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SPORT

Friday December 5, 2014

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No. 663

50p

Sykes loses title defence in capital battle

HE SAID, SHE SAID

Row brewing as Tory MP claims Labour candidate may have backed Dewsbury Hospital downgrade in vote

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

A ROW has erupted over whether a parliamentary candidate voted to back plans to cut services at Dewsbury District Hospital.

Labour’s Paula Sherriff insists she did not – but Tory MP Simon Reevell claims she might have done.

The allegation emerged after Miss Sherriff announced proposals to hold a debate on the hospital’s future before the general election in May 2015.

Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Mr Reevell noted in a reply to his rival that Miss Sherriff was on Wakefield Council’s health

and wellbeing committee when it officially supported the downgrade plan in 2013.

He inferred her support as the minutes do not state that anyone voted against the motion.

The Mid Yo r k s h i r e Hospitals NHS Trust propose cutting A&E, maternity and c h i l d r e n ’s services at Dewsbury.

These would be centralised at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield – a plan which Mr Reevell supports.

Pontefract councillor Miss

Sherriff said she both voted and spoke out against the proposals in those council committee meetings.

S h e added: “This is a desperate attempt to mislead people by an increasingly desperate MP who k n o w s he’s on the wrong side of the argument.”

Wakefield Council said voting is by a show of hands unless a recorded ballot is requested.

“This is a desperate attempt to mislead people...”

Paula Sherriff

Simon Reevell, Conservative MP for Dewsbury and Mirfield

Labour candidate Paula Sherriff

Miss Sherriff was present at meetings on June 6, July 18, September 12 and November 14 2013.

At that point she resigned from the committee after being chosen to stand against Mr Reevell in Dewsbury and Mirfield.

A council spokeswoman said: “No recorded votes were requested at meetings attended

by Coun Sherriff.”

She was not present on October 4, 2013 when the committee reaffirmed its support.

They did so despite acknowledgeing concerns raised by a joint scrutiny panel of Kirklees and Wakefield councils.

Plans to cut services at Dewsbury were first backed by

Continues on page two

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ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

Rivals row over vote From page one

Deaths ANDERSON ISABELLA Passed away at Pinderfields Hospital, aged 88 years.

Mum of Ann, Denise and Brian. Service to be held at Norristhorpe URC on Thursday 11 December at 11.30am. Committal to be held at Dewsbury

Crematorium at 12.30pm.

BAILEY JOHN STUART Suddenly at home in Birstall, on Monday 1 December 2014, aged 69 years.

Husband of Margaret and dad of Andrew, Joanne and Richard. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Crematorium on Monday 15 December at 11.15am.

BROMLEY NEE BROOK MARJORIE HELEN On 27 November 2014, at Calderdale Hospital, of Alexander House Care Home and formerly of Batley, aged 92 years. Wife of the late Jack and mother of John and the late David. Funeral service will be held at Central Methodist Church, Batley on Thursday 11 December at 2.15pm, followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium at 3.15pm.

CRAWSHAW DAVID BARRIE (Retired High School Teacher) On 26 November 2014, suddenly at his home, Dewsbury, aged 71 years. Son of the late Tom and Edith, and brother of John, Ken, Tom, Geoff, Ruth and Andrea.

Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Crematorium on Monday 8 December at 2pm.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

GOODYEAR FRED Peacefully on 26 November 2014, aged 91 years.

Husband of the late Joyce, a loving dad, father-in-law, granddad, great granddad, brother and brother-in-law.

Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Crematorium on Tuesday 9 December at 2pm.

GRAYSHON BERNARD On 29 November 2014, peacefully at Dewsbury Hospital, aged 86 years.

Husband of Sheila and father to Neil and Martin. A service to celebrate Bernard’s life will be held at St Paul’s Church, Drighlington, on Monday 8 December at 11.30am, followed by a final farewell at Dewsbury Crematorium.

HOWLETT PETER JAMES Peacefully on 22 November 2014. Funeral service will be held at Dewsbury Crematorium on Monday 8 December at 10am.

KIDDS NEE STRADLING ELSIE On 1 December 2014, whilst in the safe care of Hopton Care Cottages, Mirfield, formerly of Batley, aged 100 years. Wife of the late William Joseph and mum of Rae, Wendy, Penny and

Carolyn. Funeral service will be held at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Wednesday December 10 at 2.45pm.

LUMB LEONARD On 2 December 2014, at Woodland Court, Dewsbury, aged 98 years. Husband of the late Joyce. Funeral service will be held at Dewsbury Crematorium on Monday 15 December at 1.15pm

MADDOCKS NEE SLINGSBY JOAN On 1 December 2014, suddenly but peacefully at Leeds General Infirmary and of Dewsbury, aged 74 years.

Wife of the late David and mum of Dean and Tony.

Funeral service will be held at St Paul’s Church, Hanging Heaton, on Friday 12 December at 12.30pm, followed by a private committal.

MULLINS SEANA LOUISE (ANGEL) Sadly passed away 27 November 2014, in Dewsbury Hospital, of Batley, aged 16 years. Daughter of Sean and Bernadine and a dear granddaughter, niece and cousin.

Funeral service will be held at St Mary’s RC Church, Batley, on Friday 12 December at 11am, prior to interment in Batley Cemetery.

Refreshments will be served afterwards at Batley Irish Nash.

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NEWSOME NEE SENIOR AUDREY MARY On 30 November 2014, in hospital and of Dewsbury, aged 81 years. Wife of the late Alec and mum of Angela, Michael, Gillian and Alison.

Funeral service will be held at St Peter’s Parish Church, Birstall on Thursday 11 December at 10.30am, followed by committal and interment in the Churchyard.

OGDEN JUDITH LORRAINE On 23 November 2014, peacefully at Dewsbury Hospital, aged 72 years, of Birstall. Daughter of the late William and Kathleen and sister of Alan and the late Anne. Service at St Patrick’s RC Church, Birstall on Friday 12 December at 11.30am, followed by cremation at Dewsbury Crematorium.

ROCHELL BRENDA MARGARET On 1 December 2014, of Staincliffe, aged 83 years.

Wife of the late Colin and sister of Shirley, Judith and the late Peter. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Crematorium on Friday 12 December at 10am.

TAYLOR SUSAN MARY Peacefully at Crescent Dale Residential Home, formerly of Ravensthorpe, on 13 November 2014, aged 60 years. Daughter of the late Eleanor and Derek and a dear cousin. Funeral service will

take place at UR Church, Dewsbury on Monday 15 December at 1.30pm, followed by burial at Dewsbury Cemetery.

WILLIAMS ALAN On 27 November 2014, peacefully at Kirkwood Hospice, aged 63 years, of Mirfield, previously of Birstall. Husband of Patricia and dad of Joanne, Rachel and Chris. Funeral service and cremation takes place at Dewsbury Crematorium, on Wednesday 10 December at 1.15pm.

WINFIELD MARJORIE On 27 November 2014, peacefully at Roberttown Nursing Home, formerly of Willow House and Ravensthorpe Road, aged 92 years. Wife of the late Cresswell and mum of Dianne and Peter. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Friday 12 December 2014 at 10.30am.

WRIGLEY VICTOR Peacefully, on 29 November 2014, at Dewsbury Hospital, aged 98 years and of Heckmondwike. Husband of the late Winifred and dad of Jack, Mary, Michael and Ann. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Crematorium, at 1.15pm on Monday 8 December.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

Service to remember your loved ones DEWSBURY: A service of remembrance will be held at the United Reformed and Methodist Church on Longcauseway on Sunday, from 6pm to 6.45pm.

Organised by George Brooke Ltd Funeral Directors, the service will be a simple act of remembering loved ones who have died, with carols, music and prayers.

A spokesman for George Brooke said: “We do hope the families we have supported during the past year will be able to come along.”

the committee at the July 18 meeting.

Miss Sherriff said: “I voted against the proposals and spoke out against them during the discussions the board had.”

She added she had been “absolutely consistent” in her view that cuts would be detrimental to health care.

Mr Reevell accepted her explanation but said the public record makes it look like she was in favour.

He added: “At best she’s failed to make sure the minutes of those meetings reflected her opposition.

“It’s not really what you’d expect from someone who claims to have fought like a wild animal to stop this thing.

“I contrast that with the integrity of someone like Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dewsbury East).

“He was on the equivalent Kirklees Council committee but resigned to fight the proposals as soon as they were made.

“I don’t share his analysis of the situation, but I respect the principled stance that he took.

“And I’m always disappointed when people say one thing behind closed doors and then say something else in public.”

ThePress Friday December 5 2014 ISSUE NO: 663 31 Branch Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5SB Tel: 01924 470296 Fax: 01924 472561

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ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

News in Brief

Santa’s treat for railway children

Suspected illegal immigrants arrested

MONTHS of fundraising helped children in Thornhill meet Santa. Twenty-five youngsters aged 12 months to 10 years went to the Kirklees Light Railway at Clayton West after Overthorpe Tenants’ and Residents’ Asscociation (TRA) held tombolas over the year to pay for tickets. Transport and refreshments were supplied by Savile Town community group Kumon Y'all. Youngsters went on the railway’s Santa Special train and then met Santa, who handed out gifts.

■ A free brass band concert organised by the TRA at Thornhill Edge Top WMC tonight (Friday, 7.30pm) features Altofts & Normanton Brass Band.

Man tried to murder wife with 20cm knife

By Staff Reporters A MAN from Dewsbury was jailed for 11 years after admitting trying to murder his wife with a 20cm-long kitchen knife.

Peter Day, of St Paulinus Close, twice plunged the weapon into his wife Julie’s chest at their home on June 9.

Leeds Crown Court heard Mrs Day needed a blood transfusion after suffering horrific injuries.

Day, 50, called the police and was recorded saying: “I’ve just tried to kill Julie, I’ve just tried to kill my wife.”

He then asked for an ambu-

Judge jails him for 11 years lance and claimed he was going to commit suicide following a row.

Michael Smith, prosecuting, said that on the morning of the attack, Day had burned pictures and memorabilia from the couple’s wedding.

Day, who has a history of mental health problems, believed their marriage was over.

Mrs Day, said to be seeing another man, was sometimes away overnight, returning home only for a change of clothes.

Sell-off could leave town’s councillors out in the cold MIRFIELD’S town council building may be sold – just months after a promise to local councillors that they would not be made homeless.

The Huddersfield Road offices were revealed on Wednesday as being on an “asset disposal” hit list.

Last week The Press noted unnamed civic buildings across Kirklees were due to be considered for sale by council chiefs.

It emerged in an email to councillors that one of these is the Mirfield Town Council building.

In July, Kirklees Council chief executive Adrian Lythgo visited the premises and was said to have vowed not to make the town council homeless.

Both the council offices and a depot on St Paul’s Road could be sold for commercial use or housing.

Plots of land at

Flash Lane and Stocks Bank Road are also earmarked for housing.

Coun Kath Taylor (Con, Northorpe) said only the library may be big enough as an alternative base for the council.

But it is also under threat and Coun Taylor said: “We face having to decide on whether we save the library or the town council building.”

She criticised Kirklees for giving them just nine days to make key decisions about Mirfield’s future.

Feedback has to be in by Friday, December 12, and Coun Taylor said: “I think the short notice is absolutely disgusting.”

• The asset sale is to be discussed at an extraordinary meeting of the town council on Tuesday.

It starts at 7.30pm at the council offices.

Members of the public are welcome.

She had been away on the night of June 8 and when she returned the next morning a row broke out.

Day, having armed himself with a knife from the kitchen, went upstairs to confront his wife.

He pushed her onto a bed, straddled her and then twice stuck the knife into her chest.

Mr Smith said: “When he pulled out the knife Mrs Day remembers blood spurting out everywhere.”

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Mrs Day was in hospital for three days and also suffered wounds to her hand and lip in the struggle. Nicholas Johnson, for Day, said the attack was a spontaneous reaction to the row in the wider context of their marital problems.

He said Day previously had checked himself into hospital for stress and depression.

Mr Johnson added: “He feels an enormous amount of guilt and shame and still loves her very much.”

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said: “It was the largest knife from the block in the kitchen. It is a dreadful weapon.”

MIRFIELD: Home Office and police officers arrested two suspected illegal immigrants in a raid on a town centre bed firm on Wednesday morning.

Immigration Enforcement officials visited The Bed Factory, at Fold Head Mills on Newgate, at 10.45am.

Staff were questioned to check if they had the right to live and work in the UK. Two Pakistani men, aged 25 and 33, were arrested on suspicion of being in the UK illegally.

The 25-year-old was detained pending removal from the UK, and the 33-year-old has been granted temporary release while his case is dealt with. He will have to report regularly to the Home Office during this time.

Deputy director Anita Bailey, from Home Office Immigration Enforcement, said: “We will identify and arrest people who are in the UK illegally.

“I would urge anyone with specific and detailed information about suspected immigration abuse to contact us.”

Three charged with trafficking offences BATLEY: Three men have appeared in court charged with human trafficking offences.

Mohammed Patel, 39, Mohammed Dadhiwala, 46, and Mohammed Rafiq, 59, appeared before magistrates in Huddersfield.

Patel, of Carr Side Crescent, is charged with facilitating the arrival in the UK of an individual believing that another person was likely to exploit him. Dadhiwala, of Upper Mount Street, Batley Carr, and Rafiq, of Thorncliffe Road, are charged with the same offence – that they arranged or facilitated travel in the UK with a view to exploitation.

The alleged offences occurred from January, 2011, to December last year. They are due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on Monday December 15.

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ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

News In Brief Hanoi-style burglary

OFSTED REPORT LABELS NEW ACADEMY INADEQUATE AFTER RAPID

Pupils’ antics put special measures

BIRSTALL: Jewellery was stolen in a Hanoistyle burglary on Smithies Moor Close last weekend. The items, worth hundreds of pounds, and other personal effects were taken overnight between last Friday and Saturday.

Entering via a conservatory window, raiders left in the victim’s Vauxhall Astra having found keys inside.

Police, who said the householder is an elderly woman living alone, quickly made arrests.

Five men, all from Dewsbury and aged from 17 to 36, were still in custody on Monday morning.

Plea bid refused DEWSBURY: A judge ruled a man who admitted killing a sex offender cannot change his guilty plea.

David Mitchell, 47, was due to be sentenced at Leeds Crown Court in September for the murder of Robert Hind last December.

The case was adjourned when Mitchell decided he wanted to change his plea to not guilty.

Recorder of Leeds Peter Collier QC rejected the bid on Monday. Mitchell is likely to face sentencing again next year.

Hind was staying in Dewsbury when he disappeared. Human remains were found in a Huddersfield canal.

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‘Boisterous behaviour put safety of other children at risk’

By David Miller POOR behaviour by a small minority of pupils helped put a Birkenshaw school into special measures.

Ofsted inspectors rated the BBG Academy on Bradford Road as inadequate in a report published on Wednesday.

A catalogue of problems were found – some of which were linked to the new school’s rapid expansion since September last year.

About half of the teaching staff only joined three months ago, along with 170 Year 7 pupils.

The school suffered financial problems as a result but was found to manage its funds diligently, with accounts audited and

published. BBG was created from the old Birkenshaw Middle School with a catchment area including Birstall and Gomersal.

The Ofsted report’s publication follows weeks of speculation about the 11-to-16 secondary.

Sources contacted The Press with unsubstantiated rumours which chairman of governors Sharon Light answers on these pages.

Staff were found not to have tackled the inappropriate behaviour of a small minority of children firmly enough.

The “boisterous” antics, outside of lessons, were noted as putting the safety of other pupils at risk.

Inspectors wrote: “Pushing, running and play-fighting by some boisterous students in con-

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

• Rumour: The principal is either on sick leave or has been sacked.

• Answer: Our principal Miss Jo-Anne Atkinson is currently on sick leave.

• Rumour: The plan to join the Rodillian Academy Trust is linked to the Ofsted report.

• Answer: The decision to approach a multiacademy trust (MAT) was taken following the School Improvement Partner visit on October 3.

I had initiated a discussion regarding ways forward with governors and we had

invited a number of MATs to express an interest in becoming a partner with the school. I had then called an extraordinary governing body meeting for Wednesday, October 22, for governors to take a decision on which MAT trust they would like to have further discussions with regarding a partnership.

Quite coincidentally, we had the Ofsted visit on October 21 and 22 and I had no way of knowing they would be in school at that time.

The plan and timeline was shared with Ofsted on the 22nd and they were supportive of this decision.

• Rumour: The Rodillian announcement was timed to show what is being done before the Ofsted report is published.

• Answer: The visits to the two MATs were scheduled for November 12 during the day.

The governing body meeting and the acad-

‘We’ve already acted to resolve issues facing us’

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ANSWERS: Sharon Light, chairman of the BBG Academy governors

Rumours have swirled around the BBG Academy in recent weeks. Chairman of the school’s governors, Sharon Light, sets the record straight...

• Rumour: BBG is appealing a critical Ofsted report.

• Answer: The school is not appealing the Ofsted judgement. We were sent the report to check for any factual inaccuracies, which we did. It was then returned for a final judgement to be made. This is standard protocol.

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gested corridors puts others at risk of being hurt.

“The school’s own records of accidents and first-aid records show that this does indeed happen.”

Some “low level” disruption in class meant peers were unable to do well.

Progress in English and Maths was also criticised.

The report stated effective steps are being taken across the board and teaching is now improving.

It concluded: “The school has faced significant challenges posed by the rapidly increasing number of pupils.

“New teaching appointments, including those new to teaching, have been carefully selected and are well supported.”

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ACTION to improve a Birkenshaw school is already under way, its chairman of governors insists.

Sharon Light set the record straight amid rumours about what is going on at the BBG Academy on Bradford Road.

A number of sources contacted The Press in recent weeks with serious but unsubstantiated claims.

One involved an allegedly critical Ofsted report – which was finally published on Wednesday and rated the

school as inadequate.

Mrs Light said governors had already identified problems before inspectors visited in October.

She said: “Ofsted confirmed the areas of weakness that we as governors had already identified and are taking action to address.

“We have acted decisively to ensure the issues that the academy faces are resolved.”

Measures taken includes bringing in help from the Rodillian Academy, BBG’s proposed partner school.

A new discipline policy launched on Monday, while teaching, learning and curriculum provision are to be reviewed.

Approval for BBG to join the Leeds-based Rodillian Multi-Academy Trust could be given by mid-December.

Mrs Light added: “With new senior leaders from our partners at the Rodillian Academy and the new policies and practices that we are introducing, we are confident BBG will improve rapidly over the next few months.”

ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

EXPANSION SINCE SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR

school into

emy trust meeting had been arranged for the same evening to take a decision on which MAT would be our preferred partner.

Both trusts were notified at the start of the process of our timeline including the parents’ meeting. So in answer to the question, no, the meeting was not arranged as a ‘they will sort it out meeting’.

• Rumour: Several staff left the school recently.

• Answer: No staff have left the academy and Miss Atkinson is on sick leave.

• Rumour: Meeting with parents did not give straight answers about situation.

• Answer: At the parents’ meeting I spoke briefly about Ofsted, updating parents as much as I could.

But as we had not had the final report I was unable to give them the full details as they are confidential to Ofsted.

The meeting was not scheduled as an Ofsted meeting but as a meeting to introduce our new partners to parents.

The head of Rodillian, Andy Goulty, was requested by the governing body to act as executive principal in Miss Atkinson’s absence.

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News in Brief Noisy drunk fined BATLEY: A man was fined for a disturbance on Manor Way while he was drunk. Kirklees Magistrates' Court was told that Gary Heald, 26, shouted and swore at people early on November 16, when police arrived following claims he had vandalised parked cars. There was no evidence of this, but Heald, of Park Croft, continued his abuse and was arrested.

Heald admitted being drunk and disorderly and to possessing cannabis and the class B drug MCAT. He was fined £230 plus £85 costs and a £23 victim surcharge.

Shed burglaries

Van driver’s fuel theft

NORTH KIRKLEES: Residents are being warned not to store Christmas gifts in sheds after a spate of thefts. Police said there were about 30 break-ins in November and warned that high-value possessions should be chained up, security marked and registered at www.immobilise.com.

A MOTORIST is alleged to have left a Batley garage in a distinctive van, pictured, without paying for fuel. The white Volkswagen, which has a black roof, left Tesco at around 2.20pm last Tuesday. Anyone with information can call PC Chris Birkenshaw at Kirklees Police's Batley and Spen NPT on 101.

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ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

Just once, could they please tell the whole truth?

WITH an uncommon bit of foresight, I’ve actually put off buying a few items over the past couple of months, in order for the family to have something to get me for upcoming birthday and Christmas gifts.

“You always say there’s nothing you really want, then you always sulk like the kid Santa forgot on Christmas morning,” is an observation the wife has made more than once over the years.

She’s not altogether wrong.

Son was not at all impressed when his request for a gift list was met with “world peace, a lottery win or the fountain of youth.”

I might get a lottery ticket, and possibly a onesie. If so, I might just go to the village pub wearing the onesie on Christmas Day lunch. Makes a change from your regular new jumper I suppose.

What I’d really like, without being ridiculous (world peace) or mystical (the ability to fly or power of invisibility) would be to see politicians injected with a truth serum every time they’re about to open their mouths in public.

We know such chemicals exist but failing that, how

Telling it like it isn’t: Osborne about at least putting them on a lie detector machine when they’re making a speech?

I’m not sure it would solve much, but it would make for great entertainment.

Imagine George Osborne’s Autumn Statement on Wednesday, if instead of blithely conjuring up a confection of exaggerations and blatant untruths, he got an electric shock through his grundies every time he told a porky.

It would be like watching a gurning champion perform Riverdance in the House of Commons.

“We do not shy away from the problems that remain unresolved in the British economy,” began the Chancellor.

“Out of the red and into the black for the first time in a generation, a country that inspires confidence around the world because it seeks to live within its means.”

There would have been some cricked necks, bruised ribs and red faces when George suddenly vaulted over the Despatch Box and landed on Ed Balls’ lap.

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

Britain’s so-called “current account” trading deficit with the rest of the world is the worst of any major economy and worst in our peacetime history.

Tax revenues are falling and cannot be realistically grown, while spending, despite nearly five years of so-called austerity, is still spiralling out of control.

We continue to borrow beyond any sustainable means, and everyone from our own Office for Budget Responsibility to the world’s leading economists liken this to the actions of a drunk saying he’s going to pack in the booze … after just one more. And one more.

If the Tories were re-elected and George Osborne was to hit his spending targets in the next

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood parliament, the proportion of central expenditure has been estimated as being on a par with the 1930s.

I actually feel sympathy for David Sheard and Kirklees Council, because the pain hasn’t even started yet. Really. But short of wiring his shorts up to the mains, George Osborne won’t admit that to you – at least not until Friday May 8, 2015.

And it isn’t as if anyone else has got a plan because Labour have promised to increase spending and borrowing.

That Gordon Brown-inspired disaster of 2008? If Ed Balls gets his hand on the cheque book the good times may well roll for a few years before the wotsit hits the fan.

Still, it’s not all bad news. Our financial commitment to bribing corrupt, third world despots remains intact. The Tories are steadfast in trying to bribe their way to winning overseas trade by ringfencing the international aid budget.

So what do we do? Well I gave up on the lottery when they doubled the price to two quid. I might just have to swallow my miserly Yorkshire thrift and start again.

• A BIT of an appeal to readers. Some years ago when Dewsbury had its own Sports Council, it had an honours board and a collection of memorabilia from some of the people it honoured. Has anyone got a clue what happened to it?

My old Dewsbury Celtic and Heavy Woollen rugby league pal Peter Kaine has been trying to track down what became of the items which, as he rightly says, should have some pride of place in the town’s heritage.

I seem to remember the late Eddie Waring coming to town as part of some kind of celebration of the Sports Council honours, at a time when a couple of other outstanding local men, Jim Hey and Coun Jack Brooke were instrumental, were central to its running.

Peter’s had no luck so far, so if anyone can help, please contact us at The Press.

Unfortunately and in true Kirklees Council fashion, I have a bad feeling the memorabilia might just be tucked away next the Crow Nest Park bandstand.

That was last seen being graced by Lord Lucan, astride Shergar...

A hand on this bird is worth two ... er, no P Penny MP Penny Mordaunt teased Mordaunt the Commons with a speech purportedly about poultry welfare during which she referred to ‘cocks’ six times.

She’s in hot water for trivialising Parliament after it emerged those were not references to male Rhode Island Reds such as my dad kept in the back garden, but Portsmouth Blues – her rum-swigging navy pals, who laid a bet with her.

(Geddit – ‘laid’? It’s not only big-boobied MPs who can be punny).

Anyway, parts of the establishment, and especially the humourless left, is getting its underwear in a collective twist and coming over all purple-headed over the woman’s effrontery.

May I suggest they lighten up? The sexual proclivities of the collective chinless Westminster wonders have scandalised the institution far more than her bit of tongue-in-cheek banter.

Indeed it is this dismal, final Parliamentary term that has been the insult to the nation and its voters, not Penny Mordaunt’s mickey-taking.

MPs have been told only to show their faces a couple of days a week. There has been no meaningful legislation to debate because the rival members of this lame duck Coalition government despise each other. The Tories barely have a legislative idea worth raising and the bitter, failing Lib Dems veto it all out of spite anyway.

Even Simon ‘the Invisible Man’ Reevell’s absences are now commonplace, so whoever is disrespecting the institutions of state, it’s not Penny Mordaunt. At least she was there.

I would like to suggest to the House that when MP Mordaunt next decides to titillate them – perhaps with a seasonally wintry ode to the welfare of blue tits – that she produce one in the chamber as evidence of her sincerity.

Judging by her appearance in the TV celebrity show Splash, I’m sure Ms Mordaunt’s blue wotsits would empty half of Batley Baths if she went off the top board.

M

Charity begins at home...

REALLY don’t see what the problem is. Birmingham Council gave governors a million quid for the running of the Al-Hijrah School, and that’s where it was spent.

Okay, so it seems its been spent on the Al-Hijrah Islamic boys school in the city of Ziarat in Pakistan as opposed to the dilapidated, failing pile in Bordesley Green, but let’s be fair – this is only cutting out the middle man.

Walk into any convenience store or post office in an ethnic community and half the notices on the wall will be for cheap international phone calls, while the other half will be for international money transfers.

It’s a hackneyed old English saying that ‘charity begins at home’. And to coin another phrase, for many of our privileged, pampered brethren, ‘home is where the heart is’.

I

It’s just unfortunate for us that while both home and heart are 5,000 miles away, the cash machine that never stops giving is here in Britain. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

ON THE heels of the alleged AlHijrah scandal comes news that 1,000 mostly Romanian and Bulgarian ‘students’ have claimed £5 million in grants to attend private colleges.

I don’t know about you, but I’d resent that anyway. When you consider these ‘private colleges’ could be set up by you or I in a room above a pub and then – slap my thigh! – the ‘students’ scarpered with the cash, it makes you want to kick the neighbour’s cat.

What the hell is going on?

MY HEART sank when I heard the news that Georgie Porgie Osborne was set to announce

billions of pounds-worth of road ‘improvements’.

As someone who has to traverse the nation’s highways and byways regularly – and the neighbouring M62 and M1 are perfect examples – motorway ‘improvements’ seem to me to signify two or three years of 50mph speed limits and those ubiquitous yellow Day of the Triffid speed cameras.

And then, when the job is finally done, the main difference seems to be simply expensive overhead ‘traffic management’ signs that monitor traffic flow and suddenly flash up a 50mph or 60mph limit.

At least it goes to show that the Ministry of Transport has a sense of humour, given that traffic is usually down to 20mph by then.

Still, at least Osborne’s future non-exec roles with the construction firms are secure.

ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

Poll candidate weighs in with attack on Westminster AN election candidate began his campaign in Birstall & Birkenshaw with an attack on budget cuts.

Dathan Tedesco (right), Labour’s pick for May’s council poll, believes Government policies are unfairly affecting the area.

He highlighted the possible closure of public services in Birstall as just one example.

Mr Tedesco said: “Many of our services and facilities have closed or will close thanks to a disproportionate attack on Kirklees Council.

“Many of these are services that elderly, disabled and less fortunate people rely on.”

He blamed the Government and added: “Cuts here are as

Shannon TV drama delay A CONTROVERSIAL TV drama about the Shannon Matthews kidnap plot has been postponed. The programme, which could feature Sheridan Smith as disgraced mum Karen Matthews, was criticised by Dewsbury community leaders.

BBC chiefs insist they are still committed to the project but admitted it will not be made in time for its projected broadcast date of early 2016.

A spokesman said: “We have decided to pause to progress important production and editorial matters.”

much as eight times higher than those in more affluent councils down south.”

COUNCIL chiefs insist there will be adequate parking if flats are built near a Batley Carr community centre.

The authority intends to sell a car park next to the Trinity Centre on Upper Road for housing.

But managers and volunteers fear this will put the centre’s future in doubt due to a lack of street and other parking nearby.

A council spokesman claimed there is already adequate unrestricted on-street parking and an extra 21 bays would be provided

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Mr Tedesco is a former press officer for ex-Dewsbury & Mirfield MP Shahid Malik.

The graphic design and print firm boss is now campaign co-ordinator for Labour in Kirklees.

Incumbent Coun Robert Light, who is Tory group leader, polled 2,642 votes when last re-elected in May, 2011.

Mr Tedesco said: “The Conservative councillors in Birstall & Birkenshaw can’t distance themselves from the decisions of their friends in Westminster.

“The politics of this government are based on breaking up public services, regardless of the impact on local communities.”

Outrage over council’s pledge on car parking at the Dewsbury Little Theatre site.

Bill Thompson, chairman of the Trinity Centre Committee, was left outraged by the claim.

He said: “The Trinity Centre hosts many functions throughout the year when current car parking becomes full to overflowing. We’ve warned of impending traffic and parking issues ... without an adequate car park the centre will lose customers to such an extent that in time it will become no longer viable.”

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ThePress

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Good industrial relations save Kirklees money Dear Sir, I wish to reply to the Conservative councillor for Birstall, Birkenshaw and East Bierley, Robert Light, whose letter you published on Friday November 28, in relation to trade union facility time within Kirklees Council.

Coun Light criticises the fact that certain Kirklees employees who have been elected by the workforce as their union representatives receive their normal pay when they attend meetings called by their employer to discuss issues relating to working conditions of Kirklees staff.

It is quite disgraceful that he is in fact attacking ordinary working people who have volunteered to represent their colleagues in work.

Both private and public employers

I want my country back From: Barry Fowler, Huddersfield Dear Sir, What is to be done?

I read with great interest your Ed Lines article ‘Time authorities made this bed once and for all’.

I could not agree more.

Why is it a section of our society can, apparently, act with total impunity and disregard for our laws?

Where are Trading Standards? Where are the tax and VAT authorities to ensure these people act within the law? Are they, like the police, totally useless?

We have endless stories of the violent, sexual abuse of children and young girls in Rotherham, Rochdale,

Letter of the Week: Bill Chard, GMB trade union give reasonable time off to employees to carry out this role and of course these representatives have a legal right to paid facility time.

If Coun Light had his way he would be leading Kirklees Council down a slippery path as he is encouraging them to break the law.

He would also be encouraging them to possibly lose money.

Government figures show that trade union facility time in the public sector delivers savings of £298-£762 million.

This is a typical Tory attack on

Blackpool, Telford, Derby, Oxford and Bristol, by organised gangs. What’s been done? Not much.

The police must have been aware. Indeed, the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire, in 2004 had a programme ‘pulled’ off TV about sexual grooming in Keighley.

Anne Cryer raised the matter, but was abused and threatened by her own party.

It seems extraordinary to me what has happened to my country.

Somehow we have become a dreadful third world country, forced marriages, slavery, female genital mutilation (not one prosecution), honour killings, voting corruption, drugs, guns and gangs, and all the rest of modern ‘multi-cultural’ Britain.

Please can I have my country back as it once was, thank you.

working people.

Coun Light states that as a Conservative he has “no problem with the existence of trade unions”.

If that is the case, why is he trying to penalise people for helping their workmates and trying to help to find solutions to difficult questions facing both the authority and the workforce?

The councillor also states that he would rather see money spent on seeing a library kept open or mending a road. This is sheer hypocrisy as it is the multi-million pound cuts imposed

Greed beaten by generosity From: Monica Hopkins, Carlinghow Dear Sir, As a member of the Tesco retired staff association, along with former colleagues I was asked to support the Trussell Trust in asking Tesco customers to support local food banks, as they have done with great generosity in the past.

Unfortunately this year this day fell on what is now known as Black Friday We were fortunate to still enjoy the generosity of Tesco customers, but we were also told of the events of the early morning, and later witnessed on television and social media sites the horrendous behaviour of people all over

on northern councils by the Conservative-led Coalition that has led to care homes, libraries and other vital services being axed.

Kirklees Council is acting within the law, saving money and effecting necessary change by engaging with the elected trade union representatives of their workforce.

Of course they will hold these meetings in works time and of course the reps will get their normal hourly rate for doing it.

The TUC has produced a really

the country, including Batley Tesco, trying to get a bargain.

I would like to appeal to Tesco to get off this American bandwagon and find other ways of offering their customers a bargain.

After the horrors of Hillsborough we could have had a similar tragedy anywhere in the country.

This would have been caused by people’s selfish behaviour.

I only hope the generosity of most people always overcomes the greed of others.

This is fraud From: ‘Anon’, Batley Dear Sir, Re: Ed Lines last week. As a former employee of a local bed company, I can confirm to your readers exactly

PLANNING APPLICATIONS D Bradley, rear of 61-63, Hill Crescent, Birstall, reserved matters application for erection of three dwellings persuant to outline permission 2012/93821.

A1 Plumbing & DIY, 717 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, three-storey extension, installation of shop front and alterations.

J Dawson, 8 Jackson’s Lane, Thornhill, single-storey extension.

Mars Complimentary Pet Care, Oakwell Way, Birstall, installation of reinforced base and erection of three silos.

N Doyle, Park Steak House, Bradford Road, Batley, Change of use from restaurant to private day nursery/pre and after school care.

G Rhodes, 12 Quaker Lane, Hightown, erection of balcony to rear.

Daisy Rock Investments, 5 Upper Batley Low Lane, Upper Batley, discharge of condition 3 (windows), 4 (rooflights), 5 (external joinery), 6 (external doors), 7 (glazing), 11 (extractor vents) on previous permission no.2014/90430 for conversion of barn to form one dwelling and demolition of existing conservatory (within a Conservation Area).

S Hodgson, 10 Waltroyd Road,

Cleckheaton, demolition of existing dwelling and erection of four dwellings.

Daisy Rock Investments, 5 Upper Batley Low Lane, Upper Batley, certificate of lawfulness for proposed erection of singlestorey infill extension and two garages with associated carports (within a Conservation Area).

Planned Contracts Ltd, 56A Leeds Road, Littletown, Liversedge, erection of five dwellings, alterations to convert coach house/garage to one dwelling and refurbishment/ remodelling of three existing dwelings.

Matt Dolby and Luan Waite, 577 Bradford Road, Birkenshaw, discharge of conditions 3 (roofing materials), 4 (boundaries) and 8 (access) on previous permission 2012/90751 for demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings and erection of two new dwellings Darren Smith Homes, Newgate, Mirfield, removal of condition 16 (windows) on previous permission 2009/93133 for erection of retirement development consisting of 36 units and one concierge unit.

Z Dadi, 35 Oxford Road, Dewsbury, two-storey detached dwelling and detached garage

and demolition of existing bungalow – reposition of garage dwelling (modified housetype).

Ms A Nadat, 28 James Street, Batley, the proposal is for a single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 3.4m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.9m.

The height of the eaves of the extension is 2.7m.

S Willans, adjacent to 1 Newley Avenue, Birstall, discharge conditions 3 (materials) and 5 (ventilation) on previous permission 2014/92472 for erection of three flats.

D Hall, 198 Cliffe Lane, Gomersal, non-material amendment to previous permission no.

2013/92302 for erection of detached dwelling.

Mrs Z Zamir, 1 Garden Crescent, Ravensthorpe, the proposal is for a single-storey rear extension.

The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m.

The height of the eaves of the extension is 3m.

Mr M Nasir, 8 Garden Crescent, Ravensthorpe, the proposal is for a single-storey rear extension.

The extension projects 6 metres beyond the rear wall of the origi-

nal dwelling house. The maximum height of the extension is 4 metres. The height of the eaves of the extension is 3 metres.

Sainsbury's Supermarkets Limited, 298 Oxford Road, Gomersal, installation of external plant and three air conditioning units.

Sainsbury's Supermarkets Limited, 298 Oxford Road, Gomersal, non-material amendment on previous application 2013/93067 for demolition of existing building and erection of building for use within Class A1 retail, formation of access, parking, servicing and landscaping.

Sainsbury's Supermarkets Limited, 298 Oxford Road, Gomersal, Installation of four internally-illuminated fascia signs and two non-illuminated signs.

Barclays Bank, Market Place, Crackenedge Lane, Dewsbury, Listed Building Consent for replacement of existing boilers, flue and flue line.

Newswift Construction Ltd, 14, 16, 18 & 20, Francis Street, Mirfield, erection of conservatory to rear.

Darren Smith Homes, adjacent to 13 Dunbottle Lane, Mirfield, erection of four dwellings (modified proposal).

Mrs Z Taz, 16 Manor Way, Staincliffe, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.7m.

Mr & Mrs A Dadipatel, 41 Track Road, Batley, the proposal is for a single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 6m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 4m.

The height of the eaves of the extension is 2.7m.

Z Sharif, the Barclays Club, 189191 North Road, Ravensthorpe, erection of two dwellings with parking provision.

P Sidebottom, 13 Bright Street, Mirfield, non-material amendment to previous permission 2010/92794 for erection of single and two-storey extensions and detached garage.

Mr Paul Saddington, 3 Ingham Croft, Mirfield, the proposal is for a single-storey rear extension.

The extension projects 4.5m 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 3m.

good report called ‘Facility time for union reps – separating fact from fiction’ which would enlighten Coun Light as to why facility time is in the interest of not only the employer and employee but also the taxpayer.

where the cash comes from to top up the workers’ wages.

The money comes from the travelling communities, who the company supply with mattresses with no VAT or tax invoices included.

In my estimation, I regard this as fraud. I really can’t wait until the .... hits the fan.

Glorified yobs From: RK Newsome, Birkenshaw Dear Sir, Any readers remember when the England football teams included gentlemen like Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Gordon Banks and Trevor Brooking?

Fast forward to today, and the ageing manager has to tell them to sing the national anthem.

No-one can convince me that a third of the squad are nothing but glorified yobs.

Fans are being ripped off to pay exorbitant prices to keep players, manaagers, and assorted hangers-on in untold luxuries and Bentleys.

The Players’ Association boss is on over £6,000 a week!

We obviously want England to win, but I hope they do as well when meeting the tougher teams.

They beat Estonia 1-0, who played with 10 men for 40 minutes in Tallin – ever heard of it?

Compare our ‘heroes’ to the disciplined Germans who were magnificent in winning the World Cup, and not a stupid haircut or tattoo in sight.

Heading here From: Paul Ovenden, Thornhill Dear Sir, The stage was set at Heathrow Airport on New Year’s Eve for Labour MP Keith Vaz to demonstrate how many immigrants were entering the country.

He couldn’t have picked a quieter time, but in less than a year there are now 200,000

Romanians and Bulgarians working in the UK. Most will be on ‘in work’ benefits – tax credits, child allowances, housing benefits, NHS, schooling etc, etc.

These are far more generous than ‘out of work’ ones.

There are nearly two million Eastern Europeans working here, and if it meant British were displaced by this, then the cost of these new claimants, for say, a husband, wife and two kiddies, would be a £24 billion to the taxpayers.

Only in the last three months an extra 182,000 workers from the beleaguered European Union have arrived, including 30,000 from Romania and Bulgaria.

What’s in a name?

From: David Honeybell, Heckmondwike Dear Sir, According to the latest available figures from the Office of National Statistics, there were 698,512 babies born in 2013, of which 51% were male and 49% female.

73.5% of the mothers were UK-born, with the other 26.5% of mothers being born outside the UK. So, it’s not surprising the most popular name for baby boys is Mohammed, given the number of Muslims who live in the UK. But it seems strange there are no Muslim girls names anywhere in the top 10 of the most popular names for baby girls.

Immigrants from the subcontinent have taken many years to reach the stage where Ali, Mohammed, Naved and Abdul trip off the tongue as easily as Sean, Mick and Paddy.

I wonder how long it will take for our friends from Eastern Europe to have one of their popular boy’s names, Gjergji, Grzegorz or Svatopluck on top of the popularity list?

ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

Chippie’s fish dinner treat on Christmas Day

By David Miller CHIP SHOP owners in Ossett want charities to get in touch in a bid to spread some festive cheer.

John and Sue Casey, of Casey’s on Bank Street, plan to open on Christmas Day from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

They hope to serve customers who are either alone, elderly or cannot afford a traditional meal.

John, 34, and Sue, 33, are also willing to cook for homeless projects so even the most vulnerable can enjoy Christmas.

Groups around Ossett have already made arrangements, so the couple are looking further afield.

Homeless schemes in North Kirklees include the Trinity Care Project on

... and people in need can have mince pies and mulled wine for afters Upper Road in Batley Carr.

Sue said: “I don’t like cold weather or the thought that some people are out in it sleeping rough.

“We want charities to get in touch and we’ll help by giving them hot food for people who need it.”

As well as traditional chip shop staples, like mushy peas and curry sauce, they will also serve mulled wine and mince pies.

The couple, who launched Casey’s in March, give free chips to Ossett Rugby Club under-12s.

Casey’s is eight doors down from where Sue’s parents, Tom and Edna Grayshon,

had a chippie. They ran Tom’s Fish Shop on Bank Street from 1979 to 1999, after which John and Sue took over until 2006.

Tom, who passed away in 2001 aged 59, was previously well-known from his time as the landlord of the Halfway House pub in Horbury.

Sue added: “People were always asking us when we were coming back. When the chance came, we jumped at it.”

After opening on Christmas Day, John and Sue plan to spend the rest of the holiday with their family.

Charities in need of help can call them on 01924 274851.

Black Friday chaos at Have you seen a van Tesco... but no arrests which looks like this?

NO arrests were made despite Black Friday bargain hunters losing the plot at Tesco in Batley.

There was chaos outside the Bradford Road store even before the sale began at midnight.

When the store opened, shoppers grappled with each other in a mad scramble for discounted goods.

A video posted on YouTube showed people jumping on an escalator in a struggle for cutprice TVs. A police spokesman said: “Officers monitored the situation, with no arrests made or offences reported.”

A VAN with a distinctive logo, stolen in Mirfield, could still be in the area. The white Ford Transit, which has a lift on the back, was taken in a burglary on Lowlands Road on November 15. It is marked on the sides and back with a blue and yellow ‘Globe Lubricants’ logo.

Anyone with information can call Det Con Nicola Keitch at Kirklees Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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ThePress

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Friday December 5, 2014

Art group celebrates 10 years with its first show Beatrice clock tower... one of the works on display at the TAP into Art Education exhibition

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By David Miller HELP for children with special needs may be moved from a Dewsbury nursery under council plans.

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Six places for youngsters with speech, language or other communication needs could switch to Thornhill Junior and Infant School from Flatts Nursery.

The proposal to consult on the issue was backed

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School set to special needs

AN ART group in Batley is holding its first exhibition – 10 years after it was founded.

Members of TAP into Art Education meet weekly in term time at Batley Girls’ High School.

A display of their work began last Saturday at the town’s art gallery and runs until Saturday, January 3.

TAP stands for the three elements which participants focus on – Textiles, Art and

Photography. Classes are run by community arts organiser Amanda Howes, who is based at the school.

One of many members to benefit is Lisa Balmer, who studied A-Levels in art and photography through TAP. She said: “I’ve been able to experiment with materials I have not used before and learned so many techniques.”

For more details, ee www.tapintoarteducation.co.uk.

Council plans to end nursery provision A report they considered said the move would be a consolidation, given the school already supports such children.

It also looked at how provision for pupils with autism is progressing since new places were created at Thornhill Community Academy in September.

In the case of Flatts

Nursery, a formal consultation is due to begin in March, with a decision due by April.

The proposal could be implemented from September 2015 if backed in the consultation.

A spokesman said: “There’s a lack of demand for specialist provision for nursery age children with speech, language and com-

Thornhill Community Academy became a specialist September. Headteacher Jonny Mitchell explains NE of the key factors in Kirklees Council’s decision was to accommodate the growing number of children diagnosed on the autistic spectrum.

“We have worked hard to ensure the provision on offer for students is as effective as possible.

“Demand continues to grow, such that we are almost to capacity after only one annual intake of students. Each one is allo-

‘O

cated a key worker to ensure their needs are met, both within the provision and during their time in mainstream.

“Because of the nature of autism, it is only beneficial to move children already in an effective setting if there are significant factors at play.

“This is the reason all of the students have come to us from primary school, be that specialist or mainstream. We also have a

small number of children in the provision from outside the local authority.

“Part of our work is outreach – where colleagues visit students in other schools and settings to provide expertise and development to staff.

“As people have become more aware of autism, acceptance of the challenges this condition can generate is more widespread. Indeed, autistic students at our school are

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ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

take on children munication needs.

“It is proposed to decommission this provision and relocate the six places and staff to Thornhill Junior and Infants.

“This would help us to deliver the service more effectively for children and families and ensure the resource is used to its greatest effect.

“The school already has a dedicated resource for children with such needs.

If the proposals were agreed this would be expanded.

“The change would not

take place without a consultation period in which everyone could have their say.”

Autism places at Thornhill Community Academy were added due to a lack of provision.

Some parents in Huddersfield had not moved their children despite pressure on schools there.

The spokesman added: “It is designed to add places in North Kirklees so that children with autism can attend a mainstream school closer to their home.”

centre for children with autism in how the provision is working... embraced in mainstream by their peers.

“They are treated precisely like other students who do not have additional educational needs.

“It is difficult to comment on the local authority’s wider remit for specialist provision.

“But ample provision should be made available across Kirklees to ensure children with complex needs are educated as effectively as possible.”

News In Brief Santa drops in for a coffee BATLEY: A Christmas coffee morning with a difference is being held tomorrow (Saturday) in aid of Kirkwood Hospice.

The hospice’s Batley and Birstall Support Group host the event from 10am to 12noon at the Town Hall and in addition to a variety of stalls, Santa is due to arrive on his sleigh in Market Place at around 10.15am.

Chimes will then ring out from the Clifton Handbell Ringers at 10.30am and 11.15am.

Entry is £1.50, which includes refreshments.

Christmas fair aids social club CLECKHEATON: A Christmas fair at the Central Methodist Church community centre on Mortimer Street tomorrow (Saturday, 9am-12noon) is in aid of North Kirklees Elderly and Disabled Social Club. Entry is £1, which includes refreshments and a prize draw.

Cash raised will help fund day trips for the group, whose members, some in their 90s, raised £400 this year for Dewsbury District Hospital’s renal unit.

Life story KEY ROLE: Jonny Mitchell

BATLEY: Royston Hedges will talk about his eventful life at a Probus Club meeting at the Older People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street on Tuesday.

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News In Brief Moving staircase MIRFIELD: An international article about a staircase from Blake Hall is moving forward, thanks to town librarians. Staff at Mirfield Library found an auction catalogue dating from when items from the now-demolished mansion were put up for sale.

Bronte Society member Imelda Marsden is writing about the building’s Queen Anne staircase, which ended up in the USA. Gary Peacock, who set up the Mirfield Memories website, also helped following an appeal for pictures.

Librarians agreed to loan the catalogue to the Quogue Historical Society on Long Island, New York, for a display about the Bronte family.

Anne Bronte wrote her debut novel Agnes Grey based on her time living at Blake Hall, which was pulled down in 1954.

London link delight DEWSBURY: MP Simon Reevell hailed plans for the town to have a direct rail link with London. Inter City Railways, a consortium of Virgin Trains and Stagecoach, hope to start the service from 2019. The private operator won an eight-year franchise last week which is due to start in March.

Mr Reevell said the proposed Dewsbury route would add to the one run by Grand Central Trains from Mirfield. He said: “For the constituency to go from having no direct link with London to two in just a few short years is great news.”

Attack denial THORNHILL LEES: A man denied attacking three police officers called to deal with fireworks being let off. James Wilby, 27, denied assault, being drunk and disorderly in public and criminal damage.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard the offences allegedly happened near his home on Walker Street on November 16.

Wilby is accused of setting fire to a wheelie bin. He is due to face trial on March 6.

Friday December 5, 2014

1,200 sign petition to save town’s services MORE than 1,200 people signed a petition calling for Birstall’s public services to be left alone.

It was organised by the Chamber of Trade and handed to council chiefs at a meeting in Huddersfield on Wednesday.

The library, market, children’s centre and even Oakwell Hall are under threat in proposed budget cuts.

Birstall’s public loos are due to shut on December 31 unless other funding is found.

Campaigners had 1,102 names by Wednesday morning and more have been

SIGNED UP: from left, Anne Thompson of Birstall Chamber of Trade, Birstall councillor Liz Smaje and trader Helen North

added since. Coun Andrew Palfreeman (Con, Birstall & Birkenshaw) said cuts would leave the area without any major services.

He added it would be a

dreadful blow to a thriving centre which has few empty shops.

He said: “People have shown there is no support in Birstall for Labour’s indis

criminate cuts. More than 1,200 people have expressed their views on one issue involving one community.

“This is about 75 per cent of the number of people throughout Kirklees who responded to the administration’s budget consultation.”

Coun Palfreeman called for a re-think and added of the petition: “It makes the council’s own survey look very sick.”

Plan for themed events in fight to save market

By David Miller CAMPAIGNERS in Birstall hope to expand the town’s market – which is under threat of closure – by holding themed events.

Continental, liquorice or rhubarb markets may be held on Sundays or Tuesdays if funding can be found.

The Birstall Village Improvement Group wants the market to do more rather than be closed.

It faces the axe under Kirklees Council plans which could also shut the library and children’s centre.

Group organiser Hilary Wainwright was told that the council cannot afford specialist markets due to budget constraints.

She bartered them down to £24 a stall and then looked for traders who might be willing to pay.

Mrs Wainwright, also Birstall’s Christmas lights

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supremo, said she ended up with a waiting list for a proposed continental market.

Now the fight is on to arrange a one-off event as a potential springboard to regular themed markets.

She said: “These could be for liquorice, rhubarb, science fiction, whatever people want. I’m sure it’ll be worth it.”

A petition against the removal of major public services in Birstall has already garnered more than

1,200 names.

Should funding for the market be withdrawn, Mrs Wainwright would try to save it from closure.

She said grants could be available for ‘taster’ stalls to give new businesses a start.

Mrs Wainwright said: “I believe Birstall is big enough to support a market that is actually profitable.

“There are also opportunities out there to do more and I’m quite optimistic for the future.”

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Teenager jailed for two sex attacks A TEENAGER from Cleckheaton has been jailed for eight years for two sex attacks.

Jonathan Beech, 18, targeted a 33-year-old woman as she walked her dog on Spen Valley Greenway behind Tesco on July 14. Beech chatted to his victim before groping her and pushing her to the ground.

Richard Clews, prosecuting at Leeds Crown Court, said Beech told the woman: “If I don’t get to rape you, I’m going to murder you.”

Beech, arrested later that day, was distracted when her dog jumped up on him. The day before, he molested a 13-yearold girl as she walked on Prospect Terrace.

Beech, of South Parade, admitted one count of sexual assault and a charge of sexual activity with a child.

Judge Robert Barfield sent him to a young offenders’ institution for eight years, plus four years on licence.

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ThePress

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Friday December 5, 2014

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LIMEY, is it December 5 a l r e a d y ? !

Christmas is really sneaking up on us – and now’s the time to sort out those special purchases, make sure you’re looking your best and you’re all set for the big day.

You’ve still got a couple of weeks to head out and pick your Christmas tree, order your food, plan your outfit, make a hair appointment and start to feel fabulous about what many people view as the best time of the year.

And whether it’s a family meal for Christmas Day or the festive office party, once you have decided what it is you want and have chosen your venue, you can sit back and relax, satisfied in the knowledge that Christmas is in the bag.

We all want our Christmases to be as enjoyable and relaxing as possible – and having our homes

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as good as they can be is vitally important.

And if you also want new furniture or new carpets, a new kitchen or bathroom or want to make some home improvements before Christmas, it is not too late.

All those jobs around the home that were put off in the summer suddenly become urgent with a visit from friends and family looming over the festive period.

Much better to plan ahead and invest in whatever you need for that perfect Christmas and New Year break.

The man himself at markets IT’S BEGINNING to look a lot like Christmas at the district's markets In addition to some fantastic bargains and gift ideas, there will be festive fun for all the family across Kirklees as December draws in.

The big man himself – Santa – will be popping up across the district and the festive season will be launching with a bang when two giant walking crackers entertain shoppers at Dewsbury, Cleckheaton, Huddersfield and Queensgate Festive Markets. There will also be plenty of festive music and activities to keep everyone entertained.

Tomorrow (Sat) from 10am to 3pm at Cleckheaton Market and Farmers Market, there will be the giant Christmas Crackers, festive music and Santa.

Father Christmas will also be at Birstall Market on Thursday December 18, Batley Market on Friday December 19 and Heckmondwike Market on Saturday December 20, all from 10am to 2pm.

All events are free of charge.

Friday December 5, 2014

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Friday December 5, 2014

Changes made to running of two care homes TWO CARE HOMES in the news last week will be under new management by early next year.

The running of Manorcroft Nursing Home in Dewsbury is to be taken back in-house by owners Silverline Care Ltd on January 12.

Meanwhile, Newlands Hall Care Home in Heckmondwike is to be sold by the firm to Regency Healthcare.

It comes after day-to-day management of both premises by Orchard Care Homes was criticised by the Care Quality Commission.

Silverline's plans for Manorcroft include advanced staff training and the hiring of more nurses.

A spokeswoman said: “At Silverline Care we work to the highest standards of clinical excellence in residential care.

“We will also be updating the home to make the environment as comfortable and homely as possible for our residents who live there.”

Regency Healthcare will take over ownership and management of Newlands Hall Care Home in early 2015.

Director Fayyaz Chauhdry said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Newlands Hall Care Home to the Regency Healthcare group.

“We will work with residents, families and staff to provide the highest standards of care in comfortable surroundings.

“We will also encourage independence and maintain self-respect and dignity through choice and co-operation.”

• A STORY last week about Manorcroft on Old Bank Road, Dewsbury, contained an error.

A source who said her father was being moved from the home due to poor care was actually referring to Newlands Hall in Heckmondwike.

We apologise for the confusion and are happy to set the record straight.

Winter wonders in shopping centre THE FIRST Batley Christmas Fayre gets underway tomorrow (Sat), with an area of the town centre being transformed into a winter wonderland for the day.

The event is organised by the Batley Business Association and takes place in Batley Shopping Centre, also known as Alfreds’ Way. The fun begins at 11am and goes on until 4pm, with more than 20 stalls selling Christmas gifts and goodies.

There will be hand-made crocheted crafts and cards, pickles and preserves, watches and jewellery, and special snowflake Christmas tree decorations which have been specially created for the event.

These are being sold to help raise money towards future Christmas lights events in Batley, and are being sold by volunteers from local solicitors Brearleys.

Local singer Jade Helliwell, fresh from her

News In Brief

DEWSBURY MOOR: An 11-year-old boy suffered a broken foot when he was in collision with a car last Tuesday.

The incident happened on a zebra crossing on Heckmondwike Road near its junction with Beckett Lane around 4.20pm.

He also suffered bruising to his side and a minor head injury.

The car involved was a white Audi A6.

Anyone with information can call PC Sarah Miller at the Western Area Safer Roads and Neighbourhood Support Team on 101.

Morley Market For All Your Christmas Ideas

HERE!

in his grotto between 1pm and 3pm with some early Christmas treats.

Andrew Marsden, of Batley Business Association, said: “We would like to thank Community First for their funding towards the event, and Santander for their sponsorship.

“Thanks also to Batley

Injured on crossing

Morley Market SANTA’S

appearance at the town's Christmas lights switch-on, and Paul Rodgers will be performing throughout the day, along with the Clifton Bell Ringers.

Refreshments will be served by Batley Business Association volunteers and there are free festive art workshops on offer.

Father Christmas will be

He will be at the Market Friday, Saturday, Sunday throughout December Tickets £4 per child R ORDER YOU

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School of Art, Creative Artshub and Creative Scene for the decoration of the arcade and bringing a winter wonderland to Batley.

“Thank you to Tesco for the loan of the arcade, to Asda for their donation and a big thank you to Iceland for stocking the refreshment area.”

Relative appeal DEWSBURY: An appeal is under way for relatives of a man who has died to come forward. Phillip Holderness, 51, passed away at his home on Old Westgate last Friday.

He is believed to have five children. Any relatives can call Marie Silvester on 01924 431158.

Simon Reevell’s

Notes from Westminster

Plenty still to be done, but we are finally getting there EFORE the last election one of the really sad things about our economy was that because our debts were so big we were paying a huge amount of money on debt interest.

This money usually went abroad and was wasted. Since 2010 we have repaid a large amount of debt and so interest payments have fallen dramatically.

This releases a lot of money and whilst some is then used to repay more of the debt, some is released for investment in the UK. We also have the fastest-growing economy in Europe and that too allows for investment.

This was very much the theme of the ‘Autumn Statement’ that dominated this week in Parliament.

In many ways it is a ‘mini-budget’ as the Chancellor reported on the state of the economy and set out spending and tax raising policies but the real feature were the investments.

Roads, railways, business and of course the NHS all benefited – the NHS with £1.3 billion of new money

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for frontline services plus £1.2 billion of new money for GPs and then an extra £2 billion per year – and so did individuals with increases on what people can keep before paying any tax and a complete change to stamp duty so that young families buying their first home save thousands.

On the roads, anyone using the M1 or the M62 knows that money is being spent on motorway improvements and more of these have been announced including between Brighouse and Manchester; other announcements have included news about the railways.

Virgin is to take over the East Coast mainline and with this change will come a new Dewsbury to London train. This will compliment

the Mirfield to King’s Cross service that already runs.

For five years the government has run the East Coast service and during that time it has made £2 billion for the exchequer. Some people opposed privatisation because of this.

The eight-year Virgin franchise will bring in £5.5 billion for the country. That’s just one reason why those opposing it were wrong.

All of this investment was unthinkable just a couple of years ago, but we really are starting to see the benefits of the economic policy of the last four years.

Wage increases have started to outstrip prices and it’s expected that this will continue through 2015.

More people are employed than ever before as unemployment continues to fall and thousands of new businesses are up and running.

There is plenty still to be done, but we are getting there. And whilst it’s not been easy it will be worth it.

Very best wishes,

Simon

Further afield...

THE ROCK ‘n’ Roll Panto at Leeds’ City Varieties Music Hall has opened to rave reviews once again.

The much-loved brand of panto has been delighting families for the last three years and this time Dick Whittington has been brought to life.

The cast of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is made up of highly-skilled actor-musicians who play live on stage.

There are some familiar faces returning to the this year’s production; Leeds lad Kenny Davies playing Billy Bungalow, Hollie Cassar as Fairy Bowbells and Simon Nock – who debuted as the Dame last year and once again dons the dress, lipstick and wigs to play the role of Sarah the Cook.

New to the cast is Tom Milner, who made his name as Ollie In CITV’s Barking, Paul Langley in Waterloo Road and Ben Eddon in Holby City.

The City Varieties’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto has everything you would expect from a traditional family pantomime – slapstick comedy, audience interaction and outlandish costumes – with the bonus of a rocking soundtrack and the now-legendary ‘boulder fight’.

The show runs at City Varieties Music Hall until Sunday January 11 2015.

Tickets are on sale now priced from £14 to £23.

Concessions and group discounts available.

Book by calling the box office on 0113 243 08 08 or online at cityvarieties.co.uk.

... alive on stage ONE OF the most groundbreaking arena tours of all time visits Leeds’ First Direct Arena tomorrow night (Sat).

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – Alive on Stage! returns for the sixth and final time in 2014.

Conducted by Jeff Wayne, the ambitious production features Oscar-winning actor Liam Neeson in 3D holography, plus live on stage Jason Donovan as Parson Nathaniel, Westlife’s Brian McFadden as the sung thoughts of The Journalist, X Factor winner Shayne Ward as the Artilleryman, Les Miserables’ Carrie Hope Fletcher as Beth and X Factor 2013’s Joseph Whelan as The Voice of Humanity.

The show also features remarkable special effects, including a 35-foot tall Martian fighting machine landing on stage while firing a real heat ray over the heads of the audience, a 100 foot wide ‘animation wall’, the incineration of a cast member, a ground-breaking levitation effect plus the debut of the first new song since Jeff’s original recording was released.

Adding a new dimension and marking a spectacular finale, HG Wells, the author of The War of The Worlds, will be brought to life in three riveting scenes within the show – aged 33, 53 and 79 – spanning the end of the 19th century and two subsequent world wars.

The show starts at 8pm – for tickets visit www.first directarena.com.

Friday December 5, 2014

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Friday December 5, 2014

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

SATURDAY DECEMBER 6 TONG CIRCULAR (NK) Meet 10.30am Keeper Lane, Tong BD4 0RS GR SE 223 306 7.5 miles (M) Leader: Norma Tel: 01274 685343

Impressive funk show AN EIGHT-PIECE funk band forms part of a Batley pub’s live entertainment next weekend.

The Taproom, on Commercial Street, hosts ‘4gottenfunk’ on Sunday December 14 after the band wowed punters during a recent rehearsal session at the popular real ale pub.

Starting at 4pm, 4gottenfunk will be playing classic funk numbers from artists such as the Brand New Heavies, Average White Band and Grover Washington Jr. Taproom staff have been so impressed with the local group, who are back together after a hiatus, that they have invited them back for a Saturday night slot in the new year.

Train show on track THE fourth annual Dewsbury Model Railway Show will be held at a new venue this year.

The show, on December 13, takes place at Dewsbury Minster and will feature railway layouts of interest to children.

Exhibits include a unique Lego train set and a Thomas layout, both of which can be driven by youngsters.

There will be other displays featuring World War One locomotives and more up-to-date layouts.

Organisers also hope there will be a largescale locomotive on display.

Full catering facilities will be available and admission has been reduced this year to £2 for adults and accompanied children free of charge.

RL reunion HANGING HEATON ARLFC are holding a club reunion tonight (Friday) at The Woodman pub in Batley Carr.

All players past and present are more than welcome at the event which begins at 6.30pm.

Christmas concert CLECKHEATON Music Centre’s Christmas concert takes place at St John’s Church tomorrow (Sat).

The musicians will be joined by Cleckheaton Community Choir for the concert, which starts at 6.30pm.

Entry is £4 on the door (£2 concessions) and all are welcome.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10 AN URBAN WALK (NK) Meet 12pm Dewsbury Town Hall WF12 8DG GR SE 247 217 4 miles (M) Leader: Jim Tel: 01924 469700

Christmas concert for St Paulinus

Trophies on show

THE ST PAULINUS Catholic Primary School Choir will join the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North in a Christmas Concert at Dewsbury Town Hall next Thursday evening.

MEMBERS of a top-ranking brass band will be showing off two of the trophies they have won when they visit Batley to present a Christmas-flavoured concert this weekend.

Musicians in the Hammonds Saltaire Brass Band believe their Batley audiences are among their strongest supporters and they want to show them the two cups they have collected over the past year.

The double achievement rather suggests, they say, that Batley people have good taste when it comes to music.

The first cup was presented to them after they achieved second place in the Grand Shield contest staged in April.

That success also gained them promotion to the top-ranking British Open Championship, in which they have since carried off sixth place and gained yet another trophy.

Publicity officer Ted Griffiths, of Birstall, whose son Morgan is the band’s conductor, said the bandsmen were always moved by the support and applause they received from Batley audiences over the past seven years.

“They have been quite inspirational,” he said, “and we thought it would be good to let the audience at Saturday’s Christmas concert have the chance to see the trophies for themselves.”

The concert, being staged in Batley Town Hall, has a definite Christmas flavour with such numbers as A Christmas Overture by N Hess and When Christmas Comes To Town from Polar Express featuring in their programme.

They will be joined by youngsters from Batley Parish, School Singing Group who will contribute Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head and When Christmas Comes To Town as well as a number of carols.

And to top it all the supportive audience will be invited to join with the musicians and choir members to sing some of the season’s favourite carols.

Tickets for the concert cost £10 (£8 for concessions) and can be obtained from Batley Town Hall.

They can also be obtained by calling the booking office on 01924 324501 or visiting www.kirkleestownhalls. co.uk.

The concert, which starts at 7.30pm, is an annual event and a popular fixture in the calendar.

This year, as well as enjoying music by Bach and Mendelssohn, audiences can bask in the glow of some exquisite arrangements of Christmas carols by the English composer John Rutter.

There will also be an opportunity to sing along with the Chorus of Opera North ensuring that your Christmas season gets off to a truly joyous start.

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

• THE ANNUAL appearance of the University of Huddersfield Brass Band is a Christmas highlight for many Dewsbury Town Hall concert-goers.

The band will perform on Wednesday December 10 at 12.30pm and will be directed by the charismatic Phillip McCann, who has promised plenty of carols for a sing-a-long.

Lunch will be available to buy from 11.30am. Tickets are £5 each (£3.50 for concessions) and can be purchased using the box office details above.

Ethel’s efforts go on display BIRSTALL-BASED artist Ethel Smith will be showcasing her latest work at a Cleckheaton coffee shops art space.

Ethel started painting 10 years ago as a hobby and now regularly attends the Scholes and U3A Art Group, and has exhibited at Matthew’s Coffee House on Market Street before.

Ethel's latest work uses a variety of textures and colours including pastel, watercolours and pen and ink, and the paintings include a mixture of landscapes and animals.

The paintings are on display from December 15 until January 24. 2015.

Neil’s big showbiz book launch SHOWBIZ journalist Neil Sean launches his new book ‘Live from the London Palladium’ at Mirfield Library next Saturday.

The event kicks off at 11am and Mirfield-born Neil, who works for international broadasters NBC, Channel 10 and Sky News, is keen to attract as many locals as possible to the library on Huddersfield

Road. ‘Live from the London Palladium’ features all the major names that Neil has interviewed who have played at the famous venue, from Yorkshire favourites like Jane McDonald through to legends like Tony Bennett, Norman Wisdom, Kylie and many more.

Neil said: “I am also, being a thrifty Mirfield man and knowing how

expensive cafés can be, offering free coffee and biscuits. How about that for a great start to your weekly shop?

“I aim to make this event the best book launch ever to be staged in Mirfield.

“I would love to see friends old and new. You don’t have to buy the book, just come and say hello, and enjoy free coffee and biscuits.”

Crow Nest Park feels the heat DEWSBURY’S Crow Nest Park will be transformed into a blazing garden of flames tonight (Fri).

‘There Will Be Fire’ features around 750 potted candles lit at the park from 6pm onwards.

Visitors will be able to walk through a magical fire garden around 10-foot tall structures filled with luminous charcoal, known as Hot Heads, as well as a fire fountain, accompanied by the sounds of a live harpist.

The free event is produced by Creative Scene, a North Kirklees project funded by Arts Council England, and pyrotechnic art company pa-BOOM. Dewsbury Museum will also hold a free exhibition which includes a World War Two classroom and a display of toys and games from times gone by.

Children aged eight to 12 can then enjoy the park’s adventure playground until 9pm and hot drinks and snacks are available all night.

‘Oh yes it is!’ Batley theatre group set for panto OH YES IT IS! It’s panto time again and Batleybased St Mary’s Theatre Group are hard at work rehearsing for their next production, Happy Christmas 2014.

The full costumed show includes popular carols and Christmas songs and features the panto ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, written by theatre group member Michelle Anderson.

Michelle is no stranger

to script-writing following her success with her melodrama ‘Blitz and Peaces’ performed by St Mary’s earlier this year.

As well as writing the panto and expecting a baby, she is also acting the part of Despicabella, the giant’s evil henchwoman.

Her five-year-old son Michael is making his first foray on stage as the giant’s golden egg laying hen ‘Cluckabella’.

Santa Claus has prom-

ised to visit and give all children in the audience a small present.

Despite supporting several charities throughout the year the theatre group are offering tickets at only £4 to ensure that everyone, including those with young families, can afford to come and enjoy live entertainment together at Christmas time.

Chairman Steve Walker said: “By popular demand we are giving a show

which has something for everyone young and old.

“We have two matinee performances at the weekend which seem popular with the very young ones.

“I am proud to say that we have some enthusiastic multi-talented people both young and old who enjoy entertaining.”

Evening performances at St Mary’s Parochial Hall on Melton Street, Batley, are at 7.30pm on Thursday December 11,

Friday December 12 and Saturday December 13.

Matinee performances are at 2.30pm on Saturday December 13 and 1.30pm on Sunday December 14.

Refreshments will be available.

Tickets are available by contacting Janet Walker on 01924 478394, from any theatre group members, from St Mary’s Social Club and directly from Batley Resource Centre on Commercial Street.

ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014 Hear Ann across the BBC radio network and on Ent News (UBC Media Showbiz online)

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An essential guide to surviving Christmas

Vincent and Flavia show Ann By Roberttown-based health & fitness expert Andrea Springthorpe their new box office hit show ‘ F RESH from wowing audiences across the country with Midnight Tango, former Strictly Come Dancing favourites Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace bring you their sensational new production, Dance ‘Til Dawn, a show straight from the Golden Age of Hollywood. The fun duo tell me: “If you don’t get to see us in London, look out for the tour next spring.” I can confirm the show is sensational – book now...

BARBARA WINDSOR says she hasn’t ruled out a return to EastEnders. She told me at a showbiz bash: “I get offered it all the time, but it’s not for me right now, and besides I told the bosses I only see Peggy in and running the Queen Victoria, which can’t really happen right now, can it?”

DID YOU know that Good Morning Britain host Charlotte Hawkins originally tried to be an actress? She admits: “I was hopeless, but attracted to the fame game so I decided on a career in news instead.”

COMEDIAN Lee Evans has revealed that he intends to retire from comedy at the end of his current UK tour. He does not rule out having a go at serious acting, but claims he is too tired and busy to keep doing his comedy tours and wants to spend more time at home in Essex.

WITH rapidly failing ratings Jonathan Ross has been accused of copying Graham Norton’s chat show in a bid to boost ratings. The TV presenter now ‘crams’ guests on the same sofa, rather than interviewing them one at a time.

The format has proved successful for Norton, 51, whose show regularly gets more viewers than Ross. Graham, though, admitted he was “flattered by the comparison but we’re totally different showwise.”

FORMER X Factor judge Gary Barlow is to make an appearance in the grand finale of rival show Strictly Come Dancing.

He told me: “I have of course appeared on both shows, but when the opportunity arose I figured why not? It’s a

Society events BATLEY: A tea dance is to be held in aid of blind people at the Whitfield Centre on Wednesday.

The fun and light refreshments start at 1.30pm. Entry is £3 and proceeds are for the Society for the Blind of Dewsbury, Batley and District.

At the same venue on Soothill Lane there is a technology showcase on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Blind and visually-impaired people can learn about sight aids that can help them read and write. The event, organised jointly with the Kirklees Visually Impaired Network, is from 10.30am to 4pm on both days.

GOLDEN AGE: Ann Montini with Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace at Maycon Pictures the Aldwych Theatre in London Christmas treat, don’t you think?”

FORMER Emmerdale actress Verity Rushworth will star on stage as Vera Claythorne in the 2015 UK tour of Agatha Christie’s ‘And Then There Were None’. She tells me: “I love her novels so when this came up I thought ‘yes please’, let me at it as I can never tell who is a murderer, can you?”

TESS DALY has been given secret help with her ‘comedy script’ on Strictly Come Dancing, I can reveal. Her quips which appear off the cuff are in fact written for her by a team of scriptwriters and rehearsed many times before the live show. So now you know...

THE LATE Lynda Bellingham’s husband has revealed the actress felt her role on Loose Women “marred her career, preventing her getting the jobs she really wanted”. Grieving Michael Pattemore explained he found Lynda ‘sobbing her heart out’ after being turned down for work.

OSCAR-NOMINATED actress Julie Walters has advised against cosmetic surgery, telling anyone who’s thinking

NEWS EXTRA

about going under the knife: “Don’t do it – be beautiful anyway.” The 64-year-old commented: “If everybody had facelifts, there would be noone to play the old people.”

CORONATION STREET will celebrate Barbara Knox’s 50th anniversary on the Street with a new documentary. The 60minute special Rita & Me will look back on Barbara’s most memorable moments.

However the idea that it’s 50 years is stretching it, as she made one appearance in 1964 and did not return until ten years later. So really it’s 40 years on the street, but hey, a TV show needs to be made...

GOOD LUCK to EastEnders favourites Shane Ritchie and Jessie Wallace, who play Kat and Alfie in the soap. Both are trying to cut down on the dreaded weed, but so far Shane admits that he is worried he may put on weight should he stop smoking ... silly boy.

DAMIAN LEWIS has spoken of his delight at being awarded an OBE by the Duke of Cambridge, describing the honour as: “Amazing. He also told me that he is a big fan of our show ‘Homeland’ which makes it all the more wonderful.” men acting suspiciously in the area, should call police on 101.

Home robbed Body found OSSETT: A 16-year-old girl was forced by robbers to show them where cash and jewellery was kept at her home.

Two men broke into the property on Owl Lane at around 10.40am last Friday and eventually fled with money and jewellery.

Det Con Phil Davis, of Wakefield CID, said the girl was unhurt but shaken by her ordeal.

Anyone with information, especially those who may have seen two

DEWSBURY: A probe is under way after a man was found dead at a home in Westtown yesterday (Thu).

Police were called to an address on Dorset Walk at around 9.20am, where they found the body of a 47year-old man. He had not been formally identified as The Press went to print but is thought to live locally.

Det Insp Andy Parr, of Kirklees CID, said: “The death is being treated as unexplained pending the results of a post-mortem.”

CHRISTMAS time, miseltoe and wine’ ... and mince pies, chocolate, alcohol, leftovers and time off work.

Put it all together and you are left with a recipe which will increase our waistline, decrease our motivation and to top it off it’s cold outside, so we all want that extra padding to keep warm.

Or do we? I know I would rather wear a lovely warm Christmas jumper – which I have been wearing for my outdoor bootcamp to get into the festive spirit... :-) Christmas is when most our healthy eating habits rear their ugly little head, we go way overboard in what we eat and tend not to think twice about having chocolate for breakfast.

Even I have been known to have a handful of ‘Heroes’ for Christmas Day breakfast!

These bad habits just make us feel lethargic and can set us back months with our diet and fitness goals.

So, how can we survive the festive season without piling on the pounds?

It will seem like a lifetime to shift when you are anxious to zip up that new pair of jeans that Santa left in your stocking.

Do not fear, Fit 4 Force is here.

Check out our tips to help you survive Christmas so you don’t undo all the hard work you’ve done this year!

Ditch the sweet treats Swap sugary sweets for fruit – cranberries are great at this time of year and with only 25 calories in half a cup they are a great healthy treat.

Keep active Try keep up to your normal fitness routine over the festive period. If that’s not an option go for a walk, take the dog, the family, whoever you like ... get some fresh air and take in the winter scenery.

If you can’t get to your fitness class then do some high intensity interval training (HIIT) at home. Ten minutes in a morning will kick start your metabolism and your good mood for the rest of the day.

Alcohol alternatives Fruit cocktails are a healthy alternative to alcohol and you will wake up feeling fresh as a daisy the day after.

Not into fruit juice? Then why not drink good old-fashioned water? Most places will serve tap water if you ask, so not only will you save yourself from a banging

head and embarrassing antics, you will save money too!

Boogie the night away If you are at a party or on a night out then hit the dancefloor and burn off those extra calories.

Healthy Christmas dinner When it comes to the main meal of Christmas, pile your plate high with plenty of veg and opt for nice lean turkey.

Healthy start Start the day with a cup of hot water with a lemon slice. This will help alkalise the stomach, which is important when you are eating lots of rich food throughout the day.

Avoid certain foods Buffet food can be some of the worst to eat, especially as we have a small amount of everything, which tends to be high in calories.

Stay away from the cheese and pastries and opt for plain salad and lean meat.

Healthy seasonal snacks There are some great snacks to have at Christmas time – have a hand full of nuts (the non-salted variety of course) or grab a tangerine.

Most importantly have a fantastic Christmas and New Year and stay safe.

If you want some free work-outs which you can do in your own home over the Christmas period then contact me and I will be happy to help.

See you in 2015!

Andrea Fit 4 Force www.fit4force.co.uk info@fit4force.co.uk 07949 959 547

20

ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

Friday December 5, 2014

ThePress

21

22

ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

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23

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24

ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

BOXING PUNISHMENT: A Liam Walsh punch breaches Gary Sykes’ defences as the onslaught continues

How to advertise...

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

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

2) Come into the offices of The NEW Xmas tree from Next; 6ft green tree tipped with gold glitter. Like new, with original box £25. Tel 01924 507860 after 6pm.

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

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Steve Horsfall

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I almost threw in the towel - McGowan TRAINER Julian McGowan admitted their were points when he fought about throwing in the towel on Saturday night.

By Jared Priestley

The Central EBC boxing coach, who trained British champion Gary Sykes for his unification title fight with Liam Walsh, saw his fighter endure a punishing 12 rounds after being knocked down in the opener.

And McGowan, who has formed a close bond with Sykes over his professional career, says there were points when he nearly pulled his fighter out of the Commonwealth clash.

He said: “I got the towel a couple of times in the eighth and ninth and I said to Bob Shannon, I’ll give you five seconds notice, but if I think he gets hurt again I want you to validate my decision and I am pulling him.

“I have to be careful because he is like a son to me and there’s times where I thought is it an emotional decision to pull him or is it a professional decision?

“He wasn’t going to win the fight on points and I have

always said I don’t know why people keep fighters in fights.

“We had a very clear game plan and that was to stay really tight for three rounds and tuck in, because what happened in the first round was no surprise because Gary has shown a vulnerabil-

PAIN BARRIER: Sykes soaks up a Walsh body shot Steve Horsfall

Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

“I have to be careful because he is like a son to me and there’s times where I thought is it an emotional decision to pull him or is it a professional decision?”

Julian McGowan

ity early on.

“He has also shown you have to nail him to that floor to keep him there because he keeps bouncing back up.

“There was a reason for the cautious approach, it was important not to get knocked out or get stopped in the first three rounds because Walsh is a notoriously fast starter.

“The reality is Gary just wasn’t there tonight and he said that himself.”

The Batley-based trainer was quick to praise the Cromer fighter and said that he was simply too good for Sykes.

“We have spent some time with the Walshes today (Saturday) and what a superb team they are.

“Business is business, we went out to win the fight, but what a great set of lads and a great team and we wish them all the luck in the world.

“The truth is at the stages of the career they are both at Walsh is a better fighter than Gary and that’s just the top and bottom of it.

“I am always proud of Gary, but Liam Walsh was always the fight I didn’t want.”

ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

25

BOXING

BRAVE SYKES IS BEATEN GARY SYKES failed to defend his British super featherweight title as he lost a unanimous decision to unbeaten fighter Liam Walsh.

The judges’ scorecards returned a wide victory for Walsh, reading 119-108, 118111 and 118-109 as he added the Lonsdale Belt to his Commonwealth crown and extended his unbeaten record to 17-0.

Sykes – returning for the first time since his famous British title win in Dewsbury in May – recovered from a first-round knockdown to take his Cromer opponent the distance, but was ultimately outfought at the London ExCel Arena show.

The powerful Walsh dominated the opening exchanges, landing a straight right that had Sykes on the canvas in the first round as he took an early lead.

It was evident that the early knockdown had shaken the Dewsbury Moor fighter as his opponent continued his assault in the second, pushing Sykes onto the ropes and narrowly missing with a huge right hand.

A brave Sykes began to claw his way back in the third and fourth rounds, pushing forward as Walsh fought on the back foot. The Batley-trained man continued to target the body, but Walsh’s ability to simply soak up the punches made for uncomfort-

By Jared Priestley Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

‘Five Star’ puts in battling performance in British title defence against Liam Walsh at London’s ExCel arena

YORKSHIRE WARRIOR: Gary Sykes lands a crushing right hand on Liam Walsh’s chin as he battles back from a Steve Horsfall first round knockdown, right, picking himself up from the canvas able viewing for the Sykes cornermen.

The Cromer fighter didn’t have it all his own way against a determined Sykes, as the Yorkshireman enjoyed the better of the middle rounds.

Walsh stuck to his task as Sykes continued to push forward in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds, with a flurry of entertaining exchanges between the pair exciting the sell-out crowd.

A battling ‘Five Star’ did

land a well-timed right hand to the ribs of Walsh in the eight – briefly acknowledged by the Commonwealth champion – but he could not find enough power to secure the knockdown he desperately needed.

A crushing left hook from Walsh threatened to end the fight in the ninth as Sykes was rocked back, but the Dewsbury man once again displayed his steely determination to recover before the close.

Trainer Julian McGowan pleaded for one final stand from Sykes in the 10th, with the scorecards skewing heavily in favour of his opponent, but he couldn’t match the power of Walsh in the closing rounds.

At the end of the 11th Sykes was looking uncharacteristically tired, but any thoughts of him throwing in the towel in the final round were quickly dismissed as he flew out of the blocks.

Sykes displayed arguably his best boxing of the night as he landed a flurry of aggressive combinations which had Walsh on the defensive, but it was Walsh who was celebrating at the end of the bout as he added the British strap to his collection.

Walsh is the best I have faced, says Sykes was a bit worried it was going to be a bit of a stinker, so I am glad it was a decent fight.”

The defeat leaves a question mark on the future of the Central EBC fighter, but the 30year-old fighter hinted at a possible change in weight class.

“I think it has going to have to be a move up to lightweight for me now so that I can train properly. In the last three weeks of camp for this bout I felt I had nothing left to train with,” he continued.

“It has been a great occasion and I have really enjoyed it, Walsh is the best I have fought.

“I am at the back-end of my career now and I want big fights like this.

“It is great to walk to the venue and be stopped by people asking for pictures and autographs, that’s great and what boxing is all about.”

By Jared Priestley Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

OXER Gary Sykes admitted he needed more time to prepare for a fight with a quality opponent like Liam Walsh.

The Dewsbury Moor fighter, speaking after his fight on Saturday night, said he was simply beaten by the better opponent.

‘Five Star’ has entered the fight as the underdog against a fighter yet to lose in the professional ranks, and Walsh’s class ultimately told in a punishing 12-round encounter billed as the ‘trade fight of the year’.

Sykes conceded he had struggled to make the weight for the fight, following a fourmonth injury lay-off, but said that takes nothing away from his opponent’s class.

He said: “He was definitely the best I have boxed, when it comes to a fight getting hard I can usually just grind them out but he was clever as well.

“He was cagey and clever and his punches were so strong, especially to the body, and because I have had a tough time to get down to the weight every shot I felt.

“It really took it out of me. I am surprised I didn’t go down from a body shot and I am proud of myself that I didn’t.

“I am surprised I got back in shape and that I got down to the weight because I was 11 stone 8lbs when I started training after doing four months of nothing.

“I said I needed more time to get ready, but I was told that if I didn’t take the fight I would be stripped of my title, so I just knuckled down and got in shape.”

The British champion – who was defending his Lonsdale Belt against the Cromer man – recovered from a first-round knockdown to go the distance.

And Sykes said he felt proud of his achievement and simply didn’t want to let his travel-

B

RESPECT: Liam Walsh offers some kind words to Sykes after winning his British belt in London ling fans down.

“I wasn’t really surprised that I came back from the head shot because that didn’t bother me really, it was just every body shot and I am shocked he didn’t put me down with one of those,” Sykes added.

“He was better than me, he was cagey and everyone knows I hate southpaws. He was switching and he was clever, strong, fit and a

Steve Horsfall

wicked body puncher so he had a lot of things going for him.

“He is such a nice guy, he said I was the toughest he fought and that I am a warrior.

“I’ve done 12 rounds with a top class fighter who is now the British and Commonwealth champion.

“After all the build-up and people saying it was going to be the trade fight of the year, I

“I said I needed more time to get ready, but I was told that if I didn’t take the fight I would be stripped of my title, so I just knuckled down and got in shape.”

Gary Sykes

26

ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

HEAVY WOOLLEN SUNDAY LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Oakwell falter in cup defence LAST season’s HEAVY WOOLLEN CHALLENGE CUP winners Oakwell Motel’s defence ended at the quarter-final stage after they lost 2-1 at Woodman Batley Carr.

Daniel Peace and Neil Pickles netted for Woodman, with Jonny Beverley replying for Oakwell.

A Michael Smith brace, plus goals from Tom Ordmondroyd and Stuart McCallum, saw Birkenshaw progress after edging out AFC Chickenley in a 4-3 victory. Shaun McDaid (two) and Sean Housecroft scored for Chickenley.

In the HEAVY WOOLLEN CHALLENGE TROPHY quarter-finals, Navigation had Dave Blakeley (two) and Bobby Campbell on target as they won 3-1 at home to Town Rangers.

Also through to the semi-finals are Scholes Athletic, who won 5-2 at Bay Horse East Ardsley. Kieran Armitage and James Crines

both struck twice for Scholes, who also had Jonny Irving on the scoresheet. Marc Gunjal hit a double for Bay Horse.

Richard Naylor and Mark Wigley scored for FC Liversedge, but they lost 3-2 to Clifton Rangers.

The only PREMIER DIVISION game played saw Overthorpe Sports Club climb to fifth place after beating bottom side Battyeford 4-1.

Jamie Beever led the way with a brace whilst Liam Bradford and Lewis Ward also found the net. Tom Frizzel hit Battyeford’s consolation.

Mirfield Town extended their lead at the top of the CHAMPIONSHIP to 12 points after Tom Hague, Elliot Smith and Jonathan Mitchell all scored in a 3-0 win over Marsh.

Hartshead lifted themselves off the foot of the table after beating Taylor 3-0 thanks to strikes from Lewis Heeley, Jack Allerton and

a long-range Jack Murphy effort.

Birstall St Patricks shocked third-placed Mount Pleasant, beating them 3-0 thanks to goals from Graham Fahy, Tom Williams and Sam Tyrell.

The bottom two sides in DIVISION ONE met and it was visitors Punch Bowl who emerged 9-2 winners at Overthorpe Sports Club Reserves.

Josh Wood, Nathan Clarke and Liam Curtis all fired hat-tricks for Punch Bowl, with Ben Shaw and Danny Marshall replying for Overthorpe.

Matthew Jubb bagged four goals as Cobras climbed to third place in DIVISION TWO with a 5-1 win over Clifton Rangers Reserves.

Josh Sheldrake hit the other.

Whilst in the only other game to take place, Batley Celtics won 1-0 at Hanging Heaton Cricket Club.

SPEN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Youth continue Premier climb with Smokin Aces win SAVILE YOUTH continued their ascent of the SPEN VALLEY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION after a 2-0 victory at Smokin Aces.

Mohammed Amin and Umair Patle were both on target as Youth moved within one point of fifth-placed Marsh. Smokin Aces meanwhile, sit narrowly above the relegation spots on goal difference.

Savile United failed to capitalise on Aces’ loss as they were held to a goalless draw by Marsh.

A win for United would have moved them out of the relegation spots, but they couldn’t find the target so remain in ninth

spot on goal difference.

Fox and Hound Batley claimed the local bragging rights in a 6-1 thrashing of Inter Batley in DIVISION ONE. Dominic Simpson was in fine goal-scoring form as he fired in four goals and he was backed up by the ever-reliable Paul Beaumont (two).

Inter Batley replied through Arshad Navsarka.

The loss kept Inter Batley in second-bottom, whilst Fox and Hounds remain secured in midtable.

Hightown Jets closed the gap on leaders Idle to one point, with a game in hand, following a 4-0 win at Savile Town.

Matthew Knight bagged a brace for the Jets, with further scores from Adam Smith and Nathan Clarke securing the victory.

Town meanwhile, look destined for a mid-table finish.

10th-placed George Healey pulled off the shock of the afternoon as they held league-leaders Idle to a 3-3 draw.

Luke Newsome, Jack Hinchcliffe and Olly Mitchell were all on the scoresheet for the hosts.

Mount Pleasant edged their local derby clash with Howden Clough as they ran out eventual 5-4 winners.

Howden had netted through

McCauley Clarke, Troy Bagshaw, Brad Mason and Steve Brook.

But replies from Mohammed Patel (two), Muhammed Omar (two) and Jawad Khan ensured the three points went back to Mount Pleasant.

Said Said scored a hat-trick as Norfolk saw off the challenge of Athletico in a 7-2 win.

Imran Loonat (two), Manny Sambhi and Eunoch also scored for Norfolk who remain in midtable obscurity.

Cleckheaton Sporting’s woes continued as they were thrashed 11-0 at unbeaten Palestino.

The loss extended Cleckheaton’s winless run to 10 games.

Ossett sides suffer major slumps in league form WOMEN’S FOOTBALL THERE is little sign of festive spirit on the Ossett women’s football scene as both Albion and Town find themselves amidst disastrous slumps.

Ossett Albion’s dire season continued at the Keepmoat, Doncaster, when they went down 4-1 to promotion-chasing Rovers Foundation in the North East Regional League Southern Division.

Player-of-the-match Kim Nallon capped a good display with her side’s only goal, after an assist from Nicky Swift, but a hat-trick from Rovers’ skipper Gemma Harte helped sink Albion deeper into relegation trouble.

Only pointless Dearne and District are keeping the Ossett girls from the bottom spot.

Just up the road Town, after opening the season with three successive wins, chalked up their sixth league and cup defeat in a row with a disappointing 5-2 setback at Brayton Belles - only the second win of the season for the Selby side.

Unfortunately there is little prospect of change for either Ossett side, this week, as Albion go to title-chasing Farsley in the Regional League and Town are at County League Premier Division title hopefuls Harrogate Railway.

The wet weather washed out all the Second Division fixtures in the West Riding County League and Dewsbury Rangers, bottom with only four league games played, were at least spared the trial of facing free-scoring leaders Bradford City for a little while longer.

This week Rangers are hoping to return to action but a visit from in-form Ilkley Town is once again a daunting prospect for the Dewsbury side.

Battyeford Belles reserves, without a game this week, saw their Third Division promotion hopes take a knock with a 5-1 defeat at Castleford White Rose reserves.

Belles’ Wembley visit WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

WEST RIDING COUNTY AMATEUR LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Overthorpe get over the Hill OVERTHORPE SPORTS CLUB rose to second in the table in the West Riding County Amateur League First Division with a battling 2-1 home victory over Dudley Hill.

The Sports started brightly with Jack Allerton giving them an early lead with a mis-hit shot following a great pass from Lewis Ward.

Dudley Hill forced their way into the game and the pressure eventually told with an equaliser shortly before half-time following slack marking at a corner, James Scott heading home unopposed.

The second half saw Sports keeper Rob Chapman again in action with a succession of great saves and the Sports unable to penetrate a solid defensive line from the visitors.

That was until Reece Patterson combined well with Allerton to slide a left-foot shot past the onrushing keeper for the winner.

OVERTHORPE UNDER-9s travelled to Ainley Top to play a resilient Birchencliffe side for the first time and earned a 10-3 victory.

Bailey Hargreaves broke the deadlock with a fine finish from a slick passing move.

From that point Overthorpe were able to exert their influence on the game with goals coming from Leo Jones and Toby Lumb.

Captain Lewis Richardson was influential in midfield, scoring two and creating three, whilst Will Frain bagged a hat-trick.

OVERTHORPE UNDER-11S produced a memorable comeback as they drew 5-5 against Battyeford.

The Sports were 3-1 behind at the interval and 5-1 down early in the second half but battled back to finish the game level.

Ryan Mitchell scored an impressive hat-trick and Luke Chapman added a double.

LONDON CALLING: The Belles Under-16s outside of Wembley Stadium during their trip

WINNERS: Overthorpe Sports’ Tom Abbott clears and inset, Lewis Ward wins a Dave Jewitt header as their team won in the Heavy Woollen League

BATTYEFORD BELLES UNDER-16s girls team graced the famous turf of Wembley for a national five-a-side tournament last month The Belles girls represented the Leeds United Foundation in the competition, which was played as a curtain-raiser to the international friendly between England Ladies and Germany Ladies.

Teams from across England were involved, with clubs from Brighton & Hove Albion, Stoke City, Crawley Town, Manchester City just some of the sides participating.

Manager John Winsor’s team were delighted to take part, although it involved a very early start to allow the team to arrive at Wembley Stadium for 9.30am.

Spenborough and District athletics club mark stellar season with awards night ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS at county, intercounties and European level were honoured as Spenborough & District Athletic Club hosted their annual awards ceremony at Cleckheaton Rugby Club.

The Princess Mary Stadiumbased club celebrated successes right across the age scale with Keith McGhie taking the evening’s main prize – the Allat Memorial Trophy for the ‘Outstanding Athlete of the Year’, after bringing two gold medals (800m and 4x400m relay) back from the 19th European Veteran’s

Championships in Izmir, Turkey at the end of August.

Sprinters Leon Greenwood, Ashton Greenwood, Mason Greenwood and Erin Newsome, plus cross country specialist Emma Wilkinson all received bursaries or cash awards for their county championship-winning exploits, with 17-year old Leon (not related to brother and sister Ashton and Mason) notably coming within a hundredth of a second of breaking the 22-second barrier over 200m when winning the West Yorkshire League title in September.

Another teenager Glenn Aspindle, 16, claimed three

SPEN-DID: L to R (back/middle): Rosa McKie, Marjorie Bain, Emma Rawnsley, Tom Dart, Debbie Gatland, Stephanie McKintosh, Lydia Hall, Henry Carter, Philip Docherty , Keith McGhie, Erin Newsome, Glenn Aspindle, Charlotte Bell. Front: Natalie Groves, Kevin Ogden, Tyler Cossins and Lewis Bellwood Cath Chaplin

awards for his multi-eventing achievements, especially with the javelin, which he threw over five metres further than ever before (49.41) to finish the season in the UK top 40.

Road runners Kevin Ogden and Tom Dart picked up silverware for performances at various distances (especially Ogden’s club record 2:37.27 London Marathon time) from 5km upwards, with Ogden also taking the 12-race Spen GP trophy.

Long standing club secretary Marjorie Mains was awarded the Presidents Trophy for her ceaseless efforts, while her grand-

daughter Charlotte Bell ensured the family car would go home laden as she took three trophies for her everimproving performances in shot, discus, javelin and hammer.

Other winners included: Nick Crimmen (snr men Track and Field (most points), Philip Docherty (U15 boys T&F), Tyler Cossins (U13 boys T&F), Jack Quinn (U11 Boys T&F), Emma Rawnsley (Snr women T&F), Rosa McKie (Jnr women T&F), Hannah Smurthwaite (U13 T&F), Natalie Groves (U11 T&F/XC), Lewis Bellwood (Most Improved male track), Liam Stedman (Best cross country), Lisa Dowson (Most improved road), Henry Carter (Most promising road/Spen GP Jnr), Stephanie McKintosh (Most promising female road), Joshua Woodcock Shaw ( J/Snr men cross country), James Anthony (U17 boys XC), Tobin Rhodes (U15 boys XC), Nicholas Brackenridge (U 13 boys XC), Harry Brackenridge (U11 XC), Natalie Groves (U11 girls XC), Emma Wilkinson (U 17 Girls XC), Courtney Benson (U 15 Girls XC), Lydia Hall (U 13 girls XC/Spen GP Jnr), Debbie Gatland (Spen GP women).

ThePress

Friday December 5, 2014

RUGBY UNION

CLECKHEATON COMEBACK

27

Dewsbury juniors collect trophies JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE

Moorenders battle back for valuable away league points

NATIONAL LEAGUE THREE

BEVERLEY RUFC CLECKHEATON RUFC

8 17

at Beaver Park

CLECKHEATON produced a memorable comeback to secure a 17-8 win at Beverley.

Having trailed 8-0 the visitors battled back to score 17 unanswered points, securing the points for the men from Moorend.

Beverley started brightly and moved the ball around at pace.

A long pass was almost intercepted by Ben Thrower but he couldn’t hold onto the ball and the referee gave a penalty for a deliberate knock-on. Beverley’s Duboulay converted for a 3-0 lead.

The hosts continued to attack Cleckheaton whilst they shook off a memorable coach journey, which due to the pleasures of satellite navigation took the team through a golf course, an antifracking protest camp and a road alongside an active shooting range.

Beverley’s movement stretched

BIG CARRY: Cleck drive the ball out from deep in their own half Cleckheaton’s defence and when player-coach Junior Tupai produced a cross-field kick that was taken by Tony Maka, the visitors breached their opponents’ line and Goran Jelencic went in for an unconverted try.

Trailing 8-0, Cleckheaton eventually started to get into the game.

Space opened up on the right flank and two quick passes from Jack Bickerdike and Jarrad Toulson looked certain to have created a try for Cleckheaton.

Gerald Christian

However Beverley’s last defender jumped in the air and knocked the ball down before it could reach James Wilson.

The referee had little option but to produce a yellow card and Ross Hayden stepped up and converted the penalty.

The first half ended with a 10minute onslaught from Cleck.

Martin Woodhead looked like he was in for a try but the ball was ripped free as he got into the ingoal area.

Gareth Lamb caught a cross-

field kick from Toulson and found Danny Vento in support, but Beverley’s defence scrambled well and thwarted the attack as the half ended 8-3.

Cleckheaton’s defence was excellent in the second period but they found themselves on the wrong end of a couple of refereeing decisions, including the disallowing of a try by Alex Dawson.

Frustrations started to boil over resulting in Grant Turton being sent to the sin-bin to cool off.

Cleckheaton responded well to the reduced numbers and kept the ball tight, and within two minutes of being restored to full compliment Callum Thompson went in to level the scores.

Hayden added the difficult conversion for the lead.

As the game entered the final throes, Jack Seddon picked up at the back of a ruck and darted over.

Hayden deflated the Beverley crowd by adding another difficult conversion to end the game 17-8 and deny the home team a bonus point.

RUGBY LEAGUE

Moor dig deep for gritty King Cross victory PENNINE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP ONE

KING CROSS PARK DEWSBURY MOOR

12 22

at Savile Park

DEWSBURY MOOR dug deep to produce a second-half comeback and secure the league points at King Cross Park.

Moor – without experienced BARLA Over35s duo Adie Moore and Andy Robinson for the Championship One fixture – battled back from a half-time deficit to post 14 unanswered points and assure victory.

The visitors came up against a Halifax side smarting from a heavy defeat at Doncaster the previous weekend, and they soon found themselves behind when the hosts raced in for a converted try.

But Moor quickly struck back when standoff Richard Squires’ long ball gave teenage winger Tom Kaye the space to score, the back beating his opposite number with a well-timed hand-off to reach the whitewash.

King Cross were proving a tough nut to crack and it was no real surprise when they went over for a converted try to extend their lead to 12-4.

The Maroon and Golds rallied as good handling from Anthony Boardman, Ashley Boddy and Cameron Bruce sent James Eatherley away on a break, and he found Kaye in support for his second of the afternoon.

The conversion was once again missed and Moor went in trailing 12-8 at the break.

In recent matches at this stage Dewsbury have been in the comfort zone with a large lead, but the visitors knew they had to dig deep for victory against a resilient King Cross side.

And they got off to the ideal start when the busy James Delaney spotted a gap close to his own line and showed a clean pair of heals to race 75 metres for the equalising score.

The goal attempt was missed and the sides were locked at 12-12.

The game changing moment came 10 min-

utes later.

The home side were camped in the Moor 20-metre zone, but good defence from Tobias Richardson, Danny Wardman and Ben Hardacre halted their progress.

And it was the visitors who grabbed the vital score. Centre James Eatherley broke through on an 80-metre gallop to the line.

Once again the conversion was missed but Moor led for the first time.

King Cross still had some fight in them and only decisive tackles from Kaye and Jacob Flathers kept Moor’s line intact.

After weathering the storm Dewsbury went upfield, with Phil Shotton and Adam Barrett making inroads, before Delaney spotted a gap to race 20 metres and dive over the whitewash.

Eatherley converted to conclude the scoring at 22-12.

Tomorrow (Sat) Moor take a break from league action as they travel to divisional rivals Brotherton Bulldogs in the Pennine President’s Cup.

Referee Silverwood takes up new Stags role MIRFIELD STAGS have kickstarted their off-field recruitment drive after appointing a joint coaching team for the club’s debut season.

International referee Richard Silverwood and former Dewsbury Rams assistant coach Simon Hagger and are set to take up the reins.

Silverwood has spent 14 years at the highest level of refereeing, overseeing almost 350 Super League games, three Challenge Cup finals, three Grand Finals and a World Cup Final.

He arrives with a bit of a coaching pedigree, having previously coached Batley Boys.

Hagger will leave his post as head coach of Pennine League Championship One side St Josephs at the end of the current season.

As a player he enjoyed stints with Dewsbury Moor, Shaw Cross Sharks, Ossett Trinity and the Rams’ second string, meaning he arrives with plenty of experience of the

DEADLY DUO: New coaches Richard Silverwood (left) and Simon Hagger community game.

And, together, the Mirfieldborn duo are plotting a bright

future for the Stags, who were founded last month.

“I feel very honoured to be

taking up the role alongside Simon,” said Silverwood.

“This is a proud moment for me, having lived in Mirfield all of my life.

“To be able to help develop this team and hopefully make this a club the local community can be proud of, is something I am really looking forward to getting my teeth into.

“The return of rugby league to Mirfield is long overdue and the response to the Stags’ birth shows that.

“Hopefully my professional, disciplined attitude and experience over the years can help this team achieve its goals.”

Meanwhile, the Stags have secured a substantial sponsorship deal with a marketing and design agency ahead of their debut season in rugby league.

As part of an initial one-year agreement Mirfield-based Boom Marketing will act as the Stags’ main partner for 2015, providing significant financial backing and other services.

MOOR SUCCESS: Dewsbury Moor Under-9s with Brett Delaney, Ronnie the Rhino and Tom Briscoe DEWSBURY MOOR UNDER-9s celebrated their end-of-season presentation evening with a surprise appearance from Tom Briscoe, Brett Delaney and Ronnie the Rhino from Super League giants Leeds Rhinos.

The presentation, organised by kit sponsors LMB Mechanical Services, saw the Rhinos trio hand out squad awards to Lucas Evans, Toby Williams, Ben Heaps, Edward Brown, Harley Sykes, Brandon Oates, Myles Battye, Finley Fearn, Nadeem Hussain and Brandon Webster.

Battye was named as the most improved player, with Evans voted the players’ player of the year.

Brown collected the clubman of the year and Heaps and Williams shared the player of the year accolade.

Moor ended their first-ever season on a high winning four of their last five matches and improving with every performance.

Special thanks and recognition was given to head coach Dean Carr for his first season as a coach.

Dewsbury continue to look for new players from school year five, anyone who is interested can come along to a training session.

Further details can be found by calling Paula Brown on 07904 104548.

Dance troupe ready to Xplode CHEERLEADING

DANCING FEET: Batley Xplosion in training BATLEY Xplosion, the official dance team of the Batley Bulldogs, are in full training for their debut performance at the Boxing Day match against Dewsbury Rams.

The team was launched three weeks ago and has proved very successful so far, with youngsters practising a range of dance styles.

Jon Humpleby, the Bulldogs’ community manager, said: “We are delighted with the number of young people who have joined the dance team.

“Olivia Scott is doing a great job as dance team leader and everyone is having great fun at the sessions as well as making friends, getting healthy, learning new skills and building confidence.”

The team has three types of cheerleading and dance to choose from and sessions run from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The team is still welcoming new members and further information can be obtained by contacting Jon on 07808 055022 or on email at jon@batleybulldogs.co.uk.

DEWSBURY BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS: Tuesday November 25 1 Mr and Mrs W Davies 2 Mr G Clarke and Miss M Watson

3 Mrs C Walker and Mrs S Dyson 4 Mrs A Haith and Mrs M Belk

WARRIOR Sykes loses in dramatic showdown

World Cup ref Silverwood named new Stags coach

p27

p25

TOUGH BREAK FOR HEY New signing faces month out after metatarsal blow

By Jared Priestley Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

BATLEY BULLDOGS will be without new signing Brad Hey for at least a month after he injured his foot in training.

The 20-year-old, who arrived from Challenge Cup runners-up Castleford in October, rolled his ankle in training and scans revealed a broken metatarsal.

The young second-rower will have to wear a protective boot on his foot for four weeks before he can return to training, and head coach John Kear admits it is a tough blow.

“Brad Hey came to the club alongside Brad Day from Castleford and in a way he was the lesser of the pair in terms of the reputation he had,” he said.

“But I was impressed with what I have seen of him at Castleford and also very impressed with his pre-season.

“I could see a potential partnership building between Day and Hay, but unfortunately he has the dreaded David Beckham injury after rolling his ankle in training.

“He will have his foot in an air boot for a month before he can train, and it is a real test of his character now. But I think he will be ready for the new season.”

Other players meanwhile are making good

progress on their returns from injury, with Luke Blake (wrist), Sam Scott (shoulder) and Scott Leatherbarrow (knee clean-out) all recovering well.

The majority of the Bulldogs squad returned to pre-season training last month, but several player remained out of action through injury.

Ayden Faal remains on the sidelines following surgery on a broken collar bone, whilst Blake went under the knife for a double wrist operation.

But despite this Kear says the players have been making big strides towards a return to match action.

He said: “Luke has been training the house down, even though he can only use one arm.

“He has impressed with his running and aerobic work which has been first class and he has adapted well to other areas of training.

“Believe it or not he has been going well in the gym too, albeit using one arm, and I

expect him to return for at least one pre-season fixture.

“Sam Scott is recovering well but he might struggle to return during pre-season, but I don’t think he will miss too much of the season.”

Batley are busy preparing for their traditional Boxing Day match with Dewsbury, and Kear has issued a warning to his players ahead of the derby tie.

Mount Pleasant will play host to the annual match-up and whilst it’s an integral part of pre-season, Kear says it is just the first part of his preparation.

“We would love to win on Boxing Day of course, but it is just part of pre-season,” Kear continued.

“We have a total focus on February and game one of the Championship season, if we win our games in the build up then great, but if we lose all three then so be it.

“I have already started on selection for Boxing Day and those who are punctual, dis-

ciplined and hard working in training will be the ones playing.

“That might mean that some of the better players are in the stands, but selection is determined by preparation and not reputation.

“Unlike last year, when we didn’t even have 17 Batley-registered players for the Rams game, we have 24 men fighting for shirts this season.

“Players knew they were in the team before it was selected, but this year they will have to work hard and earn a shirt.”

In other club news, Batley will be holding their home kit launch tonight (Fri) from 7.30pm in the Ron Earnshaw Lounge.

The first team squad will be in attendance and coach Kear will introduce them to supporters, as well as confirming his squad numbers for the upcoming Championship season.

However, the Wales coach has urged fans not to read into the shirt numbers too much.

He added: “It will be good for the fans to be able to meet the players and see who will be wearing shirts one to 13 in 2015.

“But don’t read too much into the numbers, if they are wearing shirt number 100 they still have a chance to be in the squad.”

Home replica shirts will be available for purchase, as well as 2015 season tickets, Summer Bash tickets, raffle tickets for the renaming of the fans’ entrance and Ron Earnshaw Club membership.

Rams celebrate heritage with ex-player deal DEWSBURY RAMS have introduced another ticketing innovation ahead of the 2015 season, with the announcement of a special package for past players.

Those who have pulled on the famous red, amber and black of Dewsbury in years past will be entitled to a 2015 season pass for just £30.

The pass permits entry to a guaranteed 14 home league games.

Dewsbury chairman Mark Sawyer said: “This is a small way for the club to recognise the contributions made by past players, and an effective means of linking together our past, present and future.

“With developments on and off the field continuing at an exciting pace, these certainly are exciting times from the club.

“But it is important to honour those who’ve served Dewsbury –

in good times and bad – in the years gone by. We look forward to renewing acquaintances with a few old faces in 2015 and beyond.”

Past player season pass-holders can access the South Stand, North Stand and East Terrace and will also be invited to join the current squad, fans and sponsors in the Royal Suite for the man-of-the-match presentation after every home game.

Past players can claim their season pass directly from the club.

It comes in a year when the club is celebrating its 20th anniversary at their current Owl Lane home, with a number of events taking place to celebrate the club’s herigate.

Call 01924 465489 or email info@dewsburyrams.co.uk for more information.

In other club news the Rams

have revealed details of the schedule for their upcoming open day on Saturday December 13, when the home and away kits will be launched.

Between 10am and 11am Rams head coach Glenn Morrison will hold an open first team training session on the Tetley’s Stadium pitch.

The session is followed by an opportunity for young supporters to receive coaching from Glenn and assistant coach Damien Gibson.

Budding young players are advised to bring along their rugby kit and boots to take part.

There is no requirement to prebook.

At 11.30am season tickets and tickets for the Blackpool Summer Bash will be available to buy and collect, while complimentary season tickets for under-16s will also be available.

At 12noon the Rams’ 2015 home and away shirts will be launched and made available to buy.

At 12.15pm the 2014 player sponsors will be presented with commemorative shirts as a token of the club’s gratitude and at 12.30pm fans will get the opportunity to have their photo taken with their favourite Rams star.

Club photographer Steve Horsfall will be available to take professional-standard photographs at just £5 per person. No booking is required.

There will also be the chance to take a peek behind the scenes at the stadium and see the tunnel, changing rooms and training facilities.

The Rams open day is free for everybody to attend and the Royal Suite and bar facilities will be open.

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