forster forced his way over from dummy half. The prop watched his

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE: James Glover scored Dewsbury’s third try but it wasn’t enough to beat Whitehaven hooker James Tilley try the same thing and be denied but Forster wasn’t to be stopped.

Haven increased their advantage once again as Jason Mossop scored his first try for

his home-town club. Huge credit to Dave Thompson who made an 80-metre break but

was pulled down just short of the line, the next play saw Mossop take full advantage of a broken Rams defensive line.

The Rams cut the advantage to eight points just before the half-time break.

Jack Teanby scored a similar effort to Reilly as he managed to power his way over.

Glover converted to reduce the gap to eight points at half-time.

The start of the second half started in the same fashion as the first.

Jessie Joe Parker crossed in the 48th minute as he finished off a move very similar to his first try to get the scoring underway, Burns missed his first effort of the afternoon.

The visitors were looking to keep the home side honest and replied as Glover broke through the line after some sloppy defence from Whitehaven.

He converted his own try and the gap was reduced to six points.

The game became tense as it reached the hour mark.

Sam Day looked to have reduced the gap to two points but his try wasn’t given as he was ruled to be in an offside position when Gareth Moore’s kick was put in.

Dion Aiye had a drop goal attempt blocked before Stuart Howarth stepped out of dummy half and slotted the one-pointer over with two minutes left to dump the Rams out of the cup.

Monday 2nd April

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Bulldogs are confident – Diskin Big deal for Batley BATLEY BULLDOGS boss Matt Diskin has hailed his team’s attitude and “exceptional” ability heading into this weekend’s game against Featherstone Rovers.

Batley host high-flying Featherstone this Sunday at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium (3pm).

Rovers have lost only once so far this season, against league leaders London Broncos.

And while the Bulldogs have lost their last two games Diskin says confidence is high heading into Sunday’s match.

“Featherstone are very good with the ball in hand, if you look at the rugby they are playing it is very entertaining to watch,” said Diskin.

“They look very, very dangerous with the ball and they are full of confidence at the moment.

“On the other side of that, we also believe that they have some frailties, defensively, that we can exploit.

“We are confident going into it, we are very confident in our own abilities.

“We are coming into the game off the back of a couple of losses and it’s not ideal.

“But we believe in the quality we

have got, and the ability when the players switch on and deliver is exceptional, so we are very confident.”

Batley were narrowly beaten by Leigh Centurions in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup last Sunday.

And while the Bulldogs failed to qualify for the next round, Diskin was pleased with his players at Mount Pleasant on Sunday afternoon.

He said: “If we defend with the attitude and determination that we did against Leigh then we have a great chance in this weekend’s game.

“The defence wasn’t perfect but what was exceptional was the attitude and the desire the players had to work hard for each other.

“That is something you can’t coach, that is something the players need to bring together and it is nice to finally see that click as we have tried to condition that as much as possible in training.

“And the way they worked for each other is something as a coach that makes you feel really proud.”

Batley will be without Brad Day for Sunday’s game after he left the field during the clash against Leigh with a concussion.

DRIVING FORWARD: Danny Maun with new sponsors Craig and Danny Shuttleworth

OPTIMISTIC – Bulldogs boss Matt Diskin

DRIVER HIRE UK have agreed a two-year sponsorship deal with Batley Bulldogs.

The new partnership will see the company’s branding across the Glen Tomlinson Stand, which will subsequently be renamed the ‘Driver Hire Glen Tomlinson Stand’.

Based at Batley Business Park, the franchise is run by brothers Craig and Danny Shuttleworth.

The Shuttleworth family have a long history with rugby league in Batley and this was the main inspiration behind the new sponsorship deal.

Craig and Danny’s grandfather, Malcolm Shuttleworth played 186

times for Batley between 1955 and 1967, scoring 14 tries.

He was then appointed assistant coach before becoming a key figure at amateur club Batley Boys.

“This is another example of a fantastic local business supporting the club,” said chairman Kevin Nicholas.

“Ground development has always been high in our priorities and we’re thrilled to have Driver Hire on our side.

“Especially considering the heritage of Malcolm’s time at Batley RLFC, it’s great news and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Kelly: Leigh still a threat

By Ben McKenna DEWSBURY RAMS head coach Neil Kelly is looking for a big response from his players when they travel to Leigh Centurions this Sunday (3pm).

The Rams crashed out of the Challenge Cup last weekend after slipping to a 25-18 defeat against League 1 side Whitehaven.

Kelly feels that Leigh’s poor start to the season will not have any bearing on the game, as he insists the Centurions can regain their form at any moment.

“In many ways, we have got to ignore the fact that they have been struggling and that they have lost their coach,” said Kelly.

“They are in a little bit of turmoil but sooner or later they are going to bounce back.

“So we have got to prepare to be playing against Leigh as if they are the Super League side that have just been relegated.

“They have accumulated a fantastic squad at great expense, with far more money than we could ever have to accumulate a squad.

“And as such, the players are all great players with great ability and they have just been misfiring up to now.

“So we need to be prepared and expect them to turn up and start firing.

“They are a big unit up the middle and they have got some quality players and some grafters. They have got good half-backs and good finishers out wide so we need to be prepared to play against them.

up to play.

“My frustration with the Whitehaven game is that we are trying to move this team on and that means we need to get that consistency of good performances.

“There were some positives, some players fronted up really well and Gareth Moore came through unscathed and he should be available for this week’s game.

“If we produce our best football we are a really exciting team to watch and we have got to produce that on Sunday to even have a chance.”

Dom Speakman will miss the trip to Leigh after he broke his thumb in the defeat at Whitehaven.

Elsewhere, Dale Morton has signed a 12month extension deal with the Rams, keeping him at the Tetley’s Stadium until the end of 2019.

GOING NOWHERE: Dale Morton has signed an extension deal with Dewsbury Rams until 2019 “But we back ourselves to go toe to toe with them and whoever wins the arm wrestle will probably win the game.”

While the Rams boss admits he was disappointed by his side’s Challenge Cup exit last Sunday, he insists the team he picked was good enough to win.

Kelly gave several fringe players a chance to stake their claim for a starting spot but it

proved costly as Dewsbury were dumped out of the cup.

He said: “The side won’t be the same this week, we picked a side to go to Whitehaven and win.

“And if I could pick the same side again, I would and I would still expect to win.

“But some players are finding out that you can’t win a game when only half of you turn

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W VISI T OU NO THE E AR R E R W BO EBS GUS EAL D ITE FOR BRO EAL FUR KER THE S R IN FO

ADS approved instructors CAR & Fantastic pass rates Training available 7 days per week TRAILER Lessons can be taken in blocks (B+E) of 4 hours 8hr course One-to-one tuition Personal and friendly service Tel: 07711 771685 www.atkinlgv.net

Atkins LGV Training, Fieldhead Lane, Drighlington, BD11 1JL