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Friday May 5, 2017

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No. 788

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WE’LL SCRAP PLANS FOR 22bn NHS CUTS Labour vows to save vital services at Dewsbury Hospital

By Zoë Shackleton News Reporter zoe@thepressnews.co.uk

A LABOUR government would suspend the downgrading of services at Dewsbury Hospital, it was claimed this week.

Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth visited Batley on Wednesday for a campaign event and spoke alongside Labour MPs Paula Sherriff, Tracy Brabin and Barry Sheerman.

They unveiled a plan to halt a £22bn programme of NHS cuts, which Labour says threatens to devastate vital services at Dewsbury Hospital, including its under-pressure A&E department.

Under the current Government’s plans, Dewsbury Hospital will still have a 24/7 emergency department, with doctors on duty during the day

and on-call doctors available at night.

But Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield will become the main centre for people with serious and lifethreatening conditions.

Other services across the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust – which runs Dewsbury Hospital – have also been consolidated into one site.

Speaking at St Mary’s Social Club on Melton Street, Mr Ashworth said: “I am announcing today that a Labour government, on its first day, will stop this hospital closure programme. In local areas across the country there are plans to re-design the services.”

Labour claim that up to 19 hospitals and 24 A&E units could be axed across the country under present restructuring plans.

Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff said: “The fact that Jon Ashworth has

Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth, left, announces Labour’s plan, to the delight of MPs Paula Sherriff, Tracy Brabin and Barry Sheerman come here to make this fantastic announcement shows that this fight is not over. This is what Labour is all about, fighting to save our NHS.”

Mr Ashworth added: “Seven years into a Labour government, the NHS saw the biggest hospital building programme in our history, we saw

waiting times falling and were well on our way to the highest satisfaction ratings ever in the history of the NHS. “What is happening seven years into this Tory government? People on waiting lists, pensioners waiting for hip replacements, knee replacements and cataract removal, they’re going to have to wait longer than 18 weeks.

“If things are going to change, then the public needs to be involved.

These plans to downgrade have not had public involvement. We’re going to put patients at the heart of the NHS, we’re going to invest in quality and safety.”

Mr Ashworth also stated that along with putting “patients at the heart of the NHS”, Labour will invest in staffing.

He said: “We are going to scrap the pay gap and we are going to give OPPONENTS RESPOND – continued on Page 4

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ThePress

Friday May 5, 2017

In town with advice Deaths ASQUITH DAVID JOHN On 29 April, aged 67, of Thornhill, Dewsbury, aged

67. Husband of Gillian.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 15 May at 2pm.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

BARRY BARBARA On 24 April, aged 83.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 12 May at 11.15am.

FRASER STEPHEN ROBERT JOHN ‘BULL’ On 24 April, aged 53, of Dewsbury. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 9 May at 2.45pm.

CARLOS PETER On 2 May, aged 82, of Thornhill. Husband of Anne.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 11 May at 1.15pm.

CLARKE SHARON On 27 April, aged 43, of Gomersal. Partner of Bruce.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 9 May at 10.30am.

DAVISON ALWYN On 28 April, aged 86, husband of Jean. Service at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland on Monday 15 May at 10.30am.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

GREENWOOD NEE WILSON MARGARET On 28 April, aged 81, of Hanging Heaton. Wife of Geoff. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 15 May at 2.45pm.

HANNAN NEE GANNON SHEILA On 1 May 2017, of Batley, aged 77. Wife of the late Bernard. Funeral enquiries to George Brooke Ltd Tel 01924 454476.

HARGREAVES BRENDA On 22 April, aged 86, of Ravensthorpe. Wife of the late Walter. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 10 May at 10am.

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JACKSON IAN DARYL On 25 April, of Thornhill, aged 55. Service at Thornhill Parish Church Friday 12 May at 12.15pm, followed by private committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

JOHNSON WALLACE On 22 April, aged 67, of Mirfield. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Tuesday 9 May at 1.15pm.

LINK EILEEN (NEE SUMMERSCALES) On 13 April, aged 87, of Liversedge. Requiem Mass at St Paul’s RC Church, Cleckheaton on Thursday 11 May at 11.15am, followed by service at Dewsbury Crematorium at 12.30pm.

LITTLEWOOD NEE WILSON DOROTHY On 27 April, of Earlsheaton, aged 85. Wife of the late Norman. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 11 May at 10.30am.

MALLINSON MARY On 24 April, of Liversedge,

aged 76. Partner of Jim. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Friday 12 May at 10.30am.

PEPPERDAY DAVID On 24 April, aged 84.

Husband of Mary. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Thursday 11 May at 11.15am.

RICHARDSON MICHAEL GRANVILLE MICK On 25 April, formerly of Heckmondwike, aged 56.

Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 15 May at 12.30pm.

SWALES ZANDRA LYNN On 25 April, aged 69. Wife of Gerald. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 10 May at 11.15am.

THOMPSON (NEE VASEY) ANN On 1 May, aged 89, of Heckmondwike. Wife of Eric.

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On 26 April, of Batley.

Service at St Mary’s RC Church, Batley on Tuesday 9 May at 11.45am, followed by interment in Batley Cemetery at 12.30pm.

WATERHOUSE RAYMOND On 22 April, aged 86, of Mirfield. Husband of Theresa. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Monday 8 May at 10.30am.

WILBY JOAN Aged 80 years, of Batley.

Wife Trevor. Service at Dewsbury Crematorium, Wednesday 10 May at 12.30pm.

WRIGHT WALTER On 30 April, of Dewsbury, aged 83. Husband of Margaret. Service at St Joseph’s RC Church, Batley Carr on Friday 19 May at 11.30am followed by committal at Dewsbury Crematorium.

DEWSBURY: Health workers will be in town next week to promote the eighth national Dying Matters Awareness Week.

This year’s theme is ‘What Can You Do?’ and organisers hope this will encourage people to get more active in planning for dying and death, as well as helping to support those who need it in times of grief and bereavement.

On Thursday May 11 (3pm-5pm) the Locala team will be at Cafe Etienne, Unit 4 Empire House, Dewsbury, for ‘Cake and a Chat.’

The team will also be at the New Picture House 1st/2nd Floor, 30 Church Street, Dewsbury on Saturday May 27 from 3.45pm, before the 4.30pm showing of the film ‘A Monster Calls’.

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ThePress Friday May 5, 2017 Issue No: 788

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

www.thepressnews.co.uk @ThePressLatest /ThePressNews Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: David Bentley Reporter: Zoë Shackleton Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Sales Executives: Nicola Finch Janet Black Sam Gilbert Office Manager: Adele Latham The Press abides by the principles of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and at all times attempts to report fairly and accurately and correct mistakes or errors as soon as possible.

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

ThePress

Friday May 5, 2017

Jade soars in the charts after duet with city centre busker!

News In Brief Stephanie, 8, sets up bounce challenge

By David Bentley

Tories decide

SINGER-SONGWRITER Jade Helliwell is rapidly becoming an international sensation after a video featuring her performing with a busker racked up more than 13 MILLION views online this week.

The Batley performer, 26, was enjoying a night out with friends in Leeds when she spotted a street musician and asked if she could join him for an impromptu duet.

The busker and onlookers got a surprise when they discovered that Jade was no mere Saturday night reveller.

The country singer belted out the Leonard Cohen classic Hallelujah, filling the streets with her powerful voice, and a video of the collaboration was soon shared on Facebook.

Since then it has been watched more than 13 million times – and thanks to the publicity, her latest album is currently at number eight in the UK charts.

Jade, who works as a teaching assistant at Ravensthorpe Junior School, is well known on the local music scene and has gigged in venues across the district since she was a teenager.

She said she decided to join in after she heard the busker’s “beautiful voice”, and she wrote on her Facebook page: “After chatting, he let me sing a song with him.

“I only knew the chorus and a verse but we had a good time singing together.

“The beauty of music – you can cross paths with someone you’ve never met and come together for a few (minutes) and just enjoy the

performance.”

A Facebook Live video on Wednesday night, in which Jade performed some of her own music at a local house party and took requests from those watching online, has already been viewed more than 125,000 times and she now has almost 50,000 fans on Facebook.

In the video, she also announced a national tour in August and September, alongside Blackpool-based singer-songwriter Emma Moore.

In another post on Wednesday night she wrote: “These past few days have been a blur. I’m thankful of what’s come, I’m excited for what’s to come. Thanks again for all your love and support. You’ve blown my mind.”

The talented singer launched her EP ‘Forget The Night’ last October.

Billed as a “true country” sound, it follows on from Jade’s debut album, Secrets, for which she was nominated as best country singer 2016 by UK Country Radio.

The five-track album features Jade’s catchy ballads and acoustic guitar melodies and last year reached as high as number two in the UK country music chart and number 40 in the UK album chart.

But the viral video saw Forget The Night soar to number one in the country music chart and number eight in the album chart.

Her next gig in North Kirklees will be at Batley Irish Nash on Saturday, May 20.

Forget The Night is available on all major online platforms (iTunes, Amazon etc). For more information visit jadehelliwell.com.

Man filmed girlfriend’s sex with a bull mastiff A DEWSBURY man has denied encouraging his girlfriend to have sex with a dog at her home.

Michael Smith, 64, was said to have filmed the incident between Gwen Kerr and a bull mastiff, a jury at Leeds Crown Court heard on Wednesday.

He showed the video to a social worker weeks later, claiming that he was worried about Kerr’s welfare.

Kerr, a grandmother in her 50s, has admitted having intercourse with an animal and did not appear before the court.

Mark McKone, prosecuting, said: “What we say is that Mr Smith encouraged that and he made and kept a video of it.”

Mr McKone said the prosecution did not accept Smith had a legitimate reason for being in possession of such images.

Smith, of Princess Road, Chickenley, denies aiding and

abetting, counselling or procuring intercourse with an animal and a second charge of possessing extreme pornographic images. Before the trial, Judge James Spencer QC warned potential jurors that the case involved alleged sexual activity with a dog.

He told them: “It is necessary during the trial process for images of the event to be played to the jury on two occasions, each in the region of four minutes. These are explicit both in vision and sound.”

The judge wanted to ensure members of the jury did not feel uncomfortable and asked them to indicate if they felt they could not cope with the footage. Seven people raised their hands and were excused from the panel.

Mr McKone told the court that the incident came to light when Smith went to Huddersfield social services

on May 27 last year and showed the footage to a team leader.

Smith said he had been in an on-off relationship with Kerr for 20 years and had taken the video some weeks previously.

The jury heard that Smith told the social worker he was concerned that Kerr had been given amphetamines by a drug dealer and was being made to work as sex worker.

The social worker told him she would have to report the footage to the police.

Smith claimed he had walked into Kerr’s home in Queen Street, Chickenley, and thought the dog, named Tank, was attacking her while she was changing.

He decided to film it because it was an example of her strange behaviour. He denied it was for any sexual gratification. The trial continues.

3

HECKMONDWIKE: An eight-year-old schoolgirl has organised a fundraising challenge in support of Epilepsy Action.

Stephanie Bonham, who lives in Heckmondwike, is encouraging people to join her today (Friday) for a 10,000-jump bounce-a-thon at the Adrenaline International trampoline park in Liversedge.

She will be joined by her school friends from Gomersal St Mary’s between 5pm and 6pm, where they aim to bounce 10,000 times in an hour.

BATLEY & SPEN: Conservatives in Batley & Spen will choose a candidate to contest the seat in next month’s General Election today (Friday).

UKIP will not be contesting either seat in North Kirklees – see Forum, page 8.

Maypole procession GAWTHORPE: The 143rd annual Maypole procession and feast is being held tomorrow (Saturday, May 6).

It will be headed by May Queen elect Nicole Ackroyd, along with her maids of honour and the Emley Brass Band.

Spectators are set to line the streets as the colourful procession sets off at 2pm.

For details concerning classes, entries and schedules, contact Susan Walshaw on 01924 260141.

Bubbly ... Jade celebrates with a bottle of champagne; left, on the cover of her EP

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ThePress

Friday May 5, 2017

News In Brief

Car chase driver had cannabis stash HECKMONDWIKE: A man was given a suspended prison sentence and disqualified from driving after police found £80worth of cannabis on him following a car chase.

Fraser Laycock, of Brighton Street, Heckmondwike, was driving a Vauxhall Astra on December 28 last year when police began to follow him because they determined the vehicle was not insured.

Laycock failed to stop and reached speeds of up to 50mph for about six minutes before halting in Richard Thorpe Avenue.

When he was searched, police found a bag of cannabis in his pocket and more in the car.

The 22-year-old admitted dangerous driving, having no insurance and possessing cannabis, and was given a total of eight months in prison suspended for two years.

He was also disqualified from driving for three years and given 200 hours of unpaid work.

Visitors set to flock to railway exhibition MIRFIELD: Visitors from far and wide are expected to attend an annual model railway exhibition. The event takes place on Saturday, May 20, at St Mary's Parish Church Centre from 10am to 4pm.

Admission is £4 for adults and £2 for children, and this allows visitors to enjoy 18 railway layouts, refreshments all day and an organ recital from 2.45pm at the church next door.

For more information, call Jennie Dransfield on 01924 495929.

Local lass Beth ready to fight for Dewsbury

By David Bentley LOCAL Conservatives have selected a 24-year-old charity worker to take on Paula Sherriff in Dewsbury & Mirfield at the General Election.

Dewsbury-born and bred Beth Prescott won over party members at a meeting last Friday night and has already set out her priorities if she wins a place in Parliament on June 8.

Miss Prescott was selected from a shortlist of three, with Coun James Daly, a criminal defence solicitor from Bury, and Nicola Wilson, a Conservative activist from Knaresborough, both missing out.

She is a senior member of the Dewsbury Conservative Association and works as a donor development campaign manager for a poverty-relief charity.

A former apprentice and supermarket worker, she has vowed to

campaign for better health services and more jobs, especially apprenticeships for young people.

“This was the only seat I applied for in this General Election – I think it’s important to represent your home seat,” she said. “I came into politics because of this area – it’s the only area I ever wanted to be MP for.

“It takes a genuine local resident to be truly passionate about the issues. I am a person of action – it’s not enough to just say words, you actually have to carry them through.”

A Tory media officer admitted at Miss Prescott’s launch event that Dewsbury & Mirfield is a ‘seat of interest’, a term the party is using instead of ‘target seat’.

In 2015, single-term Conservative MP Simon Reevell was beaten by Labour’s Paula Sherriff, who is already campaigning hard to retain her role.

Miss Prescott faces a Labour majority of under 1,500 and a 2015 UKIP vote of over 6,600 in a constituency that is Est estimated to have 45 voted Leave by 67 per Years cent. There will be no UKIP candidate stand-

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ing in the 2017 election.

One electoral prediction website gives her a 65 per cent chance of carrying the day.

Miss Prescott first

came to the fore when she took on Labour heavyweight Yvette Cooper for her N o r m a n t o n , Pontefract & Castleford seat in 2015. She came third

with 20.8 per cent of the vote.

She joined the Conservative Party at the age of 18, having got into politics after studying the subject at A-level.

A season-ticket holder at Huddersfield Town and a licensed Christian preacher, she is also credited as the creator of the #workingclasstories hashtag used on social media.

“Obviously a big priority is Dewsbury Hospital – it’s something I’m very passionate about,” she continued. “It’s the hospital I was born in, it’s the hospital I use, I’ve had my fair share of trips to A&E there, it’s where my mum works.

“I spoke with the Health Secretary last week, in advance of potentially being selected, and I hope to meet with him again soon. It’s not going to be just talk, it’s going to be action.”

Miss Prescott also highlighted town and village centres across the constituency as a priority.

“I know, particularly in Dewsbury, that local businesses have struggled recently, and I want to reopen the conversation about an enterprise zone in Dewsbury and really push hard for that. I want to fight to get Dewsbury’s voice heard,” she said.

ThePress

Friday May 5, 2017

Green candidates vow to ‘put an end to invisible killer’

By Zoë Shackleton

“I came into politics because of this area – it’s the only area I ever wanted to be MP for” - BETH PRESCOTT

NORTH Kirklees Green Party have selected local party co-ordinator Simon Cope to stand for the Dewsbury constituency in the General Election, while diversity officer Alan Freeman will stand in Batley & Spen.

Mr Cope will be taking on Labour’s Paula Sherriff in the hope of building on the Greens’ bestever showing in the constituency in 2015. He is a former council candidate for Dewsbury West and has promised to pursue several key pledges as part of a “Green Guarantee” from the party, including better rail links to the town and opposing HS2.

He said: “This would be a part of a wider campaign to cut pollution and improve air quality in the area. According to official government statistics, over 300 people die in Kirklees every year from the effects of pollution, a very large number of them in Dewsbury.

“Imagine if that was people murdered or killed by terrorism – there would rightfully be an outcry. Greens will put an end to this invisible killer.”

And Mr Freeman agrees that the environment is a very important issue.

He said: “As a Green Party candidate, of course, the environment is of primary importance to me, but not as an isolated issue.

“When we talk about the economy, education, health, defence, housing, employment, Brexit and so on, the impact and ramifica-

tions of the environment should be taken into consideration.

“It is after all our habitat. It is the thing that allows us to live and breathe and eat, and it is under terrible and urgent threat.

“I want to act so that my son and his children have similar or better lives and opportunities than we have now.”

The Green Party wants higher taxes on the very richest, but a living wage of at least £10 per hour and proper support for vulnerable people such as the disabled, the elderly, and less well-off families.

Mr Cope also wants equal votes for all, claiming that electoral reform and a more democratic voting system is vital. The Tories won the last election with just over one in three of the votes.

“Only once in the last 50 years has the Dewsbury MP won more than half of the votes,” said Mr Cope.

“In proper, democratic terms, we have not had a legitimate MP here since then, nor for over 30 years before then. It is time for a change in the system.

“It doesn’t mean ending the link between MPs and local areas, but it does mean for the first time everyone’s votes counting equally.”

Mr Freeman added: “For too long now we’ve had a bunch of political careerists from privileged backgrounds, on all sides of the political spectrum, running this country.

“I became active in politics because I am tired of seeing our country run by politicians who have never had a ‘proper job’.”

News In Brief Stepdad’s plea saves his attacker from jail MIRFIELD: A drunk who threatened to kill his stepfather with a kitchen knife has been spared jail.

Adam Armitage punched and kicked Jeffery Moorhouse after returning late from a night out, but Mr Moorhouse asked Kirklees Magistrates’ Court to spare his stepson from jail.

He felt he had been let down by a lack of care within the community because of his ADHD and depression.

Judge Michael Fanning ordered Armitage to complete 33 days of rehabilitation activities and he has to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £115.

Car found ablaze

“I want to act so that my son and his children have similar or better lives and opportunities than we have” - ALAN FREEMAN (top) Simon Cope, left... “I am tired of our country being run by politicians who have never had a proper job”

DEWSBURY: An abandoned car was found ablaze in the early hours of yesterday morning (Thursday).

The Ford Focus was discovered at 3.56am on Sussex Walk, Westtown, and had possibly been abandoned after it had been wheel-clamped.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control and made the area safe.

Funeral parlour plan GOMERSAL: Planners have been given the go-ahead to refurbish the old Shoulder of Mutton pub as a funeral parlour.

Serenity Funeral Directors and Monumental Masonry applied to Kirklees Council for the change of use of the building, on Oxford Road, in March.

The application said the business would operate between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Labour ‘will scrap £22bn cuts’ Continued from Page 1 everyone who works in the NHS a fair pay rise.

“We’re going to bring back the training bursary to get people to train to work in our NHS.” Tracy Brabin, seeking re-election as MP for Batley & Spen, said: “Less than one in 100 people here contributed to the so-called consultation the Trust have undertaken, so I welcome the move to ensure that in the future review of local services, residents’ and patients’ voices must be heard.”

In response, the Conservatives dismissed the idea, and Tory candidate for Dewsbury & Mirfield Beth Prescott said: “I am strongly against the current proposals for the future of Dewsbury Hospital and HRI, and if elected, I would fight against them, working closely with the Government and the CCG to find a better solution that suits the needs of people living here.

“However, Labour’s nonsensical proposal does nothing but mislead the public. There are no guarantees they would stop any proposals – their plans would see another review, which may come up with similar plans a few years and hundreds of thousands of pounds down the line.

“As somebody who uses Dewsbury Hospital and has family who work in the NHS locally, only electing me as a Conservative MP for Dewsbury will ensure a fight against the proposals.”

Dewsbury’s Lib Dem hopeful Ednan Hussain also criticised Labour’s plan and said: “The Liberal Democrats have always been clear that hospitals need real investment and in 2015, we were clear that £8bn was required to fund our hospitals. Sadly, the Conservative Brexit Government has ignored the NHS and invest-

ment has not taken place. Any cutbacks in our hospitals will be vigorously opposed by myself and my Liberal Democrat colleagues. Whilst Labour is holding rallies, we will be providing the opposition to the Conservatives in Parliament and will be holding ministers to account.”

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Friday May 5, 2017

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Danny Lockwood

I despair of our political discourse GOT the call last week.

Was I interested in throwing my hat in the ring and having a run at Dewsbury and Mirfield as an independent?

After all of about three seconds’ reflection, I said that I’d rather eat my own liver – and I hate even being in the same room as liver.

With each passing call to polling stations, I despair more and more of modern political discourse.

I haven’t quite taken to putting a clothes peg on my nose before I leave the house in the morning, but the rank stench of each passing day’s hysterical diet of ministerial manure is enough to make you gag.

Did you ever play that simplest of parent-child games, where you lay your palm flat on a table? The next person puts their’s on top of yours … then the next, and next, pulling your bottom hand to take its place atop the pile, all the time speeding up until you

I

get a wild flapping of slapping hands and everyone laughing?

That’s the 2017 General Election, with lies and hateful screams replacing hands and family laughter.

I will vote because I always do, but as I walk into my polling station I’ll reflect that I wouldn’t blame the people of Britain for staying home, switching on the telly instead and watching anything but the news.

We’re told this is a general election of stratospheric import. Some of the rubbish being fertilised in public about is out of this world, that’s for sure.

I found Theresa May’s tubthumping attack on Brussels on Wednesday quite unstatesmanlike and unnecessary.

Don’t descend to their level, Prime Minister.

If that was a strategic error, at least it didn’t plumb the depths that poisonously stupid bigot Diane Abbott mined

the day before.

You wouldn’t trust that woman to change the loo rolls in the Westminster ladies room without redecorating the walls. It would be somebody else’s fault though.

But it isn’t just in matters of great state where the desperate Labour survivalists have hit the ground crawling.

Should Paula Sherriff and Tracy Brabin hold their local seats then The Press will offer the same even-handed platform we always have.

Both have been busy, active, committed MPs during their respectively short times in the post, certainly far more than Simon Reevell and Mike Wood were.

Two thumbs up.

Labour were busy on the local stump this week promising to keep the A&E departments at Dewsbury and Huddersfield open, blaming the changes in the NHS on Tory policies.

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Tracy Brabin, Emily Thornberry and Paula Sherriff at a recent meeting That’s so misleadingly simplistic.

No mention of Gordon Brown’s ruinous Private Finance Initiative ladies? The Wonga-loan PFI which bought ‘us’ £311 million-worth of new Pinderfields and Pontefract buildings, and which the Trust will be paying off on punitive terms for another 30 years?

But hey it’s politics and Labour are understandably desperate.

From Abbott’s 10,000 coppers to Corbyn’s £10 minimum wage, and probably a half a dozen extra Bank Holidays before they’ve done, no ridicu-

lous promise is too extravagant.

That’s not what got up my nose this week though. That belonged to a ‘favour’ the Yorkshire and Humber Labour Party really didn’t do for Ms Brabin and Miss Sherriff.

The media were invited to the NHS launch. We went. For some reason however the invite didn’t arrive for their joint event with Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily ‘I hate white van man’ Thornberry. Look at the photo above and you can see why.

I’m not sure Thornberry speaks Urdu or Punjabi.

Maybe just the sight of female politicians kowtowing over Palestine and Kashmir was body language proof enough to secure the Muslim vote.

This election is about Brexit, apparently. Not at that meeting, I can assure you.

Dewsbury A&E? The price of bread, beer or even popadums? Guaranteed rights for EU residents? Nope. Nothing of the sort.

This was the two-faced politics of Shahid Malik and which those women probably thought they’d gotten away with, until some bright spark tweeted that photo out.

I don’t think Sheikh Yakub Munshi checks his tweets while chairing Savile Town’s sharia court, and the drug dealers who are switched on to social media aren’t really Brabin/Sherriff’s audience.

But thanks anyway Labour, for letting us know where our MPs – for now at least – stand.

I can imagine their reply – that these are legitimate concerns of the largest single bloc of Dewsbury and Batley voters.

Really? So why didn’t you invite the media?

Youthful vigour for the fight? ’M told that Beth Prescott, the Tory candidate to take on Paul Sherriff in Dewsbury and Mirfield, is aged 24. She looks like someone needs to hold her hand across the road, which I’m sure says far more about me than about a young political go-getter who stood against Yvette Cooper in Pontefract and Castleford in 2015.

The lass is local at least, and I have to admit being tickled by the news that she is an evangelistic Christian.

How will that play in Savile Town? I don’t know, maybe she might even get some

I

Beth Prescott respect for having religious principles, which is more

than can be said for most politicians. The Lib Dems’ bible-bashing leader Tim Farron swiftly bent over – so to speak – for his botty smacking by the Gay zealots when challenged over his thoughts on homosexuality.

I have deep reservations about an MP with so little life experience.

Professional politicians, which Miss Prescott is clearly intent upon being, have so little to offer – except perhaps youth and energy, something I certainly no longer have for this sullied bear pit.

May the best woman win.

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I’VE heard some bad Irish jokes over the years, but the one doing the rounds about changes to athletic’s list of world records takes the Guinness.

The comedian in question is Pierce O’Callaghan, a one-time Irish athlete whose victories were confined to grassy meadows in County Kilkenny and who subsequently carved a jobsworth career in sports bureaucracy.

His bright idea is to erase great athletes like Jonathan Edwards, Colin Jackson and Paula Radcliffe from the history of athletic world records, because they were

won at the time East Germany and the Soviet Union (among others) were raising young sportsmen and women on a diet of anabolic steroids and amphetamines.

And our good guys still beat them? Don’t wipe out the records, gild them and award their holders mythic status!

Of all sports, world athletics regularly shows the readiest propensity for tripping over its own feet.

It is led by Sebastian Coe, who in terms of sportturned-politics is Pierce O’Callaghan on steroids.

Coe is not the brightest

penny in the piggy bank but as in so many fields of endeavour success is measured by who you know, not what you know.

Based on this flawed slice of PC madness, look forward to Jack Nicklaus losing his Masters and Open victories because it couldn’t be proved that players weren’t regularly marking their balls wrong on the green, and Manchester United being stripped of the 1968 European Cup because Bobby Charlton’s combover was used to deliberately distract the Benfica players...

ThePress

Friday May 5, 2017

New faces on hospital Trust board

John muscles in on bodybuilders

By Zoe Shackleton

TWO new directors have joined the board of the NHS trust that runs Dewsbury Hospital.

Naseer Ahmed and Lenore Ogilvy were confirmed as nonexecutive directors of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Mr Ahmed has been given the role until 2020. He has more than 25 years of experience in the social housing sector.

He said: “The NHS is recognised as an institution worldwide. This is a fresh challenge and I am looking forward to working with other board colleagues to help steer the Trust through a period of change and transformation.”

Mrs Ogilvy has worked with health agencies on a number of national initiatives.

She said: “My interest in becoming a non-executive director is driven by my personal commitment to maintaining a health service free at the point of use, a desire to improve services for patients and to ensure that staff are supported.

“I look forward to working with everyone at the Trust.”

BATLEY Bulldogs’ strength and conditioning coach John Heaton is making a return to his bodybuilding roots at the Natural Physique Association Yorkshire Championships.

John, who is also a personal trainer, will be returning as a ‘guest poser’ when the natural bodybuilding show takes place at Unity Works, Wakefield, on May 27.

The 45-year-old was crowned International Natural Bodybuilder World Champion in his last outing in 2011, and also won the world lightheavyweight title in Barcelona the year before.

But since then, John has had his fair share of injuries to contend with.

From 2013-2016 he had

four major operations: an anterior cruciate ligament injury that meant his knee had to be fully reconstructed, a shoulder reconstruction, a snapped bicep and an arthritic foot.

But said John: “I’ve had two years without an operation so when they told me the show was going to be in Wakefield, I was very interested.”

John, who teaches personal training at Doncaster College, decided to take up bodybuilding in 2004.

“I was a personal trainer and I had a female client who wanted to do a competition. I said I would train her for it and while she was preparing, I would do the preparations with her and I would enter the same competition for the bodybuilding category,” he

Charities share £13k TWO Mirfield charities have shared almost £13,000 from local Co-op stores.

Mirfield Community Partnership and the Safe Anchor Trust received £6,464 and £6,475 respectively after the Co-op Local Community Fund raised £12,939 in just six months. Every time a member shops at Coop, one per cent of what they spend on own-brand products and services goes into a community fund.

said. “In the two federations in the UK, I came third and first in my first year.”

It takes John up to 16 weeks to prepare for a competition and he aims to lose a stone to a stone and a half in the process.

Talking about the main differences between bodybuilding and rugby, he said: “The diet is the main difference. I restrict my carbohydrates a lot, whereas when you’re playing rugby you need those for energy.

“But even though I bodybuild, I still like to look athletic. I still like to be able to get out there and run with the players if I have to.”

The show starts at 1pm on Saturday, May 27 and tickets are £16.

Visit www.npa bodybuilding.com for more information.

News In Brief Join Leslie, 82, for judo DEWSBURY: 82-year-old judo coach Leslie Tolson is setting up three new training sessions for young people at Dewsbury Sports Centre.

Leslie coached at the sports centre on Longcauseway for 30 years, having practised judo for 50 years.

Starting on Tuesday, May 16, from 5pm-6pm, training will be for six to nine-yearolds; 6pm-7pm for nine to 14-year-olds; and 7pm-8pm for over-14s.

Junior classes cost £4 and seniors £6. Contact Leslie on 01924 461420, 07900 597085, or les26@live.co.uk.

Fundraiser BATLEY: Kirkwood Hospice’s Batley and Birstall Support Group is raising funds at an event at Gomersal Park Hotel on Sunday (May 7, 12.30 for 1.00), which will include a light lunch with a glass of wine. Tickets (£8) are available by calling M Davies on 01924 504771.

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What an amazing day!

Dear Sir, How many events can keep you riveted to the big screen for four hours, as it did for me in Cleckheaton Memorial Park during the Tour de Yorkshire?

With police estimates of 2.2 million people lining the streets of Yorkshire over a three-day period, a million alone on Sunday, and with the beauty of Yorkshire for all to see in over a hundred countries, money could not buy such advertising.

The event brought people from

Letter of the Week: John Appleyard, Liversedge our communities together and showed a spirit of internationalism.

It was a huge success for the organisers, local businesses, spectators and the cyclists who

No UKIP candidates for either constituency From: Colin Walshaw, Scholes Dear Sir, In accordance with UKIP general policy it has been left to individual branches to decide whether or not to field a candidate in the general election.

To this end, the membership have decided not to contest the constituencies of both Dewsbury and Batley & Spen.

Whilst this may be a disappointment to many UKIP supporters, the party feels it is the best policy not to stand in contest against committed Leave-supporting candidates.

Consequently we are suggesting that those who voted Leave in the referendum vote for the Tory candidate.

As a member of UKIP for almost a decade this grieves me severely, but in the national interest I feel it better to put country before party.

However if you are a committed Labour supporter and would rather lose your right arm than vote Tory, there is an independent Brexit candidate.

all enthused about the Yorkshire public.

Thanks to all concerned for making it a great success, and by the way Cleckheaton Memorial Park was left spotless.

Whatever the media say, this election is about Brexit and if you voted Leave in the referendum it is vital you vote again this time, regardless of party loyalties.

This does not mean the end of UKIP as a force for change, we shall return when our country needs us, but first and foremost Brexit means Exit.

Children’s art was a sight to behold From: A Fan, Dewsbury Dear Sir, Re: the Tour De Yorkshire in Birstall. The Oakwell Arts Group’s stall in Birstall Market Place on Sunday, allowing kids to colour and crayon outlines of bike racing gear, was remarkable not only for the standard of work, but for the number of them who were lefthanded.

This is reckoned to be a sign of superior intelligence, as many of the great composers and scientists were thus endowed.

The Oakwell Art Group is shortly moving to new premises at the community centre beneath the library in Birstall and, if suffi-

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS Serenity Funeral Directors and Monumental Masonry, two detached double garages (within a Conservation Area), 404 Oxford Road, Gomersal.

Hopton Mills Cricket Club, erection of grounds maintenance equipment store with scoreboard, Hagg Lane, Lower Hopton.

Foxroyd Property Developments, five dwellings and alterations and extensions to convert dairy to dwelling, Foxroyd Lane/Jacksons Lane, Thornhill.

J Clarke, single-storey side and rear extension (within a Conservation Area), 4 Heaton Road, Upper Batley.

S A Russell, outline application for erection of 18 apartments, adjacent to 5 Hartshead Court, Hightown.

Heckmondwike Grammar School, C/O Agent, extension and alterations, Church Hall, St James’ Church, Church Street, Heckmondwike.

Gordan Fyfe, work to TPO(s) 04/85, 192 Nab Lane, Birstall.

Mr A Patel, work to TPO(s) SP2/70, 381B Bradford Road, Gomersal.

Tina Lafferty, work to TPO(s) 25/77, 49 Brown Hill Drive, Birkenshaw.

Mr A Cheema, two-storey side and rear extensions and demolition of existing garage, 75 Chapel Lane, Heckmondwike.

M Afzal, single-storey front and two-storey rear extension and rear dormer, 58 Ravens

Lodge Terrace, Scout Hill, Dewsbury.

Motor Fuel Group Ltd, removal of jet wash facility, erection of single-storey extension and alterations to shop front, Shell Petrol Station, 791-811 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe.

M Sutcliffe, variation of condition 2 (plans) on previous planning permission 2008/94430 for erection of two-storey office ancillary to industrial building with mezzanine area and associated external works (use class B1/B2/B8), Chain Bar Road, Cleckheaton.

H Din, two-storey side and rear extensions and erection of dormer to rear, 17 Chadwick Crescent, Dewsbury.

A Khadbai, side and rear extensions, 20 Grove Street, Mirfield.

James Coates, two-storey side and single-storey rear extension and erection of two dormers to rear, 232 Huddersfield Road, Roberttown.

R Lush, two-storey side extension and formation of drive, 9 John Nelson Close, Birstall.

Mr & Mrs Dudley, two-storey side and single storey rear extensions, 2 Manor Park, Mirfield.

Mr T Hussain, change of use of offices (B1) to dwelling (C3) (Listed Building within a Conservation Area), The Eightlands Well, Eightlands Road, Dewsbury.

D Hare (Construction) Ltd, discharge

conditions 3 (materials), 4 (external stone), 7 (window frames) on previous permission 2014/93413 for Listed Building Consent for alterations to barn to create dwelling, including partial rebuild of 11 Wellhouse Farmhouse roof and party wall, demolition of outbuildings, erection of detached dwelling, erection of two carports, Wellhouse Farm Barn, Mirfield.

Andy Colter, dead or dangerous tree, 58 Spring Bank Drive, Norristhorpe.

Powerhouse Fitness, installation of one illuminated sign, Alexandra Mills, Alexandra Road, Batley.

Mr Hasim Hafeji, extensions, 5 Church Walk, Staincliffe.

Mr Hunter, work to TPO(s) 03/78, 7 The Beeches, Birkenshaw.

AR Hussain, dormers to side, 85 Victoria Road, Thornhill Lees.

Mr Parkinson, work to TPO(s) 01/76, The George, Parkside, Cleckheaton.

P Gardner, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 4m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.8m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 3m, 18 Moorville Drive, Birkenshaw.

Ted Wood, work to TPO(s) 19/96, Gilder Hall, Greenside Road, Mirfield.

Tahir Khaliq, work to TPO(s) 14/88, 15 Old Mill View, Thornhill Lees.

cient interest is shown, maybe it would be possible to open a children’s drawing and painting group on Saturday mornings to further develop this interest.

Now is the time to reasses foreign aid From: Ian Fitton, via email Dear Sir, With the General Election looming, now is the time for a leading politician from each party to explain and justify the promise to donate 0.7 per cent of Britain’s GDP (approx £16billion) to foreign aid, plus the cost of the department overseeing it.

At the present time with the government unable to fund social care in Britain and local councils having to raise council rates to plug the gaps, the NHS in a funding crisis and also looking extremely likely that the triple lock on pensions (a paltry 2.5 per cent) becoming unaffordable, it is time to reassess this unrealistic foreign aid commitment.

At present we are only one of six countries in the world to meet this UN-defined target, with none of the other five being in the G8.

To make an analogy it is like a householder having to borrow money to look after his own family whilst giving his neighbour money to upgrade his kitchen or buy a new car – totally ludicrous.

In the latest report on fraud in the foreign aid budget it was quoted at 2.5 per cent, but even experts have rubbished this figure as absurdly low.

Surely now is the time to suspend the 0.7 per cent lock and concentrate on our own citizens in need firstly, then any surplus directed to areas in the greatest need.

At present India, a nuclear power with a space programme and one of the fastest growing economies in the world, is in the top 10 countries who receive the most aid from the UK. This foreign aid is also in addition to the millions of pounds donated via registered UK charities. Now is the time to reassess this promise.

Nursing profession needs more support From: Peter Claydon, Dewsbury Dear Sir Whilst the decision by local Clinical Commissioning Groups and by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust to keep beds

open, that were earlier earmarked for closure, will be widely applauded by those concerned about the future of Dewsbury & District Hospital, the wider question is will there be enough nurses to maintain safe staffing levels on wards in two, five or 10 years’ time?

The present government’s attack on the nursing profession, in particular the one per cent cap on salary increases and the introduction of bursaries for trainees, is damaging morale, encouraging existing staff to leave, NHS employers to go and work for agencies and discouraging potential new recruits from entering the profession.

When Brexit actually happens, or in the run-up to Brexit, these problems could be compounded by an exodus of EU nationals from the NHS and the UK. If the Government is prepared to consider u-turns on income tax and National Insurance charges and on the pensions triple lock, then it should immediately take action in support of nurses by abandoning the one per cent cap on salary increases.

As the Royal College of Nursing has pointed out nurses have suffered, in real terms, a 14 per cent cut in pay since 2010.

This is not a record of which Theresa May and David Cameron should be proud.

Parking nightmare at health centre From: ‘An Annoyed Pensioner’ Dear Sir, For some months I have attended the doctors at Dewsbury Health Centre on a regular basis, two or three times a week at varying times.

This usually entails crawling round the car park two to three times in a queue of four or five cars looking for a parking space.

If this doesn’t materialise you then have to go to the Wellington Road car park next to the old library to pay for an hour’s parking.

This Monday it was aggravated by the ticket machine being out of order, so anyone wanting a ticket had to go across the ring road to bring one back to the car park – a total time of 15 minutes and I almost missed my appointment. This was repeated on Thursday.

On entering the downstairs you then find the place empty of patients. I have heard that commuters from the station use the car park as a freebie to avoid paying at the station and have been in there before the staff turn up for work.

Continued on page 10

Friday May 5, 2017

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Friday May 5, 2017

From page 8 I also believe that staff members use the free car park reserved for patients as I have seen the same cars in there week after week – obviously not patients.

Surely it is not beyond the ability of someone in Kirklees to devise a pass for staff to park free in the pay car park and leave space for the patients.

I also feel this problem has increased since patients have to bring their prescriptions into the surgery to get them processed, where before they rang the pharmacy and didn’t have to park.

Electorate could be voting away the NHS From: Christine Hyde, Dewsbury Dear Sir, Some local Conservatives, whatever they know to be true in secret, like to tell people that the only reason the NHS is in trouble is the expensive PFI deals that the Labour Government brought in.

How anxious they must be right now. Just before this election was announced the boss of NHS Improvement, Jim MacKey, called for huge borrowing from investment capital and hedge funds to make up for the shortfall in government spending for health.

How tempting for the government to get Health off their books and off the deficit in the short term.

If they are re-elected, expect this to happen through the Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs).

It will be first seen locally in a new PFI

building for Huddersfield as an Urgent Care Centre on the Acre Mill site.

On past performance evidence, a local Conservative or Liberal Democrat MP will wave through any legislation needed to fund health through investment capital in the same way they all waved through the Health and Social Care Act. The new figure for health spend that the Government will use is just out. It adds in social care, including out-of-pocket fees and private insurance to produce an unrecognisably large total figure.

In the dash for Brexit, people could inadvertently vote away the very essence of what they voted Brexit for, including more state funding for the NHS.

I will work even harder for you than Labour From: Ednan Hussain, Dewsbury Liberal Democrats Parliamentary Candidate Dear Sir, This week, we all had a glimpse into the bizarre world of a Corbyn government as Diane Abbott struggled to give the details of the Labour leader’s new and entirely unconvincing policies about the police.

Every time Abbott opened her mouth during her LBC interview she came up with a new figure for the cost of the new police officers Labour would recruit.

The only problem was – every single figure she quoted was wrong.

In the leaflet currently dropping on door mats in the constituency, Paula Sherriff is keen to emphasise her record as a local MP. She doesn’t mention her leader or his shadow

cabinet team once.

But once re-elected to Parliament, Paula would support Corbyn to be Prime Minister.

And his choice as Home Secretary, Diane Abbott. Sherriff has no choice about that as a Labour Member of Parliament.

Sherriff will want voters to forget these inconvenient facts in the run-up to polling day.

But I have no intention of letting her get away with this. It is an evasion too far.

If you have no confidence in Jeremy Corbyn as PM, but want a government that is committed to social justice as well as a strong economy, you do have an alternative – the Liberal Democrats.

Born and brought up here, I will work even harder for you than Paula does.

And I won’t be lumbered by having to support a leader whom even the majority of Labour voters don’t want to be PM.

Spend, spend, spend from Jeremy & Co From: J Colins, Dewsbury Dear Sir, God help us all if ‘wooden top’ Jeremy Corbyn and his crew get in. The Conservatives are still clearing up the mess from the last Labour government, after they did a ‘Viv Nicholson’ – spend, spend, spend!

They must believe in fairies, where do they think all the money comes from, the money tree?

No, it comes from us, and we have been suffering ever since.

Corbyn says he will make the rich pay more. No he won’t, the very rich are untouchable, it will be the poor workers who cop it as usual and, if by some miracle, the wooden tops do get in, the Brexiteers will demand another election, just like Jimmy Kranky (Nicola Sturgeon) and the remoaners are always harping on about.

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Trio of violent burglaries – stay vigilant THREE elderly victims in Batley have been targeted by robbers in the space of two days.

All three incidents followed a similar pattern, with a gang of men forcing their way into a home and knocking the victim to the floor. One or two would search the house and the rest stayed with the helpless pensioner.

The robberies all happened in streets close to Bradford Road, Batley, and police are urging people to be vigilant.

The first of the three incidents happened at around 10.40am on May 1 in Carlinghow. An 89year-old woman was at her home address when three men forced entry and pushed her to the floor. One of the suspects searched the house while the other two stayed with the victim.

They are believed to have fled the scene in a blue Citroen Picasso, with a small quantity of cash and several items of jewellery.

On May 3 at around 12.30pm, four men forced entry through the back door of a property in Hyrstlands Park, knocking an 84-year-old woman to the floor.

Two men stayed with the victim while the other two searched the house, making off with a quantity of cash.

The third incident happened on the same day at 9.40pm in Soothill, where three men forced entry to a property through a back window.

The victim, a man aged 80, was again pushed to the floor while two suspects searched the house. This time they made off with a large quantity of cash in a light-coloured van parked outside the front of the property.

Detective Inspector Mark Colman said: “At the minute, we are treating the burglaries as three separate incidents, but haven’t ruled out the possibility they may be linked.

“Our officers are investigating a number of lines of enquiry and our patrols have been stepped up in the area.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101, quoting crime reference 13170194907.

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Charity ride brought out the best in our community From: Tim Wood, Mirfield Rifle Volunteers and the Old Colonial, Mirfield Dear Sir, Last Saturday, April 29, members of the Mirfield Rifle Volunteers undertook a static cycle ride dubbed, aptly, the ‘Tour de Mirfield’.

The cycle was held inside the Co-op on Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, so a big thank you to all the wonderful staff and kind management who allowed us to use their facilities.

Ellam’s Gym in Mirfield gave us two spin bikes to use, they actually gave them to us, no, not on loan – to keep; a tremendous ges-

ture from the hardworking owners of Ellam’s Gym, you did us proud.

Monies on our ‘cycle stall’ were raised in a variety of ways; raffle, cake sale and a magic peg and envelope purchase.

Well over £400 was raised on the day, thanks to all who baked and contributed.

It is their kind acts that enable us to go forward raising funds for SSAFA and St Andrew’s Church Alzheimers Support Group.

The biggest thanks of all goes out to the generosity of the customers who shop at Mirfield Co-op; what a great community store, and a great community effort. Thanks one and all, you are our superstars.

Friday May 5, 2017

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News In Brief Man arrested after crash BATLEY: A man was arrested after attempting to flee the scene of a car crash on Tuesday.

The collision involving a silver Ford car and a white Ford van happened on Bradford Road at 11.28am.

The car failed to stop at the scene but was found a short distance away after colliding with a bollard.

A 19-year-old driver attempted to make off on foot but police arrested him.

Fire rescue BIRSTALL: A man was rescued by fire crews and taken to hospital after a pan caught fire in a property on Whinberry Place on Saturday night.

Worried neighbours called emergency services when they saw smoke at the house.

Mayor joins teaching charity volunteers on Nepal school mission MIRFIELD Mayor Sean Guy spent his Easter holidays in Nepal, helping to deliver teacher training at a school near Kathmandu.

Coun Guy is the assistant principal at Darton College in Barnsley and travelled with four colleagues as part of a 19strong group of teachers and volunteers from the charity Lincs2Nepal.

The group provides aid and opportunity through education to lower caste communities in Nepal, particularly children.

Coun Guy said: “We were asked to deliver teacher training around science, maths, curriculum planning and staff lead-

Sean Guy, extreme right, with charity volunteers and teachers at the school in Nepal ership development.”

The school has over 250

nursery and primary students from the lowest castes in the

country and all the students are there as a result of sponsor-

ship. Coun Guy added: “Since the partnership with Lincs2Nepal, the performance of the students is some of the highest in the country. Some mothers have been known to go on hunger strike outside the headteacher’s office to try to get their children in.

“The school is expanding and the students at Darton College raised money to pay for a new classroom to be built.

“Not only did the teachers come in for training but all the students came in for two days in the middle of their holidays for lessons. They also put on a dance performance of traditional Nepalese dance.”

Police blitz nets ‘most wanted’ bunch of villains in Dewsbury

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DEWSBURY: More than £20,000 has been spent on new benches to replace old seating at Dewsbury railway station.

It is part of TransPennine Express's £18m investment in its stations.

Further changes at Dewsbury will include improved information screens, faster free wi-fi and new ticket gates.

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ONE of Kirklees’ most wanted criminals was arrested along with 25 prolific and repeat offenders in a five-week campaign to tackle child sexual exploitation, anti-social behaviour and traffic offences in Dewsbury.

Along with the arrests, 19 vehicles were seized for having no insurance and eight were issued with prohibition notices.

There was one domesticrelated arrest for a breach of a non-molestation order and a child sexual exploitation arrest was made relating to the grooming of a girl under 16.

The 25 arrests were made for offences including shop theft, breach of a confiscation

order, assault and public order offences.

Sergeant Chris Piggin said: “The multi-agency teamwork and response during this operation has been fantastic and a brilliant result. We managed to arrest and detain one of the district’s most wanted criminals for burglary and theft offences.”

Police joined forces during the campaign with other agencies and created a ‘drop-in’ cafe in the town centre to offer advice and meet local people.

There are plans to follow up the success with a permanent community point in Dewsbury.

PC Nicola Wiltshire, who led the anti-social aspect of the operation, said: “We are delighted at the response from the community about this operation and so far it has

been incredibly successful.

“Now the operation has concluded, we are looking at plans to create a more permanent presence in the town centre after the feedback we’ve had.”

PC Chris Birkenshaw said: “Over the past five weeks we have been incredibly pleased with the results we have achieved throughout the proactive policing operation and above all the response and engagement we’ve had with the community in the town centre.”

West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson added: “The results from this innovative operation speak for themselves. It’s fantastic to see such positive partnerships tackling key issues at a local level in keeping our communities safe.”

Sex-chat man loses wife and home A 57-YEAR-OLD man was given a suspended jail sentence after sex-chatting online to someone he thought was a 14-year-old schoolgirl.

Colin Pollard, of Lees Hall Road, Thornhill Lees, admitted attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming and was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

As a result of the case, he has lost his wife and his home.

He was arrested on April 25 last year when police were informed of the online chat, in which Pollard posed as a teenager and used the name ‘hotgirl’ to see what response

he got.

Andrew Stranex, prosecuting, said Pollard had made contact with the ‘girl’ on December 19, 2015, and during the chat she said she was 14.

Pollard told her he was 49.

Pollard said it was up to the girl whether she continued the chat knowing his age, but the conversation did continue and he told her: “I may be looking for some fun.”

The conversation carried on further into discussions about kissing and Pollard asked for a description of her. They also discussed meeting up at a hotel.

When he was arrested,

Pollard claimed he could not remember the chat and said: “It must just have been banter” and that he would not have gone through with a meeting.

Rukhshanda Hussain, representing Pollard, said he accepted some sexual interest at the time of the chat but had indicated he did not want sex with her, adding: “He said ‘no’ to that on two occasions.”

She told the court all his computer devices had been examined and nothing of a similar nature had been found.

Pollard must also complete 60 rehabilitation activity days.

Friday May 5, 2017

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Friday May 5, 2017

RAUCOUS SUPPORT FOR TOUR

By Staff Reporters RECORD-BREAKING crowds lined the streets of North Kirklees to watch the Tour de Yorkshire pass through last Sunday.

The peloton whistled through Birstall, Gomersal, Liversedge, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Mirfield as raucous crowds cheered them on.

It was a sight to behold in Birstall as the town was heaving from midday onwards with an array of stalls and activities.

Shop windows were adorned in blue and yellow bunting, in keeping with the Tour spirit.

The cyclists entered the district through Cleckheaton, where thousands lined the streets in the town centre, then rode their way up to Gomersal before arriving in Birstall to be greeted by swarms of people.

TV broadcasters respectfully acknowledged the sight of the cyclists making their way past the spot where MP Jo Cox was murdered last June, and Batley coun-

cillor Shabir Pandor said the event brought the community together in a way that Mrs Cox would have been proud of.

He said: “Jo used to say ‘there’s a lot more that binds us together than sets us apart’ and that was certainly true with this event.

“It seemed as if the whole community came together for a common purpose. It was a special feeling.”

From Birstall, the peloton sped through the outskirts of Heckmondwike and then Liversedge and Mirfield, where they were again greeted by buoyant support.

Mirfield councillor Martyn Bolt said: “The crowds were gathering long before the riders came past and they just grew and grew.

“People were getting in the party spirit early on. It was a great celebration and the whole community got together, which was great to see.”

Race organisers said a total of 2.2 million people had lined the three-day route, eclipsing last year’s event by 200,000.

Eventual winner Serge Pauwel (Belgium), third from left, as the Tour passes through the crowds in Birstall.

Right, spectators wait for the riders’ arrival in the town.

Pictures Mark Lockwood and Mike Popplewell

Happy ending to Hilary takes top dug-out disaster Rotary honour DESPITE vandals destroying new pitchside dug-outs at Hartshead FC’s ground, the club managed to raise £500 in just 48 hours to help rebuild them.

Members and players were left frustrated when the dug-outs were demolished after they had hit a league deadline for them to be installed.

Ground improvements are necessary if the club is promoted to the West Yorkshire League’s Premier Division.

Team co-manager and club secretary Andrew Lambert said funds raised by members had been used to pay for the improvements at their ground

off Primrose Lane, behind Spenborough Pool.

One of the players built the dug-outs out of concrete blocks and timber but they were knocked down twice during construction.

However, an online appeal hit its target on Wednesday with a total of 23 donations making up the £500.

Andrew said: “The first team is second in the league and if we win our final match of the season on Saturday, we are guaranteed promotion to the Premier Division.

“It would be the first time the club has reached the highest division in our league.”

A MEMBER of Batley Rotary Club was presented with the organisation’s highest honour for her hard work and dedication.

Hilary Schreiner, 62, of Mirfield, was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship after dedicating three years to the role of treasurer.

She has served on several committees,

including youth services, service projects, administration, and as bulletin editor.

Club president Patricia Taylor said: “To be nominated as a Paul Harris Fellow means that a person has shown outstanding commitment to the club and the community.

“There are about a million Paul Harris Fellows throughout the world.”

Hilary was CEO at the Centre for the Blind on Soothill Lane until three years ago.

She now volunteers one day a week at Lydgate Junior School, Soothill, and also works alongside Patricia at fundraising events.

ThePress

Friday May 5, 2017

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Town centre parade tribute to Dewsbury’s VC heroes DEWSBURY town centre came to a standstill on Saturday as the 3rd Battalion The Rifles paraded in memory of local Victoria Cross heroes Sergeant John William Ormsby and Private Horace Waller.

The march followed the laying of two paving stones at the memorial gardens on Longcauseway to mark their bravery during World War I bat-

tles in April, 1917.

Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff said: “I was honoured to meet with four generations of the family of Sgt Ormsby and to join them in marking the centenary.”

More than 200 troops took part in the march, which was led by the Band and Bugles of the Rifles.

The Mayor of Kirklees, Coun Jim Dodds, took the salute.

Food bank appeal pays off

By Steve Martyn BATLEY residents have pitched in to help the town’s food bank after an appeal to the community.

MPs Paula Sherriff and Tracy Brabin meet four generations of the family of Dewsbury VC John William Ormsby. Inset, Longcauseway plaque tribute to Private Horace Waller.

The Indian Muslim Welfare Society (IMWS) heard the difficulties and demand that Batley Food Bank was facing at a recent Meet Your Neighbours event, organised and held by the IMWS at the Al-Hikmah Centre.

Volunteers met with food bank chairman Ken Lowe to find out how they could help. Local masjids and madressahs joined in with distributing leaflets – leading to thousands of items being collected.

Tinned foods, soups, cakes and pasta, toothpaste, toilet rolls and soaps were all donated.

IMWS chairman Saied Laher said: “The food parcels kept coming. I was overwhelmed with the gen-

erosity of our community and hope the parcels will go some way to helping those in need.

“The IMWS is this year celebrating its 60th year as a community organisation.

“During this time we are very pleased to say we have had the opportunity to work with many local charities and appeals and will continue to do so.

“I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the important work that the

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food bank volunteers do week-in week-out. Without their dedication and hard work, so many of our local families would be in a struggle.

“I also want to thank everyone who helped and donated to this appeal, in particular the volunteers who gave their time, energy and vehicles to this needy cause. It is this community spirit that builds a stronger community that we can all be proud of.”

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Friday May 5, 2017

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 TUESDAY MAY 9 LADY WOOD AT BLUEBELL TIME Meet at 7pm at Ravensthorpe Railway Station (WF12 9ED, SE228199) 4.5 miles – moderate Contact: Annelis Tel: 01924 460 597, email: a.griffin4@ntl.com

• SPEN VALLEY Historical Society’s next meeting is on Wednesday May 10, when the Mabel Ferrett Memorial Lecture will be ‘Charlotte Bronte and the Real Jane Eyre’ by Chris Shorten. Meetings are held in the Catholic Church Parish Hall on Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton, starting at 7.30pm, with refreshments served from 7.15pm.

The cost is £2 per meeting for members, £4 for guests and membership is £10 per year.

For more information email scooper@the coopersonline.org.uk.

• DEWSBURY RAMBLERS still managed to hold their walk on Sunday, despite the Tour de Yorkshire celebrations.

They did change it slightly, walking from Hebden Bridge through Blackshaw Head and Colden Clough to Heptonstall in a 12-mile walk led by David Lodge.

There is a C-level walk planned for tomorrow (May 6) in the Lothersdale area. Walkers should meet Tony Glover at Dewsbury Railway Station at 9.30am for the 9.41 train to Leeds and the 10.26 train to Cononley from Leeds.

On Sunday there is a ‘B’ walk with Cynthia O'Driscoll leading, and ramblers must meet at Wellington Road Car Park, Dewsbury at 8.30am.

• GRANGE MOOR Brass Band are in concert at Trinity Methodist Church in Mirfield on Saturday May 13 (7.15pm). Tickets for the concert, which includes TV themes, are priced £8 and are available from 01924 497612/07706 738463 or pay at the door.

THURSDAY MAY 11 CROSSLEY, NORRISTHORPE AND NORTHORPE 5.3 miles – leisurely Meet at 10.30am at Mirfield Library car park Contact: Mike Church Tel: 07776 077289

An odd evening...

The Odd Couple Dewsbury Arts Group Review by Joanne Day FOR A couple of hours on Saturday night, I left Dewsbury's damp spring air and was transported to a hot and sticky summer evening in Oscar Madison’s New York apartment.

Littered with takeaway cartons, discarded banana skins and lonely single socks, this was the habitat of the newly single man. His wife and kids had gone and he was still getting to grips with his empty eightroom living arrangements.

This is where I joined the men of the poker game, quintessential New Yorkers, chewing the fat while they played. As they drew the audience into the story, I felt I was at the table with them, swigging a beer and eating their chips.

This laid-back vibe was well and truly upset as Felix bursts in, a neurotic, jittery and desperate cleanfreak who'd been thrown out by his wife. When Oscar invites him to stay, here we have the ‘Odd Couple’ – with hilarious results!

Ben Telford as Oscar Madison captures the laid-back, slovenly sports reporter with apparent ease, magnificently contrasted against Iain Winstanley's perfectly played, highly strung Felix.

After a couple of weeks living together, their differences became more pronounced as they increasingly irritate each other.

I wonder how many of the audience were like me, identifying with these annoyances so easily, yet seeing myself reflected in the characters the same time?

The men of the poker game (Gary Clayton, Chris Etty, Tony Fox and Chris Ward) drop in throughout the play, a delightfully deadpan crosssection of the New York man.

Potential love interests in the shapely forms of Gwendolyn and Cecily (Madiha Ansari and Alison Hartley) bring fluttering flirtation in their clipped English tones.

Directed by Brian Gibson, the play runs until this Saturday, at the Artspace, Dewsbury Arts Group, Lower Peel Street, Dewsbury.

For bookings go to www. dewsburyartsgroup.info.

WATCH OUT! The cabbage-crunching, criminal master-mind, Gangsta Granny is in Leeds!

Gangsta Granny is based on the book of the same name written by comedian and Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams, who said of the production: “What a fantastic show! Superb! And so much better than the book!”.

It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny.

There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake; it’s going to be so boring!

But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny

has a secret and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny.

It’s a family show suitable for those aged five to 105. It’s laugh-out-loud funny whilst being very moving and takes an honest look at family relationships.

Gangsta Granny is at Leeds Grand Theatre from until Sunday May 7.

Tickets are priced from £21 to £25.

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call the box office on 0844 848 2700.

James Pitchforth was impaled after a fall

Half an inch from death Steve treks for Kirkwood A LIVERSEDGE man has donated a whopping £17,500 to Kirkwood Hospice to say thank you for the care they gave to his late father.

Steve Burnhill, 52, took on the Inca Trail Challenge in Peru back in November 2016 to raise the money in memory of his father, Roger.

Kirkwood Hospice took care of Roger in his final hours and Steve wanted to complete the trek to give something back to them.

He said: “It was an easy sell really. Everybody knew dad and they thought a lot of him, so they were all extremely generous with their donations.

“He really was a great bloke and he’d lived. He’d enjoyed every minute of his life.”

Steve, who played rugby union for Cleckheaton, Yorkshire and toured with England in the 1980s,

kicked off his fundraising efforts months before the challenge started with a JustGiving page, receiving support from friends, family, work suppliers and colleagues.

Steve discovered that it costs over £17,000 to run the hospice each day, and so decided to boost his target and raise the maximum amount possible.

“Dad had a diagnosis of prostate cancer for 11 years. He received respite care from Kirkwood and spent his final four days in the hospice.

“The last 18 months were very tough and we were delighted that he was able to spend time at Kirkwood. It was the best place for him and we felt very lucky that he was here. They really were absolutely brilliant for him.”

It was the 12-month anniversary

of his father’s death when Steve went on the Peruvian trek.

He said: “My friend was bought the challenge as a Christmas present from his wife. We thought it tied in nicely with dad’s anniversary and that it would be a great opportunity to try and raise some money for the hospice, so I decided to join him.

“The trek was tough. We went to about 15,300ft, which is high when you don’t have much time to acclimatise. But it was a really really great experience with a great group in such a special, special place.”

Kirkwood Lottery manager Dawn Walker said: “This challenge was an admirable task to undertake and Steve can feel very proud knowing what a huge impact his money will have for those with life-limiting illnesses across Kirklees. From all us here at the hospice, thank you.”

By Staff Reporters A MIRFIELD plumber is lucky to be alive after plummeting 20 feet from a ladder and impaling himself onto metal railing spikes.

James Pitchforth, 32, was working in Sydney, Australia, replacing guttering two storeys up when his ladder gave way.

He fell onto three spikes that penetrated his chest, narrowly missing his heart, and had to pull himself off the fence before lying on the ground with blood pouring from his wounds.

The wrought iron spikes were four inches long and broke his ribs, punctured his left lung and severed an artery.

Speaking from his hospital bed, James said: “I feel very lucky. One of my friends who was there said if I hadn’t

twisted my body very slightly before impact it would have gone straight through the middle of my chest.

“100 per cent that would have hit my heart. I would have been dead. It’s bad, but it could have been a lot worse.”

James was working on a house with a friend when he fell and recalled the incident.

He said: “I remember looking down and literally looking at the railings. I hit a little balcony but that didn’t stop me and I went straight down on the railings.

“I just thought ‘this is going to be bad’ and to be honest, I expected the very worst.”

James managed to pull himself off the spikes and lay on the floor, he clutched his hands over his chest to try and stop the flow of blood while his colleague phoned the ambulance.

“The left side of my chest was really tight and I couldn’t breathe at all. It was a feeling of cold and pain,” he recalled.

He was taken to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, fortunately less than half a mile away, and within minutes he went for a CT scan, which was followed by a six-hour operation.

One large and two small spikes had plunged through his left pectoral muscle, through his ribs, cut an artery and punctured his lung.

James, who has been working in Australia for four years, also had to have a metal plate fitted in his foot he had torn ligaments but hadn’t noticed due to the severity of his other injuries.

“It’s going to be a long time before I’m back up a ladder. If I’m up one again I’d be very shocked,” he said.

ThePress

Friday May 5, 2017

Hear Ann across the BBC radio network

Marketplace

Pete ‘Steps’ back into the limelight Turn your unwanted items thanks to his 90s mega hit group into cash £££s EETING music producer Pete Waterman is meeting someone who has shaped the charts for years. But as he told me: “Now Steps are back with a new single and album people like pop again, but you know Ann, it never goes away. It just goes out of fashion for a bit and then people realise they like feelgood pop music, which is what I am good at.” Pete, who has amassed so many number one and top 10 hits, still makes music, but admits: “It’s not a full-time job now, but saying that, if I thought I had found the next big thing, who knows.”

1) Ring Adele on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge).

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

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

M

IF YOU are in London on May 11, do call into the famous ‘Club For Acts and Actors’ venue in the heart of London’s Theatreland, where I will be hosting ‘An Audience with Ann Montini’ no less. The show has an excellent MC by the name of Dean Caston, and I shall be discussing my varied showbiz career from Mirfield to Broadway, and back. If you miss it you’ll miss out!

JOE PASQUALE is reportedly set to take on the role of Frank Spencer in a new stage show version of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em. Insiders tell me that Pasquale has been awarded the role after “wowing” producers at a read-through earlier in the month. I heard: “Joe is really looking forward to the role and he went down a storm. The tour will go all over the country – people still love Frank and it’s sure to be a big hit.

Producers are still working out the exact details.”

THE ITV reality show The Only Way Is Essex may have made lots of money for many of its ‘stars’, but now bosses at production firm Lime Pictures have inserted a clause which means that if any of the cast open a nightclub or other venue like a shopping mall they also receive a percentage of the fee. Not quite Dynasty though, is it?

CHANNEL FOUR have decided to extend The Great British Bake Off. Now episodes will run to 75 minutes on the commercial channel, but as insiders point out, this is simply to run more ads and hopefully get back some of the money that the channel has paid for it. But many fans still claim they won’t be watching...

WITH its crystal blue waters, warm sunshine and stunning vistas, hit ITV drama The Durrells makes Corfu looks

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(We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296.

Ann with music producer Pete Waterman OBE utterly idyllic. Its star Keeley Hawes tells me the response last time was quite overwhelming. “I got an email from a lady saying she had watched it every Sunday with her 94-year old mother and her nine-year old grandson, and they all loved it, which really is all you can hope for,” she said.

AMERICAN Idol winner and The Voice mentor Jennifer Hudson might be famed for her outstanding voice, but the star admits she still enters karaoke competitions.

She said: “I was in Florida and went to a karaoke contest at a bowling alley and won! They didn’t know it was me, and I won $75 prize money and they asked me to come back the following week – I’ll be there!”

FORMER Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle was stretched to his limits in the run-up to his starring role in American Gods, and bulked up by putting on two-and-a-half stone.

“It was very hard work, but I wanted to look at something different and this was a great opportunity,” he said. “I have loved playing the role, and so far, it’s going very well.”

Ricky has already signed to star in season two of American Gods and says he won’t be working on anything else in the meantime.

QUESTION TIME presenter David Dimbleby, 78, has insisted on being the anchor for the BBC’s General Election coverage for the 10th time. BBC bosses thought he may have stepped down after the last election, leaving the door open for newsreader Huw Edwards. Not so, and now Huw is yet again on the sidelines, wondering when David will eventually retire.

FROM Abigail’s Party to Gavin and Stacey, Alison Steadman’s talents have lit up the big and small screens for decades – but Alison tells me she would love a role in a

Maycon Pictures

big soap. “I think because I have watched so many I keep thinking maybe I should give it a go, but again it’s what part would I play, as in my mind I am still very young,” she giggled.

ITV’s popular detective drama Endeavour has begun filming for its fifth series. The prequel to the Inspector Morse series will return with six feature-length episodes.

Shaun Evans will return as Detective Sergeant Endeavour Morse, and other returning actors include Roger Allam as Detective Chief Inspector Fred Thursday and Anton Lesser as Chief Superintendent Reginald Bright.

THE BBC are clearly trying to find anything to keep the former Great British Bake Off hosts busy since the show exited to Channel Four, so now Mel Giedroyc is set to return to screens with a new game show, Letterbox. In the gushing press release, it says that the new daytime format will be an exciting quiz “that will have all ages hooked from the off”.

OLIVIA COLMAN, who recently starred in the hit drama Broadchurch, laughed when I asked about her becoming the first female Dr Who. She said: “I think it would be smashing, and yes I would love the idea as I love the show so much, but sadly it’s not down to me, but if you can put a word in I would be grateful Ann...”

AS GORGEOUS James Norton returns to our screens as troubled vicar Sidney Chambers in Grantchester, he told me that he loves playing the role of a vicar as: “I went to Ampleforth College, a Roman Catholic boarding school in North Yorkshire. It was great grounding and quite a few of the ideas I use in the show come from that experience, which I enjoyed so much.”

NEW Record player with three separate speakers £20, plus various vinyl LPs £1 each. Tel 01924 264330.

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Will sell separately £50 each. Tel 07773 393364. (2132) Cot bedding includes duvets, pillows, bumpers, blankets, sheets £20. Tel 07773393364.

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ELECTRICAL Yamaha keyboard, as new, hardly used, complete with starter pack and beginners, earphones, stand and music holder £150 ono. Tel 01924 478031. (2136) Tall freezer, Hoover, 5 drawers + 2 separate units. Can be seen working. Good used condition £65 ono. Tel 01924 609015. (2125) Morphy Richards pyramid kettle in cream/chrome, hardly used, in excellent condition. Cost £49 accept £25. Tel 01274 862769 or 075192 88925. (2108) Cookworks 2 slice toaster, good condition, very little used, £12 ono. Tel 01274 862769/07519 288925.

(2108) Brother fax/ phone/copier and answer machine, complete with owners manual; cost £85, accept £20. Tel 01274 862769 or 07519 288925. (2108) FASHION Gents navy blue blazer and gents grey jacket, both Brook Taverners, 38/40”.

Excellent condition, £12.50 each. Tel 01924 518904. (2111) FURNITURE Luxury cream leather pouffee, excellent condition, was £200 new, bargain £40. Tel 07719 954892. (2135) Two bright-coloured, striped, upholstered chairs, as new, £110 each. Also matching buffet, as new, £25.

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Pair for £80. Ping Rapture driver, 10.5 degrees medium shaft, with cover, £50.

Tel 01924 470296.

Pick up Batley town centre, office hours.

HOUSEHOLD Table, kitchen style, 3ft x 2ft, formica top, detachable legs with 2 matching wheel back chairs. Light coloured wood, all excellent condition £20 ono. Tel 01924 462494. (2129) Outdoor, round, wooden table, 58” diameter, suitable for BBQ’s etc £60, also 4 white plastic chairs with seat pads £10. Buyer to collect. Tel 01924 479297. (2130) Flamerite Inset electric fire, coal effect, brass surround. Excellent condition, £30. Tel 01924 411213. (2115) MISCELLANEOUS Fish tank with light & filter, 40cm (W) x 28cm (D) x 32cm (H) £20. Tel 01924 453870. (2139) Wotan Diastar 200 large sized slide viewer – screen size 200 x 200mm. Mains operated, very good condition. Boxed with instructions £25 ono.

Tel Mirfield 01924 491306. (2127) Aluminium zimmer frame, adjustable, in excellent condition £15. Tel 01924 609015.

(2125) Timber, 8 lengths, used, 2.4m x 40mm x 60mm or 94” x 1 1/2” x 2 1/2”. Primed white, ideal stoothing etc £15 ono. Tel 01924 462494. (2122) Old Raleigh bicycle, tidy condition, drop crossbar, Brooke’s saddle, rear rack, five sprocket gears £40.

Tel 01274 855661.

(2120) Three 10” Mini wheels (old type), needs refurbishing, sensible

Cost per item

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11 offers. Tel 01274 855661. (2120) Roof rack for P100 van, cost £115 brandnew, hardly used, will accept £65. Tel 01924 430088. (2119) Trailer, size 56” x 36” approx. Includes headboard, tailgate, spare wheel, ramp and tail light board with lights.

Reasonable condition, £80. Tel 01274 878757.

(2114) 6ft x 4ft trailer, with tail lights £150 ono.

Tel 07961 564984.

(2112) All saddlery, best offers. Tel 07961 564984. (2112) Shopping trolley (wicker), on 7-inch rubber wheels, £20.

Tel 01924 472043 (Batley) (2105) MUSICAL Two small violins, need restoration, £20 each. Tel 01924 402931. (2121) Two Spanish guitars £20 each. Tel 01924 402931. (2121) Aria semi-acoustic guitar £300 ono. Tel 01924 402931. (2121) SPORT/OUTDOORS Hillbilly battery operated golf trolley, new battery & charger.

Perfect working order £50. Tel 07732 370900.

(2138) Ridgeback 18-gear mountain bike, 18” frame, good brakes and tyres. Very good condition £40. Tel 01924 407400. (2137) Neoba 6 man tent, plus awning, camp kitchen table + chairs, gas bottle, gas cooker, electric hook up cable, other extras.

Good condition, only used couple of times £250 ono.

Tel 01924 503190.

(2134) WANTED Semi high Ford Transit van, preferably private seller, in fair condition at fair price. Around 07 plate. Tel 07790 568986. (2124)

ThePress

18

Friday May 5, 2017

Legal firm forced to close A LEGAL firm with offices in Dewsbury and Birstall has shut its doors after 80 years, amid allegations of dishonesty.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority intervened at Hellewell Pasley & Brewer through its owners Robert Wiggans and Richard Whitaker.

The move by the regulator effectively closes the 30-strong firm, which also has offices in Halifax and Ripponden.

The announcement said that there was reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Wiggans in connection with his practice as a solicitor.

There are also reasons to suspect a failure

by Wiggans and Whitaker to comply with SRA rules.

The firm’s website has been suspended and calls to its offices go straight to a recorded message.

Hellewell Pasley & Brewer had been advising people on legal matters since 1937 and offered a range of services to businesses and individuals from offices on Daisy Hill in Dewsbury and Nelson Street in Dewsbury town centre.

Wiggans was the senior partner of the firm

and head of the private client and commercial corporate departments. He had been with the firm for more than 30 years.

Whitaker joined the firm 19 years ago, becoming a partner soon after, and was head of litigation.

Clients of Hellewell, Pasley and Brewer with queries should call Susie Dryden, of Blake Morgan, on 023 8085 7270, or e-mail interventions@blakemorgan.co.uk.

Web TALK

Showing Tracy their drive

with Andrew Firth Welcome to the March 2017 edition of Web Talk, helping Kirklees website owners to prosper online

Why trust is all-important HIS month’s column is about ‘trust’ – specifically online trust and how it has to be earned if you want your website to feature high up in the search engine rankings.

Trust is not a given when it comes to many things, but in particular, when it comes to search engine rankings it is something that has to be earned over time, and can easily be lost.

Building trust for your website The most important thing to think about when it comes to building trust for your website is the content, both on the website and off the website.

Sites that have regular new content generally do well because the search engines see them as being active, evolving and offering something new, so people would want to come back to the site again and again.

If visitors keep coming back and engaging with the content then it is deemed to be relevant and so over time, the search engines begin to trust that the content you are offering is of interest to people searching, so you will show up more often following a search for the services you provide.

Content comes in various forms.

T

Video content is more engaging than text and the more engaging the page is, the more trust and authority it receives.

This is why natural content, content that is right for the services you provide is the right content to be displaying on your website.

Over-use of content, using content that is not naturally written, will be less engaging and maybe considered as spam by the search engines and this will hold the website back.

When you are happy that you have your website content strategy in a place that is manageable, the key is to getting visitors to read it and engage with it.

As the search engine positions improve this will occur naturally, but in the early days you have to spread the word!

Building trust through content marketing Contact marketing is a huge subject and covers many areas within the digital marketing world, however for small businesses the simplest form is using social media to get your message out there.

When you add new content onto a website, if no-one ever reads it, this can do more harm than good.

If the people that do visit the

page don’t engage with the site (watch a video, visit other pages, follow a call to action etc) then the trust for that page will not be as high as it could be.

When you add content, share it using social media, but do it in a way that generates some interest.

Your social media post could pose a question, you could share it with advocates of your business to encourage their comments and you can use calls to action to get new visitors to your page.

Demonstrating expertise, being quirky or humorous are all ways to spark an interest. Then, once the visitor is on your page, let your content do the work.

If you own a website and you are not sure about how to market it then you could be missing out on an opportunity to grow your sales!

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

For more information contact andrew@ascensor.co.uk Twitter: @andrewjfirth Connect on LinkedIn: andrewjfirth Ascensor are a digital agency providing website design, ecommerce and search engine optimisation.

BATLEY & SPEN MP Tracy Brabin popped in to pay a visit to motor dealership Evans Halshaw Ford last month.

Ms Brabin contacted Evans Halshaw Ford Batley to arrange a visit after reading that the dealership was named Retailer of the Year at the Pendragon PLC Awards.

Dealer principal Penny Lofthouse and team members welcomed Tracy to the dealership and they discussed their achievement as well as the potential to integrate with other local businesses.

Evans Halshaw Ford Batley has been a prominent fixture in the local community and last year raised hundreds of pounds for Cancer Research UK and sponsored Batley Bulldogs.

Penny Lofthouse said: “We are grateful to Tracy Brabin for paying us a visit and taking time out of her busy schedule to congratulate us on winning the Retailer of the Year award.

“Tracy is helping us interact with local businesses in our area, as there is great potential to build partnerships and share ideas.”

The pupils on a Leeds Bradford Airport taxiway

A runway success for Thornhill STUDENTS from a Dewsbury school have been on an exclusive backstage tour of Leeds Bradford Airport as their prize for being named as runners-up in a Young Enterprise Airline Masterclass competition.

Pupils from Thornhill Community Academy visited LBA for several hours and got to see the full operational process at the airport ahead of the summer.

This included a trip along

the runway and taxiways, a tour of the airport’s fire station and a look around the departure lounge.

The group met key operational staff and heard all about the airport’s growth plans. In addition, they got to see dozens of aircraft depart and arrive.

Teacher Mohammed Hazi joined the group for their tour and said: “The students from the academy got a fascinating insight to how the air-

port functions on a day-today basis; it was incredibly inspiring for them all.

“They met many of the brilliant people who work behind the scenes ensuring the smooth operation of Leeds Bradford Airport. We’d like to say thanks to all involved for this opportunity.”

The pupils secured the tour by being named as runner-up in the Young Enterprise Yorkshire finals last year.

Friday May 5, 2017

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Financial Services

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25

CRICKET with Mike Popplewell

Moor have the right stuff in Champ 2 HARTSHEAD MOOR look like making an impression on the Championship Two promotion race if early season form in the All Rounder Bradford Premier League is anything to go by.

An opening-day victory over Brighouse by nine wickets was followed by an emphatic 138-run win at home to Liversedge.

Next up for Moor is a trip to Northowram Fields, and with both sides having won their first two games something has to give.

Against Liversedge there was a bright start for Moor, with Mohammed Khan (37), Ahsan Butt (35) and Iain Wardlaw (32) all making useful contributions. But, following a mini-collapse it was former Liversedge second teamers Martin Ellis (29) and James Hardcastle (54) that swung the game back in their favour.

Simon Kay (4-55) worked hard with the ball for Liversedge as Moor made 217-9 but the Roberttown Lane men, still awaiting the arrival of their overseas signing, had little to offer by way

of reply and were bowled out for just 79.

Spen Victoria’s slide continues.

Having reduced Keighley to 32-6, chasing 150, they then saw their visitors ease home by four wickets.

On the same day it was former Gomersal and Spen Victoria duo Ben Platt (4-51) and Tosh Baker (3-42) who spearheaded Buttershaw St Paul’s to victory over Brighouse and to the top of the table, but sit just one point ahead of Hartshead Moor.

Tomorrow Spen are at Idle, Hopton Mills are the next to try and upset Buttershaw, while Liversedge are at home to Brighouse with both sides looking for their first win.

In the Premier Division Hanging Heaton made it two wins out of two when they overcame a tricky start to secure a comfortable sixwicket win at Bradford and Bingley to join champions Pudsey St Lawrence, Farsley and Woodlands with two wins from two.

David Stiff and Tom Chippendale (3-17) helped bowl out Bingley for 116 and

Promising start for James Hardcastle (above) and Hartshead Moor though Hanging Heaton lost two wickets in the first over Nick Connolly (54 not out) and Callum Geldart (51) saw

them home with 27 overs to spare.

Cleckheaton, well beaten at Woodlands, and Batley, beaten by 97 runs at

Townville, are both still looking for a first win but with Batley at winless Pudsey Congs this week they do have a chance of breaking their duck.

It could be a little tougher for Cleckheaton as they entertain Farsley.

Scholes are currently the pick of the district’s Championship One sides, with two wins from two, Gomersal have won one and lost one, while Ossett and Birstall have lost both their games so far.

Having comfortably won at Gomersal on the opening day, relegated Scholes clearly declared their intent to make an early return to the Premier Division when they crushed Yeadon by 142 runs at New Popplewell Lane.

Gomersal got off the mark with a four-wicket win at Ossett in their last game.

Only a determined 68 from Zube Raje helped Ossett to a respectable 160-9, Jimmy Russell and new signing Joe Duffy taking three wickets apiece, and Gomersal eased home with a top-scoring effort from Nick Whitehill

(39) and a dogged 31 from skipper Graham Hilton.

There are some interesting games this week as Birstall face early season leaders Scholes at Leeds Road, Gomersal are at home to freescoring Methley and Ossett go to Yeadon for a game that offers one of them the chance to collect a first win of the season.

In the Conference Heckmondwike and Carlinghow followed their low scoring 15-run win over Crossbank Methodists on the opening day with a nailbiting one-run win over visiting Brook Walton in a game that saw both sides top the 200 mark.

All-rounder Paul Cooper was undoubtedly Heckmondwike’s man of the match with a top-scoring 69 followed by a 5-54 return from his 15 overs but it was skipper Johnny Elstub who stole the show when he took the last two wickets in successive balls to win it with two balls – and just one run – to spare.

Tomorrow Heckmondwike are at Rodley.

No easy ride for Cleckheaton in Priestley Cup first round

Ex-Shark signed up

CLECKHEATON are facing a tough task on Sunday when they entertain Pudsey St Lawrence in the first round of the Sovereign Health Care Priestley Cup at Moorend.

Last season St Lawrence finished runners up to Woodlands in thefinal but they went on to lift the league trophy and have opened up their new

FORMER Shaw Cross Sharks forward James Davies has signed for Bradford Bulls for the remainder of the 2017 Championship season.

Davies, 23, told the Bulls’ website he was shocked to be given a contract after impressing in his four-game trial.

He said: “It came as a bit of a shock this week, I was trying to not get my hopes up for anything, but when it did it was a dream come true.

“I don’t really look at rugby in a way that puts me in the limelight, it’s always been a dream of mine to come full time and train with a professional outfit, I am very happy.”

league campaign with two successive victories.

But, John Wood (Cleckheaton’s skipper), said the Priestley Cup and Pudsey St Lawrence is a combination that will always have a place in the district’s cricket history.

In 1990 Spen Victoria took on St Lawrence in the final and came away with a famous victory inspired

by a devastating spell of bowling from a then 20year-old Wood that shot out the Pudsey side for just 73, in reply to Spen’s 231-7, and triggered the interest in him that led to a trial with Durham and a subsequent 12-year firstclass career.

It was Spen’s only Priestley final win, but Wood has subsequently

been on the losing side in the final for Cleckheaton against both Pudsey Congs in 2007 and St Lawrence three years ago.

That last defeat leaves the Cleckheaton skipper with a definite score to settle on Sunday.

In the other ties holders Woodlands are at Bradford and Bingley, Hanging Heaton, having beaten

Townville on the opening day of the league season, now go to the Castleford side in the cup, Ossett are at home to Methley, still smarting from their opening-day thrashing at the hands of Mohammed Akhlaq, and East Bierley are at home to Lightcliffe.

There are first round byes for Gomersal, Birstall Scholes and Batley.

Warrior spirit shown by Khalid Howley Hall GC makes history WARRIOR BREED boxer Khalid Ayub captured his third consecutive national title with victory over opponent John Hedges.

The pair had previously fought on two occasions with Ayub winning both bouts, but Hedges had come into the fight on the back of 10 victories and proved difficult opposition.

From the opening bell Ayub made use of his superior reach in order to keep Hedges at bay and won the fight with a unaminous decision.

“I knew Hedges was coming for vengeance after beating him twice previously, once in last year’s final and once in the GB championships, he had nothing to lose, he was coming to fight, I knew I had to be prepared,” said Ayub after the fight.

The Dewsbury boxer is already part of the England boxing team and hopes to continue his progression as he looks to compete in Europe.

Ayub’s title win was the fifth national title won by the Warrior Breed gym and head coach of the gym Zahir Akbar says it is an amazing achievement.

He said: “Khalid is one our

PACKING A PUNCH: Ayub in action against Hedges

top kids in the gym, capturing three national titles is no easy task.

“Five titles as a collective is an amazing achievement, our performances are improving championship by championship.

“There are many more champions to come out of

this gym, our little warriors are coming through with a target of entering a squad of at least four boxers into the minors and schoolboy championships in 2018.”

Warrior Breed Boxing can be found at 144 Bradford Road, Dewsbury, and always welcome new members.

with first female director BECKI O’GRADY has made history at Howley Hall Golf Club by being voted in as the first female director in the club’s 117-year history.

The single-figure golfer who has represented both Yorkshire and England said that she was ecstatic at being appointed at the AGM to serve for a two-year period. She added: “I’m absolutely over the moon at being elected.

“I have been a member here for 21 years and have seen so many great improvements over that time and I hope my golfing knowledge, drive and enthusiasm will contribute to keeping that trend going.”

The former ladies captain, 37, has been a member since she was just a 16-year-old at the club which is the home of the Yorkshire Open.

She added: “It’s never happened before, in 117 years so it is definitely a milestone.

“Other clubs need to look at doing it, especially with the equality now between men and women for all sections. Let’s bring ladies golf into the modern world.”

Mrs O’Grady, who lives in Tingley, has a string of coun-

ty achievements at junior and senior level to her name.

She works for West Yorkshire Police based in Bradford as a problem solver, which may come in handy in her new role.

Club captain Paul Monaghan said he was proud the club had elected its first female director.

The dad-offive, who lives in Morley, said: “I think of 167 members present, Rebecca had 147 votes out of eight candidates – so it’s fantastic.

“The club has been in existence for 117 years and now for the first time we have a lady member on the board.

I’m really proud that we have come into the 21st century as it were.”

Mr Monaghan added: “As

golf clubs are quite old-style and members tend to be older generation and predominantly male, ladies can sometimes take a back seat.

But it’s really forward-thinking to have a lady on the board here.”

26

ThePress

Friday May 5, 2017

RUGBY LEAGUE

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Last-gasp blow Revenge is sweet for Halifax for Ossett Town Farsley Celtic Ossett Town

4 2

IT WAS heartbreak for Ossett Town in their Evo-Stik North First Division North play-off final after a last-minute goal and two more in extra-time from Farsley Celtic saw Town come up short in the final game of the season.

In a game that saw six goals it was scoreless at the break, with neither side able to create any clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes.

Adam Clayton put Farsley ahead just two minutes into the second half as he headed the ball emphatically into the net from 12 yards out.

Ossett equalised with 20 minutes left. The ball was pumped long before being headed down to Danny Frost who controlled the ball and took it past the centre back and then poked home from close range.

Frost doubled his tally and looked like he had won the game for Ossett with 87 minutes played as he lobbed the ball over the keeper, who was able to get his hand to the ball, but it wasn’t enough as it dropped into the back of the net.

Town’s lead only lasted for five minutes as Richard Marshall smashed the ball into the net from close range in injury time.

Two goals in two minutes in the second half of extra time sealed promotion for Farsley and condemned Ossett to a disappointing defeat.

Ryan Watson made it 3-2 with a wonderful 25-yard strike into the top corner, with a slight deflection taking it past Overton in the Ossett goal.

James Walshaw was on hand to score Celtic’s fourth as he cut inside on the right and curled the ball into the far corner.

Liversedge end on a high Liversedge Retford United

3 1

LIVERSEDGE FC finished their season on a high as they won their final gameagainst already relegated Retford United at Clayborn on Saturday, thanks to a hattrick from Joe Walton.

Sedge began the season with a remarkable run as they earned 34 points from a possible 39.

However a severe dip in form, including a winless run that streched to 10

games, saw them finish the season in 11th place, picking up only 25 points in their last 29 games.

Walton put Liversedge ahead in the first half as he scored inside 25 minutes before adding his second goal 10 minutes into the second half.

He then completed his hattrick with 72 minutes on the clock to give Sedge a comfortable three goal cushion.

Retford scored a consolation with a minute to play as Jake Ashton netted.

Albion player awards shared OSSETT Albion held their presentation evening last Friday which was attended by managers, players, parents, supporters and committee members.

The players’ player of the Year award was jointly awarded to keeper Brett Souter (top) and captain Stefan Holt (bottom right) – it is now the fourth time that Holt has won the award.

Young player of the year went to Oli Yates with Ross Hardaker picking up the supporters’ player of the year.

The under-19s were presented with their league trophy as well as their winners medals, with George Pickles picking up the players’ player of the year award.

Ben Ramsden was awarded supporters’ player of the year with Alfie West receiving managers’ player of the year.

Halifax turned on the style to avenge their February defeat at the Mount

MATCH STATS:

Kingstone Press Championship

HALIFAX RLFC

40

BATLEY BULLDOGS

22

at MBi Shay IF THERE were any questions over whether Halifax are top four material, then they answered them with this eight try demolition of Batley - their sixth straight win of the campaign.

The Shay side kept up the pressure on those above them and consequently avenged their early season 24-6 reverse to the Bulldogs thanks to a glut of tries.

Tries came at a pace in a fast and frenetic first half which raced by, and duly provided the healthy crowd with plenty to feast upon as both sides threw caution to the wind in attack.

Halifax’s improvement since that February setback has been mirrored by the impressive form of James Saltonstall who took less than three minutes to rekindle his scoring touch and he has now poached in seven successive fixtures. He was aided and abetted by the smart footwork of James WoodburnHall who cut through a gap down the right flank for an easy score in the corner, however Steve Tyrer couldn’t improve from out wide.

Batley hit back and restored parity almost instantaneously through centre Daniel Cowling

as the visitors punished Halifax’s generosity. While Rob Worrincy fluffed his chances of an easy score at one end, the home defence didn’t stand square and were penalised by the referee and, more pertinently, Cowling.

Will Sharp darted to the line to put Fax back in command and restored a lead which, although threatened, was never overhauled as further scores were forthcoming either side of Jy Hitchcox’s impressive effort.

Firstly, Ryan Boyle’s vision to throw out the back of the tackle sent Scott Murrell over after much probing down Batley’s left edge in what was the move of the match. Tyrer, strangely off cue through the afternoon, finally converted with his third attempt.

Batley narrowed the deficit to four points when, after much persistence, they put the ball through the hands to the right side via Dom Brambani and Joel Farrell, and found Hitchcox. Cain Southernwood’s boot added the extras.

Tyrer showed why he is so highly regarded when he somehow got on the end of Shane Grady’s kick through moments before half time. Worrincy had done well to break from halfway but it seemed Grady’s punt was too powerful, however Tyrer acrobatically flung himself at the ball and kept it within the parameters to score a special try. His boot added

gloss to a great score.

Grady assisted another try after his storming run up the middle early in the second period left defenders floundering and when he was eventually halted, interchange Brandon Moore was on hand to go over between the sticks.

Woodburn-Hall was next to shimmy to the line from close range as Halifax really went to town and put the outcome of the game beyond doubt.

Their attacking exertions clearly exhausted them and they allowed for long spells of Batley possession on their line, not helped by ill-discipline in defence.

They stood firm for large parts but Alex Rowe’s nudge and Alistair Leak’s burrow over the line in the final quarter seemed avoidable.

The second half, despite lacking the attacking aesthetics of the first period, still carried an attractive symmetry with Fax going over four times to Batley’s aforementioned two.

The last word deserved to go to the game’s instigator, Saltonstall, as he bolted off his own try line and pounced upon a loose pass, tucked the ball under his wing and took flight down the other end of the pitch.

And there was still time for Sharp to add his second and Halifax’s eighth score of the afternoon to assert a healthy points cushion in the league table.

HALIFAX 2. Will Sharp 5. James Saltonstall 21. James Woodburn-Hall 3. Steve Tyrer 23. Rob Worrincy 6. Scott Murrell 19. Connor Robinson 14. Ryan Boyle 9. Ben Kaye 8. Mitch Cahalane 11. Shane Grady 10. Adam Tangata 13. Jacob Fairbank Subs: 16. Ed Barber 17. Brandon Moore 20. Elliott Morris — Martyn Reilly

League title is decent consolation for SJF ST JOHN FISHER put behind them the disappointment of losing last week’s cup final to Linthwaite by clinching the Heavy Woollen Premier Division title on Sunday.

Dominic Riordan scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over nearest rivals Woodkirk Valley.

Bottom side Heckmondwike Sports Club rounded their season off with an 8-5 win at fellow strugglers Mount Pleasant.

Joe Bradley led the way for Heckmondwike with five goals, Kieran Senior netted a brace with Jack Hinchliffe completing the scoring.

In the only other game played, Overthorpe Sports Club finished third in the Championship after winning 5-0 against second placed Slip Inn Hounds.

Elliot Brooke netted twice for the home side, with Jack Allerton, Tom Ramsden and Kristian Angus also finding the net.

Dewsbury Bridge Club Tuesday April 25: 1 D Hannam and J Paxton, 2 G Bragg and C Walker, 3 P and D Sampson, 4 J Bragg and A Cooper

Send us your news and photos to: sport@thepressnews.co.uk Tel: 01924 471339

THE TROJANS were left to reflect on what might have been as they let slip a 22-8 interval lead and somehow turned a near-certain victory into a defeat.

The Trojans had a number of players doubling up, having played for the first team the previous evening at Fryston in the National Cup semi final.

This eventually told as fatigue set in and the Trojans faded in the second half. Manof-the-match Liam Green went well for the Trojans as did Scott Lee. The Trojans looked impressive in the first half with George Woodcock scoring a long-range try early in the game. Sam Ratcliffe converted.

Further tries in the opening phase of the game came from Joss Ratcliffe, and a brace from namesake Sam, who converted two of them.

At 22-0 the Trojans looked to be set for a runaway victory.

7 6 7 6

Tries: Saltonstall (3, 69), Sharp (12, 80), Murrell (19), Tyrer (37), Moore (44), Woodburn-Hall (51) Goals: Tyrer (4/8)

BATLEY BULLDOGS 1. Dave Scott 29. Jy Hitchcox 3. Sam Smeaton 15. Daniel Cowling 4. Macauley Hallett 6. Cain Southernwood 7. Dom Brambani 8. Adam Gledhill 9. Alistair Leak 10. Alex Rowe 11. Brad Day 12. Joel Farrell 22. Dane Manning Subs: 16. Thomas Lillycrop 19. Alex Bretherton 21. James Brown 28 Thomas Holmes

6 6 5 6 5 6 7 6 7 7 6 6 5 5 6 5 6

Tries: Cowling (8), Hitchcox (32), Rowe (59), Leak (76) Goals: Southernwood (2/3), Brambani (1/1) Referee: J Smith Half-time: 20-10 Penalties: 8-11 Sin Bin: None Sent Off: None Weather: Cloudy Man of the Match: Shane Grady (Halifax) Attendance: 1488 Match Rating: 4/5

tells for Trojans A HEAVY WOOLLEN LEAGUE Fatigue Yorkshire Mens League Alliance Div 1 Thornhill Trojans A 28 Normanton Knights A 37

7 8 7 8 6 7 6 7 7 6 7 7 7

However, two tries from Normanton in the run-up to half-time gave them an indication of things to come.

Loose forward Jacob Crossland beat a Trojans tackle to break clear and race over for an unconverted try. This was quickly followed by a try from prop Shaun Smith between the posts. The conversion attempt rebounded off the cross bar.

Normanton continued their resurgence and scored a further four tries and scrum-half Jack Slater dropped a goal.

Thornhill’s Luke Carter was sin-binned for a shoulder challenge.

A try on 73 minutes through Joss Ratcliffe which Sam Ratcliffe converted proved to be too little too late. The score was cancelled out by a try through Kieran Hinchcliffe and Jacob Crossland converted.

In the final moments of the game, Normaton’s Mick Hardaker was sent off for a swinging arm but it was the Trojans left most disappointed.

ThePress

Friday May 5, 2017

27

RUGBY LEAGUE

Rams rampant – but fall apart after break Ladbroke’s Challenge Cup Rd 5

DEWSBURY RAMS

24

OLDHAM RLFC

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at Tetley’s Stadium OLDHAM completed a superb second-half comeback to ‘nil’ the Rams after the restart and secure a crucial victory in the battle to avoid relegation.

The Rams held a 24-6 lead at the interval and appeared on course to secure a second league win in three under new head coach Neil Kelly, but Oldham’s enthusiasm in defence, coupled with Dewsbury’s indiscipline and error count turned the contest on its head.

The hosts enjoyed early pressure on the Oldham line but were unable to find the right play on the fourth and fifth tackles. Oldham took the lead in the sixth minute, when Adam Neal burst on to Kenny Hughes’ delayed flat pass after Dewsbury had been penalised for a ball steal.

Scott Leatherbarrow converted from in front of the posts.

But the Rams found an immediate response, and scored three tries in six minutes to turn the game around.

They forced a drop-out from

JUNIOR RUGBY Guiseley Rangers U16 Dewsbury Celtic

26 23

CELTIC kicked off playing down the slope and after conceding back-toback penalties went behind 6-0.

Starting slow, they then went another try behind and despite a disallowed try for winger Ryan Birch found themselves 16-0 down.

Energetic full back Jacob Feiweles cut loose from deep in his own half and went 70 metres for an excellent individual try. Jack Kelly narrowed Celtic’s deficit to 16–6 at the break.

Front-rowers George Bussey and Jacob Carr then set up a great platform for Kieran McFall to score and Kelly goaled.

And Celtic levelled when Conor Appleyard broke and put George Hirst over. Next up, hooker Cameron Berry crossed and Charlie Heaton converted to give Celtic a 22-16 lead.

Despite being reduced to 12 men, Guiseley hit back to level the scores but with only two minutes remaining Heaton slotted over a

the kick-off and moved the ball right for Andy Kain to weave his way through a disjointed defence to score. Paul Sykes converted to level.

And the hosts took the lead after the returning Toby Adamson laid the platform with a superb break through midfield. It allowed Robbie Ward to scoot past several defenders on his way to a great try.

Sykes goaled from in front of the sticks to make it 12-6 and it got even better for the home side moments later.

Kain’s kick on the last tackle ricocheted off an Oldham player and back into the half-back’s hands. His looping pass right sent Sykes over, who converted his own try to make it 18-6.

Oldham, though shellshocked, had the chance to respond following a Rams knock-on and a penalty, but a pass to the right wing travelled forward.

The visitors maintained the pressure, however, and kept Dewsbury penned back with some enthusiastic defence.

But the hosts withstood the onslaught and were able to extend their lead five minutes before half-time.

Substitute James Glover beat his man in the right centre and then rounded the full-back to

drop goal. A great defensive effort was punished when a great hit from Feiweles dislodged the ball but the referee gave Guiseley the scrum, from which they scored to steal the points.

Celtic coach Paul Heaton awarded Man of the Match to Jacob Carr.

Dewsbury Celtic U14 Kings Cross

14 4

PLAYING Kings Cross for the second time in April, Celtic ran out 14-4 winners as they advanced into the next round of the cup.

Man-of-the-match Kieran Wilkins was in fine form and led from the front all afternoon.

Celtic took the lead when Elliott Hardwick raced clear to score the first try with the conversion succesful to put six points between the teams. Kings Cross hit back with a try but were unable to convert, leaving Celtic two points ahead at half-time.

Oliver Rawson scored Celtic’s second try with a clever finish and James Oldroyd added the third after a great kick from full-back Jordan Callaghan.

score under the posts. Sykes’ goal made it 24-6.

The Rams hopes of holding on for victory weren’t helped by the loss of Sykes and influential full back Josh Guzdek to injury at crucial stages of the game.

Oldham put themselves back in the game five minutes after the restart in bizarre fashion.

Four Rams defenders attempted to drag prop Michael Ward dead after he’d initially been tackled short, but the prop was able to dot down just shy of the dead ball line.

Leatherbarrow made it 24-12.

Oldham continued to exert pressure in the moments that followed, aided by the Rams’ failure to complete sets and a mounting penalty count.

The hosts defended bravely but their resistance was broken when hands to the left put Kieron Gill over on the overlap.

They went within two points when George Tyson muscled his way over from short range, after Dewsbury gave away a penalty for retaliation while in possession.

Leatherbarrow’s goal was followed by a try from Joe Burke, created by the half-back after he dummied his way through.

The conversion made it 24-28 and Oldham’s comeback was complete.

Shaw Cross Sharks U12 Batley Boys

16 8

THE under 12s had two cup victories in a week, the first on Tuesday night in the Heavy Woollen Cup. There were tries for Olliver Boocock, coaches man-of-thematch Frazer Cass and a brace for Max Sheard whose overall effort also earned him parents’, players’ and opposition man of the match awards. Other notable efforts came from Oliver Bowie, and ex-Batley players Callum McNaughton and Josh Howgate.

Shaw Cross Sharks U12 Milford Marlins

26 10

Milford visited in the Challenge Cup and it was a clinical performance.

Strong running from Josh Sanderson earned a try in each half and was chosen as the Parents and Players man of the match.

Conor Bucknell was the coaches’ man of the match while fellow front man Alex Bains bagged a try. Other tries came from Max Sheard and two from Frazer Cass.

Hooker Nathan Littlewoods illus-

MATCH STATS: DEWSBURY RAMS 1. Josh Guzdek 2. Dale Morton 3. Jason Crookes 6. Paul Sykes 31. Alex Brown 17. Dom Speakman 7. Andy Kain 8. Mitch Stringer 15. Robbie Ward 18. Jack Teanby 16. Toby Adamson 14. Luke Adamson 13. Aaron Brown Subs: 25. Sam Day 28. Brandon Douglas 23. James Glover 24. Jode Sheriffe Tries: Kain (10), Ward (12), Sykes (16), Glover (35) Goals: Sykes 4/4 OLDHAM 1. Scott Turner 2. Adam Clay 3. George Tyson 25. Kieron Gill 17. Richard Lepori 6. Scott Leatherbarrow 7. Dave Hewitt 10. Adam Neal 21. Kenny Hughes 19. Joe Burke 14. Mikey Wood 12. Danny Langtree 11. Jack Spencer Subs: 26. Gareth Owen 24. Michael Ward 15. Liam Bent 9. Sam Gee Tries: Neal (6), Ward (45), Gill (57), Tyson (68), Burke (73) Goals: Leatherbarrow 4/5

7 7 8 7 8 7 7 6 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 8 7

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

Moor’s cup challenge falls at first hurdle NCL Challenge Trophy Prelim

HUNSLET WARRIORS DEWSBURY MOOR

28 16

At The Oval

HUNSLET WARRIORS have set up a round-one home tie with Saddleworth Rangers after edging past Moor in the NCL Challenge Trophy.

The sides were level at 1010 at the break before the Warriors scored three second-half tries to go on and win the game.

Man of the match Caldon Bravo set the Warriors on the road to the next round with Gary McClelland landing the conversion.

Moor hit back with two tries in six minutes as James Eatherley and Jacob Flathers crossed the Warriors line with one Flathers conversion.

A minute from the break

the home side replied with a try which brought the sides level at half-time when Liam Brown scored the first of his two. Luke Rayner, Gareth Croft and Brown all found a way over the Moor line in the second half as McClelland added two conversions and a penalty.

WARRIORS: Luke Rayner, James Dawson, Gareth Croft, Dave Norton, Leighton Campbell, Ellis Peach, Gary McClelland, Brad Gill, Dave Medley, Johnny Dawson, Luke Day, Luke Naughton, Caldon Bravo Subs: Liam Brown, Liam Gaunt, Scott Malpas, Daryl Gaunt Tries: Bravo (15), Brown (39, 63), Raynor (42), Croft (59) Goals: McClelland 4 MOOR: Jordan Foster, Max Vernon, Ben Kershaw, Jacob Flathers, Tom Kaye, Luke Adamson, Aiden Ineson, Connor Gavaghan, James Delaney, Ashley Boddy, Toby Richardson, Bartley O'Brien, Bradley Foster Subs: James Eatherley, Pete Robinson, Jordan McNally, Oli Ayer Tries: Eatherley (24), Flathers (30), Ineson (75) Goals: Flathers 2 REFEREE: Bianca Zeitsman / MAN OF THE MATCH: Caldon Bravo (Hunslet Warriors) / HALF-TIME: 10-10

Warriors’ man of the match Caldon Bravo in action

8 8 7 8

Ref: T Crashley Half-time: 24-6 Penalties: 9-13 Sin Bin: None Sent Off: None Weather: Cloudy Man of the Match: M Ward Attendance: 691 Match Rating: 4/5

trated why he got the top trainer award as he took control and shifted the Sharks around the pitch, while also leading the tackle count.

His effort was noted too by the Milford coaches as he picked up their man-of-the-match award.

SHAW CROSS SHARKS under 9s travelled to Heworth on Sunday and had a great game of rugby.

Opposition man of the match was Jacob Stevenson. Top tackler was Seb Jeffers. Parents’ player was given to Teddy Dawson.

Coaches’ awards were handed to Max Tune for spreading out and holding his position, and Alfie Law for being the first off his line every time to make a tackle and making some good yards.

Top trainer was Edan Gleadhill who not only excelled in training but stayed back to practice his kicking skills.

Superb team spirit came from Charlee Raby, Eviee Raby, Toby Turver, Jack Stephenson, Ben Tranter, Lennon Smith, Isaac Redgwick, Ethan Brereton and Charlie Tilford.

A tough day for Celtic NCL Challenge Trophy Prelim

LEIGH MINERS RANGERS 54 DEWSBURY CELTIC 6 At Twist Lane

LEIGH MINERS made light work of Dewsbury Celtic.

They led 26-6 at the break and totally dominated the second period to run in 11 tries.

Thomas Maloney opened the Miners account with a third minute try as Johnny Youds landed the first of four goals. The Celtic try came on 14 minutes when Danny Thomas got over the line leaving Pat Foulstone to land the conversion.

But Miners hit back with the first of a hat-trick of tries from centre Mick O’Boyle plus one each for man-of-thematch Scott O’Brien and Maloney again while Youds added two goals.

Four tries in 16 minutes early in the second period ensured Miners safe passage into round one and a home tie with Ince Rose Bridge.

Jack Reynolds, O’Brien, two for O’Boyle, Frankie Halton and Aaron Gorton all went over, with one goal each for Youds and Maloney.

RANGERS: Jack Reynolds, Jamie King, Johnny Youds, Mick O'Boyle, Lewis Grimes, Thomas Maloney, Scott O'Brien, Chris Bower, Tom Farrimond, Darryl Kay, Martyn Gray, Frankie Halton, Andy Philbin Subs: Connor Ratcliffe, Aaron Gorton, Louis Brogan, Mark Nicholson Tries: Maloney (3, 30), O'Boyle (21, 53, 72), O'Brien (24, 50), Grimes (38), Reynolds (43), Halton (56), Gorton (80) Goals: Youds 4, Maloney CELTIC: Pat Foulstone, Thomas Halloran, George Senior, Nathan Wareing, James Walker, Danny Thomas, Dom Senior, Matty Ginley, Joe Edwards, Danny Lee, Tom Bottomley, Mike Foulstone, Paul Foulstone Subs: Will Copley, Ethan Ferry, Tom Norris, Brad Saville Try: Thomas (14) Goal: Pat Foulstone REFEREE: Cameron Worsley / MAN OF THE MATCH: Scott O'Brien (Leigh MR) / HALF-TIME: 26-6

Dyson’s dismissal key as Trojans lose their grip on National Cup BARLA National Cup Sem-final

FRYSTON WARRIORS THORNHILL TROJANS

24 8

THORNHILL’S defence of their BARLA National Cup was thwarted by Fryston Warriors as they suffered a 24-8 defeat at Fryston Welfare Club last Friday evening.

Scott Dyson was dismissed with 17 minutes played for an alleged butt in a heated cup semi-final, meaning Thornhill were forced into

playing with 12 men for over an hour.

Fryston started the game on the front foot and had a try disallowed inside the first minute after a knock on over the line.

Moments later the hosts did have the first score of the evening when Paul Handforth raced over the line and Thornhill’s evening got worse as Ben Kendall was sin-binned for holding down with five minutes played.

Fryston made the most of the extra man. Centre Wayne

McHugh moved the ball out to Andy Matthew on the wing who barged over for a try in the corner.

With both conversions missed, Thornhill were still well in the game and reduced the deficit to four points as James Craven broke up the field before passing to Sam Ratcliffe who put the ball down in the corner.

With only 15 minutes played the game had already reached boiling point and Jack Lee was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on a

Thornhill player. Order was restored momentarily but after another altercation meant Dyson was given his marching orders to the delight of the home crowd.

The first half continued to prove a feisty affair as Fryston were put on a team warning for constantly holding down and Jack Lee was then shown a second yellow card after a high tackle.

Thornhill were unable to add to their single try before the half-time whistle as they trailed 8-4 at the interval.

With Fryston back up to 13 men for the second half Thornhill’s tough task became all the more difficult with two tries early on in the half.

McHugh scored his first try of the game as he ran onto a short ball before stepping away from the defenders to get over the line.

A grubber kick on the last tackle was gathered by James Cryer moments later and the Fryston man went over to increase the advantage further for the home side.

With the Trojans desperate to hold onto their National Cup they refused to give in and Jake Wilson found an opening and crossed for a try.

Ratcliffe rushed his conversion attempt and could only watch his effort sail wide.

In the final moment of the game Lee sealed a place in the final for Fryston as he went over by the side of the posts.

The Trojans are back in league action tomorrow and face an away trip to second bottom Leigh East (2.30pm).

Sharks aiming to secure first home win of 2017 with win over Lane SHAW CROSS Sharks’ head coach Brett Turner is ready for a tough test as Castleford Lock Lane visit Leeds Road tomorrow afternoon (2.30pm).

Lock Lane were relegated from the NCL Premier Division last season, but the sides played each other in the second round of the Challenge Cup last year, a game that Lock Lane won 40-6.

Cross are yet to win a game at home this season and currently sit in mid-table in the National Conference League Division One after two wins and four defeats.

“I think Lock Lane might be in a bit of a false league position, they

had a slow start but their recent form has been pretty impressive,” said Turner.

“They are going to be a strong team but we are going to do our best and look to go on a bit of a run as we play teams around us in the league in the coming weeks and we need to get a few results.”

The Sharks were victorious on their last outing as they defeated Hull Dockers 26-10 two weeks ago.

Turner says that there is more confidence about the team but it is the close games they must start winning.

The coach was left frustrated by the timing of the bank holiday

SIDELINED: Captain Danny Flowers injured until June

break and hopes that his players can continue to carry some momentum into tomorrow’s game.

He said: “The bank holiday came at the wrong time for us, we had a good win away in Hull and trained

well last week but sometimes these things happen and you have to learn to deal with it.

“The lads showed a lot of heart against Hull, there was some brilliant goalline defence and when they broke up the field against us we got back really well.

“We should be able to put on a good performance, you look to do well at home and we have struggled a bit so far.

“We have only lost to teams in the top four, and most of the games we probably should have won, I’m not worried that we have got some hoodoo over us or anything like that.

“On the whole it is disappointing because there are games that were there for the taking but tomorrow we will try and remain cool and learn our lessons from those games.”

Shaw Cross will be without captain Danny Flowers who is likely to be sidelined until the middle of June.

Former pro Paul March is also unavailable after picking up an injury a few weeks ago.

Turner is confident that despite missing some key players, there is enough depth in his squad for Shaw Cross to be able to secure their first home win of the season.

Rams must be better when Halifax come to town Diskin takes blame for

Dewsbury’s task is getting harder

By Ben McKenna RAMS head coach Neil Kelly believes that Dewsbury must put in a “complete performance,” if they are to upset the odds as they host Halifax RLFC at the Tetley’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon (3pm).

Dewsbury currently sit second from bottom in the Kingstone Press Championship, four points ahead of Bradford in 12th and two points behind Swinton in 10th.

Kelly feels that defeat to Oldham last week has added to the importance of Sunday’s game as the Rams look to move themselves away from the foot of the table.

“Last week’s game was really important, the fact that we didn’t get the result has only added to the importance of Sunday’s game,” said Kelly.

“On paper it is a harder game than last week, and seeing as we lost you would think Halifax would be favourites this week.

“We have had an up-turn in form, there have been plenty of positives in our performances but we have got to put a complete performance in, there will be no second chances for us.

“We are fully aware of where we are in the table, but we weren’t going to change overnight. I am confident this is a good side, but we really need to get rid of the things which are hurting us.”

Dewsbury played host to Oldham on Sunday and after leading 24-6 at half-time, conceded 22 points with no reply in the second half to lose the game 24-28.

Kelly was disappointed with the fashion of the defeat and feels that his players threw the game away.

He said: “We were in a winning position and it was in our hands to get the win but we didn’t control the ball and only completed at 50 per cent in the second half.

“That is a recipe for throwing the game away and that is exactly what we did.

New recruits: Sam Day (left) and Shaun Squires (right) have joined Neil Kelly’s squad “We played superbly in the first half, with the wind at our backs, but then proceeded to shoot ourselves in the foot and Oldham were the beneficiaries of our generous play and ended up getting the win.

“I don’t think it is lack of effort, at times our lack of completion is because we are trying too hard at times.

“We need to stop doing stupid things. We have been doing stupid things in games and that is something that has been costing us.”

The Rams have been plagued by injuries, but Kelly is glad to have acquired two new signings in the past week. Sam Day has joined on a month-long loan from Featherstone

Rovers while Shaun Squires has joined from rivals Batley Bulldogs.

“I think they are both positive additions to the squad, they can provide some competition for places and add some more quality to the side as well,” added Kelly.

“Sam Day showed in the game last week what he has got to offer and I am really pleased to acquire Shaun Squires and I feel he will be a popular player with the rest of the team and with the crowd.”

Kelly has also revealed that former Leeds and Dewsbury half-back Paul Delaney will be joining the Rams as his assistant coach after the departures of Jonathan Schofield and Karl Pryce two weeks ago.

Bulldogs’ dismal form BULLDOGS boss Matt Diskin says that he must take responsibility for his side’s recent poor run of form as Batley prepare to host league leaders Hull KR this Sunday (3pm).

The Gallant Youths will go into Sunday’s game on the back of four straight defeats, with their latest loss coming away to Halifax last weekend.

The former Leeds Rhinos star believes that his players must begin to play more like a team and less like individuals if they are to avoid another defeat on Sunday.

“We are doing some good things on the field, but at the moment those are being massively over-shadowed by poor discipline and a lot of errors in defence,” said Diskin.

“For us at the moment it is an attitude problem, people are making conscious decisions to not do the right things for the team.

“As the coach I need to take responsibility, I am the one who is picking the players and the individuals to go out and get the results and at the moment the combinations I am picking are not buying into the team ethic.

“Some people and some big names are going to be in for a shock in the next couple of weeks because they are not doing what is right for the team and are working for themselves.”

Hull KR have lost only one competitive game in 2017, with Batley losing the reverse fixture between the sides 50-16 at the beginning of April – and Diskin believes that all the pressure will be on the visitors this weekend.

He said: “Hull KR have been in fantastic form, they lost away against Toulouse when they (KR) played a weakened side but they are a full-time team who want to make their way back into Super League.

“For us it is a chance to test ourselves against the best, nobody is expecting anything from us so we are going to go out and have some fun and see where it takes us.

“There is no pressure on the players, it isn’t easy on them at the moment as they are lacking confidence after four straight losses. No game is easy and you need to fight hard to get that con-

Diskin wants a better team ethic

fidence back and that is the position we are in at the moment.”

Batley were defeated 40-22 away to Halifax on Sunday evening and Diskin was left disappointed as he believes his side are not playing to their full capability.

The coach feels that a good performance from his team will be vital in helping to turn their form around and inject some confidence back into the side.

He said: “I sound like a bit of a broken record at the moment, I was very disappointed and I know we are capable of so much more.

“We have got some very talented individuals and that is how we are playing, we are playing as a team of individuals and at any level if you do not play as a team you will not get the results you need.

“We haven’t got the luxury to carry selfish players, we have got to get the right selection to fit the team culture and players who want to be part of a team environment.

“There are a lot of players who are playing for the team but are not playing to their full potential but when you are low on confidence that tends to happen.

“At the moment we are concentrating on producing a very good performance, we will still go out believing that we can compete but we know it is going to be tough this week.

“All I’m interested in is what the players can do for the team and that is the most important thing for us.”

Batley have a lengthy injury list with Patch Walker, Wayne Reittie, Will Maher and Shaun Ainscough all missing last week’s game and they are unlikely to be available this weekend.