The press 24th dec

COLIN’S CARS PRIVATE HIRE SERVICE 55 NORTHGATE, CLECKHEATON

VERTICAL BLINDS

Phone: 01274 862222

3 FOR

£89 SALE 046 1502

24-HOUR SERVICE Your Local, Reliable and Friendly Taxi Service!

Tel: 0800

01274 305 410

12 MONTHS GUARANTEE

ONE PAPER ... ALL THE NEWS from Dewsbury, Batley, Ossett, Mirfield, Liversedge, Birstall, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton & Spen Valley Thursday December 24, 2015 No. 717 50p

Merry Christmas to one and all!

Festive lunch at Options

Sports centre closure latest

p7

p4-5

TERROR OF PUB LANDLADY RUN OVER

BY ROBBERS’ CAR Carol, 54, breaks hip and shoulder and has spinal injuries after horrific handbag snatch A PUB landlady suffered catastrophic injuries when she was twice run over by robbers in Earlsheaton.

Carol Frain, 54, suffered a double hip fracture, a broken shoulder and spinal injuries in the bagsnatch.

Carol, the landlady at the Spangled Bull, was struck at

By David Miller News Reporter

davidmiller@thepressnews.co.uk

around midnight last Friday by a car which then reversed over her before speeding off.

She is now recovering in Pinderfields Hospital after having her shoulder and hips pinned during surgery and is likely to remain there for a minimum of six weeks.

Carol, below, who lost the feeling in her legs after the incident,

was being kept on a morphine drip. The shocking attack happened as she got out of a taxi with husband Shaun, 44, near their home on Frances Road.

Two men were seen in a car parked in a layby on Town Street, near the pub.

The vehicle is believed to have followed the taxi carrying Carol and Shaun in the hope of stealing that night’s pub takings.

As Carol paid the taxi driver, a suspect ran up and grabbed her handbag, which she clung onto, although it did not contain the takings.

She was dragged by the man towards the car, which smashed into her.

The vehicle reversed back over her while she lay in the road as it tried to escape down the narrow street. It eventually sped off.

Carol’s daughter Amie, 23, was at home and said: “I was in bed when I heard a commotion outside.

“I thought I heard my mum’s voice, so I went to a window to see

Continued on Page 3

2

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015 Crematorium, Wednesday 30 December at 2pm.

MAGUIRE TERENCE JOHN On 17 December, aged 62, of Dewsbury. Husband of Lynn.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 29 December at 2pm.

Deaths BLESIC ILIJA Aged 91, husband of Ivka.

Service at Liversedge Cemetery at 12noon, on Wednesday

30 December.

CARTWRIGHT NEE SUNMAN MARY On 18 December, aged 78, of Dewsbury. Service at Dewsbury

Crematorium, Tuesday 5 January at 10.30am.

CLARK NEE SANDOM RUBY Former teacher at Batley Girls’ High School. On 15 December, aged 64. Wife of Ian. Service at Mintlyn Crematorium, Kings

BOLT Marjorie Annie nee Holroyd

Lynn, Wednesday 30 December at 10am.

COOKSON FORMERLY WOODCOCK NEE PYNE MARJORIE On 16 December, of Dewsbury, aged 86. Wife of the late Benjamin and the late Walter Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd. Tel: 01924 454476.

DOVEY (NEE ROBERTS) HELEN (NELLIE) Formerly of Batley, aged 95.

Service in Coventry on 4 January.

KEMP JEAN On 17 December, aged 59. Wife of Peter. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 4 January at 11.15am.

DIBB LIONEL On 17 December, formerly of Batley, aged 80. Husband of the late Jean.

Funeral took place on Wednesday 23 December.

MACHON NEE SENIOR SHIRLEY BRENDA On 16 December, of Hanging Heaton, aged 82. Wife of the late Tom. Service at Dewsbury

HELLEWELL

26/1/1931 – 17/12/2015 ----- • -----

Of Roberttown Widow of the late George Bolt, beloved mother of John and Martyn and mother-in-law to Liz. Loving grandmother to David, Jeni Lee, Stephen and Ellie and great grandma to Ellie Rhianne.

A much loved sister, aunt, and friend to many.

MULVEY BRIAN

Christine -- • --

On 17th December 2015, suddenly at her home in Mirfield, aged 68 years, Christine, beloved wife of Michael, dearly loved mum and best friend to Sam and fondly remembered

by Brian, very much loved nana of Ethan and Jacob, also a dear sister, sister-in-law and auntie.

Funeral service will be held at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Tuesday 5th January 2016 at 12.30pm.

Friends please accept this intimation and meet at the Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations in lieu may be placed in the collection box provided by George Brooke Ltd, Funeral Directors for the benefit of Kirkwood Hospice.

David Butterfield INDEPENDENT FAMILY

On 16 December, aged 77, of Birstall. Husband of Elaine.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 30 December at 1.15pm.

RICHARDSON MILDRED On 17 December, aged 95. Wife of the late George. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 24 December at 1.15pm.

SMITH, FORMERLY NEEDHAM, NEE COHEN LESLEY On 13 December, aged 67. Wife of Les. Service at Thornhill Parish Church, Monday 4 January at 11.45am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

WALSH, FORMERLY WILSON, NEE WINNARD MARGARET ANN On 11 December, formerly of Gomersal, aged 78. Wife of the late Billy. Requiem Mass at St Paul’s RC Church, Cleckheaton, on Friday 15 January at 11.15am, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.

WRIGHT ALEXANDRA JUSTINE NEE ELLIS On 6 December, aged 43. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 30 December at 12.30pm.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND MONUMENTAL MASONS Proudly serving this area for 50 years

Simple, Modern, Traditional, Bespoke, Pre arrangement funeral specialists

Award-Winning Yorkshire & East Lancashire Regional Funeral Planner Of The Year 2015

FULLY GUARANTEED

DRUGS GANG JAILED FOR HUGE OPERATION SIX members of a gang have been jailed for running a multi-million pound drugs operation in Dewsbury.

The group were caught with 37kg of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine on March 5 this year.

Leeds Crown Court heard Afzaal Akram, 29, of Old Bank Road, Earlsheaton, headed the gang and directed others in distributing drugs.

He was jailed for 13 years for his “principal role” while “right-hand man” Amjad Hussain received 10 years.

Hussain, 23, of Clarke Street, and Akram both admitted conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Akram also admitted a separate conspiracy to supply drugs in the York area in 2014, for which he was given a concurrent sentence.

A 17-year-old who cannot be named pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was jailed for three years and nine months.

Three other men, including “warehouseman” Mohammed Mahmood, 31, of Wakefield Road, were also sentenced.

Mahmood, who stored and delivered drugs on behalf of Akram, was jailed for six years.

Moshin Patel, 27, of Trinity Street, Batley Carr, admitted acquiring criminal property and jailed for 10 months.

Waseem Akram, 23, of Manor Way, Staincliffe, Batley, was jailed for eight months after pleading guilty to the same charge.

The court heard police had seized cocaine worth £39,000 from the gang weeks earlier.

A gang member was stopped on the M1 as he drove from Batley to an address in Rotherham.

Later Mahmood was seen taking a pizza box containing heroin worth £48,750 from his home to two men in a BMW parked nearby.

That led to a police swoop on his home on March 5 and they found a huge stash of drugs.

Heroin worth nearly £2m was found in shopping bags and a holdall hidden in a wheelie bin in the garden.

Cocaine worth nearly £80,000 was also found, along with crack cocaine worth more than £26,000.

Judge Neil Clark said the gang was involved in the “wholesale supply of large amounts of Class A drugs”.

Two other gang members are due to be sentenced at Leeds Crown Court at a later date.

FUNERAL

ThePress

PLANS

24-hour service. Telephone: Cleckheaton - 01274 852 885 Roberttown Residence

Thursday December 24, 2015 Issue No: 717

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

Butterfield House, Bradford Road, Rawfolds, Cleckheaton, BD19 5LT

www.davidbutterfieldfuneraldirectors.co.uk

www.thepressnews.co.uk

Telephone 01924 472178

BOLLANDS (BIRSTALL) Funeral Directors

Prepaid Funerals Funeral Flower Service Contact Robert Edmond 24 hours Available

18 KIRKGATE, BIRSTALL, BATLEY, WF17 9PB

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

@ThePressLatest /ThePressNews

Quality Cremation Funeral Service at a fixed price of £1649 53 Bradford Road, Cleckheaton and Arnold House, Southfield Terrace, Birkenshaw Contact: Richard Arnold or Janice Hutton 24 hours

01274 891335 or 653115 www.gatewayfuneralservices.co.uk

www.bollandsfuneraldirectors.co.uk

A Family Business providing a complete and caring service for over 60 years • Golden Charter Pre Payment Plans • Humanist ceremonies a speciality • 24 Hour Service

George Brooke Ltd

Head Office - 14 Sharp Street, Dewsbury Chapel Of Rest - 9 Battye Street, Dewsbury Room Of Repose - 14a St Paul’s Road, Mirfield

www.georgebrooke.co.uk

01924 454476 / 497352

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

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

pRESS opening times over THE festive period THE PRESS’S offices at 31 Branch Road, Batley, will be closed from midday today (Christmas Eve).

We will re-open on Tuesday December 29, when we will be back hard at work on our next

edition – which will be out on Thursday, December 31, rather than Friday, January 1.

• Everyone at The Press would like to wish our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Is this Santa’s house?!

A HOME in Mirfield is now so synonymous with Christmas that children think Santa lives there.

Derek Highe has created a stunning festive lights display at the property on Robin Royd Avenue over the last 12 years.

In that time he has raised £28,500 for Kirkwood Hospice and has already added another £1,300 this year.

In recent weeks children aged two to seven have left letters for Santa at Derek’s home.

Each one said they have been a good boy or girl this year, and if Santa has any gifts for them he is welcome to visit.

Father-of-two Derek, 57, denied being Santa himself and joked: “I haven’t got a grotto either.

“But rest assured I’ve forwarded

the letters to Santa. It’s a lovely gesture from people and shows the magic we create.”

His display has about 30,000 lights, 10,000 of which are on his main tree in the garden.

Another 10,000 are on his house and there are a further 10,000 lights on smaller trees ,which make up an outdoor woodland scene.

This has mock snow, illuminated reindeers and a colourful Santa waving to passers-by.

And on top of that Derek has a village scene in his porch with Santa flying around on his sledge.

Families flock from miles around to admire the lights and donate to Kirkwood Hospice.

Next year Derek is planning an extra special display with a garden centre – which may feature a box for letters to Santa.

Drugs-deal denial

Derek said: “When I realised how much joy the lights give people I decided I’d do them for as long as I can.”

The generosity still staggers Derek, who in just one envelope delivered recently received £143.

Other donations come from as far

The Spangled Bull in Earlsheaton... it is thought the robbers targeted takings from there

what was happening and saw her lying in the road and my dad chasing after a car.

“I raced outside to my mum, who was on the ground. She was very scared because she couldn’t feel her legs.”

Carol’s mobile phone was found at the junction of Bennett Lane and Leeds Road and her handbag was discovered in Cracken-edge, so it is thought the car travelled along Bennett Lane and into Dewsbury.

Carol’s bag contained some cash and the keys to the pub, so Amie and her sister Danielle, 22, sat up at the pub until 5am until the locks could be changed, in case the culprits returned.

The pub opened

later on Saturday.

Some of Carol’s injuries were sustained when she was pulled along the ground as she clung to her handbag.

The man dragging her, who jumped into a passenger seat, is white with dark hair and he spoke with a foreign accent.

Det Insp Andy Leonard, of Kirklees CID, said: “The victim travelled home from the Spangled Bull pub so it’s a possibility she was followed.”

He described it as “a particularly nasty incident” and appealed for witnesses who might have seen a speeding car in the area.

Anyone with information can call Det Con Mark Willetts at Kirklees CID on 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

BIRSTALL: Plans to re-open a former bar under a new name were due to be discussed this week when Kirklees Council’s licensing panel heard an application for the former Market Tavern, opposite Market Place.

The venue, to be known as Joe’s Bar after a refit, closed in July when former proprietor Jade Lee had her licence terminated.

Residents and councillors object to the move due to concerns about anti-social behaviour.

The new owners also run Priestley’s Cafe Bar, which had an application for licence extension to 2am refused earlier this year.

DEWSBURY: A man appeared in court accused of sex offences against a 15-year-old girl.

Sahhwat Ali, of Garden Crescent, Ravensthorpe, faces three charges of sexual touching alleged to have occurred from May to June 2014.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that the offences, which Ali, 45, denies, also involved child grooming.

The case was sent to Leeds Crown Court, where Ali is due to appear on Thursday, January 14. He was banned from contacting the complainant in the meantime.

Terror of pub landlady run over twice

Continued from Page 1

Talks on new bar

Man on sex charges

Kids are posting their Christmas wish-lists through the door of Derek’s spectacular lights-home

By David Miller

News in Brief

Mike Clark

Business Insurance made easy – possibly the fastest and simplest quote engine on the internet We can provide insurance for Shops, Offices, Pubs, Take Aways, Restaurants, Hotels, Property Owners and Many More....

It takes just 6 simple steps.

Visit www.brianthornhill.com or call 01924 499182 for more information 704 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, WF13 3HU Brian Thornhill & Son Insurance Brokers are Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority

away as Australia.

He said: “That money means so much to Kirkwood Hospice. I just want to thank everyone for their support.”

As well as in person, donations can be made online at www.just giving.com/robinroydxmaslights.

HECKMONDWIKE: A man is accused of attempting to deal heroin and crack cocaine worth £18,000.

Gulsiyam Tazarab, 23, of High Street, denies two charges of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard the alleged offences occurred at Longfield Road on June 15.

It was said Tazarab had drugs split into 1,000 wraps. He was given unconditional bail until a hearing at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday, January 14.

3

4

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

News In Brief Campaigners walk out CLECKHEATON: Campaigners walked out of a council meeting about the fate of Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre.

Kirklees Council’s cabinet voted to continue the sports centre’s demolition (see our main stories).

One who attended the meeting said: “The cabinet refused to change their minds, as expected.

“Out of a turnout of almost 100 people, many left before the vote at the end, no doubt disgusted by what they had seen and heard.”

He added: “They would have shown some integrity, at least, if they had formally apologised for their well-documented failings and inexcusable decision not to consult the community.

“But they couldn’t even do that. That is a sad indictment of this cabinet and shows the contempt they have shown to the community in not having the right and proper public consultation in the first place.”

Sheard in bike spill HECKMONDWIKE: Kirklees Council leader David Sheard suffered a dislocated shoulder in a motorbike accident.

Coun Sheard came off his machine in central Leeds and was taken to the city’s general infirmary for treatment.

As a result he missed a cabinet meeting in Cleckheaton called over the decision to close Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre.

Deputy leader Coun Jean Calvert chaired the meeting in his absence last Thursday.

Coun Sheard, a keen motorbike enthusiast, was said by a council spokesman to be recovering at home in Norristhorpe.

School delight...but

By Staff Reporters A DECISION not to rebuild a sport centre in Cleckheaton means that the town will get its new high school.

At a meeting last week, Kirklees Council’s cabinet reaffirmed plans to shut Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre in May. Councillors heard that a u-turn now would most likely see funding for the new school withdrawn.

As a result, staff at Whitcliffe Mount School welcomed the decision – but with sympathy for sports centre campaigners.

Business manager Matthew McKirgan said a u-turn would have caused huge delays to the project.

Councillors resist pressure for Whitcliffe Mount u-turn He added: “The Education Funding Agency (EFA) made it clear that if the cabinet changed its original decision, the delays would be unacceptable.

“It’s highly likely the EFA would have removed the school from the batch and the rebuild would have been cancelled.

“For this reason, the school welcomes the decision of the cabinet to uphold its original decision.

“It means the school can remain part of the Priority School

Building Programme.”

A sports centre is included in the rebuild, but is for the students’ use during the school day and community use at other times.

Campaigners wanted a separate centre that should include facilities for indoor bowls, as at present.

Mr McKirgan said: “The school has every sympathy with those who are understandably upset about the decision to close the sports centre.

“Unfortunately, it’s not in the school’s power to solve all the issues which community groups now face.

“But we’re committed to doing what we can by ensuring all our new facilities are made available for community use as much as possible.”

On the school he added: “It’s fantastic news for the community as a whole that the rebuild can go ahead as planned.

“There’s no doubt it’s badly needed and that this is a once in a generation opportunity with funding being available from central government.”

The new school is still on track to open in September 2017, despite delays on other projects due to concern over listed buildings.

MP pledges help for ‘homeless’ bowlers and others

Street name wanted DEWSBURY MOOR: Name suggestions are wanted for a new street on land off Meadow Bank.

Suggestions should not duplicate or closely resemble existing street names in the area.

Streets are also not usually named after people who are still alive or have lived recently.

Ideas should be sent by Friday, January 8, to: Kirklees Council, Building Control, Flint Street Depot, Flint Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6LG. Alternatively, they can be emailed to street.naming@kirklees.gov.uk. Receipt is not normally acknowledged.

By Staff Reporters

Phab North Kirklees Caring for the communities of North Kirklees

OPTIONS CENTRE

Registered Charity No 1137618

Options Options for for everyone! everyone!

The Options Centre is completely accessible to wheelchair users and offers an exciting range of day and evening activities for all ages and abilities.

Phab Club on Monday and Thursdays 6.30-8.30 Activity and disco nights for all ages and abilities he hall and T Transport to and from the club nights can be re meeting rooms a arranged Huge air conditioned sports hall with facilities for • Table tennis • 5-a-side football • Basketball/netball • Pool • Darts • Lunch Club Every Tuesday and Thursday 2 Community transport minibuses for hire self drive 16-seater accessible vehicles Fully insured.

(Driver can be arranged at extra charge Visit the Options Centre Monday-Friday 9.00-5.00 or call Lesley O’Donnell, Centre Manager on 01924 438239 email: options.centre2@hotmail.com

for available to hire , s parties, wedding meetings and conferences Sunday Roast Taste of Home

Available from Opt on a Sunday ions To order text or ring Maggie 07971 943509

Paul Ellis - Chairman, Andrew Hutchinson, Ray Barker

We are also looking for volunteers

Options Centre, 7 George Street, Dewsbury, WF13 2LX (5 mins from Train Station) email: options.centre2@hotmail.com

THE fight is on to make sure that groups using the doomed Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre have alternative venues.

An expanded fitness suite is due to open at Spenborough Pool in Liversedge in January and Kirklees Council have allocated £15m for a new sports centre on the neighbouring Princess Mary athletics track.

At least until then, some groups, particularly indoor bowlers, are likely to be homeless.

Campaigners had argued for a new sports centre with equivalent facilities to be built elsewhere on the Whitcliffe site.

One was not included, but it was claimed that one could be added which the school would be happy to accommodate as they do at

present. Councillors voted not to take a risk and now the battle is on to make sure all users have alternative accommodation.

Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox said: “I would never tell campaigners to give up their fight to keep the centre open but the sad fact is that Kirklees Cabinet has now made its decision.

“It really is a sad day for users of the centre and I remain critical of some of the ways in which the decision was made.

“Whitcliffe Mount did, and still does, a lot right. It was a big, positive part of a number of people’s lives.

“Local people have every right to protest and, importantly, to demand good sports facilities in Spen.

“I believe my job now is to help the current users find homes until new facilities can be made available.

“From two public meetings I’ve previously held,

I’ve a good list of current users and groups. But I’m not in touch with all of them.

“I urge everyone to get in touch, even if provision has already been offered to your group, because I want to know what is working and what isn’t.”

She added: “The council’s commitment to invest in a new facility at the site of the Spen baths can’t come soon enough.

“The design needs to accommodate as many of Whitcliffe’s current users as it possibly can. I’ll push very hard for that to happen.”

Mrs Cox has a separate email address (wmsc@jocox.org.uk) where sports centre users can contact her.

They can also call her constituency office on 01924 910499 or write to Jo Cox MP, 3-5 Branch Road, Batley, WF17 5RY.

Hospital staff pay Kirklees hit by £550k for parking £50m a year cut THE trust which runs Dewsbury District Hospital made nearly £1m from parking charges last year.

The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust earned £973,000 in 2014/15, more than half of it from staff.

A freedom of information request showed patients paid £424,000 but staff forked out £549,000 from their wages.

Facilities manager Ian Brodie said: “Our prices are in line with other NHS Trusts, public sector organisations and off-street car parks in Wakefield and North Kirklees.”

He added that investment in car parking included increased lighting and security patrols and extra spaces for patients, staff and visitors.

MORE cuts are coming after it was revealed that Kirklees Council will get £50m a year less in government cash.

Last Thursday the Treasury told Kirklees of its new settlement up to 2020 and Council finance chief David Smith said: “Kirklees has come out worse than the national average.

“Our cut is 2.5 per cent compared to the England average of 0.5 per cent. The difference is equivalent to the annual budget of the whole library service. The main revenue support grant will fall by over £50m per annum up to 2019/2020."

When other income is taken into account, it is believed Kirklees may have to cut spending by an extra £22m a year for the next four years.

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

5

despair over sports centre BIRSTALL LAND WRANGLE

WISHING ‘Homes plan could be headache ALL OUR for residents – and developers’ CUSTOMERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

By David Miller

LAND in Birstall may prove difficult to build on – and cause huge problems for residents should development go ahead.

That is the view of campaigners fighting plans for up to 224 homes on playing fields off Smithies Moor Lane.

The fields, owned by the Catholic church, could have coal mine shafts under them and may once have been the site of a reservoir.

Residents do not know what is under the fields and claim Kirklees has no idea either.

When Grahame and Jennifer Jackson, of nearby Bridge Street, wanted to build a home extension last year, no current council records could be found.

They commissioned their own survey and discovered links to mine shafts last worked in 1934.

A culvert believed to be part of a former reservoir was also found, neither of which was listed on any map held by Kirklees.

The couple, recently retired from Upper Batley High School, faced problems with their extension as a result.

Any developer taking the site on could leave residents with a string of difficulties, say campaigners.

The draft Local Plan shows only one entry and exit point, from the playing fields’ gate

Recent flooding at the edge of the playing fields near homes off Smithies Moor Lane onto narrow Mill Street. It is already used as a rat run by drivers to avoid Smithies Moor Lane and the busy Smithies junction.

A public meeting last Friday heard claims that Kirklees could compulsorily purchase some homes to make a wider entrance.

Losing the fields, used by Birstall St Patrick’s FC, may also make the area more prone to flooding.

Many older terraced homes around Mill Street are subject to flooding in the cellars and some have permanent pumps fitted.

Serial thief hit with new ban order A PROLIFIC thief has been banned from entering a Dewsbury supermarket under new laws.

Lexus James Wakefield, 32, has been excluded from Asda on Mill Street West as part of a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

He was convicted of thefts, assaulting detention and police officers and anti-social behaviour.

The order was granted through an application by Kirklees Council and Kirklees Police.

Wakefield, of

Huddersfield, was also banned from several places there as well, including the bus station.

CBOs, aimed at persistent offenders, came into force in October last year under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Sgt Andy Lockwood, of Kirklees Police, said: “I hope this order will provide some reassurance to businesses and residents in Huddersfield and Dewsbury.

“It serves as a warning to offenders that we will use every legal means we can to

prevent them from re-offending.”

Coun Graham Turner, Kirklees Coucil cabinet member for community safety, said probation officers monitor Wakefield.

He added: “This type of action is always our last resort, and we do all we can to work with offenders to try to help them modify their behaviour.

“But sometimes despite our best efforts we have to resort to the ultimate sanction to protect our residents.”

VICTORIAN BELLS RING OUT AGAIN AT MINSTER

Bell-ringers, from left, Derek Johnstone, Sean Ellis, Ronalda Johnstone and Rachel Warlop with town crier Laurie Gilbert THE sound of handbell ringing returned to last 50 years and their condition had deteriorated, Dewsbury at Sunday’s carol service at the Minster while others have been lost. when a fledgling team performed three Christmas But now 19 of the original bells have been lovsongs on some of the town’s newly-restored ingly restored in Kent. handbells.

The bells will ring out again on Christmas Day, Back in 1890, Shaw’s of Bradford cast 250 bells during the morning service at the Minster that were used by the Dewsbury handbell team in (10.30am). many competitions at that time.

In the New Year, church volunteers intend to Some bells have remained in storage for the form a full team.

And there are concerns about pressure being put on already packed schools, doctors’ and dental surgeries.

Campaigner Val Stoneley, of Smithies Moor Lane, said: “While Kirklees can highlight problems, it’s down to the builder to address them.

“The expenditure to make these sites viable would far exceed the normal profit ratio.

“And if a less than good builder takes the site, I feel everyone around here will suffer, not to mention the new home owners.”

HAIGHS FARM SHOP Far Common Road, Mirfield, WF14 0DQ ANY QUANTITY SUPPLIED ALL WELCOME

www.haighsfarmshop.co.uk OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK It’s worth a ride out You won’t be disappointed

ThePress

6

Thursday December 24, 2015

BACK IN PRINT Now on sale, the updated 2015 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

Britain: democracy or police state?

T’S A toss-up whether Dewsbury owes former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson a huge debt of gratitude, or a big fat raspberry and a ‘thanks for nothing pal’.

When the ex-Luton football hooligan first brought the EDL to town, West Yorkshire Police thought they were being clever by caging them in the railway station car park and giggling at them from the Ashworth Road flyover. Operational geniuses, our local Plods.

That was always going to bring the EDL back in force, and when they did in 2012 it also brought five Islamic extremists, with a car full of weapons – bomb, gun, knives/machetes.

Where Robinson ‘saved’ Dewsbury’s bacon that day was in having a domestic with his wife and not turning up for his own party. It meant it ended early, the EDL

I

banner-wavers buggered off in search of a pub and the terrorists turned up after everyone had gone home.

They consoled themselves by going to pay homage at the Markazi mosque in Savile Town, CCTV images of which were shown at the subsequent Old Bailey trial

where they all got 19 years.

Perhaps imagining they’d be giving it large among a bevy of heavenly virgins by 5pm that Saturday, they hadn’t bothered insuring the car and were stopped heading back down the M1. Mind you, the police had the motor for two days before accidentally popping the boot and discovering their arsenal.

The story is topical, in that the successors to Robinson and the EDL (he left in 2013), Paul Golding and his far right Britain First, are heading to Dewsbury next month.

My message to them now is the same as to Robinson then – get lost, guys. Dewsbury doesn’t need you. A few hardy souls are trying to get some retail trade going in the town; you are not going to help anything, let alone struggling businesses.

If you want to make a point, go do it on the steps of Kirklees Council, or better

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

Wormald Interiors is a family-run business with over 30 years experience of supplying & fitting • High Quality Kitchens • Bedrooms • Bathrooms and all other Building Work Total renovations fully project managed by Wormald Interiors

still Whitehall and Downing Street.

These demonstrations have an unhappy history, dating back to the BNP’s first appearance in Dewsbury in 1989, when a small number of them held a heavily policed rally behind the town hall, oblivious to the fact that in their wake a full-scale riot was breaking out amongst local youths, sparked by farleft agitators.

That 1989 riot and the ransacking of the Scarborough pub was the starting point for my book The Islamic Republic of Dewsbury.

HE events of the EDL rally in June 2012 are in Robinson’s recently published autobiography Enemy of the State. It’s a chilling read, and not for any anti-Islamic ideology or apocalyptic visions of our future.

I don’t sense that the Luton wide-boy thinks that deeply – but if you think for one moment that we live in a free and fair democracy, you’d think again after reading it.

It’s surprising because half of his friends growing up in Luton – and which makes Dewsbury look like Harrogate – were black or Muslim. But of course that doesn’t fit the ‘far right’ stereotype which, I’m ashamed to say, the main-

T

stream media is culpable of propagating.

What is more troubling is what the state did to Robinson from the moment he started the protest group.

Masses of armed police raiding his family’s houses, seizing computers, freezing assets – on the spurious excuse of a damaged £30 fitting in a hotel (which the IPCC ruled was a fabricated complaint anyway).

Arrests, detentions and illegal bail conditions, trumped-up charges, on a weekly and monthly basis.

Harassment of anyone doing business with him.

And when he was jailed for idiotically using a friend’s passport, he was held in solitary confinement in Category A prisons for over five months. He was locked in a room with three Muslim extremists who kicked his teeth out – and oops, the CCTV wasn’t working.

You couldn’t see the state doing that to Anjem Choudary, Abu Hamza, Omar Bakri Mohammed, could you? Human rights lawyers would be all over them.

When a four-year tax case against him was thrown out, the police threatened to prosecute his wife unless he pleaded guilty over a self certification mortgage dating back eight years.

And then, when they had him inside again, they tried to recruit him to go back and be their man, inside the EDL. When Robinson was out on licence and accepted an invite to address the Oxford Union – where he intended telling exactly what was happening to him – he was thrown back in prison for a month and put on an open wing of a Cat-A jail packed with terrorists doing life.

Finally, the police went back on his guilty-plea agreement and seized his house.

There’s not much that’s likeable about Tommy Robinson, apart from the fact that he obviously has brass balls the size of the town hall.

Oh, and he happens to be a British patriot – which sadly is now a swear word itself.

I heard an interesting speech by Douglas Murray, the respectable conservative commentator, who made the point that our governments never seem to pause to ask if these street protest movements actually have a point.

The default response is always police thuggery, harassment and, judging by ‘Tommy Robinson Enemy of the State’, when all else fails, threats and blackmail.

You don’t have to like or agree with anything about him or the EDL to be ashamed of our country.

Space cadets running newsrooms T IS lovely, charming, wonderHY would anyone imagful that British astronaut Tim ine that John Major’s Peake can do a somersault in view on anything is the gravity-less International worth a Euro? He was a poor Space Station.

Chancellor, worse Prime Minister, Big whoopee. Any youngster and the one notch on his career coming off ‘the clanger’ in belt was a knee trembler with Overthorpe or Lees Holm Park Edwina Currie. Dearie me. during the days before elf’n safeSir John is warning of dire conty got rid of anything that was sequences of leaving the EU – fun, did two or three somersaults from the bloke who signed us up before landing in a heap, hopeto the disastrous Maastricht fully on the grass but more likely Treaty (and he was chairman of on the ash surface that stripped big American investment compathe skin off your knees and ny Carlyle’s European board, so elbows. Rubber compound play he has plenty of form). surfaces? Concrete was a step I’ve been faintly embarrassed up for us as kids. by current Prime Minister David Has anyone else got fed up of Cameron going round the tables Yuri Gagarin – that’s news TV footage of Commander Tim of Europe’s leaders with his beghaving his first spacesuit fitting, Commander ging bowl and cringed last week when he said Tim having his first sit down in the rocket, he was confident of getting everything he was Commander Tim saying goodbye to the wife asking for. and kids, Commander Tim saying his first hello You’re asking for sod all, Dave! That is not a from space – apparently there’s a cracking win, sunshine. view of the moon. You don’t say. This week, The new year will see the EU referendum Commander Tim tried to ring his mum and dad issue cranked up. Just as interesting as the in– but only got their answerphone. Well slap my out arguments will be the status (as in what thigh … hold the front page! they personally have to gain or lose) of the It’s nearly 55 years since Yuri Gargarin orbitpeople making them. ed the earth, for crying out loud. That was FOUR-DAY weekend awaits. It’s news. Mind you, back then news organisations approaching lunchtime on Wednesday employed time-served journalists, not wetthe 23rd, so I suppose I’d better file this eared media graduates to run the BBC and column and start thinking about buying some national press.

Christmas presents. I’m a day early this year!

Someone give me a bell if Commander Tim Whatever your faith, or none, a peaceful and finds ET or goes for a spacewalk and doesn’t happy Christmas to one and all. come back. That’ll be news.

I

OUR STRONG REPUTATION We are incredibly proud of the reputation we have built up over the years. Our customers really appreciate not only the work we do but the way in which we carry out the work.

152 Leeds Road Heckmondwike, WF16 9BJ Visit Us At:

01924 441494

FIND US ONLINE

www.wormaldinteriors.com email: wormaldinteriors@btconnect.com

W

A

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

PHAB-ULOUS CHRISTMAS DINNER GESTURE

Private Nurse Led Aesthetics Clinic Private prescription service for men & women

Asda’s community life champion Sharon Kingswood and PHAB member Nasar Naroof MEMBERS of the PHAB group at Dewsbury’s Options Centre enjoyed Christmas dinner thanks to a donation from Asda.

The group caters for handicapped and able-bodied members and meets every week at

the community centre in George Street, just outside the town centre.

As part of Asda’s Christmas campaign, local community groups were asked to nominate themselves for a one-off

Christmas grant from the Asda Foundation.

PHAB were successful and Asda Dewsbury, with support from the Asda Foundation, donated £350 to pay for a Christmas lunch.

Syrian families set up home in Kirklees TWO families of Syrian refugees have started a new life in the district.

They were moved to Kirklees as part of the Government’s vulnerable persons relocation (VPR) scheme after being identified as some of those most in need of support.

It is not known exactly where the families are living as details have not been released.

Coun Graham Turner, Kirklees Council cabinet mem-

ber for resources and community safety, said: “The council is committed to ensuring that these families are provided with the support they need to allow them to start a safe, new life in Kirklees.

“We have received funding from the government to help the families to get settled in as quickly as possible.

“However, these families have been through experiences that many of us simply couldn’t imagine and I know many local people are eager to

show them support and help them feel at home.

“One Community, the Kirklees Community Foundation, have launched a way for local people and businesses to make cash donations.

“The cash will be passed through to voluntary groups working directly with vulnerable migrants from around the world who are living in Kirklees. Anyone wanting to make a donation can visit www.one-community.org.uk.”

Luxury Hydra Facials for tired, . . . . . . dull . . . looking . . . . . . skin .........

Medical Grade Chemical Peels .for . . advanced . . . . . . . .skin . . . rejuvenation ..........

Line relaxing treatments and dermal fillers to improve volume loss . . . . . . &. .unwanted . . . . . . . .lines .........

Beautiful Lip Enhancements . . . . . . for . . .loss . . . of . .volume ........... . . . . . . Facial . . . . .Thread . . . . . .Lift ........

Limited availability for Christmas appointments BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

01924 409550

www.eternal-youth-treatments.co.uk 34 Market Place, Heckmondwike, WF16 0JG

Join our 2,500 Facebook followers

7

ThePress

8

Thursday December 24, 2015

We’ll buy your house Houses in any condition Fast completion & cash waiting No legal or agent fees Repossession stopped!!!

Mirfield 0800 7813862 webuyanyhouse@me.com

I was shocked by protestors’ attitude Dear Sir, I had the misfortune of attending the meeting about Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre in Cleckheaton on Thursday night.

I was quite shocked and a little appalled at the attitudes and behaviour displayed by some of the people campaigning for it to stay open where it is.

The aggression, perhaps fuelled by a clear absence of any kind of a coherent argument beyond naked self interest, was very disturbing.

When it was announced that the Leader of the Council couldn’t attend due to being in a road accident, half of those present laughed. This sort of unacceptable behaviour does their cause no favours.

Death of coal just doesn’t stack up

Letter of the Week: Rob Barry, Cleckheaton I hope the sports centre is knocked down. Improving the facilities for Whitcliffe Mount School is far more important than the feelings of a handful of bowlers from Huddersfield or Halifax or Leeds.

The school serves far more people now, and will serve far more in the future, than the sports centre and it should be the

From: David Honeybell, Heckmondwike Dear Sir, It’s taken 30 years, but the destruction of the coal mining industry in the UK, instigated

by Thatcher, reached its conclusion just a week before Christmas.

She couldn’t have planned it better herself, had she still been alive.

The reason being bandied

Paula Sherriff, MP for Dewsbury and Mirfield

‘Politically speaking’ Enjoy those things that are truly important in life S THE nights draw in ever earlier, shops play Wizzard, Chris Rea and Mariah Carey on loop, and supermarkets try to outdo each other with their adverts, we know that Christmas is fast approaching.

Over the Christmas period, it’s important to remember those for whom Christmas may be a difficult time of year, or who may be alone, or working.

Our armed forces abroad, spending time away from family, those who may have nobody to spend Christmas Day with, or our emergency services, still on call as we tuck into our Christmas dinner.

This will be my first Christmas as a Member of Parliament, and I have had the honour of meeting so many people in the past seven months, in Dewsbury, Mirfield and across the constituency, that make our area great.

The NHS and health are something which, as many of you will know, I feel passionately about and will always campaign to defend.

It is those NHS workers, working over Christmas I

A

want to pay particular tribute to in my column today.

I know that our health service staff will be working tirelessly to keep us safe and healthy, sacrificing their own Christmases for the sake of our own.

Recently, I spoke in the House of Commons about mental health, about how it affects us, problems encountered in treatment and how early intervention is so vital in ensuring that the conditions effects are minimised.

It is over the Christmas period that many of these mental health conditions may be exacerbated and it’s

vital that we look out for one another.

I know too that many of you have faced particular challenges and so please always do get in touch with me or my office and we will always try our upmost to assist you.

I look forward to continuing working for all of the Dewsbury constituency as we head into 2016.

Over the Christmas period it’s so important that we enjoy those things that are truly important in life; our families, friends, neighbours and communities.

I know this will be a special time for many, both Christians and nonChristians alike.

So I’d like to thank you, at this special time of year, for everything that you do to make our area such a special place to live.

I wish you and all of those closest to you, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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

council’s first priority.

I am surprised there isn’t more excitement about the council’s plans for a new sports centre at Rawfolds.

I am worried that this, and the redevelopment of the school, could be thrown into jeopardy if Kirklees allows itself to be put over a barrel by a tiny minority.

I hope it doesn’t come to pass. around by the Tory propaganda machine is the cost.

They’re trying to convince us that it’s cheaper to import coal from South America than it is to mine it seven miles from the power station at Drax where it is burned, what nonsense.

The coal itself may be cheaper to mine in Columbia, but there are many other factors to consider.

What about the income tax the UK miners were paying, how much will the loss of that be to the treasury?

What about the loss of National Insurance contributions? Instead of paying into

the pot, through no fault of their own, the ex-miners will be taking out of the pot.

The cost of unemployment benefit alone, not to mention any other benefits the men with families are entitled to claim for, must be counted.

It’s not only a matter of finance, the effect on the health of these hard-working men, being made to feel worthless and not needed nor wanted, could be devastating.

Then of course the local economy will suffer because there will be less money to spend.

The situation just escalates, and more people are drawn in.

All these things must be taken into consideration when counting the cost.

Cameron has continued what Thatcher started, and he hasn’t finished yet.

The miners had to be wiped out, but they are only part of the Tory plan.

They will not stop until they destroy the rest of the trades union movement.

And at the same time they’re pushing ahead with their plans to privatise our NHS, and then with the TTIP agreement, waiting secretly in the wings to be signed, after which there will

Continued on page 9

PLANNING APPLICATIONS Irfan Iqbal, Mohaddis E Azam Education Centre And Masjid E Mada, 225C, Ravenshouse Road, Dewsbury Moor, two-storey extension to rear, additional floor and associated alterations.

G Hancock, 375 Halifax Road, Hightown, detached dwelling with integral garage.

Sarabibi Achhla, 10 Thornfield, Savile Town, extensions to rear and porch to front.

Planned Contracts, 348A Leeds Road, Birstall, 17 dwellings.

C Munton, rear of 1086, Bradford Road, Birstall, outline application for one detached dwelling and two detached garages.

M J Coffey, 130 Old Bank Road, Earlsheaton, singlestorey side extension.

J Wright, barn adjacent to The Cottage, Lower Lane, Gomersal, change of use and alterations to barn to form dwelling (within a Conservation Area).

Stephen Mitchell, 2 Roundhill Green, Gomersal, balcony across the rear of the property first floor.

P Gallagher, 21 Ennerdale Avenue, Dewsbury, first floor side extension, dormers to front and rear and conversion of garage into living space.

Mrs K Bibi, 36 Boundary Road, Dewsbury, demolition of existing dwelling and

erection of two semidetached dwellings.

Abdul Aziz Patel, 1A Hill Crest Road, Savile Town, extensions.

Mohammed Mushtaq, 17 Ravens Grove, Scout Hill, two-storey side extension.

Mr M Iftikhar, 3 School Street, Ravensthorpe, singlestorey front and two-storey rear extension.

Mr Andrew Miller, 145 Healds Road, Dewsbury, single-storey rear and side extensions, garage conversion with external raised decking/patio and installation of juliet balcony.

Mr M Naheem, 44 Fieldhead Gardens, Shaw Cross, 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 3m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.35m.

K Saville, 123 Church Lane, Gomersal, single-storey side and rear extensions.

J Ahmed, 24 Field Lane, Ravensthorpe, single storey rear extension.

E Lunn, 22 Grosvenor Road, Batley, single-storey side extension and alterations to garage to form living space (within a Conservation Area).

Mr T Zaman, 56-62 Daisy Hill, Dewsbury, variation conditions two (plans), four (south doors and windows),

seven (rear windows), eight (materials) on previous permission 2013/90099 for alterations to convert existing ground floor retail unit to four flats (within a Conservation Area).

Mr M M Khan, 107 Garden Street, Ravensthorpe, front and rear dormer extensions.

Mr T Zaman, 56-62 Daisy Hill, Dewsbury, variation conditions two (plans), six (east windows), 7 (north windows), 11 (materials) on previous permission 2013/92325 for removal of condition 15 (Affordable Housing) on previous permission 2011/92893 for change of use and alterations to convert existing first floor offices to six flats (within a Conservation Area).

Mr M Iqbal, 42 Tanhouse Street, Ravensthorpe, 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 3.7m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.5m.

C Annetts, 4 Mazebrook Avenue, Drub, Cleckheaton, 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 2.8m, the height of the eaves of the

extension is 2.45m.

Alfa Dwellings Ltd, The Dewsbury Reporter, 17 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, installation of replacement windows (within a Conservation Area).

John Shirt, Fir Dene, Fusden Lane, Gomersal, work to TPO(s) SP1/51 Crosshall Developments (Leeds) Ltd, Old Presbytery, Kirkgate, Birstall, discharge conditions 7-9, 12, 14-19 on previous permission 2014/ 93827 for alterations to existing church hall and presbytery to form eight dwellings and erection of nine dwellings (within a Conservation Area).

Ogden Properties Limited, Centre 27, land at Bankwood Way, Birstall, engineering works for the stockpile of surplus topsoil from a nearby development site and re-profiling of site.

Mr & Mrs Patel, 4 The Beeches, Birkenshaw, balcony and removal of existing external steps.

G King, 23 Over Hall Road, Mirfield, works to TPO(s) 10/02.

L Cockroft, Beech Court, 27A Church Lane, Mirfield, works to TPO(s) 21/85.

A Hill, land opposite to 13 Tanner Street, Hightown, outline application for erection of detached dwelling.

D & K Hiu & Wang, 19 Overhall Park, Mirfield, extensions and raised roof.

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

Continued from page 8 be no going back.

A very merry Christmas and a happy new year to one and all.

What a sorry mess this is From: R Spreadbury, via email Dear Sir, I refer to the Kirklees cabinet meeting at Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre.

This meeting was advertised as a forum where the cabinet would reconsider their decision of 2013 to demolish WMSC. Once the meeting started and progressed a number of things became obvious: 1: The meeting was just a penance they had to endure as part of the slap on the wrist the council recently got from the ombudsman’s report into the legality of the way they took the original decision in secret without public consultation.

2: The four o’clock start was timed so it would attract only minimum attendees, ie retired people and non-workers.

However the venue was still packed.

3: Their new report was published on the council website for all to read. Try to find it!

Needless to say no-one had seen it.

4: They were never going to rescind their decision. That

would make them look even more incompetent than they do already.

5: The initial decision was probably taken in haste due to the council running out of time for the submission to the Government for one-off free cash to rebuild Whitcliffe Mount School.

This secret decision avoided time-consuming public consultation. This was justified by the coverall of commercial sensitivity.

6: They have never even considered the impact on the various groups which use the centre. Basketball club, bowling club, five-a-side, cardiac rehab, badminton club, social clubs, etc. Some of these are renowned for their competitive success and training.

The cabinet just glibly assumed these users would just find somewhere else in West Yorkshire to continue with their pursuits, travel not being a problem.

Also other users will be able to use the new school facilities, the extent of which is currently under negotiation.

I assume for starters this will be outside school hours. So no morning sessions where you can train and have the rest of the day free.

Everyone crammed into dark evening sessions.

7: The original plans included for building the school around the sports centre.

The building contractors apparently all told the council en masse this could not be done

Christmas Eve

due to environmental concerns, ie encroaching on the green belt and motorway noise.

For all contractors to voice the same concerns smacks of collusion, but more likely it will save them money.

It is much easier and cheaper to level a site and build on a clear footprint.

Furthermore the council are proposing house building on green belt, and if noise is a problem for the delicate ears of our school kids then why not triple glaze windows on the motorway side.

Additional costs associated with keeping the sports centre included £500k for installing a new boiler since the current system is shared with the school. They have naively had the wool pulled over their eyes by the building contractors.

8: The council cannot get out of the current central government Yorkshire-wide sevenschool reconstruction contract (preliminary works have already started in some areas) without paying substantial damages / penalties for loss of profit etc.

9: In general all their thinking/experience seems to be centred on Huddersfield.

The whole sorry mess is a complete shambles and the whole cabinet should do the decent thing and resign.

In addition the council should fundamentally rethink its relationship with the areas outside Huddersfield.

We all pay our council tax so should all have our fair share

Boxing Day

Afternoon

JADE HELLIWELL

ROB STEVENS Sunday 27th

Afternoon

STEVE ADAMS FREE

FUNCTION HIRE

Sunday 27th Evening

SI SONATA SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

www.thenash.co.uk

of the spending pie.

Not what we need in Batley From: Adele Latham, Soothill, Batley Dear Sir, I have to raise the question, do we really need a ‘Bet Fred’ betting shop here on Commercial Street, Batley?

The town planners have rendered me almost speechless (and that takes some doing)!

Thanks to everyone From: Tim Wood, Poppy Appeal organiser, The Old Colonial, Mirfield Dear Sir, I would like to thank everyone from Mirfield and Ravensthorpe who contributed and helped during the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal for 2015.

We took out to various different locations more than 700 items; collecting tins, poppy trays, wreaths, crosses and numerous other bits of kit.

Two weeks later we collected it all in again, counted the monies and stored it all away again for next year.

Thank you cards then go out with each individual amount

on from each precise location: The afore mentioned is only the tip of the iceberg.

We have a stall in the foyer of the Yorkshire Co-op in Mirfield, where the staff always make us welcome; the cash donated there from the public does make a difference; The public at large are always pleased to purchase a poppy and wear it.

Our local Army and Air Cadets and students from the Army Foundation College help out on the street collections, as do other individuals.

Some members of the town council help at our stall in the Co-op, and at the count up at the Old Colonial, our local MP turned up to give us a hand.

As a small branch, Mirfield’s ranks have been depleted by further losses this year; a lot of good people whom I have known and raised funds with over the last 20-plus years are no longer with us.

One of our more upbeat members remarked not long ago: “Your prospects under the circumstances don’t look too great.”

Yes, true, I replied, but I can reflect on my own mortality, firm in the knowledge that both our futures are firmly behind us, we have a gallows sense of humour.

Without the many volunteers who helped us out this year our local efforts would not have been as effective.

So on February 13 2016, we are holding a presentation and thank you party at the Old Colonial, the night before Valentine’s Day. We shall be replacing red roses for the poppy – our nation’s most proudly worn flower.

Thanks once again for this year, we wish you all the very best for 2016.

Our last-minute total for this year so far is £15,500.

Cheers!

Boxing Day Night

KEVIN KENDRICKS and James King

New Years Eve

NEIL WILDE

News in Brief

Carols in town centre MIRFIELD: Carols are to be sung around the town centre Christmas tree at 4pm today (Thurs).

Now in its fifth year, the event takes place outside the library on Huddersfield Road.

Elsewhere church services include a midnight mass at St Mary's Parish Church at 11.30pm tonight. All welcome.

Fire damage CLECKHEATON: An electrical fire caused smoke damage to a warehouse at Flexitallic on Monday.

Firefighters equipped with thermal imaging gear were called to the Hunsworth Lane factory at around 11.45pm.

The problem, which saw the warehouse filled heavy with smoke, was traced to an electrical intake.

A transformer in a substation outside was ablaze, with crews, who used dry powder to extinguish the flames, calling Northern Powergrid to assist.

Art in barn BIRSTALL: A three-week festival featuring the work of local artists takes place at Oakwell Hall next month.

The Art in The Barn event is in the visitor centre barn from Saturday January 23 to Wednesday February 10.

Entry is free, and normal visitor centre opening hours apply. For more details call 01924 326240.

BATLEY NASH would like to wish all of their members

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR and the same to everyone at The Press and thanks for your support throughout 2015

NO CHARGE FOR Follow us on our new facebook ENTERTAINMENT OVER page at batley irish nash THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD

Telephone reservations welcome 01924 475960 option 4

9

Tickets for events are on sale and available from the club

10

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

News In Brief Christmas Day dinners DEWSBURY: Three venues will serve Christmas Day dinners for lonely or needy people.

The Grilled and Filtered Cafe on Bradford Road serves breakfast at 11am and lunch at 1pm. Play centre Sensory World hold a discounted lunch from 12noon to 2pm, after which it will be handed over to the Real Junk Food Project. The main lunch at the Old Westgate centre is £5.95 and must be booked on 01924 456152. Afterwards the Real Junk Food Project will offer meals on a pay-as-youfeel basis.

At 4pm there will be a free event in a marquee at Crow Nest Park. Places can be booked by calling Michelle Hainsworth on 07979 032910.

CLECKHEATON: Places are available for a free Christmas Day lunch for anyone in need in the community room of St John’s Church (2pm). Donations toward the cost are welcome. Places can be booked with organiser Margaret Couch on 01274 874661.

Council bill for ‘dilapidated’ building comes under fire

By Steve Martyn COUNCIL chiefs have been accused of over-charging taxpayers in Mirfield for another ‘dilapidated’ public building.

Kirklees has already faced criticism for handing on a backlog of repairs worth £300,000 in an asset transfer of the town’s community centre.

Now the authority wants to charge the town council £14,848 a year for their Huddersfield Road offices.

This is at the ‘commercial rate’ of £232 per square metre and is

“If someone was doing this with housing, it would be fair to accuse them of being a slum landlord” – COUN MARTYN BOLT despite a backlog of repairs totalling £147,000.

There are rotten windows throughout and buckets on the ground floor to catch rain seeping through ceilings.

Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Battyeford) said: “It’s not fair for Kirklees to charge the market rate for a dilapidated building.

“If someone was doing this with housing, it would be fair to

accuse them of being a slum landlord.”

Under the proposal, town and parish councils in the district are to lose their free rent and utility bills.

Bizarrely, the policy was first approved in 1988 but never implemented for reasons unknown.

Mirfield has the only town council in North Kirklees and Coun Graham Turner (Lab) said:

“Parish councils raise their own money through precepts.

“I don’t see why residents who don’t live in those areas should unfairly subsidise those five councils.”

Coun Bolt said the town council occupies only a small part of the offices, which he claimed are in such a poor state that no business would rent at full rates.

He added: “Mirfield has the highest backlog of repairs of any town council building.

“The poor state of the premises is another example of how Kirklees has neglected Mirfield for years.”

The Railway Inn Sculpture tribute to coal-mining history

Æ ------------------------------

Mirfield

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

Lunch Menu Available Tues-Sat 12-5pm

(OAP Discounts Available On Lunch Menu Only. Excludes Sunday Lunch)

Sunday Lunch 1 Course £6.95 2 Courses £7.95 3 Courses £9.95

Restaurant Opening Times

Tue-Thu 5-9pm, Fri-Sat-Sun 5-8pm Traditional Sunday Lunch 12-5pm

Evening menu 2 courses £11.95

CHRISTMAS EVE DISCO 8.30pm onwards NEW YEAR’S EVE DISCO & FEMALE VOCALIST

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Beckley with Kevin Fryers and the sculpture (full size, below)

7pm until late - Free Buffet

212 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield ------------------------------ 01924 504410 ------------------------------

THE former owner of the site where the new Ossett Fire Station is taking shape has donated a small sculpture in honour of the land’s history.

Kevin Fryers presented the limited edition artwork, which reflects Ossett’s coal-mining history, to Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Beckley, at the site in Mothers Way on the Silkwood Business Park.

The sculpture also replicates a towering version on the nearby roundabout at the junction of Fryers Way and Albert Drive.

DCFO Beckley said: “It was incredibly heart-warming to be presented with this kind gift which will take pride of place in the new station once it is completed.

“It is a lovely gesture to have something to remind us all of the area’s industrial history.”

Landowner Mr Fryers, who has named various roads in the vicinity after his family members, said there are only around 75 of the bespoke pieces in existence.

He said: “This is a memento and a nod to the area’s past.

Dealing with the Fire Service has been a very pleasant experience and the new station looks like it is coming along wonderfully.”

Building is ahead of schedule and the station is due to be operational by September.

Police on course for key front-line dementia role 252 Hopton Ln, Mirfield, WF14 8EJ Telephone 01924 493898 JOIN US HERE AT THE TRAVELLERS REST FOR CHRISTMAS TO CELEBRATE IN STYLE BY ENJOYING GREAT FOOD AND DRINK WITH A FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE. TO BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS MEAL HERE, PLEASE POP IN TO SEE US FOR MORE DETAILS OR GIVE US A RING

2 COURSES £16.95 3 COURSES £21.50 THIS MENU IS AVAILABLE NOW UNTIL 4TH JANUARY (EXCLUDING CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR’S EVE)

Please see our website for our full Christmas menu

www.travellersrestmirfield.co.uk

POLICE in Kirklees are well on their way to becoming a dementia-friendly force.

So far, more than 70 staff from Dewsbury and Huddersfield stations have received training about the degenerative condition, including how to recognise the signs and how to approach someone with dementia.

Specialist teaching has been taken up by police of all ranks, including front desk workers, PCs and inspectors.

By the end of 2016, it is hoped that all 800 members of the district’s police force will have taken the training and become Dementia Friends.

PC Linney, from the Safer

Kirklees Partnership, set up the training with social care charity Making Space.

She said: “Kirklees has an ageing population and police will increasingly find themselves in the front line dealing with people with dementia.

“We take this extremely seriously and are equipping our teams with the best training we can find.

“So far it has been very well received and we are looking forward to expanding its reach throughout the district in 2016.”

Monika Tomaszewicz, dementia advisor for Making Space said: “Our usual dementia training session lasts between 45 minutes and

an hour but we decided to deliver an extended 90minute version for Kirklees Police.

“We talked about being sensitive to the needs of a person with dementia who may have become disorientated when out and about, supporting and signposting the families of a person with dementia who has become lost and how to handle people with dementia who are suffering from paranoia or delusions.”

The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that one in every 14 of the population aged 65 and over has dementia. It also estimates that this figure will increase by 40 per cent over the next 12 years.

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

Don’t Miss Out! MASSIVE three-day end-of-year sale

Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th, Wednesday 30th December This bed to clear

Stain free heavy domestic Wilton Carpet

All stock Rugs half price.

FREE Blanket Box

Was £895 now only £447.50 with free delivery Was £27.50 sq mtre now less than half price, to clear only £12.99 sq mtre

This ‘Super King’ Pocket Ortho 6ft Mattress

This Wool stripe Carpet

Now only from £15.00 With all orders of ‘Cormar Carpets’ (minimum 25 sq mtre)

Birstall Mill Carpets & Beds 01924 420894 934 Bradford Road, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9PH t:

Was £699 now only £299 Was £28.99 sq mtre now 60% off only £11.60 sq mtre, to clear

Huge discounts

Roll Stock, Vinyls and Carpets Roll ends from as little as £10.00 each

Free fitting

on selected Stock Rolls and of course FREE DELIVERY

FREE PARKING OUTSIDE STORE AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

OVER 3,000 CARPETS & 1,400 VINYLS TO CHOOSE FROM

ONLY 1 MILE FROM M62, JUNCTION 27

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

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

11

12

ThePress

News In Brief Employee stole tyres to repay debt RAVENSTHORPE: An employee stole tyres worth £7,000 from a garage late at night.

Michael Evitt, 28, used his keys to enter Link Tyre Sales at an industrial estate on Low Mill Lane.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard Evitt used one of the company’s vehicles to take the goods away on October 31.

Evitt, of Halifax and who admitted burglary, was recorded on CCTV opening gates. Emma Haley, mitigating, said her client was under pressure to repay a debt and felt desperate.

He was jailed for 26 weeks. District judge Michael Fanning said it was a “serious breach of trust” which required a level of planning.

Community spirit BATLEY: Youngsters delivered festive food hampers to elderly and needy people last Thursday.

Pupils from Batley Girls’ High School went to the town's resource centre on Commercial Street with the packages and also served Christmas lunch.

They were helped by players from Huddersfield Giants' academy, which is led by former Dewsbury Rams coach Andy Kelly.

Players also took gifts to people’s homes and Mr Kelly said: “I think it shows a bigger social awareness and a social responsibility.

“There are people less fortunate and lending a bit of help is just as rewarding for these players as getting through training.”

• The school hosts a sixth form open evening for parents and prospective students at 4.30pm on Thursday January 14.

Thursday December 24, 2015

Flat fire was a ‘cry for help’ from teen

By Staff Reporters A TROUBLED teenager started a fire in his Ravensthorpe flat in a ‘cry for help’ after arguing with his girlfriend.

Reece Schofield, 18, poured the contents of a petrol can over the kitchen floor of his home on Garden Street in October.

He set the council property on fire just as a neighbour came to investigate shouting.

Leeds Crown Court heard that the night before Schofield rang his mother in distress, saying he had cut his arm.

But he refused to attend hospital and all she could do was remind him that he had work the next day.

At around 7am the following morning Schofield became upset about his girlfriend leaving him.

Duncan Ritchie, prosecuting, said he threw clothes at Ellie Wood and told her to leave but then begged her to stay.

Schofield next said he was going to burn the flat down, poured the petrol can and asked for a lighter.

A neighbour below heard Ms Wood ask “what are you doing?” before she left the property.

When he went to investigate the shouting the neighbour saw smoke pouring from the

flat upstairs.

Schofield had to be forcibly restrained at a police station after trying to bite himself and accidentally biting one of the officers.

Anastasis Tassou, for Schofield, said his client had not intended to hurt anyone in starting the fire.

He said Schofield has an emotionally unstable personality disorder and added: “This was a genuine cry for help.”

Schofield admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and was sent to a young offender institution for 18 months.

Judge Guy Kearl QC said in spite of his condition and remorse custody was inevitable.

His actions had caused smoke to spread through his building, potentially putting others at risk, though damage was restricted to the kitchen.

Reece Schofield

MP Cox backs Labour hunt bid BATLEY and Spen MP Jo Cox has joined other Labour MPs in calling on the government to keep the hunting ban in place, ahead of two of the biggest traditional hunting days of the year –

Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Mrs Cox said: “Each year the polls show that more and more people are against this barbaric activity, both in rural and urban areas.

“People do not want to see fox hunting return, and we will continue to campaign to keep the Act in place.”

Right: Jo Cox with shadow environment secretary Kerry McCarthy MP

Thursday December 24, 2015

ThePress

13

14

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network

Linford Hudson: Why ‘Mr Follow Spot’ is top of the bill

Fashion’s in L focus in 2016 THERE’S a treat in store in the New Year for fans of the History Wardrobe, with two very different presentations in two of the district’s museums.

A dazzling fairy godmother will dress Cinderella for her glorious ball in ‘Fairytale Fashion’ at Batley’s Bagshaw Museum on Saturday February 13, as the enchanting history of the ‘Princess dress’ is unfolded.

Favourite stories will be used to help visitors explore the world of magical clothes – from the red riding hood and cloaks of invisibility to seven league boots and the legendary glass slippers.

In stark contrast Gothic for Girls, at Red House Museum in Gomersal on Sunday

February 28, showcases sinister women and the enduring lure of black in fashion.

The presentation combines shiveringly beautiful costumes and darkly dramatic readings from the best of British ‘gothic’ writing, including Jane Austen, Emily Brontë, Mary Shelley, Mrs Radcliffe, Charles Dickens and Horace Walpole – and coming right up to date with The Woman in Black.

B o t h presentat i o n s start at 2pm and l a s t approximately t w o hours.

Tickets f o r ‘Fairytale Fashion’ are £12.50 and are available from Bagshaw Museum, in Wilton Park, or by calling 01924 324765.

Tickets for ‘Gothic for Girls’ cost £10.50, including a complimentary drink, and are available from Red House on Oxford Road, or by calling 01274 335056/ 07773 212763.

Access to the Red House presentation is via stairs and early booking is advised for both events.

INFORD HUDSON at the London Palladium is really THE man casting the spotlight, as he’s done for a galaxy of stars over 50 years. I helped co-produce a show at the legendary venue to celebrate his career as a spotlight operator.

He tells me: “Harry Secombe was a brilliant person, and Frankie Vaughan was a gentleman. I met a lot of different people; there are so many. Roy Castle never stopped smiling, but I also met Liza Minnelli and Lorna Luft ... when Miss Minnelli was on stage that was an experience. When she finished singing, she was on her way to the hotel, but the audience wouldn’t leave.” The documentary will be out via Maycon, hosted by Neil Sean and myself, in 2016.

PHOTOGRAPHY courses are being run at Oakwell Hall in Birstall in the New Year.

Courses for beginners to digital photography and SLR cameras will be held on Saturdays January 23 and February 6.

A further course for those keen to learn more about advanced settings and techniques is being run on Saturday March 19. The courses are delivered by professional photographer Patrick Crowley.

They run from 9.45am to 4.30pm and cost £20 per person. Places must be booked in advance by contacting Oakwell Hall Visitor Centre on 01924 324761.

Ramblers’ corner • FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details MONDAY JANUARY 4 SUNDAY JANUARY 10 GOMERSAL CIRCULAR (NK) BOTH SIDES OF THE VALLEY (NK) Meet 1pm top car park Meet 11am Heckmondwike Oakwell Hall WF17 9LG Market Place WF16 0EZ GR SE 217 270 GR SE 215 234 5 miles (M) No dogs 6.5 miles (M) No dogs Leader: Kathleen O’Shea Leader: Geoff Tel: 01924 471473 Tel: 01422 379921

come and dance BRIGHOUSE Scottish Country Dance Club are holding their open night dance on Saturday, February 13.

Whether you are new to Scottish dancing or an experienced dancer, you will be welcome at the friendly club, which has members of all ages.

You don’t need experience or a partner to take part in their weekly dance meetings.

Open night is every second Saturday of the month, when many dancers come from other clubs and there is also a weekly meeting at Waring Green Community Centre, Brighouse HD6 2AX every Thursday at 7.30pm.

Call Pat on 01484 685072 for details.

www.facebook.com/ThePressNews

Maycon Pictures

EARLIER this year, Aidan Turner set more than a few hearts racing in the hit BBC drama Poldark, but the actor tells me: “I don’t see myself as a sex symbol. I mean it’s nice that people do, but for me it’s just a job, and half the time it’s the character that you’re playing they like, it’s not really you, is it?”

CORONATION STREET will air Emily Bishop’s exit scenes on New Year’s Day as she bows out of Weatherfield to head overseas. It was announced last month that actress Eileen Derbyshire would be taking a break from the show, after she asked producers for six months away from the cobbles.

BILL TURNBULL will not just be tending to his bees when he leaves BBC Breakfast in January – the presenter is also close to signing up to host a BBC quiz. He tells me: “I was offered it and it’s something I have always wanted to do, so it’s come at the perfect time for me.”

Click and create All welcome to

Ann Montini and Linford Hudson at the London Palladium

THIS MORNING co-host Eamonn Holmes has revealed that he faces up to 10 weeks off work for a double hip replacement.

He tells me: “I figured I better tell people why I am off, in case they expect me to come back looking like Brad Pitt after some secret surgery Ann, but I think while I am dreading it, I am also glad I have finally committed to it.”

CORONATION STREET’S Sally Webster will be taking on local politics in 2016. Sally Dynevor, who plays the comical character, tells me: “There is no sign of Sally’s ambition waning – she is going to be taking on local politics in a big way.”

go head-to-head, showing off their lip-syncing skills as well as their dance moves, facial expressions and costumes. It will air on Channel Five next year.

SHARPE actor Sean Bean tells me he would love the show to return at some stage, but feels that at 56 he may be just a tad too old. “I mean I could have a part in it, but I would have to be his dad now or else it would just look plain daft, don’t you think?” he said.

EMMERDALE actress Jane Cox has admitted that she wasn’t too pleased when she first heard about the Dingle family’s latest storyline.

The actress’s character Lisa Dingle could be heading for heartbreak in the coming weeks, as her husband Zak betrays her by growing close to their friend Joanie Wright.

She tells me: “I just hoped that Zak and Lisa would stay the course – you know, be different from the rest, really.”

FORMER Baywatch star David Hasselhoff has admitted he’s ‘broke’. The 63 year old actor tells me: “It’s tough when you may be working, but after taxes, travel and all the other extras, you are left with very little, but I am not complaining, I am lucky to be in work and have some great fans here in the UK.”

YET another remake seems to be on the cards with the classic 70s show Doctor at Large. After pulling in huge audiences on ITV3, it appears that bosses think an update would also work well on prime time ITV. It’s expected next year.

CALL The Midwife star Helen George tells me she hopes her stint on Strictly could spark an offer to appear in a musical. “I think that I have found another calling and that is the musical stage, so hopefully someone will make that dream come true,” she said.

PROFESSOR GREEN has joined exSpice Girl Mel B as a co-host on the upcoming UK version of Lip Sync Battle. The show will see two celebs

DARREN DAY, star of musicals and pantomime, has signed up for next year’s Celebrity Big Brother. Darren tells me: “I have been offered it

many times, but my good pal Bobby Davro did the show and told me he had a good laugh, plus got paid so I figured why not, although I have no idea who I will be locked up with as yet.”

NICOLAS SMITH, the actor who played store manager Mr Rumbold in hit BBC comedy Are You Being Served, has died aged 81. Nicolas was also a songwriter and pianist who played very well, and a source tells me: “He had a secret in the fact that he supplied many TV shows with themes written by him, but under a different guise.”

CAROLINE QUENTIN says her latest character, Mrs Bumble, is a truly despicable piece of work, but adds: “It’s so nice to be nasty for a change.”

The actress, last seen on TV trudging around Cornwall for a travel show, adds: “I think people have forgotten that I am an actress, but hopefully doing this role will remind people.”

UNIVERSAL Stage Productions have announced that after 4,600 performances, and with the Victoria Palace Theatre’s previously announced refurbishment programme, the multi award-winning West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical will play its final performance on April 9 2016 as the production celebrates its 11th birthday.

IDRIS ELBA may be touted as the next James Bond and of course is back on our screens in the BBC drama Luther, but did you know he got his big break appearing in the little-watched Channel Five soap Family Affairs? He tells me: “Not many people remember that, but I do owe the show quite a lot, and looking back it was great fun to make actually.”

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

FORD 2014 Ford Focus 2.0T ST-2 5dr Black 13500 miles...............................£15,898 2015 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost Zetec S 5dr Navigation Black 12000 miles...... .......................................................................................................................£14,289 2015 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost Zetec S 150ps 5dr White 14000 miles........... .....................................................................................................................z£13,789 2011 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium 5dr Black 30000 miles ..........£12,589 2013 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr Black 13215 miles£11,289 2013 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr White 28256 miles£10,789 2014 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec 5dr Red 8500 miles.....................................£10,289 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr Grey 16000 miles ...£9,989 2012 Ford Grand C-MAX 1.6 Zetec 5dr Blue 7500 miles........................£9,989 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr White 22800 miles..£9,789 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr Brown 35000 miles£9,789 2012 Ford C-Max 1.6 Titanium 5dr White 25800 miles ...........................£9,789 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr Red 31800 miles............£9,689 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Red 9400 miles.............£9,689 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Black 11600 miles........£9,489 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Black 22000 miles........£9,489 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr White 14000 miles .......£9,489 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr White 40300 miles..£9,489 2013 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Blue 8800 miles ...................£9,489 2013 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Grey 4870 miles...................£9,489 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Grey 14000 miles.........£9,389 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Black 16200 miles........£9,289 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Grey 24600 miles.........£9,289 2013 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr Black 24200 miles..........£9,289 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Blue 16000 miles .........£9,289 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Blue 15000 miles .........£9,289 2013 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec 5dr Grey 19250 miles...................................£9,289 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Black 34000 miles........£9,289 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr White 16550 miles...............£9,189

2015 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V SRi 5dr Black 12220 miles .........£9,789 2012 Vauxhall Zafira 1.4T Exclusiv 5dr Silver 26450 miles......£9,689 2014 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V SRi 5dr Silver 15050 miles.........£9,389 2014 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V SRi 5dr Black 15000 miles .........£9,289 2014 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V Design 5dr Black 19500 miles...£8,689 2014 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V Design 5dr Grey 19100 miles.....£8,489 2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.4T 16V SRi 5dr Silver 30000 miles........£7,989 2013 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6i [115] Exclusiv 5dr Silver 10700 miles ......... ...........................................................................................................£7,689 2015 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Sting 3dr Black 3600 miles................£7,389 2015 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SXi 5dr [AC] Silver 9450 miles..........£7,289 2010 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V SE 5dr Silver 39250 miles ..........£6,989 2010 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V SRi 5dr Silver 35000 miles.........£6,789 2010 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V SE 5dr Grey 32500 miles............£6,689 2013 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 SXi 3dr [AC] White 20100 miles........£6,589 2013 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Active 3dr [AC] White 23800 miles...£6,289 2011 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4i 16V [100] SE 5dr Black 34200 miles£5,689 2011 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 SXi 3dr [AC] White 42650 miles........£5,389 2011 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 S 5dr [AC] Grey 25000 miles .............£5,289 2006 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V Design 3dr Grey 45000 miles.....£3,689 2007 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16V SXi [115] 5dr Silver 62000 miles£2,789

HYUNDAI 2012 Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi Premium 5dr 2WD Black 23300 miles .. .........................................................................................................£12,789

2012 Ford C-MAX 1.6 Zetec 5dr White 16000 miles................................£8,989 2012 Ford C-MAX 1.6 Zetec 5dr Black 7150 miles ..................................£8,989 2013 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec 5dr White 21000 miles .................................£8,989 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Black 24000 miles........£8,989 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Black 33000 miles........£8,989 2013 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr White 25000 miles...............£8,789 2012 Ford C-MAX 1.6 Zetec 5dr Black 24700 miles ................................£8,489 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Black 29855 miles...............£8,489 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 5dr White 10500 miles ..........................£8,489 2013 Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 5dr Black 6500 miles.............................£8,389 2012 Ford B-MAX 1.4 Zetec 5dr Blue 10000 miles..................................£7,989 2011 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec 5dr Grey 45500 miles...............£7,989 2012 Ford Focus 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr Blue 49000 miles .........£7,989 2013 Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 5dr Black 19140 miles...........................£7,989 2012 Ford B-MAX 1.4 Zetec 5dr Silver 35200 miles................................£7,289 2013 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Style 5dr Black 22800 miles.................................£7,189 2012 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 5dr [82] White 23200 miles........................£6,989 2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S 3dr Black 35000 miles...............................£6,789 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S Grey 27500 miles.......................................£5,989 2012 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 5dr [82] White 51000 miles........................£5,989 2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Zetec 5dr Silver 41000 miles..................................£5,589 2012 Ford Ka 1.2 Zetec 3dr [Start Stop] Black 32000 miles ..................£5,389 2010 Ford Ka 1.2 KA ZETEC Blue 34500 miles........................................£4,989 2009 Ford Ka 1.2 Style 3dr Blue 31000 miles...........................................£4,289 2009 Ford Ka 1.2 Style 3dr Black 33500 miles.........................................£3,989 2009 Ford Ka 1.2 Studio 3dr Silver 32000 miles......................................£3,689

VAUXHALL 2015 Vauxhall Zafira 1.4T SRi 5dr Black 7300 miles.............................£12,989 2013 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4T Exclusiv 5dr 4WD Black 13720 miles.......£11,989 2013 Vauxhall Astra GTC 1.4T 16V 140 SRi 3dr White 16000 miles...£10,689 2012 Vauxhall Zafira 1.4T Exclusiv 5dr Grey 21600 miles.........................£9,989

2012 Hyundai Ix35 1.7 CRDi Style 5dr 2WD White 31555 miles ......... .........................................................................................................£11,489 2012 Hyundai ix35 1.6 GDI Style 5dr 2WD Black 12500 miles£10,989 2012 Hyundai ix35 1.6 GDI Style 5dr 2WD Grey 18800 miles£10,789 2012 Hyundai ix35 1.6 GDI Style 5dr 2WD Black 20000 miles£10,789 2013 Hyundai i20 1.2 Style 5dr Black 13600 miles....................£6,989 2013 Hyundai i10 1.2 Style 5dr Blue 1000 miles........................£6,689 2012 Hyundai i20 1.2 Active 5dr Silver 18000 miles..................£5,989 2012 Hyundai i10 1.2 Active 5dr Grey 20700 miles ...................£5,689 2012 Hyundai i10 1.2 Active 5dr Black 21700 miles..................£5,689 2011 Hyundai i10 1.2 Style 5dr Black 26366 miles ....................£5,489 2011 Hyundai i10 1.2 Comfort 5dr Blue 35000 miles ................£4,789

NISSAN 2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.2 DiG-T Acenta Premium 5dr Grey 18300 miles................................................................................................£14,989 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2 1.6 [117] N-Tec+ 5dr Beige 12900 miles....... .........................................................................................................£12,989 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2 1.6 [117] N-Tec+ 5dr Black 36300 miles....... .........................................................................................................£12,289 2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 [117] N-Tec+ 5dr Black 27353 miles ........... .........................................................................................................£11,989 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2 1.6 [117] Acenta 5dr Black 31200 miles....... .........................................................................................................£10,989 2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 [117] Acenta 5dr White 21000 miles£9,989 2012 Nissan Juke 1.6 Tekna 5dr Black 22800 miles..................£9,989 2013 Nissan Juke 1.6 Acenta 5dr White 17700 miles................£9,689

2012 Nissan Micra 1.2 Acenta 5dr Black 32000 miles...............£5,789

OTHERS 2013 Kia Ceed 1.6 CRDi 1 5dr Silver 17800 miles .....................£9,289 2012 Kia Ceed 1.6 CRDi 2 EcoDynamics 5dr Blue 35014 miles......... ...........................................................................................................£8,789 2013 Toyota Yaris 1.33 VVT-i Trend 5dr White 14000 miles.....£7,989 2013 Toyota Yaris 1.33 VVT-i TR 5dr Red 25000 miles .............£6,989 2011 Mazda 2 1.3 Tamura 5dr Grey 28000 miles........................£5,989 2011 Mazda 2 1.3 Tamura 5dr Blue 24000 miles........................£5,989 2012 Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge 3dr Black 27500 miles.......................£5,989 2009 Mazda 3 1.6 TS 5dr Blue 47700 miles ................................£5,789 2010 Renault Megane 1.6 16V 110 Dynamique 3dr Grey 49500 miles ...........................................................................................................£5,489 2010 Fiat 500 1.2 S 3dr Grey 42500 miles...................................£5,489 2012 Kia Picanto 1.0 1 5dr Blue 23730 miles .............................£5,289 2009 Seat Ibiza 1.4 SE 5dr Grey 36000 miles.............................£4,989 2010 Mazda 2 1.3 TS2 3dr Green 36550 miles............................£4,989

“I have been buying cars for myself and my family for nearly 30 years from Hayden Mitchell.

“I know that the advice I get is solid, and if they haven’t got the exact vehicle I want,Hayden and the team will look out for the car that I’m after.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend H. Mitchell and Sons to anyone.”

RJ

15

ThePress

16

Thursday December 24, 2015

Here’s how to convert them ITH any form of advertising we have only a few seconds to grab someone’s attention.

With websites, once you a get visitor’s attention, how do you get them to interact with you?

W

Website conversions Generating website traffic is huge subject that we have covered many times over the years. Regardless of how you encouraged the visitor, encouraging them to engage

with you and then make contact is a whole other science.

We are all so used to using the internet on a daily basis by browsing from one website to another, so what is it that actually makes someone stick to a website and become a conversion – meaning they place an order, make a phone call or send an email?

For website owners, generating traffic is only half the battle. So what are the things we must do to prevent some-

one leaving and encourage them to stay?

Top tips to gain interaction Ensure your website is not only mobile friendly but also loads quickly. We have less patience online than at other times and no-one wants to wait for a slow load.

Ensure your website has a Secure Certificate, which helps to build trust and is also now a ranking factor that Google considers for any site that includes data entry fields.

Web TALK with Andrew Firth Welcome to the latest edition of Web Talk, helping Kirklees website owners to prosper online Ensure your navigation is clear so a user can always find their way around.

Visitors getting lost can quickly become frustrated and leave.

Make sure your website is a combination of text, images and if possible video – we love interesting content and big blocks of text don’t cut it any more.

Ensure your content is

error-free, poor-quality photos and bad video are worse than no photos or video and spelling mistakes in the copy are a no-no.

Include clear calls to action; that is instructions to your visitor on what to do next that may include ‘call today on…’, ‘click here for…’, ‘hurry, visit…’.

Feature trust signals such as any accreditations you may

have or website security icons to give the visitor confidence that you are a genuine site.

To read more on this and other subjects, please visit the blog at www.ascensor.co.uk/blog For more information contact andrew@ascensor.co.uk Twitter: @andrewjfirth Connect on LinkedIn: andrewjfirth Ascensor are a Digital Agency providing website design, ecommerce and search engine optimisation.

More rules affecting workers Digital agency plays Santa T Legal HE GOVERNMENT has announced that it is intending to proceed with its earlier proposal to introduce a legal requirement for trade unions to appoint a picket supervisor who will have responsibility for the conduct of any given picket line.

The Government intends to update the current Code of Practice on Picketing to set out the rights and responsibilities of parties involved or affected by industrial disputes.

The aim is to clarify the range of legal protections which exist already to protect those workers who suffer intimidation in relation to industrial action, and to introduce new guidance to workers on how to seek redress if such intimidation takes place online using social media.

The overall aim is to ensure that by cooperating with striking workers, the police and ACAS etc, picketing will remain a peaceful activity.

New measures to eradicate gender pay inequality The Government has also unveiled new measures to eradicate gender pay inequality in the workplace, including forcing larger employers to publish information about bonuses for men and women

Eye with Hellewell, Pasley and Brewer and extending plans for gender pay gap reporting to include the public sector.

The gender pay gap is the difference between men’s and women’s average salaries which reflects the types of jobs that women tend to enter, and the levels of seniority they progress to.

The new proposed regulations setting out how this will all work out in practice will be published in due course.

Slavery – not a problem from ancient history Unfortunately, in the news, we are increasingly hearing stories of human trafficking and workers being kept in confinement for little or no wages – to all intents and purposes slavery. This is hard to believe as we rapidly approach 2016.

The Government has react-

ed by enacting the Modern Slavery Act 2015, Section 54 of which came into force on October 29.

Under the act, relevant organisations are required to publish an annual slavery and human trafficking statement each year.

They will need to publish details of steps it has taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in any of its supply chains or any part of its business.

The organisation can, however, make a statement to say that it has taken no such steps.

The statement needs to be published on the company website and include a link in a prominent place on the home page.

If the organisation does not have a website, it must provide a copy of the statement within 30 days of receiving a request.

Who are the organisations affected? Those with an annual turnover of more than £36million which are carrying on business, or part of a business in the UK and which supply goods or services.

The Government has also published a new statutory guidance for the affected organisations on how to comply with their obligations.

A DIGITAL marketing agency in Birstall has raised almost £400 for charity with a 12-hour team ‘badminton-athon’.

The team at Ascensor sported Christmas jumpers and played the sport all day on Friday December 18, raising funds which the company matched. £360 was raised for the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust, which supports 13-24year old sufferers of cancer.

The funds raised by Ascensor are part of the charity’s Corporate Santa campaign which ensures that all young cancer patients in hos-

pital over the festive season will receive Christmas presents.

Ascensor managing director Andrew Firth said: “We’re keen to support the local community in various ways throughout the year.

“This includes providing each member of the team a day out of the office to dedicate their time to a charity of their choice.

“Having met the team from Laura Crane, we saw how important this time of year is for the charity and we’re pleased to be able to help them do what they do best – improving the lives of young people facing cancer at a time which should be the most enjoyable.”

New website for job seekers KIRKLEES COUNCIL has launched a new website to help local people move off benefits and into the workplace.

Founded on the principle that people in full receipt of their entitled benefits are more likely to find employment, the council partnered with the Kirklees Citizens Advice and Law Centre, and Looking Local to create www.betteroffkirklees.org.uk.

Residents in need of benefits and employment advice are encouraged to visit the site, where they’ll find information on the benefits they’re entitled to and the guidance they need to apply online, or even make an appeal against a benefit decision.

BetterOff Kirklees users will also have access to advice and tips on creating CV’s, preparing for interviews, search and apply for a range of local and regional jobs and access

Universal Jobmatch.

Recording job search activity on the site could also avoid potential DWP sanctions.

Coun Graham Turner, cabinet member for resources, said: “We remain totally committed to providing a personalised advice service to ensure that residents claim what they are entitled to and are work-ready where possible.

“BetterOff Kirklees allows us to do this, by making the most of our reducing resources whilst freeing up our benefit advisers to deal with the more complex cases we receive.

“Crucially, we’re able to help more people into the workplace which not only benefits local families but will also contribute towards creating more independent communities and a stronger local economy.”

The www.betteroffkirklees.org.uk site is accessible on all web-enabled devices.

Here for your plumbing & gas needs IF YOU need a trustworthy and competent gas and heating engineer at a fair price, then look no further. “l’m based in Birstall and have been running CR Gas & Plumbing Services for almost ten years after working as a British Gas engineer for 15 years.

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

“ Richard Whitaker Partner Dewsbury Office (01924) 455515 66 Daisy Hill, Dewsbury Tel: 01924 455515 2 Nelson Street, Birstall Tel: 01924 472596

l’m Gas Safe-registered and I cover all of West Yorkshire, with no call-out charge and free quotes and estimates.

“A major local lettings agency trust me to service all of the properties on their books and most of my work

comes from word of mouth after l’ve done a great job for a customer. ‘‘I’m a local Birstall lad who’Il do quality work at a great price — just ask my clients! Call me today on 07921 151177.

Clarke Rothwell, Owner

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

SPORTING/ OUTDOOR/ FITNESS Muddy Fox dual suspension bike. Tornado 6 speed 20” x 1.95” wheels. Excellent condition £30. Tel 01924 409179. (1826)

How to advertise...

There are THREE ways to place your advert: 1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-2pm Tuesday to Thursday). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge).

2) Come into the offices of The

NEW Stunning, ornate, Japanese-style, lacquered, oval occasional table with six buffets, in dark red wood, with removable glass top, and mother of pearl decorations. £600 ono. Tel 07952 526527 after 2pm. (1831) Pretty pink dralon chaise longue, with gold and pink fringing. Never used, bargain at £50. Buyer collects. Tel 07979 794161. (1832) New this year, threeand two-seater settees, two-seater has recliners, Mink colour, £340 for both.

Buyer must collect.

Cal 01924 464491/ 07873 426740.

(1833) Treadmill ‘Dynamix’, motorised with distance/ time set/ speed/ calories/ pulse; low mileage, good condition £125.

Tel 01924 458658.

(1834) Computer desk, wood/metal with pull out shelf £12. Tel 01924 458658.

(1834) Computer armchair in black PVC, with height adjustment £12. Tel 01924 458658. (1834) Clear glass, three-tier TV table, with chrome effect trim £12. Tel 01924 458658.

(1834) BABY/ CHILDREN’S GOODS Mothercare cot bed in pine, Chico hi-chair and safety gate. All in good condition £80. Tel 01924 403625. (Can deliver if required).

(1776)

Press at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge).

3) Post your advert to us at The Press with details of your name and a contact number. Include

played with. Stands 5 foot 10. Consists of three floors and basement. Fully decorated, wired and furnished.

Come complete with display unit, separates into four pieces. £600 ono. Tel: 07791 294963 (1783).

ELECTRICAL Epson Stylus SX425 3-in-1 printer/ scanner/ copier. Wi-fi, boxed, very good condition £25. Mirfield 01924 491306. (1827) Ingersoll Rand V twin air compressor, suitable for garage or home use, 250v electrics, good working order. Reluctant sale £100 no offers. Tel 01924 451024. (1793) Bosch dishwasher with three heat settings, in very good condition £50. Tel 01924 440755.

(1791) Oreck Excel Pro vacuum cleaner in black.

Excellent clean condition and working order.

One light at front not working. Accept £70 ono. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785) Mira Sport thermostatic electric shower, very good condition £50. Tel 01924 496345. (1781) Hotpoint Ice diamond under counter fridge, very good condition £50. Tel 01924 496345.

(1781) FABRIC/ FASHION/ CLOTHING Ladies sheepskin jacket, size 12, light brown, VGC, cost over £200, too small now, bargain at £30. Tel 07786 404627. (1819) Two leather jackets, 44” reg, one black and one brown, as new £7.

Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798)

CHRISTMAS B&Q Christmas tree, woodland pine, 1.83cm (6ft), sectional, boxed, used once £10. Tel 07909 742005. (1809)

Curtains pair lined, wine-coloured, velour 66” x 54” drop, very good condition £30. Tel 07786 404627. (1794)

COLLECTIBLES Seven different boxed Victorian dolls with stands. Brand-new, in boxes £5 each ono, or £30 for all. Tel 07806 431728. (1823)

FURNITURE Four ladder-back pine dining chairs with seat covers. Excellent condition, like new £60 ono. Tel 01924 485972.

(1824)

Dolls house – never

Three-piece suite com-

cheque for payment.

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

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

prising three-seater settee and two man & lady recliner chairs, in very good condition, £300 for quick sale. Tel 01924 465808. (1825)

TV stand, black glass & chrome, 3 tier 19” high x 23” wide x 16” deep, good quality £7. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798)

Sofa bed in light blue/ grey. Metal action, full mattress, as new. Cost £1,000 will accept £550. Buyer collects.

Tel 01924 473376.

(1817)

Three-piece suite in red material, three years old, good condition £500. Tel 01924 448613. (1790)

Metal computer trolley, silver with sliding shelf for keyboard. (H) 78cm x (W) 70cm x (D) 55cm.

Ex-Argos, excellent condition £20. Tel 01924 461639. (1818) Teak wall unit, 5ft long, with two illuminated glass door display cupboards, plus two end cupboards, three drawers and drinks cupboard. Unit separates into two parts.

Excellent condition £50. Tel 01924 407400.

Buyer collects. (1813) Three-shelf black glass TV stand, chrome legs.

As new, two years old £15. Tel Tel 07909 742005. (1809) Stag mahogany fivedrawer dressing table, three detachable mirrors. Could be used as hall table £25 ONO. Tel 07806 431728. (1803) Two high back swivel chairs in grey material, very good condition, bargain £50 each. Tel 01924 410973/ 075197 25771. (1802) Two black leather twoseater sofas, chrome feet, very good condition, £100 each, also matching large coffee table in clear glass/chrome, offers.

Buyer collects Tel 01924 401729/ 402077. (1800) Over bed wardrobe unit (Littlewoods), new, oak, 10 months old, cost £280, sell for £125.

Buyer collects 07786 404627. (1794) Cane conservatory suite, two-seater settee and two chairs £60, buyer collects. Tel 01924 473676. (1797) Nest of medium oak coffee tables, solid wood, in good condition £7. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal).

(1798)

Three-seater settee and two armchairs, in pale green with traditional pattern, goodcondition £100, buyer to collect.

Tel 01924 266694.

(1787) Solid pine table plus four chairs, measures 90cm (W) x 160cm (L) £100 ono. Tel 01924 671065/ 07787 113980. Buyer collects.

(1788) Period writing bureau in dark oak. Drawer, cupboard and writing slope.

Drop down lid with key.

Nine hatches inside and two drawers.

Width 30 inches by height 39 inches. £65 ono. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785) GARDEN Well-rotted horse manure (no straw), five bags £10. Free local delivery. Ring Ken 01924 409540/ 07922 186721. (1814) Two bamboo plants for sale 7ft high in large pots. £20 each. Tel: 07964 607502 (1780).

HOUSEHOLD Aluminium two-way combination ladder, hardly used; many different positions, for wide variety of uses £40 (can deliver locally). Tel 07775 774253.

(1789) Centre light shade. Two tier opaque glass.

Approx 10-inch diameter. No chips or scratches. £15. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785) Inset Ceramic bathroom sink complete with chrome taps £25.

Tel 01924 496345.

(1781) Mobility walk-in bath complete with taps, very good condition £200. Tel 01924 496345. (1781) MISCELLANEOUS

PRICE SYSTEM ITEM bands

Up to £7 £8 - £25 £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus Lightweight, aluminium transit wheelchair, with handle brakes. 20” wide seat, max carry weight 20 stone.

Colour two shades grey. Cost new £178, used three times (bought for operation), bargain at £95. Tel 01274 861430 (Gomersal). (1815) Black leather brief case, as brand-new £7.

Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal). (1798) Shopping trolley on four wheels. Tartan bag with cover.

Aids mobility and balance. £8. Tel: 01924 609015 (1785)

Cost per item

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11 MOTORING Space saver wheel, complete with tyre 125/70R 16 and canvas zip bag, never used £75. Tel 01924 454664.

(1810) Set of three new genuine Ford Mondeo 2000 on/Ford Focus MkZ 16” wheel trim hub caps £8 each or £20 for all three. Tel 07934 603470. (1780) PETS Large dog travel crate in hard-wearing plastic, (L) 29” x (W) 21” x (H) 22” approx. good condition £20.

Tel 07934 603470.

(1780)

BMX Universal bike 14” wheels £15. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) Golf clubs, bag, balls, 2 x hand carts with accessories £100 for quick sale. Tel 01924 465808. (1825) 6ft snooker/pool table, complete with balls/ cues/triangles etc. £50.

Tel 01924 467995. Can deliver. (1828) Olympus 20kg chrome dumbell set, in carrying case, as new £25 ono.

Tel 01924 505834.

(1822) Roger Black fitness gold, magnetic exercise bike. NB: Argos page 262 No 1, price was £140, now £70. Little used. Tel 01274 861645. (Cleckheaton) (1820)

17

Boys’ bike Ridgeback MX 20”, very good condition, front shock absorbers, gears £48.

Tel 01924 471481.

(1796) Treadmill, like new (Argos own), folds up for storage, no longer used as joined a gym, £45 was £100 new. Tel Julie on 07900 865715 or 01924 627596.

(1782) TOYS AND GAMES Boys bike Sabre GTX, 5 speed. Front wheel 20” x 2.25”, rear 20” x 3” £15. Tel 01924 409179.

(1826) Mamas & Papas dolls buggy, excellent condition £25.

Tel 01924 409179.

(1826) 18 Barbie dolls (inc 4 mermaids) £30. Tel 01924 409179. (1826) Barbie two-tier dolls house; pulls up for storage £10 ono.

Tel 07806 431728.

(1823)

Step aerobic, abs roller, plus various other keep-fit items £10. Tel 07806 431728. (1816)

Six x 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles, new unopened £20.

Tel 07934 603470.

(1780)

Girls/ladies Apollo cycle, 18 gears, front suspension, lights back & front, excellent condition £25. Tel 01274 876814 (Gomersal).

(1798)

Child’s wooden chalet type open plan dolls house with wooden furniture plus four wooden dolls, very good condition £10. Tel 07934 603470. (1780)

18

Thursday December 24, 2015

ThePress

EASY ways to book your advert: • Ring us on 01924 470296 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) • E-mail classified at advertising@thepressnews.co.uk • Post or bring your details to: The Press, 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB

GARAGES Car body repairs

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

MALCOLM’S

Sky / Freesat / Freeview / Multiroom

80 Town Street, Earlsheaton, WF12 8JL

IRS / CAT 5 TV Sales, Repairs, Wall Mounting Free estimates CAI / RDI Accredited

AERIAL SHOP

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Randle H me 17th edition qualified

Les Randle

22 Blacker Rd, Birkby, Hudds 01484 513322 /

Solutions Ltd

t: 01924 477415 m:07929 133 368

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

077150 55115

All work guaranteed • No job too small

CAR BOOT SALE

Electrics - Plumbing - Joinery Kitchens & Bathrooms

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

CLEANING

TO CALDER ADVERTISE CLEAN CARPET & CONTACT UPHOLSTERY CLEANING OUR SALES SPECIALISTS TEAM ON Call Tim Riordan on 01924 490241 01924 or 07770 462239 470296

KITCHENS & BEDROOMS fitted yours or ours, also makeovers, facelifts, alterations, repairs Free quotes 01924 506616

JOINERY

Keith Thackray JOINERY

Loft conversion specialist

Any joinery work undertaken UPVC soffits & fascias Decking, windows & doors Kitchen & bedroom fitting Over 28 years experience For a free estimate call 01924 450325 07710 503538

Email: tim@calderclean.co.uk www.calderclean.co.uk

COMPUTING

Computer Problems?

Sick of Cowboys?

www.facebook.com/ThePressNews

MAIN

PC DOCTOR 07976 877 768 23 Years Experience

• No Repair, No Charge • No call out charge • We repair on site Park House, High Road, Dewsbury DECORATORS

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

DECORATORS

ANYTHING ELECTRICAL

David Grayshon & Son Interior & Exterior Decorators FREE ESTIMATES Insurance work undertaken

Tel: 01924 477844 / 01924 443822 Mob: 07702 373315

YOU PAY HOW MUCH??

CALL US ON

01924 39498

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

FENCING

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

Any Odd Jobs Big or Small

Call Tony 07939 018428

01924 402578

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

Follow us @ThePressLatest

PLUMBING & HEATING

Bathrooms, Wetrooms & Disabled Adaptations

20% off bathroom products on mention of this advert Central Heating systems, Boilers 7 & 10yr warranties, Power flushing.

25yrs experience, Work Guaranteed & Insured

07866 455977 / 01924 520599 info@hf-ser vices.co.uk PAINTING/DECORATING

NEW ERA

Open 7 Days until 8pm - Est 20yrs

KELLY’S CABIN

Concrete Garages & Sheds Dismantle & Bases Garage re-vamps Garage Doors

MASTER LOCKSMITH

dencroftgarages.co.uk

• SKY TRAINED AUTHORISED ENGINEERS • AERIAL / SKY 2ND ROOM £39 • TELEVISION / PC & LAPTOP REPAIRS

FREEPHONE 0800 074 8967 or 01924 450999

DENCROFT GARAGES

230 Bradford Rd, Batley Tel: 01924 461996

AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES

AERIALS

GARAGES

Painting Services Internal & External Painting

07763 299788

PAINTING & DECORATING Exterior & Interior Telephone Steve

07884 495530 01924 476432

PHOTOGRAPHY

7 year guarantee on all Vaillant Boilers Terms and conditions apply

MAK Plumbing & Heating

Telephone: 01924 465049 Mobile: 07967 706977

www.vaillant.co.uk

Thursday December 24, 2015

ThePress

REMOVALS/COURIERS

SKIP HIRE

M&S REMOVALS

BOULDS BINS

Delivery & Courier Service Competitive Rates Reliable, Efficient Services

Tel 01924 494964

TEL:

SKIP HIRE or 07860 711948

Email: bouldsbins7@gmail.com M i n i S k i p s £ 6 0i n c V A T for Soil, Bricks & Clay

M i d i S k i p s £ 8 0i n c V A T for Soil, Bricks & Clay 1/2 Builders Skips £ 1 0 0inc VAT for Soil, Bricks & Clay

07836 649956 E FOR A FRE 01924 500401 QUOTATION ANYTIME

For mixed waste add £15.00 to above costings

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

Asbestos garage removals HARD CORE AVAILABLE Including paper trail FREE TO Fully Licenced Waste COLLECT Recycling Centre Also remove 3 piece suites as separate items Please ring for further information TO LET

ROOFING

NEWLY DECORATED 2 BEDROOM HOUSE

ALL TYPES OF ROOFING REPAIRS

TO LET on quiet street in

• New Roofs • Flat Roofs • Chimney Stacks • Gutters, Pointing • Fascia and Soffits • Insurance Work • Leadwork • Velux Windows

£375 pcm

01924 406941 07850 786270

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

WWW.FURNESSROOFING.CO.UK EMAIL: MARK@FURNESSROOFING.CO.UK

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 Tel Mirfield

01924 497776 Mobile 07768 298739 www.simpsondennis-roofing.co.uk

Approved by leading insurance companies

RW Roofing & Property Repairs Pointing, guttering General Maintenance All insurance work undertaken 07901 750921 01924 485168

www.facebook.com/ThePressNews

Follow us @ThePressLatest

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 SCRAP METAL

WILKINSON BROS SCRAP METAL MERCHANTS

All Types Of Metal IMMEDIATE PAYMENT

• Copper • Brass • Lead • Aluminium and all types of cable (01924) 469409 14 Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury, WF13 3PH

FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ ThePressNews

Ravensthorpe plus bond Telephone Mr Cook

07805 230804

Follow us @ThePressLatest

ADVERTISE YOUR JOB VACANCY! CONTACT 01924 470296

WANTED

WINDOWS & FITTINGS

SCRAP CARS WINDOWS & VANS A PANE? WANTED Cash paid & free collection Open 7 days a week Tel 0800 040 9674 OR 07743 134616 S.D Metals Recycling

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

Windows, doors, replacement glass units, handles, hinges, letter boxes, anti snap locks & servicing, CRB checked, 28 years experience.

Reliable service.

For all your double glazing needs, call Jason

07954 150983

www.windowsapane.co.uk WEB DESIGN

19

20

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

Injury concerns limit Morrison’s selections

By Joe Link Sports Reporter joe@thepressnews.co.uk

DEWSBURY RAMS head coach Glenn Morrison could be without six key players going into the Boxing Day clash against close rivals Batley Bulldogs.

The injury list includes Scott Hale (shoulder), Karl Price (bicep), Sam Bates (jaw), Ben Reynolds (shoulder), Tony Tonks (ankle) and Aaron Brown (knee), but despite the setbacks Glenn Morrison is optimistic he can improve his Boxing Day record against the Bulldogs this time around.

“We’ve struggled against Batley on Boxing Day since I arrived at Dewsbury, but the good thing is that throughout the regular season when points are up for grabs we have had the upper hand,” said Morrison.

“We hope that we can get a win for the fans, it would make their Christmas.

“We have been preparing for the game well and I’m happy with how the players have been

performing in training.

“The players are eager to kick start our pre-season schedule with a win, as am I, and it would make it even more special that the win would come over Batley.

“I’m also excited to see the new signings in action, I’m confident they will offer us a lot, not just on Boxing Day, but during the season.”

The Bulldogs under-performed last year, finishing ninth in the Championship table, just four points above the drop, but the Mount Pleasant side have strengthened, bringing in eight new players (one fewer than the Rams) in preparation for 2016.

“I expect Batley to come back strong,” added Morrison.

“They have a good looking squad and have a very experienced manager in John (Kear).

“I’m sure they will be aiming to finish above us this coming season and they will definitely be close challengers to us.

“It just makes this Boxing Day game even more important because it will act as a great marker for us and tell us exactly where we are at and what we need to do to improve.”

Glenn Morrison (inset) will likely be without veteran Karl Pryce for the Boxing Day derby due to a bicep injury

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

Preparing for season ahead

Dewsbury Rams v Batley Bulldogs At the Tetley’s Stadium Boxing Day (Saturday December 26), 12pm Entry prices – Adults: £15

Students and Over-65s: £11 Under-16s: £2 Referee: Mr T Grant

Kear wants to learn from Boxing Day clash BATLEY BULLDOGS head coach John Kear acknowledges that the Boxing Day clash with Dewsbury is just another step towards preparing his team for the start of the 2016 Championship campaign.

Bulldogs head coach John Kear expects to learn from the Boxing Day derby

Mechanical & Electrical Services Ltd

Carlton House Carlton Road Dewsbury WF13 2AT Phone: 01924 454612

www.k-two.co.uk

The Bulldogs under-achieved last season and Kear knows improvements have to be made in order to challenge Dewsbury for a place in the Championship Shield play-offs.

“We must improve on last season and we can use this Boxing Day clash as a stepping stone for greater things next year,” said Kear.

“But having said that I’m well aware about the history of this fixture and how much it means to the fans.

“Me and the players will do our best to give the fans something extra to celebrate over Christmas.

“We’re confident we can win the game, but for me, what I’m most looking forward to, is seeing some of our new signings in action and how they gel on the pitch with the guys from

last season.”

Some of the Bulldogs’ latest additions include former Rams players Dom Brambani and Patch Walker, who both arrived at Mount Pleasant from Sheffield Eagles in the off-season.

“I have high hopes for my squad, they have been impressing me in training and they’ve been working hard,” said Kear.

“The new guys seem to have settled in well and I’m sure they will improve the teams performances on the field.

“Everyone is eager to get out there and play some rugby again.”

Two players who definitely won’t feature on Boxing Day are Sean Hesketh, who is recovering from knee surgery and Chris Ulugia, who is nursing a shoulder injury with family back in New Zealand.

“It’s frustrating I have a couple of players out but I’ll still be able to see a large proportion of my squad in action,” added Kear.

“Every player will get a stint in at least two of our three pre-season games.”

K2 provides premier mechanical and electrical contracting and maintenance for public sector, social housing, healthcare, education, leisure, retail and private customers in commercial and industrial markets. Our activities include design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of all mechanical and electrical systems.

Mechanical Services

Electrical Services

Heating

Commercial, domestic and industrial installations to BS7671 Fire alarm systems Emergency lighting both central battery systems and self contained Verification of electrical installations Periodic inspection and testing Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

Ventilation & Ducting Water Tank Works

Gas Service & Maintenance

Boosted Water Installation Plumbing Services Hot & Cold Water Air-Conditioning Boiler House Installation

Solar Heating

Design / Budget Costing

Underfloor Heating

Controls Installation

Nationwide Service

21

Wishing Batley Bulldogs all the best on Boxing Day and for the 2015 season

Specialist voice and data installations Security systems Door entry systems CCTV Maintenance Nationwide service

Proud sponsor of the Batley Bulldogs

22

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

Rams want Cleck throw away big turn-out last-minute lead RUGBY UNION

MARK SAWYER is relishing the Boxing Day clash between Dewsbury Rams and their close rivals Batley Bulldogs at the Tetley’s Stadium.

Rams chairman Sawyer is hoping for a fulfilling season after seeing head coach Glenn Morrison strengthen significantly since the end of the 2015 campaign, and a Boxing Day win to kick-off the Rams’ pre-season schedule could be the catalyst for a season of success.

“I’m really excited to see the new signings in action,” said Sawyer.

“Glenn has been busy bringing in new players to bolster the squad and it looks very strong, despite having to work to a strict budget.”

Traditionally the Boxing Day fixture between Dewsbury and Batley brings in the crowds with attendances being among the highest of the year and Sawyer expects the same this time around.

“It is always a well

National League Three North CLECKHEATON RUFC HUDDERSFIELD YMCA

31 32

at Moorend CLECKHEATON gifted all the points to Huddersfield YMCA in the final minute of their National League Three North fixture which ended 32-31.

Mark Sawyer is calling for high attendances not just on Boxing Day but throughout next season attended match and both sets of fans really get behind their teams and it makes for a great atmosphere,” said Sawyer.

“And I hope that attendances when the two sides meet will stay at those levels throughout the season as well.

“Everyone is ready to

see a bit of rugby league action again and hopefully we will get the win.

“The players will be eager to impress Glenn (Morrison) to stake a claim for first team selection throughout 2016, so I expect the fans will like what they see from the players on Boxing Day.”

£ We Buy GOLD $ TOP PRICES PAID!!

DEWSBURY RAMS CAR BOOT EVERY SUNDAY CLECKHEATON CENTRAL ARCADE NOW OPEN For more details contact Andrew Farrow on

07980 767167 Official foreign currency supplier to Dewsbury Rams GOOD LUCK TO BOTH DEWSBURY RAMS & BATLEY BULLDOGS IN THE BOXING DAY DERBY

Cleckheaton didn’t make the most of their home advantage in the opening exchanges, and they went behind to a Simon Wilson penalty goal.

But the hosts bounced back well and played promising-looking rugby during the next 20 minutes.

Paul Turner turned the dominance into points when he scooted over the line following Jack Bickerdike’s pass. Mike Piper added the conversion.

This was closely followed by a well-worked Lee Queeley try, who crossed the whitewash despite some desperate last-ditch defending from YM. The conversion attempt struck the post, but Cleck were leading 12-3.

However the Moorenders’ ill discipline was costing them valuable field position as they gave away needless penalties.

The mistakes proved costly when Wilson

went in for his side’s opening try of the game.

But Cleckheaton hit straight back with some forward drives. A YM infringement saw the hosts take a quick tap penalty and set up a maul which Ryan Piercy steered over for a try. Piper’s conversion gave Cleckheaton a 1910 advantage.

But the YM hit back once more capitalising on a knock-on which led to a try from Adam Ryder. Wilson added the extras to leave the game poised at half-time with the score 19-17 in the hosts’ favour.

Early in the second period the away side took the lead for the first time when Ryder went over for his second try which Wilson converted.

But the game was anyone’s as both teams looked like scoring tries.

Piper went over soon after to restore the hosts’ lead.

This was followed by Piercy’s second touchdown of the afternoon to further extend Cleckheaton’s advantage.

But Wilson continued to prove a threat with the boot and narrowed the home side’s lead to just four.

Cleckheaton looked to have done enough to win the match and leapfrog YM in the table, but a lack of judgement and simple failure to run down the clock led to a YM try which handed them victory, and the John Bower Trophy, with no time left on the clock.

RUGBY LEAGUE

Stags look at youth sides in a bid to cement future MIRFIELD STAGS are looking to expand by creating a junior section over the next 12 months in a bid to cement a long future for rugby league in the town.

The club is set to unveil a ‘Rugby Tots’ programme very soon, which will be aimed at children aged between three and six.

The club also hope to launch an under-12s and under-16s side as early as next year.

The two teams would likely ply their trade in the Yorkshire Junior League from March of 2016, with action taking place throughout the summer.

In order to make this a possibility, the club is seeking to recruit a junior chairman, a junior secretary, coaching, medical

and team management staff.

Coaches ideally need to carry a ‘Level 2’ certificate in rugby league, though the club is willing to fund courses in order to meet the Rugby Football League’s requirements.

First aiders must have a valid first aid certificate and all other parties' involvement is subject to DBS and CRB checks.

A Stags spokesperson said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in the future development of rugby league in Mirfield, as the club moves to create a formal player pathway.

“It gives us great pleasure to be able to announce the launch of the club's exciting new junior

section.

‘We are now hoping to hear from people out there in the local area who would like to be involved in the running of the section, as the second phase of our grand plan becomes a reality.

“We have enjoyed a phenomenal first full year of existence and this very much represents the next step as we aim to eventually bring National Conference League rugby to Mirfield.

“This area has a proud history of producing worldclass talent and we would love nothing more than to help create the next Sam Burgess or Alex Walmsley through our junior ranks and put the town on the map.”

JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE

Awards success YOUNGSTER Ben Pritchard was the big winner at the Thornhill Trojans Under-12s endof-season awards night.

Pritchard was presented with the players’ player and parents’ player honours.

Thomas Hiscocks was handed the boy of steel accolade with

Josh Stanley bagging the most improved award.

Dylan Cooper was named rising star and the forward of the year honour went to Jake Buckley.

Zak Harrod was named back of the year and the coaches’ player of the year was won by Kurt Hodgson.

ThePress

Thursday December 24, 2015

23

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Bordman double puts Albion third Evo-Stik First Division North

HARROGATE RAILWAY OSSETT ALBION

1 3

at Station View OSSETT ALBION edged further up the Evo-Stik First Division North table following their 3-1 win away at strugglers Harrogate Railway.

Albion have now won seven consecutive games in the league as they fight for an automatic promotion place.

The away side got off to a dream start when prolific goal-scorer Rob Bordman broke the deadlock in the third minute with a neat finish following Dominic Riordan’s long punt

downfield, which deceived all the Harrogate defenders.

The hosts didn’t learn from their mistakes which led to the first goal, when on 16 minutes, Bordman completed his brace after he latched onto Brett Souter’s long clearance to put the away side 2-0 ahead.

Bordman’s finish was very composed as he rounded the keeper to tap into an empty net.

Albion looked to have won the game in the 24th minute when captain Danny South rose above everyone to head home Luke Porritt’s free kick, which went in off the post to make it 3-0.

Harrogate Railway showed glimpses of quality that may see them

climb out of the relegation zone in the coming weeks however, pulling a goal back through Jack Stockdil on the half hour mark.

The home side had the upper hand for the remainder of the first half but Albion held on and went into the break 3-1 in front.

Railway continued to play well throughout the second period but their poor start to the game really cost them.

Albion looked like they might score again on the counter attack but neither side could create any clear cut chances in the second half.

Bordman almost completed his hattrick late on with a long-range effort which struck the crossbar.

Rob Bordman netted a brace in Albion’s victory over Harrogate Railway

The Reds tumble down the table Evo-Stik First Division North

OSSETT TOWN FARSLEY CELTIC

2 5

at 4G Voice and Data Stadium OSSETT TOWN now sit just three points above the drop zone in the Evo-Stik First Division North campaign following a heavy 52 home defeat against Farsley Celtic.

Town’s woeful form against Farsley continued, but the hosts were putting up a strong fight in the opening exchanges.

They almost went ahead through Luke Mangham, but the Town man was held back by a visiting defender.

Farsley’s connections with Bradford Park avenue were evident in the contest, however, with new addition Paul Walker strengthening the visitors’ starting line-up.

Town keeper Sam Leigh had little to do in goal in the first half, but with the first period

Ossett Town players have had little to celebrate in recent weeks and their poor form has seen them slip to 20th in the table coming to a close the visitors managed to forge their first effort on target and it resulted

SPEN VALLEY FOOTBALL

Clough edged out by rampant Inter IN THE Spen Valley football league Premier Division Girlington FC hosted Whitburn Athletic in a nine-goal thriller.

The hosts edged it 5-4 thanks to strikes from Adeeb Jawad (two), Shoiab Javed, Mohammed Qasim and Saad Abbas.

In reply Whitburn scored through Sohail Mahmood, Callum Pollard and a Jordan Curtis brace.

The win means Girlington sit third in the table, with Whitburn down in ninth.

In the Premier Division’s other fixture, league leaders Savile Youth comfortably beat Idle FC 4-0.

Savile have Shahid Patel to thank for most of their goals has he netted a hat-trick for the hosts.

Savile’s other goal came

from Imran Patel.

Idle remain 10th after the defeat.

Meanwhile in the First Division Memorial Trophy Mount Pleasant thrashed Drummond 9-4.

Saif Akbar netted five with other goals being added by Mohammed Patel, Mohammed Sadiq, Jaabir Patel and Adam Zaman to complete Pleasant’s haul.

In-form Faisal Khan struck all four goals in reply for Drummond.

In a closer encounter Howden Clough lost out 4-2 at home to Inter Batley.

Inter netted through Awaab Ahmed and Ziyad Rawat’s braces.

Dom Carr also scored twice for Clough but it wasn’t enough to see them progress.

in the opening goal of the game.

From a corner Paddy Miller climbed high-

HEAVY WOOLLEN FOOTBALL

est to head home and edge Farsley in front.

In the second half Farsley came out full of confidence and Lewis Nightingale proved to be unplayable as far as the hosts were concerned.

The Farsley play-maker doubled his side’s lead in the 59th minute.

From the restart Walker made it 3-0, before Nightingale doubled his own personal tally for the game in the 67th minute to wrap up the win for the away side.

The Reds’ David Brown bagged himself a goal as a late consolation for the hosts on 70 minutes but it was a brief highlight as Farsley made it 5-1 shortly afterwards through Ross Daly.

Josh Moore’s hard work paid off when he got himself on the scoresheet to double his sides tally but it was too little, too late, as Town slip to 20th in First Division North, just three points above Harrogate Railway who have a game in hand.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

John Fisher’s Albion ‘eventually’ second string progress to County jump to fourth Cup quarter-final DUE TO a combination of poor weather and district cup games only three matches took place in the Heavy Woollen Sunday League last weekend.

In the Premier Division Mount Pleasant climbed to sixth place after Faizal Adam and Abdullah Mayat both netted in a 2-2 draw with fourth placed Woodman Batley Carr.

The only other games played both took place in the Championship where St. John Fisher Reserves moved up to fourth place with a 5-4 win at Town Rangers thanks to a Dominic Simpson hat-trick and a brace from Charlie Frear.

Kadean Fogarthy hit a hat-trick for Deighton WMC as they won 6-1 against bottom side Ravenswharfe to climb to sixth place.

Dale Joy, Darren Williams and Dale Brook bagged the others, with Corey Joseph replying for Ravenswharfe with a consolation goal.

AT LAST after five successive County Cup tie postponements, putting their season on hold, North East Regional League side Ossett Albion finally managed to get their second round game at West Riding League side Brighouse Athletic played and an 11-0 win secured a quarter final meeting with Premier League side Guiseley Vixens.

There were hat-tricks from Nikki Swift and Kim Nallon, two apiece from Chloe Giles and Charlotte Thomas, and a goal from Rebecca Wiggans as Albion coasted home.

The full draw for the quarterfinal, to be played on January 17, is Brayton Belles v Leeds, Brighouse Town v Tingley Athletic Reserves, Farsley Celtic

v Bradford City and Ossett Albion v Guiseley Vixens.

With the weather continuing to compromise the league programmes everywhere the only other game in the district was at Battyeford.

The Belles Reserves took on First Division Hebden Royd in the West Riding League Shield.

Despite the visitors having only nine men they proved too strong for Second Division strugglers Battyeford as former Bradford City veterans Nicky Davies (two), and Claire Popplewell, got among the scorers for Hebden in a comfortable victory.

There will be no women’s football fixtures over the Christmas weekend.

Three-page Boxing Day derby special inside

p20-22

Hepworth and Sykes share captain duties

By Joe Link Sports Reporter joe@thepressnews.co.uk

EXPERIENCED Dewsbury Rams duo Ryan Hepworth and Paul Sykes have been named joint club captains for 2016.

The 31-year-old Hepworth, who plays prop, is a vastly experienced player who featured in the 2011 Championship Grand Final as a Sheffield Eagles player before arriving at Owl Lane.

Sykes, 34, who joined Dewsbury from Featherstone at the end of the 2015 campaign, can boast an impressive full-time career which has seen him play for Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

But despite their leadership credentials, Rams head coach Glenn Morrison admits that that the decision to appoint them wasn’t made lightly.

“All the coaching staff, not just me, had a long discussion about who would be the best candidate to lead us forward on the field,” said Morrison.

“There have been a few changes this year because we have a senior player group that the whole playing staff voted to appoint, but I think everybody in the team had Paul and Ryan as their selections.

“I think Ryan has been a natural leader in the forwards since he arrived at Dewsbury three years ago.

“Paul, on the other hand, has just come into the club with plen-

ty of experience and he’s a local lad so I’m sure he’ll be delighted to be able to lead his home-town club on the field.

“Paul has earned everyone’s respect through working hard and showing great dedication since joining us and I’m confident him and Ryan will work well in driving the team forward next season,” added Morrison.

Elsewhere at the Tetley’s Stadium Ryan Wright has rejoined Dewsbury from Doncaster, after the hooker was released from his Rams contract back in July of this year.

Wright was one of Morrison’s first signings after the Australian took charge at Owl Lane in 2012.

“I’ve always rated Wrighty as a player,” said Morrison.

“It’s great that he has come back to us and I feel he has joined as an even better player than before.

“I told him when he left earlier this summer that the door would always be open to him should he want to return and I’m happy he has made the decision to do so.

“Ryan (Wright) is now fighting for a place in the Boxing Day line-up and it’s great to see all the lads eager to play rugby again.

“I’m pleased with how hard they have worked on their fitness in the close season and because of that we have been able to do some ball work a lot earlier in training, so our preparations have been a little bit ahead of schedule compared to recent years, which is good, and should benefit us in pre-season.”

Ryan Wright in action for Dewsbury Rams during his first stint at the Tetley’s Stadium under head coach Glenn Morrison

‘WE’RE PUSHING THE BOAT OUT’, SAYS NICHOLAS BATLEY BULLDOGS chairman Kevin Nicholas admits he has taken a ‘calculated risk’ in providing the money for John Kear to strengthen his squad in a bid to improve on a lacklustre 2015 campaign.

Batley finished fifth in the Super-8s, just four points above the relegation zone, but Nicholas is optimistic about achieving much more in 2016.

“We have pushed the boat out a bit during the off-season,” said Nicholas.

“Everyone associated with the club was disappointed with where we finished

and so we want to step up and I think the new signings will certainly help us to achieve much more.

“I’m delighted with how strong our squad looks and I’m really pleased with how John (Kear) has brought new players in and also retained so many from last year.”

The news comes just two days before Batley’s opening pre-season fixture against Dewsbury, where the sides will

contest the Roy Powell Trophy.

And Nicholas is hoping Batley can lay down a marker to carry them through to a much higher position in the Championship next season.

“A successful campaign for us would be to make the Championship Shield final or even the top four,” added Nicholas.

“I think it is about time we aimed a bit higher as a club and give the fans something to get excited about.”

“I think the fans on Boxing Day will be eager to see the team back in action.

“I know they say it is just a friendly but I know when you’re local to the two town’s there is always a competitive edge when Batley and Dewsbury meet.

“I’m personally relishing a long season in which, I’m confident, will see Batley and Dewsbury battle it out for the higher places in the league.

“I think both clubs have the strongest squads they have had in many years,” added Nicholas.